CSS-Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats Scheme (CSS-IDWH) ( UPSC Prelims)

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News Context

The Gharial and Sloth Bear have been proposed for addition to the Species Recovery Programme under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme - Integrated Development of Wildlife (CSS-IDWH).

About CSS-IDWH Scheme

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
 Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme
 Purpose: To carry out activities related to wildlife protection and conservation.
 Financial Assistance: Offered to State/UT Governments for -
      ○ Supporting Protected Areas such as National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves, and Community Reserves
      ○ Safeguarding wildlife outside of protected areas
      ○ Implementing recovery programs aimed at saving critically endangered species and habitats
    > To date, 22 species, including the Snow Leopard, Asiatic Lion, Great Indian Bustard, and Gangetic River Dolphin, are part of this initiative.
 Key Components: Development of Wildlife Habitats; Project Tiger; Project Elephant.

Sloth Bear

Characteristics: The name is derived from its long claws and unusual teeth, which resemble those of a sloth. It specializes in consuming termites and ants. Unlike other bear species, it does not hibernate. It is a solitary, mostly nocturnal, and agile creature, recognized as one of the most aggressive animals on the Indian subcontinent.
 Habitat: Found in forests and grasslands, it is native to India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
 Threats: The species faces challenges such as habitat loss and degradation, as well as human-animal conflict. The global population is estimated to be fewer than 20,000.
 Conservation Efforts: Initiatives like Project Sloth Bear, 2025 and the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary in Karnataka—the first dedicated sloth bear sanctuary in Asia—are in place to aid in conservation.