Ex-Army men to protect tigers in India

Nov 2, 2007, 10:05 GMT

New Delhi - India has decided to recruit retired army personnel to guard habitats of tigers after a survey found a steep fall in the tiger population in the country, officials said Friday.

The Ministry for Environment and Forests has announced the creation of a 'tiger protection force' along with other urgent measures after a government-commissioned study found there were between 1,300 to 1,500 tigers left in the forests, less than half the number six years ago.

The tiger population in 2001 was 3,642 but their numbers are fast declining.

Government funds will be provided for the creation of the protection force which will comprise of ex-army personnel and 'native workforce' which will complement the efforts of field staff and existing protection initiatives, a ministry official said quoting from a statement released on Thursday.

However, the ministry has not yet specified the number of army veterans being inducted in the tiger protection squad.

The survey found that the tiger population in the reserves had 'changed marginally' but declined sharply outside the protected areas.

'The protection status in tiger reserves and other areas is not up to the desired level,' the ministry stated referring to the security measures.

Among other 'urgent measures' suggested by the government are filling of vacancies for the frontline field staff, enhancing incentives for village relocation outside tiger reserves and developing buffer zones around core tiger reserves.

Depleted natural habitats and rampant poaching have been cited as the main reasons behind the disappearing tigers. Wildlife experts said in the recent years poaching is the key reason for the dwindling tiger population.

According to government data, poachers killed 122 of the big cats between 1999 and 2003. Tiger poaching in India is spurred by a thriving trade in tiger skin and parts in China and South-East Asia where they are used for robes and for preparing traditional medicines.

Conservationists have long been demanding that India, which has roughly 50 per cent of the world's remaining population of endangered tigers, set up a wildlife crime bureau to tighten patrolling and security around the reserves.