International Tiger Day: India home to around 70% of world's tigers

Hyderabad: Britain Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Fleming on Saturday said that India is home to around 70 per cent of the world's tigers.

Speaking  at Global Tiger day celebrations being organized by the  Telangana State Forest Department in coordination with HyTiCoS and WWF India (Hyderabad Office) at KBR National Park here, Mr Fleming appreciated the efforts of Government of India and state governments in protecting and conserving Tigers.

Speaking on the occasion, State Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (admin) Munindra appreciated the student community for coming forward in large numbers to join the movement for conservation of Tigers.

Their role as budding citizens of the country is very important to carry forward the task of ensuring a safe and healthy future for the Tigers in India and in the World, he added.

The Global Tiger Day celebration started in 2010 following a decision taken at a Tiger Summit held at Saint Petersburg in Russia. With each passing day, this celebration is gaining momentum.

Over 400 children from 14 schools participated in the activities  which included Wildlife Quiz and Nature based learning games with special focus on Tiger Conservation, organized in connection with Tiger Day.

On the occasion, students from various schools performed skits to bring out message as to how Tigers were killed in large numbers in the last 100 years and how this is now reflecting in form of ecological imbalance resulting in climate change and loss of biodiversity.

These changes are threatening the wellbeing of humans on this planet.The children also brought out the message that, the Forest Department in collaboration with NGOs, Nature Lovers, Volunteers is focusing on conservation of the Tiger and its habitat as is existing today.

State Principal Chief Conservator of Forests  and Chief Wildlife Warden, Mr P K Jha, Telangana State Forest Development Corporation (TSFDC) Vice-Chairman and Managing Director  Mr. P. Raghuveer,  Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (FCA) Ms R.Sobha and others participated in the event.(UNI)