Wildlife in the Sariska Tiger Reserve is facing serious health problems. In the past two years, about a dozen tigers and leopards, which were killed in road accidents or found dead, were found to be suffering from tuberculosis (tb) or liver infection. "It is an established fact that tigers and leopards have died in the past due to tb, lung infection and liver cirrhosis," said B Charm, assistant field director of the sanctuary.
The experts are debating the original source of infection. Some believe that the infection was brought to the sanctuary by red monkeys and languors who return to the forest after making forays into the towns. Some like Sharma say diseases of domestic cattle living within and outside the sanctuary are being contracted by the wild animals because they share water
holes inside the park. "Not a single water hole in the sanctuary at present is free from infection," said Daulat Singh Saktawat, range officer of the sanctuary.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.