Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Hunters shoot pair of cougars
Mountain lions are active throughout Wood River corridor this winter
By JON DUVAL
Express Staff Writer
A two-year old male cougar was photographed in the Little Wood River drainage north of Carey last winter. Photo courtesy Idaho Department of Fish and Game Photo by Courtesy photo
For such an elusive animal, mountain lions have recently been making their presence felt in the Wood River Valley.
A week after a mountain lion was blamed for injuring dogs in Bellevue, two of the predators were reported shot by hunters Thursday and Saturday in mid valley.
Idaho Fish and Game Conservation Officer Lee Garwood said two cougars were killed by hunters near the Starweather subdivision between Ketchum and Hailey.
Garwood said the cougars, one adult male and one adult female, were shot on Thursday, Feb. 4, and Saturday, Feb. 6, by hunters with appropriate tags for mountain lion season. The season ends March 30.
However, Garwood said Fish and Game is investigating whether the hunter who shot the mountain lion Thursday broke a county ordinance by shooting it within 150 yards of a residence.
Garwood declined to name the hunters who killed the cougars.
"That aspect is still under investigation," Garwood said. "We're still following up to see if this went against county ordinance."
Steve Carlson, who lives near the Starweather subdivision, on the west side of state Highway 75 just south of Greenhorn Gulch Road, said he saw large cat tracks in the snow around his house Wednesday night.
"My dog got spooked and came in the bedroom whimpering, so I knew something was out there," Carlson said.
Garwood said Fish and Game did not know if either of the cats killed were responsible for pet attacks in Bellevue, where three dogs were injured during the last week of January,
"It would just be speculation at this point," Garwood said. "It's in the realm of possibility that one of them circulated that far south, but there's no way to really know."
Garwood said no other mountain lion attacks have been reported in the valley since the ones that took place in Bellevue.
Jon Duval: jduval@mtexpress.com
http://www.mtexpress.com/index2.php?ID=2005130000
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Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Kansas lawmaker proposes cougar hunting
Kansas lawmaker proposes that hunters be allowed to target mountain lions
TOPEKA - A Kansas legislator is proposing that hunters be allowed to target mountain lions in the state.
Rep. Mitch Holmes, a St. John Republican, said Monday more mountain lions were being seen in the state, and the animals endangered livestock and farmers.
Chris Tymeson, chief counsel for the state Department of Wildlife and Parks, said the state already allowed people to shoot a mountain lion on personal property.
But he said it was illegal to own a mountain lion carcass. Tymeson said the law was to discourage people from actively hunting mountain lions.
Posted on Tue, Feb. 09, 2010 10:55 PM
http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/1738367.html
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Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
TOPEKA - A Kansas legislator is proposing that hunters be allowed to target mountain lions in the state.
Rep. Mitch Holmes, a St. John Republican, said Monday more mountain lions were being seen in the state, and the animals endangered livestock and farmers.
Chris Tymeson, chief counsel for the state Department of Wildlife and Parks, said the state already allowed people to shoot a mountain lion on personal property.
But he said it was illegal to own a mountain lion carcass. Tymeson said the law was to discourage people from actively hunting mountain lions.
Posted on Tue, Feb. 09, 2010 10:55 PM
http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/1738367.html
------------
Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Hunters close in on South Dakota mountain lion limit
Hunters close in on Black Hills mountain lion limit
The Associated Press | Posted: Monday, February 8, 2010 4:00 am
Black Hills hunters are closing in on the bag limit set for mountain lions in 2010.
The Game, Fish and Parks Department says 30 lions -- 19 females and 11 males -- were taken as of Sunday. The most recent was a female taken Saturday southeast of Spearfish.
The season began Jan. 1 and runs through March but will end early when 25 female lions or a combination of 40 male and female lions are killed.
Posted in News, Local on Monday, February 8, 2010 4:00 am Updated: 5:12 am.
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/news/article_9572c502-144a-11df-bd0f-001cc4c03286.html
------------
Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
The Associated Press | Posted: Monday, February 8, 2010 4:00 am
Black Hills hunters are closing in on the bag limit set for mountain lions in 2010.
The Game, Fish and Parks Department says 30 lions -- 19 females and 11 males -- were taken as of Sunday. The most recent was a female taken Saturday southeast of Spearfish.
The season began Jan. 1 and runs through March but will end early when 25 female lions or a combination of 40 male and female lions are killed.
Posted in News, Local on Monday, February 8, 2010 4:00 am Updated: 5:12 am.
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/news/article_9572c502-144a-11df-bd0f-001cc4c03286.html
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Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Ocelot Conservation Festival to take place in Texas
The Nature Report: Ocelots in the Spotlight
By Richard Moore
Monday, February 08, 2010 at 11:39 a.m.
The Rio Grande Valley is home to one of the rarest wild cats in the United States, and less than 50 elusive ocelots remain in the thick brush of deep South Texas.
As the Valley continues to become more developed less natural habitat is available for the endangered ocelot.
However, efforts are underway by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and others to save critical habitat and rescue the vanishing spotted cats.
The 11th Annual Ocelot Festival is set for Saturday, February 13th at the Marine Military Academy. The popular festival starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m.
A live ocelot show featuring a cat from the Cincinnati Zoo will be the highlight of the festival.
In addition, a new non –profit organization, The Rio Bravo Wildlife Institute, has recently been established in the Valley to help save the ocelot, and they will host an Ocelot Gala Friday night at the Inn at Chachalaca Bend near Los Fresnos.
Rio Bravo Wildlife Institute Executive Carol Sebastian spoke with The Nature Report about the festival.
“It is the opening night of the ocelot weekend, so the gala is to bring community members together with people interested in the ocelot that are coming form outside the area,” Sebastian said.
Grupo Fantasma will perform and there will be a variety of live auction items.
Reservations are available by calling 956-504-9563, or at JBoswell@RBWI.org
http://www.valleycentral.com/news/story.aspx?id=413157
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Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
By Richard Moore
Monday, February 08, 2010 at 11:39 a.m.
The Rio Grande Valley is home to one of the rarest wild cats in the United States, and less than 50 elusive ocelots remain in the thick brush of deep South Texas.
As the Valley continues to become more developed less natural habitat is available for the endangered ocelot.
However, efforts are underway by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and others to save critical habitat and rescue the vanishing spotted cats.
The 11th Annual Ocelot Festival is set for Saturday, February 13th at the Marine Military Academy. The popular festival starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m.
A live ocelot show featuring a cat from the Cincinnati Zoo will be the highlight of the festival.
In addition, a new non –profit organization, The Rio Bravo Wildlife Institute, has recently been established in the Valley to help save the ocelot, and they will host an Ocelot Gala Friday night at the Inn at Chachalaca Bend near Los Fresnos.
Rio Bravo Wildlife Institute Executive Carol Sebastian spoke with The Nature Report about the festival.
“It is the opening night of the ocelot weekend, so the gala is to bring community members together with people interested in the ocelot that are coming form outside the area,” Sebastian said.
Grupo Fantasma will perform and there will be a variety of live auction items.
Reservations are available by calling 956-504-9563, or at JBoswell@RBWI.org
http://www.valleycentral.com/news/story.aspx?id=413157
------------
Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
British Columbia: Lynx seen near Olympic luge track
Lynx provides luge with animal magic
(AFP) – 14 hours ago
WHISTLER, Canada — After days fretting over snow and protesters, Winter Olympics officials were confronted with reports of a wild animal on the loose at the Whistler sliding centre here on Monday.
The beast was spotted as lugists trained at the venue's high-speed track with some believing it was a cougar before the intruder was identified as the smaller lynx, which is native to North America.
"We received a call that there was a wild animal sighting in the upper start area," said John Gibson, the venue press manager.
A local conservation officer was called to the site who decided there was no security threat and no need to stop the session.
"They determined it was most likely a lynx, and not a larger cat such as a cougar," said Gibson.
The Whistler Sliding Centre is no stranger to the small animal, which has been spotted prowling the perimeter of the track in the past.
Members of the track crew have even named the length of track between curves nine and 10 "Lynx" after seeing the creature in the area one summer.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gnjYoftX-usu7ZpAcgcrnf2NJiYg
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Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
(AFP) – 14 hours ago
WHISTLER, Canada — After days fretting over snow and protesters, Winter Olympics officials were confronted with reports of a wild animal on the loose at the Whistler sliding centre here on Monday.
The beast was spotted as lugists trained at the venue's high-speed track with some believing it was a cougar before the intruder was identified as the smaller lynx, which is native to North America.
"We received a call that there was a wild animal sighting in the upper start area," said John Gibson, the venue press manager.
A local conservation officer was called to the site who decided there was no security threat and no need to stop the session.
"They determined it was most likely a lynx, and not a larger cat such as a cougar," said Gibson.
The Whistler Sliding Centre is no stranger to the small animal, which has been spotted prowling the perimeter of the track in the past.
Members of the track crew have even named the length of track between curves nine and 10 "Lynx" after seeing the creature in the area one summer.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gnjYoftX-usu7ZpAcgcrnf2NJiYg
------------
Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Bobcats seen roaming Florida beach city
Bobcats Seen Roaming Beach City
Residents Photograph Cats Close To New Smyrna Beach Homes
POSTED: Tuesday, February 9, 2010
UPDATED: 8:54 am EST February 9, 2010
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- Several bobcat sightings in residential areas have a New Smyrna Beach community on edge.
Some residents said they are nervous about walking at night, while others are concerned that the wild cats may get into their homes.
The cats wouldn’t have far to go. The bobcats have been seen prowling an empty piece of property off the A1A, and all they would have to do is cross the street to the neighboring high-rises, which are full of people like the Schoenbergers.
Gary and Flory Schoenberger said they often walk in the area and were amazed by the size of the cats.
“I think it’s very scary -- beautiful, but scary,” said Flory Schoenberger. “Saw the truck and thought, ‘We’re walking with bobcats. OK.’”
Both the Schoenbergers said they had never seen a bobcat before.
“My immediate reaction is, ‘Is this for real?’” said Gary Schoenberger.
It is very real. A Local 6 viewer snapped pictures and sent them in over the weekend.
Local 6’s Erik von Ancken called Florida Fish and Wildlife, and an officer said the cats are actually all over the state and have been known to migrate over to the beach.
Though the Schoenbergers said they worry about a scratch or a bite, others, like Chris Chung, are worried about their pets.
“Mr. Tibbs is a spaniel, one year old, keeps me company,” said Chung.
FWC warns that bobcats are known to go after pets -- especially cats and small dogs.
According to the FWC, bobcats rarely grow larger than 3 feet and can weigh up to 30 pounds. Though the cats do have very sharp claws and teeth, they are also protected animals, and the FWC will not remove them unless they are causing a nuisance or have rabies.
http://www.clickorlando.com/news/22506062/detail.html
------------
Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Residents Photograph Cats Close To New Smyrna Beach Homes
POSTED: Tuesday, February 9, 2010
UPDATED: 8:54 am EST February 9, 2010
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. -- Several bobcat sightings in residential areas have a New Smyrna Beach community on edge.
Some residents said they are nervous about walking at night, while others are concerned that the wild cats may get into their homes.
The cats wouldn’t have far to go. The bobcats have been seen prowling an empty piece of property off the A1A, and all they would have to do is cross the street to the neighboring high-rises, which are full of people like the Schoenbergers.
Gary and Flory Schoenberger said they often walk in the area and were amazed by the size of the cats.
“I think it’s very scary -- beautiful, but scary,” said Flory Schoenberger. “Saw the truck and thought, ‘We’re walking with bobcats. OK.’”
Both the Schoenbergers said they had never seen a bobcat before.
“My immediate reaction is, ‘Is this for real?’” said Gary Schoenberger.
It is very real. A Local 6 viewer snapped pictures and sent them in over the weekend.
Local 6’s Erik von Ancken called Florida Fish and Wildlife, and an officer said the cats are actually all over the state and have been known to migrate over to the beach.
Though the Schoenbergers said they worry about a scratch or a bite, others, like Chris Chung, are worried about their pets.
“Mr. Tibbs is a spaniel, one year old, keeps me company,” said Chung.
FWC warns that bobcats are known to go after pets -- especially cats and small dogs.
According to the FWC, bobcats rarely grow larger than 3 feet and can weigh up to 30 pounds. Though the cats do have very sharp claws and teeth, they are also protected animals, and the FWC will not remove them unless they are causing a nuisance or have rabies.
http://www.clickorlando.com/news/22506062/detail.html
------------
Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Monday, February 08, 2010
Goa forest dept mum on tiger report
Goa forest dept mum on tiger report
STAFF WRITER 14:27 HRS IST
Panaji, Feb 6 (PTI) Goa Forest department has maintained an uncanny silence over a Wildlife Institute of India's (WII) report which confirmed that a tiger was killed in the state last year.
Highly placed sources said that the report reached the office of deputy conservator of forest G T Kumar two weeks back.
Kumar, however, talking to PTI said that "he cannot reveal anything from the report."
The tiger was poached in Keri village, 60 kms away from here, in February last year.
State Forest Minister Philip Nery Rodrigues said that chief conservator of forest Dr Shashi Kumar, who is currently out of station, has telephonically confirmed receipt of the report.
"Government will get the detailed report from the department and only after that it will comment," Rodrigues said.
The minister said that the future course of action will depend on the report.
http://www.ptinews.com/news/503680_Goa-forest-dept-mum-on-tiger-report
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
STAFF WRITER 14:27 HRS IST
Panaji, Feb 6 (PTI) Goa Forest department has maintained an uncanny silence over a Wildlife Institute of India's (WII) report which confirmed that a tiger was killed in the state last year.
Highly placed sources said that the report reached the office of deputy conservator of forest G T Kumar two weeks back.
Kumar, however, talking to PTI said that "he cannot reveal anything from the report."
The tiger was poached in Keri village, 60 kms away from here, in February last year.
State Forest Minister Philip Nery Rodrigues said that chief conservator of forest Dr Shashi Kumar, who is currently out of station, has telephonically confirmed receipt of the report.
"Government will get the detailed report from the department and only after that it will comment," Rodrigues said.
The minister said that the future course of action will depend on the report.
http://www.ptinews.com/news/503680_Goa-forest-dept-mum-on-tiger-report
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
Many trails, few tails
Many trails, few tails
TNN, 7 February 2010, 06:59am IST
NAGPUR: Less than two years ago, a colleague had counted 14 tigers inside two days in this range. It got so monotonous that the last tiger was insulted with just a cursory glance. So, when it came to volunteering for the Monitoring Tigers, Co-Predators, Prey and Their Habitats programme, or simply put the tiger census, the Kolsa range was the obvious choice.
With the vision of hindsight, perhaps we should have opted for any other range in the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve which is spread over 625 sq km and is about a three-hour drive from Nagpur. For, when it comes to census, tigers are reluctant to reveal themselves for a head count. They prefer the sanctity of the thick bamboo and other trees, and also the chest-high hay-coloured grass, bushes and other growth that can camouflage even a giraffe.
From AB's ode to tigers in 'Mr Natwarlal' to Himesh Reshamiyya's 'Jhalak Dikhlaaja', the volunteers tried everything to appease it for a solitary sighting. The real meaning of bad luck hits you when, after a wonderful week in the forests, you don't spot a single stripe.
"You got to get lucky to spot a tiger," said a self-styled expert. "But consider yourself lucky that you got to spend so many days in the forest where few have gone before."
You can pay the nominal fee to enter the forest as a tourist. But the accompanying guide will not permit you to even open the vehicle door. And here we are, eight of us, walking not just on motorable paths but swaying through the thick undergrowth of the forests. Sometimes, we took the beaten path. On other occasions, where we walked became a path.
What are the qualifications needed to participate in such an exercise? Can just about anybody volunteer? Yes. All you require is loads of patience, strong legs, the ability to remain silent for long hours and rough it out, and a passion for wild life. Within a day, you become an expert. After a week, you are qualified to sit on a wild life committee!
In Kolsa, apart from a few of us from Nagpur, there were five from 'Lion Country' Junagadh, three from Chandrapur and another four from Hyderabad. Yet, the 200.97 sq km range could have done with 100 more volunteers.
Not spotting a single tiger or any of the 100-odd bears doesn't mean that their population is on the wane. So much evidence and data was collected that it appears that 200.97 sq km is just not big enough for the tiger population. Forest officers estimate that there are between 12 to 20 tigers in Kolsa. Plus, other carnivores like leopards and wild dogs.
Herbivores like bisons, cheetals, sambars, barking deer, wild boars, rabbits, peacocks and many others are so much in number that no carnivore will ever remain hungry. The thick forests of the range, now dwindling due to human encroachment and illicit felling of bamboo and teak trees, are an ideal home for many species of animals.
"Incest is common amongst tigers," said a forest official. "There are not many corridors for tigers to move about to other forest areas of the region and this leads to mating among siblings and, even a tigress and its own cub. The gene pool is gradually weakening."
The season being still winter, there's still plenty of water in the nullahs, rivers and ponds. Come summer, the animals shed their shyness and willingly reveal themselves at all the water holes. Every volunteer spotted fresh tiger pug marks and scat after walking barely 100 metres on their respective beats (the range was divided into many beats and then to compartments). Warning calls by monkeys and deer would indicate the presence of a carnivore a few feet away. You can smell one. But, to spot one you have to get lucky.
"This exercise is not to take a head count of tigers," clarified field director Sanjay Thakre, "but to collect data to be analysed by experts."
Until then, tiger lovers will continue singing AB's ode in the fervent hope that there is a healthy increase to the national figure of 1411 that was arrived at after the last census four years ago.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Many-trails-few-tails/articleshow/5544059.cms
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
TNN, 7 February 2010, 06:59am IST
NAGPUR: Less than two years ago, a colleague had counted 14 tigers inside two days in this range. It got so monotonous that the last tiger was insulted with just a cursory glance. So, when it came to volunteering for the Monitoring Tigers, Co-Predators, Prey and Their Habitats programme, or simply put the tiger census, the Kolsa range was the obvious choice.
With the vision of hindsight, perhaps we should have opted for any other range in the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve which is spread over 625 sq km and is about a three-hour drive from Nagpur. For, when it comes to census, tigers are reluctant to reveal themselves for a head count. They prefer the sanctity of the thick bamboo and other trees, and also the chest-high hay-coloured grass, bushes and other growth that can camouflage even a giraffe.
From AB's ode to tigers in 'Mr Natwarlal' to Himesh Reshamiyya's 'Jhalak Dikhlaaja', the volunteers tried everything to appease it for a solitary sighting. The real meaning of bad luck hits you when, after a wonderful week in the forests, you don't spot a single stripe.
"You got to get lucky to spot a tiger," said a self-styled expert. "But consider yourself lucky that you got to spend so many days in the forest where few have gone before."
You can pay the nominal fee to enter the forest as a tourist. But the accompanying guide will not permit you to even open the vehicle door. And here we are, eight of us, walking not just on motorable paths but swaying through the thick undergrowth of the forests. Sometimes, we took the beaten path. On other occasions, where we walked became a path.
What are the qualifications needed to participate in such an exercise? Can just about anybody volunteer? Yes. All you require is loads of patience, strong legs, the ability to remain silent for long hours and rough it out, and a passion for wild life. Within a day, you become an expert. After a week, you are qualified to sit on a wild life committee!
In Kolsa, apart from a few of us from Nagpur, there were five from 'Lion Country' Junagadh, three from Chandrapur and another four from Hyderabad. Yet, the 200.97 sq km range could have done with 100 more volunteers.
Not spotting a single tiger or any of the 100-odd bears doesn't mean that their population is on the wane. So much evidence and data was collected that it appears that 200.97 sq km is just not big enough for the tiger population. Forest officers estimate that there are between 12 to 20 tigers in Kolsa. Plus, other carnivores like leopards and wild dogs.
Herbivores like bisons, cheetals, sambars, barking deer, wild boars, rabbits, peacocks and many others are so much in number that no carnivore will ever remain hungry. The thick forests of the range, now dwindling due to human encroachment and illicit felling of bamboo and teak trees, are an ideal home for many species of animals.
"Incest is common amongst tigers," said a forest official. "There are not many corridors for tigers to move about to other forest areas of the region and this leads to mating among siblings and, even a tigress and its own cub. The gene pool is gradually weakening."
The season being still winter, there's still plenty of water in the nullahs, rivers and ponds. Come summer, the animals shed their shyness and willingly reveal themselves at all the water holes. Every volunteer spotted fresh tiger pug marks and scat after walking barely 100 metres on their respective beats (the range was divided into many beats and then to compartments). Warning calls by monkeys and deer would indicate the presence of a carnivore a few feet away. You can smell one. But, to spot one you have to get lucky.
"This exercise is not to take a head count of tigers," clarified field director Sanjay Thakre, "but to collect data to be analysed by experts."
Until then, tiger lovers will continue singing AB's ode in the fervent hope that there is a healthy increase to the national figure of 1411 that was arrived at after the last census four years ago.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Many-trails-few-tails/articleshow/5544059.cms
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
Census over, fingers crossed over exact number
Census over, fingers crossed over exact number
TNN, 7 February 2010, 06:57am IST
NAGPUR: The first phase of the six-day exercise undertaken by the forest department to monitor tigers, co-predators, prey and their habitat concluded in protected and non-protected tiger-bearing areas of the state on February 3. The exercise was conducted with revised and refined line transect methodology. The figures are likely to be declared after six months.
In Maharashtra, the exercise was conducted in over 6,000 beats in protected (PAs) as well as non-protected areas (NPAs), including tiger-bearing patches of Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM) in Chandrapur and Gondia districts. Over 200 volunteers actively participated in the exercise in Melghat, Pench and Tadoba-Andhari tiger reserves and PAs like Bor, Nagzira and Navegaon. Barring Nagzira and Navegaon, where the exercise was conducted from January 27 to February 1, in other areas it was held between January 29 and February 3.
In the first phase (Jan 29-31), field staff obtained data on the presence and intensity of use of a beat by tigers and other carnivores like leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears and jackals. Each search covered around 12-15 km distance, having the best potential for tiger presence. For each transect, beginning and end point co-ordinates (latitude & longitude) was recorded by a global positioning system (GPS).
Since tigers and leopards have a tendency of using dirt roads, trails, footpaths, river beds and nullahs, these landscapes in the beat were searched intensively. The search for tiger and leopard signs included pugmark trails, scat, scrape and scent marks, rake marks on tree trunks, roaring and actual sighting.
In the second phase (Feb 1-3), sampling for ungulate (relating for animals with hooves) encounter rates was done by the field staff and volunteers while walking along fixed line transects of 2 km in a beat. Here, data on vegetation, terrain, forest type, direct sightings of animals, habitat category and human disturbance too was recorded.
The volunteers also helped the field staff sample vegetation along the transects. Signs of wood-cutting, presence of humans, trails, livestock herbs, grasses, litter and bare ground was also recorded. Sampling for faecal pellets of animals with hooves was also done to know their abundance.
Although there were many who applied for the exercise, only a few turned up. At many places, only 50% of those registered actually participated. In TATR, conservator & field director SP Thakre said that 107 volunteers had applied but only 58 participated.
"Our staff was ready for the entire exercise sans volunteers too. The TATR is teeming with evidence of tigers and there was great enthusiasm among wildlife buffs. We traced evidence in almost every beat. There were even direct sightings in Kolsa and Tadoba ranges," Thakre told TOI.
In Tadoba, field staff found evidence of tiger scat having eaten a leopard. "Six nails suspected to be of a leopard have been found in the scat, which was one-month-old, near Pandharpaoni. The samples will have to be analysed," he said.
In Nagzira (152 sq km) there was good response from volunteers. MM Kulkarni, deputy conservator of forests (DyCF) for Gondia Wildlife Division, informed of the 24 who registered, 20 took part. Evidence was traced in almost all the beats. There was direct sighting of a bear.
CS Reddy, RFO of Bor Sanctuary, said tiger evidence was found in 8 beats. "We also found evidence of panther," he said.
In Pench too, there was evidence of fair number of tigers in various beats.
GK Vashisht, ACF for Pench Tiger Reserve, informed that all forested beats in tiger landscapes (tiger reserves, PAs, reserve and protected forests, revenue forests) will be sampled once in four years. However, all source populations of tigers in reserves and PAs will be sampled with this protocol twice in a year in summer and winter. The data will be compiled at the circle level before being sent to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
In Kolsa, volunteers like Dinesh Visavadia and Nishant Adhiya and others who came from Junagadh in Gujarat enjoyed the exercise. "We travelled 1200 kms to know about tigers," remarked Visavadia.
The new system was introduced by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, on the recommendations of Tiger Task Force (TTF) set up after the Sariska debacle. The earlier method of taking pug-marks, introduced in the 70s, was directly related to the number of particular animals. It was withdrawn after 2007.
As per the official estimation of tigers and panthers in 2007, there are 148 tigers and 292 panthers in the 42 protected areas (PAs) in the state. However, as per the last circle-wise estimation, which is conducted once in four years and was last held in 2005, the state has a record of 268 tigers and 717 leopards. Amid poaching pressures, it's too early to guess what will be the population of carnivores this time.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Census-over-fingers-crossed-over-exact-number/articleshow/5544063.cms
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
TNN, 7 February 2010, 06:57am IST
NAGPUR: The first phase of the six-day exercise undertaken by the forest department to monitor tigers, co-predators, prey and their habitat concluded in protected and non-protected tiger-bearing areas of the state on February 3. The exercise was conducted with revised and refined line transect methodology. The figures are likely to be declared after six months.
In Maharashtra, the exercise was conducted in over 6,000 beats in protected (PAs) as well as non-protected areas (NPAs), including tiger-bearing patches of Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM) in Chandrapur and Gondia districts. Over 200 volunteers actively participated in the exercise in Melghat, Pench and Tadoba-Andhari tiger reserves and PAs like Bor, Nagzira and Navegaon. Barring Nagzira and Navegaon, where the exercise was conducted from January 27 to February 1, in other areas it was held between January 29 and February 3.
In the first phase (Jan 29-31), field staff obtained data on the presence and intensity of use of a beat by tigers and other carnivores like leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears and jackals. Each search covered around 12-15 km distance, having the best potential for tiger presence. For each transect, beginning and end point co-ordinates (latitude & longitude) was recorded by a global positioning system (GPS).
Since tigers and leopards have a tendency of using dirt roads, trails, footpaths, river beds and nullahs, these landscapes in the beat were searched intensively. The search for tiger and leopard signs included pugmark trails, scat, scrape and scent marks, rake marks on tree trunks, roaring and actual sighting.
In the second phase (Feb 1-3), sampling for ungulate (relating for animals with hooves) encounter rates was done by the field staff and volunteers while walking along fixed line transects of 2 km in a beat. Here, data on vegetation, terrain, forest type, direct sightings of animals, habitat category and human disturbance too was recorded.
The volunteers also helped the field staff sample vegetation along the transects. Signs of wood-cutting, presence of humans, trails, livestock herbs, grasses, litter and bare ground was also recorded. Sampling for faecal pellets of animals with hooves was also done to know their abundance.
Although there were many who applied for the exercise, only a few turned up. At many places, only 50% of those registered actually participated. In TATR, conservator & field director SP Thakre said that 107 volunteers had applied but only 58 participated.
"Our staff was ready for the entire exercise sans volunteers too. The TATR is teeming with evidence of tigers and there was great enthusiasm among wildlife buffs. We traced evidence in almost every beat. There were even direct sightings in Kolsa and Tadoba ranges," Thakre told TOI.
In Tadoba, field staff found evidence of tiger scat having eaten a leopard. "Six nails suspected to be of a leopard have been found in the scat, which was one-month-old, near Pandharpaoni. The samples will have to be analysed," he said.
In Nagzira (152 sq km) there was good response from volunteers. MM Kulkarni, deputy conservator of forests (DyCF) for Gondia Wildlife Division, informed of the 24 who registered, 20 took part. Evidence was traced in almost all the beats. There was direct sighting of a bear.
CS Reddy, RFO of Bor Sanctuary, said tiger evidence was found in 8 beats. "We also found evidence of panther," he said.
In Pench too, there was evidence of fair number of tigers in various beats.
GK Vashisht, ACF for Pench Tiger Reserve, informed that all forested beats in tiger landscapes (tiger reserves, PAs, reserve and protected forests, revenue forests) will be sampled once in four years. However, all source populations of tigers in reserves and PAs will be sampled with this protocol twice in a year in summer and winter. The data will be compiled at the circle level before being sent to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
In Kolsa, volunteers like Dinesh Visavadia and Nishant Adhiya and others who came from Junagadh in Gujarat enjoyed the exercise. "We travelled 1200 kms to know about tigers," remarked Visavadia.
The new system was introduced by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, on the recommendations of Tiger Task Force (TTF) set up after the Sariska debacle. The earlier method of taking pug-marks, introduced in the 70s, was directly related to the number of particular animals. It was withdrawn after 2007.
As per the official estimation of tigers and panthers in 2007, there are 148 tigers and 292 panthers in the 42 protected areas (PAs) in the state. However, as per the last circle-wise estimation, which is conducted once in four years and was last held in 2005, the state has a record of 268 tigers and 717 leopards. Amid poaching pressures, it's too early to guess what will be the population of carnivores this time.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Census-over-fingers-crossed-over-exact-number/articleshow/5544063.cms
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Orang Asli fights off tiger with rock
Orang Asli fights off tiger with rock
By Sylvia Looi
Sunday February 7, 2010
IPOH: Orang Asli Yok Meneh has been foraging in the forest for years bringing home petai and other vegetation. Yesterday, the usual uneventful trek became a harrowing one for the Semai when a tiger pounced on him.
But the 47-year-old is not one to be easily done in. He summoned up courage and fought the animal with his hands and a rock. And the human won. The animal slunk away.
The attack left Yok Meneh with a gaping wound measuring 15.2cm (6in) long and 10cm (4in) deep on his back. He also suffered injuries to his hands and legs from fighting back.
“In all my years of going into the forest to collect produce, this is the first time I have been attacked by a tiger,” said Yok Meneh,from his bed at the Teluk Intan Hospital.
He was in the forest near his house at Kampung Ras in Sungkai, about 80km from here, when the incident happened.
“I was so engrossed in collecting petai that I did not notice the tiger had crept up behind me,” he said, adding that the tiger was silent until it had pounced on him and pinned him down.
“And then it started growling and growling. I shouted for help before it sunk in that I was all alone and no one could save me.
“The moment I realised I had to save myself I tried to grab anything I could with my hands.
“I found a rock, grabbed it and fought back, hitting the tiger on its head again and again until it slunk away.”
The feisty orang asli then dragged himself about 1.6km out of the forest to his home.
When his wife saw him bedraggled and bleeding, she sought the help of a worker from a nearby oil palm estate to take him to a clinic.
However, because of the severity of his injuries, Yok Meneh was transferred to the Teluk Intan Hospital for treatment.
Asked whether the attack would deter him from going back into the forest, Yok Meneh said he had no choice but to continue as his family’s survival depended on the produce he collected.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/7/nation/5631287&sec=nation
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
By Sylvia Looi
Sunday February 7, 2010
IPOH: Orang Asli Yok Meneh has been foraging in the forest for years bringing home petai and other vegetation. Yesterday, the usual uneventful trek became a harrowing one for the Semai when a tiger pounced on him.
But the 47-year-old is not one to be easily done in. He summoned up courage and fought the animal with his hands and a rock. And the human won. The animal slunk away.
The attack left Yok Meneh with a gaping wound measuring 15.2cm (6in) long and 10cm (4in) deep on his back. He also suffered injuries to his hands and legs from fighting back.
“In all my years of going into the forest to collect produce, this is the first time I have been attacked by a tiger,” said Yok Meneh,from his bed at the Teluk Intan Hospital.
He was in the forest near his house at Kampung Ras in Sungkai, about 80km from here, when the incident happened.
“I was so engrossed in collecting petai that I did not notice the tiger had crept up behind me,” he said, adding that the tiger was silent until it had pounced on him and pinned him down.
“And then it started growling and growling. I shouted for help before it sunk in that I was all alone and no one could save me.
“The moment I realised I had to save myself I tried to grab anything I could with my hands.
“I found a rock, grabbed it and fought back, hitting the tiger on its head again and again until it slunk away.”
The feisty orang asli then dragged himself about 1.6km out of the forest to his home.
When his wife saw him bedraggled and bleeding, she sought the help of a worker from a nearby oil palm estate to take him to a clinic.
However, because of the severity of his injuries, Yok Meneh was transferred to the Teluk Intan Hospital for treatment.
Asked whether the attack would deter him from going back into the forest, Yok Meneh said he had no choice but to continue as his family’s survival depended on the produce he collected.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/2/7/nation/5631287&sec=nation
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
29 cougars killed so far in S.D.'s sport hunting season
29 mountain lions harvested
Journal staff - Posted: Saturday, February 6, 2010 9:30 pm
Two more mountain lions were killed this weekend in the Black Hills area, raising to 29 the mountain lions killed thus far in South Dakota's 2010 hunting season. Nearly 75 percent of the big cats allowed to be killed have been taken.
On Friday, a male mountain lion was shot 6 miles northeast of Jewel Cave; a female was killed that same day 2 miles east of Harney Peak. Of the 29 mountain lions harvested, 18 -- or 72 percent -- are females, according to the informational hotline of the state Department of Game, Fish & Parks. The season will end March 31 or sooner if 25 female mountain lions or 40 total lions are killed.
Hunters are responsible for checking the harvest total before hunting by calling 866-895-9067. Hunters must report their kills within 24 hours at 394-2391, or call state radio at night and on weekends at 393-8121. The carcasses must be taken to the Rapid City office of the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks, at 3305 W. South St.
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/news/article_f498af66-139f-11df-9263-001cc4c03286.html
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Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Journal staff - Posted: Saturday, February 6, 2010 9:30 pm
Two more mountain lions were killed this weekend in the Black Hills area, raising to 29 the mountain lions killed thus far in South Dakota's 2010 hunting season. Nearly 75 percent of the big cats allowed to be killed have been taken.
On Friday, a male mountain lion was shot 6 miles northeast of Jewel Cave; a female was killed that same day 2 miles east of Harney Peak. Of the 29 mountain lions harvested, 18 -- or 72 percent -- are females, according to the informational hotline of the state Department of Game, Fish & Parks. The season will end March 31 or sooner if 25 female mountain lions or 40 total lions are killed.
Hunters are responsible for checking the harvest total before hunting by calling 866-895-9067. Hunters must report their kills within 24 hours at 394-2391, or call state radio at night and on weekends at 393-8121. The carcasses must be taken to the Rapid City office of the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks, at 3305 W. South St.
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/news/article_f498af66-139f-11df-9263-001cc4c03286.html
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Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
India: Three held with leopard skin in Hyderabad
PTI, 6 February 2010, 09:27pm IST
HYDERABAD: City Police arrested three persons from Lakdi-ka-pool here for attempting to sell Leopard skin and seized a hide from their possession.
K Hari Krishna, a native of Srikakulam district, K Mohan Rao and T Ramchander, both residents of Hyderabad, were nabbed on a tip-off, while they were trying to dispose off the Leopard's hide to prospective customers for about Rs 5 lakh, Commissioner's Task Force DCP V B Kamalasan Reddy said.
The trio had procured the leopard's skin from Orissa and efforts were on to nab those who assisted them in getting the leopard skin, the police official said.
The trio were handed over to Saifabad Police to initiate necessary legal action under Wildlife Protection Act. Further investigations were on.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Three-held-with-Leopard-skin-in-Hyderabad/articleshow/5543391.cms
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Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
HYDERABAD: City Police arrested three persons from Lakdi-ka-pool here for attempting to sell Leopard skin and seized a hide from their possession.
K Hari Krishna, a native of Srikakulam district, K Mohan Rao and T Ramchander, both residents of Hyderabad, were nabbed on a tip-off, while they were trying to dispose off the Leopard's hide to prospective customers for about Rs 5 lakh, Commissioner's Task Force DCP V B Kamalasan Reddy said.
The trio had procured the leopard's skin from Orissa and efforts were on to nab those who assisted them in getting the leopard skin, the police official said.
The trio were handed over to Saifabad Police to initiate necessary legal action under Wildlife Protection Act. Further investigations were on.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Three-held-with-Leopard-skin-in-Hyderabad/articleshow/5543391.cms
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Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Mass. man kills rabid bobcat with softball bat
Husband bats bobcat for home run; 2009 deer kill keeps pace
By Frank Sousa
February 06, 2010, 5:01PM
More than 10,000 deer were hunted down in 2009.
Today is doubleheader day.
In the first game it was a hit that luckily made an out!
The second game is a preliminary report on the past deer season harvest.
Kelly Bassett was sitting in her Montgomery home at the stroke of midnight when “WHAM,” something hit their window.
Howard, their 19-pound dachshund with the heart of a lion charged the window, where it was greeted by a large bobcat snarling and scratching at him through the glass.
Kelly woke up her husband, Scott.
The bobcat commenced to attack Howard’s doggy bed on the porch, attack the garbage can, and then go to their car and chew on the tires.
She pressed the panic button on her key chain, setting off the car alarm, but it did not faze the wild animal.
Kelly called 911, while Scott grabbed a softball bat and ventured outside.
Meanwhile, Phil Camp, the town animal officer, who was driving a snowplow in a snowstorm, (small towns have many double-duty persons,) appeared on the scene.
As the two men located the cat by its various attacks on inanimate objects, it apparently got bored with trash cans, doggy beds and truck tires, it crouched and attacked them.
Scott, a former softball player, swung his wife’s bat (she still plays ball) and caught the animal in mid-air.
It was down and “You’re out!”
The animal went 33 pounds and was determined to be rabid by medical personnel.
Kelly expressed hope that the animal officer can carry a weapon while serving as a snow plow worker, even if it is a bat.
[additional text re: deer deleted]
http://www.masslive.com/sports/index.ssf/2010/02/animal_officer_bats_bobcat_for.html
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Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
By Frank Sousa
February 06, 2010, 5:01PM
More than 10,000 deer were hunted down in 2009.
Today is doubleheader day.
In the first game it was a hit that luckily made an out!
The second game is a preliminary report on the past deer season harvest.
Kelly Bassett was sitting in her Montgomery home at the stroke of midnight when “WHAM,” something hit their window.
Howard, their 19-pound dachshund with the heart of a lion charged the window, where it was greeted by a large bobcat snarling and scratching at him through the glass.
Kelly woke up her husband, Scott.
The bobcat commenced to attack Howard’s doggy bed on the porch, attack the garbage can, and then go to their car and chew on the tires.
She pressed the panic button on her key chain, setting off the car alarm, but it did not faze the wild animal.
Kelly called 911, while Scott grabbed a softball bat and ventured outside.
Meanwhile, Phil Camp, the town animal officer, who was driving a snowplow in a snowstorm, (small towns have many double-duty persons,) appeared on the scene.
As the two men located the cat by its various attacks on inanimate objects, it apparently got bored with trash cans, doggy beds and truck tires, it crouched and attacked them.
Scott, a former softball player, swung his wife’s bat (she still plays ball) and caught the animal in mid-air.
It was down and “You’re out!”
The animal went 33 pounds and was determined to be rabid by medical personnel.
Kelly expressed hope that the animal officer can carry a weapon while serving as a snow plow worker, even if it is a bat.
[additional text re: deer deleted]
http://www.masslive.com/sports/index.ssf/2010/02/animal_officer_bats_bobcat_for.html
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Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Man-animal conflict returns, tiger kills one more in TATR
Man-animal conflict returns, tiger kills one more in TATR
Vivek Deshpande
Posted: Sunday , Feb 07, 2010 at 0625 hrs
The animal-human conflict in the northern Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) landscape has staged a deadly comeback after about a year, with three women getting killed by tiger in three consecutive days, the latest one on Saturday morning.
Victims Nalubai Ghodmare, Suderabai Nannaware and Manda Torpakwar were attacked by the tiger while they were collecting firewood in the forest in Mul and Sindewahi tehsils. All the deaths happened within 15-20 km, suggesting possibility of a single tiger being involved.
The death tally in the conflict since 2006 has gone up to 60, with over 25 others been injured.
Earlier, in December, tiger had killed two persons and had injured one in the same area, taking the death toll to five in less than two months. The conflict had peaked in 2008 with 25 deaths in TATR. In December 2007, a tiger, which had killed four persons in a month in the adjoining Talodhi range, had to be shot dead.
A special Corridor Conservation Programme (CCP) was launched in 2008 to contain the damage. The conflict had suddenly stopped after only one human death in January 2009.
Moreover, in the lull period, many tiger deaths and disappearances were reported from the area, suggesting cessation of the conflict. However, an expenditure of Rs 37 lakh and ten months later, the conflict has resumed with the recent deaths.
“In the latest cases, we don’t know if it’s a tigress with cubs or a single tiger. We will assess the situation first before taking any decision,” said Chief Conservator of Forest Nandkishor who visited the area on Saturday.
“This case is different than Talodhi incident where the tiger was coming out and killing people. So, we can’t say this is a problem animal. We will give it a thought and see what best can be done under the circumstances,” Nandkishor added.
Wildlife activist Nitin Desai said, “I agree. But any response will have to strike a balance between people and tiger. As long as the animal is very much within its habitat, it can’t be branded as a problem animal.”
Incidentally, most of the tiger attacks happen on women who go to forest to collect firewood. Asked why firewood isn’t reached by the Forest Department as mandated under CCP, Nandkishor said, “That may help only in cases where women go to collect firewood for their own hearths. But many of them collect it for livelihood. That can’t be provided under the scheme. But, yes, the villagers can be given alternative livelihood under schemes such as NREGA. Only the Forest Department can’t do it. All departments will have to chip in.”
Says Poonam Dhanwatey of Tiger Research and Conservation Trust (TRACT), the NGO implementing CCP along with the Forest Department: “We first need to keep villagers away from forest, identify the animal whether it’s a female with cubs or an old or injured tiger and then lure it away to prevent further attacks.”
In 2009-10, however, CCP hasn’t yet got any of the Rs 21 lakh sanctioned in the budget
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/mananimal-conflict-returns-tiger-kills-one-more-in-tatr/576677/0
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
Vivek Deshpande
Posted: Sunday , Feb 07, 2010 at 0625 hrs
The animal-human conflict in the northern Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) landscape has staged a deadly comeback after about a year, with three women getting killed by tiger in three consecutive days, the latest one on Saturday morning.
Victims Nalubai Ghodmare, Suderabai Nannaware and Manda Torpakwar were attacked by the tiger while they were collecting firewood in the forest in Mul and Sindewahi tehsils. All the deaths happened within 15-20 km, suggesting possibility of a single tiger being involved.
The death tally in the conflict since 2006 has gone up to 60, with over 25 others been injured.
Earlier, in December, tiger had killed two persons and had injured one in the same area, taking the death toll to five in less than two months. The conflict had peaked in 2008 with 25 deaths in TATR. In December 2007, a tiger, which had killed four persons in a month in the adjoining Talodhi range, had to be shot dead.
A special Corridor Conservation Programme (CCP) was launched in 2008 to contain the damage. The conflict had suddenly stopped after only one human death in January 2009.
Moreover, in the lull period, many tiger deaths and disappearances were reported from the area, suggesting cessation of the conflict. However, an expenditure of Rs 37 lakh and ten months later, the conflict has resumed with the recent deaths.
“In the latest cases, we don’t know if it’s a tigress with cubs or a single tiger. We will assess the situation first before taking any decision,” said Chief Conservator of Forest Nandkishor who visited the area on Saturday.
“This case is different than Talodhi incident where the tiger was coming out and killing people. So, we can’t say this is a problem animal. We will give it a thought and see what best can be done under the circumstances,” Nandkishor added.
Wildlife activist Nitin Desai said, “I agree. But any response will have to strike a balance between people and tiger. As long as the animal is very much within its habitat, it can’t be branded as a problem animal.”
Incidentally, most of the tiger attacks happen on women who go to forest to collect firewood. Asked why firewood isn’t reached by the Forest Department as mandated under CCP, Nandkishor said, “That may help only in cases where women go to collect firewood for their own hearths. But many of them collect it for livelihood. That can’t be provided under the scheme. But, yes, the villagers can be given alternative livelihood under schemes such as NREGA. Only the Forest Department can’t do it. All departments will have to chip in.”
Says Poonam Dhanwatey of Tiger Research and Conservation Trust (TRACT), the NGO implementing CCP along with the Forest Department: “We first need to keep villagers away from forest, identify the animal whether it’s a female with cubs or an old or injured tiger and then lure it away to prevent further attacks.”
In 2009-10, however, CCP hasn’t yet got any of the Rs 21 lakh sanctioned in the budget
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/mananimal-conflict-returns-tiger-kills-one-more-in-tatr/576677/0
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
"Cougar Clippings" for 4 Feb 2010 from Mountain Lion Foundation
Cougar Clippings
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| Dear Friend, Here are a few of the top stories on mountain lions from recent news articles. For more frequent updates, visit MountainLion.org and read the news daily. | ||||
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| Those were just a few of the lion articles from the past week. Click here to read more! The Mountain Lion Foundation follows cougar and wildlife news each week. For a complete library of the most pertinent news articles, visit the Mountain Lion Foundation Newsroom. If you can not use the links in this email to read complete articles, cut and paste (or type) the following address into your browser: Cougar Clippings is a service of the Mountain Lion Foundation. email: outreach@mountainlion.org phone: 800-319-7621 |
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Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Friday, February 05, 2010
EDITORIAL: Land deal is a loser for Florida panther
Land deal is a loser for panther
Published Thursday, February 4, 2010
In theory, the way the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service preserved 4,000 acres of raw land east of Fort Myers for the endangered Florida panther seems reasonable. The ranchers who have owned the property since 1947 get to keep grazing their cattle and make a significant amount of money by agreeing to not alter the tract in ways detrimental to the panther.
But make no mistake, Florida's "state animal" loses big time.
As reported Thursday by the St. Petersburg Times' Craig Pittman, the Milicevic family ranch is only marginally useful for panthers. Cats crowded out of their South Florida domain pass through it as they cross the Caloosahatchee River into new territory. In a three-tiered ranking system devised by panther researchers, this land falls in the third-ranked "dispersal zone.''
But that won't keep the Milicevics from cashing in. The federal government has authorized the family to sell up to $144 million worth of credits, or "panther habitat units'' to people who want to develop other panther-friendly habitat elsewhere.
Ideally, it's a win-win. The land is preserved without taxpayer investment. And there's nothing wrong with using the market to achieve an environmental good. But in this case, the federal government will allow development of property that falls in the panther's crucial habitat, dubbed "primary zone," if the owner buys credits from the Milicevics' inferior panther habitat.
It's as though someone traded your house for space on the sidewalk outside, then shoved you out and changed the locks.
The 4,000 acres does sit across an important panther travel route. So something needed to be done to keep that pathway open. But this is not the way to go about it. As Pittman notes, others with marginal land are lining up in hopes of cashing in the same way. Will the panther's prime breeding and hunting grounds be traded away piecemeal until what is left cannot sustain it?
The federal authorities charged with preserving panthers do not inspire much confidence with this latest move. And neither does their record. The Fish and Wildlife Service has not raised an objection to any development in panther habitat since 1993.
The panther has been on the endangered species list since 1967, and it has been literally losing ground ever since to every quick-buck artist with a plat and a plan.
It is past time to take this responsibility — this obligation — to future generations seriously. Save this graceful animal from oblivion. Don't sacrifice irreplaceable habitat with these dubious trades.
Learn to say no.
http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/land-deal-is-a-loser-for-florida-panther/1070812
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Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Published Thursday, February 4, 2010
In theory, the way the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service preserved 4,000 acres of raw land east of Fort Myers for the endangered Florida panther seems reasonable. The ranchers who have owned the property since 1947 get to keep grazing their cattle and make a significant amount of money by agreeing to not alter the tract in ways detrimental to the panther.
But make no mistake, Florida's "state animal" loses big time.
As reported Thursday by the St. Petersburg Times' Craig Pittman, the Milicevic family ranch is only marginally useful for panthers. Cats crowded out of their South Florida domain pass through it as they cross the Caloosahatchee River into new territory. In a three-tiered ranking system devised by panther researchers, this land falls in the third-ranked "dispersal zone.''
But that won't keep the Milicevics from cashing in. The federal government has authorized the family to sell up to $144 million worth of credits, or "panther habitat units'' to people who want to develop other panther-friendly habitat elsewhere.
Ideally, it's a win-win. The land is preserved without taxpayer investment. And there's nothing wrong with using the market to achieve an environmental good. But in this case, the federal government will allow development of property that falls in the panther's crucial habitat, dubbed "primary zone," if the owner buys credits from the Milicevics' inferior panther habitat.
It's as though someone traded your house for space on the sidewalk outside, then shoved you out and changed the locks.
The 4,000 acres does sit across an important panther travel route. So something needed to be done to keep that pathway open. But this is not the way to go about it. As Pittman notes, others with marginal land are lining up in hopes of cashing in the same way. Will the panther's prime breeding and hunting grounds be traded away piecemeal until what is left cannot sustain it?
The federal authorities charged with preserving panthers do not inspire much confidence with this latest move. And neither does their record. The Fish and Wildlife Service has not raised an objection to any development in panther habitat since 1993.
The panther has been on the endangered species list since 1967, and it has been literally losing ground ever since to every quick-buck artist with a plat and a plan.
It is past time to take this responsibility — this obligation — to future generations seriously. Save this graceful animal from oblivion. Don't sacrifice irreplaceable habitat with these dubious trades.
Learn to say no.
http://www.tampabay.com/opinion/editorials/land-deal-is-a-loser-for-florida-panther/1070812
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Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Lantana Shrub Affecting Premier Tiger Habitats of India
Lantana Shrub Affecting Premier Tiger Habitats of India
2010-02-03 12:39:57 - Lantana is a type of perennial flowering plant mainly found in tropical regions of Africa and America. Commonly referred to as shrub verbenas or lantanas, these plants are 1.6 - 6.6 ft tall and can be found in a mix of colors like red, yellow, orange, white and blue. As they mature, these flowers change their color resulting in two or three- colored blossoming.
Lantana seeds are spread due to their characteristic leaves and birds feeding on its fruits. However, some species of this shrub are considered to be highly toxic weeds. Lantana leaves, poisonous for most animals is found to be responsible for depletion of natural ecosystem. In addition to this, since Lantana shrubs survive in carbon dioxide (CO2) rich atmosphere, its spread eventually results in increase of CO2 level in the atmosphere.
Imported as an ornamental shrub from South America, Lantana shrub presently covers over 25% of prime forest region, spanning all across India. There is no clear answer with the forest officials as to how Lantana spread so fast in the last decade. Famous tiger habitats like Corbet National Park ( www.corbett-national-park.com/), Nagarahole National Park and Bandipur national parks are amongst the worst that have been hit by the spread of these shrubs. However, strangely though, Lantana shrub growth has not restricted the increase in tiger population in these forest reservoirs.
In the past, traveling around the Bandipur National Park http://www.indiawildliferesorts.com/national-parks/bandipur-national-park.html , one could easily get mesmerized by the Chitals gracefully roaming in the park. However, over the years, Lantana shrub has increasingly spread all across the forest regions due to which animal sightings have become a rare occasion here. Most carnivores and other animals hide under the thick shrubbery of Lantana plants. In addition to this, the wild floras of these natural reservoirs are now mostly covered with Lantana shrubs leaving very little space for the growth of any other tree.
Officials responsible for conservation of forests in India insist that they need more funds for effective management of Lantana spread. They are of the opinion that these shrubs should be removed during monsoon before the seeds mature. At the same time, some experts emphasize that these shrubs should be cut from two centimeters below the ground level so that it does not grow back again. A team of scientists have tried this method in Corbett National Park recently and have claimed success.
However, there are many who oppose the removal of Lantana shrubs arguing that it acts as ambush for tigers and other animals. They point out that as it is the forests face too much of human interference, therefore they should be left alone, and the fate of the Lantana shrubs will be eventually decided over time by natural dominance of other species of plants.
http://www.pr-inside.com/lantana-shrub-affecting-premier-tiger-r1702332.htm
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
2010-02-03 12:39:57 - Lantana is a type of perennial flowering plant mainly found in tropical regions of Africa and America. Commonly referred to as shrub verbenas or lantanas, these plants are 1.6 - 6.6 ft tall and can be found in a mix of colors like red, yellow, orange, white and blue. As they mature, these flowers change their color resulting in two or three- colored blossoming.
Lantana seeds are spread due to their characteristic leaves and birds feeding on its fruits. However, some species of this shrub are considered to be highly toxic weeds. Lantana leaves, poisonous for most animals is found to be responsible for depletion of natural ecosystem. In addition to this, since Lantana shrubs survive in carbon dioxide (CO2) rich atmosphere, its spread eventually results in increase of CO2 level in the atmosphere.
Imported as an ornamental shrub from South America, Lantana shrub presently covers over 25% of prime forest region, spanning all across India. There is no clear answer with the forest officials as to how Lantana spread so fast in the last decade. Famous tiger habitats like Corbet National Park ( www.corbett-national-park.com/), Nagarahole National Park and Bandipur national parks are amongst the worst that have been hit by the spread of these shrubs. However, strangely though, Lantana shrub growth has not restricted the increase in tiger population in these forest reservoirs.
In the past, traveling around the Bandipur National Park http://www.indiawildliferesorts.com/national-parks/bandipur-national-park.html , one could easily get mesmerized by the Chitals gracefully roaming in the park. However, over the years, Lantana shrub has increasingly spread all across the forest regions due to which animal sightings have become a rare occasion here. Most carnivores and other animals hide under the thick shrubbery of Lantana plants. In addition to this, the wild floras of these natural reservoirs are now mostly covered with Lantana shrubs leaving very little space for the growth of any other tree.
Officials responsible for conservation of forests in India insist that they need more funds for effective management of Lantana spread. They are of the opinion that these shrubs should be removed during monsoon before the seeds mature. At the same time, some experts emphasize that these shrubs should be cut from two centimeters below the ground level so that it does not grow back again. A team of scientists have tried this method in Corbett National Park recently and have claimed success.
However, there are many who oppose the removal of Lantana shrubs arguing that it acts as ambush for tigers and other animals. They point out that as it is the forests face too much of human interference, therefore they should be left alone, and the fate of the Lantana shrubs will be eventually decided over time by natural dominance of other species of plants.
http://www.pr-inside.com/lantana-shrub-affecting-premier-tiger-r1702332.htm
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
India’s first comprehensive database on Tiger mortality and crime launched
India’s first comprehensive database on Tiger mortality and crime launched
04/02/2010 15:00:03
Tiger crime to be tracked
February 2010. There has been a legitimate concern in India for quite some time now about the veracity of Tiger mortalities, especially in relation to wildlife crime. Information has often been contradictory and unclear. To tackle this problem, TRAFFIC India joined hands with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to develop and maintain an online database on Tiger mortalities and tiger crime in India.
Track every tiger death
The principal objective is to track each and every Tiger death in India and make this data available to various agencies for necessary action. The website was launched in January 2010 by Mr Jairam Ramesh, Hon. Minister of State, Environment and Forests. Tigernet aims to bring in greater transparency and clarity in the process of tracking and evaluating Tiger mortality in India. Chief Wildlife Wardens and Field Directors of Project Tiger Reserves are able to log on to the website to load and view significant data related to Tiger mortality and crime. The website also collects data on seizure of Tiger products across the country.
Poaching trends
The data collected by the website will help in evaluating trends of poaching, regional and national significance of Tiger mortality and provide pointers for effective moves to be undertaken on the ground to mitigate the problem. Therefore, It is anticipated that the new website will simplify the whole Tiger mortality reporting system and allow a more accurate and transparent picture to be generated of poaching and other threats facing India's Tiger population. Automatic reminders will be sent to official staff to upload details surrounding any Tiger mortalities, including the findings of post mortem examinations.
The website also provides a resource for concerned citizens to send in details about wildlife crime that they may be aware of. It is also hoped that it will engender a spirit of honesty and cooperation among all major stakeholders in Tiger conservation prompting action to save the majestic predator of the Indian jungles.
Every Tiger counts....
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/tiger-crime010.html#cr
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
04/02/2010 15:00:03
Tiger crime to be tracked
February 2010. There has been a legitimate concern in India for quite some time now about the veracity of Tiger mortalities, especially in relation to wildlife crime. Information has often been contradictory and unclear. To tackle this problem, TRAFFIC India joined hands with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to develop and maintain an online database on Tiger mortalities and tiger crime in India.
Track every tiger death
The principal objective is to track each and every Tiger death in India and make this data available to various agencies for necessary action. The website was launched in January 2010 by Mr Jairam Ramesh, Hon. Minister of State, Environment and Forests. Tigernet aims to bring in greater transparency and clarity in the process of tracking and evaluating Tiger mortality in India. Chief Wildlife Wardens and Field Directors of Project Tiger Reserves are able to log on to the website to load and view significant data related to Tiger mortality and crime. The website also collects data on seizure of Tiger products across the country.
Poaching trends
The data collected by the website will help in evaluating trends of poaching, regional and national significance of Tiger mortality and provide pointers for effective moves to be undertaken on the ground to mitigate the problem. Therefore, It is anticipated that the new website will simplify the whole Tiger mortality reporting system and allow a more accurate and transparent picture to be generated of poaching and other threats facing India's Tiger population. Automatic reminders will be sent to official staff to upload details surrounding any Tiger mortalities, including the findings of post mortem examinations.
The website also provides a resource for concerned citizens to send in details about wildlife crime that they may be aware of. It is also hoped that it will engender a spirit of honesty and cooperation among all major stakeholders in Tiger conservation prompting action to save the majestic predator of the Indian jungles.
Every Tiger counts....
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/tiger-crime010.html#cr
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
Colorado: Reward for lynx killer arrest hits $5,800
Killing Endangered Canada Lynx Is Illegal
Alan Gathright, 7NEWS Content Producer
POSTED: 12:36 pm MST February 3, 2010
UPDATED: 1:23 pm MST February 3, 2010
SILVERTHORNE, Colo. -- A reward has grown to $5,800 for the arrest of whoever killed an endangered Canada Lynx near Silverthorne last month.
"Hoping to raise the stakes and expose the lynx poachers," six conservation groups said Wednesday they're adding $5,300 to the $500 reward currently offered by the Colorado Division of Wildlife's Operation Game Thief program. Lynx are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act and killing one is illegal under federal law.
“Lynx are still fighting for survival in Colorado, and this is the second lynx killed by poachers in five months,” said Paige Bonaker, staff biologist at Center for Native Ecosystems, one of the contributing groups. “Every lynx that is killed sets back the recovery of this rare wild cat."
Bonaker pointed out that lynx had to be reintroduced to Colorado after trapping and habitat destruction drove the rare cat out of the state.
The 13-year-old female lynx was one of the first to be released in Colorado when the reintroduction project started in 1999.
State wildlife officials had been using a radiocollar to track the wildcat as it moved north from the San Juan Mountains to Vail Pass and into Rocky Mountain National Park. The lynx had recently been living above Cataract Lake in the Gore Range when its collar transmitted a mortality signal on Jan. 18.
DOW officers later retrieved the collar but the carcass of the cat was not recovered. Evidence gathered in the area showed the lynx was likely killed nearby and its collar discarded.
"These secretive cats are already imperiled by ski area expansion, logging and road building in their forest homes, and numerous other threats," said Ryan Bidwell, executive director of Colorado Wild. "The last thing they need is to be shot down by criminals."
“Our world is enriched when lynx again roam the wild and are free from persecution,” said Nicole Rosmarino of WildEarth Guardians. “Coloradoans are proud of the reintroduction effort that has restored lynx to our mountains.”
"The Colorado Division of Wildlife understands that help from the public is critical in solving these kinds of cases," said Randy Hampton, Division of Wildlife spokesman. "We appreciate the assistance of these organizations in stepping forward to help us catch the person responsible for this crime."
Anyone with information about the poaching is asked to call the Division of Wildlife's Operation Game Thief line at 877-265-6648. Callers can remain anonymous and the reward is available to anyone who provides information that leads to a conviction.
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/22423516/detail.html
------------
Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Alan Gathright, 7NEWS Content Producer
POSTED: 12:36 pm MST February 3, 2010
UPDATED: 1:23 pm MST February 3, 2010
SILVERTHORNE, Colo. -- A reward has grown to $5,800 for the arrest of whoever killed an endangered Canada Lynx near Silverthorne last month.
"Hoping to raise the stakes and expose the lynx poachers," six conservation groups said Wednesday they're adding $5,300 to the $500 reward currently offered by the Colorado Division of Wildlife's Operation Game Thief program. Lynx are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act and killing one is illegal under federal law.
“Lynx are still fighting for survival in Colorado, and this is the second lynx killed by poachers in five months,” said Paige Bonaker, staff biologist at Center for Native Ecosystems, one of the contributing groups. “Every lynx that is killed sets back the recovery of this rare wild cat."
Bonaker pointed out that lynx had to be reintroduced to Colorado after trapping and habitat destruction drove the rare cat out of the state.
The 13-year-old female lynx was one of the first to be released in Colorado when the reintroduction project started in 1999.
State wildlife officials had been using a radiocollar to track the wildcat as it moved north from the San Juan Mountains to Vail Pass and into Rocky Mountain National Park. The lynx had recently been living above Cataract Lake in the Gore Range when its collar transmitted a mortality signal on Jan. 18.
DOW officers later retrieved the collar but the carcass of the cat was not recovered. Evidence gathered in the area showed the lynx was likely killed nearby and its collar discarded.
"These secretive cats are already imperiled by ski area expansion, logging and road building in their forest homes, and numerous other threats," said Ryan Bidwell, executive director of Colorado Wild. "The last thing they need is to be shot down by criminals."
“Our world is enriched when lynx again roam the wild and are free from persecution,” said Nicole Rosmarino of WildEarth Guardians. “Coloradoans are proud of the reintroduction effort that has restored lynx to our mountains.”
"The Colorado Division of Wildlife understands that help from the public is critical in solving these kinds of cases," said Randy Hampton, Division of Wildlife spokesman. "We appreciate the assistance of these organizations in stepping forward to help us catch the person responsible for this crime."
Anyone with information about the poaching is asked to call the Division of Wildlife's Operation Game Thief line at 877-265-6648. Callers can remain anonymous and the reward is available to anyone who provides information that leads to a conviction.
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/22423516/detail.html
------------
Learn more about big cats and Big Cat Rescue at http://www.bigcatrescue.org
Vladimir PUTIN Sings Decree on Hosting "Tiger’s Forum" in Vladivostok
Vladimir PUTIN Sings Decree on Hosting "Tiger’s Forum" in Vladivostok
International Forum on Tiger Preservation Issues will be held in Primorye capital on September 9-12 of the year 2010
VLADIVOSTOK, February 2, vladivostoktimes.com The RF Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology will establish an organization committee on preparation for the International Forum on Tiger Preservation Issues. The RF Prime Minister Vladimir PUTIN signed the decree according to which the forum will be held in Vladivostok on September 9-12 of the year 2010, as the Ministry of Natural Resources press service reports.
We would remind that the Russian Federation made an initiative to host the International Forum on Tiger Preservation during the Global Seminar in Katmandu (Nepal) in October 2009 where the national plans on tiger preservation in participant countries were analyzed and recommendations for their development were made.
The following delegations of the countries with tiger natural habitat will participate in the Forum: Bangladesh, Butane, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, China, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and Russia. Also the representatives of the leading Russian and international scientific and public organizations will be invited.
Besides plenary session the Forum will include round tables on international collaboration on tiger preservation.
The International Forum will take place in the framework of “Global Tiger Initiative” made by the international organization in 2008 (United Nation Environmental Program and World Bank). This initiative stipulates national level consultations for development of strategies on tiger population preservation in all participant countries.
The RF deputy minister of natural resources and ecology Igor MAIDANOV noted: “The forum will allow coordination of international efforts on tiger population preservation in the world”.
Russia is the only country of the tiger habitat where its number increased since the middle of the last century and it shows stable growth in the recent 10 years. Today the biggest population of tiger in one particular habitat (450 animals or 11% of total world number) dwells in Russia. The majority of them (over 80%) dwell in Primorsky Territory.
In 2006-2008 the RF Government supported the establishment of 3 national parks and federal park “Leopard” which protect 770 thousand hectares of tiger habitat (over 20% of tiger habitat is under special protection today). In 2008 they started the national program on Amur Tiger studying.
http://vladivostoktimes.ru/show/?id=47443&r=10&p=
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
International Forum on Tiger Preservation Issues will be held in Primorye capital on September 9-12 of the year 2010
VLADIVOSTOK, February 2, vladivostoktimes.com The RF Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology will establish an organization committee on preparation for the International Forum on Tiger Preservation Issues. The RF Prime Minister Vladimir PUTIN signed the decree according to which the forum will be held in Vladivostok on September 9-12 of the year 2010, as the Ministry of Natural Resources press service reports.
We would remind that the Russian Federation made an initiative to host the International Forum on Tiger Preservation during the Global Seminar in Katmandu (Nepal) in October 2009 where the national plans on tiger preservation in participant countries were analyzed and recommendations for their development were made.
The following delegations of the countries with tiger natural habitat will participate in the Forum: Bangladesh, Butane, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, China, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and Russia. Also the representatives of the leading Russian and international scientific and public organizations will be invited.
Besides plenary session the Forum will include round tables on international collaboration on tiger preservation.
The International Forum will take place in the framework of “Global Tiger Initiative” made by the international organization in 2008 (United Nation Environmental Program and World Bank). This initiative stipulates national level consultations for development of strategies on tiger population preservation in all participant countries.
The RF deputy minister of natural resources and ecology Igor MAIDANOV noted: “The forum will allow coordination of international efforts on tiger population preservation in the world”.
Russia is the only country of the tiger habitat where its number increased since the middle of the last century and it shows stable growth in the recent 10 years. Today the biggest population of tiger in one particular habitat (450 animals or 11% of total world number) dwells in Russia. The majority of them (over 80%) dwell in Primorsky Territory.
In 2006-2008 the RF Government supported the establishment of 3 national parks and federal park “Leopard” which protect 770 thousand hectares of tiger habitat (over 20% of tiger habitat is under special protection today). In 2008 they started the national program on Amur Tiger studying.
http://vladivostoktimes.ru/show/?id=47443&r=10&p=
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
Saving Russia's cedar forests 'key to Amur tiger conservation'
Saving Russia's cedar forests 'key to Amur tiger conservation'
19:06
02/02/2010
The government should reintroduce a law banning the cutting down of cedar forests in Russia's Far East to save the rare Amur tiger, World Wildlife Fund Russia head Igor Chestin said on Tuesday.
The law was revoked after the Russian Forest Code came into effect on January 1, 2007.
"No cedar - no tiger. The habitat of this animal coincides with those areas where we find the cedar ," Chestin said during a RIA Novosti press-conference.
Amur tigers, also known as Siberian tigers, are classed as endangered by the World Conservation Union, with only about 500 tigers left in Russia's wild. Since 2006, poachers have killed at least 10 of the rare animals in Russia's Far East.
However, Russia is the only country to have seen tiger numbers rise since the middle of the 20th century and remain stable over the past ten years.
Preserving cedar forests is of paramount concern to WWF Russia, as the cedar is at the base of the food pyramid topped by the Amur tiger.
Last week, MPs in Russia's Far East Primorye Territory voted to include the cedar in the Red Book of endangered plants and animals. The decision has yet to be approved by the governor.
MOSCOW, February 2 (RIA Novosti)
http://en.rian.ru/russia/20100202/157754727.html
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
19:06
02/02/2010
The government should reintroduce a law banning the cutting down of cedar forests in Russia's Far East to save the rare Amur tiger, World Wildlife Fund Russia head Igor Chestin said on Tuesday.
The law was revoked after the Russian Forest Code came into effect on January 1, 2007.
"No cedar - no tiger. The habitat of this animal coincides with those areas where we find the cedar ," Chestin said during a RIA Novosti press-conference.
Amur tigers, also known as Siberian tigers, are classed as endangered by the World Conservation Union, with only about 500 tigers left in Russia's wild. Since 2006, poachers have killed at least 10 of the rare animals in Russia's Far East.
However, Russia is the only country to have seen tiger numbers rise since the middle of the 20th century and remain stable over the past ten years.
Preserving cedar forests is of paramount concern to WWF Russia, as the cedar is at the base of the food pyramid topped by the Amur tiger.
Last week, MPs in Russia's Far East Primorye Territory voted to include the cedar in the Red Book of endangered plants and animals. The decision has yet to be approved by the governor.
MOSCOW, February 2 (RIA Novosti)
http://en.rian.ru/russia/20100202/157754727.html
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/
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