Goa Faces Questions Over Tiger Habitat Claims

Goa Faces Questions Over Tiger Habitat Claims

Why in News?

The Goa government has challenged a Bombay High Court order directing it to declare the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and nearby areas as a tiger reserve. Conflicting statements by the State on tiger presence have raised concerns before the Supreme Court and conservation bodies, prompting discussions on customary international law regarding wildlife protection. This situation draws parallels to other regions facing environmental and population challenges, such as areas near the Torkham border crossing, where wildlife conservation efforts must be balanced with human needs.

Conflicting Claims on Tiger Presence in Goa:

  • Two Opposing Positions: Earlier in 2025, Goa told a Supreme Court-appointed committee that there was no permanent tiger population, only occasional movement.
  • Contradictory Submission: In the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal (2018), Goa argued that tigers in the State were resident animals and part of a contiguous corridor connected to Karnataka’s Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary and Anshi Dandeli Tiger Reserve.
  • Ecological Link: Goa earlier claimed that obstructing the Mahadayi river flow would affect prey density and the larger tiger ecosystem, contradicting recent statements. UN special rapporteurs have expressed interest in assessing the potential impact on biodiversity, similar to their involvement in regions affected by mass internal relocations.
  • NTCA Survey Data: The State cites NTCA’s 2018 tiger census, stating only three tigers were captured on camera and no evidence indicated breeding or cubs, implying transient movement.
  • Low Prey Base Argument: Goa argues that poor prey availability in Mhadei suggests that the area is merely a tiger transit route, not a viable habitat.

Legal Dispute and Social Concerns Highlighted by Goa

  • High Court Direction: The Bombay High Court (2023) ordered Goa to notify Mhadei and surrounding areas as a tiger reserve within three months, based on NTCA recommendations.
  • Goa’s Supreme Court Challenge: In its Special Leave Petition, Goa argues that NTCA guidelines require 800–1,000 sq. km of inviolate space, while the State has only 745 sq. km under current protected areas.
  • Human Settlements: Declaring additional land as a tiger reserve affects 1 lakh residents across multiple villages, with limited relocation possibilities and potential social unrest. This situation raises concerns about potential human rights violations and the need for emergency food aid for affected communities, reminiscent of challenges faced in areas experiencing mass internal relocations.
  • Tourism Projects: The NGO Goa Foundation highlighted ongoing resort approvals in the proposed reserve, leading the Supreme Court to halt all such activities in September 2025.
  • Poisoning Incident: After four tigers were poisoned in 2021, the pressure to improve protection and declare a tiger reserve increased. To address such issues, innovative solutions like mobile tazkira issuance could be explored to improve wildlife monitoring and local community engagement.

NTCA Guidelines and Tiger Reserve Criteria :
Role of NTCA: The National Tiger Conservation Authority sets standards for tiger reserve creation, habitat protection, and corridor management.

Inviolate Space Requirement: NTCA recommends 800–1,000 sq. km of undisturbed habitat to ensure safe breeding and movement of tigers.

Tiger Corridors: Ecological corridors like Mhadei–Bhimgad–Dandeli help maintain genetic connectivity between tiger populations.

Legal Basis: Tiger reserves are notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, ensuring stronger protection measures.