- Among the 51 reserves evaluated, Periyar Reserve scored the highest MEE score of 94.38%, followed by Satpura and Bandipur at the second position (93.18%), while Nagarhole came in third (92.42%). In the 5th cycle, 12 Tiger Reserves scored over 90% and were ranked in the "Excellent" category.
- The next 20 were classified as 'Very Good', followed by 14 in the 'Good' category and 5 in the 'Fair' category, with none falling under the 'Poor' category.
- The tiger reserves were assessed with the exception of Ramgarh Vishdhari and Ranipur.
- The MEE score has improved from 65% in the second cycle to 77.92% in the current evaluation. Presently, India has 998 protected areas, which include 106 national parks, 567 wildlife sanctuaries, 105 conservation reserves, and 220 community reserves, covering 5.28% of India's geographical area or 1,73,629 km².
- Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE): Established in 2006, the assessment of management effectiveness of protected areas is conducted every four years (in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022) based on the six criteria on protected areas set by IUCN.
Question
Q.1 Which tiger reserve has topped the 'Excellent' category of 'Management Effectiveness Evaluation' (MEE)?a. Periyar
b. Satpura
c. Bandipur
d. Nagarhole
