Monday, March 29, 2010

The Fading Feline!

This year so far hasn't been a good year for the Tiger. Even with all the Media coverage and the public outcry, the fact of the matter is how it’s being translated into addressing the ground realities. To a Layman the situation seems simple “Save the Tiger” but they do not realize the complexities involved in Conservation. People rather say presumptuous lines not realizing the situation at the grassroots level. This is what I, personally feel should be addressed. What’s translated on field to address the situation is going to help in saving the last few truly Wild Tigers.

To a person driven by the Economy in today’s fast paced world it is rather difficult to understand the Vital role that Nature has, be it the Reptiles, birds or Animals. An insensitive question like why do we even need them arises. This attitude isn’t healthy and is harmful. What Nature does freely; we cannot even think of replacing the small or large processes performed by Nature. Each Individual needs to be Responsible as this is the first step in conserving the wildlife or resources.

The Tiger is not only a symbol in Indian Culture but also a part of our History. We need to save this beautiful Feline and we can achieve it by protecting its habitat. In turn the other species in the forest are protected in the Name of the Tiger. India, a country occupying only 2.3% of the earth's land surface is recognized as one of seventeen “mega diverse” countries. Only 5% of our forests are protected and the need of the hour is to stem the loss of Habitat.

Tigers are fast Vanishing and the numbers that are accounted for are shocking. So if we imagine the unaccounted ones the numbers are staggering considering the total numbers of tigers left in India.

TIGER NEWS:

TIGER DEATHS IN 2010
Mortality 5
Poaching & 12
Seizures
___________________
Total 17

TIGER DEATHS IN 2009
Mortality 53
Poaching & 32
Seizures
___________________
Total 85

• http://www.wpsi-india.org/projects/poaching_database.php

Tiger died due to strangulation in Corbett Tiger Reserve, 2010.

Poisoning of 2 Sub Adult Male Tigers in Ranthambhore: March 2010
Do see this blog for the complete story http://ranthambhorediary.blogspot.com/

Now is the time we start behaving as responsible buyers, responsible tourists, and responsible individuals converting our voices in to actions.