Tigers find new home in Assam

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http://www.telegraphindia.com/1061227/asp/guwahati/story_7188275.asp

 

Tigers find new home in Assam

- Barail may become the new rearing centre

OUR CORRESPONDENT

 

, Dec. 26: Once thought to have become extinct in these parts of the

country, tigers are roaring again in the lush green woodlands of

North Cachar hill and adjoining Karbi Anglong districts, bringing

cheer to conservationists and state forest officials.

 

Officials in the divisional forest offices in both Cachar and North

Cachar hill districts cannot hide their glee after having sighted at

least three Royal Bengal tigers in the dense grasslands spread across

the twin hill districts.

 

Tigers have been seen in the Barail hills and Karbi forests after

quite a number of years.

 

The Barail reserve forest is now being considered the Northeast's new

centre for tiger rearing.

 

The Union environment and forest ministry has already compiled a

report identifying the forest's treasure — including the animal and

bird species that have made it their home.

 

M.M. Sharma, south Assam's conservator of forests, has already

confirmed the presence Royal Bengal tigers in the forest.

 

The evergreen and semi-evergreen forests in Assam are one of the four

principal types of tigers reserves now found in this country.

 

Project Tiger, which was set in motion in 1972, includes Kaziranga

and Manas, which boast of a distinctive eco-system.

 

The current population of the big cats in these national parks has

been estimated at over 50.

 

The Barail reserve forest, has already been upgraded into a wildlife

sanctuary by the government of Assam under Section 26-A(i)(b) of the

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, for the scientific protection of its

rich and multifarious wildlife.

 

In fact, a major portion of the Barail forest, about 32,634 hectares,

is in wildlife-rich North Cachar Hills district.

 

Sharma said this sanctuary needs more funds and a systematic

vigilance system if tigers are to be reared here.

 

A proper security system is mandatory for sanctuaries to foil

incursion of poachers as well as militants who are forever in search

of the hideouts in the forests, he added.

 

The plans include deployment of more forest guards and provision of

sophisticated firearms and effective wireless gadgets. Funds have

been sought from New Delhi for the purpose, Sharma said.