Census may show drastic decline in tigers

THE NUMBER of tigers in the State is likely to be reduced drastically during this year?s census as modern techniques have been used this time in which there are no chances of duplication unlike the last census wherein there were chances of duplication.

THE NUMBER of tigers in the State is likely to be reduced drastically during this year’s census as modern techniques have been used this time in which there are no chances of duplication unlike the last census wherein there were chances of duplication.

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As far as Indore range (which comprises of Indore, Sanwer and Depalpur tehsils) is concerned not a single tiger has been traced during the current census while during the last census one tiger was present in Indore range, reliable sources revealed on the condition of anonymity.

When the forest officers concerned were contacted by Hindustan Times at Indore they refused to divulge any information regarding the increase or decrease in tiger population in Indore Division (which comprises of entire Indore district).

However, reliable sources in the Forest Department informed that the picture is bleak and there is likelihood that number of tigers in the State may drop to one-third of the current figure.

Sources in the Department informed that earlier census of tigers was based on pug marks and vocal call in which there were chances of duplication but this time tiger excreta has been collected which will be examined by Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun and in this technique there are no chances of duplication. Hence, the true picture will come to the fore soon.

A forest officer here informed that the Institute has developed a new software in which the data will be fed. He added that so far only CD to feed data of carnivorous population was received yesterday in Indore. He further said that to feed information pertaining to herbivorous population and biotic pressure there is a different CD which will arrive in Indore in two to three days time. At present the data is in computerised form and we are not in a position to reveal the final picture because the method has been altered, reasoned the officer.

It is pertinent to mention here that the census was carried out in the State from January 16 to 21. As far as Indore range is concerned not a single tiger was traced in this year’s census. On the other hand there is no change in the number of panthers in Indore range, which is four in the current census and it was four during the last census also.

However, there has been addition of two panther cubs in Indore range in the current census. Population of other animals in Indore range is as follows: Hyena 3, Cheetal 8, Blue Bull 9