Source - Sink Dynamics in Tiger population

Source–sink dynamics is a theoretical model used by ecologists to describe how variation in habitat quality may affect the population growth or decline of organisms.
In this model, organisms occupy two patches of habitat.
- Source, is a high-quality habitat that on average allows the population to increase.
- Sink, is very low-quality habitat that, on its own, would not be able to support a population.
However, if the excess of individuals produced in the source frequently moves to the sink, the sink population can persist indefinitely.
The tiger survey has highlighted that the tiger population in the source-sink is in the ratio of 60:40.
33% of the tiger population in India lives outside its source i.e., tiger reserves.
17/50 tiger reserves in India are going to achieve its maximum capacity to hold the tiger populations.
Tiger survey suggested that there is a need to create buffer areas around the habitat zones of tigers where guided land-use and faster conservation interventions can help reduce human-tiger conflict.