10 tigers traced, officials confirm to DTE after reports of 25 missing felines in Ranthambore cause panic

  • November 7, 2024
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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10 tigers traced, officials confirm to DTE after reports of 25 missing felines in Ranthambore cause panic

Sub : Env

Sec: Protected Area

Context:

  • Ten of the 25 tigers recently reported as ‘missing’ from Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve have been located, officials confirmed to Down To Earth (DTE).
  • Fifteen tigers are still unaccounted for. A committee has been set up to locate them, following a November 4 order by the chief wildlife warden.

Background on Missing Tigers:

  • Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR) had an estimated 88 tigers as of the 2022 census.
  • Evidence of tiger presence is gathered via pug marks, sightings, and trap cameras.
  • This is not the first time tigers have been reported missing in RTR. From January 2019 to January 2022, 13 tigers went missing.
  • Possible Reasons for Disappearance:
    • The recent end of the monsoon makes it difficult for officials to access the park’s interior.
    • Dense tiger populations often result in conflicts, possibly causing tigers to move away or, in some cases, die.
    • There have been cases of tiger poisoning in recent years, prompting calls for greater transparency in information sharing.

About Ranthambore Tiger Reserve:

  • Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, India. It is one of the largest national parks in northern India and is known for its tiger population.

Key Features of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve:

  • The reserve boasts a captivating landscape, with rugged hills, serene lakes, winding rivers, and the majestic Ranthambore Fort, which adds to the reserve’s historical and cultural significance.
  • Rich Biodiversity: Ranthambore is home to a wide range of wildlife, including:
    • Bengal Tigers, Leopards, nilgai, sambar deer, chital, wild boar, and sloth bears are among the other notable species found in the reserve.
    • Avifauna: The reserve is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 300 species of birds, including the iconic Indian peafowl.
  • Tiger Population Growth:
    • The tiger population in RTR has grown from about 32 in 2006 to 57 by 2022, reflecting conservation successes amidst ongoing challenges.
  • Conservation Needs:
    • Effective habitat management is essential for tiger survival.
    • Currently, RTR has 1,400 sq km as critical habitat and 300 sq km as buffer. 
    • There’s a need to expand this area to support the growing tiger population.
    • Challenges include habitat restoration due to invasive species like Prosopis juliflora and augmenting prey availability.

Source: DTE

25 missing felines in Ranthambore cause panic Environment