Rare species confront extinction

The plan follows the government's admission that wildlife conservation in India has been neglected in recent years.

India's bio-diversity comprises about 45,000 plant species and 81,000 animal species.

Environment Minister TR Baalu said to conserve these, there was a need to manage areas around wildlife parks and sanctuaries.

"A central government scheme is being implemented for eco-development of areas around national parks and sanctuaries," he said.

The Action Plan requires law enforcement agencies to prevent poaching.

The Wildlife Protection Society of India estimates at least 285 tigers were killed or suffered unnatural death in 1994-98.

Extinction fears

Experts say poachers kill nearly 1,000 leopards every year in India and warn the species could become extinct by the end of the decade.

The plan strengthens monitoring and coordination between Delhi and state governments.

The plan also includes utilisation of the potential for eco-tourism, using the revenues to increase conservation resources.

Wild elephants need large ranges

Prime Minister Vajpayee said state governments should review the state of wildlife in their areas and take effective remedial measures.

The plan aims to protect the interests of poor and tribal communities living around protected wildlife areas by generating employment for them.

A member of the Wildlife Trust of India, Aniruddha Mukherjee, told the BBC protected forest areas were still used as a resource.

People plunder forests for wood, honey and other exchangeable products.

"The government has to educate the tribals and other people living near the protected wildlife areas about conservation apart from generating employment for them," Mr Mukherjee says.

India has 89 national parks and 497 sanctuaries covering an area of 1,056,000 sq km.