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Bigcats News
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 (09-13-2018, 01:51 PM)Rage2277 Wrote: Tiger ‘kills’ woman, Satkosia Tiger Reserve tense They aren't taking any risks, they will be bringing her back to Bandhavgarh this weekend. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/...n-5355229/  (09-14-2018, 11:04 PM)Pckts Wrote:(09-13-2018, 01:51 PM)Rage2277 Wrote: Tiger ‘kills’ woman, Satkosia Tiger Reserve tense they should take her to mukundra hills mahaveer aswell the villagers will likely kill him too  (09-14-2018, 11:04 PM)Pckts Wrote:(09-13-2018, 01:51 PM)Rage2277 Wrote: Tiger ‘kills’ woman, Satkosia Tiger Reserve tense That might be a rumour. Odisha's Forest and environment minister Bijayshree Routray said yesterday that there's been no plan to shift her back to MP... yet. The "protesters" had been trying to stall post-mortem of the deceased lady & no decision its being taken until the reports arrive. Antisocial elements like mining mafia active in the region might have been fueling the unrest. A Tiger Reserve with tigers would mean better equipped staff & enforcement of protection laws. Also i'd come across claims of the killer being one of the ageing tigresses already in Satkosia. One of them is with MV-2 right now & the victim might have stumbled upon them while mating. On the other hand Sundari might as very well be a problem tigress or with tendencies to become one. While Mahaveer's presence could only be ascertained by his radio-collar, she has killed several cattles, ran amok on farms, even reached an adjoining town & now this... Anybody who's been around cats know how complex animals they are with diverse personalities. Anyway more i dig into the matter, more it seems the Satkosia was completely unprepared for relocation. I've heard of prey-base being dismal causing the tigers to move away from the release spot. Apparently locals weren't taken into the fold at all. Ideally it'd need rigorous awareness workshops, creation of reasonable amount of inviolate space, steps to reduce locals' dependence on forest produce etc. (09-15-2018, 05:41 AM)Rage2277 Wrote:(09-14-2018, 11:04 PM)Pckts Wrote: They aren't taking any risks, they will be bringing her back to Bandhavgarh this weekend. About that, relocation of tigresses to Mukundara is still on hold as Mirza was released a bit far from the original spot due to technical reasons. The issue will be up for hearing in court on 17th September, & hopefully cleared. I'll post updates... 
India: Former soldiers gear up to save tigers from poaching in Corbett reserve
Following the Uttarakhand High Court's directions last month about forming a Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) to ensure tigers in Corbett Tiger Reserve are saved from poachers, the force was put in place on Thursday. The 80-member STPF comprising largely of ex-servicemen from the Army also staged a flag march on the southern boundary of the reserve. Officials said that the force currently includes 60 former Army soldiers while 20 personnel have been inducted from the state forest department. Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city...800690.cms  *This image is copyright of its original author
Tigress ‘Sundari’ To Stay In Satkosia: WII Researcher
[color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.44)]Edited By Devbrat Patnaik | [color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.44)] Published By Sarmeeli Mallick [color=rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.44)]On Sep 17, 2018 - 09:06:45[/color][/color] Share [/color] Bhubaneswar: Amid massive protest by the locals demanding relocation of tigress ‘Sundari’ after she allegedly killed a woman in Satkosia Tiger reserve (STR) area, Wildlife Institute of India (WII) researcher Dr Ramesh, after monitoring the situation at Satkosia, cleared the air saying Sundari will not be taken back to Bandhavgarh. In an exclusive interview to OTV, Dr Ramesh informed, “The incident was very unfortunate and the reaction of the locals is also natural. Due to one such unexpected incident and on these grounds, the tigress cannot be relocated. However, the faults due to which the incident took place will be rectified and we are making plans accordingly.” He further said, “There is no question of the animal being taken back to Bandhavgarh. The relocation project is a larger vision and only after reviewing all its positive and negative aspects, the tigress was brought here. Tiger Relocation is a planned project which is why it’s difficult to change the decision.” Earlier on Sunday, a team of WII led by Dr Ramesh conducted a review on the movement of the tigress and its habitation in Athagarh forest division, where the animal is roaming around at present. Dr Ramesh also said, “The animal is trying to adapt itself to the new condition and therefore it is coming out of the forest repeatedly. It will be relocated to the core area of the reserve, away from human habitation area.” “Taking a review of the past history of the tigress and its behaviour now, it was revealed that the animal would not have killed the woman. We are monitoring the movement of the tigress and also involving locals to create an awareness to face such man-animal conflict situation, if any,” he further said. Meanwhile, another team visited Hatibari village under Tikarpada Forest Range in Satkosia forest where the woman was allegedly attacked by Sundari on September 13. The team held discussions with the locals to gather evidence on the alleged attack. The officials also took stock of the situation at the forest range office and the beat house which were reportedly torched by the irate locals.
India - 12 lions, 6 of them cubs, die in Gujarat's Gir forest in 10 days
At least 12 lions, six of them cubs, have died in Amreli district alone in the past 10 days, forcing the state government to order a detailed inquiry. Though eight of these wild cats died due to illnesses, which could not be treated, and three in infighting, the death of a dozen lions in short span has become a cause of worry for the department. Sources said the 11 deaths have been reported in Dalkhaniya range of Gir East alone. According to the forest department, three lion cubs aged between five to nine months died during treatment on September 18. Two were under treatment in Jasadhar animal care centre and one was in Junagadh Veterinary College. A lioness was found dead in Rajula too after she preyed on a poisoned wild boar on Wednesday. Forest and environment minister Ganpat Vasava said, “I have ordered an inquiry into the deaths of lions. A team from Gandhinagar has been sent to Amreli for investigation. As per primary report, three lions died in infighting which is a natural cause. Once we get the postmortem reports of other lions and unnatural reasons are found for their deaths, we will take necessary action.” On Wednesday, carcass of a five-year-old wild cat, believed to have died five to seven days ago, was found in the same forest area. The body was so badly decomposed that the veterinary doctors were unable to determine whether it was a male or female. Vijay Chaudhary, assistant conservator of forest (ACF), Dalkhaniya range, said: “Eight lions died of lung or liver infection. We have sent the samples to Dantiwada animal care centre and Junagadh veterinary hospital to know exact cause of death.” However he denied any epidemic behind this death. “Primarily the deaths look due to natural causes, but as they have happened in last 10 days, its a cause of concern. Though the death are in the same range, the area is very vast and they have died at different places,” Chaudhary added. Rajya Sabha MP Parimal Nathwani too has expressed concern over the lion deaths. “The news that bodies of four lions have been found in the last few days is saddening and unfortunate. It is feared that total 11 lions may be dead and rest of the bodies have not yet been found. If it is true, it is alarming and it is high time that authorities investigate the cause of such deaths and book the culprits,” he said in a statement. https://www.timesofindia.com/city/rajkot...891515.cms 
Tigers in 41 of 50 reserves could go extinct: Study
Read more at: Tigers in 41 of 50 reserves could go extinct:Study Shivani Azad | TNN | Sep 20, 2018, 12:19 IST 1 4 India is home to 2,226 tigers across 50 reserves DEHRADUN: Scientists working towards conservation of tiger population in Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun have indicated the need to keep the population of all the tigers across 41 tiger reserves, which have less than 20 breeding female and male big cats, ‘connected’ with the nine tiger reserves that have higher population of breeding tigers. WII had laid down criteria before selecting tigers and tigresses of breeding value, according to which only nine reserves in India have big cat populations robust enough to have a future. Only those reserves which had at least 20 breeding units, with a tiger and tigress comprising a unit, qualified. The nine reserves are Corbett, Kanha, Painch, Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, Sundarbans, Kaziranga, Tadoba and Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam, Bandipur and Nagarhole. Scientists at the annual seminar of WII on Wednesday said that there was an urgent need to connect reserves with lower populations of breeding big cats with these nine reserves. According to 2014 estimates, India is home to 2,226 tigers across 50 reserves of the country spread across 89,000 sq km of the total 3 lakh square kilometres that is the tiger habitat in the country. Yadvendradev Jhala, scientist (G) of WII told TOI, “The essence of managing endangered species is to first understand their population vital rates, that is, birth rates, age of first reproduction, litter size, survival and so on. This is like having an insurance policy — it allows us to decide on the premium. Instead of individuals, we are making decisions on populations. Our research has shown that a minimum of 20 breeding units are required for long-term persistence of tiger populations. Only nine tiger reserves meet this criteria in India, and even fewer outside the country. There are tigers in several reserves but their fate is questionable. Given their inherent demographic parameters they have a high probability to become extinct.” The experts have laid thrust on development with utmost care in tiger corridors to save the big cats. Jhala added, “These smaller populations can only survive if they remain connected with these nine larger populations. That means they exchange individuals and genetic material. Therefore the crux of tiger conservation is to ensure the protection of these large populations, make others as large as them and keep the corridors between them intact. This means that any development passing through corridors has to be green and no development should be permitted within the core areas of tiger reserves.” 
It's official, the latest census of Nepal's Tiger population jumps to 235 individuals, up from 198 in 2013, However (from other source) it is learnt that Chitwan population has decreased to 93 from 120 in 2013... Here is the news from WWF-Nepal and a video
Nepal set to become first country to double wild tiger population 23 September 2018, Kathmandu – On the occasion of National Conservation Day today, Nepal announced that there are now an estimated 235 wild tigers in the country, nearly doubling the baseline of around 121 tigers in 2009. If these trends continue, Nepal could become the first country to double its national tiger population since the ambitious TX2 goal – to double the world’s wild tiger population by 2022 – was set at the St Petersburg Tiger Summit in 2010.  *This image is copyright of its original author © DNPWC/WWF Nepal “Our commitment to the Global Tiger Recovery Programme gains new ground with Nepal’s growing tiger numbers and a successful implementation of Nepal’s Tiger Conservation Action Plan,” stated Bishwa Nath Oli, Secretary of the Ministry of Forests and Environment. “Protecting tigers is a top priority of the government, and we are thankful for the able support of our partners, enforcement agencies, local communities and the international community for a common purpose.” Nepal conducted its national tiger survey between November 2017 and April 2018 in the transboundary Terai Arc Landscape (TAL), a vast area of diverse ecosystems shared with India. Camera traps and occupancy surveys were used to estimate tiger occupancy and abundance, while line transect surveys were used to derive prey density. The last tiger survey in 2013 had estimated the tiger population at 198. “This significant increase in Nepal’s tiger population is proof that when we work together, we can save the planet’s wildlife – even species facing extinction,” said Leonardo DiCaprio, WWF-US board member and chairman of the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, which has funded tiger conservation in Nepal’s Bardia National Park and elsewhere since 2010. “Nepal has been a leader in efforts to double tigers within its own borders and serves as a model for conservation for all of Asia and the world. I am proud of my foundation’s partnership with WWF to support Nepal and local communities in doubling the population of wild tigers.”  *This image is copyright of its original author © DNPWC/WWF Nepal The success in Nepal has been largely attributed to the country's political commitment and the adoption of innovative tools and approaches towards tiger conservation. Nepal was the first country to achieve global standards in managing tiger conservation areas, an accreditation scheme governed by the Conservation Assured Tiger Standards (CA|TS). With four more years to go, the TX2 goal of doubling tiger numbers globally can only be achieved if all the tiger range countries step up and commit to a similar level of excellence. In May this year, Nepal celebrated a new benchmark with the achievement of 365 days of zero poaching of rhinos on five occasions between 2011 and 2018. This is another excellent example of real conservation change that can be achieved when a country unites and coordinates the efforts of the government, enforcement agencies, conservation partners and local communities. “Every tiger counts, for Nepal and for the world,” stated Dr. Ghana S Gurung, Country Representative, WWF-Nepal. “While Nepal is but a few tigers away from our goal to double tiger numbers by 2022, it also underscores the continued need to ensure protection, and improved and contiguous habitats for the long-term survival of the species.”
Lion deaths: Report to Gujarat High Court
 *This image is copyright of its original author AHMEDABAD: Earlier this year, the HC was alarmed when the government revealed in the state assembly that as many as 182 lions had died in last two months in Gujarat. It sought an explanation from the authorities on what steps they had taken for the conservation of the species. Senior advocate Hemang Shah, was appointed an amicus curiae by a division bench of Chief Justice R Subhash Reddy and Justice V M Pancholi, of the Gujarat High Court, to prosecute the PIL filed by the HC, over the issue of death of lions in Greater Gir. The bench had issued notices to Gujarat and central governments after taking suo motu (on its own) cognizance of news reports. Last month he tendered his report to court raising various questions on the government’s plans to conserve Asiatic lions in Gir and suggesting a few measures that can be taken to check death of lions from unnatural causes like electrocution, lions falling into open wells, being hit by trains & other vehicles. He also pointed out holes in the government reports and requested the court to summon the officials to explain their mistakes, like the open-wells, that many of the big cats die after falling into, whose number was stated to be about 30,000 in the first affidavit but after as 50,517 in the second one. The government had promised the court all such wells would be covered. Another discrepancy in the government figures was the expenditure for chain-link fencing of 81.6km of tracks, the figure do not match. By putting up chain-link fencing, the hunting area of the lion pride would be curtailed as they would not be able to cross the tracks and hunt in the area which had been earmarked by them," he said & suggested the high court should seek an explanation from the government as to whether "any feasibility study had been undertaken before putting up chain fencing".
Sources: https://www.devdiscourse.com/stop-illegal-mining-around-gir-sanctuary-to-save-lions-report-to-hc https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/lion-deaths-amicus-curiae-highlights-discrepancies-in-government-reports 
https://glenwoodguardian.com/ktaka-may-s...406/10809/
K‘taka may surpass its own tiger count of 406 September 27, 2018 BENGALURU: Even as India awaits results of the latest , foresters and from Karnataka are hopeful that the state will continue to lead the nation in the number of big cats. They say the recent claims by Madhya Pradesh government that the central Indian state would overtake Karnataka would be proved wrong once the census results are out in a few months. TimesView That states are competing to lead in the national tiger count is a healthy sign, but none should jump the gun. They should wait for the final numbers to be released. Karnataka forest officials are optimistic about the state’s numbers improving, and that would indeed be reason to rejoice. However, the Centre and states must ensure conservation efforts are intensified and localised measures are taken to increase the big cat count. Authorities should ensure development works don’t come in the way of wildlife. Karnataka, for instance, should continue with the ban on night traffic in Bandipur Tiger Reserve if it helps the wildlife cause. A senior forest official from Karnataka told TOI: “Geographical mapping of tigers, which is conducted every four years and held during January this year, has given us many positive indications. In most tiger reserves, the census teams made many direct sightings and even in forest patches where there were few sightings earlier, volunteers reported good signs about their direct presence. In fact, going by the census experience, Karnataka may be surpassing its own count of 406 recorded in the 2014 census.” As per last census figures, Uttarakhand stands second with 340 tigers, followed by Madhya Pradesh (308) and Tamil Nadu (229). Asked about the MP government’s claim that the state would regain the ‘Tiger State’ title, which it had lost to Karnataka in 2011, Karnataka foresters said the results will clear the air. “We got to know that there is a good jump in the number of tigers in MP. But it is most unlikely that the state would beat Karnataka numbers,” he added. Foresters say the All India Tiger Assessment 2018 is expected to give more accurate results as this was the first tiger census where volunteers and foresters used a digital app to record their observations. The app, MSTrIPES, is an integrated programme for GPS-aided spatial patrolling and ecological assessment of tiger reserves. Pranav BK, a wildlife enthusiast, who has participated in wildlife censuses in the past, said, “One has to wait for the results to get the real picture. Mere sighting of tigers in a reserve doesn’t mean the estimation will go up. Data collected during the census undergoes vigorous analysis through statistical methods, after which the figures are announced,” he added. As per preliminary census data announced by the Centre, tiger population has gone up across forest patches of the country. In Karnataka, the tiger estimation exercise was conducted in five reserves — Bandipur, Nagarhole, Bhadra, Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) and Kali, and at several wildlife sanctuaries
Tiger presence detected in 3 more forest divisions of Odisha
September 29, 2018  *This image is copyright of its original author BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Forest and Environment Minister Bijayshree Routray on Saturday said Royal Bengal Tigers have been sighted at three new forest divisions of the state. The tigers were detected at Hemagiri forest in Sundargarh, Debrigad Wildlife Century in Hirakud and Munigada in Rayagada districts. The presence of tigers has been confirmed through both pictures captured in cameras and pug marks. "The sighting of tigers in other places apart from the tiger reserves is certainly good news. It is suspected that the tigers either could have strayed from other Chattisgarh or were present in the state, but not detected earlier," said the Minister. Following the repeated sighting of tigers in new areas, forest officials have been alerted and directed to intensify patrolling in these areas. “With the detection of tigers in new areas, the tiger population in the State could be over 60,” Routray added, "Our forests have huge potential and population of tigers will definitely increase in future." The Minister also said that efforts are on to declare Sunabeda, some parts of Sundergarh and Debrigarh as new tiger reserves in the state. Earlier, the Odisha government was at loggerheads with the central government after the National Tiger Conservation Authority had estimated the number of tigers at Odisha to be 28, in its All India Tiger Estimation Report-2014 (the counting was done only in Shimilipal and Satkosia Tiger Reserves). Countering NTCA, the state government had conducted a census in 2016, which claimed that there was the presence of 40 Royal Bengal Tigers in the state. Sources: https://odishatv.in/odisha/presence-of-tigers-traced-in-3-new-places-in-odisha-minister-324362 http://www.odishabytes.com/royal-bengal-tigers-stride-across-3-new-territories-in-odisha/ http://www.orissapost.com/tigers-sighted-at-three-new-forest-divisions-in-odisha-minister/
Two more lions die: Death on 16: 26 lions have been shifted to jam
A total of 16 lions have died due to September 12 to September 29. More than 35 lions have been rescued from the Wild.  *This image is copyright of its original author Updated: September 30, 2018, 12:23 PM IST Vijay Singh Parmar Gir sanctuary, the number of lion death has reached 16, due to the presence of two lions from the lions kept in the Dealakhania range under the Gir Forest and under Jansad Rescue Center. The important thing is that, the Minister of State, Ganpat Singh Vasawa, visited the state on Saturday and interacted with the media. Two lions were killed during this period. However, asking the Chief Forest Officer Junagadh Circle, DT Vasavan, about this, he said that no lions have died after 14 lions died. It is worth mentioning here that the forest department has released a press release for two days on the death of the lion, and the forest department has given information against how all the lions in Gir are examined and they are not worried. Even after the death of the lions, the forest department has now stopped releasing the press notes about the death of the lions and the functioning of the forest department. Four days ago, one of the major forest dwellers (wildlife), Akshay Kumar Saxena, said that seven lions were rescued from the Dalkhania Range and were rescued at Jasad Rescue Center. These lions have a good health, but these lions have been preserved as part of the precaution. " Here the question is, if the seven lions were healthy, and only as part of the precaution, the lions were shifted to the Jasdaad Rescue Center, then why did the well-lonely lions die? What two more lions died on Saturday, what were the causes of the death of lions? And they were rescued from the dalakhanaya or from any other range? Two days ago, 26 other lions were rescued from the forest area under the Gir area and all these lions were shifted to the Jamding Rescue Center by the forest department. The forest department said 26 lions were kept under observation as part of the precaution. According to the chronological order, 16 lions have died due to September 12 to September 29. More than 35 lions have been rescued from Dalkhania range and are being treated and treated under a separate rescue center. In the context of wildlife protection, this figure needs to be worrying. It is not common that 16 lions die in one range and another 35 lions are rescued from the same range and moved to safer places. News 18 Gujarati Exclusive: This is because of the loss of lions in the Gir forest. The forest department has called infighting, infestation of lions due to lions and causing infections and pneumonia for the lions' death. Sixteen lions have died due to September 12 to September 29. The forest department has declared that the lions, which have died, have not died due to the canine dismember but have not declared it because of the deaths and are saying that the laboratory report is waiting. Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), Junagadh Circle, DT Vasavada, talking with News 18, said on Saturday evening that such a thing can not be said about the reasons for the death of all these lions. "The forest department attempts to know the causes of the death of the lions and the samples taken from dead bodies are sent to Junagadh's Forensic Laboratory, Junagadh Veterinary College and Poona National Institute of Wireless. We are waiting for all these reports. Talk about the causes of death. "Talking with DT Vashada, News 18 Gujarati He said, In the last two years, 184 lions have died in Gir. Of the lions of 184, 32 lions have died unnatural. In response to a question asked in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, the government has accepted the lion's unnatural death. According to Theyli lion in 2015, there are 523 lions in Gir Forest and the surrounding areas.
21 lions have died in Gir forest since September 12, says Gujarat
 *This image is copyright of its original author Mahesh LangaAHMEDABAD, OCTOBER 01, 2018 20:16 IST
UPDATED: OCTOBER 01, 2018 20:16 IST *This image is copyright of its original author Asiatic Lions at Sasan Gir sanctuary in Gujarat. Photo used for illustration purpose only. | Photo Credit: Vijay SonejiAs precautionary measure, all lions residing in Samardi area have been rescued and brought to Jamwala Rescue centre. As many as 21 lions have died in Gujarat’s Gir forest, sending shockwave in the Asia’s only abode of wild cats. The government authorities attributed deaths to infighting and viral infection, prompting the state authorities to bring in experts from Veterinary Research Institute from Bareley and experts from Delhi Zoo. According to the state forest department, 11 lions died between September 12 to 19 in Gir’s Dalkhania and Jasadhar range. Out those 11 deaths, carcass of seven lions were found in the forest areas while four lions died during treatment. Moreover between September 20 to 30, 10 more lions which were rescued from Dalkhania range have died during the treatment, taking the toll to 21, making it the worst tragedy in Gir forest. ‘Injuries due to infighting, respiratory and hepatic’ “Post mortem report of 11 lions died during September 12 to 19, indicated infighting, injuries due to infighting, respiratory and hepatic failure as major causes for deaths,” a statement issued by the forest department mentioned. As a result, all lions in the affected range were rescued and shifted to Jasadhar rescue centre. They were thoroughly checked up and samples collected from their were sent to National Institute of Virology, Pune and Indian Veterinary Research Institute in UP, Veterinary college and forensic science laboratory in Junagadh to ascertain their health conditions. However, subsequently 10 more lions rescued from Dalkhania range died during treatment from September 20 to 30. The authorities sent their blood and tissue samples. “As per the reports received from NIV from Pune, virus were found in four cases, whereas traces of Protozoans, which is spread by ticks found the body of lions, were found in six samples sent to Veterinary College in Junagadh,” the statement added, admitting presence of viral infection causing deaths of lions in the region. Infection to lions limited to Sasasia forest area The forest department, however, has stressed that the infection is found to be limited to the lions of Sasasia forest area only. Now, as precautionary measure, all lions residing in Samardi area have been rescued and brought to Jamwala Rescue centre where they have been kept in isolation and actions are being taken to insulate them from the disease. “They have been kept under observation with an objective to give them immediate treatment, if required. However, no virus or bacteria has been reported from 31 lions rescued from Samardi forest area and they all are found healthy at present,” the forest department statement added. Moreover, as an emergency measure, the government is also importing certain vaccine from USA so that precautionary measure could be taken immediately. Meanwhile, experts from Delhi Zoo, Lions Sagar Park and Indian Veterinary Research Institute are examining kidney and liver functions of all lions which have been rescued and brought to the rescue centres. (10-01-2018, 09:41 PM)Rage2277 Wrote: 21 lions have died in Gir forest since September 12, says Gujarat On the 99th birth anniversary of Gandhi, they maybe might clear the lion translocation tomorrow... I heard from a guy on Quora! Not sure though, but fingers-crossed. 
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