Rare bird spotted in Dandeli Anshi Tiger Reserve

A very rare bird specie Wynaad Laughing Thrush is spotted in Joyda forests after 23 years.

Please follow the link for more details.
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/167967/wayanad-laughing-thrush-spotted-joida.html
You can also go through the attachment below.

Smuggling of medicinal plants rampant in Joida

Even as the controversy on the Unesco tag for the Western Ghats continues, rich flora from the forest regions continues to be plundered for gain.

Indian medicinal plants are in great demand in the international market. Varieties like the saptarangi plants (Salacia Reticulate) and guvada (Mappia Foetida) medicinal plants are abundantly available in the forests of Khanapur, Bheemgad, Talewadi, Aamgaon Holda regions of Belgaum district. Medicinal plants are found in abundance at Kuveshi, Mayare, Castle Rock and Anamod forest regions near Diggi in Joida taluk.

Spices like Dalchini Moggu (cinnamon buds) and its leaves are also smuggled out. The Forest officers had seized a lorry transporting guvada leaves about three months ago near Jagalpet. The department has to its credit a few such cases.  The medicine prepared from guvada leaves is useful in treating cancer and liver conditions and is in great demand in China and Japan, according to a forest officer.

Innocent people residing in the forests of the border areas are roped in for smuggling. Dearth of staff in the Forest department is a major setback in tackling illegal activities. Since most of the staff are aged around 50, they are unable to conduct surprise raids. A team of enthusiastic youth is required in the department to tackle the menace, says the forest officer.

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

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/171659/smuggling-medicinal-plants-rampant-joida.html

Dandeli Wildlife Division officially gets new buffer area :

Its official now.The new Buffer area which was declared for Dandeli Tiger Reserve with 282.63 Sq.km is officially handed over to Dandeli Wildlife Division by Karwar DCF as per the instructions given by Canara circle Conservator of Forests.

The detailed description of the New Buffer area of Dandeli – Anshi Tiger Reserve

Sl.No    Description Extent                                                                             ( In Sq. Kms.)

1           Kadra Range (Additional area to Anshi National Park)                   77.48

2           Ulvi (Anshi Range)                                                                           29.62

3           Joida Range (Additional area to Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary )       163.33

4           Bommanalli Tank (Virnoli Range)                                                   12.20

TOTAL 282.63 Sq.Kms

Now we can expect a healthy population of Prey-Predator Density especially in Joyda Range which is rich in grassland and has the prey density potentially higher than Kulgi and Phansoli Ranges.And one more important thing is to notice that the areas mentioned above were severely suffering from poaching activities.So now as a part of Tiger Project we may hope in reduction of poaching activities in these areas.

A roller skate ride for mother earth on World Environment Day:

At five Shubhan Dilip Hanabar consider himself old enough to do his bit for Mother earth. Hanabar along with his sister Amisha Dilip Hanhabar (10)roller skated about 38 km stretch from Kadra to Karwar on Wednesday to create awareness about the importance of protecting the national animal tiger and the environment.

Please follow the link for more details:

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-04/hubli/29620478_1_roller-project-tiger-areas-uttara-kannada