Why in News? 

World Wildlife Day has been observed annually on March 3rd since 2013. 

• Established by: United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)  
• Significance: Celebrates biodiversity, raises awareness on wildlife conservation 
• Theme: Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet 
• Facilitator: Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) 
• Key Focus Areas 
  • Innovative financial solutions for conservation 
  • Biodiversity protection and sustainable investment 

 Wildlife Conservation in India 

• Protected Areas 
  • 106 National Parks, 573 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 115 Conservation Reserves, 220 Community Reserves 
  • Covers 5.32% of India’s geographical area 
• Biodiversity 
  • Home to 400+ mammals, 1300+ birds, 600+ reptiles 
  • 75% of the world's tiger population (3,682 as per 2022 census) 
  • Asiatic Lion found only in Gujarat’s Gir Forest (674 as per 2020 census) 
• Key Conservation Programs 
  • Project Tiger (1973) – Tiger conservation 
  • Project Elephant (1992) – Elephant protection 
  • Wildlife Protection Act (1972) – Legal framework for species protection 

 Conservation Measures & Government Initiatives

• Biosphere Reserves – 18 reserves, 10 internationally recognized 
• Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) – Buffer zones around protected areas 
• Community Conservation Programs – Promoting eco-tourism and sustainable livelihoods 
• Green Bonds & Wildlife Conservation Finance – New funding mechanisms for biodiversity conservation