WWF researcher conducts pioneering work in tiger conservation

[Guest guest]

http://lite.epaper.timesofindia.com/mobile.aspx?article=yes & pageid=50 & edlabel=CA\

P & mydateHid=22-03-2010 & pubname= & edname= & articleid=Ar05000 & format= & publabel=TOI

Times of India

--------------------QUOTE-------------------

TIGER TRAIL

CATMAN

 

Tirna Ray/ TNN

 

JOSEPH Vattakaven was part of the first study in India that used advanced

technology like GPS and satellite radio-collars to generate crucial data on

tigers.As part of an intensive monitoring programme,he followed for several

days and nights at a stretch individual tigers that were habituated to

observe aspects of their behaviour and gain new insights into their

lives.That was when Vattakaven was doing his PhD study at the Wildlife

Institute of India (WII),Dehradun.

His research has been a contribution towards enhancing existing knowledge in

the field of tiger behaviour and ecology particularly predation

ecology,their habitat needs,and dispersal behaviour.

Vattakaven did his BSc in zoology from Mahatma Gandhi

University,Kerala.Subsequently,he did a Masters in forestry (management and

economics) from the Forest Research Institute,Dehradun.However,I was

interested in wild animals.Hence,I did my Masters dissertation on

radio-collared wolves and ungulate abundance in Velavadar National

Park,Gujarat, he says.

As to how he developed an interest in the area of tiger

conservation,Vattakaven says that he has always been intrigued by carnivores

and big cats in particular.Therefore,when the opportunity to study tigers

and live in close proximity to them arose,he grabbed it.

At present,a senior co-ordinator for tiger conservation at WWF,Vattakavens

work entails developing and monitoring tiger conservation strategies for

various tiger landscapes across India as well as liaising with the

international tiger network.

Elaborating on the fieldwork,Vattakaven says that it entails visits to

various tiger landscapes in India,especially the buffer and corridor areas

between neighbouring tiger reserves.My focus is on co-ordinating and

training of field-staff and chalking out feasible areas for tiger dispersal

outside the boundaries of existing tiger reserves.It also involves

contributing towards tiger monitoring and conservation in these tiger

landscapes, he says.

At present,the priorities of the projects that Vattakaven is involved in

includes identifying corridor areas between neighbouring tiger

reserves;mitigating human-wildlife conflicts by incorporating fair

compensation and alternative livelihood practices for park adjacent

communities;improving protection measures as well as motivation levels of

forest guards and field staff;monitoring tigers and prey in critical

corridor areas in the landscapes.

As to the immediate challenges that India is facing in the area of tiger

conservation,Vattakaven says,Dwindling forest cover and increasing human

dominated landscapes are leading to habitat degradation and

fragmentation.Consequently,there is a decline in prey base due to poaching

of prey.

He believes that in order to work towards a solution,better protection

measures should be taken by using technology for better estimation and

monitoring of tigers in these areas.Further,he adds that isolated parks

should be connected by securing corridor areas.Also,fair practices should be

adopted and socio-economic development of park adjacent communities should

be the focus.There should be increased patrolling for better

protection.Also,severe penalties should be imposed for wildlife trade

offences.

When National Geographic aired a documentary on George Schaller

recently,Vattakaven was featured interacting with the legend.Looking back,he

says,It was a dream come true.Schaller is a true pioneer who has made

monumental contributions in the field of wildlife biology.Schaller admits

that an emotional involvement in ones subject is required for an enduring

professional commitment to the cause of conservation.This is something I

myself to.