Bareilly: A complete of 126 tiger deaths have been recorded in 2021, the highest in a decade. Data sourced from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) until December 29 this year revealed that 60 of the 124 huge cats that died fell prey to poachers, accidents and man-animal battle exterior protected areas.
According to a 2018 census, India was house to 2,967 tigers. NTCA has maintained a file of tiger deaths publicly since 2012. TOI had reported in October that the toll in 2021 could possibly be the highest in a decade because it had already hit 99 by September 30. The quantity in 2016 was nearly as excessive, at 121. The determine this yr has raised alarm, with specialists calling for rigorous conservation efforts, particularly in locations comparable to forest reserves.
Statewise, Madhya Pradesh, with 526 tigers, had the highest loss at 42, adopted by Maharashtra, which has 312 tigers, at 26, and Karnataka, which hosts 524 tigers, at 15. Uttar Pradesh, house to roughly 173 tigers, recorded 9 deaths. The numbers could possibly be increased as NTCA uploads knowledge after additional verification.
However, specialists imagine that the dying toll could possibly be increased. A senior official working with the UP forest division informed TOI, “These are the number of deaths that are actually reported. Many tigers die of natural causes inside the forest area and their deaths go unreported… the total number of tigers that India lost in 2021 could be higher.”
The official stated that the want of the hour was to make sure higher conservation plans to mitigate man-animal conflicts. He added that this could possibly be completed by making certain a clear passage for the animal emigrate to different forests. “Tigers can cover hundreds of miles searching for their territory, provided they have clear corridors,” he stated.
Many specialists imagine that the state of affairs is alarming as wildlife habitats are shrinking. They stated people exert huge stress round reserved forest areas, which in flip has led to blocked forest corridors.
When the tiger inhabitants overspills, it’s unable to maneuver to a different habitat. Experts say the animals have been making an attempt to adapt to the state of affairs in their very own methods. In UP, over two dozen tigers dwell in sugarcane fields or social forestry areas. This has elevated challenges for folks in addition to the forest division.
Field director of the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Sanjay Pathak, stated, “The tiger population (has) increased considerably, which is why the toll, too, is likely to increase as death is a natural phenomenon.”
