In India, the Project Tiger coverage has increased to 50 tiger reserves, spread over 18 states, cover 72749.02 sq.km which amounts to around 2.21% of country's geographical area. The SOPs (7 in number) have been issued by NTCA from time to time to deal with various matters/processes involved in tiger management to facilitate consistency and uniformity across the country. These SOPs describes various processes to carry out the said task, fixes responsibility and reduces learning/adjustment time for new incumbents for management of tiger reserves and adjoining tiger bearing areas. Also, these ensure effective record maintenance for retrospective as well as prospective use and assistance in technical issues. Now, the SOPs have been revised as per the field inputs for facilitating the field formations in tiger management. The tiger safari guidelines also have been revised in tune with provision of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and is part of this booklet.
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