Bandhavgarh Reserve proposes to extend area by 2500 sqkm

 

 

Tiger population grew in Bandhavgarh National Park by double from 2018 to 2022. While in Census there were 124 tigers in the park, Census 2022 claimed around 220 tigers. Though exact data of tiger in each reserve and state is yet to be released by Wildlife Institute of India (WII) but forest officials have claimed for 220 tigers in the reserve. At the same time there is also death of 40 tigers in Bandhavgarh. The reserve officials have captured 185 adult tigers in camera record and samples have been collected for more than 35 tigers. Around 70 tigers have left the park area. Due to regular movement of wildlife, tiger corridor has been formed in 500 sqkm of area from Bandhavgarh to Kanha, Pench and Sanjay Tiger Reserve. This area has dense population of tigers.

In terms of tiger area, Jim Corbet National Park in Uttrakhand remained on first place during year 2018. In Census 2022, forest officials claimed BTR to remain on first position. Talking to ‘The Hitavada’ BTR range officer Ranjan Parihar said, “our one of the tigresses ‘Jhumri’ is active in Achanakamar jungle, Chhattisgarh, which is around 300 km away. This has proved that tiger population is surpassing. We have proposed Government to extend our area by 2500 sqkm.” He further said that there are many reasons for extended tiger movement in 500 sqkm of area. There are 85,000 cheetal that are natural food of tigers. The area includes geographical structure, hilly region, caves and safe, secure space for tigress to stay with cubs. Human being interference is very low in this area and around 12 natural ponds are there. Better water sources attract the big cats. There is 11 kv electricity line in 165 km in Bandhavgarh and 738 regular staff, 1,000 daily wages staff. Patrolling team performs duty at every five km of area. BTR Deputy Director Lavid Bharati said that tiger count has been increased due to food availability, quality of area, water sources and suitable habitat. He said in year 2010, there were 67 tigers in BTR and on an average ten tigers were dying of various reasons. He said at present there are more than 200 tigers but mortality is around 15 tigers.

From 2005 to 2103, there were no tiger in Dindori and at present each range of Dindori has tigers. Better management has resulted into dense population of tigers. On an average 10 to 12 % tiger cubs survives but in Bandhavgarh, only four cubs have been died in a year. Remaining all cubs are surviving. On an average, a tigress delivers three to four cubs and if 33% survives, it is a great achievement. Forest officials said that a tiger travel for 30 km during night hours. Most important thing in a tiger is that he walk on the way of ancestors. A tiger genetically identifies the litter, scratches, urine, etc of ancestors even after several years.