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Tiger,
Tiger, burning out
The Indian tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is a beautiful animal. As described by Mr. Sankhala -
"His lithe majesty, powerful musceles rippling under a tawny coat, his symmetery and mesmerising gaze were a tantalising beacon to those who wanted to prove their "bravery" He was hunted ruthlessly during the Raj and in the sixties, by dealers of fashion trade. Human encrochement upon his habitat and the killing of his prey species further endangered his survival."
The tiger was once a formidable force in the Indian Jungles before, but today, there is a rapid decline in their numbers in the wild. In 1972 the population of tigers was about 2000 only. In 1973 "Project Tiger" was conceptualised to conserve tigers in a systematic and planned manner from Jim Corbett National Park. With a result the tiger population grew to about 4000, by 1989. However, in the recent times unprecedented demand of Tiger bones and parts from China for the manufacture of medicines and wines have resulted in mass poaching. Thereby causing a great concern on the "Tiger survival"
The killing truth
 "The recovery of 115 tigers
and leopard skins (valued at around Rs. 22 crore) in Khaga, Uttar Pradesh,
last month proved that trafficking in illegal wildlife products is thriving".
" In 27 cases in the last
three months alone, forest department officials and the police have seized
over 25 tiger skins, 320 leopard skins, 10 tons of deer antlers, 180 tons
of tiger and leopard bones". |
