There is great news for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike. The recent census conducted by the Forest Department and the Keoladeo Natural History Society in Bharatapur district has shown a remarkable increase in the number of Sarus cranes. Meanwhile, the Tiger Reserve Management and Effective Evaluation Monitoring Report by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has placed Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve in the 'good' category. The reserve was in the 'Fair' category in the last assessment report. The Ranthambore and Sariska reserves have retained their good category status for another round.

In the 40th Sarus Census conducted by the Forest Department and the Keoladeo Natural History Society in Bharatpur, a total of 185 Sarus were found. This is a remarkable increase from the 39th Census where only 73 Sarus were spotted. Wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists are thrilled with this news, as it is a positive sign for the endangered bird species.

The recent census report has revealed encouraging prospects for the Sarus Cranes, marking the first time in 37 years of positive growth. In the year 1986, a total of 203 cranes were sighted, while subsequent years witnessed no more than 125 sightings. Esteemed conservationist and former wildlife warden, Krishna Kumar, who has been diligently conducting the crane census since 1983, attributes this evident increase in numbers to the habitat-providing wetlands. The census results report 90 sightings in Sanwai Kheda and 81 in Naunera. Notably, in 1983, Bharatpur reported 258 Sarus Crane sightings, a fact further elevating their status as distinguished district mascots.

Experts believe that although the number of Sarus has decreased in Ghana, the increase in numbers overall is heartening. 

The increase in the number of Sarus at Naunera is credited to the ample availability of food and congenial environments for the birds. However, reduction in the number of cranes at Keoladeo is attributed to the shrinking cultivated land area. The farmers have shifted from wheat cultivation to other crops like mustard , giving rise to a scarcity of food for the birds. They have now shifted to areas where wheat is still being cultivated. Speaking about  the worrying figures of cranes in Keoladeo Park, noted ornithologist Dr. Satya Prakash Mehra, says that mismanagement of water resources has emerged as a major threat to the preservation of the precious bird habitat. Mehra says, Bharatpur is a very important destination for birds as it is the strategic dispersion point of the western flyway. 

Another significant factor contributing to the increasing number of Sarus cranes is the district is abundant availability of water. This has encouraged the birds to migrate to these areas, where they have found a suitable habitat and sufficient food. The efforts of the Forest Department and the Keoladeo Natural History Society to preserve the environment and provide a congenial atmosphere for the Sarus cranes have yielded positive results. This, indeed, is a reason to celebrate and continue working towards their conservation.

Three Tiger Reserves in Good Category

Rajasthan has another reason to celebrate as the recent Tiger Reserve Management and Effective Evaluation Monitoring report has placed the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve in the 'good' category. India has a total of 51 tiger reserves, of which 12 are in the excellent category, 20 in the very good category, 14 in the good category, and five in the fair category. Out of the four, three tiger reserves in Rajasthan, Ranthambore, Sariska, and Mukundra, all three have been placed in the good category. Ranthambore scores 73.91 marks, Sariska has 64.5, and Mukundra has 60.6 marks for the proper management of tiger reserves.

While the Ramgarh Vishdhari reserve in Hadoti belt was not included in the report due to late notification, the Mukundra Hills reserve has demonstrated significant progress. The Ramgarh Vishdhari was notified as the 52nd tiger reserve in May 2022. 

According to the National Tiger Conservation Authority's (NTCA) Fifth Cycle Summary Report-2022, the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan has been upgraded to the 'good' category from the previous 'fair' category in 2018. This reflects significant progress in the management and conservation efforts in the reserve. The Mukundra Hills Reserve had four tiger pairs in 2019, one tiger each in 2020 and 2021, with two tigers dying and three cubs being born during these years.

Tiger experts have noted that the reserve has sufficient space for tigers, and there is a pressing need to introduce at least two more tigers and three tigresses to boost the population. The Field Director of Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, MP Singh, is hopeful as he lists efforts like creating more water points and increase prey base, which will help to build a congenial habitat for tigers in the reserve. With such dedicated efforts, the tiger population at Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve is expected to grow, contributing to the pride of Rajasthan's wildlife reserves.

The NTCA's report is significant in assessing and ranking the tiger reserves in the country based on six elements: context, planning, input, process, output, and outcomes. These elements are further divided into 33 criteria that include human-wildlife conflict mitigation, adequate manpower, resources such as vehicles and funds, public participation in reserve management, and visitor services. The last and vital factors include threats to the tiger population and whether the tiger population is increasing.

According to "Status of Tigers in India" report released in 2019, there are 2,967 tigers in 20 states across the country.

Long way to go

Despite the significant progress made by the Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, Rahul Bhatnagar, a expert member of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), seems to be less impressed with the achievement. He believes that more efforts are needed to move from the good to very good and excellent category, given that there are several reserves in the country doing exceedingly well on various parameters.

Bhatnagar emphasized that there is still a long way to go in terms of tiger conservation and called for a sustained, collaborative effort among all stakeholders. In his view, a comprehensive approach involving proper planning, efficient management, adequate funding, and public participation is crucial for the preservation of precious wildlife species and the habitats they thrive in.

Ultimately, the goal should be to improve the ranking of every reserve and strive towards creating a more conducive environment for wildlife to flourish. While the NTCA report signifies progress, it serves as a reminder that there is always room for improvement when it comes to wildlife conservation in India.

Love for Wild Life in Rajasthan

Rajasthan state chose animal mascots to represent each of its districts. This was an effort to highlight the wildlife wealth of the state, while also bringing attention to the ecology of specific districts associated with each mascot. Dr Gopi Sunder, Sarus Scape Program Director for the International Crane Foundation said that two crane species were included in the final list that was ratified by the State Wildlife Board in October 2015. Sarus Cranes, the world’s tallest crane, represent Bharatpur district in celebration of the world-famous Keoladeo-Ghana National Park. In addition, Demoiselle Cranes, the smallest crane (known for migrating over the Himalayas), represent Jodhpur district to recognize the village of Keechan, where local people feed tens of thousands of these wintering cranes each year.