CONSERVATION ACTION: Indian forests, which were once home to a healthy population of tigers, might soon miss the majestic roars. These awe-inspiring animals are currently on the verge of extinction, and in such crucial times, any new measure by the government to further ensure the protection of these big cats is welcome news. One such positive move recently announced by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is its decision to set up a Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) for Similipal Tiger Reserve in Orissa.
The NTCA has sanctioned a dedicated team of 112 foresters and forest guards to keep a watchful eye on the movement of tigers in the fourth largest tiger reserve in the country.
The proposed STPF would be the second of its kind in India after the one in Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Bangalore, Karnataka. The Odisha state government agreed to depute the required number of foresters and forest guards for the STPF, in response to a letter sent to it by NTCA in February this year requesting the same.
Greater Protection
As soon as they got the approval, the wildlife department deputed forest staffs from Baripada, Karanjia, Rairangpur, and Similipal Tiger Reserve divisions to form the first team of the STPF.
“The STPF has already begun its work with a team of 17 foresters and 45 forest guards. The staff, who will be given special training, will trek the sanctuary’s core area to monitor the big cats’ movements,” said regional Chief Conservator of forest, Anup Naik.
Principal Chief Conservator of forest, wildlife, J D Sharma said that until the state government gives a go-ahead for the recruitment process for the STPF, the temporary staff would be managing all the operations of the task force.
Sharma also informed that, “About rupees two crore will be spent on the force’s operation, and the project will be entirely funded by the central government.”
Shrinking Tiger Numbers
Similipal Tiger Reserve is spread over 2,750 sq. km. with a core area of over 1,195 sq. km., and a buffer area of 1,550 sq. km. Following a Naxalite attack in 2009, the sanctuary has become a hunting ground for poachers, who mainly target the tigers’ prey including mouse deer, wild boar and gaur.
To arrest the apprehended fall in the number of tigers, the wildlife authorities implemented various protective measures such as introduction of foot patrolling during monsoon season, setting up of 94 protection camps, and stricter prosecution of poachers.
According to NTCA, in the last tiger census in 2010, the number of tigers in Similipal Tiger Reserve stood at just 23. This is against the figure of 64 tigers claimed by the state government in 2004.
With the setting up of the STPF to keep a constant vigil on the tiger populations in Similipal, and the NTCA hopes to see an increase in tiger numbers in the future.
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Image via cc/Flickr by Alois Staudacher,
