How Sariska earned its stripes again

In May 2005, a CBI report tabled in Rajya Sabha revealed there were no tigers left in Rajasthan’s Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR), although a year earlier a census had estimated their number at around 15. “The entire tiger population seemed to have become extinct primarily because of poaching,” Namo Narain Meena, then minister of state for forests, had told the House.Almost two decades on, Sariska – the sole tiger reserve in the National Capital Region – has bounced back. “STR has since undergone an extraordinary transformation,” says Sunayan Sharma, retired IFS (Rajasthan), who has written a book about it titled ‘Sariska: The Tiger Reserve Roars Again’.Medium108411247 At the last count, STR had 30 tigers – 10 females, 7 males and 13 cubs, of which 17 were born in Sariska. The revival happened after India’s first tiger translocation programme that brought in 11 tigers from Ranthambore. Success seemed unlikely at first when “out of the 11 relocated big cats, two fell victim to poaching, and four females failed to deliver cubs due to human disturbance, rampant mining, and other factors,” says Dinesh Durani Verma, founder of Sariska Tiger Foundation.“It took over a decade for the tiger population to flourish in Sariska. Since 2020, 17 tigers have been born inside the park, which is a positive indication,” Verma adds.Medium108411248 The STR had to overcome significant challenges to make the turnaround, says Sharma. For example, when the tiger population had plummeted in the 2000s, the local panchayat had started demanding permission to develop plots within the reserve. This would have effectively shut the door on tiger reintroduction.But now, not only the tiger population but also the reserve’s ecological balance is being restored as the forest department is reintroducing species that had become extinct in the region. A pair of sloth bears has been introduced, as they play a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem. “They are essential for propagating large and seeded tree species. Also, the introduction of more wildlife species is expected to attract a greater number of tourists. Plans are underway to reintroduce wild dogs, which were once native to the reserve,” a senior official told TOI.Medium108411250 Next, the STR will add 600 sq km to its area to provide more protected space to the big cats. The proposal was approved at the first technical committee meeting of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), and a window was left open for further expansion after feasibility studies.Demonstrating its commitment to the reserve, the administration has already shifted out four of the 26 villages situated inside it, and is now relocating another village. To ensure the wildlife is not disturbed by traffic, a soundproof elevated road will also be made.Medium108411251 “The reserve has the potential to accommodate over 50 tigers. So, the relocation of villages and remapping of the area should be prioritised,” says R N Mehrotra, former chief wildlife warden of Rajasthan, adding, “The recent shifting of villages has created a secure space for the tigers, and the results are evident. The Centre should also contribute funds to shift the villages.”The new road between Delhi and Sariska will boost tourism as more people will be able to visit the reserve. Experts say this will help garner support for the STR from a wider group of people. It will also facilitate better monitoring of the reserve and encourage the involvement of the local community.Luv Shekhawat, owner of a small hotel in Tehla near the STR, says, “With more tigers and improved connections, hotels in the area are thriving. People involved in the reserve are working hard to protect the animals and educate the locals. Our team is creating jobs for villagers and partnering with NGOs to teach skills useful in the reserve.”Photos: Bhagirath