Friday, July 31, 2020

Roll Call for Africa’s Lions Proving to be Hard

African lions are one of the world’s favourite animals. But their numbers have been shrinking over the past century, especially over the past 30 years. Some scientists estimate that their numbers have halved since 1994. Estimates of the total population of Africa’s king of beasts vary, but a recent CITES report suggested that only about 25,000 remain in the wild, across 102 populations in Africa. But the numbers in this report aren’t particularly reliable. Most used traditional survey approaches – like counts of lion footprints, audio lure surveys or expert opinion – and many were not peer-reviewed. These traditional methods of counting lions produce highly uncertain estimates. A count of lions using their footprints may give you an estimate of, say, 50 lions in an area. But the uncertainty around this estimate could be between 15 and 100 individuals. This large uncertainty makes tracking how lion populations change from year to year nearly impossible. Our recent review shows that the majority of methods used to count African and Asiatic lions use these less robust methods.

SOURCE: THE CONVERSATION

https://africa.com/roll-call-for-africas-lions-proving-to-be-hard/

Save the lions, not false pride

Hubert and Kalisa, 21-Year-Old African Lion Couple of LA Zoo Euthanized Due to Age-Related Illnesses, Check Old Pics of The Power Couple That Shows Their Forever Love

Team Latestly|

Hubert and Kalisa, 21-Year-Old African Lion Couple of LA Zoo Euthanized Due to Age-Related Illnesses, Check Old Pics of The Power Couple That Shows Their Forever Love
Hubert and Kalisa lion couple (Photo Credits: Twitter)

Hubert and Kalisa, an iconic lion pair that lived in LA zoo over two decades have been finally laid to rest following their health problems. The 21-year-old lion couple from LA zoo were euthanized due to declining health and suffering age-related problems. It was a difficult decision for euthanising both the African lions but they were an inseparable couple and it had to be done. The two definitely lived a long life and had made a mark on some of the visitors over the years. People have taken to Twitter to mourn the loss as some share the pictures and videos of this lovable couple from the LA zoo. STUNNING! 20 Lions Drink Water Together at River in South Africa's Mala Mala Game Reserve, Spectacular Sight Caught on Camera! (Watch Video).

As per the statement of LA Zoo Alisa Behar, the curator said, "This is a very hard loss for our Zoo community." The lion Hubert was born in Lincoln Park Zoo in 1999. He met with Kalisa at the Woodland Park Zoo. The pair were moved to the L.A. Zoo in 2014 and became a pride of the place. Hubert and Kalisa were together for years but what's also amusing is this lion couple never produced any cubs together. Hubert in his lifetime fathered 10 cubs. But the couple always cuddled and muzzled together. "You cannot think of Hubert without thinking of his companion, Kalisa; they’ve been an inseparable couple for years," Behar said. People on Twitter are sharing some pics and videos from the past of Huber and Kalisa. The ‘Royal’ Jungle Affair! Lion and Lioness Captured Into a Roaring Argument in Gujarat’s Gir Forest, Twitterati Reacts to the Viral Video With Hilarious Husband-Wife Jokes.

https://www.latestly.com/social-viral/hubert-and-kalisa-21-year-old-african-lion-couple-of-la-zoo-euthanized-due-to-age-related-illnesses-check-old-pics-of-the-power-couple-that-shows-their-forever-love-1930891.html

Thursday, July 30, 2020

Gujarat Leopard kills old man


    Talala (Guj), Jul 28 (PTI) A 64-year-old man was
mauled to death by a leopard at his mango farm in Talala
taluka of Gir-Somnath district in Gujarat, officials said on
Tuesday.
    The mango farm of the deceased, Laxmidas Sureja, is
situated in Virpur village near the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary.
    Initially, locals suspected it to be a case of murder,
a Forest department release said.
    "After getting information about a suspected murder on
Monday night, police and forest officials reached the spot.
However, investigation revealed that Sureja was killed by a
wild animal," it said.
    The animal was later confirmed to be a leopard. PTI
CORR PJT PD
NSK NSK

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)

https://www.theweek.in/wire-updates/national/2020/07/28/bes34-gj-leopard.html

'Surviving Joe Exotic': What are ligers and why are Exotic's hybrids considered unethical?

There are very few ligers in existence — one of the reasons for this is because ligers are likely to die at a very young age due to congenital defects

By Neetha K
Published on : 19:04 PST, Jul 25, 2020

                            'Surviving Joe Exotic': What are ligers and why are Exotic's hybrids considered unethical?
(Getty Images)

While it may seem like it was long ago, it has only been a handful of months since Netflix's documentary 'Tiger King: Mayhem and Madness' took the country by storm. Chronicling the big cat breeding career of Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage aka Joe Exotic, 'Tiger King' introduced the breeder to a large audience as he soon gained popularity. However, 'Tiger King' received criticism for not documenting Joe Exotic's propensity for animal abuse.

A new documentary by Animal Planet, 'Surviving Joe Exotic' takes care to resolve that by focusing on the animals that were abused on Joe Exotic's Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park aka GW Park. In 2019, Joe Exotic was convicted on 17 federal charges of animal abuse (eight violations of the Lacey Act and nine of the Endangered Species Act)[5] and two counts of murder for hire, for a plot to kill Big Cat Rescue CEO, Carole Baskin. He is serving a 22-year sentence in federal prison. 

In interview footage of the breeder, we see him mention "ligers" — a tiger-lion hybrid that was bred by him. A liger is a result of breeding a male lion with a tigress, whereas another hybrid, a tigon is a result of breeding a male tiger to a lioness. Naturally, tigers and lions do not exist in the wild in the same areas — one exception is the Gir Forest in India, but till today, a naturally bred liger has never been found — the reasons vary but it is likely that because of the different appearances, the two cats are unlikely to mate with each other.

There are very few ligers in existence — one of the reasons for this is because ligers are likely to die at a very young age due to congenital defects. When forced together, the offspring can have multiple health and genetic issues due to their parentage. Ligers have the potential to suffer from gigantism, often leading to organ failure and other health concerns.

Gigantism can occur because male lions have a growth gene that enables their cubs to be bigger, ensuring their offspring will out-compete other cubs of the same litter. When a male lion breeds with a female tiger, her genes do not know how to stop the growth of the cubs, causing the offspring to continue growing. This is also harmful to the female tiger who carries the liger cubs, putting her life in danger as well. Because big cat hybrids are not considered real species, they serve no purpose for conservation efforts. They exist purely for human entertainment.

Many animal rights organizations such as PETA, Animal Legal Defense Fund, the Performing Animal Welfare Society, the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, The Wildcat Sanctuary, Big Cat Rescue, Keepers of the Wild, and Lions, Tigers & Bears submitted a petition for rulemaking to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) detailing how tiger/lion hybrids are bred to suffer "for an exhibitor's quick buck." The asked the USDA to "take proactive steps to curtail the practice by some licensees who purposefully breed tigers and other big cats for deleterious genetic mutations and to create interspecies hybrids."

If you have an entertainment scoop or a story for us, please reach out to us on (323) 421-7515

https://meaww.com/surviving-joe-exotic-lion-tiger-liger-hybrid-unethical-peta-breeder-interspecies-genetic-defect

Fight between lion and lioness goes viral. Twitter has the best husband-wife jokes

A video of a lion and a lioness fighting in Gir Forest has gone viral. Twitter has the best jokes.

Snip from the video. Photo: Twitter/ Wild India
Snip from the video. Photo: Twitter/ Wild India

Time and again we come across some really stunning wildlife pictures and videos on social media. Recently, the photos of a rare black panther in Karnataka went viral. This time it is a fight between a lion and a lioness.

The video that we are talking about was shot by wildlife photographer and politician, Zubin Ashara. It was tweeted by the account Wild India with the caption, “The Royal affair captured in Gir forest by @zubinashara. Headphone recommended.” You must really watch this video either on full volume or with headphones.

The clip is from Gir forest, Gujarat. The stunning 22-second-video shows a lion and a lioness standing on two ends of a dirt track. The lioness can be seen roaring at the lion while trying to fight him as he tries to cross the road. The splendid roars are the highlight of the clip.

As soon as the footage of the fight was shared, it went viral. The video garnered over 7.6k views and more than 1,000 likes within an hour of being posted.

However, Twitter found humour in this situation and came up with the best husband-wife jokes. Have a look at some of the comments:

https://www.indiatoday.in/trending-news/story/fight-between-lion-and-lioness-goes-viral-twitter-has-the-best-husband-wife-jokes-1704573-2020-07-26

Watchtower to come up at Devaliya safari park

The project is aimed at affording tourists a view of Gir forest from a height,” Dushyant Vasavada, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) of Junagadh wildlife circle told The Indian Express on Friday.
By: Express News Service | Rajkot | Published: July 25, 2020 4:35:40 am
Devaliya safari park, Gir forest, watch tower at Devaliya safari park, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited, Devaliya safari park project, indian express news

AROUND A 100-feet tall watchtower, an amphitheatre, open library, children play area and selfie points are some of the projects which will come up in and around Sasan in Gir forest as part of a makeover of tourist facilities at the eco-tourism hub of Gujarat in coming months.

The Gujarat forest department and the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL) have drawn a master plan for beautification of Sinh Sadan, the guest house of forest department in Sasan village, arboretum and birding point and nature park, also in Sasan; the sunset point in nearby Bhalchhel village and Devaliya safari park. The project cost of Rs 30 crore will be borne by TCGL.

The project includes a proposal to construct a watchtower with a height of 30 metre (around 100 feet) at Devaliya safari park. “It will be like a traditional forest watchtower with the only difference being its height. The project is aimed at affording tourists a view of Gir forest from a height,” Dushyant Vasavada, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) of Junagadh wildlife circle told The Indian Express on Friday.

The plan includes redesigning entry gate No.1 at Sinh Sadan, renovation of reception centre and tourist plaza there, building a Gir orientation centre and extending the existing souvenir shops. In the nearby arboratem and birding point, entry gate would be redesigned and a new souvenir shop would be built. A dedicated children play area would be developed as well a new toilet block will also be constructed.

In the nature park, which hosts school students for nature camps, an information centre would be constructed besides pitching tents for teachers, students and staff. At the foot of Bhalchhel hill, the sunset point, an amphitheatre, food court, hangout zone, selfie point, ticketing building and toilet blocks wold be constructed.

In the Devealiya safari park, entry gate and food kiosk would be redesigned, souvenir shop would be renovated, sitting arrangements would be added in the tourist waiting area and a huge parking space will be developed.

Gir forest and other protected areas spread across Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli and Bhavnagar districts are the only natural habitat of Asiatic lions in the world. Tourist footfall at Sasan, from where lion safaris going into the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (GNPWS) originate, and the Devaliya safari park has increased manifold after the TCGL highlighted the Gir forest and Asiatic lions in its Khooshbu Gujarat Ki promotional campaign in 2010.

As part of the first phase of the project covering facilities at Sinh Sadan, the TCGL floated tenders for work worth Rs 10 crore on Tuesday.

Jenu Devan, managing director of TCGL said, “We have drawn this plan in consultation with the forest department and the project would be completed in about 18 months,” he said.

The MD added that any green clearances were not required for these projects as they “mainly involve refurbishing and redesigning existing
structures.”

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/watchtower-to-come-up-at-devaliya-safari-park-6522350/

Made in India: Wildlife edition

We asked a conservation expert about amazing animals endemic to this part of the world

Sir David Attenborough’s vow to save Whipsnade Zoo backed by celebrity comedians

PUBLISHED: 17:01 25 July 2020


Sean Lock is one of many comedians supporting David Attenborough's appeal to help Whipsnade and London Zoos. Picture: ZSL Wunderman Thompson

Sean Lock is one of many comedians supporting David Attenborough's appeal to help Whipsnade and London Zoos. Picture: ZSL Wunderman Thompson

Famous comedians have backed Sir David Attenborough’s appeal to keep Whipsnade and London Zoos open as they face financial troubles following the coronavirus lockdown.

Bob the Emperer Tamarin. Picture: ZSL Wunderman ThompsonBob the Emperer Tamarin. Picture: ZSL Wunderman Thompson

A host of stars including Jonathan Ross and Catherine Tate are lining up behind Sir David Attenborough to support ZSL London Zoo in its hour of need – with a star-studded TV ad which debuted on Channel 5 and across Sky channels on Monday.

The famous comedians will voice zoo animals plotting ways to save the zoo – including a technologically inept giraffe, two hip hash-tagging lemurs and a spiritual gorilla.

Penguin beach. Picture: ZSL Wunderman ThompsonPenguin beach. Picture: ZSL Wunderman Thompson

The launch of an appeal by Sir David Attenborough, calling on the public to protect ZSL – the charity behind the zoo – has attracted the support of a flock of famous comedians, including Bill Bailey, Alan Carr, Dane Baptiste and Shazia Mirza, who are all voicing zoo animals for the light-hearted television advert with a serious message.

The short film shows Bob the emperor tamarin monkey, voiced by Bill Bailey, chairing a zoo marketing meeting with his furred and feathered ‘colleagues’ to discuss how to raise urgent funds, with Bhanu, London Zoo’s male Asiatic lion, landing on the winning idea through an accidental screen freeze.

Frank the meerkat. Picture: ZSL Wunderman ThompsonFrank the meerkat. Picture: ZSL Wunderman Thompson

ZSL, the international conservation charity behind London and Whipsnade Zoos, is running its biggest ever fundraising drive to ensure its ground-breaking science, global conservation work and two world-class zoos can survive in the face of major financial losses.

Relying on the power of laughter to raise money, the charity hopes to claw back some of the income lost due to the coronavirus-enforced zoo closures, with an aim of generating £1 million a month.

The zoos are appealing for support to keep going after being hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: ZSL Wunderman ThompsonThe zoos are appealing for support to keep going after being hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: ZSL Wunderman Thompson

Bill Bailey said: “I knew ZSL and its two zoos were struggling with the devastating effects of the pandemic, and I wanted to help in any way I could.

“I was delighted to voice Bob the tamarin to support their appeal, as it’s for an excellent cause. I also think Bob and I are quite similar, we both share a certain joie de vivre, and have eccentric facial hair. I’ve worked with ZSL on a number of occasions to raise awareness and support for their important conservation projects for threatened species – but now they’re the ones at risk. This is how I can help.”

Dane Baptiste is one of many comedians supporting David Attenborough's appeal to help Whipsnade and London Zoos. Picture: ZSL Wunderman ThompsonDane Baptiste is one of many comedians supporting David Attenborough's appeal to help Whipsnade and London Zoos. Picture: ZSL Wunderman Thompson

ZSL director general Dominic Jermey said: “The closure of London and Whipsnade Zoos put us under immense financial pressure – we’re fighting our biggest challenge in our 200-year history. The situation ZSL is facing is anything but funny.

“But we know that building a connection between people and wildlife is vital to generate understanding and support. We’re hoping this light-hearted approach, supported by an incredible array of comedians who have generously donated their voices to our campaign, will get people smiling and donating.

Effie the gorilla. Picture: ZSL Wunderman ThompsonEffie the gorilla. Picture: ZSL Wunderman Thompson

“Our zoos fund global conservation work and ground-breaking science at the world-renowned ZSL Institute of Zoology. While they may have been able to reopen their gates to the public, we’re still struggling. We need help now if we are to stay open.”

Support the appeal at www.zsl.org/justgiving.

https://www.hertsad.co.uk/news/comedians-back-zoo-appeal-1-6762367

Endangered Lions, Tigers, Bears and Lemurs Are Born in Animal Sanctuaries

July 25, 2020, 2:38 PM
A host of endangered species have been born recently at zoos and sanctuaries around the world. In a zoo in Poland, a Sumatran Tiger cub, born in May, romped with its mother. Two Asiatic Lion cubs were born at a zoo in Rome this spring. On the other end of the cat size spectrum, two Black Footed Cats were born in April at the San Diego Zoo. The Black Footed Cat is one of the smallest wild cat species in the world. It’s also one of the deadliest.

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/endangered-lions-tigers-bears-lemurs-090826593.html

Etawah Lion Safari ready to help Gir national park probe big cat mortality

Experts at the Etawah Lion Safari suspect canine distemper as one of the possible reasons behind the frequent deaths of the big cats at the Gir national park.

India Updated: Jul 25, 2020 15:06 IST
HT Correspondent| Edited by Sabir Husain
Hindustan Times, Lucknow

Wildlife experts from the Lion Breeding Centre and Multiple Safari (LBCMS) Park in Etawah, also known as Etawah Lion Safari, have expressed willingness to probe the deaths of Asiatic lions in Gujarat’s Gir Forest National Park.

In 2018 also, the Etawah Lion Safari had helped out the Gir national park.

“We are more than willing to assist the Gir Forest National Park by probing the death of such a large number of Asiatic lions. It has been reported that in the past five months, more than 80 lions have died due to various reasons,” said VK Singh, director LBCMS Park.

Singh, who suspects canine distemper one of the possible reasons behind the frequent deaths, said they have a reserve of around 150 vials of the CDV vaccine, which they can offer to the Gir park.

The Etawah Lion Safari has been populated with lions that were brought from Gir. Singh said the LBCMS Park has over the years gained expertise in administering the CDV vaccine, which is rare and not available anywhere in the country.

Samajwadi Party chief and former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav’s dream project, the Etawah Lion Safari first saw the usage of CDV vaccine in 2016 after the safari witnessed deaths of five lions between 2014 and 2016 due to canine distemper.

“In a probe, it was found that the lions died of canine distemper which, until then, was believed to affect only dogs. Hence, we got the vaccine C-DV Ferret from San Diego zoo in the US and administered it to the lions,” said Singh.

The director further said, “This vaccine is rare. We import it from the US. We are the only body in India to have CDV vaccine. Also there is a certain technique through which this vaccine is administered and over the years, we have gained expertise in administering the vaccine. No deaths have been reported at the lion safari since then.”

At present the Etawah Lion Safari has 18 Asiatic lions -- 7 were born at the safari itself.

Lion safari officials said in 2018 they had assisted them in probing the deaths of a large number of Asiatic lions and had also provided the Gir national park with 200 vials of CDV vaccine.

“It was after they (Gir park) approached us that we had sent an expert and 200 vials of vaccine to administer to the lions. Back then, the park witnessed the deathof around 85 lions, of which 59 died of canine distemper virus infection,” Singh said.

On Friday Akhilesh Yadav took to Twitter to express concern over the frequent deaths of lions in Gujarat in the past five months.

“During our time, the Etawah Lion Safari became virus free. The first Asiatic Lion Breeding and Research facility was set up and it developed the vaccine for canine distemper virus. We have lots of vaccines which we would like to offer to Gir National Park to help save their lions,” he said in his tweet.

He also shared a photo of lions with a caption — 85 lions have died in the past five months in Gir forest. Is it because of canine distemper virus?

Officials at the Gir national park could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.

Being the lone agency to have the canine distemper virus vaccine, Singh said the Lion Safari also sends CDV vaccines to Kolkata, Darjeeling, Chandigarh and Guwahati zoos. In the last financial year, the Etawah Lion Safari has distributed around 1,000 vials of the vaccine.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/etawah-lion-safari-ready-to-help-gir-national-park-probe-big-cat-mortality/story-zIiHK7yxhOmYnpVs04kgTP.html

India gets the first-ever Siddi lawmaker. Did you know India is home to about 60,000 people from the community which descended from Bantu people of Africa

Presence of Siddis in India can be traced back as far as the 7th century. It is believed that they were first brought in by Arabs as slaves followed by Portuguese and Britishers. They have been craftsmen, mercenaries, sailors and merchants. Most of the community members now depend upon agriculture or manual labour.
23 July, 2020

Shantaram Budna Siddi, who lives in Hitlalli village of Yallapur in Uttara Kannada district, became the first Siddi tribe member to be nominated for the Karnataka Legislative Council. The state government has nominated five persons to the Council on Wednesday including Shantaram. In his statement to The Hindu, he said that till now he could do whatever little help he can provide to the people.

On Wednesday, Karnataka governor Vajubhai Vala appointed 5 new MLC members from the BJP and Shantaram Budna Siddi, the state secretary of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram was one of them.

“I did not understand it fully. I thought someone might be playing a prank. I went home for lunch. It was then that my wife and I started getting calls continuously, congratulating me for the nomination,” he added while telling about the experience when he first learned about becoming an MLC.

The fascinating history of the Siddi community

Siddis is an isolated community that is spread along the coast of Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. Their roots trace back to Africa. They have an estimated population of 50,000 to 60,000. Most of them are practising Muslims, but many of those who live in Karnataka are Catholics. Majority of their population is concentrated in Junagarh, Gujarat.

However, some reports mention that the Siddis living in Karnataka and other parts of India had not even found out about each other till recent years, because they have been living lives of seclusion in different states, their ancestors having come from different African ports centuries ago.

Their main occupation is agriculture, but it is hard to find landowners among the community. Most of them work as labourers in the field. Their community members often migrate to metro cities for better jobs and lifestyle.

Presence of Siddis in India can be traced back as far as the 7th century. It is believed that they were first brought in by Arabs as slaves followed by Portuguese and Britishers. Many Siddis came to India as merchants, sailors and mercenaries. In later years, the community migrated to forests to avoid conflicts and lead a quiet life.

Siddis of Gujarat

The Siddis of Gujarat had come to the erstwhile princely state of Junagarh. There are some reports which say the King of Junagarh had fallen in love and married a woman from East Africa and she had brought over a 100 slaves and servants with her, who settled down with their families around the Gir forests.

Over the years, the Gujarat government has started some development programs to help the marginalised community often struggling with poverty. In 2010, the then government had started an initiative that trained the Siddi community members as eco-guides in the Gir forest region.

Unique traditions and culture, a blend of Indian and African heritage

They have unique traditions and still follow some of the cultural practices blended with Indian culture and African heritage. Their folk dance, Dhamal, is known for its unique style in which the male dancers paint their bodies and move to the drum beats. Artists who perform Dhamal are often regarded as some of the best tribal dancers in India as well as abroad. Dance moves in Dhamal resemble the folk dances of Africa.

Siddis’ history is India is hard to track mostly because of lack of interest shown by the government authorities and fellow citizens. However, some of the markers indicating their importance in history is still nurtured in the form of architecture. The beautifully carved tree-of-life latticework into the stone windows of Sidi Sayed Mosque, Ahmedabad, is one of the finest examples of their craftsmanship. The community is still struggling to get land rights and mark their presence at the higher positions in the hierarchy. The inclusion of a tribe member as MLC may bring some hope and change for the community.

https://www.opindia.com/2020/07/shantaram-budna-siddi-karnataka-mlc-governor-vajubhai-bala-africa-bantu-tribe/

Village near Gir sanctuary opts for four-day lockdown

Sasan Gir village in Junagadh district, renowned as the gateway to the Gir Lion Sanctuary and National Park, on Monday went into a self-imposed four-day lockdown in view of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The decision was taken at a meeting in the village on Monday which was attended by shopkeepers and hoteliers after two people tested positive for the virus, said Sasan village sarpanch Jumabhai Katiya.

“To stop further spread of the virus, we thought the only way was to completely stop human interaction. So we have unanimously decided to observe a self-imposed lockdown for four days, starting Monday,” he said.

Sasan Gir has a population of around 3,500, while some 5,000 tourists arrive every day during peak season to catch a glimpse of the magnificent Asiatic lion in its last abode.

There are over 200 hotels in and around Sasan along with numerous eateries.

“Luckily there are no tourists to manage at present. We got total support for the lockdown ,” Mr. Katiya said.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/village-near-gir-sanctuary-opts-for-four-day-lockdown/article32144850.ece

Comedians join Sir David Attenborough to save Whipsnade Zoo

Famous comedians back Sir David Attenborough’s appeal to keep London and Whipsnade Zoos open

Monday, 20th July 2020, 8:41 am
Updated

A host of stars are lining up behind Sir David Attenborough to support ZSL London Zoo in its hour of need – with a star-studded TV ad due to debut on Channel 5 and across Sky channels today (Monday).

Jonathan Ross, Catherine Tate and Meera Syal are just some of the comedians that will voice zoo animals plotting ways to save the zoo – including a technologically inept giraffe, two hip hash-tagging lemurs and a spiritual gorilla.

The launch of an appeal by Sir David Attenborough, calling on the public to protect ZSL - the charity behind the zoo - has attracted the support of a flock of famous comedians, including Bill Bailey, Alan Carr, Dane Baptiste and Shazia Mirza, who are all voicing zoo animals for the light-hearted television advert with a serious message.

Comedians will voice zoo animals plotting ways to save the zoo (C) ZSL

The short film shows Bob the emperor tamarin monkey, voiced by Bill Bailey, chairing a zoo marketing meeting with his furred and feathered ‘colleagues’ to discuss how to raise urgent funds, with Bhanu, London Zoo’s male Asiatic lion, landing on the winning idea through an accidental screen freeze.

Both Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo were forced to close just before the country went into lockdown in March, although they are now open, they still need public’s help to keep the zoos running.

ZSL, the international conservation charity behind London and Whipsnade Zoos, is running its biggest ever fundraising drive to ensure its ground-breaking science, global conservation work and two world-class zoos can survive in the face of major financial losses.

Relying on the power of laughter to raise money, the charity hopes to claw back some of the income lost due to the coronavirus-enforced zoo closures, with an aim of generating £1million a month.


Comedians will voice zoo animals plotting ways to save the zoo (C) ZSL

Bill Bailey, comedian, musician and actor, and long-time supporter of ZSL said: “I knew ZSL and its two zoos were struggling with the devastating effects of the pandemic, and I wanted to help in any way I could.

“I was delighted to voice Bob the tamarin to support their appeal, as it’s for an excellent cause.

"I also think Bob and I are quite similar, we both share a certain joie de vivre, and have eccentric facial hair.

"I’ve worked with ZSL on a number of occasions to raise awareness and support for their important conservation projects for threatened species – but now they’re the ones at risk. This is how I can help.”

Comedians will voice zoo animals plotting ways to save the zoo (C) ZSL

The appeal will leave no avenue unexplored with print, digital and television advertising space used to maximise awareness of the charity’s plight. All creative services and production have been donated by agency Wunderman Thompson, ad spaces donated, and funds channelled through JustGiving at www.zsl.org/justgiving.

ZSL Director General Dominic Jermey said: “The closure of London and Whipsnade Zoos put us under immense financial pressure; we’re fighting our biggest challenge in our 200-year history.

"The situation ZSL is facing is anything but funny. But we know that building a connection between people and wildlife is vital to generate understanding and support.

"We’re hoping this light-hearted approach, supported by an incredible array of comedians who have generously donated their voices to our campaign, will get people smiling and donating.

“Our zoos fund global conservation work and ground-breaking science at the world-renowned ZSL Institute of Zoology.

"While they may have been able to reopen their gates to the public, we’re still struggling. We need help now if we are to stay open.”

https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/business/consumer/comedians-join-sir-david-attenborough-save-whipsnade-zoo-2918159

COVID-19 pandemic throws wildlife projects off track

 Date :20-Jul-2020
By Ankita Garg :
 
COVID-19 pandemic has thrown various projects of MP Forest and Wildlife off track including translocation of Asiatic lion, Cheetah, development of new wildlife sanctuaries as well. The Forest Department has submitted its draft for 15 new wildlife sanctuaries, wildlife wing was expecting translocation of Asiatic lion from Gujarat and cheetah from African countries.
 
To set up new wildlife sanctuaries, District Forest Officers identified possible areas in their districts where sanctuaries and parks can be developed. Directions were given to mark 200 hectare land for each sanctuary. The proposal aimed to increase revenue from tourism sector by 200 crores. There were also proposal for wildlife entertainment zone to attract tourists. There was separate proposal of developing Ratapani and Mandata as National Park. Talking to ‘The Hitavada’, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) Alok Kumar said, “Draft for new wildlife sanctuaries has been submitted already to the Government by the Wildlife Wing. This was really a good initiative for better conservation of wildlife.
 
But currently, all projects have been put on hold due to pandemic. We are also focusing on safety of animals as well as staff from the deadly virus.” He further said the pandemic has paralysed entire working and many people have been left unemployed as their livelihood depended on tourism only. Though national parks and buffer zone of tiger reserves have been kept open during monsoon but number of visitors is very less.

https://www.thehitavada.com/Encyc/2020/7/20/COVID-19-pandemic-throws-wildlife-projects-off-track.html

Virus: Sasan near Gir lion sanctuary opts for 4-day lockdown

20 July 2020  Last Updated at 3:33 pm | Source: PTI
Junagadh, Jul 20 (PTI) Sasan Gir village in Gujarat''s Junagadh district, renowned as the gateway to the Gir Lion Sanctuary and National Park, on Monday went into a self- imposed 4-day lockdown in view of the coronavirus outbreak.

The decision was taken at a meeting in the village on Monday which was attended by shopkeepers and hoteliers after two people tested positive for the virus, said Sasan village sarpanch Jumabhai Katiya.

"To stop further spread of the virus, we thought the only way was to completely stop human interaction. So we have unanimously decided to observe a self-imposed lockdown for four days, starting Monday," said Katiya.

Sasan Gir has a population of around 3,500, while some 5,000 tourists arrive every day during peak season to catch a glimpse of the magnificent Asiatic lion in its last abode.

There are over 200 hotels in and around Sasan along with numerous eateries.

"Luckily there are no tourists to manage at present. We got total support for the lockdown from the administration as well as the hotel owners association. The village will be shut for four days," Katiya informed.

Hotels and shops will be closed for four days to contain the outbreak, said local hotel association member Anil Kanabar.

District development officer Praveen Chaudhary said Junagadh has so far reported 546 COVID-19 cases, with 13 people succumbing to the infection.

"We have learnt that villagers of Sasan are observing a 4-day lockdown. Till now, two people from the village have tested positive and are admitted in a hospital in Veraval," Chaudhary said. PTI COR PJT PD BNM BNM

https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/virus-sasan-near-gir-lion-sanctuary-opts-for-4day-lockdown/1898819


Man Receives 'warm Welcome From Wildlife' As An Alligator Knocks Over His Kayak; Watch

Last Updated:

Written By
Shakir Khan

An Alligator was caught on camera as it charged at a kayak. The man puddling the kayak falls down in the water in his encounter with the reptile. Watch

An encounter with a wild predator can be heart-wrenching. Alligators are one of the most dangerous predators in the water. Recently, a video surfaced online where a kayaker got hit by an alligator. The video has now gone viral on the internet. Read to know more about this incident- 

Kayak hit by an alligator

Peter Joyce, an experienced kayaker, uploaded a video of his encounter with an alligator. In the video, he is seen paddling in a swampy area of the Waccamaw River, North Carolina. The 2:01 minute video has him paddling swiftly and exploring the place. He takes a few second halts and then moves ahead again. As he goes further slowly, he suddenly gets slammed by an alligator from his left side.

The Kayak flips over with force and Joyce is seen in water for a moment. However, he gets back up as soon as possible, and the kayak does not get turned over. The Kayaker takes a few seconds to fathom what happened and then starts to paddle back rapidly. Peter Joyce uploaded the video on YouTube and wrote, “While paddling the upper Waccamaw in N.C. I received a warm welcome from the wildlife.” Check out the video below. You can watch the video in slow motion, reducing the speed in playback speed option, to see the alligator’s attack. 

The video soon became viral on the internet. A user commented, “That must have been the longest couple of seconds under water of your life!” Another user comment read, “I don’t think I have ever seen a alligator attacks like that. Almost looked like it was hydroplaning on top of the water before it hits the boat.” A user found the kayaker “lucky” stating that it was not a “full size” gator. The video has crossed 1 million views within five days of it being uploaded on YouTube, with 1.5 k likes.

Peter Joyce talked about his encounter with a daily. He said that he was just about to turn around when it came towards him. He stated that the video does not show how hard the impact was. The 46-year-old kayaker mentioned that the alligator hit the kayak so hard, he lost his balance and started to roll. Joyce added that the encounter did not end there, he felt the reptile under the kayak and hit it three times, hoping it would scare the alligator away as he climbed back in.

 An alligator biologist with the North Caroline Wildlife Resource Commission, Alicia Davis expressed her views on the attack to a news agency. She said that it could have been a female that was trying to intimidate Peter Joyce. She mentioned that it may be a because they are a little bit aggressive around their nests. Davis stated that mostly they try to intimidate people if they get too close.

https://www.republicworld.com/entertainment-news/whats-viral/alligator-knocks-over-his-kayak-watch.html

Gujarat: Wildlife trackers protest prospect of their services being outsourced

Till the previous financial year, the society used to hire 160 trackers. The meeting was held on March 17, and the revelation comes days after GSLCS increased salaries of the trackers by 10 per cent.
Written by Gopal Kateshiya | Rajkot | Published: July 17, 2020 4:30:52 am

Wildlife trackers posted in the newly created Shetrunji wildlife division in greater Gir area, who have not been paid for the past three months, are now facing the prospect of their services being outsourced as the Gujarat State Lion Conservation Society (GSLCS), a quasi-government body, has not included 23 of these trackers in its annual programme of work for 2020-21. In protest, the wildlife trackers began striking work from Thursday.

“As per the decision taken at a meeting of DCFs organised in this office, posts of 49 trackers and other sanctioned posts are to be filled through outsourcing as per grant allocated in state budget and therefore they (the posts) have not been included in the programme of work of the Gujarat State Lion Conservation Society (GSLCS) for the year 2020-21,” said the letter dated July 1, a copy of which is with The Indian Express, sent by Dushyant Vasavada, chief conservator of forests (CCF) of Junagadh wildlife circle, who is ex-officio member secretary of GSLCS.

Till the previous financial year, the society used to hire 160 trackers. The meeting was held on March 17, and the revelation comes days after GSLCS increased salaries of the trackers by 10 per cent.

The Junagadh wildlife circle includes Gir (east), Gir (west), Sasan and newly-created Shetrunji wildlife divisions as well as Blackbuck National Park in Velavadar of Bhavnagar. Each of these divisions are headed by a DCF (deputy conservator of forests). Shetrunji division, created around a year ago, was carved out of Amreli and Bhavnagar districts and trackers earlier attached with the Amreli social forestry division were placed at its disposal.

GSLCS has been engaging 160 lion trackers on contract basis for the past few years. These contracts run from May to March and are generally renewed in May every year. This year, contracts of trackers posted in other divisions were renewed, except those in the Shetrunji division.

“This is discriminatory. Our counterparts in other divisions will continue to work as contract employees of GSLCS but we will be left to be exploited by outsourcing agencies. The agencies may take a share of our salary… also there’s no clarify if I will be able to retain my job,” said a tracker whose contract has not been renewed this year.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Nisha Raj, DCF of Shetrunji wildlife division, said, “They have not been paid as they are not willing to work on outsourcing basis.” She added that their absence can affect wildlife monitoring in the area.

Wildlife trackers assist the forest department in management of wildlife, especially Asiatic lions in the greater Gir area spread across Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli and Bhavnagar districts, keeping a track of movement of Asiatic lions, the endangered species of big cats, and help in rescue and treatment of wild animals. Their monthly salary of Rs 10,000 to Rs14,000, is largely at the discretion of the officer designated by the DCF concerned.

However, 45 posts of trackers deployed along the Pipava-Surendranagar railway line and whose job it is to prevent lion deaths on the railway track find a mention in the PoW of the Society as “labourers from outsourcing agency for wildlife, including Asiatic lion monitoring on Pipavav-Surendranagar railway track” and allocates Rs 49.14 lakh towards their salary. The railway line also crosses the Shetrunji wildlife division, and tracker recruited trough outsourcing agencies have been manning them for the past five years.

The GSLCS is a quasi-government body established in 2007 to ramp up lion conservation efforts by the state government. Principal chief conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden of Gujarat is its ex-officio chairman while CCF of Junagadh wildlife circle is its ex-officio secretary. Wildlife conservationists are among its members.

The society gets revenue from eco-tourism activity in Gir as well as from donations by corporate houses. After its formation, the ociety started engaging as wildlife trackers those locals with knowledge of habits, behaviour and pattern of movement of wild animals in their respective areas. The society decided to outsource the services of these trackers in 2017 but backtracked after protests.

Vasavada told The Indian Express, “It is only that the pocket from which the salaries are paid changes. Earlier, the society used to pay. Now, it will be paid from another pocket but trackers will have the opportunity to continue doing their work.” He added that the forest department was only following the government policy of engaging Class IV employees through outsourcing agencies.

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/gujarat-wildlife-trackers-protest-prospect-of-their-services-being-outsourced-6509721/


Is it time to upgrade the science behind the lion census?

Mahesh Langa Mahesh Langa
July 17, 2020 12:08 IST

For over two decades, wildlife experts have been proposing newer methods to arrive at lion population sizes

Starting 2 p.m. on June 5, some 1,400 forest personnel, armed with binoculars, cameras and spreadsheets fanned out across dry deciduous and thorny scrub forests, fields and villages in and around Gujarat’s Gir National Park to count the world’s only remaining Asiatic lion population. The survey was over in 24 hours. And within the next few days the tally was announced.

The lion population, said the State forest department, had increased significantly by 29%, from 523 five years ago to 674. The department also said that the big cat’s distribution had increased to 30,000 sq.km. from 22,000 sq.km., covering nine districts in Saurashtra. All this despite the scourge of the canine distemper virus (CDV) outbreak in 2018 that killed 36 lions.

This heartening news about the Asiatic lion — an animal that was once close to extinction — was celebrated widely; ‘Kudos to the people of Gujarat and all those whose efforts have led to this excellent feat,’ the Prime Minister tweeted. But very soon, scientists raised questions: how do you count lions across thousands of square kilometres in 24 hours? How do you analyse and arrive at a figure in a matter of days? Is it not time that the census method — the block count method — used for decades, was upgraded to test newer techniques?

COVID impact

This year, the COVID-19 lockdown changed a few things. For instance, the wildlife experts who usually take part in this exercise could not do so, and it was carried out exclusively by the forest department; and second, the number of survey days was cut down from three to one. These, however, are not the only reasons why wildlife biologist Ravi Chellam, CEO, Metastring Foundation, who has spent decades studying Gir’s lions, believes the census numbers are unreliable.

He cites several other reasons too. “The scientific way of doing a census is to be transparent and open to peer review. Here, the method was not described in detail, the raw data not shared, the approach to analysis is not known and no independent individual is involved.”

Moreover, the survey lasted just 24 hours, “and just days later, like magic, a number was produced. The actual number could be less or more — at best it is a guesstimate,” he says.

The fact that 1,400 people participated in this exercise could create ‘observer bias,’ says Chellam. “One person’s ability to observe will differ from the next person’s. One person’s training and competence is going to differ from the next. It is best to have a small and dedicated set of people who devise a scientific way of doing the count.” Counting lions is no mean feat. Unlike tigers and leopards, lions do not have distinct coat patterns that camera traps can easily capture to help identify individuals.

In the case of lions, trackers must study their faces closely — especially the unique whisker spot pattern or ‘vibrissae pattern’, which is as good a distinguisher as stripe patterns for tigers and rosette patterns for leopards. Scratch marks or other scars are good markers too.

New method needed

For over two decades, wildlife experts have been proposing newer methods to arrive at lion population sizes. In several papers since 1999, Y.V. Jhala, senior scientist at the Wildlife Institute of India, has argued that a way to avoid double counts would be to differentiate individual animals though whisker spots and permanent body markings. When clubbed with a method called ‘spatially explicit density capture and recapture,’ where the density of lions in an area can be evaluated based on the presence of prey, the population can be better estimated.

The current method used by the Gujarat forest department monitors lions that visit watering holes. Experts say this could grossly under-count or over-count the animals; possibly counting the same lion multiple times.

A better method, experts say, would be to photograph lions, survey habitats, and calculate the probability of finding lions at distances from designated spots: for instance, watering holes, the site of a carcass, or areas where deer and other prey abound.

While the Gujarat forest department’s methodology is one that has been used consistently over decades, “one should always be open to testing new techniques, such as mark and recapture based on camera traps, even if it means more human resources and money,” says Meena Venkataraman, a wildlife biologist who researches the Asiatic lion. “What is amazing is that we have achieved this for tigers, who span such a diverse set of habitats across the country. For lions too, it could well be possible. We want the best way to look at how our lions are doing; a powerful alternate monitoring protocol.”

Dozens of deaths

Another matter of concern for scientists are the recent lion deaths in Gir. As many as 92 lions reportedly died of unnatural causes this year. A team of representatives from the government, the Wildlife Institute of India, the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Indian Veterinary Institute visited Gir in the last week of May but could not ascertain the exact cause of death. The State government vehemently denied the presence of CDV.

A former IFS officer termed the State forest department’s failure to get the samples of dead lions investigated as “criminal negligence,” but Shyamal Tikadar, principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) and chief wildlife warden of Gujarat, said that samples could not be sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune due to the lockdown. “We need to know where these lions died, if they are part of the same pride, we need to rule out CDV,” says Chellam.

Venkataraman believes that the focus on numbers distracts from the real picture. “The census just gives a number and a number is nothing. Scientists need to address new conservation challenges such as disease ecology and issues outside the protected area. We also need an understanding of lion ecology to devise conservation management strategies, and to get clues into their health, behaviour, prey-base and movement in human-dominated landscapes.”

Chellam agrees: “The census should ideally be part of a long-term population monitoring programme conducted over years — not just to get numbers, but to get a much deeper understanding of the animal. After all, we are talking about the only lions in all of Asia.”

With inputs from Jacob Koshy.
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/the-latest-census-showed-a-rise-in-lion-numbers-but-it-may-be-time-to-update-the-counting-methods/article32110981.ece

The lion got here to hunt buffalo within the forest, however one thing occurred that needed to run away after urgent the tail, watch viral video right here


The lion came to hunt buffalo in the forest, but something happened that had to run away after pressing the tail, watch viral video here

You will need to have seen many lion and different animal looking movies throughout your jungle safari, this time a wierd battle between lion and buffalo within the forest of Gir of Gujarat fell behind the buffalo lion and drove him far-off. It is being informed that it’s previous.

But Sushant Nanda, an officer of the Indian Forest Service, posted this video and it has gone viral.In the video, you’ll be able to see that some individuals have gone out on a jungle safari and so they noticed a lion on the best way, then the driving force stopped the lion of the forest Turned out on the highway and confirmed him a herd of buffalo there, however as quickly as he got here to satisfy him, a buffalo adopted him and ran him far.

The lion escaped contained in the forest of concern and the buffalo returned. A person was additionally seen working behind the buffalo. He was attempting to cease the buffalo. Sushant Nanda posted the video that captioned 'Jab apne lion apne bhakti Khosa Hai 'This video was shared by Sushant Nanda on July 11, which has up to now garnered greater than 8,000 views and greater than 700 likes and over 100 retweets and feedback.