Poachers thrash forest guard in Ranthambore, kill deer

TNN | Jul 5, 2012, 01.11AM IST JAIPUR: At least 10 poachers, armed with guns and knifes, thrashed a forest guard in Indala area in Ranthambore National Park on Tuesday night after he tried to nab them. The poachers escaped after killing a spotted deer. According to sources, a guard, Hanuman, who was on duty in the park at night, heard some noises nearby. Suddenly he saw a few persons armed with guns and knifes. "No sooner he stepped forward, the poachers attacked him. At this the guard raised an alarm and soon his colleagues reached for help. But even they were attacked by the poachers who then escaped," said an official. Later senior officials too arrived on the spot and started a search but by then the poachers had escaped. "We have identified the poachers and are confident of catching them. The guard was immediately taken to the hospital on an ambulance but the poachers had already killed a deer by then," said the official. Conservation biologist Dharmendra Khandal of Tiger Watch said, "The poachers entered the park with eight guns and killed a Cheetal or Sambhar. But vital information has been collected by intelligence gathering team. Even the forest, police and administration are active and necessary steps have been taken by forest department. The gang leader is already wanted in some leopard poaching case since 2006.'' An FIR has been filed in this regard under Wildlife Protection Act 1972 against poachers by the police. Monsoon is the season when poachers get active in parks. The parks are closed for tourists during this time as many animals breed and the entry of tourist is a hindrance for them. However, tigers and other animals climb on higher grounds or even go towards the periphery and are often poached. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Poachers-thrash-forest-guard-in-Ranthambore-kill-deer/articleshow/14681334.cms

Reddy new forest department of Pench tiger reserve

TNN | Jul 5, 2012, 02.14AM IST NAGPUR: In a minor reshuffle in the state forest department which took place on Wednesday, seven IFS officials were shifted including the field director of the Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR). The orders were issued on Tuesday. Among those who have been transferred include chief conservator of forests (CCF) A Ashraf. He will be replaced by MS Reddy, who is conservator for Gondia wildlife division. Reddy will be replaced by deputy conservator VV Gurme, who too has been promoted as CF. Reddy, who looked after the Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary and Navegaon National Park, has been promoted as CCF. Ashraf has been posted as CCF (budget) at Van Bhavan. He will replace SS Mahajan, who retired on June 30. Deputy conservator of forest (Dy CF) BS Thengdi, who was with evaluation and had almost lost hopes due to victimization, got a double promotion after 16 years. Thengdi was facing departmental inquiry but was given a clean chit by the court in 2006. Even then, he was deprived of a promotion. Thengdi has now been posted as CCF (vigilance & employees welfare). He will replace MN Gawli, who retired on June 30. Thengdi's batchmates have already become additional principal chief conservator of forests (APCCFs). http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Reddy-new-forest-department-of-Pench-tiger-reserve/articleshow/14681996.cms