In an encouraging trend, tigers in the Bor Wildlife Sanctuary, near Nagpur, have seen a spurt in their population, with three tiger cubs spotted in the sanctuary recently. This takes the tally of tigers in the protected area from 12 to 15.
It has also been observed that herbivore animals like the wild boar, chital, sambar, nilgais, peacocks and a variety of birds have also experienced considerable growth in their population. This positive outcome has been ascribed to favourable factors like good availability of food and water, besides better protection being provided to tigers in and around the Bor Sanctuary.
Two female and male cubs with the mother were sighted in March this year in the no-go zone of Bor sanctuary. Earlier too, one cub was born in 2010, two in 2009 and three cubs in 2008. Experts feel this is encouraging news and shows that the sanctuary is being regarded as a safe haven by tigers.
The 2010 tiger assessment by the Wildlife Institute of India and National Tiger Conservation Authority puts at 12, the number of tigers that reside in an area of 560 Sq.K.ms around Bor sanctuary.
Since Bor is surrounded by a dam, water is aplenty all through the year, presence of back waters and dense bushes contribute to the making of good habitat and breeding location.
Field director and conservator of forests of pench tiger reserve, A.Ashraf stressed that,
“Better protection, good prey base and availability of water are three key factors why Bor is becoming a safe haven for tigers.” Human interference is minimal as there are no villages within the sanctuary, Ashraf pointed out.
But forest fires are a looming threat to the wildlife. With 800 hectares of forest destroyed in recent fires, Ashraf feels forest fires are a big threat.
He said “Our focus will be on rejuvenating natural water sources instead of more saucer-shaped water holes.” Habitat management, fire line tracing and water conservation are important issues to be tackled. Tendu collection in the 5 Km areas surrounding Bor too needs to be banned.
Ironically, it is the increasing number of tigers that has also led to attack on humans and increasing attack on livestock.
While the news of the new births takes India’s overall tiger toll to a new high, it also shows signs that more severe actions are needed to protect man as well as wildlife living in the region so that both can exist in peace. For now though, the births, give a breather to conservationists.
Article reference: TOI
Related Stories:
3 thoughts on “Bor Wildlife Sanctuary Welcomes Three Tiger Cubs”