Trend of Population of Tiger and Leopard in Similipal Tiger Reserve: a Conservation Concern

In Similipal Tiger Reserve pug-mark census is carried out to estimate the population of Tiger and Leopard. The procedures and work schedules have been standardised over the years. During twenty years of existence of Project Tiger the human population in Similipal Tiger Reserve has increased by about 4090. The census data on Tiger and Leopard from 1989 to 1995 indicates that their population are more or less stable. But the implications of a stable Tiger population against increasing human population in the Tiger Reserve is a clear indication that the ecological density of Tiger in Similjpal has increased. If the trend continues there is risk of inbreeding depression and population crash. It is therefore, urged that 'ecodevelopment schemes' though take care of the human dimensions causing pressure in the Tiger Reserve, these should not stand bar against relocation of a bare minimum number of villages from the core area of the Tiger Reserve, if the ultimate goal is prevention of a natural ecosystem turning into a 'human-system'.