The tiger’s tale

— Suddenly, across the spectrum of print and electronic media, the Indian tiger is making its presence felt. From dwindling numbers to reintroduction of the species in Sariska, the audience is being fed on information about what oft has been called the king of the jungle. It might be an instance of efforts coming in too late, but nevertheless it underlines the motive to save one of the keystone species from extinction. The status of the tiger in Indian protected area is a matter of concern, not only is the population on a decline, but their habitat and their prey-base are also being threatened. According to the estimates carried out in 2006 – 2007, Indian tiger population could be about 1,657, a drastic fall from a previous census. Mainly due to anthropogenic factors, many of the forests, including some National Parks and Sanctuaries are showing signs of damage, quite a few being degraded, others encroached by illegal settlers. In India's North East too, the condition of tiger habitat is not really encouraging. Here, it has to be said that status of the tiger is something more important than the future of a single species. Being at the apex of an ecosystem, they are indicators whose presence signals healthy ecosystems.In India's North East, the shrinking habitats would suggest that the tiger along with a broad range of fauna and flora are facing the heat of human interference. Except in Kaziranga, their habitat seems to be shrinking and degrading for a variety of factors. In some areas development projects like construction have taken a toll. In others areas, encroachments by illegal settlers have been reported. The Forest Department is aware of the developments, some of which have caused irreparable damage to some ecosystems, but have not been able to make successful interventions. It is because environmental security is not yet among the top priorities of politicians, bureaucrats and others at the helm of affairs. Ironically, in a predominantly agricultural economy like Assam, environmental concerns have not received sustained focus, and consequently the livelihood of scores of people could be seriously jeopardised in the times ahead. The need for a concerted effort to save the tiger and its invaluable habitat in Assam and the rest of the North East can hardly be exaggerated, and a sincere effort must involve conscientious citizens, as well as the young generation, some of which would one day influence public opinion and policy. Unless such an attempt is made, it would not just a single species that would suffer; more crucially, it would threaten our collective ability to survive and prosper in an ecologically sound atmosphere. source: assam tribune