WITH World Tiger Day being observed on Monday, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve (ATR) recorded the presence of ten big cats including three male and seven females inside the sanctuary. In the fourth phase of Tiger Survey- 2024, the count of tigers in ATR has reached ten. This is double the figure against 2022 Tiger Survey when the number was five. During the survey, the teams also confirmed presence of Melanistic Leopard (Black Panther) one of extinct species, in ATR. According to information the officials in ATR have been continuously working on plans towards increase in the number of tigers. The efforts yielded fruitful results and if the management continues to make efforts in this direction, then better results will come in the future.

 

The presence of wild cats will not only increase productivity of the forest, but will also attract the number of tourists and wildlife lovers from other countries. This will also provide more employment opportunities to the local people and a better option will be available in the state for wildlife lovers, forestry students and research scholars. A team has also been formed in ATR for special monitoring of tigers, whose main task is to track the big cats. They ensure the safety of tigers by continuously patrolling even in adverse weather conditions. A GIS (Geographic Information System) Cell has also been established in Kota for technical monitoring of these arrangements, where all the data received every week and month is analysed and the reports are directly shared with the Deputy Director and Field Directors. Since ATR is a network-less area, easy dissemination of all types of instructions and information are ensured with the help of wireless technology.

 

According to ATR Field Director U R Ganeshan, for strengthening future monitoring and management of tigers, construction of new Tiger Conservation Plan (TCP), tiger corridor and new action plans are in progress. He thanked the departmental staffs, people and entire community residing in forest villages for this achievement and urged them to always participate in preserving the forest and promoting their schemes for further development of ATR. ATR management is also working out plans to attract tourists. Some new routes are being identified so that more and more tourists come here.