….Created By: Saurabh Patel

CONDITIONS OF TIGERS IN INDIA INDIA’S tiger habitats may be shrinking but its tiger population has increased, claims the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF). On March 28, the ministry announced 295 tigers have been added to the previous estimate—the 2006 count had estimated 1,411 tigers in the wild, spurring corporate-sponsored save-the-tiger campaigns revolving around the number. The latest census, conducted between December 2009 and December 2010, says the tiger population now is 1,706; the figure is not an actual head count but an estimate. Some conservationists are sceptical about the dramatic increase. MoEF officials claim the tigers have increased because of conservation efforts, new areas being surveyed and improved counting system. The latest survey used a double sampling process, says Y Jhala, senior scientist with the Wildlife Institute of India, who coordinated the census study. Field information about tiger signs, prey availability, habitat conditions and threat from human disturbances were collected by forest patrol units (see ‘Cat count’, Down To Earth, April 15, 1998). In addition to this, the camera- trap method was used in select sample areas covering 10,500 sq km or 14.4 per cent of the total area of 72,800 sq km.Cat count

Why Should You Care About Tigers? HEALTHY TIGER POPULATIONS = HEALTHY ECOSYSTEMS When animals at the top and the bottom of the food chain start to decline it’s a clear sign that the entire ecosystem is in trouble. These ecosystems supply both nature and people with fresh water, food, and many other vital services – which means by saving the tiger, we are saving people too. Tigers survive in some of the last great forests of Asia, which are critical not only for their biodiversity but also as stores of carbon that would end up released into the atmosphere if these forests were cut down. By protecting tiger habitat, we help mitigate climate change.

A HOME FOR TIGERS = A HOME FOR OTHERS Large predators like tigers are an “umbrella species” and protecting them benefits hundreds of other species, including other endangered creatures that share tiger habitat and form biodiversity, a keystone to keeping our planet healthy. Tigers can directly help some of the planet’s poorest communities. Where tigers are accessible, tourism increases and supports the local economy. Tiger conservation projects also help provide alternative livelihoods for rural communities that are sustainable and raise income levels.

Tigers In the News 1.Greens, Cops, Forest Dept Join Hands to Check Poaching Feb 5 With the recent arrests of poachers and the recovery of tiger pelts, police, forest department officials and wildlife enthusiasts are working together to curb poaching in tiger reserves and sanctuaries. 2.‘Hejje’, mobile application for tracking tigers launched Feb 5 Tiger-tracking and wildlife conservation have a new mobile application for vigorous monitoring and better coordination of anti-poaching camp personnel at Bandipur. 3.Tiger count begins at Ranthambore park Feb 3 The Ranthambore reserve is embarking on phase IV of tiger monitoring as part of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) protocol for all tiger reserves for a national figure on big cats. 4.Wild Tigers: the Time to Act Is Now Jan 30 Tigers are in trouble. The largest of the world’s cats, a species that’s existed for two million years, is slipping away before our eyes. Few realize that just 3,000 tigers remain in the wild. 5.Top Photos: 20 Years Camera-trapping India’s Elusive Carnivores Jan 27 Owing to the enormous effort invested in such camera trap surveys in the Western Ghats, WCS-India database now has more than 750 uniquely identifiable tigers. Greens, Cops, Forest Dept Join Hands to Check Poaching‘Hejje’, mobile application for tracking tigers launchedTiger count begins at Ranthambore parkWild Tigers: the Time to Act Is NowTop Photos: 20 Years Camera-trapping India’s Elusive Carnivores

The 12 WWF Priority Tiger Landscapes: * Amur-Heilong – China and Russia *Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong – India *Satpuda-Maikal – India * Western Ghats-Nilgiris – India * Greater Manas – Bhutan and India * Sundarbans – Bangladesh and India * Terai Arc – India and Nepal * Forests of the Lower Mekong – Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam *Dawna – Myanmar *Banjaran Titiwangsa – Malaysia *Central Sumatra – Indonesia * Southern Sumatra – Indonesia *Tennaserim - Thailand The 12 WWF Priority Tiger Landscapes: * Amur-Heilong – China and Russia *Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong – India *Satpuda-Maikal – India * Western Ghats-Nilgiris – India * Greater Manas – Bhutan and India * Sundarbans – Bangladesh and India * Terai Arc – India and Nepal * Forests of the Lower Mekong – Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam *Dawna – Myanmar *Banjaran Titiwangsa – Malaysia *Central Sumatra – Indonesia * Southern Sumatra – Indonesia *Tennaserim - Thailand

THE END THANK YOU…………….....Created By Saurabh Patel