The tiger census

There have been many attempts in the past, in fact since the late sixties, to assess an accurate figure of the world's most endangered wildlife species. But none of those efforts could provide any authentic number of Bengal Tigers in the Sundarbans. It varied from as low as 50 to as high as 300. Now, hopefully there is a possibility of finding out the real picture. At least the method the teams of experts are going to adopt has proved to be the most accurate.

Undoubtedly, this is a noteworthy effort on the part of the authorities to protect and conserve bio-diversity. But more needs to be done. The venture must not end with just the census. It is widely believed and almost an established fact that the number of tigers has decreased alarmingly in recent time. And the lack of conservation programme is being blamed as the main reason for that. The authorities failed to protect the natural habitats of the tigers, could not put a stop to illegal logging and poaching either. Therefore it must be ensured that after the census is over, the tigers who are a part our heritage, a great symbol of our national identity, must be protected. It is our duty and responsibility to save them from extinction.

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