Ranthambhore Tale's.. .

Wolf in the land of Commons

2012-01-01T05:51:00.001-08:00

Indian Wolf

Today an elderly man from the Gujjar community died and his communal feast were not just attended by the community people but also the left over puri’s (Kind of fried wheat bread) were eaten by dogs, cows, and wolf. The first Tiger Watch’s Conservation Leadership course participants should remember this interesting sight that happened in Dhunda village.

In his life, the man might have killed several wolves while trying to protect his sheep’s and goats. A researcher present on the sight told Jogi that the wolf might be happy feasting on the death of the man, who killed many of his own. Jogi said it is possible, if he is a mighty researcher like you, who has walked on the line to count wildlife and seen wildlife on camera traps but has no insight on real situations and issues.

So the annoyed researcher asked Jogi, what did this Gujjar do good for the wolf? Jogi simply replied, ‘what do you expect that the Gujjar would take the Mohammed Binzaid Grant grant and start some line transect survey? Perplexed the intellectual asked so ‘what did the Gujjar do good then?’

Jogi said, ‘Gujjar did nothing and that is the big thing, he kept intact the original land as it was. The landscape was not altered by the Gujjar, he kept life simple and did not do much to alter his surrounding areas. Ultimately, if the habitat remains the species would remain my friend. The Gujjars kept the livestock that is all’.

The researcher said, but that is the big problem when the livestock were killed they killed the wolves too.

Jogi asked what is the major food source for the wolf. The researcher said sheep and goat, Jogi said that sometimes their is anger in the individuals and they might kill some animal but that is not the case always. Gujjar is giving them the land – the habitat and the Gujjar's are providing the major source of food for this species in this area.

Jogi asked, ‘now what do you want more out of the Gujjar? He has adopted that lifestyle which automatically been saving the wolf, if there are some instances of conflict those are understandable’. He continued, ‘I think you have understood what I said now there is no much so you can go back to fixing your camera traps and if the wolf is not seen in the camera trap then do the biggest task that you can; making a questionnaire for the Gujjar and ask them about the wolf’

The researcher walked and from behind Jogi screamed, ‘instead of your institute faculty make Baba Phoolia Gujjar your Co-principal investigator, beta you will know more about the wolves than that your statistical & theoretical professors’

Making face the researcher left the place going back to his own world.

Later Phoolia Gujjar and Jogi sat together talking about the wolves and in that discussion; there were some interesting instances and facts, which are below, no will not bore you with technicalities....

an adult wolf watching with glaring eyes

Scientific name is Canis lupus and pallipes is the sub species. There is still a debate that among scientists that the Indian wolves are a separate species.

largest group we have photographed together 3 adults and 4 pups, total 7 wolves...

a tiny pup climbing on a mount of ravines

wolf pup coming out from his temporary den, they have more than one den...

Four wolf pups and a male wolf

dog ancestors showing same traits -a wolf playing with a shoe

Always alert ears

Exotic species Prosopis juliflora provides good shelter specially during the summer

Poo baby : he went shy only once in front of us but we didn't shy away from him and clicked his private movement

they escape from the situation very silently no rush no fear on the face

stallion no no no .....the wolf walk...

a sub adult wolf with lean body but big head.....

water and shelter most important factors for the wolf's survival

Wolf are considered the ancestors of domestic dogs however the sizes matches plus the howling is not as much as the other wolves species and subspecies

salivating in the summer heat, this gives the wolf name liyali

(in Hindi saliva called 'lar')

a pack of three....

hunting in the shadow......

many communication to each other.....

a wolf getting last flavor from the dry goat skull....

While playing they target one member whom all of them playfully attack : four sub adult wolves

Tired sub adult wolves resting back to back against each other

They spend a lot of time in that area where foul smell lies

The smell of a dead toad rubbing on their body

they are active through out the day

they are playful creatures

Three wolves becoming active in the dusk

Feces of the wolf indicating sheep wool

Common land where Gujjar and wolf both live together

Phooliya Gujjar in Banas river

Phooliya Gujjar and his loving Sheep....

Wolf is a problem? usual answer-yes sir they are killing 1 or 2 sheep per year

Gujjari Mai: accepting the loss of sheep by wolves and says even some aggressive Gujjar retaliate some time

The new trend of agriculture in the ravines area

Mining for Delhi and Noida sand demand: Not a big loss for wolves but yes it is a loss for hare and other wolf's prey

a young wolf with uncertain future

so till date wolves and Gujjar's are doing well in the ravines and off terrains but agriculture and mining are the new threats.

Wolf survey- 2011 volunteers- Trishant Simlai, Pooja Rathore, Nikhil, Rohit Jha, Rohit Charkravarti, Nimesh Ved, Parveen Shaikh, Ashish Nerlekar, Keyur Kulkarni and Aristo Mendis are trying to study the wolf trail hope they succeed and help conserve the common land where wolf and Gujjars can live together in harmony.

Wildlife Legal Procedure workshop -2011

2011-12-22T21:32:00.000-08:00

Organized By: Project Tiger, Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve,

Forest Department, Rajasthan.

Co-organized by : Tiger Watch

Ranthambhore has been always seen as the conservation temple, from time to time the forest department has joined hands with experts from various fields to work out fresh training models and refresh existing system to educate forest staff to protect wildlife of the region.

One such interesting step was the Wildlife Legal Procedure Workshop held on 21^st December at Ranthambhore. The objective of the workshop was to get on a single platform members from the legal fraternity be - public prosecutor fighting for the forest department, crime advocate fighting in favor of the lawbreakers and the judge besides other dignitaries.

The target audiences for this workshop were the forest officials (forest guards, foresters and rangers) who might be working hard to protect the forest but have not been sensitized enough on all the nitty gritties of managing the legal aspects once the criminal is arrested. Sometimes these people working for the forest become victim of the lawbreakers accusing them for unnecessary arrests. The workshop was carefully designed keeping in mind all the varied issues a forest official should look into before, in course of and after an arrest.

When Tiger Watch initiated the plan to conduct the workshop DFO Ranthambhore core – Mr YK Sahu stepped into action mentioning that it was the need of the hour and such an initiative would encourage all his staff to be more aware and enthusiastic about legal procedures which they need to follow in the day to day operations.

Mr. Sahu designed the workshop and emphasized that the speakers should be from the field. He emphasized that the talks should cover legal procedures involved with varied forest issues encountered by his team. Adv. Ms. Padmini Rathore and forester Mr. Omprkash Shaikywar designed the course material for sharing amongst the participants while Fateh public School provided the venue. Total 44 forest guards, forester and range officer have been participated in the workshop.

All the forest officials took immense interest in the workshop.

Workshop Session

1. 1. Mr. YK Sahu, DFO: The start of this session was though a welcome and introductory note by DFO Ranthambhore core – Mr YK Sahu. In his note he emphasized that all those present should carefully understand the new amendments to the laws as also the gaps the department personnel unfortunately leave while doing the paper work for the cases. He also encouraged Tiger Watch to organize such awareness sessions and finally thanked all the present honorable speakers who graced the occasion open heartedly for the open sessions of discussions which would help them to open their apprehensions and mental blocks.

DFO-Core Mr. Y K Sahu designed and organized the workshop

2. 2.. Hon. Mr. Ashok Kumar Agrawal, Chief Judicial Magistrate: key note speaker Mr. Agrawal spoke about the importance of protocols before and after an arrest and making of critical notes during the time of arrest. He also mentioned that any case should have proper paper work from the side of the department.

Chief judicial Magistrate Mr. Ashok Kumar Agrawal lighting the lamp

Mr. Asrar Ahmed, public prosecutor – Sawai Madhopur spoke about the important points while making case diary and charge sheets. He mentioned that issues like making of area maps and taking signature of the eye witnesses at time of arrests would be of great help in keeping confusions away. A case diary is accessed by the judges and should ideally contain details of all the relevant events in the case.

Public prosecutor Asrar Ahmed

4. Mr. Giriraj Tehria, Senior criminal Advocate: This session was one of the most interesting of all where spoke about how ambiguities in various procedures makes the case of the opponents stronger and the governments weaker. He also explained that there any many hearing when no one from the forest department comes for the hearing, which is equally important because of the opposition is not present the judge would only know one side of the story. Mr Tehria said that he too gets hurt when he hears of an animal poached or a tree being cut in the forest but this is his profession and he is supposed to defend his clients as much as a doctor defends his patients. He also mentioned that all the cases should have proper documents attached and more than anything else he emphasized that that department should have photographs of the events during the time of arrest especially when they are planned arrests an official can have a camera to take photographs which would lead to a very strong evidence in front of the judge and court.

Adv. Giriraj Tehria, senior criminal advocate

5. Dr. Bhagwan Singh Rathore, ACF: a much respected forest officials who did his LLB and later masters in law further completing his doctorate in law staying with in the forest services spoke at length about the wildlife protection act.

DCF Mr. Bhagwan Singh Nathawat delivered a very informative talk on Wildlife protection act

6. Advocvate Ms Padmini Rathore: who was coordinating on the dais gave a briefing session of all the speakers and also took a test of the attendees.

Adv. Ms. Padmini Rathore took a test of the workshop participates

Later ACF Mr. Sudarshan Sharma distributed certificates to participants and finally to conclude the session RFO, Mr Dinesh Gupta thanked all the people present – the team members who attended the session the speakers for their valuable time for his coordination and support in the Mr Sahu who full heartedly supported the program.

ACF Mr. Sudarshan Sharma distributing certificates to participates

ACF, Mr. Sudarshan Sharma distributing certificates

participants and faculty of the workshop

all pics by : Mr. Hans Dalal

Refinishing the Relocation

2011-11-27T03:39:00.002-08:00

Now the Villagers of Padra have no reason to sing ‘why this kollavari di?’ link below (Kollavari means ‘why did you do this to me?’) because they have now been given fair chance to live life just like the rest of their villager men and women, who were relocated in 2007.

If this village, which is located in the core of Ranthambhore forest, is moved out the forest department would be able to make space for 4-5 tigers in a secure protected zone otherwise these tigers would be forced to stray out to look for their territory.

These 23 families stayed back because they could not settle with the land they were offered, they were left with dented infrastructure as the rest villagers were gone besides these the remaining families were hindering the tigers from flourishing in the area.

Village Padra - A hurdle now in process of getting cleared for the inviolate landscape

The Chief Secretary of Rajasthan - the top most bureaucrat of the state, arrived in Jogi Mahal a few days ago and organized a meeting with all the concerned department officials. Instead of setting up just a meeting, the man of action set a morning aside to visit the villages himself along with the team consisting of the HoF, CWLW, DM, SP, CF, DFO, ACF, RO’s, AD and other officials to handover the cheques to the villagers.

A discussion of all local officers, senior officials and villagers

Mr S Ahmed sitting for further discussions with the villagers

Mr S. Ahmed discussing possibilities of better prospects after the villagers settle in the new land

DFO Mr YK Sahoo with HoF singing the cheques for distribution

This time the district of Sawai Madhopur has been blessed with genuine officers not one or two but most of the team members are proactive. With all the personal interactions, I have had with them the commissioner is a learned and strategic person; while the SP – an academician from Cambridge is a calm and controlled person.

The CF and DFO are not just managing regular duty but are actually following the wall construction around the park, but also rigorous monitoring of the tigress with cubs and legitimately concerned about their safety as some of them are living at the edge of the park and are in danger of villagers anger.

The three musketeers - CF Mr Gupta, SP Mr Bhomia and Collector Mr Kushwaha

Calling the water works engineers to make arrangements for boring water in the relocation site

Women looking forward to a better future for their children waiting outside the park

Mr S Ahmed calling amma to remove pardah and look at future - the elderly lady blessed him for the gift given by the government at the last stages of her life

A close up view of Village Padra inside the Ranthambhore national park

Padra village from inside

Chottu Gurjar - was attacked by a tiger few years ago bears the marks on his face and heart but today is happy to move out of the forest

Laughing laddoo.. but everybody else smiling too!

The team combined has covered most aspects of this village relocation. There is an important message which would pass on to the remaining villagers who are waiting to see if this village would move or now and once it does happen the rest would be motivated to follow. There are three more villages left to be moved outside the park 12 villages were relocated by late Shri Fateh Singh Rathore.

Tigress T11 with one of her three cubs - she lives in the same area; a few years ago the same tigress had lost her cubs to poisoning by villagers from the area

Jogi watching over the relocation process

Jogi is hopeful about the process of relocation rolling which would benefit the tiger and the locals both alike... one man has set an example and we hope remaining three villages will be relocated too...

So now no more Kollavadi di !!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR12Z8f1Dh8&feature=player_embedded

2011-08-01T01:51:00.000-07:00

Reformed poacher Jugraj Mogya

This story is of a poacher, who has killed three tigers in Ranthambhore National Park but since 1 ½ years he is working in the forest department office as a gardener.

Ex poacher Jugraj Mogya now working as a gardener in DFO office

Jugraj Mogya is facing trial in high court for killing three tigers from Ranthambhore national park. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9GRqMJLOA8 He was operating from the Uliyana village. In 2006, Jugraj surrendered his illegal weapon to late Shri Fateh Singh Rathore and his retired friend ex-DGP Rajasthan late Mr. Shantanu Singh. Add. SP -Mr. Samir Singhji lead team of CB –CID had listed him for poaching three tigers and selling to a trader.

Jugraj in police custody

Late Sri Fateh singh ji and Late Sri Shantanu Kumar ji addressing the media during Jugraj's surrender

http://news.oneindia.in/2006/11/21/notorious-poacher-belonging-to-kesara-gang-surrenders-1164096201.html

After few months in jail, Jugraj got a bail. When jugraj came back to his village Halonda, some villagers of Uliayana kidnapped him and made him a bonded labor, so that they could compensate their loan. Village Uliana is infamous for their violent people. In early 8o’s the villagers from Uliana had attacked Mr. Fateh and broken his legs and hand. They fired on policemen and provided shelter to poachers like Devi Singh.

Jugraj had taken INR 25000 loan for his daughters marriage from them. The villagers made new loan papers and included that Jugraj had taken INR 67000/- loan, actually they included interest in this sum. Now, Jugraj was asked to pay almost INR 2000 per month as interest and return the rest of the inflated money. That time DFO-Ranthambhore got news that Jugraj is in Uliyana again and can kill a tiger any time to return the loan. Once again the Forest officials contacted Tiger Watch to rescue Jugraj from Uliana.

Jugraj was rescued from Uliana by Tiger Watch team but scared Jugraj said that his family’s life could be in danger and he has no choice but to settle the loan. Fateh Singh rathore called up the villager who had lended the money to Jugraj and ACF Mr. Sudarshan Sharma to settle this case. Fatehji decided to give INR 25000 from Tiger Watch to the money lender and ACF Mr Sudharshan offered new job to Jugraj. Fateh’s German friend Mr. Dieter Gutman compensated this money to Tiger watch.

ACF Sudharshan Sharma played an important role in reform of Jugraj

ACF Mr. Sudarshan Sharma gave him job of gardener in forest office. Secure job and uniform gave Jugraj the confidence, peace of mind and dignity. To date Jugraj is working with forest department. Gratitude’s from Tiger Watch to Mr. Sudarshan Sharma for his positive contribution towards reform of this poacher.

If the community, NGO and authority do small deeds like this they can change the face of conservation.

Machali II fights T-6 for Sambar kill

2011-06-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

Machali fights T6

Those who know Ranthambhore also know its famous lady - Machali (II). Machali has been the grandmother of Ranthambhore now and is still fighting. We all have heard of her fighting the crocodiles (when she reined the lakes), her told and untold countless fights with other tigers and her stories of grace, dominance and richness (Machali has earned about US $ 10 million per annum for the last 10 years for Ranthambhore's economy) she has been indeed a legend and an asset to Ranthambhore and its people.

On 14th June we were fortunate to see the ageless lady again fighting for her food. And yes she is not scared she means business.

Read on:

Our first sighting was of T-6 but it was at a distance ... at laambi ka nallah first pic below ...

T-6 at the laambi ka nalla he sat in the waters, (which is the area currently occupied by Machali) for a long time sniffing the air as if searching for something. We didnt know...

Soon we got to know that Machali is sleeping with the sambar kill on the top plateau. It was about 6 PM yet hot summer was like a furnace! Machali was sleeping about 40 feet from the kill, the sambar looked huge. She must have consumed about 10% of it, she must have been waiting for weather to get cooler before she would eat also, due to the loss of canines she must be waiting for the meat to decompose which would be easier to chew.

Machali and the sambar kill

Within 10 minutes of us coming up came the male T-6 sniffing the kill he must have walked more than a kilometer distance.

Machali went alert even before most of us and we could easily see her apprehension and her gauging the situation.

The young male walking towards the kill

As soon as the male came closer Machali steped back and sat at some 50 feet distance

The male started to eat the kill

T-6 giving some interesting looks

In a moment he left the kill and rushed towards Machali

Machali stood on two feet, claws open and pounced on T-6 before he could attack

We see Machali facing the camera

Cat wrestling there

T-6 soon got the control

His paws striking Machali on face

Machali falling on the ground

Machali hitting the male on the eyes with claws out

Male turning back

One last warning

Big roars before T-6 pulls back

T-6 back at Machali's kill - stealing the steal

Pictures © Divya and Dharmendra Khandal.

Mis-Guided Guidelines?

2011-06-12T22:33:00.004-07:00

The new guidelines about "Eco-tourism" need to be more than fancy mathematical formulae

Last week the Ministry of Environment & forest (MoEF) on their website published a draft before issuing of the final guidelines for Ecotourism in and around Protected Areas. It has asked people to come forward and make suggestions over the draft guidelines.

It is a fair and pleasant approach that the public is been involved in making such policies. These guidelines have mainly two objectives – provide alternative livelihood opportunities for the local communities and second having low impact tourism that protects ecological integrity of wilderness areas, secure wildlife values of the destinations and its surrounding areas.

The entire countries conservation and tourism circles have been brainstorming on this issue. Many people - some are against the guidelines while some are in favour of it. Some conservationist and tourism people were involved in the initial stage of the guideline drafting committee and they say that though they were there but their concerns were not involved in making of these guidelines. The debatable topic here is that those suggestions from the committee members were not accepted, will the suggestions invited from local people be accepted; or is it just a way to show concern by the government. Looking at the report a nonprofessional may be baffled as it has so many scientific terms and mathematical formulas. Use of eco-friendly words make it sound like a scientific paper. However, as you go into understanding the depth of it the scientific uncloaking will reveal otherwise, the eco-friendly make up starts to fizz, which I will be discussing shortly.

Here we would discuss the mathematical formula:

ESTIMATION OF CARRYING CAPACITY

(Model Calculation, Example: Kanha Tiger Reserve)

(a) Physical Carrying Capacity (PCC): This is the “maximum number of visitors that

can physically fit into a defined space, over a particular time”. It is expressed as:

PCC = A X V/a X RF

Where, A = available area for public use

V/a = one visitor / M2

Rf = rotation factor (number of visits per day)

In order to measure the PCC to Kanha, the following criteria must be taken into

account:

_ Only vehicular movements on forest roads are permitted

_ The “standing area” is not relevant, but “closeness” between vehicles is important

_ There is a required distance of at least 500 m (1/2 km.) between 2 vehicles to avoid

dust (2 vehicles / km.)

_ At least 3 ½ hours are needed for a single park excursion

_ The PA is open to tourists for 9 months in a year and 9 hours per day

_ Linear road lengths within the tourist zone are more relevant than area, and the total

lengths are:

Kanha 107.20 km.

Kisli 72.56 km.

Mukki 103 km.

Total 282.76 or 283 km.

Due to constant vehicular use, the entire road length of 283 km. is prone to

erosion, out of which around 90 km. is affected more

Rotation Factor (Rf) = Opening period

Average time of one visit

Physical Carrying Capacity (PCC) = 283 km. x 2 vehicles / km. x 2.6

= 1471.6 or 1472 visits / day

(b) Real Carrying Capacity (RCC): RCC is the maximum permissible number of visits to a site, once the “reductive factors” (corrective) derived from the particular characteristics of the site have been applied to the PCC. These “reductive factors” (corrective) are based on biophysical, environmental, ecological, social and management variables.

RCC = PCC – Cf1 – Cf2

---------------- Cfn,

Where Cf is a corrective factor expressed as a percentage. Thus, the formula for

calculating RCC is:

RCC = PCC x 100 – Cf1 x 100 – Cf2 x ……… 100 - Cfn

100 100

Corrective Factors are “site-specific”, and are expressed in percentage as below:

Cf = Ml x 100

Where: Cf = corrective factor

Ml = limiting magnitude of the variable

Mt = total magnitude of the variable

Road erosion: Here the susceptibility of the site is taken into account 14

Total road length = 283 km. (Mt)

Medium erosion sink = 50 km. (weighting factor: 2)

High erosion risk = 40 km. (weighting factor: 3)

Ml = 50 x 2 + 40 x 3 = 100 + 120 = 220 km.

Mt = 283 km.

Cfe = 220 x 100 = 77.8 or 78%

------------

283

(ii) Disturbance to Wildlife: Here, species that are prone to disturbance owing to visitation are considered. The Central Indian barasingha, a highly endangered, endemic species found only in Kanha has a courtship period of about 1 month in winter, during which it is extremely sensitive to disturbance. Likewise, the peak courtship activity for spotted deer lasts for two months before the onset of regular monsoon. As far as tigers are concerned, newborns are seen between March and May and also during the rains; hence an average value of two months in a year can be considered as the matter phase.

Corrector Factor (Cf) = limiting months / year x 100

12 months / year

Corrective Factor for barasingha

Cf w1 = 1 x 100 = 11.1%

-------------

Corrective Factor for spotted deer

Cf w2 = 2 x 100 = 22.2%

----------

Corrective Factor for tiger

Cf w2 = 2 x 100 = 22.2%

---------

Overall corrective factor for disturbance of wildlife in Kanha National Park = Cf w =

Cf1 + Cf2 + Cf3

= 11.1 + 22.2 + 22.2 = 55.5 or 55%

(iii) Temporary Closing of Roads: For maintenance or other managerial reasons, visitation to certain roads may be temporary restricted within the Protected Area. The Corrective Factor in this regard is calculated as:

Cft = limiting weeks / year x 100

total weeks / year 15

In Kanha, an average value of 2 limiting weeks per year may be considered as the

“limiting weeks”, and thus the corrective factor works out to:

Cft = 2 weeks / year x 100 = 5.5%

36 weeks / year

Computation of RCC

RCC = 1472 x 100-78 x 100-55 x 100-5.5

---------- ---------- ----------

100 100 100

= 1472 (0.22 x 0.45 x 0.95)

= 138.4 or 138 visits / day

(c) Effective Permissible Carrying Capacity (ECC): ECC is the maximum number of

visitors that a site can sustain, given the management capacity (MC) available. ECC is obtained by multiplying the real carrying capacity (RCC) with the management capacity (MC). MC is defined as the sum of conditions that PA administration requires if it is to carry out its functions at the optimum level. Limitations in management like lack of staff and infrastructure limit the RCC.

For Kanha, owing to the paucity of staff the MC is around 30%. Hence, ECC = 138 x

0.30 = 41.4 or 40 vehicles / day.

Thus, the Effective Permissible Carrying Capacity on any single day is only 40 vehicles, which should be allowed entry as below:

(Forenoon) = 25 vehicles (inclusive of both entry points)

(Afternoon) = 15 vehicles (inclusive of both entry points)

During peak season (winter months), the staff strength may be increased (only 10%) by deploying “special duty” personnel; this would enhance the ECC to 55 vehicles per day.

Further, increase in the number of vehicles would lead to deleterious effects on the habitat.

The formula given above looks like some kind of specialized scientific work, but this formula is to be understood simply –

Description: there are three types of carrying capacity; Physical Carrying Capacity is the maximum number of vehicles, which can go inside the park. The second is the Real Carrying Capacity it is the number of vehicles that can be permitted, without disturbing the park’s wildlife and preventing the ecosystem from any erosion. The Effective Permissible Carrying Capacity is the maximum number of visitors that a site can sustain, given the park management capacity available.

How they calculated the different Carrying Capacities?

Physical Carrying capacity (PCC) – they said that the square kilometre area could not be applied to the Indian context, hence they measured a road length and recommended keeping 500 meters distance between two vehicles to avoid dust. Which means two cars can be permitted in 1 km, and there are two safaris in the day.

Hence, the total road length multiplied by 2 cars per km multiplied by two safaris is the total PCC. This is as simple as knowing how much water a bottle can hold.

What question arises from this calculation –

The main guidelines spoke about opening 15- 20% of the park area & then they came from area to road length to fit the formula. If we have contradictions in one single report then who will understand the report?
What part of the road is taken for the calculation entire road of the reserve or just the one open for tourism?
If the tourism area is taken then on what basis was the tourism zone opened?
Keeping distance of 500 meters between two cars was calculated to avoid dust, but what if it is a wet forest where there is no dust and what if the tourist is ready to face the dust. Will this data fluctuate when there are no dusty days such as the rains or post rains? It is a very relative thing, which is considered.

Real Carrying Capacity (RCC) –

RCC means the actual capacity of ecosystem, which, is without disturbing or least disturbing the wildlife, does not cause damage to ecosystem like erosion etc, and can tolerate the movement of vehicles.

RCC has calculated two types of disturbances one is the erosions of roads in the park and the other is disturbance to wildlife.

What question arises from this calculation –

They have classified two types of erosion - high and medium. On what basis were medium and high classified? In addition, how did they calculate that the medium is 100 km and high erosion is 120 km?
They calculated the disturbance to wildlife in Kanha this part is the most perplexing part. In the whole of kanha they selected only three animals – the tiger, barasingha and the spotted deer, why was Sambar, leopards, dholes, sloth bear, guar, hyena, insects, birds, other cats, and other canids not included? They believe that just these three animals get disturbed during breeding time only.

What about other animals?

Effective permissible carrying capacity (ECC) -

This capacity is keeping in mind the management capacity available for the park. According to them just 30 % management capacity is available in Kanha and so they reduced the RCC by 30%.

What question arises from this calculation –

In a park like Ranthambhore department of tourism was managing this work; however, the forest department fought and asked to take up this tourism management work in their portfolio.

If the forest department is so short staffed and working on 30% of its capacity then they should not be doing the tourism management work in the first place.

What is the ideal management capacity does there any such calculation exist, how much staff is required to manage said tourism?

Conclusion: they had to come out with a special figure, which they managed to achieve irrespective of the methodology of calculation.

2011-06-09T21:13:00.001-07:00

Day of the Jackal

Mysore based NGO Nature Conservation Foundation (http://conservation.in/jac

kal) created a forum on days of the Jackal which motivated us to put up this photo article of the images we had .. .they show some interesting behaviors of the Jackals. Two incidences are in photo sequel where the jackal is shown scavenging - the way it is percieved A Scavenger, however there is an instance where 2 jackals killed a Sambar fawn in Sariska Tiger Reserve.

Golden jackals are strictly nocturnal in areas inhabited by humans, but may be partly diurnal

jackals play an important scavenging role by eating garbage and animal carrion around towns and villages.

Members of the same family also cooperate in sharing larger food items

Jackal in greens

The golden jackal raids crops such as pumpkin, cucumbers, corn, sugarcane and watermelon. Farmers use these kind of fencing from Sarees to protect crops from Jackals and other wild animals

Jackal Habitat

Jackals prefer arid short grasslands and steppe landscapes

This was 2006 in Sariska where Dharmendra sighted this male close to a water hole

At the water hole stood a Sambar family which had the mother a young male and a fawn, the jackal can be seen in the background watching them

Though the golden jackal is a capable hunter, it normally does not attack larger animals. The fawn had got confused and did not run out while the other sambar left, the Jackal and sambar fawn face to face

While the male tried grasping the fawn the female came from behind into the water

Alert female in the background while the male still trying to hold down the fawn. Cooperative hunting is a important feature of the Jackals survival kit

Fawn trying to escape

The male Jackal holding the Sambar on the neck

Female comes to help

Both trying to drown the Sambar in water

Male holding the Sambar kill while female walks out

Still holding the fawn

Fawn in the water and male Jackal watching

Eating the hard earned meal in water

Food finished show over now stop clicking me

EXPRESSIONS

Display behavior

Angry

Expressions : I

Expressions : II

FIGHT

strange jackals meet each other, most of the behavior expresses subordination, superiority, or eagerness to attack.

They behave in a manner similar to domesticated dogs and wolves

Submissive behavior shown by the defeated male

BREEDING & YOUNG ONES

A "To be Mother" - Gestation period is about 2 months and litter size can vary from 1 to 9

Jackal pups come out of the den only after 2 weeks of birth, thats when weaning begins and external foods are bought to den by parents.

Male and female members of a golden jackal pair have important roles in maintaining their territory and in raising the young.

The basic social unit of the golden jackal is a mated pair or a mated pair and its young. Young males breed only after age of two, older litter often stays back near parents and they may form a family unit.

Food is transported from site to the den in their stomachs for later regurgitation to pups or lactating mothers

Hunting families hold territories of two to three square kilometers throughout the year

A male trying to keeps the crows away from a dead camel

Although they are opportunistic foragers their diet can vary due to season and habitat

When near human habitations, jackals will feed near landfills and cattle burial places

Having a feast tonight !

The camel got a new tail !

Fighting for food!

OK ... I am done, do you want a share too?

ROAD KILL

Road Kill : I

Road Kill : II

Road Kill : III

BUT IN THE END IT WILL

'Make his own road'

Jackal in Kuno forest - using ruins of the relocated villages

References:

1. Foxes, Wolves & Wild Dogs of the world - David Alderton

2. Foraging & Habitat Use By Golden Jackals in the Bhal Region, Gujarat, India Ambika Aiyadurai WII document Conservation of Indian Wolf

3. Golden Jackal (2004) YV Jhala and P D Moehlman

4. http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Canis_aureus.html

Ranthambhore's Mega Construction

2011-03-08T00:04:00.000-08:00

Irreversible damage of careless construction in the Ranthambhore National park

Ranthambhore is the meeting points of two hill ranges- Arvalli hills and Vindhyan Hill system. Ranthambhore is the last home of tigers in this Dry deciduous dhonk (Anogeissus pendual) forest, which comprises of deep valley called "khos" and hilly table tops called 'dangs'. All the Khos have natural perennial and seasonal water streams. Only two months of summer are water scarcity period for Ranthambhore. This is the time when nature eliminates the weaker population of wild animals naturally.

But there are many of the natural water holes which have water for these critical months too. Impact of climate change cannot be ruled out but the forest department is making simple water holes which is fulfilling the need.

Recently, the forest department started making exuberant number of water shed program in the small park. They have already constructed more than 100 small anicuts and 20 Telais (ponds) in the park in a period of 3 years. This time they are planing some 20 big size dams each costing 35 lac to 75 lac rupees. Old tiger Champion late Shri Fateh Singh Rathore always objected on this kind of disturbance inside the natural ecosystem of Ranthambhore. Sadly, he was completely ignored by forest department.

Heavy excavator machines, pneumatic drills and blasting for this construction are creating immense stress for wild the animals.

Pic: showing excavation for Bhanwardha Dam which is in the Berdha area

Pic: Huge digging operation executed with big machines

Pic: Showing an explosive loaded tractor with pneumatic drills in Berda area - one of the most important tiger breeding areas in the small park

The ecosystem of Ranthambhore is very fragile the temperature and rainfall in this place is in the extremes hence the evolution of the plants and animals in this region is according to the xeric conditions. If we do any manipulation in this we will end up with some irreversible damage. Irrigation and Forest department both are involved in this construction and NREG/ NABARD schemes funding the projects.

Work is already going on:

In the last few months there has been an alarming amount of construction work and earth moving disturbance inside Ranthambhore National Park. In particular a number of cement annicuts and earth dams have been constructed around GALAI SAGAR. It is feared that this will affect the water-holding of this lake, in an area where there are a number of resident tigers including a tigress with cubs..

The TAMBAKHAN road has also been gouged out and widened with a JCB, apparently to facilitate use of this road by tourist vehicles going to ‘Zone 4’.

Just short of Tambakhan, large areas of earth have been removed by a JCB for road building.

Pic: Map showing the areas with proposed anicuts and natural water sources

These negative intrusions are totally unnecessary and will cause untold damage to the delicate balance of Ranthambhore’s habitat.

Pic: Tender notice showing a list of proposed sites, while constrcution of 6 dams are already in process.

A few examples are:

Pic: A proposed annicut at ADI DAGAR, beyond Lakardah, in a nullah that runs from Lakardah to Bakola. It has a number of perennial waterholes that provide water to wildlife, especially during the critical summer months. This is where the tigress ‘Machali’ (T-16) spent the summer of 2010, making kills around the waterhole.

Pic: Apart from irreparably damaging the natural, all-season Adi Dagar waterhole, the proposed annicut will inundate the surrounding rock walls that are home to a host of wildlife, including monitor lizards, mongooses, and owls. The proposed construction outlines of the annicut can be seen above.

Pic: Five hundred yards away is another waterhole. The proposed annicut will also destroy this second deep perennial pool. A cement annicut at this site is unnecessary and will be extremely destructive.

Pic: At ADI DAANT there is another important perennial waterhole that falls into BAKOLA. It will most likely dry out if the proposed annicut is constructed.

Pic: Another annicut (see construction outlines above) is planned in the BERDAH area. The site, called BHANWAR DEH, is a critical perennial waterhole that has probably existed for hundreds of years.

Pic: This deep pool is marked to become the tail end of the Bhanwar Deh annciut, which would most likely destroy this vital all-season waterhole.

Possible threats to the park:

All the proposed and in execution areas are breeding valley of the tigers. These dams will ruined them completely. During the construction the will lead to tigers moving out, from these territories. Which is already started happening. Heavy excavator machines, pneumatic drills and blasting for the construction are creating immense stress for wild the animals in that area. The soil texture of the area does not support water retention; impact – the water will stay just for 3-4 months and not during the steep summer season. And during the water holding days they will spoil this fragile ecosystem – the Dhonk (Anugesus pendula) will wear away.

The flora of this xeric and arid environment when exposed to excess water get damaged. Eg: the dhonk tree (Anogeissus pendula) is the main tree of this area. When it receives water in the non-water months it gets damaged and dies out. When the dhonk in the valleys get over, it affects gravely the fodder availability in the area as they shed the last and in the hot summer months this is the only tree leaving out fodder for the ungulates. The dang dhonk on the other hand sheds the leaves earlier and by then also the grass dries and becomes more fibrous and unpalatable, so in these steep months only the fodder of the valley's dhonk is available for all the animals.

Similarly the fauna too is affected, the moisture content of the soil increases which disturbs the burrowing animals largely. These burrowing animals are the base of the food cycle as they affect all the small cats like caracal, jungle cats also the raptors etc. This will have great impact on the ground birds such as the quails and partridges which primarily prefer this dry ecosystem. It is hence possible that with such irresponsible moves made by us we may destroy the last holding grounds of the elusive species like the caracal and other small cats.

Sometimes, these altered habitats attract exotic species and create menace for the region - It is possible that due to this the excessive water some other pest rodent may arrive and replace the natives, this pest can possibly damage the natural seed stock. In the same way exotic plant species can also increase in the region.

The dam and anicut constructions are close to the natural water points which will eventually lead to silting, this would choke the water flow and sooner or later the natural water body will be finished. At the moment with the strong flow the leaf litter and soil flushes out due to the water pressure. The best example of this is the Adidant nallah.

All the construction is done with the use of huge excavators, JCB machines and pneumatic drills causing noise pollution and turbulence which fundamentally causes disturbance in the wildlife of the area.

The Ranthambhore 10 year management plan mentions that these kind of water anicuts construction should be of loose stones and grass bed on top for holding the water.

The Hon. Supreme court's order 14/2/2000 in IA no. 158, which has peremptory to not have any construction inside the park without its approval, however this directive has been disregarded several times resulting in unwanted structures like anicuts, guard posts, roads etc.

Such habitat alteration require rigorous scientific protocols and sound environment impact assessment before any slapdash constructions.

Return of the striped King...Yuwaraj Tiger

2011-01-29T01:50:00.001-08:00

Story of Yuwaraj tiger – who was declared poached and the poachers were caught by the Forest Department some still absconding but Yuwaraj tiger still alive and is in his home – Ranthambhore!

Many news published, blogs written, people moaned the death of a beautiful sub adult tiger, little did they know he was in the national park all the while hunting on wild boars & sambars and drinking the water from the streams of Ranthambhore!

Stories of Yuwaraj's death - Leaving many questions - published in news papers

Jogi ji only could give the details of this incident – so let us ask him. “Jogi ji, what’s the story of Yuwaraj tiger?”

Jogi ji said, “Yuwaraj was the young male, first litter of T15 – Guda tigress who walked out of Ranthambhore and reached Lakheri area – he was said to have reached Bundi and the people of Bundi district (adjoining to Ranthambhore) even celebrated and welcomed his presence. However, he was supposedly poached in November 2007.

A wonderful picture of Yuwaraj tiger taken by Shri Aditya Singh

The file photo of Yuwaraj (Courtesy Forest Department)

Bachu Mogya and his brothers were made the culprits in these, Bacchu died during the chase by the forest department, while his brothers - Moolya Mogya, Sakrama Mogya are still wanted and are scared and absconding on that case – Yuwaraj’s brother – T12, was shifted recently to Sariska and was in news”

Jogi said “Match some old image of Yuwaraj with T21 and you will see what I am saying... The two are the same tigers.

Jogi ji but I do not have Yuwaraj’s photo – Jogi said, “Check for his photo in Aditya’s blog and match it with T21” http://www.dickysingh.com/2007/12/another-ranthambhore-tiger-killed/

You can also ask for his photo from Sachin Rai and many others who had been here during this time...

Hence, if they said that Yuwaraj was missing and they had caught the poacher who killed him how it is that T21 matches the stripes with Yuwaraj?

We know that no two tiger’s stripes are the same it is just the way our finger prints are unique, hence Yuwaraj was here all the while and we booked some poachers for his death?”

Then there are several questions to be raised,

1. On what evidences did the forest department declare Yuwaraj to be poached?

2. On what physical evidences (seized skin / bones / claws etc) were these, Mogya’s booked for the tiger’s death?

3. If Yuwaraj is alive then was some other tiger killed at that time? Do we know which one?

“This is ridiculous! So did any tiger die?”

Jogi said, “This is where we are having lapses in our monitoring...”

I was even told that this male T25 was never captured before and had dollar like marking hence called the dollar male but some people have been talking of it coming from MP. If he has come from Madhya Pradesh then we should look for the corridor he has used and develop it, it is great news. However, if not then we should scan through our way of monitoring and reassess the tiger status.

Dollar male with $ like marking on the belly side - Now called T25 (Picture: Shri Balendu Singh)

Dollar male (Picture: Shri Balendu Singh)

File records showing T25 to be a female tigress

Jogi said, “There is more to it –

1. Who is T25 according to the FD? T25 is a female in the FD records. However, I was told the Dollar male seen these days in between Tamba khan and Bhoot Khura is been called T25.

2. If T25 is a female then who is this new male?

3. If T25 is a female then where has she disappeared?

4. Does FD has a family tree of the tigers?

5. Are the officers and guards not in same levels when it comes to tigers in the National Park, confused with tiger genders and territories?

Jogi concluded, “If we want to save our tigers we have to first understand them and strengthen out our monitoring system or else we will lose them without even knowing which tiger it was!”

Jogi ji left before asking few more questions –

They do not know which tiger went to Gangapur city and has he returned or not from there yet?
They had no clue about T14 (Old Sultanpur female) whom they considered dead for a year before she reappeared
T47 (Mohan tiger) is funnily said to have returned and sometimes they say he is still in Murena area.
When T7 reached Mathura they kept believing he was T47 and until then they kept assuming that T7 was inside the park !
They have no idea about T43’s location.
When the female T25 disappeared they started calling a male T25 (Dollar male)
T37 was believed to be in Kota for months and later it was found out that T37 was there itself – the tiger there was moving was T35. Until then they didn’t even know she had reached Kota so we were neither monitoring T35 nor T37

It is possible that in the national parks all across the country it may be difficult to monitor individual tigers but in a dry deciduous forest like Ranthambhore it is surely possible and we should be doing it...

The Role of Police in the recent attack

2010-08-23T03:55:00.000-07:00

As the Tiger incident unfolds in Ranthambhore many effects of a system failure particularly with regard to the forest officials are coming to the forefront. The Bhuriphadi village which has generally not been hostile towards the forest in the past was already hostile in terms of an earlier incident where some money had changed hands and no receipts were provided. Under these circumstances Daulat Singh was sent to tranquilise this male Tiger that had already been suffering under heavy human disturbance. He was lucky to have had a committed Police Force with him that had little experience of Tiger control but were there to prevent any untoward incident between village and forest officials. This police force was already exhausted due to two days of Municipal election duty but still managed to be there and do the best they could. There was no officer from the Forest Department guiding the police force in any manner and they were left to be mere spectators with no instruction. However they still tried their best to control the mobs. They even tried to convince Daulat Singh to not go and try to tanquilise the Tiger the 2rd time as it was dangerous. Daulat was convinced and tried to tell his immediate superior Mr Sedu Ram Yadav that no more effort to tranquilise should be done as it was dangerous. However Sedu Ram was communicating with his superiors over the wireless and insisted that a 3^rd attempt be made. It was against the back drop of this complete lack of understanding of the situation on behalf of the superior officers that Daulat took the risk to make a 3^rd attempt. This situation is further compounded by the fact that as soon as Daulat was gravely injured the 1^st person to leave the scene of incident was Mr Yadav and behind him disappeared most of the forest officials. It was the police that took stock of things and got Daulat out of the area and sent him to the Hospital. Not only did they do this but they kept a vigil on the Tiger keeping people away from the scene through the night and until the next day when the Tiger has left and gone back into the safety of the Park. During this entire period no forest official or staff stayed at the scene to watch the Tiger. Had the police not been there the villagers would have definitely killed the Tiger and if not that then the Tiger would have killed some of them.

ACF Sedhuram Yadav retreating after attack on Daulat Singh

Time and time again it has been seen that in crucial wildlife management crisis the top official in the Forest Department fail to provide a measured and experienced response. There is no standard operating protocol for such incidents and every action taken is a knee jerk reaction made on the spur of the moment causing needless injury to man and animal.

A Tragic day in Ranthambhore.. .

2010-08-21T06:11:00.005-07:00

Mr Daulat Singh attacked by the tiger when he went to close while trying to tranquilize him

20^th august 2010 was yet another tragic day for the tiger and a brave forest ranger.

T7 (5-year-old) one of the favourite’s tiger of the tourism zone who shared his territory with his own father T2 (10 year old) unfortunately strayed out of the park due to the overgrazing of cattle by Uliana and Bhadlav villagers and entered the agricultural field of Bhuripahadi village.

The Background: At about 3 AM tiger killed one of the buffalo calves of a villager, at about 3.15 AM the villagers discovered this, threw stones on the tiger, pulled away the calf, and informed the forest department.

The forest department reached on site around 5 AM and about three canters of police also reached. By then about 1,500 villagers had gathered around in that area, the men and women of the village were creating unnecessary havoc and pressure on the officers.

Sites of attack which have taken place in the past 4 months

One of the Rangers – Mr Daulat Singh [The most able and efficient ranger of Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve] was cornered by villagers and physically abused.

This shoving created stress and strain on the forest rangers. The tiger was equally stressed due to the continuous stone throwing and other noises.

The stressed out tiger trying to find its way out of the crowd back in the forest

The ranger tried to tranquilize the tiger twice but missed the shot, third time around he tried to bend down and check if the tiger was darted but the tiger made a surprise attack.

Daulat Singh Saktawat was gravely injured on hands and face with him losing one eye.

Mr Daulat Singh rescued by the forest guards

He was rushed to the Sawai Madhopur Hospital, which had no electricity in the first place leave alone a sterilized Operation theatre. The state of the hospital was pathetic with no monitoring equipment, no oxygen, no ventilator and room was moist and filthy with fungus on the walls. Crowds of people were allowed to enter at will as if there was some magic show taking place and everyone was invited. Every possible protocol of Emergency Care was violated. Very crude patch up work was being done and that too in the light of a torch and even the torch was not immediately available and was brought by Dharmendra Khandal which was a car light used for Hyena filming. The generator was not working and everything was left to the mercy of God.

Under normal circumstances in such a small District town, the General Hospital would be the logical place to take all emergencies, but here there was an option of the best emergency care that was on the way from the site of injury, which was Ranthambhore Sevika.

The Sevika Hospital was on the way from Bhuriphadi and would save at least 30 minutes time as that is how long it would take to get to the General Hospital. Sevika Hospital is equipped with the best Doctors and equipment and yet the local officials took the unnecessary risk to take one of their brethren to the General Hospital where even electricity was not available.

These were the mistakes made due to the ego and protocol issues by the forest department, however there were some mistakes made on the site of the catastrophe:

No basic emergency equipment was available to combat the situation in such case with mob around; a kit should be available with the foresters, which would contain a loudspeaker to pacify the crowd, safety wear for the team such as helmets, and thick jackets (Which could have prevented this incident due to which Mr Daulat Singh ji lost one of his eye).

The eye lid was stitched with the cheek in the Sawai Madhopur hospital pretty badly and it will take a lot of work and expertise of the plastic surgeon to correct it.

Mr Daulat might not be able to see with one of his eye in the future but the eyes above all of us is looking at the people who let it happen due to their ego's and impassivity.

After the darkness of the night the tiger returned back in the jungle...

In the night the tiger went back to the forest...

2010-03-07T05:42:00.000-08:00

Two Tigers Down . ..

Where.. . Why.. . How?

Today 2 Sub adult tigers found dead due to poisoning in Talda Khet village which is in corridor of Ranthambhore National Park (RNP) and Keladevi Sanctuary (KDS)

The carcass of tiger 1 - sub adult cub

Forest Department inspecting the dead bodies of one of the 2 tigers dead

Ranthambhore - 7^th of March 2010

Place – Village Taldakhet (In corridor area between Ranthambhore National Park and Keladevi Sanctuary, 1/2 Km away from RNP)

2 tigers were found dead in Village Talda khet, which comprises of just 5 Gujjar families. The age of tigers was about 2 year old.

Carcass of Tiger 1 found at some distance from its brother

Carcass of the sub adult Tiger - 2

The carcass was 2-3 days old. The tigers had killed 2 goats, one goat was tied to a tree which was probably poisoned by the villagers, while the other goat was lying on the ground nearby. The reason was that these tigers had been killing villagers livestock!

No external injury was found on the tigers, and the bodies were in almost decomposed state.

Almost decomposed body found after 2 - 3 days - shows the lack of monitoring?!

Satellite map of the village where the 2 sub adult cubs were found dead due to poisoning.

This is exactly the same place where a few days back a road was being constructed between Keladevi Sanctuary and Ranthambhore National Park, this village is just at the fringe of this corridor.

Since 3 months, these cubs were going with their mother and used to halt in the area... These tigers were frequently visiting this Ravenous area.. . One side is Vindhya range and other side is a river flowing..

Forest Department has accepted that it is a poisoning case.

Map of the corridor area between Ranthambhore National Park and Keladevi Sanctuary showing Talda Khet Village

Fateh Singh Rathore’s Questions to the authority –

1) The two sub adult tigers were visiting that area since 1 ½ months did they improve monitoring?

In my understanding – Lakshmi Pandit, forest guard - was the only one monitoring that area.

2) Did they have dialogue with the resident villagers?

3) Did they leave a monitoring vehicle in that area?

In my understanding – All the monitoring vehicles are busy in tourism or getting vegetables in the houses of the officials.

4) Why was this small but significant village not on their relocation priority, when they are spending 30 crore rupees on a lesser significant village – Hindwad,

In my understanding – they have no ground plan as to how they have to shape Ranthambhore’s future.

5) There is tremendous construction inside the Ranthambhore National Park and the tigers are disturbed and forced to move out, has the department understood this and done something about it?

6) If they were going in an area which does not have a prey base - there are no spotted deer and no sāmbhar deer’s, how many domestic animals did they kill and how many of the villagers got a cattle compensation?

If they do not answer the first 5 questions – but answer, just the last question that I ask - the truth will reveal...

The unacceptable thing in this incident is that the people who are appointed for the monitoring of tigers are busy with tourism and other jobs.. .

Who are the culprit - The village has 5 brothers - Hari Gujjar, Ramcharan Gujjar, Mangilal Gujjar, Kedar Gujjar and Surjan Gujjar. Ramcharan has been arrested. The goats belonged to Mangilal Gujjar and Surjan Gujjar while 2 sons of Surjan are arrested.

Photo courtesy: Giriraj Sharma (ETV)

Thickets of Thorn - Prosopis juliflora

2010-02-25T05:04:00.000-08:00

Thickets of Thorn - Prosopis juliflora

The Thorns are creating trouble for the soft padded Tiger

(A plant species from Mexico - which has invaded and grown cancerously in and around Ranthambhore is an unseen threat to the tiger. If not treated in time, it will become a invincible. .. A discussion with Jogi on Prosopis juliflora... )

After taking a holy bath from Kumbh mela Jogi returned a cleansed and recharged soul.

He took a safari with Ranthambhore’s crazy people to enlighten them, although people were apprehensive to go along with him but who could have refused our Jogi.

Finally the safari began, seated in gypsy were - Fateh Singhji, Balendu Singhji, Dicky, Dharmendra, myself while Raees was our driver.

However, the gypsy got punctured near the Guda chowki! And had no Stepney in it. Fathji said, “If Shameem’s vehicles had Stepney in them the world would have been a different place”.

Raees’s devil’s advocate Dharmendra said, this is due to the juliflora thorns, what’s his fault?

Fathji said, “Yaar vehicle getting punctured is okay, but he should keep Stepney at least?!”

Balendu Singhji was the wisest and he took the opportunity to mould the discussion towards a meaningful direction in order to pass the time . ..

Balendu Singhji asked, “How did it invade the state of Rajasthan?”

Raees in the meanwhile went to the chowki to get some aid.

Jogi said, “I shall tell you about juliflora – juliflora’s story is Romantic.”

All of us looked amused as Jogi speaking romance was new to our ears!

Jogi looked at Fathji and asked, “Can there be a relation between a shrub and romance Fathji?” Fathji looked at Jogi but it felt as if he was just looking through him and had actually gone in his distant past.. .

Jogi shrugged Fathjis shoulder but then without waiting he started speaking himself...

He said, Jodhpurs darbar (Ruler)Maharaja Hanmant Singh was an handsome man.. strong in built and soft at heart.

He was ambitious and always had a special interest in bringing out new technologies. In the 40’s and 50’s he had an aircraft, which he piloted himself.

He was peoples person and a very liked ruler of his time.. . there came a time when he fell in love with someone. Her name was Zubeida. He would take utmost care of Zubeida.. .

In the summers he would take Zubeida from the hot desert area of Jodhpur to Rajasthan’s highest peak area – Mount Abu.

Blinded in love Hanumant Singh wanted to do something extraordinary for his love, at the same time Zubeida would keep testing his love for her.. .

While in Mt. Abu, some Maharajas from Gujarat state were with them, as the royal guests, the Maharaj of Gujarat talked about how in the Kutch and the Dang jilla (region) Prosopis juliflora was been forested.

At that time Zubeida told Hanumant Singhji, that the area they would fly between Mt. Abu and Jodhpur was very dry and barren and some greenification should be done there too.

On this, Hanumant Singhji started the plantation work and the love struck Raja wanted to please his lover very soon; for this he did aerial spraying of the P. juliflora seeds for which he did back and forth rides in the area several times.. .

In 10-15 years this place was green and a thicket developed in that area.. the Jodhpur darbar went on to declare juliflora as a wonder tree and it was banned from being cut, burnt or removed.

This was the first exotic species invasion in the state of Rajasthan which got uplift from a very big ruler...

I said, “then this is very good, a dry state like Rajasthan getting green!”

Jogi nodded his head and said, “Yes, all is green but just green is of what use? Its leaves are filled with poison which makes it inedible for any animal, stems have huge nail like thorns making it impossible to walk through it for any animal or human alike, the roots have the power to suck extra nutrients and water from the soil making other trees impossible to grow where it stays.”

Dicky asked Jogi, “How did this pest invade Ranthambhore?”

Jogi said, “it was restricted to just Marwar in times of Hanumant Singhji – but it was spread by the Forest Department of Rajasthan – in their Greenifation of Aravalli scheme. For this they got funds from the Japan Government – crores of rupees were given by Japan governemnt for ecology restoration and since Rajasthan is a dry state juliflora was chosen for fast and successful plantation. The Forest department made a new department and new buildings were erected too and this plantation drive was started as the Aravalli project”

Jogi said, if you want to know more about the juliflora here is more information...

About the plant : Prosopis juliflora (Swartz)

Family: Leguminosae

A large shrub or a small, evergreen, armed tree, branches long, with thorns. Pods linear, compressed, straight or often falcate, indehiscent, 0.8-1cm, Seeds 20-25, compressed, ovoid.

Flo.and Fr.: Almost throughout the year.

Favorable Climatic condition: A hot dry climate, mild winter, low rainfall and clear atmosphere are said to suit it best.

Incidentally the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve provides the mesquite with all these favorable conditions.

- Prosopis juliflora is weed that degrades the natural ecosystem of the park.

- A notorious plant species that crosses the physical boundary of the park and enters into the prime habitat of the Tiger.

- P. juliflora covers more then 60 Sq.Km. of the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve .

- Prime Tiger Habitat is then converted into dense impenetrable thickets of the mesquite.

Chronology

Its a Native plant of Mexico. In 1879 its seeds were bought from Kew, England and introduced in the Sholapur district of Maharashtra.

In 1894, Large-scale plantations were carried out in the Pabbi Hills in Gujarat – this was the first trial of Forest Department.

In 1913-14 it was introduced in Jodhpur as a part of highly successful afforestation scheme.

And in 1976-78, it was introduced in Ranthambhore Tiger reserve, Plantation Scheme known as Rawara Plantation.

How does it disperse ?

Biotic agents, especially ungulates are the principal agents for the seed dispersal in the park.Dropping analysis of the different animals shows that following animals are the primary agents………

1.Antelopes (Blue bull & Chinkara).

2. Porcupine

3.Grazing cattle of outskirts.

These animals are fond of the P.juliflora pods. By eating the pods and excreting its seed helps to spread the plant further in the park.

Ungulates are the natures agent in spreading the juliflora seeds in the area

Survival Strategy of juliflora –

Leaves of the mesquite are not edible due to the presence of strong alkaloid's. However the pods are full of sugar, attracting ungulates and other animals to consume them, thereby causing their dispersal.

The sweet tasting pods attract the ungulates and other animals and they disperse the seeds through their droppings.. .

Impact on Native Flora

Grows very fast in comparison with the native flora. It crowds out the local plant species.

Chemicals of fallen leaves prohibits growth of any other plant species, especially fodder grasses for ungulates.

Well developed root system, absorbs extra nutrients, other plants in the vicinity cannot compete and grow.

Soft padded animals like the Tigers are easy victims of juliflora thorns...

Impact on Fauna

1. Highly susceptible thorns. The Mesquite infested area is inaccessible for the Tiger and other animals. Many birds have not yet learnt to tackle these alien thorns. Generally, they never nest in this tree.

2. Leaves of P.juliflora upsets the digestive system of ungulates.(because of the presence of strong alkaloids in leaves). Pods of the mesquite, which the ungulates relish, dislocate their jaw, thus reducing grazing efficiency.

3. This plant has been encroaching on the foraging grounds of the crane in areas such as Gilai Sagar and Mansagar lake.

4. Lewis and Elwin Lewis (1977) reported that ingestion over a period of time results in death of cattle.

5. Kingsbury (1964) Mesquite poisoning may induce a permanent impairment of the ability to digest cellulose.

6. Lewis and Elwin Lewis (1977) reported that pollen grains may cause allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, and hypersensitivity.

These thorns are as nasty as iron nails.. .

Uses of the Mesquite

1. P.juliflora is a chief source of fuel wood for the rural areas around the park. Use of the mesquite as a fuel wood, is the only known use. Some times it is also used for charcoal production.

2. Wood of the mesquite cannot be stored for a long time without chemical treatment unlike other species, so it has low furniture wood value.

3. Few people claim that it’s a great source of honey, gum, flour, fodder and wood but these are not yet popular. On the other hand it is detrimental to the native flora and fauna, thus making it very expensive in the overall picture.

The red clusters show the spread of juliflora in and around Ranthambhore

Magnitude of P. juliflora in the park

A. Monoculture of P. juliflora

1. BherawandaKhurd to Khandar to Sanwata. (1.5 x 30 km. long strip) = 45 sq.kms

_{2. Other areas (Amershwar, Sherpur, Bhadlav et. ) = 15 Sq.Km.}

_{B. Individual scattered Plant - approx 1,50,000 trees}

Management of juliflora

Their are two safe methods of eradication of the P.juliflora:

1. Monoculture stage can be eradicated mechanically.

(Excavator machine= JCB).

2. Single plant and sapling stage can be removed manually.

Caution :

- it is very important that root system or root part should not remain.

- Regeneration of eradicated plant should be regularly monitored in the operated area.

”Balendu Singhji said, “scientists and ecologists have strong negative opinions on invasive species and we understand your point Jogiji, but what next?”

If Hanumant Singhji was aware of this problem he would have also made the efforts to eradicate the juliflora even if it was the source of happiness for his lover Zubeida as he was a tough headed man , but the forest officials who ARE aware of this sprouting issue keep their eyes conveniently closed...

Jogi replied, “The government should use schemes like Mahatma Gandhi Rojgar Gaurantee Yojana and people like Fathji should be made the governing body as he has the experience and knowledge, about it all. In fact there was a water hyacinth problem in Bharatput years ago when Fathji was the Field Director there and all birds had stopped coming. He successfully eradicated the pest weeds from the water...

Similar efforts and dedication is needed in Ranthambhore...

And there came Raees bhai panting, rolling a spare tyre he got from somewhere... A tough jungle man - he said, these nasty thorns can pierce into tough radial tyres imagine, what distress they cause to the tigers soft paws - He too can understand the simple logic but not the forest department perhaps.. .

To the (Wanted) Poacher's Delight .. . Lodya Mogya Story

2009-12-12T01:33:00.000-08:00

To the (Wanted) Poacher's Delight .. .

A fund of Rs 103 crores is being given to the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve from the Central government for the relocation of villages so that the tiger gets more space. The first village to be shifted is Hindwad.

Almost 40 crore INR is going to be spent for this particular village relocation. In Hindwad village there is a big colony of Mogya Community – of the total 120 Mogya families – 30 families live here.

Many of the Mogya’s from this place were directly involved in Tiger Poaching.

Tiger Watch has been able to nab many of these poachers with the help of police department, the main accuse from here were Lakshman Mogya and Ramji lal Mogya.

One tough and intelligent some 40 year old poacher lives here too – his name is Janki lal Mogya AKA Lodya Mogya AKA Raju lal Mogya.

Lodya Mogya - The Wanted Poacher - To receive relocation money from the Forest Department!

Neither does Lodya surrender nor is he caught. He is the only person who has poached tiger with other community members apart from the Mogya’s – the Mogya’s usually have their own gang from within the community.

This nasty poacher is involved in the killing of 3 tigers from Indala Dang of Lahpur Range.

He was the gang leader and hid in the Chhan village.

Lodya lives here and this village is being shifted – an opportunity of INR Ten Lac (One million Rupees) has come in front of him like winning an unexpected lottery ticket!

But this is a moment to get him to surrender for the charges – CBCI case is against him. The CID (CB) case 2005 – Jaipur FIR 08/5; the team led by Additional SP Mr. Samir Singh an efficient Police man under his direction several poachers have been arrested.

Samir Singh - Additional SP - A brave and efficient officer who has arrested several poachers...

Recently, Lodya went to forest department administration and filled his form and registered himself. Interestingly he is going to receive the amount in a couple of days...

Without court proceedings against him for the crime of killing Three tigers – if he receives the compensation, it would be nothing less than a tragedy for the ‘Golden Gods’ for whom the Forest department is supposed to work!

Dharmendra Khandal from Tiger Watch – has informed this to the FD and Lodya’s name is in the wanted list and Dharmendra has informed this to Lodya too, that no money will he get without surrendering - Lodya's reply to this was, "50 Gms lead and 50 Gms Gun powder; is sufficient for you to keep you away from my business Dharmendra Sahib".

Sadly, The FD keeps having coordination meetings with the Police for the raid operation but the tourism business keeps them busy.

Now that the official protectors keep cutting tickets for visitors – The vulnerable tiger lives probably just to save himself from encroachers, wood cutters, illegal grazers and also lastly from the poachers – their greatest enemy...

Is that the fate of Ranthambhore tigers?? .. .and Jogi Sighs!

An SOS – For the Protection of Corridor Between Ranthambhore National Park & Keladevi Sanctuary.

2009-11-21T19:16:00.000-08:00

An SOS – For the Protection of Corridor Between Ranthambhore National Park & Keladevi Sanctuary.

This document is meant to re-look at the conservation need for unhindered tiger movement between Ranthambhore National Park and Keladevi Sanctuary; the situation of corridor between the two areas and the human development happening in the region.

Introduction:

Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve (RTR) is spread in a total of 1330 Sq. Km. area, which comprises of three protected areas; Viz. Ranthambhore National Park (RNP), Sawai Mansingh Sanctuary (SMS) and Keladevi Sanctuary (KDS).

Tiger is found in RNP and SMS of the RTR. The reason being that SMS and RNP are well connected; however a state highway – Sheopur (MP) to Sawai Madhopur bifurcates the two.
River Banas divides Keladevi Sanctuary and Ranthambhore National Park. Banas river dam is made in Bisalpur area to supply water in Jaipur; due to which the Banas River bed has dried up.

Now this river bed is a gold mine for people as sand deposits are removed for construction. This sand supply is not sent to just Rajasthan area but is removed in such great amounts that it is supplied to U.P, Delhi, M.P. This humongous business has created a mafia lobby in the area.

About Corridor:

At this moment it is a simple dry river bed at places its width is 1 km while in others its about 2 km; a thin perennial water stream running through it. On one side is RNP and the other is KDS. Migratory birds arrive every season, silver sand is seen and at nights wild boars and chital heard are spotted here. Some villagers do a bit of agriculture in this area close to the river bed. But in the nights its a complete wildlife area left to the true inhabitants – the wild animals.In this area a huge pastureland of Bhavpur exists.

Threats to the region:
Road Network development – they are constructing a road between Sawata to Hadoti – there are some connecting roads between Bhavpur to Talada – to cross the river some bridges will be erected in this area.

In the coming times this development will lead to heavy traffic in the region which will hinder the movement of many wild animals.

The Forest department and conservationists alike are speaking of sending tigers to other sanctuaries while this important corridor area is left unguarded and neglected, it is a setdown for the entire tiger conservation lobby.

Hope this matter is looked at with immediate attention.