After a brief lull over the issue of translocation of lions from Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat to Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh, there are some activities once again.
The expert committee set up by Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) will now expedite the process. Experts are still skeptical on the ultimate success of the objective of the move for a safe second home.
The 12-member committee chaired by Additional Director General (ADG), Wildlife MoEF has Member Secretary of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), scientists from Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Chief Wildlife Wardens of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. It will also have experts Dr AJT Johnsingh, Dr Ravi Chellam, Dr MK Ranjeet Singh, amongst others. This committee can also co-opt more specialists. The committee will be responsible for the ultimate course of action involved in translocation of select lions from Gir Forest National Park to Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary spread over 1,269 sq. km. The Supreme Court had already given its verdict on the translocation of lions from Gir for long term survival of this endangered animal.
While the translocation move has picked up momentum, a section of conservationists strongly feel that such a step may not be right for conservation of majestic endangered species. According to them, Kuno is a very important part of tiger corridor. It is an ideal stepping stone for the chock-a-block Ranthambore. There is growing number of sub-adult males ready for dispersal. Ranthambore is barely 15 km from Kuno, which is just across the Chambal River.
Further, Kaila Devi in the North, getting ready for tiger population, would provide a crucial link between the two reserves, increasing the frequency and number of tiger visits to Kuno. It is difficult for the two majestic species to co-exist, felt the experts.
A section of experts also raised doubts on the availability of adequate prey base. According to them, a female lion consumes about 2,000 kilos of meat, which means killing about 40 to 45 animals annually just for maintaining itself. While raising two to three cubs, number of kills goes up to about 60 to 75 prey animals. Hence, on an average 55-60 animals are required for sustenance of one lion. It should thus, be ensured that the number of lions to be translocated should tally with the number of prey base animals available as per study.