Save tiger, protect its habitat

1. Tigers need secure and disturbance free home ranges to maintain a viable population. But hazardous development activities in protected areas pose a big threat to the big cat.

Habitat destruction around a forest reserve

2. We must resettle villagers from the core of protected areas to free them of human habitation.

3. It goes without saying that poaching of tigers and it's prey species still poses a great risk to the animals. Tigers are under threat as the state had watered down the mechanism to crack down on wildlife crimes.

Tiger skin on sale at retail outlet

4. As humans moves deeper into forest, they continue to be the victims of wild animal attacks. Buffer zones and eco-sensitive zones around protected areas must be declared.

5. Villagers living close to national park put a huge biotic pressure on forest by grazing cattle, extracting minor forest produce, bamboo, fuel wood and timber degrading forests. They are also responsible for forest fires.

6. Lack of political will. Politicians must be sensitive to importance of wildlife.

A capyured tiger being released into wild

7. Tourism has gone out of control in many national parks, with many tigers dying after being hit by vehicles. Besides, mushrooming of resorts in corridor areas has affected national parks.

8. Shrinking of corridors have affected the wildlife.

9. Paucity of funds leads to delay disbursal of money and non payment of salaries of staffs for months together. Patrolling vehicles are sometimes grounded as there's no cash for fuel. A large number of vacant posts, besides recruitment of untrained and I'll-equipped staff are also a huge drawback.