(IN): Brahmaputra plains promising for tiger habitats

February 13, 2008

Brahmaputra plains promising for tiger habitats

From Our Spl Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Feb 12 – The Brahmaputra plains has been identified among three

promising areas with high probability of long-term persistence of tigers in

the country. The Brahmaputra plains include Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong. This

announcement comes close on the heels of the Kaziranga National Park named

as the new tiger habitat. The Union Cabinet had recently put its seal of

approval on creation of eight new tiger reserves across the country.

Meanwhile, the total tiger population has been estimated at 1,411 with a

17.43 per cent coefficient of variation. The lower limit is 1165 and the

upper limit is 1657.

Member Secretary, Tiger Project Dr. Rajesh Gopal, said this while making a

presentation on tiger census here today. He explained that the assessment

showed that though the tiger has suffered due to direct poaching, loss of

quality habitat, and loss of its prey, but there was still hope.

The Government has declared eight more new tiger reserves to strengthen the

population of tigers. He said an area of around 31,111 sq. km. of tiger

habitat has been notified as the tiger States according to provisions of the

Wildlife (Protection Act).

The spatial occupancy of tigers and other animals have been done for all the

17 tiger States, and mapped in the GIS domain, he added.

About non-availability of Census in certain areas Dr Rajesh Gopal, cited

difficult circumstances. In Indravati Tiger Reserve (Chhattisgarh estimation

could not be done since the area is inaccessible owing to Naxalite

engineered problems.

In Palamau Tiger Reserve (Jharkhand) census operation could not be fully

assessed owing to extremist engineered disturbances.

To ensure the long-term survival of tigers in India it is imperative to

offer strict protection to establish source populations, and manage areas

with restorative inputs by involving local communities in buffer and

corridor areas by providing them with a direct stale in conservation.

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United against elephant polo

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