Rajya Sabha told about efforts to save tiger
Jumana Shah / DNATuesday, November 24, 2009 8:49 IST
Ahmedabad: While the striking deaths of tiger has shocked the country, the precise details of the death figures and government's conservation initiatives were released in the Rajya Sabha on Monday in an answer to details sought by Jharkhand MP Parimal Nathwani.
Answer was also sought by group president of Gujarat's Reliance Industries to the pendency of appeals in the Income Tax Appellate Tribubal (ITAT) and the effect of sanctioning 10 additional benches in 2004.
Tiger deaths have shot up from 22 in 2006 to 30 in 2007 and shocking 59 in the 11 months of 2009. The government had released Rs6,270.54 lakh in 2007-08; Rs10,240 lakh in 2008-09 and Rs15,459 lakh in 2009-10. However, these grants have not succeeded in controlling the spiraling deaths of the endangered big cats in the country.
In the conservation activities, the response by ministry of environment and forests has highlighted the reintroduction of tigers by rebuilding Sariska and Panna reserves. "The proposal for 13 tiger reserves has been approved. Rs93 lakh each have been released to Corbett, Ranthambore and Dudhwa tiger reserve.
As for ITAT, 10 additional benches have been set up in 2004 with two benches each at Mumbai and Delhi and one each in Pune, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Bilaspur, Jaipur and Ranchi. "This has reduced pendency by 229758 cases."
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_rajya-sabha-told-about-efforts-to-save-tiger_1315714
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Wildlife Protection Act to be amended to curb tiger poaching
Wildlife Protection Act to be amended to curb tiger poaching
Staff Reporter
Monday, Nov 23, 2009
“We will ensure strict punishment to tiger poachers”
Draft amendments circulated to States
Coimbatore: To prevent incidents of poaching and poisoning and to save the remaining population of tigers, the Ministry of Environment and Forests proposes to bring in amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
This was stated by Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh here on Sunday.
Talking to journalists at the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) here, he said that of the 37 tiger reserves, nine were in good condition, 12 satisfactory and 16 in a precarious condition. As on date, the country had 1,200 to 1,400 tigers. Mr. Ramesh said tigers and leopards were smuggled to China via Myanmar and Nepal because of the medicinal value of their parts. “China is celebrating year 2010 as year of tigers and this could be a threat to tigers in India.”
To control poaching, a Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, with field offices, had been set up. The amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act were proposed to make the penal provisions stringent with punishments measuring to the level of those awarded for violation of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The draft amendments were circulated to the States for their views.
On shifting of tribals from the tiger reserve areas, Mr. Ramesh said that of the 1 lakh families, 3,000 had been shifted. The Ministry would shift them only through persuasion and monetary incentives. Every family was being given an incentive of Rs. 10 lakh. On protection of elephants, Mr. Ramesh said the Ministry had discussed the issue with Assam, West Bengal, Orissa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and they had sought financial help for acquisition of lands to restore the elephant corridors.
The Minister said the focus was on the quality of forest cover and not just quantity.
http://www.thehindu.com/2009/11/23/stories/2009112359591400.htm
Staff Reporter
Monday, Nov 23, 2009
“We will ensure strict punishment to tiger poachers”
Draft amendments circulated to States
Coimbatore: To prevent incidents of poaching and poisoning and to save the remaining population of tigers, the Ministry of Environment and Forests proposes to bring in amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
This was stated by Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh here on Sunday.
Talking to journalists at the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) here, he said that of the 37 tiger reserves, nine were in good condition, 12 satisfactory and 16 in a precarious condition. As on date, the country had 1,200 to 1,400 tigers. Mr. Ramesh said tigers and leopards were smuggled to China via Myanmar and Nepal because of the medicinal value of their parts. “China is celebrating year 2010 as year of tigers and this could be a threat to tigers in India.”
To control poaching, a Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, with field offices, had been set up. The amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act were proposed to make the penal provisions stringent with punishments measuring to the level of those awarded for violation of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The draft amendments were circulated to the States for their views.
On shifting of tribals from the tiger reserve areas, Mr. Ramesh said that of the 1 lakh families, 3,000 had been shifted. The Ministry would shift them only through persuasion and monetary incentives. Every family was being given an incentive of Rs. 10 lakh. On protection of elephants, Mr. Ramesh said the Ministry had discussed the issue with Assam, West Bengal, Orissa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and they had sought financial help for acquisition of lands to restore the elephant corridors.
The Minister said the focus was on the quality of forest cover and not just quantity.
http://www.thehindu.com/2009/11/23/stories/2009112359591400.htm
59 tiger deaths this year; MP tops chart with 13
59 tiger deaths this year; MP tops chart with 13
STAFF WRITER 16:7 HRS IST
New Delhi, Nov 23 (PTI) The number of tiger deaths have doubled to 59 so far this year against last year's 28 cases, as Madhya Pradesh topped the list with 13 big cats dying during the period, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.
Giving details of the deaths till mid-November in the tiger-range states, Environment Minister Jairarm Ramesh said Assam reported 10 deaths followed by Karnataka (9), Uttarakhand (7) Maharashtra(4) and Rajasthan (3).
One big cat each died in Kerala, Orissa, Goa and Tamil Nadu during the year.
"The deaths include seizures of two skins each in Andhra Pradesh and Delhi and one each in Maharashtra and Uttarakhand," he said.
Ramesh said that reports were being received from various sources on the illegal wildlife trade linkages in various countries and action was being taken in respect of any connected crimes on Indian soil.
http://www.ptinews.com/news/389939_59-tiger-deaths-this-year--MP-tops-chart-with-13
STAFF WRITER 16:7 HRS IST
New Delhi, Nov 23 (PTI) The number of tiger deaths have doubled to 59 so far this year against last year's 28 cases, as Madhya Pradesh topped the list with 13 big cats dying during the period, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.
Giving details of the deaths till mid-November in the tiger-range states, Environment Minister Jairarm Ramesh said Assam reported 10 deaths followed by Karnataka (9), Uttarakhand (7) Maharashtra(4) and Rajasthan (3).
One big cat each died in Kerala, Orissa, Goa and Tamil Nadu during the year.
"The deaths include seizures of two skins each in Andhra Pradesh and Delhi and one each in Maharashtra and Uttarakhand," he said.
Ramesh said that reports were being received from various sources on the illegal wildlife trade linkages in various countries and action was being taken in respect of any connected crimes on Indian soil.
http://www.ptinews.com/news/389939_59-tiger-deaths-this-year--MP-tops-chart-with-13
DNA sampling for tiger census in Sunderbans
DNA sampling for tiger census in Sunderbans
STAFF WRITER 12:9 HRS IST
Kolkata, Nov 23 (PTI) The West Bengal government for the first time will conduct tiger census through DNA sampling of the animal's scat in Sunderbans in January next year.
Till now, pug marks were used to count the tigers, but there was always controversy regarding the veracity.
During the 2006 census, the state government had rejected the Indian Statistical Institute's claim that there were not more than 70 tigers in Sunderbans, the world's largest delta.
"Sunderbans is not like Buxa or any other tiger reserve.
The terrain here is very difficult and requires a special method. So we will go for DNA sampling which will be used for the first time to estimate the number of tigers," Sunderbans Biosphere Reserve (SBR) director Pradeep Vyas told PTI.
The census would be held in January and February next year.
http://www.ptinews.com/news/389501_DNA-sampling-for-tiger-census-in-Sunderbans
STAFF WRITER 12:9 HRS IST
Kolkata, Nov 23 (PTI) The West Bengal government for the first time will conduct tiger census through DNA sampling of the animal's scat in Sunderbans in January next year.
Till now, pug marks were used to count the tigers, but there was always controversy regarding the veracity.
During the 2006 census, the state government had rejected the Indian Statistical Institute's claim that there were not more than 70 tigers in Sunderbans, the world's largest delta.
"Sunderbans is not like Buxa or any other tiger reserve.
The terrain here is very difficult and requires a special method. So we will go for DNA sampling which will be used for the first time to estimate the number of tigers," Sunderbans Biosphere Reserve (SBR) director Pradeep Vyas told PTI.
The census would be held in January and February next year.
http://www.ptinews.com/news/389501_DNA-sampling-for-tiger-census-in-Sunderbans
KING 5 viewers help relocate tiger
KING 5 viewers help relocate tigerby By DREW MIKKELSEN / KING 5 News
Posted on November 23, 2009 at 12:41 PM
Updated today at 12:41 PM
OLYMPIA, Wash. - A Siberian tiger who faced possible euthenasia earlier this month, has been saved, thanks in part to KING 5 viewers.
A Sedro-Woolley couple who got divorced, was no longer able to care for their two pet tigers, and could not afford to relocate them to licensed sanctuaries out of state.
Their owner feared the animals might have to be put down.
After KING 5 aired the story, viewers donated thousands of dollars to the charity trying to relocate the tigers.
The tiger named Choi Hu was relocated to Safe Haven Zoo Rescue in Nevada. The one named Timber will be relocated to a different sanctuary soon, said a spokesperson for the Wild Felid Advocacy Center.
For more information on the tigers, or if you'd like to help, go to the nonprofit's Web site: http://www.wildfelids.org/tiger_update
http://www.king5.com/news/local/KING-5-viewers-help-relocate-tiger-71800622.html
`Goa tiger among 59 killed this year'
`Goa tiger among 59 killed this year'
TNN 24 November 2009, 06:05am IST
PANAJI: Goa's much-talked about tiger poaching case has been numbered as one of 59 tigers killed in the country this year. This though a preliminary report of forensic tests into samples of bones found at Keri carried out by Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehra Dun indicated they did not belong to a big cat.
The figures were released by Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh in the Rajya Sabha on Monday. Madhya Pradesh accounted for a maximum of 13 tiger deaths this year.
While 22 tiger deaths were reported in 2006, the number rose to 30 in 2007 and fell marginally to 28 in 2008. The number, however, rose sharply this year with 59 big cats killed up to November 13, 2009.
The bones, teeth, fur and blood-stained leaves recovered on May 30 and on subsequent days by forest department officials from the site where the tiger was allegedly killed in Keri in February this year had been sent in June to WII for forensic tests.
Forest officials and guards were confident that finding the tiger carcass almost three months later was a breakthrough, but three months later, the WII report came as an anti-climax to animal lovers and others who had assisted in the process of recovery of the tiger bones.
However, Goa's chief conservator of forests Shashi Kumar, while saying that the configuration of teeth sent to WII does not match that of the tiger, had pointed out that the report was only primary in nature.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Goa-tiger-among-59-killed-this-year/articleshow/5263010.cms
TNN 24 November 2009, 06:05am IST
PANAJI: Goa's much-talked about tiger poaching case has been numbered as one of 59 tigers killed in the country this year. This though a preliminary report of forensic tests into samples of bones found at Keri carried out by Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehra Dun indicated they did not belong to a big cat.
The figures were released by Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh in the Rajya Sabha on Monday. Madhya Pradesh accounted for a maximum of 13 tiger deaths this year.
While 22 tiger deaths were reported in 2006, the number rose to 30 in 2007 and fell marginally to 28 in 2008. The number, however, rose sharply this year with 59 big cats killed up to November 13, 2009.
The bones, teeth, fur and blood-stained leaves recovered on May 30 and on subsequent days by forest department officials from the site where the tiger was allegedly killed in Keri in February this year had been sent in June to WII for forensic tests.
Forest officials and guards were confident that finding the tiger carcass almost three months later was a breakthrough, but three months later, the WII report came as an anti-climax to animal lovers and others who had assisted in the process of recovery of the tiger bones.
However, Goa's chief conservator of forests Shashi Kumar, while saying that the configuration of teeth sent to WII does not match that of the tiger, had pointed out that the report was only primary in nature.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Goa-tiger-among-59-killed-this-year/articleshow/5263010.cms
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Rare white tiger: King in Belgrade Zoo
Rare white tiger: King in Belgrade Zoo
http://www.chinaview.cn/ 2009-11-23 08:32:08
For Information About White Tigers Visit:
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/cats/wild/white_tigers.htm
A three-year old male white tiger named Khane looks out of its enclosure at the Belgrade Zoo November 22, 2009
Children look at a tiger in its enclosure at the Belgrade Zoo November 22, 2009.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-11/23/content_12522776.htm
http://www.chinaview.cn/ 2009-11-23 08:32:08
For Information About White Tigers Visit:
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/cats/wild/white_tigers.htm
A three-year-old male white tiger named Khane eats chicken in its enclosure at the Belgrade Zoo November 22, 2009. According to conservation group WWF, there are about 4,000 tigers left in the world and they are considered an endangered species. White tigers are even rarer because they suffer from a genetic condition that strips their fur of the orange pigment, leaving the animal with snow white fur, black stripes and blue eyes.
A three-year-old male white tiger named Khane is pictured through the bars as he looks out of its enclosure at the Belgrade Zoo November 22, 2009
A three-year old male white tiger named Khane looks out of its enclosure at the Belgrade Zoo November 22, 2009
Children look at a tiger in its enclosure at the Belgrade Zoo November 22, 2009.http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-11/23/content_12522776.htm
Population of tiger, leopard rises at reserves
Population of tiger, leopard rises at reserves
TNN 22 November 2009, 09:32pm IST
BAHRAICH: At least 15 tiger and leopard cubs have been sighted at various spots of the Dudhwa National park (DNP), 14 in Katarniaghat wild life sanctuary area and 6 in Sohelwa Tiger Reserve area Shailesh Prasad, field director Dudhwa Reserve told TOI.
He said a tigress with three cubs was sighted in Madraicha while tigresses with two cubs were seen in Chhota Palia, Chaltua, Puraina and Jhadi Tal areas of the national park and Kakraha, Katarnia and Sadar beat of Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuary (KWS).
He also said, "A tigress with one cub was reported to be straying in Trans-Gerua area of Katarniaghat wild life sanctuary (KWS). Three Leopard cubs have been sighted in Sohelwa Tiger Reserve area adjoining hilly area of Nepal." The survival rate of cubs has also increased, he added.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/Population-of-tiger-leopard-rises-at-reserves/articleshow/5258109.cms
TNN 22 November 2009, 09:32pm IST
BAHRAICH: At least 15 tiger and leopard cubs have been sighted at various spots of the Dudhwa National park (DNP), 14 in Katarniaghat wild life sanctuary area and 6 in Sohelwa Tiger Reserve area Shailesh Prasad, field director Dudhwa Reserve told TOI.
He said a tigress with three cubs was sighted in Madraicha while tigresses with two cubs were seen in Chhota Palia, Chaltua, Puraina and Jhadi Tal areas of the national park and Kakraha, Katarnia and Sadar beat of Katarniaghat wildlife sanctuary (KWS).
He also said, "A tigress with one cub was reported to be straying in Trans-Gerua area of Katarniaghat wild life sanctuary (KWS). Three Leopard cubs have been sighted in Sohelwa Tiger Reserve area adjoining hilly area of Nepal." The survival rate of cubs has also increased, he added.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/allahabad/Population-of-tiger-leopard-rises-at-reserves/articleshow/5258109.cms
Some 100 cubs expected in world's largest Siberian tiger breeding base in 2010
Some 100 cubs expected in world's largest Siberian tiger breeding base in 2010
http://www.chinaview.cn/ 2009-11-22 21:56:10
Information About Tiger Farming and Tiger Trade:
http://www.endtigertrade.org/
http://www.savethetigerfund.org/Content/NavigationMenu2/TakeAction/SupportaCampaign/PreviousCampaigns/CampaignAgainstTigerTrafficking/FactsandFallacies/default.htm
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/video/b42008/chinatigerfarm.htm
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/InternationalTigerCoalition.htm
HARBIN, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- Some 100 cubs were expected to be born in the world's largest Siberian tiger artificial breeding center in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province in 2010, or the year of tiger in China.
The first heavy snow on Nov. 13 in the provincial capital Harbin City made more than 400 Siberian tigers in the park excited, especially those in the oestrous period, said Liu Dan, chief engineer of the Heilongjiang Siberian Tiger Park, on Sunday.
The Siberian tiger has a three-month pregnancy period and always gives birth at the end of spring and the beginning of summer.
The park will give more nutrition to the tigers in the oestrous period, Liu said.
The park is the largest breeding base for Siberian tigers in the world. It was established in 1986 together with the Hengdaohezi Feline Breeding Center in the suburb of Harbin. The population of the tigers has grown from eight to about 800.
Siberian tigers, also known as Amur or Manchurian tigers, are among the world's 10 most endangered species and mostly live in northeast China and the Far East area of Russia. They are estimated to number approximately 400 in the wild, of which 20 or so live in northeast China.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-11/22/content_12521722.htm
http://www.chinaview.cn/ 2009-11-22 21:56:10
Information About Tiger Farming and Tiger Trade:
http://www.endtigertrade.org/
http://www.savethetigerfund.org/Content/NavigationMenu2/TakeAction/SupportaCampaign/PreviousCampaigns/CampaignAgainstTigerTrafficking/FactsandFallacies/default.htm
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/video/b42008/chinatigerfarm.htm
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/InternationalTigerCoalition.htm
HARBIN, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- Some 100 cubs were expected to be born in the world's largest Siberian tiger artificial breeding center in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province in 2010, or the year of tiger in China.
The first heavy snow on Nov. 13 in the provincial capital Harbin City made more than 400 Siberian tigers in the park excited, especially those in the oestrous period, said Liu Dan, chief engineer of the Heilongjiang Siberian Tiger Park, on Sunday.
The Siberian tiger has a three-month pregnancy period and always gives birth at the end of spring and the beginning of summer.
The park will give more nutrition to the tigers in the oestrous period, Liu said.
The park is the largest breeding base for Siberian tigers in the world. It was established in 1986 together with the Hengdaohezi Feline Breeding Center in the suburb of Harbin. The population of the tigers has grown from eight to about 800.
Siberian tigers, also known as Amur or Manchurian tigers, are among the world's 10 most endangered species and mostly live in northeast China and the Far East area of Russia. They are estimated to number approximately 400 in the wild, of which 20 or so live in northeast China.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-11/22/content_12521722.htm
Tiger performances at Wuqiao Int'l Circus Festival
Tiger performances at Wuqiao Int'l Circus FestivalI just came across these pictures online. I absolutely detest circuses and the abuse, punishment and neglect theses animals suffer in them.
More about circuses at: http://www.hsus.org/wildlife/issues_facing_wildlife/circuses/
e-mail to the website with these pictures: english@xinhuanet.com
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-11/02/content_12371848.htm
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Tiger Pictures In The News 11.21.2009
Tiger Pictures In The News 11.21.2009
Whirl
Whirl, a two-and-a-half-year-old Amur Tiger chases a pumpkin at Chicago Zoological Society's Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, Ill. on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009. With the Halloween season nearing, several of the animals, including lions, tigers, polar bears, brown bears, and the gorillas, were given pumpkins to enjoy and play with as part of the zoowide behavioral enrichment program. Whirl born on May 25, 2007 is one of the surviving cubs of mother Tiara. Whirl and her brother were injured at the zoo and unfortunately the male cub died. Whirl recovered from her injuries but is missing part of her tail. Read more at: http://www.rrstar.com/homepage/x1910578923
Kathmandu Global Tiger Workshop
A poster of a tiger is placed on the table during the inauguration of Kathmandu Global Tiger Workshop in Kathmandu October 27, 2009. The international summit held for the first time and will continue for 4 days
Washington Zoo Sumatran Tiger
A Sumatran at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, DC. A Sumatran tiger trapped by villagers in western Indonesia died as it was about to have surgery to amputate an injured foot, a wildlife official said.
Wounded Sumatran Tiger 1
A wounded five year-old female Sumatran Tiger lay in a cage while awaiting treatment by the Conservation of Natural Resources Veterinary, after being evacuated from a trap in Banda Aceh October 26, 2009.
Sumatran Tiger Cub
A newborn Sumatran Tiger cub is seen near the paws of its mother at a zoo in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009. There are thought to be only around 250 Sumatran tigers left in the wild, compared to about 1,000 in the 1970s, with the reduction in numbers blamed on poaching and habitat loss, according to the World Wildlife Fund which fears for its possible extinction.
Wounded Sumatran Tiger 2
A Sumatran tiger with a badly injured leg is seen inside a cage, after it was caught in a villagers' snare, as it waits for medical treatment at the Natural Resources Conservation Agency in Banda Aceh, Aceh province, Indonesia, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009. There are an estimated 250 Sumatran tigers left in the wild, compared to about 1,000 in the 1970s due to poaching and habitat loss, according to the World Wildlife Fund.
Khane
Khane, a three-year old male white tiger, seen, in his enclosure in Belgrade Zoo, Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, after he arrived in Serbia from Taman safari park in Indonesia. Khane is Serbia's first and only white tiger.
Isabella
In this Dec. 9, 2008 file photo white tiger Isabella feeds on a rabbit in her enclosure in Liberec Zoo. The rare white tiger has been killed by two lions in the zoo in northern Czech Republic on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009. The lions, 14-year-old Sultan and 11-year-old Elsa, managed unexpectedly to enter an open-air area occupied by the 17-year-old tiger Isabella, by opening a trap door leading to it.
Kingda Ka
Bengal Tiger Kingda Ka smashes pumpkins during Fall at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, November 8, 2009. According to Six Flags', Ka loves to swim as he dives down under the water line, across or to the bottom of the pool for the things he wants
Nepalese Students 1
Nepalese students wearing tiger masks as they take part in an awareness rally to save the tiger in Kathmandu in October 2009.
Nepalese Students 2
Nepalese school students take part in an awareness rally to save the tiger in Kathmandu in October 2009. World Bank president Robert Zoellick, who sent a video message to a tiger conservation forum at the end of October, said that traders and poachers were better organised than policymakers and conservationists.
Tiger Bones
Nepalese policemen display tiger bones confiscated from poachers in Kailali district, southwest of Kathmandu. Conservationists say Nepal is fast becoming a transit hub for endangered species, with rhino horns and tiger skins from India being smuggled through the Himalayan nation into neighbouring China.
Year of the Tiger
A Sumatran tiger is seen at a zoo in Kuala Lumpur. Next year, according to the Chinese calendar, is the Year of the Tiger but conservationists say the omens are inauspicious for an animal on the brink of extinction.
Malayan Tiger Cub
A 6-month-old Malayan Tiger cub is pictured at a US zoo. Malaysia's deputy premier has announced plans to double the population of the endangered Malayan Tiger through a new initiative to manage and conserve the big cat in its natural environment.
Whirl
Whirl, a two-and-a-half-year-old Amur Tiger chases a pumpkin at Chicago Zoological Society's Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, Ill. on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009. With the Halloween season nearing, several of the animals, including lions, tigers, polar bears, brown bears, and the gorillas, were given pumpkins to enjoy and play with as part of the zoowide behavioral enrichment program. Whirl born on May 25, 2007 is one of the surviving cubs of mother Tiara. Whirl and her brother were injured at the zoo and unfortunately the male cub died. Whirl recovered from her injuries but is missing part of her tail. Read more at: http://www.rrstar.com/homepage/x1910578923
Kathmandu Global Tiger Workshop
A poster of a tiger is placed on the table during the inauguration of Kathmandu Global Tiger Workshop in Kathmandu October 27, 2009. The international summit held for the first time and will continue for 4 days
Washington Zoo Sumatran Tiger
A Sumatran at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, DC. A Sumatran tiger trapped by villagers in western Indonesia died as it was about to have surgery to amputate an injured foot, a wildlife official said.
Wounded Sumatran Tiger 1
A wounded five year-old female Sumatran Tiger lay in a cage while awaiting treatment by the Conservation of Natural Resources Veterinary, after being evacuated from a trap in Banda Aceh October 26, 2009.
Sumatran Tiger Cub
A newborn Sumatran Tiger cub is seen near the paws of its mother at a zoo in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009. There are thought to be only around 250 Sumatran tigers left in the wild, compared to about 1,000 in the 1970s, with the reduction in numbers blamed on poaching and habitat loss, according to the World Wildlife Fund which fears for its possible extinction.
Wounded Sumatran Tiger 2
A Sumatran tiger with a badly injured leg is seen inside a cage, after it was caught in a villagers' snare, as it waits for medical treatment at the Natural Resources Conservation Agency in Banda Aceh, Aceh province, Indonesia, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009. There are an estimated 250 Sumatran tigers left in the wild, compared to about 1,000 in the 1970s due to poaching and habitat loss, according to the World Wildlife Fund.
Khane
Khane, a three-year old male white tiger, seen, in his enclosure in Belgrade Zoo, Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, after he arrived in Serbia from Taman safari park in Indonesia. Khane is Serbia's first and only white tiger.
Isabella
In this Dec. 9, 2008 file photo white tiger Isabella feeds on a rabbit in her enclosure in Liberec Zoo. The rare white tiger has been killed by two lions in the zoo in northern Czech Republic on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009. The lions, 14-year-old Sultan and 11-year-old Elsa, managed unexpectedly to enter an open-air area occupied by the 17-year-old tiger Isabella, by opening a trap door leading to it.
Kingda Ka
Bengal Tiger Kingda Ka smashes pumpkins during Fall at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, November 8, 2009. According to Six Flags', Ka loves to swim as he dives down under the water line, across or to the bottom of the pool for the things he wants
Nepalese Students 1
Nepalese students wearing tiger masks as they take part in an awareness rally to save the tiger in Kathmandu in October 2009.
Nepalese Students 2
Nepalese school students take part in an awareness rally to save the tiger in Kathmandu in October 2009. World Bank president Robert Zoellick, who sent a video message to a tiger conservation forum at the end of October, said that traders and poachers were better organised than policymakers and conservationists.
Tiger Bones
Nepalese policemen display tiger bones confiscated from poachers in Kailali district, southwest of Kathmandu. Conservationists say Nepal is fast becoming a transit hub for endangered species, with rhino horns and tiger skins from India being smuggled through the Himalayan nation into neighbouring China.
Year of the Tiger
A Sumatran tiger is seen at a zoo in Kuala Lumpur. Next year, according to the Chinese calendar, is the Year of the Tiger but conservationists say the omens are inauspicious for an animal on the brink of extinction.
Malayan Tiger Cub
A 6-month-old Malayan Tiger cub is pictured at a US zoo. Malaysia's deputy premier has announced plans to double the population of the endangered Malayan Tiger through a new initiative to manage and conserve the big cat in its natural environment.
Hope yet for the tiger
EYE OF THE TIGER: Malaysia is serious about tiger conservation
Hope yet for the tiger
Total revamp needed to protect the species in Malaysia, says Natural Resources and Environment Minister
Pauline Almeida
Thursday, November 19th, 2009 07:33:00
IN line with the aspirations of the country to increase the wild tiger population, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will be conducting an internal audit aimed at strengthening its enforcement sector.
This will identify its weaknesses from manpower shortage to resources and improving competency in guarding the State parks in the country, said Minister Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas.
“We will also be coming up with our terms of reference for the internal audit. This will be our first time trying to get ourselves active in making sure our enforcement is effective,” Embas said yesterday. He also said the ministry will be looking into complaints over poor or lack of enforcement, plus if there is a need to add more wildlife rangers and provide skills training and education for the existing enforcement personnel.
This should address some concerns about international poachers who could derail the government’s efforts to increase the tiger population, he said, adding that there is a global biodiversity movement calling for the conservation of tigers initiated by India and a summit on tiger conservation next year. Malaysia as one of the few countries that boasts of tigers in its wild, have taken a similar path, Embas added.
There are about 1,500 wildlife rangers and there is a need to increase it to a few hundred more, said a source.
While the country has the necessary legislation like the new Protection and Wildlife Act — which is expected to be tabled in Parliament soon — the source advised the public to alert the authorities when they spot encroachment in the State parks or forest reserves.
“Don’t just complain. We need the cooperation of the public and the country at large,” he said. There is also the Tiger Action Plan, which among others aims to secure the Central Forest Spine with strictly protected priority
areas in landscapes connected with corridors (see accompanying story). The plan is also set to provide effective and long-term protection of tigers and its prey.
It was reported that the government will work towards a plan to increase the population of tigers in the wild from the current 450 to 1,000 by 2020.
According to the National Biodiversity-Biotechnology Council, it will undertake efforts to manage and protect the species from extinction and increase its numbers in the country. Part of the efforts for the species is also to widen the area where wildlife is protected.
Two months ago, Malay Mail reported that the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry would be meeting with State government representatives in October to discuss the management of State parks. The move was to stop encroachment or illegal activities and for the preservation of wildlife in the long-term.
Boost for the big cat
THE Tiger Action Plan — which intends to have 1,000 wild tigers surviving in the wild by the year 2020 — sprung from the need for a road map to save the fastdisappearing Malayan tiger.
Recognising that the tiger is being threatened by habitat loss, forest fragmentation, poaching, illegal trade of its parts and derivatives, depletion of prey and human-tiger conflict, the Tiger Action Plan is to be carried out by 2015.
The initiative began last year and the plan was developed in accordance with existing government policies and framework.
It promises to be a practical instrument linking conservation ideals to giving wild tigers a future — beyond the next century.
This is expected to be attained through key forest areas providing on-the-ground protection of tigers and its prey.
It identifies three core areas, namely the Belum-Temengor Complex, the Greater Taman Negara Complex and the Endau- Rompin Complex, according to Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers or MyCat, a non- governmental organisation.
MyCat’s goal, among others, is to provide effective protection for tigers and its prey from poaching and trade.
Its purpose is to promote the practise of ecologically sound land-use — compatible with tiger conservation
— outside protected areas.
It is a joint-programme of the Malaysian Nature Society, Traffic Southeast Asia, Wildlife Conservation Society-Malaysia Programme and WWF Malaysia, supported by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia.
Where the tigers roam
WITHIN Malaysia, tigers in the wild are found only on the peninsula and mainly in three landscapes.
The Main Range Landscape (20,000 sq km) is in the west of the mainland and runs from the Malaysia-Thai border to Negri Sembilan.
It’s connected to the second landscape, the Greater Taman Negara (15,000 sq km) to the east, which includes Taman Negara National Park, the country’s largest protected area.
Then, there is the Southern Forest Landscape (10,000 sq km), south of the Pahang River but it is isolated from both the former landscapes.
These forest landscapes form the basis for spatial planning in tiger conservation in Malaysia and each has
a priority core area — Belum-Temengor Complex, Taman Negara, and Endau-Rompin Complex.
A critical link that still exists and must be actively maintained to ensure connectivity across the landscapes is a strip of forest connecting the Main Range and Taman Negara in Pahang.
http://www.mmail.com.my/content/19340-hope-yet-tiger
Last surviving tiger cub dies in zoo
Last surviving tiger cub dies in zoo
TNN 21 November 2009, 06:08am IST
For Information About White Tigers Visit:
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/cats/wild/white_tigers.htm
LUCKNOW: The `cub saga' at the city zoo ended on Friday with even the fourth one succumbing to its health problems. There are no new tiger cubs at zoo now. The last one remaining of the litter of four born to royal Bengal tigress, Ipshita, fell victim to cardio-respiratory failure on Friday morning.
The tigress had given birth to four cubs between November 8 and 9. The first cub died on November 10 and the second one on November 15. The zoo authorities said they died of hypoglycemic shock which indicated very low level of glucose in their blood.
The third one to die was the albino cub. It died on November 18 due to cardiac arrest. The zoo authorities denied that any infection could have caused their deaths after the cubs were brought to the veterinary hospital and were getting hand-reared.
The mother, Ipshita, abandoned all of them and had stopped exhibiting any maternal instincts for her newborns ever since they developed health problems, one after the other. There is a strong belief among the authorities that cubs were genetically weak to survive.
Ipshita had aborted twice earlier when she was mated with her partner, Shishir. She and her partner belong to the same stock from Nandan Kanan zoo of Odisha. They had mated only when they came to Lucknow zoo.
The authorities have now felt the need to study the family tree of Ipshita and Shishir to work out their history. "We spoke to Nandan Kanan director to provide us with the family chart of the tigers," said Renu Singh, zoo director.
The two might have born out of inter-breeding or some recessive gene might have flared up in the cubs. All this could be worked out by tracing the family history of the tigers.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Last-surviving-tiger-cub-dies-in-zoo/articleshow/5253112.cms
TNN 21 November 2009, 06:08am IST
For Information About White Tigers Visit:
http://www.bigcatrescue.org/cats/wild/white_tigers.htm
LUCKNOW: The `cub saga' at the city zoo ended on Friday with even the fourth one succumbing to its health problems. There are no new tiger cubs at zoo now. The last one remaining of the litter of four born to royal Bengal tigress, Ipshita, fell victim to cardio-respiratory failure on Friday morning.
The tigress had given birth to four cubs between November 8 and 9. The first cub died on November 10 and the second one on November 15. The zoo authorities said they died of hypoglycemic shock which indicated very low level of glucose in their blood.
The third one to die was the albino cub. It died on November 18 due to cardiac arrest. The zoo authorities denied that any infection could have caused their deaths after the cubs were brought to the veterinary hospital and were getting hand-reared.
The mother, Ipshita, abandoned all of them and had stopped exhibiting any maternal instincts for her newborns ever since they developed health problems, one after the other. There is a strong belief among the authorities that cubs were genetically weak to survive.
Ipshita had aborted twice earlier when she was mated with her partner, Shishir. She and her partner belong to the same stock from Nandan Kanan zoo of Odisha. They had mated only when they came to Lucknow zoo.
The authorities have now felt the need to study the family tree of Ipshita and Shishir to work out their history. "We spoke to Nandan Kanan director to provide us with the family chart of the tigers," said Renu Singh, zoo director.
The two might have born out of inter-breeding or some recessive gene might have flared up in the cubs. All this could be worked out by tracing the family history of the tigers.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Last-surviving-tiger-cub-dies-in-zoo/articleshow/5253112.cms
Wildlife sleuths find China link thriving
Wildlife sleuths find China link thriving
Rahul Tripathi, TNN 21 November 2009, 05:41am IST
NEW DELHI: A probe into illegal wildlife trade after some poachers and their associates were nabbed recently has revealed they were involved in an international racket and smuggled animal parts to various countries, including China.
CBI recently arrested a poacher, Keru (30), who allegedly supplied two tiger skins to a group of seven people, reportedly led by Tashi Tshering. The seven were nabbed in Delhi and Nagpur in the first week of November.
Keru was arrested from Ballarshah in Maharastra. Sleuths said Keru, a member of Banwariya tribe, was involved in several cases of poaching. He was arrested in Mysore in 2002 and was convicted for two years. But after coming out of jail, he again started dealing in illegal wildlife trade. CBI officials said Keru sold two tiger skins to Tshering, the main supplier of tiger skins and bones to China, Tibet and western countries.
Tshering's interrogation revealed the animal parts were first sent to Nepal using land routes and from there smuggled into China and Tibet where pharmaceuticals companies used tiger bones for manufacturing aphrodisiac medicines. "A spotless tiger skin was sold for Rs 10 lakh,'' said a CBI official. He added a poacher is paid between Rs 75,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh for a one skin.
Based on information from the seven, the officers arrested another notorious poacher, Bheema, near Badarpur on Tuesday. "Bheema was also supplying tiger skin and body parts to Tshering. Currently he is in custody of Gurgaon Police and we will soon approach them, seeking his custodial interrogation,'' added an officer.
CBI arrested five persons on November 5. They were carrying two tiger skins and bones concealed in a cloth consignment from Nagpur. Sources said Sadhu Baderia, Ranjit Mangatram, Ramswaroop, Jogaram Charandas and Amit Singh were hiding in a tent near the Ballarshah railway station. Two tiger skins, about 39 kilograms of tiger bones and other body parts were seized from them, said a CBI official. Charandas and Amit were agents of Tshering. They were carrying Rs 1.5 lakh cash to buy animal parts, said officers.
Among the two skins that were seized, one was about seven feet in length. Experts said it came from a tigress. Another skin was over five feet in length. The police, on the instance of Tshering, also seized two leopard skins, seven otter skins and red sandalwood.
"We have identified few international buyers and are trying catch them. The tigress whose skin was seized from poachers was killed on October 21. The accused had put anti-odour powder on animal parts to conceal foul smell,'' added the officer.
A wildlife experts said the arrest would curb tiger poaching. Explaining the method of poaching, the expert said, "A good poacher always uses iron trap as bullet mark reduces the price of the skin. Kalya Bawaria, who was arrested in September 2005, was one of the notorious poachers who used to poach big cats using iron trap at Sariska Tiger Reserve.''
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Wildlife-sleuths-find-China-link-thriving/articleshow/5252678.cms
Rahul Tripathi, TNN 21 November 2009, 05:41am IST
NEW DELHI: A probe into illegal wildlife trade after some poachers and their associates were nabbed recently has revealed they were involved in an international racket and smuggled animal parts to various countries, including China.
CBI recently arrested a poacher, Keru (30), who allegedly supplied two tiger skins to a group of seven people, reportedly led by Tashi Tshering. The seven were nabbed in Delhi and Nagpur in the first week of November.
Keru was arrested from Ballarshah in Maharastra. Sleuths said Keru, a member of Banwariya tribe, was involved in several cases of poaching. He was arrested in Mysore in 2002 and was convicted for two years. But after coming out of jail, he again started dealing in illegal wildlife trade. CBI officials said Keru sold two tiger skins to Tshering, the main supplier of tiger skins and bones to China, Tibet and western countries.
Tshering's interrogation revealed the animal parts were first sent to Nepal using land routes and from there smuggled into China and Tibet where pharmaceuticals companies used tiger bones for manufacturing aphrodisiac medicines. "A spotless tiger skin was sold for Rs 10 lakh,'' said a CBI official. He added a poacher is paid between Rs 75,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh for a one skin.
Based on information from the seven, the officers arrested another notorious poacher, Bheema, near Badarpur on Tuesday. "Bheema was also supplying tiger skin and body parts to Tshering. Currently he is in custody of Gurgaon Police and we will soon approach them, seeking his custodial interrogation,'' added an officer.
CBI arrested five persons on November 5. They were carrying two tiger skins and bones concealed in a cloth consignment from Nagpur. Sources said Sadhu Baderia, Ranjit Mangatram, Ramswaroop, Jogaram Charandas and Amit Singh were hiding in a tent near the Ballarshah railway station. Two tiger skins, about 39 kilograms of tiger bones and other body parts were seized from them, said a CBI official. Charandas and Amit were agents of Tshering. They were carrying Rs 1.5 lakh cash to buy animal parts, said officers.
Among the two skins that were seized, one was about seven feet in length. Experts said it came from a tigress. Another skin was over five feet in length. The police, on the instance of Tshering, also seized two leopard skins, seven otter skins and red sandalwood.
"We have identified few international buyers and are trying catch them. The tigress whose skin was seized from poachers was killed on October 21. The accused had put anti-odour powder on animal parts to conceal foul smell,'' added the officer.
A wildlife experts said the arrest would curb tiger poaching. Explaining the method of poaching, the expert said, "A good poacher always uses iron trap as bullet mark reduces the price of the skin. Kalya Bawaria, who was arrested in September 2005, was one of the notorious poachers who used to poach big cats using iron trap at Sariska Tiger Reserve.''
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Wildlife-sleuths-find-China-link-thriving/articleshow/5252678.cms
Friday, November 20, 2009
Bihar likely to have tiger protection force soon
Bihar likely to have tiger protection force soon
Sanjeev Kumar Verma, TNN 21 November 2009, 04:04am IST
PATNA: Bihar is likely to have a force dedicated to protect its tigers very soon. Christened `Tiger Protection Force' (TPF), the said force would be specially trained to take on the poachers who indulge in trapping the big cats, whose number has registered a marked decline in the past few years across the tiger reserves of India.
The Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar's only such reserve, has not been an exception to this trend, and the latest tiger census estimated the number of big cats in this reserve to be around 10 (3). This number stood at 33 in the previous tiger census conducted in 2005.
"We have sent a proposal to the Centre demanding Rs 2.22 crore for the Valmiki Tiger Reserve of which about Rs 20 lakh would be spent on raising the TPF," Bihar chief wildlife warden (CWW) Bashir Ahmed Khan told TOI.
TPF would consist of 20 personnel of which 10 would be either ex-armymen or those from the special task force and remaining 10 would be locals. This would be more like a strike force which would help the existing forest personnel, manning the reserve, in hours of need.
"The process of raising the TPF would get underway once the Central fund is released," the CWW said, adding, "This year demand has been pegged at Rs 20 lakh only as proposal to the Centre was sent midway the current fiscal year, but from next fiscal onwards the demand under this head would be almost double the current demand."
Bihar could not press for Central demand in the beginning of the current fiscal as it had not signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which is now a statutory requirement for being eligible to receive the Central funds.
According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (as amended in 2006), the states having tiger reserves have to sign a tripartite MoU with NTCA with director of tiger reserve being the third party, to get Central assistance. As Bihar has inked the MoU, the state's only tiger reserve has become eligible for the Central assistance.
Khan said apart from raising the TPF, the Central fund would also be used for habitat development and to meet other recurring cost incurred on proper upkeep of the reserve.
"Things would depend on volume of fund the Centre releases and also under what heads funds are released by it," he added.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Bihar-likely-to-have-tiger-protection-force-soon/articleshow/5253076.cms
Sanjeev Kumar Verma, TNN 21 November 2009, 04:04am IST
PATNA: Bihar is likely to have a force dedicated to protect its tigers very soon. Christened `Tiger Protection Force' (TPF), the said force would be specially trained to take on the poachers who indulge in trapping the big cats, whose number has registered a marked decline in the past few years across the tiger reserves of India.
The Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar's only such reserve, has not been an exception to this trend, and the latest tiger census estimated the number of big cats in this reserve to be around 10 (3). This number stood at 33 in the previous tiger census conducted in 2005.
"We have sent a proposal to the Centre demanding Rs 2.22 crore for the Valmiki Tiger Reserve of which about Rs 20 lakh would be spent on raising the TPF," Bihar chief wildlife warden (CWW) Bashir Ahmed Khan told TOI.
TPF would consist of 20 personnel of which 10 would be either ex-armymen or those from the special task force and remaining 10 would be locals. This would be more like a strike force which would help the existing forest personnel, manning the reserve, in hours of need.
"The process of raising the TPF would get underway once the Central fund is released," the CWW said, adding, "This year demand has been pegged at Rs 20 lakh only as proposal to the Centre was sent midway the current fiscal year, but from next fiscal onwards the demand under this head would be almost double the current demand."
Bihar could not press for Central demand in the beginning of the current fiscal as it had not signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which is now a statutory requirement for being eligible to receive the Central funds.
According to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (as amended in 2006), the states having tiger reserves have to sign a tripartite MoU with NTCA with director of tiger reserve being the third party, to get Central assistance. As Bihar has inked the MoU, the state's only tiger reserve has become eligible for the Central assistance.
Khan said apart from raising the TPF, the Central fund would also be used for habitat development and to meet other recurring cost incurred on proper upkeep of the reserve.
"Things would depend on volume of fund the Centre releases and also under what heads funds are released by it," he added.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Bihar-likely-to-have-tiger-protection-force-soon/articleshow/5253076.cms
Your morning adorable: Three bumps -- er, Siberian tiger cubs -- on a log
Your morning adorable: Three bumps -- er, Siberian tiger cubs -- on a logNovember 20, 2009 11:59 am
Germany's Nuremberg Zoo welcomed Rangar, Khan and Domur, Siberian tiger cubs, back in August. Since Siberian tigers (also called Amur tigers) are endangered -- it's believed that only about 400 to 500 animals remain in the wild in eastern Russia and parts of China and North Korea -- these three healthy cubs have given the zoo great cause for celebration.
Siberian tigers are the largest of the tiger subspecies still in existence today. There were once eight subspecies, but three (the Caspian tiger, Javan tiger and Bali tiger) became extinct during the 20th century. The five remaining subspecies are all considered endangered.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2009/11/your-morning-adorable-three-bumps-er-siberian-tiger-cubs-on-a-log.html
Please Vote For Big Cat Rescue!
Please Vote For Big Cat Rescue!
Please vote for Big Cat Rescue in the Chase Community Giving Contest
Your vote could help win $1,000,000 for the cats of BCR!
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/1259795
Thank You for supporting Big Cat Rescue and the wonderful and dedicated work they do in providing permanent homes for these cats.
Big Cat Rescue, a non profit educational sanctuary, is devoted to rescuing and providing a permanent home for exotic (i.e. wild, not domestic) cats who have been abused, abandoned, bred to be pets, retired from performing acts, or saved from being slaughtered for fur coats, and to educating the public about these animals and the issues facing them in captivity and in the wild.
The sanctuary is home to the most diverse population of exotic cats in the world, with 16 species and subspecies of wild cat represented among more than 100 residents. These include tigers, lions, liger, leopards, cougars, bobcats, lynx, ocelots, servals, caracals and others, many of whom are threatened, endangered, or now extinct in the wild.
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/1259795
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Queensland School Students Take Timeout With A Tiger to Celebrate Year Of The Tiger
Goodwood State School students get up close with Dreamworld’s Mohan the white tiger.
Queensland School Students Take Timeout With A Tiger to Celebrate Year Of The Tiger
Friday, 20 November 2009
For Information About White Tigers Visit: http://www.bigcatrescue.org/cats/wild/white_tigers.htm
Eight Queensland school students and their teacher were lucky enough to chill out with Mohan, the 200 kilogram tiger and learn first-hand the importance of animal conservation when they visited Dreamworld as part of their annual school camp this November.
Twelve year old student Montana Gordon said, “It was really cool to be around a tiger. Not many people get the chance to do that. But it’s upsetting to know they are going to be extinct.”
A photo with a tiger is an amazing keepsake, but to the Dreamworld Tiger Island team the photo session also provides an opportunity to gently push home the message that the tiger is on the brink of extinction.
“Tigers are diminishing fast,” said Dreamworld’s Tiger Island Manager, Patrick Martin-Vegue. “There are only 3000 Bengal tigers in the wild and 400 Sumatran tigers. Around one to three animals are killed weekly by poachers and villagers and regrettably they’re not going to last long.”
Dreamworld is gearing up for an invasion of tiger lovers in 2010 as the Chinese New Year, celebrated on Valentine’s Day, introduces the Year of the Tiger.
The Chinese believe that “the animal hides in your heart” and that those born in the year of the Tiger are fearless, noble and bursting with vitality. Generous and having a great empathy for all creatures great and small, these traits echo in the hearts of the Dreamworld team and their relentless efforts to increase tiger numbers in the wild through conservation initiatives.
To date Dreamworld has donated more than a million dollars to the Tiger Conservation Fund through Tiger walks, tiger photos and guest donations. And in 2010, to celebrate the Year of the Tiger, the theme park will send representatives to one of three tiger conservation locations around the world for in-field research for the very first time. The team hopes to bring back up-to-date information about the plight of the tiger to further educate Dreamworld guests.
“We support anti-poaching patrols in three countries and the money raised from tiger activities goes to helping us fight as much as we can for preservation,” said Tiger Island’s Patrick.
The Bundaberg-based kids agreed that the chance to meet Mohan was amazing and it had left them feeling a sense of responsibility to help raise awareness for preservation.
Maximus Smith said, “I was scared, because I saw its claws but then I got nearer and it was okay. Now that I’ve seen a tiger up close I don’t want to destroy the land or their habitat.”
http://www.etravelblackboard.com/showarticle.asp?id=99471&nav=83
Notorious tiger poacher Totha Ram arrested
Notorious tiger poacher Totha Ram arrested
TNN 18 November 2009, 05:55pm IST
NEW DELHI: A notorious tiger poacher from Panipat, Birbal alias Totha Ram, was arrested on Wednesday in Banbasa at Champawat district of Uttarakhand in a joint operation of the Uttarakhand police and forest department with assistance from the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI).
Totha Ram, who is the leader of a bawaria poaching gang, was arrested along with a local associate. A tiger trap, another half-made trap, two deer antlers, knives and skinning tools, a net, two mobile phones and a motorcycle were recovered from them. Totha Ram has been arrested twice before - in May 2003 with poaching tools, and in August 2004 with a tiger skin (this was also a WPSI assisted case). He was out on bail from the 2004 case and is believed to have been camping in Banbasa with the intention of killing a tiger.
"We are delighted with this case, particularly since it appears that this poacher was caught just before he was able to kill a tiger. It is another example of how important it is to stop the activities of habitual poachers, who continue to carry out their illegal activities even while out on bail", said Belinda Wright, executive director of WPSI.
Totha Ram comes from a family of tiger poachers. His sister Dilpo was recently convicted to five years rigorous imprisonment by a court in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, for a 1992 tiger case. She had earlier been convicted in November 2005, by a court in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, for carrying the skin and bones of a tiger that was killed at Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in February 2005.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Notorious-tiger-poacher-Totha-Ram-arrested-/articleshow/5243786.cms
TNN 18 November 2009, 05:55pm IST
NEW DELHI: A notorious tiger poacher from Panipat, Birbal alias Totha Ram, was arrested on Wednesday in Banbasa at Champawat district of Uttarakhand in a joint operation of the Uttarakhand police and forest department with assistance from the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI).
Totha Ram, who is the leader of a bawaria poaching gang, was arrested along with a local associate. A tiger trap, another half-made trap, two deer antlers, knives and skinning tools, a net, two mobile phones and a motorcycle were recovered from them. Totha Ram has been arrested twice before - in May 2003 with poaching tools, and in August 2004 with a tiger skin (this was also a WPSI assisted case). He was out on bail from the 2004 case and is believed to have been camping in Banbasa with the intention of killing a tiger.
"We are delighted with this case, particularly since it appears that this poacher was caught just before he was able to kill a tiger. It is another example of how important it is to stop the activities of habitual poachers, who continue to carry out their illegal activities even while out on bail", said Belinda Wright, executive director of WPSI.
Totha Ram comes from a family of tiger poachers. His sister Dilpo was recently convicted to five years rigorous imprisonment by a court in Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, for a 1992 tiger case. She had earlier been convicted in November 2005, by a court in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, for carrying the skin and bones of a tiger that was killed at Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in February 2005.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Notorious-tiger-poacher-Totha-Ram-arrested-/articleshow/5243786.cms
Caged circus tiger bites off Chinese man's fingers
Caged circus tiger bites off Chinese man's fingers
ANI 19 November 2009, 05:09pm IST
NEW DELHI: A Chinese man lost his fingers trying to touch a caged tiger at a circus.
Retired teacher Zhu was said to have placed his hand inside the cage, wanting to touch the tiger's hair. Zhu was seriously injured when the animal grabbed his hand and snapped off four of his fingers at the show in Nankang, Jiangxi province, reports the China Daily.
The 61-year-old reportedly lost consciousness on the spot and was later paid 3,500 yuan as compensation by the circus officials.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/wild-wacky/Caged-circus-tiger-bites-off-Chinese-mans-fingers-/articleshow/5247552.cms
ANI 19 November 2009, 05:09pm IST
NEW DELHI: A Chinese man lost his fingers trying to touch a caged tiger at a circus.
Retired teacher Zhu was said to have placed his hand inside the cage, wanting to touch the tiger's hair. Zhu was seriously injured when the animal grabbed his hand and snapped off four of his fingers at the show in Nankang, Jiangxi province, reports the China Daily.
The 61-year-old reportedly lost consciousness on the spot and was later paid 3,500 yuan as compensation by the circus officials.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/wild-wacky/Caged-circus-tiger-bites-off-Chinese-mans-fingers-/articleshow/5247552.cms
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