Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS) on Wednesday organised Museum Popular lecture on ‘Role of Tribals in Tiger Conservation’ where Tushar lokhande from Mrigendra Wildlife Conservation Institute, Bhopal was the key note speaker.
Addressing the huge audience and artisans lokhande said taking the Cultural and ecological approach, with the aim form growth in the actual number of tigers, it should be treated as national heritage of its biological significance and conservation areas should be preserved. Tribes play a crucial role in Tiger conservation, they know where the wild animals reside and the tribal youth should be used for protection and pilotaging in the Tiger Habitats.
He informed about the methods adopted in Sundarvan for conservation of Royal Bengal Tigers, which was later adopted by various neighbouring nation. He further said, “It is a great pleasure that artisans from all over the country are here today, who are the flag bearers for promoting tiger conservation through their art. As tribes consider Tiger as Divine and they worship him and killing Tiger is out of question.”
Government of India commenced Tiger conservation programme in 1973 and presently there are 32 Tiger reserves in India, with highest in Madhya Pradesh. The maximum killing of Tigers are due to medicinal use. The poachers are given protection by foreigners.
The lecture was chaired by Director, IGRMS, Prof Sarit Kumar Chaudhuri. Citing the example of Naamdafa Wild life Sanctuary (Arunachal Pradesh) he said there Mishing Tribe uses ‘Tabu’ (sacred sign) for conserving the wild animals.
There were total eight species of Tigers out which now only five are found, rest extinct due to deforestation. In Indian mythological history a great cooperation amongst wild life and humans, now as the whole world understands the importance of wildlife a community of environmentalists have come up to preserve the precious flora and fauna. They are not only saving Tigers also promoting other for the same. In the end, Garima Anand proposed vote of thanks and programme was coordinated by Arun Kiro, Assistant Curator.