The Bandipur tiger tranquillised and shifted to Mysuru won’t be released back into the forest even though it is young and healthy.
This was stated by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Sanjai Mohan, who pointed out that since the big cat has killed a person, the authorities cannot take the risk of releasing it back into the wild.
“Though there are activists who are saying it is India’s national animal and that the tiger is young and healthy, we do not have other options as the safety of the local community who live on the forest fringes should also be factored in,” said Mr. Mohan.
He said this should not be construed as being inimical to tiger conservation efforts because sometimes, harsh measures are needed to keep people safe. There are 130 tigers in the Bandipur landscape alone and if one or two tigers have to be trapped, it will be in the long-term interest of conservation, he added.
Mr. Mohan said the Forest Department has done a tough balancing act of placating the local community and also getting their cooperation for conservation, and this has helped in ensuring increase in tiger numbers in the country.
T. Balachandra, Director of Bandipur Tiger Reserve, complimented his staff and appreciated the services of elephants in the combing operation. “No one should question the competence of the Forest Department which has well-defined protocols to conduct such operations,” he said, in a veiled reference to criticism of the department from a section of activists.
