Tigers roar aloud in Karnataka.Will the govt do more for the region?

Karnataka has a reason to celebrate. The state is now home to more than 406 tigers.

• The national tiger census report - released in 2014 - by the Wildlife Institute of India reportedly omitted protected areas like Male Mahadeshwara (MM Hills) Wildlife Sanctuary and Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary which are known for their robust tiger population.

• At least 15 tigers are believed to inhabit the 2,000-sq km area of the sanctuaries in Chamarajanagar, according to a study by Nature Conservation Foundation. A scientific analysis of 1,933 sqkm of the area, by the foundation, has found at least 15 tigers in the two protected zones.

• Wildlife biologist Sanjay Gubbi, the author of the study, told The Hindu that these areas have the potential to double their tiger count within five years, as a lot of them are young. The study was conducted through a camera trapping exercise.

• The findings suggest that two protected areas need more attention in terms of funding and protection under the Project Tiger initiative.

• Apart from the tiger, the study captured 27 species of mammals, while around 15 tuskers were spotted - a promising sign after Veerappan's gang poached many elephants in the area. It remains to be seen whether the study will encourage the government to take adequate steps in this measure.