STRIPES - MAR-APR-2011-Final - Ministry of Environment ... · [email protected] Cover Photo Amitabh Dwivedi ... BI-MONTHLY OUTREACH JOURNAL OF NATIONAL TIGER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

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s t r i p e sBI-MONTHLY OUTREACH JOURNAL OF NATIONAL TIGER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Volume 2 Issue 3 March-April 2011

FUND RELEASE UNDER THE CENTRALLYSPONSORED SCHEME OF PROJECT TIGER

AS ON MARCH 31, 2011(Amount in `lakhs)

Tiger Reserve States 2010-11

Nagarjunsagar Andhra Pradesh 155.645

Namdhapa Arunachal Pradesh 96.875

Pakke Arunachal Pradesh 101.058

Kaziranga Assam 1050.38

Manas Assam 395.504

Nameri Assam 63.588

Valmiki Bihar 158.355

Achanakmar Chhattisgarh 1556.085

Indravati Chhattisgarh 50.382

Udanti-Sitanadi Chhattisgarh 207.258

Palamau Jharkhand 130.616

Bandipur Karnataka 367.656

Bhadra Karnataka 154.114

Dandeli Anshi Karnataka 203.823

Nagarhole Karnataka 934.466

Periyar Kerala 209.330

Parambi Kulam Kerala 114.130

Bandhavgarh M.P 2292.125

Kanha M.P 575.960

Panna M.P 390.696

Pench M.P 236.430

Sanjay Dubri M.P 203.451

Satpura M.P 264.160

Melghat Maharashtra 2137.088

Pench Maharashtra 102.715

Tadoba-Andheri Maharashtra 494.887

Sahyadri Maharashtra 54.374

Dampa Mizoram 187.690

Satkosia Orissa 72.834

Similipal Orissa 742.456

Ranthambhore Rajasthan 250.325

Sariska Rajasthan 2118.600

KMTR Tamil Nadu 119.270

Mudumalai Tamil Nadu 269.792

Anamalai Tamil Nadu 131.725

Corbett Tiger Uttaranchal 339.945

Buxa West Bengal 120.873

Sunderbans West Bengal 381.610

Dudhwa U.P 382.462

Mitigating The human -tiger Confilict (U.P) 25.000

Total 17843.73

EDITOR Dr Rajesh Gopal Member Secretary NTCA

EDITORIALCONSULTANT Ananda Banerjee

EDITORIAL COORDINATORS P Yadav

FEEDBACK Annexe No 5 Bikaner HouseShahjahan Road New Delhi [email protected]

Cover PhotoAmitabh Dwivedi

s t r p e ss p e c i a l i s s u e o n i n d i a ’ s t i g e r e s t i m a t i o n

Volume 2Issue 3March-

April2011

ManagementInternationalConferenceon TigerConservationand GlobalTigerRecoveryProgram(GTRP)Pg 13

AppraisalDampa TigerReserve,MizoramP17

iBI-MONTHLY OUTREACH JOURNAL OF NATIONAL TIGER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

China Tour ReportVisit of the IndianDelegation to China forexchange of good practicesin Tiger and other wildlifeconservation Pg 5

Sand sculpture on Puri sea beach by artist Ranjan Kumar Ganguly

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4 | March-April 2011 | STRIPES

This issue carries a special report on India's country level tiger estimation.The 'snapshot' assessment, carried out once in every four years, is thesecond of its kind using the refined process. The recent all India tiger

estimation of 2010 covers an area of 6 lakhs sq.km. which includes 46,388.22sq.km of tiger reserves, besides other protected areas and regular forest areas.The tiger population estimate for the country has increased to 1706 (lower limit1571, upper limit 1875) from the 2006 estimate of 1411 (lower limit 1165, upperlimit 1657).

Some questions have been asked regarding the increase in tiger status despitea decline in its spatial occupancy by 20%. Here it needs to be understood thatthere has been a decline in tiger occupancy by 20% in peripheral and dispersalareas having low densities outside tiger reserves and tiger source populations.However, the tiger populations in Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra andKarnataka have shown an increase in tiger density resulting in an increasednumber. Besides the inclusion of Sundarbans, some portions of North East andparts of Maharashtra have also contributed to the increase.

It may not be out of place to present aresume of the country tiger estimation process:

The all India tiger estimation process hasbeen refined based on a pilot study, and hasbeen approved by the Tiger Task Forceconstituted by the National Board for Wildlife.This refined methodology is used since 2006and is carried out once in four years for a 'snap-shot' of the country level status of tigers, co-predators, prey and habitat. The methodologyis a two stage process and is known as 'doublesampling'. The first stage covers all forests inthe country (over 6 lakhs sq.km.), forestimating important parameters whichdetermine tiger occupancy and densitythrough a eight day standardized protocol(tiger signs, prey abundance, habitatcharacteristics and human pressures). Thesecond stage involves stratified sampling forestimating absolute density of tigers and their prey by camera traps.Subsequently, relationships using general linear models are developed betweenfactors estimated in stage one and tiger densities, which permit us to estimatetiger status (densities) for areas which have not been camera trapped. The wholeprocess consists of three phases:

(a) Phase I involves beat level data collection from ground surveys using astandardized eight day protocol,

(b) Phase II involves habitat characterization from satellite data, and (c) Phase III pertains to computation of tiger densities using camera traps.The inputs from all the three phases facilitate development of a relationship

equation to relate tiger density to habitat characters and ground survey throughstatistical computation.

The other features of this issue include the International Conference on TigerConservation and Global Tiger Recovery Programme, proceedings of the fifthGeneral Assembly of the Global Tiger Forum, appraisal of Dampa Tiger Reserve,and strategy discussion with National/International tiger experts.

Dr Rajesh Gopal / Member-Secretary, NTCA

n o t e f r o m t h e e d i t o r

DHRITIMAN MUKHERJEE


In pursuance of the Protocol, on conservation oftiger, between India and China, signed on March 2,1995 and follow up action emanating from the

bilateral meeting between India and China held on31st August to 2nd September, 2010 at Beijing, anIndian Delegation comprising of Chief WildlifeWardens, Field Directors of Tiger Reserve, WCCB andNTCA visited China from 24th to 30th April, 2011 tostudy the good practices of protected areamanagement, research and wildlife enforcement inChina. The purpose of the visit was also to meet andinteract with the field officials and park managers ofthe protected areas and institutions, besides visitingAmur tiger landscape in North-East China.

A meeting between the Indian Delegates andOfficials of Hunchun Amur Tiger National NatureReserve Administration and Hunchun ForesrtryBureau was held at the Head Quarters of HunchunForestry Bureau.

Mr Yu Changchun, Director, Amur Tiger NationalNature Reserve of Jilin Hunchul, mentioned about theold Indian civilization and presently having maximumnumber of tigers in the world. He underlined thesuccess story of Jilin Province in conserving Amurtiger in last few years. He informed that Hunchun Cityof Jilin Province borders on China, Russia and North-Korea and the Amur Tiger Nature Reserve of JilinProvince was established in July 2005. It is the firstnature reserve in China for the conservation of Amurtiger and the Amur leopard covering an area of108,700 hectares. Reciprocating the welcome given bythe Chinese counterpart, from Indian side, Mr.S.P.Yadav, DIG, NTCA extended thanks from thedelegation and handed over the brochures andpublications related to Project Tiger and Estimation ofthe Tigers 2011 carried out by WII and NTCA. It wasfollowed by the country presentations from bothsides.

A REPORT ON

VISIT OF THE INDIANDELEGATION TO CHINA

FOR EXCHANGE OF GOODPRACTICES IN TIGER AND

OTHER WILDLIFECONSERVATION

CHINA TOURREPORT

Mr. S.P. Yadav presenting publications of the NTCA to Mr Yu Changchun and meeting at SFA

Mr Lang Jeming, Director, Department ofMonitoring and Promotion in his presentationillustrated the inside story of Amur tiger conservationin the landscape. He informed that almost all thetigers were eliminated decades back due to rampantpoaching in the area and some of the tigers migratedto adjoining Russian habitats resulting tigers at theverge of extension in the landscape, as happened inadjoining North-Korean part. Perceiving the threat, theconservation initiatives like habitat conservation,mountain cleaning, protecting remaining tigers frompoaching and MoU with military to jointly monitorand patrol the bordering areas, rehabilitation ofvillages from reserve and public awarenessprogrammes including in Russian parts were taken.Consequently the tiger population has been restoredand at present 5-7 tigers including 2 females inhabitthe reserve. He also informed about the use ofmonitoring tool MIST in the landscape. The help ofNGOs like WWF and WCS have been taken in tigermonitoring and awareness programmes. Themechanism to strengthen the bilateral coordinationwith USSR in conserving Amur tigers have beenestablished by signing of minutes of meetings byconcerned ministers of the countries, informed by theofficial. He also highlighted the issues and presentneeds relating to cattle compensation mechanism,consolidation of ecological corridors, monitoring oftigers outside reserve, scientific research and capacitybuilding to buttress the ongoing protection andconservation programme in the landscape.

On behalf of Indian delegation Mr. S.P. Yadav, DIG,National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) gave anillustrative presentation on the status of tigers in thecountry. He also highlighted India's commitment intiger conservation and various initiatives undertakenby the NTCA in this field.

Some of the best and lead practices adopted in thecountry including re-introduction of tigers in Sariskaand Panna Tiger Reserves, mainstreaming tigerconservation outside protected areas, tigerconservation plan, tiger conservation foundation,special tiger protection force, rehabilitation of villagesand creation of inviolate tiger habitats, tigerestimation by camera capture and recapture methodand double sampling, web based tiger mortality datagathering, monitoring effective evaluation of tigerreserves by independent experts and use of radio-telemetry, M-STrIPES and "e-Eye" tools for protectionand monitoring were also discussed by Mr. Yadav. TheChinese authorities were appreciative about thesuccessful re-introduction efforts of the country. Mr.Yadav invited Chinese authority to visit India to study

the said best practices in the field. He also extendedcongratulations to the Chinese authorities for theirefforts in re-building the Amur tiger population inJilin Hunchun Tiger Nature Reserve.

The delegates visited Jilin Hunchun Amur TigerNature Reserve landscape. The area was about 80 kmaway from Hunchun city. The Chinese authoritiesaccompanied the delegation and shared informationrelating to administration, management andconservation of the Amur tigers in the reserve. Thesnow clad rolling mountains along with internationalborder of Russia is guarded by Chinese military whichplay an important role in protection and monitoringof tigers. The visit was useful in understanding theSiberian tiger landscape, which is one of theinternationally endangered species and under firstclass protection along with Amur leopard in China.

The delegates also visited Yanbian area which istri-junction of China, DPR Korea and Russia. Thelandscape is unique having hilly terrain with desert atfoothills. The area is part of erstwhile contiguouslandscape of Amur tiger extending from Russia toNorth Korea through China. At present no tiger isreported in the North Korea.

VISIT TO HARBIN: COLLEGE OF WILDLIFERESOURCE IN NORTHEAST FORESTRY UNIVERSITYAND SIBERIAN TIGER PARK The Siberian tiger park has a population of 500Siberian tigers in captivity. The authorities of the parkshowed us the facilities available in the park includingenclosures, hospitals, library and documentation


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centre and discussed on themanagement practices adoptedfor captivity and breeding ofSiberian tiger population forconservation of gene pool anddevelopment of bestprovenance.

After the visit of the park, adiscussion was held on theobjective and long term strategyin captive breeding programmeof tigers in China. They clarifiedthat as per the law there iscomplete prohibition on the useof tiger parts in TraditionalChinese Medicine and thecountry in not encouraging suchpractice keeping in view theglobal demand and need of hourin conserving tigers.

College of Wildlife Resourcein Northeast Forest University.The delegates visited SFADetecting Centre of Wildlife andstudied the efforts being madeby the China in wildlife research,forensic and capacity building.From Chinese side Mr Daniel Xuand Professor Haiyi Sun gavepresentation on activitiesundertaken by the SFA andNEFU in wildlife conservationincluding tigers. Professor Sunthrew light on mechanism ofmonitoring the wild Siberiantiger population in Heilongjiangprovince. Mr. S. P. Yadav, DIG,NTCA presented the successfulconservation initiatives inprotection and conservation ofwild tigers in the country. Healso underlined the need ofmore regional cooperation andjoint efforts in the field ofwildlife research and capacitybuilding between the twocountries. He invited the Chineseofficials to visit Wildlife Instituteof India and to study thescientific studies carried out inthe field of tiger conservationincluding monitoring andestimation of tiger population in

various landscapes. The delegatesalso visited the Fur collection andidentification centre andexperience the furs of variousmammals including big cats.

The delegates flew from Harbinto Beijing and visited State ForestryAdministration office at Beijing.The meeting was headed by MrWeishing Wang from Chinese sidealong with his colleagues includingMr Wan Zeming and Professon ShiKun and Mr. Yu Yue. Mr Wangwelcomed the Indian delegates andrequested for informal discussionon the issues relating to tigerprotection and conservationbetween two countries. FromIndian side the discussion wascoordinated by Mr. S. P. Yadavalong with Dr. Adarsh Swaika, FirstSecretary, Indian Embassy at China.Various issues relating to policy intiger conservation in China andlong term objective of captivebreeding of Siberian tiger in Chinawere clarified by Chinese officials.On the issues relating to wildlifecrime and illegal trade of tigersand smuggling across the borderMr Wan Zeming agreed on the jointinitiatives and information flowbetween two countries. Vital inputsfrom other Indian delegatesincluding Mr Pabla, Mr Chandolaand Mrs Rina Mitra were givenduring the discussion. The successstory of re-introduction of tigers inPanna Tiger Reserves waspresented by the Field Director,Panna Tiger Reserve. The Chineseauthorities wanted to know thestrategy of the country to win thesupport of villagers adjoining toProtected Areas while carrying outsuch exercise. The Chineseauthorities were willing to studythe Habitat restoration policy inIndia for re-introduction of SouthChina Tigers. On joining the GlobalTiger Forum, Mr Wang informedthat it is under active considerationof the Government.

OUTCOME OF THE VISIT/RECOMMENDATIONS:n Both countries may benefit fromknowledge and research on genetics oftigers and forensic and throughexchange visit of officers/ scientists. n Looking into the success of MOUbetween the Wildlife EnforcementAuthorities of China and their Army forreporting presence/ movement/ kills oftiger besides anti poaching activities,the same may be done by the NTCAwith SSB, BSF and Assam Rifles, speciallyin areas bordering to Nepal, Myanmar,Bhutan and Bangladesh.n The Fur collection and IdentificationCentre of SFA at NEFU is having a largenumber of samples of most of theanimals found in the South-East Asiaand South Asia. There is greatpossibility of exchange of technicalknow how between both countriesinvolving WII and WCCB.n There is a need for joint sensitizationmeeting of border agencies of bothcountries on illegal trade of wildlife andtheir body parts.n The Chinese side may visit India, tolearn more about the successful tiger &other prey species, reintroduction andrehabilitation.n The Chinese side may visit India tosee and experience the landscape levelmanagement of tiger reserves with core-buffer and corridor strategy.n As emanated during the meeting, theChinese side appears to be positive oncreation of the South Asia WildlifeEnforcement Network (SAWEN) andwilling to participate in the network.India may support inviting the People'sRepublic of China as 'Observer' in themeetings of the South Asia WildlifeEnforcement Network (SAWEN).

SUGGESTIONS TO THE SFA OF PRC:n The prey population appears to be lowin the Hunchun Nature Reserve, effortsmay be made for improvement in thehabitat and in situ build up of the preypopulation, assisted by theirreintroduction.n The SFA may consider implementingthe core-buffer-corridor strategy fortiger conservation.n Reintroduction of tiger in wild may betaken up on priorityn The frozen body parts of tiger may bedestroyed to ensure that they are notused for consumptive use.n The SFA/CITES Management Authoritymay share information on seizures ofbody parts of tiger and other wildlife,periodically with India.


SPECIAL REPORT

The All India Tiger Estimationexercise is one of the mostcrucial components of our

national tiger conservation efforts.Since 2006, this monitoringexercise is being undertaken everyfour years. This report presents theresults of the 2010 National TigerAssessment, undertaken through abest-in-class scientific process. Thispresents an estimate of India’scurrent tiger population and abroader assessment of our tigerlandscapes. This monitoringexercise was carried out betweenDecember 2009 and December2010. The three phases of the tigerestimation procedure are asfollows:

Phase 1: Field data collected atthe beat-level (i.e. the primarypatrolling unit) by trainedpersonnel using a standardisedprotocol.

Phase 2: Analysis of habitatstatus of tiger forests usingsatellite data.

Phase 3: Camera trapping wasthe primary method used, whereindividual tigers were identifiedfrom photographs based on theirunique stripe patterns.

This information was analysedusing a well established scientificframework. Camera trapping wascarried out by teams of wildlifebiologists and local forestpersonnel.Based on the tiger numbersrecorded in sampled sites, anestimate for other contiguoustiger-occupied landscapes, wasmade. For this, additionalinformation such as tiger signs,prey availability, habitatconditions and humandisturbance was used. Thus, thefinal estimates provide acomprehensive and statisticallyrobust result for the wholecountry.

INDIA’S TIGER

Montek Singh Ahluwalia - Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Jairam Ramesh - Minister for Environmentand Forests and Salman Khurshid - Minister for Water Resources and Ministry of Minority Affairs releasing theIndia Tiger Estimate report in New Delhi

STRIPES | March-April 2011 | 9

ESTIMATIONSPECIAL REPORT

SALIENT FEATURES OF 2010 ASSESSMENTn Forest personnel involved in data collection: ~4,76,000n Number of forest beats sampled in Phase I: 29,772n Total distance walked in Phase I: ~6,25,000 kmn More than 27,300 man-days of researchersn Total camera traps used: ~800n Total area camera-trapped: ~10,500 sq. km.n Number of individual tigers camera trapped: 550n Total cost: Rs. 9.1 crore

TIGER POPULATION ESTIMATESThe same scientifically robust methods were consistently used in 2006and 2010. This enabled comparison of results from both estimationexercises and in understanding the trend in tiger numbers.The results were collated for the larger landscapes within whichindividual tiger reserves fall. The Tables on the following page providedetailed information of these landscape complexes.


SPECIAL REPORT

INNOVATIONS IN 2010 NATIONALTIGER ASSESSMENTThe 2010 National TigerAssessment has severalinnovations over previousassessments. These include:Partnerships with civil societyorganizations such as WildlifeTrust of India, Aaranyak, andWorld Wildlife Fund for Nature-India. Additional technicalexpertise from Centre forCellular and Molecular Biology(CCMB). Local communitiesinvolved in data collection andanalysis. Genetic analysis toestimate tiger populations fromfaecal samples. Along with tigers,co-predators, prey, and habitatquality assessed. Pioneeringattempt to estimate tigerpopulations in Sunderbans TigerReserve (West Bengal) usingsatellite telemetry and signsurveys. First estimation of tigerpopulation in Sahyadri TigerReserve (Maharashtra).

NEW FINDINGS OF2010 NATIONAL TIGERASSESSMENTMost tiger source sites continueto maintain viable tigerpopulations. Evidence of newareas populated by tigers, e.g.Kuno-Palpur Wildlife Sanctuaryand Shivpuri National Park inMadhya Pradesh. Newmethodology for estimatingpopulation in Sunderbans.

THE EXISTING 39TIGER RESERVESREPRESENTAROUND ONE-THIRD OF OURHIGH DENSITYFOREST AREA.


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Scientific robustness is the mostimportant feature of the 2010 AllIndia Tiger Population Estimationexercise. This holistic assessmentuses tiger as a fl agship speciesto assess status of co-predators,prey and habitat. The positivetrends in tiger populationestimates in source sites areencouraging. The fact that betterprotected tiger source sites havemaintained viable tigerpopulations underscores theimportance of strong managerialsupport. However, the areaoccupied by tigers outsideprotected areas has gone downconsiderably. This highlights theneed for securing corridors fortigers to move between sourcesites. Five new Tiger Reserveshave been given in principleapproval in 2010 to provide animpetus to our national tigerconservation efforts. With theright support from theGovernment and citizens, we areconfi dent that this positivetrend will continue.

MORE THAN 350 RIVERSORIGINATE FROMTIGER RESERVES.TIGER RESERVESALSO SEQUESTERCARBON, PROVIDEOXYGEN ANDSLOWLY RELEASEGROUND WATERTO REGULATE FLOODS.


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MANAGEMENT

Dr Y V Jhala explaining the tiger estimation methodology

In his welcome address by Dr Rajesh Gopal said thatin the 39 tiger reserves in India spread across 17states the estimation of tigers were done in a

method involving double sampling and using capture- recapture technique. Social dynamics of tigersrevolve around breeding females, hence countingthem is important. The core/critical tiger habitats havealready been notified by 16 out of 17 tiger States. DrGopal thanked the Planning Commission for supportand mentioned that the success for tiger conservationdepends on protecting source populations andcorridors. However, he said that there are severalthreats, and the most important being development

pressures, there is a need for a balance betweendevelopment and conservation. He also thankedWildlife Institute of India (WII), World Wide Fund forNature (WWF), Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), Aaranyakand Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB)for assisting in the recent tiger estimation.

Dr Y V Jhala from WII explained the tiger estimationresults in the presence of Dr Montek Singh Ahluwalia -Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, Mr JairamRamesh - Minister for Environment and Forests, MrSalman Kursheed - Minister for Water Resources andMinistry of Minority Affairs and Dr Rajesh Gopal. Thedifference between 2006 and 2010 was that large

International Conference onTiger Conservation

and Global workshop onimplementation of the Global

Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP)March 28 - 29, 2011, Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi


MANAGEMENT

number of NGO partners were involved this time incollecting the data. For example in the Sundarbans, 14different NGOs were involved in data collection. Hestressed that monitoring on a large, country widescale, is a compromise between logistical constraintsand science. This is particularly true with tigers as thisis like counting needles in a hay stack. He said thetigers occupy huge landscapes, are cryptic and it isbelieved that if a tiger is seen once, it has seen theperson ten times. Hundreds of trained wildlife guardsare required to cover vast parts of India to do arigorous scientific estimation of tigers and use cameratrap mark recapture.

He said that double sampling approach wasadopted for estimating tigers and sign sampling wasalso done for tigers and prey species. Forests were atfirst sampled along transects, each of which waswalked at least three times. Second level of samplingwas done by trained biologists and camera trappingcarried out, whereas the third level involvedcalculation of indices. This is an unprecedented feat inthe whole world. There were over 70,000 camera trapnights involved, and the technique of camera trappingwas adopted from the one first developed by Dr UllasKaranth.

He gave statistics on India's tiger population. Thepopulation in Western Ghats showed an increasingtrend. Sharavathy Valley-Anshi-Dandeli population is36 - 42 tigers. Nagarahole- Mudumalai - Wayanaadcomplex presently holds about 350-411 tigers in alandscape that is 9000 sq. km. big, which is probablythe single largest tiger population in India.

Parambikulam - Indira Gandhi has about 32-35tigers and KMTR-Periyar complex has 36-40 tigers. Incentral India, loses were significant in terms ofoccupancy as well as no:s particularly in northernAndhra Pradesh areas of Adilabad, Khammam, KarimNagar, E.Godavari and Vishakapatnam, MadhyaPradesh areas of Hosangabad-Betul belt betweenSatpuda and Melghat, northern banks of Narmada andto some extent in the landscape around Kanha.Maharashtra gained about 20-22 tigers and the Tadobalandscape population is now between 60-70. In theTerai Shiwalik complex, numbers in Corbett has beenconstant, the range being 195 and 239 in the CorbettLandscape including Ramnagar and Haldwani ForestDivisions. Rajaji and Dudhwa have shown stablepopulations. The Valmiki Tiger Reserve also showedan upward trend in tiger numbers. In northeasternIndia, Kaziranga has more than 100 tigers and is the


MANAGEMENT

main source for this region. Manas showed very poordensity. Sunderbans posed a great challenge in tigerpopulation estimation - mark recapture and homerange estimate has been done here. 5 tigers were radiocollared with iridium satellite collars and managed toget data from 4 of these. One of these crossed intoBangladesh and gave data for 3 months after crossingover. A density of 4.3 tigers/ 100 sq. km. was foundwith the range being 64-90 tigers (for IndianSundarbans).

For constant monitoring, Corbett Tiger Reserve wasselected where a 500 sq. km. area was sampled and thetiger numbers has been constant there between 2006and 2010.

Salient features of this estimationhas been the following -

a) 1571-1875 adult tigers of age above 1.5 years; b) 12% increase in the tiger numbers in the areasestimated in 2006; c) New areas assessed include Sunderbans, parts ofMaharashtra, Uttarakhand and Assam; d) There has been a decline in tiger occupancy from93,600 to 72,800 sq. km. which is alarming. Lossesare mostly from outside of Protected Areas resultingin isolation of source populations; e) There is a need for conserving habitats along thecorridors for long term viability of sourcepopulations; f) Most of the source populations are stable; g) Some populations outside the Protected Areas,like Moyar - Sigur - Satyamangalam in southernIndia, Ramnagar in Uttarakhand and Pilibhit in UttarPradesh are increasing; and h) There is a cause of concern as well. The increasein tiger populations in high human dominated areasas seen around Corbett, Ranthambore, Tadoba,Bandhavgarh and Bor, has increased human tigerconflict. Policy and management strategies formitigating this conflict are essential for continuedsurvival of these tiger populations.

Mr Jairam Ramesh, said the number 1411 hasgone up to 1636, leaving aside the estimate fromSunderbans which was not covered during the lastphase. What is important that 30% of the estimatedtigers are outside the 39 Tiger Reserves, and wedon't have a strategy to tackle these tiger corridorswhich are under threat.

The minister said that the tiger is facing threatsfrom poachers, international wildlife trade network,and mining and real estate mafia. The developmentdynamics and requirement are not matters of dispute,and the Government has to make some developmentchoices. However, at the same time many TigerReserves are threatened by coal mining.Environmentalists say that nuclear and hydropowerare bad, which is not true. There is a need to find a wayto meet the growing appetite for energy. He alsosuggested that the Planning Commission will have toconvince the states, keeping in mind the question ifIndia can afford the planned 9% growth that will resultin large scale degradation of forests. He mentionedsome examples of development that is threateningtiger or other wildlife, saying that the Ken - Betwa riverlinking project will submerge good parts of PannaTiger Reserve; power projects in Bhutan that India isdeveloping will completely destroy Buxa; irrigationprojects in Jharkhand are damaging the remainingwildlife habitats of the state; and hydropower inArunachal Pradesh also threatens biodiversity. TheMinister expressed satisfaction saying that in terms oftiger conservation, the Terai region and Maharashtraare doing well; northeastern India is not doing so welllike Central India where the threats are imminent.Growth agenda is essential, however, it has to bestruck a balance with the environment. He requestedthe Planning Commission to increase the budget forNTCA, which is required for relocating villages fromthe Tiger Reserves. He also mentioned that there is aneed for bringing decentralization in tigerconservation and that NTCA's first office outside Delhiwill be in Nagpur.

Session 1: Status of the tigers in Indian states

Session 2: Best practices in tiger conservation - the Indian experience from the frontlines

Session 3: Conservation & Economic development - the challenges and the way forward.

Session 4: Implementing the GTRP/ NTRP

Session 5: Role of the International/ national partners

Session 6: Monitoring the GTRP


GTF

The Fifth General Assembly of the Global TigerForum (GTF) was held at Vigyan Bhawan, NewDelhi, India, on the 30th of March 2011. The

sessions were chaired by Mr Krishna Prasad Acharya,Director General, Department of National Parks andWildlife Conservation, as Chair country of the GlobalTiger Forum. In all 70 distinguished delegates andobservers participated in the Assembly.

In his opening address, Mr Krishna PrasadAcharya, Director General, Department of NationalParks and Wildlife Conservation, Government ofNepal stated that Nepal chaired the Global TigerForum for six years, after being elected in the 3rdGeneral Assembly of GTF held in 2004 at Hanoi,Vietnam. He thanked all the members for the supportrendered to Nepal as Chair of the Forum during theseyears, while stating that the GTF would play a vitalrole in strengthening the cause.

Dr Rajesh Gopal, Secretary General, GTF,welcomed the delegates and observers whilethanking Nepal for Chairing the Assembly. He furtherthanked the Core Working Group of the GTF for

assisting him in carrying forward the objectives ofthe GTF. He stated that efforts are on to build up theprofile of the GTF and a new governance structurewould be discussed in the Assembly. He furtherstated that the Government of India has agreed todonate an amount of US$2,22,222 to the GTF inaddition to the Development Grant Facility (DGF)from the Global Tiger Initiative of the World Bank.This would enable the GTF to assist the member tigerrange countries in monitoring the Global TigerRecovery Programme (GTRP). He also acknowledgedthe encouragement and support given by Mr S.C. Dey,former Secretary General of GTF. He further addedthat the GTF was established in 1994, and presentlythere are only seven members from tiger rangecountries, one member from non-tiger rangecountries, three members from International NGOsand seven members from National NGOs. Heinformed that the membership of the Forum open toall tiger range countries, non-tiger range countries,International NGOs and National NGOs, forstrengthening the GTF in achieving its objectives.

PROCEEDINGS OF THEFIFTH GENERAL

ASSEMBLY OF THEGLOBAL TIGER FORUM

The following AGENDAs were discussed in the General Assembly1: APPROVAL OF NEW MEMBERS

2: STATUS OF MEMBERSHIP OF GTF

3: BUDGET ESTIMATES FOR 2011, 2012 & 2013

4: APPROVAL OF PROPOSED NEW GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE OF GTF

5: AMENDMENTS TO THE STATUTES AND REGULATIONS OF GTF

6: RELATIONSHIP OF GTF & GTI

7: DEMAND REDUCTION FOR TIGER PARTS AND PRODUCTS

8: HOLDING OF THE NEXT GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GTF, VENUE AND DATES

9: ELECTION OF THE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

10: ANY OTHER BUSINESS WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE CHAIR


APPRAISAL

A RAPID APPRAISAL OF

DAMPA TIGERRESERVE, MIZORAM

The Dampa Tiger Reserve in Mizoram is one of theimportant landscapes in the Indo-Bangladeshborder with contiguous forests in both the

countries that could be an ideal site for transboundaryconservation of flora and fauna that facilitatesmigration of species across the border. Dampa TigerReserve is situated in Mamit district of the western partof Mizoram along the international border withBangladesh at 127 Km from the capital Aizawl. It is thelargest sanctuary of the State notified during 1989 andwas declared as Project Tiger during 1994. It covers acore area of 500 Sq.km and a buffer area of 876 sq km.

The Dampa TR was categorized as poor by theearlier studies carried out by the Wildlife Institute of

India and NTCA. Camera trapping exercise in the TRcould find other salient cat species like CloudedLeopard, Leopard, leopard cat, etc but so far failed toget tiger trapped in those cameras. However thelandscape having contiguous forests in neighbouringBangladesh is a potential site for overall biodiversityconservation and possibilities of unearthing newspecies of flora and fauna is very high as the TR wasnot explored scientifically to document its diversity inlife-forms. To find out the current state of the tigerreserve, the NTCA has formed an appraisal teamcomprising of the above mentioned team membersauthored this report.

We visited Dampa TR from 31 August to 3

M. Firoz Ahmed and Bibhab Kumar Talukdar

Forest staffs on duty in Dampa TR


APPRAISAL

Landscape of Dampa TR and far away forests of Bangladesh. Interaction with local villagers and EDC inDampa TR. Border Road and fence work progress along Mizoram-Bangladesh Border and A typical anti-poaching camp in Dampa TR

September 2009. Dr. Aparajita Dutta, the thirdmembers of the appraisal team could not visit DampaTR due to pre-occupation. The team is of the opinionthat overall infra-structure of Dampa TR needs to beimproved to cater the need of regular patrol andprotect the sanctity of the TR. The number ofpermanent staffs employed by the Government ofMizoram is not enough to effectively patrol andmanage the TR. One of the major conflicts inconservation could be the proposal from BorderSecurity Force to set up Border Outpost (BOP) andpatrolling concrete road with fenceing within the TRboundary along the Indo-Bangladesh border. Theappraisal team feels that if the BOP and concrete roadand fence are constructed, the movement of animalsacross the border to use the suitable forest areas for

ecological needs of the species concerned would vastlyreduce if not completely stopped. This could hamperconservation of tiger and other key species in DampaTR and if migration of species is stopped due to theconstruction of BOP and concrete patrolling road and

fence within the TR, and this could attract some sortdisrespecting the Conservation of Migratory Species atglobal level. The team is of the opinion that anypatrolling road and fence within the TR should not beencouraged and at least no concrete road and fenceshould be allowed within the TR. If for high securityreasons, the establishment of BOP is essential for thesecurity of the country, a joint and formal patrollingstrategy by BSF and Forest staff should be encouragedunder the leadership of the Field Director of Dampa TRand the DIG-BSF of the region.


STRATEGY

Ownership StatementForm IV1. Place of publication: Annexe No.5, Bikaner House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi 1100112. Periodicity of its publication - Bi-monthly3. Printer’s Name - Inder Mohan Singh Kathuria, Nationality - Indian,Address: C-30, Defence Colony, New Delhi - 1100244. Publisher’s Name - Inder Mohan Singh Kathuria, Nationality - Indian, Address: C-30, Defence Colony, New Delhi - 1100245. Editor’s Namer - Dr Rajesh Gopal, Member-Secretary, NTCA, Nationality- Indian, Address: D-1/13 Bharti Nagar, New Delhi - 1100036. Names and address of individuals who own the newspaper - National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)Ministry of Enironment and Forests, Annexe No. 5, Bikaner House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi - 110011I, Inder Mohan Singh Kathuria, hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of myknowledge and belief.Date; April 30, 2011Signature of PublisherSd-

Astrategy discussion relating to tigerconservation was held with national/international experts, scientists and field

officers under the Chairmanship of the Ministerfor Environment and Forests on 7.3.2011 at theIndia Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The list ofparticipants is at Annexure-I.

The Chairman welcomed the participants andinitiated the discussion. The Member Secretary,National Tiger Conservation Authority updatedthe participants on the initiatives taken by theGovernment of India for tiger conservation. Thiswas followed by discussion with international /national experts, scientists and field managers.

Dr. George Schaller highlighted that India isfortunate to have wild tigers and has atremendous opportunity to protect them. Hestressed the need for protection against poachingand preserving the tiger habitats, besides payingthe local people for ecosystem services. Dr. AlanRabinowitz highlighted the need for corridorconnectivity, besides suggesting the formation ofa tiger advisory group comprising of national /international experts.

SUMMARY RECORD OF THE STRATEGY DISCUSSION ON TIGERCONSERVATION HELD WITH NATIONAL / INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS,SCIENTISTS AND FIELD OFFICERS UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THEMINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

The participants and field managersdeliberated at length on various issues andthe Chairman wrapped up the discussion withthe following action points:1. Securing transboundary cooperation on tigerconservation with neighbouring tiger range countries likeBangladesh, Myanmar and Bhutan with the involvementof international experts.

2. Finalising a strategy for protecting the tiger population(30% of the wild tigers in India) outside the tiger reserves.

3. Carrying out a 'gap evaluation' of the 39 tiger reservesrelating to space as per scientific norms.

4. Availing the funds from CAMPA for extension of tigerhabitat through afforestation.

5. Ascertaining the State-wise status on the creation ofTiger Conservation Foundation and pursuing the matterwith respective States.

6. Creating a "knowledge pool" at the Wildlife Institute ofIndia comprising of national and international experts.

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 DSISC Sheds, Okhla Phase I, New Delhi - 110020

STRIPES | BI-MONTHLY OUTREACH JOURNAL OF NATIONAL TIGER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY,A STATUTORY BODY UNDER MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

VOLUME TWO FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION ISSUE THREE

DELENG/2009/30636

LIST OF TIGER RESERVES, WHERE BOTH CORE AND BUFFER AREAS, HAVEBEEN NOTIFIED UNDER THE WILDLIFE (PROTECTION) ACT, 1972 AS

AMENDED IN 2006 (AS ON 20.04.2011)Year of Name of State Area of the core/ Area of the buffer/ Total areacreation Tiger Reserve critical tiger habitat peripheral (In Sq. Kms.)

1973-74 Bandipur Karnataka 872.24 584.06 1456.3(20.12.2007) (31.8.2008)

1973-74 Corbett Uttarakhand 821.99 466.32 1288.31(24.12.2007) (26.2.2010)

1973-74 Kanha Madhya Pradesh 917.43 1134.361 2051.791(24.12.2007) (2.10.2010)

1973-74 Manas Assam 840.04 2310.88 3150.92(20-12-2007) (30.5.2008)

1973-74 Melghat Maharashtra 1500.49 1268.03 2768.52(27.12.2007) (29.9.2010)

1973-74 Similipal Orissa 1194.75 1555.25 2750.00(31.12.2007) (31.12.2007)

1973-74 Sunderbans West Bengal 1699.62 885.27 2584.89(18.12.2007) (17.20.2009)

1982-83 Buxa West Bengal 390.5813 367.3225 757.9038(18.12.2007) (6.8.2009)

1982-83 Indravati Chhattisgarh 1258.37 1540.70 2799.07(20.2.2009) (20.2.2009)

1992-93 Pench Madhya Pradesh 411.33 768.30225 1179.63225(24.12.2007) (5.10.2010)

1993-94 Tadoba-Andheri Maharashtra 625.82 1101.7711 1727.5911(27.12.2007) (5.5.2010)

1993-94 Bandhavgarh Madhya Pradesh 716.903 820.03509 1536.938(24.12.2007) (27.10.2010)

1998-99 Pench Maharashtra 257.26 483.96 741.22(27.12.2007) (29.9.2010)

1998-99 Bhadra Karnataka 492.46 571.83 1064.29(20.12.2007) (29.1.2011)

1999-2000 Satpura Madhya Pradesh 1339.264 794.04397 2133.30797(24.12.2007) (3.1.2011)

1999-2000 Nameri Assam 200 144 344(20-12-2007) (30.05.2008)

2008-2009 Udanti-Sitanadi Chattisgarh 851.09 991.45 1842.54(20.2.2009) (20.2.2009)

2008-2009 Kaziranga Assam 625.58 548 1173.58(20-12-2007) (3.8.2007)

2008-2009 Achanakmar Chattisgarh 626.195 287.822 914.017(20.2.2009) (20.2.2009)

2008-2009 Dandeli-Anshi Karnataka 814.884 282.63 1097.514(20.12.2007) (1.9.2010)

2008-2009 Parambikulam Kerala 390.89 252.772 643.662(16.12.2009) (17.12.2009)

2008-09 Sanjay-Dubri Madhya Pradesh 812.571 861.931 1674.502(23.2.2011) (7.2.2011)

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