The carcass of an eight-month tiger cub was found in the Maddur range of the Bandipur national park on Wednesday, taking the death toll to six in this tiger reserve since August 2009.
“Evidently, the tiger might have died eight days ago. Though the carcass was found deep in the forest near a cattle kill, the post mortem did not indicate that the cub may have been poisoned.” said B K Singh, Chief Wildlife Warden.
Shockingly, Mr Singh suggested that the cub could have been killed by its mother. We have heard tales of a male killing cubs, more of other tigers' off-spring. But a mother killing its own cub is bewildering indeed.
Obviously, the CWW has no wildlife background. In such a scenario, he should make no comment at all. He has embarassed the IFS cadre in Karnataka and Dr Rajesh Gopal, member-secreatry, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
According to Sanjay Gubbi, India program officer of Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), there was nothing left of the cattle kill and the cub. “The cattle kill was dry and there was very left of the cub to do a post-mortem.”
There is concern that the mother might have perished after sharing the kill with its cub. “Normally a mother does not abandon a cub so young. There was concern that the tigress may also have died. But there were no such indication,” said Gubbi.
Though as many as six tigers have died in the Bandipur reserve in six months and the paws of a dead tiger are yet to be recovered, Karnataka’s chief wildlife warden was unperturbed. “I should worry if there are any unnatural deaths. But most have died naturally,” said B K Singh, who had asked conservationists if there were tiger sand elephants in California when he assumed office as the CWW.
God save our wildlife.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Save Tigers: Admonish Errant Forest Ministers
There is another earnest effort by the Indian government to save our endangered tigers. We have to appreciate Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for taking the initiative to personally talk to concerned ministers in Tiger States (states which have tiger reserves), cajoling them to save our flagship species, which has been under constant threat from poachers and cash-greedy, vote-hungry politicians.
Concerned with the recent death of 15 tigers, the Prime Minister has asked the tiger states to do more to save the tiger population, which is faced with a do-or-die situation in our reserves and protected areas.
If the states fail to respond to the prime minister's call forthwith, the situation could worsen as poachers are on the prowl. Like most of our pea-brained politicians, they wouldn't mind if another 200 tigers are killed for their pelt and 'invigorating' body parts. They are ruthless and know little about the natural prey-predator cycle in habitats and the role of the umbrella species in our eco-system.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has been in place since 2007. the National Board for Wildlife meets frequently to assess the ground situation and briefs the PM. The PM in turn ensures all the requirements, including funds, for protection are met. All is hunky-dory until an advisory is issued to tiger states. As history manifests, nothing really happens thereafter. The advisory files merely cruise to and fro from the forest department to the forest secretary's office. Eventually, the files gather dust.
In Karnataka the situation is going from bad to worse. Though some officers are keen to follow and implement the Centre's orders, they are constrained from executing their tasks. Frequent transfers of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF)and Chief Wildlife Wardens (CWW) reflect the attitude of the Yeddyurrappa government which seems to have its own agenda.
The scenario is such that no officer is willing to question the authority or intentions of the forest minister for fear of being reprimanded with a transfer. The present Director General of Forests (now ensconced in New Delhi), Mr Dileep Kumar was a victim himself, as he dared the forest minister. He was transferred overnight.
Not many senior officers have the conviction to speak their mind. They merely, to some extent reluctantly, sign files that are sent to them from the forest minister's office. A rubber stamp could replace them, isn't it?
You can well imagine what lower-ranked officers would do when their seniors/ mentors themselves buckle under pressure. How we wish another Parameshwarappa is born to tame arrogant ministers and bureaucrats. As PCCF, Mr Parameshwarappa would ask the ministers themselves to sign the files if any favour was sought by the timber and mining lobby. He was tough as nails.
Unfortunately, we don't have officers of such ilk now. Of course, there are a good number of young and dynamic Deputy Conservator of Forests who are genuinely interested in saving our rapidly-decimated forests and wildlife. But they are not allowed to function.
Coming back to the PM's endeavor, Mr Singh would do well to have a central team of Chief Conservator of Forests to man our 38 tiger reserves. They should report to the Member Secretary, National Tiger Conservation Authority. They should be empowered to control/ enhance the protection mechanism/ execute guidelines laid down by the NTCA.
It is obviously highly difficult to have such an ideal scenario in a democractic system, where different political parties rule different states. But at least, the PM could get all the chief ministers of the states to agree on this principle in the interest of our dwindling wildlife, more so the future of our own children, grand children, great grand children, great great grand children (if our politicians don't plunder our forest wealth by then).
When the Centre provides funds to tiger states it obviously should have some control over the happenings in the reserves. It should get the errant states (Karnataka for one), to agree to certain conditions, like the appointment of an officer who has served in wildlife parks for the post of Field Director Project Tiger (FDPT) and in posting efficient, credible men as CCFs of DCFs in Tiger reserves. The sooner this is done, the better.
If any forest minister or bureaucrat infringes the Wildlife Protection Act (1972), Forest Act, undermines the guidelines of the NTCA and disrespects the CEC, he should hauled up in court and publicly questioned and admonished on all the national television networks. Else, it will be darn difficult to tame them.
Hopefully, our forest ministers accede to our prime minister's latest clarion call to save our endangered tigers.
Concerned with the recent death of 15 tigers, the Prime Minister has asked the tiger states to do more to save the tiger population, which is faced with a do-or-die situation in our reserves and protected areas.
If the states fail to respond to the prime minister's call forthwith, the situation could worsen as poachers are on the prowl. Like most of our pea-brained politicians, they wouldn't mind if another 200 tigers are killed for their pelt and 'invigorating' body parts. They are ruthless and know little about the natural prey-predator cycle in habitats and the role of the umbrella species in our eco-system.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has been in place since 2007. the National Board for Wildlife meets frequently to assess the ground situation and briefs the PM. The PM in turn ensures all the requirements, including funds, for protection are met. All is hunky-dory until an advisory is issued to tiger states. As history manifests, nothing really happens thereafter. The advisory files merely cruise to and fro from the forest department to the forest secretary's office. Eventually, the files gather dust.
In Karnataka the situation is going from bad to worse. Though some officers are keen to follow and implement the Centre's orders, they are constrained from executing their tasks. Frequent transfers of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF)and Chief Wildlife Wardens (CWW) reflect the attitude of the Yeddyurrappa government which seems to have its own agenda.
The scenario is such that no officer is willing to question the authority or intentions of the forest minister for fear of being reprimanded with a transfer. The present Director General of Forests (now ensconced in New Delhi), Mr Dileep Kumar was a victim himself, as he dared the forest minister. He was transferred overnight.
Not many senior officers have the conviction to speak their mind. They merely, to some extent reluctantly, sign files that are sent to them from the forest minister's office. A rubber stamp could replace them, isn't it?
You can well imagine what lower-ranked officers would do when their seniors/ mentors themselves buckle under pressure. How we wish another Parameshwarappa is born to tame arrogant ministers and bureaucrats. As PCCF, Mr Parameshwarappa would ask the ministers themselves to sign the files if any favour was sought by the timber and mining lobby. He was tough as nails.
Unfortunately, we don't have officers of such ilk now. Of course, there are a good number of young and dynamic Deputy Conservator of Forests who are genuinely interested in saving our rapidly-decimated forests and wildlife. But they are not allowed to function.
Coming back to the PM's endeavor, Mr Singh would do well to have a central team of Chief Conservator of Forests to man our 38 tiger reserves. They should report to the Member Secretary, National Tiger Conservation Authority. They should be empowered to control/ enhance the protection mechanism/ execute guidelines laid down by the NTCA.
It is obviously highly difficult to have such an ideal scenario in a democractic system, where different political parties rule different states. But at least, the PM could get all the chief ministers of the states to agree on this principle in the interest of our dwindling wildlife, more so the future of our own children, grand children, great grand children, great great grand children (if our politicians don't plunder our forest wealth by then).
When the Centre provides funds to tiger states it obviously should have some control over the happenings in the reserves. It should get the errant states (Karnataka for one), to agree to certain conditions, like the appointment of an officer who has served in wildlife parks for the post of Field Director Project Tiger (FDPT) and in posting efficient, credible men as CCFs of DCFs in Tiger reserves. The sooner this is done, the better.
If any forest minister or bureaucrat infringes the Wildlife Protection Act (1972), Forest Act, undermines the guidelines of the NTCA and disrespects the CEC, he should hauled up in court and publicly questioned and admonished on all the national television networks. Else, it will be darn difficult to tame them.
Hopefully, our forest ministers accede to our prime minister's latest clarion call to save our endangered tigers.
Friday, March 19, 2010
God Save Bandipur's vulnerable tigers
It is heartening that the Indian government has willed itself to set up a new department for wildlife conservation under the Ministry for Environment and Forests to ensure regular flow of funds for wildlife protection.
The proposed department is to have its have a secretary and a separate budget. This has been done to relocate forest settlers from the core areas of tiger reserves. Great news!!
If the decision of the National Board for Wildlife, chaired by prime minister Manmohan Singh is to be translated into action, the government ought to do more than just dole out funds to states which have a viable/ vulnerable tiger populations. It has to act tough, even wrap the non-performing tiger states on its knuckles to get the results.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was created at the behest of the prime minister to save the critically endangered tiger from possible extinction in India's tiger reserves. But NTCA, despite drawing a techinal document to form guidelines for preparation of a tiger conservation plan, has been a mute, rather toothless, spectator to all the gory, heinous happenings in the 38 reserves that have been earmarked for the protection of India's flagship species.
If Dr Rajesh Gopal, member secretary, NTCA is vexed, there is reason. Not more than twelve tiger reserves have been following NTCA's guidelines. There has been utter disregard for the authority, with each tiger state having its own set of rules, problems relating to acute shortage of funds and field staff, rising man-animal conflicts, shrinking habitats...
Let's have a look at NTCAs "Approach to Tiger Conservation Planning'. It lists out seven points in consolidating and strengthening fo source populations of tiger in tiger reserves and protected areas:
1. Protection, anti-poaching activities and networking
2. Strengthening of infrastructure within tiger reserves
3. Habitat improvement, including water development
4. Rehabilitation package for traditional hunting tribes living around tiger reserves
5. Staff development and capacity building
6. Delineating inviolate spaces for wildlife and relocation of villagers from crucial habitats in tiger reserves within a time frame (five years) and settlement of rights
7. Safeguarding tiger habitats from ecologically unsustainable development.
Wow! That is promising, right? But in reality, though the guidelines were issued in 2007, tiger states are far from achieving at least three of these crucial tasks.
Let's take the porous, open-to-poachers Bandipur National Park for a case study. The 992 sqkm park, according to Wildlife Institute of India's (WII)figures, is home to approximately 80 tigers. Already, 15 tigers have succumbed to territorial fights and poaching over the last 12 months. If the present situation (lack of protection) is to be prudently assessed, it won't be long before Bandipur goes the Sariska and Panna way. Both these reserves lost all its tigers to poaching for obvious reasons. cing.
The ground reality in Bandipur national park: There is an acute 54 per cent shortage of front line staff. Of the 46 per cent on roles, 16 per cent fall in the "petty cash payment" temporary staff category. Most of those engaged in protection work are emancipated, bone weary and disillusioned.
It is fortunate that the temporary staff are now getting their pay in time (unlike when they would get their pay once in four or five months after much goading and remonstration). But without an off day to rest and share their life with their families, they are not even performing at 35 per cent of their ability.
So, what is the NTCA talking about "staff development and capacity building" and "protection, anti-poaching activities and networking." Apparently, these guidelines are Greek and Latin to the Karnataka government, which has done precious little to protect its endangered tigers, established to be 290 at the last count. The Karnataka forest minister we are told has no clue about what the "Save the tiger" clamour is all about. His inaction reflects that he doesn't care.
Forget the forest minister. Let's ask what the IFS-heavy Karnataka Forest Department is doing to protect wildlife and motivate its foot soldiers, who are the eyes, ears and nose of the forest. Without the watchers, trackers and guards our wildlife denizens would disappear, even before you utter "Swami Nityananda Namaha". Very few officers feel for the underpaid, overworked, stressed staff. Very few have a likening for wildlife. Some seem to have stumbled into the department for want of a decorated, cushy 10 to five job. So it seems.
Taken the argument further, it could be said that only a couple of range forest officers are doing or like doing what they have assigned to do. Bandipur, which borders the forests of Kerala (Waynaad wildlife sanctuary) and Tamil Nadu Mudumalai Tiger Resrve), is divided into 12 vast ranges.
We should glad even if three rangers are functioning. It is alleged that they had paid politicians to get themselves posted in places of their choice. Obviously, they have to recover their investment! Obviously, they have chores other than patrolling and protection to do!
Forget the lackadaisical attitude of the Karnataka government, the ineptitude of the decision-making IFS cadre and the slumbering rangers, the critical post of the Field Director Project Tiger (FDPT) can itself be questioned when it is not given to the right personnel. How can we expect a Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) who has no wildlife back ground to perform, protect tigers. It has been the fancy of the Karnataka government to appoint any Tom, Dick and Harry as FDPT, without a care in the world about the future of the vulnerable tiger.
We are told that the relocation of villages from critical tiger habitats have suffered a setback because of the frequent transfer of officers in Bandipur and Nagarhole national parks. The centre had set a five-year time frame to delineate inviolate spaces for wildlife and relocation of villages. But it could take an eternity before this can be achieved. Where are we heading?
To cut the long story short, the Centre, which frets over tiger death, and the NTCA, which is powerless as it is toothless, could do well to reprimand the tiger states if they don't follow the Tiger Conservation Plan. Unless, this is done, there is no point having high-level meetings and setting up new departments for wildlife protection.
Wish our Union Minister for Environment and Forests, Jairam Ramesh does something about the hapless situation in Bandipur before it goes the Sariska and Panna way.
Should we say, God save out dwindling tigers.
The proposed department is to have its have a secretary and a separate budget. This has been done to relocate forest settlers from the core areas of tiger reserves. Great news!!
If the decision of the National Board for Wildlife, chaired by prime minister Manmohan Singh is to be translated into action, the government ought to do more than just dole out funds to states which have a viable/ vulnerable tiger populations. It has to act tough, even wrap the non-performing tiger states on its knuckles to get the results.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was created at the behest of the prime minister to save the critically endangered tiger from possible extinction in India's tiger reserves. But NTCA, despite drawing a techinal document to form guidelines for preparation of a tiger conservation plan, has been a mute, rather toothless, spectator to all the gory, heinous happenings in the 38 reserves that have been earmarked for the protection of India's flagship species.
If Dr Rajesh Gopal, member secretary, NTCA is vexed, there is reason. Not more than twelve tiger reserves have been following NTCA's guidelines. There has been utter disregard for the authority, with each tiger state having its own set of rules, problems relating to acute shortage of funds and field staff, rising man-animal conflicts, shrinking habitats...
Let's have a look at NTCAs "Approach to Tiger Conservation Planning'. It lists out seven points in consolidating and strengthening fo source populations of tiger in tiger reserves and protected areas:
1. Protection, anti-poaching activities and networking
2. Strengthening of infrastructure within tiger reserves
3. Habitat improvement, including water development
4. Rehabilitation package for traditional hunting tribes living around tiger reserves
5. Staff development and capacity building
6. Delineating inviolate spaces for wildlife and relocation of villagers from crucial habitats in tiger reserves within a time frame (five years) and settlement of rights
7. Safeguarding tiger habitats from ecologically unsustainable development.
Wow! That is promising, right? But in reality, though the guidelines were issued in 2007, tiger states are far from achieving at least three of these crucial tasks.
Let's take the porous, open-to-poachers Bandipur National Park for a case study. The 992 sqkm park, according to Wildlife Institute of India's (WII)figures, is home to approximately 80 tigers. Already, 15 tigers have succumbed to territorial fights and poaching over the last 12 months. If the present situation (lack of protection) is to be prudently assessed, it won't be long before Bandipur goes the Sariska and Panna way. Both these reserves lost all its tigers to poaching for obvious reasons. cing.
The ground reality in Bandipur national park: There is an acute 54 per cent shortage of front line staff. Of the 46 per cent on roles, 16 per cent fall in the "petty cash payment" temporary staff category. Most of those engaged in protection work are emancipated, bone weary and disillusioned.
It is fortunate that the temporary staff are now getting their pay in time (unlike when they would get their pay once in four or five months after much goading and remonstration). But without an off day to rest and share their life with their families, they are not even performing at 35 per cent of their ability.
So, what is the NTCA talking about "staff development and capacity building" and "protection, anti-poaching activities and networking." Apparently, these guidelines are Greek and Latin to the Karnataka government, which has done precious little to protect its endangered tigers, established to be 290 at the last count. The Karnataka forest minister we are told has no clue about what the "Save the tiger" clamour is all about. His inaction reflects that he doesn't care.
Forget the forest minister. Let's ask what the IFS-heavy Karnataka Forest Department is doing to protect wildlife and motivate its foot soldiers, who are the eyes, ears and nose of the forest. Without the watchers, trackers and guards our wildlife denizens would disappear, even before you utter "Swami Nityananda Namaha". Very few officers feel for the underpaid, overworked, stressed staff. Very few have a likening for wildlife. Some seem to have stumbled into the department for want of a decorated, cushy 10 to five job. So it seems.
Taken the argument further, it could be said that only a couple of range forest officers are doing or like doing what they have assigned to do. Bandipur, which borders the forests of Kerala (Waynaad wildlife sanctuary) and Tamil Nadu Mudumalai Tiger Resrve), is divided into 12 vast ranges.
We should glad even if three rangers are functioning. It is alleged that they had paid politicians to get themselves posted in places of their choice. Obviously, they have to recover their investment! Obviously, they have chores other than patrolling and protection to do!
Forget the lackadaisical attitude of the Karnataka government, the ineptitude of the decision-making IFS cadre and the slumbering rangers, the critical post of the Field Director Project Tiger (FDPT) can itself be questioned when it is not given to the right personnel. How can we expect a Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) who has no wildlife back ground to perform, protect tigers. It has been the fancy of the Karnataka government to appoint any Tom, Dick and Harry as FDPT, without a care in the world about the future of the vulnerable tiger.
We are told that the relocation of villages from critical tiger habitats have suffered a setback because of the frequent transfer of officers in Bandipur and Nagarhole national parks. The centre had set a five-year time frame to delineate inviolate spaces for wildlife and relocation of villages. But it could take an eternity before this can be achieved. Where are we heading?
To cut the long story short, the Centre, which frets over tiger death, and the NTCA, which is powerless as it is toothless, could do well to reprimand the tiger states if they don't follow the Tiger Conservation Plan. Unless, this is done, there is no point having high-level meetings and setting up new departments for wildlife protection.
Wish our Union Minister for Environment and Forests, Jairam Ramesh does something about the hapless situation in Bandipur before it goes the Sariska and Panna way.
Should we say, God save out dwindling tigers.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Tiger accidentally kills man in Bandipur National Park
Bangalore, March 13
A wood-cutter was accidentally by a tiger in the Bandipur National Park here today.
Confirming the news, Mr Alok Kumar, Circle Inspector, Gundulpet Taluk, Karnataka, said: "It is true that the remains of a middle-aged man was found in the tiger reserve. The body has been recovered and sent for post mortem."
Hanumantha Nayaka, the deceased, is from Berambadi village near the Tiger Reserve, where two cattle had been killed by a tiger recently.
That the partly eaten body of the 55 -year-old was recovered deep inside the tiger reserve by a patrol team has confounded the forest department.
"The park is an inviolate area. What this man was doing so far inside the tiger reserve has to be established. As there were no pug marks found near the body, we will have to do a thorough investigation before assessing the cause of death,: said Mr Hosamat, Field Director Project Tiger, Karnataka.
Incidentally, this is the first tiger attack in Bandipur in seven years, while as many as 22 tigers have perished in the 992- sq km park in three years.
ends
A wood-cutter was accidentally by a tiger in the Bandipur National Park here today.
Confirming the news, Mr Alok Kumar, Circle Inspector, Gundulpet Taluk, Karnataka, said: "It is true that the remains of a middle-aged man was found in the tiger reserve. The body has been recovered and sent for post mortem."
Hanumantha Nayaka, the deceased, is from Berambadi village near the Tiger Reserve, where two cattle had been killed by a tiger recently.
That the partly eaten body of the 55 -year-old was recovered deep inside the tiger reserve by a patrol team has confounded the forest department.
"The park is an inviolate area. What this man was doing so far inside the tiger reserve has to be established. As there were no pug marks found near the body, we will have to do a thorough investigation before assessing the cause of death,: said Mr Hosamat, Field Director Project Tiger, Karnataka.
Incidentally, this is the first tiger attack in Bandipur in seven years, while as many as 22 tigers have perished in the 992- sq km park in three years.
ends
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Minister fiddles, tigers scurry for cover
It has been 12 days since the carcass of a tiger, presumably an eight-year-old male, was found in the Bandipur National Park. On e of its paws and 15 claws were found missing. But until today, the Karnataka Forest Department (KFD) has no clue of the perpetrators of the heinous crime.
Though the KFD isn't sure of the cause of death, it is content to buy the veterinarians' opinion that it had died of natural cause. A tiger, as wildlife biologists suggest, attains prime at five and is dominant until 8, unless it is injured in a territorial fight or perishesfrom wounds sustained in a tussle over a fertile tigress.
If this tiger had been involved in a fracas with another male, the wounds/ scars should have been apparent. But according to sources, it bore no injury, other than the ‘devastation’ wreaked on its carcass by poachers, who evidently seem to be actively trading in wild animal body parts.
"I was at the spot when the post mortem was done. The four vets who were present felt there was no indication of poisoning. In such circumstance, when the carcass has been recovered after three or four days and when there is no circumstantial evidence, we generally take it as natural death," says Mr Hosmath, Field Director, Project Tiger (FDPT, Karnataka).
To reiterate that it is a case of natural death, Mr Hosmath, who like most FDPTs has precious little wildlife background, says: "Except for the claws, the rest of the putrefying carcass was intact. We are investigating. It will take us a while to crack the case and arrest the culprits."
If the KFD does apprehend the poacher(s), it will help to curtail the poaching. But when its “arrest-conviction” record is abysmally low, can we expect it to solve the case? More so, where is an acute shortage (54 per cent) of staff in the 992-sqkm park, which borders Kerala (Waynaad Wildlife Sanctuary) and Tamil Nadu (Madumalai national park).
For the record, poachers had, not long ago, hacked the paw of a tiger and clandestinely taken away 15 of its claws in the Gundre range of the Bandipur National Park in 2009. Even today, the authorities haven’t been able to nab the suspect.
Wildlife conservationists believe that someone might have poisoned the tiger, a straggler, which had been lifting cattle from the village. "Someone who smeared pesticide on a cattle kill
certainly knew of the tiger's impending death. He must have tracked it and taken away the paw the claws. The claws could be on its way to either Mumbai or Delhi, en route to Nepal or China," says Ashok, a wildlife activist.
Interestingly, in 25 tiger deaths (12 of these suspected to be poached) since 2008, only five pelts have been recovered. There is a fear that three more pelts, which fetch Rs 5 to 10 lakh in the international market, are in the process of being sold.
Even as this story is being written, poacher are having a field day in our tiger reserves. Spotted deer, sambar deer and wild boar are being brazenly gunned down for their meat, which is being served in some hotels on the periphery of the national park.
While there is mayhem in our forests, the Karnataka forest minister, who has advertently or inadvertently frazzled the Indian Forest Service cadre with don-quixotic transfers, continues to fiddle in the confines of Vidhana Soudha.
If the minister continues to fiddle without a care in the world, we could wish some of our our dwindling wildlife species goodbye, much, much sooner than what wildlife biologists or doomsayers had predicted them to vanish from the face of the Karnataka landscape.
ends
Though the KFD isn't sure of the cause of death, it is content to buy the veterinarians' opinion that it had died of natural cause. A tiger, as wildlife biologists suggest, attains prime at five and is dominant until 8, unless it is injured in a territorial fight or perishesfrom wounds sustained in a tussle over a fertile tigress.
If this tiger had been involved in a fracas with another male, the wounds/ scars should have been apparent. But according to sources, it bore no injury, other than the ‘devastation’ wreaked on its carcass by poachers, who evidently seem to be actively trading in wild animal body parts.
"I was at the spot when the post mortem was done. The four vets who were present felt there was no indication of poisoning. In such circumstance, when the carcass has been recovered after three or four days and when there is no circumstantial evidence, we generally take it as natural death," says Mr Hosmath, Field Director, Project Tiger (FDPT, Karnataka).
To reiterate that it is a case of natural death, Mr Hosmath, who like most FDPTs has precious little wildlife background, says: "Except for the claws, the rest of the putrefying carcass was intact. We are investigating. It will take us a while to crack the case and arrest the culprits."
If the KFD does apprehend the poacher(s), it will help to curtail the poaching. But when its “arrest-conviction” record is abysmally low, can we expect it to solve the case? More so, where is an acute shortage (54 per cent) of staff in the 992-sqkm park, which borders Kerala (Waynaad Wildlife Sanctuary) and Tamil Nadu (Madumalai national park).
For the record, poachers had, not long ago, hacked the paw of a tiger and clandestinely taken away 15 of its claws in the Gundre range of the Bandipur National Park in 2009. Even today, the authorities haven’t been able to nab the suspect.
Wildlife conservationists believe that someone might have poisoned the tiger, a straggler, which had been lifting cattle from the village. "Someone who smeared pesticide on a cattle kill
certainly knew of the tiger's impending death. He must have tracked it and taken away the paw the claws. The claws could be on its way to either Mumbai or Delhi, en route to Nepal or China," says Ashok, a wildlife activist.
Interestingly, in 25 tiger deaths (12 of these suspected to be poached) since 2008, only five pelts have been recovered. There is a fear that three more pelts, which fetch Rs 5 to 10 lakh in the international market, are in the process of being sold.
Even as this story is being written, poacher are having a field day in our tiger reserves. Spotted deer, sambar deer and wild boar are being brazenly gunned down for their meat, which is being served in some hotels on the periphery of the national park.
While there is mayhem in our forests, the Karnataka forest minister, who has advertently or inadvertently frazzled the Indian Forest Service cadre with don-quixotic transfers, continues to fiddle in the confines of Vidhana Soudha.
If the minister continues to fiddle without a care in the world, we could wish some of our our dwindling wildlife species goodbye, much, much sooner than what wildlife biologists or doomsayers had predicted them to vanish from the face of the Karnataka landscape.
ends
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Tigers Faced With Tourism Threat In BRT Wildlife Sanctuary
Tigers Faced With Tourism Threat In BRT Wildlife Sanctuary
By Joseph Hoover
Karnataka’s wildlife is faced with a paradoxical situation. While the tigers are being hunted for its pelt and body parts in the Bandipur and Nagarhole National Parks, the critically endangered species is on the road to recovery in the BRT wildlife sanctuary.
The population, a dismal 11 at the turn of the millennium, has increased to an encouraging and sustainable 30. This has been established through genetic studies undertaken by Centre for Cell and Mollecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad.
When our flagship species has recovered from a vulnerable position, more so in a fragile eco-system which has been under severe pressure from the dependency of local people and their livestock, should the Karnataka government open the doors for eco-tourism in this sanctuary?
The Karnataka forest department has been under duress from the powers-that-be to accommodate the wishes of Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra (VGKK) to start eco-tourism activities in BRT for the development of tribals (Soligas). Intriguingly, the Karnataka chief minister Mr Yeddyurrappa, who holds the forest portfolio, had suggested that permission be granted for eco-tourism and participatory forest management on two occasions.
In the first instance, the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Chamarajnagar, had quashed the proposal, deeming it would impact the already fragmented critical wildlife habitat. The issue had been buried until last week, when the forest minister apparently again recommended the case. We are told that the DCF has again refused permission (February 28, 2010). He has written to the Chief Wildlife Warden (Karnataka), strongly suggesting that the proposal should not be considered in the interest of the wildlife in BRT.
Interestingly, the eco-tourism initiative has been driven by Dr H Sudarshan, a national award winner for his contribution to the cause of tribal development in and around BRT. He does have the interests of the well being of the soligas at heart. He understands that wildlife tourism, which has been raking in dollars, could sustain the VGKK. But should he overlook the predicament of our dwindling wildlife and shrinkin habitats?
Dr Sudarshan has sought permission for taking tourists on jeep safaris and treks in designated trekking trails in the sanctuary with trained tribal guides. In his letter to Mr I B Srivatsava, Principal Chief Conservatior of forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, dated Nov 6, 2007, he has written: “For this initiative to take shape and to offer visitors a first-hand experience of the sanctuary’s wilderness, we request your good offices and the KFD for the necessary Government Order (GO) for VGKK to practice and develop eco-tourism in BRT.”
“The Deputy Conservator of Forests, on receiving the proposal from his seniors, had written: ‘The BRT wildlife sanctuary has a series of fragile eco-systems in existence. The rebuilding process with respect to tiger population in the sanctuary has already been initiated and the increase in tiger population (30) has already been investigated through genetic studies by CCMB, Hyderabad. Further increased dependency on natural resources by the local people and changes in consumption patterns are causing greater demographic impacts in BRT.
“The resource impoverished communities have therefore begun to exert greater pressure directly and indirectly on forest and wildlife. Also, the sustained inflow of tourists to BRT temple through the year and to the K Gudi unit of Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd have created tremendous pressure. There always has been serious conflict between tourism and conservation interests of protected areas.
“The paradigm for decision to have eco-tourism or not to have eco-tourism must be that tourism exists for the protected areas and not that the protected areas are for tourism. The Range Forest Officer and Assistant Conservator of Forests, Yellandur, recommend not to allow any new tourism initiative in BRT wildlife sanctuary, based on the situation prevailing at the field level.
“Further, the Government Order issued by the Government of Karnataka vide its Order No FEE GO FAP 2003, dated 28-08-2004 on Wilderness Tourism Policy does not permit any other agency other than government/semi-government organizations to undertake eco-tourism initiative in the Protected Areas.”
The Deputy Conservator of Forests has given his unbiased opinion. If the Karnataka forest minister overrides this decision, he would be imprudent. For, there is fear that eco-tourism operators, who have already bought huge tracts of land in the vicinity of the sanctuary, which is bafflingly home to five thriving coffee and tea estates within its enfolds, would seek permission to take guests/ tourists on wildlife safaris. It could lead to chaos in an already chaotic system.
ends
By Joseph Hoover
Karnataka’s wildlife is faced with a paradoxical situation. While the tigers are being hunted for its pelt and body parts in the Bandipur and Nagarhole National Parks, the critically endangered species is on the road to recovery in the BRT wildlife sanctuary.
The population, a dismal 11 at the turn of the millennium, has increased to an encouraging and sustainable 30. This has been established through genetic studies undertaken by Centre for Cell and Mollecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad.
When our flagship species has recovered from a vulnerable position, more so in a fragile eco-system which has been under severe pressure from the dependency of local people and their livestock, should the Karnataka government open the doors for eco-tourism in this sanctuary?
The Karnataka forest department has been under duress from the powers-that-be to accommodate the wishes of Vivekananda Girijana Kalyana Kendra (VGKK) to start eco-tourism activities in BRT for the development of tribals (Soligas). Intriguingly, the Karnataka chief minister Mr Yeddyurrappa, who holds the forest portfolio, had suggested that permission be granted for eco-tourism and participatory forest management on two occasions.
In the first instance, the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Chamarajnagar, had quashed the proposal, deeming it would impact the already fragmented critical wildlife habitat. The issue had been buried until last week, when the forest minister apparently again recommended the case. We are told that the DCF has again refused permission (February 28, 2010). He has written to the Chief Wildlife Warden (Karnataka), strongly suggesting that the proposal should not be considered in the interest of the wildlife in BRT.
Interestingly, the eco-tourism initiative has been driven by Dr H Sudarshan, a national award winner for his contribution to the cause of tribal development in and around BRT. He does have the interests of the well being of the soligas at heart. He understands that wildlife tourism, which has been raking in dollars, could sustain the VGKK. But should he overlook the predicament of our dwindling wildlife and shrinkin habitats?
Dr Sudarshan has sought permission for taking tourists on jeep safaris and treks in designated trekking trails in the sanctuary with trained tribal guides. In his letter to Mr I B Srivatsava, Principal Chief Conservatior of forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, dated Nov 6, 2007, he has written: “For this initiative to take shape and to offer visitors a first-hand experience of the sanctuary’s wilderness, we request your good offices and the KFD for the necessary Government Order (GO) for VGKK to practice and develop eco-tourism in BRT.”
“The Deputy Conservator of Forests, on receiving the proposal from his seniors, had written: ‘The BRT wildlife sanctuary has a series of fragile eco-systems in existence. The rebuilding process with respect to tiger population in the sanctuary has already been initiated and the increase in tiger population (30) has already been investigated through genetic studies by CCMB, Hyderabad. Further increased dependency on natural resources by the local people and changes in consumption patterns are causing greater demographic impacts in BRT.
“The resource impoverished communities have therefore begun to exert greater pressure directly and indirectly on forest and wildlife. Also, the sustained inflow of tourists to BRT temple through the year and to the K Gudi unit of Jungle Lodges and Resorts Ltd have created tremendous pressure. There always has been serious conflict between tourism and conservation interests of protected areas.
“The paradigm for decision to have eco-tourism or not to have eco-tourism must be that tourism exists for the protected areas and not that the protected areas are for tourism. The Range Forest Officer and Assistant Conservator of Forests, Yellandur, recommend not to allow any new tourism initiative in BRT wildlife sanctuary, based on the situation prevailing at the field level.
“Further, the Government Order issued by the Government of Karnataka vide its Order No FEE GO FAP 2003, dated 28-08-2004 on Wilderness Tourism Policy does not permit any other agency other than government/semi-government organizations to undertake eco-tourism initiative in the Protected Areas.”
The Deputy Conservator of Forests has given his unbiased opinion. If the Karnataka forest minister overrides this decision, he would be imprudent. For, there is fear that eco-tourism operators, who have already bought huge tracts of land in the vicinity of the sanctuary, which is bafflingly home to five thriving coffee and tea estates within its enfolds, would seek permission to take guests/ tourists on wildlife safaris. It could lead to chaos in an already chaotic system.
ends
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