The recent findings from an extensive prey and predator survey in Maharashtra’s Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) reveal the presence of 115 tigers and 151 leopards. The survey was a part of ongoing efforts to monitor long-term trends of tigers, their co-predators, and prey species within the key regions of the reserve.
Key Findings and Insights
The animal count conducted focused both on the core and buffer zones of the tiger reserve. These tiger reserves are structured around a core/buffer strategy outlined by Project Tiger. The objective of this project is to prioritize tigers in the core areas of the reserves while cultivating a more inclusive, people-oriented agenda in the buffer areas.
The core zones recognized as national parks or sanctuaries, possess a legal status. Simultaneously, the buffer, also known as peripheral sections, is a combination of both forested and non-forested land. These sections are managed as multiple-use areas offering diverse resources.
Interestingly, while the number of tigers seems to have increased, the population density has witnessed a decline. This term refers to the number of animals residing per unit area in the wild.
About Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
Situated in Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district, the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve stands as the state’s oldest and biggest national park. It was declared as Maharashtra’s second Tiger Reserve in the period 1993-94, following Melghat Tiger Reserve which was the first, established in 1973-74.
As one of India’s 50 “Project Tiger” reserves, TATR is essential to the nation’s wildlife conservation efforts. The reserve exhibits the Southern tropical dry deciduous teak forests as the primary tiger habitat. Given the recent survey, it evidently hosts a viable tiger population today.
Implications of the Recent Survey
The rise in the number of tigers, though concurrent with a decrease in population density, holds significant implications for wildlife conservation strategies. It points to the success of Project Tiger in increasing tiger populations but suggests that more effort should be invested into expanding and managing the habitats that support such numbers.
Understanding the predator-prey dynamics within TATR and other reserves also offers insights into maintaining the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Continuous monitoring of these species proves crucial in recognizing trends, identifying threats, and formulating effective strategies for conservation.
The findings of the prey and predator estimation in TATR highlight important facets of India’s wildlife scenario. It reiterates the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptive management strategies in ensuring the survival of our precious wildlife. The need of the hour is to strike a balance between development and conservation, without compromising on the integrity and well-being of our wildlife.
