Vanishing Stripes: Save the Bengal Tiger

By virtue of being the top predator, Tiger functions as an umbrella species for the conservation of biodiversity, ecosystem functions, goods, and services in forest. Poaching, driven largely by the international demand for tiger parts over the years has emerged as a major threat alongside prey depletion and habitat loss. India, being home to more the half of the world’s tigers is thus facing a challenging task in protecting the species from increasing incidences of poaching and trafficking. Despite focused efforts and legal protection by forest department under Wildlife Protection (1972) Act, poaching of tigers continue unabated. Being a conservation dependent species, efforts are needed from all quarters. With your valuable contribution and support a number of enforcement initiatives have been taken by WTI in support of the state forest departments to address the rising illegal tiger trade in India.

Recently, in a collaborative enforcement initiative by WTI field team and Karnataka FD a tiger skin was seized in Mysore, Karnataka. Two accused were also apprehended, one who through an intensive interrogation process revealed himself to be a poacher. Critical information such as the site of tiger capture and the modus operandi was revealed by him. Based on the provided intelligence, the enforcement team visited the crime site. The team found strong evidence of camp fire and other poaching gear indicating presence of an established gang in the region. Efforts are currently on to locate the gang and bring an end to the trade.

It is hoped that with your continuous support, we will earn more opportunities for monitoring and address tiger crime in India.