A stable tiger population in India in the past four decades sends out a clear signal that there is a need to establish “conservation zones” where all development activity is prohibited.
Munna, one of the most photographed tigers, in his habitat in Kanha. ▲
Prolific breeders, chital are the commonest prey of tigers. The survival of the tiger is directly dependent on the ungulate population in a protected area. ▲
Tigers are solitary animals and need an inviolate space throughout their lives. ▲
In areas with high tiger density, tiger deaths owing to fierce infighting is common. ▲
A herd of gaur at a pool in Kanha. The habitat improvement programme ensures that species with different food habits can coexist in a protected area. ▲
Such a sight was unimaginable a few years ago when there was a village. ▲
The barasingha (swamp deer) population in Kanha has not only increased, but the founders from Kanha have also established a geographically endemic population at the Satpura National Park in Madhya Pradesh. ▲
Co-predators like leopards survive in tiger land because of niche partitioning of food habits. ▲
An old village pond. ▲
The landscape, after a village was relocated, has perfectly integrated into the wildlife habitat. ▲
Male Asian paradise flycatcher. ▲
Only in a protected area can steps be taken to conserve an endangered and endemic cervid such as the swamp deer.
Photo: subharanjan sen
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