Rajasthan pulled between Gujarat and MP - Lion Translocation tougher !!!

On the occasion of the World Environment Day (5th June) , Empower Foundation escalated the Lion issue to Rajasthan making them a party to the whole issue – making the proposed translocation difficult !  An Urgent attention of Rajasthan was sought on the Proposed Translocation which does not only affect the conservation of Lions but also the conservation of Tigers and the overall Environment at large, which is at a huge risk and could bring a bad repute to not just Ranthambhor National Park (N.P.) or Rajasthan but to India at large !

Fact 1: Fantastic conservation efforts in Ranthambhor N.P., over the years have resulted in stabilizing and increasing of the Tiger population many folds. As a result of which, as confirmed by Deputy Field Director and Deputy Conservator of Forests etc and forest department of Madhya Pradesh, the Tiger/s (eg. T-38 tiger of Ranthambhor) have chosen to move out and travel around hundred of kilometers to find a new home in Kuno Palpur, Madhya Pradesh. Presence of Ranthambhor’s tigers in Kuno is a known, historical and presently relevant fact as latest as February 2014, acknowledged by the forest team and also media at large like Time of India, Deccan Herald, IBN Live etc. (Ref 1,2,3,4,5)

Lion by nature has a natural instinct to range outside of the pride’s original territory in order to establish their own communities.(Ref 6) There have been multiple established data points and literature stating that Lions, unlike Tigers, move in pride and can move many kilometers in a night, which means that they can easily reach Ranthambhor N.P. in a matter of just a few days- the same way, using the same path the Tigers of Ranthambhor have used to reach Kuno in MP.

Fact 2:  IUCN Guidelines for Reintroductions and Other Conservation Translocations, July 2013 & IUCN Guidelines for Re-introductions,1998 in the Section Feasibility and Design – Regulatory Compliance

In Section 5.3 – Clause : Permission to release organisms;  Sub clause : Cross-border movements speaks about 2 important aspects :

• Where organisms are either transported across jurisdictional or formally recognized tribal boundaries before release, or are likely to move across such boundaries following release, translocation design should be compatible with the permissive and regulatory requirements of all affected jurisdictions.
• Re-introduction must take place with the full permission and involvement of all relevant government agencies of the recipient or host country. This is particularly important in reintroductions in border areas, or involving more than one state or when a re-introduced population can expand into other states, provinces or territories.(1998)

Basis the above two (2) facts, Empower Foundation has sought confirmation on the adherence of the IUCN guidelines which makes Rajasthan a party to the whole issue now. And whether the Chief Wildlife Warden, Rajasthan has given any permission, which is mandatory as per IUCN for the Movement of Asiatic Lions from Gujarat to Madhya Pradesh, as laid down by IUCN and also as mandated by Hon. Supreme Court, violation of which could be a big issue.

Also, Empower Foundation has sought the preparedness of State of Rajasthan for currently handling such a probable Lion-Tiger conflict if translocation was done. And if not what timeline, strategy and budget allocation for the same was or is done has been asked.

On this occasion of World Environment Day, Empower Foundation (www.empowerfoundation.in) has urged CWWL, Rajasthan to adherere to the IUCN Guidelines which makes Rajasthan also a party to the Asiatic Lion translocation hoping the state to play an active and a responsible role ensuring the Tigers of Rajasthan and Lions (if translocated to MP) and Environment at large is conserved.

Post sensitizing the Forest Department of Government of Gujarat on 10 translocation failures globally and adversities at the proposed site in Kuno, Empower Foundation had escalated to IUCN International Chairperson and to the Chairperson of the Expert Panel on Translocation under Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India on 29 IUCN Guideline Violations, raising issue on the sanctity of the Preybase numbers which makes the translocation unfeasible unless adhered to.

Many wildlife enthusiasts not just in India but abroad have joined Empower Foundation’s movement of SAVE OUR LIONS which is not against translocation of Asiatic Lions, but has been pushing for proper handling of the issue by the right experts adhering to the IUCN Guidelines and Animal Rights issues.

People wish to join in the movement or to understand or seek any clarification on the issue may contact Team Empower on empowerfoundation@gmail.com

References :

1. Anindo Dey & P Naveen, Ranthambore tiger strides 220km to MP,  (2013) http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-04-25/jaipur/38815888_1_district-forest-officer-ranthambore-khandar-dharmendra-khandal
2. TNN, Relocation of Asiatic lions to Kuno may relegate tigers: Activists (2013), http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-04-17/flora-fauna/38614818_1_tiger-watch-male-tiger-many-tiger-reserves
3. P Naveen, Tigers moving from Rajasthan to Madhya Pradesh, officials concerned, (2013) http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-04-19/flora-fauna/38673789_1_district-forest-officer-ranthambore-camera-traps-datia
4. PTI, Deccan Herald, Tiger from Ranthambhor makes MPs Kuno its home, http://www.deccanherald.com/content/135647/tiger-ranthambore-makes-mps-kuno.html (2013)
5. PTI, IBN Live, MP for tracking Kuno Tiger to avoid fight with Gujarat Lions, http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mp-for-tracking-kuno-tiger-to-avoid-fight-with-gujarat-lions/452314-3-236.html (2014)
6. Mark Paulson, Pride in Place: (1999) Reintroduction of Asiatic Lions in Gir Forest, India

Modi, Chouhan continue sparring over translocation of lions

INDIA TODAY 

Devika Chaturvedi  New Delhi, September 4, 2013 | UPDATED 15:54 IST 

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/narendra-modi-translocation-of-asiatic-lions-asiatic-lion-gir-forests-kuno-palpur-sanctuary/1/305463.html

 

Asiatic lions are listed as endangered by the IUCN due to their small population. 

The frayed tempers between the Gujarat and the Madhya Pradesh government along with the judicial activism on the issue of the translocation of the Asiatic lion from its last abode in the Gir forests to the Kuno-Palpur sanctuary in MP may not cool down anytime soon. The hard-hitting Supreme Court verdict on April 15 forced the Gujarat government to agree to the translocation in what had become a fight for state pride and resulted in much jarring between the two BJP-ruled states.

In retaliation, Gujarat government filed a review petition in May. Although the verdict on the petition was still pending a 12 member committee was formed by the ministry of forest and environment for the translocation of lions. The panel, which met in Delhi on July 29 for a maiden meeting, comprised pro-shifting experts Ravi Chellam and Y V Jhala who are the brains behind the translocation plan to decide on the number of lions to be shifted. 

Gujarat government had put forth its arguments against the move but environmentalists slammed it by saying that the lions were being caught in a political tussle between Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

Significantly, the battle over the translocation had taken an ugly turn. Modi had refused to entertain the request of his MP counterpart Chouhan government to agree to the translocation. Many government officials and local activists in Gujarat questioned that is conserving the lion really MP's aim or does it basically want to enhance its tourism?
Dineshgiri Goswami, green activist from Kodinar based Prakruti Nature Club, says "I do not think anybody is thinking about the lion but the battle is becoming more political. Forest officers appearing in court do not care for the lions." Goswami threatened self-immolation if lions are shifted.

As a much needed boost to the Gujarat government, a Mumbai based NGO, Empower Foundation, presented a study on lion translocation. They stated that lions should not be translocated and be allowed to migrate naturally. The study also found that the Gujarat government has not powerfully positioned the fact that the lion habitat in Gujarat goes much beyond Gir.

Over a period of time lions have migrated naturally hundreds of kilometers away to places like Amreli, Savarkundla, Liliya Porbandar, Paniya, Mitiyala, Barda, Una, Chhara, Sutrapada, Babariya, Kodinar, Visavadar, Hipavadli, Jamvada, Jasadhar, Girnar, Bhavnagar and Palitana. 

"The 1,412 sq km abode of Asiatic lions has now spread across 10,500 sq km, thus mitigating concentration risk in one area," explained Jalpesh Mehta, founder chairman, Empower Foundation. Thus, the spread of an epidemic which was the primary argument of wildlife activists and biologists seeking translocation does not hold true, according to him.
 
One would not, however, undermine Gujarat's valid concerns about the security of the lions in Madhya Pradesh. Asiatic lions are listed as endangered by the IUCN due to their small population. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, C.N.Pandey says, "Success of lion conservation in Gujarat may largely be attributed to the tolerant, friendly and supportive local people. This is missing at Kuno Palpur."

Another major concern is that Madhya Pradesh is major poaching arena with a strong gun culture. According to several cases reported in the past the 'tiger state' lost its moniker when 453 tigers out of 710 (63% loss) were killed in last decade alone. The state as per the 2011 census has only 257 tigers left. 

The loss of tiger in Madhya Pradesh was 50 per cent of the total loss of the tigers across the world. Palpur Kuno had 25 tigers earlier but reduced to a shameful figure of two in the present time. Sheopur district also has 4800 fire arm licenses for a population of six lakh. As these are licensed guns, one cannot assess the illegal fire arms present in the area.

Risks cannot be ruled out, but these risks must be taken considering the larger benefits for the species, feels Dr Rahul Kaul, Chief Ecologist, Wildlife Trust of India. He observes: "Long-term viability of lions or any other wildlife will benefit greatly if there are multiple populations. Restricting the animals to a single population, however big, can make them extremely vulnerable to stochastic extinctions."   

International Fund for Animal Welfare - Wildlife Trust of India (IFAW-WTI) has undertaken relocation of animals in the northeast India. "Working with the Assam Forest Department and Bodoland Territorial Council authorities, we have aided in reintroduction of rhinos in Manas after its entire population was wiped out during the civil unrest of 80s and 90s. With advancement of science and understanding, proper planning and effective implementation, the degree of success has increased and can be increased further. Anyway, in cases like these, the possibility of success must matter more than the fear of failure," says Kaul.

Clearly in this battle MP has an upper hand but with the endangered animals at stake the issues may have become more political than ecological. And while one smile and the other sulks a species survival is at risk.

Read more at: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/narendra-modi-translocation-of-asiatic-lions-asiatic-lion-gir-forests-kuno-palpur-sanctuary/1/305463.html

Letter to IUCN gave goosebumps to Madhya Pradesh

An NGO refuted MPs' desire ~ Mumbai based NGO acted bold as brass to the Lions translocation issue


These are the translation of the below report published by a Hindi language newspaper

Certainly, the letter to IUCN and other international wildlife bodies washed the desire of Kuno Palpur for translocation to an extent, and the media support to the NGO boiled the blood of MP for sure. There is a long chain of media publishing against the translocation project one after another which clearly portrays exactly what people want, unfortunately still it's not able to open the eyes of the troop of happy and crazy chimps. Further this report states, the translocation shouldn't happen, because the habitat of Kuno is totally unsuitable for Lions. The report reveals the details of the letter we wrote to IUCN for the intervention in this matter.

However, in middle of the report, it's written that after Hon'. SC supported the translocation, Gujrat had no other option than to be on their knees and plea the NGO for protest. "This is a totally unfamiliar notice for us even" for which Empower foundation is strongly against as this statement tries to tie a knot between the Gujrat Govt and the NGO. NGO has made very clear from the first day that its not riding on any political chariot, and just fighting for Wildlife and nothing else.

Where this report quotes Empowers' statements and reveals the facts as why this translocation is necessary to be reviewed, it also quotes an wildlife activist from MP (Ajay Dubey) who opposes the NGO and comments in favor of translocation. 

The wildlife activist is the president of a MP based NGO (Prayatna). Ajay is associated with wildlife since years and has achieved countless appreciations for his dedication and work for Tigers in MP. Let me take you to some more details of the activist. Ajay fought against illegal mining in MP reserve forests, and also filed several RTIs and PILs in this respect. The story didn't ended here till he fought to the Hon' Supreme Court for the same. The activist also fought strongly against Tiger tourism in MP tiger reserves for years. He also plead the apex court to direct MP to notify buffer zones in all its tiger reserves and ban commercial tourism in critical tiger habitats. "Unless the core and buffer zones are notified, a tiger reserve is technically not a tiger reserve. This is a prerequisite for the preparation of the tiger conservation plan as required by WLPA" says the activist. Ajay raised the issue of Tiger poaching in MP throwing the reason being heavy tourism and near to no security for wildlife, and strongly stood against it. Dubey brilliantly raised the issue of the knot between the Tiger reserve officials and poachers to the CM of MP and demanded CBI probe for the same.

Okay.. enough of Ajay Dubey the famous wildlife activist, but let see how the news paper column quoted him for the translocation subject. The newspaper quoted below: 

"Ajay Dubey, president of the NGO, Prayatn, said that SC already pronounced the verdict for translocation. In such a case, writing to any international organization for their intervention is wrong. He had wrote to Wildlife and forest minister Ms. Jayanti Natrajan and requested to get the translocation happen ASAP".

Sorry friends, but I don't have enough understanding and skills to compare the activists' thoughts for Tigers and Lions. Please.. try if you could?

Although, irrespective of whatever the MP lovers are quoting and planning, this report surely gave goosebumps to MP as well as those happy and crazy chimps, and the fight is still on. Moreover I could say the fight has caught the heat..

~ Black Pearl

Empower Foundation escalates to IUCN to intervene in the Lion Translocation Issue

August 10 : Happy World Lions Day !!! (Aug 10) 

The Times of India, The Hindustan Times and The MiD-Day covers….Mumbai NGO “Empower Foundation's escalation to IUCN (The International Union for Conservation of Nature) to intervene in the Lion Translocation Issue” Citing :

(1) 29 Serious Violations of IUCN Guidelines covering areas like Core Reason, Habitat, Climatic requirements, Animal Welfare, Social Feasibility, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Assessment, Exit Strategy etc.
(2) 12 Adverse Conditions in proposed translocation site at Kuno Palpur, MP. Which could lead to a failed translocation.
(3) Serious Animal Right Issue of translocating a pride of Lions to Kuno and every 3 to 5 years moving the Male Lion from the Wild to captivity in Zoo and by replacing a new Wild Male Lion from Gir !

Happy Lions Day and Week to all the Wildlife Lovers and look forward for some more active enthusiasts joining this movement. Pls call Black Pearl on (Chandigarh/Delhi +91 76962 08033) or Jalpesh Mehta (Mumbai+91 98194 38900) or Amit Kanungu (Kolkata/Nagpur+91 96747 52050) or Nupur Kothari (Mumbai+91 98330 01800)

Team Save our Lions
[Website] :  www.saveourlions.blogspot.com
[FB] : https://www.facebook.com/saveourlions.empower
[E]saveourlions@gmail.com/empowerfoundation@gmail.com

NGO seeks global body’s intervention to stop translocation

Hindustan Times (Bhopal), Ssarkar@hindustantimes.com, 10 Aug 2013

There has been no successful lion translocation in the past in the country 

Jalpesh Meha

Founder chairperson, Empower Foundation

Sravani Sarkar 

On eve of the World Lions Day (August 10), a Mumbai-based NGO has sought intervention of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) - the oldest global environment network - on the issue of the translocation of Asiatic Lions from Gir in Gujarat to Kuno Palpur in Madhya Pradesh. 

The NGO - Empower Foundation - has been opposing the translocation of lions - saying that the conditions are adverse in the proposed site of Kuno Palpur and that serious animal rights’ issues are involved with the entire process. The organization is rather insisting on increasing habitat availability for lions through restoration, connectivity, corridor establishment, habitat protection and natural movement of lions.

Now, the NGO has also said that the translocation would amount to serious violations of IUCN guidelines on 29 counts and has urged the IUCN authorities to appoint an international expert/team of experts to intervene in the matter and guide the authorities in two states.

The founder chairperson of the Empower Foundation, Jalpesh Mehta has written to the IUCN authorities including the chairman of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) Reintroduction Specialist Group Dr Frederic Launay seeking this intervention. In the letter to the authorities, the NGO has given details of all the 29 guidelines violation and the 12 adverse conditions in Kuno Palpur (based on NGO’s own study) to draw attention of the international body.

The translocation issue is hanging fire between two states - Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh since more than a decade. Recently, the Supreme Court mandated translocation of Lions to MP, but Gujarat government filed a review petition pointing out that the decision was one-sided and highlighting the poaching culture of MP (50% of world’s tigers over the last decade were poached in MP).

“We have been working on this issue since a while and in a situation where there has been no successful lion translocation in the past in the country and concerned persons having no expertise on Lions, we thought it apt to seek the intervention of IUCN,” Mehta said while talking to HT.

He added that the Empower foundation was not against translocation, but concerned with the end result. “We simply want to save lions from being pushed to extinction,” he said.

IUCN help sought to oppose translocation

Hindustan Times, Sravani Sarkar, August 10, 2013

NGO opposes movement of Gir beasts to MP claiming adverse conditions

BHOPAL: On eve of the World Lions Day ( August 10), a Mumbai-based NGO has sought intervention of International Union for Conservation of Nature ( IUCN) - the oldest global environment network - on the issue of the translocation of Asiatic Lions from Gir in Gujarat to Kuno Palpur in Madhya Pradesh. 

The NGO - Empower Foundation - has been opposing the translocation of lions - saying that the conditions are adverse in the proposed site of Kuno Palpur and that serious animal rights’ issues are involved with the entire process. The organization is rather insisting on increasing habitat availability for lions through restoration, connectivity, corridor establishment, habitat protection and natural movement of lions. 

Now, the NGO has also said that the translocation would amount to serious violations of IUCN guidelines on 29 counts and has urged the IUCN authorities to appoint an international expert/team of experts to intervene in the matter and guide the authorities in two states. 

The founder chairperson of the Empower Foundation, Jalpesh Mehta has written to the IUCN authorities including the chairman of the Species Survival Commission ( SSC) Reintroduction Specialist Group Dr Frederic Launay seeking this intervention. In the letter to the authorities, the NGO has given details of all the 29 guidelines violation and the 12 adverse conditions in Kuno Palpur (based on NGO’s own study) to draw attention of the international body. 

The translocation issue is hanging fire between two states - Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh since more than a decade. Recently, the Supreme Court mandated translocation of Lions to MP, but Gujarat government filed a review petition pointing out that the decision was one-sided and highlighting the poaching culture of MP (50% of world’s tigers over the last decade were poached in MP).

“We have been working on this issue since a while and in a situation where there has been no successful Lion translocation in the past in the country and concerned persons having no expertise on Lions, we thought it apt to seek the intervention of IUCN,” Mehta said while talking to HT. He added that the Empower foundation was not against translocation, but concerned with the end result. “We want to save lions from being pushed to extinction,” he said. 

'Don't relocate Gir lions'

MID-DAY:  August 11, 2013, Mumbai, Ranjeet Jadhav

On the occasion of World Lions Day, city NGO writes to international conservation body to put pressure and prevent relocation of Gir lions to Madhya Pradesh

Many aspects need to be considered while thinking of relocating animals. Mumbai-based NGO, Empower Foundation, has written a letter to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) for intervention in the Lion Translocation issue between two states, citing 29 guideline violations, on the eve of World Lions Day.

The NGO feels that translocation of lions from Gujarat to Madhya Pradesh should not be done, as not only it will have a negative impact on the population of lions but chances of poaching will also increase.

Appoint an expert 

Speaking to SUNDAY MiD DAY, Founder chairman of NGO Empower Foundation, Jalpesh Mehta, said, “We are not against translocation, but how, where and the end result is our concern. We have urged IUCN to appoint an international lion expert or a team to save the lions from being pushed into death beds (see box).”

Against judgment
 
In June this year, the team analysed 10 global failures of translocations and submitted a report citing 12 adverse conditions of the proposed translocation site in Kuno Palpur, which would be fatal for the lions. 

“Translocation is a serious animal rights issue.  The Supreme Court judgment dated April 15, 2013 states the proposal of translocating a pride of Lions to Kuno, and every three to five years, moving the male lion from the wild to captivity in zoo. This is a sheer violation of Wildlife rights and is a cause for grave concern,” added Mehta. Empower Foundation is also involved in various other activities to conserve the Asiatic Lions and build awareness on the issue.

Born free and living free
The list of issues raised by Empower Foundation include:

Poaching hub: MP is a major poaching ground, as it has lost 453 tigers out of 710 in a decade with 257 tigers remaining according to the 2011 Census.
 
Location: Situated on the border of MP, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, poaching, infiltration and allied crime probablilty is very high
 
Water: Kuno-Palpur forest has very less water sources unlike the Gir region
 
Temperatures: The minimum temperature is 2°C, while the maximum 49°C. This is fatal for lions

http://www.mid-day.com/news/2013/aug/110813-mumbai-dont-relocate-gir-lions.htm

   

Translocation plan violates important IUCN guidelines

Mumbai NGO Writes To International Body, Seeks Its Intervention

The Times of India, August 10, 2013, Saturday
Himanshu Kaushik | TNN


Ahmedabad: On the occasion of World Lion Day on August 10, a Mumbai-based non-governmental organization, Empower Foundation, has written to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for its guidance and involvement in the translocation of Asiatic lions from Gir National park to Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh.
 
The foundation had earlier submitted a report to the state government highlighting the adverse conditions that prevailed in the proposed translocation site. It had also analyzed 10 translocations across the globe which had failed. Further, the NGO had cited 12 adverse conditions at Kuno-Palpur which could prove fatal for the lions.

In his letter to Dr Frederic Launay (chairperson of the IUCN SSC Reintroduction Specialist Group), Jalpesh Mehta, founder-chairperson of Empower Foundation, has said that the NGO is not against translocation. He says that it is farcical in the case of the Gir lions that the petitioner and the party interested in translocation are both part of the deciding or recommending and advising body on the issue. 

“Since the matter has become political with various people having vested interests, the only solution is international intervention in the matter, keeping in mind wildlife welfare first and the rest later,” Mehta says in the letter. The NGO requested IUCN to get involved by either appointing an international lion expert or a team of lion experts who could guide “the self-claiming wildlife experts who may be having some expertise in tigers, birds or hospitality among others but not lions for sure, but are keen to try their hands at lions to get some experience and visibility at the cost of the precious wildlife.”

Key IUCN guidelines violated

Guideline 3.2:

There should generally be strong evidence that the threat(s) that caused any previous extinction have been correctly identified and removed or sufficiently reduced.

NGO's view: The previous threats of extinction to tigers in Kuno Palpur came from poaching. This has neither been reduced nor removed. In fact, it has increased. Sariska and Panna tiger reserves lost all their tigers in the recent past due to poaching. Madhya Pradesh has become India's poaching capital and, in the last decade, was responsible for 50% of the world poaching of tigers.

Guideline 3.6:

Justifying a conservation introduction requires an especially high level of confidence about the organisms' performance after release, including over the long-term, with reassurance on its acceptability from the perspective of the release area's ecology, and the social and economic interests of its human communities.

NGO's View: Three accounts of forest dependence on the periphery of the Kuno sanctuary by Dr. Asmita Kabra, Samrakshan Trust, state that from time to time, the sanctuary had provided refuge to various tribes of Chambal. The gun culture of today is also a public fact. The Sahariya and Ladar tribes depend mainly on the forest for its produce and hunting.

Guideline (3.8):

Where a high degree of uncertainty remains or it is not possible to assess reliably that a conservation introduction presents low risks, it should not proceed, and alternative conservation solutions should be sought

NGO's View:

Lions in Gujarat are not limited to 1412 sq km of Gir National Park and Sanctuary but have migrated naturally and are living successfully over 10500 sq km across Saurashtra region. There is a need to correct the perception of there being a risk to the lions dure to their concentration in one forest.

Guideline 4.2:

A monitoring process, data requirement, methods, protocols, responsibility matrix for collection, analysis and dissemination of information is an important aspect [of translocation]. A multidisciplinary team with access to expert technical advice for all phases of the programme [is a must].

NGO's view:

Monitoring process, data requirement, methods, protocols, responsibility matrix for collection, analysis and dissemination of information are missing in the Forest Department of Madhya Pradesh. Further, formation of an inexperienced team without any experience or expertise in dealing with lions also violates this guideline. Tiger conservationists, bird experts and hoteliers are not equipped to handle this programme.

Guideline 5.1.2:

Matching habitat suitability and availability with the needs of the candidate species is central to feasibility and design.

NGO's view: The proposed habitat in Kuno-Palpur, outside the indigenous range of lions, is unsuitable for the big cats. This challenges the 'feasibility and design' clause of the IUCN. The biggest concern, besides the adverse topography and terrain, is the prey base. The overall prey-base of all animals per sq km had showed a growth of 79%. On the face of it, this calls for a global conservation award to Kuno. The anger of the displaced local tribes also poses a challenge to translocation efforts.  

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/NGO-writes-to-international-body-seeking-its-intervention-for-a-review/articleshow/21742888.cms

                                                                               

  

"NO" for Kuno ~ Speak before it's too late

The whole planet knows the one and only resort for last 400 Asiatic Lions is Gir National Forest of India. Undoubtedly, Gir went far behind the limits to protect the last Asiatic Lions and bring up the number from 12 to 400 in past several decades. The contribution Gujrat govt made on grounds of conservation, in past several decades, cannot be ruled out. However, since Gir has contributed so much, and the Lion population is brought to it's limit which can be hold by the forest, Lions are now finding their way out of the forest boundaries. Today, Lions are not only limited to Gir Forest, but  has spread over a very large area all over the Saurashtra region, which is why it's very urgent to find a second home for teh Gir Lions. The idea for finding a second home was aroused decades back, and for which central and state govt has worked very sensitively.


For this translocation project, out of 3 places, Kuno was found to be teh best habitat for Lions, and thus was finalized. Since the area for translocation was finalized, there had been several attempts by Gujrat State govt as well as individual/ NGOs to stop the translocation, on various grounds. No one went against the idea for translocation, but protested against other grounds, which were never heard neither by MP State govt, not the Judicial benches, and it was a black day for wildlife lovers when Hon. Supreme Court of India announced teh verdict by nodding YES to the project.

---

Why "NO" for Kuno?

Post research, we found Kuno not to be suitable for Lions in any single sense, although, the wildlife research team which was appointed for this task (officially) submitted its report finding Kuno the best place after Gir Forest in India. Below are the major points which were neglected/ manipulated in the report submitted to drive the Judicial verdict on their side. (Click the hyperlinks to know the )


1.  Kuno is a typical Indian rainforest which is not an adequate habitat for Lions. Lions lives in a different kind of habitat.


2. Kuno is almost an extension of a Tiger Reserve "Ranthambhore" and houses couple of Tigers which strayed away from the Tiger reserve. Lions and Tigers can't live together.


3.  Kuno Palpur is a poacher ruled area, where multiple incidents of poaching has been found in past. Many wild animals have been already brought down by poachers. In fact Kuno region is rich in channelizing illegal arms and ammunition.


4. Since Kuno is too far from Gir, the translocation has to be human assisted. There have been several human assisted translocation not only in India, but all over the world, which all failed. So, success of this human assisted translocation is very much doubtful. Even IUCN recommends, that we should focus on natural translocation whose success rate is 100%.


5.  As part of translocation plan, to keep up the healthy genetic pool in Kuno, every 3-5 years, fresh Lions from Gir would be brought to Kuno, and the residing male would be jailed to Zoo. This translocation simply aims at putting all wild Lions to Zoo which is highly unethical and insane act.


6. Prey base at Kuno is not at par for Lions. A manipulated report and argument submitted to Hon. Supreme court of India to show a good number of prey and driving the verdict to their court. As per the report, Langurs are also counted as Lions' prey with a high rate of population. While the main prey "Sambhar" and "Nilgai" rate are too less.


7. Gir people have learnt very well to share the same land in a peaceful manner and no incidents of Lion killing came into light  till date. While on other hand tribals inside Kuno were forcefully kicked out to make space for the reserve. This would definitely lead to man-animal conflict and Lions would be targeted badly. Poisioning and killing of Tigers are of no surprise there in Kuno region.

8. For this project, 24 villages who found there home in Kuno, were kicked out and forced to find their new home out of Kuno where they are suffering to death. Though a heavy amount was sanctioned for the tribal relocation, only few drops has reached for the actual cause.


This is the time to say "NO" to Kuno. This is time to prove the democracy. This is the time to prove that we care for our heritage, we care for wild animals..


~ Black Pearl

GIR Lions~ A journey from paradise to hell

The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (also known as Sasan Gir) is believed to be the last residence for last 400 Asiatic Lions over this earth. Gir proved not only just a home to these majestic Lions, but as a paradise to them. Had it been the terrain, vegetation, climate, or medical care, Gir always stood the best for them. It's not only the Gujrat Govt, but even the people of Gujrat has shown much affection towards these Lions. To people of Gujrat, Gir Lions are like members of their family. Gir has always stood the best fighting poaching, hence the Lions there feel themselves safe from cruel hands.


However, the decision for translocation of Gir Lions to Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary (MP) has been thrown over everyone and precisely the animals there in. The decision slapped down not only Gurat Govt but also all the Wildlife lovers and conservationists. While Indian Govt. claims this plan to be the most needful and call of the hour which would offer the Gir Lions more space to expand their prides, on the other hand paved the path for the wild Lions to end up in hell i.e. Zoo. While the whole world is protesting against captivating wild animals, we Indians are denoting this act as beneficial? India has history to captive their kings, and that is what happening today.. The saying is well proved that "history repeats itself.."


WII (Wildlife Institute of India) recommendation

WII report clearly mentions that "Genetic consideration would not be a major factor, provided fresh male lions are moved from Gir to Kuno every three to five years and the resident males in Kuno selectively captured for Zoos."

Last life treat

Are we ready to see our majestic wild Lions like this? So basically we are planning for the wild Lions to move from the paradise to hell, and we have no regrets for the same. Surprisingly, the suggestion came from the Wildlife Institute of India. Is the translocation so important that we are ready to sacrifice the wild cats to zoo in their last life? Do our Lions deserve such treatment after fighting for their life in wild? Ask yourself and you'll find what to say..


~ Black Pearl