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Project update
- February 2007
The tiger
roars again…
 Rajaji
National Park, located in the state of Uttaranchal at the foothills
of the Himalaya was notified as a National Park for its exceptional
biological value, especially the concentrations of tiger and elephants
amongst other species. This 820 km2 area harbours representatives
of the Indian plains and the outer ranges of the Himalaya. Thus
species like the elephant and the tiger were found along with
goral (Nemorhaedus goral).
The park also has had its share of problems.
Being close to the sprawling town of DehraDun, the railway track
and the main highway connecting this town to the rest of the country
cut across the national park. This has caused several animal deaths,
especially elephants, which have been killed by train hits. Also,
a relatively large population of gujjars lived within the Park
and with their livelihoods being dependent solely on dairying,
the park suffered heavily as a result of the domestic buffaloes
grazing within its forest areas and often competing with the wild
herbivores. Their presence within the park also created an access
for poachers to bring down the tiger numbers substantially.
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Over the last several years many steps were
taken to address these threats. These were in the form of taking
appropriate measures with the railway authorities to see that
railway hits are reduced, increased anti-poaching and most importantly
a re-location of the gujjar community from within the Park to
a new area. The re-habilitation package announced by the government
did not take into account adequately the transportation needs
of the gujjars, resulting in their reluctance to make the move.
This is where the Wildlife Trust of India was approached and this
project was considered worthwhile for support under the Rapid
Action Project supported by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation.
 Together,
the DSWF and WTI assisted financially with the transportation
of 40 families last year and a further 100 families this year
(over 10% of the total number of families). Effects from relocations
are there to see. In a study conducted by the Wildlife Institute
of India, India's premier wildlife research and training organization,
regeneration of vegetation has occurred in areas from where gujjars
were rehabilitated and in the absence of humans, herbivores have
starting using this area. The most exciting result is, however,
that tiger evidences have been noted in the dry river beds close
to these areas. With more re-locations, more habitat will become
available for herbivores and tigers and also elephants to use.
The DSWF and WTI chipped in with an intervention which, though
small in terms of money, was however critical at that particular
juncture in facilitating the movement of the gujjars.
Indian mega-fauna is under great stress
and these small victories are significant and will play a big
role in ensuring that the wild valleys keep echoing with the roar
of the tigers.
Every little contribution helps wildlife
and remember 100% of your donation will go in full to the project - thank you!
You can also help by becoming a member
of DSWF. Click here for more information
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photos: tiger Michael Vickers
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