Lions Subhi, Tejas arrive in Katraj zoo

Pune Mirror | Jan 25, 2017, 02.30 AM ISTThe Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced the arrival of two Asiatic lions in the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and Research Centre at Katraj.

Rajendra Jagtap, additional municipal commissioner, PMC, said, “We got a pair of lions from Gujarat’s Sakkarbaug Zoological Park, and have already started constructing cages for them. It will take around a month to finish the work and accommodate them.”

Rajkumar Jadhav, director of the Rajiv Gandhi Zoo, shared, “They have minor injuries and are in quarantine as required when animals are transported in the zoo. The minor injuries are only those which may ordinarily occur in transportation in cages. Both have completed five years of age. We will open them for public display after a month.” The pair is named Tejas and Subhi by the Sakkarbaug zoological officials. The feeding cost of each lion is around Rs 25,000 per month.
http://punemirror.indiatimes.com/pune/civic/lions-subhi-tejas-arrive-in-katraj-zoo/articleshow/56765471.cms

Bay hosts ‘Lion Personality’ lecture

Jan 23, 2017
ESCANABA — Bay College’s Math Science Division presents a special colloquia by Anna Viau titled Lion Personality: An Indicator of Success? The free presentation will be at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26, in room 125 of the Math Science Building. The presentation can be seen live via iTV at 3 p.m. Central Time in room 107 of Bay College’s West Campus in Iron Mountain.
Viau, a former Bay student and supplemental instruction leader, is a recent graduate of the Royal Veterinary College in London, UK, with her master’s degree in wild animal biology. Her professional interests focus on large predators and their relationships with the environment. Born and raised in Delta County, her goals are to bring the knowledge and skills she gained overseas to the unique ecosystems of the Upper Peninsula.
During her studies, Viau conducted research into the personalities and behavior of the Asiatic lions at London Zoo. Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) are a distinct subspecies of lion found only in Gujarat, India. Asiatic lions are an endangered species, with the official population count in 2015 numbering them at just over 500 individuals. With a population of this size, and only a limited number in zoos, captive animal research is essential for the continued persistence of this species.
Previous research has demonstrated that animal personality is measurable and can be assessed in various taxa, including mammals, fish, and insects. Originally, these studies focused on using animals as models for human personality. However, the progression of animal personality research has allowed for a novel approach to welfare concerns, conservation issues, and reintroduction success of many animal species.
Her project involved assessing the responses of the lions to new physical and social environments, including the introduction of a new lion to the group and the construction of a new enclosure. This study provided an example of how personality research facilitates more individual-based management, which may help to maximize the welfare and overall success of captive collections. In her talk, Anna will discuss the design, results, and implications of her research, and provide a glimpse into life as a student in Europe.
http://www.dailypress.net/news/community/2017/01/bay-hosts-lion-personality-lecture/

2 rusty spotted cats for 2 Asiatic lions: Zoos not interested in Borivli national park’s offer

mumbai Updated: Jan 24, 2017 15:44 IST

Badri Chatterjee
Hindustan Times

The Sanjay Gandhi National Park lost its oldest lioness Shobha (12) (in pic)in 2014, brought from Benerghatta National Park, Bengaluru in 2009. A male lion, Ravindra, aged 12, who was brought along with Shobha, is currently the eldest lion at SGNP.(File)Three months after the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Borivli, Mumbai’s only national park, sent a proposal to various wildlife sanctuaries, zoos and national parks in India to trade its rusty spotted cats with two lions, the park officials are yet to get any response.

The SGNP had planned to exchange two of their six captive rusty spotted cats -- world’s smallest cat living in the wild -- for two Asiatic lions.
The SGNP officials in October 2016 reached out to wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Hyderabad, Bangalore, the central, state zoo authorities and the Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat in a bid to increase the population of lions at the park.
“We have not received a positive response from any of the national parks yet, including Gir. It seems that they don’t have Asiatic lions to spare at the moment,” said Anwar Ahmed, chief conservator of forest, SGNP. “We are still trying to speak to forest officers from Gir and hope their stand changes.”
Sources from the Gir National Park, on condition of anonymity, said the exchange of a rusty spotted cat cannot be an equivalent for an Asiatic lion. “Some more species of the same animal or maybe a more valuable species is required for the exchange,” said a forest official.

Jespa and Gopa, the two lions at the SGNP lion safari (File)

Currently ,the SGNP’s lion safari, spread across 12 hectares, has three captive lions – two males and one female. While one of the males is old, the other two are siblings. Ahmed said the idea was to increase the lion population at SGNP as inbreeding is not permitted. “As inbreeding leads to a number of genetic diseases, we wanted to introduce new genes and increase the lion population by bringing lions from other sanctuaries,” he said.
The request for lions was in light of the state forest department’s intention to increase the forest cover and maintain its wildlife through a number of revamp programmes, especially for the SGNP. In July last year, the park managed to get two eight-year-old female captive Royal Bengal tigresses from Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra.
Meanwhile, officials from the state zoo authority (SZA) said the central zoo authority (CZA) had compliance issues with SGNP, but why other sanctuaries were disinterested needed to be examined. “The CZA officials had an objection with the proposal, as they first wanted SGNP’s revamp plans to be cleared by them. However, we will have to see why there have been no takers from other zoos, national parks, as there is no clear indication from them yet,” said Sanjay Thakre, chief conservator of forest, SZA.

Lion safari at SGNP

The Sanjay Gandhi National Park lost its oldest lioness Shobha (12) in 2014, brought from Benerghatta National Park, Bengaluru in 2009. A male lion, Ravindra, aged 12, who was brought along with Shobha, is currently the eldest lion at SGNP.
Shobha, who died of a prolonged illness, had mothered three cubs –Jespa, Gopal and Little Shobha – along with her mate Badshah (died of old age in 2013). While Jespa and Gopal are the other two lions currently living at SGNP, Little Shobha died soon after their birth in 2012.

 

http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/2-rusty-spotted-cats-for-2-asiatic-lions-zoos-not-interested-in-borivli-national-park-s-offer/story-Ruj7KaVxYLvFk7MMhJjSNO.html

Bird flu scare delays arrival of anacondas, Asiatic lion to Mysuru zoo

Shankar Bennur

MYSURU: January 20, 2017 00:00 IST

Updated: January 20, 2017 04:25 IST 

The Mysuru zoo management has put off animal exchanges for which it had got necessary clearance from the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), until the zoo — which has been closed since January 4 following an outbreak of avian influenza (H5N8) — is reopened for tourists.
Two samples of bird droppings have to test negative for H5N8 to ensure the reopening of the zoo, which will be closed as a precautionary measure until February 4. The first set of samples was sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal, on January 13 and the second set will be sent on or before January 25. The results of the samples were yet to reach here though the zoo was told that the samples had been tested, said zoo officials. “Perhaps, the Bhopal lab had samples from other regions too. There is also an outbreak in Daman district (in the Union Territory of Daman and Diu). An entire village in the district has been notified as an infected area and the entire district is under surveillance for 30 days till February 7,” according to sources at the zoo here.
The Hindu has learnt that the lab results were expected any time which will eventually clear the air on the bird deaths.
No further incidents of bird deaths have been reported, sources said. All animals and birds in the zoo stock are in good health, the sources added.
Meanwhile, the arrival of Shaurya, a male Asiatic lion, which is being exchanged with the zoo here by a Gujarat zoo for other animals, will be delayed since the Mysuru zoo has reportedly put off its animal exchange programmes until the samples test negative and consequently the zoo reopens. The zoo is planning to step up its captive breeding of Asiatic lions with the addition of a new young male.
Vandalur zoo in Chennai has agreed to give a male and a female Lion Tailed Macaque, a highly endangered species, in exchange for other animals. The arrival of Lion Tailed Macaques will also be delayed, sources said. Similarly, a Sri Lankan zoo has offered to share three green anacondas. “Even this exchange has been kept on hold,” sources added.
The putting off of animal exchanges has been taken following suggestions from the competent authorities, including CZA, the sources said.
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/Bird-flu-scare-delays-arrival-of-anacondas-Asiatic-lion-to-Mysuru-zoo/article17064874.ece

Lion panel against bypassing people’s sentiments

Representative image.

TNN | Jan 18, 2017, 06.00 AM IST
AHMEDABAD: A parliamentary committee, which is visiting Gir for two days from Tuesday, believes that translocating lions from Gujarat should not be done overruling sentiments of local people in Saurashtra, who have helped to conserve the Asiatic lions in their last abode.

The members of the 31-member science and technology and environment and forests committee, headed by Renuka Chowdhury, Congress Rajya Sabha member, strongly believes that lions were well conserved in Gujarat and their population was also increasing.

Sources said that members who had attended the meeting on Tuesday had told them informally that the committee may recommend that the lion translocation project to Kuno-Palpur should be reconsidered keeping in view sentiments of the local people and opposition from Gujarat forest department.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/lion-panel-against-bypassing-peoples-sentiments/articleshow/56633334.cms

‘Must study habitat, food base before translocation’

Himanshu Kaushik | TNN | Updated: Jan 19, 2017, 05.43 AM IST
AHMEDABAD: The 31-member parliamentary standing committee on science and technology and environment and forests, along with its chairperson Renuka Chowdhury, concluded its two-day visit to Gir forest on Wednesday.

Regarding translocation of lions to Madhya Pradesh, Chowdhury said that proper studies must be completed before shifting the big cats.

Interestingly, her statement runs counter to the view of the Supreme Court-appointed 12-member expert committee which recently said that lion translocation and IUCN studies can take place simultaneously. Gujarat, however, has opposed the move and demanded that the studies be completed before shifting the lions.

It may be recalled that in April 2013 the apex court had ordered translocation of the Asiatic lions from Gir to Kuno-Palpur.

During its two-day visit, the committee headed by Chowdhury also held meetings with civic societies and NGOs in the area. Talking to TOI, Chowdhury said that the people of Gujarat are against shifting of the lions.

"Translocation of the any big cat can have dangerous consequences if they are shifted without any proper studies," she said.

There are 523 lions in Gir forest spread over an area of 20,000 sq km in Saurashtra region.

"A situation should not arise where the animal is killed because they pose danger to the local habitat. One has to study the availability of food, the habitat in the area where it is to be shifted, and the behavior of the species to be shifted," she said.

Chowdhury further said that before shifting any animal, one has to understand the area and its climate and see if the animal would survive in the new habitat.

"Look at what happened to the Humboldt Penguins in Mumbai Zoo. These penguins were brought without proper studies," Chowdhury said.

It may be recalled that eight penguins were brought to Mumbai from a South Korean aquarium on July 26 last year. Of the female penguins, one named Dory died in October following a brief illness.

 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/must-study-habitat-food-base-before-translocation/articleshow/56653363.cms

Lion panel against bypassing people’s sentiments

Representative image.

TNN | Jan 18, 2017, 06.00 AM IST
AHMEDABAD: A parliamentary committee, which is visiting Gir for two days from Tuesday, believes that translocating lions from Gujarat should not be done overruling sentiments of local people in Saurashtra, who have helped to conserve the Asiatic lions in their last abode.

The members of the 31-member science and technology and environment and forests committee, headed by Renuka Chowdhury, Congress Rajya Sabha member, strongly believes that lions were well conserved in Gujarat and their population was also increasing.

Sources said that members who had attended the meeting on Tuesday had told them informally that the committee may recommend that the lion translocation project to Kuno-Palpur should be reconsidered keeping in view sentiments of the local people and opposition from Gujarat forest department.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/lion-panel-against-bypassing-peoples-sentiments/articleshow/56633334.cms

Lions may get their share in Budget

Lion.

Himanshu Kaushik | TNN | Jan 18, 2017, 09.19 AM IST
AHMEDABAD: For the first time after 1972, when the king of the jungle had been dethroned from its position as national animal by the Royal Bengal Tiger, a joint committee of the parliament has decided to give the Asiatic lion its due respect and conceive a separate 'Project Lion' in the lines of 'Project Tiger'. The committee has recommended that fund allocation for the king of the jungle should not be a piecemeal exercise any more. The committee, which is on a week long tour of Gujarat, will submit their recommendations before the Union budget is published this year.

After the lion lost its status as the national animal, for four decades, little funds came forth for its conservation, while 'Project Tiger' stole the show, and conservation funds.

But on Tuesday, the joint committee including Lok Sabha
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/lions-may-get-their-share-in-budget/articleshow/56633303.cms

Parliamentary panel in Gir

TOI
Ahmedabad
Tue,17 Jan 2017

Summary: Ahmedabad: A 31-member parliamentary committee will visit Gir for two days from Tuesday to get a sense of people's views on the translocation of some lions to Kuno-Palpur in Madhya Pradesh. "However, an official of another NGO — who did not want to be named — said that the parliamentary committee had no locus standi to discuss translocation. Other study areas include previous reintroduction of animals if any, and socio-economic and legal requirements.Pankaj Chaudhary, the BJP MP from Maharajganj (UP) who is a member of the parliamentary committee, said: "The panel will talk to people about the issues concerning Gir. The expert committee found the Kuno-Palpur habitat suitable for lions. "Residents of Gir are prepared to make representations on the problems they face.

Ahmedabad: A 31-member parliamentary committee will visit Gir for two days from Tuesday to get a sense of people's views on the translocation of some lions to Kuno-Palpur in Madhya Pradesh. The committee's remit covers science and technology and environment and forests. Renuka Chowdhury, a Rajya Sabha member from Andhra Pradesh, heads the committee which is likely to hold meetings with NGOs and members of civil society.The visit assumes importance after Gujarat's forest department placed its objections before a 12-member expert committee which has been appointed by the Supreme Court to manage the translocation from Gir, the only abode of Asiatic lions.

The expert committee found the Kuno-Palpur habitat suitable for lions. However, there has been a difference of opinion between Gujarat's forest department and the expert committee over studies to be conducted before translocation can take place.The forest department wants the committee to wait for 36 mandatory studies to be completed before authorizing the transfer of lions. The studies are mandated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and relate to the scrutiny of Kuno-Palpur in matters such as prey base, habitat, vegetation, and weather.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/parliamentary-panel-in-gir/articleshow/56606408.cms

Oldest lion of Chhatbir zoo dies at 25

IE
Chandigarh
Tue,17 Jan 2017

Summary: Born at the Chhatbir lion safari, Rocky was said to be around 25 years. At present, there are only four young lions – one male and three female at the Chhatbir zoo. He was born in the lion safari at a time when the zoo had more than 85 lions. Rocky, who was a cross breed of African and Asiatic lion species, was the last Asiatic-African hybrid lion of the zoo. Rocky, the oldest lion at the Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, died on Sunday.

Rocky, the oldest lion at the Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, died on Sunday. Born at the Chhatbir lion safari, Rocky was said to be around 25 years. The normal lifespan of a lion in captivity is 18-20 years.

He was born in the lion safari at a time when the zoo had more than 85 lions. Early in 2016, a plan to determine Rocky’s exact age by testing his blood or bone marrow samples was under consideration, but was never implemented. Watch what else is making news: According to the zoo authorities, he had developed cataract in both eyes. Because of his age, his teeth were completely worn out and his canines had flattened.

Source: http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/oldest-lion-of-chhatbir-zoo-dies-at-25-4477988/

Guj opposes shifting of lions from Gir

Posted at: Jan 17, 2017, 1:27 AM; last updated: Jan 17, 2017, 1:27 AM (IST)

Manas Dasgupta

Ahmedabad, January 16

Despite the Supreme Court order, Gujarat continues to oppose the move to shift Asiatic Lions from the Gir forests to the Kuno-Palpur forests in Madhya Pradesh. In April, 2013, the SC had permitted shifting of a few Asiatic Lions from Gir to Kuno-Palpur forests, but Forest Minister Ganpat Vasava said Gujarat was not happy with the proposal. Gujarat has demanded that shifting of the lions should be taken up only after completing all mandated studies of conditions and facilities available in Kuno-Palpur. The studies which included prey bas, habitat, vegetation and other ancillary issues are need to be conducted under the guidelines of the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) before translocation of the Asiatic Lions.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/guj-opposes-shifting-of-lions-from-gir/351357.html 

Parliamentary panel to visit Gir for two days

Some civil society groups plan to make representations against moving lions to Madhya Pradesh.

Himanshu Kaushik | TNN | Updated: Jan 17, 2017, 06.46 AM IST

AHMEDABAD: A 31-member parliamentary committee will visit Gir for two days from Tuesday to get a sense of people's views on the translocation of some lions to Kuno-Palpur in Madhya Pradesh. The committee's remit covers science and technology and environment and forests. Renuka Chowdhury, a Rajya Sabha member from Andhra Pradesh, heads the committee which is likely to hold meetings with NGOs and members of civil society.

The visit assumes importance after Gujarat's forest department placed its objections before a 12-member expert committee which has been appointed by the Supreme Court to manage the translocation from Gir, the only abode of Asiatic lions. The expert committee found the Kuno-Palpur habitat suitable for lions. However, there has been a difference of opinion between Gujarat's forest department and the expert committee over studies to be conducted before translocation can take place.

The forest department wants the committee to wait for 36 mandatory studies to be completed before authorizing the transfer of lions. The studies are mandated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and relate to the scrutiny of Kuno-Palpur in matters such as prey base, habitat, vegetation, and weather. Other study areas include previous reintroduction of animals if any, and socio-economic and legal requirements.


Residents of Gir are prepared to make representations on the problems they face. They will also make representations against translocating lions. NGOs operating in Gir have held a meeting and have decided that they will raise their voice against translocation and also place local issues before the committee.

Dinesh Goswami of the Prakruti Nature Club, Kodinar, said: "NGOs will insist that if translocation is to take place at all, it should be done in accordance with IUCN guidelines as stated by the apex court." NGOs too want studies to be completed before translocation is approved.

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They visited and spend most of the time hearing the people, unlike others committee who spend time watching lions.Himanshu Kaushik

"Only then will the people of Gujarat, especially of Saurashtra, will allow translocation."

However, an official of another NGO — who did not want to be named — said that the parliamentary committee had no locus standi to discuss translocation. Only the SC-appointed committee has any authority in the matter, he said.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/parliamentary-panel-in-gir/articleshow/56606408.cms

‘Finish studies before moving lions’

TNN | Updated: Jan 16, 2017, 06.42 AM IST

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat's forest department has placed its objections before the 12-member expert committee appointed by the SC to manage translocation of Asiatic lions. The department has demanded that 36 mandatory studies be completed first before the committee allows any transfer of lions to MP. The studies, mandated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) consider investigations in Kuno on prey base, habitat, vegetation, weather, previous reintroduction if any, socio-economic and legal requirements among others.

What has stirred the hornet's nest recently is an RTI reply of the Madhya Pradesh forest department which claimed that the state will complete all formal processes of declaring Kuno as a 'national park' by the end of February. The expert committee had visited Kuno on December 20.

The documents containing the discussion points of the 12-member expert committee, headed by an additional director general of forests under the Union ministry of environment claims that Kuno was "conducive" according to the RTI reply. One of the committee members told TOI, "After spending nearly five hours at the sanctuary, the panel members found the atmosphere in Kuno-PalpurGujarat and Madhya Pradesh had principally differed on the issue of IUCN guidelines. While MP demanded that the guidelines be taken up simultaneously with the translocation of lions to Kuno-Palpur, Gujarat forest officials in the committee insisted that the multiple studies mandated by IUCN be conducted prior to translocation. However, officials from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) were of the opinion that various studies, including that of the prey base, have been conducted to assess the suitability of Kuno to accommodate lions. Census 2015 has pegged Gujarat's Asiatic lion population at 523. Forest minister Ganpat Vasava has said, "Apartf rom the detailed studies, we also want MP to give us details of the area which will be notified for lions. The government will go through them."


"We want all the studies to be conducted fresh and these studies have to be conducted following the apex court order of April 2013," said Vasava.

The discussion points report further additions to the demands, "All members of the expert committee, except (the representative of) the Gujarat forest department (GFD), were of the opinion that these studies may continue in parallel to the process of translocation of lions. But the GFD has recorded its objection to this proposal," it said.

The reintroduction plan of lions has faced stiff opposition from Gujarat. In April 2013, the Supreme Court had ordered shifting of some lions to Kuno.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/finish-studies-before-moving-lions/articleshow/56575599.cms

MP's Kuno ready for lions, says Centre; Gujarat opposes

Press Trust of India  |  New Delhi  January 15, 2017 Last Updated at 09:13 IST

Madhya Pradesh's Palpur-Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary may soon become a second home for Asiatic lions as majority members of a central team have favoured their translocation from Gujarat's Gir.

The recent development has brought a ray of hope for the Madhya Pradesh government and wildlife lovers who have been awaiting the shifting of the lions after a Supreme Court judgement in this regard in April 2013.

This matter was discussed during a meeting of the expert committee, headed by an Additional Director General of Forests under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, on translocation of Asiatic lions from Gir National Park to Kuno sanctuary.

"Kuno has achieved amazing recovery of the habitat and is practically ready for translocation of lions," as per 'points of discussion' with the expert committee.

Various studies, including the one by Dehradun-based Wildlife Institute of India (WII), have been conducted to assess the suitability of Kuno to accommodate the lions.

"All members of the expert committee, except (the representative of) the Gujarat Forest Department (GFD), were of the opinion that these studies may continue in parallel to the process of translocation of lions. But the GFD has recorded its objection to this proposal," it said.

The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department will complete the process of declaring Kuno as a 'national park' by the end of next month, reads the discussion points, a copy of which was received in response to an RTI query filed by wildlife activist Ajay Dubey.

Dubey has also filed a contempt petition in the apex court, seeking implementation of its 2013 order.

In a project report to the Environment Ministry, WII has said lion reintroduction in the Kuno sanctuary would not wait for the completion of an ongoing study since the institute's earlier ecological assessment had already validated the potential of that area to support about 40 lions.

The Madhya Pradesh government has been seeking transfer of Asiatic lions from Gujarat to its Palpur-Kuno sanctuary.

The reintroduction plan of lions has faced stiff opposition from Gujarat.

In April 2013, the Supreme Court had ordered shifting of some lions to Kuno.

The apex court had directed the Environment Ministry to shift them by October, 2013. However, not a single lion has been shifted so far.

Palpur-Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary in Sheopur district of Gwalior division has been chosen as a second home for over 500 Asiatic lions.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/mp-s-kuno-ready-for-lions-says-centre-gujarat-opposes-117011500126_1.html

Summit visitors sample virtual tour of Rani ki Vav, Gir forest

PTI

January 12, 2017 | UPDATED 20:35 IST 

Gandhinagar, Jan 12 (PTI) Delegates and visitors at Vibrant Gujarat Summit took time off from their busy schedules and back-to-back business meetings to watch majestic Asiatic lions roaming in Gir forest, and even toured the world heritage sites like Rani Ki Vav -- thanks to Virtual Reality.
The tunnel of vision -- a Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality stall located at the venue -- brought to life the popular tourist and heritage sites of Gujarat, and became an instant hit with foreign and Indian delegates.
Visitors could choose to take a virtual tour of six different locations including Lothal, Ahmedabad, Champaner, Gir and Rani ki Vav simply by using Virtual Reality gear.

Each virtual reality session lasted 2-3 minutes.
Open for business from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm, the stall attracted 1,200-1,300 visitors each day, including foreign delegates from countries like Japan, US, Israel, Indonesia and the Philippines.
The Tunnel of Vision also had other attractions including Augmented Reality - that let the visitors experience the growing infrastructure prowess of the State by showcasing GIFT City and Dholera in 3D.
"Its a fantastic opportunity to experience these popular sites sitting right here at Mahatma Mandir, the venue of Vibrant Gujarat," said Chirag Rathore, a visitor at the stall. PTI MBI ANZ JM
http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/summit-visitors-sample-virtual-tour-of-rani-ki-vav-gir-forest/1/856122.html

 

Gujarat’s Asiatic lions find new home in Pune

By Mayuri Phadnis, Pune Mirror | Jan 10, 2017, 02.30 AM IST
 
A pair of the big cats brought over to city zoo; possibly the first in the state

The Rajeev Gandhi Zoological Park and Research Centre is now home to two Asiatic lions that came to the city from Gujarat around 15 days ago. The public will, however, have to wait to get a glimpse of the big cats.

“They have minor injuries and are in quarantine as required when animals are transported to the zoo. They will be open for public display in due time,” informed a senior official from the zoo on condition of anonymity. While he did not specify dates, he did say that the injuries were merely those which ordinarily occur while being transported in cages.

The zoo, while being home to other cats like a white tiger and a yellow Bengal tiger, has never had Asiatic lions. The exchange between Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden in Junagarh in Gujarat and the Pune zoo has therefore given the city its first ever pair of lions.

The lion is called Tejas, the lioness Subbi. These have arrived in the city after a follow-up of almost three years. After receiving permissions from the Central Zoo Authority, in March 2013, the city zoo had written to the Junagarh zoo for the exchange. However, since lions are the state animal of Gujarat, their relocation is not allowed without the permission of their chief minister.

Finally, a couple of months ago, the green signal was given. Subsequently, the zoo started making funds available for construction of an enclosure as per the norms of the central zoo authority. The enclosures are finally ready.

Pune zoo is said to be the first in the state to have received Asiatic lions. Although Borivali National Park has a pair, they are of mixed breed.

The big cats were brought by road amid all precautions such as regular intake of food and water and transportation with due permissions in a specially designed cage. Once they adjust to the surroundings in the city, their enclosure will be opened up for display.

“The facility is close to those at Gir National Park and is the only one with a recognised breeding centre. In the last 50 years, we have sent more than 200 Asiatic lions to different zoos. This is the only place where one can see pure-breed Asiatic lions,” informed a senior official from the Sakkarbaug Zoological Park who refused to divulge his name.

http://punemirror.indiatimes.com/pune/civic/Gujarats-Asiatic-lions-find-new-home-in-Pune/articleshow/56427396.cms

Asiatic lions Subhi, Tejas to roar at Katraj zoo

Abhishek Samuel | TNN | Jan 10, 2017, 10.42 AM IST

PUNE: The lions are back in Pune's zoo. Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park (RGZP) in Katraj has been home to many a wild cat, but the roar of the king of the jungle will echo here for the first time in two decades.

Almost three years after the plan was first proposed, two Asiatic lions were transported 945km from Junagadh in Gujarat to the city. They will be in their enclosures for public viewing by the end of this week. They are the only pure-bred Asiatic lions 
 The pair, Tejas (male) and Subhi (female), arrived in December. However, following Central Zoo Authority (CZA) guidelines, the lion and the lioness have been quarantined. "They will be exhibited in the next 4-5 days after the quarantine period ends," an official said.

The animals suffered some minor bruises due to the arduous transit, and are being carefully treated here, officials said. The park, also known as Katraj zoo, brought the felines with Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden in Junagadh, Gujarat. "This is the only centre in the world that breeds and supplies pure-bred Asiatic lions. Over its 80 years, Sakkarbaug has provided close to 200 big cats to various zoos and parks across the country and the world," another official said. Tejas and Subhi are six years old and were born in captivity. RGZP authorities bartered four different species of exotic birds with the Junagadh zoo for the pair. The last lion in Pune was kept at Peshwe Park when the zoo was housed there where it died in 1995. The RGZP has not had a lion since it opened in 1999.

The plan to bring the lions had been delayed since November 2016 because their enclosure as prescribed by the CZA was not ready. Zoo authorities had said it could take six months to complete it and to bring the animals.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/asiatic-lions-subhi-tejas-to-roar-at-katraj-zoo/articleshow/56429247.cms

Lost lion cub reunited with family near Gir forest

On Tuesday, after nearly 15 hours of efforts by the team, a lioness came near the cage, sniffed the cub and took him along while disappearing in the adjoining forest, said the officer.

By: PTI | Vadodara | Published:January 5, 2017 2:52 pm

Lost lion cub reunited with family near Gir forest Vadodara, Jan 5 A nearly two-month-old male Asiatic lion cub who got separated from his family at a village in Gir Somnath district was rescued and reunited with his mother, a forest official said on Thursday. A pride of two lioness and 2-3 cubs ventured into a forest revenue area adjoining the Gir sanctuary, the only abode of these big cats.

One of the male cubs got separated from the other felines and was found roaming at a field in Juna Ugla village under Una tehsil of Gir Somnath district on Monday night, Range Forest Officer J G Pandya said.
“Since an abandoned cub might not survive, our team, without any delay, decided to locate his mother and visited around five nearby villages after learning about a pride of lions seen roaming in the area,” he said.
The worry before the forest officials was how to reunite the cub with his family.
“Usually in such situations, the cub is left to die and is not accepted back by the pride. The female carnivores often kill the cubs if they come in close contact with humans,” he said.
Later, the forest team reached a site near Kedarnath dam close to Fadsar village and kept the cub there in an open cage, Pandya said.
On Tuesday, after nearly 15 hours of efforts by the team, a lioness came near the cage, sniffed the cub and took him along while disappearing in the adjoining forest, he said.
The Gir national park and wildlife sanctuary in Western Gujarat is the only habitat for Asiatic lions.
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/lost-lion-cub-reunited-with-family-near-gir-forest-4460247/

 

Two-month-old Asiatic lion cub reunited with family near Gir forest

By Zee Media Bureau | Last Updated: Thursday, January 5, 2017 - 16:06

(Image for representational purposes only)

Vadodara: A male lion cub was rescued and reunited with his family after he got separated from his pride at a village in Gir Somnath district.

A pride of two lioness and 2-3 cubs ventured into a forest revenue area adjoining the Gir sanctuary, when the two-month-old male Asiatic lion cub got separated. He was found roaming at a field in Juna Ugla village under Una tehsil of Gir Somnath district on Monday night, Range Forest Officer J G Pandya said.
"Since an abandoned cub might not survive, our team, without any delay, decided to locate his mother and visited around five nearby villages after learning about a pride of lions seen roaming in the area," he said.
Forest officials were initially in a fix as to how to reunite the cub with his family.
"Usually in such situations, the cub is left to die and is not accepted back by the pride. The female carnivores often kill the cubs if they come in close contact with humans," he said.Later, the forest team reached a site near Kedarnath dam close to Fadsar village and kept the cub there in an open cage, Pandya said.
On Tuesday, after nearly 15 hours of efforts by the team, a lioness came near the cage, sniffed the cub and took him along while disappearing in the adjoining forest, he said.
Gir sanctuary is known far and wide as the only abode of the Asiatic lions.
(With PTI inputs)

First Published: Thursday, January 5, 2017 - 16:06 

http://zeenews.india.com/environment/two-month-old-asiatic-lion-cub-reunited-with-family-near-gir-forest_1964641.html

Need of hour: Wildlife forensics debuts at GFSU

Ahmedabad Mirror | Jan 2, 2017, 02.00 AM IST

In a first of its kind initiative , the Gujarat Forensic Sciences University (GFSU) is training 20 students in the field of wildlife forensics, keeping in mind the need for experts to solve cases ranging from animal attacks to mauling of bodies dumped in forested areas. Varsity seniors said as part of practical training for the elective course, the Gandhinagar-based institute has taken special permission from the state to allow students a chance to study animals in Gir and other protected forest areas in Gujarat.

The elective, offered to those pursuing a Masters of Science in Odontology, is part of the varsity’s endeavour to increase the avenues of forensic sciences under which they can train and create future forensic experts. Director General of GFSU, J M Vyas, said, “It has been observed that wildlife-related crime cases — be it crimes that have taken place in forests or where animals have attacked people — have been recorded frequently in India and abroad. The varsity decided to focus on training students in wildlife forensics that will play a key role in solving such cases and also track animal movement.”

All 20 students will visit the Gir forest and later other forest areas of Gujarat to track wild animals and study their behaviour, said Director of GFSU Dr MS Dahiya. Dr T Bhavya Chowdary, one of the students who recently completed the field trip to Gir, said,“Odontology is a new concept for Indian forensics but will be very useful in the future. I spend two months in Gir for my research. As per rules, people are not allowed to touch schedule 1 animals without permission so the institute procured required permits following which I ventured into the forests with local staff. This course and my research will be useful in detection and solving of cases. In fact, I intend to prepare teeth casts of various animals too.”

http://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/ahmedabad/education/need-of-hour-wildlife-forensics-debuts-at-gfsu/articleshow/56282545.cms

Seven-year-old Asiatic Lion dies

Press Trust of India  |  Vadodara  January 1, 2017 Last Updated at 19:57 IST 

A seven-year-old Asiatic lion shifted to Barda sanctuary near Porbandar from Gir forest two years ago, died on December 30 after a week-long illness, a senior forest officer said.

"The lion was being treated at the veterinary hospital at Sakkarbag zoo," Shobita Agrawal, district forest officer, told PTI.

"Samples collected from his body, have been sent to forensic laboratory to find out the exact cause behind the death," said the officer.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/seven-year-old-asiatic-lion-dies-117010100503_1.html