Thursday, September 27, 2018

Display of tigers


Blake had never seen a wild tiger, but he knew the animal all right. The tiger is essentially a hunter that prefers darkness and dim light. Not that it is strictly nocturnal as some other forest animals a.e. it is often out in the mornings and evenings, and even at noon when the sky is overcast and it is in an area free from disturbance, but it dislikes the sun and keeps to cover and shade at such times. Lions get accustomed to the near presence of men in places where they are regularly fed as has been demonstrated in African sanctuaries and even in the Gir forest, but tigers seldom develop this unconcern towards humanity.
For these reasons I think the training of tigers to come to live baits so that they can be displayed (the tigers I mean but inevitably the baits are also on display) to visitors to our national parks is basically unsound. I am not against the discreet offering of inducements to animals in a sanctuary so that they may be watched by hidden visitors in fact. I think that well-screened watch-towers near salt-licks and water-holes are highly desirable – incidentally. I have not seen a watch-tower anywhere the approach to which was adequately screened, or which was so constructed that the watcher could observe the animals outside in comfort standing, sitting, or lying down as he pleased without risk of his presence being betrayed. But anything that smacks of cruelty, or which creates an artificial atmosphere, is to be strictly discouraged in a sanctuary or national park.
The offering of live baits (usually a young bull buffalo) to tigers may be necessary when hunting them but is entirely unjustifiable in a sanctuary. Of course I realise that in a sanctuary, too the predators kill their prey ~ in fact I have always been opposed to the practice, allowed at times in some of our sanctuaries, of limiting wild dogs to shooting them. But it is one thing a predator killing free-living prey that has a chance to escape and quite another thing tying up a bait that can, and does know of the killer’s approach but cannot seek escape by flight.
There is certainly a measure of cruelty in tying up live baits to encourage tigers to show themselves to hidden visitors, and apart from this there is too much artificiality in the display. Let me tell you how they “show tigers” (as they term it) to visitors in our national parks. The bait (usually paid for by the visitor) is tied up in the evening close by an elevated, screened platform. The visitors, complete with cameras and flashguns, wait inside the hide and photograph the tiger for tigers) at the kill. Later in the morning when the tiger has retired into the grass cover bordering a near-by stream the visitors go on elephant back to where the tiger is lying up, and get glimpses of it as it is bolted from one cover to another, and also a number of pictures usually featuring more grass than tiger. The tigers of the area (several get attracted to the area where baits are regularly provided) gradually learn to suffer flash-photography — even tigers and leopards unused to the drill are often not frightened by a brief flash of light, and come back to the kill after going away, or even stay put there — and do develop a certain lack of shyness towards men.
But their behaviour (particularly their tolerance of one another) is entirely artificial, and as a wild life photographer I am quite sure that this is not the best way to photograph tigers.
That brings us t the hub and core of the matter. How else an earnest official asked me at one of our national parks, can we “show tigers” to the visitors? How else can we provide visitors with the opportunity to take tiger pictures? I will answer both questions here the second first.
A sanctuary (“National Parks” in our country are, at best, only sanctuaries and sometimes provide much less protection to their inhabitants than some of our sanctuaries do) is primarily a place meant for the wild life of the area, a place in which wild animals are offered living space and protection not only from hunters but also from human disturbances. It is not a place untended primarily for photographers — though wild life photography (which is so challenging and fascinating a pursuit and which can be much more risky than hunting) is something to be encouraged in every sanctuary, especially as it leads when properly pursued, to an understanding of animal ways Tigers can be photographed in our forests by determined men without offering them baits, as Champion and others have proved, but tigers are not the wild life subjects for casual visitors.
My point is that it is best to tell the visitors the truth about tigers, that they are seldom seen unless one is very lucky, and that it is best for the enthusiastic photographers among the visitors to a sanctuary to try for pictures of our no less interesting diurnal animals, such as the chital, the gaur and our very distinctive monkeys. And if what they want is personal risk, let them try photographing wild elephants (I specially recommend a cow with a young calf) in the Nilgiris, from within a hundred feet and on foot.
The first question, too is answered by what I have said above One cannot “show tigers” to visitors to our national parks, except by resorting to objectionably artificial means.
When I said this, an officer of the Corbett National Park asked me if I had taken into account the loss of foreign exchange involved. He assured me the first thing the foreign tourist asked on landing in New Delhi was this “Can I be sure of seeing and photographing the tiger in the National Park?”, and that he felt dreadfully disappointed and just went away (to Khajuraho and Konarak?) if he could not be assured of this.
Well, I think it is fundamentally and utterly wrong and the worst possible national policy to base wild life conservation (a desperately urgent need in our country today) on mercenary considerations.
It is wrong to expect any State wild life organisation to pay for itself and to yield a profit in addition, and it is even more wrong to think of our wildlife mainly as earners of foreign exchange. It is certainly highly desirable to provide all facilities to visitors (foreign or Indian) to our sanctuaries to see the wild animals, all facilities that can be provided without actually causing alarm to the animals. And it is certainly a good idea to try and get back some of the money spent these visitors. But all this is to be done by advertising the truth (which, as Konrad Lorenz has repeatedly pointed out is so much more fascinating than artificially or anthropomorphism, in nature) about our sanctuaries, and the many floristic and faunal features they can on wild life conservation from offer, as also their scope for forest recreation — not by creating unnatural situations through animal sacrifices. How little those who are in charge of our sanctuaries seem to care for the floral features and lesser life of their areas!
And if all that matters is foreign exchange, let them organise a Roman holiday for foreign tourists right there, in New Delhi, and in other suitable capital cities, where staged fights between) tigers and buffaloes in specially constructed arenas can be watched by thousands and civilisation is not a static or irreversible thing; the last world war has demonstrated amply the atavism to the most primitive levels that can affect great civilisations. If staged fights between wild animals fail to bring in enough it should not be difficult to think of even more barbaric spectacles. But for heaven’s sake and India’s let us not convert our national parks and sanctuaries into Roman arenas.

This was published on 15 December 1968
Blake had never seen a wild tiger, but he knew the animal all right. The tiger is essentially a hunter that prefers darkness and dim light. Not that it is strictly nocturnal as some other forest animals a.e. it is often out in the mornings and evenings, and even at noon when the sky is overcast and it is in an area free from disturbance, but it dislikes the sun and keeps to cover and shade at such times. Lions get accustomed to the near presence of men in places where they are regularly fed as has been demonstrated in African sanctuaries and even in the Gir forest, but tigers seldom develop this unconcern towards humanity.
For these reasons I think the training of tigers to come to live baits so that they can be displayed (the tigers I mean but inevitably the baits are also on display) to visitors to our national parks is basically unsound. I am not against the discreet offering of inducements to animals in a sanctuary so that they may be watched by hidden visitors in fact. I think that well-screened watch-towers near salt-licks and water-holes are highly desirable – incidentally. I have not seen a watch-tower anywhere the approach to which was adequately screened, or which was so constructed that the watcher could observe the animals outside in comfort standing, sitting, or lying down as he pleased without risk of his presence being betrayed. But anything that smacks of cruelty, or which creates an artificial atmosphere, is to be strictly discouraged in a sanctuary or national park.
The offering of live baits (usually a young bull buffalo) to tigers may be necessary when hunting them but is entirely unjustifiable in a sanctuary. Of course I realise that in a sanctuary, too the predators kill their prey ~ in fact I have always been opposed to the practice, allowed at times in some of our sanctuaries, of limiting wild dogs to shooting them. But it is one thing a predator killing free-living prey that has a chance to escape and quite another thing tying up a bait that can, and does know of the killer’s approach but cannot seek escape by flight.
There is certainly a measure of cruelty in tying up live baits to encourage tigers to show themselves to hidden visitors, and apart from this there is too much artificiality in the display. Let me tell you how they “show tigers” (as they term it) to visitors in our national parks. The bait (usually paid for by the visitor) is tied up in the evening close by an elevated, screened platform. The visitors, complete with cameras and flashguns, wait inside the hide and photograph the tiger for tigers) at the kill. Later in the morning when the tiger has retired into the grass cover bordering a near-by stream the visitors go on elephant back to where the tiger is lying up, and get glimpses of it as it is bolted from one cover to another, and also a number of pictures usually featuring more grass than tiger. The tigers of the area (several get attracted to the area where baits are regularly provided) gradually learn to suffer flash-photography — even tigers and leopards unused to the drill are often not frightened by a brief flash of light, and come back to the kill after going away, or even stay put there — and do develop a certain lack of shyness towards men.
But their behaviour (particularly their tolerance of one another) is entirely artificial, and as a wild life photographer I am quite sure that this is not the best way to photograph tigers.
That brings us t the hub and core of the matter. How else an earnest official asked me at one of our national parks, can we “show tigers” to the visitors? How else can we provide visitors with the opportunity to take tiger pictures? I will answer both questions here the second first.
A sanctuary (“National Parks” in our country are, at best, only sanctuaries and sometimes provide much less protection to their inhabitants than some of our sanctuaries do) is primarily a place meant for the wild life of the area, a place in which wild animals are offered living space and protection not only from hunters but also from human disturbances. It is not a place untended primarily for photographers — though wild life photography (which is so challenging and fascinating a pursuit and which can be much more risky than hunting) is something to be encouraged in every sanctuary, especially as it leads when properly pursued, to an understanding of animal ways Tigers can be photographed in our forests by determined men without offering them baits, as Champion and others have proved, but tigers are not the wild life subjects for casual visitors.
My point is that it is best to tell the visitors the truth about tigers, that they are seldom seen unless one is very lucky, and that it is best for the enthusiastic photographers among the visitors to a sanctuary to try for pictures of our no less interesting diurnal animals, such as the chital, the gaur and our very distinctive monkeys. And if what they want is personal risk, let them try photographing wild elephants (I specially recommend a cow with a young calf) in the Nilgiris, from within a hundred feet and on foot.
The first question, too is answered by what I have said above One cannot “show tigers” to visitors to our national parks, except by resorting to objectionably artificial means.
When I said this, an officer of the Corbett National Park asked me if I had taken into account the loss of foreign exchange involved. He assured me the first thing the foreign tourist asked on landing in New Delhi was this “Can I be sure of seeing and photographing the tiger in the National Park?”, and that he felt dreadfully disappointed and just went away (to Khajuraho and Konarak?) if he could not be assured of this.
Well, I think it is fundamentally and utterly wrong and the worst possible national policy to base wild life conservation (a desperately urgent need in our country today) on mercenary considerations.
It is wrong to expect any State wild life organisation to pay for itself and to yield a profit in addition, and it is even more wrong to think of our wildlife mainly as earners of foreign exchange. It is certainly highly desirable to provide all facilities to visitors (foreign or Indian) to our sanctuaries to see the wild animals, all facilities that can be provided without actually causing alarm to the animals. And it is certainly a good idea to try and get back some of the money spent these visitors. But all this is to be done by advertising the truth (which, as Konrad Lorenz has repeatedly pointed out is so much more fascinating than artificially or anthropomorphism, in nature) about our sanctuaries, and the many floristic and faunal features they can on wild life conservation from offer, as also their scope for forest recreation — not by creating unnatural situations through animal sacrifices. How little those who are in charge of our sanctuaries seem to care for the floral features and lesser life of their areas!
And if all that matters is foreign exchange, let them organise a Roman holiday for foreign tourists right there, in New Delhi, and in other suitable capital cities, where staged fights between) tigers and buffaloes in specially constructed arenas can be watched by thousands and civilisation is not a static or irreversible thing; the last world war has demonstrated amply the atavism to the most primitive levels that can affect great civilisations. If staged fights between wild animals fail to bring in enough it should not be difficult to think of even more barbaric spectacles. But for heaven’s sake and India’s let us not convert our national parks and sanctuaries into Roman arenas.

This was published on 15 December 1968
https://www.thestatesman.com/supplements/8th-day/display-of-tigers-1502688142.html

Gujarat Forest department formed 64 teams to shift sick lions to rescue centers

Devdiscourse News Desk 23 Sep 2018, 09:18 PM India
Gujarat Forest department formed 64 teams to shift sick lions to rescue centers
  • Gujarat Forest department has formed 64 teams to screen and shift sick lions to rescue centers after carcasses of 11 big cats were found the state's Gir forest, a senior official said on Sunday.(Image Credit: Twitter)
The Gujarat Forest department has formed 64 teams to screen and shift sick lions to rescue centers after carcasses of 11 big cats were found the state's Gir forest, a senior official said on Sunday.
The carcasses of 11 lions, including cubs, were found between September 11 and 19. Nine of those were recovered from Dalkhaniya range and two from the Jashadhar range of Gir forest.
A team comprising top officials and experts from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NCTA) and Dehradun-based Wildlife Institute of India (WII), probing the death since arriving here on Saturday, has stated in its preliminary report that the deaths were mainly due to infighting, and infection caused by resultant injuries.
Additional Chief Secretary (Forest) Rajiv Gupta told reporters Sunday in Junagadh that viscera samples of the 11 lion carcasses had been sent to Pune-based National Institute of Virology (NIV) to find out the exact cause of death.
"After analyzing the reports from NIV, we will devise a long-term strategy to save lions," he said, adding the Central team had concluded that the deaths were not due to "unnatural" causes, such as intentional poisoning by humans.
He informed reporters that NTCA-WII team would remain in the state for a few more days to thoroughly probe the case.
Gupta said 64 teams, having 270 personnel, had been formed to screen lions in Gir forest.
"Each team has a forester, two beat guards and one tracker. Veterinary doctors will assist these teams in identifying and rescuing sick lions and treat them at our rescue centers. We have also planned to vaccinate cattle near Gir area" the additional chief secretary (forest) said.
He said these teams would work under the supervision of Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF), Wildlife, Akshay Saxena.
The state government had on Friday claimed that three lion cubs were killed by a male lion to establish dominance and two lionesses and an adult lion died from respiratory and hepatic (relating to the liver) failure.
The post-mortem reports of five other lions, including two cubs and one lioness, were awaited, the forest department had said on Friday.
According to a 2015 census, Gir is home to 523 lions, including 109 male, 201 female, 73 sub-adults, and 140 cubs.
https://www.devdiscourse.com/Article/headlines/191926-gujarat-forest-department-formed-64-teams-to-shift-sick-lions-to-rescue-centers

All Asiatic lions in Rajkot to be screened


| Updated: Sep 24, 2018, 13:04 IST
RAJKOT: The reason for deaths of 11 lions in just eight days in Dalkhaniya Range of Gir (east) still remains a mystery.

A day after forests minister Ganpat Vasava categorically stated that only three of the 11 lions found dead in Dalkhaniya Range of Gir (east) had died due to infighting, a senior forest and environment department officer claimed that nine big cats had died in the fight over territorial supremacy.

Rajiv Gupta, additional chief secretary (ACS), forests and environment, told media persons in Junagadh on Sunday that nine lions and died in infighting and postmortem reports of two were awaited.

On Saturday, Vasava was circumspect in attributing infighting as the reason for “so many” lion deaths. Gujarat’s head of forest force and principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF), wildlife, GK Sinha had also emphasized on infighting as a the cause of the deaths.

A team of joint director, wildlife, government of India, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and project scientist of Wildlife Institute of Dehradun visited Dalkhaniya range to study the causes of lion deaths. “After preliminary observation and discussions, the team of central experts have opined that the deaths of 11 lions were due to territorial infighting and infection and not unnatural causes,” Gupta said.

Rattled by the string of deaths in just eight days (from September 12 to September 19), the government has woken up to take extra measures for conservation of the critically endangered Asiatic lions in found districts - Junagadh, Gir-Somnath, Amreli and Bhavnagar. The government announced an in-depth screening of all lions by 64 teams, each consisting of a forester, a two beat guards and one tracker aided by a animal husbandry doctor and veterinary assistant. In all, a 270-member forest force will fan out to detect diseases in big cats and other ailments beginning Monday.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/all-asiatic-lions-in-state-to-be-screened/articleshow/65926183.cms

Gir Lion deaths: Is it time to find a second home for Asiatic lions?

By Deepika S Published: Tuesday, September 25, 2018, 12:14 [IST]
Ahmedabad, Sep 25: Gujarat's treasured wildlife reserve suffered a shocking jolt after carcasses of 11 lions, including cubs, were found between September 11 and 19. Nine of those were recovered from Dalkhaniya range and two from the Jashadhar range of Gir Forest. Image tweeted by ANI Image tweeted by ANI The reasons reported are multi-faceted - infections, food poisoning and infighting. Briefly, these are the threats that face large cats in India. There is no report of any disease or infection in animals in the said or nearby area so the vaccination drive run by forest department comes under question. Infighting in the wild mostly occurs when natural resources are scarce and animals encroach upon each others' territory for basic necessities. Experts have for long been saying that Gir has become overcrowded with lions and there is need to spread them out to other locations to ensure their genetic stability and health. Also Read 11 lions found dead in Gir forest in 10 days, forest officials suspect infighting However, the fatal death of 11 lions in such short span of time has once again raised concerns over non-execution of the Supreme Court order in 2013 on translocation of the wildcat to another place to protect them from possible extinction in case of spread of an epidemic. 2013 Supreme Court order on translocation The Supreme Court in 2013 ruled in favour of translocation of the Asiatic lion to Kuno in the interest of the genetic stability of the species. In a report submitted in 2014, the expert committee largely found Kuno ready to receive the lions and had suggested that a single pride of five to 10 Asiatic lions with 60%-70% female population be moved to start with. Gujarat, however, steadfastly opposed translocation in subsequent meetings of the expert committee. Gujarat not keen on translocation? The plan for translocation of lions from Gir to Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh dates back to 1993-94. But things have not moved far in the last 25 years following reluctance of Gujarat government to share state's pride. Also Read Adorable white lion cubs in a German zoo melt hearts In 2006, the matter reached the doorsteps of the Supreme Court following a lawsuit filed by wildlife ecologist Faiyaz Khusdar, questioning the delay in lion translocation. The Supreme Court in April 2013 ordered Gujarat to give lions to Madhya Pradesh within next six months to save them from extinction due to catastrophes like epidemic, large forest fire and increasing genetic pool. Five years on, the Gujarat government claims that lions will be translocated, but under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidelines. These guidelines state that 33 studies need to be conducted before translocation is undertaken. Conservation takes a back seat Lions have been seen all over the Gir landscape as well as in towns. They have died being hit by trains and falling into wells. Videos of lions crossing highways and negotiating linear barriers like roads are becoming common. In the name of regional pride around what the state calls 'Gujarati Asmita,' the state government has refused to part with any lions or partake in a much broader scientific strategy for lion conservation. In 1913, the population of Asiatic lions had dipped as low as 20. The last census in 2015 pegged the lion population at 523, and the chief minister recently said the population has since increased to 600. It's a remarkable conservation success story. But unless these lions are translocated and establish at least one additional population, all the success achieved over the last 100 years may come to naught. Need for a second home for Asiatic lions Success comes with its own problems. The Gir Forest is unable to sustain the steadily increasing numbers. The informal lion habitat area has doubled-from 10,000 sq km in 2010 to 20,000 sq km in 2015. During this period, some 1,500 villages in eight of the nine districts of Saurashtra region have become part of the lion habitat. If this growth in lion population sustains, then instances of man-animal conflicts will increase. The strategies that have been effective are unlikely to be successful as as more and more villages become part of the informal lion habitat. What is their future? Gir in the southern Saurashtra peninsula of Gujarat, which is the lone abode of the Asiatic lion in the wild some 523 Asiatic lions live there as per the 2015 census is otherwise a place where humans and lions live peacefully. The government, which has always taken pride in showcasing Gujarat as the only habitat of Asiatic lions, refuses to translocate as per Supreme Court order. There is a need to make sincere efforts to provide adequate protection to the animals moving out to non-protected areas.

Read more at: https://www.oneindia.com/india/gir-lion-deaths-is-it-time-to-find-a-second-home-for-asiatic-lions-2782122.html

Gujarat HC's amicus curiae lists actions to save Gir lions

    Ahmedabad, Sep 25 (PTI) Stopping illegal mining around the Gir sanctuary and penalising people who put up electric fences around their fields are some of the measures suggested to save lions in a report submitted to the Gujarat High Court.
     The report was submitted last month by senior advocate Hemang Shah, who was appointed an amicus curiae by a division bench of Chief Justice R Subhash Reddy and Justice V M Pancholi while admitting a suo motu PIL in March over the issue of death of lions in Gir.
     The Gir sanctuary in Gujarat is the last abode of Asiatic lions.
     The bench had issued notices to the Gujarat and central governments after taking suo motu (on its own) cognisance of news reports regarding the government telling the Assembly on March 5 that 184 Gir lions died in two years in 2016 and 2017 - 32 of them died due to "unnatural" causes.
     The unnatural causes included electrocution, lions falling into open wells and being hit by trains as well as other vehicles.
     Shah suggested installation of cameras and speed guns at every 500 metres to ensure vehicles passing through roads near the Gir forest do not knock down lions.
     It would also help authorities in detecting vehicles involved in knocking down lions, the report said.
     To deter people from putting up electric fences to protect their fields and properties from wild animals, which also causes the death of lions, Shah suggested of imposing a hefty fine on erring persons.
     In addition, their electricity supply should be disconnected. Also, criminal cases involving such persons should be "fast tracked by hearing them on day-to-day basis without the provision of any adjournment", the report said.
     On the issue of protecting natural corridors used by lions for migration, it cited a news report about illegal sand mining in the Gir area.
     "Unfortunately, the mining site happens to be the natural corridor for movement of lions," the report said.
     "It would be necessary that the entire area falling within the eco-sensitive zone be declared as no mining zone. If there are any open mining pits then the same should be forthwith be filled," it suggested.
     Shah cited news reports which suggested that as against the allocation of Rs 9 lakh for the conservation of each tiger, the Centre has allotted just Rs 95,000 per lion.
     The amicus curiae's report suggested that the state as well as the central government should be directed by the high court to "disclose" allocation of funds for lion conservation.
     Giving his opinion about the chain fencing work carried out along the rail tracks to save lions from getting run over by trains passing through forest areas, Shah said this measure would "curtail" the hunting area of lions.
     "By putting up chain-link fencing, the hunting area of the lion pride would be curtailed as they would not be able to cross the tracks and hunt in the area which had been earmarked by them," he said.
     The amicus curiae said the high court should seek an explanation from the government as to whether "any feasibility study had been undertaken before putting up chain fencing".
     It is expected that the suggestions listed in the report would be discussed during the next hearing of the case scheduled on October 3.
     The court will be hearing the matter at a time when as many as 14 Gir lions have died since September 11.
     According to the census of 2015, there were 523 lions in the Gir sanctuary. PTI PJT PD RSY SNE
https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2018/09/25/lgb3-gj-hc-lions-report.html

Madhya Pradesh Gets First Exclusive Crow Park

Written By Asia News International | Mumbai | Published:

Hack:

  • In a move to prevent the extinction of crows, a park has been built in Madhya Pradesh's Vidisha town, exclusive for these birds
  • An organization named Muktidham Seva Samiti has opened the park
In a move to prevent the extinction of crows, a park has been built in Madhya Pradesh's Vidisha town, exclusive for these birds. An organization named Muktidham Seva Samiti has opened the park.
Speaking to ANI, the secretary of the organization, said, "We opened the park to save the crows. Since all of us have been making an effort to save them, we will surely get the blessings of our ancestors."
One of the members of the organization, said, "Crows are important both religiously and scientifically. We wanted to protect their species so we have built this park. There is a proper arrangement for food and water for them here."
Meanwhile, municipal councilor, Dinesh Kushwaha said that crows are considered as ancestors according to Hindu religion and thus feeding them is a "work of great virtue".
"My team comes here every day to feed the crows and everyone believes that this work is both religious and scientific. According to religious belief, crows are considered as ancestors," he added.
https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/general-news/madhya-pradesh-gets-first-exclusive-crow-park

Another Lioness Dies in Gir forest, Toll Rises to 14 in Two Weeks

The lioness was found very sick during the ongoing screening of big cats and was brought to the rescue centre in Gir by forest officials.

PTI
Updated:September 25, 2018, 10:16 PM IST
Rajkot: A lioness died on Tuesday in Gujarat's Gir forest, taking the death toll of big cats in the region to 14 since September 11, officials said.

The lioness was found very sick during the ongoing screening of big cats and was brought to the rescue centre in Gir by forest officials.

"During the ongoing screening of the lions, we found that one lioness was very sick and another weak in the Dalkhania range," the forest department stated in a release.

The lioness died at the rescue centre, it said.

Efforts are on to capture another weak lioness from the area for administration of treatment, it said.

Earlier, carcasses of 11 lions, including cubs, were found between September 11 and 19. Nine of those were recovered from Dalkhaniya range and two from the Jashadhar range of Gir forest.

The toll rose to 13 Monday, after the death of a lioness and a cub due to illness in Gir forest.

Forests officials have been claiming that infighting among lions and infection caused by injuries are the causes behind their deaths.

The viscera of carcasses of the 11 lions found between September 11 and 19 have been sent to the Pune-based National Institute of Virology to find out the exact cause of their deaths, forest officials said Tuesday.

The samples of rest three lions have also been sent for examination and reports are awaited.

Forest department has formed 54 teams to screen lions to find out if they are suffering from any disease. If any lion is found with any disease, it will be rescued, treated and sent back to the forest, as per the statement.

"Our teams have so far screened 164 lions in the Gir forest area (East and West). We found four lions with minor injuries apart from the two lioness (one sick lioness which died Tuesday and other weak lioness which is yet to be captured). The four lions were treated on the spot and released. Remaining 158 lions are in good health," it said.

As per the 2015 Census, Gir is home to 523 lions, including 109 male, 201 female, 73 sub-adults and 140 cubs. Gir is the only area in Asia, where Asiatic lions are found, and is considered one of the most important protected areas in Asia due to its supported species.
https://www.news18.com/news/india/another-lioness-dies-in-gir-forest-toll-rises-to-14-in-two-weeks-1889061.html

Gujarat's Asiatic Lions can become the pride of the world if Gir Sanctuary is declared a UNESCO natural World Heritage Site

Gujarat's Asiatic Lions can become the pride of the world if Gir Sanctuary is declared a UNESCO natural World Heritage Site

Gujarat's Asiatic Lions can become the pride of the world if Gir Sanctuary is declared a UNESCO natural World Heritage Site
UNESCO tag for Gir Sanctuary?
Are Asiatic Lions of Gir a matter of pride only for Gujarat? In fact, the sanctuary can become UNESCO’s natural World Heritage Site as it is the only home to Asiatic Lions in the world.

The only effort made to get UNESCO recognition was made in 1992 by then Janata Dal (Gujarat) Chief Minister Chimanbhai Patel. However, the application was not upheld by the world body and since then no efforts have been made in this direction.

The benchmark to get global recognition lies very much in Ahmedabad, which got inscribed as India’s first World Heritage City by UNESCO on July 8, 2017. Even wildlife experts say that Gir Sanctuary can qualify for the coveted tag provided proper documentation-cum-application is made. If it’s successful, then lion conservation efforts can get a major boost.

What it takes to become one


According to UNESCO, World Heritage sites are selected based on six cultural and four natural criteria. One of the “natural” criterion is: “to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.”

The other criterion says, “to be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement, land use, or sea-use which is representative of culture (or cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change.”

India already has seven natural sites which have got UNESCO recognition: Great Himalayan National Park (2014), Western Ghats (2012), Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (1988) and adjoining Valley of Flowers (2005), Sundarbans (1987), Kaziranga National Park (1985), Keoladeo National Park (1985) and Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985).

The Gir Sanctuary exemplifies conservation of threatened species and harmonious existence of locals with unique natural environment.

Retired Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) A K Sharma told Mirror, “If Manas and Kaziranga can get the natural heritage site tag then so can Gir Sanctuary which houses endangered species Asiatic Lion. I am not sure whether efforts are afoot to apply to the world body. However, if Gir gets the tag then it will give big boost to conservation of lions.”

What the Forest Minister says
When asked why the successive BJP governments have not made any efforts to get UNESCO tag for Gir, Minister of State for Forest Ramanlal Patkar sidestepped the question and said, “The Prime Minister takes keen interest in issues pertaining to Gir. We are preparing a report to be sent to his office. The report will include suggestions made towards conservation of lions since 2001.”

First and last application made in 1992

An application was made to UNESCO and the matter pursued between 1990 and 1992. Back then Chimanbhai Patel’s Janata Dal (Gujarat) had formed the government, first in alliance with the BJP and later with the Congress.

Then forest minister Mohansinh Rathwa, while recalling the application made during his tenure, told Mirror, “We made great efforts to save lions back then and get global recognition. People were attached towards this magnificent animal. So much grant has come since then, but the current government does not seem be serious enough. If they were serious about conservation, then so many lion deaths would not have taken place.”

What the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest says
Confirming that no effort has been made to file an application with UNESCO, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest G K Sinha told Mirror, “We have never applied. But, we are working on it. We are taking inputs from other departments about how Ahmedabad made it to the UNESCO list. We are understanding the process of application and will soon make it happen.”

The current govt does not seem to be serious enough. If they were concerned about conservation, then so many lion deaths would not have taken place in Gir Sanctuary
Mohansinh Rathwa, ex-forest minister

The PM takes keen interest in issues related to Gir. We are preparing a report to be sent to his office. Suggestions made for conservation since 2001will be included.
Ramanlal Patkar, MoS, Forest
If Manas and Kaziranga can get the natural heritage site tag then so can Gir Sanctuary which houses endangered species Asiatic Lion. I am not sure whether efforts are afoot to apply to the world body.
-A K Sharma, retired PCCF
https://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/ahmedabad/cover-story/pride-of-gujarat-can-become-pride-of-the-world-/articleshow/65971606.cms

Relief among Gujarat forest officials: Samples of two dead lion cubs test negative for canine distemper virus


After the 11 deaths from a small patch of Gir forest, the Forest Department had launched an extensive scanning drive on Sunday to locate sick lions.

By: Express News Service | Rajkot | Published: September 27, 2018 7:46:22 am
Relief among Gujarat forest officials: Samples of two dead lion cubs test negative for canine distemper virus Gujarat: One more Gir lioness dies due to illness, total deaths now 14 IN A HUGE relief to the state Forest Department, samples of two Asiatic lion cubs, which had died early this month, tested negative for the feared canine distemper virus even as forest teams completed scanning exercise in 1,740 square kilometres of forest and non-forested areas in Gir looking for any sick lion, which may be in need of medical treatment, on Wednesday.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forest G K Sinha, who also heads the forest force, on Wednesday said laboratory tests have confirmed that two of the six lion cubs which had died early this week did no did due to canine distemper virus (CDV) infection.
“Samples drawn from two lion cubs were tested at a veterinary college in Junagadh by deploying molecular virology method. Test reports have come negative for canine distemper (virus),” the PCCF said in an official release.
Forest officers said that negative results for CDV was a “huge relief”.
CDV can infect lions and a host of other animals. A CDV outbreak in Tanzania in Africa had caused deaths of hundreds of lions in 1990s. Alarm bells had started ringing on September 20 when it came to light that 11 lions had died the previous week in Sarasiya Vidi area in Dalkhaniya range of Gir (east) forest.
Six cubs, three lionesses and two male lions were among those which had died within the short span of time. However, forest officers had said that the deaths were prima facie a result of a fight between male lions over control of its territory.
The PCCF had said that six of the three cubs had died due to injuries sustained in the infighting while the rest had died due to some infection. Veterinarians had drawn samples of blood and serum of the cubs, which had died due to suspected illness, and sent to the Junagadh lab. Some samples have also been sent to National Institute of Virology in Pune.
After the 11 deaths from a small patch of Gir forest, the Forest Department had launched an extensive scanning drive on Sunday to locate sick lions and give them medical treatment, if required. The department had formed teams of foresters, forester guards and lion trackers to scour all the 16 ranges in which the lion habitat has been divided and scan each and every lion. During the exercise, teams spotted two lionesses and a cub which died later on, taking the number of deaths in Sarasiya Vidi to 14 in two weeks. While two deaths were reported on Monday, one lioness reportedly died on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the PCCF said that the teams had already scanned 1,740 square kilometres (sqkm) of lion habitat by Tuesday. “This includes 1,045 sqkm of Gir protected area and 695 area outside of Gir protected area. During the exercise, 460 lions have been spotted and out of them, only seven were found to have minor injuries. The remaining 453 were found to be in good health,” Sinha said.
Among the areas, which has been scanned by 164 teams include Gir National Park and Sanctuary divided in Gir (east) and Gir (west) divisions and adjacent areas.
The release further said that seven lions had been rescued from Sarasiya Vidi, including three male lions, three male lionesses and a cub. “All the seven animals rescued from Sarasiya Vidi are prima facie in good health. They will be kept under observation and their health will be checked,” it added.
The lion census of 2015 had pegged the population of the big cats in Gir at 523.
Sinha said that two lions found with minor injuries in Gir National Park and Sanctuary and adjoining areas during the exercise were given treatment on the spot. The release stated that one lion with minor injuries and found in Bhavnagar had been shifted to a rescue centre for its medical treatment.
Officers said that the scouring of remaining forest area will continue until the entire lion landscape is covered and each and every lion has been scanned.
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/relief-among-gujarat-forest-officials-samples-of-two-dead-lion-cubs-test-negative-for-canine-distemper-virus-5376394/

Seven lions rescued as precautionary measure

| Updated: Sep 27, 2018, 12:54 IST
RAJKOT: Seven Asiatic lions including three males, three lionesses and a cub were rescued from Dalkhaniya range where 14 lions have died since September 12, with most casualties being attributed to fight over territorial supremacy.

They were rescued and taken to Jasadhar animal care centre as a precautionary measure to check for illnesses or infections. According to an official statement issued by forest department on Wednesday, all seven lions brought to the animal care centre are healthy.

Chief conservator of forest (CCF), wildlife, D T Vasavada said: “They are brought from the same area where 14 lions died, but these animals are healthy. They will be put under observation as a precautionary exercise.”

Meanwhile, the medical reports of two lion cubs that succumbed during treatment has revealed that they did not die due to canine distemper, a viral infection seen among animals which leads to several complications if not treated in time. This means that the cubs were not infected with any contagious diseases of life-threatening illnesses.

During the special drive to screen lions in four districts, 460 lions have been scanned.

Since 12th September, 14 lions including seven cubs died in Dalkhaniya range of Gir (east) and their samples have been sent to various veterinary colleges for testing. The report of Junagadh Veterinary College conducted by molecular virology system showed that the two cubs tested negative for canine distemper.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/seven-lions-rescued-as-precautionary-measure/articleshow/65971491.cms

Central team probing death of 11 Asiatic lions in Gir


| | GANDHINAGAR
A Central Government team of wildlife experts has flown in to the last abode of endangered Asiatic Lions – Gir Forest - situated in western Gujarat to probe the deaths of 11 big cats in a span of just eight days.
Though the state forest department is claiming the death as natural, wildlife lovers and environmentalists are expressing doubts over the death of lions. According to top forest officials in the state, the lions died due to infighting and territorial war.
“The Central team belonging to the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment has already initiated probe. They are examining autopsy reports of the dead animals and also questioning forest beat guards as well as people residing near Dalkhania and Jashadhar ranges of Gir forest where the lions died,” said sources close to the development.
According to sources in the state forest department, in fact the state government took the incidences of lions’ death extremely seriously and decided to take assistance of central government experts to curb any such causality of Asiatic lions in future. The report of central team would decide to further course of investigation, said the sources adding that the report of expert would make it clear the cause of death was due to poison, some diseases or because of infighting as claimed by the state forest officials.
It is worth mentioning that Gujarat is steadfastly dragging its feet even after a Supreme Court order to hand over a few lions to neighbouring Madhya Pradesh for an alternative home for  this epidemic prone species.
Due to heavy inbreeding, the lions Gir forest and surrounding areas are very susceptible to infection at one end and epidemic at the other. So many deaths in such a short span of time rang alarm bells and needed to be thoroughly probed, opined a retired IFS official from Gujarat forest department. The state forest department carries out a lion census every five years. The 2005 survey counted 359 lions while the number grew to 411 in 2010.The latest census in 2015 found 523 lions, 109 of which were male, 201 female, 140 cubs and 73 sub-adults.
https://www.dailypioneer.com/2018/india/central-team-probing-death-of-11-asiatic-lions-in-gir.html

Rajasthan's forest minister inaugurates state's first lion safari


    Jaipur, Sep 13 (PTI) Rajasthan Forest Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar on Thursday inaugurated the state's first lion safari at Nahargarh Biological Park.
    The tourist attraction will be thrown open for visitors from next month, an official of the forest department said.
    Visitors will be able to see lions in their natural habitat in the park spanning 38 hectares and enclosed by a fence. They will be taken on a nearly 4 kilometer safari in a closed bus, he added.
    To start with, three sub-adult Asiatic lions have been shifted in the area, he said.
    The park is located on the Delhi-Jaipur National Highway, nearly 12 kilometers from Jaipur. Located in the Aravalli foothills, it offers a panoramic view of the landscape.
    Apart from inaugurating the safari project, Khimsar also chaired a meeting of the state wildlife board. The extension of Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary near Udaipur was approved in the meeting. PTI SDA DIV
DIV
https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2018/09/13/des44-rj-lion%20safari.html

Now go for lion sighting from Sakkarbaug Zoo



| TNN | Updated: Sep 15, 2018, 12:59 IST
RAJKOT: Now tourists wanting to see lion in its natural habitat need not to go Sasan. They can have a glimpse of Asiatic lions near Junagadh city itself.

The forest department will be starting new trips through the natural lion corridor on the back side of the Sakkarbaug Zoo. The trips, 10 per day, are likely to begin from October. The decision was taken by the forest department to ease the burden of tourists on Sasan, which is about 40km from Junagadh city.

According to forest department, the new route for lion sighting will be about 35km long from Indreshwar to Paturang in the reserved forest area of Gir. Indreshwar starts from the back gate of Sakkarbaug Zoo.

Chief conservator of forests, Junagadh, S K Mehta told TOI, “Since it is easy to reach Junagadh for tourists, we have decided to begin the new route for lion sighting. This will also ease burden on Sasan, which see huge rush of tourist during holidays.”
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/now-go-for-lion-sighting-from-sakkarbaug-zoo/articleshow/65814695.cms
Forest sources said tourists will be taken in open jeeps — five trips in the morning and five in the evening. The bookings will have to be done online like for Sasan.

SAD SIGHT Harrowing moment ‘malnourished’ lion suffers a violent seizure on floor of his enclosure in filthy Philippines zoo

The four-year-old male Asiatic lion was filmed shaking on the floor in shocking footage captured by a visitor to the zoo in Manilla, The Philippines
THIS is the harrowing moment a lion was filmed having a seizure on the floor of his zoo enclosure.
Four-year-old Asiatic lion, Raffy, collapsed and started violently shaking at the Manila Zoo in the Philippines on Sunday afternoon just before 3pm.
This is the harrowing moment a lion was captured having a seizure in a zoo in the Philippines
Onlooker Mark Lee said the animal appeared ''malnourished'' and called on the zoo to investigate incident.
He said: ''The lions in the zoo appeared malnourished. The animal in the video was having a seizure. I think that the zoo really needs to look into this a lot more.
''I know that volunteers do check-ups once a week on animals but it is not enough so I do hope that the management of Manila Zoo will further improve in the future.''
Mark added that he didn't report the incident to zoo staff because moments later it started raining and he couldn’t find them.
Raffy the lion was videoed seizing on the floor at Manila Zoo on Sunday
He said: ''I didn't report it because I don't know much about the place or where I can locate the vet.
Second, I wasn't the only witness.
“Third, I admit I wasn't able to report it to the staff because the other families who witnessed the incident and were panicking and shouting for help immediately went somewhere else.
''And also due to sudden heavy rain. I had no umbrella that time. Lastly, I have no bad intention. I just want the government to properly focus on aiding Manila Zoo in order to preserve one of our tourist attractions here in Manila.''
Heinrich Patrick Peña Domingo, officer-in-charge Manila Zoo Zoological Division said today that Raffy had recovered and that they were still doing tests to find out what caused the seizure.
Zoo visitors commented on the filthy conditions the big cats were kept in when they posted the footage online
He said: ''Right now, Raffy is okay. We did not see any problems with him today.
“He has normal appetite so far.
“We started a medical diary to note changes in the lion's appetite and behaviour as a first step.''
A veterinarian who has contact with Raffy said that since the seizure she was being checked over by vets and zoo keepers.
Leo Trinidad Almelor said: ''Raffy's final diagnosis will be stated once the attending veterinarians get his respected results.
The male Asiatic Lion was filmed violently twitching on the filthy floor of the zoo in the Filipino capital
“After proper diagnosis, his treatment will be followed and of course rehabilitation.
''It is very alarming that an emergency situation such as this was not informed to any authorities in the zoo.
“Vets were only told hours ago when we notified about the video.
''Any emergency case should be notified immediately to address the situation and be given the best intervention as soon as possible.
Two female lions also paced around the cave while Raffy suffered on the floor
“Be it with people or animals, emergencies should be addressed medically and professionally & not posted on Social Media.''
Online reports dating back to complain about the conditions at the zoo calling them "terrible".
Earlier this month the heart-breaking conditions zoo animals were subjected to in North Korea were revealed.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/7289893/harrowing-moment-malnourished-lion-suffers-a-violent-seizure-on-floor-of-his-enclosure-in-filthy-philippines-zoo/

A Tryst With The Wild: Into Gujarat’s Wilderness

Among many Gujarat gems, its rich flora and fauna hold a special place in India’s heart. Gujarat and its wildlife is definitely a match made in heaven. Another version of #RangGujaratKe

Ibn Battuta once quoted, “Travelling - it leaves you speechless and turns you into a storyteller,” and no better sentiment can encapsulate the feeling of visiting one of the most colourful states in India, Gujarat. Reeling from transcendental chaos, the state has superseded to becoming a much-loved holiday spot because of its architectural delights, ethnic cities, endearing vibe and its food- truly a gastronomical rollercoaster.
And, Gujarat during the Navratri! Well, what a time! Grand events dot the entire state where you see people dressed their best- so charming and colourful. Popular singers croon to songs- old and new and everyone comes together to celebrate the divine power of ‘Shakti’ for nine nights- one for each of Her avatars. Visiting Gujarat during this time truly fills one's heart with joy and is possibly the most popular time of visiting this state.
Amidst these exciting avenues of the state, especially for a visitor, an often brushed aside aspect is Gujarat’s wildlife. Once you delve deeper into its rich flora and fauna, you unfold the multi-layered wilderness of this state that ranges from the lazy sloth bears to the overbearing Asiatic Lion in their natural habit.
Gujarat’s Wildlife - Decoded
So come aboard and take a plunge into this exciting wild world full of blooming flora and majestic fauna. These wildlife gems in Gujarat are worth your while in every way.
Gir Forest National Park: Established in 1965, the dry, deciduous forests of Gir, commonly known as Sasan Gir hide the most splendid wild creatures in the deep. On a safari in this jungle, more often than not, you come face-to-face with the beautiful Asiatic lion, probably the only place in India where you can still find them. To keep you going, there are about 38 species of mammals, over 37 species of reptiles and around 300 species of avifauna that you can find here. Another amazing sight here is the four-horned antelope, a herbivore species of Gir. Among other commonly spotted animals, you will find the Nilgai, Indian leopard, porcupines, and the monitor lizard. Bird species include the endangered Bonelli’s eagle, black-headed oriole and the Indian Pitta, among others. Nearest City: Somnath
See lions in the wild in Gujarat
See lions in the wild in Gujarat
Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary: In the little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, sits a wildlife sanctuary in India, the Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary. It came under the Wildlife Protection Act in 1972 for being one of the last places on Earth to have the Indian Wild Ass- a sub-species of the endangered wild ass. Among other species, you may spot lizards, turtles, crocodiles, spiders etc. A sea line desert, visiting this sanctuary is a one-of-its-kind experience for anyone who gets saa chance to see around 32 species of animals here. Nearest City: Ahmedabad
Don't forget to visit the wild asses in Kutch
Don't forget to visit the wild asses in Kutch
Kutch Bustard Sanctuary: Known as the Lal-Parjan Sanctuary, Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is one of two sanctuaries in Gujarat protecting the great bustard. The other one is in Jamnagar and has taken it upon itself, along with Kutch Bustard Sanctuary to preserve the heaviest flying bird belonging to the family of Otididae. Locally known as ‘Ghorad,’ the bird is found in three species here - the Lesser Floricans, the Houbara Bustards and the Great Indian Bustard (recorded endangered by the 2009 IUCN Red List Category). While traversing through the natural trails here, you may even spot the wolf, desert cat, caracal, striped hyenas, etc. Nearest City: Bhuj
Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary: A photographer’s paradise, the Blackbuck National Park in Velavadar was established in 1976 and was a famous hunting ground for blackbucks and cheetahs, back in the day, for the Maharajas of Bhavnagar. The grasslands, saline plains and muddy lands of the park is the perfect habitat for the Nilgai, the Indian Grey Wolf, Indian fox, Golden Jackal and the nocturnal striped hyena. A golden canvas with animals playing peek-a-boo, capturing natural beauty on your camera here is an interesting and a rather different experience. Also, an ideal spot for marine flora and fauna, the wildlife sanctuary has three artificial ponds, coastal marshes and two check dams. Birdwatchers especially enjoy a visit to this place with the Painted Francolin, Common Teal, Dalmatian Pelican, Cattle Egret, White Eyed Buzzard that can be easily spotted here. Nearest City: Ahmedabad
Spot Blackbucks in the sanctuary near Ahmedabad
Spot Blackbucks in the sanctuary near Ahmedabad
Marine National Park, Gulf of Kutch: Within the Marine National Parks lie the 42 islands on the Jamnagar coast. All of them surrounded by reef offer a surreal ambience to this national park where you will find ample marine life. Flora, ranging from sponges to corals and fauna, including seahorses, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, stingrays, bottlenose dolphins, Humpback whales, finless porpoises and sea snakes are all a part of its topography. The best-known island here is Pirotan. Nearest City: Jamnagar
Don’t worry if you just found out about Gujarat’s rich wildlife. Simply get packing and experience the wild side of this state- first hand! 
Book your Lion Safari here
https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/explore/story/69055/national-parks-and-wildlife-sanctuaries-in-gujarat

11 Lions Found Dead In Gujarat's Gir Forest

Carcasses of 11 lions from Gir east forest range in the last few days, which has prompted the state government to order an inquiry