Nilgiris Tiger-Toda buffalo conservation project

The majestic tiger is the flagship species of India and its population is estimated at less than 1500 for the country and declining alarmingly. The tiger population of the upper Nilgiris has been traditionally very high. But hunting coupled with the later poisoning of cattle carcasses has taken its toll. Within a few decades, there were far less tigers to be seen roaming the area. The Todas – the indigenous people of the Nilgiri highlands of Southern India - are synonymous with their herds of buffaloes. The Toda people also fear the tiger as the prime predator of their buffaloes. Today, when the population of tigers in the Upper Nilgiris is making a comeback and their numbers are increasing, this is again a source of anxiety. Many buffaloes are being killed by tiger attacks in and around Toda hamlets. Unlike many other groups, the Todas do not poison the carcasses of cattle to finish off the tiger. To maintain this attitude, they should be speedily compensated for the losses. Often, it takes years to obtain a paltry sum from the forest department. Plan is working out modus operandi for each of these above conflict-prone areas, so as to reduce or preferably, eliminate human-animal conflicts This project endeavours to save and protect this almost unknown tiger population along with the Toda breed of buffalo that is endemic to these hills. Very little is known on population levels, dynamics, prey base, disease and behavioural aspects of the tiger population.