Jaipur/ Sawai Madhopur : The number of tigers in Rajasthan’s famous Tiger Century Ranthambore National Sanctuary has continuously decreased since last one year. Expressing deep concern over this, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden Pawan Kumar Upadhyay has constituted a 3-member inquiry committee to investigate the matter. This inquiry committee will present its report to the Chief Wildlife Warden’s office in two months. Let us tell you that in the last one year, 25 out of 75 tigers have gone missing from Ranthambore National Sanctuary. This has been revealed in the monitoring report of the department.
25 tigers are missing from Century since last one year!
Recently the monitoring report of the Forest Department has come out. After this the concern of the department has increased. This report has revealed that there is no trace of 25 out of 75 tigers for a year, after which the forest department came into action. Regarding this, Rajasthan’s Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden Pawan Kumar Upadhyay has given instructions for investigation. Under this, a 3-member inquiry committee has been formed, which will present its report to the Chief Wildlife Warden’s office in two months. Meanwhile, according to the department’s report dated October 14, 2024, no concrete evidence has been received for more than a year regarding the missing 11 tigers of Ranthambore. Also, concrete evidence of the presence of 14 tigers has not been found even in a period of less than a year.
After the investigation, major action will be taken against the culprits. There is panic in the Forest Department after the figures of 25 tigers going missing in Ranthambore Sanctuary came out. Due to this, the Chief Wildlife Officer issued the order. Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Chairman, Conservator of Forests Dr. are included in the investigation committee. T Mohanraj (Jaipur) and Manas Singh Conservator of Forests (Bharatpur) have been appointed as members. This inquiry committee will investigate the efforts made by CCF Ranthambore to find the tigers after their disappearance. Also, if any negligence of any officer or employee is found, the committee will present proposals for disciplinary action against the concerned. Apart from this, the committee will also give its suggestions in the report to remove the shortcomings in the arrangements of Ranthambore. If necessary, this inquiry committee can also take the opinion of experts.
Tiger T-86 died yesterday
Let us tell you that the dead body of a Tiger T-86 was found in Sawai Madhopur last Sunday, which had injury marks on its face. A large number of big stones were also found nearby. After this incident the villagers created a ruckus. People demonstrated for about 22 hours. Later the matter calmed down after the intervention of Minister Kirori Lal Meena. Regarding Tiger T-86, it is also being said that the villagers killed him as a revenge. In fact, a man named Bharat Meena was attacked and killed by a tiger on Saturday in Uliana village adjacent to Ranthambore. Therefore, due to this reason, the discussion is that the villagers killed the young man by attacking him with stones to avenge his death and to prevent the tiger from hunting other people. Here, the news of 25 tigers missing in the monitoring report of the Forest Department has increased the concern of the department. Now after investigating the case, the real reason for his disappearance will be revealed.
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Interview: The Vanishing Tigers of Ranthambore – A Call for Action
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good day, and welcome to our special segment on wildlife conservation. Today, we have with us Dr. Elena Kapoor, an esteemed wildlife biologist and conservation expert. Dr. Kapoor, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Elena Kapoor (DEK): Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time for wildlife conservation, and I’m glad to discuss the pressing issues we face, particularly concerning Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Sanctuary.
TNE: Indeed, the recent reports indicating that 25 tigers have gone missing from Ranthambore have raised alarms. What are your initial thoughts on this concerning trend?
DEK: It’s deeply troubling. The disappearance of 25 tigers constitutes one-third of the sanctuary’s tiger population. This not only reflects potential ecological imbalance but also raises serious questions about conservation efforts and the effectiveness of existing measures in safeguarding these magnificent creatures.
TNE: The inquiry committee that the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Pawan Kumar Upadhyay, has formed is intended to investigate these disappearances. What do you expect this committee to uncover?
DEK: I hope they will conduct a thorough investigation that examines factors such as poaching, habitat encroachment, and even the health and movements of the remaining tiger population. It’s crucial for the inquiry to explore both direct human impacts and broader ecological issues affecting the region.
TNE: Recent reports indicate that there has been no concrete evidence regarding the whereabouts of 11 of the missing tigers for over a year. What does this lack of evidence imply for conservation efforts in the sanctuary?
DEK: This lack of trace is alarming and indicates severe gaps in monitoring and protection protocols within the sanctuary. It could suggest that these tigers are potentially victims of poaching or that their natural habitat has been compromised, leading to their disappearance.
TNE: The Forest Department’s response suggests that there is panic among officials. How essential is it for wildlife authorities to act swiftly and decisively in such situations?
DEK: Swift action is critical. The longer it takes to investigate and respond, the harder it becomes to locate missing animals and restore confidence in conservation efforts. Immediate actions, such as increased patrols, community engagement, and better surveillance technology, can significantly deter illegal activities that threaten wildlife.
TNE: What measures can be put in place to prevent similar situations in the future, particularly in a sanctuary as famous as Ranthambore?
DEK: Long-term strategies are essential. This encompasses enhancing community awareness about the importance of tigers and their role in the ecosystem, reinforcing anti-poaching laws, investing in wildlife corridors to ensure safe movement, and utilizing technology for better monitoring. Collaborating with local communities can help in creating a protective buffer around these reserves.
TNE: As a final thought, what message do you want to reach our audience regarding the preservation of tigers in Ranthambore and wildlife conservation in general?
DEK: Wildlife conservation requires a collective effort. Every individual can contribute, whether through spreading awareness, supporting conservation projects, or simply respecting nature. The fate of tigers in Ranthambore symbolizes larger environmental challenges we face globally. Let’s advocate for our wildlife, ensuring they do not become mere memories.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Kapoor, for your insights and for shedding light on this critical issue. We hope for swift action and effective solutions for the tigers of Ranthambore.
DEK: Thank you for having me; it’s a pleasure to discuss such vital matters.
TNE: Stay tuned, everyone, as we will continue to follow the developments in this situation and advocate for the conservation of our planet’s wildlife.