MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS (SHRI BABULAL MARANDI)
(a) The number of lions and tigers died in various
zoos/wildlife sanctuaries during 1995-1999 are given below:
Death of Lions and Tigers in Zoos
Year No. of Lions No.of Tigers died died 1995-96 60 41 1996-97 38 36 1997-98 31 74 1998-99 35 44 1999-2000 11 31
Death of Lions and Tigers in Sanctuaries
Year No. of Lions No.of Tigers died died
1995-96 12 21
1996-97 13 17
1997-98 05 24
1998-99 09 35
1999-2000 02 27
2000-2001 05 18
Figures given Calendar year-wise.
(b) Information is not compiled and collated by Government of
India.
(c) With regard to zoos, The Government of India on its part,
is providing funds to zoos through Central Zoo Authority for
improvement of animal housing and upgradation of veterinary
facilities. Mandatory standards for animals housing, upkeep,
veterinary care etc. have been laid down under the “Recognition
of Zoo Rules.†Periodic evaluation of zoo is undertaken by the
Central Zoo Authority which is a Statutory Body constituted
under the Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972 by the Government of
India. However, it has been found during the evaluation that
most of the zoo are unable to maintain these standards due to
non-availability of veterinary and other technical staff and
resource crunch at the State Government level. Guidelines have
been issue to the State Governments to adhere to routine checkup
to keep recurrence of outbreak of diseases among zoo animals to
the minimum. The steps taken for conservation of Tigers in the
wild are in Annexure-I.
ANNEXURE I
ANNEXURE IN RESPECT OF PART (c ) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION
NUMBER 1276 FOR 31.07.2000 REGARDING DEATH OF LIONS AND TIGERS
IN ZOOS.
STEPS TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
NATIONAL LEVEL
1. Setting up of a National Coordination Committee to control
poaching and illegal trade in wildlife with enforcement agencies
like customs, Revenue Intelligence, Indo-Tibetan Border Police,
Border Security Force, Central Reserves Police, Coast Guards,
State Police, Deputy Director, Wildlife Preservation &
Scientific Organisation like Zoological and Botanical Survey of
India.
2. Training Programs and Workshops have been organised to
sensitize the above departments to be proactive in control of
trade and smuggling of wildlife products.
3. A special co-ordination committee with Secretary (E&F),
Special Secretary (Home), Director, CBI and representative of
the Chairman, central Board of Excise & Customs has been created
to ensure better co-ordination in the efforts to curb smuggling
of wildlife products.
4. Central assistance is being provided to State Governments
to strengthen the protection infrastructure including armed
squads, vehicles, communication network and co-ordination
between the Park Managers.
5. Schemes for awards and rewards for outstanding performance
and acts of valor has been introduced to encourage detection and
reporting.
6. The State Government have been advised to strengthen
vigilance and intensify patrolling.
7 Launching of public awareness programme to involve Non-
Governmental Organisations and others for supporting the
Government in its efforts towards wildlife conservation.
8. Supporting programmers of Institutions and NGOs in
exploring tiger-trade routes and developing a forensic
identification reference Manual for tiger parts and products.
9. Funds are being provided to the States Governments for eco-
development of the areas to reduce the biotic pressure thereon.
10. Site specific special force in Project Tiger Areas.
11. Special Strike Force all over the Country to control Trade.
12. Creation of wildlife trade control bureau.
INETRNATIONAL LEVEL :
1. Initiated creation of a Forum of Tiger Range Countries,
i.e Global Forum for addressing international issues related of
tiger conservation.
2. To control transboundary trade and effect mutual
cooperation in tiger conservation:-
(i) A protocol has been signed with People’s Republic of China.
(ii) An MOU with his Majesty’s Government of Nepal has been
signed.
(iii) Dialogue with Bangladesh has been initiated.
3. Several resolutions at CITES to check illegal trade in
Tiger parts and products have been adopted at India’s
initiative.
4. The Millennium Tiger Conference was held in March, 1999.
The conference declaration suggested several action for
conservation of tiger both at national and International level.
