There is no proposal before the State government to create a new tiger reserve in the State,in addition to the existing five.
This was disclosed in the Legislative Assembly by Minister for Revenue V. Srinivas Prasad, who replied on behalf of the Minister for Forests, Environment and Ecology B. Ramanath Rai, in reply to L.A. Ravisubramanya, Basavanagudi MLA.
Tiger populationOn the question of the tiger population in the State, Mr. Prasad said according to the 2010 Census, there were about 300 tigers in the State. The latest census was completed in December 2013 and the details will be obtained later.
Mr. Ravisubramanya, who drew the attention of the Minister over increased tiger attacks in recent days, wanted to know whether the animals strayed in search of food.
Mr. Prasad replied that certain tigers came out of forests as they became feeble due to old age or after sustaining injuries after a fight with other tigers.
They then target cattle and other easy prey when they come out of the forests, he said.
Mr. Ravisubramanya sought to know from the Minister whether there was shortage of veterinarians in the Forest Department. Mr. Prasad said there were enough doctors and stock of tranquilizers and other items used in the capture of the wild animals.
Demand for reliefK.G. Bopaiah, Virajpet MLA, drew the attention of Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa over the tiger attacks in the Nagarahole National Park on the Kodagu side in recent days. Relief to the affected should be provided without delay, Mr. Bopaiah said.
