Project Tiger declawed! 21 tigers dead in just 65 days

The big cats future looks grim As per data compiled by the National Tiger Conservation Authority NTCA a statutory body under the ministry of environment and forests and uploaded on Tigernet the NTCAs official database that serves as a directory of tigers and other wildlife mortality the country lost 21 Royal Bengal tigers in the first 65 days of this yearContrast that with 19 deaths in the corresponding period January 1March 6 last year The highest number of deaths this year was reported from Karnataka 9 followed by four in Uttarakhand Maharashtra trailed with three tiger deathsThe uptick in the number of deaths in such a short period is worrying since last year saw the highest tiger deaths 99 in six yearsAlarming trendTwentyone of the 99 tigers died of natural causes 12 died in territorial fights five were poisoned one each died in roadrail accidents and drowned and two each were killed in mananimal conflicts electrocuted and poached The causes of deaths of 52 others are still awaitedOf the 21 deaths this year three were caused during territorial fights with other tigers and one by electrocution One tiger died of natural causes The reasons behind the 16 other deaths are not yet knownA retired forest department official said ascertaining the cause of death could be delayed since investigations could still be underway ldquoThe data uploaded on Tigernet is the most accurate since it comes directly from the NTCArdquoIn 2016 Madhya Pradesh reported the highest deaths 30 followed by 17 in Karnataka and 15 in MaharashtraForest department officials have made even more disconcerting findings They have seized body parts of three tigers such as pelt teeth and claws During the same period last year body parts of four tigers were recoveredFocus on tiger corridorsWildlife conservationists recommend keeping a hawk eye on tiger corridors Conservationist and wildlife photographer Nayan Khanolkar said the focus shouldnt be just on tiger habitats but also critically important tiger corridors ldquoThe active participation of local communities that stay around protected areas is necessary for conservation When local villagers and communities are involved the forest department can get crucial information and tipoffs about poachers and others dangers to the big catrdquoSarosh Lodhi from Conservation Lenses and Wildlife an independent group of wildlife lovers and photographers said more dedicated efforts are needed to save tiger corridors ldquoEmphasis should also be placed on protecting areas that fall in territorial and buffer zones given the number of tigers that make them their homerdquoKedar Gore director of Corbett Foundation lauded the forest departments conservation efforts but cautioned that it isnt enough ldquoIts important to protect tiger corridors between national parks and tiger reserves because many tigers stay in buffer zones and outside protected areas Officials should also ensure that there are ample tiger preys along the corridors and that forests bordering protected areas are conserved as well The forest department should also work in close coordination with the police to address poachingrdquo