PERIYAR
TIGER RESERVE
The Periyar Tiger Reserve spreads over 777 sq.km. of tropical evergreen,
semi- evergreen and moist deciduous forests. Its legal status as a National
Park is still pending and only one notification has been issued. It was
declared a Project Tiger Reserve in 1978 and the first research started
in 1991. The results indicate 49 species of mammals, 246 species of birds,
28 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibians, 22 species of fishes and
112 species of butterflies. The core area is 350 sq.kms. The final notification
of the buffer area is pending.
In 1971 tiger estimates were 10 in number. Today 46 tigers are said
to abound in this reserve. Elephant populations which were 588 in 1978
are said to have gone up to 980 in 1989 census. Reputed wildlife biologists
have alleged that there are very few tuskers, and elephant poaching has
to be considered as a threat but presently the Park director is of the
opinion that this problem is under control.
Isolated Nilgiri Tahr populations have also been observed at three places
and after many years, and this is a special highlight of this Park.
Through Project Tiger more funds have flowed and the staff increased
but not only is the staff inadequate but lacking in motivation. To build
the morale incentives to the staff are necessary. Roads, paths and more
construction is suggested, for better protection.
Eco-development has just started and 60 ha. of degraded land has been
restored, in the last couple of years assisting in the process of natural
regeneration.
A special project is under formulation for the eco-development of the
area.
Between November and January the Park attracts lakhs and lakhs of pilgrims
to the Ayappan Temple. Heavy damage is done on timber, fuelwood, forest
fires start and the wildlife is disturbed especially at water holes. After
January, there is severe pollution due to litter, wastes and this creates
the possibility of epidemic disease. The pollution is only lifted with
the arrival of the monsoon. The area caters to over 3 lakh tourists besides
the pilgrims. Alternative tourist sites need to be created to relieve
the pressure and a government hotel in a very potential wildlife area
requires relocation.
The debarking of the Cinnamomum tree is a frequent activity and the
illicit transportation of the bark to Tamilnadu takes place. At this point
people create forest fires to make their getaway. It is urgent that the
Tamilnadu border be declared a sanctuary and be protected. Illegal grazing
of cattle and fuelwood collection is a common feature on the fringes of
the sanctuary.
For the future working of this tiger reserve with a sense of well being
it is vital to motivate the staff. With a motivated staff some of the problems
concerning the Park management will be resolved.
The reality of the census operations in this tiger reserve will have
only some meaning after the National Tiger Census of 1993. At the moment
taking the reference of the 1989 census, 46 tigers have a very limited
prey base.
In any case since 1987 the tiger population has shown a stability when
it was 45 to 1991 when it is 46.
The above figures and information require, recounts and further analysis.
It was only in 1991 - 1992 that research and monitoring activities started
in this reserve. The stress is towards monitoring wild animal populations
and water holes. 60 kms. of transect lines have been laid for the monitoring
of wild animals. This may help in understanding the limited prey base.
A sense
of dedication and commitment will ensure the future of this unique
tiger habitat, and the field staff requires our support and viable and
effective inputs. |