(IN): Measures to save tigers not enough

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*Measures to save tigers not enough*

 

Sidharth Pandey

Sunday, February 17, 2008 (New Delhi)

India has lost around 2,000 tigers in the last five years, says a latest

census.

 

Corbett National Park, a sanctuary where tiger numbers are still healthy has

also seen poachers hunting for the big cats.

 

In 2001, poachers killed at least six male elephants and several tigers. A

forest guard was also killed by them.

 

Two female tigers were found dead in March 2006. It was suspected that they

were poisoned.

 

Following which, another adult male tiger was shot dead just outside the

park in the month of September.

 

According to the latest census figures of the big cat, it is poaching and

habitat loss that is to blame for the loss of 2000 tigers in just five

years.

 

The situation is dismal in at least six of the 27 project tiger parks.

 

In three sanctuaries, Sariska, Indravati and Palamau, tigers have been wiped

out completely. While in other parks, including Simplipal National Park,

their numbers have dwindled drastically.

 

However, Tamil Nadu, of all states, has shown an increase in tiger numbers.

 

Speaking about the measures taken to prevent the situation from getting

worse, the director of Project Tiger, Rajesh Gopal says, ''We have set up

tiger protection forces in 17 states and are involving retired armymen, who

know how to wield weapons. If need be, we will extend this to other states''

 

Valmik Thapar, a conservationist, has a similar approach. He says, ''We need

to call in central forces now and set up a special tiger protection force.

Central troops must be sent on deputation until a force of 1000 armed men

can be set up if we are serious about saving the tiger.''

 

He adds, ''States and the Centre need to work together otherwise we will

lose the tiger for ever''

 

However, most experts fear that these will not be enough.

 

Conservationist Belinda Wright says, ''It does not cost much to poach a

tiger, just a few hundred rupees. Poachers are brave and are well equipped.

They carry all the implements with them in small bags.''

 

Wright adds, ''To tackle poachers effectively, we require a well oiled

intelligence network working with the wildlife crime bureau.''

 

Officers of the Wildlife crime control bureau say that a lot of their

intelligence and information come from states, but that information, they

say, is not coming fast enough and unless that starts, many poachers will

continue to get away.

 

These make it clear that while the final battle for the tiger's survival is

being waged, various stakeholders will have to come together if the war is

to be won.

 

 

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