(IN): Bison home at wildlife park

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Link: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070828/asp/northeast/story_8243138.asp

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Bison home at wildlife park

OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

 

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*Agartala, Aug. 27:* The Tripura government has decided to notify a part of

Trishna wildlife sanctuary, under Belonia subdivision of South Tripura, as a

national park for bisons.

 

Wildlife warden B. K. Singdeo said of a total area of 82 square km at

Trishna, 32 square km would be earmarked as the national park.

 

During the past few years, shrinking pastureland within the sanctuary,

vagaries of nature and incursions by bisons into neighbouring Bangladesh

have led to their number dwindling rapidly.

 

Recently, three bisons that had strayed into Bangladesh territory in search

of green grass never returned.

 

" As against 300 bisons in 2002, we currently have only 100, according to the

latest survey conducted by the wildlife wing of forest department, " said

Singdeo.

 

Officials in the wildlife wing of the forest department have prepared a

detailed proposal for the project.

 

It will be submitted to National Zoo Authority (NZA) for approval and actual

notification.

 

" This is being done to facilitate the flow of funds for building

infrastructure within the sanctuary so that the bison population can survive

and grow here, " said Singdeo.

 

Apart from this, two watchtowers will be built to enable tourists to have a

glimpse of the endangered species.

 

The bisons do not like human presence in close proximity. Besides, the

possibilities of eco-tourism are also being explored at Trishna, located in

a desolate corner in the southwestern part of the state.

 

In 2005, the NZA had a part of the Sipahijala wildlife sanctuary as a

national park for preservation and protection of the clouded leopard, a rare

species in this part of the country.

 

Sipahijala has been notified as the best breeding ground for this species.

 

Singdeo said that once the NZA accepted the proposal, Trishna wildlife

sanctuary would also emerge as a centre for the nurture and protection of

the bison population.

 

 

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