This new book has a wealth of information on tigers in Goa

‘We had to die to prove our presence’. This is the line from the e-book, Tiger — Guardian of Goa’s Forest. It reveals that Goa witnessed the killing of 5 tigers within a decade — between 2009 and 2020.

And thus, it reinforces the fact that there are indeed tigers in Goa’s forests and they are under constant threat.

This book, released by Goa’s Vivekanand Environment Awareness Brigade (VEAB) on the occasion of International Tiger Day, July 29, describes the past and current situation of tigers in Goa.

The various articles, written in Marathi and English by VEAB volunteers, including environmentalist, Rajendra Kerkar, makes a strong case for having tiger reserve in Goa.

These articles also give details about the presence of tigers in various parts of Goa, cultural and social relevance through folk stories and songs and also about tiger worship, which is commonly seen in forested areas of Goa.

Kerkar states, “Worshipping the tiger iconographically is a tradition among forest dwelling communities. These communities worship the tiger with the hope that their cattle and family should get protection from it.”

“In Vaghure, near Pissurle of Sattari, there is an independent temple of Vyaghreshwar. In this area, no one would dare to kill a tiger fearing the wrath of Vyaghreshwar,” he adds.

The Gaodongari of Canacona, Uguem, Colamb near Rivan of Sanguem, Avachitwada of Bicholim, there are shrines of Vaghrodev.

Also, there’s enough reference to tigers and their importance in folklore and folk songs of Goa, such as the folk theatre, titled Bharnul, which was performed during the Shigmo festival in now submerged village (due to Anjunem dam) of Gulle, there’s a story related to the tiger.

Among the Velip community of Colomb in Sanguem, there is an annual tradition of showing gratitude to the tiger by observing Vagryamas on the new moon day.

According to locals, this tradition has emerged from the hope that tigers should not attack the community’s cattle while they graze in the jungle.

All these folk references are enough to indicate that there is a strong tradition of revering tigers and acknowledging their presence. Thus, the tiger is not merely a visitor, which comes from neighbouring states, but very much a part of Goa’s biodiversity.

Tiger —Guardian of Goa’s Forest is a good source of information about tigers in Goa. It includes a map listing the 17 tiger sites in Goa, from Surla in the north to Salgini in the south. However, the most dense presence is in the north eastern part of Goa.

Vitthal Shelke, in his article, mentions the tragic killing of four tigers (one tigress and three cubs) in early January 2020 in the village of Golaulim in Sattari. It was a heart-breaking incident.

These tigers were killed by poisoning the carcass of cattle as the tigers had killed the cattle.

It has been observed that due to such conflicts, it is necessary to have a tiger reserve in Goa. The NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority) report states that there are five tigers in Goa.

In July last year, the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court directed the Goa government to notify a tiger reserve in the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. The matter is now in the Supreme Court.

Chandrakant Shinde, president of the VEAB, in his foreword states, ‘The significance of establishing a Tiger Reserve in Goa cannot be overstated. Tigers are not just majestic creatures, but keystone species whose presence ensures the health and balance of our forests.’

Shreerang Phadke, in his article mentions that through the presence of a tiger reserve, we can save the Mhadei river. He has also listed the ecological and economic benefits of having a reserve.

He even suggests having a combined tiger reserve like Pench (Maharashtra/ Madhya Pradesh), Bandipur-Mudumlai (Karnataka-Tamil Nadu), etc.

In his article, Kerkar mentions that there is a need to look at this issue holistically.

“The creation of a Goa Tiger Reserve needs to include core forested areas, where there are no human settlements. Any sparse population existing there should be properly rehabilitated by giving them appropriate compensation and sources of earning livelihood, such as land for agriculture, horticulture, reservation in government jobs.”

If you'd like to read the e-book, Tiger — Guardian of Goa’s Forest, click on the following link:

https://drive.google.com/drive/mobile/folders/12iH3-jtc5rPus6WoUqSChr7Z0yTjbzhV