Monday, March 31, 2008

Leopard falls in Well near Girnar forest

31-3-2008

Leopard falls in Well near Girnar forest

Divya Bhasker (Briefly translated from Gujarati)

One more open well menace!

A leopard accidentally fell in a Well in Kariya village of Bheshan Taluka near Girnar forest at the foot of Girnar Hills. This Well was in  private land of Bhikhubhai Nathabhai Vaghasiya. It was 70 feet deep and with water. Leopard was about 3 years old. Villagers and forest staff together rescued the animal by putting a rope-cot (khatlo) inside the Well.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Wild animal meat sold in Gir peripheral villages

29-03-2008

Wild animal meat sold in Gir peripheral villages

Divya Bhaskar (Briefly translated from Gujarati)

Recently four poachers were caught with remains of Chinkara in Jasadhar area. Once again wildlife lovers are shocked after this incidence and feel that enough is not being done by the forest department. It is also believed that few forest staff may be involved in the racket.

People of these villages believe that poachers regularly kill Rabbits, Tetar (bird) and other wild animals for meat. Mostly two communities are involved in these activities. They say that when meat is being sold freely, how can forest department be unaware?

Friday, March 28, 2008

Poachers admit to killing a Chinkara on Holi

28-3-2008

Poachers admit to killing a Chinkara on Holi

Indian Express By-Sibte Hussain Bukhari

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Poachers-admit-to-killing-a-Chinkara-on-Holi/289467/

Junagadh, March 27 The sudden spurt in poaching incidents in the Gir forests has left its wild animals vulnerable once again. About half a dozen poaching incidents have been reported from these forests in the last two months. What is more shocking is the involvement of local poachers.

Four poachers who had been arrested recently, on Wednesday, confessed to having killed a Chinkara.

On March 21, two persons identified as Ravi Bala and Mera Virji, members of the Devipoojak community, had allegedly hunted a Chinkara on the outskirts of Samadhiyala village, that falls under Jashadhar forest range in Gir east forest division . Acting on tip-off, the forest officials had rushed to the spot and found evidence related to poaching like blood spots and blood stained stones .

The officials nabbed Bala and Virji. The accused confessed to their crime during investigation. Two other persons have also been arrested in this regard. The accused have been booked under various provision of the Wildlife (protection) Act 1972, Amendment Act 2003 and 2006. They were produced before the court of the Judicial Magistrate (first class) of Kodinar on Thursday, which had earlier ordered a two-day remand for the accused.

The deputy conservator of forest (Gir east), J S Solanki, said, "Our prime concern is to ensure that they stay behind bars, and do not get bail. They have confessed to having hunted deer during Holi," Solanki said.

Meanwhile carcasses of eight peacocks including six peahens were recovered on Wednesday from a dry river stream on the outskirts of Sukhpur village in Visavadar taluka. Foresters from the Visavadar forest range took the carcasses for a post-mortem examination. The deputy conservator of forest (Gir west) B P Pati said that consumption of poisonous substances caused the death. Officials said that the peacocks could have consumed wheat laced with pesticide.

Pati said, "The actual cause of death would be ascertained only after receiving the FSL report. We have dispatched the viscera to FSL for a detailed clinical examination."

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Four held with remains of Chinkara in Gir forest

27-03-2008

Four held with remains of Chinkara in Gir forest

Gujarat Samachar (Briefly translated from Gujarati)

Forest Department yesterday caught four poachers from revenue area adjoining Jasadhar in Gir East. They had come to this area with intention of poaching black bucks, officials said. They were total six, but two managed to escape. Those caught also had remains of Chinkara legs, skin etc. They were presented before Kodinar court and are on remand for three days.

They are from Devipujak (Koli) community. Their names are Virji Savji, Veja Virji, Takhu Mera and Mera Virji. Two escaped were Labhu Kurji and Bhikha Kurji. They are residents of Samadhiyala village.

Night hault not allowed at Kankai Temple inside the Gir NP

25-03-2008

Night hault not allowed at Kankai Temple inside the Gir NP

Divya Bhaskar (Briefly translated from Gujarati)

Kankai temple is located inside the Gir National Park. It is 1400 years old Hindu Deity “Kankai Mataji”s temple. A Public Interest litigation was field in the Gujarat High Court to allow tourists for night stay at the temple. Hon. High Court has rejected this PIL. Applicants argued that night stay is allowed at Tulsi Shyam temple which is also in Gir NP. But forest dept. strongly argued that Supreme court has banned such permissions in the National Parks. Again Trustees of the temple and their family members are already allowed to do night hault, hence for other pilgrims such night stay is unnecessary. Court finally gave the judgment in favour of forest dept.

Kishore Kotecha’s Comment: Thank God permission is not granted. Tulsishyam is a 1200 Ha revenue land given to Tulsishyam Trust many years back. This was a blunder done by forest dept which they realize now but can’t do much. 

Asiatic lions make Mitiyala their new home

25-03-2008

Asiatic lions make Mitiyala their new home

Times Of India Ahmedabad Edition

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Daily/skins/TOI/navigator.asp?Daily=TOIA&login=default

Ahmedabad: The Asiatic lions moving out of the Gir sanctuary have made Mitiyala, Bhavnagar and Amreli as their permanent home.

The state government admitted this in the Assembly. In response to MLA Kalu Virani’s question, it stated that six lions have made Mitiyala in Savarkundla taluka as their permanent home. In another reply to a question asked by Kalubhai Rathod, the government said that the areas adjoining Gir forest, including Amreli and Bhavnagar districts, have reported an increase in the number of lions, which are seen in the grasslands of these two districts.

The gove r n m e n t said measures are being taken up to tackle the issue. These include creating awareness, covering the open wells, repairing roads, educational programmes on lion conservation, besides, developing ecoclubs. Around Rs 24.37 lakh have been spent in the area for conservation, stated the government.

In reply to a question of Kalubhai Rathod, the government said that measures are also being taken up to declare reserved forest of around 17,887 hectare as protected.

The government also made it clear that a gene pool is also in the planning stage in Wankaner area of Rajkot district.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Rabit and Fox poaching at Girnar Jungle

24-03-2008

Rabit and Fox poaching at Girnar Jungle

Gujarat Samachar (Briefly translated from Gujarati)

Three persons were seen loitering suspiciously in a farm of Ranchhodbhai Dobariya in Choki village near Junagadh jungle area. Alert villagers caught them with blood – shed bag and six hunting nets used for hunting birds and small animals. They were from Vadal village near Junagadh and their names are Daya Natha Baraiya (32 years), Parbat Natha Vaghela (30 years) and Kimji Dhanji Baraiya (35 years). Police and Forest Dept. have booked them under WLPA Sec. 16, 9 & 39.

Kishore Kotecha’s Comment: Such small animal poaching is regularly being done by Devi Pujak (Vaghari) community. Mostly it is done for food. If they are not controlled soon they may become professional poachers for sake of money.

New Wildlife Circle for north Gujarat for conservation of lions

24-3-2008

New Wildlife Circle for north Gujarat for conservation of lions

Express India

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/New-Wildlife-Circle-for-north-Gujarat-for-conservation-of-lions/287615/

Gandhinagar, March 23 The state's wildlife map is all set to change, now that the state Forest Department is carving out a new wildlife circle for north Gujarat, expanding the Junagadh based Gir Wildlife circle in line with the Greater Gir Project.

Besides helping the department focus on lion conservation in Gir, the creation of the new circle would also create a dedicated staff for the upkeep of the wildlife in the Little Rann of Kutch, Nalsarovar, and the sanctuaries of Banaskantha and Sabarkantha, say officials.

For Greater Gir, some areas in Bhavnagar frequented by lion prides are likely to be declared conservation reserves, while the Girnar forest belt in the foothills of Girnar mountains in Junagadh could be declared a sanctuary.

“Things are being worked out and it may take some time,” says Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Pradeep Khanna.

The new move by the Forest Department comes in the wake of the setting up of a task force in the aftermath of lion poaching incidents in Gir last year. The department had felt that resources in the Gir sanctuary were getting overstretched over an unmanageably large area and that a focused approach, backed adequately with technology, was the need of the hour.

Now the department has carved out north Gujarat as a separate area for better forest management. Eleven new posts, including that of a Conservator of Forests, would be created for upgrading the national parks and sanctuaries in north Gujarat area. These include the Little Rann of Kutch (wild ass sanctuary), Nalsarovar and Thol (bird sanctuaries), and possibly the Jessore (sloth bear) and Balaram Parks.

The step also gains significance in the backdrop of the recent violence between the local tribal population and the police that left two dead and more than a dozen injured in the Sabarkantha area.

As per recommendations of the task force, a provision of Rs 4.61 crore has been made for the use of modern technology for the conservation of wildlife in the sanctuaries. It includes the cost of engaging a consultant for the development of specifications, system requirement study, development of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) database, and control room applications along with hardware and software.

While the ground staff in the Gir sanctuary would be provided with geo-communications handheld field units, a Gir Management Cell would be set up for the implementation of special measures in the lion specific areas of Saurashtra.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Gir lion attacks a boy in Patla Village

21-3-08

Gir lion attacks a boy in Patla Village

Gujarat Samachar & Divya Bhasker (Briefly Translated from Gujarati)

Patla is a village near Dhari in Gir East on the boarder of Gir Sanctuary. A lion, strayed in to this village yesterday.  It attacked a farm labour, boy of about 13 years, named Koli Bhavesh Govindbhai

Gir lion attacks 'Lion-show' viewer

21-3-08

Gir lion attacks ‘Lion-show’ viewer

Gujarat Samachar & Divya Bhasker (Briefly Translated from Gujarati)

Lion had killed a bullock in Old Janjariya village near Bagasara in Gir East. On hearing this people from surrounding area had gathered in large number to see ‘Lion Show’. A small shop-keeper from Bagasara, Dadabhai Abdulbhai (50 years) was also amongst them. But he tried to go too near the beast who got aggravated. It attacked the man on his back side.

15 lions killed in 2 years: Govt.

15-03-2008

15 lions killed in 2 years: Govt.

Times of India Ahmedabad Edition

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Daily/skins/TOI/navigator.asp?Daily=TOIA&login=default&AW=1205744565375

Gandhinagar: Giving details on the big cat, the Gujarat government on Friday admitted that as many as 15 lions were killed over the last two years in Gujarat. Of these, six were killed in Gir forests alone. Answering a written question, state forest minister Mangubhai Patel said, “In all, 69 lions died in Gujarat over the last two years. Of these, 27 died a natural death in Gir jungles.” Fearing that the death of so many lions in Gujarat might give credence to Madhya Pradesh’s insistence to the Central government to shift some lions to the neighbouring state’s Palpur-Kuno wildlife sanctuary, the government has decided to increase the Gir forest area by 17,887 hectares. “The matter is under active consideration,” the minister said, in reply to a separate question by Babubhai Patel, BJP MLA from Daskroi, though refusing to say when this would happen. It may be noted that shifting some Asian lions from Gir is one of the major points of contention between Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. If Gujarat insists that the big cat should not be allowed to be shifted, Madhya Pradesh as also several environmentalists believe shifting is essential to save the lion from any possible disease hitting Gir.

Boy hospitalized after lion attack

20-03-2008

Boy hospitalized after lion attack

Times Of India Ahmedabad Edition

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Daily/skins/TOI/navigator.asp?Daily=TOIA&login=default&AW=1206013062421

A lion attacked a 14-year-old boy in Patra village of Dhari Taluka in Amreli district on Wednesday. When Govind Koli was working in a farm with his family, his son, Bhavesh was suddenly attacked by the big cat, injuring him seriously on his back and legs. The lion was chased away by the family. The boy had to be rushed to the government hospital at Dhari. The village had made headlines last year when two lions were poached and their carcasses were discovered by officials. Source: SANDESH

Rajkot zoo selected for lion breeding programme

15-03-2008

Rajkot zoo selected for lion breeding programme

Kulsum Yusuf | TNN

Times Of India Ahmedabad Edition

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Daily/skins/TOI/navigator.asp?Daily=TOIA&login=default&AW=1205744565375

Rajkot: Zoo officials in Rajkot were ecstatic last month when their lion couple Mauj and Masti gave birth to five cubs. And now they have one more reason to rejoice. The Central Zoo Authority of India (CZAI) has selected Rajkot zoo along with Hyderabad, Bhopal and New Delhi zoos for lion breeding programme.

CZAI will provide 100 per cent grant for the programme. As many as 25 pairs of lions will be brought in for the programme. In a span of 15 years, Rajkot zoo has successfully bred lions and tigers in captivity. Zoo superintendent Dr M G Maradiya said, “We have a good record in breeding wild cats, which has been acknowledged by CZAI.”

Maradiya added that lions repeat their breeding cycle every two years. “We have not set any target and will try to breed as many lions as possible. However, it a l l d e - pends on the health of the animal. In fact, we are hoping to get the status of a national level zoo with this programme. We are a mini zoo at present,” he said.

The zoo’s origins go back to 1987 when a deer park was established near Aji dam. It was transformed into a zoo in 1992. Since then 10 lion cubs and six tiger cubs were born here. After 1999, the tiger breeding programme was halted as government wanted to concentrate on breeding lions.

At present there are 80 lions in captivity at various zoos in the country, half of which are at Junagadh’s Sakkarbaug zoo. At Rajkot, there are four female and two male lions along with the five new born cubs.

Zoos have been identified as breeding centres as they are seen part of the conservation effort. The main objective of zoos under the National Zoo Policy, 1998, is to strengthen the national efforts in conservation of biodiversity of the country, particularly the wild fauna, which can be achieved by supporting the conservation of endangered wild animal species by giving species which have no chance of survival in wild.

CZAI has decided that Indian zoos must have at least 100 physically, genetically and behaviourally healthy individuals of each critically endangered wild animal species with less than 2,500 individuals left in the wild. CZAI will also fund the creation of the breeding facilities and provide technical manpower for the programme.

Lions kill 2 cows

17-03-2008

Lions kill 2 cows

Times of India Ahmedabad Edition

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Daily/skins/TOI/navigator.asp?Daily=TOIA&login=default&AW=1205744565375

A pride of lions entered Ramdhari village in Bhavnagar and killed two cows of a cattle breeder on Friday morning. The villagers met MP Labhu Makwana on Thursday night to discuss the ever-growing problem of lions entering villages at regular intervals and feeding on their cattle. SOURCE: SANDESH

Trust seeks funds to cap Gir wells

20-03-2008

Trust seeks funds to cap Gir wells

Times Of India Ahmedabad Edition

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Daily/skins/TOI/navigator.asp?Daily=TOIA&login=default&AW=1206013062421

Junagadh: Wildlife Conservation Trust of Rajkot has made a fresh appeal to corporates to help them fund their effort to construct parapet walls around open wells in the Gir area so that lions don’t fall into them. The trust has said that while a number of the wells have been made safe, more needs to be done.

According to the executive director of the trust, Kishore Kotecha, “While some corporates have already helped in the endeavor, others too should come forward for this cause,” he said. “We will give full technical support to such corporates so that they can do it independently.”

He also appealed to the state government to bring legislation which compels well owners to construct parapets at the time of digging the well itself.

A number of organizations, from Saurashtra and NRIs, like Rajendra Thakrar from London who offered Rs 1.25 lakh for building the parapets, have stepped in to support this initiative. Kotecha said they have so far built walls around 781 wells. Of these, donors helped in 108 wells.

Both NGOs like World Wildlife Fund, and corporates like Tata Chemicals, Reliance and the Ambuja group have contributed to the effort.

The trust has surveyed ten places including Kotda, Paniya, Chanchai, Dalkhania, Kangsa, Sukhpur, Matanmala, Sodapara, Ambagala and Chavna. Looking at the excellent work being done by the Wild Life Conservation Trust, Steve Mendal of USA, who had visited Gir, has established an unit in USA called Lions of Gir Foundation, to save the Gir lions.

The state government had then proposed an action plan to build parapets around the wells. Top corporate bosses attended a high-level meeting in May 2007 in which they were roped in to build these parapet walls. SOURCE: SANDESH

Saving Gir lions is this US citizen's mission

21-3-08

Saving Gir lions is this US citizen's mission

Times of India

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Saving_Gir_lions_is_US_citizens_mission/articleshow/2886865.cms

AHMEDABAD: Until last year, American wildlife photographer and businessman Steve Mandel, was not even aware that there were lions outside Africa.

Today, however, he has become the first foreigner to set up a non-profit organisation, exclusively for the conservation for the Gir lion. Mandel, who runs a management consultancy, has started the 'Lions of Gir Foundation' and will soon launch a website that will create awareness about the endangered beasts.

"While planning my first business trip to India late last year, I was researching where to photograph wildlife," he said.

"During my research, I came across pictures of lions. I had no idea there were lions outside of Africa. I was amazed that these cats are not well known outside India. People across the globe know of the plight of tigers in India, but few know of lions."

In the course of his research , he learnt about the dangers the lions were facing in the Gir forests of Gujarat, including poaching, disease, and the open wells that they were falling into. That in the last seven years, 50 lions had fallen into wells and 25 had died.

"When I finally did see the lion in Gir, I was stunned. Here was a rare and classic animal , highly endangered, living deep in a forest as they had for many thousands of years, and he was staring at me from only about 30 metres away! I was hooked!

"I was very moved by efforts of some of the NGOs to save the lion and I decided to do something. When I returned home I filed the paperwork with the US Government to set up a nonprofit foundation, similar to an NGO in India, and called the Lions of Gir Foundation. The goal was to raise funds to help build well barricades in conjunction with the Wildlife Conservation Trust of India (WCTI). I am also in the final stages of approval and the website will be lionsofgir.com."

He said that during his stay in India he learnt about WCTI which was manged by Kishore Kotecha. He then decided that the funds he got for the foundation would be routed to India through the WCTI. The trust is out to construct barricades around open wells. Kotecha said that Steve has committed 5,000 US dollars to the trust.

"We are in the process of receiving permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Central Government for receiving foreign funds," he said.

Open wells in Gir may no longer ring in death for lions

21-3-2008

Open wells in Gir may no longer ring in death for lions

Indian Express

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Open-wells-in-Gir-may-no-longer-ring-in-death-for-lions/286030/

Rajkot, March 18 Instances of lions falling into open wells and dying in the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary may soon become a thing of the past. The sanctuary, considered the last abode of the Asiatic lions, has recorded 51 such accidents from 2001 to January 2008, in which 25 lions have died.

Following an initiative by the Rajkot-based Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT), the work to barricade open wells is on in full swing. After signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state government, the WCT began the work in Gir East in September last year. The barricading of 781 wells is expected to be completed by March 31.

“Asiatic lions, with a population of 359 as per the last census in 2005, face threats from humans, conflicts with other wild animals, poaching and genetic limitations. But manmade open wells are the most severe threat that they and other wild animals face in the region,” said Kishore Kotecha, WCT chairman.

As per the MoU, the government has given a grant of Rs 4,000 for each well, while barricading one well costs around Rs 10,000. So far, the trust has erected barricades around 781 wells with support of donors (for 108 wells), WWF India (77), Vanishing Herds Foundation (269) and Tata Chemicals (300).

The trust is also set to barricade another 1,000 wells in the coming 12 months in association with Tata Chemicals. Two other corporate houses— Reliance Industries Limited and Ambuja— are also carrying out the work to cover around 2,000 wells. In the next couple of months, 3,500-odd wells are likely to be covered to save the lion causalities. The NGO has called for more corporate houses to pitch in, as there are nearly 9,000 wells within 5-km vicinity of the sanctuary spread over 1,412 sq kms. “We will get donor’s name permanently embossed on the RCC slabs,” he said.

The wells, as deep as 100 feet sans boundary walls, have been dug up by farmers as a source of water for irrigation and livestock. But it has become graves for wild animals, especially lions. Kotecha said, “Threats like poaching and genetic limitations are relatively tough to check. But open wells that have become the most fatal, is something that can be controlled.”

Barricading wells using conventional limestone method is a mammoth task with a huge cost. So, the WCT developed a design that reduced the cost to almost 1/4th as well as time. So far, 10 villages have been included in the projects— Kotda, Paniya, Chanchai, Dalkhania, Krangsa, Sukhpar, Matanmala, Sodhapar, Ambagala and Ravana.

NRI, foreign company to pump in funds for Gir lions

21-3-2008

NRI, foreign company to pump in funds for Gir lions

Indian Express By Hiral Dave

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/NRI-foreign-company-to-pump-in-funds-for-Gir-lions/286699/

Rajkot, March 19 Their interest for the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary (GWS) is a common thread that links Steve Mandel, president of the California-based Mandel Communication and Raju Thakrara, an NRI businessman in London.

When cases of increased poaching and rising accidental deaths of the Asiatic Lions raised concern among the nature lovers, Mandel and Thakrara decided to spread awareness on the issue.

While Mandel has taken up the task to create more awareness about the last abode of the Asiatic Lions, Thakrar plans to launch annual awards for the people involved in conservation and promotion of the sanctuary.

Mandel, who visited the sanctuary twice this year, plans to start a foundation that will help in generating awareness and raising support for these lions in the US. The body has been named ‘Lions of Gir Foundation’.

Mandel has also donated over Rs 1 lakh to the Rajkot-based Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT), which has been carrying out the work of barricading open wells located in the periphery of the GWS to prevent accidental deaths of lions. “The Lions of Gir Foundation would workin co-ordination with the WCT,” said WCT chairman Kishore Kotecha. He added, “The foundation would raise funds from the US for the conservation and awareness activities to be carried out by the WCT.”

The WCT is the only NGO involved in conservation work at the sanctuary. At present, the trust aims at barricading 9,000 open wells in the area. The NGO will continue to focus on general conservation and awareness programmes with support from the Lions of Gir Foundation, after the completion of the barricading project.

Kotecha said, “I came in contact with Mandel through the Internet. We had camped at GWS for an assessment of the situation. Mandel had proposed the idea of forming a foundation in the US during his last visit in February.”

Meanwhile, Thakrar, who is Kotecha’s acquaintance, has donated Rs 1.5 lakh for the WCT awards to be launched this October.

Thakrar said, “I feel that the GWS is the eighth wonder of the world. We must encourage the people who are working for the conservation of the Asiatic Lions and GWS. Thus, I decided to extend my support to start these awards.” Kotecha said, “So far, there has been little encouragement to the people involved in conservation and protection projects at GWS.”

The WCT awards will have five categories, including one for students who have done extraordinary work in creating awareness, for an educator, two awards for frontline forest staff and one for any remarkable research during the year.

Monday, March 17, 2008

Nilgai threat to standing crops generates heat in Assembly

15-3-2008

Nilgai threat to standing crops generates heat in Assembly

Indian Express

The swelling population of nilgais, which is causing extensive damage to standing crops across Gujarat generated a heated debate in the Assembly on Friday.

Speaker Ashok Bhatt directed the state Forest Minister to convene a special meeting of MLAs to discuss measures to contain this menace at the earliest.

The issue cropped up during the Question Hour when BJP MLAs Ambalal Rohit and Hanubhai Dhorajiya, through separate queries, complained that farmers in the state were suffering extensive damage due to the nilgai menace, and sought to know what steps the government was taking to curb this.

Replying to the questions, Forest Minister Mangubhai Patel told the House that the population of nilgais was increasing at an alarming pace, and that his department had initiated different methods to protect the farmers’ standing crops from the wild herbivores.

He said sarpanchs of as many as 1,545 villages, mainly in Saurashtra/Kutch and north Gujarat had been delegated powers to issue gun licenses to aggrieved farmers to kill the animals.

When the minister said that other methods like capturing and sterilisation of the animals had failed to yield positive results, MLAs from both the Treasury and Opposition benches grew restless and wanted to raise supplementary queries on the issue. This prompted the Speaker to intervene in the matter, saying that the issue needed to be discussed at length for a permanent solution.

“I strongly feel that a special meeting of MLAs cutting across party lines be convened either on Monday or Tuesday to discuss the threat posed by the nilgais to the standing crops. The ministers and officials of the various departments concerned should attend the meeting, invite suggestions from the elected members and find out a solution to this problem,” he said.

Senior Congress MLA Arjun Modhwadia suggested that the ministers and officials of the Home and Revenue departments should also be asked to attend this meeting, as the issue of killing of the animals by license gun holders is also involved.

Later, outside the Assembly, a senior Forest official told The Indian Express that the population of nilgais in Gujarat had shot up from 66,000 in 2002 to 97,000 as per the latest census of 2005, adding that it may have crossed the one-lakh mark by now.

He said the department had also issued gun licences in accordance with the wildlife laws. As per the guidelines, the animal will have to be buried after it is killed, and none of its body parts are to be used for commercial purposes.

He further said the permission to kill the animals had been granted to farmers only in four villages – two in Kutch and one each in Ahmedabad and Anand.

“Even the village sarpanchas who have been delegated these powers are facing a piquant situation in that they face a lot of resistance from the local Jain community when it comes to killing of nilgais,” he said.

It may be recalled that when the government had taken a decision in 2006 allowing farmers to kill the animals, at least two Jain MLAs – Babu Meghji Shah and Bhavin Sheth – had opposed the move, saying that is tantamount to cruelty against the animals, and that killing them cannot be allowed on the pretext of protecting standing crops.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Open Well menace; Bullock cart with two bulls and rider fall in to open well

15-03-2008

Open Well menace; Bullock cart with two bulls and rider fall in to open well

Gujarat Samachar (Briefly translated from Gujarati)

After lions it is turn of domestic animals and human beings. This incidence happened at Mav-Jinjava village near Bagasara in Amreli district. Yesterday a farmer, Chaturbhai Nanjibhai Patel was going with his bullock cart with sugarcane in the cart. On the way, bullock got scarred on seeing a camel. They started moving backwards and the whole cart with two bulls, sugarcane and owner fell in 45 feet deep well. Bullocks drowned in 12 feet deep water and died. Farmer was seriously injured.

Carcass of Black Buck found near Kutiyana

15-03-2008

Carcass of Black Buck found near Kutiyana

Divya Bhaskar (Briefly translated from Gujarati)

A carcass of male black buck was found on Kageshri Road near Kutiyana near Porbandar. It is assumed by forest staff that is was natural death and then eaten away by stray dogs. Still possibilities of poaching are being explored. This is second incidence of black-buck in last six months.

Leopard Caught; May have tested human blood

15-03-2008

Leopard Caught; May have tested human blood

Gujarat Samachar (Briefly translated from Gujarati)

A female leopard which had tested human blood was finally caged yesterday in Dhava(Gir) village. It was hiding in Ramji Rakholiya’s sugercane firm. Since last three months a pair of leopards were residing in this village, of which male was caught two months before.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

15 lions killed in Gir in last 2 years

15-3-2008

15 lions killed in Gir in last 2 years

Indian Express

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/15-lions-killed-in-Gir-in-last-2-years/284594/

Ahmedabad, March 14 The Gujarat government on Friday admitted that 15 lions had been killed in the last two years in the Gir forests.

In 2007 alone, 18 wild animals, including lions, had been killed in the Gir forests, forcing the government to intensify measures to stop incidents of poaching. As many as 49 persons have been arrested for poaching related activities so far, the government said.

The 2005 census had showed an increase of 32 lions in Gir. The government stated that the estimated count as on date was 359.

A plan is on the anvil to expand the area of the Gir Sanctuary by about 17,887 hectares. The government said its efforts at conservation and protection of the big cat had given the animal more space.

Listing measures taken to protect the wild animals in the state's forests, the government said, additional staff had been recruited besides appointment of Vanya Prani Mitra (friends of wild animals) officials. New walkie-talkie sets and revolvers for foresters have also been sanctioned.

Installation of advanced cameras, periodical meeting of sarpanchs and villagers, keeping a watch on suspicious elements around railway and bus stations, and prizes to villagers for giving information about poachers were among other steps the forest department had initiated to protect the lions, the government said.

The state government has also set up a Gujarat State Lion Conservation Society. Besides, the government has also implemented a scheme to expand the boundaries of the forests while appointing foresters for its proper management.

A monthly meeting to monitor the steps taken to protect the lion is also held under the chairmanship of senior police officers.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Forester dies of cardiac arrest while dousing blaze in Gir east

13-3-2008

Forester dies of cardiac arrest while dousing blaze in Gir east

Indian Express By Sibte Hussain Bukhari

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Forester-dies-of-cardiac-arrest-while-dousing-blaze-in-Gir-east/283801/

 

Junagadh, March 12 In a bizarre incident, a forest department employee died following a massive cardiac arrest while on a fire fighting mission in the Gir forest area. He was among the more than 100 forest employees who were trying to control a blaze in the Thorala and Kantala area in Tulshishyam range of the Gir east forest division.

Forest beat guards on duty in the area first noticed the fire, after which senior forest officials, including Conservator of Forests (wildlife) Bharat Pathak, Deputy Conservator of Forests (Gir east) J S Solanki rushed to the spot.

 

A forest official said the fire was brought under control after more than 12 hours. He said the fire caused extensive damage to nearly 85 hectares of forestland, but no damage to livestock was reported from anywhere.

 

Deputy conservator of forests (Gir east), J S Solanki said, "The forest fire seems to be the handiwork of some hooligans. We have already registered an FIR against unknown persons. An inquiry has also been initiated in the issue."

 

Solanki also ruled out the possibility of any injuries sustained by the animals, due to the fire. He said, "Wild animals are safe. The fire did not affect the big trees. The fire destroyed grass cover in 80 to 85 hectares," he said.

 

He added, "DK Vasoya, who suffered died due to the heart attack was immediately rushed to a government hospital in Khambha, where the doctor on duty declared him brought dead. All possible help and compensation will be given to the next of the kin of the deceased employee," Solanki added.

Fire destroys part of Gir sanctuary

13-3-2008

Fire destroys part of Gir sanctuary

Times of India

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Ahmedabad/Fire_destroys_part_of_Gir_sanctuary/articleshow/2859785.cms

 

RAJKOT: A fire, ignited by some miscreants, has destroyed large swathes of vegetation in Gir sanctuary. The fire broke out on Tuesday morning between Ghantula hill and Hanuman Gala in the Tulshishyam range, destroying around 85 hectares of the sanctuary. Around 30 per cent of the 349 lions in Gir live in this area.

 

Although no lion was affected, a beat guard, BT Vasoya, died of a heart attack while fighting the fire. It took the officials 24 hours to control the flames.

 

Senior forest officials said it was unlikely that such a huge fire could have been caused by accident. District forest officer (DFO), Gir east, JS Solanki said, "Normally, a forest fire is caused by a short-circuit in an electric line passing through or by friction between branches of two dry trees. However, this was a ground fire and someone has ignited it."

 

Solanki added that lions cover at least 50 km in a day and move to a safer place as soon as a fire breaks out. "We have also not found any carcass in the affected area," he said. Forest department has registered an offence against unknown persons under the Indian Forest Act.

 

Officials in Gandinagar said small forest fires are good for Gir. In the absence of any major fires in the past couple of years, vegetation has become thick in Gir. The lion needs large open fields, which a fire often provides by clearing the vegetation.

Saturday, March 08, 2008

Pride of five lions kill five cows in peripheral village

08-03-2008

Pride of five lions kill five cows in peripheral village

Divya Bhaskar (Briefly translated from Gujarati)

On second day after pride killed two cows, same pride of five lions again killed five stray cows in Nava Ugla village near Una. Village is adjoining to Gir forest boundary and hence lions roaming in the village have become normal routine. Villagers feel that forest department should take steps so that lions remain inside the sanctuary and get sufficient pray inside.

Lions will be shuffled every year in Gene pool near Wankaner

08-03-2008

Lions will be shuffled every year in Gene pool near Wankaner

Divya Bhaskar (Briefly translated from Gujarati)

Process of creating gene pool for Asiatic lion in Rampara vidi, 18 kms from Wankaner on Rajkot road, is being done fast. Six pairs will be moved to start with. A master plan to create a diverse gene pool is being drawn. Work for sufficient pray base of deer and other ungulates is in progress. Chain link fencing is being installed. In the initial stage one male and two female lions will be introduce in 20-25 days. Asiatic Lion is one of the highly endangered species and hence Central Govt. is also planning to introduce few pairs at Kuno Palpur in Madhya Pradesh.   

Friday, March 07, 2008

Lions Kills a bull in Bhader village

08-03-2008

Lions Kills a bull in Bhader village

Gujarat Samachar (Briefly translated From Gujarati)

A lion killed a bull tied in farm of Bhader village near Dhari in Gir East. The owner was Shamjibhai Dharmshibhai Siroja. Incidence happened at 5:30 AM.

Asiatic Lion Poacher Prabhakaran refused bail

04-03-2008

Asiatic Lion Poacher Prabhakaran refused bail

Divya Bhaskar (Briefly translated From Gujarati)

Six Gir lions were poached in Babariya range in Gir Forest (apart from other two at Bhanderiya village) in March 2007. Prabhakaran, one of the twenty-one accused and resident of Karnataka was in possession of Tiger skins worth Rs. 18 lacs when caught.

One of the female accused had list of important mobile phone nos. which helped investigators to track network spread as far as Hyderabad, W.Bengal, Silgudi and China. Police also suspect that kingpin is from Mumbai and not from Madhya Pradesh. Police also found that poachers had detailed information of Gir villages like Hubli, Haliyal, Ghantwad etc. Thus police is also working hard to find out local people involved in the case.

Pride of 13 lions kills three Cows

04-03-2008

Pride of 13 lions kills three Cows

Divya Bhaskar (Briefly translated From Gujarati)

A pride of 13 lions have been reported to enter Nava Ugla village 14 kms from Una in search of food. They killed two stray cows tied near Ranchodbhai Babar’s home and one cow of Nagjibhai Vijaybhai.

On first anniversary of poaching incidence of Asiatic Lions; But where is the Master Poacher?

04-03-2008

On first anniversary of poaching incidence of Asiatic Lions; But where is the Master Poacher?

Divya Bhaskar (Briefly translated from Gujarati)

Exactly one year back three lion poaching incidence was reported. After 27 days, of first incidence, another three lions were poached in the same area. Roar of six lions was permanently silenced in March 07. Poachers had grand success in taking away bones, claws, skin etc. and only few remains were found. The technique or modus-operandy was such that lion could not even roar (scream) when being killed.

After one year balance sheet shows few front line poachers and one step up Sarkaslal and Prabhakaran from Bangalore are in police custody.

But the biggest question is who and where is the kingpin? Looking to seriousness, Chief Minister Shree Narendrabhai Modi also visited the scene of crime and declared package of 40 Cr. But public, at this point, is not aware how much of this is spent?

Now due to various reasons lion is regularly straying outside the sanctuary area. This would make poachers job even easier.

The whole investigation is headed by intelligent and dedicated IG-CID Shree Keshav Kumar. Gir lovers feel that kingpin should be caught immediately.  

We did this much, says Shree Bharat Pathak, CF-WL

-         Vigorous patrolling with the help of local villagers

-         Registration of non-Gujarati labours with the help of Sarpanchs

-         Co-operation from state police

-         Checking with help of state police

-         Recruitment of bit-guards

-         Motor-bikes purchased for bit-guards

-         Severe patrolling on check post

Locals have enormous love for lions

Villagers living on periphery of Gir Forest and Maldharis still have enormous love for lions. They feel let lions reach our cattle but poachers should not reach lions.

When Maldharis where inside Sanctuary; they say lions were not being poached

Maldharis say that when they were allowed to live inside the sanctuary there was no poaching because they watched and informed any suspicious activities as soon as they show it.

Kishore Kotecha’s Comment and personal feeling:

-         I am of opinion that after poaching CID and forest department has done their level best to catch poachers and prevent such incidences happening in future.

-         Locals definitely love lions and have shown tolerance for cattle or crop loss happening to them due to lions.

-         It is not true that poaching never happened when Maldharis were allowed to live inside sanctuary area. Lions definitely are having some benefits of them living inside sanctuary but indirect disadvantages like disturbance; forest fragmentation etc. would rate higher. Thus it is utmost important to relocate existing 47-48 nesses outside sanctuary as soon as possible.

-         IG-CID Shree Keshav Kumar has done remarkable and example-setting investigation. My congratulation and best wishes to him and his team.

-         Lions have been straying out side sanctuary since centuries. But after poaching incidence, media is regularly reporting lion in village, killed cattle etc. as Garam Masala. This is having negative impact on local people’s thinking. It may happen that local people become less tolerance due to such petty reporting.

Porcupine makes lioness beat hasty retreat

06-03-2008

Porcupine makes lioness beat hasty retreat

Times of India Ahmedabad Edition

Junagadh : In a reversal of power-play, a lioness retired hurt with quills embedded in her back, after she failed to prey on a porcupine at the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, on Sunday.

Fearing, that the big cat may turn into a man-eater like man-eating tigers crippled by porcupines’ quills, officials are urgently tracking down the beast.

According to reports, forest department officials saw the young lioness as she was about to pounce upon a porcupine in the north range of Jabudi Thana in Gir on Sunday.

“Like tigers and leopards, lions too love porcupine meat, but fail miserably while preying on it,” said a forest official.

“The porcupine raised her sharp-edged quills, and when the lioness tried to closed on to it, the porcupine darted its quills which embedded in her back. The wounded beast vanished into the woods,” the official said.

6 lions poached in a year, admits Govt

06-03-2008

6 lions poached in a year, admits Govt

Says No Accidental Deaths Occurred, Silent On Open Well Casualties

Times of India Ahmedabad Edition

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Daily/skins/TOI/navigator.asp?Daily=TOIA&login=default

Gandhinagar: The state government has admitted that six lions were poached in the last one year in Gir forest. However, the Government has stated that not a single incident of accidental death occurred and is silent on deaths by falling into open wells.

   The government in reply to the question asked by Jasdan Congress MLA Kuvarjibhai Bavaliya stated that the government had set up a scheme for the conservation of lions and that the Gujarat State Lion Conservation Society had also been formed.

   It said the forest department has given motorcycles to the staff for patrolling along the borders of the forest. The department has also announced reward for people who give information about poachers. A vigil has also been increased on railway stations and bus stations and meetings were also held with local people. The government has also began construction of parapet walls around open wells, it said.

   Further the government has also decided to work in co-ordination with the police department for effective monitoring.

However, in reply to the question on how many deaths have been reported due to accidents, the government replied that no deaths were reported. The government has not taken into account deaths occurring due to falling in open wells.

A forest official also pointed out that three lionesses and two cubs were found buried in the fields in mid-October. The animals were buried in a private field after they died due to electrocutions.

   This was the first incident in Gir Sanctuary where five animals were electrocuted to death. The incident had taken place outside the sanctuary in Prempara village about three km from Dhari town in the private fields. The official said that this should be deemed as an accident. But the government has only taken into account road accidents while replying to the questions.

A (Asiatic) LION'S SHARE

28-2-2008

A LION’S SHARE

Times of India Ahmedabad By: Rajat Ghai (rajat.ghai@timesgroup.com)

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JQS8yMDA4LzAyLzI4I0FyMDI1MDA=&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom

The state government has sanctioned a Rs 40-crore scheme to initiate measures to protect Gir’s lions. But is it enough? AT pops the question to conservationists….

Coming on the heels of the public uproar about inaction for conserving Gir’s Asiatic Lions, the Gujarat government has announced a Rs 40-crore scheme for the next five years for taking steps to solve the Gir conundrum. Of the total amount, the government has allocated Rs 12 crore in the budget for the current financial year, 2008-09.

    “We should congratulate the government for focusing on such an important issue,” says conservationist Belinda Wright, Wildlife Protection Society of India, New Delhi. Similarly, Y V Jhala, faculty at the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun and a leading expert on the Indian Wolf, too appreciates the move. “The government should be applauded since it shows their commitment towards conserving the species,” he says.

    But, is it enough? “It will work if implemented well,” says Jhala. Agrees Wright, “Money alone cannot save the Asiatic Lion. This injection of funds should be monitored closely, under proper leadership and right enforcement of laws.” Snehal Bhatt, head, Gujarat Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) remarks, “If spent properly and effectively, it is enough. But the problem lies there. There is no will among state forest authorities, especially the top brass to carry out such schemes properly. For instance, the Rs 12 crore sanctioned should be put to use immediately. Usually though, the funds are not properly channelised and end up in the wrong hands. Also, the higher-ups should encourage the lower staff materially and legally. Gir has some of India’s best forest guards. But they are usually equipped with sticks as compared to poachers who have the latest firearms and motorbikes. Forest guards should similarly be equipped with vehicles, weapons and most importantly, the permission to use such weapons.”

    Mumbai-based conservationist Bittu Sahgal, begs to differ. “The amount is not by far enough. These are the world’s last Asiatic Lions. This annual budget for Gir is less than money sanctioned for a 10 km stretch of highway. History will not forgive this generation of politicians for their lack of vision and their callous attitude to the natural heritage of tomorrow.”

    But, should similar schemes be introduced for the state’s other species? “All of natural Gujarat is crying out for protection, from the Little Rann of Kutch’s wild asses and the Great Rann’s flamingoes, to Velavadar’s Blackbucks and the Dangs’ wildlife, which used to have tigers just ten years back, but lost them to sightless politicians who measure progress in dollars and cents,” says Sahgal. “We need more such schemes, for crocodiles (across Gujarat), sloth bears in the Ratanmahal Sloth Bear Sanctuary (Dahod district) and leopards (state-wide),” says Bhatt. “More than lions, it is the Bustard that needs immediate attention. It is on the brink,” says Jhala. Kamlesh Maurya, WII researcher on wolves in Naliya, Kutch, too advocates the same, “Most of Kutch’s wildlife resides in unprotected areas. We especially need to concentrate on the Bustard before it’s too late.”

    Ultimately though, the key to conservation, says Sahgal, lies with citizens more than the political class or bureaucracy. “Yes, bureaucratic wrangles and red tape do cause obstacles. But the real obstacle is that we have no place in our hearts and minds for wild nature, which adds nothing to our GDP unless our trees are cut, or wetlands are filled, or coastlines are destroyed.”

Now, if only we can pay attention to that…

Sunday, March 02, 2008

Poachers Caught With Carcass Of Rabit near Gir Forest

02-03-2008

Poachers Caught With Carcass Of Rabit near Gir Forest

Gujarat Samachar (Briefly Translated From Gujarati)

Yesterday forest department caught three poachers, red handed, with a carcass of a rabbit near Gadhia village in Gir East. In interrogation they confirmed their identity as Bhima Ram Parmar of Devipujak (Koli) community of Ingorala village near Dhari.

Small animals are frequently poached in Gir forest. It needs severe attention from the department.

Lioness Falls in Open in Open Well

02-03-2008

Lioness Falls in Open in Open Well

Divya Bhaskar (Briefly translated from Gujarati)

A Farmer Harijan Aebha Dana yesterday informed forest department about an ailing lioness fallen into open-well in his farm at Gundaran village near Talala in Gir West. Lioness had hunted an animal and after feeding on it went to open-well for drinking water. The well had no parapet protection. Hence it accidentally fell in to the well.

The well was dry and 20 feet deep. Hence forest rescue team saved this 4-4.5 year old cat. Instant hard work and efforts of RFO Chauhan, ACF Katara and Dr. Hirpara are appreciated.

Kishore Kotecha’s comments: Gir forest staff and particularly rescue team headed by Veterinary doctor is doing excellent job. Anytime. Always. My congratulations to them and please keep it up.

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