The State Expresses its Love Towards Wildlife…
The spotting of a female panther with her cub at Jaipur’s JLN road created a ruckus in the state. Hundreds of commuters travelling to the international airport were scared to death when they saw the black cats majestically crossing the roads around midnight. But this isn’t surprising. Considering the fact that the total tree cover in Rajasthan has reduced to just 2.42% of the entire geographical area, the jungle cats have nowhere else to go. However, the Rajasthan budget 2017 came as a breath of relief for the wildlife. Showing its care and concern towards the forest dwellers, the government is going to launch Project Leopard in Rajasthan, which is India’s first leopard conservation project.
Why Does Rajasthan Need Project Leopard?
Indian leopard is a powerful cat that holds a significant place in our food and ecosystem. With time, their numbers have dropped down due to reduction in forest cover, defensive killing and rampant poaching, whenever they’re spotted near human settlements. At present, the leopards are endangered species in India.
In natural environment, the leopard cub face consistent threats from powerful, ferocious predators like lions, tigers and hyenas. If this trend continues, these animals may get extinct in the coming years.
The number of leopards killed by animal attacks is less than the number of lives lost due to hunting and poaching. These animals are usually killed due to their beautiful skin, which is used in garment and leather industry.
According to the Centre’s Indian Wildlife Protection Act (IWPA), the killing of leopard or any endangered species is a punishable offence that can land the poachers in jail for a period of three years. You may also have to pay a fine of Rs 10,000. Regardless of this fact, poaching and hunting is rampant in southern Aravalli range.
How will Project Leopard Help Conserve Wildlife in Rajasthan?
At present, Rajasthan has 5 ‘protected forests’ for panthers, tigers and leopards, occupied by 292 animals. These areas include:
- Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur
- Sariska National Park, Alwar
- Sita Mata Sanctuary, Pratapgarh
- Jhalana Park, Jaipur
- Mukundara Tiger Reserve, Kota
Apart from this, 142 leopards reside in 40 unprotected lands. This is the lot that suffers untimely death due to diseases, harsh climate and shortage of food.
Therefore, the government has sanctioned Rs 7 crores for Project leopard. Under this initiative, the government will develop a natural habitat for keeping their animals in protected surroundings.
Besides this, the government will revamp the Wood fossil park for fossil conservation and Jaisalmer Desert sanctuary for protecting the desert species. They’ll also develop grasslands for Godavan (great Indian bustard), the regional bird of Rajasthan.
Rajasthan Budget 2017-18 will focus on harnessing the true wildlife potential of state. The state looks forward to becoming a safe, comfortable haven for the wild cats.
