Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Kanha's spate of tigers killings in territorial fights continues
After another death of a tigeress whose half eaten body was found by park rangers, the reserve has become prime example of how shrinking space is leading the big cats into killing each other frequently. Although such killings in the wild are not uncommon but this is one in a series of such incidents reported in the park this year. Earlier in September a tigress was similarly found dead, mauled possibly by a rival in a territorial fight. With forests disappearing rapidly and tigers being solitary animals the little space they are being made to share with each is turning them on other. More than 8 tigers have been reported dead in Kanha this year alone some due to above mentioned incidents. With large forests areas and tiger reporting a drop in tiger populations it might not be a bad idea for the govt to secure them and think of relocating tigers from parks such as Kanha.
Unpaid workers of Dudhwa expose govt apathy
After news yesterday about numerous new births in Dudhwa tiger reserve, TOI reports that workers in the park have not been paid their salaries for months by the UP govt. Apparently the centre had cleared the money in time but state govt officials have been sitting on the funds possibly passing files to each other before clearing the funds.
Dudhwa has been news in the last few months for floods in the region, renewed man animal conflict with the winter season approaching and the hope raised by sighting of new born tiger cubs in the sanctuary. Given that the UP govt had signed a tripartite agreement with the centre and NTCA making ground level officials more accountable it is surprising that laxity in administration still continues. In the meanwhile environmentalists are expressing concern about unpaid workers becoming easy guides for poachers who manage to lure them in the such an environment.
Workers in UP's Dudhwa Tiger Reserve wait for their dues
After floods Dudhwa rangers see hope in new tiger births
According to forest rangers quoted in a report in TOI, Dudhwa tiger reserve might see a surprising increase in tiger count after 17 tiger cubs less than a year old have been spotted recently. This in addition to another 10 odd cubs who are less than two years old. Though these numbers come from unconfirmed sources if true will go along way in allaying apprehensions about Dudhwa's falling fortunes. After repeated cases of man animal conflict that were reported from the area in the last couple of years, the reserve was inundated few months back after heavy rains made the rivers in the area overflow. Now with the tiger population showing signs of healthy increase the state govt and NTCA should ensure their safety.
Tiger cubs usher hope for Dudhwa reserve |
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Tiger cub found dead in Kanha Reserve
Bhopal, Nov 3 (PTI) An 11-month-old tiger cub was found dead at the famous Kanha Tiger Reserve in Eastern Madhya Pradesh, officials said today.
This is the second incident in two months when a female cub has been found dead in Kanha.
"The cub was found dead yesterday at Kanherie beat in the reserve after sustaining injuries in a fight with a tiger.
Its post-mortem report too reveals this," Kanha Deputy Director A K Nagar told PTI.
A tiger was noticed around the cub in the morning hours and it might have killed the feline, which was disposed off after an autopsy was carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NCTA), he added.
Nagar said it was not an unusual incident and such fights were common.
This is the second incident in two months when a female cub has been found dead in Kanha.
"The cub was found dead yesterday at Kanherie beat in the reserve after sustaining injuries in a fight with a tiger.
Its post-mortem report too reveals this," Kanha Deputy Director A K Nagar told PTI.
A tiger was noticed around the cub in the morning hours and it might have killed the feline, which was disposed off after an autopsy was carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NCTA), he added.
Nagar said it was not an unusual incident and such fights were common.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Three youths held with tiger skins in Tamil Nadu - DNA
Erode: Two tiger skins have been seized from two youth at a nearby village by the Special Task Force (STF) Police.
STF personnel on routine patrol at Srirangankadu area in Bhavanisagar forest range yesterday, noticed three persons standing near a car and on suspicion, questioned them. A search of the vehicle yielded one skin concealed in the boot, while another was recovered from a motorcycle parked nearby, police said.
Straying tiger trapped in Gosaba - TOI
KOLKATA: Sundarban Tigers Reserve officials on Saturday caught a straying tiger at Gosaba's Pirkhali-I village in the Sunderbans. The tiger has been kept under observation and is expected to be released into the wild on Sunday.
Villagers tipped off forest officials about the tiger which, they said, swam across the river and entered the villages of Sonagaon, Mitrabari and Bijoynagar in Bally Island.
Monday, October 26, 2009
NTCA team blames officials of abdicating responsibility in Maoist affected areas
An NTCA appointed team of wildlife experts has concluded that maoism is being used as an excuse by wildlife officials to cover up their own failings in protecting wildlife across sanctuaries supposedly lying in naxal dominated areas. A report in Pioneer has pointed out detailed surveys carried out by the team to ascertain the ground situation. Apparently wildlife officials have taken naxalism as an easy ruse to thrown their hands up. Although one cant underestimate the threat posed by naxalism to wildlife officials as was seen in Similipal in Orrisa where maoist cadre got together with local antisocial elements to plunder the forests, it is the responsibility of the state govt to ensure law and order is restored and above all locals have a significant stake in protection of the forests they live in.
‘Maoists alone not to blame for wildlife loss’
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Anil Kumble roped in by Karnataka on wildlife board
BANGALORE: After his successful first innings on the cricket field, Anil Kumble is all set for a second innings,
Jumbo, as Kumble is nicknamed, has got an opportunity to pursue his other passion -- protecting wildlife - by becoming the new vice-chairman of the state wildlife board. The post is in the rank of minister of state. The man who loves tigers plans to use his cricketing popularity and glamour quotient to save wildlife in the state. He talks to TOI about his new assignment.
Friday, October 23, 2009
EIA investigation exposes China lie on saving tigers
A recently conducted undercover investigation by EIA in China has unearthed continued trading of tiger parts in large parts of China under the nose of the govt exposing official complicity in the banned trade. A report in TOI quotes EIA officials blaming the Chinese govt for looking the other way as wide spread use of tiger parts continues in China.
China turning blind eye to tiger trade: Report
Global tiger initiatve workshop begins in Kathmandu next week
Global tiger initiative launched in June 2008 at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Zoo as an alliance of Governments, International Agencies, Civil Society, and the private sector to save wild tigers from extinction is set to host the first Global tiger initiative in Kathmandu from 27-30 Oct. 09. The workshop is being hosted and organized by Government of Nepal, Ministry of Forests and soil conservation in association with Global Tiger Forum (GTF) and Global Tiger Initiative (GTI). The main organizers of the workshop are World Bank, Save the Tiger Fund, WWF, National Trust For Nature Conservation. It is expected that round 150 participants from the government and non-government participants of the 13 tiger range countries, representatives of international conservational partners and experts to attend the workshop.
MP set to loose tiger state status to Karnataka
With the latest tiger census set to get underway across the country over the next few months, wildlife experts believe MP thus far known as the tiger state of India owing to the highest number of striped cats in the state, might loose its premier status to Karnataka states a TOI report. With tiger numbers in MP dwindling at a fast pace and the state failing to take steps to counter the slide notably holding out on signing the tripartite agreement with centre and NTCA for free flow of funds, Karnataka seems to be taking the lead in conservation efforts despite facing its own set of problems. Estimates say MP has lost around 35 tigers in last few years to various reasons including the complete wipe out of big beasts from Panna and Sanjay National park. Similarly Kanha, Bhandhavgarh and Pench reserve have all seen tiger deaths unrelated to natural causes. What is more worrying is that officials in MP are continuing to live in a denial mode refusing to hold officials accountable for the lapses and shying away from taking the tough steps needed to curb the trend. Karnataka on the other hand has taken a lead in trying up with the centre and NTCA in putting regulation in place for increased protection of tigers and also might become the first state soon to have its own tiger protection force in Bandipur tiger reserve. The last census estimated population of tiger in MP at around 300 and Karnataka at around 290. With Karnataka taking a lead on more births and lesser deaths, the state is seen to be crossing MP after the latest census.
Karnataka could grab `big cat state' tag |
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Jairam Ramesh proposes complete mining ban in Tadoba
A report in Indian Express quotes MOEF Jairam Ramesh having written to Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan proposing steps against mining and any other ecologically damaging activities being carried out in and around Tadoba Andhari Tiger Sanctuary. Making a significant point, the central minister is quoted as not only advising against mining in the region by Adani Power which was given mining license by the current govt but has also proposed cancelling licenses of all existing mines, a step if taken through could have immense positive impact on the forests in the region. Wildlife enthusiasts and locals concerned over the rapid deterioration of environment around Chandrapur, the district headquater will certainly welcome such a move. Ramesh has voiced his concern also on human dams being proposed in the buffer zone to provide adequate irrigation facilities to villages around the park saying the idea is out of date as it was proposed almost two decades back and the ground situation has changed considerably. The letter to the CM comes after Member secy of NTCA visited Tadoba recently in the wake of many tigers being poisoned by villagers to prevent attacks on humans and preserve their cattle. It is pertinent to note that many tiger cubs have been found abandoned around the sanctuary giving credence to suspicion of their mothers having been either poached or poisoned. Ramesh has also advised the state govt to take steps against curbing movement of poaching gangs into the wildlife sanctuary which borders MP, the home to many tribal poaching gangs.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Adani will have to do impossible for mining around Tadoba
Adani Power will have to recreate Tadoba like forests to compensate for destruction carried out for mining a report in DNA today quotes Maharasthra Forest officials. As is known Adani Power was alloted mining licenses around Tadoba by eager Forest officials only to see a huge protest being launched by local Chandrapur Residents and local NGo's. Given the opposition the project has been stayed for the time being with a case pending in courts to decide the fate of the project.
Coal mining 'impossible' at Tadoba
SAARC officials visit Sariksa to get first hand feel of 'Tiger Conservation' efforts
With a rapidly dwindling population of tigers it would be safe to describe India's conservation report card as dismal but to showcase a first of its kind relocation effort forest minsters from saarc countries today are being taken to Sariksa to have a look at the result of the effort first hand. PR coverage for the environment ministry has been no less than disastrous in the last few years what with the MOEF widely known as an ATM ministry. Now with a a new minister at helm the babus are going all out to improve their image conducting events like these to garner some brownie points. One hopes as much eneergy and effort is spent on the real job which is saving India's wildlife from destruction.
SAARC ministers to visit Sariska today
Monday, October 19, 2009
Two poachers killed on Assam as most tigers vanish from Orang Sanctuary
Forest guards killed two poachers on Saturday reports Hindustantimes. This comes on the heels of rhinos being felled by poachers last week. A tiger too was poisoned by villagers in the park which has seen the big cat population falling to single digit numbers with conservationists expecting all tigers to vanish in the not so distant future.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
West Bengal signs tripartite pact for tiger conservation
Kolkata , Oct 16 After some initial objection, West Bengal government has signed a tripartite agreement with the Centre and the tiger reserves in the state for better conservation of the big cats.Subrat Mukherjee, field director, Sunderbans Tiger Reserve and his counterpart in Buxa Tiger Reserve R P Seni, who were authorised by the state government, signed an MoU with the National Tiger Conservation Authority yesterday
http://www.indopia.in/India-usa-uk-news/latest-news/686955/National/1/20/1#
http://www.indopia.in/India-usa-uk-news/latest-news/686955/National/1/20/1#
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Tadoba set to get extra security and area
With Maharashtra having signed the tripartite agreement with NTCA and Centre the first step towards increased protection of big cats was approved with the state govt sending a detailed plan to centre for approval reports DNA. The plan includes acquisition of around 1000 sq kms of land outside the buffer zone and hiring another 50 forest guards to protect the sanctuary. It is worth noting that area around Tadoba has been in news for the last few years. Initially for human-animal conflict cases and in recent times for abandoned tiger cubs being found with regularity indicating poaching or killing by poisoning of their mothers.
Security beefed up for wild cats
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Raja ji Park loses 50% of its tigers in 4 years
A PTI report cites the latest census carried out in Rajaji national park estimating the population of big cats to be around 10-12 down from the earlier 25 number estimated by the WII census in 2005. Obviously no guesses are needed to pin point causes of this drastic decline. What is most alarming is that park officers who have been working on the ground for years take refuge in similar reduction across other parks in the country to shun responsibility of protecting the big cats. UP govt officials recently hid behind dwindling tiger numbers across India to justify similar drop in their state. India's wildlife protection mechanisms are hopelessly inadequate and despite all the noble intentions of MOEF Jairam Ramesh, it is a matter of another few years before we loose the entire tiger population in the country to poachers.
12 tigers missing from Rajaji national par
CBI arrests poachers, will they be convicted ?
A PTI report cites the arrest of two poachers by the CBI wanted in cases related to killing of Panthers and Tigers in Sariska. Apparently the duo has been evading arrest since 2005 and were caught in Punjab with the help of local police. With most poaching related arrests based on half baked cases it is no wonder these criminals get bail in no time and and are back to their hunting ways in double quick time. If the recent cases of INdia's most dreaded poacher Sansar Chand being let off on bail is any indicator, it is unlikely any of these arrests will help slide the destruction of wildlife in INdia.
CBI arrests two of inter-state wildlife poaching gang
Sunday, October 11, 2009
MP govt refuses to bring in accountability as it prepares to shift another tiger to Panna
All other states have already signed the tripartite agreement with Centre & NTCA. MP being the most critical state for tiger conservation is holding out as babus fear signing the MOU will make them more accountable something they wish to avoid. With pressure being borne by centre and environmentalists it might not be long before the state falls in line. Despite having lost all its tigers in Panna state govt officials have systematically tried to cover up the disaster and shunned all attempts to hold people accountable for the disaster. After realising the need for repopulating the park two female tigresses we shifted there recently and now a male tiger inPench has been identified to be shifted there.
MP yet to sign tripartite pact for tiger conservation
Suitable tiger found for translocated tigresses: Negi
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