Skewed sex ratio, overcrowding may mar ranthambore

JAIPUR: Overcrowding and a skewed sex ratio at the Ranthambore tiger reserve could leave a telling effect on the future of the sanctuary. According to experts, the anomalies could even leave a mark on the number of tigers at the park in the days to come.

In fact, experts are linking these two factors directly to the drop in the number of litters that the park has been seeing for the past two years. As compared to figures, five tiger cubs that were born in 2008 and 12 that were born between 2006 and 2007. However, in the past two years, either the park has drawn a blank or had to satisfy itself with two new borns a couple of months back.

"Ideally, the male-female ratio should be 1:3. But Ranthambore has a skewed sex ratio and the male to female number may not even be 1:1. As a result, mating and conception has been badly affected. The stronger male tigers might be getting a companion but then due to the smaller sex ratio and overcrowding, competition and fights might have marred Sariska prospects, '' experts say.

Experts also feel that of late, Ranthambore has been exposed to a lot of tourists and that may have "poached" on the tiger privacy. "A study on cheetahs carried out in Africa revealed that cat population growth graph took a nosedive in areas where tourists flocked. The case may be the same for Ranthambore," said Rajpal Singh, member state wildlife board.

Singh felt that even the road that connects Madhopur in Rajasthan to Sheopur in Madhya Pradesh and divided the Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary and the Ranthambore park sees a lot of traffic throughout the year. "Ideally, all routes in a park should not be opened for tourism," he felt.

In fact, forest department officials do not rule out the fact that may have been killed and eaten also. "The litters come out in the open only after four months. Till then, they remain with their mother and are also in a vulnerable position as they may be easily killed by male tigers," officials felt.

However, RS Shekhawat, DFO, Ranthambore, provided the much-needed silver lining. He said, "It is true that there have been less litters currently as compared to the past years. But there are several reasons for this. But on the positive side, two cubs were born this year and in January we might just see more," he added.