(a) the number of tigers that have been radio-collared in the country especially in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh;
(b) the costs of procuring each radio collar and process followed in finalising the standard of the device;
(c) whether the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has undertaken any evaluation of the potential harm caused by the radio collar for the tigers and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the reaction of the Government thereto?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)
(a) The number of tigers that have been radio-collared in the country is at Annexure-I. While no tigers have been radio collared in the State of Chhattisgarh, a total of 14 tigers have been radio-collared in the State of Rajasthan.
(b) The cost of the radio-collar depends upon the purpose for which it is intended to be customized. The simple VHF radio-collar with battery life of 3 – 4 years will cost between 25,000 – 30,000 INR. This collar will help in tracking animals in the field. The more advanced radio collars with GPS, activity sensor, mortality sensor, VHF, UHF, automatic drop-off etc., which are used to study space use pattern, activity, movement etc., can cost almost between 3,00,000 – 4,50,000. This depends upon the research programme intended to be addressed. Each collar is customized for particular species considering weight and neck girth.
(c) & (d)National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has not taken any evaluation of the potential harms caused by the radio collars for the tigers. One of the tigress of Pench Tiger Reserve (MP) has given birth to four litters after radio-collaring and has raised all the cubs successfully. All the female tigers of Panna and Sariska Tiger Reserves are collared and are doing well. The information provided by radio-collared tigers is critical for long term conservation of species.
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