Union Report Reveals Growing Tiger Population in Goa, Contradicting State Government’s Claims
According to a recent report released by the Union environment ministry, the tiger population in Goa is on the rise, contradicting the claims made by the state government. The report, part of the Status of Tigers 2022 report, reveals that there were five tigers recorded in Goa during the last year’s census, an increase from the previous report in 2018, which documented three tigers.
The findings of the report have dealt a significant blow to the state government, particularly forest minister Vishwajit Rane and Poriem MLA Deviya Rane, who had denied the existence of tigers in Goa during a legislative assembly session. However, the Union report, which utilized advanced technology such as camera traps and mobile phone applications, provides indisputable proof of the presence of tigers in the state.
In light of these revelations, the high court of Bombay at Goa has directed the state government to declare the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary and its surrounding areas as a tiger reserve. The Rane couple had argued that Goa’s forests only serve as a corridor for tigers, but the data from the tiger censuses clearly indicates otherwise.
The assessment conducted as part of the 2022 tiger census involved the use of innovative technology, including automated segregation of camera trap photographs using artificial intelligence and neural network models. This allowed for the accurate counting of individual tigers based on their distinctive stripe patterns, a departure from previous methods that relied on droppings, pugmarks, and sightings.
Additionally, spatial data, combining individual tiger photo-captures with information on prey, habitat, and anthropogenic factors, was utilized for a comprehensive analysis. The State of Tigers 2022 report had previously highlighted the decline in tiger numbers in the Western Ghats near the Goa-Karnataka border, attributing it to factors such as deforestation, increased human-carnivore conflict, and the encroachment of development on tiger habitats.
The discovery of a growing tiger population in Goa is significant due to the crucial role that low-density tiger habitats like those in Goa play in maintaining genetic diversity and connectivity between different tiger populations. However, it is vital to address the challenges and stressors faced by tigers in the Western Ghats region to ensure the long-term conservation of this iconic species.
The revelation of the growing tiger population in Goa serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting natural habitats for these majestic creatures. It also emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach between the state and Union governments to conserve and restore tiger populations in India.
As the news of the increasing tiger population in Goa spreads, it is hoped that greater awareness and efforts will be undertaken to safeguard these magnificent animals and their habitats, ensuring their survival and the conservation of India’s rich biodiversity.
