Sometime this November, the Government is expected to release the new tiger population figure. With the apprehension that it could be lower than the currently adopted official number of 1,411 tigers — in itself arrived at following an estimation way back in 2006-07 by the Wildlife Institute of India — experts believe the official campaign to save the striped cats has been hit in recent years.
This is primarily due to a shift in focus from habitat recovery and strengthening ground protection forces to questionable eco-development activities within the forest areas.
Except in the first few years after the Central Government launched Project Tiger in the early 70s, when the tiger number went up to more than 3,000 from a low of 1,200 or so, the tiger population has consistently plunged despite various efforts taken to address the issue. Either these measures proved inadequate, failed to sustain or were misdirected.
K Ullas Karanth, one of the country’s most respected wildlife conservationists and director of the Bangalore-based Centre for Wildlife Studies, is concerned by the enormous “expenditure-oriented activities within the Forest Department” that has been harming tiger conservation.
He told The Pioneer, “Tiger conservation has floundered because of a mission-drift away from focus on ground protection and habitat recovery, towards eco-development and other expenditure-oriented activities within the Forest Department.”
Also a senior conservation scientist with the Wildlife Conversation Society, New York and pioneer of the camera trap method that more accurately counts tigers, Karanth strongly advocated the need to re-fix priorities. “Abandon expenditure-oriented activities such as eco-development and bring back focused protection,” he said.
One of the biggest hurdles in creating safe havens for these big cats to flourish has been the slow relocation of human settlements away from tiger habitats, a process that has been mired in controversy over allegations of favouritism and low compensations. “In my opinion, the Governments (Central and State) should promote fair and generous voluntary relocation of human settlements away from tiger habitats,” he said.
The role of State Governments was paramount in saving tigers, he pointed out and added that non-compliance with Central directives had been among the causes for a less-than-satisfactory tiger conservation record.
In that context, he said a recent suggestion to bifurcate Forests & Wildlife Department from the Environment Department, while welcome, would not directly address the issue. Karanth said, “I agree it would be helpful to have this but primarily conservation actions are implemented by State Governments. This separation does not address their lack of interest or non-compliance with Central directives.”
Wildlife filmmaker and conservationist Shekar Dattatri too believes the delay in the proposed bifurcation is not the problem since it has nothing to do directly with tiger conservation. He said, “The decision to create two departments within the Ministry of Environment & Forests came about thanks to a plea made to the Prime Minister by conservationist Valmik Thapar during a meeting of the National Board for Wildlife in mid-2010. The delay in implementing it is not the cause for the problems in tiger reserves.”
The real problems lay elsewhere, he stated, pointing to the unchecked ‘developmental’ activities within forest areas, including tiger habitats. Also a former member of the National Board for Wildlife, Dattatri told The Pioneer that national park managers had turned into some sort of civil contractors.
“The main priority and preoccupation of most park managers today is not protection but lucrative civil works, such as making more forest roads, building culverts, watchtowers, renovating resthouses, digging rainwater harvesting ditches, weed eradication and creating more waterholes. Despite all the hype surrounding tigers, it is business as usual on ground, with little being done to benefit tiger conservation,” he noted.
Much of these occupations, he added, were entirely unnecessary and drained public funds. Most importantly, as he pointed out in a short film ‘Truth about Tigers’ — which he made and distributed on a CD — these works disturbed tigers and affected their conservation.
Dattatri was emphatic that “no money should be released for frivolous construction or unscientific habitat manipulation activities. All resources should be focused on strengthening the protection mechanism and relocation of villages where necessary”.
Ruing that relocation of villages from tiger reserves was moving at a glacial pace, “even in instances where villagers themselves are vigorously demanding to be resettled”, he said the stakeholders, including State Governments, should move swiftly to promote relocation of human settlements away from tiger habitats.
The involvement of State Governments is crucial, for instance, in creating buffer zones to protect wildlife from human conflicts and activities that endanger the reserves. According to a report, more than 25 of the 39 reserves do not have the buffer areas, simply because State Governments have not notified them for fear of losing out on various dubious ‘developmental’ activities that could fetch them revenue from those regions.
Upset that “plenty has gone wrong” in tiger conservation over recent years, Dattatri said several of the big cat reserves suffered from poor leadership and shortage of frontline field staff.
“Anti-poaching watchers are usually employed as daily wagers but their wages are often not paid for months. Field staff lack even basic training and equipment. Senior officers in many parks do not go to the field regularly and are out of touch with ground realities,” he added.
Dattatri said protection-oriented officials should be posted at reserves with freedom to perform “without fear or favour” and people from local tribal communities should be appointed for anti-poaching work and compensated adequately and promptly.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Jharkhand tribals protest against relocation away from tiger reserve area
Villagers in Jharkhand Palamu district protested on Friday against the government's proposal to resettle them away from the core area of tiger reserve.
Paritosh Upadhyay, Vice-President, Tiger Project, Palamu said that the forest department has already started the talks with eight villages in the area to relocate them at other places.
"There should be no human population in the core area, so that the wild animals get an interference-free area. Therefore, there should be minimum human interference; for this the small human habitation, which is present in the core area, is being relocated. There are provisions and orders to relocate them. There is also a provision of a package for relocation," said Upadhyay.
According to the officials of National Tiger Conservation Authority provisions, the resettlement package will include an amount of one million rupees for every household in village.
The reserve was entirely dedicated to the tigers but gradually it has now been reduced to a cluster of villagers, a hideout for Maoists and grazing grounds for cattle.
However, the proposal of relocation has provoked the villagers against Reserve authorities.
According media reports out of the human population has grown manifold with around 94 households including 700 people in the core region. (ANI)
NTCA calls for four new tiger reserves
SARISKA: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has advised three states to create four new tiger reserves. With this the number of reserves in the country will go up to 47.
According to SP Yadav, DIG, NTCA, "We have recently advised three states to create four new tiger reserves. These are Suhelva in Uttar Pradesh, Satyamangalam in Tamil Nadu, Navegaon and Bor in Maharashtra."
Yadav's disclosure came during the presentation of the revised national tiger conservation plan of the country during the Global Tiger Forum meet in Sariska on Tuesday.
"Already we have given an in-principal nod on the creation of four other tiger ranges. They are Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh, Sunabeda in Orissa, Ratapani in Madhya Pradesh and Biligiri Ranganatha temple sanctuary in Karnataka," he added. Yadav accepted that tiger is one of the most endangered species in the country. "There is as lot of habitat destruction, poaching, man-animal conflict and revenge killing in the country," he said.
The action plan stressed there is a need for a more focussed approach in tiger conservation. "There is a need for better infrastructural facilities and better ways of involving local communities," he said and stressed on the deployment of anti-poaching squads and the setting up of patrolling parties and chowkis in various reserves.
The plan also highlighted the increase in allowance for Project Tiger officers that the ministry has cleared but also pointed out the need felt by officers to further increase it.
The national conservation plan of Thailand was much appreciated by the gathering.The plan, instead of talking on a long term development, chalks out short-term targets. The plan marks two-year and five-year targets set up by the country instead of very long period like 10 or more years as planned by others.
Read more: NTCA calls for four new tiger reserves - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/6832527.cms#ixzz140VwROj9
According to SP Yadav, DIG, NTCA, "We have recently advised three states to create four new tiger reserves. These are Suhelva in Uttar Pradesh, Satyamangalam in Tamil Nadu, Navegaon and Bor in Maharashtra."
Yadav's disclosure came during the presentation of the revised national tiger conservation plan of the country during the Global Tiger Forum meet in Sariska on Tuesday.
"Already we have given an in-principal nod on the creation of four other tiger ranges. They are Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh, Sunabeda in Orissa, Ratapani in Madhya Pradesh and Biligiri Ranganatha temple sanctuary in Karnataka," he added. Yadav accepted that tiger is one of the most endangered species in the country. "There is as lot of habitat destruction, poaching, man-animal conflict and revenge killing in the country," he said.
The action plan stressed there is a need for a more focussed approach in tiger conservation. "There is a need for better infrastructural facilities and better ways of involving local communities," he said and stressed on the deployment of anti-poaching squads and the setting up of patrolling parties and chowkis in various reserves.
The plan also highlighted the increase in allowance for Project Tiger officers that the ministry has cleared but also pointed out the need felt by officers to further increase it.
The national conservation plan of Thailand was much appreciated by the gathering.The plan, instead of talking on a long term development, chalks out short-term targets. The plan marks two-year and five-year targets set up by the country instead of very long period like 10 or more years as planned by others.
Read more: NTCA calls for four new tiger reserves - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/6832527.cms#ixzz140VwROj9
Tiger lover sues Katy for wedding roar
A Green activist and founder of an organisation to protect tigers has filed a case against celebrity couple Katy Perry and Russell Brand for flouting wildlife rules during their stay in a luxury resort near Rajasthan’s Ranthambhore National Park, famous for its big cats.
The American singer and the British comedian got married at the resort on Saturday in a traditional Hindu ceremony that included walking around the fire before leaving in a helicopter yesterday.
Ranthambhore Bagh Bachao Andolan founder Akshay Sharma today told The Telegraph he had complained to the chief judicial magistrate’s court in Sawai Madhopur that Perry, Brand and their guests violated Green laws, the Wildlife Protection Act and rules laid down by the Supreme Court. But nobody from the Rajasthan government or the forest department tried to stop them. So he had no option but to move court.
The court will hear the complaint on October 30.
Sharma said Brand and four of his friends went on a tiger safari a day after the wedding and smoked, drank and even carried arms.
They also changed their allotted route and visited areas frequented by tigers but where tourists are not allowed. The human presence, he said, scared the tigers and other animals.
The guests, Sharma alleged, also played loud music.
Earlier, journalists, too, had drawn attention to the noisy wedding celebrations just outside the tiger sanctuary that went past midnight.
Sharma said he had filed complaints against the celebrity visitors and forest and state officials as well for not taking any action.
The complaint came a day after Perry and Brand, intoxicated with everything Indian, got a taste of Indian mismanagement too.
Their helicopter was recalled mid-flight because the star couple’s Indian tour operators had not taken permission from authorities to fly.
They had to sit in the chopper for over half an hour before finally getting clearance for take-off.
Now the court complaint has taken a bit more sheen off their Indian tryst. Seems the tigers are having the last laugh — er, growl.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1101027/jsp/nation/story_13105951.jsp
'Holy' man, son held for selling ivory and tiger skin Read more: 'Holy' man, son held for selling ivory and tiger skin
NEW DELHI: A self-proclaimed religious guru and his son were arrested by Sahibabad police on Wednesday night after People for Animals (PFA) alleged that the accused were in possession of a tiger skin, five tiger teeth, two tiger claws and one elephant tusk.
PFA sources said the guru, known as Acharya Rajendra Shukla, was identified by one Harminder Singh who was also arrested in a PFA undercover operation on Tuesday for trying to sell an ivory necklace to Maneka Gandhi. "We had been on his trail for a while and had identified ourselves as commission agents operating out of Chandni Chowk. He initially said that he was a holy man and had nothing to do with ivory trade, but when he grew to trust us he not only offered us tiger skins and ivory but also promised to supply us with Russian call girls. We settled our deal on a 5% commission,'' said a PFA official.
PFA reportedly recorded all their conversations which they have submitted to police as proof. Meanwhile, they called Shukla and his son, Kunal, to a mall in Sahibabad, SM World, for sealing the deal. There, police arrested the father-son duo and compounded their Scorpio car that contained the confiscated items. Cases were registered against the two under relevant sections of the Wildlife Protection Act.
Rashid Ali, station officer of Sahibabad police station said: "Shukla is claiming that he was framed and since the confiscated items were handed over to us by PFA members, we are trying to establish that Shukla was indeed dealing in the prohibited items. He was operating in western UP and selling illegal goods. His modus operandi was to claim that he was very close to Sonia Gandhi and Sheila Dikshit and then convince people to buy off him.''
Read more: 'Holy' man, son held for selling ivory and tiger skin - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Holy-man-son-held-for-selling-ivory-and-tiger-skin/articleshow/6831660.cms#ixzz140VNpKNN
PFA sources said the guru, known as Acharya Rajendra Shukla, was identified by one Harminder Singh who was also arrested in a PFA undercover operation on Tuesday for trying to sell an ivory necklace to Maneka Gandhi. "We had been on his trail for a while and had identified ourselves as commission agents operating out of Chandni Chowk. He initially said that he was a holy man and had nothing to do with ivory trade, but when he grew to trust us he not only offered us tiger skins and ivory but also promised to supply us with Russian call girls. We settled our deal on a 5% commission,'' said a PFA official.
PFA reportedly recorded all their conversations which they have submitted to police as proof. Meanwhile, they called Shukla and his son, Kunal, to a mall in Sahibabad, SM World, for sealing the deal. There, police arrested the father-son duo and compounded their Scorpio car that contained the confiscated items. Cases were registered against the two under relevant sections of the Wildlife Protection Act.
Rashid Ali, station officer of Sahibabad police station said: "Shukla is claiming that he was framed and since the confiscated items were handed over to us by PFA members, we are trying to establish that Shukla was indeed dealing in the prohibited items. He was operating in western UP and selling illegal goods. His modus operandi was to claim that he was very close to Sonia Gandhi and Sheila Dikshit and then convince people to buy off him.''
Read more: 'Holy' man, son held for selling ivory and tiger skin - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Holy-man-son-held-for-selling-ivory-and-tiger-skin/articleshow/6831660.cms#ixzz140VNpKNN
Allowance doubled for staff of tiger reserves
NEW DELHI: In what will be a major morale booster to thousands of staff deployed in the country's tiger reserves, government has approved their long-pending demand to double their existing monetary allowance.
According to a senior official of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the revised rates of project allowance would be applicable from September 2008.
The allowance is an incentive for officials who work in very harsh and deficient conditions and the recent move to double it is in keeping with Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh's promise made last year in this regard.
With the new order, the increase in the allowances will be in the range of Rs 2000 to Rs 700 for field directors, assistant directors, research officers/ veterinary officers, forest rangers, foresters and forest guards posted in remote areas.
There are around 39 tiger reserves in 17 states across the country providing home to around 1,411 big cats.
The move is also expected to attract the best talent and dedicated staff to work in the remote and rough terrain in the tiger reserves, the NTCA official said.
The government has also been taking steps to ensure staff welfare inputs like residential accommodation for the children of frontline staff in nearby towns and villages and other basic needs.
Read more: Allowance doubled for staff of tiger reserves - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Allowance-doubled-for-staff-of-tiger-reserves/articleshow/6836132.cms#ixzz140V9ChCV
According to a senior official of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the revised rates of project allowance would be applicable from September 2008.
The allowance is an incentive for officials who work in very harsh and deficient conditions and the recent move to double it is in keeping with Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh's promise made last year in this regard.
With the new order, the increase in the allowances will be in the range of Rs 2000 to Rs 700 for field directors, assistant directors, research officers/ veterinary officers, forest rangers, foresters and forest guards posted in remote areas.
There are around 39 tiger reserves in 17 states across the country providing home to around 1,411 big cats.
The move is also expected to attract the best talent and dedicated staff to work in the remote and rough terrain in the tiger reserves, the NTCA official said.
The government has also been taking steps to ensure staff welfare inputs like residential accommodation for the children of frontline staff in nearby towns and villages and other basic needs.
Read more: Allowance doubled for staff of tiger reserves - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Allowance-doubled-for-staff-of-tiger-reserves/articleshow/6836132.cms#ixzz140V9ChCV
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Tigress poisoned in Bandhavgarh reserve, rescued
Bhopal, Oct 27 (PTI) A tigress in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve was rescued after it was poisoned allegedly by some villagers, officials said. "The tigress is now fine and we are in the process of sending the samples of her vomiting for test," the Reserve Deputy Field Director Mridul Pathak told PTI today. The tigress was found unwell near Mala-Kathali villages close to park fencing yesterday morning, after it ate the remains of a prey it hunted down a day ago, Pathak said. The tigress had hunted a goat on October 25 in Mala village and devoured half of it, officials said. By the time it reached to eat its kill again, somebody had laced the prey with poison, a practise often used by the villagers to eliminate carnivores out of fear or by poachers, officials said. "Now the tigress is fine and at Chakradhara area," Pathak said. "We have collected the samples of the tigress vomiting from the spot where it killed the goat. Besides, we have collected the sample of what the tigress vomited after she was found in the park," the reserve deputy director, said. Forest officials have detained some villagers, including the owner of the goat for interrogation, sources said.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Is Sunderban tiger a different sub-species?
Sunderban tiger was perhaps separated about 500 to 1,000 years ago: Dr. Jhalla
‘The leaner frame and lesser body-mass is an advantage for the Sunderban tiger in its habitat'
KOLKATA: Scientists and officials of the Sunderban Tiger Reserve are investigating whether the Sunderban tiger is a different sub-species compared to those found in the sub-continent, officials told The Hindu on Sunday.
The Sunderban tiger exhibits certain distinctive morphological adaptations that make it particularly suited to the mangrove habitat of the Sunderban islands.
The average size of the adult tigers there is much smaller and it weighs about only 100 kilograms, compared to the heavier tigers elsewhere.
A six-year-old male tiger that strayed into the inhabited areas and captured by reserve officials over the weekend weighed only 98 kilograms.
Measurements of its body parts confirmed that the animal has a smaller frame than the tigers on the mainland, said Subrat Mukherjee, Sunderban Tiger Reserve Field Director.
Besides DNA analysis of the cat, Mr. Mukherjee will also study the skeletons of tigers as part of the research.
DNA analysis
“We will have to see whether these adaptations are only morphological or whether they are genetic adaptations that will qualify them to be listed as a separate sub-species. For this purpose, the mitochondrial and nuclear DNA of the tigers will have to be studied,” said Y. Jhalla, an expert at the Wildlife Institute of India.
Dr. Jhalla explained that considering the mutation rates that led to a genetic change, usually an animal that was isolated for a period of one million years was classified as a different species and one that was genetically isolated for between 20,000 and 50,000 years was a different sub-species.
“In the case of the Sunderban tiger, it was part of a contiguous region with others and was perhaps separated about 500 to 1,000 years ago,” he said.
Advantage
The leaner frame and lesser body-mass was an advantage for the Sunderban tiger in its habitat, he added.
A smaller animal needed lesser food.
Since the main prey of the Sunderban tiger (spotted deer) was a lean animal that weighed only about 50 kg, compared to much heavier sambar or gaur that were eaten by other tigers, the animal could make do with lesser food, he said.
Muddy terrain
“Secondly, less body weight makes it easier for the animal to move around in the muddy terrain of the Sunderbans. If the tiger is heavier, its feet will sink further into the soil as it walks and it will have to expend more energy,” Dr. Jhalla said.
http://www.hindu.com/2010/10/25/stories/2010102558242000.htm
Pench workshop to discuss role of PAs in climate change Read more: Pench workshop to discuss role of PAs in climate change - The Times of India http:
NAGPUR: Protected areas (PAs) like sanctuaries, national parks and reserves are not only homes for wildlife but they also contribute to reducing the risk of natural disasters by helping adapt to climate change.
Around 40 experts, including 20 field directors, will gather at Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR), Madhya Pradesh, on November 2 and 3, to evolve a strategy to enhance the role of PAs in climate change, mobilise resources set aside for conserving biodiversity and ecosystems through a worldwide network of national parks, and increase disaster resilience of local communities dependent on the ecosystem services of the parks.
The international workshop has been organised by Satpuda Foundation, a leading NGO in Central India, in collaboration with Global Tiger Forum (GTF), inter-governmental body International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR).
The main target group of this global workshop are park managers, representing national parks in Asia, where indigenous and poor communities depend on natural resources for their livelihood, and national disaster planning agencies.
The objective of the workshop is to document good practices in biodiversity conservation, to reduce disaster risk and promote adaptation to extreme weather events. Also, the participants aim to find ways to align national and regional policies to address gaps in global policy as per the Global Platform 2011.
"We will also list future challenges from a changing climate, which could be addressed through an ecosystem-based approach and regional issues that need policy changes to achieve the objective," said Kishor Rithe, president of the foundation.
Developing countries show apathy towards PA network, almost always saying that poverty alleviation is a priority for them rather than managing and conserving Pas, which are homes of endangered species. "However, it is wrong. PAs actually help in poverty alleviation of locals and also provide great ecological services," says Rithe.
Satpuda Foundation, IUCN, UN`s ISDR and GTF have come forward to strengthen PAs in Asia for the benefits of locals in the international biodiversity year.
Field Directors from 20 tiger reserves in India will participate in the workshop along with PA managers from Asia and officers from disaster reduction cells from Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Read more: Pench workshop to discuss role of PAs in climate change - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Pench-workshop-to-discuss-role-of-PAs-in-climate-change/articleshow/6812689.cms#ixzz13SGD6YKc
Around 40 experts, including 20 field directors, will gather at Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR), Madhya Pradesh, on November 2 and 3, to evolve a strategy to enhance the role of PAs in climate change, mobilise resources set aside for conserving biodiversity and ecosystems through a worldwide network of national parks, and increase disaster resilience of local communities dependent on the ecosystem services of the parks.
The international workshop has been organised by Satpuda Foundation, a leading NGO in Central India, in collaboration with Global Tiger Forum (GTF), inter-governmental body International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR).
The main target group of this global workshop are park managers, representing national parks in Asia, where indigenous and poor communities depend on natural resources for their livelihood, and national disaster planning agencies.
The objective of the workshop is to document good practices in biodiversity conservation, to reduce disaster risk and promote adaptation to extreme weather events. Also, the participants aim to find ways to align national and regional policies to address gaps in global policy as per the Global Platform 2011.
"We will also list future challenges from a changing climate, which could be addressed through an ecosystem-based approach and regional issues that need policy changes to achieve the objective," said Kishor Rithe, president of the foundation.
Developing countries show apathy towards PA network, almost always saying that poverty alleviation is a priority for them rather than managing and conserving Pas, which are homes of endangered species. "However, it is wrong. PAs actually help in poverty alleviation of locals and also provide great ecological services," says Rithe.
Satpuda Foundation, IUCN, UN`s ISDR and GTF have come forward to strengthen PAs in Asia for the benefits of locals in the international biodiversity year.
Field Directors from 20 tiger reserves in India will participate in the workshop along with PA managers from Asia and officers from disaster reduction cells from Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Read more: Pench workshop to discuss role of PAs in climate change - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Pench-workshop-to-discuss-role-of-PAs-in-climate-change/articleshow/6812689.cms#ixzz13SGD6YKc
Tiger gatecrashes Katy-Brand wedding
American singer Kate Perry and English comedian Russell Brand had an uninvited guest during their wedding celebrations here two days ago -- a tiger.
"A tiger known as T24 gate-crashed the wedding venue with a prey around midnight when the celebrations were on. The guards had a difficult time shooing it away," a security guard at the Aman-i-Khás resort told IANS on the condition of anonymity.
"The tiger was only 50-75 feet away from the party venue when my colleagues managed to frighten him away," the guard said.
The particular tiger has been spotted in the past near the resort, he said. A few days back he was seen with a prey - a "neel gai"
Though forest officials are tightlipped over the incident, the guard said that it seems that the tiger was attracted to the resort seeing the lights and smell of food.
"Variety of dishes, including traditional Rajasthani, continental and Chinese food, were cooked for the guests," he added.
The couple had a Hindu ritualistic wedding Saturday amid chanting of Vedic mantras. They took seven rounds around a holy fire and tied their nuptial knots.
Aman-i-Khás, situated close to the Ranthmabore National Park, is a wilderness camp for travellers wishing to experience the natural beauty and rural life of Rajasthan.
The property sits on a gentle slope on the fringes of the park against a backdrop of hills.
Native vegetation of tall grasses, scrub and trees surrounds the camp. A watering hole is situated nearby.
The entrance to the camp is via a pathway that leads through high walls, opening onto breathtaking views of the rocky Aravalli hills that undulate through the Ranthambore National Park.
Ranthambore is known for its tigers and is one of the best places in India to see these majestic predators in the jungle.
The high-profile wedding ran into problems when paparazzi clashed with minders during a safari trip to Ranthambore.
The photographers claimed that a member of the actor's entourage came up to their vehicle and
punched the driver in the face. They also took away the keys of the photographers' vehicle.
But the offending security staff later visit a police station and offered apologies to the photographers.
Read more: Tiger gatecrashes Katy-Brand wedding - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-interviews/Tiger-gatecrashes-Katy-Brand-wedding/articleshow/6808882.cms#ixzz13SG5wjbQ
"A tiger known as T24 gate-crashed the wedding venue with a prey around midnight when the celebrations were on. The guards had a difficult time shooing it away," a security guard at the Aman-i-Khás resort told IANS on the condition of anonymity.
"The tiger was only 50-75 feet away from the party venue when my colleagues managed to frighten him away," the guard said.
The particular tiger has been spotted in the past near the resort, he said. A few days back he was seen with a prey - a "neel gai"
Though forest officials are tightlipped over the incident, the guard said that it seems that the tiger was attracted to the resort seeing the lights and smell of food.
"Variety of dishes, including traditional Rajasthani, continental and Chinese food, were cooked for the guests," he added.
The couple had a Hindu ritualistic wedding Saturday amid chanting of Vedic mantras. They took seven rounds around a holy fire and tied their nuptial knots.
Aman-i-Khás, situated close to the Ranthmabore National Park, is a wilderness camp for travellers wishing to experience the natural beauty and rural life of Rajasthan.
The property sits on a gentle slope on the fringes of the park against a backdrop of hills.
Native vegetation of tall grasses, scrub and trees surrounds the camp. A watering hole is situated nearby.
The entrance to the camp is via a pathway that leads through high walls, opening onto breathtaking views of the rocky Aravalli hills that undulate through the Ranthambore National Park.
Ranthambore is known for its tigers and is one of the best places in India to see these majestic predators in the jungle.
The high-profile wedding ran into problems when paparazzi clashed with minders during a safari trip to Ranthambore.
The photographers claimed that a member of the actor's entourage came up to their vehicle and
punched the driver in the face. They also took away the keys of the photographers' vehicle.
But the offending security staff later visit a police station and offered apologies to the photographers.
Read more: Tiger gatecrashes Katy-Brand wedding - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-interviews/Tiger-gatecrashes-Katy-Brand-wedding/articleshow/6808882.cms#ixzz13SG5wjbQ
Monday, October 25, 2010
Gehlot paves way for Ranthambore's expansion
JAIPUR: Amid growing concerns over straying away of tigers from the Ranthambore sanctuary, chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday visited the national park and ordered the removal of bottlenecks for the park's expansion so that a rising population of tigers can be accommodated.
Gehlot took a state plane to the airstrip at Ranthambore and was accompanied by forest minister Ramlal Jat, principal secretary, forests, V S Singh and principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) R N Mehrotra.
Gehlot's visit follows the death of tiger T-36 in a territorial war with another tiger T-42. With tiger population multiplying in the park, turf wars and big cats' straying away have become a routine.
Gehlot spotted a tiger, T-17, near the Mallik talab and christened it as Krishna. The T-17 tiger is the daughter of the most photographed tigress in the world Machli.'
"The chief minister has been visiting some of the sanctuaries in the state and this one was to review the situation in Ranthambore in view of the recent tiger death. He has ordered the removal of all obstacles in the expansion of Ranthambore so that more tigers can be accommodated," said PCCF R N Mehrotra.
As a first step, the chief minister ordered expansion of the airstrip on the Madhopur-Lalsot road. Gehlot also called for a time-bound programme for the completion of the boundary wall around the national park.
"There is a narrow airstrip at the Madhopur-Lalsot road. The CM ordered the expansion so that more planes could land there. There are many foreigners who use chartered planes. The expansion of the airstrip will give a fillip to tourism," said a forest official.
Gehlot also called for a time-bound programme for the completion of the boundary wall around the national park.
"He directed that the NREGS and CAMPA funds shall be utilised so that the circumference of the wall could be expanded to 400 kilometre instead of the existing 87 km," said an official.
The CM also announced speedier relocation of the villages on the outskirts the sanctuary. "Once these villages are relocated, the park can accommodate more tigers. The chief minister also directed that no encroachment shall be allowed in the area," said the official.
On the alleged noise pollution just outside the park during the marriage of British comedian Russell Brand and American pop singer Katy Perry, Gehlot formed a committee to be headed by the collector that will look into any violation.
Read more: Gehlot paves way for Ranthambore's expansion - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Gehlot-paves-way-for-Ranthambores-expansion/articleshow/6806044.cms#ixzz13LWA5MGw
Gehlot took a state plane to the airstrip at Ranthambore and was accompanied by forest minister Ramlal Jat, principal secretary, forests, V S Singh and principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) R N Mehrotra.
Gehlot's visit follows the death of tiger T-36 in a territorial war with another tiger T-42. With tiger population multiplying in the park, turf wars and big cats' straying away have become a routine.
Gehlot spotted a tiger, T-17, near the Mallik talab and christened it as Krishna. The T-17 tiger is the daughter of the most photographed tigress in the world Machli.'
"The chief minister has been visiting some of the sanctuaries in the state and this one was to review the situation in Ranthambore in view of the recent tiger death. He has ordered the removal of all obstacles in the expansion of Ranthambore so that more tigers can be accommodated," said PCCF R N Mehrotra.
As a first step, the chief minister ordered expansion of the airstrip on the Madhopur-Lalsot road. Gehlot also called for a time-bound programme for the completion of the boundary wall around the national park.
"There is a narrow airstrip at the Madhopur-Lalsot road. The CM ordered the expansion so that more planes could land there. There are many foreigners who use chartered planes. The expansion of the airstrip will give a fillip to tourism," said a forest official.
Gehlot also called for a time-bound programme for the completion of the boundary wall around the national park.
"He directed that the NREGS and CAMPA funds shall be utilised so that the circumference of the wall could be expanded to 400 kilometre instead of the existing 87 km," said an official.
The CM also announced speedier relocation of the villages on the outskirts the sanctuary. "Once these villages are relocated, the park can accommodate more tigers. The chief minister also directed that no encroachment shall be allowed in the area," said the official.
On the alleged noise pollution just outside the park during the marriage of British comedian Russell Brand and American pop singer Katy Perry, Gehlot formed a committee to be headed by the collector that will look into any violation.
Read more: Gehlot paves way for Ranthambore's expansion - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Gehlot-paves-way-for-Ranthambores-expansion/articleshow/6806044.cms#ixzz13LWA5MGw
Madhya Pradesh: No space for Panna tigers
Panna Tiger Reserve: Coming as a major setback to tiger conservation in Madhya Pradesh, the Panna tiger reserve will not have the glory of enjoying a buffer zone for the tigers.
Buffer zones are vital as they allow tigers more space to move freely. The decision by the Chief Minister has come as a shock for many and people are reading between the lines for its inherent meaning.
"Humans are more valuable than tigers. One cannot destroy Panna and let just tigers survive. What will they do with such a buffer zone? That is why there is no need for a buffer zone that can cause problems to Panna. No such buffer zones will be made,"said Shivraj Singh Chouhan the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh.
The decision has come just weeks after the Pench and Kanha reserves in Maharashtra were given its notified buffer zones.
In the last decade, Panna has lost 34 tigers, most of them being poached. Under such circumstances ignoring the desperate need of a buffer zone for the tiger reserve has shocked all.
Surprisingly, Chouhan's remarks have come at a time when the forest department has got the consent of 45 of the 69 villages in the proposed buffer zone. Sources say, several local political heavyweights and their associates have a stake in mines in the area under the buffer zone and a notification may stop all that.
Could the Chief Minister's decision have more to do with the mining stakes involved?
"The people who are exposing it is because of lack of understanding or they have rights in ways of illegal mining or extracting wood or maybe some other sources," said Shamendra Singh a Former member of the Madhya Pardesh Wildlife Advisory Committee.
Even as the Wildlife Act makes a buffer zone mandatory for every tiger reserve, the Chief Minister vetoing it in Panna has raised several questions. The concern now is that who will prevail finally? Until then, the fate of Panna remains hanging.
Buffer zones are vital as they allow tigers more space to move freely. The decision by the Chief Minister has come as a shock for many and people are reading between the lines for its inherent meaning.
"Humans are more valuable than tigers. One cannot destroy Panna and let just tigers survive. What will they do with such a buffer zone? That is why there is no need for a buffer zone that can cause problems to Panna. No such buffer zones will be made,"said Shivraj Singh Chouhan the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh.
The decision has come just weeks after the Pench and Kanha reserves in Maharashtra were given its notified buffer zones.
In the last decade, Panna has lost 34 tigers, most of them being poached. Under such circumstances ignoring the desperate need of a buffer zone for the tiger reserve has shocked all.
Surprisingly, Chouhan's remarks have come at a time when the forest department has got the consent of 45 of the 69 villages in the proposed buffer zone. Sources say, several local political heavyweights and their associates have a stake in mines in the area under the buffer zone and a notification may stop all that.
Could the Chief Minister's decision have more to do with the mining stakes involved?
"The people who are exposing it is because of lack of understanding or they have rights in ways of illegal mining or extracting wood or maybe some other sources," said Shamendra Singh a Former member of the Madhya Pardesh Wildlife Advisory Committee.
Even as the Wildlife Act makes a buffer zone mandatory for every tiger reserve, the Chief Minister vetoing it in Panna has raised several questions. The concern now is that who will prevail finally? Until then, the fate of Panna remains hanging.
Focus on tiger prey base in Sunderbans
KOLKATA: The prey base in Sunderbans has always been under scanner. But a study by Wildlife Institute of India (WII) may actually blow the lid off the issue. If an estimation by the WII is to be believed, about 15 spotted deer per square kilometre (sq km) are surviving in Sunderbans currently. "We have initiated a study on tiger density and prey base in Sunderbans and will come out with the final report in a couple of months. But according to initial investigations, we fear there are not more than 15 deer per sq km," says Y V Jhala of WII.
A recent study by Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) says a full-grown wild tiger needs to eat 50 cheetals a year to survive. "A herd of 500 cheetals is required to provide a sustainable outcome of 50 cheetals per tiger. In other words, 500 cheetals can provide a single tiger 50 cheetals a year for food," says Belinda Wright, executive director, WPSI.
Sunderbans Tiger Reserve (STR) is spread over almost 2,580 sq km, of which nearly 35% is water. Taking into account the rest of forest land, not more than 25,000 deer are reportedly there in Sunderbans.
According to Wright, a prey base of 25,000 cheetals is only enough for 50 tigers. Is the present number of big cats in Sunderbans around 50? The question remains unanswered. And where are the cheetals vanishing and why? The mystery only intensifies.
According to Jhala, herbivores cannot take salinity after a point and that is the main reason behind the shrinking prey base.
Director of Sunderbans Biosphere Reserve, Pradeep Vyas, said: "Once we receive an official intimation, we will definitely look into the matter. No study has yet been done on Sunderbans' prey base and we are waiting for the WII report." According to him, not only deer, tigers depend on wild boars and monitor lizards too for food.
Going by Biswajit Roy Chowdhury of Nature Environment and Wildlife Society, salinity is not only a problem for the deer but it's dangerous for tigers as well. "Salinity has increased by almost 15 times in last 10 years, which is dangerous for both deer and tigers," he says.
Quoting a study by scientists Dr Ullas Karanth and George Schaller, Bangladesh-based tiger expert Monirul H Khan says: "There is always a natural balance between the prey and number of tigers. And 500 deer can provide sufficient food base to only one tiger, keeping in mind the fact that the breeding rate of deer is always balanced by the killing rate of tigers."
Bangladesh forest department recently said there are 70,000 to 80,000 cheetals in their part of Sunderbans, which according to Khan is not capable of providing sufficient food base to 419 tigers there.
The numbers game in Sunderbans still remains a million dollar question. Is the 2004 census figure, that says the mangrove forest has 274 tigers, believable? The figure, which has been contested fiercely, offers a case study. In the 2008 tiger census, the number of Sunderbans tigers could not be included as authentic figures were missing. Though WII is also set to come out with a preliminary report on tiger census in other parts of the country by November-end, Sunderbans will not be included in this. On being asked why, Jhala offered no comment.
Tushar Kanjilal, well-known social worker who spent long years in Sundarbans, has his take. "Prey base is definitely shrinking, but no concrete study has ever been done. But more and more tigers are moving towards the north from south, resulting in frequent incidents of straying," he says.
Former Project Tiger director, P K Sen, says: "We have been repeatedly saying that there is a shortage of prey base in Sunderbans. When WII comes out with the final report, I believe the actual number of cheetals per sq km will be even lesser than 15."
Wright says that poaching of deer should also be taken into account.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata-/Focus-on-tiger-prey-base-in-Sunderbans/articleshow/6806096.cms
A recent study by Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) says a full-grown wild tiger needs to eat 50 cheetals a year to survive. "A herd of 500 cheetals is required to provide a sustainable outcome of 50 cheetals per tiger. In other words, 500 cheetals can provide a single tiger 50 cheetals a year for food," says Belinda Wright, executive director, WPSI.
Sunderbans Tiger Reserve (STR) is spread over almost 2,580 sq km, of which nearly 35% is water. Taking into account the rest of forest land, not more than 25,000 deer are reportedly there in Sunderbans.
According to Wright, a prey base of 25,000 cheetals is only enough for 50 tigers. Is the present number of big cats in Sunderbans around 50? The question remains unanswered. And where are the cheetals vanishing and why? The mystery only intensifies.
According to Jhala, herbivores cannot take salinity after a point and that is the main reason behind the shrinking prey base.
Director of Sunderbans Biosphere Reserve, Pradeep Vyas, said: "Once we receive an official intimation, we will definitely look into the matter. No study has yet been done on Sunderbans' prey base and we are waiting for the WII report." According to him, not only deer, tigers depend on wild boars and monitor lizards too for food.
Going by Biswajit Roy Chowdhury of Nature Environment and Wildlife Society, salinity is not only a problem for the deer but it's dangerous for tigers as well. "Salinity has increased by almost 15 times in last 10 years, which is dangerous for both deer and tigers," he says.
Quoting a study by scientists Dr Ullas Karanth and George Schaller, Bangladesh-based tiger expert Monirul H Khan says: "There is always a natural balance between the prey and number of tigers. And 500 deer can provide sufficient food base to only one tiger, keeping in mind the fact that the breeding rate of deer is always balanced by the killing rate of tigers."
Bangladesh forest department recently said there are 70,000 to 80,000 cheetals in their part of Sunderbans, which according to Khan is not capable of providing sufficient food base to 419 tigers there.
The numbers game in Sunderbans still remains a million dollar question. Is the 2004 census figure, that says the mangrove forest has 274 tigers, believable? The figure, which has been contested fiercely, offers a case study. In the 2008 tiger census, the number of Sunderbans tigers could not be included as authentic figures were missing. Though WII is also set to come out with a preliminary report on tiger census in other parts of the country by November-end, Sunderbans will not be included in this. On being asked why, Jhala offered no comment.
Tushar Kanjilal, well-known social worker who spent long years in Sundarbans, has his take. "Prey base is definitely shrinking, but no concrete study has ever been done. But more and more tigers are moving towards the north from south, resulting in frequent incidents of straying," he says.
Former Project Tiger director, P K Sen, says: "We have been repeatedly saying that there is a shortage of prey base in Sunderbans. When WII comes out with the final report, I believe the actual number of cheetals per sq km will be even lesser than 15."
Wright says that poaching of deer should also be taken into account.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata-/Focus-on-tiger-prey-base-in-Sunderbans/articleshow/6806096.cms
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Over 100 tigers spotted in three tiger reserves, says forest minister Read more: Over 100 tigers spotted in three tiger reserves, says forest ministe
UDHAGAMANDALAM: Over 100 tigers have been spotted in the three Tigers reserves of Kalakkad Mundanthurai in Tirunelveli district, Anamalai in Coimbatore district and Mudumalai in the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu forest minister, N Selvaraj said on Saturday. While their numbers were dwindling nationwide, the big cats are thriving in Tamil Nadu, according to Selvaraj.
In a recent survey, 46 tigers have been sighted directly in Sathyamangalam forest area, Selvaraj said. According to a 2007 survey, the population of tigers in Tamil Nadu was between 62 and 76. Stating that the reason for their growing numbers is the healthy prey base, the forest minister said, "I happened to see a lot of bison and several herds of spotted deer in the Mudumalai reserve and its surroundings". Also, poaching activities are completely under control, he added.
Asked about the long-pending proposal for merging the Sigur reserve forest area with the adjacent Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in the Nilgiris, he said, "The proposal is under consideration." Many wild animals including tigers are being sighted in the Sigur forests. Recently, Union forest and environment minister Jairam Ramesh had written to the Tamil Nadu government urging it to declare the Sigur forest as a tiger reserve. The proposal for merging the reserve forest with the Mudumalai tiger reserve is pending with the government.
On several illegal resorts operating in the hill district in identified elephant corridors in the Sigur Plateau, Selvaraj said cases in this regard were pending in the courts. However, no fresh construction would be allowed in these areas, he said, adding that protecting wildlife would be the first consideration in any kind of development projects in the hill district, including laying of new roads. The penalty fee against cutting trees illegally in private lands, presently a very nominal amount, would be revised soon, said the minister.
The forest department will ensure there are no encroachments on the traditional elephant paths in the forests. The elephants move in herds and on a particular trajectory. When this is disturbed they stray into unknown zones and end up entering human habitats, affecting residents, he said. To a question regarding monitoring of the neutrino project to be set up in Theni, the minister said, "Once the project is set up, arrangements will be made to monitor the project".
Read more: Over 100 tigers spotted in three tiger reserves, says forest minister - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Over-100-tigers-spotted-in-three-tiger-reserves-says-forest-minister/articleshow/6800770.cms#ixzz13GT9mrU8
In a recent survey, 46 tigers have been sighted directly in Sathyamangalam forest area, Selvaraj said. According to a 2007 survey, the population of tigers in Tamil Nadu was between 62 and 76. Stating that the reason for their growing numbers is the healthy prey base, the forest minister said, "I happened to see a lot of bison and several herds of spotted deer in the Mudumalai reserve and its surroundings". Also, poaching activities are completely under control, he added.
Asked about the long-pending proposal for merging the Sigur reserve forest area with the adjacent Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in the Nilgiris, he said, "The proposal is under consideration." Many wild animals including tigers are being sighted in the Sigur forests. Recently, Union forest and environment minister Jairam Ramesh had written to the Tamil Nadu government urging it to declare the Sigur forest as a tiger reserve. The proposal for merging the reserve forest with the Mudumalai tiger reserve is pending with the government.
On several illegal resorts operating in the hill district in identified elephant corridors in the Sigur Plateau, Selvaraj said cases in this regard were pending in the courts. However, no fresh construction would be allowed in these areas, he said, adding that protecting wildlife would be the first consideration in any kind of development projects in the hill district, including laying of new roads. The penalty fee against cutting trees illegally in private lands, presently a very nominal amount, would be revised soon, said the minister.
The forest department will ensure there are no encroachments on the traditional elephant paths in the forests. The elephants move in herds and on a particular trajectory. When this is disturbed they stray into unknown zones and end up entering human habitats, affecting residents, he said. To a question regarding monitoring of the neutrino project to be set up in Theni, the minister said, "Once the project is set up, arrangements will be made to monitor the project".
Read more: Over 100 tigers spotted in three tiger reserves, says forest minister - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Over-100-tigers-spotted-in-three-tiger-reserves-says-forest-minister/articleshow/6800770.cms#ixzz13GT9mrU8
Experts to study causes of tiger sightings in Pilibhit
After tigers have been sighted for over six months in the forests of Pilibhit district, wildlife experts are trying to determine the reasons and conditions, which have allowed the big cats to extend their territory in the area.
For the next three months, a team of experts from the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) will camp in the Deoria range of Pilibhit district and Khutar range in Shahjehanpur. Along with officials from the state Forest department, they will conduct a survey and submit a report to the National Tiger Conservation Authority of India. At present, a two-member WTI team is already camping in Deoria range.
For the first time, a tiger were sighted in this range in May. It attacked a man, who had entered the jungle in search of drift wood. The camera trap method confirmed the presence of a cub and three adult tigers in the area.
Between May and July, the maneater tiger attacked eight persons and travelled from Deoria Kalan in Pilibhit to Bilandapur in Shahjehanpur, Mohammadi in South Kheri and Shahbad range in Hardoi. It was finally tranquilised and caught from Hirasing Nangla in Farukkhabad district on October 14.
“The WTI is collaborating with us for the Uttar Pradesh Tiger Conservation Project. Their experts had also helped us in catching the maneater. As part of the tiger status monitoring exercise, they will now conduct a survey,” said Pilibhit Divisional Forest Officer V K Singh.
The WTI team members, along with with Forest officials, will not only study the movement of tigers, but also the increase in population of smaller animals in the area. “There must be an increase in the population of smaller animals, as a tiger needs sufficient prey to make an area its territory,” added Singh.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/experts-to-study-causes-of-tiger-sightings-in-pilibhit/701428/
3-yr-old tiger found dead in Ranthambore
JAIPUR: Days after four tigers strayed away from the Ranthambore tiger reserve, there's more bad news for the forest department: the body of a young tiger was recovered from the Kwaldi forest area on Friday.
According to forest officials, the three-year-old male, T-36, most probably died in a territorial fight with another tiger in the region. Officials said the neck of the animal and its fore limbs were broken. "Most probably the tiger died on Wednesday,'' said R S Shekhawat, DFO, Ranthambore park.
"The tiger and his sister, T-37, were occupying the Kamleshwar Mahadev forest area of the park. The two had recently lost their mother, T-15. Another tiger, T-42, also aged three years, had strayed into the area of T-36 from Khandar and in the ensuing fight the latter was killed,'' said Shekhawat.
Villagers had informed forest officials about T-42's intrusion. "We have been maintaining a close watch. Since T-36 had a radio collar, it was easy to track him even as we wondered what steps we should take. The signal became static in an area on Thursday and on Friday morning we came across its body,'' Shekhawat said.
"This is definitely a territorial fight,'' said Rajpal Singh, member state wildlife board. "The neck, ribs and the fore limbs of T-36 were broken. Officials have also spotted T-42, which has scratch marks on its face and is limping. This points to a fight,'' said Singh.
Read more: 3-yr-old tiger found dead in Ranthambore - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/3-yr-old-tiger-found-dead-in-Ranthambore/articleshow/6796536.cms#ixzz13GSlFlbW
According to forest officials, the three-year-old male, T-36, most probably died in a territorial fight with another tiger in the region. Officials said the neck of the animal and its fore limbs were broken. "Most probably the tiger died on Wednesday,'' said R S Shekhawat, DFO, Ranthambore park.
"The tiger and his sister, T-37, were occupying the Kamleshwar Mahadev forest area of the park. The two had recently lost their mother, T-15. Another tiger, T-42, also aged three years, had strayed into the area of T-36 from Khandar and in the ensuing fight the latter was killed,'' said Shekhawat.
Villagers had informed forest officials about T-42's intrusion. "We have been maintaining a close watch. Since T-36 had a radio collar, it was easy to track him even as we wondered what steps we should take. The signal became static in an area on Thursday and on Friday morning we came across its body,'' Shekhawat said.
"This is definitely a territorial fight,'' said Rajpal Singh, member state wildlife board. "The neck, ribs and the fore limbs of T-36 were broken. Officials have also spotted T-42, which has scratch marks on its face and is limping. This points to a fight,'' said Singh.
Read more: 3-yr-old tiger found dead in Ranthambore - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/3-yr-old-tiger-found-dead-in-Ranthambore/articleshow/6796536.cms#ixzz13GSlFlbW
Bengal tiger which killed three goats trapped
Kolkata, Oct 23 (IANS) A Royal Bengal tiger, which strayed away from a protected area and killed three goats, was trapped Saturday in West Bengal's Sunderbans area, a forest official said.
'The tiger, which strayed into Sahibghata and Jamespur area of South 24 Parganas district Oct 19 and killed three goats, was trapped in Sajnekhali,' said field director of Sunderbans Tiger Reserve (STR) Subrat Mukherjee.
He said it was an adult male tiger. Its health was good and it would be released Sunday in the core area of the STR.
'The tiger weighs 98 kg and its body measurement is smaller than the tigers found in other parts of the country,' Mukherjee said.
'After conducting a detailed study we can conclude that the tigers found in the mangrove forest of Sunderbans are nearly half the weight of other wild Bengal tigers (the largest subspecies) which weight 140 kg on an average,' he said.
'The study also suggests that the tigers found in the mangrove forest, which runs from Bangladesh to India, are the smallest tigers in the world,' said the field director.
'The study repeatedly concludes that Sunderbans tigers are smaller in size because of adaptation to its unique mangrove habitat. I have undertaken extensive osteological studies, with available skeletons, which also prove it is a smaller species,' he said.
'We need to find out whether it is 'Panthera tigris tigris' or a separate species altogether. We have collected blood, hair and samples for DNA tests,' said Mukherjee.
Tigers from the mangrove forest of the Sunderbans in Bangladesh and India are currently classified under the Bengal tiger subspecies (Panthera tigris tigris) along with tigers across India, Nepal and Bhutan.
http://sify.com/news/bengal-tiger-which-killed-three-goats-trapped-news-national-kkxsEgcgbfg.html
Tigers could be extinct in 12 yrs: WWF Read more: Tigers could be extinct in 12 yrs: WWF - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/worl
STOCKHOLM: Tigers could become extinct within 12 years but a top level meeting in Russia next month could help reverse the decline, nature conservation body WWF said.
"The worse scenario is that the tiger could be gone when the next year of the tiger comes along, in 12 years," said Ola Jennersten, head of the international nature conservation programme at WWF Sweden. WWF is leading a global campaign to attempt to double the number of tigers by 2022, when the next Chinese calendar year of the tiger comes around.
Read more: Tigers could be extinct in 12 yrs: WWF - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/Tigers-could-be-extinct-in-12-yrs-WWF/articleshow/6796656.cms#ixzz13GSWH4Vd
"The worse scenario is that the tiger could be gone when the next year of the tiger comes along, in 12 years," said Ola Jennersten, head of the international nature conservation programme at WWF Sweden. WWF is leading a global campaign to attempt to double the number of tigers by 2022, when the next Chinese calendar year of the tiger comes around.
Read more: Tigers could be extinct in 12 yrs: WWF - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/europe/Tigers-could-be-extinct-in-12-yrs-WWF/articleshow/6796656.cms#ixzz13GSWH4Vd
Soon, Rs 1 cr fine for killing tiger
Wildlife poachers can soon be jailed for a minimum of seven years and fined at least Rs 30 lakh for killing endangered species, and the country will have two bodies to regulate international wildlife trade. The law ministry on Tuesday approved over 100 amendments in the Wildlife Protection Act,
1972, bringing it in tune with wildlife protection laws across the world by including regulation of species not native to India, a requirement under a global convention on wildlife.
Environment minister Jairam Ramesh said the bill, which strengthens the powers of forest and enforcement agencies, will be introduced in the winter session of Parliament after getting the cabinet's approval.
One of the biggest changes in the law is constitution of two bodies — scientific and management — to implement its provisions and regulate trade.
The management authority will be responsible for issuance of permits for trade of scheduled species on advice of the scientific body.
The two bodies will also be to enlist the exotic species found in India, which are not covered by global wildlife convention, and ways to regulate them.
"Protecting the country's indigenous species would be another role of the authority," an official said.
The proposed law for the first time speaks of using other laws such as Forest Rights Act, 2006, and Biological Diversity Act, 2003, for conservation of wildlife habitats.
"It has been done to make wildlife laws compatible with each other," the official said.
To provide the highest degree of legal protection to the most vulnerable animals against poaching, the amendments have put tigers, whose population is said to be less than 1,411, in Category 1. Other endangered animals in this category include lions, elephants, rhinos, crocodiles and antelopes.
Killing an animal in Category 1 could attract a minimum jail term of five years and maximum of seven. The fine prescribed ranges from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 1 crore.
For species under Category 2, including endangered birds, the jail term suggested is between three to five years and fine of up to Rs 3 lakh.
Teasing an animal will also be an offence.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Soon-Rs-1-cr-fine-for-killing-tiger/Article1-615590.aspx
India refuses to let WB play big brother in Project Tiger Read more: India refuses to let WB play big brother in Project Tiger - The Times of India h
NEW DELHI: In a snub to the World Bank (WB), the government has informed the latter that it won`t allow the lending institution to play big brother and manage and monitor its efforts to conserve the Indian tiger under the Global Tiger Initiative (GTI), a recently floated project that is highly favoured by bank president Robert B Zoellick.
The GTI has organised a summit of heads of state of countries having tiger population in Russia in November. But India will only be sending a ministerial-level delegation to the meeting. The Prime Minister would not be attending the summit, where the WB along with some foreign conservation NGOS are expected to hold fort.
WB has been keen to get India on board, as it would be odd to sell a global project to save the tigers when the country with the largest population of the big cat in the wild is unwilling to be a part of it. Earlier, the bank had lobbied hard that India borrow money from it to conserve and protect tigers. But the government has recently made it clear that it neither required money nor expertise from other countries.
However, not intending to outright reject a proposal from the multilateral funding agency it decided to participate in the GTI to enhance global cooperation on issues that did not involve direct conservation work in the tiger reserves.
The Indian government has informed the GTI that conservation of tiger is a sovereign issue, and it would not accept that the WB dictate terms to it. Having learnt its lesson earlier when a WB-funded project on Tiger led to displacement and agitation by tribals and increased corruption in some tiger reserves, the government has told the GTI that its interference would only lead to alienation among the local population. Though most conservationists had backed the government, some high profile `tiger-wallahs` were keen to get WB involved in it.
Read more: India refuses to let WB play big brother in Project Tiger - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-refuses-to-let-WB-play-big-brother-in-Project-Tiger/articleshow/6783528.cms#ixzz13GSK928z
The GTI has organised a summit of heads of state of countries having tiger population in Russia in November. But India will only be sending a ministerial-level delegation to the meeting. The Prime Minister would not be attending the summit, where the WB along with some foreign conservation NGOS are expected to hold fort.
WB has been keen to get India on board, as it would be odd to sell a global project to save the tigers when the country with the largest population of the big cat in the wild is unwilling to be a part of it. Earlier, the bank had lobbied hard that India borrow money from it to conserve and protect tigers. But the government has recently made it clear that it neither required money nor expertise from other countries.
However, not intending to outright reject a proposal from the multilateral funding agency it decided to participate in the GTI to enhance global cooperation on issues that did not involve direct conservation work in the tiger reserves.
The Indian government has informed the GTI that conservation of tiger is a sovereign issue, and it would not accept that the WB dictate terms to it. Having learnt its lesson earlier when a WB-funded project on Tiger led to displacement and agitation by tribals and increased corruption in some tiger reserves, the government has told the GTI that its interference would only lead to alienation among the local population. Though most conservationists had backed the government, some high profile `tiger-wallahs` were keen to get WB involved in it.
Read more: India refuses to let WB play big brother in Project Tiger - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-refuses-to-let-WB-play-big-brother-in-Project-Tiger/articleshow/6783528.cms#ixzz13GSK928z
SC blames Chinese demand for poaching of tigers in India Read more: SC blames Chinese demand for poaching of tigers in India
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday blamed the huge demand for tiger parts in China as the major reason for the thriving poaching syndicates run by "very wealthy and influential people" in India leading to near extinction of the big cat.
While upholding the conviction of notorious poacher Sansar Chand for two leopard skins seized from one of his accomplices, a Bench comprising Justices Markandey Katju and T S Thakur expressed concern over the largely free run that poachers have had in India and requested the Centre and state governments to tighten their belts.
Asking them to take stringent action against poachers and the illegal trade in wildlife items if they wanted to save the small number of tigers and other big cats in the country, the Bench went on to cite the "food chain" illustration given in school textbooks to drive home the importance of big cats to maintain balance in the ecology.
Justice Katju, writing the judgment for the Bench, noted that areas which decades back were teeming with wildlife had become devoid of it. He said many sanctuaries and national parks were almost empty and Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan and Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh had no tigers.
"Poaching of tigers for traditional Chinese medicine industry has been going on in India for several decades... This illegal trade is organised and widespread and is in the hands of ruthless and sophisticated operators, some of whom have top level patronage," the Bench said.
Condemning Sansar Chand and his family for indulging in mindless killing of wild animals, including tigers, for profit and having a trail of cases under the Wildlife Protection Act, the Bench said Chand and his gang had set up a complex, interlinking smuggling network to satisfy the demand for tiger and leopard parts and skins outside India's border, particularly in China.
Accepting Rajasthan standing counsel Manish Singhvi's argument, the Bench dismissed Chand's appeal against conviction and said the accused always remained behind the scene and it was difficult to procure direct evidence against him and the trial court was right in sentencing him on the basis of confessional statement of his accomplice.
Before closing the case, the Bench requested the governments and their agencies "to make all efforts to preserve the wildlife of the country and take stringent action against those who are violating the provisions of the Act as this is necessary for maintaining the ecological balance in our country".
Read more: SC blames Chinese demand for poaching of tigers in India - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/SC-blames-Chinese-demand-for-poaching-of-tigers-in-India/articleshow/6781860.cms#ixzz13GSBzN00
While upholding the conviction of notorious poacher Sansar Chand for two leopard skins seized from one of his accomplices, a Bench comprising Justices Markandey Katju and T S Thakur expressed concern over the largely free run that poachers have had in India and requested the Centre and state governments to tighten their belts.
Asking them to take stringent action against poachers and the illegal trade in wildlife items if they wanted to save the small number of tigers and other big cats in the country, the Bench went on to cite the "food chain" illustration given in school textbooks to drive home the importance of big cats to maintain balance in the ecology.
Justice Katju, writing the judgment for the Bench, noted that areas which decades back were teeming with wildlife had become devoid of it. He said many sanctuaries and national parks were almost empty and Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan and Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh had no tigers.
"Poaching of tigers for traditional Chinese medicine industry has been going on in India for several decades... This illegal trade is organised and widespread and is in the hands of ruthless and sophisticated operators, some of whom have top level patronage," the Bench said.
Condemning Sansar Chand and his family for indulging in mindless killing of wild animals, including tigers, for profit and having a trail of cases under the Wildlife Protection Act, the Bench said Chand and his gang had set up a complex, interlinking smuggling network to satisfy the demand for tiger and leopard parts and skins outside India's border, particularly in China.
Accepting Rajasthan standing counsel Manish Singhvi's argument, the Bench dismissed Chand's appeal against conviction and said the accused always remained behind the scene and it was difficult to procure direct evidence against him and the trial court was right in sentencing him on the basis of confessional statement of his accomplice.
Before closing the case, the Bench requested the governments and their agencies "to make all efforts to preserve the wildlife of the country and take stringent action against those who are violating the provisions of the Act as this is necessary for maintaining the ecological balance in our country".
Read more: SC blames Chinese demand for poaching of tigers in India - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/SC-blames-Chinese-demand-for-poaching-of-tigers-in-India/articleshow/6781860.cms#ixzz13GSBzN00
Artists, corporates join hands for tiger conservation
New Delhi, Oct 22 (IANS) Contemporary Indian art is conveying powerful messages. One of them is concern for environment and tigers.
A unique public art initiative, Artiger, is bringing 57 renowned artists, 50 corporate houses, 52 public spaces and the Ranthambore Foundation, the non-profit development groups and the common men under one umbrella to work for the cause for conserving tigers.
Conceived by curator and gallerist Aparajita Jain, art collector and promoter Swapan Seth and Delhi-based youth activist Nandita Kathpalia Baig, the project will facilitate dialogue between the common people and the stakeholders about tiger conservation with display of tiger art in public spaces.
The four-month project will be launched early December with the unveiling of '57 life-size fibre glass tigers' at locations across the capital.
Billed by the team as one of the largest public art displays in the country, it will feature prominent artists like Anjolie Ela Menon, Arpita Singh, Chittrovanu Mazumdar, G.R. Iranna, Jayasri Burman, Manu Parekh, Satish Gujral and several more.
Some of the corporate sponsors on the list include Abhishek Dalmia and Deepali Dalmia, Ambuja Realty, Apollo Tyres, Apolloindia (Raaja Kanwar), Artemis Hospital (Dr. Katariya), DLF and Borosil.
Announcing the project Friday, co-organiser Aprajita Jain said: 'Art in public spaces is a highly potent awareness tool in a diverse country like India as it transcends boundaries. The overwhelming response that we have received proves we will make a difference.'
The project will be implemented by Saath Saath Arts, an NGO that uses art to generate funds and awareness about public issues.
Commenting on the initiative, Swapan Seth, managing partner of art house Henry S. Clark, said: 'Artiger was a remarkable testimony to the coming together of artists, corporates and government to leave behind an imprint on public spaces. It is often felt that Indian art has never received a collective corporate or governmental blessing.'
The 57 fibre glass sculptures have been booked by corporate organisations. The funds raised from the corporates will be donated to Ranthambore Foundation, one of India's oldest and most well-known organisations working in the field of tiger conservation.
Countries plan to restore tiger population
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| All About: National,New Delhi, Environment Ministry, World Bank http://sify.com/news/countries-plan-to-restore-tiger-population-news-national-kkwtkkgiace.html | |||
Mining threat looms over Sariska tigers
Jaipur: Putting a question mark on the ambitious Tiger conservation project in the Sariska Tiger reserve, the Rajasthan government has approved 40 new mining leases in the Aravallis.
The fate of big cats, about which Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had expressed concern, hangs in balance following the controversial move by the Congress government in the state. Sariska has a total of five tigers – relocated from the Ranthambore national park.
The fate of big cats, about which Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had expressed concern, hangs in balance following the controversial move by the Congress government in the state. Sariska has a total of five tigers – relocated from the Ranthambore national park.
As per a report published in a newspaper Thursday, the government has given its green signal to mining in the sensitive zone on the premise that the Aravalli range is less than 100m in height, which is not considered a hill as per state government norms.
Importantly, the Supreme Court had banned all sorts of mining/quarrying activities in the Arvallis in neighboring Haryana.
The news report, quoting Y K Singh Chauhan, conservator of forests, ministry of environment and forests, further says that approval of the licenses is indicative of the extent of the reach of the mining lobby and is a gross violation of the Forest (Conservation) Act 1980.
If corrective actions are not taken soon, the national animal roaming freely in the beautiful Sariska Reserve may soon become a rare site.
Importantly, the Supreme Court had banned all sorts of mining/quarrying activities in the Arvallis in neighboring Haryana.
The news report, quoting Y K Singh Chauhan, conservator of forests, ministry of environment and forests, further says that approval of the licenses is indicative of the extent of the reach of the mining lobby and is a gross violation of the Forest (Conservation) Act 1980.
If corrective actions are not taken soon, the national animal roaming freely in the beautiful Sariska Reserve may soon become a rare site.
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