Contents COUNTDOWN TO EXTINCTION
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COUNTDOWN TO EXTINCTIONThe national animal of India is on the verge of extinction. A survey conducted by the Wildlife Protection Loss, fragmentation, and degradation of forests have been major factors in the decline of the tiger population.  Poaching also plays an increasingly damaging role as tigers have become more vulnerable. Habitat loss remains a grave danger for the tiger, particularly in Asia. In India, where there is a grave human population problem, people are always looking for more room which infringes on the tiger habitats. When people reside close to tigers, they transform the ecological system with cattle and crops and this in turn harms the tigers.Poaching is arguably the biggest threat to the tigers. Tiger pelts are in demand for rugs, wall hangings and fur coats. Even medicines are made from the bones and other parts of the tiger. The demand for such medicines is high in China and also in India. It is interesting to know that most of the tiger based drugs are found only where there are Chinese communities. Poaching of tigers is also prevalent in places like Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos where anti-poaching laws are lenient. We can say that China has a growing demand for tigers and this needs to be sorted out as soon as possible. The mating of tigers has also been a cause of concern. Recent surveys have revealed that there are not  enough female tigers compared to their male counterparts. Such a situation will only add to the decrease of the tigers.The tiger being our national animal deserves due attention. A total of just 1411 tigers is a grim fact and does not bode well for the continuation of the species. The government needs to go that extra mile besides initiating measures to increase their numbers. A strong political will is essential to curb the problem. Let the voice of the general public be heard. We being responsible citizens can definitely spread the awareness and send the message loud and clear, “SAVE THE TIGER” to the concerned authorities. Blogging, writing, sms-ing , let us stand united against poaching. Let us demand stricter punishment for poachers, because unless these poachers are handled with an iron fist the situation will not improve. With a little initiative, we can preserve the tigers. The national animal should and must be protected. Act responsibly, act now.
Mercy Barkakoty
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Society of India has given us a clear image of the grievous situation. Different NGOs have also done a survey on their own and have come out with grim results which depict that within a period of just eight months we lost a total of 66 tigers which is a huge number in itself. The causes are manifold. Blame it on poaching or disease or old age or man-animal conflict, we are moving a step ahead towards losing these majestic animals. Surely we do not wish our coming generation to find tigers only in history books. With rapid development, the country is rapidly losing its forests. In such a situation, the pertinent question is - Where do the tigers go? Their habitat is threatened by this development. There are just 1411 tigers left and something has to be done to prevent their extinction.
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