Tiger does a disappearing act from Las Vegas magic show... and prowls the city's streets
By Mail Foreign Service
Last updated at 11:57 AM on 31st July 2009
For Information About White Tigers Visit:
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/cats/wild/white_tigers.htm
A rare white tiger that features in a Las Vegas magic show performed a surprise disappearing act - when it escaped from its cage and went on the prowl.
Terrified residents in the northwest of the city spotted the big cat wandering the streets on Thursday evening.
Police and the Animal Rescue Service were alerted and the tiger was cornered in a family's back garden.
Police Lt. Les Lane said the cat belonged to Fercos Brothers magic act.
He confirmed the white tiger got loose, but added: 'We got it back into custody.'
A spokesman for the magic act said the tiger was tame and presented no danger to the public.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1203440/Tiger-does-disappearing-act-Las-Vegas-magic--prowls-citys-streets.html?ITO=1490
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Friday, July 31, 2009
Improper upkeep at Binh Duong wild animal farms
Improper upkeep at Binh Duong wild animal farms
http://www.thanhniennews.com/features/?catid=10&newsid=51186
July 28
Three private breeding farms for wild animals in the southern province
of Binh Duong have failed to meet required technical and safety
standards, inspectors have found.
The registration certificates of these farms had also expired,
provincial inspectors said after carrying out checks on Dai Nam Zoo Co.
Ltd., Thai Binh Duong Beer Company and Thanh Canh Enterprise.
The three companies, which run zoos and collect entrance fees from the
public to view the animals, have a total of 53 tigers, making the
province the country's leading locality in breeding the endangered
species.
Inspectors found Dai Nam Zoo Co. Ltd. raising 13 tigers although they
had registered for seven.
In total, the company was found raising 583 wild animals belonging to 71
species although its [expired] registration permits just 294 animals of
27 species.
Dai Nam had designed the cages properly for the different species and
had veterinarians to take care of them. However, the company did not
record its breeding and raising methods or the measures being taken to
ensure stable reproduction of the animals under captive conditions.
The same violations were also found at the Thai Binh Duong Beer Company
that had registered to raise 721 wild animals of eight species.
Inspectors found the company was raising two unregistered wild animals
but it was not clear which species they belonged to.
Tigers at this farm had given birth to 15 young ones but 11 of them died
due to in-breeding, the inspectors found.
The farm should reinforce its cages to ensure absolute safety for humans
as it is located among residential areas, inspectors said.
They also found that the Thanh Canh Enterprise was raising nine tigers
without informing concerned agencies regularly about their health. They
also found that the bars on cages were not close enough to ensure human
safety.
One tigress at Thanh Canh's farm had given birth to a young that died
soon after, inspectors said, adding none of the companies had declared
clearly their purpose for breeding wild animals.
Tran Van Nguyen, deputy head of Binh Duong park rangers, said the agency
had suggested to higher authorities that the registration is extended
for the three companies.
He also said the companies would not be allowed to raise the animals for
commercial purposes, noting that Vietnam has signed the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in 1994 and joined the
International Tiger Coalition.
An official from the inspection team said they had requested the
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to instruct the park
rangers to tag the tigers with microchips for better management.
"I wonder why the Forest Protection Department has not attached
microchips on the tigers," he said. "Without this, the breeder can
secretly trade the animal after concealing their reproduction."
On July 16, two men were arrested while transporting a dead tiger from a
central province to Hanoi.
Hoang Van Su and taxi driver Nguyen Trung Phong were found with a
60-kilogram frozen tiger and 11 kilograms of tiger bones in the trunk of
the latter's cab.
Police said Su had hired Phong to carry the tiger and bones from the
central province of Thanh Hoa to a buyer in Hanoi.
Dr. Pham Trong Anh, an expert from the Hanoi-based Institute of Ecology
and Biological Resources, said the tiger was a baby of about 4-5 months.
He said the bones belonged to at least two different tigers.
It was unclear what the tigers had died of and whether they were wild or
taken from illegal farms.
In Vietnam, tigers are only found along the Truong Son Mountain Range in
the central regitigers left, as most have been wiped out to make traditional medicine.
Tiger bones are believed to have aphrodisiac properties by many
countries in the Far East and Southeast Asia.
Too risky
Early this month, the World Bank told a key international meeting on
wildlife trade that experimenting with tiger farming is too risky and
could drive wild tigers further toward extinction.
"Extinction is irreversible, so prudence and precaution suggest that the
risks of legalized farming are too great a gamble for the world to take,"
World Bank Director Keshav Varma told the member countries of the 58th
meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
(CITES) Standing Committee on July 9.
Because of the unpredictability of the market environment and the small
number of remaining tigers in the wild, there is "no room for
experimentation," Varma, who leads the World Bank's Global Tiger
Initiative, said after the meeting.
"Commercial trading in tiger parts and its derivatives is not in the
interest of wild tiger conservation."
"Given the unpredictability of the market environment along with the
fact that there are only 3,500 tigers in the wild, there is no room for
experimentation," Varma told the International Tiger Coalition (ITC).
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) later endorsed the World Bank's
call for countries to ban tiger farming because of the uncertainty that
it will have for the long-term conservation of wild tigers.
"Stopping all trade in tiger parts, and phasing out these tiger farms,
is of the utmost urgency if the tiger is to survive in the wild," said
Dr. Susan Lieberman, director of the species program at WWF
International.
"It is time for the world community to join together, with tiger range
state governments, to stop all poaching of tigers for illegal trade, and
WWF welcomes the engagement of the World Bank in these efforts," she
said.
Reported by Quang Thuan
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
http://www.thanhniennews.com/features/?catid=10&newsid=51186
July 28
Three private breeding farms for wild animals in the southern province
of Binh Duong have failed to meet required technical and safety
standards, inspectors have found.
The registration certificates of these farms had also expired,
provincial inspectors said after carrying out checks on Dai Nam Zoo Co.
Ltd., Thai Binh Duong Beer Company and Thanh Canh Enterprise.
The three companies, which run zoos and collect entrance fees from the
public to view the animals, have a total of 53 tigers, making the
province the country's leading locality in breeding the endangered
species.
Inspectors found Dai Nam Zoo Co. Ltd. raising 13 tigers although they
had registered for seven.
In total, the company was found raising 583 wild animals belonging to 71
species although its [expired] registration permits just 294 animals of
27 species.
Dai Nam had designed the cages properly for the different species and
had veterinarians to take care of them. However, the company did not
record its breeding and raising methods or the measures being taken to
ensure stable reproduction of the animals under captive conditions.
The same violations were also found at the Thai Binh Duong Beer Company
that had registered to raise 721 wild animals of eight species.
Inspectors found the company was raising two unregistered wild animals
but it was not clear which species they belonged to.
Tigers at this farm had given birth to 15 young ones but 11 of them died
due to in-breeding, the inspectors found.
The farm should reinforce its cages to ensure absolute safety for humans
as it is located among residential areas, inspectors said.
They also found that the Thanh Canh Enterprise was raising nine tigers
without informing concerned agencies regularly about their health. They
also found that the bars on cages were not close enough to ensure human
safety.
One tigress at Thanh Canh's farm had given birth to a young that died
soon after, inspectors said, adding none of the companies had declared
clearly their purpose for breeding wild animals.
Tran Van Nguyen, deputy head of Binh Duong park rangers, said the agency
had suggested to higher authorities that the registration is extended
for the three companies.
He also said the companies would not be allowed to raise the animals for
commercial purposes, noting that Vietnam has signed the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in 1994 and joined the
International Tiger Coalition.
An official from the inspection team said they had requested the
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to instruct the park
rangers to tag the tigers with microchips for better management.
"I wonder why the Forest Protection Department has not attached
microchips on the tigers," he said. "Without this, the breeder can
secretly trade the animal after concealing their reproduction."
On July 16, two men were arrested while transporting a dead tiger from a
central province to Hanoi.
Hoang Van Su and taxi driver Nguyen Trung Phong were found with a
60-kilogram frozen tiger and 11 kilograms of tiger bones in the trunk of
the latter's cab.
Police said Su had hired Phong to carry the tiger and bones from the
central province of Thanh Hoa to a buyer in Hanoi.
Dr. Pham Trong Anh, an expert from the Hanoi-based Institute of Ecology
and Biological Resources, said the tiger was a baby of about 4-5 months.
He said the bones belonged to at least two different tigers.
It was unclear what the tigers had died of and whether they were wild or
taken from illegal farms.
In Vietnam, tigers are only found along the Truong Son Mountain Range in
the central regitigers left, as most have been wiped out to make traditional medicine.
Tiger bones are believed to have aphrodisiac properties by many
countries in the Far East and Southeast Asia.
Too risky
Early this month, the World Bank told a key international meeting on
wildlife trade that experimenting with tiger farming is too risky and
could drive wild tigers further toward extinction.
"Extinction is irreversible, so prudence and precaution suggest that the
risks of legalized farming are too great a gamble for the world to take,"
World Bank Director Keshav Varma told the member countries of the 58th
meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
(CITES) Standing Committee on July 9.
Because of the unpredictability of the market environment and the small
number of remaining tigers in the wild, there is "no room for
experimentation," Varma, who leads the World Bank's Global Tiger
Initiative, said after the meeting.
"Commercial trading in tiger parts and its derivatives is not in the
interest of wild tiger conservation."
"Given the unpredictability of the market environment along with the
fact that there are only 3,500 tigers in the wild, there is no room for
experimentation," Varma told the International Tiger Coalition (ITC).
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) later endorsed the World Bank's
call for countries to ban tiger farming because of the uncertainty that
it will have for the long-term conservation of wild tigers.
"Stopping all trade in tiger parts, and phasing out these tiger farms,
is of the utmost urgency if the tiger is to survive in the wild," said
Dr. Susan Lieberman, director of the species program at WWF
International.
"It is time for the world community to join together, with tiger range
state governments, to stop all poaching of tigers for illegal trade, and
WWF welcomes the engagement of the World Bank in these efforts," she
said.
Reported by Quang Thuan
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
Environmental groups firmly against new breeding center
Environmental groups firmly against new breeding center
Oyos Saroso H.N. , The Jakarta Post , Bandarlampung | Thu, 07/30/2009 12:55 PM | The Archipelago
NGOs are opposing the government's plan to turn the Tampang-Belimbing area, located within the South Bukit Barisan National Park (TNBBS), into a Sumatra tiger breeding center because it is located next to a human settlement.
They have also questioned the validity of the two entities' operating licenses, the Tambling Wildlife Nature Conservation (TNWC) and PT Adhiniaga Kreasi Nusa of Artha Graha Network companies owned by businessman Tomy Winata, which are not applicable to wildlife breeding and conservation.
"The business licenses are for tourism and nature conservation, so they are not valid for tiger breeding. Even for tourism purposes, they have to allow public access," Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) campaign manager Mukri Friatna said Wednesday.
He added that becoming a wildlife breeder was not easy because the company had to meet a number of criterias stipulated in Government Regulation No. 18/1999 on plant and wildlife exploitation.
"According to the decree, wildlife breeding must be done in adequate and accessible facilities. Soldiers are guarding the TNWC and people cannot simply enter the premises," said Mukri.
Mukri speculated the breeding and conservation activities were likely to be linked to carbon trade trading activities in the longer-term. "United States Ambassador Cameron R. Hume together with dozens of other ambassadors visited the area and indirectly supported the inclusion of TNBBS as one of the forested areas to be dedicated to carbon trading," said Mukri.
The Kawan Tani environmental group that has thus far been supporting and counselling coastal communities in Lampung, also protested. Group coordinator Kurniadi said the tiger breeding drive in Tambling, like it or not, would drive away the community who had been living in the forest for centuries.
"The Belimbing tribespeople living around Tambling within TNBBS are legal citizens protected by law. They have the right to stay there because their village is an enclave, an area whose status has been excluded from the national park," said Kurniadi.
Lampung Governor Sjachroedin Z.P. said the visit the ambassadors made to the TNBBS and the tiger breeding site were business as usual. "It's a good thing *they visited the premises*, otherwise they would have never seen the site's condition."
The US ambassador supported the TNBBS conservation efforts because the national park was in a much better state than other parks in Indonesia, said Sjachroedin.
Tomy Winata told The Jakarta Post earlier he was interested in breeding tigers in TNWC because he was concerned about the environment and also because it was on of his hobbies. He said he spent hundreds of millions of rupiah every month just on operating costs.
"We have not opened the TNWC area to the public because we are afraid it will disturb the animals," he said.
Tommy has been given concession rights for a 100-hectare piece of land in the TNWC. The Forestry Ministry issued a decree in 1992 stating the Artha Graha Group was in charge of managing the area.
Besides being a tiger conservation area, the TNWC area is also home to hundreds of deer, wild buffalo and various bird species.
Tomy is reportedly in acquiring rights to another 50,000 hectares, one-seventh the size of the total TNBBS area of 360,000 hectares.
Besides a female man-eating tiger named Salma from Jambi, the conservation area is also home to three tigers from Aceh awaiting to be released in the TNBBS. Activists and the Belimbing traditional community so far have strongly protested the release of the feline mammal.
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
Country’s largest wildlife farms inspected
Country's largest wildlife farms inspected
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/tech/2009/07/861127/
17:32' 31/07/2009 (GMT+7)
VietNamNet Bridge – Three farms permitted to experimentally breed wild
animals are located in the southern province of Binh Duong. A recent
inspection revealed that they had thousands of rare animals of nearly
100 species.
They are the Thai Binh Duong Beer Company, Dai Nam Zoo Company and Thanh
Canh Private Company.
The local authorities recently inspected these firms to discover whether
they met conditions to breed wild animals in cages or not. They found
out that Thai Binh Duong had 723 wild animals, including 31 tigers, 7
panthers and six Tibetan bears, which are listed as extremely rare
animals.
These rare animals were bred in two places: in Noi Hoa village, Binh An
commune and Ngai Thang village, Binh Thang commune, both in Di An
district. This company couldn't produce legal documents related to these
locations. The firm's fresh-water crocodile ponds also didn't have waste
water treatment systems.
Inspectors affirmed that on this farm, only three species – tiger,
panther and fresh-water crocodile – are reproductive.
Dai Nam had 583 wild animals, including large numbers of tigers and rare
bears. Inspectors asked the firm to urgently complete its tiger breeding
scheme to submit to concerned agencies in the next three months for
consideration.
Inspectors recommended the firm obey the Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and not
raise tigers for commercial purposes.
The farm of Thanh Canh has 245 animals only but inspectors asked it to
urgently carry out several activities, including constructing a waste
water treatment system and adding wild animal raising onto its business
licence.
VietNamNet/NNVN
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
http://english.vietnamnet.vn/tech/2009/07/861127/
17:32' 31/07/2009 (GMT+7)
VietNamNet Bridge – Three farms permitted to experimentally breed wild
animals are located in the southern province of Binh Duong. A recent
inspection revealed that they had thousands of rare animals of nearly
100 species.
They are the Thai Binh Duong Beer Company, Dai Nam Zoo Company and Thanh
Canh Private Company.
The local authorities recently inspected these firms to discover whether
they met conditions to breed wild animals in cages or not. They found
out that Thai Binh Duong had 723 wild animals, including 31 tigers, 7
panthers and six Tibetan bears, which are listed as extremely rare
animals.
These rare animals were bred in two places: in Noi Hoa village, Binh An
commune and Ngai Thang village, Binh Thang commune, both in Di An
district. This company couldn't produce legal documents related to these
locations. The firm's fresh-water crocodile ponds also didn't have waste
water treatment systems.
Inspectors affirmed that on this farm, only three species – tiger,
panther and fresh-water crocodile – are reproductive.
Dai Nam had 583 wild animals, including large numbers of tigers and rare
bears. Inspectors asked the firm to urgently complete its tiger breeding
scheme to submit to concerned agencies in the next three months for
consideration.
Inspectors recommended the firm obey the Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and not
raise tigers for commercial purposes.
The farm of Thanh Canh has 245 animals only but inspectors asked it to
urgently carry out several activities, including constructing a waste
water treatment system and adding wild animal raising onto its business
licence.
VietNamNet/NNVN
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
Aircraft cover for Namdapha tigers
Aircraft cover for Namdapha tigers
Microlight plane to hover over sanctuary in Arunachal for
surveillance
ROOPAK GOSWAMI
Issue Date: Friday , July 31 , 2009
Guwahati, July 30: A microlight aircraft will soon be hovering over Namdapha Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh, helping forest staff in surveillance and protection of big cats in the country’s easternmost sanctuary.
The Centre’s decision to introduce the microlight aircraft at Namdapha was announced by minister of state for environment and forests (independent charge), Jairam Ramesh, at a conclave of tiger reserve directors held at Sariska in Rajasthan on July 25 and 26.
“The announcement by Jairam Ramesh at the Sariska meeting is a big development for us as over 30 per cent of the reserve is not accessible through land routes,” Namdapha’s field director Yogesh told The Telegraph.
Yogesh had attended the Sariska meeting which deliberated on the challenges being faced by tiger reserves across the country.
An official in the ministry of environment and forests said over phone that the minister has taken keen interest in getting the microlight for Namdapha as “he has a soft corner for the Northeast”.
The total area of the Namdapha tiger reserve is 1,985 square km, spread over hills and dense forests.
Yogesh said the number of tigers in Namdapha, as estimated in the 2006 census, is 14 but pugmarks of four “new” tigers have been sighted in the last couple of months by an expedition team.
Once Ramesh’s plan is implemented, Namdapha will be the first tiger reserve in the country to get a microlight aircraft.
“There are different types of microlight aircraft whose costs vary. A final decision is being taken on this issue,” a ministry official added.
The official said a couple of other tiger reserves are likely to get similar aircraft for surveillance.
Incidentally, Namdapha is among the three tiger reserves in the Northeast — the other two being Dampa in Mizoram and Manas in Assam — which were graded “poor” by the National Tiger Conservation Authority recently.
Encroachment by the Lisu tribe and militancy are stated to be major problems in Namdapha. Both the factions of the NSCN also have camps in the park.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090731/jsp/northeast/story_11301362.jsp#
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Microlight plane to hover over sanctuary in Arunachal for
surveillance
ROOPAK GOSWAMI
Issue Date: Friday , July 31 , 2009
Guwahati, July 30: A microlight aircraft will soon be hovering over Namdapha Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh, helping forest staff in surveillance and protection of big cats in the country’s easternmost sanctuary.
The Centre’s decision to introduce the microlight aircraft at Namdapha was announced by minister of state for environment and forests (independent charge), Jairam Ramesh, at a conclave of tiger reserve directors held at Sariska in Rajasthan on July 25 and 26.
“The announcement by Jairam Ramesh at the Sariska meeting is a big development for us as over 30 per cent of the reserve is not accessible through land routes,” Namdapha’s field director Yogesh told The Telegraph.
Yogesh had attended the Sariska meeting which deliberated on the challenges being faced by tiger reserves across the country.
An official in the ministry of environment and forests said over phone that the minister has taken keen interest in getting the microlight for Namdapha as “he has a soft corner for the Northeast”.
The total area of the Namdapha tiger reserve is 1,985 square km, spread over hills and dense forests.
Yogesh said the number of tigers in Namdapha, as estimated in the 2006 census, is 14 but pugmarks of four “new” tigers have been sighted in the last couple of months by an expedition team.
Once Ramesh’s plan is implemented, Namdapha will be the first tiger reserve in the country to get a microlight aircraft.
“There are different types of microlight aircraft whose costs vary. A final decision is being taken on this issue,” a ministry official added.
The official said a couple of other tiger reserves are likely to get similar aircraft for surveillance.
Incidentally, Namdapha is among the three tiger reserves in the Northeast — the other two being Dampa in Mizoram and Manas in Assam — which were graded “poor” by the National Tiger Conservation Authority recently.
Encroachment by the Lisu tribe and militancy are stated to be major problems in Namdapha. Both the factions of the NSCN also have camps in the park.
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1090731/jsp/northeast/story_11301362.jsp#
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Thursday, July 30, 2009
SAARC leaders to visit Sariska Tiger Reserve
SAARC leaders to visit Sariska Tiger Reserve
STAFF WRITER 12:41 HRS IST
New Delhi, Jul 30 (PTI) India will showcase its success story in re-introducing tigers in Rajasthan's Sariska reserve to the SAARC nations when their foreign ministers meet here next month.
"The dignitaries from the neighbouring countries visiting India in August to attend a conference will also take a trip to Sariska Tiger Reserve where three tigers - a male and two females were relocated from Ranthambore Tiger Reserve last year," Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said.
"The tigers are doing pretty well and we hope that they will soon go the family way. The project signifies our commitment towards wildlife conservation including tiger preservation which is enlisted as endangered species and tops the chart of the ecology system," Ramesh added.
SAARC countries like Bhutan, China and Bangladesh have tigers in the wild but the count is too low when compared to India which has around 1,400 big cats in the forests.
http://www.ptinews.com/news/202559_SAARC-leaders-to-visit-Sariska-Tiger-Reserve
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
STAFF WRITER 12:41 HRS IST
New Delhi, Jul 30 (PTI) India will showcase its success story in re-introducing tigers in Rajasthan's Sariska reserve to the SAARC nations when their foreign ministers meet here next month.
"The dignitaries from the neighbouring countries visiting India in August to attend a conference will also take a trip to Sariska Tiger Reserve where three tigers - a male and two females were relocated from Ranthambore Tiger Reserve last year," Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said.
"The tigers are doing pretty well and we hope that they will soon go the family way. The project signifies our commitment towards wildlife conservation including tiger preservation which is enlisted as endangered species and tops the chart of the ecology system," Ramesh added.
SAARC countries like Bhutan, China and Bangladesh have tigers in the wild but the count is too low when compared to India which has around 1,400 big cats in the forests.
http://www.ptinews.com/news/202559_SAARC-leaders-to-visit-Sariska-Tiger-Reserve
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
Tiger cub update
Tiger cub update
30 July 2009
A TIGER cub born at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm is being hand reared after being rejected by his mum.
Six-year-old Bengal tiger, Tira, gave birth to three cubs on July 29 at the Wraxall attraction but unfortunately two were stillborn.
The third, which was born weighing just 2lb 3oz and is still very weak, is now being looked after by keepers behind the scenes.
He is being fed a mixture of formula milk, protein powder, Jersy Milk, Cod Liver Oil and vitamin drops in the hope of keeping his strength up.
These feeds have to be done every hour and the task is being split between the three tiger keepers.
Head keeper Chris Wilkinson said: "Tira began her contractions mid-afternoon and gave birth approximately 1.30pm.
"Tira did nothing to harm the stillborn cubs - it is just one of those sad and unfortunate things.
"The third cub is alive but due to the first two cubs being stillborn Mum got confused and she has since rejected him.
"The cub is quite fragile and it is a delicate time."
Hand-rearing animals can be a tricky job, which can leave the baby more susceptible to disease as it is not receiving the antibodies produced from the mum's milk.
As a result, everything around the cub has to be constantly disinfected making the whole process quite exhausting.
Female tigers Kushkja and Tira arrived at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm a month ago and were recently joined by two-year-old male Tanvir.
They have already helped to enhance the education programme at the facility - helping people to learn about global conservation programmes.
However, visitors to the farm will not be able to see the tiger cub for the foreseeable future while the keepers work to ensure he gains more strength.
http://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/content/twm/news/story.aspx?brand=Westonmercury&category=newsNorthSomerset&tBrand=westonmercury&tCategory=znews&itemid=WeED30%20Jul%202009%2012%3A06%3A38%3A160
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
30 July 2009
A TIGER cub born at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm is being hand reared after being rejected by his mum.
Six-year-old Bengal tiger, Tira, gave birth to three cubs on July 29 at the Wraxall attraction but unfortunately two were stillborn.
The third, which was born weighing just 2lb 3oz and is still very weak, is now being looked after by keepers behind the scenes.
He is being fed a mixture of formula milk, protein powder, Jersy Milk, Cod Liver Oil and vitamin drops in the hope of keeping his strength up.
These feeds have to be done every hour and the task is being split between the three tiger keepers.
Head keeper Chris Wilkinson said: "Tira began her contractions mid-afternoon and gave birth approximately 1.30pm.
"Tira did nothing to harm the stillborn cubs - it is just one of those sad and unfortunate things.
"The third cub is alive but due to the first two cubs being stillborn Mum got confused and she has since rejected him.
"The cub is quite fragile and it is a delicate time."
Hand-rearing animals can be a tricky job, which can leave the baby more susceptible to disease as it is not receiving the antibodies produced from the mum's milk.
As a result, everything around the cub has to be constantly disinfected making the whole process quite exhausting.
Female tigers Kushkja and Tira arrived at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm a month ago and were recently joined by two-year-old male Tanvir.
They have already helped to enhance the education programme at the facility - helping people to learn about global conservation programmes.
However, visitors to the farm will not be able to see the tiger cub for the foreseeable future while the keepers work to ensure he gains more strength.
http://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/content/twm/news/story.aspx?brand=Westonmercury&category=newsNorthSomerset&tBrand=westonmercury&tCategory=znews&itemid=WeED30%20Jul%202009%2012%3A06%3A38%3A160
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Tiger causing stir in Pakistan would be welcome back home, Ont. zoo says
Tiger causing stir in Pakistan would be welcome back home, Ont. zoo says
By Pat Hewitt (CP) – July 30, 2009
SEAGRAVE, Ont. — A Canadian zoo and wildlife sanctuary that works with the film industry says if asked, it would be happy to take back a Siberian tiger which has caused an uproar in Pakistan.
The one-year-old male tiger was imported by the nephew of Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif earlier this month.
After arriving on a flight from Toronto, the big cat was reportedly taken to an air-conditioned compound at the estate of Suleman Sharif, who's also the son of the chief minister of Punjab province.
News that the Canadian tiger was chilling while Pakistan's residents are sweltering in a heat wave and living through power outages caused an uproar, forcing the Sharif family to reportedly hand over the tiger to the government.
A World Wildlife Fund official has said the tiger will either be housed in a public zoo in Pakistan or relocated abroad.
Jean-Luc Bureau, president of Laval, Que.-based Interzoo, which brokers exotic animal trades to zoos both in Canada and internationally, said in an interview Thursday that he had traded the tiger to the Sharif Wildlife Breeding Farm.
"The weather is very hot over there, around the 40s, and I told them this animal is not used to that for the time being, so you better put it in a place where it will be a bit cooler," said Bureau.
He said he told them the tiger would eventually acclimatize to the warm weather. Bureau said he hasn't been told where the animal was taken since Sharif gave up the animal, and he hasn't been asked to take it back. However he said if Pakistan wanted to send the tiger back to him free of charge, he would be happy to place it at another zoo.
The tiger's original owner agreed.
"If they can't handle it, or they couldn't take care of it and they want to ship it back to us we'd gladly take it," said Norman Phillips of the Northwood Zoo and Animal sanctuary in Seagrave, Ont. "It's pretty upsetting to me because we care for our animals here."
The tiger is listed on the permit as coming originally from the non-profit Northwood zoo, which breeds animals and cares for 100 exotic animal species including tigers, lions, primates, bears, wolves, buffaloes, eagles and owls.
Phillips said he breeds his animals on order to zoos. He said he sells his tigers as cubs to brokers, who then distribute them to various zoos.
In addition to providing tours at its site north of Port Perry, Northwood also works with the film and television industry. Phillips said his bears were featured in the 1999 movie "Grizzly Falls" and in a Minute Maid commercial a couple of years ago, and his tigers have appeared in the Toronto-shot TV series "The Border".
Phillips said if the tiger doesn't have air conditioning, it should have a nice big cool pond it can get into and cool off.
"These are gorgeous animals that have to be well looked after. You've got to have the financial means to do it and the know-how," he said.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5hZPYSodAoWqka0C1DvbeSjlRjKxg
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
By Pat Hewitt (CP) – July 30, 2009
SEAGRAVE, Ont. — A Canadian zoo and wildlife sanctuary that works with the film industry says if asked, it would be happy to take back a Siberian tiger which has caused an uproar in Pakistan.
The one-year-old male tiger was imported by the nephew of Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif earlier this month.
After arriving on a flight from Toronto, the big cat was reportedly taken to an air-conditioned compound at the estate of Suleman Sharif, who's also the son of the chief minister of Punjab province.
News that the Canadian tiger was chilling while Pakistan's residents are sweltering in a heat wave and living through power outages caused an uproar, forcing the Sharif family to reportedly hand over the tiger to the government.
A World Wildlife Fund official has said the tiger will either be housed in a public zoo in Pakistan or relocated abroad.
Jean-Luc Bureau, president of Laval, Que.-based Interzoo, which brokers exotic animal trades to zoos both in Canada and internationally, said in an interview Thursday that he had traded the tiger to the Sharif Wildlife Breeding Farm.
"The weather is very hot over there, around the 40s, and I told them this animal is not used to that for the time being, so you better put it in a place where it will be a bit cooler," said Bureau.
He said he told them the tiger would eventually acclimatize to the warm weather. Bureau said he hasn't been told where the animal was taken since Sharif gave up the animal, and he hasn't been asked to take it back. However he said if Pakistan wanted to send the tiger back to him free of charge, he would be happy to place it at another zoo.
The tiger's original owner agreed.
"If they can't handle it, or they couldn't take care of it and they want to ship it back to us we'd gladly take it," said Norman Phillips of the Northwood Zoo and Animal sanctuary in Seagrave, Ont. "It's pretty upsetting to me because we care for our animals here."
The tiger is listed on the permit as coming originally from the non-profit Northwood zoo, which breeds animals and cares for 100 exotic animal species including tigers, lions, primates, bears, wolves, buffaloes, eagles and owls.
Phillips said he breeds his animals on order to zoos. He said he sells his tigers as cubs to brokers, who then distribute them to various zoos.
In addition to providing tours at its site north of Port Perry, Northwood also works with the film and television industry. Phillips said his bears were featured in the 1999 movie "Grizzly Falls" and in a Minute Maid commercial a couple of years ago, and his tigers have appeared in the Toronto-shot TV series "The Border".
Phillips said if the tiger doesn't have air conditioning, it should have a nice big cool pond it can get into and cool off.
"These are gorgeous animals that have to be well looked after. You've got to have the financial means to do it and the know-how," he said.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5hZPYSodAoWqka0C1DvbeSjlRjKxg
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Fwd: Sharyn's 40th Birthday2
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| |  Click to Play | Hey all you Big Cat Rescue folks! Sharyn is turning 40 and we want you guys to share in the celebration! Click on the link for details. Sharyn wanted to include everyone from BCR, but these are the only emails I could find. So spread the word and let me know if you think you can come. | | | ||
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Link to this Smilebox: http://smilebox.com/playEmail/4d5441324d7a41324d7a64384d6a457a4e54557a4e44553d0d0a&sb=1 © Copyright 2009 Smilebox, Inc. | www.smilebox.com | 8201 164th Ave NE, Redmond WA 98052 | Privacy Policy | |||||||
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Wildlife group says radio-collars did not kill tigers
Wildlife group says radio-collars did not kill tigers
2009-07-29 20:30:00
Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), a premier wildlife body, Wednesday slammed a 'wildlife intelligence report' that claimed radio-collaring was the reason for the deaths of around three dozen tigers in Madhya Pradesh's Panna National Park.
In a statement, BNHS director Asad Rahmani said that radio-collaring of big cats and other animals in the wild has been an efficient method in use for over 40 years.
After investigating the issue, Rahmani said: 'The BNHS is horrified to know about the so-called intelligence report which indirectly blames the researchers. The silence of Madhya Pradesh Forest Department on the issue is also shocking.'
The recent report blamed radio-collaring of big ,cats which allegedly hampered their natural movement, caused neck infections and were used by poachers to locate tigers.
Rahmani, who is also member of National Board for Wildlife, said that in Panna, scientists have used radio-collaring and telemetry to study the ecology and behaviour of the big cats with the permission of the government and it has yielded very good understanding of tiger biology.
The last tiger was collared in Panna in 2002 and its radio-collar battery would have exhausted in two years.
That tiger was seen alive as per records till 2005, while Panna became 'tiger-less' in 2007.
It also dismissed as 'baseless' that claim that poachers used radio-collaring to track the tigers since the imported equipment goes through customs checks and the frequencies of every radio-collar can only be tracked by scientists or investigators.
'Hence, there is no way radio-collaring of seven tigers in Panna could lead to the disappearance of 30-35 tigers,' Rahmani said.
Moreover, he said that there are several tiger sanctuaries in India where big cats have gone extinct even without the use of radio-collaring.
He pointed out that a similar irresponsible cover-up by the authorities led to the extinction of Bustards in Madhya Pradesh's Karera Sanctuary though the official figures claimed that 16 birds were still left.
He also refuted allegations that excessive use of tranquilizers could have harmed the tigers since experts from the Wildlife Institute of India were involved in the project.
'To blame radio-collaring is an eye-wash that ignored the actual for the decline in tiger population and seeks a quick-fix scapegoat,' Rahmani declared.
Reiterating BNHS's support to radio-collaring, Rahmani emphasized that besides giving valuable insights into the secretive world of big cats in the wild, radio-tracking actually helps curb the menace of poaching since tiger movement is constantly monitored and the ones which stray or are killed are immediately noticed.
http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?a=jh3u4Eghfdi&title=Wildlife_group_says_radio_collars_did_not_kill_tigers
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
2009-07-29 20:30:00
Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), a premier wildlife body, Wednesday slammed a 'wildlife intelligence report' that claimed radio-collaring was the reason for the deaths of around three dozen tigers in Madhya Pradesh's Panna National Park.
In a statement, BNHS director Asad Rahmani said that radio-collaring of big cats and other animals in the wild has been an efficient method in use for over 40 years.
After investigating the issue, Rahmani said: 'The BNHS is horrified to know about the so-called intelligence report which indirectly blames the researchers. The silence of Madhya Pradesh Forest Department on the issue is also shocking.'
The recent report blamed radio-collaring of big ,cats which allegedly hampered their natural movement, caused neck infections and were used by poachers to locate tigers.
Rahmani, who is also member of National Board for Wildlife, said that in Panna, scientists have used radio-collaring and telemetry to study the ecology and behaviour of the big cats with the permission of the government and it has yielded very good understanding of tiger biology.
The last tiger was collared in Panna in 2002 and its radio-collar battery would have exhausted in two years.
That tiger was seen alive as per records till 2005, while Panna became 'tiger-less' in 2007.
It also dismissed as 'baseless' that claim that poachers used radio-collaring to track the tigers since the imported equipment goes through customs checks and the frequencies of every radio-collar can only be tracked by scientists or investigators.
'Hence, there is no way radio-collaring of seven tigers in Panna could lead to the disappearance of 30-35 tigers,' Rahmani said.
Moreover, he said that there are several tiger sanctuaries in India where big cats have gone extinct even without the use of radio-collaring.
He pointed out that a similar irresponsible cover-up by the authorities led to the extinction of Bustards in Madhya Pradesh's Karera Sanctuary though the official figures claimed that 16 birds were still left.
He also refuted allegations that excessive use of tranquilizers could have harmed the tigers since experts from the Wildlife Institute of India were involved in the project.
'To blame radio-collaring is an eye-wash that ignored the actual for the decline in tiger population and seeks a quick-fix scapegoat,' Rahmani declared.
Reiterating BNHS's support to radio-collaring, Rahmani emphasized that besides giving valuable insights into the secretive world of big cats in the wild, radio-tracking actually helps curb the menace of poaching since tiger movement is constantly monitored and the ones which stray or are killed are immediately noticed.
http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?a=jh3u4Eghfdi&title=Wildlife_group_says_radio_collars_did_not_kill_tigers
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Nepal's Tiger Numbers Remain Constant Despite Political Upheaval and Poaching, Census Reveals
Nepal's Tiger Numbers Remain Constant Despite Political Upheaval and Poaching, Census Reveals
Population of 121 is still vulnerable to poaching, habitat loss and encroachment, WWF says
Washington, DC (Vocus/PRWEB ) July 29, 2009 -- World Wildlife Fund stressed the need to renew tiger conservation efforts in response to the government of Nepal's announcement of an estimated 121 breeding tigers in four protected areas in the Terai Arc Landscape of Nepal.
"What we have today is a snapshot of tiger populations in one corner of the Eastern Himalayas, one of the last bastions of this endangered species," said Shubash Lohani of the Eastern Himalayas Program of WWF. "In the bigger picture, the numbers from this survey are not strong enough to withstand an ever increasing demand for tiger parts and derivatives."
Chitwan National Park is still a stronghold for tigers, with an estimated population of 91, thanks to intensive anti-poaching operations supported by WWF. Parsa Wildlife Reserve has an estimated four tigers, Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve is likely to have eight tigers and Bardia National Park has 18 according to Nepal's Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.
The results are the culmination of a nine-month research project that surveyed tiger abundance and distribution in all of the protected areas concurrently for the first time. The study was jointly conducted by the government of Nepal, WWF and National Trust for Nature Conservation with support from Save the Tiger Fund and US Fish and Wildlife Service.
"We were encouraged to learn that wild tiger populations remain relatively robust in Chitwan National Park despite the toll taken by conflict and the increasing threat of illegal wildlife trade," said Dr Rinjan Shrestha of WWF Nepal, who was part of the national survey team. "Unfortunately, a closer look at the data from three other primary protected areas reveals declining numbers that will require concerted conservation efforts to these vulnerable populations."
WWF has committed to support the government of Nepal's Tiger Conservation Action Plan 2008-2012, which plans to increase the population of tigers by 10 percent within the first 5-year period.
Bengal tigers represent the largest number of the magnificent big cat in the wild. Their numbers are plummeting due to an onslaught of illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss and degradation, and human-tiger conflict. The Eastern Himalayas, stretches across key tiger protected areas in north and northeast India, the Terai belt of Nepal and parts of Bhutan. WWF has worked on tiger conservation in the Eastern Himalayas since the 1960s.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
More information about this release can be found at: www.worldwildlife.org
ABOUT WORLD WILDLIFE FUND
WWF is the world's leading conservation organization, working in 100 countries for nearly half a century. With the support of almost 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment and combat climate change. Visit www.worldwildlife.org to learn more.
World Wildlife Fund
1250 24th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20037-1193
USA
www.worldwildlife.org
http://www.prweb.com/releases/WWF/Tiger/prweb2696844.htm
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Population of 121 is still vulnerable to poaching, habitat loss and encroachment, WWF says
Washington, DC (Vocus/PRWEB ) July 29, 2009 -- World Wildlife Fund stressed the need to renew tiger conservation efforts in response to the government of Nepal's announcement of an estimated 121 breeding tigers in four protected areas in the Terai Arc Landscape of Nepal.
"What we have today is a snapshot of tiger populations in one corner of the Eastern Himalayas, one of the last bastions of this endangered species," said Shubash Lohani of the Eastern Himalayas Program of WWF. "In the bigger picture, the numbers from this survey are not strong enough to withstand an ever increasing demand for tiger parts and derivatives."
Chitwan National Park is still a stronghold for tigers, with an estimated population of 91, thanks to intensive anti-poaching operations supported by WWF. Parsa Wildlife Reserve has an estimated four tigers, Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve is likely to have eight tigers and Bardia National Park has 18 according to Nepal's Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.
The results are the culmination of a nine-month research project that surveyed tiger abundance and distribution in all of the protected areas concurrently for the first time. The study was jointly conducted by the government of Nepal, WWF and National Trust for Nature Conservation with support from Save the Tiger Fund and US Fish and Wildlife Service.
"We were encouraged to learn that wild tiger populations remain relatively robust in Chitwan National Park despite the toll taken by conflict and the increasing threat of illegal wildlife trade," said Dr Rinjan Shrestha of WWF Nepal, who was part of the national survey team. "Unfortunately, a closer look at the data from three other primary protected areas reveals declining numbers that will require concerted conservation efforts to these vulnerable populations."
WWF has committed to support the government of Nepal's Tiger Conservation Action Plan 2008-2012, which plans to increase the population of tigers by 10 percent within the first 5-year period.
Bengal tigers represent the largest number of the magnificent big cat in the wild. Their numbers are plummeting due to an onslaught of illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss and degradation, and human-tiger conflict. The Eastern Himalayas, stretches across key tiger protected areas in north and northeast India, the Terai belt of Nepal and parts of Bhutan. WWF has worked on tiger conservation in the Eastern Himalayas since the 1960s.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
More information about this release can be found at: www.worldwildlife.org
ABOUT WORLD WILDLIFE FUND
WWF is the world's leading conservation organization, working in 100 countries for nearly half a century. With the support of almost 5 million members worldwide, WWF is dedicated to delivering science-based solutions to preserve the diversity and abundance of life on Earth, halt the degradation of the environment and combat climate change. Visit www.worldwildlife.org to learn more.
World Wildlife Fund
1250 24th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20037-1193
USA
www.worldwildlife.org
http://www.prweb.com/releases/WWF/Tiger/prweb2696844.htm
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Sharif tiger sparks Pakistan row
Sharif tiger sparks Pakistan row
Page last updated at 17:23 GMT, Wednesday, 29 July 2009 18:23 UK
By Syed Shoaib Hasan
BBC News, Islamabad
The family of Pakistan's main opposition leader says it has handed over a tiger obtained in contravention of local laws to the government.
The Siberian tiger was imported by Sulieman Sharif, nephew of former PM Nawaz Sharif and son of Shahbaz Sharif, the chief minster of Punjab province.
News of the imported tiger led to an outcry because it was to be kept in its own air-conditioned compound.
Pakistanis are currently enduring sweltering heat amid severe power cuts.
Cooled compound
Sulieman Sharif obtained the tiger from Canada on 23 July despite a ban on the private import of large cats into Pakistan since February 2009.
The tiger was set to be housed in an electrically-cooled compound on the family estate of Raiwind, a few kilometres outside Lahore, the Punjab capital.
But a huge hue and cry was raised by the press and public after it emerged the compound would run on local electricity.
Pakistan's nationwide power shortages are so severe that daily outages last 10-12 hours.
Subsequently, Shahbaz Sharif is said to have ordered the tiger to be taken away immediately.
The World Wildlife Fund's (WWF) Pakistan chapter says the Sharifs have now agreed they should no longer keep the tiger.
"We understand it has now been handed over to the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) government," Ali Hassan Habib of the WWF told the BBC.
It is not clear why NWFP has been chosen, but one possibility is that it is cooler there than in Punjab.
"After the matter came into the press, the Sharifs approached us themselves for help," Mr Habib said.
"We don't have the facilities here to keep the animal, but we willing to help relocate him elsewhere. The question does arise as to how the tiger got in, as the environment ministry had recently banned its import."
It is expected the tiger will either be housed in a public zoo in Pakistan, or relocated abroad.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8175168.stm
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Page last updated at 17:23 GMT, Wednesday, 29 July 2009 18:23 UK
By Syed Shoaib Hasan
BBC News, Islamabad
The family of Pakistan's main opposition leader says it has handed over a tiger obtained in contravention of local laws to the government.
The Siberian tiger was imported by Sulieman Sharif, nephew of former PM Nawaz Sharif and son of Shahbaz Sharif, the chief minster of Punjab province.
News of the imported tiger led to an outcry because it was to be kept in its own air-conditioned compound.
Pakistanis are currently enduring sweltering heat amid severe power cuts.
Cooled compound
Sulieman Sharif obtained the tiger from Canada on 23 July despite a ban on the private import of large cats into Pakistan since February 2009.
The tiger was set to be housed in an electrically-cooled compound on the family estate of Raiwind, a few kilometres outside Lahore, the Punjab capital.
But a huge hue and cry was raised by the press and public after it emerged the compound would run on local electricity.
Pakistan's nationwide power shortages are so severe that daily outages last 10-12 hours.
Subsequently, Shahbaz Sharif is said to have ordered the tiger to be taken away immediately.
The World Wildlife Fund's (WWF) Pakistan chapter says the Sharifs have now agreed they should no longer keep the tiger.
"We understand it has now been handed over to the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) government," Ali Hassan Habib of the WWF told the BBC.
It is not clear why NWFP has been chosen, but one possibility is that it is cooler there than in Punjab.
"After the matter came into the press, the Sharifs approached us themselves for help," Mr Habib said.
"We don't have the facilities here to keep the animal, but we willing to help relocate him elsewhere. The question does arise as to how the tiger got in, as the environment ministry had recently banned its import."
It is expected the tiger will either be housed in a public zoo in Pakistan, or relocated abroad.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8175168.stm
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Tiger and Bobcat Comments due by 9/11/09
To: USFWS Re: CoP15 FWS-R9-IA-2009-N0103; 96300-1671-0000 FY09 R4
Thank you for considering measures to help protect the tiger and other exotic cats. I am writing specifically about tigers and bobcats, but the perils they face include all species of exotic cats. In the case of the tiger, there are U.S. facilities that openly market lion meat in restaurants such as Spotos in Dunedin, FL, Czimer's in Chicago, IL and on the Internet at 1/800-Steaks.com. No one can discern between lion meat (legal) and tiger meat (illegal)
Tigers: There are less than 3,500 tigers left in the wild and we are losing one tiger per day to poaching. The demand for tiger parts has continued to rise as developing nations have become more affluent. China is the largest consumer of illegal tiger parts with the U.S. running a close second. The private possession of live tigers in China and the U.S. have provided a legal cover for an illegal trade. Until such practices are banned there will be no way to effectively protect the tiger in the wild. Demand for tiger parts will always place a higher value on authentic, wild caught tigers. Killing a tiger in the wild is much cheaper than raising a tiger to a size necessary to fill demand when it costs $7,500 a year to feed and care for a captive tiger who will not reach full size for 4-5 years.
These must be done to save the tiger:
1. Ban the private possession of tigers.
2. Repeal the exemption for "generic" tigers from the Captive Bred Wildlife permit requirement and require that all tigers be registered in a publicly accessible database, accounted for during their life and upon death, microchipped, and kept from breeding outside of AZA sanctioned Species Survival Plans.
3. Demand that all who parties who possess more than 8 tigers at any one facility provide a written plan for how they will immediately stop breeding and begin scaling back on their numbers of tigers held by placing them in legitimate sanctuaries that are open to public scrutiny.
Keeping tigers captive is clearly a violation of the intent of the Endangered Species Act. Being bred into a life of confinement and deprivation as part of a collection, whether that collection be publicly or privately owned, violates the definition of "take" provided in the ESA on several levels.
First of all, the definition clearly says endangered species and those similar enough in appearance to "substantially facilitate the enforcement" (ie: tiger bones vs. lion bones) may not be collected. That statement alone would prohibit all captive collections of endangered species, such as tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs and most other exotic cats.
Harming, harassing and killing are also prohibited by law. When cubs are ripped from their mothers to be used as photo props, that is a violation. When adults are killed to make room for new babies for display, that too is a clear violation. When big cats are hoarded into tiny, filthy cages and given only putrid food, inadequate amounts of food and algae covered water to drink that too is a violation of the Endangered Species Act.
Even at the height of prosperity in this country there was never enough funding to properly regulate the trade in exotic cats. In this economic downturn there will be even less oversight of an industry that should not exist. Captivity by its very nature is inherently cruel to wild animals who were designed to roam over many miles. There are only a handful of offenders who breed exotic cats for their own profit and pleasure. More than 75% of the public polled said they would support bans on ALL exotic animals in private possession. Of the estimated 5,000+ tigers in the U.S. only 256 are in the AZA sanctioned Tiger Species Survival Plan. The rest should be sterilized and phased out over time as they die of old age.
Bobcats: Due to the Russian demand for bobcat fur, their pelts now draw some of the highest prices among trapped furs, commanding as much as $550 for a single hide. As the price has gone up, the number of bobcat skins exported by the U.S. has nearly tripled in five years, to 49,700 in 2006. Some trappers are capturing bobcats in states with quotas and bringing them to Wyoming, which has no limits, said Scott Adell, a Wyoming Game and Fish Department investigator. No one really knows how many bobcats live within their state boundaries and scientists have found that births are dropping rather dramatically. As a rehabber we are seeing case after case of bobcats who are suffering from the effects of a poisoned environment, such as mercury in their food sources. Bobcats live in areas where the endangered Canada Lynx is struggling against extinction and the same traps that are set for bobcats injure and kill their endangered cousins. For these reasons as well as moral ones the bobcat should not be removed from Appendix II protection.
Tigers and bobcats especially need your voice before September 11, 2009.
Please send a letter to both of these addresses:
Div of Management Authority, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Svc
4401 North Fairfax Drive, Room 212
Arlington, VA 22203
or via e-mail at: CoP15@fws.gov
or via fax at: 703-358-2298.
Div of Scientific Authority, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Svc
4401 North Fairfax Drive, Room 110
Arlington, VA 22203
or via e-mail at: scientificauthority@fws.gov
or via fax at: 703-358-2276.For more details: http://www.bigcatrescue.org/laws/2009/CITES.htm
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
Sharif tiger sparks Pakistan row
Sharif tiger sparks Pakistan row
Page last updated at 17:23 GMT, Wednesday, 29 July 2009 18:23 UK
By Syed Shoaib Hasan
BBC News, Islamabad
The family of Pakistan's main opposition leader says it has handed over a tiger obtained in contravention of local laws to the government.
The Siberian tiger was imported by Sulieman Sharif, nephew of former PM Nawaz Sharif and son of Shahbaz Sharif, the chief minster of Punjab province.
News of the imported tiger led to an outcry because it was to be kept in its own air-conditioned compound.
Pakistanis are currently enduring sweltering heat amid severe power cuts.
Cooled compound
Sulieman Sharif obtained the tiger from Canada on 23 July despite a ban on the private import of large cats into Pakistan since February 2009.
The tiger was set to be housed in an electrically-cooled compound on the family estate of Raiwind, a few kilometres outside Lahore, the Punjab capital.
But a huge hue and cry was raised by the press and public after it emerged the compound would run on local electricity.
Pakistan's nationwide power shortages are so severe that daily outages last 10-12 hours.
Subsequently, Shahbaz Sharif is said to have ordered the tiger to be taken away immediately.
The World Wildlife Fund's (WWF) Pakistan chapter says the Sharifs have now agreed they should no longer keep the tiger.
"We understand it has now been handed over to the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) government," Ali Hassan Habib of the WWF told the BBC.
It is not clear why NWFP has been chosen, but one possibility is that it is cooler there than in Punjab.
"After the matter came into the press, the Sharifs approached us themselves for help," Mr Habib said.
"We don't have the facilities here to keep the animal, but we willing to help relocate him elsewhere. The question does arise as to how the tiger got in, as the environment ministry had recently banned its import."
It is expected the tiger will either be housed in a public zoo in Pakistan, or relocated abroad.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8175168.stm
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Page last updated at 17:23 GMT, Wednesday, 29 July 2009 18:23 UK
By Syed Shoaib Hasan
BBC News, Islamabad
The family of Pakistan's main opposition leader says it has handed over a tiger obtained in contravention of local laws to the government.
The Siberian tiger was imported by Sulieman Sharif, nephew of former PM Nawaz Sharif and son of Shahbaz Sharif, the chief minster of Punjab province.
News of the imported tiger led to an outcry because it was to be kept in its own air-conditioned compound.
Pakistanis are currently enduring sweltering heat amid severe power cuts.
Cooled compound
Sulieman Sharif obtained the tiger from Canada on 23 July despite a ban on the private import of large cats into Pakistan since February 2009.
The tiger was set to be housed in an electrically-cooled compound on the family estate of Raiwind, a few kilometres outside Lahore, the Punjab capital.
But a huge hue and cry was raised by the press and public after it emerged the compound would run on local electricity.
Pakistan's nationwide power shortages are so severe that daily outages last 10-12 hours.
Subsequently, Shahbaz Sharif is said to have ordered the tiger to be taken away immediately.
The World Wildlife Fund's (WWF) Pakistan chapter says the Sharifs have now agreed they should no longer keep the tiger.
"We understand it has now been handed over to the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) government," Ali Hassan Habib of the WWF told the BBC.
It is not clear why NWFP has been chosen, but one possibility is that it is cooler there than in Punjab.
"After the matter came into the press, the Sharifs approached us themselves for help," Mr Habib said.
"We don't have the facilities here to keep the animal, but we willing to help relocate him elsewhere. The question does arise as to how the tiger got in, as the environment ministry had recently banned its import."
It is expected the tiger will either be housed in a public zoo in Pakistan, or relocated abroad.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8175168.stm
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Scott Lope in UnTamed and Uncut tonight at 8pm
Don't miss big cat expert Scott Lope in UnTamed and Uncut tonight at 8pm!
http://animal.discovery.com/videos/untamed-uncut/
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
http://animal.discovery.com/videos/untamed-uncut/
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
Thai probe shows tiger parts came from Malaysia
Thai probe shows tiger parts came from Malaysia
By HILARY CHIEW
PETALING JAYA: Investigations by Thai wildlife authorities have confirmed that some of the tiger parts confiscated in Thailand last year belonged to the Malayan tiger, a specie found only in Peninsula Malaysia.
Dr Suchitra Changtragoon from the Forest Genetics and Biotech-nology Group said genetic fingerprinting revealed that the parts came from three species of tigers — the Indochinese, Amur and Malayan. The group comes under the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department of Thailand. The group investigated 17 meat samples obtained from the seizure of animal parts early this year. Twelve were found to be tiger meat, three were leopard meat and the rest were meat from the clouded leopard. Of the 12 tiger samples, five were from Malayan tigers, five were from Indochinese tigers and the remaining two were from Amur tigers. The findings were published in a scientific journal made available to The Star. The report is also published on the department's website (http://www.dnp.go.th<http://www.dnp.go.th> ).
In January this year, three tiger carcasses, weighing up to 250kg, were seized from a truck passing through Hua Hin while in February, two tiger and one panther carcasses were recovered from a truck in Pattani. In both cases, police said they were believed to have come from Malaysia and the parts were bound for Laos which is believed to be a transit point for Vietnam and China. Most of the big cats had been cut in half and their organs and pelts removed.
When contacted, Department of Wildlife and National Park's (Perhi-litan) Saharudin Anan said the results were not conveyed to Malaysia. "This is news to me. We had requested through the official channels when it was reported that those seizures included the Malayan tiger. But until today we are still waiting for the results," said the law and enforcement division director.
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
By HILARY CHIEW
PETALING JAYA: Investigations by Thai wildlife authorities have confirmed that some of the tiger parts confiscated in Thailand last year belonged to the Malayan tiger, a specie found only in Peninsula Malaysia.
Dr Suchitra Changtragoon from the Forest Genetics and Biotech-nology Group said genetic fingerprinting revealed that the parts came from three species of tigers — the Indochinese, Amur and Malayan. The group comes under the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department of Thailand. The group investigated 17 meat samples obtained from the seizure of animal parts early this year. Twelve were found to be tiger meat, three were leopard meat and the rest were meat from the clouded leopard. Of the 12 tiger samples, five were from Malayan tigers, five were from Indochinese tigers and the remaining two were from Amur tigers. The findings were published in a scientific journal made available to The Star. The report is also published on the department's website (http://www.dnp.go.th<http://www.dnp.go.th> ).
In January this year, three tiger carcasses, weighing up to 250kg, were seized from a truck passing through Hua Hin while in February, two tiger and one panther carcasses were recovered from a truck in Pattani. In both cases, police said they were believed to have come from Malaysia and the parts were bound for Laos which is believed to be a transit point for Vietnam and China. Most of the big cats had been cut in half and their organs and pelts removed.
When contacted, Department of Wildlife and National Park's (Perhi-litan) Saharudin Anan said the results were not conveyed to Malaysia. "This is news to me. We had requested through the official channels when it was reported that those seizures included the Malayan tiger. But until today we are still waiting for the results," said the law and enforcement division director.
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
Improper upkeep at Binh Duong wild animal farms
Improper upkeep at Binh Duong wild animal farms
Three private breeding farms for wild animals in the southern province of Binh Duong have failed to meet required technical and safety standards, inspectors have found.
The registration certificates of these farms had also expired, provincial inspectors said after carrying out checks on Dai Nam Zoo Co. Ltd., Thai Binh Duong Beer Company and Thanh Canh Enterprise.
The three companies, which run zoos and collect entrance fees from the public to view the animals, have a total of 53 tigers, making the province the country's leading locality in breeding the endangered species.
Inspectors found Dai Nam Zoo Co. Ltd. raising 13 tigers although they had registered for seven.
In total, the company was found raising 583 wild animals belonging to 71 species although its [expired] registration permits just 294 animals of 27 species.
Dai Nam had designed the cages properly for the different species and had veterinarians to take care of them. However, the company did not record its breeding and raising methods or the measures being taken to ensure stable reproduction of the animals under captive conditions.
The same violations were also found at the Thai Binh Duong Beer Company that had registered to raise 721 wild animals of eight species. Inspectors found the company was raising two unregistered wild animals but it was not clear which species they belonged to.
Tigers at this farm had given birth to 15 young ones but 11 of them died due to in-breeding, the inspectors found.
The farm should reinforce its cages to ensure absolute safety for humans as it is located among residential areas, inspectors said.
They also found that the Thanh Canh Enterprise was raising nine tigers without informing concerned agencies regularly about their health. They also found that the bars on cages were not close enough to ensure human safety.
One tigress at Thanh Canh's farm had given birth to a young that died soon after, inspectors said, adding none of the companies had declared clearly their purpose for breeding wild animals.
Tran Van Nguyen, deputy head of Binh Duong park rangers, said the agency had suggested to higher authorities that the registration is extended for the three companies.
He also said the companies would not be allowed to raise the animals for commercial purposes, noting that Vietnam has signed the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in 1994 and joined the International Tiger Coalition.
An official from the inspection team said they had requested the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to instruct the park rangers to tag the tigers with microchips for better management.
"I wonder why the Forest Protection Department has not attached microchips on the tigers," he said. "Without this, the breeder can secretly trade the animal after concealing their reproduction."
On July 16, two men were arrested while transporting a dead tiger from a central province to Hanoi.
Hoang Van Su and taxi driver Nguyen Trung Phong were found with a 60-kilogram frozen tiger and 11 kilograms of tiger bones in the trunk of the latter's cab.
Police said Su had hired Phong to carry the tiger and bones from the central province of Thanh Hoa to a buyer in Hanoi.
Dr. Pham Trong Anh, an expert from the Hanoi-based Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, said the tiger was a baby of about 4-5 months. He said the bones belonged to at least two different tigers.
It was unclear what the tigers had died of and whether they were wild or taken from illegal farms.
In Vietnam, tigers are only found along the Truong Son Mountain Range in the central region. Experts estimate the country has less than 200 tigers left, as most have been wiped out to make traditional medicine.
Tiger bones are believed to have aphrodisiac properties by many countries in the Far East and Southeast Asia.
Too risky
Early this month, the World Bank told a key international meeting on wildlife trade that experimenting with tiger farming is too risky and could drive wild tigers further toward extinction.
"Extinction is irreversible, so prudence and precaution suggest that the risks of legalized farming are too great a gamble for the world to take," World Bank Director Keshav Varma told the member countries of the 58th meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) StandingCommittee on July 9.
Because of the unpredictability of the market environment and the small number of remaining tigers in the wild, there is "no room for experimentation," Varma, who leads the World Bank's Global Tiger Initiative, said after the meeting.
"Commercial trading in tiger parts and its derivatives is not in the interest of wild tiger conservation."
"Given the unpredictability of the market environment along with the fact that there are only 3,500 tigers in the wild, there is no room for experimentation," Varma told the International Tiger Coalition (ITC).
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) later endorsed the World Bank's call for countries to ban tiger farming because of the uncertainty that it will have for the long-term conservation of wild tigers.
"Stopping all trade in tiger parts, and phasing out these tiger farms, is of the utmost urgency if the tiger is to survive in the wild," said Dr. Susan Lieberman, director of the species program at WWF International.
"It is time for the world community to join together, with tiger range state governments, to stop all poaching of tigers for illegal trade, and WWF welcomes the engagement of the World Bank in these efforts," she said.
Reported by Quang Thuan
Story from Thanh Nien News
Published: 28 July, 2009, 16:56:48 (GMT+7)
Copyright Thanh Nien News
http://www.thanhniennews.com/features/?catid=10&newsid=51186
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
Three private breeding farms for wild animals in the southern province of Binh Duong have failed to meet required technical and safety standards, inspectors have found.
The registration certificates of these farms had also expired, provincial inspectors said after carrying out checks on Dai Nam Zoo Co. Ltd., Thai Binh Duong Beer Company and Thanh Canh Enterprise.
The three companies, which run zoos and collect entrance fees from the public to view the animals, have a total of 53 tigers, making the province the country's leading locality in breeding the endangered species.
Inspectors found Dai Nam Zoo Co. Ltd. raising 13 tigers although they had registered for seven.
In total, the company was found raising 583 wild animals belonging to 71 species although its [expired] registration permits just 294 animals of 27 species.
Dai Nam had designed the cages properly for the different species and had veterinarians to take care of them. However, the company did not record its breeding and raising methods or the measures being taken to ensure stable reproduction of the animals under captive conditions.
The same violations were also found at the Thai Binh Duong Beer Company that had registered to raise 721 wild animals of eight species. Inspectors found the company was raising two unregistered wild animals but it was not clear which species they belonged to.
Tigers at this farm had given birth to 15 young ones but 11 of them died due to in-breeding, the inspectors found.
The farm should reinforce its cages to ensure absolute safety for humans as it is located among residential areas, inspectors said.
They also found that the Thanh Canh Enterprise was raising nine tigers without informing concerned agencies regularly about their health. They also found that the bars on cages were not close enough to ensure human safety.
One tigress at Thanh Canh's farm had given birth to a young that died soon after, inspectors said, adding none of the companies had declared clearly their purpose for breeding wild animals.
Tran Van Nguyen, deputy head of Binh Duong park rangers, said the agency had suggested to higher authorities that the registration is extended for the three companies.
He also said the companies would not be allowed to raise the animals for commercial purposes, noting that Vietnam has signed the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in 1994 and joined the International Tiger Coalition.
An official from the inspection team said they had requested the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to instruct the park rangers to tag the tigers with microchips for better management.
"I wonder why the Forest Protection Department has not attached microchips on the tigers," he said. "Without this, the breeder can secretly trade the animal after concealing their reproduction."
On July 16, two men were arrested while transporting a dead tiger from a central province to Hanoi.
Hoang Van Su and taxi driver Nguyen Trung Phong were found with a 60-kilogram frozen tiger and 11 kilograms of tiger bones in the trunk of the latter's cab.
Police said Su had hired Phong to carry the tiger and bones from the central province of Thanh Hoa to a buyer in Hanoi.
Dr. Pham Trong Anh, an expert from the Hanoi-based Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, said the tiger was a baby of about 4-5 months. He said the bones belonged to at least two different tigers.
It was unclear what the tigers had died of and whether they were wild or taken from illegal farms.
In Vietnam, tigers are only found along the Truong Son Mountain Range in the central region. Experts estimate the country has less than 200 tigers left, as most have been wiped out to make traditional medicine.
Tiger bones are believed to have aphrodisiac properties by many countries in the Far East and Southeast Asia.
Too risky
Early this month, the World Bank told a key international meeting on wildlife trade that experimenting with tiger farming is too risky and could drive wild tigers further toward extinction.
"Extinction is irreversible, so prudence and precaution suggest that the risks of legalized farming are too great a gamble for the world to take," World Bank Director Keshav Varma told the member countries of the 58th meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) StandingCommittee on July 9.
Because of the unpredictability of the market environment and the small number of remaining tigers in the wild, there is "no room for experimentation," Varma, who leads the World Bank's Global Tiger Initiative, said after the meeting.
"Commercial trading in tiger parts and its derivatives is not in the interest of wild tiger conservation."
"Given the unpredictability of the market environment along with the fact that there are only 3,500 tigers in the wild, there is no room for experimentation," Varma told the International Tiger Coalition (ITC).
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) later endorsed the World Bank's call for countries to ban tiger farming because of the uncertainty that it will have for the long-term conservation of wild tigers.
"Stopping all trade in tiger parts, and phasing out these tiger farms, is of the utmost urgency if the tiger is to survive in the wild," said Dr. Susan Lieberman, director of the species program at WWF International.
"It is time for the world community to join together, with tiger range state governments, to stop all poaching of tigers for illegal trade, and WWF welcomes the engagement of the World Bank in these efforts," she said.
Reported by Quang Thuan
Story from Thanh Nien News
Published: 28 July, 2009, 16:56:48 (GMT+7)
Copyright Thanh Nien News
http://www.thanhniennews.com/features/?catid=10&newsid=51186
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
India say no to WB fund for tiger conservation
India say no to WB fund for tiger conservation
Archana Jyoti
Sariska, July 26 2009 (PTI)
India, which is home to 70 per cent of the world's tiger population, does not need any fund, aid or expertise from the World Bank for conservation of big cats in the country, Union Minister of Environment Jairam Ramesh has said.
Ramesh said the country is self-sufficient to do the job with any outside help but added that the government was open to the idea of the bank funding for workshops and conferences aimed to boost conservation and protection of tigers whose population has dwindled to 1,400 in the latest head count.
"We do not need any money from the World Bank for the conservation of tigers in the country.
"Who else but we being the holder of 70 per cent of the world's tiger population could know the problems better.
http://ptinews.com/news/195624_India-say-no-to-WB-fund-for-tiger-conservation
Archana Jyoti
Sariska, July 26 2009 (PTI)
India, which is home to 70 per cent of the world's tiger population, does not need any fund, aid or expertise from the World Bank for conservation of big cats in the country, Union Minister of Environment Jairam Ramesh has said.
Ramesh said the country is self-sufficient to do the job with any outside help but added that the government was open to the idea of the bank funding for workshops and conferences aimed to boost conservation and protection of tigers whose population has dwindled to 1,400 in the latest head count.
"We do not need any money from the World Bank for the conservation of tigers in the country.
"Who else but we being the holder of 70 per cent of the world's tiger population could know the problems better.
http://ptinews.com/news/195624_India-say-no-to-WB-fund-for-tiger-conservation
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
Savery featured at 2009 Big Cat Rescue art show
Library displays paper creations
Published: July 29, 2009
PLANT CITY - A display at Bruton Memorial Library recently showcased the unique creations of paper sculptor Kelly Savery, a natural artist with no formal training.
Savery began her artistic journey 30 years ago as a form of therapy to keep her mind diverted from debilitating diabetic and arthritic pain.
"I spend so much of my time in pain and, some days, am barely able to move at all. I found myself spending time in front of the television and started working in paper just to try and keep my fingers flexible," she said.
The therapy evolved into the unique art form of making miniature paper sculptures of anything that caught her fancy; from a miniature dollhouse that took three months to complete, to 250 mobiles in paper and clay, to colorful contemporary works that resemble woven cloth.
Savery relocated from her native Connecticut to Plant City last year. She created a miniature dentist office for display at the American Dental Association's annual convention, and her work was featured at a 2009 big cat rescue show and art auction. She has a continuous display of miniature guitars at the Hard Rock Cafe and Casino on Orient Road in Tampa and recently added a sculpted glove in honor of Michael Jackson.
A new and ongoing exhibit of what she calls, "whimsical-art on-a-stick," a variety of paper and clay creations including ships, wildlife clowns and impressionistic works, opened July 21 at the Creative Native Gallery, 5307 N. Falkenburg Road, Tampa. The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.
For information, contact her at Kellysgallery @yahoo.com or go to http://kellysgallery.google pages.com/home.
Cheryl Kuck can be reached at wkuck@tampabay.rr.com.
http://plantcity2.tbo.com/content/2009/jul/29/pc-library-displays-paper-creations/
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
While in DC Big Cat Rescuers Supported Sea Otter Protection
While in DC Big Cat Rescuers Supported Sea Otter Protection
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
Rep. Farr's sea otter bill passes in the House.
Monterey Bay's otters could get a lot more attention, if a bill passed in the U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday becomes law.
The House passed the Southern Sea Otter Recovery and Research Act, which authorizes funding for research and recovery of the threatened kelp-loving mustelids, by a wide margin on 316-107.
"The Southern sea otters are a keystone species," Rep. Sam Farr (D-Carmel) said during Monday's debate on the House floor, according to a press release. "That means if they break the chain, the whole ecological system falls apart."
Farr (D-Carmel) introduced the bill, H.R. 556, which directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to award research grants to monitor and analyze otter populations, assess the causes of their decline, mitigate human activities that harm their habitat, and teach the public about them.
"Helping the recovery of the Southern sea otter has the added benefit of increasing Central Coast tourism revenue," Farr added, in a shout-out to the otter love that is synonymous with Monterey Bay vacations.
For the first time in more than a decade, the three-year average for otter populations declined this year.
The Senate hasn't considered the bill yet, but environmentalists are already gearing up for a push.
"These playful and charismatic species are the main predators for sea urchins, abalone and other kelp-eating species. Without sea otters, these kelp forests would disappear, depriving our coast of key nurseries for many important fish species," stated Jim Curland of Defenders of Wildlife. "We look forward to working with the Senate to enact this bill."
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
Zoo unveils endangered tiger cubs
Zoo unveils endangered tiger cubs
Last Updated: Wednesday, July 29, 2009, 11:03
The baby boom at Dublin Zoo is continuing this summer, with the birth of two endangered tiger cubs.
The as yet unnamed Sumatran tigers were born on May 29th to mother Sigra and are being officially introduced by the zoo today.
The male cub weighed 1kg at birth, with the female at 0.85 kg.
The nine-week-old cubs are the result of an international breeding programme among zoos. The species is classed as critically endangered, with as few as 400 surviving in the wild.
"You never know what is going to happen when you introduce two big cats, so we are delighted with this spectacular result," said Zoo Director Leo Oosterweghel.
"The bigger picture is of course that these cubs will help us to introduce our visitors to the plight of this critically endangered cat as well as making a huge contribution to the global breeding programme."
In the wild, male tigers traditonally live alone and only join females for mating. Contact with father Kepala has been closely monitored. However, the zoo said the family appeared to be bonding well and were already displaying a "natural connection".
The tigers will be introduced to the public as a family unit today. Additional keeper talks on the tigers will be held over the weekend to help raise public awareness of the species.
The zoo visitors is seeking help from the public in naming the pair, with a competition planned for August.
Dublin Zoo has had a number of new arrivals in recent months, with the birth of a new sea lion pup and five endangered birds - two Waldrapp Ibis and three Military Macaws - earlier in the summer.
Last summer another sea lion pup called Ella was born during one of the zoo’s biggest baby booms — which included the birth of Budi, the first ever bull elephant in Ireland, Zukiszwa, a white rhinoceros and Sandsteen the giraffe.
Elsewhere there was the hatching of four Chilean flamingos, three maras, two yellow backed chattering lories, six kune kune piglets, a leopard tortoise, a South American tapir and a pony.
In January a female giraffe called Neema was also born.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/0729/breaking37.htm
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Last Updated: Wednesday, July 29, 2009, 11:03
The baby boom at Dublin Zoo is continuing this summer, with the birth of two endangered tiger cubs.
The as yet unnamed Sumatran tigers were born on May 29th to mother Sigra and are being officially introduced by the zoo today.
The male cub weighed 1kg at birth, with the female at 0.85 kg.
The nine-week-old cubs are the result of an international breeding programme among zoos. The species is classed as critically endangered, with as few as 400 surviving in the wild.
"You never know what is going to happen when you introduce two big cats, so we are delighted with this spectacular result," said Zoo Director Leo Oosterweghel.
"The bigger picture is of course that these cubs will help us to introduce our visitors to the plight of this critically endangered cat as well as making a huge contribution to the global breeding programme."
In the wild, male tigers traditonally live alone and only join females for mating. Contact with father Kepala has been closely monitored. However, the zoo said the family appeared to be bonding well and were already displaying a "natural connection".
The tigers will be introduced to the public as a family unit today. Additional keeper talks on the tigers will be held over the weekend to help raise public awareness of the species.
The zoo visitors is seeking help from the public in naming the pair, with a competition planned for August.
Dublin Zoo has had a number of new arrivals in recent months, with the birth of a new sea lion pup and five endangered birds - two Waldrapp Ibis and three Military Macaws - earlier in the summer.
Last summer another sea lion pup called Ella was born during one of the zoo’s biggest baby booms — which included the birth of Budi, the first ever bull elephant in Ireland, Zukiszwa, a white rhinoceros and Sandsteen the giraffe.
Elsewhere there was the hatching of four Chilean flamingos, three maras, two yellow backed chattering lories, six kune kune piglets, a leopard tortoise, a South American tapir and a pony.
In January a female giraffe called Neema was also born.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/0729/breaking37.htm
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
India to protect dwindling tigers
India to protect dwindling tigers
(UKPA) – July 28, 2009
India is to amend its wildlife crime laws to protect the country's tigers, a government minister said.
Environment and forest minister Jairam Ramesh said that speeding up justice as well as hefty fines are needed to strengthen the Wildlife Protection Act.
He added that the forest ministry, state governments and a separate authority on the management of tiger reserves had agreed to work together to ensure conservation of the endangered animal.
Nearly 80,000 to 100,000 families inhabiting core areas of tiger reserves will be relocated and given £12,500 each as part of the measures.
The minister said that nearly six million hectares of land will be brought under green cover within the next six years, since funds to create more forests had recently been released.
This will increase the habitat area for tigers, who prefer to live and hunt in thick vegetation.
Earlier Mr Ramesh sounded the alarm for seven tiger reserves in the country which are threatened by decreasing population.
"The tiger population in these reserves is going down and the protection measures are poor," Mr Ramesh said.
"Unless we take immediate steps, we will lose the tigers in these reserves."
Poaching is suspected to be rampant in at least three of the seven reserves which are losing tigers.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gLHlcbyDawbo_cfWt_CHfvmk5QsA
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
(UKPA) – July 28, 2009
India is to amend its wildlife crime laws to protect the country's tigers, a government minister said.
Environment and forest minister Jairam Ramesh said that speeding up justice as well as hefty fines are needed to strengthen the Wildlife Protection Act.
He added that the forest ministry, state governments and a separate authority on the management of tiger reserves had agreed to work together to ensure conservation of the endangered animal.
Nearly 80,000 to 100,000 families inhabiting core areas of tiger reserves will be relocated and given £12,500 each as part of the measures.
The minister said that nearly six million hectares of land will be brought under green cover within the next six years, since funds to create more forests had recently been released.
This will increase the habitat area for tigers, who prefer to live and hunt in thick vegetation.
Earlier Mr Ramesh sounded the alarm for seven tiger reserves in the country which are threatened by decreasing population.
"The tiger population in these reserves is going down and the protection measures are poor," Mr Ramesh said.
"Unless we take immediate steps, we will lose the tigers in these reserves."
Poaching is suspected to be rampant in at least three of the seven reserves which are losing tigers.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gLHlcbyDawbo_cfWt_CHfvmk5QsA
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
Wildlife Act to be amended: Jairam
Wildlife Act to be amended: Jairam
Special Correspondent
NEW DELHI: Forest preservation, curbing poachers and relocation of forest-dwellers were the three major challenges before the government, Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh said here on Tuesday.
“To save the pristine land being diverted for developmental projects, we are ensuring that the Forest Conservation Act remain[s] sacrosanct,” he said at a function to launch the Bengal Tiger Conservation Programme. The Minister said amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act were on the anvil to deter poachers further and for anti-wildlife smuggling activities.
“We are in talks with the concerned stakeholders to bring comprehensive changes in the Act and also in the process to strengthen Wildlife Crime Control Bureau to develop intelligence,” he said. Long judicial procedures and paltry sums as penalty do not help curb this problem.
With the help of the Supreme Court, the Attorney General of India and other judiciary members, efforts would be made to introduce heavy fines and sections like attaching property.
Mr. Ramesh said the States had got over Rs. 11,000 crore for protection and restoration of natural forest cover under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) Fund. The fund offers a unique and historic opportunity to invest in forests exclusively since the word ‘plantation’ did not figure in the guidelines.
In the next six years, 6 million hectares of land will be brought under green cover, providing one of the largest carbon sinks in the world.
On the relocation of close to 80,000 families living inside the core areas of protected forests, he said they had been offered Rs.10 lakh or a piece of land as a compensation package to move out of the reserves.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/29/stories/2009072960561100.htm
http:://www.bigcatrescue.org
Special Correspondent
NEW DELHI: Forest preservation, curbing poachers and relocation of forest-dwellers were the three major challenges before the government, Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh said here on Tuesday.
“To save the pristine land being diverted for developmental projects, we are ensuring that the Forest Conservation Act remain[s] sacrosanct,” he said at a function to launch the Bengal Tiger Conservation Programme. The Minister said amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act were on the anvil to deter poachers further and for anti-wildlife smuggling activities.
“We are in talks with the concerned stakeholders to bring comprehensive changes in the Act and also in the process to strengthen Wildlife Crime Control Bureau to develop intelligence,” he said. Long judicial procedures and paltry sums as penalty do not help curb this problem.
With the help of the Supreme Court, the Attorney General of India and other judiciary members, efforts would be made to introduce heavy fines and sections like attaching property.
Mr. Ramesh said the States had got over Rs. 11,000 crore for protection and restoration of natural forest cover under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) Fund. The fund offers a unique and historic opportunity to invest in forests exclusively since the word ‘plantation’ did not figure in the guidelines.
In the next six years, 6 million hectares of land will be brought under green cover, providing one of the largest carbon sinks in the world.
On the relocation of close to 80,000 families living inside the core areas of protected forests, he said they had been offered Rs.10 lakh or a piece of land as a compensation package to move out of the reserves.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/29/stories/2009072960561100.htm
http:://www.bigcatrescue.org
Dravid bats for tiger conservation
Dravid bats for tiger conservation
TNN 29 July 2009, 01:04am IST
NEW DELHI: Sourav Ganguly is known as the Bengal Tiger. But it was Rahul Dravid who listened attentively as environmentalists and wildlife conservationists discussed ways of preserving the environment and saving the tiger.
"The tiger is a wonderful symbol of our ecosystem. We need to protect it," the Indian cricketer told TOI.
Dravid had flown in to the capital on Tuesday to attend a conference on ecosystems, climate change and national development at the Teen Murti Bhavan. The former India captain listened attentively sitting in the back row.
"As a child I was always in love with forests and wildlife. I came to listen and learn from different experts on climate change and environment protection," he said.
Environmentalist Bittu Sahgal, who had invited Rahul to the conference, said, "If we want to look into climate change as a serious issue, we would need credible youth icons like Rahul to highlight it," he said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4831964.cms
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
TNN 29 July 2009, 01:04am IST
NEW DELHI: Sourav Ganguly is known as the Bengal Tiger. But it was Rahul Dravid who listened attentively as environmentalists and wildlife conservationists discussed ways of preserving the environment and saving the tiger.
"The tiger is a wonderful symbol of our ecosystem. We need to protect it," the Indian cricketer told TOI.
Dravid had flown in to the capital on Tuesday to attend a conference on ecosystems, climate change and national development at the Teen Murti Bhavan. The former India captain listened attentively sitting in the back row.
"As a child I was always in love with forests and wildlife. I came to listen and learn from different experts on climate change and environment protection," he said.
Environmentalist Bittu Sahgal, who had invited Rahul to the conference, said, "If we want to look into climate change as a serious issue, we would need credible youth icons like Rahul to highlight it," he said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4831964.cms
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Sharifs' burning tiger gets frosty reception in boiling Pakistan
Sharifs' burning tiger gets frosty reception in boiling Pakistan
Biting sarcasm tears into political family's plan to keep imported Siberian cat in chilled pen as Pakistanis roast amid power cuts
Declan Walsh, Islamabad guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 28 July 2009 15.39 BST
When a Siberian tiger landed in the Pakistani city of Lahore last week, at the height of a sweltering summer, some worried that the blistering temperatures might prove too much for the rare animal.
But in the end the heat proved too much for its owners, the politically dominant Sharif family, who, after a round of lacerating media criticism, have offered to give the hapless tiger up.
The animal was flown in from Canada by Suleiman Sharif, a nephew of the opposition leader, Nawaz Sharif, who is known as the "Lion of Punjab". The Pakistani government banned the import of big cats last February.
However, Sharif junior has got powerful connections: his father, Shahbaz, is chief minister of Punjab. So when the tiger landed at Lahore airport, it was welcomed by the chief minister's private secretary, who whisked it through customs.
According to press reports, Suleiman planned to house the tiger in a chilled enclosure at the family's private zoo on the Raiwind estate, on the outskirts of the city. A second tiger had been ordered from Canada.
The matter, when it hit the newspapers, prompted outrage, not so much because it highlighted the powerful dodging the law, which is nothing unusual in Pakistan, but due to the insensitivity of building a refrigerated room at a time when most Pakistanis are labouring under extensive electricity outages in roasting weather.
"It is hard to see the inhabitants of Siberia faring well in the heat and humidity of Lahore," noted an acerbic editorial in The News, which demanded an official investigation. Its competitor, Dawn, queried: "Wouldn't millions of Pakistanis … be outraged?"
And so the tiger had to go. Today, the World Wildlife Fund office said the Sharif family had offered to donate the politically problematic animal to charity. "They contacted our office to say they are ready to hand over the animal. It's in their interest to give it up," said the charity's director for Pakistan, Ali Hassan Habib. "And so it should be. We want to use this opportunity to educate them."
Habib said he would try to place the tiger with a suitable zoo in Lahore, otherwise the animal would be sent abroad. He said the affair raised questions about why the Canadian exporter agreed to deal with a private individual instead of a zoo.
Suleiman Sharif has not publicly commented. His uncle Nawaz, the most popular politician in Pakistan, according to polls, is in London, where his wife is receiving medical treatment.
A Sharif spokesman in Lahore said it was "entirely incorrect" that a chilled cage had been built, and added: "There is no tiger at the Raiwind farmhouse, I can guarantee you that."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jul/28/siberia-tiger-pakistan-sharif
http://www.bigcatresue.org
Biting sarcasm tears into political family's plan to keep imported Siberian cat in chilled pen as Pakistanis roast amid power cuts
Declan Walsh, Islamabad guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 28 July 2009 15.39 BST
When a Siberian tiger landed in the Pakistani city of Lahore last week, at the height of a sweltering summer, some worried that the blistering temperatures might prove too much for the rare animal.
But in the end the heat proved too much for its owners, the politically dominant Sharif family, who, after a round of lacerating media criticism, have offered to give the hapless tiger up.
The animal was flown in from Canada by Suleiman Sharif, a nephew of the opposition leader, Nawaz Sharif, who is known as the "Lion of Punjab". The Pakistani government banned the import of big cats last February.
However, Sharif junior has got powerful connections: his father, Shahbaz, is chief minister of Punjab. So when the tiger landed at Lahore airport, it was welcomed by the chief minister's private secretary, who whisked it through customs.
According to press reports, Suleiman planned to house the tiger in a chilled enclosure at the family's private zoo on the Raiwind estate, on the outskirts of the city. A second tiger had been ordered from Canada.
The matter, when it hit the newspapers, prompted outrage, not so much because it highlighted the powerful dodging the law, which is nothing unusual in Pakistan, but due to the insensitivity of building a refrigerated room at a time when most Pakistanis are labouring under extensive electricity outages in roasting weather.
"It is hard to see the inhabitants of Siberia faring well in the heat and humidity of Lahore," noted an acerbic editorial in The News, which demanded an official investigation. Its competitor, Dawn, queried: "Wouldn't millions of Pakistanis … be outraged?"
And so the tiger had to go. Today, the World Wildlife Fund office said the Sharif family had offered to donate the politically problematic animal to charity. "They contacted our office to say they are ready to hand over the animal. It's in their interest to give it up," said the charity's director for Pakistan, Ali Hassan Habib. "And so it should be. We want to use this opportunity to educate them."
Habib said he would try to place the tiger with a suitable zoo in Lahore, otherwise the animal would be sent abroad. He said the affair raised questions about why the Canadian exporter agreed to deal with a private individual instead of a zoo.
Suleiman Sharif has not publicly commented. His uncle Nawaz, the most popular politician in Pakistan, according to polls, is in London, where his wife is receiving medical treatment.
A Sharif spokesman in Lahore said it was "entirely incorrect" that a chilled cage had been built, and added: "There is no tiger at the Raiwind farmhouse, I can guarantee you that."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jul/28/siberia-tiger-pakistan-sharif
http://www.bigcatresue.org
Tiger Pete appealing his case to Idaho Supreme Court
By Michelle Costa, Local News 8 Reporter
Posted: July 22, 2009 06:11 PM EDT
Updated: July 22, 2009 06:11 PM EDT
POCATELLO - We have an update on the man known as Tiger Pete who is trying to open a Siberian Tiger Preserve in Eastern Idaho.
Peter Renzo is now appealing his case to the Idaho Supreme Court after a Blackfoot judge dismissed all their claims.
Back in October, he filed a complaint against the Department of Agriculture in Blackfoot, suing for about $13 million for damages.
But after dismissal, they're moving to the Supreme Court.
Renzo's lawyer said it takes awhile for this process to go through and it may take a year for any news on their case.
http://www.localnews8.com/Global/story.asp?S=10773207
-----
Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Posted: July 22, 2009 06:11 PM EDT
Updated: July 22, 2009 06:11 PM EDT
POCATELLO - We have an update on the man known as Tiger Pete who is trying to open a Siberian Tiger Preserve in Eastern Idaho.
Peter Renzo is now appealing his case to the Idaho Supreme Court after a Blackfoot judge dismissed all their claims.
Back in October, he filed a complaint against the Department of Agriculture in Blackfoot, suing for about $13 million for damages.
But after dismissal, they're moving to the Supreme Court.
Renzo's lawyer said it takes awhile for this process to go through and it may take a year for any news on their case.
http://www.localnews8.com/Global/story.asp?S=10773207
-----
Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Rare Amur leopards sent to US, Britain zoos
Rare leopards sent to US, Britain
July 28, 2009
TALLINN - THREE extremely rare Amur leopard cubs that were born at Estonia's Tallinn zoo last spring will have new homes in US and British zoos, the Estonian institution said.
'The birth of all three cubs was an extraordinary event because there are only 50 Amur leopards still living in the wild,' Mati Kaal, director of Tallinn Zoo, told AFP. 'All live in Amur, in an area surrounded by Russia, China and North Korea,' he said. 'During the last century, the number of Amur leopards has decreased dramatically due to human carelessness.'
Edgar, the largest cub, will make his new home at Erie Zoo in the US state of Pennsylvania, while another male, Toomas, and a female cub, Kaia, will go to Marwell Zoo in the county of Hampshire, southern England.
'We are not asking for any money, but the receiving zoo has to pay the costs of transport,' Mr Kaal said. 'Zoos across the globe cooperate very well and exchanging unusual animals is a common practice,' he added. 'More people on our planet get a chance to see more different and rare animals.'
Tallinn Zoo has a good reputation for breeding and exporting rare animals, particularly striped hyenas, he said.
'Over a third of all striped hyenas in zoos worldwide are born at Tallinn Zoo,' Mr Kaal, who has run it for the last 40 years, told AFP. The breeding programme dates from Soviet times.
He said he now hopes that Carl, a 6,000-kilogramme elephant, originally from South Africa's Kruger National Park, will get serious about baby-making with two female elephants.
'Our elephants just got a new big house and Carl will hopefully finally get romantic enough to start making babies,' Mr Kaal said.
A Vienna-born polar bear named Nord who spent a few years in exile in a zoo in Siberia and then at Moscow Zoo arrived in Tallinn this April.
'It has been wonderful to see that the number of visitors at our zoo has not decreased during current recession. On the contrary - it has sharply increased and we're seeing a record number of visitors this summer,' Mr Kaal said.
'It seems that in hard times people like to be with carefree animals who share sweet emotions and help forget everyday worries,' he added. -- AFP
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/World/Story/STIStory_409283.html
-----
Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
July 28, 2009
TALLINN - THREE extremely rare Amur leopard cubs that were born at Estonia's Tallinn zoo last spring will have new homes in US and British zoos, the Estonian institution said.
'The birth of all three cubs was an extraordinary event because there are only 50 Amur leopards still living in the wild,' Mati Kaal, director of Tallinn Zoo, told AFP. 'All live in Amur, in an area surrounded by Russia, China and North Korea,' he said. 'During the last century, the number of Amur leopards has decreased dramatically due to human carelessness.'
Edgar, the largest cub, will make his new home at Erie Zoo in the US state of Pennsylvania, while another male, Toomas, and a female cub, Kaia, will go to Marwell Zoo in the county of Hampshire, southern England.
'We are not asking for any money, but the receiving zoo has to pay the costs of transport,' Mr Kaal said. 'Zoos across the globe cooperate very well and exchanging unusual animals is a common practice,' he added. 'More people on our planet get a chance to see more different and rare animals.'
Tallinn Zoo has a good reputation for breeding and exporting rare animals, particularly striped hyenas, he said.
'Over a third of all striped hyenas in zoos worldwide are born at Tallinn Zoo,' Mr Kaal, who has run it for the last 40 years, told AFP. The breeding programme dates from Soviet times.
He said he now hopes that Carl, a 6,000-kilogramme elephant, originally from South Africa's Kruger National Park, will get serious about baby-making with two female elephants.
'Our elephants just got a new big house and Carl will hopefully finally get romantic enough to start making babies,' Mr Kaal said.
A Vienna-born polar bear named Nord who spent a few years in exile in a zoo in Siberia and then at Moscow Zoo arrived in Tallinn this April.
'It has been wonderful to see that the number of visitors at our zoo has not decreased during current recession. On the contrary - it has sharply increased and we're seeing a record number of visitors this summer,' Mr Kaal said.
'It seems that in hard times people like to be with carefree animals who share sweet emotions and help forget everyday worries,' he added. -- AFP
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/World/Story/STIStory_409283.html
-----
Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Baby bobcat rescued in downtown Gulfport, Miss.
BY NANCY BAKER FAUL - Sun Herald
Saturday, Jul. 25, 2009
Downtown Gulfport seems an unlikely place for a wild animal to be hanging out, but that's where a baby bobcat was captured earlier this month.
On July 7, Gulfport Police Animal Control officer Gwen Wilder captured the 4-month-old bobcat at the Goodwill Industries building, 2407 31st St. in downtown Gulfport.
The wild bobcat had a cleft lip, either as a result of a trauma or possibly a birth defect.
Animal Control took the bobcat to Dr. James Askew and Dr. Ann DelBorgo Ladner at The Saucier Veterinary Hospital for immediate medical attention.
In addition to the cleft lip, the bobcat kitten had parasites and was weak when it was rescued by Wilder.
Ladner performed surgery to correct the cleft lip and other facial problems so the bobcat would be able to live a normal life.
"The tiny little thing was found weak and in bad condition but is now doing well and can be a real 'spitfire' when I go near him," Askew said. "We named him T.C. He eats normally now and will be ready for travel soon."
T.C. will be turned over to the Cedar Hill Cat Sanctuary about 30 minutes north of Starkville. The doctors at the Saucier Veterinary Hospital have sent a bobcat to the sanctuary on one other occasion.
"When you see or come in contact with any wild animal, it is always (best for) Animal Control professionals to rescue and capture the animal," Askew said. "Never attempt to touch, harm, capture or restrain the animal yourself."
According to Defenders of Wildlife, a conservation group based in Washington D.C., there are about 750,000 to 1,020,000 bobcats remaining in the wild today.
Charlie Welch, of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, said it is not uncommon for wild animals such as bobcats to be found in urban areas.
"Their habitats are brushy and wooded areas with a good supply of prey," Welch said. "We haven't taken a count in Gulfport so we don't know how many could be in that area."
http://www.sunherald.com/278/story/1499222.html
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Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Saturday, Jul. 25, 2009
Downtown Gulfport seems an unlikely place for a wild animal to be hanging out, but that's where a baby bobcat was captured earlier this month.
On July 7, Gulfport Police Animal Control officer Gwen Wilder captured the 4-month-old bobcat at the Goodwill Industries building, 2407 31st St. in downtown Gulfport.
The wild bobcat had a cleft lip, either as a result of a trauma or possibly a birth defect.
Animal Control took the bobcat to Dr. James Askew and Dr. Ann DelBorgo Ladner at The Saucier Veterinary Hospital for immediate medical attention.
In addition to the cleft lip, the bobcat kitten had parasites and was weak when it was rescued by Wilder.
Ladner performed surgery to correct the cleft lip and other facial problems so the bobcat would be able to live a normal life.
"The tiny little thing was found weak and in bad condition but is now doing well and can be a real 'spitfire' when I go near him," Askew said. "We named him T.C. He eats normally now and will be ready for travel soon."
T.C. will be turned over to the Cedar Hill Cat Sanctuary about 30 minutes north of Starkville. The doctors at the Saucier Veterinary Hospital have sent a bobcat to the sanctuary on one other occasion.
"When you see or come in contact with any wild animal, it is always (best for) Animal Control professionals to rescue and capture the animal," Askew said. "Never attempt to touch, harm, capture or restrain the animal yourself."
According to Defenders of Wildlife, a conservation group based in Washington D.C., there are about 750,000 to 1,020,000 bobcats remaining in the wild today.
Charlie Welch, of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, said it is not uncommon for wild animals such as bobcats to be found in urban areas.
"Their habitats are brushy and wooded areas with a good supply of prey," Welch said. "We haven't taken a count in Gulfport so we don't know how many could be in that area."
http://www.sunherald.com/278/story/1499222.html
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Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Deer falls into tiger’s enclosure, dies
Deer falls into tiger’s enclosure, dies
26 Jul 2009 04:16:23 AM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A nine-year-old spotted deer in the city zoo succumbed to its injuries after it fell five feet into the open tiger enclosure and got attacked by an alarmed tiger on Saturday.
The fall might have been the result of the deer having panicked by some movement or sound outside its cage, sources in the zoo said. Spotted deers are said to be easily excitable; the sound of a twig breaking is enough to cause extreme panic in them.
The startled spotted deer, in a bouncing motion, shot itself out through the service door at the back of the cage in which it shared space with other spotted and Nilgai deers. Some of the spotted deers in the zoo are lodged in the Nilgai enclosure because of a lack of space.
The consequence was it fell straight into the open tiger enclosure, right behind the Nilgai enclosure some five feet below. According to sources in the Zoo, the sudden resounding fall of the deer shocked an unsuspecting tiger, which, in utter confusion and in defence, attacked the fallen deer and rushed back to its cage. At this point, the zoo keepers jumped into the open enclosure and closed the tiger’s cage.
They then hauled the severely injured deer out of the enclosure. The deer was bleeding badly, the tiger had pulled out its intestines. The fall itself had caused serious internal fractures. The deer succumbed to its injuries before the zoo doctor could begin treatment.
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Deer+falls+into+tiger%E2%80%99s+enclos&artid=68476d1uxN4=&SectionID=lMx/b5mt1kU=&MainSectionID=lMx/b5mt1kU=&SEO=&SectionName=tm2kh5uDhixGlQvAG42A/07OVZOOEmts
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
26 Jul 2009 04:16:23 AM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A nine-year-old spotted deer in the city zoo succumbed to its injuries after it fell five feet into the open tiger enclosure and got attacked by an alarmed tiger on Saturday.
The fall might have been the result of the deer having panicked by some movement or sound outside its cage, sources in the zoo said. Spotted deers are said to be easily excitable; the sound of a twig breaking is enough to cause extreme panic in them.
The startled spotted deer, in a bouncing motion, shot itself out through the service door at the back of the cage in which it shared space with other spotted and Nilgai deers. Some of the spotted deers in the zoo are lodged in the Nilgai enclosure because of a lack of space.
The consequence was it fell straight into the open tiger enclosure, right behind the Nilgai enclosure some five feet below. According to sources in the Zoo, the sudden resounding fall of the deer shocked an unsuspecting tiger, which, in utter confusion and in defence, attacked the fallen deer and rushed back to its cage. At this point, the zoo keepers jumped into the open enclosure and closed the tiger’s cage.
They then hauled the severely injured deer out of the enclosure. The deer was bleeding badly, the tiger had pulled out its intestines. The fall itself had caused serious internal fractures. The deer succumbed to its injuries before the zoo doctor could begin treatment.
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Deer+falls+into+tiger%E2%80%99s+enclos&artid=68476d1uxN4=&SectionID=lMx/b5mt1kU=&MainSectionID=lMx/b5mt1kU=&SEO=&SectionName=tm2kh5uDhixGlQvAG42A/07OVZOOEmts
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Survived Maoists, but tigers could fall prey to tribals
Survived Maoists, but tigers could fall prey to tribals
Sreenivas Janyala Posted online: Monday , Jul 27, 2009 at 2303 hrs
Hyderabad : Tigers in the country’s largest sanctuary — Srisailam Tiger Reserve — survived the Maoists who encroached and ruled the Nallamala forests for several years but may now fall prey to a tribal community that has just now learnt how valuable a dead tiger is.
In the last week of May, a tigress was snared by two hunters on the periphery of the Srisailam Tiger Reserve in the Nandiyal Forest Division in Kurnool district. Forest officials, who came to know of it three days later and kept it under wraps, are dismissing the incident as a stray case but admit that the hunters were trying to sell the skin and nails when they were nabbed.
Deputy Conservator of Forests, Nandiyal Forest Division, K Narasimahalu, says that the full-grown tigress may have accidentally walked into the trap. “Two hunters of the local Chenchu tribe had set a trap probably for a wild boar or a spotted deer. We assume that the tigress walked into it. Her neck got snared and she died. We have arrested both the culprits and they say that they did not intend to hunt a tiger and initially had no idea that its skin, nails and bones were valuable. We had received a tip-off that both of them had contacted another person and were trying to sell the skin for Rs 10,000 through him. They had hidden the skin and nails behind a small church after giving it a crude preservation treatment using loads of salt. We believe that it was not an intentional killing but once they had a dead tiger, they thought of making the most of it,” said Narasimahalu.
The Chenchu tribe is settled along the sanctuary — which is spread across five districts — and are dependent on forest produce. Officials fear that now that tribal hunters know the value of tiger skin and other body parts, it might trigger poaching in the sanctuary. This is what caused a serious drop in tiger populations in Corbett National Park and other reserves. “This was not a rudimentary trap to snare a wild boar or a deer. It crushed the tiger’s neck causing it to die almost instantly,” an official of the inquiry team said.
Spread over 3,568 square km of contiguous Nallamala forest, the sanctuary was till now a safe haven for tigers. The reserve’s Field Director Ajay Kumar Naik says the incident is cause for concern. “Due to the size of the sanctuary, the tigers managed to stay to away from human contact, even when Maoists cadres used it as a training and hiding place, thus averting any man-animal conflict situations. There are 70 to 80 tigers in the sanctuary now. In fact, they not only not only survived but made a comeback although for nearly a decade Maoists ruled this forest. Until two years ago, it was dangerous for forest officials to venture into the sanctuary even for basic patrolling. There was always the fear of encountering Maoists rather than tigers. But, the population has increased from 20 to 30 a decade back to 70 or 80 now. The insurgents have been driven out of the forests and now we are able to track and keep watch on the big cats. The prey base consisting of wild boar, spotted deer, nilgai and sambhar has also increased. For now the tigers are safe,” Naik says.
“But tigers require large territories and they frequently go out of the sanctuary limits into the neighbouring forest and protected areas. The death of this one tigress, probably when it was moving from the sanctuary to the forest area on the outside, is reason for alarm,” Naik adds.
To check the threat, the Forest Department has decided to warn the tribals against poaching in addition to involving them in conservation efforts.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Survived-Maoists--but-tigers-could-fall-prey-to-tribals/494342
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Sreenivas Janyala Posted online: Monday , Jul 27, 2009 at 2303 hrs
Hyderabad : Tigers in the country’s largest sanctuary — Srisailam Tiger Reserve — survived the Maoists who encroached and ruled the Nallamala forests for several years but may now fall prey to a tribal community that has just now learnt how valuable a dead tiger is.
In the last week of May, a tigress was snared by two hunters on the periphery of the Srisailam Tiger Reserve in the Nandiyal Forest Division in Kurnool district. Forest officials, who came to know of it three days later and kept it under wraps, are dismissing the incident as a stray case but admit that the hunters were trying to sell the skin and nails when they were nabbed.
Deputy Conservator of Forests, Nandiyal Forest Division, K Narasimahalu, says that the full-grown tigress may have accidentally walked into the trap. “Two hunters of the local Chenchu tribe had set a trap probably for a wild boar or a spotted deer. We assume that the tigress walked into it. Her neck got snared and she died. We have arrested both the culprits and they say that they did not intend to hunt a tiger and initially had no idea that its skin, nails and bones were valuable. We had received a tip-off that both of them had contacted another person and were trying to sell the skin for Rs 10,000 through him. They had hidden the skin and nails behind a small church after giving it a crude preservation treatment using loads of salt. We believe that it was not an intentional killing but once they had a dead tiger, they thought of making the most of it,” said Narasimahalu.
The Chenchu tribe is settled along the sanctuary — which is spread across five districts — and are dependent on forest produce. Officials fear that now that tribal hunters know the value of tiger skin and other body parts, it might trigger poaching in the sanctuary. This is what caused a serious drop in tiger populations in Corbett National Park and other reserves. “This was not a rudimentary trap to snare a wild boar or a deer. It crushed the tiger’s neck causing it to die almost instantly,” an official of the inquiry team said.
Spread over 3,568 square km of contiguous Nallamala forest, the sanctuary was till now a safe haven for tigers. The reserve’s Field Director Ajay Kumar Naik says the incident is cause for concern. “Due to the size of the sanctuary, the tigers managed to stay to away from human contact, even when Maoists cadres used it as a training and hiding place, thus averting any man-animal conflict situations. There are 70 to 80 tigers in the sanctuary now. In fact, they not only not only survived but made a comeback although for nearly a decade Maoists ruled this forest. Until two years ago, it was dangerous for forest officials to venture into the sanctuary even for basic patrolling. There was always the fear of encountering Maoists rather than tigers. But, the population has increased from 20 to 30 a decade back to 70 or 80 now. The insurgents have been driven out of the forests and now we are able to track and keep watch on the big cats. The prey base consisting of wild boar, spotted deer, nilgai and sambhar has also increased. For now the tigers are safe,” Naik says.
“But tigers require large territories and they frequently go out of the sanctuary limits into the neighbouring forest and protected areas. The death of this one tigress, probably when it was moving from the sanctuary to the forest area on the outside, is reason for alarm,” Naik adds.
To check the threat, the Forest Department has decided to warn the tribals against poaching in addition to involving them in conservation efforts.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Survived-Maoists--but-tigers-could-fall-prey-to-tribals/494342
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Vadodara zoo hunts for tiger
Vadodara zoo hunts for tiger
Express News Service Posted online: Monday , Jul 27, 2009
Vadodara : Six months after the only male tiger at the Vadodara zoo died, the zoo authorities have started a hunt for a new male big cat so as to continue with the captive breeding.
At present, Sayaji Baug Zoo officials are shortlisting the zoos that have excess number of male tigers. Once the list is finalised, the zoo authorities would initiate the procedure to seal the deal by exchanging animals.
Curator C B Patel told Newsline, “After Gabbar (the tiger) died, there was no question of captive breeding as the rest were all female. Now, we are planning to bring a male tiger.”
The last tiger was brought from a Rajkot zoo. “Two cubs were born after mating between Gabbar and a tigress,” said another zoo official.
Sources, meanwhile, said that this time, a Junagadh zoo might be approached for the exchange. “The Sakkar Baug Zoo has a male tiger in excess and it can be transferred to the Vadodara zoo. However, it all depends on what plans Vadodara zoo officials have and how they would like to execute it,” said an official at the Rajkot zoo.
In normal circumstances, the official said, whenever any zoo demands animal from other zoo, it is supposed to give one, too. “It is true that we have to make arrangement for an animal that we can give to the zoo from where we would demand the male tiger. However, that will not be a problem for us, as we would make the arrangement from the animals available with us,” said a senior VMC official.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Vadodara-zoo-hunts-for-tiger/494492
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Express News Service Posted online: Monday , Jul 27, 2009
Vadodara : Six months after the only male tiger at the Vadodara zoo died, the zoo authorities have started a hunt for a new male big cat so as to continue with the captive breeding.
At present, Sayaji Baug Zoo officials are shortlisting the zoos that have excess number of male tigers. Once the list is finalised, the zoo authorities would initiate the procedure to seal the deal by exchanging animals.
Curator C B Patel told Newsline, “After Gabbar (the tiger) died, there was no question of captive breeding as the rest were all female. Now, we are planning to bring a male tiger.”
The last tiger was brought from a Rajkot zoo. “Two cubs were born after mating between Gabbar and a tigress,” said another zoo official.
Sources, meanwhile, said that this time, a Junagadh zoo might be approached for the exchange. “The Sakkar Baug Zoo has a male tiger in excess and it can be transferred to the Vadodara zoo. However, it all depends on what plans Vadodara zoo officials have and how they would like to execute it,” said an official at the Rajkot zoo.
In normal circumstances, the official said, whenever any zoo demands animal from other zoo, it is supposed to give one, too. “It is true that we have to make arrangement for an animal that we can give to the zoo from where we would demand the male tiger. However, that will not be a problem for us, as we would make the arrangement from the animals available with us,” said a senior VMC official.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Vadodara-zoo-hunts-for-tiger/494492
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Tigers in trouble
Tigers in trouble
Monday, July 27, 2009
The news report about the acquisition of a pair of Siberian white tigers by Suleiman Sharif, the younger son of the Punjab chief minister, is disturbing. The tigers rank among the world’s endangered species and their export is banned under international conservation regulations. It appears that the young Sharif – who apparently wishes to house the animals at the family estate on Raiwind Road in Lahore – is an enthusiast who has established a kind of zoo at the farm house. But of course conditions there are unfit for so rare a species, which needs a different climate, expert care and plenty of space. It is hard to see the inhabitants of Siberia faring well in the heat and humidity of Lahore, even if cooling arrangements have been made. The fact too is that conservation rules exist to protect the biodiversity of our planet, rather than the welfare of animals at risk of extinction alone, and should for these reasons not be ignored. It is obvious influence was used to bring the beasts into the country and to bypass laws in this respect.
We must demand the issue be investigated. The PML-N has taken a hard-line on wrong doings committed by its members. Some have been forced out of the party. This of course is something to be welcomed. But the same principles must be applied across the board, even when they involve members of the Sharif family itself. So far, Suleiman Sharif has declined to comment on the tiger business, even though the story has broken in the media. He needs to offer an explanation. What is even more important is that the wellbeing of animals be safeguarded. There continued survival is far more important than gratifying personal whim. Our own wildlife authorities too need to intervene and ensure the matter is dealt with as per the laws of the land.
http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=190053
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Monday, July 27, 2009
The news report about the acquisition of a pair of Siberian white tigers by Suleiman Sharif, the younger son of the Punjab chief minister, is disturbing. The tigers rank among the world’s endangered species and their export is banned under international conservation regulations. It appears that the young Sharif – who apparently wishes to house the animals at the family estate on Raiwind Road in Lahore – is an enthusiast who has established a kind of zoo at the farm house. But of course conditions there are unfit for so rare a species, which needs a different climate, expert care and plenty of space. It is hard to see the inhabitants of Siberia faring well in the heat and humidity of Lahore, even if cooling arrangements have been made. The fact too is that conservation rules exist to protect the biodiversity of our planet, rather than the welfare of animals at risk of extinction alone, and should for these reasons not be ignored. It is obvious influence was used to bring the beasts into the country and to bypass laws in this respect.
We must demand the issue be investigated. The PML-N has taken a hard-line on wrong doings committed by its members. Some have been forced out of the party. This of course is something to be welcomed. But the same principles must be applied across the board, even when they involve members of the Sharif family itself. So far, Suleiman Sharif has declined to comment on the tiger business, even though the story has broken in the media. He needs to offer an explanation. What is even more important is that the wellbeing of animals be safeguarded. There continued survival is far more important than gratifying personal whim. Our own wildlife authorities too need to intervene and ensure the matter is dealt with as per the laws of the land.
http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=190053
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Monday, July 27, 2009
Air corridors to link tiger reserves
Air corridors to link tiger reserves
Anindo Dey, TNN 25 July 2009, 05:43am IST
JAIPUR: Tiger reserves across the country may soon be linked with one another, either through ground or air corridors. The field directors' conference that begins at Sariska on Saturday is likely to consider this amongst a host of other proposals for the conservation of tiger in the country.
The two-day conference is also being held to mark the first anniversary of the relocation of tigers from the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve to Sariska. Last year in June-July, three tigers were airlifted from Ranthambore and brought to Sariska with the hope of redeveloping the tiger populace there.
Besides a host of dignitaries, Union minister of state (independent charge) for forest and environment, Jairam Ramesh, would be attending the conference. Other participants include field officers of almost all the tiger reserves across the country, the chief wild life wardens from about eight states, scientists of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
According to sources in the forest department, "Most tiger reserves across the country are facing problems of fragmentation. They lie separated from one another leading to various problems. Therefore, they have to be connected with each other either through forests or by frequent transfer of the cats by air."
"With the dwindling number of tigers in the country, the discussions would mainly revolve around initiatives to conserve them. The state government and the Government of India would also sign a tri-partite agreement for big cat conservation. The third party in the agreement being the field director of the tiger reserve himself," the source added.
The agreement is being seen as a sort of help for various field directors across the country in conserving tigers in their respective sanctuaries as the new law holds the director directly responsible for poaching.
While the first day of the conference would be marked by the an inaugural session that would see the Union and state minister address the gathering, the rest of the day would be devoted to reports tabled by various field directors.
"On the concluding day, the WII and NTCA would present a report on effectiveness and evaluation of tiger conservation in the country," the source added.
This would be Jairam Ramesh's first trip to Sariska after taking charge of the environment ministry. Sources revealed that the minister is also likely to expedite the relocation of two more tigers to Sariska besides discussing issues of tiger conservation.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/City/Jaipur/Air-corridors-to-link-tiger-reserves/articleshow/4818060.cms
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Anindo Dey, TNN 25 July 2009, 05:43am IST
JAIPUR: Tiger reserves across the country may soon be linked with one another, either through ground or air corridors. The field directors' conference that begins at Sariska on Saturday is likely to consider this amongst a host of other proposals for the conservation of tiger in the country.
The two-day conference is also being held to mark the first anniversary of the relocation of tigers from the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve to Sariska. Last year in June-July, three tigers were airlifted from Ranthambore and brought to Sariska with the hope of redeveloping the tiger populace there.
Besides a host of dignitaries, Union minister of state (independent charge) for forest and environment, Jairam Ramesh, would be attending the conference. Other participants include field officers of almost all the tiger reserves across the country, the chief wild life wardens from about eight states, scientists of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
According to sources in the forest department, "Most tiger reserves across the country are facing problems of fragmentation. They lie separated from one another leading to various problems. Therefore, they have to be connected with each other either through forests or by frequent transfer of the cats by air."
"With the dwindling number of tigers in the country, the discussions would mainly revolve around initiatives to conserve them. The state government and the Government of India would also sign a tri-partite agreement for big cat conservation. The third party in the agreement being the field director of the tiger reserve himself," the source added.
The agreement is being seen as a sort of help for various field directors across the country in conserving tigers in their respective sanctuaries as the new law holds the director directly responsible for poaching.
While the first day of the conference would be marked by the an inaugural session that would see the Union and state minister address the gathering, the rest of the day would be devoted to reports tabled by various field directors.
"On the concluding day, the WII and NTCA would present a report on effectiveness and evaluation of tiger conservation in the country," the source added.
This would be Jairam Ramesh's first trip to Sariska after taking charge of the environment ministry. Sources revealed that the minister is also likely to expedite the relocation of two more tigers to Sariska besides discussing issues of tiger conservation.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/City/Jaipur/Air-corridors-to-link-tiger-reserves/articleshow/4818060.cms
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Celebration at Sariska
Celebration at Sariska
Sunny Sebastian
First anniversary of re-introduction of tigers in Sariska Reserve held
All three tigers in Sariska at present brought from Ranthambhore
SARISKA: A tiger park which had brought ignominy by losing all its wild tigers to poachers five years ago regained some of its lost glory as experts and authorities got together to celebrate the first anniversary of the re-introduction of tigers in the Sariska Tiger Reserve here on Saturday.
The day was the anniversary of the foundation of another celebrated tiger sanctuary — the Jim Corbett National Park — but Union Forests and Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh chose to be in Sariska, now the laboratory for tiger habitat experiments.
The Minister and the experts who included Rajesh Gopal of the National Tiger Conservation Authority and scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India, who carried out the experiment on “Species recovery plan” successfully, talked about the need for both global and local initiatives to protect the world’s tigers from various types of dangers, including from poachers and extremists. The presentations indicated that the tigers in the Project Tiger sanctuaries — barring a few — are protected while those wandering outside them are at the mercy of the elements and human beings.
Mr. Ramesh said 37 tiger reserves accounted for 1,400 tigers in the country which was almost 70 per cent of the global population of the big cats.
Under threat
Yet as many as 16 of the tiger reserves themselves remained fragile, some of them seriously under threat from Maoist extremists and others from poaching.
“Project Tiger’s biggest threat is from poaching. In the next session of Parliament we will introduce a Bill to amend the Wildlife Act to provide for more stringent laws against poaching,” he said.
“The status of tigers is okay in tiger reserves in 17 States but their condition is very poor in different forest areas,” said Mr. Gopal. The Project Tiger areas cover only six per cent of the country’s total forest area, he pointed out. Seven tiger reserves are facing the threat from Left wing extremism.
In his final assessment, he placed the rankings of the tiger reserves as: Good 12; satisfactory 9; and poor 16.
And as for the Sariska tigers — three of them, re-introduced between June 2008 and February 2009 — they are doing well.
“The Sariska Tiger Reserve is in its 31st year. Re-introduction of tigers enabled us to gain confidence that Sariska is still relevant,” said R.N. Mehrotra, Principal Chief Conservator, Forests (Wildlife), Rajasthan, in his opening remarks.
“Sariska tigers are doing wonderfully well and two more would be introduced in the park by the end of the year as per the revival plan,” Mr. Ramesh said. There was a proposal to bring one of them from Bandavgarh to add to the gene pool, he said.
All the three tigers now in the Sariska reserve have been brought from the Ranthambore National Park.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/26/stories/2009072659700700.htm
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Sunny Sebastian
First anniversary of re-introduction of tigers in Sariska Reserve held
All three tigers in Sariska at present brought from Ranthambhore
SARISKA: A tiger park which had brought ignominy by losing all its wild tigers to poachers five years ago regained some of its lost glory as experts and authorities got together to celebrate the first anniversary of the re-introduction of tigers in the Sariska Tiger Reserve here on Saturday.
The day was the anniversary of the foundation of another celebrated tiger sanctuary — the Jim Corbett National Park — but Union Forests and Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh chose to be in Sariska, now the laboratory for tiger habitat experiments.
The Minister and the experts who included Rajesh Gopal of the National Tiger Conservation Authority and scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India, who carried out the experiment on “Species recovery plan” successfully, talked about the need for both global and local initiatives to protect the world’s tigers from various types of dangers, including from poachers and extremists. The presentations indicated that the tigers in the Project Tiger sanctuaries — barring a few — are protected while those wandering outside them are at the mercy of the elements and human beings.
Mr. Ramesh said 37 tiger reserves accounted for 1,400 tigers in the country which was almost 70 per cent of the global population of the big cats.
Under threat
Yet as many as 16 of the tiger reserves themselves remained fragile, some of them seriously under threat from Maoist extremists and others from poaching.
“Project Tiger’s biggest threat is from poaching. In the next session of Parliament we will introduce a Bill to amend the Wildlife Act to provide for more stringent laws against poaching,” he said.
“The status of tigers is okay in tiger reserves in 17 States but their condition is very poor in different forest areas,” said Mr. Gopal. The Project Tiger areas cover only six per cent of the country’s total forest area, he pointed out. Seven tiger reserves are facing the threat from Left wing extremism.
In his final assessment, he placed the rankings of the tiger reserves as: Good 12; satisfactory 9; and poor 16.
And as for the Sariska tigers — three of them, re-introduced between June 2008 and February 2009 — they are doing well.
“The Sariska Tiger Reserve is in its 31st year. Re-introduction of tigers enabled us to gain confidence that Sariska is still relevant,” said R.N. Mehrotra, Principal Chief Conservator, Forests (Wildlife), Rajasthan, in his opening remarks.
“Sariska tigers are doing wonderfully well and two more would be introduced in the park by the end of the year as per the revival plan,” Mr. Ramesh said. There was a proposal to bring one of them from Bandavgarh to add to the gene pool, he said.
All the three tigers now in the Sariska reserve have been brought from the Ranthambore National Park.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/26/stories/2009072659700700.htm
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Tigers may vanish from 7 more parks
Tigers may vanish from 7 more parks
Chetan Chauhan , Hindustan Times
Sariska, July 28, 2009
First Published: 00:52 IST(28/7/2009)
Last Updated: 00:59 IST(28/7/2009)
If two tiger reserves — Panna in MP and Sariska in Rajasthan — are now bereft of tigers, seven others may well follow in their footsteps if urgent measures are not taken. The number of tigers in all seven is fast depleting.
Environment and forests minister Jairam Ramesh has sounded a ‘Save Tiger’ alert for the Buxa reserve in West Bengal, Namdapha in Arunachal Pradesh, Manas in Assam, Valmiki in Bihar, Simlipal in Orissa, Indravati in Chhattisgarh and Palamu in Jharkhand.
“The tiger population in these reserves is going down and the protection measures are poor,” he said while addressing field directors of 37 tiger reserves in Sariska on Friday. “Unless we take immediate steps, we’ll lose the tigers in these reserves.”
The Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is the most common subspecies of tiger, found primarily in India and Bangladesh. In 2006, at the time of the last estimate, India’s tiger population was 1,411. Since then, about 100 tigers have died because of poaching, natural reasons and man-animal conflict.
“In the past few months, not one of the 12 Royal Bengal Tigers believed to be in Buxa, in Jalpaiguri district, has been spotted,” said Yogendra Jhala of the Dehradun-based Wildlife Institute of India.
The indicators from the other six reserves are also alarming.
Manas had 40 tigers in 2006. But large-scale deforestation has made the big cat easy meat for poachers. Four deaths have already been reported in 2009.
In Valmiki, the tiger count was estimated at 10 in 2006. This year, poachers from Nepal have been active in the reserve. Conservation is poor.
In Simplipal, with an estimated 40 tigers in 2006, the tiger population density is shrinking. In 2008-09, it had reduced to two tigers per 100 sq km from the ideal two per 10 sq km. Poachers have been caught on camera killing prey.
In Indravati, no tiger estimate has been carried out in nine years. At last count, in 2000, the reserve recorded a population of over 100 tigers. The fear is that the Naxalites could be killing tigers to raise funds.
Owing to the Naxalite menace, no tiger count was carried out in Palamu in 2006. Poacher presence is rampant in the vicinity of the reserve.
In Namdapha, the tiger estimate was 12 in 2006. No big cat has been spotted in the core area in the past 12 months.
The situation is grim, says P.K. Sen, former director, Project Tiger, the nodal body for tiger reserves.
“Thirty per cent of the reserves are in a shambles. The habitat is good but tigers are dying because of a lack of measures to protect them from poaching.”
The solution, Sen says, is greater coordination between the Centre and the states to counter poaching.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=782ba201-3ba7-4338-875a-e5911eeb3a94
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Chetan Chauhan , Hindustan Times
Sariska, July 28, 2009
First Published: 00:52 IST(28/7/2009)
Last Updated: 00:59 IST(28/7/2009)
If two tiger reserves — Panna in MP and Sariska in Rajasthan — are now bereft of tigers, seven others may well follow in their footsteps if urgent measures are not taken. The number of tigers in all seven is fast depleting.
Environment and forests minister Jairam Ramesh has sounded a ‘Save Tiger’ alert for the Buxa reserve in West Bengal, Namdapha in Arunachal Pradesh, Manas in Assam, Valmiki in Bihar, Simlipal in Orissa, Indravati in Chhattisgarh and Palamu in Jharkhand.
“The tiger population in these reserves is going down and the protection measures are poor,” he said while addressing field directors of 37 tiger reserves in Sariska on Friday. “Unless we take immediate steps, we’ll lose the tigers in these reserves.”
The Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is the most common subspecies of tiger, found primarily in India and Bangladesh. In 2006, at the time of the last estimate, India’s tiger population was 1,411. Since then, about 100 tigers have died because of poaching, natural reasons and man-animal conflict.
“In the past few months, not one of the 12 Royal Bengal Tigers believed to be in Buxa, in Jalpaiguri district, has been spotted,” said Yogendra Jhala of the Dehradun-based Wildlife Institute of India.
The indicators from the other six reserves are also alarming.
Manas had 40 tigers in 2006. But large-scale deforestation has made the big cat easy meat for poachers. Four deaths have already been reported in 2009.
In Valmiki, the tiger count was estimated at 10 in 2006. This year, poachers from Nepal have been active in the reserve. Conservation is poor.
In Simplipal, with an estimated 40 tigers in 2006, the tiger population density is shrinking. In 2008-09, it had reduced to two tigers per 100 sq km from the ideal two per 10 sq km. Poachers have been caught on camera killing prey.
In Indravati, no tiger estimate has been carried out in nine years. At last count, in 2000, the reserve recorded a population of over 100 tigers. The fear is that the Naxalites could be killing tigers to raise funds.
Owing to the Naxalite menace, no tiger count was carried out in Palamu in 2006. Poacher presence is rampant in the vicinity of the reserve.
In Namdapha, the tiger estimate was 12 in 2006. No big cat has been spotted in the core area in the past 12 months.
The situation is grim, says P.K. Sen, former director, Project Tiger, the nodal body for tiger reserves.
“Thirty per cent of the reserves are in a shambles. The habitat is good but tigers are dying because of a lack of measures to protect them from poaching.”
The solution, Sen says, is greater coordination between the Centre and the states to counter poaching.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=782ba201-3ba7-4338-875a-e5911eeb3a94
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Reserves not clear on tiger numbers, one may be denotified
Reserves not clear on tiger numbers, one may be denotified
Neha Sinha Posted online: Tuesday , Jul 28, 2009 at 0229 hrs
Sariska : Of the 37 tiger reserves in the country, there is no information available on the number of tigers — or if there are any at all — in as many as seven. The Indian Express discovered this at an All India Meet for Tiger Reserve Directors in Sariska over the weekend, where each of them made their presentations.
Given the figures, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) Member Secretary Rajesh Gopal admitted that at least one of the reserves, Indravati in Chhattisgarh, should be denotified. With Indravati in the grip of Naxalism, he said, “tiger protection efforts in the past 20 years have failed”.
Six other reserves are facing similar problems — while Simlipal (Orissa) and Palamau (Jharkhand) are shackled by violent Naxalite groups, Manas (Assam), Namdapha (Arunachal Pradesh), Dampa (Mizoram) and Buxa (West Bengal) suffer from problems of inaccessibility and poor tiger density.
A new classification, that Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Dean V B Mathur said was based on “field observations and the 2007 All India Tiger Estimation”, showed that tiger density and numbers are at an all-time low. As per the new classification, of the 37 tiger reserves, 12 are “good”, nine have “moderate” tiger density, while as many as 16 have “poor” tiger density.
One of the reserves whose field staff admitted to not knowing the tiger numbers was Simlipal, which was given Rs 602 lakh for tiger conservation last year. Interestingly, the reserve has sought Rs 672 lakh from Project Tiger — more money than even the annual allocation to the park — to rebuild infrastructure ravaged by Naxalites. The proposal is now pending with the Planning Commission.
In other parts of the country, money given for tiger conservation is lying unutilised. Last year, under Project Tiger, the Northeastern states were given Rs 60 crore. Namdapha, which may not have any tigers left at all according to WII sources, was able to spend Rs 1.34 crore, with Rs 82 lakh lying unspent. The amount has been revalidated this year.
The situation in the other reserves isn’t much better, including Manas (where two tigers were reportedly sighted recently) and Dampa (which may have only two tigers left). It is also unknown how many tigers are there in Palamau. “It is very difficult to move in the field because of Naxalism,” admitted field director R N Prasad.
While Buxa field director R P Saini said the park had 200 tigers, WII scientists estimate it may have no more than 12.
With the budget for tiger conservation hiked by more than 50 per cent this time to a little over Rs 180 crore, Union Minister for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh wondered if funding should be linked to tiger numbers. “Should there be a minimum tiger density below which there should be no funding? Should these reserves not get funding?” Ramesh asked at the meeting, while underlining that the thinking was not to denotify any reserves.
However, Indravati was a different case. “I believe it should be denotified as efforts to stabilise the reserve have not worked,” Gopal said. “This is a state problem. If there can be any solution at all, it would be at the political level, if the Chief Minister decides to intervene.”
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/reserves-not-clear-on-tiger-numbers-one-may-be-denotified/494884/0
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Neha Sinha Posted online: Tuesday , Jul 28, 2009 at 0229 hrs
Sariska : Of the 37 tiger reserves in the country, there is no information available on the number of tigers — or if there are any at all — in as many as seven. The Indian Express discovered this at an All India Meet for Tiger Reserve Directors in Sariska over the weekend, where each of them made their presentations.
Given the figures, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) Member Secretary Rajesh Gopal admitted that at least one of the reserves, Indravati in Chhattisgarh, should be denotified. With Indravati in the grip of Naxalism, he said, “tiger protection efforts in the past 20 years have failed”.
Six other reserves are facing similar problems — while Simlipal (Orissa) and Palamau (Jharkhand) are shackled by violent Naxalite groups, Manas (Assam), Namdapha (Arunachal Pradesh), Dampa (Mizoram) and Buxa (West Bengal) suffer from problems of inaccessibility and poor tiger density.
A new classification, that Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Dean V B Mathur said was based on “field observations and the 2007 All India Tiger Estimation”, showed that tiger density and numbers are at an all-time low. As per the new classification, of the 37 tiger reserves, 12 are “good”, nine have “moderate” tiger density, while as many as 16 have “poor” tiger density.
One of the reserves whose field staff admitted to not knowing the tiger numbers was Simlipal, which was given Rs 602 lakh for tiger conservation last year. Interestingly, the reserve has sought Rs 672 lakh from Project Tiger — more money than even the annual allocation to the park — to rebuild infrastructure ravaged by Naxalites. The proposal is now pending with the Planning Commission.
In other parts of the country, money given for tiger conservation is lying unutilised. Last year, under Project Tiger, the Northeastern states were given Rs 60 crore. Namdapha, which may not have any tigers left at all according to WII sources, was able to spend Rs 1.34 crore, with Rs 82 lakh lying unspent. The amount has been revalidated this year.
The situation in the other reserves isn’t much better, including Manas (where two tigers were reportedly sighted recently) and Dampa (which may have only two tigers left). It is also unknown how many tigers are there in Palamau. “It is very difficult to move in the field because of Naxalism,” admitted field director R N Prasad.
While Buxa field director R P Saini said the park had 200 tigers, WII scientists estimate it may have no more than 12.
With the budget for tiger conservation hiked by more than 50 per cent this time to a little over Rs 180 crore, Union Minister for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh wondered if funding should be linked to tiger numbers. “Should there be a minimum tiger density below which there should be no funding? Should these reserves not get funding?” Ramesh asked at the meeting, while underlining that the thinking was not to denotify any reserves.
However, Indravati was a different case. “I believe it should be denotified as efforts to stabilise the reserve have not worked,” Gopal said. “This is a state problem. If there can be any solution at all, it would be at the political level, if the Chief Minister decides to intervene.”
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/reserves-not-clear-on-tiger-numbers-one-may-be-denotified/494884/0
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Tiger, snow leopard numbers dip
Tiger, snow leopard numbers dip
SHYAM BHATTA/RAMESH KUMAR POUDEL
Published on 2009-07-27 21:01:01
KATHMANDU/CHITWAN, July 27: The tiger census conducted this year has put the total number of adult tigers in Nepal at 121.
Making public the report of the census carried out from November 19, 2008, to March 7, 2009, in 14 districts on Monday, the government said the tiger population slightly declined from 2003 when their number was 123. Similarly, the number of snow leopards has been estimated to have declined in between 300 and 400, while previously their number was estimated to be in between 400 and 500.
The counting of tigers was done using ´capture´ and ´recapture´ method that uses snaps taken by automatic cameras placed at certain places. The stripes of tigers, which never match with another tiger, caught in the camera are then analyzed to avoid repetition in counting.
Chitwan has 91, Bardiya 18, Shuklafanta eight and Parsa four tigers according to the census which found tigers even outside conservation areas in some districts.
The dwindling number of tigers and snow leopards should be taken with due gravity, says Deputy Director General of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Megh Bahadur Pandey. Conservationists have been on a high alert ever since the Sariska National Park in Rajasthan, India, announced that it lost all its tigers two years ago.
The census carried out using employees of the government, the department, National Nature Conservation Trust and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Nepal and 300 automatic cameras cost around US $360,000 (around Rs 26.1 million).
The counting of snow leopards was done in the mountainous region from Ganesh Himal to Rolwaling, Sagarmatha, Makalu Varun and Kanchanjungha with the financial help from WWF America, England and Finland.
http://www.myrepublica.com/portal/index.php?action=news_details&news_id=7932
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
SHYAM BHATTA/RAMESH KUMAR POUDEL
Published on 2009-07-27 21:01:01
KATHMANDU/CHITWAN, July 27: The tiger census conducted this year has put the total number of adult tigers in Nepal at 121.
Making public the report of the census carried out from November 19, 2008, to March 7, 2009, in 14 districts on Monday, the government said the tiger population slightly declined from 2003 when their number was 123. Similarly, the number of snow leopards has been estimated to have declined in between 300 and 400, while previously their number was estimated to be in between 400 and 500.
The counting of tigers was done using ´capture´ and ´recapture´ method that uses snaps taken by automatic cameras placed at certain places. The stripes of tigers, which never match with another tiger, caught in the camera are then analyzed to avoid repetition in counting.
Chitwan has 91, Bardiya 18, Shuklafanta eight and Parsa four tigers according to the census which found tigers even outside conservation areas in some districts.
The dwindling number of tigers and snow leopards should be taken with due gravity, says Deputy Director General of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Megh Bahadur Pandey. Conservationists have been on a high alert ever since the Sariska National Park in Rajasthan, India, announced that it lost all its tigers two years ago.
The census carried out using employees of the government, the department, National Nature Conservation Trust and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Nepal and 300 automatic cameras cost around US $360,000 (around Rs 26.1 million).
The counting of snow leopards was done in the mountainous region from Ganesh Himal to Rolwaling, Sagarmatha, Makalu Varun and Kanchanjungha with the financial help from WWF America, England and Finland.
http://www.myrepublica.com/portal/index.php?action=news_details&news_id=7932
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
121 Breeding Tigers Estimated To Be Found In Nepal
121 Breeding Tigers Estimated To Be Found In Nepal
ScienceDaily (July 28, 2009) — Kathmandu, Nepal – The first ever overall nation-wide estimate of the tiger population brought a positive ray of hope among conservationists. The figures announced by the Nepal Government's Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) shows the presence of 121 (100 – 194) breeding tigers in the wild within the four protected areas of Nepal. The 2008 tiger population estimate was jointly implemented by the DNPWC, Department of Forests (DOF), WWF, National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) with support from Save The Tiger Fund (STF), WWF-US, WWF-UK, WWF International and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
The 2008 nation-wide tiger population was initiated on 15 November 2009 in the Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) of Nepal both inside and outside the protected areas of Nepal. [TAL encompasses the Terai region of Nepal and into tiger range states across the border into India.]
"To obtain reliable population estimates of wide ranging species like the tiger, it is important to undertake the survey simultaneously in all potential habitats," says Dr. Rinjan Shrestha, Conservation Biologist with WWF Nepal. Previous studies had been undertaken in different time periods and at different spatial scales.
"To derive information on both abundance and distribution of tigers, the current survey employed two methods - Camera Trapping method inside the protected areas and Habitat Occupancy survey both inside and outside the protected areas."
According to WWF Global Tiger Network Initiative, the wild tiger population is at a tipping point. Tigers are experiencing a range collapse, occupying 40 per cent less habitat than was estimated just one decade ago. The estimated number of tigers in important range countries is frighteningly low, with a recent government census suggesting there may be as few as 1,300 tigers left in India, the species' stronghold. And tigers are facing an epidemic of poaching and habitat loss across their range.
The main reason for the decline of tiger populations has been attributed to poaching and illegal trade. This is linked to the illegal international trade in tiger parts and derivatives (skin, bones, meat in some cases although not reported in Nepal) and use in traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM). Apart from these, sporadic cases of retaliatory killing from irate communities have been reported. Other important reasons of tiger population decline are habitat shrinkage and fragmentation due to human intervention, loss/decline of prey species.
"The tiger numbers have increased in Chitwan but decreased in Bardia and Shuklaphanta," said Mr. Anil Manandhar, Country Representative, WWF Nepal.
"In spite of the decade long insurgency, encroachment, poaching and illegal trade, the present numbers is a positive sign, but we can't remain unworried. The declining numbers in western Nepal has posed more challenges, needing a concerted effort to save this charismatic endangered species focusing on anti-poaching and illegal wildlife trade."
The Government of Nepal has approved and launched the 'Tiger conservation Action Plan 2008- 2012'. A comprehensive management plan has been devised in which the target is to increase the population of tigers by 10 per cent within the first 5 year period of the plan implementation.
"Tigers can not be saved by the effort of a single individual or a single organization," said Mr. Gopal Prasad Upadhyay, Director General, DNPWC. "The transboundary relation with India needs to be strengthened further and all organizations should work together to conserve tigers."
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727135537.htm
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
ScienceDaily (July 28, 2009) — Kathmandu, Nepal – The first ever overall nation-wide estimate of the tiger population brought a positive ray of hope among conservationists. The figures announced by the Nepal Government's Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) shows the presence of 121 (100 – 194) breeding tigers in the wild within the four protected areas of Nepal. The 2008 tiger population estimate was jointly implemented by the DNPWC, Department of Forests (DOF), WWF, National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) with support from Save The Tiger Fund (STF), WWF-US, WWF-UK, WWF International and US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
The 2008 nation-wide tiger population was initiated on 15 November 2009 in the Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) of Nepal both inside and outside the protected areas of Nepal. [TAL encompasses the Terai region of Nepal and into tiger range states across the border into India.]
"To obtain reliable population estimates of wide ranging species like the tiger, it is important to undertake the survey simultaneously in all potential habitats," says Dr. Rinjan Shrestha, Conservation Biologist with WWF Nepal. Previous studies had been undertaken in different time periods and at different spatial scales.
"To derive information on both abundance and distribution of tigers, the current survey employed two methods - Camera Trapping method inside the protected areas and Habitat Occupancy survey both inside and outside the protected areas."
According to WWF Global Tiger Network Initiative, the wild tiger population is at a tipping point. Tigers are experiencing a range collapse, occupying 40 per cent less habitat than was estimated just one decade ago. The estimated number of tigers in important range countries is frighteningly low, with a recent government census suggesting there may be as few as 1,300 tigers left in India, the species' stronghold. And tigers are facing an epidemic of poaching and habitat loss across their range.
The main reason for the decline of tiger populations has been attributed to poaching and illegal trade. This is linked to the illegal international trade in tiger parts and derivatives (skin, bones, meat in some cases although not reported in Nepal) and use in traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM). Apart from these, sporadic cases of retaliatory killing from irate communities have been reported. Other important reasons of tiger population decline are habitat shrinkage and fragmentation due to human intervention, loss/decline of prey species.
"The tiger numbers have increased in Chitwan but decreased in Bardia and Shuklaphanta," said Mr. Anil Manandhar, Country Representative, WWF Nepal.
"In spite of the decade long insurgency, encroachment, poaching and illegal trade, the present numbers is a positive sign, but we can't remain unworried. The declining numbers in western Nepal has posed more challenges, needing a concerted effort to save this charismatic endangered species focusing on anti-poaching and illegal wildlife trade."
The Government of Nepal has approved and launched the 'Tiger conservation Action Plan 2008- 2012'. A comprehensive management plan has been devised in which the target is to increase the population of tigers by 10 per cent within the first 5 year period of the plan implementation.
"Tigers can not be saved by the effort of a single individual or a single organization," said Mr. Gopal Prasad Upadhyay, Director General, DNPWC. "The transboundary relation with India needs to be strengthened further and all organizations should work together to conserve tigers."
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727135537.htm
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Tiger Taunter Blows His Settlement
Tiger Taunter Blows His Settlement
by Shea O'Neill
July 27, 2009 10:35 AM
Kulbir Dhaliwal, who made headlines in December 2007 when a Siberian tiger mauled him and two others at The San Francisco Zoo, is in the news again--though this time with less felinity and more felony.
Kulbir, now 24, was taken into custody under suspicion of felony possession of three grams of cocaine after police stopped Kulbir and two other men for driving the wrong way on a one-way street near the San Jose State University campus.
Was this error in judgment the result of lingering trauma, or just another bad decision in a series of mistakes made by a troubled young man? In September 2007, police pulled over Kulbir and a friend under suspicion of drunk driving. When officers attempted to proceed, Kulbir drunkenly lashed out and the officers had to forcibly restrain him.
Looking back on the tiger attack it becomes clearer that the only thing Paul is a victim of is his penchant for stupid decisions. After the zoo director told reporters that it was improbable the tiger escape on her own, investigators discovered several sticks and pine cones in her cage that could not have fallen naturally, in addition to a footprint at the top railing of her cage.
In the later affidavit, Kulbir's younger brother Paul admitted that the boys had been drinking and taunting the tiger before she escaped. Police also seized marijuana, liquor, and synthetic urine (typically used to foil drug tests) from the boys' car. The San Francisco Zoo settled the brothers' post-attack civil suit for 900K
http://sfappeal.com/alley/2009/07/kulbir-dhaliwal-who-made-headlines.php
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
by Shea O'Neill
July 27, 2009 10:35 AM
Kulbir Dhaliwal, who made headlines in December 2007 when a Siberian tiger mauled him and two others at The San Francisco Zoo, is in the news again--though this time with less felinity and more felony.
Kulbir, now 24, was taken into custody under suspicion of felony possession of three grams of cocaine after police stopped Kulbir and two other men for driving the wrong way on a one-way street near the San Jose State University campus.
Was this error in judgment the result of lingering trauma, or just another bad decision in a series of mistakes made by a troubled young man? In September 2007, police pulled over Kulbir and a friend under suspicion of drunk driving. When officers attempted to proceed, Kulbir drunkenly lashed out and the officers had to forcibly restrain him.
Looking back on the tiger attack it becomes clearer that the only thing Paul is a victim of is his penchant for stupid decisions. After the zoo director told reporters that it was improbable the tiger escape on her own, investigators discovered several sticks and pine cones in her cage that could not have fallen naturally, in addition to a footprint at the top railing of her cage.
In the later affidavit, Kulbir's younger brother Paul admitted that the boys had been drinking and taunting the tiger before she escaped. Police also seized marijuana, liquor, and synthetic urine (typically used to foil drug tests) from the boys' car. The San Francisco Zoo settled the brothers' post-attack civil suit for 900K
http://sfappeal.com/alley/2009/07/kulbir-dhaliwal-who-made-headlines.php
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Centre signs tripartite agreement with Rajasthan and NTCA to conserve Tigers
Centre signs tripartite agreement with Rajasthan and NTCA to conserve Tigers
2009-07-26 14:31:00
The Union Government, has signed a tripartite agreement with the Rajasthan Government and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for the conservation of tiger in the Sariska and Ranthambore tiger reserve.
The pact was signed after a two day all India meet of field directors of tiger reserves in Sariska on Saturday.
Speaking on this occasion, Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh said, Rajasthan has promised accountability and adequate utilization of funds as the Centre plans to release rupees 300 million for the conservation of tigers in its two tiger reserves.
"I am happy that Rajasthan is the first state where we are having this tripartite agreement," Ramesh said.hree tigers- one male and two females were relocated from Ranthambore to Sariska reserve after it lost all of big cats, mainly due to poaching and other reasons.
Ranthambore, spread over 700 sq km area, has more than 40 tigers in the national park.
India has half the world's surviving tigers, but conservationists says the country is losing the battle to save the big cats. There were about 40,000 tigers in India a century ago, but decades of poaching had cut their number to about 3,700, according to a count conducted in 2001 and 2002.
According to conservationists the new census results suggested there was a decline of 65 percent in Madhya Pradesh, which has one of the largest populations of tigers in the country.
It is difficult to trace the exact figures of tiger because of its shy nature. No government keeps the records on poaching, is also a blockade to the conservation efforts.
The trade of tiger parts and products are illegal but poachers still operate with impunity because a single animal can fetch up to $50,000 in the international market.
Besides the highly priced tiger skins, organs, teeth, bones and penises of the big cats fetch high prices in the black market, for the Chinese medicine. (ANI)
http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?a=jh0o5Ocfjcj&title=Centre_signs_tripartite_agreement_with_Rajasthan_and_NTCA_to_conserve_Tigers
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
2009-07-26 14:31:00
The Union Government, has signed a tripartite agreement with the Rajasthan Government and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for the conservation of tiger in the Sariska and Ranthambore tiger reserve.
The pact was signed after a two day all India meet of field directors of tiger reserves in Sariska on Saturday.
Speaking on this occasion, Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh said, Rajasthan has promised accountability and adequate utilization of funds as the Centre plans to release rupees 300 million for the conservation of tigers in its two tiger reserves.
"I am happy that Rajasthan is the first state where we are having this tripartite agreement," Ramesh said.hree tigers- one male and two females were relocated from Ranthambore to Sariska reserve after it lost all of big cats, mainly due to poaching and other reasons.
Ranthambore, spread over 700 sq km area, has more than 40 tigers in the national park.
India has half the world's surviving tigers, but conservationists says the country is losing the battle to save the big cats. There were about 40,000 tigers in India a century ago, but decades of poaching had cut their number to about 3,700, according to a count conducted in 2001 and 2002.
According to conservationists the new census results suggested there was a decline of 65 percent in Madhya Pradesh, which has one of the largest populations of tigers in the country.
It is difficult to trace the exact figures of tiger because of its shy nature. No government keeps the records on poaching, is also a blockade to the conservation efforts.
The trade of tiger parts and products are illegal but poachers still operate with impunity because a single animal can fetch up to $50,000 in the international market.
Besides the highly priced tiger skins, organs, teeth, bones and penises of the big cats fetch high prices in the black market, for the Chinese medicine. (ANI)
http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?a=jh0o5Ocfjcj&title=Centre_signs_tripartite_agreement_with_Rajasthan_and_NTCA_to_conserve_Tigers
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Do you have a tiger next door?
Do you have a tiger next door?
July 26, 8:31 PM · Teresa Rowell - New Orleans Pet Rescue Scene Examiner
I just had the opportunity (I use that word loosely) to view a video called "The Tiger Next Door." http://thetigernextdoor.com/trailer/
If you have a chance, it is well worth the watch, though it is quite disturbing.
A man named Dennis Hill, living in Flat Rock, Indiana, has raised and sold tigers, among other wild animals, for over twenty years. The key word here is wild.
He keeps them in cages. Chain link fences like we have around our yards that hold our dogs inside. Only these have tops.
He breeds them and sells them. He says it's to support the other tigers he cares for. Wait. Did I write that? He breeds them to support the other tigers that he owns? This is not a sanctuary that he runs. These tigers did not come to him from abusive situations. He bought them.
Some of his neighbors believe it is OK for him to do this and stood up for him during a permit hearing.
But then again, a very few question the safety of it. You see he can not own a tranquilizer gun or any other kind of weapon because he has a criminal record. So, if one of the tigers were to escape; well your guess is as good as mine.
I somehow just don't get it. Governments pass breed specific laws in some states that are geared toward dogs. Yet, the state of Indiana has issued a permit for a man to own wild tigers? Can someone please explain this to me?
http://www.examiner.com/x-16570-New-Orleans-Pet-Rescue-Scene-Examiner~y2009m7d26-Do-you-have-a-tiger-next-door
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
July 26, 8:31 PM · Teresa Rowell - New Orleans Pet Rescue Scene Examiner
I just had the opportunity (I use that word loosely) to view a video called "The Tiger Next Door." http://thetigernextdoor.com/trailer/
If you have a chance, it is well worth the watch, though it is quite disturbing.
A man named Dennis Hill, living in Flat Rock, Indiana, has raised and sold tigers, among other wild animals, for over twenty years. The key word here is wild.
He keeps them in cages. Chain link fences like we have around our yards that hold our dogs inside. Only these have tops.
He breeds them and sells them. He says it's to support the other tigers he cares for. Wait. Did I write that? He breeds them to support the other tigers that he owns? This is not a sanctuary that he runs. These tigers did not come to him from abusive situations. He bought them.
Some of his neighbors believe it is OK for him to do this and stood up for him during a permit hearing.
But then again, a very few question the safety of it. You see he can not own a tranquilizer gun or any other kind of weapon because he has a criminal record. So, if one of the tigers were to escape; well your guess is as good as mine.
I somehow just don't get it. Governments pass breed specific laws in some states that are geared toward dogs. Yet, the state of Indiana has issued a permit for a man to own wild tigers? Can someone please explain this to me?
http://www.examiner.com/x-16570-New-Orleans-Pet-Rescue-Scene-Examiner~y2009m7d26-Do-you-have-a-tiger-next-door
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Sunday, July 26, 2009
More prying eyes to track Big Cats
More prying eyes to track Big Cats
Express News Service
First Published : 25 Jul 2009 04:28:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 25 Jul 2009 10:51:47 AM IST
BHUBANESWAR: With tiger enumeration remaining a contentious issue, Orissa is all set to seek 100 pairs of cameras specifically designed for tiger census from the Centre when Union Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh meets tiger reserve heads at a significant stock-taking on Saturday.
Dwindling tiger numbers and deteriorating condition of habitats prompted the Centre to assess the issue and if necessary, the Ministry has already gone on record saying each State will have to sign an MoU for tiger protection.
Earlier, the State Government and the Centre had come face-to-face over the number of tigers in Similipal. The camera-trap method employed by Wildlife Institute of India put the number at 20 during 2006-08 against 95 projected by Wildlife Wing which uses pugmark methodology, now seemingly getting outdated because of a higher standard error. A more recent assessment by the State had put the figure at 72 while earlier this month, the Rajya Sabha was informed by Ramesh that it could just be 60.
The State apparently wants to get rid of the controversies and would ask for 100 pairs of cameras for installation in Similipal during Saturday’s meeting. The cameras, which WII used for its enumeration, are specifically designed by Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.
``This way, we could employ improved enumeration technology at our end while verification by the Centre would be easy since the samples would be available for cross-checking,’’ sources said. In fact, cost of a pair of cameras would be just about Rs 1 lakh and if the Centre agrees, it would have to shell out Rs 1 crore.
Given the recent Maoist attacks, the State would also present its demand for immediate raising of the tiger protection force at Similipal. The Centre had declared establishment of 13 such units at an estimated Rs 50 cr which was placed in 2008 General Budget but the force has not yet been raised.
The Forest Department of the State Government has proposed that State Police would be entrusted with the responsibility of raising and training the force which will comprise three platoons. These would be deployed at Upper Barahkamuda, Chahal and Jenabil. While modalities over raising the force had led to a friction between the Forest Department and the State Police, it has now been resolved.
The State Police will recruit and train the personnel for a year. Preference will be given to youth of Mayurbhanj.
The unit will be under the administrative control of the Field Director of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) but the District SP would be in charge of service-related responsibilities such as CCR.
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=More+prying+eyes+to+track+Big+Cats&artid=QHgIl%7C02e/U=&SectionID=mvKkT3vj5ZA=&MainSectionID=fyV9T2jIa4A=&SectionName=nUFeEOBkuKw=&SEO=
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Express News Service
First Published : 25 Jul 2009 04:28:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 25 Jul 2009 10:51:47 AM IST
BHUBANESWAR: With tiger enumeration remaining a contentious issue, Orissa is all set to seek 100 pairs of cameras specifically designed for tiger census from the Centre when Union Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh meets tiger reserve heads at a significant stock-taking on Saturday.
Dwindling tiger numbers and deteriorating condition of habitats prompted the Centre to assess the issue and if necessary, the Ministry has already gone on record saying each State will have to sign an MoU for tiger protection.
Earlier, the State Government and the Centre had come face-to-face over the number of tigers in Similipal. The camera-trap method employed by Wildlife Institute of India put the number at 20 during 2006-08 against 95 projected by Wildlife Wing which uses pugmark methodology, now seemingly getting outdated because of a higher standard error. A more recent assessment by the State had put the figure at 72 while earlier this month, the Rajya Sabha was informed by Ramesh that it could just be 60.
The State apparently wants to get rid of the controversies and would ask for 100 pairs of cameras for installation in Similipal during Saturday’s meeting. The cameras, which WII used for its enumeration, are specifically designed by Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.
``This way, we could employ improved enumeration technology at our end while verification by the Centre would be easy since the samples would be available for cross-checking,’’ sources said. In fact, cost of a pair of cameras would be just about Rs 1 lakh and if the Centre agrees, it would have to shell out Rs 1 crore.
Given the recent Maoist attacks, the State would also present its demand for immediate raising of the tiger protection force at Similipal. The Centre had declared establishment of 13 such units at an estimated Rs 50 cr which was placed in 2008 General Budget but the force has not yet been raised.
The Forest Department of the State Government has proposed that State Police would be entrusted with the responsibility of raising and training the force which will comprise three platoons. These would be deployed at Upper Barahkamuda, Chahal and Jenabil. While modalities over raising the force had led to a friction between the Forest Department and the State Police, it has now been resolved.
The State Police will recruit and train the personnel for a year. Preference will be given to youth of Mayurbhanj.
The unit will be under the administrative control of the Field Director of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) but the District SP would be in charge of service-related responsibilities such as CCR.
http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=More+prying+eyes+to+track+Big+Cats&artid=QHgIl%7C02e/U=&SectionID=mvKkT3vj5ZA=&MainSectionID=fyV9T2jIa4A=&SectionName=nUFeEOBkuKw=&SEO=
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Special force for tiger protection in 13 reserves: Ramesh
Special force for tiger protection in 13 reserves: Ramesh
July 25,2009
Source: PTI
Alwar, July 25 (PTI) Union Minister of State for Environment, Jairam Ramesh, today said the government will not stop using radio callers for tigers to keep track of the big cats in the wild and that a special force will be raised to protect rpt protect them.
"Radio caller technique is being used across the globe but unfortunately it is being subjected to question in India,"Ramesh said here during a conference of directors of tiger reserves.
"People are being misguided about the technique, but the government has no plan to stop using the scientific callers."
The minister said 16 tiger projects out of 37 in the country needed attention and the government was focusing on these projects.'Special Tiger Protection Force'would be formed for 13 sensitive tiger reserves.
http://www.indopia.in/India-usa-uk-news/latest-news/633436/National/1/20/1
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
July 25,2009
Source: PTI
Alwar, July 25 (PTI) Union Minister of State for Environment, Jairam Ramesh, today said the government will not stop using radio callers for tigers to keep track of the big cats in the wild and that a special force will be raised to protect rpt protect them.
"Radio caller technique is being used across the globe but unfortunately it is being subjected to question in India,"Ramesh said here during a conference of directors of tiger reserves.
"People are being misguided about the technique, but the government has no plan to stop using the scientific callers."
The minister said 16 tiger projects out of 37 in the country needed attention and the government was focusing on these projects.'Special Tiger Protection Force'would be formed for 13 sensitive tiger reserves.
http://www.indopia.in/India-usa-uk-news/latest-news/633436/National/1/20/1
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
Change in Tiger Protection Force mooted
Change in Tiger Protection Force mooted
TNN 26 July 2009, 06:49am IST
SARISKA: The special ‘Tiger Protection Force', mooted by the Centre as one of the components for the conservation of tigers in the country, will now be revamped and be renamed as ‘Social Protection Force'.
Union minister of state for forest and environment Jairam Ramesh on Saturday sought the intervention of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in revamping the whole scheme. "We would like to see the involvement of localities more in these forces instead of the mere recruitment of personnel as a policing force," said Ramesh.
According to the minister, what was being contemplated just for the Corbett Park may now replace the scheme in totality. The Centre had recently announced the setting up of this force for the 13 sensitive tiger reserves of the country.
"The involvement of localities would help in more intelligence gathering. Therefore, the recruitment of local people in the force seems to make more sense than recruiting total outsiders," he said.
Each Tiger Protection Force will consist of 112 personnel, all of whom will be paid by the Centre. The move of the ministry comes as the first step in involving the local community more for tiger conservation.
The minister, who was addressing the inaugural session of the third field directors conference here, also revealed that Rajasthan would be hosting the World Tiger Summit at Ranthambore next year.
"About 200 persons from across the world are to participate in the summit. We will also be an active participant but we do not intend to take any grants or loans from them. We will, however, remain in touch with the technical experts of other countries and will send our field directors to these countries in case they need our expertise," he said .
The minister reiterated his stand on a severe penalty for the tiger poachers. "I will have the Wildlife Protection Act amended so as to bring in a severe punishment for the poaching of tigers. We must learn lessons from Gujarat. The way they have controlled poaching is a lesson to be learnt," he said, adding that the amendment will be brought in the next session of Parliament.
The minister harped on the involvement of NGOs and research scientists for future tiger estimations in the country and suggested a three-tier system to carry on the estimation work. "We will take up this new methodology and release the estimate of tigers in the country during the World Tiger Summit next year in Rajasthan," he added.
Talking on new tiger reserves, Ramesh said that his ministry has written to the chief minister of Gujarat about two days back expressing willingness to establish a new tiger reserve there.
Trashing reports of radio collars being misused by the poachers in Pannah sanctuary, the minister clarified that there are no proposals by the ministry to stop the use of radio collars. "There will be no curb on using radio collars. It will go on in an effective way under a protocol," he said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/City/Jaipur/Change-in-Tiger-Protection-Force-mooted/articleshow/4821208.cms
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
TNN 26 July 2009, 06:49am IST
SARISKA: The special ‘Tiger Protection Force', mooted by the Centre as one of the components for the conservation of tigers in the country, will now be revamped and be renamed as ‘Social Protection Force'.
Union minister of state for forest and environment Jairam Ramesh on Saturday sought the intervention of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in revamping the whole scheme. "We would like to see the involvement of localities more in these forces instead of the mere recruitment of personnel as a policing force," said Ramesh.
According to the minister, what was being contemplated just for the Corbett Park may now replace the scheme in totality. The Centre had recently announced the setting up of this force for the 13 sensitive tiger reserves of the country.
"The involvement of localities would help in more intelligence gathering. Therefore, the recruitment of local people in the force seems to make more sense than recruiting total outsiders," he said.
Each Tiger Protection Force will consist of 112 personnel, all of whom will be paid by the Centre. The move of the ministry comes as the first step in involving the local community more for tiger conservation.
The minister, who was addressing the inaugural session of the third field directors conference here, also revealed that Rajasthan would be hosting the World Tiger Summit at Ranthambore next year.
"About 200 persons from across the world are to participate in the summit. We will also be an active participant but we do not intend to take any grants or loans from them. We will, however, remain in touch with the technical experts of other countries and will send our field directors to these countries in case they need our expertise," he said .
The minister reiterated his stand on a severe penalty for the tiger poachers. "I will have the Wildlife Protection Act amended so as to bring in a severe punishment for the poaching of tigers. We must learn lessons from Gujarat. The way they have controlled poaching is a lesson to be learnt," he said, adding that the amendment will be brought in the next session of Parliament.
The minister harped on the involvement of NGOs and research scientists for future tiger estimations in the country and suggested a three-tier system to carry on the estimation work. "We will take up this new methodology and release the estimate of tigers in the country during the World Tiger Summit next year in Rajasthan," he added.
Talking on new tiger reserves, Ramesh said that his ministry has written to the chief minister of Gujarat about two days back expressing willingness to establish a new tiger reserve there.
Trashing reports of radio collars being misused by the poachers in Pannah sanctuary, the minister clarified that there are no proposals by the ministry to stop the use of radio collars. "There will be no curb on using radio collars. It will go on in an effective way under a protocol," he said.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS/City/Jaipur/Change-in-Tiger-Protection-Force-mooted/articleshow/4821208.cms
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
VIP allowed to import Siberian tigers in violation of ban
VIP allowed to import Siberian tigers in violation of ban
By Bhagwandas
Saturday, 25 Jul, 2009 - 05:05 AM PST
For Information About White Tigers Visit:
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/cats/wild/white_tigers.htm
KARACHI: The government has issued a permit to Suleman Shahbaz Sharif, son of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, to import a pair of Siberian tigers, a rare and highly endangered species, in violation of a ban.
According to sources, the federal environment ministry issued the permit in the first week of June to Suleman Sharif for the Sharif Wildlife Breeding Farm, Jati Umra, Raiwind Road.
International transport of endangered species is controlled and monitored by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES) whose secretariat is in Geneva. Its focal point in Pakistan is the Islamabad-based National Council for Conservation of Wildlife (NCCW).
The sources said that a ban on import of tigers, lions and other big cats by the private sector imposed by the NCCW had been breached within four months.
One of the tigers — a male — arrived at the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore a couple of days ago from Toronto by PIA’s flight PK-790.
The CITES permit No. P04/2009 was issued on June 4 and the same day the NCCW also issued a permit, No. F7– 6/78 NCW.
Suleman Sharif had declared the value of the rare tiger — purchased from Norm Philip, Northwood Zoo and Animal Sanctuary, 2192 Cookson Lane, Sea Grave, Ontario, Canada — as $5,000. He spent $7,829 on air fare, etc.
Customs duty and other taxes of Rs109,458 were paid by Sikander Pasha who had come to get the carnivorous beast of the endangered species cleared on behalf of Suleman Sharif who had reportedly got stuck in a traffic jam on way to the airport.
A document of the NCCW says that the two permits were issued to the Lahore Zoo (for two white tigers) and Suleman Sharif (for two white tigers — one male and one female).
The sources said the decision to ban import of big cats had been taken at a meeting presided over by Federal Environment Minister Hameedullah Jan Afridi on Feb 13 this year.
At the meeting, the Director General of the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), Ali Hassan Habib, who is a member of the NCCW, referred to obligations under international conventions and said there was no need to allow import of big cats. He said that some people were indulging in illegal trade under the garb of operating zoos.
NCCW’s wildlife conservator Umeed Khalid said a committee had been constituted at the council’s previous meeting to approach the WWF for drafting viable standards and legislation for import of big cats and keeping them in captivity.
The Inspector General for Forests, Dr Iqbal Sial, — a retired BPS-20 official who had been hired on a contract and was holding the charge of the BPS-21 post — said import of big cats had been stopped until the legislation.
According to the minutes of the meeting, ‘the ban on the import of big cats for the private sector will continue until legislation/standards are in place.’
This reporter approached NCCW conservator Umeed Khalid and IGF Iqbal Sial several times over the past four weeks, and Mr Khalid said he was waiting for his boss’s permission to give information and Dr Sial termed the information ‘confidential’.
Responding to this reporter’s queries at the Karachi Press Club on July 10, the environment minister had ordered IGF Iqbal Sial to provide the information to the media. Mr Afridi also called the IGF the following day in Islamabad and asked him to give the information.
But the officials did not provide the required information to this reporter. This reporter made repeated attempts to contact Mr Suleman Sharif at his residence and office but could not get in touch with him.
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/sci-tech/12-vip+allowed+to+import+siberian+tigers+in+violation+of+ban--bi-06
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
By Bhagwandas
Saturday, 25 Jul, 2009 - 05:05 AM PST
For Information About White Tigers Visit:
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/cats/wild/white_tigers.htm
KARACHI: The government has issued a permit to Suleman Shahbaz Sharif, son of Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, to import a pair of Siberian tigers, a rare and highly endangered species, in violation of a ban.
According to sources, the federal environment ministry issued the permit in the first week of June to Suleman Sharif for the Sharif Wildlife Breeding Farm, Jati Umra, Raiwind Road.
International transport of endangered species is controlled and monitored by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES) whose secretariat is in Geneva. Its focal point in Pakistan is the Islamabad-based National Council for Conservation of Wildlife (NCCW).
The sources said that a ban on import of tigers, lions and other big cats by the private sector imposed by the NCCW had been breached within four months.
One of the tigers — a male — arrived at the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore a couple of days ago from Toronto by PIA’s flight PK-790.
The CITES permit No. P04/2009 was issued on June 4 and the same day the NCCW also issued a permit, No. F7– 6/78 NCW.
Suleman Sharif had declared the value of the rare tiger — purchased from Norm Philip, Northwood Zoo and Animal Sanctuary, 2192 Cookson Lane, Sea Grave, Ontario, Canada — as $5,000. He spent $7,829 on air fare, etc.
Customs duty and other taxes of Rs109,458 were paid by Sikander Pasha who had come to get the carnivorous beast of the endangered species cleared on behalf of Suleman Sharif who had reportedly got stuck in a traffic jam on way to the airport.
A document of the NCCW says that the two permits were issued to the Lahore Zoo (for two white tigers) and Suleman Sharif (for two white tigers — one male and one female).
The sources said the decision to ban import of big cats had been taken at a meeting presided over by Federal Environment Minister Hameedullah Jan Afridi on Feb 13 this year.
At the meeting, the Director General of the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), Ali Hassan Habib, who is a member of the NCCW, referred to obligations under international conventions and said there was no need to allow import of big cats. He said that some people were indulging in illegal trade under the garb of operating zoos.
NCCW’s wildlife conservator Umeed Khalid said a committee had been constituted at the council’s previous meeting to approach the WWF for drafting viable standards and legislation for import of big cats and keeping them in captivity.
The Inspector General for Forests, Dr Iqbal Sial, — a retired BPS-20 official who had been hired on a contract and was holding the charge of the BPS-21 post — said import of big cats had been stopped until the legislation.
According to the minutes of the meeting, ‘the ban on the import of big cats for the private sector will continue until legislation/standards are in place.’
This reporter approached NCCW conservator Umeed Khalid and IGF Iqbal Sial several times over the past four weeks, and Mr Khalid said he was waiting for his boss’s permission to give information and Dr Sial termed the information ‘confidential’.
Responding to this reporter’s queries at the Karachi Press Club on July 10, the environment minister had ordered IGF Iqbal Sial to provide the information to the media. Mr Afridi also called the IGF the following day in Islamabad and asked him to give the information.
But the officials did not provide the required information to this reporter. This reporter made repeated attempts to contact Mr Suleman Sharif at his residence and office but could not get in touch with him.
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/sci-tech/12-vip+allowed+to+import+siberian+tigers+in+violation+of+ban--bi-06
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
2 tiger cubs go public at Cougar Mountain Zoo
2 tiger cubs go public at Cougar Mountain Zoo
July 22, 2009
By Chantelle Lusebrink
For Information About White Tigers Visit:
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/cats/wild/white_tigers.htm
Issaquah’s Cougar Mountain Zoological Park is the recipient of two new Bengal tiger cubs.
“We are very happy. We want people to come out and be a part of these two boys’ lives,” said Robyn Barfoot, general curator for Cougar Mountain. “If it weren’t for our guests, we wouldn’t be able to do this.”
The two cubs, a royal white Bengal, which is 13 pounds, and a standard orange-and-black Bengal, which is 15 pounds, came to the zoo July 2. They are brothers from the same litter, born at an Arizona zoo six weeks ago, Barfoot said.
“We had always planned on having four and built an enclosure to hold four,” she added, of the new arrivals. “We had special kinds in mind, though. We knew we wanted a standard orange-and-black, and then another royal white, because people love to see them. It also helps us teach people about the recessive gene and that like people, animals come in different colors.”
It is Barfoot’s hope that these tigers, like the zoo’s 2-year-old tigers, become ambassadors for tigers in the wild and inspire patrons and residents to help with conservation efforts.
The zoo’s other tigers, Taj, a golden Bengal, and Almos, a royal white Bengal tiger, are from two separate litters, but were purchased together and brought to the zoo in May 2007.
Zoo officials have completed Taj’s and Almos’ second larger tiger habitat and will transfer them to their new facility in coming weeks. The two new cubs will live in the nursery enclosure that Taj and Almos reside in now, when they are ready.
“The objective, hopefully some day in the distant future, once they’ve all grown up, is to introduce them and they can all cohabitate,” like several zoos in Europe have, Barfoot said. “But if they can’t, we have the two phases they can each rotate through.”
Zoo officials delayed announcing the purchase and arrival of the new tigers until this week, because so many developmental and health concerns can arise in the first few weeks of their lives, she said.
Since the tigers are still small, zoo officials aren’t releasing them publicly until July 22, when they will have two outdoor play sessions each day for the public to watch.
Times for those sessions will be announced closer to the public release date.
Get involved
Zoo officials haven’t named the cubs yet and are asking for the public’s help to do so. Submit your ideas at www.CougarMountainZoo.org.
http://sammamishreview.com/2009/07/22/2-tiger-cubs-go-public-at-cougar-mountain-zoo
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
July 22, 2009
By Chantelle Lusebrink
For Information About White Tigers Visit:
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/cats/wild/white_tigers.htm
Issaquah’s Cougar Mountain Zoological Park is the recipient of two new Bengal tiger cubs.
“We are very happy. We want people to come out and be a part of these two boys’ lives,” said Robyn Barfoot, general curator for Cougar Mountain. “If it weren’t for our guests, we wouldn’t be able to do this.”
The two cubs, a royal white Bengal, which is 13 pounds, and a standard orange-and-black Bengal, which is 15 pounds, came to the zoo July 2. They are brothers from the same litter, born at an Arizona zoo six weeks ago, Barfoot said.
“We had always planned on having four and built an enclosure to hold four,” she added, of the new arrivals. “We had special kinds in mind, though. We knew we wanted a standard orange-and-black, and then another royal white, because people love to see them. It also helps us teach people about the recessive gene and that like people, animals come in different colors.”
It is Barfoot’s hope that these tigers, like the zoo’s 2-year-old tigers, become ambassadors for tigers in the wild and inspire patrons and residents to help with conservation efforts.
The zoo’s other tigers, Taj, a golden Bengal, and Almos, a royal white Bengal tiger, are from two separate litters, but were purchased together and brought to the zoo in May 2007.
Zoo officials have completed Taj’s and Almos’ second larger tiger habitat and will transfer them to their new facility in coming weeks. The two new cubs will live in the nursery enclosure that Taj and Almos reside in now, when they are ready.
“The objective, hopefully some day in the distant future, once they’ve all grown up, is to introduce them and they can all cohabitate,” like several zoos in Europe have, Barfoot said. “But if they can’t, we have the two phases they can each rotate through.”
Zoo officials delayed announcing the purchase and arrival of the new tigers until this week, because so many developmental and health concerns can arise in the first few weeks of their lives, she said.
Since the tigers are still small, zoo officials aren’t releasing them publicly until July 22, when they will have two outdoor play sessions each day for the public to watch.
Times for those sessions will be announced closer to the public release date.
Get involved
Zoo officials haven’t named the cubs yet and are asking for the public’s help to do so. Submit your ideas at www.CougarMountainZoo.org.
http://sammamishreview.com/2009/07/22/2-tiger-cubs-go-public-at-cougar-mountain-zoo
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Tigers draw crowd at county fair
Tigers draw crowd at county fair
BY CATHARINE HADLEY
Staff writer
July 24, 2009
Hundreds pack into bleachers
For Information About White Tigers Visit: http://www.bigcatrescue.org/cats/wild/white_tigers.htm
SALEM TOWNSHIP -- The tiger show at the Ottawa County Fair has proved to be a crowd favorite.
Hundreds of people packed the bleachers in front of the small fenced-in arena Wednesday and Thursday to see Floridian Clayton Rosaire and his four tigers in their daily shows.
The tigers and a lion and a liger spend most of their day in cages on a truck trailer, surrounded by fencing.
During the shows, Rosaire brings Noelle, Kira, Samson and Conan into the arena, where they entertain, educate and thrill the crowd.
Children laughed as Conan, a 750-pound tiger, acted too lazy to respond to Rosaire's commands to get moving. Another tiger gave the trainer a kiss, while a third acted fierce and walked backward on its hind legs.
Samson, a white tiger, wowed the crowd by sitting up on a rotating pedestal.
During the presentation, the trainer educated the crowd about tigers' habits and the dangers of private owners keeping big cats. His family owns the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary in Sarasota, Fla., where they have rescued 40 big cats.
"Out of all of them, Conan is the only one I can feed a piece of raw meat out of my bare hand. It's like feeding a crocodile. It's really dumb," Rosaire said.
Conan took his snack and waved good-bye to the crowd --with his tail.
Before one of the shows, Rosaire said he's been working with animals "my whole life. I'm in the ninth generation of my family to work with animals."
Crowds are always surprised by the size of the animals.
"They don't realize how big they are. They look a lot smaller on TV," he said.
The cats eat between five and 15 pounds of meat each day.
He said he travels for a few months each summer, and spends most of the year at the Florida sanctuary.
Showtimes are 2, 4 and 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 and 4 p.m. Sunday. The free show lasts about 30 minutes. Photos with Samson and souvenirs are available.
In Your Voice - Read reactions to this story
Tigress62 wrote:
It is very angering and sad to see these beautiful majestic cats degraded, abused and exploited. They are forced to perform useless “tricks” and are traveling around the country, where as it states in the article, they “spend most of their day in cages on a truck trailer, surrounded by fencing.” These so called “educational shows” are nothing more than a way to disguise the fact that these cats are being used for the purpose of entertainment and monetary gain. A true sanctuary would not abuse these tigers in this or any manner.
7/25/2009 2:43:25 AM
BigCatRescue wrote:
It is hard to believe that in the age of the Internet there are still people so uneducated, or perhaps, still so uncaring, that "hundreds" would come to see a man act abusively to tigers. All of these charlatans claim that they only train using positive reinforcement, but it is a lie. When the "show must go on" the only reliable way to train is through beating, and domination. If tiger tamers really did only use positive rewards to train they would be holding up treat bags, not whips, to get the cats' attention. More about circus acts here: http://www.bigcatrescue.org/circustigers.htm
7/24/2009 8:52:33 AM
http://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/article/20090724/NEWS01/907240303
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
BY CATHARINE HADLEY
Staff writer
July 24, 2009
Hundreds pack into bleachers
For Information About White Tigers Visit: http://www.bigcatrescue.org/cats/wild/white_tigers.htm
SALEM TOWNSHIP -- The tiger show at the Ottawa County Fair has proved to be a crowd favorite.
Hundreds of people packed the bleachers in front of the small fenced-in arena Wednesday and Thursday to see Floridian Clayton Rosaire and his four tigers in their daily shows.
The tigers and a lion and a liger spend most of their day in cages on a truck trailer, surrounded by fencing.
During the shows, Rosaire brings Noelle, Kira, Samson and Conan into the arena, where they entertain, educate and thrill the crowd.
Children laughed as Conan, a 750-pound tiger, acted too lazy to respond to Rosaire's commands to get moving. Another tiger gave the trainer a kiss, while a third acted fierce and walked backward on its hind legs.
Samson, a white tiger, wowed the crowd by sitting up on a rotating pedestal.
During the presentation, the trainer educated the crowd about tigers' habits and the dangers of private owners keeping big cats. His family owns the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary in Sarasota, Fla., where they have rescued 40 big cats.
"Out of all of them, Conan is the only one I can feed a piece of raw meat out of my bare hand. It's like feeding a crocodile. It's really dumb," Rosaire said.
Conan took his snack and waved good-bye to the crowd --with his tail.
Before one of the shows, Rosaire said he's been working with animals "my whole life. I'm in the ninth generation of my family to work with animals."
Crowds are always surprised by the size of the animals.
"They don't realize how big they are. They look a lot smaller on TV," he said.
The cats eat between five and 15 pounds of meat each day.
He said he travels for a few months each summer, and spends most of the year at the Florida sanctuary.
Showtimes are 2, 4 and 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 and 4 p.m. Sunday. The free show lasts about 30 minutes. Photos with Samson and souvenirs are available.
In Your Voice - Read reactions to this story
Tigress62 wrote:
It is very angering and sad to see these beautiful majestic cats degraded, abused and exploited. They are forced to perform useless “tricks” and are traveling around the country, where as it states in the article, they “spend most of their day in cages on a truck trailer, surrounded by fencing.” These so called “educational shows” are nothing more than a way to disguise the fact that these cats are being used for the purpose of entertainment and monetary gain. A true sanctuary would not abuse these tigers in this or any manner.
7/25/2009 2:43:25 AM
BigCatRescue wrote:
It is hard to believe that in the age of the Internet there are still people so uneducated, or perhaps, still so uncaring, that "hundreds" would come to see a man act abusively to tigers. All of these charlatans claim that they only train using positive reinforcement, but it is a lie. When the "show must go on" the only reliable way to train is through beating, and domination. If tiger tamers really did only use positive rewards to train they would be holding up treat bags, not whips, to get the cats' attention. More about circus acts here: http://www.bigcatrescue.org/circustigers.htm
7/24/2009 8:52:33 AM
http://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/article/20090724/NEWS01/907240303
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Friday, July 24, 2009
Tiny Tiger Trio
Tiny Tiger Trio
07/24/2009 5:58 PM
The big cats at the Great Plains Zoo have been joined by three little ones. The birth of three rare Amur tigers is a big deal for the community and the rest of the world.
The cubs were born just last weekend. Their mother, a six-year-old named "Vika," delivered a litter of six cubs, but three didn't survive. "Vika" is doing fine, but her difficult delivery means the zoo staff will have to be surrogate parents to her healthy newborns.
It's a feline feeding frenzy at the Great Plains Zoo. The cubs little mouths are wide open, even as their eyes are still shut.
"They're absolutely wonderful eaters, a mother couldn't be prouder," Veterinary Technician Shelley Harpster said.
The cubs, a male and two females, require round-the-clock attention. Zookeepers and a vet tech feed the little tigers their formula six times a day. In-between feedings, the cubs are kept in a private room to rest up. Colored collars help identify each one. But less than a week old, they're already developing their own personalities.
"They all like their bottle temperatures a little different, they all like to be held a little different and we'll actually see more of that the older they get," Harpster said.
The zoo staff has to walk a fine line in providing the proper care and attention for the cubs without suppressing their wild side.
"We're not petting them, we're massaging them, just like mom would. When they're nursing, mom would groom them and we also have to pretend as if we're also grooming them," Harpster said.
But despite the need to maintain a healthy detachment from the tiger cubs, the zoo workers admit it's hard not to form an emotional bond to this rare breed.
The cubs won't be on public display for several more months. However, people will have a chance to bid on naming rights to the cubs during the zoo's "Jungle Jubilee" next Thursday.
http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail6371.cfm?Id=87725
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
07/24/2009 5:58 PM
The big cats at the Great Plains Zoo have been joined by three little ones. The birth of three rare Amur tigers is a big deal for the community and the rest of the world.
The cubs were born just last weekend. Their mother, a six-year-old named "Vika," delivered a litter of six cubs, but three didn't survive. "Vika" is doing fine, but her difficult delivery means the zoo staff will have to be surrogate parents to her healthy newborns.
It's a feline feeding frenzy at the Great Plains Zoo. The cubs little mouths are wide open, even as their eyes are still shut.
"They're absolutely wonderful eaters, a mother couldn't be prouder," Veterinary Technician Shelley Harpster said.
The cubs, a male and two females, require round-the-clock attention. Zookeepers and a vet tech feed the little tigers their formula six times a day. In-between feedings, the cubs are kept in a private room to rest up. Colored collars help identify each one. But less than a week old, they're already developing their own personalities.
"They all like their bottle temperatures a little different, they all like to be held a little different and we'll actually see more of that the older they get," Harpster said.
The zoo staff has to walk a fine line in providing the proper care and attention for the cubs without suppressing their wild side.
"We're not petting them, we're massaging them, just like mom would. When they're nursing, mom would groom them and we also have to pretend as if we're also grooming them," Harpster said.
But despite the need to maintain a healthy detachment from the tiger cubs, the zoo workers admit it's hard not to form an emotional bond to this rare breed.
The cubs won't be on public display for several more months. However, people will have a chance to bid on naming rights to the cubs during the zoo's "Jungle Jubilee" next Thursday.
http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail6371.cfm?Id=87725
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Zoo's Tiger Cubs Now Have Names
Zoo's Tiger Cubs Now Have Names
Web Produced By: Ian Preuth
The Cincinnati Zoo's four-month-old tiger cubs finally have names.
After more than 3,000 names were submitted from across the country, judges, who included four members of the Cat House and Animal Care Staff and the Zoo's Curator of Mammals, decided on four names.
The four winning names are Tahan, Bashir, Kadar and Tanvir.
“It was a tough decision between names of different origins, meanings and uniqueness,” said Mike Dulaney, Cincinnati Zoo Curator of Mammals and Species Survival Plan Subspecies Coordinator for Malayan Tigers. “It came down to what name was fitting and appropriate for each cub.”
The winning names were submitted by Christina Martin, Rachel Gaines, Ian Gabby and Christine Tan. All four of them will receive a Basic Family Level Membership to the zoo.
The Malayan Tiger is one of six living subspecies of tiger. They are currently considered endangered. The Cincinnati Zoo has had Malayan tigers since 1990 and has produced 28 cubs since that time.
The zoo says visitors will be able to see Tahan, Bashir, Kadar and Tanvir with their mother everyday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. at Tiger Canyon.
http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story/Zoos-Tiger-Cubs-Now-Have-Names/Dm2AJFLQt0uMtGyVpJMVdA.cspx
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Web Produced By: Ian Preuth
The Cincinnati Zoo's four-month-old tiger cubs finally have names.
After more than 3,000 names were submitted from across the country, judges, who included four members of the Cat House and Animal Care Staff and the Zoo's Curator of Mammals, decided on four names.
The four winning names are Tahan, Bashir, Kadar and Tanvir.
“It was a tough decision between names of different origins, meanings and uniqueness,” said Mike Dulaney, Cincinnati Zoo Curator of Mammals and Species Survival Plan Subspecies Coordinator for Malayan Tigers. “It came down to what name was fitting and appropriate for each cub.”
The winning names were submitted by Christina Martin, Rachel Gaines, Ian Gabby and Christine Tan. All four of them will receive a Basic Family Level Membership to the zoo.
The Malayan Tiger is one of six living subspecies of tiger. They are currently considered endangered. The Cincinnati Zoo has had Malayan tigers since 1990 and has produced 28 cubs since that time.
The zoo says visitors will be able to see Tahan, Bashir, Kadar and Tanvir with their mother everyday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. at Tiger Canyon.
http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story/Zoos-Tiger-Cubs-Now-Have-Names/Dm2AJFLQt0uMtGyVpJMVdA.cspx
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Ranthambhore & Sariska tiger poacher arrested
Ranthambhore & Sariska tiger poacher arrested
Earlier today, 24 July, 2009, a team comprising of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve staff and a WPSI representative, acting on intelligence provided by WPSI, arrested poachers Prahlad, Ram Singh, and Raju at Dumariya village in Bharatpur District, Rajasthan. A country made, muzzle-loading rifle was found in the possession of Raju. All three poachers belong to the Mogiya community.
Prahlad is a notorious tiger poacher who has been operating in Ranthambore and Sariska Tiger Reserves for several years. He is believed to be an accomplice in two tiger poaching incidents in Ranthambore, in 1992 and 2001. The April 2005 CBI report, "Disappearance of Tigers from Sariska", also names Prahlad as an accused in two tiger poaching incidents in 2002. Prahlad has been absconding in all these cases and has not previously been arrested.
We hope this will send a signal to tiger poachers, that even years after the event, they are not forgotten.
Source: WPSI
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
Earlier today, 24 July, 2009, a team comprising of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve staff and a WPSI representative, acting on intelligence provided by WPSI, arrested poachers Prahlad, Ram Singh, and Raju at Dumariya village in Bharatpur District, Rajasthan. A country made, muzzle-loading rifle was found in the possession of Raju. All three poachers belong to the Mogiya community.
Prahlad is a notorious tiger poacher who has been operating in Ranthambore and Sariska Tiger Reserves for several years. He is believed to be an accomplice in two tiger poaching incidents in Ranthambore, in 1992 and 2001. The April 2005 CBI report, "Disappearance of Tigers from Sariska", also names Prahlad as an accused in two tiger poaching incidents in 2002. Prahlad has been absconding in all these cases and has not previously been arrested.
We hope this will send a signal to tiger poachers, that even years after the event, they are not forgotten.
Source: WPSI
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Another Fair, Another Tiger Show: Bangor State Fair changes price, offers more
Another Fair, Another Tiger Show
Bangor State Fair changes price, offers more
Summertime carnival opens Friday, July 31
By Heather Steeves
BANGOR, Maine — The 160th Bangor State Fair will showcase new events, including the Maine’s Got Talent show, in which people can display their talents for two minutes; a farmers’ draft horse show and a team penning competition.
“Planning the fair is a fine balance between the tradition [of] what people expect and the wow factor,” Dyer said.
One new element to help bring in the wow factor is a tiger show. Handlers will educate fairgoers daily with their eight Bengal tigers.
The fair’s cats weigh between 200 and 425 pounds and come in every type of Bengal coloring, from the classic orange-and-black or white-and-black felines to the more rare gold-and-red mix, of which there are 70 in the world. There is also the rarer snow-white tiger, which is white with gold stripes and of which there are only 40 in the world.
“It’s not like a circus act — it’s an educational act based on natural behaviors,” said Mike Inks, a handler from Tigers of India based in Ponce de Leon, Fla.
Inks wants fairgoers to be entertained but leave with a greater appreciation and education about the endangered species.
“We’re a preservation program for the Bengal tigers,” he said.
Inside the large, circular cage where the tigers play, trainers are likely to be licked, hugged and groaned at.
“He’s just being schmoozey. He’s a very lovey, schmoozey boy,” Inks said about the golden tabby tiger Bhutan when he jumped up and put his front paws on trainer Andy Spolyar and started to groan.
The crowd stays about 10 feet back from the cage during shows. Umbrellas are strongly discouraged; the star of the show, Nina, a black-and-orange tiger, simply despises them.
“They want to kill them,” said Brad Guy, a tiger keeper.
At the show, viewers will see Nina do her “tribute to Michael Jackson,” which involves a tiger-style moonwalk, while the trainers educate the crowd about tiger behavior.
“People’s perception is that they’re ferocious, snarling demons. They’re not,” Inks said. “They sleep most of the day and they’re very affectionate.”
For information visit http://www.bangorstatefair.com/.
Complete article at:
http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/111310.html
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
Bangor State Fair changes price, offers more
Summertime carnival opens Friday, July 31
By Heather Steeves
BANGOR, Maine — The 160th Bangor State Fair will showcase new events, including the Maine’s Got Talent show, in which people can display their talents for two minutes; a farmers’ draft horse show and a team penning competition.
“Planning the fair is a fine balance between the tradition [of] what people expect and the wow factor,” Dyer said.
One new element to help bring in the wow factor is a tiger show. Handlers will educate fairgoers daily with their eight Bengal tigers.
The fair’s cats weigh between 200 and 425 pounds and come in every type of Bengal coloring, from the classic orange-and-black or white-and-black felines to the more rare gold-and-red mix, of which there are 70 in the world. There is also the rarer snow-white tiger, which is white with gold stripes and of which there are only 40 in the world.
“It’s not like a circus act — it’s an educational act based on natural behaviors,” said Mike Inks, a handler from Tigers of India based in Ponce de Leon, Fla.
Inks wants fairgoers to be entertained but leave with a greater appreciation and education about the endangered species.
“We’re a preservation program for the Bengal tigers,” he said.
Inside the large, circular cage where the tigers play, trainers are likely to be licked, hugged and groaned at.
“He’s just being schmoozey. He’s a very lovey, schmoozey boy,” Inks said about the golden tabby tiger Bhutan when he jumped up and put his front paws on trainer Andy Spolyar and started to groan.
The crowd stays about 10 feet back from the cage during shows. Umbrellas are strongly discouraged; the star of the show, Nina, a black-and-orange tiger, simply despises them.
“They want to kill them,” said Brad Guy, a tiger keeper.
At the show, viewers will see Nina do her “tribute to Michael Jackson,” which involves a tiger-style moonwalk, while the trainers educate the crowd about tiger behavior.
“People’s perception is that they’re ferocious, snarling demons. They’re not,” Inks said. “They sleep most of the day and they’re very affectionate.”
For information visit http://www.bangorstatefair.com/.
Complete article at:
http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/111310.html
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
Tigers wow at fair
Tigers wow at fair
July 23, 2009
SALEM TOWNSHIP — The tiger show at the Ottawa County Fair has proved to be a crowd favorite.
Hundreds of people packed the bleachers in front of the small fenced-in arena Wednesday and Thursday to see Floridian Clayton Rosaire and his four tigers in their daily shows.
The tigers and a lion and a liger spend most of their day in cages on a truck trailer, surrounded by fencing.
Read the rest of the story in Friday's News Herald.
http://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/article/20090723/UPDATES01/90723012
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
July 23, 2009
SALEM TOWNSHIP — The tiger show at the Ottawa County Fair has proved to be a crowd favorite.
Hundreds of people packed the bleachers in front of the small fenced-in arena Wednesday and Thursday to see Floridian Clayton Rosaire and his four tigers in their daily shows.
The tigers and a lion and a liger spend most of their day in cages on a truck trailer, surrounded by fencing.
Read the rest of the story in Friday's News Herald.
http://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/article/20090723/UPDATES01/90723012
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
K-State Veterinarian Says Exotic Animals Like Lions, Tigers and Monkeys Should Not Become Pets
K-State Veterinarian Says Exotic Animals Like Lions, Tigers and Monkeys Should Not Become Pets
MANHATTAN, Kan., July 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Tigers, monkeys and mountain lions can be fascinating, but a Kansas State University veterinarian said people cross the line of intrigue when they try to make extreme exotic animals their pets.
K-State's Gary West, assistant professor of zoological medicine, has encountered many people who own inappropriate exotic pets. He said there are many reasons why people should keep their interest to a distance when it comes to these dangerous and complex animals.
"People like exotic animals for the 'wow' factor," West said. "They are different and exciting; however, there are many exotic animals that do not make good pets."
Animals that people rarely see in person -- unless they are at a zoo or visiting the animal's native habitat -- make inappropriate pets, such as lions, tigers and monkeys. West said these kinds of exotic animals are dangerous and can cause harm to their owners.
One danger is the size of many exotic animals, like tigers that can weigh 500 pounds or pythons that stretch longer than 20 feet. Animals, such as monkeys, also can transmit zoonotic diseases, which means that the disease can be transmitted from animals to humans. West said another problem concerns sociable animals like lions and monkeys. When humans raise them, it can create behavioral issues.
"Most of the time these animals are removed from their mothers and hand raised, which is very stressful," West said. "People are often under the assumption that the mother wasn't taking good care of the animal or that the animal will become socialized to people. However, it is inappropriate to hand raise these animals unless there is a medical reason to do so."
Imprinting can be a problem when exotic animals are raised by humans, West said, because they lose their fear of humans, which makes them potentially more dangerous. It also makes the animals dependent on humans for inappropriate affection.
Exotic animals have specific needs and requirements that a pet owner may not be prepared to provide. West said most people cannot afford to adequately feed, house or give enough space to these animals. The housing situation also can be problematic because animals like monkeys should be in a social group with other monkeys or similar species. In addition, pet owners need to know about any local or state laws on what exotic animals are legal to own and if there are specific guidelines they must meet for housing and caging.
The cost of caring for an exotic animal can be expensive, West said, as many are long-lived. If people decide the pet is too large, too dangerous or too expensive to care for, few homes are available that can take in the animals and animal sanctuaries also are becoming increasingly filled, he said.
The K-State Medical Veterinary Teaching Hospital receives several calls from people concerning the health of their exotic animals, West said. The requests vary from common exotic pets like reptiles to inappropriate exotic pets like monkeys and kangaroos.
"We will see and treat any animal in need of urgent medical care, even if we don't think they should be pets," West said. "But we may decide not to provide some routine procedures for these pets, such as neutering a tiger or monkey. We want to help animals that are ill or injured, but not promote or encourage them as pets by doing procedures such as declawing mountain lions."
He said neutering or declawing an exotic animal solely to prevent injuries to caretakers would be unethical and that these procedures do not make the animals less dangerous. Declawing large cats can cause long-term complications due to the abnormal weight bearing that it creates.
While there are people and businesses that sell exotic animals, West said that does not mean the animals should be pets.
"These animal dealers usually will not take the animal back if it becomes aggressive or too large, and they do not provide the information on the animal's long-term needs," West said. "You should always be cautious of buying an unfamiliar species and think about how much it may grow and the needs it will have."
West said examples of animals whose owners have sought the help of K-State veterinarians at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital include:
* Pet red kangaroos. They can weigh more than 80 pounds and intact males become aggressive once they are mature.
* A white tiger cub from a traveling circus.
* Elephants from a traveling circus. The animals escaped and authorities wanted doses of sedatives in order to recapture the animals.
* Pythons stretching longer than 12 feet.
* Zebras.
* Lions.
* Capuchin, vervet and macaque monkeys.
* Mountain lions. Owners have asked for them to be declawed.
http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/07-23-2009/0005065111&EDATE=
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
MANHATTAN, Kan., July 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Tigers, monkeys and mountain lions can be fascinating, but a Kansas State University veterinarian said people cross the line of intrigue when they try to make extreme exotic animals their pets.
K-State's Gary West, assistant professor of zoological medicine, has encountered many people who own inappropriate exotic pets. He said there are many reasons why people should keep their interest to a distance when it comes to these dangerous and complex animals.
"People like exotic animals for the 'wow' factor," West said. "They are different and exciting; however, there are many exotic animals that do not make good pets."
Animals that people rarely see in person -- unless they are at a zoo or visiting the animal's native habitat -- make inappropriate pets, such as lions, tigers and monkeys. West said these kinds of exotic animals are dangerous and can cause harm to their owners.
One danger is the size of many exotic animals, like tigers that can weigh 500 pounds or pythons that stretch longer than 20 feet. Animals, such as monkeys, also can transmit zoonotic diseases, which means that the disease can be transmitted from animals to humans. West said another problem concerns sociable animals like lions and monkeys. When humans raise them, it can create behavioral issues.
"Most of the time these animals are removed from their mothers and hand raised, which is very stressful," West said. "People are often under the assumption that the mother wasn't taking good care of the animal or that the animal will become socialized to people. However, it is inappropriate to hand raise these animals unless there is a medical reason to do so."
Imprinting can be a problem when exotic animals are raised by humans, West said, because they lose their fear of humans, which makes them potentially more dangerous. It also makes the animals dependent on humans for inappropriate affection.
Exotic animals have specific needs and requirements that a pet owner may not be prepared to provide. West said most people cannot afford to adequately feed, house or give enough space to these animals. The housing situation also can be problematic because animals like monkeys should be in a social group with other monkeys or similar species. In addition, pet owners need to know about any local or state laws on what exotic animals are legal to own and if there are specific guidelines they must meet for housing and caging.
The cost of caring for an exotic animal can be expensive, West said, as many are long-lived. If people decide the pet is too large, too dangerous or too expensive to care for, few homes are available that can take in the animals and animal sanctuaries also are becoming increasingly filled, he said.
The K-State Medical Veterinary Teaching Hospital receives several calls from people concerning the health of their exotic animals, West said. The requests vary from common exotic pets like reptiles to inappropriate exotic pets like monkeys and kangaroos.
"We will see and treat any animal in need of urgent medical care, even if we don't think they should be pets," West said. "But we may decide not to provide some routine procedures for these pets, such as neutering a tiger or monkey. We want to help animals that are ill or injured, but not promote or encourage them as pets by doing procedures such as declawing mountain lions."
He said neutering or declawing an exotic animal solely to prevent injuries to caretakers would be unethical and that these procedures do not make the animals less dangerous. Declawing large cats can cause long-term complications due to the abnormal weight bearing that it creates.
While there are people and businesses that sell exotic animals, West said that does not mean the animals should be pets.
"These animal dealers usually will not take the animal back if it becomes aggressive or too large, and they do not provide the information on the animal's long-term needs," West said. "You should always be cautious of buying an unfamiliar species and think about how much it may grow and the needs it will have."
West said examples of animals whose owners have sought the help of K-State veterinarians at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital include:
* Pet red kangaroos. They can weigh more than 80 pounds and intact males become aggressive once they are mature.
* A white tiger cub from a traveling circus.
* Elephants from a traveling circus. The animals escaped and authorities wanted doses of sedatives in order to recapture the animals.
* Pythons stretching longer than 12 feet.
* Zebras.
* Lions.
* Capuchin, vervet and macaque monkeys.
* Mountain lions. Owners have asked for them to be declawed.
http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/07-23-2009/0005065111&EDATE=
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Mycat hails ban on hunting of tiger prey
Mycat hails ban on hunting of tiger prey
The Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (Mycat) – comprising the Malaysian Nature Society, Traffic South-East Asia, Wildlife Conservation Society Malaysia Programme and WWF-Malaysia – congratulates the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia on instituting a nationwide ban on hunting of sambar and barking deer (The Star, July 22).
The two-year moratorium on hunting that will begin this November – the annual month-long hunting season for these species – is welcome news indeed. Both are vital tiger prey species, and an insufficient prey base is one of the threats to the tiger’s survival.
The sambar deer particularly is in a precarious situation. Previously categorised as least concern on the IUCN Red List, it has recently been upgraded to the vulnerable category, due its decline in recent years.
It faces a real threat of local extinction. Sambar deer are difficult to find outside of protected areas and rare even within.
We are pleased that the Department of Wildlife has realised that when populations are in decline, they cannot be sustainably harvested.
The department’s proactive action will hopefully be a step towards allowing wild populations to recover, and take us closer to our target of having 1,000 wild tigers by the year 2020, as set out by the National Tiger Action Plan for Malaysia.
At the end of two years, there should be a multi-site scientific assessment with various stakeholders of both the sambar and barking deer populations to indicate the future sustainability.
LORETTA ANN SHEPHERD,
Mycat Programme
Coordinator.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/7/23/focus/4371649&sec=focus
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
The Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (Mycat) – comprising the Malaysian Nature Society, Traffic South-East Asia, Wildlife Conservation Society Malaysia Programme and WWF-Malaysia – congratulates the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia on instituting a nationwide ban on hunting of sambar and barking deer (The Star, July 22).
The two-year moratorium on hunting that will begin this November – the annual month-long hunting season for these species – is welcome news indeed. Both are vital tiger prey species, and an insufficient prey base is one of the threats to the tiger’s survival.
The sambar deer particularly is in a precarious situation. Previously categorised as least concern on the IUCN Red List, it has recently been upgraded to the vulnerable category, due its decline in recent years.
It faces a real threat of local extinction. Sambar deer are difficult to find outside of protected areas and rare even within.
We are pleased that the Department of Wildlife has realised that when populations are in decline, they cannot be sustainably harvested.
The department’s proactive action will hopefully be a step towards allowing wild populations to recover, and take us closer to our target of having 1,000 wild tigers by the year 2020, as set out by the National Tiger Action Plan for Malaysia.
At the end of two years, there should be a multi-site scientific assessment with various stakeholders of both the sambar and barking deer populations to indicate the future sustainability.
LORETTA ANN SHEPHERD,
Mycat Programme
Coordinator.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/7/23/focus/4371649&sec=focus
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Gun seized in Keri tiger case in Keri
Gun seized in Keri tiger case in Keri
TNN 23 July 2009, 04:09am IST
PANAJI: Forest department officials seized a gun on Monday which might have been used to kill the tiger that was found dead in Keri in late February this year.
The officials, however, were tightlipped and declined to provide details. The tiger was shot after being trapped in a seasonal stream amid two cashew plantations belonging to Ganesh and Arjun Majik.
Almost three months later, forest department officials found bones, molars, fur and some other remains of the tiger in the cashew plantation. An exposed cartridge was also found by forest department officials a few metres away from the site of the killing.
The remains of the tiger had been sent on June 3, to the Wildlife Institute of India at Dehradun for confirmatory forensic tests, but no report has been received as yet. Chief conservator of forest Shashi Kumar, who could not be contacted for details about the seizure of the weapon, had stated that if need be, the department would consider sending the remains to another institution to ascertain whether they were parts of the tiger.
Sources aver that the gun may have to be sent to ballistic experts as part of the investigation. However, no more details were available about the person who had obtained a license for the fire arm, but speculation was rife that it was sought for crop protection.
Meanwhile, one Naguesh Majik, who had been taken for interrogation and later arrested by forest department officials on Friday in connection with the tiger killing case, was released on bail Tuesday.
His remand was to end on July 21. The department had been granted five days custody of the suspect to interrogate him. But sources said that he had denied all involvement in the crime.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4809233.cms
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
TNN 23 July 2009, 04:09am IST
PANAJI: Forest department officials seized a gun on Monday which might have been used to kill the tiger that was found dead in Keri in late February this year.
The officials, however, were tightlipped and declined to provide details. The tiger was shot after being trapped in a seasonal stream amid two cashew plantations belonging to Ganesh and Arjun Majik.
Almost three months later, forest department officials found bones, molars, fur and some other remains of the tiger in the cashew plantation. An exposed cartridge was also found by forest department officials a few metres away from the site of the killing.
The remains of the tiger had been sent on June 3, to the Wildlife Institute of India at Dehradun for confirmatory forensic tests, but no report has been received as yet. Chief conservator of forest Shashi Kumar, who could not be contacted for details about the seizure of the weapon, had stated that if need be, the department would consider sending the remains to another institution to ascertain whether they were parts of the tiger.
Sources aver that the gun may have to be sent to ballistic experts as part of the investigation. However, no more details were available about the person who had obtained a license for the fire arm, but speculation was rife that it was sought for crop protection.
Meanwhile, one Naguesh Majik, who had been taken for interrogation and later arrested by forest department officials on Friday in connection with the tiger killing case, was released on bail Tuesday.
His remand was to end on July 21. The department had been granted five days custody of the suspect to interrogate him. But sources said that he had denied all involvement in the crime.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4809233.cms
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
UP sets up steering committee to oversee tiger conservation
UP sets up steering committee to oversee tiger conservation
22 Jul 2009, 1739 hrs IST, PTI
NEW DELHI: Three years after the National Tiger Conservation Authority proposed setting up steering committees in states to oversee conservation efforts for the big cat, the Uttar Pradesh government has constituted the panel which is headed by chief minister Mayawati.
"The UP government has already constituted the Steering Committee," an NTCA official said and hoped the step would ensure better management of the endangered species in its Dudhwa Tiger reserve.
The NTCA has already given in-principle approval to the state government to declare Pilibhit forests having good number of striped cats as a tiger reserve.
Apart from the chief minister as the committee's chairman, the forest minister will be vice-chairman and the principal secretaries of the Forests departments, Tribal Welfare and Social Welfare departments will be members as stipulated under the Wildlife Protection Act.
Uttar Pradesh is the sixth state which has constituted the steering committee after Andhra Pradesh, Arunanchal, Mizoram, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh.
The other tiger-range states are yet to set up the steering panels which have been proposed to ensure better protection of the big cats whose numbers have dwindled to 1400, as per Dehradun-based Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Flora-Fauna/UP-sets-up-steering-committee-to-oversee-tiger-conservation-/articleshow/4808050.cms
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
22 Jul 2009, 1739 hrs IST, PTI
NEW DELHI: Three years after the National Tiger Conservation Authority proposed setting up steering committees in states to oversee conservation efforts for the big cat, the Uttar Pradesh government has constituted the panel which is headed by chief minister Mayawati.
"The UP government has already constituted the Steering Committee," an NTCA official said and hoped the step would ensure better management of the endangered species in its Dudhwa Tiger reserve.
The NTCA has already given in-principle approval to the state government to declare Pilibhit forests having good number of striped cats as a tiger reserve.
Apart from the chief minister as the committee's chairman, the forest minister will be vice-chairman and the principal secretaries of the Forests departments, Tribal Welfare and Social Welfare departments will be members as stipulated under the Wildlife Protection Act.
Uttar Pradesh is the sixth state which has constituted the steering committee after Andhra Pradesh, Arunanchal, Mizoram, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh.
The other tiger-range states are yet to set up the steering panels which have been proposed to ensure better protection of the big cats whose numbers have dwindled to 1400, as per Dehradun-based Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Flora-Fauna/UP-sets-up-steering-committee-to-oversee-tiger-conservation-/articleshow/4808050.cms
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Conservationists 'killing' threatened Indian tiger
Conservationists 'killing' threatened Indian tiger
Conservationists who use tranquilisers to sedate Indian tigers while fitting radio-tracking collars may in fact be killing the last remaining big cats in one of the country's main reserves.
By Dean Nelson, South Asia Editor
Published: 5:49PM BST 22 Jul 2009
A report by the National Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, an Indian government agency, has reported that the technique may have led to their demise from Madhya Pradesh's Panna reserve which is the second in India to lose its last remaining tigers.
Thirty-five tigers have been killed by poachers in the reserve in the last seven years, and the NWCCB has filed a report to India's environment minister, Jairam Ramesh, claiming excessive use of tranquilisers was to blame. Investigators believe the sedatives made the cats docile, restricting their movement and leaving them easy prey for poachers.
The claims come as new figures show India's tiger population has fallen significantly in the last three years, from 1,411 in 2006 to 1,200 this year.
Officials estimate 49 tigers have died this year alone as conservation schemes fail to protect the cats from poachers, who often work in collusion with corrupt park officials and poor villagers living nearby.
The National Wildlife Crime Control Bureau's report has sparked a row within the conservation world over the use of radio-collars to monitor tiger movement within the reserves. Supporters claim their use should lead to a significantly decline in poaching.
Dr Pradeep Mallik of the Wildlife Institute of India, who collared tigers in Panna reserve between 1996 and 2002 told The Daily Telegraph that the sedative, which is fired by a dart gun, lasts up to 45 minutes, but an antidote is administered as soon as the tiger is collared and the cats fully recover within five minutes.
He said only two or three tigers were collared at any one time. "If only two or three tigers out of 35 are radio-collared, how can the collaring be responsible for poaching?" he said. He had recently collared three tigers at Sariska reserve and said all three remained alive and at large in the park.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/5888136/Conservationists-killing-threatened-Indian-tiger.html
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Conservationists who use tranquilisers to sedate Indian tigers while fitting radio-tracking collars may in fact be killing the last remaining big cats in one of the country's main reserves.
By Dean Nelson, South Asia Editor
Published: 5:49PM BST 22 Jul 2009
A report by the National Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, an Indian government agency, has reported that the technique may have led to their demise from Madhya Pradesh's Panna reserve which is the second in India to lose its last remaining tigers.
Thirty-five tigers have been killed by poachers in the reserve in the last seven years, and the NWCCB has filed a report to India's environment minister, Jairam Ramesh, claiming excessive use of tranquilisers was to blame. Investigators believe the sedatives made the cats docile, restricting their movement and leaving them easy prey for poachers.
The claims come as new figures show India's tiger population has fallen significantly in the last three years, from 1,411 in 2006 to 1,200 this year.
Officials estimate 49 tigers have died this year alone as conservation schemes fail to protect the cats from poachers, who often work in collusion with corrupt park officials and poor villagers living nearby.
The National Wildlife Crime Control Bureau's report has sparked a row within the conservation world over the use of radio-collars to monitor tiger movement within the reserves. Supporters claim their use should lead to a significantly decline in poaching.
Dr Pradeep Mallik of the Wildlife Institute of India, who collared tigers in Panna reserve between 1996 and 2002 told The Daily Telegraph that the sedative, which is fired by a dart gun, lasts up to 45 minutes, but an antidote is administered as soon as the tiger is collared and the cats fully recover within five minutes.
He said only two or three tigers were collared at any one time. "If only two or three tigers out of 35 are radio-collared, how can the collaring be responsible for poaching?" he said. He had recently collared three tigers at Sariska reserve and said all three remained alive and at large in the park.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/india/5888136/Conservationists-killing-threatened-Indian-tiger.html
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Save Tiger, Save Humanity: A Much Called For Rally in New Delhi
Save Tiger, Save Humanity: A Much Called For Rally in New Delhi
Alarmed with the almost daily reporting of rapidly declining tiger numbers and the inaction that follows, school children and several civil society groups in the Indian capital city of New Delhi are coming together to demand the basic right of the tiger–a Right to Survival. And in that, ensuring the survival of the entire human race. The Rally that follows a tiger consultation will also be a shift from all that has been done to all that needs to be done. As an organizer of the rally, comments like these are both inspiring and thought provoking.
Written by Govind Singh
Published on July 21st, 2009
Posted in About Animals, About Society, In Asia
Delhi Greens, Sanctuary Asia, Nehru Memorial Museum & Library, The Shri Ram School, The Climate Project-India, Nature First, Green India States Trust, Center for Social Markets, IYCN, Wildlife Conversation Trust, Bengal Tiger Campaign, National Tiger Conservation Authority and 350.org are all coming together for a Rally and a Tiger Consultation - of what is perhaps the LAST CALL FOR SAVING THE TIGER AND HUMANITY.
Being organised in the house-complex of India’s first Prime Minister: a stone’s throw from both the Parliament of India and the President of India’s House, the rally will demand action from the Government while also raise awareness among general public. While the civil society in urban India remains hyperactive in addressing urban environmental issues, the tiger almost never gets the attention it deserves.
It has now become clear that the almost four decade old Project Tiger has not been able to do much in stabilizing, let alone enhancing the tiger population in India. Its recent successor, the National Tiger Conservation Authority is said to be, for lack of better words, without teeth. And the tiger, perhaps unaware that so much is happening in its name is fast losing the battle to survive.
There are a total of 27 tiger reserves all over India that come under Project Tiger. But there is no reliable estimate of the total number of tigers that inhabit these. Media records and experts in the field have suggested that the government figures are inflated and misleading. And as if that was not all, tiger relocation from one reserve to another with none left is such that siblings are being made to interbreed in the wild.
WIth the tiger population threatened all across Asia, and the existence of a major underground market in China (and an almost porous border between the two countries in the form of Nepal and Tibet), tiger poaching and trade has always been a very lucrative business. Consequently, Save the Tiger campaigns have always been carried out by reputed NGOs in the country and eminent personalities have extended their support.
The tiger is still in trouble which is only an indicative that more needs to be done than has ever been done before, and differently. The Rally will be just this, a message to the government and to the people and also a call to grassroots organisation and initiatives (like the one carrying out poachers rehabilitation program) ensuring we save tigers in flesh and blood, not sell them as stuffed toys.
Image Courtesy Dr. Dharmendra Khandal of Tiger Watch
http://ecoworldly.com/2009/07/21/save-tiger-save-humanity-a-much-called-for-rally-in-new-delhi/
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Alarmed with the almost daily reporting of rapidly declining tiger numbers and the inaction that follows, school children and several civil society groups in the Indian capital city of New Delhi are coming together to demand the basic right of the tiger–a Right to Survival. And in that, ensuring the survival of the entire human race. The Rally that follows a tiger consultation will also be a shift from all that has been done to all that needs to be done. As an organizer of the rally, comments like these are both inspiring and thought provoking.
Written by Govind Singh
Published on July 21st, 2009
Posted in About Animals, About Society, In Asia
Delhi Greens, Sanctuary Asia, Nehru Memorial Museum & Library, The Shri Ram School, The Climate Project-India, Nature First, Green India States Trust, Center for Social Markets, IYCN, Wildlife Conversation Trust, Bengal Tiger Campaign, National Tiger Conservation Authority and 350.org are all coming together for a Rally and a Tiger Consultation - of what is perhaps the LAST CALL FOR SAVING THE TIGER AND HUMANITY.
Being organised in the house-complex of India’s first Prime Minister: a stone’s throw from both the Parliament of India and the President of India’s House, the rally will demand action from the Government while also raise awareness among general public. While the civil society in urban India remains hyperactive in addressing urban environmental issues, the tiger almost never gets the attention it deserves.
It has now become clear that the almost four decade old Project Tiger has not been able to do much in stabilizing, let alone enhancing the tiger population in India. Its recent successor, the National Tiger Conservation Authority is said to be, for lack of better words, without teeth. And the tiger, perhaps unaware that so much is happening in its name is fast losing the battle to survive.
There are a total of 27 tiger reserves all over India that come under Project Tiger. But there is no reliable estimate of the total number of tigers that inhabit these. Media records and experts in the field have suggested that the government figures are inflated and misleading. And as if that was not all, tiger relocation from one reserve to another with none left is such that siblings are being made to interbreed in the wild.
WIth the tiger population threatened all across Asia, and the existence of a major underground market in China (and an almost porous border between the two countries in the form of Nepal and Tibet), tiger poaching and trade has always been a very lucrative business. Consequently, Save the Tiger campaigns have always been carried out by reputed NGOs in the country and eminent personalities have extended their support.
The tiger is still in trouble which is only an indicative that more needs to be done than has ever been done before, and differently. The Rally will be just this, a message to the government and to the people and also a call to grassroots organisation and initiatives (like the one carrying out poachers rehabilitation program) ensuring we save tigers in flesh and blood, not sell them as stuffed toys.
Image Courtesy Dr. Dharmendra Khandal of Tiger Watch
http://ecoworldly.com/2009/07/21/save-tiger-save-humanity-a-much-called-for-rally-in-new-delhi/
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Survey in Sunderbans on tiger prey base
Survey in Sunderbans on tiger prey base
Monotosh Chakraborty, TNN 22 July 2009
BONNY CAMP (SUNDERBANS): The prey base in the Sunderbans has finally come under the scanner. The state forest department has launched an extensive survey to check if the number of deer and wild boar has dropped drastically, forcing tigers to stray into villages.
Last Saturday, an adult male tiger was found dead at Chargheri in Gosaba. Two cobras were found in the animal's stomach.
The entire forest area in the subdivision is being surveyed to check if there has been a decrease in prey animals. Footprints of deer and boars are being counted. Pugmarks are being studied as well to check if the tiger density has gone up in certain areas leading to a prey shortage. "There is no evidence yet that there has actually been a prey shortage, but we must try to find that out. The survey is on. We have also decided to release prey animals that are now in captivity," said Subhendu Bandyopadhyay, DFO, South 24-Parganas.
To begin with, 22 deer will be released in the forest from the Jharkhali rehabilitation centre. It will also be checked if poachers have been entering the forest area in the guise of fishermen. "We have started scanning the fringe areas and will keep an eye on the fishermen. There will be a strict vigil against poaching. We have started a search to check if traps are being laid to catch deer," Bandyopadhyay added.
Termed as "protection monitoring protocol", the vigil will continue for several more weeks. "During the monitoring exercise, we will also try and assess the damage that might have been caused by Cyclone Aila," the DFO said.
The South 24-Parganas forest division has been running two medical camps at cyclone-affected Deulbari and Jharkhali. An ultrasound machine has been installed for Aila victims at the Jharkhali camp. "The camp is attended by around 700 people every week," said Bandyopadhyay.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4805078.cms
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Monotosh Chakraborty, TNN 22 July 2009
BONNY CAMP (SUNDERBANS): The prey base in the Sunderbans has finally come under the scanner. The state forest department has launched an extensive survey to check if the number of deer and wild boar has dropped drastically, forcing tigers to stray into villages.
Last Saturday, an adult male tiger was found dead at Chargheri in Gosaba. Two cobras were found in the animal's stomach.
The entire forest area in the subdivision is being surveyed to check if there has been a decrease in prey animals. Footprints of deer and boars are being counted. Pugmarks are being studied as well to check if the tiger density has gone up in certain areas leading to a prey shortage. "There is no evidence yet that there has actually been a prey shortage, but we must try to find that out. The survey is on. We have also decided to release prey animals that are now in captivity," said Subhendu Bandyopadhyay, DFO, South 24-Parganas.
To begin with, 22 deer will be released in the forest from the Jharkhali rehabilitation centre. It will also be checked if poachers have been entering the forest area in the guise of fishermen. "We have started scanning the fringe areas and will keep an eye on the fishermen. There will be a strict vigil against poaching. We have started a search to check if traps are being laid to catch deer," Bandyopadhyay added.
Termed as "protection monitoring protocol", the vigil will continue for several more weeks. "During the monitoring exercise, we will also try and assess the damage that might have been caused by Cyclone Aila," the DFO said.
The South 24-Parganas forest division has been running two medical camps at cyclone-affected Deulbari and Jharkhali. An ultrasound machine has been installed for Aila victims at the Jharkhali camp. "The camp is attended by around 700 people every week," said Bandyopadhyay.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4805078.cms
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Security tightened at Kartaniyaghat Tiger Reserve to curb poaching
Security tightened at Kartaniyaghat Tiger Reserve to curb poaching
ARSHAD AFZAL KHAN Posted online: Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Faizabad : To put a check on tiger poaching, smuggling of animal parts and forest produce at the Kartaniyaghat Tiger Reserve, armed security personnel have been deployed to keep vigil round-the-clock.
“Trained forest guards, including ex-Army jawans hired by the Forest department, conduct joint patrolling with teams from the Seema Suraksha Bal (SSB),” said Divisional Forest Officer R K Singh, in-charge of the reserve.
The reserve, spread in Bahraich district in a 400-sq km area, shares a 55-km-long open border with Nepal. The arrangement has been made especially for the monsoons when bad weather, water-logging, damage to forest tracks and the dense vegetation create conditions which poachers and smugglers use to their advantage. They can easily cross the open border and slip into Nepal.
The jungle has been divided into 40 beats, including 28 special vigil zones. The Sixth Battalion of the SSB, with its headquarters in Nanpara, has got 16 border outposts.
“We are regularly patrolling the area and taking assistance from the police,” said Singh.
He added that well-trained personnel have been deputed to man the special vigil zone — the permanent habitat of the tigers. “The team is armed with rifles and other equipment,” he said.
U K Neyal, Commandant of the Sixth Battalion of SSB, said: “We are providing all support to the Forest department. We conduct three to four joint patrols every week.”
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Security-tightened-at-Kartaniyaghat-Tiger-Reserve-to-curb-poaching/492580/
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
ARSHAD AFZAL KHAN Posted online: Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Faizabad : To put a check on tiger poaching, smuggling of animal parts and forest produce at the Kartaniyaghat Tiger Reserve, armed security personnel have been deployed to keep vigil round-the-clock.
“Trained forest guards, including ex-Army jawans hired by the Forest department, conduct joint patrolling with teams from the Seema Suraksha Bal (SSB),” said Divisional Forest Officer R K Singh, in-charge of the reserve.
The reserve, spread in Bahraich district in a 400-sq km area, shares a 55-km-long open border with Nepal. The arrangement has been made especially for the monsoons when bad weather, water-logging, damage to forest tracks and the dense vegetation create conditions which poachers and smugglers use to their advantage. They can easily cross the open border and slip into Nepal.
The jungle has been divided into 40 beats, including 28 special vigil zones. The Sixth Battalion of the SSB, with its headquarters in Nanpara, has got 16 border outposts.
“We are regularly patrolling the area and taking assistance from the police,” said Singh.
He added that well-trained personnel have been deputed to man the special vigil zone — the permanent habitat of the tigers. “The team is armed with rifles and other equipment,” he said.
U K Neyal, Commandant of the Sixth Battalion of SSB, said: “We are providing all support to the Forest department. We conduct three to four joint patrols every week.”
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Security-tightened-at-Kartaniyaghat-Tiger-Reserve-to-curb-poaching/492580/
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Field director to be punished for tiger loss
Field director to be punished for tiger loss
Neha Shukla, TNN 22 July 2009, 06:18am IST
LUCKNOW: The security of tigers all over the country has been upgraded with new provisions rolled out by ministry of environment and forest (MoEF). The unfortunate experiences of Sariska and Panna tiger reserves have made National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) fix the responsibility of tiger-loss on the official heading the management of tiger reserve.
In the sense that loss of even a single tiger or its habitat will call upon a penal action against the field director of the said reserve through the state government. The instructions packaged as tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NTCA, state governments and field directors of reserves have reached Dudhwa officials as well.
When contacted Shailesh Prasad, director, Dudhwa chose not to comment on the feasibility of the broadly laid out framework. "It is a government order and we will obey," he said. But, under requirement to submit the proposal for funding, tiger conservation at Dudhwa has got its twin objectives defined -- habitat management and protection to big cats.
The authorities shared that the `annual plan of operation' (APO) to go to the ministry has been planned around making tiger habitat livable for the big cats and also according to them protection against poaching and human reprisals or revenge killings. "Controlling man-animal conflict will be a major focus," added the director.
The state has submitted the proposal for funding to NTCA which has acted strict even in release of funds. The authority will release second instalment only after progress report for the previous instalment has been submitted by the field director. The authority has clearly laid out that state must have successfully utilised at least 60% of the funds released under first instalment to be eligible for the second one.
The plan empowers the field director to spend money made available, for immediate execution of schemes as per norms. But the plan does not allow diversion of funds without prior approval of NTCA. Besides, it is a broad-based one that asks consulting gram sabha and zila parishad in case of doling out compensation funds to humans (in case of cattle lifting, crop depredation, injury and death of men) and putting local work force on job of intelligence gathering.
But the officials in UP are ready to go with it. "We will go ahead with it and if there comes a problem in managing it we will intimate central government about it," said Prasad.
The field directors will have to follow day to day monitoring protocols for tigers and other wild animals to ensure forecasting of untoward happenings in the habitat. Non-adherence to MOU will invite stoppage of funds to the reserve and incentives provided to officials and staff of the reserve.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4804825.cms
http://www.bicatrescue.org
Neha Shukla, TNN 22 July 2009, 06:18am IST
LUCKNOW: The security of tigers all over the country has been upgraded with new provisions rolled out by ministry of environment and forest (MoEF). The unfortunate experiences of Sariska and Panna tiger reserves have made National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) fix the responsibility of tiger-loss on the official heading the management of tiger reserve.
In the sense that loss of even a single tiger or its habitat will call upon a penal action against the field director of the said reserve through the state government. The instructions packaged as tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NTCA, state governments and field directors of reserves have reached Dudhwa officials as well.
When contacted Shailesh Prasad, director, Dudhwa chose not to comment on the feasibility of the broadly laid out framework. "It is a government order and we will obey," he said. But, under requirement to submit the proposal for funding, tiger conservation at Dudhwa has got its twin objectives defined -- habitat management and protection to big cats.
The authorities shared that the `annual plan of operation' (APO) to go to the ministry has been planned around making tiger habitat livable for the big cats and also according to them protection against poaching and human reprisals or revenge killings. "Controlling man-animal conflict will be a major focus," added the director.
The state has submitted the proposal for funding to NTCA which has acted strict even in release of funds. The authority will release second instalment only after progress report for the previous instalment has been submitted by the field director. The authority has clearly laid out that state must have successfully utilised at least 60% of the funds released under first instalment to be eligible for the second one.
The plan empowers the field director to spend money made available, for immediate execution of schemes as per norms. But the plan does not allow diversion of funds without prior approval of NTCA. Besides, it is a broad-based one that asks consulting gram sabha and zila parishad in case of doling out compensation funds to humans (in case of cattle lifting, crop depredation, injury and death of men) and putting local work force on job of intelligence gathering.
But the officials in UP are ready to go with it. "We will go ahead with it and if there comes a problem in managing it we will intimate central government about it," said Prasad.
The field directors will have to follow day to day monitoring protocols for tigers and other wild animals to ensure forecasting of untoward happenings in the habitat. Non-adherence to MOU will invite stoppage of funds to the reserve and incentives provided to officials and staff of the reserve.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4804825.cms
http://www.bicatrescue.org
12 nations seek joint agenda on tiger conservation
12 nations seek joint agenda on tiger conservation
Shyam Bhatta
KATHMANDU, July 20: Countries with habitats for tiger are coming together to formulate a common agenda for conservation of the big cat at a time when its numbers are dwindling globally.
Nepal, India, China, Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan, Russia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Mongolia and Malaysia are coming together in Kathmandu to discuss the three main agenda items of preserving tiger habitat, banning international trade in tiger parts and conserving other animals that tigers feed on, through identification of areas for tiger conservation, management officer of the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Department Shivaraj Bhatta disclosed.
National and international non-government organizations working on tiger conservation and donor agencies will also participate in a meeting of the Global Tiger Forum to be held in Kathmandu on October 26 and a subsequent four-day Kathmandu Global Tiger Workshop.
A ministerial meeting of these 12 countries scheduled for 2010 will endorse the agenda discussed during the meetings and workshop.
Monitoring is considered the best way for conserving the beast whose carcass is never found after it is killed. Deputy director of the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Department Megh Bahadur Pandey sees poaching as the main challenge for tiger conservation in Nepal. Conservationists in Nepal have been on high alert ever since the Sariska National Park in Rajasthan, India announced that it lost all its tigers two years ago.
The tiger is considered to be under threat even in Nepal after counting done in the Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve two years ago showed that the population of the animal went down by around 50 percent that year. Camera trapping had tracked 27 tigers in 2006 but it was just 15 in 2007.
The government of India has become serious about tiger conservation and its prime minister chairs the Tiger Conservation Project. The Indian union budget this year raised the budget allocated for the project to Indian Rs 1.84 billion from the previous year´s 720 million, but Nepali budget has yet to address the issue.
http://www.myrepublica.com/portal/index.php?action=news_details&news_id=7700
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Shyam Bhatta
KATHMANDU, July 20: Countries with habitats for tiger are coming together to formulate a common agenda for conservation of the big cat at a time when its numbers are dwindling globally.
Nepal, India, China, Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan, Russia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Mongolia and Malaysia are coming together in Kathmandu to discuss the three main agenda items of preserving tiger habitat, banning international trade in tiger parts and conserving other animals that tigers feed on, through identification of areas for tiger conservation, management officer of the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Department Shivaraj Bhatta disclosed.
National and international non-government organizations working on tiger conservation and donor agencies will also participate in a meeting of the Global Tiger Forum to be held in Kathmandu on October 26 and a subsequent four-day Kathmandu Global Tiger Workshop.
A ministerial meeting of these 12 countries scheduled for 2010 will endorse the agenda discussed during the meetings and workshop.
Monitoring is considered the best way for conserving the beast whose carcass is never found after it is killed. Deputy director of the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Department Megh Bahadur Pandey sees poaching as the main challenge for tiger conservation in Nepal. Conservationists in Nepal have been on high alert ever since the Sariska National Park in Rajasthan, India announced that it lost all its tigers two years ago.
The tiger is considered to be under threat even in Nepal after counting done in the Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve two years ago showed that the population of the animal went down by around 50 percent that year. Camera trapping had tracked 27 tigers in 2006 but it was just 15 in 2007.
The government of India has become serious about tiger conservation and its prime minister chairs the Tiger Conservation Project. The Indian union budget this year raised the budget allocated for the project to Indian Rs 1.84 billion from the previous year´s 720 million, but Nepali budget has yet to address the issue.
http://www.myrepublica.com/portal/index.php?action=news_details&news_id=7700
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Tribal community gripes about release of tiger into park
Tribal community gripes about release of tiger into park
Oyos Saroso H.N. - The Jakarta Post - Bandarlampung
Tue, 07/21/2009 3:40 PM
Members of the Belimbing traditional community in Way Haru hamlet, Belimbing district, West Lampung regency, have complained about the release of a Sumatran tiger that has attacked 11 people.
They say the release of the man-eating tiger, named Salma, in the Tampang Belimbing (Tambling) forest inside the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (TNBBS) is a subtle move to evict them.
Pangekahan is an enclave that was once part of the national park, but eventually grew apart from the park and became a village legally recognized by the government.
"President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called off the release here of three tigers from Aceh on June 5 because we put up a strong fight," community leader A. Zulqornain Syarif Gelar Suntan Panji Negara said recently.
"Suddenly, on July 12, the tiger from Jambi, which had attacked 11 people, was released near our village. Our lives are further threatened."
Zulqornain said a map drawn up during the Dutch colonial era showed the Tampang-Belimbing area, spanning around 30,000 hectares, was owned by the Belimbing traditional community, and legally recognized by the state.
After Indonesia's independence and under the New Order government, the area was incorporated into the TNBBS.
"We urge the government to respect the traditional community's existence," Zulqornain said.
"Evicting us from our own property implies a violation of our basic rights."
On July 22 last year, two of five Sumatran tigers caught by residents in Aceh were released in the Tambling Wildlife Nature Conservation area (TNWC) within the TNBBS. The management rights of the TNWC, spanning around 300 hectares, is entrusted to noted businessman Tomy Winata.
During the release of the two tigers, Forestry Minister M.S. Kaban and Winata assured the villagers the tigers were unlikely to stray into the village, due to the ample supply of prey within the TNWC, including deer, wild boar, monkeys and wild buffalo.
Ichwanto M. Nuh, head of the Nusantara Traditional Community Forum's Lampung branch, said the Belimbing community had not made the most of their farmland in the past year, and lived in fear of tiger attacks.
The West Lampung regency administration previously planned to relocate 164 families from the Belimbing tribe to safer areas.
West Lampung Regent Mukhlis Basri had sent a letter to the forestry ministry for assistance with the relocation, but limited funds and licensing constraints are holding back the move.
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/07/21/tribal-community-gripes-about-release-tiger-park.html
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Oyos Saroso H.N. - The Jakarta Post - Bandarlampung
Tue, 07/21/2009 3:40 PM
Members of the Belimbing traditional community in Way Haru hamlet, Belimbing district, West Lampung regency, have complained about the release of a Sumatran tiger that has attacked 11 people.
They say the release of the man-eating tiger, named Salma, in the Tampang Belimbing (Tambling) forest inside the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (TNBBS) is a subtle move to evict them.
Pangekahan is an enclave that was once part of the national park, but eventually grew apart from the park and became a village legally recognized by the government.
"President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called off the release here of three tigers from Aceh on June 5 because we put up a strong fight," community leader A. Zulqornain Syarif Gelar Suntan Panji Negara said recently.
"Suddenly, on July 12, the tiger from Jambi, which had attacked 11 people, was released near our village. Our lives are further threatened."
Zulqornain said a map drawn up during the Dutch colonial era showed the Tampang-Belimbing area, spanning around 30,000 hectares, was owned by the Belimbing traditional community, and legally recognized by the state.
After Indonesia's independence and under the New Order government, the area was incorporated into the TNBBS.
"We urge the government to respect the traditional community's existence," Zulqornain said.
"Evicting us from our own property implies a violation of our basic rights."
On July 22 last year, two of five Sumatran tigers caught by residents in Aceh were released in the Tambling Wildlife Nature Conservation area (TNWC) within the TNBBS. The management rights of the TNWC, spanning around 300 hectares, is entrusted to noted businessman Tomy Winata.
During the release of the two tigers, Forestry Minister M.S. Kaban and Winata assured the villagers the tigers were unlikely to stray into the village, due to the ample supply of prey within the TNWC, including deer, wild boar, monkeys and wild buffalo.
Ichwanto M. Nuh, head of the Nusantara Traditional Community Forum's Lampung branch, said the Belimbing community had not made the most of their farmland in the past year, and lived in fear of tiger attacks.
The West Lampung regency administration previously planned to relocate 164 families from the Belimbing tribe to safer areas.
West Lampung Regent Mukhlis Basri had sent a letter to the forestry ministry for assistance with the relocation, but limited funds and licensing constraints are holding back the move.
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/07/21/tribal-community-gripes-about-release-tiger-park.html
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Goa's Bondla zoo gets pair of tigers
Goa's Bondla zoo gets pair of tigers
STAFF WRITER 20:34 HRS IST
Panaji, Jul 21 (PTI) Goa's Bondla zoo has got a pair of tiger under a exchange scheme with the Vishakapatnam zoological park, a senior forest officers said.
The state forest department has exchanged a pair of Indian bisons with a pair of male and female tigers of Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Vishakhapatnam, they said
"The tiger pair is named as Rana (male) and Sandhya (female)," deputy conservator of forest Debendra Dalai told PTI today.
He said with the acquisition of the pair, the people of Goa now no longer require to visit the zoo outside the state to see the royal predators.
The tigers have been placed in quarantine for a period of three weeks as per the conditions stipulated by the Central Zoo Authority before being released into the enclosures for public display.
The pair will be on display for the public during mid-August and date will be announced subsequently, he said.
http://www.ptinews.com/news/186606_Goa-s-Bondla-zoo-gets-pair-of-tigers
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
STAFF WRITER 20:34 HRS IST
Panaji, Jul 21 (PTI) Goa's Bondla zoo has got a pair of tiger under a exchange scheme with the Vishakapatnam zoological park, a senior forest officers said.
The state forest department has exchanged a pair of Indian bisons with a pair of male and female tigers of Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Vishakhapatnam, they said
"The tiger pair is named as Rana (male) and Sandhya (female)," deputy conservator of forest Debendra Dalai told PTI today.
He said with the acquisition of the pair, the people of Goa now no longer require to visit the zoo outside the state to see the royal predators.
The tigers have been placed in quarantine for a period of three weeks as per the conditions stipulated by the Central Zoo Authority before being released into the enclosures for public display.
The pair will be on display for the public during mid-August and date will be announced subsequently, he said.
http://www.ptinews.com/news/186606_Goa-s-Bondla-zoo-gets-pair-of-tigers
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
ANOTHER TIGER TRADER NABBED BY POLICE
ANOTHER TIGER TRADER NABBED BY POLICE
(Hanoi) July 21, 2009 – ENV congratulates the fine work of the Hanoi Environmental Police in this week's seizure of the frozen remains of a tiger, and bones from at least one other tiger. The tigers were seized from a taxi in Hanoi on the morning of July 16. Three men have been arrested in connection with
the case including the alleged owner of the tiger, the driver of the taxi, and an accomplice.
Environmental Police has been working with ENV for nearly seven months, on an investigation of the tiger trade in Vietnam, with the aim of identifying key figures in the illegal trade and better understanding the trade network from source to consumer.
Another study by the Environmental Police, the Forest Protection Department, and ENV has focused on surveying tiger farms to determine the number of tigers currently in captivity in Vietnam. ENV will soon produce a report for senior government officials detailing the findings of both investigations.
At present, there are more than 80 tigers in captivity in Vietnam. However, this number does not include circus animals or all of the animals known to be kept at zoos. ENV is working to ensure that Vietnam does not follow the path of China where tiger farming has developed to the point where about 5,000 tigers are in captivity, and tiger farmers are lobbying to legalize trade. ENV and other conservation organizations acknowledge that this would have a devastating impact on remaining populations of wild tigers throughout their range. Although consumer trade of tiger products is illegal in China, the black market trade continues, and
many experts believe that Chinese tiger farmers are selling tiger products out the back door of their farms.
"The same situation may be beginning to develop in Vietnam", says Nguyen Van Anh, manager of ENV's Wildlife Crime Unit. The tiger case this past week is highly suspicious given some of the circumstances surrounding one of the subjects. At this stage it is too soon to tell the extent to which Vietnamese tiger
farmers may be using the cover of "breeding for conservation or education purposes" to engage in illegal activities.
A new DNA study being conducted by the Environmental Police and ENV will help identify the source of tigers that have been confiscated in the trade over the past two years. Police will collect the samples and hope to learn the subspecies identification of some of the tigers that have been seized in trade, and if possible, the country of origin. This information will help investigators determine the source and mechanism involved in the illegal trade of tigers throughout the region.
ENV has also sought to work closely with leaders in relevant ministries and within the National Assembly to strengthen the protection of tigers and other fully protected species, such as bears and gibbons, both relatively common in illegal trading. Last month, at a meeting organized for key members of the National
Assembly. At that meeting, ENV representatives expressed concern over the possibility that regulations allowing breeding of protected species like tigers and bears will open the door for commercial trade as Vietnam implements its new Biodiversity Protection Law in 2009 which permits the establishment of
"conservation breeding farms" for some endangered species.
Vietnam may have fewer than 100 tigers remaining in the wild. About 3,500 tigers are believed to remain in the wild throughout Asia. However, with tougher laws and stricter punishment on the books, ENV and others on the front lines of conservation are hopeful that Vietnam will not follow, but lead regional efforts to
protect tigers.
"Our focus might have once been about protecting our own tigers," says Van Anh. "However, we can no longer afford to think just about our own tigers. The illegal tiger trade is a global issue transcending borders, and we in Vietnam need to step up and take responsibility as a member of the international
community to 'do our part' and help stop the illegal trade of tigers before they are lost."
Contact ENV for more information about our efforts to protect the region's tigers:
Ms. Nguyen Thi Van Anh
Wildlife Crime Unit Manager vananh.env@gmail.com
Douglas Hendrie
Wildlife Crime Unit Advisor dhendrie@fpt.vn
Some other places of interest to visit:
Visit "A Day in the Life of the Wildlife Crime Unit":
http://www.savingvietnamswildlife.org/Documents/Meet_ENV_WCU_Team.pdf
Saving Vietnam's Wildlife website tiger gallery: http://www.savingvietnamswildlife.org/wildlife/tigers.html
Watch a short film produced by the International Tiger Coalition (ITC) on tiger farming in China:
http://envietnam.org/videos/tiger-trade.html
See the Vietnamese language version of the ITC tiger film produced by ENV:
http://thiennhien.org/index.php?page=documentView&parent=172&id=113
Sign in to Facebook and keep up with our activities:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=47162312016
Visit ENV's English-language website and explore other ENV activities: http://envietnam.org/
Visit ENV's Vietnamese-language website: http://www.thiennhien.org/
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
(Hanoi) July 21, 2009 – ENV congratulates the fine work of the Hanoi Environmental Police in this week's seizure of the frozen remains of a tiger, and bones from at least one other tiger. The tigers were seized from a taxi in Hanoi on the morning of July 16. Three men have been arrested in connection with
the case including the alleged owner of the tiger, the driver of the taxi, and an accomplice.
Environmental Police has been working with ENV for nearly seven months, on an investigation of the tiger trade in Vietnam, with the aim of identifying key figures in the illegal trade and better understanding the trade network from source to consumer.
Another study by the Environmental Police, the Forest Protection Department, and ENV has focused on surveying tiger farms to determine the number of tigers currently in captivity in Vietnam. ENV will soon produce a report for senior government officials detailing the findings of both investigations.
At present, there are more than 80 tigers in captivity in Vietnam. However, this number does not include circus animals or all of the animals known to be kept at zoos. ENV is working to ensure that Vietnam does not follow the path of China where tiger farming has developed to the point where about 5,000 tigers are in captivity, and tiger farmers are lobbying to legalize trade. ENV and other conservation organizations acknowledge that this would have a devastating impact on remaining populations of wild tigers throughout their range. Although consumer trade of tiger products is illegal in China, the black market trade continues, and
many experts believe that Chinese tiger farmers are selling tiger products out the back door of their farms.
"The same situation may be beginning to develop in Vietnam", says Nguyen Van Anh, manager of ENV's Wildlife Crime Unit. The tiger case this past week is highly suspicious given some of the circumstances surrounding one of the subjects. At this stage it is too soon to tell the extent to which Vietnamese tiger
farmers may be using the cover of "breeding for conservation or education purposes" to engage in illegal activities.
A new DNA study being conducted by the Environmental Police and ENV will help identify the source of tigers that have been confiscated in the trade over the past two years. Police will collect the samples and hope to learn the subspecies identification of some of the tigers that have been seized in trade, and if possible, the country of origin. This information will help investigators determine the source and mechanism involved in the illegal trade of tigers throughout the region.
ENV has also sought to work closely with leaders in relevant ministries and within the National Assembly to strengthen the protection of tigers and other fully protected species, such as bears and gibbons, both relatively common in illegal trading. Last month, at a meeting organized for key members of the National
Assembly. At that meeting, ENV representatives expressed concern over the possibility that regulations allowing breeding of protected species like tigers and bears will open the door for commercial trade as Vietnam implements its new Biodiversity Protection Law in 2009 which permits the establishment of
"conservation breeding farms" for some endangered species.
Vietnam may have fewer than 100 tigers remaining in the wild. About 3,500 tigers are believed to remain in the wild throughout Asia. However, with tougher laws and stricter punishment on the books, ENV and others on the front lines of conservation are hopeful that Vietnam will not follow, but lead regional efforts to
protect tigers.
"Our focus might have once been about protecting our own tigers," says Van Anh. "However, we can no longer afford to think just about our own tigers. The illegal tiger trade is a global issue transcending borders, and we in Vietnam need to step up and take responsibility as a member of the international
community to 'do our part' and help stop the illegal trade of tigers before they are lost."
Contact ENV for more information about our efforts to protect the region's tigers:
Ms. Nguyen Thi Van Anh
Wildlife Crime Unit Manager vananh.env@gmail.com
Douglas Hendrie
Wildlife Crime Unit Advisor dhendrie@fpt.vn
Some other places of interest to visit:
Visit "A Day in the Life of the Wildlife Crime Unit":
http://www.savingvietnamswildlife.org/Documents/Meet_ENV_WCU_Team.pdf
Saving Vietnam's Wildlife website tiger gallery: http://www.savingvietnamswildlife.org/wildlife/tigers.html
Watch a short film produced by the International Tiger Coalition (ITC) on tiger farming in China:
http://envietnam.org/videos/tiger-trade.html
See the Vietnamese language version of the ITC tiger film produced by ENV:
http://thiennhien.org/index.php?page=documentView&parent=172&id=113
Sign in to Facebook and keep up with our activities:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=47162312016
Visit ENV's English-language website and explore other ENV activities: http://envietnam.org/
Visit ENV's Vietnamese-language website: http://www.thiennhien.org/
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
'Canned hunting' of captive lions banned in South Africa
'Canned hunting' of captive lions banned in South Africa
Published: 7:29PM BST 12 Jun 2009
The controversial sport of "canned hunting", in which trophy hunter tourists pay to shoot specially-bred captive lions, has been banned in South Africa. The South African government welcomed the move, which followed attempts by lion breeders to block the banning of their trade. "We need a clean hunting industry, free from unacceptable behaviour which could damage the country's image," said Albi Modise, a spokesman for South Africa's forestry department.
Until its ban, South Africa was one of the world's canned hunting capitals, with more than 1,000 lions killed every year by foreign hunters. Around 120 lion breeders are active in the country, supplying animals for tourists arriving from across the globe in an industry worth almost £1 million a year. But government proposals put forward in 2007 threatened to crush the industry by ruling that lions bred in captivity could not be hunted until 24 months after they were released into the wild. Angry breeders challenged the crackdown in court and argued that the regulations should allow captive animals to be shot within a few days of being released from their breeding cages. But on Friday Bloemfontein High Court judge Ian van der Merwe rejected their claim.
Delivering his verdict, he said biodiversity must be protected and that the breeding of lions in captivity with the sole purpose of canned hunting did not aid their protection. He added that he believed the breeders only cared about making money.
Animal welfare groups welcomed the judgment. Animal Rights Africa spokesman Steve Smit said: "Canned hunting is barbaric and South Africa has been shamed by it. We now hope the government provides adequate provision to insure the new rules are followed. "New laws mean nothing unless they are backed by resources to ensure they are not broken."
Speaking after the verdict, Carel van Heerden, a spokesman for South African Predator Breeders Association, claimed the ruling meant most of the country's 3,000 captive lions would now be humanely destroyed.
She said: "It feels like someone has kicked me in the stomach. "The practical implications of the verdict are devastating to our industry and to all the people involved in the industry. "It means that 5,000 breadwinners will soon lose their jobs, and about 3 000 (semi-tame) lions will have to be put down."
The lion breeders have now threatened to sue the government over the decision.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/southafrica/5516764/Canned-hunting-of-captive-lions-banned-in-South-Africa.html
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
Published: 7:29PM BST 12 Jun 2009
The controversial sport of "canned hunting", in which trophy hunter tourists pay to shoot specially-bred captive lions, has been banned in South Africa. The South African government welcomed the move, which followed attempts by lion breeders to block the banning of their trade. "We need a clean hunting industry, free from unacceptable behaviour which could damage the country's image," said Albi Modise, a spokesman for South Africa's forestry department.
Until its ban, South Africa was one of the world's canned hunting capitals, with more than 1,000 lions killed every year by foreign hunters. Around 120 lion breeders are active in the country, supplying animals for tourists arriving from across the globe in an industry worth almost £1 million a year. But government proposals put forward in 2007 threatened to crush the industry by ruling that lions bred in captivity could not be hunted until 24 months after they were released into the wild. Angry breeders challenged the crackdown in court and argued that the regulations should allow captive animals to be shot within a few days of being released from their breeding cages. But on Friday Bloemfontein High Court judge Ian van der Merwe rejected their claim.
Delivering his verdict, he said biodiversity must be protected and that the breeding of lions in captivity with the sole purpose of canned hunting did not aid their protection. He added that he believed the breeders only cared about making money.
Animal welfare groups welcomed the judgment. Animal Rights Africa spokesman Steve Smit said: "Canned hunting is barbaric and South Africa has been shamed by it. We now hope the government provides adequate provision to insure the new rules are followed. "New laws mean nothing unless they are backed by resources to ensure they are not broken."
Speaking after the verdict, Carel van Heerden, a spokesman for South African Predator Breeders Association, claimed the ruling meant most of the country's 3,000 captive lions would now be humanely destroyed.
She said: "It feels like someone has kicked me in the stomach. "The practical implications of the verdict are devastating to our industry and to all the people involved in the industry. "It means that 5,000 breadwinners will soon lose their jobs, and about 3 000 (semi-tame) lions will have to be put down."
The lion breeders have now threatened to sue the government over the decision.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/southafrica/5516764/Canned-hunting-of-captive-lions-banned-in-South-Africa.html
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
Good news for tigers from WWF
From the WWF Tesso Nilo Newsletter, May-June 2009:
Law Enforcement against Tiger Killing in Riau Made a Good Progress
Law enforcement process against tiger killing occurred in Indragiri Hilir District last February and now has shown positive progress. Two suspects who snared and killed three tigers finally were detained by the Judiciary Office of the district in 23 June. Long process of completing the investigation files over this case conducted by the civil investigator (known as PPNS) of the Nature Conservation Agency of Riau finally came to the end. Their investigation file has been accepted by Prosecution Office and therefore the prosecutors can officially detain the two suspects to be processed on the court trial.
Last February four tigers were killed in Indragiri Hilir District. One was killed by community as it attacked two farmers. Other three tigers were killed by poachers after straying into human settlement. Two suspect
poachers had even sold one piece of the three tiger's skins when the PPNS from the Nature Conservation Authority of Riau came to their house to confiscate the evidences.
The scene where the three tigers trapped is actually inside an acacia concession associated with Asia Pulp and Paper group. The scene was a swamp area located relatively far from the capital of the district. The information on this tiger killing was first received by the Tiger Patrol Unit of the project which then made coordination with the BBKSDA Riau and encouraged them to take action. This tiger killing attracted many
attentions from media and even the Minister of Forestry made a statement on national newspaper that he urges police to investigate this tiger killing.
WWF-Indonesia's Riau program helps and facilitates the civil investigators known as PPNS to file this case from the field into administration matters. Though long process of investigation and filing, the prosecutors finally accepted the file and detained the two suspects comprising of a father and a son. The two suspects were detained based on strong evidences that both are involved in the killing of the three tigers. During the
investigation, the two suspects admitted their act and therefore they break Conservation law number 5/1990 that bans everyone to trap, hurt, kill, keep, and trade endangered wildlife.
To build public opinion on law enforcement against this tiger killing case, WWF will shepherd the process through media monitoring in the hope that the court trial will be in favor of conservation effort. The verdict against this case is expected to give deterrent effect to other perpetrators.
Public Campaign for Law Enforcement against Wildlife Poaching
Wildlife killing is rising nowadays in Riau province. This condition is certainly upsetting and therefore requires public action. Wildlife conservation is everybody's responsibility therefore public awareness on protection of wildlife and their habitat needs to be built. To commemorate environment day, a group of youth clubs with support from WWF Indonesia's Riau Program started their campaign from 5 June to call support for their petition.
The petitions among others call on authorities to stop forest destruction and conduct spatial plan that contribute wisely to the people of Riau and conservation of wildlife, be consistent in implementing regulations in forestry sector, impose law against perpetrators of wildlife poaching and trade, take efforts to handle human-wildlife (especially elephant and tiger). The youth club made some ways to attract sympathy from public to in the efforts to gain support for the petition like holding performances of body painting in main roads, signing the support in a 100-m length banner, and distributing pamphlets and stickers to call for the support through on line number. Besides that, the youth club also paid visits to authority like the Governor of Riau, the Head of Riau Parliament, and Vice
Governor of Riau. As the result, the youth club got written support from these authorities.
The youth club did some performances to get public attention on their effort to get support over their petitions like body painting, distributing stickers and pamphlets. The youth club also opens on line support through sending short message service to the secretariat number besides collecting written support from related institutions. During two weeks of collecting the support, the total support gained reached about
1500 signers. This support will be delivered by the youth club to related authorities through face to face meeting which is planned to be set soon. With this meeting, it is expected that the youth club can convey their call to the government to take action over the petition. The youth club has been committed that they will do similar meeting with the institution to monitor commitment from the authority or at least to share update on periodical basis.
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
Law Enforcement against Tiger Killing in Riau Made a Good Progress
Law enforcement process against tiger killing occurred in Indragiri Hilir District last February and now has shown positive progress. Two suspects who snared and killed three tigers finally were detained by the Judiciary Office of the district in 23 June. Long process of completing the investigation files over this case conducted by the civil investigator (known as PPNS) of the Nature Conservation Agency of Riau finally came to the end. Their investigation file has been accepted by Prosecution Office and therefore the prosecutors can officially detain the two suspects to be processed on the court trial.
Last February four tigers were killed in Indragiri Hilir District. One was killed by community as it attacked two farmers. Other three tigers were killed by poachers after straying into human settlement. Two suspect
poachers had even sold one piece of the three tiger's skins when the PPNS from the Nature Conservation Authority of Riau came to their house to confiscate the evidences.
The scene where the three tigers trapped is actually inside an acacia concession associated with Asia Pulp and Paper group. The scene was a swamp area located relatively far from the capital of the district. The information on this tiger killing was first received by the Tiger Patrol Unit of the project which then made coordination with the BBKSDA Riau and encouraged them to take action. This tiger killing attracted many
attentions from media and even the Minister of Forestry made a statement on national newspaper that he urges police to investigate this tiger killing.
WWF-Indonesia's Riau program helps and facilitates the civil investigators known as PPNS to file this case from the field into administration matters. Though long process of investigation and filing, the prosecutors finally accepted the file and detained the two suspects comprising of a father and a son. The two suspects were detained based on strong evidences that both are involved in the killing of the three tigers. During the
investigation, the two suspects admitted their act and therefore they break Conservation law number 5/1990 that bans everyone to trap, hurt, kill, keep, and trade endangered wildlife.
To build public opinion on law enforcement against this tiger killing case, WWF will shepherd the process through media monitoring in the hope that the court trial will be in favor of conservation effort. The verdict against this case is expected to give deterrent effect to other perpetrators.
Public Campaign for Law Enforcement against Wildlife Poaching
Wildlife killing is rising nowadays in Riau province. This condition is certainly upsetting and therefore requires public action. Wildlife conservation is everybody's responsibility therefore public awareness on protection of wildlife and their habitat needs to be built. To commemorate environment day, a group of youth clubs with support from WWF Indonesia's Riau Program started their campaign from 5 June to call support for their petition.
The petitions among others call on authorities to stop forest destruction and conduct spatial plan that contribute wisely to the people of Riau and conservation of wildlife, be consistent in implementing regulations in forestry sector, impose law against perpetrators of wildlife poaching and trade, take efforts to handle human-wildlife (especially elephant and tiger). The youth club made some ways to attract sympathy from public to in the efforts to gain support for the petition like holding performances of body painting in main roads, signing the support in a 100-m length banner, and distributing pamphlets and stickers to call for the support through on line number. Besides that, the youth club also paid visits to authority like the Governor of Riau, the Head of Riau Parliament, and Vice
Governor of Riau. As the result, the youth club got written support from these authorities.
The youth club did some performances to get public attention on their effort to get support over their petitions like body painting, distributing stickers and pamphlets. The youth club also opens on line support through sending short message service to the secretariat number besides collecting written support from related institutions. During two weeks of collecting the support, the total support gained reached about
1500 signers. This support will be delivered by the youth club to related authorities through face to face meeting which is planned to be set soon. With this meeting, it is expected that the youth club can convey their call to the government to take action over the petition. The youth club has been committed that they will do similar meeting with the institution to monitor commitment from the authority or at least to share update on periodical basis.
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
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Malaysia urged to beef up war against tiger poaching
Malaysia urged to beef up war against tiger poaching
(AFP) – July 21, 2009
KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia's dwindling tiger population could be wiped out in less than a decade unless authorities quickly halt the illegal trade in tiger parts and poaching, a wildlife expert warned Tuesday.
Wildlife activists last week said that Malaysia, estimated to have just 500 tigers still living in the wild, was losing its battle to save the endangered big cats after a series of raids that netted tiger carcasses and bones.
"The two major threats we see here are poaching and illegal trade of tigers, and also the loss of habitats," Washington-based Save the Tiger Fund director Mahendra Shrestha told AFP after a conference here on tiger conservation.
"The poaching level is becoming so high in many countries that if such things continue here maybe we will lose the tigers in less than a decade," he said.
"All you need to do is to increase the law enforcement, to reduce levels of poaching threats .... because there is an increase in demand on tiger parts in all the countries," he added.
Douglas Uggah Embas, natural resources and environment minister, said the government had sought the help of the military to battle poaching, adding that Malaysia was committed to an ambitious plan to double the tiger population to 1,000 by 2020.
"We hope by working together with the military and the local community, the enforcement will be more effective," he told reporters.
"It is very challenging but it is not a hopeless war (to save tigers)," he added.
Last week, the Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MyCat) demanded that local authorities take action to stop the illegal trade in tiger parts.
It listed a series of seizures of dismembered tigers in recent months, from the Thai-Laos border right down to Malaysia itself, including three kilograms (six-and-a-half pounds) of tiger bones found in northeastern Kelantan state last month.
The coalition said that investigations into the seized tiger parts found that some were from sub-species not found in the wild in Asia, including the Siberian tiger.
It said the findings suggested that captive tigers, such as those found in zoos and theme parks, were finding their way into the illegal wildlife trade where they are butchered for traditional medicine.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gTReDXjrdkAtdmDJt2hsuA3-aadQ
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
(AFP) – July 21, 2009
KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia's dwindling tiger population could be wiped out in less than a decade unless authorities quickly halt the illegal trade in tiger parts and poaching, a wildlife expert warned Tuesday.
Wildlife activists last week said that Malaysia, estimated to have just 500 tigers still living in the wild, was losing its battle to save the endangered big cats after a series of raids that netted tiger carcasses and bones.
"The two major threats we see here are poaching and illegal trade of tigers, and also the loss of habitats," Washington-based Save the Tiger Fund director Mahendra Shrestha told AFP after a conference here on tiger conservation.
"The poaching level is becoming so high in many countries that if such things continue here maybe we will lose the tigers in less than a decade," he said.
"All you need to do is to increase the law enforcement, to reduce levels of poaching threats .... because there is an increase in demand on tiger parts in all the countries," he added.
Douglas Uggah Embas, natural resources and environment minister, said the government had sought the help of the military to battle poaching, adding that Malaysia was committed to an ambitious plan to double the tiger population to 1,000 by 2020.
"We hope by working together with the military and the local community, the enforcement will be more effective," he told reporters.
"It is very challenging but it is not a hopeless war (to save tigers)," he added.
Last week, the Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MyCat) demanded that local authorities take action to stop the illegal trade in tiger parts.
It listed a series of seizures of dismembered tigers in recent months, from the Thai-Laos border right down to Malaysia itself, including three kilograms (six-and-a-half pounds) of tiger bones found in northeastern Kelantan state last month.
The coalition said that investigations into the seized tiger parts found that some were from sub-species not found in the wild in Asia, including the Siberian tiger.
It said the findings suggested that captive tigers, such as those found in zoos and theme parks, were finding their way into the illegal wildlife trade where they are butchered for traditional medicine.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gTReDXjrdkAtdmDJt2hsuA3-aadQ
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
Monday, July 20, 2009
Conservationists Say Tiger, Rhinoceros Threatened by Illegal Hunting
Conservationists Say Tiger, Rhinoceros Threatened by Illegal Hunting
By Lisa Schlein
Geneva
18 July 2009
Conservationists say new strategies must be devised to protect animals, such as the rhinoceros and tiger, from extinction. Hundreds of delegates who attended a meeting by CITES, the Convention on International Trade In Endangered Species, are urging tougher police action to stop the lucrative illegal trade in endangered species.
The Convention on International Trade In Endangered Species oversees the implementation of trade rules for the recovery of nearly 900 endangered species. Topping the list of concerns is the rhinoceros.
The chief of CITES' enforcement unit, John Sellar, calls the illegal trade in Rhino horns the greatest criminal threat facing the organization. "It involves very sophisticated organized crime. It involves huge sums of money. It involves both the poaching of these species, but also the exploitation of legal hunting," he said.
Sellar says CITES recently asked the international law enforcement community for help because this is not just a problem involving wildlife.
He says rhinoceros horn smuggling from Africa to Asia is widespread. He says evidence shows criminal networks are using sophisticated techniques to circumvent currency controls through money laundering. He says diplomatic immunity is abused to perpetrate these crimes. "It truly is an international problem at the moment. The rhino populations in southern Africa are really getting hammered by poachers. You know within the last year, we have probably seen somewhere in the region of 200 rhinos killed. And, in some countries, the population sizes simply cannot sustain that. If you look at the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for example, the species may very well be extinct there," he said.
Sellar says there is a great demand for rhino horn in East Asia, especially in China and Vietnam, where it is used in traditional medicine.
CITES also is very concerned about the fate of the tiger. In the last century, there were more than 100,000 tigers throughout Asia. Now, it is believed no more than 4,000 of these animals are roaming in the wild.
Sellar says conservation efforts have failed miserably and tigers continue to move closer to extinction. One rare success story, he notes is found in the far east of Russia.
He says strong law enforcement work has saved the tiger there. He says a specialized enforcement team, which brought together people from a variety of policing, military and hunting backgrounds, was established. "And frankly, these are guys that when you meet them, you realize these are people that mean business. They are not the sort of men that you would want to meet in a dark alley late at night. But, that is exactly the type of person you need to come up against the individuals that are engaged in poaching and illegal trade," he said.
Delegates at the CITES conference agree. They say it would be possible to make huge inroads into this problem if governments would commit themselves to focus on law enforcement efforts.
Unfortunately, they note the poaching and illegal trade in endangered species is not recognized as a mainstream crime. Therefore, they say, the political will to make this a priority is lacking.
http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-07-18-voa25.cfm
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
By Lisa Schlein
Geneva
18 July 2009
Conservationists say new strategies must be devised to protect animals, such as the rhinoceros and tiger, from extinction. Hundreds of delegates who attended a meeting by CITES, the Convention on International Trade In Endangered Species, are urging tougher police action to stop the lucrative illegal trade in endangered species.
The Convention on International Trade In Endangered Species oversees the implementation of trade rules for the recovery of nearly 900 endangered species. Topping the list of concerns is the rhinoceros.
The chief of CITES' enforcement unit, John Sellar, calls the illegal trade in Rhino horns the greatest criminal threat facing the organization. "It involves very sophisticated organized crime. It involves huge sums of money. It involves both the poaching of these species, but also the exploitation of legal hunting," he said.
Sellar says CITES recently asked the international law enforcement community for help because this is not just a problem involving wildlife.
He says rhinoceros horn smuggling from Africa to Asia is widespread. He says evidence shows criminal networks are using sophisticated techniques to circumvent currency controls through money laundering. He says diplomatic immunity is abused to perpetrate these crimes. "It truly is an international problem at the moment. The rhino populations in southern Africa are really getting hammered by poachers. You know within the last year, we have probably seen somewhere in the region of 200 rhinos killed. And, in some countries, the population sizes simply cannot sustain that. If you look at the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for example, the species may very well be extinct there," he said.
Sellar says there is a great demand for rhino horn in East Asia, especially in China and Vietnam, where it is used in traditional medicine.
CITES also is very concerned about the fate of the tiger. In the last century, there were more than 100,000 tigers throughout Asia. Now, it is believed no more than 4,000 of these animals are roaming in the wild.
Sellar says conservation efforts have failed miserably and tigers continue to move closer to extinction. One rare success story, he notes is found in the far east of Russia.
He says strong law enforcement work has saved the tiger there. He says a specialized enforcement team, which brought together people from a variety of policing, military and hunting backgrounds, was established. "And frankly, these are guys that when you meet them, you realize these are people that mean business. They are not the sort of men that you would want to meet in a dark alley late at night. But, that is exactly the type of person you need to come up against the individuals that are engaged in poaching and illegal trade," he said.
Delegates at the CITES conference agree. They say it would be possible to make huge inroads into this problem if governments would commit themselves to focus on law enforcement efforts.
Unfortunately, they note the poaching and illegal trade in endangered species is not recognized as a mainstream crime. Therefore, they say, the political will to make this a priority is lacking.
http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-07-18-voa25.cfm
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
Orissa’s denial exposed, tiger numbers down by half
Orissa’s denial exposed, tiger numbers down by half
Debabrata Mohanty Posted online: Monday , Jul 20, 2009 at 0302 hrs
Bhubaneswar : Despite an expenditure of a little over Rs 10 crore in the last five years by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), over 40 per cent of the tigers in Simlipal Tiger Reserve seems to have vanished.
The Orissa government, which spent last year denying the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) census figure of 21 big cats in the wildlife sanctuary, did its own census in January this year. The result: only 61 big cats (16 males, 31 females, 14 cubs) were found in the sanctuary, which spans 2,301 sq km. The 2004 census had put the figure at 101. All this has happened after the NTCA spent Rs 10.41 crore on Simlipal between 2004 and 2009. While the NTCA money was spent on the tiger reserve, the state government paid salaries to the staff of the reserve, including forest guards, rangers and field director.
In January this year, 81 counting teams comprising officials of four forest divisions, staff of Simlipal sanctuary and teachers/students of North Orissa University fanned out in the tiger reserve for an elaborate census as part of the state government's move to negate the WII census. Orissa Chief Wildlife Warden B K Patnaik, who sent the report to the state Forest and Environment Department a fortnight ago, said the numbers were quite low, but not “below normal”.
Patnaik himself seemed bewildered by the new census, saying it would be difficult to reconcile census figures of WII and tiger reserve’s own. “It is now up to the Forest and Environment Department to accept one of the figures,” he said.
Department secretary U N Behera refused to speak to The Indian Express over the huge drop in the numbers. But senior research officer in the state Wildlife Department L A K Singh, who all along defended the figure of 101 tigers, did a volte-face on Thursday saying no one should be surprised to see the tiger numbers go down. “Let's not get sentimental about it. Tigers will not vanish from Simlipal soon. But they will surely vanish,” said Singh. However, none of the wildlife officials were ready to discuss how the money was spent.
Incidentally, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) in one of its assessments of tiger reserves had ranked Simlipal at No 7, which means it was “well-managed”.
Wildlife activist Biswajit Mohanty said the state Forest Department has a lot to answer how the money meant for tigers failed to save them. “Simlipal Tiger Reserve seems to have turned into a black hole. Both money and tigers vanished and no one is accountable,” he alleged.
Tiger activist Belinda Wright of Wildlife Protection Society of India demanded that the forest officials responsible for the drop in number should be held accountable. “The NTCA gives the money to the state, but it has little control in reality as to how the money is spent. It’s high time that the state and the Centre stopped squabbling over the figures. The time is to save the last remaining tigers as fast as possible,” she said.
In 2004 pugmark census, there were 94 tigers in the core area and seven in the buffer area of the reserve. Between 1989 and 2004, the tiger numbers in the reserve remained between 93 and 101, which wildlife activists alleged was “clever juggling”. “Simlipal will be second Sariska, where tiger counts were grossly exaggerated officially before the truth was out,” said Mohanty.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/orissas-denial-exposed-tiger-numbers-down-by-half/491560/0
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Debabrata Mohanty Posted online: Monday , Jul 20, 2009 at 0302 hrs
Bhubaneswar : Despite an expenditure of a little over Rs 10 crore in the last five years by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), over 40 per cent of the tigers in Simlipal Tiger Reserve seems to have vanished.
The Orissa government, which spent last year denying the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) census figure of 21 big cats in the wildlife sanctuary, did its own census in January this year. The result: only 61 big cats (16 males, 31 females, 14 cubs) were found in the sanctuary, which spans 2,301 sq km. The 2004 census had put the figure at 101. All this has happened after the NTCA spent Rs 10.41 crore on Simlipal between 2004 and 2009. While the NTCA money was spent on the tiger reserve, the state government paid salaries to the staff of the reserve, including forest guards, rangers and field director.
In January this year, 81 counting teams comprising officials of four forest divisions, staff of Simlipal sanctuary and teachers/students of North Orissa University fanned out in the tiger reserve for an elaborate census as part of the state government's move to negate the WII census. Orissa Chief Wildlife Warden B K Patnaik, who sent the report to the state Forest and Environment Department a fortnight ago, said the numbers were quite low, but not “below normal”.
Patnaik himself seemed bewildered by the new census, saying it would be difficult to reconcile census figures of WII and tiger reserve’s own. “It is now up to the Forest and Environment Department to accept one of the figures,” he said.
Department secretary U N Behera refused to speak to The Indian Express over the huge drop in the numbers. But senior research officer in the state Wildlife Department L A K Singh, who all along defended the figure of 101 tigers, did a volte-face on Thursday saying no one should be surprised to see the tiger numbers go down. “Let's not get sentimental about it. Tigers will not vanish from Simlipal soon. But they will surely vanish,” said Singh. However, none of the wildlife officials were ready to discuss how the money was spent.
Incidentally, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) in one of its assessments of tiger reserves had ranked Simlipal at No 7, which means it was “well-managed”.
Wildlife activist Biswajit Mohanty said the state Forest Department has a lot to answer how the money meant for tigers failed to save them. “Simlipal Tiger Reserve seems to have turned into a black hole. Both money and tigers vanished and no one is accountable,” he alleged.
Tiger activist Belinda Wright of Wildlife Protection Society of India demanded that the forest officials responsible for the drop in number should be held accountable. “The NTCA gives the money to the state, but it has little control in reality as to how the money is spent. It’s high time that the state and the Centre stopped squabbling over the figures. The time is to save the last remaining tigers as fast as possible,” she said.
In 2004 pugmark census, there were 94 tigers in the core area and seven in the buffer area of the reserve. Between 1989 and 2004, the tiger numbers in the reserve remained between 93 and 101, which wildlife activists alleged was “clever juggling”. “Simlipal will be second Sariska, where tiger counts were grossly exaggerated officially before the truth was out,” said Mohanty.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/orissas-denial-exposed-tiger-numbers-down-by-half/491560/0
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Autopsy reveals snakes in tiger's tummy
Autopsy reveals snakes in tiger's tummy
Monotosh Chakraborty, TNN 19 July 2009, 04:50am IST
KOLKATA: An autopsy on the body of the tiger found at Netidhopani forest in the Sunderbans on Friday morning has revealed that the big cat had two undigested cobras in his stomach, along with other semi-digested food.
The autopsy was conducted in the presence of a representative from the National Tiger Conservation Authority, two doctors, one member of WWF-India and senior state forest department officials, such as the principal chief conservator of forest Atanu Raha, Sunderban Biosphere Reserve director N C Bahuguna and Sunderban Tiger Reserve field director Subrat Mukherjee. According to the autopsy report, no external injury marks were found on the tiger, which was a full-grown male, more than 12 years old.
According to the initial autopsy report, the tiger had died due to age-related problems. As the animal had grown old, he was unable to hunt for prey regularly and was coming out of the dense forest in search of food. Officials will further conduct viscera tests to determine the exact cause of death.
On Thursday night, forest officials had heard the tiger growl from the forest. On Friday morning, his body was found near the forest camp house.
Forest department officials said that at present, there are three more aged tigers in Netidhopani forest.
The forest guards had chanced upon the animal near the fringes of Netidhopani forest on Thursday. It had been lying near a bush and was not moving. On Friday, the guards saw the animal lying at the same spot, leading them to suspect that it had died. They immediately informed the Sudhanyakhali range office, which arranged for a team to be sent to examine the tiger.
The guards burst crackers to check if the animal was still alive. When it did not move, they arranged for transferring it to the range office.
Three tigers have strayed in the Sunderbans in the last one month. The last one had been captured at Chargheri and was released at Sudhanyakhali after treatment on July 8. The animal had to be tranquilized and had been unconscious for several hours.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS-City-Kolkata-Autopsy-reveals-snakes-in-tigers-tummy/articleshow/4794047.cms
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Monotosh Chakraborty, TNN 19 July 2009, 04:50am IST
KOLKATA: An autopsy on the body of the tiger found at Netidhopani forest in the Sunderbans on Friday morning has revealed that the big cat had two undigested cobras in his stomach, along with other semi-digested food.
The autopsy was conducted in the presence of a representative from the National Tiger Conservation Authority, two doctors, one member of WWF-India and senior state forest department officials, such as the principal chief conservator of forest Atanu Raha, Sunderban Biosphere Reserve director N C Bahuguna and Sunderban Tiger Reserve field director Subrat Mukherjee. According to the autopsy report, no external injury marks were found on the tiger, which was a full-grown male, more than 12 years old.
According to the initial autopsy report, the tiger had died due to age-related problems. As the animal had grown old, he was unable to hunt for prey regularly and was coming out of the dense forest in search of food. Officials will further conduct viscera tests to determine the exact cause of death.
On Thursday night, forest officials had heard the tiger growl from the forest. On Friday morning, his body was found near the forest camp house.
Forest department officials said that at present, there are three more aged tigers in Netidhopani forest.
The forest guards had chanced upon the animal near the fringes of Netidhopani forest on Thursday. It had been lying near a bush and was not moving. On Friday, the guards saw the animal lying at the same spot, leading them to suspect that it had died. They immediately informed the Sudhanyakhali range office, which arranged for a team to be sent to examine the tiger.
The guards burst crackers to check if the animal was still alive. When it did not move, they arranged for transferring it to the range office.
Three tigers have strayed in the Sunderbans in the last one month. The last one had been captured at Chargheri and was released at Sudhanyakhali after treatment on July 8. The animal had to be tranquilized and had been unconscious for several hours.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS-City-Kolkata-Autopsy-reveals-snakes-in-tigers-tummy/articleshow/4794047.cms
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Govt has no plans to adopt tiger farming method: Ramesh
Govt has no plans to adopt tiger farming method: Ramesh
New Delhi, Jul 20 (PTI) Stating that there is no plan to adopt tiger-farming method in the country, the government today said that it sees the method as a threat to wildlife conservation.
Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh, while replying to a written question in Rajya Sabha said, "there is no plan to adopt tiger-farming method. The tiger farming as prevalent in China is meant for consumptive use of tiger body parts, which is detrimental for wild tiger conservation."
"India has strongly appealed to China and other countries at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild fauna and flora (CITES) to restrict such operations in the interest of wild tigers," Ramesh added.
The government has taken initiatives since 1972 for in-situ (within its territory) conservation of wild tigers in designated reserves spread over different states in the country under "Project Tiger", he added.
http://ptinews.com/news/183984_Govt-has-no-plans-to-adopt-tiger-farming-method--Ramesh
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
New Delhi, Jul 20 (PTI) Stating that there is no plan to adopt tiger-farming method in the country, the government today said that it sees the method as a threat to wildlife conservation.
Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh, while replying to a written question in Rajya Sabha said, "there is no plan to adopt tiger-farming method. The tiger farming as prevalent in China is meant for consumptive use of tiger body parts, which is detrimental for wild tiger conservation."
"India has strongly appealed to China and other countries at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild fauna and flora (CITES) to restrict such operations in the interest of wild tigers," Ramesh added.
The government has taken initiatives since 1972 for in-situ (within its territory) conservation of wild tigers in designated reserves spread over different states in the country under "Project Tiger", he added.
http://ptinews.com/news/183984_Govt-has-no-plans-to-adopt-tiger-farming-method--Ramesh
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Questions & Answers - Valmik Thapar
Questions & Answers - Valmik Thapar
July 20, 2009 - Wall Street Journal
Valmik Thapar, wildlife conservationist and one of India's best-known tiger experts, was a member of the Tiger Task Force set up by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's government in 2005 to probe the falling tiger population. But he dissented from the group, claiming it failed to pay enough attention to poaching. Barely 1,000 tigers are left in India today, down from an estimated 100,000 a century ago. But for the first time in years, the new government's policies toward tigers show promise, he tells Jyoti Malhotra for The Wall Street Journal. Here are edited excerpts.
WSJ: India is called the "Land of the Tiger" and about 100 years ago there were 100,000 tigers. That fell to 3,600 in 2000 when the last tiger census was held and has not dropped further to about 1,400. Can you tell me whether these statistics are correct?
VT: They are roughly correct. I think at the moment we probably have about 1,000 tigers because the statistics of 1,400 tigers were documented two years ago and we have huge pressure on the tigers from poachers because of the illegal trade route that goes via Nepal into China for tiger bones and skins. So the tiger is under enormous pressure and governments haven't done enough.
WSJ: You were saying there was a lack of political will. But how did the tigers vanish?
VT: In 1991-1992, there was no priority for the natural world. The priorities that (former prime minister) Indira Gandhi had, she was the one who made all the laws that saved the natural world, or even some of the priorities that Rajiv Gandhi had, all vanished at that time, and our focus was the free market economy, big business, how do we develop the corporate world, so we forgot about the natural world. In the 15-17 years that have gone by, we lost a huge amount of forest, a huge number of species declined, whether rhinos or elephants or tigers. The tiger is only an indicator of the health of the natural world, so the numbers are down. We are losing our forests, our wildlife, some of our primary and secondary forests are disappearing and people are trying to make plantations. But that's all going to lead to a green desert.
WSJ: So this is really a destruction of the ecosystem?
VT: I think today it's much more than a destruction of the ecosystem because it affects the quality of life of the poorest of the poor. If you take rural India, only 18% of the land is forest land and if it gets degraded, our water supply gets degraded because 300 rivers and perennial streams are born in the tiger's forests. So when you don't have the forests or they're no longer protected, the [water] is run off and gets wasted. So everything is interlinked to keeping our forests alive and if we don't do that in a proper way, maybe we'll affect (thousands of people) in the countryside. Also now it's clear that the forests play a key role in preserving the carbon and not releasing it into the atmosphere, so it affects global warming and climate change. These are important global priorities that India must realize and keep its forests safe because without the forests, I don't believe there can be quality of life.
WSJ: This man versus animal quandary we've been talking about these past years, do you think it's a false one?
VT: Over hundreds and thousands of years, large carnivora like the tiger, the jaguar, the lion, the big cats that feed on other animals, have never got along with man, anywhere on the planet. And the reason is simple. Man domesticates four-legged animals like cows and buffalos, and cows and buffalos are the food of tigers and lions and leopards. So when the tiger kills buffalos and cows, man intervenes and puts poison in the carcass and kills the animal. So both are in a situation of conflict. The only way both can exist is to separate them. For instance, lions in Africa are mostly separated from people. In the Masai Mara, the Masai live outside the main area because they realize that if they lived with the lions, either they or their cattle would die or the lions would die. We have to follow the same principle because it's a natural principle. Where people are in conflict with animals and are happy to relocate themselves, we have to give them a package to relocate. Where they're not, we can't do anything. As I understand it, now more and more people want to leave the interior of the forest and get relocated because the rehabilitation package that has been made by the government of India, for the first time has a vast amount [of money]. They believe it's important for them to take the package and relocate. That will reduce the conflict, but there's no other way to do it.
WSJ: Tell me about this package, is this the new government that is doing something?
VT: It is Manmohan Singh's government which took the decision that one family will get 10 lakhs, or 1 million rupees, or any person over 18 years who's starting a family will also get 1 million rupees. If you take this plus the compensation they get for land, or land for land, their house, their well, and if they're relocated on prime land…it has happened in Bhadra, in Karnataka, where the relocation of villages was done on prime, agricultural land, on the red earth with a canal going through it. Everyone left the forest! You didn't have to ask people about relocation, they looked at the land and said, wow, our life is going to change, and five years later their life has changed. They are thrilled!
WSJ: So the tribals didn't mind leaving the forest?
VT: Not at all. Anybody can go and see them. Recently our minister for environment and forests Jairam Ramesh went there to talk to them, they're thrilled. So Bhadra has no disturbance of the people for the big carnivore, so the cats are coming back. So you have to find a happy medium. Where it can't happen, you have to let it be. Big cats depend on the forests for food, and if cows and buffalos are roaming, they're going to go for them, and the minute they go for the cows and buffalos, Man is going to go for them.
WSJ: You spoke earlier about how alarming the situation was for the tiger population. Six years ago, the Panna tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh had 40 tigers, today there isn't even one.
VT: The Panna tiger reserve is a place I've known very well. I started working there in 1994 and saw the tiger population go up from five to eight tigers to about 34 to 38 tigers. It was an excellent scientific research project. The problem there is a negligent forest department. When a warning was given to them seven years ago by scientists that poachers are entering, deal with them, they went into a state of denial and until three months ago, remained in a state of denial. Till the last tiger was killed, they said, no problem. And they kept using the one tiger's pug mark to say that there were 20 tigers because [the tiger] was walking in different areas, on different soil. If you're not an expert, you can fool the world. The Madhya Pradesh forest department managed to fool the world. So there are no tigers left in Panna. It's a sad, shameful state of affairs, of governance on the part of the Madhya Pradesh government, of the forest department's apathy, of real neglect. And unless we make senior forest officers responsible and answerable for what happened at Panna, we will move nowhere.
WSJ: Why do the poachers want to kill the tiger, what are they going to do to the tiger parts?
VT: The bones go to China, they are used for medicinal purposes and tiger bone wine, which is supposed to be an aphrodisiac. It also is supposed to help arthritis. The skin is used everywhere, even the Tibetans use it to dress up during their festivals, and until the Dalai Lama recently came out to say no to tiger skins, a lot of demand was being placed on skins. Also there are various collectors across the world who will take wild tiger skins. Every part of the tiger is used somewhere. So the poacher at the ground level may get $300 to $400 but at the end of the line, the consumer may be paying $5,000 to $10,000 for that tiger. So every tiger which walks is wealth. It's continuous warfare between the forest staff, those protecting the tiger and those trying to kill it. We've done nothing for our forest staff as well, so they are demoralized, they're roughly 50 years old, as we've hardly done any recruitment for the last 10 years.
WSJ: How do you curb the poaching? You've talked about the Forest Department's inability to open itself to scientific enquiry…
VT: In this new government, the new dynamic minister is opening himself to science, to having a special protection force which is specially trained and has to flush out the poachers. It may be made up of local people but they have to be trained in jungle warfare, if you like, because they have to deal with poachers who carry AK-47s. In Kaziranga national park in the northeast, the poachers carry AK-56 and AK-47 rifles. They kill the rhinos, cut the horn off and exchange it for arms and smuggle it for terrorism. So there are all kinds of interlinked illegalities and you have to have a special forest protection force operating in every state to deal with this menace. If you don't have it, the forests of India are going to die.
WSJ : In Corbett national park in Uttar Pradesh, it seems as if the local tribal population, the Van Gujjars, could be involved in protection as well?
VT: I think the experiment that is being tried in Jim Corbett is to get young enthusiastic Van Gujjar tribals into a training capsule for six months. They are going to be trained just as forest guards are trained, in weaponry, in how they pursue poachers, in how they gather intelligence in a village. Once the training course is over, they could be the future protectors of Corbett, but the training capsules are essential. Our country again, over the last 15 to 20 years, has ignored training.
WSJ: So it's a good idea to involve local tribals?
VT: I totally support it but I think you'll find in 10,000 people, there will be 10 young enthusiastic boys. You have to locate people who are really interested in forests and train them. Don't do it because he's a relative of a member of parliament or you know him personally. You have to choose and screen people. If you do it properly, local people can be a real asset, if you do it badly, it can turn out completely negative.
WSJ: You've been hugely critical of the forest administration as well as the political bureaucracy. Why?
VT: I've been critical because a whole bunch of innovative ideas have been given to various governments from the Bharatiya Janata Party government at the turn of the century to this government, which is in its sixth year. Most of these ideas have been accepted by the Prime Ministers of India and then passed on to the bureaucracy who write on the file "not possible," or "impossible." Then the file gets buried and nothing happens. I have watched the forests of India decline, tigers decline, the natural wealth of our nation decline because the bureaucracy doesn't have the dynamism and initiative to take a new idea, grasp it and put it into practice. I hope now, with the new minister, things will change. I believe he can change it because in the last 40 to 45 days, what hasn't happened in 12 years, he's managed to do.
WSJ: What has he done?
VT: He's activated one of the biggest funds for natural India, called the Compensatory Afforestation Fund, or CAMPA, where the Supreme Court of India has ordered that 5000 crore rupees ($1.02 billion) will be used over the next five years to protect and regenerate the forests of India. It's a little more than the budget given to the ministry of Environment & Forests each year to protect the forests. So he has the ability to engage with new ideas, get new models out, this is his masterpiece. Otherwise he's cleared through the Cabinet a tri-partite arrangement … to make states more accountable, so you don't have repeats of Panna. He's also looking at some reform ideas of how you change the Forest Service and make it more specialized. He's looking at things no one did for 15 years and things went to hell because of that.
WSJ: You talked about the bureaucracy overruling Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and yet you were part of the Tiger Task Force that the PM set up.
VT: I was a part of the Tiger Task Force because it was a suggestion I made at a National Board of Wildlife meeting and the PM took it up. I also spent time with the prime minister telling him how you create a tiger task force made up of knowledgeable people who understand tigers. The bureaucracy succeeded in putting together a task force of five people, including its chair, who had no knowledge of tigers. The task force started off on the wrong foot and in the end I gave a dissent note because I believe they forgot the main objective, which was to do something in the interest of the tiger.
WSJ: There is talk of India importing the cheetah, which is extinct in our country, from countries like Namibia. What do you think about that idea?
VT: The idea of reintroducing the cheetah has been mooted by a couple of conservationists and a meeting will be take place in three months to look at the possibility of this idea. I think the idea is fraught with problems because so far the world's conservation community doesn't accept that you take an animal out of Africa and breed it elsewhere. Just like we don't like the idea of taking the tiger out of India and breeding it. But that's only one reason. The question to be asked is: Where is there 1,000 square kilometers of grassland which is inviolate, with abundant gazelle, black buck, where cheetahs can roam freely. Where? Give me one place in India where you have it! There is no such place because grasslands were the first affected, converted for agriculture, that's why we have no cheetahs. I believe this is an impossible dream. You could have a few cheetahs in an enclosure with a wall around with lots of gazelle inside and it can be a really big enclosure. But I don't think cheetahs will ever walk free in India. With a population that grows at 2% every year and adds 22 million people every year, where are the cheetahs going to walk? With great difficulty, a tough predator like the tiger is surviving, the cheetah is fragile, delicate, it can be chased by pie-dogs and killed, you cannot give it any human disturbance whatsoever.
WSJ: You've been deeply involved with the Ranthambhore foundation in Rajasthan, where the tiger population has grown beautifully. What did you do right there?
VT: I was involved with Ranthambhore from 1988-2000, and in those 12 years I did everything I could to engage the local people in running the park. So I became an expert in cows and buffalos, in dairy management, milk yields, I ran rural medical services…but in the end I failed because of village politics. I was living with a very tough community which lives around the park and to your face they would tell you they were doing one thing, when they were doing the opposite behind your back. But I couldn't persuade the people to protect the forest. They still went in to cut the wood, the money they got…money is always in short supply, they use it for weddings and festivals…the forest was still depleted…What I wanted to see was a vision of the future, but I couldn't because of village politics. Not central politics or state politics, but village politics!
WSJ: Thank you very much.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124806674953764597.html
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
July 20, 2009 - Wall Street Journal
Valmik Thapar, wildlife conservationist and one of India's best-known tiger experts, was a member of the Tiger Task Force set up by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's government in 2005 to probe the falling tiger population. But he dissented from the group, claiming it failed to pay enough attention to poaching. Barely 1,000 tigers are left in India today, down from an estimated 100,000 a century ago. But for the first time in years, the new government's policies toward tigers show promise, he tells Jyoti Malhotra for The Wall Street Journal. Here are edited excerpts.
WSJ: India is called the "Land of the Tiger" and about 100 years ago there were 100,000 tigers. That fell to 3,600 in 2000 when the last tiger census was held and has not dropped further to about 1,400. Can you tell me whether these statistics are correct?
VT: They are roughly correct. I think at the moment we probably have about 1,000 tigers because the statistics of 1,400 tigers were documented two years ago and we have huge pressure on the tigers from poachers because of the illegal trade route that goes via Nepal into China for tiger bones and skins. So the tiger is under enormous pressure and governments haven't done enough.
WSJ: You were saying there was a lack of political will. But how did the tigers vanish?
VT: In 1991-1992, there was no priority for the natural world. The priorities that (former prime minister) Indira Gandhi had, she was the one who made all the laws that saved the natural world, or even some of the priorities that Rajiv Gandhi had, all vanished at that time, and our focus was the free market economy, big business, how do we develop the corporate world, so we forgot about the natural world. In the 15-17 years that have gone by, we lost a huge amount of forest, a huge number of species declined, whether rhinos or elephants or tigers. The tiger is only an indicator of the health of the natural world, so the numbers are down. We are losing our forests, our wildlife, some of our primary and secondary forests are disappearing and people are trying to make plantations. But that's all going to lead to a green desert.
WSJ: So this is really a destruction of the ecosystem?
VT: I think today it's much more than a destruction of the ecosystem because it affects the quality of life of the poorest of the poor. If you take rural India, only 18% of the land is forest land and if it gets degraded, our water supply gets degraded because 300 rivers and perennial streams are born in the tiger's forests. So when you don't have the forests or they're no longer protected, the [water] is run off and gets wasted. So everything is interlinked to keeping our forests alive and if we don't do that in a proper way, maybe we'll affect (thousands of people) in the countryside. Also now it's clear that the forests play a key role in preserving the carbon and not releasing it into the atmosphere, so it affects global warming and climate change. These are important global priorities that India must realize and keep its forests safe because without the forests, I don't believe there can be quality of life.
WSJ: This man versus animal quandary we've been talking about these past years, do you think it's a false one?
VT: Over hundreds and thousands of years, large carnivora like the tiger, the jaguar, the lion, the big cats that feed on other animals, have never got along with man, anywhere on the planet. And the reason is simple. Man domesticates four-legged animals like cows and buffalos, and cows and buffalos are the food of tigers and lions and leopards. So when the tiger kills buffalos and cows, man intervenes and puts poison in the carcass and kills the animal. So both are in a situation of conflict. The only way both can exist is to separate them. For instance, lions in Africa are mostly separated from people. In the Masai Mara, the Masai live outside the main area because they realize that if they lived with the lions, either they or their cattle would die or the lions would die. We have to follow the same principle because it's a natural principle. Where people are in conflict with animals and are happy to relocate themselves, we have to give them a package to relocate. Where they're not, we can't do anything. As I understand it, now more and more people want to leave the interior of the forest and get relocated because the rehabilitation package that has been made by the government of India, for the first time has a vast amount [of money]. They believe it's important for them to take the package and relocate. That will reduce the conflict, but there's no other way to do it.
WSJ: Tell me about this package, is this the new government that is doing something?
VT: It is Manmohan Singh's government which took the decision that one family will get 10 lakhs, or 1 million rupees, or any person over 18 years who's starting a family will also get 1 million rupees. If you take this plus the compensation they get for land, or land for land, their house, their well, and if they're relocated on prime land…it has happened in Bhadra, in Karnataka, where the relocation of villages was done on prime, agricultural land, on the red earth with a canal going through it. Everyone left the forest! You didn't have to ask people about relocation, they looked at the land and said, wow, our life is going to change, and five years later their life has changed. They are thrilled!
WSJ: So the tribals didn't mind leaving the forest?
VT: Not at all. Anybody can go and see them. Recently our minister for environment and forests Jairam Ramesh went there to talk to them, they're thrilled. So Bhadra has no disturbance of the people for the big carnivore, so the cats are coming back. So you have to find a happy medium. Where it can't happen, you have to let it be. Big cats depend on the forests for food, and if cows and buffalos are roaming, they're going to go for them, and the minute they go for the cows and buffalos, Man is going to go for them.
WSJ: You spoke earlier about how alarming the situation was for the tiger population. Six years ago, the Panna tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh had 40 tigers, today there isn't even one.
VT: The Panna tiger reserve is a place I've known very well. I started working there in 1994 and saw the tiger population go up from five to eight tigers to about 34 to 38 tigers. It was an excellent scientific research project. The problem there is a negligent forest department. When a warning was given to them seven years ago by scientists that poachers are entering, deal with them, they went into a state of denial and until three months ago, remained in a state of denial. Till the last tiger was killed, they said, no problem. And they kept using the one tiger's pug mark to say that there were 20 tigers because [the tiger] was walking in different areas, on different soil. If you're not an expert, you can fool the world. The Madhya Pradesh forest department managed to fool the world. So there are no tigers left in Panna. It's a sad, shameful state of affairs, of governance on the part of the Madhya Pradesh government, of the forest department's apathy, of real neglect. And unless we make senior forest officers responsible and answerable for what happened at Panna, we will move nowhere.
WSJ: Why do the poachers want to kill the tiger, what are they going to do to the tiger parts?
VT: The bones go to China, they are used for medicinal purposes and tiger bone wine, which is supposed to be an aphrodisiac. It also is supposed to help arthritis. The skin is used everywhere, even the Tibetans use it to dress up during their festivals, and until the Dalai Lama recently came out to say no to tiger skins, a lot of demand was being placed on skins. Also there are various collectors across the world who will take wild tiger skins. Every part of the tiger is used somewhere. So the poacher at the ground level may get $300 to $400 but at the end of the line, the consumer may be paying $5,000 to $10,000 for that tiger. So every tiger which walks is wealth. It's continuous warfare between the forest staff, those protecting the tiger and those trying to kill it. We've done nothing for our forest staff as well, so they are demoralized, they're roughly 50 years old, as we've hardly done any recruitment for the last 10 years.
WSJ: How do you curb the poaching? You've talked about the Forest Department's inability to open itself to scientific enquiry…
VT: In this new government, the new dynamic minister is opening himself to science, to having a special protection force which is specially trained and has to flush out the poachers. It may be made up of local people but they have to be trained in jungle warfare, if you like, because they have to deal with poachers who carry AK-47s. In Kaziranga national park in the northeast, the poachers carry AK-56 and AK-47 rifles. They kill the rhinos, cut the horn off and exchange it for arms and smuggle it for terrorism. So there are all kinds of interlinked illegalities and you have to have a special forest protection force operating in every state to deal with this menace. If you don't have it, the forests of India are going to die.
WSJ : In Corbett national park in Uttar Pradesh, it seems as if the local tribal population, the Van Gujjars, could be involved in protection as well?
VT: I think the experiment that is being tried in Jim Corbett is to get young enthusiastic Van Gujjar tribals into a training capsule for six months. They are going to be trained just as forest guards are trained, in weaponry, in how they pursue poachers, in how they gather intelligence in a village. Once the training course is over, they could be the future protectors of Corbett, but the training capsules are essential. Our country again, over the last 15 to 20 years, has ignored training.
WSJ: So it's a good idea to involve local tribals?
VT: I totally support it but I think you'll find in 10,000 people, there will be 10 young enthusiastic boys. You have to locate people who are really interested in forests and train them. Don't do it because he's a relative of a member of parliament or you know him personally. You have to choose and screen people. If you do it properly, local people can be a real asset, if you do it badly, it can turn out completely negative.
WSJ: You've been hugely critical of the forest administration as well as the political bureaucracy. Why?
VT: I've been critical because a whole bunch of innovative ideas have been given to various governments from the Bharatiya Janata Party government at the turn of the century to this government, which is in its sixth year. Most of these ideas have been accepted by the Prime Ministers of India and then passed on to the bureaucracy who write on the file "not possible," or "impossible." Then the file gets buried and nothing happens. I have watched the forests of India decline, tigers decline, the natural wealth of our nation decline because the bureaucracy doesn't have the dynamism and initiative to take a new idea, grasp it and put it into practice. I hope now, with the new minister, things will change. I believe he can change it because in the last 40 to 45 days, what hasn't happened in 12 years, he's managed to do.
WSJ: What has he done?
VT: He's activated one of the biggest funds for natural India, called the Compensatory Afforestation Fund, or CAMPA, where the Supreme Court of India has ordered that 5000 crore rupees ($1.02 billion) will be used over the next five years to protect and regenerate the forests of India. It's a little more than the budget given to the ministry of Environment & Forests each year to protect the forests. So he has the ability to engage with new ideas, get new models out, this is his masterpiece. Otherwise he's cleared through the Cabinet a tri-partite arrangement … to make states more accountable, so you don't have repeats of Panna. He's also looking at some reform ideas of how you change the Forest Service and make it more specialized. He's looking at things no one did for 15 years and things went to hell because of that.
WSJ: You talked about the bureaucracy overruling Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and yet you were part of the Tiger Task Force that the PM set up.
VT: I was a part of the Tiger Task Force because it was a suggestion I made at a National Board of Wildlife meeting and the PM took it up. I also spent time with the prime minister telling him how you create a tiger task force made up of knowledgeable people who understand tigers. The bureaucracy succeeded in putting together a task force of five people, including its chair, who had no knowledge of tigers. The task force started off on the wrong foot and in the end I gave a dissent note because I believe they forgot the main objective, which was to do something in the interest of the tiger.
WSJ: There is talk of India importing the cheetah, which is extinct in our country, from countries like Namibia. What do you think about that idea?
VT: The idea of reintroducing the cheetah has been mooted by a couple of conservationists and a meeting will be take place in three months to look at the possibility of this idea. I think the idea is fraught with problems because so far the world's conservation community doesn't accept that you take an animal out of Africa and breed it elsewhere. Just like we don't like the idea of taking the tiger out of India and breeding it. But that's only one reason. The question to be asked is: Where is there 1,000 square kilometers of grassland which is inviolate, with abundant gazelle, black buck, where cheetahs can roam freely. Where? Give me one place in India where you have it! There is no such place because grasslands were the first affected, converted for agriculture, that's why we have no cheetahs. I believe this is an impossible dream. You could have a few cheetahs in an enclosure with a wall around with lots of gazelle inside and it can be a really big enclosure. But I don't think cheetahs will ever walk free in India. With a population that grows at 2% every year and adds 22 million people every year, where are the cheetahs going to walk? With great difficulty, a tough predator like the tiger is surviving, the cheetah is fragile, delicate, it can be chased by pie-dogs and killed, you cannot give it any human disturbance whatsoever.
WSJ: You've been deeply involved with the Ranthambhore foundation in Rajasthan, where the tiger population has grown beautifully. What did you do right there?
VT: I was involved with Ranthambhore from 1988-2000, and in those 12 years I did everything I could to engage the local people in running the park. So I became an expert in cows and buffalos, in dairy management, milk yields, I ran rural medical services…but in the end I failed because of village politics. I was living with a very tough community which lives around the park and to your face they would tell you they were doing one thing, when they were doing the opposite behind your back. But I couldn't persuade the people to protect the forest. They still went in to cut the wood, the money they got…money is always in short supply, they use it for weddings and festivals…the forest was still depleted…What I wanted to see was a vision of the future, but I couldn't because of village politics. Not central politics or state politics, but village politics!
WSJ: Thank you very much.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124806674953764597.html
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Sue Arnold
Shari Buck,Office Administrator
Heathcote Botanical Gardens
210 Savannah Road
Fort Pierce, FL 34982
(772)464-4672
sbuck@heathcotebotanicalgardens.org
Dear Shari Buck,
I have been rescuing exotic cats who were sold as pets by Sue Arnold and her ilk for 16 years. I am appalled the Heathcote Botanical Gardens would allow such a person to use their good name and venue to perpetuate the cruel practice of breeding wild cats for life in cages. I know she is calling what she does "education" and wildlife conservation, but that is only her way of soliciting funds and sympathy for her otherwise inexcusable business.
Sue Arnold has been a breeder of servals, caracals, bobcats, jungle cats, cougar and wildcat hybrids for many years. Most of the complaints we get about these smaller cats are from people who have bought their exotic pet from Sue Arnold and then they reported that she has refused to take back the sick, has refused to buy back the dead, has refused to buy back those who turned out to be bad pets and most of them, even the hybrids, end up being unsuitable pets. Despite years of complaints from those who bought such unsuitable wild cats and wild cat hybrids from her, she continues to breed and sell.
Visitors to her home in the past year have reported that you can smell the cat urine from the minute you step out of your car.
The story below is just one of many.
RAMBO Male Jungle Cat
DOB 2/22/99
Arrived at Big Cat Rescue 12/5/99
Rambo came to Big Cat Rescue on 12/5/99. He was bred for the pet trade by Sue Arnold. His owner had sent him to live with her daughter who died unexpectedly and his primary caregiver became the 12 year old grand daughter. She and her relatives agreed that they did not want to see Rambo exploited as part of a hybridization breeding plan for profit and asked if he could come live at Big Cat Rescue. Here he has a 900 square foot Cat-A-Tat with tunnels, grasses, hills, bushes, trees and flowers. He is very talkative and loves to carry on conversations with his keepers.
Even a 12 year old child could see that it was cruel to breed these cats for lives of confinement and deprivation.
I am hoping that you will see this too and prohibit those who breed exotic cats for lives of captivity from using your facility as a way to promote themselves.
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
Frozen tiger, bones seized in Vietnam: monitors
Frozen tiger, bones seized in Vietnam: monitors
(AFP) – July 20, 2009
HANOI — A frozen young tiger and several kilograms of tiger bones have been seized by police in Vietnam, where only about 50 of the animals remain, an environmental group said in a statement received Monday.
Hanoi's environmental police found the frozen tiger, weighing 57 kilograms (125 pounds), in the boot of a "suspicious" taxi they stopped in the capital early last Thursday, the TRAFFIC wildlife trade monitoring network said.
They also found 11 kilograms of limb bones believed to come from two tigers, it said.
Environmental police believe the tiger had been transported from central Vietnam but it is not yet known whether it was a native big cat or whether it was wild or captive, said TRAFFIC.
The tiger seizure is the third in Hanoi this year after six tiger skins were found at a store in January and 23 kilograms of frozen tiger parts were recovered the following month, TRAFFIC said.
"These seizures show us just how serious the threat to Asia's remaining wild tigers is," said Nguyen Dao Ngoc Van, of TRAFFIC's Hanoi office.
Vietnam is a party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which lists tigers as a protected and endangered species.
Tigers are threatened by the loss of natural habitat from Asia's rapid urbanisation, and are also hunted for fur and body parts used in traditional Chinese medicine.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g68PRhFJlmDHJJ-j9dVKQdrgy0gg
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
(AFP) – July 20, 2009
HANOI — A frozen young tiger and several kilograms of tiger bones have been seized by police in Vietnam, where only about 50 of the animals remain, an environmental group said in a statement received Monday.
Hanoi's environmental police found the frozen tiger, weighing 57 kilograms (125 pounds), in the boot of a "suspicious" taxi they stopped in the capital early last Thursday, the TRAFFIC wildlife trade monitoring network said.
They also found 11 kilograms of limb bones believed to come from two tigers, it said.
Environmental police believe the tiger had been transported from central Vietnam but it is not yet known whether it was a native big cat or whether it was wild or captive, said TRAFFIC.
The tiger seizure is the third in Hanoi this year after six tiger skins were found at a store in January and 23 kilograms of frozen tiger parts were recovered the following month, TRAFFIC said.
"These seizures show us just how serious the threat to Asia's remaining wild tigers is," said Nguyen Dao Ngoc Van, of TRAFFIC's Hanoi office.
Vietnam is a party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which lists tigers as a protected and endangered species.
Tigers are threatened by the loss of natural habitat from Asia's rapid urbanisation, and are also hunted for fur and body parts used in traditional Chinese medicine.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g68PRhFJlmDHJJ-j9dVKQdrgy0gg
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Tony the Tiger Next Step
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Poor Tony the Tiger
I found out today that Michael Sandlin HAS received his "parish" permit to keep Tony. Sandlin is now working on getting his Louisiana state license. We need to start writing letters to Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries.
Please send an email to
Maria Davidson mdavidson@wlf.louisiana.gov
&
Robert Barham Chendrick@wlf.louisiana.gov
Thank you to everyone for all that you do for Tony....
Sincerely, Sky Williamson
Please send an email to
Maria Davidson mdavidson@wlf.louisiana.gov
&
Robert Barham Chendrick@wlf.louisiana.gov
Thank you to everyone for all that you do for Tony....
Sincerely, Sky Williamson
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
The Tiger Next Door
The Tiger Next Door
Hundreds of private individuals across the US and in parts of Canada are keeping tigers in backyards, barns and roadside zoos. It is legal to own a tiger in half of the 50 United States and parts of Canada.
a feature documentary by Camilla Calamandrei
edited by Bernadine Colish
Following a great world premiere in Toronto at the international documentary film festival HOT DOCS we are pleased to announce the U.S. Premiere of the "The Tiger Next Door."
Indianapolis International Film Festival
Monday, July 20th 7pm
Tuesday, July 21 1pm
Location: TOBIAS Theatre, Indianapolis Museum of Art
Street: 4000 Michigan Road
City/Town: Indianapolis, IN
See Trailer and BUY TIX:
http://indyiff.bside.com/2009/films/thetigernextdoor_indyiff2009
If you know anyone in Indiana please let them know about the screenings. Thanks!
“A great story told with intelligence, compassion and some amazing footage.”
–N. Wilner, NOW Magazine
“ … an affectionate profile, a damning exposé, and an urgent missive”
–A. Nayman, Eye WEEKLY
“This movie was just downright disturbing… a must-see”
–FLARE Magazine
GREAT REVIEW:
Scott Shoger, on the Editorial Board of Indianapolis' alternative voice newspaper "NUVO" selected THE TIGER NEXT DOOR as his top pick out of 108 films in this year's Indianapolis' International Film Festival. Mr. Shoger's comments follow:
Scraggly biker dude Dennis Hill had been raising wild animals in his Flat Rock, Ind., backyard for over 15 years when the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) showed up for a surprise visit. They found plenty of infractions — standing water, unlocked cages — and ordered Hill to winnow his coterie of 24 tigers, three bears, six leopards and a cougar down to just three animals. The Tiger Next Door follows Hill during his quest to find his animals what he deems a good home.
Director Camilla Calamandrei gives ample screen time to several concerned parties besides Hill: the DNR, Exotic Feline Rescue Center Director Joe Taft (who, after taking in some of Hill's tigers, confronts Hill about his neglectfulness in an emotionally charged scene late in the film), Hill’s neighbors, Hill’s family. But by the close of the film, Calamandrei can’t conceal her outrage at the practice of breeding, running a montage of news photos of dead and abused tigers found across the country as an extrapolation of Hill’s own efforts at breeding the lucrative and rare solid white tiger.
The viewer might be similarly outraged after seeing instances when Hill, a convicted felon who begins to seem dangerously negligent, puts his community in danger. But Hill isn't solely responsible or unique, and Calamandrei suggests that the DNR might also be blamed for failing to adequately enforce guidelines (not to mention those who create a market for tigers -- dead or alive -- in the first place).
It’s a must-see, as a detailed character study and piece of vigilant reportage.
Calamandrei, Hill and Taft will attend the U.S. premiere screening at this year's Indianapolis International Film Festival, July 20 at 7 p.m. --Scott Shoger
http://thetigernextdoor.com/
Hundreds of private individuals across the US and in parts of Canada are keeping tigers in backyards, barns and roadside zoos. It is legal to own a tiger in half of the 50 United States and parts of Canada.
a feature documentary by Camilla Calamandrei
edited by Bernadine Colish
Following a great world premiere in Toronto at the international documentary film festival HOT DOCS we are pleased to announce the U.S. Premiere of the "The Tiger Next Door."
Indianapolis International Film Festival
Monday, July 20th 7pm
Tuesday, July 21 1pm
Location: TOBIAS Theatre, Indianapolis Museum of Art
Street: 4000 Michigan Road
City/Town: Indianapolis, IN
See Trailer and BUY TIX:
http://indyiff.bside.com/2009/films/thetigernextdoor_indyiff2009
If you know anyone in Indiana please let them know about the screenings. Thanks!
“A great story told with intelligence, compassion and some amazing footage.”
–N. Wilner, NOW Magazine
“ … an affectionate profile, a damning exposé, and an urgent missive”
–A. Nayman, Eye WEEKLY
“This movie was just downright disturbing… a must-see”
–FLARE Magazine
GREAT REVIEW:
Scott Shoger, on the Editorial Board of Indianapolis' alternative voice newspaper "NUVO" selected THE TIGER NEXT DOOR as his top pick out of 108 films in this year's Indianapolis' International Film Festival. Mr. Shoger's comments follow:
Scraggly biker dude Dennis Hill had been raising wild animals in his Flat Rock, Ind., backyard for over 15 years when the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) showed up for a surprise visit. They found plenty of infractions — standing water, unlocked cages — and ordered Hill to winnow his coterie of 24 tigers, three bears, six leopards and a cougar down to just three animals. The Tiger Next Door follows Hill during his quest to find his animals what he deems a good home.
Director Camilla Calamandrei gives ample screen time to several concerned parties besides Hill: the DNR, Exotic Feline Rescue Center Director Joe Taft (who, after taking in some of Hill's tigers, confronts Hill about his neglectfulness in an emotionally charged scene late in the film), Hill’s neighbors, Hill’s family. But by the close of the film, Calamandrei can’t conceal her outrage at the practice of breeding, running a montage of news photos of dead and abused tigers found across the country as an extrapolation of Hill’s own efforts at breeding the lucrative and rare solid white tiger.
The viewer might be similarly outraged after seeing instances when Hill, a convicted felon who begins to seem dangerously negligent, puts his community in danger. But Hill isn't solely responsible or unique, and Calamandrei suggests that the DNR might also be blamed for failing to adequately enforce guidelines (not to mention those who create a market for tigers -- dead or alive -- in the first place).
It’s a must-see, as a detailed character study and piece of vigilant reportage.
Calamandrei, Hill and Taft will attend the U.S. premiere screening at this year's Indianapolis International Film Festival, July 20 at 7 p.m. --Scott Shoger
http://thetigernextdoor.com/
Belize: Jaguar biologist will be senator
Jaguar Man Will Become UDP Senator
posted (July 16, 2009)
Omar Figueroa, you met him on this newscast back in April when he was trapping and tracking jaguars and pumas in the Belize District. Well, he’s still a field biologist but instead of being called the Jaguar Man, we’ll now have to call him the Honorable Jaguar Man. That’s because Figueroa has been named the UDP Senator-designate from the Cayo District.
The vacancy comes up because Deborah Macmillan who has been the UDP Senator from the west for the last three years is leaving take up a post at a U.S. university. There were two possible names for the post, popular UDP friend Wilmot Simmons and Fiegueroa who is less known nationally but well respected in Cayo.
The Prime Minister is expected to shortly advise the governor general to make the appointment. Figueroa’s ascension to the senate is seen as a major boost for the conservation movement.
http://www.7newsbelize.com/sstory.php?nid=14544
-----
Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
posted (July 16, 2009)
Omar Figueroa, you met him on this newscast back in April when he was trapping and tracking jaguars and pumas in the Belize District. Well, he’s still a field biologist but instead of being called the Jaguar Man, we’ll now have to call him the Honorable Jaguar Man. That’s because Figueroa has been named the UDP Senator-designate from the Cayo District.
The vacancy comes up because Deborah Macmillan who has been the UDP Senator from the west for the last three years is leaving take up a post at a U.S. university. There were two possible names for the post, popular UDP friend Wilmot Simmons and Fiegueroa who is less known nationally but well respected in Cayo.
The Prime Minister is expected to shortly advise the governor general to make the appointment. Figueroa’s ascension to the senate is seen as a major boost for the conservation movement.
http://www.7newsbelize.com/sstory.php?nid=14544
-----
Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Aila to blame for straying of tigers?
Aila to blame for straying of tigers?
Ananya Dutta
July 14, 2009
According to STR records, 11 such incidents occurred in 2006-07.
‘The tigers may have become disoriented and drifted to villages’
KOLKATA: Five incidents of tigers straying into villages in the Sundarbans in the last six weeks have caused concern among the officials of the Forest Department.
Opinions differ on whether cyclone Aila was responsible for the behaviour of the tigers.
“We have seen that incidents of [tigers] straying have occurred wherever embankments were breached,” said Atanu Raha, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. “It is possible that the tigers may have become disoriented as the forests lie inundated, and drifted towards the villages.”
According to records of the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (STR), 11 such incidents occurred in 2006-07. The number rose to 13 the following year. In the six weeks since the cyclone struck the region, tigers have entered inhabited areas five times.
Common occurrence
Principal Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), S.B. Mondal denied that these occurrences were connected to the cyclone.
“Instances of tigers straying into inhabited areas during the monsoon are observed every year. They are being noticed this year because of the cyclone,” he said.
While the straying of tigers might be unrelated to the cyclone, chances of man-animal conflict increasing in its aftermath were highly likely, said N.C. Bahuguna, Director STR.
“After Aila, people have lost their livelihood, so are encroaching into the forests in increasing numbers,” he said.
This is true of Bhaben Gayen, a fisherman who was killed and carried off by a tiger last week while fishing with others in Jharkhali. The fishermen allegedly entered the restricted area of the forest because of poor catches elsewhere.
“While the cyclone could be one of the probable reason for these attacks, it is difficult to know for sure,” said Richa Dwivedi, Deputy Field Director of the Reserve. “A calamity of this kind has happened after a long time, so we can’t even rely on past experiences,” she added.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/14/stories/2009071455441800.htm
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Ananya Dutta
July 14, 2009
According to STR records, 11 such incidents occurred in 2006-07.
‘The tigers may have become disoriented and drifted to villages’
KOLKATA: Five incidents of tigers straying into villages in the Sundarbans in the last six weeks have caused concern among the officials of the Forest Department.
Opinions differ on whether cyclone Aila was responsible for the behaviour of the tigers.
“We have seen that incidents of [tigers] straying have occurred wherever embankments were breached,” said Atanu Raha, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. “It is possible that the tigers may have become disoriented as the forests lie inundated, and drifted towards the villages.”
According to records of the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (STR), 11 such incidents occurred in 2006-07. The number rose to 13 the following year. In the six weeks since the cyclone struck the region, tigers have entered inhabited areas five times.
Common occurrence
Principal Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), S.B. Mondal denied that these occurrences were connected to the cyclone.
“Instances of tigers straying into inhabited areas during the monsoon are observed every year. They are being noticed this year because of the cyclone,” he said.
While the straying of tigers might be unrelated to the cyclone, chances of man-animal conflict increasing in its aftermath were highly likely, said N.C. Bahuguna, Director STR.
“After Aila, people have lost their livelihood, so are encroaching into the forests in increasing numbers,” he said.
This is true of Bhaben Gayen, a fisherman who was killed and carried off by a tiger last week while fishing with others in Jharkhali. The fishermen allegedly entered the restricted area of the forest because of poor catches elsewhere.
“While the cyclone could be one of the probable reason for these attacks, it is difficult to know for sure,” said Richa Dwivedi, Deputy Field Director of the Reserve. “A calamity of this kind has happened after a long time, so we can’t even rely on past experiences,” she added.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/14/stories/2009071455441800.htm
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
3 held for illegal possession of tiger pelts
3 held for illegal possession of tiger pelts
TNN 13 July 2009, 10:44pm IST
MANGALORE: Personnel of special police forest mobile squad on a tip off intercepted an auto rickshaw at Thenkila by-pass Road at Puttur on Sunday evening and arrested three persons on charges of illegal possession of tiger pelts.
The squad led by police sub-inspector Naveenchandra Jogi recovered three tiger pelts one of a large grown tiger, another of an adult tiger and third one of a tiger cub from Abubakkar (31), Vinod (21), and Umesh (22), residents of places in and around Puttur. Police are on the look out for Abdul Kareem, another accused, also from Puttur, who is absconding. The value of tiger pelts has been estimated to be Rs 20 lakh. Police have seized the auto rickshaw valued at Rs 75,000 used by the accused.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Mangalore/3-held-for-illegal-possession-of-tiger-pelts/articleshow/4773693.cms
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
TNN 13 July 2009, 10:44pm IST
MANGALORE: Personnel of special police forest mobile squad on a tip off intercepted an auto rickshaw at Thenkila by-pass Road at Puttur on Sunday evening and arrested three persons on charges of illegal possession of tiger pelts.
The squad led by police sub-inspector Naveenchandra Jogi recovered three tiger pelts one of a large grown tiger, another of an adult tiger and third one of a tiger cub from Abubakkar (31), Vinod (21), and Umesh (22), residents of places in and around Puttur. Police are on the look out for Abdul Kareem, another accused, also from Puttur, who is absconding. The value of tiger pelts has been estimated to be Rs 20 lakh. Police have seized the auto rickshaw valued at Rs 75,000 used by the accused.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Mangalore/3-held-for-illegal-possession-of-tiger-pelts/articleshow/4773693.cms
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Please write Heathcote and ask them to NOT have cats on display
On Saturday, July 25, 2009, Sue Arnold of Okeechobee will be exhibiting animals at Heathcote Botanical Gardens in Ft. Pierce, FL. She has exhibited animals at this facility on previous occasions, including a presentation last summer that included a caracal and a baby cougar.
Ask Heathcote Botanical Gardens to reconsider their support of Sue Arnold and inform them that Big Cat Rescue is frequently contacted to take in wild and exotic cats from pet owners who have purchased these animals from Sue Arnold. Heathcote Botanical Gardens may be unaware that Sue Arnold contributes to the wildilfe trade as a breeder of wild cats including servals, caracals, bobcats and cougars, which are often sold into the pet trade.
Ask Heathcote Botanical Gardens to reconsider their support of Sue Arnold and inform them that Big Cat Rescue is frequently contacted to take in wild and exotic cats from pet owners who have purchased these animals from Sue Arnold. Heathcote Botanical Gardens may be unaware that Sue Arnold contributes to the wildilfe trade as a breeder of wild cats including servals, caracals, bobcats and cougars, which are often sold into the pet trade.
Their e-mail address is < info@heathcotebotanicalgardens.org> The Interim Director is Amy Dahan.
The baby cougar named "Kowe" that Sue Arnold was exhibiting as a "Florida Panther" at Heathcote Botanical Gardens last summer was sold last year to Roger Newson of Ft. Pierce, FL, who is not USDA licensed, so obviously the cat was sold as a pet. It was reported that the very same day that Roger Newson brought home the seven week old cougar the cat regurgitated any food that she ate, and she was diagnosed and had to be treated for a heart condition called "Persistent Right Aortic Arch". (Roger Newson's account of the cougar's illness was published in a Feline Conservation Federation Newsletter, Volume 52, Issue 5- September/October 2008).
Despite the fact that Sue Arnold apparently sold him a sick animal, Roger Newson is still one of her supporters and even brought the now one year old cougar "Kowe" back to Sue Arnold's facility to be exhibited at her open house on June 20th. Sadly, Mr. Newson is one of many who mistakenly believe that Sue Arnold actually helps animals.
Despite the fact that Sue Arnold apparently sold him a sick animal, Roger Newson is still one of her supporters and even brought the now one year old cougar "Kowe" back to Sue Arnold's facility to be exhibited at her open house on June 20th. Sadly, Mr. Newson is one of many who mistakenly believe that Sue Arnold actually helps animals.
Tigers get a new playmate at animal farm
Tigers get a new playmate at animal farm
Friday, July 17, 2009, 14:21
Female tigers Kushkja and Tira have a new playmate at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm - a two-year-old male tiger called Tanvir.
The young male, which originates from two white Bengal tigers and is easily recognisable because of his light colouring, arrived today.
The three will all live together in the Tiger Territory, but have separate dens.
The pitter patter of cub feet will soon be hear in the enclosure as heavily pregnant Tira is due to give birth in the next few weeks.
Visitors will be able to watch the birth live on the tiger webcam.
Head keeper Chris Wilkinson said: "A tiger's strength is colossal and has five times the strength of a trained human athlete.
To ensure the new webcam was Tiger proof its covering has been made with the same material as police riot shields.
"It was also tested beforehand by smashing it several times with a sledge hammer.
"Tira is becoming restless and she is looking quite big so we are expecting the birth to happen within a month".
Visitors can see the animals from open air viewing platforms which are at eye level with the Tiger's 15 ft high basking platforms.
"This, as well as the huge viewing windows into the tiger's indoor space, will allow visitors to get up-close to the big cats whilst remaining at a safe distance."
The enclosure is to be sustainably led with harvested rain water used for the tiger ponds.
Continuously recycling the tiger pond water and not putting it straight back into the drainage system makes the zoo more eco-friendly and contribute towards sustainable conservation.
http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/clevedon/news/Tigers-new-playmate-animal-farm/article-1175967-detail/article.html
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Friday, July 17, 2009, 14:21
Female tigers Kushkja and Tira have a new playmate at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm - a two-year-old male tiger called Tanvir.
The young male, which originates from two white Bengal tigers and is easily recognisable because of his light colouring, arrived today.
The three will all live together in the Tiger Territory, but have separate dens.
The pitter patter of cub feet will soon be hear in the enclosure as heavily pregnant Tira is due to give birth in the next few weeks.
Visitors will be able to watch the birth live on the tiger webcam.
Head keeper Chris Wilkinson said: "A tiger's strength is colossal and has five times the strength of a trained human athlete.
To ensure the new webcam was Tiger proof its covering has been made with the same material as police riot shields.
"It was also tested beforehand by smashing it several times with a sledge hammer.
"Tira is becoming restless and she is looking quite big so we are expecting the birth to happen within a month".
Visitors can see the animals from open air viewing platforms which are at eye level with the Tiger's 15 ft high basking platforms.
"This, as well as the huge viewing windows into the tiger's indoor space, will allow visitors to get up-close to the big cats whilst remaining at a safe distance."
The enclosure is to be sustainably led with harvested rain water used for the tiger ponds.
Continuously recycling the tiger pond water and not putting it straight back into the drainage system makes the zoo more eco-friendly and contribute towards sustainable conservation.
http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/clevedon/news/Tigers-new-playmate-animal-farm/article-1175967-detail/article.html
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Is Project Tiger director transferred?
Is Project Tiger director transferred?
M B Maramkal, TNN 16 July 2009, 10:52pm IST
MYSORE: After withdrawing the order banning vehicle movement through the Bandipur Tiger Sanctuary, the government has now allegedly transferred the tiger project director.
The sudden transfer of Rajiv Gandhi National park DCF Vijaymohan Raj has raised doubts about seriousness of the government towards the tiger conservation projects. Though the government has not come out with the transfer order, but has asked the officer to go on leave. He was given the DCF post a fortnight ago.
Crux of the matter is wildlife DCF Mysore division Yatishkumar, who is junior to him and held the additional charge of the park, is allegedly behind the transfer as he wants to play a key role in implementation of a multi-crore tribal relocation plan, reportedly worked out by him. As per the norm, the post of DCF of the national park should be given to an IFS-cadre officer and Yatishkumar is a non-IFS officer.
However, denying the allegations, Yatishkumar said he is the last person to indulge in such a activity. After the success of the relocation plan in Bhadra project, the Centre came forward to fund the tribal relocation. Under the new plan, each family relocated from the park gets a financial aid of Rs 10 lakh against the earlier proposal of Rs 1 lakh. "I have succeeded in persuading more than 100 tribal families to accept the plan and seven of them have relocated themselves after directly accepting Rs 10 lakh from the government," he said.
"If another officer implements it it is well and good and I will have more time to spend with my family," he said, adding he had suggested Vijaymohan Raj to continue in the post.
When contacted, Raj said: "I am ill and I have sought permission from PCCF to go on leave. My going on leave has nothing to with the tribal rehabilitation plan."
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS-City-Mysore-Is-Project-Tiger-director-transferred/articleshow/4785666.cms
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
M B Maramkal, TNN 16 July 2009, 10:52pm IST
MYSORE: After withdrawing the order banning vehicle movement through the Bandipur Tiger Sanctuary, the government has now allegedly transferred the tiger project director.
The sudden transfer of Rajiv Gandhi National park DCF Vijaymohan Raj has raised doubts about seriousness of the government towards the tiger conservation projects. Though the government has not come out with the transfer order, but has asked the officer to go on leave. He was given the DCF post a fortnight ago.
Crux of the matter is wildlife DCF Mysore division Yatishkumar, who is junior to him and held the additional charge of the park, is allegedly behind the transfer as he wants to play a key role in implementation of a multi-crore tribal relocation plan, reportedly worked out by him. As per the norm, the post of DCF of the national park should be given to an IFS-cadre officer and Yatishkumar is a non-IFS officer.
However, denying the allegations, Yatishkumar said he is the last person to indulge in such a activity. After the success of the relocation plan in Bhadra project, the Centre came forward to fund the tribal relocation. Under the new plan, each family relocated from the park gets a financial aid of Rs 10 lakh against the earlier proposal of Rs 1 lakh. "I have succeeded in persuading more than 100 tribal families to accept the plan and seven of them have relocated themselves after directly accepting Rs 10 lakh from the government," he said.
"If another officer implements it it is well and good and I will have more time to spend with my family," he said, adding he had suggested Vijaymohan Raj to continue in the post.
When contacted, Raj said: "I am ill and I have sought permission from PCCF to go on leave. My going on leave has nothing to with the tribal rehabilitation plan."
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/NEWS-City-Mysore-Is-Project-Tiger-director-transferred/articleshow/4785666.cms
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Is there a tiger next door?
The private possession of exotic big cats in the USA is a huge problem. Only 18 states ban the ownership of big cats from bobcats to tigers, these cats are often kept in substandard conditions, exploited and live miserable lives.
Watch this video and find out if it's legal to privately own big cat in YOUR state.
To help us end this abuse please visit:
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/laws/statelawsexoticcats.htm
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
Watch this video and find out if it's legal to privately own big cat in YOUR state.
To help us end this abuse please visit:
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/laws/statelawsexoticcats.htm
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
Malaysia 'losing battle' to save tigers
Malaysia 'losing battle' to save tigers
(AFP) – July 15, 2009
KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) — Malaysia is losing its battle to save its dwindling population of wild tigers, a conservation coalition warned Wednesday after a series of raids that netted tiger carcasses and bones.
"It is clearly time to admit that we are fast losing the battle to save our tigers to an army of smugglers and poachers intent on killing every last one," said the Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MyCat).
"They enter our protected areas with ease, and illegally trap, kill and export our wildlife with little fear," said the alliance which includes WWF Malaysia and watchdog Traffic Southeast Asia.
MyCat demanded that Malaysian authorities take action to stop the illegal trade in tiger parts.
It listed a series of seizures of dismembered tigers in recent months, from the Thai-Laos border right down to Malaysia itself, including three kilograms (six-and-a-half pounds) of tiger bones found in northeastern Kelantan state last month.
The coalition said that investigations into the seized tiger parts found that some were from sub-species not found in the wild in Asia, including the Siberian tiger.
It said the findings suggested that captive tigers, such as those found in zoos and theme parks, were finding their way into the illegal wildlife trade where they are butchered for traditional medicine.
"Swift and severe action must follow," MyCat said.
"If we cannot stop captive tigers from government-supervised institutions from being illegally traded, there is little hope of protecting wild tigers," it said.
Malaysia is estimated to have just 500 tigers still living in the wild.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hL8jtXNFmpuxmCit_5y9gK3QZBog
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
(AFP) – July 15, 2009
KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) — Malaysia is losing its battle to save its dwindling population of wild tigers, a conservation coalition warned Wednesday after a series of raids that netted tiger carcasses and bones.
"It is clearly time to admit that we are fast losing the battle to save our tigers to an army of smugglers and poachers intent on killing every last one," said the Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers (MyCat).
"They enter our protected areas with ease, and illegally trap, kill and export our wildlife with little fear," said the alliance which includes WWF Malaysia and watchdog Traffic Southeast Asia.
MyCat demanded that Malaysian authorities take action to stop the illegal trade in tiger parts.
It listed a series of seizures of dismembered tigers in recent months, from the Thai-Laos border right down to Malaysia itself, including three kilograms (six-and-a-half pounds) of tiger bones found in northeastern Kelantan state last month.
The coalition said that investigations into the seized tiger parts found that some were from sub-species not found in the wild in Asia, including the Siberian tiger.
It said the findings suggested that captive tigers, such as those found in zoos and theme parks, were finding their way into the illegal wildlife trade where they are butchered for traditional medicine.
"Swift and severe action must follow," MyCat said.
"If we cannot stop captive tigers from government-supervised institutions from being illegally traded, there is little hope of protecting wild tigers," it said.
Malaysia is estimated to have just 500 tigers still living in the wild.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hL8jtXNFmpuxmCit_5y9gK3QZBog
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Four artificially-bred South China tigers survive in China zoo
Four artificially-bred South China tigers survive in China zoo
www.chinaview.cn 2009-07-15 18:25:32
ZHENGZHOU, July 15 (Xinhua) -- A zoo in central China's Henan Province said Wednesday that four South China Tiger cubs produced by artificial breeding had survived.
The four cubs - two males and two females - were born in Wangcheng Zoo in Luoyang City.
Three cubs were born on April 17. Their parents, Liang Liang and Niu Niu, are three years old. Another cub was born on May 1, and its parents, Guo Guo and Pan Pan, are 12.
"They have passed a critical period," said Li Maoping, manager of the park. "It is the first successful breeding in the areas north of the Yangtze River."
The survival rate of artificially-bred South China tiger cubs is about 40 percent as they have low resistance to disease because of inbreeding and a lack of breast milk, she said.
Li said the cubs had passed DNA tests and were genuine South China tigers, an endangered species. The tests were conducted in a biological laboratory for endangered wildlife in southwestern Sichuan Province.
According to the South China tiger protection department of the Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens, the number of the species was 81 worldwide at the end of 2008, including 72 in China. They are all artificially bred.
Native to China, the South China tiger is widely believed to be extinct in the wild. It is thought to be the progenitor of all modern tigers, according to the World Wildlife Fund for Nature. It is considered critically endangered, mainly because of a loss of habitat.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-07/15/content_11713310.htm
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
www.chinaview.cn 2009-07-15 18:25:32
ZHENGZHOU, July 15 (Xinhua) -- A zoo in central China's Henan Province said Wednesday that four South China Tiger cubs produced by artificial breeding had survived.
The four cubs - two males and two females - were born in Wangcheng Zoo in Luoyang City.
Three cubs were born on April 17. Their parents, Liang Liang and Niu Niu, are three years old. Another cub was born on May 1, and its parents, Guo Guo and Pan Pan, are 12.
"They have passed a critical period," said Li Maoping, manager of the park. "It is the first successful breeding in the areas north of the Yangtze River."
The survival rate of artificially-bred South China tiger cubs is about 40 percent as they have low resistance to disease because of inbreeding and a lack of breast milk, she said.
Li said the cubs had passed DNA tests and were genuine South China tigers, an endangered species. The tests were conducted in a biological laboratory for endangered wildlife in southwestern Sichuan Province.
According to the South China tiger protection department of the Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens, the number of the species was 81 worldwide at the end of 2008, including 72 in China. They are all artificially bred.
Native to China, the South China tiger is widely believed to be extinct in the wild. It is thought to be the progenitor of all modern tigers, according to the World Wildlife Fund for Nature. It is considered critically endangered, mainly because of a loss of habitat.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-07/15/content_11713310.htm
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Sumatran tiger cub put down after injury
Sumatran tiger cub put down after injury
Saturday, July 18, 2009, 07:00
One of four endangered Sumatran tiger cubs born at Paignton Zoo earlier this year has been put down after being severely injured.
The six-month-old female cub Kemala was put to sleep yesterday by zoo veterinary staff after breaking both her shoulders.
Upset keepers are also keeping an eye on a second cub, Aryo, who is limping.
It is thought he may have injured himself in a 'rough and tumble' which proved fatal to its sibling.
Less than 600 Sumatran Tigers are left either in the wild or captivity.
A zoo spokesman said staff saw Kemala in difficulties on Thursday morning and acted quickly.
"The cub was taken to the zoo's in-house vet centre and x-rayed under a general anaesthetic. Keepers and vets found she had broken both of her shoulders. These injuries most likely the result of an awkward fall."
Keepers, vet staff and the curator of mammals Neil Bemment discussed the injuries, their treatment and the cub's prospects for recovery.
The decision was taken to put down the cub yesterday.
Speaking afterwards Mr Bemment said: "It was a serious injury, especially for a growing cub. The decision taken was a difficult one but it was the best thing we could do for the welfare of the animal.
"The operation would have been intrusive and risky. If she had made it through then recuperation would have been long and difficult.
"We also had to consider the consequences of taking her out of the family group for treatment and whether we would be able to reintroduce her at a later date."
A zoo spokesman said the cubs were being raised by their mother in an environment which is as natural as possible.
"There are rocks and trees and they are adventurous young animals eager to explore their environment. At this age they will also play fight," he said.
"There are risks. Sadly, accidents happen. One of the other cubs, the male named Aryo, is being monitored because he is limping on one of his hind legs, so maybe they were playing together.
"Zoo staff and volunteers are upset. The death is also a blow to the charity's efforts to help save this endangered species from extinction."
The four cubs, brothers Aryo and Bintang and sisters Kemala and Surya, were born in February.
They were kept in the den for two months to give them the best chance of bonding with their mother Banda.
Not all four were expected to survive the first few weeks and the zoo was delighted when the quartet emerged to public adulation in April.
The cubs were also credited with an increase in visitor numbers.
The remaining cubs share the public enclosure with mother Banda while father Tenang remains off-show.
Male Sumatrans take no part in the rearing of their offspring.
This is this second time the zoo has had a tiger cub die. In December 2006 male Topan died at seven months old due to a heart condition.
Sumatran tigers are endangered with the wild population of around 350, and 200 to 300 in zoos.
Paignton Zoo is a member of the European endangered species programme for Sumatran tigers.
http://www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk/news/Sumatran-tiger-cub-injury/article-1176432-detail/article.html
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Saturday, July 18, 2009, 07:00
One of four endangered Sumatran tiger cubs born at Paignton Zoo earlier this year has been put down after being severely injured.
The six-month-old female cub Kemala was put to sleep yesterday by zoo veterinary staff after breaking both her shoulders.
Upset keepers are also keeping an eye on a second cub, Aryo, who is limping.
It is thought he may have injured himself in a 'rough and tumble' which proved fatal to its sibling.
Less than 600 Sumatran Tigers are left either in the wild or captivity.
A zoo spokesman said staff saw Kemala in difficulties on Thursday morning and acted quickly.
"The cub was taken to the zoo's in-house vet centre and x-rayed under a general anaesthetic. Keepers and vets found she had broken both of her shoulders. These injuries most likely the result of an awkward fall."
Keepers, vet staff and the curator of mammals Neil Bemment discussed the injuries, their treatment and the cub's prospects for recovery.
The decision was taken to put down the cub yesterday.
Speaking afterwards Mr Bemment said: "It was a serious injury, especially for a growing cub. The decision taken was a difficult one but it was the best thing we could do for the welfare of the animal.
"The operation would have been intrusive and risky. If she had made it through then recuperation would have been long and difficult.
"We also had to consider the consequences of taking her out of the family group for treatment and whether we would be able to reintroduce her at a later date."
A zoo spokesman said the cubs were being raised by their mother in an environment which is as natural as possible.
"There are rocks and trees and they are adventurous young animals eager to explore their environment. At this age they will also play fight," he said.
"There are risks. Sadly, accidents happen. One of the other cubs, the male named Aryo, is being monitored because he is limping on one of his hind legs, so maybe they were playing together.
"Zoo staff and volunteers are upset. The death is also a blow to the charity's efforts to help save this endangered species from extinction."
The four cubs, brothers Aryo and Bintang and sisters Kemala and Surya, were born in February.
They were kept in the den for two months to give them the best chance of bonding with their mother Banda.
Not all four were expected to survive the first few weeks and the zoo was delighted when the quartet emerged to public adulation in April.
The cubs were also credited with an increase in visitor numbers.
The remaining cubs share the public enclosure with mother Banda while father Tenang remains off-show.
Male Sumatrans take no part in the rearing of their offspring.
This is this second time the zoo has had a tiger cub die. In December 2006 male Topan died at seven months old due to a heart condition.
Sumatran tigers are endangered with the wild population of around 350, and 200 to 300 in zoos.
Paignton Zoo is a member of the European endangered species programme for Sumatran tigers.
http://www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk/news/Sumatran-tiger-cub-injury/article-1176432-detail/article.html
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Carcass of tiger found in Sunderbans; NTCA informed
Carcass of tiger found in Sunderbans; NTCA informed
STAFF WRITER 16:6 HRS IST
Canning (WB), July 17 (PTI) Carcass of a 14-year-old tiger was found at Netidhopani island in the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve (STR) in West Bengal today.
Forest officials attributed the death to its old age.
"The tiger was 14 years old and prima facie it appears that it died due to old age. Our watch and ward staff were keeping an eye on it. The body was found today," Field Director of STR Subrat Mukherjee told PTI.
He said as per the guidelines of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), postmortem would be conducted tomorrow in the presence of representatives of two NGOs authorised by the NTCA.
NTCA has been apprised of the death of the tiger, he said.
http://ptinews.com/news/178976_Carcass-of-tiger-found-in-Sunderbans--NTCA-informed
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
STAFF WRITER 16:6 HRS IST
Canning (WB), July 17 (PTI) Carcass of a 14-year-old tiger was found at Netidhopani island in the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve (STR) in West Bengal today.
Forest officials attributed the death to its old age.
"The tiger was 14 years old and prima facie it appears that it died due to old age. Our watch and ward staff were keeping an eye on it. The body was found today," Field Director of STR Subrat Mukherjee told PTI.
He said as per the guidelines of National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), postmortem would be conducted tomorrow in the presence of representatives of two NGOs authorised by the NTCA.
NTCA has been apprised of the death of the tiger, he said.
http://ptinews.com/news/178976_Carcass-of-tiger-found-in-Sunderbans--NTCA-informed
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
Friday, July 17, 2009
Menderu the tiger moves into Atascadero’s Charles Paddock Zoo
Menderu the tiger moves into Atascadero’s Charles Paddock Zoo
Born in San Diego just 14 months ago, the Malayan tiger will have his public debut in about a month
AnnMarie Cornejo
Posted on Wed, Jul. 15, 2009
Menderu, a Malayan male tiger, arrived Wednesday at the Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero.
The tiger, born April 30, 2008, was transported in an aluminum crate by truck from his previous home at the San Diego Zoo. The tiger will be in quarantine for one month to guarantee that any outside diseases or parasites are not introduced to the zoo’s current collection of animals, zoo Director Alan Baker said.
The tiger exhibit has long been a key attraction at the Atascadero zoo. In early June, the zoo’s Indochinese tiger Sala died. Menderu, which means “roar” in Indonesian, will move into the exhibit in mid-August.
In preparation, zoo staff members have added new plants, seeded grass, repainted and fixed the waterfall in the exhibit. The public will be able to meet Menderu for the first time Aug. 15.
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/183/story/784908.html?storylink=omni_popular
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Born in San Diego just 14 months ago, the Malayan tiger will have his public debut in about a month
AnnMarie Cornejo
Posted on Wed, Jul. 15, 2009
Menderu, a Malayan male tiger, arrived Wednesday at the Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero.
The tiger, born April 30, 2008, was transported in an aluminum crate by truck from his previous home at the San Diego Zoo. The tiger will be in quarantine for one month to guarantee that any outside diseases or parasites are not introduced to the zoo’s current collection of animals, zoo Director Alan Baker said.
The tiger exhibit has long been a key attraction at the Atascadero zoo. In early June, the zoo’s Indochinese tiger Sala died. Menderu, which means “roar” in Indonesian, will move into the exhibit in mid-August.
In preparation, zoo staff members have added new plants, seeded grass, repainted and fixed the waterfall in the exhibit. The public will be able to meet Menderu for the first time Aug. 15.
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/183/story/784908.html?storylink=omni_popular
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Poisoning claimed last big cat at Panna
Poisoning claimed last big cat at Panna
STAFF REPORTER 14:8 HRS IST
Bhopal, July 17 (PTI) Poisoning claimed the life of the last tigress in Madhya Pradesh's Panna Tiger Reserve, which is now devoid of the big cat, except for two trans-located felines.
"The last tigress that was found dead in the second fortnight of May 2006 in the reserve had died due to poisoning," Reserve Director R S Murthy told PTI.
"The feline, around eight-years-old, was found dead on May 23, 2006 after it was given endosuplhan (pesticide), according to its post-mortem report," a top forest official said.
Earlier on May 5, decomposed body of a cub, believed to be of the dead tigress, was recovered from the reserve, spread over 543 sq km in Panna and Chhattarpur districts of eastern Madhya Pradesh, he said.
The post-mortem report of the cub could not ascertain the cause of the death as only its carcass (skin and bones) was found, the official said.
http://www.ptinews.com/news/178783_Poisoning-claimed-last-big-cat-at-Panna
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
STAFF REPORTER 14:8 HRS IST
Bhopal, July 17 (PTI) Poisoning claimed the life of the last tigress in Madhya Pradesh's Panna Tiger Reserve, which is now devoid of the big cat, except for two trans-located felines.
"The last tigress that was found dead in the second fortnight of May 2006 in the reserve had died due to poisoning," Reserve Director R S Murthy told PTI.
"The feline, around eight-years-old, was found dead on May 23, 2006 after it was given endosuplhan (pesticide), according to its post-mortem report," a top forest official said.
Earlier on May 5, decomposed body of a cub, believed to be of the dead tigress, was recovered from the reserve, spread over 543 sq km in Panna and Chhattarpur districts of eastern Madhya Pradesh, he said.
The post-mortem report of the cub could not ascertain the cause of the death as only its carcass (skin and bones) was found, the official said.
http://www.ptinews.com/news/178783_Poisoning-claimed-last-big-cat-at-Panna
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Can the tiger be saved?
<http://license.icopyright.net/user/external.act?publication_id=7463>
The Big Question: Can India's tigers be saved or are they now doomed to disappear?
By Andrew Buncombe, Asia Correspondent
Why are we asking this now?
This week officials at the Panna Nature Reserve in the state of Madhya Pradesh, the so-called tiger state, revealed that there were no longer any of the big cats in the entire park. After forest officials reported not sighting any of the animals for some time, a leading wildlife organisation carried out a survey. The state's forest minister, Rajendra Shukla, confirmed that the reserve, which three years ago had up to 24 tigers, no longer had any whatsoever. Almost all are believed to have been killed by poachers.
Why is this so serious?
This is not the first time a prestigious reserve has reported that its tigers have disappeared. In 2005, it was revealed that all the tigers in the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan had also been killed by poachers. What makes this case different is that the problems faced by the park were regularly drawn to the attention of officials. A committee appointed by India's Supreme Court even warned of the potential peril facing the park and how Panna could see a repeat of what happened at Sariska. A report by the central government's forest ministry says "warning bells were sounded regularly for the past eight years" but that the local authorities did not take heed.
Dr Raghu Chundawat, an independent scientist who carried out an extensive tiger radio-collaring project in Panna and who repeatedly warned of their falling numbers, said: "We have been shouting about this for the past six years. There is a big problem. The state government is still refusing to listen."
What is the current strength of India's tiger population?
A census carried out on behalf of the government and handed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh two years ago revealed that the total may be as few as 1,300 animals. The upper limit was put at 1,500. While there are no precise figures, some estimates suggest that the turn of the 20th Century, the population may have stood at 100,000. Some experts believe there may now be as few as two genetically viable populations of tigers in India, located in the Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand and the Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, which is said to have inspired Rudyard Kipling to pen The Jungle Book.
What is responsible for this decline?
The most pressing problem is the failure of the authorities to stop poaching. Tiger pelts and body parts still drive a huge market in China and elsewhere in East Asia where they are believed to have special medicinal powers. Campaigners say that a skin can fetch £5,300 while tiger penises, said to improve sexual prowess, can be sold for up to £14,000 per kilo. The authorities suffer from a lack of trained, properly-equipped forest guards. Salaries are low and motivation is often lacking. There are widespread suggestions of bribery and corruption.
Are there any other factors?
Another more long-term reason is the increasing lack of habitats for tigers. India's large, sprawling population is increasingly coming into contact with tigers, with often fatal results for man and beast alike. Without protected habitats, there is nowhere safe for these large, roaming animals to breed and live. Certain pieces of legislation, such as the Recognition of Forest Rights Act which grants some of India's most impoverished communities the right to own and live in the forests, only add to such clashes. Experts say all the evidence shows that tigers and humans cannot safely co-exist and unless there is a willingness to set aside designated, protected areas, than the tiger's chances are not good.
What else?
Another factor is the shortage of prey species. If deer and antelope are being poached, tigers may be tempted to kill livestock, something which pushes them into further confrontation with humans.
Is global warming playing a role here?
In the Sunderbans delta at the mouth of the Ganges there are reports of rising sea levels reducing the amount of land and driving the tigers northwards. This means they are increasingly moving into human settlements. Tigers have long been feared among the fishing and honey-collecting communities that survive in the delta. It's said that few will venture into the forest without wearing a human mask attached to the back of the head. It is believed that a tiger will never attack a human being face-on. Anecdotally, there are increased reports of tigers attacking humans in these areas.
What about tigers elsewhere?
It is not just in India that tigers are suffering. Over the past 100 years, tiger populations across the world have fallen by as much as 95 per cent and are now facing extinction within their last domains. Of the nine sub-species of tiger, three – the Caspian, Javanese and Balinese – are already gone. A fourth, the South China tiger, is already considered "functionally extinct" with perhaps fewer than 30 surviving in the wild. Elsewhere the Sumatran tiger is listed as critically endangered. The others – the Indochinese, the Malayan, the Siberian and India's Bengal tiger – all face massive threats.
What has the Indian government been doing to save tigers?
As far back as 1972 when then prime minister Indira Gandhi established Project Tiger, the value of saving this hugely symbolic animal has been recognised. Tens of millions of pounds has been spent in an often disorganised series of conservation efforts. Today there are more than 40 reserves. And some positive things are being done; last year, three tigers were airlifted into the Sariska reserve in an effort to try and restock the population. The government's National Tiger Conservation Authority – tasked with saving the animal – now wants to ban tourists from the centre of most of the country's reserves. Sab Prakash Yadav, the organisation's joint director, recently said: "Tourism creates a disturbance through vehicles, noise pollution, garbage and the need to provide facilities."
What is the mood among conservationists?
It is a mixture of despair and forced optimism. "This is a catastrophe," Belinda Wright, head of the Wildlife Protection Society of India, said about the loss of the Panna tigers. "It just shows that have not learned any lessons from Sariska. The problem is the relationship between the central and state governments. It is pretty sordid story, actually."
So could the tiger population already be doomed?
Some experts say the small size of the population makes the future of the tiger scientifically unviable. However, such conservationists still chose to carry on their work in the hope of a miracle. Ashok Kumar, deputy chair of the Wildlife Trust of India, said it was essential that attention was paid to improving the training of forest guards, boosting their number and employing park directors who had the dedication to deal with the poaching problem. He said he was heartened by the government's current environment minister and that there were populations in several regions of India that were viable. He said: "The long-term future of the tiger can be saved."
Is there any chance of survival for the Indian tiger?
Yes...
* India knows the value of the tiger, and there appears to be determination to do something.
* Poaching has been stopped in other parts of the world.
* In the past couple of years, India has become educated about this. The census of 2007 may act as a wake-up call and lead to greater action.
No...
* Some experts believe the population is already too small for the animal to have a viable future.
* The authorities seem unable to stop poaching, either confronting poachers or those who trade in tiger.
* India's population is growing, putting more pressure on the natural habitats upon which the tigers rely.
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
Tiger Poacher Arrested in Katni
Tiger Poacher Arrested in Katni
A well-known tiger and leopard poacher, Durru Pardhi, was arrested in Katni on Thursday, 16 July 2009. The operation was carried out by the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, led by Katni Divisional Forest Officer, Mr A.K. Baroniya, with intelligence and assistance provided by the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI).
Durru, aged about 30 years, is believed to have killed dozens of tigers and leopards in Karnataka and Maharashtra. He is wanted in the high-profile 2007 Gujarat lion poaching case, and is the prime absconder in the December 2007 Karnataka case of the seizure of 65 skins. The information for this case was also provided by WPSI. Durru is also an accused in two cases in Maharashtra in 2006 that involve the seizure of two tiger traps in Warsa Forest Division and five tiger traps near Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary.
"We are thrilled that this habitual tiger killer has been apprehended. This is a clear example of the need and effectiveness of intelligence-led enforcement", said Nitin Desai, Director Central India of the Wildlife Protection Society of India.
Source: WPSI
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
A well-known tiger and leopard poacher, Durru Pardhi, was arrested in Katni on Thursday, 16 July 2009. The operation was carried out by the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, led by Katni Divisional Forest Officer, Mr A.K. Baroniya, with intelligence and assistance provided by the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI).
Durru, aged about 30 years, is believed to have killed dozens of tigers and leopards in Karnataka and Maharashtra. He is wanted in the high-profile 2007 Gujarat lion poaching case, and is the prime absconder in the December 2007 Karnataka case of the seizure of 65 skins. The information for this case was also provided by WPSI. Durru is also an accused in two cases in Maharashtra in 2006 that involve the seizure of two tiger traps in Warsa Forest Division and five tiger traps near Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary.
"We are thrilled that this habitual tiger killer has been apprehended. This is a clear example of the need and effectiveness of intelligence-led enforcement", said Nitin Desai, Director Central India of the Wildlife Protection Society of India.
Source: WPSI
For the cats,
Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue
an Educational Sanctuary home
to more than 100 big cats
12802 Easy Street Tampa, FL 33625
813.493.4564 fax 885.4457
http://www.BigCatRescue.org
Sign our petition to protect tigers from being farmed here:
http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU
Free ways to join us and help the big cats:
Twitter: Follow Me and be invited to enter our Animal Lover's Dream Vacation Giveaway! http://twitter.com/BigCatRescue
This message contains information from Big Cat Rescue that may be confidential or privileged. The information contained herein is intended
only for the eyes of the individual or entity named above. You are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, disclosure, and/or copying of the information contained in this communication is strictly prohibited. The recipient should check this e-mail and any attachments for the presence of viruses. Big Cat Rescue accepts no liability for any damage or loss caused by any virus transmitted by this e-mail.
Trust grieves death of Romeo tiger
Trust grieves death of Romeo tiger
Posted Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Pittsboro, NC - Carnivore Preservation Trust (CPT) announced that Romeo tiger passed away at 9:30 a.m. Monday. Romeo’s health had been declining for a couple of months as a result of a progressive neurological disease, making it increasingly difficult to control his hind legs. For his comfort, he was removed from the tour route two weeks ago. Romeo’s condition took a marked downturn last week, prompting Curator of Animals, Kathryn Bertok, and Veterinarian, Dr. Angela Lassiter, to schedule him for euthanasia.
Staff, Romeo’s adoptive parents, and other members of the “CPT Family” were given unlimited visitation this past weekend to say their goodbyes to him. Yesterday morning he passed away peacefully surrounded by his CPT family.
Romeo was one of CPT’s most widely known animals. He was rescued from a private owner in Durham when he was six months old. Romeo grew to be twelve feet long (from his nose to the tip of his tail) and was estimated at one time to weigh over 800 pounds, making him a very large tiger by standards even in the wild. He was a favorite on tours and was particularly notorious as one of the cats who would spray (mark) you if he got the chance. Executive Director Pam Fulk said, “Every animal here at CPT is precious to us and we mourn every one of them when they pass on. Some of our animals, like Elwood jaguar and Romeo tiger, attain celebrity status and become very popular in the community. We know that many others share our grief for the loss of such a magnificent animal and member of our CPT family.”
http://www.chathamjournal.com/weekly/news/local/cpt-romeo-tiger-dies-90414.shtml
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Posted Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Pittsboro, NC - Carnivore Preservation Trust (CPT) announced that Romeo tiger passed away at 9:30 a.m. Monday. Romeo’s health had been declining for a couple of months as a result of a progressive neurological disease, making it increasingly difficult to control his hind legs. For his comfort, he was removed from the tour route two weeks ago. Romeo’s condition took a marked downturn last week, prompting Curator of Animals, Kathryn Bertok, and Veterinarian, Dr. Angela Lassiter, to schedule him for euthanasia.
Staff, Romeo’s adoptive parents, and other members of the “CPT Family” were given unlimited visitation this past weekend to say their goodbyes to him. Yesterday morning he passed away peacefully surrounded by his CPT family.
Romeo was one of CPT’s most widely known animals. He was rescued from a private owner in Durham when he was six months old. Romeo grew to be twelve feet long (from his nose to the tip of his tail) and was estimated at one time to weigh over 800 pounds, making him a very large tiger by standards even in the wild. He was a favorite on tours and was particularly notorious as one of the cats who would spray (mark) you if he got the chance. Executive Director Pam Fulk said, “Every animal here at CPT is precious to us and we mourn every one of them when they pass on. Some of our animals, like Elwood jaguar and Romeo tiger, attain celebrity status and become very popular in the community. We know that many others share our grief for the loss of such a magnificent animal and member of our CPT family.”
http://www.chathamjournal.com/weekly/news/local/cpt-romeo-tiger-dies-90414.shtml
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Did tranquillisers kill Panna tigers?
Did tranquillisers kill Panna tigers?
Gyan Varma / DNA
Thursday, July 16, 2009 3:24:00 AM
A startling explanation has emerged for the extinction of tigers at Madhya Pradesh’s Panna tiger reserve, the second after Sariska to lose all its tigers. “Excessive use of tranquillisers” on the tigers may have led to their deaths, an investigation by a team of forest officials has found.
The report, submitted to Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday and also accessed by DNA, said that the established blame on poaching may be exaggerated and that tigers straying into nearby villages were routinely tranquilised for bringing them back to the reserve.
The Ramesh-constituted panel prepared the report after an examination of tiger carcasses and other studies, and blamed forest officials for being irresponsible.
A government official said this was the first time a detailed post-mortem of tigers was conducted. “Though it is mandatory to conduct a post-mortem on a dead animal, it is sometimes not done because of a lack of resources,” he said. “When we started investigating, we had suspected large-scale poaching in the reserve. But we found something completely different.”
He said forest officials should have been very careful while using tranquillisers since animals straying outside a reserve’s area is a common problem. “We can’t expect the animals to understand the meaning of restricted areas and villagers. They don’t understand these boundaries, [so seeing to the tigers’ welfare is the responsibility of humans].
“We are planning to issue directions to all 37 tiger reserves about what steps they should take while trying to bring back an animal into the restricted area of the reserve.”
Panna had an impressive (by reserve standards) 30 tigers three years ago, but the report points out that the figure was exaggerated and was an outcome of forest officials lying to census takers.
http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_did-tranquillisers-kill-panna-tigers_1274438
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Gyan Varma / DNA
Thursday, July 16, 2009 3:24:00 AM
A startling explanation has emerged for the extinction of tigers at Madhya Pradesh’s Panna tiger reserve, the second after Sariska to lose all its tigers. “Excessive use of tranquillisers” on the tigers may have led to their deaths, an investigation by a team of forest officials has found.
The report, submitted to Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday and also accessed by DNA, said that the established blame on poaching may be exaggerated and that tigers straying into nearby villages were routinely tranquilised for bringing them back to the reserve.
The Ramesh-constituted panel prepared the report after an examination of tiger carcasses and other studies, and blamed forest officials for being irresponsible.
A government official said this was the first time a detailed post-mortem of tigers was conducted. “Though it is mandatory to conduct a post-mortem on a dead animal, it is sometimes not done because of a lack of resources,” he said. “When we started investigating, we had suspected large-scale poaching in the reserve. But we found something completely different.”
He said forest officials should have been very careful while using tranquillisers since animals straying outside a reserve’s area is a common problem. “We can’t expect the animals to understand the meaning of restricted areas and villagers. They don’t understand these boundaries, [so seeing to the tigers’ welfare is the responsibility of humans].
“We are planning to issue directions to all 37 tiger reserves about what steps they should take while trying to bring back an animal into the restricted area of the reserve.”
Panna had an impressive (by reserve standards) 30 tigers three years ago, but the report points out that the figure was exaggerated and was an outcome of forest officials lying to census takers.
http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_did-tranquillisers-kill-panna-tigers_1274438
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Jaguars are beneficiaries of Arizona bike-a-thon
BAT for the Southwest Jaguar!
Hear ye, Hear ye...Our first call for cyclists and supporters for the upcoming Jaguar Bike-A-Thon in Arizona.
We will be going the "extra mile" for the jaguar - pedaling a route of at least 300 miles from the Arizona-Mexico border to Phoenix, Arizona, to demonstrate our strong support for bringing back the jaguar as a native species of the American Southwest.
We invite you to join us for all or part of this important event, or to pledge your support or assistance (see check off below).
When: fall 2009 or spring 2010. We'll have specifics by mid-August.
Itinerary (Subject to change/modification): The US-Mexico Border at Sasabe; Arivaca; Coronado National Forest; Nogales area; Patagonia-Sonoita, Saguaro National Park; Tucson; Oracle; Superior; Phoenix. We will make short stops in or near areas of important jaguar habitat, places where jaguars were know to have occurred, and locations where there are threats to jaguar habitat.
Objectives: Our purpose is to draw attention to the plight of the jaguar and what needs to be done to recover this species in the Southwest. We will talk to people along our route and carry messages from them along with proposals to restore the jaguar. We'll present these to federal and state officials and political leaders in Tucson and Phoenix.
____Sign me up! I will peddle to show my support for jaguar recovery during all or part of the event. I will gladly help with costs for a jaguar T-shirt and other items to be worn or carried by our team while on the Jaguar Bike-A-Thon.
I want to support the Jaguar BAT! I can do so in the following way (s) (check off):
___ give a donation ___provide/drive a support vehicle
___host cyclists along the route ____other (please indicate):
Please send your name, address, e-mail, and interest as soon as possible to: Dr. Tony Povilitis, Jaguar Bike-A-Thon:
E-mail: tpovilitis@lifenetnature.org or c/o Janie, 5589 Timken Trail, Willcox, AZ 85643
HELP spread the word by e-mailing and printing/posting a copy this announcement jaguarbike-a-thonannouncement1
http://jaguarhabitatusa.wordpress.com/category/jaguar-bike-a-thon/
-----
Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Hear ye, Hear ye...Our first call for cyclists and supporters for the upcoming Jaguar Bike-A-Thon in Arizona.
We will be going the "extra mile" for the jaguar - pedaling a route of at least 300 miles from the Arizona-Mexico border to Phoenix, Arizona, to demonstrate our strong support for bringing back the jaguar as a native species of the American Southwest.
We invite you to join us for all or part of this important event, or to pledge your support or assistance (see check off below).
When: fall 2009 or spring 2010. We'll have specifics by mid-August.
Itinerary (Subject to change/modification): The US-Mexico Border at Sasabe; Arivaca; Coronado National Forest; Nogales area; Patagonia-Sonoita, Saguaro National Park; Tucson; Oracle; Superior; Phoenix. We will make short stops in or near areas of important jaguar habitat, places where jaguars were know to have occurred, and locations where there are threats to jaguar habitat.
Objectives: Our purpose is to draw attention to the plight of the jaguar and what needs to be done to recover this species in the Southwest. We will talk to people along our route and carry messages from them along with proposals to restore the jaguar. We'll present these to federal and state officials and political leaders in Tucson and Phoenix.
____Sign me up! I will peddle to show my support for jaguar recovery during all or part of the event. I will gladly help with costs for a jaguar T-shirt and other items to be worn or carried by our team while on the Jaguar Bike-A-Thon.
I want to support the Jaguar BAT! I can do so in the following way (s) (check off):
___ give a donation ___provide/drive a support vehicle
___host cyclists along the route ____other (please indicate):
Please send your name, address, e-mail, and interest as soon as possible to: Dr. Tony Povilitis, Jaguar Bike-A-Thon:
E-mail: tpovilitis@lifenetnature.org or c/o Janie, 5589 Timken Trail, Willcox, AZ 85643
HELP spread the word by e-mailing and printing/posting a copy this announcement jaguarbike-a-thonannouncement1
http://jaguarhabitatusa.wordpress.com/category/jaguar-bike-a-thon/
-----
Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Intelligence report questions "radio collaring" for Tiger
Intelligence report questions "radio collaring" for Tiger
PTI 16/7/2009 8:31:57 PM(IST)
New Delhi: A wildlife intelligence report has blamed tiger deaths in Panna Tiger Reserve on their "radio collaring", raising questions over the projects to conserve the animal throughout the country.
The report, submitted to Union Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh, has said that the radio collaring of Tigers in Madhya Pradesh''s Panna Tiger Reserve has "compromised the overall security of the reserve".
"The report has found that around 80 per cent of the Tigers killed in Panna have met their deadly fate at the hands of poachers after they were radio collared," top sources in the Ministry said.
Terming its findings as "interesting", the report said the "radio collar technique has been identified in most number of cases" of tiger deaths that the team probed.
The report, submitted to the ministry with annexures running into few pages dealt with the "security" reasons of sudden disappearance of Tigers from the Panna reserve.
The document which talks on the "technical and security issues" of the Panna reserve has said the radio collar has restricted the movement of the animal for hunting its prey and its free movement in the wild.
http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=21738#
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
PTI 16/7/2009 8:31:57 PM(IST)
New Delhi: A wildlife intelligence report has blamed tiger deaths in Panna Tiger Reserve on their "radio collaring", raising questions over the projects to conserve the animal throughout the country.
The report, submitted to Union Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh, has said that the radio collaring of Tigers in Madhya Pradesh''s Panna Tiger Reserve has "compromised the overall security of the reserve".
"The report has found that around 80 per cent of the Tigers killed in Panna have met their deadly fate at the hands of poachers after they were radio collared," top sources in the Ministry said.
Terming its findings as "interesting", the report said the "radio collar technique has been identified in most number of cases" of tiger deaths that the team probed.
The report, submitted to the ministry with annexures running into few pages dealt with the "security" reasons of sudden disappearance of Tigers from the Panna reserve.
The document which talks on the "technical and security issues" of the Panna reserve has said the radio collar has restricted the movement of the animal for hunting its prey and its free movement in the wild.
http://www.mynews.in/fullstory.aspx?storyid=21738#
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Our tiger reserve has no tigers, admits India
Our tiger reserve has no tigers, admits India
15/07/2009 - 15:13:07
An Indian state government has admitted that its tiger reserve has none of the animals left.
Madhya Pradesh Forest Minister Rajendra Shukla said that no tigers were found in the Panna Tiger Reserve during a Wildlife Institute of India survey conducted in May.
The national park had about 40 tigers six years ago.
A special investigative team headed by the former Project Tiger chief P K Sen conducted an inquiry and revisited the park last month to recheck logs and documents.
Their final report on the tiger population, which was submitted to the central government last month, is being examined by the state forest department. The report said poaching was among the reasons for the falling tiger population in the reserve.
Wildlife expert and founder of Wildlife First, Praveen Bhargav, said that all forest reserves ought to be protected properly or the tiger population would decrease.
“The Madhya Pradesh government has long been denying the issue and has maintained that all was well. Now the probe has exposed that there are no tigers in Panna,” he told the Press Association.
“This is a very serious matter and the main point is that accountability must be fixed or we will have more and more cases like the Panna reserve,” Mr Bhargav, a member of the National Board for Wildlife in India, added.
He said that poaching networks have had a “free run” despite authentic studies being conducted and alarm bells being sounded by scientists and conservationists.
“This is a case of major protection failure and an attempt to cover up that failure. Lessons must be learnt and those responsible must be held accountable.”
The government has also begun the process of moving two tigresses to the Panna park. Mr Shukla added that they are waiting for permission from the central government to relocate four more cats to the reserve.
Mr Bhargav, however, pointed out that the plan is pointless if the reserves are not protected. “The government must address the core problem of sufficient protection.
“Unless heads roll, translocation of animals is not going to help as these too might be lost and the situation will not change,” he said.
http://breakingnews.iol.ie/news/world/our-tiger-reserve-has-no-tigers-admits-india-418818.html
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
15/07/2009 - 15:13:07
An Indian state government has admitted that its tiger reserve has none of the animals left.
Madhya Pradesh Forest Minister Rajendra Shukla said that no tigers were found in the Panna Tiger Reserve during a Wildlife Institute of India survey conducted in May.
The national park had about 40 tigers six years ago.
A special investigative team headed by the former Project Tiger chief P K Sen conducted an inquiry and revisited the park last month to recheck logs and documents.
Their final report on the tiger population, which was submitted to the central government last month, is being examined by the state forest department. The report said poaching was among the reasons for the falling tiger population in the reserve.
Wildlife expert and founder of Wildlife First, Praveen Bhargav, said that all forest reserves ought to be protected properly or the tiger population would decrease.
“The Madhya Pradesh government has long been denying the issue and has maintained that all was well. Now the probe has exposed that there are no tigers in Panna,” he told the Press Association.
“This is a very serious matter and the main point is that accountability must be fixed or we will have more and more cases like the Panna reserve,” Mr Bhargav, a member of the National Board for Wildlife in India, added.
He said that poaching networks have had a “free run” despite authentic studies being conducted and alarm bells being sounded by scientists and conservationists.
“This is a case of major protection failure and an attempt to cover up that failure. Lessons must be learnt and those responsible must be held accountable.”
The government has also begun the process of moving two tigresses to the Panna park. Mr Shukla added that they are waiting for permission from the central government to relocate four more cats to the reserve.
Mr Bhargav, however, pointed out that the plan is pointless if the reserves are not protected. “The government must address the core problem of sufficient protection.
“Unless heads roll, translocation of animals is not going to help as these too might be lost and the situation will not change,” he said.
http://breakingnews.iol.ie/news/world/our-tiger-reserve-has-no-tigers-admits-india-418818.html
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
The Indian tiger reserve... where poachers have killed all the tigers
The Indian tiger reserve... where poachers have killed all the tigers
By Mail Foreign Service
Last updated at 5:10 PM on 15th July 2009
As one of India's premier tiger reserves, it should be the ideal place to spot the increasingly elusive creatures.
Only trouble is, the Panna National Park no longer has any tigers.
Officials made the embarrassing admission after a census was conducted in the reserve, in the central state of Madhya Pradesh.
They knew numbers had been dwindling and became concerned after no tigers had been spotted for some time.
But the results only confirmed their darkest suspicions.
Panna National Park was one of a number of reserves set up to save the Royal Bengal tiger from extinction.
Just a century ago, India had 40,000 of the creatures.
But their numbers have been radically reduced by hunters and poachers.
A seven-member committee which includes conservationists and experts has now been formed to determine where the park's tigers have gone.
Chief conservator HS Pabla told the BBC that tigers from Sanjay National Park could have strayed into adjoining areas, which is now part of the state of Chattisgarh.
But some experts fear the tigers have been poached, despite the country banning hunting of the giant cats.
A conservation scheme known as Project Tiger has also been created to increase the population of the endangered species.
Though the programme was initially successful, the decline in numbers has been negated by an increase in poaching, which is now organised around drug-smuggling.
National Wildlife Advisory Board member MK Ranjitsingh said it was time authorities took tougher action to stop the hunters.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1199912/Fears-grow-welfare-Indias-tigers-numbers-disappear-premier-conservation-park.html#
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
By Mail Foreign Service
Last updated at 5:10 PM on 15th July 2009
As one of India's premier tiger reserves, it should be the ideal place to spot the increasingly elusive creatures.
Only trouble is, the Panna National Park no longer has any tigers.
Officials made the embarrassing admission after a census was conducted in the reserve, in the central state of Madhya Pradesh.
They knew numbers had been dwindling and became concerned after no tigers had been spotted for some time.
But the results only confirmed their darkest suspicions.
Panna National Park was one of a number of reserves set up to save the Royal Bengal tiger from extinction.
Just a century ago, India had 40,000 of the creatures.
But their numbers have been radically reduced by hunters and poachers.
A seven-member committee which includes conservationists and experts has now been formed to determine where the park's tigers have gone.
Chief conservator HS Pabla told the BBC that tigers from Sanjay National Park could have strayed into adjoining areas, which is now part of the state of Chattisgarh.
But some experts fear the tigers have been poached, despite the country banning hunting of the giant cats.
A conservation scheme known as Project Tiger has also been created to increase the population of the endangered species.
Though the programme was initially successful, the decline in numbers has been negated by an increase in poaching, which is now organised around drug-smuggling.
National Wildlife Advisory Board member MK Ranjitsingh said it was time authorities took tougher action to stop the hunters.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1199912/Fears-grow-welfare-Indias-tigers-numbers-disappear-premier-conservation-park.html#
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
The Big Question: Can India's tigers be saved or are they now doomed to disappear?
The Big Question: Can India's tigers be saved or are they now doomed to disappear?
Officials at the Panna Nature Reserve in the state of Madhya Pradesh revealed this week that there were no longer any of tigers in the entire park.
By Andrew Buncombe, Asia Correspondent
Thursday, 16 July 2009
Why are we asking this now?
This week officials at the Panna Nature Reserve in the state of Madhya Pradesh, the so-called tiger state, revealed that there were no longer any of the big cats in the entire park. After forest officials reported not sighting any of the animals for some time, a leading wildlife organisation carried out a survey. The state's forest minister, Rajendra Shukla, confirmed that the reserve, which three years ago had up to 24 tigers, no longer had any whatsoever. Almost all are believed to have been killed by poachers.
Why is this so serious?
This is not the first time a prestigious reserve has reported that its tigers have disappeared. In 2005, it was revealed that all the tigers in the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan had also been killed by poachers. What makes this case different is that the problems faced by the park were regularly drawn to the attention of officials. A committee appointed by India's Supreme Court even warned of the potential peril facing the park and how Panna could see a repeat of what happened at Sariska. A report by the central government's forest ministry says "warning bells were sounded regularly for the past eight years" but that the local authorities did not take heed.
Dr Raghu Chundawat, an independent scientist who carried out an extensive tiger radio-collaring project in Panna and who repeatedly warned of their falling numbers, said: "We have been shouting about this for the past six years. There is a big problem. The state government is still refusing to listen."
What is the current strength of India's tiger population?
A census carried out on behalf of the government and handed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh two years ago revealed that the total may be as few as 1,300 animals. The upper limit was put at 1,500. While there are no precise figures, some estimates suggest that the turn of the 20th Century, the population may have stood at 100,000. Some experts believe there may now be as few as two genetically viable populations of tigers in India, located in the Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand and the Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, which is said to have inspired Rudyard Kipling to pen The Jungle Book.
What is responsible for this decline?
The most pressing problem is the failure of the authorities to stop poaching. Tiger pelts and body parts still drive a huge market in China and elsewhere in East Asia where they are believed to have special medicinal powers. Campaigners say that a skin can fetch £5,300 while tiger penises, said to improve sexual prowess, can be sold for up to £14,000 per kilo. The authorities suffer from a lack of trained, properly-equipped forest guards. Salaries are low and motivation is often lacking. There are widespread suggestions of bribery and corruption.
Are there any other factors?
Another more long-term reason is the increasing lack of habitats for tigers. India's large, sprawling population is increasingly coming into contact with tigers, with often fatal results for man and beast alike. Without protected habitats, there is nowhere safe for these large, roaming animals to breed and live. Certain pieces of legislation, such as the Recognition of Forest Rights Act which grants some of India's most impoverished communities the right to own and live in the forests, only add to such clashes. Experts say all the evidence shows that tigers and humans cannot safely co-exist and unless there is a willingness to set aside designated, protected areas, than the tiger's chances are not good.
What else?
Another factor is the shortage of prey species. If deer and antelope are being poached, tigers may be tempted to kill livestock, something which pushes them into further confrontation with humans.
Is global warming playing a role here?
In the Sunderbans delta at the mouth of the Ganges there are reports of rising sea levels reducing the amount of land and driving the tigers northwards. This means they are increasingly moving into human settlements. Tigers have long been feared among the fishing and honey-collecting communities that survive in the delta. It's said that few will venture into the forest without wearing a human mask attached to the back of the head. It is believed that a tiger will never attack a human being face-on. Anecdotally, there are increased reports of tigers attacking humans in these areas.
What about tigers elsewhere?
It is not just in India that tigers are suffering. Over the past 100 years, tiger populations across the world have fallen by as much as 95 per cent and are now facing extinction within their last domains. Of the nine sub-species of tiger, three – the Caspian, Javanese and Balinese – are already gone. A fourth, the South China tiger, is already considered "functionally extinct" with perhaps fewer than 30 surviving in the wild. Elsewhere the Sumatran tiger is listed as critically endangered. The others – the Indochinese, the Malayan, the Siberian and India's Bengal tiger – all face massive threats.
What has the Indian government been doing to save tigers?
As far back as 1972 when then prime minister Indira Gandhi established Project Tiger, the value of saving this hugely symbolic animal has been recognised. Tens of millions of pounds has been spent in an often disorganised series of conservation efforts. Today there are more than 40 reserves. And some positive things are being done; last year, three tigers were airlifted into the Sariska reserve in an effort to try and restock the population. The government's National Tiger Conservation Authority – tasked with saving the animal – now wants to ban tourists from the centre of most of the country's reserves. Sab Prakash Yadav, the organisation's joint director, recently said: "Tourism creates a disturbance through vehicles, noise pollution, garbage and the need to provide facilities."
What is the mood among conservationists?
It is a mixture of despair and forced optimism. "This is a catastrophe," Belinda Wright, head of the Wildlife Protection Society of India, said about the loss of the Panna tigers. "It just shows that have not learned any lessons from Sariska. The problem is the relationship between the central and state governments. It is pretty sordid story, actually."
So could the tiger population already be doomed?
Some experts say the small size of the population makes the future of the tiger scientifically unviable. However, such conservationists still chose to carry on their work in the hope of a miracle. Ashok Kumar, deputy chair of the Wildlife Trust of India, said it was essential that attention was paid to improving the training of forest guards, boosting their number and employing park directors who had the dedication to deal with the poaching problem. He said he was heartened by the government's current environment minister and that there were populations in several regions of India that were viable. He said: "The long-term future of the tiger can be saved."
Is there any chance of survival for the Indian tiger?
Yes...
* India knows the value of the tiger, and there appears to be determination to do something.
* Poaching has been stopped in other parts of the world.
* In the past couple of years, India has become educated about this. The census of 2007 may act as a wake-up call and lead to greater action.
No...
* Some experts believe the population is already too small for the animal to have a viable future.
* The authorities seem unable to stop poaching, either confronting poachers or those who trade in tiger.
* India's population is growing, putting more pressure on the natural habitats upon which the tigers rely.
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/the-big-question-can-indias-tigers-be-saved-or-are-they-now-doomed-to-disappear-1748077.html
http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Officials at the Panna Nature Reserve in the state of Madhya Pradesh revealed this week that there were no longer any of tigers in the entire park.
By Andrew Buncombe, Asia Correspondent
Thursday, 16 July 2009
Why are we asking this now?
This week officials at the Panna Nature Reserve in the state of Madhya Pradesh, the so-called tiger state, revealed that there were no longer any of the big cats in the entire park. After forest officials reported not sighting any of the animals for some time, a leading wildlife organisation carried out a survey. The state's forest minister, Rajendra Shukla, confirmed that the reserve, which three years ago had up to 24 tigers, no longer had any whatsoever. Almost all are believed to have been killed by poachers.
Why is this so serious?
This is not the first time a prestigious reserve has reported that its tigers have disappeared. In 2005, it was revealed that all the tigers in the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan had also been killed by poachers. What makes this case different is that the problems faced by the park were regularly drawn to the attention of officials. A committee appointed by India's Supreme Court even warned of the potential peril facing the park and how Panna could see a repeat of what happened at Sariska. A report by the central government's forest ministry says "warning bells were sounded regularly for the past eight years" but that the local authorities did not take heed.
Dr Raghu Chundawat, an independent scientist who carried out an extensive tiger radio-collaring project in Panna and who repeatedly warned of their falling numbers, said: "We have been shouting about this for the past six years. There is a big problem. The state government is still refusing to listen."
What is the current strength of India's tiger population?
A census carried out on behalf of the government and handed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh two years ago revealed that the total may be as few as 1,300 animals. The upper limit was put at 1,500. While there are no precise figures, some estimates suggest that the turn of the 20th Century, the population may have stood at 100,000. Some experts believe there may now be as few as two genetically viable populations of tigers in India, located in the Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand and the Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, which is said to have inspired Rudyard Kipling to pen The Jungle Book.
What is responsible for this decline?
The most pressing problem is the failure of the authorities to stop poaching. Tiger pelts and body parts still drive a huge market in China and elsewhere in East Asia where they are believed to have special medicinal powers. Campaigners say that a skin can fetch £5,300 while tiger penises, said to improve sexual prowess, can be sold for up to £14,000 per kilo. The authorities suffer from a lack of trained, properly-equipped forest guards. Salaries are low and motivation is often lacking. There are widespread suggestions of bribery and corruption.
Are there any other factors?
Another more long-term reason is the increasing lack of habitats for tigers. India's large, sprawling population is increasingly coming into contact with tigers, with often fatal results for man and beast alike. Without protected habitats, there is nowhere safe for these large, roaming animals to breed and live. Certain pieces of legislation, such as the Recognition of Forest Rights Act which grants some of India's most impoverished communities the right to own and live in the forests, only add to such clashes. Experts say all the evidence shows that tigers and humans cannot safely co-exist and unless there is a willingness to set aside designated, protected areas, than the tiger's chances are not good.
What else?
Another factor is the shortage of prey species. If deer and antelope are being poached, tigers may be tempted to kill livestock, something which pushes them into further confrontation with humans.
Is global warming playing a role here?
In the Sunderbans delta at the mouth of the Ganges there are reports of rising sea levels reducing the amount of land and driving the tigers northwards. This means they are increasingly moving into human settlements. Tigers have long been feared among the fishing and honey-collecting communities that survive in the delta. It's said that few will venture into the forest without wearing a human mask attached to the back of the head. It is believed that a tiger will never attack a human being face-on. Anecdotally, there are increased reports of tigers attacking humans in these areas.
What about tigers elsewhere?
It is not just in India that tigers are suffering. Over the past 100 years, tiger populations across the world have fallen by as much as 95 per cent and are now facing extinction within their last domains. Of the nine sub-species of tiger, three – the Caspian, Javanese and Balinese – are already gone. A fourth, the South China tiger, is already considered "functionally extinct" with perhaps fewer than 30 surviving in the wild. Elsewhere the Sumatran tiger is listed as critically endangered. The others – the Indochinese, the Malayan, the Siberian and India's Bengal tiger – all face massive threats.
What has the Indian government been doing to save tigers?
As far back as 1972 when then prime minister Indira Gandhi established Project Tiger, the value of saving this hugely symbolic animal has been recognised. Tens of millions of pounds has been spent in an often disorganised series of conservation efforts. Today there are more than 40 reserves. And some positive things are being done; last year, three tigers were airlifted into the Sariska reserve in an effort to try and restock the population. The government's National Tiger Conservation Authority – tasked with saving the animal – now wants to ban tourists from the centre of most of the country's reserves. Sab Prakash Yadav, the organisation's joint director, recently said: "Tourism creates a disturbance through vehicles, noise pollution, garbage and the need to provide facilities."
What is the mood among conservationists?
It is a mixture of despair and forced optimism. "This is a catastrophe," Belinda Wright, head of the Wildlife Protection Society of India, said about the loss of the Panna tigers. "It just shows that have not learned any lessons from Sariska. The problem is the relationship between the central and state governments. It is pretty sordid story, actually."
So could the tiger population already be doomed?
Some experts say the small size of the population makes the future of the tiger scientifically unviable. However, such conservationists still chose to carry on their work in the hope of a miracle. Ashok Kumar, deputy chair of the Wildlife Trust of India, said it was essential that attention was paid to improving the training of forest guards, boosting their number and employing park directors who had the dedication to deal with the poaching problem. He said he was heartened by the government's current environment minister and that there were populations in several regions of India that were viable. He said: "The long-term future of the tiger can be saved."
Is there any chance of survival for the Indian tiger?
Yes...
* India knows the value of the tiger, and there appears to be determination to do something.
* Poaching has been stopped in other parts of the world.
* In the past couple of years, India has become educated about this. The census of 2007 may act as a wake-up call and lead to greater action.
No...
* Some experts believe the population is already too small for the animal to have a viable future.
* The authorities seem unable to stop poaching, either confronting poachers or those who trade in tiger.
* India's population is growing, putting more pressure on the natural habitats upon which the tigers rely.
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/nature/the-big-question-can-indias-tigers-be-saved-or-are-they-now-doomed-to-disappear-1748077.html
http://www.bigcatrescue.org