Question map
The term 'M-STRIPES' is sometimes seen in the news in the context of
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 2: Maintenance of Tiger Reserves.
M-STRIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers - Intensive Protection and Ecological Status) is a software-based monitoring tool launched by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in 2010. It is specifically designed to modernize the management and maintenance of tiger reserves in India.
The system comprises two primary components:
- Field App: Used by forest guards to digitize data during patrols (GPS tracks, sightings, and illegal activities).
- Desktop Module: Used by managers to analyze intensity of patrolling and ecological trends.
Other options are incorrect because:
- Option 1: Relates to Ex-situ conservation, not digital monitoring.
- Option 3: Refers to systems like NavIC.
- Option 4: Relates to infrastructure security or FASTag technology, having no connection to wildlife telemetry or tiger conservation.
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Guest previewThis is a classic 'Acronym in News' question. While static books cover Tiger Reserves, the specific tool 'M-STRIPES' was a Current Affairs buzzword (2016-17) related to the NTCA's push for digital monitoring. It tests the intersection of Technology and Environment.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
Describes CA|TS as a set of management criteria/standards launched to set minimum standards for effective management of tiger sites.
A student could infer that other named acronyms in tiger conservation (like M-STRIPES) are likely to be similar management/monitoring frameworks and check if M-STRIPES is another standards/tool for reserves.
Explains that critical tiger habitat areas are identified using scientific/objective criteria and notified after expert consultation.
One could extend this to expect M-STRIPES to be tied to habitat zoning/management protocols used by authorities to keep areas inviolate or to guide actions within such zones.
Emphasises promoting coexistence, determining limits on scientific criteria, and that reserve boundary changes need NTCA/NBWL approval—pointing to formal management instruments.
This suggests M-STRIPES, if a formal tool, would operate within statutory management processes (e.g., for coexistence, boundary/management decisions) and could be verified against NTCA guidance.
Notes use of 'modern technology' for anti-poaching surveillance and habitat improvement in tiger recovery plans.
A student could hypothesise M-STRIPES might incorporate technology/field-surveillance protocols and then check NTCA or management guidelines for such a system.
Describes camera-trapping and identification of individual tigers by stripe patterns as part of population estimation/monitoring.
This highlights that monitoring systems are integral to tiger management; one could therefore test whether M-STRIPES is a monitoring/recording tool linking field patrols, camera traps and population data.
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