17 highways threaten tiger habitats

October 14, 2011 By Rashme Sehgal Correspondent New Delhi The tiger population is facing a growing threat from heavy traffic with the ministry of surface transport demanding environmental clearances for 17 highways across tiger reserves from the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF). The Rajaji National Park in Uttarakhand is facing a massive problem as over 50,000 vehicles ply through the highway (NH-58 and NH-72) on a daily basis thereby preventing animals from moving from one part of the reserve to another. The MoEF is keen to repopulate this park with tigers but this can only be done if these highways are relocated. Rajaji National Park project director S.S. Rasailly believes that the bifurcation of the park to allow traffic to ply through it has prevented animals from going to the nearby rivers to drink water. Tiger experts believe that one of the main reasons why Sariska tiger reserve became unviable for tigers was because of the construction of the Jaipur-Alwar highway which cuts through it. “Despite the government having constructed a bypass road, truck drivers continue to ply through the Sariska reserve,’ said Rajasthan’s chief wildlife warden R.N. Mehrotra. The story has been repeated in Ranthambore with the road connecting Sawai Madhopur to Madhya Pradesh cutting through the Ranthambore tiger sanctuary, he added. The corridors between Kanha-Nagzira-Pench, Navegaon-Nagzira, Tadoba-Melgat are under threat from road widening, encro-achments, mining, power and other developmental projects. “The tiger has to be protected but also the forests. If the forests go, so will the tiger, points out Dr Rajesh Gopal , member secretary, National Tiger Conservation Authority. The MoEF’s rejection of the NHAI proposal to build a four-lane road between Nagpur and Raipur was based on the recommendation of members of the NHAI who pointed out that the Nagzira Wildlife Sanct-uary and the Navegaon National Park were located on both sides of this contentious patch. http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/nation/north/17-highways-threaten-tiger-habitats-620

Mangrove variety may be behind falling tiger count Prithvijit Mitra

KOLKATA: Tigers in the Sunderbans face a new threat, this time from within. An alteration in the composition of the mangrove forest has made it difficult for tigers to hunt and could be a reason behind their dwindling number, says an ongoing study by the School of Oceanagraphic Studies, Jadavpur University. A sudden proliferation of Baine (avicennia) a" a mangrove variety which is a rich source of food and fodder but has a very high pneumatophore density a" has taken researchers by surprise. Further rise in its number could be disastrous for the big cats in Sunderbans, the study says. Baine has two sub-species a" avicennia marina and avicennia alba. Till the late Eighties, Baine comprised less than 1% of all mangroves in the forest. It now accounts for around 10% which is alarming, said the experts. Its pneumatophores can spread across a radius of up to 20 feet and make movement extremely difficult for tigers. In the slippery and dense terrain where hunting has never been easy for tigers, Baine has been making it even tougher. asBaine has the highest pneumatophore density among mangroves. As it is, tigers get little room to run and catch a pray in the Sunderbans. They have to rely on short bursts to make a kill, catching their pray by surprise. More Baine means even that has now become difficult in certain areas,a? said Pranabesh Sanyal, a member of the research team. Sunderbans has 94 species of mangroves. Goran (ceriops) and Gewa (excoeceria egallocha) comprise nearly 70% of the mangroves. Baineas proliferation can be directly linked to a rise in salinity, said the study. "Among all the mangrove varieties, it can withstand salinity the most. Our study also shows a sharp rise in salinity a" both in rivers and in ground water. The more the salinity, the more conducive it will be for Baine," added Sanyal. There was, however, a flipside to it. Being rich in food value and a good fodder, the mangrove variety could actually be a boon for the residents of Sunderbans. Used as cattle fodder, Baine leaves and twigs were better than straw, the study said. Its leaves are widely used as vegetables in Gujarat and Sunderbans could follow suit. "A toxicity test is now being done to assess its suitability for human consumption. If it passes the test, this mangrove could be a cheap and easy source of food for locals. The latter could also save money by using it as fodder," said Sanyal. Baine could be planted in the creeks along villages, it has been suggested. Since these areas donat have a tiger population, it wonat affect them. But since it has been growing deep inside the forests, it has been largely inaccessible to the local population. "No solution is in sight, for you canat chop them off. That would be detrimental to the eco-system. We must wait for some more time and observe the consequences," Sanyal said. Some experts, however, felt it was still too early to conclude that Baine has been affecting tigers."First, there has been no study to assess the impact of Baine on tigers. Secondly, tigers are remarkably adaptable creatures who can adjust to adverse conditions. The fact that they have survived in the Sunderbans is ample proof of that. But if Baine has indeed been proliferating then we need a proper study. It should be taken seriously," said Shilanjan Bhattacharya, member of the State Wildlife Advisory Board. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata-/Mangrove-variety-may-be-behind-falling-tiger-count/articleshow/10333793.cms

Maoist jungle turns Tiger trail DC Bengalur

October 11, 2011 By Bala Chauhan and other correspondents Was the bullet which felled constable Mahadev S. Mane fired by a sharpshooter trained by the cadre of the banned outfit, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam? For the second time in a week, authorities have raised the spectre of links between Naxalites and the LTTE. A letter demanding a ransom of Rs 10 lakhs from excise minister M.P. Renukacharya was suspected to be mailed by sympathisers of LTTE last week. Official sources told Deccan Chronicle, that Mahadev Mane of the Anti-Naxal force was killed by a sharpshooter from a distance of 70 feet at Manjilakadu during a combing operation launched on a tip-off by the intelligence wing that a group of 10-15 Naxalites was camping in the area. Evidently, the sharpshooter was trained by LTTE men as the presence of Maoists in the Western Ghats had dwindled following a sustained operation by ANF, sources added. “We strongly believe that the strength of Naxalites has reduced to around ten. Even these 10 might not be trained sharpshooters. We suspect that one or two LTTE men might have come down to train the new group or someone from here, who underwent training at a LTTE camp might have been involved in shooting Mane” the sources added. The state government, however, has decided to tread cautiously than rush to the Union government for additional forces to tackle Maoists trained by the LTTE. “First, we want to ascertain whether our suspicion is right or not. If we are convinced of an external hand, then we will approach the Centre,” the sources added. Ballistics report: It’s an AK-47 Highly placed sources revealed on Monday that the initial ballistic report of Saturday night’s encounter with Maoists some 16 km from Belthangady showed that the Karnataka State Reserve Police constable Mahadeva S. Mane was gunned down either with high velocity weapons like an AK-47 assault rifle or a self loading rifle (SLR). The Internal Security Division — a specialised wing of the police force — is conducting a ‘three hour radius’ investigation to track the Naxalites’ escape route after the four hour gun battle. Although he was not sighted, top Maoist cadre Vikram Gowda’s group is suspected of being involved. “We heard a woman’s cry,” officials said, adding that they were hunting for an injured woman. “Anti Naxal Forces say, some 10-12 cadres in the Maoist team included women from the Malekudiya tribe in Dakshin Kannada,” the official source said. http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/bengaluru/maoist-jungle-turns-tiger-trail-863

Ranthambore tiger protectors left in lurch

Tigers missing from the Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan may be old news. But the latest to make news in the premier tiger reserve is the “disappearance” of above Rs 25 lakh from the Staff Welfare Fund, created to provide urgent financial relief to the front line staff in times of crisis and emergency. Part of the money was raised from the sale of about 5,500-6,000 copies of “The Ultimate Ranthambhore Guide”, a book published and co-authored by Sanjana Kapoor priced at Rs 175 each. Bulk of the fund was, however, raised from handling charges levied on tourism activities and Safari trips in the park. With the money allegedly diverted for “non-welfare activities” like construction of anicuts, ponds, bore-wells etc without any tender, the intended beneficiaries of the fund have been left high and dry. The families of at least 10 deceased staff during the last two years could not be paid money for the funeral while the ailing staff lacks the funds for treatment. Brain child of then DFO Ranthambore GV Reddy, the Ranthambore Staff Welfare Society was constituted to reach out to the ground level field staff, including forest guards, cattle guards, foresters etc. “The fund raised from the local level was purely meant to cater to their needs considering the difficult situations they are constantly exposed to”, said Reddy who is presently the Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF), Kota. The fund was expected to meet the immediate needs of the affected till there was compensation available from the Government, he added. Giving a boost to the fund collection drive was theatre personality Sanjana and her tiger conservationist husband Valmik Thapar. “We could raise nearly Rs 9 lakh- Rs 10 lakh from the books sold”, says Rajesh Kumar Sharma, senior member of the board. However, in a blessing of sorts for the Society the forest department decided to outsource the handling charges for park Safaris @ Rs 5 and Rs 10 for small and large vehicles respectively. “Unfortunately the fund could hardly benefit us”, lamented Sharma. It got diverted for various construction works and other activities in the park, which otherwise should have been carried out from other available sources, he added. While stressing that the money was not meant for such type of works, the sources further pointed out, “Though the money was for our welfare, our consent was not taken in most cases on the expenses incurred and the money got drained out rapidly,” they complained. A balance of Rs 83,000 is all that is left today, said sources. It is much easier to withdraw the money from this fund, as there is less accountability involved (than for instance from the Ranthambore Foundation) and the staffs can be coerced to submission, the sources added. With the result, the beneficiaries are left in dire straits. A forest guard who did not wish to be named said that he had sustained serious injuries after being hit by the local grazer community near the park and now is struggling with .paralysis on the left side of his body. “Today, at least Rs. one lakh is required to continue the treatment, but where is the money?” he asks. The Chief Wildlife Warden UM Sahai, however, expressed ignorance on diversion of funds. “I will see to it”, he said. Despite repeated attempts, the present DFO YK Sahoo could not be contacted for his comments. http://www.dailypioneer.com/pioneer-news/todays-newspaper/12141-ranthambore-tiger-protectors-left-in-lurch.html

Probe tiger deaths? “CBI has better things to do”

Jabalpur: The Madhya Pradesh High Court has dismissed a PIL seeking a CBI probe into tiger deaths inside Panna Tiger Reserve, saying the investigating agency has "many better things to do". The court was hearing the plea by Bhopal-based NGO Prayatna requesting CBI inquiry into the alleged disappearance of tigers between 2007 and 2009 from the reserve, about 250 km from here. The application cited recommendations made by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to the Madhya Pradesh government for handing over cases related to alleged disappearance of the big cats to the probe agency. "This PIL seeks CBI investigation in this case into the alleged disappearance of some tigers from a forest sanctuary. The CBI has many better things to do. The petition is dismissed," a bench of acting Chief Justice Sushil Harkauli and judge K K Trivedi wrote in their order on September 30. The Panna Reserve, spread in about 542.67 sq km area, is the 22nd tiger reserve of the country and spreads over Panna and Chattarpur districts of the state. According to an internal report by the Madhya Pradesh government, there was no tiger in the Panna Reserve in 2009 census carried out by the authorities there. The report says that there were about 20 tigers in 2006. It cited an example of "fence eating the crop" and strongly recommended a CBI probe in the alleged disappearance of the striped cats. About 19 cases of tigers poaching were noticed by the authorities in the Panna Reserve. PTI

Mahabaleshwar farmers oppose tiger reserve TNN

PUNE: Thousands of farmers in Mahabaleshwar gathered on Sunday afternoon to oppose the Sahyadri Tiger Project, which was initiated last year by combining the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary and Chandoli National Park in Satara as they fear it would hamper developmental activities. The meeting was held at Taldeo village, about 15 kms from Mahabaleshwar. Balasaheb Bhilare, member of the Satara Zilla Parishad, said, "The tiger reserve project is most likely to affect people of Patan, Javali and Mahabaleshwar. For us, the only source of income is farming and tourism. If our lands are marked under the reserve, farming activities will stop and the affected families will have to find new sources of income." The villagers also posed the question of security before the guardian minister. Bhilare said, "What security would villagers around the reserve get? They will be most exposed to the reserve and if animals walk into the village, it will pose a danger to them." The conservation plan, which was declared by the state government last year, will come up in an area of 740.5 sq km spread across the districts of Satara, Ratnagiri, Kolhapur and Sangli. The tiger reserve will focus on conservation of habitat, breeding of tigers and ensure food and water availability for tigers. Pramod Shelar, president of the Mahabaleshwar Taluka Sarpanch Sanghtna, said, "When farmers and villagers need to construct a house, there are several restrictions imposed. At the same time, the government is giving space for animals when human populations are multiplying every year. The government has still not relocated villagers displaced by the Koyna dam. The same situation will prevail with the tiger project as well." The land for the reserve is divided into buffer and core areas. The core area will not have human habitation, while in the buffer areas animals and humans can coexist. The reserve includes 83 villages in both the sanctuaries that cover four districts - Satara, Ratnagiri, Kolhapur and Sangli. Many villagers have already been shifted and the remaining will be relocated soon. Meanwhile, Nimbalkar has assured villagers that the issues will be taken up and discussed with the government and a solution will be arrived at after a proper study. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Mahabaleshwar-farmers-oppose-tiger-reserve/articleshow/10212375.cms

CBI probe demanded to crack poachers, officers nexus in Panna TNN

NAGPUR: Even as wildlife week is being celebrated amid fanfare, Prayatna, an environmental action group from Bhopal, has demanded a CBI probe into missing tigers in Panna tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh. In a letter written to MP chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on October 1, Ajay Dubey of Prayatna has said that nexus between Panna reserve officials and poachers, as a cause of decimation of tigers in Panna, needs to be probed. "Observation of wildlife week should not turn out to be a fashionable and meaningless event. Poaching is posing a grave threat to tigers. Due to poaching and other reasons, MP has lost its 'tiger state' status. Now, only 257 tigers are left in the state," Dubey warned. Decimation of tigers in Panna is the main reason behind this. Earlier, a demand for a CBI inquiry from several forums was ignored. "It puts a question mark on the attitude of the government on the protection of tigers," Prayatna said. "It is very painful that the government, instead of taking any action against offenders, is interested in protecting the culprits who are highly placed and influential," it alleged. In 2007, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) had written to the government to institute a CBI inquiry on poaching in Panna, but no action was taken. NTCA's PK Sen committee had revealed that poaching was one of the main reasons behind decimation of tigers in Panna. A similar demand was made by the NTCA in 2009. On March 3, 2010, forest minister Sartaj Singh had announced a CBI inquiry, but it never happened. Former additional chief secretary MK Roy and director of Panna reserve R Srinivasa Murthy had also submitted a report to PCCF (wildlife), MP, HS Pabla admitting that there is nexus between officials and poachers. According to him, officials buried poaching cases by allegedly accepting bribes from the offenders. Murthy has also stated that 2002 to 2007 was a turbulent period as many tigers went missing in these five years. Dubey has also questioned the MP Government's inaction in not notifying buffer zones around tiger reserves, which is mandatory as per the amended Wildlife Protection Act 1972. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/CBI-probe-demanded-to-crack-poachers-officers-nexus-in-Panna/articleshow/10225854.cms

6 tiger cubs are Melghat's new guests Vijay Pinjarkar

NAGPUR: While recent lynching of Navegaon National Park tigress in Bhakru Tola in Chhattisgarh by a furious mob came as a rude shock, there is a good news from Melghat - sighting of six new cubs has thrilled wildlife buffs and officials. "In the past couple of months, tigresses with two cubs (around 6-8 months) each have been recorded in camera traps by the field staff in Sonala range in Ambabarwa wildlife sanctuary, part of Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR), Dhakna and Raipur ranges," revealed an overjoyed AK Mishra, field director and chief conservator of forests (CCF), MTR. He adds, two months ago, driver of a forest vehicle sighted a tiger with a kill in Semadoh tourism zone. He also recorded the movements on his mobile. However, several such claims are not considered unless authenticated. Tigers have always remain elusive in MTR, fondly called as the 'Kipling Country' and known for its mystifying landscape with high hills and deep valleys. Sighting of cubs in three places at a time makes big news in Melghat. Till now, such reports in the region could be heard only from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in Chandrapur district which has a distinction of producing 12-15 tiger cubs every year. Melghat, where sighting of tigers is like cracking jokes, has made a major turnaround over the last two years. The last such record of tiger sighting was in February 2009 from Narnala where a tigress with three cubs was sighted. "With the new additions, we expect tiger numbers to go up to 50-55," Mishra says. However, the NTCA-WII estimation of 2010 puts the tiger count in Melghat at 39. About the success, Mishra says strengthening protection and group patrolling, awareness among villagers by distributing pamphlets and educating them and imposing curbs on grazing have led to improving the situation. "Controlling forest fires is our big successes. From 7.5% with 401 cases, the number of incidents has been brought down to 3.2% with 177 cases," said Mishra. "In the past two years, we seized around 500 cattle and filed cases in the court against illicit grazers. Such measures are yielding results," Mishra says. The field director said relocation of three villages - Barukheda, Amona and Nagartas in Wan sanctuary and partial relocation of Vairat and Churni villages in Melghat sanctuary has also helped in reducing grazing pressure of 4,500 cattle. In 2006, MTR in Amravati was rated as 'poor'. However, in 2011, it has bounced back and has been graded as 'good' by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII). The result of 2011 management effective evaluation (MEE) puts MTR in line with high-profile reserves like Corbett, Dudhwa, Ranthambore and Manas. Even tiger conservationist Kishore Rithe, who works in Melghat, admits protection mechanism has been revamped and is very systematic despite shortage of trained and good staff. "Villages in core are willing to resettle. If MTR hands over tourism management to communities, it will help improve livelihoods and thus increase public support for tigers," he adds. Melghat's sweet success * Better protection measures, foot patrolling monitoring mechanism * Resettlement of 3 villages done in 2001-02 and 5 (two partially) in 2010 * Getting young forest guards posted in sensitive areas * Concentrating on threats like overgrazing, encroachments and forest fires The area MTR 1,676.93 sq km Gugamal NP 361.28 sq km Melghat WS 788.75 sq km Wan WS 211 sq km Ambabarwa 127.11 sq km Narnala WS 12.35 sq km Buffer Zone & MUA 1,268 sq km (MUA: Multiple use area. NP: National Park. WS: Wildlife Sanctuary) http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/6-tiger-cubs-are-Melghats-new-guests/articleshow/10213121.cms

Project Tiger on endangered list

India’s first wildlife protection programme — Project Tiger — launched 38 years ago may cease to be if the planning commission’s move to downsize centrally sponsored schemes is accepted. The panel has asked the environment ministry to merge Project Tiger, initiated by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1973, with other programmes such as the Project Elephant to have one scheme for wildlife protection from the next fiscal. The project was started even before the environment ministry came into existence. There was need to protect endangered species specific to states, including lions and rhinos, panel’s environment adviser Indrani Chandrasekharan told the ministry. It means that 20 % of the funds meant for wildlife conservation will have to be allocated for protection of state-specific endangered species. Nine non-official members of the National Board for Wildlife, headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, have termed the move retrograde. “All of us are of a unanimous opinion that such a merger would adversely impact our efforts to conserve... our national animal, the tiger,” the members said in a letter to panel’s deputy chairperson Montek Singh Ahluwalia. The National Tiger Conservation Authority, which administers Project Tiger, got more than Rs600 crore in the 11th plan. The effort is said to be one of the main reasons for tiger population seeing an increase in 2011, after witnessing a decline for almost seven years. http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/newdelhi/Project-Tiger-on-endangered-list/Article1-751363.aspx

Additional Cats Increase Tiger Numbers at Nagarjunasagar Tiger Reserve

Every time the camera caught a different beautiful pale yellow body painted with long black stripes, they added to the numbers statistically. New camera traps installed in the forest of Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh have recently captured on film a number of new adult males as well as many new tiger cubs tagging along with their mothers. Forest officials estimate that the Tiger Reserve has about 70 adults and 20 cubs living in the reserve. Of the photographs taken, 20% are of tiger cubs roaming along with their mothers. The Nagarjunasagar Tiger Reserve spread over 3658 sq kms is the largest Tiger Reserve in India located in the Nallamalai hill ranges and catchment areas of the Krishna River. Recently new camera traps with motion and infrared sensor were installed in the dense forest of the reserve. The new technology has revealed delightful news for the big cats and their lovers. “This is the first time the animals have been photographed, giving us an idea of each individual, number of animals, and in which areas the tigers are moving.” K Naik, the head of Project Tiger at Hyderabad and a former field director of the Nagarjuna Sagar reserve said. With the increase in the tiger population, forest officials have taken a number of steps to counteract any danger against them. To prevent the tigers and leopards from straying into human settlements in search of food, the forest department has released 70 deers in the forest, which will serve as prey to the big cats. The big cats often stray in human settlements due to territorial infighting with their clan or in search of food. However forest officials have taken care to prevent any human-animal conflict by paying immediate compensation in case of cattle killed by a tiger or leopard. As such they have successfully prevented cases of poaching and other criminal activities against the animal. The last poaching case in Nagarjunasagar Tiger Reserve was registered in October 2001. The reserve forest consists of 24 villages which are home to 1500 families, mostly Chenchu tribals. Bu they do not pose any danger for the Chenchu tribals are known to co-exist with the natural system, their needs being simple and primitive. Recently a female with two cubs was snapped close to a road open for traffic on the sanctuary’s periphery, and a male was seen near a village. However both incidents were cleverly manipulated back to harmony, before any untoward incident could arise, thus saving both human and animal lives. Cameras have also caught many tigers towards the Gundla Brameshwara Wildlife Sanctuary which has become an extension of the Tiger Reserve. Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve has been renamed as Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary in 1992 and is a part of Project Tiger. Forest management programmes which have included the village tribals have helped to maintain the forest cover to a large extent. The villagers dependency on wood for fuel is now being fed with alternatives such biogas plants and solar lamps to a small extent. However the major source of danger to the bio diversity of the reserve are the armed extremist, which make it difficult for forest guards to venture in some areas as well as smugglers who smuggle large amounts of timber from the forest. The aforesaid dangers have been present since many years. However it is the persistence and optimistic vision of the reserve’s forest officials and guards that has succeeded in improving the tiger numbers, a fullsome positive result. http://www.rang7.com/news/national-park/additional-cats-increase-tiger-numbers-nagarjunasagar-tiger-reserve-911.htm

Tadoba moots white-topping of roads inside park Mazhar Ali, TNN

Chandrapur: Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) authorities have decided to go for green technology for strengthening the damaged pucca roads in the tiger abode. Park management has forwarded a proposal for white topping, a non-polluting technology, of the pucca roads inside the reserve, to avoid the tar abiding with the norms of NTCA. While TATR is all set for reopening of full fledged tourist services from next month. The park has been partially closed since July 15 and tourist movement was restricted to great extent. While only limited number of tourist vehicles was allowed to move only on the pucca roads, all the interior kuccha roads were closed for safari. The park will reopen fully for public on October 1. The degradation of tar road is a cause of concern. There is a 19-km stretch of tar road between Moharli and Tadoba range. In addition to this there are some small stretches which lead to kuccha roads. "There are over 20 km long tar roads inside the reserve. These roads need repair. But as per the guidelines of NTCA burning of tar inside the park for repair or construction work of pucca roads is prohibited. So, we have decided to go for green technology," said CCF and field director, TATR, Vinaykumar Sinha. Park management has opted for white-topping technology of the tar roads. "It is a concrete overlay, a novel technology which promises to fill all potholes. We have forwarded a proposal to the higher-ups for white-topping and have called experts for spot inspection," said Sinha. He informed that they have plans to rope in support of some big industries through corporate social responsibility (CSR) for the project. He said that there are plans to construct toilets and urinals through green technology inside the park. "There are some pockets in the park where there is least water available for utilization. At such places the toilets and urinals which do not need any water could come handy," Sinha opined. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Tadoba-moots-white-topping-of-roads-inside-park/articleshow/10086741.cms

157 contract staff of Palamu Tiger Circle on verge TNN

DALTONGANJ: As many as 157 contractual employees of the Palamu Tiger Circle (PTC) are going without salary for the last five months and are on the verge of starvation. These contractual employees do highly sensitive duties like wireless operation, tiger protection , fire protection, wild life tracking and are in a way the back bone of the PTC. President of Jharkhand State Van Shramik Union Siddhi Nath Jha, who works on contract in PTC said, "Going without salary for the last five months has rendered the whole lot of 157 personnel a broken force in a place which is dotted with challenges and difficult tasks." The employees have a number of demand including early payment of months salary, regularization of services in the cadre of third and fourth grade as per the qualification, Rs 10 lakh insurance cover for life, contract money per month should not be of 26 days excluding Sundays but of 31 days a month for all round the year as these contract employees work more than 8 hours a day every day and hike in contract money for skilled employees who handle sensitive work like wireless operation, tiger protection, tiger tracking, anti-fire management and computer operation. Conservator-cum-field director of PTC S E H Kazmi confirming the non-payment of contract money for the last five months to 157 contractual employees said, "No one can say their demands are not just. They have worked and have a right to salary as per contract." However, Kazmi lamented that the PTC has no wherewithal. "We take interest free loans from the Jharkhand State Forest Development Corporation (JSFDC) and then pay the contract money to these people. This time we could get a loan of only Rs 5 lakh. It is hardly for a month. When offered to these people going without wages for five months, which they declined saying it would further sink them in miseries as they will not be in a position to clear all their debts to grocers, tea vendor and others." Jha reiterated that wages pending over the last five months must be paid to them in one installment. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/157-contract-staff-of-Palamu-Tiger-Circle-on-verge/articleshow/9998243.cms

Unified control of core, buffer for TATR FD Vijay Pinjarkar, TNN

NAGPUR: In a move that could go a long way in ensure buffer area management gives priority to tiger conservation, the state government is finally considering giving unified control of the core and buffer areas to the field director of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR). The issue will come up for discussion with forest minister Patangrao Kadam during his visit to Nagpur on September 16. Some MLAs from Chandrapur district, who are opposing the move, allegedly to favour timber and mining lobby, have also been invited to the meeting to clear confusion. Praveen Pardeshi, principal secretary (forests), confirmed the development. "Unified control of core and buffer areas with the field director of tiger reserve has been recommended by NTCA and practised in other tiger reserves. The same approach seems suitable for orienting buffer area management. Rights of people in buffer will not be harmed," Pardeshi said. A committee appointed by PCCF (wildlife) in October 2010 headed by additional PCCF AK Saxena, APCCF Shree Bhagwan, CCF VK Sinha, CF GRK Rao and Satpuda Foundation chief Kishor Rithe had also recommended reorganization of Chandrapur division in the buffer area and give unified control to TATR field director. "This is a usual reorganization for forest and wildlife management purpose. Britishers have gone from the country in 1947. We've shifted from timber extraction era to conservation field. Indian Wildlife And Forest Acts have been changed and given complete focus on conservation especially from 2002," Rithe said. Rithe further said where tiger reserves have been created, their buffer and core areas have been given to wildlife department to manage. "The Centre is planning to have a separate wildlife department to manage protected areas (PAs) properly," he added. "Now, Maharashtra cannot lag behind. A few politicians who are against this idea will have to think about future of Chandrapur district," Rithe, member of National Board for Wild Life (NBWL), added. Currently, three administrative units viz. Chandrapur, Brahmapuri and West Chanda FDCM divisions have overlapping administrative jurisdiction. Large areas of Chandrapur division fall in the buffer area and only a few compartments of Brahmapuri and West Chanda fall in the buffer. It has been recommended that these compartments may be attached with Chandrapur division and entire buffer of Chandrapur may be constituted into a buffer division attached to the tiger reserve. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Unified-control-of-core-buffer-for-TATR-FD/articleshow/9988757.cms

India's famous four tiger trails IPSHITA MITRA

"And when my eyes saw the big cat approaching stealthily from the dense bushes, the moment was ecstatic...amidst the dark of the night and twittering crickets, seated on the safari jeep, when our torch lights cast flashes on the striped skin of the royal animal and the tiger emerged in all its radiance...the sight was majestic..." These are the emotions evoked on sighting the majestic big cat in its natural surroundings on a wildlife safari. Delhi-based adventure enthusiast and media professional, Dilasha Seth says "After all it is not everyday that you see a tiger prowling in your backyard...To watch a tiger on National Geographic and to feel its presence at a sniffing distance are two very different things. Hence that gasping moment of awe comes as a reflex response to the palpable experience." Tiger spotting is nothing short of an adventure sport that calls for preparation, patience and positive outlook. Let us explore some of the popular national parks and wildlife destinations that can guarantee you a rendezvous with the Great Indian Tiger. Bandhavgarh National Park : Located in Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India, the erstwhile hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa, the dense Bandhavgarh is known to the world as the home of the big cats. With over 600 species of flowering plants, 50 species of aquatic and 18 species of rare plants, the real thrill of Bandhavgarh is in seeing the tigers roam the jungles freely. Where to stay in Bandhavgarh: Luxurious safari cottages and tree houses make for a welcoming stay at the Syna Tiger Resort. With a blend of earthy folk artistry amid the dense wilderness, the resort serves as a sanctuary to safari-weary travellers. With experienced nature guides to show you around the forest over safari drives and elephant rides, the journey into the wild will surely be a magical one. History has it that the species of white tigers, known as the 'elusive' White Tigers, where first sighted in Bandhavgarh. So if luck comes your way, spotting a white tiger while you are seated on an elephant back can make your day. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand: A paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, Jim Corbett National Park (that turned 75 this year) is known to house a population of 200 plus tigers along a massive topographical area interspersed with hilly ridges and rolling grasslands. Where to stay in Jim Corbett: Dhikala Forest Lodge - Located at the heart of Corbett, Dhikala is the most preferred stopover for camping and night stay. Conducted tours by nature guides and private jeep safaris are comfortably available at Dhikala at reasonable package prices. Since the fabled grassland of Dhikala is situated at the intermediate zone from Delhi to Corbett, you almost wake up to a morning of deer calls and tiger roars. Time to visit : The best time to visit Corbett is from October mid till late June when the forest zones remain open for visitors. Permits of wildlife safari should be obtained 30 days prior to the date of safari. The tour extends for about 4 hours beginning as early as six in the morning. Sunderban National Park, West Bengal: To drop Sunderbans out from the discussion on tiger trails in India would be sacrilege for this is the kingdom of the Royal Bengal Tiger (one of the ferocious breeds of the carnivore). The charm of Sunderban lies in navigating through the remote reaches of the dense mangrove forest that characterises the world's largest Delta. What sets this vast tract of impenetrable forest situated along the Bay of Bengal apart is the mode of transport used to reach the habitat of the tiger. Sunderban Tiger Camp : Amidst a sprawling 15 bighas of forestland, the 2 hour motorboat ride from the camp calls for a culture-rich journey with local villagers performing to traditional songs and dances. Recalls, Srishty Chaudhary, an avid traveller, "The boat ride is the highpoint of Sunderbans. It prepared you for your meeting with the Bengal Tiger." Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan : Surrounded by the Avaralli and Vindhyachal ranges, the landscape of Ranthambore serves as one of the oft-frequented zones of tigers in India. The size of the park and its environment are two primary elements that determine the population and subsequent chances of spotting tigers. The territorial expanse, deciduous forests, rocky plains, lakes and rivers of Ranthambore confirm a suitable ecological climate for tigers to thrive in. Add to this the comforts of Mughal-inspired tents located on the outskirts of the park for a comfortable overnight stay. Khem Villas, Jungle camp : Equipped with standalone cottages, tents on wooden platform and rooms, a stay at Khem Villas will add a rustic charm to your safari experience. Night-time campfires, jungle and nature walks are some of the pastimes that you can indulge in. Aman-i-Khas is another exotic resort that provides unhindered access to the wildlife of Ranthambore Park while giving you an opportunity to discover the historical forts and rural villages that create this picturesque sanctuary. When to go : Safaris run throughout the day for a span of 2 hours beginning 7 in the morning and again from 2pm in the afternoon. The period from March to June is the best for tiger spotting for this is the time when the animal comes out in search of water. Monsoon should be avoided as the undergrowth is dense denying visibility. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/Indias-famous-four-tiger-trails/articleshow/9981344.cms

With 200 tigers, Corbett turns a proud 75 IANS

One of the nurseries of India's tiger conservation movement and Asia's first endeavour to have a national park, the Corbett National Park turns 75 this year, marking a string of successes despite a few incidents of man-animal conflict. Some 200-plus tigers, or almost one in every eight of the big cats surviving in India, live in Corbett landscape, which is almost 2,000 square kilometres of grasslands and Sal forest covering the reserve and adjoining jungles in Uttarakhand's Shivalik foothills. The tigers are not the only attractions; the resort hosts a wide gamut of animals, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears and various deer species including spotted deer, sambar, nilgai, hog deer, and barking deer. The reptiles include the Indian marsh crocodile, gharials (alligators), the king cobra, common krait, cobra, Russels viper, python and monitor lizards, while more than 600 species and subspecies of birds are found. Founded in 1936, the preserve was named after famous hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett, who was also one of its founding members. To mark its platinum anniversary, the management has planned a range of activities which will continue till December. A series of activities have already been held, while many more are on the anvil. "We are planning to release reports on conservation, and an archival film on Corbett tigers is also being made," park warden U.C. Tiwari said in an interview. "Our Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal has also announced plans to invite Indian cricket captain (and the park's honorary warden) M.S. Dhoni in November," said Tiwari, adding special safaris for school students is also being organised. Considered one of the best-managed parks in India, the park has withstood many challenges: from the onslaught of poaching to changes in the ecosystem and now man-animal conflict. The Corbett Park was brought under Project Tiger when this flagship programme to save the big cats was launched by India in 1973. The Corbett Tiger Reserve today spreads over 1,280 sq km, also covering the 520 sq km Corbett Park. However, with the expansion of the reserve over time, giving wild animals more roaming space has led to an increase in man-animal conflict in recent years since it brought them closer to human settlements. Last year at least six people were mauled to death by tigers in the Sunderkhal area, adjoining the reserve, which is an important corridor that helps wild animals to move between the reserve and the adjoining forests. Over 400 families live in this corridor. The government has been mulling to shift them to safer places but nothing concrete has been decided yet. In addition, developmental activities too have taken a toll and threatened to damage the park's sensitive ecosystem. "There has been a spurt of tourism activities, which is a big challenge. We need to have some regulatory measures to tackle it," says C.K. Kavidayal, deputy director of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. "Besides this, there is always a threat of poaching with the increasing number of tigers. We track all these factors, and the credit goes to our staff," he said. "People who venture into the forest for fodder and fuel wood become vulnerable to predator attacks, now more so when the tiger numbers have increased. But incidents like last year's have never happened around Corbett before," Kavidayal said. "There are two major corridors connecting the reserve with the adjoining forests. Our task is to recover them so that wild animals could move between these forests," Tiwari said. One of the corridors connects the reserve with the Ramnagar forest division and the other connects the Rajaji National Park, also in Uttarakhand, through the Lansdowne forest division. These corridors are vital for the survival of wild animals that roam these forests in search of food. According to the latest tiger census report released by the government in March, Indian tigers in the wild are around 1,500. A similar report in 2008 showed India had about 1,400 tigers. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/With-200-tigers-Corbett-turns-a-proud-75/articleshow/9944144.cms

Two trapping cameras stolen from Palamu Tiger Reserve

TNN | Sep 9, 2011, 11.09PM IST DALTONGANJ: Unidentified people have stolen two trapping cameras from the Garu range of the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR). The theft took place between August 25 and September 2, said a PTR source. This cameras have a range of 100 metres. The cameras were stolen from Jaigeer and Ramandaag both fall under the Garu range of the PTC and PTR. Garu police station has been informed. Two dozen trapping cameras are installed in the PTR on the basis of presence and movement of wildlife animals to record their movement. The cameras are generally installed in areas frequented by animals. The installation of trapping cameras in Garu range is more than any other place as the area is considered to be a haven for wildlife animals. S E H Kazmi, the conservator-cum-field director of the Palamu Tiger Circle (PTC) PTR comes under PTC has confirmed the theft of the two cameras. "This cameras have no commercial value at all. It is not a studio equipment and cannot take family pictures," he said. Asked as to what could be the reason for the theft when the cameras have no resale value, Kazmi said, "When a person comes close to this camera, it flashes. It sometimes irritates the visitor as one fears his presence is being recorded. So he just takes it away." Sources said elephants had so far not broken or smashed any such trapping cameras as the elephants had in the past pulled down "mile stones" with great interests.Kazmi narrated one instance in which a big cat got irritated when this camera flashed on it. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/Two-trapping-cameras-stolen-from-Palamu-Tiger-Reserve/articleshow/9927647.cms

Sunderbans left out of WWF 'tiger tour' Jayanta Gupta

KOLKATA: The WWF will organize two Wild India tours - one in December this year and the other in March next year - with the catchphrase "The search for a big cat on the brink". But surprisingly, one of Bengal tigers' unique habitats - the Sunderbans - does not feature in the itinerary. Evidently, tourists would miss out on the opportunity to explore the world's largest mangrove delta or look for the striped cat within the clumps of hetal. Instead, the tourists will spend a day in Kolkata, getting a feel of the city's literary, artistic and revolutionary heritage and its 'creative energy', before flying to Assam for a four-day trip to Kaziranga. According to sources, the idea is not to bring large groups and take them around the country. There will be about 14 people in each group. "The WWF is only interested in those who are keen to visit the tigers' habitat. The organization is dedicated to bring the wild tiger back from the brink of extinction and doubling its numbers. Tourists will see for themselves how protection of the big cat leads to care for forests and grasslands that shelter other animals, sequester carbon, filter water and provide food to humans," an official said. According to him, the Sunderbans has been left out as a day-trip to the mangrove forests is out of question. "Even if we were to arrange a two-day trip to the Sunderbans, there is no guaranteeing that a tiger can be spotted. Logistics is also a problem. Given the high-end tourists who would be part of these tours, making proper arrangements for them may also be a problem," he said. After all, the tourists are paying over Rs 4,00,000 per head for the two-week trip. This excludes air-fare to and from Delhi. The tour will start from Delhi. The next four days will be spent at Kanha. From there, they will be flown to Kolkata where they will spend a day before flying to Jorhat for the onward trip to Kaziranga. The tour will involve tiger searching expeditions under the leadership of experienced guides. Apart from tigers, tourists hope to see one-horned rhinoceros, Sambar deer, wild buffalo, elephants and monitor lizards. The WWF has promised that accommodation will be arranged at remote lodges that are in harmony with the surroundings. "Kanha has been selected as it offers India's best tiger viewing. Other animals that may be spotted are chital, sambar, common langur, wild boar, Indian bison, sloth bear, Asiatic jackal, wild dog, rhesus monkeys and leopards. This park also has the largest population of Barasingha, the endangered swamp deer with beautiful antlers. The tourists will be put up at the Singinawa Jungle Lodge in Kanha," a person associated with the tour said. At Kaziranga, they will be accommodated at the Diphlu River Lodge. The tourists will take jeep rides and attempt to spot wild buffalo, hog deer, Hoolock gibbon, elephants, pythons and tigers. There wouldn't be any problem in sighting the one-horned rhinoceros that abounds. The tourists would also be on the lookout for gharial and dolphins in Brahmaputra. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata-/Sunderbans-left-out-of-WWF-tiger-tour/articleshow/9928651.cms

Orissa Similipal staff plan a foolproof count

BARIPADA: Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), India’s second largest tiger reserve, is preparing for the national tiger count in November. This national park is in the news for its dwindling number of tigers and frequent elephant deaths. �Sources said the tiger reserve officials are planning to use both camera trap and pugmark methods to count the big cats. On earlier occasions, only pugmark method was used and it varied largely from the camera trap counting. Using pugmark method, the authorities had counted 101 tigers in STR in 2004. In 2009, the number came down to 61, including 16 males, 31 females and 14 cubs. But the report of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Wildlife Institution of India (WII) indicated that STR has an estimated 23 (12-34) tigers as per 2010 census, which was conducted by camera trapping methods. �Regional Conservator of Forests (RCF) Anup Nayak said NTCA this time was planning to count the big cats through both the methods. “It will be finalised after a meeting followed by a training of officials for the counting,” he said. �Sources said NTCA will prepare a protocol to be followed by all tiger reserves and it may rope in some NGOs besides the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). This time, the officials want a fool-proof count which shouldn’t be confusing like previous years. �Field trials have already begun __ the staff are getting good pictures from cameras put up at nine places. “We had fixed six cameras at Upper Barhakamuda, two at Jenabil and one at National Park. All have several pictures of tigers,” said a forest official. He said the WII last time also had used 10� cameras on a trial basis. �Besides tigers, the STR is home to about 432 wild elephants. The national park, with a total area of 2,750 sq km, is a treasure house of 1,076 species of plants belonging to 102 families. http://ibnlive.in.com/news/similipal-staff-plan-a-foolproof-count/182059-60-117.html

Tigers stage comeback in Jalgaon after a long gap Vijay Pinjarkar, TNN

NAGPUR: It should sound a good news for wildlife lovers. Tigers have staged a comeback in Jalgaon district in Dhule territorial circle after a long gap. However, Khandesh Nature Conservation Society (KNCS), working for tiger conservation in Jalgaon forest division, claims tigers were very much there but there was no serious monitoring by the department. Wadoda range forest officer (RFO) DR Patil has been monitoring a tigress with a cub for the past three months. Patil also claims presence of a male tiger in his range. The tigers have made densely forested Purna backwaters their home. "This is after 2001 that tigers have staged a comeback in Jalgaon division. In 2001, there was tigress with three cubs," Patil said. It seems tigers move from Melghat-Ambabarwa-Yawal-Western Ghats. However, Abhay Ujagare and Vinod Patil of KNCS say presence of tigers is there in Jalgaon district since 1993 but due to lack of serious monitoring their existence could not be ascertained. However, if official tiger figures are to be considered, there were 7 tigers in Yawal Wildlife Sanctuary in Jalgaon, followed by 3 in 1993, 4 in 1997 and 1 in 2001. Since then no tigers were recorded in the protected area (PA). Besides, the last official record of tigers in Jalgaon division was in 2005 when three tigers were recorded. "In past few years the newly added Wan and Ambabarwa to Melghat tiger reserve has improved protection and management. Several evidences of breeding tigresses have been recorded in camera traps from this cluster," said Kishor Rithe, member of National Board for Wild Life (NBWL). Rithe said there were unconfirmed tiger sighting reports in the past two years by villagers and local nature lovers in Jalgaon district. Presence of tigers shows that they are dispersing towards west in Jalgaon district. The forest range Kurha (Wadoda) includes Kurha, Charthana and Dolarkheda rounds. The area of three beats North Dolarkheda (2,100 ha), South Dolarkheda (1,500 ha) and Sukali (1,450 ha) of Dolarkheda round in Kurha range is the most potential area for tigers having 10 perennial waterholes. Rithe's Satpuda Foundation has urged the state government to provide necessary wildlife management inputs to this area. If you peep into history, tigers and lions used to live together in Gujarat. Tigers disappeared from Gujarat in the 1980s whereas lions could manage to survive. The last tiger seen in Gujarat is reported from Dang district bordering Maharashtra. Satpuda mountain is spread up to Dang district where it meets Western Ghats and Aravali mountain. The tiger habitat continuity link is considered from Kanha-Pench (Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh)-Satpuda-Melghat and Yawal. Local bird watcher Anil Mahajan from Varangaon (Jalgaon) had recorded a dead cub last year. This is a proof that tigers are breeding in Jalgaon district and earlier claims made by KNCS were also true. Conservationists were dreaming in last 20 years that tigers would again disperse towards west to Melghat. The state expert committee to declare critical tiger habitats (CTH) ex-PCCF B Majumdar, ex-APCCF Nandkishore and Kishor Rithe had recommended a compact cluster of Wan, Ambabarwa and Narnala sanctuaries adjoining Melghat to be included in MTR, which was accepted by the state and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Tigers-stage-comeback-in-Jalgaon-after-a-long-gap/articleshow/9906583.cms

Tiger tourism focus shifts to Ramnagar, Terai West

THURSDAY, 01 SEPTEMBER 2011 23:26 PARITOSH KIMOTHI
The State Government is planning to encourage tourism in the buffer zones of Corbett National Park so as to lessen the negative effect of tourism in the core zone of the park with the start of the tourist season on November 15.

The authorities hope that in addition to improving the environment and reducing wildlife crime in the core zone, encouraging tourism in Ramnagar and Terai West forest divisions will also help in the socio-economical development of the local residents.

Speaking to The Pioneer, the State Forest and Environment Advisory Committee vice-chairman, Anil Baluni, said that more than two lakh visited Corbett National Park during the tourist season that ended in June this year. Though the tourism activity has some positive effect on the national park, it is also exploited by poachers who increase their activities in the core zone during the tourist season.

In order to decrease the pressure of tourists in the core area and to prevent wildlife crimes, the department will encourage tourism in the buffer zones from November 15 when it reopens for tourists. The wildlife including tigers, elephants, other creatures and the environment which attracts tourists to the national park can also be enjoyed in the Ramnagar and Terai west forest divisions.

Both guides and tourists will be encouraged to view the attractions in these forest divisions as this region will remain open for tourists throughout the year unlike Corbett which is open to tourists from November 15 to June 15. Baluni stressed that the State wants at least one person from each family living in Ramnagar to benefit directly from tourism activity as their development will correspond to the welfare of wildlife and environment in the national park and its buffer zone.

The tiger population in the Corbett Tiger Reserve landscape is estimated to be more than 200 with at least 30 tigers believed to be present in Ramnagar forest division. This area is also important as, according to the latest tiger survey conducted by the Wildlife

Institute of India, it is one of the few places in India where the tiger population has increased outside protected areas. Ramnagar was declared a tourism city by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' earlier this month.

http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/dehradun/2965-tiger-tourism-focus-shifts-to-ramnagar-terai-west.html