Tiger tourism in India has been given a boost after a court move to lift a ban on tourists visiting core areas of reserves.
People may catch flights to India to see many wonderful things, from its bustling cities to its ancient monuments, but for many the wildlife is a prime attraction.
Tigers are among the creatures many have come to see, but earlier this year the Supreme Court banned tourists from entering the core areas of tiger reserves.
This was done in response to claims that operators of the reserves were illegally establishing hotels and shops in these zones, a move derided by conservationists who fear a lack of tourist income will tempt local people into poaching and logging.
But the ban has now been lifted, with each reserve now having six months to submit a new conservation plan that fits National Tiger Conservation Authority regulations.
It means visitors can now once more see the big cats in the wild.
According to the WWF, wild tiger numbers have fallen by 95 per cent in the past century and three of the nine subspecies – the Bali, Caspian and Javan tigers – are extinct, while the only South China tigers left are in captivity.
Written by Anthony Nicholson
