Corbett National Park to have Tiger Protection Force from January 2010
2009-09-17 15:10:00
The Uttarakhand Government has decided to set up a Tiger Protection Force to prevent poaching in the Corbett Tiger Reserve.
The Field Director of Corbett National Park will head the force, which would be operational from January 2010.
The Corbett Tiger Reserve is considered as one of the most suitable habitats for tigers and other endangered species.
The Uttarakhand’s Chief Conservator of Forest, R.B.S. Rawat, said the Corbett Tiger Protection Force would assist existing staff keeping a close watch on poachers.
The impact of the pilot project would be assessed before expanding it to other tiger reserves, he added.
Earlier, in 2007, the Union Environment and Forest Ministry had asked all 17 tiger range states to form a specialized force to strengthen efforts to save the national animal.
The country’s tiger population has dwindled to about 1400 due to poaching, shrinking habitat and falling prey bases.
The 112-member force will consist of youth from the Van Gujjar tribal community, which lives near the park. (ANI)
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