Special task force to protect big cats

Riyan Ramanath V, TNN Aug 22, 2013

 

BHUBANESWAR: Big cats in Similipal Tiger Reserve, the fourth largest tiger reserve in the country, would now be under watchful eyes. The wildlife authorities on Tuesday decided to set up a Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF), a dedicated force to track the animals' movements round the clock.

This is the second STPF in India after Bandipur tiger reserve in Bangalore, sources said. National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has sanctioned about 112 dedicated forest staff for carrying out regular vigilance. Following NTCA's letter to the state government in February this year to set up the STPF, the government has agreed to depute the required number of foresters and forest guards for the task.

"The STPF started its work with the joining of 17 foresters and 45 forest guards. The staff, who will be given special training, will trek in the forest in the sanctuary's core area to monitor the big cats' movements," said regional chief conservator of forest Anup Naik. He said forest staffs were deputed from Baripada, Karanjia, Rairangpur and Similipal Tiger Reserve divisions to form the STPF.

The tiger reserve is spread over 2,750 sqkm, with a core of area of over 1,195 sq km and a buffer 1,550 sqkm. A Naxalite attack in 2009 had paved way for poachers to enter the sanctuary and kill tigers' preys.

Following this, the wildlife authorities apprehended a fall in the number of tigers and evolved special measures, such as setting up of 94 protection camps, introducing foot patrolling during monsoon season and prosecuting poachers.

Principal chief conservator of forest, wildlife, J D Sharma said as of now temporary staff would manage the STPF till the state government gives a go-ahead to the recruitment process. "About Rs two crore will be spent on the force's operation. It will be fully funded by the central government," said Sharma.

He said, as per NTCA (2010 Census), there are about 23 tigers in the sanctuary. The state government in 2004 claimed that the reserve had 64 tigers.

 source