NAGPUR: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII) have estimated the presence of 12 tigers in and around the Bor wildlife sanctuary, 60 km from Nagpur, but the number may be pegged at 15, with three new cubs being sighted recently.
A tigress with two-month-old three cubs - one male and two females - was first sighted in the Bor sanctuary by the field staff in March in the sanctuary's 'no-go' zone. The news was kept under wraps to ensure safety of the animals. The cubs are healthy and now four months old.
The entry of new tiger cubs shows that the 62 sq km Bor is becoming a breeding ground for tigers with cubs being born every year. In 2008, a tigress with three cubs, then one more tigress with two cubs in 2009, followed by another tigress with a cub in 2010 and three cubs in 2011.
Talking to TOI, A Ashraf, field director and conservator of forests, Pench tiger reserve, said this seems to be the first litter of the tigress. "Better protection, good prey base and availability of water are three key factors why Bor is becoming a safe haven for tigers," Ashraf stressed.
The results of the 2010 national tiger assessment, conducted nationally every four years by the NTCA and WII, says that Bor has 12 tigers in the 560 sq km area. However, experts say most of the tigers are Bor residents and move in the 10-15 km periphery of the sanctuary.
"Even if the tiger presence is shown in the 560 sq km area around Bor, it is the result of WII's extrapolation technique implemented on the basis of data collected from a high tiger density area," conservationists explained.
It is not only the tigers that have been multiplying but the herbivore population has also seen a jump. During a visit, flock of peacocks, herds of chital, nilgais, wild boars and sambars and a variety of bird species were sighted.
Although improved wildlife sightings in Bor is a good indication, the sanctuary needs enhanced protection and habitat management, especially in the forest areas surrounding it. The biggest threat that Bor faces today is from forest fires. Tendu collection in the 5 km area around the sanctuary needs to be banned completely. This season around 800 hectares of forest was destroyed in the ground fire.
Ashraf admits fires are a big threat. More funds have been sought this year for various works like habitat management, water conservation, fire line tracing, meadows etc. "Our focus will be on rejuvenating natural water sources instead of more saucer-shaped water holes," he added. Sources said Rs 45 lakh has been sought for Bor this year.
Tourist Robin Sonkar says the sanctuary needs better road connectivity to ease congestion on one single road. Guides need to be well-dressed and trained properly.
At present, roads upto 20 km are meant for tourism. There is scope to develop roads by another 20 km from Salaikala-Bhulaidoh-Karai and Gavhankhedi-Manoli-Sukli. This will help better movement of vehicles. Roads for monitoring by the field staff also need to be developed. "There is a need to develop circulating roads for better vehicle distribution," demanded Sonkar. Ashraf says the proposal to develop roads in the sanctuary and in the 'no-go' zone of Khorikhapa is under consideration.
A section of field staff stressed the need for revising the beat area as one guard handles an area of around 1,000 hectares. Ashraf informed that the proposal to revise beats is also under consideration.
The check-posts at Bor need basic equipment like chair, cots, table etc. The staff has not received uniform since 2007. The life of staff quarters, owned by the irrigation department, is crumbling and badly needs renovation. However, officials say funds are a problem.
The number of tigers going up has led to sporadic rise in attacks. In the last one month three villagers have been attacked outside the sanctuary. The area belongs to the territorial department. Compensation has not been paid.
G B Mahure, president of Bor Foundation, says that of late, villagers have been speaking against tigers owing to attacks and cattle kills. Delay in compensation will go against tigers, he cautioned.
WHY TIGERS BREED IN BOR
NO VILLAGES: No village inside the reserve. Hence, human presence minimum leading to good breeding
WATER: Good water availability is the basic requirement. Bor is surrounded by a dam. There is plenty of water. Backwaters have dense bushes and water round the year make it a good habitat
PROTECTION: Breeding of tigers is an indication that protection has increased. However, there is need to increase staff instead of reducing it due to hike in wages
PREY BASE: One more reason for good breeding is increase in prey base. There is increase in number of animals. Herds of chitals are sighted even outside the sanctuary. Besides, surrounded by farms from all sides, cattle is easily available.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Three-tiger-cubs-Bors-new-guests/articleshow/8651890.cms
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