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Source: The post is based on the article “Interim tiger report signals bigger gain, some warnings” published in Indian Express on 10th April 2023
What is the News?
The Prime Minister has released the 5th cycle of India’s Tiger Census.
What are the key findings of the 5th cycle of India’s Tiger Census?
What are the threats faced by tigers across its habitats? The report outlined the persisting threats facing the tiger across its habitats:
Shivalik Hills and Gangetic Plains: Expansion of road infrastructure between the western and eastern part of Rajaji tiger reserve leaves this already congested corridor functionally extinct for tiger and elephant movement.
– Implementing green infrastructure will be key to the recovery of tigers in this fragmented landscape.
Central Indian Highlands and Eastern Ghats: Tiger occupancy declined in Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana.
– The Tiger went extinct locally in Kawal tiger reserve, Chennur of Telangana, Sri Venkateswara national park in Andhra Pradesh, Satkosia tiger reserve in Odisha, Sahyadri tiger reserve (Maharashtra).
– Mitigation measures like lower-impact mining techniques, rehabilitation of mining sites and eco-friendly structures to lessen the impact of linear infrastructure should be the priority.
Western Ghats: Data shows a declining trend in tiger occupancy in the entire landscape barring a few areas such as Anshi Dandeli.
– The report found that tiger populations inside the reserves remain stable (Mudumalai, Periyar) or have increased (Bandipur, Nagarahole), the tiger occupancy outside has declined in stretches such as the Wayanad landscape and in BRT Hills.
North Eastern Hills & Brahmaputra Plains Landscape: Despite having habitat connectivity, many of the protected and forested areas are devoid of tigers.
– However, the rapid development of linear infrastructures and several hydroelectric projects could potentially disturb the existing corridors and natural habitats and further alter the gene pool.
Sunderbans: Vulnerable to climate change and submergence from sea level rise, the Sundarban region faces a substantial amount of accretion and erosion every year.
– Moreover, the ever-increasing biotic interference in the form of livelihood forest explorations, fishing, palm and timber extractions, and growing national and international waterways make this landscape and the tiger population vulnerable.
