The forest department will soon unveil a 10-year plan for the conservation of the remaining tigers in Periyar Tiger Reserve in the state.
Sources said, an effective plan was being finalised aimed at ensuring the safety of the endangered cats and the rapidization of their breeding.
“The tigers will soon get back the space they lost due to human activity. Of the 950 square kilometer tiger reserve, we’ve observed human activity in an area of about 150 square kilometers. As a result, the tiger population didn’t witness any dramatic increase,” sources said.
Interestingly, Periyar Tiger Reserve has population of 45 tigers according to the census done last year based on camera-trap technology. Implementation of Sabarimala Master Plan which runs through the reserve and expected regulation of crowds thronging the hill shrine are also expected to benefit the tigers.
The 10-year plan which will take a holistic view of tourism activities will also ban entry to private vehicles into the reserve. Officials have observed that increasing vehicular traffic inside the reserve was damaging the eco-system.
“Without a doubt increasing human activity is endangering wildlife. Tourists are also equally in danger when they stray into the reserve in the absence of proper guides and precautions,” sources said.
According to the 10-year plan, the forest department will ply its own vehicles to ensure a guided tour into the reserve areas.
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/tigers-set-get-back-lost-space-555
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