Dudhwa...state of affairs?

Hi All,

I am going to Dudhwa national park on the 27th of this month and have been reading up on it extensively off late. Some of the reports on the net are very disturbing. Apparently extensive poaching and forest department apathy has decimated the fauna, esp tigers to the extent that while the forest department claims that there are 100 odd tigers as per the last census, the real figure may be far far lower, around 20-30 or so. WWF camera traps show repeated recaptures over a wide range. Prey base also seems to be dwindling with hardly any healthy sightings of barasingha, spooted deer, etc. The only silver lining in this gloom scenario seems to be that its still pretty rich and diverse in avifanua.

Can someone tell me more based on recent trips and advise me on the richer sections of the park, or is the above not true (I am hoping it isn't!)? I would really like to know more before I land up there. Look forward to hearing from some of you.

Regards

Kaustuv,
Look forward to your update once you are back.
Sabyasachi