Bengal Tiger Research Articles

Sustainable Development and Ethno-Inhabitant in Mangrove Ecology of India: A Case Study on Governance Policy in Sundarban

Criticality: Sundarban is a world heritage Mangrove area in the eastern part of India and the southern part of Bangladesh. My focus area is the rest of the rest of India. The 54 islands in this region are inhabited by people and the Reserve Forest. Strong ethnic feelings are belonging to Schedule Cast, Schedule Tribe, Other-Backward Class-A & B. Sundarban is a bountiful natural resource region of tropical, marine, and other aquatic organisms, endangered Royal Bengal tigers, crocodiles, and other flora-faunas. Statement of the Problem: Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy, catering to about 89% of the total population of this region; even the high percentage is landless. They have popular common occupations like farming, honey collection, fishing, crab hunting, etc. A unique occupation is Tiger Charmer (Bauley). There is a broad area of Tiger Widow. Tourism could be another economic activity. However, the infrastructure is still inadequate. Despite the rapid development of science and technology in India, it has avoided traditional and peripheral beings. It has to face tremendous loss of life and property due to natural hazards. Objectives of the Study: The study wants to focus on how these ethnic groups take self-initiative for the ecological preservation of the Sundarban. This academic study will possibly try to recommend advanced policies to trim down natural disasters, require realistic and sensible guidelines, illegal approaches, and corruption in mangrove mapping platforms. This study assesses the attitude of local stakeholders towards sustainable management of ethnobotany, permaculture, Mangrove-friendly ecology, etc. Method: This study follows the geomorphologic approach, and it adopts the qual-quant survey method on 1220 households and Tiger Widow Village regarding field study. Findings: Anthropogenic pressure, political corruption, and maladministration are obstacles to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Institutions like local governance and the Panchayat Raj system are run by public representatives, most of whom are illiterate. Ecological engineering finds an asymmetric relationship between increasing populations and the decline in mangrove families.

Genetic Diversity and Evolutionary Biology of Indian Wildlife- A Review

The genetic diversity and evolutionary biology of Indian wildlife, emphasizing the critical role of genetic variability in ensuring species adaptability and long-term survival. India is one of the world’s megadiverse countries, home to a wide range of unique flora and fauna spread across its biodiversity hotspots, including the Western Ghats and the Eastern Himalayas. However, rapid habitat fragmentation, deforestation, and poaching have severely impacted the genetic health of many wildlife species, leading to reduced gene flow, population bottlenecks, and increased inbreeding. This has heightened the risk of extinction for small, isolated populations such as the Asiatic lion and the Great Indian bustard. Genetic studies using advanced genomic tools have provided key insights into the population structure, phylogenetic relationships, and adaptive potential of species like the Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, and snow leopard. Conservation strategies, including genetic rescue, habitat corridors, and the use of captive breeding programs, are recommended to preserve genetic diversity and prevent further genetic erosion. Technological advances, such as non-invasive sampling and bioinformatics, are transforming wildlife research, enabling more precise and less intrusive genetic monitoring. The integration of genetic data into conservation policies and practices is essential for developing targeted management plans that maintain the evolutionary potential of Indian wildlife.

Human-Wildlife Conflict in Bardia-Banke Complex: Patterns of Human Fatalities and Injuries Caused by Large Mammals.

Human fatalities and injury from wildlife attacks often result in a negative attitude toward conservation. This research was undertaken to investigate the patterns and conflict-causing factors of human killing and injury by large mammals, especially by Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), common leopard (Panthera pardus), and Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) in the Bardia-Banke Complex of western Nepal. We collected human death and injury records caused by wildlife in the Bardia-Banke Complex between 2019 and 2023, based on relief applications submitted by the victim's family. Additionally, camera trap monitoring was conducted following incidents of human-tiger and human-leopard conflicts. A total of 76 incidents involving human casualties and injuries were considered for analysis. Incidents of livestock depredation, crop raiding, and property damage were excluded from the analysis. Most of the attacks on humans were caused by tigers (75%), followed by elephants (16%) and leopards (9%). Almost all incidents occurred in daytime (97%). The highest number of conflicts were recorded in 2021, with 20 incidents. Most of the cases (84%) occurred within 1 km of forest edge. Khata corridor and the western side of the Bardia National Park, i.e., Karnali River corridor, were identified as high-conflict areas. The primary causes of the conflict manifested in cattle grazing (28%), grass cutting (28%), firewood collection (11%), fishing (8%), vegetable collection (5%), sand collection (4%), during rescuing friends (3%), grazing captive elephants (3%), highway rides (3%), sleeping in Chaupadi Goth (3%), walking nearby forest areas (3%), playing nearby forest areas (1%), while feeding pig (1%), and working in agricultural lands (1%). To promote human-wildlife coexistence, community-based patrols (33%), habitat restoration (26%), electric fencing (26%), and insurance (7%) were identified as the preferred strategies. Therefore, we recommend that stakeholders and concerned bodies increase awareness among local community about the use of forest resources, wildlife behavior, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation strategies.

Land Use Change and its Impact on Terrestrial Biodiversity of Surrounding Areas of Jim Corbett National Park

Located at the Shivalik Himalayas' foothills, near the worldwide popular hill-station of Nainital, the beautiful park is famous for being home to a huge number of Bengal tigers, the highest among any Indian national park. So many other mammals, including tigers, leopards and elephants (wild), roam in this park. On the edge of the Western Ramganga Reservoir, the Sonanadi zone is habitat to elephants and leopards, along with more than hundreds of species of fowl. Also CNP is a prime protected area of Uttarakhand forest as it provides ecological viable, profitable and sources of different income for local people. Dense forest cover is one among the most natural resources for every animal (Including human) directly and indirectly. But rapid excessive exploitations of the different vegetation, woods, shrubs species for human development here are now under the threat of biodiversity loss and uncovering forests. Present study focused on significance of terrestrial biodiversity, reason of land use changes and threats to terrestrial biodiversity (TB) because of land use change, terrestrial biodiversity of the local area is influencing by various ways. For continuous use of the forest ecosystems, it is very important to find the land use land covers changes and its negative impacts on biodiversity and surrounding environment. Forest resources are the full of vital material, base of direct and indirect human’s continuous progress and it needs to monitor the status and change of forest resources timely for logical exploitation of forests and its renewal. Present study focused on monitoring the changes in the forest areas, surrounding barren land, build-up area and natural resources.

Medical behavior training for blood collection of Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) in Dubai safari park

Medical behavior training for blood collection of Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) in Dubai safari park

Management of an avulsion wound of the footpad in a Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) using low-level laser therapy (LLLT)

Management of an avulsion wound of the footpad in a Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) using low-level laser therapy (LLLT)

Species discrimination from hair using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy: Application in wildlife forensics

Hair is a commonly encountered trace evidence in wildlife crimes involving mammals and can be used for species identification which is essential for subsequent judicial proceedings. This proof of concept study aims, to distinguish the black guard hair of three wild cat species belonging to the genus Panthera i.e. Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca), and Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia) using a rapid and non-destructive ATR-FTIR spectroscopic technique in combination with chemometrics. A training dataset including 72 black guard hair samples of three species (24 samples from each species) was used to construct chemometric models. A PLS2-DA model successfully classified these three species into distinct classes with R-Square values of 0.9985 (calibration) and 0.8989 (validation). VIP score was also computed, and a new PLS2DA-V model was constructed using variables with a VIP score ≥ 1. External validation was performed using a validation dataset including 18 black guard hair samples (6 samples per species) to validate the constructed PLS2-DA model. It was observed that PLS2-DA model provides greater accuracy and precision compared to the PLS2DA-V model during cross-validation and external validation. The developed PLS2-DA model was also successful in differentiating human and non-human hair with R-Square values of 0.99 and 0.91 for calibration and validation, respectively. Apart from this, a blind test was also carried out using 10 unknown hair samples which were correctly classified into their respective classes providing 100 % accuracy. This study highlights the advantages of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy associated with PLS-DA for differentiation and identification of the Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, and Snow Leopard hairs in a rapid, accurate, eco-friendly, and non-destructive way.

What triggered the human-wildlife conflicts in Bangladesh between forest proximity people and wildlife? A responsive study

Abstract Reflecting upon the distressing situation of human-wildlife conflict (HWC), this study has identified numerous factors that exacerbate the HWC issue in Bangladesh, including a lack of awareness, a prevalent disregard for the law, inadequate punitive measures, institutional weaknesses, socio-economic challenges, a burgeoning population, a refugee crisis, rampant deforestation, encroachment upon natural habitats, migratory challenges faced by wildlife, and the influence of national and global politics. It is evident that these multifaceted elements significantly contribute to the escalation of HWC. The regions of Chittagong-Hill Tracts (CHT), the Sundarbans, and central-northern Bangladesh are facing a pressing HWC issue that demands our immediate attention. Tragically, over the past two decades, more than 118 elephants have lost their lives, while these creatures claimed 13 human lives in 2017–2018. Furthermore, tigers, an emblem of strength and beauty, have been responsible for the demise of approximately 50 individuals between 2009 and 2010. Astonishingly, the year 2022 has already witnessed a count of 375 HWCs. Therefore, this study delves deeper into the root causes of HWC in Bangladesh and proposes effective preventive measures to safeguard the endangered species, specifically the Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) and Bengal tigers (Panthera tigris tigris), who bear the brunt of these conflicts.

The Emerging Bengal Tiger: Opportunities and Challenges for MNCs and Policymakers

Bangladesh has been one of the fastest growing economies over the last two decades, with economic growth averaging over 6%, per capita income crossing the World Bank’s (lower) middle-income country threshold, and the criteria for graduating from the UN’s Least Developed Country (LDC) list fulfilled. However, regulatory inefficiency, high corruption, and poor infrastructure still create major challenges for businesses wanting to operate in the country. We analyze the lessons that Bangladesh’s sustained economic growth and development have for policymakers. We also generate insights for MNCs on how to operate in this rapidly-growing, but challenging, emerging market.

Human coexistence with leopards and elephants: Losses and coping strategies in an Indian tiger reserve

Conflicts between humans and wildlife, particularly involving common leopards (Panthera pardus) and Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in the Himalayan region, pose significant challenges for both communities and conservation efforts. This study fills crucial gaps in existing research, extending beyond landscape-level predictors of these conflicts. By examining patterns of losses due to leopard and elephant encounters and assessing the effectiveness of coping strategies, along with socio-economic factors associated with these conflicts in the Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR), this study aims to inform more targeted policy approaches for forest communities. Conducting face-to-face interviews with 345 households across 10 forest villages in the BTR, the study revealed that leopards predominantly target cows during the day and goats during both day and night, while elephants raid crops, particularly during crucial agricultural phases like paddy transplantation and harvesting. Financial losses prompt the adoption of coping strategies, with traditional measures showing limited effectiveness. Visual deterrents like flashing bright LED torchlights for elephants and night lights for leopards prove more promising. Larger households with substantial livestock are more vulnerable to leopard attacks, and rice cultivation areas and the eastern division of the BTR face heightened elephant-related crop damage. The study recommends immediate measures like visual deterrents and long-term strategies such as sustainable livelihood support and habitat restoration to mitigate conflicts. Its global significance lies in advocating for tailored policies worldwide that balance conservation with livelihood protection.

Human-wildlife conflict and the likelihood of reporting losses in Nepal

All development indices are changing due to increased exploitation of nature and growing economies in developing countries. This situation may increase the intensity of conflict between humans and wild species, such as large carnivores. Despite the increasing intensity of human-wildlife conflicts and the existing compensation scheme that compensates for the loss, most losses to human-wildlife conflicts are not reported to authorities. Thus, this study was conducted in the Banke National Park of Nepal to explore possible factors influencing the propensity to report losses. All 197 surveyed participants reported suffering from crop raids by wild animals, and 80 respondents (40.60 %) reported livestock depredation. Results revealed that socio-economic factors, such as age (β = 1.99, SE = 1.61), gender (β = -0.56, SE = 0.28), employment (β = -1.10, SE = 0.68), family size (β = 1.54, SE = 0.54), and conflict with certain species including Bengal tiger (β = 0.48, SE 0.24), leopard (β = 0.92, SE 0.35), elephant (β = 0.58, SE 0.34), and monkey (β = 0.56, SE 0.27), were statistically significant at p values ≤ 0.01, ≤ 0.05, and ≤ 0.10, in influencing the likelihood of reporting a loss. Except for gender and employment, all other factors positively influenced the likelihood of reporting a loss. These findings could be considered while formulating/executing policy guidelines for compensation or any policy related to protected areas to improve reporting rates. This study can also initiate future studies in other protected or forested areas globally.

Phylogenetic analysis and haplotype networking of Hepatozoon felis infecting wild animals in Gir National Park, Gujarat, India.

The present study was aimed to determine the phylogenetic relationship, haplotype network, and demographic dynamics of H. felis infecting the endangered Asiatic lions in Gir National Park, Gujarat, India, on the basis of partial 18S rRNA gene. The phylogenetic analysis based on the partial 18S rRNA gene sequences of H. felis exhibited the presence of two distinct genotypes of H. felis (HfG1 and HfG2) infecting the Indian wild felids, viz., the Asiatic lion, Royal Bengal tiger, and Indian leopard. The HfG1 and HfG2 genotypes exhibited 97.6-100% and 99.7-100%, and 96.9-98.7% nucleotide identity within and between themselves, respectively. The HfG1 genotype exhibited a higher genetic diversity as compared to HfG2. A total of 22 molecular signatures were identified in the 18S rRNA gene between these genotypes. Further, analysis of a total 67 sequences of H. felis (13 different host species from 13 countries of Africa, South America, Asia, and Europe) that were downloaded from GenBankTM, generated 30 haplotypes. Among all the haplotypes, Hap_17 (h=12) was the most frequent followed by Hap_12 (h=09) and Hap_4 (h=05). Out of 13 location-wise populations, India (h=12) shared the highest number of haplotypes followed by Japan (h=08), and the least number of haplotypes were found in Hungary (h=02). Population dynamics study involving neutrality tests and mismatch distribution, and genetic differentiation indices, revealed the presence of phylogeographic population structure and a constant population size indicating a uniform gene flow among the populations worldwide. In conclusion, a high genetic diversity along with the presence of two distinct genotypes of H. felis were observed on the basis of 18S rRNA gene sequence analysis.

The Significance of Baghdad in Rajiv Joseph's Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo

The narrative of Rajiv Joseph's play Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo intricately weaves the city of Baghdad into its fabric. Baghdad becomes a half-character, playing an important part in enhancing our understanding of the play's thematic elements. Set during the Iraq War, the play delves into the intricate interplay of trauma, morality, and the absurdity of conflict. It uses Baghdad as a stage upon which to demonstrate these elements and as a key to unlocking their internal complexities. This paper examines both the historical significance of the city and its portrayal as a decaying urban landscape, as well as how both of these factors intensify the characters' internal conflicts. This paper interprets the battered condition of the city of Baghdad to be an accurate reflection of the emotional and moral state of the characters in the play. This study contends that the play's setting is integral to understanding the play's narrative and characters. It also arms us, as an audience, with heightened engagement to confront the play's existential themes with our sense of humanity in times of perceived unfathomable chaos. Rajiv Joseph depicts the layers of history and the city's psychological toll on its inhabitants, leaving us to question how free we are to make the right choices for the betterment of all.

Lack of detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wildlife from Kerala, India in 2020-21.

Spillover of SARS-CoV-2 into a variety of wild and domestic animals has been an ongoing feature of the human pandemic. The establishment of a new reservoir in white-tailed deer in North America and increasing divergence of the viruses circulating in them from those circulating in the human population has highlighted the ongoing risk this poses for global health. Some parts of the world have seen more intensive monitoring of wildlife species for SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses but there are still very large gaps in geographical and species-specific information. This paper reports negative results for SARS-CoV-2 PCR based testing using a pan coronavirus end point RDRP PCR and a Sarbecovirus specific E gene qPCR on lung and or gut tissue from wildlife from the Indian State of Kerala. These animals included: 121 Rhinolophus rouxii (Rufous Horsehoe Bat), six Rhinolophus bedommei (Lesser Woolly Horseshoe Bat), 15 Rossettus leschenaultii (Fulvous Fruit Bat), 47 Macaca radiata (Bonnet macaques), 35 Paradoxurus hermaphroditus (Common Palm Civet), five Viverricula indica (Small Indian Civet), four Herpestes edwardsii (Common Mongoose), ten Panthera tigris (Bengal Tiger), eight Panthera pardus fusca (Indian Leopard), four Prionailurus bengalensis (Leopard cats), two Felis chaus (Jungle cats), two Cuon alpinus (Wild dogs) and one Melursus ursinus (sloth bear).

Molecular detection and pathology of cytauxzoonosis in captive royal Bengal tiger

Molecular detection and pathology of cytauxzoonosis in captive royal Bengal tiger

Haematological and serum biochemical analysis of Bengal tigers from Arignar Anna Zoological Park (AAZP), Chennai, India

Haematological and serum biochemical analysis of Bengal tigers from Arignar Anna Zoological Park (AAZP), Chennai, India

East-West Identity Unmasks the Mistaken Ideology of American War on Iraq: A Critical Analysis of Baghdadi Bath and Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo

The study aspired to investigate the human trauma of a society in wartime and thereafter. It focuses on literature that seeks to reflect life as it should be. However, literary works here deal with catastrophic dramas that depict Iraqis who generally suffer from the negative repercussions of the American Crisis and the extreme underdevelopment and poverty at that time. In this paper, the audience faces the disaster in two dramatic works: Baghdadi Bath (2005) by Jawad al-Asadi and Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo (2012) by Rajiv Joseph. They are a good example that depicts the nightmare experienced by all Iraqis during the war. Speaking about the disaster of war, we guess that the disaster may have human roots. The disaster of war on Iraq, in particular, is taken for analysis. The researchers try to denote the nature of man at the time of the disaster. The paper explores the relations between the ideas of war and the world we face and refers to Baghdad’s brutal past and its confused present. It also inspects the real reasons behind the war and records the human condition in the consequences of the American invasion of Iraq. To narrow the field of investigation, the researchers have chosen disaster at war, especially the American war on Iraq in 2003, and its results for the study. The paper steps down war and violence and assures peace for people depending on different perspectives.

동물, 그리고 믿음

This paper explores the distinctive features of Yann Martel’s novels, specifically focusing on the role of animals and the theme of belief in his works Life of Pi and The High Mountains of Portugal. The analysis delves into Martel’s unconventional views on belief, which deviate from traditional religious perspectives. The study investigates Martel’s underlying motivations for consistently employing animals as vehicles for conveying his perspectives on belief. This paper argues that Martel employs animals as potent vehicles to underscore the limitations of rationality and objectivity emphasizing the role of belief in human existence. In Life of Pi, the protagonist’s survival with a Bengal tiger in a lifeboat prompts a deeper inquiry into the essence and significance of belief. Blurring the lines between realism and fantasy, Martel proposes a new idea of faith that transcends traditional institutional frameworks of religion. In The High Mountains of Portugal, Martel appropriates Christian narratives to depict the three stages of human belief. Animals are employed as symbols of the protagonists’ spiritual states. They also serve as guides in their spiritual journey, driving the protagonists toward belief Overall, Martel’s exploration of belief employing animals illustrates human need for belief and the interconnectedness of beliefs and stories.

An Analytical Data-driven Framework For Advancing Tiger Conservation In India

India is home to a significant population of the world’s wild tigers, but it is disheartening to see that they are still classified as 'Endangered' on the IUCN's Red List. The efforts to protect these magnificent creatures are ongoing, with the Indian government working hand in hand with various Conservation organizations. Though we have seen some promising progress with a notable increase in tiger populations, it is not all smooth sailing. Challenges persist, including the loss of their natural habitats, the ever-present threat of poaching, and unfortunate conflicts between humans and these incredible animals. This paper dives deep into the challenging mission of conserving tigers in India, highlighting the importance of forward-thinking strategies and using data-driven methods. We take a closer look at how data analytics can play a crucial role in conservation, from collecting and managing data to analysing it and making informed decisions. Our main goal is to offer practical recommendations on how to harness the power of data analytics to boost tiger conservation efforts in India, drawing on the most recent data trends and discoveries.

INTERVERTEBRAL DISC DISEASE IN THREE LARGE FELIDS (PANTHERA SPP.) TREATED SURGICALLY.

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in captive large felids is a commonly encountered syndrome that is usually treated medically, with surgical cases only sparsely documented in the literature. This case series describes the diagnosis, surgical treatment, and postoperative care of three cases of IVDD in large felids: an 8-yr-old male Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) with acute paraplegia, a 10-yr-old male tiger of unknown subspecies (Panthera tigris) with progressive tetraparesis, and a 17-yr-old female African lion (Panthera leo) with mild paraparesis. Two cases were diagnosed via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the third was diagnosed with computed tomography myelography. Disc herniations were confirmed during surgery in all cases and via necropsy in two cases. Surgical procedures included a thoracolumbar dorsal hemilaminectomy in one tiger, a cervical hemilaminectomy in the other tiger, and a continuous lumbar dorsal hemilaminectomy in the lion. One tiger was euthanized approximately 1 wk after surgery and the other tiger was euthanized approximately 1 mon after surgery, following a lack of clinical improvement in both cases. The lion, however, improved markedly over several months after surgery before acutely declining secondary to spinal neoplasia. Analysis of these cases suggests that pursuing MRI and surgery as soon as possible after the onset of clinical signs and marking affected disc sites based on imaging to provide landmarks for the surgeon may improve long-term prognosis. Additionally, strict postoperative confinement in an accessible cage is beneficial to facilitate care and prevent overexertion while allowing early movement.