Tigers in lock down

What does the Covid-19 lock down imply for the tigers?

We know the impact on humanity that the pandemic has caused, however what we do not think about is how it has impacted the wildlife…. More specifically tigers.

The thought and question pushes forth a debate of whether, simply, if the impact of the lockdown is good or bad for tigers. Taking in consideration of how well protected they are, how much they reproduce or even how aggressive they can become. 

Nature reserves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries ensure that tigers in their vicinity are well protected, fed and taken care of. The park workers and forest rangers work every day with these species and keep them protected from poachers. Although now, due to the lockdown, these workers are unable to keep them from harm’s way, making tigers somewhat vulnerable from poachers and hunters. In addition, tigers may roam free in the jungle and not be confined to the sanctuaries.

Albeit this, tigers can also now prey more as they are not confined to only roam a certain area or eat something specific. They would tune back into their instinct to prey – this can also be proven to be a negative impact as they might affect another species population just by eating and preying them. Wild tigers would prey on humans that come to see tigers in the jungle. 

In a positive effect, the overall population of tigers would significantly increase due to more food and reproduction and less interference from humans into their habitat. Less people, less travel, lesser vehicles through the roads passing through sanctuaries and national parks and less human-tiger conflict, It is that simple Sir Arthur.

Wild Tigers would roam more freely, due to humans not interfering with their environment and hunting them rather fearing them in the wild.

Looking at both positive and negative factors, tigers have experienced major changes in their environment and possibly their lifestyle.  Tigers in parks may get hunted more, but they also have a chance not to be disturbed in their own homes. COVID-19 may not be good for the human population but may mostly imply more positive changes for the wildlife.