7 March 2009

Attached is a statement that we have released regarding the relocation of tigers to Panna Tiger Reserve. We are deeply distressed by the way the Madhya Pradesh authorities have carried out this operation and have requested that further translocation of tigers there be stopped, and that a high-level inquiry be instigated into the disappearance of up to 40 wild tigers in Panna. There is now no evidence of any tigersleft in Panna and it is imperative that the reasons for this are identified, and the causes of the tragic decline eliminated, before the re-introduction of any tigers from Bandhavgarh or Kanha.

The statement has been sent to the Prime Minister of India, the Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the Member Secretary of the National Tiger Conservation Authority, the Secretary of the Minister of Environment and Forests, the Principal Chief Conservators of Forests and Chief Wildlife Wardens of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan,and the Field Directors of five Tiger Reserves - Bandhavgarh, Kanha,Panna, Ranthambhore and Sariska.

Our national animal the tiger is under grave threat and we would be grateful for your support on this important matter.

Brijendra Singh
Valmik Thapar
Dr Ullas Karanth
Dr R.S. Chundawat
Belinda Wright
P.K. Sen
Bittu Sahgal
Fateh Singh Rathore

Fax: (011) 4163 5924 , Email: protecttigers@gmail.com