JAIPUR: Wildlife activists have questioned the utility of another investigation into the Sariska shame seven years after the reserve was poached of all its tigers.
"What do they hope to find after seven years since the tigers became extinct in the sanctuary. It is difficult to find anything even seven days after a tiger's death and seven years is a long time. Tigers are now back on the reserve," activists said.
"Take the example of the last tiger death in Sariska ---that of male tiger ST-1. We were unable to find much details even days after its death and this incident is now history," they add.
Seven years after it came to light in 2005, the Sariska tiger reserve was cleaned of all its big cats, the Rajasthan government on Monday began another investigation into the disappearance, poaching and lapses in security for tigers there. The investigation is being done by the state's additional chief secretary, development, B B Mohanty.
It comes at a time when not only are many of those accused in poaching at Sariska, including Sansar Chand and his brother, are behind bars but most of the officers and field staff that were present then have long been changed.
Even tigers, five to be precise, are now back again at Sariska with the state forest department embarking on an ambitious relocation programme in 2008..
But BB Mohanty sounded confident and claimed to have even discovered a "connivance"' that was ultimately responsible for wiping out tigers at the sanctuary.
"It will be a very different story once the investigations are over. I am trying to get down to the real issue. There is a sort of a connivance that exists in Sariska and we will bring this out after the investigation," he said.
Interestingly, the state government had not only ordered an inquiry by the then chief wildlife warden R N Mehrotra no sooner did Sariska's shame hit the national headlines, but that was followed by another committee set up by the Vidhan Sabha under the BJP MP from Bhilwara VP Singh. This again was followed by investigations by a special committee set up by the Prime Minister and the CBI.
"Though this inquiry was instituted in 2010, but it was only in March 2011 that I took over the investigations. I have visited Sariska twice and am being aided by a person from the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. We will come out with the real, detailed story in about two-three months. Prior to this not much work had been done in the investigations," claimed Mohanty.
According to Mohanty the investigations will be focusing on carelessness in keeping a count of tigers, managerial failure in the project, security lapses, lapses in measures to protect wildlife, officers and other staff ultimately responsible for the poaching of tigers, lack of punitive action on staff responsible for poaching and the non-utilisation of budget.
"Sariska is not only facing a problem of lack of water bodies which are absolutely necessary for wildlife there, but problems also stem from the fact that villages in the sanctuary release their livestock to graze in the forest thereby robbing it of greenery. I am in touch with experts and have sought the advice of residents, school teachers etc so that we are able to do a transparent investigation," he added.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Activists-question-utility-of-fresh-inquiry-into-Sariska-shame/articleshow/8200363.cms
Monday, May 9, 2011
Chikmagalur: Kudremukh to Have a Tiger Reserve - Jairam Ramesh
Chikmagalur, May 9: The announcement could not have come from a better person. The Kudremukh wildlife sanctuary will have its own tiger reserve along with Biligiri Ranga (B R) Hills in Chamarajanagar district in the state.
This was disclosed here on Sunday by none other than the Chikmagalur-born union minister for the enviroment Jairam Ramesh. Being the district of his birth, he definitely may have felt proud to take this step. He added that preparations are already on to formally declare Kudremukh as a tiger reserve. This will take the present number of reserves to six, from the present four.
He had a special word of praise for the state's scientists and officials in tiger conservation. He said that it had been revealed in the tiger census the presence of 350 tigers in the state. Even in 2006, Karnataka had stood first in tiger population.
He further said that 300 families from Kudremukh and 1,300 families from Nagarahole were being relocated, adding that it would be done only if they were willing to move.
He also said that he had pointed out to the state's chief minister that the mining activity was proving to be a hazard to the wildlife and forests and urged him not to allow mining in reserve forests
http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=local&newsid=237318
This was disclosed here on Sunday by none other than the Chikmagalur-born union minister for the enviroment Jairam Ramesh. Being the district of his birth, he definitely may have felt proud to take this step. He added that preparations are already on to formally declare Kudremukh as a tiger reserve. This will take the present number of reserves to six, from the present four.
He had a special word of praise for the state's scientists and officials in tiger conservation. He said that it had been revealed in the tiger census the presence of 350 tigers in the state. Even in 2006, Karnataka had stood first in tiger population.
He further said that 300 families from Kudremukh and 1,300 families from Nagarahole were being relocated, adding that it would be done only if they were willing to move.
He also said that he had pointed out to the state's chief minister that the mining activity was proving to be a hazard to the wildlife and forests and urged him not to allow mining in reserve forests
http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=local&newsid=237318
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Panna Tiger Reserve remains closed due to strike on 2nd day PTI
Bhopal, May 7 (PTI) With the majority of forest department employees on a strike, the Panna Tiger Reserve in the state remained closed for the second day today. Other tiger reserves and national parks were not affected much by the strike, officials said. "We remained open and the tourists visited the reserve," said Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve's Field Director, C K Patil. Barring the Indian Forest Service officers, the officials from Assistant Conservator Forest (ACF) down to the forest guards are on strike, demanding better pay, among other things. In an attempt to break the strike, the state government today declared the services of all the employees and officers of the forest department and its subordinate offices as essential services under MP Essential Services Rules (Avashyak Sewa Sandharan Tatha Vichchinnta Nivaran Adhiniyam).PTI LAL MAS KRK ETB
Fuel dry, Gypsy stranded inside Tadoba until midnight TNN
CHANDRAPUR: Even as RTO authorities have began crackdown upon illegally plying gypsies in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, gypsy operators continue to break norms. In an instance of serious violation of wildlife regulations, a gypsy operator kept some tourists inside TATR till late in the night as the fuel of the vehicle got exhausted on Thursday. Shockingly, no action was taken against the violator gypsy operator and driver.
One Rahul Gandhi from Mumbai had hired a gypsy for safari inside TATR for the afternoon session from Moharli gate. The driver took at least three tourists with a guide to the Ramshingh Amba area in Kolsa range of TATR where there is presence of a tigress with four cubs. However, vehicle stopped in dense jungle after its fuel ran out. The gypsy driver, instead of making alternative arrangement for safe exit of the tourists from the park within the stipulated exit timing, called the owner on mobile phone and asked to arrange for additional fuel. The vehicle owner reportedly arranged the petrol by 11 pm and the fuel was sent on motorbike to the vehicle. By the time the gypsy returned out of the park, it was midnight. The stipulated timing for safari during afternoon session is between 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm and movement of vehicles during night hours is strictly prohibited. Still, the gypsy operator overlooked the norms and did not gauge the fuel quantity in the vehicle before sending it inside the park. While the safety of tourists was put on the risk by keeping them in an open gypsy till midnight in tiger territory, it also disturbed the tranquility of the forest.
Gandhi, the tourist in question, confirmed that they were stranded in dense forest in Kolsa region till late in the night. "We were asked to remain in the gypsy for safety. We waited in dark till the fuel was brought to the vehicle for exit from the tiger reserve," said Gandhi, while talking to TOI. The TATR headquarters in Chandrapur was unaware of the incident even on Saturday. ACF, TATR, Ajay Pillariseth assured to look into the matter. He maintained that gypsy could face suspension for entry in TATR for such violation.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Fuel-dry-Gypsy-stranded-inside-Tadoba-until-midnight/articleshow/8191400.cms
One Rahul Gandhi from Mumbai had hired a gypsy for safari inside TATR for the afternoon session from Moharli gate. The driver took at least three tourists with a guide to the Ramshingh Amba area in Kolsa range of TATR where there is presence of a tigress with four cubs. However, vehicle stopped in dense jungle after its fuel ran out. The gypsy driver, instead of making alternative arrangement for safe exit of the tourists from the park within the stipulated exit timing, called the owner on mobile phone and asked to arrange for additional fuel. The vehicle owner reportedly arranged the petrol by 11 pm and the fuel was sent on motorbike to the vehicle. By the time the gypsy returned out of the park, it was midnight. The stipulated timing for safari during afternoon session is between 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm and movement of vehicles during night hours is strictly prohibited. Still, the gypsy operator overlooked the norms and did not gauge the fuel quantity in the vehicle before sending it inside the park. While the safety of tourists was put on the risk by keeping them in an open gypsy till midnight in tiger territory, it also disturbed the tranquility of the forest.
Gandhi, the tourist in question, confirmed that they were stranded in dense forest in Kolsa region till late in the night. "We were asked to remain in the gypsy for safety. We waited in dark till the fuel was brought to the vehicle for exit from the tiger reserve," said Gandhi, while talking to TOI. The TATR headquarters in Chandrapur was unaware of the incident even on Saturday. ACF, TATR, Ajay Pillariseth assured to look into the matter. He maintained that gypsy could face suspension for entry in TATR for such violation.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Fuel-dry-Gypsy-stranded-inside-Tadoba-until-midnight/articleshow/8191400.cms
Saturday, May 7, 2011
One held for selling fake tiger skin in TN PTI
Rajapalayam (TN), May 7 (PTI) A racket in selling fake tiger skins has been busted with the arrest of one person by officials of forest range here. Acting on a tip-off, a team of forest officials arrested James for allegedly selling fake tiger skin and seized a counterfeit hide piece at Kumbakari in Theni district on Thursday, officials said. James was produced before a court which yesterday remanded him to 15 days judicial custody, police said. Rajapalayam Forest Ranger Sekar Kumar Neerok and Srivilluputthur Forest Warden Raj set a trap to nab the gang involved in fake tiger skin business and sent one Mariappan, as a broker, to approach James of Pudukottai near Periyakulam. James had quoted Rs.2.5 lakh for the skin and had taken an advance of Rs.50,000 from Mariappan with a promise to deliver the skin on Thursday. The forest officials followed Mariappan and arrested James when he was handing over the fake tiger hide to Mariappan. They found that it was fake tiger skin and nabbed James and and handed him over to police. PTI SSN
http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/one-held-for-selling-fake-tiger-skin-in-tn/675422.html
http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/one-held-for-selling-fake-tiger-skin-in-tn/675422.html
Friday, May 6, 2011
Census begins in Sariska, Ranthambore to follow TNN
JAIPUR: The forest department on Thursday began the census at Sariska tiger reserve despite knowing that there are just five tigers at the reserve. The same will commence at Ranthambore two days later.
While 150 persons would be involved in the fortnight-long exercise at Sariska, Ranthambore will see 600 people including staff, forest guards, NGOs and wildlife lovers participate in it. The census at both the parks will be done in stages. Pugmarks will be counted first followed by transit line survey for verification of herbivores and vegetative survey and finally the waterhole census.
In Sariska, the pugmark count will be taken from May 5 to 11, followed by the transit line survey from May 12 to 16 and the waterhole census on May 17 and 18. At Ranthambore, the pugmark census will be done from May 7 to 16, the transit line survey will be from May 9 to 12 while the water hole survey will be held on May 17 and 18. During this time, the timings for visitors to the park has been changed while on May 17 and 18 both the parks will remain closed.
But the pugmark census may just end as a formality as it has become an outdated process and often fails to provide correct details. Way back in 2005, when tigers went extinct in Sariska, the pug mark census had still counted their number at 25.
"It is an exercise in futility involving lots of people and money," said a wildlife activist. "What is the use of carrying out the pug mark census when we know that it gives false data. Everyone knows that there are 5 tigers at Sariska so why carry out the pugmark census there at all ?" he asked. However, the water hole census still found favour with the activists as it also gives details on other animals in the sanctuaries.
However, forest officials begged to differ. "There are other cat species like leopards in Sariska and the pugmark census can give an insight into it," said an official. In Ranthambore, the pugmark process will be done along with trap cameras.
"The pugmark census will be done just for an estimation and to know the regions where the tiger is treading. We are setting up trap cameras and the census will be done by it. The method will provide us some insight into the density of tigers at various zones," said an official.
Chief wildlife warden UM Sahai denied that the pugmark census was being done at Ranthambore. "We are just doing it for Sariska so that we can get an exact number of panthers that are there in the forest. For Ranthambore, we are just doing the camera trap method there is no point doing the pugmark census there," he said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Census-begins-in-Sariska-Ranthambore-to-follow/articleshow/8172398.cms
While 150 persons would be involved in the fortnight-long exercise at Sariska, Ranthambore will see 600 people including staff, forest guards, NGOs and wildlife lovers participate in it. The census at both the parks will be done in stages. Pugmarks will be counted first followed by transit line survey for verification of herbivores and vegetative survey and finally the waterhole census.
In Sariska, the pugmark count will be taken from May 5 to 11, followed by the transit line survey from May 12 to 16 and the waterhole census on May 17 and 18. At Ranthambore, the pugmark census will be done from May 7 to 16, the transit line survey will be from May 9 to 12 while the water hole survey will be held on May 17 and 18. During this time, the timings for visitors to the park has been changed while on May 17 and 18 both the parks will remain closed.
But the pugmark census may just end as a formality as it has become an outdated process and often fails to provide correct details. Way back in 2005, when tigers went extinct in Sariska, the pug mark census had still counted their number at 25.
"It is an exercise in futility involving lots of people and money," said a wildlife activist. "What is the use of carrying out the pug mark census when we know that it gives false data. Everyone knows that there are 5 tigers at Sariska so why carry out the pugmark census there at all ?" he asked. However, the water hole census still found favour with the activists as it also gives details on other animals in the sanctuaries.
However, forest officials begged to differ. "There are other cat species like leopards in Sariska and the pugmark census can give an insight into it," said an official. In Ranthambore, the pugmark process will be done along with trap cameras.
"The pugmark census will be done just for an estimation and to know the regions where the tiger is treading. We are setting up trap cameras and the census will be done by it. The method will provide us some insight into the density of tigers at various zones," said an official.
Chief wildlife warden UM Sahai denied that the pugmark census was being done at Ranthambore. "We are just doing it for Sariska so that we can get an exact number of panthers that are there in the forest. For Ranthambore, we are just doing the camera trap method there is no point doing the pugmark census there," he said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Census-begins-in-Sariska-Ranthambore-to-follow/articleshow/8172398.cms
Locks greet visitors at NTCA office Vijay Pinjarkar, TNN
NAGPUR: Eight days ago, the regional office of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was inaugurated amid great fanfare at Ravi Nagar by Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan and minister for environment and forest Jairam Ramesh. Today, locks greet visitors.
The office was opened on April 27 on the working plan office premises of the forest department at Ravi Nagar. However, the opening of the office seems to be a farce now as there is no officer in charge to look after it.
On Thursday, when TOI visited the office, the NTCA board inaugurated by the top dignitaries was missing and the office was locked. There is no furniture and it is in the same condition when it was inaugurated. It seems no one has bothered to visit the office since then.
Deputy inspector general (DIG) of forests and joint director of NTCA, S P Yadav, says it was not inauguration of the office but building. However, a brief note issued on April 27 clearly stated that it was inauguration of the regional office.
"Till any officer is appointed to look after the affairs, how can an office be opened? Interviews for the post of assistant inspector general (AIG) will be held on Friday in Delhi. It will take some time to complete the formalities and appoint an officer to run the office," Yadav stated.
Congress MP from Nagpur Vilas Muttemwar, who took initiative in opening the NTCA office here, admits things need to be set right.
"I'm pursuing it with Delhi. It will take 10 days for the matters to settle down. Unless staff is appointed, the office won't function," he said.
"I had always felt that the inauguration of the NTCA office should have been done in a proper manner. But as chief minister was in the city and occasion demanded it was inaugurated. It is good that at least a start has been made. It is the first regional office in India," Muttemwar told TOI.
The NTCA has appointed wildlife vet Dr A D Kholkute as a consultant who has been told to coordinate with the Bhopal office but conservationists ask how a consultant can run an office.
During the inauguration, Chavan and Ramesh had said that opening of the NTCA office is the first step towards boosting tiger tourism in and around Nagpur, which has been declared 'gateway to tiger land.' "All help would be given to boost ecotourism. The NTCA office was a dream come true," both said. However, conservationists hope that it doesn't fizzle out.
Of the three NTCA offices in India, Nagpur is the first to be opened. It will oversee 13 tiger reserves in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. The main duties of Nagpur office will be planning, monitoring, and providing necessary guidance in field management.
NTCA officials said plans are afoot to recruit eight support ministerial staffers on outsourcing basis, but unless an IG level officer is appointed to head the office, opening of the office seems to be a futile exercise.
"If Jairam Ramesh wishes, the issue can be set right immediately, but even after cabinet approval, efforts have not been taken to fill up the IG's post," forest officials felt.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Locks-greet-visitors-at-NTCA-office/articleshow/8172029.cms
The office was opened on April 27 on the working plan office premises of the forest department at Ravi Nagar. However, the opening of the office seems to be a farce now as there is no officer in charge to look after it.
On Thursday, when TOI visited the office, the NTCA board inaugurated by the top dignitaries was missing and the office was locked. There is no furniture and it is in the same condition when it was inaugurated. It seems no one has bothered to visit the office since then.
Deputy inspector general (DIG) of forests and joint director of NTCA, S P Yadav, says it was not inauguration of the office but building. However, a brief note issued on April 27 clearly stated that it was inauguration of the regional office.
"Till any officer is appointed to look after the affairs, how can an office be opened? Interviews for the post of assistant inspector general (AIG) will be held on Friday in Delhi. It will take some time to complete the formalities and appoint an officer to run the office," Yadav stated.
Congress MP from Nagpur Vilas Muttemwar, who took initiative in opening the NTCA office here, admits things need to be set right.
"I'm pursuing it with Delhi. It will take 10 days for the matters to settle down. Unless staff is appointed, the office won't function," he said.
"I had always felt that the inauguration of the NTCA office should have been done in a proper manner. But as chief minister was in the city and occasion demanded it was inaugurated. It is good that at least a start has been made. It is the first regional office in India," Muttemwar told TOI.
The NTCA has appointed wildlife vet Dr A D Kholkute as a consultant who has been told to coordinate with the Bhopal office but conservationists ask how a consultant can run an office.
During the inauguration, Chavan and Ramesh had said that opening of the NTCA office is the first step towards boosting tiger tourism in and around Nagpur, which has been declared 'gateway to tiger land.' "All help would be given to boost ecotourism. The NTCA office was a dream come true," both said. However, conservationists hope that it doesn't fizzle out.
Of the three NTCA offices in India, Nagpur is the first to be opened. It will oversee 13 tiger reserves in Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. The main duties of Nagpur office will be planning, monitoring, and providing necessary guidance in field management.
NTCA officials said plans are afoot to recruit eight support ministerial staffers on outsourcing basis, but unless an IG level officer is appointed to head the office, opening of the office seems to be a futile exercise.
"If Jairam Ramesh wishes, the issue can be set right immediately, but even after cabinet approval, efforts have not been taken to fill up the IG's post," forest officials felt.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Locks-greet-visitors-at-NTCA-office/articleshow/8172029.cms
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Missing from MP Pench, tiger traced to Mansinghdeo Vijay Pinjarkar, TNN
NAGPUR: You must have heard of radio-collared tigers going missing from a reserve. But a radio-collared tiger that went missing from Pench tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh has been traced to the new Mansinghdeo wildlife sanctuary, adjoining Pench, Maharashtra.
The radio-collared tiger was a resident of Pivarthadi area of MP Pench and was untraceable for the past two months. On April 23, the tiger was seen in Chorbahuli forest area by a shepherd. The compartment where the tiger was sighted is part of Block B of the newly-declared Mansinghdeo wildlife sanctuary, which is contiguous to Pench.
Prafulla Bhamburkar of Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) says the tiger must have travelled a distance of 25km as the crow flies, though it must have covered around 45km walking through Pivarthadi, Bodhalzira, Bakhari, Kirangisarra and Mansinghdeo.
A tiger crossing from MP into the Maharashtra side of Pench is common, but this is the second instance in the last three years when a radio-collared tiger has strayed into the forest on the Maharashtra side.
Earlier, in January-February 2008, a radio-collared tigress from high-profile Kanha tiger reserve traversed almost 250 kilometres in four months to reach Pench tiger reserve in Maharashtra. There were reports later that this collared Kanha tigress gave birth to three cubs. Foresters claim to have sighted the tigress and cubs but there are no pictures.
OP Tiwari, deputy director of Pench tiger reserve, MP, on Wednesday confirmed that the tiger sighted in Mansinghdeo area belongs to MP Pench. "Yes, it's a sub-adult male tiger around three years old. It was radio-collared in January 2010 and its presence was also recorded in camera traps in Pivarthadi area during the annual census exercise," Tiwari told TOI.
Worried MP Pench field staff and officials tried to trace the tiger along Kanha side but failed to track it. They came to know about the tiger's presence in Paoni forest range only when A Ashraf, field director of Pench, Maharashtra, called up his counterpart Arun Kumar a couple of days ago. Paoni range has now become part of Mansinghdeo sanctuary.
The collared tiger was first sighted by a shepherd who saw the beast killing a buffalo and a calf. He lodged a complaint with Paoni range forest officer (RFO) Anil Waghmare.
Waghmare informed conservator of forests (CF) for Nagpur division N Rambabu, who sent a team including conservationist Kundan Hate to the spot. The team deployed camera traps to record evidence of the tiger and a machan was also built near the spot to keep a watch on the animal.
Since April 23, two teams from Pench and Paoni are continuously monitoring the tiger. Ashraf and assistant conservator of forests (ACF), Pench, G K Vashisht too visited the spot recently to take stock of the situation.
"We had also received a call from Kanha field director HS Negi who wanted to know whether it is the same tiger that went missing three years ago from Kanha," Ashraf said.
Tiwari said the Pivarthadi tiger could not be traced since the radio-collar had stopped emitting signals.
"Problems in the radio-collar of the tiger cannot be ruled out. The best we can do now is to protect the tiger by monitoring it. It is difficult to say whether the tiger will return to its original territory in MP Pench," Tiwari added.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Missing-from-MP-Pench-tiger-traced-to-Mansinghdeo/articleshow/8163901.cms
The radio-collared tiger was a resident of Pivarthadi area of MP Pench and was untraceable for the past two months. On April 23, the tiger was seen in Chorbahuli forest area by a shepherd. The compartment where the tiger was sighted is part of Block B of the newly-declared Mansinghdeo wildlife sanctuary, which is contiguous to Pench.
Prafulla Bhamburkar of Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) says the tiger must have travelled a distance of 25km as the crow flies, though it must have covered around 45km walking through Pivarthadi, Bodhalzira, Bakhari, Kirangisarra and Mansinghdeo.
A tiger crossing from MP into the Maharashtra side of Pench is common, but this is the second instance in the last three years when a radio-collared tiger has strayed into the forest on the Maharashtra side.
Earlier, in January-February 2008, a radio-collared tigress from high-profile Kanha tiger reserve traversed almost 250 kilometres in four months to reach Pench tiger reserve in Maharashtra. There were reports later that this collared Kanha tigress gave birth to three cubs. Foresters claim to have sighted the tigress and cubs but there are no pictures.
OP Tiwari, deputy director of Pench tiger reserve, MP, on Wednesday confirmed that the tiger sighted in Mansinghdeo area belongs to MP Pench. "Yes, it's a sub-adult male tiger around three years old. It was radio-collared in January 2010 and its presence was also recorded in camera traps in Pivarthadi area during the annual census exercise," Tiwari told TOI.
Worried MP Pench field staff and officials tried to trace the tiger along Kanha side but failed to track it. They came to know about the tiger's presence in Paoni forest range only when A Ashraf, field director of Pench, Maharashtra, called up his counterpart Arun Kumar a couple of days ago. Paoni range has now become part of Mansinghdeo sanctuary.
The collared tiger was first sighted by a shepherd who saw the beast killing a buffalo and a calf. He lodged a complaint with Paoni range forest officer (RFO) Anil Waghmare.
Waghmare informed conservator of forests (CF) for Nagpur division N Rambabu, who sent a team including conservationist Kundan Hate to the spot. The team deployed camera traps to record evidence of the tiger and a machan was also built near the spot to keep a watch on the animal.
Since April 23, two teams from Pench and Paoni are continuously monitoring the tiger. Ashraf and assistant conservator of forests (ACF), Pench, G K Vashisht too visited the spot recently to take stock of the situation.
"We had also received a call from Kanha field director HS Negi who wanted to know whether it is the same tiger that went missing three years ago from Kanha," Ashraf said.
Tiwari said the Pivarthadi tiger could not be traced since the radio-collar had stopped emitting signals.
"Problems in the radio-collar of the tiger cannot be ruled out. The best we can do now is to protect the tiger by monitoring it. It is difficult to say whether the tiger will return to its original territory in MP Pench," Tiwari added.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Missing-from-MP-Pench-tiger-traced-to-Mansinghdeo/articleshow/8163901.cms
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Rajasthan govt orders probe into missing tigers in Sariska
The Rajasthan government has began a eight-point enquiry into the cases of missing tigers and hunting in Sariska park, an official said today.
The investigation, which is being carried out by a senior official of the rank of additional chief secretary, is focused on management failure in the tiger project, safety measures, violation of security and safety norms for wildlife animals among others, he said.
The government has also invited suggestions from public and experts for enhancing security of tigers, he added.
A tiger was poisoned to death in Sariksa last year. The police had later arrested the accused.
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_rajasthan-govt-orders-probe-into-missing-tigers-in-sariska_1539094
The investigation, which is being carried out by a senior official of the rank of additional chief secretary, is focused on management failure in the tiger project, safety measures, violation of security and safety norms for wildlife animals among others, he said.
The government has also invited suggestions from public and experts for enhancing security of tigers, he added.
A tiger was poisoned to death in Sariksa last year. The police had later arrested the accused.
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_rajasthan-govt-orders-probe-into-missing-tigers-in-sariska_1539094
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Assam Rifles seizes 15 kg tiger bones, skulls TNN
IMPHAL: Assam Rifles personnel seized a large quantity of tiger parts, including 15 kg of bones and skulls from four animal parts' smugglers at Sita track in Manipur's Chandel district bordering Myanmar.
The country's oldest paramilitary force, which is guarding the long porous international borders in the remote tribal-dominated district, has recovered a large quantity of rare animals' parts in the last few years. Wildlife analysts said rare animals' parts are in high demand by cosmetic and drug-manufacturing companies in Southeast Asian countries and smugglers take advantage of the porous borders to siphon off the nation's treasure.
Having discovered the transportation route of banned wildlife parts, 29 AR troops launched an operation in Sita track area on Sunday evening, a statement of the force said. The soldiers then intercepted a jeep carrying four individuals along with the animal parts; the vehicle was headed towards the border town of Moreh. All four are residents of Tengnoupal in the district.
The soldiers seized 15 kg of tiger bones with two skulls and a skin of the rare animal weighing 4.5 kg, the statement added. The apprehended, along with the recovered parts, were handed over to Manipur forest department authorities in Imphal. An FIR has been registered against them in Tengnoupal police station.
In February 2009, two tiger skulls, 16 kg bones and paws of the rare animal were recovered by the Assam Rifles from Bongyang military check-post in the same district. The force also seized 3 kg tiger bones from Moreh town in March this year. Other animal parts like rhino bones, rhino skin, bear glands, pangolin shells and deer horns have also been seized by the paramilitary forces off and on in the last few years in Chandel. To check smuggling of animal parts to Myanmar, a full-fledged branch office of the Centre-run Wildlife Crime Bureau (WCB) is being opened at Moreh town.
Meanwhile, 29 AR personnel also apprehended a Myanmarese national in the same district on Sunday for not possessing valid documents. The troops found a fake Indian driving license, a mobile phone, sim cards and currencies of India, Myanmar and Thailand as well as 11 visiting cards of foreign nationals on the individual, identified as Myintoo (38) of Kyan Tong, Shan.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Assam-Rifles-seizes-15-kg-tiger-bones-skulls/articleshow/8146821.cms
The country's oldest paramilitary force, which is guarding the long porous international borders in the remote tribal-dominated district, has recovered a large quantity of rare animals' parts in the last few years. Wildlife analysts said rare animals' parts are in high demand by cosmetic and drug-manufacturing companies in Southeast Asian countries and smugglers take advantage of the porous borders to siphon off the nation's treasure.
Having discovered the transportation route of banned wildlife parts, 29 AR troops launched an operation in Sita track area on Sunday evening, a statement of the force said. The soldiers then intercepted a jeep carrying four individuals along with the animal parts; the vehicle was headed towards the border town of Moreh. All four are residents of Tengnoupal in the district.
The soldiers seized 15 kg of tiger bones with two skulls and a skin of the rare animal weighing 4.5 kg, the statement added. The apprehended, along with the recovered parts, were handed over to Manipur forest department authorities in Imphal. An FIR has been registered against them in Tengnoupal police station.
In February 2009, two tiger skulls, 16 kg bones and paws of the rare animal were recovered by the Assam Rifles from Bongyang military check-post in the same district. The force also seized 3 kg tiger bones from Moreh town in March this year. Other animal parts like rhino bones, rhino skin, bear glands, pangolin shells and deer horns have also been seized by the paramilitary forces off and on in the last few years in Chandel. To check smuggling of animal parts to Myanmar, a full-fledged branch office of the Centre-run Wildlife Crime Bureau (WCB) is being opened at Moreh town.
Meanwhile, 29 AR personnel also apprehended a Myanmarese national in the same district on Sunday for not possessing valid documents. The troops found a fake Indian driving license, a mobile phone, sim cards and currencies of India, Myanmar and Thailand as well as 11 visiting cards of foreign nationals on the individual, identified as Myintoo (38) of Kyan Tong, Shan.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Assam-Rifles-seizes-15-kg-tiger-bones-skulls/articleshow/8146821.cms
Tiger found in Kovai jungles Radha Venkatesan, TNN
COIMBATORE: For the first time, a picture of a tiger on the prowl in jungles near Coimbatore has been captured on camera set up by the forest department. The first-ever visual evidence of the presence of the big cat in the Sirumugai range of Coimbatore forest division was released by the forest department on Monday.
"We had set up a camera trap in Sirumugai. And, for the first time, the camera caught the picture of a tiger last week," the Coimbatore divisional forest officer (DFO), V Thirunavukkarasu said.
Till now, only pug marks have been spotted in a few areas of the 694 sq km forests girdling Coimbatore. However, on April 17, the camera trap (a camera hidden inside a box and fixed on to a wooden post) captured a tiger lurking behind a tree in an open tract of land in Sirumugai.
The wild life census carried out in Coimbatore forests in March revealed the presence of tigers in Mettupalayam, Karamadai and Sirumugai ranges of Coimbatore forest division. Pug marks of seven tigers were spotted in Coimbatore division. "Three pug marks of tigers were spotted in Sirumugai and two each in Mettupalayam and Karamadai," the DFO said.
Buoyed by pug marks, the forest department set up a camera trap in Sirumugai to ascertain the presence of tigers. Within a week of placing the camera, a tiger was spotted in Sirumugai, adjoining the Bhavani Sagar jungles of the Sathyamangalam forest division.
"It could be a spill-over population of tigers from the Bhavani Sagar range," he said.
Spread over 69,000 hectares of tropical forests, the Coimbatore forest division straddles known tiger habitats of Sathyamangalam and Nilgiris forests in the north and north west. With the tropical vegetation of Coimbatore offering a prey base of spotted deer, mouse deer, sambar and black buck, tigers from the adjoining Sathyamangalam and Nilgiris forests are now stalking Coimbatore jungles.
In Sirumugai, spread over 11,000 hectares, the vegetation is not dense and deers are plenty. Perhaps, that explains why the tiger has been spotted there. Next, the forest department plans to set up a camera trap in the Mettupalayam range.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/Tiger-found-in-Kovai-jungles/articleshow/8147551.cms
"We had set up a camera trap in Sirumugai. And, for the first time, the camera caught the picture of a tiger last week," the Coimbatore divisional forest officer (DFO), V Thirunavukkarasu said.
Till now, only pug marks have been spotted in a few areas of the 694 sq km forests girdling Coimbatore. However, on April 17, the camera trap (a camera hidden inside a box and fixed on to a wooden post) captured a tiger lurking behind a tree in an open tract of land in Sirumugai.
The wild life census carried out in Coimbatore forests in March revealed the presence of tigers in Mettupalayam, Karamadai and Sirumugai ranges of Coimbatore forest division. Pug marks of seven tigers were spotted in Coimbatore division. "Three pug marks of tigers were spotted in Sirumugai and two each in Mettupalayam and Karamadai," the DFO said.
Buoyed by pug marks, the forest department set up a camera trap in Sirumugai to ascertain the presence of tigers. Within a week of placing the camera, a tiger was spotted in Sirumugai, adjoining the Bhavani Sagar jungles of the Sathyamangalam forest division.
"It could be a spill-over population of tigers from the Bhavani Sagar range," he said.
Spread over 69,000 hectares of tropical forests, the Coimbatore forest division straddles known tiger habitats of Sathyamangalam and Nilgiris forests in the north and north west. With the tropical vegetation of Coimbatore offering a prey base of spotted deer, mouse deer, sambar and black buck, tigers from the adjoining Sathyamangalam and Nilgiris forests are now stalking Coimbatore jungles.
In Sirumugai, spread over 11,000 hectares, the vegetation is not dense and deers are plenty. Perhaps, that explains why the tiger has been spotted there. Next, the forest department plans to set up a camera trap in the Mettupalayam range.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/Tiger-found-in-Kovai-jungles/articleshow/8147551.cms
Monday, May 2, 2011
Tiger reserves' management report to be released in May
LUCKNOW: The Union Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) might release the report on effective management of the tiger reserves in the second week of May. The committees, which were set up to evaluate the five cluster of reserves have submitted their report to the ministry.
All 39 reserves of the country were clubbed according to region and state into five clusters. Dudhwa reserve along with Corbett (Uttarakhand), Ranthambhore, Sariska (Rajasthan) and Melghat, Pench, Tadoba-Andhari, Sahyadri (Maharashtra) were the cluster I reserves. Similarly, Bandhavgarh, Satpura, Kanha, Pench and Sanjay-Dubri (MP) formed the cluster II reserves.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), in May 2010, 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.
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-05-01/lucknow/29492942_1_tiger-reserves-national-tiger-conservation-authority-ntca
All 39 reserves of the country were clubbed according to region and state into five clusters. Dudhwa reserve along with Corbett (Uttarakhand), Ranthambhore, Sariska (Rajasthan) and Melghat, Pench, Tadoba-Andhari, Sahyadri (Maharashtra) were the cluster I reserves. Similarly, Bandhavgarh, Satpura, Kanha, Pench and Sanjay-Dubri (MP) formed the cluster II reserves.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), in May 2010, 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.
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-05-01/lucknow/29492942_1_tiger-reserves-national-tiger-conservation-authority-ntca
Tourist gypsies defy law, enter Tadoba tiger reserve TNN
CHANDRAPUR: Blatant violation of Motor Vehicle Act continued in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) as the forest authorities remained mute spectators to the entry of illegally plying tourist gypsies on Sunday morning. The extended deadline for gypsy operators to regularise their vehicles and seek tourist permit expired on Saturday. Despite this, they adamantly took gypsies into the tiger reserve.
The RTO squad made a surprise inspection at Moharli gate late in the morning but failed to catch any defaulting gypsies.
The role of TATR and RTO authorities here is under the scanner since January last after it came to fore that all the tourist gypsies are plying in violation of rules in Tadoba. All the 43 gypsies plying in TATR have no tourist permit. A bunch of them are registered in other states in violation of laws. After this entire malpractice was exposed by TOI in January, the TATR authorities issued warning to the gypsy operators and asked them to seek permit and regularise vehicles by February end. When they failed to comply with Road Traffic Department's norms in stipulated time, the compliance deadline was extended for two months which ended on Saturday. Meanwhile MP Hansraj Ahir too raised objections over this serious violation which puts the tigers and tourists both at the risk. He summoned a meeting with RTO and TATR officials and asked them to take action against the defaulter gypsy operators. Still the two departments remained lenient and took no action, but issued fresh warning and notices asking all the vehicle entering into tiger reserve to abide with MV Act were hanged at TATR entrance gates. Gypsy operators however remained adamant and did not obtain any tourist permit for their vehicles as the deadline expired on Saturday (April 30).
On Sunday, the gypsy operators took the tourists into the park defying the law, but TATR staffers posted at the gates made no attempt to check permits or other documents despite requests from RTO officials. TATR authorities have washed their hands off the affair and taken a stand that they have no authority to check documents or take action under Motor Vehicles Act on violating vehicles. A flying squad of RTO led by inspector TA Sapkal made a surprise inspection at Moharli gate of TATR, but by the time it reached the gate all the gypsies had returned park and moved away from the premises.
"None of the defaulter vehicle in TATR would be spared. We have issued challans to three private vehicles for carrying tourists without necessary permit enroute to Moharli, but none of the gypsy was seen when our squad reached Moharli gate. A formal letter has been issued to TATR head office, asking it to not allow any tourist vehicles without necessary permit from their gates," said Sapkal. He said that they have obtained records from gate office which said that 17 gypsies had entered the park from Moharli gate on Sunday morning. He held the owner of all 17 gypsies would be sent notices to produce valid documents and tourist permits at deputy RTO office's here. Sapkal claimed that RTO can cancel registration of the vehicle, suspend the driving licence of the driver of defaulter vehicle and impose a fine if found guilty of violating rules. He said that the flying squad of the department would frequently conduct surprise inspection at different gates of TATR to check the violation.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Tourist-gypsies-defy-law-enter-Tadoba-tiger-reserve/articleshow/8135258.cms
The RTO squad made a surprise inspection at Moharli gate late in the morning but failed to catch any defaulting gypsies.
The role of TATR and RTO authorities here is under the scanner since January last after it came to fore that all the tourist gypsies are plying in violation of rules in Tadoba. All the 43 gypsies plying in TATR have no tourist permit. A bunch of them are registered in other states in violation of laws. After this entire malpractice was exposed by TOI in January, the TATR authorities issued warning to the gypsy operators and asked them to seek permit and regularise vehicles by February end. When they failed to comply with Road Traffic Department's norms in stipulated time, the compliance deadline was extended for two months which ended on Saturday. Meanwhile MP Hansraj Ahir too raised objections over this serious violation which puts the tigers and tourists both at the risk. He summoned a meeting with RTO and TATR officials and asked them to take action against the defaulter gypsy operators. Still the two departments remained lenient and took no action, but issued fresh warning and notices asking all the vehicle entering into tiger reserve to abide with MV Act were hanged at TATR entrance gates. Gypsy operators however remained adamant and did not obtain any tourist permit for their vehicles as the deadline expired on Saturday (April 30).
On Sunday, the gypsy operators took the tourists into the park defying the law, but TATR staffers posted at the gates made no attempt to check permits or other documents despite requests from RTO officials. TATR authorities have washed their hands off the affair and taken a stand that they have no authority to check documents or take action under Motor Vehicles Act on violating vehicles. A flying squad of RTO led by inspector TA Sapkal made a surprise inspection at Moharli gate of TATR, but by the time it reached the gate all the gypsies had returned park and moved away from the premises.
"None of the defaulter vehicle in TATR would be spared. We have issued challans to three private vehicles for carrying tourists without necessary permit enroute to Moharli, but none of the gypsy was seen when our squad reached Moharli gate. A formal letter has been issued to TATR head office, asking it to not allow any tourist vehicles without necessary permit from their gates," said Sapkal. He said that they have obtained records from gate office which said that 17 gypsies had entered the park from Moharli gate on Sunday morning. He held the owner of all 17 gypsies would be sent notices to produce valid documents and tourist permits at deputy RTO office's here. Sapkal claimed that RTO can cancel registration of the vehicle, suspend the driving licence of the driver of defaulter vehicle and impose a fine if found guilty of violating rules. He said that the flying squad of the department would frequently conduct surprise inspection at different gates of TATR to check the violation.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Tourist-gypsies-defy-law-enter-Tadoba-tiger-reserve/articleshow/8135258.cms
Villagers claim sighting of three tigers in Tipeshwar
YAVATMAL: Though not officially confirmed, the villagers in the vicinity of Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Yavatmal district have claimed to have sighted at least three tigers in the forest during the last one year. They have justified their claim on the basis of the 'kill case' parameters.
The recently concluded tiger census across the country has shown an appreciable increase in the tiger population. Though there was confirmation of one tiger in Yavatmal forest in the previous census report, this time it was found missing. The reason for the disappearance of tiger was stated as regular migration from one region to another.
Yavatmal district has two wildlife sanctuaries, namely, Tipeshwar and Painganga. Tipeshwar sanctuary is spread over 1,300 square kilometre area of which 1,000 sq km come under Pattan range while the remaining 300 sq km is in Parwa range.
Though no tiger was spotted during the last one year, the forest officials have claimed to have kept a close watch on the wildlife and their movement in the region.
As per norms, the survey is conducted every year in the sanctuary while once in four years in the adjoining jungles. In the recent past, the movement of wildlife was seen through latest cameras. However, this arrangement is not made available in Tipeshwar sanctuary and the forest officials adopt traditional methods such as pug marks and excreta. They also take into account the 'kill cases' to conclude the nature and size of animals.
In Painganga sanctuary, there are panthers and other comparatively less fierce animals but nobody claimed to have spotted tigers there. The presence of these wild animals is also identified with their preys/hunts.
Villagers in the vicinity of Tipeshwar claimed to have sighted tiger in the forest. Pavan Patil saw a tiger drinking water near a hand pump in his village.
When contacted, deputy conservator of forest Sudhakar Dhole said that Tipeshwar sanctuary comes under the jurisdiction of the wildlife department. He has claimed to have undergone special training for identification of tigers a couple of years ago and said the presence of tigers can easily be determined by way of analysing the method of 'kill case' and the claim of three tigers in Tipeshwar cannot be ruled out as the villagers have confirmed having seen the tigers.
"It is the need of the hour to go for a thorough survey in Tipeshwar and Painganga wildlife sanctuaries to find out the veracity of the claim of sighting three tigers," chief conservator of forest Devendra Kumar said, adding that wild animals like tigers and panthers frequently change their habitat.
However, both Dhole and Devendra Kumar did not deny the claim of the presence of three tigers in Tipeshwar.
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-30/nagpur/29490471_1_tiger-census-tiger-population-three-tigers
The recently concluded tiger census across the country has shown an appreciable increase in the tiger population. Though there was confirmation of one tiger in Yavatmal forest in the previous census report, this time it was found missing. The reason for the disappearance of tiger was stated as regular migration from one region to another.
Yavatmal district has two wildlife sanctuaries, namely, Tipeshwar and Painganga. Tipeshwar sanctuary is spread over 1,300 square kilometre area of which 1,000 sq km come under Pattan range while the remaining 300 sq km is in Parwa range.
Though no tiger was spotted during the last one year, the forest officials have claimed to have kept a close watch on the wildlife and their movement in the region.
As per norms, the survey is conducted every year in the sanctuary while once in four years in the adjoining jungles. In the recent past, the movement of wildlife was seen through latest cameras. However, this arrangement is not made available in Tipeshwar sanctuary and the forest officials adopt traditional methods such as pug marks and excreta. They also take into account the 'kill cases' to conclude the nature and size of animals.
In Painganga sanctuary, there are panthers and other comparatively less fierce animals but nobody claimed to have spotted tigers there. The presence of these wild animals is also identified with their preys/hunts.
Villagers in the vicinity of Tipeshwar claimed to have sighted tiger in the forest. Pavan Patil saw a tiger drinking water near a hand pump in his village.
When contacted, deputy conservator of forest Sudhakar Dhole said that Tipeshwar sanctuary comes under the jurisdiction of the wildlife department. He has claimed to have undergone special training for identification of tigers a couple of years ago and said the presence of tigers can easily be determined by way of analysing the method of 'kill case' and the claim of three tigers in Tipeshwar cannot be ruled out as the villagers have confirmed having seen the tigers.
"It is the need of the hour to go for a thorough survey in Tipeshwar and Painganga wildlife sanctuaries to find out the veracity of the claim of sighting three tigers," chief conservator of forest Devendra Kumar said, adding that wild animals like tigers and panthers frequently change their habitat.
However, both Dhole and Devendra Kumar did not deny the claim of the presence of three tigers in Tipeshwar.
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-04-30/nagpur/29490471_1_tiger-census-tiger-population-three-tigers
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Protecting tiger corridors impossible: Ramesh Vijay Pinjarkar
NAGPUR: The tiger population going up in the state from 103 in 2006 to 169 in 2010 may be good news but the bad news is that there can be no policy to protect corridors required for the tigers to disperse for a viable population.
Talking to TOI on Wednesday, Union minister for environment and forests Jairam Ramesh said protecting corridors was impossible as all development would come to a standstill. "We cannot come out with a policy on corridors," Ramesh stressed.
Today, tigers are facing the biggest threat from shrinking and fragmented corridors between protected areas (PAs) connecting each other. Against this backdrop, Ramesh's statement is disturbing. This is despite the fact that environment minister himself admitting that one-third of the tiger population resides outside protected areas (PAs).
Corridors between Kanha-Nagzira-Pench, Navegaon-Nagzira, Tadoba-Melghat are under threat from encroachments, road widening, mining, power and other developmental projects. Ramesh admits that biggest threat is coal mining for a number of power projects. "But let me tell you that the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is not only for protecting tigers but also forests. Tiger is just a symbol — if tigers are gone, so will forests," he stated.
Ramesh felt there would be a lot of hue and cry if a policy on corridors was formulated. According to a study by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), there are 89 villages in the Nagzira-Navegaon corridor, which further extends to Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in Chandrapur and Indravati Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh. A similar situation prevails in Tadoba-Andhari corridor where there are equal number of villages.
At present, there is no status to corridors between Kanha, Pench, Navegaon and Nagzira, which is roughly 15,000 sq km. After protected areas (PAs), corridors are the main pockets through which genetic breeding takes place. These are the best conservation units for dispersal of tigers.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Protecting-tiger-corridors-impossible-Ramesh/articleshow/8104819.cms
Talking to TOI on Wednesday, Union minister for environment and forests Jairam Ramesh said protecting corridors was impossible as all development would come to a standstill. "We cannot come out with a policy on corridors," Ramesh stressed.
Today, tigers are facing the biggest threat from shrinking and fragmented corridors between protected areas (PAs) connecting each other. Against this backdrop, Ramesh's statement is disturbing. This is despite the fact that environment minister himself admitting that one-third of the tiger population resides outside protected areas (PAs).
Corridors between Kanha-Nagzira-Pench, Navegaon-Nagzira, Tadoba-Melghat are under threat from encroachments, road widening, mining, power and other developmental projects. Ramesh admits that biggest threat is coal mining for a number of power projects. "But let me tell you that the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is not only for protecting tigers but also forests. Tiger is just a symbol — if tigers are gone, so will forests," he stated.
Ramesh felt there would be a lot of hue and cry if a policy on corridors was formulated. According to a study by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), there are 89 villages in the Nagzira-Navegaon corridor, which further extends to Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in Chandrapur and Indravati Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh. A similar situation prevails in Tadoba-Andhari corridor where there are equal number of villages.
At present, there is no status to corridors between Kanha, Pench, Navegaon and Nagzira, which is roughly 15,000 sq km. After protected areas (PAs), corridors are the main pockets through which genetic breeding takes place. These are the best conservation units for dispersal of tigers.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Protecting-tiger-corridors-impossible-Ramesh/articleshow/8104819.cms
Chavan announces Rs 50 crore for Vidarbha tribals
Nagpur, Apr 27 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithiviraj Chavan today announced a rehabilitation package of Rs 50 crore for tribals in tiger reserves of Tadoba and Melghat in Vidarbha region of the state. Chavan, who kicked off a whirlwind tour of Vidarbha from today, visited Lekha-Mendha village in Gadchiroli district, along with union minister for environment and forests Jairam Ramesh, and handed over transit passes to tribals there thus offering them right of harvesting and managing Bamboo as a forest produce. Chavan said that "The state government has decided to denotify 32,230 hectares of land and will prepare a draft proposal accordingly and it would be sent to Centre for necessary process." "A large number of irrigation, infrastructure, roads and other projects were held up because of Zudpi-Jangal act which prohibited any activities in the forested areas. The state government will take up the issue with the Centrally Empowered Committee (CEC) before approaching the Supreme Court to denotify the Zudpi-Jangals," he said. Chavan announced that the state Government will allocate Rs 10 lakh each to the families in Kolsa village in Tadoba forest area. Out of Rs 50 crore, Rs 10 crore would be spent on Tadoba and Rs 40 crore on Melghat, Chavan said. Ramesh, who along with Chavan inaugurated the regional office of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), said since a number of tiger projects are located near Nagpur, the government would shortly be preparing a master plan for developing it as an gateway to nearby tiger reserves.
http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/chavan-announces-rs-50-crore-for-vidarbha-tribals/664095.html
http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/chavan-announces-rs-50-crore-for-vidarbha-tribals/664095.html
Bullocks saved my life, KEM doctors limb: Tiger attack survivor, Somita Pal DNA
“My bullocks saved my life and the KEM doctors saved my limb,” said Anil Bhosale, 35, a resident of Kheda village, who was attacked by a tiger on April 20.
It took 10 hours and five doctors from KEM hospital’s orthopaedic department to save his left hand. The doctors had to resurrect his wrist bone as his left wrist had been badly bitten by the tiger.
Anil had gone to feed his cattle when the tiger pounced on him. It attacked the bullocks and later him. The bullocks kicked the tiger to save Anil.
“Anil came to us on Thursday morning with his brother. The tiger had badly bitten his wrist. We first washed his hand, gave him primary aid and took X-rays. His palm was showing some sense of liveliness. So we decided to operate on him as soon as possible and save his limb,” said Dr Pradeep Bhosale, head of the orthopaedic department, KEM hospital.
“We had to cancel two other operations for this,” said Dr Pankaj Agarwal, orthopaedic surgeon, KEM hospital. The operation was headed by Dr SK Srivastava.
“We had taken the plastic surgeon’s opinion before the surgery. We first resurrected the bone. Later, we reattached all the torn tissues in the wrist. Then, we used the skin of abdomen to cover the wound,” added Agarwal. “He is recovering fast. Two of his fingers are already showing some movement,” said Dr Bhosale.
Nitesh, his brother, said, “In our village, tigers keep on attacking our herds. We had complained to the forest officer. It was brave of Anil that even after the attack he drove to the police station to register a complaint, and then went to the nearby hospital.” Anil came to KEM hospital after the local hospital doctors asked him to go to a bigger hospital.
http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_bullocks-saved-my-life-kem-doctors-limb-tiger-attack-survivor_1536926
It took 10 hours and five doctors from KEM hospital’s orthopaedic department to save his left hand. The doctors had to resurrect his wrist bone as his left wrist had been badly bitten by the tiger.
Anil had gone to feed his cattle when the tiger pounced on him. It attacked the bullocks and later him. The bullocks kicked the tiger to save Anil.
“Anil came to us on Thursday morning with his brother. The tiger had badly bitten his wrist. We first washed his hand, gave him primary aid and took X-rays. His palm was showing some sense of liveliness. So we decided to operate on him as soon as possible and save his limb,” said Dr Pradeep Bhosale, head of the orthopaedic department, KEM hospital.
“We had to cancel two other operations for this,” said Dr Pankaj Agarwal, orthopaedic surgeon, KEM hospital. The operation was headed by Dr SK Srivastava.
“We had taken the plastic surgeon’s opinion before the surgery. We first resurrected the bone. Later, we reattached all the torn tissues in the wrist. Then, we used the skin of abdomen to cover the wound,” added Agarwal. “He is recovering fast. Two of his fingers are already showing some movement,” said Dr Bhosale.
Nitesh, his brother, said, “In our village, tigers keep on attacking our herds. We had complained to the forest officer. It was brave of Anil that even after the attack he drove to the police station to register a complaint, and then went to the nearby hospital.” Anil came to KEM hospital after the local hospital doctors asked him to go to a bigger hospital.
http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_bullocks-saved-my-life-kem-doctors-limb-tiger-attack-survivor_1536926
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Baby boom: One more R'bore tiger gives birth Anindo Dey, TNN
JAIPUR: It is baby boom time at Ranthambore National Park. After confirmation of tigress T-8 giving birth to two cubs last Saturday, it is now the turn of tigress T-19.
Reports are the tigress was spotted on Monday evening with a swollen mammary gland suggestng suckling cubs. Tigresses do not bring out their cubs in the open till they are about three to four months old and it is only after this they venture out with their mother.
"Last evening we were out on a tour and we spotted T-19. Her mammary glands were swollen though her stomach had not. All of us, including my jeep driver, concluded that she must have given birth to cubs recently," said tourism minister Bina Kak who is currently on a visit to the park.
In fact, even the cubs of T-8 were first spotted by some visitors who informed state forest department officials. In this case too officials were unable to throw any light. "It is only after we click the cubs along with their mother can we give any confirmation of birth. Currently we cannot say anything. Even in the case of T-8 it was only after we took a picture of the tigress with her cubs were we able to confirm the birth," the officials said.
In the absence of the cubs being photographed, not much was forthcoming on their numbers. However, even if just two cubs are born the count of newborns at the park since September 2010 will reach 16. "Among the tigresses who have given birth so far are T-5 which eventually died leaving behind the two newborns, tigresses T-13, T-31, T-8 with two cubs each and tigresses T-11 and T-26 with three cubs each," said R P Gupta, DFO, Ranthambore.
Officials are much elated over the births and feel this negates conservationists who have been crying foul on the move to relocate tigers from a breeding population to Sariska.
"It just so happened that there was a year when no births took place. But the very fact we have so many newborns this year suggest that the population of tigers have not been disturbed despite the fact that some of the tigers were relocated to Sariska," officials said.
However, along with the elation also came worries of a territorial fight when the cubs grow up. Ranthambore is already bursting at its seams with at least 31 tigers reported in the last census done by the Wildlife Institute of India ( WII). Cases of territorial fights and tigers straying outside the park are increasing.
The only hope seems to be a corridor between Ranthambore and the Mukundra hills that the state has planned and making other sanctuaries around more habitable for wild animals.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Baby-boom-One-more-Rbore-tiger-gives-birth/articleshow/8094747.cms
Reports are the tigress was spotted on Monday evening with a swollen mammary gland suggestng suckling cubs. Tigresses do not bring out their cubs in the open till they are about three to four months old and it is only after this they venture out with their mother.
"Last evening we were out on a tour and we spotted T-19. Her mammary glands were swollen though her stomach had not. All of us, including my jeep driver, concluded that she must have given birth to cubs recently," said tourism minister Bina Kak who is currently on a visit to the park.
In fact, even the cubs of T-8 were first spotted by some visitors who informed state forest department officials. In this case too officials were unable to throw any light. "It is only after we click the cubs along with their mother can we give any confirmation of birth. Currently we cannot say anything. Even in the case of T-8 it was only after we took a picture of the tigress with her cubs were we able to confirm the birth," the officials said.
In the absence of the cubs being photographed, not much was forthcoming on their numbers. However, even if just two cubs are born the count of newborns at the park since September 2010 will reach 16. "Among the tigresses who have given birth so far are T-5 which eventually died leaving behind the two newborns, tigresses T-13, T-31, T-8 with two cubs each and tigresses T-11 and T-26 with three cubs each," said R P Gupta, DFO, Ranthambore.
Officials are much elated over the births and feel this negates conservationists who have been crying foul on the move to relocate tigers from a breeding population to Sariska.
"It just so happened that there was a year when no births took place. But the very fact we have so many newborns this year suggest that the population of tigers have not been disturbed despite the fact that some of the tigers were relocated to Sariska," officials said.
However, along with the elation also came worries of a territorial fight when the cubs grow up. Ranthambore is already bursting at its seams with at least 31 tigers reported in the last census done by the Wildlife Institute of India ( WII). Cases of territorial fights and tigers straying outside the park are increasing.
The only hope seems to be a corridor between Ranthambore and the Mukundra hills that the state has planned and making other sanctuaries around more habitable for wild animals.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Baby-boom-One-more-Rbore-tiger-gives-birth/articleshow/8094747.cms
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Forest union threatens to shut tiger reserves TNN
NAGPUR: The Maharashtra Forest Guards, Forest Employees and Forest Workers' Sanghatana has threatened to close down Pench, Tadoba-Andhari and Melghat tiger reserves if wages of van majoors are not paid immediately.
Working president of the Sanghatana, Siraj Patel, informed that over 1,500 forest workers (van majoors) in the three tiger reserves had not been paid wages for the past four months. These workers were last paid in December. Patel's threat comes a day before Union minister of state for environment and forests Jairam Ramesh is visiting Nagpur for opening the first regional office of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Van majoors are backbone of any protected area as mostly they man the protection huts deep inside tiger reserves and conduct patrolling. "It has become a chronic problem but forest officials have failed to address it. NTCA has released the money but why is wildlife wing not paying the workers," Patel asked.
"We will not allow tourists to enter these three reserves, if wages are not paid in eight days," warned Patel. Wildlife wing officials, who did not wish to be quoted, said: "This year tiger reserves did not receive the second instalment under the centrally sponsored scheme (CSS) and hence the problem."
They said NTCA released Rs 41.39 lakh for TATR; Rs 13 lakh for Pench and Rs 61.35 lakh for Melghat towards second instalment on March 31, the last day of financial year. "We could not spend the money in one day. Now, unless Centre revalidates the payment, the funds will be kept in abeyance," official sources informed.
Patel said big talk was being made to save the tigers in the name of tiger capital but both NTCA and state government had failed to address the core issue of releasing wages to workers on time.
State government apathy was worse. The financial year begins from April 1 and MoEF releases its share under CSS in September. Shockingly, state finance department releases a separate GR, usually in January, to release this money.
"It's a vicious circle. As first instalment is delayed, utilisation certificates (UCs) are not submitted in time. Unless UCs for first instalment are submitted, MoEF doesn't release second instalment," officials stated.
Patel alleged at a time when tiger numbers had gone up in the state, no steps were being taken to create space for additional tigers. "There is no capacity building, no proper postings and time-bound promotions. How can you expect the field staff to be motivated and protect the tigers," the veteran union leader asked.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Forest-union-threatens-to-shut-tiger-reserves/articleshow/8084487.cms
Working president of the Sanghatana, Siraj Patel, informed that over 1,500 forest workers (van majoors) in the three tiger reserves had not been paid wages for the past four months. These workers were last paid in December. Patel's threat comes a day before Union minister of state for environment and forests Jairam Ramesh is visiting Nagpur for opening the first regional office of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Van majoors are backbone of any protected area as mostly they man the protection huts deep inside tiger reserves and conduct patrolling. "It has become a chronic problem but forest officials have failed to address it. NTCA has released the money but why is wildlife wing not paying the workers," Patel asked.
"We will not allow tourists to enter these three reserves, if wages are not paid in eight days," warned Patel. Wildlife wing officials, who did not wish to be quoted, said: "This year tiger reserves did not receive the second instalment under the centrally sponsored scheme (CSS) and hence the problem."
They said NTCA released Rs 41.39 lakh for TATR; Rs 13 lakh for Pench and Rs 61.35 lakh for Melghat towards second instalment on March 31, the last day of financial year. "We could not spend the money in one day. Now, unless Centre revalidates the payment, the funds will be kept in abeyance," official sources informed.
Patel said big talk was being made to save the tigers in the name of tiger capital but both NTCA and state government had failed to address the core issue of releasing wages to workers on time.
State government apathy was worse. The financial year begins from April 1 and MoEF releases its share under CSS in September. Shockingly, state finance department releases a separate GR, usually in January, to release this money.
"It's a vicious circle. As first instalment is delayed, utilisation certificates (UCs) are not submitted in time. Unless UCs for first instalment are submitted, MoEF doesn't release second instalment," officials stated.
Patel alleged at a time when tiger numbers had gone up in the state, no steps were being taken to create space for additional tigers. "There is no capacity building, no proper postings and time-bound promotions. How can you expect the field staff to be motivated and protect the tigers," the veteran union leader asked.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Forest-union-threatens-to-shut-tiger-reserves/articleshow/8084487.cms
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)