Tiger Numbers Surge By 30 Per Cent In India
New tiger census data in India reveals that the country’s population of tigers rose by almost a third over the last three years. In 2011 there were 1,706 wild tigers roaming India, which has risen to 2,226 in 2014. The news is deeply encouraging for activists who have been fighting to ensure this endangered species remains protected.
Tiger habitat under threat
Approximately 70 per cent of the world’s wild tigers can be found in India. Unfortunately, their natural habitat has come under increasing threat from both poaching and uncontrolled development. Despite intense efforts, conservationists were unable to stop the illegal wildlife trade and protect tigers from environmental pressures which resulted in a decline in numbers to just 1,411 as recently as 2006.
Conservation policy is working
India’s environment minister Prakash Javadekar says the most recent figures paint a huge success story and suggest that the present strategy of creating reserves that are manned by specialist government staff is working.
“That is why we want to create more tiger reserves. This is a proof of India’s biodiversity and how we care for mitigating climate change. This is India’s steps in the right direction, which the world will applaud,” Mr. Javadekar said.
New government wants to roll back changes
India is one of the world’s biggest carbon emitters and despite enormous growth over the last few years remains one of its poorest. The country is under intense pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Despite that pressure, the recently elected government has said it intends to prioritise economic growth and has been criticised for reversing measures designed to protect the environment.
Better monitoring and field patrolling
Belinda Wright who runs the Wildlife Protection Society of India says the main reasons behind the rise in tiger numbers was a new focus over the last few years which has resulted in better monitoring and field patrolling. The National Tiger Conservation Authority conducted the latest census which involved as many as 10,000 camera traps. Mr. Javadekar says that approximately 80% of tigers were counted in the survey and have been individually identified and photographed.
“There still remains the habitat destruction and encroachment. Hopefully the new figures will increase the pressure on the government to tread carefully when it is a matter of development in tiger habitats,” Ms. Wright said.