Latest news with #TigerWatch
Indian Express
3 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Valmik Thapar, conservationist and chronicler of India's tigers, dies at 73
Valmik Thapar, a towering figure in Indian wildlife conservation and one of the country's most passionate advocates for the tiger, died Friday morning at his residence on Kautilya Marg in New Delhi. He was 73 and was diagnosed with cancer last year. Over nearly five decades, Thapar became synonymous with India's tiger conservation efforts. An author of over two dozen books on wildlife and conservation, Thapar has also presented several landmark wildlife documentaries, including the seminal BBC series 'Land of the Tiger' (1997). His entry into the world of conservation came in 1976, after an encounter with Fateh Singh Rathore, then director of the Ranthambhore tiger reserve in Rajasthan. Both outspoken and often contrarian, Rathore and Thapar formed an indefatigable partnership that inspired India's conservation efforts and policies over four decades. Until his last days, Thapar was involved in conservation work, notably through TigerWatch, a non-profit established by Rathode in Sawai Madhopur. Thapar served in multiple apex bodies of the government, including the National Board for Wildlife. He was also a member of the Tiger Task Force set up to prescribe reforms in the aftermath of the disappearance of tigers from Rajasthan's Sariska. He was a staunch critic of the 'lethargic government system' and had famously observed that 'bureaucracy killed more tigers than bullets ever did.' In 1987, Thapar set up Ranthambhore Foundation, a non-profit that worked for integrating local communities into conservation efforts. He also partnered with the non-profit Dastkar to create livelihoods for displaced villagers. Thapar was born in 1952 in Mumbai to Romesh and Raj Thapar, journalists and co-founders of the political journal Seminar. He is survived by his wife, Sanjana Kapoor and son, Hamir Thapar. In his book 'Tiger My Life, Ranthambhore and Beyond', Thapar, in 20212, summed up what he called his mission: 'My fight was always for inviolate spaces—where the tiger could live free, away from noise, away from humans.'
Time of India
26-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
New tigress replaces Kankati at R'bore fort
Jaipur: Despite the relocation of the young tigress Kankati following two alleged human fatalities, the recurring conflict between tigers and pilgrims at the historic Ranthambore Fort continues to pose significant risks to both public safety and wildlife conservation efforts. The forest department has often imposed intermittent restrictions on access to the fort, a popular pilgrimage and tourist site, as a precautionary measure following tiger sightings. However, it has yet to implement a permanent solution to this ongoing conflict. Most recently, entry was temporarily banned after the movement of tigress Riddhi was observed within the fort premises. Access was restored on Monday after the forest department ensured that the tiger family was no longer present. Experts point to an increasing prey base inside the fort as a key factor attracting big cats. Over the years, small shops have sprung up inside the fort, and visitors often offer rituddal food items like chana and prasad, flour to wild animals or leave behind waste. These readily available food sources have attracted herbivores such as langurs and sambar, as well as omnivores like wild boars—creating a prey-rich environment that naturally draws tigers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Balendu Singh, former Honorary Wildlife Warden, said, "One of the primary reasons the fort has become a hotspot for tigers is the increase in prey species attracted by leftover food and ritual offerings. The ready availability of these food sources is changing the natural habits of wildlife, encouraging them to gather in larger numbers and remain close to human activity. This shift not only disrupts the ecological balance but also increases the risk of human-wildlife conflicts. Therefore, a strict ban on feeding wild animals inside the fort is essential to preserve both visitor safety and animal welfare." Dharmendra Khandal, conservation biologist with Tiger Watch, added that structural damage to portions of the fort wall has made it easier for tigers—who are instinctively territorial explorers—to enter.
USA Today
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Tiger Watch is on for Florida Swing
Tiger Watch is on for Florida Swing The PGA Tour is in Florida, which means it's time to issue a Tiger Watch. Tiger Woods has been busy in recent weeks, whether it's playing golf with the President, handing out trophies at his event or going to the White House to discuss unification in men's professional golf. Now, it's time for Woods to get back to what he does best: playing golf. Sure, Woods isn't the same as he was in his heyday, but who's to say there's not some bark and bite left in that dog. Woods planned to play in the Genesis Invitational before his mother's passing, which begs the question when he'll play again. Going to take a shot here and say it happens one of the next two weeks at the Arnold Palmer Invitational or Players Championship. Woods, in the 18th hole tower at Torrey Pines speaking to Jim Nantz and Trevor Immelman, said he planned to play more this year but hadn't gotten to that point yet. We've reached that point. Warm Florida weather, courses he has had plenty of success on and an itch to get back into competition. He also probably wants some competitive reps before the Masters next month. Watch out for a Tiger on the loose the next two weeks, and let's hope it happens, too.
