‘Maoists alone not to blame for wildlife loss’
Monday, October 26, 2009
NTCA team blames officials of abdicating responsibility in Maoist affected areas
An NTCA appointed team of wildlife experts has concluded that maoism is being used as an excuse by wildlife officials to cover up their own failings in protecting wildlife across sanctuaries supposedly lying in naxal dominated areas. A report in Pioneer has pointed out detailed surveys carried out by the team to ascertain the ground situation. Apparently wildlife officials have taken naxalism as an easy ruse to thrown their hands up. Although one cant underestimate the threat posed by naxalism to wildlife officials as was seen in Similipal in Orrisa where maoist cadre got together with local antisocial elements to plunder the forests, it is the responsibility of the state govt to ensure law and order is restored and above all locals have a significant stake in protection of the forests they live in.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Anil Kumble roped in by Karnataka on wildlife board
BANGALORE: After his successful first innings on the cricket field, Anil Kumble is all set for a second innings,
Jumbo, as Kumble is nicknamed, has got an opportunity to pursue his other passion -- protecting wildlife - by becoming the new vice-chairman of the state wildlife board. The post is in the rank of minister of state. The man who loves tigers plans to use his cricketing popularity and glamour quotient to save wildlife in the state. He talks to TOI about his new assignment.
Friday, October 23, 2009
EIA investigation exposes China lie on saving tigers
A recently conducted undercover investigation by EIA in China has unearthed continued trading of tiger parts in large parts of China under the nose of the govt exposing official complicity in the banned trade. A report in TOI quotes EIA officials blaming the Chinese govt for looking the other way as wide spread use of tiger parts continues in China.
China turning blind eye to tiger trade: Report
Global tiger initiatve workshop begins in Kathmandu next week
Global tiger initiative launched in June 2008 at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Zoo as an alliance of Governments, International Agencies, Civil Society, and the private sector to save wild tigers from extinction is set to host the first Global tiger initiative in Kathmandu from 27-30 Oct. 09. The workshop is being hosted and organized by Government of Nepal, Ministry of Forests and soil conservation in association with Global Tiger Forum (GTF) and Global Tiger Initiative (GTI). The main organizers of the workshop are World Bank, Save the Tiger Fund, WWF, National Trust For Nature Conservation. It is expected that round 150 participants from the government and non-government participants of the 13 tiger range countries, representatives of international conservational partners and experts to attend the workshop.
MP set to loose tiger state status to Karnataka
With the latest tiger census set to get underway across the country over the next few months, wildlife experts believe MP thus far known as the tiger state of India owing to the highest number of striped cats in the state, might loose its premier status to Karnataka states a TOI report. With tiger numbers in MP dwindling at a fast pace and the state failing to take steps to counter the slide notably holding out on signing the tripartite agreement with centre and NTCA for free flow of funds, Karnataka seems to be taking the lead in conservation efforts despite facing its own set of problems. Estimates say MP has lost around 35 tigers in last few years to various reasons including the complete wipe out of big beasts from Panna and Sanjay National park. Similarly Kanha, Bhandhavgarh and Pench reserve have all seen tiger deaths unrelated to natural causes. What is more worrying is that officials in MP are continuing to live in a denial mode refusing to hold officials accountable for the lapses and shying away from taking the tough steps needed to curb the trend. Karnataka on the other hand has taken a lead in trying up with the centre and NTCA in putting regulation in place for increased protection of tigers and also might become the first state soon to have its own tiger protection force in Bandipur tiger reserve. The last census estimated population of tiger in MP at around 300 and Karnataka at around 290. With Karnataka taking a lead on more births and lesser deaths, the state is seen to be crossing MP after the latest census.
Karnataka could grab `big cat state' tag |
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Jairam Ramesh proposes complete mining ban in Tadoba
A report in Indian Express quotes MOEF Jairam Ramesh having written to Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan proposing steps against mining and any other ecologically damaging activities being carried out in and around Tadoba Andhari Tiger Sanctuary. Making a significant point, the central minister is quoted as not only advising against mining in the region by Adani Power which was given mining license by the current govt but has also proposed cancelling licenses of all existing mines, a step if taken through could have immense positive impact on the forests in the region. Wildlife enthusiasts and locals concerned over the rapid deterioration of environment around Chandrapur, the district headquater will certainly welcome such a move. Ramesh has voiced his concern also on human dams being proposed in the buffer zone to provide adequate irrigation facilities to villages around the park saying the idea is out of date as it was proposed almost two decades back and the ground situation has changed considerably. The letter to the CM comes after Member secy of NTCA visited Tadoba recently in the wake of many tigers being poisoned by villagers to prevent attacks on humans and preserve their cattle. It is pertinent to note that many tiger cubs have been found abandoned around the sanctuary giving credence to suspicion of their mothers having been either poached or poisoned. Ramesh has also advised the state govt to take steps against curbing movement of poaching gangs into the wildlife sanctuary which borders MP, the home to many tribal poaching gangs.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Adani will have to do impossible for mining around Tadoba
Adani Power will have to recreate Tadoba like forests to compensate for destruction carried out for mining a report in DNA today quotes Maharasthra Forest officials. As is known Adani Power was alloted mining licenses around Tadoba by eager Forest officials only to see a huge protest being launched by local Chandrapur Residents and local NGo's. Given the opposition the project has been stayed for the time being with a case pending in courts to decide the fate of the project.
Coal mining 'impossible' at Tadoba
SAARC officials visit Sariksa to get first hand feel of 'Tiger Conservation' efforts
With a rapidly dwindling population of tigers it would be safe to describe India's conservation report card as dismal but to showcase a first of its kind relocation effort forest minsters from saarc countries today are being taken to Sariksa to have a look at the result of the effort first hand. PR coverage for the environment ministry has been no less than disastrous in the last few years what with the MOEF widely known as an ATM ministry. Now with a a new minister at helm the babus are going all out to improve their image conducting events like these to garner some brownie points. One hopes as much eneergy and effort is spent on the real job which is saving India's wildlife from destruction.
SAARC ministers to visit Sariska today
Monday, October 19, 2009
Two poachers killed on Assam as most tigers vanish from Orang Sanctuary
Forest guards killed two poachers on Saturday reports Hindustantimes. This comes on the heels of rhinos being felled by poachers last week. A tiger too was poisoned by villagers in the park which has seen the big cat population falling to single digit numbers with conservationists expecting all tigers to vanish in the not so distant future.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
West Bengal signs tripartite pact for tiger conservation
Kolkata , Oct 16 After some initial objection, West Bengal government has signed a tripartite agreement with the Centre and the tiger reserves in the state for better conservation of the big cats.Subrat Mukherjee, field director, Sunderbans Tiger Reserve and his counterpart in Buxa Tiger Reserve R P Seni, who were authorised by the state government, signed an MoU with the National Tiger Conservation Authority yesterday
http://www.indopia.in/India-usa-uk-news/latest-news/686955/National/1/20/1#
http://www.indopia.in/India-usa-uk-news/latest-news/686955/National/1/20/1#
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tadoba set to get extra security and area
With Maharashtra having signed the tripartite agreement with NTCA and Centre the first step towards increased protection of big cats was approved with the state govt sending a detailed plan to centre for approval reports DNA. The plan includes acquisition of around 1000 sq kms of land outside the buffer zone and hiring another 50 forest guards to protect the sanctuary. It is worth noting that area around Tadoba has been in news for the last few years. Initially for human-animal conflict cases and in recent times for abandoned tiger cubs being found with regularity indicating poaching or killing by poisoning of their mothers.
Security beefed up for wild cats
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Raja ji Park loses 50% of its tigers in 4 years
A PTI report cites the latest census carried out in Rajaji national park estimating the population of big cats to be around 10-12 down from the earlier 25 number estimated by the WII census in 2005. Obviously no guesses are needed to pin point causes of this drastic decline. What is most alarming is that park officers who have been working on the ground for years take refuge in similar reduction across other parks in the country to shun responsibility of protecting the big cats. UP govt officials recently hid behind dwindling tiger numbers across India to justify similar drop in their state. India's wildlife protection mechanisms are hopelessly inadequate and despite all the noble intentions of MOEF Jairam Ramesh, it is a matter of another few years before we loose the entire tiger population in the country to poachers.
12 tigers missing from Rajaji national par
CBI arrests poachers, will they be convicted ?
A PTI report cites the arrest of two poachers by the CBI wanted in cases related to killing of Panthers and Tigers in Sariska. Apparently the duo has been evading arrest since 2005 and were caught in Punjab with the help of local police. With most poaching related arrests based on half baked cases it is no wonder these criminals get bail in no time and and are back to their hunting ways in double quick time. If the recent cases of INdia's most dreaded poacher Sansar Chand being let off on bail is any indicator, it is unlikely any of these arrests will help slide the destruction of wildlife in INdia.
CBI arrests two of inter-state wildlife poaching gang
Sunday, October 11, 2009
MP govt refuses to bring in accountability as it prepares to shift another tiger to Panna
All other states have already signed the tripartite agreement with Centre & NTCA. MP being the most critical state for tiger conservation is holding out as babus fear signing the MOU will make them more accountable something they wish to avoid. With pressure being borne by centre and environmentalists it might not be long before the state falls in line. Despite having lost all its tigers in Panna state govt officials have systematically tried to cover up the disaster and shunned all attempts to hold people accountable for the disaster. After realising the need for repopulating the park two female tigresses we shifted there recently and now a male tiger inPench has been identified to be shifted there.
MP yet to sign tripartite pact for tiger conservation
Suitable tiger found for translocated tigresses: Negi
Dudhwa tigers face flood danger
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Saturday, October 10, 2009
Centre for direct incentives to locals for preserving Tigers
NEW DELHI: In a first of its kind tiger conservation efforts, the Centre is mulling to give direct incentives to local communities.
Struggling to protect the endangered royal Tigers, the government seems to be viewing "payment for ecosystem services (PES)" as a new conservation instrument designed to provide direct incentives to the local communities living in the fringes of the sanctuaries.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Rhino, tiger found dead in Kaziranga - TOI
GUWAHATI: A rhino and a tiger were found dead in Kaziranga on Wednesday, barely a fortnight after the national park suffered three casualties.
With the latest deaths, the tiger toll has reached 12 since November 2008 while the rhino toll has risen to six this year alone.
The rhino carcass, with its horn missing, was found floating in a water body in the Bagori forest range. "The carcass was a few days old. The horn might have dropped off as the flesh started rotting,'' said Bagori range officer D Kalita. The animal was fished out from near Bimoli camp of Bagori range.
The rhino carcass, with its horn missing, was found floating in a water body in the Bagori forest range. "The carcass was a few days old. The horn might have dropped off as the flesh started rotting,'' said Bagori range officer D Kalita. The animal was fished out from near Bimoli camp of Bagori range.
Crimes against wildlife tabulated for better action - TOI
LUCKNOW: The planning related to wildlife conservation in the country might get a clear direction now, since the first national level database on
wildlife crime has been compiled and completed. National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) which is the head organisation for wildlife conservation has got the crime figures compiled in collaboration with a private agency TRAFFIC-India.
Tigers in sanctuaries to get ID cards - PTI news
Archana Jyoti
New Delhi, Oct 8 (PTI) Big cats housed in various sanctuaries across the country will soon have their own 'identity cards' specifying their profile, a step that will enable authorities keep track of their movement and help in tiger conservation.
"We have issued an advisory to all the 17-tiger range states to keep an ID card specifying the details of each tiger in their sanctuaries," Rajesh Gopal, member secretary National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), said.
The identity card will be have a photograph of the tiger and its skin print, a unique characteristic of each predator, kill data and camera trap as well radio collar records with regular updatate of its behaviour.
"Maintaining an ID of each tiger will help the officials particularly forest guards keep a track on the predator in their jurisdiction. The idea is to strengthen tiger conservation at the ground level," Gopal explained.
New Delhi, Oct 8 (PTI) Big cats housed in various sanctuaries across the country will soon have their own 'identity cards' specifying their profile, a step that will enable authorities keep track of their movement and help in tiger conservation.
"We have issued an advisory to all the 17-tiger range states to keep an ID card specifying the details of each tiger in their sanctuaries," Rajesh Gopal, member secretary National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), said.
The identity card will be have a photograph of the tiger and its skin print, a unique characteristic of each predator, kill data and camera trap as well radio collar records with regular updatate of its behaviour.
"Maintaining an ID of each tiger will help the officials particularly forest guards keep a track on the predator in their jurisdiction. The idea is to strengthen tiger conservation at the ground level," Gopal explained.
UP tiger numbers fall by 60%, state only following country wide trends say officials
After the recent tiger census conducted by WII estimated the tiger population to have fallen to 109 from 273 in the last 5 years UP govt officials attribute it to the new census method. A report on sify.com quotes chief widlife conservator taking refuge in dwindling tiger numbers across the country to justify the drastic fall in UP. Obviously the statement reflects complete apathy on part of the state government who dont treat stemming the rot as priority.
160 tigers short, Uttar Pradesh blames census technique!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
NTCA announces schedule for Tiger census
The latest tiger census gets underway this month with NTCA setting the ball rolling by announcing a detailed schedule that includes training workshops for forest staff across the country followed by field data collection, reports Times of India. As was reported earlier, this years' census will also include counting Sunderbans and will build upon the camera trap method used in the previous census.
NTCA announces schedule for estimation exercise |
Sunday, October 4, 2009
International Tiger Year to be launched on Valentine's day
With the objective of spreading awareness about conservation of forests and wildlife in them, the forest ministry has decided to celebrate international year of the tiger starting Valentine's day in 2010 culminating into the World Tiger meet at Ranthambore in Nov next year. With Chinese demand for tiger parts in the danger of peaking next year on account of the Chinese year of the tiger, it might be a good time to bring the issue of loosing tigers into international limelight.
International Year of the Tiger to kick off on V-Day: Ramesh
Friday, October 2, 2009
Centre acts fast on relocation - Funds released for Ranthambore and Manas
Just a month after Rajasthan and Assam signed the tripartite agreement with centre, funds have been cleared for relocation of villagers living in and around the tiger reserves in the two states. According to reports in TOI and Assam Tribune, Ranthambore is set to get a sum of over 100 crs and Manas Nattional park in Assam another 6.5 Crs. Humans living in and around tiger reserves has been cited as the biggest reason for decline in forest cover and wild animal numbers. With poachers getting easy shelter and know how from these communities and villagers themselves sometimes poisoning wild animals to save their cattle, moving human settlements out of sanctuaries has become top priority for conservationists. The new minister MOEF having recognizing the gravity of the problem has moved swiftly and has within months of taking over streamlined the system to ensure money is no more an obstacle and adequate legal provisions are in place to prevent misuse of funds. With these two states taking the lead hopefully other states like MP, Karnataka, Kerala and Uttarakhand will follow.
Rs 104 crore grant for Ranthambore
Move to relocate human settlement
Tadoba activists decry villagers move as Sonia Gandhi takes note
After villagers around Lohara, the location of Adani mines, came out in support of the project, green activists questioned their stand as per a report on TOI. According to activists the company has managed to lure a handful of people through money power to get them to endorse setting up the plant at the expense of the forest. As pointed out by some NGO activists, the forests are not the property of villagers living in the area but a natural resource that belongs to the country and saving it is of prime importance. It is relevant to note that residents of Chandrapur, the distt headquarters, a few months back had come out strongly against the mines having suffered the ill effects of mines in their area for decades.
In a related development Sonia Gandhi has taken note of a letter written by Rajya Sabha MP Shri Vijay Darda for pointing out adverse effects of the mine. He has also suggested setting up a committee to look into granting of the license. Mr Darda had used his offices to good effect last year when a similar letter by him to Sonia Gandhi against widening of Nagpur-Jabalpur highway cutting thru Pench tiger reserve saw the scrapping of the ecologically disastrous project.
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Man Tiger conflict continues across the country as two more die
In separate incidents, two people were killed, apparently by tigers, one in Sunderbans and another in Almora Distt. Sunderbans has recently been in news for increased tiger attacks on humans. The forest department had had suggested that cycloe Aila earlier this year had killed prey in large numbers making tigers attack humans more often. Do study the issue in detail, forest dept had also initiated a study of prey base in the area but months after the first incidents were reported, there is no sign of the study. Sunderbans is also going to be included this year in the tiger census survey to be carried out starting next month.
Tiger kills fisherman in Sunderban
Tiger kills child in Simalkhet
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Let down by govt, villagers around Tadoba back Adani Mines
The fight going on between environmentalists on one side and Adani corp & state govt on the other, took a new twist on Wednesday when villagers from Lohara, the location of mines addressed a press conference in support of the mines. It is clear that the villagers donot see any future for themselves in preserving the forest and wildlife esp given how other families in and around Tadoba have been shoddily treated on resettlement matters. It is a shocking case of govt failure that locals are willing for their surroundings to be destroyed rather than let tourism drive the economy and become stake holders in development. As pointed out by them during the meet, there are many other mines in the area right on the edge of the park and perhaps they have seen the economic benefits those mines have brought to people in those areas, notwithstanding the damage it has caused to the ecology as a whole. The govt needs to provide alternate employment and means of livelihood if locals have to be made stakeholders in preservation of wildlife and forests. As long as villagers see forest conservation as an urban cause, india's efforts will be doomed. In a related development a bunch of NGOs filed petitions in the high court asking for the govt to stay granting of mining licenses to Adani. The high court has issued notices to the govt asking for status on the project. As no go ahead has been given yet, the court termed the petitions untimely.
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Pleas early, but HC wants status of Adani mines
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