It is the Tiger that stands out amongst the milieu of intriguing beauties that truly symbolize India. They are powerful beasts that roam the dense jungles with pride and beauty, unparalleled by any other co-existing species. Yet the sad truth that confronts these beautiful creations of God is that they are under a severe threat for their very survival on this planet.
The primary goal of any wildlife conservationist in India is the protection and sustainable conservation of the species by minimizing the risks it may have to encounter in its natural habitat. This in short is a simple theme with a complex solution.
The community of tigers is of unique importance in the proper balancing of our ecosystem. They occupy the zenith of the food pyramid, and a healthy zenithal population in any food chain is indicative of the proper functioning of the forest ecosystem. As predators they have a regulatory effect on the population size of other species occupying the same biome as them, by keeping the number of herbivores in check. The constraint in prey conversely maintains a balance of the carnivores, as well. Moreover, check on population explosion in the lower rungs of the food pyramid also avoids the problem of overgrazing and consequently soil erosion. Hence the population only fluctuates between regulated limits.
Moreover, the stately tigers also add aesthetic value to the existing forests and act as tourist magnets, thereby even contributing to the generation of foreign exchange.
The current status of tiger population in India faces a grave challenge. The disclosed population had dropped by around 95% over the last century. The current population count stands at 1411, varying from 1165 to 1657 (National Tiger Conservation Authority).
India houses more than half of the world’s tiger population spread over 99 national parks, 514 wildlife sanctuaries, 43 conservation reserves and 4 community reserves.
Despite such efforts from the government, no marked increase in the tiger population was witnessed over the years when these developmental plans were implemented, to when it should have started taking its effect.
One cause for the same had been habitat loss. Species at the top of the food chain are generally larger and require more space than other animals, particularly if they are territorial. Population pressure on peripheral lands has led to encroachment. Infrastructural developmental works such as mining and construction also contribute to destruction of wide stretches of virgin lands.
However, the primary cause of the dwindling population is the growing trade in tiger and tiger parts. Figures reveal an alarming data of 832 tigers being killed for the purpose from 1994 to 2007. The primary consumer of tiger products is China, where tiger products are believed to have miraculous pharmaceutical values. They are not only used as therapeutic drugs (like painkillers for ailments like rheumatism) but also treated as local delicacies. Export of tiger skin also involves a trade in million of dollars. In spite of the conscious effort made by the government to levy restrictions on the legitimate trade of tiger products, unbridled poaching still prevails in full swing. Moreover, the nouveau riche in the orient armed with greater purchasing power, provides impetus to the illicit trade activities. This in fact has even resulted in the poachers resorting to murder of the forest guards to reach their objectives.
Despite being marred with these overwhelming problems, India still has the best chance for salvaging the tigers’ dwindling glory. The solutions to the problem may be handled from both the holistic and the monistic approaches.
The Holistic Approach
The primary method to alleviate the situation is by putting a ban on illicit trade. As an alternative it has been suggested that tigers may be bred in captivity (being cats they should also be prolific breeders) for the sole purpose of being the supply to a growing demand. However, this may not altogether eradicate the problem as people run after the illegal trade, even by paying more.
Tigers being territorial animals and top carnivores require a large area to operate, which may range from 25 to 70 sq. km. It is often found that the villagers settling near the forest margin encroach in this sanctum, in search of fuel wood, or let their cattle graze in the forest land. This brings them in direct conflict with the tigers resulting in the animal’s undue and untimely death. To facilitate this objective, joint ventures of regional planners and remote sensing officials is required. They may demarcate the areas solely dedicated for the operation of the tigers. The GIS system should be able to delineate the tiger territories, and mark the peripheral areas dedicated for other land use purposes. This area should also be kept out of bounds for tourists, and tourist vehicles.
Better law enforcement for control of poaching activities needs to be implemented for effective results. The security officials should be thoroughly trained and armed with weaponry to face adverse situations. An intelligence network (even undercover) should be set up, capable of acquiring sensitive information. The administration, on its part, should take on themselves the responsibility of procurement of adequate funds for carrying out these activities.
Separate cells should be set up dedicated for looking after different segments, which may also be made water tight to maximize specialty:
A) Biologists to track the health and welfare of the animal and to keep a tab on their food source;
B) A “Risk” department that evaluates the proportion of risk (natural and poachers) faced by the animals, and implements restrictive measures; and
C) Regular field data collection and updating of mapping for any change in the physical and human environment.
Non Governmental Organisations’ participation in the tiger conservation efforts is mandatory. Not only do they help in active participation in works like census count, but also are crucial for awareness raising campaigns and arrangement for funds. A hefty fund should be allocated for the tiger projects alone to meet the accelerating demand for the preservation of this national treasure.
At a larger level, the issue should be incorporated in the school curriculum to generate awareness at the grass root level. Presentations and seminars on the same should encourage the students to get hands on experience in treating the issue from a logical viewpoint.
The Monistic Approach:
This involves even more proactive tagging of each and every individual tiger and constantly monitoring their movements. If possible the vigilance should be trebled during the time of any mother giving birth and also during the infancy of the cubs. During this time they are prone to diseases and are also under constant predatory threats.
The time NOW is just right to try out and implement these tiger management strategies in full swing, identifying and testing newer strategies before the future becomes truly bleak. However, as of now, with such an array of measures at hand nothing is impossible. Let us take a positive view of the situation. For a change, if instead, they are made targets of such shots, the future of this magnificent emblem of India is far from being bleak; it should truly be “burning bright”.
