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Journalism of Courage
The recovery of a dead tiger from poachers on the edge of the Corbett Tiger Reserve comes as an unfortunate confirmation. Just this month, the National Tiger Conservation Authority was set up by parliamentary legislation. Among the reforms brought in with the authority is induction of state authorities in conservation, especially in dealing with areas just outside tiger reserves. The practice thus far has been for conservators to keep their responsibility limited within the reserves, with peripheral areas given over to forest 8212; and not wildlife 8212; officials. The intent is to strengthen protection in peripheral areas like the scene of the current Corbett incident.
These 8220;tiger-bearing forest areas8221; are actually at the heart of another debate raging over how to conserve wildlife. Areas beyond the tiger reserves often bear human habitation, or at the least frequented by nearby residents for forest produce. And, of course, tigers do not cease to roam at the exact boundaries of the reserves. The Tiger Conservation Authority is empowered to call upon any wildlife, forest or district personnel in tiger-bearing forest areas 8212; that include land outside reserves 8212; in protection efforts.
The reform must in coming days re-institute local dwellers as stakeholders in conservation and anti-poaching measures. Because at present the tiger censuses yield dismal statistics. Remember the shock with which a count of 1800 was received in 1973. It led to Project Tiger, and the tiger population more than doubled over the next 25 years. Now, once again there is cause for sustained alarm. Conservationists8217; estimate of 1,500 may prove to be exaggerated. But the emptying of reserves like Sariska of its last tigers doesn8217;t inspire hope in Project Tiger8217;s 2002 census figure of 3,700 holding true any more. All that is needed is honest vigilance against poachers. Its absence is dispiriting.
