• About BCR
  • News
  • News @ BCR
  • Rescues
  • Issues
  • Cat Laws
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
  • Login
  • Register
Big Cat Rescue
  • Get Involved
  • Cub Facts
  • The Sanctuary Cats
  • FAQs
  • Contact Us
  • Shop
  • Videos
  • Donate
No Result
View All Result
Big Cat Rescue
  • Get Involved
  • Cub Facts
  • The Sanctuary Cats
  • FAQs
  • Contact Us
  • Shop
  • Videos
  • Donate
No Result
View All Result
Big Cat Rescue
No Result
View All Result
Home News World

Freeing hand reared tigers into wild risky

Carole by BCR
December 8, 2011
in News World
0 0
0
Today at Big Cat Rescue Dec 9
0
SHARES
320
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare via Email

You Can’t Send Hand Reared Big Cats Back Into the Wild

The much-hyped conservation experiment on “rewilding” of captive/hand reared abandoned cubs of big cats may be disastrous for the local population residing near the habitat of release, says the doyen of wildlife conservation Dr George Schaller.

 

In an exclusive interview to The Pioneer on Wednesday at the sidelines of the international green film festival organised by CMS Vatavaran, the international tiger expert and wildlife author also expressed deep concern on the degradation of regions immediately outside the Protected Areas.

 

He said that the tragedy that followed reintroduction of abandoned leopard cubs in Bandipur and Bhadra in Karnataka is a glaring example of the inherent risk involved in such experimentation. In the aftermath of their release in the wild, the hand-raised cubs killed some local villagers following which the forest department had to kill one cub and capture the others.

 

“It is comparatively easy to relocate chitals and deer but not big cats”, he said.

 

The role of a mother is crucial for developing a cub’s hunting and survival skills, which also includes avoiding humans. This is why the mother stays with the cubs for 2-2.5 years in the wild. This training is especially important in India where the human pressure was increasing on the habitats, he said.

 

When raised by human keepers in captivity, cubs do not learn to fear or avoid humans. Set free, such big cats are thus attracted to people who invariably panic at the sight of a tiger/leopard. This often proves fatal for both.

 

On other areas of concern on conservation in the country, Dr Schaller stressed on formulation of a long-term policy for the management of forests outside Protected Areas. Due to reducing habitat and increasing human pressure the wildlife is bound to foray into areas outside the demarcated habitats.

 

“It is not enough to limit management strategies to the protected areas alone but the need of the hour is to have adequate corridors and their maintenance in the surrounding areas too,” he pointed out.

 

Suggesting an ideal model of conservation, he underlined the importance of local population in conversion. One interesting aspect in this regard is the link between folklore and ecology of the region, which had traditionally been serving the purpose of resource conservation.

 

One such example is the tale of Bonbibi in the Sunderbans where the forest deity is worshipped along with the tiger. The folk belief has gained so much credence that the villagers prior to their entry propitiate the forest deity to protect them from dangers.

 

Similar stories can be found for instance in Arunachal Pradesh, one of the biodiversity hot spots in the country that link local environment and folk belief systems.

 

However, according to Dr Schaller, there is the other side of the coin too. Since culture and tradition are being impacted by growing influence of money and market forces, it is essential to balance the spiritual aspect with economic incentives.

 

http://www.dailypioneer.com/pioneer-news/todays-newspaper/26251-freeing-hand-reared-tigers-into-wild-risky-expert.html

Tags: conservationtigers
Previous Post

Tiger cub born in Tata Steel Zoological Park after a decade

Next Post

Today at Big Cat Rescue Dec 9

Carole

BCR

Big Cat Rescue is Caring for Cats and Ending the Trade

Related Posts

News World

Enrichment Program @ BIG CAT RESCUE!

May 7, 2022
73
Zanesville Massacre 18 tigers 17 lions 3 cougars gunned down
News World

Zanesville Massacre 18 tigers 17 lions 3 cougars gunned down

October 20, 2021
9k
Vanessa Hudgens Shame
Cat Laws

Cub Petting Shame

September 12, 2021
5.9k
Snow Leopard
News @ BCR

Save Snow Leopards

April 17, 2021
4.6k
Be Safe Out There!
How To Start A Sanctuary

Rules

March 31, 2020
532
Next Post
Today at Big Cat Rescue Dec 9

Today at Big Cat Rescue Dec 9

Leave a Reply

  • Default Comments (0)
  • Facebook Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Help Feed Big Cats

One of the best ways to help is through general donations that can be used however it is most needed at the time.To make a general donation just click the Donate Now button below.  This is the best way to give as it has the lowest credit card processing fees and is immediate help for the cats.

Give to Big Cat Rescue

If you prefer to donate via Pay Pal, please use this link: Pay Pal

Recent Articles

  • Film May 9, 2022
  • Enrichment Program @ BIG CAT RESCUE! May 7, 2022
  • Enrichment May 7, 2022

More From BigCatRescue

  • Big Cat Rescue is Live 24/7 on Webcams
  • Rescue Missions
  • About Big Cat Rescue
  • Big Cat Rescue News
  • Reviews
  • Our Recent Work
  • Sanctuary FAQs
  • Big Cat TV

Sanctuary Cats

  • Jaguars
  • Leopards
  • Lions
  • Tigers
  • Bobcats
  • Canada Lynx
  • Cougars
  • Ocelots
  • Savannah Cats
  • Servals

Ways to Help

  • Newsletter SignUp
  • Donate Now
  • Shop
  • Wish List
  • Volunteer
  • Contact Us
  • View AMP Version

Save Big Cats

Donate to Big Cat Rescue
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Sign Up
  • About BCR
  • News @ BCR
  • Videos
  • Big Cat Facts
  • Cub Facts
  • Sanctuary Cats
  • Shop and Save Cats
  • Volunteer
  • Donate
  • Abuse Issues
  • Contact Us

© Copyright 2021 BigCatRescue.Org. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT

Add New Playlist