Poachers have killed 28 tigers in the first four months of 2016 which is three more than the last year, reveals a census conducted by the Wildlife Protection Society of India. The report warns of increasing poaching activity in the country and government’s failed attempt in implementing anti-poaching laws in the country.
Tiger body parts sell for very high prices in the black market. Tiger meat and bones are used in traditional Chinese medicines and due its very high demand poachers fetch very high prices which motivate them to kill India’s national animal despite very high risk involved.
Several projects from the government like Project Tiger and other initiatives from concerned agencies has led to lesser number of killings in last one decade. Wildlife authorities have educated people and active efforts from local people have also played a key role protecting the endangered species.
“The stats are worrying indeed,” said Tito Joseph, programme manager at the group. “Poaching can only be stopped when we have coordinated, intelligence-led enforcement operations, because citizens of many countries are involved in illegal wildlife trade. It’s a transnational organised crime.”
Since India contains more than half of world tigers (2226 as of last count in 2014) thus, protecting these novel animals is an extremely crucial task. According to global census conducted by WWF, there are just 3890 tigers in the world. Since 1900 tiger population has declined continuously every year, however, last decade saw a slight rise in the population which is commendable. Indian witnessed 30 percent rise in the tiger population in last one decade.
The report demanded of increased conservation efforts from government, wildlife authorities and local people.
Courtesy :http://tecake.in/
