Project update - January 2006

The following document is a version of a press release (25 January 2006) issued by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) in response to recent events in Ranthambhore, followed by notes on the problem, the project, DSWF's involvement, the current crisis and recommended action.

The WRONG TARGET - the fate of the tiger - Conservation or Politics ?

On a normal morning, 18th January at 8.30am, in the rural heart of one of India's prime tourism areas, Ranthambhore, two large JCB machines, accompanied by police arrived.

Without warning, and under the guise of stopping illegal encroachment of hotels into Ranthambhore National Park, the local authorities began the systematic demolition of key properties and businesses associated with the work of local conservation organisation, the Prakratik Society.

Only urgent intervention by the High Court spared the school which provides scholarships to underprivileged children and runs nature clubs for over 4,000 local youngsters annually, and a women's cooperative providing vital income for over 300 poor families.

The Prakratik Society, which was internationally recognised by winning the prestigious Ashden Award for Sustainable Energy, or Green Oscar, from HRH Prince of Wales in June 2004, is actively opposed to illegal tiger poaching in Ranthambhore and is effectively promoting community programmes to save the tiger and benefit local people. But their work has revealed corruption and woefully inadequate enforcement in and around the park.

Early last year research revealed that as many as 18 tigers were missing, out of an estimated population of fewer than 40, due to poaching. If this trend is allowed to continue Ranthambhore will follow neighbouring Sariska Reserve, and others, which has now lost all of its tigers.

As a result, international condemnation forced the State Government to declare a Red Alert and the Prime Minister to set up a Tiger Task Force to investigate the problem. The authorities pointed to tourism as being the problem, diverting attention away from the main issue of poor enforcement of the Wildlife Protection Act, resulting in the failure to stop poaching.

After a life-times commitment to saving the tiger through innovative and effective community projects, the Prakratik Society was forced to take desperate measures, away from their usual community focused work. They set up a special taskforce to patrol the parks perimeter and investigate why officials have not prevented this disaster. Within days, 'Operation Cooperation' had arrested three poachers!

But their investigations continued to highlight the lack of enforcement capabilities of the authorities who have now responded with these highly controversial demolitions.

This is the wrong target and questions have to be asked.

The key question is what has happened to the people responsible for the loss of as many as 18 tigers in Ranthambhore? Why are the authorities ignoring the real issue of poaching and focusing their efforts on causing maximum damage to a local conservation group, who are not operating illegal tourism operations?

"It's the price one has to pay for taking up the cause of the tiger" said Dr Goverdhan Singh, Director of Prakratik. "Unfortunately what they don't realise is that by destroying our homes and businesses they cannot break our spirit. As long as tigers survive in Ranthambhore we will keep fighting."

"Bricks and mortar can be rebuilt, but if the tiger dies it will never be replaced. When that happens all tourism operations will be out of business, their financial support for local community projects will dry up and thousands of families will suffer as a direct result."
David Shepherd

Funded mainly by international organisations including The David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF), and by artists and visitors who travel from all over the globe to experience the majesty of Ranthambhore's famous tigers, giant leaps in community improvement have been achieved - spearheaded by two remarkable men, Fateh Singh, the first Park Director in Ranthambhore, and his son, Dr Goverdhan Singh. A world class medical facility and travelling clinic; technologically advanced schooling for children of ex poachers; reforestation, sustainable agriculture, alternative fuel sources, and family planning, are pilot projects that are now up and running.

The problems are the same throughout rural India - but these pilot projects that have worked in Ranthambhore, and the lessons learned, can be used as models for other areas.

As a result of continued poaching and actions against the project, the fate of the tiger is again in severe jeopardy. They have a right to survive. And the people trying to save them need our support in every way to carry on the fight.

Globalisation is here whether we like it or not. We are all accountable for the fate of our precious wildlife.

It is now more important than ever that the 3rd 'Festival of Wildlife' to Ranthambhore in April 2006 takes place. Hosted by Wildlife Worldwide and with David Shepherd, Jonathan and Angela Scott, Mark Carwardine and other experts, the visit will raise urgently needed funds and show firsthand what the Prakratik Society is effectively achieving and the problems they face in their efforts to save the famous tigers of Ranthambhore and help benefit the local people sharing their fragile environment. For details of 'Festival of Wildlife' please see www.wildlifeworldwide.com