Odisha is one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the country, home to several endangered and rare species. Among many species of animals and plants found in Odisha, the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger holds a significant place.The state over the years has played pivotal role in conserving and reviving biodiversity. However, the decline in numbers of the big cats in Odisha has sparked concerns.
According to Wildlife Protection Society of India, there were 192 tigers in the state including 60 cubs in 2002. In 2018, the big cat population in Odisha had come down to 28, the same number that was reported in 2014. It proves that the tiger population is on the wane in Odisha.
Odisha is one of the first states to be part of ‘Project Tiger’ conservation programme launched in 1973. The project celebrates its 50th anniversary this month. Odisha has several dedicated protected areas for tiger conservation namely Similipal, Satkosia and Sunabeda covering a total area of approximately 5,300 square kilometres.
Established in 1973, the Similipal Tiger Reserve is the largest of all the conservation areas, spanning over 2,750 square kilometers in Mayurbhanj district. It was one of the first nine tiger reserves in India and has also been added to UNESCO’s biosphere reserves list. It is also the home of the extremely rare melanistic tiger.
The Satkosia Tiger Reserve, located in Angul and Boudh districts is spread over 964 square kilometres. On the other hand, the Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Nuapada district is spread over approximately 600 square kilometres and is home to a wide variety of species including leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, and bison apart from tigers.
The Sunabeda Sanctuary was in the news recently when news of an elderly woman being killed and eaten by a Royal Bengal Tiger surfaced. However, later on it transpired that a leopard had killed the woman.
The primary reason for the decline in tiger numbers in Odisha is because of loss of habitat due to human encroachment, deforestation and infrastructure development. These factors have made it difficult for tigers to move freely and reproduce.
Another major threat to tigers in Odisha is poachers. Tigers are often poached for their skin, bones and other body parts that are in high demand in illegal wildlife trade. Despite efforts to crackdown on poaching, it remains a major issue in many parts of Odisha.
Climate change has emerged as another significant threat to tigers in Odisha. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and other climate-related factors are altering the natural habitat of tigers, making it difficult for them to adapt to changing conditions.
The government of Odisha and Conservation authorities have taken numerous measures to address these challenges, which includes habitat development and management, anti-poaching initiatives, eco-development committees, village relocation and research and monitoring programmes. However, strict enforcement of laws and increased investment in research and conservation efforts are needed to protect tigers and their habitats in Odisha.
There have been a few setbacks in the recent past for the authorities such as the failure of tiger translocation project in Satkosia as the numbers remained stagnant. However, the government of Odisha continues to look for alternatives to attain its objectives. Tiger reserve status for potential forests and increase in budgetary allocation for research and conservation could bring in some positive change at the ground level.
Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary and Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary have been the focus of attention of state authorities, who are attempting to get tiger reserve status for these areas. Such an achievement would bolster the conservation programmes.
Recent efforts made by both Centre and state government to increase the budgetary allocation for different conservation programmes will also help in tiger conservation.
However, many wildlife experts feel that much more needs to be done to protect tigers and their habitats in Odisha. This includes stricter enforcement of laws against poaching and habitat destruction.
The declining tiger population is not just an ecological challenge for Odisha. The state is one the most naturally gifted regions and has centuries-old history of co-existence with nature, which needed to be protected and embraced. While there are challenges, there is also hope for the future as efforts to conserve tigers and their habitats continue to gather momentum.
Ajay Kumar Singh, OP