The number of tigers is dwindling fast with a majority of deaths of big cats being caused by poaching and destruction of natural habitats worldwide. Administrative will power, execution of laws, creation of awareness and people’s cooperation are needed to protect the big cats.
Experts opined this on the occasion of the International Tiger Day and Van Mahotsav held here on Monday jointly by Orissa Environmental Society (OES), the Even Green Forum and the Shatakshi Mahila Sangathan.
According to the speakers, there were a total of 3,890 tigers leaving in various jungles and zoos worldwide by 2016. With 2,226 tigers, India contributed 70 per cent the world’s big cat population. Odisha had a dismal number of 28 tigers by that period.
“The major reasons behind fall in number of big cats are poaching and lack of natural habitats. The big cats will extinct soon if efforts are not made soon,” said the speakers.
OES president Dr Sundar Narayan Patra presided over the programme where PCCF Dr Debabrata Swain graced as chief guest.
Swain discussed about various problems being faced by tigers in jungles. He opined that locals around Satakosia need to cooperate with authorities for breeding of tigers in the jungle.
He opined this speaking about release of two tigers in Satakosia jungle recently.
Gracing as another guest, Dr lala AK Singh talked on the need of protection of tigers while sharing his work experience at the Similipal Tiger Reserve.
OES general secretary Jaykrushna Panigrahi said tigers’ population can increase if they are provided natural habitations through massive plantation and protection of existing jungles and stopping of poaching.
The programme started with a welcome address delivered by Evergreen president Er Prakash Chandra Jena and concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Shatakshi president Sabita Prusthy.
OES Secretary Mamata coordinated the whole programme. Shatakshi members presented a small play on tiger reservation on the occasion. later, guests attended a plantation programme undertaken at Kalinganagar here.
