Roar in Panna

The news of possibility of translocation of two tigresses from Bandhavgarh to Panna is a promising one. It is never too late to take corrective measures.
From 22 tigers in 2002, the tiger population has dwindled to a "claimed" one tiger Panna. Forest Deptt kept harping on presence of tigers despite contrary findings by celebrated tiger experts like Raghu. In November, 2008 I visited Panna Reserve. All forest officials insited on presence of one male tiger in the Park. However, all safari drivers and guides confirmed on condition of anonymity that no tiger sighting was reported in 2008. They claimed that their selfish interest in getting the tourist to the Park they cooked up stories about the 'sighting'.

Panna is one of the most picturesque parks in the country. I fell in love with the place immediately inspite of poor wildlife sightings! The place has mixture of all kinds oaf terrain and the river flowing through it adds to its charm. I must point out Panna is the most poorly administered Park as well. It was reported by the staff that the Burra Sahibs of the Forest Deptt like the Field Director and the DFO rarely visited the Park. Poaching is rampant as well.

The administration issue needs to be addressed by Project Tiger, NTCA and the state government before introduction of tigers in the Park. The best officer irrespective of his rank should be posted there and good police support should also be available if it has to be a success story.

I was in Bandhavgarh last week. Bhitri tigress a young female had been tracked and earmarked for translocation. Pictures of the tigress may be seen on my flickr account. I could gather from the forest officials that the translocation is just a matter of days.

Community, particularly the tribals who indulge in poaching need to be educated about the overall benefits of presence of tigers in the park. Alternate source of income for these people must be created before any tigers are introduced in the park otherwise the majestic animal will meet the fate earlier meted out to the tigers of the park.