From the Roar to a Whimper

The closest that I could get to the "Royal Bengal Tiger" in the wild, was a glimpse at its pug-marks on one of the sand strips laid by the forest guards to mark the animal's presence in the jungle. This was more than ten years back in the Simplipal Tiger Reserve in Orissa. Once a haven for this magnificent animal, the tiger population has dwindled quite dramatically in the last few years if we go by the last submitted report. The reasons could be many like destruction of its habitat, poaching etc.

The tiger generally finds its abode in the dense forests or forests in and around water bodies. The reason for this is, the tiger resorts to stealth for hunting and needs the cover of the dense forest to make successful forays. The gradual human encroachment has led to the decline of forest cover, making the tiger vulnerable to the poachers. Even though the Government has strict laws in place for the protection of tigers but it has failed in its implementation. Poaching is still rampant in most of the national parks and sanctuaries and there is no doubt that authorities walk hand-in hand with the law breakers. A very disturbing fact is that tiger meat is served as a delicacy in Arunachal Pradesh on auspicious occasions and also in other north eastern states.

This is indeed a grim situation and if the trend continues, then its only time when the tiger would be reduced to a mere picture in science books of school children or a piece in the zoos.

Saving the tiger is not only the prerogative of the Indian Government but also the duty of every Indian citizen. What is required is consciousness and awareness of the importance of wildlife conservation. Things like avoiding the use of wooden furniture, following the rules and guidelines while visiting national parks are few of the minor things that we can do. However, most important is spreading the message across.

Hail the "Tiger"!!!
Save the "Tiger"!!!