Save the big cat

Save the big cat (Thinkstock photos/Getty Images)

 

 P Sangeetha, TNN | Jul 29, 2013

Wildlife patrons in the city have organized a series of activities on World Tiger Day to raise awareness about tiger conservation.

The country's national animal, a symbol of strength and agility, is unfortunately one of the most endangered species today. As the world is left with few tigers, with the numbers plummeting at a rapid pace, it's high time everyone contribute to protecting these big cats and their habitats. Considering the gravity of the situation, the wildlife patrons in the city are ringing in World Tiger Day with many activities to raise awareness about tiger conservation.

Mohammad Saleem, an environmental activist, has organized a tiger conservation awareness programme across schools in the city. "We are launching the Tiger Express today, a mobile van that will have all information related to tigers. After the inauguration at a private school, the van will zip through the schools on Avinashi Road, where a team of eight will have an interaction session with the students. We will talk about important facts on tiger, including why it is important to protect the animal and what would happen if tigers ceased to exist. The programme will continue on Tuesday in the schools on Trichy Road. At least 15 schools are expected to participate in the programme," says Saleem.

Meanwhile, Umesh Marudhachalam, an environmental activist who has already kick-started the campaign with a talk on tiger conservation in Kinathukadavu, will be launching eco-chulhas in the tribal settlement of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve along with the Wild Wing Society. "The eco-chulhas will prevent the chopping of trees in the tiger's natural habitat and will help eradicate weeds like parthenium and lantern. We are planning to introduce the programme in other tiger reserves — Mudumalai and Anamalai — as well," he says.

Painting contests will also be held across the city to mark the occasion. While the Anamalai Tiger Reserve is planning to hold a painting contest on tiger conservation, one of the malls in the city will play host to a painting competition for school children in the afternoon. "At least 10 schools are expected to participate in the event. The children will draw and paint on themes related to tiger and will leave a thumb impression on every picture once they are done," says the spokesperson of the event.

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