The sheer power of this tiger took me by surprise. Countless connections and encounters with big cats (wild and captive) didn't really prepare me for this, it just shows how compelling these animals are. A big cat born and living wild is very different to a captive born one that is to live its life in an enclosure. This particular male had been involved in serious conflict situations, he is healing in an off limits secure area but his future is uncertain.
Nature and the human relationship to it is ever changing. Living in areas where big cats roam is becoming more complex. Conflict cannot be avoided. The connection between habitat encroachment and man-eater is tangible. Work is being done to reduce conflict but it has to be done in ways that are fair to both parties. As I wrote recently the attitude has to be taken now that EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THESE WILD CATS ARE INCREDIBLY PRECIOUS, nothing less than that.
A conversation with leading wildlife researcher Babu Ram Lamichhane many months ago is still fresh in my mind. I'm going to talk about Babu Ram and his work as well as many more of the characters involved in Nepal conservation as the months go by. However, it was a comment on that occasion, while we were talking about the Leopard Rewilding Program, where he said we simply cannot wait for the status of the leopard to reach the critical levels of the tiger. He used the word proactive.
I've thought about this a lot and while there is a lot of work being done there's also this frustration that globally many efforts are going round in circles as we weigh ourselves down with endless meetings and bureaucracy. To effectively future proof these species we have to be leaner in some areas but more intense where it counts, on the ground.
The last few weeks have been complicated by the ongoing political/social crisis here in Nepal. The Leopard Rewilding Program has needed re-appraisal in strategy for reasons of security and safety. This has caused sleepless nights. We've come up with a solution now and in many ways it gets harder from this point but by introducing further technology as well as adhering to the principle of isolation, the team is ready to take the next step. There'll be updates at wildleopard.net soon.
I'm heading back now for a few days to one of the places where it all began. Checking and setting cameras in Asa's territory will bring further understanding. Strategy has to evolve so that the future of big cats like the tiger in the image has an assurance. We have to pour resources and time into this, it has to be a selfless, concerted effort... there's too much to lose otherwise...
Jai Bagh.
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