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Mogya Education Programme (MEP)

The Tiger, India's most magnificent animal and our national symbol is rapidly disappearing. This is true even in protected areas and tiger reserves. Despite stringent laws and fenced off areas to preserve and protect endangered wildlife, animals are being killed and their parts fed into the international market for wildlife products. Why does this continue happen? Do we believe in providing lip service to conservation and taking only some cosmetic steps? Or do we really want to conserve our natural heritage and save the tiger? If the answer is in the affirmative, then we must critically examine the root cause of the problem. Recently combined raids were conducted by Tiger Watch and the police. During these raids seven tiger poachers were apprehended. These poachers, belonging to a nomadic tribal community- Mogya, were primarily responsible for the disappearance of the tigers from Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. A document containing a list of 35 persons involved in the poaching of tigers under five gangs was put together. This is not happening for first time in the history of Rnthambhore. A similar situation occurred in 1992-93.

Mogyas and Ranthambhore

Mogya's are traditional, nomadic tribal hunters of south Rajasthan. Anthropologically this community is considered secretive, that keeps a distance from the main stream of society. It is extremely difficult to invade their social structure. The impression of the police with regards to this community is not very good. The Delhi Police have reported that these are hardcore criminals and cannot be reformed. This community is notorious for their brutal way of crime. Investigations revealed that they have killed at least 20 to 25 tigers in the last three years. This number is more than half of the entire population of Ranthambhore national park. The total area of Ranthambhore is around 400sq.km and about 150 Mogya families live around this park. Most of them are dependant mainly on the temporary earnings from protecting agricultural fields adjoining the park from wild herbivores raids. Under this cover these peoples kill ungulates for bushmeat and big cats for international market. The Forest department has tried to implement protection by constructing a wall around the park and studying effectiveness of electric fencing to the agricultural fields.

Economic status and life style of Mogyas

Most Mogya families are surviving below the poverty line. Generally Mogya men are involved in crimes and are often arrested or are absconding. In this era of globalization and consumerism, people are forced to adopt new lifestyles. These traditional nomads are also keen on this new way of life. These days all the Mogya youths want to buy a motorcycle and mobile phones. Poor economic status and deep attachments to their traditional life style are the basic reasons behind their involvement in this erroneous business. Poaching big cats and becoming regular suppliers of bushmeat brings in the money for the luxuries in addition to providing for their basic needs. Mogya's are rarely settling in a social group, they established their hutments sparsely in remote areas. This community always makes their house in high elevation and off the road, so the law enforcement agency does not approach them easily. This life style keeps them far-off from the basic amenities like education, health care etc. Generally Mogyas men's are involving in crimes so they are often arrested or spending their life as absconded.

Way to curbing the crisis

Education is the only way to change their attitudes Mogyas are nomads so they have no attitude and opportunity to get basic education. Forest department and Tiger watch together start a hostel facility for Mogyas. First we have decided that ten to fifteen Mogya children will be kept here for the education. This project will provide them good facility and environment of education.

Philosophy of the project

Lack of consensus, organization, knowledge, skills, suitable technologies and practices, funds or other resources can all undermine their capacity. Mogya's must be guided in these tasks by the ethic of living sustainably.

* 1. Changing attitudes and practices.
* 2. Improving the quality of Mogya life.
* 3. This helps Mogya's to realize their potential and take advantage of opportunities.
* 4. Sustainable management depends on fully involving the communities that live in or near forests in decisions about forest conservation and development.
Committee of the Mogya Education Programme (MEP) MEP is a project under the Tiger watch NGO and for its smooth functioning; a governing committee has been formed. This governing committee will be deciding how to run the project. MEP committee is ...

Chairperson: Ms. Avni Patel, Wildlife Enthusiast,
Address: Karigar, Maa farm, Ranthambhore road, Sawai Madhopur.