(IN): The tiger’s tale

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Editorial

 

The tiger's tale

 

It's a real matter of worry for the Forest Department,

conservationists and all the people conscious about the environmental

reality of Assam. The tiger, one of the most endangered animals

inhabiting the region is enduring a struggle for existence, and

ironically the Forest Department is not in a position to state the

number of tigers in the various Protected Areas of the State at

present. As of now, the most it could rely is on the 2000 estimation

that reveals 353 tigers in the wild. To what extent that has changed

till 2007 is anybody's guess. There are even doubts if the total

number of the 2000 census was correct, because even some high ranking

officials think of it as exaggerated. For instance the number of

tigers in Manas stated to be 65 is difficult to believe because the

National Park did not have the prey base to sustain that kind of tiger

population when the census was carried out. Moreover, the 89 tigers,

which were supposed to be outside Protected Areas is another big

question mark that requires critical attention. There are reasons to

believe that some of the figures were on the higher side because of

erroneous surveying methods or because there was a desire to show a

healthy tiger population in the State. The present situation, where no

correct and updated data on tiger population exists has thrown up a

set of challenges to the Forest Department and conservationists.

Without correct baseline data, it would be difficult if not impossible

to plan any project for tiger conservation. The formulation of

strategic approach, resource and manpower allocation would all require

correct data on tiger population. In 2006, a new estimation was

carried out in Assam, but the results of that are still not in the

public domain. According to reports, the project has now run into

problems and results could only be expected by the end of this year.

In such a backdrop, can we expect the most recent estimate, based on a

methodology developed by the Wildlife Trust of India, to be an honest

attempt to at least provide a correct estimation? Perhaps some more

time for the project could be justifiable, but it must reduce the

margin of errors of previous census. The new estimate, if it provides

accurate data, would make us aware of the number of tigers surviving

in the wild and where they exist despite increasing human pressure. It

would, no less importantly, also indicate the few ecosystems, which

are in relatively better health and those, which would require better

conservation measures.