Vacancies and lack of support posing a challenge for Amrabad Tiger Reserve

Amrabad Tiger Reserve has recorded a rise in tiger numbers, but a severe staff shortage and lack of resources are hampering conservation efforts. The absence of a veterinary team and insufficient base camps continue to challenge wildlife protection operations.

Hyderabad: The efforts being put in by Amrabad Tiger Reserve (ATR) in tiger conservation are yielding desired results but the staff is facing many challenges due to many vacancies and lack of support from the department.

The tiger population in ATR has increased from 33 to 36 this year and the officials are expecting the numbers to increase further in the next two years. However, the ATR staff is facing many challenges in implementing the anti-poaching measures effectively with limited resources.

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The sanctioned staff strength for ATR is over 315 but at present only 148 personnel are working in the reserve. With over 50 percent vacancies, the existing staff is burdened with regular administration, field inspection, anti-poaching measures, conducting awareness programmes and safaris, said a senior official from ATR.

It also lacks a veterinarian team for treating the injured animals and monitoring the wildlife health in the reserve.

For a tiger reserve, which is spread over 2600 square kms, at least 50 base camps have to be established. Against this, only 29 camps are operational in the reserve. Interestingly, in Kawal Tiger Reserve, which is spread over 2015 square kms, nearly 50 base camps have been established. Yet, there have been several cases of tiger deaths and killings as well in the reserve.

Base camps are established at strategic locations within the forest areas to keep a vigil on poaching activities and initiate measures accordingly. This apart, the staff in the camps are entrusted with the task of forest protection, wildlife management, field inspections and other activities.

After the last tiger census in 2022, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) had specifically recommended the ATR to establish at least 70 base camps. It was also directed to set up a Special Tiger Protection Force for taking up tiger conservation measures more effectively.

However due to financial constraints and other factors, the forest department is unable to meet these requirements.

Compounding matters further, proposals were made to send a few staff members on deputation from ATR to other places. But such plans were vehemently opposed, citing the activities being conducted in the reserve, the official said.