Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Tiger count

This refers to the editorial “Counting real tigers” (Feb. 19). The news that the tiger population in India as a whole has been reduced to a paltry 1,411 is both shocking and surprising. Atrocities committed by mankind — undue exploitation of forest resources, intrusion into the exclusive domain of the animal species, unmindful annihilation with utter disregard for their right to exist, etc. — are largely to blame for the dwindling numbers. If tigers are not to be wiped off the map of the animal kingdom, it is imperative that all issues covering their survival are addressed sincerely and quickly.

R.M. Manoharan,

Chennai

The tiger species is in danger of becoming extinct, thanks to direct poaching. It is really sad that no other entity has caused so much harm to the environment as man has. The decline in the number of tigers should be viewed as seriously as climate change. Otherwise, the ecological equilibrium will be seriously affected. The government can declare tigers as state assets and look at ways of protecting and breeding them in secure environments lest they should become a thing of the past to be described in bedtime stories.

Raghu Seshadri,

Chennai

The tiger is the one animal that has received the maximum attention from wildlife conservationists across the country. However, it seems to have done little for the species. This is alarming news when one considers the plight of the lesser known animals of the Indian fauna.

India has one of the world’s 25 biological hotspots, which means it should take drastic measures to conserve its wildlife. Awareness campaigns have been targeted at the wrong crowds. It is not students in urban schools but the tribal youth living in forests who should be made aware of the risks of poaching and deforestation. Unless we enlist their cooperation, little can be done to save the tiger.

S. Vishnupriya,

Bangalore

The alarming decline in the tiger population from 3,642 to 1,411 in just five years spells disaster for ecological balance. If the trend continues, the tiger will go the cheetah way and we may have to be content with exhibits in zoos.

Krishna Vattam,

Mysore

It is difficult to understand why the number of tigers is dwindling despite the nation spending crores on Project Tiger. Either the funds are not being utilised for the purpose for which they are allocated or poachers are multiplying their efforts.

Salin Thomas,

Kottayam

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