Project Tiger, launched in 1973 by the Government of India, is one of the most significant wildlife conservation initiatives globally. Its primary objective is to ensure the survival and maintenance of the tiger population in India, along with preserving their natural habitats and the biodiversity they represent. Over the decades, it has evolved into a comprehensive program with several salient features:

1. Focus on Flagship Species: The project centers on the tiger (Panthera tigris) as an 'umbrella species.' Protecting tigers requires conserving their entire ecosystem, which in turn benefits numerous other species and the overall biodiversity of the region.

2. Establishment of Tiger Reserves: The core strategy involves creating dedicated 'Tiger Reserves' across the country. Initially, nine reserves were established, which have now grown to 54 (as of 2023). These reserves are managed under a strict protection regime.

3. Core-Buffer Strategy: Each tiger reserve is demarcated into a 'Core Zone' and a 'Buffer Zone'.

   • Core Zone: This area is kept inviolate for wildlife, free from human disturbance, and strictly protected for tiger breeding and habitat. No human activity, except for approved research and monitoring, is allowed.
   • Buffer Zone: Surrounding the core, this area is managed for conservation-oriented land use, allowing for limited human activities like sustainable forestry, ecotourism, and livelihood activities for local communities, provided they are compatible with conservation goals.

4. Anti-Poaching Measures: A critical component is robust anti-poaching enforcement. This includes deploying trained forest guards, establishing anti-poaching camps, using modern surveillance technology (e.g., drones, camera traps), and intelligence gathering to combat illegal wildlife trade.

5. Habitat Improvement and Management: The project focuses on improving the quality of tiger habitats through measures like grassland management, waterhole creation, control of invasive species, and fire prevention. This ensures a healthy prey base and suitable environment for tigers.

6. Community Participation and Relocation: Recognizing that human-wildlife conflict is a major challenge, Project Tiger emphasizes involving local communities. Voluntary relocation of villages from core areas is undertaken with compensation and rehabilitation packages to minimize human disturbance and provide inviolate space for tigers. Efforts are also made to provide alternative livelihoods to communities in buffer zones.

7. Scientific Monitoring and Research: Regular scientific monitoring of tiger populations (using camera traps, pugmark analysis, DNA profiling), prey base, and habitat health is conducted. The 'M-STrIPES' (Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection and Ecological Status) is a software-based monitoring system used for patrolling and data collection.

8. Financial and Technical Support: The central government provides financial and technical assistance to states for the management of tiger reserves, including staff training, infrastructure development, and equipment procurement.

9. National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA): Established in 2006, the NTCA is a statutory body that provides administrative, technical, and financial support to states for tiger conservation, ensuring compliance with conservation norms and standards.

Achievements: Project Tiger has been largely successful in increasing India's tiger population. From an estimated 1,800 tigers in the early 1970s, the population has risen to 3,682 in 2022, making India home to approximately 75% of the world's wild tiger population.

Despite its successes, challenges like habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflict, and persistent poaching threats continue to demand adaptive and sustained conservation efforts.