Forest dept indicates presence of tigers in Shivpuri

Shivpuri: There are indications of presence of tigers and their cubs in this district's Pohari subdivision's forest as a tribal shepherd claimed to have seen the big cats in the jungle.

Ramhet Adivasi, a resident of Umrai village, said he had sighted a tiger, a tigress and their two cubs moving in the jungle about a fortnight back, and when he went to the forest for grazing cattle on September 25, the tigers killed one of his cattle. He also informed the forest officials about the incident.

Some journalists, who visited the area along with forest officials of Pohari, also found bones of the cattle scattered in the forest. The villagers also confirmed that cattle were being killed by the tigers.

Pohari region is situated adjacent to Kuno-Palanpur forest that has been set up for providing habitat to tigers and other animals.

The presence of the tiger family in this region is being considered significant due to the dwindling population of big cats, cheetahs and leopards over the past few years.

The forest department sources said after confirmation of the presence of tiger family in the forest and gathering other related information, they would initiate further action.

http://www.mynews.in/News/Forest_dept_indicates_presence_of_tigers_in_Shivpuri_N26869.html

Centre’s aid to relocate villages from tiger habitats

New Delhi: The Centre has released nearly Rs 100 crore to five states to relocate villages in tiger reserves to free the animals from human interference with Madhya Pradesh getting almost half of the total fund share.

Besides, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and Manas sanctuary in Assam have been given financial package for the purpose for the year 2008-09, according to a senior official in Environment Ministry.

http://www.zeenews.com/news567113.html

Dreaded poacher let out on bail by court - India cant enforce its laws

In a shocking case of apathy displayed by public prosecutors and police, India's most famous and dreaded poachers has been granted bail by the Supreme court pending final decision of a case against him in the apex court. It is relevant to note that Sansar Chand has numerous cases going on against him in trial courts across India for having killed numerous tigers, leopards and other wildlife. He is behind bars in Jaipur after being convicted in one case by a trail court a judgement that was upheld by the Rajasthan. Releasing such a dreaded criminal on bail smacks of insensitivity towards protection of wildlife. Despite all the media pressure and hype such criminals getting away using loopholes in the justice delivery system smacks of unwillingness to tackle serious crime head on. If the govt was serious of restraining him they would have vociferously appealed against granting of bail to a person who has and still has potential to afflict enormous damage to the country's wildlife. One hopes the central MOEF takes note of this development and a petition is filed at the earliest to revoke the bail order.

Wildlife activists shocked at jail suspension of Sansar Chan

http://www.samaylive.com/news/wildlife-activists-shocked-at-jail-suspension-of-sansar-chand/658780.html

Orrisa asks centre for more money for Similipal as it refutes WII tiger census numbers

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik met Central MOEF Jairam Ramesh and is reported to have requested for expediting sanctioning of funds for Similipal Tiger reserve as part of the annual plan according to Orrisadiary.com. This blog yesterday highlighted the tug of war going on between state govt and Centre appointed Tiger Conservation bodies on number of tigers inside Similipal tiger reserve. For the last couple of years WII has been indicating decline in population of big cats where as state govt has been repeatedly denying the facts. State govt officials apparently have no reason to feel accountable to either the centre or tiger conservationists as the chief minister himself has been speaking against WII numbers to avoid publicly accepting the embarrassing truth of not being able to save the national animal from slaughter. Similar denials in Panna over the last few years ensured the disappearance of tigers from the reserve and orrisa seems to be following in the footsteps of MP govt.

Orissa asks centre to approve forest clearance for irrigation project

http://www.orissadiary.com/CurrentNews.asp?id=14631

72 tigers killed this year, highest in a decade

An HT report today quotes figures circulated by WPSI claiming 72 tigers having been killed this year and 150 since 2006. NTCA's estimates are lower at 54 and 100 respectively but unmistakably point out to the alarming situation. These numbers of course would not include cubs who have lost their mothers to poaching and are unable to survive in the wild. Hence the actual numbers of tigers lost would be even higher. Given the pressures on wildlife and forest and ever expanding human encroachment it is a tough challenge for central govt to stem the slide. With most states apathetic towards the cause time is running out for the stripped cats.

End of the roar?

http://www.hindustantimes.com/End-of-the-roar/H1-Article1-457712.aspx

Orrisa refuses to trust WII tiger count for Similipal - Orders another one

Despite two surveys by credible organisations over as many years pointing out to decline in tiger numbers in Similipal Tiger reserve, state govt of Orrisa refuses to believe the news. After the 2007 tiger census pointed out low tiger density, Chief minister Navin Patnaik himself had questioned the validity of the numbers. Now after another count conducted by WII recently found tiger population to have fallen to just 41, down from almost 100, the chief wildlife officer taking a cue from his boss has questioned the figures again. Similipal has been in news recently due to maoist problems and local mafia along with villagers having taken over the park. In fact chief minister Navin Patnaik himself had asked the centre to deploy CRPF to protect the park from being raided by poaching gangs. Now that a credible nodal body has laid bare the facts, the least state govt can do is get out of its denial mode. Our readers would remember similar denials issued by park directors of Panna in MP doomed the tigers there. One hopes a similar story is not unfolding in Similipal. The centre should push Orrisa govt to sign the tripartite agreement which will put an end to such blatant attempts at cover ups.

Orissa to recount Tigers in Similipal Tiger Reserv

http://orissadiary.com/Shownews.asp?id=14597

8yr old caught Poaching tiger!

Times of India reports a boy and his grand mother caught around the Valmiki national park in Bihar waiting for a tiger to walk into a metal trap laid by them. The duo apparently belong to a tribe of hunters most famous of whom goes by the name of Dhariya who is in jail for a poaching case. According to forest officials quoted in the report the entire family is involved in poaching and smuggling along the Indo-Nepal border and is key to preventing trade in banned wildlife parts.

8-year-old, grandmom held poaching big cat

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/india/8-year-old-grandmom-held-poaching-big-cats/articleshow/5048209.cms

Melghat tiger reserve conflict symbolic of botched up conservation efforts

The Indian express reports villagers around Melghat Tiger reserve in Maharashtra pressurizing politicians to allow cattle grazing inside the park despite it being a notified tiger sanctuary. With elections in the state around the corner, public servants are caught in a bind. After Maharasthra recently signed a tripartite agreement with Centre and NTCA for conservation of tiger reserves, cattle grazing inside reserves which hitherto attracted a penalty has been made a punishable offence and the forest director has made accountable to prevent it. Officers are hence caught in a bin, with politicians on one hand pressurizing them to allow villagers to use the park whereas the new law makes them accountable for such illegal acitivities. The conflicts also highlights the poor planning underneath tiger conservation plans in India. Villagers have been living around the area for generations and to suddenly ask them to discontinue activities linked to earning their livelihood without providing any alternate means of sustenance is criminal negligence. With the centre having cleared a lucrative resettlement package for each family to be relocated, Melghat park officials would be well advised to quickly implement it rather than let the issue simmer and reach a flash point. For the recently formed committee under NTCA tasked to evaluate conservation efforts inside sanctuaries, proper resettlement of villagers should be a priority area.

Another tiger cub found abandoned in Tadoba

Days after two cubs were caught by wildlife officials apparently after having lost their mother to poachers,wildlife officials trapped another 3rd cub around the same area in Tadoba reports The Indian Express. The story also quotes wildlife officials having seen pugmarks of a big tiger around the area where the 3rd cub was caught indicating the mother's presence there till recently. DNA samples are being sent for examination to verify if the three cubs are siblings. As this blog posted yesterday,NTCa officials have sent a detailed set of guidelines to the park director for immediate action to prevent any further loss of tigers.

Works starts on Pilibhit Tiger reserve creation

The Times of India reports initiation of work with regards to creation of Pilibhit tiger reserve. Creation of the park was notified last year. With Dudhwa & Corbett being the other tiger reserves in the region addition of Pilibhit could turn out to be an important milestone in preserving the nothern population of Indian tigers.

Work on new tiger reserve may start by year end

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/lucknow/Work-on-new-tiger-reserve-may-start-by-year-end/articleshow/5048747.cms

Marooned Tadoba cubs force NTCA into action

After reports of two tigers cubs having been found around Tadoba tiger sanctuary NTCa has written to local park authorities suggesting a series of measures to be undertaken to unearth the wildlife killings going on in and around the park, reports The Indian Express. According to the report, this is the 4th such instance of tiger cubs being found in the area this year indicating their mothers have all been killed either by poachers or poisoned by villagers. Two days back CNN IBN published pictures of a wild dog caught in snare inside the sanctuary against pointing to lax security and presence of armed poaching gangs. NTCA has also recommended carrying out a detailed survey of tiger and prey population, marking territories of the big cats, strengthening intelligence set up in and around villages adjoining the park. With Maharashtra having signed the tripartite agreement with centre and NTCA, one hopes measures to tackle poaching will be put in place immediately.

Male Tiger to be relocated to Panna

After two tigresses were shifted to Panna Tiger Reserve early this year a male tiger is to set to arrive to give them company. According to a PTI report, WII scientists are in search of a suitable companion from Bandhavgarh national park. Panna reserve which was estimated to have around 35 tigers a few years ago was declared having lost all its striped cats earlier. One solitary male tiger was sighted earlier this year which too was apparently killed by poachers. Panna has been a disaster of enormous proportions for wildlife in India with the park authorities continuously turning a blind eye to warning signs of poaching inside the park over the years. In fact as late as last year the park director had claimed that tigers were safe and the park had a healthy population. Shifting of tigers from other reserves is important to repopulate the park but unless the reserves are made more secure and reasons for earlier loss of tigers are identified with long term solutions in place and accountability fixed, there is no guarantee of repeats not happening. MP govt is also yet to sign the tripartite agreement with the centre and NTCA. Perhaps it is time for them to put political differences aside and work towards contributing to a national cause.

Hunt for suitable male companion for Panna tigresses

http://www.ptinews.com/news/295808_Hunt-for-suitable-male-companion-for-Panna-tigresses

Tiger kills elephant

The tigers of Munnar are safe for now

In a rare incident recently a tiger is reported to have killed a tusker in the Eravikulam National Park near Munnar, intriguing forest officials and wildlife enthusiasts alike. For tigers have never been known to attack elephants — let alone kill them — being physically no match for the pachyderms. Perhaps, this was a territorial feud — common in the wilds — and the tusker presumably was ailing and weak. Yet it’s hard to imagine a tiger taking on an elephant and besting it.

http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=The+tigers+of+Munnar+are+safe+for+now&artid=wzSgTkEt8S8=&SectionID=|tGqidECZfs=&MainSectionID=|tGqidECZfs=&SectionName=wAHwOtECfcmiuk9phhHd4Q==

CNN IBN exposes continued poaching inside TATR

A story posted on ibnlive.com shows a wild dog caught in a snare inside Tadoba Tiger Sanctuary. If the picture indeed was taken inside the park it is a sad comment on the govt's criminal negligence towards protecting animals inside designated forest sanctuaries. TATR has been in news recently for suspected cases of tigers being poached. Obviously no hard evidence has come to light so far with the park being left open to poachers after the govt took almost 2 months to appoint a new field director post removing the earlier one. Relocation of villagers, granting mining licenses in teh vicinity,TATR's wildlife is not just battling poaching mafia but also the so called protectors.

Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve hit by poaching

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/tadobaandhari-tiger-reserve-hit-by-poaching/101865-3.html

NTCA reconsituted 3 years after it was set up

In a move aimed at strengthning oversight on tiger conservation NTCA, the nodal body created after Sariksa Fiasco has been reconstituted as per a report in The Times of India. The body will now be chaired by Union MOEF Jairam Ramesh with Menaka Gandhi has one of its members. Other wildife experts like Valmik Thapar are also amongst the 8 experts apart from members drawn from public life. It worth noting that NTCa has been extremely active ever since it was set up in place of the disbanded Project Tiger after CBI investigations confirmed Sarika had been shorn of all its stiped cats. With states gradually falling in line on the revised mechanism set up by NTCa recently, there is some hope that tiger conservation in India is on the right track.

Govt reconstitutes tiger conservation body

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/environment/flora-fauna/Govt-reconstitutes-tiger-conservation-body-/articleshow/5037698.cms

MP govt holding out on signing binding agreement to make its officials more accountable

Despite being in the limelight for being the state with the largest area under tiger reserves, MP govt rather than leading by example is telling us what exactly afflicts wildlife conservation in India. Official apathy, lack of accountability and protecting own turf at the expense of public good are some of the reasons why despite immense media and public pressure there has been little improvement in widlife conservation.

The centre has signed the new tripartite agreement with many other states. As we have posted earlier, the agreement makes flow of funds easier to the parks bypasssing the state wildlife ministries which are mostly corrupt and inept and are the biggestobstacles in money reaching genuine beneficiaries. The agreement alsomakes forest directors directly liable for penal action for the condition of the reserve. As we have seen in MP itself the director of Panna national park publicly claimed till last year that the park had a healthy population of tigers. After it was declared in march this year that alltigers had been killed the field director was actually promoted to the ministry of forest. Such officials need to be charged wtih criminal conspiracy and neglect so that they take their job seriously.

MP govt babus need to realise that tiger conservation is a matter of India's prestige and not about protecting state's turf over the matter. Since so many other states have willingly signed on the dotted line there should be no reason for further delay.

Madhya Pradesh opposes mooted MOU on tiger conservation

http://www.samaylive.com/news/madhya-pradesh-opposes-mooted-mou-on-tiger-conservation/657794.html

Now tiger sanctuaries will be evaluated by independent experts

Keen to ensure best practices are introduced in tiger conservation, the centre has constitued 5 committees of experts for evaluating the management and functioninig of tigers reserves across India, reports TOI today. The evaluation will be done basis parameters set by WII and commitees will include tiger experts like Belinda Wright. Now that the centre is signing legally binding MOUs with states to make field officials accountable for their actions it might be a a good idea to include some of the parameters in the agreements to ensure consistency across the board.

Panels to evaluate functioning of tiger reserve http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/environment/flora-fauna/Panels-to-evaluate-functioning-of-tiger-reserves-/articleshow/5035088.cms

Another tiger dies in Kaziranga

The spate of killings continue unabated, after yesterday's report of a tiger found dead in Kanha, the 7th this year, another tiger was found dead in Kaziranga National park in assam. This is the 8th tiger death in Kaziranga this year and

forest officials suspect poisoning by villagers as the cause. The incident comes a couple of days after tiger cubs were found abandoned in Tadoba nAtional park indicating their mother had been killed by poachers.

With tigers deaths being reported from across the country on a regular basis and long term solutions slow to take root time is running out for the big beast.

The govt needs to involve local population in conservation and make them stake holders in protecting wildlife and forests, unless that is accomlished quickly any other efforts to preserve tigers will not prevent their extinction.

Poachers kill tiger, jumbo

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090920/jsp/northeast/story_11517085.jsp

Faced with shrinking habitat tiger turning on each other

In another incident of its kind, a tigress's partially eaten body was found in Kanha national park according to a report on Indiatimes.com. This is the 7th tiger death in the park and some of them have been attributed to territorial fights amongst big cats. According to forest officials quoted in the report, a male tiger killed the sub adult female tiger possibly for encroaching into his territory. With forest areas shrinking at a rapid pace and tigers being fiercly territorial animals, incidents of the big cats killing each other are being reported at increased rate.

One more tigress dies in Madhya Pradesh http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Flora-Fauna/One-more-tigress-dies-in-Madhya-Pradesh-/articleshow/5029885.cms

Uttarakhand govt allows project in the middle of Wildlife corridor in Nainital

The delicate balance betweeen development and conservation which is so key to wildlife protection is being gradually eroded by shortsighted policies of govt.

In a development that has set alarm bells ringing amongst conservation NGOs the Uttarakhand Govt has given permission for infratructure project to be developed right in the middle of a wildlife corridor reports the Times of India.

The said project is key to Tiger and Elephant movement across sanctuaries as per WII which published a report in 2003 and identified the area as key to healthy mixing of wildlife stock in the entire region.

Development no doubt is key every country's progress but at the expense of detroying critical wildlife !!

Thankfully the central govt has taken note of the development and along with found NGOs WII, WWF have decided to visit the area to access the ground situation.

As minister MOEF Jairam Ramesh has been stating, there is an urgent need to create a nodal body with statutory powers to evaluate such projects before they are taken up.

A harmonious balance needs to be found between preserveing forests,wildlife and development which is so key for the survival of future generations.

Wildlife corridor in Uttarakhand faces trouble

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/environment/flora-fauna/Wildlife-corridor-in-Uttarakhand-faces-trouble-/articleshow/5029841.cms

Superb, incisive Nat Geo piece on India's struggle with Tiger Conservation - Must Read

If any one needs an idea of how things are on ground as regards to the enormous challenges we face in saving teh tiger from extinction here is

a first hand account from the most authoratative source. This piece in Nat Geo based on an investigation carried out by the magazine details out how local communitites have still not been taken into confidence by the govt and how poachers use cover provided by them to continue their nefariou activities. A must read

The War on India's Tigers

Cat Fight

Squeezed for space and targeted by poachers, India's tigers have reached a tipping point. But deep in the world's most celebrated tiger sanctuary, an unlikely hero has emerged. He's smart. He's driven. He's a God-fearing vegetarian with Jack Bauer tendencies. Too bad wildlife officials hate his guts.

http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/2009/06/india-tigers/paul-kvinta-text?source=email_inside_20090723

Chinese year of tiger 2010 causing headaches in India

With demand for tiger parts in China rising at unprecedented rate, Indian officials are worried about further surge in tiger poaching on account of next year being the Chinese Year of the Tiger. During a recent visit for China, the minister MOEF Jairam Ramesh had raised the issue of implementing a UN mandated ban more strictly only to hear back accusations about India not doing enough to clamp down on Shatoosh shawl trade which is encouraging Chiru poaching in Tibet. Jairam Ramesh also rightly pointed out in TV interviews recently that the primary responsibil;ity of protecting tigers is India's and if we can ensure stringent laws and application of the same we can curb poaching activites to the minimal which will allow for a healthy population of tigers to survive in the wild.

read earlier blog pos

China key to Tiger protection in India

http://planettiger.blogspot.com/2009/08/china-key-to-tiger-protection-in-india.html

Goa forest officials continue flip flop - Tiger killing Case set for quiet burial

An old saying in Hindi translated roughly means , You need to lie a 100 times to cover up one lie. This in essence sums up investigations into unforunate case of a tiger killed in Goa in March this year. After trying to hush up the incident from the very beggining, Goa Forest officials now are just waiting to close the case. Perhaps the case should also rest in peace like the soul of the dead tiger. Consider the series of events:

A tiger is killed in Mhadei wildlife sanctuary in Goa. As reports of killing reach wildlife officials they go into denial mode asking for proof rather than initiating investigations. Local journalists take pictures of the carcass which is published in newspapers. Even after that wildlife officials put the onus of getting 'concrete proof' on the journalists rather than taking congnizance of the pictures. After much media pressure investigations are initiated but vital time is lost which allows the villagers who had killed the tiger to burn the carcass. Some evidence is finally found in the form of burnt skin and sometiger parts which wildlife officials claim are from the killed tiger and samples are sent to WII Dehradun for confirmation. In the meanwhileowner of farm where the tiger parts are found is arrested by forest officials while the villagers ostracize a local who led the invetigation team to the burnt carcass. A local court releases the accused on bail since there is no evidence to even prove a tiger was killed let alone proof of the accused being involved. After being let off, the accused files a case against the forest officials for harrassment and torture in custody and bizzarely the local cops file an FIR against the forest officials. And in the final death knell to the case WII said last week that samples sent for investigation donot even belong to a tiger indicating the sample was changed before it reached them. With no evidence, no witness, investigators being harrassed it is unlikely the case will move any where. After systematically destroying the case Goa Wildlife officials have decided to form a board which will study the WII report and might advise future course of actoin which might as well be shutting the case for good.

Goa not to close tiger killing case as of now: CCF

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/environment/flora-fauna/Goa-not-to-close-tiger-killing-case-as-of-now-CCF-/articleshow/5023319.cms

Caputured Tadoba Cub indicates continued disappearance of tigers

In a late night incident reported extgensively in newspapers today, a man in Chandrapur distt battled and overpowered a tiger cub when he went out of his house investigate the sounds emanating from the backyard of his house. The worrisome part of this story is the missing mother of the tiger cub who might have been poached or poisoned. The cub was found to have been starving when officials took it for a medical indicating it was parted from her motherever since and not being able to hunt on its own hadnt eaten. Chandrapur has been in news for the last few years on account of a series of man animal conflict incidents leading to poisoning and killing of big cats. Recently this blog had also highlighted the mismanaged relocation policy in tadoba where villagers were shifted from their original settlements only for them to return since the new area didnt provide them any means of earning their livelihood. With angry villagers surrounding the park and govt apathy taking its toll, Tadoba's tigers are fast getting cornered from all sides with no where to run.

Man captures tiger with bare hands http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/india/Man-captures-tiger-with-bare-hands/articleshow/5024804.cms

UP to carry out Tiger Census shortly

Under cloud for its claims on tiger numbers in Dudhwa National park, the UP govt has decided to go in for a fre census with the help of Wildlife Institute of India and NTCA reports Times Of India. On an ealier post this blog had written about the new country wide census to be conducted starting October this year which will be the most comprehensive and technically superior ever undertaken.

read earlier blog post

New Tiger census to be most comprehensive ever undertaken in India

http://planettiger.blogspot.com/2009/09/new-tiger-census-to-be-most.html

WLI to start fresh tiger census in UP

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/lucknow/WLI-to-start-fresh-tiger-census-in-UP/articleshow/5020489.cms

Tadoba gets new Field Director

After the mass transfer of forest officers in Maharashtra a few months back Tadoba Tiger Sanctuary in Chandrapur distt has finally got a new field director informs our friend from ground Zero, Shalik Jogwe a keen wildlife conservationist. Though a welcome move it is also symptomatic of the apathy with which politicos and govt officials treat important issues like convervation of wildlife and forest. The park director post has been lying vacant for almost 2 months at a critical time during rainy season when poaching incidents are at their peak. If this is not criminal culpability on park of the govt then what is. Letting the sanctuary gates open for poachers by removing the most important officials.

Tadoba has been in news recently for the campaign greens along with local citizens have been running to oppose granting of mining licenses by mah govt to Adani power. Convervationists fear the mines will destroy the green cover in the area and sound the death knell for tigers in the reserve which are anyway dwindling in numbers.

read earlier post on mass transfers

http://planettiger.blogspot.com/2009/07/another-minister-with-blinkers-on.html

MP denies signing tripartite agreement with Centre-NTCA

A day after media reports announced Jairam Ramesh having convinced MP govt to get on board its new formula of saving tigers from killing, MP govt in its press release has denied signing any such document reports Indopia. It is relevant to note that more than 6 state hav already signed the agreement paving way for direct release of central funds to the tiger sanctuaries and increased accountability of field directors. Apparantely forest officers in MP having been holding out against signing the pact citing accountability releated issues. It is ironic that the central india state which should be at the forefront of tiger conservation is dragging its feet on such an important issue especially since two of its tiger sanctuaries, Panna and Sanjay Gandhi NAtional Park recently were reported to have lost all their big cats.

MP denies reports of signing MoU with Centre on tiger reserves

http://www.indopia.in/India-usa-uk-news/latest-news/670957/National/1/20/1

Worried centre calls meet to discuss alarming rate of Tiger Killings

Worried by the continuing spate of tiger killings this year, 50 as per NTCA estimate and 66 according to NGOs, centre has called a series of meets of all 17 tiger states reports Chennai Online. the first such meet is to be held on 17th Sept with the last one on 6th October. It is relevant to note that tiger deaths due to poaching, habitat loss and man animal conflict are continuing to take its toll on the big cat population despite vigorous efforts put in by the new MOEF Jairam Ramesh to get states to become more accountable in dealing with the problem.

Centre convenes meetings to discuss tiger deaths

http://news.chennaionline.com/newsitem.aspx?NEWSID=dd170d32-8c4f-47d3-b9f5-2f230ac2d461&CATEGORYNAME=NATL

Goa govt doing its bit to bury tiger killing case

After all the misfires into the investigation of tiger killing case in Goa, from very little evidence to investigators becoming accused to samples being changed, the Goa govt has finally decided to refer the matter to the stae wild life board. The tiger killing came to light in march and there has been a systematic attempt at covering up the killing and now this gem delivered by the Goa govt will ensure the case is buried for good within the state. if the govt was serious about investigating the killing they would have handed it over to WCCB or a nodal central agency. Knowing fully well that there are vested interests involved in hushing up the case, goa's politicos are offering an extra hand at helping their brethren.

Govt to refer tiger killing case to Goa Wild Life Board

http://www.ptinews.com/news/283002_Govt-to-refer-tiger-killing-case-to-Goa-Wild-Life-Board

MP seeks 2500 crores from centre to resettle families living inside Tiger sanctuaries

A day after MP govt signing on the tripartite agreement with NTCA and Centre, the state has proposed to move out almost 25000 families living inside wildlife sanctuaries a PTI report states. To achieve this the state govt has asked the centre for a grant of almost Rs 2500 crores since the Centre recently increased compensation payable to each relocated family to Rs 10 lac. This move might go a long way in ensuring wildlife lives seperated from any human interference and settled areas inside parks which are sometimes used by poachers for cover are removed.

MP seeks Central funds for relocating villagers from reserves

http://www.ptinews.com/news/282635_MP-seeks-Central-funds-for-relocating-villagers-from-reserves

Centre convinces MP to sign tripartite agreement

In a development set to give a big boost to tiger conservation in the country, ministry of Environment and Forests have conviced a reluctant MP govt to sign teh tripartite agreement which will set the stage for increased accountability and streamline flows of funds to sanctuaries. It is pertinent to note that 6 other states have already signed the agreement but MP one of the states with largest tiger population had so far refused to sign the agreement with bureaucrats in teh state against stringent clauses in the pact making them accountable for loss of tigers in the park. Now with MP on board and other states like Maharasthra, Uttarakhand , Rajasthan, Assam, TN having already signed it, Karnataka & UP are the two large states left to come on board.

MP signs tiger conservation pact with NTCA, parks

http://www.ptinews.com/news/280955_MP-signs-tiger-conservation-pact-with-NTCA--parks

WII says samples not from Tiger in Goa poaching case

In an development eerily similar to the Aarushi Murder case, WII Dehradun has indicated that the samples sent to them for analysis by the Goa Forest department after a tiger was killed near the Mhadei Wildlife sanctuary does not belong to a Tiger. TOI says Is it interesting to note that the institute has taken more than 3 months to do the analysis and realease its report raising questions about the sanctity of the work done by them. The goa forest dept after extensive seach and anaysis had collected the sample and were very sure of them belonging to a tiger. Obviously the samples were changed before it got to WII or something happened there. Given the influence local goa mafia has shown over the case it wont be surprising that samples were changed in Goa itself. The local police has been hand in glove with local mafia in harrasing forest officials. Goa state authorities have so far shown no inclination to hand over the case to WCCB obvisouly due to local political pressure. Like the unfortuanate tiger, the case seems to be headed for a quite burial.

Latest twist in tiger-killing case: WII says samples sent not of tiger

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/goa/Latest-twist-in-tiger-killing-case-WII-says-samples-sent-not-of-tiger/articleshow/5004889.cms

Latest tiger census to be ready by Oct 2010

Minister MOEF Jairam Ramesh has indicated the new census going to be undertaken sometime end of this year will be ready with its findings by October next year in time for the Tiger summit to be he held at Ranthambore. As posted on this blog earlier the new census will be one of the most comprehensive ever undetaken in India and will cover Sunderabans and some of the sanctuaries in Assam. Read earlier post

http://planettiger.blogspot.com/2009/09/new-tiger-census-to-be-most.html

EIA Tiger Convervation Awareness video

AP govt announces YSR memorial inside tiger sanctuary - Environmentalists up in arms

YSR's sudden and unfortuante departure wasnt just a loss for the state and the country but it seems it will also sound the death knell for wildlife inside the state's pristine eco corridor. AP govt minister yesterday announced building a memorial at the crash site which lies deep inside the heart of Nallamala Forests and is part of Gundlabrahmeshwaram wildlife sanctuary according to a TOI report. If YSR was alive one can safely imagine he would never allow this to happen. Building a memorial will destroy the forests on account of increased tourist activity and will facilitate encroachment inside, an area hitherto of bereft large human settlements. Obviously the green bridage is protesting the move. one hopes better sense prevails amongst AP govt officials and the forests are left untouched so that YSR's soul can rest in peace.

Cutting forests to erect YSR memorial? http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/hyderabad/Cutting-forests-to-erect-YSR-memorial/articleshow/4988645.cms

Wildlife Crime Control Bureau waiting for Goa Govt to order investigation into Tiger killing

A story two days back in local media had reported WCCB having taken up the case of tiger poached in Goa in march this year. WCCB Deputy Director has in a story on et online denied taking up the case and has cited regulations which dont allow them to take over a case unless asked by the state govt. From destruction of evidence to the main whistle blower being ostracised the case took at biazzare turn last week when some of the forest officials investigating the case were accused of beating up one of the accused in custody (read earlier post here http://planettiger.blogspot.com/2009/08/goa-tiger-poaching-case-investigators.html).

This after the main accused in the case managed toget bail on account of insufficient evidence which was apparently burnt villages in connivance with locals. Now that the case is as good as dead, the last centre should do is to ensure no repeats of this incident happen anywhere in teh country and all tiger death cases, including the ones where state governments are not keen on central inquiry are investigated transparently.

WCCB to probe tiger killing if Goa govt recommends: Tejaswini

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Flora-Fauna/WCCB-to-probe-tiger-killing-if-Goa-govt-recommends-Tejaswini-/articleshow/4986328.cms

Sunderbans tiger -human conflict continues unabated as prey census

A post earlier this month had highlighted increased incidents of tigers straying into villages in the Sunderbans apparently due to reduced prey base. read earlier post (http://planettiger.blogspot.com/2009/09/sunderbans-tiger-deaths-attributed-to.html)

Now comes news of a man having been lifted by a tiger while collecting crabs. A study to ascertain the prey base in the sanctuary was initiated in July by the forest department is yet to see light of day as instances of man-animal conflict continue to rise. The forest department had suspected cyclode Aila ealier this year to have been responsible for the death of many deer and wild boars in Sunderbans the primary meal of tigers. In light of the increased nunber of tigers conming into close contact with humans the forest department had planned to devise steps to address this issue. The prey base study is supposed to be a critical component of the conservation plan and no one seems to know when that will come out. In the meanwhile attacks and conflict situations continue to rise and Sunderbans where a scientific census of tigers will be undertaken for the first time this year continues to wait for official attention.

Crab collector lifted by tiger

http://www.samaylive.com/news/crab-collector-lifted-by-tiger/655100.html

New Tiger census to be most comprehensive ever undertaken in India

After the first new age tiger census in India carried out in 2007 using camera trap methodology put the big cat number at 1411, WII is ready to embark upon the next such exercise from October across tiger reserves in India. Indian Express today reports preperation for the mamoth exercise going on with the help of NGO. The latest round will also cover Sunderbans which was left out in the previous survey and also some other sanctuaries in North east that were excluded from the earlier census. The latest census will also capture much more ground level data using a customised software in which ground staff will key in informatino related to habitat and behaviour of the big cats. Before the census in 2007 state forest officials were prone to exaggerating tiger numbers for the fear of loosing their jobs or keeping the lid on poaching. THe census for the first time highlighted the plight of tigers in India and the precarious situation they are in. Although the count did create huge amount of media coverage and groundswell of support amongst general public the govt has been slow to react. Despite all the proclamations by politicians and bureaucrats, india has been loosing tigers rapidly as the ground situation has only deteriorated owing to corruption, lethargy and lack of awarness. With the census numbers beyond dispute and the latest round likely to bring in even worse new , one hopes it will finally goad all stake holders into taking decisive steps to protect tigers.

Indian express Story

New census will also include mangrove tigers in Sunderbans, which were not counted in 2007, and give an accurate count of tigers in the Northeast The census will be conducted in three phases. In the first phase, tiger signs will be searched for. In the second phase, remote-sensing techniques will be used. In the third phase, camera-traps will be used to photograph tigers

HOW does one count India's tigers which straddle wetland, grassland, mountains and mangroves? With 90,000 people, Rs 8 crore and two years of hard work.

The world's biggest-ever count for the big cat -- the All India Tiger Estimation -- is unfolding shortly. Currently, instructions and methods of data collection are being translated into regional languages -- Assamese, Bengali, Kannada, Oriya, Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam -- for forest staff.
In October's first week, training of forest staff through workshops in different parts of India will be held.

In 2007, using cameras and modern tiger-tracking techniques for the first time for counting tigers, Wildlife Institute of India (WII) had come up with a startlingly low number of wild Indian tigers: 1,411 only. This time, the census, to be conducted by WII with the help of NGOs, will be much bigger. It will include the uncounted mangrove tigers in Sunderbans and give an accurate count of tigers in the Northeast. Also, 60 students/researchers will be recruited by WII for the census.

Anewsoftwarewhichwillbekeyinbasic field observations by field guards in a digital format is being used this year.

The exhaustive tiger census will be conducted in three phases. In the first phase, tiger signs will be searched for. Data collection for this phase will start in November. In the second phase, remote-sensing techniques will be used. In the third phase, camera-traps will be used to photograph tigers. In each camera-trapping exercise, one set of two cameras, triggered off by tiger movement, is used to capture both sidesofthetiger.Onecameraisusedevery 4 km in high-density tiger areas.

"We are starting training workshops for forest staff. By May 2010, we hope to finish phase I over central India, Terai, Northeast and Sunderbans. By the time of the Global Tiger Summit, we will have the distribution, numbers and occupancy of tigers over major tiger landscapes in these areas," says Yadavendra Jhala, from WII who is one of the scientists conducting the census.

India will host a Global Tiger Summit in October next year in Ranthambhore. By then, a basic count of major breeding tiger populations -- high or low -- will be readied to announce to the rest of the international participants at the summit. This comes at a time when tiger numbers are at an all-time low.

In a recent estimate, the National Tiger Conservation Authority has found that out of the 37 tiger reserves in the country, 16 have poor tiger density. In the last one year, above 60 tigers are estimated to have died. The new number the census will unearth is unlikely to be cheerful but will also lay to rest grossly exaggerated tiger numbers which state forest departments have estimated.

The challenge posed by difficult habitats -- the mountains in the Northeast, the mangroves in Sunderbans and dense grasslands in other areas -- had limited the scope of the 2007 census. The tigers of Sunderbans, which straddle inhospitable mangrove habitat, were not counted at all. There was only a preliminary tiger count for the Eastern and Northeastern tiger reserves like Kaziranga (Assam), Namdapha (Arunachal Pradesh) Dampa (Mizoram) and West Bengal's Buxa tiger reserve. This time, tiger populations from all tiger reserves with the possible exemption of some Naxalism-ridden areas like Indrawati (Chhattisgarh), Palamau (Jharkhand) and Simlipal (Orissa) will be counted.

The count will put to rest claims that many states make on having "hundreds of tigers". West Bengal has long maintained that Sunderbans has "200-300 tigers", a fact scoffed at by tiger experts. At a recent all-India summit of field directors in Sariska, Buxa field director claimed his park had 200 tigers. Orissa, too, claims to have nearly 100 tigers.

But currently, as many as seven tiger reserves, which face problems of insurgency and poor tiger density, just don't know how many tigers they have, or if they have any tigers at all. These are Indravati, Simlipal (Orissa), Palamau (Jharkhand), Manas (Assam), Namdapha (Arunachal Pradesh), Dampa (Mizoram) and Buxa (West Bengal).

Maoists leading Similipal rampage caught

TOI today reports capture of two maoist kingpins apparently behind the recent widespread poaching of wildlife inside the park. As this blog has been highlighting, the Orissa state govt has thrown its hands up on protecting Similipal citing attacks from Maoists. Early this year, a gang of red brigade and poachers attacked forest guards and tourists who fled the area leading to complete breakdown of protection machinery inside the park. Ever since wildlife killing and tree felling has been going on rampantly inside the park. Read earlier post (http://planettiger.blogspot.com/2009/08/similipal-tiger-reserve-being-plundered.html)

Orissa chief minister even demanded the centre to post CRPF inside the park and last month NTCA sent a team of officials to gauge the ground situation first hand. Reports emanating from inside the park dont seem very good. The sanctuary used to be inhabited by almost 100 tigers till a couple of years back which was down to 61 In january. With the latest killing spree of the last couple of months it is difficult to guess if any tigers have survived.

The capture of these two leaders might make a dent in the on going crime being perpetrated inthe park but long term sercurty and conservation methods need to be put in place immediately to prevent complete loss of the pristine habitat. The state govt can start by signining the tripartite agreement with NTCA and centre that has been signed by more than 6 states already which will make funds more easily available to teh reserve and also make forest rangers accountable for protection.

Similipal rampage kingpin caught http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/bhubaneswar/Similipal-rampage-kingpin-caught/articleshow/4983654.cms

Bandipur reserve loosing Tigers to Poachers & Corruption

Though some of the rcent steps taken by Jairam Ramesh are laudable but situation on ground is rapidly deteriorating with poaching of tiger continuing unabated across tiger reserves in India. After Sariksa, Panna and some ofthe other parks in North east, a well written piece in Deccan Herald exposes the on going poaching of big cats inside Bandipur and nagarhole sanctuaries shockingly with connivance of forest guards. In a specific instance, teh story details how forest guards themselves removed claws of a tiger before burying it. All the other ills that plaugue forest conservation efforts in India are gradullay taking a toll on wildlife in Bandipur too, which has arguable the best tiger population in teh country. Interference from local politicians to involvement of poaching mafia and a demotivated forest staff, Bandipur is staring at a future full of uncertainity. Karnataka is still one of the major states to have not signed the Tripartite agreement with NTCA and centre that affixes responsibility for loss of tigers on local forest wardens and streamlines flow of money to the park. Apparentely Forest staff in Bandipur has not been paid salary for months despite central funds being released regularly. No prizes for guessing where the funds are going. It is time for the centre to push MP and Karnataka and also Orrisa to sign teh agreement to ensure protection measures are enforced before it is too late.

The hunter becomes hunted

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/23837/hunter-becomes-hunted.html

Is it a Tiger or Is it a Dog - Media confused !

Today's TOI and Mumbai Mirror both have reported the same story but carry different facts. Apparently two men were caught in Mumbai yesterday trying to sell what seemed like Tiger Skin. TOI story quotes senior cops involved in the bust up saying they are sure of it being a tiger skin and have sent it for further analysis.

MM, also part of TOI group incidentally, says the skin siezed was of a dog not a tiger and again quotes senior officials involved in the investigation being sure of it being a dog skin.

Two nabbed for trying to sell 'tiger, deer' skins http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/mumbai/Two-nabbed-for-trying-to-sell-tiger-deer-skins/articleshow/4979623.cms Barking mad! Frauds try to pass off ‘dog’ skins as tigers’ http://www.mumbaimirror.com/article/2/2009090720090907023122317abb565f/Barking-mad-Frauds-try-to-pass-off-‘dog’-skins-as-tigers’.html

Goa tiger poaching case takes another twist

Months after the case came to light, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has suddenly decided to investigate the case according to a TOI report today. It is worth noting that the case is as good as dead with most of the evidence destroyed after systematic cover ups by the wildlife dept and local population left very little for the Goa wildlife dept to investiage on. On wonders why has it taken WCCB almost 6 months to make up its mind when it has been amply clear from media reports all this while that the case is going no where. As this blog has been saying, responsibility to protect wildlife is not just the state govt's but also centre. Once it was clear that this case was being buried by vested interest, the centralministry should have intervened. Wildlife is national property and leaving it to states who are either bankrupt ofmoney & ideas or are buried under the greed of local mafia is not going to lead us very far on the route to conservation.

The story also mentions jairam Ramesh proposing a cetral law to deal with wildlife related crimes.Such a law has been long over due along with an authoritative investigating central agency like the CBI which has powers to work across borders and take on cases where powerful interests are involved.

Wildlife bureau likely to probe tiger killing

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/goa/Wildlife-bureau-likely-to-probe-tiger-killing/articleshow/4979395.cms

Centre states play blame game as wilflife vanishes rapidly

A report on IBNlive yesterday details out how most of the states have failed to take effective steps for protection of tigers and reserves earmarked for them. Though states are to be blamed for the tardiness and low priority given to wildlife conservation, the centre till recently hadnt shown any particular zeal in its efforts apart from just blaming the local governments. With the Ministry of Environment and forests known to have been highly corrupt and lethargic no efforts were made by the centre to push states into granting priority to tiger conservation efforts. with a new energetic minister at teh helm things are changing but a lot needs to be done to wake the babudom out of their slumber if we want to see the tiger population surviving into the next generation.

Project Tiger in danger as states fail to utilise funds

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/project-tiger-in-danger-as-states-fail-to-utilise-funds/100718-3.html

Mumbai surrounded by Tiger infested jungle - Incredible !!

Today's edititon of Mint carries an excerpt from a book titled 'Living Jewels of Indian Jungle' published by BNHS. The book details instances of tigers regularly being sighted in and around areas we live in or visit regularly today. In the early part of 19th Century even Malabar hills had ample game and tigers sighting was not uncommong. Sadly our mindless urge to kill tigers for trophies saw the last big cat being killed in the early 20th century near Vihar lake, a sport which followed by modern day poaching has pushed the beast to the brink.

Wish we could have tiger reserves around Mumbai again.

A tiger on Malabar Hill

http://www.livemint.com/2009/09/03202701/A-tiger-on-Malabar-Hill.html?h=B

Tigers smarter than lions

A study conducted by researchers at Oxford university quoted by The Telegraph todays says contraty to popular belief Tigers are smarter than lions on account of their larger brain size.

Tiger smarter than lion

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090903/jsp/frontpage/story_11445025.jsp

Sunderbans tiger deaths attributed to fall in prey base

Many feared cyclone Alia to have destroyed wildlife in Sunderbans in significant numbers. Now circumstantial evidence coming to light is indicating those fears to be true. Last few days 2 more tigers to have strayed into villages came to light. This after a tiger was recently found dead in the forest with two cobras in its stomach which he ate after apparently unable to find other prey. Forest officials are worried that the shriking prey base is leading to more conflicts with humans. A prey base study which this blog wrote about (http://planettiger.blogspot.com/2009/07/sunderbans-prey-base-survey-should-be.html) in July is yet to be completed and with straying cases irapidly increasing, wildlife officials need to find solutions before the situation gets out of hand.

Shrinking prey base forcing tigers to stray

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/kolkata-/Shrinking-prey-base-forcing-tigers-to-stray/articleshow/4966122.cms

Maharashtra next state to sign tripartite agreeement with Centre-NTCA

The list of states lining up to sign the much touted tri partite agreement with the centre is growing. After Rajasthan took the lead last month, Kerala, Assam, TN & Uttaranchal have either already signed the agreement or have committed to do so soon. Now Maharashtra becomes the 6th state to ink the MOU. MP & Karnataka tough are still holding out and without these two prime tiger habit states on board tiger conservation efforts will not be complete.

Corbett park to sign agreement with Centre and NTCA

After Rajasthan, Kerala, Assam & TN, Uttarakhand might be th next state to sign a tripartite agreement with NTCA and centre paving the way for direct flowof funds to Corbett National Park for convervation and protection initiatives. With states and sanctuaries one by one realising the need for signing the agreement, the centre should push reluctant states like MP to get on board quickly. As has been evident from cases like Panna and Sanjay national park in MP, tiger populations are rapidly declining and professional protection methods are the need of the hour which is possible only with more access to funds and an accountable system.

‘Tiger density highest in Corbett park’

http://www.dailypioneer.com/199856/‘Tiger-density-highest-in-Corbett-park’.html