Good news from Palamau: Tiger count now up to six

A report prepared by the Hyderabad Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) has ascertained the exact number of tigers in the Palamau Tiger Reserve, Jharkhand, to be six.

The report was based on DNA analysis of scat samples collected from inside the reserve area of 1026 sq km, between June 2008 and July 2009.

The samples were from Mahuadhand, Brawagarha, Baresand and Betla areas of the reserve, which are considered a Naxal stronghold.

In fact, the wildlife department had approached CCMB to conduct the DNA analysis after the Wildlife Institute of India did not find any sign of tigers in the survey carried out in 2008. Also there had been no tiger sighting in the reserve since 2007. In this backdrop, the findings of the CCMB have generated hope among the environmentalists that the big cat is not extinct here.

“Three incidents of poaching and six incidents of Naxal violence were reported between 2006 and 2009. The need of the hour is to reclaim the reserve from the hold of poachers and Naxals,” said Ashok Bhagat, who is associated with Van Rakhsha Samiti, Palamau.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Good-news-from-Palamau--Tiger-count-now-up-to-six/637778

CBI probe ordered into seizure of tiger parts in Guwahati

The government has ordered a CBI probe into the seizure of 20 kg of tiger parts and skeletons worth Rs 5 crore from Guwhati airport, which were allegedly meant for flourishing traditional medicine market in China and Far East Asia.

Environment and Forest Minister Jairam Ramesh has directed a CBI investigation while expressing concern that Guwhati in the Northeast has become a major hub for smugglers to tranship wildlife products to neighbouring countries, as indicated by frequent seizures.

Rajesh Gopal, member secretary of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), said, "It is a serious issue having national and international ramifications. CBI has been asked to probe into backward and forward linkages thread-bare in the case."

Since the seizure was made by the Customs Department, the Centre considered the case fit for CBI investigation instead of handing it over to Assam government.

The huge haul of tiger parts recently as well also a few months ago from the airport has put a question mark on the country-wide conservation measures being initiated to save the big cat in forests.

"Untill the poachers are reined in and demand for tiger parts is curbed, the big cats in forests would remain vulnerable, notwithstanding various steps taken for its safety.

"This is perhaps the biggest seizure of tiger parts in recent times," Gopal added.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/CBI-probe-ordered-into-seizure-of-tiger-parts-in-Guwahati/Article1-562115.aspx

Tiger kills man in Uttar Pradesh

A tiger killed a man in a village adjoining a forest area in Pilibhit district of Uttar Pradesh, an official said Thursday.

The partially eaten body of Bulakiram, 55, was recovered Wednesday evening from the fields on the outskirts of Akora village, which is near Deuriya area of the Pilibhit forest reserve.

'Pugmarks found at the site indicate that the man was attacked by a male, adult tiger,' said Divisional Forest Officer V.K. Singh.

'Significantly, the Deuriya area of the forest reserve is not considered as tigers' territory. Field investigations carried out following the incident now indicate that two tigers are present in Deuriya,' Singh told IANS over telephone from Pilibhit, some 250 km from Lucknow.

Bulakiram had left his house Tuesday to collect wood and had been missing since then.

It's the third such incident in the district in the last two months.

As per the last census, Pilibhit forest reserve was home to 36 tigers.

http://sify.com/news/tiger-kills-man-in-uttar-pradesh-news-national-kgylabibihg.html