One of India's finest species of mammals may soon be on the road to extinction unless we act immediately. According to recent estimates by the World Wide Fund for nature, the tiger population has dropped significantly from its levels in 1995. While at the turn of the 20th century, the tiger population was estimated to be 100000 creatures, the latest figure could be anywhere between 1500-3000. What is more alarming is the drastic fall that has occurred in the last 10 years. Years of official apathy have led this magnificent creature to wage a heroic struggle for its survival.
There are many reasons for the sad state of affairs today. The encroachment of the tiger's habitat due to the pressures of an evergrowing population demanding amenities for itself has been one of the primary reasons for the disappearance of the tiger. In addition large scale poaching especially in states like Madhya Pradesh have led to a significant decline in the population of tigers. The demand for tiger skins is well known throughout the world. However what is not very well known is the increasing appetite of the Chinese population for drugs that include the bones of the tiger amongst other ingredients. This demand is fuelling a large cross border illegal trade in tiger parts. What is perplexing is the attitude of the Chinese government if recent news reports are to be believed. A Chinese official has said that the ban on tiger trade in China may be lifted as early as this year. This is despite the recommendation by the WWF against lifting such a ban.
Drastic measures are called for in this moment of crisis. A nationwide educational campaign on tiger habitats will help tribals appreciate the importance of preserving the tiger for the ecological balance of the country. In addition special areas need to be reserved for the tiger where humans may not transgress. The government must take stringent measures against poachers even if that means deploying a special task force for the time being. In addition, the government must step up diplomatic pressure on the Chinese to prevent them from lifting the ban. Only time will tell whether we will be able to do something soon enough to protect the tiger from being seen in photos and videos only in the future. Will the government take a strong position atleast on this issue?
Drastic measures are called for in this moment of crisis. A nationwide educational campaign on tiger habitats will help tribals appreciate the importance of preserving the tiger for the ecological balance of the country. In addition special areas need to be reserved for the tiger where humans may not transgress. The government must take stringent measures against poachers even if that means deploying a special task force for the time being. In addition, the government must step up diplomatic pressure on the Chinese to prevent them from lifting the ban. Only time will tell whether we will be able to do something soon enough to protect the tiger from being seen in photos and videos only in the future. Will the government take a strong position atleast on this issue?
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