Parish Joshi Posted: Nov 01, 2008 at 0131 hrs IST
Rajkot, October 31 : A total of Nine hotels in the vicinity of Sasan Gir village, which had been sealed by the Talala Mamlatdar some time ago for not obtaining no-objection certificates (NOC) from the Forest Department, have started functioning again, albeit illegally.
Every year, visitors from far and wide flock to this small village in Junagadh district. The infrastructure to manage tourism here is inadequate with just one functioning Government lodge, Sinh Sadan. In the last few years, however, over 30 private hotels have mushroomed to cash in on the heavy tourist inflow.
“Most of the private hotels that exist in Gir have neither obtained NOCs from the Forest Department nor have they followed any licensing formality. Till date, the authorities had paid a blind eye to this issue. But recently, following orders from the Junagadh District Collector, the Talala Mamlatdar had sealed around nine hotels in the vicinity of Sasan Gir forest.
“All of these sealed hotels had already applied for NOCs long ago, but nothing happened due to the lethargic attitude of the Forest Department. Now, with the tourist season having begun, over 20,000 visitors visit the sanctuary daily and many want to stay back. That’s why most of the sealed hotels have started functioning again,” said Bharat Chuhan, the owner of a small hotel in Sasan Gir.
When contacted, the Talala Mamlatdar, Amiben Doshi said: “The hotels had been sealed as per power given to me by the Collector, when we came to know that they had not obtained Forest Department NOCs. The local police have to check whether the hotels remain sealed or continue operation. Government holidays are on so we have not been able to follow up on this issue.”
The Forest Department, meanwhile, has not taken any interest in the issue. “We are busy managing the heavy traffic of Diwali in the sanctuary and in our interpretation zone, but once this rush recedes, we will look into the matter. As of now, I have not received any file of hotels asking for NOC from us,” said L A Chuhan, the Deputy Conservator of Forest, Sasan Gir.
Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Sealed-private-hotels-rule-the-roost--in-Sasan-Gir-during--tourist-season/380048
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Junagadh turns into a tourist hotspot during festive season.
Sibte Husain Bukhari Posted: Nov 02, 2008 at 0239 hrs IST
Junagadh, November 1 : Junagadh has become a hotspot for tourists during the holiday season. In the last five days, thousands of tourists from across the state have visited famous tourist sites here, particularly the Somnath Temple, Gir Forests, Girnar Mountains, holiday camp sites at Chorwad and Madhavpur beaches and the Sakkarbaug Zoo among other places. During this festive season, the Railways and the state transport earned remarkable income and transported lakhs of passengers.
Y P Jani, Deputy Station Superintendent, Junagadh Railway station, said: “Since the last five days, the Railways’ income, on an average, has been rupees three lakh per day. Some 30,000 passengers have travelled by train in the last five days.”
The state transport division also reported a similar increase in passenger numbers. A state transport official from the Junagadh bus station said the state transport (ST) recorded a daily passenger base of one lakh. “The ST earned an income of Rs 6 lakh per day at Junagadh during the last five days,” the official said.
V J Rana, Director, Sakkarbaug Zoo, Junagadh, said: “Over 50,000 tourists visited the zoo from October 28 to November 1. The zoo registered an income of Rs five lakh during this period.”
I A Chauhan, Deputy Conservator of Forest, Sasan Gir, said, “Over 10,000 tourists visited the Dewaliya Park and as many as 630 tourist vehicles were given permission to visit deep into the forest on pre-decided routes.” He said the Forest Department registered an income of Rs 10 lakh during the last five days.
The Somnath Temple, which is the most sacred and popular visiting site here, saw over eight lakh visitors during the last five days.
Vishal Shukla, Public Relations Officer, Somnath Temple, said: “The temple door was kept open from 6.30 am to 9.30 pm. Devotees were seen waiting in long queues during the festive season.”
Shukla said all the guest houses and hotels in the vicinity were packed. “There is absolutely no space. Roads leading to the temple were dotted with people. Shopkeepers, particularly those running food stalls, did brisk business,” he said.
Visitor rush has also been reported at various pilgrimage places in and around the Girnar Mountains and the beaches at Chorwad and Madhavpur.
Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Junagadh-turns-into-a-tourist-hotspot-during-festive-season/380402
Junagadh, November 1 : Junagadh has become a hotspot for tourists during the holiday season. In the last five days, thousands of tourists from across the state have visited famous tourist sites here, particularly the Somnath Temple, Gir Forests, Girnar Mountains, holiday camp sites at Chorwad and Madhavpur beaches and the Sakkarbaug Zoo among other places. During this festive season, the Railways and the state transport earned remarkable income and transported lakhs of passengers.
Y P Jani, Deputy Station Superintendent, Junagadh Railway station, said: “Since the last five days, the Railways’ income, on an average, has been rupees three lakh per day. Some 30,000 passengers have travelled by train in the last five days.”
The state transport division also reported a similar increase in passenger numbers. A state transport official from the Junagadh bus station said the state transport (ST) recorded a daily passenger base of one lakh. “The ST earned an income of Rs 6 lakh per day at Junagadh during the last five days,” the official said.
V J Rana, Director, Sakkarbaug Zoo, Junagadh, said: “Over 50,000 tourists visited the zoo from October 28 to November 1. The zoo registered an income of Rs five lakh during this period.”
I A Chauhan, Deputy Conservator of Forest, Sasan Gir, said, “Over 10,000 tourists visited the Dewaliya Park and as many as 630 tourist vehicles were given permission to visit deep into the forest on pre-decided routes.” He said the Forest Department registered an income of Rs 10 lakh during the last five days.
The Somnath Temple, which is the most sacred and popular visiting site here, saw over eight lakh visitors during the last five days.
Vishal Shukla, Public Relations Officer, Somnath Temple, said: “The temple door was kept open from 6.30 am to 9.30 pm. Devotees were seen waiting in long queues during the festive season.”
Shukla said all the guest houses and hotels in the vicinity were packed. “There is absolutely no space. Roads leading to the temple were dotted with people. Shopkeepers, particularly those running food stalls, did brisk business,” he said.
Visitor rush has also been reported at various pilgrimage places in and around the Girnar Mountains and the beaches at Chorwad and Madhavpur.
Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Junagadh-turns-into-a-tourist-hotspot-during-festive-season/380402
Gujarat forest staff set trap to catch straying lion, cubs
IANS
Published: October 28, 2008, 23:32
Ahmedabad: Gujarat forest officers have set a bait to catch a lioness and three of its cubs who have strayed far beyond their natural habitat in the Gir sanctuary, an official said on Monday.
"All the four animals are at a 'safe place' and under continuous observation by our senior officers though they are yet to be caught," chief conservator of forests (Junagadh range) Bharat Pathak said on telephone.
He said the lioness and its cubs were spotted near Gondal, 37km from Rajkot, and two forest department teams had set the bait to lure them back into the jungles. Forest officials are surprised that lions could stray so far out of the Gir forest and reach the outskirts of Gondal, some 150km away.
This movement is a "natural dispersion", said environmentalist Amit Jethava of the Gir Nature Your Club that has been fighting to save Gir lions from poaching.
"It happened in 2001 when a lion pride reached the outskirts of Gondal. I think illegal limestone mining is one of the factors forcing lions out [of the forests]," Jethava said.
Kishore Kotecha, head of the Wildlife Conservation Trust at Rajkot, said lions prefer open grasslands while the Gir forests have become dense with extra tree growth.
Source: http://www.gulfnews.com/world/India/10255146.html
Published: October 28, 2008, 23:32
Ahmedabad: Gujarat forest officers have set a bait to catch a lioness and three of its cubs who have strayed far beyond their natural habitat in the Gir sanctuary, an official said on Monday.
"All the four animals are at a 'safe place' and under continuous observation by our senior officers though they are yet to be caught," chief conservator of forests (Junagadh range) Bharat Pathak said on telephone.
He said the lioness and its cubs were spotted near Gondal, 37km from Rajkot, and two forest department teams had set the bait to lure them back into the jungles. Forest officials are surprised that lions could stray so far out of the Gir forest and reach the outskirts of Gondal, some 150km away.
This movement is a "natural dispersion", said environmentalist Amit Jethava of the Gir Nature Your Club that has been fighting to save Gir lions from poaching.
"It happened in 2001 when a lion pride reached the outskirts of Gondal. I think illegal limestone mining is one of the factors forcing lions out [of the forests]," Jethava said.
Kishore Kotecha, head of the Wildlife Conservation Trust at Rajkot, said lions prefer open grasslands while the Gir forests have become dense with extra tree growth.
Source: http://www.gulfnews.com/world/India/10255146.html
Junagadh and Kutch are busiest tourist destinations in Gujarat
By our bureaus
Junagadh/Bhuj, DeshGujarat, 1 November, 2008
Gujarat’s two districts;Junagadh and Kutch are having great tourist rush this Diwali vacation. Presence of domestic and NRI tourists, Tourists from outside the state and foreign tourists is visibly great this time in Junagadh and Kutch districts.
Most of the hotels and guest houses are booked, temples have long queues and taxis are over booked.
Junagadh district located in Gujarat’s Saurashtra area has three major tourist attractions to offer: Somnath Jyotirlinga temple, Sasangir Lion century and Girnar hill.
While Junagadh’s Sakkarbag zoo which is the largest and oldest zoo of Gujarat known for it’s Asiatic Lion expertise had more than 30,000 visitors in five days, Ambaji temple located atop Gujarat’s tallest Girnar hill had 20,00 visitors in a day according to it’s priest Tansukhgiri Maharaj. In Somnath, all residual facilities were booked and long queues were formed for Lord Somnath’s darshan at Aarti time to accommodate extra rush in the evenings. In Sasangir lion century tourists faced shortage of hotel rooms because authorities had recently sealed nine hotels and resorts on licenses issue. Some tourists had to stay in Junagadh to visit Sasan Gir due to unavailability of Hotel room in Sasan Gir proper. Some tourists who wanted to visit Sasan Gir safari also faced one day waiting period.
Another hot and proven tourist destination in Gujarat this Diwali is Kutch district in this Diwali vacation. While Matano Madh had around 40,000 tourists in three days another nearby destination Narayan Sarovar-Koteshwar had more than 20,000 tourists. In Matano Madh, room shortage was felt even after allotting one room to ten visitors on sharing bases. Temporary tourist facilities were immediately created with support from authority at local primary school and Road and Building department’s office to accommodate extra rush.
Major tourist attractions in Kutch include Bhuj, Kalo Dungar, Dholavira Harappan archaeological site, Narayan Sarovar-Koteshwar, Lakhpat fort, Banni, Chhari Dhand, Rann of Kutch, ethnic villages, Jain religious places etc.
Kutch is now worldwide known tourist destination for rural tourism. This year’s Rann festival in Kutch will be organized in December.
Source: http://deshgujarat.com/2008/11/01/junagadh-and-kutch-are-busiest-tourist-destinations-in-gujarat/
Junagadh/Bhuj, DeshGujarat, 1 November, 2008
Gujarat’s two districts;Junagadh and Kutch are having great tourist rush this Diwali vacation. Presence of domestic and NRI tourists, Tourists from outside the state and foreign tourists is visibly great this time in Junagadh and Kutch districts.
Most of the hotels and guest houses are booked, temples have long queues and taxis are over booked.
Junagadh district located in Gujarat’s Saurashtra area has three major tourist attractions to offer: Somnath Jyotirlinga temple, Sasangir Lion century and Girnar hill.
While Junagadh’s Sakkarbag zoo which is the largest and oldest zoo of Gujarat known for it’s Asiatic Lion expertise had more than 30,000 visitors in five days, Ambaji temple located atop Gujarat’s tallest Girnar hill had 20,00 visitors in a day according to it’s priest Tansukhgiri Maharaj. In Somnath, all residual facilities were booked and long queues were formed for Lord Somnath’s darshan at Aarti time to accommodate extra rush in the evenings. In Sasangir lion century tourists faced shortage of hotel rooms because authorities had recently sealed nine hotels and resorts on licenses issue. Some tourists had to stay in Junagadh to visit Sasan Gir due to unavailability of Hotel room in Sasan Gir proper. Some tourists who wanted to visit Sasan Gir safari also faced one day waiting period.
Another hot and proven tourist destination in Gujarat this Diwali is Kutch district in this Diwali vacation. While Matano Madh had around 40,000 tourists in three days another nearby destination Narayan Sarovar-Koteshwar had more than 20,000 tourists. In Matano Madh, room shortage was felt even after allotting one room to ten visitors on sharing bases. Temporary tourist facilities were immediately created with support from authority at local primary school and Road and Building department’s office to accommodate extra rush.
Major tourist attractions in Kutch include Bhuj, Kalo Dungar, Dholavira Harappan archaeological site, Narayan Sarovar-Koteshwar, Lakhpat fort, Banni, Chhari Dhand, Rann of Kutch, ethnic villages, Jain religious places etc.
Kutch is now worldwide known tourist destination for rural tourism. This year’s Rann festival in Kutch will be organized in December.
Source: http://deshgujarat.com/2008/11/01/junagadh-and-kutch-are-busiest-tourist-destinations-in-gujarat/
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Twenty Lion Poachers Imprisoned by Indian Magistrate
JUNAGADH, Gujarat, India, October 28, 2008 (ENS) - Twenty people have been sentenced to three years imprisonment and fined for poaching endangered lions in the Gir Forest and trading in their parts, in a case that has no precedent in the judicial history of wildlife crime in India.
Inspector General of Police Keshav Kumar, who led the investigations, said, "This is the first known case in India in which the lions were hunted for trade."
The Court of P.K. Makuuana, I class magistrate, in Junagadh handed down the jail sentences on Thursday and in addition ordered each defendant to pay a fine of Rs 10,000, about US$200.
Public prosecutor J.M. Sakanpara said, "The accused were arrested for poaching six Asiatic lions from Gir and illegal possession of wildlife articles. Two lion claws were recovered from the main accused Kuntar Singh and Nanaka Singh during their arrest in April last year."
The remaining 18 defendants were arrested based on the information provided by Kuntar and Nanaka Singh. The accused remained in judicial custody throughout the trial, following denial of their bail plea by the High Court.
"The hunting was reportedly carried out on March 3 and March 29 last year. They had disclosed trade in body parts as the motive for hunting," said Sakanpara.
Saurabh Sharma, advocate of the Wildlife Trust of India, who provided legal assistance to the prosecution said, "This is a first-of-a-kind case in which so many people have been convicted at a time in a wildlife case."
"Even the duration of the trial was relatively expeditious for a wildlife case," said Sharma. "Within 18 months of the crime, the accused have been brought to justice."
Wildlife Trust of India Vice Chairman Ashok Kumar congratulated the authorities on the arrest and conviction of the defendants, saying, "This is a historic moment for all wildlife conservationists."
The Asiatic lion, Panthera leo persica, once ranged throughout the coastal forests of northern Africa and from northern Greece across southwest Asia to eastern India. Today, the only living representatives of these lions occur in and around the Gir Forest.
The unique lions are threatened by poaching for bones, used in traditional Chinese medicine, and claws, used as amulets. Death from electrocution and from being trapped in open wells is also common, says Kumar.
Gir Forest is one of the largest compact tracts of dry deciduous forests in the semi-arid western part of India. Apart from being the only home of the last surviving natural gene pool of the Asiatic lion, it is the catchment area for seven major rivers and provides ecological security and water for the drought prone region of Saurashtra.
The Gujarat Forest Department explains that conservation measures like launching of the Gir Lion Sanctuary Project in the early 1970s, suspending logging operations and declaring the core area to be a national park, resettlement of maldharis families of nomadic herdsmen and the shifting of their livestock, and the payment of compensation in cases of livestock killing and human death by carnivores have had a "positive impact on the ecosystem."
The forest department has also established check posts, introduced a wireless communication network, and deployed vehicles and weapons to control the movement of people and livestock in the protected area.
Still, the Asiatic lions are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
"The Gir population is insecure for two reasons," A.J.T. Johnsingh, a wildlife expert with the Nature Conservation Foundation in Mysore told the "Deccan Herald" newspaper in September. "Firstly, "the population has risen from a very low number leading to inbreeding and a genetically homozygous population. Reduced genetic diversity affects reproductive health of the species and increases mortality of the young."
Secondly, "an epidemic could wipe out the population," Johnsingh said.
On an average, 25 to 30 lion deaths have been reported every year for the past three years, yet the lion population in the Gir Forest is beyond the protected area's carrying capacity, wildlife experts say.
A survey conducted in 2005 estimated a population of 359 lions in and around the forest. By comparison a 1990 census counted some 221 adult lions living within the protected area, with 30 to 40 other lions living outside.
Since 2002, wildlife scientist Y.V. Jhala has radio collared 18 lions, to track their movement. "Radio collaring has shown," he told the newspaper, "lions have set up meta-populations outside Gir for want of space, or food."
Today, farmers grow mango, groundnuts and sugarcane adjacent to the Gir Forest, increasing land values and depleting groundwater and putting more pressure on the lion population.
In response to the movement of lions beyond the protected area, the Gujarat Forest Department is working to widen its protective circle. "Biotic pressures in the form of grazing, collection of other forest produce, vehicular traffic, tourism and pilgrims etc. are very high and require additional efforts in order conserve the biodiversity for posterity," the forest department says on its website.
Now, the Central Zoo Authority and the National Tiger Conservation Authority have prepared a breeding plan to strengthen the lion population. Pure-bred first generation Asiatic lions will be selected from different zoos to breed in a large natural enclosure at Kuno.
Herbivores will be supplied as prey so that second generation lions can develop hunting skills. Wildlife experts believe that the third generation lions will be fit to survive in the wild.
Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2008. All rights reserved.
Source: http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/oct2008/2008-10-28-01.asp
Inspector General of Police Keshav Kumar, who led the investigations, said, "This is the first known case in India in which the lions were hunted for trade."
The Court of P.K. Makuuana, I class magistrate, in Junagadh handed down the jail sentences on Thursday and in addition ordered each defendant to pay a fine of Rs 10,000, about US$200.
Public prosecutor J.M. Sakanpara said, "The accused were arrested for poaching six Asiatic lions from Gir and illegal possession of wildlife articles. Two lion claws were recovered from the main accused Kuntar Singh and Nanaka Singh during their arrest in April last year."
The remaining 18 defendants were arrested based on the information provided by Kuntar and Nanaka Singh. The accused remained in judicial custody throughout the trial, following denial of their bail plea by the High Court.
"The hunting was reportedly carried out on March 3 and March 29 last year. They had disclosed trade in body parts as the motive for hunting," said Sakanpara.
Saurabh Sharma, advocate of the Wildlife Trust of India, who provided legal assistance to the prosecution said, "This is a first-of-a-kind case in which so many people have been convicted at a time in a wildlife case."
"Even the duration of the trial was relatively expeditious for a wildlife case," said Sharma. "Within 18 months of the crime, the accused have been brought to justice."
Wildlife Trust of India Vice Chairman Ashok Kumar congratulated the authorities on the arrest and conviction of the defendants, saying, "This is a historic moment for all wildlife conservationists."
The Asiatic lion, Panthera leo persica, once ranged throughout the coastal forests of northern Africa and from northern Greece across southwest Asia to eastern India. Today, the only living representatives of these lions occur in and around the Gir Forest.
The unique lions are threatened by poaching for bones, used in traditional Chinese medicine, and claws, used as amulets. Death from electrocution and from being trapped in open wells is also common, says Kumar.
Gir Forest is one of the largest compact tracts of dry deciduous forests in the semi-arid western part of India. Apart from being the only home of the last surviving natural gene pool of the Asiatic lion, it is the catchment area for seven major rivers and provides ecological security and water for the drought prone region of Saurashtra.
The Gujarat Forest Department explains that conservation measures like launching of the Gir Lion Sanctuary Project in the early 1970s, suspending logging operations and declaring the core area to be a national park, resettlement of maldharis families of nomadic herdsmen and the shifting of their livestock, and the payment of compensation in cases of livestock killing and human death by carnivores have had a "positive impact on the ecosystem."
The forest department has also established check posts, introduced a wireless communication network, and deployed vehicles and weapons to control the movement of people and livestock in the protected area.
Still, the Asiatic lions are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
"The Gir population is insecure for two reasons," A.J.T. Johnsingh, a wildlife expert with the Nature Conservation Foundation in Mysore told the "Deccan Herald" newspaper in September. "Firstly, "the population has risen from a very low number leading to inbreeding and a genetically homozygous population. Reduced genetic diversity affects reproductive health of the species and increases mortality of the young."
Secondly, "an epidemic could wipe out the population," Johnsingh said.
On an average, 25 to 30 lion deaths have been reported every year for the past three years, yet the lion population in the Gir Forest is beyond the protected area's carrying capacity, wildlife experts say.
A survey conducted in 2005 estimated a population of 359 lions in and around the forest. By comparison a 1990 census counted some 221 adult lions living within the protected area, with 30 to 40 other lions living outside.
Since 2002, wildlife scientist Y.V. Jhala has radio collared 18 lions, to track their movement. "Radio collaring has shown," he told the newspaper, "lions have set up meta-populations outside Gir for want of space, or food."
Today, farmers grow mango, groundnuts and sugarcane adjacent to the Gir Forest, increasing land values and depleting groundwater and putting more pressure on the lion population.
In response to the movement of lions beyond the protected area, the Gujarat Forest Department is working to widen its protective circle. "Biotic pressures in the form of grazing, collection of other forest produce, vehicular traffic, tourism and pilgrims etc. are very high and require additional efforts in order conserve the biodiversity for posterity," the forest department says on its website.
Now, the Central Zoo Authority and the National Tiger Conservation Authority have prepared a breeding plan to strengthen the lion population. Pure-bred first generation Asiatic lions will be selected from different zoos to breed in a large natural enclosure at Kuno.
Herbivores will be supplied as prey so that second generation lions can develop hunting skills. Wildlife experts believe that the third generation lions will be fit to survive in the wild.
Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2008. All rights reserved.
Source: http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/oct2008/2008-10-28-01.asp
King’s family goes astray from pride land
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Parish Joshi
Posted: Oct 28, 2008 at 0439 hrs IST
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Rajkot, October 27 Villagers near Gondal town spot lion, lioness and two cubs
A pride of lions, including two cubs, has come out of their natural habitat in the Gir Forests and reached the outskirts of Gondal town in Rajkot, some 150 kilometres away. A few years ago, one lion had reached the Kotda Sangani village after crossing several grasslands.
The news of the transit of the big cats from the forests to a human habitation has now raised the eyebrows of environmentalists.
Rajkot Deputy Conservator of Forest G.S.Wadi said the villagers of Panchyavadar informed them that some wild animal had killed cow and a calf at two different places near Gondal town. “First we thought it must be a leopard or a hyena, but when our forest team reached the scene, it was confirmed that this was the handiwork of a lion pride. Some villagers also confirmed that they saw a lioness and two cubs near their fields. From the pugmarks, our team has confirmed a lion, a lioness and two cubs."
Conservator of Forest Bharat Pathak said: “After we were informed by the team of the Rajkot DFO, we sent in two teams, one from Junagadh and one from Dhari, to catch the pride. Till Sunday night, our teams were following the lions. We will catch them soon. We are assuming that this pride must have come from the Dhari-north side forest.” “A week earlier, we had received information that this pride was located somewhere near the Bhesan area. Our teams have set two cages near the Gondal town on the Jamkandorna Road. Until now, the animals have not attacked any humans; just made two-three kills in the vicinity of Gondal,” Pathak added.
Incidentally, after news spread that a pride of lions has come into the area, people started gathering enthusiastically in a bid to see the big cats, which is now causing inconvenience to the foresters to sight and catch them.
Source: http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/kings-family-goes-astray-from-pride-land/378813/
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Parish Joshi
Posted: Oct 28, 2008 at 0439 hrs IST
Print Email To Editor Post Comments
Most Read Articles
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Gambhir gets 1 Test ban, Watson gets away wi...Neo Sports to telecast India-Aus series LiveSourav, Bhajji chickened out of Nagpur Test:...DRDO up for overhaul, weapons prog to be pri...Maharashtrians will react to Lalu's Chhat Pu...AIG running out of time to be saved: Ex-CEO
Rajkot, October 27 Villagers near Gondal town spot lion, lioness and two cubs
A pride of lions, including two cubs, has come out of their natural habitat in the Gir Forests and reached the outskirts of Gondal town in Rajkot, some 150 kilometres away. A few years ago, one lion had reached the Kotda Sangani village after crossing several grasslands.
The news of the transit of the big cats from the forests to a human habitation has now raised the eyebrows of environmentalists.
Rajkot Deputy Conservator of Forest G.S.Wadi said the villagers of Panchyavadar informed them that some wild animal had killed cow and a calf at two different places near Gondal town. “First we thought it must be a leopard or a hyena, but when our forest team reached the scene, it was confirmed that this was the handiwork of a lion pride. Some villagers also confirmed that they saw a lioness and two cubs near their fields. From the pugmarks, our team has confirmed a lion, a lioness and two cubs."
Conservator of Forest Bharat Pathak said: “After we were informed by the team of the Rajkot DFO, we sent in two teams, one from Junagadh and one from Dhari, to catch the pride. Till Sunday night, our teams were following the lions. We will catch them soon. We are assuming that this pride must have come from the Dhari-north side forest.” “A week earlier, we had received information that this pride was located somewhere near the Bhesan area. Our teams have set two cages near the Gondal town on the Jamkandorna Road. Until now, the animals have not attacked any humans; just made two-three kills in the vicinity of Gondal,” Pathak added.
Incidentally, after news spread that a pride of lions has come into the area, people started gathering enthusiastically in a bid to see the big cats, which is now causing inconvenience to the foresters to sight and catch them.
Source: http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/kings-family-goes-astray-from-pride-land/378813/
Lions regaining lost territory, getting closer to city.
28 Oct 2008, 0326 hrs IST, Himanshu Kaushik, TNN
AHMEDABAD : Roar of the Asiatic lion is no longer heard only at Sasan Gir. The majestic beast is now pacing leisurely in Porbander, Mahuva and Talaja in Bhavnagar, Diu, Rajula, Kodinar and Gondal. It seems to be inching closer to Ahmedabad, and, this phenomenon is only going to increase, say experts.
History books and government records reveal there were lions in these areas in the early 1900s. Former chief conservator of forests, GA Patel, says: "Whats happening is not surprising. Lions are just regaining old territory lost to human habitation."
In the past, lions were found in entire Saurashtra, not only Junagadh and part of Amreli. With human population increasing, area available for them shrunk and they were forced to move out, he explains.
In 1936 census, lion population was cited as over 300. It dropped to around 260 and the pride of Gujarat was confined to Sasan and nearby areas. Says conservator of forests, Bharat Pathak, "A major reason for this was forests being cleared for cultivation." Another official says movement of lions in their natural corridor was hindered not just by farming, but also because in pre-independence era nawabs used to permit hunting forcing the beasts to stay confined to one area.
"Lions were present in Gondal and Jetpur in the past and are going back to those areas," confirms HS Singh, chief conservator of forests, research.
Lion population has risen to 359. The 2005 census showed that over 55 lions had moved out of the protected area. But, the figure is higher. A senior officer says there are only 240-odd lions in Gir and the remaining are out of the sanctuary.
"Lions need open territory, thats why theyre moving out. Though they sometimes come into conflict with locals, within the radius of five km from Gir Sanctuary, they are accepted by people and are not feared," says former principal chief conservator of forests, Sanat Chauhan. Lions need savana grass, but Gir is fast turning out to be a dense forest becoming inhospitable for the big cats. An officer from Gir west says, "Lions love an easy catch. But, its tough for them to chase prey in forests. They are forced to move into nearby villages." Also, as Maldharis have moved out, prey base has fallen.
Revtubha Raijada, former member of State Wildlife Board, says an adult lion with his pride needs over 40 sq km area and number of adult lions has risen. Gir is proving too small for them. "In the last couple of censuses, it has been noticed that population at Gir has remained stagnant at around 280. The rest of the lions are moving in the open," he says.
Barda Dungar, Jesar new homes
Fear that lions will be moved out of Gujarat is motivating state government to take quick action for relocation. It has realised how important it is to increase protected sanctuary area.
Alternative homes at Barda Dungar in Jamnagar and Jesar are being developed and attempts are being made to increase prey base there. In fact, Barda Dungar has been notified as a sanctuary and lions will be shifted there in next couple of years. Forest department has already prepared a Greater Gir Project. It has declared Girnar and Mityala as sanctuaries. Officials say several areas should also be declared as conservation reserves. Here, the department will improve human habitat as well as protect lions.
Jesar is also a natural corridor for lions heading out of Gir. Officials say it is being suggested as an another home for lions because of Shretunji river flowing by and a dam in the vicinity.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Ahmedabad/Lions_regaining_lost_territory_getting_closer_to_city_nbsp_nbsp/articleshow/3647292.cms
AHMEDABAD : Roar of the Asiatic lion is no longer heard only at Sasan Gir. The majestic beast is now pacing leisurely in Porbander, Mahuva and Talaja in Bhavnagar, Diu, Rajula, Kodinar and Gondal. It seems to be inching closer to Ahmedabad, and, this phenomenon is only going to increase, say experts.
History books and government records reveal there were lions in these areas in the early 1900s. Former chief conservator of forests, GA Patel, says: "Whats happening is not surprising. Lions are just regaining old territory lost to human habitation."
In the past, lions were found in entire Saurashtra, not only Junagadh and part of Amreli. With human population increasing, area available for them shrunk and they were forced to move out, he explains.
In 1936 census, lion population was cited as over 300. It dropped to around 260 and the pride of Gujarat was confined to Sasan and nearby areas. Says conservator of forests, Bharat Pathak, "A major reason for this was forests being cleared for cultivation." Another official says movement of lions in their natural corridor was hindered not just by farming, but also because in pre-independence era nawabs used to permit hunting forcing the beasts to stay confined to one area.
"Lions were present in Gondal and Jetpur in the past and are going back to those areas," confirms HS Singh, chief conservator of forests, research.
Lion population has risen to 359. The 2005 census showed that over 55 lions had moved out of the protected area. But, the figure is higher. A senior officer says there are only 240-odd lions in Gir and the remaining are out of the sanctuary.
"Lions need open territory, thats why theyre moving out. Though they sometimes come into conflict with locals, within the radius of five km from Gir Sanctuary, they are accepted by people and are not feared," says former principal chief conservator of forests, Sanat Chauhan. Lions need savana grass, but Gir is fast turning out to be a dense forest becoming inhospitable for the big cats. An officer from Gir west says, "Lions love an easy catch. But, its tough for them to chase prey in forests. They are forced to move into nearby villages." Also, as Maldharis have moved out, prey base has fallen.
Revtubha Raijada, former member of State Wildlife Board, says an adult lion with his pride needs over 40 sq km area and number of adult lions has risen. Gir is proving too small for them. "In the last couple of censuses, it has been noticed that population at Gir has remained stagnant at around 280. The rest of the lions are moving in the open," he says.
Barda Dungar, Jesar new homes
Fear that lions will be moved out of Gujarat is motivating state government to take quick action for relocation. It has realised how important it is to increase protected sanctuary area.
Alternative homes at Barda Dungar in Jamnagar and Jesar are being developed and attempts are being made to increase prey base there. In fact, Barda Dungar has been notified as a sanctuary and lions will be shifted there in next couple of years. Forest department has already prepared a Greater Gir Project. It has declared Girnar and Mityala as sanctuaries. Officials say several areas should also be declared as conservation reserves. Here, the department will improve human habitat as well as protect lions.
Jesar is also a natural corridor for lions heading out of Gir. Officials say it is being suggested as an another home for lions because of Shretunji river flowing by and a dam in the vicinity.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Ahmedabad/Lions_regaining_lost_territory_getting_closer_to_city_nbsp_nbsp/articleshow/3647292.cms
Matchbox did poachers in
26 Oct 2008, 0026 hrs IST, TNN
Ahmedabad: It was a matchbox found from the scene of crime that led to the arrest of 20 accused involved in poaching of Asiatic lions. About eight lions were poached in Junagadh and Bhavnagar district in March and April last year. Talking to reporters, investigating officer and inspector general of police Keshav Kumar and principal chief conservator of forest Pradeep Khanna said during probe, police officials found a matchbox from the crime spot.
Detailed investigation revealed that this brand of match was available only in Madhya Pradesh. The Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) authorities were contacted and it was found that the accused belonged to Behaliya tribe from Madhya Pradesh. Based on information and discription given by WPSI, a combing operation was launched and the culprits were caught. During interrogation, a fresh claw of lion was found from their possession. When they were further grilled, a shirt was recovered which had stains of blood on it. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) confirmed that it was lion blood.
Further, when the hands of the accused were washed, some blood in their nails was also traced. Analysis revealed that this was also blood of Asiatic lions. FSL director JM Vyas said the spear which was found from them also had lion blood. He added that the modus operandi was simple a trap was laid and once the animal fell into it, a spear with methyl parathion was inserted in its mouth, killing the lion. The bones were then taken away and sold in the international market. Kumar further said that the bones of lion and tiger were similar and hence they were not easily distinguishable. With no tigers around, lion bones were sold in the market.
Bones of one lion was estimated to be around Rs 50 lakh in the international market. Khanna said that apart from taking other measures like procuring latest equipment, the forest department had also organised women sabhas which had helped it to get feedback from people and also entailed peoples participation. He said there were two convictions in less then 15 days.
After going through the judgment, the officials would take a legal opinion and appeal for enhancing the sentence, which was just three years, he pointed out. BOX Prabhakar is lynchpin of trafficking racket Notorious poacher from Karnataka Prabhakar Keshav Gajakosh (50), who was sentenced to three years imprisonment by a Junagadh court, along with 19 others, for his involvement in the killing of seven Gir lions, is a lynchpin of an international network of wildlife traffickers. Closely linked with Sansar Chand, the notorious Madhya Pradesh poacher, Prabhakar was on the run since 2000. He had been evading arrest in several cases, including one related to the laying of a jaw-trap for capturing a royal Bengal tiger in Nagarahole National Park. Prabhakar was picked up from his Haliyal residence in Uttara Kannada district on December 13, 2007. The Karnataka CID forest cell and Gujarat police also recovered skins of a tiger, 21 leopards and 43 otters from his place. Besides, several passports were recovered from him.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Ahmedabad/Matchbox_did_poachers_in/articleshow/3638365.cms
Ahmedabad: It was a matchbox found from the scene of crime that led to the arrest of 20 accused involved in poaching of Asiatic lions. About eight lions were poached in Junagadh and Bhavnagar district in March and April last year. Talking to reporters, investigating officer and inspector general of police Keshav Kumar and principal chief conservator of forest Pradeep Khanna said during probe, police officials found a matchbox from the crime spot.
Detailed investigation revealed that this brand of match was available only in Madhya Pradesh. The Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) authorities were contacted and it was found that the accused belonged to Behaliya tribe from Madhya Pradesh. Based on information and discription given by WPSI, a combing operation was launched and the culprits were caught. During interrogation, a fresh claw of lion was found from their possession. When they were further grilled, a shirt was recovered which had stains of blood on it. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) confirmed that it was lion blood.
Further, when the hands of the accused were washed, some blood in their nails was also traced. Analysis revealed that this was also blood of Asiatic lions. FSL director JM Vyas said the spear which was found from them also had lion blood. He added that the modus operandi was simple a trap was laid and once the animal fell into it, a spear with methyl parathion was inserted in its mouth, killing the lion. The bones were then taken away and sold in the international market. Kumar further said that the bones of lion and tiger were similar and hence they were not easily distinguishable. With no tigers around, lion bones were sold in the market.
Bones of one lion was estimated to be around Rs 50 lakh in the international market. Khanna said that apart from taking other measures like procuring latest equipment, the forest department had also organised women sabhas which had helped it to get feedback from people and also entailed peoples participation. He said there were two convictions in less then 15 days.
After going through the judgment, the officials would take a legal opinion and appeal for enhancing the sentence, which was just three years, he pointed out. BOX Prabhakar is lynchpin of trafficking racket Notorious poacher from Karnataka Prabhakar Keshav Gajakosh (50), who was sentenced to three years imprisonment by a Junagadh court, along with 19 others, for his involvement in the killing of seven Gir lions, is a lynchpin of an international network of wildlife traffickers. Closely linked with Sansar Chand, the notorious Madhya Pradesh poacher, Prabhakar was on the run since 2000. He had been evading arrest in several cases, including one related to the laying of a jaw-trap for capturing a royal Bengal tiger in Nagarahole National Park. Prabhakar was picked up from his Haliyal residence in Uttara Kannada district on December 13, 2007. The Karnataka CID forest cell and Gujarat police also recovered skins of a tiger, 21 leopards and 43 otters from his place. Besides, several passports were recovered from him.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Ahmedabad/Matchbox_did_poachers_in/articleshow/3638365.cms
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