The story also mentions jairam Ramesh proposing a cetral law to deal with wildlife related crimes.Such a law has been long over due along with an authoritative investigating central agency like the CBI which has powers to work across borders and take on cases where powerful interests are involved.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Goa tiger poaching case takes another twist
Months after the case came to light, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau has suddenly decided to investigate the case according to a TOI report today. It is worth noting that the case is as good as dead with most of the evidence destroyed after systematic cover ups by the wildlife dept and local population left very little for the Goa wildlife dept to investiage on. On wonders why has it taken WCCB almost 6 months to make up its mind when it has been amply clear from media reports all this while that the case is going no where. As this blog has been saying, responsibility to protect wildlife is not just the state govt's but also centre. Once it was clear that this case was being buried by vested interest, the centralministry should have intervened. Wildlife is national property and leaving it to states who are either bankrupt ofmoney & ideas or are buried under the greed of local mafia is not going to lead us very far on the route to conservation.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Centre states play blame game as wilflife vanishes rapidly
A report on IBNlive yesterday details out how most of the states have failed to take effective steps for protection of tigers and reserves earmarked for them. Though states are to be blamed for the tardiness and low priority given to wildlife conservation, the centre till recently hadnt shown any particular zeal in its efforts apart from just blaming the local governments. With the Ministry of Environment and forests known to have been highly corrupt and lethargic no efforts were made by the centre to push states into granting priority to tiger conservation efforts. with a new energetic minister at teh helm things are changing but a lot needs to be done to wake the babudom out of their slumber if we want to see the tiger population surviving into the next generation.
Project Tiger in danger as states fail to utilise funds
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Mumbai surrounded by Tiger infested jungle - Incredible !!
Today's edititon of Mint carries an excerpt from a book titled 'Living Jewels of Indian Jungle' published by BNHS. The book details instances of tigers regularly being sighted in and around areas we live in or visit regularly today. In the early part of 19th Century even Malabar hills had ample game and tigers sighting was not uncommong. Sadly our mindless urge to kill tigers for trophies saw the last big cat being killed in the early 20th century near Vihar lake, a sport which followed by modern day poaching has pushed the beast to the brink.
Wish we could have tiger reserves around Mumbai again.
A tiger on Malabar Hill
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Tigers smarter than lions
A study conducted by researchers at Oxford university quoted by The Telegraph todays says contraty to popular belief Tigers are smarter than lions on account of their larger brain size.
Tiger smarter than lion
Sunderbans tiger deaths attributed to fall in prey base
Many feared cyclone Alia to have destroyed wildlife in Sunderbans in significant numbers. Now circumstantial evidence coming to light is indicating those fears to be true. Last few days 2 more tigers to have strayed into villages came to light. This after a tiger was recently found dead in the forest with two cobras in its stomach which he ate after apparently unable to find other prey. Forest officials are worried that the shriking prey base is leading to more conflicts with humans. A prey base study which this blog wrote about (http://planettiger.blogspot.com/2009/07/sunderbans-prey-base-survey-should-be.html) in July is yet to be completed and with straying cases irapidly increasing, wildlife officials need to find solutions before the situation gets out of hand.
Shrinking prey base forcing tigers to stray
Maharashtra next state to sign tripartite agreeement with Centre-NTCA
The list of states lining up to sign the much touted tri partite agreement with the centre is growing. After Rajasthan took the lead last month, Kerala, Assam, TN & Uttaranchal have either already signed the agreement or have committed to do so soon. Now Maharashtra becomes the 6th state to ink the MOU. MP & Karnataka tough are still holding out and without these two prime tiger habit states on board tiger conservation efforts will not be complete.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Corbett park to sign agreement with Centre and NTCA
After Rajasthan, Kerala, Assam & TN, Uttarakhand might be th next state to sign a tripartite agreement with NTCA and centre paving the way for direct flowof funds to Corbett National Park for convervation and protection initiatives. With states and sanctuaries one by one realising the need for signing the agreement, the centre should push reluctant states like MP to get on board quickly. As has been evident from cases like Panna and Sanjay national park in MP, tiger populations are rapidly declining and professional protection methods are the need of the hour which is possible only with more access to funds and an accountable system.
‘Tiger density highest in Corbett park’
Friday, August 28, 2009
Goa tiger poaching case investigators become accused
In another wierd twist to the tiger poaching case in Goa that came to light in March this year forest officials investigating the case have been accused of torturing the poaching accused while he was in the forest department custody earlier. The poaching case accused was let out on bail by a local court after the forest departments plea to keep him under custody was rejected. It is interesting to note that apart from discovering a few bones and burnt hair there has been no progress at all in the poaching case and it is highly unlikely the culprits will ever be brought to book what with a massive cover up being under taken by the land mafia in Goa in connivance with aggreived villagers who all are opposed to declaration of Mhadei wildlife sanctuary where the tiger apparently came from as a Tiger Reserve. Declaration of the sanctuary as a reserve will make the surrounding area completely out of bounds for any development and exploatation by both land developers and farmers.
CCF defends staff in tiger killing probe
read our earlier posts on this case
TN next state to sign tripartite agreement with Centre-NTCA
After Rajasthan, Kerala & Assam, Tamil Nadu will soon be the next state to sign the tripartite agreement with NTCA and Centre paving the way for forming a state centric tiger conservation authority with direct access to NTCA funds.
As this blog has been saying, the agreement is the first step towards making efforts in tiger conservation more focussed and people involved esp govt officials more accountable. Read benefits (http://planettiger.blogspot.com/2009/06/finally-some-one-has-woken-up.html)
Tiger Foundation soon to expedite Project Tiger programme
Thursday, August 27, 2009
China key to Tiger protection in India
With most of the demand for Indian tiger skin and parts being driven by Chinese consumption, India's MOEF Jairam Ramesh has been trying hard to get some sort of agreement going with the Chinese Govt camping down on the illegal wildlife trade mafia in that country. Though China has banned selling and consumption of tiger skin and parts it may be noted that according to some reports more than 5000 tigers exist across in China across Tiger Farms. Though legally not permissible these farms have not been shut down by teh govt in the face of lobbying by these farm owner who are expecting the ban to be lifted at some point in time. The existence of these farms lends legality to consumption of tiger parts in the country which is driving demand for wild tiger parts that is being fed by killing the beasts in forest across India. The minister's recent visit to China didnt end with an agreement on this front as China raised the issue of Tibetan Antelopes being killed and Shatoosh shawls being sold in INdia much like tiger being killed and their body parts being sold in China. It may be noted the tiger skins were much in demand across Tibet too till recently before teh Dalai Lama openly exhorted people of his country to shun the skins to stop killing of the big cats. Post his appeal demand for tiger skin from Tibet has dropped significantly whereas China keeps conuming ever more of the stuff.
India is execting China to help curbing the rampant trade of wild life across the border of teh two countries which might nip tiger trade. Though the agreement couldnt be signed on this trip the minister expressed hope that it will be done in October when a chinese delegation visits India and will become part of a larger agreement the neighbours are planning to sign on climate control.
India, China to collaborate on environment http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/27/stories/2009082754841100.htm
India is execting China to help curbing the rampant trade of wild life across the border of teh two countries which might nip tiger trade. Though the agreement couldnt be signed on this trip the minister expressed hope that it will be done in October when a chinese delegation visits India and will become part of a larger agreement the neighbours are planning to sign on climate control.
India, China to collaborate on environment http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/27/stories/2009082754841100.htm
Local communities need to have a stake in well being of Forest reserves
All across tiger reserves in teh country reports are coming in of local communities facing displacement, hardship due to existence of notified forest areas in teh vicinities. In our zeal to protect forests and wildlife the govt is missing involving local communities and ensuring they have a stake in preservation of these areas. A recent news about villagers inside Tadoba being shifted out without being provided any means to decent livelihood is a story being repeated aross the country. Another case has come to light in Goa where a local activist whose efforts pushed the government to notify the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary in Goa is facing social ostracization for this initiative. Villagers around the sanctuary must be concerned the govt will soon throw them out after taking over their land without giving them fair compensation and whats more generations of tribals and locals who have lived in and around the park and survived on forest procude will suddenly be barred from entering the forest and be left to fend for themselves. Though the Minister MOEF Jairam Ramesh has after taking over articulated the need to involve local communities in the protection of tiger reserves and forest areas the thought has not been converted in to a concrete policy and ground level implementation is marred by corruption and caloussness. Cases like Tadoba and Goa will keep repeating themsevles over and over again till such time the govt realises the need to provide suitable alternate living conditions to displaced families and access to reasonable means to livelihood. A country which cant feed its population is unlikely to succed in saving its tigers.
Kerkar faces social boycott in Keri
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/goa/Kerkar-faces-social-boycott-in-Keri/articleshow/4938939.cms
Kerkar faces social boycott in Keri
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/goa/Kerkar-faces-social-boycott-in-Keri/articleshow/4938939.cms
NTCA teams on visit to Tiger parks in ciritcal condition
After the recent confesson by NTCA member secretary Rajesh Gopal during a meet in Sariska about the critical condition of many sanctuaries across the country owing to maoist trouble or other secutiry related problems a report in Telegraph cites NTCA teams visiting reserves across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand & orissa. It may be noted that maoist trouble across the so called Red Corridor has virtually made it impossible for any census to be carried out across wide swathes of forest areas in these some of these states. Recently an NTCA team was also despatched to Similipal in Orissa to take stock of the situation there after it emerged that maoists and timber mafia had taken over the park and wildlife poaching was being carried out nside the sanctuary on a large scale.
Delhi teams on fact-finding mission to tiger reserves
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090826/jsp/northeast/story_11406634.jsp
Delhi teams on fact-finding mission to tiger reserves
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090826/jsp/northeast/story_11406634.jsp
Bandipur first reserve to get Tiger Protection force
Taking off from the recent initiative flagged off by Jairam Ramesh Minister MOEF Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka will be the first tiger reserve in the country to have its own dedicated protection force. A TOI report states Bandipur having witness numerous tiger deaths this year some apparently owing to poaching. It should be noted that the current protection forces across tiger sanctuaries comprise of ill paid and ill equipped ageing guards who niether have the training, resources nor requisite authority to control wildlife related crime inside the park. As per this new initiative NTCA has decided to initially set up a STPF across 13 out of the 37 tiger sanctuaries. NTCA will fund setting up of a dedicated protection force for tigers which will be backed by required equipment and have legal backing to enforce the rule of law. The force will comprise of well trained personnel with 30% of them being draw in from local comminities which will ensure they have a stake in protecting wildlife and forest areas they live in.
Bandipur to get country's first tiger protection force
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/bangalore/Bandipur-to-get-countrys-first-tiger-protection-force/articleshow/4934389.cms
Bandipur to get country's first tiger protection force
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/bangalore/Bandipur-to-get-countrys-first-tiger-protection-force/articleshow/4934389.cms
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Shocking case of laxity at Tadoba
Indian express today reports cases of Sambhar poaching from inside the Todaba Tiger Reserve. Apparently tribals residing on the border of the reserve went hunting inside the park and killed two sambhar deer. Just to highlight how lax security inside the park is, the tribals came back two days after the killing to collect the carcass of the animal. Another incident of a wild boar being killed by villagers on the fringes of the park has been reported. As this blog has been saying ground level strengthening of protection systems is key to forest protection plans. With little of no money seeping through to the forest reserves for hiring security and buying tools it is hardly surprising incidents like these are taking place. one can safely imagine 3 such incidents take place for every one that is reported.
Ahead of NTCA visit, reports of tribal feast inside Tadoba reserve
Web based Tiger database on the anvil
A TOI report today cites NTCA and WWF officials preparing a comprehensive data base of tiger populations across the country with assocaited info related to tiger crimes and trade. Similar databases are used acros developed world to protect endangered species. Though theoritically a good concept the idea will work only if ground level protection is strengthened. If tiger reserves remain easily accessible to poachers tiger killings will continue how ever much we spend on latest tools and technology.
Centre preparing web-based database to aid tiger conservation
Monday, August 24, 2009
Pench Tiger reserve forest cover up
A report in TOI today cites a study being conducted by Florida based researchers to conclude that area under forest cover in the Pench reserve has gone up to 87% from 78% in 3 decades ending 2007. It is pertinent to note that the ministry of roads and transport in the earlier UPA govt had initiated a project to widen the Nagpur-Jabalpur highway which cuts right throught hte middle of the reserve and would have seriously affected wildlife in and around the park. After a public hue and cry and initiative shown by local law makers teh project was finally withdrawn..
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Corbett needs money but will have to wait
Ever since the new tripartite agreement to be signed between centre, state and sanctuary was unvieled it has divided state forest departments across the spectrum. Surprisingly states that should be at the forefront of protection and vigilance are dithering from signing the agreement. Last week MP govt officials expressed concerns in signing the agreement as per a a report today, Uttrakhand govt is asking for funds to be released for conservation without signing the papers yet. Though the minister has made it clear no money will be released till the agreement is singed but with difficult govt holding out the centre will have to penalise the state govts in some form to get them to act. Given the lethargy shown by states in taking the lead in tiger protection, the centre will have to take the initiative. Not releasing funds in time will only hurt protection initiatives even further which is no good for any one.
No money for U'khand tiger conservation plan till it inks pact
Maha Minister apologises to prty brass, seems to have gotten away
Media reports yesterday cited Maharashtra Agriculture Minister having met wtih Minister MOEF Jairam Ramesh and apologised to him for having entered a tiger cage and harassinga cub. The change of heart apparently came after scathing criticism of his actions by the civit society and more importantly after a investigation intot he incident was ordered by the central minster himself. Wildlife laws are strict though implementation has always been very lax. Poachers and mafia are rarely brought to book in our country, petting a tiger cub that too by a ruling party minister seems like a minor misdemeanor.
Maharashtra minister apologises to Environment Ministry for entering tiger cage
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Missing cubs of dead Bandhavgarh tigeress found., future uncertain
Central Chronicle reports the forest rangers having located 2 of the 3 cubs who had wandered off after their mother died of poisoning couple of days back in the Bandhavgarh national park. The cubs are too small to survive on their own in the jungle so most likely they will end up cooling their heels in a cage rest of their lives. Unfortunate in a country which likes to uphold freedom as its shining beacon.
Missing cubs found |
Surprise Surprise - Mah Zoo Minster cleared of violating law
Making a mockery of justice, the Zoo authorities in Nagpur appointed to investigate the minister entering a tiger cage and harrassing the cub has cleared the law maker of any violation. The zoo controller apparently means that rules are made only for common citizens and politicians and their ilk are above law. Although central MOEF Jairam ramesh has taken serious note of the incident it seems highly likely that this incident willsoon die its natural death. Afterall politicians in India get away with much worse than petting a tiger cub.
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