Myanmar’s Conservation Efforts Save Endangered Bengal Tiger Population

By Vijian Paramasivam

PHNOM PENH, Feb 1 (Bernama) -- Myanmar stands at the forefront of tiger conservation in Southeast Asia, showcasing a remarkable commitment to preserving its Bengal tiger population.

Despite numerous pressing domestic challenges, the country has managed to maintain about 20 Bengal tigers, also known as Indian tigers – a testimony to its effective conservation programme.

bootstrap slideshow

Experts estimate there are only 5,711 Bengal tigers in the world as of last year after many of the big cats fell to poaching for their body parts.

Myanmar governments have steadfastly prioritised protecting the charismatic tigers at the Htamathi Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the northern Sagaing region, where armed conflicts are ongoing.

“It is good news that Myanmar managed to have these numbers and their recovery plans are remarkable. They are sustaining themselves.

“They will spring back with the tiger population because they have a strong commitment to tiger conservation,” New Delhi-based Global Tiger Forum (GTF) secretary-general Dr Rajesh Gopal told Bernama in a telephone interview.

Myanmar state media, The Global New Light of Myanmar, published that local forest department workers are protecting the tigers and monitoring their population diligently.

“The Htamathi Wildlife Sanctuary boasts Bengal tigers, bears, mammals and birds, so, we protect the whole area. If we have strong public participation, it can ensure the sustainability of the sanctuary,” said the sanctuary’s warden U Win Hlaing, reported the state media.

The forest department installed 24 camera traps in 12 locations last year and similar numbers this year to track the movement of the tigers.

Rajesh led a GTF team to the country to design the “Myanmar Tiger Action Plan and Priority Sites” strategy in 2017. The organisation is committed to promoting global campaigns to save tigers, their prey and their habitats.

Myanmar, which shares a 1,643 kilometres land border with India's northeastern states, is one of GTF’s early members to join in 1994.  

India has the world’s largest tiger population with 3,682 big cats.

The Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris) is an endangered species in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List.

The major tiger corridor covers India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam.

In Southeast Asia, as of October last year, Indonesia leads the pact with 393 tigers, Thailand (201) and Malaysia (150).

Cambodia and Vietnam have lost their stock, according to wildlife experts and their governments are investing in conservation programmes to revive the tiger population.

The number of Bengal tigers is on the decline worldwide due to rapid urbanisation, habitat loss and poaching. Their claws, bones, teeth, claws and skin are often used in the preparation of traditional medicine.

“In Southeast Asia, Myanmar is lucky to have tigers and its strong commitment to conservation has added to its tiger numbers.

“Myanmar needs to implement some measures to protect its tigers. It needs an inclusive agenda – work with the armed forces to protect the forest; engage local people to promote community stewardship, and provide safe habitats. Vulnerable habitats do more harm to tigers, like small-scale mining along the rivers.

“It must also create international alliances to ensure the safety of tigers; stop the trespassing of miscreants and end the trafficking of tiger body parts,” said Rajesh.

-- BERNAMA