Interview with Dr Rajesh Gopal

'This is not an office for clearances, our mandate is to conserve'

As member secretary of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Dr Rajesh Gopal has been at the forefront of the battle to save the tiger for nearly a decade. As the precarious fate of the feline grips the nation’s imagination, he shares the failures, threats and the road map India must take, if we are to save the tiger.

Only 1411 tigers after over 35 years of Project Tiger—the lowest number ever, has led to the belief that Project Tiger a failure?
The common perception is numbers have plummeted to 1411 (from 3700 or so in the 2002 count), that tigers are dying, everything is doomed. And that Project Tiger has failed. I beg to differ--Project Tiger is not a failure. For one, the census numbers are not comparable. The old pugmark method cannot be compared with the
new double sampling method which has assessed the spatial occupancy of tigers and other animals for all the 17 tiger States, and mapped in the GIS domain. The refined estimation method has given a realistic picture of tiger status. It also clearly showed that whatever tigers we have today are inside tiger reserves—the protection rendered by the Project has saved the tiger. What we have not succeeded in is saving tigers outside reserves --there are hardly any tigers outside protected areas. So, we are increasing the area under the Project Tiger umbrella, from nine when it begin in 1973, currently we have 39 reserves and four more in the offing.

But aren’t we losing tigers at unprecedented rates?
Yes, I am not denying the crisis—but the answer is complex. I would look at it like this—we have promising source–or breeding population in reserves ie Rajaji Corbett, Dudhwa-Katarnaighat in Terai or Kanha-Pench-Tadoba in the Satpudas in Central India, Nagarhole-Bandipur-Mudumalai-Wayanaad-Periyar in the Western Ghats, besides Kaziranga, Sundarbans and a few others. While these populations are vulnerable, what we are mainly losing is the ‘sink’ or tigers outside reserves. Tiger landscapes are amidst a matrix of land use patterns, which do not have tiger concerns factored into them. The quality of forests outside reserves cannot sustain tigers. There is immense human dependence on forest resources, grazing, development infrastructure, no protection, no prey base—which also leads to bitter, and fatal, man-animal conflict. Poachers capitalise on resentment fostered by conflict, and help the villagers ‘rid’ themselves of the tiger. Unsustainable land use outside reserves that doesn’t factor in tiger concerns is killing tigers.
Project Tiger is not just about tiger reserves, any conservation strategy must take into account the behavior and the ecology of the animal—how tigers breed, multiply, move out–which is a must for the genetic vitality and long term survival of the species . Tigers outside reserves are unprotected, they are sitting targets.
What I am trying to stress here is that we cannot save tigers by just managing tiger reserves, we have to think beyond that, at the landscape level, and manage the land use around tiger reserves.
The answer raises other questions: but first, poaching. Demand from China for tiger derivatives is killing tigers, but doesn’t our protection leave a lot to be desired?
China must work internally to contain its demand (of tiger skin and bones) and halt tiger farming which is putting pressure on wild tigers in India. We have an ongoing dialogue with them, and the response is encouraging.
I agree. Slack protection and poor leadership has cost us dear, we have lost tigers --and even led to local extinction. One initiative to address this is the Special Tiger Protection Force –that is being set up by the states with assistance from the centre. However, this will take time, so we must make whatever interim forces are required to ensure protection.
I think good leadership is the key factor which makes or break a park. Wherever there have been lapses on this front there have been sharp declines in population and local extinction. I would go as far as to say that in the Indian Forest Service weightage should be given at the recruitment stage itself to people who have a passion for the job. Merely passing an exam does not ensure that you have what it takes to save the tiger.

Conflict is an issue of serious concern
Managing tigers in man dominated landscapes is the biggest challenge we face. Man-animal interface—not just conflict with the tiger but elephants, leopards--is of very serious concern, a 24x7 worry. It is happening everyday—across habitats, Sundarbans, Kaziranga, Terai—people are suffering. There is crop depredation, cattle kills, and in extreme cases—human fatality. As discussed before, we need to understand tiger ecology, manage the tiger landscape, conserve corridors, have buffers, evolve crop patters unsuitable to wildlife close to reserve—as long term strategies. An immediate need is to provide for sufficient and prompt compensation. Conflict, delays in compensation nurtures animosity against the tiger—and retaliatory killings.We saw this in Ranthmabhore recently , when two cubs were poisoned, or gives opportunity to poahcers, as witnessed in the landscape around Tadoba. The need of the hour is to turn this around—that they feel benefited because of the tiger—not just in tangibles like water security etc but livelihood options like regeneration of forests around the reserve, or low-impact tourism initiatives which benefit the locals like in Periyar.

How can we secure tiger landscapes? Project Tiger has emphasised on creating buffer zones around tiger reserves but I understand state governments are reluctant to notify these?
Buffer zones around core areas are the filter between human and tiger habitats, and are imperative to tiger survival especially as man-tiger conflict escalates. Even so, about 25 reserves out of the current 39 do not have buffers. It is a difficult task. In our federal system the central government makes laws, the enabling guidelines, and also proves financial and technical support but ultimately the land belongs to the states , and the onus of protection and day-to-day management rests with them. Unless the centre and the state are on the same wavelength and the importance that we give to tiger conservation is on par with the states, it doesn’t work. For states to come on board, we need the involvement of Chief Ministers.
So, are the CMs involved?
Well, let’s just say there is scope. However, our minister (Jairam Ramesh) has made a lot of effort—he has visited different reserves interacted with ministers and writes to Chief ministers on every issue-be it an untoward tiger death or projects with a deleterious impact on tiger habitat. This has made a difference. The states have been responsive. The active pursuance of the minister had Maharashtra declare a buffer zone for Tadoba which had been delayed for years. Similarly, we had a problem of money not going to Kaziranga, Manas and Nameri Tiger Reserves in Assam. This was brought up when the minister (Jairam Ramesh) visited Assam, and the state has responded by not only immediately setting up the Tiger Conservation Foundation, as required, but it has also been given the due authorization to receive central assistance.
There are exceptions, though. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are still to declare the core critical tiger habitat—which is essentially denying the reserve legal sanctity. Or Simlipal in Orissa which suffers from so many protection issues—of late about eight elephants have been poached, there is akhand-shikar—ritual hunting and the problem of left-wing extremism but the state hasn’t responded to repeated requests to move para-military forces there. This reflects an insensitivity to tiger concerns.
There is constant pressure to open up tiger habitat to mining, highways.
To my mind, heavy infrastructural and development projects in tiger habitat is the most serious threat. Tiger areas are rich in minerals—coal, uranium, bauxite--so there is demand for mining in buffers and corridors. The Tadoba landscape is totally tattered because of coal mining—and still there are some 40 more power and coal projects proposed. NH-7 threatens to cut the connectivity of Pench tiger reserve with Kanha, and. In Nagarjuna-Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh), there is pressure for quarrying and mining for uranium. It’s endless…We can’t give these areas. This is not an office for clearance—our mandate is to conserve. We have mapped crucial tiger habitats and their connectivity in the 17 tiger states—these are no-go areas and are already very fragile. We cannot afford to stress these habitats further by mines, roads or any such damaging development activities, if we want a future for the tiger. There cannot be any clearances in these areas.
Tiger concerns must be factored in any development project in tiger habitats.

Isn’t the Project Tiger budget, lower than last year’s at 196 crores? And is that sufficient for your mandate of relocating villages from core areas?
Voluntary relocation of villages to create inviolate habitats is a priority –given that tiger needs inviolate areas to survive--and the central government has enhanced the package to Rs ten lakh per family. It has been witnessed that communities are also eager to move out of the forest into the mainstream. There are 762 villages with about 48,000 families inside core areas. The current budget is insufficient to meet this massive task, it is just about enough to give to tiger reserves for management and ongoing activities. The minister has taken this up with the Planning Commission and we hope to have sufficient funds to give relocation a fresh impetus.

But you won’t take money from the World Bank.
No. Because of their past deleterious record and because our priorities are not in sync with the Banks’ policies.
The bank’s Global Tiger Initiative is brought new focus to tiger conservation in the global community, and has involved many players i.e different governments, NGOs, India will not involve with the
India will be involved in the initiative only to the extent of building our knowledge institutions or using their influence to control the illegal trade in tiger parts. We have refused (will not take) World Bank assistance in any conservation project in a tiger habitat, essentially because the bank’s operational policies especially are in conflict with the current conservation policy of Government of India especially on the issue of relocation of villages and protection. Another reason is that the World Bank supported projects have had a deleterious impact on tiger habitats over the years.

Tourism in reserves has created a huge controversy with even the PM cautioning against intrusive tourism.
We are not against tourism but it must be regulated especially in heavily visited parks like Corbett, Kanha, Ranthambhore, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Kaziranga, Mudumalai, Bandipur. Number of vehicles far exceed the carrying capacity, they speed, chase and surround tigers, and it’s usually mayhem. Tourism must be fostered in buffer areas and phased out from core areas where disturbance must be minimal and the area inviolate for tigers to breed.
In Bandhavgarh, ‘tiger tourism’ was seen at its extreme, when a tigress was recently killed by a vehicle. Shamefully, forest and local administration is involved. NTCA has advised an unbiased enquiry and the strictest action possible against the offenders. They have killed a tiger in its den—worse, a tigress with cubs-so we have lost four tigers. It’s unthinkable, unpardonable in this time and age when we are struggling to save each one.
To get back, there are lodges (and other construction) on vital corridors, choking tigers. We don’t allow them to live in, we don’t allow them to live out. It’s unjust, and unacceptable. Also, the community must benefit from tourism, and the lodges need to ‘give back’ , a part of its revenue for the development of the local community. The Ministry of Tourism has taken the lead to tackle this problem, and we are working with them on an eco-tourism policy.
What do you have to say for the ongoing campaign to save tigers?
The campaign—such as the one done by Aircel, or the one taken up the electronic media currently is an excellent initiative. It has drawn tremendous public support. The communication strategy that we do not have, has been addressed by this.

What can the common person do to save tigers?
That’s a tough one—I am always foxed for a moment –you know people imagine they can go in jungles and grab poachers! And they are disappointed that they can’t! Seriously, though there is a lot civil society can do—they must keep the issue alive, be watch dogs, alert authorities to any intelligence information or untoward happening, each tourist who goes into the park should take on the role of a naturalist. Even consume less, be ecologically conscious so that impact on natural resources and tiger habitat is less.

The job is not without its pressures..what motivates you and keeps you going..?
I have been associated with the tiger for over 30 years, first in the field-Bandhavgarh, Kanha and now here since 2001. This—working for the tiger, walking its forest is something very close to my heart. Tigers are a resilient species—and respond very well to protection. So, when the interventions we make and our efforts have a impact in a tiger reserve..it is a tremendous feeling. The satisfaction is difficult to explain, or quantify… its humbling…

The threats and pressures on the tiger are increasing, by the day. So here is a question on everyone’s mind: Will the tiger survive?
Yes. I am optimistic. It will-and must survive. We will give it all that it takes to save the tiger, but our ministry(Environment and Forests) cannot do it alone; it is a collective responsibility between different arms of the government, the civil society and unless we walk in unison it’s going to be very, very difficult.

What is your wish list?
I would like on board, both at the national and at the field level, a sub-cadre of committed professionals in wildlife management and related fields, whether from inside or outside the government. The ecological wishlist is protecting the identified connectivity between the tiger reserves, good leadership, a crack protection team drawn from local communities and intensively trained to effectively counter poaching. India has a projected growth rate, which must be balanced with tiger conservation. The tiger must not be viewed as a negative, or as an impediment to growth. The tiger is India’s life support system—hundreds of rivers flow from tiger reserves, and its forests are a shield against climate change impacts.
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An edited version of the interview appeared in Mint, June 29, 2010
http://www.livemint.com/2010/06/28195501/Reserves-alone-cannot-save-tig.html?atype=tp

@prerna singh bindra, 2010

An artist's impression

Rohan uses his wonderful skills--a deft hand, and good humour-cartoons and art to spread the green message. A good example of how each one of us can contribute by using our skills for the cause. This is his impression of me:-) Thanks, Rohan.

All creatures great and small....

Large animal extinctions—the fall of the cheetah, the slow fading of the tiger, the plight of the elephant make it to the headlines, perhaps even enter our conscience, but how many are aware of the devastation closer home…the loss of nature in our immediate surroundings?

Spring just passed us by. It was a silent spring, colourless—largely devoid of bird song, the brilliance of butterflies, the buzz of bees--‘smaller beings’, no less important in the ecological scheme of things than the tiger.

I remember a time not too long ago when there were peacocks in my backyard— racous males and broody hens whose eggs I keep a protective eye over, bunking school in the hope of catching the eggs hatch. I witnessed the momentous birth, and so felt personally responsible for their well-being. Peacocks were just part of the animals in my sanctuary- there was the rare partridge, parakeets were aplenty and in symphony with the babblers and lapwings were so noisy we couldn’t hear ourselves think. Sparrows were a nuisance; their irksome—but charming-presence ensured that fans with their murderous intent couldn’t be switched on. Langurs dropped by for water–and any handouts we cared to give, sun birds flittered over the hibiscus flowers, the baya weaver industriously wove one nest after another, hoping to win over a wife with his skills. Squirrels stole fur that fell of the dog’s back, and food from his bowl as well, chameleons sunbathed, occasionally flicking their tongue to swallow a spider.

There were frogs that turned a brilliant blue in the monsoon —colours that they don to attract a mate; occasional snakes, largely harmless rat snakes that were left alone, much to the alarm of the household help-one of whom abandoned ship when he found one curled under his bed. One fine day a battle ensued between the resident mongoose family and a snake. We nervously gathered to watch the deadly battle, but after a lot of hissing, spitting and posturing both parties tamely parted ways. I do not know why and I do not know if we were disappointed, or relieved at this tame anti-climax. At night, we would hear the soft hoot of the owl but only if the jackals stilled their insistent howls.

We took all this activity for granted, the creatures were part of our lives. Any casualty—like a chick fallen of the nest was given tender medical care—usually a futile effort, and the departed soul accorded a tearful burial.

While ours might have been an exceptionally animal-friendly household, it wasn’t a big deal. There was room for all God’s creatures—on land, air, water—and in hearts.

It’s a changed world now. Fast-developing and hostile to nature.

The peacocks don’t nest in my old house anymore, there is nowhere to lay eggs, and grow new families. Peacocks are ground nesters and are losing ground as construction and manicured lawns close in. Last heard a new block has been paved over the backyard, and the wilderness. The creatures of my garden are now extinct.

Construction is swallowing up, and cementing any open space and pond and grassland. One particular ‘development’ that hurts is a wetland I frequented in the winters in east Delhi. There is no trace of the wetland now, two glitzy malls have taken over. I feel sick to my heart at the thought of migrants birds flying thousands of miles from chilly climes to seek refuge, only to find that ‘their’ destination does not exist anymore. Imagine arriving after a particularly weary journey to find that your home has simply ceased to be.

Another thing, do not be fooled that all manner of greens is good. The fancy gated colony in Gurgoan where I now reside sold itself on ‘landscaped spaces’, but it is a sterile green, lacking the fecundity of a grubby garden. The designer garden and exotic trees use huge amounts of water, and support little life. But, it is the overdose of poisonous pesticides that is killing the bees, the birds, and us.

The loss of green cover and biodiversity in our immediate environment is a microism of what is happening to our planet. Bees, birds, frogs, snakes are pollinators and pest controllers and have a crucial role in the ecosystem…the strands are which rapidly unfolding.

The Sunday Guardian, June 6, 2010