31-03-2009
Four African cheetahs arrive at Sakkarbag
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Rajkot/Four-African-cheetahs-arrive-at-Sakkarbag/articleshow/4336030.cms
JUNAGADH: Almost 63 years after it last lived in Junagadh, four African cheetahs arrived at Sakkarbag zoo here on Sunday. The cheetahs, two male-female pairs, in exchange for three Asiatic lions, which left for Singapore last week.
The four big cats, which have just reached their adulthood, were ferried from Singapore to Ahmedabad in a special aircraft and from there via road, sources said. "They are in a healthy condition. After a long journey, these animals are resting in their new environment. We have kept them under 24-hour special observation through CCTV cameras," said VJ Rana, Sakkarbag zoo director. "If all goes well, we will keep them in a cage for public viewing after 15 days," Rana added.
"About 30 cheetahs from different parts of the world were brought to India over the years, but none survived. In fact, these four animals are the only living cheetahs in India at present," Rana explained.
In Gujarat, cheetah was last seen in Junagadh zoo in 1946 and years before that a carcass was found in 1910 from the wilderness in Wankaner taluka of Rajkot district.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Leopard injures farmer in swimming pool
30-03-2009
Leopard injures farmer in swimming pool
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Rajkot/Leopard-injures-farmer-in-swimming-pool/articleshow/4331260.cms
JUNAGADH: A leopard that had fallen into a swimming pool at a farmhouse in a village of Visavadar taluka used the cage as a spring board to jump and
vanish into the forest after injuring a farmer on Saturday morning.
According to forest officials, the leopard had fallen into the swimming pool in the farmhouse of Popat Vaghasiya on Friday night. "Following this, we rushed to the site and placed a cage outside the pool to trap the big cat," said a forester.
"However, next morning this plan went awry after the cage fell into the pool as its rope snapped. This agitated the leopard so much that it climbed atop the floating cage in the pool and using it as a spring board jumped out of the pool," he said. "As a large crowd had gathered at the spot, the big cat bit farmer Mansukh Vadodariya in his leg before vanishing in the forest," he added.
Leopard injures farmer in swimming pool
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Rajkot/Leopard-injures-farmer-in-swimming-pool/articleshow/4331260.cms
JUNAGADH: A leopard that had fallen into a swimming pool at a farmhouse in a village of Visavadar taluka used the cage as a spring board to jump and
vanish into the forest after injuring a farmer on Saturday morning.
According to forest officials, the leopard had fallen into the swimming pool in the farmhouse of Popat Vaghasiya on Friday night. "Following this, we rushed to the site and placed a cage outside the pool to trap the big cat," said a forester.
"However, next morning this plan went awry after the cage fell into the pool as its rope snapped. This agitated the leopard so much that it climbed atop the floating cage in the pool and using it as a spring board jumped out of the pool," he said. "As a large crowd had gathered at the spot, the big cat bit farmer Mansukh Vadodariya in his leg before vanishing in the forest," he added.
'Dearth of animal trackers'
29-03-2009
'Dearth of animal trackers'
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Ahmedabad/Dearth-of-animal-trackers/articleshow/4328717.cms
Ahmedabad: The state has insufficient experts to keep track of wildlife literally. There are just 10 expert trackers, all based in Sasan Gir in Junagadh. And, they come to the rescue if operations need to be carried out in any other region.
Recently, for rescue of two leopards in the outskirts of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, teams were called from Gir. After this and an operation in Panchmahals, the government decided to train more forest staff for rescue and tracking the movements of leopards and lions.
"We have just five teams of two people each and they have to be sent to south, central and north Gujarat apart from Girnar and Bhavnagar areas," said conservator of forests (wildlife), Gir, MM Sharma.
The department has sanctioned the proposal and allocated funds under Gujarat State Lion Conservation Society. An additional team will be based in Surat and experts will train others.
Officials said that in the past too such training was organised but since wildlife division staff were not involved in day-to-day tracking or rescue they didn't develop the expertise needed. Trained trackers need to spend time in Gir area for at least a year in constant touch with wildlife to hone their skills, they added.
'Dearth of animal trackers'
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Ahmedabad/Dearth-of-animal-trackers/articleshow/4328717.cms
Ahmedabad: The state has insufficient experts to keep track of wildlife literally. There are just 10 expert trackers, all based in Sasan Gir in Junagadh. And, they come to the rescue if operations need to be carried out in any other region.
Recently, for rescue of two leopards in the outskirts of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, teams were called from Gir. After this and an operation in Panchmahals, the government decided to train more forest staff for rescue and tracking the movements of leopards and lions.
"We have just five teams of two people each and they have to be sent to south, central and north Gujarat apart from Girnar and Bhavnagar areas," said conservator of forests (wildlife), Gir, MM Sharma.
The department has sanctioned the proposal and allocated funds under Gujarat State Lion Conservation Society. An additional team will be based in Surat and experts will train others.
Officials said that in the past too such training was organised but since wildlife division staff were not involved in day-to-day tracking or rescue they didn't develop the expertise needed. Trained trackers need to spend time in Gir area for at least a year in constant touch with wildlife to hone their skills, they added.
Leopard attacked two
29-03-2009
Leopard attacked two
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
A leopard attacked two people at Bhenkra village near Savarkundla. In this incidence Raghav Naja Ayar has his farm 2 kms away from Bhenkra village near Savarkundla. Leopard attacked his 14 year old son Rakesh and injured him on back, thighs and leg. Then the leopard attacked Vanitaben in adjoining farm.
Leopard attacked two
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
A leopard attacked two people at Bhenkra village near Savarkundla. In this incidence Raghav Naja Ayar has his farm 2 kms away from Bhenkra village near Savarkundla. Leopard attacked his 14 year old son Rakesh and injured him on back, thighs and leg. Then the leopard attacked Vanitaben in adjoining farm.
Lion Attacks farmer
29-03-2009
Lion Attacks farmer
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
A farmer Kanubhai Ramjibhai Rangpariya (Age 50) was going to his farm in the afternoon. A lion came out from the near by bush and attacked the farmer. It bite the farmer on thigh, chest and about 14 places. He was taken to Dhari hospital and had 23 stitches. He was moved to Junagadh for further treatment. Incidence happened at Nagadhra village near Dhari.
Lion Attacks farmer
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
A farmer Kanubhai Ramjibhai Rangpariya (Age 50) was going to his farm in the afternoon. A lion came out from the near by bush and attacked the farmer. It bite the farmer on thigh, chest and about 14 places. He was taken to Dhari hospital and had 23 stitches. He was moved to Junagadh for further treatment. Incidence happened at Nagadhra village near Dhari.
Leopard injures 5-yr-old boy in Amreli village
26-03-2009
Leopard injures 5-yr-old boy in Amreli village
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Rajkot/Leopard-injures-5-yr-old-boy-in-Amreli-village/articleshow/4320095.cms
A five-year-old boy was attacked by a leopard in a field in Pithwadi village in Sawarkundala taluka of Amreli district on Wednesday. The leopard ran away after victim's parents raised an alarm. The boy was rushed to Amreli government hospital. According to foresters, the leopard bit Ajay Adivasi's head while he was sleeping in the field. "His father Pappu Adivasi woke up in the nick of time and scared the animal away," said a forest official.
Leopard injures 5-yr-old boy in Amreli village
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Rajkot/Leopard-injures-5-yr-old-boy-in-Amreli-village/articleshow/4320095.cms
A five-year-old boy was attacked by a leopard in a field in Pithwadi village in Sawarkundala taluka of Amreli district on Wednesday. The leopard ran away after victim's parents raised an alarm. The boy was rushed to Amreli government hospital. According to foresters, the leopard bit Ajay Adivasi's head while he was sleeping in the field. "His father Pappu Adivasi woke up in the nick of time and scared the animal away," said a forest official.
3 lions from Junagadh reach Singapore
25-03-2009
3 lions from Junagadh reach Singapore
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Rajkot/3-lions-from-Junagadh-reach-Singapore/articleshow/4315584.cms
JUNAGADH: Three Asiatic lions from herea lion and two lionesses reached the confines of a Singapore zoo on Wednesday, after flying to Singapore via Ahmedabad. "Six-and-a-half-year-old Khapat, 4.5-year-old Amba and 10-year-old Swati reached their new house safely by a Singapore Airlines cargo plane," said zoo superintendent of Sakkarbag, VJ Rana said. "In exchange, two male-female pairs of cheetahs will arrive in Sakkarbaug in a week's time," he said, adding, Sakkarbag Zoo will be the first zoo in the country to have a complete cheetah family.
Sakkarbag zoo is the place from where lions have been sent to different parts of the world. Till now, 141 lions have been sent to zoos across the world, including Switzerland and Finland. As many as 30 species of animals have been transported from Junagadh zoo to Europe.
3 lions from Junagadh reach Singapore
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Rajkot/3-lions-from-Junagadh-reach-Singapore/articleshow/4315584.cms
JUNAGADH: Three Asiatic lions from herea lion and two lionesses reached the confines of a Singapore zoo on Wednesday, after flying to Singapore via Ahmedabad. "Six-and-a-half-year-old Khapat, 4.5-year-old Amba and 10-year-old Swati reached their new house safely by a Singapore Airlines cargo plane," said zoo superintendent of Sakkarbag, VJ Rana said. "In exchange, two male-female pairs of cheetahs will arrive in Sakkarbaug in a week's time," he said, adding, Sakkarbag Zoo will be the first zoo in the country to have a complete cheetah family.
Sakkarbag zoo is the place from where lions have been sent to different parts of the world. Till now, 141 lions have been sent to zoos across the world, including Switzerland and Finland. As many as 30 species of animals have been transported from Junagadh zoo to Europe.
State to get pair of cheetahs soon
23-03-2009
State to get pair of cheetahs soon
Times of India By Himanshu Kaushik
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/archive/skins/pastissues2/navigator.asp?login=default
CZAI Approves Exchange Of Asiatic Lions For Cheetahs From Singapore
Ahmedabad: This barter is sure to ensure some firsts — Gujarat will exchange a pair of Asiatic lions from Gir for a pair of the fastest animals in the world — the cheetah from Singapore. Cheetahs, now among endangered species, are known to run upto speeds of 100 kilometres per hour and hunt gazelles, another fast running animal. The Central Zoo Authority of India (CZAI) has finally approved the long pending demand by Gujarat for a pair of cheetahs to be bred in Sakkarbaug zoo, Junagadh. This will be the first time that an attempt to breed cheetahs will be made in India. The lions will be sent to Singapore, probably for breeding.
Forest officials said Sakkarbaug zoo was a breeding centre and there were plans to experiment with breeding of cheetahs here to be finally released in the wild, when the numbers are fairly large.
With this Gujarat will probably be the only state in the country to have cheetahs in a zoo. Earlier, three cheetahs were brought from Africa of which two were kept in Delhi and one in Hyderabad, none of which survived.
Officials said according to plans, the government plans to increase the number of cheetahs in the zoo by providing them a conducive atmosphere and later release the same in the jungle in the state.
The process to transfer these cheetahs will take place soon after the elections.
State to get pair of cheetahs soon
Times of India By Himanshu Kaushik
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/archive/skins/pastissues2/navigator.asp?login=default
CZAI Approves Exchange Of Asiatic Lions For Cheetahs From Singapore
Ahmedabad: This barter is sure to ensure some firsts — Gujarat will exchange a pair of Asiatic lions from Gir for a pair of the fastest animals in the world — the cheetah from Singapore. Cheetahs, now among endangered species, are known to run upto speeds of 100 kilometres per hour and hunt gazelles, another fast running animal. The Central Zoo Authority of India (CZAI) has finally approved the long pending demand by Gujarat for a pair of cheetahs to be bred in Sakkarbaug zoo, Junagadh. This will be the first time that an attempt to breed cheetahs will be made in India. The lions will be sent to Singapore, probably for breeding.
Forest officials said Sakkarbaug zoo was a breeding centre and there were plans to experiment with breeding of cheetahs here to be finally released in the wild, when the numbers are fairly large.
With this Gujarat will probably be the only state in the country to have cheetahs in a zoo. Earlier, three cheetahs were brought from Africa of which two were kept in Delhi and one in Hyderabad, none of which survived.
Officials said according to plans, the government plans to increase the number of cheetahs in the zoo by providing them a conducive atmosphere and later release the same in the jungle in the state.
The process to transfer these cheetahs will take place soon after the elections.
Youth nabbed with gun in Gir
23-03-2009
Youth nabbed with gun in Gir
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Rajkot/Youth-nabbed-with-gun-in-Gir/articleshow/4306663.cms
AMRELI: A person wandering in Gir forest with a country-made gun was arrested by forest officials of Dhari range on Monday.
According to foresters, Ranchhod Koli, belonging to Prempara village, was arrested with a firearm meant for poaching. "Koli was arrested near Khodiyar dam, while he was coming from Ambaradi Beat area," said a forester.
"We arrested Koli on suspicion that he was out for poaching in Ambaradi Beat jungle, which has three lions, one of which has been tagged with a collar ID by the department," the forester said. "However, nothing can be confirmed as we are yet to start the interrogation of Koli," he added.
Youth nabbed with gun in Gir
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Rajkot/Youth-nabbed-with-gun-in-Gir/articleshow/4306663.cms
AMRELI: A person wandering in Gir forest with a country-made gun was arrested by forest officials of Dhari range on Monday.
According to foresters, Ranchhod Koli, belonging to Prempara village, was arrested with a firearm meant for poaching. "Koli was arrested near Khodiyar dam, while he was coming from Ambaradi Beat area," said a forester.
"We arrested Koli on suspicion that he was out for poaching in Ambaradi Beat jungle, which has three lions, one of which has been tagged with a collar ID by the department," the forester said. "However, nothing can be confirmed as we are yet to start the interrogation of Koli," he added.
1 chinkara, 3 neelgais found dead in Gir
22-03-2009
1 chinkara, 3 neelgais found dead in Gir
Times of India
Print Edition
Dhari : A chinkara and three neelgais were found dead at Kuguda village farm in Tarasiya range, 15 km off Gir (East) sanctuary boundary on Saturday. However, state forest department ruled out any possibility of a poaching case.
Foresters were notified about the dead animals early in the morning by villagers. Manishwar Raja, DFO of Gir (East), said, the neelgais were found lying on the boundary of the farm, while the chinkara was in the farmland. Raja said, "Either the animals died after drinking some poisonous water containing urea or some other substance, or they consumed something like castor seeds.
"The forensic post mortem is being done on the animals, and its reports will clear the cause of death," he added. How-ever, Raja made it clear that there were no external injury marks on the bodies and so hunting or poaching was ruled out.
1 chinkara, 3 neelgais found dead in Gir
Times of India
Print Edition
Dhari : A chinkara and three neelgais were found dead at Kuguda village farm in Tarasiya range, 15 km off Gir (East) sanctuary boundary on Saturday. However, state forest department ruled out any possibility of a poaching case.
Foresters were notified about the dead animals early in the morning by villagers. Manishwar Raja, DFO of Gir (East), said, the neelgais were found lying on the boundary of the farm, while the chinkara was in the farmland. Raja said, "Either the animals died after drinking some poisonous water containing urea or some other substance, or they consumed something like castor seeds.
"The forensic post mortem is being done on the animals, and its reports will clear the cause of death," he added. How-ever, Raja made it clear that there were no external injury marks on the bodies and so hunting or poaching was ruled out.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Gir croc kills photographer
18-03-2009
Gir croc kills photographer
Times of India By Himanshu Kaushik
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Daily/skins/TOI/navigator.asp?Daily=TOIM&login=default&AW=1237381822812
Ahmedabad: A photographer was reportedly dragged away and killed by a crocodile inside the Gir forest on Monday. Sanjay Patel, 37, was among a group of pilgrims travelling to Dwarka by a Gujarat Transport Corporation bus.
Deputy conservator of forest M Raja said Patel had illegally entered the jungle. Forest officials said they are hardpressed to stop such trespassing incidents. Forest officials are investigating why the victim disembarked from the vehicle. Walking around in a core area of a forest is against rules.
A couple of months ago, a youth who tried filming a lion mating on his cellphone was killed by the felines.
Forest officials say though vehicles are usually allowed to pass through the sanctuary area, the occupants are prohibited to disembark and walk around unless one is visiting the Tulsishyam Temple.
Kishore Kotecha's Comment : It has been clarified in another Gujarati Daily (Divya Bhaskar) that death was due to drowing as intact body of young man was found out at 10 PM on the same day. But my question is, how did this man and other 1000 pilgrims were allowed to travel on foot in restricted area of the forest?
Gir croc kills photographer
Times of India By Himanshu Kaushik
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Daily/skins/TOI/navigator.asp?Daily=TOIM&login=default&AW=1237381822812
Ahmedabad: A photographer was reportedly dragged away and killed by a crocodile inside the Gir forest on Monday. Sanjay Patel, 37, was among a group of pilgrims travelling to Dwarka by a Gujarat Transport Corporation bus.
Deputy conservator of forest M Raja said Patel had illegally entered the jungle. Forest officials said they are hardpressed to stop such trespassing incidents. Forest officials are investigating why the victim disembarked from the vehicle. Walking around in a core area of a forest is against rules.
A couple of months ago, a youth who tried filming a lion mating on his cellphone was killed by the felines.
Forest officials say though vehicles are usually allowed to pass through the sanctuary area, the occupants are prohibited to disembark and walk around unless one is visiting the Tulsishyam Temple.
Kishore Kotecha's Comment : It has been clarified in another Gujarati Daily (Divya Bhaskar) that death was due to drowing as intact body of young man was found out at 10 PM on the same day. But my question is, how did this man and other 1000 pilgrims were allowed to travel on foot in restricted area of the forest?
Three peacocks poached
18-03-2009
Three peacocks poached
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated by Gujarati
In one more incidence of poaching, three peacocks were killed at Munjiyasar village of Khambha taluka of Gir East. Poacher were carrying carcass of these peacocks when they were stopped by a farmer. They threw away the bodies and ran away. These three involved in poaching are of Devipujak (local) community who are defamed for birds and small animals poaching incidendes. Forest Department has set their people to catch the culprits.
Three peacocks poached
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated by Gujarati
In one more incidence of poaching, three peacocks were killed at Munjiyasar village of Khambha taluka of Gir East. Poacher were carrying carcass of these peacocks when they were stopped by a farmer. They threw away the bodies and ran away. These three involved in poaching are of Devipujak (local) community who are defamed for birds and small animals poaching incidendes. Forest Department has set their people to catch the culprits.
Main accused in Chinkara poaching held
16-03-2009
Main accused in Chinkara poaching held
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
Before few days a dead body of Chinkara was found entangled in clutch wire-trap laid in a farm in Vaghwadi village of Dhari Taluka. Chinkara had died due to suffocation with trap in its neck. The farm belonged to Khoja (Chavda) family of Dhari, who had given the land for farming to Kanti Lava Dabhi, Devipujak community. Kanti was present before court and sent to jail thereafter. He confirmed of having laid the trap to protect his crop from wild animals. He also gave two names as supporter in laying the trap.
Main accused in Chinkara poaching held
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
Before few days a dead body of Chinkara was found entangled in clutch wire-trap laid in a farm in Vaghwadi village of Dhari Taluka. Chinkara had died due to suffocation with trap in its neck. The farm belonged to Khoja (Chavda) family of Dhari, who had given the land for farming to Kanti Lava Dabhi, Devipujak community. Kanti was present before court and sent to jail thereafter. He confirmed of having laid the trap to protect his crop from wild animals. He also gave two names as supporter in laying the trap.
Forest fire in Pipalva in Gir East
16-03-2009
Forest fire in Pipalva in Gir East
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
In one more incidence, 10 hectors of land was engulfed in five in Pipalva forest area near Khambha. This is seventh incidence of forest fire recent past.
Forest fire in Pipalva in Gir East
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
In one more incidence, 10 hectors of land was engulfed in five in Pipalva forest area near Khambha. This is seventh incidence of forest fire recent past.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Cattle Killing by Lions
15-03-2009
Cattle Killing by Lions
All News Paper
Print Edition
A pride of 10 lions had killed a bullock and stayed overnight in Pipalva village country side of Khambha Taluka in Gir East. In another incidence lions had hunted on a bullock in Bhuva village near Savarkundala.( Divya Bhaskar 09-03-2009)
A pride of a lion, lioness and two cubs killed a bullock in farm of Rambhai Bhagwanbhai Solanki in Kagvadar village of Jafrabad sub-district. (Divya Bhaskar 12-03-2009)
Cattle Killing by Lions
All News Paper
Print Edition
A pride of 10 lions had killed a bullock and stayed overnight in Pipalva village country side of Khambha Taluka in Gir East. In another incidence lions had hunted on a bullock in Bhuva village near Savarkundala.( Divya Bhaskar 09-03-2009)
A pride of a lion, lioness and two cubs killed a bullock in farm of Rambhai Bhagwanbhai Solanki in Kagvadar village of Jafrabad sub-district. (Divya Bhaskar 12-03-2009)
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Gir forest fire: Is Centre's order motivated?
13-03-2009
Gir forest fire: Is Centre's order motivated?
DNA By Jumana Shah
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1238643
Ahmedabad: Is the forest fire in Mityala range of Gir Wildlife Sanctuary last month taking massive political proportions in wake of the scheduled Supreme Court hearing on lions' movement?
A day after the fire gutted 300 hectares of scrub grass in Gir forest, the Union ministry of environment and forest (MoEF) demanded a report from the state government on the fire and the safety measures taken for the lions.
Forest officials in Gujarat, and those acquainted with the dispute over moving the lions to Madhya Pradesh believe this move of the MoEF is to create a controversy ahead of the SC hearing. Fires, forest officials claim, are a regular feature in Gir, as in all forests of the country, and a report is not demanded by MoEF after every incident.
"A mountain is being made out of a molehill regarding the forest fire. It is being made out that the fire was a threat to the lions. Forest fires have always been happening in the deciduous forest, particularly in this dry season. It is as such a routine matter. During my tenure, report was not demanded after every minor fire," said former wildlife warden GA Patel. Conservator of forest, Junagadh, MM Sharma said the fire was so minor that deer were found loitering in that area the very next day.
"One of the parameters of judging the damage is whether the wildlife has been scared off that area or not. The fact in this case is they are not. The fire was minor, controlled immediately, and at least 8-10 km from the closest lion pride," he added.
Hearing on a petition filed by wildlife activist Faiyaz Khudsar is scheduled for hearing in the Supreme Court in a few days. He has pleaded that some of the lions should be moved to MP fearing the entire population will be wiped out in case of an epidemic.
With the Lok Sabha elections scheduled in April, the issue of shifting the lions to MP may take political hue with Gujarat government refusing to part with a single lion.
"A few hundred crores have been spent on relocating and rehabilitating 26 villages from Kuno-Palpur sanctuary. With no lions coming, MoEF is in a tight spot to explain these expenses to CAG.
The experiment to move the lions to MP has failed twice before," Patel added.
Gir forest fire: Is Centre's order motivated?
DNA By Jumana Shah
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1238643
Ahmedabad: Is the forest fire in Mityala range of Gir Wildlife Sanctuary last month taking massive political proportions in wake of the scheduled Supreme Court hearing on lions' movement?
A day after the fire gutted 300 hectares of scrub grass in Gir forest, the Union ministry of environment and forest (MoEF) demanded a report from the state government on the fire and the safety measures taken for the lions.
Forest officials in Gujarat, and those acquainted with the dispute over moving the lions to Madhya Pradesh believe this move of the MoEF is to create a controversy ahead of the SC hearing. Fires, forest officials claim, are a regular feature in Gir, as in all forests of the country, and a report is not demanded by MoEF after every incident.
"A mountain is being made out of a molehill regarding the forest fire. It is being made out that the fire was a threat to the lions. Forest fires have always been happening in the deciduous forest, particularly in this dry season. It is as such a routine matter. During my tenure, report was not demanded after every minor fire," said former wildlife warden GA Patel. Conservator of forest, Junagadh, MM Sharma said the fire was so minor that deer were found loitering in that area the very next day.
"One of the parameters of judging the damage is whether the wildlife has been scared off that area or not. The fact in this case is they are not. The fire was minor, controlled immediately, and at least 8-10 km from the closest lion pride," he added.
Hearing on a petition filed by wildlife activist Faiyaz Khudsar is scheduled for hearing in the Supreme Court in a few days. He has pleaded that some of the lions should be moved to MP fearing the entire population will be wiped out in case of an epidemic.
With the Lok Sabha elections scheduled in April, the issue of shifting the lions to MP may take political hue with Gujarat government refusing to part with a single lion.
"A few hundred crores have been spent on relocating and rehabilitating 26 villages from Kuno-Palpur sanctuary. With no lions coming, MoEF is in a tight spot to explain these expenses to CAG.
The experiment to move the lions to MP has failed twice before," Patel added.
2 lion cubs found dead near Gir
13-03-2009
2 lion cubs found dead near Gir
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Rajkot/2-lion-cubs-found-dead-near-Gir/articleshow/4261570.cms
BHAVNAGAR: Two lion cubs were found dead on the outskirts of Rani village, bordering Gir forest that falls in Jesar taluka of Bhavnagar district on
Thursday morning. Investigations revealed the cubs were killed by a lion of another pride during a fight among themselves, said foresters here.
"Villagers spotted the carcasses and notified us," said a forest official, who had rushed to the spot. According to him, the cubs were apparently killed by an adult lion out of rivalry between two prides and did not die of poaching as was earlier suspected. "The injury marks on cubs' bodies showed deep wounds caused by teeth and claws of a male lion," he said.
These types of killings are common among lion prides. Usually when a lioness defects to another pride and gives birth in that pride, the lion of the former pride hunts down the cubs," the forester said.
2 lion cubs found dead near Gir
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Rajkot/2-lion-cubs-found-dead-near-Gir/articleshow/4261570.cms
BHAVNAGAR: Two lion cubs were found dead on the outskirts of Rani village, bordering Gir forest that falls in Jesar taluka of Bhavnagar district on
Thursday morning. Investigations revealed the cubs were killed by a lion of another pride during a fight among themselves, said foresters here.
"Villagers spotted the carcasses and notified us," said a forest official, who had rushed to the spot. According to him, the cubs were apparently killed by an adult lion out of rivalry between two prides and did not die of poaching as was earlier suspected. "The injury marks on cubs' bodies showed deep wounds caused by teeth and claws of a male lion," he said.
These types of killings are common among lion prides. Usually when a lioness defects to another pride and gives birth in that pride, the lion of the former pride hunts down the cubs," the forester said.
Two cubs Killed
13-03-2009
Two cubs Killed
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
In natural fight within fight within the pride a male lion killed two cubs to get hold of lioness. The incidence happened near Rani village of Mahuva Taluka in Jesar area.
Two cubs Killed
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
In natural fight within fight within the pride a male lion killed two cubs to get hold of lioness. The incidence happened near Rani village of Mahuva Taluka in Jesar area.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
On held for Chinkara death in Amreli
10-03-2009
On held for Chinkara death in Amreli
Times of India
Print Edition
State forest department on Monday lodged a case of hunting of Chinkara under section 9 and 11 of wild life Protection act and arrested a person from Chhatariya village of Amreli district on the outskirts of Gir Forest. MM Sharma, conservator of forest (Gir) said that a farmer identified as Nuruddin Chavda was booked by the forest officials. Sharma said, "The accused had laid a trap using clutch wire of scooter to protect his farm from wild animal. Meanwhile, a chinkara got trapped in it late on Sunday night and died. Carcass of the animal was found intact and it was clear that the trap was laid to protect the farm and no to poach it.
On held for Chinkara death in Amreli
Times of India
Print Edition
State forest department on Monday lodged a case of hunting of Chinkara under section 9 and 11 of wild life Protection act and arrested a person from Chhatariya village of Amreli district on the outskirts of Gir Forest. MM Sharma, conservator of forest (Gir) said that a farmer identified as Nuruddin Chavda was booked by the forest officials. Sharma said, "The accused had laid a trap using clutch wire of scooter to protect his farm from wild animal. Meanwhile, a chinkara got trapped in it late on Sunday night and died. Carcass of the animal was found intact and it was clear that the trap was laid to protect the farm and no to poach it.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Foresters are content with retired vets
Foresters are content with retired vets
Down To Earth
http://www.downtoearth.org.in/full6.asp?foldername=20090315&filename=inv&sec_id=14&sid=1
In the 1970s, after wildlife conservation arrived in India, Bal Mukund Arora was the first veterinarian to be appointed wildlife epidemiologist. In his three decades at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute at Izzatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, he founded a centre for wildlife diseases. He has recently published the country's first atlas of wildlife diseases. Kirtiman Awasthi caught up with him
Need for the atlas
Forest officials live under the misconception that wild animals do not have diseases. They believe that in the wild, animals die natural deaths. I can list a number of cases to prove how wrong they are. What about tiger deaths at Bhubaneswar's Nandan Kanan Zoological Park in 2000, rhino deaths in Kaziranga National Park in 2004, deaths of Asiatic lions in Gir National Park in 2002 and mass deaths of gharials in the Chambal river in 2007? In some cases the cause of death is not known, in other cases, vague reasons were attributed to animal sickness.
These incidences have highlighted the need for more veterinary science professionals in wildlife management and conservation. These professionals need standard reference, which is not available in India.
About the atlas
My attempt was to prepare a database of all wild species in the country, compile lab findings of wildlife diseases and disorders noticed both in the wild and in captivity. The product, A Colour Atlas of Wildlife Diseases and Disorders, has 1,600 photographs and information on 1,070 cases of wildlife diseases. There are also details of the animals' developmental anomalies, health hazards associated with poaching, accidents, poisoning and nutritional disorders.
Most of the data are from my research projects. I have used information gathered during my three decades of service at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (ivri) at Izzatnagar in UP. Some of my colleagues have also been generous with research material. The atlas will guide zoo officials, veterinarians at wildlife sanctuaries and students of wildlife.
Common diseases in wild animals
Bacterial diseases like tuberculosis are common both in animals that live in the wild and under captivity. Then there is the viral disease, foot-and-mouth—it causes painful mouth ulcers and can be fatal. Of late, animals have been hit by a host of new diseases. Deer, for example, were diagnosed with blue tongue disease, hitherto known as a viral affliction of sheep and goats. In the Gir forests, Asiatic lions could be susceptible to contagious diseases such as salmonellosis and anthrax. After all, these are common afflictions of cattle which the lions prey on. But no study has been done to understand if the prey passes on diseases to the predator. Animals in zoos do not fare better. Tigers, lions and bear are known to suffer from ulcers in the gastrointestinal tracts—called infectious enteritis in technicalese—rabies and tumours known as neoplasm.
On wildlife casualties due to poor management
Let me cite an example. There could be a link between the deaths of gharials in the Chambal and the release of captive gharials into the river. The captive reptiles could have been diseased. But then can we claim that with any certainty? No one checked the health of the captive reptiles before releasing them into the wild. There is also the possibility of the released stock catching infection when their environment changes.
Besides, animals get electrocuted and train accidents claim many of them. Many fall to poachers' traps. Some escape, but with grievous injuries. Reptiles and amphibians are rendered arthritic by visceral gout.
On India's wildlife disease expertise
Only a few labs like the one at ivri have the expertise. But even these facilities are located away from protected areas. Then there are formalities and paperwork. Investigation of sickness is rarely prompt. An animal that has been poisoned or has some other acute disease might not live to see these formalities completed. So it is important for each protected area to have a veterinary centre with all facilities. At present, livestock disease investigation labs do a part time job for wildlife. But none of them has vet pathologists exclusively for wildlife. Foresters are content to hire on contract retired vet officers with expertise in animal husbandry.
On expertise in zoos
Most zoos have retired livestock vets on their rolls. Some employ vets on an ad-hoc basis. The Central Zoo Authority has not ensured a minimum of two doctors in large zoos and a curator with post graduation in wildlife sciences, even after 15 years of its existence. The authority claims many posts that require scientific expertise are lying vacant because of a government ban on filling such posts.
On India's Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and research on wildlife diseases
Yes, the wildlife protection act hinders research. The forest bureaucracy considers itself above scientists. And the rules pander to the forester lobby. The Wildlife Protection Act has a number of obligations pertaining to scheduled species which hinders generating basic data on wildlife health. This was highlighted during the investigation of mass mortality of the Chambal gharials. Investigators did not have data to ascertain if the dead reptiles had high level of heavy metals—or other pollutants—compared to the ones alive.
On specialized courses on wildlife diseases in India
This discipline is gaining momentum. Some institutes have started specialized courses. ivri offers a post-graduate diploma course. Wildlife Centre in Chennai and College of Veterinary Science in Jabalpur offer such courses. The College of Wildlife Medicine in Karnataka has also started a training course in the discipline.
DD to telecast special show on gir forests on 8 March
03-03-2009
DD to telecast special show on gir forests on 8 March
Indiantelevision.com Team
http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k9/mar/mar28.php
NEW DELHI: Doordarshan is set to telecast a special programme in its wild adventure segment on 8 March.
To be screened at 11 am, the programme will showcase the Bedi Brothers (known for their films on flora and fauna) traveling in a balloon over the isolated hilly forests of Sasan Gir, home to the last of the Asian Lions or Gir Lion.
The area has a mix of low volcanic rocky hills and open spaces, dominated by teak, dry-deciduous forest.
With the effort and protection of the Forest Department, the number of lions has increased, though only about three hundred fifty survive today. Some have moved
out of the Sanctuary areas to establish their new home. The Gujarat Government is trying to provide them protection. There is always the lurking possibility of an outbreak of disease or drought which could wipe out the entire species in one merciless stroke.
DD to telecast special show on gir forests on 8 March
Indiantelevision.com Team
http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k9/mar/mar28.php
NEW DELHI: Doordarshan is set to telecast a special programme in its wild adventure segment on 8 March.
To be screened at 11 am, the programme will showcase the Bedi Brothers (known for their films on flora and fauna) traveling in a balloon over the isolated hilly forests of Sasan Gir, home to the last of the Asian Lions or Gir Lion.
The area has a mix of low volcanic rocky hills and open spaces, dominated by teak, dry-deciduous forest.
With the effort and protection of the Forest Department, the number of lions has increased, though only about three hundred fifty survive today. Some have moved
out of the Sanctuary areas to establish their new home. The Gujarat Government is trying to provide them protection. There is always the lurking possibility of an outbreak of disease or drought which could wipe out the entire species in one merciless stroke.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Solitary reaper: Only one voter in Gujarat polling booth
03-03-2009
Solitary reaper: Only one voter in Gujarat polling booth
Press Trust of India NDTV.Com
http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/showflipped.aspx?id=FLIEN20090085357
Monday, March,2 2009 (Ahmedabad):
Banej polling booth in Junagadh Parliamentary Constituency in Gujarat will have only one voter, said Election Commission.
Banej is the only booth in the country having one voter.
"Banej is located in the Gir forest and is part of Una Assembly segment," said Junagadh Collector Ashwin Kumar.
He added that there is only one voter in the polling booth and he is a babaji in a temple located there.
According to him, in the last assembly election also held in December 2007, there was only one voter in the polling booth.
Solitary reaper: Only one voter in Gujarat polling booth
Press Trust of India NDTV.Com
http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/showflipped.aspx?id=FLIEN20090085357
Monday, March,2 2009 (Ahmedabad):
Banej polling booth in Junagadh Parliamentary Constituency in Gujarat will have only one voter, said Election Commission.
Banej is the only booth in the country having one voter.
"Banej is located in the Gir forest and is part of Una Assembly segment," said Junagadh Collector Ashwin Kumar.
He added that there is only one voter in the polling booth and he is a babaji in a temple located there.
According to him, in the last assembly election also held in December 2007, there was only one voter in the polling booth.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
