How can we justify claims that the decline in tiger population has been reversed when various threats to the animal still persist?
Renowned wildlife biologist and tiger expert Ullas Karanth expressed serious reservations about the methodology adopted in the national tiger population estimation exercise. The results were released in Delhi on Monday, as per which the number of tigers across the country had increased from 1411 in 2006, to 1706.
He called for an end to the government monopoly on tiger monitoring, and suggested that outside expertise and resources be harnessed so as to ensure greater reliability, transparency and credibility in monitoring the fate of the national animal.
Responding to the national tiger estimation figures, Dr. Karanth, Director, Centre for Wildlife Studies, said that it was difficult to justify claims that the decline of the tiger population had been reversed when the various threats faced by the animal had not diminished in the last four years. “The full process of how these tiger numbers are generated for individual tiger populations and landscapes has not been made public in a scientifically acceptable manner. Only one scientific paper, which explains only a part of this protocol, has been published in 2011, based on data from the last round of estimation in 2007,” said Dr. Karanth. “I see serious deficiencies in the methodology which has been published.”
In a release, he said the monitoring of tracks by forest guards was not a substitute for more reliable methods of monitoring — using camera traps or DNA sampling — as had already been proven earlier in cases where tigers had vanished despite guards having done similar patrol-based monitoring. “To me the most serious flaw in the present government effort is the basic futility of trying to generate all-India-level tiger counts once in four years, even while ignoring the critical task of intensively monitoring key source populations year after year,” said Dr. Karanth.
CAMERA TRAP METHODS
He said the time had now come to switch from these four-yearly national estimation exercises and focus on intensive camera trap or DNA monitoring of tiger source populations so that one could track the fate of individual tigers, and estimate survival and recruitment rates to gauge how each of these populations was faring.
Citing works done by the Centre for Wildlife Studies, which has monitored tigers rigorously in Karnataka over an area that holds about 15% of the country's tigers, Dr. Karanth said an area of about 3,000 sq. km was camera-trapped every year and more than 100 tigers photographed out of a population of about 250 tigers. “On the basis of these data, we believe that the tiger population in Karnataka is holding out, and even increasing in some areas like Bhadra and Kudremukh thanks to the good work by government and NGOs. We believe that similar intensive monitoring of all key source populations can be easily done to generate similarly useful results across the country. This would not cost more than what the present ‘once-in-four-year' national estimation costs,” he said.
CAUTION
Dr. Karanth cautioned that if there was no shift to such focused, intensive monitoring approaches, the country was at serious risk of losing more and more key populations even as it celebrated supposed ‘increases'. He drew attention to the fact that many reserves had lost most of their tigers despite these national counts in the past decades.
http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/article1579810.ece
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tiger numbers in Maharashtra underestimated? Vijay Pinjarkar, TNN
NAGPUR: Even if number of tigers in Maharashtra has gone up by 66 in latest estimation, experts in state are not happy with the result.
They have questioned the Wildlife Institute of India ( WII) technique of extrapolation on the basis of data collected from a high tiger density area.
In 2006, the tiger occupancy was reported in 4,273 sq km area in Maharashtra. In 2010, it jumped to 10,350 sq km, a two-and-half-times increase.
"Since various threats faced by tigers do not appear to have diminished in last four years, it is difficult to explain the claimed reversal in decline of tigers. Has the forest increased or tigers?" asked Nitin Desai, Central India director for Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI).
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Tiger-numbers-in-state-underestimated/articleshow/7822470.cms
They have questioned the Wildlife Institute of India ( WII) technique of extrapolation on the basis of data collected from a high tiger density area.
In 2006, the tiger occupancy was reported in 4,273 sq km area in Maharashtra. In 2010, it jumped to 10,350 sq km, a two-and-half-times increase.
"Since various threats faced by tigers do not appear to have diminished in last four years, it is difficult to explain the claimed reversal in decline of tigers. Has the forest increased or tigers?" asked Nitin Desai, Central India director for Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI).
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Tiger-numbers-in-state-underestimated/articleshow/7822470.cms
Meet discusses problem of straying tigers TNN
JAIPUR: The problem of tigers straying from the Ranthambore National Park came up for discussion during the on-going International Conference on Tiger Conservation in Delhi. The ministry of forest and environment is to take steps to ensure safety of tigers that stray from Ranthambore.
Usually, tigers straying from the park face threats of being poached or being killed in revenge by villagers staying on the periphery of the park after the big cats feed on their livestock.
The ministry sought suggestions from the state government at the conference to ensure safety of straying tigers. Chief minister Ashok Gehlot has announced in his budget speech proposals to develop the area connecting Ranthambore with the Mukundra hills sanctuary as a corridor for tiger movement. The area is frequently used by straying tigers from Ranthambore and developing it would give the big cats a safer passage.
The Ranthambore National Park has been suffering from a problem of plenty for some time now. Though the total area of Ranthambore tiger reserve is about 1,394.478 sq km but about 31 resident tigers are confined to an area of less than 400 sq km of the core area. The rapid multiplication of tigers in the reserve has been posing a bigger problem for foresters.
Recently, two tigers had strayed as far as Mathura while another managed to get away to Madhya Pradesh and finally to the Kuno-palpur area. Currently, at least two ---T2 and T 40 ---have not been seen since October.
"The problem is due to rising population of tigers. The semi-adults find it difficult to chalk out their territory and stray from the sanctuary. Sometimes, tigers also take to fighting among themselves over territory, often resulting in the death of one. The answer may lie in developing other areas of the park like the Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary to house the rising number of tigers," sources said.
The Wildlife Institute of India estimation of tigers released on Monday put the number of tigers at Ranthambore at 31. But 12 more cubs have been born between the time the census took place and now bringing up the problem of plenty once again at the park. Tigers are fiercely protective of their territories. A tigress may have a territory of 20 sq km, while the male may cover 40-80 sq km and even more.
The state has deployed a large number of personnel to keep a watch straying tigers. Border home guards, ex-Army personnel, Van Mitras have been deputed for the purpose. For the first time the state has also deployed cadres from the Rajasthan Administrative Service who can speak the local language.
Forest officials are also trying to make more room for tigers by relocating villages located in the forest. "Last year we relocated one village from Ranthambore. This year too we are relocating about 10 villages from the forest and to make room for more tigers," officials said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Meet-discusses-problem-of-straying-tigers/articleshow/7821533.cms
Usually, tigers straying from the park face threats of being poached or being killed in revenge by villagers staying on the periphery of the park after the big cats feed on their livestock.
The ministry sought suggestions from the state government at the conference to ensure safety of straying tigers. Chief minister Ashok Gehlot has announced in his budget speech proposals to develop the area connecting Ranthambore with the Mukundra hills sanctuary as a corridor for tiger movement. The area is frequently used by straying tigers from Ranthambore and developing it would give the big cats a safer passage.
The Ranthambore National Park has been suffering from a problem of plenty for some time now. Though the total area of Ranthambore tiger reserve is about 1,394.478 sq km but about 31 resident tigers are confined to an area of less than 400 sq km of the core area. The rapid multiplication of tigers in the reserve has been posing a bigger problem for foresters.
Recently, two tigers had strayed as far as Mathura while another managed to get away to Madhya Pradesh and finally to the Kuno-palpur area. Currently, at least two ---T2 and T 40 ---have not been seen since October.
"The problem is due to rising population of tigers. The semi-adults find it difficult to chalk out their territory and stray from the sanctuary. Sometimes, tigers also take to fighting among themselves over territory, often resulting in the death of one. The answer may lie in developing other areas of the park like the Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary to house the rising number of tigers," sources said.
The Wildlife Institute of India estimation of tigers released on Monday put the number of tigers at Ranthambore at 31. But 12 more cubs have been born between the time the census took place and now bringing up the problem of plenty once again at the park. Tigers are fiercely protective of their territories. A tigress may have a territory of 20 sq km, while the male may cover 40-80 sq km and even more.
The state has deployed a large number of personnel to keep a watch straying tigers. Border home guards, ex-Army personnel, Van Mitras have been deputed for the purpose. For the first time the state has also deployed cadres from the Rajasthan Administrative Service who can speak the local language.
Forest officials are also trying to make more room for tigers by relocating villages located in the forest. "Last year we relocated one village from Ranthambore. This year too we are relocating about 10 villages from the forest and to make room for more tigers," officials said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Meet-discusses-problem-of-straying-tigers/articleshow/7821533.cms
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
The tiger census counts 1,706; finds 12 per cent growth
NEW DELHI: There is reason for tiger enthusiasts to celebrate: India's wild tiger population has grown 12 per cent in the last four years.
According to the 2010 tiger census, whose results were declared on Monday, there are approximately 1,706 of the big cats in the country, which includes about 70 in the marshes of the Sunderbans, which have never been scientifically surveyed before. The 2006 census had estimated that there were 1,411 tigers, without including any from the Sunderbans.
Thirty per cent of the tiger population lives in areas outside the government's reserves, giving conservationists a new challenge in the effort to protect them.
The celebrations, however, were muted by the decrease in land area where tigers can thrive. “Tiger occupancy areas shrunk from 9 million hectares to less than 7.5 million hectares over the last four years,” said Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh. “This means that tiger corridors are under severe threat, especially in central India…in Madhya Pradesh and northern Andhra Pradesh.”
Not surprisingly, these are the two States that have fared the worst in the census, with tiger populations falling to 213 in Madhya Pradesh and 65 in Andhra Pradesh.
Successful efforts
The largest number of tigers lives in Karnataka – about 280 – and conservation efforts have been successful in the entire Western Ghats area, with Tamil Nadu and Kerala also seeing good results. The Terai belt of grasslands at the Himalayan foothills in Uttarakhand have also done surprisingly well in nurturing their tiger populations.
While Kaziranga in Assam has 100 tigers, the largest in a single reserve, there are worrying signs from the North Eastern area. These forested hills are capable of supporting far more than the number of tigers that were found in the area, but poaching and the pressure of developmental activities have kept the numbers low.
Planning Commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Water Resources Minister Salman Khursheed flanked Mr. Ramesh as he announced the census results.“We can deal with the threat of poachers, of the real estate and mining mafias, but it's much harder to deal with the developmental dynamic,” said Mr. Ramesh, pointing to energy projects — whether coal, hydel or nuclear — irrigation schemes, and highway proposals as among the developments endangering tigers and their ecosystem.
“A country of 1.4 billion cannot survive on solar, wind and biogas alone, so we do need commercial sources of energy, but we also need to conserve these forests,” he told Mr. Ahluwalia. “We must decide whether we can afford a 9 per cent growth agenda which would destroy our forests and the cultures and livelihoods that depend on them.” He added that river linking, hydel and irrigation projects could destroy the Panna, Buxa and Valmiki tiger reserves.
According to the 2010 tiger census, whose results were declared on Monday, there are approximately 1,706 of the big cats in the country, which includes about 70 in the marshes of the Sunderbans, which have never been scientifically surveyed before. The 2006 census had estimated that there were 1,411 tigers, without including any from the Sunderbans.
Thirty per cent of the tiger population lives in areas outside the government's reserves, giving conservationists a new challenge in the effort to protect them.
The celebrations, however, were muted by the decrease in land area where tigers can thrive. “Tiger occupancy areas shrunk from 9 million hectares to less than 7.5 million hectares over the last four years,” said Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh. “This means that tiger corridors are under severe threat, especially in central India…in Madhya Pradesh and northern Andhra Pradesh.”
Not surprisingly, these are the two States that have fared the worst in the census, with tiger populations falling to 213 in Madhya Pradesh and 65 in Andhra Pradesh.
Successful efforts
The largest number of tigers lives in Karnataka – about 280 – and conservation efforts have been successful in the entire Western Ghats area, with Tamil Nadu and Kerala also seeing good results. The Terai belt of grasslands at the Himalayan foothills in Uttarakhand have also done surprisingly well in nurturing their tiger populations.
While Kaziranga in Assam has 100 tigers, the largest in a single reserve, there are worrying signs from the North Eastern area. These forested hills are capable of supporting far more than the number of tigers that were found in the area, but poaching and the pressure of developmental activities have kept the numbers low.
Planning Commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Water Resources Minister Salman Khursheed flanked Mr. Ramesh as he announced the census results.“We can deal with the threat of poachers, of the real estate and mining mafias, but it's much harder to deal with the developmental dynamic,” said Mr. Ramesh, pointing to energy projects — whether coal, hydel or nuclear — irrigation schemes, and highway proposals as among the developments endangering tigers and their ecosystem.
“A country of 1.4 billion cannot survive on solar, wind and biogas alone, so we do need commercial sources of energy, but we also need to conserve these forests,” he told Mr. Ahluwalia. “We must decide whether we can afford a 9 per cent growth agenda which would destroy our forests and the cultures and livelihoods that depend on them.” He added that river linking, hydel and irrigation projects could destroy the Panna, Buxa and Valmiki tiger reserves.
Forest official disputes tiger census figures TNN
HYDERABAD: There was a dispute over the number of tigers at the Nagarjuna-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) in the 2010 tiger census. While the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) put the tiger population at the reserve between 53 and 66, K Tulsi Rao, head, biodiversity research, Project Tiger, Srisailam, claimed that the number of cats in NSTR would be around 100.
While agreeing that there was a decline in the number of tigers in the state due to poaching and shrinking of their habitat, Tulsi attributed the rise in tiger population in NSTR to ertain measures introduced by his department.
The NTCA has given a bleak picture of the tiger population in the state. It said that AP and Madhya Pradesh were the only states in the country that have shown decline in tiger population. While giving no figures for the East and West Godavari districts, Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram the census claimed that there were only five tigers in the districts of Adilabad, Warangal, Karimnagar and Khammam.
According to forest department officials, the tiger population rose from 102 in 2008 to 106 in 2009.
The figures released by the forest department in 2009 had put the number of tigers in NSTR at 72 as against 65 in 2008. The remaining 24 tigers were spread over other sanctuaries.
Commenting on the present situation Rao said, "At NSTR we have introduced special measures. Chenchus were roped in to act as tiger trackers. They are also protecting them."
Rao, who is also the deputy conservator of forest, put the number of tigers in NSTR at 100, including cubs. "We have captured 25-30 cubs on camera, claimed Rao.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Forest-official-disputes-tiger-census-figures/articleshow/7811037.cms
While agreeing that there was a decline in the number of tigers in the state due to poaching and shrinking of their habitat, Tulsi attributed the rise in tiger population in NSTR to ertain measures introduced by his department.
The NTCA has given a bleak picture of the tiger population in the state. It said that AP and Madhya Pradesh were the only states in the country that have shown decline in tiger population. While giving no figures for the East and West Godavari districts, Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram the census claimed that there were only five tigers in the districts of Adilabad, Warangal, Karimnagar and Khammam.
According to forest department officials, the tiger population rose from 102 in 2008 to 106 in 2009.
The figures released by the forest department in 2009 had put the number of tigers in NSTR at 72 as against 65 in 2008. The remaining 24 tigers were spread over other sanctuaries.
Commenting on the present situation Rao said, "At NSTR we have introduced special measures. Chenchus were roped in to act as tiger trackers. They are also protecting them."
Rao, who is also the deputy conservator of forest, put the number of tigers in NSTR at 100, including cubs. "We have captured 25-30 cubs on camera, claimed Rao.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Forest-official-disputes-tiger-census-figures/articleshow/7811037.cms
Two tiger attacks in two days leaves villagers in fear- TNN
CHANDRAPUR: Two tiger attacks in two days have terrorised villagers of Saygata in the Bramhapuri forest range. A villager was mauled in Saygata on Saturday, while another was killed in Mayar on Sunday night by the same tiger.
Sources informed that deceased Anantrao Sondawle (50) from village Mayar had gone to answer nature's call at around 8 pm in his farm on Sunday. The lurking tiger killed him and took his body to the shrubs around 20 feet away.
When Sondawle did not return, villagers searched and found his mutilated body. "The farm is on the fringes of the forest area. Our staff found pug marks near the body. As part of the compensation, we have given Rs 10,000 as ex-gratia to his family. The remaining amount of Rs 2 lakh would be paid after the necessary formalities are completed," said RFO of Bramhapuri range, BJ Mandhre.
Earlier on Saturday, the same tiger had mauled one Murari Ganvir (50) from village Saygata, 5 km from Mayar. Ganvir was collecting mouha flowers in the forest area close to his farm.
After hearing Ganvir's cries for help, farm labourers working in the fields nearby rushed to rescue him. On hearing the alarm raised by the labourers, the tiger left the wounded Ganvir and fled. Ganvir has been admitted to the local government hospital for treatment.
Mandhre informed that jungle patrolling was on when the incident occurred. He added that patrolling has been intensified after the same tiger was spotted in the forest area.
"Since the two villages (Mayar and Saygata) are close to each other, the possibility of the involvement of the same tiger in both the attacks cannot be ruled out," said Mandhre. DCF, Bramhapuri forest division, Sanjay Thawre too claimed that it's the same tiger.
"The jungle is thin and degraded. Moreover, the landscape is knitted with closely-located villages. As it's the season of collecting tendu leaves and mouha flowers, this jungle is frequented by villagers. This could have disturbed the tiger," said Thawre.
Meanwhile, forest officials have advised villagers to remain alert. Efforts are also on to send the beast deep into the forest so that it remains far away from villages.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Two-tiger-attacks-in-two-days-leaves-villagers-in-fear/articleshow/7807756.cms
Sources informed that deceased Anantrao Sondawle (50) from village Mayar had gone to answer nature's call at around 8 pm in his farm on Sunday. The lurking tiger killed him and took his body to the shrubs around 20 feet away.
When Sondawle did not return, villagers searched and found his mutilated body. "The farm is on the fringes of the forest area. Our staff found pug marks near the body. As part of the compensation, we have given Rs 10,000 as ex-gratia to his family. The remaining amount of Rs 2 lakh would be paid after the necessary formalities are completed," said RFO of Bramhapuri range, BJ Mandhre.
Earlier on Saturday, the same tiger had mauled one Murari Ganvir (50) from village Saygata, 5 km from Mayar. Ganvir was collecting mouha flowers in the forest area close to his farm.
After hearing Ganvir's cries for help, farm labourers working in the fields nearby rushed to rescue him. On hearing the alarm raised by the labourers, the tiger left the wounded Ganvir and fled. Ganvir has been admitted to the local government hospital for treatment.
Mandhre informed that jungle patrolling was on when the incident occurred. He added that patrolling has been intensified after the same tiger was spotted in the forest area.
"Since the two villages (Mayar and Saygata) are close to each other, the possibility of the involvement of the same tiger in both the attacks cannot be ruled out," said Mandhre. DCF, Bramhapuri forest division, Sanjay Thawre too claimed that it's the same tiger.
"The jungle is thin and degraded. Moreover, the landscape is knitted with closely-located villages. As it's the season of collecting tendu leaves and mouha flowers, this jungle is frequented by villagers. This could have disturbed the tiger," said Thawre.
Meanwhile, forest officials have advised villagers to remain alert. Efforts are also on to send the beast deep into the forest so that it remains far away from villages.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Two-tiger-attacks-in-two-days-leaves-villagers-in-fear/articleshow/7807756.cms
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Census of Wild Tiger of The Country will be Unveiled Tomorrow
New population estimation figures on wild tiger numbers of India will be unveiled tomorrow here. A 3-Day International Conference on Tiger Conservation, Global Workshop on Implementation of the Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP) and General Assembly of the Global Tiger Forum (GTF) will also begin here tomorrow. India is a key player in the global tiger conservation agenda and has established a leadership position with more than 45,000 sq km area under 39 designated tiger reserves. India is also on a rapid economic growth path, faced with the challenging task of striking a balance between conservation and development. Eliciting the support of communities living in and around tiger reserves is also an imperative for mainstreaming tiger concerns in India at the landscape level with livelihood options to reduce the resource dependency on wildlife habitats.
The conference marks the first follow up of meeting countries that still have wild tigers following November 2010’s tiger summit at St. Petersburg, Russia. The historic Russian summit drew world leaders and produced the groundbreaking Global Tiger Recovery Programme (GTRP), a worldwide plan to bring the species back from the brink of extinction. The GTRP adopted St. Petersburg outlines the priorities for national, regional, and global actions for the next 12 years. The GTRP Implementation workshop will set the stage for the first year actions. Participants from all tiger range countries will present their national priority actions for 2011 and the international partners will outline their support to assist TRCs in their implementation needs. The overall goal is to have an essential on-the-ground impact in tiger conservation and management of tiger ecosystems in 2011.
Objectives of this conference include sharing of the refined methodology and best practices in conserving tigers in India, open the dialog on conservation and infrastructure sector through Smart Green Infrastructure that promises adding value to rather than adversely impacting tiger ecosystems, experience sharing vis-a-vis the implementation of the GTRP/NTRPs across all Tiger Range Countries & launch and financial support to the TRCs, discuss a framework of national tiger and prey monitoring systems through the GTF and plan for the first Annual GTRP Stocktaking meeting in December, 2011.
With sessions on the global programme’s implementation and monitoring scheduled, the conference will serve as an update on its progress, achievements and challenges, detailing the state of the tiger in 2011. Sessions on India’s challenges in achieving conservation and economic development, as well as experiences from the frontlines of tiger conservation are also scheduled. In addition to high-level officials from the 13 countries that still have tigers, the conference is expected to hear from key NGOs and global partners in the GTRP, including the World Bank’s Global Tiger Initiative, the Global Tiger Forum, WWF, WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society), the Smithsonian Institute, the wildlife trade network TRAFFIC, CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).
The International Tiger Conference will be followed by a meeting of the General Assembly of the Global Tiger Forum (GTF). The GTF is the only inter-governmental body focused on promoting the conservation of the tiger. Currently, India is the host country for the GTF.
Numbering more than 100,000 at the turn of the last century, tigers have lost more than 97 percent of their population and 94 percent of their home range in just 100 years. They live in increasingly isolated habitats in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Viatnam. The Global Tiger Recovery Programme marks the first formalized international initiative to save the species from extinctin.
This conference is an important first step in bringing all 13 tiger range countries together again to build on the Global Tiger Recovery Programme and stop the tiger’s decline. The conference has been hosted by the national Tiger Conservation Authority, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India and Co-organized and co-sponsored by the Global Tiger Forum (GTF) and Global Tiger Initiative (GTI).
KP/RK
(Release ID :71290)
The conference marks the first follow up of meeting countries that still have wild tigers following November 2010’s tiger summit at St. Petersburg, Russia. The historic Russian summit drew world leaders and produced the groundbreaking Global Tiger Recovery Programme (GTRP), a worldwide plan to bring the species back from the brink of extinction. The GTRP adopted St. Petersburg outlines the priorities for national, regional, and global actions for the next 12 years. The GTRP Implementation workshop will set the stage for the first year actions. Participants from all tiger range countries will present their national priority actions for 2011 and the international partners will outline their support to assist TRCs in their implementation needs. The overall goal is to have an essential on-the-ground impact in tiger conservation and management of tiger ecosystems in 2011.
Objectives of this conference include sharing of the refined methodology and best practices in conserving tigers in India, open the dialog on conservation and infrastructure sector through Smart Green Infrastructure that promises adding value to rather than adversely impacting tiger ecosystems, experience sharing vis-a-vis the implementation of the GTRP/NTRPs across all Tiger Range Countries & launch and financial support to the TRCs, discuss a framework of national tiger and prey monitoring systems through the GTF and plan for the first Annual GTRP Stocktaking meeting in December, 2011.
With sessions on the global programme’s implementation and monitoring scheduled, the conference will serve as an update on its progress, achievements and challenges, detailing the state of the tiger in 2011. Sessions on India’s challenges in achieving conservation and economic development, as well as experiences from the frontlines of tiger conservation are also scheduled. In addition to high-level officials from the 13 countries that still have tigers, the conference is expected to hear from key NGOs and global partners in the GTRP, including the World Bank’s Global Tiger Initiative, the Global Tiger Forum, WWF, WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society), the Smithsonian Institute, the wildlife trade network TRAFFIC, CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).
The International Tiger Conference will be followed by a meeting of the General Assembly of the Global Tiger Forum (GTF). The GTF is the only inter-governmental body focused on promoting the conservation of the tiger. Currently, India is the host country for the GTF.
Numbering more than 100,000 at the turn of the last century, tigers have lost more than 97 percent of their population and 94 percent of their home range in just 100 years. They live in increasingly isolated habitats in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Viatnam. The Global Tiger Recovery Programme marks the first formalized international initiative to save the species from extinctin.
This conference is an important first step in bringing all 13 tiger range countries together again to build on the Global Tiger Recovery Programme and stop the tiger’s decline. The conference has been hosted by the national Tiger Conservation Authority, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India and Co-organized and co-sponsored by the Global Tiger Forum (GTF) and Global Tiger Initiative (GTI).
KP/RK
(Release ID :71290)
Panna Reserve in Madhya Pradesh gets another tigress
A tigress was today relocated to Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, as a part of the ongoing efforts to revive the tiger population there, a top forest official said.
"A six-year old tigress from Kanha Tiger Reserve was put in the wild of the park directly this morning," Panna Tiger Reserve's field director, RS Murthy, said.
"It is for the first time in the country that a tigress has been put in the wild directly," he said, adding that normally animals are first kept in an enclosure before shifting them to the wilderness.
Murthy said that this tigress had been raised in an enclosure in Kanha, after her mother died shortly after the delivery.
The new entrant of Panna has been radio-collared for the purpose of monitoring.
With this, the number of translocated tigresses to this reserve has increased to three.
Last year, two tigresses and a tiger were shifted to Panna, which is spread over 543 sq km across Panna and Chhatarpur districts.
A tigress from Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve was brought in March 2009 and another one was translocated from Kanha in the same month.
Thereafter, a tiger was brought from Pench Tiger Reserve. The two translocated tigresses gave birth to cubs last year, officials said, adding that five cubs had been spotted so far.
Panna Tiger Reserve, which once had more than 35 tigers, had become devoid of the big cat, allegedly due to poaching, by 2009.
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_panna-reserve-in-madhya-pradesh-gets-another-tigress_1525062
"A six-year old tigress from Kanha Tiger Reserve was put in the wild of the park directly this morning," Panna Tiger Reserve's field director, RS Murthy, said.
"It is for the first time in the country that a tigress has been put in the wild directly," he said, adding that normally animals are first kept in an enclosure before shifting them to the wilderness.
Murthy said that this tigress had been raised in an enclosure in Kanha, after her mother died shortly after the delivery.
The new entrant of Panna has been radio-collared for the purpose of monitoring.
With this, the number of translocated tigresses to this reserve has increased to three.
Last year, two tigresses and a tiger were shifted to Panna, which is spread over 543 sq km across Panna and Chhatarpur districts.
A tigress from Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve was brought in March 2009 and another one was translocated from Kanha in the same month.
Thereafter, a tiger was brought from Pench Tiger Reserve. The two translocated tigresses gave birth to cubs last year, officials said, adding that five cubs had been spotted so far.
Panna Tiger Reserve, which once had more than 35 tigers, had become devoid of the big cat, allegedly due to poaching, by 2009.
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_panna-reserve-in-madhya-pradesh-gets-another-tigress_1525062
Two base camps to check man-animal conflicts in Terai
The state Forest department will be undertaking an exclusive project to keep a check on the incidents of man-animal conflict in the core tiger habitat zone in the state. The department, with support from the World Wildlife Fund, will be establishing two conflict and quick response camps at Katarniya Ghat in Bahraich and Dudhwa Wildlife Sanctuary in Lakhimpur Kheri districts. These camps will cover the area between Katarniya Ghat and Pilibhit forest reserves and check the movement of tigers and also, the incidents of man-animal conflict.
The decision to set up these base camps was taken at a meeting of the newly formed Project Management Committee for the Project Tiger, held at Pilibhit on Friday and Saturday. The committee, which has officials of the state Forest department and the WWF as its members, will be monitoring all the projects that the department will undertake for the protection of tigers. During the meeting, the committee decided to include Pilibhit in the core tiger habitat zone.
The need for setting up these base camps was felt because of the recent incidents of tiger killings. Since July last, there have been around 10 incidents of man-animal conflicts in several districts of the state. The latest attack was reported from Rae Bareli on Saturday, when 8 people including a deputy ranger, were injured while trying to catch the leopard. The incident occurred in Lachai village under Saraini police station around 7.30 am, when the leopard attacked four locals, including a woman, who were working in the field. Hearing their cries, other villagers rushed to the spot. The injured were rushed to the district hospital. Meanwhile, a forest team also reached the spot. The animal attacked deputy ranger Ram Naresh Shukla, who was also rushed to the hospital. The villagers then started hitting the animal with lathis and stones and finally, killed the animal. Three more people were injured during the fight
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/two-base-camps-to-check-mananimal-conflicts-in-terai/767885/
The decision to set up these base camps was taken at a meeting of the newly formed Project Management Committee for the Project Tiger, held at Pilibhit on Friday and Saturday. The committee, which has officials of the state Forest department and the WWF as its members, will be monitoring all the projects that the department will undertake for the protection of tigers. During the meeting, the committee decided to include Pilibhit in the core tiger habitat zone.
The need for setting up these base camps was felt because of the recent incidents of tiger killings. Since July last, there have been around 10 incidents of man-animal conflicts in several districts of the state. The latest attack was reported from Rae Bareli on Saturday, when 8 people including a deputy ranger, were injured while trying to catch the leopard. The incident occurred in Lachai village under Saraini police station around 7.30 am, when the leopard attacked four locals, including a woman, who were working in the field. Hearing their cries, other villagers rushed to the spot. The injured were rushed to the district hospital. Meanwhile, a forest team also reached the spot. The animal attacked deputy ranger Ram Naresh Shukla, who was also rushed to the hospital. The villagers then started hitting the animal with lathis and stones and finally, killed the animal. Three more people were injured during the fight
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/two-base-camps-to-check-mananimal-conflicts-in-terai/767885/
Tiger reserve in Jharkhand ravaged by forest fire
Forest Ranger Ashok Kumar Singh said: " We are trying to bring the fire under control for several days. Our staff works all night and as per the latest report, we have almost controlled it. You will not find any new fire breaking out."
He also said that the fire may not harm big animals, but reptiles like snakes, lizards, etc. could be killed.
No one has been reported injured in the fire that has devastated about 72 square kilometers of the forest area.
Trackers and firefighters from the forest department are facing a lot of difficulty to carry out operations to douse the fire during the night due to low visibility and the complex nature of the terrain. (ANI)
http://www.sify.com/news/tiger-reserve-in-jharkhand-ravaged-by-forest-fire-news-national-ldzlEcebchf.html
He also said that the fire may not harm big animals, but reptiles like snakes, lizards, etc. could be killed.
No one has been reported injured in the fire that has devastated about 72 square kilometers of the forest area.
Trackers and firefighters from the forest department are facing a lot of difficulty to carry out operations to douse the fire during the night due to low visibility and the complex nature of the terrain. (ANI)
http://www.sify.com/news/tiger-reserve-in-jharkhand-ravaged-by-forest-fire-news-national-ldzlEcebchf.html
Friday, March 25, 2011
Tiger kills man, this time in Bhadrawati forest- TNN
CHANDRAPUR: A tiger claimed yet another life in Bhadrawati forest range taking the tally of human kills in the district to three this year. The incident took place in Gudgaon beat near Sawri village close to the Irai dam on Wednesday afternoon, but the body was discovered later in the same night. The second human kill by tiger in span of just one month in the jungles close the Irai dam in Bhadrawati tehsil has alarmed villages in the area.
Sources informed that deceased shepherd Natthu Kedar (60) from Sawri had taken his herd into the jungle for grazing in the morning. At around 5pm the herd came back to the village without its shepherd. As he did not return till dusk, the villagers went out in his search.
"The body was discovered in the farm of Baburao Kirtane close to the jungle of compartment No. 935 in Gudgaon beat near Irai dam by the villager. The body had several scratch marks on its back and was lying close the shrubs near the boundary of the farm. After getting information both forest and police personnel rushed to the spot," said RFO, Bhadrawati range, Arun Tikhe.
He informed that ACF TK Dhabekar and he reached the spot with his subordinates and sent the body for post-mortem after necessary inquest formalities.
Tikhe confirmed that it was the act of tiger. "We have recovered the pugmarks on the spot where the kill was made. Moreover, there is known presence of tiger in the area. Tiger might have killed the shepherd in the afternoon while he was grazing the animals, but body was discovered later in the evening," he said.
Replying to a query he denied the possibility of the beast being the same tiger which had killed an unidentified person on February 26 night in compartment No. 206 in same Bhadrawati range. He informed that there are quite a few tigers in Bhadrawati forest range and the two human kills have been made by different tigers.
"We have identified the tiger that killed Kedar on Wednesday and it is different from the one that had made human kill earlier," Tikhe stressed. He said that forest officers have given the ex-gratia aid of Rs 5000 to the kin of Kedar and compensation of Rs 2 lakh against the death would be paid after the necessary documental formalities are completed. Notably this is third instance when tigers had made human kill in the district this year. As many as 12 people were killed in tiger attacks in district last year.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Tiger-kills-man-this-time-in-Bhadrawati-forest/articleshow/7783530.cms
Sources informed that deceased shepherd Natthu Kedar (60) from Sawri had taken his herd into the jungle for grazing in the morning. At around 5pm the herd came back to the village without its shepherd. As he did not return till dusk, the villagers went out in his search.
"The body was discovered in the farm of Baburao Kirtane close to the jungle of compartment No. 935 in Gudgaon beat near Irai dam by the villager. The body had several scratch marks on its back and was lying close the shrubs near the boundary of the farm. After getting information both forest and police personnel rushed to the spot," said RFO, Bhadrawati range, Arun Tikhe.
He informed that ACF TK Dhabekar and he reached the spot with his subordinates and sent the body for post-mortem after necessary inquest formalities.
Tikhe confirmed that it was the act of tiger. "We have recovered the pugmarks on the spot where the kill was made. Moreover, there is known presence of tiger in the area. Tiger might have killed the shepherd in the afternoon while he was grazing the animals, but body was discovered later in the evening," he said.
Replying to a query he denied the possibility of the beast being the same tiger which had killed an unidentified person on February 26 night in compartment No. 206 in same Bhadrawati range. He informed that there are quite a few tigers in Bhadrawati forest range and the two human kills have been made by different tigers.
"We have identified the tiger that killed Kedar on Wednesday and it is different from the one that had made human kill earlier," Tikhe stressed. He said that forest officers have given the ex-gratia aid of Rs 5000 to the kin of Kedar and compensation of Rs 2 lakh against the death would be paid after the necessary documental formalities are completed. Notably this is third instance when tigers had made human kill in the district this year. As many as 12 people were killed in tiger attacks in district last year.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Tiger-kills-man-this-time-in-Bhadrawati-forest/articleshow/7783530.cms
PAC flays Environment Ministry''s "silence" on tiger protection -PTI
New Delhi, Mar 24 (PTI) Environment Ministry's claim on protection of tigers notwithstanding, a parliamentary committee has taken a dim view of its "silence" on the matter.In its report, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Chaired by senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi, "deplored the failure" on the part of the Ministry in "not outlining the follow-up action" taken by the states to fill up the field staff in spite of the matter being addressed at the level of the Prime Minister and the Environment Minister. "Worse, the Committee notes with distress that reply is conspicuously silent about the tiger conservation plan prepared by the individual states," said the report on conservation and protection of tigers in tiger reserves tabled in the Lok Sabha. The 22-member committee is of the considered view that mere issuance of guidelines would not help protect the tigers from poachers unless strict monitoring is done of the performance of staff detailed for saving the tigers. "The committee notes with regret that the Ministry has remained silent with regard to pattern of training, duration of training, arms and ammunition used during the training and experts engaged for imparting training to the patrolling staff in the tiger reserves," the report said. The committee recommended that staff be adequately trained and well equipped for ensuring effective patrolling so as to conserve the tigers apart from controlling illegal wildlife trade.
http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/pac-flays-environment-ministrys-silence-on-tiger-protection/622224.html
http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/pac-flays-environment-ministrys-silence-on-tiger-protection/622224.html
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Tiger census to be made public on March 28: Ramesh
Expressing hope that the number of tigers in the country has increased, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh today said that the census of the big cats would be made public on March 28.
“Tiger census is being released to the people...to the nation on Monday, March 28. This was the most comprehensive and scientifically conducted census exercise,” the Minister told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.
“I have no inside information. I can’t promise anything. I hope we will have good news,” the Minister said when asked about the nature of revelations that will be made.
He, however, expressed hope that the tiger population in the country turns out to be more than the existing figure of 1,411 after the results of the census exercise are out.
The census was carried out by installing cameras at strategic points like water bodies in the forests, as also in respective territories of the big cats and a computer analysis was done to collate the data.
The 2007 census had shown a sharp fall in the number of tigers in ‘protected areas’ - reserves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries - in 19 States across the country.
According to it, India had only 1,411 wild cats left in its forests.
“Tiger census is being released to the people...to the nation on Monday, March 28. This was the most comprehensive and scientifically conducted census exercise,” the Minister told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.
“I have no inside information. I can’t promise anything. I hope we will have good news,” the Minister said when asked about the nature of revelations that will be made.
He, however, expressed hope that the tiger population in the country turns out to be more than the existing figure of 1,411 after the results of the census exercise are out.
The census was carried out by installing cameras at strategic points like water bodies in the forests, as also in respective territories of the big cats and a computer analysis was done to collate the data.
The 2007 census had shown a sharp fall in the number of tigers in ‘protected areas’ - reserves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries - in 19 States across the country.
According to it, India had only 1,411 wild cats left in its forests.
Locals in Bandipur spark off fires in tiger reserves: officials Published: Bosky Khanna, DNA
Several cases of forest fire have been reported in Bandipur and Nagarhole tiger reserves and, in most cases, it has been the locals — tribals and villagers —who have been behind this.
In a recent case at Bandipur’s Gopalaswamy Betta range, about two acres were gutted under ground fire.
According to Bandipur Tiger Reserve’s deputy conservator of forests (DCF), KT Hanumanthappa, it happened near a camp and the staffers were just in time to control it. He also revealed that two persons have been arrested in this connection, and search is on for four others.
Nagarhole Tiger Reserve also faces a similar situation. DCF Vijay Ranjan Singh said that there have been about seven cases of forest fire in Mettikuppe range and the last one occurred on March 19. He pointed out that the range is fire-prone as several tribals and locals are in the vicinity.
“Since the area is also dry, it is more vulnerable to fire, when compared to Nagarhole and DB Kuppe ranges,” he said. He also said thatseveral locals have been booked for setting forest fires, this year.
A forest official shared the reason for this mishap. “Last year, there was a dispute with respect to the fire-fighting wages. Since it was not in the favour of some locals, they try to seek vengeance by damaging the forest,” he said.
The other reason is the belief of locals that setting the forest on fire may give way to fresh blades of grass that is good for cattle-grazing.
Some ranges are targeted because of the effective setting up of trenches, to restrict elephant movements and also the movement of cattle inside the forest.
The department has been dousing fire by creating fire lines, undertaking controlled burning, beating the fire with bushes, and even throwing water. Locals are also being hired to ensure that they are employed and do not indulge in illegal practices.
There were several awareness camps to educate them. A helpline has also been set up for reporting fire incidents to the department.
Principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) BK Singh said that the department has been taking all precautionary measures to ensure that there is no harm done to forests.
In all cases of forest fire, there have been no destruction of wildlife. The measures are also being strengthened to keep a tab on the locals.“We are now praying for early rains to help in making the work easy. However, patrolling has been intensified and additional staff has been deployed to manage the forests,” he said.
http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_locals-in-bandipur-spark-off-fires-in-tiger-reserves-officials_1523138
In a recent case at Bandipur’s Gopalaswamy Betta range, about two acres were gutted under ground fire.
According to Bandipur Tiger Reserve’s deputy conservator of forests (DCF), KT Hanumanthappa, it happened near a camp and the staffers were just in time to control it. He also revealed that two persons have been arrested in this connection, and search is on for four others.
Nagarhole Tiger Reserve also faces a similar situation. DCF Vijay Ranjan Singh said that there have been about seven cases of forest fire in Mettikuppe range and the last one occurred on March 19. He pointed out that the range is fire-prone as several tribals and locals are in the vicinity.
“Since the area is also dry, it is more vulnerable to fire, when compared to Nagarhole and DB Kuppe ranges,” he said. He also said thatseveral locals have been booked for setting forest fires, this year.
A forest official shared the reason for this mishap. “Last year, there was a dispute with respect to the fire-fighting wages. Since it was not in the favour of some locals, they try to seek vengeance by damaging the forest,” he said.
The other reason is the belief of locals that setting the forest on fire may give way to fresh blades of grass that is good for cattle-grazing.
Some ranges are targeted because of the effective setting up of trenches, to restrict elephant movements and also the movement of cattle inside the forest.
The department has been dousing fire by creating fire lines, undertaking controlled burning, beating the fire with bushes, and even throwing water. Locals are also being hired to ensure that they are employed and do not indulge in illegal practices.
There were several awareness camps to educate them. A helpline has also been set up for reporting fire incidents to the department.
Principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) BK Singh said that the department has been taking all precautionary measures to ensure that there is no harm done to forests.
In all cases of forest fire, there have been no destruction of wildlife. The measures are also being strengthened to keep a tab on the locals.“We are now praying for early rains to help in making the work easy. However, patrolling has been intensified and additional staff has been deployed to manage the forests,” he said.
http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_locals-in-bandipur-spark-off-fires-in-tiger-reserves-officials_1523138
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Rajaji tiger count tops 32, no thanks to Van Gujjars
The number of tigers in Rajaji National Park (RNP) has risen to over 32 but biotic pressure, especially from the population of Van Gujjars living in the national park, is damaging environment in the protected area, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wild-Life Warden Shrikant Chandola said here on Monday.
Speaking at a meeting on the occasion of World Forestry Day, Chandola said 32 tigers had been counted in the park though their population is believed to be around 40. The national park has one of the richest sambhar populations in India, which is favourable for tigers.
But Van Gujjars living in the park are disturbing peace in the area, Chandola said.
Eight tiger deaths have been recorded in the State since April 1, 2010, of which one tiger was shot after being marked a ‘man-eater’. The other deaths were due to natural causes. However, referring to the man killed by a tiger in Corbett National Park on March 11, the CWLW said it was not a man-eater and that the death, though unfortunate, occurred because “the man was in the tiger’s area and hence an easy prey”.
Since Van Gujjars occupy the best lands and utilise water inside Rajaji, it has a negative impact on wildlife, Chandola said. He added that though the Van Gujjars in the past were sensitive towards environment and wildlife, their presence in the park was now associated with the rise in poaching.
Grazing by domestic animals has also led to the spread of lantana throughout the park and, for ensuring the success of conservation efforts, it is essential to relocate humans outside the national park, Chandola said. Moreover, developing the forests of Lansdowne division as a dedicated wildlife corridor is vital for ensuring genetic diversity and allowing free movement of animals between Corbett and Rajaji.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/325977/Rajaji-tiger-count-tops-32-no-thanks-to-Van-Gujjars.html
Speaking at a meeting on the occasion of World Forestry Day, Chandola said 32 tigers had been counted in the park though their population is believed to be around 40. The national park has one of the richest sambhar populations in India, which is favourable for tigers.
But Van Gujjars living in the park are disturbing peace in the area, Chandola said.
Eight tiger deaths have been recorded in the State since April 1, 2010, of which one tiger was shot after being marked a ‘man-eater’. The other deaths were due to natural causes. However, referring to the man killed by a tiger in Corbett National Park on March 11, the CWLW said it was not a man-eater and that the death, though unfortunate, occurred because “the man was in the tiger’s area and hence an easy prey”.
Since Van Gujjars occupy the best lands and utilise water inside Rajaji, it has a negative impact on wildlife, Chandola said. He added that though the Van Gujjars in the past were sensitive towards environment and wildlife, their presence in the park was now associated with the rise in poaching.
Grazing by domestic animals has also led to the spread of lantana throughout the park and, for ensuring the success of conservation efforts, it is essential to relocate humans outside the national park, Chandola said. Moreover, developing the forests of Lansdowne division as a dedicated wildlife corridor is vital for ensuring genetic diversity and allowing free movement of animals between Corbett and Rajaji.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/325977/Rajaji-tiger-count-tops-32-no-thanks-to-Van-Gujjars.html
Custody of tiger skin accused extended-TNN
NAGPUR: The forest custody remand (FCR) of two youths attempting to sell 53-year-old licensed tiger skin online has been extended till March 23.
Devesh Raut (29) and Kapil Devke (31) from Daryapur near Amravati were arrested on March 16 by the crime branch for attempting to sell a licensed tiger skin for Rs 50 lakh. Their initial FCR was until March 20.
Devesh and Kapil were on Monday taken to their hometown Daryapur by assistant conservator of forest ( ACF) and investigating officer Avinash Anjikar.
"We did not find any additional animal trophies or tiger skins during the search of house of the accused persons. The website launched by the culprits to sell tiger skin mentioned that they dealt in seven wildlife products but this fact, too, could not be established," Anjikar said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Custody-of-tiger-skin-accused-extended/articleshow/7758204.cms
Devesh Raut (29) and Kapil Devke (31) from Daryapur near Amravati were arrested on March 16 by the crime branch for attempting to sell a licensed tiger skin for Rs 50 lakh. Their initial FCR was until March 20.
Devesh and Kapil were on Monday taken to their hometown Daryapur by assistant conservator of forest ( ACF) and investigating officer Avinash Anjikar.
"We did not find any additional animal trophies or tiger skins during the search of house of the accused persons. The website launched by the culprits to sell tiger skin mentioned that they dealt in seven wildlife products but this fact, too, could not be established," Anjikar said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Custody-of-tiger-skin-accused-extended/articleshow/7758204.cms
Soon, female tourist guides at Tadoba Mazhar Ali, TNN
CHANDRAPUR: Tourists visiting Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) with families would have a pleasant surprise this summer. They might just be accompanied by female tourist guides for the safari.
Three enthusiastic girls from villages in the reserve's buffer zone have enrolled for the training camp for tourist guides that began in Moharli on Monday to mark International Forest Day. It would be the first instance in Maharashtra, probably in the country, when women tour guides would take tourists on safari in tiger reserves. Kanchan Joshi and Shaila Ramteke, both from Palasgaon village, and Sonali Meshram from Mamla village in the buffer area will be qualified as tour guides after the training currently under way.
The management of TATR has taken up an extensive capacity building programme for villagers living in its buffer zone to develop their earning capabilities. A five-day-long skill upgradation camp for tourist guides began from Monday in Moharli village as a part of the same programme.
What came as a surprise for the authorities was that these three girls turned up to join the training. "Basically it is a skill upgradation camp for existing tourist guides. But the girls were so keen to become tourist guides that we accepted them for training," said CF and field director of TATR Vinaykumar Sinha. At present, there are 60 tourist guides in TATR and they are paid Rs 200 per trip into the tiger reserve. Thirty tourist guides, including the girls, began training in the camp from Monday.
The idea of training women as tourist guides first came up in the concluding programme of a tailoring and leather-bag making training camp for women at the training centre of Indian Institute of Youth Welfare (IIYF) here a fortnight back. Sinha was guest of honour for the programme and all 22 trainee women present in the programme agreed to take up tour-guide as a profession, when the subject came up during an informal discussion.
Impressed by their enthusiasm, Sinha agreed to offer them the opportunity and asked them to forward their application through IIYF centre in-charge Vijay Takey for the training camp scheduled to begin from International Forest Day.
"They would be given both theoretical and field knowledge about basic ecology and ecotourism. Details about behaviour and habitat of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and even the species of the plants found in TATR would be given by experts during the training. The female guides would be ideal to accompany families or group of girls or women coming on their own for safari in TATR," said Sinha. He said that the girls are Std XII pass and if worked on their English speaking skills, they could also escort foreign tourists.
He said that Prof Adwait Adgaonkar and Yogesh Dubey from Indian Institute of Forest Management, senior wildlife expert Prachi Mehta, insect expert Radhesham Sharma and reptile expert Sanjay Thakur from WWF would train the tourist guides.
With the forest department planning to develop two more tourist zones in the buffer area to reduce tourism pressure from the core area of TATR, the idea of taking up tourist guide as a profession may be a good idea for the women of the villages.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Soon-female-tourist-guides-at-Tadoba/articleshow/7757263.cms
Three enthusiastic girls from villages in the reserve's buffer zone have enrolled for the training camp for tourist guides that began in Moharli on Monday to mark International Forest Day. It would be the first instance in Maharashtra, probably in the country, when women tour guides would take tourists on safari in tiger reserves. Kanchan Joshi and Shaila Ramteke, both from Palasgaon village, and Sonali Meshram from Mamla village in the buffer area will be qualified as tour guides after the training currently under way.
The management of TATR has taken up an extensive capacity building programme for villagers living in its buffer zone to develop their earning capabilities. A five-day-long skill upgradation camp for tourist guides began from Monday in Moharli village as a part of the same programme.
What came as a surprise for the authorities was that these three girls turned up to join the training. "Basically it is a skill upgradation camp for existing tourist guides. But the girls were so keen to become tourist guides that we accepted them for training," said CF and field director of TATR Vinaykumar Sinha. At present, there are 60 tourist guides in TATR and they are paid Rs 200 per trip into the tiger reserve. Thirty tourist guides, including the girls, began training in the camp from Monday.
The idea of training women as tourist guides first came up in the concluding programme of a tailoring and leather-bag making training camp for women at the training centre of Indian Institute of Youth Welfare (IIYF) here a fortnight back. Sinha was guest of honour for the programme and all 22 trainee women present in the programme agreed to take up tour-guide as a profession, when the subject came up during an informal discussion.
Impressed by their enthusiasm, Sinha agreed to offer them the opportunity and asked them to forward their application through IIYF centre in-charge Vijay Takey for the training camp scheduled to begin from International Forest Day.
"They would be given both theoretical and field knowledge about basic ecology and ecotourism. Details about behaviour and habitat of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and even the species of the plants found in TATR would be given by experts during the training. The female guides would be ideal to accompany families or group of girls or women coming on their own for safari in TATR," said Sinha. He said that the girls are Std XII pass and if worked on their English speaking skills, they could also escort foreign tourists.
He said that Prof Adwait Adgaonkar and Yogesh Dubey from Indian Institute of Forest Management, senior wildlife expert Prachi Mehta, insect expert Radhesham Sharma and reptile expert Sanjay Thakur from WWF would train the tourist guides.
With the forest department planning to develop two more tourist zones in the buffer area to reduce tourism pressure from the core area of TATR, the idea of taking up tourist guide as a profession may be a good idea for the women of the villages.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Soon-female-tourist-guides-at-Tadoba/articleshow/7757263.cms
No decline in tigers in Similipal forest-PTI
Bhubaneswar: There has been no decline in the population of tigers in Similipal forests in Mayurbhanj district, where their number was 61, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said today.
Of the 61 tigers in Similipal, 16 were males, 31 females and 14 cubs, he said replying to a written question in the assembly.
Patnaik, who also holds the forest and environment departments, said the number of tigers in the forest was found during the a census by the state government in 2009 by adopting the pug mark method.
The outcome of the 2010 census conducted by the Ministry of Forest and Environment with help of Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, was not known as all the four phases associated with the head count were yet to be completed.
The economic survey of 2010-11 had, however, said there were 192 tigers and 487 leopards in the state as per the 2004 census as against 173 tigers and 457 leopards counted in 2002.
The WII census of 2006-2007 using the camera trap method had put the number of tigers between 17 and 23 besides tiger cubs in Similipal area but had not given any figure based on gender, he said.
Orissa has two notified tiger reserves - one at Similipal in Mayurbhanj district and another at Satkosia in Angul district.
http://www.zeenews.com/news694719.html
Of the 61 tigers in Similipal, 16 were males, 31 females and 14 cubs, he said replying to a written question in the assembly.
Patnaik, who also holds the forest and environment departments, said the number of tigers in the forest was found during the a census by the state government in 2009 by adopting the pug mark method.
The outcome of the 2010 census conducted by the Ministry of Forest and Environment with help of Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, was not known as all the four phases associated with the head count were yet to be completed.
The economic survey of 2010-11 had, however, said there were 192 tigers and 487 leopards in the state as per the 2004 census as against 173 tigers and 457 leopards counted in 2002.
The WII census of 2006-2007 using the camera trap method had put the number of tigers between 17 and 23 besides tiger cubs in Similipal area but had not given any figure based on gender, he said.
Orissa has two notified tiger reserves - one at Similipal in Mayurbhanj district and another at Satkosia in Angul district.
http://www.zeenews.com/news694719.html
Monday, March 21, 2011
Tigers to set get back lost space: T.S.Sreenivasa Raghavan DC
The forest department will soon unveil a 10-year plan for the conservation of the remaining tigers in Periyar Tiger Reserve in the state.
Sources said, an effective plan was being finalised aimed at ensuring the safety of the endangered cats and the rapidization of their breeding.
“The tigers will soon get back the space they lost due to human activity. Of the 950 square kilometer tiger reserve, we’ve observed human activity in an area of about 150 square kilometers. As a result, the tiger population didn’t witness any dramatic increase,” sources said.
Interestingly, Periyar Tiger Reserve has population of 45 tigers according to the census done last year based on camera-trap technology. Implementation of Sabarimala Master Plan which runs through the reserve and expected regulation of crowds thronging the hill shrine are also expected to benefit the tigers.
The 10-year plan which will take a holistic view of tourism activities will also ban entry to private vehicles into the reserve. Officials have observed that increasing vehicular traffic inside the reserve was damaging the eco-system.
“Without a doubt increasing human activity is endangering wildlife. Tourists are also equally in danger when they stray into the reserve in the absence of proper guides and precautions,” sources said.
According to the 10-year plan, the forest department will ply its own vehicles to ensure a guided tour into the reserve areas.
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/tigers-set-get-back-lost-space-555
Sources said, an effective plan was being finalised aimed at ensuring the safety of the endangered cats and the rapidization of their breeding.
“The tigers will soon get back the space they lost due to human activity. Of the 950 square kilometer tiger reserve, we’ve observed human activity in an area of about 150 square kilometers. As a result, the tiger population didn’t witness any dramatic increase,” sources said.
Interestingly, Periyar Tiger Reserve has population of 45 tigers according to the census done last year based on camera-trap technology. Implementation of Sabarimala Master Plan which runs through the reserve and expected regulation of crowds thronging the hill shrine are also expected to benefit the tigers.
The 10-year plan which will take a holistic view of tourism activities will also ban entry to private vehicles into the reserve. Officials have observed that increasing vehicular traffic inside the reserve was damaging the eco-system.
“Without a doubt increasing human activity is endangering wildlife. Tourists are also equally in danger when they stray into the reserve in the absence of proper guides and precautions,” sources said.
According to the 10-year plan, the forest department will ply its own vehicles to ensure a guided tour into the reserve areas.
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/tigers-set-get-back-lost-space-555
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Tiger kills man in Nagbhid tehsil TNN
CHANDRAPUR: A tiger killed a person and partially ate his body in the fields near Menha Kirmiti village in Nagbhid tehsil during midnight hours of Friday. Body of Shriram Atram (55) was recovered later in the same night by the villagers, but the reason of his visit to the remote area away from the village could not be ascertained.
Sources in forest department informed that Atram left his house at around 11pm and went into the fields around a kilometre away from the village. As he reached the nullah near the farm, a tiger lurking there pounced on him. The beast later dragged the body to some distance and devoured it before going back into the jungle.
"Later the villagers found his mutilated body lying near the nullah. The tiger had eaten some part of the body. Why he went to a distant farm (not owned by him) that too late in the night is still not clear," said DCF, Bhrahmapuri division, Sanjay Thawre.
Thawre informed that the family members of Atram have confirmed that he was in home till late night watching television, but later he went out without informing any one.
Thawre confirmed that it was the act of a tiger. "The place is close to the jungle. The tiger might have come there to drink water in the nullah. As Atram reached there at the same time, the beast attacked and killed him. We have recovered pugmarks of a tiger near the kill," said Thawre.
He informed that forest officials reached the spot on Saturday morning and sent the body for post mortem. An ex-gratia of Rs 10,000 has been paid to the kin for funeral formalities and the compensation of Rs 2 lakh against the death would paid later after the completion of documental formalities. Notably it is second instance when tiger had made human kill in the district this year. As many as 12 people were killed in tiger attacks in the district last year.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Tiger-kills-man-in-Nagbhid-tehsil/articleshow/7745652.cms
Sources in forest department informed that Atram left his house at around 11pm and went into the fields around a kilometre away from the village. As he reached the nullah near the farm, a tiger lurking there pounced on him. The beast later dragged the body to some distance and devoured it before going back into the jungle.
"Later the villagers found his mutilated body lying near the nullah. The tiger had eaten some part of the body. Why he went to a distant farm (not owned by him) that too late in the night is still not clear," said DCF, Bhrahmapuri division, Sanjay Thawre.
Thawre informed that the family members of Atram have confirmed that he was in home till late night watching television, but later he went out without informing any one.
Thawre confirmed that it was the act of a tiger. "The place is close to the jungle. The tiger might have come there to drink water in the nullah. As Atram reached there at the same time, the beast attacked and killed him. We have recovered pugmarks of a tiger near the kill," said Thawre.
He informed that forest officials reached the spot on Saturday morning and sent the body for post mortem. An ex-gratia of Rs 10,000 has been paid to the kin for funeral formalities and the compensation of Rs 2 lakh against the death would paid later after the completion of documental formalities. Notably it is second instance when tiger had made human kill in the district this year. As many as 12 people were killed in tiger attacks in the district last year.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Tiger-kills-man-in-Nagbhid-tehsil/articleshow/7745652.cms
Pune cops seize two live tortoises, tiger paw Published: Vaishali Balajiwale, DNA
Two live tortoises and a tiger paw with nails were confiscated from a dhaba on Mumbai-Agra highway near Nashik in the wee hours of Thursday.
Acting on a tip-off, the police raided Aditya Dhaba in Talegaon Shivar, near Igatpuri, at midnight and confiscated two live tortoises and a tiger paw with nails.
The owner of the dhaba, Dinesh Kolekar, was held by the police under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Further investigation in the case is underway.
http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_pune-cops-seize-two-live-tortoises-tiger-paw_1522053
Acting on a tip-off, the police raided Aditya Dhaba in Talegaon Shivar, near Igatpuri, at midnight and confiscated two live tortoises and a tiger paw with nails.
The owner of the dhaba, Dinesh Kolekar, was held by the police under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Further investigation in the case is underway.
http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_pune-cops-seize-two-live-tortoises-tiger-paw_1522053
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Quick relief for tiger attack victims now Vijay Pinjarkar
NAGPUR: At a time when man-animal conflict is at its peak, the state government has come out with relief to tiger attack victims by providing compensation without waiting for funds.
A GR issued by the state government recently states that legal heir of victims who die in attack by wild animals will get immediate relief. Even those injured in such attacks will get quick compensation.
The GR states that even if funds are not available and the balance sheet is in minus, victim will get immediate aid. There are many complaints that kin of victims don't get financial relief in time.
The demand was made by chief wildlife warden DC Pant during a meeting with deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar during the assembly session in Nagpur. Pant pursued the matter.
"There have been compensation cases pending for years. This not only puts forest department in bad light but the field staff too has to face the ire of villagers. It also leads to locals turning against tigers," a senior official said.
The government pays Rs 2 lakh to the kin of victims who die in wild animal attack or suffer permanent disability. Besides, Rs 50,000 is paid to those injured. The government also bears the medical expenses of the injured.
During the last four years (2006-10), the man-conflict has increased in Vidarbha from 30% to 70%. At least 69 persons have been killed by tigers and leopards in Chandrapur district alone in the past six years from January 2005. In many cases compensation has still not been paid. However, the situation is expected to change in the current financial year.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Quick-relief-for-tiger-attack-victims-now/articleshow/7740116.cms
A GR issued by the state government recently states that legal heir of victims who die in attack by wild animals will get immediate relief. Even those injured in such attacks will get quick compensation.
The GR states that even if funds are not available and the balance sheet is in minus, victim will get immediate aid. There are many complaints that kin of victims don't get financial relief in time.
The demand was made by chief wildlife warden DC Pant during a meeting with deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar during the assembly session in Nagpur. Pant pursued the matter.
"There have been compensation cases pending for years. This not only puts forest department in bad light but the field staff too has to face the ire of villagers. It also leads to locals turning against tigers," a senior official said.
The government pays Rs 2 lakh to the kin of victims who die in wild animal attack or suffer permanent disability. Besides, Rs 50,000 is paid to those injured. The government also bears the medical expenses of the injured.
During the last four years (2006-10), the man-conflict has increased in Vidarbha from 30% to 70%. At least 69 persons have been killed by tigers and leopards in Chandrapur district alone in the past six years from January 2005. In many cases compensation has still not been paid. However, the situation is expected to change in the current financial year.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Quick-relief-for-tiger-attack-victims-now/articleshow/7740116.cms
Friday, March 18, 2011
Tiger Census to be released on March 28: Jairam Ramesh
India's 'Tiger Census' will be released on March 28, environment minister Jairam Ramesh announced on Thursday and hoped that the country will be able to report that the big cat's population is more than the existing figure of 1,411 after the results of the exercise are out.
"It is the most comprehensive census we have done so far and very systematically, involving a large number of people. We are releasing it on March 28," Jairam said.
The census was carried out by installing cameras at strategic points, like water bodies in the forests, as also in the respective territories of the big cats and a computer analysis was done to collate the data.
The 2007 census had shown a sharp fall in the number of tigers in 'protected areas' - reserves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries - in 19 states across the country. According to it, India had only 1,411 wild cats left in its forests.
"I hope that on March 28 we will be able to report that tiger population figure of 1,411 in India is infact more than 1,411," Jairam told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.
However, he expressed concern over the threat to the forest eco-system from multitude of sources, a true representation of the tigers.
"Tiger is a representation of our forest eco-system is under severe threat from our eco-system which is underserious threat from variety of sources, severe threat from poachers, hoteliers, hotels, from mining mafias, from political networks and from people who in made rush of inda becoming the next economic super power," he said.
Jairam said the government's endeavour would be to see tigers in the wild rather than in captivity.
"Over 50% of 3500 tigers in the wild are in India and 17,000 are in captivity. We dont want to see tigers in captivity but in wild," he said.
Asked about the rising cases of man-animal conflict in the Corbett National Park, Jairam expressed hope the government will be able to solve the problem with the state government there.
"I have given a detailed action plan for Corbett to the chief minister. I hope he will take action on that," he said.
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_tiger-census-to-be-released-on-march-28-jairam-ramesh_1521248
"It is the most comprehensive census we have done so far and very systematically, involving a large number of people. We are releasing it on March 28," Jairam said.
The census was carried out by installing cameras at strategic points, like water bodies in the forests, as also in the respective territories of the big cats and a computer analysis was done to collate the data.
The 2007 census had shown a sharp fall in the number of tigers in 'protected areas' - reserves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries - in 19 states across the country. According to it, India had only 1,411 wild cats left in its forests.
"I hope that on March 28 we will be able to report that tiger population figure of 1,411 in India is infact more than 1,411," Jairam told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.
However, he expressed concern over the threat to the forest eco-system from multitude of sources, a true representation of the tigers.
"Tiger is a representation of our forest eco-system is under severe threat from our eco-system which is underserious threat from variety of sources, severe threat from poachers, hoteliers, hotels, from mining mafias, from political networks and from people who in made rush of inda becoming the next economic super power," he said.
Jairam said the government's endeavour would be to see tigers in the wild rather than in captivity.
"Over 50% of 3500 tigers in the wild are in India and 17,000 are in captivity. We dont want to see tigers in captivity but in wild," he said.
Asked about the rising cases of man-animal conflict in the Corbett National Park, Jairam expressed hope the government will be able to solve the problem with the state government there.
"I have given a detailed action plan for Corbett to the chief minister. I hope he will take action on that," he said.
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_tiger-census-to-be-released-on-march-28-jairam-ramesh_1521248
Rathore opposed rampant construction at anthambore - TNN
JAIPUR: Rampant construction at the Ranthambore national park seemed to have irked tiger man, the late Fateh Singh Rathore. In a document prepared last year on "Issues and Challenges of Ranthambore" the former director of the park has highlighted unnecessary civil construction in the park as one of the major challenges in it.
Interestingly, his warnings had come much before the recent curbs on construction inside the park by the Central Empowered Committee ( CEC) of the Supreme Court on a petition by Belinda Wright, executive director of the Wildlife Protection Society of India.
In his document, Singh has pointed out the tendency of the forest department to built chowkis whereever there is a need to monitor the tiger or the forest.
Terming this as a new human interference, he wrote: "Forest guards use the same water sources for various requirements like bathing, washing clothes and drinking, which keeps animals away. In order to monitor the forest and tiger it is not required to build new guard posts each time, this can easily be done with the help of monitoring vehicles. The forest department admits due to the conflict with the villagers the guard posts on the periphery remain vacant. But this does not mean that the prime areas which are the central areas of the park be colonised by such choukies."
Singh also took exception to many roads being constructed as many trees had been cut down.
"The park has several roads; tourists use some of them and disturb the animals. Moreover, Ranthambore already has enough roads, hence there is no need for more," he wrote. In particular, he mentioned the road in the heart of the park at Nalghati and said, "uch unnecessary roads should be blocked and new construction should not be encouraged."
Fateh Singh had opposed the moves by the forest department in building annicuts and artificial water bodies. This time the CEC's objection was against those proposed to be build.
"There is a place called Sukhi Talai (dry pond) in Ranthambore, which gives fantastic tiger sightings, but in spite of the name there is water in this place until December. Today there are 50 - 60 such dry ponds created in Ranthambore by the forest department but with no water!" he wrote.
He had also warned of alternation in the habitat due to building of such waterbodies.
Most notable in his advice was to refrain setting up foundation stones in lieu of donations from various bodies. "This is a tiger reserve but it looks like a memorial now in many places!," he wrote.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Rathore-opposed-rampant-construction-at-anthambore/articleshow/7731578.cms
Interestingly, his warnings had come much before the recent curbs on construction inside the park by the Central Empowered Committee ( CEC) of the Supreme Court on a petition by Belinda Wright, executive director of the Wildlife Protection Society of India.
In his document, Singh has pointed out the tendency of the forest department to built chowkis whereever there is a need to monitor the tiger or the forest.
Terming this as a new human interference, he wrote: "Forest guards use the same water sources for various requirements like bathing, washing clothes and drinking, which keeps animals away. In order to monitor the forest and tiger it is not required to build new guard posts each time, this can easily be done with the help of monitoring vehicles. The forest department admits due to the conflict with the villagers the guard posts on the periphery remain vacant. But this does not mean that the prime areas which are the central areas of the park be colonised by such choukies."
Singh also took exception to many roads being constructed as many trees had been cut down.
"The park has several roads; tourists use some of them and disturb the animals. Moreover, Ranthambore already has enough roads, hence there is no need for more," he wrote. In particular, he mentioned the road in the heart of the park at Nalghati and said, "uch unnecessary roads should be blocked and new construction should not be encouraged."
Fateh Singh had opposed the moves by the forest department in building annicuts and artificial water bodies. This time the CEC's objection was against those proposed to be build.
"There is a place called Sukhi Talai (dry pond) in Ranthambore, which gives fantastic tiger sightings, but in spite of the name there is water in this place until December. Today there are 50 - 60 such dry ponds created in Ranthambore by the forest department but with no water!" he wrote.
He had also warned of alternation in the habitat due to building of such waterbodies.
Most notable in his advice was to refrain setting up foundation stones in lieu of donations from various bodies. "This is a tiger reserve but it looks like a memorial now in many places!," he wrote.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Rathore-opposed-rampant-construction-at-anthambore/articleshow/7731578.cms
A tiger in a bird sanctuary - Amit Sengupta
At the declining Koeladeo National Park, also popular as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, the Siberian Cranes have not arrived for quite a while. Nor have rare long-distance bird species, who would fill the water bodies and trees with their exquisite crackling and colourful wings as spring arrives in the forest. However, surprisingly, a new guest has arrived from the dark: a big cat in full bloom.
The tiger from Ranthambhore, T-7, after a long, adventurous journey beyond the national park, hitting the highway literally around the Mathura Refinery, and some rather unsavoury encounters with humans and habitations, has finally found a comfort zone in the deeper interiors of the bird sanctuary. This is because of the rich prey base with not only an abundant nilgai population, but also the hundreds of cows (who are productively useless) abandoned in the wild by their owners to fend for themselves and thereby wait for death. (Incidentally, Hindu religious centre Mathura is the mythical epicentre of the cow-belt, with legends of Krishna around cows, milk, butter and ghee, intrinsic to its memory and culture.)
In the past, inside the back of the sanctuary, where tourists don't go, through the solitary shadows, there was always a surreal sight waiting for adventure-seekers. Dead cows, their skeletons sprawled all over, across the zigzag landscape. In this eerie, tragic landscape, you could see dead cows all over, and living cows waiting to die. This was the dominant memory of these forests, where, suddenly, even the birds stop chirping. As if the graveyard in green has chosen to become speechless.
In this eerie terrain, the Ranthambhore tiger, T-7, has found an ephemeral, happy refuge. Precisely because of the rich prey base. Forest officials say, not less than 1,000 cows have been released in the forests by locals. They are all out there, chewing grass in peace. Suddenly aware that a predator has arrived amidst them.However, the cows have found relief. T-7 was tranquilised and shifted to Sariska, like four of his mates. There, he will have his own, huge, private territory. A new forest home. And a big prey base.
http://www.hardnewsmedia.com/2011/03/3882
The tiger from Ranthambhore, T-7, after a long, adventurous journey beyond the national park, hitting the highway literally around the Mathura Refinery, and some rather unsavoury encounters with humans and habitations, has finally found a comfort zone in the deeper interiors of the bird sanctuary. This is because of the rich prey base with not only an abundant nilgai population, but also the hundreds of cows (who are productively useless) abandoned in the wild by their owners to fend for themselves and thereby wait for death. (Incidentally, Hindu religious centre Mathura is the mythical epicentre of the cow-belt, with legends of Krishna around cows, milk, butter and ghee, intrinsic to its memory and culture.)
In the past, inside the back of the sanctuary, where tourists don't go, through the solitary shadows, there was always a surreal sight waiting for adventure-seekers. Dead cows, their skeletons sprawled all over, across the zigzag landscape. In this eerie, tragic landscape, you could see dead cows all over, and living cows waiting to die. This was the dominant memory of these forests, where, suddenly, even the birds stop chirping. As if the graveyard in green has chosen to become speechless.
In this eerie terrain, the Ranthambhore tiger, T-7, has found an ephemeral, happy refuge. Precisely because of the rich prey base. Forest officials say, not less than 1,000 cows have been released in the forests by locals. They are all out there, chewing grass in peace. Suddenly aware that a predator has arrived amidst them.However, the cows have found relief. T-7 was tranquilised and shifted to Sariska, like four of his mates. There, he will have his own, huge, private territory. A new forest home. And a big prey base.
http://www.hardnewsmedia.com/2011/03/3882
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Bid to sell tiger skin online lands two youths behind bars- TNN Vijay Pinjarkar & Soumittra S Bose
NAGPUR: The lure of fast bucks landed two youths from well-to-do families behind bars on Wednesday, when they were caught selling a 53-year-old trophy tiger skin online.
Devesh Subhashrao Raut (29) and Kapil Gangadharrao Devke (31), both residents of Civil Lines, Daryapur, Amravati district, were trying to sell the trophied skin of a full-grown tigress from a city hotel on Wardha Road.
The skin is 8ft 4 four inch in length and it could fetch more than Rs 25 lakh in the international market. The two youths were quoting a price of $400,000 or Rs 2 crore to sell the skin. Undercover cops trapped the duo in room no. 209 of Hotel Airport Centre Point by posing as buyers from America and fixing a deal through a local agent via the Internet.
It is perhaps the first case of cyber crime against wildlife exposed by city crime branch sleuths, who acted on a tip-off by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), western region.
Devesh and Kapil hit upon the idea to sell the tiger skin after reading about popular online shopping mall bazee.com and the new that a tiger skin was under the hammer for $1 million on the site. This particular skin was being touted as the world's largest tiger skin, at 11 feet 7 inches.
Devesh, an MSc in computers, and Kapil, a BSc graduate, also opened an online account and mentioned details about the skin and its genuineness. The Raut family had been in possession of the skin since 1958, when tiger hunting was still a sport. The skin had a mounted skull with eyes and jaws intact.
Police sources said their advertisement was spotted on 'tradeindia.com', where the duo had bragged about their business, including claiming the ability to supply various types of tiger skins and trophies for different purposes. They had advertised seven types of products on 'tigerskin.tradeindia.com'. Devesh had mentioned his surname as 'Patil' on the website.
The skin had been inherited by Devesh's father Subhashrao from his grandfather Vitthalrao, who was a hunter and had shot seven tigers in the forests of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The tigress, whose skin was being traded, was shot by Vitthalrao in the forests of Warud in Amravati in 1958.
"We have an ownership certificate of the skin. It was renewed in 2003 by Amravati divisional forest officer (DFO)," Devesh said.
While Devesh is jobless, Kapil runs a computer institute in Daryapur. The idea behind selling the skin was to make fast bucks. Both the accused denied they were settling a deal for the skin at Rs 50 lakh.
"We wanted to gift the tiger skin and hence wanted to verify the credentials of the persons to whom handed over the skin. Hence, we came to the city hotel where we were called. Under the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) 1972, gifting of tiger skin is allowed," Devesh told TOI.
Wildlife wing officials said Section 43 of the WPA, which deals with regular transfer of animals etc states that persons in possession of captive animals, trophies, articles cannot transfer or sell them. "You can inherit them but cannot gift. The vehicle used in the crime has also been seized," a senior wildlife officer said. The accused had come to the city in a Santro car owned by Kapil. The car has been seized.
Subhashrao, father of the accused, says Devesh and Kapil were going to gift the skin. "The seven tiger skins which were in our possession earlier were also gifted to other relatives," he said.
City police chief Ankush Dhanvijay had directed deputy commissioner of police Dilip Zalke of crime branch to supervise the trap after the WCCB sought their help. Assistant commissioner of police, crime branch, Nilesh Sawant led the team to conduct the operation. "The probe would be handed over to the forest department," said senior PI Sampatrao Bhosle of Sonegaon police station where the offence was registered.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Bid-to-sell-tiger-skin-online-lands-two-youths-behind-bars/articleshow/7723537.cms
Devesh Subhashrao Raut (29) and Kapil Gangadharrao Devke (31), both residents of Civil Lines, Daryapur, Amravati district, were trying to sell the trophied skin of a full-grown tigress from a city hotel on Wardha Road.
The skin is 8ft 4 four inch in length and it could fetch more than Rs 25 lakh in the international market. The two youths were quoting a price of $400,000 or Rs 2 crore to sell the skin. Undercover cops trapped the duo in room no. 209 of Hotel Airport Centre Point by posing as buyers from America and fixing a deal through a local agent via the Internet.
It is perhaps the first case of cyber crime against wildlife exposed by city crime branch sleuths, who acted on a tip-off by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), western region.
Devesh and Kapil hit upon the idea to sell the tiger skin after reading about popular online shopping mall bazee.com and the new that a tiger skin was under the hammer for $1 million on the site. This particular skin was being touted as the world's largest tiger skin, at 11 feet 7 inches.
Devesh, an MSc in computers, and Kapil, a BSc graduate, also opened an online account and mentioned details about the skin and its genuineness. The Raut family had been in possession of the skin since 1958, when tiger hunting was still a sport. The skin had a mounted skull with eyes and jaws intact.
Police sources said their advertisement was spotted on 'tradeindia.com', where the duo had bragged about their business, including claiming the ability to supply various types of tiger skins and trophies for different purposes. They had advertised seven types of products on 'tigerskin.tradeindia.com'. Devesh had mentioned his surname as 'Patil' on the website.
The skin had been inherited by Devesh's father Subhashrao from his grandfather Vitthalrao, who was a hunter and had shot seven tigers in the forests of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The tigress, whose skin was being traded, was shot by Vitthalrao in the forests of Warud in Amravati in 1958.
"We have an ownership certificate of the skin. It was renewed in 2003 by Amravati divisional forest officer (DFO)," Devesh said.
While Devesh is jobless, Kapil runs a computer institute in Daryapur. The idea behind selling the skin was to make fast bucks. Both the accused denied they were settling a deal for the skin at Rs 50 lakh.
"We wanted to gift the tiger skin and hence wanted to verify the credentials of the persons to whom handed over the skin. Hence, we came to the city hotel where we were called. Under the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) 1972, gifting of tiger skin is allowed," Devesh told TOI.
Wildlife wing officials said Section 43 of the WPA, which deals with regular transfer of animals etc states that persons in possession of captive animals, trophies, articles cannot transfer or sell them. "You can inherit them but cannot gift. The vehicle used in the crime has also been seized," a senior wildlife officer said. The accused had come to the city in a Santro car owned by Kapil. The car has been seized.
Subhashrao, father of the accused, says Devesh and Kapil were going to gift the skin. "The seven tiger skins which were in our possession earlier were also gifted to other relatives," he said.
City police chief Ankush Dhanvijay had directed deputy commissioner of police Dilip Zalke of crime branch to supervise the trap after the WCCB sought their help. Assistant commissioner of police, crime branch, Nilesh Sawant led the team to conduct the operation. "The probe would be handed over to the forest department," said senior PI Sampatrao Bhosle of Sonegaon police station where the offence was registered.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Bid-to-sell-tiger-skin-online-lands-two-youths-behind-bars/articleshow/7723537.cms
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Vidarbha may soon become the tiger capital - PTI
Maharashtra’s Vidarbha region, which has several tiger projects and wild life sanctuaries in close proximity is fast shaping up as the potential Tiger Capital of the country.
Former Union Minister and Nagpur MP Vilas Muttemwar, who wrested the initiative in this direction has approached all the top ministers at the State and Central level to push for the tiger capital project.
According to him, since Tadoba Tiger project is situated about 160 kms from the city and Bor sanctuary (about 90 kms), Navegaon and Nagzira wild life sanctuaries (about 150 kms) are located in Vidarbha, besides the Kanha National Park in neighbouring Seoni district (about 200 kms from Nagpur), the region can be well-developed as the tiger capital.
More than 250 tigers out of total population of 1,400 in the country inhabit in the Vidarbha region.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has liked the concept and agreed to take up the issue with Centre. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Union Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahai and Union Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh, have also evinced interest in the project.
Last week, Mr. Muttemwar wrote to the PM who has acknowledged the concept. Mr. Ramesh went a step ahead and said the Government of India has decided to open three regional offices of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) with the first expected to be opened in Nagpur next month.
“The regional office of NTCA would take forward the work of tiger conservation in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh which are very important tiger habitats where close to 40 percent of India’s tiger population reside,” Mr. Ramesh said recently in a communication to Mr. Muttemwar.
Mr. Ramesh further said the Centre is in touch with Maharashtra government to notify two more tiger reserves in the State in Nagzira/Navegaon and Bor.
Also, it is taking many measures to protect the Tadoba-Andhari habitat in Chandrapur district, he said.
Mr. Sahai in a communication last Friday told Mr. Muttemwar that Vidarbha has got all the potential to develop as a wild and adventure tourism destination.
The region could also attract productive investments besides creating employment opportunities, he said.
Mr. Muttemwar said about 80 million tourists visit India and a majority of them are interesting in seeing the wild cat roaming freely in the jungles. If they can be attracted to Vidarbha with good infrastructure like accommodation, transport and tourist guides and other facilities, a good amount of revenue from tourism can be earned here.
There can be employment opportunities for about 20,000 to 30,000 youth in various support staff like drivers for tourist vehicles, guides, hotel staff and travel and tourism agencies operating here, he said.
The MP said a two-day conference on tiger project capital is being organised in early April and said both Central ministers along with Mr. Chavan and Maharashtra Forest Minister Patangrao Kadam are being invited along with stake holders to discuss threadbare the project.
Former Union Minister and Nagpur MP Vilas Muttemwar, who wrested the initiative in this direction has approached all the top ministers at the State and Central level to push for the tiger capital project.
According to him, since Tadoba Tiger project is situated about 160 kms from the city and Bor sanctuary (about 90 kms), Navegaon and Nagzira wild life sanctuaries (about 150 kms) are located in Vidarbha, besides the Kanha National Park in neighbouring Seoni district (about 200 kms from Nagpur), the region can be well-developed as the tiger capital.
More than 250 tigers out of total population of 1,400 in the country inhabit in the Vidarbha region.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has liked the concept and agreed to take up the issue with Centre. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Union Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahai and Union Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh, have also evinced interest in the project.
Last week, Mr. Muttemwar wrote to the PM who has acknowledged the concept. Mr. Ramesh went a step ahead and said the Government of India has decided to open three regional offices of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) with the first expected to be opened in Nagpur next month.
“The regional office of NTCA would take forward the work of tiger conservation in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh which are very important tiger habitats where close to 40 percent of India’s tiger population reside,” Mr. Ramesh said recently in a communication to Mr. Muttemwar.
Mr. Ramesh further said the Centre is in touch with Maharashtra government to notify two more tiger reserves in the State in Nagzira/Navegaon and Bor.
Also, it is taking many measures to protect the Tadoba-Andhari habitat in Chandrapur district, he said.
Mr. Sahai in a communication last Friday told Mr. Muttemwar that Vidarbha has got all the potential to develop as a wild and adventure tourism destination.
The region could also attract productive investments besides creating employment opportunities, he said.
Mr. Muttemwar said about 80 million tourists visit India and a majority of them are interesting in seeing the wild cat roaming freely in the jungles. If they can be attracted to Vidarbha with good infrastructure like accommodation, transport and tourist guides and other facilities, a good amount of revenue from tourism can be earned here.
There can be employment opportunities for about 20,000 to 30,000 youth in various support staff like drivers for tourist vehicles, guides, hotel staff and travel and tourism agencies operating here, he said.
The MP said a two-day conference on tiger project capital is being organised in early April and said both Central ministers along with Mr. Chavan and Maharashtra Forest Minister Patangrao Kadam are being invited along with stake holders to discuss threadbare the project.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Villagers beat 2 cubs to death TNN
BAHRAICH: Even as a national campaign is underway to save India's tiger population, farmers on Sunday clubbed to death two one-year-old leopard cubs in an apparent revenge attack after the mother leopard attacked a woman in a tiger reserve.
The incident happened in the Katarniaghat wildlife reserve in Bahraich district barely 24 hours after the woman was mauled. According to Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) wildlife R K Singh, the cubs were killed, when a large number of local farmers surrounded them after a farmer's wife was attacked by the mother leopard, while the woman was watering her fields'.
He said, "The mother leopard managed to leap to safety, but the one-year-old cubs were cornered and beaten to death."
Geeta (25), the woman attacked by the leopard, was admitted to a Bahraich hospital and is stated to be out of danger. Her husband Surendra Singh, an ex-serviceman, who was with her at the time of the attack, said, "The leopard would have killed my wife had the farmers not immediately rushed to her help."
Katarniaghat along the Indo-Nepal border, is an extended part of Uttar Pradesh's Dudhwa National Park. It has an an estimated population of 30 leopards and about 40 tigers.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Villagers-beat-2-cubs-to-death/articleshow/7702782.cms
The incident happened in the Katarniaghat wildlife reserve in Bahraich district barely 24 hours after the woman was mauled. According to Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) wildlife R K Singh, the cubs were killed, when a large number of local farmers surrounded them after a farmer's wife was attacked by the mother leopard, while the woman was watering her fields'.
He said, "The mother leopard managed to leap to safety, but the one-year-old cubs were cornered and beaten to death."
Geeta (25), the woman attacked by the leopard, was admitted to a Bahraich hospital and is stated to be out of danger. Her husband Surendra Singh, an ex-serviceman, who was with her at the time of the attack, said, "The leopard would have killed my wife had the farmers not immediately rushed to her help."
Katarniaghat along the Indo-Nepal border, is an extended part of Uttar Pradesh's Dudhwa National Park. It has an an estimated population of 30 leopards and about 40 tigers.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Villagers-beat-2-cubs-to-death/articleshow/7702782.cms
Monday, March 14, 2011
Tigers devour 3, villagers kill 2 leopards PTI
DEHRADUN/BAHRAICH: Three people, including an 11-year-old girl, were mauled to death by big cats while two leopards were killed by villagers in separate incidents in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, forest officials said on Sunday.
A tiger killed a 45-year-old man in Sunderkhal village near the Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand where a girl was devoured by a leopard in Ron village in Almora district. Both these incidents happened on Saturday in the hill state, the forest officials said. An eight-year-old leopard was also found dead in a stream near Kimari-Bhirtali road in Uttarakhand on Saturday, they said.
In Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district, a woman, aged 25, was killed by a tiger in Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary. The wild cat, who was dragging the woman towards the forest, fled leaving the body when villagers working infields raised an alaram.
A tiger killed a 45-year-old man in Sunderkhal village near the Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand where a girl was devoured by a leopard in Ron village in Almora district. Both these incidents happened on Saturday in the hill state, the forest officials said. An eight-year-old leopard was also found dead in a stream near Kimari-Bhirtali road in Uttarakhand on Saturday, they said.
In Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district, a woman, aged 25, was killed by a tiger in Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary. The wild cat, who was dragging the woman towards the forest, fled leaving the body when villagers working infields raised an alaram.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Man-eater strikes: Did officials kill wrong tiger? - Chetan Chauhan, Hindustan Times
Even as international experts had a brainstorming on how to save Indian tigers at Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, a tiger killed another person just outside the main reserve. The person was a resident of Sundherkhal village in Corbett’s buffer zone, where a tiger had killed four persons in January
this year.
The Uttarakhand forest department officials shot dead the alleged man-eater near the village.
His death had provided air to claims that the state forest department had killed the wrong tiger in January.
“The man-eating animal was probably a tigress and not a tiger, claimed as man eater by the state forest department,” said Navin Raheja, former member of steering committee of Project Tiger.
Raheja was of the view that the man-eater tigress would resurface after some time and may attack people in other areas.
The Friday’s victim was attacked at a different location than the earlier incidents.
“The tigress is highly cautious and it making its moves in a calculated manner,” he said.
Unlike the January incident, the Uttarakhand forest department has not declared the animal as man-eater.
“We are not in a hurry. We will first try to capture the animal,” said Anil Baluni, deputy chairperson of state forest advisory council.
There are said to be 13 tigers roaming in the buffer zone of the Corbett, where over 1,000 people live in Sunderkhal village and are vulnerable to attacks by tigers. Baluni said the only option was to relocate those living in Sundherkhal.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority had this week held a consultation with wildlife experts from the United States and Australia, two nations, which do not have tigers, for better protection and conservation of the endangered big cat.
None of the experts, who are still in Corbett, visited the Sunderkhal village, after the incident, area officials said.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Man-eater-strikes-Did-officials-kill-wrong-tiger/Article1-672764.aspx
this year.
The Uttarakhand forest department officials shot dead the alleged man-eater near the village.
His death had provided air to claims that the state forest department had killed the wrong tiger in January.
“The man-eating animal was probably a tigress and not a tiger, claimed as man eater by the state forest department,” said Navin Raheja, former member of steering committee of Project Tiger.
Raheja was of the view that the man-eater tigress would resurface after some time and may attack people in other areas.
The Friday’s victim was attacked at a different location than the earlier incidents.
“The tigress is highly cautious and it making its moves in a calculated manner,” he said.
Unlike the January incident, the Uttarakhand forest department has not declared the animal as man-eater.
“We are not in a hurry. We will first try to capture the animal,” said Anil Baluni, deputy chairperson of state forest advisory council.
There are said to be 13 tigers roaming in the buffer zone of the Corbett, where over 1,000 people live in Sunderkhal village and are vulnerable to attacks by tigers. Baluni said the only option was to relocate those living in Sundherkhal.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority had this week held a consultation with wildlife experts from the United States and Australia, two nations, which do not have tigers, for better protection and conservation of the endangered big cat.
None of the experts, who are still in Corbett, visited the Sunderkhal village, after the incident, area officials said.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Man-eater-strikes-Did-officials-kill-wrong-tiger/Article1-672764.aspx
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Angry villagers force Jairam to cancel Corbett visit TNN
DEHRADUN: The concluding session of a three-day international workshop on tigers was abruptly cancelled on Friday following protests by residents of 14 different villages in Sunderkhal forest under the Corbett National Park.
Official sources said the protests also led to the cancellation of Union forest minister Jairam Ramesh's visit. The minister was to address the concluding session of a workshop which began on March 9 to mark the completion of 75 years of Corbett Tiger Reserve.
The protesters locked the gates to prevent over 25 tiger experts from India and abroad from entering the venue. As senior CTR officials' requests were ignored, the officials had no option but to cancel the workshop.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Angry-villagers-force-Jairam-to-cancel-Corbett-visit/articleshow/7683714.cms
Official sources said the protests also led to the cancellation of Union forest minister Jairam Ramesh's visit. The minister was to address the concluding session of a workshop which began on March 9 to mark the completion of 75 years of Corbett Tiger Reserve.
The protesters locked the gates to prevent over 25 tiger experts from India and abroad from entering the venue. As senior CTR officials' requests were ignored, the officials had no option but to cancel the workshop.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Angry-villagers-force-Jairam-to-cancel-Corbett-visit/articleshow/7683714.cms
Friday, March 11, 2011
Tiger reserve status for Sathyamangalam likely - The Hindu
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The proposal for according tiger reserve status for the Sathyamangalam Reserve Forests is under consideration, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden R. Sundararaju said here on Wednesday.
Mr. Sundararaju told presspersons that studies conducted using camera traps and scats had given an indication that there could be 19 to 25 tigers in Sathyamangalam forests. He also added that the forests across Tamil Nadu might have 100 to 110 tigers. This statistics was based on the camera traps, scat examination done in tiger reserves such as Mudumalai, Anamalai and Kalakkad - Mundanthurai.
Tamil Nadu had three tiger reserves and they shared borders with Kerala and Karnataka forests. To a query on incidents of sandalwood smuggling reported in ATR areas, Mr. Sundararaju said vigil had been stepped up with additional manpower and one person arrested for smuggling had been detained under Goondas Act.
Efforts were on to check man-animal conflict, especially elephants straying into human habitations in Valparai, where four persons were killed recently.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/article1525437.ece
The proposal for according tiger reserve status for the Sathyamangalam Reserve Forests is under consideration, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden R. Sundararaju said here on Wednesday.
Mr. Sundararaju told presspersons that studies conducted using camera traps and scats had given an indication that there could be 19 to 25 tigers in Sathyamangalam forests. He also added that the forests across Tamil Nadu might have 100 to 110 tigers. This statistics was based on the camera traps, scat examination done in tiger reserves such as Mudumalai, Anamalai and Kalakkad - Mundanthurai.
Tamil Nadu had three tiger reserves and they shared borders with Kerala and Karnataka forests. To a query on incidents of sandalwood smuggling reported in ATR areas, Mr. Sundararaju said vigil had been stepped up with additional manpower and one person arrested for smuggling had been detained under Goondas Act.
Efforts were on to check man-animal conflict, especially elephants straying into human habitations in Valparai, where four persons were killed recently.
http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/article1525437.ece
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Ranthambore-Mukundra corridor in the offing TNN
JAIPUR: In a major boost to tiger conservation, chief minister Ashok Gehlot announced developing the area connecting Ranthambore National Park to Mukundra sanctuary as a corridor. The area is frequently used by straying tigers of Ranthambore and developing it would give the big cats a safer passage.
Even the Mukundra sanctuary, which already got an in-principle nod from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) as a tiger reserve during the recent visit of director Rajesh Gopal, will be developed during this year. The government will shortly be preparing a project report for the same.
"The United Nations is observing year 2011 as International Year of Forests and we are duty bound to follow the footsteps. Throughout the year, various projects will be undertaken for developing sanctuaries besides addressing issues of global warming," Gehlot said.
He also announced using grants to the tune of Rs 1,153 crore from the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) for implementing the Rajasthan Forestry and Bio-diversity Project (RFBP) in select areas of the state over a period of eight years between 2011 and 2019. The areas include 10 districts that have deserts in them, five districts without deserts and seven wildlife reserves.
Under the project, afforestation and bio-diversity conservation and soil and water conservation work will be done. Besides, poverty elimination and livelihood schemes will also be undertaken in 650 villages in these areas. Sundamata in Jhalore and Gura-Bishnoi in Jodhpur will also be developed as eco-tourism centres under the project.
Four treatment and rehabilitation centres for wild animals would also be established in Bikaner, Jodhpur and Nagaur. The centres will be developed using Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds.
After the recent incident at Ranthambore where tourism minister Bina Kak had to intervene to save tiger T-5 which had a deep wound on its body, the need for a mobile rescue van for the forest was being felt. Addressing the issue, Gehlot has made provisions in his budget for a mobile rescue van and two veterinarians in the park in case of any eventualities.
Besides, the state will also be giving Rs 1,000 to each of the 5,000 families staying inside the Ranthambore reserve for an LPG connection. The move is aimed at keeping away these families from felling trees for fire wood.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Ranthambore-Mukundra-corridor-in-the-offing/articleshow/7667203.cms
Even the Mukundra sanctuary, which already got an in-principle nod from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) as a tiger reserve during the recent visit of director Rajesh Gopal, will be developed during this year. The government will shortly be preparing a project report for the same.
"The United Nations is observing year 2011 as International Year of Forests and we are duty bound to follow the footsteps. Throughout the year, various projects will be undertaken for developing sanctuaries besides addressing issues of global warming," Gehlot said.
He also announced using grants to the tune of Rs 1,153 crore from the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) for implementing the Rajasthan Forestry and Bio-diversity Project (RFBP) in select areas of the state over a period of eight years between 2011 and 2019. The areas include 10 districts that have deserts in them, five districts without deserts and seven wildlife reserves.
Under the project, afforestation and bio-diversity conservation and soil and water conservation work will be done. Besides, poverty elimination and livelihood schemes will also be undertaken in 650 villages in these areas. Sundamata in Jhalore and Gura-Bishnoi in Jodhpur will also be developed as eco-tourism centres under the project.
Four treatment and rehabilitation centres for wild animals would also be established in Bikaner, Jodhpur and Nagaur. The centres will be developed using Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds.
After the recent incident at Ranthambore where tourism minister Bina Kak had to intervene to save tiger T-5 which had a deep wound on its body, the need for a mobile rescue van for the forest was being felt. Addressing the issue, Gehlot has made provisions in his budget for a mobile rescue van and two veterinarians in the park in case of any eventualities.
Besides, the state will also be giving Rs 1,000 to each of the 5,000 families staying inside the Ranthambore reserve for an LPG connection. The move is aimed at keeping away these families from felling trees for fire wood.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Ranthambore-Mukundra-corridor-in-the-offing/articleshow/7667203.cms
Panel's Ranthambore directive silences roar of machines
Moushumi Basu | New Delhi
Construction activities have been temporarily stopped at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan following intervention by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC).
For several months now, the whine of excavators and pneumatic drills and the rumble of explosives had drowned out the roar of tigers at the reserve. With construction on the boom even in the core area, the chaos was a major source of stress for the wild cat.
The State irrigation department recently approved construction of 20 large dams, each costing in the range of Rs 35 lakh to Rs 75 lakh. Nearly 100 small anicuts and 20 telais (ponds) were constructed in the reserve in the past.
However, after the CEC’s directive to the State Chief Secretary, work has been stopped at the site. On being approached by the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) for intervention, the CEC pointed out that such non-forestry activities within protected areas were in violation of a Supreme Court order.
According to sources, the Chief Secretary is to set up an expert committee to decide on the issue. Till then, work in the protected area would stay stalled.
Ranthambore field director Anand Mohan, however, contended that this construction was part of a long-term water management plan and its ecological impact had been assessed by an expert panel. It is being carried out by the irrigation and forest departments, with MNREGA and Nabard funding.
A work order of Rs 40 crore has been earmarked jointly for Sariska and Ranthambore, Mohan said, of which Rs 2 crore has already been sanctioned by the irrigation department. “The very objective of this project is to improve availability of water within the park for wild animals,” he emphasised.
However, tiger expert and WPSI executive director Belinda Wright pointed to the gravity of the situation, saying the eco-system of Ranthambore was very fragile and any manipulation could cause irreversible damage. She felt there were many perennial natural waterholes in critical areas and that artificial cemented anicuts and uncalled-for human intervention could be destructive.
The proposed anicut, for instance, is at Adi Dagar, beyond Lakardah, on a nullah that runs from Lakardah to Bakola. The area has waterholes that are full during the critical summer months too. This was where tigress T-16 spent the summer of 2010, making kills around a waterhole.
It is feared that the proposed anicut may flood this natural waterhole, submerging the surrounding rock walls, which are home to a host of wildlife, including monitor lizards, mongooses and owls.
The construction of cement anicuts and earth dams around Galai Sagar, on the other hand, can affect the water-holding of this lake in an area where there are a number of resident big cats, including a tigress with cubs.
Many such rampant constructions close to natural water points will eventually lead to silting, which could choke water flow. Sooner or later, the natural water body would be finished, feel experts.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/323377/Panels-Ranthambore-directive-silences-roar-of-machines.html
Construction activities have been temporarily stopped at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan following intervention by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC).
For several months now, the whine of excavators and pneumatic drills and the rumble of explosives had drowned out the roar of tigers at the reserve. With construction on the boom even in the core area, the chaos was a major source of stress for the wild cat.
The State irrigation department recently approved construction of 20 large dams, each costing in the range of Rs 35 lakh to Rs 75 lakh. Nearly 100 small anicuts and 20 telais (ponds) were constructed in the reserve in the past.
However, after the CEC’s directive to the State Chief Secretary, work has been stopped at the site. On being approached by the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) for intervention, the CEC pointed out that such non-forestry activities within protected areas were in violation of a Supreme Court order.
According to sources, the Chief Secretary is to set up an expert committee to decide on the issue. Till then, work in the protected area would stay stalled.
Ranthambore field director Anand Mohan, however, contended that this construction was part of a long-term water management plan and its ecological impact had been assessed by an expert panel. It is being carried out by the irrigation and forest departments, with MNREGA and Nabard funding.
A work order of Rs 40 crore has been earmarked jointly for Sariska and Ranthambore, Mohan said, of which Rs 2 crore has already been sanctioned by the irrigation department. “The very objective of this project is to improve availability of water within the park for wild animals,” he emphasised.
However, tiger expert and WPSI executive director Belinda Wright pointed to the gravity of the situation, saying the eco-system of Ranthambore was very fragile and any manipulation could cause irreversible damage. She felt there were many perennial natural waterholes in critical areas and that artificial cemented anicuts and uncalled-for human intervention could be destructive.
The proposed anicut, for instance, is at Adi Dagar, beyond Lakardah, on a nullah that runs from Lakardah to Bakola. The area has waterholes that are full during the critical summer months too. This was where tigress T-16 spent the summer of 2010, making kills around a waterhole.
It is feared that the proposed anicut may flood this natural waterhole, submerging the surrounding rock walls, which are home to a host of wildlife, including monitor lizards, mongooses and owls.
The construction of cement anicuts and earth dams around Galai Sagar, on the other hand, can affect the water-holding of this lake in an area where there are a number of resident big cats, including a tigress with cubs.
Many such rampant constructions close to natural water points will eventually lead to silting, which could choke water flow. Sooner or later, the natural water body would be finished, feel experts.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/323377/Panels-Ranthambore-directive-silences-roar-of-machines.html
Ramesh expects ''good news'' in tiger census
PTI | 08:03 PM,Mar 09,2011
New Delhi, Mar 9 (PTI) Tiger census will be out this month end amidst expectations that there will be "good news", government said today."We are releasing our latest tiger census on 28th of this month. We hope that we will have good news. I haven't seen the report yet," Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh told reporters here. The census was carried out by installing cameras at strategic points, like water bodies in the forests, as also in the respective territories of the big cats and a computer analysis was done to collate the data. The 2007 census had shown a sharp fall in the number of tigers in 'protected areas'--reserves, national parks and widelife sanctuaries-in 19 states across the country.According to it, India had only 1,411 wild cats left in its forests.
New Delhi, Mar 9 (PTI) Tiger census will be out this month end amidst expectations that there will be "good news", government said today."We are releasing our latest tiger census on 28th of this month. We hope that we will have good news. I haven't seen the report yet," Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh told reporters here. The census was carried out by installing cameras at strategic points, like water bodies in the forests, as also in the respective territories of the big cats and a computer analysis was done to collate the data. The 2007 census had shown a sharp fall in the number of tigers in 'protected areas'--reserves, national parks and widelife sanctuaries-in 19 states across the country.According to it, India had only 1,411 wild cats left in its forests.
Bad news for tiger conservation Vijay Pinjarkar, TNN
Nagpur: In a setback to process of creating inviolate spaces for highly endangered tigers, the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) has withdrawn the revised guidelines for determination of critical wildlife habitats (CWHs) thus stalling the entire process.
The MoEF on February 7 had circulated the revised guidelines about determination of CWH. However, members of some NGOs made representations to the ministry against some of the points in it. The organizations were of the view that the relocation of people from CWH needed to be fine-tuned to be compliant with provisions of Forest Rights Act 2006. Taking note of the concerns at a meeting held in Delhi on March 4, the guidelines were withdrawn. "Process to issue fresh guidelines has been initiated," NTCA officials said.
CWH are areas of national parks and sanctuaries that are required to be kept inviolate for the purposes of wildlife conservation as determined and notified by the MoEF, after open process of consultations by an expert committee. After notifying critical tiger habitats (CTHs) three years ago, the state initiated process to declare CWHs. A minimum inviolate space of 800-1000 sq km should be maintained to support a viable population of tigers in tiger landscapes, based on tiger parameters, territory sizes and populations viability analysis.
In Maharashtra, a state-level committee headed by chief wildlife warden has already given a go-ahead to 19 national parks and sanctuaries to complete consultations with stakeholders. In August last, to speed up the process of relocation of villages in CWHs, subcommittees with respective chief conservators (CCFs) and deputy conservators (DyCFs) were also constituted. These officials had initiated consultation process and even completed them in Navegaon National Park and Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary.
V K Mohan, chief conservator of forests (CCF) for wildlife administration, said the process would now be stalled until fresh guidelines were issued. Dilip Gode of the Vidarbha Nature Conservation Society (VNCS), who was part of the MoEF meeting on March 4, said: "We want the consultations to be held properly with involvement of all stakeholders. Entire process should be video recorded and there should be scope for scientific avenues. Not all CWH are needed to be declared inviolate."
Conservationists decried move. Already, there are many villages in tiger reserves that are needed to be relocated. Villagers living in parks and reserves are also keen to move out. The delay will further escalate cost of relocation and tigers, that are crying for space, will also have to wait, they said.
BOX
CWH process stalled?
* The first guidelines for CWH were issued on October 25, 2007. On February 7, 2011, MoEF issued revised ones. These too have been withdrawn on March 4, 2011
* CWHs can be declared only with voluntary consent of affected people. It involves secure livelihoods to persons to be relocated
* A state-level committee has given go-ahead to 19 national parks and sanctuaries in Maharashtra to complete consultations with stakeholders for CWH. Consultations in Navegaon and Tipeshwar have been completed. Of the remaining 17 parks, most of them are in second stage of consultation.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Bad-news-for-tiger-conservation/articleshow/7666523.cms
The MoEF on February 7 had circulated the revised guidelines about determination of CWH. However, members of some NGOs made representations to the ministry against some of the points in it. The organizations were of the view that the relocation of people from CWH needed to be fine-tuned to be compliant with provisions of Forest Rights Act 2006. Taking note of the concerns at a meeting held in Delhi on March 4, the guidelines were withdrawn. "Process to issue fresh guidelines has been initiated," NTCA officials said.
CWH are areas of national parks and sanctuaries that are required to be kept inviolate for the purposes of wildlife conservation as determined and notified by the MoEF, after open process of consultations by an expert committee. After notifying critical tiger habitats (CTHs) three years ago, the state initiated process to declare CWHs. A minimum inviolate space of 800-1000 sq km should be maintained to support a viable population of tigers in tiger landscapes, based on tiger parameters, territory sizes and populations viability analysis.
In Maharashtra, a state-level committee headed by chief wildlife warden has already given a go-ahead to 19 national parks and sanctuaries to complete consultations with stakeholders. In August last, to speed up the process of relocation of villages in CWHs, subcommittees with respective chief conservators (CCFs) and deputy conservators (DyCFs) were also constituted. These officials had initiated consultation process and even completed them in Navegaon National Park and Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary.
V K Mohan, chief conservator of forests (CCF) for wildlife administration, said the process would now be stalled until fresh guidelines were issued. Dilip Gode of the Vidarbha Nature Conservation Society (VNCS), who was part of the MoEF meeting on March 4, said: "We want the consultations to be held properly with involvement of all stakeholders. Entire process should be video recorded and there should be scope for scientific avenues. Not all CWH are needed to be declared inviolate."
Conservationists decried move. Already, there are many villages in tiger reserves that are needed to be relocated. Villagers living in parks and reserves are also keen to move out. The delay will further escalate cost of relocation and tigers, that are crying for space, will also have to wait, they said.
BOX
CWH process stalled?
* The first guidelines for CWH were issued on October 25, 2007. On February 7, 2011, MoEF issued revised ones. These too have been withdrawn on March 4, 2011
* CWHs can be declared only with voluntary consent of affected people. It involves secure livelihoods to persons to be relocated
* A state-level committee has given go-ahead to 19 national parks and sanctuaries in Maharashtra to complete consultations with stakeholders for CWH. Consultations in Navegaon and Tipeshwar have been completed. Of the remaining 17 parks, most of them are in second stage of consultation.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Bad-news-for-tiger-conservation/articleshow/7666523.cms
Two more watch towers at Mudumalai reserve TNN
UDHAGAMANDALAM: In a bid to improve vigilance inside the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in the Nilgiris, two more watch towers are being erected in the area.
"Works for the two new watch towers are nearing completion. One is being erected near a water body at Mavanallah and the other at Nir Hallah, adjacent to Karnataka border," Rajiv K Srivastava, Field Director, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, told TOI.
The watch tower at Mavanallah will also serve the purpose of watching migratory birds which visit the dam near Mavanallah during season, according to Srivastava. Another tower near the Karnataka border will be used to observe the migration of carnivores and other animals.
Already, there are 5 towers inside the reserve. "Together, the towers will help keep vigil over a larger area and help detect the movements of wild animals," said the official.
According to the official the new towers, built at the cost of `10 lakh, will be completed by end of March.
The 312 sq km Mudumalai tiger reserve is home to at least 40 tigers and nearly 900 Asian elephants besides a wide variety of wild life and vegetation.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/Two-more-watch-towers-at-Mudumalai-reserve/articleshow/7668190.cms
"Works for the two new watch towers are nearing completion. One is being erected near a water body at Mavanallah and the other at Nir Hallah, adjacent to Karnataka border," Rajiv K Srivastava, Field Director, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, told TOI.
The watch tower at Mavanallah will also serve the purpose of watching migratory birds which visit the dam near Mavanallah during season, according to Srivastava. Another tower near the Karnataka border will be used to observe the migration of carnivores and other animals.
Already, there are 5 towers inside the reserve. "Together, the towers will help keep vigil over a larger area and help detect the movements of wild animals," said the official.
According to the official the new towers, built at the cost of `10 lakh, will be completed by end of March.
The 312 sq km Mudumalai tiger reserve is home to at least 40 tigers and nearly 900 Asian elephants besides a wide variety of wild life and vegetation.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/Two-more-watch-towers-at-Mudumalai-reserve/articleshow/7668190.cms
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Crucial meeting on tiger conservation begins today
A crucial meeting of tiger conservation experts is slated to begin here from Wednesday to chalk out a plan for conservation of the elusive wildcat, officials said.
Union Minister of State for Environment and Forest, Jairam Ramesh is also expected to participate in the three-day meeting that is being organised by Uttarakhand forest department and National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) at Ramnagar near Jim Corbett National park, Director of Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) R.K. Mishra said.
Some experts from United States will also participate in the meeting, he added.
The participants of the meeting would first study the different aspects related to Corbett Park and later give their recommendations for the conservation of tiger, he said.
http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/article1519787.ece
Union Minister of State for Environment and Forest, Jairam Ramesh is also expected to participate in the three-day meeting that is being organised by Uttarakhand forest department and National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) at Ramnagar near Jim Corbett National park, Director of Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) R.K. Mishra said.
Some experts from United States will also participate in the meeting, he added.
The participants of the meeting would first study the different aspects related to Corbett Park and later give their recommendations for the conservation of tiger, he said.
http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/article1519787.ece
Monday, March 7, 2011
Tigress killed, eaten by another in MP
BHOPAL: A tigress was killed and eaten by another tigress after a territorial fight in Madhya Pradesh's Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, officials said.
The carcass of 9-year-old tigress Laxmi, who also had two cubs, was recovered from Salatekari area at Tala Range of the Reserve, in Umaria district on Saturday, a top forest official said.
Laxmi was killed and eaten by another tigress named Kankati (4), after a possible fight over territory, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve's Field Director C K Patil said, adding, Kankati had sustained an eye injury.
Forest guards on Saturday saw Kankati eating the slain tigress, he said, adding, Laxmi and Kankati had fought in the past too.
This was probably the first instance of a tiger killing and eating someone of its own species in Bandhavgarh, spread over an area of 700 sq km in eastern Madhya Pradesh.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Tigress-killed-eaten-by-another-in-MP/articleshow/7643713.cms
The carcass of 9-year-old tigress Laxmi, who also had two cubs, was recovered from Salatekari area at Tala Range of the Reserve, in Umaria district on Saturday, a top forest official said.
Laxmi was killed and eaten by another tigress named Kankati (4), after a possible fight over territory, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve's Field Director C K Patil said, adding, Kankati had sustained an eye injury.
Forest guards on Saturday saw Kankati eating the slain tigress, he said, adding, Laxmi and Kankati had fought in the past too.
This was probably the first instance of a tiger killing and eating someone of its own species in Bandhavgarh, spread over an area of 700 sq km in eastern Madhya Pradesh.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Tigress-killed-eaten-by-another-in-MP/articleshow/7643713.cms
Tiger experts meet today
A meeting of top global experts on tiger is being held in New Delhi on Monday to discuss the “new way forward” in tiger conservation efforts. Those participating in the meeting include George Shaller, Alan Rabinowitz and Joe Smith from Panthera, an American non-profit organisation, Belinda Wright, Bittu Sahgal and Valmik Thapar from India. Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh will chair the meet.
Ahead of the meeting a brainstorming session was held on Sunday.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Tiger-experts-meet-today/758666/
Ahead of the meeting a brainstorming session was held on Sunday.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Tiger-experts-meet-today/758666/
Tiger reserves ignoring local communities Vijay Pinjarkar, TNN
NAGPUR: Improving protected areas (PAs) management by involving communities with eco-development as one of its components is the best tiger conservation strategy but the tiger reserves in Vidarbha do not appear to believe in it. Disturbingly, all three tiger reserves in Vidarbha - Tadoba-Andhari, Melghat and Pench - have fared badly on community development work in recent evaluation of tiger reserves conducted by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
The administration of three tiger reserves seems to have only now woken up to this aspect. The reserves, while giving emphasis on resettlement of villages from the core, also focused on protection but failed to concentrate on eco-development works in the villages in buffer zones. "Village eco-development was aimed at reducing negative impacts of locals on parks. This asks for participatory micro-planning of activities at the village level to help the forest department and villages decide on set reciprocal promises," says wildlife conservationist Prafulla Bhamburkar.
"It is sad yet true that our tiger reserves have not focused on systematic community development works," admits Kishor Rithe, member, National Board for Wild Life (NBWL). To ensure tiger reserves in Vidarbha get funds from NTCA for community development work under Eco-development Programme (EDP) and villagers employment through conservation works, on December 15, 2007, Rithe's Satpuda Foundation had submitted a proposal to the chief wildlife warden for preparing village micro plans around Melghat, TATR and Pench. However, nothing happened. The Foundation again submitted the proposal on January 2011, to the present chief wildlife warden who responded positively but no action resulted.
"We are doing a lot of community-based conservation work on our own around the tiger reserves but it does not get any place in official records and hence the parks could not fetch points allotted on this count," lamented Satpuda Foundation executive director Giri Venkatesan.
TATR field director V K Sinha admitted there was need to set up eco-development committees (EDCs) on the lines of joint forest management committees (JFMs). There is an administration order on EDCs but there is no formal government resolution (GR), on providing benefits to stakeholders. Conservationists say the tiger reserves should take the remark of NTCA evaluation committee seriously and learn lessons.
Nature Conservation Society Amravati (NCSA), which has developed a good community-based conservation model in buffer zone of MTR, stated that field directors really needed to count communities living in the buffer areas. "Earlier, field directors used to participate in the community meetings organized by NCSA and resolve many issues. However, the practice has stopped now," said Nishikant Kale, ex-president of NCSA. Officials have even started ignoring health initiatives started by NCSA exclusively for buffer villages since 2005, Kale added.
Kale said wildlife wing officials needed to learn from tiger reserves like Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) in Tamil Nadu where park administration was working with the communities and reducing biotic pressure on reserves. The NTCA evaluation of tiger reserves in Maharashtra put MTR at the eighth spot, ahead of high-profile tiger reserves like Corbett and Ranthambore and Tadoba and Pench at 14th and 15th spot.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Tiger-reserves-ignoring-local-communities/articleshow/7643363.cms
The administration of three tiger reserves seems to have only now woken up to this aspect. The reserves, while giving emphasis on resettlement of villages from the core, also focused on protection but failed to concentrate on eco-development works in the villages in buffer zones. "Village eco-development was aimed at reducing negative impacts of locals on parks. This asks for participatory micro-planning of activities at the village level to help the forest department and villages decide on set reciprocal promises," says wildlife conservationist Prafulla Bhamburkar.
"It is sad yet true that our tiger reserves have not focused on systematic community development works," admits Kishor Rithe, member, National Board for Wild Life (NBWL). To ensure tiger reserves in Vidarbha get funds from NTCA for community development work under Eco-development Programme (EDP) and villagers employment through conservation works, on December 15, 2007, Rithe's Satpuda Foundation had submitted a proposal to the chief wildlife warden for preparing village micro plans around Melghat, TATR and Pench. However, nothing happened. The Foundation again submitted the proposal on January 2011, to the present chief wildlife warden who responded positively but no action resulted.
"We are doing a lot of community-based conservation work on our own around the tiger reserves but it does not get any place in official records and hence the parks could not fetch points allotted on this count," lamented Satpuda Foundation executive director Giri Venkatesan.
TATR field director V K Sinha admitted there was need to set up eco-development committees (EDCs) on the lines of joint forest management committees (JFMs). There is an administration order on EDCs but there is no formal government resolution (GR), on providing benefits to stakeholders. Conservationists say the tiger reserves should take the remark of NTCA evaluation committee seriously and learn lessons.
Nature Conservation Society Amravati (NCSA), which has developed a good community-based conservation model in buffer zone of MTR, stated that field directors really needed to count communities living in the buffer areas. "Earlier, field directors used to participate in the community meetings organized by NCSA and resolve many issues. However, the practice has stopped now," said Nishikant Kale, ex-president of NCSA. Officials have even started ignoring health initiatives started by NCSA exclusively for buffer villages since 2005, Kale added.
Kale said wildlife wing officials needed to learn from tiger reserves like Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) in Tamil Nadu where park administration was working with the communities and reducing biotic pressure on reserves. The NTCA evaluation of tiger reserves in Maharashtra put MTR at the eighth spot, ahead of high-profile tiger reserves like Corbett and Ranthambore and Tadoba and Pench at 14th and 15th spot.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Tiger-reserves-ignoring-local-communities/articleshow/7643363.cms
To appease VIP tourists, officials flout norms in Ranthambore Anindo Dey, TNN
JAIPUR: For Ranthambore National Park, VIP tourists and flouting of norms seem to go hand in hand. Recently a park official, while escorting a VIP tourist, chose to meander off the safari track on hot trail of a tiger, much to the amazement of others. The official, a ranger, choose to enter no-go areas in zone number 4 in Lakarda to please his tourist friends, said a witness.
"The patrol vehicle the ranger was in, along with his friends, spotted a tiger and started following it. The vehicle then went off the safari tracks into the grass much to the amazement of other tourists who were in the same area then," he said.
"Seeing the vehicle follow the tiger, an American tourist who was close by also wanted his guides to go in the same direction. But the guides explained it was against the rules. The American enquired as to why the other jeep had gone that way and he had to be told that there was an official in it and so he was free' to do what he wanted," he said.
The tourist then clicked a picture of the jeep and intimated wildlife activists. "How do you propose to impose laws and rules to such places where the rulers themselves are unruly? If officials of the department flout rules of conservation, then what do you expect from ordinary people?" asked an activist.
In August last year, even when the park remained on its annual closure, 40 tourists aboard luxury train Palace on Wheels were allowed to go inside the park for tiger-sighting.
In October last year, during the wedding of British comedian Russell Brand and US pop singer Katy Perry, complaints of noise pollution and the couple entering the park premises with commodities which are strictly banned were reported.
"Not just this, officials often choose to take their guests to prime zones even if they do not get it by default. According to the rules, the zones are allotted on a rotational basis. But rules just apply to commoners and not the VIPs or officials," said a source.
However, officials of the department denied the allegations. "All rules are strictly adhered to by one and all. In the event someone has done something wrong, we will look into it and act suitably," said an official.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/To-appease-VIP-tourists-officials-flout-norms-in-Ranthambore/articleshow/7643023.cms
"The patrol vehicle the ranger was in, along with his friends, spotted a tiger and started following it. The vehicle then went off the safari tracks into the grass much to the amazement of other tourists who were in the same area then," he said.
"Seeing the vehicle follow the tiger, an American tourist who was close by also wanted his guides to go in the same direction. But the guides explained it was against the rules. The American enquired as to why the other jeep had gone that way and he had to be told that there was an official in it and so he was free' to do what he wanted," he said.
The tourist then clicked a picture of the jeep and intimated wildlife activists. "How do you propose to impose laws and rules to such places where the rulers themselves are unruly? If officials of the department flout rules of conservation, then what do you expect from ordinary people?" asked an activist.
In August last year, even when the park remained on its annual closure, 40 tourists aboard luxury train Palace on Wheels were allowed to go inside the park for tiger-sighting.
In October last year, during the wedding of British comedian Russell Brand and US pop singer Katy Perry, complaints of noise pollution and the couple entering the park premises with commodities which are strictly banned were reported.
"Not just this, officials often choose to take their guests to prime zones even if they do not get it by default. According to the rules, the zones are allotted on a rotational basis. But rules just apply to commoners and not the VIPs or officials," said a source.
However, officials of the department denied the allegations. "All rules are strictly adhered to by one and all. In the event someone has done something wrong, we will look into it and act suitably," said an official.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/To-appease-VIP-tourists-officials-flout-norms-in-Ranthambore/articleshow/7643023.cms
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Rajasthan mulls national park in Kumbhalgarh
JAIPUR: Rajasthan's forest department plans to develop a national park in Kumbhalgarh , Raoli and Tatgarh areas of the state, an official said on Saturday.
The park, covering an area of 525 sq km, will be Rajasthan's third one after Ranthambore and Keoladeo national parks in Sawai Madhopur and Bharatpur districts, respectively.
It is being planned to accommodate the growing population of tigers in Ranthambore National Park and prevent territorial fights among them.
The park will be developed after clubbing together sanctuary areas of Kumbhalgarh, Raoli and Tatgarh falling in Pali, Rajsamand, Udaipur and Ajmer districts, a senior forest department official told IANS.
"We have prepared the proposal on the basis of our vast research of the area. We found that it has all the potential to be developed as a national park," said the official.
He added that combination of rocky terrains and dense forests was suitable for a variety of animals, including panthers, leopards, bears, deer and rabbits.
"There is no dearth of prey if the tigers are shifted here," he said.
If implemented, the project is likely to give a major boost to the tourism industry in the state.
"The state government, after giving its nod, will issue a notification announcing the area as national park. After that, work to shift some of the villages will begin," he said.
The desert state is one of the few states that can boast of two tiger projects, a bird sanctuary and 25 wildlife sanctuaries.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/environment/flora-fauna/rajasthan-mulls-national-park-in-kumbhalgarh/articleshow/7636760.cms
The park, covering an area of 525 sq km, will be Rajasthan's third one after Ranthambore and Keoladeo national parks in Sawai Madhopur and Bharatpur districts, respectively.
It is being planned to accommodate the growing population of tigers in Ranthambore National Park and prevent territorial fights among them.
The park will be developed after clubbing together sanctuary areas of Kumbhalgarh, Raoli and Tatgarh falling in Pali, Rajsamand, Udaipur and Ajmer districts, a senior forest department official told IANS.
"We have prepared the proposal on the basis of our vast research of the area. We found that it has all the potential to be developed as a national park," said the official.
He added that combination of rocky terrains and dense forests was suitable for a variety of animals, including panthers, leopards, bears, deer and rabbits.
"There is no dearth of prey if the tigers are shifted here," he said.
If implemented, the project is likely to give a major boost to the tourism industry in the state.
"The state government, after giving its nod, will issue a notification announcing the area as national park. After that, work to shift some of the villages will begin," he said.
The desert state is one of the few states that can boast of two tiger projects, a bird sanctuary and 25 wildlife sanctuaries.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/environment/flora-fauna/rajasthan-mulls-national-park-in-kumbhalgarh/articleshow/7636760.cms
Place of worship hits tiger conservation TNN
DALTONGANJ: A huge place of worship right in the middle of Palamu tiger reserve has hindered progress of conserving the big cats.
The pucca building at Labher on way from Betla to Garu has become a troubled zone also as a ranger had been beaten up by local villagers some years back.
National Tiger Conservation Authority member of east and northeast effective management evaluation Srivastava said the ranger had objected to the construction of the place of worship at Labher.
The Supreme Court has asked the state governments to ensure a relocation of all places of worship, which are in a way causing inconvenience to public.
Palamu Project Tiger field director Paritosh Upadhaya said: "First of all, this place of worship has not come up during the period I have been here but has drawn devotees over the last 50 years."
The Palamu directorate of Project Tiger has clearly and strictly asked the people of this place of worship not to raise, construct or expand any more.
He agreed that the issue is "sensitive" while corroborating manhandling of the then field ranger over the coming up of this pucca place of worship at Labher.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/TNN05tigerdocclearedSP/-193Place-of-worship-hits/articleshow/7636697.cms
The pucca building at Labher on way from Betla to Garu has become a troubled zone also as a ranger had been beaten up by local villagers some years back.
National Tiger Conservation Authority member of east and northeast effective management evaluation Srivastava said the ranger had objected to the construction of the place of worship at Labher.
The Supreme Court has asked the state governments to ensure a relocation of all places of worship, which are in a way causing inconvenience to public.
Palamu Project Tiger field director Paritosh Upadhaya said: "First of all, this place of worship has not come up during the period I have been here but has drawn devotees over the last 50 years."
The Palamu directorate of Project Tiger has clearly and strictly asked the people of this place of worship not to raise, construct or expand any more.
He agreed that the issue is "sensitive" while corroborating manhandling of the then field ranger over the coming up of this pucca place of worship at Labher.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/TNN05tigerdocclearedSP/-193Place-of-worship-hits/articleshow/7636697.cms
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Rajasthan to deploy special police to protect forests
Jaipur, March 4 (IANS) The Rajasthan government plans to deploy battalions of Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC) to protect forest areas in the state, an official said Friday.
Rajasthan boasts of two tiger projects, a bird sanctuary and 25 wildlife sanctuaries.
'The tiger reserves, existing ones and those proposed, will be given priority in the deployment of RAC battalions,' a senior home department officer told IANS.
Acting on a proposal sent by the forest department to the state's chief secretary, the home department has asked the director general of police (DGP) to make necessary arrangements in this regard.
The DGP is supposed to make a detailed report on the deployment and send it to the home department before the scheme is implemented.
He added RAC battalions will be deployed at forest areas in Alwar, Sawaimadhopur, Bharatpur, Dholpur, Karauli, Nagaur, Kota, Jaipur, Udaipur, Rajsamand, Jalore and some other districts.
National Tiger Conservation Authority of India is considering some other dense forest areas in the state to develop them as tiger reserve besides Ranthambore in Sawaimdhopur district and Sariska in Alwar, due to growing population of big cats here, the officer said.
With this, there is a need to put a check on incidents of illegal grazing in the protected forest areas, illegal mining, poaching of wild life animals and attacks on foresters, he added.
'Recently there had been many incidents of tigers and leopards straying into the villages around forests areas following which the animals were attacked, even killed in some cases.
'While trying to rescue these wild animals, the foresters were also attacked. Stepped up security in these areas will hopefully help tackle such situation,' the official added.
http://www.sify.com/news/rajasthan-to-deploy-special-police-to-protect-forests-news-national-lderkmeighi.html
Rajasthan boasts of two tiger projects, a bird sanctuary and 25 wildlife sanctuaries.
'The tiger reserves, existing ones and those proposed, will be given priority in the deployment of RAC battalions,' a senior home department officer told IANS.
Acting on a proposal sent by the forest department to the state's chief secretary, the home department has asked the director general of police (DGP) to make necessary arrangements in this regard.
The DGP is supposed to make a detailed report on the deployment and send it to the home department before the scheme is implemented.
He added RAC battalions will be deployed at forest areas in Alwar, Sawaimadhopur, Bharatpur, Dholpur, Karauli, Nagaur, Kota, Jaipur, Udaipur, Rajsamand, Jalore and some other districts.
National Tiger Conservation Authority of India is considering some other dense forest areas in the state to develop them as tiger reserve besides Ranthambore in Sawaimdhopur district and Sariska in Alwar, due to growing population of big cats here, the officer said.
With this, there is a need to put a check on incidents of illegal grazing in the protected forest areas, illegal mining, poaching of wild life animals and attacks on foresters, he added.
'Recently there had been many incidents of tigers and leopards straying into the villages around forests areas following which the animals were attacked, even killed in some cases.
'While trying to rescue these wild animals, the foresters were also attacked. Stepped up security in these areas will hopefully help tackle such situation,' the official added.
http://www.sify.com/news/rajasthan-to-deploy-special-police-to-protect-forests-news-national-lderkmeighi.html
Friday, March 4, 2011
Nine held for possession of tiger, panther skins
Erode (TN), Mar 3 (PTI) Nine persons, including a woman, were arrested in Pollachi in nearby Coimbatore district for possession of tiger and panther skins, Erode District Forest Conservator said. According to Erode District Conservator of Forests, Arun, a team of Forest Department personnel in plainclothes travelled to Dharapuram in nearby Tirupur district yesterday following a tip-off. One of the officers, posing as a civilian, met Jailani, one of the accused, to purchase tiger skin, he said. Jailani demanded Rs five crore for the skin and took the undercover officer to Pollachi yesterday night, where he was shown the skins of a tiger, four panthers and a black panther, he said. He added that when the wildlife skin traders ultimately agreed to sell all the skins for a combined Rs one crore, the officer said he had to consult his friends before paying the sum, following which he informed the other officials waiting nearby. The accused persons, including Parameswari, in whose house the incident took place, were promptly rounded up and the wildlife skin were seized. The accused were booked under section nine of the Wildlife Protection Act, he said.
http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/nine-held-for-possession-of-tiger-panther-skins/596495.html
http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/nine-held-for-possession-of-tiger-panther-skins/596495.html
Migration hits counting of big cats - TNN
DALTONGANJ: The tigers of the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) are not as lucky as the tigers of the Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar s West Champaran! The tiger reserve of India is in close proximity to the Royal Chitwan Tiger Reserve in Nepal. In summer the tigers of the Valmiki Tiger Reserve slip into the Royal Chitwan Tiger Reserve in Nepal which is their summer resort and they go in and come out as they please.
According to D S Srivastava, member of the Effective Evaluation Management East and North East of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Delhi, tigers of Valmiki Reserve move towards the Royal Chitwan Tiger Reserve in Nepal to beat the heat.
However, he lamented that such a luxury is not available to the tigers of the Palamu Reserve, where they remain within the precincts of the PTR. India is perhaps the only country where this highly endangered species travels across the border. When asked whether the migration affects counting of the big cat he replied in the affirmative.
The PTR is spread over 1,026 square kilometers. This wildlife activist was aghast to see flock of sheep passing through the core zone of the PTR as he said sheep carries high risk infection and where ever the flock of sheep drinks water at the water hole that water is bound to be contaminated and not fit for the tigers and other wildlife. He said he came across the flock of sheep numbering 50 to 60 10 km away from Betla on Wednesday.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/Migration-hits-counting-of-big-cats/articleshow/7622553.cms
According to D S Srivastava, member of the Effective Evaluation Management East and North East of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Delhi, tigers of Valmiki Reserve move towards the Royal Chitwan Tiger Reserve in Nepal to beat the heat.
However, he lamented that such a luxury is not available to the tigers of the Palamu Reserve, where they remain within the precincts of the PTR. India is perhaps the only country where this highly endangered species travels across the border. When asked whether the migration affects counting of the big cat he replied in the affirmative.
The PTR is spread over 1,026 square kilometers. This wildlife activist was aghast to see flock of sheep passing through the core zone of the PTR as he said sheep carries high risk infection and where ever the flock of sheep drinks water at the water hole that water is bound to be contaminated and not fit for the tigers and other wildlife. He said he came across the flock of sheep numbering 50 to 60 10 km away from Betla on Wednesday.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/Migration-hits-counting-of-big-cats/articleshow/7622553.cms
Rough weather in four reserves on Forest Rights Act rollout - TNN
In the recent meeting of the apex National Tiger Conservation Authority, members pointed out seven specific instances where Forest Rights Act has been violated in an attempt to hastily declare an area free of people. Environment minister Jairam Ramesh said he would investigate each claim and allegation of violation of FRA. TOI highlights four such reserves. Will he now send a fact finding team to these sites?
BRT Tiger reserve, Karnataka
The establishment of the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple wildlife sanctuary in 1974 displaced the Soliga tribals from their shifting cultivation sites to settled colonies. The collection of NTFP (non-timber forest products ) was banned in 2005, affecting their livelihood. Under FRA, 787 Soligas families have received land titles and 400 are awaiting them. Soligas are also in the process of receiving formal community rights shortly. But the state government has declared it a tiger reserve without discussing the proposal with the Soligas. Wildlife scientists have suggested that BRT not be turned into a tiger reserve but could be the first experiment of community management. The state government has paid no heed.
Sunabeda sanctuary, Orissa
There are 64 villages within this sanctuary in Nuapara district of Orissa. Of these, 42 are revenue villages and the rest are termed "encroached villages" by the forest department . These are actually villages that haven't been surveyed and for which no revenue settlement has been done to date. The sanctuary consists of 22,000 people and 87% comprises tribes such as the Gonds and Bhunjia . The forest department has claimed that gram sabhas have agreed to declaring it a tiger reserve and to be relocated. Through RTI, it was found that no village had agreed. The villages have now passed resolutions against the move. Meanwhile, Maoists have moved in and NTCA has given "in-principle" approval for declaring it as tiger reserve.
Mudumalai, Tamil Nadu
Mudumalai was declared as a critical tiger habitat in December, 2007 without any scientific study or evidence. Numerous protests by the local communities from 2009 and on December 30 that year, more than one lakh people held a demonstration. Relocation attempts have been made but no family has actually moved. FRA has not been implemented to date. Tamil Nadu says only 271 claims have been received from the entire Niligiri district and none has been decided yet (as of May last year, whereas relocation funds were allocated in 2009). No consent of gram sabha has been taken for relocation.
Melghat, Maharashtra
The declaration of the critical tiger habitat was done without the inclusion or knowledge of the local communities. They got to know of the changed status only when forest officials told them they would have to move out. Five villages are being relocated in the first phase, consent for which has been obtained on an individual basis and not from gram sabhas. The Korku tribe did not want to move out while other tribes and pastoralists took the offer.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Rough-weather-in-four-reserves-on-Forest-Rights-Act-rollout/articleshow/7624593.cms
BRT Tiger reserve, Karnataka
The establishment of the Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple wildlife sanctuary in 1974 displaced the Soliga tribals from their shifting cultivation sites to settled colonies. The collection of NTFP (non-timber forest products ) was banned in 2005, affecting their livelihood. Under FRA, 787 Soligas families have received land titles and 400 are awaiting them. Soligas are also in the process of receiving formal community rights shortly. But the state government has declared it a tiger reserve without discussing the proposal with the Soligas. Wildlife scientists have suggested that BRT not be turned into a tiger reserve but could be the first experiment of community management. The state government has paid no heed.
Sunabeda sanctuary, Orissa
There are 64 villages within this sanctuary in Nuapara district of Orissa. Of these, 42 are revenue villages and the rest are termed "encroached villages" by the forest department . These are actually villages that haven't been surveyed and for which no revenue settlement has been done to date. The sanctuary consists of 22,000 people and 87% comprises tribes such as the Gonds and Bhunjia . The forest department has claimed that gram sabhas have agreed to declaring it a tiger reserve and to be relocated. Through RTI, it was found that no village had agreed. The villages have now passed resolutions against the move. Meanwhile, Maoists have moved in and NTCA has given "in-principle" approval for declaring it as tiger reserve.
Mudumalai, Tamil Nadu
Mudumalai was declared as a critical tiger habitat in December, 2007 without any scientific study or evidence. Numerous protests by the local communities from 2009 and on December 30 that year, more than one lakh people held a demonstration. Relocation attempts have been made but no family has actually moved. FRA has not been implemented to date. Tamil Nadu says only 271 claims have been received from the entire Niligiri district and none has been decided yet (as of May last year, whereas relocation funds were allocated in 2009). No consent of gram sabha has been taken for relocation.
Melghat, Maharashtra
The declaration of the critical tiger habitat was done without the inclusion or knowledge of the local communities. They got to know of the changed status only when forest officials told them they would have to move out. Five villages are being relocated in the first phase, consent for which has been obtained on an individual basis and not from gram sabhas. The Korku tribe did not want to move out while other tribes and pastoralists took the offer.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Rough-weather-in-four-reserves-on-Forest-Rights-Act-rollout/articleshow/7624593.cms
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
'Tiger man' Fateh Singh Rathore passes away TNN
JAIPUR: India's best known tiger conservationist Fateh Singh Rathore, whose name became synonymous with Project Tiger, died of cancer at his home in Sawai Madhopur on Tuesday at age 72. A former field director of Ranthambore National Park, Rathore's cancer of the lung had spread to his ribs and the end came around 10:45am.
''Doctors found his cancer had spread in January. Since then we've been treating him at various hospitals. About a week back, realising that he won't survive, Fatehji said he wanted to spend his last days among the hills and forests in Ranthambore. So he was brought here,'' said an associate in Sawai Madhopur.
Fateh Singh is survived by his wife, son Goverdhan Singh Rathore and two daughters — Padmini and Jaya. After retiring from the forest department, Rathore was heading an NGO 'Tiger Watch' in Sawai Madhopur. His death was mourned by activists and commoners alike and thousands came to his home in grief. ''He will be cremated in his farm house on Wednesday,'' said Dharmendra Khandal, a conservation biologist and Fateh's co-worker at Tiger Watch.
''It's a great loss for me; the umbrella under which I was growing up for the past seven years is no longer with me. We were planning some celebration this year as this was his 51st year in conservation. But now the plans will have to be changed,'' added Khandal.
Rathore made his last public appearance in Jaipur in February when he received World Wildlife Fund's Lifetime Achievement Award. He then went into his beloved Ranthambore for the last time on February 11 with his son, grandson and conservationist Belinda Wright.
Known to anyone who has ever been to Ranthambore, Fateh Singh joined the Indian Forest Service in 1960 and was part of the first Project Tiger team. Widely acknowledged as ''tiger guru'' for his legendary knowledge of the big cat, he had the uncanny ability to predict a tiger's whereabouts. His single-minded drive to protect Ranthambore National Park made him an enemy of poachers who once robbed him. In 1983, Fateh Singh got the International Valour Award for bravery in conservation.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Tiger-man-Fateh-Singh-Rathore-passes-away/articleshow/7606695.cms
''Doctors found his cancer had spread in January. Since then we've been treating him at various hospitals. About a week back, realising that he won't survive, Fatehji said he wanted to spend his last days among the hills and forests in Ranthambore. So he was brought here,'' said an associate in Sawai Madhopur.
Fateh Singh is survived by his wife, son Goverdhan Singh Rathore and two daughters — Padmini and Jaya. After retiring from the forest department, Rathore was heading an NGO 'Tiger Watch' in Sawai Madhopur. His death was mourned by activists and commoners alike and thousands came to his home in grief. ''He will be cremated in his farm house on Wednesday,'' said Dharmendra Khandal, a conservation biologist and Fateh's co-worker at Tiger Watch.
''It's a great loss for me; the umbrella under which I was growing up for the past seven years is no longer with me. We were planning some celebration this year as this was his 51st year in conservation. But now the plans will have to be changed,'' added Khandal.
Rathore made his last public appearance in Jaipur in February when he received World Wildlife Fund's Lifetime Achievement Award. He then went into his beloved Ranthambore for the last time on February 11 with his son, grandson and conservationist Belinda Wright.
Known to anyone who has ever been to Ranthambore, Fateh Singh joined the Indian Forest Service in 1960 and was part of the first Project Tiger team. Widely acknowledged as ''tiger guru'' for his legendary knowledge of the big cat, he had the uncanny ability to predict a tiger's whereabouts. His single-minded drive to protect Ranthambore National Park made him an enemy of poachers who once robbed him. In 1983, Fateh Singh got the International Valour Award for bravery in conservation.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Tiger-man-Fateh-Singh-Rathore-passes-away/articleshow/7606695.cms
14 tigers died in two months in India
New Delhi, March 1 (IANS) As many as 14 tigers have died in the country till February this year alone, including two due to poaching, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh told Lok Sabha Tuesday.
Replying to a question in Rajya Sabha, Ramesh said 161 tigers - 51 due to poaching -- have died since 2008.
'About 14 tigers have died, 12 due to natural and other causes and two due to poaching, till Feb 22 this year,' Ramesh told the upper house.
From projections done on the basis of the last tiger census done in 2008, there are less than 1400 tigers left in India.
http://www.sify.com/news/14-tigers-died-in-two-months-in-india-news-national-ldbsEqacffj.html
Replying to a question in Rajya Sabha, Ramesh said 161 tigers - 51 due to poaching -- have died since 2008.
'About 14 tigers have died, 12 due to natural and other causes and two due to poaching, till Feb 22 this year,' Ramesh told the upper house.
From projections done on the basis of the last tiger census done in 2008, there are less than 1400 tigers left in India.
http://www.sify.com/news/14-tigers-died-in-two-months-in-india-news-national-ldbsEqacffj.html
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