Saturday, 16 June 2018 | Nayan Dave | GANDHINAGAR
From Saturday onwards the ‘King of Jungle’ will have complete privacy
and no disturbance from outside world as the Gir National Park and
Wildlife Sanctuary – the last abode of the Asiatic Lions will remain
close for tourists from June 16 to October 15 on account of their mating
season that begins with the onset of monsoon.
The Asiatic Lion is one of the five big cat species found in India. The
other four species are Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Snow Leopard and
Clouded Leopard. Once upon a time the Asiatic Lions were found in West,
South and Central Asian regions up to Eastern Europe regions.
“Mating season will also start for most of other animals inside Gir
forest apart from lions. There has to be no outside disturbance during
breeding season of fauna. Already pre-monsoon shower hit the Gir area,”
says DT Vasavada, Chief Conservator of Forest, Junagadh Wildlife
circle.
Talking to the Pioneer Vasavada said that entry of tourists would be
banned due to deterioration of roads inside the jungle apart from
breeding season. According to him sometimes it became unsafe for
visitors to travel on such roads as there were of accidents too.
“In wake of heavy rains bridges get damage due to flooding rivers
passing through the sanctuary and questions pertaining to safety of
visitors arise. Even the forest department starts maintenance work only
in September as pick tourist season begins from November and continues
till March end,” he adds.
There are eight routes to enter inside the Gir National Park, which
have been barricaded and entry of vehicles have been banned.
It’s growing time for the vegetation too, which feed herbivores.
According to wildlife experts the period is also the best breeding time
for another big cat – leopard – as well as national bird peacock.
“Though the sanctuary would remain close for four months, an
Interpretation Centre at Devalia, adjoining the national park will
continue to remain open except for Wednesdays. Another such centre –
Ambardi Park developed near Dhari in Amreli district will also remain
open. Asiatic Lions, leopard and other wild animals have been kept here
in captivity by creating forest like ambience,” said Vasavada.
Scientifically known Panthera Leo persica, the Asiatic lion found only
in and around Gir forest situated in Saurashtra region. Also known as
Indian Lion or Persian Lion is listed as International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In the last census conducted in the year
2015 in its strolling areas of over 20,000 sq km in Saurashtra region,
there were 523 lions.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/nation/king-of-jungle-to-go-on-long-vacation-from-today.html
Saturday, June 30, 2018
Forest department rescues leopard after 90 minutes of struggle
The leopard was rescued after 90 minutes of hard work.Nimesh Khakhariya | TNN | Updated: Jun 15, 2018, 19:25 IST RAJKOT: A one and a half-year-old male leopard was rescued by forest officials after over an hour of hard work from a farm in outskirt of Vavdi-Adri village, six kms from Verval town in Gir Somnath district on Friday.
According to forest department, the leopard entered into farm of Bhagvanbhai Ramabhai Solanki on Friday early morning. It was spotted by farmer and his family members when they arrived there in the morning. The leopard was seen hiding inside a small room, a place for keeping farm equipment.
Villager had locked the leopard inside a room.
Fearing an attack, locals locked the leopard inside the room. The farmers later informed forest department, who arrived there within 30 minutes. A beat guard said, “it was difficult to open the door because leopard was already very scared and possibly could have attacked."
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/forest-department-rescues-leopard-after-90-minutes-of-struggle/articleshow/64604831.cms
Gujarat HC asks state to submit data on safety of lions
dna Correspondent Updated: Jun 14, 2018, 03:17 AM IST
Asiatic Lions Government report stated that 184 lions had died in 2016 and 2017A division bench of the Gujarat HC headed by Chief Justice R Subhash Reddy on Wednesday sought further details of the steps taken by the state to ensure safety of lions.
The bench sought details about number of open wells in and around areas where lions are found; the number of wells that have been fenced; the subsidy given to farmers for building a fence around the well or covering it up; how many farmers have taken benefit of the subsidy as well as the steps taken by the government to create awareness about its subsidy programme for fencing open wells.The bench sought the details after the state filed a reply about the steps it had taken to protect the lions in Gujarat.
The state's reply came after the High Court in March 2018 took suo motu cognisance of news reports about the government's disclosure in the Assembly that 184 lions had died in 2016 and 2017. Of these, 32 had died of unnatural causes.
It should be noted that Gir is the last abode of the Asiatic lions in the world.
The court also asked about the railway lines that were yet to be fenced and how long before they would be fenced. The court observed that some areas, through which the railway lines passed in Pipavav, were not chianfenced.
Observing that out of 260 km, only 81 km had been covered, it asked how long it would take for the fencing to be completed. To the amicus curiae Hemang Shah's observation that creating chain fence along railway lines may also end up cutting off the lions from their territories, the court also ought to know the type of chain fencing being used.
The government pleader said the lions numbers had risen from a mere 70 in the 1970s to over 500 and this posed challenges as adult lions claimed a territory of at least 4 km to 5 km and hence were now spreading beyond the sanctuary limits.
"Sometimes, the lions also fight each other for territories and this also leads to death," the government pleader said. To this, the court reiterated "In spite of all this, we have to take care of them."
The court also observed that all the steps taken by the government were measures taken before 2016 (the year preceding the disclosure in the Assembly) and asked what other steps it had taken.
LIONS KILLED ON ROADS
The division bench of Gujarat HC also sought the number of lions that were victims of road kills. The court sought list of the roads, which saw highest accident of lions and what steps the government planned to take to prevent lions from becoming victims of road kills. It also sought details of roads in and around lion population where vehicular movement was prohibited.http://www.dnaindia.com/ahmedabad/report-gujarat-hc-asks-state-to-submit-data-on-safety-of-lions-2625172
Karnataka: Can’t afford to let Kodagu go the Shimla way: Experts
Environmentalists warn of water shortage, seek regulation of tourism
Environmentalists in Kodagu, who have been demanding more regulation of the tourism sector, have raised the red flag as one of the most visited hill stations in Himachal Pradesh reels under a severe water shortage.
Locals in Shimla pleaded with tourists to stay away and look at other summer vacation options. Col CP Muthanna, president, Coorg Wildlife Society and coordinator, Save Kodagu and Cauvery Campaign, had written to the Secretary, Department of Tourism on the need to regulate tourism in Kodagu district.
Activists want to prevent Kodagu from becoming another Shimla. They want the new government to put in place regulations as tourism and development projects have already destroyed the town, they feel. Col. Muthanna has pointed to examples of tourism destroying the ecosystem -- Rampant and unregulated tourism was the primary cause for the Uttarakhand disaster and also for the more recent devastating floods in Kashmir Valley, he has written.
In Kodagu, spots such as Irupu, Abbey falls, Chelavara and Dubare are choked with tourists during weekends.
“While Kodagu has a population of 5.5 lakh, the number of tourists goes up to 13 lakh,” Col Muthanna stated in the letter. He has also given some possible ways of regulation. He said passes are issued for only 150 persons a day to visiting the Gangotri glacier, the origin for the Ganga river. Those who want to visit the Gir forests in Gujarat to see the Asiatic lion, book in advance and only a fixed number of passes are issued in a day.
He has suggested that a similar arrangement of issuing a restricted number of passes at some tourist spots in Kodagu is a must. May of the spots have become garbage dumps and also the scene of unruly behaviour when the crowds are excessive are common.
“We could also consider a pass system for Bhagamandla and Talacauvery in order to maintain the religious sanctity of these places. There has to be some practical arrangement by which locals will have easy access and will not require passes if they provide some sort of an identity card,” Col Muthanna observed.
The water crisis in Shimla has brought the focus on water needs of tourist resorts. Sundar Muthanna, Bengaluru Co-ordinator for Coorg Wildlife Society, said, “We are hoping to interact with the officials and explain to them the crisis the district is facing. The water sources are drying up.”
Kodagu may receive heavy rains during monsoons, but it is also prone to water stress if the ground water is over exploited. This is because Kodagu is a hilly region and all water including underground water channels are constantly flowing away from Kodagu.
Resorts claiming to be ‘eco-friendly’ are drawing water from borewells close to Kootpoley at Galibeedu near Madikeri, while locals have to pay for water tankers during summer. Most resorts also dispose their garbage by flouting all norms of waste segregation.
“The district administration must arrange for an audit for water and waste and sewage management for all the resorts in Kodagu. In case of severe water shortage during summer, the Deputy Commissioner may have to place restrictions on the operations of resorts, in the larger interests of the district,” Col. Muthanna noted.
https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/news/state/karnataka-cant-afford-to-let-kodagu-go-the-shimla-way-experts/articleshow/64547954.cms
Crackdown on illegal lion shows in Gir
Tuesday, 12 June 2018 | Nayan Dave | Gandhinagar
In order to completely stop illegal lion shows in and around Gir Sanctuary and National Park — the only abode of Asiatic Lions in the world, Gujarat Government has decided to involve Special Operation Group (SOG) of the State police force.
The decision of SOG’s involvement was taken after the visit of Gujarat’s Environment and Forest Minister Ganpat Vasava to Gir Sanctuary in view of ongoing controversy over illegal lion shows in Gir area.
On his visit Vasava also held high level meeting of police, revenue and forest to address the issue of illegal lion shows. During the meeting it was also decided to make it mandatory to put sign boards related to ban on private lion shows near the receptions of hotels in Gir area. The Minister has also instructed to put barriers on the approach roads leading to Gir forest in coordination with revenue department.
The state forest department has appointed over 300 Vanya Prani Mitro (friends of wild animals) for the purpose of lion conservation and paying Rs 1000 to each of them every month. Now it has been decided to double the amount to encourage them to enhance vigil on those who are involved in arrangement of illegal lion shows. These friends of wild animals are serving in nearly 300 villages near the Gir Sanctuary.
At present 90 Gypsy cars (Each having maximum capacity of six tourists) are allowed to enter inside the Gir Sanctuary except Saturdays and Sundays. On week-ends the limit is 150 Gypsy cars. However in the meeting it has been decided to increase daily permits so that more number of tourists can be accommodated and automatically they would not go for illegal lion shows.
More over it was also decided to increase involvement of Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to create awareness about lion conservation and other environment related issues pertaining to Gir forest.
It is worth mentioning that in the last lion census conducted in the year 2015, total 523 Asiatic Lions were reported. For the purpose 252 sq km area of Gir National Park, 1153 sq km of Gir Sanctuary, 39 sq km of Mitiyala Sanctuary, 19 km of Pania Sanctuary and 480 sq km of protected forest surrounding Mount Girnar covered apart from over 20,000 sq km of revenue areas where lions are straying. The census covered over 1500 revenue villages in eight districts including Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Botad, Bhavnagar, Porbandar, Jamnagar and Rajkot based on the visitation records including the occasional visits of lions in newer areas.
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has put Asiatic Lion in endangered category.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/nation/crackdown-on-illegal-lion-shows-in-gir.html
In order to completely stop illegal lion shows in and around Gir Sanctuary and National Park — the only abode of Asiatic Lions in the world, Gujarat Government has decided to involve Special Operation Group (SOG) of the State police force.
The decision of SOG’s involvement was taken after the visit of Gujarat’s Environment and Forest Minister Ganpat Vasava to Gir Sanctuary in view of ongoing controversy over illegal lion shows in Gir area.
On his visit Vasava also held high level meeting of police, revenue and forest to address the issue of illegal lion shows. During the meeting it was also decided to make it mandatory to put sign boards related to ban on private lion shows near the receptions of hotels in Gir area. The Minister has also instructed to put barriers on the approach roads leading to Gir forest in coordination with revenue department.
The state forest department has appointed over 300 Vanya Prani Mitro (friends of wild animals) for the purpose of lion conservation and paying Rs 1000 to each of them every month. Now it has been decided to double the amount to encourage them to enhance vigil on those who are involved in arrangement of illegal lion shows. These friends of wild animals are serving in nearly 300 villages near the Gir Sanctuary.
At present 90 Gypsy cars (Each having maximum capacity of six tourists) are allowed to enter inside the Gir Sanctuary except Saturdays and Sundays. On week-ends the limit is 150 Gypsy cars. However in the meeting it has been decided to increase daily permits so that more number of tourists can be accommodated and automatically they would not go for illegal lion shows.
More over it was also decided to increase involvement of Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to create awareness about lion conservation and other environment related issues pertaining to Gir forest.
It is worth mentioning that in the last lion census conducted in the year 2015, total 523 Asiatic Lions were reported. For the purpose 252 sq km area of Gir National Park, 1153 sq km of Gir Sanctuary, 39 sq km of Mitiyala Sanctuary, 19 km of Pania Sanctuary and 480 sq km of protected forest surrounding Mount Girnar covered apart from over 20,000 sq km of revenue areas where lions are straying. The census covered over 1500 revenue villages in eight districts including Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Botad, Bhavnagar, Porbandar, Jamnagar and Rajkot based on the visitation records including the occasional visits of lions in newer areas.
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has put Asiatic Lion in endangered category.
http://www.dailypioneer.com/nation/crackdown-on-illegal-lion-shows-in-gir.html
Not a matter of pride: Two lion cubs go missing in Rajula
Picture for representation dna Correspondent
Updated: Jun 11, 2018, 08:07 AM IST
Bhikha Jethva, the father of slain RTI activist Amit Jethva, has in a complaint to the forest department on Sunday stated two lion cubs have been missing from a pride of five that were seen near Rajula range in Amreli district.
According to the complaint, the cubs have been missing for the last fortnight. The pride was seen in and around Victor Beach. The cubs are believed to be less than three years old. The missing cubs assume significance in light of the various reports of lion harassment coming to the fore. Last week, a video of a lioness being teased with a dead chicken went viral. The video was among the many recovered from the mobile phone of seven people who were arrested for illegal leone shows in Gir-Gadhada.
A lioness and her cubs were also chased by a biker, as another video had earlier shown. The biker was later arrested. A fortnight ago, the carcass of a lion and 10 nilgais were found in a well in an agricultural land in Savarkundla. The popularity of Gir National Park, the last abode of the Asiatic lions, has given rise to rampant illegal lion tourism in the state with many resorts offering such shows to lure customers.
Bhikha Jethva, the father of slain RTI activist Amit Jethva, has in a complaint to the forest department on Sunday stated two lion cubs have been missing from a pride of five that were seen near Rajula range in Amreli district.
According to the complaint, the cubs have been missing for the last fortnight. The pride was seen in and around Victor Beach. The cubs are believed to be less than three years old. The missing cubs assume significance in light of the various reports of lion harassment coming to the fore. Last week, a video of a lioness being teased with a dead chicken went viral. The video was among the many recovered from the mobile phone of seven people who were arrested for illegal leone shows in Gir-Gadhada.
A lioness and her cubs were also chased by a biker, as another video had earlier shown. The biker was later arrested. A fortnight ago, the carcass of a lion and 10 nilgais were found in a well in an agricultural land in Savarkundla. The popularity of Gir National Park, the last abode of the Asiatic lions, has given rise to rampant illegal lion tourism in the state with many resorts offering such shows to lure customers.
Red-faced forest officers wake up to illegal lion show menace
Lioness being harassed going viralTNN | Jun 9, 2018, 04:00 IST
RAJKOT:
Facing huge embarrassment over videos of a lioness being harassed going
viral, the senior forest officials were huddled in Junagadh and decided
to crackdown on illegal lion shows.
All the top officers, including principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF), wildlife, G K Sinha, held a day-long deliberations on lion shows that are going on rampantly under their nose in and around Gir sanctuary, the last abode of Asiatic lions.
Sinha also addressed a press conference in Junagadh, where he announced a slew of measures to prevent such incidents again. “The section pertaining to lion hunting will be added whenever there is an incident of wildcats being harassed. We will also take the help of forensic experts to nab the culprits,” Sinha said.
Importantly, 55 teams of forest department staffers will be formed in Gir and Greater Gir to keep an eye on illegal activities and unscrupulous elements outside the protected areas. Majority of lion shows and cases of harassment are reported from the revenue areas, where lions have strayed in large numbers.
“While 24 teams will monitor Junagadh district, 10 each will keep a close vigil in Bhavnagar and Gir-Somnath besides 11 teams in Amreli district,” Sinha added.
“Lions are seen in these four districts. As per the data, there are 356 lions in protected areas and 167 outside.
All the top officers, including principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF), wildlife, G K Sinha, held a day-long deliberations on lion shows that are going on rampantly under their nose in and around Gir sanctuary, the last abode of Asiatic lions.
Sinha also addressed a press conference in Junagadh, where he announced a slew of measures to prevent such incidents again. “The section pertaining to lion hunting will be added whenever there is an incident of wildcats being harassed. We will also take the help of forensic experts to nab the culprits,” Sinha said.
Importantly, 55 teams of forest department staffers will be formed in Gir and Greater Gir to keep an eye on illegal activities and unscrupulous elements outside the protected areas. Majority of lion shows and cases of harassment are reported from the revenue areas, where lions have strayed in large numbers.
“While 24 teams will monitor Junagadh district, 10 each will keep a close vigil in Bhavnagar and Gir-Somnath besides 11 teams in Amreli district,” Sinha added.
“Lions are seen in these four districts. As per the data, there are 356 lions in protected areas and 167 outside.
Sinha also promised strict action against forest officials if their involvement in illegal lion shows or harassment is found.
Replying to a question on large number of vacant posts of senior officers in the most sensitive wildlife region, Sinha claimed these would be filled soon.
“Some unofficial people, including hotel agents, private drivers and other people lure the tourists for illegal lion shows. Most of these shows are organized in revenue areas. It has come to notice that these people use hens and live animals to lure the lions for illegal sighting,” the department said in a statement.
The statement added, “There is a provision of three to seven years’ imprisonment under the Wildlife Protection Act and a fine of Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000 for those convicted of harassing lions by chasing them through bike or car and harassing them in any way.”
Replying to a question on large number of vacant posts of senior officers in the most sensitive wildlife region, Sinha claimed these would be filled soon.
“Some unofficial people, including hotel agents, private drivers and other people lure the tourists for illegal lion shows. Most of these shows are organized in revenue areas. It has come to notice that these people use hens and live animals to lure the lions for illegal sighting,” the department said in a statement.
The statement added, “There is a provision of three to seven years’ imprisonment under the Wildlife Protection Act and a fine of Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000 for those convicted of harassing lions by chasing them through bike or car and harassing them in any way.”
Jaipur to get lion safari at Nahargarh park soon
Nahargarh Biological Park Nahargarh Biological Park; (inset) Lions dna Correspondent
Spread over 36 acres of land, the safari initially will be home to four lions who would be shifted to the park from Jaipur Zoo. An increase in number of inmates is, however, expected as forest department authorities intend to acquire a pair of Asiatic lions and promote lion breeding at the park in future.
The safari, which is being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 4 crore, had missed its initial deadline. “The project was expected to be complete by April this year, the process got delayed due to scarcity of bajri (construction sand) and is expected to be complete by July,” said an officer at the Jaipur Development Authority.
Nearly 29,000 square metres has been fenced to allow the mighty beasts to move freely while 10 chambers which shall be used for feeding the lions and providing medical treatment whenever required. Three water holes have also been developed at the safari.
According to Jaipur Development Authority officials, the tourists will be able to observe the lion in spacious enclosures quite close to their natural habitat. They will also be able to explore the tracks in specially-designed caged vehicles while those looking for a more close view would be able to observe the lions from a concealed watch point constructed at one of the water holes.
FUN FOR TOURISTS
- Spread over 36 acres of land, the safari initially will be home to four lions.
- Nearly 29,000 sq m has been fenced to allow the lions to move.
- Tourists will be able to explore the tracks in caged vehicles.
- They will also be able to observe the lions from concealed watch point.
http://www.dnaindia.com/jaipur/report-jaipur-to-get-lion-safari-at-nahargarh-park-soon-2623156
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