NTCA has called for immediate action to curb tiger deaths in the Nilgiris, where 10 tiger fatalities were reported within 40 days in August and September this year.
The Nilgiris: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has called for immediate action to curb tiger deaths in the Nilgiris, where 10 tiger fatalities were reported within 40 days in August and September this year. Despite the alarming numbers, the NTCA emphasized that considering the tiger population size, growth, and their dispersal patterns, the situation was not unusual.
A joint team comprising NTCA officials, Wildlife Institute of India representatives, and Wildlife Crime Control Board conducted an extensive field study in the Nilgiris on September 25 to investigate the tiger deaths. The NTCA's report highlighted the crucial role of population density in tiger survival. It suggested that weaker health conditions might have led to the death of two-week-old tiger cubs in the Segur area, causing their mother to abandon them. Similarly, the report indicated that four cubs in the Chinna Coonoor area might have died due to prolonged starvation after being left unattended by their mother.
Additionally, the report identified infighting as the cause of death for two tigers in Naduvattam and Kargudi, while poisoning was attributed to the demise of two tigers in Avalanche. Srinivas R Reddy, Principal Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, stated that efforts were underway to identify the mothers of the deceased tiger cubs in the Segur and Chinna Coonoor areas. The NTCA's recommendations underscore the need for urgent and targeted interventions to safeguard the tiger population in the Nilgiris.
A joint team comprising NTCA officials, Wildlife Institute of India representatives, and Wildlife Crime Control Board conducted an extensive field study in the Nilgiris on September 25 to investigate the tiger deaths. The NTCA's report highlighted the crucial role of population density in tiger survival. It suggested that weaker health conditions might have led to the death of two-week-old tiger cubs in the Segur area, causing their mother to abandon them. Similarly, the report indicated that four cubs in the Chinna Coonoor area might have died due to prolonged starvation after being left unattended by their mother.
Additionally, the report identified infighting as the cause of death for two tigers in Naduvattam and Kargudi, while poisoning was attributed to the demise of two tigers in Avalanche. Srinivas R Reddy, Principal Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, stated that efforts were underway to identify the mothers of the deceased tiger cubs in the Segur and Chinna Coonoor areas. The NTCA's recommendations underscore the need for urgent and targeted interventions to safeguard the tiger population in the Nilgiris.