Forest officials stress need for protection of tigers in Nagarkurnool

Nagarkurnool: Marking the 'International Tiger Day' in Mannanur village on Monday, the Forest officials of Ambrabad Range conducted an awareness programme on the importance of conservation of wildlife. They said the tiger population is decreasing at a fast pace and if no protective steps are taken the tigers may be extinct soon.

At present, the entire Nallamalla forest region has only 68 tigers as per the 2014 census; however, it is said that because of the conservational measures taken up by the forest officials, this number might have gone up.

District Forest Officer Nagarkurnool, Jogi said that it is important to spread awareness about the dwindling numbers of the tigers in this region among the public. Each and every individual must be aware that very soon tigers may become extinct if we do not take necessary steps to protect them. "World over the tiger population is fast declining. There are only over 2,000 tigers in India. The tiger population in Nallamalla has also fallen steeply but because of various conservation measures we could protect them," said Jogi.

Forest Development Officer Sudhakar Rao said that the main reason for fast depleting population of tigers is the encroachment into the wild by human beings. Many hunters are killing the tigers for their skin and nails. People should know that tigers are our natural wealth and it must be protected. "We are conducting this awareness programme because we want to spread the message to the public. The future generations particularly the present day children must know the importance of conservation of wild animals," said Sudhakar Rao.

School children wearing the tiger attire took part in the awareness rally and chanted slogans on importance of protecting tiger population.

MLA Guvvala Balaraju, District Forest Officer Jogi, Forest Development Officer Sudhakar Rao, Forest Rangers and other staff from the Forest department took part in the awareness programme.