By Shivang Mehta & Kahini Ghosh Mehta
It is not a hidden fact that millions of dollars are being poured into the conservation of the striped wonders of India but the situation remains precarious.
With fewer than 1400 left in the wild, India is going through its worst tiger crises.
Human greed and selfishness has been one of the many cause of the plight of tigers in India and the irony is that as per recent trends, the present crisis has opened up a new dimension to the greed with corporates using the cause as a PR and branding tool hiding behind the garb of conservation.
If human greed and selfishness is one of the prime reasons for the condition of tigers in India today and if greed and selfishness is a character trait that humans understand, it would be worthwhile to save the tiger for our own selfish interest. The role of the tiger in the ecosystem is indeed quite interesting and it goes without saying that the tiger is the perfect indicator of the health of a forest. The tiger protects the forests of our country by maintaining an equilibrium that is important for the survival of its prey (deer, monkeys, boars etc.) and the vegetation.
And since the survival of the forests are crucial for the thousands of rivers, a life source for millions of people in India, that originate and flow through them, it makes the saving of tigers all the more important.
However, the economics of tiger conservation is quite interesting. Let’s consider Corbett as an example. With over 70 private properties in and around the Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttrakhand, wildlife tourism has become an ever-flourishing business model generating revenues for property owners, travel agents and some great employment opportunities for locals. The local youth now look up to careers like naturalists, guide cum drivers of safari vehicles as a lot of private resorts are in need of such people.
According to the Tiger Task Force data released in 2005/06, a total of 1.29 million people visited tiger reserves in 2004/05 which approximates to 58456tourist per tiger reserve every year and the number is continuously growing year on year. The nominal gate charges of Rs 25-50 gives revenue in crores to most of the popular national parks.
Corbett alone experienced a tourist inflow of over two lakhs in the last season. With a total ceiling of 600 visitors per day, Corbett can officially have 1.6 lakh tourists during the eight-month season. The numbers invariably overshoot this limit. Tourism is rampant in other popular national parks like Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Ranthambore etc. and the tiger, without doubt, is a magnet that pulls the majority of the lot.
Be it an ordinary weekend walk-in tourist, or a season wildlife researcher or photographer, the tiger is the binding force that draws visitors from across the globe.
As per Aditya Singh, wildlife conservationist and tiger expert from Ranthambore “The tourism zone of the Ranthambhore which has around 20 tigers, contributes over Rs 1 billion — directly and indirectly — to the Indian economy, every year.”
“Over 40 per cent of this amount never reaches anyone in Ranthambhore and barely three per cent actually goes to the park,” adds Aditya.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Pilibhit attacks offer hope for big cat in Dudhwa
The tiger attacks in Pilibhit may have led to fear in the district, but it has brought some cheer to the state forest department.
In an area where tiger sightings were rare, the department has identified four tigers and believes there are two more. Although the department is waiting for the results of the tiger census, officials say the presence of tigers in the area indicates their numbers are increasing in the nearby Dudhwa tiger reserve and the animals are expanding their territory.
Since May, eight incidents of tiger attacks have been reported from the Deoria range in Pilibhit and Khutar range in Shahjehanpur district.
Following this, the state forest department set traps and cameras in the area, which zeroed in on four — three tigresses and one adult tiger — as the culprits. The department has sent teams to tranquilise the animals.
The Divisional Forest Officer, Pilibhit, V K Singh, said the last time tiger attacks were reported in this area was in 2003-04. Since then, there were stray tiger sightings. “We have already managed to get the photographs of the man-killer tigers and the pugmarks make it clear that it is not a simple case of tiger moving out of its territory during monsoons,” said Singh. “The incidents started occurring much before the season and the pattern of killing shows these tigers are now establishing territory in the Deoria range.”
Tigers expand their territories only in two cases, said Singh — when their area falls short of prey or the number of tigers increases. “These are adult tigers and since the area is adjoining the Dudhwa tiger reserve, there are chances that the numbers have increased there, resulting in the tigers moving out,” said Singh.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pilibhit-attacks-offer-hope-for-big-cat-in-dudhwa/678287/
Monday, September 6, 2010
SC to decide on night traffic in tiger reserves
The Supreme Court is likely to decide whether to allow night traffic through tiger reserves or not by this week. The decision can impact tiger protection as night traffic is not allowed in several tiger reserves because of its adverse impact on wildlife and the accidents that kill animals
The Karnataka government in 2009 had banned movement of vehicles, except a few buses, on the national highway connecting the state with Kerala and passing through Bandipur tiger reserve.
The Kerala government first appealed against the decision in Karnataka high court and lost.
In May 2010, the Supreme Court gave some reprieve when it allowed traffic in convoys to pass through the Bandipur tiger reserve, a move opposed by local wildlife and tiger experts.
"Many tigers have either died or have been fatally injured by vehicles on the highway in Bandipur," said a local wildlife expert.
"Moreover, there is an alternate route to the highway which is just a few km longer."
NGOs have submitted data on how high speed vehicles passing through national highways can disturb wildlife habitat apart from causing accidents.
Incidents of death of tiger and elephants by high speed vehicles passing through wildlife sanctuaries have been reported from across India.
"The light of the vehicles blind the animals and they get trapped leading to their death," an expert said.
Wildlife experts say the apex court's decision will have huge ramifications as night traffic is now allowed in several reserves.
The ministry of environment and forest has also advocated either ban on night traffic or speed restrictions in wildlife areas.
These issues are likely to come before the apex court when it hears the case on Monday.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/SC-to-decide-on-night-traffic-in-tiger-reserves/Article1-596497.aspx
Dhoni takes the pledge to save Tigers in Uttarakhand
News Desk: Breaking News! Indian Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni took the pledge to save tigers in Uttarakhand, as he was appointed as the Brand Ambassador for tiger conservation in the state.
It w
as announced by Uttarakhand CM Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank. Dhoni was also appointed honorary wildlife warden of Jim Corbett National Park. Bijendra Singh was honorary wildlife warden for the last 30 years before Dhoni’s appointment.
Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said, "We believe Mahendra Dhoni's association with Jim Corbett National Park and with tiger conservation will help the campaign in a big way".
Dhoni spoke with the CM regarding the removal of illegal encroachments in Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) - Rajaji National Park Corridor at Ramnagar. Dhoni said "Illegal encroachments will impede wildlife conservation. I urge the Uttarakhand CM to doneedful".
Dhoni also signed memorandum, urging the CM to take necessary steps to ensure safety of tigers and their conservation in Uttarakhand.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Man-mauling tiger remains elusive
LUCKNOW: The search for the elusive tiger continued in and around Khutar range of Shahjahanpur forest division on Saturday. The big cat was not even once spotted during the whole day.
The villagers raised an alarm about having seen the tiger around Saraiyan village quite a few times during the day. However, officials could not find any trace of the big cat at any of the spots.
The combing continued in the area which has vast expanses of sugarcane fields and tiger, if at all present in the area, could have taken refuge in these dense fields. Since the department has already ordered for "tranquilisation and capturing" of the big cat combing operation might continue.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Man-mauling-tiger-remains-elusive/articleshow/6493645.cms
The villagers raised an alarm about having seen the tiger around Saraiyan village quite a few times during the day. However, officials could not find any trace of the big cat at any of the spots.
The combing continued in the area which has vast expanses of sugarcane fields and tiger, if at all present in the area, could have taken refuge in these dense fields. Since the department has already ordered for "tranquilisation and capturing" of the big cat combing operation might continue.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Man-mauling-tiger-remains-elusive/articleshow/6493645.cms
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Yet another Bandipur tiger dead
MYSORE: Yet another tiger death in the Bandipur tiger sanctuary has raised concerns over wildlife conservation. This is the third death in the past eight months.
On Thursday, the sanctuary officials found carcass of a tiger at the Hongalli forest area. Field director, Project Tiger, B J Hosmath said though it is tough to know how the tiger died, initial investigations indicate it was a natural death. Ruling out the poison theory, Hosmath said in that case how can people fail to notice the tiger's carcass lying on the field borders for days? As some parts of a goat were found in the tiger's stomach, people suspect it to be a case of poisoning.
In February, a tiger was found dead near Himavad Gopalswamy Hills and in March, another was found dead in the Bandipur forest range.
Of the three, only one tiger was killed by poachers and the other two died naturally. Denying that the number of tiger deaths in Project Tiger is on the rise, he said like in any other animal population, 10 to 20% of tiger deaths are common.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/Yet-another-tiger-dead/articleshow/6488216.cms
On Thursday, the sanctuary officials found carcass of a tiger at the Hongalli forest area. Field director, Project Tiger, B J Hosmath said though it is tough to know how the tiger died, initial investigations indicate it was a natural death. Ruling out the poison theory, Hosmath said in that case how can people fail to notice the tiger's carcass lying on the field borders for days? As some parts of a goat were found in the tiger's stomach, people suspect it to be a case of poisoning.
In February, a tiger was found dead near Himavad Gopalswamy Hills and in March, another was found dead in the Bandipur forest range.
Of the three, only one tiger was killed by poachers and the other two died naturally. Denying that the number of tiger deaths in Project Tiger is on the rise, he said like in any other animal population, 10 to 20% of tiger deaths are common.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/Yet-another-tiger-dead/articleshow/6488216.cms
Pugmarks of man-mauling tiger seen in Khutar
LUCKNOW: The elusive tiger could still be present in Shahjahanpur forest division. The experts and officials combing the area did spot the big cat in Khutar range on Thursday.
The rains in the area have made combing difficult but team of officials and experts is continuing with it. On Friday, combing operation was carried out in Khutar range and pugmarks of the tiger were spotted between Puranpur and Khutar indicating the big cat's presence in the area.
There have been no killings in the area so far. On August 26, a man was killed in Khutar range by the big cat. On August 29, a man was injured in Mailani range of south Kheri forest division. The forest team is keeping a constant watch and this may be preventing the tiger from shifting locations.
The officials and experts are presuming it to be the same tiger which had unleashed a reign of terror in Pilibhit and Shahjahanpur. While six men were killed and partially eaten by the tiger in Deoria range of Pilibhit between May 3 and August 10. Two men were killed and eaten by the big cat in Khutar range on August 23 and 26. The department has ordered `tranquillising and capturing the tiger'.
On the basis of camera feeds, officials are of the opinion that it is a sub-adult tiger which could be making an effort to establish its territory. The experts and officials are depending on the camera feeds and also the DNA analysis of hair samples (of the big cat) which have been collected from the sites where men were killed. Killings have all taken place inside forest area but as far as tiger's behaviour is concerned, it has gone aggressive now, at least in the last two killings which took place in Shahjahanpur.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Pugmarks-of-man-mauling-tiger-seen-in-Khutar/articleshow/6488719.cms
The rains in the area have made combing difficult but team of officials and experts is continuing with it. On Friday, combing operation was carried out in Khutar range and pugmarks of the tiger were spotted between Puranpur and Khutar indicating the big cat's presence in the area.
There have been no killings in the area so far. On August 26, a man was killed in Khutar range by the big cat. On August 29, a man was injured in Mailani range of south Kheri forest division. The forest team is keeping a constant watch and this may be preventing the tiger from shifting locations.
The officials and experts are presuming it to be the same tiger which had unleashed a reign of terror in Pilibhit and Shahjahanpur. While six men were killed and partially eaten by the tiger in Deoria range of Pilibhit between May 3 and August 10. Two men were killed and eaten by the big cat in Khutar range on August 23 and 26. The department has ordered `tranquillising and capturing the tiger'.
On the basis of camera feeds, officials are of the opinion that it is a sub-adult tiger which could be making an effort to establish its territory. The experts and officials are depending on the camera feeds and also the DNA analysis of hair samples (of the big cat) which have been collected from the sites where men were killed. Killings have all taken place inside forest area but as far as tiger's behaviour is concerned, it has gone aggressive now, at least in the last two killings which took place in Shahjahanpur.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Pugmarks-of-man-mauling-tiger-seen-in-Khutar/articleshow/6488719.cms
Friday, September 3, 2010
Tiger body found in Maddur forest range in Bandipur
BANGALORE: A tiger was found dead in Maddur forest range of Bandipur on Thursday. The cause is still not known.
The sample of goat meat that was found in the tiger's stomach has been sent to the lab for testing to check if poisoning could be the reason. Principal chief conservator of forests ( PCCF) B K Singh has ruled out trap, snare or gunshot for the death.
Singh also inspected the carcass of an elephant that was found in Kollegal on Wednesday. Post-mortem has confirmed that it was a natural death, but its tusks were removed.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Tiger-found-in-Maddur-forest-range/articleshow/6482410.cms
The sample of goat meat that was found in the tiger's stomach has been sent to the lab for testing to check if poisoning could be the reason. Principal chief conservator of forests ( PCCF) B K Singh has ruled out trap, snare or gunshot for the death.
Singh also inspected the carcass of an elephant that was found in Kollegal on Wednesday. Post-mortem has confirmed that it was a natural death, but its tusks were removed.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Tiger-found-in-Maddur-forest-range/articleshow/6482410.cms
While tiger count goes up 20% in TN, it dwindles in north Read more: While tiger count goes up 20% in TN, it dwindles in north
CHENNAI: Environmentalists in the southern states may well be doing a jig in the woods this year as the tiger population has reached healthy levels. In contrast, the tiger count in the northern states has seen a decline, say experts.
According to the state chief conservator of forests, Dr V N Singh, Tamil Nadu is expected to show a 20% increase in tiger population. "The last census, which was taken in 2005, showed the presence of 77 tigers in Tamil Nadu, an increase of 25% over the earlier numbers," he said. "The results of this year's census are yet to be released. But we believe the results are good and we are expecting at least a 20% increase."
However, while in terms of absolute numbers, northern states still ranked higher, there has been a decline in the number of tigers over the years, while the southern states have shown an increase, said Singh.
Corroborating this, Praveen Bhargav, trustee of Wildlife First, a nodal agency that coordinated the Karnataka Tiger Conservation Project cited the cases of Panna Tiger Reserve in MP and Sariska in Rajasthan. "The numbers here had dwindled so much that the government decided to re-populate the area with tigers taken from other areas," he said
.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/While-tiger-count-goes-up-20-in-TN-it-dwindles-in-north/articleshow/6471572.cms
According to the state chief conservator of forests, Dr V N Singh, Tamil Nadu is expected to show a 20% increase in tiger population. "The last census, which was taken in 2005, showed the presence of 77 tigers in Tamil Nadu, an increase of 25% over the earlier numbers," he said. "The results of this year's census are yet to be released. But we believe the results are good and we are expecting at least a 20% increase."
However, while in terms of absolute numbers, northern states still ranked higher, there has been a decline in the number of tigers over the years, while the southern states have shown an increase, said Singh.
Corroborating this, Praveen Bhargav, trustee of Wildlife First, a nodal agency that coordinated the Karnataka Tiger Conservation Project cited the cases of Panna Tiger Reserve in MP and Sariska in Rajasthan. "The numbers here had dwindled so much that the government decided to re-populate the area with tigers taken from other areas," he said
.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/While-tiger-count-goes-up-20-in-TN-it-dwindles-in-north/articleshow/6471572.cms
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Tiger’s village foray has foresters on edge
In another incident of man-animal conflict in Uttar Pradesh, a tiger that has so far mauled eight persons is on the prowl, forcing the forest officials to issue order to either tranquillise it or trap it.
This tiger has been on the continuous move from Deoria to Shahjahanpur in the past four months, and according to unconfirmed reports, claimed eight lives. The tiger’s pug marks were found on the fringes of the forest between Shahjahanpur and Kishanpur sanctuary on Tuesday.
Chief Wildlife Warden BK Patnaik said that order has been issued to either trap or tranquillise this big cat. “It is no easy task as tiger is a cunning animal and trapping is very difficult,” Patnaik told The Pioneer.
He said: “Though it is dangerous for farmers and people living in fringes, this tiger has not been declared man-eater.”
It is proving to be an onerous task to trap this tiger in heavy rains as the forest has water everywhere and the animal is on the move all the time. The forest officials, who have teamed up with the WWF and WTI to trap the tiger, heaved a sigh of relief when the tiger moved from the paddy crops into the forest area of Sehramua, Shahjahanpur, on Tuesday.
The incidents of killings were reported from Deoria range of Pilibhit district in May and continued till August 23. Then this tiger moved to neighbouring Shahajahanpur where it reportedly made two killings in the past one week. On August 27-28, the tiger was located in the Suara forest, while on August 29-30, it stayed in Kesaryapur. On August 31, its pug marks were traced to Sehramau forest of Shahjahanpur.
The tiger, a male of four years, has in most probability just been weaned away from its mother.
“It is semi-trained and perhaps made its first kill when it could not hunt the local animals and found an easy prey in men,” said an official on condition of anonymity.
The official said that the tiger has been identified as the same one through proper pug mark identification. “The tiger was first caught on the camera traps in Pilibhit. The pug marks were then picked up because of its movements in the area. Later, when the tiger shifted to Shahjahanpur, it was identified through same pug marks,” said the official, adding that the tiger has been declared as dangerous, but not a man-eater.
“After the first killings, generally they becoming more daring and move from the forest to the fringes and then into the paddy crops which was the case with this tiger,” he said.
For the team that is working on tranquillising the tiger, the major problem was that the tiger had moved to the paddy fields. “It’s difficult to shoot the dart because any blade can deflect it. Add to it the problem of water-logging in the forest. If the tiger falls in the water and it fills its lungs, it could be fatal for the animal,” he said.
The forest officials are now pinning their hopes on the possibility that the tiger moves from the Sehramua forest, which is two kilometres in width, into the thick forests of Kishanpur sanctuary which is connected through many bridges at the Khuta breach canal. “If it moves into Kishanpur forest it will get plenty of prey to eat. But till that time we are waiting to tranquillise it,” said the official.
This tiger has been on the continuous move from Deoria to Shahjahanpur in the past four months, and according to unconfirmed reports, claimed eight lives. The tiger’s pug marks were found on the fringes of the forest between Shahjahanpur and Kishanpur sanctuary on Tuesday.
Chief Wildlife Warden BK Patnaik said that order has been issued to either trap or tranquillise this big cat. “It is no easy task as tiger is a cunning animal and trapping is very difficult,” Patnaik told The Pioneer.
He said: “Though it is dangerous for farmers and people living in fringes, this tiger has not been declared man-eater.”
It is proving to be an onerous task to trap this tiger in heavy rains as the forest has water everywhere and the animal is on the move all the time. The forest officials, who have teamed up with the WWF and WTI to trap the tiger, heaved a sigh of relief when the tiger moved from the paddy crops into the forest area of Sehramua, Shahjahanpur, on Tuesday.
The incidents of killings were reported from Deoria range of Pilibhit district in May and continued till August 23. Then this tiger moved to neighbouring Shahajahanpur where it reportedly made two killings in the past one week. On August 27-28, the tiger was located in the Suara forest, while on August 29-30, it stayed in Kesaryapur. On August 31, its pug marks were traced to Sehramau forest of Shahjahanpur.
The tiger, a male of four years, has in most probability just been weaned away from its mother.
“It is semi-trained and perhaps made its first kill when it could not hunt the local animals and found an easy prey in men,” said an official on condition of anonymity.
The official said that the tiger has been identified as the same one through proper pug mark identification. “The tiger was first caught on the camera traps in Pilibhit. The pug marks were then picked up because of its movements in the area. Later, when the tiger shifted to Shahjahanpur, it was identified through same pug marks,” said the official, adding that the tiger has been declared as dangerous, but not a man-eater.
“After the first killings, generally they becoming more daring and move from the forest to the fringes and then into the paddy crops which was the case with this tiger,” he said.
For the team that is working on tranquillising the tiger, the major problem was that the tiger had moved to the paddy fields. “It’s difficult to shoot the dart because any blade can deflect it. Add to it the problem of water-logging in the forest. If the tiger falls in the water and it fills its lungs, it could be fatal for the animal,” he said.
The forest officials are now pinning their hopes on the possibility that the tiger moves from the Sehramua forest, which is two kilometres in width, into the thick forests of Kishanpur sanctuary which is connected through many bridges at the Khuta breach canal. “If it moves into Kishanpur forest it will get plenty of prey to eat. But till that time we are waiting to tranquillise it,” said the official.
Hunt still on for man-mauling tiger
LUCKNOW: The combing operation to track the man-mauling tiger continued on Tuesday in Shahjahanpur forest division. A team of experts and forest officials searched for the tiger in the forest area close to Saraiyan village where the big cat was spotted on Saturday. There has been no killing reported from Pilibhit forest division.
Meanwhile, the big cat, which injured a man in Kuriyani village of Mailani range of south Kheri forest division on early Sunday morning, could not be the same tiger which has wandered out of Pilibhit. The attack could have come from the tigress which was hiding in the fields with a cub, said local forest staff. Though officials, when contacted, did not confirm or deny it.
Kuriyani is a village in south kheri forest division. It is about 10 km from Saraiyan village of Khutar range in Shahjahanpur where tiger was spotted on Saturday night at around 9pm by locals. Terai area is reeling under tiger fear. Since May 3, eight humans have been killed and partially eaten by an adolescent tiger. The last human kill was made on August 26 in Bilandapur forest beat of Shahjahanpur.
The forest department has ordered to tranquillise and capture the tiger. Baits have been tied inside forest patches where tiger was reported to be moving. Enclosures have been set up and villagers are told not to venture into forest's periphery.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Hunt-still-on-for-man-mauling-tiger/articleshow/6471071.cms
Meanwhile, the big cat, which injured a man in Kuriyani village of Mailani range of south Kheri forest division on early Sunday morning, could not be the same tiger which has wandered out of Pilibhit. The attack could have come from the tigress which was hiding in the fields with a cub, said local forest staff. Though officials, when contacted, did not confirm or deny it.
Kuriyani is a village in south kheri forest division. It is about 10 km from Saraiyan village of Khutar range in Shahjahanpur where tiger was spotted on Saturday night at around 9pm by locals. Terai area is reeling under tiger fear. Since May 3, eight humans have been killed and partially eaten by an adolescent tiger. The last human kill was made on August 26 in Bilandapur forest beat of Shahjahanpur.
The forest department has ordered to tranquillise and capture the tiger. Baits have been tied inside forest patches where tiger was reported to be moving. Enclosures have been set up and villagers are told not to venture into forest's periphery.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Hunt-still-on-for-man-mauling-tiger/articleshow/6471071.cms
`Let tribals guard tiger reserves'
LUCKNOW: Evicting tribals and traditional dwellers from tiger reserves is not always the solution. Creating a stake for them in reserves could also be an option. The biggest tiger reserve of the country, Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam has its security manned by its tribal folks `Chenchus'. The step taken by Andhra Pradesh forest department to employ at least one person from `Chenchu' family has been found effective by committee of experts which evaluated the management of the reserve between August 10 and August 30.
"The young boys and women have been employed, mostly on daily wages," said R L Singh, chairman of the committee. The tribals are employed on basis of daily wages. The idea is to ensure protection and security of wildlife and natural resources of the reserve spread over 3,500 sq km. The tribals are trained in security mechanisms. They are familiar with remote areas of the reserve and can move around even at odd hours. "We have readied certain set of recommendations for better management which we would hand over to GoI," said Singh.
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), in May, had come up with `Management Effectiveness Evaluation' project. It had roped in wildlife experts, researchers, conservationists and activists to field visit all 39 reserves in the country and evaluate the effectiveness of their management plans. The reserves had been divided into five clusters, state-wise and region-wise, for evaluation.
The eight tiger reserves lying in Naxalite affected belt had been put in Cluster III. The team of experts constituted by NTCA started its visit from Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh) on August 10. The team will now move on to Palamau (Jharkhand), Similipal, Satkosia (Orissa), Indravati, Achanakmar, Udanti-Sitanadi (Chhattisgarh) and Valmiki (Bihar).
In Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam, however, the team did not notice any Naxalites. "Employment of tribals has helped in controlling the threat which was there till two years back," said Singh. The women have been employed as wildlife guards. Their job involves surveying the area in groups of 4 to 5 women. The idea is to ensure the presence of forest guards over maximum area of the reserve.
The project report by all committees is to be submitted by December, 2010. The ever rising man-animal conflict, increasing incidents of wildlife crime, poaching threat and subsequent decline in number of tigers has led NTCA to design the said project. The management plan of reserves, breedable population of tigers, status of staff, water conservation and prey base are to be studied.
Cluster I reserves
Dudhwa (UP), Corbett (Uttrakhand), Ranthambhore, Sariska (Rajasthan), Melghat, Pench, Tadoba-Andhari, Sahyadri (Maharashtra)
Cluster II reserves
Bandhavgarh , Satpura, Kanha, Pench, Sanjay-Dubri ( MP)
Cluster IV reserves
Bandipore, Nagarhole, Bhadra, Dandeli-Anshi (Karnataka), Periyar (Kerala), Kalakad-Mundanthurai, Annamalai, Mudumalai (Tamil Nadu)
Cluster V reserves
Namdapha, Pakka (Arunachal Pradesh), Kaziranga, Assam, Dampa (Mizoram), Buxa, Sunderbans (West Bengal)
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Let-tribals-guard-tiger-reserves/articleshow/6471069.cms
"The young boys and women have been employed, mostly on daily wages," said R L Singh, chairman of the committee. The tribals are employed on basis of daily wages. The idea is to ensure protection and security of wildlife and natural resources of the reserve spread over 3,500 sq km. The tribals are trained in security mechanisms. They are familiar with remote areas of the reserve and can move around even at odd hours. "We have readied certain set of recommendations for better management which we would hand over to GoI," said Singh.
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), in May, had come up with `Management Effectiveness Evaluation' project. It had roped in wildlife experts, researchers, conservationists and activists to field visit all 39 reserves in the country and evaluate the effectiveness of their management plans. The reserves had been divided into five clusters, state-wise and region-wise, for evaluation.
The eight tiger reserves lying in Naxalite affected belt had been put in Cluster III. The team of experts constituted by NTCA started its visit from Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh) on August 10. The team will now move on to Palamau (Jharkhand), Similipal, Satkosia (Orissa), Indravati, Achanakmar, Udanti-Sitanadi (Chhattisgarh) and Valmiki (Bihar).
In Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam, however, the team did not notice any Naxalites. "Employment of tribals has helped in controlling the threat which was there till two years back," said Singh. The women have been employed as wildlife guards. Their job involves surveying the area in groups of 4 to 5 women. The idea is to ensure the presence of forest guards over maximum area of the reserve.
The project report by all committees is to be submitted by December, 2010. The ever rising man-animal conflict, increasing incidents of wildlife crime, poaching threat and subsequent decline in number of tigers has led NTCA to design the said project. The management plan of reserves, breedable population of tigers, status of staff, water conservation and prey base are to be studied.
Cluster I reserves
Dudhwa (UP), Corbett (Uttrakhand), Ranthambhore, Sariska (Rajasthan), Melghat, Pench, Tadoba-Andhari, Sahyadri (Maharashtra)
Cluster II reserves
Bandhavgarh , Satpura, Kanha, Pench, Sanjay-Dubri ( MP)
Cluster IV reserves
Bandipore, Nagarhole, Bhadra, Dandeli-Anshi (Karnataka), Periyar (Kerala), Kalakad-Mundanthurai, Annamalai, Mudumalai (Tamil Nadu)
Cluster V reserves
Namdapha, Pakka (Arunachal Pradesh), Kaziranga, Assam, Dampa (Mizoram), Buxa, Sunderbans (West Bengal)
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Let-tribals-guard-tiger-reserves/articleshow/6471069.cms
Delay in tiger protection force a threat to man & animal Read more: Delay in tiger protection force a threat to man & animal
JAIPUR: Delay in the formation of the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) for the Ranthambore tiger reserve is not only putting the rising population of cats in the reserve at risk of poaching as they stray, but could cause clashes between foresters and civilians.
"On August 20, when the tiger stepped out of the national park into the Bhuri Pahadi village and killed cattle, the villagers were so infuriated that the mob did not let the forest guards and officials perform their duty of tranquillising the tiger," said officials of the state forest department.
"Even the district administration and police officials present thought it was the duty of the forest department to deal with the mob as well as the tiger as the area lay in close proximity of the forest land," he added.
"Therefore, most of the time of the forest officials were taken up in handling the mob. But forest officials are not trained to handle a mob nor is it their duty. Had there been a force that could tackle both then matters would have been different. They could have tackled the crowd as their forest officials went about handling the tiger," he added.
This is where the STPF's role comes in. To be recruited and trained by the police department but on duty for the forest department, this special force would not only be specially armed but would also receive special training to handle such emergencies.
Rajasthan has been sanctioned one company, consisting of 112 persons, for the Ranthambore tiger reserve. The ministry of forest and environment has given a grant of Rs 93 lakhs out of the total cost of Rs 3.72 crore needed to raise, arm and deploying force in the last financial year.
Despite the Union minister Jairam Ramesh's August 3 reminder to the state to swiftly form the force, little seem to have been done. While the state has now put the onus on the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for preparing the MoU after which the force would be formed, it is already two months since the state gave its administrative approval.
"The nod has been given by the home and the forest departments of the state. We are now waiting for the NTCA to prepare the MoU so that the force can be finally formed. We have also sent them reminders," said additional principal chief conservator of forests Rahul Kumar.
The NTCA could not be contacted for its views. However, delay in formation of the force can only aggravate matters as Ranthambore struggles to control its rising tiger population.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Delay-in-tiger-protection-force-a-threat-to-man-animal/articleshow/6477290.cms
"On August 20, when the tiger stepped out of the national park into the Bhuri Pahadi village and killed cattle, the villagers were so infuriated that the mob did not let the forest guards and officials perform their duty of tranquillising the tiger," said officials of the state forest department.
"Even the district administration and police officials present thought it was the duty of the forest department to deal with the mob as well as the tiger as the area lay in close proximity of the forest land," he added.
"Therefore, most of the time of the forest officials were taken up in handling the mob. But forest officials are not trained to handle a mob nor is it their duty. Had there been a force that could tackle both then matters would have been different. They could have tackled the crowd as their forest officials went about handling the tiger," he added.
This is where the STPF's role comes in. To be recruited and trained by the police department but on duty for the forest department, this special force would not only be specially armed but would also receive special training to handle such emergencies.
Rajasthan has been sanctioned one company, consisting of 112 persons, for the Ranthambore tiger reserve. The ministry of forest and environment has given a grant of Rs 93 lakhs out of the total cost of Rs 3.72 crore needed to raise, arm and deploying force in the last financial year.
Despite the Union minister Jairam Ramesh's August 3 reminder to the state to swiftly form the force, little seem to have been done. While the state has now put the onus on the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for preparing the MoU after which the force would be formed, it is already two months since the state gave its administrative approval.
"The nod has been given by the home and the forest departments of the state. We are now waiting for the NTCA to prepare the MoU so that the force can be finally formed. We have also sent them reminders," said additional principal chief conservator of forests Rahul Kumar.
The NTCA could not be contacted for its views. However, delay in formation of the force can only aggravate matters as Ranthambore struggles to control its rising tiger population.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Delay-in-tiger-protection-force-a-threat-to-man-animal/articleshow/6477290.cms
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
India, China set to ratify pact on tiger conservation
K J M Varma
Beijing, Aug 31 (PTI) India and China are set to ratify a key pact on tiger conservation and combat poaching of the big cats as an Indian delegation today held talks here to deepen cooperation with Beijing in wild life management.
A five-member Indian delegation of Indian forest officials headed by A K Shrivastava, which is on a five-day visit here, today held talks with their Chinese counterparts in the department of import and export of endangered species.
The talks aims to ratify the 1995 protocol inked by the two countries for tiger conservation. The protocol, which is to be ratified every five years, would be discussed in the talks scheduled for September 2 between the two delegations, officials here told PTI today.
It calls for joint measures to crack down on poaching of tigers and body parts, education programmes to stop poaching, captive breeding and releasing them into the wild.
Indian officials regard the talks important as much of the poaching on tigers in India was blamed on the demand for tiger bones used in Chinese traditional medicine.
China has banned trading in tiger parts but its wide spread medical usage in traditional medicines spurs demand for the bones of the big cats. India has underlined the need for China not to yield to pressures from the owners of tiger farms to lift the ban.
Talks would also focus on promoting cooperation between the two countries in the field of wild life management and capacity building in critical areas of conservation. PTI KJV
Beijing, Aug 31 (PTI) India and China are set to ratify a key pact on tiger conservation and combat poaching of the big cats as an Indian delegation today held talks here to deepen cooperation with Beijing in wild life management.
A five-member Indian delegation of Indian forest officials headed by A K Shrivastava, which is on a five-day visit here, today held talks with their Chinese counterparts in the department of import and export of endangered species.
The talks aims to ratify the 1995 protocol inked by the two countries for tiger conservation. The protocol, which is to be ratified every five years, would be discussed in the talks scheduled for September 2 between the two delegations, officials here told PTI today.
It calls for joint measures to crack down on poaching of tigers and body parts, education programmes to stop poaching, captive breeding and releasing them into the wild.
Indian officials regard the talks important as much of the poaching on tigers in India was blamed on the demand for tiger bones used in Chinese traditional medicine.
China has banned trading in tiger parts but its wide spread medical usage in traditional medicines spurs demand for the bones of the big cats. India has underlined the need for China not to yield to pressures from the owners of tiger farms to lift the ban.
Talks would also focus on promoting cooperation between the two countries in the field of wild life management and capacity building in critical areas of conservation. PTI KJV
Pilibhit ‘tigers’ declared maneaters
Eight casualties later, the Uttar Pradesh forest department has declared the Pilibhit tigers as maneaters. The state forest department has sent a team of experts to the Deoria range of Pilibhit, to tranquilise the animals.
On Sunday, tiger attack claimed its eight victim since May this year. The incident occurred in the Khutani range of Shahjehanpur district.
According to Divisional Forest Officer, Pilibhit, VK Singh: “The incident now makes it clear that these tigers — it may be just one of them or more than one — have become maneaters. And the recent incident shows that they are now moving towards human habitat, although the earlier incidents were reported deep inside the forest areas.”
While six of the victims were killed in Deoria Kalan range in Pilibhit district, two have been killed in Khutar range in Shahjehanpur district on the borders of Pilibhit. Although the laser cameras have captured photographs of three adult tigers, the department will match pugmarks to determine whether it is just one tiger or more than that who have turned maneaters.
The forest officials have set up a big cage for the carnivores in Sarriayya village. A team of tranquilising experts, led by Conservator (Rohilkhand division) Sunil Chaudhary, is also camping in the area and two machans have been set up to keep track of the animal.
Talking to The Indian Express, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife, B K Patnaik, meanwhile, said: “In case there is a decline in human deaths or the tiger is not spotted in the human habitation, it will be considered that the animal has retreated towards the forest area.”
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Pilibhit--tigers--declared-maneaters/674829/
Veerappan lair turns tiger park
A dense Tamil Nadu forest that used to be the late notorious sandalwood smuggler Veerappan's favourite refuge will soon become the country's 39th tiger reserve. The Centre has asked the Tamil Nadu government to submit a proposal on how the Sath-yamangalam wildlife sanctuary
can be converted into a tiger park, after World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) reported 10 tigers had been spotted there.
The move will also lead to a clampdown on illegal mining in the area.
Environment minister Jairam Ramesh also wants Tamil Nadu to conserve Segur plateau, adjoining the Sathyamangalam sanctuary, as a buffer for the Madumalai tiger reserve — which has the largest tiger population for a reserve in India.
"The Madumalai tiger reserve is an important tiger source area, which has a potential for populating the northern and eastern parts of the Western Ghats landscape complex," Ramesh wrote in a letter to Tamil Nadu chief minister Karunanidhi on August 26. In July, he had asked the state government to submit a proposal to declare Sathyamangalam forest as a tiger reserve.
As per the latest tiger census, four tiger reserves — Madumalai, Bandipur, Nagarhole and Wayanad — form a landscape, where big cat population has almost peaked.
"These tigers need more space," said Ravi Chellam, director of Bangalore-based NGO World Conservation Society, which has been working in Bandipur and Nagarhole tiger reserves in Karnataka.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Veerappan-lair-turns-tiger-park/Article1-593989.aspx
India to urge China to curb illegal trade in tigers
The fourth India-China financial dialogue to be held after a 3-year hiatus
Mechanism to share information on wildlife crime to be discussed
NEW DELHI/BEIJING: Defence ties between India and China may be strained in the wake of the visa denial row, but the two countries hope next week will see increased cooperation in both wildlife conservation and global financial issues as two delegations from New Delhi travel to Beijing.
On Monday evening, a delegation from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and the National Tiger Conservation Authority arrived in Beijing for a five-day visit, to urge Chinese counterparts to strengthen enforcement and curb illegal trade in tigers and other endangered big cats. Poaching in Indian forests is largely resorted to for meeting the raging demand for tiger parts in traditional Chinese medicine.
And, on Thursday, the fourth India-China financial dialogue will be held in Beijing after a three-year hiatus, during which the two countries will discuss coordinating their positions on the reforms of international financial institutions.
This week's dialogue, Indian officials said, would underscore the expanding breadth of bilateral relationship. The talks come even as Indian and Chinese officials looked to play down renewed tensions following China's decision to refuse a visa for the Army's Northern Command chief, Lt. Gen. B.S. Jaswal. Officials in both Defence Ministries said military exchanges would go ahead, despite specific disagreements, as would other areas of engagement.
During the first ever round of talks on wildlife conservation and management that will take place this week, India will urge China to continue its ban on any internal trade in tiger parts. Beijing was reportedly considering the lifting of the ban under pressure from “tiger farm” owners. Wildlife experts say China has fewer than 20 tigers left in the wild, but almost 5,000 on these farms, which cater for tourists and want to cater for the demand for tiger parts as well.
There is a fear that lifting the ban will allow the sale of parts of poached wild tigers under the guise of parts from the farms.
Another item on the agenda will be a recent controversial move by China to register the skins of all big cats. While some have warned that this could also allow the trade in illegally poached animals under cover of legal trade, India is merely seeking more details for now. The two countries will also discuss ways to set up a mechanism to share information on wildlife crime, and coordinate enforcement efforts.
This week will also see the fourth round of the bilateral financial dialogue being held in Beijing, when Finance Secretary Ashok Chawla, along with officials from the Reserve Bank of India, meets Chinese Vice Finance Minister Zhu Guangyao. The dialogue was set up following Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to India in 2005. The last round was held in December 2007.
The dialogue, officials said, would give both sides an important opportunity to exchange notes on the global financial situation, as well as their roles and objectives in reforming the international financial architecture.
On the agenda were coordination of tariff policies and macroeconomic policies, global financial regulatory reforms, as well as coordination of policies on multilateral fora such as the G20 and BRIC, they said.
http://www.hindu.com/2010/08/31/stories/2010083164781500.htm
Tiger panel seeks report on forest road
Guwahati, Aug. 30: The Delhi-based National Tiger Conservation Authority — the apex body for tiger conservation in the country — today asked the Assam forest department for a status report on the road-widening project on Balipara-Bhalukpong which cuts into the buffer area of the Nameri tiger reserve.
The tiger organisation was reacting to a report, “Road work threat to wildlife”, published in The Telegraph on August 21.
The member secretary of the tiger conservation authority, Rajesh Gopal, said a letter has been sent to the Assam forest department asking for information about the status of the project.
“We have received information in this office regarding a road-widening project in the buffer area of Nameri tiger reserve. It has been stated that the said area forms part of the Sonitpur elephant reserve and work is on without the mandatory clearance from the ministry of environment and forests,” Gopal said in his letter to the Assam forest department.
He said the forest department has replied that since today was a holiday in Assam, the information would be sent tomorrow.
Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, former member of the standing committee of the National Board of Wildlife and a member of Project Elephant Steering Committee, said: “What is important is to follow the procedure as mandated by existing laws with regards to forest clearance. The Forest Conservation Act 1980 clearly mentions that the state should get prior approval from the ministry of environment and forests if forestland is required to be used for non-forestry purpose.”
“Further, the area falls within the Sonitpur elephant reserve and also Nameri tiger reserve, stressing the fact that the area is of high importance for wildlife conservation. The ministry of environment and forests may kindly investigate the matter with the state government to uphold the sanctity of existing laws with regard to wildlife conservation,” Talukdar told The Telegraph.
Anwaruddin Choudhury, honorary chief executive of Rhino Foundation for Nature in Northeast India, said the proposed road should be of minimum width.
“The park authorities should ensure this as otherwise movement of animals would be affected. The National Tiger Conservation Authority has also constituted a committee to examine proposals of infrastructure development and other industries on projects falling in the buffer/corridor areas of tiger reserves.”
A source said the pressure on the forest department was immense from defence authorities to clear road projects such as this one, as they are of strategic importance.
The Balipara-Bhalukpong road is being widened for movement of heavy armoured vehicles to the Sino-Indian border in the wake of reported security threat.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100831/jsp/frontpage/story_12876396.jsp
Bhopal photo exhibition on tiger conservation
Wildlife activists organised a photo exhibition on tigers in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal city to make people aware of the importance of tigers in the eco system.
The exhibition sought to draw attention of people towards alleged carelessness of the State government to preserve tigers.
They claimed that a Jhurjhura tigress was found dead in the Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh in May. The reasons for her death are not yet clear.
"The main aim to organise this exhibition at this particular time is, that the killers of Jhurjhura, who was killed on May 18, are still free. The investigations are on since four months. When she died on May 18, she left three cubs behind with us," said Shahla Masood, Secretary of Uday organisation, which organised the exhibition.
"The administration, the forest officials said that they would take care of the three cubs. Ten days ago, even a cub died, and we do not know the reason for his death as well," she added.
The visitors said that this exhibition made them aware of the plight of tigers in India.
"The way humans have a right to live; tigers too have the full right to live.
They are a gift to us by nature. They are such a beautiful creatures. Their absence can misbalance our entire ecosystem, and we should understand that. They are a very important link in our ecosystem after us, and it is our duty to protect them," said Aruna Bandhavar, a visitor.
The activists claimed that there are around 254 tigers left in the state and the exhibition was also aimed at creating awareness among the wildlife officers.
As per a new survey there are just 1,411 tigers left in India, almost half the number since 2002 census. (ANI)
http://sify.com/news/bhopal-photo-exhibition-on-tiger-conservation-news-national-ki4quffjehd.html
Monday, August 30, 2010
Tiger injures man in Kheri village
LUCKNOW: A man was injured by a tiger in Mailani range of South Kheri forest division early on Sunday morning. Forest officials could not locate the pugmarks as area is flooded due to rains. It was also not confirmed whether it was the same tiger which has taken eight lives since May this year.
The injured was identified as Rambhajan, a resident of Kuriyani village of Mailani range. He had a chance encounter with the tiger when he was going to his fields in the morning. The man was admitted to the local hospital and given medical aid.
Kuriyani is a village in South kheri forest division. It is about 10 km from Saraiyan village of Khutar range in Shahjahanpur where tiger was spotted on Saturday night, around 9, by locals. The forest staff had reached the spot but could not locate the pugmarks due to flooding in the area. The search operation was carried out near Kuriyani on Sunday morning. In the evening, tracking team resumed operation in Saraiyan village. Pilibhit DFO VK Singh said that the animal could have shifted location.
There is doubt emerging if it is the wandering "charger-tiger" which left the man injured in Kuriyani village. "Man-mauling tiger will not run away so easily, it could have dragged the man inside forest," said VP Singh, a wildlife conservationist camping in the area. Mailani forest has sizeable tiger population and Kuriyani is a village bordering the forest. Chance encounter with big cats is not a rare occurrence in the area. Search operations will continue to tranquillise and capture the tiger.
Meanwhile, elephants which have been brought from Dudhwa for search operation are present in Bilandapur forest beat of Khutar range of Shahjahanpur. The villagers there had not been allowing the elephants to move from the spot. "They are demanding search team to go inside forest, search for tiger and assure that big cat has moved out of the place," said a local forest staff. The local political figures are working to allay the fears of villagers.
The terai area is reeling under tiger fear. Since May 3, eight humans have been killed and partially eaten by a sub-adult tiger. Officials are presuming the same tiger to have struck on all occasions. The last human kill was made on August 26 in Bilandapur forest beat. No human kill or attach was reported in the area till early Sunday morning when Rambhajan was attacked and injured. The senior forest officials along with experts from wildlife organisations are on watch.
Baits have been tied inside forest patches where tiger was reported to be moving. Enclosures have been set and villagers are told not to venture into forest's periphery. The rains and flood is making the search operation difficult.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Tiger-injures-man-in-Kheri-village/articleshow/6458468.cms
The injured was identified as Rambhajan, a resident of Kuriyani village of Mailani range. He had a chance encounter with the tiger when he was going to his fields in the morning. The man was admitted to the local hospital and given medical aid.
Kuriyani is a village in South kheri forest division. It is about 10 km from Saraiyan village of Khutar range in Shahjahanpur where tiger was spotted on Saturday night, around 9, by locals. The forest staff had reached the spot but could not locate the pugmarks due to flooding in the area. The search operation was carried out near Kuriyani on Sunday morning. In the evening, tracking team resumed operation in Saraiyan village. Pilibhit DFO VK Singh said that the animal could have shifted location.
There is doubt emerging if it is the wandering "charger-tiger" which left the man injured in Kuriyani village. "Man-mauling tiger will not run away so easily, it could have dragged the man inside forest," said VP Singh, a wildlife conservationist camping in the area. Mailani forest has sizeable tiger population and Kuriyani is a village bordering the forest. Chance encounter with big cats is not a rare occurrence in the area. Search operations will continue to tranquillise and capture the tiger.
Meanwhile, elephants which have been brought from Dudhwa for search operation are present in Bilandapur forest beat of Khutar range of Shahjahanpur. The villagers there had not been allowing the elephants to move from the spot. "They are demanding search team to go inside forest, search for tiger and assure that big cat has moved out of the place," said a local forest staff. The local political figures are working to allay the fears of villagers.
The terai area is reeling under tiger fear. Since May 3, eight humans have been killed and partially eaten by a sub-adult tiger. Officials are presuming the same tiger to have struck on all occasions. The last human kill was made on August 26 in Bilandapur forest beat. No human kill or attach was reported in the area till early Sunday morning when Rambhajan was attacked and injured. The senior forest officials along with experts from wildlife organisations are on watch.
Baits have been tied inside forest patches where tiger was reported to be moving. Enclosures have been set and villagers are told not to venture into forest's periphery. The rains and flood is making the search operation difficult.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Tiger-injures-man-in-Kheri-village/articleshow/6458468.cms
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