The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has brought out the much awaited tiger status report generating considerable media interest. The report estimates tiger numbers in the country to be about 1,400, dwindling from 3,600 as reported in 2001-02.  Though the numbers are alarming, comparison of numbers generated using different methodologies might not be an ideal way of analysing the issue.

The government has discarded the old pugmark census methodology, and it is  well known that the earlier method was flawed. Fortunately, the government has finally recognised that auditing is an important tool in conservation management. Identifying past failures, prioritising issues, making necessary changes on-ground and gearing up protection mechanism assumes relevance. 

India harbours about 300,000 sq km of potential tiger habitat. Policies and management plans have to be framed and implemented to harness this potential. Currently only less than 2 per cent of the tiger habitat is effectively protected. If appropriate actions are taken, the country could boast over 10,000 tigers. The current 29 project tiger reserves with an area of 37,000 sq km could easily support 3000-3700 tigers assuming a mid-range tiger density of 8-10 tigers/100 sq km as estimated by scientific studies by leading tiger biologist Ullas Karanth of Wildlife Conservation Society.  

Studies clearly demonstrate that highest densities of tigers occur in the alluvial grassland-forest mosaics and tropical dry-deciduous forests of India. Hence long-term survival of tigers will depend on pragmatic solutions in preserving these habitats. Our tiger conservation strategies should be aimed at saving “meta-populations” of tigers; arresting habitat fragmentation, consolidating current habitat and linking fragmented habitats should be high on the tiger saving agenda. 

Tiger numbers are directly correlated to the quantum of prey available. Mere “empty forests” will not achieve desired results in saving and enhancing the tiger populations. Reducing proximate threats to tigers including hunting of prey species either for subsistence or commercial purposes, direct killing of tigers to meet the market demand for fur and bones, timber felling, exploitation of forest produce, forest fires, habitat overuse all have to be addressed. 

We need to ensure reduction of human-wildlife conflicts through multi-pronged approaches. Timely release of compensation to people affected by wildlife, spatially segregating humans and wildlife at least in critical wildlife habitats through fair and well-implemented resettlement projects, post-resettlement support to re-settled families, envisioning and implementing alternate non-natural resource based livelihood options for communities residing in the vicinity of tiger habitats are some of the measures that need immediate attention. 

Conservation practices have to be audited using appropriate methodologies. Monitoring tigers and their prey using refined scientific methodologies act as an excellent real-time indicator. 

Saving wildlife especially those that are in constant conflict with humans is a socio-political issue as much as it is biological. Political commitment can address several conservation crises. Hence raising political awareness and motivating policy makers is critical. For this conservationists need clear understanding of the dynamics of politics and political realities to achieve on-ground success. Developing partnerships with key decision makers with receptive ears can remove political obstacles. A dynamic and responsive bureaucracy also needs to be in place. 

Compared to several of our Asian counterparts, India has achieved considerably good results in saving the tiger.

Recently, the government has taken certain positive steps; identifying all project tiger reserves as critical tiger habitats, increase of project tiger reserve budget from Rs 150 crore to 600 crore in the 11th plan, enhancing of resettlement package to Rs 10 lakh should support better implementation of conservation strategies.

There is an additional Rs 5,000 crore available under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority that could also be used for resettlement purposes.  

The will of the policy makers is withering under the increasing population pressure and the private-led economic development.  It needs to be ensured that critical wildlife habitats are kept inviolate from these commercial penetrations. 

Recently there have been serious efforts to weaken and dilute the country’s wildlife laws. These actions are inimical to the survival of the big cat. Let this report act as an awakening for all those remotely concerned with wildlife conservation.

We need to clearly understand that only 4 per cent of our country’s landscape is set aside for preserving wildlife, when we have failed to solve our social problems in the rest of the 96 per cent, there is little proof to argue or believe that sacrificing this 4 per cent will solve all human problems. 

Appropriate actions backed by political will based on a clear understanding of the tigers’ biology, adaptive management based on empirical experience and informed advocacy are the only solutions to save this cat for posterity.