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The Hindu
01-08-2025
- The Hindu
Crowds, Bollywood music and celebrity tigers: Are Indian safaris getting out of hand?
When Arrowhead, one of Ranthambore National Park's favourite tigers, died of cancer, the Internet exploded with tributes. However, wildlife biologist Sanjay Gubbi, whose work focusses on the conservation of large carnivores such as tigers and leopards, believes that selective sympathies towards animals that have attained celebrity status, often because of their popularity with tourists, may be somewhat misplaced. He argues that tourists who enter protected parks with large cameras and have an immense social media following push for policies and management that are completely unscientific. 'People may go on a safari and take a picture of a tiger limping or a wounded elephant and come back and put it on social media, putting pressure on the government to treat it,' says the wildlife conservationist, who firmly believes that we should not interfere in the lives of animals, especially large animals like tigers and elephants, which have few natural enemies in the wild. 'If we start treating animals like humans, and the natural mortality comes down, the population goes up artificially,' he says. And, 'since habitat is not expanding, this could lead to human-animal conflict.' According to conservationists, there are other equally serious aspects of tiger tourism, which has seen a steady rise in recent years, that need to be considered, including the impact of risky tourist behaviour (making loud noises, getting off vehicles during safaris or misusing mobile phones) and the creation of infrastructure that exceeds the carrying capacity of these forests. 'I am not againsttourism,' says Dharmendra Khandal, the executive director of Tiger Watch, a leading wildlife conservation NGO working in Ranthambore. 'But the way it is going on, it needs some kind of correction.' Tiger tourism rising India has 58 protected areas designated as tiger reserves, established under Project Tiger, the tiger conservation programme launched by the Indian Government in 1973. According to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) website, ecotourism in these reserves is supposed to emphasise low-impact activities, such as guided nature walks and safari tours, promoting a deeper understanding of the delicate ecosystems that support these magnificent big cats. 'Strict regulations are in place to ensure minimal disruption to the natural habitats, safeguarding the vulnerable tiger population,' it further states. Tourist footfall in these reserves has been steadily increasing in recent years. The Kaziranga National Park in Assam, for instance, welcomed over 3.4 lakh tourists in the previous financial year, marking a 30% increase compared to last year, according to the park's website, while the Kanha Tiger Reserve has already had nearly 2.58 lakh visitors in 2025, 'a surge of nearly 16,000 more tourists compared to the previous year. ' In the view of Chandreyi Bandyopadhyay, Nagpur-based wildlife writer and enthusiast, who has been visiting tiger reserves since childhood, the rise and rise of tiger tourism has been putting things out of balance. 'Wildlife tourism was specific to hobbyists and real enthusiasts, unlike now. It is now driven by increased accessibility and popularity of individual tigers,' she says. The focus, earlier, she believes, was on inbound tourism, something that has changed markedly since the COVID pandemic, with more and more people opting to holiday in forests, and an obsession to see tigers in the wild, 'because sightings increased and social media came in. There are daily updates on where you can spot a tiger.' This tourist frenzy — to sight a tiger and get Instagram-worthy photographs — often leads to a flouting of protocol for safaris laid down by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which include regulations on vehicular movement and maintaining a safe distance from the animal. According to a recent study, published in ScienceDirect in 2024, the rise of social media platforms, the phenomenon of 'micro-celebrity' status, and the quest to share high-quality, dramatic images have influenced the way people behave in nature and around wildlife. 'The pursuit to gain influence, followers and/or a sense of gratification through virtual praise has the potential to increase risk-taking behaviour, promote unethical practices and create unrealistic expectations for nature appreciation.' Or as T Shatru, a Chennai-based wildlife enthusiast and amateur photographer, rather candidly puts it. 'At the end of the day, tourists want to see a tiger, and they can be idiots,' he says, recalling his last encounter with Chota Matka aka T-126, one of the best-known tigers of Maharashtra's Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, says, 'There were nearly 30 jeeps, blocking the road, not allowing him to walk. And everyone was honking, yelling and trying to get as close as possible.' While parks are doing their best to minimise poor behaviour — mobile phones are banned inside reserves like Pench and Tadoba Tiger Reserves during safaris, for instance — Chandreyi feels that heftier penalties on tourists who flout safari protocols may be necessary. Guides and drivers are penalised for not adhering to protocol, but badly behaved guests rarely are, she says. 'I think, like for flying, people who disregard the rules of the forest despite being warned by guides must be blacklisted.' This tiger obsession among tourists is also emblematic of a larger problem with the country's conservation narrative. 'In many ways, it has been both a blessing and a blind spot for conservation in India,' says naturalist Arjun Manjunath, the lead trainer and wildlife advisor at the Bamboo Forest Nature Conservancy, an ecolodge and conservancy located in Gothangaon, Maharashtra. While he is aware of the animal's charisma and ability to draw people to it, he believes that 'too much focus on the tiger leads to a narrow set of experiences, and you end up neglecting the larger ecosystem.' Striking a balance As more and more tourists flock to these reserves, hoping to sight a big cat, another major issue crops up: unmitigated development within and around tiger reserves. While the NTCA has laid out rules for tourism in tiger reserves, stating that it needs to be 'contemplated as ecotourism…ecologically sustainable Nature tourism,' this does not always hold on the ground. 'There are very few examples of real ecotourism in this country,' believes Sanjay, pointing out that simply going to a natural landscape filled with wildlife does not mean that it is ecotourism. In his opinion, the larger impact of infrastructure creation in these parks to support tourism is a major cause for concern. 'If you look at the Corbett Tiger Reserve, it is now ensconced all around with tourist infrastructure, cutting off tiger corridors, organising Bollywood-styled wedding parties that create huge noise pollution in addition to the other stress on resources, etc, that sort of thing.' Ranthambore is another reserve that 'is going in a very wrong direction,' feels Dharmendra. 'They are developing wedding hotels in Ranthambore, because this is now a destination wedding area,' he says. 'It is not a sin to get married here, but when you include 1,000 people, shouting, music, a DJ, lights, crackers, it is a problem.' Drawing the line between conservation and sustainable development is always a challenge, believes L Krishnamoorthy, additional principal chief conservator of forests in Madhya Pradesh. 'Conservation is a complex thing, where everyone's support is needed,' he says. 'We have to assume that it is a multifarious activity where many people are involved.' However, he firmly believes that ecotourism, when done correctly, is an integral part of conservation. 'Ecotourism is important for creating awareness about wildlife, creating job opportunities for local communities and also to generate resources that can go towards park management initiatives,' he says. Managing conflict Another cause for concern is that wildlife tourism could exacerbate the already serious issue of human-animal conflicts in and around tiger reserves. While local communities have traditionally coexisted with wildlife for centuries, the situation is changing rapidly. Forest cover is shrinking even as the human population and that of some wild animals, such as the tiger, are increasing. Besides, many people living within the notified core areas of the tiger reserves have been and continue to be relocated, often against their will. The tourism juggernaut, too, does not help. 'They (locals) bear the cost of conservation, while the excitement of conservation is enjoyed by a rich tourist, the social influencer or the photographer. If such people can also become promoters of conservation, then their endeavours will have meaning and benefit wildlife,' says Sanjay. Prioritising local communities for employment activities, something that is already happening in Madhya Pradesh, as Krishnamoorthy points out, could help mitigate the conflict. 'Whether it is the guide, protection watcher, driver or gypsy owner, almost everybody is from the local community. Our objective is to involve local communities so that the conservation benefits are brought back to them. Wherever the tourism zones are joining villages, community tolerance is high because they know they are getting livelihood opportunities and the visibility because of the tiger,' he says. While community engagement is certainly crucial to the country's complex conservation narrative, it is also clear that mass wildlife tourism, centred around the commodification of tiger sightings, even when branded as sustainable tourism or ecotourism, is not enough. For starters, 'ecotourism is often an ill-used word,' believes Arjun, adding that 'it won't work' if one is building large luxury properties and hiring people from top hotel management schools in these reserves, since 'local involvement is zero in this case,' he says. At a broader level, it may also be necessary to reassess our priorities regarding the role of tourism in conservation itself, as Sanjay implies. 'The larger argument has been that since tourism brings in revenue, we need to have it to conserve these areas. But I feel that conservation is like education and health; you can't expect to generate revenue out of it,' he says, adding that one needs to see wildlife tourism as an educational tool, not an economic model. 'Keep it at a minimal carrying capacity and accessible to the public. You shouldn't make tourism expensive and out of reach of common people'.
Time of India
28-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
International Tiger Day: Clamour for new reserves grows in Karnataka
Bengaluru: Despite Karnataka witnessing a steady rise in its tiger population — from 400 in 2018 to 536 in 2022 — a worrying trend has begun to surface: Around 15% of the state's tigers are now venturing out of core forest areas, considered their traditional safe zones, into wildlife sanctuaries, territorial forests, and even human-dominated landscapes. The latest annual estimation of tigers reveals a dip in tiger numbers within protected areas, falling from 417 in 2022 to 393 in 2024. This shift is most pronounced in the Nilgiri cluster, spanning from Nagarahole to Biligiri Ranga Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve, where rising tiger densities are pushing the big cats into fringe areas. As tigers seek new territories, the pressure is mounting on landscapes in Kodagu, Mysuru and Chamarajanagar, increasing the risk of human-wildlife conflicts. In fact, the Status of Tigers 2022 report by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) underscores a declining trend in tiger occupancy along the Western Ghats and calls attention to the need for secure corridors and contiguous habitats. Southern Karnataka, with its promising forest landscapes, offers a prime opportunity to address the imbalance. Experts and conservationists are now seeking the creation of new tiger reserves to ensure a more even distribution of the tiger population. Such measures would not only relieve pressure on overburdened reserves but also reduce conflicts and give tigers the space they need to thrive in the wild. Pointing to MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, conservationists say that if protected, the region could boost the population of tigers in Karnataka with uniform distribution. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru However, Union minister for state V Somanna had vehemently opposed the tiger reserve tag for MM Hills, citing the region as a pilgrimage centre. Eventually, the proposal was put on hold by the state govt for political reasons, and it was the second such proposal after Kudremukh that the state refused to notify as a tiger reserve. However, this didn't stop 15-25 tigers from making it their home along the adjoining Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. However, a recent gruesome poisoning of five tigers at MM Hills undid several years of conservation efforts. "If this incident had not occurred, the same tigress along with its three female cubs could have littered 40-45 cubs in their lifespan," said Sanjay Gubbi, a wildlife biologist from Holematthi Nature Foundation, who has been extensively working in the region. Just like the MM Hills tigress, many tigers have been dying outside the protected areas over the past few years. BK Singh, former field director (Project Tiger) and retired principal chief conservator of forests, said tiger conservation should not be mixed with politics. "Previously, elected govts refused to notify these areas as tiger reserves. But regardless of this, tigers inhabited the region, giving birth to cubs. If the govt had declared MM Hills as a tiger reserve, there would have been more funds, security, and better management of the area to avert such heinous crimes. In fact, when the then BJP-led state govt in 2011-12 outright rejected the Kudremukh proposal, a tiger was spotted walking all the way from Bandipur to Shikaripur via Kudremukh and later settled in Bhadra Tiger Reserve. Hence, the govt must overcome its political indifference and notify tiger reserves for better management," he advised. The last notified tiger reserve in Karnataka is BRT (2011-12).
Time of India
06-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Bengaluru overtakes Mumbai in urban leopard population; study finds 85 big cats in surrounding forest zones
Two leopard cubs camera trapped in Turahalligudda Minor Forests BENGALURU: Bengaluru, known as the only state capital with a tiger population in its vicinity, has added yet another feather to its cap. With around 85 leopards on its outskirts, the tech capital of the country has overtaken Mumbai's documented population of 54 leopards to become the largest metropolis with the highest known number of free-ranging big cats. A year-long study of the city's surrounding landscape, conducted using camera traps by wildlife biologists, revealed the presence of 85 leopards in the vicinity. Even though the city was aware of leopards around its outskirts, not many knew their actual numbers. To document the population, Sanjay Gubbi and his team of researchers from the Holematthi Nature Foundation (HNF) set up camera traps over the past few years and studied the cats' population and behaviour. Covering a total of 282 sq km of mixed habitat spread over Turahalli, Turahalli Gudda, BM Kaval, UM Kaval, Roerich Estate, Gollahalli Gudda, Sulikere, Hesaraghatta, Marasandra, Manduru, and Bannerghatta National Park with 250 cameras, researchers documented 85 leopards. A male leopard camera trapped in Sulikere Reserved Forests 'Out of these, a total of 54 leopards were recorded inside Bannerghatta National Park (BNP), and the remaining are spread across forested patches in South, North, and East Bengaluru. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo This is more than the 54 leopards recorded around Mumbai (Sanjay Gandhi National Park). Apart from these free-ranging big cats, Bengaluru is the only metro in the country whose fringes still support an ensemble of tigers, leopards, dholes, elephants, gaur, sambar, and other large mammals. People must also be credited for their success in coexisting,' explained Sanjay Gubbi. Interestingly, of the 85 leopards, 54 were found within BNP, and the remaining 30-plus roam around the reserved, deemed, and private forested patches in South, East, and North Bengaluru. 'The density of leopards is high in South Bengaluru due to undisturbed patches of forest,' Gubbi pointed out. Leopard numbers are on the rise in Bengaluru! The research team, which documented leopards in BNP, found that their population has been steadily increasing each year. While the leopard population at BNP was around 40 in 2019, it rose to 47 in 2020, and now in 2025, it stands at 54. 'This increase is largely due to the strict protection of habitat, resulting in an improved prey base. The translocation of conflict leopards from other districts has also contributed slightly to these numbers,' said Gubbi, along with Shravan Suthar, Sandesh Appu Naik, Poornesha H C, Mayur Mirashi, and Aishwarya Karanth, who were part of the study team. Besides leopards, the camera traps recorded 34 other mammal species, including four endangered (tiger, dhole, elephant, and Indian pangolin) and four near-threatened (leopard, rusty-spotted cat, mouse deer, and painted woolly bat) species in the vicinity of Bengaluru. 'The numbers suggest that the government must protect and conserve the existing natural habitats, especially in South Bengaluru, to avoid future conflict. Declaring Hesaraghatta as a conservation reserve will also help,' Gubbi added. What Future Demands? Notify BM Kaval, UM Kaval, Roerich Estate, and Gollahalli Gudda as a Conservation Reserve—a long-term 'lung space' for Bengaluru. Add Durgadakal RF, Bettahalliwade RF (Block B), and the deemed forests of JI Bachahalli and M Maniyambal to BNP, where tigers have been sighted. Safeguard the Muneshwarabetta–Bannerghatta wildlife corridor through appropriate conservation measures. Intensify community outreach so Bengaluru's rapidly expanding suburbs can coexist safely with leopards. Halt further translocation of leopards into BNP; instead, address the root causes of human–leopard conflict at the source sites. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Bengaluru is home to the big cats, and how
Dr Sanjay Gubbi Bannerghatta National Park A year-long scientific survey led by noted conservation biologistand his team at the Holématthi Nature Foundation (HNF) has revealed that the forests and scrublands surrounding Bengaluru host an estimated 80 to 85 wild leopards, the highest number recorded around any major Indian these, 54 were found withinand around 30 in nearby forests such as Turahalli, BM Kaval, UM Kaval, Roerich Estate, Hesaraghatta, and Sulikere. Bengaluru has now overtaken Mumbai's leopard study recommends declaring key forest patches as Conservation Reserves and expanding protection efforts to safeguard biodiversity and wildlife corridors on the city's outskirts.
Deccan Herald
05-06-2025
- General
- Deccan Herald
85 leopards thriving in Bengaluru's shrinking backyard: Study
Bengaluru: Areas on the outskirts of Bengaluru are home to 80-85 leopards, which not only coexist with a rising population but also with four endangered animals -- tiger, dhol, elephant and pangolin, says a year-long long study by Holemathi Nature by conservation biologist Sanjay Gubbi, a team of researchers from the foundation set up over 250 camera traps across 282 sq km of mixed habitat of agricultural lands, private fields and findings gave several insights on the key measures required for long-term conservation of the animal classified as near the 80-85 leopards in Bengaluru's backyard, 54 were inside BNP while the remaining 30 roamed the reserved and deemed forests besides private lands in the periphery. "The study covered all parts of Bengaluru including Hesaraghatta and adjoining areas, west Bengaluru (Sulikere and adjoining areas) east (Marasandra, Mandur and adjoining areas)," Gubbi told spotted just 3 km from Thalaghattapura is key.A total of 34 mammal species were photo captured during the study. Leopards coexisted with four endangered animals -- tiger, dhole, elephant and Indian Pangolin -- and three near threatened - rusty-spotted cat, Indian chevrotain (mouse deer), painted wooly bat. Four vulnerable species of sloth bear, sambhar, four-horned antelope and smooth-coated otter were also recorded.."Twenty two species fall under Schedule I and five under Schedule II of Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, underscoring the national and global importance of safeguarding Bengaluru's remaining natural habitat," it said, noting that bats and small rodents were outside the study noted that the leopard abundance inside the BNP has climbed steadily — from 40 in 2019 and 47 in 2020 to 54 in 2025 — primarily due to stricter protection that has improved prey availability while past translocation of conflict leopards from other districts may also have contributed to the numbers.."I think Bannerghatta has reached its carrying capacity. Bengaluru is also ensconcing the northern part of Bannerghatta and is now left with no buffer as buildings and layouts have come up to the edge of the national park. The silver lining to Bannerghatta is that it is connected to Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in the south (we have identified some leopards that use both Bannerghatta and CWS) and some reserved forests in Tamil Nadu," he remaining study stressed the need to notify BM Kaval, UM Kaval, Roerich Estate and Gollahali Gudda as a conservation recommended the addition of Durga Dhakal reserved forest, Block B of Bettahalliwade reserved forest and deemed forests of JI Bachahalli and M Maniyambal to BNP. It said there was a need to safeguard the Muneshwara-Bannerghatta wildlife corridor while increasing community outreach efforts for noted that there were already signs of conflict as Bengaluru expands into the surrounding rocky outcrops, dry deciduous and scrub forests, thus depriving leopards of their natural habitat and prey.."Due to their relatively small body size and lower caloric needs, leopards can survive on smaller prey such as black-naped hare, porcupine, wild pig and even domestic animals. However, when natural prey numbers decline, leopards increasingly turn to livestock, leading to higher levels of conflict," he about the methodology, Gubbi said each leopard has a unique rosette pattern on its body and the team was able to identify individual leopards from the images captured.."Once all individuals were identified, the data were analysed using the Spatially Explicit Capture-Recapture (SECR) statistical methodology to estimate absolute abundance and density," he said, adding that the camera traps were active for a standard duration and checked every 2–3 days to ensure proper functionality.
