Save the Tiger Meet

INTRODUCTION

The tiger is a unique animal which plays a pivotal role in the health and diversity of an ecosystem. It is a top predator and is at the apex of the food chain and therefore, the presence of tigers in the forest is an indicator of the well-being of the ecosystem. Protection of tigers in forests protects habitats of several other species. Indirect benefits include protection of rivers and other water sources, prevention of soil erosion and improvement of ecological services like pollination, water table retention etc. The absence of this top predator is an indication that its ecosystem is not sufficiently protected. There has been steep decline in the tiger population all across the world and according to studies and reports, today, tigers occupy just 7% of their historic range.

Tigers occupy an important place in the Indian culture. Since ages, it has been a symbol of magnificence, power, beauty and fierceness and has been associated with bravery and valour. It is also the national animal of the India. The decline in the tiger population in India can be attributed to many factors. One of the major reasons is the growth in human population. Since independence large chunks of prime tiger habitats have been lost forever to agriculture and developmental activities. However, the problem is not so much of managing resources as it is of the unconcerned and lackadaisical approach. Tiger conservation is an issue that has not acquired national importance despite being one that requires utmost attention.

Tiger hunting was officially banned after the enactment of the Wildlife (Protection) Act in 1972. Today, increasing biotic disturbances, uncontrolled poaching of prey, urbanization, mining and quarrying; and poaching of tiger for its body parts gravely threaten the future of the tiger.

LAWS FOR PROTECTION OF TIGERS

In 1969, the General Assembly of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) proposed a resolution calling for international efforts to save the tiger. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) responded in 1972 with Operation Tiger, a global program to fund conservation efforts for the tiger in the Indian subcontinent, Indochina, and Indonesia. India responded most rapidly with the formation of Tiger Task Force followed in 1973 by Project Tiger, which established India's first tiger reserves and financial support from the Indian government for habitat conservation and tiger protection. Since the 1980s, the success of the wildlife reserves has been increasingly and drastically undermined by conflicts between "protected" tigers and both individual poachers and the needs of surrounding communities.

Indian Tiger is an endangered animal and is listed in the Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This act gives it protection against hunting/poaching and trade for skins, bones and body parts. Any person who commits such an offence is punishable with an imprisonment of not less than three years extending up to seven years along with a fine of not less than fifty thousand rupees which may extend up to two lakh rupees. In the event of a second or subsequent conviction he can receive imprisonment for a term of not less than seven years and a fine which shall be not less than five lakh rupees and can vary up to a maximum of fifty lakh rupees. 

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) presently ratified by over 160 countries, makes international trade in tiger parts illegal. India has been a signatory of this convention since the year 1975.

In the present context, the law pertaining to notification of lands falling within 10 kilometers of the boundaries of National Parks and Sanctuaries as eco-fragile zones given under section 3(v) of the Environment (Protection) Act and Rule 5 Sub-rule 5(viii) & (x) of the Environment (Protection) Rules is very important. It is the unsatisfactory and negligent implementation of these laws that needs to be addressed. No diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes from critical and ecologically fragile wildlife habitat should be allowed. Furthermore, encroachments and illegal activities from within forest lands and Protected Areas should be curbed. It is imperative that commercial culture must not be allowed to replace natural forests. 

OUR AIM

Madhya Pradesh was known as the Tiger State of India but it recently lost this coveted status owing to a decline in their numbers according to the latest tiger census report. Although many laws exist, their improper implementation and lack of backing by the civil society has reduced them to mere hortatory statements. To be effective, laws established to protect the endangered tiger need to be reinforced by public education that effectively illustrates the serious case of extinction and the importance of conservation. In addition, economic resources are needed to support currently under-funded enforcement efforts, as well as community-based programs on sustainable development. This can only be achieved by the sensitization of the general public especially the youth. It is our belief, that when motivated youth action is combined with other efforts to protect tiger habitat, these actions can help reduce the economic and political circumstances that continue to undermine attempts to save the tiger.

Secondly, our aim is promoting the conservation and protection of tiger through legal advocacy. Through scientific, planned management interventions such as restoration of habitat and prey base, curbing human-tiger conflict and illegal wildlife trade, we can help conserve viable tiger populations in the wild. However, the major stakeholders in tiger conservation in India, that is, the Government of India (Ministry of Environment and Forests), State Forest Departments, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (formerly known as the Project Tiger) and local communities must be reminded in a persistent manner of their responsibility to implement laws. This is being done through various Public Interest Litigations filed by Tiger Conservation activists in the High Courts and the Supreme Courts. We hope that by our initiative, we not only gather support for these movements but we can round up motivated youth to become aware of laws and join us in ensuring they are implemented by means of legal advocacy.

Tiger conservation is not an issue confined to a particular state or a particular country. However, it is our opinion that every small effort counts. Our two point program to sensitize and spread legal awareness amongst members of the civil society, especially the youth, is one such initiative. We invite students from all over to attend the meeting. For further details, you can e-mail us on nliu.cril@gmail.com


The CRIL Team