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The World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-India has reported no evidence of tiger after their two days visit to Sariska. However, the state has collected some indirect evidences regarding tiger presence during their intensive search. The Wildlife Institute of India has been mandated to undertake a detailed ecological study in the Sariska Tiger Reserve area for ascertaining the status of wild animals and other related factors to facilitate conservation.
The total population of tigers in the country as estimated during the last census in 2001-02 is 3642 which include 22 tigers from Sariska. The State has been advised to ensure protection for tiger conservation through systemic improvement. The following measures have also been taken at the Government of India level to protect wild animals:-
a) Legal protection has been provided to wild animals including tigers against hunting and commercial exploitation under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
b) Financial and technical help is being extended to the States under Centrally Sponsored Schemes for enhancing the capacity and infrastructure to provide effective protection to wild animals.
c) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been empowered under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 to apprehend and prosecute wildlife offenders.
d) The Ministry of Home Affairs has addressed all State governments to lend a helping hand to the field formations to curb poaching and illegal trade in wildlife.
e) A National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) has been launched with several action points and priority projects for conservation and protection of wildlife in the country.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Environment and Forests Shri Namo Narain Meena in a written reply to a question from Members of Parliament Dr. M. A. M. Ramaswamy and Shri Ekanath K. Thakur in the Rajya Sabha today.
AKS/rs
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