Fate of tigers cause for concern in Kerala

KOLLAM: The recent death of a tiger at Achankovil has raised concerns over the fate of tigers in the forests across the state. Some five tigers have  reportedly died in the forests or near them in the last two years, according to experts.  The majority of these deaths were caused by poaching or human interventions,  including traps laid by the people.

“There have been many projects, including  Project Tiger,  envisaged to protect tigers in our forests. However, all these lacked proper monitoring and need a revival. The challenge is to implement the schemes to save the animals and maintain the protocol,” Mr M.N. Jayachandran, co-opted member, Animal Welfare Board of India,  told this newspaper.

The negligence towards these animals continues even in the Periyar Tiger Reserve.  Waste management is given least priority at Sabarimala which falls within the reserve, he said. Even the night traffic along the proximity of forests adversely affects the animals.

Most of the wild animals, including leopards and tigers,  are poached and also fall prey to the humans when  they come out of the forest in search of food. “A comprehensive plan is necessary for the conservation of the animals,”  Mr. Jayachandran said.