Tigers get more space in Maharashtra's forest reserves

Chandrapur (Maharashtra), May 7 (ANI): Wildlife experts at Tadoba-Andheri Tiger Reserve (TATR) in Maharashtra have welcomed a state government decision to issue notice for a buffer zone around its currently existing area.

Keeping in mind the increasing population of the tigers in the reserve, the state government on Thursday issued the notice along with the permission to run Tiger Conservation Foundations (TCFs), which supports the management and conservation of tigers, in the three tiger reserves of Melghat, Pench and Tadoba.

Four newborn cubs were spotted in the reserve on April 12, and with the newly allotted land, wildlife experts said the tigers would enjoy more space and protection.

"The cubs are taking birth in the reserve; they (authorities) have released a notification based on their population. This will give a benefit to tigers as the area will increase and they will have more space and protection," said Kundan Hate, wildlife expert.

Hate opined that the government should now pay attention to the staff related problems of the reserve.

"The protection becomes more crucial as there is lack of staff, as people are not joining. Now the staff-related problems of Tadoba should be solved," he added.

The Wildlife Protection Amendment Act, 2006, Section 38(10), provides for the establishment of TCFs in each tiger reserve to facilitate and support management, apart from taking initiatives for involving people in conservation.

As per the Section 38(5) of the WPA (1972), buffer zones around tiger reserves are mandatory. (ANI)