Now, experts to research man-animal conflict in PTR

Three years after the formation of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) in which the tigers of the reserve have killed 18 people so far leading to one of the worst cases of man-animal conflict, the forest officials have called for a scientific research to get to bottom of the problem.

In a letter written to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) which overlooks the conservation efforts of the national animal in the country, the forest officials have pointed out towards the need of such research. “The conflict between the tigers and people living near PTR earnestly needs a scientific evaluation. We have conveyed this to NTCA and sought funds to sponsor such research,” said VK Singh, forest conservator of PTR.

The forest department has reportedly suggested three researches concerning the movement of tigers, their population dispersion and interaction with humans. Since its inception on June 6, 2014, no scientific research was carried out on any aspect of the reserve. A general review done by expert of World Wildlife Foundation was limited to only carrying capacity of reserve for tigers. This too was done itself in 2014.

Though the conservation efforts of the officials have helped the ecology of the PTR to flourish leading to marked improvement of tiger population, its neglect for a thorough scientific research has given birth to the conflict witnessed in last two years.

The killings by tiger and ever growing number of attacks even caught the attention of UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath who visited Pilibhit last month to discuss the problem. The scientific research of the reserve was one of the suggestions discussed in which the CM showed interest.

“We later discussed this with senior forest officials of the state and the forest minister reached the conclusion of writing to NTCA about it,” said Singh.

According to PTR officials, the research projects are expected to kickoff by next year.