Sunday, July 24, 2011

Gir National Park to Remain Close during Monsoon

24-07-2011
Gir National Park to Remain Close during Monsoon
Release News By Prabhat Ranjan
http://www.release-news.com/index.php/travel-a-leisure/150249-gir-national-park-to-remain-close-during-monsoon.html

Situated at Sasan in Junagadh district Gir National Park is only home to Asiatic Lions, thus attracting number of tourists from all around the globe. As the total area of park is 1,412 sq km, it is considered as a safe haven for the lions and other species.

Owing to the breeding of big cats and conservation efforts being undertaken at the sanctuary, Gir Forest will remain closed for the tourists during the season of monsoon. According to Sandeep Kumar, divisional forest officer of Gir Wildlife Sanctuary the step for closing the park has been taken so as to provide some privacy to the wild species during their mating seasons. The four months of monsoon are considered the best for their breeding season. Another reason for closing it is said to be the kachcha roads that get damage during monsoon and need to be repaired before the tourists visit this national park.

He further added, "Since we supervise the conservation efforts, we want to prevent any disturbance in the conservation activities, which could also be caused by the tourists. So we close the sanctuary". The Wildlife Destinations will remain close from 16 June till October after the monsoon season is over.

During your Wildlife Tours in this park you can witness other species than lion such as sambar, spotted deer, blue bull, black buck, and wild boar, jackal, hyena, langoors, porcupine, bear and crocodiles as well as more than 250 species of birds.

Moreover, during monsoon many of the animals fall sick so to make arrangements for their treatment the closure of park is required.


Make your India Wildlife Tours memorable with Go Heritage India Journeys as we assure you with a memorable journey to the jungles. Plan your trip once with us and we are sure you will return to us.

Show-cause notice to 4 forest staff for disposing animal body

24-07-2011
Show-cause notice to 4 forest staff for disposing animal body
IBN Live
http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/showcause-notice-to-4-forest-staff-for-disposing-animal-body/761965.html

A range forest officer was transferred and show-cause notices were served to four staff members including a forester and three beat guards for allegedly disposing the body of a wild animal which had died in the Gir forest. "We have served show-cause notices to one forester and three beat guards to seek their reply in a case of disposing of a body of a (one to two months old) cub," DFO Manishwar Raja told PTI. Range forest officer J P Vadi, in whose area the incident took place, has been transferred from a field job to a desk job, Raja further said. On July 6, Raja had found ash remains of totally burnt animal cub in the Gir forest area of Dhari range. As per the rule, any death of any wild animal has to be reported to DFO for assessment of its cause of death, whether it was natural or otherwise. "However, for some reason, instead informing DFO, lady forester Mona Kachot and three beat guards burnt the body at the same place where it was found," sources in the forest department said. Forest officials have collected the remains and sent it to Forensic Science Laboratory in Gandhinagar to find out if the body was of a lion cub or a leopard cub, Raja said, adding that they are awaiting report from the FSL. Raja said that foresters and the three beat guards have been given 15 days time to explain their action and after their reply, action is likely to be taken against them. Gir is an abode of Asiatic Lions in the world, where as per the 2010 census, their number was more than 500

Friday, July 22, 2011

Three Asian Lions are Shot at Night Safari Zoo

21-07-2011
Three Asian Lions are Shot at Night Safari Zoo
zandavisitor By Xinle Ng
http://www.zandavisitor.com/newsarticle-5319-Three_Asian_Lions_are_Shot_at_Night_Safari_Zoo

Three adorable lion cubs were born to Night Safari Zoo residents Khapat and Amba this March, and they recently had their booster 'shots' by the veterinary team.

The tawny three-month-olds were given a clean bill of health after a mandatory vaccination against respiratory and systemic infections. Their first health check took place two months after they were born on 21 March 2011, and they were given a general examination and microchipped for identification.

Similar to humans, animals can suffer from a variety of infectious diseases. Vaccinations are therefore essential in building immunity and prevention against diseases. This is especially important for the cubs when they are given outdoor access and placed on exhibit. Lion cubs usually get a booster shot when they are 12 weeks old and bi-annually thereafter.

"The practice of animal vaccination is recommended by the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) is dedicated to continually improving standards of animal welfare based on the latest and best practices," said Dr Serena Oh, Assistant Director, Veterinary, WRS.

The Asian lion is a unique subspecies that splits from the African lion. It is smaller in size and sports a less significant mane compared to its African cousin. Most of the wild Asian lion population is found in India's Gir Forest, a protected santuary where about 300 of these magnificent animals roam. There are an additional 60 of them living in zoos. Under the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN), they are listed as 'endangered'. One of the problems faced by the Asian lion in the wild is in-breeding which has resulted in weaker individuals. Through Night Safari's captive breeding programme, WRS hopes to be able to increase the number of Asian lions both in the wild and in captivity. To date, Night Safari has successfully bred seven Asian lion cubs in captivity.

ABOUT NIGHT SAFARI

Night Safari, the world's first wildlife park for nocturnal animals is a nine-time winner of the Best Visitor Attraction Experience, awarded by Singapore Tourism Board. This internationally acclaimed leisure attraction embodies innovation and creativity in products and services, and service quality, thus attracting more than 1.1 million visitors yearly. Over 1,000 animals from 115 species (of which almost 30% are threatened) inhabit the 40-hectare park.

In line with its mission to promote biodiversity, the park focuses on the captive breeding of threatened species. Over the years, it has bred Malayan tigers, Asian elephants, fishing cats, red dholes, anoas, markhors, bantengs, Malayan tapirs and Asian lions, among other endangered species. A visitor's experience at Night Safari is not limited to animals but extends to experiential dining segments with the park's award winning Gourmet Safari Experience, where visitors dine onboard a tram traversing the eight geographical zones. The park can be explored either on foot via three walking trails, or by tram. Night Safari is part of Wildlife Reserves Singapore and is a designated rescued wildlife centre by the governing authority.

Night Safari is located at 80 Mandai Lake Road Singapore 729826. More information can be found at www.nightsafari.com.sg

ABOUT WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE

Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) is the parent company of award-winning attractions Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, Singapore Zoo and the upcoming River Safari. WRS parks strive to be world-class leisure attractions, providing excellent exhibits of animals presented in their natural environment for the purpose of conservation, education and recreation.

In the areas of conservation and research, WRS parks have undertaken multiple projects through collaborations with various organisations and institutions on the oriental pied hornbill, pangolin and orang utan. Highly popular with tourists and locals, Jurong Bird Park welcomed 900,000 visitors, the Night Safari, more than 1.1 million, and Singapore Zoo over 1.6 million visitors in 2010.

More information can be found at www.wrs.com.sg

To view Singapore Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor News, go to: http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-2282-Night_Safari

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Forester faces action in suspected killing of lion cub

21-07-2011
Forester faces action in suspected killing of lion cub
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Forester-faces-action-in-suspected-killing-of-lion-cub/articleshow/9306016.cms

Heads are likely to roll in the forest department in what was so far being dismissed as an innocuous episode in Gir forest. Last week a van sahayak burnt the carcass of a dead animal believing it to be wild cat, on orders from the range forest office. It now turns out that this dead animal was probably a lion cub. Evidence to support this possibility has emerged in the preliminary investigations.

A range forest officer J B Vadi, who issued directions to burn the body of the animal, is facing suspension. Office of the chief conservator of forest (wildlife) R L Meena, has sent a proposal to the head quarters for suspending Vadi.

"He is facing suspension not for burning the animal, but for dereliction of duty," said a senior officer. The RFO before asking his staff to burn the animal should have gone to the spot to examine the carcass and then should have given orders to dispose it. But in this case Vadi did not go the spot, in fact, he gave verbal instructions to his juniors to dispose of the carcass. Even after burning it the RFO should have informed the deputy conservator of forest, but he chose to keep it a guarded secret.

Officials said that earlier last week, there were rumours that a lion cub was burnt by the staff after they found it dead. The skin was missing and looking at the situation it appeared as if the death could have taken long back and would have gone unnoticed, said a forest officer.

Once this carcass was found, the Van Sahayak who was newly recruited informed the range officials who asked them to dispose it off. The staff did as per the direction of the higher up. Officials said during inquiry the lower staff informed the officials that they were asked to dispose off the body by the RFO.

Inquiry also reveal that the RFO has sent his vehicle and driverto the spot for the record, but he himself had not gone to visit the spot.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Gene protecting Siddis from malaria declining

19-07-2011
Gene protecting Siddis from malaria declining
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Gene-protecting-Siddis-from-malaria-declining/articleshow/9278386.cms

Siddis are less prone to malaria compared to their surrounding population due to a gene in their structure that they inherited from Africa. However, due to their adaptability to local surroundings and interaction with local groups, the gene is on the decline. These findings are of a recent study conducted on Siddis in the country by the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), a Hyderabad-based research organization.

The study undertaken by the centre found the link between Bantu tribesmen in central and eastern Africa and Siddi population in Gujarat and Karnataka. As per popular history, Siddis were brought to India by Portuguese traders between the 17th and the 19th centuries, and were sold to the nawabs and the sultans of India to serve as soldiers and slaves. The study filled the missing link between Indian and African tribesmen and established them as members of the same gene pool.

Speaking to TOI, K Thangaraj, senior scientist at CCMB, said that they had taken samples of 60 Siddis in Gujarat. Along with that, 90 samples of members of Charan and Bharwad tribes in Junagadh district of Gujarat, and samples of 94 Siddis and 178 other individuals in Karnataka were also taken. "Our tests showed that 70% genes were found in African tribesmen and 10% of the same gene was present in Siddi population. This was due to the admixture of Siddis with neighbouring population. The adaptation process, generation after generation, has brought a change in Siddis living in areas less susceptible to malaria," Thangaraj said.

Researchers observed that Siddis from Gujarat form a cluster and are more related to their common ancestors. The lineage of current Khoisan-speaking South African population was also found in two samples from Siddis of Gujarat. Researchers have concluded that Siddis have 70% African ancestors and 30% Indian and European ancestors. The study estimates admixing of African natives with Indian population around 200 years or eight generations ago.

Siddi lore mentions Nigerian ancestor

19-07-2011
Siddi lore mentions Nigerian ancestor
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Siddi-lore-mentions-Nigerian-ancestor/articleshow/9278391.cms

Siddis in Gujarat have folklore about Baba Ghor, the founder of a settlement in Jambur near Junagadh. As per the lore, he came from Kano in Nigeria around 1500 AD and settled there after visiting Sudan and Mecca.

Ghor began mining and trading agate stones from Khambhat. As documented by sixteenth century Portuguese traveler Duarte Barbossa, Ghor's brand of jewellery was popular in India and abroad.

Of the current 2.5 lakh Siddis in India, most of them live in Gujarat. Most of them are Muslims and worship Baba Ghor whose shrine is situated in Ratanpur near Junagadh. Siddis say that many came to India as servants, herbal medicine experts, midwives and slaves, and some of them even rose to power. The Sidi Saiyed mosque, one of the most recognizable architectural wonders of the city, is commissioned by a Siddi. Siddi Dhamaal, their traditional dance form, is gaining popularity in home turf and abroad.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Wild Animal FSL report sent from Junagadh to Gandhinagar (for further inquiry in to Lion Cub burnt case by Forest Dept. Staff)

17-07-2011
Wild Animal FSL report sent from Junagadh to Gandhinagar (for further inquiry in to Lion Cub burnt case by Forest Dept. Staff)
Gujarat Samachar
Print Edition


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Friday, July 15, 2011

Lions conquer new territory in Gir

15-07-2011
Lions conquer new territory in Gir
Times of India By Himanshu Kaushik
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Lions-conquer-new-territory-in-Gir/articleshow/9229282.cms

Ek bungla bane nayaraa -- this Hindi movie classic could well be the anthem of this young couple in Gir who are busy setting up their new home. A lioness from Raydi and a lion from Kamleshwar have established their supremacy over a region in Gir which never had a stable lion population till date.

"The lioness from Raydi area has separated from her group and has paired with a four and half year male who was staying in Kamleshwar dam site," said forest officials.

The two have set up their own territory in Tapliwala area inside the sanctuary. This is the area which housed a stray lion population. The two, realizing that the area was isolated, have already established their supremacy in the area.

"After announcing their presence the two have been sighted mating," said forest officials.

The pair has been mating for the past four days and this was their first mating encounter. This incident also proves the behaviour of the lions that they are not mating within their own family, but are moving out in search of male from other groups.

The two having set up their own territory is a fact that highlights a trend in Gir - sub adult cubs venturing out alone hunting for new areas. Usually two sub adults form their own territory, but in this case it is a single male who has declared his supremacy.

Deputy conservator of forest Sasan, Sandeep Kumar said "We are quite pleased and optimistic with this development. This area, which this pair has chosen as their home, is on a popular tourism circuit."

This incident has also revealed that lioness or the lions do not mate within their own group. "It is like an unwritten law among the big cats. Usually, A lioness will not mate with the lioness in her own group as they are related. Likewise, a sub-adult lion does not mate within his pride," Kumar said.

In the past there were some reports of in-breeding within the prides, but off-late with the increasing number of male lions, the incidents of breeding within the group has stopped. The 2010 census has revealed that there were 97 males. This was the highest number of males that the state ever had, said a senior officer.

Inquiring began in case of Government vehicles racing behind lions in Visavadar

15-07-2011
Inquiring began in case of Government vehicles racing behind lions in Visavadar
Gujarat Samachar
Print Edition

If you want this article to be translated in English contact on info@asiaticlion.org

After entering Gir Forest illegaly, Government officers in Government vehicles, racing behind pride of lions

14-07-2011
After entering Gir Forest illegaly, Government officers in Government vehicles, racing behind pride of lions
Gujarat Samachar
Print Edition

If you want this article to be translated in English contact on info@asiaticlion.org

Illegal Lion Show by Government Officers

14-07-2011
Illegal Lion Show by Government Officers
Divya Bhaskar
Print Edition

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Women are strong, in the Land of Lions

13-07-2011
Women are strong, in the Land of Lions
Divya Bhaskar
Print Edition

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Thirty asiatic lions have made Rajula area as their permanent home

12-07-2011
Thirty asiatic lions have made Rajula area as their permanent home
Divya Bhaskar
Print Edition

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Pride kills seven goats at Sarkhadiya village near Khambha

12-07-2011
Pride kills seven goats at Sarkhadiya village near Khambha
Divya Bhaskar
Print Edition

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Rabits - Birds being hunt ( For Parties) without hinderence at Khambha

12-07-2011
Rabits - Birds being hunt ( For Parties) without hinderence at Khambha
Divya Bhaskar
Print Edition

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Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Coming soon in Gujarat: Gene bank for wildlife

13-07-2011
Coming soon in Gujarat: Gene bank for wildlife
Hindustan times By Chetan Chauhan
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Like-humans-wildlife-to-get-a-gene-bank/Article1-719901.aspx

Like humans the wildlife will soon have gene bank with a cloning facility. The environment ministry has accepted the Gujarat government's proposal to set up a gene bank for lions in a bid to protect them from the danger of inbreeding. Lions in wild are found only in Gir wildlife

sanctuary in Gujarat and state chief minister Narendra Modi had refused to relocate some of the lions to Kuno in Madhya Pradesh on the ground that they were pride of Gujarat.
The proposal to relocate had the ministry's backing as it was felt that having lions only at one wildlife area could lead to deteriorating of their breed and extinction in a longer run. There are over 300 lions in Gir wildlife area.

To overcome such fears, the Gujarat government had proposed setting up wildlife genomics and DNA banking facility for lions from different lineage, different areas and different generation. This will help in having a data bank of different types of lions in Gir and neighbouring areas.

Having a lineage data will help the wildlife experts for evaluating the breeding stress and disease susceptibility, says a Gujarat government proposal. The DNA bank will also have an embryo transfer technology to supplement highly endangered species.

In the later stage, the Gujarat government has planned to install cloning technology that can be used for supplementing highly endangered population. Animal cloning in India has been restricted to poultry animals.

Gujarat's gene bank will be unique in India, which has world's largest gene bank for seeds. Around the world there are a few gene banks for the wildlife. They include Ambrose Monell Cyro Collection, New York, the Animal Gene Storage Resource Centre of Australia, Conservation Genome Resource Bank for Korean Wildlife, National Plant, Fungi, Animal DNA Bank, Poland and Wildlife Genetic Resources Bank, Malaysia.

The Gujarat government has sought funds from the Central government for setting up the facility. "We have agreed to the gene bank and has asked Planning Commission to provide requisite funds," environment minister Jairam Ramesh said.

The estimated cost of the project is Rs 67 crore and the state government is exploring possibility of finding a private partner to partially fund the project, ministry officials said.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

State seeks funds for lion conservation

11-07-2011
State seeks funds for lion conservation
Times of India
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIA&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&AW=1310446990994


The state forest department has sought immediate disbursement of Rs 236.17 crore fund that was approved in-principal by the Planning Commission. During the recent meeting with Planning Commission deputy chairperson Montek Singh Ahluwalia, the department officials pressed for the immediate release of the funds for the long term conservation of Asiatic lions in greater Gir area.
 
The Greater Gir project is estimated to cost Rs 262.36 crore with the Centre pooling in Rs 236.17 crore and Gujarat bringing in the rest Rs 26.19 crore. 

The forest officials said that after making request during the meeting, they have also sent a formal communication to the Union ministry of forest and environment. The state government has stated that as per the 2010 estimation, there were 411 lions in Gujarat. They are found not only in the Gir and nearby area, but also as far away Mahuva. 

Greater Gir, the only home of Asiatic lion, needs to be protected and managed with the long term conservation efforts, they added. The state has also mentioned the 2007 poaching incident in the letter to the Union ministry. The letter also states that in spite of successful conservation efforts over the last four decades, which has resulted in an increased population, lions are still on the critically endangered species list. 

After a string of poaching incidents in 2007, the state government not only focused its attention on the lion, but also prepared the Greater Gir project after observing that the beast was moving out of the sanctuary. 

In order to further the conservation efforst, immediate release of funds sanctioned by the commission was required, it says.
 The Greater Gir project was taken up under the centrally-sponsored Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) scheme.
 This project will cover building of a protected lion corridor, tagging of lions, GPS mapping and creating sanctuaries in Palitana (Bhavnagar) and Barda Dungar (Porbandar), outside the 1,400 sq km of Gir National Park, from where lions are moving out.
   The project cost of Rs 262.36 Crore includes the cost of relocation and rehabilitation of locals from the forests.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Carcass burnt in Hadala range may be of lion cub

10-07-2011
Carcass burnt in Hadala range may be of lion cub
Times of India
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-09/ahmedabad/29754885_1_forest-officials-lion-cub-carcass

The forest department has ordered an inquiry into the burning of a carcass of an unidentified wild animal at Hadala range. Forest officials suspect that the carcass could be that of alion cub. "We have sent samples taken from the carcass to Forensic Science Laboratory to ascertain whether it is indeed a lion cub," said forest officials.

The incident came to light following rumors that the carcass that was burnt by a forest staff was that of a lion cub. A forest officer said that on finding the carcass, the local staff called up the range officials who asked them to dispose it off. "The forester was inexperienced. He could not ascertain whether the remains were of a lion cub's. He relayed this vague information to his superior and then burnt the carcass at their behest," said forest officials.

Once this incident came to light, the forest department ordered an inquiry into the incident. Some forest officials also said that the carcass could be that of a jungle cat. A couple of days before there were rumors that the lion cub was burnt by the staff after they found it dead. The skin was missing and looking at the situation it appeared as if the death could have taken place long back and would have gone unnoticed, said a forest officer.

MoEF declares four new eco zones in state

10-07-2011
MoEF declares four new eco zones in state
Indian Express
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/moef-declares-four-new-eco-zones-in-state/815419/

Girnar forest, Vansda National Park, Purna and Narayan Sarovar wildlife sanctuaries will have new master plans in a year

The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has declared four wildlife sanctuaries and national parks inside Gujarat as eco-sensitive zones to protect the biodiversity there.

The move restricts industrial development, changes in land use and tourism activities, while banning the use of plastic bags inside these areas.

The four new eco-sensitive zones include certain areas in the Girnar Reserve Forest in western Saurashtra, the entire Vansda National Park and the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary in south Gujarat as well as the Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kutch.

The state government has been asked to prepare Zonal Master Plans for each of these zones within a year. In the meantime, polluting industries have been disallowed from being set up henceforth while non-polluting industries may be set up provided each maintains a 50-metre-wide green belt.

Mining has also been banned and all existing leases are to be phased out while sand quarrying may be allowed in some areas only if it is for the local population.

Even land use changes from agriculture to non-agricultural purposes will be allowed only for residential development, that too for the needs of the locals only.

Each zone will also have a monitoring committee comprising respective district collectors, a representative of an environmental NGO working in the area, the regional pollution control officers, a senior town planner and a representative of the MoEF.

All places of worship, villages, forests, agricultural areas, fertile lands, green areas, horticultural areas, orchards, lakes and water bodies would be recorded and any new construction would be allowed only after due approval by the respective monitoring committees before the master plans are ready.

A total of 119 villages fall inside these newly declared eco-sensitive zones and the local governments of larger human settlements (with populations more than 5,000) would have their own Area Development Plans.

Tourism plans would have to promote eco-tourism, eco-education and eco-development, while commercial extraction of groundwater will also be regulated.

All the natural springs and their catchment areas are also to be mapped out and no development is to be allowed so that they can be rejuvenated and preserved.

What each of the draft notifications seek to protect


*"The Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary falls under a separate biotic province of the country," the draft said. "A distinct gene pool" of rare and threatened species like the chinkara, caracal, wold, leopard, spiny-tailed lizard, desert cat, great Indian bustard, lesser florican and the houbara bustard live in an area that has a mix of arid regions, grasslands, coastal areas with dense mangrove forests, partial wetlands and patches of lentic (still water) wetlands. The danger is also that this area is mineral rich. Limestone, lignite, bentonite and bauxite are found here".

*Besides the Asiatic Lion, the Girnar Reserve Forest is home to a rich plant diversity, mammals, reptiles and avifauna. The catchment areas of the Sonrakh, Gudajali and the Loi rivers that recharge the water-table of Junagadh also lie here. "Ongoing developmental activities, industrialization and mining activities" need to be checked for long-term conservation.

*The Vansda National Park "harboured population of tigers in the past and still harbours species like spotted deer, palm civet, small Indian civet, barking deer, four-horned antelope, wild boar, flying squirrel, rusty spotted cat, leopard cat and many species of rodents, reptiles, and amphibians", various bird species, shrubs and herbs with medicinal properties, orchids, lichens and ferns.

*The Purna Wildlife Sanctuary is "covered on all sides by quality teak forests along with bamboo patches" and hosts 61 tree species, 31 herb and shrub species, 18 species of climbers, 24 mammal species including some rare species, 18 species of reptiles, more than 3,000 species of insects and more than 142 species of birds

MoEF declares four new eco zones in state

10-07-2011
MoEF declares four new eco zones in state
Express India
http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/moef-declares-four-new-eco-zones-in-state/815419/

Girnar forest, Vansda National Park, Purna and Narayan Sarovar wildlife sanctuaries will have new master plans in a year

The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has declared four wildlife sanctuaries and national parks inside Gujarat as eco-sensitive zones to protect the biodiversity there.

The move restricts industrial development, changes in land use and tourism activities, while banning the use of plastic bags inside these areas.

The four new eco-sensitive zones include certain areas in the Girnar Reserve Forest in western Saurashtra, the entire Vansda National Park and the Purna Wildlife Sanctuary in south Gujarat as well as the Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kutch.

The state government has been asked to prepare Zonal Master Plans for each of these zones within a year. In the meantime, polluting industries have been disallowed from being set up henceforth while non-polluting industries may be set up provided each maintains a 50-metre-wide green belt.

Mining has also been banned and all existing leases are to be phased out while sand quarrying may be allowed in some areas only if it is for the local population.

Even land use changes from agriculture to non-agricultural purposes will be allowed only for residential development, that too for the needs of the locals only.

Each zone will also have a monitoring committee comprising respective district collectors, a representative of an environmental NGO working in the area, the regional pollution control officers, a senior town planner and a representative of the MoEF.

All places of worship, villages, forests, agricultural areas, fertile lands, green areas, horticultural areas, orchards, lakes and water bodies would be recorded and any new construction would be allowed only after due approval by the respective monitoring committees before the master plans are ready.

A total of 119 villages fall inside these newly declared eco-sensitive zones and the local governments of larger human settlements (with populations more than 5,000) would have their own Area Development Plans.

Tourism plans would have to promote eco-tourism, eco-education and eco-development, while commercial extraction of groundwater will also be regulated.

All the natural springs and their catchment areas are also to be mapped out and no development is to be allowed so that they can be rejuvenated and preserved.

What each of the draft notifications seek to protect

*"The Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary falls under a separate biotic province of the country," the draft said. "A distinct gene pool" of rare and threatened species like the chinkara, caracal, wold, leopard, spiny-tailed lizard, desert cat, great Indian bustard, lesser florican and the houbara bustard live in an area that has a mix of arid regions, grasslands, coastal areas with dense mangrove forests, partial wetlands and patches of lentic (still water) wetlands. The danger is also that this area is mineral rich. Limestone, lignite, bentonite and bauxite are found here".

*Besides the Asiatic Lion, the Girnar Reserve Forest is home to a rich plant diversity, mammals, reptiles and avifauna. The catchment areas of the Sonrakh, Gudajali and the Loi rivers that recharge the water-table of Junagadh also lie here. "Ongoing developmental activities, industrialization and mining activities" need to be checked for long-term conservation.

*The Vansda National Park "harboured population of tigers in the past and still harbours species like spotted deer, palm civet, small Indian civet, barking deer, four-horned antelope, wild boar, flying squirrel, rusty spotted cat, leopard cat and many species of rodents, reptiles, and amphibians", various bird species, shrubs and herbs with medicinal properties, orchids, lichens and ferns.

*The Purna Wildlife Sanctuary is "covered on all sides by quality teak forests along with bamboo patches" and hosts 61 tree species, 31 herb and shrub species, 18 species of climbers, 24 mammal species including some rare species, 18 species of reptiles, more than 3,000 species of insects and more than 142 species of birds.

Saturday, July 09, 2011

Pride of five lions kill eleven cows at Sanavankiya village near Una in Gir East

09-07-2011
Pride of five lions kill eleven cows at Sanavankiya village near Una in Gir East
Divya Bhaskar
Print Edition

Friday, July 08, 2011

Bachchan says his state tourism ad is working

08-07-2011
Bachchan says his state tourism ad is working
Express News Service
http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/bachchan-says-his-state-tourism-ad-is-working/814533/

In the city to promote his latest release, actor Amitabh Bachchan on Thursday said most Gujaratis did not even know about the archaeological sites in their state.

Bachchan, who is the brand ambassador for Gujarat Tourism, said even Gujarati NRIs frequently wrote on his blog site expressing their ignorance about such sites in Gujarat. The actor said the TV ad campaign, Khusbhoo Gujarat Ki, in which he features, has many Gujaratis responding with messages on his blog that they would visit the featured places.

Promoting his movie Buddah Hoga Tera Baap, Bachchan said, "Khusboo Gujarat Ki is a very nice project. What attracted me was the fact that the state is an important part of the country and among all the archaeological sites in India, Gujarat has most of them. It's an honour to popularise the Gujarat Tourism."

"Each and every place I visited, whether it was the Rann of Kutch or the Gir Forest, they have extraordinary features," the actor said.

Gujarat Tourism Secretary Vipul Mitra said the Khusboo Gujarat Ki project would now cover Saputara in the Dangs, Ambaji temple, Pavagadh and the Sun Temple in Modhera.


Thursday, July 07, 2011

Next round of Amitabh Bachchan’s Gujarat Tourism ads finalized

07-07-2011
Next round of Amitabh Bachchan's Gujarat Tourism ads finalized
Desh Gujarat
http://deshgujarat.com/2011/07/07/next-round-of-amitabh-bachchans-gujarat-tourism-ads-finalized/

After the success of first bunch of Gujarat Tourism advertisements anchored by Amitabh Bachchan, the next round of another few advertisements will kick off in couple of months. This would cover places like Saputara, Ambaji and parts of Ahmedabad city.

In Amitabh Bachchan's press conference in Ahmedabad to promote his film 'Buddha hoga tera baap'. Gujarat Tourism's Secretary Shri Vipul Mitra took a mike for a while on Bachchan's request and announced this.

Mitra said, "Actually the second phase has already been finalized. We are covering Saputara in south Gujarat which is Gujarat's only prominent hill station. We are also covering Ambaji which is a very prominent temple. That has been finalized at the level of honorable CM. And we are also covering Modhera sun temple. We will do couple of light and sound programmes with his voice over and part of Ahmedabad city. This is what we have planned. Depending on his schedule we will probably do it in two months time. Agency has been finalized Mr. Piyush Pande will handle it from O&M."

When asked about his experience of doing Gujarat Tourism campaign, Amitabh Bachchan replied: "I felt very nice, when I was approached about this, one thing that attracted me was that Gujarat is a part of this nation and very important part of the country and I am fortunate enough to have an opportunity to promote it. But one thing I found after research that Gujarat has highest number of archaeological sites in India. I was not aware about this earlier. And I thought that there are many places that are connected with our tradition, and people are now aware about it, and if I can promote them, I would do."

When asked about which place he liked the most in Gujarat while doing the campaign, Bachchan replied: "I found every place new, and whenever I visited there was something that we are not awared about, be it the Rann of Kutch, or Gir forest or many palaces and forts where deposits. And I write blog and when I was here(in Gujarat) I wrote the blog posts, and it was a matter of surprise that many who were from Gujarat were not aware about it and especially those NRIs from Gujarat settled abroad told me that they were not aware about such places and they would visit them."

When DeshGujarat asked Amitabh Bachchan how he stayed rock-solid amid the hyped controversy that had been created around his Gujarat association, Bachchan replied: "Gujarat is nobody's Jaagir. It's a part of the country and there was nothing bad in promoting it. I took the controversy on this issue like 'nazar ka kala tika' on good work."

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

Gujarat wildlife policy a roaring success

06-07-2011

Gujarat wildlife policy a roaring success

The Pioneer By Rathin Das

http://www.dailypioneer.com/351022/Gujarat-wildlife-policy-a-roaring-success.html

It's official. Gujarat is animal-friendly. While the number of any particular animal might have grown in some State or other, Gujarat is probably the only State where the population of as many as four big wild animals have gone up.

While the rise in population of the Asiatic lion in Gir, its last natural habitat, is well-known, the numbers of three other big animals, too, have grown in Gujarat during the past few years.

Apart from the Asiatic lions in Gir, the big wild animals whose populations in Gujarat have grown are leopards, wild ass and sloth bear.

The increase of Asiatic lions in Gir to 411 in 2010 from 359 in 2005 was well publicised, but around the same time, the State's leopard count, too, rose to 1,160 from 1,070 in 2006 and the number of wild ass in the Little Rann of Kutch went up from 3,800 to 4,038 in 2009.

The sloth bear population, found mostly in the eastern tribal belt of the State, grew to 293 in 2011 compared to 270 in 2006.

"While the number of one particular animal might have grown in some State or other, Gujarat is probably the only State where the population of as many as four big wild animals have gone up," Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) Pradeep Khanna told The Pioneer.

Khanna attributed the phenomenon mainly to the "animal-friendly nature of the people and the local culture in Gujarat". He also cited the State's conservation efforts and the "dedication of the Forest department field staff" for the flourishing wildlife population.

"People in Gujarat have a lot of respect for wildlife," he said, adding that this positive attitude helps in conservation efforts.

Though the growing number of wild animals raises the possibility of man-animal conflicts, Khanna said that there are ways to tackle such problems.

When the growing number of Asiatic lions started to stray out of the designated Gir National Park, the State

Government quickly decided to notify new adjoining areas as sanctuaries. Thus, Mitiyala and Girnar areas were notified as new sanctuaries in 2004 and 2008 respectively to accommodate the growing number of the big cats, Khanna said.

The rise in the number of wild ass in the Little Rann of Kutch led to these animals straying into fields with standing crops. "People had to be convinced not to poison them," Khanna said.

Similarly, cattle-lifting by lions led to confrontations with villagers. "The compensation paid in such cases has been much less than the actual price of cattle killed. Villagers want more, but are tolerant enough not to harm the lions," he said.

The number of sloth bears is growing in the sanctuary areas of Surpaneswar (Narmada district), Jambugodha (Vadodara), Ratanmahal (Dahod), Balaram and Jessore (Banaskantha), primarily because these areas have been left unaffected by urbanization. "Good forest areas have not been diverted for industrial use," Khanna said.

Gujarat wildlife policy a roaring success

06-07-2011
Gujarat wildlife policy a roaring success
Pioneer BY Rathin Das
http://www.dailypioneer.com/351022/Gujarat-wildlife-policy-a-roaring-success.html

It's official. Gujarat is animal-friendly. While the number of any particular animal might have grown in some State or other, Gujarat is probably the only State where the population of as many as four big wild animals have gone up.

While the rise in population of the Asiatic lion in Gir, its last natural habitat, is well-known, the numbers of three other big animals, too, have grown in Gujarat during the past few years.

Apart from the Asiatic lions in Gir, the big wild animals whose populations in Gujarat have grown are leopards, wild ass and sloth bear.

The increase of Asiatic lions in Gir to 411 in 2010 from 359 in 2005 was well publicised, but around the same time, the State's leopard count, too, rose to 1,160 from 1,070 in 2006 and the number of wild ass in the Little Rann of Kutch went up from 3,800 to 4,038 in 2009.

The sloth bear population, found mostly in the eastern tribal belt of the State, grew to 293 in 2011 compared to 270 in 2006.

"While the number of one particular animal might have grown in some State or other, Gujarat is probably the only State where the population of as many as four big wild animals have gone up," Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) Pradeep Khanna told The Pioneer.

Khanna attributed the phenomenon mainly to the "animal-friendly nature of the people and the local culture in Gujarat". He also cited the State's conservation efforts and the "dedication of the Forest department field staff" for the flourishing wildlife population.

"People in Gujarat have a lot of respect for wildlife," he said, adding that this positive attitude helps in conservation efforts.

Though the growing number of wild animals raises the possibility of man-animal conflicts, Khanna said that there are ways to tackle such problems.

When the growing number of Asiatic lions started to stray out of the designated Gir National Park, the State

Government quickly decided to notify new adjoining areas as sanctuaries. Thus, Mitiyala and Girnar areas were notified as new sanctuaries in 2004 and 2008 respectively to accommodate the growing number of the big cats, Khanna said.

The rise in the number of wild ass in the Little Rann of Kutch led to these animals straying into fields with standing crops. "People had to be convinced not to poison them," Khanna said.

Similarly, cattle-lifting by lions led to confrontations with villagers. "The compensation paid in such cases has been much less than the actual price of cattle killed. Villagers want more, but are tolerant enough not to harm the lions," he said.

The number of sloth bears is growing in the sanctuary areas of Surpaneswar (Narmada district), Jambugodha (Vadodara), Ratanmahal (Dahod), Balaram and Jessore (Banaskantha), primarily because these areas have been left unaffected by urbanization. "Good forest areas have not been diverted for industrial use," Khanna said.

Sunday, July 03, 2011

Coalition governments work in Gir

03-07-2011
Coalition governments work in Gir
Times of India By Himanshu Kaushik
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-03/ahmedabad/29733067_1_asiatic-lions-gir-lion-population

Politicians swear that running a coalition government can be a tough task. But in Gir, the lion kings have been running 'coalition governments' since a long time.

Gir, the last adobe of Asiatic lions, thrives on numerous prides being run on coalition governments.

In the Kamleshwar Dam site area, two lions have established their supremacy over a huge pride and an even bigger territory. "Usually one lion would rule the group and the other would just play a supporting role, but here the two lions rule a group of 28 members including females, sub-adults and adults," said the officer.

Sandeep Kumar, deputy conservator of forest head quarter says, "This group of 28 lions is being dominated by two males. This coalition is only to safeguard their territory against outside attack."

The bonding between these two lions is so strong that they mate with the same lioness.

"When one lion is mating, the other would be constantly on the move, guarding the territory and after four- five days, the second lion takes over and the first guards the territory. We are studying the unique mating behaviour of these two lions," Kumar said.

Gir forest officials said that apart from this group, there are several prides in Gir sanctuary that have two rulers. Additional principal conservator of forest, H S Singh, said in Africa too one can find instances where there are two lions ruling the group. There have been instances where there are three-five males in the group. But in all these cases, one of the lions is always supreme and the others play supporting roles.

"These lions pair up to save their own territory against invasion of nomads or other sub-adults. Usually the outside attack is by lions only and hence as protection, these lions team up. Usually after capturing the territory the strong one would become the king of the area, while the other would be supporting him," said G A Patel, former principal chief conservator of forest. He said that the lion population in Gir was increasing because of the conservation efforts and this practice of grouping.

Saturday, July 02, 2011

Girdle for Gir: Ring road to mark lion kingdom

02-07-2011
Girdle for Gir: Ring road to mark lion kingdom
Times of India By Himanshu Kaushik
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-02/ahmedabad/29729945_1_ring-road-gir-national-park-sanctuary

The state government has planned a ring road around Gir sanctuary to divert traffic that trespasses the Asiatic lion kingdom. The proposed 269-km road will connect villages on the periphery of Gir National Park and sanctuary covering 1,412 sq km. About six state highways and some minor roads pass through the sanctuary.Every day, 35-40 light vehicles cross the sanctuary. The heavy vehicular traffic of luxury buses and trucks is mostly along the Talala-Mendarda and Una-Talala state highways.

The last state transport bus enters the sanctuary at 8 pm and gets out around 9.15 pm which is the period when wild animals move about the jungle hunting for food or water. Private vehicles can cross the sanctuary only between sunrise and sunset.

"The state government has sent the proposal to the ministry of forest and environment for the ring road which is estimated to cost around Rs 600 crore. The project is under consideration," said Pradeep Khanna, principal chief conservator of forests. The project was cleared by the state wildlife board.

Khanna said that this ring road will stop movement of vehicles within and on the periphery of the sanctuary. Only those vehicles which belong to villages inside the sanctuary will be permitted, said the forest official. This would be safe for animals and reduce the risk of poaching.He cited an instance where on the Talala-Sasan road, a lion died after it fell off a bridge because it was blinded by the headlight of a speeding vehicle. In 2007 poachers had used the Una-Talala state highway to hunt lions. The proposed ring road will have 14 flyovers and 16 underpasses on specific migratory paths for safe passages to wild life.

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