India Loses 41 Big Cats in 7 Months, 33 Poached Illegally

BANGALORE: Indian Wildlife Authority has a big reason to worry as the recent census reported that the country lost 41 tigers in 7 months. Despite immense conservation efforts and awareness campaigns, India is failing in its effort to save the national animal, reports TOI.

Six months back the nation was rejoicing in a false triumph that the number of tigers was growing rapidly. This study, however, has unveiled some conflicting stats altogether.

According to India's National Tiger Conservation Authority and the wildlife group TRAFFIC, the deaths were caused either naturally or by illegal poaching. In some cases shooting, snares and traps and even poisoning were the enumerated reason for the shocking number of deaths in the study.

Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh are among the states to have reported the highest number of deaths. State of Maharashtra reported to have lost 5 tigers this year. The state has chosen the legendary actor, Amitabh Bachchan as its ‘Tiger Ambassador’ to spread the awareness and boost the campaign to conserve and save tigers.

"We are yet to finalize the modalities and a meeting with the actor will soon take place. He is a tiger lover and his involvement in the project will have a unique appeal for the masses," said Vikas Kharge, secretary Revenue and Forest Department.

Protection measures are being employed to prevent further loss of lives due to poaching. "A special tiger protection force, comprising a team of 120 personnel, has been employed in each of the four reserves of the state. For locals' involvement in saving tigers, we have set up village eco-development committees for community participation in conservation of forest and tigers," added Kharge.

A senior official from the state forest department explained the reason for deaths due to poaching. "Poachers lay traps for the animal to step into. These trapsusually rupture the bones of the limb that gets stuck in them. The poachers then take the animal down. The Pardhi community is known for such poaching methods. They later sell the tiger skin and other parts in local and international illegal markets," the official said.

Cases of man-animal conflicts could trigger shooting by officials, said A senior National Tiger Conservation Authority. "After following all the advisories and standard operating procedures by the authority, if the state wildlife warden feels that the said animal is a threat, it could be put down. However, this happens only in extreme cases," he added.

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