The author is a regular contributor on matters concerning Wildlife, in keeping with his role in the Coorg Wildlife Society. The article that has been written covers a very complex matter where even the Supreme Court has recently given a judgement. There isn’t any readymade solution to this matter and it requires an apolitical resolve for all stakeholders to act responsibly.
At the time of Independence, there were 40 thousand tigers and about 40 crore Indians.
Now our human population is about 150 crore, whereas the tiger population has dwindled to less than 3 thousand. There is just no space for these apex predators. We humans as the more enlightened species, atleast that’s what we call ourselves, need to find space for them in the scheme of things.
Tigers breed and multiply well in protected areas. As highly territorial animals, young tigers require sufficient space to establish their own ranges. When they move out of protected areas in search of territory, they often come into conflict with humans. Unfortunately, the forests surrounding many tiger reserves are increasingly dominated by human activity and lack adequate, undisturbed corridors that would allow safe movement between protected areas. These corridors must remain free from disturbance and support sufficient prey populations to ensure successful dispersal and survival of young tigers.
As a final analysis, it’s humans who need to protect the tiger and not the other way around.
Humans need to learn to live with nature; especially the big cats and mammals. Saving the big cats means saving the reserves that are THEIR TERRITORY. These Forests are the water and food security of the human species for the future generations. Dr Prasad Kamath has provided key inputs for the introduction. – CLN Newsdesk
The growing Human-Tiger conflict requires immediate attention from authorities and governing bodies responsible for Tiger Conservation. With approximately 290-303 tigers in the Nagarahole and Bandipur Tiger Reserves (covering around 1600 sq kms), which is near maximum carrying capacity, or must say over its holding capacity, it’s crucial to reassess conservation strategies. Either enhance habitat protection and expand tiger habitats, or reconsider protection efforts to balance human and tiger safety. Inaction will exacerbate the conflict, putting both humans and tigers at risk.
Additionally, the government’s resettlement policies, such as relocating tribals back into protected forests, are concerning. The Supreme Court’s decisions in such matters should consider environmental dynamics. It’s essential to address these issues to mitigate any future Tiger and Human Conflict.
The conversion of forest land to agriculture has been an ongoing issue since post-independence, with governments prioritizing vote banks and socialist agendas over environmental concerns. This has led to significant deforestation and habitat loss, contributing to the decline of tiger habitats.
The Land Reforms Act, introduced in the early 70’s under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, further accelerated forest land diversion for agriculture, exacerbating the problem. These historical decisions have had a lasting impact on the environment and tiger conservation efforts.
The Tibetan resettlement in the 1960s led to significant deforestation, with thousands of acres distributed along forest boundaries. A prime example is the further destruction of Doddaharve Forest Range, which connected DUBARE, MALDARE & THITHIMATHI and was contiguous to the forests in Periyapatna. Portion of the Range in Periyapatna which was safe haven for tigers and a habitat for thousands of elephants during migration has been diverted to accommodate Tibetan settlements.
Despite the then govt 1974 no-hunting policy and significance changes in the Wildlife Act, tiger populations continued to decline. Today, tigers are venturing out of forests due to overcapacity.
Factors contributing to this issue include:
- Unplanned tourism and commercial resorts near forests, increasing human presence
- Relocation of tribals into forest areas, contrary to NTCA and Green Tribunal norms
- Government policies, such as providing electricity and water pipelines, inadvertently encouraging settlement inside the core Forest areas
To address this, policymakers must prioritize environmental concerns, resettle tribals outside forests, and provide infrastructure to support their rehabilitation.
The Supreme Court’s stance on forest conservation appears contradictory, as it balances forest department rights with human rights inside forests. Clear policies are needed to protect both humans and wildlife, particularly tigers, while addressing the complexities of human settlements within and on the boundaries of forest areas.
The fragmentation of elephant corridors due to infrastructure projects like roads, railways, and dams and rail barricade has disrupted migration routes, leading to increased human-animal conflict. Without a comprehensive policy addressing both human and wildlife needs, this issue will further escalate, posing risks to both humans and animals.
The Author is currently serving as Executive committee member of Coorg Wildlife Society.
Absolutely true .
High time we take these things seriously otherwise the next generation will not be able to see any more Tigers .
What ever damage the wild animals do to the crops needs to be compensated with proper investigation and insurance in place .
Let’s Co exist with wild life and make this planet a better place to live .
Do not allow urbanisation in green belts .
Do not destroy lakes and catchment areas for land development.
There are so many baren lands in Western ghats without trees .
Plant indigenous species to create a better place for wild life .
There has to be a monitoring system as to how the trees are taking shape.
A seperate body should be appointed to audit the trees planted .
We are failing in creating new areas of forest
The animals will flourish if their habitat improves .
As long as those in power continue to pander to vote banks these Man animal conflict will continue. Taking serious cognition of the problem and settling tribals outside the forest and giving those same tribals jobs which would fit their capabilities, train them to work with the forest department and not against them would go a long way in helping solving this issue. Farms outside the boundaries need to leave a buffer zone and also take care of themselves or get govt to assist in fencing etc. Stop encroachment of the forests all around the state!!
Amazing factual information-I hope the govt acts on this. It’s a serious concern
Protecting people and preserving wildlife go hand in hand.
Forest, not farmlands – are the natural homes of wild species, safeguarding these habitats and not allowing settlements and farms to encroach upon forestlands is essential to reducing conflict and ensuring coexistence.