Thursday, May 30, 2019

Injured lion attacks forest tracker inside animal care centr ..

TNN | Updated: May 30, 2019, 13:29 IST

RAJKOT: A 52-year-old forest tracker was attacked by an injured adult male lion at the Vadal Animal Care Centre near Palitana in Bhavnagar district on Wednesday morning. The tracker suffered injuries on his leg and other parts of the body and is admitted to Sir T Hospital in Bhavnagar.
The incident took place when forest tracker Tila Nanji Dodia had gone to feed the lion who was brought to the centre with injury in his legs.
According to forest officials, the male lion about nine-years-old was brought to this animal care centre for treatment after he was found injured by forest officials.
Sources said that Dodia after placing the food inside the lion’s cage forgot to close the gate after coming out. The lion followed Dodia out of the cage without him knowing and attacked him from behind.
Assistant conservator of forest (ACF) Bhavnagar V R Rathod said, “The lion’s instinct was to get away out of the cage. When it saw cage door open it came out and the first person in saw was tracker Dodia whom it attacked believing it to be a potential threat.”
The tracker fell down and tried to save himself with a stick that was in his hand. The lion then left Dodia and started to look for a way out into the open forest.
But since centre is has a hight compound wall the lion could not find an opening. Meanwhile, the tracker ran to his cottage nearby and informed others. The 2-3 persons inside the campus who came to help Dodia also informed the 108 emergency ambulance service. The ambulance entered the premises from back gate and took Dodia to the hospital.
However, the lion kept moving inside the campus. The veterinary doctor called to tranquillize the lion took nearly two hours reach as he was engaged in similar work far away.
The doctor and other foresters came in two vehicles inside the compound and fired the tranquillizer shot on the lion. The wild cat was caged after it got unconscious.
In November last year, two lions had killed a forest labourer and injured one other in Devaliya Safari park of Gir forest.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/injured-lion-attacks-forest-tracker-inside-animal-care-centre/articleshow/69568640.cms

52-year-old Woman Mauled to Death by Leopard While She Was Asleep Near Gujarat's Gir Forest

The leopard crept into the woman’s house and attacked her when she was asleep in her house. Her dead body was later recovered from her house.

Vijaysinh Parmar | News18
Updated:May 28, 2019, 2:04 PM ISTAhmedabad: A 52-year-old woman was mauled to death by a leopard when she was asleep at her house near Gir forest in Gujarat’s Junagadh district on Monday night.

The victim has been identified as Shardaben Vavaiya, a resident of Kangshiyada village in Visavadar taluka, said forest department officials.

“The incident occurred in Ghodasan beat in Grass round of Visavadar forest range in Gir forests. The leopard crept into the woman’s house and attacked her when she was asleep in her house. Her dead body was later recovered from her house. We have placed cages to nab the leopard from the area that attacked the woman,’’ said a senior forest official.

“Our forest staff is on the spot and the process of initiating the ex-gratia for the kin of deceased has begun,’’ said D T Vasavada, Chief Conservator of Forests, Junagadh Wildlife Circle, Junagadh.

According to 2016 leopard census data of Gujarat forest department, there were total 1395 leopards in the state.

The incidents of human-wildlife conflicts in and around Gir wildlife Sanctuary occur regularly as wild animals venture out into the human habitats in search of food and expand their territory as their numbers are increasing every year.
https://www.news18.com/news/india/52-year-old-woman-mauled-to-death-by-leopard-while-she-was-asleep-near-gujarats-gir-forest-2162477.html

The Majestic Royal Orient Express

Adivasis of Girjai turn a new leaf

Chhatbir zoo all set to get exotic animals from Africa

MOHALI: The Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park popularly known as Chhatbir Zoo is all set to import a set of exotic animals from Africa. The zoo will have zebra, giraffe, chimpanzee and gorilla imported from Africa.
Apart from this, it is also going to get a pair of Asiatic lions and white tiger from other zoos in the country. Recently, Punjab chief minister gave permission to the wildlife department to initiate the process of importing wild animals such as zebra, giraffe, chimpanzee and gorilla from African countries for Chhatbir zoo to improve the animal collection and footfall there.
Chhatbir zoo field director M Sudhagar said, “The consent for import has been given by the Punjab government and the process is already underway and may get expedited after the code of conduct is over. The animal exchange will also take place after the poll results.”
It will for the first time that Chhatbir zoo will get giraffe, chimpanzee and gorilla which will improve the animal collection and footfall at the zoo. Sources said the CM had directed the additional chief secretary forests to send a comprehensive proposal for transferring the revenue generated from Chhatbir zoo to the accounts of Punjab Zoo’s Development Society instead of the state treasury so as to ensure smooth functioning of the zoo and upkeep of the wild animals.
The Union ministry of environment and forests (MoEF) has given another clearance to get animals under animal exchange programme. Under this, Chhatbir zoo will get a female white tigress and a pair of Asiatic lions.
At present the zoo has only two male white tigers and there was need of a female white tigress to complete the family. The two male white tigers were bred and born at the zoo and are between age group of 6-7 years. The white tigress to be brought is also around seven years old.
An officer at the zoo said, “We need to complete the pairing of the animals for proper mating defying the atrocities to the animals of being alone.” A pair of Asiatic lions, a male and a female will also be added to the strength of four lions, one female and three male at the zoo. Three out of the four Asiatic lions were bred and born at Chhatbir zoo and are aged between 8 to 9 years. A pair of Asiatic lions being exchanged are also aged between 8 to 9 years, said the director.
Last year, ahead of the National Wildlife Week, seven new members belonging to three species were brought under animal exchange programmes at Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park. They were Indian wolf, Royal snake, Chukar partridge, grey pelicans, star tortoise, ostrich, otters and mouse deer.
Importing of African lions proved fatal for zoo
Chhatbir zoo once had the highest strength of Asiatic lions in the country, nearly 80 lions, faced a very bad phase after importing of African lions in the 80’s. As on experimental basis the zoo authorities mated African lions with Asiatic lions causing some genetical infections leading to death of huge number of lions. After that, at one time the zoo remained without a lion.
Since then the importing of African animals was stopped. Now, the Punjab wildlife department has approved the importing of African Animals.
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According to the report titled Regional Action Plan for the conservation of western lowland gorillas and central chimpanzees 2015-2025 issued by the World Wide Fund for Nature, an international non-governmental organization (WWF), outlines the growing number of threats to these great apes across six range countries, including the finding that nearly 80% of great apes in the region occur outside of protected areas.
While national and international laws protect the critically endangered western lowland gorillas and the central chimpanzees, both sub-species continue to be threatened by hunters and traders seeking to supply the illegal commercial market and demand for bushmeat, particularly in urban areas.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/chhatbir-zoo-all-set-to-get-exotic-animals-from-africa/articleshow/69418297.cms

Daily Court Digest: Major environment orders (May 20, 2019)

Down To Earth brings you the top environmental cases heard in the Supreme Court, the high courts and the National Green Tribunal
By DTE Staff
Last Updated: Tuesday 21 May 2019
Photo: Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
Extension of breakwater at Chhara 
The grant of environmental and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for the extension of breakwater at Chhara Port came up for consideration before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on May 15, 2019. According to a case field by the residents of the area — Chhara Sarkhadi village of Kodinar taluka in Gujarat's Gir Somnath district — the extension would affect the aquatic life and eco-sensitive area, which has not been taken into account. The same holds true for the quantity of minerals, construction material, forest and timber. 
No requisite public hearing was conducted for the project by M/s Simar Port Pvt Ltd; the Asiatic Lion conservation plan has also not been prepared. The NGT directed the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Gujarat Coastal Zone Management Authority, the Gujarat Pollution Control Board and Simar Port to submit a report within a month. 
Compensation for Faridabad damage
According to a report submitted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) before the NGT on May 16, 2019,  untreated waste water from Badkal village as well as from drainage system of Sainik Colony near Sectors 48-49, Faridabad was being disposed into the open and the sewer line was chocked. The sewage network has not been cleaned for long; solid waste and demolition waste were also being dumped on open land. The Municipal Corporation Faridabad and the Haryana Urban Development Authority were accountable in the issue.
The NGT sought a report detailing the damages to be recovered, identification of polluters and erring officers, from whom compensation for the damage to the environment and cost of restoration should be recovered.
Central Monitoring Committee responsible for elephants 
The NGT on May 16, 2019 said the Central Monitoring Committee constituted by the MoEFCC was responsible for coordinating with states home to elephants regarding the safety of the animals in protected zones. The NGT had taken up an application by Pradip Kumar Bhuyan, seeking adequate steps for conservation of free passage for elephants in Assam. Railway tracks, national and state highways and transmission lines should be declared elephant protection zones, similar to ecological sensitive areas, Bhuyan said.  
Lackadaisical attitude on Almora SWM 
The NGT on May 16, 2019 directed Uttarakhand to furnish a performance guarantee of Rs 10 lakh to the CPCB to ensure timely compliance of its directions on the issue of unscientific disposal of municipal solid waste at Almora. The state's chief secretary has been directed to monitor the situation; the MoEFCC has been asked to explain why orders were not complied with.
It was pointed out that the matter has been pending before the tribunal for four years. The NGT had directed through on September 12, 2018 that the waste processing and treatment facility must commence before December 15, 2018, which would be the responsibility of the state's additional chief secretary for urban development. A direction was also issued to the MoEFCC to take steps to implement Extended Producer’s Responsibility in accordance with Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.
https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/environment/daily-court-digest-major-environment-orders-may-20-2019--64645

Lion cub found dead in Tulsishyam range of Guj's Gir forest


Press Trust of India  |  Ahmedabad 
The dismembered body of a lion cub was found in the Range of Gujarat's Gir, D T Vasavada, Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Circle said Friday.
He said pug marks of lions were found on the spot and it appears the cub, around 4-5 months old, was killed in a territorial fight, he added.
With this latest death, as many as five cubs, three lions and two lionesses have been found dead in since February.
The Gir forest, the last abode of the Asiatic lion, is home to around 600 big cats according to the latest estimate by the forest department.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/lion-cub-found-dead-in-tulsishyam-range-of-guj-s-gir-forest-119051701330_1.html

Lion found dead in Dalkhaniya range of Gir forest


Press Trust of India  |  Ahmedabad 
A lion was found dead in Dalkhaniya range of forest in Gujarat, an said on Wednesday.
The carcass of the lion was found in a forest patch of Dalkhaniya range under the Gir-East division, an said, adding that reason of death was not known immediately.
"We have not found any visible injury marks on the carcass during our primary investigation. It appeared that the lion died a few days ago. We will conduct its post-mortem to ascertain the exact cause," said Chief of Forests (Wildlife), Junagadh, D T Vasavada.
Notably, this is the same range of forest where at least 10 lions had died last year due to a deadly combination of canine distemper virus and protozoal infection.
With Wednesday's death, as many as four cubs, three lions, and two lionesses have been found dead in the forest since February.
Gujarat, the last abode of Asiatic lions, is home to around 600 lions in Gir and surrounding areas as per the latest estimate by the forest department.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/lion-found-dead-in-dalkhaniya-range-of-gir-forest-119051501640_1.html

Animals in captivity: Is there such a thing as a good zoo?

May 15, 2019
TEHRAN – The recent activities of Tehran Zoological Garden have sparked a heated debate between advocates of animal rights and zoo directors, on whether or not zoos endanger wildlife species for their own interests or they have educational and protective objectives.
Do wildlife species find contentment living in standardized zoos or in nature?
During the past years, Tehran Zoological Garden has succeeded in becoming a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). Moreover under the population management program aiming at endangered species reproduction, the Persian leopard and Asiatic lion have been transferred to the Zoo for captive breeding. 
In this regard, a male Persian leopard was sent to Iran from Portugal last year in an attempt to revive the species, who mated naturally at the Zoo with a female leopard and at the moment, the leopard is pregnant. 
Subsequently, the Zoo transmitted a male Asiatic lion from Britain’s Bristol Zoo under the supervision of EAZA to implement a revival plan for extinct , while the female one will also be sent to the country from Ireland within the next few days.
No natural habitats, no chances of bringing animals back from extinction
However, animal rights defenders blame Tehran Zoological Garden for keeping the wildlife species, such as Asiatic lion, who once have been pushed toward extinction in the country under the unfavorable conditions, believing that when their natural habitats have been destroyed and there is no possibility for them to return back to the nature, keeping them is violating their right.
Breeding species in captivity will not definitely ensure a stable population in the country once again, therefore, why not allocate the captive breeding costs to protect those animals in the nature from extinction?
Sepehr Salimi, an animal rights advocate, criticizing the Zoo said that the restoration of Asiatic lion or any other extinct species in captivity is impossible, because the most important issue for the species’ survival is living in the natural habitat, and when it is destructed, then the species eventually will disappear, as well.
He further points out that if we are to breed extinct species in the zoos, we should not use the term revival because the revival of an extinct species occurs when a species is found in its original habitat without human interference for survival, so reviving species in zoos is meaningless.
Over the recent years, Tehran Zoological Garden did not have a good record on wildlife conservation, as 14 African lions have lost their lives due to inappropriate nutrition, and two tigers who were relocated from Russia for captive breeding lost their lives due to an outbreak of glanders (an infectious disease occurs primarily by ingestion of contaminated food or water), which is mainly related to not meeting the standards, he explained.
Given that the Asiatic lion’s original habitat no longer exists, why should it be reproduced? Their revival only serves the zoos’ interests, Salimi stated.
The transfer of endangered species to the country takes place under the supervision of the EAZA; an association that has given Tehran Zoological Garden five years to fully standardize all animal habitats to become a member of the union, although, it does not mean that no violation will happen, he explained.
Time Magazine reported that many European zoos cull animals or violate their rights, and that EAZA keeps records of this, but won't release them.
In 2012, Copenhagen Zoo in Denmark put down, via lethal injection, two leopard cubs whose genetics were over-represented. 
In 2010, the decision by officials at Edinburgh zoo to put down two hog piglets named Sammi and Becca sparked protests.
David Williams Mitchell, communications and membership manager for EAZA, in this regard said that “as a conservation organization, we realize that there's a crisis in the natural world, and that we have an obligation to protect species in the wild from human actions,” adding, “one of the ways we do that is through breeding programs. But we have limited space within EAZA to carry out that, and we need to prioritize animals that can contribute to future of the species.”
Keeping animals in an unfavorable condition results in mental illness and depression, he lamented, adding that zoo is a purchase and sale center, because the number of animals are not determined.
Referring to the zoo’s positive attempts, he noted that zoos can be a great habitat for those injured animals not able to live in natural habitats, while they are not permitted to reproduce the species.
From the animal right advocates point of view, zoo is not a proper place for all the wildlife species, and all must be shut down, he concluded.
Zoos improve wildlife conservation 
This is while, Iman Memarian, Tehran Zoological Garden director, said that zoos should be run for cultural and educational purposes as well as wildlife conservation.
Standard zoos are one of the most important bases for wildlife conservation, being used to educate people about wildlife protection, he said, adding that also, many wildlife-related sciences, such as veterinary are expanding in zoos so that veterinarians can control animal diseases in nature. 
On the other hand, people are contemplating how our ancestors destroyed the wildlife, and what we should do today to preserve the remaining species, he also added.
Currently, 80 percent of the animal habitats in the Zoo is living up to the internationally defined standards, and it must be completely in line with the necessary standards during the next 5 years to become a permanent member of EAZA, he explained.
Memarian further noted that some thinks that when an animal is in the cage, it is not feeling well at the moment, however, one should bear in mind that animals have different needs, all of which can be provided at standard zoos.
Today, it is possible to measure the amount of hormones in the body through the urine and faeces of animals, so researches show that the level of wildlife satisfaction in standard zoos is even higher than their level of satisfaction in nature, he added.
“Tehran Zoological Garden has gone far to meet all the standards required to keep Asiatic lion and leopard, he said, the condition is improved, the Zoo is living up to the required standards, and take safety measure strictly,” he further highlighted.
“No habitat is yet determined for the Asiatic lion to live in, and there is no possibility to re-introduce it to the nature,” he lamented, adding, there is no plan for releasing the Persian leopard in nature, but we are ready to work with the EAZA in this regard.
Defending the EAZA operation in response to the recent criticisms, Memarian said that the union has so far succeeded in captive breeding of endangered species in zoos and has reintroduced them to their habitat. Although, there are people who are generally opposed to the zoo, ignoring the positive functions of zoos.
He further called on the role Department of Environment play to help improving the zoos’ condition, as the country’s zoos are far below the global standards.
Zoos’ function is not defined properly; those not aiming at educational and protective plans are violating animal rights, he concluded.
While worldwide animals are being kept in zoos for various purposes it is not easy to decide whether the decision will suit the animals in conserving them or they are rather being tortured cruelly.
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/435957/Animals-in-captivity-Is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-good-zoo

Gujarat: Video showing man dragging carcass behind his bike and followed by Asiatic lion goes viral

While forest officers said that an enquiry had been initiated in the matter, sources said that the man in the video was a lion tracker and that he was removing the carcass from the public gaze.

A video showing a man dragging an animal carcass behind his motorbike and an Asiatic lion following the trail went viral on Wednesday. While forest officers said that an enquiry had been initiated in the matter, sources said that the man in the video was a lion tracker and that he was removing the carcass from the public gaze.
In the 15 second long-video, a man riding a motorbike is seen emerging from a dirt track. A carcass tied to his motorbike and being dragged leaves a plume of dust in its wake. Just a few seconds later, a male Asiatic lion emerges from the dust plume, apparently following the carcass even as bystanders are heard saying, “There comes the lion!”

Dushyant Vasavada, the chief conservator of forests of Junagadh wildlife circle, said that the forest department had taken cognisance of the incident.
“Today, one video has gone viral in which a person on a motorbike is dragging dead body of an animal which is being followed by a lion. Forest department has already started an enquiry,” Vasavada said.
Vasavada further said that the enquiry had already made a head-start. “The person (dragging the carcass) has been identified and so is the spot. Strict action will be taken against all offenders involved in the crime,” added Vasavada.
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/gujarat-video-showing-man-dragging-carcass-behind-his-bike-and-followed-by-lion-goes-viral-5729844/

14 lions to roars at Indian zoos


More than 208 lions have been given to various zoos in exchange, of which 31 were sent to zoos outside IndiaAHMEDABAD: After chief minister Vijay Rupani approved the transfers of 14 lions to zoos in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Maharashtra, at least 14 more zoos across the country are waiting for the CM’s approval to get Asiatic lions, for which the number of lions involved could touch 25. Nearly three years since the last set of lion transfers to zoos, the state government recently approved the exchange of 14 lions. The transfers of 25-odd animals more are lined up for approval from the Central Zoo Authority of India and a final nod from CM Rupani.
Principal chief conservator of forests A K Saxena said, “We have given in-principle approval for translocating zoo-bred lions to 10 zoos and these proposals are awaiting approval from the CZAI. The department is yet to decide on moving lions to Jammu and Kashmir, due to concerns that they may not survive the cold weather. Proposals from four other zoos are yet to be processed.” He said that the rules do not allow for wild lions to be given to zoos. Only second-generation captive-bred lions can be exchanged for other animals.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/14-lions-to-roars-at-indian-zoos/articleshow/69332582.cms

Explained: Why Gujarat conducts a census of herbivores in Gir forest

A count of ungulates gives the forest department an idea of the availability of prey-base for the top predator lions as well as other predators like leopards, hyenas, wolves etc.

Every year, the forest department of Gujarat conducts a census of herbivores in Gir forest and other protected areas, the last abode in the world of Asiatic lions.
The census covers wild ungulates like spotted deer, blue bulls (nilgais), sambars, Indian gazelles (chinkaras), four-horned antelopes (choshinga) and wild boars. Additionally, the forest department also counts Indian langurs as well as peafowl.
Wild ungulates and langurs are the main prey of Asiatic lions, the endangered big cat species whose only wild population in the world is surviving in 22,000 square kilometre area, known as greater Gir area and spread across Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli and Bhavnagar districts in Saurashtra region of Gujarat.

Census of herbivores at Gir: Why in summer?

During summer, foliage is reduced to its minimum levels in dry and deciduous tropical forests like Gir. Such a forest affords the best visibility and by extension, opportunities to spot maximum number of wild animals in the forest.
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During this time of the year, availability of surface water in Gir goes down significantly. Consequently, wild animals concentrate around water points, more than 450 of them artificial, and filled up by the forest department. These water points are mainly located along forest tracks and thus makes it easy for forest staff to access areas with a higher concentration of wild animals.
Forest department divides the Gir forest in generally 19 routes and forest divisions for the purpose of the census. Teams transact routes thrice — morning, afternoon and evening, and mainly remain dependent on direct sighting of animals. The field trips are conducted for two days for collecting sample data. Results are announced after analysing data.

Why is census of herbivores in Gir forest important?

A count of ungulates gives the forest department an idea of the availability of prey-base for the top predator lions as well as other predators like leopards, hyenas, wolves etc. Such a count helps the forest department to notice any changes in the food availability for lions and also indicates the health of the forest in general and of fauna in particular.
A strong base of ungulates can reduce depredation of livestock by lions within Gir forest as well as on the periphery of the forest and thus can reduce the man-animal conflict. Incidentally, Gujarat government had argued against translocation of Asiatic lions to Kuno-Palpur sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh stating prey-base in that sanctuary needed to be studied more rigorously. 

What has been the herbivore population trend in recent years?

Since 1974, the population of herbivorous in Gir forest has been on the rise. In 2013, the population of ungulates was estimated to be 1,26,893 or 76.49 animals per square kilometres. That translates to 8000 kg of biomass available to carnivorous, very close to the levels in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The population of ungulates was 1,07,172 in 2010. Incidentally, lion census is due in May next year.
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-why-does-gujarat-conduct-census-on-herbivores-in-gir-forest-5725757/

CCMB scientists sequence Asiatic lion genome

Protect Our Species

May 10, 2019
M Lokeswara Rao IFS (Rtd)
Director, Protect Our Species, Earth Day Network;
Former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force


The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services’ (IPBES) warned on 7 May 2019 of one million species at the risk of going extinct at least in part due to humankind’s activities. The report’s findings were carefully examined and negotiated by representatives of 132 governments before it was finalised and approved. The landmark report is a cumulation of nearly 15,000 studies, government reports as well as reports from indigenous and local communities. It is also the first appraisal of the earth’s biodiversity of global scale since 2005, and shows alarming statistics about species loss alongside strategies to overcome them. It’s grim stuff.

The Earth has seen five mass extinctions so far, where species were lost in the millions. The largest mass extinction took place some 250 million years ago, and drove 90 percent of sea life and 70 percent of life on land into extinct in what’s now being called “the Great Dying”. A domino effect triggered by a volcanic eruption triggered extreme changes to the environment that ended in the bulk of natural diversity dying off. The planet is undergoing a sixth mass extinction – the sixth time in the history of life on Earth that global fauna has experienced a major collapse in numbers. Earlier mass extinctions have been caused by catastrophic events like asteroid collisions. This time, however, human activities are to blame such as deforestation, mining, and carbon-dioxide emissions that cause the planet to heat up.

The new UN report the IPBES’ 2019 Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services looks at how the unprecedented global destruction and rapid reduction of plant and wildlife populations are directly linked to causes driven by human activity: climate change, deforestation, habitat loss, trafficking and poaching, unsustainable agriculture, pollution and pesticides to name a few. The impacts are far reaching.

The UN has proclaimed 22 May the International Day for Biological Diversity to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. The theme of the 2019 edition will be ‘Our Biodiversity, Our Food, Our Health’. This year’s celebrations of the International Day for Biological Diversity, on 22 May 2019, focus on biodiversity as the foundation for our food and health and a key catalyst to transforming food systems and improving human health. The theme aims to leverage knowledge and spread awareness of the dependency of our food systems, nutrition, and health on biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. The theme also celebrates the diversity provided by our natural systems for human existence and well-being on Earth, while contributing to other Sustainable Development Goals, including climate change mitigation and adaptation, ecosystems restoration, cleaner water and zero hunger, among others.

We are celebrating biodiversity day at the time of releasing of UN report — the IPBES’ 2019 Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. We have more responsibility to protect the biodiversity to decelerate the sixth extinction. Severe stress on wild habitat, over exploitation, fragmentation of habitats, climate change, invasive species etc. Ministry of Environment and Forests and climate Change, Government of India has launched ‘Recovery programme for Critically Endangered Species’ is one of the three components of the centrally funded scheme, Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) started in 2008-09. Seventeen (17) species have been identified under the recovery programme. These are the Snow Leopard, Bustard (including Floricans), Dolphin, Hangul, Nilgiri Tahr, Marine Turtles, Dugongs, Edible Nest Swiftlet, Asian Wild Buffalo, Nicobar Megapode, Manipur Brow-antlered Deer, Vultures, Malabar Civet, Indian Rhinoceros, Asiatic Lion, Swamp Deer and Jerdon’s Courser.

The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) recently added four species- the Northern River Terrapin, Clouded Leopard, Arabian Sea Humpback Whale, Red Panda- to a Recovery Programme on the recommendation of a Standing Committee. Totally 21 species are identified under recovery programme. Department of Posts has released 17 critically endangered species stamps which are in recovery programme.

Earth Day Network a global environment NGO that grew out of the first Earth Day (April 22nd, 1970) and today, 48 years later engages with over 50,000 organizations in some 190+ countries.Earth Day theme for global focus for this year is 2019 theme is Protect Our Species. Earth Day Network has begun work protecting and conserving biodiversity and on helping protect the critically endangered species like Hangul in Kashmir the Gangetic Dolphin in Varanasi etc.

Earth Day network India has show casing these stamps in social media and website to create awareness under it’s “protect our species campaign” under its programme Know our species some of the critically endangered species stamps from the collection of Mr Rao are shown here. India has issued first stamp on Wildlife Great one horned Rhinoceros in 1962. It is our duty to protect our species by spreading the message the importance of flora and fauna by protecting habitat and adopting ecofriendly habits on the occasion of International Biodiversity Day.https://morungexpress.com/protect-our-species/

No plans for reintroduction of Asiatic lion: DOE official

May 10, 2019
TEHRAN — Iran’s Department of Environment (DOE) has no specific plans for reintroduction of Asiatic lion into the wild for the time being, Majid Kharrazian-Moqaddam, director of the wildlife conservation and management at the DOE, has said.
Species reintroduction is the deliberate release of a species into the wild, from captivity or other areas where the organism is capable of survival. The goal of species reintroduction is to establish a healthy, genetically diverse, self-sustaining population to an area where it has been extirpated, or to augment an existing population.
Species that may be eligible for reintroduction are typically threatened or endangered in the wild. Because reintroduction may involve returning native species to localities where they had been extirpated, some prefer the term "reestablishment".
Disappeared for 80 years, Persian lion once prowled from the Middle East to India, while currently only a fraction of these magnificent animals survive in the wild, which range is restricted to the Gir National Park and environs in the Indian state of Gujarat.
A male Persian lion, born 6 years ago, was sent to Tehran Zoological Garden from Britain’s Bristol Zoo on May 1, under a population management program aiming at endangered species reproduction by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).
Iran will soon host a female lion of the same subspecies from Ireland to accompany the recently returned male lion through the conservation program.
And now speculation are running rampant, as some are starting to predict that the animal will be reintroduced into the Iran’s wild once again after long decades of extinction
On the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, Asiatic lion is listed under its former scientific name Panthera leo persica as Endangered because of its small population size and area of occupancy.
Conflicts with humans, wildfires, poaching, habitat loss, canine distemper virus, decreases in population sizes of native ungulates were among the threats pushed the lions toward extinction in Iran, while lack of protection measures and plans is not deniable either.
“DOE welcomes Asiatic lion’s return to the country after decades of disappearance, however, we have only permitted the return of the animal to the zoo and will monitor its condition and have no plans for its reintroduction for the moment,” IRNA news agency quoted Kharrazian-Moqaddam as saying on Wednesday.
Currently the only purpose of the return of the animal is keeping it at the zoo, he highlighted.
DOE’s priority is to protect the species which are already existing in the country [and not reintroduction of the extinct ones], he stated.
The DOE official went on to say that in order to reintroduce a species into the wild it is essential to restore its former habitats meaning minimizing human conflicts, increasing prey population, and in general omitting current threats to the animals.
Maybe in the future we decide to plan a reintroduction scheme for Asiatic lion in the country, however, making the necessary arrangement may take years, he concluded.
Historical records in Iran indicate that the Asiatic lion ranged from the Khuzestan Plain to the Fars in steppe vegetation and pistachio-almond woodlands. It was widespread in the country, but in the 1870s, it was sighted only on the western slopes of the Zagros Mountains, and in the forest regions south of Shiraz.
Some of the country's last lions were sighted in 1941 between Shiraz and Jahrom in Fars province, and in 1942, a lion was spotted about 65 km northwest of Dezful. In 1944, the corpse of a lioness was found on the banks of Karun River in Khuzestan province.
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/435694/No-plans-for-reintroduction-of-Asiatic-lion-DOE-official

India election: Poll staff brave crocodile and trek jungles to deliver one man one vote

The Times
By 10am on the first day of voting in India’s marathon general election, the village of Malogam had already recorded a turnout of 100 per cent.
Lying in the Himalayan foothills of Arunachal Pradesh state, near the borders with Burma and China, Malogam has one registered voter. Sokela Tayang, 39, arrived early at the tin shed serving as a polling station a month ago. She cast her ballot and her finger was marked with indelible ink...
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/world/india-election-poll-staff-brave-crocodile-and-trek-jungles-to-deliver-one-man-one-vote-ccv6qm8wg

Return to motherland: Asiatic lion to return to Iran after 80 years

Eram Zoo in Tehran is now home to the Asiatic Lion, which has been extinct in the country for almost 80 years. The last remaining Asiatic lion was sighted about 80 years ago in Iran. Before and after the Islamic Revolution (1979) Iran made attempts to bring back Asiatic lion to Iran, but Indians did not cooperate.

Asiatic lion to return to Iran after 80 years Asiatic lion to return to Iran after 80 years Asiatic lion to return to Iran after 80 years Asiatic lion to return to Iran after 80 years Asiatic lion to return to Iran after 80 years Asiatic lion to return to Iran after 80 years Asiatic lion to return to Iran after 80 years Asiatic lion to return to Iran after 80 years
   https://www.tehrantimes.com/photo/435720/Return-to-motherland-Asiatic-lion-to-return-to-Iran-after-80

Illegal limestone mining near Gir forest: NGT orders state govt to submit report on environmental damage

Meena Menon
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the Gujarat government to submit a report of environmental damage due to illegal limestone mining in Gir Somnath and Junagadh districts of the state after an NGO filed an application that these mines were operating without the required permissions.
The NGT had set a precedent in the Meghalaya “rat-hole” mining cases of the polluter pays principle. Its order had led to the creation of the ‘Meghalaya Environment Protection and Restoration Fund’ to which those violating the law had to contribute, and has Rs 410 crore credited to it so far, for the restoration of the environment. The Tribunal had directed the State of Meghalaya to deposit a sum of Rs 100 crore as an interim measure which would be recovered from the violators of the law, including the colluding officers of the government. It had also appointed a committee to address issues of restoration of the damage to the environment and rehabilitation.
 Illegal limestone mining near Gir forest: NGT orders state govt to submit report on environmental damage
Representational image. Reuters
In the present case in Gujarat, Ms Sreeja Chakraborty, the lawyer for the applicant, said the leased areas varied from two to 15 hectares and the closest mine is within 5 km of the protected area, the Gir Forest National Park. However, a stay in 2017 by the Gujarat high court on the draft eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around protected areas has compounded the matter. While none of the leased mines appear to be within the zone as demarcated, there are mines which are not officially leased in existence, as the NGO has found out by surveying the mines and comparing royalty figures. There is already an issue of limestone mining near the Gir sanctuary as the National Board for Wildlife has cleared limestone mining in the eco-sensitive zone around Gir in March 2018 despite the stay. A public interest litigation challenged the reduction of the area of the eco-sensitive zone from 3.33 lakh hectares to 1.14 lakh hectares to possibly include the mining villages. The final notification reduced the buffer zone range from the proposed minimum of 8 km and a maximum of 17 km from the boundary of the sanctuary, to a mere 500 m to 4 km, and some of the villages where the mining was proposed were 4 km from the sanctuary. As a result, with no finality on the eco-sensitive zone and the overpopulation of lions in Gir, and some living outside the protected area, there is no saying where these animals can stray.
The NGO - Protection of Environment and Public Service Committee, contended that these limestone mines were operating since many years without environment clearance from the state authority or consent to operate from the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) and repeated complaints have been ignored. As a last resort, it approached the Western Zonal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in Pune.
The NGT, in an order of 1 May 2019, was of the view that further action is required to be taken by the concerned authorities on the same principle as passed in a batch of cases, one of them being the threat to life from the coal mining case in South Garo Hills in Meghalaya that involved similar factual positions as in this case.
Accordingly, the NGT has asked the Gujarat authorities to assess and submit a report on damages on account of (i) Net Present Value (NPV)* of the ecological services forgone forever, (ii) cost of damage to environment and pristine ecology, (iii) cost of mitigation and restitution of the environment and (iv) deterrent environmental compensation distinct from the earlier three heads. The report is to be submitted by email before the next date of hearing on 24 July.
During the hearing, Dhruv Pal, counsel for Gujarat government, submitted that the government would not permit the mining and that appropriate action has been taken against erring parties. He also said that all illegal mining of limestone in the area in question have since remained un-operational, some of which date back to about two years. Earlier, in the first hearing in February 2019, despite notices by the NGT, no reply was filed by the Gujarat State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) and concerned collectors of the Mines Department of the State of Gujarat.
The members of this NGO through information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act in 2018 found that the mining was taking place without environmental clearance from SEIAA or even consent to operate under the Air (prevention and control of pollution) act, 1981 and the Water (prevention and control of pollution) act, 1974, from the GPCB. The application was filed in August 2018 against some 14 miners and the NGT first heard the case in February 2019. In that hearing, the NGT ordered for a joint inspection report from the Gujarat SEIAA, the GPCB and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF) particularly with reference to the grant of environmental clearance and consent under the Air Act and Water Act.
On 1 May, the NGT after considering the joint inspection report filed by Gujarat SEIAA, GPCB and the MoEF, directed an assessment of damage due to mining as mentioned above. However, the mining has not been stopped and in fact, the major issue is that the miners have, in some cases, not mined from the areas where they claim to be extracting the limestone. Instead, they are operating in other areas, according to Ms Chakraborty. The application to the NGT raised substantial questions of the environment and impact from large-scale, illegal and unauthorised mining by 14 lease-holders in about 90 hectares.
While the applicant during his investigation found little mining activity in the leased areas, royalty was being paid to the government as the RTI showed and it is suspected that the mining is happening in other areas which are not leased. This was verified from the royalty that is paid to the government which totals over Rs 1.6 crore from 2001 to 2015. In a case by case analysis, the application has shown that mining is not taking place in the leased area as there is no activity visible after photographs were taken of the area. For example, in Jasadhar village in Somnath Gir district, in one of the leased areas of 2 hectares, 2,96,918.556 tonnes of limestone was excavated till 2015-16. Yet the area shows no evidence of this and the royalty amount paid was quite high.
Illegal mining is in violation of the Environment Impact Assessment Notification of 2006, under the Environment Protection Rules 1986. To operate such mines, the owners should have got environmental clearance and consent to operate from the GPCB.
The limestone extracted is being sold to the cement factories in the two districts. It is classified as a major mineral and mining is in the red category of industries which are hazardous.
The illegality was detected in 2014 by the NGO which is facing threats for this exposure. In July 2018, after it obtained information under RTI from the mining and geology section of the Industries and Mines department in Gujarat on these illegal mines, the NGO had submitted them to the relevant authorities demanding action but nothing was done. The NGO raised the issue of the royalty being paid to the government when the actual leased areas where not being mined, pointing to the possibility of mining outside of those leased areas. In any case, no permission seems to have been sought or granted for any of this mining activity.
The GPCB did launch prosecution against the offenders but there is little action on the ground. Limestone mining has many reported environmental impacts including habitat destruction, contamination of groundwater, dust pollution, and mines need to comply with certain environmental measures. However, when mines are illegal it becomes difficult to assess and quantify them or enforce anti-pollution measures.
*Traditionally, the benefit-cost analysis uses the net present value (NPV) formula, which adds up revenue and expenditures over a period of time and discounts those cash flows by the cost of money (an interest rate). The NPV calculation effectively states the lifetime value of an investment in present terms.
https://www.firstpost.com/india/illegal-limestone-mining-near-gir-forest-ngt-orders-state-govt-to-submit-report-on-environmental-damage-6606761.html

Gujarat: Natural sources running dry in Gir, govt fills up artificial water holes for animals


An artificial water point in Gir forest. Gujarat Forest Department

Gir National Park and Sanctuary, which is the core habitat of the endangered Asiatic lions, is spread over 1,453 sq km across Junagadh, Gir Somnath and Amreli.

WITH NATURAL water holes drying up early this summer due to deficient monsoon last year, the forest department has started filling up artificial water points in Gir forest and other protected areas, which are the only natural abode of Asiatic lions in the world.
“The rainfall was good in Gir (west) division, but somewhat deficient in Gir (east). Therefore, we started filling up the artificial water points from last December. Presently, we are filling up 452 artificial points to make water available for the wild animals,” Dushyant Vasavada, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) of Junagadh Wildlife Circle said on Wednesday.
He added they usually start repairing and restoring the artificial water points from November. “This season, we restored 30 such points,” Vasavada said.
The CCF added 205 labourers had been engaged to manage these water points and that various methods were being used for filling up these holes. “We are filling up 104 artificial water points by windmills, 60 with solar pumps and 26 by diesel engines. We have also pressed 57 tankers,” he said.
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Gir National Park and Sanctuary, which is the core habitat of the endangered Asiatic lions, is spread over 1,453 sq km across Junagadh, Gir Somnath and Amreli.
Seven rivers — Hiran, Saraswati, Datardi, Shingoda, Machhundri, Ghodavadi and Raval — are the lifeline of the precious forest, while four dams, including Kamleshwar and Shingoda, are also important water sources. But forest officers said that stretches of these rivers as well as many other rivulets have run dry this summer, warranting artificial water points.
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/gujarat-natural-sources-running-dry-gir-artificial-water-holes-animals-5720189/

Still threatened

It might be worth the NTCA’s while to study how the problem was said to have been addressed in Gujarat ~ there too an increased population had resulted in the lions spreading beyond the protected zones.

Editorial | New Delhi |

It might be worth the NTCA’s while to study how the problem was said to have been addressed in Gujarat ~ there too an increased population had resulted in the lions spreading beyond the protected zones.

Editorial | New Delhi |
Five years ago a collective sigh of relief was breathed when a census put the number of tigers in the wild at 2,226 ~ it had dwindled to a three-figure level a little earlier.
land is running out. The malaise is nation-wide: with 148 deaths Madhya Pradesh topped the unhappy list, followed by Maharashtra (107), Karnataka (100) and Uttarakhand (82).
Even the death roll in the current year is headed by those two states. Poachers have also been active since the sale of body parts to China remains as lucrative as ever. Rail and road accidents are other factors too, but electrified fencing remains the “number one enemy”.
It might be worth the NTCA’s while to study how the problem was said to have been addressed in Gujarat ~ there too an increased population had resulted in the lions spreading beyond the protected zones. Yet, what works in one region need not necessarily work in another, “local expertise” needs to be tapped.
The key to all conservation lies in the priority it receives from the Central government down to the local forest management staff. While in the last few years a number of grandiose schemes have been announced, the protection of flora and fauna have hardly been mentioned. Even the cleansing of rivers has failed to attain targets: the ministry for environment and forests simply muddles along.
Even Maneka Gandhi has opted to play a token role. The government is so focused on “nationalism” (which translates into giving Pakistan a bloody nose) that the unique riches of the Indian jungle are consistently overlooked. The jungle is sorely in need of an energetic minister for environment and forest ~ regardless of his/her party\ affiliation.
https://www.thestatesman.com/opinion/still-threatened-1502753312.html

8 lions from Gujarat to be shifted to UP zoo

Press Trust of India  |  Ahmedabad 

Eight lions from will soon be shifted to a zoo in as part of an animal exchange programme, a said on Tuesday.
These lions are currently lodged at the at Junagadh in
"As part of the animal exchange programme, two lions and six lionesses from Sakkarbaug will be shifted to a zoo at Gorakhpur in UP. The has allowed the transfer of eight big cats," Junagadh wildlife circle's conservator of forests Dushyant Vasavada said.
However, it was not yet decided as to which animal will be transferred from Gorakhpur to under the exchange pact, he said.
"We are ready for the transfer. Now, it is for the to decide on the time," Vasavada said.
He said after governments of the two states agreed for the shifting of lions, a proposal was sent to the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) which recently gave its nod for it.
said to be the second oldest in the country -- is the nodal centre for providing Asiatic lions to other zoos and safaris in the state and the country.
The CZA permits exchange between zoos after checking whether the host has proper health facilities and enclosures for the animals.
The Gir wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat is the last abode of Asiatic lions in the world.
As per the last census in 2015, there were around 523 lions in the state, mainly in the forest areas of Junagadh, Gir-Somnath, Amreli and Bhavnagar districts.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/8-lions-from-gujarat-to-be-shifted-to-up-zoo-119050700518_1.html

Gujarat: Six held for illegal lion show in Gir

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Gir forest and other protected areas spread across Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli and Bhavnagar districts in Saurashtra region are the only natural abode of Asiatic lions in the world. But a number of lions freely roam through revenue areas surrounding the protected forest areas.
The accused were detained by the staff of Junagadh forest division on Sunday while they were watching and harassing an Asiatic lion on the bank of the Hiran river in Mandor village on Sunday. Revenue areas are not considered part of the wildlife sanctuary.

SIX Persons, including a juvenile, were held by the forest department on Monday after they were allegedly caught red-handed organising an illegal lion show in revenue area Veraval taluka of Gir Somnath district.
The accused were detained by the staff of Junagadh forest division on Sunday while they were watching and harassing an Asiatic lion on the bank of the Hiran river in Mandor village on Sunday. Revenue areas are not considered part of the wildlife sanctuary.
Dushyant Vasavada, in-charge chief conservator of forests of Junagadh circle, said that five of the six accused were formally arrested on Monday and produced in a court in Veraval town.
Five of the six accused were identified as Aniruddha Nathani (30), Hiren Vaishnav (28), Milan Shukla (31), Abhishek Shukla (33), Suraj Trivedi (18) and a 17-year-old boy from Visavadar town of Junagadh district. Forest officers said that Aniruddha, Milan, Abhishek and Suraj were residents of Bhavnagar district while Vaishnav was a resident of Visavadar.
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“They were caught while Vaishnav was staging an illegal lion show, and booked under sections related to the hunting of Schedule-I animal of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972,” SK Berwal, deputy conservator of forests (DCF) of Junagadh forest division told The Indian Express. “We produced them before a magistrate in Veraval in the evening (Monday) with a remand application. But the court granted bail to four of the accused while Vaishnav was sent to judicial custody. We shall produce the minor before he juvenile justice board on Tuesday.”
The DCF also said that Vaishnav, who lives in Rajkot, was the prime accused as he had staged the illegal lion show. “We shall probe the trail of money paid for the show,” he added.
Berwal said that some locals had protested action by the forest department saying that the lion had been roaming in the revenue area. “But Wildlife (Protection) Act applies where wild animals range. The matter was brought to the notice of Gir Somnath district police and the police have filed a case of deterring public servants from performing their duties,” he said.
Gir forest and other protected areas spread across Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli and Bhavnagar districts in Saurashtra region are the only natural abode of Asiatic lions in the world. But a number of lions freely roam through revenue areas surrounding the protected forest areas.
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/gujarat-six-held-for-illegal-lion-show-in-gir-5713822/

Return to motherland: Asiatic lion to return to Iran after 80 years

April 30, 2019

TEHRAN — Tehran Zoological Garden, also known as Eram Zoo, will be home to Asiatic lion, which was extinct in the country for almost 80 years, a veterinarian at Eram Zoo has said.
According to Iman Memarian the last remaining Asiatic lion was sighted about 80 years ago in Iran. He went on to explain that before and after the Islamic Revolution (1979) Iran made attempts to bring back Asiatic lion to Iran, but Indians did not cooperate.
Tehran Zoological Garden has put in efforts to bring back Asiatic lion to Iran for 6 years, he said, adding that, “we submitted our request to the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).”
“We also developed a lion pen which complied with EAZA's standards,” Memarian highlighted.
According to the National Geographic nearly all wild lions live in sub-Saharan Africa, but one small population of Asiatic lions exists in India's Gir Forest. Asiatic lions and African lions are subspecies of the same species.
European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) recommended that a male and a female lions will be brought to Iran, however, U.S sanctions against Iran has complicated the transfer.
And now after years of collective attempts on Wednesday morning Tehran Zoological Garden will celebrate the return of the Asiatic lion to the country, Memarian concluded.
Asiatic lions once prowled from the Middle East to India. Now, only a fraction of these magnificent animals survive in the wild. Its range is restricted to the Gir National Park and environs in the Indian state of Gujarat. The Gir Forest's dry teak woods were once a royal hunting ground. Today they are a reserve where these at-risk big cats are heavily protected.
On the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, it is listed under its former scientific name Panthera leo persica as Endangered because of its small population size and area of occupancy. It was also known as "Indian lion" and "Persian lion".
Until the 19th century, it occurred in eastern Turkey, Iran, Mesopotamia, and from east of the Indus River to Bengal and Narmada River in Central India. Since the turn of the 20th century, it is restricted to the Gir Forest National Park and surrounding areas.
Historical records in Iran indicate that it ranged from the Khuzestan Plain to the Fars in steppe vegetation and pistachio-almond woodlands. It was widespread in the country, but in the 1870s, it was sighted only on the western slopes of the Zagros Mountains, and in the forest regions south of Shiraz. Some of the country's last lions were sighted in 1941 between Shiraz and Jahrom in Fars province, and in 1942, a lion was spotted about 65 km northwest of Dezful. In 1944, the corpse of a lioness was found on the banks of Karun River in Khuzestan province.
Conflicts with humans, wildfires, poaching, canine distemper virus, decreases in population sizes of native ungulates are of the threats to the lions.
MQ/MG
https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/435309/Return-to-motherland-Asiatic-lion-to-return-to-Iran-after-80