GIR FOREST IN ASIA BOOK OF RECORDS FOR AWARENESS ON BIG CATS

11/08/2018

GIR FOREST IN ASIA BOOK OF RECORDS FOR AWARENESS ON BIG CATS

The pioneer

https://www.dailypioneer.com/nation/gir-forest-in-asia-book-of-records-for-awareness-on-big-cats.html

 

On the World Lion Day, State forest department's wildlife division in Junagadh which is looking after the only abode of Asiatic Lions — Gir Forest, has registered a record in 'Asia Book of Records' in the category of awareness creation for saving the big cats.

 

"The record for the most people participating in awareness rally wearing lion masks for saving the Asiatic Lion was achieved by Wildlife Division, Sasan Gir, Gujarat Forest Department, Junagadh, Gujarat, India. On the Occasion of 'World Lion Day' this rally took place on August 10, 2018," said the certificate given to the concern officials of forest department by Asia Book of Records authority.

 

Talking to the Pioneer, Chief Conservator of Forest Wildlife Circle, Junagadh DT Vasavada said that total 11, 02,540 participants from five districts (where lions are seen straying), 40 taluka and 5108 educational institutions attended the massive rally and created a record to mark 'World Lion Day'.

 

As many as 1500 rallies in different towns and villages in Junagadh, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Botad and Gir Somnath districts were held simultaneously on Friday during 11am to 1 pm in which aggregate over 11 lakh students from over 5000 educational institutes participated, elaborated Vasavada adding that after each rally all the participants took pledge to save lions. Forest officials and school principals gave lectures on importance of lions for the Saurashtra region. Some students also gave speeches on conservation of the majestic animal that gave unique identity to Saurashtra region.

 

Scientifically known Panthera Leo persica, the Asiatic lion found only in and around Gir forest situated in Saurashtra region. Also known as Indian Lion or Persian Lion is listed as International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

3lionesses take ill, die in Gir in a week

09/08/2018

3lionesses take ill, die in Gir in a week

AhmedabadMirror

https://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/ahmedabad/others/3lionesses-take-ill-die-in-gir-in-a-week/articleshow/65329324.cms

Three lionesses were found dead in the past one week in different parts of east Gir, mainly in Amreli district. The deaths are believed to be natural. But after receiving the postmortem reports, the forest department has initiated an investigation into the reason for the deaths.

The three lionesses were found dead in three different areas of Gir — Krankach, Ghoba and Mitiyala. They are said to be above 12 years of age, which is the average life expectancy of lions in the wild. A lioness that was radio-collared is believed to have died due to post-monsoon illness, while the other two deaths were natural as per postmortem reports. Forest officials have since launched a search for lions and lionesses that have taken ill due to heavy rains this season.

Amreli and Gir-Somnath received heavy rain causing a flood-like situation in lion abodes. But for the past 15 days, there has been no rain, but three lionesses were found dead in a week. Two from revenue area and one from forest.

Confirming the deaths, Chief Conservator of Forest, Junagadh, D T Vasavada said, "The deaths do not appear unusual. The lionesses were above 12 years so it appears like natural death.

We are investigating further, as in old age the animal is vulnerable to disease or illness that may have resulted in their deaths."

Eight-year-old radio-collared lioness dies

02/08/2018

Eight-year-old radio-collared lioness dies

The Times Of India

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/eight-year-old-radio-collared-lioness-dies/articleshow/65235169.cms

 

RAJKOT: An eight-year-old radio collared lioness died at Jasadhar animal care centre in Junagadh district on Wednesday.

 

The lioness was shifted to this centre after she was found ill in a farm in Savarkundla taluka of Amreli district two days ago. She was sick and stayed put in the farm of Dilu Khyuman in Ghoba a village. Though she was radio-collared, the forest department did not get to know that she had come inactive. When the lioness did not show any movement for three days, Khuman informed the officers.

 

P. Purshothama, deputy conservator of forest, Dhari, said "We found her unconscious and shifted her to the hospital. The blood samples were sent for laboratory tests. There were no external injury marks but we are waiting for postmortem report to ascertain the exact cause of death."

 

Sources said that the lioness that she succumbed to hemochromatosis, a disorder which causes excessive deposition of iron in the tissues and ultimately leads to liver damage.

 

When asked why they did not know about her condition despite being radio-collared, he said, "This device has a specific lifespan. She was radio-collared in 2015 and we were not getting enough signals."

Leopard dies while preying

02/08/2018

Leopard dies while preying

The Times Of India

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/leopard-dies-while-preying/articleshow/65234978.cms

 

Rajkot: A male leopard got electrocuted in Nana Ugla village of Gir Gadhada taluka in Gir Somnath district Wednesday morning. Assistant conservator of forest (ACF) Una, Nikunj Parmar said, "The leopard got electrocuted when it tried to prey on a peacock sitting on PGVCL sub-station."

 

He said that the leopard appeared to be 5-6 years old. Forest department has been demanding for fencing the sub-station where wild animals are frequently seen.

In Gujarat govt’s blueprint for saving lions: hiring informers, increasing safaris

20/06/2018

In Gujarat govt's blueprint for saving lions: hiring informers, increasing safaris

The Indian Express

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/in-gujarat-govts-blueprint-for-saving-lions-hiring-informers-increasing-safaris-5225011/

 

Nearly a week after the Gujarat High Court sought "specific information" on the steps taken to prevent lion deaths, the state government on Tuesday announced a range of decisions for the conservation of Asiatic Lion in Gir Wildlife Sanctuary.

 

Stating that in the last two years, at least 38 cases of illegal activities, like conducting lion shows and harassing the felines by chasing them by vehicles in and around the Gir sanctuary have come to light, the government has decided to employ police department like "informers" to curb such incidents.

 

"The government is sensitive and committed to the conservation of lions in the state. And for that a committee headed by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has taken a number of decisions… Like police department, we have decided to employ informers to curb such incidents. It has also been decided to impose strict criminal sections of hunting with maximum punishment of seven years against such miscreants who harass lions," Forest Minister Ganpat Vasava told mediapersons at a press conference here, adding that harassment of lions by such illegal activities was one of the important issues addressed by the committee.

 

Vasava said that the Forest Department, in collaboration with the Tourism Department, has also decided to increase the number of lion safaris in the protected areas for tourists. "People tend to see lions through illegal activities like lion shows when they cannot see them in (legal) safaris. So, we have decided to increase the number of such safari permits from 750 to 1,110 in a week," he said.

 

The Forest Minister also announced to develop a new tourism zone at Chikhalkuba village of Amreli district in order "to decrease the load of tourists on Sasan Tourism Zone". "The lion safaris will start in the sanctuary area of Girnar mountain. Simultaneously, new safari routes will be added to Sasan zone," he added.

 

Meanwhile, the PTI reported that the state government is also considering to fit radio collars on every lion to track their movements. "The issue of placing radio collars on each lion (in the sanctuary) is under consideration and a decision to this effect will be taken soon," the PTI quoted Minister of State for Forests and Environment Ramanlal Patkar as saying.

 

The government is also set to declare an area of 109 square kilometre from Amreli and Bhavnagar districts as Conservation Reserve under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act. These are the areas which have been witnessing movement of lions outside the sanctuary area.

 

Under the Act, four kinds of protective areas can be notified — sanctuary, national park, conservation reserve and community reserve.

 

In another important administrative decision, Vasava said that the entire area of lion habitat will be brought under the single Junagadh Circle. Till now, the areas of lion habitats fell under three circles — Junagadh Wildlife Circle, Junagadh Regional Circle and Rajkot Circle. Vasava said that apart from the Gir Sanctuary, lions have settled or mobility in revenue areas and small forest areas. And therefore, a new division will be set up in Amreli under the control of Chief Conservator of Forest (Junagadh Wildlife Circle), covering nine talukas of Amreli and Bhavnagar districts.

 

Gir Wildlife Sanctuary covers total area of 1,625 square kilometre. However, lions have spread their habitat even in revenue areas surrounding the sanctuary and the forest area, totalling around 2,2000 square kilometre.

 

The government's decisions follow the High Court's order last Wednesday, which directed it to file a fresh affidavit, giving details of the specific steps taken in the last couple of years to stop death of lions in and around the Gir forest caused by open wells, electrocution, vehicular traffic among others.

Gujarat: Those harassing lions can be jailed up to 7 years

20/06/2018

Gujarat: Those harassing lions can be jailed up to 7 years

The Times Of India

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/play-paparazzi-with-pride-of-gujarat-face-hunting-charge/articleshow/64657270.cms

 

GANDHINAGAR: The Gujarat government on Tuesday declared that people harassing Asiatic lions will now attract serious penal action under Section 9 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Harassment covers a wide range of actions: organizing illegal lion shows, chasing lions in vehicles, and shooting illegal videos. The government warned that those caught disturbing the lions can be imprisoned for up to seven years. The government also announced the formation of a single authority to manage the 22,000 sq km spread of lion habitat, which is currently under the control of four different authorities.

"We have directed forest officials to invoke hunting charges against those who trouble the animals," state forest minister Ganpat Vasava said. 

"Hunting, according to the Act, does not mean killing alone. It applies to harassment of Schedule I animals, such as lions and tigers." Schedule I animals are given the highest protection under the Wildlife Protection Act. "Until now, we were imposing only the section pertaining to trespassing against offenders," Vasava said.

The Gujarat government faced severe criticism recently after a series of videos showing people pestering lions went viral. In one video, a lioness is shown being made to beg for chicken, which is dangled in front of it during an illegal show. Earlier, videos of youths chasing lions on speeding bikes and cars had gone viral. Facing censure from various stakeholders, chief minister Vijay Rupani on Monday held a review meeting to devise a better strategy for the conservation of lions. On Tuesday, Vasava declared a 13-point conservation plan that aims to stop human-animal conflicts that have been rising in Gir - the Asiatic lions' only abode in the world - and its surrounding areas.

The lion population in Gujarat is 523 according to Census 2015. Lion habitat is spread across 1,500 villages in Gir sanctuary in Junagadh and adjacent districts of Amreli, Bhavnagar, Gir-Somnath and Porbandar.

 

Now, teasing Gir lion can get you seven years’ imprisonment

20/06/2018

Now, teasing Gir lion can get you seven years' imprisonment

hindustantimes

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/now-teasing-gir-lion-can-get-you-seven-years-imprisonment/story-mfRxj72oFo1acMItc1xf7M.html

 

Teasing or illegally attracting an Asiatic lion's attention at the Gir National Park and Sanctuary, the last abode of the big cat, can now attract punishment on the lines of poaching.

 

Stricter rules announced recently by the Gujarat government have prescribed seven years' imprisonment for offenders. The step was taken after authorities came across several instances of people offering bait in order to lure the endangered animal into the open for the benefit of tourists. "The new decisions were taken to provide a safety net for lions and ensure that they are conserved," said Gujarat forest minister Ganpat Vasava.

 

Other decisions included declaring an area of around 109 square kilometres in Amreli and Bhavnagar as a "conservation reserve". Of the 523 lions detected in the protected zone during the 2015 census, around 200 inhabit these two districts along the coastal route.

 

The Gir National Park and Sanctuary is spread over an area of 1,500 square kilometres.

 

The forest department will also institute a network of informers who will tip off the authorities on illegal activities such as filming of the Asiatic lion. Wildlife guards and drivers were found arranging for illegal sightings of the animal in peripheral areas of the national park in recent times.

 

The state government is also taking steps to enhance tourism at the Gir National Park and Sanctuary. Given the spike in visitor count, the forest department has decided to increase the number of permits from 30 to 50 during weekdays and 50 to 60 during weekends. Additionally, it plans to launch safaris in the area around Mount Girnar in Junagadh city.

Gujarat: Making video clips of lions will now amount to hunting

19/06/2018

Gujarat: Making video clips of lions will now amount to hunting

THE TIMES OF INDIA

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/making-video-clips-of-lion-will-now-amount-to-hunting/articleshow/64652336.cms

 

GANDHINAGAR: The Gujarat government on Tuesday declared that anybody harassing the Asiatic lions by organizing illegal lion shows, chasing lions on vehicles and making illegal video clips of the Big Cats will now attract serious penal action under section 9 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Government warned that those caught disturbing the king of the jungle will invite imprisonment of up to seven years.

The government also announced to form a single authority to manage the entire lionscape which is currently governed by four different authorities.

State forest minister Ganpat Vasava said: "We have asked forest officials to invoke hunting charges under section 9 of the act as any illegal activity such as holding illegal lion shows, harassing lions in speeding vehicles and even making clips of the Big Cats on mobile phones falls in the ambit of hunting."

"Hunting, as per the act does not mean only killing of lions, and also applies to harassing of the Schedule I animal. Until now, we were only imposing section of trespassing," Vasava added.

Gujarat governent faced severe criticism recently after series of videos showing locals pestering lions by offering them chicken or live bait as part of illegal lion shows went viral. Earlier, videos of youths chasing lions on speeding bikes and cars also had gone viral underscoring that the king of the jungle was constantly troubled by humans.

In wake of vocal attacks from different stakeholders, Vijay Rupani-led state govenrment held a review meeting to chalk out better strategy for conservation of lions on Monday.

On Tuesday, Vasava declared 13-point conservation plan to put a stop to menacingly rising man-animal conflict in Asiatic lion's habitat which has a population of 523 lions as per Census 2015 spread over 22,000 sq km across 1500 villages in Gir sanctuary in Junagadh and adjascent districts of Amreli, Bhavnagar, Gir-Somnath and Porbandar.

Gujarat govt mulls stringent measures to protect Asiatic Lions in Gir

19/06/2018

Gujarat govt mulls stringent measures to protect Asiatic Lions in Gir

THE WEEK

https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2018/06/19/Gujarat-govt-mulls-stringent-measures-to-protect-Asiatic-Lions-in-Gir.html

 

The Gujarat government has decided to bring 109 square kilometre area in Amreli and Bhavnagar districts under the jurisdiction of Junagadh forest authorities, in a bid to conserve the Asiatic Lions in the Gir forest – the only wild habitat in the world that supports the species.

 

The Asiatic Lion is listed as 'endangered' on the IUCN Red List due to its small population. Though the number of lions has gradually increased over the last few years, according to sources, the Gujarat government got alarmed following reports of unauthorised agents who organise illegal lion shows in the area.

 

Apart from declaring the 109 sq.km. area as conservation zone, the state government also decided to take several measures to protect the species at a meeting chaired by Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Monday.

 

Forest minister Ganpat Vasava on Tuesday said that since the lions are also found residing outside the forest area, hence a special division will be created under chief conservator of forest, Junagadh at Amreli district.

 

The government has also decided to take stringent action against those who organise illegal lions shows and those who chase lions on vehicles. Vasava said that Section 9 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 will be imposed on such people, which has a provision for imprisonment up to seven years. The said section, Vasava said, is applied on those hunt the endangered animals.

 

A steering committee would be formed under the chairmanship of the forest minister for the conservation of the lions.

 

Facilities at the Gir National Park are also being augmented for the tourists so that they can spot the lions easily.

 

Gujarat government mulls radio-collaring of every lion in Gir sanctuary

19/06/2018

Gujarat government mulls radio-collaring of every lion in Gir sanctuary

INDIAN EXPRESS

http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2018/jun/19/gujarat-government-mulls-radio-collaring-of-every-lion-in-gir-sanctuary-1830513.html

 

AHMEDABAD: Alarmed by the deaths of 32 lions in and around Gir wildlife sanctuary due to "unnatural causes" in the last two years, the Gujarat government is now considering to fit radio collars on every lion to track their movements.

 

Talking to PTI, Minister of State for Forests and Environment Ramanlal Patkar today said that the issue of using radio collars on each lion was discussed during a meeting held yesterday.

 

"The issue of placing radio collars on each lion (in the sanctuary) is under consideration and a decision to this effect will be taken soon," he said.

 

Besides, for the protection of these felines, the government is also taking some other measures, like cracking down on unauthorised agents who organise illegal lion shows and people trying to take selfies with the animals.

 

The government is also trying to create a network of informers.

 

These decisions were taken during yesterday's meeting, which was also attended by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, state Forests and Environment Minister Ganpat Vasava told reporters in Gandhinagar today.

 

He said for better co-ordination of security-related issues, the Gir forest, which is spread over the area of 109 square kms covering three different districts, will now be brought under the jurisdiction of Junagadh forest authorities.

 

"Lions are also found residing outside the forest area, and therefore a special division will be created under Chief Conservator of Forest Junagadh (at Amreli district).

 

That division will look after areas such as Lilya, Kukawav, Jafrabad and Rajula of Amreli district and Mahua, Jesar, Palitana and Talaja of Bhavnagar district," he said.

 

"With the increased flow of tourists at Gir we have come to know that some people are organising illegal lion shows for tourists.

 

Incidents of harassment of lions or being chased on vehicles have also come to our notice," Vasava said.

 

"Now, those found indulging in any such activities will be charged under section 9 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which has a provision of imprisonment of up to seven years," he said.

 

A network of informers will be created to find out about people indulging in such act, he said.

 

The government has also decided to increase facilities for tourists by creating new tourists zones like Chikhalkuba and areas near Girnar mountain.

 

Earlier, tourists were only allowed to enter Sasan Gir and Devalia forest areas to see lions.

 

"Also, the state government has decided to allow more number of visitors and vehicles in the forest areas now," Vasava said.

 

Recently, the Gujarat high court had also taken suo motu cognisance of the number of lion deaths in Gir and sought the government's explanation.

 

As per the figures, as many as 184 lions- with 32 due to 'unnatural causes'- had died in two years- 2016 and 2017 and the high court had issued notices to the state and central governments over the issue.

 

As per the 2015 census, there were 523 lions in the state, the only abode of Asiatic lions.

 

The government had told the state Assembly that there are four reasons behind the "unnatural" death of lions-- road accidents, railway tracks passing through the forest areas, wells with damaged or no parapets and electric fences around agricultural lands.

Four lion cubs brought back from jaws of death

28-07-2018

Four lion cubs brought back from jaws of death

The Times of India

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/four-lion-cubs-brought-back-from-jaws-of-death/articleshow/65170489.cms

 

A two-month-long dedicated conservation effort has helped save lives of four of the six lion cubs which had taken ill with a life-threatening bacterial infection soon after birth in Junagadh district.

The case is rare in Asiatic lion conservation for two reasons. First, it was a rare case lioness giving birth to six cubs. And, secondly, four of them survived despite illness. The cubs are all set to be released in the natural forest habitat soon.

Early in June, a lioness had given birth to six cubs in Babra Vidi (grassland) of Mangrol reserve forest. In fact, it was the first time that the officials here spotted six cubs together with a lioness. However, the initial euphoria turned into a serious concern after 24 hours observation when they found one cub was not moving at all. At around 2am, they immediately took its blood sample and found that it was suffering from anaplasmosis, a bacterial infection caused by ticks. Even as they were thinking about the treatment, the lioness threw another challenge by suddenly abandoning this and another cub.

Anaplasmosis is caused by tick bites and affects the blood cells. It can cause severe anaemia and respiratory problems.

Deputy conservator of forest, Junagadh, Dr Sunil Berwal said, "We decided to treat all the cubs close to their mother and not separate them so that their social behaviour doesn't change."

The veterinary doctors found that cubs had become become severely anaemic. "The haemoglobin level of three cubs fell to as low as three while that of three others was five. In order to survive, the level should be at least 12. Doctors said that the condition of two cubs was critical and they died during treatment," said Berwal.

The death of two cubs did not deter the doctors and officials and they carried out a penal postmortem of the carcass that confirmed anaplasmosis as the cause. The blood samples of the cubs were sent to various laboratories for testing and doctor from Sasan, Amrapur Rescue Centre and Junagadh Veterinary College started round-the-clock observation.

Priyvrat Gadhvi, a widlife expert, said, "Usually, the mortality rate of lion cubs is around 60%. This is an extremely rare case of four out of the six lion cubs born to one lioness surviving despite illness."

"When a lioness gives birth to six cubs, some are born weak. We kept all of them in a ring cage and gave them antibiotics," said another forest officer.

Finally, the efforts paid off and the cubs started taking other food and milk. SK Mehta, chief conservator of forests, Junagadh, said, "This is a very rare case of four out of six lion cubs being saved.

Cubs survived on kitten powder milk

According to forest officials, it was difficult for the mother to feed six cubs together as lioness generally gives birth to three cubs out which one or two survive. Sometimes it also happens that other lioness feeds the cubs but there was only one in this grassland. "When the cubs were under treatment, we tried to give them milk of cow, buffalo, goat and camel but they were not having it. Then we thought of giving them milk from kitten powder because it's a favorite among cats. As lions are from the family, it worked," said a senior forest officer.

No end to long wait for Gir lions in MP sanctuary

30-07-2018

No end to long wait for Gir lions in MP sanctuary

The Asian Age

http://www.asianage.com/india/all-india/300718/no-end-to-long-wait-for-gir-lions-in-mp-sanctuary.html

The proposed translocation of Asiatic lions from Gir National Park in Gujarat to Kuno Palpur wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh has hit a roadblock.

Despite the Supreme Court's intervention, the issue of shifting a few big cats from Gir to Kuno Palpur, accorded the status of a wildlife sanctuary in 1991, has been hanging fire for nearly 30 years.

"Gir lions need a second home. They are now confined to a limited area and face prospects of extinction if an epidemic breaks out," said wildlife biologist Faiyaz A. Khudsar, who knocked the top court's doors seeking translocation of lions from Gir to Madhya Pradesh in 2006.

On April 15, 2013, the Supreme Court had ordered translocation of Gir lions to Kuno Palpur within seven months but thing haven't moved  till date.

Around 184 lions have died in 2016 and 2017. Eightytwo of them died an unnatural death, indicating the mortality rate of the big cats caused by man-animal conflict, road and rail mishaps and natural calamities. On the last count, lions population has gone up to 600 from 523 in 2015.

Spread over 344 sq km area, Kuno Palpur has later created a protected area of 700 sq km for the purpose of reintroducing the Asiatic lions from Gir, as per recommendations of an expert panel set up five years ago. It lies on the Agra-Jaipur-Delhi tourist circuit and has potential for eco tourism n develop as an alternative to Gir park.

The MP government has spent Rs 90 crore for relocation of 24 villages located in the sanctuary's core area, development of prey base, and other infrastructure.

Gujarat officials blame MP authorities for not following the guidelines to pave the way for the lions' translocation.

Conservationist Ajay Dubey cited political reasons for the delay. "MP chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is under pressure from his Gujarat counterpart to go slow on the issue. Gujarat feels its lion tourism, which earned Rs 10 crore in 2016-17, will be hit if Gir lions shift to MP," he said

"International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidelines need to be followed for translocation. As per IUCN norms, 33 studies need to be conducted for translocation of the lions and this process has caused delay," a Gujarat forest officer said.

The studies cover issues such as habitat status, prey base, vegetation cover, eco system and others. "There is also a delay on the part of the MP government to notify a portion of the sanctuary as national park," said officer from Gujarat office.

MP forest officers are of the view that it is a ruse to keep the translocation in abeyance.

"IUCN only suggests measures for translocation, but it is the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) which monitors relocation," said an MP forest officer said.

The WII has already certified Kuno Palpur sanctuary as fit to be the second home for Asiatic lions from Gir, he said.

Farmer booked for killing 2-month-old lion cub in Gir

25-07-2018

Farmer booked for killing 2-month-old lion cub in Gir

The Times of India

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/farmer-booked-for-killing-2-month-old-lion-cub-in-gir/articleshow/65125224.cms

A farmer from Khilvad village of Gir Gadhada taluka of Gir-Somnath district was booked on Tuesday under the Wildlife Protection (WP) Act after the carcass of a two-month-old male lion cub was found stuffed in a cement bag at his farm on Sunday. Forest officials said that farmer Arjun Baria was absconding.

According to forest officials, during postmortem of the lion cub, three injury marks were found on the carcass. One injury was on the head, second was below the jaw and the third on one of the front legs.

Forest officials suspect that a sharp-edged weapon, most probably an axe, was used to kill the cub.

D T Vasavada, chief conservator of forest (wildlife range) Junagadh, said, "We are not sure of the motive of the accused. But we think that he may be a habitual offender. We have recovered an axe, a net and some other weapons from the house of Baria during the search."

Baria was booked under various sections of the WP Act including hunting. Forest officials have also sought help of the police to trace the accused who is on the run. Police has also been asked to probe if Baria has criminal history.

Lions attack civilian near Gir National Park in Amreli

23-07-2018

Lions attack civilian near Gir National Park in Amreli

Devdiscourse

https://www.devdiscourse.com/Article/87603-lions-attack-civilian-near-gir-national-park-in-amreli

A shepherd was injured while trying to save his goats and sheep from two lions on the outer limits of the Gir National Park in Amreli district in Gujarat, said forest department officials today.

The incident took place on July 21 at Ambardi village of the district, around 240 from here, when the shepherd, Bhavesh Bharwad, had taken his sheep and goats to a nearby hilly area for grazing, said Range Forest Officer Kapil Bhatia. Ambardi's boundary touches the forest area of the Gir National Park, the last abode of lions in Asia.

According to Bhatia, when Bharwad reached the hilly area, on the outskirts of the village, with his goats and sheep, two lions tried to attack his livestock. "Bharwad rushed towards the lions to scare them away. While doing so, one of the lions attacked him with its claws," said Bhatia.

The lion's nails left a minor scratch on Bharwad's arm, he said. In his statement to forest officials, Bharwad said after being attacked, he started shouting to draw the attention of villagers and seek their help. "Upon learning about the attack, several villagers rushed to the spot to help Bharwad.

They all chased away the lions," said Bhatia. Bharwad was discharged after treatment at a health centre in Savarkundla, he added.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Forest department demands enclosure for leopards

17-07-2018

Forest department demands enclosure for leopards

The Times of India

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/forest-dept-demands-enclosure-for-leopards/articleshow/65015845.cms

Frequent cases of leopard attacks on human in districts of Gir Somnath, Junagadh and Amreli has forced the forest department to demand a separate enclosure for the wild cats. Since April this year, as many as seven cases of leopards have been reported from various districts of Gir where two persons have lost their lives. During the year 2017-18 there were 44 leopard attack cases in Gir region, while in the previous year (2016-17) 64 cases were reported.

With number of villagers complaining of living under the fear of leopard attacks, the forest department forwarded a proposal to state government to create a leopard enclosure near Amrapar animal care Centre in Maliya taluka of Junagadh district.

Chief conservator of forest Junagadh circle S K Mehta said, "Generally old or sick leopards attack humans. They target children as it is easy prey. We have forwarded a proposal to create an enclosure for such old and sick leopards who have tasted human blood. The enclosure will be like open cage where the leopards will be kept for life time."

This enclosure will be fenced where male and female leopards will be kept separate. The animals will be fed like those in zoos. Tourists also visit the place as it is near Devaliya Safari Park. Currently there is a animal care centre here where sick and injured animals are treated.

Member of wildlife board Priyavrat Gadhvi said, "We need to create an enclosure in forest to handle captured leopards. Currently we capture leopard that attack humans and release them because we don't have capacity to keep them. It is seen that leopard is a repeat offender and has the worst record of human-animal conflict not only in Gujarat, but across India."

Rahul to visit Alang, Gir

12/07/2018

Rahul to visit Alang, Gir

Ahmedabad Mirror

https://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/ahmedabad/others/rahul-to-visit-alang-gir/articleshow/64952795.cms

 

Congress President Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit Gujarat for two days next week during which he will visit Alang Shipbreaking Yard that is facing an economic slump due to the weakening rupee. Later, he will pay a visit to the Gir Forest and interact with Maldharis.

Rahul is expected to witness a ship being broken and learn about the business and its ancillaries. He will talk to businessmen, contractors and workers and learn about their problems. At Gir, Rahul is expected to visit a settlement of Maldharis and talk about their coexistence with lions. He will also be having tea, breakfast or lunch with them.

Congress sources told Mirror, "Bhavnagar and Amreli are the political domain of Central ministers Mansukh Mandaviya and Purshottam Rupala and is of significance to the party. While Gir is of national importance, Alang has people from different states doing business and workers from places like Odissa, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand."

Shipbreaking business at Alang has been facing economic slump for some time. Vice president of the Ship Recycling Association of India Ramesh Mendpara said, "In the last two-three months, the rupee has tumbled and this has affected business as we pay dollars to buy ships. The monthly average of breaking 25-30 ships per month has come down to 22 in the past two months due to an unstable Rupee."

Alang shipbreaking yard is renowned internationally and is the backbone of economic activity in Bhavnagar district. Around one lakh people are associated with Alang.

 

How a ‘hero’ dog saved owner from three lions in Gujarat's Amreli

23-07-2018

How a 'hero' dog saved owner from three lions in Gujarat's Amreli

Timesnownews

https://www.timesnownews.com/the-buzz/article/gujarat-amreli-hero-dog-saved-owner-from-three-lions-in-ambardi-village/258524

Amreli, located on the outskirts of the Gir forest, has witnessed a number of incidents of lion attacks in the past. On Saturday, 25-year-old Bhavesh Hamir Bharwad, a shepherd, was attacked by three lions while he was herding a flock of sheep.

Dogs are indeed a man's best friend. It was proven yet again when a dog saved his owner from three lions in Gujarat's Amreli. The incident took place in Ambardi village on Saturday. Twenty-five-year-old Bhavesh Hamir Bharwad, a shepherd, was attacked by three lions while he was herding a flock of sheep.

Bharwad was making efforts to save his sheep from the lions when they attacked. Regrettably, three of his sheep were killed. When the lions turned towards Bharwad, the shepherd's dog immediately started barking.

This gained the attention of the people nearby who quickly assembled at the spot. The lions fled after seeing the crowd. Bharwad suffered injuries on his arm and back when one of the lions attacked him with its paw.

The 'hero' dog did not receive any injury. Bharwad was taken to a government hospital in the nearby area and received treatment for the injuries. Meanwhile, the forest department has been asked to keep a vigil as lions could attack someone else too in the area.

Amreli is located on the outskirts of the Gir forests. The area has witnessed a number of incidents of lion attacks in the past. The human-animal conflict has become a critical issue at Gujarat's Gir National Park, which is a sanctuary and the only abode of the Asiatic lion.

Lions in Gir forest safe as they seek refuge from rain on hillocks, say forest officers

09/07/2018

Lions in Gir forest safe as they seek refuge from rain on hillocks, say forest officers

Indian Express

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/lions-in-gir-safe-as-they-seek-refuge-from-rain-on-hillocks-say-forest-officers-5265552/

Three years after flash floods in Amreli and Bhavnagar districts left 11 Asiatic lions and 1,100 blue bulls dead, the twin districts and neighbouring Gir Somnath and Junagadh are flooded again following very heavy rain. This time, though, no death of any wild animal has been reported. Officers cited the undulating topography and pattern of rain as reasons for this.

Extremely heavy rain on July 14, 15 and 16 caused extensive damage to human life and property, but wild animals inhabiting Gir forest and other protected areas in the four districts were safe, forest officers said.

Gir Gadhda, Una and Kodinar talukas of Gir Somnath are parts of Gir (West) forest division, while Khambha taluka of Amreli district is home to Gir (East) forest. Jafrabad and Rajula talukas, which are part of Amreli social forestry division, are important lion habitats. Similarly, Jesar, Mahuva, Palitana and Talaja taluka of downstream Bhavnagar districts are also part of the lion landscape and have protected forest areas.

"There are no reports of damage to wildlife or any wild animals being stranded in floodwaters. Gir terrain has some undulations. We are seeing flash floods in revenue areas because water runs off from hills to plains. But the forest has hillocks and wild animals instinctively move to higher places in such a situation," Dheeraj Mittal, Deputy Conservator of Forests of Gir (West), told The Indian Express on Wednesday.

He said that trekkers were keeping track of Asiatic lions, an endangered species whose only wild population in the world is surviving in the Gir forest and other protected areas. "Some forest roads have been damaged due to heavy rain and low-floor vehicles are unable to move. Our staff are using motorcycles and utility vehicles for routine patrolling," he said. 

After heavy rain on July 12 and 13, Una received extremely heavy rain on July 14, recording 6 inches in 24 hours. A day later, the taluka was flooded as a cloudburst-like phenomenon triggered 18 inches of rain on July 16, cutting off rail and road traffic, snapping power lines and necessitating evacuation of hundreds of people. The next day the taluka recorded 5 inches of rain. In all, Una received 42 inches of rain in a week.

Neighbouring Gir Gadhda and Kodinar talukas were worse off. Gadhda was pounded by 20 inches of rain on July 16 alone, and 45 inches in seven days. The deluge affected coastal Jafrabad and Rajula talukas.

Torrential rain of 12 inches hit Jafrabad on July 16 while Rajula was hit by 7 inches, killing two people. Mahuva and Talaja of Bhavnagar also recorded 7 inches each, killing three people. The rains in Bhavnagar also left 19 cattle dead.

"Since the forest is hilly, lions and other animals seek refuge on hillocks. However, lions can become weak if continued rain prevents them from hunting. But no such weak big cat has been spotted yet," said a field forest officer of Gir (West). Another officer said that the thick vegetation in Gir forest prevented flash floods.

Also, this year, the rainfall has been concentrated in hilly parts of forest and revenue areas, mostly along the coast. "It has been raining very heavily for a week. But animals have apparently moved to higher reaches instinctively. We have not had to undertake any operation to rescue any wild animal," said Rajal Pathak, range forest officer of Rajula.

The lion census conducted in May 2014 pegged the number of Asiatic lions at 523. Of them, 174 were spotted in Amreli district alone and 37 in Bhavnagar. Junagadh had recorded 268 big cats while Gir Somnath had 44.

Sandeep Kumar, Deputy Conservator of Forests of Bhavnagar, said the situation was manageable. "The terrain in Mahuva, Palitana, Jesor etc is slightly undulating, so animals could move to safer places," he said.

In June 2015, 11 lions, 1,100 blue bulls and some other wild animals were killed after a cloudburst caused a flash flood in Amreli. The carnivores, which forest officers said were ranging in Rajula in Gir (East) forest and Liliya, Krakach and other areas of Amreli social forestry division, were swept away by the swollen Shentrunji river.