Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part C (2024)

This paper investigates the significant role that zoological education and outreach programmes play in promoting public awareness and engagement in wildlife conservation efforts in India, focusing on the conservation of tiger populations. It elucidates how these educational strategies have been pivotal in fostering a conservation-minded public, thereby contributing to the remarkable recovery of tiger populations and the expansion of protected areas. The research illustrates the beneficial consequences of conservation programmes after the introduction of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, based on a thorough assessment of the literature and analysis of data. Findings reveal that the increase in tiger populations from an estimated 1,711 in 2010 to around 2,500 by 2016, alongside the growth in the number and extent of protected areas, serves as a testament to the effectiveness of India's conservation strategies, underpinned by robust public support facilitated through educational outreach. The paper underscores the importance of continued investment in zoological education and community engagement programmes as cornerstones for the success of wildlife conservation projects. This study contributes to a broader understanding of how teaching and outreach can catalyse conservation successes, providing a model for similar initiatives worldwide.