Why are tigers dying in Nilgiris district?

Source: The post is based on the article “Why are tigers dying in Nilgiris district?” published in “The Hindu” on 28th September 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Environment – Ecology and environment

News: This article discusses the concerning deaths of ten tigers, including cubs, in the Nilgiris since August. The reasons include factors like fighting, possible poisoning, and starvation. Officials are intensifying protection efforts, and conservationists express concern about rising tiger populations leading to increased human-animal conflicts. They also emphasize the need to restore degraded habitats.

What are the possible reasons for tiger deaths?

Starvation or Infection: Six cubs, believed to be two weeks old, possibly died due to starvation or umbilical infection.

Injuries from Fights: Several adult tigers were found dead with injury marks, suggesting deaths due to fights with other animals.

Poisoning: One larger male tiger is suspected to have been poisoned after consuming a poisoned carcass of a cow.

High Density of Tigers: The high density of tigers in the Mudumalai-Bandipur-Nagarhole complex is leading to more tigers moving to surrounding habitats, causing increased competition and more deaths.

Why are conservationists worried?

Concern for Missing Tigresses: Conservationists are worried about the inability to locate the mothers of the six dead cubs, raising concerns over their well-being.

Poaching Incidents: The arrest of four poachers from Rajasthan earlier in the year has heightened concerns over the safety of the tigers in the region.

Increased Human-Tiger Conflicts: The rise in tiger population in the Nilgiris Division raises fears of more negative human-animal interactions in the future.

Degraded Habitats: There’s a pressing need to regenerate degraded habitats for the tigers’ prey, as emphasized by conservationists, to ensure the well-being of the animals.

How are officials responding?

Establishing Anti-Poaching Camps: To combat potential poaching, officials are establishing anti-poaching camps in six forest ranges surrounding Mukurthi National Park.

Annual Monitoring: The forest department is initiating annual monitoring of tiger populations in the Nilgiris Forest Division, focusing on various parameters to facilitate better management.

Enhanced Patrolling: Officials have increased patrolling around key tiger habitats in Mukurthi and Mudumalai to safeguard the tigers and address concerns related to their well-being.