The correct option is 1, 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
The decline in the tiger population in India has been driven by a combination of ecological imbalances and anthropogenic pressures. Conservation initiatives, such as Project Tiger (1973), identified specific threats that necessitated urgent intervention to prevent the extinction of the species.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: Shrinking habitat is a primary threat. Deforestation, urbanization, and the conversion of forest land for agriculture or infrastructure fragment the tiger's territory, leading to human-wildlife conflict and reduced survival rates.
- Statement 2 is Correct: Depletion of prey base species directly affects tiger survival. Tigers are apex predators that rely on herbivores like deer and wild boar. A decline in these prey populations due to poaching or habitat loss leads to starvation and population decline among tigers.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The use of tiger bones in traditional medicines drives illegal poaching. There is a significant illicit international market for tiger parts, particularly for use in traditional Asian medicinal practices, which remains a critical threat to the species.
- Statement 4 is Incorrect: An increase in the population of prey base species is ecologically beneficial for predators. An abundant prey base supports a healthy and growing tiger population by ensuring adequate food availability. Therefore, it is a conservation goal, not a threat.
Key Takeaway:
The major threats to the tiger population are habitat loss (fragmentation), poaching for illegal trade (skins and bones), and the depletion of the prey base required for sustenance.