The guidelines outline that the Chief Wildlife Warden of a state alone has the authority to approve the killing of animals, which have become dangerous to human life or disabled or diseased beyond recovery, adding that “ Tiger as well as leopard are categorised under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, with the highest statutory protection against hunting under Section 9 (1) of the said Act. Hence, such species can be killed if they become dangerous to human life or are so disabled/diseased beyond recovery," They are also specific on the treatment of man-eaters, adding, "Such confirmed 'man-eaters' should be eliminated as per the statutory provisions provided in Section 11 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972."
According to the NTCA, there are several reasons for a big cat to get habituated as a 'man-eater' including disability due to old age and incapacitation due to serious injury or loss of its canines, among others. Loss of habitat connectivity in close proximity to a tiger habitat, owing to various land uses, also forces tigers, some of which eventually become man-eaters, closer to human habitats. Tiger-bearing forests experiencing livestock depredation and having nearby human settlements have been cited in the guidelines as regions prone to mean-eaters. "However, there may be several exceptions, and hence specific reasons have to be ascertained on a case-to-case basis," the NTCA said.
Source: Sanctuary Asia.
