Dehra Dun:
While dwindling numbers of tigers is raising uncomfortable questions across the country, Uttarakhand has something to celebrate about. Tiger population in the state has increased in the latest census.
"In the 2008 census there were 178 tigers, and now there are more than 235. So it's good news for the people of Uttarakhand and the government as well," said SS Sharma, Chief Wildlife Warden, Uttarakhand.
Ever since missing tigers became headlines, the scepticism over the methods to ensure the safety of big cat has loomed large.
Uttarakhand has shown a big jump when it comes to tiger conservation, from 178 in 2008 to more than 235 in the latest census. But this is not where it all ends, the Forest Department is now on war-footing to protect and save the beleaguered cat.
"To further protect tigers and increase populations, we are taking landscape approach. Corbett Tiger landscape approach and we are creating special tiger protection force to further strengthen our patrolling, our frontline staff capacity building, anti-poaching squads , anti-poaching operations, appointing wardens, all these operations will be helpful in protecting our tigers," said Mr Sharma.
While the numbers maybe encouraging, conservationists believes it is too early to celebrate, for apart from poaching, shrinking habitat continues to be the biggest threat for tiger conservation.