Tourist resorts near tiger reserves to pay 10% cess

Chetan Chauhan, Hindustan Times Resorts within five kilometers of tiger reserves will have to pay 10% cess even though tourists will not be allowed inside core critical tiger zones. The environment ministry is all set to inform Supreme Court this week that tourism activity inside core areas --- having 60 % of 1,706 Indian tigers, would be prohibited as per new guidelines. This is being done to make core areas inviolate (aloof) for tigers. The new guidelines based on a set of recommendations of a committee of experts of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) says that tourism will be allowed in fringe areas of tiger reserves through special safaris. “These safaris will be regulated by state forest departments,” a senior government official said. The guidelines had become imperative as various studies had suggested that inviolate areas of minimum 800-1,000 square kms is must if India wants to sustain tiger population of about 1,500 tigers. Also, studies have shown that human interference causes problems in breeding as happening in Sariska tiger reserve in Rajasthan. The exhaustive guidelines also prescribe a minimum cess of 10%, called conservation cess, on the total turnover of the tourist resorts around 41 tiger reserves in India. The government, however, did not agree to increasing the cess to 30 % as suggested by Tiger Task Force report of 2006. The money to be generated will have to be deposited in the account of tiger foundation and used for tiger conservation and welfare of people in and around tiger reserves. The guidelines also prescribe that the state governments could charge higher than 10 % of cess, if they want, depending on the local needs. With this money in hand, each tiger reserves will have to formulate eco-tourism development plan for providing employment avenues to locals. The guidelines also provide for a structure to monitor the use of funds generated though the cess at the reserve and the state government level. To further provide funds to tiger reserve, the government would be debarring sharing of entry ticket, which account for about 30 % of total budget of popular tiger reserve such as Corbett Tiger Reserve, with the revenue department of the state governments. The government has also proposed to impose restriction on construction of any kind around tiger reserves to protect the buffer zones, which house about 40 % of the 1,706 tigers in India. Incentives will be provided to close existing tourism resorts in the buffer zone, officials said. The Supreme Court last month had asked the NTCA to submit the proposed guidelines in a case related to banning tourism activity inside core areas in Madhya Pradesh. The next hearing of the case is slated for July.Tourist resorts near tiger reserves to pay 10% cess Chetan Chauhan, Hindustan Times New Delhi, May 16, 2012 Email to Author First Published: 19:42 IST(16/5/2012) Last Updated: 23:13 IST(16/5/2012) share share on facebookshare on linkedinshare on googleshare on emailmore... 0 Comments email print Resorts within five kilometers of tiger reserves will have to pay 10% cess even though tourists will not be allowed inside core critical tiger zones. The environment ministry is all set to inform Supreme Court this week that tourism activity inside core areas --- having 60 % of 1,706 Indian tigers, would be prohibited as per new guidelines. This is being done to make core areas inviolate (aloof) for tigers. The new guidelines based on a set of recommendations of a committee of experts of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) says that tourism will be allowed in fringe areas of tiger reserves through special safaris. “These safaris will be regulated by state forest departments,” a senior government official said. The guidelines had become imperative as various studies had suggested that inviolate areas of minimum 800-1,000 square kms is must if India wants to sustain tiger population of about 1,500 tigers. Also, studies have shown that human interference causes problems in breeding as happening in Sariska tiger reserve in Rajasthan. The exhaustive guidelines also prescribe a minimum cess of 10%, called conservation cess, on the total turnover of the tourist resorts around 41 tiger reserves in India. The government, however, did not agree to increasing the cess to 30 % as suggested by Tiger Task Force report of 2006. The money to be generated will have to be deposited in the account of tiger foundation and used for tiger conservation and welfare of people in and around tiger reserves. The guidelines also prescribe that the state governments could charge higher than 10 % of cess, if they want, depending on the local needs. With this money in hand, each tiger reserves will have to formulate eco-tourism development plan for providing employment avenues to locals. The guidelines also provide for a structure to monitor the use of funds generated though the cess at the reserve and the state government level. To further provide funds to tiger reserve, the government would be debarring sharing of entry ticket, which account for about 30 % of total budget of popular tiger reserve such as Corbett Tiger Reserve, with the revenue department of the state governments. The government has also proposed to impose restriction on construction of any kind around tiger reserves to protect the buffer zones, which house about 40 % of the 1,706 tigers in India. Incentives will be provided to close existing tourism resorts in the buffer zone, officials said. The Supreme Court last month had asked the NTCA to submit the proposed guidelines in a case related to banning tourism activity inside core areas in Madhya Pradesh. The next hearing of the case is slated for July. http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Tourist-resorts-near-tiger-reserves-to-pay-10-cess/Article1-856837.aspx

Nations united against China, Vietnam ‘tiger medicine’

WEDNESDAY, 16 MAY 2012 23:59 PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | NEW DELHI China and Vietnam on Wednesday justified making of traditional medicines with bones and body parts of captive tigers, leading to a strong protest from participating countries at the ongoing three-day Global Tiger Recovery Programme (GTRP). Both claimed that it was legal to make traditional medicines with bones of captive tigers and that these medicines are used for research purposes in its universities and schools. China also refused to come up with any concrete commitments to stop making of traditional medicines with tiger parts. According to sources, as signatories to the Global Tiger Initiative, both nations have been asked to tighten up anti-poaching measures. China, which claimed to have a wild tiger population of 40 to 50 cats, has four species of tigers - the Amur, South China, Indo-China and Royal Bengal. India, along with Nepal and Russia, shares top rank in big cat conservation among 13 tiger range countries. According to sources, India claimed to have not only spent $20 million in village relocation from tiger reserves, but has also recently added 2,594 sq km of tiger reserves, taking total area to above 50,000 sq km. The successful reintroduction of tigers in the wild at Panna Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh has also added a new chapter in conservation. Taking cue from India’s success story, Russia too claimed to begin its reintroduction programme of tigers, Siberian tigers having become extinct from the country. It is carrying out habitat revival strategies with focus on increasing prey base. The population of snow leopards and sambars has shown an increase since the last global tiger meet. Nepal vied for top honours in tiger conservation for stepping up its anti-poaching measures. It claimed that not a single rhino or tiger had been poached during the past 14 months. The meeting also revealed major coordination lapses between the forest departments, NGOs, customs and the police departments in controlling wildlife crime. “It was discussed with dismay that the network of poachers worked with more coordinated approach than the protectors,” the gathering noted.http://dailypioneer.com/nation/65900-nations-united-against-china-vietnam-tiger-medicine.html

'Supari' on tigers: Poachers paid Rs.40 lakh for killing 25 big cats in Maharashtra

Madhya Pradesh's Baheliya community is known to trap and kill tigers. The Maharashtra government has issued a red alert after an intelligence input that tiger poachers have been paid an advance of Rs.40 lakh in order to kill 25 big cats. The poachers are apparently from Madhya Pradesh. There are 106 tigers in Maharashtra's tiger reserves and state forest department officials said that they face a threat from Madhya Pradesh's Baheliya community, which is known to trap and kill tigers. Immediately after getting the alert, Pravin Pardeshi, state principal secretary (forests), has issued a red alert, asking all forest personnel to keep an eye on tiger reserves and nature parks. Pardeshi has asked all forest officials to station more personnel and increase patrolling near watering holes and other places known to be frequented by tigers. The leave of all forest security guards has been cancelled till June 15. Not only that, in a bid to ensure the cooperation of tribals, a reward scheme has also been announced by Pardeshi. Under the scheme, anyone who gives information about metal traps laid out by poachers to capture the tigers would be paid Rs.5,000. Forest department officials have also been asked to ensure that besides traps, watering holes in the jungles are not used to poison the animals. The red alert and the state government's measures could not have come at a better time as in the last few days at least two tigers in Chandrapur have fallen prey to traps allegedly laid by Baheliya poachers. According to forest department officials, poachers had laid traps near a watering hole frequented by tigers in the Palasgaon range. One young male tiger was found dead after being snared in the trap and a tigress was found barely alive. Officials said that the entire watering hole was surrounded by metal traps and that one of the forest guards, who had gone to the area to set up camera traps to apprehend poachers, was himself caught in one of these traps. Baheliya gangs are involved in such activities because tiger skin fetches easily more than Rs.1 crore. There is high demand for a tiger's nails, hair, bones and teeth too. Most of the poachers are active in Sindhevahi, Mul, Nagibad, Brahmapuri and Chimur villages, which are in the buffer zone of Tadoba Tiger reserve. The poachers have it easy because the reserve lies on the border of Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh from where they freely enter and exit after killing the tigers. Read more at: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/tigers-poachers-killing-big-cats-maharashtra/1/189060.html http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/tigers-poachers-killing-big-cats-maharashtra/1/189060.html

Tadoba Tiger Reserve to open new tourism route in buffer areas

By TBM Staff | Mumbai In a move that is sure to ease some tourist pressure from the near-saturated Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in Maharashtra, the administration of TATR has decided to open a new route for tourists in its buffer areas. While safaris in the buffer areas will be cheaper than those inside the reserve, tourists can also enjoy some special perks which are not allowed inside the TATR on this new route. Tourism in the buffer area is being promoted with the sole objective of economical development of buffer villages and providing employment to local youths, according to a report by The Times of India. The new 14-km-long tourist route will begin from Navargaon Chauki and end at Jakana gate near Junona village in the buffer area. "Local eco-development committees of the Devada and Junona villages will shoulder the responsibility on this route. While gate fees will be charged, youths from the villages will also take up jobs as guides for the safaris. Modalities over the gate fees and timings of the safari are being finalised. Tourism in the buffer zone will start in the next 10 days," said P Kalyankumar, DCF, Forest Division, Chandrapur. The department has added a five-km patch of road to the existing nine-km tourist road. Three water holes fall along this route and the density of the forest and wildlife here is said to be as good as inside the tiger reserve. "Spillover tourists of TATR can be accommodated on this new buffer route," said Kalyankumar. There would be no restriction on the number of vehicles on this new route. Visitors can take the buffer ride from either Navargaon Chauki or Jakana gate. "Tourists can enjoy snacks and coffee at some specific points on the route. We even have plans of plying a mobile snack stall along the route, so that tourists can buy snacks midway if they want," he said. This new buffer route will be open to tourists even during the monsoon, when safaris inside the TATR are closed. Based upon experience gained from opening this new route, the forest department has plans to open two more routes in the buffer area soon. http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/tadoba-tiger-reserve-to-open-new-tourism-route-in-buffer-areas-16415

Solar powered waterholes help Nagzira wildlife

Vijay Pinjarkar, TNN | May 17, 2012, 12.56AM IST NAGPUR: In news these days for regular tiger sightings and success of Pitezari tents, Nagzira wildlife sanctuary has come up with another innovative move. It has powered artificial waterholes with solar energy. Nagzira, 125km from Nagpur in Gondia district, has become the first sanctuary in the state to make use of renewable energy sources. These waterholes are in Borewell Camp, Murpaar, Hattigodhra and Sivwar areas of the sanctuary. Though ambient temperatures are a scorching 44 deg Celsius, wild animals of Nagzira are lucky to get uninterrupted water in the artificial waterholes with solar energy driven pumps spewing water all day. "We went ahead with the idea initially suggested by high court judge Ambadas Joshi. Being the nodal agency, the project was implemented by Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA), Pune," said M S Reddy, conservator of forest (CF), Gondia wildlife division. Reddy said the advantage of the new system, installed a month ago, was that animals could drink water without disturbance. "Manual filling of waterholes consumes time and disturbs wildlife. Besides, it may result in tragedies like at Bor where a forest labourer was mauled by a tiger as he went to operate hand pump at a waterhole last month," he adds. Reddy explained the operation of new system during a recent visit to the park. He said a solar energy based one horsepower submersible pump has been fitted on a borewell and it pumps out 7,000 litres of water everyday. It requires no battery and hence there is no recurring cost. The pump is on during sunshine hours and idle during night. Groundwater recharges in the off period. It does not disturb the wildlife as there is no sound. The system has cut down the cost of filling artificial waterholes as no manpower or tanker is needed to fill up the waterholes. It keeps supplying water consistently through the day. "Once the saucer shape waterhole is filled up, some amount of excess water spills over and creates a marshy area for herbivores to wallow. The grass coming up due to spread of wetness in the area also attracts chitals and sambars," Reddy said. Due to cooling effect in micro climate, sightings of insect fauna and birds have improved in the area. The management is now collecting data on number of wild animals sightings at the waterholes after erecting new system. "We have installed the system at waterholes near the protection camps for safety of solar panels. After studying the impact, we may decide to increase their number," Reddy stated. Solar waterholes * System costs Rs 2,51,650 each and is on a rate contract of Maharashtra Energy Development Agency * If it is fitted to a borewell situated at some height, an underground pipeline system can supply water to five saucer-shaped waterholes up to 3km away * The experiment is being conducted in New Nagzira sanctuary http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Solar-powered-waterholes-help-Nagzira-wildlife/articleshow/13177887.cms

There were 32 tiger deaths this year: Jayanthi Natarajan

As many as 32 tigers have died this year, even as latest official data showed an increase in the population estimates of the big cats. Of these, 18 were natural deaths, Environment and Forests Minister Jayanthi Natarajan said. Expressing concern over the endangered status of the tiger the world over, Ms. Natarajan on Tuesday said the Ministry was looking into the reasons for the deaths. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the first stocktaking meeting of the Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP), Ms. Natarajan said poaching was one of the reasons. Other reasons include man-animal conflict. New forest reserves Delivering the keynote address at the meet, she spoke about the establishment of new forest reserves to ensure a safe habitat for tigers. “We are in the process of establishing more tiger reserves. Based on 2010 assessment, a new tiger reserve — the Kawal Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh — has been constituted. In-principle approval has been accorded for declaring the Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu as a tiger reserve,” she said. The government had launched the fourth phase of ‘Reserve Level Monitoring' to study the big cats' population and habitat on an annual basis. Almost one per cent of country's geographical area was conserved for tigers as their core/critical habitat. “India's commitment for saving the tiger is well-known. Wild tigers thrive in 17 of our States. We have the maximum number of tigers. ‘Project Tiger' was launched in 1973 with nine tiger reserves. Today, the coverage has increased to 41 reserves spread over all the 17 States,” she said. “The wild tiger continues to remain endangered the world over. Threats to the wild tiger and its habitat are due to several factors like poaching, illegal trade catering to a demand for the body parts and derivatives of the tiger, loss of habitat due to extractive industries, infrastructure and revenge killings,” she said. Adaptive management Ms. Natarajan favoured adaptive management to tackle country- and area-specific issues related to tiger conservation. Last year, the government increased its allocation up to Rs. 1,216.86 crore, especially to support the States for securing inviolate space for tigers, she said. The tiger reserves had been directed to raise a Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF); several new technologies were being used to safeguard the animal. http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article3423084.ece

Sariska villagers protest relocation

Jaipur: Hundreds of people Tuesday blocked the main entrance of the Sariska tiger sanctuary in Rajasthan's Alwar district, protesting relocation of their villages falling within the reserve, officials said. The protestors did not allow the forest department officials to open the gates of the tiger reserve, leaving many tourists stranded and forcing hundreds of others to cancel their hotel and travel bookings. It is the second agitation by the villagers in the past two months. They had staged a week-long sit-in near the reserve in March. "The villagers are saying that the forest department had promised to meet some of their demands after the previous agitation. However, they say the demands were not fulfilled," a police officer told IANS. Sariska has about 28 villages which fall in the critical tiger area and need to be relocated to improve the habitat. People living in these villages mostly belong to pastoral tribes. There are about five tigers in the sanctuary at present and the forest department is planning to shift one more from Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur district. During 2004-05, the forest department and the state government faced all-round criticism over the disappearance of tigers from Sariska, once a tigers' den. A report produced in March 2005 by the Wildlife Institute of India confirmed that there were no tigers left in the Sariska reserve at all. Poaching was found to have wiped out the tigers from their once well known habitat. IANS http://zeenews.india.com/news/eco-news/sariska-villagers-protest-relocation_775607.html

Suspicious visitor turns out to be ex-sarpanch

TNN | May 16, 2012, 02.35AM IST CHANDRAPUR: The high alert declared following alleged intrusion of two turbaned persons inside Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve on Monday has reportedly turned out to be a false alarm. The accused identified as Kamaljeet Singh and his aide was picked up during wee hours of Tuesday from Wahangaon village in Chimur tehsil. Forest officials had detained him on Tuesday for questioning. He was detained aty the TAAR Primary investigations have revealed that Kamaljeet is ex-sarpanch of Wahangaon and had no malicious intension in visiting TATR. Panic button was pressed and high alert was declared in TATR and nearby areas after some NGO activists visiting tiger reserve filed a complaint claiming suspicious movement of two bike-borne turbaned persons in Pandharpauni area on Monday morning. Kamaljeet had sought entry into TATR with his in-law Bhupendra Singh to visit Vitthal Masram in Palasgaon inside the tiger reserve in the afternoon. However, a tourist connected to an NGO intercepted them in Pandharpauni area. He first complained to the local forest guard, who in turn searched Kamaljeet and his aide, but couldn't find anything suspicious. Later the guard called the Khatoda gate and asked whether Kamaljeet has been authorized to enter the tiger reserve. After the gate keeper confirmed Kamaljeet having registered his name as visitor, he allowed him to leave. The accused duo exited the tiger reserve from Navegaon gate. Not satisfied, the complainant tourist filed a complaint at Moharli gate, while leaving the tiger reserve. Senior forest officers, who are taking no risk since Palasgaon tiger poaching incident, moved into action on receipt of the complaint. Immediately an alert was declared and search operations were launched to trace Kamaljeet and his aide with the help of police. Forest officials took the statements of complainant tourist and the forest guard who interacted with Kamaljeet. Even the entire Pandharpauni area was searched for jaw traps suspecting the move as poaching attempt during the night. By late night, whereabouts of Kamaljeet was traced to Wahangaon falling under Shegaon police station. A team of foresters from TATR picked Kamaljeet Singh and his aide, reportedly identified as Bhupendra Singh, and took them into their custody during wee hours of Tuesday. It is learnt that Kamaljeet Singh is ex-sarpanch and ex-president of tanta mukti samiti of village and has close connections with local MLA. However, he had been reported to be involved in some forest related crimes few years back. CCF of TATR Vinaykumar Sinha and other officials could not be reached on phone for their comment on matter. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Suspicious-visitor-turns-out-to-be-ex-sarpanch/articleshow/13157874.cms

Red alert in Maharashtra as poachers get order for 25 tigers

Vijay Pinjarkar, TNN | May 16, 2012, 01.44AM IST NAGPUR: With tiger poachers from the Bahelia community of Katni in Madhya Pradesh planning to strike it rich in Maharashtra, specially in Vidarbha region, the state government has sounded a red alert. "Intelligence reports say that Bahelia gangs have been ordered to kill 25 tigers for their skins. These gangs have also been paid an advance of Rs 40 lakh," Praveen Pardeshi, state principal secretary (forests), told TOI. Until last year, in international markets, a tiger skin would fetch $20,000, which is over a crore of rupees at today's rates. Their body parts like nails, hair, bones are sold at the rate of $1200 per kg which converts to about Rs 6.50 lakhs. Bahelias are known for killing tigers with the help of metal traps. Experts say members from this community simultaneously operate at multiple locations at a given time anywhere in the country and are ruthless in their approach. Interestingly, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau's (WCCB) headquarter in Delhi, which should be playing a proactive role in such matters, is unaware about the alert. M Maranko, WCCB's regional deputy director based in Mumbai, said the regional office is not empowered to issue such alerts but admitted that bureau's Delhi officials are investigating the tiger poaching case that occurred on April 26 in Palasgaon on the periphery of the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve ( TATR) in Chandrapur district. On the contrary, SB Negi, the joint director of WCCB said from Delhi that no alert has been sounded from "our office". "If the state government seeks help we are ready to probe the case," Negi said. This brings to fore the indifferent attitude of the WCCB towards poaching of tigers. Meanwhile, Pardeshi has put on alert all the territorial and wildlife wing officials in the state directing them to monitor all water holes daily. He has also asked them to take help of volunteers and wildlife buffs. The range forest officers (RFOs) have been asked to meet all police patils and joint forest management committee (JFMC) members in fringe villages of forests to seek information. Forest officials have also been asked to display posters in every village in Chandrapur district announcing awards of Rs 5,000 to anyone giving information leading to seizure of steel traps and poisoning. Officials have been told to move in autorickshaws to different villages to publicize the award campaign. In another stringent move, forest guards and foresters have been directed not to go on leave till June 15. The additional principal chief conservators of forests (APCCF) have been asked to obtain daily visit and digital image of guards visiting all catalogued water holes that are to be maintained. Poaching activity has been at its peak during the past three years. Since 2008, at least half a dozen tigresses have gone missing from the Tadoba landscape, leaving cubs orphaned and destined to a life in cages. Some cubs died due to hunger as they were unable to hunt. The Amravati-based Satpuda Foundation had in 2008 urged the state government to track movements of Bahelias around tiger habitats in Vidarbha but no action was taken by both police and forest departments. "The wildlife wing should use past wildlife crime data base to design an effective strategy to nail the culprits and also avoid repeat of such incidents in the future," said Kishor Rithe, member of the National Board for Wild Life (NBWL). http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Red-alert-in-Maharashtra-as-poachers-get-order-for-25-tigers/articleshow/13157456.cms

Forrest officials beaten up by mining mafia in Ranthambore

TNN | May 16, 2012, 02.35AM IST JAIPUR: At a time when the state has embarked on a special campaign against illegal mining in the state, there is little that is stopping the mafia from going ahead with their activities even in a sacrosanct place like Ranthambore tiger reserve. The government has undertaken a two-month special drive against illegal mining in the state from April 23. A forest ranger and a forester were recently beaten up by the illegal mining mafia in the core area of the reserve. The duo were halted by a group of villagers and beaten with sticks. They somehow managed to come out of the clutches of the mafia. According to sources, Baler range officer Rajendra Singh Chaudhary and forester Bhratlal Verma visited the area after receiving a tip off on illegal mining activities. "After reaching the area they found rampant illegal mining in the zone. The area is part of the reserve and falls in the critical tiger habitat. The officers seized two tractors that had been laden with stones and were on their way through the highway when they were halted by a group of villagers," said the sources. "The villagers blocked their way with the help of three bikes and tractors. Thereafter, the officers were beaten with sticks and their uniforms were torn. The officers received injuries in their shoulder and arms and the two seized tractors were taken away from their possession," one of the sources added. An FIR has been lodged in this regard at the Bhairanda Kala police station. When contacted, officers of the forest department confirmed the incident. However, they said that mining activities have been stopped at the reserve. "We have put an end to all mining activities in the reserve with the help of police and the district administration but sometimes these kinds of activities do take place and we are helpless," they said. Illegal mining in and around the reserve has been a menace for the forest and the tiger populace in it. Areas such as Uliyana, Badhlav, Mohanpur Padli, Vasso, Bhuri Pahadi, Sukhwas Chhan, Sanwata and Bhernwanda Khurd, located in the core area of the reserve, used to be at the centre of such activities in the past. According to conservation biologist Dharmendra Khandal of Tiger Watch, "The Baler range is very important for future tiger population in Ranthambhore. If we want the existing cubs to survive we have to support the forest staff and motivate them to work fearlessly on ground." http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Forrest-officials-beaten-up-by-mining-mafia-in-Ranthambore/articleshow/13157871.cms

Maha mulls involving locals to avoid tiger-human conflict in

PTI | 02:05 PM,May 15,2012 buffer zones Mumbai, May 15 (PTI) With an intention to avoid tiger-human conflict in buffer zones outside tiger reserves, the Maharashtra government has decided to involve locals in having a positive stake in wildlife conservation. Officials in the Forest department said because of the spillover of tigers outside the reserves, the government wants to cut down involvement of poachers. "Many times poachers are helped by locals," sources said. There are about 100 tigers outside the reserves without protection and efforts are on to give ownership of the Tiger reserves to the locals. "Villagers in Tadoba run the eco tourist routes. The guards and guide should be appointed from among the locals and the tourists pay the fees directly to them. The fees of local youth working as a tourist guide have been hiked from Rs 100 to Rs 200," sources said. The 79 villages in the buffer zone around tiger reserves in the state are being provided 75 per cent subsidised cooking and biogas for two years. "About 80-90 per cent of the families use fuel, wood. There are about 2,000 families in the 79 villages in Tadoba buffer zone," officials said. Sources said villagers are being encouraged to get their cattle stall-fed instead of leaving them for grazing outside the park. Similarly, compensation for cattle kills is being hiked. http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/maha-mulls-involving-locals-to-avoid-tigerhuman-conflict-in/998785.html

Over thirty tigers dead in more than four months: Govt

PTI | 05:05 PM,May 15,2012 New Delhi, May 15 (PTI) Notwithstanding efforts by the government to conserve tigers, as many as 32 big cats have died in the country in the last over four months, even as the latest official data showed an increasing trend in the national animals population estimates. Expressing concern over the endangered status of the tiger all over the world, Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan today said as many as 32 tigers have died this year out of which 18 were natural deaths. "A total of 32 tigers have died this year. 18 were natural deaths and we are constantly looking into the reasons for it," Natarajan told reporters on the sidelines of First Stocktaking Meeting of Global Tiger Recovery Programs (GTRP). She was asked about the number of national animals which died or were killed by poachers this year. Meanwhile, in written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, the Minister informed a total of 14 tigers were poached till May 2012. "Poaching is one of the reasons. Other reasons such as man-animal conflict, we are already addressing those issues," she told reporters. Informing the House on the increasing trend of tiger population, she said, "The tiger population has shown an increasing trend with a population estimate of 1706, as compared to the last country level estimation in 2006, with an estimate of 1411." Delivering her key note address in the first stocktaking meeting of GRTP, Natarajan also spoke about the new forest reserves being established by the government to ensure a safe habitat for the tiger. "We are in the process of establishing more tiger reserves. Based on 2010 assessment, a new tiger reserve-Kawal Tiger Reserve at Andhra Pradesh- has been constituted. Further, in-principle approval has been accorded for declaring the Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu as a tiger reserve," she said. http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/over-thirty-tigers-dead-in-more-than-four-months-govt/998895.html

On the scent of a tiger

May 15, 2012, DHNS: WILDLIFE The Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary has good prey density and could serve as the next tiger reserve in Karnataka. A team of experts has found several prey species,scats, pug marks and other indications of tigers in the sanctuary, reports Subhash Chandra N S With the State Forest Department worried about the safety of the spillover population of Nagarhole’s tigers, the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary adjacent to it seems to be the answer to the problems at Nagarhole. Though smaller, the Brahmagiri sanctuary has a sizeable population of big cats. With good prey density, it is now tipped to be another tiger reserve in the State. The Nagarhole National Park and Tiger Reserve is at the foothills of the Western Ghats and spreads towards the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Kodagu district, closer to the Kerala border. Located in the Western Ghats, the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary spreads over 181 sq km with two ranges, the Srimangala and Makoota Wildlife Range. Spread over 129 sq km of dense forest, Srimangala is the largest range with rich wildlife and the potential to become another tiger reserve in the State. The Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is connected to Aralum Wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala along the southern border, while the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is on the south. The wildlife sanctuary has reported frequent tiger sightings, direct and indirect. It is presently believed to be home to five-six tigers. The evergreen region has a good prey density with a sizeable population of sambar, the tiger’s favourite food. Camera traps in the forest range also point to the presence of tigers in the sanctuary. According to Range Forest Officer Srinivasa Nayak, a camera obtained from the Indian Institute of Science was installed in the Srimangala Wildlife Range in January this year, when a tiger from the Nagarhole National Park strayed out. “We were able to camera trap two tigers,” he said. Nayak, entrusted with the task of tracking the tiger that strayed out of the Nagarhole National Park, says he could not track the tiger using a camera trap. He then requested his higher-ups to shift the camera to his range, which led to the surprising discovery. Apart from tigers, the camera has also captured leopard, endangered Nilgiri martin, mouse deer and barking deer. The region, according to former dean of Wildlife Institute of India A J T John Singh, is also home to Nilgiri langur and lion-tailed macaque. Tracking the tiger A team of experts comprising former principal chief conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden (PCCF) B K Singh, John Singh and others, found several prey species and scats, pug marks and other marks of tigers in the sanctuary. According to B K Singh, “The forest range is a good habitat with flora that helps the survival of herbivores, which, in turn supports bigger carnivores like leopards and tigers. It can definitely be a future hub for tiger conservation.” According to wildlife expert Sanjay Gubbi, Brahmagiri is an evergreen habitat interspersed with grasslands and has potential to hold good densities of prey and predators. “It holds good numbers of gaur and sambar, the principal prey for tigers in the area. It is part of the larger forest complex and is connected to Nagarhole Tiger Reserve through Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Tirunelli and Hilldale Reserved Forests in Kerala,” he said. Pointing out that the postmortem conducted following complaints of cattle lifting and killing also establishes the presence of a sizeable population of tigers, he says, “When everyone talks of source-sink tiger populations, it is important to ensure connectivity between these sites. A classic example is the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve and Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. Though Brahmagiri has all the characteristics to act as an excellent sink site and also provide connectivity to other protected areas to its north, an important point has to be first tackled. The small gap between Nagarhole and Brahmagiri has to be connected.” Former PCCF Singh adds, “There are two coffee estates - Huvinakadu and Faith coffee estates - on the eastern parts of the sanctuary. Experts and NGOs are suggesting to us to acquire them to provide contiguity. The south-eastern border of the sanctuary has the Tholapatti range of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary; on the east, it is connected to Mysore Elephant Reserve and on the west, it is connected to Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary and Pushapgiri Wildlife Sanctuary. Building this connectivity will ensure that tigers, elephants and other animals are connected to northern Western Ghats in Karnataka. If this critical issue is not addressed now, the forests of the Western Ghats will be permanently disconnected. http://www.deccanherald.com/content/249403/on-scent-tiger.html

New tourism route in Tadoba buffer soon

Mazhar Ali, TNN | May 15, 2012, 01.21AM IST CHANDRAPUR: In a move that is sure to ease some tourist pressure from the near-saturated Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), the buffer administration of TATR has decided to open a new route for tourists in the buffer area which has a good density of wildlife and scenic beauty. While safari in the buffer area will be cheaper than that inside TATR, tourists can also enjoy some special perks which are not allowed inside the tiger reserve on this new route. Tourism in the buffer area is being promoted with the sole objective of economical development of buffer villages and providing employment to local youths. The new 14-km-long tourist route will begin from Navargaon Chauki and end at Jakana gate near Junona village in the buffer area. "Local eco-development committees of Devada and Junona village will shoulder the responsibility of tourism on this route. While they will charge the gate fees from tourists, youths from the villages will take up the job of guides for the safari. Modalities over the gate fees and timings of the safari are being finalized. Tourism in the buffer zone would start in the next 10 days," said Chandrapur forest division DCF P Kalyankumar. The forest department has added a five-km patch of road to the existing nine-km road on this exclusive tourist road. Three water holes fall along this route whose forest and wildlife density is as good as that inside the tiger reserve. "Spillover tourists of TATR could be accommodated on this new buffer route. While the forest along the route has good scenic beauty, tourists can even spot a tiger and other wild animals in the buffer zone," said Kalyankumar. There would be no restriction on the number of vehicles on this new route. Visitors can take the buffer ride from either points at Navargaon Chauki or Jakana gate. "Tourists can enjoy snacks and coffee at some specific points on the route. We even have plans of plying a mobile snack stall along the route, so that tourists can buy snacks midway if they want," he said. This new buffer route will be open for the tourists even during the monsoon, when safari inside the TATR is closed. Based upon the experience gained from opening of this new route, the forest department has plans of opening two more tourists routes in the buffer area soon. Now, enjoy wildlife from machan The forest department is going to add a new feature of machan tourism to the wildlife tourism in the buffer area of TATR. Machan tourism will be taken up in Agarzari forest, located along the banks of Irai dam in the buffer area. The eco-development committee of Agarzari will shoulder the responsibility of machan tourism. "We have identified four machans in the dense jungle along the bank of Irai dam for the activity. Guides from Agarzari village will take tourists to the machans in the morning and stay with them for the specified time slot. Initially, machan tourism will be taken up during day time. Based upon its outcome and response of tourists, we may consider machan tourism during the night in the future," said DCF Kalyankumar. Tourist guides from the village are being trained in identification of birds which come in a large number to the dam. Being a perennial source of water for the entire wildlife population in the area, tigers and leopards also visit the Irai reservoir. Apart from the fun of staying on machan in vicinity of wildlife, tourist will have the additional pleasure of around 15-km-long ride up to the machans through the thick jungle. Formalities for launching machan tourism are in the final stages and this new tourist attraction is likely to begin in next 10 days, said Kalyankumar. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/New-tourism-route-in-Tadoba-buffer-soon/articleshow/13141632.cms

Sathyamangalam to house fourth tiger reserve in State

The Hindu The image of a tiger captured in the monitoring cameras installed in Sathyamangalam forests in Erode district. File photo “A forest research centre will be established at Vandalur Arignar Anna Zoological Park” Sathyamangalam will be the State's fourth tiger reserve with the government promising to create a new reserve for the big cats spread over 1.40 lakh hectares from the present sanctuary limits. Replying to the discussion on the demands for grants for the Forest Department, Minister K.T. Pachamal said that the government notified 1,41,161 hectares of reserve forests in Sathyamangalam as a wildlife sanctuary in August 2011. To protect the sanctuary and the tiger habitat, it decided to create the fourth tiger reserve on 1,40,924 hectares through notification. The State has three tiger reserves in Mudumalai, Anaimalai and Kalakad-Mundanthurai. The tiger count in the State at present is 163 and the number is steadily going up in the Sathyamangalam reserve forests. A forest research centre would be established at Vandalur Arignar Anna Zoological Park at a cost of Rs.34.24 crore with the State's own funds. This would be expanded with financial assistance from the Centre and upgraded to a Rs.74.37 crore research facility. A butterfly park would be created near Srirangam at a cost of Rs.8.67 crore on a 10 hectares in the Upper Anicut reserve forest. To prevent man-animal conflict, Rs.10 crore would be spent in seven districts this year from the allotted Rs.44.13 crore for four years beginning this fiscal. The Chief Minister had given consent for new legislation to prevent the felling of trees in non-forest areas, including government lands such as roadsides. A committee would be formed to ensure that ten trees were planted for every tree cut. http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/article3419287.ece

99 tigers sighted in a single day in Maharashtra

Pradip Kumar Maitra, Hindustan Times Nagpur, May 14, 2012 Here’s some good news for wildlife lovers! At least 99 tigers and 96 leopards were sighting during the nightlong machan (waterhole) census in just one day at different tiger reserves and wildlife sanctuaries, including the famed Tadoba, Melghat and Pench in Maharashtra. The census was done on May 6, which was a full moon night. According to the state wildlife wing, apart from big cats, a number of rare species such as pangolin and mouse deer were also sighted. "If 99 tiger were sighted in just a day in protected forest areas, it indicates that the tiger population in the state would be over 200," claims Kishore Mishrikotkar, assistant conservator of forests (Wildlife). During the census, 634 wild dogs, 621 bears, 43 jackals, 153 wolves, 19 foxes, 2444 bisons, 14 bears and other wild animals were also sighted. The census was carried out only in 6 national parks (four of these are tiger reserves) and 37 wildlife sanctuaries. However, the wildlife wing could not carry out the census in Bhamragarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Chaprala sanctuary in Gadchiroli because of naxalite problem. The waterhole machan census technique is widely used to count animals when they visit waterholes. This technique is used when water sources are not numerous and widely scattered in the area. The best time to conduct a waterhole census is at the height of the dry season when water is a limiting factor. And that was the reason to conduct it during summer, in May this year. The state wildlife warden and principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF)-Wildlife, SWH Naqvi, informed that 45 big cats had been sighted in Tadoba in Chandrapur district and 22 tigers were spotted in Melghat tiger reserve in Amravati in a single day. However, not a single tiger was sighted in Navegaon National Park in Bhandara. But as many as seven tigers and an equal number of leopards were sighted in the neighbouring Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary in Gondia district. Naqvi said that the daylong census was carried out only in protected forest areas. Maharashtra’s forest cover is 50,650 sq kms which is 16.46% of the total geographical area of the state. The state has 8,739 sq km of very dense forest while the area under moderately dense forest is 20,834 sq km and open forest in the state amounts to 21,077 sq kms. The Maharashtra has six national parks and 40 wildlife sanctuaries. These protected forest areas constitute around 2.5% of the total geographical area of the state and 15% of the forest cover in Maharashtra. And the recent wildlife census was carried out only in protected forest area. The tiger population in the state has increased considerably of late, thanks to better forest and wildlife management. The population of the big cat has gone up from 103 in 2006 census to 169 in 2010 census. Wildlife experts estimate that the tiger population has now touched 200 figure in the state. The number of tigers in Tadoba tiger reserve has risen from 53 to 69 as compared to the last census. Tadoba has probably become the first tiger reserve in the country to spot as many as 32 tiger cubs since January 2010. http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Maharashtra/99-tigers-sighted-in-a-single-day-in-Maharashtra/Article1-855629.aspx

Goa mulls tiger reserve status for Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary

Last Updated: Friday, May 11, 2012, 10:57 0 Tags: Goa, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Tiger Panaji: Goa's BJP-led Government may push ahead with a proposal to declare Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and its adjoining areas as a tiger reserve, a move which if implemented will help in curbing mining in forest areas. State Forest Department is in talks with a local environmentalist, Nirmal Kulkarni, and NGOs associated with Ranathambore Tiger Reserve to collect data to establish presence of tigers in the sanctuary spread over 208.48 km. "The data will be collected through camera-traps, images and indirect evidences like tiger scat and their pug marks," Chief Wildlife Warden Richard D'Souza said. The sanctuary, located in North-Eastern Goa, is a continuous corridor for tigers, who usually walk into the region from neighbouring Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve in Karnataka and also Maharashtra's Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. D'Souza claimed that providing tiger reserve status to Mhadei will not be a difficult task, but it will require rehabilitation of the villagers living within the sanctuary. As per Government estimates, 28 hamlets are located inside the sanctuary, carved out to protect wroughton's free- tailed bat, which is on the brink of extinction. The latest survey by Dehradun-based Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has established the presence of tigers over 322 sq km covering six wildlife sanctuaries in the coastal state. The survey was conducted by WII with the help of 60 officers and personnel of Goa Forest Department. "Goa can potentially be home to a small breeding population of tigers which would be sustained by immigrants from Anshi-Dandeli as well as Sahyadri," WII said in a report to the Government. Tiger reserve status to wildlife sanctuaries will go a long way in curbing mining menace which has gripped the forest areas of Goa, activists have said. Government records indicate that there are 44 active mines in the vicinity of wildlife sanctuaries. Moreover, 34 mining leases exist within the sanctuaries. PTI

Palasgaon tiger stable but not out of danger

TNN | May 11, 2012, 05.51AM IST NAGPUR: The Palasgaon tiger, which suffered injuries on its left paw and subsequent internal complications after getting entangled in a metal trap laid by poachers, has shown a slight improvement. However, vets treating it admit that it would be a big achievement to save the tiger. "Although the health parameters show some improvement and condition of the tiger has not deteriorated further, I still feel it is not out of danger," Dr NP Dakshinkar, the professor & head of department of medicine at the Nagpur Veterinary College, told TOI. On Thursday, a team of doctors including dean Dr A Samad, Dr Dakshinkar, Dr Gautam Bhojne, and forest officials including A K Saxena, additional PCCF (wildlife), Nagpur, East, ACF Kishore Mishrikotkar and honorary district wildlife warden Kundan Hate checked on the ailing tiger at the Seminary Hills nursery. It has been under treatment ever since it was brought here on April 28. The poaching incident happened on two days earlier. One tiger died and a third escaped the traps that were cleverly set at a waterhole on the outskirts of the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. Dr Dakshinkar said although the tiger has not come out of the acute renal failure, there is definitely some improvement as toxic wastes are passing out. The tiger's liver functioning is absolutely normal and this possibly resulted in its improved appetite. "The animal consumed 2.5kg meat on Thursday, which is a good sign. The urea-creatinine levels are still high but show a declining trend," Dr Dakshinkar said. Looking into the tiger's improved condition, the vets have stopped administering IV fluids and as a change of strategy, are resorting to minimum medication. "If the need is felt, the fluids will be administered again," said Dr Dakshinkar. The vets are leaving no stone unturned to see that the tiger comes out of bad health. Sources said utmost care is being taken during the treatment. "On Thursday, it took three hours to put a plaster on the injured left paw of the animal," said sources. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Palasgaon-tiger-stable-but-not-out-of-danger/articleshow/13089388.cms

Irritated by cattle loss, villagers try to take on tiger

TNN | May 11, 2012, 05.52AM IST CHANDRAPUR: Panic stricken villagers of Tekadi, located on the border of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, on Thursday morning tried to tackle a full grown tiger on their own. Aggrieved by the loss of their cattle killed by tigers, a group of villagers rushed to a tiger and tried to drive away the beast from the kill. However, timely intervention of local forest officers prevented any untoward incident. A tiger from TATR killed a bullock on the bank of Irai river close to Tekadi village on Wednesday night. The beast then dragged its kill to thick shrubs and devoured over it. After villagers learnt about the incident tension gripped the village. Twelve villagers went out in search of the kill and found the tiger sitting over it. "Even as small mob had gathered around, the tiger continued to devour its kill. Some people even tried to drive the beast away. But, team of foresters reached the spot in time and pacified the villagers," sources in forest department said. RFO Rautkar pacified the villagers. Later a rapid response team from Chandrapur forest division and police squad from Bhadrawati was also rushed to the spot. Through public address system the villagers were asked to go back to the village and the tiger was driven back into jungle by making 'haka' (din). "Tiger is safe and we have made all arrangements for its protection. The villagers might have dared to go close to tiger out of fear sycosis, however no untoward incident took place," said DCF, Chandrapur forest division, P Kalyankumar. He suspected that tiger could have came for water in Irai river and killed the cattle that was present at the water body. RFO Rautkar claimed that they have made all arrangements for monitoring the tiger's movement. "The cattle kill is on the same place. We have mounted four camera traps around the kill to monitor the tiger. A machan has also been built close to the spot to keep a watch over the tiger," he said. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Irritated-by-cattle-loss-villagers-try-to-take-on-tiger/articleshow/13089407.cms

7 tigers spotted at Nagzira, none at Navegaon during census

TNN | May 11, 2012, 05.54AM IST Bhandara: There is mixed news for wildlife lovers, as a number of tigers were sighted in Nagzira tiger sanctuary while not a single tiger was seen at Navegaon Bandh national park during the recent machan census. Forest officials assured though that there are tigers in the national park, but they might not have visited waterholes during the census. Assistant conservator of forest (Nagzira) Ramesh Saraf said that during the water hole census in Nagzira tiger sanctuary on May 6, volunteers and staff sighted 7 tigers, 7 leopards, 196 wild dogs, 45 sloth bear, 712 sambar, 476 bison, 1,177 chital. The waterhole census begun on May 6 and concluded 24 hours later, with 84 wild life lovers and NGO representatives, including 15 ladies, participated in the census. These people came from as far away as Amravati, Akola, Akot, Pune, Nagpur and Bhandara. Census was also conducted in Navegaon Bandh national park on the same day, said ACF Govind Yede. Here, people sighted 6 leopards, 85 sloth bear, 311 bison, 36 sambar, 30 chital, 151 wild boar, 272 blue bull, 46 wild dogs, 19 wolf, 2 hyena, 56 barking deer, 16 mongoose, 129 peacocks, 1,365 rhesus macaque, 565 langoor, 7 porcupine, 5 civet cat and 9 wildcats. Chintu Rajput and Munna Nagori, activists of Wild Watch, said the high tiger density in Nagzira tiger sanctuary's 355 sq km area is proven by sighting of 7 tigers. As for Navegaon Bandh national park, though no tiger was counted during census, officials said the forest stretches up to Deori, and the resident tigers might have gone into the adjacent forest area. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/7-tigers-spotted-at-Nagzira-none-at-Navegaon-during-census/articleshow/13089411.cms