26-01-2010
Leopard attacks a child
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
Leopard attacked a 15 old shephard boy who was grazing his sheeps and goats. Incidence happened in morning at about 9:30 Am at Madhupur near Dhari the injured boy was taken to Amreli hospital in treatment and is safe
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
‘Centre did not consult state on lion shifting’
22-01-2010
'Centre did not consult state on lion shifting'
Times of India
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?showST=true&login=default&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&Daily=TOIA&AW=1264149785250
Former PCCF Says Kuno Palpur Sanctuary Can House Zoo-Bred Lions
The government of Gujarat was not consulted by the Centre when the latter planned a project to translocate Asiatic lions from Gir forest to Kuno Palpur in Madhya Pradesh, says a former forest official.
M Sharma, the former principal chief conservator of forest, said Kuno Palpur had been identified as the site for introducing lions, but since the area was fenced and local inhabitants had moved out, it could very well be used to house zoo-bred lions, instead of the wild ones.
On the Supreme Court's query that why the lions should not be sent to Kuno from Gir forest, Sharma said the Centre had not consulted Gujarat when it first planned translocation of lions.
The reason cited for the translocation was that keeping the animal in one region would make their existence vulnerable especially in case of a disease breaking out.
Sharma said the Centre should instead take up a pilot project in Kuno by releasing zoo-bred lions in the wild. Sharma, a member of the tiger project in Delhi in the 1980s, however, said the experts were divided on issue of releasing zoo-bred lions in the wild. The Central government too in the past had decided not to release zoo-bred animals in the wild.
Sharma said that Sakkarbaug zoo in Junagadh had maintained a study book for lions, which had noted how animals born in Sakkarbaug had hunting instincts in their genes.
This instinct may surface if these animals are subjected to hunting. "However, the fear of these animals turning man-eaters may not be there as Kuno Palpur is fenced. Therefore, a pilot project in Kuno may be tried with zoo-bred animals," Sharma said.
He recounted an event in the 1980s when a wild animal was kept by Bili Arjun Singh in Dudhwa. The animal turned into a man-eater.
"The Centre had appointed a committee, comprising HS Panwar and RLP Singh, to probe the matter. Singh had got a wild animal released from the zoo. The experts then reached to a conclusion not to release zoo-bred animals in wild," Sharma said, adding that Maldharis who have protected the lion since ages are also against this translocation.
'Centre did not consult state on lion shifting'
Times of India
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?showST=true&login=default&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&Daily=TOIA&AW=1264149785250
Former PCCF Says Kuno Palpur Sanctuary Can House Zoo-Bred Lions
The government of Gujarat was not consulted by the Centre when the latter planned a project to translocate Asiatic lions from Gir forest to Kuno Palpur in Madhya Pradesh, says a former forest official.
M Sharma, the former principal chief conservator of forest, said Kuno Palpur had been identified as the site for introducing lions, but since the area was fenced and local inhabitants had moved out, it could very well be used to house zoo-bred lions, instead of the wild ones.
On the Supreme Court's query that why the lions should not be sent to Kuno from Gir forest, Sharma said the Centre had not consulted Gujarat when it first planned translocation of lions.
The reason cited for the translocation was that keeping the animal in one region would make their existence vulnerable especially in case of a disease breaking out.
Sharma said the Centre should instead take up a pilot project in Kuno by releasing zoo-bred lions in the wild. Sharma, a member of the tiger project in Delhi in the 1980s, however, said the experts were divided on issue of releasing zoo-bred lions in the wild. The Central government too in the past had decided not to release zoo-bred animals in the wild.
Sharma said that Sakkarbaug zoo in Junagadh had maintained a study book for lions, which had noted how animals born in Sakkarbaug had hunting instincts in their genes.
This instinct may surface if these animals are subjected to hunting. "However, the fear of these animals turning man-eaters may not be there as Kuno Palpur is fenced. Therefore, a pilot project in Kuno may be tried with zoo-bred animals," Sharma said.
He recounted an event in the 1980s when a wild animal was kept by Bili Arjun Singh in Dudhwa. The animal turned into a man-eater.
"The Centre had appointed a committee, comprising HS Panwar and RLP Singh, to probe the matter. Singh had got a wild animal released from the zoo. The experts then reached to a conclusion not to release zoo-bred animals in wild," Sharma said, adding that Maldharis who have protected the lion since ages are also against this translocation.
Lion cub’s carcass found in Visavadar range
22-01-2010
Lion cub's carcass found in Visavadar range
Times of India
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?showST=true&login=default&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&Daily=TOIA&AW=1264149785250
A decapitated carcass of a lion cub was found from Visavadar range of Gir Wildlife Sanctuary on Wednesday.
According to forest department, apart from the head, legs were also missing from the cub's body found near Lambadhar Vidi between Lalpur and Ghodasan of Visavadar range. "The body has apparently been partly consumed by scavengers. We've shifted it to Sasan Veterinary Hospital, where a postmortem will be performed to ascertain the cause of death," said a forester.
Meanwhile, sources in the forest department cried foul over the fact that the head and feet of the cub were missing. "Lion's teeth and claws are one of the most coveted articles that poachers hunt for. Thus, in this case, poaching can not be ruled out," said a source.
Lion cub's carcass found in Visavadar range
Times of India
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?showST=true&login=default&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&Daily=TOIA&AW=1264149785250
A decapitated carcass of a lion cub was found from Visavadar range of Gir Wildlife Sanctuary on Wednesday.
According to forest department, apart from the head, legs were also missing from the cub's body found near Lambadhar Vidi between Lalpur and Ghodasan of Visavadar range. "The body has apparently been partly consumed by scavengers. We've shifted it to Sasan Veterinary Hospital, where a postmortem will be performed to ascertain the cause of death," said a forester.
Meanwhile, sources in the forest department cried foul over the fact that the head and feet of the cub were missing. "Lion's teeth and claws are one of the most coveted articles that poachers hunt for. Thus, in this case, poaching can not be ruled out," said a source.
Lion census in April, to cover 4 districts
Lion census in April, to cover 4 districts
Times of India By Himanshu Kaushik
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?showST=true&login=default&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&Daily=TOIA&AW=1264149785250
The first lion census after the poaching incidents of 2007, will be held in the peak of summer in April this year and for the first time will cover at least four districts, the area estimated as the lion spread since the last census of 2005.
The forest department will use the direct sighting method and cover the entire coastal stretch from Porbandar to Palitana in Bhavnagar district.
Official sources said the four-day census would have over 1,000 people involved in the counting and its findings would be very significant especially in the context of the recent Supreme Court query on giving some lions to Madhya Pradesh.
Earlier, census was held only in Amreli and Junagadh districts, which have the Gir forest. This year the census will cover 8,000-10,000 sq km area against the reserved sanctuary of around 1500 sq km.
Pradeep Khanna, principal chief conservator of forest, said the census would be covering all the area where the lions have been sighted. He confirmed that the direct sighting method will be used this year also. The 2005 census showed 359 lions.
Officials said in this method, on sighting of the beast, the height, weight and length would be recorded along with some special marks for distinction. These markings, made for each group, would help eliminate duplication in case a group moved to another territory
Is Gujarat serious about keeping the lion’s share?
20-01-2010
Is Gujarat serious about keeping the lion's share?
Times of India By Himanshu Kaushik
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?showST=true&login=default&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&Daily=TOIA&AW=1264149785250
Gujarat appears to have already handed over the Asiatic lions to assertive neighbour Madhya Pradesh (MP) on a platter. This time when the petition came up for hearing in the supreme court, the Gujarat government had made up its mind to seek four weeks' time to file a counter-affidavit.
The Gujarat government chose to send a junior counsel to represent it and seek a date even as no senior forest officer was present during the hearing. On the other hand, MP had not only senior forest officers but also a senior counsel like Soli Sorabjee present in the court.
A Delhi-based NGO, Biodiversity Conservation Trust had filed a litigation in the supreme court urging it to direct the Gujarat government to cooperate with Madhya Pradesh in transferring the lions to Kuno-Palpur.
It is always understood that whenever the time is sought in such legal matters, the bench can put forth some questions. The junior counsel representing Gujarat, probably did not carry any brief.
When he was asked as to why Gujarat was opposing the move to give lions from the wild to MP, he replied that the area did not have the required prey base. So far, the state has been opposing the move to hand over the lions on ground that two specie of big cats cannot survive together (MP is known for its tigers), and earlier attempts to shift lions have failed. Forest officials here say that the standing counsel who had been representing the state in the case should have taken the case seriously especially when Sorabjee was on the other side. But this counsel seemed not to have any directive from the government.
Senior officials also remained away from the hearing — they were too busy with the Vibrant Gujarat International Kite Festival.
Former principal chief conservator of forests, GA Patel told TOI, "Senior officials should have remained present in the court. When a junior goes wrong it was the duty of the officer to correct him and argue on the technical points like lions and tigers cannot stay together and also the earlier efforts to translocate lions had failed. Also the senior counsel representing Gujarat should have taken care to brief his junior."
Is Gujarat serious about keeping the lion's share?
Times of India By Himanshu Kaushik
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?showST=true&login=default&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&Daily=TOIA&AW=1264149785250
Gujarat appears to have already handed over the Asiatic lions to assertive neighbour Madhya Pradesh (MP) on a platter. This time when the petition came up for hearing in the supreme court, the Gujarat government had made up its mind to seek four weeks' time to file a counter-affidavit.
The Gujarat government chose to send a junior counsel to represent it and seek a date even as no senior forest officer was present during the hearing. On the other hand, MP had not only senior forest officers but also a senior counsel like Soli Sorabjee present in the court.
A Delhi-based NGO, Biodiversity Conservation Trust had filed a litigation in the supreme court urging it to direct the Gujarat government to cooperate with Madhya Pradesh in transferring the lions to Kuno-Palpur.
It is always understood that whenever the time is sought in such legal matters, the bench can put forth some questions. The junior counsel representing Gujarat, probably did not carry any brief.
When he was asked as to why Gujarat was opposing the move to give lions from the wild to MP, he replied that the area did not have the required prey base. So far, the state has been opposing the move to hand over the lions on ground that two specie of big cats cannot survive together (MP is known for its tigers), and earlier attempts to shift lions have failed. Forest officials here say that the standing counsel who had been representing the state in the case should have taken the case seriously especially when Sorabjee was on the other side. But this counsel seemed not to have any directive from the government.
Senior officials also remained away from the hearing — they were too busy with the Vibrant Gujarat International Kite Festival.
Former principal chief conservator of forests, GA Patel told TOI, "Senior officials should have remained present in the court. When a junior goes wrong it was the duty of the officer to correct him and argue on the technical points like lions and tigers cannot stay together and also the earlier efforts to translocate lions had failed. Also the senior counsel representing Gujarat should have taken care to brief his junior."
Lion transfer will be big blow to Gujarat tourism
20-01-2010
Lion transfer will be big blow to Gujarat tourism
Times of India
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?showST=true&login=default&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&Daily=TOIA&AW=1264149785250
Gujarat may have been opposing the transfer of lions on grounds of wildlife survival, the real fear is that once the Asiastic lions were shifted to Madhya Pradesh (MP), they would
provide a major boost to the latter's tourism prospects.
Lions are pride of Gujarat and the main attraction for tourists from other states. As of now, Gir forest is the last abode of the Asiatic lion. Around one lakh tourists visit Gir and Devaliya interpretation zone every year.
Officials in the forest department say the state government is apprehensive about a dip in the tourist inflow to Gujarat which, it believes, is mainly for the Asiatic lions.
"Once the sanctuary is notified, MP can start issuing permits and allow tourists in the area where lions have been raised," say forest officials here.
A forest official said that MP, which has more tourist spots than Gujarat, and wildlife tours of tiger, panther, blue bull in Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Panna and other sanctuaries, would end up adding the lion as another of its tourism draws.
"Besides, Kuno Palpur where the lions are to be shifted is a very small area. So, the possibility of sighting a lion there would be greater than Sasan and will be a major attraction for tourists," said the official.
Former PCCF GA Patel agrees with the view. He says "Once the lions are handed over to MP, the state would use them to promote tourism. Nobody can stop them. Since Kuno Palpur has been notified as a sanctuary, they can easily promote tourism there as tourists are permitted to enter the sanctuary."
He said Gujarat would have to strongly oppose the shifting of lions or it would lose its biggest tourism asset and also monopoly over Asiatic lions. "The state has a strong point when it says that tiger and lions cannot stay together. Earlier efforts in this direction have failed and these are on record," he said.
Lion transfer will be big blow to Gujarat tourism
Times of India
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?showST=true&login=default&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&Daily=TOIA&AW=1264149785250
Gujarat may have been opposing the transfer of lions on grounds of wildlife survival, the real fear is that once the Asiastic lions were shifted to Madhya Pradesh (MP), they would
provide a major boost to the latter's tourism prospects.
Lions are pride of Gujarat and the main attraction for tourists from other states. As of now, Gir forest is the last abode of the Asiatic lion. Around one lakh tourists visit Gir and Devaliya interpretation zone every year.
Officials in the forest department say the state government is apprehensive about a dip in the tourist inflow to Gujarat which, it believes, is mainly for the Asiatic lions.
"Once the sanctuary is notified, MP can start issuing permits and allow tourists in the area where lions have been raised," say forest officials here.
A forest official said that MP, which has more tourist spots than Gujarat, and wildlife tours of tiger, panther, blue bull in Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Panna and other sanctuaries, would end up adding the lion as another of its tourism draws.
"Besides, Kuno Palpur where the lions are to be shifted is a very small area. So, the possibility of sighting a lion there would be greater than Sasan and will be a major attraction for tourists," said the official.
Former PCCF GA Patel agrees with the view. He says "Once the lions are handed over to MP, the state would use them to promote tourism. Nobody can stop them. Since Kuno Palpur has been notified as a sanctuary, they can easily promote tourism there as tourists are permitted to enter the sanctuary."
He said Gujarat would have to strongly oppose the shifting of lions or it would lose its biggest tourism asset and also monopoly over Asiatic lions. "The state has a strong point when it says that tiger and lions cannot stay together. Earlier efforts in this direction have failed and these are on record," he said.
Lion safari at Ambardi too
20-01-2010
Lion safari at Ambardi too
Times of India By Himanshu Kaushik
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?showST=true&login=default&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&Daily=TOIA&AW=1264149785250
One Can Now Go For A Lion Safari And Move To Diu Without Going To Junagadh & Kodinar
Diu, Gir and Tulshishayam have drawn closer. Not geographically, though. The Central government has recently approved another entry into the last abode of Asiatic lions, through Ambardi interpretation zone in Amreli district.
The second interpretation zone will be on the similar lines as that of Devaliya near Sasan. Officials said someone wanting to see Asiatic lions and then move to Diu was earlier forced to take a longer route as he had to go to Junagadh, Sasan, Kodinar and then Diu. But with Ambardi developed, one can go to Amreli and from there head to Kodinar via Tulsishyam which would be a shorter route.
Officials said the Central government has announced a package of Rs 5 crore for Tourism Gujarat Corporation Limited (TGCL) and Gujarat State Forest Department was to spend another Rs 5.26 crore to set up another Asiatic lion safari in Ambardi area.
The Central Zoo Authority of India has already granted its permission in this regard.
This will promote ecotourism in Amreli district which touches the eastern border of the Gir forest. The second entry is located 3 km away from Dhari on Amreli Road. The present site is just 60 km from Diu.
Officials said this was a good site as it would shorten the route to Diu for those wanting to see the lion and head for Diu. There are many reasons behind selecting this site, good water resources being one of them, as the site is near a Khodiyar dam. They said it would draw tourists visiting Tulshishyam and Diu.
Officials said that the Centre had cleared the project but the gujarat government was delaying it for want of funds. The revised proposal which the forest department has sent to the state finance department was of Rs 14 crore. This was because of the escalation of costs. Officials said the new interpretation zone would have a cafeteria, a reception centre, theatre and parking facilities for the visitors.
They said that this proposal was rejected thrice by the Centre, but the Gujarat government pursued and finally the Centre approved the project. The state government had already declared this area as a reserved forest area.
Lion safari at Ambardi too
Times of India By Himanshu Kaushik
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?showST=true&login=default&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&Daily=TOIA&AW=1264149785250
One Can Now Go For A Lion Safari And Move To Diu Without Going To Junagadh & Kodinar
Diu, Gir and Tulshishayam have drawn closer. Not geographically, though. The Central government has recently approved another entry into the last abode of Asiatic lions, through Ambardi interpretation zone in Amreli district.
The second interpretation zone will be on the similar lines as that of Devaliya near Sasan. Officials said someone wanting to see Asiatic lions and then move to Diu was earlier forced to take a longer route as he had to go to Junagadh, Sasan, Kodinar and then Diu. But with Ambardi developed, one can go to Amreli and from there head to Kodinar via Tulsishyam which would be a shorter route.
Officials said the Central government has announced a package of Rs 5 crore for Tourism Gujarat Corporation Limited (TGCL) and Gujarat State Forest Department was to spend another Rs 5.26 crore to set up another Asiatic lion safari in Ambardi area.
The Central Zoo Authority of India has already granted its permission in this regard.
This will promote ecotourism in Amreli district which touches the eastern border of the Gir forest. The second entry is located 3 km away from Dhari on Amreli Road. The present site is just 60 km from Diu.
Officials said this was a good site as it would shorten the route to Diu for those wanting to see the lion and head for Diu. There are many reasons behind selecting this site, good water resources being one of them, as the site is near a Khodiyar dam. They said it would draw tourists visiting Tulshishyam and Diu.
Officials said that the Centre had cleared the project but the gujarat government was delaying it for want of funds. The revised proposal which the forest department has sent to the state finance department was of Rs 14 crore. This was because of the escalation of costs. Officials said the new interpretation zone would have a cafeteria, a reception centre, theatre and parking facilities for the visitors.
They said that this proposal was rejected thrice by the Centre, but the Gujarat government pursued and finally the Centre approved the project. The state government had already declared this area as a reserved forest area.
Forest officials’ expertise to be considered before posting
20-01-2010
Forest officials' expertise to be considered before posting
Times of India By Himanshu Kaushik
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?showST=true&login=default&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&Daily=TOIA&AW=1264149785250
The lion king will have better handlers henceforth. The Union ministry, in a recent decision, has said that only experienced personnel of the Indian Forest Services (IFS) will get critical posting like conservation of Asiatic lions in Gir.
This decision was taken at a recent seminar held in Dehradun. In all, there were 115 IFS officers from across India who had done PhD in their field of interest while serving in the forests. These officials will now be posted in that field. Gujarat has some 82 IFS officials, of which at least 10 IFS officers have done their PHD on various aspects related to wildlife and forest department. Besides, there are three to four others who have achieved expertise on lions and other wildlife in state.
Central government is planning to prepare an action plan for the department. This is aimed at changing the work pattern of forest department. Union forest minister Jairam Ramesh had invited only those officers who had acquired their PhD while serving in the forest areas. They were asked to promote scientific research among the IFS cadre.
He also asked senior officials to promote junior IFS officers to select areas of their interest for PhD. Senior officer who attended the seminar said, "If a forest officer is interested in wildlife, he should be given work in that field. This will not only help the state but other research institutes in India and abroad."
According to Ramesh's action plan, setting up of germplasm bank will be mandatory in every state and each germplasm bank will be linked with the Agriculture University and Regional Research Institutes. The officer said that apart from wildlife, he also wants the same trend to be followed in environment department.
Forest officials' expertise to be considered before posting
Times of India By Himanshu Kaushik
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?showST=true&login=default&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&Daily=TOIA&AW=1264149785250
The lion king will have better handlers henceforth. The Union ministry, in a recent decision, has said that only experienced personnel of the Indian Forest Services (IFS) will get critical posting like conservation of Asiatic lions in Gir.
This decision was taken at a recent seminar held in Dehradun. In all, there were 115 IFS officers from across India who had done PhD in their field of interest while serving in the forests. These officials will now be posted in that field. Gujarat has some 82 IFS officials, of which at least 10 IFS officers have done their PHD on various aspects related to wildlife and forest department. Besides, there are three to four others who have achieved expertise on lions and other wildlife in state.
Central government is planning to prepare an action plan for the department. This is aimed at changing the work pattern of forest department. Union forest minister Jairam Ramesh had invited only those officers who had acquired their PhD while serving in the forest areas. They were asked to promote scientific research among the IFS cadre.
He also asked senior officials to promote junior IFS officers to select areas of their interest for PhD. Senior officer who attended the seminar said, "If a forest officer is interested in wildlife, he should be given work in that field. This will not only help the state but other research institutes in India and abroad."
According to Ramesh's action plan, setting up of germplasm bank will be mandatory in every state and each germplasm bank will be linked with the Agriculture University and Regional Research Institutes. The officer said that apart from wildlife, he also wants the same trend to be followed in environment department.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Few foresters in Gir know wildlife nitty-gritty: study
17-01-2010
Few foresters in Gir know wildlife nitty-gritty: study
Express India By Shubhalakshmi Shukla
http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/few-foresters-in-gir-know-wildlife-nittygritty-study/568181/
Lion census is set to begin shortly at the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, and the state Forest Department may also take up GIS mapping this time. But in an irony of sorts, a recent training conducted by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) has shown that only 16 per cent of the total staff manning the sanctuary actually knows the exact application of The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. About 490 Gir staff had attended the first-ever WTI training in Gujarat.
Rakesh Singh, WTI Coordinator, told The Sunday Express: "The training was conducted from December 9 to 25 and had two segments. In some cases, it was disappointing to know that the forest officials were not even aware of the application of The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Under this Act, every forest officer is empowered to arrest a person, detain vehicles and even seize property if he comes across any wildlife crime. However, not many forest guards and range forest officers were aware about this."
He added: "There were multiple choice questions in the post training session. Only 50 per cent of the total participants were able to identify the pug/hoof marks of antelopes, lions, sloth bear, chital, hyena, sambhar and black bucks."
WTI officials said most of the forest officers had already completed 30 years of service as beat guards and range officers.
"The Forest Department has been giving training to the frontline staff, but most of them failed to answer basic queries such as how crime investigation should be done," Singh said. He also did not rule out that a lack of understanding of wildlife could lead under-reporting of cases.
According to the WTI, nearly 25 per cent of the total staff undergoing training failed to identify wildlife crime; out of 490 staffers, 324 did not know what a protected area is, and only 16 per cent of the total staff knew what their powers are.
"Forest authorities told us that our training received a negative feedback, but the forest officials said otherwise," said WTI officials.
A Round Forest officer from Girnar Forest Range said: "I have been in this service for 30 years. The WTI training has been more effective, so much so that after the training we were able to identify 13 wildlife crimes."
Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) M M Sharma refused to comment on the matter.
Few foresters in Gir know wildlife nitty-gritty: study
Express India By Shubhalakshmi Shukla
http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/few-foresters-in-gir-know-wildlife-nittygritty-study/568181/
Lion census is set to begin shortly at the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, and the state Forest Department may also take up GIS mapping this time. But in an irony of sorts, a recent training conducted by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) has shown that only 16 per cent of the total staff manning the sanctuary actually knows the exact application of The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. About 490 Gir staff had attended the first-ever WTI training in Gujarat.
Rakesh Singh, WTI Coordinator, told The Sunday Express: "The training was conducted from December 9 to 25 and had two segments. In some cases, it was disappointing to know that the forest officials were not even aware of the application of The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Under this Act, every forest officer is empowered to arrest a person, detain vehicles and even seize property if he comes across any wildlife crime. However, not many forest guards and range forest officers were aware about this."
He added: "There were multiple choice questions in the post training session. Only 50 per cent of the total participants were able to identify the pug/hoof marks of antelopes, lions, sloth bear, chital, hyena, sambhar and black bucks."
WTI officials said most of the forest officers had already completed 30 years of service as beat guards and range officers.
"The Forest Department has been giving training to the frontline staff, but most of them failed to answer basic queries such as how crime investigation should be done," Singh said. He also did not rule out that a lack of understanding of wildlife could lead under-reporting of cases.
According to the WTI, nearly 25 per cent of the total staff undergoing training failed to identify wildlife crime; out of 490 staffers, 324 did not know what a protected area is, and only 16 per cent of the total staff knew what their powers are.
"Forest authorities told us that our training received a negative feedback, but the forest officials said otherwise," said WTI officials.
A Round Forest officer from Girnar Forest Range said: "I have been in this service for 30 years. The WTI training has been more effective, so much so that after the training we were able to identify 13 wildlife crimes."
Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) M M Sharma refused to comment on the matter.
Friday, January 15, 2010
‘70 per cent of Corbett resorts host weddings, races’
'70 per cent of Corbett resorts host weddings, races'
Times of India By Himanshi Dhawan
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?showST=true&login=default&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&Daily=TOIA&AW=1263541393750
Is Corbett national park, India's best known tiger sanctuary, becoming a hunting ground for party animals at the cost of real ones? A study commissioned by the Union tourism ministry on Corbett has found that 70% of the resorts around the park are venues for weddings, rain dances, parties, bike races and zorbing rather than for visitors interested in wildlife.
There are 77 resorts in the area with 17 more likely to come up this year alone. Incidentally, the tiger reserve has a ceiling of a maximum of 600 visitors daily.
This rampant commercialisation and mismatch in numbers drawn to Corbett has set off alarm bells within the ministry that is now considering tighter norms for hotels and resorts coming up in ecologically-sensitive places.
The study conducted by the Institute of Hotel Management, Pusa surveyed areas around the 10km periphery of the park in December last year. "The findings are very worrying. We plan to bring this to the attention of the ministry of environment and forests before Corbett becomes another Sariska. There must be stringent guidelines for commercial establishments," Sujit Banerjee, tourism secretary, said.
Besides indulging in activities like parties and rain dances, resorts keep bright lights on throughout the night. Turning a blind eye to environmental friendly practices, 31% of the properties dump their waste outside while 26% burn it. About 94% of the properties are fenced or walled. This has resulted in two animal corridors connecting Corbett with Rajaji national park being blocked. The fencing aside, vehicles and encroachment by villagers displaced by the New Tehri dam have also contributed to choking the corridors that are a lifeline for the animals.
Another worrying point is the fact that of the 77 vehicles plying within the tiger reserve, 26 run on diesel.
Among steps being taken to check this disturbing trend, officials said resorts and hotels in fragile ecological zones will now have to take the nod from the tourism ministry before they begin commercial operations. These zones — like national parks, hill stations and coastal areas — will be defined in the new set of regulations. The ministry also plans to conduct surveys around other important national parks like Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh and Kanha.
Lions for Kuno: MP reiterates demand for Gir’s wild cats
Lions for Kuno: MP reiterates demand for Gir's wild cats
Times of India
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?showST=true&login=default&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&Daily=TOIA&AW=1263541393750
With the Supreme court slated to hear on January 12, the issue of allocation of Asiatic lions from Gujarat to Kuno Palpur in Madhya Pradesh, the neighbouring state's government has once again reiterated its demand to get wild animals for its Kuno project instead of the zoo-bred lions which have been allocated to them from Hyderabad, Delhi and Bhopal.
Officials said last year, the Supreme Court had directed the standing committee of the wildlife board to take a stand on the transfer of lions to MP.
Howeve r, the matter was referred to the expert panel of the standing committee of National Wildlife Board.
The committee opined that MP should be allocated lions from the nature that is directly from the wild and not the zoo-bred lions for the Kuno Palpur.
The committee has said that the zoo-bred lions may be used for breeding in the breeding centre but they cannot be left out in the wild.
In addition, MP Government too has, through its forest department, sent an officials proposal to the Board raising objection against the allocation of zoo-bred lions in the name of conservation. Officials said that the MP has contended that zoo-bred lions cannot survive in the open as they are habituated to feeding rather then hunting and also a special complex would also have to be constructed for the breeding. Officials said that the area can house around 60 odd wild cats in Kuno Palpur.
Officials said that the wildlife board has tried to calm down MP by giving them these zoo-bred lions, but this would not be acceptable to MP and they would again put forward their demand for the wild cats.
Murli Krishnan, conservator of Forest, Gwalior said, "We have renewed our demand for wild animals. These animals are given to us for the breeding centre and not for the Kuno Palpur project." He reiterated that they have once again forwarded their demand for the wild animals.
SC asks why Guj isn’t giving lions to MP
13-01-2010
SC asks why Guj isn't giving lions to MP
Times of India
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?showST=true&login=default&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&Daily=TOIA&AW=1263541393750
If there are any hints to be taken by Gujarati pride, the question put forth by the Supreme Court on translocation of lions from Gujarat to Madhya Pradesh, should appear ominous to those opposed to the idea of shifting of the king of the jungle to the neighbouring state.
During the hearing of the petition seeking transfer of lions to MP, the SC sought to know what was holding Gujarat from giving five to six lions to MP - a move said to be critical to saving the species concentrated in only one habitat.
This was for the first time that MP roped in the services of the redoubtable senior counsel Soli Sorabjee. Gujarat, the only home to the Asiatic Lion in the wild, is resisting the shifting of the species over which it would like to have exclusive rights.
A Delhi-based NGO, Bio-diversity Conservation Trust, filed a litigation in the SC urging it to direct Gujarat to co-operate with MP in transferring lions to Kuno-Palpur, which resembles the habitat of the wild cat's only home in Gujarat.
As Gujarat government sought time from the bench of Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan, Justice Deepak Verma and Justice BS Chauhan, sought to know how many lions did Gujarat have.
To this, the Gujarat counsel said that according to a rough estimate Gujarat had around 400 lions. The last census in 2005 had 359 lions.
The bench again sought to know what was holding back Gujarat from giving about six lions to MP. The Gujarat counsel informed that there was no prey base in MP at the proposed shifting site. But Sorabjee told the bench that MP already has a project in place, in collaboration with the Centre, and around Rs 24 crore has already being spent on habitat development which includes rehabilitating human residents of Kuno-Palpur. The next hearing will be on February 11.
SC asks why Guj isn't giving lions to MP
Times of India
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?showST=true&login=default&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&Daily=TOIA&AW=1263541393750
If there are any hints to be taken by Gujarati pride, the question put forth by the Supreme Court on translocation of lions from Gujarat to Madhya Pradesh, should appear ominous to those opposed to the idea of shifting of the king of the jungle to the neighbouring state.
During the hearing of the petition seeking transfer of lions to MP, the SC sought to know what was holding Gujarat from giving five to six lions to MP - a move said to be critical to saving the species concentrated in only one habitat.
This was for the first time that MP roped in the services of the redoubtable senior counsel Soli Sorabjee. Gujarat, the only home to the Asiatic Lion in the wild, is resisting the shifting of the species over which it would like to have exclusive rights.
A Delhi-based NGO, Bio-diversity Conservation Trust, filed a litigation in the SC urging it to direct Gujarat to co-operate with MP in transferring lions to Kuno-Palpur, which resembles the habitat of the wild cat's only home in Gujarat.
As Gujarat government sought time from the bench of Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan, Justice Deepak Verma and Justice BS Chauhan, sought to know how many lions did Gujarat have.
To this, the Gujarat counsel said that according to a rough estimate Gujarat had around 400 lions. The last census in 2005 had 359 lions.
The bench again sought to know what was holding back Gujarat from giving about six lions to MP. The Gujarat counsel informed that there was no prey base in MP at the proposed shifting site. But Sorabjee told the bench that MP already has a project in place, in collaboration with the Centre, and around Rs 24 crore has already being spent on habitat development which includes rehabilitating human residents of Kuno-Palpur. The next hearing will be on February 11.
5 nabbed from Barda Wildlife Sanctuary while cooking rabbit meat
13-01-2010
5 nabbed from Barda Wildlife Sanctuary while cooking rabbit meat
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/5-nabbed-from-Barda-Wildlife-Sanctuary-while-cooking-rabbit-meat/articleshow/5434415.cms
Five people were arrested by forest officials in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary while they were about to cook rabbit meat near Chhapiya lake near Mokhala village in the reserved forest area.
According to forest officials, officials were on patrol during the night when they saw few people cooking something in the reserved forest area. On interrogation, it was revealed that they had killed rabbits and were about to cook the meat for meal.
Forest officials said they also recovered a country-made gun from the accused. The arrested were identified as Dhiru Raja Dafer, Raja Mamad Dafer, Khima Dafer, Hansraj Koli and Dayalji. It was also revealed that Dayalji is expert in making guns.
"One of the accused was earlier booked under the Arms Act. The accused have been sent to Jamnagar jail. According to forest officials, the sanctuary having a forest area of 192.31 sq km is relatively small in extent. However, it's characteristically abundant in floral diversity, which consists of a good number of medicinal plants.
In fact, very high percentage of rare and endangered plants occurring in the area is an important component of the sanctuary. This area was declared as sanctuary in 1979.
Forest officials in Barda Wildlife sanctuary and surrounding areas intensified its patrolling to nabbed bootleggers and liquor making activities in the forest areas.
5 nabbed from Barda Wildlife Sanctuary while cooking rabbit meat
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/5-nabbed-from-Barda-Wildlife-Sanctuary-while-cooking-rabbit-meat/articleshow/5434415.cms
Five people were arrested by forest officials in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary while they were about to cook rabbit meat near Chhapiya lake near Mokhala village in the reserved forest area.
According to forest officials, officials were on patrol during the night when they saw few people cooking something in the reserved forest area. On interrogation, it was revealed that they had killed rabbits and were about to cook the meat for meal.
Forest officials said they also recovered a country-made gun from the accused. The arrested were identified as Dhiru Raja Dafer, Raja Mamad Dafer, Khima Dafer, Hansraj Koli and Dayalji. It was also revealed that Dayalji is expert in making guns.
"One of the accused was earlier booked under the Arms Act. The accused have been sent to Jamnagar jail. According to forest officials, the sanctuary having a forest area of 192.31 sq km is relatively small in extent. However, it's characteristically abundant in floral diversity, which consists of a good number of medicinal plants.
In fact, very high percentage of rare and endangered plants occurring in the area is an important component of the sanctuary. This area was declared as sanctuary in 1979.
Forest officials in Barda Wildlife sanctuary and surrounding areas intensified its patrolling to nabbed bootleggers and liquor making activities in the forest areas.
Girl, labourer survive separate leopard attacks in Junagadh dist
13-01-2010
Girl, labourer survive separate leopard attacks in Junagadh dist
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/Girl-labourer-survive-separate-leopard-attacks-in-Junagadh-dist/articleshow/5441958.cms
A seven-year-old girl from Jeerani village of Dhari taluka of Junagadh was grievously hurt in a leopard attack on Tuesday night.
According to sources in the village, Vaghu Chorala and his family were working in a field on Tuesday evening when the incident happened. His daughter Sonal was fixing the pipes among the standing cotton crops when a leopard jumped out from behind the crops and attacked her. Sonal's elder sister, who was also standing nearby, starting screaming which scared the wild cat away.
However, the little girl suffered severe head injuries and was rushed to Amreli's government hospital, where she is in a serious condition, doctors said.
Earlier on Monday, a labourer was attacked by a leopard while working in a sugarcane field in Surva village of Talala taluka on Monday. Kalusing Pandvi, 35, survived the attack, as his coworkers managed to shoo away the big cat.
According to the forest department, the incident occurred early on Monday morning when Pandvi was sleeping in the fields. "The leopard, which had apparently made its abode in the camouflage of sugarcanes, sprang upon Pandvi and started dragging him towards the forest. However, hearing his cries, other labourers rushed to his rescue and seeing them, the leopard left Pandvi and vanished in the darkness," said a forester.
Girl, labourer survive separate leopard attacks in Junagadh dist
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/Girl-labourer-survive-separate-leopard-attacks-in-Junagadh-dist/articleshow/5441958.cms
A seven-year-old girl from Jeerani village of Dhari taluka of Junagadh was grievously hurt in a leopard attack on Tuesday night.
According to sources in the village, Vaghu Chorala and his family were working in a field on Tuesday evening when the incident happened. His daughter Sonal was fixing the pipes among the standing cotton crops when a leopard jumped out from behind the crops and attacked her. Sonal's elder sister, who was also standing nearby, starting screaming which scared the wild cat away.
However, the little girl suffered severe head injuries and was rushed to Amreli's government hospital, where she is in a serious condition, doctors said.
Earlier on Monday, a labourer was attacked by a leopard while working in a sugarcane field in Surva village of Talala taluka on Monday. Kalusing Pandvi, 35, survived the attack, as his coworkers managed to shoo away the big cat.
According to the forest department, the incident occurred early on Monday morning when Pandvi was sleeping in the fields. "The leopard, which had apparently made its abode in the camouflage of sugarcanes, sprang upon Pandvi and started dragging him towards the forest. However, hearing his cries, other labourers rushed to his rescue and seeing them, the leopard left Pandvi and vanished in the darkness," said a forester.
Leopard attacks girl child
13-01-2010
Leopard attacks girl child
Gujarat Samachar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
Family of Baghubhai Mavjibhai Charola and his family including seven year old girl Sonal works as farm labour in farm of Patel Subhash Keshu Bambhroliya at Jeera village near Dhari in Gir East. Yesterday Sonal was working in the farm when suddenly appeared from nowhere and attacked the girl and caught her by the head. Her sister Kajal started shouting and Leopard left her and ran away. Young girl is under treatment at Amreli hospital.
Leopard attacks girl child
Gujarat Samachar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
Family of Baghubhai Mavjibhai Charola and his family including seven year old girl Sonal works as farm labour in farm of Patel Subhash Keshu Bambhroliya at Jeera village near Dhari in Gir East. Yesterday Sonal was working in the farm when suddenly appeared from nowhere and attacked the girl and caught her by the head. Her sister Kajal started shouting and Leopard left her and ran away. Young girl is under treatment at Amreli hospital.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Seized lion claws fake, say police
11-01-2010
Seized lion claws fake, say police
Indian Express
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Seized-lion-claws-fake--say-police/565895
Lion paws and claws seized from two locals on January 8 have turned out to be fake, the Amreli police have said.
The Savarkundla police had seized two paws with nine claws in a sting operation. The operation had hinted at the existence of a lion poaching racket in the Gir sanctuary, the last abode of the Asiatic Lion.
Preliminary examination by the police and forest departments has, however, revealed the items to be fake, but the police are, nevertheless, waiting for the forensic reports.
A police team led by Savarkundla DySP J Thakkar had arrested Allarakha Bhiku (35) and Dhiru Khatrani (32) and seized the lion claws from their possession. Khatrani reportedly told the police that he bought the paws at Rs 600 in Karnataka, where he used to run a food joint until sometime ago.
On Friday evening, the accused had allegedly demanded Rs 2.5 lakh for the nine claws. There were two paws: one with four claws and another with five. As soon as they displayed the items, the police arrested them.
The police and the forest departments were put on an alert following the arrest. No carcass has been found yet, but a fresh poaching cannot be ruled out either, said the police.
Poaching was first reported in Gir in 2004, when as many as nine lions were killed, allegedly by members of a poaching gang from Madhya Pradesh.
Seized lion claws fake, say police
Indian Express
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Seized-lion-claws-fake--say-police/565895
Lion paws and claws seized from two locals on January 8 have turned out to be fake, the Amreli police have said.
The Savarkundla police had seized two paws with nine claws in a sting operation. The operation had hinted at the existence of a lion poaching racket in the Gir sanctuary, the last abode of the Asiatic Lion.
Preliminary examination by the police and forest departments has, however, revealed the items to be fake, but the police are, nevertheless, waiting for the forensic reports.
A police team led by Savarkundla DySP J Thakkar had arrested Allarakha Bhiku (35) and Dhiru Khatrani (32) and seized the lion claws from their possession. Khatrani reportedly told the police that he bought the paws at Rs 600 in Karnataka, where he used to run a food joint until sometime ago.
On Friday evening, the accused had allegedly demanded Rs 2.5 lakh for the nine claws. There were two paws: one with four claws and another with five. As soon as they displayed the items, the police arrested them.
The police and the forest departments were put on an alert following the arrest. No carcass has been found yet, but a fresh poaching cannot be ruled out either, said the police.
Poaching was first reported in Gir in 2004, when as many as nine lions were killed, allegedly by members of a poaching gang from Madhya Pradesh.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Buffalo killed by lions in Bhavnath area
10-01-2010
Buffalo killed by lions in Bhavnath area
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
Bhavnath area is border of Junagadh city adjoining Girnar wildlife sanctuary. Recently Junagadh Municipal had allotted plots near Laldhori in Bhavnath. Yesterday group of lions attacked and killed a buffalo. Residents of the area are scared and have requested forest department to do the needful.
Buffalo killed by lions in Bhavnath area
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
Bhavnath area is border of Junagadh city adjoining Girnar wildlife sanctuary. Recently Junagadh Municipal had allotted plots near Laldhori in Bhavnath. Yesterday group of lions attacked and killed a buffalo. Residents of the area are scared and have requested forest department to do the needful.
Govt yet to act on poaching incidents
10-01-2010
Govt yet to act on poaching incidents
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Govt-yet-to-act-on-poaching-incidents/articleshow/5428876.cms
Even after three years of poaching, the government is yet to react and take stern actions to curb poaching. The suspect poachers may have been nabbed, but the recommendations of the task force which was formed soon after the poaching incidents of 2007, were accepted only recently by the forest department.
The government had even announced a fund of Rs 40 crore to be spent on lion conservation of which only 50 per cent has been disbursed. Officials said that it is fortunate that no major poaching has been reported in Gir region. But sporadic incidents have been reported in the region.
He said that last year three persons from Amreli were arrested after they had electrocuted three lions and had buried them in the field. In another two incidents one trap was laid in Una while another lion was electrocuted in the same area. All these incidents were not termed as poaching.
Officials said the government is now in the process of issuing tenders for the various items which have been recommended by the task force for the conservation of lions.
HOW FAKE LION PAWS ARE MADE
Those involved in the trade, use hooves of dead camels or dog and horn of a buffalo or deer to give it the look of the claw. They use pelt of the deer to give it a natural look. In the past, one such incident was reported in Gir where the officials had found this fake paw. In this incident, the camel paw was used with horn of buffalo.
Govt yet to act on poaching incidents
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Govt-yet-to-act-on-poaching-incidents/articleshow/5428876.cms
Even after three years of poaching, the government is yet to react and take stern actions to curb poaching. The suspect poachers may have been nabbed, but the recommendations of the task force which was formed soon after the poaching incidents of 2007, were accepted only recently by the forest department.
The government had even announced a fund of Rs 40 crore to be spent on lion conservation of which only 50 per cent has been disbursed. Officials said that it is fortunate that no major poaching has been reported in Gir region. But sporadic incidents have been reported in the region.
He said that last year three persons from Amreli were arrested after they had electrocuted three lions and had buried them in the field. In another two incidents one trap was laid in Una while another lion was electrocuted in the same area. All these incidents were not termed as poaching.
Officials said the government is now in the process of issuing tenders for the various items which have been recommended by the task force for the conservation of lions.
HOW FAKE LION PAWS ARE MADE
Those involved in the trade, use hooves of dead camels or dog and horn of a buffalo or deer to give it the look of the claw. They use pelt of the deer to give it a natural look. In the past, one such incident was reported in Gir where the officials had found this fake paw. In this incident, the camel paw was used with horn of buffalo.
Police set decoy, seize pair of lion' paws
10-01-2010
Police set decoy, seize pair of lion' paws
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Police-set-decoy-seize-pair-of-lion-paws/articleshow/5428877.cms
The Amreli district police has seized two paws with nine claws on them from two locals who were arrested while trying to sell them for Rs 1.5 lakh. While forest department officials said the stuff seized was fake, there was a buzz in the region about a local gang being involved in poaching.
Acting on a tip-off that Dhiru Patel of Mariyana village and Allarakha Khokhar of Vijapadi village in Savarkundla were selling lion paws and claws, the police set a decoy who posed as a buyer before the two.
Superintendent of Police, Amreli district, SS Trivedi said a deal was struck with the sellers. As soon as the two produced the paws, they were detained and handed over to the forest department.
Senior officials, including principal conservator of forest (wildlife) BN Srivastav, rushed to the spot after getting the news. Srivastav said, "We inspected the paw and prima facie found it to be fake and not that of a lion." He added that the sample was sent to Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Gandhinagar to find out how it was made.
Officials said that if at all it turned out to be a lion paw, it would be for the first time that locals would be found involved in poaching. So far, 16 persons, alleged members of a gang from Katni in Madhya Pradesh, have been arrested for poaching eight lions in 2007 in Bhavnagar and Junagadh districts.
The incidents of poaching were of lions electocuted in farm fences mainly set up to secure crops. In 2009, two incidents of poaching were reported where current was passed through fences to protect the farm and one where a lion fell into a trap.
About lion claws, forest officials said they sold like gemstones in parts of Saurashtra where they are part of a cult. These claws are worn for virility and also as status symbols. Fishermen venturing out to sea wear it to make them lion-hearted'. Sold at prices ranging up to Rs 20,000-25,000 per claw, people have encased these claws in gold and wear them as pendants. These claws are being sold openly in the market and one has to be careful of the cheats who are moving around selling fake claws, said the officials.
Police set decoy, seize pair of lion' paws
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Police-set-decoy-seize-pair-of-lion-paws/articleshow/5428877.cms
The Amreli district police has seized two paws with nine claws on them from two locals who were arrested while trying to sell them for Rs 1.5 lakh. While forest department officials said the stuff seized was fake, there was a buzz in the region about a local gang being involved in poaching.
Acting on a tip-off that Dhiru Patel of Mariyana village and Allarakha Khokhar of Vijapadi village in Savarkundla were selling lion paws and claws, the police set a decoy who posed as a buyer before the two.
Superintendent of Police, Amreli district, SS Trivedi said a deal was struck with the sellers. As soon as the two produced the paws, they were detained and handed over to the forest department.
Senior officials, including principal conservator of forest (wildlife) BN Srivastav, rushed to the spot after getting the news. Srivastav said, "We inspected the paw and prima facie found it to be fake and not that of a lion." He added that the sample was sent to Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Gandhinagar to find out how it was made.
Officials said that if at all it turned out to be a lion paw, it would be for the first time that locals would be found involved in poaching. So far, 16 persons, alleged members of a gang from Katni in Madhya Pradesh, have been arrested for poaching eight lions in 2007 in Bhavnagar and Junagadh districts.
The incidents of poaching were of lions electocuted in farm fences mainly set up to secure crops. In 2009, two incidents of poaching were reported where current was passed through fences to protect the farm and one where a lion fell into a trap.
About lion claws, forest officials said they sold like gemstones in parts of Saurashtra where they are part of a cult. These claws are worn for virility and also as status symbols. Fishermen venturing out to sea wear it to make them lion-hearted'. Sold at prices ranging up to Rs 20,000-25,000 per claw, people have encased these claws in gold and wear them as pendants. These claws are being sold openly in the market and one has to be careful of the cheats who are moving around selling fake claws, said the officials.
Intel says Poachers on the prowl in Gir again
09-01-2010
Intel says Poachers on the prowl in Gir again
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Intel-says-Poachers-on-the-prowl-in-Gir-again/articleshow/5428875.cms
Intelligence inputs warn of a gang of poachers, who have become active in an around Sasan Gir. Forest department officials said that the intelligence input was received from the Centre that a gang was active in the area, trying to poach lions, especially in the area outside Sasan Gir. The Centre had asked the government to keep a watch especially in these areas.
Investigations on this tip-off pointed at possibilities of a gang from Madhya Pradesh. The CID crime which had investigated the case in 2007 had passed on the specific information to the forest department.
Meera Ramnivas, inspector general CID (Crime) said that the department had got inputs of a gang getting active in the area and the same was sent to forest department. She said that the catch on Friday night was the success of a similar input.
Intel says Poachers on the prowl in Gir again
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Intel-says-Poachers-on-the-prowl-in-Gir-again/articleshow/5428875.cms
Intelligence inputs warn of a gang of poachers, who have become active in an around Sasan Gir. Forest department officials said that the intelligence input was received from the Centre that a gang was active in the area, trying to poach lions, especially in the area outside Sasan Gir. The Centre had asked the government to keep a watch especially in these areas.
Investigations on this tip-off pointed at possibilities of a gang from Madhya Pradesh. The CID crime which had investigated the case in 2007 had passed on the specific information to the forest department.
Meera Ramnivas, inspector general CID (Crime) said that the department had got inputs of a gang getting active in the area and the same was sent to forest department. She said that the catch on Friday night was the success of a similar input.
Saturday, January 09, 2010
Lioness attacks farm labour
09-01-2010
Lioness attacks farm labour
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
In one more man-animal conflict, a lioness suddenly attack a labour Bhikha Kadu Siyal(Resident of Surva). He was working in farm of Arjan Bhagwan Sidhpura at Hadmatiya village near Talala.
Lioness attacks farm labour
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
In one more man-animal conflict, a lioness suddenly attack a labour Bhikha Kadu Siyal(Resident of Surva). He was working in farm of Arjan Bhagwan Sidhpura at Hadmatiya village near Talala.
Two caught with Lion paws
09-01-2010
Two caught with Lion paws
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarti
A sting operation was conducted by local police (and Flamingo nature Club volunteers also.) at Vijpadi village near Savarkundla in Gir East. In joint operation, police man posed as customer and a deal of a nails was done for Rs. 150000. Later forest department was informed RFO Dhandhiya said two paws were duplicate.
Two caught with Lion paws
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarti
A sting operation was conducted by local police (and Flamingo nature Club volunteers also.) at Vijpadi village near Savarkundla in Gir East. In joint operation, police man posed as customer and a deal of a nails was done for Rs. 150000. Later forest department was informed RFO Dhandhiya said two paws were duplicate.
Forest Department frontline staff trained for more effective protection of the Asiatic lion
29-12-2009
Forest Department frontline staff trained for more effective protection of the Asiatic lion
Wildlife Trust of India
http://www.wti.org.in/current-news/091229_frontline_forest_staff _trained_f or _ more_ effective_protection_of_Asiatic_lions.html
An Asiatic lion in Gir, Gujarat
A total of 490 frontline Forest Department staff protecting the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) in Gir were trained through this month to effectively control poaching and prosecute wildlife offenders. Equipment to facilitate anti-poaching patrolling was also distributed. The training was organised by the Gujarat Forest Department in association with the Van Rakshak Project (VRP) of Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) supported by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF).
Dr Rakesh Kumar Singh imparts training to the frontline staff of Gir, in Junagadh Division
"The participants included rangers and their subordinates from all the ranges in Greater Gir – a concept proposed by the Government of Gujarat to bring the entire distribution range of the Asiatic lion under one administration for effective conservation. The trainees were briefed about the Wildlife Protection Act, preparation of patrolling plans and creation of a crime map to identify sensitive areas for effective control of illegal activties," said Dr Rakesh Kumar Singh, Coordinator, WTI and the resourceperson for the training.
The training began on December 9 in Dedekadi range of Gir West Wildlife Division, and continued till December 25 covering all the ranges of Greater Gir. Following the training, anti-poaching field kits were provided to 228 meritorious performers. The training received favourable reviews from the participants.
"In our years of service, we have attended a number of such trainings. However, this was the first time that we got to understand the nittygritties of wildlife law. We understood how to read between the lines and interpret things as required to effectively protect wildlife," said MM Muni, Range Officer, Mahua Range, Gir.
Similar view was expressed by Rajendra Khodabhai Dethadia, Forester, Junagadh Division who has been in the service for 25 years now. "The training was very good and the teaching method of Dr Singh was very effective. We got to learn a lot of new and valuable things which we were not aware of earlier. I have only three years of service left now and I regret this training was not conducted much earlier. However, this has benefited the new recruits, and personally, I think my work has received a boost. Such trainings should be conducted more often, perhaps twice a year, preferably in the field so that the staff get practical experience along with the theory," he said.
KS Randhawa, DFO, Bhavnagar, who attended the entire training session, said, "This was indeed a very good and useful training for our staff. They got to learn the ways to effectively prosecute wildlife offenders and learnt about their own powers, among a lot of other things which they will be able to use in their daily work. Still, I think it could have been better if the training was held for a longer duration."
WTI's Van Rakshak Project trains and equips Forest Department staff deployed in and around critical habitats of flagship species like the tiger, elephants, rhinos, bears among others to ensure effective protection to India's natural heritage. Since its initiation in 2000, the project has trained more than 8000 frontline staff members in more than 100 protected areas across 16 Indian states.
Van Rakshak Project also provides insurance cover to more than 17000 frontline staff across India, ensuring relief to their families in case of mishaps while on duty. More than 50 families have availed of this insurance till date.
Frontline staff undergo training, in Vishavadar range
"This is the first VRP training in Gir. We have been working for this for a long time. It finally came through and we are grateful for the contribution of all who helped us including Kapil Paramjit Singh Bhatia, Manisha Rajput and Rajen Yadav among others," added Dr Singh.
With just a single population of about 350 individuals left in the wild, the Asiatic lion – endemic to Gir – is listed as an endangered species in the IUCN Red List of threatened species. It is also listed in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act.
Photos: Aniruddha Mookerjee (Top), Dr Rakesh Kumar Singh/WTI
Forest Department frontline staff trained for more effective protection of the Asiatic lion
Wildlife Trust of India
http://www.wti.org.in/current-news/091229_frontline_forest_staff _trained_f or _ more_ effective_protection_of_Asiatic_lions.html
An Asiatic lion in Gir, Gujarat
A total of 490 frontline Forest Department staff protecting the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) in Gir were trained through this month to effectively control poaching and prosecute wildlife offenders. Equipment to facilitate anti-poaching patrolling was also distributed. The training was organised by the Gujarat Forest Department in association with the Van Rakshak Project (VRP) of Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) supported by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF).
Dr Rakesh Kumar Singh imparts training to the frontline staff of Gir, in Junagadh Division
"The participants included rangers and their subordinates from all the ranges in Greater Gir – a concept proposed by the Government of Gujarat to bring the entire distribution range of the Asiatic lion under one administration for effective conservation. The trainees were briefed about the Wildlife Protection Act, preparation of patrolling plans and creation of a crime map to identify sensitive areas for effective control of illegal activties," said Dr Rakesh Kumar Singh, Coordinator, WTI and the resourceperson for the training.
Field kit distribution, in Vishavadar range
The training began on December 9 in Dedekadi range of Gir West Wildlife Division, and continued till December 25 covering all the ranges of Greater Gir. Following the training, anti-poaching field kits were provided to 228 meritorious performers. The training received favourable reviews from the participants.
"In our years of service, we have attended a number of such trainings. However, this was the first time that we got to understand the nittygritties of wildlife law. We understood how to read between the lines and interpret things as required to effectively protect wildlife," said MM Muni, Range Officer, Mahua Range, Gir.
Similar view was expressed by Rajendra Khodabhai Dethadia, Forester, Junagadh Division who has been in the service for 25 years now. "The training was very good and the teaching method of Dr Singh was very effective. We got to learn a lot of new and valuable things which we were not aware of earlier. I have only three years of service left now and I regret this training was not conducted much earlier. However, this has benefited the new recruits, and personally, I think my work has received a boost. Such trainings should be conducted more often, perhaps twice a year, preferably in the field so that the staff get practical experience along with the theory," he said.
KS Randhawa, DFO, Bhavnagar, who attended the entire training session, said, "This was indeed a very good and useful training for our staff. They got to learn the ways to effectively prosecute wildlife offenders and learnt about their own powers, among a lot of other things which they will be able to use in their daily work. Still, I think it could have been better if the training was held for a longer duration."
WTI's Van Rakshak Project trains and equips Forest Department staff deployed in and around critical habitats of flagship species like the tiger, elephants, rhinos, bears among others to ensure effective protection to India's natural heritage. Since its initiation in 2000, the project has trained more than 8000 frontline staff members in more than 100 protected areas across 16 Indian states.
Van Rakshak Project also provides insurance cover to more than 17000 frontline staff across India, ensuring relief to their families in case of mishaps while on duty. More than 50 families have availed of this insurance till date.
Frontline staff undergo training, in Vishavadar range
"This is the first VRP training in Gir. We have been working for this for a long time. It finally came through and we are grateful for the contribution of all who helped us including Kapil Paramjit Singh Bhatia, Manisha Rajput and Rajen Yadav among others," added Dr Singh.
With just a single population of about 350 individuals left in the wild, the Asiatic lion – endemic to Gir – is listed as an endangered species in the IUCN Red List of threatened species. It is also listed in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act.
Photos: Aniruddha Mookerjee (Top), Dr Rakesh Kumar Singh/WTI
‘MP sanctuary ideal for Gir lions, but not for those bred in captivity’
07-01-2010
'MP sanctuary ideal for Gir lions, but not for those bred in captivity'
Express India By Shubhalakshmi Shukla
http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/mp-sanctuary-ideal-for-gir-lions-but-not-for-those-bred-in-captivity/564352/
Giving another dimension to the ongoing standoff between Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh over the translocation of Gir lions to the Kuno Palpur Sanctuary in MP, a recent meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has suggested that big cats bred in captivity should not be shifted there. The sanctuary is however, a viable habitat for the Asiatic lions, it said.
Sources said the NBWL members have endorsed the MP government's stand that the high temperature of Kuno Palpur is conducive for the lions. The meeting was held under the aegis of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) on December 22.
The suggestions by two NBWL members — World Wildlife Fund (WWF) India president Divyabhanusinh Chavda, and Wildlife Trust of India president Ranjitsinh — will be included in the affidavit, which the MoEF will soon submit to the Supreme Court.
The draft of the affidavit is ready, but it has not been forwarded to either the MP or Gujarat government.
MoEF sources said the document need not be shared at this stage.
Earlier, MP and Gujarat had submitted their contentions on the translocation issue, after a PIL was filed in the Supreme Court.
"During the 1960s, 90 of the 100 lions living near the dead Ngorongoro volcano in Tanzania died following an attack by blood sucking flies — Catrisans Stomoxys. In 1993, the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) was responsible for the death of 1,000 of the 4,000 lions in the Serengeti plains of Tanzania,"Chavda said.
"There are around 360 lions in Gujarat, and in case of any such calamity, the entire population could be wiped out. Measures should be taken to increase and sustain the number of Asiatic lions," he added.
He further said: "Secondly, even as the Government of Gujarat is contending that lions will not be able to withstand the high temperature of Kuno Palpur, I have suggested that high temperature of the habitat is not a problem. Lions have survived in places like Palestine."
Elaborating on the need to translocate the lions, Chavda said: "How can a lion bred in captivity feed itself? It never learns to hunt its prey. In the wild, the mother teaches the cub to fend for itself, but this is not possible when breeding is done in captivity."
Not CM, but Maldharis protected Gir lions: Ramesh
Union Minister for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh today downplayed Chief Minister Narendra Modi's claim of saving the Asiatic lions in Gir from poachers, saying the credit for this should actually go to the local Maldhari tribals.
"I don't want to make it sound like a political statement, but I must say that the credit for lion conservation is not due to the Chief Minister (Modi) but the Maldhari community that has saved them from extinction," he said at a function organised by the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
Gir forest in Gujarat — the only natural habitat of lions in India — is an example of good social protection, Ramesh said, adding that such a system is missing in the case of tigers. Gir has a substantial population of the Maldhari community that grazes livestock within the protected area, and they have protected lions from the poachers, Ramesh said.
'MP sanctuary ideal for Gir lions, but not for those bred in captivity'
Express India By Shubhalakshmi Shukla
http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/mp-sanctuary-ideal-for-gir-lions-but-not-for-those-bred-in-captivity/564352/
Giving another dimension to the ongoing standoff between Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh over the translocation of Gir lions to the Kuno Palpur Sanctuary in MP, a recent meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has suggested that big cats bred in captivity should not be shifted there. The sanctuary is however, a viable habitat for the Asiatic lions, it said.
Sources said the NBWL members have endorsed the MP government's stand that the high temperature of Kuno Palpur is conducive for the lions. The meeting was held under the aegis of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) on December 22.
The suggestions by two NBWL members — World Wildlife Fund (WWF) India president Divyabhanusinh Chavda, and Wildlife Trust of India president Ranjitsinh — will be included in the affidavit, which the MoEF will soon submit to the Supreme Court.
The draft of the affidavit is ready, but it has not been forwarded to either the MP or Gujarat government.
MoEF sources said the document need not be shared at this stage.
Earlier, MP and Gujarat had submitted their contentions on the translocation issue, after a PIL was filed in the Supreme Court.
"During the 1960s, 90 of the 100 lions living near the dead Ngorongoro volcano in Tanzania died following an attack by blood sucking flies — Catrisans Stomoxys. In 1993, the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) was responsible for the death of 1,000 of the 4,000 lions in the Serengeti plains of Tanzania,"Chavda said.
"There are around 360 lions in Gujarat, and in case of any such calamity, the entire population could be wiped out. Measures should be taken to increase and sustain the number of Asiatic lions," he added.
He further said: "Secondly, even as the Government of Gujarat is contending that lions will not be able to withstand the high temperature of Kuno Palpur, I have suggested that high temperature of the habitat is not a problem. Lions have survived in places like Palestine."
Elaborating on the need to translocate the lions, Chavda said: "How can a lion bred in captivity feed itself? It never learns to hunt its prey. In the wild, the mother teaches the cub to fend for itself, but this is not possible when breeding is done in captivity."
Not CM, but Maldharis protected Gir lions: Ramesh
Union Minister for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh today downplayed Chief Minister Narendra Modi's claim of saving the Asiatic lions in Gir from poachers, saying the credit for this should actually go to the local Maldhari tribals.
"I don't want to make it sound like a political statement, but I must say that the credit for lion conservation is not due to the Chief Minister (Modi) but the Maldhari community that has saved them from extinction," he said at a function organised by the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
Gir forest in Gujarat — the only natural habitat of lions in India — is an example of good social protection, Ramesh said, adding that such a system is missing in the case of tigers. Gir has a substantial population of the Maldhari community that grazes livestock within the protected area, and they have protected lions from the poachers, Ramesh said.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Forest department grabs truck with illegal wood
06-01-2010
Forest department grabs truck with illegal wood
Gujarat Samachar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
Gir East forest department yesterday caught a lorry Registration no. GJ-4T-9517 on Hirava-Patla road in Dhari sub-district. On specific information received by ACF Raiyani, RFO Ranpariya and RFO A.D. Atara this illegal wood cutting was caught and truck driver Mukesh Chaagan Prajapati, resident of Chalala was caught. He was taken to private farm where wood species like Bavad, Neem, Pipar, etc. was cut. It was being taken as fire wood for a boiler in Rajkot.
Forest department grabs truck with illegal wood
Gujarat Samachar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
Gir East forest department yesterday caught a lorry Registration no. GJ-4T-9517 on Hirava-Patla road in Dhari sub-district. On specific information received by ACF Raiyani, RFO Ranpariya and RFO A.D. Atara this illegal wood cutting was caught and truck driver Mukesh Chaagan Prajapati, resident of Chalala was caught. He was taken to private farm where wood species like Bavad, Neem, Pipar, etc. was cut. It was being taken as fire wood for a boiler in Rajkot.
50 Gir lions to get GPS collars Wild Cats Between 5-9 Years Will Be Tracked
50 Gir lions to get GPS collars Wild Cats Between 5-9 Years Will Be Tracked
Times of India
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Daily=TOIA&showST=true&login=default&pub=TOI&Enter=true&Skin=TOINEW&GZ=T&AW=1262773296000
It is official now. About 50 lions, out of the 359 lions, in Gir forest will be fitted with the Global Positioning System (GPS) collars. These lions will be mainly males in the age group of 5-9 years and at least one from every group will be collared. The task force appointed by the state government to combat man-animal conflicts in Gir forest, in its list of recommendations, has suggested that 10 per cent of the lions be fitted with GPS collars.
Senior officials from the forest department said that all the recommendations of the task force have been accepted and the process to implement the same has begun. The tenders for GPS collars will be floated shortly, said officials. The task force, headed by principal chief conservator of forest (wildlife) Pradeep Khanna, was set up in 2007 after eight lions were killed by poachers in Junagadh and Bhavnagar districts. It has recommended that technological solutions be implemented in three phases. The first phase will be devoted to Gir, which is the last abode of the Asiatic lion, the second to rest of the lion habitat in Brihad Gir and the third, to upgrade communication network technology.
Officials said 10 per cent of the animals outside Gir and within the sanctuary will be fitted with GPS collars. Genetic studies will also begin and be integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS) application and database. Apart from keeping a tab on the movement of lions, it will also enable the officials to have a database of the lions, keep a track of their movements and behaviour pattern. Officials said this will also help in several studies which are going on at the level of the conservator of forest.
Tenders for the same will be invited, including 500 GPS enabled hand-held communication devices to be supplied to protection staff. The VHF network should be augmented with additional towers and repeaters to provide coverage in entire Gir, long range night vision equipment should be supplied to mobile patrolling squads. Breeding and exchange protocols for gene pool should also be developed.
Officials said a decision has also been taken to replace the VHF network by a 3G-compliant broad bandwidth wireless network to enable image transmission.
Forest department shot four dogs
05-01-2010
Forest department shot four dogs
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
Since last many months spotted deers, chinkaras were being hunted by dogs in Gir forest area near Kodiya village in Una sub-district. Four such hunter-dogs were shot by Mandvi-round staff by guns yesterday. It was also unearthed that three people of Kodiya village, Kuda Duru Makrani, Kalu Hasan Sandhi and Gafar Duru Makrani had trained dogs for hunting small ungulates. They had already hunted six-seven deers of which two-three carcasses are recovered. They killed them for meat.
Forest department shot four dogs
Divya Bhaskar
Briefly translated from Gujarati
Since last many months spotted deers, chinkaras were being hunted by dogs in Gir forest area near Kodiya village in Una sub-district. Four such hunter-dogs were shot by Mandvi-round staff by guns yesterday. It was also unearthed that three people of Kodiya village, Kuda Duru Makrani, Kalu Hasan Sandhi and Gafar Duru Makrani had trained dogs for hunting small ungulates. They had already hunted six-seven deers of which two-three carcasses are recovered. They killed them for meat.
Lion dies of old age, leopard's death still mystery
05-01-2010
Lion dies of old age, leopard's death still mystery
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/Lion-dies-of-old-age-leopards-death-still-mystery/articleshow/5410741.cms
A lion died of old age at Jasadhar veterinary hospital recently after he was shifted there by the forest department. He was found from Gigasan village in Dalkhaniya range of Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in November last year.
According to foresters, the lion was 15-year-old and succumbed to various old age ailments on Friday. "The lion was found lying ill and was shifted to the health centre on November 27. He died during treatment. The postmortem revealed that he had died of old age disease," said deputy conservator of forest of Dhari range.
Meanwhile, the forest department could not ascertain the cause of death of 12-year-old male leopard whose body was found from Rebdinera hill near Bhaniya Beat in Tulsishyam range of Gir forest on Thursday.
"Postmortem of the leopard was conducted in the forest itself. However, cause of death could not be established except for the fact that the death had occurred 15 days ago," said forest officer of Tulsishyam range.
Lion dies of old age, leopard's death still mystery
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/Lion-dies-of-old-age-leopards-death-still-mystery/articleshow/5410741.cms
A lion died of old age at Jasadhar veterinary hospital recently after he was shifted there by the forest department. He was found from Gigasan village in Dalkhaniya range of Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in November last year.
According to foresters, the lion was 15-year-old and succumbed to various old age ailments on Friday. "The lion was found lying ill and was shifted to the health centre on November 27. He died during treatment. The postmortem revealed that he had died of old age disease," said deputy conservator of forest of Dhari range.
Meanwhile, the forest department could not ascertain the cause of death of 12-year-old male leopard whose body was found from Rebdinera hill near Bhaniya Beat in Tulsishyam range of Gir forest on Thursday.
"Postmortem of the leopard was conducted in the forest itself. However, cause of death could not be established except for the fact that the death had occurred 15 days ago," said forest officer of Tulsishyam range.
Saturday, January 02, 2010
MP ready to welcome lions, Gujarat in no mood to allow relocation
02-01-2010
MP ready to welcome lions, Gujarat in no mood to allow relocation
Daily News & Analysis
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_mp-ready-to-welcome-lions-gujarat-in-no-mood-to-allow-relocation_1329815
Despite Gujarat being in no mood to allow shifting of any of its Asiatic lions, Madhya Pradesh government has spent over Rs14.53 crore to relocate 1,543 families in Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary being prepared as an alternative habitat for the king of the jungle.
At present, Asiatic lions are found only in Gir forests in Gujarat and the Centre had plans to relocate some of them to Kuno Sanctuary to repopulate the endangered species there.
There are around 800 lions in the Gir forests but experts feel that the concentration of the entire lion population at one place exposes it to the danger of being wiped out by disease or natural calamity.
However, the Narendra Modi government has categorically refused to part with the lions citing non-conducive environment such as threat from poachers and poor prey base in the Madhya Pradesh sanctuary spread over 344.686 square km.
Kuno was identified as a best potential site by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) among two other sites -- Darrah-Jawahar Sagar and Sitamata (both in Rajasthan) long back in 1993, a senior environment official said.
Accordingly, in order to improve the habitat before the re-introduction of lions, various management interventions have been taken up in the sanctuary, including relocation of 24 revenue villages and strengthening protection measures.
The Kuno Palpur sanctuary enjoys all the protection as provided under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the official added.
Kishore Kotecha's Comment: There are only 359 lions in wild as per April-2005 census. The above article has incorrectly written as 800
MP ready to welcome lions, Gujarat in no mood to allow relocation
Daily News & Analysis
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_mp-ready-to-welcome-lions-gujarat-in-no-mood-to-allow-relocation_1329815
Despite Gujarat being in no mood to allow shifting of any of its Asiatic lions, Madhya Pradesh government has spent over Rs14.53 crore to relocate 1,543 families in Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary being prepared as an alternative habitat for the king of the jungle.
At present, Asiatic lions are found only in Gir forests in Gujarat and the Centre had plans to relocate some of them to Kuno Sanctuary to repopulate the endangered species there.
There are around 800 lions in the Gir forests but experts feel that the concentration of the entire lion population at one place exposes it to the danger of being wiped out by disease or natural calamity.
However, the Narendra Modi government has categorically refused to part with the lions citing non-conducive environment such as threat from poachers and poor prey base in the Madhya Pradesh sanctuary spread over 344.686 square km.
Kuno was identified as a best potential site by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) among two other sites -- Darrah-Jawahar Sagar and Sitamata (both in Rajasthan) long back in 1993, a senior environment official said.
Accordingly, in order to improve the habitat before the re-introduction of lions, various management interventions have been taken up in the sanctuary, including relocation of 24 revenue villages and strengthening protection measures.
The Kuno Palpur sanctuary enjoys all the protection as provided under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the official added.
Kishore Kotecha's Comment: There are only 359 lions in wild as per April-2005 census. The above article has incorrectly written as 800
Leopard trapped in snare, dies
02-01-2010
Leopard trapped in snare, dies
Times of India
Print Edition
A leopard died of strangulation after it got caught in a trap set up in a farm of Amreli village on Amreli village on Friday. Forest department has arrested the farmer and booked under the Wildlife Protection Act.
According to officials of Amreli range forest department, the three-year-old leopard was found dead in Dhar village of Babariya taluka in Amreli district on Friday morning.
"Investigations showed that the animal was caught in a snare trap made of wire in the orchard of Mohammad Vithal Devipujak, a local of Dhar village. When the leopard tried to escape, the wire tightened around its necking killing it on the spot," a forest official said. Mohammad told foresters that he had laid such traps along she border of his orchard to keep wild animals away.
Leopard trapped in snare, dies
Times of India
Print Edition
A leopard died of strangulation after it got caught in a trap set up in a farm of Amreli village on Amreli village on Friday. Forest department has arrested the farmer and booked under the Wildlife Protection Act.
According to officials of Amreli range forest department, the three-year-old leopard was found dead in Dhar village of Babariya taluka in Amreli district on Friday morning.
"Investigations showed that the animal was caught in a snare trap made of wire in the orchard of Mohammad Vithal Devipujak, a local of Dhar village. When the leopard tried to escape, the wire tightened around its necking killing it on the spot," a forest official said. Mohammad told foresters that he had laid such traps along she border of his orchard to keep wild animals away.
Friday, January 01, 2010
Relocation of families from revenue villages of Kuno
01-01-2010
Relocation of families from revenue villages of Kuno
Press Information Bureau (press release)
http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=56558
Madhya Pradesh government has spent an amount of Rs. 1453 lakhs for the relocation of 1543 families from 24 Revenue villages from Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary. The work is being done to prepare an alternate habitat for Asiatic lions. The sanctuary enjoys all the protection as provided under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The Wildlife Institute of India conducted a feasibility study for an alternate home for the Asiatic lion during 1993 at three potential sites, viz, Darrah-Jawahar Sagar (Rajasthan), Sitamata (Rajasthan) & Kuno Palpur (Madhya Pradesh). The study had identified Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary with an area of 344.686 Sq.Kms. as the best potential site for reintroduction of lions. Accordingly, in order to improve the habitat before the re-introduction of lions, various management interventions have been taken up in the Sanctuary, that included relocation of villages from the Sanctuary, strengthening protection, habitat improvement, etc.
Based on the proposal received from the Government of Madhya Pradesh, Central Government, under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme - Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries, has already sanctioned and released Rs.1545 lakh by 2007-08 for the relocation and rehabilitation of families from 24 Revenue villages in Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary.The Ministry provided financial and technical assistance to the Government of Gujarat for various activities aimed at conservation of Lion and its habitats. Details of fund released to the Protected Areas of Gujarat, that harbour Lions, under the Scheme during the last three years are as under:
Relocation of families from revenue villages of Kuno
Press Information Bureau (press release)
http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=56558
Madhya Pradesh government has spent an amount of Rs. 1453 lakhs for the relocation of 1543 families from 24 Revenue villages from Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary. The work is being done to prepare an alternate habitat for Asiatic lions. The sanctuary enjoys all the protection as provided under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The Wildlife Institute of India conducted a feasibility study for an alternate home for the Asiatic lion during 1993 at three potential sites, viz, Darrah-Jawahar Sagar (Rajasthan), Sitamata (Rajasthan) & Kuno Palpur (Madhya Pradesh). The study had identified Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary with an area of 344.686 Sq.Kms. as the best potential site for reintroduction of lions. Accordingly, in order to improve the habitat before the re-introduction of lions, various management interventions have been taken up in the Sanctuary, that included relocation of villages from the Sanctuary, strengthening protection, habitat improvement, etc.
Based on the proposal received from the Government of Madhya Pradesh, Central Government, under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme - Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries, has already sanctioned and released Rs.1545 lakh by 2007-08 for the relocation and rehabilitation of families from 24 Revenue villages in Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary.The Ministry provided financial and technical assistance to the Government of Gujarat for various activities aimed at conservation of Lion and its habitats. Details of fund released to the Protected Areas of Gujarat, that harbour Lions, under the Scheme during the last three years are as under:
| Name of Sanctuaries | Year | ||
| 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | |
| Gir Sanctuary | 37.40 | 40.00 | 32.00 |
| Mitiyala Sanctuary | 15.68 | 8.00 | 2.70 |
| Paniya Sanctuary | 7.70 | 12.00 | 4.94
|
| KP |
|
|
|
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