Holy Cow Stray Dog Menace & Feeding A Danger to Humans And Wildlife

Stray Dog Menace

Indian Wild Dog 

In Africa, stray dogs, and domesticated ones near major wildlife habitats like Maasai Mara are vaccinated against rabies and other deadly disease. 

Do we take such steps?

"My guess is as good as yours. I guess we do not," Well though it is difficult to say that such vaccination programs are not being carried out by authorities, nevertheless, the dog menace remains a big threat.  Dangers lurk the most in our urban areas and villages where the stray dogs roam free and multiply at will. 

Deer in Danger

They have started to form packs to hunt down the deer that roam in the forests and those that enter human settlements. Among the most threatened species is the chital deer or the spotted deer (axis axis). They are being hunted down by roaming dogs all over India.

Feeding Wild & Stary Animals

Indians have a penchant for feeding animals without discerning whether it is good or bad for them. Some consider feeding stray and wild animals as a sacred act that will reflect positively on health, wealth, and happiness as a result of good Karma. 

We consider the cow holy and that is good, nothing to ridicule. But should we let them survive on throwaways or garbage? Stray cows are a major danger on the roads everywhere, and an International Embarrassment, the owners after milking them leave them on the streets to roam around. The free-roaming cattle are jeopardizing traffic which is leading to a very high number of road accidents and deaths. Is this how we treat our holiest animal? 

Shelters for Stray Animals & Vaccination - Cows & Dogs

There should be proper shelters for street cows, and why not for stray dogs if we cannot sterilize and vaccinate them. For example, in absence of proper vaccination, the dairy industry is under threat from lumpy skin disease. The cattle around the reserves have led to the transmission of rinderpest, and foot and mouth disease killing a large number of bison and swamp deer in our forests.  

What impact disease-carrying stray dogs are having on the dhole has not been studied? Field biologists contend with research on the instincts and behavior of wild animals in natural surroundings. I hope they are including diverse threat factors especially socio-economic, and political impact created by dense humanity around our forests.   

Reason Behind Feeding Wild Animals 

Feeding human fodder to Hanuman Langurs, rhesus macaques, and other wild denizens impact their natural instincts and food consumption habit. I have seen scores of langurs and rhesus macaques lined along highways, tourist places, and busy streets of bazaars awaiting morsels thrown by humans. This unnatural assemblage has created a major threat and nuisance all over India.

Hinduism and many indigenous ideologies are inclined toward nature. The sacred elements it considers worthy of holy status comprise other life forms. This is a good belief since the ideology and religious dogmas teach us to respect all life forms that make up the living planet called Earth. 

Sensitivity towards other life forms is exalting, but there has to be a line drawn somewhere. Offering human food to stray dogs, or wild animals is not a good practice.  Animal adoption as in Zoos, or domesticating a stray dog is the answer. But this does not mean letting them free on the road, they should be offered sanctuary within the house as we do with the pedigree. This is the answer as some NGOs with a court injunction and our own ahimsa does not allow the culling of stray dogs. 

Threat to Dholes or Wild Dogs

The greatest threat is perhaps to the wild dogs or dholes in our reserves, and some nonprotected areas that constitute conventional reserve forests. The frequent human habitats in search of prey.

The wild dog population is vacillating in the reserve, and the forests outside. Even in Kanha, where I was working as a naturalist, the packs usually seen in robust numbers are missing from many traditionally dominated areas. Some of them are losing ground with humanity strangling the remaining crown cover in the buffer beside transmitted diseases. Is the reason behind the dwindling status? 

I think the same stands true for these least studied animals in other reserves and National Parks. 

Will they go down like the Great Indian Bustard, the Indian Wolf, and the Hyena in India?     

Interferences & Conservation Policies 

In India, conservation is impacted by statutory compliance as defined by injunctions, political interventions, and by the pressure of some biased NGOs. Nothing else matters, those Field Managers who do not comply with the limits are literary shown the boot by higher-ups, and the politically powerful lords. Field management practices for the wardens are not a free-hand endeavor, they work under shackles, some are good, while others hinder conservation initiatives.    

Conservation policies are not straight-lined policies as we the common citizen believe. The frameworks depend upon many factors that include the impact on financing bodies, vote banks, religious sensitivities, cost, linear development projects, and precedence to human rights over rights of other life forms. 

Some good work is being done on the conservation front by ruling dispensations. But! We are also responsible! Let us admit that we are selfish, and run after the moolah. And, the other life forms, the amazing biodiversity is entirely at our mercy as has been happening for centuries. Nothing Surprising.

But it is not right to blame everything on the Government we as common citizens should also aid in preserving nature in our vicinity, and help secure remaining natural spots in neighborhoods, villages, farmlands, towns, and cities with fervor. 

In most conservation imbroglios macro solutions work the best. Can we as intelligent voters provide them?   

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Uday has worked as a naturalist for a number of years at Kanha National Park in Central India. He is fond of writing on conservation issues and is a storyteller for the common man. 

Uday works as SEO for Digital Marketing and Content Writer. He also teaches digital marketing in Jabalpur. He is closely connected to nature as a naturalist.    

He can be contacted at:

Mob/Wattsapp: 09755089323

pateluday90@hotmail.com

Tigers Die and Neros Fiddle

Tiger Deaths India

With the recent spate of tiger deaths, many questions arise.

• Are we becoming complacent in a conservation-focused on the big cat? 
• Does the administrative structure need a rethink? 
• Are some of the higher echelons too obsessed with tourism in the parks? 
• Have we given up? 
• Have we stopped seeking new solutions to save the species? 
• Do we realize that the big cat is slipping away? 

Focus on Tiger Tourism

With obsessive involvement in tourism, is it taking the topmost slot, well it appears to be...the big cat is slowly slipping away from the grasp. Do not look at the recent increase, the survival of each tiger is crucial and the only death acceptable is the one that is natural. 

Regulated tourism is a healthy practice, and creates equity for wildlife besides generating crucial monetary resources and jobs for locals. This is one activity that accords a mutual benefit to tigers and humans alike.  We need more such activities or recreations that are beneficial without a negative impact on the ecosystem. Hence besides a broad framework, the daily excursions should be under the purview of the FD, but the influence of external bodies is obvious in tourism in parks. The local bodies have little laxity in making on-field changes. Why all this? This will leave greater time for planning conservation initiatives for those at the helm. 

Buffer Zone Rethink

We have to rethink what can be allowed in the buffer or outer ring which is a crucial sink for tigers and is as important as the core. I stress again and again that the outer ring should be accorded equal status on par with the core as far as conservation initiatives are concerned. This is the last safe ground for the dominant tiger who has lost ground in the core. The buffer zone is a greater sanctuary for animals who cannot compete in critical tiger habitats. 

A large number of man-animal conflicts, poaching, wood logging, livestock intrusion, and illegal land grab are taking place here. Wildlife managers have taken a proactive step by creating buffer tourism. More has to be done including relocation which may sound brazen, but maintaining the population balance of humans and livestock will keep biotic stress in check. Organized livestock rearing along with feed is the answer and the locals will benefit tremendously. Paradoxically with such large herds, not enough milk is produced and resorts depend upon powdered milk.    

The buffer zone hitherto neglected is extremely crucial for sink populations as well as the conservation of all species - flora and fauna. It also provides added land diversity in terrestrial terms due to long-term land use near human settlements.  But of late it is overflowing! 

More Than Buffer

Besides the buffer, alienated patches of nearby forests with good crown cover could be used as a sink but a mini corridor has to be created devoid of excessive human movement. This is already happening in a few of our reserves even though no viable corridor is in existence but then more could be done to create larger space for the big cats and thus sustain greater numbers.      

Tiger Deaths a Contemporary Issue 

We have to focus on this issue as a large number of tiger deaths have been unnatural and continue to date. This calls for a micro audit of the whole management chain which includes decision-making bodies, planners, and executioners. 

As a matter of fact, some experts speak, literarily media and commercial news mongers all are functioning as mere reporting machinery and nothing else. They are not to be blamed since most of them are not involved in the conservation initiatives, and most do not have much idea of socio-economic issues and hordes of related issues that tiger conservation faces. One should note these factors are not akin to those in more urbanized circumstances and need more grassroots-level initiatives. 

This spate of tiger deaths accrues from the fact that we have sought solutions solely from a central quasi Government body that seems to be self-opinionated, and its obsession with tourism is quite apparent. This is my personal opinion, and this obsession is distracting from the main objective. There is already a simmering issue in the administrative quarters regarding sidelining of experts who have continuously worked on tiger conservation and have gained much-needed experience in handling conservation-related problems. (Book "Wardens in Shackles" by H.S. Pabla.) 

If you work as a field naturalist you are sure to notice this aspect of crucial tiger management in India. It is human to err but rectification should be timely.     

The need to save the tiger is not a biological quest at the moment, since no critical health issues are affecting the predator anywhere in India. The need is for macro solutions which take into account the contemporary issues related to the big cat and conservation in general. How we approach human-related issues that are existential threats since humanity tightly engulfs our reserves overwhelming is crucial for species to survive. The big cats cannot breathe or set out of confines without encountering human footsteps, settlements, and livestock, these are nigh friendly nor conducive to their existence. Thus the species is facing a severely constricted environment limited to a small core zone or a critical tiger habitat as experts term it.  Tigers' need for space is insatiable but we should have a goal in the plan as an objective and provide all available space. 

As tigers continue to die this calls for introspection. The first finger points to check the efficacy, especially of organizations at the helm and right down the line till the last crucial link the foot sentinel.   

A National Level consensus is required not of politicians but between those well experienced in tiger conservation. This should lead to rethinking the existing framework and policies being pursued before presenting the plan for execution on the table of the ruling dispensation for acceptance. This after all is democracy.  

More on Dying Tigers

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Uday works as a freelance naturalist and loves to write on related issues. He also provides SEO and content writing services. He runs classes on digital marketing in summers in his home town Jabalpur.  

He can be contacted :

pateluday90@hotmailcom

9755089323  

Tiger Conservation: Forest Fires

 Simlipal Forest Fires 

And no Nero did not fiddle! 

In the case of tiger conservation, there could be no romantic opprobrium associated. There was sufficient action to quell the fire by the State forest machinery. The raging fires consumed a large portion of wilderness crucial for the survival of diversity in the State of Odisha in India. 

Whenever calamity strikes whether it is the wrath of nature or man-made, it is the flora and fauna that suffer the most. This applies to our tiger reserves as well, and it takes a toll on the big cats besides other critically endangered species.  Road/rail accidents, electrocution, traps, man-made fires, encroachments, poaching, habitat destruction, spatial development needs all are the new normal post hunting ban and the damage is tangible stress on ecosystems and the wilderness within.    

The ignition could have been due to a natural event or man-made...the latter cause is not a big surprise. The big cats are in a perpetual state of conflict with humanity - not their making - around our tiger reserves where most of the associated species thrive. In fact, these are the last refuge of the big cats created in order to provide a home to them wherein all other animals and the ecosystem as a whole benefited.  The tiger reserves are scalable testing models which have managed to stem the rot and the recent increase in dwindling tiger population is vindictive. The concept is a success and the inviolate core is beyond any scope of human interventions except to save the species. But these are at present limited to as islands of hope without scalability being planned at all.      

The cause of forest fire at Simplipal is attributed to a climatic disorder where excessive dry weather prevailed throughout last year and in February this year causing the forest to ignite. The forest could have been subjected to sabotage at this vulnerable period.

Global warming has already started to take a heavy toll on life including that of us. Subtle changes are more likely to go unnoticed as that caused by global warming more so when the life form in news is the tiger or another endangered species on brink of extinction. Natural disturbances are promptly noticed whence the sufferers are humans. We live in a human-dominated World...in a place called Earth where all life forms have the right to live with dignity.     

Though notified as National Animal of India, and valued as indicator species the pride exists only on papers or within the tired souls of few committed politicians, conservationists, and our wildlife managers desperately trying to accord a new lease of life to the predator. This does not mean that the tiger is not on the list of priorities on the National Scale but the implementation of conservation initiatives depends upon multiple layers of functionaries and concerned administrations. In the present state swift implementation of schemes and initiatives is crucial to bring forth tangible success.      

The devastating fires are also an indicator of the gruesome new normal that the tiger faces in this fast-developing economy. It is relegated down the ladder of importance in the National Scheme of things especially whence infrastructure development and urbanization is concerned. And the very people who justify this relegation equivocally or unequivocally are the biggest thorn in the conservation of species. This state of ambiguity is creating a perplexing order as far as the state of National priorities are concerned and often some actions suggest that the big cats are way down the ladder.  

While India creates schemes and programs to save the tiger and conservationists and wildlife managers strive hard to achieve the objectives there are truckloads of detractors in this country.

The delay or disparage in implementing conservative initiatives is because of lack of conviction or rather an absolute disregard for wilderness in India. The detractors fail to connect the existence of things crucial for our survival as an existential reality. It could be due to pure ignorance or due to overpowering greed where economic turnaround that results in local wealth creation is at the center of things and nothing else. For them, wildlife conservation and preservation is a romantic intent without any logic and purely habitual elite proclivity. 

In this fray are not only the crooked vile political powerhouses, the detractors comprise some NGOs, self-centered businesses, few industry giants, disenchanted forest staff, wood loggers, and of course the local goons and many with ill intent. These form the invisible nexus...the immediate or peripheral layer which is a hindrance to conservation initiatives in our tiger reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and National Parks. They manifest themselves in many ways especially by being complicit in wildlife crimes, illegal land grabs, and mafia behind the exploitation of natural resources. Some incite the locals against the scheme of things and make them inadvertent protesters without reasoning.  Their activities are detrimental to conservation especially in the case of tiger reserves.         

Although the ruling dispensations have been implementing laws and schemes for the conservation of our National Heritage, the implementation at State and ground level can be wanting. The conflicts we witness can be due to the disparaging attitude of detractors. Among so many factors that come into play, this breed of people is the thorns that manage to impact conservation efforts negatively. They are the silent killers who slowly and surely are acting against the concept of wildlife conservation in India.        

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Uday Works as Freelance Naturalist and Blogs on conservation, tigers, environmental issues.

He also provides SEO and Website Contents in English. He teaches Digital Marketing in Jabalpur in Summers.

He can be contacted at:

Mail: pateluday90@hotmail.com
 Mob: 09755089323

Conservation : Lets Begin Counting Environmental Assets

Nature Conservation & Infrastructure Development  

This was an area of least concern even during Asoka's reign. He set rules and deep compassion was expressed in order to prevent mis-utilization of our environmental assets may be on ideological grounds but nevertheless. 

Nature worship or the veneration of living and nonliving entities in this country was not because of misplaced logic  - Nature is God's creation. Even Vedas preached nature conservation albeit much on rational grounds, though many fail to recognize these journals based on scientific logic with social and ideological inclinations. These are a gift from our ancestors who explored the correct pathways for our existence on Earth.  

The Vedas set conservation ethos rolling in this country and so did the practice of Hinduism a nature centrist ecosystem of beliefs that is the heart and soul of the believers. The conservation ethos set during earlier times reflects on our character subtly but is most needed now after the devastating ravage that happened in the last few centuries more so in recent times.        

Contingency prevails like never before in India, with the emergence of new socioeconomic order that is hell-bent on relentless infrastructure development a phenomenon that strips natural lands (remaining) till they are barren nonliving entities with scarred faces. Unproductive elements spew venom and are life-threatening. The lost equilibrium could take decades to rejuvenate if so desired. 

For us, the definition of an environmental asset is limited to major chunks of forests in the shape of National Parks, tiger reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. Paradoxically though created on the right grounds they tend to limit our vision as well. But we must get rid of myopia and consider wastelands, scrub and thorn forests, deserts, wetlands, niche ecosystems, and grasslands all as productive. These too comprise of living and nonliving entities and are extremely valuable assets. The size or span is inconsequential, but we must consider them as valuable units and thus tend to preserve them. Yes, even the wild floral patch and a pool in your confines. 

But staying aloof does not exonerate the common man since we should act as pressure groups or prevent damage to such entities in our confines. Conservation onus should not be seen as that of dispensations alone...we are equally responsible. Urbanization is the greatest threat, and we do not peek into the damage an irresponsible approach does to the land. We are part of these projects directly or indirectly and we can ameliorate them. Voicing your opinion in any form except violence is an imperative that every citizen should follow. Though the legislation is passed in the assemblies we must set the corrective pathways in motion in order to influence proper decisions. In a democracy casting votes is not enough right to speak up and criticize without resorting to sedition is within our legal framework.       

For ruling dispensations that come and go infrastructure development is the key to remaining in power in the guise of easing life, and alleviating poverty thus offering a better standard of living howsoever artificial. Our greatest environmental assets are not limited to protected areas and biosphere reserves they are everywhere big and small. But we fail to recognize them as an entity, and thus weaken pressure to be imposed in order to prevent damage before the axe strikes.   

In this new order much influenced by the Western growth paradigm, we fail to recognize the irreversible instance of loss of nature that has evolved since life became feasible on Earth. We are mired in an irreversible development process that has taken an evolutionary impetus at the behest of man.    

This criticism is difficult to withhold since infrastructure development albeit inimical to nature in most cases is a must for civilizations aiming to achieve economic prosperity and modern living of comfort and haste. 

The world cannot come to a stop and we cannot continue to live in a stone age. But with human evolution, we continue to change for the better, especially in the growth of our mental faculties. Unfortunately, the latter has not helped us much in moving forward without damage to the precious resources and ecosystems on Earth. On the contrary, we are shooting past every yardstick in expressive haste without looking back to notice the spoils left behind. The continuing extinctions on Earth is vindictive. 

Only phenomenon like global warming has put some of us on alert but then who cares besides laying down principals that aim at stopping further disaster. It may have set the ball rolling but do we have to wait for an anomaly to strike before we set systems in motion to prevent further deterioration. This would mean it is too late. This also means catastrophe in making and that Armageddon is real. Our style of functioning has made the threat of major conflicts a reality and we have stored enough nuclear arsenal to blow us all to smithereens. Pandemics are threats that are in existence because of our follies. 

              

Perhaps we could begin with rationalizing infrastructural development and see obstacles not as imperatives to be removed or stripped but more so as inviolate. We have already implemented this in practice with the initiation of tiger conservation and the setting up of protected areas in the country. We are far ahead of civilizations that are devoid of conservation literature or ideological leaning on the preservation of life and the environment as a whole. 

A Nation that zealously venerates cows not only on grounds of compassion but also for their economic rewards past and present should apply the same logic to all environmental assets and label them as inviolate. Maneuvering will certainly become the tough and quick answers to our development goals may be thwarted but then we will move the right way.  The aim should be to avoid damage to the assets and find ways of forward movement the right way. If we do not future generations are sure to pay the price for our folly. To some especially in the ruling fraternity, this protectionism may sound illogical but if we do take the difficult road to development we will be building structures, not at the cost of our fragile ecosystems, and setting an example for the World to follow.     

Uday Works as Freelance Naturalist and Blogs on conservation, tigers, and environmental issues.

He also provides SEO and Website Content in English.

He can be contacted at:

Mail: pateluday90@hotmail.com
 Mob: 09755089323

                    

Tiger Conservation: Tourism or Not To?

For more than three decades I have been witness to tourism at the tiger reserves in India...well at some of them. I have seen rules and regulations step into the game rides as time went past. This was for good since regulated tourism meant less disturbance to the wild denizens. This also meant the end of free for all joy rides for the miscreants...those who come just to drink and eat in the luxurious resorts. But thankfully this lot is on the go and more nature-friendly tourists are visiting our National Parks and sanctuaries. 

Most of my experience has been at Kanha which has been one of the best-managed parks in India and is so to this date. I have also worked at Bandhavgarh, Pench, and Corbett tiger reserves as well.

Kanha National Park is the best model to study the impact of tourism on sensitive wildlife, the management inputs, human interventions, and research that has been carried out since its declaration as a sanctuary. 

Contrary to popular belief especially among the extreme right, amidst the management and policymakers, regulated tourism has not been destructive at all. It has helped create public awareness among the general masses, brought focus on endangered tigers, other animals...and of course the issues concerning wildlife conservation and the environment in India. It generates crucial revenue for all participants.    

    

From unhindered to limited vehicular entries as per the capacity by area - this has been a thankful change. The safaris have become more productive and undisturbed and a joyful holistic environment prevails. This has also prevented a conundrum of jeeps gathering around the tiger or other big games.  

Banning of elephant safaris has also come around good since more efforts are made to track the tiger now using skills than disturbing both the elephant and the big cat in a crowded jamboree. The grudge of the mahouts is understandable but they have a greater role to play in patrolling and protection.

Since tourism has a supporting economical angle and is justified hence its significance should never be a matter of doubt...there are many views regarding how it should be conducted. The Government has set up NTCA a conservation authority whose writ runs large as far as excursions in tiger reserves go. The Supreme Court has also stepped in to monitor activities related to tourism in these parks. Hence to bring around any changes regarding the limits and policy is nigh impossible for the Local Governments and the park authorities albeit some aspects are within the purview of the latter. Any leeway given or a way created by the Governments interested in greater revenue generation are thwarted by the higher echelons in the administration as well as by the bodies mentioned in this article.  

Tourism involves economic aspects of a plethora of investors and the local communities are stakeholders too. The curtailing of activities in the park has a direct impact on their incomes. This also has an indirect effect on the revenue generation of the State as well since tourism revenue plays a major role in the economy. 

Many activists and some in the management advocate a total ban on tiger safaris. Some advocate stringent measures to curtail tourism as much as possible and even do away with the protected area concept. This is disastrous, for all aspects of the Nation are dependent on revenue generation be it tourism, manufacturing, or trading.

In absence of PAs, it is not at all difficult to surmise what will happen, the ecosystems will be completely ravaged and become a battleground of interests encouraged by greedy businesses and political entities.  We have already denuded large chunks of forests and other ecosystems, and the biotic pressures, greed, and interference are ever-threatening. Hence more and more remaining ecosystems should be brought around the banner of PAs.  Else we will lose everything. There is no need for human-aligned activists and those with an extreme approach to cause impediments since our wildlife managers are apt and understand all aspects well.

Tigers and many animals sensitive to human presence and activities need inviolate areas this should never be forgotten. Human ways even in remote are affected by greed and their activities like intrusions, farming, livestock rearing, and hunting are not conducive to ecosystems. Anyway, fast-spreading urbanization is now ubiquitous. This idea of human-wildlife coexistence is barely plausible that too in forced circumstances where the poor wild denizens have no choice. Take the case of the buffer in a tiger reserve and you will see how humans are expanding their presence and how the wild animals are living in beleaguered circumstances not forgetting the ever-increasing biotic pressures and commerce. This is not called survival and in the present circumstance, this belief is at best chimerical. Other life forms are certainly surviving under a hostile environment everywhere. We have conditioned ourselves to live in a man-made toxic environment other life forms have not that is why a large-scale species extinction is taking place on our beloved Earth.                  

In case of tourism ban, the survival of the entity would be at stake. This idea of banning tiger excursions is at best romantic and disastrous...at the same time in absence of alternate income for the locals who would turn into poachers...at least many would.  Another nightmare would be absence of public pressure and roving eyes that aid in saving our wild species for the subject would move out of the public sphere.

However naturalists, wildlife enthusiasts, some environmentalist and thinkers feel public participation is essential in all sphere of National Activities.  Therefore in an area out of bound for the public at least reporters and wildlife enthusiasts should be allowed. This is imperative because advocates of  safaris should understand that a large area cannot be allowed for tourist excursions due to security issues and infrastructure management therefore only few should be allowed to visit non tourist areas. 

Hence regulated tourism is the best option, both for revenue generation and the preservation of the heritage. Without this activity, the equity would be zeroed, and conservation efforts and the participation of people would come to an end. This would be disastrous for saving the endangered species and the ecosystems as well...which are equally threatened. Those who negate the value of public participation in a suitable manner are not being honest with their task and wish to work in isolation.       

A sea change has been brought about by tourism in the reserves and State economy...and its overall impact on National income. Hence a balance should prevail without hampering conservation and thus tourism should be optimized for better revenue generation.

The hotel industry has been the most impacted by the induction of new rules but this is an open economy and no protection can be accorded to the industry. They have to reduce their capacity. It is conservation first in these units and takes what you get. Hence many resorts are on the verge of closure or running on ever-decreasing revenue. This would also mean the loss of local jobs and the empowerment of communities. The carrying capacity of this sector may be limited but there are many alternate venues for income generation. Training locals in hospitality is possible with the help of resorts nearby.         

Although on the right track a paradigm shift has to take place as per our approach to regulations and rules that impact revenue generation. Finding a middle ground with an open mind would be fruitful.
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Uday is a naturalist and freelancer at Kanha National Park. He writes on wildlife and conservation.

Contact: pateluday90@hotmail.com
Mo: 9755089323 

Tiger Conservation : Space Constraint

Tiger - Uday Patel

Recently whence it was opinionated in a conservation meeting that the tiger population in India would be contained within a limit this was no fanciful or extreme critical conjecture. The speaker Dr. Rajesh Gopal is an eminent tiger conservationist and erstwhile field director of Kanha and Bandhavgarh tiger reserves. He now heads as Director of Project Tiger under NTCA.  While a lot many aspects of tiger conservation are in the know, little attention is paid to the spacing mechanism of this critically endangered species.   

Complacency has crept in with the creation of protected areas and we are subject to myopia that all will be well now. Though the creation of protected areas known as the tiger reserves has proven a boon for the conservation of this species and the biodiversity as a whole, it has also placed us in complacency and restricted our vision beyond the core of these realms.

The upcoming census figures yet to be released may provide us with an elated announcement but the axe on species is nowhere off. Due to better census methodologies and logistics and of course, stringent conservation practices in the core of many tigers reserves the population is estimated to go up and perhaps touch a figure of three thousand adults. In 1910 the figure stood at a dismal 1400 plus and in the year 1914, it was above two thousand two hundred. But in spite of this success, many questions remain unanswered.  

It is difficult to state whence and at what level population the tiger would come out of being endangered since the survival factors are far more complex than we realize, and the big cat population will always be subjected to the attitude of contemporary Governments, and their policies vis a vis environment and conservation. 

The crux of the statement was that tiger population growth in India would be constrained severely due to limited space. The availability of space is a crucial factor in the spread of the species with an individual need of several square kilometers. The space constraint also limits the transmigration of the species as it is wont to do by nature. The space factor is also bound consequently with the availability of a healthy prey base.   

In short, the space constraint would prove a severe impediment to tiger conservation in India. This is ironic since we have plenty of forests out of the purview of the tiger reserve where the animal can move in but they are in a dismal state.

The reserve forests as they are classified lack an adequate prey base as well as good forest cover. They do not comprise an ecosystem in a perfect state of preservation and are subject to misuse. They are subject to wood logging, cattle grazing to the extreme, and poaching. Well in many places wildlife has already been hunted down by people. The overflow of wild animals from the protected area does not receive much protection since some locals are wont to hunt. This has been seen even in the buffer regions of the tiger reserves where wild animals are subjected to electrocution, snaring, and hunting. The biotic pressures are not welcoming by any means either.    

In this dispensation or rather a consequent one little attention was and is paid to the endangered species whence the development imperative arises. Strips of forests, a wide range of habitats, and crucial water bodies are subject to pressure without a second thought. Hence from where and how will the accrual of space take place? 

Until more forests are subject to intense regeneration and protection the very idea of a large population of big cats surviving in the country seems chimerical. The tiger requires a specialized habitat with a perfect ecosystem in place.

Thankfully such spaces already present have been and are being brought under protection in this country and that is the saving grace. But the buck should not stop here. A more proactive and concerned approach is required to fetch the National animal out of the quandary it presently is in. This should start right from the doorsteps of the ruling dispensation along with the involvement of the administration and the bureaucracy and yes the civil society meaning us.     

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Uday Works as a Naturalist at Kanha National Park.

Contact: pateluday90@hotmail.com

Tiger Conservation: It is Development That Counts

Environmental Overview

India is on the threshold of becoming an economically developed Nation on Earth. One among the few who rule the Earth. The sordid saga of a reckless developmental spree of those already at the helm is narrated without mentioning the large-scale damage done to the local environment and the plundering of crucial natural resources embedded in Mother Earth.

Development in terms of economy and infrastructure is the yardstick that denotes the success of ruling dispensations in India and elsewhere. In the country, the narrative is on the upswing with most of the discussion centered around growth and development.

Do we state the growth indices without keeping an eye on the amount of destruction we are causing? A highly developed India could burden the coming generations to clear the environmental debt that we leave in the wake. Should not we be concerned? 

Development is imperative but not without paying heed to environmental concerns some of which may appear trivial but could have a major negative impact in time to come.

In India, the worry lies in the large-scale destruction of our remaining natural lands and ill-conceived usage of our natural resources.

India is a signatory to the Convention of Biological Diversity a multilateral treaty for the preservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of resources, and sharing of genetic resources in a fair and equitable manner.

Another landmark that was legislated in the year nineteen seventy-two was the Wildlife Protection Act. The creation of protected areas was within the purview of this Act...and so home and protection were accorded to all life forms in the country. The 1988 Forest Policy lays a strong focus on conservation while other acts for Environment Protection were passed in the year 1986 and subsequently the Foreign Act 1992 for regulating International trade in biodiversity elements.   

The country has a number of regulatory bodies that govern actions that oversee future implications of ongoing or planned processes.  The Hon. Supreme Court of India plays an active role in environmental issues by presenting its own interpretation and hence through its directives it influences policies that contain environmental concerns. The aim of the highest courts through intervention in governance area is to redress the failures of the Government and other regulatory bodies in discharging their Constitutional and statutory obligations. There are proponents and critics as regards Hon. Supreme Court's interjection in these matters but albeit this is an entirely different matter the court's interjection is seen in a positive light by many.   

It should be noted that a large number of PILs regarding myriads of environmental issues have been filed by NGOs and individuals thus exhibiting faith in the judiciary as a whole

The Government Ministry MOEF

Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change is panned India mother of all institutions that are concerned with the environment, forests, and climate change. It is the prime body that issues statutory orders in case of environmental clearances hence is the most important element that could impact the environment and associated wilderness in multiple ways. 

It is responsible for providing clearances and impact assessment, as well it governs the National Parks of India. It oversees forest policies and programs implemented in the country. It is also a nodal agency for many International conventions and programs affecting India.  The Ministry has multifarious roles but the crux of bringing this into the picture is that it can bar or give a go-ahead to the controversial exploitation of resources through mining, exploitation, and development of remaining natural lands and related issues.

In short MOEF a ministerial body is the face of the ruling dispensation, obviously, through MOEF it can accord direction to actions concerning our environment conservation strategy.

Our Concerns & The Tiger & Human Centric Policies 

The concern that dominates the conservation circles is a quick appraisal of permission granted for mining, land acquisition for developmental projects, dissecting habitats like forests for roads, and other related projects.

This is the crux of conservation practices in India wherein policies that disregard environmental concerns can be hastened through to promote perceived developmental and infrastructure benefits. In many instances whence development projects are seen as imperative clearances are granted without a second thought. Concerns for habitats and the consecutive impact on prevailing ecosystems take a back seat.     

It required that governance should be very cautious towards activities that degrade crucial habitats and eventually are environmental hazards. These habitats support ecosystems or the complex web of life of the critically endangered species Bengal tiger as well as other life forms struggling to survive in the country. This also means the imperatives are looked into from the perspective of the highest offices in India. For developmental projects alternatives present should come into the picture.

Shortage of space for endangered species like tigers is obvious and land use patterns should be looked into. A large chunk of forest, grassland, and river habitats have been lost to reckless ventures into agriculture in earlier times. More productive agrarian practices should be developed and encouraged which utilize fewer expanses of land. This also applies to industrial practices and rapidly expanding settlements, especially in our urban areas.   

It is quite a matter of concern that an increase in the tiger population would also require an increase in inviolate protected areas if we have to preserve the animal that is a matter of our National Pride. This calls for equitable and fair translocation policies. Since certain areas will be required to clear human habitations in order to reduce man-animal conflict (elephant migration) and accord home to locally endangered species. (Similarly, the Lion should be trans-located to suitable habitats which have been developed in recent times.)

Tiger: Pic Uday Patel 

The Great Mahatma 

When Mahatma Gandhi conceived of Ram Rajya he was not being rightist or denying secular credentials as many construed.  With an emphasis on nonviolence and the cottage industry he certainly had an approach toward development that would be been highly concerned about environmental issues. That would have meant a paradigm shift from the Western Style of development we are recklessly emulating.

Perhaps he could have found answers to our woes? He was down to Earth, simple, and would not have been influenced by the vote banks of India. 

Saving The Tiger - Amitabh Bachaan

It is heartening to know that one of our star celebrities with massive following has joined hands to save the tiger. His involvement is an encouraging factor and with his persuasive power many an uninterested people will join in the foray. I was listening to the debate on TV and realized that his voice was more rationalistic than that of some of the erudite conservationists and conservationist speakers not necessarily present on the show.

In many years of my association with wilderness, I have realized that NGO's and activists too resort to populist measures. This may raise eyebrows, but I am perplexed myself as to why tourism is in focus all the time. Let me explain, I am visiting Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Parks since just whence tourism started.

In spite of rapid development of tourism in the boundaries and the tiger safaris in the park, the conservation methods have been immensely effective. The tiger population has grown and prey base has increased. The crown cover and the niche habitats have recovered as well. The massive awareness of our heritage wealth has been brought about by tourists visiting these reserves. Filmmakers and photographers have brought about International awareness about the wildlife and conservation hurdles in  India.

As far as controlling tourism goes, the authorities in tiger reserves of Central India have taken an appreciable measures. Tourism at Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench is being regulated effectively by the park authorities and the staff. Further study will certainly introduce more measure to reduce harmful effects if any. Employment to locals should be in priority basis. 

So how far does tourism pinch the conservation efforts?

There are issues as were being discussed on TV. One I heard very clearly was the large number of wildlife resorts on the periphery which are not viable. They have certainly blocked the movements of animals at places and have begun to host events that are not at all suitable near these forests meant for other life forms.

But these issues are not contributing to the decline of the tiger in India. The immediate concern is prevention of poaching. This threat is well realized since the incidents at Panna and Sariska. Tadobe Tiger Reserve has been in news lately of tiger poaching. This means an effective apparatus equipped with protection trained forces and an intelligence network that is proactive in nature. Most important is the will to act. Since years villages in the core areas have not been trans-located due to lack of funds, political interference and what not. Well Yes! Resorts and establishments obstructing the corridors should be included in this exercise.   

There is no mechanism which screens people concerned with conservation work before inducting them in this onerous task.  I have come across many an indolent lot without dedication and commitment. For such people park duty is more of a punishment posting. A hard working and committed staff at conservation units is a prerequisite for saving the tiger.

The regular reserved forests are being denuded almost all over the country. These where tiger habitats before hunting and land takeover began. Some of these forests are totally devoid of wildlife and subject to uncontrolled resource utilization. Many of these can be reconverted into habitats for animals like the tiger and the leopard.    

Disease prevalence becomes a big threat whence human incursion in wilderness increases. There have been cases of foot and mouth disease and rinderpest in such areas due to livestock. Man animal conflicts are taking serious toll of wildlife everywhere in the country.

With large number of people (who matter) participating in conservation efforts, things would work out better. There will be some succor for the beleaguered life forms neglected and persecuted by the dominant species - Man.