Death of tiger in Bhopal’s Van Vihar raises concern

Gautam, a five year old male tiger died at Van Vihar, national park in Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh. This is not the first death this year. Deaths of these ‘big cats’ have being happening at regular intervals since October 2006

GAUTAM, A five year old male tiger died at Van Vihar, national park in Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh. This is not the first death this year. If we look at the figures, two tigers and one white tiger have died this year in Van Vihar. Particularly disturbing is the fact that deaths of these ‘big cats’ have being happening at regular intervals since October 2006. A total of six ‘big cats’ have died here. This includes two white tigers, one tigress, two tigers and one lion.

Post-mortem report conducted on Gautam’s body, which was shared with the media, states that the death could have been due to some parasitic disease namely ‘Bebesia’. This raises questions regarding the safety of other animals particularly tigers, lions and panthers in Van Vihar. The question is whether it can spread across to them? Though as a precautionary measure, blood samples of other carnivorous animals of the park has been sent for testing. But is that enough?

Van Vihar is the pride of Bhopal and is home to a number of animals, including white tiger, panther, lion and tigers. But these deaths have raised concern in the state among wild life experts, media and animal lovers. There is a need to take steps to prevent these deaths. Some wild life experts feel that there is a need for wildlife health centre in the state and also create greater awareness within the state regarding wildlife.

Gautam’s death has once again brought this discussion to the forefront. But let us hope that some positive steps are taken in this regard, lest we forget Gautam’s death. We may not get a second chance.

Anil