28-04-2009
Leopard attacks farmer
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
In evening at about 5 PM farmer Valabhai Jinabhai Maiya Darbar (Age – 42) was working in his farm of castor-seeds and bajro. Suddenly a leopard hiding in the crops, came out and attacked the fore head, eyes, nose and back. He was moved to Govt. hospital.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Five Leopard hostages farmer family
28-04-2009
Five Leopard hostages farmer family
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
It appears Gir and Girnar forests are over-crowded with wild animals including lions & Leopards.
A very rare incidence happened at Shapur village at about 10 kms from Junagadh, adjoining Girnar forest. A family of five member of farmer Yusufbhai Alarkha Dhumaliya lived in a hut type house built in middle of their farm. A buffaloe was tied just outside their hut yesterday night at about 8 : 30 PM they heard the leopards growling. When he highted his torch he found five leopards surrounding his hut. They were in prowl to hunt. Scare farmer starting burning fire-wood and then his blanket etc. to keep the animal away. He phoned his neighbor Jentibhai who then came with mob of 50-100 villagers in tractors & rickshaws. Finally Mob scared away the cats. Two hours drama ended.
Five Leopard hostages farmer family
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
It appears Gir and Girnar forests are over-crowded with wild animals including lions & Leopards.
A very rare incidence happened at Shapur village at about 10 kms from Junagadh, adjoining Girnar forest. A family of five member of farmer Yusufbhai Alarkha Dhumaliya lived in a hut type house built in middle of their farm. A buffaloe was tied just outside their hut yesterday night at about 8 : 30 PM they heard the leopards growling. When he highted his torch he found five leopards surrounding his hut. They were in prowl to hunt. Scare farmer starting burning fire-wood and then his blanket etc. to keep the animal away. He phoned his neighbor Jentibhai who then came with mob of 50-100 villagers in tractors & rickshaws. Finally Mob scared away the cats. Two hours drama ended.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Male adult kills cub
27-04-2009
Male adult kills cub
Gujarat Samachar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
A pride of 20 lions is staying around Pipalva village near Khambha in Gir East. Carcass of 8 months old cub was found in farm of Shambhubhai Shamjibhai Prajapati. Forest department was informed. It was confirmed by DFO Raja that male lion when mating with lioness, was disturbed by the cub. So male had taken the cub with its jaws and threw it away. Cub broke its ribs and died.
Male adult kills cub
Gujarat Samachar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
A pride of 20 lions is staying around Pipalva village near Khambha in Gir East. Carcass of 8 months old cub was found in farm of Shambhubhai Shamjibhai Prajapati. Forest department was informed. It was confirmed by DFO Raja that male lion when mating with lioness, was disturbed by the cub. So male had taken the cub with its jaws and threw it away. Cub broke its ribs and died.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Pride of 20 lions kills five cattle
25-04-2009
Pride of 20 lions kills five cattle
Gujarat Samachar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
Incidence happened morning hours herd of when cattle was being taken to country-side for grazing at Pipalva Road near Khambha in Gir East. Pride consisted of four lioness, two lions, four sub-adults and ten cubs.
Pride of 20 lions kills five cattle
Gujarat Samachar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
Incidence happened morning hours herd of when cattle was being taken to country-side for grazing at Pipalva Road near Khambha in Gir East. Pride consisted of four lioness, two lions, four sub-adults and ten cubs.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Gujarat opposes Centre’s plan to relocate lions to MP
Gujarat opposes Centre's plan to relocate lions to MP
Times of India
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Daily/skins/TOINEW/navigator.asp?Daily=TOIA&showST=true&login=default
New Delhi: Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh may be ruled by BJP, but the Narendra Modi government on Wednesday raised serious objections in the Supreme Court to the Centre's ambitious proposal to relocate a few lions from the Gir forest to the MP jungles.
The plan, devised to save lions from a disaster that could wipe them all in one go since they are concentrated in one place, involved relocating five lions from Gir to a 300 sq km forest at Kunopalpur in Sheopur district of MP, amicus curiae Raj Panjwani informed a Bench comprising Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan and Justices LS Panta and P Sathasivam.
He said residents of 24 villages falling within the identified area were relocated in 2003, but the plan mooted by Wildlife Institute of India and approved by National Board for Wildlife was still hanging. Appearing for Gujarat, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi said the state's opposition to the plan is based on solid environmental grounds. He said even the wildlife experts feel that lions could not be relocated to experimental surroundings already inhabited by tigers. "You cannot mix cheese with chalk," he said.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Shifting of Gir lions hangs in balance
23-04-2009
Shifting of Gir lions hangs in balance
DNA E paper
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1249958
Ahmedabad: The plan to shift Asiatic lions to Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh continues to hang in balance. The Supreme Court on Wednesday referred the points of contention submitted by the Gujarat government to the Indian Board for Wildlife, seeking its recommendations on the issue. Experts associated with the case believe that Gujarat wants to buy time in the case so as to avoid any confrontation ahead of the elections next week.
Wildlife activist Faiyaz Khudsar had filed a PIL requesting the translocation of Asiatic lions from their only abode, Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, to Kuno-Palpur Sanctuary. But, on several earlier occasions, the Gujarat government has refused to part with even a single lion.
Based on the recommendations of the wildlife board and environmentalists, the MP government has spent Rs18 crore in rehabilitating 24 villages surrounding Kuno sanctuary and developing it to receive the lions.
Sources claimed Gujarat accused the board of not taking into account some points presented by it. On Wednesday, the apex court referred the matter to the board to consider the points put forth by Gujarat and file a reply by August 11.
Khudsar contended in the PIL that a single epidemic can wipe out the entire population of around 400 lions. Moreover, the area in the Gir sanctuary is not enough for the animals and they are pouring out of the sanctuary area.
"That tigers and lions cannot co-habit in an area, MP is not prepared to take care of lions, and there is no previous success story of such translocation are some of the 12 points of contention that we have submitted to the Supreme Court," principle chief conservator of forest (wildlife) Pradip Khanna said.
"The wildlife board had earlier unanimously agreed that 2+2 pairs of lions must be moved to MP to protect them. The scientific rationale was the island biology theory that if an epidemic strikes, the entire population is wiped out. Moreover, the carrying capacity of Gir has been exhausted,'' said the source.
Shifting of Gir lions hangs in balance
DNA E paper
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1249958
Ahmedabad: The plan to shift Asiatic lions to Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh continues to hang in balance. The Supreme Court on Wednesday referred the points of contention submitted by the Gujarat government to the Indian Board for Wildlife, seeking its recommendations on the issue. Experts associated with the case believe that Gujarat wants to buy time in the case so as to avoid any confrontation ahead of the elections next week.
Wildlife activist Faiyaz Khudsar had filed a PIL requesting the translocation of Asiatic lions from their only abode, Gir Wildlife Sanctuary, to Kuno-Palpur Sanctuary. But, on several earlier occasions, the Gujarat government has refused to part with even a single lion.
Based on the recommendations of the wildlife board and environmentalists, the MP government has spent Rs18 crore in rehabilitating 24 villages surrounding Kuno sanctuary and developing it to receive the lions.
Sources claimed Gujarat accused the board of not taking into account some points presented by it. On Wednesday, the apex court referred the matter to the board to consider the points put forth by Gujarat and file a reply by August 11.
Khudsar contended in the PIL that a single epidemic can wipe out the entire population of around 400 lions. Moreover, the area in the Gir sanctuary is not enough for the animals and they are pouring out of the sanctuary area.
"That tigers and lions cannot co-habit in an area, MP is not prepared to take care of lions, and there is no previous success story of such translocation are some of the 12 points of contention that we have submitted to the Supreme Court," principle chief conservator of forest (wildlife) Pradip Khanna said.
"The wildlife board had earlier unanimously agreed that 2+2 pairs of lions must be moved to MP to protect them. The scientific rationale was the island biology theory that if an epidemic strikes, the entire population is wiped out. Moreover, the carrying capacity of Gir has been exhausted,'' said the source.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
All’s fair in love and roar
All's fair in love and roar
Expressandstar.com
http://www.expressandstar.com/2009/04/21/alls-fair-in-love-and-roar/
Every new relationship has its up its downs, and it turns out things are no different in the animal kingdom.
Dudley Zoo's newest resident Itar the lion found the road to romance can be rocky during a lovers' tiff over an old bucket.
Gir the lioness took offence to her new suitor paying more attention to the bucket than to her.
But it was nothing more than a storm in a teacup and the two cats were soon back to frolicking in the sunshine.
Since they were introduced last week, keepers at the zoo in Castle Hill have been delighted by how well they have been getting on.
Initially, Itar was housed in a cage within the newly-completed Lion Ridge enclosure to give him and Gir a chance to get used to each other's company.
But the keen lioness spent much of her time lying right next to his cage and they were regularly seen playing together through the bars.
He is now free to roam around the £150,00 enclosure and zoo staff say there is a definite animal attraction between the new couple.
Itar arrived at the Dudley tourist attraction last week following a gruelling 14-hour trip by boat and road from Holland. Sourcing, securing and transporting him from a safari park in Holland was a big job, but it's one staff at the attraction have relished.
The Asiatic lion, who weighs more than 17 stones, arrived on site in the early hours of last Thursday morning.
His arrival followed a lengthy process, which chief executive Peter Suddock explained.
"For every animal in captivity, there is a coordinator of that species," he said.
"For Asiatic lions, the coordinator is based at Twycross Zoo so the first port of call was to contact them.
"They then use a piece of special software to trace available cats. It is important at this stage to trace the lion's family tree as you cannot breed with cats which are too closely related."
The zoo was lucky to receive Itar as there is a long waiting list for young males who may be capable of fathering cubs. But their previous breeding success and the investment in the new enclosure stood them in good stead.
Staff then had to fill out all of the relevant paper work – a process that can take months – but it was done and dusted in just two weeks after Dr David Beeston, from the Zoo's education and research department, stepped in.
Itar was brought by road and boat – docking in Dorset. "Like any animal entering the UK from Europe, Itar is deemed to be at risk of having rabies," said senior curator Matt Lewis.
"So he has to go in to quarantine for a period of six months. But as they are sharing the enclosure, the whole of Lion Ridge is now a designated quarantine zone – it basically means there is a lot of foot washing and segregating of rubbish."
Monday, April 20, 2009
Forest fir in Gir East
20-04-2009
Forest fir in Gir East
Gujarat Samachar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
A fire was reported in revenue area adjoining Khambha range in Gir East. Fire engulfed about 25 Ha of Vidi land of Gadhiya hillock. Forest department successfully controlled the fire by 4 PM on Sunday.
Forest fir in Gir East
Gujarat Samachar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
A fire was reported in revenue area adjoining Khambha range in Gir East. Fire engulfed about 25 Ha of Vidi land of Gadhiya hillock. Forest department successfully controlled the fire by 4 PM on Sunday.
Two killed by ‘King’
20-04-2009
Two killed by 'King'
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
Two cows were reported to be killed at Monvel village near Dhari in Gir East. A pride with 'Zabo' male lion as their head is residing in this area since few months and occasionally killing cattle. For local people area has become favourite place for natural 'Lion Show' on hunt
Two killed by 'King'
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
Two cows were reported to be killed at Monvel village near Dhari in Gir East. A pride with 'Zabo' male lion as their head is residing in this area since few months and occasionally killing cattle. For local people area has become favourite place for natural 'Lion Show' on hunt
Kings for the Queen
20-04-2009
Kings for the Queen
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
This normally happens in the jungle. Only "Jungle – Law" applies!
In Hadada range of Gir east two male Asiatic lions had a severe fight to become mating male. One was severely injured and left the battle. Incidence was reported to forest – department for treatment of injured lion.
Kings for the Queen
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
This normally happens in the jungle. Only "Jungle – Law" applies!
In Hadada range of Gir east two male Asiatic lions had a severe fight to become mating male. One was severely injured and left the battle. Incidence was reported to forest – department for treatment of injured lion.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Leopard attack a woman
17-04-2009
Leopard attack a woman
Gujarat Samachar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
In the afternoon of 16th March, Zarinaben Haroonbhai Sama was cleaning food grains in her house. She heard some noise inside the room and thought it to be a dog. She went inside to get it out but to her shock it was leopard. It attacked the woman and ran away into the jungle. Bojde village is adjoining Gir forest.
Leopard attack a woman
Gujarat Samachar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
In the afternoon of 16th March, Zarinaben Haroonbhai Sama was cleaning food grains in her house. She heard some noise inside the room and thought it to be a dog. She went inside to get it out but to her shock it was leopard. It attacked the woman and ran away into the jungle. Bojde village is adjoining Gir forest.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
As food chain breaks, lions move out of Gir
16-04-2009
As food chain breaks, lions move out of Gir
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Rajkot/As-food-chain-breaks-lions-move-out-of-Gir/articleshow/4406602.cms
JUNAGADH: Fifteen years ago, if a lion accidentally reached within 10 km of the Gir forest fringes, it made headlines. Today, cases of lion sighting
show that over 40 per cent of Asiatic lions have not only reached border villages, but have travelled 50 km away from Gir in search of food.
The reason, as many experts believe, is because Maldharis are moving out of Gir forest with their cows and buffaloes easy preys of the lions. A retired forest department officer, who worked in Gir, said, "Gir is a place that is identified by Asiatic lions and Maldharis. They co-existed naturally in the forest. This chain of natural co-existence chain has been broken."
"In the past, in a 1,400-sq km area of Gir, there were 150 to 200 Nes (a Maldhari dwelling), with thousands of Maldharis living there. One lakh cattle of these Nes provided 4 lakh litres of milk daily," the official explained, adding, "Whereas today, only 54 of these dwellings exist, with a mere 25,000 cattle. In a 30-km stretch, between Dhari and Kodinar, only eight Charan families, 7 Koli Maldharis and some Ahir and Rabari families live, that comprise only 20 families.
The ex-official said, "It's a fact that all those places from where Maldharis have moved out, the lions, too, have left. The diminishing cattle has definitely had an impact on habitation pattern."
Kana Gadhvi, president of Maldhari Sangh, living in Biliyad Nes of Gir, said, " When lion kills our cattle, we don't like it, but we know we exist due to the lions. We protect each other." Karsan Gadhvi, another Maldhari living in deep forest at Sap Nes, said, "Without sufficient cattle, the Gir lion has become restless. Lion, Maldharis, cattle and the forest make a natural cycle, which is breaking."
Experts believe, like in countries of Tanzania and Kenya, where gypsies are resettling, the time has come to relocate the Maldharis to their old habitats.
Another interesting fact that comes out is that of the Ahir, Charan, Bharwad, Rabari, Makrani, Saiyad and some other caste Maldharis, mostly Rabari, Charan and Ahir have stayed back.
Kishore Kotecha's Comment :-
I do not content of this article. It is true that Maldharis are a part of Gir ecosystem. Some 20-25 years back number of Maldharis and cattle in 150-200 nesses was less than that in 45 nesses today. Before they were more tolerant and did not needed luxuries. But today they need electricity, motorable roads, more land, water facility and much more. Before hardly any one had motor-bike or vehicle. Today they need cars and 'Chhakdo' Rikshaws. Before they were not too much urbanized. But now they have many many city dwellers as their friend, as their these so-called friends want to lodge in nesses to see lions and enjoy forest! Many experts say that Maldharis are making Gir ecosystem more fragile by fragmenting the forest land. Experts say that "Today's Maldhari" is not "Maldhari of 20 years Before." They do help a bit in lion's food chain but in turn they do more harm to forest ecosystem.
I strongly say that left-out 45-50 nesses should also be moved outside the forest by giving them good land & compensation package. Most of the nesses are in the nation park i.e. core area of Gir forest which is not allowed even by Forest Rights Act 2006.
As food chain breaks, lions move out of Gir
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Rajkot/As-food-chain-breaks-lions-move-out-of-Gir/articleshow/4406602.cms
JUNAGADH: Fifteen years ago, if a lion accidentally reached within 10 km of the Gir forest fringes, it made headlines. Today, cases of lion sighting
show that over 40 per cent of Asiatic lions have not only reached border villages, but have travelled 50 km away from Gir in search of food.
The reason, as many experts believe, is because Maldharis are moving out of Gir forest with their cows and buffaloes easy preys of the lions. A retired forest department officer, who worked in Gir, said, "Gir is a place that is identified by Asiatic lions and Maldharis. They co-existed naturally in the forest. This chain of natural co-existence chain has been broken."
"In the past, in a 1,400-sq km area of Gir, there were 150 to 200 Nes (a Maldhari dwelling), with thousands of Maldharis living there. One lakh cattle of these Nes provided 4 lakh litres of milk daily," the official explained, adding, "Whereas today, only 54 of these dwellings exist, with a mere 25,000 cattle. In a 30-km stretch, between Dhari and Kodinar, only eight Charan families, 7 Koli Maldharis and some Ahir and Rabari families live, that comprise only 20 families.
The ex-official said, "It's a fact that all those places from where Maldharis have moved out, the lions, too, have left. The diminishing cattle has definitely had an impact on habitation pattern."
Kana Gadhvi, president of Maldhari Sangh, living in Biliyad Nes of Gir, said, " When lion kills our cattle, we don't like it, but we know we exist due to the lions. We protect each other." Karsan Gadhvi, another Maldhari living in deep forest at Sap Nes, said, "Without sufficient cattle, the Gir lion has become restless. Lion, Maldharis, cattle and the forest make a natural cycle, which is breaking."
Experts believe, like in countries of Tanzania and Kenya, where gypsies are resettling, the time has come to relocate the Maldharis to their old habitats.
Another interesting fact that comes out is that of the Ahir, Charan, Bharwad, Rabari, Makrani, Saiyad and some other caste Maldharis, mostly Rabari, Charan and Ahir have stayed back.
Kishore Kotecha's Comment :-
I do not content of this article. It is true that Maldharis are a part of Gir ecosystem. Some 20-25 years back number of Maldharis and cattle in 150-200 nesses was less than that in 45 nesses today. Before they were more tolerant and did not needed luxuries. But today they need electricity, motorable roads, more land, water facility and much more. Before hardly any one had motor-bike or vehicle. Today they need cars and 'Chhakdo' Rikshaws. Before they were not too much urbanized. But now they have many many city dwellers as their friend, as their these so-called friends want to lodge in nesses to see lions and enjoy forest! Many experts say that Maldharis are making Gir ecosystem more fragile by fragmenting the forest land. Experts say that "Today's Maldhari" is not "Maldhari of 20 years Before." They do help a bit in lion's food chain but in turn they do more harm to forest ecosystem.
I strongly say that left-out 45-50 nesses should also be moved outside the forest by giving them good land & compensation package. Most of the nesses are in the nation park i.e. core area of Gir forest which is not allowed even by Forest Rights Act 2006.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Peacock poacher held
15-04-2009
Peacock poacher held
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
A death of peacock was reported by people of Nal village near Savarkundla. Forest department have arrested Amubhai Bachubhai Fatwani and his two sons in whose farm the bird was poached using wire-trap. Also dead body of peacock and wire-trap are recovered.
Peacock poacher held
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
A death of peacock was reported by people of Nal village near Savarkundla. Forest department have arrested Amubhai Bachubhai Fatwani and his two sons in whose farm the bird was poached using wire-trap. Also dead body of peacock and wire-trap are recovered.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Recession hits poll campaign in Gujarat
14-04-2009
Recession hits poll campaign in Gujarat
The Gaea News
http://blog.taragana.com/n/recession-hits-poll-campaign-in-gujarat-28568/
AHMEDABAD - The economic downslide has hit Lok Sabha candidates hard in Gujarat.
Businessmen reeling under the impact of recession are shying away from extending their usual offers of free food, volunteers and money for the election campaign.
'Candidates have been asked to take care of expenses from their own pockets by the political leadership. The contribution from traders is either very less or nil, particularly in rural areas. The diamond cutting and polishing units in Sabarkantha are in a very bad shape and have no money to give us,' Himmatbhai Patel, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker in Sabarkantha district, told IANS.
Patel added that owners of large grocery shops, grain merchants and edible oil stockists normally gave money for posters, pamphlets and banners. Very few of them had extended help for the general elections that begin Thursday.
Ashok Makwana, a Congress supporter, said fewer vehicles were being hired for campaigning in the state as compared to the assembly polls in December 2007.
'This time the candidates aren't willing to spend much and aren't getting much monetary help from supporters. Most traders are making excuses not to contribute towards poll campaign. Those who are giving money are offering 50 percent less than what they gave during the assembly polls,' he added.
Traders who would normally make some of their employees canvas are not willing to spare them this time since they want all hands working to help their businesses tide over the recession.
Political parties thus have had to scout for young volunteers.
'The recession has certainly had an impact on the preparations for the Lok Sabha polls. Campaigning is not on as high a note as it should be,' opposition leader Shaktisinh Gohil of the Congress told IANS.
Recession hits poll campaign in Gujarat
The Gaea News
http://blog.taragana.com/n/recession-hits-poll-campaign-in-gujarat-28568/
AHMEDABAD - The economic downslide has hit Lok Sabha candidates hard in Gujarat.
Businessmen reeling under the impact of recession are shying away from extending their usual offers of free food, volunteers and money for the election campaign.
'Candidates have been asked to take care of expenses from their own pockets by the political leadership. The contribution from traders is either very less or nil, particularly in rural areas. The diamond cutting and polishing units in Sabarkantha are in a very bad shape and have no money to give us,' Himmatbhai Patel, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker in Sabarkantha district, told IANS.
Patel added that owners of large grocery shops, grain merchants and edible oil stockists normally gave money for posters, pamphlets and banners. Very few of them had extended help for the general elections that begin Thursday.
Ashok Makwana, a Congress supporter, said fewer vehicles were being hired for campaigning in the state as compared to the assembly polls in December 2007.
'This time the candidates aren't willing to spend much and aren't getting much monetary help from supporters. Most traders are making excuses not to contribute towards poll campaign. Those who are giving money are offering 50 percent less than what they gave during the assembly polls,' he added.
Traders who would normally make some of their employees canvas are not willing to spare them this time since they want all hands working to help their businesses tide over the recession.
Political parties thus have had to scout for young volunteers.
'The recession has certainly had an impact on the preparations for the Lok Sabha polls. Campaigning is not on as high a note as it should be,' opposition leader Shaktisinh Gohil of the Congress told IANS.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
are the poachers back in gir forest?
06-04-2009
are the poachers back in gir forest?
DNA By jumana shah & kintu pushpa gadhvi. Ahmedbad
http://epaper.dnaindia.com/dnaahmedabad/epapermain.aspx?queryed=5&username=&useremailid=&parenteditioncode=5&eddate=4%2f6%2f2009
maldharis locate some suspects in gir, but forest officials deny such development
Poachers seem to be on the prowl again in gir. maldharis, residing in eastern gir, have reported suspicious activities and movement of people in the sanctuary. four days ago, the maldharis of dhandha nel had reported movement of people in the forest.
According to the maldharis, the people who were spotted in the forest spoke hindi. the maldharis immediately informed the beat guard and officials of paniya range
meanwhile, the gir nature youth club, which came to know of the incident, also informed forest conservator mm sharma about the development.
the forest conservator has already launched a search operation in the paniya range.
sharma told dna that the forest department is on guard."all water holes in the forest have been put under the scanner. the sarpanchs of 11 villages that surround the forest have been asked to be on the look out for any suspicious movement," said sharma, adding that, "so far, we have not found anything that could point out the presence of poachers in gir."
amit jethwa, president of gir nature youth club, said the club members had also told maldharis of gir to report any suspicious movements in the forest.
In 2001, forest department nabbed members of the katni gang who were involved in poaching in the gir. the gang members were nabbed from patla village of dhari taluka and dedkadi village near sasan. in may 2003, poachers from madhya pradesh were arrested from jambudi railway station near satadhar. in may 2004, some poachers were caught with skin of a lion. in the same year, some poachers were caught with a lion they had trapped. In 2007, some members of the katni gang of baheliya district reportedly killed a lion in the sanctuary.
are the poachers back in gir forest?
DNA By jumana shah & kintu pushpa gadhvi. Ahmedbad
http://epaper.dnaindia.com/dnaahmedabad/epapermain.aspx?queryed=5&username=&useremailid=&parenteditioncode=5&eddate=4%2f6%2f2009
maldharis locate some suspects in gir, but forest officials deny such development
Poachers seem to be on the prowl again in gir. maldharis, residing in eastern gir, have reported suspicious activities and movement of people in the sanctuary. four days ago, the maldharis of dhandha nel had reported movement of people in the forest.
According to the maldharis, the people who were spotted in the forest spoke hindi. the maldharis immediately informed the beat guard and officials of paniya range
meanwhile, the gir nature youth club, which came to know of the incident, also informed forest conservator mm sharma about the development.
the forest conservator has already launched a search operation in the paniya range.
sharma told dna that the forest department is on guard."all water holes in the forest have been put under the scanner. the sarpanchs of 11 villages that surround the forest have been asked to be on the look out for any suspicious movement," said sharma, adding that, "so far, we have not found anything that could point out the presence of poachers in gir."
amit jethwa, president of gir nature youth club, said the club members had also told maldharis of gir to report any suspicious movements in the forest.
In 2001, forest department nabbed members of the katni gang who were involved in poaching in the gir. the gang members were nabbed from patla village of dhari taluka and dedkadi village near sasan. in may 2003, poachers from madhya pradesh were arrested from jambudi railway station near satadhar. in may 2004, some poachers were caught with skin of a lion. in the same year, some poachers were caught with a lion they had trapped. In 2007, some members of the katni gang of baheliya district reportedly killed a lion in the sanctuary.
Lion kills two-year-old cub in Savarkundla village
12-04-2009
Lion kills two-year-old cub in Savarkundla village
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Rajkot/Lion-kills-two-year-old-cub-in-Savarkundla-village-/articleshow/4390063.cms
AMRELI: A two-year-old lion cub was killed by an adult male lion in outskirts of Mekdi village of Savarkundla taluka of the district on Friday night. Foresters believe the killing was due to an infighting for feasting on a prey.
Locals of Mekdi village said, they heard continuous roaring of a lion throughout Friday night. On Saturday, villagers spotted the body of the cub. Sarpanch Bala Santhiya then alerted forest department officials. "We heard roars of a lion, which scared us. But, we didn't realise it was an infighting among the big cats," Santhiya said.
The 21-month-old male cub's body was shifted for post mortem by forest department officials to Nani Vadal Vidi by afternoon. Primary reports suggested, death occurred due to a rupture in the skull and serious injuries on the neck of the cub.
Officials also found the corpse of a neelgai lying 50 m away from the cub's body. According to foresters, they believe that an adult male must have preyed on the neelgai and while it was feasting on it, the cub must have interfered and refused to leave, resulting in the attack on it.
Injury marks on the cub also substantiate this theory, an official said, adding, a couple of years ago a lioness in the area gave birth to two males and a female. "The dead cub is one of them. However, the adult lion which killed the cub could not have been its father as lions generally don't kill their offspring."
"It appears that the attack must have been very vicious as the damage was severe," the official said.
Lion kills two-year-old cub in Savarkundla village
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Rajkot/Lion-kills-two-year-old-cub-in-Savarkundla-village-/articleshow/4390063.cms
AMRELI: A two-year-old lion cub was killed by an adult male lion in outskirts of Mekdi village of Savarkundla taluka of the district on Friday night. Foresters believe the killing was due to an infighting for feasting on a prey.
Locals of Mekdi village said, they heard continuous roaring of a lion throughout Friday night. On Saturday, villagers spotted the body of the cub. Sarpanch Bala Santhiya then alerted forest department officials. "We heard roars of a lion, which scared us. But, we didn't realise it was an infighting among the big cats," Santhiya said.
The 21-month-old male cub's body was shifted for post mortem by forest department officials to Nani Vadal Vidi by afternoon. Primary reports suggested, death occurred due to a rupture in the skull and serious injuries on the neck of the cub.
Officials also found the corpse of a neelgai lying 50 m away from the cub's body. According to foresters, they believe that an adult male must have preyed on the neelgai and while it was feasting on it, the cub must have interfered and refused to leave, resulting in the attack on it.
Injury marks on the cub also substantiate this theory, an official said, adding, a couple of years ago a lioness in the area gave birth to two males and a female. "The dead cub is one of them. However, the adult lion which killed the cub could not have been its father as lions generally don't kill their offspring."
"It appears that the attack must have been very vicious as the damage was severe," the official said.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Your morning adorable: Asiatic lion cubs explore at Zurich Zoo
Your morning adorable: Asiatic lion cubs explore at Zurich Zoo
Los Angeles Times
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2009/04/asiatic-lion-cubs-explore-at-switzerlands-zurich-zoo.html
A first-time mother, lioness Joy, gave birth to two cubs in February at Switzerland's Zurich Zoo. The cubs, named Jeevana and Jasraj, were allowed to explore their enclosure for the first time today.
Joy and her cubs are Indian lions, also called Asiatic lions. Although they're critically endangered in the wild, the species (which is genetically distinct from African lions) is still quite famous in its native habitat and even appears on the emblem of India.
More photos after the jump!
-- Lindsay Barnett
Photos: Patrick B. Kraemer / EPA
Posted by LATimes on April 8, 2009 in Photo | Permalink | Bookmark it:
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Rise in Gujarat's wild ass population
09-04-2009
Rise in Gujarat's wild ass population
DNA By Jumana Shah
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1246476
Ahmedabad: Wild ass population in the Little Rann of Kutch in Surendranagar has increased by around 10%. The increase in wild ass population reveals a healthy trend. The population had dipped to as low as 700 about a decade back.
The rise in the mammals' population can also be gauged from the fact that a few groups have also been spotted in farms surrounding Nal Sarovar and some as far as the Great Rann of Kutch. Hence, it's not only the Asiatic lions in Gir that are reclaiming their traditional corridors, even the asses are following suit with reports of being sighted as far as 140 km away from their habitat in the Rann.
These details and several more have been revealed by the state forest department from its recently concluded census of the last surviving species of the wild ass (Equus hemionus khur) in the Wild Ass Sanctuary (WAS) in Surendranagar. The 2-day census was conducted on Sunday and Monday involving a team of 400 officials, activists and environmentalists. For the first time, the census was conducted over an area of 7,000 sq km, including 2,000 sq km of peripheral areas.
Even as the details are being compiled by forest department, sources confide the initial trend emerging is an approximate increase of 10% over the population of 3,860 revealed in the 2005 census. "Change in habitat has been noticed in this census. Despite the vast area of 4,954 sq km of protected sanctuary area, the animal is venturing out of the dry desert in search of water and food," said Devjibhai Dhamecha, a Dhrangadhra-based activist in know of the census proceedings. The group spotted near Nal Sarovar seems to have settled in the area and there is little chance of bringing them back to the Rann. Several groups have been sighted on the southern fringes because of the Narmada Canal, which provides them water and better food, he added.
Ajay Dhamecha who too was involved in the census in Dhrangadhra zone says 50% of the asses were found in the Rann and the rest in the fringes. DFO MJ Chavda said the details are being compiled from all zones and will be revealed by the forest department by weekend. "In addition to the team, we have also taken inputs from villagers about sightings. This information is being compared with the findings of the previous census data to arrive at changing trends of habitation, movement etc," he said.
There are 107 villages dotting the fringes of the sanctuary. "Complaints of the asses harming crops have emerged in recent times, but the issue has been a deadlock as some farms are an encroachment on the sanctuary area.
Rise in Gujarat's wild ass population
DNA By Jumana Shah
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1246476
Ahmedabad: Wild ass population in the Little Rann of Kutch in Surendranagar has increased by around 10%. The increase in wild ass population reveals a healthy trend. The population had dipped to as low as 700 about a decade back.
The rise in the mammals' population can also be gauged from the fact that a few groups have also been spotted in farms surrounding Nal Sarovar and some as far as the Great Rann of Kutch. Hence, it's not only the Asiatic lions in Gir that are reclaiming their traditional corridors, even the asses are following suit with reports of being sighted as far as 140 km away from their habitat in the Rann.
These details and several more have been revealed by the state forest department from its recently concluded census of the last surviving species of the wild ass (Equus hemionus khur) in the Wild Ass Sanctuary (WAS) in Surendranagar. The 2-day census was conducted on Sunday and Monday involving a team of 400 officials, activists and environmentalists. For the first time, the census was conducted over an area of 7,000 sq km, including 2,000 sq km of peripheral areas.
Even as the details are being compiled by forest department, sources confide the initial trend emerging is an approximate increase of 10% over the population of 3,860 revealed in the 2005 census. "Change in habitat has been noticed in this census. Despite the vast area of 4,954 sq km of protected sanctuary area, the animal is venturing out of the dry desert in search of water and food," said Devjibhai Dhamecha, a Dhrangadhra-based activist in know of the census proceedings. The group spotted near Nal Sarovar seems to have settled in the area and there is little chance of bringing them back to the Rann. Several groups have been sighted on the southern fringes because of the Narmada Canal, which provides them water and better food, he added.
Ajay Dhamecha who too was involved in the census in Dhrangadhra zone says 50% of the asses were found in the Rann and the rest in the fringes. DFO MJ Chavda said the details are being compiled from all zones and will be revealed by the forest department by weekend. "In addition to the team, we have also taken inputs from villagers about sightings. This information is being compared with the findings of the previous census data to arrive at changing trends of habitation, movement etc," he said.
There are 107 villages dotting the fringes of the sanctuary. "Complaints of the asses harming crops have emerged in recent times, but the issue has been a deadlock as some farms are an encroachment on the sanctuary area.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Hindi speaking non-Gujarati people reported near Dhari
06-04-2009
Hindi speaking non-Gujarati people reported near Dhari
Sandesh
Briefly translated from Gujarati
Kalabhai Rabari reported to Gujarat Forest Department about suspicious movement of Hindi speaking people in Paniya-Chanchai area. He also reported that these people possessed sharp weapons. Striking force of forest department have started combing for these people.
Hindi speaking non-Gujarati people reported near Dhari
Sandesh
Briefly translated from Gujarati
Kalabhai Rabari reported to Gujarat Forest Department about suspicious movement of Hindi speaking people in Paniya-Chanchai area. He also reported that these people possessed sharp weapons. Striking force of forest department have started combing for these people.
Leopard attacks a farmer
06-04-2009
Leopard attacks a farmer
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
A leopard attacks a farmer Kodi Jasabhai Vaza (Age 60 years) at Gunvantpur village near Veraval. Early morning when farmer went to get water from the we, leopard which was hiding there attacked him. He was moved to Talala hospital and then to Junagadh for further treatment. Farmer was working in farm land owned by Bhagwanbhai Hirabhai Solanki.
In another incidence leopard attacked Ranchhodbhai Lavabhai Patel in his farm at Champarda village of Visavadar Taluka.
Leopard attacks a farmer
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
A leopard attacks a farmer Kodi Jasabhai Vaza (Age 60 years) at Gunvantpur village near Veraval. Early morning when farmer went to get water from the we, leopard which was hiding there attacked him. He was moved to Talala hospital and then to Junagadh for further treatment. Farmer was working in farm land owned by Bhagwanbhai Hirabhai Solanki.
In another incidence leopard attacked Ranchhodbhai Lavabhai Patel in his farm at Champarda village of Visavadar Taluka.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
'Supersize' lions roamed Britain
'Supersize' lions roamed Britain
BBC News, Oxford By Natalie Hancock
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/oxfordshire/7974948.stm
It is thought the ancient lions would not have had manes
Giant lions were roaming around Britain, Europe and North America up to 13,000 years ago, scientists from Oxford University have found.
Remains of giant cats previously discovered were thought to be a species of jaguar or tiger but after DNA analysis they were proved to be lions.
They were 25% bigger than the species of African lion living today, and had longer legs to chase their prey.
They would have lived in icy tundra with mammoth and sabretooth tigers.
It is thought these animals would hunt over longer distances, and their longer legs would help them chase down their prey as opposed to the modern-day species which tends to ambush its victims.
The Oxford team analysed DNA from fossils and other remains gathered from Germany to Siberia, and Alaska to Wyoming.
Dr Ross Barnett, who conducted the research at Oxford University's department of Zoology, said: "These ancient lions were like a super-sized version of today's lions and, in the Americas, with longer legs adapted for endurance running.
"What our genetic evidence shows is that these ancient extinct lions and the lions of today were very closely related.
The extinction is a big question that remains unresolved
Dr Ross Barnett
"Cave art also suggests that they formed prides, although the males in the pictures would not have had manes and they are depicted very realistically."
Lions appear to have been very important to early man with many depictions of them in their cave paintings, as in seen in the pre-historic cave complex at Chauvet in France.
Other archaeological finds in Germany include figurines which are half man, half lion, leading to the theory that lions may even have been worshipped by ancient humans.
The team found that these remains from the Pleistocene Epoch (1.8 million years ago to 10,000 years ago) could be divided into two groups: the American Lion which lived in North America, and the Cave Lion which lived in northern Europe, Russia, Alaska and the Yukon.
These ancient cats would have lived in an environment that was more like an icy tundra and would have shared their habitat with herds of other large animals such as mammoth, woolly rhino, sabre tooth tigers and giant deer.
About 13,000 years ago these species died out in a mass extinction. Figuring out the reason behind this, Dr Barnett said, was one of the last great scientific mysteries.
He said: "There are a couple of different schools of thought. It could have been climate change or something to do with humans. Humans could have been killing off their prey or killing the lions themselves.
"The extinction is a big question that remains unresolved. More research and more advanced genetic analysis may help answer it."
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