Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats

The Species Recovery Programme aims to prevent highly threatened wild species from disappearing and help their populations recover in their natural habitats. Under Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH), it provides focused support for the recovery of critically endangered species and the habitats on which their survival depends.

Purpose of the programme

The programme addresses species whose survival requires targeted conservation measures beyond general wildlife protection. Its central purpose is to reduce extinction risk and restore viable wild populations by addressing both declining numbers and the causes of decline.

• It supports species-specific recovery efforts because different species face different threats and require different conservation measures.
• It links the protection of animals with the conservation and restoration of their habitats, rather than treating population recovery as an isolated task.
• Species covered by recovery efforts include the Great Indian Bustard and Hangul, illustrating the programme's focus on highly threatened wildlife.

How species recovery is pursued

Recovery requires a combination of habitat management, direct protection and scientific assessment. The measures adopted depend on the ecological needs of the species and the threats affecting it.

• Habitat protection and improvement help maintain the food, shelter and breeding conditions necessary for survival.
• Reducing threats such as poaching, disturbance and habitat degradation improves the prospects of population recovery.
• Conservation breeding and reintroduction may be used where appropriate to support the recovery of severely depleted populations.
• Research and population monitoring help identify conservation needs and assess whether recovery measures are working.

Place within Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats

IDWH is a centrally sponsored scheme administered by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, which provides assistance to States and Union Territories for wildlife conservation.

• Recovery programmes for critically endangered species and habitats constitute one component of the scheme.
• The other components support protected areas and the protection of wildlife outside protected areas.
• The recovery component therefore complements area-based conservation with targeted action for species needing special attention.