Stripes FinalforPrint.qxp11/13/201012:39PMPage1 BI-MONTHLY OUTREACHJOURNALOFNATIONALTIGERCONSERVATIONAUTHORITY Volume 1Issue4 s

STATUS t

STRATEGY r OENETO OF GOVERNMENT

CHALLENGES i

MANAGEMENT p

INITIATIVES e May-Jun 2010

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DETAILS OF FAMILIES RESIDING AT CORE / CRITICAL TIGER HABITATS

S.No Name of State Date of Notification Area No. of No. of Tiger Reserve of Core/Critical (Sq.Km.) Villages families tiger habitat 1 Manas 20.12.2007 840.04 32 912 2 Kaziranga Assam 20.12.2007 625.58 Nil Nil 3 Nameri Assam 20.12.2007 200 Nil Nil 4 Nagarjunasagar 20.12.2007 2527 27 102 5 Namdapha 24.12.2007 1807.82 8 84 6 Pakke Arunachal Pradesh 24.12.2007 683.45 Nil Nil 7 Valmiki N.A* 840* Nil Nil 8 Indravati 20.02.2009 1258.37 56 993 9 Undanti-Sitandadi Chhattisgarh 20.02.2009 851.09 45 3138 10 Achanakmar Chhattisgarh 20.02.2009 626.195 25 1774 11 Palamau 31.12.2007 414.08 3 105 12 Periyar 31.12.2007 881 1** 100 13 Parambikulam Kerala 16.12.2009 390.89 6 299 14 Bandipur 20.12.2007 872.24 Nil Nil 15 Bhadra Karnataka 20.12.2007 492.46 4 81 16 Dandeli-Anshi Karnataka 20.12.2007 814.884 52 4725 17 Nagarhole Karnataka 20.12.2007 643.35 45 1353 18 Tadoba-Andhari 27.12.2007 625.82 5 924 19 Pench Maharashtra 27.12.2007 257.26 1 85 20 Maharashtra 27.12.2007 1500.49 31 5835 21 Bandhavgarh 24.12.2007 716.903 14 2164 22 Kanha Madhya Pradesh 24.12.2007 917.43 26 1828 23 Bori-Satpura Madhya Pradesh 24.12.2007 1339.264 41 2693 24 Panna Madhya Pradesh 24.12.2007 576.13 5 2811 25 Sanjay-Dubri Madhya Pradesh N.A* 831.25 47 3256 26 Pench Madhya Pradesh 24.12.2007 411.33 Nil Nil 27 Dampa 28.12.2007 500 1 224 28 Satkosia Orissa 31.12.2007 523.61 5 77 29 Simlipal Orissa 31.12.2007 1194.75 6 221 30 Ranthambhore 28.12.2007 1113.364 55 6124 31 Sariska Rajasthan 28.12.2007 681.1124 28 2254 32 Kalakad-Mundanthurai 31.12.2007 895 8 245 33 Mudumalai Tamil Nadu 31.12.2007 321 30 449 34 Anamalai Tamil Nadu 31.12.2007 958 33 94 35 Corbett 24.12.2007 821.99 2 71 36 Dudhwa 20.12.2007 1093.79 18 1475 37 Buxa 06.08.2009 390.5813 19 1744 38 Sunderbans West Bengal 18.12.2007 1699.62 Nil - 39 Sahyadri Maharashtra 05.01.2010 741.22 83 2309 Total 762 48549

*N.A - Notification Awaited, ** Enclave in the core Stripes Final for Print.qxp 11/13/2010 12:39 PM Page 3

Volume 1 Challenges EDITOR Roadmap Issue 4 Tigers and Dr Rajesh Gopal Plans for naxals Member Secretary NTCA May-Jun 2011-2015 2010 Pg 14 Pg 8 EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Findings Ananda Banerjee Pench tiger reserve CONTENT P16 COORDINATOR Strategy Inder MS Kathuria Global Tiger FEEDBACK Forum meet STRIPESmail Annexe No 5 Pg 6 Bikaner House Shahjahan Responses & Road comments New Delhi Mortality Pg 18 [email protected] Death and Management Independent seizure Cover photo evaluation of tiger reserves Sudhir Mishra P19 Pg 4 RFO, Kanha TR

BI-MONTHLY OUTREACH JOURNAL OF NATIONAL TIGER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY s t rGOVERNMENTi OF INDIAp e s n o t e f r o m t h e e d i t o r

India is the only tiger range country which Rajasthan and Maharashtra. It is important at this juncture can take the credit of saving the tiger 'source to address this issue actively at the landscape level. sites' since the early seventies, thanks to the Unfortunately, such moving tigers get 'branded' as 'man- vision of the late Prime Minister Shrimati eaters' eventually landing in 'zoos' or getting eliminated. Indira Gandhi. The and the This is lamentable. We are in a situation where every tiger is National Legislation on Wildlife [Wildlife precious to us. An instance of a straying tiger or leopard (Protection) Act, 1972] together gave a new impetus to tiger should be treated at par with any other violence, and ade- conservation in particular. Since then, the project coverage quate deployment of local police and State Armed Force has been increasing with almost 34,000 sq.km. of tiger for- needs to be done, besides sensitizing the local people. est being conserved today as 'core areas' of tiger reserves in Perhaps, to avoid lethal encounters, it is advisable to impose 17 tiger States of the country. section 144 of the CrPC in such areas. The 'in-situ' conservation philosophy of Project Tiger, The traditional movement path along natural features and with an inviolate core for tiger and an outer buffer and cor- forested tracts should be carefully mapped for restoration ridor having an 'inclusive agenda' for the people, while pro- inputs, while incentivising the local people on a quid-pro-quo viding habitat supplement to wild animals, has been vindi- basis with reciprocal commitments. Even small patches of cated. There is a need for vegetal connectivity to facilitate forests in such landscapes should be sustainably maintained tiger dispersal from source areas. However, the various eco- to retain their quality for serving as 'stepping stones' to dis- logically unsustainable land uses in the human dominated persing tigers. The recent incidence of a moving tiger taking landscapes around tiger source sites foster human-tiger refuge at Bharatpur is a case in point. interface conflicts. In the recent past, there have been sever- Dr Rajesh Gopal al tiger 'straying' incidents in the country, viz. Uttar Pradesh, Member-Secretary, NTCA Stripes Final for Print.qxp 11/13/2010 12:39 PM Page 4

MANAGEMENT What is management effectiveness evaluation (MEE)? ‘..the assessment of how well a protected area is being managed – primarily the extent to which it is protecting values and achieving goals and objectives’ WCPA (World Commission on Protected Areas) Guidelines (2006) CONSTITUTION OF COMMITTEES FOR AN INDEPENDENT MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVENESS EVALUATION OF TIGER RESERVES - 2010

he NTCA constituted the following management of Tiger Reserves as laid down in the Committees for an independent management respective Tiger Conservation Plans/ Management Teffectiveness evaluation of Tiger Reserves, Plans. 2010. The terms and reference of the above (iv) To evaluate the process and outcome of Committees are; long-term monitoring of the biological and socio- (i) To apply the Management Effectiveness cultural resources. Evaluation (MEE) framework and assessment crite- The Wildlife Institute of India would provide a ria for independent evaluation of the Tiger pre-assessment orientation to the experts for using Reserves in the country. the new matrix, apart from collation/publication of (ii) to evaluate whether the chosen approaches in the results with financial support from the National Tiger Reserve management are sound, adequate Tiger Conservation Authority. and appropriate. (iii) To evaluate whether the funds allocated are being used effectively for meeting the objectives of

An independent assessment, based on WCPA-MEE framework adapted to Indian conditions, was carried out in 2005 by 8 independent experts, using 45 parameters. The results were peer-reviewed by IUCN experts in 2006 and the reports were placed in the Parliament.

Purpose of Evaluation Kanha Broadly speaking, MEE can: Dudhwa n Enable and support an adaptive approach Corbett to management Sunderbans VERY GOOD n Assist in effective resource allocation Pench (M.P.) n Promote accountability and transparency Palamau and Simlipal Melghat n Help involve the community, build con- Panna stituency and promote protected area val- Tadoba-Andhari ues Bori-Satpura In addition to substantive benefits, the Bandhavgarh process of MEE can also deliver a number Periyar GOOD of procedural benefits such as improved Bandipur & Rajiv Gandhi N.P. communication between managers and (Nagarhole) other stakeholders. Pench (Maharashtra) Evaluation should be seen primarily as a Buxa tool to assist managers in their work, not Dampa as a system of watching and punishing Bhadra managers for inadequate performance. Nameri Evaluation must be used positively to Pakke support managers and be seen as a normal Valmiki part of the process of management. Kalakad-Mundanthurai Recent experiences around the world Manas have demonstrated that involving external SATISFACTORY Namdapha stakeholders in the assessment process Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam and transparent sharing of the results of Ranthambhore assessment can help to build cooperation Indravati and support for protected areas POOR Sariska

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COMMITTEES FOR INDEPENDENT MANAGEMENT EFFEC- TIVENESS EVALUATION OF TIGER RESERVES

S. No. Name of the Name of the State Tiger Reserve Landscape

Cluster I (7 Nos.): Chairperson - Dr. P.C. Kotwal Composition of Committees - Sh. Ajay Desai and Dr. Jamal A. Khan 1. Dudhwa SG Uttar Pradesh 2. Corbett SG Uttarakhand 3. Ranthambhore CI & EG Rajasthan 4. Sariska CI & EG Rajasthan 5. Melghat CI & EG Maharashtra 6. Pench CI & EG Maharashtra 7. Tadoba-Andhari CI & EG Maharashtra

Cluster II (6 Nos.): Chairperson - Shri V. B. Sawarkar, Members - Dr. Erach Bharucha and Shri Rajeev Sharma 8. Bandhavgarh CI & EG Madhya Pradesh 9. Satpura CI & EG Madhya Pradesh 10. Kanha CI & EG Madhya Pradesh 11. Panna CI & EG Madhya Pradesh 12. Pench (M.P.) CI & EG Madhya Pradesh 13. Sanjay- Dubri CI & EG Madhya Pradesh

Cluster -III (8 Nos.): Chairperson - Dr. R.L. Singh, Members - Ms. Prerna Singh Bindra and Shri R.K. Dogra 14. Valmiki SG Bihar 15. Indravati CI & EG Chhattishgarh 16. Achanakmar CI & EG Chhattishgarh 17. Udanti-Sitanadi CI & EG Chhattishgarh 18. Simlipal CI & EG Orissa 19. Satkosia CI & EG Orissa 20. Nagarjunsagar- CI & EG Andhra Pradesh Srisailam 21. Palamau CI & EG Jharkhand

Cluster -IV (9 Nos.): Chairperson - Shri C.K. Sreedharan Composition of Committees - Dr. Yogesh Dubey and Dr. E.A. Jayson 22. Bandipur WG Karnataka 23. Nagarhole WG Karnataka 24. Bhadra WG Karnataka 25. Dandeli-Anshi WG Karnataka 26. Periyar WG Kerala 27. Parambikulam WG Kerala 28. Kalakad- WG Tamil Nadu Mundathurai 29. Annamalai WG Tamil Nadu 30. Mudumalai WG Tamil Nadu

Cluster -V (8 Nos.): Chairperson - Shri H.K. Choudhury, Members - Dr. D.S. Srivastava and Dr. P.S. Easa 31. Namdapha NE & BF Arunachal Pradesh 32. Pakhui NE & BF Arunachal Pradesh 33. Kaziranga NE & BF Assam 34. Manas NE & BF Assam 35. Nameri NE & BF Assam 36. Dampa NE & BF Mizoram 37. Buxa NE & BF West Bengal 38. Sunderbans Sunderbans West Bengal PHOTOS NANAK DHINGRA SG: Shivalik- Gangetic Plain Landscape Complex CI & EG: Central Indian Landscape Complex and Eastern Ghats Landscape Complex WG: Western Ghats Landscape Complex

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STRATEGY GLOBAL TIGER Proceedings of the GLOBAL TIGER FORUM (GTF) consultative meeting in FORUM New Delhi, June 2010

he meeting was chaired GTF meeting in progress by Mr Deepak Bohara, Chairperson of GTF and Minister of Forest and Soil Conservation, TGovernment of Nepal. The meet- ing was attended by all tiger range country members of GTF (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Vietnam), member non-tiger range country (U.K.), member international NGOs (WWF, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) & TRAFFIC) and member National NGOs (Ranthambhore Foundation, Wildlife Protection Society of India, Wildlife Trust of India, Tiger Research and Conservation Trust, National Trust for Nature Conservation and Wildlife Conservation Nepal). In addition, the meeting was attended by Global Tiger Initiative--World Bank, tiger experts, pleasure in being able to attend the meeting and to Field Directors and Chief Wildlife Wardens of vari- see how this year has been very exciting and crucial ous states of India. for efforts on tiger conservation. He welcomed all Mr Ravi Singh, Secretary General and CEO, WWF- delegates from the tiger range countries, members India welcomed all the delegates to the meeting of the GTF and specifically mentioned Thailand - a and called for strengthening of the GTF for taking key tiger range country participating in this meet- ahead the conservation of tiger and to ensure ing. He stated that it was good to see many more strong political will to bring back this species from countries behind this initiative and gives greater the brink of extinction. He requested the partici- hopes for the iconic species. He further said that pants to deliberate, discuss and take decisions on this year has been particularly exciting for work on the agenda items and hoped that the meeting tiger conservation. Many things happened after the would be a fruitful one. Kathmandu Global Tiger Workshop held in October Mr Deepak Bohara, Chairperson of GTF and 2009, as it gained momentum with the Hua Hin Minister of Forest and Soil Conservation, meeting in Thailand this January. Therefore it is a Government of Nepal, expressed his immense good time to establish ourselves as a key platform

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to strengthen global tiger conservation efforts. He that during the meeting the issue of what GTF had hoped that this meeting can give new energy and done, the problems which GTF is facing and sug- impetus to tiger conservation among range coun- gestions for a way forward would be discussed. He tries and across the globe. He said that we would also stated that lot of interaction took place like to establish this intergovernmental forum as an between World Bank/GTI and GTF and it would be enabler to help revamp tiger conservation efforts in greatly appreciated if synergy is developed between respective range countries and across the world. GTI and GTF. He expressed his sincere thanks to The Government of Nepal remains deeply commit- WWF for helping to organize the meeting and ted to the future of wild tigers and we are very hoped that this meeting comes up with strategies happy to be a part of this crucial Forum that will for strengthening the Forum. secure the future of tigers on this planet. Dr Rajesh Gopal, Secretary General, GTF, & EMERGING APPROACHES IN TIGER CONSERVA- Member Secretary, National Tiger Conservation TION, MONITORING AND TRADE CONTROL Authority, Government of India, (also the editor of FROM RANGE COUNTRIES (focusing on STRIPES) welcomed all the delegates and stated that issues/models that can be globally or regionally GTF had been engaging in several activities, but replicated)

only seven tiger range States are members to the The Chair of the session, Mr Ravi Singh, Forum. He informed that the Indian Minister for Secretary General & CEO, WWF-India requested tiger Environment and Forests, Mr Jairam Ramesh had range countries to make their presentations in the very recently written to his counterparts in the following sequence: tiger rage countries to join the GTF. The issues, problems and the areas of concerns with regard to 1. Bangladesh - Tiger monitoring in Sundarbans tiger conservation are almost common in all the 2. Bhutan - Bhutan Biological Corridors tiger range countries. The status of tiger continues 3. Cambodia - Law Enforcement and Monitoring to remain endangered despite several efforts. With 4. Myanmar - Managing tigers and trade in world's the support of the tiger range states, non tiger largest tiger reserve (Hukuang Tiger Reserve) range states and organizations working for tiger 5. Nepal - Nepal/China MOU on Biodiversity conservation, the GTF will be able to address these Conservation issues. He expressed his gratitude to WWF, IFAW 6. Vietnam - Addressing tiger trade and demand and several other organizations and countries who reduction have helped in keeping the GTF alive. He stated 7. India - All-India Tiger Estimation Exercise phases I - IV

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STRATEGY A Strategy

DISCUSSION: Bangladesh wanted to know from Dr Ullas karanth that which (I) OBJECTIVES: Encourage greater method would be the most suitable for tiger estimation in international cooperation In address- ing tiger conservation efforts Bangladesh Sundarbans. KEY ACTIONS Dr Karanth stated that track survey was suggested by him, n Identify institutions working on which could be monitored between tides, if tiger tracks are tiger conservation across countries found. Occupancy modeling has got tremendous scope besides and their key strengths /require- genetic capture and scat collection. ments Wildlife Protection Society wanted to know when was the last n Help to build institutional capaci- camera trapping done and when was the last tiger sighted in ty and create new institutions wher- Cambodia. ever required (e.g. supporting set- Cambodia submitted that the last camera trapping was done ting up of forensic facility in Nepal) - n in 1997 in protected forest areas and the last tiger sighting was Conduct a study in at least two landscape (as a model) on values of just a few months back. Tiger ecosystems, esp. trans-bound- The Chief Wildlife Warden, Tamil Nadu, submitted that with ary (e.g. Terai Arc, Vietnam-Laos- regard to prey base density, the prey base density should be Cambodia) determined taking into account other predators present in the n Facilitate collaborative manage- tiger reserves. ment of trans-boundary Tiger land- U.K. wanted to know at what level the MOU between china scapes (in two areas) through pro- and Nepal was signed. moting joint management protocols Nepal submitted that the MOU signed between China and and joint actions (including monitor- Nepal was at the Ministry and Secretary Level to conduct regular ing) n phase of survey in the border areas to prevent illegal trafficking Lobby at international forums as 'Voice of the Tiger' of animal parts and products. India wanted to know from Myanmar that why there are a limited number of check posts and guards in Hukuang tiger (II) OBJECTIVES: Foster high-level reserve, which is one of the largest tiger reserves in the world; political commitment at all levels for and the yellow areas inside the sanctuary earmarked for devel- tiger conservation efforts in all range opment activities, which would adversely impact tiger conserva- states tion. KEY ACTIONS n Myanmar submitted that the limited number of check post Use membership or interest of and guards were due to limited manpower available with them developed countries with ability to influence decision making on eco- and the yellow areas inside the sanctuary are human settle- nomic issues that impact Tiger con- ments who are there for centuries. servation to lobby for political com- mitment FACILITATED DISCUSSION ON HOW THE APPROACHES CAN n Use St. Petersburg summit to BE ROLLED OUT ACROSS RANGE COUNTRIES (where relevant) identify and sustain political commit- Facilitator: Mr Vivek Menon, regional Director (South Asia), IFAW ment post summit The Facilitator summed up the following common issues rele- n Identify a senior "political" leader vant to all tiger range countries: (not necessarily a politician) to be a 1. Standardisation of methodology, sampling and censusing 'Brand Ambassador' for GTF and 2. Law enforcement - patrolling engage other high level decision makers 3. Linkages between protected areas and habitat areas 4. Consumer awareness (III) OBJECTIVES: DISCUSSION: Promote active collaboration among India submitted that tiger corridors and landscapes which range states to address illegal tiger extend beyond boundary of countries need to be protected and trade and demand for tiger products measures developed for joint management, which the GTF can and assess effectiveness of actions facilitate. This was concurred to by Bangladesh. KEY ACTIONS n WWF submitted that using the example of MOU between Collaborate with international / multi-country agencies like SAWEN China and Nepal, such bilateral agreement need to be developed (also endorse this) / ASEAN WEN / not only for tiger conservation, but also for control of illegal WCO / CITES / INTERPOL / UNDOC trade in tiger parts and products. GTF can facilitate to make

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and Roadmap for GTF 2010-2015

for facilitating training/information with help of partner organisations port high profile actions (target spe- sharing /joint actions n Promote and celebrate an cific companies working across range n Assist in developing protocols for International Day of the Tiger countries collectively) sharing information for joint actions through the UN system (some GTF n Get country level commitment for on illegal trade member countries will celebrate July securing long-term funding for the n Assist to identify and put in place 29) core functions and team where possi- focal points for information sharing n Identify 'Champions' for aware- ble on illegal trade ness raising among each TRC n Develop a business plan for GTF n Catalyse the development of n Revamp GTF publicity strategy which can be presented to govern- national databases on tiger related including website, newsletter, and ments to encourage funding (includ- mortality / crime / seizures in range other media options (competition for ing membership fees) states (GTF to collaborate with int'l creating website) n Link with GTI for ongoing funding n Make a "splash" - through an for agreed transboundary/regional event/ campaign/video actions n Set up an award for contributions to tiger conservation n Conduct a review meeting after (VII) OBJECTIVES: Encourage all the Year of Tiger to take stock of Tiger range States and other coun- efforts and impacts tries with an interest in tigers to join and actively participate in the GTF KEY ACTIONS (V) OBJECTIVES: Build capacity, n Demonstrate value proposition increase professional training and for non-member countries to be provide tools for governmental staff encouraged to join involved in tiger conservation efforts n Clearly demonstrate that all coun- in Member States tries in GTF have an equal owner- KEY ACTIONS ship and participation n Assist countries in developing n Present a revised vision and strat- and updating Tiger Action Plans egy at Bali to generate renewed inter- n Identify best practices across est in membership countries and document and dissemi- n Actively engage with counterparts nate these through the country focal from non-member countries at Bali to points encourage them to become members n Strengthen the functions of the n Chair (or Executive Committee)of focal points to play a lead role in dis- GTF to send a letter to each govern- seminating and promoting uptake of ment participating in Bali about the best practice outcomes of this meeting n Organise workshops /seminars n Assist GTF and NGO members to /study tours to promote uptake of act as ambassadors through provid- AA DHINGRA NANAK best practices at national/regional ing a "toolkit" level

(VIII) OBJECTIVES: Engage with new (VI) OBJECTIVES: Facilitate funding partner organisations involved in directed at priority actions to Tiger conservation and strengthen strengthen tiger conservation efforts existing partnerships comm, collate and disseminate infor- globally and regionally KEY ACTIONS mation) KEY ACTIONS n Identify key partner organisations n Each member country to put seed who can work with GTF on capacity funds into GTF where possible for building, research/monitoring, (IV) OBJECTIVES: Raise awareness on building up an initial corpus (based awareness, fundraising tiger conservation efforts, trade, on willingness to pay) n Actively engage with identified emerging threats and new solutions n INGOs raising money for tiger partners on a needs basis on specific globally, regionally and nationally conservation earmark some funding issues (training, research, campaigns) KEY ACTIONS for GTF activities through their proj- n If agreed, partners could also n Sensitize political leaders and top ects become GTF members bureaucrats at the regional, country n Approach selected corporate and provincial levels in the TRCs, active in tiger range countries to sup-

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NANAK DHINGRA

these MOUs functional. Similarity of approach by tiger range countries is required not only in stan- GTF: LOOKING BACK AND LESSONS LEARNED dardization, but also for habitat management, (HISTORY/VISION/ROLE/ CHALLENGES) pressure indices etc. Presentation by Dr Rajesh Gopal, Secretary General, Bhutan submitted that sustainable financing is a GTF. The Secretary General, GTF, made a presenta- priority in their country. tion on the history of GTF, its vision, role and chal- World bank/GTI submitted that the civil society, lenges faced, revitalizing agenda and suggested other societies and international communities need mandate for the GTF. to be engaged to maintain sustainable financing. Awareness is also required from those who profit LINKS BETWWEEN GTI AND GTF from ecological areas. Mr Keshav Varma of GTI submitted that with the U.K. submitted that capacity and expertise on the rapid urbanization and infrastructure activities tak- ground is essential and GTF can be a platform for ing place in tiger range countries, conservationists such capacity building and sharing of knowledge. face a huge challenge. There is a sense of urgency India submitted that it was important to increase to overcome the problems faced for tiger conserva- the capacity of the frontline staff for effective man- tion. An effective management is required to match agement of the protected areas. the challenges faced today. Wildlife Conservation Nepal submitted that intel- The GTI have positive reaction to synergize with ligence sharing and international partner is essen- GTF and feel open to start further collaboration tial for tiger conservation. with GTF to rise to the challenges faced by tiger Nepal submitted that most of the tiger range coun- conservation. try governments does not give priority to tiger con- servation. It is therefore necessary to change the attitude of the bureaucrats and the finance min- DEVELOPING A STRATEGY istries, by conveying the importance of tiger AND ROADMAP FOR GTF: conservation. Facilitator: Dr Sejal Worah, WWF-India

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A 10 point strategy for GTF was presented by the involved in tiger conservation and strengthen exist- Facilitator for discussion/suggestions from the del- ing partnerships egates, which were as follows: 9. Encourage all Tiger Range States and other 1. Encourage greater international cooperation in countries interested in tiger conservation to join addressing tiger conservation efforts (including and actively participate in the GTF joint lobbying and transboundary protocols and 10. Evaluate and review the effectiveness of the Protected Area linkages/biological corridors) governance, structure and organization of the GTF 2. Foster all high-level political commitment for and GTF Secretariat tiger conservation efforts in all range states 3. Promote active collaboration among range PROPOSED GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE FOR GTF states to address illegal tiger trade and demand for Presentation by Dr Rajesh Gopal, Secretary General, tiger products and assess effectiveness of actions GTF 4. Build capacity, increase professional training The Secretary General made a presentation on and provide tolls for government staff involved in the proposed Governance structure of GTF, for dis- tiger conservation efforts in Member States cussion and taking decision in the next session. 5. Promote uptake of innovative tiger conserva- tion methods, mechanisms and solutions across DISCUSSION AND AGREEMENT ON GOVERNANCE range states (including estimation and monitoring) STRUCTURE FOR GTF 6. Raise awareness on tiger conservation efforts, Facilitator: Dr Sejal Worah, WWF-India trade, emerging threats and new solutions globally, The delegates (Executive Committee and Core regionally and nationally. Working group members of GTF) discussed the pro- 7. Facilitate funding directed at priority actions posed Governance structure of GTF presented by to strengthen tiger conservation efforts globally the Secretary General, GTF, and decided as follows: and regionally 8. Engage with new partner organizations Global Tiger Forum (GA)

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(Range state and other country government repre- Secretary General (on behalf of GA) sentatives and INGOs/NGOs) n Recommending and reviewing membership of other Committees n Chair to be elected by voting members n Assisting the Secretariat with critical functions n Term of Chair to be three years n One NGO member per country can vote ?? (keep GTF Secretariat in mind that some countries may not want to be (Secretary General + support staff) outvoted by NGOs and the intergovernmental n Term of SG to be 3 yrs nature of GTF) n Should be a tiger range state national n Support staff could be from different range Responsibility: states through open selection process n Setting strategic direction & policy for GTF n Overall review and assessment of functioning of Responsibility: GTF n Providing coordination and administrative sup- n High-level decision making on critical issues port for GTF affecting tiger conservation in member countries n Communicating progress on implementation of strategy and other key issues to GTF Standing GTF Standing committee Committee on a regular basis (Subset of the GTF) n Assist SC in monitoring implementation n Members to be decided by GTF GA n Managing database and website for information n 4 range state reps + 2 NGO reps + 2 non-range sharing on GTF and tiger issues across TRCs state members n Acting as the focal point for information flow n Rotation every 3 years and communication between different GTF bodies n Managing finances and budgets of GTF Responsibility: n Coordinating and collating national action plans n Overseeing implementation of the GTF strategy and other information from national focal points n Appointing and monitoring performance of GTF

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The Global Tiger Forum (GTF) is an inter-governmental and international body established with members from willing countries to embark on a worldwide campaign, common approach, promotion of appro- priate programmes and con- trols to save the remaining five sub-species of tigers in the wild distributed over 14 tiger range countries of the world. http://www.globaltiger.org/

GTF Technical Advisory Committee n Other roles as relevant to the country (National and international experts on tiger biology, landscape ecology, protection, trade, community GTF Enabling Committee engagement, infrastructure, information) (National and international NGOs, Donors, GTI , SAWEN, ASEAN-WEN, Corporates) n Term of members to be 3 years (staggered rota- tion) n No specific terms and conditions n Total no of members not to exceed 12 n Should function electronically as far as possible n Maximum of two members per country n Could have a smaller representative core group n Maximum of two members per institution to enable actions and report back n Should function electronically as far as possible Responsibility: Responsibility: n Assisting with fundraising for GTF (core and n Developing and updating status of tiger and its implementation of specific actions) habitat across range states n Bringing in external perspectives and providing n Providing technical inputs into development of inputs into strategy and monitoring GTF strategy n Assisting with communication and external pro- n Assisting with review of implementation of the filing for GTF strategy n Upscaling advocacy for tigers among political n Assisting with implementation of strategy (e.g. leaders, corporations, and donors capacity building) n Alerting GTF to emerging issues in tiger conser- NEXT STEPS, PLANS FOR BALI AND CLOSING vation Chair: HE Mr Deepak Bohara, Chairperson, GTF, & Minister, Forest and Soil Conservation, Nepal GTF National Core Group The Chairperson of GTF submitted that the 10- (National focal point and in-country partners) point strategy for GTF should be addressed in the n Country specific terms and conditions Bali Pre-summit meeting and the Bali Forum should be convinced that GTF is the platform for tiger con- Responsibility: servation. GTF should also target tiger range coun- n Assisting with development, implementation tries to become its members. GTF need to have and review of national actions within the GTF strat- some concrete ground works to be presented in the egy Tiger Summit. n Focal point for communicating with the GTF U.K. submitted that the goals and strategies for Secretariat GTF discussed in the meeting should be summa- n Building national awareness and support for rized and presented in the Bali meeting inviting tiger conservation comments from others.

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CHALLENGES Tigers and Naxals Excerpts from the appraisal report of Indravati Tiger Reserve, Chhattisgarh by Dr. R.P. MISHRA, Dr. RATHIN BARMAN, Mr. SAMIR KUMAR SINHA, Dr. R. K. SINGH and Dr. D. S. SRIVASTAVA

he National Tiger Conservation Authority T(NTCA) constituted special teams, vide letter no. 7-22/2009- NTCA, dated 10th August 2009, for an urgent appraisal of tiger reserves, having low tiger density and problems on account of extremist engineered disturbances. The authors of this report, were given the responsibility to appraise Indravati Tiger Reserve (Chhattisgarh) on the terms of ref- erence; 1. Appraisal of status of tiger, co- predators and prey animals 2. Protection efforts taken vis-a- vis the advisories of Project Tiger / NTCA 3. Administrative / ecological problems and managerial issues and 4. Suggestions for restoring the area and eliciting local support to A panorama of the Indravati Tiger reserve. (Below) Staff participating strengthen protection. in SWOT Analysis exercise

We undertook field visit of Indravati Tiger Reserve between ment and protection, due to severe 7th and 10th October 2009 and naxal threats. Entire core area of interacted with frontline staff, sen- the reserve is under strong influ- ior officials of the reserve and ence of naxalites and in several Chhattisgarh forest department, areas in buffer zone also, such Forest Secretary to the state gov- threats are looming at large. ernment and few locals. We could Naxals have grossly damaged the also manage to visit a small area in reserve infrastructure. Staff are the core zone of the reserve. We also demoralized due to naxal adopted various methods to threats. accomplish the objectives of 2. It is speculated that the naxal appraisal and tried to understand influenced areas are safe for tic information on population sta- the situations minutely. We found wildlife and forest, but actual tus of wildlife of the area is avail- that; ground situation is unknown. able. 1. The reserve is passing through a 3. Due to negligible movement of 4. Frontline staff have been with- critical phase in terms of manage- staff inside the reserve, no authen- drawn from the core area of the

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Leopard pugmark inside the core area of Indravati TR. Forest road inside the core area of Indravati TR blocked by naxalites. Unmanaged Salepalli water hole inside core area of Indravati TR

reserve and they reside at Bijapur. agement and protection of METHODOLOGY 5. However, there is shortage of Indravati would not be possible The team visited Indravati tiger staff in the reserve and about 60% until the naxal problem in the reserve between 07th to 10th Oct. posts of frontline staff are lying region is controlled / solved. 2009 and followed different meth- vacant, but we feel that even if the ods to understand the ground situa- full strength of staff are posted However, we make following tion and accomplish the objectives. and facilities made available to recommendation which might be Following were the broad method- them, protection cannot be helpful in management of the ologies adopted; assured due to threats of naxalites. reserve; n Submission from the reserve 6. Buffer area of the reserve is not 1. Tiger and prey population sta- management: We asked the reserve under the control of Field Director tus should be assessed in feasible management for their submission and buffer area management by areas. on the specified terms of reference given to us. territorial forest division does not 2. It is suggested to identify the n focus at wildlife management. areas outside the core, which are Field visit: We visited the forest range offices of the reserve and the 7. Most of the statutory provisions least disturbed and comparatively nearby forests. have been complied by the reserve. free from biotic pressure. n Interviews and consultations: We However, rights of locals inside the Management interventions should interviewed and consulted different reserve have yet to be settled. be initiated to build up prey popu- group of people to get views of 8. Sufficient funds are available to lation in the identified area. This every strata on tiger conservation of the reserve as per the limited need would help in improving tiger Indravati TR. Beside field staff and casual workers of the reserve, we in the present context. But, the occupancy. interacted with present managers of problem of delayed funding exists. 3. A dedicated effort should be the reserve, senior forest officials 9. In the recent years Wildlife made to involve locals in wildlife and officials of civil administration. Trust of India has undertaken monitoring, wherever possible. A few villagers were also consulted. rapid survey of wild buffalo in the Help of local staff should be taken n SWOT Analysis: We conducted a reserve. The results show presence for the purpose. group session of the reserve man- of tigers near the border of 4. Buffer area should be brought agers and field staff for participato- ry SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Indravati TR with Sironcha Forest under the control of Field Director Opportunities and Threats) analysis Division in Maharashtra. of Indravati Tiger Reserve, and the to get the information that will 10. Biotic pressure seems to be buffer should be managed as per assist the reserve in accomplishing intense due to presence of 156 vil- the needs of wildlife. its objectives and identifying the lages in and around the reserve, 5. The life of frontline staff includ- obstacles on the way which need to be overcome or minimized to but assessment of biotic pressure ing temporary workers should be achieve desired results. has not been done till date. insured. This would help motivat- n Questionnaire and checklist: We 11. The social life of local commu- ing them. developed a questionnaire cum nities is also disturbed due to 6. Need for more staff quarters checklist to get the desired informa- naxal problem, and very negligible and Range Officer quarter/office in tion. Field Director was interviewed support for wildlife conservation is Pharsegarh and Kutru. to fill up the questionnaire. anticipated from them. We do feel that effective man-

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FINDINGS PENCH TIGER RESERVE INCREASE IN FOREST COVER Dr. Mohan Jha, IFS, Field Director, Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

he Pench Tiger Reserve is the smallest Tiger Reserve in the coun- comprises of two ranges try having an area of 257.26 sq.km.. The Pench National Park which are separated by was declared by the Government of Maharashtra vide gazette the . The for- notification No. PGS 1375/121758-F I. dated 22nd November est is of Southern 1975. Later on Pench National Park has been declared as 25th TTropical Dry Deciduous type in Tiger reserve of India vide Government of India letter F No. 1- which is predominant species. 1/96-PT, dated 18 February 1999 and Government of Important carnivores in its faunal Maharashtra Resolution No. WLP-1095/CR-110/F-1, dated 23rd wealth are Tiger, Leopard, Wild dog, February 1999. Jackal, Hyena, etc. Whereas herbivores include Sambar, tioned study reveals that almost 9% , , , Barking deer, of forest cover was lost between Chausinga, Wild boar, Bear etc. The 1977 and 1989. The reasons for Pench Tiger Reserve along with the decrease in forest cover can be part- adjoining forests of Pench Tiger ly attributed to the submergence Reserve (M.P.) forms an important resulting from the Totladoh dam Tiger conservation unit. The forests construction, and partly due to the of the Tiger Reserve are major regular coupe working activities and catchments for the Totladoh reser- biotic interference form the voir and play an important role in Totladoh and Fulzari village inside ensuring its life expectancy. the PTR and also form the adjoining The Core Zone includes the core Figure showing satellite images of villages. This was the phase when area of tiger reserve which is invio- Pench Tiger Reserve from 1977, awareness about the wildlife conser- late and tourists' activities are per- 1989, 2000 and 2007. Green color vation was very low. mitted to a limited extent. During represents forest, white represents After constitution of National last 10 years deliberate efforts has cleared forest and agricultural park in 1975 protection efforts and land, blue represents water bod- been made to reduce the tourist ies. (Photo: Pinki Mondal) awareness about the wildlife conser- inflow by applying strict checking vation gradually increases leading to and control on the movement of the recovery of forest cover during tourist. Many sought after locations the year 1989 to 2000.The increased in core zone has been deliberately and plays a vital role in sustaining degree of protection had positive closed for tourists to avoid the the herbivores and carnivores effect on Pench forest cover. The undue pressures on tiger habitat including flagship species Tiger. forest of Pench not only recovered and the movement of tigers. Hence, the conservation of forest from the previous forest loss, but it Currently Pench Tiger Reserve cover plays an important role in also gained notable amount of for- has moderate tiger density i.e 7.3 increasing the density of herbivores est cover around 12% (from 70% to tigers/ 100 sq.km (Dr. Ullahas and carnivores. 82 % ) during 1989-2000. Karanth), but it is also considered as A remote sensing study was During 1999 Pench National Park one of the potential reserves in the conducted by Ms. Pinki Mondal and was declared as Tiger Reserve. After Indian subcontinent that can host a Dr. Jane Southworth of the declaration of Tiger Reserve protec- viable breeding tiger population. University of Florida, USA in Pench tion level further increases and The capacity of a forest for sustain- Tiger Reserve during 2008-09. She more restrictions were put on the ing tiger populations depends on its has submitted a preliminary report entry of visitors. Intensive patrolling habitat and the abundance of the and findings about the forest cover by creating protection huts in interi- prey species. Forest cover gives an change in Pench Tiger Reserve dur- ors of the Tiger Reserve reduces the indication of the richness of habitat ing 1977 and 2007. Above men- illicit felling and grazing incidences

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Totladoh village has played an important role in positive change in forest cover, prey base and number of Tiger in Pench Tiger Reserve. Increase tourism in Tiger area in the name of Ecotourism can definitely increase visibility of Tigers due to changing behaviour of Tigers partic- ularly females and cubs. Restricted movement of female tiger rearing cubs makes them vulnerable for easy tracking for tourism purpose. These cubs when grow they are more adapted to tourist disturbance and noise of vehicles. Tigers which are not disturbed by the tourist and vehicles are more prone to hunting which is clearly proved in many Tiger Reserves in past. Report of the Tiger Task Force 'Joining the Dots' by Sunita Narain and others also recommended that " ….. Tourist interests if allowed to take precedence over those of con- servation can be extremely detri- mental to a reserve." (quoted from page 151 of the report). This study also proves that Tiger needs inviolate space for breeding and sustaining the viable popula- tion. Increasing forest cover within the park boundary is definitely a sil-

NANAK DHINGRA ver lining, especially in the context of decreasing tiger population leading to the further increase of Ms. Pinki Mondal also proved that worldwide as a result of poaching forest cover form 82% to 88% (6% decrease in tourist inflow not only and habitat destruction; however, increases) during 2000-2007. The helps in increase in forest cover but the task is not finished yet. Tigers Tiger Reserve started with an over- also helped in increasing the often roam beyond the administra- all 79% forest cover in 1977, which Population of Tiger and its prey tive boundaries of reserves, and decreased to 70% in 1989 and then base. thus need favorable habitats beyond has increased to around 88% in Data of tourist inflow in Pench the protected area in the form of 2007, mostly due to its increased Tiger Reserve is an eye opener for well managed buffer. In the absence protection and removal of Totladoh the practitioner of Ecotourism. of proper awareness, human-domi- Village form the core of Pench Tiger Report of Project Tiger Status report nated and modified land uses in the Reserve. The study sheds a ray of of Ministry of Environment and surrounding area of the reserve may hope that efforts of establishing Forests 2001 also states that "on an become detrimental to the tiger Tiger Reserves by Government of average 100000 tourists visit this population. While more care is India to protect the Tiger is working reserve every year." In Pench Tiger needed to minimize the human- well and the findings are even more Reserve tourist number have been tiger conflicts, active involvement of encouraging in Indian context, reduce from 97900 per annum to local inhabitants can play important where park-people conflicts are not 25760 per annum during the year role in the Tiger conservation effort. uncommon. 2000 to 2007. Sharp reduction in The data of Tourist inflow in tourist number may be one of the relation to Tiger and Prey popula- reasons for increase in forest cover tion form the Pench Tiger Reserve and increase in number of Tiger and management plan when analyzed its prey species. Reduction in tourist along with the forest cover study of number coupled with removal of

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STRIPESmail SUDHIR MISHRA/RFO, KANHA TR

It was really good to go through newsletter. All the best. to keep updated on tiger conserva- different articles. It's an excellent A.J.T. Johnsingh tion issues in India. This also initiative. Best Wishes. brings out the challenges and the Chiranjiv Choudhary The Panna story is really very efforts that NTCA is putting Special Secretary, Irrigation & CAD encouraging and attractive photo- together to protect remaining tiger Dept. Secretariat, Hyderabad. graphs. populations in India. I look for- Amit Sharma, WWF India ward to receiving them in the I would request authors to use future. gender neutral words. Human Wild Thanks very much, very nicely pro- Mahendra Shrestha, Ph.D. Animal Conflict (HWAC) may be duced and with much useful infor- Director, Save The Tiger Fund used instead of Man Animal mation. National Fish and Wildlife Conflict. I would request you to Ullas Karanth Foundation, USA bring out a special issue on this topic in the near future. Please try I must commend on the data Thanks for "Stripes" - more good to provide details of compensa- regrading funding. I have been stuff from NTCA! I especially tions paid by State Governments in associated with Project Tiger since appreciate the balance (some good this issue. NTCA may consider 1993 but it is for the first time news, some not so good news) and introducing "Sher Suraksha Bima" that I have seen the funds allocat- the two opinion pieces (Gopal and scheme in the villages around tiger ed to different TRs. As expected Sen). The stats on money dis- reserves in collaboration with Corbett gets a meagre amount. In bursed and core/buffer areas are insurance companies for providing fact in 2007-08 it got the least also useful. This kind of openness insurance cover to human beings, amount in the decade. adds credibility to Stripes. Do you domesticated animals and crops. Rajiv Bhartari get comments from people and, if R K Singh so, would you consider a "letters Rabindra Kumar Singh, IFS In my knowledge, this is the only to the editor" sort of dialogue in Director, Chhattisgarh State and the most informative journal Stripes? Institute of Rural Development on tigers. Please continue sharing Miles Roberts Raipur, India this in the days to come. Smithsonian Conservation Biology Shant Raj Janwali Institute It is exceedingly pleasing to see NTNC, Nepal National Zoological Park, USA such a valuable and an attractive It is quite informative and useful

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TIGER MORTALITY 2010 (JANUARY TO JUNE)

SL . DATE LOCATION STATE

1 5 Jan 2010 Phulei, Dhikala, Corbett Tiger Reserve Uttarakhand 2 6 Jan 2010 North Kheri Forest Division Uttar Pradesh 3 11 Jan 2010 Gujadi, Dhikala, Corbett Tiger Reserve Uttarakhand 4 28 Jan 2010 Pench National Park Madhya Pradesh 5 14 Feb 2010 Eastern Range, Kaziranga Tiger Reserve Assam 6 18 Feb 2010 Eastern Range, Kaziranga Tiger Reserve Assam 7 20 Feb 2010 Gundlupet Kollegal Forest, Bandipur Karnataka 8 7 Mar 2010 Ranthambore National Park Rajasthan 9 7 Mar 2010 Ranthambore National Park Rajasthan 10 8 Mar 2010 Wayanad Kerala 11 11 Mar 2010 Madanpur Range, Valmiki Tiger Reserve Bihar 12 14 Mar 2010 Jaspur Range, 43, Ramnagar Uttarakhand 13 27 Mar 2010 Bandipur Tiger Reserve Karnataka 14 7 Apr 2010 Brahmpuri, Chandrapur Maharashtra 15 20 Apr 2010 Madhya Pradesh 16 28 Apr 2010 Bandipur Karnataka 17 19 May 2010 Tala Range, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve Madhya Pradesh 18 31 May 2010 Urulikal, Valparai, Periyar Nagar Tamil Nadu 19 6 Jun 2010 Kisli range, Kanha Tiger Reserve Madhya Pradesh

SEIZURE OF TIGER BODY PARTS 2010 (JANUARY TO JUNE)

SL . DATE LOCATION STATE SEIZURE INFO

1 1 Jan 2010 Venamani, Kalpetta Kerala Tiger Skin 2 9 Feb 2010 Sijhoura, Mandla Forest Division Madhya Pradesh Tiger Bones 3 24 Feb 2010 BRT Wildlife Sanctuary Karnataka Tiger Skins 4 14 Mar 2010 Warangal Andhra Pradesh Tiger Skin 5 15 Mar 2010 Kottavasal Kazikode _ 6 14 Apr 2010 Tenmala , Nilgiri Tamil Nadu Tiger Skin 7 5 May 2010 Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve Maharashtra Tiger 5 Claws+Bones 8 1 Jun 2010 Panhala, Kolhapur Maharashtra Tiger Skin 9 8 Jun 2010 Bilaspur Town Chhattisgarh Tiger Skin 10 20 Jun 2010 Guwahati Assam Tiger Bones, Tiger skull 11 21 Jun 2010 Pench Tiger Reserve Madhya Pradesh Tiger Paws 12 25 Jun 2010 Palar forest, Kollegal Division Karnataka Tiger skin

SOURCE: WWW.TIGERNET.NIC.IN Stripes Final for Print.qxp 11/13/2010 12:40 PM Page 20

DELENG/2009/30636 STRIPES | BI-MONTHLY OUTREACH JOURNAL OF NATIONAL TIGER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY, A STATUTORY BODY UNDER MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA VOLUME ONE FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION ISSUE FOUR Photos by Sudhir Mishra/RFO, Kanha TR

Published and printed by Inder Mohan Singh Kathuria on behalf of National Tiger Conservation Authority. Published at Annexe No 5, Bikaner House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi - 110011 and printed at Astha Packaging, 122 DSIDC Sheds, Okhla Phase 1, New Delhi - 110 020