Need of transboundary collaborations for tiger survival in Indian subcontinent

Tiger is an integral part of much of the remaining forest ecosystems in Indian subcontinent, which in turn provide ecological services essential to our own existence. Progressively shrinking and denuding forests are effectively trapping tigers in unsustainably small protected areas in Indian subcontinent, with obvious fatal consequences. Tigers need large undisturbed landscapes with ample prey to raise young ones and maintain long-term genetic and demographic viability. The subcontinent is reported to be the last haven for tigers with more than 60 % of the global population. However, large tracts of biodiversity-rich forests straddle two or more countries in the subcontinent and need holistic, concerted approaches to conservation over-riding political boundaries. The looming extinction crisis and urgency to protect these areas cannot be overemphasized.