Tiger population declines in Northeast due to poaching and habitat loss

The tiger population in the Northeast-Brahmaputra Plains is facing a worrisome decline, primarily due to poaching, habitat loss, and development activities. This report reveals a drop in the number of tigers spotted in the Northeastern Hills and Brahmaputra Plains landscape.

In 2018, an estimated 219 tigers were found the region, but the data from “Status of Tigers Report 2022” reported only 194 distinctive tigers. This decline is attributed to various factors, including illegal poaching, the destruction of tiger habitats, and the breaking apart of their living spaces due to construction projects. Additionally, invasive weeds have encroached upon the natural habitats of tigers, further increasing the problem.

The situation calls for immediate action from both government and non-governmental organizations to ensure the long-term survival of these majestic creatures. One of the issues which has contributed to the decline of tiger population is the government infrastructure development projects such as building linear infrastructures and hydroelectric projects in the northeast. These projects have contributed to the decline of the tiger population by disrupting their habitats and movements.

Traditional hunting practices, new road construction, human settlements, and frequent floods have compounded the challenges faced by tigers trying to navigate their natural environment. The research, carried out using camera trap-based mark-recapture methods across 15 sites, found a total tiger population of approximately 236. Most of these tigers were concentrated in the Kaziranga-Orang-Pakke-Nameri block. This number indicates a slight increase from the figures in the “Status of Tigers Report 2022.”

The Northeast tiger population is not only genetically distinct but also relatively small in size, making conservation efforts particularly urgent. To safeguard suitable habitats for tigers and other wildlife, a number of Tiger Reserves have been established in North East India, including Kaziranga, Manas, Orang, Pakke, Nameri, Namdhapa, Kamlang, Dampa, and Buxa. However, only Kaziranga and Orang are home to substantial tiger populations. Kaziranga hosts the highest number of tigers, followed by Orang, Karbi Anglong Forest Division, and a few other locations.

The Brahmaputra River islands play a crucial role as biological corridors for tigers, but they are under threat due to illegal cultivation and livestock rearing. These activities disrupt the tigers’ free movement in the islands. Protecting these islands is paramount for the survival of the tiger population.

Looking ahead, the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park could potentially become a vital natural habitat for tigers. The situation underscores the need for immediate and coordinated efforts to combat poaching, preserve habitats, and mitigate the negative impacts of development, all of which are crucial for ensuring the survival of tigers in the Northeast.