Watch out, another Gir grows in MP

31-07-2008

Watch out, another Gir grows in MP

Times of India By Himanshu Kaushik

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Flora__Fauna/Watch_out_another_Gir_grows_in_MP/articleshow/3307943.cms

 

AHMEDABAD: Gir is poised to lose its status as the exclusive home of the Asiatic lion. Two pairs of the lions obtained from zoos will be let loose in the Kuno Palpur sanctuary shortly for breeding. Once their numbers grow in the coming years, Madhya Pradesh plans to throw the place open to tourists.

 

Zoos in Bhopal, New Delhi and Hyderabad have already agreed to part with lions for Kuno, after Gujarat rejected the idea of Kuno being an alternate habitat for the Asiatic lion.

 

For Gujarat, being the only home of the Asiatic lion was a matter of pride and a draw for tourists.

 

However, Madhya Pradesh, which is a much bigger draw for tourists because of Khajuraho, may steal the march over Gujarat by show-casing the lions.

 

The Madhya Pradesh government has found other ways to get around Gujarat's opposition. "We have already got the nod from Hyderabad from where we would soon be getting a pair of zoo-bred Asiatic lions, besides one male Asiatic lion from Bhopal and a female from Delhi," said conservator of forest, Gwalior, Murli Krishna.

 

He added Kuno would begin as a breeding centre. "But once we have the third generation of lions, they would be let free in the jungle. In the next eight years the sanctuary would be opened up for tourists," said Krishna.

 

The Madhya Pradesh forest department has submitted a proposal of Rs 40 crore for the development of the area as an Asiatic lion sanctuary, he added.

 

Kuno Palpur wants to start with at least five pairs of lions so that in eight years time they can release at least 10 in the forest and keep the rest for breeding.

 

The Dehradun-based Wildlife Research Institute has for long felt that Gir, with its population of over 350 big cats, was too small for housing the animals.

 

The institute then zeroed in on the 344-sq km Kuno Palpur sanctuary and launched the Asiatic Lions Reproduction Project. 

‘Must Have’ book on Asiatic Lions

29-7-08

'Must Have' book on Asiatic Lions

By Kishore Kotecha

 

A very nice book on Asiatic Lion, titled as "The Lions of India" is edited by Shree Divyabhanusinh. It has a good account of Asiatic Lions since 1884. I have got my copy and recommend as a "must have" to those interested in Asiatic Lions. It is published by Black Kite (perblack@gmail.com).

Lions kill five cattle at Garad and Sanjvapur

27-07-2008

Lions kill five cattle at Garad and Sanjvapur

Gujarat Samachar

Briefly translated from Gujarati

 

A pride of male and female lion killed two bullocks of Devsi Natha in his farm stable at Garad village in Una Taluka in Gir E. Because of hue-n-cry by people Lions left. Later this couple killed three stray cows in nearby Sanjvapur village.

Gir gets closer to Ahmedabad

26-07-2008

Gir gets closer to Ahmedabad

Times of India By Himanshu Kaushik

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Ahmedabad/Gir_gets_closer_to_Ahmedabad/articleshow/3281863.cms

 

AHMEDABAD: Gir has just got closer to Ahmedabad. This time, it is not the lions straying further eastwards, but the Central government approving a second entry for Gir forest from the Amreli side.

 

This will create a whole new tourist circuit which will include Gir, Tulsishyam and Diu for the Amdavadi and south Gujarat backpackers. So far, the entry into Gir was from Sasan in Junagadh district. The second entry point will be from Ambardi in Amreli district.

 

Officials said this area would be developed on the lines of Devalia interpretation zone for Asiatic lions. This will make it easier for a tourist who wanted to do Gir and Diu in a single trip, packing in a lion safari, a pilgrimage and a beer on the beach. Till now, travellers were forced to take a longer route from Junagadh, Sasan, Kodinar to Diu which was over 500 kms from Ahmedabad. But after the Ambardi entry, one could head directly for Amreli and from there to Kodinar via Tulsishyam and to Diu, saving around 100 kms.

 

The Central government has also announced a package of Rs five crore for the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL) and Gujarat state forest department to set up another Asiatic Lion Safari in Ambardi area of Amreli district which already has the permission of Central Zoo Authority of India. This will develop eco-tourism in Amreli district, which borders on the east of Gir forest. The second entry is located three km away from Dhari on Amreli Road, which is 60 km from Diu.

 

State tourism minister Jay Narayan Vyas said, "This would shorten the route for those wanting to see lions before heading for Diu. We chose this because it is near Khodiyar dam, so there is a water source and there are some 150 lions here so the chances of sighting are high." He added that permission to launch a second safari was pending with the Supreme Court.

Pride of 15 lions in Trambakpur

25-07-2008

Pride of 15 lions in Trambakpur

Guajarat Samachar

Brifly translated from Gujarati

 

A pride of fifteen lions killed a bull in trambakpur village near Dhari in Gir E. The kill was in the morning and pride enjoyed the kill in the middle of village for about two hours. Bull was owned by Virji Hari Bavadiya.

 

Kishore Kotecha's Comment : - ONE MORE VERY COMMON INCIDENCE!

Police declare Talala MLA as “Wanted”.

25-07-2008

Police declare Talala MLA as "Wanted".

Guajarat Samachar

Brifly translated from Gujarati

 

On 04-06-2008, Talala MLA Bhaga Barad his brother-in-laws Devayat Devsi and Ramshi Devsi and mob of 7-8 of their supporters had attacked forest officials in Talala Range forest office. Forest Dept. had filed complaint against these people under lpc 120b etc. Since then MLA is not caught, says PSI Vanar. Hence Police is forced to declare him as 'wanted' in the case. Police shall also send a 'warrant' in state Legislative Assembly for catching him.

Body parts of Leopard – killed girl found

25-07-2008

Body parts of Leopard – killed girl found

Divya Bhaskar

Briefly translated from Gujarati

 

Yesterday, a 5 year old girl was picked up by a Leopard at Zakhiya village near Una in Gir East. Today body parts of dead girl were found behind Fareda reservoir near farm of Balu Mora Kumbhar. The body leftover included two legs, one hand and skull.

Leopard picks up Child

24-07-2008

Leopard picks up Child

Divya Bhaskar

Briefly translated from Gujarati

 

This incidence happened at old Zakhiya village four kms from Gir Gadhda in Una Taluka in Gir East. Zakhiya is on the border of Gir forest.

 

Kajal, five year old daughter of Koli Kalubhai Walabhai had gone for nature's call behind her house at about 9:30 PM on Tuesday night. From no – where a leopard appeared and picked her and ran in to the forest. On yelling of the girl, her family rushed to the spot but in vein. Later villager and forest department searched for the girl, dead or a live, but could not succeed.

Owners can get NOC to keep mines working

23-07-2008

Owners can get NOC to keep mines working

Divya Bhaskar

Briefly translated from Gujarati

 

Recently Girnar forest is declared as wildlife sanctuary due to which stone-mines surrounding the sanctuary were closed by the authorities. On 02-04-08 forest dept. issued a notification by which it asked mine owners to prepare a report "Impact on sanctuary and wildlife Assesment". By submitting this report to PCCF, Forest Department, an "No Objection Certificate" can be obtained and then mine – lease can be renewed or issued. As per this report, mine owners can reduce noise pollution by using quality cutters, beavings, and motors By recycling waste they can also use mine land for agriculture. Mine – pits can also be used for harvesting rain – water.

 

By adopting such ways mine – owners can apply to DFO – Dungar Range who can do site inspection and further send his inspection report to PCCF – Gandhinagar who can then issue necessary NOC.

 

A. K. Mulle Asst. Director of Mines & Minral dept giving above information adviced mine owners to get NOC instead of wasting their time behind unwarranted agitations. There are about 70 mines, he said, in five km periphery of Girnar WLS. He also said that in April 2008, mine owners were orally instructed to get NOC. If they had done this in April, their mines could have been working now.  

Lions to roar in Ambardi: Centre announces package for new lion safari

21-07-2008

Lions to roar in Ambardi: Centre announces package for new lion safari

Indian Express By Shubhlakshmi Shukla

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Lions-to-roar-in-Ambardi-Centre-announces-package-for-new-lion-safari/338165/

 

Vadodara, July 20 The Central government has announced a package of Rs 5 crore for the Tourism Gujarat Corporation Limited (TGCL) and Gujarat State Forest department to set up another Asiatic Lion Safari in Ambardi area of Amreli district. The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has already issued permission in this regard.

 

The proposed safari will be next to the existing Devadia Lion Safari in Gir area. Ambardi is located around 18 kms from Gir sanctuary and has a suitable habitat for lions.

 

Bharat Pathak, Conservator of Forest, Junagadh Circle Wildlife, said: "The habitat of Ambardi is quite favourable for lions. Therefore, CZA has permitted us to set up a lion safari. Presently, there are no lions here, but they will be brought to this area after developing the place, which is still at a very nascent stage."

 

He further added that the Supreme Court is yet to give permission to set up yet another lion safari in Gujarat. The lions will be kept in a semi captive state as in Devadia but their numbers are yet to be decided.

 

"While final planning on the new safari is yet to be done, the Forest department has planned some new additions such as an orientation centre as well as education camps in this area," said Pathak.

 

Meanwhile, PD Vaghela, TGCL Managing Director, said: "The Ambardi lion safari is being planned to lessen the tourist burden on Gir Sanctuary." This location has satisfied all the national and international requirements. The Forest department will add final touches to it after the Supreme Court grants permission."

Girnar mountain now sanctuary

06-07-2008

Girnar mountain now sanctuary

Times of India

 

Junagadh : Finally, after over two decades, the authorities have acknowledge the presence of great Asiatic lions in the forest area of Girnar or Datar mountain near Junagadh and declared it a sanctuary.

 

With 18,000 hectares of land now coming under wildlife protection area, life for 35 lions and about 80 leopards may become a little safer, along with a host of other animals like spotted deer,horned deer, various types of cats, hyena, porcupines, among other animals, who have made this place their home.

 

According to an estimate, this area has 550 different species of flora and fauna. Available statistics show 378 herbs found in the forest area have medicinal value and there are more than 300 species of birds, ranging from peacocks to Indian pita and finger-sized sparrows to a large variety of ducks.

 

The first lion was spotted in this area in 1985 and now it is home to over 35 big cats.

 

"With 10 cubs, about 15 females and rest male lions, this area has truly become a new lion country now," says a forest official from Junagadh range territorial circle. Till now only the Gir forest area was protected area and a declared wildlife sanctuary but now forests near Junagadh and Girnar mountain have also become lion habitats. Roars of lions are regularly heard from as near as Bhavnath, just on the out-skirts of Junagadh.

 

It is also very interesting to note that in this area lion prides do not form their territory but are found moving around leading a nomadic life.

 

This area has immense natural water resources and thick foliage. For its density, it has received Vrikshamitra award of the central government and Teri award for its planning of water resources. And now with it being declared a protected area, forest officials would be able to deal strongly with poachers.

 

"Now we would be able to deal with poachers under Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, which entails 3 to 7 years imprisonment for those killing an animal protected under schedule 1 and 2. Section 50B gives us punitive powers," says an official.

Lions kill cattle

19-07-2008

Lions kill cattle

Divya Bhaskar

Briefly translated from Gujarati

 

A pride of six lions killed two goats and one calf in water reservoir (Dam) area about 3 kms from Jeera near Dhari in Gir East.

 

Kishore Kotecha's Comments : - This is very common incidence. Nothing new or not a news worth noting. Still I am publishing these on blog as it may be useful to those who are doing some study or research on Asiatic Lions.

Mine labours oppose the closure of mines

18-07-2008

Mine labours oppose the closure of mines

Gujarat Samachar

Briefly Translated from Gujarati

 

Recently Girnar is declared as sanctuary for Lions. Due to this, as per Supreme Court ruling, about 70 mines were forced to be closed. This led to un-employment of about 25000 labours. To oppose this, a mob of about 5-6000 labours rallied in public and gave a request letter to Dist. Collector.

 

Kishore Kotecha's Comment : - I think un-employment figure of 25000 is exaggerated.

Lion kills two cows

18-07-2008

Lion kills two cows

Gujarat Samachar

Briefly translated from Gujarati

 

In Lor village near Jafrabad, a lion named "makdo" is a frequent visitor. Yesterday it attacked the herd of cattle grazing on outskirts of the village. It killed two cows and celebrated the occasion!

Two drown in well trying to save bull

17-07-2008

Two drown in well trying to save bull

Times of India

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Daily/skins/TOI/navigator.asp?Daily=TOIA&login=default&AW=1216283134921

Dhari: Open wells in Gir and surrounding areas, which have become a major threat to lions, claimed rather unusual victims on Tuesday evening when two men lost their lives trying to save a bull which had fallen into the waters.

The bizarre incident took place in a farm of Kotha-Pipaliya village of Dhari taluka. The bull fell into the well while grazing in the farm of one Shambhu Kikani. As the news spread, villagers rushed to the site to see the animal, which was struggling to stay afloat in about 30-feet deep water.

"First we tied the bull with a rope by sending some swimmers into the well. Once done that, we tied one end of the rope to a tractor and started pulling the animal," said Ramesh Katariya who had participated in the rescue operation.

"While the bull was being pulled, the rope got entangled in one of its horns and snapped. As the bull fell back into the water, three persons holding the rope were dragged into the well. While Mehul Patoliya (20) was pulled out of the well, two others — Rati Sardhara, 43, and Vashram Kikani, 45 — drowned along with the bull. The victims were cremated on Wednesday on the outskirts of the village as the village mourned the deaths with a bandh.

(1)Bull falls into well. (2) Villagers try to pull it out with the help of a rope tied to a tractor. (3) Rope snaps. (4) Three persons holding the rope fall into the well, two die

Leopard gives forest officials the slip

15-07-2008

Leopard gives forest officials the slip

Times of India

 

Kodinar(Junagadh) : A leopard that terrorized the residents of Krishnanagar Society in Kodinar gave forest officials the slip by dragging the tethered goat away from the cage which was laid as a trap for it on Sunday. According to forest officials, the trap was laid after they received complaints from residents of the society that a leopard was being spotted frequently in their locality. "However, the leopard swiftly dragged the goat away from the cage without getting trapped," admitted a forest official.

‘Politics over shifting lions detrimental’

14-07-2008

'Politics over shifting lions detrimental'

DNA – India By Jumana Shah

http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1177457

 

The concluding article in the book by well-known historian of ecological change Mahesh Rangarajan takes a harsh view of the state's politics over the translocation of the lions to MP.

 

Taking stock of developments in the past few years, Rangarajan writes that regionalism, one of the main reasons for the lions' survival in forests of Gir in Saurashtra, has now become a bane for it too.

 

"Regionalism, once a valued ally, can also be immune to reason. Curiously, the very regionalism that celebrates the lion is also undermining the ecology of its survival in the long run. Although it has been scenically demonstrated beyond argument that a second population of lions is needed to ensure the survival of the species, the forest department of Gujarat does not agree even in principle to discuss the modalities of shifting lions out of the state.

 

Lions are a marker of religious and regional difference. Their cause unifies but it also divides," Rangarajan notes.  "If a second population were to be started elsewhere in India, it would give the lions a far better chance of survival, but in the process it would snuff out the one feature that makes Gir unique not just in India but all over Asia.

 

Gujarat would feel the absence of this singularity as a loss of face, the loss of something that sets the place, the people and state apart. The fate of the king of beasts hinges on the 'games men and women play'," he writes.

Tracking lions’ long trail through the ages

14-07-2008

Tracking lions' long trail through the ages

DNA – India By Jumana Shah

http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1177456

 

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat today is used to seeing the endangered Asiatic lions only in the Gir forest, their last abode. But there was a time when lions roamed all over Asia and were the crowning glory of the continent. In a first of its kind attempt, a book that has been published recently covers the lion's journey through centuries through the eyes of experts of those times.

 

The book titled 'Lions of India' has been compiled by president of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) - India, Divyabhanusinh Chavda. Released across India last month, the book has become popular among environmentalists and wildlife enthusiasts.

 

"Lions globally are associated mainly with the African grasslands. Few people know that in India they once roamed the plains of Haryana and Punjab, wandered as far as in Bihar and walked the grasslands around Delhi. Not more than 10 books have been written about the Asiatic lions, while hundreds have been written on African lions and even the tigers," said Chavda.

 

He pointed out, "The book is an attempt to put together the anthology of lions and what the authors thought of the lions when they were alive. The publication is a result of extensive research of the works written by them during their times."

 

The extracts in the book range from 1884 about shikar to an analysis of the implications of politics of 2008 for the survival of lions. Some pieces have close observation of nature while others explain population patterns and genetic reduction.

Carcass of full-grown lion found outside Gir; foresters rule out foul play

13-07-2008

Carcass of full-grown lion found outside Gir; foresters rule out foul play

Indian Express By Sibte Husain Bukhari

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Carcass-of-fullgrown-lion-found-outside-Gir-foresters-rule-out-foul-play/334995/

 

Junagadh, July 12 The carcass of a full-grown lion was found in the revenue area outside Gir on Friday.

 

Forest officials have ruled out any foul play as all the claws were found intact on the carcass.

 

The viscera has now been dispatched to the Veterinary College at Anand and the Forensic Science Laboratory at Junagadh for a detailed clinical examination.

 

Forest officials said the lion was aged about 12 years. It was found on the outskirts of the Gadhiya-Chavand village under the Dalkhania forest range in Gir east forest division.

 

Deputy Conservator of Forest (Gir east) S M Raja and Assistant Conservator of Forest J S Solanki and the team of three veterinary doctors and subordinate staff rushed to the spot and recovered the carcass.

 

A postmortem was later carried out by a panel of three doctors comprising government veterinary officers Dhari, Jashadhar and Bhader town, which revealed that the animal had died to hemorrhagic pneumonia. "The exact cause of death could be ascertained only after receiving the reports from Anand and the FSL Junagadh," Solanki said.

 

He said more than a dozen lions are apparently venturing in the revenue areas outside the Gir east forest division.

 

Vigil has been intensified in the area in a bid to get the exact location of the groups, Solanki added.

Prey base to be widened to check human-big cat conflict

09-07-2008

Prey base to be widened to check human-big cat conflict

Indian Express By Bashir Pathan

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Prey-base-to-be-widened-to-check-humanbig-cat-conflict/333215/

Gandhinagar, July 08 Government increases compensation for injuries, death and loss of cattle in leopard attacks

 

Frequent incidents of leopard attacks on humans have sent alarm bells ringing in the Gujarat Forest department. It has now launched concerted measures to check such incidents across the state. One of these measures includes setting up of breeding centres to increase the prey-base in the forest areas where frequent leopard attacks are reported.

 

The leopard population in Gujarat was estimated at 999 in the 2002 census, which rose to around 1,070 in 2006. According to a senior forest official, around 80 people have lost their lives and about 600 others have sustained injuries in leopard attacks across the state in the last 12 years, with most of the victims being from central Gujarat, mainly in the tribal-dominated Panchmahals district.

 

PCCF (Wildlife) Pradeep Khanna said they have already started setting up breeding centres in the forest areas in a bid to create an adequate prey-base for leopards. One such centre has already been set up in the Barda forests in Saurashtra, and another one is proposed in the Dangs, he said.

 

He said during summers, the big cats often stray out of their habitats in search of water as forest areas particularly in central and north Gujarat face acute water shortage. "As such, the department has now decided to create water holes in the forest areas," said Khanna, adding that "villagers are also being educated on how to protect themselves from the panthers".

 

Gujarat Forest and Environment Minister Mangubhai Patel told The Indian Express on Tuesday that there has been an increase in leopard attacks of late, mostly due to a shrinking prey-base and increasing human interference in the forests areas.

 

He expressed serious concern over the Monday incident in which four people sustained serious injuries in a leopard attack at Ratanpur village in Dhanduka taluka of Ahmedabad district. "I have directed senior officials of my department to launch efforts to check such incidents," the minister said.

 

Former state Chief Wildlife Warden G A Patel said the increasing unauthorised cultivation in forest areas along with dwindling forest cover and human interference were prompting the big cats to attack humans.

 

"The forest department will have to chalk out a detailed plan to curb the increasing human activities in the forest areas, improve the forest cover and augment the prey-base to avoid animal-man conflicts. There is an urgent need to increase the number of herbivorous animals like chital, wild boar, chowsingha, deer and languor so as to create an adequate prey-base for the leopards," said Patel. He is presently on the five-member panel set up by the Union Environment and Forest Ministry for "Rationalisation of Boundaries of National Parks and Sanctuaries".

 

Patel added that leopard attacks on humans are rarely reported from the Gir forest area where there is sufficient prey-base available. The population of angulets in the Gir forests is estimated at over 70,000, making a sizeable prey-base for not only leopards, but also for the world famous Asiatic Lions. The Gir forest has over 250 leopards.

 

Meanwhile, the department has also decided to increase the compensation amount for minor and grievous injuries in leopard attacks. The compensation amount has been raised from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000 for minor injuries and from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 for grievous injuries caused to humans by the big cats. The compensation in case of a loss of human life in a leopard attack has been fixed at Rs one lakh.

 

Similarly, the compensation for herbivorous animals killed in leopard attacks has increased by 40 per cent.

 

A compensation of Rs 8,000 and 5,000 has been fixed for a milch cow and buffalo. The compensation for a bull aged over two years has been fixed at Rs 6,000. For a younger bull, the amount is now Rs 3,500. The compensation rates for cattle have been fixed at Rs 550 for sheep, Rs 425 for goat, Rs 5,000 for camel and Rs 7,500 for horse.

Lion duo kills five cows at Gir Gadhda

07-07-2008

Lion duo kills five cows at Gir Gadhda

Divya Bhaskar

Briefly Translated from Gujarati

 

Gir Gadhda is located at about 10 kms from Gir forest. Two lions attacked thirty cows in one cattle-shed (Gaushala). They killed five and injured five cows. Incidence happened at about 1:30 AM at Radha Vallabh Gaushala on Fareda road.

Three poachers held for killing leopard

06-07-2008

Three poachers held for killing leopard

Indian Express By Sibte Husain Bukhari

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Three-poachers-held-for-killing-leopard/332044/

 

Junagadh, July 05 Three people were arrested and put behind bars on Thursday in a poaching related incident that happened two months ago on the outskirts of Simar village in Jashadhar forest range under Gir east Forest division. On May 3, the carcass of a leopard aged about six years was found lying in an agricultural field in the area.

 

According to forest officials, the poachers had laid a trap at a barbed wire fencing erected around the land owned by a farmer named Madhav Ladumor. The hapless leopard was trapped and succumbed to severe abdominal injuries. The post mortem report confirmed death by injury.

 

Detailed investigation revealed three names—Dhiru Dabhi, Babu Dabhi and Bhagwan Makawana—as suspects. But the trio went underground avoiding arrest. On Thursday, forest officials got a tip off and nabbed the accused. They have been booked under the various provisions in the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The leopard is a Schedule 1 animal, and killing a protected animal is a serious offence liable for punishment up to seven years rigorous imprisonment or fine of Rs. 25,000 or both.

 

The Assistant Conservator of Forest, J S Solanki, confirmed the arrest and said, "The trio have admitted their crime. On Thursday evening, they were produced before the court of the Judicial Magistrate (first class), Una town. They had filed for bail but the court rejected it and remanded them in judicial custody."

Seventy mines to be closed near Junagadh

05-07-2008

Seventy mines to be closed near Junagadh

Gujarat Samachar

Briefly Translated from Gujarati

 Recently Girnar forest having 192 km² is declared as Wildlife sanctuary in a move to protect Asiatic Lions. As per Supreme Court directions mining activity is not allowed within 5 kms of any WLS. Hence Dept. of Mines & Minerals have started issuing notice for closure of mines on Bilkha road.

 Mine owners say that if they have NOC of forest Dept they can do the mining. Also they say that wild animals are not coming near mines and that mines are located after Visawadar Road & Railway track. Thus mines should be allowed.

 There are about 70 mines in Plaswa, Vijapur, Dungarpur, Toraniya and Padariya village near Junagadh. It produces about 200 truck loads of lime stones with a daily turn-over of 10 Lac Rupees. It employs over 5000 labours. 

District Geologist officer Shree Mulle said that those mine owners who bring NOC from forest office will be allowed to do mining.

Pardhi tribe termed the biggest threat to wildlife

07-01-2008

Pardhi tribe termed the biggest threat to wildlife

Indian Express

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Pardhi-tribe-termed-the-biggest-threat-to-wildlife/258530/

 

New Delhi, January 6 Authorities have termed the Pardhi tribes as the "number one threat" to the country's wildlife population in the wake of poaching of eight lions in the Gir Forest lately "They are the most skilled of all the poachers. And as the lions are extremely and critically endangered, the Pardhis strike should be seen as a huge and big threat to them," said Belinda Wright, Executive Director of the Wildlife Protection Society of India.

 

It is not only the lions in Gir, even tigers in the neighbouring state of Madhya Pradesh are not safe from the Pardhis

 

"They are the number one threat to wildlife as well as to the tiger population in MP. They are traditional hunters and there are numerous wildlife offences registered against them in the state," said Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) of Madhya Pradesh, H S Pabla.

 

Wildlife experts attribute hundreds of tiger deaths to the Pardhis over the years and say that as these tribesmen are active across the country, there is no collated data regarding them with any anti-poaching agency, like the forest department, police or NGOs.

 

Wright pointed out that unlike the tigers, which are found in various parts of the country, the lions have their only natural habitat in the Gir forests.

 

Recounting the deadly might of the Pardhis, Wright said, "Once they laid four steel-traps in the forests in the afternoon and by evening they had poached three Lions."

 

The Pardhis, who have sub-tribes like Bawadiya, Mogia, Chidimar and Bahelia, were branded as "criminal" tribes in 1871 by the British for their hunting and poaching activities. In 1952, the tribe was denotified as "criminal" and named a nomadic tribe.

 

"The Pardhis are present in the Reethi forest range, Vimalkheri, Barhi, Bihrauli and other places. They are traditionally into poaching as they are habitual non-vegetarians," said K P Tripathi, Range Forest Officer (RFO) of Vijayraghogarh forest range in Katni district of Madhya Pradesh.

 

"They initially hunted wild animals for eating but with time they have become 'specialists' in tiger poaching. They poach cruelly and are a hard nut to crack once we start the investigations," Tripathi added.

 

Manjula Srivastava, an advocate who has represented the Madhya Pradesh state forest department in various poaching cases related to Pardhis, said, "They have done it all — be it tigers, leopards or wild boars. They are a tough game for the Forest Department as they are always armed."

 

She added that many Pardhis are known to have voter ID cards, bank balance, television sets and luxury cars too.

 

Experts opine that lack of education and their laid-back attitude towards work make them an easy pawn at the hands of politicians and mafia gangs. However, the Forest Department is trying to bring them into the mainstream.

 

"They are expert net makers and can do small business.

 

We are trying to impart training to the elders and education to their children with the help of the Tribals Department," said Additional PCCF Pabla.

Man Saves his brother-in-law From leopards mouth

03-07-2008

Man Saves his brother-in-law From leopards mouth

Gujarat Samachar

Briefly Translated from Gujarati

 

Barda is WL Sanctuary where Asiatic Lions are to be introduced very shortly. This incidence happened at Barda near Porbandar in Gujarat.

 

A leopard attacked 20 year old Ragha Rama Gadhavi living at Thoriya Ness near Jinjarka village near Adityana village near Barda area. When he was walking with his brother-in-law Lakhman Pala. Immediately Lakhman threw stones at the leopard and with courageous hard effort saved the man.

Article on Openwells in Gir

02-07-2008

Article on Openwells in Gir

By Chitralekha

Chitralekha Briefly Translated From Gujarati

 

July 2007 edition of popular Gujarati Magazine "Chitralekha" gave very good snippet on Open Wells. Attached herewith for Gujarati readers.

Leopard found dead in well

02-07-2008

Leopard found dead in well

Times of India

 

A leopard was found dead in a well in Sherdiwadar village of Palitana taluka on Sunday. According to forest department officials, the leopard fell to its death in one Lakha Amara's well. "We have sent the corpse to Gir for further inspection," said a forest official. Meanwhile, Amit Jethwa of Gir Nature Youth Club has appealed farmers to exercise caution to prevent such deaths. "Our club has appealed to farmers of Palitana, Mahuva and surrounding regions to keep the wells in their orchards covered to prevent such mishaps," Jethwa said.

In hunt for leopards, lion caged!

02-07-2008

In hunt for leopards, lion caged!

Times of India

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

 

Talala (Bhavnagar): Forest department officials tried to cage two leopards with a live bait here last week, but went home with a trapped lion instead. The leopards, who have been creating havoc in this lion territory, have since been making a kill a day and have even attacked a month-old baby.

 

According to sources, villagers of Sangodra Gir, 7 km off Talala, have been trying in vain to ward off these leopards for quite some time. They have to keep awake at night to protect themselves and their cattle. "After repeated requests, the forest department did come with contraptions. But, a lion got caught in the cage. Happy that their catch was bigger, officials left, with the leopards still on loose," one of the villagers said.

 

"They (leopards) have made the eastern side of our village outskirts their home. We continue to live in terror. We have lost five new-born cattle in the past week after the officials left with the lion. And, one attacked a month-old baby too," said a villager. Villagers have made fresh pleas to the department, hoping that this time the right 'cause of terror' is caged.

Monsoon showers lash Junagadh

02-07-2008

Monsoon showers lash Junagadh

Indian Express By Sibte Husain Bukhari

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Monsoon-showers-lash-Junagadh/330091/

 

Junagadh, July 01 Torrential rains lashed Junagadh district on Tuesday with all the 14 talukas receiving moderate to heavy rainfall. This has come as a breather for the farmers in the district.

 

As per the figures received from the Junagadh district flood control room, the port city of Veraval has received the highest amount of rainfall at 225 mm (9 inches). It has been followed by the other port city of Mangarol with 200 mm (8 inches), Kodinar 149 mm (6 inches), Sutrapada 125 mm (5 inches), Talala and Malia each 67 mm, Visavadar 45 mm, Manawadar 27 mm, Junagadh 24 mm, Una 15 mm and Mendarada 6 mm.

 

Heavy rainfall has also been reported in the Gir forest region in the last 24 hours, with the area receiving around 150-300 mm rainfall on Monday night. Official sources said that Hadamatia, Madhupur and Talala areas in the Gir region received 300mm, 225mm and 125 mm rainfall respectively. There has been no damage to wildlife though, according to the reports.

 

The district administration has been put on alert, as heavy rains have been forecast within the next 24 hours. Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the open sea.

Three nabbed for illegally felling, trading in sandalwood

27-06-2008

Three nabbed for illegally felling, trading in sandalwood

Indian Express By Sibte Husain Bukhari

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Three-nabbed-for-illegally-felling-trading-in-sandalwood/327974/

 

Junagadh, June 26 Poaching apart, the world famous Gir forest is also facing the threat of illegal wood smuggling The Junagadh Forest Department has recently arrested three persons for illegally felling and marketing sandalwood from the forest. The three have been booked under the Indian Forest Act 1927 and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

 

The three accused have been identified as Yar Mohamed Makarani, Pragji Dhanani and Ramesh Prajapati. Makarani is a resident of Sasan Gir village and a professional woodcutter, Pragji, a resident of Boradi village on the periphery of Gir worked as the middle man, while Ramesh, a resident of Vadatal village in Anand district used to sell wooden items in Vadatal village. Vadatal is one of the seats of the Swaminarayan sect and is a famous pilgrimage site in central Gujarat.

 

Assistant Conservator of Forest (Gir West) R D Katara said Makarani was arrested last week after he was caught hacking down sandalwood trees in the Sasaladhar forest range under the Gir west forest division. Investigations revealed that Makarani supplied the sandalwood to Pragji, who in turn sold the same to Prajapati.

 

During a raid at Prajapati's village, the foresters recovered 15 kg of sandalwood.

 

Later, on Wednesday Prajapati was produced before the JMFC court — Talala, which issued an order allowing the forest department to keep him in four-days remand.

 

Katara said the scandal might be widespread across the state and more arrests have not been ruled out.

 

Felling of sandalwood trees in the sanctuary area and its trade is a serious offence liable to punishment up to seven years of imprisonment.

Gir sanctuary bags national award

26-06-2008

Gir sanctuary bags national award

Indian Express

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Ahmedabad/Gir_sanctuary_bags_national_award/articleshow/3165944.cms

 

GANDHINAGAR : The Gir national park and sanctuary has won a national award for the best wildlife and eco-tourism site of 2008.

 

The state tourism minister Jay Narayan Vyas will be accepting the award in Mumbai next month.

 

The award follows a survey of frequent upwardly mobile travellers from 12 important cities in the country which was undertaken by a business television channel. The survey was supported and recognised by the central tourism department's Incredible India campaign.

 

According to tourism minister Vyas, while there has been growing global recognition of tourism activities in the state, this award will give a boost to the efforts of the Gujarat's tourism industry.

No sanctuary status for Girnar, say priests

26-06-2008

No sanctuary status for Girnar, say priests

Indian Express By Sibte Husain Bukhari

http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/No-sanctuary-status-for-Girnar-say-priests/327724/

 

Junagadh, June 25 The sadhus and the temple heads of the Girnar region have opposed all moves to declare the 200 sq kms Girnar forest near Junagadh into a sanctuary. The Girnar area accommodates dozens of religious places and the sadhus have expressed fear that the presence of a sanctuary will jeopardise the pilgrimage.

 

The increasing lion population in Gir had forced the state government and the Forest Department to expand the present area covered, under the sanctuary status. The Forest Department's proposal to convert the Girnar forest into a sanctuary was also sanctioned by the state government, and according to forest sources, a notification in this regard was to be issued shortly.

 

The sadhus have now written a letter to the Chief Minister and highlighted the problems and threats posed as a result of this move. "A sanctuary status to the area means that religious activities carried out here throughout the year will be automatically stopped. Lakhs of people pay their visit here particularly during the two big melas, namely Shivratri and Parikrama, which will also be stopped," the letter said

 

The letter signed by Mahant Gopalanand, Mahant Tansukhgiri, Mahant VasantGiri said that in the event the forest is turned into a sanctuary, devotees and pilgrims will have to seek legal permission to enter the area. Besides, night halt will also be prohibited in the area, which will mean that the centuries-old tradition will come to an end.

 

"Lakhs of peoples stay for four days and nights in the forest during the Parikrama mela. But no such things will be allowed once it becomes a sanctuary. The melas will not take place here," they said in their letter. The letter further said that that the state government's move will also reduce the religious tradition and 'ashmita' to zero. As such, the government should seriously consider these issues before taking any decision, they said.

 

All India Sadhu Samaj (Gujarat chapter) president and head of the Girnar Sadhu Mandal- Mahant Gopalanand, said: "The state government's decision is not fair. The future of the all-important religious places particularly Bordevi temple, Bhavnath, Sarkadiya Hanuman temple, Indreshwar Mahadev temple is at stake. The government should first clarify our doubts. Using our right to information-we have sought details from the Forest Department as to how many temples and religious places will be affected by this move."

 

A forest officer said: "Girnar is a reserved forest and state government has issued a notification whereby any person who has objection to the plan can put forward their view."

Madhya Pradesh sanctuary to get Asiatic lions from Hyderabad

25-06-2008

Madhya Pradesh sanctuary to get Asiatic lions from Hyderabad

Smash Hits – India

http://news.smashits.com/265521/Madhya-Pradesh-sanctuary-to-get-Asiatic-lions-from-Hyderabad.htm

 

Bhopal, June 25 (IANS) A sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh that has been identified as an alternative habitat for the endangered Asiatic lion is to soon to get the first of the big cats from a Hyderabad zoo after Gujarat refused to part with the animals.

 

'We have already got the nod from Hyderabad from where we would soon be getting zoo-bred lions,' Madhya Pradesh Chief Conservator of Forests P. B. Gangopadhyay told IANS.

 

Talks are also in progress with the Delhi Zoo authorities for relocating four lions from there to the Kuno-Palpur sanctuary in Sehore district.

 

'The sanctuary would have a sizable number of big cats in the next 10-15 years. A special team of veterinary experts would be appointed to take care of the new inmates,' he added.

 

The Dehra Dun-based Wildlife Research Institute has for long felt that the 1,400-sq km Gir forest in Gujarat, with its population of over 325 big cats, was too small for housing such a large number of animals.

 

It also felt that concentrating the entire lion population in one place exposed it to the danger of being wiped out by disease or a natural calamity.

 

The institute then zeroed in on the 344-sq km Kuno-Palpur sanctuary and launched the Asiatic Lions Reproduction Project, a Rs.640-million ($15-million) centrally funded scheme, spread over a period of 20 years, to shift the lions.

 

It envisaged tranquilising the animals and transporting them by air from Gir to Kuno-Palpur, where they were to be housed in a pre-release centre near Palpur for acclimatization.

 

Gujarat, however, flatly refused to part with its prized lions, saying that any new site should be a natural and not an artificially created one.

 

Gujarat's forest officials also did not rule out a tiger-lion conflict in Kuno-Palpur since the two can never co-exist in the same place.

 

Gangopadhyay ruled out any such threat, saying: 'The new habitat at Kuno-Palpur was chosen as the most apt second home for the Asiatic lion after scientific deliberation based on several parameters.'

 

The sanctuary is home to Bengal tigers, leopards, wolves and other species of wild animals.

 

Forest department sources said Kuno-Palpur, with its windswept grasslands punctuated with trees and low shrubs, was the perfect habitat for the lions which, unlike tigers, move around in prides - each comprising up to 14 animals - and prefer grasslands with low shrubs.

 

They pointed out that the abundant water supply, better grass cover to support the prey base and a minimal effect upon human settlements were the other factors that favoured Kuno-Palpur over other sanctuaries.

 

A Delhi-based NGO - Bio-diversity Conservation Trust - also filed a public suit in the Supreme Court urging it to direct the Gujarat government to cooperate with Madhya Pradesh in transferring the lions to Kuno-Palpur.