TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: It could be the lack of mining trucks; or the roar of mining machinery; or even the change of guard in the Forest department, but at last the forest department has been forced to admit that Goa indeed is home to the majestic tiger.
Even a dead tiger – killed by poachers was evidence enough of the existence of tigers in Goa, it was sought to be brushed under the carpet by the department and authorities under various pretexts including the claim that the tigers’ presence in Goa was at best “migratory” and they had probably ventured here from forest reserves in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Activists have been alleging that authorities have denied the presence of the tiger as this could mean setting up a tiger reserve and shutting down mines in the area.
The male tiger was caught in a trap laid by poachers meant for a wild boar in the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. Snared in a metal noose, the tiger died a ghastly death after his frenetic attempts to break loose resulted in the wire tightening around his belly, till his agonized cries brought the poachers to the spot. But instead of getting him rescued, the beast was shot.
The incident was highlighted in the media, and after a lot of denials and explanations the poachers were arrested and the trial is on. However, government officials sought to deny that this area was the stomping ground of the tiger.
But now, with a picture of the tiger taken by a forest official in the Wildlife Sanctuary, it is sure to provide proof that a tiger has indeed made this state his home.
The principal conservator of forests for Goa Dr Shashi Kumar has been replaced by Richard D’Souza, the latter was instrumental in declaring Mhadei as a sanctuary but was subsequently shunted out from office after a brief stint.
Wildlife officials said that ‘operation tiger’ took place almost a fortnight with officials tracking this tiger since April 9.
