Dead as a Tiger

I repeatedly mention that the first tiger I ever sighted was a dead one shot at Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh by proud shikaris from Mumbai which our family regularly hosted out of courtesy till legislation put stop to the mayhem. Even after the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 came into the picture, habitual hunters with clout continued with the decimation of the species through guns.

The demand for bones for TCM superseded that of the felt and taken unaware reserves like Sariska and Panna were ransacked over a period of time with the collusion of some forest staff as reported in the newspaper.   

The story of the Indian tiger is a dismal one with centuries of persecution by hunters and severe loss of habitat by settlers, miners, farmers, industrialists, builders, roads, and the usual development mantra. There seems to be no stemming of the scourge with frequent reports of tigers found dead due to poisoning, electrocution, brutalization by humans, and poaching. 

Recently two tigers were found dead within a difference of a day probably both tigers were poisoned as a half-eaten body of a wild boar was discovered nearby. This was at Umred-Pauni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra State. The big cat translocated from Kanha met a similar fate at Satkosia Gorge Tiger Reserve in Orissa. many such incidences have gone unreported and the prognosis is worse. 

Tiger - Teerath Sing 

This is not a news site highlighting the deadly toll of the endangered big cats in India. It is a matter of serious concern, the impunity with which the big cats are being subjected to Barbery. 

There are concerted efforts to save the tiger in India and the recent census has shown a rise in population the next census will certainly show an authentic further rise in the tiger population. But this just acts as a palliative to mitigate our concern the truth is that the numbers even after the latest rise are precariously low.  And the continuing seizure of natural lands with the capacity to host the big cats in the country is real. The predator survives in highly suitable habitats with the ecosystem intact, these are the dense tropical forests and tall grasslands with forests. Without cover it is difficult for these carnivores to obtain their food hence extinction will become imminent with extensive habitat loss.

Tigers are surviving in the country because of inviolate zones or protected areas created all over...and this is an absolute must. No romantic illusions regarding the survival of this species alongside human settlements in critical tiger habitats should be entertained. 

Humans are tribal, farmers, or whatever ravages natural lands with impunity as we have seen throughout this century. The PA concept has worked with strict protection according to the species. 

But is the protection enough? 

Frequent incidences of the predators being killed is a serious matter and augur a threat perception that holds true. In order to protect our tigers greater vigilance, political will, and human consideration enhanced by creating awareness among the masses is a prerequisite. 

Translocation with alacrity is a recent phenomenon bolstered by technology that has been instrumental in moving the predators to vacant premises i.e to reserves with thin tiger density. This is a positive conservation measure. In some reserves like at Kanha National Park, orphaned cubs are being reared in natural circumstances to instill in them the wild instincts and ability to make kill themselves and thus sustain themselves in the wilderness.    

After doing so much the wildlife managers in conjunction with the administration - the latter often lacking commitment - will have to be proactive and dig down further to find out hidden issues and future conflicts threatening the existence of this animal in the country.     

The concept of a protected area with an inviolate core has proven to be a boon for the beleaguered big cat. Unhindered by human activities like the destruction of forests and hunting they are recovering grounds in the well-protected reserves. Paradoxically in most cases of endangered species regeneration macro solution plays a major role. The issues related to breeding, disease, and inbreeding will come to the fore later, especially concerns will be of the latter two. 

Macro solutions for saving endangered species require discovery and a political will to execute and complete dedication for a solution whence it emerges. A half-hearted approach vis a-vis conservation has always backfired often with abject failure. The case of Great Indian Bustard is giving troubled sleep to conservationists and nature lovers. Merely planning on paper and making a project does not end in success until unless commitment to the actions highlighted is followed.

Till the status of nature conservation efforts and projects in India emerges from that of being relegated there is little hope for many endangered species to survive including the tiger. 

Will we be able to hold our heads high as a nation if we fail these enigmatic tertiary predators that the entire world wants to see?                

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Uday Freelances as Naturalist in Central India. He is an avid birder and tiger enthusiast. He blogs on tigers, wildlife, and birds. He also writes about the environment and conservation.

Uday also provides SEO Services and Website Contents in English. He teaches Digital Marketing in Jabalpur in Summer Holidays.
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Contact: pateluday90@hotmail.com
09755089323 

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