Latest news with #LKrishnamurthy
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
'It's not about how many Tigers—it's about where they thrive': A conversation with L Krishnamurthy, APCCF (Wildlife), Madhya Pradesh
BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh, often hailed as the "Tiger State of India," has consistently topped national charts in tiger numbers. But with this success comes the responsibility of managing growing populations, ensuring ecological balance, and mitigating the challenges of human-wildlife conflict. The rapid diversion of forest land for non-forest use, encroachments into corridors, and climate-linked pressures add further complexity to conservation work in the state. In this context, P Naveen spoke with L Krishnamurthy , Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Madhya Pradesh. In this candid interview, Krishnamurthy outlines the forest department's current focus areas—from strengthening corridors and habitat management to leveraging technology and empowering communities—and offers insights on the road ahead for tiger conservation in the state. Q-How many are too many? When it comes to tiger numbers in the state, what is Madhya Pradesh's target population? A -We can't fix the numbers. The department is focusing on consolidating the landscape through protection, habitat management, corridor management, and community engagement in wildlife conservation. That said, we still have some tiger reserves and forest areas, like the proposed Omkareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, where more tigers can be supported. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Eat Ginger Everyday for 1 Month This is What Happens Tips and Tricks Undo The main focus is on landscape consolidation rather than chasing a specific number. Q- How many tigers can Madhya Pradesh realistically support without leading to excessive human-wildlife conflict? A-Tiger numbers can be estimated based on the ecological carrying capacity of each tiger reserve and protected area. However, it's equally important to consider the social carrying capacity—that is, the willingness and ability of communities to coexist with large carnivores. Our goal is to keep tiger populations connected through functional corridors, which helps reduce conflict in and around tiger reserves. Q- What plans are in place to manage the tiger population as it approaches the state's ecological carrying capacity? A-Under the leadership of the Chief Minister, we have expanded our network of protected areas by adding new tiger reserves and sanctuaries. We've also developed comprehensive strategies including the State Wildlife Action Plan, a State Elephant Management Plan, and the use of Artificial Intelligence in wildlife monitoring and conflict reduction. We're also promoting ecotourism, creating livelihood opportunities, and running awareness programs. Each tiger reserve has a Tiger Conservation Plan, and protected areas are governed by detailed Management Plans. Q. The State of India's Environment 2025 report by CSE states that Madhya Pradesh has diverted the highest amount of forest land (38,553 hectares) for non-forest use. How much of this diversion occurred within designated tiger corridors or ecologically sensitive zones? A -In cases where land is diverted from within corridor areas, we receive equivalent revenue land under the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) provisions. Additionally, mitigation measures are implemented to ensure that wildlife movement is not disrupted, following the recommendations of the State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) and the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL). The proportion of land diverted from within Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZs) and tiger corridors is a small fraction of the total—excluding Panna, where we've taken a landscape-level approach with the Greater Panna Landscape Management Plan. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
‘Not number but where tigers thrive matters'
Madhya Pradesh — often hailed as India's 'Tiger State' — leads the nation in tiger numbers. But with this success comes the challenge of managing a growing big cat population, maintaining ecological balance, and tackling persistent human-wildlife conflict. Adding to the complexity are rapid diversions of forest land for non-forest use, encroachments into key corridors, and the mounting pressures of climate change. In this context, P Naveen spoke with additional principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), MP, L Krishnamurthy. In a candid discussion, he outlined the department's focus areas — from strengthening corridors and improving habitats to using technology and empowering communities — and shared his vision for the state's tiger conservation journey. Excerpts from the interview… How many are too many? When it comes to tiger numbers in the state, what is Madhya Pradesh's target population? n We can't fix the numbers. The department is focusing on consolidating the landscape through protection, habitat management, corridor management, and community engagement in wildlife conservation. That said, we still have some tiger reserves and forest areas, like the proposed Omkareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, where more tigers can be supported. The main focus is on landscape consolidation rather than chasing a specific number. How many tigers can Madhya Pradesh realistically support without leading to excessive human-wildlife conflict? n Tiger numbers can be estimated based on the ecological carrying capacity of each tiger reserve and protected area. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unsold 2021 Cars Now Almost Free - Prices May Surprise You Unsold Cars | Search Ads Learn More Undo However, it's equally important to consider the social carrying capacity — that is, the willingness and ability of communities to coexist with large carnivores. Our goal is to keep tiger populations connected through functional corridors, which helps reduce conflict in and around tiger reserves. What plans are in place to manage the tiger population as it approaches the state's ecological carrying capacity? n Under the leadership of the chief minister, we have expanded our network of protected areas by adding new tiger reserves and sanctuaries. We've also developed comprehensive strategies including the State Wildlife Action Plan, a State Elephant Management Plan, and the use of Artificial Intelligence in wildlife monitoring and conflict reduction. We're also promoting ecotourism, creating livelihood opportunities, and running awareness programs. Each tiger reserve has a Tiger Conservation Plan, and protected areas are governed by detailed management plans. The State of India's Environment 2025 report by CSE states that Madhya Pradesh has diverted the highest amount of forest land (38,553 hectares) for non-forest use. How much of this diversion occurred within designated tiger corridors or ecologically sensitive zones? n In cases where land is diverted from within corridor areas, we receive equivalent revenue land under the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) provisions. Additionally, mitigation measures are implemented to ensure that wildlife movement is not disrupted, following the recommendations of the State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) and the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL). The proportion of land diverted from within Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZs) and tiger corridors is a small fraction of the total—excluding Panna, where we've taken a landscape-level approach with the Greater Panna Landscape Management Plan. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Time of India
Bones seized from poachers show 3 tigers killed in MP-Raj corridor
Bhopal: DNA tests on bones seized from a poaching syndicate operating in Madhya Pradesh's Sheopur and Shivpuri districts have confirmed killings of three tigers along the Kuno–Madhav–Ranthambore corridor, a critical wildlife link between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Investigators suspect the tigers may have strayed from Rajasthan's Ranthambore Tiger Reserve before being hunted. The forensic analysis, carried out by Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University in Jabalpur, has alarmed wildlife officials across both states — and may offer the first concrete lead in the ongoing mystery of at least 10 missing tigers from Ranthambore. "This could be a major lead," said a senior Madhya Pradesh forest officer, as the state formally requested Rajasthan's assistance in matching DNA profiles to their missing big cats. Ranthambore field director Anoop Nair did not respond to repeated calls seeking his version. Confirming the development, additional principal chief conservator of forests (Wildlife) L Krishnamurthy told TOI: "Forensics have confirmed that the bones and skulls are of three tigers. We have arrested six people so far and a joint operation by Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan is going on. More forensic support is being taken to get deeper into the case." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Forget Furosemide, Use This Household Item To Help Drain Edema Fluid WellnessGuide Learn more Undo The case surfaced after a series of coordinated raids on June 4 by the State Tiger Strike Force (STSF) units from Bhopal and Shivpuri, along with Sheopur Forest Division, acting on a confidential tip-off. Two separate forest crime cases were registered following the arrests. All the accused belong to the nomadic Mongia community, which has increasingly come under scrutiny in recent years for its suspected links to organised wildlife trafficking across central India. Forest officials believe this syndicate forms part of a broader inter-state network preying on vulnerable wildlife in forested border regions. In one case, 88 pieces of bones — believed to be from tigers and leopards — were recovered from two suspects, Dauji Bhil and Sunita Bhil, at Sheopur bus stand. Their interrogation led to the arrest of Bani Ram and Naresh from Padora Square in Shivpuri. Both were caught with a motorcycle suspected to be used in trafficking. The accused had initially claimed the bones belonged to leopards and hyenas, trying to mislead authorities. However, DNA results confirmed tiger remains, prompting a second round of interrogation. During this, they admitted the tigers were killed using poison and muzzle-loading weapons. They also revealed that they buried the skins after failing to find buyers. Some tiger canines were seized from their possession. The fifth accused, Rajaram Mogia, who had been absconding, was arrested later. He is believed to have provided logistical support in moving poached parts. The second case was registered after 138 pieces of leopard bones were seized from another accused, Besta Bhil, who was arrested near the Shivpuri–Sheopur road. The Kuno–Madhav–Ranthambore landscape has long been regarded as a crucial corridor for movement of big cats, especially with the presence of cheetahs in Kuno National Park and a strong leopard population. However, the same terrain now appears to be exploited by well-organised poaching networks, say officials. "This is no longer about isolated incidents," a senior forest official said. "We are looking at a highly coordinated criminal network that spans multiple states and possibly involves several layers of trade and trafficking."
