TIGER ATTACKS: PROBLEM OF PLENTY OR MISMANAGEMENT?

Attack on humans by tigers is not new in Rajasthan, which now houses 5 tiger reserves with a 6th in the pipeline, but the incidents despite expansion of tiger reserves have marked raised a question mark on the efficacy of the efforts as well as the management of the tiger reserves in the State.

- Rashpal Singh

The Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is witnessing a growing conflict between religious faith and wildlife conservation, as the number of tiger encounters continues to rise along routes frequently used by pilgrims. Thousands of devotees visit sacred temples located including Trinetra Ganesh Temple within the reserve daily. These pilgrimage routes are now seeing increased tiger activity and population growth, raising serious safety concerns. At present, 27 tigers, including 10 sub-adults, are moving between Zones 1 to 5. Interestingly, sub-adult tigers are