NAGPUR: The tiger population going up in the state from 103 in 2006 to 169 in 2010 may be good news but the bad news is that there can be no policy to protect corridors required for the tigers to disperse for a viable population.
Talking to TOI on Wednesday, Union minister for environment and forests Jairam Ramesh said protecting corridors was impossible as all development would come to a standstill. "We cannot come out with a policy on corridors," Ramesh stressed.
Today, tigers are facing the biggest threat from shrinking and fragmented corridors between protected areas (PAs) connecting each other. Against this backdrop, Ramesh's statement is disturbing. This is despite the fact that environment minister himself admitting that one-third of the tiger population resides outside protected areas (PAs).
Corridors between Kanha-Nagzira-Pench, Navegaon-Nagzira, Tadoba-Melghat are under threat from encroachments, road widening, mining, power and other developmental projects. Ramesh admits that biggest threat is coal mining for a number of power projects. "But let me tell you that the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is not only for protecting tigers but also forests. Tiger is just a symbol — if tigers are gone, so will forests," he stated.
Ramesh felt there would be a lot of hue and cry if a policy on corridors was formulated. According to a study by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), there are 89 villages in the Nagzira-Navegaon corridor, which further extends to Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in Chandrapur and Indravati Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh. A similar situation prevails in Tadoba-Andhari corridor where there are equal number of villages.
At present, there is no status to corridors between Kanha, Pench, Navegaon and Nagzira, which is roughly 15,000 sq km. After protected areas (PAs), corridors are the main pockets through which genetic breeding takes place. These are the best conservation units for dispersal of tigers.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Protecting-tiger-corridors-impossible-Ramesh/articleshow/8104819.cms
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Chavan announces Rs 50 crore for Vidarbha tribals
Nagpur, Apr 27 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithiviraj Chavan today announced a rehabilitation package of Rs 50 crore for tribals in tiger reserves of Tadoba and Melghat in Vidarbha region of the state. Chavan, who kicked off a whirlwind tour of Vidarbha from today, visited Lekha-Mendha village in Gadchiroli district, along with union minister for environment and forests Jairam Ramesh, and handed over transit passes to tribals there thus offering them right of harvesting and managing Bamboo as a forest produce. Chavan said that "The state government has decided to denotify 32,230 hectares of land and will prepare a draft proposal accordingly and it would be sent to Centre for necessary process." "A large number of irrigation, infrastructure, roads and other projects were held up because of Zudpi-Jangal act which prohibited any activities in the forested areas. The state government will take up the issue with the Centrally Empowered Committee (CEC) before approaching the Supreme Court to denotify the Zudpi-Jangals," he said. Chavan announced that the state Government will allocate Rs 10 lakh each to the families in Kolsa village in Tadoba forest area. Out of Rs 50 crore, Rs 10 crore would be spent on Tadoba and Rs 40 crore on Melghat, Chavan said. Ramesh, who along with Chavan inaugurated the regional office of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), said since a number of tiger projects are located near Nagpur, the government would shortly be preparing a master plan for developing it as an gateway to nearby tiger reserves.
http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/chavan-announces-rs-50-crore-for-vidarbha-tribals/664095.html
http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/chavan-announces-rs-50-crore-for-vidarbha-tribals/664095.html
Bullocks saved my life, KEM doctors limb: Tiger attack survivor, Somita Pal DNA
“My bullocks saved my life and the KEM doctors saved my limb,” said Anil Bhosale, 35, a resident of Kheda village, who was attacked by a tiger on April 20.
It took 10 hours and five doctors from KEM hospital’s orthopaedic department to save his left hand. The doctors had to resurrect his wrist bone as his left wrist had been badly bitten by the tiger.
Anil had gone to feed his cattle when the tiger pounced on him. It attacked the bullocks and later him. The bullocks kicked the tiger to save Anil.
“Anil came to us on Thursday morning with his brother. The tiger had badly bitten his wrist. We first washed his hand, gave him primary aid and took X-rays. His palm was showing some sense of liveliness. So we decided to operate on him as soon as possible and save his limb,” said Dr Pradeep Bhosale, head of the orthopaedic department, KEM hospital.
“We had to cancel two other operations for this,” said Dr Pankaj Agarwal, orthopaedic surgeon, KEM hospital. The operation was headed by Dr SK Srivastava.
“We had taken the plastic surgeon’s opinion before the surgery. We first resurrected the bone. Later, we reattached all the torn tissues in the wrist. Then, we used the skin of abdomen to cover the wound,” added Agarwal. “He is recovering fast. Two of his fingers are already showing some movement,” said Dr Bhosale.
Nitesh, his brother, said, “In our village, tigers keep on attacking our herds. We had complained to the forest officer. It was brave of Anil that even after the attack he drove to the police station to register a complaint, and then went to the nearby hospital.” Anil came to KEM hospital after the local hospital doctors asked him to go to a bigger hospital.
http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_bullocks-saved-my-life-kem-doctors-limb-tiger-attack-survivor_1536926
It took 10 hours and five doctors from KEM hospital’s orthopaedic department to save his left hand. The doctors had to resurrect his wrist bone as his left wrist had been badly bitten by the tiger.
Anil had gone to feed his cattle when the tiger pounced on him. It attacked the bullocks and later him. The bullocks kicked the tiger to save Anil.
“Anil came to us on Thursday morning with his brother. The tiger had badly bitten his wrist. We first washed his hand, gave him primary aid and took X-rays. His palm was showing some sense of liveliness. So we decided to operate on him as soon as possible and save his limb,” said Dr Pradeep Bhosale, head of the orthopaedic department, KEM hospital.
“We had to cancel two other operations for this,” said Dr Pankaj Agarwal, orthopaedic surgeon, KEM hospital. The operation was headed by Dr SK Srivastava.
“We had taken the plastic surgeon’s opinion before the surgery. We first resurrected the bone. Later, we reattached all the torn tissues in the wrist. Then, we used the skin of abdomen to cover the wound,” added Agarwal. “He is recovering fast. Two of his fingers are already showing some movement,” said Dr Bhosale.
Nitesh, his brother, said, “In our village, tigers keep on attacking our herds. We had complained to the forest officer. It was brave of Anil that even after the attack he drove to the police station to register a complaint, and then went to the nearby hospital.” Anil came to KEM hospital after the local hospital doctors asked him to go to a bigger hospital.
http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_bullocks-saved-my-life-kem-doctors-limb-tiger-attack-survivor_1536926
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Baby boom: One more R'bore tiger gives birth Anindo Dey, TNN
JAIPUR: It is baby boom time at Ranthambore National Park. After confirmation of tigress T-8 giving birth to two cubs last Saturday, it is now the turn of tigress T-19.
Reports are the tigress was spotted on Monday evening with a swollen mammary gland suggestng suckling cubs. Tigresses do not bring out their cubs in the open till they are about three to four months old and it is only after this they venture out with their mother.
"Last evening we were out on a tour and we spotted T-19. Her mammary glands were swollen though her stomach had not. All of us, including my jeep driver, concluded that she must have given birth to cubs recently," said tourism minister Bina Kak who is currently on a visit to the park.
In fact, even the cubs of T-8 were first spotted by some visitors who informed state forest department officials. In this case too officials were unable to throw any light. "It is only after we click the cubs along with their mother can we give any confirmation of birth. Currently we cannot say anything. Even in the case of T-8 it was only after we took a picture of the tigress with her cubs were we able to confirm the birth," the officials said.
In the absence of the cubs being photographed, not much was forthcoming on their numbers. However, even if just two cubs are born the count of newborns at the park since September 2010 will reach 16. "Among the tigresses who have given birth so far are T-5 which eventually died leaving behind the two newborns, tigresses T-13, T-31, T-8 with two cubs each and tigresses T-11 and T-26 with three cubs each," said R P Gupta, DFO, Ranthambore.
Officials are much elated over the births and feel this negates conservationists who have been crying foul on the move to relocate tigers from a breeding population to Sariska.
"It just so happened that there was a year when no births took place. But the very fact we have so many newborns this year suggest that the population of tigers have not been disturbed despite the fact that some of the tigers were relocated to Sariska," officials said.
However, along with the elation also came worries of a territorial fight when the cubs grow up. Ranthambore is already bursting at its seams with at least 31 tigers reported in the last census done by the Wildlife Institute of India ( WII). Cases of territorial fights and tigers straying outside the park are increasing.
The only hope seems to be a corridor between Ranthambore and the Mukundra hills that the state has planned and making other sanctuaries around more habitable for wild animals.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Baby-boom-One-more-Rbore-tiger-gives-birth/articleshow/8094747.cms
Reports are the tigress was spotted on Monday evening with a swollen mammary gland suggestng suckling cubs. Tigresses do not bring out their cubs in the open till they are about three to four months old and it is only after this they venture out with their mother.
"Last evening we were out on a tour and we spotted T-19. Her mammary glands were swollen though her stomach had not. All of us, including my jeep driver, concluded that she must have given birth to cubs recently," said tourism minister Bina Kak who is currently on a visit to the park.
In fact, even the cubs of T-8 were first spotted by some visitors who informed state forest department officials. In this case too officials were unable to throw any light. "It is only after we click the cubs along with their mother can we give any confirmation of birth. Currently we cannot say anything. Even in the case of T-8 it was only after we took a picture of the tigress with her cubs were we able to confirm the birth," the officials said.
In the absence of the cubs being photographed, not much was forthcoming on their numbers. However, even if just two cubs are born the count of newborns at the park since September 2010 will reach 16. "Among the tigresses who have given birth so far are T-5 which eventually died leaving behind the two newborns, tigresses T-13, T-31, T-8 with two cubs each and tigresses T-11 and T-26 with three cubs each," said R P Gupta, DFO, Ranthambore.
Officials are much elated over the births and feel this negates conservationists who have been crying foul on the move to relocate tigers from a breeding population to Sariska.
"It just so happened that there was a year when no births took place. But the very fact we have so many newborns this year suggest that the population of tigers have not been disturbed despite the fact that some of the tigers were relocated to Sariska," officials said.
However, along with the elation also came worries of a territorial fight when the cubs grow up. Ranthambore is already bursting at its seams with at least 31 tigers reported in the last census done by the Wildlife Institute of India ( WII). Cases of territorial fights and tigers straying outside the park are increasing.
The only hope seems to be a corridor between Ranthambore and the Mukundra hills that the state has planned and making other sanctuaries around more habitable for wild animals.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Baby-boom-One-more-Rbore-tiger-gives-birth/articleshow/8094747.cms
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Forest union threatens to shut tiger reserves TNN
NAGPUR: The Maharashtra Forest Guards, Forest Employees and Forest Workers' Sanghatana has threatened to close down Pench, Tadoba-Andhari and Melghat tiger reserves if wages of van majoors are not paid immediately.
Working president of the Sanghatana, Siraj Patel, informed that over 1,500 forest workers (van majoors) in the three tiger reserves had not been paid wages for the past four months. These workers were last paid in December. Patel's threat comes a day before Union minister of state for environment and forests Jairam Ramesh is visiting Nagpur for opening the first regional office of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Van majoors are backbone of any protected area as mostly they man the protection huts deep inside tiger reserves and conduct patrolling. "It has become a chronic problem but forest officials have failed to address it. NTCA has released the money but why is wildlife wing not paying the workers," Patel asked.
"We will not allow tourists to enter these three reserves, if wages are not paid in eight days," warned Patel. Wildlife wing officials, who did not wish to be quoted, said: "This year tiger reserves did not receive the second instalment under the centrally sponsored scheme (CSS) and hence the problem."
They said NTCA released Rs 41.39 lakh for TATR; Rs 13 lakh for Pench and Rs 61.35 lakh for Melghat towards second instalment on March 31, the last day of financial year. "We could not spend the money in one day. Now, unless Centre revalidates the payment, the funds will be kept in abeyance," official sources informed.
Patel said big talk was being made to save the tigers in the name of tiger capital but both NTCA and state government had failed to address the core issue of releasing wages to workers on time.
State government apathy was worse. The financial year begins from April 1 and MoEF releases its share under CSS in September. Shockingly, state finance department releases a separate GR, usually in January, to release this money.
"It's a vicious circle. As first instalment is delayed, utilisation certificates (UCs) are not submitted in time. Unless UCs for first instalment are submitted, MoEF doesn't release second instalment," officials stated.
Patel alleged at a time when tiger numbers had gone up in the state, no steps were being taken to create space for additional tigers. "There is no capacity building, no proper postings and time-bound promotions. How can you expect the field staff to be motivated and protect the tigers," the veteran union leader asked.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Forest-union-threatens-to-shut-tiger-reserves/articleshow/8084487.cms
Working president of the Sanghatana, Siraj Patel, informed that over 1,500 forest workers (van majoors) in the three tiger reserves had not been paid wages for the past four months. These workers were last paid in December. Patel's threat comes a day before Union minister of state for environment and forests Jairam Ramesh is visiting Nagpur for opening the first regional office of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Van majoors are backbone of any protected area as mostly they man the protection huts deep inside tiger reserves and conduct patrolling. "It has become a chronic problem but forest officials have failed to address it. NTCA has released the money but why is wildlife wing not paying the workers," Patel asked.
"We will not allow tourists to enter these three reserves, if wages are not paid in eight days," warned Patel. Wildlife wing officials, who did not wish to be quoted, said: "This year tiger reserves did not receive the second instalment under the centrally sponsored scheme (CSS) and hence the problem."
They said NTCA released Rs 41.39 lakh for TATR; Rs 13 lakh for Pench and Rs 61.35 lakh for Melghat towards second instalment on March 31, the last day of financial year. "We could not spend the money in one day. Now, unless Centre revalidates the payment, the funds will be kept in abeyance," official sources informed.
Patel said big talk was being made to save the tigers in the name of tiger capital but both NTCA and state government had failed to address the core issue of releasing wages to workers on time.
State government apathy was worse. The financial year begins from April 1 and MoEF releases its share under CSS in September. Shockingly, state finance department releases a separate GR, usually in January, to release this money.
"It's a vicious circle. As first instalment is delayed, utilisation certificates (UCs) are not submitted in time. Unless UCs for first instalment are submitted, MoEF doesn't release second instalment," officials stated.
Patel alleged at a time when tiger numbers had gone up in the state, no steps were being taken to create space for additional tigers. "There is no capacity building, no proper postings and time-bound promotions. How can you expect the field staff to be motivated and protect the tigers," the veteran union leader asked.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Forest-union-threatens-to-shut-tiger-reserves/articleshow/8084487.cms
Two tiger cubs spotted at Ranthambore National Park
Jaipur, April 25 (IANS) Two new tiger cubs have been spotted at the Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur district, taking the total number of cubs in the park to 12, and bringing cheer to wildlife enthusiasts.
The cubs of tigress named T-8 were spotted Saturday in Zone Number 8 of Chidikheda area in Phalodi Range of Ranthambore National Park.
"The tiger cubs were spotted in the morning shift of tiger safari. They were roaming around with their mother T-8," Nature Guides Association president Atiq Mohammad said Monday.
The sight enthralled the tourists who frantically took pictures of the cubs and their mother.
"The cubs strayed in the forest area, but the mother continued to hang around," Atiq added.
The guides, who had taken the tourists into the park, immediately informed the authorities. "We have set up 3-4 trap cameras in the area and increased tracking," said a senior park officer.
According to forest officials, the park houses 31 adult tigers. Other wild animals found there include leopards, wild pigs, deer species and monkeys.
Ranthambore National Park is spread over an area of around 400 sq km. If the adjoining Sawai Man Singh sanctuary, over 175 km from Jaipur, is taken into consideration, the total area is around 500 sq km.
The park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957, and gained the protection of the central government's Project Tiger scheme in 1974. It was designated a national park in 1981.
The latest tiger census puts the total number of tigers in India at 1,706, marking an increase of 295 over the last census in 2006.
http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=local&newsid=234698
The cubs of tigress named T-8 were spotted Saturday in Zone Number 8 of Chidikheda area in Phalodi Range of Ranthambore National Park.
"The tiger cubs were spotted in the morning shift of tiger safari. They were roaming around with their mother T-8," Nature Guides Association president Atiq Mohammad said Monday.
The sight enthralled the tourists who frantically took pictures of the cubs and their mother.
"The cubs strayed in the forest area, but the mother continued to hang around," Atiq added.
The guides, who had taken the tourists into the park, immediately informed the authorities. "We have set up 3-4 trap cameras in the area and increased tracking," said a senior park officer.
According to forest officials, the park houses 31 adult tigers. Other wild animals found there include leopards, wild pigs, deer species and monkeys.
Ranthambore National Park is spread over an area of around 400 sq km. If the adjoining Sawai Man Singh sanctuary, over 175 km from Jaipur, is taken into consideration, the total area is around 500 sq km.
The park was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1957, and gained the protection of the central government's Project Tiger scheme in 1974. It was designated a national park in 1981.
The latest tiger census puts the total number of tigers in India at 1,706, marking an increase of 295 over the last census in 2006.
http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=local&newsid=234698
Sighted: A new home for tigers
JAIPUR: A hitherto little noticed Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary has crowned itself with glory in the annals of tiger conservation in the post-Project Tiger era in the country by playing host to a new tiger family. The comparatively small — just 250 sq km — sanctuary, situated south of the much more famous Ranthambhore National Park (RNP), now takes the cake for the third known breeding ground for tigers in the wild in Rajasthan after RNP and Sariska Tiger Reserve.
Tigress T 8 was sighted with two cubs this weekend at Chiri Kho along Sawai Madhopur-Bundi Road. The feline, a migrant from RNP, has been staying in Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary -- not known to be a place favoured by tigers so far– for two to three years. “It is a breakthrough. Tiger breeding is crucial indication both in terms of habitat improvement and prey base. It is the result of good management practices,” said a jubilant Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, R. N. Mehrotra, talking to The Hindu on Monday.
“Breeding takes place at very few places in India. A new area in tiger breeding is a very positive sign, especially when it happens outside the Project Tiger area,” said Rajpal Singh, Member of the Rajasthan Board for Wildlife. “Good tiger breeding is taking place in Rajasthan despite prophets of doom who had predicted some time back that Ranthambhore would not have tiger cubs as the atmosphere was not conducive for breeding,” he pointed out.
“This has come as very encouraging news as we have been busy shifting forest villages out of Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary to get it ready for the proposed Rajiv Gandhi Biosphere Reserve,” Mr. Mehrotra informed. The inhabitants of two villages, Hingdwar and Kalibhat, are in the process of moving out of the area. “The birth of cubs in the new area is also indicative that the degraded forests hold good potential. These forests can bring back the life cycle which existed earlier,” he asserted.
The areas south of Ranthambhore showing a clear indication of regeneration of flora and fauna is also a sure sign that the present experiments are in the right direction. Though the report of an expert team which conducted a survey on the proposed biosphere reserve is to be ready only by May 15, the tribe of tigers flourishing beyond Ranthambhore is opening up a lot of probabilities in conservation initiatives in the Hadauti (Kota) region.
“The Ranthambhore tigers have reached the doorstep of Lakheri forests. In a year or two we will be regenerating Bundi forests as well,” a confidant Mr. Mehrotra affirmed. “As for the Rajiv Gandhi Biosphere Reserve, it will encompass an area of 2,000-2,500 sq km from Karauli to Jhalawar,” he said.
As for the frolicking young tigers, Rajasthan will have more of them. “Rajasthan now has about 16-17 tiger cubs — the maximum number in any State. I am sure there will be more in the next three months,” Mr. Rajpal Singh said predicting a cat population explosion in the near future.
http://www.hindu.com/2011/04/26/stories/2011042659120100.htm
Tigress T 8 was sighted with two cubs this weekend at Chiri Kho along Sawai Madhopur-Bundi Road. The feline, a migrant from RNP, has been staying in Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary -- not known to be a place favoured by tigers so far– for two to three years. “It is a breakthrough. Tiger breeding is crucial indication both in terms of habitat improvement and prey base. It is the result of good management practices,” said a jubilant Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, R. N. Mehrotra, talking to The Hindu on Monday.
“Breeding takes place at very few places in India. A new area in tiger breeding is a very positive sign, especially when it happens outside the Project Tiger area,” said Rajpal Singh, Member of the Rajasthan Board for Wildlife. “Good tiger breeding is taking place in Rajasthan despite prophets of doom who had predicted some time back that Ranthambhore would not have tiger cubs as the atmosphere was not conducive for breeding,” he pointed out.
“This has come as very encouraging news as we have been busy shifting forest villages out of Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary to get it ready for the proposed Rajiv Gandhi Biosphere Reserve,” Mr. Mehrotra informed. The inhabitants of two villages, Hingdwar and Kalibhat, are in the process of moving out of the area. “The birth of cubs in the new area is also indicative that the degraded forests hold good potential. These forests can bring back the life cycle which existed earlier,” he asserted.
The areas south of Ranthambhore showing a clear indication of regeneration of flora and fauna is also a sure sign that the present experiments are in the right direction. Though the report of an expert team which conducted a survey on the proposed biosphere reserve is to be ready only by May 15, the tribe of tigers flourishing beyond Ranthambhore is opening up a lot of probabilities in conservation initiatives in the Hadauti (Kota) region.
“The Ranthambhore tigers have reached the doorstep of Lakheri forests. In a year or two we will be regenerating Bundi forests as well,” a confidant Mr. Mehrotra affirmed. “As for the Rajiv Gandhi Biosphere Reserve, it will encompass an area of 2,000-2,500 sq km from Karauli to Jhalawar,” he said.
As for the frolicking young tigers, Rajasthan will have more of them. “Rajasthan now has about 16-17 tiger cubs — the maximum number in any State. I am sure there will be more in the next three months,” Mr. Rajpal Singh said predicting a cat population explosion in the near future.
http://www.hindu.com/2011/04/26/stories/2011042659120100.htm
Monday, April 25, 2011
No private vehicles at Sariska tiger reserve
Jaipur, April 24 (IANS) Following reports of wild animals being injured in accidents, a complete ban has been clamped on the plying of private vehicles at the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan's Alwar district, an official said Sunday.
Tourists will now be able to travel only in vehicles approved by the forest department authorities.
"Recently, some cases were reported wherein the reserve staff found that some wild animals were injured. It came up that private vehicles had been involved in those incidents," the official told IANS.
"In a meeting of park officials, it was decided to ban the private vehicles. It came into effect April 20," the official added.
The tiger reserve is spread in an area of around 800 sq km and is located some 110 km from here.
Many tourists were caught unawares about the ban. "I was completely unaware that such a decision has been taken. The park authorities should have properly advertised about the ban," said Mohan Pandey, who had travelled all the way from Delhi to see the reserve.
However, animal rights activists are a happy lot.
"Private vehicles were not only injuring animals but also affecting the environment," said Babu Lal Jajoo, an animal rights activist.
Besides tigers that were relocated to the reserve from Ranthambore National Park, the sanctuary is also home to panthers, jungle cats, hyenas, jackals, chitals, sambars, caracals, langurs, wild boars, four-horned deer and several species of birds.
Relocation of tigers has come as a boon for the reserve.
The tiger reserve, which had lost its sheen because of the complete disappearance of tigers, has once again started to attract tourists.
A March 2005 report by the Wildlife Institute of India confirmed that there were indeed no tigers left in Sariska Tiger Reserve. Poaching was found to be the chief reason behind the dwindling tiger population.
Facing flak from different quarters, the state government decided to relocate tigers from Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur district to Sariska.
Since 2008, the reserve has been witnessing a rush from weekend tourists, especially from Delhi and the National capital region.
The Sariska Tiger Reserve, originally a hunting preserve of the erstwhile Alwar state, was declared a wildlife reserve in 1955. In 1978, it was declared a tiger reserve.
http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=local&newsid=234562
Tourists will now be able to travel only in vehicles approved by the forest department authorities.
"Recently, some cases were reported wherein the reserve staff found that some wild animals were injured. It came up that private vehicles had been involved in those incidents," the official told IANS.
"In a meeting of park officials, it was decided to ban the private vehicles. It came into effect April 20," the official added.
The tiger reserve is spread in an area of around 800 sq km and is located some 110 km from here.
Many tourists were caught unawares about the ban. "I was completely unaware that such a decision has been taken. The park authorities should have properly advertised about the ban," said Mohan Pandey, who had travelled all the way from Delhi to see the reserve.
However, animal rights activists are a happy lot.
"Private vehicles were not only injuring animals but also affecting the environment," said Babu Lal Jajoo, an animal rights activist.
Besides tigers that were relocated to the reserve from Ranthambore National Park, the sanctuary is also home to panthers, jungle cats, hyenas, jackals, chitals, sambars, caracals, langurs, wild boars, four-horned deer and several species of birds.
Relocation of tigers has come as a boon for the reserve.
The tiger reserve, which had lost its sheen because of the complete disappearance of tigers, has once again started to attract tourists.
A March 2005 report by the Wildlife Institute of India confirmed that there were indeed no tigers left in Sariska Tiger Reserve. Poaching was found to be the chief reason behind the dwindling tiger population.
Facing flak from different quarters, the state government decided to relocate tigers from Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur district to Sariska.
Since 2008, the reserve has been witnessing a rush from weekend tourists, especially from Delhi and the National capital region.
The Sariska Tiger Reserve, originally a hunting preserve of the erstwhile Alwar state, was declared a wildlife reserve in 1955. In 1978, it was declared a tiger reserve.
http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=local&newsid=234562
WWI team in Sariska to change male tiger's collar TNN
JAIPUR: A Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, team is currently at the Sariska national park. It will try to change the VHS radio collar of male tiger ST-4 that has become defunct for quite some time.
According to forest department officials, "A two-member team from the WII has been in the park for some time. They will try to tranquillise the male tiger in a day or two. We are changing the radio collar of ST-4. It has been defunct for quite some time and we are not receiving signals from it," they said.
Initially, the plans were to replace the collar of tigress ST-2 that has not been working well, but officials said it has now started functioning and will not be replaced immediately.
"In case of ST-2 we will also have to be more careful and there are chances of the tigress being pregnant and in that case tranquillising it will not advisable," officials said.
However, what remains intriguing is lack of effort of the department in introducing satellite collars for tigers. Satellite collars send constant signals no matter where the tigers are as against VHS collars that often stop signals when tigers stray far go into valleys. However, the cost of satellite collars are more than VHS ones.
Union minister for forest and environment Jairam Ramesh, during one of his visit to Sariska after the death of male tiger ST-1, had also suggested use of satellite collars despite their costs. He had even instructed Rajesh Gopal, director, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), but the move seems to have no takers.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/WWI-team-in-Sariska-to-change-male-tigers-collar/articleshow/8075938.cms
According to forest department officials, "A two-member team from the WII has been in the park for some time. They will try to tranquillise the male tiger in a day or two. We are changing the radio collar of ST-4. It has been defunct for quite some time and we are not receiving signals from it," they said.
Initially, the plans were to replace the collar of tigress ST-2 that has not been working well, but officials said it has now started functioning and will not be replaced immediately.
"In case of ST-2 we will also have to be more careful and there are chances of the tigress being pregnant and in that case tranquillising it will not advisable," officials said.
However, what remains intriguing is lack of effort of the department in introducing satellite collars for tigers. Satellite collars send constant signals no matter where the tigers are as against VHS collars that often stop signals when tigers stray far go into valleys. However, the cost of satellite collars are more than VHS ones.
Union minister for forest and environment Jairam Ramesh, during one of his visit to Sariska after the death of male tiger ST-1, had also suggested use of satellite collars despite their costs. He had even instructed Rajesh Gopal, director, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), but the move seems to have no takers.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/WWI-team-in-Sariska-to-change-male-tigers-collar/articleshow/8075938.cms
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Tiger attacks three women near Corbett D S Kunwar, TNN
DEHRADUN: A tiger mauled and wounded two women and a 10-year-old girl on Friday near a primary school in Nainital's Ramnagar forest division. The spot is close to the buffer zone of the Corbett Tiger Reserve.
Around 8 am, when Joga Devi (52) Kamla Devi (30) and Anjali (10) of Teda village were going to collect fodder for their cattle, the tiger pounced on them, said DFO (Ramnagar forest division) Ravindra Juyal. The women cried for help. By the time, villagers from Teda came to their rescue, the tiger had disappeared into the forest.
Doctors said the condition of all the three of them is serious. The victims were admitted to Ramnagar's Community Health Centre (CHC). Later, they were shifted to Haldwani Medical College after their condition deteriorated. The victims had suffered multiple fractures, said doctors.
As the news of the attack by the tiger spread, residents of around ten villages in Ramnagar Forest Division rushed to the spot. They gheraoed senior forest officials. They also held demonstrations and took out a march to protest against the inability of forest officials to prevent man-eaters and other wild animals from attacking them. They also demanded the Uttarakhand government relocate them to safer areas.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Tiger-attacks-three-women-near-Corbett/articleshow/8062811.cms
Around 8 am, when Joga Devi (52) Kamla Devi (30) and Anjali (10) of Teda village were going to collect fodder for their cattle, the tiger pounced on them, said DFO (Ramnagar forest division) Ravindra Juyal. The women cried for help. By the time, villagers from Teda came to their rescue, the tiger had disappeared into the forest.
Doctors said the condition of all the three of them is serious. The victims were admitted to Ramnagar's Community Health Centre (CHC). Later, they were shifted to Haldwani Medical College after their condition deteriorated. The victims had suffered multiple fractures, said doctors.
As the news of the attack by the tiger spread, residents of around ten villages in Ramnagar Forest Division rushed to the spot. They gheraoed senior forest officials. They also held demonstrations and took out a march to protest against the inability of forest officials to prevent man-eaters and other wild animals from attacking them. They also demanded the Uttarakhand government relocate them to safer areas.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Tiger-attacks-three-women-near-Corbett/articleshow/8062811.cms
Windmills threaten wildlife in Koyna Sanctuary-Bahar Dutt, CNN IBN
Click to play video
Koyna Sanctuary: The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra is a critical corridor of forest and home to tigers, bison and 100 species of birds. But CNN-IBN has found that land inside the tiger reserve is up for grabs and over 200 windmills are operating inside the sanctuary, for which over 500 trees were chopped.
"BNHS has found some 250 species of birds, which are endangered species accord to them. Now because of these windmills, we can't see the birds. Prior to that, we used to see a number of different kinds of birds. We also used to see wildlife over here," said green activist Nana Khamkar.
Under the wildlife protection act, any diversion of land inside a sanctuary needs prior permission. But a RTI response from the Forest Department proved that the windmills lie inside the sanctuary and the permission was not taken. An offence report was registered by Koyna Range Forest Office in 2002, but till today no action has been taken.
In their defence, Suzlon, one of the windmill companies said, "Suzlon always complies with the law of the land. Considering that this matter is sub-judice, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further."
Green activist Khamkar has filed a PIL in court and is arguing the matter himself.
"Wildlife is totally scattered now. This corridor needs to be preserved as these are important animal movement areas. Because of these windmills, this important animal migration has got hampered to a very large extent," said Khamkar.
Over 200 windmills are now operating illegally inside the vital tiger reserve.
Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has stepped has ordered the National Tiger Conservation Authority to enquire about the matter.
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/windmills-threaten-wildlife-in-koyna-sanctuary/149890-3.html
Koyna Sanctuary: The Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra is a critical corridor of forest and home to tigers, bison and 100 species of birds. But CNN-IBN has found that land inside the tiger reserve is up for grabs and over 200 windmills are operating inside the sanctuary, for which over 500 trees were chopped.
"BNHS has found some 250 species of birds, which are endangered species accord to them. Now because of these windmills, we can't see the birds. Prior to that, we used to see a number of different kinds of birds. We also used to see wildlife over here," said green activist Nana Khamkar.
Under the wildlife protection act, any diversion of land inside a sanctuary needs prior permission. But a RTI response from the Forest Department proved that the windmills lie inside the sanctuary and the permission was not taken. An offence report was registered by Koyna Range Forest Office in 2002, but till today no action has been taken.
In their defence, Suzlon, one of the windmill companies said, "Suzlon always complies with the law of the land. Considering that this matter is sub-judice, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further."
Green activist Khamkar has filed a PIL in court and is arguing the matter himself.
"Wildlife is totally scattered now. This corridor needs to be preserved as these are important animal movement areas. Because of these windmills, this important animal migration has got hampered to a very large extent," said Khamkar.
Over 200 windmills are now operating illegally inside the vital tiger reserve.
Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has stepped has ordered the National Tiger Conservation Authority to enquire about the matter.
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/windmills-threaten-wildlife-in-koyna-sanctuary/149890-3.html
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Rajasthan Plans Tiger Corridor
The Rajasthan state forest department has often faced the mammoth task of tracking and returning a stray tiger from its place of residence. News of tigers straying from Ranthambore National Park or Keoladeo Ghana National Park, away from the park’s surrounding regions have often put the officials in a spot over the safety of the animal.
In order to prevent the tigers from straying out of the territories and for their safety, the state government has planned to build a corridor connecting six National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries of the state under the Tiger Biosphere Project. The corridor will be developed connecting Keoladeo, Ranthambore, Sawai Mansingh, Ramgarh, Jawahar Sagar and Dara sanctuaries falling under Bharatpur, Sawai Madhopur, Kota and Bundi districts of the state.
Apart from Ranthambore National Park, Sariska National Park and Keoladeo Ghana National Park have also witnessed instances of straying tigers. "Due to the growing numbers of the big cats in the Ranthambore National Park, the tigers usually stray out of their territory and go missing. They become easy prey to villagers and poachers in such cases," a forest official said.
Most of the parks and sanctuaries in the state are connected to each other and those to be developed as a tiger corridor under the Tiger Biosphere Project are dense forest areas. Once the corridors are built, the park officials will have to take up serious security issues for the wildlife in these regions against poaching and other criminal activities. To ensure this it will be necessary to relocate the villages in the vicinity of the parks and sanctuaries.
The project will be developed with the help of Rs.1,153 crore worth grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for implementing the Rajasthan Forestry and Biodiversity Project (RFBP) in select areas of the state over a period of eight years between 2011 and 2019.
Ranthambore National Park one of the oldest parks in India has a healthy tiger population in its area and surrounding sanctuaries. In the last two to three years some of the tigers from Ranthambore have been shifted to Sariska National Park in order to revive the tiger population here when the park had become tigerless a few years ago due to wide scale poaching.
http://www.rang7.com/news/national-park/rajasthan-plans-tiger-corridor-890.htm
In order to prevent the tigers from straying out of the territories and for their safety, the state government has planned to build a corridor connecting six National Parks and wildlife sanctuaries of the state under the Tiger Biosphere Project. The corridor will be developed connecting Keoladeo, Ranthambore, Sawai Mansingh, Ramgarh, Jawahar Sagar and Dara sanctuaries falling under Bharatpur, Sawai Madhopur, Kota and Bundi districts of the state.
Apart from Ranthambore National Park, Sariska National Park and Keoladeo Ghana National Park have also witnessed instances of straying tigers. "Due to the growing numbers of the big cats in the Ranthambore National Park, the tigers usually stray out of their territory and go missing. They become easy prey to villagers and poachers in such cases," a forest official said.
Most of the parks and sanctuaries in the state are connected to each other and those to be developed as a tiger corridor under the Tiger Biosphere Project are dense forest areas. Once the corridors are built, the park officials will have to take up serious security issues for the wildlife in these regions against poaching and other criminal activities. To ensure this it will be necessary to relocate the villages in the vicinity of the parks and sanctuaries.
The project will be developed with the help of Rs.1,153 crore worth grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for implementing the Rajasthan Forestry and Biodiversity Project (RFBP) in select areas of the state over a period of eight years between 2011 and 2019.
Ranthambore National Park one of the oldest parks in India has a healthy tiger population in its area and surrounding sanctuaries. In the last two to three years some of the tigers from Ranthambore have been shifted to Sariska National Park in order to revive the tiger population here when the park had become tigerless a few years ago due to wide scale poaching.
http://www.rang7.com/news/national-park/rajasthan-plans-tiger-corridor-890.htm
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Arrested Naxal confirms dalam plan in tiger reserve
A senior Naxal cadre has allegedly corroborated a long-held suspicion that Naxals are trying to constitute a dalam (military unit) for villages in and around Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR).
A state committee (CPI-Maoist) member and secretary of Chandrapur area committee, Bhimrao alias Bhanu alias Bhaskar Bhovte, was arrested along with his wife Sunanda alias Megha alias Vanaja Vasant Ramteke in Gondia district a day before Union Home Minister P Chidambaram’s visit to Gadchiroli in December 2010.
“Bhovte told us that a survey was carried out in TATR and surrounding villages in the recent past with an intention to form a dalam,” a senior police officer told The Indian Express.
A series of raids had followed the couple’s arrests on the dens of Naxal activists at places like Mul and Sindewahi , situated at vantage positions vis-Ã -vis TATR. Some handwritten materials, most of them survey reports, were seized from there. One of the reports was about the survey conducted in TATR landscape.
“A crackdown had ensued on some youth members of an organisation claiming to be a students’ body in Chandrapur a few years ago. While many of the youths, including some girls, had been deputed as dalam members under North Gadchiroli Gondia Committee of CPI(Maoist), some were engaged by Chandrapur area committee to work on building dalam in the TATR landscape, our interrogation has revealed,¿ the official said.
Some recent incidents inside TATR had caught officials off-guard. The partly-rehabilitated Kolsa village had turned away Nagpur Divisional Commissioner B V Gopal Reddy two months ago when he had gone there to persuade them to agree to rehabilitation. They are stated to be in highly belligerent mood. The Rantalodhi village has had history of violent attacks on forest and police officials in the past.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/arrested-naxal-confirms-dalam-plan-in-tiger-reserve/778638/
A state committee (CPI-Maoist) member and secretary of Chandrapur area committee, Bhimrao alias Bhanu alias Bhaskar Bhovte, was arrested along with his wife Sunanda alias Megha alias Vanaja Vasant Ramteke in Gondia district a day before Union Home Minister P Chidambaram’s visit to Gadchiroli in December 2010.
“Bhovte told us that a survey was carried out in TATR and surrounding villages in the recent past with an intention to form a dalam,” a senior police officer told The Indian Express.
A series of raids had followed the couple’s arrests on the dens of Naxal activists at places like Mul and Sindewahi , situated at vantage positions vis-Ã -vis TATR. Some handwritten materials, most of them survey reports, were seized from there. One of the reports was about the survey conducted in TATR landscape.
“A crackdown had ensued on some youth members of an organisation claiming to be a students’ body in Chandrapur a few years ago. While many of the youths, including some girls, had been deputed as dalam members under North Gadchiroli Gondia Committee of CPI(Maoist), some were engaged by Chandrapur area committee to work on building dalam in the TATR landscape, our interrogation has revealed,¿ the official said.
Some recent incidents inside TATR had caught officials off-guard. The partly-rehabilitated Kolsa village had turned away Nagpur Divisional Commissioner B V Gopal Reddy two months ago when he had gone there to persuade them to agree to rehabilitation. They are stated to be in highly belligerent mood. The Rantalodhi village has had history of violent attacks on forest and police officials in the past.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/arrested-naxal-confirms-dalam-plan-in-tiger-reserve/778638/
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Tiger census: MP govt orders fresh count in Kanha
Unhappy with the latest census that robbed Madhya Pradesh of its ‘tiger state’ status, the state has decided to carry out a fresh ‘sign survey’ in Kanha tiger reserve that has lost several wild cats over the past four years.
The state’s request to re-check the data with the Wildlife Institute of India was rejected, prompting it to announce a fresh count from April 25 to 27.
The 2006 census had put the count at 89, which now stands at 60, a figure the state disputes.
PCCF (Wildlife) H S Pabla said his department will collect data such as scrape and scat marks and other indirect evidence like killing of preys.
For this purpose, camera traps have already been set up in the reserve, Pabla added.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Tiger-census--MP-govt-orders-fresh-count-in-Kanha/778035/
The state’s request to re-check the data with the Wildlife Institute of India was rejected, prompting it to announce a fresh count from April 25 to 27.
The 2006 census had put the count at 89, which now stands at 60, a figure the state disputes.
PCCF (Wildlife) H S Pabla said his department will collect data such as scrape and scat marks and other indirect evidence like killing of preys.
For this purpose, camera traps have already been set up in the reserve, Pabla added.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Tiger-census--MP-govt-orders-fresh-count-in-Kanha/778035/
Fires in tiger reserve keep officials on toes Abhay Singh, TNN
PATNA: All through the year, environment and forest department officials, both at the state headquarters and in various forest ranges of the department, remain alert to douse forest fire and keep at bay those who indulge in illegal felling of trees. However, come summer, they go on high alert to protect the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in West Champaran district from forest fires that is most often man-made.
As it is, during summer, those who inhabit villages in the deep forests of the VTR go on a spree to burn dry stubs and clumps of grass in their bid to prepare the forest land for new grass, which naturally emerges and begins to grow with the onset of hotweather rain, or even monsoon rains. Monsoon, normally, hits the state in the second week of June, but late-April to May-end is also the period of pre-monsoon rains.
Now, one such instance of burning of dry grass in Naurangia-done area of the VTR by villagers, specially herdsmen, on Sunday pushed a panic button at the environment and forest department headquarters on Monday. By afternoon, on Monday, the information elicited from the field said that yet another instance of burning of dry clumps of grass had occurred in the morning at the Harnatand village within the confines of the VTR.
"The fire reported from Naurangia-done area was not of high magnitude. It occurred on Sunday. The tigertrekkers in the forest area immediately intervened and doused the flames with support from the locals," said state's chief warden of forests, wildlife and sanctuaries Mithilesh Kumar, adding: "The locals and tiger-trekkers also controlled the fire reported from Harnatand village."
Incidentally, the government has already decided to upgrade the VTR as a tourist spot in the state. After Betla National Park in Jharkhand, the VTR is the only sanctuary for tiger and wildlife on the west of Sundarbans in West Bengal. The total area of the VTR is 880 square km, and also accounts for rich forests consisting of cane, sal, sagwan, khaira, seesam, semul and other trees and plants.
Early this year, deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi, while reviewing the activities of the environment and forest department had announced that the VTR would be upgraded to attract tourists. He had also directed the officials of the department to prepare a blueprint for the development of the VTR into a tourist spot.
Last week, too, there were reports about fire in the VTR in the same Naurangia-done and other areas. "We have cross-checked the information. No such incident took place. Except on Sunday and in the morning today (Monday), no instances of fire have been reported," Kumar said, adding: "But we have issued the instruction to the officials and tiger-trekkers to remain alert.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Fires-in-tiger-reserve-keep-officials-on-toes/articleshow/8022748.cms
As it is, during summer, those who inhabit villages in the deep forests of the VTR go on a spree to burn dry stubs and clumps of grass in their bid to prepare the forest land for new grass, which naturally emerges and begins to grow with the onset of hotweather rain, or even monsoon rains. Monsoon, normally, hits the state in the second week of June, but late-April to May-end is also the period of pre-monsoon rains.
Now, one such instance of burning of dry grass in Naurangia-done area of the VTR by villagers, specially herdsmen, on Sunday pushed a panic button at the environment and forest department headquarters on Monday. By afternoon, on Monday, the information elicited from the field said that yet another instance of burning of dry clumps of grass had occurred in the morning at the Harnatand village within the confines of the VTR.
"The fire reported from Naurangia-done area was not of high magnitude. It occurred on Sunday. The tigertrekkers in the forest area immediately intervened and doused the flames with support from the locals," said state's chief warden of forests, wildlife and sanctuaries Mithilesh Kumar, adding: "The locals and tiger-trekkers also controlled the fire reported from Harnatand village."
Incidentally, the government has already decided to upgrade the VTR as a tourist spot in the state. After Betla National Park in Jharkhand, the VTR is the only sanctuary for tiger and wildlife on the west of Sundarbans in West Bengal. The total area of the VTR is 880 square km, and also accounts for rich forests consisting of cane, sal, sagwan, khaira, seesam, semul and other trees and plants.
Early this year, deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi, while reviewing the activities of the environment and forest department had announced that the VTR would be upgraded to attract tourists. He had also directed the officials of the department to prepare a blueprint for the development of the VTR into a tourist spot.
Last week, too, there were reports about fire in the VTR in the same Naurangia-done and other areas. "We have cross-checked the information. No such incident took place. Except on Sunday and in the morning today (Monday), no instances of fire have been reported," Kumar said, adding: "But we have issued the instruction to the officials and tiger-trekkers to remain alert.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Fires-in-tiger-reserve-keep-officials-on-toes/articleshow/8022748.cms
Monday, April 18, 2011
Radio collar 'chokes' big cat TNN
KOLKATA: Controversy has again struck the Sunderbans. This time, a ten-year-old male tiger caught from Dobanki seven days back is bearing the brunt.
The radio collar fitted to the tiger stopped functioning about three months back, but it is yet to be removed. Experts said the collar had badly choked the tiger`s neck and it could not eat properly. The tiger is now at Alipore Zoo.
But two principal chief conservators of forests are speaking in conflicting voices. While S B Mondal, PCCF (wildlife) said that he had given instruction to remove the collar, PCCF and head of forest force Atanu Raha said it won`t be removed unless the tiger comes to a state when it can be tranquillized. Though Raha said the tiger had gained weight in past few days, he could not say if the big cat could be tranquillized.
"If the collar is defunct, what`s the use of it?" asked wildlife conservationist Valmik Thapar. Koustubh Sharma of International Snow Leopard Trust said: "If you can`t monitor the cat, what`s the use? Tranquillizing tigers for radio collaring has an ethical and financial bearing. If the tiger has been caught again, either the defunct collar should be removed, or replaced with a new one before releasing it in the wild." Biswajit Roy Chowdhury of Nature Environment and Wildlife Society said that since the tiger had been kept in a cage, it`s not difficult to remove the collar. "Their numbers are already dwindling, why put another life at risk for a collar?" he asked.
Y V Jhala of Wildlife Institute of India said new collars are available with WII in the state. "The tiger was radio collared at Netadhopani and gave signals for almost 11 months. If the collar is defunct, forest officials should have contacted us, " he said.
Thapar said bringing an animal to zoo is a bad decision. "Unless a tiger turns man-eater, it should not be brought to zoo. The department should observe the big cats in local camps so that it can be reintroduced to the wild fast." He called for a review on the malfunctioning of radio collars. "Some incidents have been reported from Ranthambore and Kanha." Radio collars were blamed for tiger deaths in Panna in 2009. A research programme in Bangladeshi Sunderbans by Adam Barlow had to be suspended after the death of two tigers were reported in 2006 after being radio collared. Alipore Zoo director Raju Das said that they were observing the tiger and plans were on to remove the collar in a couple of days.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata-/Radio-collar-chokes-big-cat/articleshow/8012936.cms
The radio collar fitted to the tiger stopped functioning about three months back, but it is yet to be removed. Experts said the collar had badly choked the tiger`s neck and it could not eat properly. The tiger is now at Alipore Zoo.
But two principal chief conservators of forests are speaking in conflicting voices. While S B Mondal, PCCF (wildlife) said that he had given instruction to remove the collar, PCCF and head of forest force Atanu Raha said it won`t be removed unless the tiger comes to a state when it can be tranquillized. Though Raha said the tiger had gained weight in past few days, he could not say if the big cat could be tranquillized.
"If the collar is defunct, what`s the use of it?" asked wildlife conservationist Valmik Thapar. Koustubh Sharma of International Snow Leopard Trust said: "If you can`t monitor the cat, what`s the use? Tranquillizing tigers for radio collaring has an ethical and financial bearing. If the tiger has been caught again, either the defunct collar should be removed, or replaced with a new one before releasing it in the wild." Biswajit Roy Chowdhury of Nature Environment and Wildlife Society said that since the tiger had been kept in a cage, it`s not difficult to remove the collar. "Their numbers are already dwindling, why put another life at risk for a collar?" he asked.
Y V Jhala of Wildlife Institute of India said new collars are available with WII in the state. "The tiger was radio collared at Netadhopani and gave signals for almost 11 months. If the collar is defunct, forest officials should have contacted us, " he said.
Thapar said bringing an animal to zoo is a bad decision. "Unless a tiger turns man-eater, it should not be brought to zoo. The department should observe the big cats in local camps so that it can be reintroduced to the wild fast." He called for a review on the malfunctioning of radio collars. "Some incidents have been reported from Ranthambore and Kanha." Radio collars were blamed for tiger deaths in Panna in 2009. A research programme in Bangladeshi Sunderbans by Adam Barlow had to be suspended after the death of two tigers were reported in 2006 after being radio collared. Alipore Zoo director Raju Das said that they were observing the tiger and plans were on to remove the collar in a couple of days.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata-/Radio-collar-chokes-big-cat/articleshow/8012936.cms
Govt announces two billion rupees for tiger relocation
Panna, April 17 (ANI): India's Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh on Saturday announced two billion rupees for village relocation programmes in Madhya Pradesh for establishing buffer zones in tiger reserves across the country. Speaking to mediapersons while on a tour in the reserve, Ramesh said that the ministry would financially assist the state, even as he expressed his discontentment over the Ken-Betwa river linking project saying it would destroy the Panna Tiger Reserve
http://www.indiablooms.com/VideoDetails/videoDetails170411f.php
http://www.indiablooms.com/VideoDetails/videoDetails170411f.php
Pilibhit forest division may get special package TNN
LUCKNOW: After the national tiger census-2010 identified Pilibhit forest division as a promising area for tigers, good times might set in for the division. The division may get a special package for development from the forest department.
The tiger census-2010 report has observed that tiger population is increasing in the protected area and outside. Moyar-Singur-Satyamangalam, Ramnagar and Pilibhit regions have been specifically mentioned in the report.
After being identified as one of the promising areas for tigers, the division might get special infrastructural package. Sources said that a proposal seeking special package has been prepared but refused to divulge on the facilities that have been asked for. "It is only after department agrees to it that anything can be said," said sources.
On the other hand, efforts to set up a new tiger reserve in Pilibhit are underway. Pilibhit division spreads over 712 sq km area. It has five ranges under it, Diuria, Mala, Mahof, Haripur and Barahi. The census this year has shown 112 tigers present in Dudhwa-Lakhimpur-Pilibhit-Katarniaghat belt.
In the last census, as many as 95 tigers were counted in this belt. This time, there has been an increase. Since report has already stated that tigers in Pilibhit are increasing, contribution of the division in the increase in number of tigers in the belt can not be ruled out.
Meanwhile, at the time of the census exercise in the division in May, some rare wildlife species were also found in the division like leopard cats and four-horned antelopes. Thus, making it an important division in respect of wildlife.
On the other hand, the division is also seeing a spurt in incidents of man-animal conflict. In the start of this month, there have been two incidents in which men were left injured in attack by wild animals. On April 2, a 28-year old man was attacked and injured by a leopard in Haripur range.
While the department provided for the treatment of the man and released compensation to him, another man was left injured in an attack by a tiger in Diuria range two days later. The package, therefore, will also help the division overcome these difficulties.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Pilibhit-forest-division-may-get-special-package/articleshow/8009467.cms
The tiger census-2010 report has observed that tiger population is increasing in the protected area and outside. Moyar-Singur-Satyamangalam, Ramnagar and Pilibhit regions have been specifically mentioned in the report.
After being identified as one of the promising areas for tigers, the division might get special infrastructural package. Sources said that a proposal seeking special package has been prepared but refused to divulge on the facilities that have been asked for. "It is only after department agrees to it that anything can be said," said sources.
On the other hand, efforts to set up a new tiger reserve in Pilibhit are underway. Pilibhit division spreads over 712 sq km area. It has five ranges under it, Diuria, Mala, Mahof, Haripur and Barahi. The census this year has shown 112 tigers present in Dudhwa-Lakhimpur-Pilibhit-Katarniaghat belt.
In the last census, as many as 95 tigers were counted in this belt. This time, there has been an increase. Since report has already stated that tigers in Pilibhit are increasing, contribution of the division in the increase in number of tigers in the belt can not be ruled out.
Meanwhile, at the time of the census exercise in the division in May, some rare wildlife species were also found in the division like leopard cats and four-horned antelopes. Thus, making it an important division in respect of wildlife.
On the other hand, the division is also seeing a spurt in incidents of man-animal conflict. In the start of this month, there have been two incidents in which men were left injured in attack by wild animals. On April 2, a 28-year old man was attacked and injured by a leopard in Haripur range.
While the department provided for the treatment of the man and released compensation to him, another man was left injured in an attack by a tiger in Diuria range two days later. The package, therefore, will also help the division overcome these difficulties.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Pilibhit-forest-division-may-get-special-package/articleshow/8009467.cms
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Goa may add to India's tiger numbers IANS
PANAJI: Where have Goa's tigers gone? Despite consistently throwing up four to five tigers in past counts, the latest 2011 tiger census conspicuously avoids reference to the state and its elusive tiger. The good news, however, is that this state could once again add as many as five tigers to the national tally of 1,706.
Assistant conservator of forests wildlife and eco-tourism Kamu Prakash said that although the state forest department had completed its share of field work and sent its findings to the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun, the analysis confirming the findings is yet to be returned.
"The Union ministry of environment and forests had come up with a set of guidelines on how the tiger census is to be conducted, based on which we had submitted that there could be as many as five tigers in Goa," Prakash said.
"But we are yet to receive the report either confirming or refuting our findings (from the WII)," he added, saying once the report is out, the tiger count in India is likely to go up.
"The nationwide census began in November 2009, whereas here in Goa we held it only in the last week of April and the beginning of May. So we submitted our report almost six months late. Our report is expected to come in about a fortnight," Prakash said.
Suspected tiger faeces were found at Surla and Nandran within the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary at Mollem and pugmarks of a tigress and two cubs discovered along the water's edge in Anjunem dam near the Goa-Karnataka border in recent times.
"The tiger-related findings from Goa will have to be correlated with those from Karnataka to ensure we are not counting the same tiger twice," Prakash said.
Wildlife and environmental activists have long been campaigning that Goa's sanctuaries be notified as tiger reserves. They have accused the forest department of denying the presence of tigers to appease the politically and economically strong mining lobby.
Following strict directives from the ministry of environment and forests, the Goa forest department in the past has had to initiate probes into mining near the Netravali wildlife sanctuary in eastern Goa, a known tiger corridor.
The mining lobby fears that the confirmed presence of the country's most endangered animal could force a halt to their highly lucrative ore extraction operations. More than two dozen mining leases ring the sanctuary area.
Noted wildlife activist Rajendra Kerkar has said top forest officials were dithering from admitting to the presence of the tiger in Goa's forests because of pressure from the Rs.6,000- crore mining industry in Goa, which has nearly 100 open cast mining pits, most of which border the wildlife sanctuaries.
A tiger was poached in the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary, 70 km from here in 2009.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Goa-may-add-to-Indias-tiger-numbers/articleshow/8004576.cms
Assistant conservator of forests wildlife and eco-tourism Kamu Prakash said that although the state forest department had completed its share of field work and sent its findings to the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun, the analysis confirming the findings is yet to be returned.
"The Union ministry of environment and forests had come up with a set of guidelines on how the tiger census is to be conducted, based on which we had submitted that there could be as many as five tigers in Goa," Prakash said.
"But we are yet to receive the report either confirming or refuting our findings (from the WII)," he added, saying once the report is out, the tiger count in India is likely to go up.
"The nationwide census began in November 2009, whereas here in Goa we held it only in the last week of April and the beginning of May. So we submitted our report almost six months late. Our report is expected to come in about a fortnight," Prakash said.
Suspected tiger faeces were found at Surla and Nandran within the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary at Mollem and pugmarks of a tigress and two cubs discovered along the water's edge in Anjunem dam near the Goa-Karnataka border in recent times.
"The tiger-related findings from Goa will have to be correlated with those from Karnataka to ensure we are not counting the same tiger twice," Prakash said.
Wildlife and environmental activists have long been campaigning that Goa's sanctuaries be notified as tiger reserves. They have accused the forest department of denying the presence of tigers to appease the politically and economically strong mining lobby.
Following strict directives from the ministry of environment and forests, the Goa forest department in the past has had to initiate probes into mining near the Netravali wildlife sanctuary in eastern Goa, a known tiger corridor.
The mining lobby fears that the confirmed presence of the country's most endangered animal could force a halt to their highly lucrative ore extraction operations. More than two dozen mining leases ring the sanctuary area.
Noted wildlife activist Rajendra Kerkar has said top forest officials were dithering from admitting to the presence of the tiger in Goa's forests because of pressure from the Rs.6,000- crore mining industry in Goa, which has nearly 100 open cast mining pits, most of which border the wildlife sanctuaries.
A tiger was poached in the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary, 70 km from here in 2009.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Goa-may-add-to-Indias-tiger-numbers/articleshow/8004576.cms
Ramesh praises tiger revival project in Panna - PTI
Panna (MP), Apr 16 (PTI) Union Environment and Forests Minister, Jairam Ramesh today praised the ongoing programme of tiger population revival at Panna Tiger Reserve here, and announced a grant of Rs 200 crore for tiger conservation in Madhya Pradesh. "Madhya Pradesh will get Rs 200 crore as the first instalment for the tiger conservation, and I am happy with the progress of the translocation of tigers in the the Panna Tiger Reserve," Ramesh, here to review the project, told reporters. To a question he said that MOEF would not give nod to Ken-Betwa river linking scheme, as it would affect the wildlife and ecology of the reserve. The Ministry would also not give clearance to a proposed railway line through the Reserve, Ramesh said. Panna had become completely devoid of tigers two years back. To revive the big cat population, three tigresses and a tiger were translocated here from outside. Two tigresses have already given birth to around five cubs; two of them today celebrated their birthday in the minister's presence.
http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/ramesh-praises-tiger-revival-project-in-panna/650979.html
http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/ramesh-praises-tiger-revival-project-in-panna/650979.html
Saturday, April 16, 2011
3 more tiger reserves to come up in Maharashtra
Union Minister for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh on Friday announced that three new tiger reserves would be notified in Maharashtra — in Navegaon, Nagzira and Bor — and rehabilitation of villages at Tadoba and Melghat would be taken up on priority.
He also said Nagpur, Maharashtra’s second capital, would be promoted as the “gateway to tiger reserves” as it is the entry point to 13 of the 39 tiger reserves in the country. The “Orange City” would also be the first to get a field office of the National Tiger Conservation Authority; two other offices are to be set up elsewhere in the country.
The minister said the Central government had approved an initial grant of Rs 50 crore for the rehabilitation of villages in Melghat and Tadoba tiger reserves.
“Next week, I will be going to Gadchiroli to launch a new scheme. It will open a new era in the relation of forest with people. The paradigm of forest conservation has to change and must make tribals partners in forest management. All rich, mineral, tribal and violence areas overlap. The Forest Department has an important role to play in anti-Naxal actions,” said Ramesh.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/3-more-tiger-reserves-to-come-up-in-Maharashtra/776901/
He also said Nagpur, Maharashtra’s second capital, would be promoted as the “gateway to tiger reserves” as it is the entry point to 13 of the 39 tiger reserves in the country. The “Orange City” would also be the first to get a field office of the National Tiger Conservation Authority; two other offices are to be set up elsewhere in the country.
The minister said the Central government had approved an initial grant of Rs 50 crore for the rehabilitation of villages in Melghat and Tadoba tiger reserves.
“Next week, I will be going to Gadchiroli to launch a new scheme. It will open a new era in the relation of forest with people. The paradigm of forest conservation has to change and must make tribals partners in forest management. All rich, mineral, tribal and violence areas overlap. The Forest Department has an important role to play in anti-Naxal actions,” said Ramesh.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/3-more-tiger-reserves-to-come-up-in-Maharashtra/776901/
Friday, April 15, 2011
Karnataka CM writes to centre on Tiger reserve
Chief Minister Mr BS Yeddyurappa has urged the Centre to take an 'urgent decision' on the fate of buildings and structures belonging to the defunct Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd to enable the State government speed up the process of declaring the Kudremukh National Park as a Tiger Reserve.
In a letter to Union Minister of State for Environment and Forest Jairam Ramesh, Yeddyurappa said that the State Forest Department was examining the Centre’s proposal to notify the Kudremukh National Park as a Tiger Reserve under Section 38(V) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
In a letter to Union Minister of State for Environment and Forest Jairam Ramesh, Yeddyurappa said that the State Forest Department was examining the Centre’s proposal to notify the Kudremukh National Park as a Tiger Reserve under Section 38(V) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Finance Dept stalls tiger force formation Vijay Pinjarkar, TNN
NAGPUR: Four months after deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar cleared the formation of special tiger protection force (STPF) for Pench and Tadoba-Andhari tiger reserves, the state finance department has put spanner in the STPF works.
Considering the danger tigers in the wild face and the need for stepping up protection in sensitive areas having source populations of tigers with active involvement of forest dwelling communities, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in February 2009 mandated setting up of STPFs in tiger reserves in the country with 100% central assistance.
However, the state is yet to respond. On December 15, while in the city to attend winter session of the assembly, Pawar had cleared setting up of STPF by sanctioning 224 posts (two battalions of 112 personnel each) after discussing the issue with forest officials. So far, the decision remains on paper. STPF would be headed by an officer of the rank of assistant conservator of forest (ACF) and have RFOs, foresters and forest guards. In the STPF, 30% guards would be from communities around the reserves. They will be entitled to same salary and emoluments as others.
Sources said the finance department has put hurdles in the process by making some irrelevant queries. The department has asked whether the 224 posts will be created temporarily. It has also asked that if Centre stopped giving 100% grants, who will bear the expenses. It wants to know whether these posts would be absorbed in the forest department and if yes, how.
The finance officials have further asked whether there is a provision to relax educational qualification for 30% of the STPF staff that would be from local communities as they would be paid salary equivalent to foresters and forest guards. Sources said, these queries appear frivolous in nature and some (like educational qualification bit) have nothing to do with finance department.
As per the NTCA guidelines, STPF personnel will have to undergo training from police and para military forces. "There is a need to take home ministry's view on the issue," the finance department has said. It has also stated that as per the norms, the STPF recruits should not be above 40 years. On this condition, the NTCA approval will be needed, they mentioned.
Senior forest officials are upset by the irrelevant queries. All the issues were sorted out in the meeting with Pawar. Finance department officials were also present. "Why did they not raise these queries then," they asked. Former PCCF (wildlife) D C Pant had written to additional director general of police (DGP), training, about training STPF personnel. However, police department showed inability to train them.
Top forest officials said money towards salaries of the staff would come from the NTCA. "If, after 10 years, the Centre stops grants, by that time many employees in the department would have retired. Hence, there will be no additional burden on the exchequer. Pawar was convinced and only after that he gave a go ahead to STPF," they said.
Apart from Pench and Tadoba, STPF is to be set up in Dudhwa-Katerniaghat and Corbett in Uttar Pradesh, Ranthambhore in Rajasthan, Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench in Madhya Pradesh, Pakke in Arunachal Pradesh, Bandipore in Karnataka, Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu, Kaziranga in Assam and Similipal in Orissa.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Finance-Dept-stalls-tiger-force-formation/articleshow/7967450.cms
Considering the danger tigers in the wild face and the need for stepping up protection in sensitive areas having source populations of tigers with active involvement of forest dwelling communities, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in February 2009 mandated setting up of STPFs in tiger reserves in the country with 100% central assistance.
However, the state is yet to respond. On December 15, while in the city to attend winter session of the assembly, Pawar had cleared setting up of STPF by sanctioning 224 posts (two battalions of 112 personnel each) after discussing the issue with forest officials. So far, the decision remains on paper. STPF would be headed by an officer of the rank of assistant conservator of forest (ACF) and have RFOs, foresters and forest guards. In the STPF, 30% guards would be from communities around the reserves. They will be entitled to same salary and emoluments as others.
Sources said the finance department has put hurdles in the process by making some irrelevant queries. The department has asked whether the 224 posts will be created temporarily. It has also asked that if Centre stopped giving 100% grants, who will bear the expenses. It wants to know whether these posts would be absorbed in the forest department and if yes, how.
The finance officials have further asked whether there is a provision to relax educational qualification for 30% of the STPF staff that would be from local communities as they would be paid salary equivalent to foresters and forest guards. Sources said, these queries appear frivolous in nature and some (like educational qualification bit) have nothing to do with finance department.
As per the NTCA guidelines, STPF personnel will have to undergo training from police and para military forces. "There is a need to take home ministry's view on the issue," the finance department has said. It has also stated that as per the norms, the STPF recruits should not be above 40 years. On this condition, the NTCA approval will be needed, they mentioned.
Senior forest officials are upset by the irrelevant queries. All the issues were sorted out in the meeting with Pawar. Finance department officials were also present. "Why did they not raise these queries then," they asked. Former PCCF (wildlife) D C Pant had written to additional director general of police (DGP), training, about training STPF personnel. However, police department showed inability to train them.
Top forest officials said money towards salaries of the staff would come from the NTCA. "If, after 10 years, the Centre stops grants, by that time many employees in the department would have retired. Hence, there will be no additional burden on the exchequer. Pawar was convinced and only after that he gave a go ahead to STPF," they said.
Apart from Pench and Tadoba, STPF is to be set up in Dudhwa-Katerniaghat and Corbett in Uttar Pradesh, Ranthambhore in Rajasthan, Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench in Madhya Pradesh, Pakke in Arunachal Pradesh, Bandipore in Karnataka, Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu, Kaziranga in Assam and Similipal in Orissa.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Finance-Dept-stalls-tiger-force-formation/articleshow/7967450.cms
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Tiger dies in Kaziranga National Park PTI
GOLAGHAT: A tiger was found dead in Assam's Kaziranga National Park on Tuesday, park officials said.
The tiger was found dead in Kachpara area of Kohora range of the park by forest guards this morning, Park director Surajit Dutta said.
The cause of death appeared to be natural and was due to old age, he said.
The tiger was found dead in Kachpara area of Kohora range of the park by forest guards this morning, Park director Surajit Dutta said.
The cause of death appeared to be natural and was due to old age, he said.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
More green cover for Corbett tigers
The indomitable tigers of Corbett are set to get more breathing space with the environment ministry sanctioning Rs 65 crore for relocating 1,000 homes in Sundherkhal village. Sunderkhal falls in the tiger corridor connecting dense forest on two sides of the Kosi river. Now, in a bid to check
man-tiger conflict — tigers have killed at least a dozen people in the village in the last four months — the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has decided to release R65 crore for relocation of the village and implementing the annual action plan of Corbett in the current financial year.
With the tiger population in Corbett rising to 214 from 164 in last four years, the village has borne the maximum onslaught. After Kaziranga, Corbett witnessed maximum increase in tiger population.
“I agree the man-tiger conflict is a very sensitive and major issue in Uttarakhand as in some other states,” environment minister Jairam Ramesh said in a letter to Uttarakhand chief minister Ramesh Pokhriyal.
Over 40 people have died in tiger-human conflict in the state in the last six months, which also resulted in death of about eight tigers.
The digital mapping of tigers in Corbett shows the new tiger population has spread to the outskirts of 2,295-sq km big reserve, especially in the Ram Nagar forest division, where the Sunderkhal village is located.
Under the plan, each household will get either Rs 10 lakh as compensation or an alternative land. The relocation, however, will be voluntary in nature.
NCTA’s generosity may fall short of expectations as there is no plan to check the growth of hotels/resorts on the banks of Kosi around Sunderkhal. “Most of these resorts have come up on revenue land which is not under the forest department’s jurisdiction,” said a state forest department official.
Although Jairam Ramesh has emphasised on a check on unregulated growth of hotel industry around Corbett, he has pushed the ball into the state’s court to take action.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/More-green-cover-for-Corbett-tigers/Article1-683923.aspx
man-tiger conflict — tigers have killed at least a dozen people in the village in the last four months — the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has decided to release R65 crore for relocation of the village and implementing the annual action plan of Corbett in the current financial year.
With the tiger population in Corbett rising to 214 from 164 in last four years, the village has borne the maximum onslaught. After Kaziranga, Corbett witnessed maximum increase in tiger population.
“I agree the man-tiger conflict is a very sensitive and major issue in Uttarakhand as in some other states,” environment minister Jairam Ramesh said in a letter to Uttarakhand chief minister Ramesh Pokhriyal.
Over 40 people have died in tiger-human conflict in the state in the last six months, which also resulted in death of about eight tigers.
The digital mapping of tigers in Corbett shows the new tiger population has spread to the outskirts of 2,295-sq km big reserve, especially in the Ram Nagar forest division, where the Sunderkhal village is located.
Under the plan, each household will get either Rs 10 lakh as compensation or an alternative land. The relocation, however, will be voluntary in nature.
NCTA’s generosity may fall short of expectations as there is no plan to check the growth of hotels/resorts on the banks of Kosi around Sunderkhal. “Most of these resorts have come up on revenue land which is not under the forest department’s jurisdiction,” said a state forest department official.
Although Jairam Ramesh has emphasised on a check on unregulated growth of hotel industry around Corbett, he has pushed the ball into the state’s court to take action.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/More-green-cover-for-Corbett-tigers/Article1-683923.aspx
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Tiger tally dips in Madhya Pradesh, govt demands census re-evaluation
Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh government has rejected the latest 2011 tiger census calling for a re-evaluation following a decline in the tiger tally.
Earlier tagged as the Tiger State with the highest number of big cats, it has now lost that status to Karnataka.
The state now has 257 tigers vis-Ã -vis the 300 recorded during the previous census.
The situation is especially worrisome at the famous Kanha National Park which now has just 60 tigers.
The government though has trashed the findings of the census.
"We don't agree with the numbers as survey at the Kanha National Park is yet to be completed. Once that happens, the tiger population figure will surely change", said state Forest Minister Sartaaj Singh.
As per the wildlife institute data, the tiger habitat in the state has shrunk by nearly 3000 square kilometres. The Opposition is blaming the government for the decline in the numbers.
"The falling numbers of wild animals in Madhya Pradesh is a cause for concern. Our state had the highest numbers of tigers at one point. The Forest Minister and the Chief Minister are responsible for this", said Choudhary Rakesh Singh, Acting Leader of the Opposition, Madhya Pradesh.
Even as the overall tiger count has gone up in the latest census, the falling numbers in the state has emerged as a big concern.
http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/tiger-tally-dips-in-madhya-pradesh-govt-demands-census-re-evaluation-97472
Earlier tagged as the Tiger State with the highest number of big cats, it has now lost that status to Karnataka.
The state now has 257 tigers vis-Ã -vis the 300 recorded during the previous census.
The situation is especially worrisome at the famous Kanha National Park which now has just 60 tigers.
The government though has trashed the findings of the census.
"We don't agree with the numbers as survey at the Kanha National Park is yet to be completed. Once that happens, the tiger population figure will surely change", said state Forest Minister Sartaaj Singh.
As per the wildlife institute data, the tiger habitat in the state has shrunk by nearly 3000 square kilometres. The Opposition is blaming the government for the decline in the numbers.
"The falling numbers of wild animals in Madhya Pradesh is a cause for concern. Our state had the highest numbers of tigers at one point. The Forest Minister and the Chief Minister are responsible for this", said Choudhary Rakesh Singh, Acting Leader of the Opposition, Madhya Pradesh.
Even as the overall tiger count has gone up in the latest census, the falling numbers in the state has emerged as a big concern.
http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/tiger-tally-dips-in-madhya-pradesh-govt-demands-census-re-evaluation-97472
Maharashtra mulls tiger tourism
The Maharashtra government is proposing to tag Nagpur as the ‘tiger capital’ of the state to gain more visitors as it gears up to promote the state on India’s tourist map.
“We have decided to make Nagpur the gateway to the tiger land as Maharashtra and Gujarat have the highest tiger population (in the country). States like Gujarat and Kerala are already promoting their assets... in order to stay in competition we will now promote what we have in abundance,” Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan told reporters who visited the state recently as part of a tour organised by the Maharashtra government.
Maharashtra has a tiger population of 169 as per the 2010 census, Nagpur being the highest scorer with 148 tigers.
The total number of tigers has gone up from 103 to 169 in a period of four years.
“Nagpur is the major store house of tigers as the city alone has three tiger reserves and more than five sanctuaries. In all Maharashtra has four reserves and 34 sanctuaries,” A K Khetrapal, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) told PTI.
“The tiger population has gone up from 53 to 69 in Tadoba reserve and from 30 to 35 in Melghat reserve since 2006. Besides this, the tiger population has seen an increase in the sanctuaries of Sahadyri -- Sindhudurg with 21 tigers, Nagjira-Navegaon -- 20 tigers and Bor -- 12 tigers,” said Khetrapal.
Maharashtra ranks after Uttarakhand in terms of increase in the tiger population, followed by Assam, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The tiger-census carried out in three phases across the country in 2010 reported the number of tigers to have gone up from 1411 (in 2006) to 1706.
Among various enhanced conservation and protection measures undertaken by the state to provide a safe shelter to India’s national animal include creation of buffer zones ranging from eight to ten kilometres around the boundary of these reserves and sanctuaries.
“These buffer zones help in keeping the human population living around that region away from tiger attacks,” adds Khetrapal. Besides this, certain sanctuaries in Maharashtra have been declared as critical habitat areas.
“The concept behind such a habitat is to remove the entire human population dwelling there and provide them an alternate shelter. Thus providing enough space and security to the tigers,” said the official.
A protection force has also been introduced to save the animal from poachers. In addition to that, both artificial and natural water holes have been dug out to provide enough water for them during summer season.
Besides this, Archaeological Survey of India has collaborated with the Japanese Bank for International Co- operation (JBIC) to save the 1000-year-old paintings at the Ajanta Caves which are facing severe issues of water leakage and colour fading as part of the steps to rope in more tourists.
Buddhist architecture comprising 30 caves was rediscovered by a British Army Officer John Smith in 1819. Out of the 30 caves, 12 have been closed down by ASI due to water leakage.
“The leakage of water was a major issue some time ago but the problem has been resolved now. The ASI team has created separate pipes to divert the route of the leaking water thereby saving the antique wall paintings from decay,” says Abrar Hussain, a government approved tourist guide at the Ajanta caves.
The installation of fibre optic lights has proved to be the most remarkable step till date to preserve the Buddhist paintings depicting the entire life of Lord Buddha.
Perfect for light-sensitive exhibits, use of fibre optic lighting is harmless and also does not produce heat. .
“Earlier normal lighting methods which were installed inside the caves resulted in the discolouration and melting of the texture of the paintings,” adds Hussain.
Private vehicles have been banned within the periphery of about five kilometres. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has started eco-friendly CNG buses to carry tourists. The fair too has been kept nominal, ranging from Rs seven to Rs 15 for air conditioned and non-airconditioned buses respectively.
“ASI in collaboration with the Japanese Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC) is currently building a replica of the entire monument for further research on the caves and its history,” adds Hussain.
Apart from this, the government is planning to raise the standard of guest houses at all tourist places to provide comfortable stay and experience to the visitors, Mr. Chavan said.
It has also been decided to focus on the rich heritage of forts in the state by allotting a separate fund for their conservation.
“Maharashtra has a large number of forts which speak about the rich Maratha lineage. It has become important to put forth this history of warriors and hence promote the state,” Mr. Chavan said.
http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/article1684769.ece
“We have decided to make Nagpur the gateway to the tiger land as Maharashtra and Gujarat have the highest tiger population (in the country). States like Gujarat and Kerala are already promoting their assets... in order to stay in competition we will now promote what we have in abundance,” Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan told reporters who visited the state recently as part of a tour organised by the Maharashtra government.
Maharashtra has a tiger population of 169 as per the 2010 census, Nagpur being the highest scorer with 148 tigers.
The total number of tigers has gone up from 103 to 169 in a period of four years.
“Nagpur is the major store house of tigers as the city alone has three tiger reserves and more than five sanctuaries. In all Maharashtra has four reserves and 34 sanctuaries,” A K Khetrapal, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) told PTI.
“The tiger population has gone up from 53 to 69 in Tadoba reserve and from 30 to 35 in Melghat reserve since 2006. Besides this, the tiger population has seen an increase in the sanctuaries of Sahadyri -- Sindhudurg with 21 tigers, Nagjira-Navegaon -- 20 tigers and Bor -- 12 tigers,” said Khetrapal.
Maharashtra ranks after Uttarakhand in terms of increase in the tiger population, followed by Assam, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The tiger-census carried out in three phases across the country in 2010 reported the number of tigers to have gone up from 1411 (in 2006) to 1706.
Among various enhanced conservation and protection measures undertaken by the state to provide a safe shelter to India’s national animal include creation of buffer zones ranging from eight to ten kilometres around the boundary of these reserves and sanctuaries.
“These buffer zones help in keeping the human population living around that region away from tiger attacks,” adds Khetrapal. Besides this, certain sanctuaries in Maharashtra have been declared as critical habitat areas.
“The concept behind such a habitat is to remove the entire human population dwelling there and provide them an alternate shelter. Thus providing enough space and security to the tigers,” said the official.
A protection force has also been introduced to save the animal from poachers. In addition to that, both artificial and natural water holes have been dug out to provide enough water for them during summer season.
Besides this, Archaeological Survey of India has collaborated with the Japanese Bank for International Co- operation (JBIC) to save the 1000-year-old paintings at the Ajanta Caves which are facing severe issues of water leakage and colour fading as part of the steps to rope in more tourists.
Buddhist architecture comprising 30 caves was rediscovered by a British Army Officer John Smith in 1819. Out of the 30 caves, 12 have been closed down by ASI due to water leakage.
“The leakage of water was a major issue some time ago but the problem has been resolved now. The ASI team has created separate pipes to divert the route of the leaking water thereby saving the antique wall paintings from decay,” says Abrar Hussain, a government approved tourist guide at the Ajanta caves.
The installation of fibre optic lights has proved to be the most remarkable step till date to preserve the Buddhist paintings depicting the entire life of Lord Buddha.
Perfect for light-sensitive exhibits, use of fibre optic lighting is harmless and also does not produce heat. .
“Earlier normal lighting methods which were installed inside the caves resulted in the discolouration and melting of the texture of the paintings,” adds Hussain.
Private vehicles have been banned within the periphery of about five kilometres. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has started eco-friendly CNG buses to carry tourists. The fair too has been kept nominal, ranging from Rs seven to Rs 15 for air conditioned and non-airconditioned buses respectively.
“ASI in collaboration with the Japanese Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC) is currently building a replica of the entire monument for further research on the caves and its history,” adds Hussain.
Apart from this, the government is planning to raise the standard of guest houses at all tourist places to provide comfortable stay and experience to the visitors, Mr. Chavan said.
It has also been decided to focus on the rich heritage of forts in the state by allotting a separate fund for their conservation.
“Maharashtra has a large number of forts which speak about the rich Maratha lineage. It has become important to put forth this history of warriors and hence promote the state,” Mr. Chavan said.
http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/article1684769.ece
Wildlife corridor in eastern Maharashtra threatened
Ongoing construction of a canal is threatening a sprawling wildlife corridor spread over Chandrapur and Bhandara districts in eastern Maharashtra, the Forest Department officials have said. The department, rattled over the recent incidents of tiger attacks on humans, deaths of a couple of leopards,
fears possible breach of wildlife corridor between Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), Protected Forest Area under Brahmapuri Division and the forests in adjoining Paoni area of Bhandara district due to the ongoing work on Gosikhurd Right Canal.
Two persons were killed and one was seriously injured in tiger attacks between March 18 and March 27, while two leopards were found dead in Brahmapuri Division between April 4 and April 7.
The second leopard was found trapped in the stack of centering materials used in the construction of canal under Gosikhurd Irrigation Project (GIP) near village Bhujgaon.
The officials said TATR is like a nucleus of wildlife which keep migrating to the adjoining areas for various natural reasons from time to time.
As per official data, the tiger population in territorial area is more than that in TATR. As per the recent Census, there are 28 tigers in Chandrapur Division in addition to another six tigers which keep migrating from and to TATR followed by 20 tigers in Brahmapuri Division and 11-12 tigers in Central Chanda Division, informed G R K Rao, Conservator of Forests, Chandrapur Division.
There is an alarming rise in man-animal conflict in the recent times. A careful observation and study points the needle at the recent activities of construction of Gosikhurd Right Canal in Brahmapuri Division, he said.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Wildlife-corridor-in-eastern-Maharashtra-threatened/Article1-683501.aspx
fears possible breach of wildlife corridor between Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), Protected Forest Area under Brahmapuri Division and the forests in adjoining Paoni area of Bhandara district due to the ongoing work on Gosikhurd Right Canal.
Two persons were killed and one was seriously injured in tiger attacks between March 18 and March 27, while two leopards were found dead in Brahmapuri Division between April 4 and April 7.
The second leopard was found trapped in the stack of centering materials used in the construction of canal under Gosikhurd Irrigation Project (GIP) near village Bhujgaon.
The officials said TATR is like a nucleus of wildlife which keep migrating to the adjoining areas for various natural reasons from time to time.
As per official data, the tiger population in territorial area is more than that in TATR. As per the recent Census, there are 28 tigers in Chandrapur Division in addition to another six tigers which keep migrating from and to TATR followed by 20 tigers in Brahmapuri Division and 11-12 tigers in Central Chanda Division, informed G R K Rao, Conservator of Forests, Chandrapur Division.
There is an alarming rise in man-animal conflict in the recent times. A careful observation and study points the needle at the recent activities of construction of Gosikhurd Right Canal in Brahmapuri Division, he said.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Wildlife-corridor-in-eastern-Maharashtra-threatened/Article1-683501.aspx
Tiger cubs found in Tripura
Confirming government information wrong that there are no tigers in the wild in Tripura, villagers in the state found two tiger cubs in a forest, officials said on Saturday. "When villagers went to a forest on Friday to collect wood at Harina in southern Tripura, 140 km south of here, they found the
two tiger cubs and later handed them over to forest officials," a forest department official told reporters.
Quoting the villagers, the official said : "A tigress was protecting her cubs under a tree. Seeing the villagers she ran away leaving the cubs."
The cubs are believed to be 13 to 15 days old.
The forest official said that as per the latest (in 2002) tiger census there are no tigers in the northeastern state that borders the Chittagong hill tracts (CHT) of southeast Bangladesh.
The official said they would hand over the cubs to the Sepahijala Zoo in western Tripura. The Sepahijala Zoo was categorized by the Central Zoo Authority as one of the 22 large zoos in India.
The Sepahijala sanctuary and zoo have more than 46 species of wild animals kept for their conservation, protection and breeding.
The sanctuary has also been tagged as the national park for clouded leopards.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Tiger-cubs-found-in-Tripura/Article1-683195.aspx
two tiger cubs and later handed them over to forest officials," a forest department official told reporters.
Quoting the villagers, the official said : "A tigress was protecting her cubs under a tree. Seeing the villagers she ran away leaving the cubs."
The cubs are believed to be 13 to 15 days old.
The forest official said that as per the latest (in 2002) tiger census there are no tigers in the northeastern state that borders the Chittagong hill tracts (CHT) of southeast Bangladesh.
The official said they would hand over the cubs to the Sepahijala Zoo in western Tripura. The Sepahijala Zoo was categorized by the Central Zoo Authority as one of the 22 large zoos in India.
The Sepahijala sanctuary and zoo have more than 46 species of wild animals kept for their conservation, protection and breeding.
The sanctuary has also been tagged as the national park for clouded leopards.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Tiger-cubs-found-in-Tripura/Article1-683195.aspx
Big cats unsafe in India’s Tiger Capital
A week after environment minister Jairam Ramesh termed Karnataka as the Tiger Capital of the country, the state’s image took a beating. While the carcass of a male tiger with most of the nails and several teeth missing was found inside the Nagarhole national park on Thursday, an injured one was spotted in Bandipur tiger reserve on Friday.
The carcass was spotted by a mahout of the forest department close to Kabini backwaters at the Baraballi beat in D B Kuppe wildlife range of the national park. “The mahout found the carcass on Thursday morning while searching for an elephant and immediately tipped us off. The animal, which appeared six or seven years old, might have died a few days ago. It was a natural death,” said principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife) B K Singh.
Forest officials, however, ruled out the role of poachers in the death of the tiger, saying: “After the tiger’s death, local people might have stolen its nails and teeth. Post mortem reports have revealed that it was a natural death.”
Injured and missing
The forest authorities suffered the second jolt on Friday when they received news of another tiger suffering injuries inside Bandipur National Park. B K Singh has rushed to the Bandipur Tiger Reserve along with a few senior officials of the department.
Deputy conservator of forest, Bandipur, K T Hanumanthappa said, “A couple of days ago, on Tavalanagere beat of Omkar range, we spotted a tiger inside the woods which was limping. It had a five centimetre-deep wound on its left foreleg. We decided to arrange for its treatment inside the forest itself.”
“It was not an easy task. The tiger, which was not able to hunt, was stationed near a water hole. Yesterday evening, we had kept five kilograms of mutton near the water hole and the tiger ate it completely. Later we kept another five kilograms of mutton mixed with antibiotics and painkillers, but it did not touch it. Our camera trapping devices recorded that it came close to the mutton plate around 1:00 am on Saturday but turned back,” Hanumanthappa said.
Sources in the Bandipur Tiger Reserve said injured animals dip their wound in water for a long time to help the pain to subside. However, after it sensed human presence, the tiger has stopped coming to the water hole. Forest officials are now working out a strategy to track and rescue the tiger.
“Depending on the injury, we will decide whether to leave it in the forest or shift it to the zoo,” B K Singh added.
http://www.bangaloremirror.com/article/10/20110410201104100014459273f7177f7/Big-cats-unsafe-in-India’s-Tiger-Capital.html
The carcass was spotted by a mahout of the forest department close to Kabini backwaters at the Baraballi beat in D B Kuppe wildlife range of the national park. “The mahout found the carcass on Thursday morning while searching for an elephant and immediately tipped us off. The animal, which appeared six or seven years old, might have died a few days ago. It was a natural death,” said principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife) B K Singh.
Forest officials, however, ruled out the role of poachers in the death of the tiger, saying: “After the tiger’s death, local people might have stolen its nails and teeth. Post mortem reports have revealed that it was a natural death.”
Injured and missing
The forest authorities suffered the second jolt on Friday when they received news of another tiger suffering injuries inside Bandipur National Park. B K Singh has rushed to the Bandipur Tiger Reserve along with a few senior officials of the department.
Deputy conservator of forest, Bandipur, K T Hanumanthappa said, “A couple of days ago, on Tavalanagere beat of Omkar range, we spotted a tiger inside the woods which was limping. It had a five centimetre-deep wound on its left foreleg. We decided to arrange for its treatment inside the forest itself.”
“It was not an easy task. The tiger, which was not able to hunt, was stationed near a water hole. Yesterday evening, we had kept five kilograms of mutton near the water hole and the tiger ate it completely. Later we kept another five kilograms of mutton mixed with antibiotics and painkillers, but it did not touch it. Our camera trapping devices recorded that it came close to the mutton plate around 1:00 am on Saturday but turned back,” Hanumanthappa said.
Sources in the Bandipur Tiger Reserve said injured animals dip their wound in water for a long time to help the pain to subside. However, after it sensed human presence, the tiger has stopped coming to the water hole. Forest officials are now working out a strategy to track and rescue the tiger.
“Depending on the injury, we will decide whether to leave it in the forest or shift it to the zoo,” B K Singh added.
http://www.bangaloremirror.com/article/10/20110410201104100014459273f7177f7/Big-cats-unsafe-in-India’s-Tiger-Capital.html
Saturday, April 9, 2011
5 yrs of punishment to woman for illegal trade:in tiger-body parts TNN
Tags:Wildlife Trust Of India|Tiger Body Parts|Illegal Trade
BAHRAICH: A court in Uttar Pradesh has sentenced a woman to five years and three months of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 for illegal trade in tiger body parts, on Friday.
Dilipo, who belongs to the Bawaria community, was convicted and sentenced by chief judicial magistrate of Lakhimpur Kheri, RK Shukla, Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) said.
She was arrested after two kg of tiger meat and bones were seized on January 7, 2007, from a hideout in Lakhimpur by the forest department. A leg trap, a mobile set, a device used to remove animal nails and a telephone diary were also seized on January 12 from her accomplice Kalicharan.
After interrogating Kalicharan, it emerged that Dilipo had sold the skin of the same tiger for Rs 40,000. The prosecution was assisted by WTI advocates Rakesh Kumar Srivastava and Sanjay Kumar Rai.
This conviction will go a long way as a deterrent to poachers who regularly indulge in wildlife crimes and will send a strong message to the public, the statement quoted Ramesh Kumar Pandey, deputy director, northern region, of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau New Delhi, as saying.
The Bawarias are a nomadic community, traditionally bushmeat hunters, said Jose Louies, officer-in-charge of the Enforcement Assistance and Law division of the WTI.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/5-yrs-of-punishment-to-woman-for-illegal-tradein-tiger-body-parts/articleshow/7919696.cms
BAHRAICH: A court in Uttar Pradesh has sentenced a woman to five years and three months of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 for illegal trade in tiger body parts, on Friday.
Dilipo, who belongs to the Bawaria community, was convicted and sentenced by chief judicial magistrate of Lakhimpur Kheri, RK Shukla, Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) said.
She was arrested after two kg of tiger meat and bones were seized on January 7, 2007, from a hideout in Lakhimpur by the forest department. A leg trap, a mobile set, a device used to remove animal nails and a telephone diary were also seized on January 12 from her accomplice Kalicharan.
After interrogating Kalicharan, it emerged that Dilipo had sold the skin of the same tiger for Rs 40,000. The prosecution was assisted by WTI advocates Rakesh Kumar Srivastava and Sanjay Kumar Rai.
This conviction will go a long way as a deterrent to poachers who regularly indulge in wildlife crimes and will send a strong message to the public, the statement quoted Ramesh Kumar Pandey, deputy director, northern region, of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau New Delhi, as saying.
The Bawarias are a nomadic community, traditionally bushmeat hunters, said Jose Louies, officer-in-charge of the Enforcement Assistance and Law division of the WTI.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/5-yrs-of-punishment-to-woman-for-illegal-tradein-tiger-body-parts/articleshow/7919696.cms
NTCA flip-flop on city office continues Vijay Pinjarkar, TNN
Tags:NTCA|National Tiger Conservation Authority
NAGPUR: At a time when demand for tiger capital status for Nagpur is gaining momentum, the flip-flop by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) over setting up of regional office at Nagpur continues. The opening of the office here may be delayed because of this.
The announcement for a regional office in Nagpur was made by minister for environment and forest Jairam Ramesh in January last year. Even 15 months later, things have not moved much and only hunt for space for the office is on.
Initially, NTCA was trying for space in New Secretariat building opposite Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) in Civil Lines where several central government offices are located. The plan was shelved as NTCA, being an independent authority, could not get accommodation there.
Recently, local forest officials, who are helping NTCA, finalised a private bungalow in Ramdaspeth. Now, the plan to occupy that seems to have been dropped to save money. Fresh efforts are being made too look for government space.
"When government space is available, why waste money on rent," asked officials coordinating with the NTCA. "We have given the feedback to NTCA. Besides, Nagpur MP Vilas Muttemwar is also being approached for help in getting accommodation at NS building. He has been submitted a memorandum in this regard," they added.
Talking to TOI, S P Yadav, joint director of NTCA, confirmed that NTCA was preferring government space. On delay, Yadav said, "We cannot give a timeframe when the regional office will come up, but recruitment process for assistant inspector general (AIG) post will start on April 15." NTCA has already cleared the name of wildlife vet Dr A D Kholkute as consultant.
On January 13, the environment ministry formally announced decentralisation of NTCA by creating regional offices at Nagpur, Guwahati and Bengaluru (covering 17 tiger states) to facilitate guidance to states and monitoring in an ongoing manner at the regional level for addressing ecological and administrative concerns relating to tiger conservation.
However, the way things are moving, it may take another six months for the NTCA office to become functional. There is no building yet, no notification about the office, and no names of officials who would head it. Conservationists Prafulla Bhamburkar and Kundan Hate said the tiger capital would have no meaning without NTCA's presence.
"The regional office will see to it that its guidelines are implemented effectively and there is better co-operation between tiger states. Currently, it takes a lot of time for vital messages and guidelines to reach these states. The decision-making is slow and ultimately tigers suffer," they added.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/NTCA-flip-flop-on-city-office-continues/articleshow/7921464.cms
NAGPUR: At a time when demand for tiger capital status for Nagpur is gaining momentum, the flip-flop by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) over setting up of regional office at Nagpur continues. The opening of the office here may be delayed because of this.
The announcement for a regional office in Nagpur was made by minister for environment and forest Jairam Ramesh in January last year. Even 15 months later, things have not moved much and only hunt for space for the office is on.
Initially, NTCA was trying for space in New Secretariat building opposite Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) in Civil Lines where several central government offices are located. The plan was shelved as NTCA, being an independent authority, could not get accommodation there.
Recently, local forest officials, who are helping NTCA, finalised a private bungalow in Ramdaspeth. Now, the plan to occupy that seems to have been dropped to save money. Fresh efforts are being made too look for government space.
"When government space is available, why waste money on rent," asked officials coordinating with the NTCA. "We have given the feedback to NTCA. Besides, Nagpur MP Vilas Muttemwar is also being approached for help in getting accommodation at NS building. He has been submitted a memorandum in this regard," they added.
Talking to TOI, S P Yadav, joint director of NTCA, confirmed that NTCA was preferring government space. On delay, Yadav said, "We cannot give a timeframe when the regional office will come up, but recruitment process for assistant inspector general (AIG) post will start on April 15." NTCA has already cleared the name of wildlife vet Dr A D Kholkute as consultant.
On January 13, the environment ministry formally announced decentralisation of NTCA by creating regional offices at Nagpur, Guwahati and Bengaluru (covering 17 tiger states) to facilitate guidance to states and monitoring in an ongoing manner at the regional level for addressing ecological and administrative concerns relating to tiger conservation.
However, the way things are moving, it may take another six months for the NTCA office to become functional. There is no building yet, no notification about the office, and no names of officials who would head it. Conservationists Prafulla Bhamburkar and Kundan Hate said the tiger capital would have no meaning without NTCA's presence.
"The regional office will see to it that its guidelines are implemented effectively and there is better co-operation between tiger states. Currently, it takes a lot of time for vital messages and guidelines to reach these states. The decision-making is slow and ultimately tigers suffer," they added.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/NTCA-flip-flop-on-city-office-continues/articleshow/7921464.cms
Friday, April 8, 2011
Woman jailed for trading in tiger parts
New Delhi, April 7 (IANS) A court in Uttar Pradesh has sentenced a woman to five years and three months of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs.50,000 for illegal trade in tiger body parts, an NGO said here Thursday.
Dilipo, who belongs to the Bawaria community, was Wednesday convicted and sentenced by the chief judicial magistrate of Lakhimpur Kheri, R.K. Shukla, Delhi-based Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) said in a statement.
She was arrested after two kg of tiger meat and bones were seized Jan 7, 2007, from a hideout in Lakhimpur by the forest department. A leg trap, a mobile set, a device used to remove animal nails and a telephone diary were seized Jan 12 from her accomplice Kalicharan.
From Kalicharan’s interrogation it emerged that Dilipo had sold the skin of the same tiger for Rs.40,000. The prosecution was assisted by WTI advocates Rakesh Kumar Srivastava and Sanjay Kumar Rai.
‘This conviction will go a long way as a deterrent to poachers who regularly indulge in wildlife crimes and will send a strong message to the public,’ the statement quoted Ramesh Kumar Pandey, deputy director, northern region, of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, as saying.
‘The Bawarias are a nomadic community, traditionally bushmeat hunters,’ said Jose Louies, officer-in-charge of the Enforcement Assistance and Law division of the WTI.
http://www.inewsone.com/2011/04/07/woman-gets-five-year-jail-for-trading-in-tiger-parts/41818
Dilipo, who belongs to the Bawaria community, was Wednesday convicted and sentenced by the chief judicial magistrate of Lakhimpur Kheri, R.K. Shukla, Delhi-based Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) said in a statement.
She was arrested after two kg of tiger meat and bones were seized Jan 7, 2007, from a hideout in Lakhimpur by the forest department. A leg trap, a mobile set, a device used to remove animal nails and a telephone diary were seized Jan 12 from her accomplice Kalicharan.
From Kalicharan’s interrogation it emerged that Dilipo had sold the skin of the same tiger for Rs.40,000. The prosecution was assisted by WTI advocates Rakesh Kumar Srivastava and Sanjay Kumar Rai.
‘This conviction will go a long way as a deterrent to poachers who regularly indulge in wildlife crimes and will send a strong message to the public,’ the statement quoted Ramesh Kumar Pandey, deputy director, northern region, of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, as saying.
‘The Bawarias are a nomadic community, traditionally bushmeat hunters,’ said Jose Louies, officer-in-charge of the Enforcement Assistance and Law division of the WTI.
http://www.inewsone.com/2011/04/07/woman-gets-five-year-jail-for-trading-in-tiger-parts/41818
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Tiger attack kills two in Sunderban TNN
KOLKATA: Two fishermen fell victim to tiger attacks on two consecutive days after they had illegally sneaked into Netidhopani island, the core area of Sundarbans tiger habitat where fishing without permit is prohibited. One fisherman fell victim on Tuesday evening and the other on Wednesday morning, when a 15-member team had gone to the island in search of the body of the first victim.
A group of four from Gosaba's Satyanarayanpur village in Balli had gone fishing near Netidhopani. They were busy hanging their fishing nets on a tree when suddenly a tiger jumped on Subal Sardar. Sardar fell on the ground, thick with muck. The big cat then dragged Sardar away into the deep forest. The entire incident reportedly took place within a few seconds, before anybody could realise anything. Team members Monoranjan Jana, Srinath and Swarup carried out an abortive search for the next 45 minutes.
They then went back to their village to leave the next day for Netidhopani with renewed strength. Monoranjan, Srinath and Swarup left early on Wednesday with 12 more fishermen to look for the body. When they reached the island, it was dawn. They started looking for the blood-trail. They reached a spot where they thought the body of Subal could be found.
Suddenly they heard a scream and saw that a tiger had jumped on Monoranjan. The right paw had struck the head. Other fishermen raised an alarm. The noise startled the tiger. He loosened his grip over Monoranjan and jumped on another man.
Before anybody realised, he had been taken away by the tiger, said Swarup.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata-/Tiger-attack-kills-two-in-Sunderbans/articleshow/7894507.cms
A group of four from Gosaba's Satyanarayanpur village in Balli had gone fishing near Netidhopani. They were busy hanging their fishing nets on a tree when suddenly a tiger jumped on Subal Sardar. Sardar fell on the ground, thick with muck. The big cat then dragged Sardar away into the deep forest. The entire incident reportedly took place within a few seconds, before anybody could realise anything. Team members Monoranjan Jana, Srinath and Swarup carried out an abortive search for the next 45 minutes.
They then went back to their village to leave the next day for Netidhopani with renewed strength. Monoranjan, Srinath and Swarup left early on Wednesday with 12 more fishermen to look for the body. When they reached the island, it was dawn. They started looking for the blood-trail. They reached a spot where they thought the body of Subal could be found.
Suddenly they heard a scream and saw that a tiger had jumped on Monoranjan. The right paw had struck the head. Other fishermen raised an alarm. The noise startled the tiger. He loosened his grip over Monoranjan and jumped on another man.
Before anybody realised, he had been taken away by the tiger, said Swarup.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata-/Tiger-attack-kills-two-in-Sunderbans/articleshow/7894507.cms
Bijnore tigers left out of Census 2011? Neha Shukla, TNN
LUCKNOW: The latest edition of tiger census has started getting fingers raised at it. The UP forest department has conveyed its dis-satisfaction over the count of tigers in the state to the concerned authorities, as the 2011 census has missed out on Bijnore landscape that makes tigers in UP "under-assessed".
"It is surprising that Bijnore landscape has not found a mention," said BK Patnaik, Chief Wildlife Warden (CWW), UP. The last tiger census had shown Bijnore forests with an area of 221 sq km having a small population of tigers. The 2011 census, however, has said nothing about tigers present in Bijnore.
As per the 2008 census report, 3-4 tigers were present in Bijnore. This time around, 112 tigers are shown present in Dudhwa-Kheri-Pilibhit-Katarniaghat, 5 in Suhelwa and 1 in Sohagibarwa taking the total number of tigers in the state to 118 sans Bijnore.
When asked about the possibility of Bijnore having no tigers, CWW said, "The area has tiger signs and it was established in the first phase."
Besides, there have been cattle-lifting incidents reported from the area.
Bijnore, more or less has a dispersing population of tigers from Corbett Tiger Reserve. In UP, major population is constituted by Dudhwa tiger reserve, Kishenpur wildlife sanctuary, Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuary, Pilibhit forests, North and South Kheri forest divisions.
The two smaller eastern populations are in Suhelwa wildlife sanctuary and Sohagibarwa wildlife sanctuary and a smaller population in west is in Bijnore. The fact that tiger occupancy area has increased in the state does not make it believable that Bijnore has no tigers. UP has a total forest area of 14341 sq km. In 2008 report, 2766 sq km was shown as tiger occupied area and in 2011 report, tiger occupied area increased to 2948 sq km. The trends of population growth have been shown stable.
When forest department brought up the issue with the census authorities, they said that they will include the landscape and tigers present in fourth phase, which will be for area-wise estimation. The tiger estimation exercise is being undertaken every four years since 2006. The 2010 exercise was carried out between December 2009 and December 2010.
The exercise was done in three phases, field data collected at the beat level (beat is a primary patrolling area), analysis of habitat status of tiger forests using satellite data and camera trapping where individual tigers were identified from photographs based on their unique stripe patterns. The data is collected for sampled (representative) sites and the information is extrapolated.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Bijnore-tigers-left-out-of-Census-2011/articleshow/7888473.cms
"It is surprising that Bijnore landscape has not found a mention," said BK Patnaik, Chief Wildlife Warden (CWW), UP. The last tiger census had shown Bijnore forests with an area of 221 sq km having a small population of tigers. The 2011 census, however, has said nothing about tigers present in Bijnore.
As per the 2008 census report, 3-4 tigers were present in Bijnore. This time around, 112 tigers are shown present in Dudhwa-Kheri-Pilibhit-Katarniaghat, 5 in Suhelwa and 1 in Sohagibarwa taking the total number of tigers in the state to 118 sans Bijnore.
When asked about the possibility of Bijnore having no tigers, CWW said, "The area has tiger signs and it was established in the first phase."
Besides, there have been cattle-lifting incidents reported from the area.
Bijnore, more or less has a dispersing population of tigers from Corbett Tiger Reserve. In UP, major population is constituted by Dudhwa tiger reserve, Kishenpur wildlife sanctuary, Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuary, Pilibhit forests, North and South Kheri forest divisions.
The two smaller eastern populations are in Suhelwa wildlife sanctuary and Sohagibarwa wildlife sanctuary and a smaller population in west is in Bijnore. The fact that tiger occupancy area has increased in the state does not make it believable that Bijnore has no tigers. UP has a total forest area of 14341 sq km. In 2008 report, 2766 sq km was shown as tiger occupied area and in 2011 report, tiger occupied area increased to 2948 sq km. The trends of population growth have been shown stable.
When forest department brought up the issue with the census authorities, they said that they will include the landscape and tigers present in fourth phase, which will be for area-wise estimation. The tiger estimation exercise is being undertaken every four years since 2006. The 2010 exercise was carried out between December 2009 and December 2010.
The exercise was done in three phases, field data collected at the beat level (beat is a primary patrolling area), analysis of habitat status of tiger forests using satellite data and camera trapping where individual tigers were identified from photographs based on their unique stripe patterns. The data is collected for sampled (representative) sites and the information is extrapolated.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Bijnore-tigers-left-out-of-Census-2011/articleshow/7888473.cms
Fire engulfs Tadoba tiger reserve
A devastating forest fire is raging in the famous Tadoba tiger project in Chandrapur district (eastern Maharashtra), some 180 kms from Nagpur and has engulfed vast areas threatening the rich flora and fauna in the sprawling forest. According to reports reaching Nagpur on Tuesday, the fire broke out
in Moharli forest area, adjacent to Tadoba tiger reserve on Monday evening and spread 10 kms across the reserve. Over 200 forest personnel are battling to extinguish the fire, reports added.
Ravikiran Gohekar, acting in-charge of the project, said that there was no need to be alarmed.
"The forest fire in Tadoba during summer is an annual phenomenon," he added.
In fact, the fire broke out in Tadoba’s border areas and now the wildlife wing is monitoring it, Gohekar said. The forest areas affected are Sitarampeth and Mudholi forest region of the area.
Spread over 625.40 sq kms, Tadoba-Andhari is one of the oldest national parks in the country that was upgraded as tiger reserve in 1995.
It has some of the best of forest tracks endowed with rich biodiversity.
Apart from approximately 69 tigers, it is home to rare Indian wildlife animals like leopards (28), wild dogs (1758), wild boars (195), sloth bears (165), bisons (1052), deer (2039) and others.
Moreover, Tadoba is also an ornithologist’s paradise with a varied diversity of aquatic birdlife and raptors.
Tadoba tiger reserve is renowned for its rich natural habitat and is one of the oldest national parks of the country. The reserve is also credited of being one of the best-managed wildlife projects in the country that led to an increase the tiger population from 42 to 69 as per the latest tiger census. It was said that as many as 28 tiger cubs were born in Tadoba-Andheri tiger reserve in 2010.
However, sources said that the fire is man-made and triggered by people within the reserve, with ulterior motives -- illegal collection of forest produce like tendu leaf, mahua, firewood, timber and even poaching. The fire then spreads across the forest.
While wild animals including big cats, bison, deer and sambar escape the fire by moving to new areas, reptiles die and many valuable trees and medicinal plants are destroyed. The loss could not be ascertained as the forest officials were busy in controlling the fire.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Fire-engulfs-Tadoba-tiger-reserve/Article1-681574.aspx
in Moharli forest area, adjacent to Tadoba tiger reserve on Monday evening and spread 10 kms across the reserve. Over 200 forest personnel are battling to extinguish the fire, reports added.
Ravikiran Gohekar, acting in-charge of the project, said that there was no need to be alarmed.
"The forest fire in Tadoba during summer is an annual phenomenon," he added.
In fact, the fire broke out in Tadoba’s border areas and now the wildlife wing is monitoring it, Gohekar said. The forest areas affected are Sitarampeth and Mudholi forest region of the area.
Spread over 625.40 sq kms, Tadoba-Andhari is one of the oldest national parks in the country that was upgraded as tiger reserve in 1995.
It has some of the best of forest tracks endowed with rich biodiversity.
Apart from approximately 69 tigers, it is home to rare Indian wildlife animals like leopards (28), wild dogs (1758), wild boars (195), sloth bears (165), bisons (1052), deer (2039) and others.
Moreover, Tadoba is also an ornithologist’s paradise with a varied diversity of aquatic birdlife and raptors.
Tadoba tiger reserve is renowned for its rich natural habitat and is one of the oldest national parks of the country. The reserve is also credited of being one of the best-managed wildlife projects in the country that led to an increase the tiger population from 42 to 69 as per the latest tiger census. It was said that as many as 28 tiger cubs were born in Tadoba-Andheri tiger reserve in 2010.
However, sources said that the fire is man-made and triggered by people within the reserve, with ulterior motives -- illegal collection of forest produce like tendu leaf, mahua, firewood, timber and even poaching. The fire then spreads across the forest.
While wild animals including big cats, bison, deer and sambar escape the fire by moving to new areas, reptiles die and many valuable trees and medicinal plants are destroyed. The loss could not be ascertained as the forest officials were busy in controlling the fire.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Fire-engulfs-Tadoba-tiger-reserve/Article1-681574.aspx
Expert against Nagzira curtailment Vijay Pinjarkar, TNN
NAGPUR: The state wildlife department's move to curtail proposed Nagzira-Navegaon tiger reserve area by confining it to its present core has been opposed by leading conservationist and chairman of Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) M K Ranjitsinh.
Based on the TOI report on the issue on March 15, Ranjitsinh has written to minister for environment and forest Jairam Ramesh about the government's plan. "I personally feel the present alignment of the proposed tiger reserve and especially the core areas, will not enhance conservation status of this very fine habitat. One should not accept such truncated and unviable areas as tiger reserves," said Ranjitsinh.
Just giving the title of a tiger reserve while doing nothing on the field to enhance viability and the conservation capacity of the existing areas is tantamount to self-deception and will create apprehensions and opposition amongst the neighbouring communities without achieving conservation goals, Ranjitsinh said.
He pointed out that in case of Nagzira-Navegaon, the situation is further compounded by the fact that there will be two small, separate existing protected areas, separated by almost 40 km of forest whose status will only be 'buffer', which has no real legal stature.
The WTI chief has urged Ramesh to settle for nothing less than 400 sq km reserve proposal. It should include original Nagzira area of 153 sq km, plus the previously proposed 155 sq km comprising reserve forests of Umarzari with Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM), Bhandara, and the area with Gondia Forest Division, besides existing Navegaon National Park of 133 sq km.
"You will recall that I had drawn your attention to the proposed exclusion of certain crucial forests in the declaration of the long overdue Mansingdeo sanctuary. Your very prompt intervention saved the situation and the conservation community is grateful for it," Ranjitsinh reminded Ramesh. He added that a similar situation seemed to have emerged again in Maharashtra. The state was going back on an earlier understanding on its part.
In September 2009, Ramesh had written to chief minister asking him to declare Navegaon-Nagzira a tiger reserve. On this basis, a proposal was prepared. It would have included 153 sq km of existing Nagzira sanctuary, plus an additional 155 sq km comprising 126 sq km area of FDCM, 27 sq km of Gondia forest division and 133 sq km of existing Navegaon Park. "I've been trying to upgrade Navegaon and Nagzira and corridor between these two PAs since 1985," Ranjitsinh said.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) norms state that an inviolate space of 800-1000 sq km was needed to ensure viable populations of tigers and other wild animals (co-predators, prey and forest), thereby ensuring ecological viability of the entire habitat.
Wildlife wing officials admitted that Section 38V of the amended Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) 1972 stated that core area of the sanctuary could be a tiger reserve and hence the adjoining areas of both the PAs would be in tiger reserve's buffer.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Expert-against-Nagzira-curtailment/articleshow/7890106.cms
Based on the TOI report on the issue on March 15, Ranjitsinh has written to minister for environment and forest Jairam Ramesh about the government's plan. "I personally feel the present alignment of the proposed tiger reserve and especially the core areas, will not enhance conservation status of this very fine habitat. One should not accept such truncated and unviable areas as tiger reserves," said Ranjitsinh.
Just giving the title of a tiger reserve while doing nothing on the field to enhance viability and the conservation capacity of the existing areas is tantamount to self-deception and will create apprehensions and opposition amongst the neighbouring communities without achieving conservation goals, Ranjitsinh said.
He pointed out that in case of Nagzira-Navegaon, the situation is further compounded by the fact that there will be two small, separate existing protected areas, separated by almost 40 km of forest whose status will only be 'buffer', which has no real legal stature.
The WTI chief has urged Ramesh to settle for nothing less than 400 sq km reserve proposal. It should include original Nagzira area of 153 sq km, plus the previously proposed 155 sq km comprising reserve forests of Umarzari with Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM), Bhandara, and the area with Gondia Forest Division, besides existing Navegaon National Park of 133 sq km.
"You will recall that I had drawn your attention to the proposed exclusion of certain crucial forests in the declaration of the long overdue Mansingdeo sanctuary. Your very prompt intervention saved the situation and the conservation community is grateful for it," Ranjitsinh reminded Ramesh. He added that a similar situation seemed to have emerged again in Maharashtra. The state was going back on an earlier understanding on its part.
In September 2009, Ramesh had written to chief minister asking him to declare Navegaon-Nagzira a tiger reserve. On this basis, a proposal was prepared. It would have included 153 sq km of existing Nagzira sanctuary, plus an additional 155 sq km comprising 126 sq km area of FDCM, 27 sq km of Gondia forest division and 133 sq km of existing Navegaon Park. "I've been trying to upgrade Navegaon and Nagzira and corridor between these two PAs since 1985," Ranjitsinh said.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) norms state that an inviolate space of 800-1000 sq km was needed to ensure viable populations of tigers and other wild animals (co-predators, prey and forest), thereby ensuring ecological viability of the entire habitat.
Wildlife wing officials admitted that Section 38V of the amended Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) 1972 stated that core area of the sanctuary could be a tiger reserve and hence the adjoining areas of both the PAs would be in tiger reserve's buffer.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Expert-against-Nagzira-curtailment/articleshow/7890106.cms
SC refuses to grant relief in NH7 four-laning along Pench Vijay Pinjarkar, TNN
Tags:Pench Tiger Reserve|Four-Laning Of NH7
NAGPUR: The Supreme Court has refused to grant any relief in the four-laning of NH7 along the Pench Tiger Reserve but has granted liberty to the petitioner to approach authorities under the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) 1972 and put fresh proposals for their consideration.
The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), a NGO working for tiger and wildlife conservation, in 2008 had moved the centrally empowered committee (CEC) of the apex court seeking a ban on National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) move to upgrade NH7 from two-lane to four-six lane on the periphery of Pench-Mowgli Sanctuary in Seoni district. The NGO has alleged that the project will take toll on wildlife and reverse efforts to save big cats and its ecosphere.
In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court failed to give relief on CEC recommendation for intervention. "For the present, we are not inclined to consider and grant any relief. However, we grant liberty to the applicant as well as to the government to approach the authorities under the WPA, and put fresh proposals. These proposals should be considered by the authorities on own merits," the court said. It ruled further that the proposals, if any, to be submitted may be considered as expeditiously as possible in view of the importance of the issue involved.
The fate of highway widening from Seoni in Madhya Pradesh to Mansar near Ramtek in Maharashtra hangs in balance as it cuts tiger corridor between Pench-Kanha-Nagzira-Indravati-Tadoba.
On Maharashtra side, the proposed four-laning in the 39-km patch from Deolapar to Mansar will cut through newly declared Mansinghdeo Sanctuary compartment No. 591 (Chorbahuli) and 495 and 496 between Paoni and Manegaon on the left side from Nagpur to Jabalpur. The existing width of the road is 17 metres and NHAI plans to widen it to 60 metres. Besides, the four-laning will break the corridor contiguity with compartment number 581, 582, 587, 588, 589, 590, 591 and 592 and also affect continuity of compartments 480, 481 and 485 in Block 'B' and 'C' of Mansinghdeo.
Experts feel that after the Supreme Court orders, the NHAI will have to revise the proposal and now seek permission from the National Board for Wild Life (NBWL) headed by prime minister Manmohan Singh. "When the court has said that the issue should be decided on merit, it will not be easy for the NHAI to push for the four-laning," said conservationists.
"Proposal for diversion of sanctuary land for any developmental project can be considered only by the NBWL. Nagpur-Seoni is 125 kms, of which 65km is forest area with rich wildlife," they stressed.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has already submitted that under no circumstances should the road be widened. It will lead to destruction of 22,482 trees in the area proposed for diversion on Maharashtra side alone. If implemented, it will damage tiger habitat and its corridors, the NTCA stated.
Experts suggested alternative route from Nagpur-Saoner-Chhindwara-Seoni to save two tiger reserves but this is not acceptable to the NHAI.
Loss to Maharashtra:
As far as four-laning of 39-km patch from Deolapar-Mansar in Nagpur district is concerned, the then chief conservator of forests (CCF) of Nagpur circle, SWH Naqvi, on September 29, 2007 in his site inspection report had submitted that road expansion will prove detrimental to wildlife as there is presence of animals like tiger, leopards, chitals, sambars, barking deer in the patch. The proposed patch from 652km to 689km, will destroy 112.620 hectare reserved (102.1594ha), protected (7.2739ha), zudpi (3.2069ha) forest area and also part of Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM). The road widening would also destroy 22,482 trees.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/SC-refuses-to-grant-relief-in-NH7-four-laning-along-Pench/articleshow/7875954.cms
NAGPUR: The Supreme Court has refused to grant any relief in the four-laning of NH7 along the Pench Tiger Reserve but has granted liberty to the petitioner to approach authorities under the Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) 1972 and put fresh proposals for their consideration.
The Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), a NGO working for tiger and wildlife conservation, in 2008 had moved the centrally empowered committee (CEC) of the apex court seeking a ban on National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) move to upgrade NH7 from two-lane to four-six lane on the periphery of Pench-Mowgli Sanctuary in Seoni district. The NGO has alleged that the project will take toll on wildlife and reverse efforts to save big cats and its ecosphere.
In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court failed to give relief on CEC recommendation for intervention. "For the present, we are not inclined to consider and grant any relief. However, we grant liberty to the applicant as well as to the government to approach the authorities under the WPA, and put fresh proposals. These proposals should be considered by the authorities on own merits," the court said. It ruled further that the proposals, if any, to be submitted may be considered as expeditiously as possible in view of the importance of the issue involved.
The fate of highway widening from Seoni in Madhya Pradesh to Mansar near Ramtek in Maharashtra hangs in balance as it cuts tiger corridor between Pench-Kanha-Nagzira-Indravati-Tadoba.
On Maharashtra side, the proposed four-laning in the 39-km patch from Deolapar to Mansar will cut through newly declared Mansinghdeo Sanctuary compartment No. 591 (Chorbahuli) and 495 and 496 between Paoni and Manegaon on the left side from Nagpur to Jabalpur. The existing width of the road is 17 metres and NHAI plans to widen it to 60 metres. Besides, the four-laning will break the corridor contiguity with compartment number 581, 582, 587, 588, 589, 590, 591 and 592 and also affect continuity of compartments 480, 481 and 485 in Block 'B' and 'C' of Mansinghdeo.
Experts feel that after the Supreme Court orders, the NHAI will have to revise the proposal and now seek permission from the National Board for Wild Life (NBWL) headed by prime minister Manmohan Singh. "When the court has said that the issue should be decided on merit, it will not be easy for the NHAI to push for the four-laning," said conservationists.
"Proposal for diversion of sanctuary land for any developmental project can be considered only by the NBWL. Nagpur-Seoni is 125 kms, of which 65km is forest area with rich wildlife," they stressed.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has already submitted that under no circumstances should the road be widened. It will lead to destruction of 22,482 trees in the area proposed for diversion on Maharashtra side alone. If implemented, it will damage tiger habitat and its corridors, the NTCA stated.
Experts suggested alternative route from Nagpur-Saoner-Chhindwara-Seoni to save two tiger reserves but this is not acceptable to the NHAI.
Loss to Maharashtra:
As far as four-laning of 39-km patch from Deolapar-Mansar in Nagpur district is concerned, the then chief conservator of forests (CCF) of Nagpur circle, SWH Naqvi, on September 29, 2007 in his site inspection report had submitted that road expansion will prove detrimental to wildlife as there is presence of animals like tiger, leopards, chitals, sambars, barking deer in the patch. The proposed patch from 652km to 689km, will destroy 112.620 hectare reserved (102.1594ha), protected (7.2739ha), zudpi (3.2069ha) forest area and also part of Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM). The road widening would also destroy 22,482 trees.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/SC-refuses-to-grant-relief-in-NH7-four-laning-along-Pench/articleshow/7875954.cms
JCB near Bor sanctuary raises eyebrows Vijay Pinjarkar, TNN
NAGPUR: At a time when the 62 sq km Bor Wildlife Sanctuary, some 60km from Nagpur in Wardha district, is on the verge of becoming a tiger reserve, disturbance to wildlife due to the movement of heavy construction machinery close to the sanctuary has raised eyebrows.
On Sunday, Nagpur-based NK Nagpal, owner of private land outside the sanctuary, had deployed a JCB to level the land. Nagpal's seven-acre plot is situated in khasra number 52 and is a few metres away from the Bor entry gate. It is surrounded by rich forest on all sides and there is good presence of wildlife.
There is tiger movement in this area all round the year. Besides, three sub-adult tiger cubs, captured from Dhaba in Chandrapur district, have also been kept at Bor. The place where the cubs have been kept is close to the said land, said forest officials, adding that deployment of JCB is disturbing wildlife.
Nagpal also plans to dig a bore-well in the future, which may again create disturbance.
Bor officials apprehend that Nagpal is planning to come up with a resort under the guise of cultivation. Similar attempt to take up construction activity on the same land was opposed by the then chief conservator of forest (CCF), Nagpur Wildlife Circle, Nandkishore, two years ago. He had stopped the activity at that time.
However, Nagpal denies any plans to develop a resort in the area. "Even if I plan to construct a resort in future, prior permission of the wildlife department will be taken. It's a farm land since 1895 and I want to cultivate it. Wildlife officials are not allowing me to use the main road connecting the sanctuary," Nagpal complains.
He claims to have sought permission from Praveen Chouhan, deputy conservator of forests (DyCF), Wardha division, who says that the road belongs to the government and anyone can use it.
Chouhan told TOI, "It's true that I've issued a letter to Nagpal, but nowhere does it mention that he can take up any construction activity. No activity other than agriculture will be allowed. If the land owner wants, he can move the court or seek police help in case of a dispute."
Bor range forest officer (RFO) CS Reddy is reluctant to stop the work since it is on private land. "I'm looking into the ruling in the TN Godavarman vs Union of India case, which states that any area covered by forests and wildlife from all sides is a deemed forest," said Reddy.
The controversial land is virtually a forest, considering its wildlife richness. In 1997, original owner Shankararao Kirde had written to the forest department to acquire the land and pay him compensation. As the department failed to acquire the said land, it was sold.
Conservationists say even if it is private land any construction activity in future will prove disastrous for wildlife. The land was lying abandoned for long as there is hardly any crop yield due to damage by wild animals.
"We have asked Nagpal to sell the land as no construction will be permitted on the land," Reddy says.
In the latest estimation of tigers by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), there are 12 tigers in Bor and its landscape of 560 sq km. Any activity near the sanctuary will be detrimental for wildlife.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/JCB-near-Bor-sanctuary-raises-eyebrows/articleshow/7875964.cms
On Sunday, Nagpur-based NK Nagpal, owner of private land outside the sanctuary, had deployed a JCB to level the land. Nagpal's seven-acre plot is situated in khasra number 52 and is a few metres away from the Bor entry gate. It is surrounded by rich forest on all sides and there is good presence of wildlife.
There is tiger movement in this area all round the year. Besides, three sub-adult tiger cubs, captured from Dhaba in Chandrapur district, have also been kept at Bor. The place where the cubs have been kept is close to the said land, said forest officials, adding that deployment of JCB is disturbing wildlife.
Nagpal also plans to dig a bore-well in the future, which may again create disturbance.
Bor officials apprehend that Nagpal is planning to come up with a resort under the guise of cultivation. Similar attempt to take up construction activity on the same land was opposed by the then chief conservator of forest (CCF), Nagpur Wildlife Circle, Nandkishore, two years ago. He had stopped the activity at that time.
However, Nagpal denies any plans to develop a resort in the area. "Even if I plan to construct a resort in future, prior permission of the wildlife department will be taken. It's a farm land since 1895 and I want to cultivate it. Wildlife officials are not allowing me to use the main road connecting the sanctuary," Nagpal complains.
He claims to have sought permission from Praveen Chouhan, deputy conservator of forests (DyCF), Wardha division, who says that the road belongs to the government and anyone can use it.
Chouhan told TOI, "It's true that I've issued a letter to Nagpal, but nowhere does it mention that he can take up any construction activity. No activity other than agriculture will be allowed. If the land owner wants, he can move the court or seek police help in case of a dispute."
Bor range forest officer (RFO) CS Reddy is reluctant to stop the work since it is on private land. "I'm looking into the ruling in the TN Godavarman vs Union of India case, which states that any area covered by forests and wildlife from all sides is a deemed forest," said Reddy.
The controversial land is virtually a forest, considering its wildlife richness. In 1997, original owner Shankararao Kirde had written to the forest department to acquire the land and pay him compensation. As the department failed to acquire the said land, it was sold.
Conservationists say even if it is private land any construction activity in future will prove disastrous for wildlife. The land was lying abandoned for long as there is hardly any crop yield due to damage by wild animals.
"We have asked Nagpal to sell the land as no construction will be permitted on the land," Reddy says.
In the latest estimation of tigers by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), there are 12 tigers in Bor and its landscape of 560 sq km. Any activity near the sanctuary will be detrimental for wildlife.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/JCB-near-Bor-sanctuary-raises-eyebrows/articleshow/7875964.cms
Monday, April 4, 2011
Problem tiger tranquillized near Bramhapuri TNN
CHANDRAPUR: A team of tranquilization experts on the hunt of a troublesome tiger in Bramhapuri forest range finally trapped the beast and removed it from the jungle on Sunday evening. ACF, Tadoba Andahri Tiger Reserve (TATR) Ajay Pillariseth successfully shot the tranquillizing dart in the tiger at around 5pm and drugged it to sleep.
This troublesome tiger had attacked three humans, killing two and injuring one, in separate instances in a span of just 10 days. The tiger had made its first human kill on the night of March 18, at a farm near village Kirmiti Mendha. Later, it injured one Murari Ganvir from village Saygata on March 26 and killed Anantrao Sondawle from village Mayar the very next day.
The pugmarks and camera trap results collected from all three place revealed that the same tiger was involved in all three attacks on humans. The beast was moving in the thin and degraded forest area with many villages in the area. Alarmed forest officials had ordered for its tranquilization on March 29 and a team of experts was deployed in the area to remove the tiger to another territory.
"Our tranquillizing expert successfully sedated the problem tiger. ACF Pillariseth tranquillized the beast in compartment no. 34 of Bramhapuri FDCM in Umargunda talao area in the evening. The tiger has been caged and removed to another location where it will be examined by veterinary doctor," said DCF, Bramhapuri forest division, Sanjay Thawre.
Sources claimed that there is an injury on the head of the captured tiger, however, Thawre claimed ignorance about the injury and said that only after examination by expert veterinary doctor would details about its health emerge. He also confirmed that it was a sub-adult tiger. Sources claimed that the tiger was removed to Moharli (territorial) range near TATR, where they have a facility for safekeeping and treatment of stressed animals.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Problem-tiger-tranquillized-near-Bramhapuri/articleshow/7859239.cms
This troublesome tiger had attacked three humans, killing two and injuring one, in separate instances in a span of just 10 days. The tiger had made its first human kill on the night of March 18, at a farm near village Kirmiti Mendha. Later, it injured one Murari Ganvir from village Saygata on March 26 and killed Anantrao Sondawle from village Mayar the very next day.
The pugmarks and camera trap results collected from all three place revealed that the same tiger was involved in all three attacks on humans. The beast was moving in the thin and degraded forest area with many villages in the area. Alarmed forest officials had ordered for its tranquilization on March 29 and a team of experts was deployed in the area to remove the tiger to another territory.
"Our tranquillizing expert successfully sedated the problem tiger. ACF Pillariseth tranquillized the beast in compartment no. 34 of Bramhapuri FDCM in Umargunda talao area in the evening. The tiger has been caged and removed to another location where it will be examined by veterinary doctor," said DCF, Bramhapuri forest division, Sanjay Thawre.
Sources claimed that there is an injury on the head of the captured tiger, however, Thawre claimed ignorance about the injury and said that only after examination by expert veterinary doctor would details about its health emerge. He also confirmed that it was a sub-adult tiger. Sources claimed that the tiger was removed to Moharli (territorial) range near TATR, where they have a facility for safekeeping and treatment of stressed animals.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Problem-tiger-tranquillized-near-Bramhapuri/articleshow/7859239.cms
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Sariska is Ranthambhore in the making Rachna Singh, TNN
SARISKA: At the crack of dawn on a Sunday morning, 36 km from Alwar, vehicles line up as tourists queue for a trip to the park to spot the tiger. The Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) that was a "dead" place after poachers completely wiped out the tiger population in 2005, is once again throbbing with activity. Clearly, now Sariska Tiger Reserve, about 160 km north-west of Delhi, is another Ranthambhore in the making.
Soon after the first tiger moved to STR in June 2008 things started looking up for Sariska. The reserve is experiencing a rush like never before from weekend tourists from the NCR and foreign nationals who claim that there is excellent sighting of the big cat, even if there are just five tigers in Sariska.
"The response is amazing. Every day around 35 vehicles go into the park and we are flooded with rush from Delhi and Noida. Tiger sighting is much better than Ranthambhore and almost everyone comes back with tales of prolonged sighting of ST 4 (male) and ST 2 together," said Y K Sahu, DFO, Sariska.
The fact is the sanctuary, spread over 881 sq. km is double the size of Ranthambhore, holds promise for tourism once the momentum gathers pace.
"Ranthambhore also began like this. There were only two hotels and they were also operational in winter. It was only after Rajiv Gandhi's visit in 1986 that a boom is wildlife tourism began in Rajasthan," said Sahu.
However, at the moment Sariska has its limitations. There is limited hotel accommodation around STR and none of these is priced less than Rs 2,000 that makes the tourist's think twice. "If the Sariska Palace is too expensive for a wildlife enthusiast, RTDC Tiger Den offers bad service and food. Tourism infrastructure is abysmally pathetic but tourists have no option," said a source.
According to official sources, in the past week tourism has increased almost by 50-60% despite summer setting in fast. During this time earlier you could never see a car around, said a source, hoping this would only increase. But, heavy traffic, especially trucks plying on the road dissecting the sanctuary is being seen as a deterrent to re-establishing tigers at the reserve with threats of pollution and poaching.
"Some time ago pug marks were seen near the Sariska Palace that is across the road. All night loaded trucks make a thundering noise driving through as there are big potholes in the seven-km stretch and it is a threat to the big cat," said a forest guard.
Yet despite little infrastructure, tourism is booming in Sariska and a lot of new properties are in the pipeline with hoteliers and real estate developers making a beeline to Sariska to pick the best possible piece of land to build a resort to cater to the increasing crowd.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Sariska-is-Ranthambhore-in-the-making/articleshow/7854059.cms
Soon after the first tiger moved to STR in June 2008 things started looking up for Sariska. The reserve is experiencing a rush like never before from weekend tourists from the NCR and foreign nationals who claim that there is excellent sighting of the big cat, even if there are just five tigers in Sariska.
"The response is amazing. Every day around 35 vehicles go into the park and we are flooded with rush from Delhi and Noida. Tiger sighting is much better than Ranthambhore and almost everyone comes back with tales of prolonged sighting of ST 4 (male) and ST 2 together," said Y K Sahu, DFO, Sariska.
The fact is the sanctuary, spread over 881 sq. km is double the size of Ranthambhore, holds promise for tourism once the momentum gathers pace.
"Ranthambhore also began like this. There were only two hotels and they were also operational in winter. It was only after Rajiv Gandhi's visit in 1986 that a boom is wildlife tourism began in Rajasthan," said Sahu.
However, at the moment Sariska has its limitations. There is limited hotel accommodation around STR and none of these is priced less than Rs 2,000 that makes the tourist's think twice. "If the Sariska Palace is too expensive for a wildlife enthusiast, RTDC Tiger Den offers bad service and food. Tourism infrastructure is abysmally pathetic but tourists have no option," said a source.
According to official sources, in the past week tourism has increased almost by 50-60% despite summer setting in fast. During this time earlier you could never see a car around, said a source, hoping this would only increase. But, heavy traffic, especially trucks plying on the road dissecting the sanctuary is being seen as a deterrent to re-establishing tigers at the reserve with threats of pollution and poaching.
"Some time ago pug marks were seen near the Sariska Palace that is across the road. All night loaded trucks make a thundering noise driving through as there are big potholes in the seven-km stretch and it is a threat to the big cat," said a forest guard.
Yet despite little infrastructure, tourism is booming in Sariska and a lot of new properties are in the pipeline with hoteliers and real estate developers making a beeline to Sariska to pick the best possible piece of land to build a resort to cater to the increasing crowd.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Sariska-is-Ranthambhore-in-the-making/articleshow/7854059.cms
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Nine more adult tigers spotted in UP: Census TNN
LUCKNOW: The number of adult tigers has increased in UP in the last over three years. While a February, 2008 report of MoEF showed 109 tigers in UP, Census-2011 has counted 118 tigers (with lower limit of 113 and upper limit of 124). An increase of nine adult tigers is being considered as good by forest officers.
"It is a good increase. This is a maximum population that the forest area in the state can support," said D N S Suman, principal chief conservator of Forest (PCCF), UP. The Census for tiger population recorded tigers above 1.5 years of age only. For this, the cameras tracking their movement were mounted at such a height in Census area that only adults got clicked. The cubs would now be counted through sightings.
Meanwhile, the density of tigers has gone down from the last time's 25.3 per cent to current 24.9 per cent. Though a detailed report on the tiger estimation showing region-wise count is yet to be released by the central ministry, Pilibhit has come up as "a promising tiger area". It lies outside protected area and tiger population there has been found to be increasing.
The tiger population between 2006 and 2010 in UP shows a stable trend. The state has a total forest area of 14,341 sq km. The tigers occupied a total area of 2,766 sq km as per the last Census. This time, tigers have been found occupying 2,948 sq km. However, an increase in tiger population in high human-use areas has heightened man-tiger conflict.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Nine-more-adult-tigers-spotted-in-UP-Census/articleshow/7847609.cms
"It is a good increase. This is a maximum population that the forest area in the state can support," said D N S Suman, principal chief conservator of Forest (PCCF), UP. The Census for tiger population recorded tigers above 1.5 years of age only. For this, the cameras tracking their movement were mounted at such a height in Census area that only adults got clicked. The cubs would now be counted through sightings.
Meanwhile, the density of tigers has gone down from the last time's 25.3 per cent to current 24.9 per cent. Though a detailed report on the tiger estimation showing region-wise count is yet to be released by the central ministry, Pilibhit has come up as "a promising tiger area". It lies outside protected area and tiger population there has been found to be increasing.
The tiger population between 2006 and 2010 in UP shows a stable trend. The state has a total forest area of 14,341 sq km. The tigers occupied a total area of 2,766 sq km as per the last Census. This time, tigers have been found occupying 2,948 sq km. However, an increase in tiger population in high human-use areas has heightened man-tiger conflict.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Nine-more-adult-tigers-spotted-in-UP-Census/articleshow/7847609.cms
Tiger Census: Orissa rejects numbers
Bhubaneswar: Based on the method of counting tigers by their pug marks, Orissa until 2006 had claimed there were 192 tigers in the state including 101 in Simlipal.
But the 2006 National Tiger Census based on other methods found only 45 tigers in Orissa.
Now, the 2010 Tiger Census says there are only 32 tigers in Orissa outside the Sunabeda sanctuary which was inaccessible during the last census because of Maoist violence in the area.
Our tiger population is stable. However, the Government of India could not check the population of tigers in Sunabeda sanctuary. We are making big efforts to conserve the tigers in Orissa," said Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister, Orissa.
"I cannot accept the Government of India's figures because in Orissa it's a fact that tigers are there not only in Sunabeda, Satkosia and Simlipal but other parts of the state. So if we come out with this sort of report without making a detailed scientific analysis of all other tiger habitats, we are bound to commit mistakes," said PN Padhi, PCCF, Wildlife, Orissa.
The state government continues to claim there are 61 tigers in Simlipal.
http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/tiger-census-orissa-rejects-numbers-95597
The 2010 census report estimates there are only 23, but since it also says the actual number could be anything between 12 and 34, wildlife officials say the figures are not dependable.
"When the data is not very dependable or when the evaluator has doubts on the data, he goes for a wide range...this needs a re-verfication and I hope the NTCA orders a second kind of a survey," noted Biswajit Mohanty, Wildlife Expert.
There is little doubt that the pug-mark method of counting is unreliable but at the same time the new camera trap method must rise to the occasion and put all doubts at rest.
But the 2006 National Tiger Census based on other methods found only 45 tigers in Orissa.
Now, the 2010 Tiger Census says there are only 32 tigers in Orissa outside the Sunabeda sanctuary which was inaccessible during the last census because of Maoist violence in the area.
Our tiger population is stable. However, the Government of India could not check the population of tigers in Sunabeda sanctuary. We are making big efforts to conserve the tigers in Orissa," said Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister, Orissa.
"I cannot accept the Government of India's figures because in Orissa it's a fact that tigers are there not only in Sunabeda, Satkosia and Simlipal but other parts of the state. So if we come out with this sort of report without making a detailed scientific analysis of all other tiger habitats, we are bound to commit mistakes," said PN Padhi, PCCF, Wildlife, Orissa.
The state government continues to claim there are 61 tigers in Simlipal.
http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/tiger-census-orissa-rejects-numbers-95597
The 2010 census report estimates there are only 23, but since it also says the actual number could be anything between 12 and 34, wildlife officials say the figures are not dependable.
"When the data is not very dependable or when the evaluator has doubts on the data, he goes for a wide range...this needs a re-verfication and I hope the NTCA orders a second kind of a survey," noted Biswajit Mohanty, Wildlife Expert.
There is little doubt that the pug-mark method of counting is unreliable but at the same time the new camera trap method must rise to the occasion and put all doubts at rest.
Tiger sighted in Cavrem plantation- Rajendra P Kerkar TNN
KERI: Never was a cashew apple-plucking exercise so memorable, albeit frightening, for Latika Pandhari Velip.
The 45-year-old was hard at work in her cashew plantation at Cavrem on Tuesday evening when the unusual antics of her pet dog made her look around.
"There stood the tiger just a short way from where the dog and I were," says the still shaken up Latika.
Speechless and very frightened at the time, the mother-of-one says she calmed down only when the tiger moved away from them and into the forest around.
"I was very frightened, but the tiger only threw us a glance and went off majestically into the forest," says Latika.
Cavrem, a village in Quepem taluka, is no stranger to the presence of wild animals, including the big cat.
2009 the body of a bison supposedly killed by a tiger was found in a cashew plantation in the village. The incident was reported to the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) and the Goa forest department by local resident Tulshidas Velip through a memorandum.
When questioned about Latika's sighting of a tiger in the village on Tuesday, forest officials refused to comment.
Latika, however, told TOI, "Our forefathers have lived in this forested village in harmony with wild animals. On earlier occasions I have felt the presence of leopards, but the sight of the tiger in front of me is something I will never forget. It was indeed memorable."
Environmental activist Terence George, who works with the tribal Velip community in the region, adds, "Cavrem village has a rich forest cover which the local community protects through the tradition of sacred groves.
However, illegal mining activities in and around Cavrem has disturbed the forests and in turn the habitat of wild animals, including the tiger."
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Tiger-sighted-in-Cavrem-plantation/articleshow/7847578.cms
The 45-year-old was hard at work in her cashew plantation at Cavrem on Tuesday evening when the unusual antics of her pet dog made her look around.
"There stood the tiger just a short way from where the dog and I were," says the still shaken up Latika.
Speechless and very frightened at the time, the mother-of-one says she calmed down only when the tiger moved away from them and into the forest around.
"I was very frightened, but the tiger only threw us a glance and went off majestically into the forest," says Latika.
Cavrem, a village in Quepem taluka, is no stranger to the presence of wild animals, including the big cat.
2009 the body of a bison supposedly killed by a tiger was found in a cashew plantation in the village. The incident was reported to the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) and the Goa forest department by local resident Tulshidas Velip through a memorandum.
When questioned about Latika's sighting of a tiger in the village on Tuesday, forest officials refused to comment.
Latika, however, told TOI, "Our forefathers have lived in this forested village in harmony with wild animals. On earlier occasions I have felt the presence of leopards, but the sight of the tiger in front of me is something I will never forget. It was indeed memorable."
Environmental activist Terence George, who works with the tribal Velip community in the region, adds, "Cavrem village has a rich forest cover which the local community protects through the tradition of sacred groves.
However, illegal mining activities in and around Cavrem has disturbed the forests and in turn the habitat of wild animals, including the tiger."
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Tiger-sighted-in-Cavrem-plantation/articleshow/7847578.cms
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