Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve Forest Guard Bags Second Prize at IISC Bangalore

Another pride has been added to Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve.Now it is not because of any Conservation Issues but because it has made its Significance by participating and bagging award in the National Level conference.

                                       My best friend and Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve's well known Forest Guard Mr.Chandrakant R Naik along with Kritika Gunaga,a High School student from KHEP School,Ambika Nagar have attended a Conference "Wetlands,Biodiversity and Climate Change" held at Indian Institute of Science,Bangalore from 22-24 December 2010.Both have given a Presentation on "NAMMA GRAMA"(My Village Biodiversity) and bagged second prize for this.

Man, leopard coexist in Khanapur jungles

 Khanapur could very well serve as model for authorities to resolve manleopard conflict that has been dogging forests.

Though Khanapur jungles boast a healthy leopard population, there have been few cases of the big cats straying into villages over the last three decades.

The reason is attributed to a well preserved habitat, prey base and awareness on the part of villagers.

There are dozens of hamlets in the pockets of Khanapur jungles. Though villagers have many stories of attacks by bears, bisons, elephants and snake bites, there has not been a single case of leopard attack.

A couple of years ago, Ramesh Shankar Patil, a gram panchayat member and resident of Chapoli village located deep in the Khanapur jungles was attacked by a bear and was compensated by the forest department. There are a dozen leopards moving around Chapoli and surrounding forests and are even spotted in the village at nights. Yet, they have never attacked human beings.

Deputy conservator of forests Girish Hosur says there are three reasons for mananimal conflicts. ''Lack of prey base, shortage of forest area and fragmentation of habitat,'' he says. In humananimal conflicts, the question about who is trespassing whose territory crops up, he says. Hosur says the leopard is a territorial animal and keeps to its territory which it marks with its urine. In most cases, humans have encroached forest areas and so wild animals like leopards have very little place to claim to be theirs. This is the reason for the conflict, he says.

As far as Khanapur jungles are concerned, it is huge, has a good prey base and has everything that ensures that leopards don't confront human beings, says Hosur. He says villagers too are aware of forest laws and prefer not to disturb wildlife. Though a couple of incidents of leopards attacking cattle had been report some time ago, they were attributed to cattle straying into the jungles, he says.

An edited version of this article can be read from the link below:

http://expressbuzz.com/states/karnataka/Man-leopard-coexist-in-Khanapur-jungles/231397.html

Controversy Over Poaching Incident:

It is very bad to hear that the poachers who were arrested while poaching the wild boar have lodged police case against forest department staff who did their duty sincerely.Poachers have given the statement that they have been physically harassed by Forest staff.

                           It is very embarrassing to hear that poachers given such statement against forest staff.The forest staff did their duty timely and sincerely but facing such severe allegations.But however RFO Mr.Lohit denied all these allegations and told that forest staff didn't  harass them physically.


Please find the attachment below for more details:

                          

Nature Interpretation Camp in Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve:

Dandeli Wildlife Division in association with Sahyadri Parisara Sangha is organizing Nature Interpretation Camp for School students from December 2 to December 11 at Kulgi.The main purpose of this program is to create awareness about Nature and wildlife to children from childhood.Dandeli Wildlife Division has selected 30 primary schools in Joyda Taluq which are surrounded by forests.Each day Discussions,Debates,Stage shows,Trekking,Safari will be organized for students in order to convince them about the importance of Forest and Wildlife Conservation.By this the students will put themselves into forest and wildlife conservation activities in the upcoming days,the main purpose behind the program, said Mr.Ravi Derekar who is the resource person of the camp.

                      The camp will be guided by Mr.Sunil Panwar,Deputy Conservator of Forests (Dandeli Wildlife Division) for 10 days.Each day 60 students will participate and avail the facility.We are planning to extend the program for High School and college students also,said Mr.Ravi Derekar.


Please find the attachment below for more details.

Poachers arrested near Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve:

Three local people are held arrested for poaching the wild boar in Virnoli Range which is adjacent to Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve.By getting the exact information , forest staffs Mr.Ashok Kamble,Mr.Ashok Naik and Mr.Dayanand have arrested the poachers and seized the weapons used for poaching the wild boar.Case has been lodged against all the three poachers named Malu Pavane,Sonu Mangade and Rajendra Desai of Kulgi village and produced to the court for further process.Investigation is under process,said Range Forest Officer Mr.Lohit.

Crop Damage by Wild Animals in Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve:

               Wild animals are again on rise in and around Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve by making their target as Agricultural fields.Since few days Elephants are attacking paddy fields and caused a huge crop damage in Sittegari ,Panjeli and Kartol villages of Nagoda Gram Panchayat near Joyda.On other side Bisons and wild boars have caused a major crop damage in Tetoli village of  Kateli Gram Panchayat in Kumbarvada Wildlife Range.

          Already unexpected rain in last week has caused a lot of crop damage in these areas.Still villagers are not recovering from that loss.And again yet another damage by wild animals has given them a big shock.It is estimated that nearly Rs.25 lacs crop has been damaged by wild animals in Joyda Taluq.But the forest department gives only Rs.2000(nearly) as a compensation for crop damage and Rs.1000 for cattle kill.So the villagers are not at all happy with the compensation given by department.Nagoda Village Panchayat Mr.Anil Desai requested Forest Department officials to increase the compensation amount and also told to install fence around the villages.Joyda RFO Mr.C K Garvada and Kumbarvada RFO Mr.R V Hegde visited the spot and assured the villagers regarding compensation amount.

Please find the attachment below for more details:

Crop Damage by Elephants near Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve:

Since last two days Elephants which are 10-15 in no are attacking Agriculture Fields which are surrounded by Haliyal Forests and Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve.There has been a lot of crop damage in Sambrani,Ajamnal,Vandarval,JatagaHosur,Tattigera,Garadolli,Balashettykoppa,Narnalli,Gudamuragi villages.The poorer sections which are mainly dependent on Paddy,Ragi,Jawar and Sugercane are heavily affected by the incident.

                     Farmers who lost their property requested Haliyal Forest Division officials to take necessary actions and precautions in order to prevent Elephant attacks and also requested to give the compensation for crop damage.Several leaders of Sugercane association were present at the time.

Poachers active around Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve:

Poachers were arrested while trying to sell the skins of Fox, Mongoose and Wild sheep by  Forest officials in Ramnagar which is adjacent to Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve.According to the sources these people came from Hassan District and were produced to Khanapur Court for further process.

             As per the exact information given by Mr.Narasimha Chapkhand who is a well known person in the area for his wildlife conservation activities, Ganeshgudi ACF Mr.Ramchandra Adlamane,Jagalpet RFO Mr.G S Bhandari and Londa RFO Mr.C B Patil were involved in the operation.

An efficient step towards Hornbill Conservation in Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve:

                            Dandeli Wildlife Division is putting very sincere efforts towards Hornbill Conservation Project by sending a proposal worth Rs.1.5 Crore to State Government.The foundation for this project was initially setup by previous DCF Mr.Manojkumar.Now this dream is becoming true with the sincere efforts made by present DCF Mr.Sunil Panwar..Please read the article below which has been published in local newspaper..

                      

Khanapur forest area to be declared as a elephant reserve:

BELGAUM: As many as 64,643 hectares of forest area, covering 161 villages in Khanapur taluk in the district, will be declared as an elephant corridor and notified as Elephant Reserve, where there is a regular movements of elephants. This corridor will come under Dandeli Elephant Reserve, which covers Belgaum, Karwar, Dharwad and Haveri districts. 

The move has come up to conserve elephants and avert human-elephant conflicts in these districts. Once the corridor area is notified, all forest area covering the corridor will be upgraded to reserve forest from the present protected forest. Besides this, the forest area will get additional importance on the forests map. Elephants will get maximum protection from the department and farmers will be compensated for damage of their crops. Recently, the principle chief conservator of forest wildlife, B K Singh visited Khanapur and inspected the elephants' route. He instructed the conservators of forests of Belgaum, Dharwad and Canara circles to send a comprehensive proposal to the Union ministry of environment and forests regarding the matter. Following his instructions, the forest department has identified an elephant corridor, based on studies done during the last 10 years. They took into account the number of crop damage incidents and elephant attacks on humans, while identifying the corridor. Speaking to `The Times of India' deputy conservator of forests of Belgaum division, Girish Hosur said: "Generally, elephants appear in the Belgaum forest division during October and November, as they have plenty of paddy and sugarcane crops, during these harvesting months." Hosur said elephants have a good memory and never forget their routes for at least 12 years after passing thorough a place with good amount of food. He said the Belgaum division has the fixed a migratory path for the elephants. The herd of elephants, which arrive from Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and Haliyal forest divisions will enter into the Chandagad forests of Maharashtra via Khanapur forests. 

Anshi-Dandeli tiger reserve plans on backburner:

Dandeli Wildlife Division is engaging still more effective plans to conserve Flora and Fauna in the Tiger reserve.Please read the article below which has been published in a Newspaper.

KARWAR: The Anashi Dandeli forest region, declared a protected region under the Project Tiger on January 4, 2007, is yet to become a safe haven for the flora and fauna it preserves, thanks to the apathy of both state and central governments.

The forests are a natural abode for tigers and other fauna like black panthers, leopards, gours, sambar deer, spotted deer, barking deer, wild dogs, elephants, bonnet macaque (white tailed monkey), giant squirrel, flying squirrel, pangolin and a variety of birds.

The reserve was formed by including 475.018 sq km area of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and 339.866 sq km area of Anashi National Park. As per the Wildlife Census of 2006, there are about 33 tigers in and around the tiger reserve, including the Sharavati valleyDandeliKhanapur landscape. With unique flora and fauna, the newly created tiger reserve is considered a natural home for tigers. However, the proposal for boundary rationalisation for the tiger reserve, which was prepared by the wildlife division of the forest department some time back, is still pending with the state government. Although the buffer zone is delineated, the government is yet to make the final declaration.

Conservation plans pending

The wild life division has prepared an Indicative Tiger Conservation Plan, which includes habitat management, protecting the existing vegetation with cattle proof trenching, creation of water holes, eradication of weeds, fire protection, creation of fodder plants, restricting grazing and reclamation of mine dumps. The plan, however, is still before the National Tiger Conservation Authority for approval.

Confusion over rehabilitation

There are 56 revenue villages in the tiger reserve, which leads to humananimal conflict. Although an attractive compensation package with a compensation of `10 lakh to each family, considering each villager above 18 years of age as a separate family, has been announced, many villagers are opposed to it. According to Sunil Panwar, DCF of the wildlife division, no family would be displaced forcibly. Around 500 families have volunteered to leave their villages. 320 families would be displaced in the first phase. A proposal in this regard was sent to the central government long ago, but awaits approval.

Also, as against the sanctioned posts, there are 42 posts still vacant. Of them, 34 are of forest guards, who are supposed to take care of the field work.

Awareness drives

The wildlife division is engaged in creating awareness about wild life among the villagers. It has adopted 13 schools and created nature clubs and organised youth training camps to create awareness about forest and poaching.

Rich Signs of Tiger Presence in Dandeli-Anshi tiger reserve..

Its very happy to know that there are rich signs of tiger presence in Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve.Please look at the images below which shows domestic buffaloes killed by tigers in these  forests recently.However there were doubts at first whether its a tiger kill or leopard kill but after the pug marks have been found near kill which is of tiger.

                            

Conflictions and Disagreements towards Resettlement Package of Tiger Project:

Since Dandeli-Anshi forests have got the significance of Tiger project,as a part of this resettlement package has been declared for each family leaving in the reserve.But however this is not totally accepted by local people by saying that resettlement plan is not scientific.There are lot of Conflictions and Disagreements towards Resettlement Package of Tiger Project between local people and Government.

Please find the attachment below for more details:

Wildlife Week Celebration in Dandeli

Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve is celebrating 56th Wildlife Week(October 1 to October 7th). Center For Environment Education (CEE) is participating in the programme. As a part of this several nature awareness programmes(eg.stage shows) are being conducted by Dandeli Wildlife Division. Interested people can attend and enjoy this event..

Dandeli will have a Elephant Reserve soon:

Dandeli Forests will create a Record soon with having three important Wild animals and Birds Conservation reserves.Dandeli forests already having the Significance of Tiger reserve and Hornbill reserve and now it will  be also declared as a Elephant Reserve if everything goes well as planned.It is important to note that None of the forests in India have the significance of Two Wild animals and one Bird Conservation Reserve.Please read the article below which has been published in the newspaper on Sept 9,2010.

Sept. 9: Dandeli wildlife sanctuary will be declared an elephant conservation reserve if everything goes according to the plan prepared by the forest department. The region has already been declared a tiger and hornbill reserve.

Pachyderms often cross the Kali river from the forests in Karwar division into Haliyal in search of food and water. This has been causing man-animal conflicts in many villages in Haliyal, Joida, Mundgod and Yellapur taluks. There have also been instances of herds of elephants entering the paddy fields and destroying standing crops.



“There are around 50 wild elephants in the forests of Dandeli and surrounding taluks. A survey is underway to finalise forest area that can be converted into an elephant reserve. The proposal will be sent to the government next week. Solar electric fences and other barriers will be built to prevent movement of elephants onto arable land once the project is approved”, deputy conservator of forest Sunil Panwar said.



To prevent the elephants from entering the crop fields, the officials are planning to grow more bamboo.

Reserve for hornbills near Dandeli

Since the launch of the Hornbill trail by the Tourism department three years ago, the wood depot located in Dandeli midtown attracts hundreds of tourists every day. This will now be a part of the conservation reserve to protect the rare birds characterized by their long, down-curved bill.

“We can sight these birds all along this stretch. They are the residents here and over a hundred roosts (a branch of a tree, where birds rest or sleep) have been recorded here,” says Manoj Kumar, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Mysore, who began the process to declare it a conservation reserve during his posting at Dandeli.

The reserve is aimed at protection, propagation and development of flora for the breeding and survival of these birds. According to the Forest department, the hornbill reserve will be the first of its kind in the country. 

Four species of horn bills — Common Grey Hornbill (Tockus birostris), Malabar Grey Hornbill (Tockus griseus), Malabar Pied Hornbill (Anthracocereros coronatus) and Great Pied Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) — are sighted in Dandeli. Among the four species in the State, the Great Pied Hornbill and the Malabar Pied Hornbill are protected under the Wildlife Act (Schedule One).  The Malabar Pied, endemic to the Western Ghats, has also been declared near-threatened by the Bird-life International — a body that lists the endangered and red-listed birds across the world. Declared as a reserve on May 31 this year under Section 36(A) of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, the boundary of the reserve spreads across the two taluks of Joida and Haliyal of the district.

The L-shaped reserve starts from the Supa dam and extends to Kali near Mavaling village and again extends up to Kali river, Dandeli town, Dandeli timber depot and Dandakaranya. Along the eastern boundaries, it starts from Dandeli-Kulgi Road, reaches Kulgi Circle and touches Dandeli- Anshi tiger reserve until Phansoli and the Supa dam. 

The region, according to Manoj Kumar, is full of fruit-bearing trees and suitable for roosting and survival of the birds.  This is the second conservation reserve in the State after the Bankapur Peacock Sanctuary.

Apart from the four sighted in the State, nine species of hornbills are found in India.

The White Throated Brown Hornbill, the Rufous Necked Hornbill, the Wreathed Hornbill and the Indian Pied Hornbills are found only in Northeast India and the Gangetic Plains.

An edited version of this article was published in Deccan Herald and can be read at,

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/188052/reserve-hornbills-near-dandeli.html

Dandeli Wildlife Division gets forest land for Hornbill Project:

It is very happy to hear that Forest Land required for Hornbill Project Has been handed over to Dandeli Wildlife Division.Wildlifers now can expect the good news about Hornbills as a first step of this project.

Another Pride to Dandeli Forests:Now its a HORNBILL CONSERVATION RESERVE

Another pride has been added to Dandeli Forests as it got the significance of HORNBILL CONSERVATION RESERVE. This has been declared officially in the State Widlife Board meeting held at Chief Minister B S Yadyurappa's house in the gracious presence of  vice president of board and cricketer Anil Kumble..

Smuggling of medicinal plants hits a high in Joida Taluk of Karwar

The Forests Department in Uttara Kannada district has taken steps to stop smuggling of two rare medicinal (herbal) plants Salacia reticulata (locally known as Saptarangi) and Mappia foetida (locally known as Guwada) which are in demand in the international market. These are rare plants found only in the Western Ghats of India.

The Saptarangi creeper, which is commonly found in Joida Taluk, was being smuggled out of the forests for the last several years threatening its existence. Non-governmental organisations, Paryavarani and Centre for Green Earth, had brought it to the notice of the Forests Department.

Thereafter, the forest authorities took steps to stop smuggling of this herb. A few months ago, 236 bags containing 7,900 kg of Saptarangi were seized by the forest officials at Hemmadaga village in Joida taluk.

About 60 bags of Guwada, including 20 bags recovered three months ago, have been seized by the forest officials. This herb is used for manufacturing medicines for cancer and liver diseases.

According to Ramachandra Andlemane, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Ganeshagudi, agents who supply these herbs to some pharmaceutical companies use the local people to identify them in the forests.

The locals, most of whom are ignorant that these are endangered species, help the agents to procure these plants. But now the local people are aware that it is an offence to transport these herbs without permission, Mr. Andlemane said and added that they are not helping such agents.

An edited version of this article can be read from the link below:

http://www.dakshintimes.com/india/karnataka/karwar/news/1008311617/smuggling-medicinal-plants-hits-high-joida-taluk-k.html

People turned against tiger Project in Ambikanagar:

People turned against tiger project in Ambikanagar and protesting against forest officials as the department is not allowing any constructions of small/medium buildings in the Ambikanagar town which is a part of Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve.People protesting to fulfill their needs as the Government sanctioned 10 lacs per family if they are relocated.Please find the attachment below for more details:

Part of Dandeli forests to be declared as Protected Area:

Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve is the 4th tiger reserve of Karnataka and comprises 875.024Sq.Km area which includes Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary with 475 Sq.Km and Anshi National Park with 339 Sq.Km area .But the remaining 60 Sq.Km is not yet declared as Protected Area so the environmentalists,wildlifers forcing Forest Department to declare it as soon as possible in order to control poaching activities and unregulated tourism.

Road Construction to restart in Anshi National Park:What will be the impact on Wild animals?

Road construction from Anshi-Kumbarwada (19 kms)which was stopped due to Environmental Issues is restarted.Since the road passes through the Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve,the project was initially dropped by KSHIP because Supreme Court of India had give stay not to take construction as it may cause disturbance to the wild animals.But however afterwards there were many protests done by local people and forced local MLA and other representatives to improve the road condition.As a result of this construction in-charge has been transferred from KSHIP to PWD.As per the sources the construction will start within a week.

                      But however Environmentalists and forest department officials are not happy with this.Since Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve is a home for endangered wild species which are left in a few number.By this road construction vehicular movements will increase causing disturbance to wild animals.There are also chances of death of wild animals while crossing the road.

Leopard and Deer Skin seized in Dandeli:Poacher arrested

Poacher who was trying to sell the leopard cub's and spotted deer skin has been arrested by Dandeli Circle Police Inspector Mr.Pratapsingh Torat under the guidance of Dy.SP Mr.M L Naikar.After getting an exact information about this,Mr.Pratapsingh Torat and his staff arrested the poacher named Ayubkhan Marvaji near Ganapati Temple in the town.It is told that other poachers absconded.

Please read the article attached below for more details:

        

New Bat Specie found near Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve:

Recently members of Local NGO Center for Green Earth have discovered a new Bat specie in Diggi Forests near Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve.The scientific name of this Bat specie is Rhinilophus Beddome.Please find the attachment below for more details:

Tahashildar Notice to Illegal Resorts around Dandeli Tiger Reserve:

Following the instructions by Assistant Commissioner Mr.M R Ravi,Tahashildar Mr.R D Uppin has sent notices to 9 illegal resorts and home stays  which are operating around Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve.To start any resort it is necessary to get permission letters from Forest,Police,Health Departments,Village panchayats and the lands should be non agricultural land.

                 Joyda taluk  is having many tourism spots and Eco-sensitive places which makes it a perfect tourist destination in Karnataka.Since Joyda taluk is having Supa dam and tiger reserve which are very sensitive.So to keep eye on terrorism activities and poachers,Tahashildar strictly warned the resorts' owners to produce necessary documents in the given deadline or else the resorts will be seized.

Please find the attachment below for more details.

Poachers active in adjoining forests of Dandeli Tiger Reserve:

Poachers are still active in forests of Joyda Taluk which is adjacent to Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve.When staff correspondent of local Kannada Daily "Karavali Munjavu" came to know about the poaching activities he went to make a report.While on the way near Patishet which is the source of Kali river,staff correspondent found rabbit struggling for its life.After this he removed many snares which were set by poachers to trap wild animls such as spotted deer,sambar,gaur etc.
                             Many incidents reported regarding poaching activities.As a result of poaching many animals predators such as tigers and leopards are making domestic animals as their prey which rises human-animal conflict.Please read the article attached below for more details:

Power rangers ; It is eco-friendly energy that charges the lamps and communication devices in the Dandeli Anshi forest.

 Last year Sunil Panwar faced a problem. The deputy conservator of forests (wildlife division) at Karnataka's Dandeli Anshi Tiger Reserve was tipped off about the passage of a vehicle, allegedly carrying smuggled cane and wood through Bondeli, near the Goa border. But he could do nothing about it.

Panwar could not inform the anti-poaching camp as the walkie-talkies were out of order-their solar chargers were not working due to continuous rains. Reaching the spot physically wasn't possible either because of bad weather. Panwar's team had often faced such situations. Night patrolling too wasn't easy as the solar lamps could not be recharged in a region which faced nearly three-four months of rain.

The situation underwent a major change after Panwar contacted the Bangalore-based Renewable Energy Applications and Products. The company introduced a bicycle-mounted charger which could power the walkie-talkies as well as the park lights. The rear wheel of the cycle is fitted with a dynamo which charges the equipment upon pedalling. Around 20 minutes of cycling provide an hour of talk time on the walkie-talkies and light up a street light for about one-two hours. Now the officials have deployed 10 walkie-talkies in the high rainfall areas.

The Dandeli Anshi Tiger Reserve, which is spread over 1,050 sq km, is not easy to cover on foot. As Panwar says: "Even when there wasn't an emergency and if we just had to call for medical supplies or rations, we used to get stuck.ââ??¬ï¿½ Being connected is vital as the reserve houses tigers, melanstic leopards (black panthers) and elephants, among other animals. The last census conducted about five years ago had 33 tigers.

After the eco-friendly bicycle charger, the Forest Department has now replaced cfl lamps with led bulbs which consume just half the electricity. The bicycle charger experiment, now on for a couple of months, has generated interest among other parks too. Panwar says the Nagarhole National Park near Mysore too is keen on getting a similar system.

Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Foundation gets Latest Equipments

Bagalkot district's Godavari Sugar Factory Management has donated latest equipments to Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Foundation worth around 2.33 lacs to utilize mainly in Anti poaching camps in order to prevent poaching effectively in the reserve.There are nearly 20 equipments which include Real Pedal Generator,Outdoor Light Unit,Portable Light Unit,Mobile Compaq Talkie Charger,Indoor Light Unit,Solar Charge Controller.On behalf of Factory Director Mr.Shivprakashan,Manager Vijaykumar Kanavi,Tiger Foundation Director Mr.Subhash Malakhed and DCF Mr.Sunil Panwar accepted the equipments.

Through these equipments anyone(forest staff) can send wireless messages to DCF's office.Previously there was a problem with recharging the wireless battery due to lack of electricity in remote areas.But these products are designed Renewal Energy Application and Production Institute which can be recharged through solar.

      

Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve to have Buffer Area

Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve will have a new buffer area soon if everything goes well.According to the sources additional 400 Sq.Km area is going to be added to the existing 875 Sq.Km area.The main intention of declaring this buffer area is to reduce the dependency on Core areas by Human beings and cattle grazing.


Please find the article below for more details:

BANGALORE: After long four years, buffer zones in tiger reserves of Karnataka will soon become a reality. 

According to the forest department a 300 sqkm buffer around Bandipur and a 400 sqkm buffer around Anshi-Dandeli reserves have got in-principle approval from the Centre. The notification of buffer zones is very significant as it will lead to protection of the reserves from intensive projects like mining. "Those which got in-principle approval will be notified in a month or so. In Nagarahole, we're facing some problems and the buffer zone may take some more time to be determined. This notification will not just have a bearing on people living in the zone, but have a major impact on human-animal conflict. If a tiger strays, it will not hit the boundary straightaway," principle chief conservator of forests, B K Singh told TOI. WHAT'S A BUFFER ZONE? A buffer is like a thin layer of protection on all sides of the reserve. It is not inviolate like core area and human habitation won't be relocated. Those living in this zone will be given alternative livelihood options to reduce dependence on core forest produce. "These zones will be protected from major changes in land use. Unlike the core area, which is exclusive, the buffer zone will be inclusive but importance will be given to protection of wildlife," National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), member secretary, Rajesh Gopal told TOI. Many states like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, which record a large number of tiger deaths, still haven't notified buffer zones. ON THE ANVIL Total area of Bandipur tiger reserve is 950 sqkm; additional 300 sqkm being added on Karnataka side as buffer zone Total area of Anshi-Dandeli tiger reserve is 800 sqkm; additional 400 sqkm being added as buffer area Nagarahole buffer zone yet to be determined; notification for Bhadra tiger reserve with Centre No large, intensive development projects allowed in zone. 

No bad impact by Tiger Project

"There is no bad impact by Tiger Project on local people.People are protecting these forests since long time.There are no any special rules made after Tiger project but the rules are only applicable when anyone try to violate wildlife protection act.It is left to people who want or do not want to live here" said Mr.Sunil Panwar,Deputy Conservator of Forests Wildlife Division Dandeli. In a function "Protect Forests From Fire"organized by Dandeli Wildlife Division and Supa Charitable Foundation of Joyda, he was addressing to the people and told advantages of Tiger project .Since lot of income getting through tourists,local people can avail many facilities he said.ACF Mr.Kumarswamy and Gund RFO Mr.Varur explained the importance of protecting forests from fire.Gram Panchayat Chairmon Mrs.Anita Hegade,Supa Charitable Foundation Chairman Mr.Girish Bhagvat and people from Nandigadde,Gund,Tevali,Avurli villages were present at the time.

Anshi-Kumbarvada Road Project Dropped by KSHIP

Due to Environmental Issues Karnataka State Highways Improvement Project(KSHIP) has dropped Road Improvement of State Highway No 95 Khanapur-Sadashivgad from Anshi-Kumbarvada.Since this road passes through Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve,Permission from Ministry of Environment and Forests(MoEF) is a must.Environmentalists had protested that by road development vehicular movements will increase which undoubtedly will cause disturbances to wild animals and chances of road kill of animals are more.

               But however this decision is strongly questioned by local people since SH 95 is the one and only way which connects Belgaum and Karwar district.People are telling that the road condition is too worst and due to this none of the vehicles are passing through the road.As a result lot of students are not able to go to schools at the time and missing facilities such as health and good transportation.

Please find the attachment below for more details:

NO to Akeshia in Tiger Reserve

Joyda RFO C K Garvada cleared that Akeshia plantation is not done in regular forest and tiger reserve.While answering to the question asked in KDP meeting,he told that 4-5 years ago Akeshia plantations were done but recently department has not done any Akeshia plantation in the area.

Please find the attachment below for more details.

Elephant tusks seized near Belgaum

Elephant tusks worth around 60lakh rupees have been seized by Police Officials and 8 people have been arrested near chikodi in belgaum district. The accusers told that these tusks have been brought from DANDELI forests and police officials told that there is a big gang involved behind this.Kindly read the article below which has published in newspaper.

Elephant tusks seized, eight men arrested

Belgaum: Feb 28, DHNS:

Chikodi police arrested eight persons and seized tusks worth Rs 60 lakh and two motorcycles worth Rs 60,000 here on Sunday.

Police said four motorcycle-borne men Arif Sangolli, Piraji Rawoot, Salim Pathan and Sadanand Manekar, all residents of Belgaum, were arrested when they were trying to smuggle the tusks to Maharashtra. The police suspect the tusks were poached in the Dandeli forests. They had wrapped the tusks in a gunny bag and were moving in the remote villages avoiding checkpoints on the main roads. The police, noticing the men moving suspiciously, stopped them on the Chikodi-Ankali road and seized two tusks –– one 34 inches and another 36 inches. They spilled the beans during the interrogation that they were given the tusks by four others ––  Wilson D’Souza, Govind Sutar, Mahadev Ghatge and Yashwant Tambolkar, all residents of Khanapur. The poachers were arrested from Belgaum railway station. DH News Service

Dandeli forests to have HORNBILL RESERVE

It is very happy to know that Dandeli forests are now to be declared as HORNBILL  RESERVE.This is the sincere effort made by then DCF of Dandeli Wildlife Division Mr Manojkumar and notable conservationist Mr.Balachandra Hegde and also Mr. Vishweshwar Bhat who is the editor of Vijaya Karnataka newspaper who supported through media by requesting Honorable Chief Minister Mr.B S Yedyurappa to declare these forests as Hornbill Reserve in order to protect these bird species.

                        Dandeli forests are home to Endangered Hornbills.There are 4 species of hornbills  are found here,mainly Malabar Pied,Malabar Grey,Indian Grey and Great Pied Hornbill.Final procedures are going on and we ll get the good news soon regarding this.

Appreciation Certificate to Forest Staffs by Dandeli Wildlife Division

For the first time in history of Wildlife Division of Karnataka Forest Department,Dandeli Wildlife Division has honored its staff and special resource persons who has served and provided good co-operation to the Dandeli Wildlife Division.

                             In a simple function arranged at Kulgi Nature Camp, Sirsi Forestry College Professor Mr.Shridhar Bhutt,GIS Expert Mr.Balchandra Hegde and Parents of late Ms.Ambika Vithu Bodake who lost her life in Forest fire protection were honored with Appreciation Certificate.

                          While speaking in the Ceremony PCCF(Wildlife) Mr.B K Singh told that this is the first time in wildlife division which has honoring and encouraging their staff and resource persons.He has also appreciated the work of Dandeli Wildlife Division for this.Canara Circle CF Mr.Subhash Malakhed,Project Tiger Direcor (Shimoga Division) Mr.Premkumar,Haliyal DCF Mr.B B Mallesh,Dandeli Wildlife Division DCF Mr.Sunil Panwar and other officials were present at the function.

Please find the attachment below for more details:

Increment in Tiger Numbers-A Hope

As per the statement given by Senior Forest Official of Karnataka,the Tiger Census 2010 is over in Karnataka.He told tiger number is increased hopefully as a large no of tiger sightings have been recorded and observed during census but still we cannot go for a final conclusion .We need to wait for the final results.

Please find the attachment below for more details:

                          

Tiger Census-2010 Training at Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve:

Baby Elephant is finally safe:Mother and calf reunite

The baby elephant, which had grown weak after its mother deserted it after birth, reunited with its mother on Wednesday, forest sources said.

An elephant, which gave birth to a calf on the road near Bommanahalli dam in Haliyal taluk deserted the young one. It is said that soon after the birth, curious onlookers touched the calf. This enraged the mother and she chased the people away and destroyed an electricity pole in the area. She left the calf soon after. Forest officials said that elephants keep away from the calves that come in contact with human beings. The calf became weak without its mother's milk, but forest officials came to its aid and began feeding it artificially for four days. Leaves and powdered milk were given to the calf.

Surprisingly, on Wednesday, a herd of 10 elephants appeared at the spot where the deserted calf was wandering and created a ruckus. Hearing the trumpeting, the mother elephant reached the spot and reacquainted itself with the calf.

You can also follow the link and attachments below for more more detailed story:

http://www.hindu.com/2010/02/05/stories/2010020554060600.htm 

                                Nurturing: Forest officials feeding the calf

                

Elephant calf's life at Threat

An elephant calf born last week is struggling for its life as its mother and its herd is not accepting it to join the herd.As per the statements by local people, the mother elephant stopped feeding to its calf and didn't come again to the place where elephant has born .Only once the mother elephant had come to the place before and chased people to keep its calf away from human beings.After this it never came and took its calf along with it.So due to lack of food it has fell down many times in the forest near Bommanhalli Dam.

Please find the attachment below for more details.

Elephant abandons calf on the road in Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve:

                              

The elephant calf abandoned by its mother soon after its birth at Bommanahalli in Bhagavati reserve forest on Monday.

Karwar: An elephant delivered a calf on the middle of the road near the dam at Bommanahalli on Monday. The road falls within the elephant corridor area of Bhagavati reserved forest area of Haliyal taluk.

Soon after the delivery, the mother elephant went into the forest. But the calf went in opposite direction. The road was crowded with the pilgrims and the vehicles returning from Ulavi Jatra festival. Seeing the people, the baby elephant panicked and ran towards the forest.

An enraged mother elephant which retuned to the spot, charged at the people who ran helter-skelter. The mother elephant gave vent to its anger at the electric poles and the two-wheelers parked in the area. Soon after hearing the news, the Forest Department officials stopped the traffic on Bhagawati-Bommanahalli and Ambikanagar route. On Tuesday, the mother elephant hesitated to take the calf with it and has been moving around in the forest without the calf. This has created apprehension among the wildlife lovers and the officials.

A herd of 10 elephants visited the spot where the calf was born and stayed with the calf till midnight on Monday.

On Tuesday, the calf fell into a trench and the Forest Department officials, who were trailing the calf, rescued it from the trench and let it into the forest. But the calf refused to go to forest and began following the Forest Department officials. The officials drove it into the Dandeli reserved forest. The road, which was closed on Monday, was reopened for traffic on Tuesday. It is said that about 35 to 40 elephants are in the area. To avoid the conflict between the elephants and the villagers, the Government has sanctioned the project Elephant which would help to protect the elephants, the forest officials said.

An edited version of this article can be read from the link below:

http://www.hindu.com/2010/02/03/stories/2010020354240500.htm

Tiger with travelling itch finds home from home

The finding, supported by photographs taken by hidden camera traps, established that the tiger from the Bhadra tiger reserve moved out of its home range and formed a new territory at Dandeli-Anshi reserve. 

Scientists and tiger experts in the State are as excited as they are baffled, as the discovery may go to render the camera trap a reliable method to monitor tigers. The finding, resulting from three years of study, began with the camera trapping a four-month-old cub that was photographed along with his sister and mother for the first time at Bhadra in April 2006.In October 2006, a wildlife photographer captured it on camera while it was trying to corner a gaur in the company of another tiger. 

The bombshell came in May 2008, when the cub, now a two-year-old, was first pictured at the Dandeli tiger reserve. Yet again in 2009, a camera trap in Dandeli photographed it. The picture was sufficient proof of the migrant tiger having set up its territory over there – 270 km from its native home range.

How did the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) establish that the tiger was from Bhadra? 

It is well established that the stripes of the tiger, like human fingerprints, are unique to each animal. 

Tigers photographed by camera traps are classified by their stripes for monitoring purposes. The cameras are placed at crucial places where the animal movement is frequent. The traveller-tiger is among 11 individuals trapped by camera at Bhadra, and after it was photographed again at Dandeli, was identified by its stripes. The WCS has created a database of individual photographed tigers.

Scientists say that Indian tigers, governed by the availability of prey, do not migrate for a long distance, unlike the Siberian tiger which tend to travel up 500 kilometres in search of prey. 

WCS India director Dr Ravi Chellam said the home range of tiger was believed to be 60 sq km. “This has opened avenues of study, because there is human habitat en route, and it (tiger) could not have travelled as the crow flies,” he said.

An edited version of this article was published in Deccan Herald and can be read from the following link:
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/48570/tiger-travelling-itch-finds-home.html