National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has recently approved the relocation of three tigresses from Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR) to two other state reserves.
About National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA):
• The NTCA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• The NTCA was formed in 2006 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972.
Key Objectives:
- To provide legal status to project tiger and its directives.
- To enhance accountability of the center and the states in managing tiger reserves by providing legal authority for a MoU with states under a federal climate.
- To provide an oversight mechanism to parliament.
- To address the livelihood interests of local inhabitants in the vicinity of tiger reserves.
NTCA Composition:
- The minister in charge of MoEFCC (chairman),
- The minister of state at MoEFCC (vice-chairman),
- Three members of parliament, the secretary (MoEFCC) and other members.
Key information regarding Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR):
Location:
- It lies in the state of Rajasthan
- It is situated at the junction of the Aravali and Vindhya hill ranges
The flagship species are Panthera Tigris Tigris- Indian or the Bengal tiger.
• Rivers: The Tiger Reserve is bounded by Chambal River in the south and the Banas River in the north.
• Within RTR is Ranthambore Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Terrain: Its terrain alternates from dry deciduous jungle and an open grassy meadow riddled by lakes and rivers.
• Flora: Dry-deciduous forest.