You are working as a Divisional Forest Officer in an area which is home to tigers. Recently, there have been reports of a tiger venturing into agricultural fields and also killing livestock of villagers. Unfortunately, 2-3 villagers have been killed by some wild animals in last few weeks. Villagers claim that the tiger has killed their fellow villagers and request you to protect their lives and property by either relocating or killing the man-eater tiger. They also obstructed investigation of forest officials to ascertain whether it was the work of tiger or some other animals. Your attempts to trap the tiger have not been successful. Concerned over the delay in killing or relocating the tiger, villagers hire a private hunter to kill the tiger on their own and argue that they have a right to defend themselves and their property. In this context, answer the following questions: (a) Identify the issues involved in this scenario. (b) What steps would you take as the Divisional Forest Officer to ensure villagers' safety along with protection of tigers?

(a) Issues involved in this case: (i) loss of livelihood and economic loss faced by villages due to killing of livestock. (ii) loss of life and uncertain nature of the causes due to obstruction in investigation. (iii) Fear in the mind of villagers and threat to life in future. (iv) Antagonistic nature of villagers towards tiger which motivated them to hire a private hunter. (v) Threat to the life of tiger.

(b) As Divisional forest officer it is my duty to save the people as well as tiger and ensure & Conflicts that such actions are not repeated in future. My course of action will be: (i) My immediate reaction to this would be to persuade the villagers not to hire the hunter and let the administration handle the situation as it will be illegal to kill the tiger for which they can be liable for action under wildlife protection act 1972. (ii) The investigation should be completed to ascertain the cause of death, to ensure that the action to contain tiger is justified and not just a gimmick of diversion from real issue. (iii) If the cause of death is due to tiger then it will be essential to contain the tiger. for this following actions can be taken:- (i) fencing of the agricultural field involving the boundary with tiger habitat. (ii) increasing the workforce to locate the tiger. (iii) Hire an expert opinion regarding the feasibility of relocation. (iv) The ministry should be notified regarding the relocation of tiger and should be requested for expedite approval. (v) Compensation to the loss of life due to tiger should be considered. (iv) If the cause of death is not due to tiger then an investigation regarding the real culprits should be undertaken to demotivate further such actions in future.