Let’s get started……
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| Mowgli and "Sher Khan" from our childhood |
We aptly remember from childhood
memories, the rather infamous “Sher Khan” from Kipling’s Jungle book. He is
depicted as a strong and intimidating animal of the forest, who, by his
dominating presence sends other animals into hiding. A sense of apprehension would
behold us when there was a tense faceoff between “Sher Khan” and Mowgli. Though
“Sher Khan” was portrayed as villain animal who troubles Mowgli and his
friends, still we loved and admired his character.The “Sher Khan” or Tiger has
always mesmerized humans by its enthralling beauty from historical times. The big
cat with its beautiful stripped coat, strong jaws, knife like teeth, majestic
walk and thundering roar has always been man’s synonym for strength and courage.
Humans have has always had an intrinsic connection with tigers from time
immemorial. Be it the curious visits to Zoo’s – where our eyes eagerly searched
for tiger’s cage, or the entertaining visits to Circus – when seeing the
performance of tigers brought an awe of excitement in audience. In recent times
where tigers have become brand ambassadors/mascots of many sport events,
marketing products, even political party symbols!!.. The animal has always
garnered our respect and admiration. We Indians have an affectionate cultural
link with tigers. We worship them as Vehicle of Gods/Goddesses, they are considered
as elder brothers in many parts of nation. And of-course tigers have always
found place in our bed time stories. Thus, having keen interest, admiration and
curiosity towards this animal is very obvious for most of us. Tiger, for being so magnificent is national
animal of 5 nations including India, Bangladesh, Malaysia and South Korea and
Vietnam.
For a lay man, tiger is just
another animal living in forests. His definition of tiger ends with
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| Scientific Classification |
Tigers are scientifically known as “Panthera Tigris”. India has population of Royal Bengal Tigers. IUCN regards them as “Endangered” species. Tigers are found in more than 10 countries, but India holds highest population of “Wild Tigers”. Global population of “wild Tigers” is somewhere between 3500-4000, and more than 70% of this are found in India. Hence, the onus of protecting and saving this animal from extinction is largely on our shoulders. Tigers have been in peril since historic times. Often it is guessed that at the beginning of 19th century there were nearly 40,000 tigers in India. From pre independence days when they were shot down as “Game” to post independence era, the killing of tigers for various needless reasons continues unabated. Tigers have reduced from more than 90% of their historical home range owing to various human actions. Today there are more captive tigers in world than those roaming freely in forests.
Coming to
Indian scenario, during 1970’s when tigers started declining in India’s forests, scientists from all over voiced their concerns regarding dwindling tiger numbers across
country. That is when the government decided to ban tiger hunting in total and
introduced wildlife Protection Act in 1972 with aim to protect nation’s flora
and fauna. Project tiger was started in
1973 with dedicated areas declared as tiger Reserves for better protection of forests
especially tigers. Initially project tiger started with 9 tiger reserves and as
of today i.e in year 2020 we have 50 tiger reserves in India. Though things appeared positive in the initial
2 decades, but tiger poaching started making headlines again in 1990’s. Organised
poaching gangs killed tigers and smuggled their skin and other body parts like bones,
nails, teeth etc out of country to nations where they are used in traditional medicines.
Tiger skin is used for display as symbol of royalty. While methods of dealing
with menace of poaching of tigers was widely discussed across the country, the
news of tigers being completely wiped off by poachers in Sariska Tiger reserve
in Rajasthan during the year 2004-2005, came as stinging shock for all
conservations across the nation. A tiger reserve that was created with
intention to save tigers had lost all of its tigers to poaching!!, this was
something which was completely unacceptable.
Another grey area was the
methodology of counting tigers using Pug mark technique. The counting of tigers
by casting their paw prints gave large margin of error and suspect regarding
the authenticity of tiger numbers. Many scientists even discarding the
methodology as farse and unreliable.
The way India was dealing with affairs of its national animal was a matter of shame. If appropriate measures were not taken by the government of day, it would have spelt doom’s day for tigers in the country. Fortunately, it was in 2005 that tiger task force was constituted and strong suggestions were echoed across the tables by ecologists regarding need for better management of parks and a solid, scientific and reliable methodology to estimate tiger numbers across the country. Better management of parks meant better protection to forests and animals, against variety of human induced impacts like poaching, forest fires, encroachment etc. Robust scientific methodology of counting tigers using Camera traps would ensure if steps taken in park management were bearing fruits or still more needs to be done. Scientific assessment of tigers was needed to eliminate the menace of “Paper Tigers”, which existed only on papers and not on grounds.
Thus, after intense brain storming by experts, bureaucrats, politicians and various
stake holders, the NTCA i.e National Tiger Conservation Authority was formed in
2005 with one of it’s mandate to count(Estimate) tigers once every 4 years
across the nation. Thus began the 4 year cycle of tiger estimation across the
country with 1st cycle in 2006. As per 1st cycle report in
2006, there were 1411 tigers in country, which sent shock waves across the nation
regarding this numbers. Tigers were initially assumed to be in very high
numbers, partially owing to faulty counting technique. The 2006 tiger census
report made the task of protecting and saving the national animal a matter of
urgency. As told earlier, India is the only nation with highest numbers of “Wild
Tigers” in world, so we had to take urgent and stringent measures in saving them. And steps were taken accordingly.
I was part of 4th cycle of tiger
estimation in 2018.
It was in
December 2017 that we got our selection mails from the prestigious Wildlife
Institute Of India in Dehradun, as Research Biologists for NTCA funded All
India Tiger Estimation – 2018 project. The excitement level was high and we
were looking forward for adventures that was about to unfold over next 20
months of time. 50 of us, new researchers, from various corners of country were
part of this project along with already working seniors. The tiger project was
to be carried under the expert guidance and supervision of internationally
acclaimed scientists whose names regularly make rounds conservation related
discussions.
Initially we had field training for a week in Rajaji Tiger Reserve. For city dweller like me, the thought of spending time inside forests itself is a privilege. The training involved learning various field techniques like deploying camera traps, walking transects, collecting field samples, learning methods of traversing in forests, using of instruments like GPS/Compass/ Range finder etc., and most importantly we were taught how to work as team!, which is an absolute essential skill-given the fact that all of us were from different states, languages and cultures of the country, and we need to work together in field as one team.. Field training was very important from point of view that all researchers would be dispersing and working independently as small team of 2-3 members in different forests across various states of the country. I will tell in very brief regarding field techniques involved in tiger estimation.
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| Camera Traps |
1. Camera Trap: These are self-triggering cameras which are put across the forest on the routes regularly used by tigers. The cameras are enclosed in steel cages to avoid damage by other animals, especially elephants and theft by humans. 2 cameras are placed opposite to each other in 2 square kilometre grid throughout the forests. Grids are generated in computers using GIS. Though, effort is made to deploy cameras in all grids, however owing to terrain and various reasons it is often not possible to cover all grids. The cameras are placed along trails/paths regularly used by tigers minimum of 25-30 days. Such paths are selected by identifying tiger signs like its pugmark, scrape mark, rake marks etc, which increases the chances of tiger getting captured in photo. The cameras are placed opposite to each other so that photograph of tiger is captured from both the sides. When tiger/ any animal passes in front of the cameras, it automatically triggers and animal gets photographed. Cameras work both day and night times. Like human fingerprint, every tiger has unique stripe pattern on its body. The stripes are very useful in identifying individual tigers and thus reduce chances of repeatedly counting the same individual. The cameras have memory cards, which need to be changed regularly else they might exceed their storage limit.
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| Pug Marks |
2. Line Transect: Line transect is done to get abundance of herbivore animals on which carnivores prey upon. The herbivores generally are active during early morning and evening times, hence transect walking is done in the early mornings. Depending on forest types, straight lines of 2km known as transect line are walked in every administrative beats. The transect walk is done in the early mornings and sightings of all animals (Especially herbivores) encountered during this walk, are recorded. Details like animal species, it’s distance from line (Measured using range finder) and its angle (Measured using Compass) is recorded. This walk is repeated for 3 -5 times on same line, but on different days. Also line transect is walked only by team of 2-4 people max, so that disturbance is least and animals can be recorded silently. Walking line transect is challenging and risky due to fact that we are completely on foot, and are vulnerable to dangerous confrontation with wild animals. Hence line transect walking should be done very cautiously. Should there be a confrontation with wild animals on the transect line, the walk is abounded for the day and carried out the next day.
3.
Field
sample collection: Often we come across animal kills, droppings/dungs/scats
(Scat is the excreta of carnivores) while walking in forest to deploy cameras
or for line transect. When scats are encountered, it is collected in zip locks
and stored in silica gel. Scats/ tissues are used for DNA extraction. DNA data
helps in understanding, how diverse is the species. Also, it is possible to
identify the species of animal based on DNA analysis of scats. In places where
deployment of cameras is not possible, Scat collection plays a very important
role.
Above 3 are major works involved
in field.
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| Field training by Eminent scientist |
In our field training days at Rajaji tiger reserve, we were lucky enough to sight a carcass of Sambar kill during our 2nd day. Examining puncture wounds on neck and pug marks nearby, the kill seemed mostly likely made by a tiger. We were explained in great details regarding how to reconstruct the kill scene by scientists, and were told not to linger around the kill for long as it is risky. Most adventurous part of entire training was crossing stretch of river Ganga by foot the 4th day. Everyone had to cooperate with each other while crossing the river, else there was chance of being swept away by water currents. Also adventurous was the night walk we took the penultimate day. We were taught how to avoid being inside forests at night, as it is risky. However, if it so happens that we get caught inside forest during evening times then we should know how to face it. And endless moments of joy when for first time you see wild animals like elephant, sambar, rare hyena etc, field training at Rajaji Tiger Reserve was activity of great learning and bonding for us.
Field training over, and we were back to Wildlife Institute for post-field training in analyzing the collected data. Data analysis included a lot of statistics and number of software. We were given hands on training for various software. We were told briefly about analysis and procedure involved in tiger population estimation. The time was ticking for field work, and data collection from entire nation was pending. Also this time, a Mobile App called MSTrIPES was used for 1st time which is very handy while collecting data from field. The APP ensures there is no loss of data due to various reasons which generally happens when papers are used.
With on field and post field training over, people started leaving in batches for various field sites assigned to them. A memorable sea off was ensured whenever every batch left, as they would return only after 6-8 months of filed work. The duration of field work in forests depends on various conditions like obtaining necessary permissions, local political/administrative situations, how vast is forest, it’s terrain, climatic conditions, logistics, physical fitness even mental toughness. In some forests, especially in central India, the temperatures soar above 40-42 Degree centigrade, where as in North-East states like Arunachal Pradesh, the temperatures dipped below 0 degrees. So you need to be fit enough to work across varying field conditions. The terrain varies from one site to another, and no 2 forests give you similar work conditions. Field work is very challenging and sometimes a toll on you both physically and psychologically!!...
Some of field Encounters
The encounters with wild animals
during field work and stories that follow them are endless. Everyone associated
with wildlife will have the experience of being chased by elephants/Rhino/ Bear at least
once. Everyone has one or other story to share from their field experience. One
of teams had rather scary experience of a badly tempered one horned Rhino biting
off and making a hole on jeep’s mudguard. While one of teams had to abandon all
instruments and run for dear life after they were chased by herd of elephants. Be it crossing crocodile infested rivers or
not noticing tiger sitting close by for more than 30mins while deploying
cameras. Such stories are always interesting and are countless. Undoubtedly,
the most dangerous animal both inside and outside forest is the Human
itself!!...there were instances when field work suffered due to non-cooperation
by localities. While at one site the
researchers had to face wrath of local villagers due to mis-information
circulated to them, at another site the team was gheored by armed groups. More than animals, it is humans who pose more
threat to work with. Field work had to be restricted in some places due to resistance
and non-conducive work environment. Luckily was no harm caused to any of our
members in any of such incidents.
Orang
is a small tiger reserve in Assam spread over 80sqKm, and home to nearly 20 tigers.
I take deep sense of pride in saying that the entire field work in Orang tiger
reserve was carried out in total by 2 female researchers. If anyone says field
work in Wildlife branch or any other stream is risky and not for women, this is
an example which stands contrary. Right from making connection with forest
department, local people, deploying camera traps, transect walks, all work was
carried out by 2 female researchers over period of 5 months, at a stretch. This
exemplifies how women are taking lead in field work and at the
institute. The ratio of men to women in field work was never biased.
There are other countless incidents like accident of jeep inside forests which resulted in injury to forehead and required stiches. One of women team member had to even undergo spinal operation due to constantly working in rugged terrains. Muscle sprains, torn ligaments, ankles/knee injury, are some of identity of field works. Tick and leech bites become part of your life, as you accept there is very little that you can do about them. The arduous working conditions of field take both physical and psychological toll sometimes. Like for team working in Sundarbans and Corbett National park, there was always threat of man eating tigers. Also, there are times when you go out of network for more than a week deep inside forests accompanied by field assistants, with whom you who don’t even share similar language to have basic conversation. Staying far from civilization for months together, away from home, loved ones is easier said than done.
But yes, there are also perks of it, because you get to visit places which are restricted to public. The zeal of exploring raw nature is fulfilled. You get to witness undisturbed events of wildlife and learn many things from direct observation. The sight of animals which were seen on television screens till date are live in front of you. And yes, you learn to co-ordinate with local administration, local villages, adjusting with changed cultural habits, food habitats, adjusting with colleagues and many more things. Sometimes also there is difference of opinion amongst team members. But you learn to deal with all these things and become a better human being.
Thus, with field work coming to an
end people were now returning to Dehradun and started working on post field
analysis of data at the Wildlife Institute. There are 4 phases of work involved
in estimation of tigers:
Phase I – Involves recording direct sightings and indirect signs of all animals. The indirect signs are animal scats/dungs pugmarks, hoofmarks, scrape signs, etc. This is done by forest department.
Phase II- This is totally Lab based work. Here GIS and Remote Sensing is used to correlate various factors like forest type, human disturbances, elevation, density of roads/drainages etc to model tiger occupancy and abundance.
Phase III – This involves camera trapping, transect walking which is done by researchers. Many states have well trained staff, and do this work themselves. Phase III is done to predict density estimates.
Phase IV - This phase roughly involves same activities as phase I and II, but this is carried out only in tiger abundant areas like Tiger reserves on yearly basis.
Once data (Camera Trap images) are obtained from field, the first step of analysis is to segregate photos as per species, from all the images obtained from Cameras. Each photograph is tagged with its GPS
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| Camera Trap image |
In places where it has not been possible to do camera trapping due to various reasons like terrain, safety etc, the DNA analysis from Scat/ tissue samples gives the minimum number of tigers. Now you know why scat/tissue collection is done. Once individual tigers are identified from camera trap images and minimum number of tigers are obtained from via scat samples, the further analysis is done by statistical techniques known as CMR – Capture mark recapture and SECR – Spatially Explicit Capture Recapture to arrive at final estimated number of tigers in the whole country. The expertise of scientists in dealing with these complicated statistical terminologies is amazing and it is evident why they are internationally acclaimed.
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| PM announcing Tiger numbers |
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| Story till Date.... |
The increase
of tiger numbers comes with another set of challenges of it’s own. Since tigers
are
Now, after all
why do we need to spend so much money, man power to save tigers??
The increase in tiger numbers is
not only a win game for tigers alone, it is win for the entire eco system. The
slogan, “save tiger” is not meant only for tigers, it is for entire forest
community. When tigers get attention, the entire forest and habitat along with
other animals are also getting protected.
Hence it is not only about saving tigers as individual species, it is
also about saving the habitat and other species it shares forests with. Tiger
is considered as an umbrella/keystone species, which is face of protecting
forests. Monitoring tiger numbers gives us an idea how is the species faring
and also the forests along with it. Saving tigers saves vast areas of forest
which has many ecological benefits for man. An example being the river systems- as majority
of rivers originate in forests, by saving tigers we save a lot of green space.
The root of trees hold large quantity of soil, and the soil in turn holds water
which is released throughout the year, thereby ensuring supply of water all the
time. Thus, without soil to hold water, may lead to floods or droughts.
Hence saving tigers and thus saving forests is of paramount importance for
benefit of man as well. Also tigers control herbivore population, thereby
ensuring that over grazing of vegetation does not happen.
From this blog, I have tried to explain in very simple terms how tigers are counted, what are challenges faced in doing so and why it is essential to save these big cats. So next time you come across news of camera trap or tiger population, you know how much man power, associated risks and science goes into it. I hope, along with appreciating the tiger for being so magnificent and beautiful you also realize the critical role tiger plays in safeguarding your and my future as well...
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