With the findings of All India Tiger Estimation, 2018 to be announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on International Tiger Day, Madhya Pradesh has its hopes high of becoming the ‘Tiger State of India’ again with at least 25 percent rise in the population.
Indore is already leading the tiger population at city zoo by having one of the best breeding records in the last five years. “We have had over 35 tigers in the zoo in the last five years, which is a rare figure, because breeding is normally quite challenging in tigers,” Dr Uttam Yadav, in-charge Kamla Nehru Prani Sangrahalaya, said.
He shared that city zoo has been able to bring in more special breeds by exchanging tigers. “Tigers are in demand in all the states and since, we are able to have good breeding and healthy population, it makes us easy for us to get other animals in exchanges,” Yadav said.
He talked about various breeds like albino black buck that have made their way to Indore, first time in state with tiger exchanges.
Tiger population in MP
Discussing the population of tigers in state, additional principal chief conservator of forest department Alok Kumar said, “The population in state has grown on the higher bounds of average, so the figures from 308 in 2014 has grown over 350+ in our experience.”
He added that tiger population has grown in Udaipur jungle other than tiger reserves of the state. “Kanha national park had population of 80 tigers in 2014, which was the sixth highest in state,” Kumar said.
He added that the population of tigers has increased in jungle area, which is a very good sign for the state.
Quoting similar instance, Yadav said, “About 3 years back, tigers were straying into Indore district from Udaipur jungle as well, this was a positive sign towards the increase of population.” City zoo had rescued and treated tigers back then.
Tigers currently at City Zoo
City zoo has a healthy population of tigers at the moment. There are 7 healthy tigers. The eldest tiger in Indore is 17.5 years old and is very healthy for his age. Normally, tigers live for 18 years in captivity.
The most welcoming part of tiger enclosure for visitors are the four cubs. They are 18 months old and spotted around their mother Jamuna.
Eye to Eye with Tigers
Wildlife photographers in the city shared their first person experience when they tried to capture their meeting with a tiger in their lens:
“Wildlife is naturally flowing world where we did not need to intervene at first. However, we moved to their areas and even made many of them homeless.
I have always been fascinated by wildlife. There is nothing better than staring a majestic creature, admiring its grandness and beauty.
Though we are moving into digital world, looking at wildlife is much better than looking at its photograph. I do click photographs of wildlife for memories, but I feel we need to protect them.”
Ishan Kalra
“I have been in love with wildlife for as long as I can remember. I often browse away from the city to gaze at these wonderful creatures.
Eye to eye with a tiger can leave you feeling powerful, vulnerable and peace at the same time. There are not enough words to describe the experience.
However, in my experience with open wildlife, I have a lot of lessons from them. All these animals live in danger all the time. Whether it changing weather or predators, they are quick to adapt and move.
They inspire me to accept change and migrate to positive thoughts whenever I am feeling low.”
Raghu Iyer
Tiger Warrior event
City Zoo and IMC will been organising Wildlife Quiz Competition on International Tiger Day o celebrate and raise awareness about the Importance of Tiger and wildlife conservation.
Under the event, Interschool Wildlife quiz competition will be organised at a school, where in 6 schools will fight for the title of "Tiger Warriors".
Indore is already leading the tiger population at city zoo by having one of the best breeding records in the last five years. “We have had over 35 tigers in the zoo in the last five years, which is a rare figure, because breeding is normally quite challenging in tigers,” Dr Uttam Yadav, in-charge Kamla Nehru Prani Sangrahalaya, said.
He shared that city zoo has been able to bring in more special breeds by exchanging tigers. “Tigers are in demand in all the states and since, we are able to have good breeding and healthy population, it makes us easy for us to get other animals in exchanges,” Yadav said.
He talked about various breeds like albino black buck that have made their way to Indore, first time in state with tiger exchanges.
Tiger population in MP
Discussing the population of tigers in state, additional principal chief conservator of forest department Alok Kumar said, “The population in state has grown on the higher bounds of average, so the figures from 308 in 2014 has grown over 350+ in our experience.”
He added that tiger population has grown in Udaipur jungle other than tiger reserves of the state. “Kanha national park had population of 80 tigers in 2014, which was the sixth highest in state,” Kumar said.
He added that the population of tigers has increased in jungle area, which is a very good sign for the state.
Quoting similar instance, Yadav said, “About 3 years back, tigers were straying into Indore district from Udaipur jungle as well, this was a positive sign towards the increase of population.” City zoo had rescued and treated tigers back then.
Tigers currently at City Zoo
City zoo has a healthy population of tigers at the moment. There are 7 healthy tigers. The eldest tiger in Indore is 17.5 years old and is very healthy for his age. Normally, tigers live for 18 years in captivity.
The most welcoming part of tiger enclosure for visitors are the four cubs. They are 18 months old and spotted around their mother Jamuna.
Eye to Eye with Tigers
Wildlife photographers in the city shared their first person experience when they tried to capture their meeting with a tiger in their lens:
“Wildlife is naturally flowing world where we did not need to intervene at first. However, we moved to their areas and even made many of them homeless.
I have always been fascinated by wildlife. There is nothing better than staring a majestic creature, admiring its grandness and beauty.
Though we are moving into digital world, looking at wildlife is much better than looking at its photograph. I do click photographs of wildlife for memories, but I feel we need to protect them.”
Ishan Kalra
“I have been in love with wildlife for as long as I can remember. I often browse away from the city to gaze at these wonderful creatures.
Eye to eye with a tiger can leave you feeling powerful, vulnerable and peace at the same time. There are not enough words to describe the experience.
However, in my experience with open wildlife, I have a lot of lessons from them. All these animals live in danger all the time. Whether it changing weather or predators, they are quick to adapt and move.
They inspire me to accept change and migrate to positive thoughts whenever I am feeling low.”
Raghu Iyer
Tiger Warrior event
City Zoo and IMC will been organising Wildlife Quiz Competition on International Tiger Day o celebrate and raise awareness about the Importance of Tiger and wildlife conservation.
Under the event, Interschool Wildlife quiz competition will be organised at a school, where in 6 schools will fight for the title of "Tiger Warriors".