(IN): Beginning of the END ?

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http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4809306.cms

 

Task force suggests preserving lion genes

TNN 23 July 2009, 02:29am IST

 

GANDHINAGAR: Special task force formed by state government after 2007

poaching incidents has suggested that apart from use of GPS-based tracking

and other modern surveillance systems, establishment of gene pool

population and a genetic laboratory for cryopreservation of genetic material

is needed to save lions.

 

Forest department, in reply to Shahpur MLA Gyasuddin Shaikh's question in the

Assembly, has said that the task force laid emphasis on establishing a gene

pool population at three places, including Sakkarbag Zoo, Rampara Sanctuary

and forest area near Hingolgadh and a semi-captive population of lions in

Barda Sanctuary with an ultimate objective of having a wild population

there. The work for the gene pool and sanctuary has already begin.

 

The task force in its report said that breeding and exchange protocols must

be developed for the gene pool population and semi-wild population at Barda.

It suggested that Sakkarbag Zoo act as nodal agency for all activities

related to genome mapping & conservation. The force also proposed to setup a

laboratory at Sakkarbag Zoo fully equipped to carry out genetic studies. The

laboratory would have facilities for Cryopreservation, DNA finger-printing &

sequencing, Microbiology and Biochemical testing, Artificial Insemination

and Embryo Transfer.

 

The task force recommended that system requirement study should be carried

out to develop specifications for VHF Network (voice and data

communication), GIS Database and Application, GPS enabled hand-held

communication sets, Control Room System, Night Vision Equipment, DNA Finger

printing and Cryopreservation.

 

Also 500 GPS enabled hand-held communication devices should be supplied to

protection staff in the first phase. About 10 animals should be fitted with

GPS VHF Collars in Gir and should be monitored. The task force suggested

that in the first phase 25 long range night vision equipment should be

supplied to mobile patrolling squads in Gir

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http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4809305.cms

'68 lions have moved out of Gir protected area' TNN 23 July 2009, 02:26am

IST

 

GANDHINAGAR: The state government admitted in the Assembly on Wednesday

that only 291 of the 359 lions in Gir were in the protected sanctuary

area. Replying

to a question by Karjan MLA Chandu Dabhi, the government said as per the

last census conducted in 2005, there were 68 adult lions, 100 female lions

and 123 cubs within the protected Gir Sanctuary.

 

Officials said this meant 68 lions had moved out of the sanctuary.

Forest<http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4809305.cms#>officials

also said Gir's carrying capacity is just 250 lions and as of now,

there could be nearly 370 lions. " The census which is due will reveal the

exact number but at present, I feel that there are over 370 lions. The lions

are moving out because of the want of food and also because of the fight for

the territory, " said a forest official. He added that getting prey in the

sanctuary was more difficult. Once the animal got used to an easy kill, it

will not move back to the sanctuary and even if they are caught, they will

get out and come closer to human habitat.

 

Officials said an adult lion requires an area of 30-40 sq km and hence there

is always a fight for territory which results in the weaker lion coming out

of the sanctuary and coming in direct conflict with humans.

 

The forest department has also said there has been no incident of poaching

in the last two years. To check poaching, the forest and police department

are working in co-ordination under a monitoring committee headed by

inspector general of police, Junagadh range. The committee has met eight

times so far.

 

The government has also decided to keep a check on the vehicles entering the

jungle and other visitors. The department said a close watch is being kept

on the activities and movement of labourers coming from other states. Vigil

is also being maintained on suspicious movements in Gir railway station and

bus station. About 200 motorcycles have been given to the staff and Friends

of Wild Animal scheme has been floated.

 

The department said in order to avoid accidents, as many as 9,350 wells have

been covered with parapet walls till May 2009. Also, the staff has been

given wireless sets and patrolling intensified in the areas.

 

To check death of lions due to electrocution, the forest department in

collaboration with the electricity company has launched a drive to check

illegal power connection.

 

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