NEW DELHI — India’s latest tiger census shows an increase in the numbers of the endangered big cat, but threats to their roaming territory could reverse those gains, officials said Monday.
The census counted at least 1,706 tigers in forests across the country, about 300 more than four years ago, a government official said Monday. A century ago, about 100,000 tigers roamed India’s forests.
Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh called the increase good news but cautioned against any complacency in efforts to save the iconic animal from extinction.
“The rise in numbers is the result of sustained efforts, but the shrinking of tiger corridors is alarming,” Ramesh said.
Wildlife experts who conducted the census said tiger corridors, which are the routes frequently used by the big cats to move from one reserve to another, had declined as power projects, mining and roads cut into their habitats.
