Government clueless on deadline to shift Gujarat Asiatic lions to MP

Congress MLA Dr Govind Singh asked the minister that whether he would urge the Prime Minister in this regard.

By: PTI | Bhopal | Published:February 28, 2017 6:02 pm

Madhya Pradesh government Tuesday said in the Legislative Assembly that it is clueless about the deadline to translocate some Asiatic Lions from Gujarat’s Gir National Park to state’s Palpur-Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary. State forest minister Dr Gaurishankar Shejwar, in his reply to a question raised by Congress MLA Ramniwas Rawat, said a decision in this regard was to be taken by an expert committee set up by the Centre in accordance with Supreme Court directives.
“No deadline has been set for the translocation of Asiatic Lions from Gujarat’s Gir to state’s Palpur-Kuno. The decisions in this regard are to be taken by the committee appointed by the Supreme Court,” Shejwar said. Congress MLA Dr Govind Singh pointed out that a long period has passed and several tribal families have been shifted from Palpur-Kuno. They are deprived of their farm land in order to prepare the sanctuary for the arrival of Gir lions.
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Singh asked the minister that whether he would urge the Prime Minister in this regard. To which, Shejwar said that the Prime Minister has no direction connection with the issue as all the decisions were to be taken by the SC-appointed committee. He further informed that the members of the committee have already inspected the preparations at Palpur-Kuno in Sheopur district.

“State government rehabilitated the families. A tripartite agreement including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Centre would be signed before the translocation. The committee will have to take initiatives in this regard,” Shejwar said. Intervening in the matter, BJP MLA from Durgalal Vijay urged the state government to take pro-active initiatives to ensure early shifting of lions.

It may be noted that the state government has been seeking transfer of Asiatic lions from Gujarat to Palpur-Kuno sanctuary for quite sometime now. The reintroduction plan of the lions had faced a stiff opposition from Gujarat.
In April 2013, the Supreme Court had ordered shifting of some lions to Palpur-Kuno. The SC-appointed committee had also made a visit to the sanctuary in December last year.

http://indianexpress.com/article/india/government-clueless-on-deadline-to-shift-gujarat-asiatic-lions-to-mp-state-forest-minister-4548184/

Watch: Brave milkman chases away lioness to protect cows

The Gir region is one of the most important protected areas in Asia as it is the home of the Asiatic lioness

---

By News Nation Bureau  |  Updated On : February 27, 2017 11:41 PM
New Delhi :   A milkman residing near Gir who was travelling with his cows successfully chased away a lioness. Afraid that the lioness may target its cows, the man ran towards it with full force.
Surprised by the man's sudden spurt, the beast was terrified and fled the scene.  A passerby recorded the man's valiant act in his mobile phone.
The Gir region is one of the most important protected areas in Asia as it is the home of the Asiatic lion. In recent years, however, as the lion population has grown, man-animal conflict has increased in the region.
for video;
http://www.newsnation.in/india-news/video-watch-how-brave-milkman-chases-away-lioness-to-protect-his-cows-article-162855.html

Shaurya to fuel Mysuru zoo breeding project

Shankar Bennur Mysuru February 25, 2017 23:00 IST

Shaurya is all set to begin his journey to Mysuru in the second week of March. Special Arrangement  

Three-year-old Asiatic lion from Gujarat zoo to arrive in Mysuru soon

Shaurya, a three-year-old male Asiatic lion from Rajkot in Gujarat, will soon be making the century-old Mysuru zoo, one of the country’s biggest and famed zoological gardens, its home, and give a greater push to the zoo’s grand plan of breeding the highly endangered species in captivity.
The zoo has set its vision on becoming a successful centre for the captive breeding of Asiatic lions, found only in Gujarat, and share them with other Indian zoos. There are very few Asiatic lions left both in the wild and in captivity since their breeding in captivity was considered to be a huge challenge.
The zoo has got a young lioness, Renita, from Sakkarbaugh zoo in Gujarat. Sakkarbaugh zoo is one of the most sought after zoos across the globe, as it is the largest and most successful breeder of Asiatic lions. Besides exchanging lions across the world, it also releases them into the wild – Gir forest – to increase their numbers.
The Mysuru zoo signed a deal with Rajkot Zoological Park to procure a male lion in return for surplus animals and birds in its stock.
Shaurya is all set to begin his long journey to Mysuru in the second week of March. Mysuru zoo veterinarian Ramesh had gone to Rajkot for screening of the animal before it could be transported it to Mysuru.
With Asiatic lions being in great demand and enjoying a high exchange value, the Mysuru zoo agreed to give quite a lot of animals and birds for the ‘prized’ animal.

“It’s not easy for a zoo to get an Asiatic lion. The young male will be heading to Mysuru soon. Its holding room is being readied. I’m sure Shaurya will be one of the biggest attractions for visitors. The zoo houses only one male lion which is Afro-Asiatic in breed,” zoo executive director K. Kamala told The Hindu. A pair of Indian grey wolf, a male Himalayan black bear, two female hog deer, two male Common Sand Boa, a pair of Alexandrine parakeet, a pair of Lady Amherst pheasant, two pairs of red junglefowl, a pair of white ibis, a pair of rose-ringed parakeet, three pairs of Java Sparrow and ten pairs of budgerigar will be exchanged with Rajkot zoo. Only a few zoos in the country have housed the Asiatic lion.

Mysuru zoo had Asiatic lions in 1989 but could not breed them. Five years ago, it got a pair of lions from Sakkarbaug zoo. The lioness, Gowri, suffered health problems. She delivered a cub that died. Gowri has been taken off display.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/Shaurya-to-fuel-Mysuru-zoo-breeding-project/article17368368.ece

Gujarat’s four national parks have least buffer zone

• TOI
• Rajkot
• Sat,25 Feb 2017
  

  

  
  

  Summary: In fact, the four national parks in the state have even lesser protection cover of ESZs than than the sanctuaries.The four national parks include Gir National Park, Velavadar Blackbuck National Park , Marine National Park and Vansda National Park . National parks, which have the highest protection cover for its flagship species, have the least eco-sensitive zone in Gujarat.This is revealed if one carefully analysis the ESZs around sanctuaries and national parks in the state. Any unwarranted, unauthorised and unregulated activities around these national parks would cause an irreparable loss of our precious natural heritage," said a senior forest department officer. Biren Padhya , a wildlife activist, said, "The government's attempt to reduce ESZs drastically even around the national parks is beyond common sense and devoid of scientific approach. The action plan also indicates all identified areas around protected areas and wildlife corridors should be declared as ecologically fragile under Environment (Protection) Act 1986.

  BHAVNAGAR: Gujarat government's utter disregard towards preserving its wildlife couldn't be more telling. National parks, which have the highest protection cover for its flagship species, have the least eco-sensitive zone in Gujarat.This is revealed if one carefully analysis the ESZs around sanctuaries and national parks in the state. In fact, the four national parks in the state have even lesser protection cover of ESZs than than the sanctuaries.The four national parks include Gir National Park, Velavadar Blackbuck National Park , Marine National Park and Vansda National Park .
  
  Out of the four, three are in Saurashtra.The final notification for Marine National Park has already been approved and the government's move to shrink ESZ cover for Gir and Velavadar will prove dangerous. Any unwarranted, unauthorised and unregulated activities around these national parks would cause an irreparable loss of our precious natural heritage," said a senior forest department officer. Biren Padhya , a wildlife activist, said, "The government's attempt to reduce ESZs drastically even around the national parks is beyond common sense and devoid of scientific approach.
  
  Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/states-four-national-parks-have-least-buffer-zone/articleshow/57336605.cms

Gujarat: Striped hyena killed by vehicle near Gir National Park

The hyena was killed on Tuesday after an unknown vehicle hit it and sped away.

By: PTI | Vadodara | Published:February 22, 2017 2:12 pm

A striped Hyena was killed in the Savarkundla forest range in Amreli district of Gujarat, forest officials said on Wednesday. The rare carnivorous dog-like species was found dead yesterday near Adsang crossing at Ambardi-Ghorda village on Savarkundla-Rajula road, they added. Rambhai Mor, a range forest officer at Savarkundla, told PTI that the hyena was killed in the wee hours when an unknown vehicle hit the animal and sped away.
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After receiving information, a forest team rushed to the spot and recovered the carcass, he said. This forest range is located near the lion sanctuary at Sasangir near Junagadh district. Hyenas have a large head and strong jaws filled with huge teeth used to crush bone. Their powerful jaws and strong teeth are a sign of their carnivorous diet. Although they are mostly scavengers, hyenas are also skilled hunters able to take down relatively large prey. Some striped hyenas even prey on sheep, goats, donkeys, and horses. When foraging, striped hyenas move in a zigzag pattern at a slow trot.

http://indianexpress.com/article/india/gujarat-striped-hyena-killed-by-vehicle-near-gir-national-park-4537867/

Gujarat: Una farmer arrested for killing leopard

Officers said that the leopard had attacked Bhaliya Thursday night while he was keeping night vigil on his wheat field.

By: Express News Service | Rajkot | Updated: February 20, 2017 10:57 am

A farmer was arrested by Gir East forest division officials on Saturday after he and six others allegedly beat a leopard to death on his farm and later burnt down its carcass, in Una taluka of Gir-Somnath district. Forest officers arrested Bhagwan Bhaliya, a farmer of Chikhali village of Una taluka on Saturday after they came to know that he was among seven men who beat a leopard to death and later burnt its carcass to leave no trace of the incident. Officers said that the leopard had attacked Bhaliya Thursday night while he was keeping night vigil on his wheat field. Bhaliya sustained minor injuries in the attack.
WATCH VIDEO | 4 Villagers Dead After Leopards Held In Jaipur Zoo Released Back Into Sariska Tiger Reserve 3 Weeks Ago

Setup Timeout Error: Setup took longer than 30 seconds to complete.However, the farmer shouted for help and six others came to his rescue. They found the leopard at the same wheat field and clubbed it to death. Later, they threw its carcass in a nearby river. Officers said that the accused fished out the carcass a day later and burnt it to ashes as the word spread in the village that the leopard had been killed.“The accused dumped the carcass in a river but later fished it out and burnt it to ashes so as to escape punitive action. We have collected its hair and bones from crime scenes and arrested farmer Bhagwan Bhaliya. He has also given us names of five to six other persons who were part of the group and the investigation is on,” range forest officer of Jasadhar in Gir East division forest, Jagdish Pandya, said.

 

http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/gujarat-una-farmer-arrested-for-killing-leopard-4532348/

Sightseeing in India Off the Beaten Path Somnath-Porbandar-Diu and Gir National Forest

Tuesday, February 28, 2017
 

An unexpected discovery was the Huzoor Palace on the beach in Porbander. The palace appears abandoned, but you could imagine the type of lavish living Rana Narwarsinghji and his descendants held here. Imagine a Downton Abbey of India!

By Pramod Kulkarni

On the Road: This is the second episode describing my wife Jyoti and I’s visit to India during Dec.-January 2016. As outlined in the first episode, we undertook a 9-day trip to Gujarat.

Our Gujarat saga began with a flight from Mumbai to Ahmedabad. Our tour driver met us at the airport and journeyed with us until our flight from Vadodara back to Mumbai nine days later.

The first temple at Somnath was a wooden structure built as early as 500 AD. Muslim invaders destroyed the temple multiple times. The inset photo shows the dilapidated temple in 1869. The temple shown here was reconstructed in 1951 under the direction of Sardar Vallabhai Patel.

The previous episode provided a cursory view of our entire Gujarat trip. This episode picks up at Somnath. The temple is situated at the edge of the Arabian Sea near the confluence of three rivers— Kapila, Hiran and the mythical Sarasvati.

Our next stop was Porbander, the ancestral home of Mahatma Gandhi. A memorial built at the site is called Kirti Mandir.

The house and room where Gandhiji was born is preserved and includes a photo exhibit of the life and times of the Father of India.

Gir National Forest is a protected area for lions, deer, neelgai and peacocks. The lion population has increased to 522, but they are to be seen in only early morning or evening when they come to drink out of the streams and brooks.

A most interesting discovery at Porbandar was the Huzoor Palace built by Rana Natwarsinhji, who was the last Maharaja of the Princely State of Porbandar, in the early years of the 20th century, with clear European influences. Descendants of the Rana now live in London and the palace is desolate and appears to be abandoned.

The journey from Porbandar to the island of Diu was through dry, desolate land hugging the Arabian Sea. We passed rows of windmills that took advantage of the stiff coastal winds to generate electricity.

Diu fort has impressive ramparts, massive gates and a moat on the land side.

Diu is one of the three islands that were reclaimed from the Portugese in 1961. In 1535, Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, allowed the Portuguese to construct the Diu Fort and maintain a garrison on the island. Diu is now a beach resort that attracts tourists from Gujarat for its wine shops and bars. Diu is one of the few “wet” areas in the dry Gujarat state.
Next stop on our trip was the Gir National Forest. This is the sole sanctuary for the Asiatic lion. The Nawab of Junagadh hunted liona, but when their population dwindled, he declared the forest as a sanctuary as long back as 1900. The 2015 Asiatic Lion Census lists the lion population at Gir as having grown to 523 (up 23% from the 2010 Census).

The Gujarat Forests & Environment Department conducts safaris through the forest daily in the mornings and evenings.

St. Paul’s Church in Diu is known for its traditional baroque architecture in white stucco. The altar, which has the image of St. Mary, is carved out of a single piece of Burmese teak and can be lit up with up to 101 candles.

You have to, however, register at their online site at least two days in advance. We couldn’t get on the government safari, but managed to go on a private tour to see deer, peacocks and neelgai (blue bull), but were not lucky enough to see any lions.

The next episode of this travelogue will cover sights in Junagadh and Vadodara, then reports from Pune, Konkan coast and Hyderabad.

http://www.indoamerican-news.com/sightseeing-in-india-off-the-beaten-path-somnath-porbandar-diu-and-gir-national-forest/

With 100m eco-sensitive zone, Gir lions have lesser protection than tigers

Vijaysinh Parmar | TNN | Feb 17, 2017, 09.23 AM IST

Highlights

• The Asiatic lions, which are 523 in numbers, have the least protection
• Three tiger reserves have a protection area ranging from 2 km to 14.85 km
• The decision to modify the ESZ was taken at a meeting held on November 28(Representative image)

RAJKOT: In an election, every vote counts. And, the BJP government does not want to displease anyone living near Asiatic lion's last abode the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary , even if a decision results in dangerously less protection to this endangered animal.

A right to information (RTI) reply has revealed that the government has finally shrunk drastically the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) from the earlier 8 km to 17.9 km around the sanctuary to a meagre 100 metres to maximum 500 metres in the modified ESZ proposal.

In fact, the Asiatic lions, which are 523 in numbers as per latest census, have the least protection; lesser than the equally endangered tigers in India. Three tiger reserves, where ESZ has been finalised, have a protection area ranging from 2 km to 14.85 km. Other tiger reserves are yet to send their ESZ pro proposals.

The decision to modify the ESZ was taken at a meeting held on November 28 where wildlife conservationists were not even invited for suggestions. " As revealed in the RTI reply , the meeting was held on November 28 last year in the presence of ministers in Gandhinagar with `affected' people around Gir and the decision to modify ESZ was taken. Now, ESZ has been kept minimum 100m and maximum 500m around Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary and Paniya Wildlife Sanctuary ," said Biren Padhya, the wildlife activist who filed the RTI, told TOI. Ironically , lion is the symbol of Prime Minister Naren dra Modi's `Make in India' campaign. Now, the ESZ covers only 207 sq km in 114 villages in nine talukas of three districts as against the original 3,328.8139 sq km covering 291 villages, said Padhya.

Earlier, the central government had notified an area up to 17.9 km from the boundary of the Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary , 16.3 km from the boundary of the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and up to 14.98 km from the Paniya Wildlife Sanctuary . A senior IFS officer told TOI, "The forest department was completely left out while deciding on ESZ. Earlier proposal of 17.9km that we had prepared was made using sound scientific data. If the modified proposal is legally challenged, it would be very difficult to defend the decision."

Latest Comment

Forest ministry should now wake upSaranathan Lakshminarasimhan

Experts said the alarming consequences of a shrunk ESZ would be little control over mining, haphazard and illegal tourism and chances that even polluting industries coming up dangerously close to lion movement. Even the lions outside the protected area would not be safe and chances of human-animal conflict would only strengthen.

Recently , the parliamentary committee headed by Renuka Chaudhary had lambasted the shrunk ESZ as a joke."Chaudhary had even pulled up a forest officer who was defending the haphazard tourism at the cost of wildlife and asked them whether he was a forest officer or a tourism officer" an official present in the meeting said.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/with-100m-eco-sensitive-zone-gir-lions-have-lesser-protection-than-tigers/articleshow/57196802.cms?

Forest department to revisit study on Gir’s economic gains

Vijaysinh Parmar | TNN | Updated: Feb 17, 2017, 07.13 AM IST

Gir sanctuary

JUNAGADH: At a time when the Vijay Rupani government has shrunk the eco-sensitive zone around Gir sanctuary in the garb of 'local peoples' development', the forest department is planning to revisit a crucial 15-year-old study that had detailed the immense economic benefits accrued to the people as a result of the Gir ecosystem.

The study carried out by the scientists of Junagadh Agriculture University (JAU) had mapped the economic as well as environmental benefits resulting from the ecosystem and gave a big reason to enhance conservation efforts.

"Gir protected area (PA) has multiple impacts on agriculture, mango orchards, sugar industries, livestock enterprise, tourism, carbon sequestration, water table and water quality and bio-diversity, besides large number of environmental benefits," said Dr R L Shiyani, an agricultural economist with JAU who was part of the study.

The study was a pioneering one and replicated in other wildlife areas of India too.

Shiyani said, "It was found that villages surrounding the Gir protected area have relatively higher irrigated area, total cropped area and area under horticultural crops. All these led to higher crop productivity and more profitability per hectare of cropped area. Net profit per hectare of cropped area was more than Rs 35,000 in villages adjoining Gir PA, whereas it ranged about Rs 11,000 to Rs 15,000 in the villages that were over 15km away. The magnitude of total profit from agriculture was to the tune of Rs 6,020.05 million per annum."

Then, the annual estimated value of environmental benefits from Gir PA was about Rs 10,575.71 million which included benefits from carbon sequestration.

A P Singh, chief conservator of forest (wildlife), Junagadh, said, "We plan to revisit the same study to assess the various aspects of Gir ecosystem's benefits to people living around it."

The study was undertaken as there was dearth of quantification of economic analysis from the forest resources so as to help policy makers.

Latest Comment

instead of commercial exploitation forest cover is to be protectedSaranathan Lakshminarasimhan

According to the study, maintenance of Gir PA should be accorded high priority considering that the total economic value was to the tune of nearly Rs 211 crore a year.

"Estimation of environmental benefits is a complex procedure. The total economic value (TEV) concept is widely used in the environmental economics parlance. The same was used in the present study. All efforts were made to quantify maximum identified benefits. Both primary and secondary data were collected," Shiyani added.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/forest-dept-to-revisit-study-on-girs-economic-gains/articleshow/57193432.cms

With 100m eco-sensitive zone, Gir lions have lesser protection than tigers

Vijaysinh Parmar | TNN | Feb 17, 2017, 09.23 AM IST

Highlights

• The Asiatic lions, which are 523 in numbers, have the least protection
• Three tiger reserves have a protection area ranging from 2 km to 14.85 km
• The decision to modify the ESZ was taken at a meeting held on November 28(Representative image)

RAJKOT: In an election, every vote counts. And, the BJP government does not want to displease anyone living near Asiatic lion's last abode the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary , even if a decision results in dangerously less protection to this endangered animal.

A right to information (RTI) reply has revealed that the government has finally shrunk drastically the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) from the earlier 8 km to 17.9 km around the sanctuary to a meagre 100 metres to maximum 500 metres in the modified ESZ proposal.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/with-100m-eco-sensitive-zone-gir-lions-have-lesser-protection-than-tigers/articleshow/57196802.cms?

In a year, SGNP lions Jespa and Gopa to find their soulmates

By Ranjeeet Jadhav | Posted 17-Feb-2017
Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) authorities are planning to get two Asiatic lions from Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden at Gujarat's Junagadh

Shobha and her three cubs. FILE PIC

The young hearts of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), lions Jespa and Gopa, may soon find their soulmates. The park authorities are planning to send a proposal to the Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden at Junagadh, Gujarat, to get a pair of Asiatic lions through an animal exchange programme within a year.
Confirming the development, an official from the forest department said, "We are in the process of preparing the proposal. We are in talks with the senior officials of the zoo and they are positive about giving us the pair of lions. If everything goes as per the plan, then we will get the lions in less than a year."
Another official of the department said, "We will offer them a pair of rusty-spotted cats in return for the lions. Once the proposal is ready, we will send copies of it to the State Zoo Authority, Central Zoo Authority, Gujarat Forest Department and Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden."
The SGNP authorities have been discussing the plan of getting the lions since October last year, but nothing positive came of it till talks happened between the Maharashtra and Gujarat forest departments. The SGNP authorities are now confident of getting the pair from Gujarat.

×At present, SGNP has three Asiatic lions – Jespa, Gopa and Ravindra. As the park authorities wish to increase the captive population of the lions to give a boost to the safari, they are planning to get more.

Jab they met

Ravindra and Shobha were brought to SGNP in 2009 from Bangalore. In 2012, Shobha and a rescued circus lion, Badshah, gave birth to three cubs, of which Jespa and Gopa are alive.
The third died owing to illness. In 2014, Shobha died at the age of 12. Badshah died when he was 17. In April 2014, SGNP authorities put Shobha and Ravindra in an enclosure, hoping they would mate. But, they fought a lot and suffered injuries. Shobha also faced some fertility problems at the time.
http://www.mid-day.com/articles/sgnp-sanjay-gandhi-national-park-asiatic-lions-jespa-gopa-sakkarbaug-zoological-garden-junagadh/18002172

Bizman hears call of the wild

By Ojas Mehta, Ahmedabad Mirror | Feb 16, 2017, 02.00 AM IST
Salvaging the Pride of Gujarat, a businessman donated a generous sum to adopt an Asiatic lion at the Kankaria zoo on Wednesday. A day after Mirror published a report urging Amdavadis to become 'Friends of the Zoo' and adopt animals, the 52-year-old anonymous benefactor adopted not just the lion but also a jackal, a white-backed vulture, a jungle cat and a Nicobar pigeon. Gujarat is the last abode of Asiatic Lions but no one has adopted lions or lionesses since 2008.

Prompted by Mirror's February 15 report 'Come on, Amdavadis! Show your generosity' which showed how Kankaria Zoo struggles to find adopters for its over 2,500 inhabitants, the businessman donated Rs 1.65 lakh for the upkeep of all these animals. Confirming this, zoo director R K Sahu said, "After reading Mirror, a businessman called me on Wednesday morning offering to adopt animals, including the Asiatic lion."

"The yearly adoption charge for the Asiatic lion is Rs 1,26,260. The yearly charge for the white-backed vulture is Rs 10,260, the jackal is Rs 15,260, the jungle cat is Rs 10,260 and the Nicobar pigeon is Rs 2,960," informed the zoo director. The businessman adopted Ambar the lion who is 10 years old. He had had already surveyed the zoo to check out the animals before meeting the director.

"He told me he was a frequent visitor to the zoo but never knew he could adopt animals. Usually, we display the name of the benefactor on the display board next to the animal's enclosure. His only wish, however, was that we keep his name a secret," Dr Sahu said, adding, "The businessman is very religious and feels that displaying his name will denote arrogance. He just wanted to fulfil his moral responsibility by doing something for the wild animals and raise awareness for them."
http://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/ahmedabad/others/bizman-hears-call-of-the-wild/articleshow/57173199.cms

With no hurdles, Madhya Pradesh officials optimistic of getting Gir lions

• TOI
• Bhopal
• Wed,15 Feb 2017
  

  Summary: BHOPAL: Forest officials from Madhya Pradesh are optimistic that a final decision would be taken to shift Gir lions from Gujarat to Palpur Kuno sanctuary in the state. MP officials claim with an increase in prey base, Kuno has become one of the most suitable places for lions. MP has already addressed the all concerns raised over the years by Gujarat official on the issue. Before the inspection, shortage of prey base was one of the major objections raised by Gujarat. The issue has been lingering for over a decade, now.Madhya Pradesh wants at least 2 lion prides, which means a total of around 12 lions, including cubs.

  BHOPAL: Forest officials from Madhya Pradesh are optimistic that a final decision would be taken to shift Gir lions from Gujarat to Palpur Kuno sanctuary in the state. A meeting of the chief wildlife wardens is scheduled in New Delhi on February 15 and February 16.Officials in the state secretariat here said there is no administrative reason left and only political will is required for translocation of Gujarat lions to state. MP has already addressed the all concerns raised over the years by Gujarat official on the issue.
  
  The issue has been lingering for over a decade, now.Madhya Pradesh wants at least 2 lion prides, which means a total of around 12 lions, including cubs. Principal chief conservator of forests (Wildlife) Jitendra Agrawal said the state is continuing its efforts to get the Gir lions and believes that the outcome would be positive.State had hosted a meeting of 12-member committee constituted to look into the translocation of Asiatic lions from the Gir sanctuary at Kuno wildlife sanctuary in Sheopur district in December last year. Before the inspection, shortage of prey base was one of the major objections raised by Gujarat.
  
  Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/with-no-hurdles-mp-officials-optimistic-of-getting-gir-lions/articleshow/57155052.cms

Come on, Amdavadis! Show your generosity

By Ojas Mehta | Feb 15, 2017, 02.00 AM IST
Kamala Nehru Zoological Garden, better known as Kankaria Zoo, is struggling to find adopters for animals. And generous Amdavadis can come in handy. Picture this statistic: though a programme ‘Friends of Zoo’ was started way back in 2008 that allowed people to adopt wild animals on a yearly basis, only about 50 of the 2,500 wild animals, birds and reptiles were adopted in 2016-17. When it comes to companies and organisations, the figure is worst. Between 2008 and 2017, only three firms or companies came to the aid of animals.

One provided industrial coolers and another mist machines to keep animals cool during summers. A bank donated water coolers to ensure animals got cold water. Students who come with their parents are the biggest adopters when it comes to numbers though they adopt birds that do not have huge upkeep cost. Gujarat is the last abode of Asiatic Lions but no one has adopted lions or lionesses since 2008. Tiger and whitebacked vulture, which fall under endangered species, have also not found any takers either. Same is the case with black bear, hippopotamus, jackal and hyena.

Also, Anaconda that can grow to more than 30 feet has never been adopted. Former mayor Amit Shah adopted a crown pigeon for three years and so did former councilor Mahendra Patel. When Friends of Zoo started in 2008, 57 animals were adopted with a total donation of Rs 10.96 lakh towards food and animal management charges. In 2015-16, only 42 animals were adopted and Rs 5.18 lakh collected. The number of animals, birds and reptiles adopted in 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 was 20, 36, 46 and 42 respectively.

Surprisingly, there have never been more than 50 adoptions in a single year except for the first time in 2008. Charity or collection of funds not the aim “Friends of Zoo programme was not started with the purpose of collecting funds or charity for food and animal management. We get enough funds from the municipal corporation, Rs 7-8 crore for operational costs and equal amount for capital expenditure. Adoption programme covers just a fraction of the annual budget. The idea behind Friends of Zoo is to bring people, especially children and students closer to wildlife and to involve people in conservation of animals. The idea is invoke a sense of pride that they can adopt animals that they otherwise cannot keep as pets; promote conservation, education and research.

We give certificates, special tickets and boldly display names of people outside enclosures of animals and birds they adopt,” director of the zoo Dr R K Sahu told Mirror. Animals adopted out of astrological concerns While most people adopt animals because they are fond of wildlife in general, the zoo aims to engage more and more people. Then there are those who adopt animals as it suits their birth charts. “We have known people in the past adopting a cobra because they had kaal sarp dosh, or deer were adopted because they had rahu or ketu and feeding them green grass diminishes its effects.

Besides, there have been instances when people have adopted an owl because it is the vehicle of Goddess Laxmi whereas monkeys are adopted because they signify Lord Hanuman. We also had Maruti Transport Company adopting a monkey in the past out of obeisance for Lord Hanuman. Peacocks are adopted not only because they are national birds but also because of its beauty,” said Dr Sahu. A group of solicitors has adopted elephant Rupa, whose cost of upkeep is highest at Rs 2.58 lakh per year, since 2008. A group of builders has adopted amale and a female leopard.

http://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/ahmedabad/cover-story/come-on-amdavadis-show-your-generosity/articleshow/57153414.cms

Top 10 forests of India that every nature lover must visit

These ten forests in India deserve a visit for their charm and natural beauty

Dilip Merala | Published: February 8, 2017 7:40 PM IST

Photograph Courtesy: skperias/Creative Commons

Photograph Courtesy: ianare sevi/Wikimedia Commons

India is home to some of the finest forests of the world. From lush green pine and dedoar trees to diverse wildlife ranging from tigers to elephants, India’s forests are home to some of the most amazing living species. A vacation amidst one of these forests can prove to be a rejuvenating and enriching experience. Not only will it make you feel closer to nature, it will also give you a better understanding of your country and the beings that reside in it. (ALSO SEE Top 20 haunted places in India that could scare you to death!) Here are the 10 most amazing forests in India you must check out at least once.

Sundarbans, West Bengal

Located in the eastern state of West Bengal. the Sundarbans are known to be home to the white tiger (a variant of the Royal Bengal tiger). The vast Sundarbans National park is part of the Sundarbans delta which cover close to 10,000 square kilometres and are the largest deltas in the world. The lush green mangrove forest is a tiger reserve and a biosphere reserve. A large number of Sundari trees spread across the forest which also houses fishing cats, leopard cats, macaques, wild boar, Indian grey mongoose, fox, jungle cat, flying fox, pangolin, and chita. DO SEE 5 places you didn’t know were UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Gir forest, Gujarat

The best place to spot the Asiatic Lion, Gir forest in Gujarat is a delight for wildlife lovers. The Gir National Park is spread over 1,412 sq km in Junagadh district of Gujarat. It was the erstwhile game preserve of the Nawab of Junagadh and was established as a national park in 1965 with the aim to protect and increase the lion population, which had sunk to two dozen in the early 20th century. Apart from the Asiatic lions, the dry deciduous forest is home to several leopards which includes jungle cat, desert cat, rusty spotted cat. ou will also find sloth bears, Indian cobras, striped hyenas, golden jackals, Indian mongoose, Indian palm civets, ratels, chital, nilgai, sambar, four-horned antelope, chinkara and wild boar.

Khasi hills, Meghalaya

The stunning northeast of India is famous for its vast, green, sprawling Khasi Hills. The beutiful Khasi forests are part of the Meghalaya subtropical forests eco region. Not only are they extremely picturesque all year round thanks to the high amount of rainfall in the region, they are also responsible for the clean and rejuvenating ambiance of Meghalaya making it a tourist delight. DO SEE This forest in the Western Ghats of India glows in the dark!

Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh

The Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh is the third largest national park in the world. Spanning over an area of 1985 sq.km., with 177 sq.km. in buffer zone and 1808 sq.km. in the core area, the Namdapha National Park forms the greatest forest region of India. It is nestled between the Patkai range and Dapha bum range of Mishmi Hills. The park is home to snow leopards, clouded leopards, common leopards, tigers, dholes, wolves, Asiatic black bears, red panda, red fox, yellow-throated marten, Slow Loris, Hoolock Gibbons, Capped Langurs, Assamese Macaques and Rhesus Macaques. Its biggest draw is the critically endangered Namdapha Flying Squirrel which is only found here.

Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand’s Jim Corbett National Park is one of India’s most popular tourist attractions, especially for wildlife lovers. Established in 1936, it is India’s first national park. The most commonly found wildlife at im Corbett includes wild elephants, sloth bears, langurs, rhesus macaques, peacocks, schools of otters, several types of deer including chital (spotted deer), sambars, hog deer and barking deer. It is one of the best forests of India to spend a peaceful vacation in.

Bandipur National Park, Karnataka

Karnataka’s Bandipur National Park is a forest spread over 874 sq km. It was once the private hunting ground of the Maharaja’s of Mysore. You can find tigers, Indian elephants, spotted deer, gaurs (bison), and antelopes among other species here. The towering Western Ghats surrounding the park give it a breathtaking backdrop.

Nilgiri Biosphere reserve, Tamil Nadu

Stretching to parts of the Western Ghats and Nilgiri Hills in south India, the Nilgiri Biosphere reserve is an International Biosphere reserve that attracts nature lovers all year round. It was declared a UNESCO World heritage site in 2012. Tribal groups like the Todas, Kotas, Irullas, Kurumbas, Paniyas, Adiyans, Edanadan Chettis, Cholanaickens, Allar, and Malayan are native to the Nilgiri Biosphere reserve.

Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur

Another gem in northeast India, the Keibul Lamjao National Park is famous for being the only floating park in the world. It is an integral part of the popular Loktak lake and was declared a National Park in order to preserve the natural refuge of the endangered Manipur Eld’s deer also called the dancing deer, listed as an endangered species by IUCN.

Vandalur Reserve forest

A protected forest area in the southwestern part of Chennai, the Vandalur Reserve forest is one of the best forest reserves in south India. It also included the Madras zoo which is a popular attraction. The Vandalur Hill provides stunning views of the surroundings and makes for an excellent offbeat holiday.

Kanha National Park

And then there is Kanha National Park, the largest national park in Madhya Pradesh. It is famous for being home to about 300 species of resident and migratory birds. However, what it is most popular for is the barasingha (swamp deer). The sprawling sal and bamboo forests in Kanha make spotting the Royal Bengal tiger, leopards, sloth bears, sambhars, chitals, gaur and the Indian wild dog quite easy here. Kanha is also credited for being the forest that inspired British author Rudyard Kipling to write The Jungle Book. NOW SEE 10 best places to spot tigers in India
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Published: February 8, 2017 7:40 PM IST | Updated: February 8, 2017 7:40 PM IST

http://www.india.com/travel/articles/top-10-forests-of-india-that-every-nature-lover-must-visit/

Gir lions have maximum exchange value

Highlights

• Asiatic lions are in high demand in zoos across the globe.
• Gujarat is the only abode of the endangered species.
• In last two years, the Sakkarbaug Zoological Park in Junagadh has got 104 animals in exchange of 24 lions.(Representative image)

Vijaysinh Parmar | TNN | Updated: Feb 8, 2017, 09.54 AM IST

AHMEDABAD: Asiatic lions are in high demand in zoos across the globe, and Gujarat being the only abode of the endangered species is at a greater advantage. The exclusivity of the Asiatic lions has helped Sakkarbaug Zoological Park in Junagadh get more species and animals in exchange of a few lions.

In last two years, the zoo has got 104 animals in exchange of 24 lions. Being one of the oldest and largest zoos in the country, Sakkarbaug zoo houses 1,300 animals of 114 species. Spread over 81.81 hectares, the zoo is located near mountainous hills of Girnar.

Recently, Sakkarbaug zoo gave three lions (one male and two females) to Prague zoo in Czech Republic and will get 15 animals in exchange. These will include five wallabies, three caracals and three green peafowls among others.Sakkarbaug zoo will soon get seven animals including a pair of African cheetahs from London zoo in exchange of one pair of Asiatic lion.

In 2009, the zoo got four African cheetahs from Sing apore zoo under animal exchange programme. However, three of them died due to various reasons and only one female survived.

"Asiatic lions are in great demand from zoos across the world. Of late, zoos are emphasising on pure breed species and Sakkarbaug zoo is one place where one can find pure breed of Asi atic lions. This gives us an upp er hand while bargaining for more species and animals in exchange for a pair of Asiatic lion," said A P Singh, chief conservator of forests, (wildlife), Junagadh circle.

According to International Studbook of Asiatic lions (2013), there are 263 Asiatic lions in various zoos across the globe, especially those in European countries. According to International Studbook of Asia tic lions (2013), there are 263 Asiatic lions in various zoos across the globe, especially those in European countries.

The lions can be found in UK (22), France (18), Germany (11), Poland (5), and countries like Russia, Israel, Singapore, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy , Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, Estonia, Denmark, Belgium and Finland among other countries.

Sakkarbaug Zoo, established in 1863 by the then Nawab of Junagadh state, is mandated by Central Zoo Authority to coordinate breeding of Asiatic lions. The zoo plays an important role in conservation of various species including Asiatic lions. "Sakkarbaug Zoo is nodal agency for Asiatic lions gene pool project," said S J Pandit, director, Sakkarbaug Zoo.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/gir-lions-have-maximum-exchange-value/articleshow/57030678.cms

With Mysuru zoo getting ‘bird flu-free’ tag more animals set to arrive soon

Shankar Bennur Mysuru: February 07, 2017 00:00 IST

The number of tourists visiting Mysuru zoo is on the rise after its reopening a few days ago.— PHOTO: M.A. Sriram  

With the reopening of the Mysuru zoo after it was declared bird flu-free, more animals are set to join the zoo’s vast collection as part of the animal exchange programme which had been put on hold owing to the avian influenza (H5N8) scare. The arrival of animals from other zoos was delayed on the instructions of the Central Zoo Authority.
The arrival of Shaurya, a male Asiatic lion, which is being exchanged with the zoo here by Rajkot zoo for other animals, is expected soon with the zoo’s reopening following its closure for almost a month.
“The exchange deal has been revived and the lion is likely to arrive in March. We aim to step up captive breeding of Asiatic lions soon after the young male’s arrival. Also, Vandalur zoo in Chennai is giving us a male and a female lion tailed macaque, a highly endangered species, in exchange for other animals. They are also expected to arrive in March,” said Zoo Executive Director Kamala Karikalan.
Animal exchange with foreign zoos was also on the cards with a Sri Lankan zoo coming forward to give six green anacondas – three male and three female, she said.
She told The Hindu that visitors will get to see all the new collections in summer vacation since the animals will be put in quarantine soon after their arrival as per protocol.
Ms. Karikalan said two more exchanges were awaiting clearances and they include a Himalayan bear from Shillong zoo in Meghalaya and a pair of otters from Surat zoo. “If these deals get the nod and materialise this month, even these animals will arrive around the same time,” she said.
Captive breeding
The director said the exchanges were happening with the main purpose of hastening captive breeding for which the zoo has “unmatched reputation.”
Rise in footfall
Tourist footfall to the zoo have been seeing an upward trend since its reopening. “Over 10,000 tourists visited the zoo on Sunday,” she said, adding that the weekday turnout was around 5,000-6,000.
This shows the popularity of the zoo as the most-visited tourist destination in Mysuru.
The zoo’s popularity has remained intact though it was out of bounds for tourists, according to stakeholders, who also claim that tourism in Mysuru will bounce back, bringing back smiles on the people banking on it for their
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/With-Mysuru-zoo-getting-%E2%80%98bird-flu-free%E2%80%99-tag-more-animals-set-to-arrive-soon/article17207427.ece