Only 13% of tiger conservation areas meet global standards: Survey
Only 13% of the tiger conservation areas meet the global standards of an accreditation system, the Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards (CA|TS), said a new survey of current management methodologies at 112 sites located in 11 tiger-range countries, including India, in a shocking new revelation. The survey is the first and largest rapid assessment of site-based tiger conservation across Asia. Here's more.
Survey driven by 11 conservation organizations and tiger-range governments
According to a report, the survey has been driven by 11 conservation organizations and tiger-range governments that are part of the CA|TS coalition. Under the accreditation system of CA|TS, tiger conservation areas provide evidence under seven pillars and 17 elements of critical management activity to demonstrate that they meet a range of criteria for effective conservation management.
Lansdowne Forest Division in Uttarakhand approved under CA|TS
To date, three sites -- Lansdowne Forest Division in Uttarakhand, India, Chitwan National Park in Nepal, and Sikhote-Alin Nature Reserve in Russia -- have been awarded CA|TS Approved status. The CA|TS was developed due to the need for stringent conservation procedures for protection of the big cat through a partnership between governments and conservation organizations to assess the levels of effective management, among others.
Only 12.5% areas able to meet the CA|TS criteria
Of the 112 global sites surveyed, only 12.5% was able to meet the CA|TS criteria. "Half of the assessed sites report fairly strong management, although there are improvements needed. The remaining 35% have relatively weak management," said a statement. "Basic needs like law enforcement against poaching, engaging local communities and managing conflicts between people and wildlife, remain weak for all areas surveyed."
