Earlier this month, the government of Chhattisgarh notified the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve as India’s 56th tiger reserve. This monumental decision is anticipated to play a pivotal role in reversing the declining tiger population in the state. Spanning a vast area and strategically situated between two other crucial tiger reserves, this new reserve holds immense ecological and conservation significance.
The Landscape of Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve
The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve is the fourth tiger reserve in Chhattisgarh, following Achanakmar, Indravati, and Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserves. With an expansive area of 2,829 square kilometers, it is now the third-largest tiger reserve in India, underscoring its importance in the national effort to conserve tigers and other endangered species. The reserve is located across four districts in northern Chhattisgarh’s Surguja region, namely Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur (MCB), Korea, Surajpur, and Balrampur.
What makes this reserve particularly significant is its location between two other tiger reserves, Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh and Palamau in Jharkhand. It also lies close to the Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, forming part of a vast and contiguous habitat for tigers, which is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and ensuring a stable population.
The terrain of this tiger reserve is diverse, comprising hills, plateaus, valleys, and river systems, which collectively support a wide range of flora and fauna. The forest is rich in species such as sal, saja, dhawda, and kusum, contributing to the bulk of the tree cover. The natural diversity of the region makes it an essential habitat for wildlife and a critical addition to India’s network of protected areas.
Rich Biodiversity of the Reserve
Apart from tigers, the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve is home to a wide array of wildlife. These include elephants, sloth bears, leopards, chitals, wolves, jackals, nilgai, bison, hyenas, langurs, cobras, and peacocks. The presence of such diverse species underlines the ecological richness of this area.
Additionally, the reserve is vital for the conservation of several bird species, vultures in particular, which play a crucial role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carrion. The reserve’s flora and fauna combined make it a natural treasure trove and an essential site for biodiversity conservation.
The Decline in Chhattisgarh’s Tiger Population
Chhattisgarh has witnessed a sharp decline in its tiger population over the years, underscoring the urgency of creating new protected areas. The number of tigers in the state fell from 46 in 2014 to just 17 in 2022, as per the most recent report by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), released in 2023.
Currently, the state is home to an estimated 30 tigers, including three sub-adults and two cubs. However, only five to six tigers are believed to inhabit the newly notified tiger reserve. This highlights the importance of translocation and conservation efforts to boost the tiger population in the region.
The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve is being positioned as a key part of Chhattisgarh’s strategy to rejuvenate its dwindling tiger numbers. Authorities believe that its location, close to tiger-rich reserves in neighboring Madhya Pradesh, will aid in natural migration and population growth.
Strategies for Tiger Conservation
Chhattisgarh’s authorities are implementing a comprehensive Tiger Conservation Plan (TCP) to address the challenges associated with protecting tigers and their habitats. This plan includes multiple strategies to ensure the successful conservation of the species within the reserve:
- Development of Grasslands and Water Resources: Efforts are underway to develop grasslands and ensure the availability of adequate water sources. These steps are essential for supporting prey species, which in turn sustain the tiger population.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation: The plan also focuses on mitigating conflicts between humans and wildlife. Measures include creating awareness among local communities and providing them with opportunities to relocate voluntarily if needed.
- Prey Base Management: Enhancing the population of prey species like cheetals and wild boars is another critical aspect of the conservation plan. A healthy prey base is fundamental for sustaining tigers in the long term.
- Connectivity with Other Reserves: Authorities are working to improve connectivity between the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve and nearby reserves like Sanjay Dubri and Bandhavgarh. This will allow for the natural movement of tigers and other wildlife, contributing to a genetically diverse population.
Measures to Boost the Tiger Population
Chhattisgarh plans to increase the tiger population by facilitating migration from tiger-rich reserves in Madhya Pradesh, such as Bandhavgarh and Sanjay Dubri. These reserves have shown an increase in their tiger populations recently, with a significant proportion of male tigers. Saurabh Singh Thakur, the Director of Guru Ghasidas National Park, emphasized that younger tigers from these reserves often seek new territories, and the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve provides an ideal habitat for them.
Authorities are also focusing on several other measures:
- Creation of Rapid Response Teams: These teams will work to address emergency situations involving tigers or other wildlife, ensuring swift action and minimal damage.
- Building Rapport with Villagers: Strong community engagement is a cornerstone of the conservation strategy. Authorities aim to build trust and encourage local participation in wildlife protection.
- Deploying Full-Time Guards: To ensure the safety of the reserve and its wildlife, guards are being deployed on a full-time basis, improving the overall protection mechanism.
Role of Local Communities in Conservation
The success of any conservation effort depends heavily on the involvement and support of local communities. The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve is surrounded by 42 sparsely populated villages, and authorities are working to minimize potential human-wildlife conflicts.
- Voluntary Relocation: Residents of villages within the reserve are being given the option to relocate voluntarily. This will help reduce the human footprint in critical tiger habitats.
- Livelihood Opportunities: Authorities are providing training to locals to help them participate in tourism-related businesses, such as safaris, boating, and handicrafts. These efforts aim to create alternative livelihood opportunities that are both sustainable and conservation-friendly.
The creation of this tiger reserve reaffirms India’s commitment to its Project Tiger, which has been instrumental in saving the species from the brink of extinction. As the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve begins its journey as a protected area, it stands as a beacon of hope for the future of India’s tigers and their natural habitats.