TIGER PUGMARK TRACKING

The first All India Census of Tigers was conducted in summer, 1972 using S. R. Choudhury's method of Cooperation Tiger Census with the Tiger Tracer. In 1990s, strong doubt was raised about the reported number of tigers in India. In the process, the technique of Pugmark Tracking was attacked. During 1996-2000, through national and international cooperation, a set of guidelines for pugmark tracking has been prepared so that the technique is more dependable and can be used in most habitats of the country. Improvement is still possible.

The main reasons for criticisms of the pugmark technique relate to factors like the following. (1) The subject was very new and was confined to a few individuals. (2) Clarifications about criticisms were not audible to field staff. (3) The language was not entirely simple and interesting. (4) Transparency of the technique was not audible or visible. (5) Some interpreters were inadequately equipped with field information or the technique.

The main subjects of criticism of the technique related to the following aspects. (1)Population growth rate presented in the initial years-and its harmony with natality/mortality of tigers. (2) Claim that from pugmark technique we can always identify individual tigers. (3) Pugmarks varying on different ground conditions. (4) Tracings varying from person to person. (5) Interpretation varying from person to person. (6) Underestimation of the number of tiger cubs. (7) Distinction of male female: the square vs. rectangular look. (8) Distinction of tracks of Tiger cub and leopard adult. (9) Inadequate awareness about the significance attached to population figures.

Improvements made to the technique in the last one decade have made the subject more clear and transparent, simplified, standardised, verifiable and easily available. Yet, there are a few other aspects that need further research.

Improvements Made since 1990: A number of aspects of the pugmark technique has been improved since 1990. Broadly, these aspects relate to the following. (1) Clarity and Transparency has been introduced through non-official participation. (2) Simplification of the procedure has been made to make it intelligible to all field level staff. (3) There is now adequate verifiability through laying of PIP (Pug Impression Pads). (4) Standardisation have been made of (a) Season / unit / route/ PIP, (b) Data collection procedure, (c) Training need, (d) Analysis procedure, and (e) Data presentation. (5) There is availability of the entire procedure in print in English and Hindi. (6) Ongoing process to make available illustrated Pocket Books for field level workers. (7) A beginning has also been made to make available the procedure in local language. It is now already there in Oriya. (8) An experimental approach has been made to develop a video film in Oriya for use during training. (9) Printed materials have been produced in various forms like Trainers Reference Sheets, Tracking guideline and Pictorial Field Guide for FG. Improvements Made since 1990. A number of aspects of the pugmark technique has been improved since 1990. Broadly, these aspects relate to the following. (1) Clarity and Transparency has been introduced through non-official participation. (2) Simplification of the procedure has been made to make it intelligible to all field level staff. (3) There is now adequate verifiability through laying of PIP (Pug Impression Pads). (4) Standardisation have been made of (a) Season / unit / route/ PIP, (b) Data collection procedure, (c) Training need, (d) Analysis procedure, and (e) Data presentation. (5) There is availability of the entire procedure in print in English and Hindi. (6) Ongoing process to make available illustrated Pocket Books for field level workers. (7) A beginning has also been made to make available the procedure in local language. It is now already there in Oriya. (8) An experimental approach has been made to develop a video film in Oriya for use during training. (9) Printed materials have been produced in various forms like Trainers Reference Sheets, Tracking guideline and Pictorial Field Guide for FG.