NTCA raises redflag on high tiger captures in Karnataka's Bandipur, Nagarahole

Bengaluru: The “unprecedented capture” of over 25 tigers over the last four months in the Bandipur-Nagarahole-Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple landscape has drawn a sharp query from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), with state forest officials asked to adopt a scientific approach.

In a letter dated January 27, NTCA inspector general of forests Shivakumar C M referred to deliberations within NTCA and the attention it drew from various stakeholders to seek clarity in the matter from the chief wildlife warden.

Four deaths

The state government and the forest department have come under pressure after four persons were killed and two injured in tiger attacks. It can be recalled that the government had shut tiger safaris to remove disturbances in big cat habitats.

A statutory body, NTCA has the power to issue directions to officers or authorities who shall be “bound to comply”.  

In the latest letter, however, the authority only raised questions over the approach of the forest department in dealing with conflicts.

Noting that Karnataka was known for tiger conservation, the authority questioned the recent trend.

“In the past three to four months, an unusual and unprecedented increase in tiger capture incidents has been reported, particularly from Bandipur-Nagarahole-BRT landscape. As per available information, 27 such instances have occurred in this period,” it said.

The NTCA questioned the government’s narrative that the tiger populations are approaching or exceeding ecological carrying capacity.

The authority reviewed the available scientific assessments to state that tiger populations remain “within” estimated carrying capacities.

It said Bandipur, where the population of tigers was around 110 tigers, had a capacity to host 229; Nagarahole has 135 tigers against its capacity for 170 and BRT tiger reserve has 29 tigers against its capacity for 81.

Mudumalai comparison

The authority pointed to Tamil Nadu’s Mudumalai tiger reserve, which has 58 tigers against the capacity to host 92.

“Tiger density in adjoining Mudumalai is comparable to those of Bandipur and Nagarahole tiger reserves. However, only one tiger capture has been reported there during the same period, that too in the case of an injured animal,” it said.

While acknowledging the “primacy” of human safety, the letter called for a “careful and objective review” at the landscape level to identify underlying causes, evaluating responses and ensuring that future interventions remain aligned with NTCA guidelines.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Kumar Pushkar, who took over the post of Chief Wildlife Warden on February 1, said capture or rescue operations were decided based on conflict situations.

Attacks on humans

“Attacks on human beings have to be prevented and conflict situations should be reduced to ensure conservation. Every capture operation is informed to them and then action taken. We will respond to NTCA,” he added.

An official in Mysuru acknowledged the problem. “Protecting tiger habitats requires a complex set of measures. Right now, the department is under pressure to avoid conflict situations. Captures and relocations won’t help in the long term,” he said.