Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Kanha's spate of tigers killings in territorial fights continues
After another death of a tigeress whose half eaten body was found by park rangers, the reserve has become prime example of how shrinking space is leading the big cats into killing each other frequently. Although such killings in the wild are not uncommon but this is one in a series of such incidents reported in the park this year. Earlier in September a tigress was similarly found dead, mauled possibly by a rival in a territorial fight. With forests disappearing rapidly and tigers being solitary animals the little space they are being made to share with each is turning them on other. More than 8 tigers have been reported dead in Kanha this year alone some due to above mentioned incidents. With large forests areas and tiger reporting a drop in tiger populations it might not be a bad idea for the govt to secure them and think of relocating tigers from parks such as Kanha.
Unpaid workers of Dudhwa expose govt apathy
After news yesterday about numerous new births in Dudhwa tiger reserve, TOI reports that workers in the park have not been paid their salaries for months by the UP govt. Apparently the centre had cleared the money in time but state govt officials have been sitting on the funds possibly passing files to each other before clearing the funds.
Dudhwa has been news in the last few months for floods in the region, renewed man animal conflict with the winter season approaching and the hope raised by sighting of new born tiger cubs in the sanctuary. Given that the UP govt had signed a tripartite agreement with the centre and NTCA making ground level officials more accountable it is surprising that laxity in administration still continues. In the meanwhile environmentalists are expressing concern about unpaid workers becoming easy guides for poachers who manage to lure them in the such an environment.
Workers in UP's Dudhwa Tiger Reserve wait for their dues
After floods Dudhwa rangers see hope in new tiger births
According to forest rangers quoted in a report in TOI, Dudhwa tiger reserve might see a surprising increase in tiger count after 17 tiger cubs less than a year old have been spotted recently. This in addition to another 10 odd cubs who are less than two years old. Though these numbers come from unconfirmed sources if true will go along way in allaying apprehensions about Dudhwa's falling fortunes. After repeated cases of man animal conflict that were reported from the area in the last couple of years, the reserve was inundated few months back after heavy rains made the rivers in the area overflow. Now with the tiger population showing signs of healthy increase the state govt and NTCA should ensure their safety.
Tiger cubs usher hope for Dudhwa reserve |
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