tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31959692754675585622024-03-14T10:30:21.535+05:30Planet TigerThis blog is a humble contribution towards increasing awareness about problems being faced wrt Tiger Conservation in India. With the Tiger fast disappearing from the radar and most of us looking the other way the day is not far when the eco system that supports and nourishes us collapses. Citizen voice is an important tool that can prevent the disaster from happening and this is an attempt at channelising the voice of concerned nature lovers.Nawal Ahujahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046280531150622309noreply@blogger.comBlogger2101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195969275467558562.post-3274145952970102222013-07-01T13:04:00.001+05:302013-07-01T13:04:35.924+05:30NTCA team arriving to decide fate of straying tiger, may relocate it in SatkosiaThe two-member committee appointed by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for making site appraisal in Satkosia to facilitate relocation of the straying tiger is set to arrive here on Monday.
The team, comprising Assistant Inspector General Dr Bilal Habib and Wildlife Institute of India Scientist Parag Nigam, will take stock of the habitat at Satkosia which is believed to be the home of the five-year-old tiger, currently in Nandankanan Zoological Park’s White Tiger Safari. “We have information that the two-member team will reach here on July 1 or maybe a day later,” sources in the Wildlife Wing said.
On June 6, the NTCA had ordered that the five-year-old tiger should be released into the wild in Satkosia after radio collaring. The national authority had also sought a post-release monitoring protocol to be put in place for which it will provide funding support.
The team will visit Satkosia, a low density tiger reserve, to make an inspection of the probable sites where the tiger could be relocated. It will also assess the conflict issues since male tigers are extremely territorial in nature.
Besides, relocation sites have to be taken into consideration on basis of their proximity to human habitations to avoid any man-animal conflict.
In fact, the NTCA has made it clear that it will fund the radio collaring and subsequent post-release protocol. The national body has a whole laid down procedure to prevent any conflict situation arising out of straying of wild tigers.
Chief Wildlife Warden J D Sharma, vested with the power to decide the tiger’s fate, had said that he would wait for the advice of the NTCA team members and take a call which is in the “best interest of the carnivore as well as the people.”
The five-year-old male tiger, which has been in Chandaka forests and in the vicinity of Nandankanan, also a wildlife sanctuary, had entered the zoo’s safari on April 30. A month later, with its fate hanging in the balance and no action taken by the Wildlife Wing, the zoo authorities had moved it to an enclosure. The same day, on May 31, it scaled the 18 feet iron mesh wall of the enclosure and freed itself.
About a week back, it returned again and is back in the safari. In case relocation is recommended by the NTCA, it will also discuss capture of the tiger which requires immobilisation. The relocation, strongly advocated by wildlife activists, may trigger protest from adjoining local villagers who have been seeking that the predator be kept in captivity at the zoo.
On June 6, the NTCA had ordered that the five-year-old tiger should be released into the wild in Satkosia after radio collaring.
The relocation may trigger protest from adjoining local villagers who have been seeking that the predator be kept in captivity at the zoo.
The team will visit Satkosia, a low density tiger reserve, to make an inspection of the probable sites where the tiger could be relocated.
In case relocation is recommended by the NTCA, it will also discuss capture of the tiger which requires immobilisation.
http://newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/NTCA-team-arriving-to-decide-fate-of-straying-tiger-may-relocate-it-in-Satkosia/2013/07/01/article1661809.eceNawal Ahujahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046280531150622309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195969275467558562.post-17690457005543037282013-07-01T13:03:00.001+05:302013-07-01T13:03:58.378+05:30Big cat from Palamu Tiger Reserve strays into non-reserve areaTNN | Jul 1, 2013, 05.10 AM IST
DALTONGANJ: A big cat from the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) has strayed into a non-tiger reserve area. Sources said, its presence in the area has made him vulnerable to potential threat from outsiders
The tiger first crossed the Koyal river, which had very little water a couple of days ago. The tiger migrated from Kumandi (Kumandi is under the tiger reserve) to Saryu ( a non-tiger reserve).
PTR field director S E H Kazmi said the divisional forest officer (core) of this reserve P Anand has informed him about the tiger straying into a non-tiger reserve area. Pug marks were found on both sides of the Koyal river.
A wild animal, especially a tiger or a leopard in a non-reserve area, is exposed to various threats, inlcuding the threat to its life. As and when it preys, it ltriggers hostility among the livestock feed owner.
Asked if strayed elephants can be controlled and brought back to normal track, why not tigers, the field director said, "Here there is no mechanisn as such to tame or put back any migrated or strayed tiger on its old trodden path or area."
Responding to a query about whether the tiger will go hunting for a man if it fails to find a prey, Kazmi said, "Palamu Tiger Reserve doesn't have a history of a tiger eating a man since the year of its inception 1974. There have been a couple of incidents when a tiger has mauled some persons but not eaten up anyone here. Man-tiger directconfrontation is unheard of here."
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Big-cat-from-Palamu-Tiger-Reserve-strays-into-non-reserve-area/articleshow/20852261.cmsNawal Ahujahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046280531150622309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195969275467558562.post-69598023502560394442013-06-28T11:41:00.003+05:302013-06-28T11:41:09.093+05:30Madhya Pradesh confident of reclaiming its 'tiger state' tag in next census: State forest ministerBagish K Jha, TNN | Jun 27, 2013, 07.15 PM IST
According to the last tiger census, there were only 257 tigers left in Madhya Pradesh's six tiger reserves- Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Panna, Bori-Satpura, Sanjay Dubri, and Pench.
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INDORE: Madhya Pradesh that is in loggerhead with Gujarat over translocation of lions is now confident to reclaim its 'tiger state' tag in the next census. Forest minister of Madhya Pradesh Sartaj Singh on Thursday said numbers of tigers have increased significantly and state is all set to emerge number one in terms of tigers.
Minister claims that he is getting reports of encouraging increase in number of tigers at Panna and Kanha Tiger reservers, the number of tiger cubs in other reserves across the state is also looking up. He further said total number of tigers in state might go close to 300 in next census.
According to the last tiger census there were only 257 tigers left in the state's six tiger reserves- Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Panna, Bori-Satpura, Sanjay Dubri, and Pench.
Minister said they had objected to the figures last census released by WII and National Tiger Conservation Authourity (NTCA). He said that WII and NTCA had admitted their mistake after conducting re-counting in Kanha Tiger Reserve. "But they said figure can not be changed now after it being released," said Singh adding that even the figure of 300 tiger in Karnataka was not correct. So they are very confident about reclaiming tag of 'tiger state'.
On the allegation of poaching being one the main reason behind decline in number of tigers, minister said Madhya Pradesh was at number four in terms of tiger death in 2012. Maharashtra, Karnataka and Uttarakhand are leading the list. Last year nearly 12 tigers died many of them died natural deaths or accidents because most of the cases carcases were found. He added that poachers do not leave body behind.
An NGO has submitted its report to Gujarat forest department that has stated that lions should not be translocated to Kuno as Madhya Pardesh is known to be a major poaching ground and the state has lost 453 tigers out of 710 (63% loss) in a decade. The state as per the 2011 census has only 257 tigers. The loss of tiger in Madhya Pradesh was 50 per cent of the total loss of the tigers across the world.
Minister said these figures are inflated and they object it in SC. "We have one very basic argument one species should be restrict to only one geographical area. So lion should be translocated to other area and several surveys were done before finalising Kuno as second home of lion," said minister.
Minister said to oppose translocation NGO report has calimed that Sheopur district has 4800 fire arm licenses for a population of six lakh and the sanctuary area was once a hub of dacoits from Chambal. "First there is need to cross check the statistics of report, second does it mean that everyone with gun license is waiting with their gun to kill lion," said minister.
He further said concentration of one species at one place is good for that particular species. "For this very purpose we are translocating Barasingha from Kanha to Satpura," said minister. Right now Barashinga are only at Kanha forest department want to spread it to other areas also. It applies on lion too.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Madhya-Pradesh-confident-of-reclaiming-its-tiger-state-tag-in-next-census-State-forest-minister/articleshow/20799570.cmsNawal Ahujahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046280531150622309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195969275467558562.post-50826422199441692232013-06-28T11:41:00.001+05:302013-06-28T11:41:05.306+05:30Madhya Pradesh confident of reclaiming its 'tiger state' tag in next census: State forest ministerBagish K Jha, TNN | Jun 27, 2013, 07.15 PM IST
According to the last tiger census, there were only 257 tigers left in Madhya Pradesh's six tiger reserves- Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Panna, Bori-Satpura, Sanjay Dubri, and Pench.
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INDORE: Madhya Pradesh that is in loggerhead with Gujarat over translocation of lions is now confident to reclaim its 'tiger state' tag in the next census. Forest minister of Madhya Pradesh Sartaj Singh on Thursday said numbers of tigers have increased significantly and state is all set to emerge number one in terms of tigers.
Minister claims that he is getting reports of encouraging increase in number of tigers at Panna and Kanha Tiger reservers, the number of tiger cubs in other reserves across the state is also looking up. He further said total number of tigers in state might go close to 300 in next census.
According to the last tiger census there were only 257 tigers left in the state's six tiger reserves- Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Panna, Bori-Satpura, Sanjay Dubri, and Pench.
Minister said they had objected to the figures last census released by WII and National Tiger Conservation Authourity (NTCA). He said that WII and NTCA had admitted their mistake after conducting re-counting in Kanha Tiger Reserve. "But they said figure can not be changed now after it being released," said Singh adding that even the figure of 300 tiger in Karnataka was not correct. So they are very confident about reclaiming tag of 'tiger state'.
On the allegation of poaching being one the main reason behind decline in number of tigers, minister said Madhya Pradesh was at number four in terms of tiger death in 2012. Maharashtra, Karnataka and Uttarakhand are leading the list. Last year nearly 12 tigers died many of them died natural deaths or accidents because most of the cases carcases were found. He added that poachers do not leave body behind.
An NGO has submitted its report to Gujarat forest department that has stated that lions should not be translocated to Kuno as Madhya Pardesh is known to be a major poaching ground and the state has lost 453 tigers out of 710 (63% loss) in a decade. The state as per the 2011 census has only 257 tigers. The loss of tiger in Madhya Pradesh was 50 per cent of the total loss of the tigers across the world.
Minister said these figures are inflated and they object it in SC. "We have one very basic argument one species should be restrict to only one geographical area. So lion should be translocated to other area and several surveys were done before finalising Kuno as second home of lion," said minister.
Minister said to oppose translocation NGO report has calimed that Sheopur district has 4800 fire arm licenses for a population of six lakh and the sanctuary area was once a hub of dacoits from Chambal. "First there is need to cross check the statistics of report, second does it mean that everyone with gun license is waiting with their gun to kill lion," said minister.
He further said concentration of one species at one place is good for that particular species. "For this very purpose we are translocating Barasingha from Kanha to Satpura," said minister. Right now Barashinga are only at Kanha forest department want to spread it to other areas also. It applies on lion too.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Madhya-Pradesh-confident-of-reclaiming-its-tiger-state-tag-in-next-census-State-forest-minister/articleshow/20799570.cmsNawal Ahujahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046280531150622309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195969275467558562.post-6628070943413642302013-06-28T11:40:00.003+05:302013-06-28T11:40:43.541+05:30Unhappy with non-compliance, IG calls off tiger cell meetVijay Pinjarkar, TNN | Jun 28, 2013, 01.27 AM IST
NAGPUR: The 15th divisional tiger cell meeting called on Thursday in the backdrop of a series of tiger poaching cases in the region ended abruptly after Rajendra Singh, the special inspector general (Nagpur Zone) who is also chairman of the cell, expressed displeasure over non-compliance of wildlife related issues by the forest department.
The meeting started at 3.35pm at Van Sabhagruha. When minutes of the last meeting in February were being read out by PK Mahajan, the member-secretary of the cell and Nagpur deputy conservator of forests (DyCF), Singh sought information on action taken on covering of open wells, data on patrolling, creation of paths near electric lines etc. But the forest officials remained mum.
Hence, a displeased Singh called off the meeting. All SPs, forest officials and their representatives from five districts and NGOs were present.
"These are internal matters which I cannot tell you," was all Singh told TOI.
Admitting that the deadline of July 30 has been set to comply with decisions taken in earlier meetings, Mahajan said that the meeting did not proceed. The next meeting will be held in the first week of August.
FCR for 2 poachers till July 3
Tiger poachers Barsul and Yarlen, who were arrested by Jabalpur forest officials and brought here on Tuesday, were granted forest custody remand (FCR) until July 3 by a JMFC on Thursday. Badlu, Chika and Siri, the other poachers, are already under MCR till July 3. Badlu (Mamru), one the three arrested poachers for killing a tiger in East Melghat, in his statement had said that Barsul was involved in killing a tiger in Akot wildlife division. But Melghat wildlife officials have denied poaching in their area. The JMFC denied permission to hand over the poaching case to Melghat owing to technical reasons. A senior magistrate will have to take a decision on this.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Unhappy-with-non-compliance-IG-calls-off-tiger-cell-meet/articleshow/20806032.cmsNawal Ahujahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046280531150622309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195969275467558562.post-92170525569894258272013-06-28T11:40:00.001+05:302013-06-28T11:40:21.788+05:30Tiger's body parts found from sarpanch's houseHitesh Chavda, TNN | Jun 28, 2013, 04.28 AM IST
NADIAD: The state forest department officials recovered body parts of tiger from former sarpanch of Kadi village in Mahuda taluka on Thursday.
The officials impersonated as potential customers to catch the sarpanch after forest conversator PK Raval got a tip-off about three weeks back.
Raval first contacted the sarpanch Jashu Patel on June 12 as a customer and agreed to buy tiger's skin and other body parts for Rs. 3.5 lakh. Patel was caught in possession of tiger's skin, head, nails and teeth.
The operation was carried with the help of local police. A case has been registered against Patel under the Wildlife Act.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vadodara/Tigers-body-parts-found-from-sarpanchs-house/articleshow/20807801.cmsNawal Ahujahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046280531150622309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195969275467558562.post-8377243456124240692013-06-10T17:45:00.001+05:302013-06-10T17:45:10.641+05:30Two tiger poachers nabbed, confess to killing five tigers in MelghatVijay Pinjarkar, TNN | Jun 10, 2013, 02.06 AM IST
The two, who were nabbed from Mansar, are part of a 30-member gang, which claims to have killed five tigers in the region over the last one month and sold tiger skins to a trader in North India.
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NAGPUR: The local crime branch (LCB) has nabbed two tiger poachers belonging to the notorious Baheliya community. The two, who were nabbed from Mansar, are part of a 30-member gang, which claims to have killed five tigers in the region over the last one month and sold tiger skins to a trader in North India.
The operation to nab the poachers was launched on May 30 based on a tip-off to Nagpur IG from New Delhi. Police nabbed the poachers on June 6 while they were finalizing a deal for a tiger skin.
On June 7, the duo were handed over to the forest department, which is further investigating the matter, after obtaining custody of the duo till June 12. The poachers have been taken to Melghat, where the gang reportedly killed the tigers.
Crime branch PI RM Pali, who took action under the guidance of rural SP MK Sharma, who is also chief of the district tiger cell, said the dreaded poachers have been identified as Badlu (18) and Chika (20), both hailing from Baheliya stronghold Katni. They are a part of a tiger poaching gang that supplies tiger parts and skins to international syndicates.
"The poachers have told us that their gang killed five tigers in Vidarbha region over the last one month, and sold the skins and bones eight days ago. We intercepted the gang on the basis of call details records (CDRs) and Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) inputs. We nabbed them while they were striking a deal for a skin. No skins have been seized from them as yet," said Pali.
Forest officials who did want to be quoted said the poachers also confessed to have killed a tiger in Mandla and Tumsar. Only a thorough probe would reveal from where the tigers were killed.
Pali said even as the deal was being settled, the poachers smelled a trap. Chika tried to run away by jumping from the four-wheeler. He also jumped into a well to hide, but was pulled out after a dramatic chase by policemen.
According to sources, WPSI had first alerted forest officials in December 2012. It had also sounded another alert for police and forest officials in April, but the gang members gave a slip to both police and foresters. On May 30, yet another alarm was raised, and this time police took no chances.
Coincidentally, forest officials contacted one of phone numbers that came up during investigations, and it turned out to be that of a poacher. Forest officials also undertook a sting operation but failed. Finally, police nabbed the poachers.
WPSI had sounded an alert on May 26 in Melghat. Based on this, officials had nabbed a poacher named Siri in Paratwada. Siri belongs to Baheliya community and is a member of a sister gang of tiger poachers. He is now in the custody of the forest department.
The arrest of poachers exposes tall claims of tiger protection by forest officials and also reveals how tigers are still under a threat.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Two-tiger-poachers-nabbed-confess-to-killing-five-tigers-in-Melghat/articleshow/20513159.cmsNawal Ahujahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046280531150622309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195969275467558562.post-83224649693786859022013-06-10T17:44:00.002+05:302013-06-10T17:44:37.897+05:30Tiger found dead in Hingna rangeVijay Pinjarkar, TNN | Jun 10, 2013, 02.12 AM IST
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NAGPUR: Even as Nagpur forest division officials are grappling with leopard poisoning case in South Umred, a tiger was found dead in Hingna range on Sunday evening. This is the seventh tiger death in the state since January 2013.
The forest staff has failed to learn lessons from the past. Unlike poaching of a full-grown male tiger in Deolapar range that went unnoticed for over a month by the field staff, the carcass of the tiger found on Sunday is suspected to be over 10 days old.
However, deputy conservator of forests (DyCF) for Nagpur PK Mahajan ruled out poaching. "All the body parts like nails and skin of the tiger are intact. Prima facie it looks the tiger must have died of old age," Mahajan said. He along with CCF SH Patil had rushed to the spot after learning about the incident.
According to Mahajan, the putrefied carcass of a full-grown tiger was found around 4.15pm in reserve forest compartment number 301 in Borgaon beat. The spot is around 47km from Nagpur and 35km from the boundary of Bor Wildlife Sanctuary.
According to Mahajan, there appears a crack in a tooth of the tiger. This is an indication of old age, he said adding that 40% of the skin has decomposed.
The post mortem and other formalities like panchnama will be completed on Monday morning in the presence of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and chief wildlife warden's representatives.
When sought to know about the delay in detecting the carcass, Mahajan admitted laxity on part of beat guard and van majoor, who could have easily discovered the tiger.
"Both will face suspension," Mahajan said.
On Saturday, beat guard and van majoor were suspended for negligence in poisoning of leopard in South Umred range. Earlier, in Deolapar tiger poaching case, forest guard and van majoor were suspended. However, no accountability has been fixed against range forest officers (RFOs) who are equally responsible for such incidents.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Tiger-found-dead-in-Hingna-range/articleshow/20513194.cmsNawal Ahujahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046280531150622309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195969275467558562.post-11888281135031539752013-04-29T19:45:00.001+05:302013-04-29T19:45:36.087+05:30Tiger freed at Red zone in MP, villagers attack officialsP Naveen, TNN | Apr 29, 2013, 02.45 PM IST
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BHOPAL: A tiger, which was locked into a room by a tribal woman after it strayed into her house in Balaghat district in Madhya Pradesh on Friday morning was released near Loujhar ghati area — south Balaghat region, to save it from poachers.
Hunters wont lay traps in this area, forest officials believe. Loujhar Ghati area, which falls under the jurisdiction of Roopjhar police station area is frequented by Maoists of Malajkhand Dalam, sources said.
However, forest officials were attacked by angry villagers who wanted the tiger to be released in a distant area. Three persons, including retired ranger Niranjan Kumar Bisen, who volunteered help to the department in capturing the tiger, were injured after villagers resorted to stone-pelting. Police had to use mild lathicharge to disperse the mob.
"They objected to the release of the tiger in forest area close to their village. I sustained injuries on my arms and two labourers sustained fatal wounds on their head," Bisen said. This was 53rd tiger he had captured. "At least poachers won't enter the area fearing Naxals," he said.
The tiger had strayed into Nevargaon village close to the Pench-Kanha corridor in search of water, said forest officials. It entered into the house of Ishwar Nageshwar. When the tiger moved into a room, Ishwar's cousin Sangeeta Primal locked it from outside and ran out of her house with her three-year-old kid. Other members also woke up. The forest department was told about it. The tiger was into the room from 6 am to 5.30 pm till vets from the reserve tranquilized.
Wildlife experts believe the tiger travelled several kilometres through the Red Corridor either for space and or prey-base shortage from the Nagzira sanctuary in Gondia (Maharashtra).
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/Tiger-freed-at-Red-zone-in-MP-villagers-attack-officials/articleshow/19780354.cmsNawal Ahujahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046280531150622309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195969275467558562.post-66581909985462912902013-04-29T11:05:00.003+05:302013-04-29T11:05:17.385+05:30Many parts of Similipal Tiger Reserve declared inviolateMany parts of Similipal Tiger Reserve declared inviolate
By Siba Mohanty - BHUBANESWAR 29th April 2013 09:01 AM
Photos
About 800 sq km to 1200 sq km of inviolate area is required for the survival and sustenance of nearly 20 breeding tigers, which will in turn can sustain 50 to 60 tigers in all on a sustainable basis.
In a bid to provide the national animal and its cubs a safer and quieter habitat, the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) management has declared several parts of the core area to be inviolate.
Encouraged by sighting the big cats and their newborn cubs, the Upper Barahkamuda and Jenabil ranges have been declared no-go areas. Collection of minor forest produce and research activity has been prohibited. The STR has also banned vehicular movements after dusk, except on protection work. During the daytime, officials accompanied by STR staff can patrol the areas only in the vehicles belonging to the STR, Health, Police, Revenue Departments.
Considering that tigers are overly-protective of their cubs and thus prefer isolated areas that are free from any external interference, the park management is maintaining a strong vigil and surveillance on the settlements in and around core areas of the big cat’s habitat. There are 68 villages within the STR which include three villages and two settlements in the core/critical area.
As per the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) guidelines, about 800 sq km to 1200 sq km of inviolate area is required for the survival and sustenance of nearly 20 breeding tigers, which will in turn can sustain 50 to 60 tigers in all on a sustainable basis.
“Studies have shown that tigers have left the areas where new roads are created. Tigers also leave places with human presence. They need absolute inviolate area for breeding and growth. Visitors of tiger dens can create disastrous consequences for animals. The loss to species and their habitats after the 2009 Naxal attack was incalculable which has put them under stress. So, the need of the hour is to provide them the much-needed space,” said STR Field Director Anup Nayak.
http://newindianexpress.com/nation/Many-parts-of-Similipal-Tiger-Reserve-declared-inviolate/2013/04/29/article1566146.eceNawal Ahujahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046280531150622309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195969275467558562.post-68129375047591606552013-04-25T13:28:00.001+05:302013-04-25T13:28:14.177+05:30Ranthambore tiger strides 220km to MPAnindo Dey & P Naveen, TNN | Apr 25, 2013, 05.57 AM IST
The search for a home led a young male tiger from Ranthambore to travel through villages and agricultural fields, cross the Chambal river and 'settle' 220km away in a patch of forest in Datia district of Madhya Pradesh.
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JAIPUR/GWALIOR: The search for a home led a young male tiger from Ranthambore to travel through villages and agricultural fields, cross the Chambal river and 'settle' 220km away in a patch of forest in Datia district of Madhya Pradesh.
This is the farthest any big cat from the national park is recorded to have travelled. The journey has been documented by Ranthambhore's deputy conservator of forest YK Sahu, field biologist Dharmendra Khandal (of tiger watch), and Ayan Sadhu, a junior research fellow at Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun.
On March 14, the three-year-old tiger was found in Seoda range of Datia territorial forest division, a forest patch 55km in length and 11-12km wide. Identified as a male cub of tigress T-26, the tiger was one of three that went missing from Ranthambore. The other two were traced to Kuno wildlife sanctuary, which is preparing to host lions from Gir in Gujarat.
A team from Ranthambore visited Datia district last week. It installed camera traps to check the tiger's movements. The big cat finally showed up in camera trap pictures.
"Our team followed the tiger all the way to MP. We are happy that it's safe there and the officers were very cooperative. We cannot stop dispersal, only concern is its safety," said Y K Sahu, district forest officer Ranthambore.
The longest recorded distance travelled by a tiger is 280km (as the crow flies), when another young male wandered from Bandipur to Shikaripur in Karnataka in 2011.
According to a report by Sahu and others, "By the end of January 2013, the sub-adult cubs of tigress T-26, about two years old, began to disperse from their mother. On January 23 and 24 night, villagers of Khandar and Ganeshnagar reported movement of tigers," the report said.
By January 25, pugmarks were again seen along Banas river going towards Bichpuri. The marks led up to Bheonji, near Bichpuri village, 12km from Dhamida ghata and then 4km away near Gopaz Ghati leading to the neighbouring Kailadevi Sanctuary.
After that, the tiger crossed Chambal river and entered the forests of Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh. It was tracked by forest officials of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Between January 28 and February 9, the tiger had travelled 70 km from its natal place in Ranthambore. A cow was found mauled to death near Birpur territorial range in MP, confirming the predator's presence.
The animal went unnoticed for a long time. But in the first week of March 2013, the forest division of Datia in Madhya Pradesh reported movement of a tiger in Seoda range.
"Since there was no reported tiger presence in this area, a team was sent from Ranthambore to assist the Datia forest staff. On March 27, the killing of a wild boar alerted local staffers who installed cameras and managed to get pictures which matched with those of T26's male cub," the report notes.
"We concluded that the tiger roaming in the Seoda range is one of the male sub-adults from the present litter of T26," says Dharmendra Khandal.
There were no tiger sightings in Datia till one was shot dead by poachers in 1998. Prior to that one was hunted 'legally' by a royal family member in 1960, said sources.
"We are very concerned about the tiger's safety. Additional patrolling is being done to keep tab on its movements," said chief conservator of forest (Gwalior circle) SP Rayal.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Ranthambore-tiger-strides-220km-to-MP/articleshow/19719121.cmsNawal Ahujahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046280531150622309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195969275467558562.post-83368117920532459012013-04-19T10:06:00.002+05:302013-04-19T10:06:32.097+05:30Tiger was found dead near CorbettDS Kunwar, TNN | Apr 19, 2013, 04.49 AM IST
READ MORE Ramnagar Forest Division|National Tiger Conservation Authority|Corbett Tiger Reserve|Uttarakhand
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DEHRADUN: A mutilated body of a 6-year-old tiger was found in Ramnagar forest division under Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) in Nainital district on Thursday.
Kumaon forest conservator, Sameer Sinha, said the carcass was spotted during a routine visit by officials to Ramnagar forest division to roughly tally the number of tigers and other endangered species and their overall condition in the region.
Sinha said as the team discovered a tiger's body with its amputated leg. A forest official part of team said that the tiger's carcass also bore injuries caused by sharp-edged weapons. He said the tiger had apparently crossed into Ramnagar forest division in search of prey.
The official said the exact cause of death will be known after post-mortem examination report but the condition of carcass suggested it might have the work of poachers.
A senior IFS officer said the condition of carcass indicated that the animal was killed mostly probably late Wednesday. The body was taken to Corbett Veterinary centre for post-mortem.
This is the second suspected case of tiger poaching in Ramnagar forest division within one month. A tiger was found dead there in the second week of March. About seven tigers were found dead under mysterious circumstances under CTR and Ramnagar forest division during the last five months.
Decks were cleared for Special Tiger Protection Force in Corbett
Decks have been cleared for forming a Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) in Corbett National Park after senior officials in National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Uttarakhand Forest department and Corbett National Park (CNP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Ramnagar in Nainital district.
CNP director Ranjan Mishra said that STPF' will considerably help ensure the security of tigers and other endangered species in Corbett. The decision to form this force was taken to prevent spurt in tiger poaching in Corbett.
"Now there is no technical hitch in recruitment for force and we will begin recruitment", said Mishra. Principal chief conservator of forests R B S Rawat said the proposal had been pending with the Union ministry for forests and environment for sanction for a long time.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Tiger-was-found-dead-near-Corbett/articleshow/19625936.cmsNawal Ahujahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046280531150622309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195969275467558562.post-41394956623270056282013-03-20T13:32:00.003+05:302013-03-20T13:32:40.830+05:30Sathyamangalam Forest declared Tiger Reserve<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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S. RAMESH
Sathyamangalam Forest in Erode district has been declared a Tiger Reserve. It is the fourth such reserve in Tamil Nadu. The three other tiger reserves are at Mudumalai in the Nilgiris district, Anamalai in Coimbatore districtand Kalakad-Mundanthurai in Tirunelveli district.
The Forest Department has received the Government Order declaring Sathyamangalam Forests as a tiger reserve, and the Union government has also notified it, Conservator of Forests, Erode circle, A. Venkatesh told The Hindu over the phone on Monday.
The government has earmarked 1.40 lakh hectares for the exclusive protection zone for the big cats. Of the total area, the core zone comprises over 90,000 hectares.
25 tigers
“Sathyamangalam is home to at least 25 tigers, which has been confirmed by various studies conducted by our department and the World Wildlife Fund. The population is healthy and growing,” Mr. Venkatesh said.
The presence of a good number of tigers in the region was confirmed during the recent wildlife census, as well. Enumerators found marks left by tigers in many areas in this region.
The scat study conducted by the department also indicated the presence of 18 to 25 tigers in the region.
“The creation of a tiger reserve will lead to total habitat improvement and improve the flora and fauna in the entire region. The wildlife managers will be able to ensure greater protection to the big cats. The purpose of the initiative is to protect, propagate and improve wildlife and its environment,” Mr. Venkatesh said.
The region has a unique environment where elephants, tigers, black bucks, hyenas and vultures co-exist. The elephant population in the region is estimated to be around 1,200. The region also witnesses a healthy growth in the vulture population, forest officials here said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Venkatesh said, the Forest Department would not evict people living inside the tiger reserve. “There will be no forceful eviction. The livelihood of the forest dwellers will not be disturbed due to the creation of exclusive zone for tigers,” he said.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/sathyamangalam-forest-declared-tiger-reserve/article4529052.eceNawal Ahujahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046280531150622309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195969275467558562.post-44235255639549830412013-03-20T13:32:00.001+05:302013-03-20T13:32:19.276+05:30Tadoba, Pench tiger conservation plans to be rewritten<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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ByVijay Pinjarkar, TNN | Mar 20, 2013, 01.14 AM IST
Melghat tiger reserve to get special forceAging foresters to be withdrawn from tiger forceMadhya Pradesh shifts 94 villages from notified National Parks and sa...Villagers take up patrolling along Pench bordersMaiden workshop in Pench for wildlife wardens
NAGPUR: The tiger conservation plans (TCPs) of Tadoba-Andhari and Pench tiger reserves in Vidarbha will have to be modified significantly with conservation witnessing a sea change in the last three years leading to statutory policy changes.
TCPs are mandatory after the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 was amended in 2006. A separate chapter has been added to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which inter alia, enables provisions under Section 38V for preparing a TCP for proper management of tiger reserves, which includes staff development and deployment plan.
Of the four tiger reserves in Maharashtra, TCPs for Pench and TATR were prepared in 2009. The government approved the TCPs for both the reserves and sent them to the NTCA. However, even as the plans were discussed in a series of meetings, they need to be changed.
Talking to TOI, SWH Naqvi, principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), Maharashtra, said since 2009, there have been several management and procedural changes.
Naqvi said buffer zones of both Tadoba and Pench have been notified. In case of Tadoba, managerial changes have been effected with buffer and core being looked after by two separate officials reporting to field director of TATR.
In case of Pench, Mansinghdeo wildlife sanctuary has been notified in 2010 in the buffer zone. Besides, the NTCA has come out with a new ecotourism policy which needs to be approved and incorporated in the TCPs. While TCP of Tadoba was returned around 7 months back, a meeting to discuss Pench TCP was held in Delhi on March 12.
"All these changes are permanent in nature and will have to be altered in the TCP by the field directors," said Naqvi. Fortunately, these changes have been incorporated in the TCPs for Melghat and Sahyadri tiger reserves as these plans were forwarded to the government two months ago.
On TCP's significance, Naqvi informed the basic objective is to ensure protection of reserves and providing site specific habitat inputs for a viable population of tigers, co-predators and prey animals without distorting the natural prey-predator ecological cycle in the habitat.
He added, once approved by the NTCA, the TCP will also aim at ecologically compatible land uses in the tiger reserves and areas linking it to another for addressing the livelihood concerns of locals, so as to provide dispersal habitats and corridors for spill over population of wild animals from the designated core areas. The TCP will also ensure that forestry operations of regular forest divisions and those adjoining tiger reserves are not incompatible with the needs of tiger conservation.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Tadoba-Pench-tiger-conservation-plans-to-be-rewritten/articleshow/19079914.cmsNawal Ahujahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046280531150622309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195969275467558562.post-60922310788553474072013-03-20T13:31:00.001+05:302013-03-20T13:31:56.909+05:30Palamu Tiger Reserve has two cages for stray animals<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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TNN | Mar 20, 2013, 06.01 AM IST
DALTONGANJ: The Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) now has two cages ready to keep animals which had strayed. Sources from the PTR said one cage is reserved for big animals like leopards while the other will easily manage to house wildlife the size of hyena.
Sources from the reserve also said these cages were not maintained earlier. A leopard had entered a tribal widow's house in Palamu's Chainpur block a month ago. That is when the cage was repaired so that the leopard could be safely kept there before setting it free at night.
The smaller cage, too, had an inmate recently when an injured hyena was rescued from the same Chainpur block. It was sent to Birsa Biological Park, Ranchi for treatment.
In another incident, a bear had also strayed inside Garu block but was attacked by the villagers about two and a half months ago. Even though it was rescued by the PTR officials, it succumbed to its injuries.
None of the reserve officials have any knowledge of the status of the cages. These cages are attached to wheels so that they can be taken to the forests from the sight of rescue.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/Palamu-Tiger-Reserve-has-two-cages-for-stray-animals/articleshow/19083149.cmsNawal Ahujahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046280531150622309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195969275467558562.post-22989150969365944292013-03-19T09:51:00.003+05:302013-03-19T09:51:48.961+05:30Tigress found dead at Ranthambore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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TNN | Mar 19, 2013, 02.52 AM IST
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JAIPUR: A tigress T-37 was found dead in its territory (zone-9) at the Ranthambore tiger reserve on Monday. Locals said the tigress was seen in the morning by visitors but was found dead around 2.30pm. Forest officials are clueless about the reason behind the death.
The tigress' body was first spotted by a guide at Pandu Kho in Kanwalji area, which is a part of zone-9.
"The doctor who was immediately called to examine the body was not sure about what led to the death," said a local journalist who visited the spot.
He said eye-witnesses had seen the tigress coughing during the day. "The doctor said it could be kidney or liver failure," he said.
The doctor also didn't rule out the possibility of the tigress being pregnant and some complication in pregnancy causing the death.
"Post-mortem will be conducted on Tuesday morning," said a forest official.
Another forest official however said that it could be a revenge killing by the villagers from the adjoining areas of the reserve.
"We have not found any poisonous substance in the area. However, the zone where the tigress was found dead is surrounded by villages and it happens to be a disputed area between villagers and the reserve," he said. Villagers also graze their cattle in the area.
In the past one year, this is the fourth big cat death in the state. Three months ago, a tigress, yet to be identified, was found dead in Ranthambore while two tigers died in Sariska few months ago.
With the recent death, the tiger population at the reserve now stands at 49.
Experts said the death of T-37 is a major blow to the zone-9, a popular destination for tourists. The male tiger T-42 in the zone will now explore some other territory, which could also lead to a territorial fight.
"The T-42 was the partner of the dead tigress in the zone-9 area," said Yaduvendra, president, Ranthambore Naturalists Association. The sibling of T-37 was killed by T-42 last year in a territorial fight, he said.
"Death of T-37 is a major loss to the wildlife in the region where the two tigers were living," he added.
He said that the death of the tigress was mysterious as she was seen a few hours before found dead.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Tigress-found-dead-at-Ranthambore/articleshow/19052436.cmsNawal Ahujahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046280531150622309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195969275467558562.post-50636280713949323412013-03-19T09:51:00.001+05:302013-03-19T09:51:25.750+05:30Forester hurt in gunfight with poachers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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TNN | Mar 19, 2013, 01.06 AM IST
KOLKATA: Two persons - a forest guard and a boatman - were injured in a gunfight between a group of Bangladeshi poachers and the foresters at Khatuajhuri in the Sunderbans on Monday. A forest department official, while confirming the news, said that some Bangladeshi fishermen reached Khatuajhuri after crossing the heavily-guarded Raimangal river and were carrying country-made guns with them.
Since Khatuajhuri is close to the border, Bangladeshis often cross over to this side of the mangroves forests for illegal fishing activities and poaching deer. "On Monday, as our forest guards approached the group of people after seeing them moving suspiciously in the forests of Khatuajhuri, the latter suddenly opened fire at our men. A forest guard and a boatman were injured. However, the gunmen managed to cross over to the Bangladeshi side," said a forest department official. While one of the injured was referred to Kolkata for treatment, another is being treated at a local hospital in the Sunderbans.
Presence of Bangladeshi pirates and poachers is nothing new in the Sunderbans. Only last year, a group of Bangladeshi pirates abducted some Indian fishermen at Kendo island and demanded ransom. Earlier, there were reports of foreign pirate vessels from Bangladesh and Myanmar entering Indian waters frequently for robbery and exchange of arms and ammunitions.
What has taken many conservationists by surprise is the fact that apart from the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve (STR), BSF too has a camp at Khatuajhuri. "Then how could the gunmen manage to cross over to the Indian side?" asked a conservationist.
Bangladeshi poachers' involvement was suspected in the Indian Sunderbans after the body of a 2-month-old tiger cub was found floating on Raimangal river, close to the forests of Arbesi, on June 5, last year. "Only five days after this - on June 10 - three cubs, two females and a male, and about two months old were rescued in Bangladesh. The narrow Raimangal river acts as the border between India and Bangladesh. The cubs being smuggled to Malaysia were captured in Halde Bunia forests, just across the river in Bangladesh, less than 2km from the forests on the Indian side," said sources, adding that the dead cub found here might belong to the same litter that was being smuggled to Malaysia.
After the tiger poaching case at Jhila in 2008, the last official report of big cat poaching in the mangroves, foresters had suspected that some Bangladeshi deer poachers had shot the tiger in self-defence. A conservationist said that the Bangladeshi poachers are making the best use of the porous Indo-Bangla border.
"Since Khatuajhuri is heavily-guarded, exchange of fire is often reported from there. At times, Bangladeshi pirates and poachers have an upper hand since they use sophisticated weapons, compared to those being used by the Indian forest guards," he added.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Forester-hurt-in-gunfight-with-poachers/articleshow/19050394.cmsNawal Ahujahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046280531150622309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195969275467558562.post-3491359316651463752013-03-19T09:50:00.001+05:302013-03-19T09:50:57.553+05:30US woman held for trespassing in Kanha Tiger Reserve<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Press Trust of India | Updated: March 18, 2013 23:59 IST
Mandla: A US woman tourist was arrested for allegedly trespassing in the prohibited area of the Kanha Tiger Reserve, official sources said today.
The California-based woman, identified as Eve Lynn, 50, checked into a hotel near the Kanha Tiger Reserve on the evening of March 15.
The next day in wee hours she strolled into the reserve's prohibited area in Kisli Range without permission.
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She was spotted in the prohibited area by a forest guard who later informed his superiors about the woman's suspected activity, Kanha Tiger Reserve's Field Director J S Chouhan told reporters.
The forest officials then questioned the woman and on not getting any satisfactory reply from her, they arrested her under Section 27(35) of the Wildlife Protection Act and produced her in a court yesterday.
The court later released her on a personal bond with a direction that she would not leave the place and appear in the court again the next day.
The American tourist later appeared in the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Sheikh Saleem, who ordered her release after imposing a fine of Rs. 5,000.
After completing formalities, the authorities set the woman free, officials said.
http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/us-woman-held-for-trespassing-in-kanha-tiger-reserve-344082Nawal Ahujahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046280531150622309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195969275467558562.post-53750813393185824252013-03-18T16:44:00.002+05:302013-03-18T16:44:24.546+05:30Mudumalai Tiger Reserve reels under drought<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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D. RADHAKRISHNAN
The situation has become a cause for concern to the Forest Department
Unprecedented drought is keeping Forest Department officials on their toes in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) near here.
Enquiries made by The Hindu revealed that hitherto, only certain pockets would be affected during the dry months, but this year, practically the entire Reserve extending to over 321 square kilometres wears a parched look.
Migration
The situation has become a cause for concern to the Forest Department and environmentalists as the conditions could trigger an outbreak of bushfires. Migration of animals in search of water and fresh vegetation has begun.
Conservationist P.J.Vasanthan said that he was seeing the MTR in such a state for the first time.
Some of the animals he saw were conspicuously emaciated. Many from the Moyar part of the Reserve are coming to the Channel to quench their thirst which flows from Maravakandy to the Moyar Dam. Pointing out that sighting of wild animals in the area has become frequent, he regretted that unscrupulous tour operators were exploiting the situation.
In the process, they are disturbing the animals. The prevailing weather conditions have made the surroundings extremely dry and leafless.
Since the situation in the Sigur and Gudalur forests adjoining the MTR was also equally bad, the human-wild animal conflict has escalated and instances of elephants damaging houses are being frequently reported.
Stating that earlier, only about five per cent of the total area were badly affected during the dry season, the Deputy Director, MTR
A.Ameer Haja lamented that this year, even perennial water sources have dried up.
In view of the prevailing situation, a plan of action to deal with any exigency has been put in place.
Officials, including 100 fire watchers, have been instructed to be in a state of alert round the clock. Since the fringe areas along the road which cuts through the reserve are highly vulnerable to bushfires, highway patrol has been intensified.
Five vehicles have been permanently stationed in the Theppakadu, Kargudi, Masinagudy, Mudumalai and Nellakotai ranges of the Reserve to enable the officials to respond quickly to emergencies.
Water tankers have also been stationed at convenient places. In addition to the fire fighting equipment in the MTR, special tools to control fires have been procured from Kerala.
Fire lines have been extended. In February, four bushfires had broken out but all of them had been put out before they could cause much damage.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/mudumalai-tiger-reserve-reels-under-drought/article4521382.eceNawal Ahujahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046280531150622309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195969275467558562.post-78016062556014823402013-03-13T11:29:00.001+05:302013-03-13T11:29:32.444+05:30Tiger found dead in private tea garden at Udhagamandalam<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
A tiger was found dead in a private tea garden at Nanjanad, about a km away from the Ithalar reserve forest, according to the District Forest Officer, The Nilgiris South, B. Sugirtharaj Kovilpillai.
Late in the evening on Monday the department was informed by the villagers that the carcass was lying among the tea bushes.
Stating that it was that of a male aged about ten years, Mr. Kovilpillai told The Hindu that a post-mortem examination was conducted on Tuesday by forest veterinarian Vijayaraghavan in the presence of conservationists from The Nilgiris Wildlife and Environment Association (NWLEA).
It revealed that its last meal was a wild boar and it had suffered a crack on its nasal bone. There were no other injuries.
It indicated that it had died in a fight with a wild boar or another tiger.
Since the carcass was partly decomposed it was presumed that it had died four or five days ago.
After adhering to all the formalities the carcass was set ablaze near the spot it was found.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tiger-found-dead-in-private-tea-garden-at-nanjanad/article4501782.eceNawal Ahujahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046280531150622309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195969275467558562.post-23703630651995293222013-03-13T11:28:00.001+05:302013-03-13T11:28:32.499+05:30Villagers being misled on Tadoba eco-zones<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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ByVijay Pinjarkar, TNN | Mar 13, 2013, 07.21 AM IST
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NAGPUR: After a misleading campaign by a section of politicians against eco-sensitive zones (ESZs), greens have pitched in to allay fears of villagers on the issue of relocation of villages in these zones.
A misleading campaign is being run by local politicians, including some MLAs, that hundreds of villages falling in the ESZs around the protected areas (PAs), especially Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), will be shifted after eco-sensitive area notification. The state government has already sent 19 proposals for ESZ to Centre.
Satpuda Foundation, a leading NGO in Central India and also a member of National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) headed by prime minister, has said that not a single village would be relocated when ESZs are notified. "After leaders misguided the villagers, there were protests in Chandrapur. Relocation of villages is not required in ESZ," said Kishor Rithe, president of the Foundation.
The Union ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) has already issued guidelines for ESZ to be notified and the activities to be permitted, regulated and prohibited have been clearly mentioned in these guidelines.
The National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP) 2002-2016 indicates areas outside the PA network are often vital ecological corridor links and must be protected to prevent isolation of fragments of biodiversity which will not survive in the long run. Hence, ESZ are mandatory.
"Mining and quarrying activities are banned in ESZs. Many coal mines are proposed near TATR. This is the prime reason why politicians are carrying out a vicious campaign," Rithe said. "They had similarly instigated villagers when buffer zone around TATR was to be notified three years ago. More than three years after its notification, not a single village has been resettled in the buffer," said Bandu Dhotre of Eco-Pro, a NGO working for wildlife conservation in Chandrapur.
The Satpuda Foundation has urged the state wildlife department to reach out to the villagers and tell them about ESZs. MoEF has extended the deadline to all the states to submit ESZ proposals by May 15, 2013. "A section of leaders is creating confusion in the minds of the people," said Suresh Chopne, president of Green Planet, Chandrapur.
Why eco-sensitive zones?
* National Board for Wildlife had on January 21, 2002, decided to notify eco-fragile zones under Section 3 (v) of the Environment (Protection) Act 1986
* This was done to protect ecologically vital links and corridors with other areas that is important to preserve genetic diversity of wildlife
* The action plan also indicates that 'all identified areas around sanctuaries and wildlife corridors be declared as ecologically fragile
* In ESZs only non-polluting, non-hazardous small-scale and service industries like agriculture, floriculture, horticulture and agro-based units will be permitted
* Mining and quarrying are banned. Many coal mines are proposed near TATR. This is main reason why state is delaying notifying ESZs.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Villagers-being-misled-on-Tadoba-eco-zones/articleshow/18944637.cmsNawal Ahujahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046280531150622309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195969275467558562.post-86397998558009314622013-03-12T12:24:00.001+05:302013-03-12T12:24:42.325+05:30'Problem tigers' an interstate headache<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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ByK R Rajeev, TNN | Mar 12, 2013, 05.50 AM IST
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KOZHIKODE: The tiger scare in Wayanad has now taken an interstate dimension. It has emerged that the 'problem tigers' captured by Karnataka forest officials and released close to the Kerala border were involved in the last two man-animal conflicts in Wayanad which left seven persons injured.
TOI has learnt that the latest tiger captured at Moodakolli in Wayanad on March 6 was also a problem tiger captured by the Karnataka forest department from the Nagarahole National Park on January 17 after it attacked two people. It was released at the Bandipur National Park, bordering Wayanad, on the same day at a spot which was just 16km from its capture site in Kerala. The identity of the tiger was confirmed by the experts of the Bangalore-based Centre for Wildlife Studies-India (CWS).
The term 'problem tiger' is used for any animal that persistently preys on domestic livestock, or has either killed human beings, or is potentially likely to do so immediately.
Also, the previous tiger captured from Wayanad on February 2 was caged by the Karnataka forest department following cattle killing complaints
and released at a place just 19km from Odappalam where it was later captured by the Kerala forest officials.
The bungling by the Kerala forest department in releasing another stray tiger, originally from Nagarhole and captured on November 13 from Wayanad, ended in the shooting down of the big cat on December 2.
Kerala forest officials say that the instances of problem tigers released by Karnataka forest department close to the state's boundary leading to conflict situations here called for a total review of the capture-release practice of problem tigers as it has only contributed to transfer of the problem to a new location.
Centre for Wildlife Studies director K Ullas Karanth said that all the three tigers were released without following NTCA guidelines. It thus resulted in the sparking off of bigger problems and anti-conservation feelings among the people of Wayanad.
He said that the felid captured at Moodakolli on March 6 was a male, around 9-10 years old, identified as NHT-292. The tiger was involved in cattle attacks within the Mysore forest division and at Manchanayakanahalli in January 2013 and had also attacked a villager on January 16. It was mobbed by the villagers at Ankanathpura on January 17 where it attacked a freelance photographer who was taking its snaps. It was released near Doddahalla within the Nisana Begur forest range in Bandipur National Park at 4.30pm the same day.
Karanth said that trans-locating the tiger into the Bandipur National Park led to a man-animal conflict situation in Wayanad. "The release actually accentuated and transferred the conflict than solving it," he said.
"This tiger, an evicted resident, past its prime, should have been euthanized, or held in captivity permanently. Releasing it again anywhere would surely have led to more conflicts and management problems," he added.
Chief conservator of forest O P Kaler said that the National Tiger Conservation Authority directive to radio-collar all released tigers was not followed by the Karnataka forest staff while releasing problem tigers. "The NTCA guidelines are also against releasing injured and old tigers back to the wild. The tiger in question was around 10 years old and has lived its life. Then, what was the need to release the problem tiger," he added.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/Problem-tigers-an-interstate-headache/articleshow/18921076.cmsNawal Ahujahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046280531150622309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195969275467558562.post-21124999048639752802013-03-12T12:23:00.001+05:302013-03-12T12:23:53.668+05:30Ongoing stir at Sariska spells doom for tourism<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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ByRajendra Sharma, TNN | Mar 12, 2013, 01.30 AM IST
Sariska villagers block tourists’ entryVillagers damage man's houseVillagers rescue injured lionAasu homage to agitation martyrsVillagers oppose Angul power plant
ALWAR: The ongoing agitation of villagers has spelled doom for tourism industry at Sariska tiger reserve with the mass protest against relocation of their villages entering 13th day on Tuesday.
Nearly 2,500 villagers who stay around the national park have been blocking its main entrance not allowing tourists entry since February 28. They threatened on Monday that the stir would be intensified as their peaceful agitation has failed to create any impact on the administration officials.
Nearly 50 villages are yet to be relocated from the reserve area. The administration has put a ban on registry of land in these villagers and other surrounding areas which also the villagers are opposing. About 2500 residents of these 50 villages have been organising an indefinite sit-in at the reserve against the alleged "cheating" by the district administration .
The villagers alleged that they had called off the agitation in May last year when the district administration agreed on some of their demands including lifting ban on the registry of land, construction of a concrete road and earmarking a grazing area.
"But now they have backtracked and are expressing ignorance if any consensus was reached," said Jaikishan Gujjar, a villager.
The tourists had started flocking the park after the number of tigers in Sariska reached seven with relocation of two tigers from Ranthambore in January.
"More tourists were coming to Sariska as tiger sighting had become comparatively easier after relocation of two more tigers. However, with villagers block the park's entrance, the tourism industry has suffered a beating. Hotel and other bookings have been cancelled in the past 12 days," said Kailash Chand, a tour operator.
Since 2008, the farmers in the periphery of the reserve have been showing their anger against the state government and wildlife authorities' decision to relocate them. The villagers leave their cattle to graze in the sanctuary area leading to frequent confrontations with forest guards and officials. It is the third time in the past eight months that the villagers have launched an agitation against the relocation.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Ongoing-stir-at-Sariska-spells-doom-for-tourism/articleshow/18917428.cmsNawal Ahujahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046280531150622309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195969275467558562.post-54322521799041449622013-03-11T14:11:00.005+05:302013-03-11T14:11:45.310+05:30Tiger carcass found in Sunderbans<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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KOLKATA: The body of a full-grown tiger was found in the Sunderbans on Sunday.
However, the year's first tiger death in this Unesco World Heritage Site has left the foresters with some task at hand. Even if the 10-year-old tiger's death in the forest of Jhila 5, on the fringes of the mangroves, seems natural, bleeding from its nose and blood stains on the rectum, also hint at possible poisoning.
Confirming the news, Sunderbans Tiger Reserve (STR) field director Soumitra Dasgupta said that the body has been brought to Sajnekhali beat office. "Details can only be given after the postmortem report on Monday," he said, adding that forest guards on patrol spotted the carcass in Jhila 5. However, no injury mark was found on its body.
The members of National Tiger Conservation Authority's (NTCA) schedule I animal handling committee have already left for the spot. A vet from the Alipore Zoo will also be present there on Monday to help the resident doctors in the post mortem.
Though a forest official said it could be a case of snake bite as the number of King Cobras has risen in the mangroves in the recent past, conservationists are not ready to rule out the possibilities of poisoning.
State wildlife advisory board member Sudipt Dutt said though death due to old age seemed natural, since there was bleeding from its nose possibilities of poisoning should also be checked during the postmortem. Echoing his view, another member of the board Biswajit Roy Chowdhury said that as the forest of Jhila 5 is on the fringes of the mangroves and close to the Bangladesh border, possibilities of poisoning can't be ruled out. "Though, snake bite and age factors should also be looked into," he added.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/environment/flora-fauna/tiger-carcass-found-in-sunderbans/articleshow/18900006.cmsNawal Ahujahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046280531150622309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3195969275467558562.post-52094512876356364432013-03-11T14:11:00.001+05:302013-03-11T14:11:04.772+05:30Officials' bid to avoid forest fire in Valmiki Tiger Reserve<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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ByVithika Salomi, TNN | Mar 11, 2013, 02.13 AM IST
PATNA: Forest officials at Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) have employed controlled burning method to protect the reserve from forest fires that usually take place during the summer months of May-June destroying flora and fauna in the area.
Field director cum conservator of forests, VTR, Santosh Tiwari said the exercise is underway since February 15 and 90% area has already been covered.
Tiwari told TOI, "During summer season, locals set dry leaves and 'kharkharai' on fire which, most of the time, leads to wild fire. At times, it becomes uncontrollable and spreads across almost 100 acres." With the controlled burning method, the officials concerned would be able to stop forest fires before they spread and cause loss of wildlife and resources.
An area of about 100mX100m is first marked and then controlled burning is done on that land. Controlled fire is a tool used by foresters for hazard reduction and is conducted during the cooler months to reduce fuel build-up and decrease the likelihood of serious fire.
All ranges of the VTR, including Manguraha, Govardhana and Raghiya in division 1 and Madanpur, Valmiki Nagar, Ganauli, Harnatand and Chyutaha in division 2, would undergo this process. "Last year, we did not have any data about which areas were more fire-prone, but this year we have marked the areas and are better prepared to put off forest fires in due time," said Tiwari.
Asked if controlled burning was a hazard for the wildlife of the reserved forest, Tiwari said, "We do not venture into the dense areas where animals reside. Also, most animals come out only during night time and our work is done during day time, so no untoward incident has been reported from anywhere."
He added the reports about wildlife being harmed in controlled fire were totally false.
The exercise of controlled fire would be completed within a few days, he added.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Officials-bid-to-avoid-forest-fire-in-Valmiki-Tiger-Reserve/articleshow/18899835.cmsNawal Ahujahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11046280531150622309noreply@blogger.com0