Express news service
Posted online: Friday , September 28, 2007 at 12:00:00
Updated: Friday , September 28, 2007 at 01:23:42Print Email To Editor
Rajkot, September 27 In what could be an important step towards conservation of Asiatic Lions, the state forest department and NGO Wild Life Conservation Trust (Rajkot) on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cover thousands of open wells located at the periphery of Gir Sanctuary. The wells often turn out to be watery graves for wild cats.
According to the forest department, around 8,778 open wells are located within the six-km periphery of the sanctuary. A total of 47 lions have fallen victim to open wells over the past six years. Of these, 24 cases proved fatal. A number of leopards, too, have died in a similar manner.
The total cost of building a parapet on a well has been estimated to be Rs 10,000.
According to the MoU, the forest department would provide a subsidy of Rs 4,000 for erecting parapets on wells. The remaining expense of Rs 6,000 will be borne by WLCT, said president Kishore Kotecha.
Deputy Forest Officer A Atara said very few wells in and around sanctuary areas have parapets. “As many as 24 lions have died after falling into wells over the past six years. Parapets on wells is one of the most urgently required steps to save lions.”
The WLTC aims to cover 101 wells in Kotda, Palia, Chanchi and Dalkhania villages in Paliya beat in Dhari range as part of its first phase of construction work. It began construction of parapets on September 22, and the work is expected to be over by November-end.
Kotecha said WLTC has worked out a new design for parapets wherein RCC plates would be used in place of sandstone. The new design has brought down the construction cost by 50 per cent, he added.
WLCT has also instituted annual awards with cash prize for outstanding work in the field of lion conservation in various categories, including contribution by beat guard, forest officials, schoolchildren, teacher and the best research on Gir Sanctuary or Asiatic Lions.
Source: http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Saving-Asiatic-Lions-Open-wells-in-Gir-to-be-covered/222046/
Friday, September 28, 2007
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Total 4 Lion Cubs died in Hadala Bit.
News from Local Gujarait News Paper:
2 Carcasses and 2 dead body found in BHURI BHEKH AREA of Hadala Bit,
Dhari Gir (East) Forest.
i. e. total 4 lion cubs died.
Source: Divya Bhaskar Gujarati Daily News Paper (Rajkot Edition),
Front Page. 22 Sept. 2007
----------------------
Carcasses of two lion cubs were found near Hadala range of Gir Forest
on Thursday. Sources said they might have died due to illness as
their claws and other parts were foutn intact.
Confirming the death, conservator of forest Bharat Pathak said they
aare waiting for the FSL team, and prima facie the cause of death
seems to be illness, he added.
Moreever, one more carcass of a lion cub was found in the same range,
but it was not confirmed by the forest department officials, who said
that the field staff were yet to located it. TNN
Source: Times of India, Ahmedabad Septmeber 22, 2007 Page 3
2 Carcasses and 2 dead body found in BHURI BHEKH AREA of Hadala Bit,
Dhari Gir (East) Forest.
i. e. total 4 lion cubs died.
Source: Divya Bhaskar Gujarati Daily News Paper (Rajkot Edition),
Front Page. 22 Sept. 2007
----------------------
Carcasses of two lion cubs were found near Hadala range of Gir Forest
on Thursday. Sources said they might have died due to illness as
their claws and other parts were foutn intact.
Confirming the death, conservator of forest Bharat Pathak said they
aare waiting for the FSL team, and prima facie the cause of death
seems to be illness, he added.
Moreever, one more carcass of a lion cub was found in the same range,
but it was not confirmed by the forest department officials, who said
that the field staff were yet to located it. TNN
Source: Times of India, Ahmedabad Septmeber 22, 2007 Page 3
Thursday, September 20, 2007
A new arrival - Adult Male Asiatic Lion named VIRAL at Rajkot Aji Zoo.
Our Rajkot Zoo have a new guest named 'VIRAL' an Asiatic Lion from
He's adult male lion but Viral, offers a glimmer of hope for his
species.
The male Asiatic Lion, who is being hand-reared by Rajkot Aji Zoo
from Junagadh Sakkarbaug Zoo.
With between 300-350 Asiatic Lions left in the wild, the adult male
will make a big difference to the conservation of his species.
Asiatic Lions can now only be found in India's Gir Forest. With the
number of Asiatic Lions plummeting, Rajko Aji Zoo's Viral will
eventually play a major part in a breeding programme for his species,
ensuring it continues.
"The fact that Viral is a male means he has the potential to play a
really important role in the breeding programme for his species."
This King Viral have 5 Queens at Rajkot Aji Zoo.
Congratulations Maradia Saheb (Zoo Suptd. Aji Zoo, Rajkot - Gujarat.)
He's adult male lion but Viral, offers a glimmer of hope for his
species.
The male Asiatic Lion, who is being hand-reared by Rajkot Aji Zoo
from Junagadh Sakkarbaug Zoo.
With between 300-350 Asiatic Lions left in the wild, the adult male
will make a big difference to the conservation of his species.
Asiatic Lions can now only be found in India's Gir Forest. With the
number of Asiatic Lions plummeting, Rajko Aji Zoo's Viral will
eventually play a major part in a breeding programme for his species,
ensuring it continues.
"The fact that Viral is a male means he has the potential to play a
really important role in the breeding programme for his species."
This King Viral have 5 Queens at Rajkot Aji Zoo.
Congratulations Maradia Saheb (Zoo Suptd. Aji Zoo, Rajkot - Gujarat.)
Visit to Gujarat - The Jewell of the West by Michael Braganza!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Visit to Gujarat - the Jewell of West and get enchanted with its religious, cultural and historical panorama. The history and cultural tradition of Gujarat dates back the time of the Indus valley civilization established by ruins found at Lothal. The Indian state of Gujarat is situated between 20.6 and 24.42 degrees north latitude and 68.10 and 74.28 degrees east longitude. Located on the western part of the sub-continent of India, the state of Gujarat gets its name from "Gujjar Rashtra", the land of Gujjars, a migrant tribe who passed through Punjab and settled in some parts of western India in the 5th century.
The Jewell of the west, Gujarat is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the sub-continent of India which attract a large gathering of travelers & tourists to the state and offers something for every tourist. The state has the longest sea coastline in the country and famous for its beaches. Some of major beaches of Gujarat are Ahmedpur Mandavi, Beyt Dwarka Beach, Chorwad Beach, Gopnath Beach, and Veraval Beach etc.
Apart from beaches Gujarat is blessed with architectural assets, holy temples & places, hill resorts, wildlife sanctuary, and many places of tourist interest. Together with wide-ranging destinations, the elegant & stylish handicrafts, the yummy foodstuffs, and colourful lifestyle of Gujarati people, enhance to its charm and its charm never fails to attract the attention of tourist.
Gujarat is also famous among tourists for its fascinating diversity of wildlife. Each is related to one another and has its unique environment. The wildlife of Gujarat is habitat of many kinds of animals and also some extremely rare animals. The Gir is the world famous forest. The Asiatic lion is only found in the Gir. During your Gujarat wildlife tours you will visit various wildlife sanctuary and national parks which will surely enchant you with its fascination. Some of the major wildlife of Gujarat is Sasangir National Park, Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary, Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Marine National Park, Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary etc.
Some of the top Gujarat Tours attraction: Sabarmati Ashram / Mahatma Gandhi's Home, Ahmedabad Hathee Singh Jain Temple, Ahmedabad Calico Museum of Textiles, Ahmedabad Jama Masjid, Ahmedabad Dada Hari, Ahmedabad Siddha Shree Dhoramnath Monastery, Bhuj Dhoramnath Temple, Bhuj Champaner-Pavagadh, Vadodara Little Rann of Kutch Rauza, Ahmedabad
To make your Gujarat tour handier, many travel agencies and tour planners of India offer Gujarat tours packages and they also provide valuable information about your Gujarat tours. During your Gujarat tours you will know what the state is famous for and will be familiar with its exotic cultural tradition, attractive handicrafts, and architectural assets and of course its wildlife. What a tourist can ask for, Gujarat tour tries to fulfill every type of his demand. Become a part of Gujarat tour and get enchanted with its everlasting sweet charm. The fascination of Gujarat is in waiting for your arrival.
About the Author
Michael Braganza is an eminent analyst and writer in Travel & Tourism related topics. He has authored many books on tour guide Visit : http://indiatours.etradeservices.com
Source: http://exotictouristdestinations.blogspot.com/2007/09/visit-to-gujarat-jewell-of-west-by.html
Visit to Gujarat - the Jewell of West and get enchanted with its religious, cultural and historical panorama. The history and cultural tradition of Gujarat dates back the time of the Indus valley civilization established by ruins found at Lothal. The Indian state of Gujarat is situated between 20.6 and 24.42 degrees north latitude and 68.10 and 74.28 degrees east longitude. Located on the western part of the sub-continent of India, the state of Gujarat gets its name from "Gujjar Rashtra", the land of Gujjars, a migrant tribe who passed through Punjab and settled in some parts of western India in the 5th century.
The Jewell of the west, Gujarat is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the sub-continent of India which attract a large gathering of travelers & tourists to the state and offers something for every tourist. The state has the longest sea coastline in the country and famous for its beaches. Some of major beaches of Gujarat are Ahmedpur Mandavi, Beyt Dwarka Beach, Chorwad Beach, Gopnath Beach, and Veraval Beach etc.
Apart from beaches Gujarat is blessed with architectural assets, holy temples & places, hill resorts, wildlife sanctuary, and many places of tourist interest. Together with wide-ranging destinations, the elegant & stylish handicrafts, the yummy foodstuffs, and colourful lifestyle of Gujarati people, enhance to its charm and its charm never fails to attract the attention of tourist.
Gujarat is also famous among tourists for its fascinating diversity of wildlife. Each is related to one another and has its unique environment. The wildlife of Gujarat is habitat of many kinds of animals and also some extremely rare animals. The Gir is the world famous forest. The Asiatic lion is only found in the Gir. During your Gujarat wildlife tours you will visit various wildlife sanctuary and national parks which will surely enchant you with its fascination. Some of the major wildlife of Gujarat is Sasangir National Park, Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary, Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Marine National Park, Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary etc.
Some of the top Gujarat Tours attraction: Sabarmati Ashram / Mahatma Gandhi's Home, Ahmedabad Hathee Singh Jain Temple, Ahmedabad Calico Museum of Textiles, Ahmedabad Jama Masjid, Ahmedabad Dada Hari, Ahmedabad Siddha Shree Dhoramnath Monastery, Bhuj Dhoramnath Temple, Bhuj Champaner-Pavagadh, Vadodara Little Rann of Kutch Rauza, Ahmedabad
To make your Gujarat tour handier, many travel agencies and tour planners of India offer Gujarat tours packages and they also provide valuable information about your Gujarat tours. During your Gujarat tours you will know what the state is famous for and will be familiar with its exotic cultural tradition, attractive handicrafts, and architectural assets and of course its wildlife. What a tourist can ask for, Gujarat tour tries to fulfill every type of his demand. Become a part of Gujarat tour and get enchanted with its everlasting sweet charm. The fascination of Gujarat is in waiting for your arrival.
About the Author
Michael Braganza is an eminent analyst and writer in Travel & Tourism related topics. He has authored many books on tour guide Visit : http://indiatours.etradeservices.com
Source: http://exotictouristdestinations.blogspot.com/2007/09/visit-to-gujarat-jewell-of-west-by.html
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Environment film festival concludes.
New Delhi
Kunal Diwan
NEW DELHI: The environmental film festival ‘Vatavaran 2007’ concluded here on Sunday with Senani Hegde’s ‘Wild Dog Diaries’ bagging the Best Film award. The award carries a cash prize of Rs.1.5 lakh.
Other winners at the biennial festival included ‘Earth Calling – Episode Coorg’ by Rita Banerjee and Shilpi Sharma (Delhi Chief Minister’s Award for the Best Documentary in Environmental Conservation) and ‘Tiger – The Death Chronicles’ by Krishnendu Bose (Wildlife Conservation Category).
The Forum of Environmental Journalists of India and CMS Academy Award for Young Environmental Journalist (Print and Broadcast) went to Amar Jyoti and Bahar Dutt respectively. The Revelation Award was won by ‘Cherub of the Mist’, a beautifully shot documentary on the reclusive red panda by Naresh Bedi.
Suresh Elamon’s ‘Angels in Tigerland’ won the award for Best Cinematography while Umesh Aggarwal’s ‘The Whistle Blowers’ won for Best Editing.
The Special Jury Award was won by Gaurav Jani’s ‘Riding Solo to the Top of the World’. Jury Special Mention Awards were handed out to Kalpana Subramaniam’s Turtle in a Soup’ and Gurmeet Sapal’s ‘Leopard in the Lurch’.
Source: http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/17/stories/2007091750910200.htm
Kunal Diwan
NEW DELHI: The environmental film festival ‘Vatavaran 2007’ concluded here on Sunday with Senani Hegde’s ‘Wild Dog Diaries’ bagging the Best Film award. The award carries a cash prize of Rs.1.5 lakh.
Other winners at the biennial festival included ‘Earth Calling – Episode Coorg’ by Rita Banerjee and Shilpi Sharma (Delhi Chief Minister’s Award for the Best Documentary in Environmental Conservation) and ‘Tiger – The Death Chronicles’ by Krishnendu Bose (Wildlife Conservation Category).
The Forum of Environmental Journalists of India and CMS Academy Award for Young Environmental Journalist (Print and Broadcast) went to Amar Jyoti and Bahar Dutt respectively. The Revelation Award was won by ‘Cherub of the Mist’, a beautifully shot documentary on the reclusive red panda by Naresh Bedi.
Suresh Elamon’s ‘Angels in Tigerland’ won the award for Best Cinematography while Umesh Aggarwal’s ‘The Whistle Blowers’ won for Best Editing.
The Special Jury Award was won by Gaurav Jani’s ‘Riding Solo to the Top of the World’. Jury Special Mention Awards were handed out to Kalpana Subramaniam’s Turtle in a Soup’ and Gurmeet Sapal’s ‘Leopard in the Lurch’.
Source: http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/17/stories/2007091750910200.htm
MP Bags Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Conservation Award.
Posted September 18th, 2007 by TariqueIndia News By Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net
Bhopal: The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has conferred Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Conservation Award to Madhya Pradesh state in individual category for the year 2005.
This was informed by the Madhya Pradesh Minister for Forests Kunwar Vijay Shah here today. The award is given annually in two categories for outstanding contribution to conservation of wildlife to an official/non-official person and institution.
The Minister informed that Government of India has selected Dr. H.S. Negi, a 1988 batch IFS officer who is presently the Director (territorial) of Kanha Tiger Reserve for the individual award for the year 2005.
The award is being given to Dr. Negi for his significant contribution to wildlife conservation as Deputy Director under Kanha Tiger Reserve, Buffer Zone and Deputy Director Kanha National Park. Dr. Negi very discreetly and courageously resolved the issue of opposition to opening of a buffer zone forest division of Kanha National Park. He convinced the target villages about the importance of the buffer zone forest division and motivated them to be partner in wildlife conservation. The comparatively less bio-pressure and peace in Kanha National Park is a tribute to his efforts.
Subsequently, different strategies were implemented under the leadership of Dr. Negi for effective protection and conservation of wildlife and wildlife areas. He exhibited exemplary sagacity and activeness in developing the Fen wildlife sanctuary as a satellite micro corp and ecological gallery arrival of wild animals. During his tenure as Director, Kanha National Park came to be known for efficient technical management, which included protection of Barahasingha, which is in crisis of extinction.
It may be mentioned here that earlier Dr. Negi had received the Pata Award of the World Nature Foundation in year 2000 and World Gold Medal by Madhya Pradesh Government in year 2001 for his outstanding services. (pervezbari@eth.net)
Source: http://www.indianmuslims.info/news/2007/sep/18/mp_bags_rajiv_gandhi_wildlife_conservation_award.html
Bhopal: The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has conferred Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Conservation Award to Madhya Pradesh state in individual category for the year 2005.
This was informed by the Madhya Pradesh Minister for Forests Kunwar Vijay Shah here today. The award is given annually in two categories for outstanding contribution to conservation of wildlife to an official/non-official person and institution.
The Minister informed that Government of India has selected Dr. H.S. Negi, a 1988 batch IFS officer who is presently the Director (territorial) of Kanha Tiger Reserve for the individual award for the year 2005.
The award is being given to Dr. Negi for his significant contribution to wildlife conservation as Deputy Director under Kanha Tiger Reserve, Buffer Zone and Deputy Director Kanha National Park. Dr. Negi very discreetly and courageously resolved the issue of opposition to opening of a buffer zone forest division of Kanha National Park. He convinced the target villages about the importance of the buffer zone forest division and motivated them to be partner in wildlife conservation. The comparatively less bio-pressure and peace in Kanha National Park is a tribute to his efforts.
Subsequently, different strategies were implemented under the leadership of Dr. Negi for effective protection and conservation of wildlife and wildlife areas. He exhibited exemplary sagacity and activeness in developing the Fen wildlife sanctuary as a satellite micro corp and ecological gallery arrival of wild animals. During his tenure as Director, Kanha National Park came to be known for efficient technical management, which included protection of Barahasingha, which is in crisis of extinction.
It may be mentioned here that earlier Dr. Negi had received the Pata Award of the World Nature Foundation in year 2000 and World Gold Medal by Madhya Pradesh Government in year 2001 for his outstanding services. (pervezbari@eth.net)
Source: http://www.indianmuslims.info/news/2007/sep/18/mp_bags_rajiv_gandhi_wildlife_conservation_award.html
Poaching of crocodile confirmed in Junagadh!
Poaching of crocodile confirmed in Junagadh
Junagadh, Gujarat, Sep 16 : The state forest department today confirmed poaching of a crocodile in an incident reported two months ago at Chuladi village of Malia-Haria taluka of Junagadh district.
''On 25 July, carcass of a crocodile was found on the bank of the river in Chuladi. We sent the dead body to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Gandhinagar,'' District Officer Officer S K Baleja told UNI.
''The FSL report released recently confirmed that the crocodile was clubbed to death in poaching,'' said Mr Baleja, adding that the forest department is investigating the case.
--- UNI
Source: http://www.newkerala.com/oct.php?action=fullnews&id=1077
Junagadh, Gujarat, Sep 16 : The state forest department today confirmed poaching of a crocodile in an incident reported two months ago at Chuladi village of Malia-Haria taluka of Junagadh district.
''On 25 July, carcass of a crocodile was found on the bank of the river in Chuladi. We sent the dead body to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Gandhinagar,'' District Officer Officer S K Baleja told UNI.
''The FSL report released recently confirmed that the crocodile was clubbed to death in poaching,'' said Mr Baleja, adding that the forest department is investigating the case.
--- UNI
Source: http://www.newkerala.com/oct.php?action=fullnews&id=1077
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Pride of the zoo!
12:00p.m. 15 September 2007
| Nicole Richardson
They are cute and cuddly. And the latest additions to Australia Zoo at Beerwah are causing quite a fuss.
Charlie, the male cub in a pride of three eight-week-old Bengal tiger cubs, was named from the get-go.
The two girls’ naming rights will be auctioned to raise money to further the zoo’s tiger conservation projects.
And although the cubs are only two months old, Australia Zoo big cat supervisor Giles Clark said they would help to deliver the message of tiger conservation awareness.
“They’re going to have a very important role within the facility,” he said.
“Not only helping to raise and create awareness about the problem regarding tiger conservation, but they’re also going to be integral in helping to raise resources to support our partners and our programs that we support overseas.”
And their irresistible charm is too must to resist.
“They’re truly one of the world’s most charismatic animals,” Mr Clark said.
“They’re the only striped member of the cat family, hence why they’re so distinctive.
“Just last year, in fact, Animal Planet did a worldwide survey of what was the world’s most popular animal and tigers came out on top.
“I think everyone can relate to the cats because there are so many domestic cats and if you don’t have a cat, you had a cat when you were a child.
“There are so many similar behaviours and characteristics – they capture people’s hearts.”
The cubs will remain at the zoo for their entire lives, and will be introduced to the five older tigers in the Tiger Temple within the next few weeks.
They will be on show from Saturday, with viewings from 11am to 1.45pm each day.
To make a bid to name one of the beautiful girls, visit www.australiazoo.com.au from Saturday.
Source:
http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2007/sep/15/pride-zoo/
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