These are directed to reduce human - tiger conflict and the step taken is to initially demarcate the Buxa Tiger Reserve, and more importantly the Sunderban Tiger Biosphere as "critical wildlife habitats". It acknowledges that the Bengal Tiger is critically endangered.
Enforcement of this regulation would prevent human encroachment into the Core Areas of the Tiger Reserves, depletion of trees (which are cut down), depletion of prey (like deer) and of course, poaching. It is a step in the right direction.
Image source popartuk.com taken by Andy Rouse. Cubs of the Bengal Tiger start swimming from an early age to survive the harsh environment.
The Jaldapara Asiatic one-horned Rhinocerus population has also shown an increase in numbers. The rhino population was 14 in 1986, increasing to 108 in 2006 and in 2008 stands at 122. This is a feat in itself, given the long gestation period of the female rhino.
However, the enforcements vis a vis the tiger have to be carried out on a PRACTICAL LEVEL to ensure the protection of the Royal Bengal Tiger.
Add to that the problem of carrying out a proper tiger census in the difficult terrain of Sunderbans. But a census has to be made.
