From Tragedy to Coexistence- What’s the Future for Kumaon’s Big Cats and Villagers?

The Kumaon division of Uttarakhand, India, is nestled in the Himalayan region, renowned for its breathtaking mountains and dense forests that create an atmosphere of natural serenity. However, beneath this tranquil beauty lies a grim history from the early 20th century. During that period, the region was plagued by frequent tiger and leopard attacks, instilling immense fear among the rural population and resulting in numerous fatalities. Among the most notorious man-eaters were the Champawat Tiger, the Leopard of Panar, and the Leopard of Rudraprayag, which were responsible for a staggering loss of human lives. Their reign of terror was ultimately ended by Jim Corbett, a legendary hunter, naturalist, and author, who tracked and eliminated these deadly predators. Corbett later chronicled his experiences in several books, most notably Man-Eaters of Kumaon.

Head of the Champawat Tiger which had killed 436 people 

Tiger and leopard attacks in Kumaon continue to this day, a haunting reminder of the perilous era of Jim Corbett. One such tragedy struck 45-year-old Virma Devi, who was fatally mauled by a tiger near Devipura-Majhgaon village in Champawat district. She had been gathering firewood with five other women in the Khatima forest, two kilometers from the village, when the tiger ambushed her from behind and dragged her into the wilderness. A forest department search team was deployed, and after three hours, her mutilated body was found 500 meters from the attack site. Following a post-mortem at Tanakpur hospital, her remains were returned to her family. Khatima sub-divisional forest officer Sachita Verma assured that critical measures were being taken to enhance public safety.

The Panar Leopard killed by Jim Corbett which had killed at least 400 people

The ongoing human-wildlife conflict in India continues to claim lives on both sides, making each loss deeply tragic. In some cases, humans fall victim to animals; in others, wildlife suffers at human hands. Kumaon has long been a hotspot for such incidents, with tiger and leopard attacks dating back to the pre-Independence era. Since Uttarakhand became a state in 2000, tiger-related fatalities have remained alarmingly high. Between January 2000 and December 2023, 551 people lost their lives, and over 1,833 were injured in tiger and leopard attacks. While tiger-related deaths have declined in recent years, conflict remains inevitable as the state’s tiger population has grown from 442 in 2018 to 560. This latest attack was one of two recorded this year, the previous one occurring in February when a 35-year-old man was killed while grazing cattle near Tukdi village in Udham Singh Nagar district. In response, the forest department has intensified patrolling efforts and plans to set up a cage to capture the tiger.

Jim Corbett with the Leopard of Rudraprayag which had killed 125 people

I sincerely hope that authorities take careful and strategic measures to safeguard both the people and big cats of Kumaon. This should include installing camera traps near villages to monitor tiger and leopard activity and gathering crucial footage. Additionally, fostering collaboration between forest officials and local communities through awareness programs is essential. Educating villagers about the ecological roles of these predators and the factors leading to human-wildlife conflicts can help mitigate risks. Comprehensive research is also vital, particularly in identifying wildlife corridors used by tigers and leopards and assessing whether villages lie within or near these routes. Appropriate safety measures should then be implemented accordingly. Furthermore, tracking tiger and leopard movements through GPS technology and radio-collaring would provide valuable insights into their proximity to human settlements. As human-wildlife conflict continues to rise alongside increasing tiger and leopard populations, it is imperative to implement effective and sustainable strategies to ensure coexistence and protect both people and wildlife.            

Reviving the Indian Rhinoceros- A Conservation Success Story in Dudhwa National Park

Indian rhinoceros

The Indian rhinoceros stands as one of India’s most captivating creatures, sharing the spotlight with the majestic tiger and the mighty elephant. Once roaming widely from northeast India to Pakistan, the species now primarily thrives in the Terai grasslands of India and Nepal, following a dramatic decline in its numbers. Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, the population has made a remarkable recovery, with the majority of rhinos now residing in protected areas across Assam’s Brahmaputra Valley, northern West Bengal, and southern Nepal. A noteworthy chapter in their conservation story unfolded in Uttar Pradesh’s Dudhwa National Park, where the species was reintroduced four decades ago. Unlike their counterparts in places like Kaziranga, Jaldapara, and Chitwan National Parks, the 46 rhinos in Dudhwa were initially confined to a 27-square-kilometer rehabilitation enclosure. However, in a major breakthrough in November 2024, the Uttar Pradesh forest department released two female and one male rhino into the wild, followed by the release of another pair, bringing the free-roaming rhino population to five. Equipped with the help of trained elephants and their mahouts, experts successfully monitored, tranquilized, and safely relocated the rhinos after carefully checking their health. A seasoned forester explained that the long wait was due to factors like Dudhwa’s proximity to the India-Nepal border, rhinos entering agricultural areas, and the park’s size, which made it difficult to release them earlier. The goal, originally, was to establish a sustainable base population before gradually releasing rhinos in batches. With the enclosure now reaching its capacity, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Sunil Chaudhury emphasized that these translocation efforts would not only help restore the wild rhino population but also expand their habitat and minimize the risk of inbreeding.

Dudhwa National Park

It’s truly inspiring to witness the flourishing rhino population in India, and even more so to see the continuous effort to bring this magnificent species back to the Terai region. Dudhwa National Park has become the epicenter of this groundbreaking conservation initiative, which traces its roots back to 1984, when the ambitious plan to reintroduce rhinos to the area began, following their extinction in the region in 1867. For four decades, rhinos have been carefully monitored within a rehabilitation enclosure to ensure their well-being. A significant milestone was reached in November 2024, when two female and one male rhino were successfully released into the wild, with another male and female following soon after. This move marks an exciting extension of rhino conservation beyond the northeastern states of India, with the only other free-ranging population in the Terai found in Nepal’s Chitwan National Park. I’m hopeful that the efforts to restore rhinos to Dudhwa National Park will continue to thrive and expand. These remarkable creatures are vital to the health of the Terai ecosystem, dispersing seeds through their dung, which enriches the soil and fosters the growth of plants, ensuring the region’s biodiversity flourishes.    

Rediscovering the Forest Musk Deer- A Conservation Breakthrough in Vietnam

A forest musk deer captured on camera trap

Vietnam, like many tropical countries, boasts a rich diversity of wildlife. Over the years, researchers have both discovered new species and rediscovered others previously thought to inhabit the region. A recent example comes from Fauna & Flora Vietnam, whose researchers captured striking images of the forest, or dwarf musk deer in Cao Bang province. This marked the first confirmed sighting in over two decades, following an initial recording of the species in another part of Vietnam in 2021, after four years of research. One of eight musk deer species found in Asia, the forest musk deer is heavily targeted by poachers for its scent glands, prized in the perfume industry. With fewer than fifty individuals believed to remain in Vietnam, the species faces ongoing threats from illegal poaching and habitat loss. In response, Fauna & Flora’s team will analyze the newly gathered data to assess the musk deer population in Cao Bang. They also plan to expand camera-trapping efforts to detect other rare species, such as the Asian black bear. Further evidence of wildlife in the region could bolster efforts to expand the nearby Eastern Black Crested Gibbon Species & Conservation Area, offering broader protection for endangered species.

A conservationist setting up a camera trap in Cao Bang province

This recent discovery is not only exciting but also vital for conservation efforts. Vietnam faces ongoing threats from habitat loss, poaching, and illegal wildlife trafficking, all of which have severely impacted its native species. The country is home to a range of threatened wildlife, including critically endangered species such as the eastern black crested gibbon, douc langurs, Indochinese leopard, and the elusive saola. The forest musk deer, despite this confirmed sighting, remains at risk. Hopefully, this footage will serve as a catalyst for strengthening conservation initiatives and enhancing protections for Vietnam’s wildlife.   

Nagchu’s Snow Leopards- A Conservation Success Story in the Making

Snow leopard

A comprehensive wildlife survey conducted in Nagchu, Tibet Autonomous Region, has identified 126 snow leopards, underscoring the region’s critical role as a habitat for this elusive species on the Tibetan Plateau. Carried out between 2021 and 2024, the study employed 217 camera traps, capturing 2,538 images that confirmed the presence of 126 individual snow leopards, including twelve cubs. The research, a collaboration between Nagchu’s forestry and grassland bureau and the Shan Shui Conservation Center, also documented 37 other protected species, such as the Asian golden cat, dhole, and red goral, reinforcing the area's ecological richness. Spanning eleven districts and counties, the survey provided a thorough assessment of local wildlife populations. According to Zhao Xiang, director of the Shan Shui Conservation Center, Drachen, Nyima, and Shanza counties are particularly well-suited for snow leopards due to their intact ecosystems and abundant prey. The surveyed habitats, situated at elevations between 4,000 and 5,200 meters, offer ideal conditions for the species. Additionally, the research confirmed Nagchu as home to six Class I protected species, including the kiang (Tibetan wild ass) and musk deer, along with thirteen Class II protected species such as the mainland serow and Tibetan gazelle.

Nagchu

China's commitment to snow leopard conservation is evident in the extensive collaboration between government agencies, scientific institutions, and local communities. This survey highlights the increasing awareness and proactive measures being taken to protect the species. Nagchu is particularly significant as it serves as a natural corridor connecting the Himalayas and the Sanjiangyuan region, two vital snow leopard habitats. Ensuring connectivity across these landscapes is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and the overall health of the population.

Kiang, a Class I protected species recorded in Nagchu

Previous research, conducted from 2015 to 2021 by the Shan Shui Conservation Center in collaboration with Peking University and other institutions, estimated that approximately 1,002 snow leopards inhabit 360,000 square kilometers of the Tibetan Plateau. This landmark study, published in Biodiversity and Conservation on January 11, represented China’s first large-scale assessment of the species’ population. The current survey further validates Nagchu’s ecological importance, not only through its snow leopard population but also in its role as a stronghold for diverse wildlife.

Tibetan gazelle, Class II protected species recorded in Nagchu

Moving forward, it is imperative that conservation efforts continue to build on these findings. Strengthening protections for Nagchu’s habitats will not only secure the future of snow leopards but also preserve the broader biodiversity of the Tibetan Plateau. By leveraging scientific research, policy support, and local engagement, China has the opportunity to establish a model for large-scale wildlife conservation that can be replicated in other regions.     

India’s Tiger Boom- A Conservation Miracle or a Looming Crisis?

Bengal tiger

India’s tiger population has grown significantly over the past decade, solidifying the country’s role as a key stronghold for these big cats. However, this success brings a major challenge—finding enough space for them, given their extensive territorial needs. One approach has been the expansion of tiger reserves, with the government rapidly increasing its network of protected areas. In the past five months alone, three new national parks have been established, bringing the total to 58. A 2022 census recorded 3,682 tigers in these reserves, a sharp rise from 1,706 in 2010. This suggests an average of 63 tigers per park, though their distribution remains uneven. For instance, Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh had no tigers until 2023, when three were relocated, leading to the birth of two cubs. Another tiger was introduced in March, further strengthening the park’s potential as a vital wildlife corridor linking Kuno, Panna, and Ranthambore Tiger Reserves.

A tiger walking through a grassland in Kaziranga National Park

While India’s tiger conservation efforts have been successful, experts emphasize that protecting these big cats involves more than just increasing their numbers. Over 60 million people live in areas that overlap with tiger habitats, raising concerns about human-tiger conflicts. Additionally, some reserves—particularly in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha—have worryingly low tiger populations. Conservationists believe these states could increase their tiger numbers through better protection, stronger anti-poaching measures, and closer collaboration with local communities. Milind Pariwakam, a wildlife biologist and joint director at the Wildlife Trust of India, highlighted that officials must not only monitor tiger populations but also ensure they have sufficient space to thrive. Conservation sociologist Dr. Medha Nayak from Odisha’s National Institute of Technology pointed to Madhav National Park as an example of an ideal habitat that also serves as a corridor for tiger movement between Kuno, Panna, and Ranthambore. According to the 2022 Status of Tigers report by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), tigers flourish primarily in or near protected areas under the Project Tiger initiative. The report notes that these populations are essential for the species' long-term survival, as they produce young tigers that disperse across the landscape. This movement is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity and balanced populations across different regions.

A tiger crossing the road in Kaziranga National Park

Ensuring the survival of tigers in India requires more than just increasing their numbers; it is crucial to establish wildlife corridors that allow movement between protected areas. Not all states or reserves have seen success, with regions like northern and western Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha having notably low tiger densities. Although these areas have enough forest cover to support around 1,400 tigers, issues such as illegal poaching, forest fires, and inadequate protection hinder conservation efforts. Research highlights that economic growth and social conditions significantly impact tiger populations, with habitat loss, poaching, and poverty contributing to declines in low-density areas. A study, Tiger Recovery Amid People and Poverty, found that some of India’s poorest districts—Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and parts of the northeast—have historically experienced high levels of poaching and bushmeat hunting, leading to local tiger extinctions. While economic development has improved conservation in areas benefiting from tiger-related tourism and compensation schemes, it can also lead to land-use changes that threaten habitats. To secure long-term tiger survival, measures must address poverty in low-density regions while strengthening protection efforts. Additionally, thorough research is needed to identify forests that could be converted into tiger reserves to enhance connectivity between protected areas. Lastly, careful planning is essential to balance development with habitat conservation to ensure the future of tigers and other wildlife.   

Coexistence Over Conflict- Rethinking Wolf Management in California

Black wolf

The gray wolf population in California is on the rise. While this is a positive development for biologists and wildlife experts, it has also led to increasing conflicts with livestock. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), wolves were responsible for the deaths of approximately 19 cattle, mostly in Lassen, Modoc, and Siskiyou counties, between October and December 2024. In response, Modoc County declared a local emergency, urging state officials to take action. The county's Board of Supervisors called for measures such as relocating or euthanizing wolves that pose a threat to livestock and public safety. CDFW spokesperson Peter Tira stated that the department continues to monitor wolf activity, provide advice to ranchers, and recommend strategies to reduce conflicts. However, the resurgence of wolves remains a persistent challenge. Ranchers have expressed frustration over state funding cuts to compensation programs, which leaves them without reimbursement for preventive measures like fencing or guard dogs. Conservationists advocate for changes in ranching practices, including the prompt removal of carcasses and the adoption of new deterrent techniques. Nevertheless, ranchers report that previously effective methods, such as noise deterrents, flags, and electric fencing, are becoming less reliable.

Gray wolf resting in the shade

I firmly believe that implementing safe and non-lethal alternatives is essential to fostering peaceful coexistence between wolves and ranchers in California and across the country. Resorting to killing or euthanizing wolves that cause conflicts is not a viable solution. As key indicators of a thriving ecosystem, wolves help maintain ecological balance by preying on deer, bison, and other herbivores. Removing them could have severe consequences for ecosystem health. Additionally, stronger measures must be taken to counteract recent state funding cuts so that compensation programs can continue to support ranchers. These programs not only reimburse ranchers for livestock losses but also provide crucial resources, such as guardian dogs, to protect their animals from wolf predation. Ensuring the effectiveness of these programs is vital. Moreover, public perception of wolves needs to shift, particularly in light of a recent incident in Sierra County where a dog was tragically shot after being mistaken for a wolf. To secure a better future for wolves, wildlife officials, ranchers, and other stakeholders must collaborate on long-term solutions that promote the survival of these animals.  

Lebanon's Animal Refugees- A Lion Cub's Tale

Sara the lion cub in a Beirut apartment owned by the founders of Animals Lebanon.

The exotic pet trade has been operating around the world for decades, covering every country and continent. The vast majority of wild animals, including endangered ones, are smuggled every year in large numbers to feed the insatiable appetite of public consumerism. These animals are forcefully taken from their natural habitats and find themselves on harrowing journeys which bring them to the confines of their owners' properties in the urban jungle. There are exotic pets found in almost every country in the world. However, they are not just limited to the developed world. In recent times, exotic pet ownership has also turned up in war-torn countries. One of those countries that has been brought into the spotlight is Lebanon, which was recently attaked in connection to the war in the Middle East.      

Co-founder of Animals Lebanon Jason Mier preparing a crate to transfer Sara for her departure. 

It is not just civilians who are affected by the brutality of the war. Animals have also suffered from the devastation and were forced to be relocated out of the country after being rescued. One of these casualties of war was a four-month-old lion cub named Sara, who was saved from being used as a prop in TikTok videos by a social media influencer. Sara's rescue has been attributed to the work of Animals Lebanon, an organization on the frontlines in rescuing both wild and domestic animals displaced by warfare and transporting them to other countries for a better life. Since its establishment in 2008, Animals Lebanon has rescued and transported 25 lions, tigers, and other big cats to sanctuaries around the world for their safety and well-being. Sara is the fifth lion the organization has rescued and transported since fighting broke out between Hezbollah and Israel last year. Before the war broke out in Lebanon, the organization used to fly the rescued animals out of Lebanon via Middle East Airlines, the only airline which still flies in and out of the country. However, according to the organization's co-founder Jason Mier, the carrier now no longer transports animals. This led to coming up with an alternative strategy. In Sara's case, the process began when she was sheltered at an apartment in downtown Beirut which Mier shares with his wife, co-founder Maggie Sharaawi. After about two months, Sara was transported in a metal crate to a waterfront in Beirut's Dbayeh district where she was placed on a yacht bound for Cyprus. From there, she was flown to Dubai and then to Cape Town where she now resides at Drakenstein Lion Park.

Maggie Sharaawi, vice president of Animals Lebanon, calms Sara before her transfer.

I really admire and applaud the extraordinary efforts by the members of Animals Lebanon to rescue the lives of several animals displaced by Israeli airstrikes. Their headquarters in central Beirut contains more than 200 cats, dogs, and birds which is a testament of their efforts going above and beyond to ensure the animals' survival. What struck me is that the animals rescued by the organization did not just include pet dogs and cats, but also exotic pets such as big cats. Sara was one of many big cats rescued from a life of such pain and misery. Maggie Sharaawi, who was Sara's main caregiver, pointed out that the cub had scars and ringworm all over her face and body when she was brought in. Despite the illegality of owning big cats in Lebanon, there are many affluent residents who use their influence known as wasta to get what they want. Even more shocking is that the cats and other such exotic animals are part of breeding programs in Lebanese zoos which lack veterinary expertise and proper enclosures without appropriate nutrition. Other rescued animals include six baboons which are in the process of being transported to a sanctuary in Dorset, England. In addition, there are eight animals from a zoo in the city of Baalbek in Bekaa Valley which include bears, lions, a tiger, and a jaguar.

Sara leaves for Cyprus with Jason Mier (left).

This trend of exotic pet ownership is present in other Middle Eastern countries, as well as Lebanon. While the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia made significant strides in banning the trade and ownership of big cats and bears, others such as Kuwait don't have such restrictions. The ownership of such animals entitles the so-called "owners" as a sign of social status and boost to their social media followings. Despite reports and incidences involving big cats seriously injuring or even killing someone associated with an exotic pet owner, nothing has been done to ensure both the cats and general public are safe. Even something as ominous as a tiger walking down a highway is not enough to implement sufficient measurements on restricting the trade and ownership of big cats and other large exotic predators. I strongly urge the governments of those Middle Eastern countries without proper restrictions in exotic pet ownerships to implement significant steps to ensure no big cat or other exotic pet that poses threat to the general public end up living in the confines of affluent communities. Futhermore, this concept of wasta should not deter authorities and other stakeholders playing a big part in battling the ownership of exotic animals. These affluent members of society should be tried under full extent of law for keeping such animals that belong in the wild.