(IN) WWF-India strengthens Tiger conservation in Maharashtra's Vidarbha

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Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/4846826.cms

 

WWF aid to forest dept to curtail poaching

Proshun Chakraborty 2 August 2009, 04:24am IST

 

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NAGPUR: In an attempt to improve efforts to curtail poaching of wild

animals, WWF donated two jeeps, four metal detectors and forensic kit

to the

state forest department. This was disclosed during the two-day

training workshop on WildLife Enforcement (wildlife conservation and

protection) organised by TRAFFIC the wildlife trade monitoring

network, state forest department and WWF here.

 

Speaking to TOI, Sameer Sinha, co-ordinator TRAFFIC the Wildlife Trade

Monitoring Network, expressed concern over lack of knowledge among

field officers on how to conduct probe against violation of wild life

protection act. He pointed out that till date the field officers and

staff witnessed difficulties in conducting probe into wild life

poaching. Moreover, they are not aware of how to maintain the protocol

of collection of evidence like meat skin, scat, blood samples etc.

 

This forensic kit, which comprises of all 16 items, would prove handy

for the field officers to conduct spot panchnama including collection

of evidence in an effective manner. Highlighting the usage of the kit,

he said the kit comprised surgical gloves, plastic pouch, screw capped

vial, injection syringe, scalpel handle, surgical blade, forceps,

scissors, glass slide, silica gel, filter paper, measuring tape, cello

tape and market pen. An instruction manual with every kit which helps

in carrying out the procedure of collection of meat skin, scat and

blood samples of wild animals for forensic analysis.

 

" The WWF has also donated four metal detector meant to detect the

presence of poachers' weapons and to alert the law enforcement

authorities. The machine costs around Rs 50,000 each, , " Sinha said.

 

The device can be used along trails used by both animals and their

human predators, he said and added that it would also help in

detecting traps laid for wild animals. The device uses technology

similar to that found in airports to detect metal.

 

The WWF team recently surveyed the forests in the state following

which the two patrolling vehicles were donated for Nagzira and Bor

Wildlife Sanctuaries, informed PCCF A K Joshi. Many a times, poachers

benefit due to lack of information on part of the department staffers,

he added. However, with patrolling jeeps, the poachers can now be

trapped, he said.

 

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In conservation,

Ameen

 

Ameen Ahmed

Currently:

Senior Communications Manager,

Species and Landscapes Programme

WWF India, 172B Lodhi Estate,

New Delhi - 1100 03

www.wwfindia.org

Personal Blog: http//tumkurameen.blogspot.com