The Rajasthan Forest Department seems keen only to save animals residing in the tiger reserves of the state and that too particularly at Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve (RTR). While Sariska is completely in disarray, there is another case in point which can show the interest of forest officials does not cross boundaries of RTR.
While stripped feline needs urgent attention in state, a herbivore, renowned for its beauty and agility is also falling victim to apathy of the forest officials. Black Buck, known for its beauty, speed and agility are fighting for survival in a secluded corner in the state—Tal Chhapar Sanctuary.
“Approximately seven hundred hectares in area, the sanctuary has now reached its carrying capacity, as the number of black buck herds have gone way past the optimal limit. The smaller herds, or young members are driven out of the area by bigger herds and dominant males. Since the sanctuary can not be kept enclosed, these animals travel far and wide and have even been sighted fifty kilometers away from the sanctuary in search of good area for survival. However this is where they even fall prey to poachers as well,” a highly placed official in department said, requesting anonymity.
The department already has a plan to make another area dedicated to the specie, however, that has been lying idle for the past eight years. “In 2009-10, a major storm hit the park in which dozens of black bucks died. Wildlife Institute of India conducted an enquiry under direction from central authorities wherein suggestions were given stating the area is small for the current population and asked the forest department to increase the size or translocate a few herds. It has been going on since then,” an official in the know how of the development told DNA. He added, “There were meetings held to translocate the herds and it was decided to develop a forest land and translocate them to new spot.”
“The work related to habitat is going on near Jaswantgarh and the area is about the same as Tal Chhapar. However, eight years is an awfully long time. The first few years passed without any decision or action taken and only in the past two years or so has the forest department made some progress in this regard. Officials are hopeful of translocating animals in the next few months when not even half of the area has been covered by the ideal habitat and the remaining is a wasteland,” said an official.
SIMILAR FATE
The lone sloth bear of Sariska Tiger reserve – on whom the hope of the return of the species in the area was pinned – is feared to have fallen prey to poachers. This has been the cause for alarm in the forest reserves of Alwar which recently lost a tiger to illegal hunting.
