India's tiger population has fallen to the lowest level in history. The drop from 50,000 at the beginning of 20th century to around 1400 animals today does not bode well for the tiger. The population was even higher during 1970s when worldwide concern and the foresight of some political leaders led to the launch of Project Tiger. The number of protected areas has gone up but the tiger population in them has declined significantly.
Lack of political will, corruption and threats by powerful individuals or corporations greatly hinder tiger conservation efforts. Forestry officials are coerced to overlook the regulations and controls over forested areas while the exploitation of natural resources goes unchecked.
There are no incentives for people responsible for protecting the forests and wildlife. A tiger can fetch around £18000 - £21000 in the illegal market. However, the forest guard given the responsibility of protecting the tiger and its habitat earn less than £10 a month. Often their living conditions are appalling. They are expected to risk their lives to protect the nation’s resources and heritage, but are not able to provide for the basic needs of their families. The resulting fall in morale and dedication gives an open licence to poachers, land grabbers and squatters.
Similarly, communities residing around the protected areas and forests not only face a threat from wild animals, but more importantly, lack a reliable source of livelihood. In most of the areas they do not perceive any direct and immediate benefit in saving the tiger or other wildlife.
The result of all these has been a rapidly disappearing tiger population and deforestation. It seems that as India has adopted modernisation and technological advancement, it has lost the ability to safeguard it natural heritage and resources.
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