Home / Environment / Eco-Tourism Expansion Threatens Terai Wildlife
Eco-Tourism Expansion Threatens Terai Wildlife
4 Oct
Summary
- Extended eco-tourism season in UP tiger reserves raises conservation concerns.
- Revised schedule may stress swamp deer, hog deer, and grassland fauna.
- Soil compaction and erosion risk due to increased vehicle movement.
Uttar Pradesh's government has extended the eco-tourism season in major tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries within the Terai belt. The season will now run from November 1 to June 30, an increase from the previous November 15 to June 15 schedule. This extension, impacting Dudhwa and Pilibhit tiger reserves among others, aims to boost tourism revenue.
Conservationists express significant concerns about the potential repercussions for grassland wildlife. Species like swamp deer, hog deer, chital, and nilgai, along with specialized grassland fauna, may face increased stress. The extended period into late June coincides with peak summer heat and pre-monsoon conditions, when herbivores are already vulnerable and congregate around dwindling water sources.
Experts also point to risks posed by increased vehicular movement on the Terai's sensitive alluvial soils. Prolonged traffic, especially on potentially softened unpaved roads during pre-monsoon showers, can lead to soil compaction, erosion, and disruption of natural drainage. This damage hinders the regeneration of essential native grasses, impacting the food supply for herbivores and potentially exacerbating human-wildlife conflict as animals are pushed towards forest fringes.
