Green chat: Will tiger tourism help conservation?

PROJECT TIGER TOURISM: Some experts are touting wildlife tourism as a viable method for wildlife conservation.

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Sitesh Chandra Mohanty: Hi Abhishek, Simlipal Tiger Reserve in Orissa has a conflicting figure about the number of tigers, the pug-mark method and the camera-trap method has different numbers. Can you elaborate on it?

Abhishek Behl: Hi Sitesh. Your question would be well answered by some one looking into population dynamics, telemetry and photo shots in wild habitats.

Amit Ogale: I had been to Kanha recently. It was beautiful. But recently tiger traps were said to have been found even in the core area. How reliable is the forest security in India? Do you really think tigers will survive in India? What do you think is a realistic tiger population count in India?

Abhishek Behl: Hi Amit. Kanha is beautiful. Yes, the reliability of the forest security is a lot in question here, and I, per se, cannot comment anything right now as I have not looked into this matter in depth. I feel Tigers are very clever species and will survive. I am confident it will. We need to make more corridors in areas and that will enhance the viable population in a given area. The government figures say the total count is around 1500. The word “around” makes me think.

Neogy: The only question coming to my mind now is what do we do now? Is there any solution?

Abhishek Behl: Participate in wildlife issues and make tourism as a vital tool for conservation.

Vikram: Hi Abhishek. Just like any other public service, how much of the educated people are willing to join the wildlife department in India? Are we not lacking dedicated/passionate and educated people to conserve our wildlife? What is the scenario in foreign countries? Comment.

Abhishek Behl: Hi Vikram. It’s hard to say as I am not a public servant myself. Talking on a personal level, what I feel is India should rethink their strategy on enhancing IFS intakes as most of the IFS intakes have an administrative approach, because most of them focus on IAS and then take Forests as a further option. Forest service is a very enhanced field of knowledge and I must say we do not lack the educated people to fill these posts. They need to be more passionate and dedicated on forest and wildlife issues. I have always felt wildlife tourism should have a separate ministry and then decision-making for our agenda would be much thoughtful and easier to work on.

Tarun Nainani: Hi, I am a software engineer. How can people like me participate in what you guys are campaigning? How it is possible to actively do something for saving tigers?

Abhishek Behl: Travel more to parks and indirectly participate. Visit www.toftigers.org

Sameera Khan: Hi Abhishek. I live near the upper lake in Bhopal, where a lot of migratory birds make their abode. A lot of villagers kill these birds at night which is a matter of deep distress and concern for us. What should I do when I hear gunshots at 2 am? I don’t think the police will be much of help. Do help.

Abhishek Behl: Take action. The forest department would be having an office there. Report the matter and if you do meet people doing this act, please try and educate them on its importance in keeping this species alive.