‘King’ arrives in Vizag zoo after five years

B. Madhu Gopal

VISAKHAPATNAM , November 29, 2019 19:53 IST

Updated: November 30, 2019 01:23 IST

An Asiatic lion taking a stroll at the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, in Visakhapatnam on Friday.  

Asiatic lions brought from Gujarat released into enclosure for public viewing

The visitors to the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) can now see lions after a gap of five years, as the zoo authorities released a pair of Asiatic lions into enclosures for public viewing on Friday.
The pair was brought from the Sakkarbaug Zoo at Junagarh in Gujarat as part of the animal exchange programme.
The male lion, Patvad, was the first to emerge from the night crawl and walked majestically into the moat in the enclosure. It went behind the trees after looking around for a few minutes, perhaps shying away from the public glare. A little later, the lioness, Maheswari, walked into the moat and stared at the visitors who were gathered around the enclosure.
Maheswari then clung onto the trunk of a tree, much to the delight of photo journalists and visitors who caught her moves on their cameras and cellphones. She then took a leisurely stroll on the edge of the moat. A little later, she ran towards Patvad, but, a roar from the latter made her change track, and move away from him.

Animal exchange programme

“The Asiatic lions were brought from Gujarat in exchange for wild dogs from our zoo in August this year. Our zoo had no lion for the past five years,” said zoo curator Yesoda Bai.
RINL Chief Vigilance Officer P.J. Vijayakar, NTPC-Simhadri Senior Manager (CSR) P. Anant Jagannath, Deputy Manager (CSR) Prakash, Waltair Marshalling Yard Area Officer Anil Kumar, and Divisional Forest Officer C. Selvam were present on the occasion.

Zebras next

Later replying to the queries from the media, Ms. Yesoda Bai said that a pair of zebra was requisitioned from the Alipore Zoo in Kolkata as part of the animal exchange programme. The zebras would be released into their moat next month. Wild dogs and lemurs were sent to the Alipore Zoo in exchange for the zebras, she added.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/king-arrives-in-vizag-zoo-after-five-years/article30117267.ece

Etawah Lion Safari to open without Lion segment

22 November 2019  Last Updated at 10:30 am | Source: IANSEtawah Lion Safari to open without Lion segment
Etawah (Uttar Pradesh), Nov 22 (IANS) Former Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav''s dream project -- Etawah Lion Safari -- will finally be opened for public on November 24. However, the lion segment will not be opened for public as it does not meet the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) norms yet.
Forest Minister Dara Singh Chauhan and MP Etawah and Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes Ram Shankar Katheria will inaugurate the safari on Sunday.
The deer, antelope and bear safaris would be opened for public but the lion safari, which is USP of the park, will be opened only after meeting the required CZA norms of having 10 cubs. The Safari presently has only six cubs," said a forest official.
The Etawah Lion Safari is the first in the country to have a lion breeding centre set up with an aim to develop a research facility on Asiatic lions, said the forest official.
Spread over 350 hectares of land, the safari is being developed as an educative tourist destination for children as well as youths.
The park has multiple safaris -- antelope safari having 65 deer and six swamp deer, and bear safari consisting of three female bears.
The Etawah Lion Safari was formally inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on June 1, 2018 but was closed for public.
The Etawah safari park is categorised as multiple safaris, Asiatic Lion Breeding Centre & Visitor Facilitation Centre.
The work on the safari started in 2005, but work began in right earnest in May 2013 after environmental clearances were obtained.
The park is located at a driving distance of 2 hours from Agra and 5 hours from New Delhi.
--IANS
amita/in
https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/etawah-lion-safari-to-open-without-lion-segment/1668334

Chhatbir zoo: Soon on display, pair of Asiatic lions and Bengal tigress

They were brought under the animal exchange program from Indore zoo. File

Four-year-old twins Baban and Gagan and the Bengal tigress were brought under the animal exchange program from Kamla Nehru Prani Sangrahalaya in Indore and they reached Chhatbir Zoo on October 20.

Written by Saurabh Prashar | Chandigarh | Published: November 24, 2019 7:56:08 am

A pair of Asiatic lions and a Bengal tigress will soon be on public display at Chhatbir zoo.

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Four-year-old twins Baban and Gagan and the Bengal tigress were brought under the animal exchange program from Kamla Nehru Prani Sangrahalaya in Indore and they reached Chhatbir Zoo on October 20.
They were kept in the isolation — a set procedure under Central Zoo Authority (CZA) guidelines for making the recently shifted animals acclimatized to the changed atmosphere — for one month within the zoo.
A senior officer at the zoo said, “These carnivores will be on public display shortly because their isolation period has completed. The exact date is yet to be confirmed. For the first one fortnight, Baban and Gagan will not be allow to mix up with the other lions and lionesses in the Lion Safari of zoo. They will be released in a separate large enclosure divided from the main lion safari with long fencing. After observing their behaviour, they will be released in the main lion safari.”

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A high-level meeting chaired by Zoo Director, M Sudhagar, discussing the how and where to put these animals for public sighting took place at Chhatbir Zoo on Saturday.
Meanwhile, white tigress Diya, which recently delivered four cubs — one of them did not survive, has been recovering. She has adopted her offsprings very well.
Veterniary doctors along with zookeepers are making efforts to make Diya’s partner, Aman, a royal Bengal tiger, who is currently separated from Diya and cubs, adoptative towards the cubs.
A zoo officer said, “As per the nature, a male tiger can not tolerate cubs and eliminate the offsprings due to the affection towards female. Aman is being shown video clips of recently born cubs hence he can adopt them. Before the delivery, Diya, at her dark enclosure, was also shown clips of deliveries of the litter of cubs.”
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/chhatbir-zoo-soon-on-display-pair-of-asiatic-lions-and-bengal-tigress-6134129/

Lion cubs from endangered Asiatic subspecies born at Edinburgh Zoo

November 23, 2019

A litter of lion cubs from an endangered subspecies has been born at Edinburgh Zoo.
The Asiatic lion cubs, born just three weeks ago, are still being nursed by their mother Roberta and are not yet on view to the public.
Staff at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo Staff are delighted with the new arrivals but say the coming months are crucial.
Roberta originally gave birth to five cubs, with three surviving.
Alison MacLean, the zoo’s head of carnivores, said, “Mum and cubs are doing well and we are thrilled, though we remain cautious as this is still a very delicate stage, with two of the litter sadly not having survived.
“Public viewing is therefore closed at the moment to give the family lots of peace and quiet.
“The three cubs will be weighed and sexed during their first health check in the coming weeks. We will also name them shortly after.

“Their dad Jayendra is being very affectionate and will stay with Roberta and her youngsters.”
Jayendra arrived in Edinburgh from Bristol Zoo in 2012, with Roberta following from Magdeburg Zoo in Germany two years later.
Asiatic lions are generally smaller than African lions and the males do not develop such a substantial mane so their ears are more visible.
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They previously existed across south-west Asia but are now only found in Gir Forest in India.
The wild population is estimated to be only 350, with threats including poaching, habitat destruction, conflict with humans and a declining number of prey animals.
Mrs MacLean said: “Roberta and Jayendra are part of the European endangered species programme, with every birth being a potential lifeline and increasing the possibility of future generations being reintroduced into the wild.”
https://dailystockdish.com/lion-cubs-from-endangered-asiatic-subspecies-born-at-edinburgh-zoo/

Gujarat: Leopard suspected to have attacked a human dies in captivity

This is the second death in a week in Gujarat of a carnivorous animal suspected of attacking humans. One of the 11 leopards caged by the forest department this month after it was suspected to have attacked humans. (Photo: Gujarat forest department)

By Express News Service |Rajkot | Updated: November 26, 2019 8:31:05 pm Days after it was caged for allegedly attacking human beings, a male leopard died at a facility in Sasan Tuesday. This is the second death in a week of a carnivorous animal suspected of attacking humans.

“The animal had been rescued from Kutiya round in Visavadar range of Gir (west) on the suspicion that it had attacked a human in that area. It was kept under observation at Sasan, but it died Tuesday of old age,” Dushyant Vasavada, chief conservator of forests of Junagadh wildlife circle, told The Indian Express.
Vasavda said no evidence had been found of the animal attacking human beings in its scat analysis. “If the animal eats a human after killing him, chances are the victim’s hair is found in the carnivore’s excreta. Nothing such was found in the case of this leopard. But we were still treating it as a suspected case since it was captured from the area from where man-animal conflict was reported,” Vasavada said.
The forest department had launched an extensive operation early this month and caged 11 leopards by November 18. These leopards, forest officers said, were suspected of having killed eight people in Visavadar and Dhari ranges of Gir forest and Bagasar range of Amreli social forestry division in the past seven months.
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/gujarat-leopard-suspected-to-have-attacked-a-human-dies-in-captivity-6138277/

Lions halt Gir safari vehicles in tracks

TNN | Updated: Nov 29, 2019, 11:57 IST

Grab from the video that went viral on ThursdayRAJKOT: Tourists inside the Gir National Park and Sanctuary were both scared and surprised when two lions strolled to a kissing distance of their safari jeeps. At least eight safari vehicles had to halt for quite sometime as the lions refused to go back into the jungle area and kept looking at the tourists curiously.
The video of the incident went viral on the social media on Thursday. Usually, tourists, who are lucky enough, get to spot the lions who laze around in the bushes along the routes of safaris. Seldom, do they come so close to the vehicles.
Chief conservator of forest (wildlife circle), D T Vasavada, said, “There is nothing illegal in this video as 50 gypsies leave at a time on normal days and 60 on Sundays and holidays. Average six vehicles go on one route and it happens that they cross those vehicles from other routes. 

 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/lions-halt-gir-safari-vehicles-in-tracks/articleshow/72284704.cms

Etawah safari to be opened for public on November 24

Faiz Rahman Siddiqui | TNN | Updated: Nov 21, 2019, 13:15 IST

The Etawah lion safari is finally all set to be opened for publicKANPUR: After a long wait, the Etawah lion safari is finally all set to be opened for public on November 24, but partially.
The authorities have started preparatory work on a war-footing. “Forest minister Dara Singh Chauhan and MP Etawah and chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes Dr Ram Shankar Katheria will inaugurate the safari on November 24,” said MLA Etawah Sadar Sarita Bhadauria.
However, the lion segment will not be opened for public as it doesn’t meet the required CZA norms yet, a senior safari official said and added that as of now, only deer, antelope and bear safaris would be opened for public.
“Lion Safari, which is USP of the park, will be opened only after meeting the required CZA norms of having 10 cubs,” said the forest official. The safari has presently only six cubs.
The Etawah lion safari is the first in the country to have a lion breeding centre set up with an aim to develop a research facility on Asiatic lions.
The lion safari will be a pride of Etawah, said the MLA expressing the hope that the requirement of housing 10 cubs at the Lion Safari would be fulfilled soon.
Spread in 350 hectares of land, the safari is being developed as an educative tourist destination for children as well as youths. The park has multiple safaris — antelope safari having 65 deer and six swamp deer, and bear safari consisting of three female bears.
Etawah lion safari was formally inaugurated by chief minister Yogi Adityanath on June 1, 2018 but is not open for public yet. Etawah safari park is categorised in multiple safaris, Asiatic Lion Breeding Centre & Visitor Facilitation Centre.
The park is located at a driving distance of 2 hours from Agra, 5 hours from New Delhi, and 3 hours from the state capital. The work on the safari started in 2005, but smooth way was paved in May 2013 after environmental clearances.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kanpur/etawah-safari-to-be-opened-for-public-on-nov-24/articleshow/72149976.cms

Gujarat: 11 leopards caged after they kill 8 persons in Junagadh and Amreli

The forest department has rescued 11 leopards in less than three weeks, the latest one being captured on Saturday night.

One of the leopards caged in Amreli. (Gujarat forest department)

THE FOREST department has launched an extensive operation to capture leopards from the edges of Gir (west) and Gir (east) forest divisions in Junagadh and Amreli districts following a number of human deaths in that area. The department has rescued 11 leopards in less than three weeks, the latest one being captured on Saturday night, even as officers said that they have permission even to shoot the carnivores as a last recourse.

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Forest officers said they rescued a female leopard from Manekvada village of Bagasara taluka in Amreli district late on Saturday night. The area falls in Kukavav range of Amreli social forestry division. The carnivorous animal, believed to be three to five years old, was captured from an agricultural field of one Kurjibhai Kyada, they said.
This is the 11th leopard to be caged by the forest department this month from three talukas – Visavadar taluka in Gir (west) forest division in Junagadh district, Dhari taluka in Gir (east) forest division in Amreli and Bagasara taluka in Amreli social forestry division.
Dushyant Vasavada, chief conservator of forests (CCF) of Junagadh wildlife circle, said the leopard rescue drive in the area would continue.

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“Since April this year, eight human deaths have been reported in these three talukas due to leopard attacks. Therefore, this area has become a matter of concern. So, we have put more than 25 cages in this particular area and more than 50 people have been deputed for operations,” the CCF told The Indian Express on Sunday.
Vasavada further said that wildlife trackers from Sasan wildlife division, Gir (west) division and Amreli social forestry division are part of the operation to capture leopards. “We are targeting the villages where the deaths have occurred and villages surrounding these villages,” said the CCF.
The officer said that 10 of the captured leopards have been shifted to animal care centre in Sasan while the one captured from Bagasar has been put up at Sakkar Baug zoo in Junagadh.
The CCF said that they have even obtained permission to shoot leopards suspected of attacking human beings dead. “When eight persons die, it becomes a very serious concern. So our chief wildlife warden has issued orders to shoot, as a last recourse, those leopards which can’t be captured. But it is the last option and most probably we shall not require to exercise it,” Vasavada said.
The action by the forest department comes in the wake of farmers of Visavadar threatening to launch an agitation if leopards are not caught. The farmers have been aggressively demanding that leopards be caged after at least three persons were killed by the big cats in recent months.
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/rajkot/gujarat-11-leopards-caged-after-they-kill-8-persons-in-junagadh-and-amreli-6124648/

Lions spotted near Chotila, 100 km from Gir sanctuary

Ahmedabad Mirror | Updated: Nov 20, 2019, 06:00 IST

Gujarat’s pride expanding: Lions spotted near Chotila, 100 km from Gir sanctuary

A female and sub-adult spotted in Chotila; officials said the two have moved about 100 km away from their usual location around the Gir Sanctuary
Even as the Gujarat government drags its feet on the issue of translocation of lions despite a Supreme Court order, the big cat is already pushing at the boundaries. The forest department on Tuesday confirmed spotting of lions near Chotila in Surendranagar-a female and a sub-adult whose gender is yet to be ascertained.

The department officials had been looking for the lions after spotting their pug marks. According to top forest officials, three lions were seen about 10-12 days back near Amreli-Babra. They killed there and then moved further. Senior forest officials believe the same group may have reached Chotila as part of natural exploration of a new corridor. They were spotted in Chotila on Monday night. According to officials, they killed a prey at dawn on Tuesday before moving further. Sources said that the lions have travelled approximately 100 km so far.

Chief Conservator of Forest, Junagadh D T Vasavada said, "We have got updates about lions being spotted near Chotila. However, we are yet to confirm number of animals and get other details as the local forest team from Surendranagar is looking into the matter."

Sources said that the lions have killed near Anandpur, Dedhuki village and Rampar village. Anandpur is about 27 km from Chotila mountain and about 51 km from Rajkot city. According to forest department sources on the field, the lions appear to be quite comfortable. They moved further after preying at dawn on Tuesday. Currently, they are said to be in Rampara. A team of 20-25 officials of the forest department has been monitoring their movement since Monday night and keeping locals away from them, the sources added.

About three years ago, a lion was spotted in Jasdan near Hingolgadh wildlife sanctuary, which is the same terrain where these lions have been spotted.

Top officials close to the development said there were no immediate plans to rescue the animals or take them back to the area they originally belonged to. According to sources, the forest officials will observe movement of the lions for a few days and ensure that no unwanted event of man-animal conflict arises in the area. They have started advising the locals to not panic or harass the lions if they spot them.

Reclaiming lost land

According to historical records, lions were found in grasslands around Chotila. As their population shrank, their habitat got restricted to Sasan. However, as their numbers began to rise, the big cats have started exploring newer areas. They are seen in Junagadh, Amreli, Gir-Somnath, Bhavnagar and now in Surendranagar district.

According to the May 2015 Census, there were 523 lions in Gir, of which 168 were outside the sanctuary area. However, sources in department say there are close to 800 lions in the region according to their internal assessment. Department sources also confirmed that the area till Chotila would be included in the upcoming lion census in the summer of 2020.

The MP-Gujarat standoff

Six years ago, the Supreme Court directed the Gujarat government to translocate Asiatic lions from Gir to Kuno Palpur sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh. The move was to ensure that the lions got a second home. However, till date not a single lion has been sent to the neighbouring state. Earlier this year, the MP government again approached the Centre seeking translocation of the lions to its sanctuary.

Currently, Gujarat is the only habitat of the Asiatic lions. Over the years, their number has gone up, forcing lions to move out of the Gir sanctuary area into human habitat. This has resulted in instances of man-animal conflict. Additionally, following the death of several lions last year due to the Canine Distemper Virus infection, the fear of diseases wiping out the entire population got stronger, leading to more voices demanding shifting some of them to a second habitat to prevent their extinction.
https://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes.com/ahmedabad/others/lions-spotted-near-chotila-100-km-from-gir-sanctuary/articleshow/72134033.cms

Lioness Found Dead At Gir Sanctuary In Gujarat

A nine to 12-year-old lioness was found dead during a joint patrol of Hadala and Jasadhar border rounds staff on Tuesday night, chief conservator forests (wildlife) DT Vasavada said.

CitiesPress Trust of IndiaUpdated: November 20, 2019 23:26 IST

The lioness may have been responsible for attacking a tribal herdsman four days ago (File)

Vadodara: A lioness was found dead in the sanctuary area of Gujarat''s Gir Somnath district, a forest official said on Wednesday.
Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is home to more than 500 Asiatic lions.
A nine to 12-year-old lioness was found dead during a joint patrol of Hadala and Jasadhar border rounds staff on Tuesday night, chief conservator forests (wildlife) DT Vasavada said.
A team comprising a forest official, two range forest officers and veterinarians, who examined the carcass, didn't find anything suspicious, he added.

The lioness may have been responsible for attacking a ''maldhari'' or tribal herdsman in Dodhi Ness area four days ago, Vasavada said. Doctors have collected required samples during post-mortem to ascertain the exact cause of death, the senior official added.
On Sunday, Kalu Vasram Mori was mauled by a lioness while he was herding cattle in Dodhi Ness area. Mori was rushed to a hospital, where he is undergoing treatment, the official said.
https://www.ndtv.com/cities/lioness-found-dead-at-gir-sanctuary-in-gujarat-2135919

Caught on camera: Gujarat man poses in front of two lions for pic

A video of the man has also gone viral on social media and it features him lying at some distance from the lions. That's not it but. He can also be seen giving instructions to a person, apparently the photographer, on how to take the picture and whether the lions come in the frame or not. 

New Delhi: Remember the Delhi zoo incident where a man jumped into a lion's enclosure? A similar incident was reported from Gujarat on Friday. A man in Gir forest has been pictured posing for a picture with two lions. Yes, you read that right!
A video of the man has also gone viral on social media and it features him lying at some distance from the lions. That's not it but. He can also be seen giving instructions to a person, apparently the photographer, on how to take the picture and whether the lions come in the frame or not.
The man poses cheerfully for the camera while the lions quietly rest under a tree. After he gets a picture, he takes the camera and walks away.

Soon after the incident went viral, a probe was launched by the forest department and orders to arrest the man were made.  Bizarre, isn't it?
The Delhi incident was caught on camera too. The video showed the man jumping into the enclosure and casually strolling towards the lion. He then sat in front of the lion. However, the security official swiftly saved the man before the lion could cause him any harm.
The man was Rehaan Khan, believed to be mentally unsound. He hails Bihar's Champaran and decided to end his life because of unemployment.
https://zeenews.india.com/viral/caught-on-camera-gujarat-man-poses-in-front-of-two-lions-for-pic-2246423.html

Eight new guests at Alipore zoo by month-end

TNN | Updated: Nov 17, 2019, 11:39 IST

KOLKATA: Alipore zoo is set to welcome eight new guests by the end of this month. In an animal-exchange programme, the city zoo will get four wild dogs, two ring-tailed lemurs and two spot-billed pelicans from Vizag zoo.
Talking to TOI, zoo director Asish Kumar Samanta confirmed that the animals would arrive by the end of this month. “Once they arrive, we will first keep them in quarantine before taking a call on their display. Under this exchange programme, we send them two zebras, two monitor lizards and one marmoset,” Samanta added.
Asiatic wild dog is native to central, south and southeast Asia and is considered endangered on the IUCN Red List. The ring-tailed lemur, endemic to Madagascar, is an endangered species while the spot-billed pelican, a near threatened species, breeds in southern Asia.
On being asked about the display of the three cubs born to Asiatic lion Shruti, Samanta said the date would be finalised after talking to the member secretary of the state zoo authority.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/8-new-guests-at-alipore-zoo-by-month-end/articleshow/72090782.cms

Two Asiatic lions spotted in Gundala-Jas village in Rajkot

The lions were spotted by farmer Bharat Baraiya who was on his way through Takol to his farm around 10pm.

Written by Gopal B Kateshiya | Gundala-jas (rajkot) | Updated: November 19, 2019 11:24:00 pm

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Pugmarks of lions in Mavjibhai Kateshiya’s farm. (Express)

Villagers were in for a surprise on Saturday when two Asiatic lions were spotted in Gundala (Jas) village in Vinchhiya taluka of Rajkot district. The village is around 100 km away from the any known lion habitat but forest officers said the animals spotted were part of a group of three males in search of new territory.

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The lions were spotted by farmer Bharat Baraiya who was on his way through Takol to his farm around 10pm. He informed Bharat Kumarkhaniya who owns a farm nearby and raises buffaloes. “I became vigilant after information on the presence of lions near my farm. After Valku Khachar, village sarpanch Bharat Jejariya and Bholabhai Jejariya arrived at the spot, we launched a search in the area Baraiya mentioned. Within 100 metres of my cottage, we saw two lions sitting on the middle of a road,” Kumarkhaniya told The Indian Express on Sunday.
Khachar is a guard at Hingolgadh Nature Education Sanctuary (HNES), which shares its border with Gundala (Jas) village, while Bholabhai is a wildlife enthusiast and a snake rescue expert. Both of them are residents of Gundala (Jas) village.
“One of the lions had a mane. As more people gathered, both the animals started walking down the road leading to Pochipati and eventually disappeared into the bushes,” Bholabhai said. Pochipati is a cluster of agricultural fields on the east of Gundala (Jas) village.

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After it was confirmed that the lions were in the vicinity, Khachar raised an alarm and asked farmers in the area to shift their livestock into sheds and light fires on their fields to keep the carnivores at bay. “The present generation has never seen a lion in their village. So some villagers were excited to catch a glimpse of the big cats while others were frightened. As a precautionary measure, we also advised farmers to remain indoors and avoid going out to their fields,” Khachar said.
By 11.30 pm, the word spread in the village and people gathered at Mavjibhai Kateshiya’s farm where the lions were found last. “I was very frightened that lions were in my farm. I was worried about the safety of my family and a few buffaloes that we rear. I kept a fire in the front yard of my cottage throughout night,” Kateshiya said.
By 2.10 am, the lions reached the neighbouring Chhasiya village, around four kilometres away. “We got information that the lions had preyed on a buffalo calf on an agricultural field downstream Dharai dam. The farmers raised an alarm when the carnivores retreated. We went there and saw the kill but couldn’t spot the lions,” Khachar said.
Gundala (Jas) is around 100 km away from Liliya in Amreli district, which is the nearest known habitat of Asiatic lions. It is for the first time that lions have been spotted in this village, which is 80 km east of Rajkot city. Located on the banks of Goma river, the village is surrounded by hillocks with the HNES on its southern border. Due to good rainfall this monsoon, there is much vegetation along banks of the river.

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Confirming the presence of lions in the area, Sandeep Kumar, incharge deputy conservator of forests of Morbi division, said, “Two days ago, this group of three male lions were spotted in Ambardi village near Jasdan where they made a kill. The same lions have moved towards Vinc-hhiya. This group has come from Babra (in neighbouring Amreli district) in search of new territory.” Gundala (Jas) falls in Jasdan range of Morbi forest division.
Meanwhile, one lion was reportedly spotted in Shivrajpur, a village adjacent to Ambardi. “It is a group of one fully grown up male and two sub-adult males,” Kumar further said, adding an alliance of three males was not uncommon.
“One group visited Jasdan in 2007. Another was reported to have visited Ambardi three years ago. This is part of the natural process of lions extending their territory,” said the DCF, adding local forest staff was keeping an eye on the movement of the lions in Vinchhiya taluka.
HNES is home to a healthy population of blue bulls, the antelopes which form the main prey-base of Asiatic lions outside Gir forest. Asiatic lions are an endangered species and its only wild population in the world is surviving in Gir forest and other protected areas spread across Amreli, Junagadh, Gir Somnath and Bhavnagar districts. Lions were restricted to Gir National Park and Sanctuary only till early 1990s. However, since then, they have been dispersing from the core Gir forest and settling in revenue areas of Amreli and Bha-vnagar districts and DCF Kumar said sighting of two males in Vinchhiya indicated that they are now spreading to new territories.
Lioness attacks cattle herder
A maldhari (cattle herder) was injured after being attacked by a lioness near Dodhi Nes in Hadala range of Gir (east) forest dvision on Sunday. Forest officers said, Kalu Mori (35) was grazing his cattle when a lioness, believed to be five to nine years old, attacked him. Mori sustained injuries and was rushed to a hospital in Una from where he was referred to Junagadh. Forest officers said a search was on to rescue the lioness.
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/rajkot/two-asiatic-lions-spotted-in-gundala-jas-village-in-rajkot-6124607/

Body of Asiatic lion found in agricultural farm of Gujarat

Posted at: Nov 13 2019 9:37PM
Amreli, Nov 13 (UNI) The body of an Asiatic lion was found from an agricultural farm in Moti Mansa village in Jafrabad taluka of Amreli district on Thursday.


A forest official said that the body of a male lion of unknown age was found and taken to Babrakot rescue center for further investigation and post-mortem.

He said that the reason of death could only be ascertained after post-mortem.
UNI RAJ ASN 2138

Tags:#Body of Asiatic lion found in agricultural farm of Gujarat

Vaccination can save Gir lions from CD Virus: Edward C Ramsey

Interacting with Telangana Today, the expert veterinarian said the trials of anti-CDV vaccine conducted on captive ferrets have been very successful

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By AuthorTelanganaToday  |  Published: 14th Nov 2019  11:31 pmUpdated: 15th Nov 2019  1:05 am

Edward C Ramsey, Professor in College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, at CCMB on Thursday.

Hyderabad: Vaccination has a huge potential to prevent deaths of large number of lions that were falling prey to Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) at Gir National Park in Gujarat. In the last few years, the virus wreaked havoc by claiming lives of over 20 lions at Gir sanctuary.
Edward C Ramsey, Professor in College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, who is in Hyderabad for the international conference on wildlife conservation at CCMB, said that there are vaccines available in western countries that have the potential to suppress the outbreak of CDV among the big cats at Gir.

Interacting with Telangana Today, the expert veterinarian said the trials of anti-CDV vaccine conducted on captive ferrets have been very successful. “Multiple dosages of the vaccines have been able to suppress CDV among ferrets. There is a definite need to take-up similar study in India so that lives of precious big cats can be saved,” he said.
The researcher said that there is enough evidence that recombinant vaccines PureVax ferret distemper and Recombitek CDV vaccines (Boerhinger-Ingleheim) have been safely used in wide number of captive and even in wild animals. The CDV is a viral disease that can infect a wide variety of carnivore species and has caused fatalities in captive and wild lions and tigers in India.
It is caused by a single-strand RNA virus of the family Paramyxoviridae, the family of viruses that cause measles and mumps among humans. It is widely believed that the lions at Gir are contracting CDV from wild or feral dogs that live in and their habitat at Gir sanctuary. There have been reports in the past on deaths of tigers and leopards after consuming CDV-infected dogs at Ranthambore national park.
“CDV is spread through two methods, one being aerosol transmission, which is most common among dogs, and the second is through predation i.e. when they eat the infected animal then they get infected with the disease,” he said. Researchers pointed out that vaccination also has the potential to cause fresh challenges in the immune systems of lions and could possibly make them vulnerable to fresh viral attacks.
“Challenges notwithstanding, there is a definite need to try out vaccines and find out whether they are effective or not in India,” Dr Ramsay added.

With surge in numbers, Asiatic Lions at Gir Sanctuary seek new abode

Hyderabad: The last abode of Asiatic lions in India, the Gir Sanctuary in Gujarat does not have enough space to support the increasing numbers of the big cats. According to researchers from Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species (LACONES)-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), the numbers of Asiatic lions at Gir have gone-up and they badly need extra space and a new home.
A decade ago, the number of lions at the sanctuary was just below 20 and since then, the numbers have increased and according to 2016 census there are 523 lions at Gir, thanks to aggressive conservation efforts, researchers from LACONES said on Thursday. According to other sources, the population of lions at Gir might have even touched 600, which has put a lot of pressure on the local habitat.
“Initially, lions used to be found within 1400 square kilometers of the Gir Sanctuary. However, these days, the lions are going as far as 10,000 square kilometers. So now, they are also found in Daman and Diu, which is near the shoreline. We have been in touch with the local authorities who have indicated that they are in the process of creating an ideal habitat that is specific to the Asiatic lions. We feel this could be a way forward,” said Dr Ajay Gaur of LACONES.
The researcher who led genome sequencing project of the Asiatic Lion said that despite increase in numbers, there is always a risk to Asiatic lions. With strengthening of conservation measures and habitat recovery due to incessant efforts of the State authorities, the number of lions at Gir Sanctuary has increased significantly. However, with the entire wild population being confined to single location, the Asiatic lion is facing an increased risk of extinction because of a very low number and continuous inbreeding, he said.
https://telanganatoday.com/vaccination-can-save-gir-lions-from-cd-virus-edward-c-ramsey

A protester brought a lion to the streets in Iraq

The lion was seen draped in the Iraqi flag, and lunging at bystanders

Web Desk November 15, 2019 21:02 IST

Images and a video of a lion in an Iraqi flag have been circulating on Twitter

A lion draped in the Iraqi flag is the latest attempt by protestors in Iraq to make their stand and their voices clear.

Footage that has been circulating on social media shows a handler with his lion, with many saying that it was brought in response to the dogs deployed by the police.

In the viral footage, the lion can be seen with its handler. It appears to be aggrieved and briefly lunges out at a passer-by before being restrained.

MEANWHILE IN #IRAQ

Iraqi protesters bring LION to the protesting areas after security forces intervened protests with Police dogs. pic.twitter.com/zkELq6IPcK

— Fatih (@fatihcagrii) November 14, 2019

Lions are no longer native to Iraq, with the last-known lion in the country having been killed in 1918 in the lower Tigris region, according to Sudipta Mitra in Gir Forest and the Saga of the Asiatic Lion.

Intense protests have been underway in Iraq since October, as millions have come out onto the streets protesting against corruption, unemployment and the dis-functioning state. Hundreds have been killed as the government responded with deadly force, firing live rounds and tear gas shells directly at protesters, and cutting internet access across the nation.

The protesters have been demanding electoral reforms, including constitutional amendments and infrastructure legislation. In response, the Iraqi parliament received a draft of a new electoral law this week, though it has not yet been debated.

On October 31, Iraq’s Prime Minister, Adel Abdul Mahdi, said that he would step down from his post and hold a snap parliamentary election. He said, however, that he would step down only if the parliamentarians found a suitable replacement for him in the interim.

On Friday, Iraq’s top cleric joined in with condemnation of the government, saying that the country would never be the same again after these protests.

“If those in power think that they can evade the benefits of real reform by stalling and procrastination, they are delusional,” AFP reported Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani as saying. Sistani said that the protester’s demands were ‘legitimate’ and that protests were the ‘only honourable way’ to seek change.
https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2019/11/15/a-protester-brought-a-lion-to-the-streets-in-iraq.html

These are the names of Edinburgh Zoo's three lion cubs as chosen by Evening News readers

The three Asiatic lion cubs were born in August.

By Elsa Maishman

Tuesday, 12th November 2019, 11:45 am

The names for Edinburgh zoo's three 12-week-old Asiatic lion cubs have been revealed, as chosen by Edinburgh Evening News readers.

The names were chosen by readers last week in a narrow online poll.

The two male cubs will be called Keshari (lion, saffron) and Kushanu (fire), which the girl cub will be named Mitaali (graceful or beautiful).

The three Asiatic lions have now been named. Picture: Laura Moore/RZSS

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These three names won 39% of the vote in the poll, which closed yesterday.

They were narrowly followed by the second option, with 37% of the vote, to call the girl Sikara (brave one), and the boys Manushri (King of Earth) and Kunwar (prince).

The final option, with 24% of the vote, was for the girl to be named Shafali (beautiful flower) and the boys Trusanu (ancient king) and Chandu (moon).

The poll received almost 1,200 votes from members of the public.

Picture: Sian Addison

The names, suggested by keepers at the zoo, are Gujarati, from the Gir forest in Gujarat, western India, where Asiatic lions are found.

The cubs were born to ‘affectionate and protective’ mum Roberta, who came to Edinburgh Zoo from Magdeburg Zoo in Germany in 2014, and dad Jayendra, who arrived from Bristol Zoo in 2012.

Both adult lions are part of the European endangered species program.

The wild population of Asiatic lions is estimated to be only around 350, with the endangered species at risk from poaching, loss of habitat and declining numbers of prey.

Picture: Sian Addison
https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/these-are-names-edinburgh-zoos-three-lion-cubs-chosen-evening-news-readers-966342

National Parks In India That Are Perfect Vacays For Wildlife Lovers

National Parks have a very serene and beautiful feel to them and to watch the animals in their natural habitat is just surreal. Read ahead to know more.

Written By Gladwin Menezes | Mumbai | Updated On: November 11, 2019 22:04 IST

India’s has some of the finest national parks. Travellers and nature lovers from all around the world visit our national park to catch glimpses of some of the rare animals present. India has been home to 10% of the world’s species. Here are some of the national parks that you would like to visit on your next trip.
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National parks in India

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Nagarhole National Park

This beautiful National park is situated in Karnataka and one of the best wildlife getaways. The park is surrounded by the Kabini River and has a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere. This park was once a hunting ground for the Maharaja of Mysore. However, in 1999 this region was declared into a tiger reserve. This national park is home to the largest group of herbivores and Asiatic elephants.

Ranthambhore National Park

Ranthambhore is heaven for photographer and wildlife enthusiasts. It has remains of a fort, along with pristine rivers and a beautiful temple. This place was a hunting ground for the royals as well. This national park is home to approximately 45 Bengal tigers. It stands in close proximity to Delhi and is incredibly popular. They have many species of animals which stroll around the park.

Gir National Park

Gir is home to the only four-horned antelopes, among various other animal species. This national park is located in the western region of Gujrat. This is one of the few national parks in India where lions are seen roaming freely outside. The Gir National park is currently home to 523 lions. This is also the only remaining natural habitat of the Asiatic lion.
Also Read | Proposal Seeks To Modernize Campgrounds At National Parks

Sunderbans National Park

One of the most beautiful places in India is Sunderbans. This national park is one of the largest mangrove forests and is the most biologically productive ecosystem. This park is spread around 513 square miles. This park is home to several endangered wildlife species, including the estuarine crocodile, Gangetic dolphin, Olive Ridley turtle, king cobra and Bengal tiger. Approximately this park is home to a hundred Bengal Tigers. The tigers can often be seen swimming long distances and feed on fishes.
Also Read | National Parks In Asia: Top Five Places To Plan Your Next Trip To

Published: November 11, 2019 22:04 IST
https://www.republicworld.com/lifestyle/travel/national-parks-in-india-that-are-will-fulfill-your-wildlife-craving.html

Rajkot’s quiet shade

03:03 AM, November 09, 2019 / LAST MODIFIED: 04:01 AM, November 09, 2019

Abdullah Al Mehdi from Rajkot

The small town of Rajkot has its own charm.  For one, it is especially keen on cleanliness and order. Not much more than a small town, the traffic in the area was ordered and the people were more communicative, something one would not find in a big city like Delhi.
I liked the calm and quiet around the town and one of my favourite places to visit was the self-proclaimed 105-year-old ice cream joint which possessed incredible assortments of ice cream. Between moving around, working and writing reports throughout the day, one would not be able to manage time for much else but visiting restaurants. Having arrived in Rajkot late at night after what was a very difficult train journey on November 4, I wanted desperately to go sight-seeing. The second T20I match crept nearer and finally the day of the match arrived. Seeing as I had no time on the day after the match, I went along with a bunch of reporters to see some sights on the day of the match.
The place was located just six kilometres from the city, a wildlife centre enclosed by a serendipitous lake named ‘Lal Pari Lake’. It was in fact a zoo, but unlike many other of its kind, the animals here live closer to what one may consider their natural habitat, especially the lions and the tigers.
The big cats were all enclosed inside a large area with a deep trench separating us and them. First up though, we met the golden jackal at the Pradhyuman Zoological Park. Upon seeing his visitors, it decided to take shelter in higher grounds, its golden fur shimmering in the Rajkot sunshine.
While there was a threat to the coastal areas in Rajkot with a cyclone looming in the distance, the threat subsided as the cyclone skirted the coast, turning into a deep depression. However there was no rain in Rajkot and the animals at the park whiled away their afternoon drowsily. Next up on the agenda was the pride of Rajkot: the white tigers. Huge in stature, one was lying on its side, looking for a nice stretch in the shade but we earned the displeasure of the other one as it released a few grunts before continuing its fast walk around the periphery of the walls.

The Rajkot park’s other speciality were of course the Asiatic lions, found only in Gujarat’s Gir forest. No wonder it is the state animal of Gujarat and it had a slicker look to than their African cousins. The visitors found out about its speed and perhaps a bit of its ferocity when one of them suddenly charged from a distance. Even with the deep trench put there specifically to keep the predators away from visitors, one of those present backed away from the outer ring on the other side of the trench. However, the Gujarat lion was only chasing away one from its pride. They turned to be quite playful and soon as a pair of them took shelter behind the shrubs, pawing at each other and traipsing past each other, edging the other for another chase and run game.
The Royal Bengal Tigers chose to sleep and much like Bangladesh’s batting order later that evening, remained silent and in the shade. Our short tour came to an end but it was a nice sight to see the animals a little closer to their habitat, rather than just being caged for viewing pleasure. Upon leaving Rajkot for Nagpur, my mind traced back to the roads and the places travelled, the quiet still ringing peacefully in my ears.

https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/bangladesh-cricket/news/rajkots-quiet-shade-1825072

Edinburgh Zoo reveals wild new names of little lion cubs

The winning names chosen were Mitaali, Keshari and Kushanu in tribute to the Gir forest.

Edinburgh Zoo: The cubs have been named. RZSS

The Asiatic lion cubs born at Edinburgh Zoo have been named.
Following a public vote, the winning names picked were Mitaali, Keshari and Kushanu - in tribute to Gir National Park in western India where the endangered species is found.
Andrew Laing, one of the zoo's senior animal keepers, said: "We're thrilled over 1000 people voted to name our adorable lion cubs.
"Conservation is at the heart of what we do and it is fantastic to see our cubs helping to raise awareness of the threats Asiatic lions face in the wild."

Recent estimates of the wild population of Asiatic lions range between 350 and 650, with threats including poaching, habitat destruction, conflict with humans, and a declining number of prey animals.
Mr Laing added: "Shortlisted by our keepers, the names are Gujarati, from the Gir forest in Gujarat, western India. Asiatic lions previously existed across southwest Asia but are now only found in the Gir forest.
"Our little girl is now called Mitaali, which means graceful or beautiful, and our two boys are Keshari, meaning lion or saffron, and Kushanu which means fire."

Endangered: More than 1000 people voted in the poll. RZSS

The winning group of names received 39% of the public vote, beating Sikara, Manushri and Kunwar which came in second with 37%, and Shafali, Trusanu and Chandu which received 24%.
The cubs, which were born in August, have started to explore outdoors but are still spending much of their time inside.
Indoor viewing remains closed to the public to allow the family some peace and quiet.
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 https://stv.tv/news/east-central/1442314-public-pick-new-names-for-edinburgh-zoo-s-lion-cubs/