Bengal Tiger Spotted in Bageshwar's High-Altitude Subalpine Zones.
A Bengal tiger was sighted in the high-altitude subalpine zones of Bageshwar, Uttarakhand, indicating a potential range expansion due to climate change or habitat pressure.
Photo by Michael van Gorkum
Quick Revision
Bengal tiger sighted in Bageshwar, Uttarakhand, at 3,400 meters elevation.
First such sighting in high-altitude subalpine zones.
Potential reasons: climate change, habitat pressure, increased tiger population.
Highlights adaptability of tigers and concerns about human-wildlife conflict.
Key Dates
Key Numbers
Visual Insights
Bengal Tiger Sighting: Bageshwar, Uttarakhand
This map highlights the location of the unprecedented tiger sighting in Bageshwar district, Uttarakhand, at a high altitude. It also shows Jim Corbett National Park, a traditional tiger habitat and the birthplace of Project Tiger, for contextual understanding of tiger range.
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Exam Angles
Impact of climate change on biodiversity and species distribution.
Tiger conservation efforts in India (Project Tiger, NTCA, WPA).
Ecological concepts: altitudinal zonation, habitat fragmentation, carrying capacity, adaptability.
Human-wildlife conflict management and mitigation.
Protected Area network in Uttarakhand and the Himalayas.
International conventions related to biodiversity (CITES, CBD).
View Detailed Summary
Summary
A Bengal tiger has been sighted for the first time in the high-altitude subalpine zones of Bageshwar district in Uttarakhand, at an elevation of 3,400 meters. This unexpected presence, captured by camera traps, suggests a potential range expansion of tigers into higher altitudes.
Experts believe this could be a consequence of climate change, which is altering habitats and prey availability in lower regions, or increased tiger populations pushing individuals to seek new territories. This phenomenon highlights the adaptability of tigers but also raises concerns about human-wildlife conflict and the need for updated conservation strategies that account for such ecological shifts.
Background
India is home to over 70% of the world's wild tiger population. Project Tiger, launched in 1973, has been instrumental in tiger conservation, leading to a significant increase in their numbers. Historically, Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) are primarily found in tropical and subtropical forests, grasslands, and swamps, typically at lower to mid-altitudes.
The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, lists tigers under Schedule I, affording them the highest level of protection. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) oversees Project Tiger.
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Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the recent sighting of a Bengal tiger in Uttarakhand: 1. The tiger was sighted in the high-altitude subalpine zones of Bageshwar district at an elevation of 3,400 meters. 2. This phenomenon is considered a potential indicator of range expansion, possibly linked to climate change or increased tiger populations. 3. Bengal tigers are typically found in tropical and subtropical forests, and their presence in subalpine zones is a common occurrence due to their high adaptability. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 2 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: C
Statement 1 is correct as per the news. Statement 2 is also correct, as the news highlights climate change and population pressure as potential drivers for range expansion. Statement 3 is incorrect; while tigers are adaptable, their presence in subalpine zones at 3,400 meters is highly unusual and not a common occurrence, making this sighting significant.
2. In the context of tiger conservation in India, which of the following statements is NOT correct?
- A.Project Tiger was launched in 1973 with the aim of ensuring a viable population of Bengal tigers in their natural habitats.
- B.The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- C.The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, places the Bengal tiger under Schedule I, providing it the highest level of protection.
- D.India is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which prohibits all trade in tiger parts.
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statements A, B, and C are correct. Project Tiger was indeed launched in 1973, NTCA is a statutory body, and tigers are in Schedule I of WPA, 1972. Statement D is incorrect because CITES regulates international trade in endangered species. While it lists tigers in Appendix I (most endangered), which generally prohibits commercial international trade, it does not prohibit *all* trade in tiger parts under *all* circumstances globally; rather, it strictly regulates it to prevent extinction. The wording 'prohibits all trade' is too absolute and thus incorrect.
3. Consider the following statements regarding subalpine zones: 1. They are typically found above the treeline and are characterized by grasslands and dwarf shrubs. 2. Species found in these zones often exhibit adaptations to cold temperatures, high winds, and short growing seasons. 3. The Western Himalayas, including parts of Uttarakhand, host significant subalpine ecosystems. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. Subalpine zones are typically *below* the treeline, transitioning from dense forests to alpine meadows. Alpine zones are found *above* the treeline. Statement 2 is correct, as species in subalpine zones face harsh conditions. Statement 3 is correct; the Western Himalayas are known for their distinct subalpine ecosystems. Therefore, 2 and 3 are correct.
Source Articles
Researchers set out to study the snow leopard at a high altitude. What they found: A Bengal tiger | India News - The Indian Express
‘We are not going to give back this one’: Bengal forest minister as another tiger enters state from Jharkhand | Kolkata News - The Indian Express
Bengal gets first glimpse of tiger from Jharkhand through trap cameras amid efforts to capture it | Kolkata News - The Indian Express
On Zeenat’s capture, tiger expert part of operation recalls biggest fear: ‘We did not want a repeat of Royal Bengal tiger’s death in Lalgarh’ | Kolkata News - The Indian Express
The Royal Bengal Tiger (Bengali) / The turnaround | Screen News - The Indian Express