Second phase of tiger census to have camera-trapping

The second phase of the tiger enumeration exercise will commence in the first week of January and entail camera-trapping of tigers and leopards in Bandipur.

The first phase of the census concluded on Monday with the volunteers dispersing after six days of data collection pertaining to carnivores, herbivores, and the surrounding vegetations at Bandipur, Nagarahole, BRT Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhadra, Anshi-Dandeli, and other reserve forests.

Conservator of Forests and director of Bandipur Tiger Reserve, H.C. Kantharaj, told The Hindu that the second phase would involve tiger specialists from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, and the Forest Department.

In all, 130 cameras would be placed at key and vantage points identified by trackers based on the movement of tigers in Bandipur alone. The objective is to get a photo identity of the big cats and the software developed by the authorities would help ascertain specific features based on the stripes of each of the animals and help eliminate duplication. Mr. Kantharaj said the first batch of the cameras had arrived and the department was awaiting the dispatch of the second batch of nearly 60 cameras which would help them cover about 50 per cent of tiger reserve landscape spread over 874 sq. km.

“The cameras will be in place for 45 days and once completed they will be fixed at other places so as to cover the entire tiger landscape area Each camera will have an 8 GB memory card and can store anywhere between 500 to 800 images. We will can either replace the memory card or carry our laptops, download the images, and reload the camera after formatting the memory card,” Mr. Kantharaj said.

D. Rajkumar of Wildlife Conservation Society said the camera would not only help identify the carnivore density but also help ascertain prey density of an area. He said the cameras would have infrared sensor. “It will be triggered off when the light beam is broken by the animal movement and the data so captured will be superior as the stripes and other patterns can be matched with the available database. It is also least intrusive and the animals are not disturbed,” Mr. Rajkumar said.

He pointed out that camera trapping was a reliable and a scientific method and helped ascertain the presence of Melanistic Leopard in Wayanad though it had not been sighted earlier. “As tigers are territorial, the camera trap method will be useful to ascertain as to how many tigers are living in any given area apart from helping the scientists in estimating the prey density and habitat evaluation,” Mr. Rajkumar said.

The data collected by volunteers in the first phase and the camera trapping results will be extrapolated by scientists to arrive at an estimation on the number of tigers which will be a close approximation. The last such survey and estimation was done in 2009 and the results were declared in 2010 as per which the number of tigers in Bandipur was estimated to be between 85 and 110 and on an average harboured one tiger for every 8 sq. km. The prey density in the national park is reckoned to be high to support tigers, leopards, dholes – the three flag-ship species of carnivores in Indian forests.

Mr. Kantharaj said the same protocol would be followed in other national parks such as Nagarahole, BRT Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhadra, Anshi-Dandeli.

The habitat evaluation would help identify if there were any areas bereft of tigers or other carnivores which could help ascertain the reason for it. A fallout would be intervention measures to improve wildlife habitat so that the spill-over animals could reclaim the forests.

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

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/second-phase-of-tiger-census-to-have-cameratrapping/article5494366.ece

Karnataka eyes Dudhsagar's waters again

The Karnataka government on Friday informed the the Mhadei water disputes tribunal team of its desire to revive projects to dam and divert Dudhsagar's tributaries to the River Kali basin to enhance the power generation, potable and irrigation potential of the Supa dam.

They claimed that the dam, built in 1987 across Kalinadi in Joida taluk of Uttara Kannada district, has been at full capacity for only the first two years, thus affecting the state. The dam has two electricity generators of 50 megawatt capacity each, a gross storage capacity of 4,178 Mcum and a live storage of 4,115.25 Mcum.

The tribunal was told of plans to divert Pasal, Diggi, Niranjol, Katla and Palna, by building five dams, to divert 5.27 tmc ft of water into the basin. Officials claimed that since the diverted water is meager it will not impact the River Dudhsagar.

The Goa team headed by additional chief engineer Premanand Kamat and WRD advisor Chetan Pandit objected to Karnataka's plans.

Karnataka had sent a detailed project report (DPR) over the same in November 1985 to the Centre. It was returned in October 1987.

Katla and Palna are two important perennial feeders of the Dudhsagar waterfalls that flow into the River Khandepar, joining River Mandovi (Mhadei) at Bimbal in Ponda. Both originate in the Anshi-Dandeli tiger reserve of Karnataka. River Khandepar provides water to Goa's Opa water treatment plant that supplies 140 MLD drinking water daily to Ponda and Tiswadi talukas.

Tribunal members once again raised questions of environmental and other clearances for the projects. Officials said work had not started yet and would only after clearances are received.

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

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-12-21/goa/45443878_1_mhadei-supa-dam-opa-water-treatment-plant

Tiger census gets under way in Karnataka

Final results expected in about eight months

The six-day tiger enumeration that got under way in the State as part of the nationwide exercise on Wednesday, is reckoned to be the world’s largest endeavour to count or estimate tigers in the wild.

More than 1,000 volunteers had registered for the State-wide tiger enumeration which will cover not only the notified Project Tiger reserves in the State but also other reserve forests and wildlife sanctuaries. Vinay Luthra, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), told The Hindu that an area of nearly 40,000 sq. km was being covered. “We are also assessing the status of prey density, co-predators and habitat status,” he added. The final results are expected to take between 6 and 8 months, Mr. Luthra said.

Karnataka has around 300 to 320 tigers as per the 2010 census and the bulk of it was in the tiger reserves of Bandipur (Mysore-Chamarajanagar districts), Nagarahole (Mysore-Kodagu) Bhadra (Chikamagalur), BRT Wildlife Sanctuary (Chamarajanagar), and Anshi-Dandeli (Uttara Kannada). However, there are indications of spill over population groups inhabiting areas outside the tiger reserves and the enumeration exercise would throw more light on it, according to H.C. Kantharaj, director, Bandipur Tiger Reserve.

The total tiger population range was in excess of 500 in the entire Western Ghat landscape complex spread over Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

The protocol for tiger enumeration has been devised by wildlife scientists and vetted by the National Tiger Conservation Authority and Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, and is being followed uniformly across the country. The procedure entails collecting field data at the beat level in the first phase followed by habitat analysis using satellite data and camera trapping methods in the subsequent phases. The data will be audited by wildlife scientists and experts.

“The methodology is simple and robust and the estimation will be based on studies of systematically distributed sampling units or beats throughout the tiger landscape. While the volunteers will seek signs of carnivores on the first three days by way of direct sighting and indirect evidence like scats or pellets and tracking pug marks, the focus will be on herbivore survey and vegetation for the remaining three days to give a holistic picture of the entire landscape,” Mr. Kantharaj said.

Volunteers will walk along the transect line and cover 15 km spread over three days and record carnivore signs. While 232 volunteers would collect samples in Bandipur, 106 would do it in Nagarahole. R. Gokul, Conservator of Forests, said this was a total census of carnivore, herbivore and vegetation which would give a holistic picture of the entire food chain in which tiger held the apex place.

The territorial forest area which are not under project tiger, are larger and is being covered across the State as any spill over animal population may have inhabited these ranges or their numbers diminished and the ongoing enumeration exercise will give a better picture of animal dispersal. The 2010 census pegged the tiger population across the country between 1,571 at the lower end and 1,875 at the higher end.

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

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/tiger-census-gets-under-way-in-state/article5475106.ece

1,576 families to be moved out to make room for tigers

As per NTCA directive, tiger reserves in state will be cleared of all human habitation over the next five years

Alongside the quadrennial tiger census spanning eight days that took off on a grand note on Monday, the four major tiger reserves (excluding Bandipur Tiger Reserve) are bracing up for a massive rehabilitation programme: A whopping 1,576 families will move out of the tiger zones. 

The move is billed as the largest such programme after the one in Bagalkot for the Upper Krishna Project at Alamatti. Local people supported by their representatives have refused to move out of the forest in the past. Now, the government has directed the forest department to rehabilitate all the families and has earmarked Rs 35 crore for the purpose. The whole exercise will cost over Rs 161 crore (see box). 

The 'Rehabilitation of families living inside Tiger Reserves, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries' will take wing from the current financial year. The programme has been set a deadline of five years. Families that voluntarily move out of Nagarahole, Bhadra, Dandeli-Anshi and Kudremukh reserves will be paid compensation as per the guidelines laid down by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). "For those willing to rehabilitate voluntarily from these protected areas, the government has consented to give a compensation package as directed by the NTCA at a cost of Rs 35 crore," the order said. 

As per the detailed assessment made by the forest department, more than 6,000 people need to be rehabilitated under the programme. All villagers inside Bandipur Tiger Reserve have already been rehabilitated, but the government could not continue the same in the remaining four reserves following intense protest all these years. But the government has no option now but to follow the directives from the Union government. In Nagarahole National Park area alone, falling in the backyard of chief minister Siddaramaiah's home district of Mysore, 818 families have to move. 

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

http://www.bangaloremirror.com/bangalore/others/1576-families-to-be-moved-out-to-make-room-for-tigers/articleshow/27660966.cms

Tiger census begins. Karnataka confident of burning bright

The All India Tiger Census, which is conducted once in four years, will be held in Karnataka from Monday. Officials of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve are expecting to return with top honours when the census ends on December 20. About 350 people from all over the state will take part in the census, which is the biggest in the country, according to forest officials.

As a first step, the enumerators will be trained by the forest officials for two days at Bandipur, Biligiriranga Tiger Reserve, Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, Chamarajanagar, Dandeli–Anshi Tiger Reserve, Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagarhole National Park, Kudremukh National Park and Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.

According to director of Bandipur Tiger Reserve, SK Kantaraju, the entire country will undertake the exercise from Monday, the first two days of which will be set aside for logistics training. 

According to the census of 2009, there were 1,740 tigers in the wild in the country and Karnataka topped the charts with 400 tigers. “We expect it to be more this year and the final number might reach 1,800 when the census concludes. But again, we do not know the nature’s ways,” Kantaraju said.

This time an additional wildlife sanctuary has come into being in Malai Mahadeshwara Hills, which is a part of Chamarajanagar district. District forest officer Javed Mumtaz said of the total of 400 tigers in Karnataka, Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary alone has over 100 tigers.

“If the enumeration goes as planned, I am sure Karnataka would top the list in the number of tigers in the country,” he said.

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

http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report-tiger-census-begins-karnataka-confident-of-burning-bright-1936002

Black panther makes surprise appearance in Dandeli

A rare sighting of a black panther was reported from Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve Safari on December 2 by a group of naturalists, including B B Mallesh, director of the reserve.

According to Mallesh, he was in the forest along with wildlife photographers Praveen Siddannavar, Mohan Thomas and Vijayan Thomas when they sighted the panther around 6pm.

Black panthers are commonly found in dense evergreen forests and low light forests. "Sighting a black panther is quite rare. Black panthers look like leopards, but without dots. They're listed as a threatened species by the IUCN," he said.

Very shy by nature, black panthers move during the nights and hunt small mammals like the chital, barking deer, mouse deer, hare and birds. They have sharp eyesight and sense of hearing. Poaching, loss of natural habitat, environmental degradation and construction of dams and roads are the primary reasons for them ending up as a critically threatened species.

Mallesh said very rarely are black panthers seen in the Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve. The area is very dense and spread over 1303 sqkm, and home to tigers, leopards, elephants, gaurs and other herbivores.

The DCF said the reserve has a good number of black panthers distributed mainly in the evergreen forests of Anshi, Diggi, Kumbarwada, Castlerock, Kuveshi and in the dense forests of Gund, Pansoli, Ulvi, Kulgi and Nagazari valley of Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve. But they're very rarely spotted.

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

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-12-10/bangalore/45033566_1_black-panthers-mice-deer-forests

Man-animal Conflict Likely to Rise in High Density Areas, Says Karanth

The tiger which killed three people in the Bandipur-Nagarhole region has finally been caught. This region has been considered a success story in the conservation of tigers across the world. But experts now feel that some conflict may definitely arise in such high density areas.

The Bandipur-Nagarhole region has been identified as a prime habitat for tigers. At present, it supports more than 150 animals. According to wildlife experts, tigers are territorial animals. Young or too old animals without territories are pushed to edges through intra-specific aggression. In some sense, the conflicts are a consequence of the past conservation successes. Noted international authority on tigers and director for Science-Asia, Wildlife Conservation Society, K Ullas Karanth said: “The current tiger population is high. We need to protect other areas such as Kaveri, MM Hills, Kudremukh and Anshi Dandeli to hold more tigers. However, in the long run, some conflict on the edges of high density areas is inevitable. Long-term planning, establishment of professionally trained animal damage control units at strategic locations, creating a cadre of trained officials, biologists and veterinarians are needed.” According to Karanth, the three recent attacks near Bandipur were clearly of a single tiger which has been persistently hunting human beings. “This is possibly due to some disability or being forced to the edges by other tigers,” he said.

Wildlife Conservationist D V Girish said: “There are two possibilities for these attacks; a conflict situation or an old, incapacitated animal finding new areas as it has been pushed by others. With villages abounding here, humans become easy prey for such tigers.”

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Vinay Luthra, who took charge on Thursday, was in Bandipur to oversee the operations. He said reserves may have a population of old and infirm tigers. It is difficult to ascertain when they turn killers. “Although it was a tough task we had enough people to tackle the situation. Four teams had been combing the area which is a large habitat.”

To a question if the area has been affected by man-animal conflict because it is surrounded by nearly 300 villages with people on the periphery of the reserve involved in farming, Karanth said: “We have squeezed wildlife into the last few patches such as Bandipur-Nagarahole and other major tiger reserves. In the last 150 years, the tigers’ range has shrunk by 93 per cent across Asia. Wildlife protected areas form less than four per cent of India’s land area.”

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

http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/Man-animal-Conflict-Likely-to-Rise-in-High-Density-Areas-Says-Karanth/2013/12/06/article1930894.ece

Stray dogs kill spotted deer in Joida

A spotted deer which had strayed near Maruti Temple in Joida from a nearby forest has been attacked and killed by the stray dogs here on Thursday morning. Even though villagers tried to save it and also passed the information to Forest Department, the attempt went in vain since the deer stopped breathing before the arrival of Veterinary doctor since it was succumbed to severe injuries.

Joida RFO Shri Satish Pujar filed the case and disposed the carcass according to the procedure.

Please find the attachment below for more details:

Man trampled to Death by Elephant near Joyda

A farmer is found dead after being attacked by an elephant at Panjeli near Joyda on Monday Morning.The victim has been identified as Mahadev Appaji Desai of Panjeli village. It is said that the incident happened on Sunday night when he was going to his field and suddenly the elephant attacked him which was grazing nearby.Due to severe bleeding and injuries he died on the spot. The incident came to light on next morning when his brother saw his body. 

Immediate Response from the Forest Department:

Soon after the incident, the forest department responded quickly by paying the compensation to the victim's family. Karwar Division Forest Officials in association with Dandeli Wildlife Division have given a Compensation Check of 2,00,000 Rs to the victim's wife at the spot and also assured the family that additionally 3,00,000 Rs compensation will be given once the case gets resolved.

Please find the details below:

ಆನೆ ದಾಳಿಗೆ ರೈತ ಬಲಿ

ತಾಲೂಕಿನ ನಾಗೋಡಾ ಗ್ರಾಪಂ ವ್ಯಾಪ್ತಿಯ ಪಾಂಜೇಲಿ ಸಮಿಪದ ಕಾಯಲೋವಾಡಾದ ಮನೆ ಎದುರಿನ ಹೊಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾನುವಾರ ರಾತ್ರಿ ಆನೆ ಏಕಾಏಕಿ ದಾಳಿ ಮಾಡಿ, ಓರ್ವ ರೈತನ ಎದೆ, ಹೊಟ್ಟೆ ಭಾಗವನ್ನು ಮೆಟ್ಟಿ ಸಾಯಿಸಿದೆ.
ಪಾಂಜೇಲಿಯ ಕಾಯಲೋವಾಡಾ ಎಂಬ ಮಜರೆಯ ರೈತನಾಗಿದ್ದ ಮಾದೇವ ಅಪ್ಪಾಜಿ ದೇಸಾಯಿ (45) ಭಾನುವಾರ ರಾತ್ರಿ 10ರ ಸುಮಾರಿಗೆ ಅನತಿ ದೂರದ ತನ್ನ ಹೊಲದ ಕಾಲು ದಾರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸಾಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದ. ಹೊಲದ ಬದಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ನೆಟ್ಟಿದ್ದ ಬಾಳೆ ಸಸಿ ತಿನ್ನುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಆನೆ ಹಠಾತ್ತನೆ ದಾಳಿ ಮಾಡಿ, ರೈತನನ್ನು ಸಾಯಿಸಿದೆ. ತೀವ್ರ ರಕ್ತಸ್ರಾವದಿಂದ ಆತ ಸ್ಥಳದಲ್ಲೇ ಮೃತಪಟ್ಟಿದ್ದಾನೆ. ತುಸು ದೂರದಲ್ಲೇ ಆತನ ಮನೆ ಇದ್ದರೂ ಮನೆಯವರಿಗೆ ಯಾವುದೇ ಶಬ್ದ ಕೇಳದೇ ಇರುವುದು ಆಶ್ಚರ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ಕಾರಣವಾಗಿದೆ. ಬೆಳಗಿನ ಜಾವ ಆತನ ಸಹೋದರ ಬಂದು ನೋಡಿದಾಗ ಮಾದೇವ ಸತ್ತುಬಿದ್ದಿದ್ದು ಕಂಡುಬಂದಿದೆ. ಆನೆ ದಾಳಿಗೆ ತುತ್ತಾಗಿ ಮೃತಟ್ಟ್ಟ ಮಾದೇವನ ಕುಟುಂಬಕ್ಕೆ ಅರಣ್ಯ ಇಲಾಖೆ ವನ್ಯಜೀವಿ ವಿಭಾಗದ ಸಹಕಾರದಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ಥಳದಲ್ಲೇ ರು. 2 ಲಕ್ಷ ಪರಿಹಾರದ ಚೆಕ್ಕನ್ನು ಆತನ ಪತ್ನಿ ಪಾರ್ವತಿ ದೇಸಾಯಿಗೆ ನೀಡಲಾಯಿತು. ಪ್ರಕರಣ ಇತ್ಯರ್ಥವಾದ ಬಳಿಕ ಉಳಿದ ರು. 3 ಲಕ್ಷ ಪರಿಹಾರ ನೀಡುವುದಾಗಿ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳು ಭರವಸೆ ನೀಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಅರಣ್ಯಾಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳು ಮೃತನ ಅಂತ್ಯ ಸಂಸ್ಕಾರಕ್ಕೆ ರು. 5 ಸಾವಿರ ಧನಸಹಾಯ ನೀಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

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

http://kannadaprabha.com/districts/mandya/%E0%B2%86%E0%B2%A8%E0%B3%86-%E0%B2%A6%E0%B2%BE%E0%B2%B3%E0%B2%BF%E0%B2%97%E0%B3%86-%E0%B2%B0%E0%B3%88%E0%B2%A4-%E0%B2%AC%E0%B2%B2%E0%B2%BF/66244.html

Tree Poles seized in Anshi

Tree Poles worth around thousands of rupees which were stored at a house in Baaki village, Anshi have been seized by the Anshi Wildlife Range officials and staff.

Acting on a tip off RFO Manjunath has raided Narasimha Govind Velip's house who had illegally stored these tree poles to construct his house.A case has been registered for the same.

Please find the attachment below for more details:

CM should protect Goa's tigers: Pandey

 Chief minister ManoharParrikar is environment-conscious and I am hopeful that he will take steps towards protecting the Goan tigers and their habitat as it will simultaneously protect not only tigers but also the state's forest, biodiversity, ecology and water resources, said Mike Pandey, the famous wildlife filmmaker. documentaries with efforts to protect "everything from whale sharks to elephants, vultures to medicinal plants."

In 1994, Pandey became the first Asian film-maker to win the prestigious Wildscreen Panda Award.

While speaking to TOI from Ranthambor, he said, "I am happy to know that Goa's forests department has proved the existence of tiger in Goa's forest through the camera trap. I personally sighted a tigress with cubs in Goa's forest in October 2012. The Western Ghats in Goa serve as habitat for tigers when they multiply and are looking for new areas to settle in. I have been working in the Tillari and Dandeli region and the Western Ghats of southern Goa. I have been following the pug marks of a tiger in the region for the last ten years and can say that the predator is indigenous to South Goa and has not migrated to the region."

Pandey asserted, "There is need of joint efforts from the governments of Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka governments to protect the apex predator of the food chain. The Western Ghats are the most vulnerable area. Tillari valley, the ChorlaGhat and the Mhadei region are the richest biodiversity areas and need to be protected. As the presence of tigers in Goa has now been established, there is proof that tiger is there in Goa. It is the responsibility of the central as well as Goa government to take steps on priority basis to protect the Goan tiger and its habitat."

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

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-05-16/goa/39309648_1_south-goa-mike-pandey-the-western-ghats

Spotted Deer Poachers held in Haliyal

Three poachers who had allegedly killed a fawn aged around 1 Year at Kesarolli near Haliyal have been arrested by the Haliyal Forest division officials.Acting upon a tip off Haliyal RFO Shri P S Halabhavi and staff have arrested three residents of Kesarolli and seized 10 kg of meat, Gun, Bikes,Mobiles and other accessories used for the poaching.

Please find the attachment below for more details:

Fire ravages Dandeli-Anshi Forests

The man-made fire ravaged almost all part of Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve destroying precious Flora and Fauna.The fire which started in February has burnt thousands of hectares in all five ranges and has continued till today.It is said that Vincholi,Sykes Point,Safari Road in Kulgi Range,Safari Road,Syntheri Rocks in Phansoli Range,Shivpur in Gund Range,Sulageri in Anshi Range are the areas where major portion of the forest area has been burnt.Apart from these areas even precious patches in Haliyal and Karwar Territorial Divisions also have been burnt.

Please find the attached below for more details:

Dandeli Anshi Tiger Reserve gets New Range

A big boost to wildlife conservation efforts in dandeli-anshi forests.  Castle rock forest which was a part of Tinnaighat Range of Haliyal Territorial Division has been formed as a New Wildlife Range and the area has been officially transferred to Dandeli Wildlife Division(Dandeli Anshi Tiger Reserve). This development will definitely boost the wildlife conservation efforts since the new area added is a link between Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary and Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and also it borders with Mollem National Park, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary of Goa. Castle rock forest has good prey-predator density and acts as an important wildlife corridor between Karnataka and Goa forests.

We should be very thankful to the sincere efforts put by Shri Sanjay Gubbi-Member of State Board for Wildlife, Shri Balachandra Hegde-Honorary Wildlife Warden of Uttara Kannada District and Forest Department officials who are instrumental in adding these forests to the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. Hence now the total area of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is 886 Sq.Kms.

Details of the area are given below:

Name of the Range: Castle Rock Wildlife Range

Sub Division: Anshi Wildlife Sub Division

Circle: Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve

Area of the Range: 248.0661Sq.Kms

Taluq: Joyda

District: Uttara Kannada
Please find the attached DATR landscape in which we can see the new area linking with rest of the PAs.

Mhadei tiger unique to Goa, claims expert

The verdict is out! At long last, Goa can authoritatively pride itself as being home to its very own big cat – the majestic tiger. The ‘stripe matching’ of the Goan tiger was authenticated by a top tiger expert, authorities said. 

New Roman'; font-size: medium; text-align: justify;">Tiger stripes are unique, with each one like a fingerprint and identifies the stately animal.

Please find the pictures of a Tigress which was recently caught on a camera trap set by Goa Forest Department. This is the first photographic evidence of Resident Tigress in the state.

Dr K  Ullas Karanth, a conservation zoologist and leading tiger expert based in Karnataka, who is working closely with the state on tigers, has confirmed to the Forest Department that the tiger that was photographed recently  was unique to Goa and not part of any of the 600 tigers who live in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

There are only approximately 1400 tigers left in the entire country, which had a large tiger population. 

“The stripes do not match (with tigers from other states). This is a new tiger,” Richard D’ Souza, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests told Herald, explaining that each tiger has a footprint that is unique.

“The stripes are like a finger print,” he said adding that the expert is doing a survey for the next four years - till 2017 – and he would be using a lot of cameras to find out if there are any new tigers.

The Wildlife Census conducted by the Goa Forest Department had indicated the presence of three and five tigers respectively in 1993 and 1997. The last 2002 census estimated that there are five tigers in the tiny state. There have been consistent reports of pug marks, actual sightings, cattle carcasses and in 2009 the media carried extensive reports of a tiger killed in Keri-Sattari. 

In June 2011, the then Environment minister Jairam Ramesh  had written to the Goa Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat, asking him to consider setting up a tiger reserve in the state. But till date nothing has been done, though in an apparent change of heart, the Forest Department has acknowledged that the majestic cat is a ‘Goenkar.’ 

Mhadei situated in Sattari taluka of North Goa and spread over 208 square kilometre is being mooted as a tiger reserve and though small, it is a contiguous tiger landscape to Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka in the south-east and Anshi Dandeli Tiger Reserve in the south. This contiguous area has 35 tigers according to the All India Tiger Estimate, 2010

“There is no tiger presence in Goa. If there are any tigers, they are only migratory. Goa’s forests have no resident tigers,” Dr Sashi kumar the then chief wildlife warden had told media when a tiger carcass was found in 2009.

“The Status of Tigers, Co-Predators and Prey in India, 2008,” by the Wildlife Institute of India have stated that areas in Goa and their contiguous forests in Karnataka and Maharashtra could possibly be some of the best potential tiger habitats in the Western Ghats region and that restoration, conservation and strict protection can and will support a healthy population of large cats in this region. The 2010 estimation report says that Goa can be home to a small breeding population of tigers that can be sustained by Anshi-Dandeli and Sahayadri,  and would benefit from being part of the tiger reserve complex.

However, more than one third of Goa’s 90-odd operational open cast iron ore mines, including those run by the most powerful business families are close to the states wildlife sanctuaries, --Mhadei, Netravali and Bhagwan Mahaveer – and setting up a tiger reserve would entail a monitored implementation of all wildlife norms and thereby create problems for mining.

Surla, Sattari, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Molem National Park and Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, Sanguem, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary – all forested - form a contiguous belt of primarily dense forest across Goa and connect the Western Ghats forests of Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Goa’s four wildlife sanctuaries are located on the eastern side of the state, in the Western Ghats, covering an area of about 750 km2 (290 square miles).The Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park all fall within the Mhadei River basin. The Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is located between 15° 48" 33' to 14° 53" 54' N and 74° 20" 13' to 73° 40" 33' E. 

The Mhadei River~ known downstream as the Mandovi River, the lifeline of the state of Goa~ originates in Karnataka, travels28.8 km (17.9 miles) in Karnataka, passes 9.4 km (5.8 miles) through the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and meets the Arabian Sea at Panjim after meandering for 81.2 km (50.5 miles) in Goa.

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

http://oheraldo.in/News/Main%20Page%20News/Mhadei-tiger-unique-to-Goa-claims-expert/73957.html

Who started the fire?

Come summer, and State’s reserves face the problem of forest fires. Most of these fires are manmade, and are triggered either by vested interests or by accident. The reasons are many, and so are the methods. 

Dandeli, Nagarhole, Bandipur, Biligirirangana Betta and Kudremukh are the State’s most well-known sanctuaries, which are also tiger reserves. These forest regions are known for their rich biodiversity, from many varieties of trees including sandalwood and honne to a host of medicinal plants. Apart from tigers, the wildlife in these forests include elephants, sambars, deer, bears, langurs, Malabar squirrels, etc.

 Come summer, there’s invariably the problem of forest fires. While natural forest fires are part of nature’s cycle, there are other forest fires that are sometimes triggered by man. 

Forest fires that occur at a time when the region is already facing drought spells double-trouble for wildlife. The Bandipur region is facing one of its worst droughts ever this year, with all the water bodies having gone dry. 

Bamboo, which is present in the forest regions of the State, blooms once in 40 years. Last year and the year before that, bamboo in the State had bloomed. Once the bamboo blooms, it dies. This year, because of the failure of rain, the forest regions in the State are full of dry bamboo. There are elements that misuse such a scenario to trigger a fire. According to forest authorities, the months from February to May call for extra vigil. The reasons for manmade fires are many. 

Most forest reserves adjoin agricultural land. Sometimes, farmers trigger fires because they believe that grass growth will improve later, and will provide adequate grazing space for cattle. Then, there is the fear of monkey fever that raises it head during summer. People believe setting fire in the forest could solve that problem. Also, there is the problem of poaching. Poachers and small-time hunters often set fire to leaves because they need to enter the forest stealthily. They try and prevent the rustling of dry leaves when they step on them in the forest, by burning leaves. Tourists inadvertently trigger a forest fire when they throw cigarette stubs. Also, locals looking for honey and non-timber forest produce (NTFP) could set fire in the forest. Then, there are those seeking to avenge punishment meted out to them by the Forest Department, for having chopped trees for firewood. The reasons are many, and the methods are many as well. Forest watchers strive hard to bring the fire under control. The incident of a woman wage worker slipping and falling into the fire when she was trying to douse a fire in the Dandeli forest may be recalled here. The woman succumbed to burns.

It was not too long ago when an incident of some elements triggering a fire in Kulagi range of Dandeli occurred. The Forest Department, on its part, says it is trying its best to create awareness about forest fires and what they do to the ecosystem. Also, to combat drought conditions, the Department has also built percolation pits in the Bandipur region to supply water to wildlife.

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

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/330710/who-started-fire.html

Shri B B Mallesh is the New Director of Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve

Sri B.B.Mallesh, IFS (KN-2001), has been appointed as the Conservator of Forests and Director of Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve.Sri B B Mallesh who hails from Kodagu District has earlier served as DCF of Haliyal,Madikeri Divisions and DCF of Forest Technical and Training Institute,Bangalore.

Summer renders big cats vulnerable

As summer peaks, the state forest department has something important to contend with -- vulnerability of big cats in Project Tiger areas.. Summers result in the tiger stripes showing:

With soaring temperature, the big cats come out of hiding more often to quench their thirst at water holes, rendering them visible.

Patrolling on foot and even on vehicles around water holes goes up during summer months. "In the southern reserves, density of tigers is quite high. Hence it becomes very easy to spot an animal in the summer months. Given that our staff strength is now better than what it was a few years ago, we are certainly able to depute more people to keep a check on the important ranges," said Dipak Sarmah, principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife) and the chief wildlife warden, Karnataka forest department.

Poaching, however, still remains a real big threat this summer. Last July, there were attempts last July by a gang of tribal people, natives of Haryana, attempted to sneak into the BRT area, but were arrested well before they could execute their plan.

In a recent case, a melanistic leopard (commonly called black panther) was ensnared in the Sivali beat of Tamange section of Gund range, in Dandeli-Anshi reserve. The carcass of the three-year-old leopard was found on March 5.

The leopard, in its quest to get to the carcass of the squirrel, was also ensnared and got killed.

Senior forest officials maintain that the big cats are vulnerable at all times, summer season not being an exception. "It is true that the visibility of the animals is increasing now, but it is also easy for the patrolling team to cover more distance. Even the vehicles can move at ease during this time to keep a better check on poachers," said R Gokul, director and conservator, Nagarahole Tiger Reserve.

As animal sightings become frequent, poachers are also more visible, thanks to the depleting green forest cover which exposes them, said senior officials.

Box

Number of tiger deaths in Project Tiger Reserves between 1.1.2012-31.3.13 - 23

Poaching deaths - 4 (Monetary implication)

Poisoning deaths - 2 (Revenge killing)

Number of tiger deaths in Nagarahole Tiger Reserve since 2007 - 7

(Source: State forest department)

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

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-04-03/bangalore/38247622_1_nagarahole-tiger-reserve-tiger-deaths-big-cats

Black Panther snared at Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve

A black panther aged around three years is found dead in Shevali Beat,Tammanagi Section,Gund Wildlife Range.The big cat's carcass is found on a tree.It is said that the cat died when it tried to feed on a Giant Squirrel's carcass which was also caught in a snare set by the poachers on the tree.

Please find the attachment below for more details:

Government says ‘no’ to new mini hydel projects in Western Ghats

The State government has cancelled 10 mini-hydel projects in the Western Ghats that faced legal challenges and has decided not to permit any new plants in the region. This was informed to the High Court on Wednesday.

Following the State government’s submission, the High Court disposed of a PIL petition filed by Prashant G Yavagal and the Western Ghats Environment Forum against mini-hydel projects.

The submission was made by the State Forest Department and the Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL). Satisfied by the action taken by the authorities, the division bench comprising acting Chief Justice K Sreedhar Rao and Justice abdul Nazeer disposed of the writ petitions.

However, regarding one mini hydel project, by Maruthi Power Gen Private Limited, the division bench granted liberty to approach the authorities with a fresh application. The same can be forwarded to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests . 

As per the affidavit filed by the State government, three power projects - the Dandeli Mini Hydel Station (MHS) with 18 mega watt (MW) capacity at Dandeli across River Kali in Uttara Kannada district; the one at Kaneri and Supa Reservoir (4 MW) in Kumbarwada of Uttara Kannada taluk; the one at Nanniruhalla (3 MW) across Nanniruhalla stream of River Sharavathi in Uttara Kannada district have been cancelled by the Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL).

Apart from these, Kelasi MHS (5 MW) across River Bedti at Kelasi village in Uttara Kannada district has not been commissioned by KREDL for want of approval under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.

The Mavaling MHS (4 MW) across River Kali near Mavaling village of Joida taluk in Uttara Kannada district hit a roadblock as the proposal to conduct a survey has been turned down by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.

Another project of the Dandeli MHS (12 MW) across River Kali has also been rejected by the State government, after the Union government informed the State that 75 hectares of forest will be submerged due to this project. 

As per the affidavit and details submitted to the High Court, four other projects across River Gangavalli (5 MW each) in Yellapur taluk have also been rejected for not obtaining forest clearance.

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

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/315456/government-says-no-mini-hydel.html

Drop in forest cover hits honey bees

The Western Ghats Task Force of Karnataka has expressed concern over decline in honey bee colonies in forests.

Addressing presspersons here on Thursday, Anant Hegde Ashisar, chairman of the task force, said that the number of honey bee colonies is coming down in the forests. He attributed it to factors such as decline in forest cover, loss of different varieties of trees that house honey bee colonies, and use of pesticides for crops.

Most of the farmers are now looking at rubber as a cash crop. This has led to the rapid expansion of rubber plantations in villages. In the process, many farmers remove the flower-bearing plants and deny nectars to bees.

Ashisar said that many contractors, who get rights to collect honey from the Forest Department by paying a small sum in the tendering process, extract honey in a crude way by setting fire to the colonies. This is also one of the reasons for decline in the number of honey bee colonies in forest areas, he said.

SUGGESTIONS

Stating that experts from agriculture universities have stressed on sustainable honey harvesting methods, Ashisar said village forest committees should be entrusted with the task of collecting honey from bee colonies in forests. The Forest Department should do away with awarding contract for honey extractions in forests.

Ashisar suggested that the Forest Department should encourage growing different varieties of trees that house honey bee colonies in the villages adjoining the forests. The nurseries of Forest Department should supply such varieties to farmers.

The departments concerned such as forests, horticulture, and agriculture and horticulture varsities should work together for development of honey bee colonies in forests and other areas, he said.

Experts from agriculture universities have studied the pattern of honey bee culture in the forest areas of Yellapur in Uttara Kannada district. Their study report will be released on February 28, he added.

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

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/agri-biz/drop-in-forest-cover-hits-honey-bees/article4415181.ece?homepage=true&ref=wl_home

Another Pride to Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve

Another Pride to Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve.
Shri Chandrakant R Naik,Deputy Range Forest Officer,Nujji Section,Kumbarwada Wildlife Range,Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve has been honoured with "Prakruti Mitra 2013" Award by BNMIT Bangalore for his signficant contribution towards Wildlife Conservation.It is important to notice that Last Year also he was awarded with prestigious Jumbo Wildlife Awards.It is a matter of pride for Entire Karnataka Forest Department to have such a dedicated staff.

It is also a pride for us since some of the other eminent personalities who were selected for this award are,