2101: SHRI MOTILAL VORA:
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:
(a) the number of tigers died from January, 2016, till date;
(b) the number of tigers killed by poachers from January, 2015, till date;
(c) the increase in number of tigers from 2008 to January, 2016;
(d) the steps to be taken to protect tigers according to wildlife experts; and
(e) the steps taken by Government in this direction, so far?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI ANIL MADHAV DAVE)
(a) The number of tigers died from January, 2016, till date is 106, as per information received from States.
(b) The number of tigers died due to confirmed poaching including seizure from January, 2015 to till date is 42 (12 incidents in 2015 and 30 in 2016 [as on 30.11.2016]), as reported by States.
(c) As per the country level assessment of tiger population, done once in four years, using the refined methodology, there is 30% increase in tiger numbers countrywide in 2014 with an estimated number of 2226 (range 1945-2491) as compared to 2010 estimation which indicated 1706 (1520-1909) tigers; which in turn registered an increase of around 20% over number of 1411 (1165-1657 tigers), as per 2006 estimation. The details of tiger estimation pertaining to tiger landscapes in the country, for the years 2006, 2010 and 2014 are at Annexure-I.
(d) Tiger conservation in the country is based on statutory provisions and the objectives, mission and goals of the Project Tiger and subsequent guidelines of the said project. Project Tiger has been fulfilling its mandate and has brought the endangered tiger on assured path of recovery.
(e) The steps taken by Government of India through the National Tiger Conservation Authority for conservation and protection of tigers including other wild animals is at Annexure-II.