NATIONAL PARK AND ECO TOURISM CONSERVATION OF BIO DIVERSITY

2. ECOTOURISM
Hence, Ecotourism is a global tourism
initiative which imbibes the notions of
Ecological conservation into the tourism
sector.
The International Ecotourism Society
defines ecotourism as "responsible travel
to natural areas that conserves the
environment, sustains the well-being of
local people, and involves interpretation
and education".
Ecology
Tourism

3. Habitat Improvement
– Over the years, the management has strived successfully to ensure that important
habitat types are managed scientifically to suit the requirements of wildlife species
populations.
– The famous Kanha grasslands are methodically maintained by eradicating the weeds
such as Lantana (Lantana camera)and Chakoda (Cassia tora) to lessen the competition
with palatable grass species fed upon by herbivores. Woody species such as Palas (Butea
monospera), Lendia (Lagerstroemia parviflora) and Tendu (Diospyros melanoxylon) are
uprooted to prevent disappearance of grasslands. Local grass slips are also planted and
seed sown to restock degraded grasslands. Under the habitat improvement strategy, the
famous meadows of the park have been managed successfully to hold the ever increasing
herbivore populations.
– Besides, the management also has to ensure an equitable distribution of water
throughout the area for ungulates. And for this, a whole network of small and large water
bodies is maintained by deepening, desilting and reshaping them regularly.

4. Tiger
Conservation
– Kanha was one of the first 9
protected areas brought under
Project Tiger, India's response to
the grave threat to the tiger. Owing
to untiring management efforts,
the population of tigers have
increased from 48 in 1976 to
around 100 at present. Kanha
supports a viable population of this
endangered and magnificent
species.

5. Barasingha
Conservation
The hard ground
barasingha (Rucervus duvaucelii
branderi), whose endemic and the
only world population is in Kanha,
had witnessed a steep decline and
reached almost the brink of
extinction during the early
seventies. Conservation measures
in the park have restored the
barasingha population from a mere
66 head in 1970 to around 750 of
today, a relatively safer status.