Depleting tigers-A disappointment for tiger lovers

Shocking Statistics

In the last decade Indian jungles have lost 110 tigers among which 17 were tigresses. The reason is poaching and natural deaths, says government database. RTI Act shows up 14 cases of mortality of tigers this year which includes 4 tigresses and 2 cubs. 6 were victim to poaching out of which 3 were killed few months back. According to reliable data one was outside Kanha Tiger Reserve and one outside Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.

In the year 2007, 30 of these predators died out of which 14 died in non-protected areas. In Corbett Park

alone 5 tigers died while Bandipur Tiger Reserve was reported to have lost 2. That’s not all. In the same year, 14 cases of dead tigers was registered out of which 5 were poached and 3 were poisoned. Another one was shot dead by the forest department of Chadrapur MP as it was a man-eater.

Effect on tourism

Despite of loss of these wildcats in huge numbers we do get opportunities to spot them in India and Nepal. Tourists from all over the world come to see these creatures. Wildlife Tourism brings money to the state and it can be used in favor of conserving the natural habitat of tigers. The locals who benefit as a result of wildlife tourism can also be coaxed into being more careful when

it comes to protecting the tigers.

But the wildlife officials in India think otherwise. According to some reports of the Indian Press, tourism makes tigers more used to presence of humans around them which makes them an easy target for poaching. This definitely affects tourism but there are fierce tiger supporters around such as Brian Weirum, leader of fund-raising tours to tiger reserves and chairman of The Fund for the Tiger, a California non-profit agency that has put more than $370,000 into the field in India and Nepal in the past 14 years and Paul Kvinta’s who did a story “Cat Fight: The War on India’s Tigers” in National Geographic Adventure raising questions on Indian Wildlife Official’s competence.

Anyone who has seen a tiger on a loose will support the fund raiser. The natural habitat of theirs is not disturbed by human intervention but the poor protection in the parks makes them more prone to poaching. The tiger reserves of Sariska and Panna are devoid of tigers and tourism has suffered greatly there. On the other hand Bandhavgarh is flourishing with tigers and hence tourism has been opened up in many more parts of the park. To encourage tourism the industry provides financial help to the locals living their. That is one of the main ways to stop them for indulging into illicit means of getting money.

Steps taken to encourage tourism

The figures revealed here are subject to speculation and it is predicted that the number will only rise. These number signal grave danger to the tiger population the world over. Hence serious steps are taken in the direction of protecting them.

Trees are grown because humans have infringed tiger habited areas and taken away their shelter. Growing more trees is a way to ensure them their natural habitat.

All sub species of tigers are also classified as endangered are taken extra care of.

All the tiger related products are banned in China since 1993.

Illegal poaching of tigers is also declared as a punishable offence.

The Tiger States of India and the tigers

Scenario of tiger population:

National animal of our country is none other than Tiger. India is the only country which has a large number of Wild Tigers. India must be having 4000 tigers. According many surreys, it has been proved that there are around 3000 tigers left due to recently increased hunting. In 1973, Tiger Project was begun to raise the situation of tigers. At that time India comprised only 1800 animals.

Tigers of India are spread across the country.

Some national parks comprise many tigers. Kanha National Park

has 102 tigers and Sunderbans has an extreme population of 270. You can spot only few tigers in the Wildlife Sanctuaries. It is difficult to find uninhabited and nocturnal animals.

Another state Rajasthan is known as a paradise for a huge spectrum of wildlife including Tigers. In 1985, the ratio of tigers’ population was 35, reported after survey. The Ranthambore Sanctuary came under the Project Tiger in 1979 and became a national park in 1982.

Still people need more wildlife preservation laws and knowingness. It is essential to make Indian sanctuaries a safe haven for tigers. In India, there are only few parks who allow you to a realistic chance of seeing tigers.

States/ Reserves of Tigers:

India consists of many tiger reserves where one can have best chance to spot tigers. In the foothills of north side of Uttar Pradesh, Corbett Park is known for tigers. On the other hand, you will find Kanha National park in M.P. and Ranthambore in Rajasthan.
Due to the population of Tigers, Madhya Pradesh has become very popular. Madhya Pradesh’s Ka is Tiger state which is famous as the heat of India. Madhya Pradesh is also home to the India’s religions. State of Madhya Pradesh is rich in its diverse wildlife and diverse traditions. There are many historic forts, national parks, palaces and temples to explore. In Madhya Pradesh, you can explore various sanctuaries such as Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Vanvihar, Madhav national park etc.

The geography of Rajasthan sets out from the bleak desert, scrub-thorn dry woodlands to wetlands and lush, green forests. National Parks like, Ranthambore, Bharatpur, Sariska are major national parks which has a wide series of tigers. Other national parks include Sitamata, Darrah, Chambal, Tal Chapper, Jamwa Ramgarh, Kaila Devi.

Bengal is another state, Royal Bengal tiger is the national animal of India. You can have incredible sights of tigers. The tigers of Bengal are marked with dark stripes, long tail, huge paws and danger teeth. Royal Bengal Tiger of India is regarded as the King of the Jungle. The tigers of Bengal are the largest big cats of India.

Tiger Reserves of India are popularly known as Tiger Parks. These tigers are related through a large preservation effort called 'Project Tiger'. Amongst all national parks, four of them are the most breathtaking destinations, often visited and well known.

Royal Bengal Tigers are discovered in protected jungles of India, and across India like Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Tiger Reserve in India part 6

Simlipal National Park
Named after the Semul which is found in abundance here, Simlipal National Park is home to Tiger, Asian Elephant and Gaur; India’s biggest animal species. Covering an area of 2750 sq. km, the park is located at a height of 559.31 meters. This park boasts of ebing one of the earliest tiger reserves in the country with a rich and wide expanse of Sal forest. The wildlife found in this park is tiger of course. Then come leopards, elephants, bison, hill myna, pangolin, flying-squirrel,

sambar, porcupine and pythons. The best time to visit the park is between the months of November and June.
Dudhwa Katerniaghat National Park
Declared a tiger reserve in 1879 Dudhwa became a national park in 1977. It adopted Project Tiger in 1988. The flora of this place comprises of mosaic grasslands, deep sal jungles and muddy marshes. Indo-Pak border aligns the northern part of this region and River Suheli is on it south. Tiger sighting is rare here. The wildlife here is mainly of Tigers, Leopards, Swamp Deer (Barasingha), Hispid Hares and Rhinos thrive amidst the vegetation. The best time to visit this place is between the months of October and April.

Buxa National Park
Abode of the Royal Bengal Tiger, Buxa Tiger Reserve is situated in Alipurduar court, Jalpaiguri District and is stretches across an area of 759 sq km. It was formed in 1982-83 in the north-east corner of West Bengal. The region just about Buxa Duar Fort was declared a National Park in January 1992. The eastern Dooars where the park is positioned is has deciduous forest which is thick and green. The park is the second largest in
numbers when it comes to providing habitat to the Royal Bengal Tigers. The park has tigers and 67 other mammals and 230 species of birds. Best time to visit the park is between the months of October to April.

Tiger Reserve in India part 5

Bori Satpura National Park
Situated near Bori and Panchmarhi Sanctuaries, in the satpura range of Mahadeo Hills this Park was set up in 1981. The park comprises of sal, teak and bamboo plantations. The woods are spread out and the terrain is rugged with deep valleys, gorges and waterfalls. Another highlight of this place is the vast Tawa reservoir. The exclusive range of wildlife found here includes
barking deer, bison and a rich medley of birds such as cuckoo, parakeet, peafowl, woodpecker, hornbill, cormorant and heron. The best time to visit this place is between the months of January-June.

Melghat National Park
Located in Amravati district in Central India, Melghat National Park is 25 km from Chikaldhara hill resort in the Satpura Ranges. Spread over a 1674 sq km, this reserve is believed to have 80 tigers which live in the interiors of the reserve. Established as a sanctuary in 1967 and declared as a reserve in 1974, the landscape here is mainly rocky and rugged which is a natural protection from the poachers. The wildlife here comprises of sloth bears, flying squirrels and monkey apart from other species. There are 2000 gaurs which makes it the second largest reserve in these terms. Summers are the best time for Tiger sightings and winters are great for bird watching.
The best time to visit this place is between the months of October and June. Safaris are carried out here but only between December and June.
Pench Maharashtra
Located in the southern Satpura Hills and extended a little in Madhya Pradesh, Pench Tiger Reserve spreads across 758 sq km. It was given the status of tiger reserve in 1992. The reserve gets its name from the Pench River. The park has a rich fauna. The Wildlife here includes Wild Pig, the Nilgai, the Chital, the Gaur, the four-horned Antelope, the Muntjac and many more. Tiger sightings are rare here. The Pench National Park remains open from 5 am to 7 pm for tourists. The best time to visit is the months between February and April.

Tadoba Andhari National Park
Located in Chandrapur Maharashtra, Tadoba was declared a national park in 1955. This is one of the few parks which is home to an Asiatic lion. Estabilished in 1935 and declared as a tiger reserve in 1995, the park also called Jewel of Vidharba. The best thing about this park is that the entire park is accessible. The forest tracks here are bestowed with rich green vegetation. It is also the second Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra. The wildlife exclusive to this reserve is bears, gaur, nilgai, marsh crocodiles, barking deer, panther, and flying squirrel. Best time to visit this place will be between the months of November and March.
Dampa National Park
Located 130 km from Aizwal, in Mizoram in Kolasib District this park was upgraded to a tiger reserve in 1994 covering a sprawling 100 sq km area. The landscape here is undulating with hills spread all around; the park has elephant back safari facilities. The wildlife exclusive to this park is serow, porcupine, hornbill, red jungle fowl, dove, myna and crested serpent eagles. Best time to visit this place is between the months of November to march.

Tiger Reserve in India part 4

Namdapha National Park
Situated in Arunachal Pradesh, 150 km from Miao, Namdapha National park stretches across an area of 1985 sq km. Being one of the largest national parks in north-east region, this park is situated on the Indo-Burma border. This park mainly covers high altitudes of up to 4500 m. This park had a typical stock of flora and fauna. The lush green tropical rain forests are the breeding ground of a variety of animals and birds. Best time to visit this park is in the months of October and April.

Pakhui National Park
Located in East Kameng district in Arunachal Pradesh, Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across 862 km. This park lies in the headquarters of Seijusa in the southwestern side of Arunachal Pradesh. Kememng River flows on its western side, Pakke River in the eastern side and Assam surrounds it on the south. The total area of Pakke Tiger Reserve was actually the area of Pakke Reserve forest. It was declared as Camo Sanctuary in 1977. in 2002 though it was declared as Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary and finally declared as a reserve in 2004 under the Project Tiger scheme. The sanctuary houses a spectacular range of wildlife species like leopard, tiger, jackal, clouded leopard, fishing cat, jungle cat, wild dog, wild boar, bison, sambar and hog deer, elephant, barking deer, flying squirrel and rhesus macaque. The best time to visit this place is between the months of October and April.
Nagarjunasagar- Srisailam
This is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India situated 29 km away from Macherla and is spread across Kurnool, Guntur, Mahaboobnagar, Prakasam, and Nalgonda districts. This park spans an area of 3568 sq km. Surrounded by Nallamalai hills in south and Krishna River on the northern side, this sanctuary gets its name from the reservoir Nagarjunasagar. The sanctuary houses one of the oldest geological structures called ‘Archaean’ which is believed to be 2000 million years old. The major wildlife attractions here are Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear and Hyena. Tigers are extremely nocturnal and rarely seen here. Once home to 100 tigers, the tiger population in the park has fallen drastically. Additional animal species spotted here are Spotted Deers, Mouse Deers, Sambhars, Wolves, Foxes, Chousingha Nilgai, Tree Shrews, Rayels, Wild Boars, Indian Giant Squirrels, Black Bucks, Jackals, Crocodiles, Wild Dogs, Sloth Bear, Panthers and Tigers. The best time to visit the park is between the months of October and June.
Valmiki National Park

Located in the West Champaran district of Bihar, Valmiki National Park covers an area of 335.64 sq km out of the 800sq. km of the Valmiki Sanctuary. This is the 18 Tiger Reserve, declared so in the year 1990 and ranks fourth in the density of tiger population. Surrounded by Royal Chitwan National Park of Nepal in the north and the river Gandak in the west, this park gets its name from the Valmiki Ashram located in the forests of Chitwan national Park. The forest has dry Sal, moist deciduous trees containing reed beds and wet grasslands. The reserve inhabits tiger, various species of deer, serow, python, peafowl, leopard, wolf, hyenas, Indian civets, sloth bear, leopards, Jungle cats, etc. Animals like One horned rhinoceros and Indian bison are often found migrating from Chitwan to Valmikinagar. You can visit the park anytime of the year.
Palamau National Park
Palamau Sanctuary can pride itself in the fact that it is the ground for the world’s first tiger census. Situated 140 km west of Ranchi it is one of the best places to see wild elephants. Spread in a total of 1026 sq km the forest here are rich with sal, teak trees and bamboo groves. It is believed there are 37 tigers, 62 leopards, 210 elephants and 249 bison in the park. The sanctuary has 200 villages where 8 local tribes live. The wildlife found here is wolf, sloth bear, deer, leopard, python, peafowl, sambars, nilgais, leopards, hyenas, Indian civets, jungle cats, hog deer and wild dogs. The best time to visit the park and sanctuary is between the months of October and June.
Bhadra National Park
Located in the tropical green jungles of Chikmagalur district 275 km from Bangalore, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is spread in an area of 492.46 sq km. Initially the sanctuary was called Jagara Valley Game Reserve and was declared as the 25th Tiger Reserve in 1998. Bhadra flows in the sanctuary hence giving it its name. The sanctuary is well known as Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary it is a great place to site tigers, Indian Bison, stripped Hyena and the flying lizard gliding in the woods. The park is dwelling place for more than 250 species of birds. The exceptional wildlife includes gaur, sloth bear, sambar, barking deer, mouse deer, wild boar, bonnet macaque, slender loris and Malabar giant squirrel. Best time to visit this place is between the months of June and October.

Tiger Reserve in India part 3

Indrawati National Park
The renowned wildlife park of Chhatisgarh, Indravati National Park is located in Dantewada district. Indravati River flows across the park and forms its northern boundary. Indrawati became a national park in 1981 and was declared a tiger reserve in 1983 under the famous Project Tiger of India. The park houses a variety of wildlife and endangered species such as Wild Buffaloes and Hill Mynas. Indrawati is blessed with lush green vegetations and a diverse wildlife park. A varied wildlife is found here ranging from Barasinghas, tigers and Monkeys, porcupines of flying squirrels. The best time to visit the park is from 15th December and 15th June.

Periyar
Periyar National park is spread across 777 sq km in the Western Ghat mountain ranges in Idukki District. The park has a dam Mullaperiyar built on river Periyar which is now a large lake spread in 26 sq. km. area. Boating is carried out in the lake which is the best way to encounter wildlife from the closest. Trekking is also arranged for near the boat landing. The park comprises of 62 species of mammals and a variety of endangered species like the flying squirrel, wild dog, gaur, elephant, leopard, sambar, sloth bear, barking deer and wild boar. Best time to visit the park is either between April-June or July-August.
Kaziranga
Situated in the Golaghat District and Nagaon District of Assam, Kaziranga is the oldest national park of Assam. Spread across an area of 430 sq km, Brahmaputra flows across its north and Karbi Anglong hills surround the south. This park is a world heritage site and is well known for the Great Indian one horned rhinoceros. The thick forests of Kaziranga the tall elephant grass and shallow water pools are parts of its landscape. Declared as a national park in 1974, it provides tourists with facilities like elephant rides or a cruise in a boat on the Brahmaputra River along the park. The best time to visit the park is from November to April.
Kalakad-Mundathurai
Situated in Agasthyamalai Hills in Tamil Nadu, Kalakad -Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) was declared so in 1882. This park is known for its rare plants and endangered wildlife. Spread across 665 sq km, it has dry forests in the foothills and wet forests on higher altitudes. The

wildlife here comprises of Tiger, Elephant, Gaur, Mouse deer, Leopard, Rusty spotted cat, Brown palm civet, Leopard, Sambhar, Spotted deer, Malabar giant squirrel, Nilgiri Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Slender Loris, Lion tailed Macaque, Sloth Bear, Brown mongoose, Nilgiri Martin, Indian pangolin. Best time to visit Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve is between the months of September and January.
Nameri National Park
Situated 35 km from Tezpur, in the foothills of Himalayas, Nameri National Park is spread across 200 sq. km. The river Jia Bhoroli flows through it the decisuous forests of the park. This park was declared as a sanctuary on 18th September 1985 and a National Park on 15th November 1998. Nameri has a wide variety of wildlife species which range from Tiger, Black bear, elephant, Leopard, deer, jackals to a varied species of birds such as the white winged wood duck, four species of Hornbill, butterflies and reptiles are also found here. The best time to visit the park is in the months of November and May.

Tiger Reserve in India part 2

Panna National Park
Panna Reserve spreads over Panna and Chhatarpur districts in Madhya Pradesh. Created in 1981, it was the 22nd National Park in the state and 5th in the state. This reserve has bits of Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary created in 1975. Dry

and short grass terrains support Blue Bull and Chinkara wildlife. Porcupine, Hare, Rusty Spotted Cat, Hyena, Wolf, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Sambhar, Jungle Cat, Chital, Chausinga, Nilgai, Wild Dog, Chinkara, Jungle Cat and Tiger are some of the wildlife you may encounter in the park. Best time to visit this park will be between the months of mid-May.
Kanha National Park
Kanha National Park is situated in Mandla/Balaghat districts Madhya Pradesh. A horse shoe shaped valley with Mekal ranges is spread across 940 sq km. Kanha boasts of one of the largest populations of tigers. Other rare species spotted here are sloth bear, leopard and striped hyena, spotted dear, wild boar, jungle cat, jackal and a variety of monkeys. 200 species of birds are also found here. From 16th October, 2009 Madhya Pradesh national Parks will re-open as per schedule.
Bandipur National Park
Bandipur National Park is located in Chamarajanagar district in Karnataka. This park is bestowed with a moderate climate and varied geographical features. Due to great weather an amazingly wide variety of flora and fauna thrives in this park. Bandipur was one of the first Tiger Reserves of India. Formed in 1973 under Project Tiger, the ideal time to visit the park is in the months of April and October. Besides tiger, gaur (a type of bull), sambar, chital, mouse deer,

four-horned antelope, wild boar, jackal, sloth bear, panther, Malabar squirrel, porcupines and the black-knapped hare and birds like jungle fowl and green pigeon are also found here.
Manas National Park
Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas and a part extended in Bhutan, Manas National Park has been declared as a World Heritage site in 1985. Manas, one of the two Tiger Reserves of Assam is also famous for its Elephants and Rhinos. The picturesque splendor and exceptional riches of wild life merge with this distinctive world heritage site to tender one of the most absorbing experiences. Indian one-horned Rhinoceros, Golden Langur, Capped Langur, Elephant, Wild Buffalo, Gaur, etc. is some species of wildlife found here. The best time to visit the park is in between November and April.
Sunderbans
Affirmed in 1973 as a tiger reserve, Sunderbans are in West Bengal. It became a National Park in 1984. The park is named after the large mangrove trees which are available in plenty. The key attraction of this park is the Royal Bengal Tiger. Other species of mammals found here are fishing cat, chital, wild boar, water monitor and crocodile. The best time to visit this place is between December and February.

Kanha National Park

Kanha National park is located in the Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh and it extends over an area of over 1,940-sq-kms. The major feature of this region's interesting topography is the horseshoe shape valley and the whole park area is surrounded by the spurs of the Mekal.

There is much folklore about how it got Kanha name. Some say it came from Kanha, the clay like soil of the river bottoms.

A series of stringent conservation programs for the protection of the park’s flora and fauna has given Kanha its deserved reputation for being one of the finest and best administered national parks in Asia, an irresistible attraction for all wild life lovers a true haven for its animal and avian population.

The ideal time to visit Kanha National Park would be the period between February and June. Kanha's sal and bamboo forests, rolling grasslands and meandering stre

ams stretch over 940 sq km in dramatic natural splendor. This is original Kipling country, of which he wrote so vividly in his Jungle Book.

This national park has 22 species of mammals. Those most easily spotted are tiger, Indian wild dogs, the stripped Palm Squirrel, Common langur, Jackal, Wild Pig, Chital or Spotless deer, Barasingha or Swamp deer, Sambar and black Buck.

Kanha land of the tiger offers amazing diversity. Tigers rule supreme in Kanha National Park. The tigers are easily spotted due to excellent conservation efforts.

Patient watching should reward the visitor, with a sight of Indian Fox, Sloth bear, striped
hyena, Jungle cut, Leopard, Mouse Deer, Chausingha or four horned antelope, Nilgai, Ratel and Porcupine.

You will have enough accommodation options in Kanha. The scene is getting better every passing day. There are a number of star category hotels catering to the needs of tourists coming to explore Kanha and the places around.

Kanha is said to be among the few most scenic and beautiful Wildlife reserves in Asia. This 'Tiger Country' is the ideal home for both predator and prey. Kanha wildlife preserve holds in its womb myriads of amazing life forms for you to experience...!