PTI | 07:07 PM,Jul 28,2011
The Ministry report warned that once the habitats are lost, it is impossible to claim them back for restoration. "Poaching can wipe out individual tiger populations, but these can be re-established by reintroductions as has been done in Sariska and Panna," it said. Currently, only a few populations like Nagarhole-Bandipur-Mudumalai-Wayanad-Moyar-Segur, Corbett population, Sundarbans (India and Bangladesh) and Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong have the required population size for long term survival without immigration. "The remaining tiger populations require habitat connectivity for genetic and demographic viability," the report said. Populations that currently have corridor connectivity and exist as meta-populations are Rajaji-Corbett, Dudhwa-Katarniaghat-Kishanpur (along with Bardia and Suklaphanta in Nepal), Satpura-Melghat, Pench-Kanha, Bhadra-Kudermukh, Parambikulam-Indira Gandhi-Eravikulam and KMTR-Periyar. "Loss of connectivity between these populations would prove detrimental for their persistence," the report said. "The landscapes that have potential for meta population existence but are currently in need of conservation inputs are Srisailam, Simlipal-Satkosia, Ranthambhore-KunoPalpur-Sheopur, Indravati-Northern AndhraPradesh-Chandrapur-Nagzira-Navaegaon, and Bandhavgarh-Sanjay-Guru Ghasidas-Palamau," it said. PTI TGB
Friday, July 29, 2011
Staff shortage hits tiger reserves
OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
New Delhi, July 28: The Sunderbans is among 15 tiger reserves with “very good” management practices, but field staff shortages and inadequate training are hampering conservation activities in all of India’s 39 tiger reserves.
An exercise initiated by the Union environment ministry to assess conservation efforts in tiger reserves has dubbed the effectiveness of management as “good” in 12 reserves, satisfactory in eight, and poor in four.
“But staff shortages and ageing field staff across all the reserves threaten conservation efforts,” said Vinod Mathur, dean at the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun.
“In the absence of fresh recruitment, the ageing staff can’t even hand over their skills to the next generation,” added Mathur, who was involved in the exercise, titled “management effectiveness” evaluation of tiger reserves.
Mathur said the average age of field staff was 52 years, and the shortage across all reserves could touch 30 per cent. Such personnel are tasked with patrolling and routine housekeeping activities in the reserves.
The environment ministry had earlier this year released its new estimate of tigers in India — 1,706, about 20 per cent higher than the 2006 estimate of 1,411, although the latest estimate included the count of 70 tigers in the Sunderbans, unlike the 2006 census.
The “management effectiveness” evaluation assessed the tiger reserves on several conservation-related parameters including habitat management, threat assessment and funding contributions by state governments.
“Bengal provides a substantial level of funding for the Sunderbans — we don’t see that level of funding from any other state,” Mathur said. The funds are used for all conservation-related activities, including patrolling through the reserve’s harsh environment.
Three of the four poorly managed tiger reserves — Indravati and Udanti-Sitanadi in Chhattisgarh and Palamau in Jharkhand — fall in the so-called “Red corridor”, affected by Left-wing extremism. The fourth poorly managed reserve is Satkosia in Orissa.
A detailed analysis of the tiger census, released earlier this year, has shown a 12 per cent decline in the animals’ numbers at “connecting habitats” — corridors of favourable habitat that connect two tiger reserves.
The increase in the overall count since 2006 has been attributed to an increase in tiger density in Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka and parts of the Northeast, and the inclusion of the Sunderbans in the estimation.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110729/jsp/nation/story_14304797.jsp
New Delhi, July 28: The Sunderbans is among 15 tiger reserves with “very good” management practices, but field staff shortages and inadequate training are hampering conservation activities in all of India’s 39 tiger reserves.
An exercise initiated by the Union environment ministry to assess conservation efforts in tiger reserves has dubbed the effectiveness of management as “good” in 12 reserves, satisfactory in eight, and poor in four.
“But staff shortages and ageing field staff across all the reserves threaten conservation efforts,” said Vinod Mathur, dean at the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun.
“In the absence of fresh recruitment, the ageing staff can’t even hand over their skills to the next generation,” added Mathur, who was involved in the exercise, titled “management effectiveness” evaluation of tiger reserves.
Mathur said the average age of field staff was 52 years, and the shortage across all reserves could touch 30 per cent. Such personnel are tasked with patrolling and routine housekeeping activities in the reserves.
The environment ministry had earlier this year released its new estimate of tigers in India — 1,706, about 20 per cent higher than the 2006 estimate of 1,411, although the latest estimate included the count of 70 tigers in the Sunderbans, unlike the 2006 census.
The “management effectiveness” evaluation assessed the tiger reserves on several conservation-related parameters including habitat management, threat assessment and funding contributions by state governments.
“Bengal provides a substantial level of funding for the Sunderbans — we don’t see that level of funding from any other state,” Mathur said. The funds are used for all conservation-related activities, including patrolling through the reserve’s harsh environment.
Three of the four poorly managed tiger reserves — Indravati and Udanti-Sitanadi in Chhattisgarh and Palamau in Jharkhand — fall in the so-called “Red corridor”, affected by Left-wing extremism. The fourth poorly managed reserve is Satkosia in Orissa.
A detailed analysis of the tiger census, released earlier this year, has shown a 12 per cent decline in the animals’ numbers at “connecting habitats” — corridors of favourable habitat that connect two tiger reserves.
The increase in the overall count since 2006 has been attributed to an increase in tiger density in Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka and parts of the Northeast, and the inclusion of the Sunderbans in the estimation.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110729/jsp/nation/story_14304797.jsp
Officials, activists divided over tiger cubs’ relocation TNN
JAIPUR: Sariska's jinx with cubs continues. The latest controversy to grip Sariska comes after the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) approved relocation of two cubs, left orphaned by the death of the Kachida tigress at Ranthambore within six months after it was operated upon by the forest authorities.
However, even now senior forest officials are confused whether to relocate the cubs. Interestingly, the NTCA's approval has come only after the state sent it a proposal seeking permission for it.
"The cubs are well-settled in Ranthambore. What is the need to relocate them to Sariska? Moreover, they are very young and the process of tranquilising them before relocation may prove detrimental to their health," said a senior forest official.
They explained the proposal was sent about six months ago and the situation has changed much since then. "There are grown-up tigers roaming in Sariska and the cubs might just stray into their territory and get killed," he added.
But wildlife activists are not willing to buy any of the claims of the officials. "The cubs are more prone to attacks from elder tigers in Ranthambore than at Sariska. Ranthambore is overpopulated and even sub-adult tigers have often strayed from the forest in search of a territory. In such a situation the cubs stand no chance," they added.
Activists also say the original plan sent to NTCA was not to catch the cubs and leave them at Sariska. "The proposal was to leave them in the cage that is built in Sariska where we normally leave any relocated tiger for a period for acclimatisation. Here we could have taught the cubs to hunt on their own by releasing deer within the cage. Once they grew up we could have left them in the wild. Not relocating them after permissions from the NTCA might amount to taking all the responsibility of the well-being of the cubs in Ranthambore on our shoulders," they say.
When contacted, U M Sahai, chief wildlife warden, Rajasthan, said, "We have received the NTCA permission. However, since it is such a long time since the proposal was sent we will write again to the authorities to learn of their opinion as to whether the relocation should be done now."
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Officials-activists-divided-over-tiger-cubs-relocation/articleshow/9404683.cms
However, even now senior forest officials are confused whether to relocate the cubs. Interestingly, the NTCA's approval has come only after the state sent it a proposal seeking permission for it.
"The cubs are well-settled in Ranthambore. What is the need to relocate them to Sariska? Moreover, they are very young and the process of tranquilising them before relocation may prove detrimental to their health," said a senior forest official.
They explained the proposal was sent about six months ago and the situation has changed much since then. "There are grown-up tigers roaming in Sariska and the cubs might just stray into their territory and get killed," he added.
But wildlife activists are not willing to buy any of the claims of the officials. "The cubs are more prone to attacks from elder tigers in Ranthambore than at Sariska. Ranthambore is overpopulated and even sub-adult tigers have often strayed from the forest in search of a territory. In such a situation the cubs stand no chance," they added.
Activists also say the original plan sent to NTCA was not to catch the cubs and leave them at Sariska. "The proposal was to leave them in the cage that is built in Sariska where we normally leave any relocated tiger for a period for acclimatisation. Here we could have taught the cubs to hunt on their own by releasing deer within the cage. Once they grew up we could have left them in the wild. Not relocating them after permissions from the NTCA might amount to taking all the responsibility of the well-being of the cubs in Ranthambore on our shoulders," they say.
When contacted, U M Sahai, chief wildlife warden, Rajasthan, said, "We have received the NTCA permission. However, since it is such a long time since the proposal was sent we will write again to the authorities to learn of their opinion as to whether the relocation should be done now."
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Officials-activists-divided-over-tiger-cubs-relocation/articleshow/9404683.cms
Tiger habitat shrinks by 20 pc in State: Subhash Chandra NS,Bangalore,
The increase in tiger population might have put the State in the limelight for its conservation efforts, however, the second countrywide report on the status of tigers in India, to be released by Environment Minister Jayanthi Natrajan in Delhi shows a decline in the big cat’s habitat by 20 per cent.
Sources in the Wildlife Institute of India said the second report, which runs to over 200 pages gave an assessment of tigers across the country. “It is the largest ever exercise to count tigers in the country,” sources said.
Though the State’s wildlife experts attribute the contiguous forest as the reason for better conservation in the State, the second report ‘Tigers, co-predators in India- 2010’ stated that forests in Karnataka were not in a position to support the increasing number of tigers as their area had shrunk by 20 per cent.
According to the report, the data collected from the tiger habitats of 17 states in India, showed an average decline of 12 per cent in their area. However, the silver lining for Karnataka was that the leopard population in the State as well as the habitat was stable.
The report also stated that the future of big cats appeared bleak unless measures were taken to secure the tigers’ habitat which had been lost due to various reasons, sources said.
It could be recalled that the recent census report had showed a marginal increase in the number of tigers in the State. It was estimated that tigers numbered 34 to 47 in 435.5 sq km of Sharavathi Valley (Anshi- Dandeli). The big cat population was estimated to be between 32 and 47 in Kudremukh-Bhadra region which spreads across 327.4 sq km.
As many as 350 to 411 tigers had been estimated to be present in 5,033 sq km area of Nagarahole, Mudumalai-Wayanad region.
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/179609/tiger-habitat-shrinks-20-pc.html
Sources in the Wildlife Institute of India said the second report, which runs to over 200 pages gave an assessment of tigers across the country. “It is the largest ever exercise to count tigers in the country,” sources said.
Though the State’s wildlife experts attribute the contiguous forest as the reason for better conservation in the State, the second report ‘Tigers, co-predators in India- 2010’ stated that forests in Karnataka were not in a position to support the increasing number of tigers as their area had shrunk by 20 per cent.
According to the report, the data collected from the tiger habitats of 17 states in India, showed an average decline of 12 per cent in their area. However, the silver lining for Karnataka was that the leopard population in the State as well as the habitat was stable.
The report also stated that the future of big cats appeared bleak unless measures were taken to secure the tigers’ habitat which had been lost due to various reasons, sources said.
It could be recalled that the recent census report had showed a marginal increase in the number of tigers in the State. It was estimated that tigers numbered 34 to 47 in 435.5 sq km of Sharavathi Valley (Anshi- Dandeli). The big cat population was estimated to be between 32 and 47 in Kudremukh-Bhadra region which spreads across 327.4 sq km.
As many as 350 to 411 tigers had been estimated to be present in 5,033 sq km area of Nagarahole, Mudumalai-Wayanad region.
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/179609/tiger-habitat-shrinks-20-pc.html
Another feather in Manas cap - Delhi report classifies Kaziranga as ‘very good’ among tiger reserves
Days of glory
Guwahati, July 28: Manas is on a roll.
Weeks after winning back its World Heritage Site tag, the national park has earned the distinction of being classified as a “good” tiger reserve, following the Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of tiger reserves in India exercise carried out by National Tiger Conservation Authority and Wildlife Institute of India.
The report was released in New Delhi today. It reveals that most of the tiger reserves in the Northeast have done well in comparison to earlier reports.
Kaziranga has been classified in the “very good” category, while Dampa and Pakke are in the “good” category, and Nameri and Namdapha have been kept in the “satisfactory” category.
MEE is an assessment of how well protected areas such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation reserves, community reserves and tiger reserves are being managed and their effectiveness in conserving flora and fauna.
Thirty indicators were used to evaluate the reserves.
Manas was earlier classified as poor while Kaziranga and Pakke were “good”.
Nameri was satisfactory, Dampa and Namdapha were classified as poor.
“On Manas tiger reserve, it says there are no human settlements inside the core of the reserve except for an area of 16.3 square km in Panbari on the fringes and 20 hectares at Betbari in North Kamrup which was encroached upon in 1996. Relocation of these settlements is being addressed through negotiations with local people.
“It is a good news for us and shows that the efforts put in during the last few years are finally paying off. There are some concerns, which are being adequately taken care of,” A. Swargiary, field director of the Manas tiger reserve, said.
The report says there is excellent availability of water in the reserve, part of a larger landscape, dynamic ecosystem, change in attitude of local people towards conservation of Manas and good support from Manas.
On the weaknesses, it says there is poor infrastructure in the buffer areas, multiplicity of management in the buffer area, porosity of the southern tip of the Manas river and lack of clarity in the role of volunteers.
It has suggested that the authorities should discuss the issue with the Bodoland Territorial Council to place the buffer areas under the unified command of the field director.
This apart, it should prepare a volunteer deployment programme and create administrative structure so that they can work under the supervision of regular staff.
A source in Manas said though relocation of people from the core areas is on the cards, it looks to be a tough job, as there are several problems. A sum of Rs 10 lakh will be paid to each family for moving out.
It says that Kaziranga has one of the best protection strategies, which are well implemented with 152 anti poaching camps, a number of roads and a well-connected communication system.
It is prepared to meet emergencies arising out of flash floods, the core area is free from human habitation and the wildlife staff trained better at the senior level.
The reserve is estimated to have 106 tigers.
The weaknesses identified for Kaziranga are rapid habitat degradation in and around the tiger reserve, speeding traffic along National Highway 37 and delay in release of funds, among others.
It has suggested a periodic review of tourism activities and the initiation of steps for habitat and population monitoring.
The strengths of Dampa are no human settlements inside the core area, attitudinal change in the local communities and habitat for species of high conservation value, among others.
The long international border which opens up scope for movement of people from neigbouring countries and shifting cultivation in the buffer area are some of its weaknesses.
Pakke has excellent protection mechanism, man management and is free from human habitation. Namdapha has inadequate staff and most of them are not trained, 84 families are staying in the core area and there is no eco-development.
Similarly, at Nameri tiger reserve, the buffer zone is not under the tiger reserve, there is a severe shortage of manpower and severe degradation and encroachment of buffer areas.
The estimated total population of tigers in Assam is 143 with the lower limit being 113 and the upper limit being 173. In 2006, the population was 70.
In the Northeast, the tiger population is 148 with the lower limit being 118 and the upper limit being 178. In 2006 it was 100.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110729/jsp/frontpage/story_14304436.jsp
Guwahati, July 28: Manas is on a roll.
Weeks after winning back its World Heritage Site tag, the national park has earned the distinction of being classified as a “good” tiger reserve, following the Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of tiger reserves in India exercise carried out by National Tiger Conservation Authority and Wildlife Institute of India.
The report was released in New Delhi today. It reveals that most of the tiger reserves in the Northeast have done well in comparison to earlier reports.
Kaziranga has been classified in the “very good” category, while Dampa and Pakke are in the “good” category, and Nameri and Namdapha have been kept in the “satisfactory” category.
MEE is an assessment of how well protected areas such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation reserves, community reserves and tiger reserves are being managed and their effectiveness in conserving flora and fauna.
Thirty indicators were used to evaluate the reserves.
Manas was earlier classified as poor while Kaziranga and Pakke were “good”.
Nameri was satisfactory, Dampa and Namdapha were classified as poor.
“On Manas tiger reserve, it says there are no human settlements inside the core of the reserve except for an area of 16.3 square km in Panbari on the fringes and 20 hectares at Betbari in North Kamrup which was encroached upon in 1996. Relocation of these settlements is being addressed through negotiations with local people.
“It is a good news for us and shows that the efforts put in during the last few years are finally paying off. There are some concerns, which are being adequately taken care of,” A. Swargiary, field director of the Manas tiger reserve, said.
The report says there is excellent availability of water in the reserve, part of a larger landscape, dynamic ecosystem, change in attitude of local people towards conservation of Manas and good support from Manas.
On the weaknesses, it says there is poor infrastructure in the buffer areas, multiplicity of management in the buffer area, porosity of the southern tip of the Manas river and lack of clarity in the role of volunteers.
It has suggested that the authorities should discuss the issue with the Bodoland Territorial Council to place the buffer areas under the unified command of the field director.
This apart, it should prepare a volunteer deployment programme and create administrative structure so that they can work under the supervision of regular staff.
A source in Manas said though relocation of people from the core areas is on the cards, it looks to be a tough job, as there are several problems. A sum of Rs 10 lakh will be paid to each family for moving out.
It says that Kaziranga has one of the best protection strategies, which are well implemented with 152 anti poaching camps, a number of roads and a well-connected communication system.
It is prepared to meet emergencies arising out of flash floods, the core area is free from human habitation and the wildlife staff trained better at the senior level.
The reserve is estimated to have 106 tigers.
The weaknesses identified for Kaziranga are rapid habitat degradation in and around the tiger reserve, speeding traffic along National Highway 37 and delay in release of funds, among others.
It has suggested a periodic review of tourism activities and the initiation of steps for habitat and population monitoring.
The strengths of Dampa are no human settlements inside the core area, attitudinal change in the local communities and habitat for species of high conservation value, among others.
The long international border which opens up scope for movement of people from neigbouring countries and shifting cultivation in the buffer area are some of its weaknesses.
Pakke has excellent protection mechanism, man management and is free from human habitation. Namdapha has inadequate staff and most of them are not trained, 84 families are staying in the core area and there is no eco-development.
Similarly, at Nameri tiger reserve, the buffer zone is not under the tiger reserve, there is a severe shortage of manpower and severe degradation and encroachment of buffer areas.
The estimated total population of tigers in Assam is 143 with the lower limit being 113 and the upper limit being 173. In 2006, the population was 70.
In the Northeast, the tiger population is 148 with the lower limit being 118 and the upper limit being 178. In 2006 it was 100.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110729/jsp/frontpage/story_14304436.jsp
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)