Intensify foot patrolling in tiger reserves, say wildlife activists

R. KRISHNA KUMAR ‘Arrest of six poachers is only the tip of the iceberg’ The arrest of an inter-State gang of poachers operating in the vicinity of BRT Tiger Reserve on Friday has underlined the perennial threat to national parks and tiger landscapes from dealers in wildlife derivatives. Conservation activists believe the arrest of the six persons — hailing from Haryana — is only the tip of the iceberg as they are nomadic and travel in large numbers with specific instructions from key persons who remote control their operations but remain incognito. K.S. Sudheer, trustee, Voice for Wildlife Trust, told The Hindu that the gang had specific instructions to reach the BRT site and hence they had established temporary camp outside the tiger reserve. While three jaw traps had already been laid inside the forests, it is only providence that they were caught. The gang members had to venture out of the forests to get a steel spring repaired and were caught when sighted by Forest Department guards. These traps had been removed and the entire BRT Tiger Reserve, Kollegal Wildlife Range, and the periphery forests have been combed, once by the Forest Department staff and again by the members of the Special Tiger Force, Mr. Sudheer said. Incidentally, one of the accused, Jagadish, was wanted in connection with a poaching case in Himachal Pradesh and he had come to Karnataka after securing bail, Mr. Sudheer said. Meanwhile, inquiries with the gang have revealed that they would set the trap during evening and go into hiding during day time to evade detection by forest guards. D. Rajkumar of Wildlife Conservation Foundation, Mysore, said the modus operandi of the Forest Department’s anti-poaching cell was well-known among poachers and they made efforts to hoodwink them. “Foot patrolling generally takes place during day time and hence the poachers go into hiding and emerge only at night when the patrolling by jeep along the safari route is the norm,” Mr. Sudheer pointed out. “Poachers know well that the response time will be slow during night — especially during rainy season and hence will be working overtime. Hence it is important that foot patrolling is intensified,” Mr. Rajkumar said. Both Bandipur and Nagarahole have been targeted by poachers in the past and it is now clear that the network of poachers is trying to spread its tentacles into other tiger reserves in south India. BRT Tiger Reserve along with Bandipur, Nagarahole in Karnataka, Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu and Wayanad in Kerala constitutes a contiguous habitat for predators like tigers. It has been identified as one of the high-density tiger landscapes harbouring about 214 to 239 tigers in the Karnataka side while the tiger population range spread over the three States in these contiguous jungles is said to be in the range of 354 to 411 as per the National Tiger Conservation Authority statistics. While such statistics about tiger population augurs well for the long-term conservation of the species, it also emboldens the poachers to spread their dragnet in view of the demand for tiger parts in the illegal market. http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/karnataka/article3616919.ece

6 inter-state poachers held at Gundal forests

H M Aravind, TNN Jul 8, 2012, 04.22AM IST National Tiger Conservation Authority|inter-state poachers|Gundal forests MYSORE: For some time now, the forest department was continuously watching the movement of outsiders on the fringes of the BRT wildlife sanctuary bordering Tamil Nadu. Hindi-speaking outsiders were under the scanner following alerts that a gang could be trying to strike in the tiger reserve. The efforts have paid off as the forest department busted a team of inter-state poachers that was active in the Karnataka. Luckily, the team has been nabbed before any big cat has fallen prey to them. What's alarming is that the gang has a past record: They are wanted in wildlife crimes in other states and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WLCCB) is now scanning the accused. At least one of the six arrested is facing a wildlife offence at Arunachal Pradesh, sources told The Sunday Times of India. "There were regular alerts and we took them seriously beefing up security at the field level. We nabbed them at Gundal forests," they added. Though the security was put on alert, the gang had managed to infiltrate inside the tiger reserve spread over 539.52 square kilometers bordering Tamil Nadu. This comes barely four weeks after a six months old tiger cub was poached in the area. But the poachers were localities who were arrested on June 13. The gang is busted based on alerts from National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). The operation was assisted by the Chennai-based WLCCB. According to BRT tiger reserve director Vijay Mohan Raj, the inter-state poachers hail from Haryana and were sent to Karnataka to poach tigers. All the arrested are from Panchkula district. http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-08/mysore/32588477_1_tiger-reserve-poachers-national-tiger-conservation-authority

Corbett officials turn tigress into jackal

Chetan Chauhan, Hindustan Times New Delhi, July 06, 2012 Circumstantial evidence of a tiger sacrifice was not enough. It took a forensic examination to indicate that a tigress was killed deep inside the Corbett National Park more than a month ago - not a jackal as forest officials claimed. On May 24, Corbett staff found the innards of an animal in the core area of the tiger reserve. Wildlife activists claimed it was a tiger's. But Ranjan Mishra, director of Corbett's tiger reserve, insisted the parts were those of a porcupine or jackal. Wildlife activists' suspicions of tiger poaching were aroused by the fact that forest officials found clothes, an empty box of sweets and ash at the Bijrani range deep inside the reserve. Activists said the material was evidence of a puja having been conducted. Tribes such as Bawarias usually conduct pujas before sacrificing wild animals, especially tigers. Anil Baluni, former vice-chairperson of the Uttarakhand environment and forest advisory committee, said the tigress was skinned and most of its body parts were taken away. Another Dehradun-based wildlife expert said entire body parts are taken away only in the case of big cats as they fetch high prices. Mishra, however, said, "There is a huge difference in the small intestine of tigers and other animals. We are sure this animal was not a tiger or tigress. We have sent the body parts for further analysis." The Dehradun-based Wildlife Institute of India (WII) was asked to conduct a forensic examination of the intestines and initial reports point to the animal having been a tigress, sources told HT. "We have not received any report from WII so far," the state's chief wildlife warden SA Sharma said. "We are trying our best to save the tigers but patrolling round the clock is not possible. One or two poaching incidents should not be construed as tigers being unsafe in the big open jungle of Corbett," he said. http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Corbett-officials-turn-tigress-into-jackal/Article1-883939.aspx

Ecotourism at Western Ghats sites may be streamlined

K. S. SUDHI The Hindu EXPLORING NATURE: In this file photo, Foreign tourists make most of the opportunities available for trekking in Thekkady, a big draw for wild life enthusiasts. Photo: H.Vibhu Ecotourism activities are permitted in 60 forest destinations including 12 of the nominated sites in the State. Ecotourism activities in the World Heritage Sites of the Western Ghats may be streamlined after assessing the carrying capacity of the individual sites. While inscribing the 39 serial sites of the Ghats, the World Heritage Committee has asked India to initiate “proactive responsible tourism management in anticipation of increased future visitation, and to ensure that visitation remains within the capacity of the property.” The world heritage tag is expected to increase the global attention and visitation to these sites. The inscribed sites from Kerala include the Silent Valley and Eravikulam national parks and the Periyar Tiger Reserve, which are some of the preferred ecotourism destinations in the State. Similar activities are there in the Shendurney, Neyyar, Peppara, Chinnar, and Aralam wildlife sanctuaries, the forest ranges of Kulathupuzha and Palode, and the forest divisions of Ranni, Konni, and Achencoil. Ecotourism activities are permitted in 60 forest destinations including 12 of the nominated sites in the State. The visitor attraction to Eravikulam is the vast expanses of Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), which flowers gregariously once in 12 years, and the possibility of watching Nilgiri tahr, an endangered mountain ungulate, in close quarters. During the last mass flowering of the plants in 2006, over 5 lakh visitors reached there in three months. The maximum turnout for a single day was around 8,000 persons. The heavy turnout did not have much ecological impacts, thanks to the vigil and strict enforcement of visitor management measures, said Roy P. Thomas, who was the then wildlife warden. Visitors were not permitted to pluck flowers and overstay in the area. They were provided vehicles for accessing the park, Mr. Thomas said. In the tiger reserve, a boat ride along the Thekkadi lake and high chances of watching wildlife including elephants and deer in action are the key attractions. The average annual tourist turnout is around 7 lakh. Of this, around 3 lakh opt for boating, said Sanjayankumar, deputy director of the reserve. Ecotourism activities such as bamboo rafting, boating, and trekking are allowed in a limited scale, based on the findings of the carrying capacity, he said. The Silent Valley had 23,241 visitors including 5,000 students during the last financial year. The ecotourism activities are restricted to around one sq km of the 89 sq km park. The maximum turnout was around 200 persons during the peak season, the park authorities said. N.V. Trivedi Babu, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Eco Development and Tribal Welfare), said that the Kerala Forest Department was planning to asses the carrying capacity of the ecotourism sites in the State. All divisional forest officers of the State were directed to carry out the assessment. The support of agencies such as the Kerala Forest Research Institute will be sought wherever required. http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article3608974.ece

Anil Deshmukh to pursue Bandu Dhotre's demands

TNN | Jul 6, 2012, 01.29AM IST NAGPUR: With wildlife activist Bandu Dhotre's indefinite fast entering the fourth day, support is pouring in. On Thursday, state food and civil supplies minister Anil Deshmukh visited the fasting activist and said he would pursue the demands raised by Dhotre with government. Deshmukh was with Dhotre for over 25 minutes. He showed keen interest in the presentation by Dhotre on how tigers were being left to die outside Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) owing to poor protection. Dhotre pointed out that areas around Tadoba were the only living corridor in the country from where tigers disperse but as there was no wildlife management in these areas, tigers were being poached easily. The same situation persists in areas outside other sanctuaries. He also drew attention of Deshmukh towards a government order of 2003 that area under protection of a forest guard should be between 500-750 hectares. However, forest guards are routinely looking after over 1,500 hectares and also performing multiple other assignments. Deshmukh, who is aware of wildlife issues grappling Vidarbha, agreed with Dhotre demands of secret funds for intelligence gathering, a forensic lab for wildlife in Nagpur, rescue centre in Chandrapur, forest fire protection etc. He promised to take up the demands with forest minister Patangrao Kadam and secretary Praveen Pardeshi. Deshmukh even called up Kadam from the venue and talked to him over phone. Kadam also talked to Dhotre. Deshmukh appealed to Dhotre to call off the fast. However, Pardeshi has called a meeting at Mumbai to discuss the demands raised by Dhotre on Friday. A four-member team has left for Mumbai to meet Pardeshi. Meanwhile, chief wildlife warden SWH Naqvi on Thursday wrote to Dhotre on status of various demands raised by him. The outcome of the fast will depend on the talks with Pardeshi, sources in Dhotre camp said. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Anil-Deshmukh-to-pursue-Bandu-Dhotres-demands/articleshow/14698276.cms

Poachers thrash forest guard in Ranthambore, kill deer

TNN | Jul 5, 2012, 01.11AM IST JAIPUR: At least 10 poachers, armed with guns and knifes, thrashed a forest guard in Indala area in Ranthambore National Park on Tuesday night after he tried to nab them. The poachers escaped after killing a spotted deer. According to sources, a guard, Hanuman, who was on duty in the park at night, heard some noises nearby. Suddenly he saw a few persons armed with guns and knifes. "No sooner he stepped forward, the poachers attacked him. At this the guard raised an alarm and soon his colleagues reached for help. But even they were attacked by the poachers who then escaped," said an official. Later senior officials too arrived on the spot and started a search but by then the poachers had escaped. "We have identified the poachers and are confident of catching them. The guard was immediately taken to the hospital on an ambulance but the poachers had already killed a deer by then," said the official. Conservation biologist Dharmendra Khandal of Tiger Watch said, "The poachers entered the park with eight guns and killed a Cheetal or Sambhar. But vital information has been collected by intelligence gathering team. Even the forest, police and administration are active and necessary steps have been taken by forest department. The gang leader is already wanted in some leopard poaching case since 2006.'' An FIR has been filed in this regard under Wildlife Protection Act 1972 against poachers by the police. Monsoon is the season when poachers get active in parks. The parks are closed for tourists during this time as many animals breed and the entry of tourist is a hindrance for them. However, tigers and other animals climb on higher grounds or even go towards the periphery and are often poached. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/Poachers-thrash-forest-guard-in-Ranthambore-kill-deer/articleshow/14681334.cms

Reddy new forest department of Pench tiger reserve

TNN | Jul 5, 2012, 02.14AM IST NAGPUR: In a minor reshuffle in the state forest department which took place on Wednesday, seven IFS officials were shifted including the field director of the Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR). The orders were issued on Tuesday. Among those who have been transferred include chief conservator of forests (CCF) A Ashraf. He will be replaced by MS Reddy, who is conservator for Gondia wildlife division. Reddy will be replaced by deputy conservator VV Gurme, who too has been promoted as CF. Reddy, who looked after the Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary and Navegaon National Park, has been promoted as CCF. Ashraf has been posted as CCF (budget) at Van Bhavan. He will replace SS Mahajan, who retired on June 30. Deputy conservator of forest (Dy CF) BS Thengdi, who was with evaluation and had almost lost hopes due to victimization, got a double promotion after 16 years. Thengdi was facing departmental inquiry but was given a clean chit by the court in 2006. Even then, he was deprived of a promotion. Thengdi has now been posted as CCF (vigilance & employees welfare). He will replace MN Gawli, who retired on June 30. Thengdi's batchmates have already become additional principal chief conservator of forests (APCCFs). http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Reddy-new-forest-department-of-Pench-tiger-reserve/articleshow/14681996.cms

Tiger cub found dead

TNN | Jul 4, 2012, 06.30AM IST MYSORE: A tiger cub has been found dead deep inside Bandipur National Park, raising concerns over the safety of tigers due to territorial fights in the tiger reserve. This is the second such death in Bandipur in five weeks. On May 30, a tiger was found dead in Moolehole range bordering Kerala. The officials had cited territorial fight as the cause of its death. On Monday evening, the field staff on patrol spotted the carcass of the cub at Gundre range. According to conservator of forests Kumar Pushkar, who heads the reserve, the 18-month-old might have died following a fight with another tiger. Its body parts were intact and there is no foul play, he added. The field staff are reporting territorial fights between the big cats, indicating a rise in tiger population in the reserve, he said. A postmortem was conducted on Wednesday in the presence of APCCF and field director (project tiger) B J Hosmath and C M Shivakumar, assistant inspector general of forests, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NCTA). There were representatives from the NGOs too. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/Tiger-cub-found-dead/articleshow/14663279.cms

At Ranthambore National Park, male tigers play mother

Anindo Dey, TNN | Jul 4, 2012, 03.35AM IST JAIPUR: The tiger's roar is becoming more and more "affectionate". And this is becoming "infectious" at the Ranthambore National Park. It is a rare behaviour among the male tigers, but as they say only change is permanent! T-25 was reportedly the first documented tiger to play "father figure" to cubs and since then officials have now recorded at least six more male tigers at the park, who are playing the daddy's role and are helping tigresses in bringing up the young ones. Male tigers are not known to take care of the young ones and are, on the contrary, kept away from the cubs by the tigresses. Generally, the mother takes care of the cubs till they are at least two-year-old while the father plays a mere visitor. "What is now happening in Ranthambore will denote the sheer complexity of tiger behaviour. The trend of tigers preferring solitude is gradually changing at the park. In fact, we have witnessed a peculiar, astonishing and amazing breakthrough in the behaviour of male tigers," said Rajesh Kumar Gupta, field director, Ranthambhore tiger reserve. Gupta has documented the behaviour or these six tigers in the current publication of Project Tiger. "In Ranthambore National Park, T-19 female with three cubs are in the bigger home range of their presumed father T-28. The territory of T-28 has increased or varies with the movement of T-19 and her three cubs, signifying reach of parental protection by the males. On March 18, I sighted T-19 tigress with two cubs. One of the cubs stood up and moved close to the male tiger T-28 and sat beside him for affection," wrote Gupta. "On March 29, 2012, I spotted tigress T-8 and her two cubs while returning from night patrolling and also saw tiger T-34 near them. The cubs were again spotted with the tigress and the tiger few days later in the same area. It has been noticed that T-8 with her two cubs are residing within the home range of T-34 male in the Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary," he says. "Tigress T-26 with three cubs live in the close vicinity of T-20, an aged tiger. T-31 with two cubs are frequently visited by tiger T-23. T-11 with three cubs are protected by T-33. T-30 with a litter of three cubs are being protected by T-3 and T-9 with two cubs are protected by T-33, a male tiger," he noted. Earlier, the national park had documented male tiger T-25 roaming with two orphaned cubs and was protecting them since they were four months old. T-25 did so in a range of other tigers, panthers and hyenas after their mother T-5 had died within 9 to 10 days after delivery. The tiger has also been sighted in direct confrontation with tigress T-17 while protecting these cubs. When contacted, Gupta explained, "It could be that the father of the cubs are providing parental protection to prevent infanticide and establish 'genetic supremacy' in the park. However, what has become clear is that male tigers do display affectionate behaviour, resorting to parental care. But research and observation should continue to reach a definite conclusion." http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/At-Ranthambore-National-Park-male-tigers-play-mother/articleshow/14659925.cms

Activist on fast seeking protection for wildlife

PAVAN DAHAT “Eight tigers have died in the last eight months” Wildlife activist and founder president of Eco-Pro, an NGO from Chandrapur, Bandu Dhotre began an indefinite hunger strike in front of ‘Van Bhavan’ the State's forest headquarters here on Monday, demanding steps for the protection of wildlife, especially tigers. “Eight tigers have died in the last eight months due to various reasons and the government’s apathy to wildlife protection has contributed to it,” Mr. Dhotre told The Hindu. “This protest is not against the forest department only, it is to awaken the government to the grave situation we are facing.” The demands of the NGO include merger of the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM) forests in Chandrapur district, along with its employees, into Chandrapur, Central Chanda and Bramhapuri forest divisions for effective tiger protection; installation of the ‘electronic eye’ system in the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) on the grounds of Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve and removal of fire protection work of the TATR from the FDCM. Mr. Dhotre has also demanded that Chandrapur be declared a ‘Tiger District’ and protection provided to every tiger as per norms of a reserve. “There is an intense need to carry out corridor mapping through the Wildlife Institute of India and to appoint ‘van patils’ in Chandrapur district and other forest areas in Vidarbha on the lines of ‘police patils,” he said. Vidarbha has witnessed many tiger deaths in the last few months, due to poaching and other reasons. Forest officials refused to comment on the hunger strike. http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/other-states/article3595564.ece

Unsafe corridors pose threat to Tadoba tigers

Mazhar Ali, TNN | Jul 2, 2012, 04.00AM IST CHANDRAPUR: Even as the state government has shown positive signs towards conservation of tiger corridors of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) by declaring a new Umred-Karangla wildlife sanctuary, a lot is needed to done to pave the way for safe passage for tigers migrating out of Tadoba. Mapping and digitization of the tiger corridors leading out of Tadoba is one of the key demands of wildlife activist Bandu Dhotre, who will launch his indefinite hunger strike in Nagpur for safety of tigers here from Monday. Tadoba is one of the best tiger habitats in country that is connected with Andhra Pradesh in South, Gadchiroli in east and Nagpur in North through the corridors. The corridor in the North passes through Chimur range, leading to Central Nagpur forest division and further connecting to Melghat and Pench tiger reserves. Similarly, the southern corridor leads out through Lohara, Junona, Kothari, Dhaba jungles to Chaprala sanctuary and ahead to Indrawati tiger reserve Chhattisgarh. The same corridor branches towards Kawal Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh. The eastern corridor leads through Mul, Saoli and ahead into Wadsa forests of Gadchiroli. The spillover population of tigers from Tadoba and jungles around it, moves through these corridors to safer locations to make new territories. However, these tiger corridors are under severe threat due to mining and irrigation projects, expanding human habitation and negligence of forest department. "At present, there are about 36 tiger cubs in TATR. Out of these, 18 will attain adulthood during this year and move out of Tadoba. Their migration out of Tadoba can only be tenable when the corridors are safe," said Dhotre. He said that the forest department does not have exact mapping and digitization of these corridors. And for the same reason, the department does not know exactly where the tigers have gone after migration, he claimed. Dhotre said that there is total loss of monitoring in Gadchiroli and hence the department has no knowledge about the direction of movement of tigers there. Similarly, corridors have been bottlenecked and at many places completely severed due to deforestation, human habitation and even irrigation canals. "Forest department is aware of this problem, but has never bothered to map their corridors and identify the threats to it. Hence, we have voiced the demand of mapping and digitization of the corridors through Wildlife Institute of India, identifying the threats to corridors and enlisting the remedial measures to neutralize the threats to corridors," he said. Dhotre claimed that the other major threat to tigers and their corridors is from FDCM. This commercial set-up of forest department has its areas all around the TATR. There are several compartments of FDCM in every corridor and lack of protection and conservation in them present a severe threat to the resident and transitional tigers in them. "Tiger poaching through electrocution in FDCM Jharan range and failure in detection of dead tigers' carcasses in FDCM Jharan and Junona for a week clearly indicates lack of wildlife management and protection. FDCM is purely a commercial set-up and has least concern about wildlife protection and conservation," he alleged. He claimed that FDCM's work is to take up commercial forestation in degraded forest areas and sell the same wood after felling. However, FDCM acquired dense mixed forests in Vidarbha, particularly Chandrapur and destroyed the bio-diversity by taking up clear felling in their areas since 1978. FDCM acquired dense forests in Jharan, Kanhargaon, Dhaba and Devai having rich wildlife density and were identified as shooting blocks in British regime. Clear felling and plantation of commercial trees destroyed the habitat and disturbed the food chain leading to loss of herbivores and consequently carnivores. "Hence, we have also voiced the demand of merger of FDCM areas in Chandrapur forest circle for effective protection of tigers here," Dhotre said. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Unsafe-corridors-pose-threat-to-Tadoba-tigers/articleshow/14573506.cms

Tiger cub cremated, search on for mother tigress

TNN | Jul 2, 2012, 04.03AM IST CHANDRAPUR: Post-mortem of the tiger cub killed by wild dogs in Dhaba range on Friday was carried on the premises of Central Chanda forest division premises on Saturday morning. Veterinary doctor PD Kadukar confirmed that the cub had died in wild dogs' attack, but claimed that carcass was more than a week old. Earlier the forest officers had claimed that carcass was fresh and forest watchers had seen the dogs feeding on it. Kadukar claimed that the dogs had torn away the right eye of the cub. It had biting and clawing marks on thigh, calf, legs and tail. Assistant conservator of forests UT Bisen confirmed that there is presence of tigress with three cubs in the area. They have installed three camera traps and launched search operations in nearby jungles to track the mother tigress which is now left with two cubs. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Tiger-cub-cremated-search-on-for-mother-tigress/articleshow/14573589.cms

Rare black tiger spotted at Similipal Park

Last Updated: Thursday, June 28, 2012, 22:42 0 Tweet Tags: Black tiger, Similipal Park, NTCA Bhubaneswar: A very rare melanistic or black tiger has been photographed in the core area of the Similipal National Park in Odisha. "We have physical evidence on existence of black tiger inside the core area of the tiger reserve in the Similipal National Park," Forest and Environment minister Debi Prasad Mishta said today. Stating that the picture of the rare species was captured on camera, Mishra said "We have not heard of the existence of the black tiger anywhere in the country." He was speaking after the first governing body meeting of Similipal Tiger Conservation Foundation. Explaining the difference between an ordinary tiger and a black one, Regional Chief Conservator of Forest, Similipal, Anup Nayak said "The melanistic tiger also belongs to the Royal Bengal Tiger species and same in size as yellow ones. "The difference between the black and common type of tigers is that the former has wide black patches, while the black colour is prominent in the melanistic tiger," he said. While there was a difference of opinion between the state government and the Centre over the population of tigers at Similipal, Mishra said "We have installed 68 cameras in the core area where density of tigers is more. "A total of 200 cameras will be fixed in the tiger reserve area to count the exact number of tigers at the onset of winter," he said. The state government in consultation with National Tiger Conservation Authority, Ministry of Environment and Forest has also decided to raise a Similipal Tiger Protection Force, the minister said. The force would comprise an assistant conservator of forest, three forest rangers, 19 foresters and 90 special tiger forest guards, he said. Out of the 90 special tiger forest guards, 63 would be regularly recruited and 27 from among local forest dwellers. The age of the forest guards to be deployed for protection of tigers would be below 40 years of age, Mishra said. The meeting also decided on improvement of ecotourism, elephant habitats and flora and fauna of Similipal. Steps were also being taken to shift four villages located in the core area of the tiger reserve, the minister said in reply to a question. PTI

World Bank, CII join hands for save tiger campaign

Last Updated: Thursday, June 28, 2012, 09:26 0 Tags: Tiger,World Bank,Confederation of Indian Industry,India Wildlife Business Council,India Wildlife,Robert Zoellick,Tiger,save Tiger campaign Washington: In a bid to actively involve the private sector in the global effort to protect tiger, the World Bank and CII have teamed up to establish 'India Wildlife Business Council' that would promote the conservation of the endangered species. Signing an MoU in this regard with Confederation of Indian Industry's Deputy Director General Indrani Kar, World Bank President Robert Zoellick said the India Wildlife Business Council would lead the efforts to save tiger from becoming extinct. "At last there is some glimmer of hope for the tiger in the biodiversity that it represents... The new Indian Wildlife Business Council is leading the way. I can't think of a better country to begin with. "It has the potential to completely change the dynamics in the relationship between Industry and conservation," Zoellick said in his address to a meeting at World Bank headquarters here organised by the Global Tiger Initiative. "We are already down to the barest number, a few mistakes here and there and this important species is gone," Zoellick said and hailed the initiative of India's private sector. In her address to the meeting, Indrani Kar said: "We will work with industry through the India Wildlife Business Council to promote green growth models, aligning business strategies focusing on a triple bottom line approach ? on profits, people and planet. "Industry will thus play a major role in integrating biodiversity with the development agenda." The meeting among others was addressed by Hasan Mahmud, Minister of Environment and Forest, Bangladesh; Pema Gyamtsho, Minister of Agriculture and Forest, Bhutan; and US Under Secretary of State, Robert Hormats. Hailing the Indian effort, Zoellick said that bringing private sector into this effort will infuse new ideas and new resources, changing the dynamic between industry and conservation and will serve as a powerful instrument of change. He expressed optimism in achieving the target of doubling tiger population worldwide by 2022 through new business and policy models such as Smart Green Infrastructure which give priority to tiger habitats while designing land and infrastructure plans. In her remarks, Kar alluded to the symbolic value of the tiger as India's national animal. "Given our tracts of forestland, we have a critical role to play in conservation and it is only through partnerships, collective action and effective engagement that we will be able to make an impact. This MoU is a testimony of our commitment towards this cause," she said. According to the MoU, the objective of the IWBC is to promote tiger and biodiversity conservation in the context of sustainable development and to improve the dialogue between business, conservation stakeholders as well as decision- makers. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), International Development Association (IDA), International Finance Corporation (IFC) - which comprise the "World Bank Group" - and CII will work together to create and support the IWBC, which will serve as an institutionalised platform for collaboration. Tiger population has dwindled massively due to rapid industrialisation, habitat fragmentation, poaching and illegal trade. A mere 3000 tigers remains in the wild today, confined to only seven of their historical geographic presence. PTI http://zeenews.india.com/business/news/economy/world-bank-cii-join-hands-for-save-tiger-campaign_54542.html

Central nod likely for hill station near tiger haven

Chetan Chauhan, Hindustan Times With the Centre likely to regularise over 1,000 land deals in the Western Ghats, besides 10 resorts and 215 windmills that have come up in the ecologically sensitive zone, Maharashtra is all set to get another hill station — New Mahabaleshwar — near a recently created tiger reserve. The standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has agreed to rationalise the boundary of the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, now a Sahyadri tiger reserve, subject to a decision of the Bombay HC and the SC-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC). According to a PIL filed by Nana Khamkar in the Bombay HC, rationalisation of boundaries was an attempt to regularise 215 windmills, 10 resorts and 1,200 land deals that had come up in violation of the Forest Conservation Act. “The state government allowed these structures to come up without waiting for rationalisation of the sanctuary boundaries,” it contended. An environment ministry official, however, defended the decision by saying that the state government will add six times the land removed from Koyna (about 100 sq km) to five different wildlife sanctuaries in the state. Moreover, the decision would be subject to a final view of the HC and the CEC, he added. Maharashtra had declared Koyna as a wildlife sanctuary in 1985. It comprised 230 sq km of forested area and 198 sq km of non-forested land. The state’s forest department conducted inspections between 1995 and 1998 to “delete” part of non-forested area from the ambit of the sanctuary. However, over the years, the government allowed windmills and resorts to come up without deleting them. In 2000, the apex court disallowed deletion of land from national parks and sanctuaries. Later, in 2004, the state – without getting the Centre’s nod – declared the development of the New Mahableshwar hill station and included 14 Koyna villages in it. In a few years, most of the land in the villages was sold illegally. In 2010, the state government declared the entire Koyna region as the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. Though the Forest Conservation Act mandates that taking the opinion of the National Tiger Conservation Authority is mandatory before rationalising boundaries, it was not done. Environment minister Jayanthi Natarajan said she would take a call on the issue after “returning from Rio de Janeiro by June 28”. http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Central-nod-likely-for-hill-station-near-tiger-haven/Article1-879160.aspx

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests questions Additional DGP for entering the forest in Nagarhole

HM Aravind, TNN | Jun 26, 2012, 09.23PM IST MYSORE: The forest department officials took objection to a senior IPS officer's tour at the Nagarhole national park late in the evening on Monday leading to argument at the tiger reserve. Following a scheduled visit by the legislative committee on SC and ST welfare, ADGP (civil rights enforcement cell) K S N Chikkerur and PCCF (wildlife) Dipak Sarmah along with a host of officials were at H D Kote. But the visit of the panel was cancelled when the ADGP is accused of entering the tiger reserve's core area in D B Kuppe range without informing the forest department. As he came out of the core area at about 7.30 pm, he was questioned by the PCCF at Dammanakatte Gate, an official said. The argument of the forest officials was that the IPS officer has not kept them informed about entering the forest area in the national park. When contacted, Chikkerur said: Following a complaint, I'd visited Kaimara in the forested area. But since it was dark, I got back when I was questioned by the PCCF. I told him I was on official duty but still he questioned me leading to an argument. I told them I'll keep them informed from next time. According to him, the Wildlife Protection Act, 1976 the CRE cell staff above the rank of Sub-inspector can enter the national park on duty. Our concern is tribal rights and their well being. We are doing that, he shot back. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/Principal-Chief-Conservator-of-Forests-questions-Additional-DGP-for-entering-the-forest-in-Nagarhole/articleshow/14415531.cms

‘Reclaim encroached govt, revenue land’

Chikmagalur, Jun 26, 2012, DHNS: Prajaprabhuthva Ulisi Andolana Vedike Volunteer Suma Nagesh warned of approaching the court of law, if the authorities fail to reclaim the encroached government and revenue land, in the district. Speaking to presspersons here, she said the officials have details on those encroachers who have encroached within five acre. However, none have any details on the actual encroachment of the revenue and forest land. An attempt is being made to protect the interest of the rich who have encroached the government land, she alleged. According to the report submitted by the Karnataka Government Land Protection Task Force, a total of 9,43,268 acre land has been encroached in the district. This includes, 16,249 acre revenue land and 35,946 acre forest land. About 12.1 lakh acre land has been encroached in the state, of which, 47,000 acre has been reclaimed. As per the information available, about 388.19 acre forest land has been encroached in Mudigere taluk. The forest and revenue department has details on those who have encroached within five acre and not on those who have encroached a major chunk, she alleged. In Tarikere taluk, 14,919 acre has been encroached, in Sringeri—3,070 acre (3,357 individuals), Koppa—11,968.11 acre (2,900 families), Narasimharajapura—4,278.38 acre, Chikkagrahara—2,785 acre have been encroached. About 282.13 acre forest land has been encroached in Aldoor forest division. She said the officials should reclaim the land encroached by the rich and not by the tribals for livelihood. A memorandum has already been submitted to the President, senior officials, urging to reclaim the encroached land. The district administration should not delay the process of reclaiming the encroached revenue land. She said “we do not want Tiger project in Kudremukh National Park. We will oppose any attempt to evict those forest dwellers who have been residing inside Kudremukh National Park.” http://www.deccanherald.com/content/259908/reclaim-encroached-govt-revenue-land.html

Goa to be part of Tiger Reserve complex?

Rajendra P Kerkar, TNN | Jun 26, 2012, 04.04AM IST KERI: Bereft of any details of wildlife in Goa, including that of big cats in the state, the 'status of wildlife in the state of Goa' report, nonetheless, offers a roar of support to former environment minister Jairam Ramesh's 'Tiger Reserve' suggestion. Referring extensively to the state's past wildlife censuses, the report by the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, states, "The tiger occupied landscape in Goa forms part of the corridor connecting Anshi-Dandeli in Karnataka and Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra. Goa can potentially be home to a small feeding population of tigers which would be sustained by immigrants from Anshi-Dandeli as well as Sahyadri. It would hence benefit from being incorporated as part of Tiger Reserve complex." The report, compiled by Bilal Habib and Gautam Talukdar of WII, has synthesized the result of the 2010 wildlife census following the MoEF-laid down protocols of phase-I of country-wide assessment of the status of tigers, co-predators and prey in India. The first census was in 2006. The present report notes, "Goa is not a tiger range state therefore the second and third phases for nationwide monitoring programme were not carried out in Goa." But, referring to the 2010 census that recorded the tiger's presence in Mollem wildlife sanctuary and in the forests of Ponda and Sanguem talukas, it notes, "Tiger occupancy within the state is about 322 sq km." It attributes this to the phase-I monitoring that reported the occupancy of six species of carnivores, with the leopard occupying the large area of 1611.28 sq km, and sloth bears, jackal, wild dog and tiger in 322 sq km. When contacted, additional principal chief conservator of forests Richard D'Souza told TOI, "The WII report has not given specific numbers of carnivores if any, rather they have given about zoning areas." Amrutsingh, president, Animal Rescue Squad, Bicholim, said, "It is surprising for us that status of wildlife in the state of Goa has not mentioned anything about tiger movements, when the area has the presence of a tigress, cubs and a male tiger." Paresh Parob, the newly-appointed range forest officer of the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary said, "We are aware about the tigers' movements in the sanctuary and the department has taken necessary steps for the protection of the big cats." Times View After years of hearing the government deny the tiger's presence in Goa, despite the pug marks, the scats, the cattle attacks and in 2009 a very disturbing photo of a slain big cat in Keri, the Wildlife Institute of India's report is a refreshing change. Details would have, of course, corroborated the cause vastly. It's now left to be seen whether the government can change its own stripes on the issue. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Goa-to-be-part-of-Tiger-Reserve-complex/articleshow/14398533.cms

E-way to BNP, Bandipur

H M Aravind, TNN | Jun 26, 2012, 06.29AM IST MYSORE: Visitors to Bannerghatta National Park, Bangalore, and Bandipur tiger reserve can now book tickets online. The e-ticket facility will be launched at the BNP which will allow visitors to buy tickets to visit the facility which has a zoo, a museum and butterfly park. The e-ticket for Bandipur will allow visitors to book for accommodation and safaris too. The Zoo Authority of Karnataka, which on Monday introduced the e-ticket facility at the Zoo, said it is extending it to BNP. ZAK chairman M Nanjundaswamy said, "The Mysore Zoo is the first conservation centre in India to allow online booking of tickets." The BNP is attached to the ZAK. The idea is to save time standing in serpentine queues. Tourists can purchase the e-tickets at the zoo's official website www.mysorezoo.info. Rates are different for adults, children and foreign tourists. The e-ticket will be valid for seven days from the date of purchase and the holders will get a separate entry point to the zoo. "This is convenient for the visitors and also saves paper for us," Nanjundaswamy explained. ZAK is also planning to tie-up with the Mysore Palace Board to allow visitors to purchase a single ticket that allows entry to the Palace and zoo. The zoo will charge Rs 10 per transaction. Those who book online must show an ID proof. As of now, the visitor has to take a printout of the e-ticket and present it at the gate. The zoo is planning to make it paperless soon by sending the ticket to the mobile or iPad.Payments are processed on a secure server and no personal data is collected and stored on any servers as a precautionary measure. Both credit and debit cards can be used and all leading payments processing systems such as VISA and MasterCard are accepted. Along with e-tickets, visitors can pre-order battery-operated vehicles for tours inside the Zoo, pay for usage of still and video cameras, book luggage racks and pay for parking which is on a first-come, first-serve basis. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/E-way-to-BNP-Bandipur/articleshow/14400594.cms

Half of forest department staff help tiger poachers: Maneka

PTI | 08:06 PM,Jun 25,2012 New Delhi, Jun 25 (PTI) More than half of the forest department employees are working in connivance with tiger poachers and help them hunt the big cats, former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi alleged here today. Citing "weak" wildlife conservation policies, Gandhi demanded a slew of measures to strengthen the existing Wildlife Act. "60 per cent of the forest department is taking money from poachers and actually pointing out the places where tigers are, helping them poach," Gandhi told reporters on the sidelines of a function here. She was replying to a question on loopholes in tiger conservation programmes run by the Forest and Environment Ministry in wake of recent incidents of poaching. Gandhi pointed to "weak" laws against poachers and lack of initiative on the part of the government to involve NGOs working in this area. "Poacher, when arrested, gets bail in three days. Government does not involve NGOs and they have very low manpower who are extremely corrupt and help poachers," she said. She also demanded stricter laws against wildlife tourism. "At Corbett Park, they should remove all the hotels because they (tourists) go on illegal elephant ride and they pay money to the forest people," Gandhi said. (more) http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/half-of-forest-department-staff-help-tiger-poachers-maneka/1016497.html