57 endangered species in India but no recovery plan for most.

Chetan Chauhan, Hindustan Times
New Delhi, March 10, 2011

Jerdon's Courser, White Backed Vulture, the Forest Owlet, the Bengal Florican, the Siberian Crane, the Pygmy Hog and the Malabar Civet are among the 57 species of animals listed as critically endangered in India. While Environment ministry now has the number of species under threat, courtesy the International Union for Conservation and Nature (IUCN), it still does not know the number of species that have gone extinct in the country.
"As far as mammals go, I know only one species, Cheetah, that has gone extinct," Environment minister Jairam Ramesh said, while admitting that India has poor record on the database of the animal and bird species it has. Ramesh has approved an ambitious plan to translocate Cheetahs from Africa in four different locations - one each in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat and two in Rajasthan.
The Zoological Survey of India and Botanical Survey of India are entrusted with the job to keep record of species in India but they don't have database of more than half of Indian wildlife. "We have never build capacity to have do scientific taxonomy," he minister said.
It has been international organizations such as IUCN, which is now headed by Ashok Khosla and Conservation International, which has provided funds to do research on lost species in India.
In February this year, S D Biju of Delhi University had successfully rediscovered five species of amphibians, including one lost 139 years ago, from different parts of the country. One such frog species Chalazodes Bubble-Nest Frog, rediscovered in Western Ghats, had found mention in the list of 57 critically endangered species in India.
Apart from them, there are 132 endangered, 317 vulnerable, 301near risk category and 2,448 least concern species in India.
The Environment ministry in collaboration with the Zoological Survey of India has prepared a comprehensive document on 'Critically Endangered Animal Species of India' for the first time.
The area of concern for many wildlifers is that the government has no recovery plan for many of these species unlike big carnivores such as tigers, lions, leopards and elephants.
Except, Vultures, Jerdon’s Courser, Leatherback Turtle and Malabar Cevit, reviving the population of any other species is not covered under any central government plan. For most of these species, the government has also failed to conduct an census or population estimation as done in case of tigers, lions and elephants.
Ramesh said that the National Coastal Zone Management Authority has been asked to prepare a plan to protected endangered marine species, as most of them are not in any of the marine sanctuaries in India. But, for other the government apathy would continue.
Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/57-endangered-species-in-India-but-no-recovery-plan-for-most/Article1-671764.aspx

Lioness killed by crocodile?

TNN | Mar 28, 2011
AHMEDABAD: A nine-year-old lioness may have been killed in a crocodile attack, suspect forest officials. This is the second big cat to die in the last two days in Khambha, the eastern part of the Gir sanctuary.
On Sunday morning, the forest department found the lioness' body. Primary investigation revealed that the lioness could have died due to drowning as the body was found floating in the pond. The possibility of poisoning was ruled out as the body had not turned black.
R L Meena, conservator of forest said that the recovery of the body floating in the lake, which is about 150-metre long reveals, shows that the animal may have drowned. He said that the lake also has some crocodiles; hence, the possibility of a crocodile attack cannot be ruled out. However, only a post-mortem would reveal the exact cause of death.
In a similar incident a lioness was found dead in the same area on Saturday. The officials said that it had died of old age.
Meena, however, added that a major cause of worry for forest department was that same water hole was being used by wild as well as domestic animals. He said that the post-mortem report of a lion revealed that the death was due to infection of worms.
"There was large presence of worms in the animal which were commonly found in domestic animals," said Meena. This was only due to sharing of a water hole by the lion and some domestic animals. 
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Lioness-killed-by-crocodile/articleshow/7802167.cms

Lioness found dead in Amreli district .

Monday, Mar 28, 2011
Ahmedabad: The carcass of a lioness was found from a pond in the Gir (East) forest region in Khamba taluka of Amreli district on Sunday, Forest Department officials said.
The officials said no marks of injuries were found on the big cat, which could be about nine years old. The carcass has been sent for post-mortem.
A fire, which was reported from the Sirsiya range of the Gir (east) region, was brought under control, the officials said. — PTI
Source: http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/28/stories/2011032857620100.htm

Bachchan promoted Gujarat for free: Govt.

TNN, Mar 26, 2011, 06.05am IST

GANDHINAGAR: The state government has made it clear that superstar Amitabh Bachchan was not paid any remuneration for acting as Gujarat's brand ambassador. This is the first time that the government has made an official statement in this regard.
In a written reply to the Jodiya MLA, Raghavji Patel's query, the state government said that the superstar had agreed to be the state's brand ambassador and for advertisement campaigns for which he was not paid any fee or remuneration.

State tourism department officials said that Bachchan had visited the state twice. While in the first trip, he shot in Somnath, Girnar, Bhuj in the second one he shot at Ahmedabad, Porbander and Dwarka.
Tourism officials said the super star also proposed to have a light and sound show for Dwarka, Ambaji and Somnath and had agreed to lend his voice for the same.
Government officials said that in 2009 and 2010 the government spent nearly Rs 37.66 crore on the advertisement campaign for the state's tourism department. The amount spent in 2010 was over Rs 20 crore which included lodging and boarding expenses of the superstar and his crew members who were in the state for the campaign - Khushboo Gujarat Ki.
Officials said that as a result of the advertisements and aggressive campaigns by the state government, tourism had risen. The last months of the year 2010 had seen a huge rush at Sasan Gir, the only abode of the Asiatic lions.
source: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-26/ahmedabad/29192016_1_brand-ambassador-asiatic-lions-khushboo-gujarat-ki

Mobile van to keep an eye on man-lion conflicts in Gir.

Himanshu Kaushik, TNN | Mar 26, 2011,

AHMEDABAD: With an increasing number of man-animal conflicts being reported from the periphery of Gir sanctuary, efforts are being made to bridge the gap between villagers and the state's forest and environment department. A mobile van has been introduced to roam in the villages along the boundary and help in rescuing and conservation of the big cats.
Conservator of forest R L Meena said that this mobile van has been launched to understand the problems of the locals and issues related to the local beat guard and forest department. Apart from the bridging exercise, the mobile van will also have trackers, who will be helpful in case of emergency and rescue.
Deputy conservator of forest Gir sanctuary (headquarters) Sandeep Kumar said the mobile van will have two foresters, one guard and two trackers, along with a driver. The team, apart from talking to sarpanch and local residents, will also keep an eye on the movement of the lions and leopards in the particular areas.
Kumar said the team will be staying in the open fields. Importantly, the team will survey the number and location of the lions in the periphery. "If the team finds that the pride in the area is new and has migrated from the nearby area, they will look for the reason of the shift. The team will also tell villagers about do's and don'ts if they spot a lion sitting in their fields," said Kumar.
"We also want to create a local network so that if anything major happens, this team should be the first to get the information," Kumar said, adding that if the team got complaint of some serious conflicts between the big cats and the people, they would call a rescue team and shift the lion to the sanctuary.
The team would also maintain a register of their visit the village and will also be accompanied by the local staff from the area. It would also take down the details of the killing of domestic animal and learn if the compensation was paid in all such cases. If there is any case pending, it would be brought to the notice of the higher officials and the same will be paid immediately.
The forester said that based on the feedback and the reports of this team, the department will have another two vans deployed before the beginning of the monsoon. He said that this addition of two van will increase the area of coverage and frequency of visit to the particular village.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Mobile-van-to-keep-an-eye-on-man-lion-conflicts-in-Gir/articleshow/7796073.cms

Gujarat cops take custody of poacher.

March 2, 2011  DC  Bengaluru

March 1: Notorious poacher Durru, who was lodged in the city central jail for the last two years, was handed over to Gujarat police on Tuesday for an investigation into cases of killing of lions in Gir National Park.
A CID Forest Cell official said the accused was arrested for having links with Prabhakar Gajakosh, a forest contractor-turned-hunter. Gajakosh is behind bars ever since he was caught in 2007 with a whopping 23 leopard pelts.
Following investigation, it was revealed that Gajakosh had links with poachers in north India, including Sansar Chand, who was responsible for killing a number of tigers in Sariska and other tiger reserves up north. Officials from the CID Forest Cell said that accused Durru was arrested in 2007 and he will be brought back to the central prison in Bengaluru on March 16.
The Gujarat police had sought Durru’s custody in connection with the investigation into the poaching of 10 lions in a span of two months in a peculiar fashion in Gir. The lions were not shot, but were trapped using snares.
The operation was such that once the lion was trapped, women would close in on the trapped animal and kill it animals using spears and wooden clubs.
“The investigations revealed that the crime was done by members of Katni tribe in MP and it was also found that the tribesmen had contact with smugglers such as Gajakosh and Durru, who also hail from MP,” said a official.
Meanwhile, CID Forest Cell ADGP KSN Chikkerur said that DNA mapping of seized pelts is being handled by scientific agencies and soon there will be considerable amount of DNA data on tiger and leopard pelts available with CID. “It’s important to trace the origin of the pelt and where the animal was hunted. Several wildlife institutes and central investigating agencies are creating a DNA bank of tigers and soon this will hold the key to investigations in case there is a death of tiger,” Mr Chikkerur added.
Source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/bengaluru/gujarat-cops-take-custody-poacher-938

Govt mulling increase in compensatn for lion attack victims.

PTI | 09:03 PM,Mar 25,2011 Ahmedabad, Mar 25 (PTI) The state government is considering a proposal to increase the compensation granted to the kin of victims of lion attacks, Gujarat Forest Minister Mangu Patel told the state Assembly today. Patel was replying to a question asked on a recent death of a woman in lion attack near Gir sanctuary. "We are contemplating increase in the compensation amount for the victims of lion attacks," Patel said. Presently, state gives Rs 1 lakh. Last week, Sarojben Mohanbhai, a 45-year-old woman, was killed by a lion near Moruka village of Talala taluka, in Junagadh district. "The lion has been caught by the state forest officials and has been sent to Animal Care Centre in Sasan Gir," Patel said. The village is near Gir Sanctuary. Incidents of lion- attacks on humans and domestic animals have increased in the last few years. PTI VKB PD
Source: http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/govt-mulling-increase-in-compensatn-for-lion-attack-victims/623833.html

Girnar ropeway: State to stick to original plan.

Adam Halliday  

Thu Mar 24 2011, 04:33 hrs Ahmedabad:

 The state government has decided to stick to the original alignment of the Girnar Ropeway Project, rejecting alternatives suggested by the the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF).
“We have stuck to the original alignment because no other alignment is viable,” said S K Nanda, Principal Secretary, State Forest Department. He said the decision was reached after a detailed study. The original alignment is through Bhavnath Taleti, which lies on the foothills of Mount Girnar and is not far from Junagadh.
Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh had suggested the state government to study possible alternative routes in the ropeway’s alignment so it would pose less threat to the critically-endangered Girnari Giddhs (Long-billed Vultures).
On February 7, the Minister had granted in-principle approval for the ropeway, but subjected it to six specific conditions. The first of these was that the state would “conduct a study to consider alternative alignment of the ropeway project, preferably along the Dattar/Bhesan side to ensure that it does not cut across the prime vulture habitat and minimises disturbance to the nesting, roosting and ranging sites of birds and other wildlife species...”
Nanda said, Usha Breco Limited, which has been awarded the ropeway project, submitted it’s report on an alternative alignment on March 23. They were carefully studied, but were found non-viable. The state Forest Department will forward the report to MoEF in some days, Nanda added.
Incidentally, soon after Jairam granted in-principle approval to the project, experts expressed their apprehension over the viability of the alternative alignment.
Nanda said the Bhesan alignment was tedious because it was too far, and would have necessitated forest land acquisition (Bhesan is surrounded by a thick forest area). Besides, the town is far from Junagadh city, the main tourist area from where pilgrims approach the mountain. To reach Bhesan from Junagadh, pilgrims will have to trek 35 kilometres through Gir Sanctuary. Driving would mean an even longer journey from Junagadh city — first to a village called Vadal, and from there another 26 km to Bhesan. 
Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/girnar-ropeway-state-to-stick-to-original-plan/766617/0

29 lions from Gir forest die in 8 months.

PTI | 09:03 PM,Mar 23,2011 Gandhinagar, Mar 23 (PTI) Twenty nine Asiatic lions including ten cubs died in the famous Gir forests over the last eight months, the Gujarat Assembly was told today. "The death of 19 Lions and 10 cubs has taken place in the Gir forest region and surrounding areas since the Lion census was conducted in April 2010," Forest Minister Mangu Patel stated in a written reply to a question of State Congress President Arjun Modhvadia. Modhvadia, had raised a question asking about the status of Asiatic Lions till December 2010, post the census conducted in Gujarat. As per estimates of the Lion census conducted in April 2010, there were 97 Lions, 162 Lionesses and 152 cubs in and around Gir forest region of the state, which is also the last abode of Asiatic Lions. The 2005 census had recorded presence of 359 lions here. While there have been many deaths, many new cubs were born in the last breeding season, state forest department officials said.
Source: http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/29-lions-from-gir-forest-die-in-8-months/620420.html

Lion kills woman.

PTI | 11:03 PM,Mar 21,2011 Vadodara, Mar 21 (PTI) A woman was killed by a lion in neighbouring Junagadh district this morning, Gujarat Forest Department officials said. Sarojben Avgari was attacked by the wild animal when she was working in a field at Moruka village, about 250 km from here, said R D Katara, District Forest Officer. Junagadh houses Gir lion sanctuary. The national park is the only home of Asiatic lions.
Source: http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/lion-kills-woman/617804.html

Pride and prejudice

Ravi Chellam

CONSERVATION In India, the tiger has dominated the wildlife conservation discourse for far too long. Its dominance has been so pronounced that even equally charismatic species have not got the attention due to them. Amongst this somewhat neglected lot is the Asiatic lion, writes Ravi Chellam, who has observed lions on several occasions and spent hundreds of hours following and learning from them.

Internationally, conservation is a very peculiar endeavour often driven by passion but equally driven by an incomplete understanding of very complex issues. Conservation debates, at least in India are often dominated by “experts” who more often than not, are self-proclaimed.  Unfortunately knowledge, science and global experience are seldom marshalled to inform conservation policy or action. Very often we also make the mistake of focusing on the survival of individual animals rather than focus on the protection of wildlife habitats, retention of their ecological productivity, ensuring the connectivity of habitats and monitoring of populations of endangered species over the long-term. Charismatic species tend to not only dominate the conservation debate but also hog public, media and government’s attention, and this often results in a highly skewed investment of resources to conserve a very small number of species while other species which probably deserve far more attention are neglected. This is especially true in India where the tiger has dominated the wildlife conservation discourse for far too long. Its dominance has been so pronounced that even equally charismatic species have not got the attention due to them. Amongst this somewhat neglected lot is the Asiatic lion. A close brush with extinction India and especially the state and citizens of Gujarat are justifiably proud of the conservation success that the Asiatic lions represent.  This population of lions had a very close brush with extinction in the late 1880s and early 1990s but over the last few decades has recovered very well and currently is thriving in and around Gir forests in Saurashtra. These are the sole surviving wild lions in Asia. Currently, the major lion-related conservation issue dogging policy makers and conservationists is how best to manage the results of this very successful conservation effort. We have a very unusual situation where an endangered species’ population is in surplus in the context of the available wilderness habitat. This has meant that several lions are more or less permanently living outside the protected area, in forest fragments, plantations and agriculture fields all of which are in a matrix of human-dominated habitats. This situation is akin to having all your eggs in one basket. There is a high risk of the hard won conservation success being wiped out by a catastrophe like disease. My doctoral research in the mid/late 1980s focused on generating knowledge which would inform the survey and selection of suitable sites for translocating lions from Gir to establish one or two more free-ranging lion populations. I view this conservation strategy as being very similar to us purchasing insurance policies. The translocated lions will serve as an insurance against the extinction of free-ranging wild Asiatic lions. The first sighting... I still distinctly remember my first sighting of a lion in the wild. It was dusk in late December 1985. I had been selected by Wildlife Institute of India to study the lions and to examine the feasibility of a translocation project. I had never been to Gir and hence went on a five-day reconnaissance trip. I walked extensively and also drove several kilometres to learn about the forest and the lions. During my time in the field I saw lion tracks and scats (droppings) on numerous occasions and also examined remains of kills made by lions and even heard a lion roar at night. It was the last evening of my visit and I had not yet sighted a lion. This had me worried, as I had just joined the lion project and was planning to conduct research for my Ph D. If observing the lions was going to be so difficult then it would complicate my research plans. As I was walking in the forest and pondering over these issues, I heard some lions growling and out of the bush emerged four lions. These were about 60 metres from me. I froze and stood still on the road. In my broken Hindi I sought guidance from my field guide, a boy from the local village. He just shrugged his shoulders and stood next to me. Armed with nothing more than a lathi, we were pretty vulnerable, more like sitting ducks if the lions decided to attack us. By the time I gathered my wits and realised that this was a great opportunity to observe and photograph, three of the four lions had disappeared into the dense bush. I did manage to take my first picture of a wild lion, which is a side-on view of the last lion also heading into the bush. With subsequent experience, I figured out that these were four were sub-adult lions and all the growling and running around was play behaviour. I would be lying if I deny that I was a little scared when I first saw the lions. I have over the subsequent years observed lions on several hundred occasions and spent hundreds of hours observing, following and learning from them. Gir lions are special... Lions in Gir are unique in many ways. For starters, they are forest dwelling animals largely preying on deer, which is very different from the savannah dwelling lions of East Africa. The even more distinct feature of these lions is their tolerance and peaceful relationship with local communities. Lions do attack people, on an average about a dozen people are attacked every year out of which one person dies.  Given the frequency of interactions with people and the opportunity for the lions to attack people, the question to ask is not why there are these attacks but why there are so few attacks. In fact when I have shown my pictures and described my experiences to colleagues in Africa, they just cannot believe the access that these lions allow to people on foot. The four years I did my field work in Gir are amongst the best years of my career. It was a lot of hard work with very few financial rewards but the thrill of working amongst large cats and observing some very unique behaviour more than made up for all the hardship.  It is these experiences and knowledge which have enabled me to conduct and direct research and conservation projects across India. Lions are as wild as any other wild cat in India. The fact that they can be observed more easily should not be held against them. In fact it is a unique privilege they offer. One hopes that knowledge, science, global experience and good sense will prevail in deciding on the translocation project, which is only about the long-term conservation prospects for the lions and not about any other imagined set of issues. (The writer is the Country Director, Wildlife Conservation Society-India Programme.)   Source: http://www.deccanherald.com/content/147581/pride-prejudice.html

GU to make e-content for zoology syllabus.

Bharat Yagnik, TNN, Mar 19, 2011, 03.47am IST

AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat University (GU) will soon undertake a project to provide e-content for zoology syllabus to colleges all over the country.
The ministry of human resources and development has granted a project to GU and Consortium for Education Communication (CEC) along with Ahmedabad-based Educational Media Research Centre to convert the entire syllabus of zoology into e-format.

The e-content would be in the form of modules with each capsule lasting 30 minutes. The first year syllabus will be covered in 30 modules, while the second year syllabus will be broken into 50 modules and the third year zoology syllabus will be covered in 100 modules. "The e-content will be extremely useful to students as pupils countrywide can upload the same on computers and understand subjects better since the content would be high on visuals", said GU vice-chancellor Parimal Trivedi.
The modules will be made on all 20 subjects of zoology which include animal diversity, cell biology and genetics.
Apart from the routine syllabus, special programmes will also be made on the Asiatic lion wherein clips of the king of the Gir jungle will also be shown. "We will also explain in detail how lions are living in their only abode in Asia, the breeding techniques which are being used by experts in the zoo as well as other interesting details", said M V Rao, head of GU's zoology department.
Officials said that the project's total cost was Rs 3 crore of which Rs 1 crore was sanctioned by the ministry. Trivedi said that production engineers and 40 teachers of the subject will be involved in the conceptualizing and execution of this ambitious project which will change the way a subject is taught in colleges.
"The visual element will be high in the modules and we will also use animation up to an extent", said Trivedi.
Source: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-19/ahmedabad/29145979_1_syllabus-gu-vice-chancellor-parimal-trivedi-asiatic-lion

2,700 wells around Gir still uncovered.

TNN | Mar 17, 2011, 06.03am IST
GANDHINAGAR: The state government has admitted that around 2,700 wells in the area outside Gir Sanctuary were still uncovered, posing danger to the big cats.
Replying to Jodiya MLA Raghavji Patel's query, the government said that earlier there were 15,021 open wells outside the sanctuary. The state had later adopted a fixed policy to make a parapet or cover for the wells. The government said that by December 31, 2010, 12,328 open wells had already been covered. The remaining 2,700 odd open wells would also be covered as per the availability of the funds.
A senior forest officer said that the cost of covering ranged between Rs 6,000 to Rs 15,000 for one well. The government has decided to give grants with an upper ceiling of Rs 8,000 per well. He said that the grant was decided based on the size of the well.
While 15,012 wells existed in and around the sanctuary, the forest officials said, the lions' movement were not restricted to the same area. The lions now roam in an area of around 10,500 sq km, right from Bheshan in Junagadh to Mahuva and Palitana in Bhavnagar. What's more, no surveys had ever been done in the other parts of Saurashtra region where lions have been spotted.
The state government, in reply to another question by Porbandar MLA Arjun Modhwadia, told the House that Barda Dungar in Porbandar and Jamnagar were being developed as the gene pool of big cats. There are plans to relocate lions from Gir Sanctuary to Barda. To give the big cats a natural habitat, the government is increasing the prey base in the area.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/2700-wells-around-Gir-still-uncovered/articleshow/7722056.cms

Vulture colony in Zampodar village vanishes.

Vijaysinh Parmar, TNN | Mar 17, 2011, 12.43pm IST
MAHUVA (BHAVNAGAR): An entire vulture colony at Zampodar village in Rajula taluka of Amreli district, which had been a roosting and nesting site for nearly 31 white rumped vultures, has gone missing for the past two months.
"We had earlier spotted 31 vultures, mostly white-rumped vultures, at Zampodar village in Rajula taluka. It was a traditional vulture colony. But, not a single vulture is found here since the past two months. It is unusual and shocking. We fear that it may have just vanished," said Ruchi Dave, vulture conservationist and honorary wildlife warden, Bhavnagar district.
"During the last survey, more than 81 vultures were spotted in the Mahuva-Nageshri range. Now, we need to find out the cause behind the disappearance (of the colony)," said Dave. Vultures are endangered species and falls under the schedule one category of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. "The forest department should appoint a monitoring committee to look into the matter and prepare a scientific status report about the missing vulture colony," she added.
Dave said the Mahuva-Nageshri and Rajula ranges on Saurashtra coast are a few of the last sites for vultures in the state where they roost and nest on coconut trees.
Wildlife activists fear that further negligence could lead to the complete disappearance to these birds. In fact, there is no regular monitoring mechanism for vultures by the forest department. "There are no measures in place to rescue and treat ill vultures and monitor vanishing ones. In 2006, 31 vultures were found dead. The same thing can happen again. Before things get worst, we need to act fast," Dave said.
Dave has been actively involved in vulture conservation and is a member of Bird Conservation Society-Gujarat (BCSG), which runs a feeding site for vultures at Asharana village.
However, the forest department is not aware of the entire episode. When contacted, J K Makwana, deputy conservator of forests, Amreli district, said, "We have come to know about it from local volunteers and we have asked the local forest department to look into the matter."
Sources said there are three major panjrapols (animal shelters) in the area - Rajula, Chhapariyali and Nalga - where vultures can be given animal carcasses to feed. "But, vultures do not land there for various reasons… so there is a need to develop a few more feeding sites," said Dave.
"Mostly, local voluntary groups are monitoring the vultures' activity with the help of the forest department. We have also asked local volunteers to submit a project plan to carry out the conservation work," said Bharat Pathak, director, GEER Foundation, which monitors vanishing vulture species.
Apart from missing the vulture colony, sources confirmed that six vultures have had died since January 2011.They include three white-rumped vultures in Mahuva-Rajula range and three long-billed vultures in Girnar. "As of now, we do not know the exact reasons for the death of these vultures but we have sent two samples for analysis at Pinjore Vulture Breeding Centre. We would be able to know the exact reason once the report arrives," said Dave. 
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/Vulture-colony-in-Zampodar-village-vanishes/articleshow/7722869.cms

Forest dept to scour land for cheetahs.

Express News Service Tags : MoEF, S K Nanda, Jairam Ramesh Posted: Wed Mar 16 2011, 04:24 hrs Ahmedabad:

The state Forest Department will form a group that will work on identifying land in Gujarat for the re-introduction of the cheetah, extinct in India since 1947. The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) is looking to source cheetahs from Africa.
S K Nanda, Principal Secretary, state Forest Department, said the Centre had sent a request to identify a site in Gujarat for the re-introduction of cheetahs.
“We will go into the details soon; a team will be formed to look at the possible sites, and a report will be submitted,” he said.
India had attempted to re-introduce the world’s fastest animal some two years ago, with plans to source it from Iran. But the West Asian country had only a small population of about 60 left, and expressed its inability to spare the 16 or 18 cheetahs India was expecting.
Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said at a recent event in New Delhi that South Africa, Namibia and Tanzania were being looked at as places from where cheetahs could be sourced.

In a report last year, the Dehradun-based Wildlife Institute of India and Wildlife Trust of India said the Banni Grasslands and Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary could be potential sites, but has a very low prey base.
“But the area has potential and with restoration, livestock grazing management, and law enforcement, the area could bounce back and could potentially support over 50 cheetahs,” the report said.
Neighbouring Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the report added, had certain areas that could be potential areas for re-introduction of cheetahs
Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/forest-dept-to-scour-land-for-cheetahs/763128/

Jethava murder: Dinu Solanki gets clean chit.

Published: Saturday, Mar 12, 2011, 19:28 IST
By DNA Correspondent | Place: Ahmedabad | Agency: DNA 
Dinu Bogha Solanki, a BJP MP has been given the clean chit by Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) which is investigating the murder of RTI activist Amit Jethava.
The RTI activist was allegedly killed by sharp shooter Shailesh Pandya opposite the Gujarat high court in July 2010 and Jethava's family had accused Solanki of being the brain behind the incident.
Apart from Pandya, Shiva Solanki, nephew of Dinu Solanki, police constable Bahadursinh Vadher, Sanjay Chauhan, Pachan Desai and Udaji Thakor were also arrested.
Jethava had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking action against the illegal mining in Gir forest.
Jethava's family members had accused Dinu Solanki of issuing threats to him for his PIL had allegedly obstructed the illegal mining in Gir.
On Thursday, SM Chaudhary, investigation officer in the case, filed an affidavit before the high court stating that police had taken the statement of the BJP MP on September 16, 2010 and they found no evidence to prove his involvement in the murder. Chaudhary filed an affidavit in connection with a petition filed by Amit's father Bhikha Jethava seeking CBI investigation into the murder.
Chaudhary filed an affidavit opposing the petition and said, the investigation has been done in an impartial manner.Anand Yagnik, counsel for Bhikha Jethava said they are not satisfied with the investigation and will put their side of the story during further hearing on March 15.

State Govt. affidavit clarifies stand towards mining near sanctuaries.

10.03.2011 | 14:08 Ahmedabad Tejas Mehta
Mining and industrial activities within one kilometer from wild life sanctuaries and national parks in Gujarat have now been prohibited. The state government has informed the Gujarat High Court of the same. PK Jani appearing for the government submitted the action taken report in the court after the high court earlier noted the state government’s failure in implementing a Supreme Court order of 2006 in it’s true spirit. The Supreme Court had then passed an order over the issue of prohibiting mining and industrial activities within a kilometer from the boundaries of wild life sanctuaries and national parks.  The action taken report was submitted by PM Christian, an under secretary of the forest and environment department. The report states that the department has decided to bar mining and other industrial activities within the said area. It further states that activities within one kilometer to five kilometer area would be governed by it’s earlier notification of 2008 which requires obtaining of NOC from the government for running industries within the zone. The direction came in a case preferred by one Param Udhyog, which has a license and lease for mining near Palanpur-Ambaji road, approached the court claiming that it was not issued a no-objection certificate even after producing all relevant documents. Advocates Amit Panchal and Shivani Rajpurohit appeared for the petitioner whereas PK Jani and Maithili Mehta appeared for the government. Source: http://www.lawetalnews.com/NewsDetail.asp?newsid=3601

62 cases of attack by Gir big cats in 3 years.

Forest dept paid victims or their kin Rs 20.6L in damages

Ahmedabad Mirror Bureau

Posted On Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 03:15:12 AM

There have been 6,237 cases of attack on domestic animals Wild animals, including lions, have attacked 162 human beings in Gir forest in last three years, Forest Minister Mangu Patel told the state assembly on Wednesday. The government has paid Rs 20.6 lakh to victims or their kin in damages. There have been 6,237 cases of attack on domestic animals and the government has paid Rs 1.29 crore in compensation to their owners, the minister told Talala MLA Bhagwan Barad in reply to a question. Patel said that Rs 23.57 crore has been allocated for various activities in the Gir forest region for 2010-11. The government has spent about Rs 16.40 crore so far, he said. The money was spent on forest conservation and management, conservation of lions, development of water bodies, eco-tourism, etc. The population of lions in Gir is 411. Out of this, 140 are living on revenue land out of forest areas, leading to more incidences of man-animal conflict. Lions have been spotted in Girnar forest, Veraval, coastal areas of Sutrapada apart form their natural habitat in Gir forest. A group of men also killed a lion in self-defence after the animal attacked them near a village close to the Gir wildlife sanctuary on March 22 last year. Seven men, including a forest beat guard, were injured. They allegedly killed the lion with axes. While a hungry lion may attack a human, some male lions seem to seek out human prey. However, wild lions are much less likely to attack humans than wild tigers,”said Principal Conservator of Forest Pradeep Khanna. “On an average 50 people are injured every year by wild animals in Gir forest. Most of the injuries are inflicted by leopards,” he added. WALKOUT OVER FOREST LAND TO TRIBALS Opposition Congress walked out of the assembly on the issue of allotment of forest land to adivasi population, alleging that the ruling BJP was anti-tribal, PTI reported. During the question-answer session, Congress alleged that the state government was not giving land to tribals as per rules described in the Forest Rights Act (FRA). Congress MLA from Dediapada in south Gujarat Amarsinh Vasava had asked the question on the status of applications under FRA of Tapi district. Leader of Opposition Shaktisinh Gohil said in past three years, 11,947 applications were made under the Act, of which only 728 have been approved, while 3,148 have been rejected and over 8,000 applications were still pending. He said despite certification from Gram Sabha, the applications of tribals under the FRA were being rejected. Minister of Forest and Environment Mangubhia Patel said that every genuine application for forest land would be approved. He said, since 1966, the state government had given forest lands to 45,000 tribals even before the FRA was introduced. Congress members started shouting slogans saying that injustice was being done to tribals under the Narendra Modi government.  Source: http://www.ahmedabadmirror.com/article/3/2011031020110310031512620f6d428cf/162-cases-of-attack-by-Gir-big-cats-in-3-years-.html

No recovery plan for endangered species in India.

Chetan Chauhan, Hindustan Times
New Delhi, March 09, 2011
Jerdon's Courser, White Backed Vulture, the Forest Owlet, the Bengal Florican, the Siberian Crane, the Pygmy Hog and the Malabar Civet are among the 57 species of animals listed as critically endangered in India. While environment ministry now has the number of species under threat, courtesy the International Union for Conservation and Nature (IUCN), it still does not know the number of species that have gone extinct in the country.
"As far as mammals go, I know only one species, Cheetah, that has gone extinct," Environment minister Jairam Ramesh said, while admitting that India has poor record on the database of the animal and bird species it has. Ramesh has approved an ambitious plan to translocate Cheetahs from Africa in four different locations --- one each in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat and two in Rajasthan.
The Zoological Survey of India and Botanical Survey of India are entrusted with the job to keep record of species in India but they don’t have database of more than half of Indian wildlife. "We have never build capacity to have do scientific taxonomy," he minister said.
It has been international organizations such as IUCN, which is now headed by Ashok Khosla and Conservation International, which has provided funds to do research on lost species in India.
In February this year, S D Biju of Delhi University had successfully rediscovered five species of amphibians, including one lost 139 years ago, from different parts of the country. One such frog species Chalazodes Bubble-Nest Frog, rediscovered in Western Ghats, had found mention in the list of 57 critically endangered species in India.
Apart from them, there are 132 endangered, 317 vulnerable, 301near risk category and 2,448 least concern species in India.
The Environment ministry in collaboration with the Zoological Survey of India has prepared a comprehensive document on 'Critically Endangered Animal Species of India' for the first time.
The area of concern for many wildlifers is that the government has no recovery plan for many of these species unlike big carnivores such as tigers, lions, leopards and elephants.
Except, Vultures, Jerdon’s Courser, Leatherback Turtle and Malabar Cevit, reviving the population of any other species is not covered under any central government plan. For most of these species, the government has also failed to conduct an census or population estimation as done in case of tigers, lions and elephants.
Ramesh said the National Coastal Zone Management Authority has been asked to prepare a plan to protected endangered marine species, as most of them are not in any of the marine sanctuaries in India. But, for other the government apathy would continue.
Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/No-recovery-plan-for-endangered-species-in-India/Article1-671454.aspx

Asiatic lions from Gujarat reach city.

TNN | Mar 6, 2011, 11.16pm IST

MYSORE: The wait is over. The Mysore Zoo on Sunday said pure Asiatic lions from Gujarat have arrived at the conservation centre, thanks to ace cricketer Anil Kumble, the vice chairman of Karnataka wildlife board, who persuaded Gujarat CM Narendra Modi to spare the wild cats for the zoo.
This is the first time in 10 years that Gujarat government has sent the Asiatic lions outside the state. Zoo executive director K B Markandaiah said the zoo is getting Asiatic lions after a gap of 21 years. Earlier a pair was acquired in 1989 but they could not breed and survive, he stated.
"As they have travelled about 1,800 kms, they are tired and stressed. The new environment is also a factor which has forced us to quarantine them. They will be sent to their enclosures after 2 weeks," the director stated.
The male and female are about 3 years old, he added. They are expected to breed in 6 months. The pair has been selected from the breeding pedigree of the superior genetic pool of Asiatic lions of Gujarat.
The life expectancy of these lions is 20 years and there are some 350 of them in the wild.
The Asiatic lions are highly endangered species and are found in Gir forest in Gujarat. In captivity, the Asiatic lions are found only in Delhi and Hyderabad Zoos, besides Gujarat. The Asiatic lions are smaller in size compared to African lions and the sexual maturity is attained by 3 years. The Asiatic lions have come here under an exchange programme with Sakkarbaugh Zoo in Junagadh, Gujarat.
Mysore Zoo has sent gaur, Malabar gain squirrel and birds to the Junagadh facility. It is in the process of sending Marmosets and green pheasants.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mysore/Asiatic-lions-from-Gujarat-reach-city/articleshow/7642813.cms

Lion on the march, reclaims lost kingdom.

Himanshu Kaushik, TNN | Mar 7, 2011, 07.18am IST
AHMEDABAD: The Asiatic lions of India were hunted down all over the country and they found refuge in a tiny corner of the Saurashtra peninsula which was their home for most of the 20th century. Now, slowly but surely, the lion is reclaiming his larger kingdom.
The Gir national park and sanctuary is unable to contain the growing population of the lions. As their numbers grow from the count of 411 done in mid-2011 , the lion kingdom today is nearly 10,500 sq km — almost one-fifth of Saurashtra.
As many as 114 lions have drifted way beyond the protected area and spread out into other areas of Amreli, Bhavnagar and Junagadh districts. The length of this kingdom, spread across southern Saurashtra , is a whopping 200 km as the crow flies. Having learnt to live close to friendly human habitations, the lion is moving even out of the forest corridors, feeding largely on domestic cattle in villages which had never seen lions before.
The first census in 1968 put the population at 177 lions, all of whom were within the protected zone of Gir sanctuary and national park. Kausik Banerjee, senior research fellow with the Wildlife Institute of India, says, "These areas are not new to the lions. They are only recolonising their past territories."
HS Singh, Gujarat's additional principal chief conservator of forests ,says, "In 1800, lions were found in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi. In 1857, 200-odd lions were hunted in Delhi and nearby areas. The Gir National Park and surrounding area can accommodate only around 300 lions, forcing others to move out." Neighbouring Madhya Pradesh wants some Gir lions relocated to the Kuno Palpur sanctuary. But cramped for space, Gujarat's lions have themselves decided to wander around and park themselves wherever they wish. Think about it in another way. Earlier, you had to travel nearly 400 km from Ahmedabad to spot a lion. Now, the beast is half the distance away. 
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/Lion-on-the-march-reclaims-lost-kingdom/articleshow/7644364.cms

Action against states violating eco norms: Union Minister of Environment and Forest.

3/2/2011

2.3.2011 (UNI) Union Minister of Environment and Forest Jairam Ramesh today said the Centre will take action against those states which are found to be violating the environmental norms.
Addressing a news conference after launching India's first marine bio-diversity research centre, the National Centre for Marine Bio-diversity, with the Public Private Partnership here, he said it was a major initiative in studying marine resources and more is required to be done for bio-diversity in coastal areas for research, training and education in the field of marine life.
He said the institution can help in better regulation and monitoring of the area.
In reply to a question, the Environment Minister said the Centre will take action against those states found to be violating the norms of environment. The economic growth and progress could be maintained with environmental balance and not at the cost of environment.
In reply to another query, he said a monitoring centre would be set up in Kutch to protect the marine bio-diversity. A notification to this effect will be issued in three weeks time.
He said a detailed plan for marine bio-diversity in Gulf of Kutch will have to be submitted by anyone wanting to set up an industrial unit there.
He said the offices at Nagpur, Bangalore and Guwahati would be opened soon for tiger conservation.
Earlier, Mr Ramesh expressed surprise after learning that there was no sewage treatment plant in Jamnagar and promised the Central Government's help to set up a plant with the help of local authorities at the cost of about Rs 90 crore.
The plant will be completed in two years time, he said.
Admitting that less concentration was given to the coastal areas for the preservation of environment while going for the development of states, the Minister said most of the states have not cared about the preservation of environment in the coastal areas as the country has 7,500 km long coastal belt.
He added that the Society of Integrated Coastal Management, Ministry of Environment, would allocate Rs 820 crore for three states -- Gujarat (Rs 300 crore), West Bengal (Rs 300 crore) and Orissa for the environment protection and development of the coastal areas. UNI
Source: http://www.indlawnews.com/newsdisplay.aspx?5a329a66-a108-40ec-91a9-63888bcb4e65

Sun shines on animal enclosures at city zoo.

D Madhavan, TNN | Feb 9, 2011, 12.03am IST

CHENNAI: In an effort to save on power and ensure the safety of birds and animals, 14 enclosures of rare and endangered species have been provided with solar lights at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur.
Of the 81 enclosures, those provided with solar-powered lights are the lion safari (old and new) and enclosures for white tigers, panthers, bears, hyenas, chimpanzee, a pair of lions, jackal, wild dog, owl in night safari, sloth bear and brown bear. "It is part of our efforts to provide safe lighting facilities in the enclosures because solar-powered lights help avoid short circuits," zoo director KSSVP Reddy told The Times Of India.
Each enclosure has a 33 volt bulb connected to a solar panel and a 250kv battery. Each panel can supply power for eight hours. However, initially, power would be only for three hours because the authorities want it to be bright during the evening feeding hours. "In the darkness, keepers are unable to see if an animal has come into its cage. Soon, we will replace the solar lights with LED bulbs to ensure energy efficiency," said zoo officials.
The timing of the lighting would be extended later to help animal keepers monitor the animals round the clock.
"All solar panels are mono crystal panels that ensure maximum energy efficiency," G P Rudhrashan of Shri Kanakka Durga Electrical Industries, which installed the lights, told TOI.
The Rs 2 lakh project, taken up on pilot basis, is not only aimed at tapping the vast solar energy potential. It also aims at ensuring safety of wild species, especially those in enclosures, at night. A few months ago, an intruder was caught roaming around the white tigers enclosure in the evening (after visiting hours) with a bag containing a knife, a screwdriver and a rope. He was let off after an hour of questioning. After a few other such incidents later, zoo officials roped in the services of private security personnel. From December 1, 2010, four persons from a private security service were deployed along with forest rangers for night patrolling.
madhavan.d@timesgroup.com 

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Sun-shines-on-animal-enclosures-at-city-zoo/articleshow/7455990.cms

Odour-free uniforms for Gujarat foresters.

Updated on Monday, February 28, 2011, 10:59

Ahmedabad: After 40 years, foresters in Gujarat are set to get a image makeover as they will be provided with newly-designed odour-free uniforms and more ergonomically-fitted apparel kits.
The new attire, designed by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), will first be introduced for the foresters manning the Gir National Park, the last abode of Asiatic Lions.

"A light khaki coloured uniform has been designed for the foresters which is odour-free due to an anti-microbial finish given to the garment for better comfort in summers," said Vishal Gupta, head of NIFT, Gandhinagar.
"The outfit comes with accessories like ankle guard for protection from snake bites, ruksack for keeping daily required utilities, besides suggestions for a pair of good trekking shoes," he said.
"The idea behind introducing new uniforms for rangers in Gir is to give a new look to our officers posted in a special area of the state," Principal Secretary, Forest and Environment, SK Nanda told a news agency.
"The uniforms are part of a special package for them. It is expected to be introduced within a month or two," he said.
Earlier, foresters used to get uniforms as per the state government resolution (GR) on dress code of the forest department officials dating back to 1970, which is now likely to be amended.
The khaki coloured fabric has been chosen for uniform of forest officials after a lot of research, Gupta said.
"After interviewing around 100 field staff in Gir forest area we discovered that Lions have never attacked a person wearing khaki-coloured dress," Gupta claimed.
The state government about two years ago had roped in NIFT Gandhinagar to design the uniform for the field staff of Gir National Park.
NIFT has proposed two set of uniforms for forest department officials, a light khaki coloured one for the foresters or field staff who are on vigil in wild life areas and a dark coloured one for the range officers.
"The dark coloured khaki dress designed for forest range officers aims to give these officers a look similar to that of armed forces," Gupta said, adding that its more formal looking than the one designed for field staff.
The foresters have to man the wild life during seasons of extreme heat and rain. In such conditions this uniform will increase their comfort level, Gupta said.
In the last census, population of Asiatic Lions in Gir National Park was higher than 400, and ever since then the destination has topped the itinerary of tourists visiting Gujarat.
PTI 

Source: http://www.zeenews.com/news690238.html