Death of tigress sparks wave of concern

The Hindu , Monday, June 26, 2006
Correspondent : Staff Correspondent
Tigers, leopards, spotted deer and elephants are being poached

CHAMARAJANAGAR: The death of a six-year-old tigress, which was pregnant with six cubs, in Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Wildlife Sanctuary on Saturday has sparked concern among conservationists and animal lovers.

The sanctuary comprises different forest types, including thorny scrub jungle at the foothills and evergreen forest at the top. Spread over 583 sq.km. The thick jungles are home to tigers, leopards, and other carnivores.

The area has a high ratio of predator and prey species.

Much of the southern boundary of the sanctuary is adjoining Tamil Nadu. The results of the faecal samples of tigers collected during an elephant census have confirmed that the tiger population in the sanctuary is nearly 35. Nearly 7,000 tribals derive their livelihood from the protected area. The sanctuary is also a favoured tourist destination. There is also the State-owned Jungle lodges and Resorts at K. Gudi in the sanctuary.

With the increase in demand for animal skin, poachers have turned their attention to tigers, leopards, spotted deer and elephants. The seizure of tiger and leopard hide in Hanur and Kollegal in the past two years have confirmed poaching activities in the sanctuary.

The office of the Deputy Conservator of Forest, Chamarajanagar Wildlife Division, has submitted a report to the Union Government, seeking a ban on quarrying within a radius of 25 sq.km. of the sanctuary border.

The Forest Department has listed nearly 142 villages, where quarrying activity has been restricted. Since there is not much vehicular movement in the santcuary, except on the road to Biligiri Rangana temple and the resort, tiger conservation can be taken up. But measures have to be initiated with an emphasis on protection and increase of the tiger population.

 
SOURCE : The Hindu, Monday, June 26, 2006
 


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