Stating that the Mhadei region of Goa, which shares its borders with Maharashtra and Karnataka, has the presence of resident tigers, environmentalists and wildlife activists said it is high time that the State government take necessary steps to protect the big cats on a priority basis.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the eve of International Tiger Day 2022, Sattari-based environmentalist Rajendra Kerkar said tigers occupy the apex position in the foodchain and giving protection to them means securing a safe future of water resources and minimising the man-wildlife conflict.“The government has to take needful mitigation measures to improve the natural habitat of wildlife as well as implement recommendations made by the National Tiger Conservation Authority,” said Kerkar.
Girish Panjabi, a wildlife activist working in the Western Ghat areas, said cattle are easy food and so, owners and the forest department need to come together and take concrete steps to deter tigers from killing them.
“Villagers should avoid taking cattle into areas where tigers live. The forest department should put up boards regarding the risk of tiger attacks. Most attacks happen when cattle are grazing in the interior forest areas. Guard dogs with cattle are also a good way to prevent cattle kills,” said Panjabi.
Stating that two-three herders should always accompany the livestock when free-grazing, Panjabi said if a tiger still kills livestock, then people should not drive away the tiger or try to approach the kill as this can be dangerous since the animal will defend its kill.
“Rapid compensation schemes are essential. Staff should be there to help livestock owners in genuine cases,” he said.
Stating that livestock should be kept in good shelters at night, Panjabi suggested a pukka construction or something with chain links on all sides so that large predators cannot enter the (gotha) cattle enclosure.
“Usually, cattle are killed when wild prey is not easily available. That can be changed with better conservation measures and prevention of habitat loss due to fragmentation of the forest.”
“The government can explore livestock insurance schemes with agencies in areas where such incidents are common. That way, every animal also has some cost attached making owners more responsible for their safety. Traditionally, it was easy to let cattle off in the daytime to free graze in the forest. That needs to change,” he said.
He added that making inviolate areas helps prey recovery and conservation.
“Dhangar wadas deep in the forests may be willing to relocate to better areas due to changing lifestyles of youth. But the government should offer attractive rehabilitation packages,” Panjabi added.
