Tiger Census: A Closer Look at Conservation Efforts in India
The tiger population in India has been a focal point of wildlife conservation for decades. To protect and increase the number of these majestic creatures, the Indian government launched Project Tiger in 1973. Initially, the project covered nine forest reserves, including Similipal in Odisha. Over the years, the initiative has expanded, but challenges remain in maintaining tiger populations across different regions.
The Beginning of Project Tiger
In 1974, Saroj Raj Choudhury, the then-director of the Similipal Tiger Reserve, initiated the first tiger census in the region. This marked a significant step in assessing and monitoring the tiger population. However, despite early efforts, several tiger reserves now face declining numbers. For instance, Palamau Tiger Reserve in Jharkhand has lost all its tigers, while Similipal in Odisha struggles with a critically low count.The Decline of Tigers in Odisha
Odisha once had two major tiger reserves—Similipal and Satkosia. However, both have witnessed a drastic reduction in their tiger populations. Satkosia, which was established later, initially showed promise with the introduction of a tigress named Sundari and a tiger named Mahavir (translocated from Madhya Pradesh). Unfortunately, Mahavir died, and Sundari had to be relocated due to conflicts with local communities. As a result, Satkosia is now devoid of tigers.Similipal, on the other hand, still has a few tigers, but the numbers are alarmingly low. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) reported 28 tigers in Odisha during the 2014 and 2018 censuses. However, independent surveys suggest that the actual number may be even lower, raising concerns about the effectiveness of conservation strategies in the state.
Challenges in Tiger Conservation
These factors indicate the decline of tigers in India:- Habitat Loss – Deforestation and human encroachment into forest areas reduce the natural habitat of tigers.
- Poaching – Illegal hunting for tiger skins, bones, and other body parts remains a major threat.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict – As tigers lose their habitats, they often venture into human settlements, leading to conflicts.
- Inadequate Monitoring – Some reserves lack proper surveillance, making it difficult to prevent poaching and habitat destruction.
The Way Forward
To reverse this decline, stronger measures are needed:- Enhanced Protection – Increasing anti-poaching patrols and using technology like camera traps can help monitor tiger movements.
- Community Involvement – Engaging local communities in conservation efforts can reduce human-tiger conflicts.
- Reintroduction Programs – Carefully planned relocation of tigers to reserves with low populations can help restore balance.
- Stricter Policies – Enforcing laws against poaching and illegal logging is crucial for long-term conservation.
Conclusion
While Project Tiger has been successful in increasing India’s overall tiger population—from around 1,400 in 2006 to over 3,000 in recent years—certain regions like Odisha continue to struggle. The disappearance of tigers from Palamau and Satkosia serves as a warning. Without urgent action, more reserves could face the same fate. Protecting these apex predators is not just about saving a species; it’s about preserving the entire ecosystem they support.The future of India’s tigers depends on sustained efforts, better management, and stronger policies. Only then can we ensure that these magnificent animals continue to roam our forests for generations to come.
Ratnakar Hota
Journalist
Ratnakar Hota is a journalist as well as an enthusiastic environmentalist and wildlife conservationist. For many years, he has written extensively about various tiger reserves and forest areas of Odisha. His writings primarily focus on tiger conservation, ecological balance, and collaborative efforts with local communities.
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