Prime Intention of the Blog

"People without children would face a hopeless future; a country without trees and wildlife is almost as helpless".

I still remember my childhood days when I used to visit Dandeli a place where even my father started his professional career and also where my most of the relatives were staying.Even though I never brought up in Dandeli no one could stop me to go there since it was just two hours journey from my native. And during every visit I used to get the scoldings from my father and relatives since I used to spend most of the time in forests than in house.So as I grown up my visit to Dandeli became very less except twice or thrice in a year since I became busy with studies but always I had in my mind that I should contribute something to these magnificent forests which inspired me a lot to fall in love with the Conservation.So it is just an attempt from my side to create awareness to save these magnificent animals and landscapes they exist in.If this blog contributes in a small way to achieve this goal I will be the most happiest person in this world.
This blog mainly focuses towards conservation activities in and around Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve.This blog doesn't provide any information regarding tourism and its related activities in and around Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve.

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Friday, August 6, 2010

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:

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