It is the Tiger that stands out amongst the milieu of intriguing beauties that truly symbolize
The primary goal of any wildlife conservationist in
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
| 2006 | 859 | ||
| 1973-74 | 2840 | ||
| 1999-2000 | 344 | ||
| 1982-83 | 1985 | ||
| 1999-2000 | 862 | ||
| 1982-83 | 3568 | ||
| 1989-90 | 840 | ||
| 1982-83 | 2799 | ||
| 1973-74 | 1026 | ||
| 1973-74 | 866 | ||
| 1999-2000 | 643 | ||
| 1998-99 | 492 | ||
| 1978-79 | 777 | ||
| 2008 | 1410 | ||
| 1993-94 | 1162 | ||
| 1999-2000 | 1486 | ||
| 1973-74 | 1945 | ||
| 1994-95 | 542 | ||
| 1992-93 | 758 | ||
| 2008-09 | 674 | ||
| 1973-74 | 1677 | ||
| 1992-93 | 257 | ||
| 1993-94 | 620 | ||
| 2008-09 | 569 | ||
| 1994-95 | 500 | ||
| 1973-74 | 2750 | ||
| 2008-09 | 856 | ||
| 1973-74 | 1334 | ||
| 1978-79 | 866 | ||
| 1988-89 | 800 | ||
| 2008 | 321 | ||
| 2008 | 1410 | ||
| 1987-88 | 811 | ||
| 2008-09 | 1089 | ||
| 1973-74 | 1316 | ||
| 1982-83 | 759 | ||
| 1973-74 | 2585 | ||
| 2008 | 1580 | ||
| 2007 | 988 | ||
| 2008 | 963 | ||
| 2007 | 875 | ||
| Sanjay National Park & Sanjay Dubri Wildlife Sanctuary Guru Ghasidas National Park | 2008 | 831 | |
| 1978 | 104 |
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
Despite being marred with these overwhelming problems,
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:
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
