Lioness attacks Farmer in Achidra village

30-04-2008

Lioness attacks Farmer in Achidra village

Divya Bhaskar (Briefly translated from Gujarati)

A pride of four lions is residing Maliya sub-districts and often killing the domestic animals.

A lioness was resting in the corner of farm of Ahir Nagabhai Pithabhai solanki. When farmer went to bring his tractor-hood from that corner, lioness attacked and injured him. It hit him on his shoulder by foot and farmer fell on the ground. Lioness also bit him on his leg, hand and waist. When few other labours working in the farm ran for help, lioness ran away.

He was immediately rushed to Veraval for treatment.

No check on visitors in Gir national

Entry pass now on a plain paper, which doesn’t even have a counterfoil

29-04-2008

No check on visitors in Gir national

Times of India By Himanshu Kaushik

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

Sasan: All the access controls into Gir National Park, which were introduced as a knee jerk reaction to the poaching incidents last year, have been thrown to the wind.
Eight Asiatic lions were killed by poachers in the Gir forest last summer, after which the forest department carried out a series of measures to check entry points into Gir.
   But now, no record of the tourists or visitors to Gir is maintained. The guards at the checkposts write the name of the driver of the tourist vehicle and its licence plate with the number of passengers on a plain slip of paper which doesn’t even have a
counterfoil.
   The forest department had, after the poaching incident in March and April last year, directed the beat guards at the check posts to screen vehicles and also note the licence number of the driver entering the forest.
   However, one year after the incidents, the beat guards are back to their old habits. The guards don’t bother using the official vehicle entry passes issued by the forest department which has a counterfoil for the records. At the Visavadar check post, this correspondent found the beat guard on duty issuing handwritten slips without even keeping a carbon copy.
According to officials, following the poaching incident, the forest department had issued directions that the person at the check post had to do a physical verification of the car and even jot down the number of the photo identity card or licence number of any one person travelling inside the vehicle.
   However, when the correspondent asked a beat guard about these loopholes, he said, “There is only one person at the check post and he has to take down details in his register, issue the passes. If he gets down to checking the vehicle, there will be long queues and visitors will start shouting. So rules are compromised. There is need for at least two people at one gate so that vehicles can be checked properly.”
   Conservator of forest Bharat Pathak said, “I am not aware of blank paper slips being issued and also about the non checking of vehicles. But we will definitely inquire into the matter.”

Lioness attacks two labours at Chitrawad

29-04-2008

Lioness attacks two labours at Chitrawad

Times of India Ahmedabad Edition

Gujarat Samachar (Briefly translated Gujarati)

One more man-animal conflict as a result of lions straying outside the sanctuary in search of food & water.

In an incidence that happened yesterday a lioness with her two cubs attacked two labours working in farm of farmer Momin Nathabhai Mukhi. The victims are Babu Mandan Dabhi (Age-23 Res : Borvav) and Jesingbhai Bhagabhai Dahit (Age-25, Res : Chitravad). They were admitted to Talala hospital for treatment.

Lions haunt Panjarapol Gaushala employees

29-4-2008

Lions haunt Panjarapol Gaushala employees

Indian Express By Sibte Hussain Bukhari

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Lions-haunt-Panjarapol-Gaushala-employees/303001/

Junagadh, April 28 The employees of the Panjarapol Gaushala in Junagadh district are having sleepless nights, as the incidents of lion attacks have been on the rise lately, particularly during the nights.

In the most recent incident, a group of three lions entered the gaushala, located on the outskirt of Virdi village near Malia town, by jumping over its 12-foot high boundary wall on Thursday and Friday nights, and killed seven cows. Since then, the gaushala’s 20 staff members are living under a constant fear, as the lions’ roars are being heard on a regular interval.

“It was like a nightmare. Lions created havoc and killed seven cows. We had never seen such a fury of the beast. It was a horrible experience,” said Bachu Bhai and Kanabhai Koli, two gaushala employees . They added that the big cats have increased their attacks in the last two years.

Confirming the incident, Ashwin Juthani, the gaushala’a trustee told Newsline: “Our staff are afraid of the lions. They have categorically told us that if the situation continues, then they would not work here.” He added that since last Thursday, he along with the entire staff have been guarding the cows.

“Taking a serious note of the incident, we have all ready placed flood lights around the compound walls. We have decided to raise the height of the compound wall from 10 feet to 13 feet with barbed wired fencing on the top,” he said.

He said they have already informed the forest officials about the incident, and that the foresters are patrolling the area. “But since they do not stay here, we have to take adequate action for the safety of about 325 cows sheltered here.”

Another trustee Mahendra Gandhi has sent a letter to the Gujarat Forest Minister, demanding an immediate action to free the area from the clutches of lions. He has threatened to launch an agitation if the state Forest Department fails to take necessary action.

The gaushala is located 10 kilometres from the Babara vidi land, which has now been turned into a permanent home for over a dozen lions.

Instances of big cats roaming in the revenue area outside the Gir forest is not new in Junagadh. According to the forest officials, one of the prime reasons for the lion’s presence in the area is the easy availability domestic animals.

Camels, donkeys too on lion's diet now

27-04-2008

Camels, donkeys too on lion’s diet now

Times Of India By Himanshu Kaushik

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Daily/skins/TOI/navigator.asp?Daily=TOIA&login=default&AW=1209371239093

Sasan: A study by Dr Ravi Chellam, a world-renowed expert on Asiatic lions, had revealed that chital, sambhar, nilgai, cattle and buffalo were important preys for this beast. However, with the shrinking habitat in the Gir sanctuary, lions are moving out of the forest and virtually pouncing on any animal that comes its way.

In fact, lions have been preying on camels too, something that was unheard of in this only abode of Asiatic lions. In 2007-2008, the state government had to compensate owners of five camels with Rs 5,000 per animal killed. The figures were revealed by Gir east (Dhari division).

There is a definite shift in preying and eating habits of lions, according to a senior forest officer, who says that in the past lions had even killed a donkey and the government had to announce a compensation of Rs 2,100, equivalent to a calf. “Attacks on camel is very rare and that too when it is asleep. But it definitely comes as a surprise that the lions’ tastes have changed,” said the officer.

Dhanaji Patel, a villager in Dhari and having a field near Dalkhaniya, said it is surprising as the lions are trying everything. “Earlier small goats and sheep were not among those attacked by lions. But these days the lions are preying on everything,” said Patel.

Studies have revealed that buffalo was also among the favourite food, but cow seemed to be easy prey for the lions. “Lions have moved out the forest and hence they have developed a taste for buffaloes and cows, leaving chital and sambhar as their favourite food,” Patel added.

Villagers of Babra-Virdi area, which is known for lion shows, say the lions here have got so used to the bait that they do not go hunting for chital or sambhar.

One of the lion poacher dies in jail

27-04-2008

One of the lion poacher dies in jail

Gujarat Samachar (Briefly Translated Gujarati)

In Mar-April 2007 six lions were poached in Babariya range in Gir W. About 12 persons including 8 females were caught from Machundri river bank in Una. They were from Panna district in Madhya Pradesh. One of them was 70 year old Daribai Bhairavsinh. She was admitted to Junagadh hospital and then to Ahmedabad hospital for treatment. There she died due to illness.

Two incidences of Leopard attacks in Gir

26-04-2008

Two incidences of Leopard attacks in Gir

Gujarat Samachar (Briefly Translated Gujarati)

A leopard attacked Jikabhai Kadabhai Vaghela (29 years) working as labour in fields of Patel farmer in moruka village of Talala Taluka in Gir(W). First he was admitted to local Talala hospital and then moved to Junagadh hospital for further treatment.

In another incidence a leopard jumped the compound wall of Babubhai Govindbhai Sarveya’s home and killed one calf. The incidence happened at about 3 AM. The cat dragged its pray to the centre of village and celebrated the hunt.

3 Villages under lion attack

26-04-2008

3 Villages under lion attack

Times of India

Dhari(Amreli) : Striking terror in thre villages of Dhari taluka on Thursday, three separate prides of lions killed five buffaloes and a neelgai.

In the first incident, a pride of 12 lions suddenly appeared in the Dalkhania  Samerdi village early on Thursday. Causing panic. Few cats entered a farmer’s courtyard and killed two buffaloes.

The pride feasted on it till late evening, keeping the villagers on tenterhooks. In the second incident, again on Thursday, a pride of five lions struck at Kankrach village.

They targeted three buffaloes grazing in the fields of some farmers. Locals said the lions had been staying on the outskirts of the village for the past one month.

In yet another incident, two lionesses chased a neelgai into Vaghania village and later killed it.

Bait may get Gir lions diseases

26-04-2008

Bait may get Gir lions diseases

Times Of India By Himanshu Kaushik

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

Ahmedabad: Asiatic lions may have been known to feed on sambars and cheetals, which are fast moving animals, but lately some of them, in their last abode in Gir, seem to have been tamed to eat buffalo meat offered on a platter.

The lion shows, organized to provide a feast to tourists during their visit to Gir, are not just spoiling the lions but also putting them under the threat of various diseases contracted from the cattle offered as bait, say experts from Wildlife Institute of India (WII).

Experts say cattle can transfer bovine tuberculosis, which had once gripped the African lions at the Kruger National Park in South Africa, to lions in Gir also. Besides, they could also contract canine distemper, which had killed 800 of the 2,000-odd African lions within four months at Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.

The modus operandi of staging a lion show is to tie a non-productive cattle to a tree and let tourists watch lions prey on them on payment of a premium.

Farmers, who gave their livestock as bait, also claim compensation from the government. The danger of these shows is that the cattle offered as bait are not checked for diseases.

Moreover, these shows domesticate the lions. That the lions are getting used to eating buffalo meat is established from the fact that in 2007-08, 2,018 claims for compensation were made for cattle killed by lions against 1,464 in 2006-07.

Dr PK Malik, head (wildlife health management) WII, says: “The bait is hardly checked in these situations, definitely some diseases can be transferred from bovine to carnivores.”

Chief conservator of forest (research) Dr HS Singh says: “Although no such major outbreak has been reported from Gir, these activities could threaten the Asiatic lion.”

The basic instinct of the lion to hunt will be affected by such shows, added Dr Singh.

He says that the lions should be allowed to starve so that they become more active and hunt for food. RG Jani, associate professor, Anand Veterinary College, agrees with the view that lions should be allowed to hunt. Unchecked baits can harm the animal, he added.

Babra and Jalondra Vidi are maternity home for lions

25-04-2008

Babra and Jalondra Vidi are maternity home for lions

Gujarat Samachar (Briefly translated from Gujarati)

A lioness gave birth to two male cubs in sugarcane firm of Bhikhabhai Solanki in Lachdi village. This incidence has once again proved that lions have made Babra and Jalondra Vidi of Maliya (Hatina) Taluka as their maternity home.

Farm owner informed forest Dept. Wildlife warden G L Bared, forester S V Chavda and J J Pankhaniya rushed to the place. Mother with new born cubs have been moved in to Devaliya park.

Ambardi Wildlife Park near Dhari gets green signal from Central Government

24-04-2008

Ambardi Wildlife Park near Dhari gets green signal from Central Government

Divya Bhaskar (Briefly translated from Gujarati)

Central Govt. gave green signal to Ambardi wildlife park and interpretation centre for Asiatic lions. Centre also sanctioned Rs. 474 lacs for the project out of which 80% i.e. 370 lacs have already been given to Gujarat Government. This will develop eco-tourism in Amreli distict area. Eastern border of the Gir forest touches Amreli district.

Park is located 3 km away from Dhari on Amreli Road and six km inside-away from main Road. There are many reasons for selection of this site, one of them being good water resource and abundant natural beauty. In view of tourism it is strategically located at 150 km from Keshod, 115 km from Junagadh, 60 km from Diu and 135 km from Bhavnagar.

The area of this park will be 400 Ha. It will get benefit of tourists visiting Tulshishyam and Diu. Ambardi is on both sides of Satrunji River and blessed with abundant nature. Total area of Ambardi village is 1500 Ha with hills and grassy terrain. Khodiyar dam is very near to Ambardi and hence good water source. The project will also help local-employment.

Leopard attacks young man in Mithapur village of Gir East

23-04-2008

Leopard attacks young man in Mithapur village of Gir East

Gujarat Samachar (Briefly translated from Gujarati)

This incidence occurred in Mithapur village of Gir East forest. A 19 year old boy Rana Natha Koli was working in fields of local Patel. Leopard attacked the youth at about 8 AM. He was injured on hand and face. He was taken to hospital and is safe now.

"Killer Well" claims human life

23-04-2008

“Killer Well” claims human life

Divya Bhaskar (Briefly translated from Gujarati)

On March 13, a bullock-cart along with two bulls and its driver Chaturbhai Nanjibhai had fallen into open well near the Gir forest. Bulls had died on the spot. Farmer was admitted to Rajkot hospital. After about 40 days of treatment, he died yesterday in the hospital.

One More fire in Mityala Jungle of Gir East

23-04-2008

One More fire in Mityala Jungle of Gir East

Gujarat Samachar (Briefly translated from Gujarati)

Few days back, fire had taken place in Hadada range in Gir East. As reported in the news papers, that was seventh jungle fire this year.

Today one more fire occurred in Lapada Hills of Mityala jungle near Kambha in Gir East. It engulfed about 200 Ha of forest land. It was so intense that flames were seen from 2-3 km distance. Khambha –Talala road was closed for traffic due to fire.

VIGIL FOR JUNGLE KING; TROUBLE IN LION LAND; Poachers on prowl again

25-04-2008

VIGIL FOR JUNGLE KING; TROUBLE IN LION LAND; Poachers on prowl again

Times of India By Himanshu Kaushik

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

Sasan: The Asiatic lion may be under threat again. Over 200 members of the Baheliya tribes, who were suspected to have killed lions in the Gir forest last year, are back. There are intelligence inputs indicating their camps in and around the forest, which have put the Junagadh district police and forest department on vigil.

An alert has been sounded in the villages around the Gir National Park to look out for Baheliyas who are labourers from Madhya Pradesh.

Officials from the forest department confirmed that with the sugarcane harvesting season already on, a large number of labourers from MP are camping in Saurashtra.

On March 3, 2007, carcasses of three lions were found in the forest. The lions were killed by poachers in the Babaria range under Gir West Forest division. On March 29 the same year, three more lions were killed in the same area of the forest, followed by two more on April 12, on the outskirts of Bhandariya village near Jesar town in Bhavnagar.

The CID (crime), which was probing the incidents, had written a letter to inspector general of police (Junagadh range) Mohan Jha last year about the Baheliya community being “actively involved” in poaching of Asiatic lions in Gir sanctuary. This community, apart from working in the fields, indulges in poaching of wild animals under the garb of selling traditional medicines and toys.

Jha told TOI: “This year the police are on alert and watching the activities of the labourers.” Conservator of Forest Bharat Pathak refused such intelligence inputs. But said that the forest department was using local NGOs to keep a watch on these tribes.Kanubhai Sanabhai, sarpanch of Vadal village in Akolwadi range, said the villagers are alert now.

Lion shows only outside Gir

Above Clips from a video footage of a lion show in Gir. (Encircled) The rope with which the buffalo was tied to the tree. These clips were sent to TOI by a reader after the expose.

25-04-2008

‘Lion shows only outside Gir’

Times of India

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

Ahmedabad: The state forest department has admitted that ‘lion shows’ of the kind that TOI had exposed, could be going on, but outside the “protected area”.

A report in TOI on April 22 and April 23 had exposed how villagers were networking with farmers to stage lion shows for tourists by tying unwanted cattle or goats as baits for lions to prey upon. And this was set up for tourists at a premium. Later, the farmers claimed compensation on the ground that the livestock had been killed by lions.

A rejoinder sent by the principal chief conservator of forest on Thursday claimed that no farmer had resorted to such illegal baiting of lions for tourism.

However, the official said: “It is believed that due to increased communication facilities in rural areas, people communicate fast about the natural livestock killed by lions and as the wild animals take some time to consume the kill, local people and occasionally tourists may be gathering at the site outside the Gir protected area to watch lions.”

When TOI contacted Junagadh collector Ashwini Kumar, he said the forest department was yet to inform the collectorate about any such shows in the revenue area. “But definitely action can be taken against such people under the Wildlife Protection Act,” Kumar said.

Meanwhile, the forest department has banned entry of over 30-odd jeeps taking tourists inside the Gir sanctuary for the routine lion sighting, which would mean nearly 100 drivers and guides would be rendered jobless while the touts remain untouched, said a senior officer.

The ban was imposed after state forest and environment minister Mangubhai Patel rushed PCCF Pradeep Khanna to Sasan to inquire into the involvement of drivers and guides in lion shows.

 

Increasing number of leopards gives Sakkarbaug Zoo officials a tough time

25-4-2008

Increasing number of leopards gives Sakkarbaug Zoo officials a tough time

Ahmedabad Newsline By Hiral Dave

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Increasing-number-of-leopards-gives-Sakkarbaug-Zoo-officials-a-tough-time/301368/

Rajkot, April 24 Sakkarbuag Zoo in Junagadh is one of the country’s oldest and is the leading breeding centre for the Asiatic Lion. But the population of leopards here is on the rise and, in fact, has even outnumbered these lions.

Increasing man-animal conflict in last couple of years has been landing the big cats into cages in such a large number that it is now becoming difficult for the zoo authorities to handle the situation. At present, nearly 30 leopards are inmates of the Sakkarbaug (SKB) Zoo, while the number of Asiatic lions stands at 21.

This year, half a dozen cases of man-leopard conflicts have been reported so far. In 2007, the forest department had caged over 70 leopards from the villages located on the periphery of the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary (GWS). In most cases, forest officials have no option but to send these animals to zoo, as many of these leopards are injured when caught.

“In recent years, the zoo has been receiving leopards that were on prowl in the revenue areas. They are brought here for treatment after sustaining injuries during conflict with villagers. Some of them suffered permanent damage and could not be released back in wild,” said SKB zoo superintendent Y Rana.

He added that some have developed the tendency of wandering in the revenue areas, so they have also been kept at the zoo. “As a result, the zoo is overcrowded with leopards,” he said, adding that though there is a shortage of space, but they have no other option than keeping the wild cat in captive.

While leopard is a solitary big cat, its been hurdled in groups of five to six in small cages of total area less than 300 square meter, with little or no height. These undersized cages are said to be constructed and designed over 100 years ago. The zoo does have big open cages in the safari park for leopards, but its number is restricted to two.

Officials say that shrinking natural habitat coupled with increasing lion and leopard population has led to dispersion of these two big cats outside forest areas. They generally take shelter in sugarcane and mangoes orchid farms for days. “The cats go out in search of food. Leopard, which is an opportunist hunter, prefers to stay in the revenue areas for hunting. This increases chances of conflict between man and leopard,” said Rana.

The leopard population stood at 155 when the first census was done at GWS in 1974. Since then the animal’s population has been registering increase in every census. The number stood at 380 in the last census done in 2005, indicating an increase of 69 since the 2000 census.

Probe ordered into 'lion shows'

24-4-2008

Probe ordered into 'lion shows'

The Hindu

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200804241841.htm

Vadodara (PTI): The alleged "lion shows", in which baits are used to attract tawny coloured cats inside the Gir National Park to a certain place for tourists to see them, will be probed into, the Gujarat government on Thursday announced.

Chief Conservator of the Forests (Wildlife) Pradeep Khanna said an inquiry would be conducted into the "lion shows" that use baits for drawing tourists and action would be taken against those found guilty.

Some people were reportedly charging hefty sums from tourists for giving them a glimpse of the lions at the Park in Junagadh district.

Baits like a buffalo or cow are allegedly used to bring the lions to a particular place, where tourists can easily see them.

"I have asked top wildlife officials of the forest department to visit Gir to look into the allegations and find out the truth," Principal Secretary (Forest and Environment Department) S K Nanda said.

Meanwhile, Forest Minister Mangubhai Patel said there are no organised gangs involved in luring lions for tourists. He said there is a tendency among people to gather at spots where a group of lions feed on cattle after killing them.

However, Patel told PTI that following the reports, two district forest officials in the area have been asked to keep a vigil on the activities in the park.

Guesthouses packaging 'lion shows' dot Gir

24-04-2008

Guesthouses packaging ‘lion shows’ dot Gir

Times Of India By Himanshu Kaushik

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

Sasan: If you visit Sasan as a tourist, look out for those innocuous mud huts in the middle of a farm. They promise to show you a lion in the wild. These are guest houses that have sprung up around the Gir forest, that let out rooms at nominal rates, with an additional charge if a lion show is on the cards.

These guest houses might lack the creature comforts, but their owners woo guests by marketing the bonanza of showing the king of the jungle at close quarters.

The rates for these guest houses range from Rs 550 to Rs 1000 for a non air-conditioned room. The fact, however is, that there are hardly any air-conditioned rooms in these guest houses, which are conveniently marketed as enjoying wildlife “in the lap of nature”.

The charges for the lion show is exclusive of the room tariff, but they are far lower for tourists. Sources say, majority of these guest houses are unauthorized.

The modus operandi was that over three-fourth of the land was used for farming, while a small portion was used to build these mud huts with hay roofs.

Apparently, the guest house owners are networked with the touts and safari drivers. “The safari driver comes to their guest house to pick up the guest and the owners keeps tabs on the location of the lions,” said a senior officer.

Incidentally, after the poaching incident last year, the state government officials cracked down on such guest houses. Talala mamlatdar, Ami Doshi said, “After the poaching incidents, we had cracked down on such guest houses and found that these guest houses were operating on agricultural land without entertainment licences.”

Officials said that, to build such guest houses, it was essential to convert the agricultural land into a non-agricultural land, and then utilize the same for commercial purposes, but in the name of the farm houses these guest houses were operating illegally without any check.

Lioness gives birth to 2 cubs

24-04-2008

Lioness gives birth to 2 cubs

Times of India Ahmedabad Edition

Maliyahatina(Gir): Fast gaining the tag of a maternity ward for Asiatic lionesses, the Maliyahati village in the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary witnessed the birth of two more male cubs, this time in a sugarcane field on the outskirts of the village. According to a forest official, this remote village has been serving as a maternity home in Gir, as a number of lionesses have been visiting and delivering their cubs here for the past four years.

In the latest case, the two 12 days-old male cubs were spotted gamboling about in the Bhikha solanki’s sugarcane field. Alerted by his farm labourers, Solanki called the forest department officials, who reached the farm armed with cage and bait. “Our prime concern was to catch the lioness in order to avoid any untoward incident of man-animal conflict and the safety of the lioness and her cubs,” said a forest official. SOURCE : SANDESH

After lion show, make govt pay for bait!; Bonus For Villagers Who Sell Baits & Claim Compensation

23-04-2008

After lion show, make govt pay for bait!; Bonus For Villagers Who Sell Baits & Claim Compensation

Times of India Ahmedabad By Himanshu Kaushik

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

Sasan: Call it the lion’s share, twice over. For every “lion show” organised in Gir — using unproductive cattle to be attacked and eaten by lions as tourists watch — there is a bonus for those providing these baits. While farmers here organise these shows to earn money from tourists or sell their ageing cows and buffaloes to organisers, they also claim compensation from the government to pay for the loss of livestock.
And, statistics with the forest department show that the number of applications and the compensation paid have shot up over the years.
On Tuesday, TOI reported how “live shows” are organised in and around the Gir sanctuary, where live baits are used to lure lions and groups of tourists pay anywhere between Rs 500 and Rs 10,000 to watch them prey.
Forest officials say it is the nonlactating cows and buffaloes that are sold the most, each fetching Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000. As soon as the show is over, the farmer informs the forest department that the animal has been killed by a lion. “Not only are the villagers in and around Gir earning from tourists by organising shows themselves or by selling their livestock as baits, they are making money by fooling the government too,” said an official.
While a compensation of Rs 5,000 has to be paid for a milch cow, non-lactating cows fetch Rs 1,100. A non-lactating buffalo would fetch Rs 2,100.
Sources say that an elaborate racket is in place, whereby a beat guard of the forest department certifies that the animal was attacked and killed by a lion, despite knowing that the hapless bait was offered to the beast. The department pays the compensation on the basis of this certificate.
Conservator of forest (Junagadh range) Bharat Pathak admitted that “there has been a rise of around 30 per cent in compensation paid”. “I am not aware of this practice and will look into it,” he said.

Seventh fire in Gir this year; In Hadada range of Gir E

23-04-2008

Seventh fire in Gir this year; In Hadada range of Gir E
Times of India Ahmedabad

Rajkot: The eastern region of the Gir forest range witnessed its seventh fire of this season, on Monday. No animal or human casualty was reported. Sources said that a huge fire engulfed almost 100 hectares of the land near Hadala Beat J Nagar, in Dhari range on Monday afternoon. It took four hours of tough fire fighting to extinguish the fire which burnt the forest grass and plants in the area to ashes. Though the cause is still unclear, forest officials believe it to be an accidental fire generally witnessed during the extremely hot summer days. Source : SANDESH

Gir fire destroys dry grass spread over 125 hectares of land

23-4-2008

Gir fire destroys dry grass spread over 125 hectares of land

Indian Express By Sibte Hussain Bukhari

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Gir-fire-destroys-dry-grass-spread-over-125-hectares-of-land/300561/

Junagadh, April 22 Dry grass spread over 125 hectares of land was reduced to ashes after a major fire broke out in the Gir east forest division of the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary on Monday. Forest officials suspect it to be the handiwork of someone.

Sources in the Forest department said that so far no wildlife casualty or injury has been reported.

According to Deputy Conservator of Forest (Gir east) J S Solanki, the fire broke out in an area falling between Bhutada and Nani Jenagar forests under the Hadala forest range. The fire was first noticed by the duty forest staff posted on a watchtower, who immediately informed the forest headquarters.

After hours of struggle, the fire was doused completely by late Monday evening. Solanki said, "An FIR has been registered and an inquiry has been ordered." Sources said this was the seventh such incident of the year in the Gir east forest division, and that this was the second incident wherein forest officials have lodged an FIR for intentionally causing a fire.

Watch lions feast in Gir, for a price

22-4-08

Watch lions feast in Gir, for a price

Times of India By Himanshu Kauhsik

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Watch_lions_feast_in_Gir_for_a_price/articleshow/2969637.cms

SASAN: The setting sun has painted the sky a bright red. But, for a group of wide-eyed tourists, it's a different red that's attracting their attention. A bloodied buffalo is being torn apart by two lions while two cubs join in.

This is right in the middle of the lion country, just 25 km from Sasan, the core of Gir lion sanctuary that is the last refuge of the endangered Asiatic lions. At Babra Virdi, around 8 pm, the feast was on. So was the show as tourists, including some foreigners, watched in wonder.

The show is managed by locals by luring the lions with a live bait and costs anywhere between Rs 2,500 and Rs 10,000 for a group of five close to the core area. This is not an isolated incident. Lion shows are a rage in Gir, with several touts organising these shows in and around the forest. They are usually drivers of tourist vehicles who are hand-in-glove with forest department staff. These touts even have business cards and offer you a package which includes a meal while the lion is having a banquet.

Since the lion has strayed far beyond the protected sanctuary and national park, shows are organised even in villages on the outskirts of the sanctuary. "These shows violate security for the lions and will only help guide poachers at a time when poaching turning out to be a big menace," says Revtubhai Jadeja, former member of Wildlife Board. "We are looking for people who organise such shows," says conservator of forest (Junagadh range) Bharat Pathak.

What's on show?

Venue: Sasan, core area of Gir

Tourists who do not sight lions during a tour of Gir are the targets of well organised groups. They promise sure shot viewing at close quarters. They help you take your car up to a pride of lions. While the car is stopped barely 10 feet from the lions, visitors are told not to take pictures as it would annoy the lion.

Venue: Dhari, near the core area

A buffalo or cow is let loose on the top of a hillock, with a long rope tied around its neck. The other end is tied to a tractor, which waits at a distance down the hillock. Around 7 pm, when lions approach the bait, the tractor pulls the bait down the hill with the lion in pursuit. The rope is cut off, leaving it to the mercy of the lion. The lion feeds on the cattle as the tourists watch.

Girl attacked by leopard, man by lion in last one week; Carcass of crocodile found

22-4-08

Girl attacked by leopard, man by lion in last one week; Carcass of crocodile found

Indian Express By Sibte Hussain Bukhari

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Girl-attacked-by-leopard-man-by-lion-in-last-one-week/300029/

Junagadh, April 21 Arvind Abhangi was working in a mango orchard when a group of lions attacked him from behind a tree. Even as one of the lions sunk its teeth into his thighs, he managed to extract himself from the beast’s clutches, and climb onto a tree

Man-animal conflict is again on the rise in areas around the Gir forest. On an average, two to three such incidents are reported from Junagadh district every week.

On Monday, a seven-year-old girl was injured in a leopard attack, while in a separate incident, a man was attacked by a group of lions, leaving him badly injured.

According to forest officials, the first incident occurred on the outskirts of Kuba Ravni village, where a leopard attacked one Bhavisha Mansukh when was was playing in the fields. However, she was rescued by her parents and admitted to the Junagadh civil hospital.

In a separate incident, a group of three lions attacked a man when he was working in an orchard on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred on the outskirts of Ramapara village located on the border of Gir forest. The man was rushed to the Talala town public health centre and later shifted to the Junagadh civil hospital, where he is stated out of danger.

According to reports, Arvind Abhangi (35) was working in a mango orchard when a group of lions attacked him from behind a tree. Even as one of the lions sunk its teeth into his thighs, he managed to extract himself from the beast's clutches, and climb onto a tree. And as he was trying to climb on to the highest branches, another lion caught hold of his foot. He somehow managed to extract his foot and climb to safety. He came down once the three beasts went away and rushed to the public health centre.

Meanwhile on Monday, the carcass of a 9-feet-long crocodile was recovered from a dam on the outskirts of Paswala village in Junagadh taluka falling under Girnar north forest range. It is suspected that some one had killed the reptile.

Acting on tip-off, Deputy Conservator of Forest (Girnar range) rushed to the Paswala Dam along with his staff members and after a two-day exercise fished out the carcass of the crocodile from the dam.

"It appears that the crocodile succumbed to some illness. The carcass has been shifted to the Sakkarbagh Zoo in Junagadh for a postmortem. However, the exact cause of his death can only be ascertained after receiving the post-mortem report," said Range Forest Officer Vijay Yoganandi.

However, he also did not rule out foul play and maintained that patrolling has been intensified in the area surrounding the dam."

Group of Five lions visit Fatsar

21-04-2008

Group of Five lions visit Fatsar

Divya Bhaskar (Briefly translated from Gujarati)

It seems Asiatic Lions are regularly patrolling Fatsar village of Una taluka, to keep villagers awake. Fatsar is 12 kms away from Una town.

As informed by village head, on entering the village group of lions jumped over Nanji Lakha Pokiya’s compound wall and killed one cow. Later the group killed two street-cows. The roar continued till early morning.

Is Domestic Buffaloes and Cows favorite food of king of the Jungle?

20-04-2008

Is Domestic Buffaloes and Cows favorite food of king of the Jungle?

Divya Bhaskar (Briefly translated from Gujarati)

King of the jungle venturing out in peripheral villages is very common these days. This has made nature lovers to think that king of the jungle is gaining new territories on its own.

Chandresh Thakar, Gir fan, from Prakruti Parivar - Una believes that lions should not be allowed to stay long in village areas. As hunting domestic cows & buffaloes is easier then to chase deer inside the forest, lions prefer to go for easy hunt. Hunting deer is hard-work and needs planning in group and hence difficult for lions. Thus getting easy kill of buffaloes & cows is like lottery to lions and so they venture more into villages.

Again nomad male lions, due to age can not hunt deer. So domestic cattle is blessings for such animals. (There are no old – age homes in jungle!)

Lions going out would increase man – animal conflict and hence it is bad for both man & animal. So Chandresh believes that experts and forest department together should find out ways to keep the king in his territory.

Gir Lion attacks a youth

20-04-2008

Gir Lion attacks a youth

Divya Bhaskar (Briefly translated from Gujarati)

In Rampara village of Talala Taluka, Arvind Purushotambhai Abhangi was working in is mango farm. Three lions were sitting below one of the mango tree. Unaware of their presence, Arvind went near them and one of the lions attacked him. It mauled on his thigh and hit on his buttocks by sharp claws.

Gathering strength, young man ran and climbed up the tree. He showed bravery and started yelling. After making sure lions had left, he climbed down and on his bike went back home. Immediately he was taken to Talala hospital and then to Junagadh for further treatment. He got 18 stitches on his thing and is safe now.

Forest department, on getting the news, immediately sent their staff to send lions back to forest area.

Kishore Kotecha’s Comment:  This brave are local people living in Gir. Living with lions, they have become courageous as lions. I am sure, inspite of attack, Arvind would love lions even more than before. This is the secret of successful lion conservation of Gir.

Baheliyas actively involved in poaching of lions, says CID

21-4-08

Baheliyas actively involved in poaching of lions, says CID

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Baheliyas-actively-involved-in-poaching-of-lions-says-CID/299542/

Ahmedabad, April 20 The Baheliya community is “actively involved” in the poaching of Asiatic lions in the Gir sanctuary, the Gujarat CID has said.

In a letter to Junagadh Range IG Mohan Jha, CID (Crime) Officer Keshav Kumar has said: “Under the garb of selling traditional medicines and toys, this tribal community indulges in the poaching of wild animals.”

There are about 15,000 Baheliyas, basically from Katni from Madhya Pradesh, who are actively involved in poaching all over the country.

“They camp on the outskirts of the town and put up a tent along the roads and sell medicine and toys. The men go out in the forest during night to hunt animals and the women sell them. They travel mostly by trains and state transport buses to avoid police checking,” the letter said.

According to the letter, the poachers never divulge their real names and move around with pseudonyms like, ‘cycle-bhai,’ ‘motor-singh’ and ‘diesel-singh.’

After killing the animals, they bury the body parts underneath the central tent pole or the makeshift oven, or in the vicinity of the camp. Sometimes they are hidden on trees. They hide their poaching-tools in the ground within a radius of 500 to 1,000 metres from their tent, the letter said.

“The women hide cash inside their “ghaghras.” They also hide the cash and the wild animals inside the plaster, which may be covering the hand or the leg. In one case, Rs 1 lakh was hidden inside the plaster,” it said. “Even the children are expert bird-netters and can perfectly imitate the call of birds. If they are caught, they pretend to be beggars ignorant. But they are very much conversant with the legal rights and investigations and change their statements often. They often hide mobile phones with them and keep in touch with the gang members through these,” the letter added.

Though the state CID has arrested many members of the tribe, including the kingpin Sharkashlal, they are yet to recover any body parts of the poached lions.

There has been no incident of poaching since last April year in Gir, but the CID letter said the community returns when the heat of the police and forest patrolling dwindles.

P N Roychowdhary, former Principal Secretary (Forest and Environment) said, “The police have gathered evidence to establish that it is the same tribe of poachers who were responsible for the deaths of tigers in Sariska and other sanctuaries.”

Around eight lions were poached in different areas in and around the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary last March and April.

There is a huge demand for the bones and other body parts of lions in China while the claws of the big cats fetch around Rs 25,000 even in India, Forest Department sources said.

Crocodile rescued from 40-ft deep Gir well

20-4-2008

Crocodile rescued from 40-ft deep Gir well

Indian Express By Sibte Hussain Bukhari

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Crocodile-rescued-from-40ft-deep-Gir-well/299237/

Junagadh, April 19 Rescuing animals from different parapetless wells in the Gir forest is nothing new for forest officials. But their latest rescue operation was different in a way as it involved a reptile.

On Thursday evening, foresters saved a full-grown crocodile, which fell into a 40-feet deep parapetless well on the outskirts of Sanvav village in Una taluka of Junagadh. Some locals spotted a six-foot long crocodile trapped in a well located in an agriculture land owned by a farmer, Deva Babar, and informed forest officials.

Deputy Conservator of Forest (Gir east) J S Solanki, along with a rescue team from near Jashadhar forest range, rushed to the spot as soon as they received the information. After rescuing the crocodile unhurt, they released it in the nearby Raval dam.

According to Solanki, it was the first incident wherein a reptile was rescued from a well in the recent past.

Hitherto, they had rescued lions, leopards and some herbivores. Animals continue to fall inside such wells in the forest, even though farmers have been asked to cover them. The Forest department and a few NGOs have also been working in this direction.

Now King of Water straying outside Gir Forest

19-04-2008

Now King of Water straying outside Gir Forest

Gujarat Samachar (Briefly translated from Gujarati)

Asiatic Lions straying outside the Gir forest area in search of food is a common thing since many decades. Many times other wild animals also move outside the forest area for various reasons like shortage of water & prey, human encroachment, road disturbances etc.

In one recent incidence a marsh crocodile accidentally fell in to bhanduria (open well or abandoned well?) of mango farm of Devjibhai Dhabhi in Sanvav village of Una Taluka. The incidence was reported to Forest department. They caught the biggest reptile of Gir after hard work of two days and let it free in Raval River inside the forest.

Injured lion found near Dhari, treated

17-04-2008

Injured lion found near Dhari, treated

Times Of India Ahmedabad Edition

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Daily/skins/TOI/navigator.asp?Daily=TOIA&login=default&AW=1208498634609

Dhari: An injured lion, sighted in the Hadada region, was captured and given immediate medical attention by forest rangers on Tuesday evening. The 11-year-old male feline had developed maggots in an injury and was treated by vets of Jasdhar animal health centre on the spot and later shifted to the centre for observation.

Forest department officials were alerted by some locals who had spotted the lion lying in the bushes of Hadada Beach of Hadada, at Shitaliya wala Nehar in Gir (East) wildlife sanctuary. Officials set up a cage with bait to capture the lion, but it slept, not moving for more than 24 hours. On closer inspection, officials realized the lion’s condition due to the development of maggots in an injury under its eyes. This prompted district forest officer, Jayant Solanki to call vets from Jasdan Animal Care Centre, who tranquilized it.

Later on T u e s d ay night, the lion was shifted to the Jasdan animal care centre. “The cat is in a healthy condition. The lion was probably bitten during mating,” said Solanki. Source: Sandesh

Doha researcher contributes to landmark lion study in UK

5-4-2008

Doha researcher contributes to landmark lion study in UK

Gulf Times

http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/printArticle.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=211203&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16

A RESEARCHER at Qatar University (QU) has contributed to a landmark study which recorded the first genetic evidence that England’s first lions hailed from North Africa where the species is extinct in the wild today.

Nobuyuki Yamaguchi, assistant professor of Animal Ecology at QU’s Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, was a member of a team of researchers from London’s Natural History Museum and Oxford University.

The mission centred on two lion skulls found during excavations at the Tower of London. The lions were part of the Royal Menagerie, a collection of animals also including leopards, bears and other exotic animals that were probably gifts to English monarchs.

The examination of the mitochondrial DNA of well preserved skulls and analysis of the jawbones of the two lions revealed that they shared unique genes with the North African Barbary lion.

The link was further strengthened by the comparison of the skulls with Asiatic and North African Barbary lion skulls that are preserved in natural history collections in the UK and Europe.

Radiocarbon dating of the skulls showed them to be from the 13th to 15th centuries, making them the earliest confirmed lion remains in Britain since the extinction of the Pleistocene cave lion. 

According to Yamaguchi, historic records show that lions could be found from North Africa through the Middle East to India until the growth of civilizations along the Egyptian Nile and Sinai Peninsula almost 4,000 years ago stopped gene flow, isolating the lion populations.

“Western North Africa was the nearest region to Europe to sustain lion populations until the early 20th century, making it an obvious and practical source for mediaeval merchants.  Apart from a tiny population in northwest India, lions have been practically exterminated outside sub-Saharan Africa by the turn of the 20th century,” he explained.

The Barbary Lion, which lived in North Africa from Morocco to Egypt, is now extinct in the wild. There are about 40 in captivity in Europe, with less than a 100 in zoos around the world.

Commenting on the study, Yamaguchi observed that through such research he is seeking to improve the quality of his teaching which in turn will have great benefits for his students at QU in terms of raising their level of interest in the sciences and in research.

“Good research really helps teaching and more efforts need to be injected in supporting it,” he said.

Lioness gives birth to 3 cubs near Jafrabad

14-04-2008

Lioness gives birth to 3 cubs near Jafrabad

Times of  India Ahmedabad Edition

Rajkot: There’s good news for nature lovers - a lioness has given birth to triplets near Jafrabad in the Amreli district. While the forest department is closely monitoring the cubs and their mother, it is keeping mum about the spot, where the lioness had been sighted with her cubs.

A forest official said, “We are not disclosing the location of the lioness and her cubs, fearing the danger of poachers who are still on the loose in the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary. Also, we don’t want undue attention from people, who may disturb the animals.”

The official added that “Following the news that three cubs were sighted in the Bawal shrubs on the bank of a river near Jafarabad, we reached the spot. The lioness and her cubs had made the shrubs their home since a week. As the river is nearby, water is easily accessible to the wild cat family.”

Old Lioness dies in Gir Forest

14-04-2008

Old Lioness dies in Gir Forest

Gujarat Samachar (Briefly translated from Gujarati)

A dead body of a lioness was found in Jamwada range of Gir W by forest staff patrolling the area. This lioness, was in a group of three lions and not able to walk since two-three days. The other two lions in the group did not leave her alone.

Lioness was about 15 year old and had injury on her back. Most of the teeth had fallen. The viscera of the dead body are sent to laboratory to find out cause of death.

CID demands Narco test for Lion poacher

14-04-2008

CID demands Narco test for Lion poacher

Divya Bhaskar (Briefly translated from Gujarati)

Prabhakar, from Karnataka, is held in Gir lions poaching. Few days back he was given clean chit in six lions killed at Babariya range. Today CID police has demanded Narco test for him from Bhavnagar court in killing of two lions at Bhanderiya village in Gir East.

Tussle over Gir lions reach Supreme Court

13-4-2008

Tussle over Gir lions reach Supreme Court

Express India By Bashir Pathan

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Tussle-over-Gir-lions-reach-Supreme-Court/295993/

Gandhinagar, April 11 The two BJP-ruled neighbouring states of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh appear to be on a warpath once again on the controversial proposal of shifting the world-famous Asiatic lions from the Gir forests to Madhya Pradesh.

The contentious issue has now reached the Supreme Court through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the apex court's intervention in the matter. A Delhi-based NGO – Bio-diversity Conservation Trust – has filed a PIL in the apex court urging it to direct the Gujarat Government to cooperate with Madhya Pradesh to implement the Centre-aided project for transferring the big cats to the Kuno-Palpur sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.

Sources in the Gujarat Forest Department said the Supreme Court held a hearing on the PIL last Wednesday and asked the Union Environment and Forest Ministry to send its comments on the issue.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), Gujarat, Pradeep Khanna was also rushed to Delhi on Wednesday to brief senior lawyer Mukul Rohtagi, who is fighting the case on the state's behalf. A further hearing on the PIL is likely to take place after the court vacation.

"Our lawyer has already argued against the PIL seeking the translocation of the Asiatic lions from Gir to Kuno-Palpur. On my return to Gandhinagar, I have apprised the CMO and also our Forest Minister Mangubhai Patel of the developments," Khanna told The Indian Express on Friday.

Forest Minister Patel said, "It's unfortunate that the issue is being raked up again. I stick to my earlier stand that it is not possible to transfer the lions to the Kuno-Palpur Sanctuary. I'll request the CM to take up this issue with his MP counterpart and persuade him not to press for the relocation of the big cats."

"It seems the MP lobby in Delhi has become active again, pressuring all concerned to ensure that the long-pending proposal for shifting the lions to Kuno-Palpur is accepted by the Centre. But Gujarat will continue to resist this move," said a senior official in the CMO.

Arguing against the controversial proposal, the official said that it was not practical to shift lions to the sanctuary, as the presence of tigers there could trigger frequent clashes between the two large feline species. "In the wildlife history, it is generally observed that tigers and lions can never co-exist in the same territory," he said.

Gujarat officials said the Madhya Pradesh government had mooted the proposal over a decade ago without taking them, and also the local villagers in and around Gir, into confidence. Besides, a large number of poachers found in MP may pose a great threat to Gir lions if they are shifted there, they said.

"Gangs of poachers from the neighbouring state frequently come to Gir. Some of them have also been arrested for involvement in poaching cases. In this scenario, is it advisable to shift Gir Lions to Madhya Pradesh?" said an official.

Wildlife experts in Gujarat are also against the proposal to relocate the lions to the Kuno-Palpur sanctuary – the proposed "second home" being created there for the felines under the Rs 25-crore project.

"The Kuno-Palpur sanctuary has a very inadequate prey-base, with only about 4,000 chitals, sambhars and other herbivores, while there are over 40,000 chitals and 12,000 other herbivores species like sambhar and nilgai here. Considering this contrast, it is not advisable to accept MPs proposal," said G A Patel, a former member of the National Board for Wildlife.