BHOPAL: Three tigers perished within Madhya Pradesh last year and four such carnivores were poached in 2002 while 2003 witnessed a clean slate, a senior forest official told. In 2004, two cubs and a tiger died after attacking one another in a jungle within Seoni district. The creatures did not perish in any sanctuary, clarified Madhya Pradesh forest conservator (Wildlife) BD Sankhwar.
A tiger each was hunted in Jabalpur, Shahdol, Kanha and Panna jungles in 2002 and the poachers arrested. Over the past four years, the state's national parks witnessed the tiger count increasing by four while 66 leopards were added.
In 2002, respective figures were 709 and 1,024 and rose to 712 and 1,090 the following year. This year's wildlife census is yet to be completed, but officials believe that the count of the canines would project a rise in their population in the state.
Meanwhile the centre has been urged to provide Rs 10 Lakh for a dolphin Research scheme to be undertaken within the Chambal Ghariyal Sanctuary, a senior forest official said. More than 200 Gangetic dolphins live in the Chambal river that flows along Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. They are mainly found in Pachnada area within Morena and Bhind districts, said Madhya Pradesh forest conservator Sankhwar.
The scheme focusses on multiplication, food, Behaviour and optimum environment for the creatures. It's estimated that the sanctuary is home to more than 1,600 Ghariyal and in excess of 200 crocodiles. Providentially, there is no report of poaching. Thus far, Rs 13.80 Lakh of a budgeted amount of Rs 19.45 Lakh for 2004-5 have been spent on the Sanctuary, he added.
