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Thursday, January 31, 2013

Livestock are easy prey for big cats of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve


By Lawrence Milton, TNN | Jan 31, 2013, 05.25 AM IST MYSORE: Big cats, especially leopards, making a prey of livestock in villages bordering the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve are common. In the last 10 months, around 139 livestock were killed by tigers and leopards in these villages spread across two districts - Mysore and Kodagu. Last year there were 112 killings of livestock by cats in Nagarahole. On an average about 110 livestock are killed by the big cats in villages on the fringes of the national park. As many as 130 villages border Nagarahole. "As our forests are not completely isolated from the villages, wilad animals preying on livestock is common," Nagarahole reserve director R Gokul told TOI. The latest incident was on Tuesday where a cow in Gundethuru bordering Nagarahole was mauled to death, the director said. Gundethuru is less than 500 mts away from the reserved forest. The rise in number of killings this season may be attributed to a tiger which had killed dozens of livestock in Kodagu. Usually, tigers/tigress feed on animals once in three-four days and the big cats revisit to finish off the leftover. "The tiger may have died after consuming meat laced with rat poison. It could be an act by a livestock owner to take revenge against the tiger, which may have strayed into the village and preyed on his livestock," Gokul explains. Past incidents In the last five months Nagarahole alone has witnessed about six incidents of tigers straying out of their habitat. Two of the incidents proved to be fatal. - one at Mysore zoo during the course of treatment in November and another due to poisoning at Nagarahole in January. Nagarahole director R Gokul says a tiger which was captured in H D Kote in August 2012 was relocated to Bannerghatta National park as it was aged and another tiger which attacked a freelance photographer in Kote this month was caught and released into Banidpur forest. Another tigress which too had strayed out of the forest in November was released back into the woods. In early December, a tigress was injured after its paw got wedged in a barbed wire. It is being treated at Mysore Zoo. Investigation Meanwhile, the investigation into the killing of tiger is underway. Gokul claimed he visited villages on the fringes of Nagarahole and have requested cooperation from villagers to tackle the issue of forest fire. Meeting Forest minister C P Yogeshwar has convened a meeting of forest officials in Bangalore on Thursday. The minister is likely to discuss measures taken to prevent forest fires.

Tiger kills rhino at Dudhwa national park


TNN | Jan 31, 2013, 04.45 AM IST BAHRAICH: A tiger entered the rhinoceros area of the Dudhwa National Park and killed a female rhino. This is the first incident in the history of the park when a wild animal from outside attacked anyone from the rhino family that lives safely in the specific area of the park. Top officials of the park reached the spot and constituted a panel of three doctors for postmortem of the rhino. A rhino rehabilitation project was started in Dudhwa national park on April 1, 1984 and a female rhino Parvati was brought here from Assam when it was only four years old. The rhino had turned 34 years old and was attacked and killed by a tiger on Tuesday night. Park administration came to know about the incident in the morning. The monitoring team found the carcass of Parvati near Kakraha Tal in the Rhino area of south Sonaripur range. Pug-marks were also found around the carcass. tnnIn another incident, a tigress entered Parua village adjoining Kakraha range of Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuary and attacked a cow. According to report, Gaya Prasad resident of Parua village adjoining Kakraha range, tied his cow in the verandah of his house. Last night, a tigress entered his house and killed the cow. The roar of the tigress sudden terrified the locals but the villagers mustered courage and chased the tigress away, but it managed to drag the cow to the forest http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/Tiger-kills-rhino-at-Dudhwa-national-park/articleshow/18265488.cms

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Tiger died from poisoning, revenge killing suspected


R. KRISHNA KUMAR A tiger, which was found dead in the Kakanakote forests (D.B. Kuppe range) of the Nagarahole National Park early this month, was poisoned in what is suspected to be an act of revenge. The post-mortem report and visceral analysis indicate the presence of zinc phosphide, which is rat poison. This has sent shockwaves among conservationists and Forest Department officials. This is said to be the first case of a tiger being poisoned in the national park, which is a major tiger reserve and home to about 70 of them. R. Gokul, Director, Conservator of Forests and Director, Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, confirmed that the tiger, which was found dead on January 13 near the Kabini backwaters was poisoned. Its carcass, discovered two weeks ago, was intact, with no sign of external injuries, putting a question mark on cause of death. Though there was a question of whether poachers had a hand in the death, this has been ruled out as neither the skin nor the claws had been removed. The needle of suspicion points to revenge killing and Mr. Gokul said the animal may have strayed out of its habitat and stalked livestock. Since tigers have a tendency to partially eat their prey and conceal it in bushes to consume over a period of time, the local community may have poisoned the carcass of the cattle, resulting in the tiger’s death, he said. But the nearest human habitation is nearly 3 km from the spot where the tiger was found, casting doubt on that theory. However, Mr. Gokul pointed out that tigers generally do not stray from their habitat in Nagarahole as the Kabini backwaters acts as a border between the national park and the adjoining human landscape. But due to severe drought, the backwaters has receded and turned into a grassland, with no demarcation separating the forestland from the outside landscape. “As a result, there is free movement of animals in the absence of a water barrier. We suspect the local community on the fringes may have driven their livestock inside the forests in search of fodder. The tiger may have killed one of the domestic animals and the village people may have subsequently poisoned the carcass as an act of revenge,” said Mr. Gokul. There have been six incidents of tigers straying out of their habitat this season, which is unusually high. This is attributed to increase in tiger density inside the national park. The authorities have deployed the Special Tiger Protection Force in the area to keep vigil on the movement of animals in the region. Apart from launching a full-fledged investigation into tiger poisoning, the Forest Department will also interact with the local community adjoining the forests and seek their help in wildlife conservation. http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/karnataka/tiger-died-from-poisoning-revenge-killing-suspected/article4357991.ece

MoEF team to assess impact of felling on corridors


By Vijay Pinjarkar, TNN | Jan 30, 2013, 06.03 AM IST Lanco and Wardha farmers fight in HC againDistrict Central Co-operative Bank fails to disburse full salary to W...Forest union angry as no. of workers to be regularized cutJharkhand awarded for bear population managementRichard D'Souza is principal chief conservator of forests, to remain ... NAGPUR: Two senior officials from the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) are on a tour of working circles in the region to access the impact of 'coupe' (a unit of land) felling on wildlife habitats, corridors and local livelihoods, among other things. The team consists of chief conservator of forests (CCF) SK Bhandari, Bhopal, and conservator of forests (Bhopal) Pradeep Vasudeo. Local wildlife experts and NGOs working for wildlife conservation will accompany them. A report will be submitted to MoEF after the visits. The visits have been planned in workable coupes between January 29 and February 1. The team will separately visit select ranges in Amravati, East Melghat, Buldhana, Gadchiroli, Wardha, Nagpur, Bhandara, Chandrapur, Brahmapuri and Central Chanda divisions. A questionnaire has already been faxed to all the field staff regarding coupes to be inspected. The MoEF officials will inspect improvement working circles (IWCs) and selection-cum-improvement (SCI) working circles. The inspection is being conducted considering the proposals sent by the state forest department for approval of working plan prescriptions for 2012-13. The decision was taken by a core group in the MoEF under the chairmanship of director general of forests (DGF). The DGF has already directed the state government that no concentrated felling will be undertaken in forest area within 10km radius of protected areas (PAs). It also said there should be no felling that causes disturbance to wildlife and its habitat in corridors. Surprisingly, there is no mention about Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM), which has resorted to large-scale felling as per the approved plans even within 10km radius of PAs. FDCM had resorted to massive felling in the tiger corridors in Pitezari, Umarzari, Mansinghdeo, Chandrapur and other vital corridors. "Concentrated felling in mixed and miscellaneous forests may be examined along with some independent experts in wildlife and biodiversity conservation, especially with reference to maintaining wildlife corridors and habitats, local livelihoods etc," the core group observed. Official sources said, in Melghat, the team will be accompanied by wildlife and forest consultant RN Indurkar. In Gadchiroli, it will be accompanied by honorary district wildlife warden Mahendra Singh Chouhan while in Wardha and Nagpur divisions by manager of Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) Prafulla Bhamburkar. In Chandrapur, Bandu Dhotre of Eco-Pro and honorary district warden will be working with the team. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/MoEF-team-to-assess-impact-of-felling-on-corridors/articleshow/18249526.cms

inShare Comments More AA READ MORE DFO|Anil Kumar Mishra|Anil Kumar


TNN | Jan 30, 2013, 12.32 PM IST DALTONGANJ: The Palamu Tiger Reserve is expecting newborn cubs to join the tiger population in the reserve soon. As Ramandaag falls under the buffer area of the tiger reserve, DFO (buffer) Anil Kumar Mishra said, "The trapping camera recorded the image of a tigress in Ramandaag beat 4 on January 27 whose stomach was enormously bulging leaving no one in doubt that she is pregnant." A tigress can have three phases of gestation in one calendar year if food is available closeby and the tigress does not have to walk for miles to get food. A tigress can conceive every three or four months and the delivery is also possible after equal number of months. In the early 80s, the PTR used to be a shelter of a magnificent tigress popularly known as Begum which had delivered cubs . However Begum was poisoned to death. Official records of the tiger reserve incorporated in the Management Plan valid till 2011 clearly mentioned it on page 70 that there have been three cases of poisoning of tigers in this reserve till the year 1997-98. Thereafter, no figure is recorded in this official book. Two were poisoned to death in the year 1984-85. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/Palamu-Tiger-Reserve-expecting-new-cubs/articleshow/18253155.cms

Tiger on killing spree, fifth rhino found dead in Dudhwa


HT Correspondent, Hindustan Times Lakhimpur Kheri, January 30, 2013 A tiger sneaked into the Rhino rehabilitation area in Dudhwa tiger reserve (DTR) on Monday and killed a 34-year female rhino. The partially eaten carcass of “Pavitri” was discovered on Tuesday. This was the fifth Rhino attacked in 14 months. All the attacks took place in winter. Over November and December 2011 and January 2012, four rhinos were attacked. Two were injured, two died. This was the first attack this winter. Similar incidents have been reported from Nepal’s Chitwan Park, said Shailesh Prasad, chief conservator of forest and field director of DTR. “Tigers do attack rhinos, as has been reported from Assam’s Kaziranga Park, but the attacks were on young calves. Attacking adult rhinos is somewhat against the normal hunting pattern,” said Ganesh Bhat, deputy director of DDR. Dr SP Sinha, an expert on rhinos, felt a shrinking prey base could be a reason for the attacks. But Dudhwa has ample prey base, said Bhat. “The number of rhino attacks in Dudhwa is high because the rhinos there are kept in an enclosed area,” said PK Sen, former director of Project Tiger. “It provides the tigers with easy prey in winters, when catching other animals in the wild become difficult.” Tigers attack sub-adult rhinos but not the adult ones because of their size. “Full grown and active rhinos and elephants are able to defend themselves because of their size and strength,” Sen added. “One needs to find out whether this particular rhino was incapacitated, which restricted her ability to defend herself.” The dead Rhino, Pavitri, was among the five brought from Assam in 1984 to start the rhino rehabilitation project in Dudhwa. At the time, she was six years old. She was named Pavitri as she was brought from Pavitara park. http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/UttarPradesh/Tiger-on-killing--spree-fifth-rhino-found-dead-in-Dudhwa/Article1-1003637.aspx

Two held with hand grenades in Panna Tiger Reserve


By Jamal Ayub, TNN | Jan 29, 2013, 07.51 PM IST READ MORE Rapid Response Unit|Panna Tiger Reserve Information Cel|Panna Tiger Reserve|Hunters|Bombs BHOPAL: As many as 78 country-made bombs (hand grenades), hair of wild baor, its hide, flesh, material for preparing hand grenades, blood of wild animals, chop (weapon) for hunting wild animals, six fishing nets, iron knives and catapults and two cages for catching birds have been recovered from two hunters during search in Chandranagar Beat of Panna Tiger Reserve by Rapid Response Unit (flying squad), according to a press release here on Tuesday. Both the hunters have been produced before Chhatarpur court and the case is under investigation. Accused Jagbir is 22-years-old while Paltu is 20. Both of them are residents of village Bedari under Bameeta police station. It is noteworthy that the Panna Tiger Reserve Information Cell has made arrests in five case following declaration of red alert from December 2012. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/Two-held-with-hand-grenades-in-Panna-Tiger-Reserve/articleshow/18241450.cms

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Anthrax fear grips tiger sanctuaries


By HM Aravind, TNN | Jan 28, 2013, 10.21 PM IST MYSORE: Anthrax scare has come back to haunt again this summer. Though wildlife in the pristine forest of Nagarahole, Bandipur and BRT tiger reserves are unaffected this season, death of cattle on the forest fringes due to anthrax has the forest officials jittery given that anthrax had claimed four elephants in Nagarahole and Bandipur tiger reserves nine years back. Notwithstanding the assertion of the animal husbandry and veterinary sciences that the damage has been contained — it is 10 days since cattle have been felled by anthrax at a village bordering Bandipur — fear stalks the swathes of tiger reserves. Death of cattle due to anthrax is worrisome. Luckily, there are no animal deaths under mysterious circumstances inside the forested area. It is too early to say that the damage in contained and that it will not strike back, a senior official attached to Bandipur National Park conceded. Pointing at the death of elephants at Nagarahole in 2004, he stated: It is impossible to guess since the disease has claimed wildlife in this part in the past. The fear started to lurk following death of a 10-year-old tusker due to anthrax in Thalavadi range in Sathyamangalam forest bordering BRT tiger reserve in early November. What is perplexing is that the disease has killed cattle at Bheemana Bidu on Mysore-Sultan Bathery road. While wildlife in BRT faced the danger, it is now the turn of Bandipur. Bheemana Bidu is located eight kilometers from Bandipur forest. After it was established that anthrax is the reason for the death of cattle, we've vaccinated over 700 cattle and 450 sheep in the affected region. The disease is now contained and there are no reports of death of livestock due to anthrax, Dr Sundar Raju, deputy director, animal husbandry and veterinary sciences, Chamarajnagar, told TOI. According to him, there are no deaths of cattle or sheep from other parts that border tiger reserves of Bandipur and BRT. "We'll continue vaccination at the affected area for next two years since the bacterium 'Bacillus anthracis' could survive dormant for two years." He said they have advised the villagers not to consume cattle or sheep meat and are keeping a watch over the developments. The deputy director said there are no reports of human contamination as of now but didn't rule it out pointing out that the bacterium could lie dormant for some time before it become active. Mysore district has not reported death due to anthrax, Dr B M Prasad Murthy, deputy director, animal husbandry and veterinary sciences, Mysore, said. "There are no cases either in Nagarahole region," he said but said they are keeping a close watch. There are no deaths in three tiger reserves owing to anthrax. We've sounded alert and the field staff have been directed to lookout for suspicious death of wild animals. Since livestock is vaccinated, it should not spread, B J Hosmath, APCCF and field director (Project Tiger), stated. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Anthrax-fear-grips-tiger-sanctuaries/articleshow/18227391.cms

'Gory wildlife killing rampant across state'


By Paul Fernandes, TNN | Jan 29, 2013, 04.43 AM IST PANAJI: The trapping of eight big cats in cable wire traps meant for smaller wildlife in about three years has once again brought into focus the low profile form of poaching prevalent outside protected areas in Goa. The forest department officials extricated a relatively unharmed leopard from a cable snare at Shiroda on January 24. "The noose of the trap snapped below the leopard's belly and did not tighten around it," said D N Carvalho, deputy conservator of forests, North Goa (wildlife and eco-tourism). Other big cats had been rescued in the recent past with some injuries while one died at Bondla after being rescued. In all, two leopards each in Pale and Borim, and one each in Shiroda, Nirancal and Maulinguem were freed from the wire traps. A tiger was shot dead after being trapped in Keri in Ferbuary 27, 2009. The spate of leopard cases reveals that the malaise of the gory killing of wildlife is rampant all over the state. But activists say that traps made of scooter, rickshaw, telephone and even cycle cables are being used in all parts of the state, especially forest patches and hilly areas near urbanized villages. "Dogs have been found ensnared in cable traps in places nearer to the coast as Siolim and Socorro and other places," an animal lover said. Agreed Arnold Noronha, president of a wildlife NGO, Chameleon, "Use of cable wire traps is very common," he said. But activists say the gravity of the threat is not realized as it happens in less frequented pockets of forest areas. "It comes to the department's notice only when leopards are trapped and left to die, but wild boar and porcupines may be quietly killed and consumed," a forest department official admitted. The officials find it easier to contain poaching inside wildlife sanctuary limits, but find forest areas beyond too vast for patrolling. "The irony lies in the fact that none of these poachers are found," the official said. Forest officials say many use cable snares against crop damage. "It is a revenge killing in some areas, but not always," an official said. Agreed Noronha, "If leopards were the poachers game, they would have shot them. This shows the villagers are mostly interested in meat," he said. Sources said Paresh Porob, range forest officer of Mhadei wildlife sanctuary, has issued notices to restaurants around the protected area, urging them to refrain from stocking and selling wild meat. Activists call for social awareness to curb the threat to wildlife. "A proper study is needed to gauge the damage caused by such poaching and awareness is a must to curb it," Noronha said. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Gory-wildlife-killing-rampant-across-state/articleshow/18232188.cms

Rajasthan tigresses named after minister


Sweta Dutta : Jaipur, Tue Jan 29 2013, 02:56 hrs The minister for forests in Rajasthan has a unique privilege: two Royal Bengal tigers are named after her. Officials say Minister of State for Environment and Forests Bina Kak "suggested" that the tigers should be named after her; Kak insists "local people" named them after her. Bina 1 and Bina 2 are two-year-old sub-adult tigresses who were transferred from Ranthambhore National Park to Sariska tiger reserve last week, when their names stirred a controversy. Wildlife conservationists and activists said tigers are named in accordance with a specific coding procedure; all tigers in Ranthambhore, for example, are in the T series — T24, T25 or T26, etc. — in forest department records, and those in Sariska are ST1, ST2, etc. Bina 1 and Bina 2 are, in forest records, B1 and B2. Local people and forest officials sometimes have their own names for tigers in their areas — perhaps Sundari, Machhli or Zalim. But no tiger has ever been named after a human personality before. Kak does have a connection with the two Binas, though. Their mother, a Kachida tigress named T5, had fallen ill soon after delivering them, and Kak had ordered immediate surgery on her. T5 could not be saved, but the efforts of the forest department ensured both her cubs overcame the odds and survived. According to officials, the minister believed she had a role in the cubs' survival. Said a senior official posted at the park at that time, "The minister took special care of the cubs. When they were about five months old, she suggested that they be named after her. We couldn't agree more." http://www.indianexpress.com/news/rajasthan-tigresses-named-after-minister/1066122/

Curbs on tourist movement hit tribals, artists' livelihood


By Prakash Hatvalne, TNN | Jan 29, 2013, 05.40 AM IST KANHA TIGER RESERVE: Restrictions, imposed by Supreme Court on the movement of tourists in national parks have not only affected tourism industry, but has also affected livelihood of tribal and other artists around the parks like Kanha National Park. Some tribals assembled during the three-day celebrations of 'Trees in their lives' which concluded at a hotel in Kanha, claimed that they would have no other option, but to go back to jungles and work as labourers in the government's MANREGA scheme. Artists and craftsmen into making bamboo items, wood carving, clay toys and Gond tribal painters along with Baiga dance performers assembled at the camp. "We used to earn good money in three months from October to December and this was enough for us to survive up to March, but this year we are unable to earn," says a group of three artists Manoj Diwedi, Aashish Kushwaha and Amit Lakhera based at Khatiya entry of Kanha. Earlier, every artist earned Rs 10,000 to 15,000 during peak season in three months. But this time they could earn barely Rs 5,000 because of tourism restrictions, Manoj claimed. Rajendra Shyam, a Gond painter, who came to attend the festival said, "The government should also think about our future. Our Gond paintings are now popular in international art market." Singinava foundation, organizer of festival, is also planning to set up a museum for artists with the help of local tribals. Bundiya Tekam, a sarpanch of Kohaka village in Mandla district, says, "We have arranged a piece of land and soon we will make a building where all artists' work will be displayed so tourists can come at one place and buy art material of all artists." Before restrictions, about 300 vehicles carrying tourists were allowed to enter the park in morning and evening, but now only 168 number vehicles are permitted. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/Curbs-on-tourist-movement-hit-tribals-artists-livelihood/articleshow/18232580.cms

Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation meet in Feb on tiger passes on canals

By Shishir Arya, TNN | Jan 29, 2013, 03.51 AM IST Controversial irrigation secretary back in actionMan who blew lid off Maharashtra irrigation scam seeks VRSState's '25% condition' on irrigation projects is disastrousAjit Pawar dada storms back, but has taint washed off?Did Sunil Tatkare mislead House on irrigation benefits? NAGPUR: With canals coming in the way of tiger habitat, the Vidarbha Irrigation Development Corporation (VIDC) is now gearing up to build bridges over them for the big cats to cross over. As some of the irrigation canals pass through forests or their fringes, they cut off the two sides or block the tiger corridor hampering the movement of wildlife. The union ministry of environment and forests has stressed that a clearance can only be given to such projects if bridges are built or other measures taken. A meeting of the VIDC officials has been scheduled on February 21 in which the engineers concerned will be discussing a road map on the bridges or tiger passes. Six major canals pass through forest areas in the region which include the right bank canal and the one originating from the Mokhabardi reservoir under the Gosikhurd project. A joint inspection will be held with the forest department, which would be identifying the spots for the bridges, said a source in the state's irrigation department. It is expected that the forest department may insist on a bridge after every half a km. Apart from it, there would be steps for the animals to get down and drink water from the canal. However, it is common to have steps in the canals to undertake repair works also, added an official. The VIDC finds the current plan to be a better option in terms of financial calculations. An earlier proposal put up around a year ago entailed building 400-metre wide bridges at frequent intervals. That would have jacked up the overall cost for VIDC by close to 100 crore, the source said. It has been now planned to have 5 to 10 metre wide bridges instead, which would straightaway cut the expenditure to 10 crore, the officer said. "The bridges will have to be camouflaged with vegetation so as to look like a natural tract. So the concrete bridge will have a one-feet high padding of earth where grass would be grown," the officer added. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Vidarbha-Irrigation-Development-Corporation-meet-in-Feb-on-tiger-passes-on-canals/articleshow/18231825.cms

Death knell for the Sunderbans

Atula Gupta Eco-Degradation Atula Gupta narrates the story of exploitation of the mangrove forests that border West Bengal and Bangladesh, and also suggests a few measures to save the mangroves. The mangrove forests in Sunderbans consist of 54 tiny islands, criss-crossed by innumerable tributaries of the Ganges that were once infested by Arakanese and Portuguese pirates. But today, the Sunderbans are known as the mystical mangrove forests that hold captive many a species of flora and fauna within their boundaries. In a place where land and sea hazes away, new life forms propagate and existing ones thrive, in the safety of the knowledge that human hands are still afar. But sadly, the reach of the two-legged primate has increased, so much so, that two separate studies infer that Sunderbans, one of the largest estuarine forest on earth may soon become a thing of the past. According to two independent studies conducted by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) this month and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in December last year, the Sunderbans ecosystem is rapidly changing. Scientists from the ZSL state that as human development thrives, and global temperature continues to rise, as much as 200m of the mangrove coastline is disappearing annually. The study conducted by the IUCN on the other hand warns that the Indian side of Sunderbans is being subjected to various anthropogenic and natural processes affecting the distribution, quality and diversity of its mangroves thanks to too much human interference. Nature’s reign For humans, the primeval mangrove forest of Sunderbans shelters the most unimaginable dangers in its impenetrable undergrowth. Unlike other wildlife parks, where roads, jeeps and guides provide a semblance of control, here visitors find themselves holding their breath and stiffening to a state of alertness as their boats glide through the creeks and rivulets, bordered with mangroves. Even daily existence is a rigorous task. But it is this seemingly threatening environment that provides a haven for many species including the salt water crocodiles, fishing cats, endangered Olive ridley turtles, terrapins, a large variety of birds and 500 other species of land and aquatic creatures. Not to forget, this largest block of continuous mangrove forest is also home to the Royal Bengal Tiger. According to Sarah Christie, ZSL’s tiger conservation expert, “The Sunderbans is a critical tiger habitat; one of only a handful of remaining forests big enough to hold several hundred tigers. To lose the Sunderbans would be to move a step closer to the extinction of these majestic animals.” But reports prove that the Sunderbans is changing. The scientists found rapidly retreating coastline that cannot be accounted for by the regular dynamics of the Sunderbans. Degradation is happening fast, weakening this natural shield for India and Bangladesh, says the report. Many know that without the natural protection of the Sunderbans, the coasts of India and Bangladesh would be a playground for huge tidal waves, sea cyclones, and tsunamis. Mangroves represent less than one per cent of forests in the world, but they have a huge impact on climate. They are the most carbon rich forests in the tropics with high carbon capturing potential. The vanishing coast line could therefore trigger catastrophic changes, immersing within itself, villages, towns and even nations. The other study points how the 4.2 million people who reside near these mangrove belts are devastating the environment for their sustenance. From illegal felling of mangroves to poaching, blocking freshwater flow to unplanned embankments for settlements, human piranhas are gnawing on the body and soul of Sunderbans every day. The report also points out that in many places, sea water has replaced freshwater because of which plants such as the freshwater-loving Heritiera forms cannot survive. The central part of the Indian Sunderbans receives almost no fresh water because of heavy siltation and clogging of the Bidyadhari channel. “The influence of salinity and effects of climate change, though not well-understood, appear to be promoting the invasion of alien species in some parts of the Sundarbans,” the report adds. The Sunderbans cover 10,000 sq km of land and water with 40 per cent of the forests in India. It is characterised by the sunderi trees that give the mangroves their name. The roots of these trees hold together small islands of mud, on which they grow, but are at the same time quick to lose the grayish brown silt to water with each incoming tide. The concern is, for how long can the sunderi trees continue to hold on to the essence of the Sunderbans especially when people are persistently changing every natural system through aquaculture, land development and over-exploitation? It is not for experts and conservationists, but the residents of these floating forests to understand the ground reality. For generations, they have recognised the supremacy of nature by praying to Ma Banabibi, considered as the protector of the inhabitants of the forests and Dakshin Ray worshiped as the God of Tiger. But today, what will make them and the entire ecosystem last is not just prayers, but a pledge to be protectors. Whether the Sunderbans remains an ageless beauty depends on what role its inhabitants choose to play.Death knell for the Sunderbans Atula Gupta Eco-Degradation Atula Gupta narrates the story of exploitation of the mangrove forests that border West Bengal and Bangladesh, and also suggests a few measures to save the mangroves. The mangrove forests in Sunderbans consist of 54 tiny islands, criss-crossed by innumerable tributaries of the Ganges that were once infested by Arakanese and Portuguese pirates. But today, the Sunderbans are known as the mystical mangrove forests that hold captive many a species of flora and fauna within their boundaries. In a place where land and sea hazes away, new life forms propagate and existing ones thrive, in the safety of the knowledge that human hands are still afar. But sadly, the reach of the two-legged primate has increased, so much so, that two separate studies infer that Sunderbans, one of the largest estuarine forest on earth may soon become a thing of the past. According to two independent studies conducted by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) this month and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in December last year, the Sunderbans ecosystem is rapidly changing. Scientists from the ZSL state that as human development thrives, and global temperature continues to rise, as much as 200m of the mangrove coastline is disappearing annually. The study conducted by the IUCN on the other hand warns that the Indian side of Sunderbans is being subjected to various anthropogenic and natural processes affecting the distribution, quality and diversity of its mangroves thanks to too much human interference. Nature’s reign For humans, the primeval mangrove forest of Sunderbans shelters the most unimaginable dangers in its impenetrable undergrowth. Unlike other wildlife parks, where roads, jeeps and guides provide a semblance of control, here visitors find themselves holding their breath and stiffening to a state of alertness as their boats glide through the creeks and rivulets, bordered with mangroves. Even daily existence is a rigorous task. But it is this seemingly threatening environment that provides a haven for many species including the salt water crocodiles, fishing cats, endangered Olive ridley turtles, terrapins, a large variety of birds and 500 other species of land and aquatic creatures. Not to forget, this largest block of continuous mangrove forest is also home to the Royal Bengal Tiger. According to Sarah Christie, ZSL’s tiger conservation expert, “The Sunderbans is a critical tiger habitat; one of only a handful of remaining forests big enough to hold several hundred tigers. To lose the Sunderbans would be to move a step closer to the extinction of these majestic animals.” But reports prove that the Sunderbans is changing. The scientists found rapidly retreating coastline that cannot be accounted for by the regular dynamics of the Sunderbans. Degradation is happening fast, weakening this natural shield for India and Bangladesh, says the report. Many know that without the natural protection of the Sunderbans, the coasts of India and Bangladesh would be a playground for huge tidal waves, sea cyclones, and tsunamis. Mangroves represent less than one per cent of forests in the world, but they have a huge impact on climate. They are the most carbon rich forests in the tropics with high carbon capturing potential. The vanishing coast line could therefore trigger catastrophic changes, immersing within itself, villages, towns and even nations. The other study points how the 4.2 million people who reside near these mangrove belts are devastating the environment for their sustenance. From illegal felling of mangroves to poaching, blocking freshwater flow to unplanned embankments for settlements, human piranhas are gnawing on the body and soul of Sunderbans every day. The report also points out that in many places, sea water has replaced freshwater because of which plants such as the freshwater-loving Heritiera forms cannot survive. The central part of the Indian Sunderbans receives almost no fresh water because of heavy siltation and clogging of the Bidyadhari channel. “The influence of salinity and effects of climate change, though not well-understood, appear to be promoting the invasion of alien species in some parts of the Sundarbans,” the report adds. The Sunderbans cover 10,000 sq km of land and water with 40 per cent of the forests in India. It is characterised by the sunderi trees that give the mangroves their name. The roots of these trees hold together small islands of mud, on which they grow, but are at the same time quick to lose the grayish brown silt to water with each incoming tide. The concern is, for how long can the sunderi trees continue to hold on to the essence of the Sunderbans especially when people are persistently changing every natural system through aquaculture, land development and over-exploitation? It is not for experts and conservationists, but the residents of these floating forests to understand the ground reality. For generations, they have recognised the supremacy of nature by praying to Ma Banabibi, considered as the protector of the inhabitants of the forests and Dakshin Ray worshiped as the God of Tiger. But today, what will make them and the entire ecosystem last is not just prayers, but a pledge to be protectors. Whether the Sunderbans remains an ageless beauty depends on what role its inhabitants choose to play. http://www.deccanherald.com/content/308215/death-knell-sunderbans.html

Monday, January 28, 2013

Few tigers in PTR worry chief justice of Jharkhand

TNN | Jan 28, 2013, 10.05 AM IST DALTINGANJ: Chief justice of the Jharkhand high court PrakashTatia has expressed concern over a few big cats in the Palamu Tiger Reserve. "It appears that there is hardly any growth (in the number) of tigers here," said the chief justice, who arrived from Ranchi on Saturday. Speaking to reporters on Sunday at Betla, 27 km from here, Justice Tatia stressed the need for a tiger foundation in the state for an all-around development of the big cats. DFO (buffer) A K Mishra said the chief justice was informed about image of a tigress trapped in camera in Ramandaag area. Justice Tatia, however, had a word of praise for the elephant ride here which he took with his family in the morning. "The elephant ride of the Betla park is far impressive than that of Kaziranga. The elephant took us into deep forest here," he said asking for more animals to be added to the herd of elephants. At present, there are two elephants for the ride here. The chief justice wanted that entry of vehicular traffic inside the park be restricted and limited. He said the employees of the tiger reserve should get timely salary and their security be ensured. "Jharkhand has immense potentialities and these need to be tapped, promoted and exploited for tourism," Justice Tatia said. "Jharkhand's violence gets widespread coverage but there are a plenty of beautiful things and if tourism is encouraged here, it will benefit the poor and the commoner." Tourism can change the face of the economy of the area and earnings coming so from tourism will reach the people who will then be distracted from terrorism. He emphasized that people living outside the state be told of good things about Jharkhand. On Saturday, Justice Tatia reached Palamu Qilla amid tight security. He spent about half an hour there. "This precious heritage of the past 300 years or so be retained in its antique form as far as possible and I am most surprised to find this qilla (fort) in such a dense forest," he said on the fort. Quoting the chief justice, DFO (core) Premjit Anand said, "The chief justice was so pained to see the Palamu Qilla in terrible ruins." On justice-on-wheels, Justice Tatia said the state legal services authority would have one more facility soon. He showed keen interest when told that the facility travelled down to interior areas affected by Left wing extremism in Palamu. "The response of the people to this justice-on-wheels has been tremendous in the state," he said. About the second one, Justice Tatia said it would be fitted with more audio and visual facilities. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/Few-tigers-in-PTR-worry-chief-justice-of-Jharkhand/articleshow/18217626.cms

Sharad Pawar slams greens, bats for Adani

TNN | Jan 28, 2013, 07.01 AM IST Subhendu counters Jairam Ramesh remarks at JangalmahalAnti-women politicians should NAGPUR: NCP chief and union agriculture minister SharadPawar batted for Gujarat-based industrial house Adani Group, whose coal mines near Tadoba tiger reserve were cancelled due to concerns over tiger habitat being disturbed. Speaking at a conference organized by Vidarbha Economic Development Council (VED) on Saturday, he expressed disagreement with the decision by former minster of environment and forests JairamRamesh, during whose regime the allocation of coal blocks was cancelled. Adani is coming up with a power plant at Gondia which is also the electoral constituency of union heavy industries minister Praful Patel and a key NCP leader. Pawar said he had worked hard to ensure that the Adani Group's sets up the power plant in Gondia. "I met Gautam Adani with Praful Patel in Gondia. He said his company had inked a pact to supply power at Rs2.25 a unit to the state government owned MSEDCL for the next 25 years. I wondered how could they calculate the expenditure for such a long period. Adani said he was banking on the coal mines allotted to his company close to the plant. I coordinated with officials in Mumbai to speed up other things. However, environmentalists scuttled the project in the name of tiger conservation by cancelling the mines," said Pawar. The NCP boss countered the stance of environmentalists that the mine would harm the tiger habitat by saying that the blocks were quite far from the forest. The cancellation of mines has forced the company to import coal from Australia, leading to the calculations doing haywire and the company suffering a quarterly loss of Rs850 crore, Pawar added. Batting for other units in the power sector too, he came down hard on those opposing concentration of power plants in the region. "There is no need for a hue and cry over power plants siphoning away water meant for irrigation or creating pollution when hardly three of over 20 in the region are operational," he said. At the same time he also spoke of discouraging industries in Western Maharashtra, where there is a concern over excessive use of water by industries, especially when the region is reeling under a drought. "It is now the turn of areas like Vidarbha, Marathwada and Khandesh to see industrial development," he said. He said politics of sabotage has also hit the irrigation projects of Vidarbha, referring to the Gosikhurd dam. "A series of complaints have now stopped funds for this project. I will hold a meeting with minister of water resources soon to sort out the issue," he said. Curiously, he also praised Narendra Modi in a passing mention, saying that he would always cut across party lines when it came to the state's development. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Sharad-Pawar-slams-greens-bats-for-Adani/articleshow/18216466.cms

Friday, January 25, 2013

Poaching of tigers a major concern: CM

TNN | Jan 25, 2013, 06.26 AM IST Soon, law to deter attacks on scribes: Prithviraj ChavanCM Prithviraj Chavan to meet Dhule riot victimsPrithviraj Chavan orders judicial probe into Dhule riotPrithviraj Chavan inaugurates off-campus centre for a management inst...Chief for Maharashtra women’s commission soon, Prithviraj Chavan says PUNE: The estimated tiger population in the state has increased from 169 (in 2010) to around 200 at present. While the population has increased, one of the major concerns for the government is poaching. Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan on Thursday said that the government is taking strong steps to curb poaching of tigers and other wild animals. Speaking to reporters after the meeting of the state wildlife board, Chavan said it has been found that tigers are being poached by electrocution. MSEDCL's 11 KW lines pass from four tiger sanctuaries. The poachers use wires attached with hooks to draw current from the overhead high tension lines and electrocute tigers. To prevent poaching of tigers by electrocution, two proposals had come up before the state wildlife board. The first proposal was to consider whether the high tension lines can be laid underground, and the second proposal was about whether any rubber coating can be used for the lines passing through the sanctuaries. While no decision has been taken about these proposals, Chavan said a coordination group will be set up between the MSEDCL and the forest department to work out a proposal whether any joint patrolling team can be deployed along the overhead power lines. Last year, there were 14 tiger deaths, of which one died due to electrocution. This month, there have been three deaths of which one has died due to electrocution. The estimated tiger population in the state is around 200 at present, he said. Another proposal for protection of tigers is to create passes over irrigation canals. Chavan said irrigation canals, constructed in Vidarbha region, pass through tiger sanctuaries. The canals obstruct their free movement. Some tigers also get killed in these canals. For preventing such deaths and to allow free movement of tigers, a proposal is on the cards to have some passes over canals. An expert team from the irrigation department will finalise the design. Meanwhile, the state wildlife board has decided to increase the compensation to families of persons killed by tigers in buffer zones from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. The government has also decided to appoint special veterinary doctors who are willing to work in buffer zones around wildlife sanctuaries. ....box story 1: Pune: Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan on Thursday said that the state government has sent a recommendation to the central government to get clearance under the Forest Act for the proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). Speaking to reporters after the meeting of the Maharashtra Wildlife Board, Chavan said the eco-sensitive zone around the 14 sq km area of Karnala bird sanctuary has to be first demarcated by experts. One end of the proposed airport overlaps the eco-sensitive zone around the bird sanctuary up to a distance of 9.5 kms, he said. "The eco-sensitive zone has not been defined. It varies from two to 10 kms depending on the local situation. This area has to be defined by experts. The government has sent a recommendation to the Centre for getting clearance under the Forest Act, mentioning that the eco-sensitive zone be demarcated," Chavan said, adding that the government has already received environmental clearance for NMIA. The area of the Karnala bird sanctuary is a small area spread over just 14 sq kms, he said. The government is considering whether some additional area can be included in the sanctuary, he added. Chavan pointed out that the National Highway (NH17) from Mumbai to Goa passes from the sanctuary. There is also a proposal for six-laning of the highway. The government had earlier planned to create a bypass to avoid the sanctuary area. However, the estimated cost for the proposal is too high, he said. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Another-arrest-in-tiger-poaching-case/articleshow/18176570.cms

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Ranthambhore tigress relocated to Sariska

TNN | Jan 23, 2013, 03.10 AM IST Poaching fears over tiger relocation at SariskaEfforts on to revive tiger population in Sariska national parkSupreme Court lifts ban on tiger tourismCM wants impact assessment of forestsMaharashtra to take up documentation of biodiversity soon SARISKA: The interim pause in the relocation experiment for re-populating the Sariska tiger reserve with big cats was finally broken when two-year-old tigress Beena 1 was released at the reserve on Tuesday evening. Wildlife and forest officials tranquilized Beena 1 and fixed a satellite collar in Ranthambhore before it was released at Sariska. The officials are hopeful that its sibling will be tranquilized on Wednesday after which she will also be shifted to Sariska to take the total population of big cats in the reserve to nine. Tiger relocation to Sariska comes after a long gap. The last tiger, a male ST-6, was relocated to Sariska on February 23, 2011. Officials of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, managed to tranquilize the tigress at 7.23 am sharp. "We were hopeful that we will also be able to catch her sibling as the duo always stay together. But that was not to be. We waited for about three hours but as we were not able to tranquilize the other tigress we decided to proceed with the relocation of just one tigress today. On Wednesday we shall try relocation Beena 2 to Sariska," officials of the forest department said. After the tranquilization the tigress was put in a cage atop a Canter and the vehicle proceeded for Sariska. After about six hours, the vehicle finally reached the gates of the reserve in Alwar and the tigress was taken towards the special enclosure set up near Nayapani for a soft launch. No sooner was the gates of the cage opened the tigress which had then come back to its senses ran away towards a bush and hid itself. Officials say the tigress will be fed with a bait in the night. Attending the tiger release was state forest and tourism minister Bina Kak, director of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) Rajesh Gopal, scientists of the WII, including P K Mullick, D R Parag Nigam and Dr Shankar and chief wildlife warden Rajasthan A S Brar. "The two tigresses are sub-adults and were straying out of the forest. We have brought them up carefully ever since they were orphaned when they were three months' old and since we did not want any mishap with them, we decided to relocate them. After shifting its sibling probably tomorrow, we are hopeful of some more relocation and this time from outside the state. We are in talks with Madhya Pradesh and Maharastra governments for getting some big cats from there too," Kak said. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Ranthambhore-tigress-relocated-to-Sariska/articleshow/18141018.cms

Buxa tiger census in Feb

By Pinak Priya Bhattacharya, TNN | Jan 23, 2013, 05.23 AM IST JALPAIGURI: Nearly 100 teams - each comprising five men - of the forest department will conduct a tiger census in the Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR) next month. The volunteers will be trained in the first week of February and several NGOs are expected to join the exercise. According to the last census, there are 19 tigers in the BTR. "There are 48 beats in the forest that is spread over 750 sq km. Nearly 100 teams will conduct the census," said BTR field director RP Saini. The volunteers will scan pug marks, collect tiger scat and look for other evidences to arrive at the number of tigers in the reserve. In BTR, pug marks and tiger scat indicate that there has been an increase in their number in the past few years, claim forest officials. Once almost wiped out, the striped beauty has succeeded to turn around here and now regular sightings are reported in Jayanti, Rajabhatkhawa, Nimti, Sankosh and Kumargram areas of the forest. "Our workers report sightings twice or thrice in a week. Tigers are mostly seen in core areas like Jayanti and Rajabhatkhawa. But recently, they were also sighted in other areas like Sankosh and Kumargram", said a senior forest official of BTR. However, some contradict this claim as there hasn't been a single attack on cattle or any human being in the last 10 years though there are several villages in the core area. Wild-life enthusiasts believe tiger sighting in north Bengal is low due to three reasons. Firstly, tiger is a nocturnal animal. Secondly, their number is very low to be seen in a huge forest like the BTR and finally, high density of forestland also works as a hindrance for sighting. "Kaziranga has the highest number of tiger population in the country. Yet sighting is very low. This is because of the high density of the forest," said Animesh Bose of the Himalayan Nature and Adventure Foundation. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Buxa-tiger-census-in-Feb/articleshow/18142159.cms

2 more held in tiger poaching case

TNN | Jan 23, 2013, 02.05 AM IST NAGPUR: Two more persons were arrested in Deolapar tiger poaching case on Tuesday. With this, the total number of arrested accused has gone up to nine. Three teams of forest officials had arrested seven persons on Saturday. On Tuesday, investigating officials ACF SB Bhalavi and Deolapar RFO AR Sheikh picked up Bhushan Revadia from Untkhana in the city and Dilip Admane of Hiwara-Khanora near Ramtek. "Both were not directly involved in poaching but were in possession of one tiger nail each. Admane was absconding after he learnt about arrest of the seven poachers," said Sheikh. Forest officials claimed 15 nails have been recovered so far besides other body parts. Sheikh said the nail was given to Revadia for free by one of the accused from Tumsar. Revadia used to go to Gaimukh near Tumsar to offer prayers where both had met and become friends. All the accused will be produced before judicial magistrate first class ( JMFC), Ramtek, on Wednesday. It is learnt that forest officials are not likely to seek extended custody of the accused. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/2-more-held-in-tiger-poaching-case/articleshow/18140465.cms

Monday, January 7, 2013

Railways inaction leaves foresters fuming

By Pinak Priya Bhattacharya, TNN | Jan 7, 2013, 03.02 AM IST Indian Railways beat Maharashtra3 elephants killed, 2 injured as train crashes into herdRailways pitches for 5-10 paise fare hike per kilometreMP Dinesh Trivedi seeks speedy trial of tainted leadersRailways to develop stations for more revenue JALPAIGURI: A day after three jumbos died when the Guwahati-bound Jhajha Express crashed into a herd near Madhugachh, the two injured elephants were rescued on Sunday morning and are undergoing treatment at Rajabhatkhawa. The accident left foresters fuming and they came down heavily on the railways for taking no measures to curb elephant deaths. According to officials, the forest department had written to the railways last month asking them to maintain a minimum speed while running through forest areas especially at night. The railways, say reports, refused to agree to the proposal on the grounds that train services would take a hit if it is implemented. "Instead, they insisted on increasing vigil along the 168-km-long railway track between Alipurduar Junction and New Jalpaiguri. Even if watch towers are set up every 500 meters, how will you monitor the space between the two towers during the night hours," questioned a senior forest official. "Had we had the mechanism to track elephant movement inside forests, would we allow herds to come near the railway tracks? It is not possible to know the movement of a wild herd. The only solution is stopping movement of trains on the railway track after darkness," said RP Saini, field director, Buxa Tiger Reserve. In September 2010, seven jumbos were mowed down by a goods train in Moraghat after which it was decided that regular weeding, up to 30 feet, would be done on both sides of the track to ensure clear visibility for the train drivers. "We have been doing that regularly. The spot where the incident happened on Saturday evening has a clear visibility. Then how did the driver overlook the herd crossing the track? The problem is that the railways never accepts its fault and always blames the forest department," a senior forester said. Several naturist organizations have time and again appealed to the railways to double the track that passes through Falakata in Jalpaiguri and runs parallel to the one that moves through Dooars. On Sunday, forest minister Hiten Burman visited the site of the accident. He said his department would write to the railways seeking answers on why jumbo deaths by trains had become a regular affair. But Burman's assurance has failed to please foresters and naturists. " Mamata Banerjee, Dinesh Trivedi and then Mukul Roy - all of them were railway ministers and could have taken up the matter of doubling the parallel railway track and stopping movement of trains on the Dooars track at night. But when in power, they did nothing despite making numerous appeals. Now what's the point in blaming the railways?" said Animesh Basu of Himalayan Nature and Adventure Foundation. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Railways-inaction-leaves-foresters-fuming/articleshow/17918348.cms

Dr R K Pachauri sounds climate alert for Sundarbans

Mumbai News www.mid-day.comFind out the freshest and latest news of Mumbai Nobel laureate and director-general of TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) Dr R K Pachauri on Sunday expressed concern over rising sea levels in the Sundarban delta — the world’s largest mangrove forest that straddles India and Bangladesh. Speaking on the sidelines of the Indian Science Congress, Pachauri said there is a need to take adaptation measures to address the issue. “The rise in sea levels in Sundarbans is a cause of worry,” he said. Researchers of the School of Oceanographic Studies, Jadavpur University, estimate that the annual rise in sea level from 3.14 mm recorded till the year 2000 increased to about 8 mm in 2010. The delta consists of 102 low-lying islands of which 48 are inhabited. Nearly 4 million people in the Sundarbans coexist with 26 species of true mangroves, 234 species of birds and 47 species of mammals including the Royal Bengal tiger. Experts point out that the islands and their ecosystems, including the human and animal communities, are under severe stress for want of natural resources and are highly vulnerable to changes in climate. Climate change is leading to increased salinity and higher tidal surges, permanent submergence of land masses, experts said. Reports suggest that in the past two decades four islands (Bedford, Lohachara, Kabasgadi and Suparibhanga) were submerged and 6,000 families rendered homeless. This apart, scientists from University of Calcutta and Jadavpur University have predicted that one of the largest islands (Sagar island) will lose at least 15 per cent of its habitat area by 2020. Pachauri highlighted the need to strengthen mangrove plantations. “Dykes need to be set up at Sundarbans. It is one of the most important things to maintain biodiversity,” he said. Dykes are natural or artificial slopes or walls to regulate water levels. Solar energy Pachauri said India is committed to National Action Mission on Solar Energy. Till now 10,000 MW of solar energy is used as alternative source of power, but the country needs around 25-30,000 MW solar energy as alternative power. http://www.indianexpress.com/news/dr-r-k-pachauri-sounds-climate-alert-for-sundarbans/1055566/0

'MP tigress died due to officials' negligence'

Shashikant Trivedi / New Delhi/ Bhopal Jan 07, 2013, 00:18 IST The death of a tigress in the forests of Katni, Madhya Pradesh, two months ago, was caused due to “the carelessness of government officials”, a new investigation report has said. “On 16 November, 2012, ‘lineman’ Prakash Chandra Berman had spotted a damaged power transmission pole in the area where the tigress was later found dead. He made repeated requests. But there was no response from his superiors. On 18 November, carelessness turned fatal while the tigress was preying on a stray cow. They both fell on the live, high-voltage, loose electric supply wires and were electrocuted to death,” the investigation report of forest conservation (Katni circle) said. A copy of the report is available with Business Standard. "It is a clear case of negligence and the investigation report must have made the MP Power Transmission Company an accused in the case. If proper action is not taken against the erring and irresponsible staff and officials, our organisations will file a private complaint in the local court," tiger conservationist Ajay Dubey told Business Standard. Dubey also raised several questions about the incident. "Why did the forest beat in-charge not report about the incident immediately to his superiors? Why does the primary offence report of the forest department not have names of its own field staff and those of the MP Power Distribution Company staff when the lineman had already reported a damaged pole two days prior to the accident? What steps have been taken by the state government to protect tigers?" Dubey had earlier demanded that the Supreme Court impose a blanket ban on tiger tourism across India. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) R S Negi, however, clarified while speaking to Business Standard, "We have a process to file criminal cases under the Wildlife Protection Act when any Schedule - I animal is killed. When our team reached the scene of death, there was no one. As a result, the police has made "Unknown" as an accused. After investigations, responsibility will be fixed and a ‘challan’ will be presented before the court either by police or by department staff to bring the accused to justice." Katni District Forest Officer (DFO) Mohammad Quasim Khan told Business Standard, "Two staff members of the MP Power Discom Company have been found guilty of carelessness and I have filed an FIR (first information report) against them under an electricity act. Since the lineman and the maintenance engineer did not take timely action, the tigress was electrocuted." Khan also responded to Dubey’s charge that the forest department had ignored and skipped the post-mortem of the tigress even though the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has made it mandatory to ascertain reasons and the time of death of a tiger. "The carcasses of the tigress and the cow were charred due to high-voltage and were beyond postmortem or lab examination limits," explained Khan. Madhya Pradesh is already facing criticism from various organisations and wildlife activists on the fast-shrinking population of the big cat in the state. In the recent past, three tigresses died in accidents or poacher attacks. The total number of tigers in Madhya Pradesh was 257 in the last census, while Karnataka reported 300 or more tigers in the count. This resulted in Madhya Pradesh losing the title of 'tiger state'. http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/mp-tigress-died-due-to-officials-negligence/497946/

Tiger found dead, body parts intact

TNN | Jan 7, 2013, 01.58 AM IST CHANDRAPUR: A tiger was found dead in forest under south Bramhapuri range on Sunday afternoon. Forest department has ruled out poaching in this case claiming that all body parts of the beast are intact. This is the first instance of tiger death in Chandrapur this year. DCF, Bramhapuri Forest Division, Sanjay Thavare informed that a forest guard and an NGO activist detected the carcass during patrolling in compartment no. 156 near Ekara (Bhuj) village late on Sunday afternoon. "The carcass is four days old and has decomposed totally. But all body parts are intact," he said and ruled out possibility of poaching. The gender of the animal could not be determined till evening due to its decomposed state. Guards were posted at the place and post-mortem would be carried out on Monday. Senior officials had left for the spot in the evening. Nevertheless, forest officials are suspecting it to be a case of revenge killing (by poisoning). However sources said that an official confirmation could be made after the post-mortem report is received tomorrow. Last year, 10 tigers had died in Chandrapur's forests. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Tiger-found-dead-body-parts-intact/articleshow/17917898.cms

Forest dept seeks funds from State for Project Tiger

Ashwini Y S, Bangalore, Jan 6, 2013, DHNS: Rehabilitation programmes stalled owing to severe financial crunch Left high and dry by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the State Forest department has been forced to approach the State government in the hopes of getting funds for rehabilitation projects under Project Tiger in Karnataka. The department, the nodal agency responsible for Project Tiger, claims it is in the throes of a financial crisis as it has suffered a poor flow of funds for rehabilitation projects aimed at reducing human presence in tiger habitats. Now, the department is placing a proposal for the release of Rs 300 crore in the 2013-14 State budget. Officials from the department, however, are sceptical about the proposal’s acceptance, as the scheme is Centrally sponsored. Furthermore, the Karnataka government has already declined to respond to a similar request made in the last financial year. Funds needed The department has sought Rs 92.40 crore for Nagarhole from the State government. It also hopes to get Rs 3.60 crore for Anshi-Dandeli, Rs 4.01 crore for Bhadra, and Rs 200 crore for the Kudremukh National Park. “During the last few years, despite our continued efforts, we have been able to secure funds only for Nagarhole. As a result, we are approaching the Karnataka government. The lack of funds, coupled with continued efforts by NGOs who are persuading forest dwellers not to relocate, has impeded effective rehabilitation,” explained Dipak Sharma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. Karnataka has five tiger reserves: at Bandipur, Bhadra, Nagarhole, Anshi-Dandeli and the Biligiri Ranganatha Temple area — together containing over 285 tigers. An additional 40 to 50 tigers have been identified as residing in other forests, including at the Kudremukh National Park (KNP). Incidentally, Karnataka has rejected proposals calling for KNP to be declared a tiger reserve despite the Centre’s approval to do so. Project Tiger aims at ending human interaction in tiger-populated areas and offers a rehabilitation package to help relocate families found in “core” and “buffer” areas. Families in “core” areas are offered Rs 10 lakh as compensation. A total of 8,374 families have been identified in tiger reserves and national parks, of which 856 families have been relocated till date. The Forest department is yet to begin a survey at the Biligiri Ranganatha Temple, which was declared a tiger reserve in 2011. Successful beginning The most successful rehabilitation project has been at Bandipur, which in 1973, became the first forest area to be declared a tiger reserve. A total of 154 families resided in the area — all of whom were rehabilitated and relocated to Sollepur in HD Kote over a period of time. In Nagarhole, the department has spent around Rs 19 crore — of the total Rs 29 crore released by the NTCA — and has relocated 496 families to Shettihalli Lakkapatna in Hunsur. As many as 133 families have agreed to move, and the department is in the process of completing new homes at the rehabilitation site. In Bhadra, the department has shifted 418 families to MC Halli and Kelagur near Chikmagalur by spending Rs 17.65 crore till date. At Anshi-Dandeli, of the 4,114 families, only 36 have come forward to accept the package. At Kudremukh National Park, of the 1,382 families which lived there, the department spent Rs 5.59 crore to shift 61 families. Recently, an additional 531 families have volunteered to be relocated. http://www.deccanherald.com/content/303432/forest-dept-seeks-funds-state.html