Tiger count dips further

The tiger census in the country shows alarming decline in the number of tigers in India. With their total population winding up at 1411 with a 17.43 per cent coefficient of variation, the ministry has decided to take substantial steps. "The Tiger Project explained that the tiger has suffered due to direct poaching, loss of quality habitat and loss of prey,' said Rajesh Gopal, member secretary of the project, while making a presentation in the capital today. "But there is still hope.'