The eco-tourism projects which have become a trend worldwide, are like a tight rope walk, and unless well managed, they will be detrimental to the forest ecology, former field director of the Corbett and Rajaji National parks Sameer Sinha said.
Pollution and garbage generated by the eco-tourism projects will endanger the natural forests, he pointed out while addressing a seminar organised by the State Forest Department on the occasion of the Wildlife Week.
Also cautioning about the growing quantum of illegal trade in wildlife animals, Mr. Sinha pegged the trade at USD 20 billion. To curb poaching of wild animals, and the illegal trade, the foresters should monitor the situation only through long walks through forests.
Dog squads
The Forest Department should be provided with dog squads and metal detectors along the lines of the Police Department, he said.
Director of the Wildlife Conservation Society Ullas Karanth spoke about the need to enhance the prey base in the tiger conservation zones, and said at least 15 to 20 ungulates should be available for every square kilometre. Two to three tigers for 100 square kilometres can be considered healthy equilibrium of the forest. He asked the officials to conserve pristine forests instead of resorting to artificial methods for tiger conservation.
Habitat loss
While 20 to 23 % loss of wildlife due to natural causes, and migration is acceptable, deaths due to poaching and loss of habitat should be taken seriously, he cautioned.
Principal Secretary Rajat Kumar, PCCF P.K.Jha, PCCF (Wildlife) Manoranjan Bhanja and other officials attended the meeting.
