Wildlife experts concerned over recent tiger deaths in Rajasthan

Ranthambore, Feb 15 (ANI) : Wildlife experts have expressed concern over the increasing number of tiger deaths in Ranthambore and Sariska tiger sanctuaries in Rajasthan.

Manish Saxena, a wildlife expert, on Tuesday said fighting, poisoning by villagers and poaching are the main reasons for the recent deaths of the tigers.

He added that the forest area is too small, which is why the tigers engage in fights, leading to casualties and deaths.

"Four tigers have been killed due to fight amongst themselves in which they got injured and died. Other four tigers including two cubs were killed due to poisoning. The villagers mixed poison in their food to avenge the killing of their pets by the tigers. This was the reason behind the deaths", said Saxena.

Meanwhile, R.S, Bhandari, a wildlife analyst, said that to control the situation more vigilance on the part of the forest department is required.

"More vigilance is required as the forest is so big and when a theft can happen in a city then why not in forest. However, near Sariska, poaching is quite impossible. As far as poisoning is concerned, it can be controlled by making the nearby villagers aware and keeping a check in the areas where a tiger has been killed," he added.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has an interim relief programme, wherein villagers are paid Rs. 3,000 or less for every cow killed by a tiger or leopard. This plan has helped in reducing tiger mortality.

According to reports, almost eight tigers including cubs have been killed in Ranthambore and Sariska sanctuaries in the last four years.(ANI)