Introduction
In the realm of conservation, tigers have made news recently. Following a human fatality in Satkosia Tiger Reserve (STR), Odisha, interest has peaked about a relocated tigress from Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. The movement was part of a broader tiger reintroduction program overseen by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). The goal is to transfer six tigers in total: three males and three females.
Satkosia Tiger Reserve: A Closer Look
Satkosia Tiger Reserve, which once boasted 11 tigers in 2004, has seen a sharp drop to just two tigers by 2014. The continuous decrease in tiger population raises questions regarding the factors triggering this decline. Experts emphasize identifying and curbing these factors before introducing new tigers into the area. Measures include forest protection, curbing illegal hunting, and augmenting prey numbers.
The Rising Trend of Tiger Attacks
A surge in recent tiger attacks has raised alarm in India, with goings-on in Maharashtra’s Ralegaon a notable example. Here, attempts are ongoing to capture or kill “T1,” a tigress, and her two cubs after 13 people have died from tiger attacks since June 2016.
Factors Contributing to Attacks
Analyses cite reasons such as depleting forest cover, expanding human presence around 650 wildlife zones, and loss of traditional wildlife corridors. This causes young and old tigers to wander away from densely packed tiger forests, thereby increasing chances of conflict with humans. In many cases, tigers attack people accidentally while protecting their territory or offspring.
| Reasons for Attacks | Examples |
|---|---|
| Depleting forest cover | Loss of one-third of dense forest cover since early 1990s |
| Growing human presence | Presence in and around 650 wildlife zones nationwide |
| Disappearance of traditional wildlife corridors | Half of the traditional wildlife corridors have vanished |
Why Tigers Matter: More than a Mascot
The significance of tiger existence is more than just their iconic status. As per a 2015 NTCA report, tigers are “umbrella” species, meaning that saving them safeguards everything else within their ecosystem. Benefits of tiger conservation include employment generation, agriculture enhancement, carbon storage, water purification, soil conservation, nutrient cycling, and moderating extreme climate events.
About Project Tiger
Project Tiger, launched in 1973 by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, provides central assistance to designated tiger reserves across India in an bid to conserve the tiger population.
The Complex Issue of Man-Eater Tigers
Conservation focuses on species survival rather than individual animals, necessitating difficult decisions like eliminating man-eating tigers. These animals pose a considerable threat, inciting local resentment against Forest Departments and visible retaliation against all nearby tigers. Quick action sends strong messages to local communities but can prove challenging due to conditions, locality and seasonal forest undergrowth density.
Looking for Solutions
Finding a balance between conservation efforts and local human communities is vital. Safeguards include protecting key areas for wildlife, creating buffer zones, and investing in alternative land uses. Even though the loss of a few threat-presencing tigers can upset some, it could help maintain local goodwill and ensure the survival of the species overall.
