Step up tiger conservation in Gujarat, demands Parimal Nathwani

A few days after reports suggested presence of tiger in forests of Gujarat, Rajya Sabha MP Parimal Nathwani has called for steps for tiger conservation in the state.

Nathwani said that Gujarat could be the only state that is home to both the Asiatic Lion and Royal Bengal Tiger if the recent evidence is anything to go by.

"The scientific evidence like scats and pug marks have proved that there is an established tiger corridor between Maharashtra and Gujarat," he said.

The RS MP, who is also a wildlife lover, had drawn the state government's attention to the presence of tigers in the state's forests in January last year.

In a letter to authorities at the time, he had stated that two constables of Maharashtra Police, who were posted at a check post on Gujarat-Maharashtra border, had sighted a tiger entering Maharashtra Forest area from Gujarat and going back to Gujarat.

Last week, a villager in Nizar taluka of Tapi district was attacked by a tiger. Nathwani said the incident confirms the presence of tigers in the state.

"It is time the forest department starts focusing on conservation of tiger too besides the Asiatic Lion. The department should take steps to ensure adequate prey base as well as the safety of the national animal," Nathwani said while appealing both the Centre and State to step up tiger conservation efforts.

The MP added that presence of tiger offered a great opportunity to the state to boost tourism.