(IN) WTI organises refresher training for Sloth Bear protection

[Guest guest]

*

http://www.wti.org.in/current-news/090106_refresher_training_to_protect_sloth_be\

ars.html

*

*'REFRESHER' TRAINING TO PROTECT SLOTH BEARS*

 

*Bihar, January 6, 2009:* Sloth bear conservation in Bihar received a shot

in the arm with a 'refresher' training on forest protection for frontline

field staff of various Protected Areas in the state.

 

The training was organised last month by the Van Rakshak Project (VRP) of

Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), in collaboration with the World Society for

the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and the Bihar Forest Department. Nearly 200

frontline field staff including range officers and forest guards, from

Bhimbandh, Kanwarjheel, Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin, Nagi Dam, Nakti Dam,

Pant, Salim Ali Barela, Gautam Buddha, and Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuaries

participated in the two-day training.

 

 

The refresher training targeted staff of protected areas where the first

phase of the VRP training was held in May 2007. It was a part of WTI and

WSPA's holistic efforts at conservation of sloth bears in India through

their Sloth Bear Conservation and Welfare Project (SBCWP).

 

Describing the concept of VRP's refresher trainings, Dr Rakesh Kumar Singh,

Coordinator, WTI, said, " Most of the field staff do not have access to

information on the developments in general wildlife scenarios and laws in

the country. The training we organised in May 2007 was perhaps the first

focussed and intensive one for these forest staff. Through these refresher

trainings we try and update their understanding, going a notch higher in

terms of depth of information imparted (as compared to the first training)

while also updating them on new developments that have come up within the

gap period. "

 

The training covered issues ranging from the basic understanding of the

importance of wildlife and Indian wildlife laws to an overview of the

wildlife crime scenario in the country, with special reference to sloth

bears. It also included training in field craft such as identification of

indirect evidence of animals, effective patrolling as well as crime

investigation and prevention techniques.

 

Dr Singh said, " There were about 50 new faces among the participants. They

were working in non-protected areas during the first training in May 2007. "

 

In addition to training and equipping forest guards in sloth bear range

areas, SBCWP also rehabilitates Kalandars (or sloth bear performers) who

have voluntarily surrendered their bears to the Forest Department. Six

Kalandars from Nalanda, Nawada and Kharagpur districts in Bihar have been

provided funds and are being helped stabilise their alternative livelihood.

SBCWP also includes undercover operations against poachers and traders,

rehabilitation of confiscated sloth bear cubs as well as a campaign against

bear hunting and illegal trade.