The Hindu Business Line : AP ropes in locals for wildlife conservation

IN THE WILDERNESS: Tiger population in Andhra Pradesh is at a standstill, according to a recent census of tiger/panther population of the State, which shares 8 to 10 per cent of the country's tiger population. The State has 146 tigers and 59 panthers in nine protected areas. - A. Roy Chowdhury

Hyderabad , June 21

MAKING locals partner in efforts to conserve wildlife, the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department has launched a pilot project in some of the protected areas and forests in the State.

The initiative, named community-based eco-tourism, is aimed at achieving wildlife conservation and sustainable development for the people living in the villages adjoining the protected areas.

According to Mr S.K. Das, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, the effort was part of the World Bank-supported Community Forest Management.

The pilot project was aimed at gauging its impact on village economy.

These eco-tourism projects would be taken up in Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve, Manjeera Wildlife Sanctuary, Sri Venkateswara National Park, Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Katigi village, Kuntala waterfalls and Tadipudi Reservoir.

The Department would provide more infrastructure and accommodation facilities at the eco-tourism centres.

Mr A.V. Joseph, Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), said: "Wildlife conservation should not be done in isolation. What we want to emphasise is that conservation of wildlife is not the sole responsibility of the Department. We want to impress upon the local population that a coordinated effort to protect wildlife will also result in benefits to them."

"Our initiative will help them acquire skills that can ensure them a livelihood," he said.

The effort included providing training to the villagers in areas such as catering and tourist guides.

Tiger census

Announcing the findings of latest census figures for tigers, panthers and elephants, Mr Das said there was an increase in tiger and panther population.

While the number of tigers had gone up to 146 from last year's 140, number of panthers to 263 from 253, there is a dip in elephants' population.

They have come down to 59 from 69.

The annual census was carried out from May 21 to 27.

The figure only showed the number of tigers in the nine protected areas in the State.

More Stories on : Wildlife | Andhra Pradesh

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
AP ropes in locals for wildlife conservation

Increasing risk from habits, lifestyle — India put on `lead time' to cancer epidemic: Expert

Higginbothams opens new outlet in Chennai