By Prof. Samitha Hettige

The 2nd international forum on Conservation & Recovery of Tiger & Leopard was held in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China (July 28 to 31). It included discussions on global Tiger & Leopard population, habitat management, ‘Human Wildlife’ conflict resolution, & prey habitat restoration. Siberian Tigers (Amur tigers) are mostly found in northeast China, Russia's & the Far East. It is one of the world's most endangered species & a flagship species of the forest ecosystem. Approx 12 to 16 wild Siberian Tigers were estimated to be living in China in late 1990s & since then China has implemented measures to boost the population by assisting them in reclaiming their natural habitat. Approx 70 wild Siberian Tigers are now living in the parks with 20 cubs born last year (Ref Chinese stats).

China is one of the 13 countries that are home to Tigers. The progress it displayed in Tiger conservation is a model of mitigating & preventing ‘Human-Tiger’ conflicts with cost effective technologies as per wild life conservation specialists. Surveillance drones, smart infrared cameras & an integrated intelligent monitoring system are technologies developed by Chinese Tiger experts to protect Siberian Tigers. Such technologies enable the building of an early warning system which helps prevent ‘Human-Tiger’ conflicts which is only possible through close collaboration among civic education sectors, scientists & related institutions. India is another example well focused on Tiger conservation & using it to boost tourism for economic development.

Lessons for Sri Lanka

These practices would be valuable for countries like Sri Lanka which is struggling with the land available, human settlements, Elephants & the Leopards etc. as it plays a key role in Tourism development. Tourists were attracted to Sri Lanka even during the 30 year violent conflict due its natural resources & wild life played a key role. In its struggle for economic recovery, tourism development is vital & the population should be educated why the tourists visit Sri Lanka. Then hopefully they would develop attitudes to protect the causes which attract tourists. Sri Lankans who left the country to be with economic Tigers during the conflict should be given more opportunities (as in Tax holidays etc.) to encourage non Sri Lankans to bring in FDIs. Sri Lanka can adapt policies to get private sector involvement in wild life conservation to get few birds with one stone. State agencies alone may not be able to implement wild life protection policies efficiently with the ground realities. Too many rules & regulations may end in wild situations.

(Views expressed are personal).