The images reveal that the same patch of forest also supports a female leopard and cubs, which spells good news for the regeneration of this vital tiger reserve. The image of the tiger kill was taken in November 2010, the tigress with two cubs on December 13, 2010 (one km. from the Field Director's residence). The presence of a mouse deer reinforces the belief that the habitat is regenerating well in response to heightened protection.
Last year, Arthi Venkatesham, Bhumani Venkatesham and Damsam Mallaiah, forest guards working with the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserves were presented with special Sanctuary Wildlife Service awards. These individuals are living proof that change is possible. Among our nation's most celebrated tribal communities, the Chenchus were once hunter gatherers. Instead of being lured by the all-powerful wildlife trade, these young men, more visionary than most of their urban counterparts, chose to join forces with forest officials as far back as 2001 and are now key to the park's anti-poaching strategy. These brave guards were instrumental in a massive crackdown on the lethal Bahelia poaching network, which proved to have links to the gangs that eliminated tigers from Sariska. Not only are they able to help retrieve traps and snares, they are also able to track poachers to their hideouts in the jungle with consummate skill. Researchers say that these tribal guards are able to provide them with in-depth information on the behaviour, hunting, nesting and breeding of various wild species. They also provide invaluable assistance in enumeration and monitoring meta populations, habitat viability and predator-prey analysis. As many as 300 Chenchu tribals are now part of the defence of the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve.
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More information on people defending India's wildlife is available HERE.
