Not M-P, Gir lions are going to China.

Jumana Shah & Roxy Gagdekar / DNA

Gandhinagar: Chief minister Narendra Modi may have refused to part with any of the Gir lions for a sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh, but the Asiatic lions are still at risk of ending up in China — dead.

The success of the state government in nabbing the poachers who, in 2007, killed eight lions in Gir has lulled many into believing that Gujarat’s Asiatic lions are now safe. But nothing could be farther from the truth.

The fact of the matter is that the existence of lions everywhere is constantly threatened by poachers. Wildlife experts say that the main reason why lions are prized by poachers is the high demand for lion bones in the international market.

“The purported medicinal value of lion bones fetches high prices for them in the international market,” Samir Sinha, head of TRAFFIC India, told DNA on Monday, at the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Gandhinagar. TRAFFIC India, a division of WWF India, does research and analysis and provides support to efforts to curb wildlife trade in India. China is believed to be the main market for lion bones but Sinha categorically said that there are several other countries among the “consumers”.

“Chain investigation of poacher gangs is not taking place,” he said. “We should try to get to the people who control the whole market. But all that we have done is crack the network of gangs operating within the country.” Sinha said that the exact value of the lion’s body parts is not completely clear yet. “But there is certainly a perception that its bones have medicinal value,” he said. “There does not seem to be much demand for the other body parts, except for the knuckles. But we are exploring further. The important thing is that there is value to lions, be it in India or Africa, and they continue to be hunted by poachers.”

Sinha further said that the nature of wildlife crime is always changing. “Earlier, it was perceived to be random but we now know that it is organized. Hence to deal with it, we too need an organised system,” he said. A five-day course in ‘Wildlife Crime Management’ is being held at the Directorate of Forensic Science (DFS), Gandhinagar. The training programme for forest officers of the country has been organised by the Tiger Conservation Society of India, Wildlife Institute of India-Dehradun, TRAFFIC-India and the DFS. Many forest conservators from Gujarat are also participating in the programme.

Source: http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_not-m-p-gir-lions-are-going-to-china_1351432

Last lions of India (Part 6).

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Last Lions of India part 4.

Last Lions of India (Part 3)

Last Lions of India (Part 2 )

Last Lions of India (Part 1) Good one...

Wildlife Tour India: Your Adventure Streak Extended.

India. An eastern exotica, which mesmerizes with her landscapes spelling magic and yet more magic. Her flora and fauna are a discovery in themselves with each new species rearing its head every now and then. The landscapes are a visual delight for the adventure seekers as well as the nature lovers and are widely sought by them as the perfect tourist destinations. The prime reason behind this is a potent combination of tradition and luxury which the accommodations in India provide. Wild life tour India package includes tours specially organized by the reputed travel agents like the Indian tiger tour, Indian Rhino, Indian birds, Indian elephants etc. One is sure to be enthralled by the 80 different wildlife parks dotting the Indian landscape teeming with flora of unimaginable varieties.

India is home to about 1200 species of birds of both migratory and ethnic varieties which constitutes roughly 14% of the world’s bird population. Indian tiger being the most charismatic animal of India is one of the five races of sub-species distributed throughout Asia. Wildlife tour India package is made available by the travel agents across the country for a magnificent viewing of the animal. Mostly, these tours are organized on the back of an elephant and it provides the sheer delight to the visiting tourists. Hospitality is assured at the accommodations meant for travelers of all hues with wildlife tour India package. Through the services at innumerable jungle resorts and lodges the tourists are able to savor the flavors of unique Indian experiences.

India as an exotic location for most of the travelers is a storehouse of attractive fauna. Wildlife tour India package is apt for those wildlife lovers, who are on a chase to discover for themselves something, which is mysterious. For visitors like these, jeep safari is perfect means to watch the rough terrain of the Indian jungles along with its lush green landscape. This type of jeep safari is organized by the travel agents especially in the Corbett National Park for tiger viewing. It is sheer pleasure to hear tiger roaring in the background while other animals are at run and the whole fun and excitement seems to begin just here. The proud Asiatic lion is now confined to the tiny pockets of Gir sanctuary numbering around 150. This is a commendable number considering that a mere 20 lions had survived in the early part of 19th century.

Wildlife tour India package provides the tourists with exciting camps where they are witness to unique scenes. The sights and smells of India come alive with the usual bonhomie between the locals and the visitors. Yet there is a sorry chapter to whole episode as well. Today, humans have encroached spaces meant for wild animals and this has added to the ugliness of the pristine jungles of India. It is really disturbing to see the train tracks running parallel to the elephant’s dwelling places in Kanha National Park. The result has been innumerable tragic accidents of this graceful animal with many calves being rendered orphans. For preserving the wildlife in India, wildlife lovers should come forward to share the concerns of a large section of population. Also, the tribal out there should be given full charge of the forests because they know exactly how a jungle functions. Anybody listening?
Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/To-curb-tiger-poaching--a-course-in-wildlife-crime-management-for-foresters/582761/