WWI wants to develop new home for tigers

NEW DELHI: With the rise in number of tigers in Ranthambore National Park, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) wants Palpur Kuno Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh to be developed as a new home for the wild cat.

Initially, Kuno Palpur Sanctuary was being developed by Madhya Pradesh government to provide habitat to Asiatic lions relocated from Gir forests.

But with Gujarat government refusing to part with the endangered species, WII has sought the development of a corridor between the two sanctuaries for free movement of wildlife.

"As Gujarat government is not responding to the proposal positively, we have asked Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan governments to work on the development of a corridor connecting the two sanctuaries," Qamar Querishi, WII official told news agency.

The move has come following the birth of as many as 20 cubs in the Ranthambore National Park, taking the total number of tigers in the sanctuary to 40 from 26 in 2005.

However, this has led to pressure on the available area.

"Once they gain maturity which is at the age of four, they start demarcating their territories and if not provided suitable alternatives end up fighting with each other for their land or venture outside the forests only to be killed by villagers or poachers," Querishi said.