Eminent conservationist and wildlife filmmaker Mike Pandey has now come out with a blueprint to help the endangered tiger. After meticulously studying the decline of the big cats in States where they are found, this tiger expert has come to the conclusion that the Union Government needs to replicate the successful Ranthambore National Park model in other sanctuaries of the country.

Mr. Pandey will soon be writing to the newly sworn-in Union Environment and Forests Minister Veerappa Moily to initiate the Ranthambore Sanctuary formula to other recognised sanctuaries which have authorised presence of tiger. Under the formula, livelihood opportunities are provided to those living around the tiger-infested forest cover.

“My letter to the new Minister will also have a set of other proposals. We need to realise that poachers usually do not come from outside but are insiders, who are familiar with the entire sanctuaries. In fact, they know the sanctuaries at the back of their hands. Therefore, the need of the hour is to provide livelihood to those living around the sanctuaries. Involvement of the local communities is the key to save the declining population of tiger. Their children need to be trained to become tourist guides. We can also enhance income of local villagers by giving them plots to grow vegetables and supply them to nearby resorts.”

Shedding light into the work initiated to resuscitate the tiger population in the Ranthambore Sanctuary, Mr. Pandey said the Mogia tribe, earlier notorious for poaching, have been transformed into tourist guides. “By involving the local community, we managed to increase the tiger population. In fact, the Mogia tribal community is now lending a helping hand in conservation by becoming guides. Their children are studying in a school set up near the Sanctuary. We need to introduce this project in other areas of the country.”

To continue his mission to emphasise the need to save the majestic animal , Mr. Pandey is making a documentary The Return of the Tiger .