Cattle Ranchers in Northern California Should Learn to Coexist with Wolves

Gray wolf howling

Officials have confirmed that an attack on livestock was made by a wolf in California for the first time in over a century. A report by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) indicated that the incident occurred on October 13 when a heifer on a ranch in Lassen County was attacked and killed by a wolf pack dubbed the "Lassen Pack." After investigating the animal's carcass, the Fish and Wildlife Department officials stated that the "location and nature of the bite marks and the significant associated tissue hemorrhaging" were logical with a wolf attack. The agency also recognized wolf tracks and the proof of a struggle near the carcass, which was missing one leg, seven ribs, and much of the heifer's neck. This was not the only investigation of a wolf attack on livestock in Lassen County. In September, the department investigated four other probable wolf depredations - or kills - on the same ranch in which one kill was concluded as a "possible" wolf devastation while the remaining cows' causes of death were unknown. Wallace Roney, the owner of the ranch, believes that wolves were responsible for the deaths of his five cows. A statement by the California Farm Bureau Federation claimed that "GPS data and eyewitness reports place the Lassen Pack near the cattle at the time of their deaths."

While it is disturbing to hear that Mr. Wallace's cows had died as a result of what he believes to be wolves, it is clear that he and other ranchers are well-aware of the wolves' presence in Lassen County since the Fish and Wildlife Department announced the discovery of the Lassen Pack in July. The pack is led by an alpha male named OR-7, who migrated into northern California from Oregon six years ago. His pack is the second wolf pack found in the region since the 1920s when California's wolf population was devastated by humans. After almost a century since the wolf's annihilation, or localized extinction, the California Fish and Game Commission included wolves to the state's Endangered Species List, much to the shock of ranchers who feared that such protections would threaten their livelihoods. The statement by the Farm Bureau indicated that livestock groups castigated the CDFW for failing to publicly announce the wolf kill. But the agency's spokesperson, Jordan Traverso, denied such claims saying that the agency announced the wolf kill on its official website and blog, and that it went through "great lengths" to talk with those possibly affected by the Lassen Pack. He further added that the agency provided Mr. Wallace with "non-lethal assistance/tools", but he declined.

This news clearly highlights the hostility ranchers, organizations representing the ranchers, and the farming industry have towards the CDFW and the Fish and Game Commission, regarding wolves in northern California. The hostility took a step further in January when a conservative legal foundation filed a lawsuit on behalf of the California Cattlemen's Association and the California Farm Bureau Federation claiming that the commission added wolves illegally into the Endangered Species List. This attitude the ranchers have towards the CDFW and the Fish and Game Commission is comparable to that of French sheep farmers towards their local government. They do not want wolves roaming in the region and are not willing to work with wildlife agencies and organizations or take suggestions from them to tackle their wolf problem. If this hostility continues, then these ranchers will continue to lose their cattle to wolves or some other factors thus affecting their livelihoods. It is crucial that the ranchers and the CDFW and Fish and Game Commission join forces with one another to tackle this potential wolf problem. This includes coming up with non-lethal solutions such as the use of livestock guardian dogs to prevent wolves from preying on the ranchers' cattle. The key is to coexist peacefully without resorting to any harmful means of protection.

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Southern California's Anti-Wildlife Smuggling Operation

A Bengal tiger that was seized in Ventura County

A Florida man was arrested last week for his involvement in the illegal sale and transportation of a Bengal tiger that was seized from a residence in Ventura County, California. The perpetrator was identified as Nicholas Bishop, also known as "Nick the Wrangler," who currently lives in the city of Hallandale Beach but at the time of the crime he lived in Henderson, Nevada. According to a report by the Department of Justice, he was identified in a criminal accusation charging him with the federal felony violation of helping and condoning the purchase of the tiger. An affidavit in support of the complaint indicated that Bishop counterfeited documents used to purchase the tiger in March 2014 from an Indiana-based organization called Wildlife In Need, Wildlife Indeed. He stated that he had bought the animal for rap artist Tyga. Next month, the tiger was sighted in a backyard in the town of Piru and reported to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) which later found and seized the animal. It weighed about 100 pounds when it was found and now weighs well over 400 pounds. The two individuals possessing the tiger were convicted in state court. Bishop, on the other hand, was taken into custody on October 19. If convicted, he would be sentenced to five years in federal prison.

The tiger in the backyard of a Ventura County home from where it was seized

The apprehension of Nicholas Bishop was one of several made as part of a law enforcement initiative titled Operation Jungle Book. The operation, whose prime objective is targeting wildlife smuggling, led to federal criminal charges against 16 defendants who purportedly aided in the illegal importation and/or transfer of several animal species. In addition to Bishop, other perpetrators included a man from Monterey Park, who pleaded guilty last month to smuggling king cobras that were illegally transported into the U.S after being concealed in potato chip cans shipped from Hong Kong. An Inglewood man pleaded guilty for smuggling five monitor lizards into the country, out of which two died while they were being transported. A man from Westminster pleaded guilty to smuggling an arowana and various turtle species, and an Orange County man was sentenced to one year in prison and additional six months of house arrest after pleading guilty to smuggling protected songbirds from Asia. Last month, prosecutors also acquired three allegations charging three individuals and two companies with participating in the illegal trading of protected live corals. The indictments for all of the defendants are set for early November.

Rescued tiger in dog crate

The state of California has strict laws against the smuggling and possession of endangered and exotic species of animals from around the world. This was seen during a series of arrests made by Operation Jungle Book on alleged perpetrators accused of participating in smuggling of animals such as this tiger in southern California. This tiger was reportedly purchased for Tyga, a very prominent figure in the music and pop culture scene which indicates that the illegal smuggling of endangered species should be recognized as a significant threat to the general public just the way weapons and drugs are. Animals are often kept in residential areas like the one in Ventura County, where the tiger was confined in a backyard before being rescued. It was a disaster waiting to happen, especially when you have a 400-pound big cat that is capable of leaping nearly 30 feet in the air. Fortunately, there was no incident of this tiger attacking an innocent person or even escaping from the backyard but it could have been worse. This is why it is extremely crucial to address wildlife smuggling as an international threat to the general public as well as wildlife and take action against it. This includes establishing strict laws that outlaw any acts related to wildlife smuggling and penalties for such activities, educating the public about wildlife smuggling and how to help stop it, and setting up anti-wildlife smuggling operations in collaboration between conservation groups and the federal government. California may be one of the few states that has taken significant efforts to combat wildlife smuggling, but there are also other states where this illicit trade is probably not taken seriously. Therefore, it is highly crucial to take a step against the international wildlife smuggling and end it.

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Africa's Elephant Poaching Drops, But Why do Elephant Populations Continue to Fall?

A stockpile of elephant ivory

Experts have recently confirmed that elephant poaching in Africa has declined for the fifth year in a row. However, they also revealed in their new report from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) that elephant populations continue to decline because of illegal killing and other anthropogenic activities while seizures of substantial illegal ivory shipments were at record high last year. In East Africa, where elephant numbers have been almost reduced by fifty percent in ten years, illegal killing has dropped back to pre-2008 levels. While elephant numbers are either increasing or stable in southern Africa, the illegal killing remained high in central Africa. The report also indicated that international illegal ivory trade activities stayed as high as in past years, which could be down to a panic auction by traffickers as major countries such as U.S, China, U.K, and Hong Kong have placed domestic bans. There are also reports that the price of ivory has declined by 50% in the past few years. However, there is also proof that ivory is being prepared in Africa for Asian markets with smaller quantities of "worked" ivory already made into ornaments which can be transported through airport check-in and carry-on luggage or by couriers. According to general secretary of CITES, John Scanlon, the decline in elephant poaching indicates "what is possible through sustained and collective frontline enforcement and demand reduction efforts, coupled with strong political support." He further added that the surge in the seizures of illegally traded ivory last year may also be an indication that ivory trafficking has been affected by the possibility of greater restrictions, the immediate domestic ban in several countries, and expectation of continuous drop of price. Therefore, international crime syndicates behind poaching and smuggling might be involved in the panic auction of illegal ivory. According to Colman O'Criodain, wildlife policy manager of the WWF, emphasis is now on closing loopholes that allowed the trade to continue and sanctioning such legislation to ensure that elephant populations do not continue to dwindle.

African elephant population circa 2013

Despite a significant decrease in Africa's elephant poaching, elephant populations are continuously falling. Despite substantial efforts in law enforcement, coupled with strong political support, and immediate domestic ban on ivory in several countries, the killing of elephants for their tusks goes unabated. The perpetrators behind the illegal trade appear to be using small quantities of "worked" ivory to be made into ornaments which can be shipped to Asian markets unnoticed. In addition, a so-called "panic sell-out" of ivory involving international crime syndicates has been going on in response to domestic bans in various countries. This implies that the global ivory trade is still continuing with incidences illegal killings of elephants in centered in central Africa and other parts of the continent to feed the growing demand of ivory in Asia. It is highly essential to put emphasis on shutting down loopholes that enabled the trade to continue and enforcing a legislation that outlaws not just the poaching of elephants, but also the processing and shipping of ivory. With an average of 55 elephants killed everyday, action needs to be taken.

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New Hope for Tamil Nadu's Blackbucks

Blackbucks

Forest officials in Tamil Nadu's Kancheepuram district have proposed to declare three reserve forests as blackbuck sanctuaries to protect the endangered antelopes. In Kancheepuram district, they are found in three reserve forests in the Chengalpattu forest division where their numbers are close to 300. The three reserve forest areas are Thirukazhukkundram, Salur, and Thaiyur. The first two adjoining ones are spread over 1,310 hectares of wooded area, while the third one is spread over 600 hectares and located on the western side of the Rajiv Gandhi Expressway. The Thaiyur Reserve Forest also has a dense blackbuck population, compared to Salur and Thirukazhukkundram. More than 200 animals were observed there a few years ago by a Chennai-based biodiversity research organization called the Care Earth Trust. The local people living near the forests stated that the animals are at risk of getting injured by glass pieces because drunks haunt the area and leave liquor bottles behind. One forest officer indicated that a proposal had been brought up earlier by the central government to establish an institute of higher learning in the Thaiyur Reserve Forest, which would be destructive to the blackbucks' survival.

Blackbuck in Guindy National Park; also in Tamil Nadu

It is necessary that these three reserve forests be declared sanctuaries for blackbucks. The first step in protecting such endangered animals is to notify the public by declaring areas where the animals have been observed as sanctuaries. This should be then followed by developing rules and regulations that everyone has to abide by. For example, it is crucial to report any suspicious activity in the vicinity of these forests related to not just poaching but also regular acts of hooliganism such as drunkenness and disturbing of peace. Furthermore, the central government should reconsider its proposal of setting an institute of higher learning. This would be detrimental to the survival of the blackbucks, as was the case of animals in the vicinity of IIT Madras. The idea is to have both people and animals live side-by-side one another in peace. The way to achieve that goal is to come up with and conduct measurements that do not have a negative impact on both people and animals.

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Tough Times for the Great Indian Bustard

Great Indian bustard

A five-day landscape survey carried out by the Maharashtra Forest Department and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) for possible great Indian bustard habitats resulted in not a single sighting being made of the magnificent bird. However, WII scientist Dr. Bilal Habib confirmed that even though not one bustard was sighted it does not mean that there are no bustards in Maharashtra. According to M.K Rao, additional principal chief conservator of forests (APCCF), there is a discrepancy between areas covered during the survey and where the bustards were found. He further added that the birds are using new areas, which was also uncovered from WII's radio-collaring project for the GIBs last year. Despite the installation of protected area for the conservation of the bustards, their numbers continue to decrease. On the contrary, the bustards have been recorded in human-dominated areas outside protected areas in Maharashtra and neighboring states. Gopal Thosar, a GIB expert who has been associated with the bustards for more than twenty years, stated that it is a warning sign. He indicated that one of the reasons for the lack of bustard sighting during the survey was that newer GIB areas were not considered. He further added that the forest department needs to develop a policy to encourage local farmers to save the bustards. Mr. Rao added that change in crop pattern could also be one of the reasons, in which the birds do well where traditional land use pattern is still being implemented. Habib stated that the WII study has proved that the bustards were observed in and around crops of differing heights and intercrop spacing. It was noted on the edges of tall and short and well-spaced crops or grasslands. The only time when the bustards were not sighted was when there was an increase in temperature and crop harvest. Their return corresponded with the arrival of monsoon and presence of cover.

It seems that this study has discovered that the movement and sighting of the great Indian bustard is influenced by the way farmers utilize their land. When farmers incorporate traditional land use practice, it protects existing bustard habitat from any significant changes in land use. This was the case of Warora near Maharashtra's Chandrapur district, where traditional land use practice, low rainfall, and the farmers' economic status appear to be favorable for the bustards during the breeding season. However, one of the survey's team members, Prakash Kamde, pointed out that encroachments and substantial use of pesticides is threatening the birds. He further added that farmlands have shrunk for development projects, which is also contributing to the disturbance. It is highly crucial to take large-scale efforts to save the great Indian bustard in Maharashtra and in other parts of its home range. This includes incorporating a policy to encourage farmers to save the birds. The farmers will not come forward to save the bustards, unless they are rewarded. This implies that there is a great need to establish a joint partnership between the farmers and forest departments, in order to save the great Indian bustard. Furthermore, emphasis should be placed on banning pesticides and preventing large-scale development projects from taking place, especially in areas where farmers practice traditional land use. Such projects not only affect the bustards, but also the farmers' lifestyle and livelihood. As long as these threats continue to persist, the great Indian bustard will keep shifting from one habitat to another until there are no habitats left for it.

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Has Rajasthan Become Unsafe for the Chinkara?

Chinkara

The magnificent chinkara or the Indian gazelle continues to be poached in Rajasthan for its meat primarily by the Bawariya community supposedly at the order of the wealthy Rajputs. In 2017 so far, a dozen of these gazelles have been illegally hunted in Bikaner district. According to data from the forest department, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur districts each registered about about six to ten incidences of chinkara poaching every year. However, activists stress that real numbers are twice or thrice than those reported. Remarkably, poaching of chinkara is rife in a region with a large population of the Bishnoi community which passionately protects the animals and trees and fiercely assaulting the hunters when they are caught. However, according to Rampal Bishnoi, a conservationist from Jodhpur, the poachers have resorted to other methods of hunting since gunshots alert the Bishnois. Their new method consists of using a tape recorder to play the sound of a chinkara fawn while hiding nearby in a forest area. At times, the poachers would use a battery-operated fan in a tin can to produce a whirring sound to lure the animals. When the gazelles come, the poachers come out from the hiding and strike at the animals' legs, crippling one or two, and beat them to death. They would then quickly sever the head and legs, dump them, and flee with the animals' torsos.

Rajputs in 1876

The poachers are mostly of the Bawariya community, a scheduled caste whose occupation has been hunting and traditionally serving the Rajputs, who are the politically dominant caste in Rajasthan. The Bawariyas are generally poor and live in thatched or one-room houses. The Bishnois dislike both the Bawariyas and the Rajputs, and stress that members of the Bawariya community hunt at the order of the Rajputs who are fond of chinkara meat. According to Sudeep Kaur, deputy conservator of forests, Indira Gandhi Nahar Project - Stage II, Jaisalmer, the number of chinkara poaching cases increases in winter when there is a tourist flow in the region. He further added that the conviction rate is poor, in which out of almost hundred cases in Bikaner, there has only been one conviction and a couple of acquittals while the majority is pending in courts. Chief conservator of forests Raghuvir Singh Shekhawat elaborated on the conviction rate, indicating difficulty in getting evidence or witnesses is difficult in case of an animal death. In addition, the poor Bawariyas are able to get top lawyers to fight their cases.

A Bishnoi woman

Despite its protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the chinkara is continuously poached in its homeland. Even with protection of the Bishnoi people, it is still unsafe as poachers have resorted to far subtle means of killing it without the Bishnois noticing. But what is even more appalling is that the rate of convicting the poachers is very poor, as they are able to have access to top lawyers defending them due to their allegiance to their wealthy employers. However, despite the promise of acquittal from alleged poaching cases, many Bawariyas remain poor and earn as little as Rs. 500 per chinkara they kill. This clearly implies that members of the Rajput community are behind the illegal trade of chinkara meat and benefiting from it. Because they are so wealthy and politically dominant, the Rajputs have little to fear of being tried and convicted on charges related to Rajasthan's ongoing chinkara poaching. It is unconscionable that such members of the Rajput community see themselves as untouchable from law enforcement officials and the judicial system. It is highly essential to take action against this crisis by training the forest department staff on how to frame cases for higher convictions. Furthermore, it is crucial to reach out to the Bawariya community and encourage them to give up the traditional practice of hunting by providing harmless alternatives that can guarantee them a fair pay to support themselves and their families. This could include employing former poachers in the forest department to help in tracking down and capturing other poachers. Most importantly, it is necessary to form a peace treaty between the Bishnois, Bawariyas, and the Rajputs. While some members of the Rajput community are involved in Rajasthan's chinkara poaching, it does not mean that the entire caste is involved. It would be very useful if the Bishnois and the Bawariyas join forces with one another in the battle against poaching in their homeland. If the poaching of the chinkara continues in Rajasthan, then the state would become unsafe for the gazelle.

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Could the Death of a Young Girl by a Tiger Have Been Avoided?

Bengal tiger

A ten-year-old girl was recently mauled to death by a tiger in Madhya Pradesh's Sehore district. The girl, identified as Nitu, was out grazing cattle with her two younger sisters during the early morning hours in Sehore's Khadabad village which is close to the Ratapani forest area where the tiger population has increased in the last few years. According to forest officials, the tiger was hiding in the bushes, reportedly feeding on a calf when it pounced on Nitu from behind, grabbing her by the neck. Her sisters screamed and pelted stones at the tiger, which left its victim and escaped with its kill. Nitu succumbed to her injuries by the time her sisters took her home. According to Manoj Argal, conservator of forest in Sehore forest division, it is not clear what prompted the tiger to attack. One officer stated that the tiger is not a man-eater and that this was the "first such incident reported from this area." Forest officials granted monetary relief to the family and advised the villagers to avoid venturing out into the forests. Nitu's father, Suresh Bhilala, was given Rs.10,000 and guaranteed a financial help of Rs.4 lakh in the next three months.

View of Ratapani forest area

It is extremely tragic to see such a young life lost to one of India's most iconic animals, but what is truly shocking is that the area where the attack happened has not been notified as a tiger reserve for so many years. Ratapani, which spreads over 890 square kilometers in Bhopal-Raisen forest division, is recorded to have eleven breeding tigers but it has not been declared by the state government as a tiger reserve despite an in-principle approval from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in 2008. The reason for this delay is facilitation of two developmental projects in the area. These projects are the widening of the current 4/6 lane NH-12 section from Bhopal to Baraily by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and upgradation work on Obaidullagunj to Rehti Road which passes through Ratapani. In 2015, the Madhya Pradesh High Court accepted a petition over the delay in notifying Ratapani area as a tiger reserve. The petition was driven by RTI activist Ajay Dubey through his counsel Siddhartha Radhelal Gupta. Notices were given to the forest department, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), State Wildlife Board, NTCA, and the environment ministry asking them to answer why the Ratapani area has not been declared a tiger reserve despite the approval of the NTCA. A proposal for the declaration of Ratapani as a tiger reserve was shifted to the backdrop of growing tiger population in the sanctuary and the animals frequently wandering into Bhopal district's Kerwa forests. This was inhibiting tiger habitat and resulting in man-animal conflict.

Road running through Ratapani

The death of this young girl was attributed to the delay in declaring Ratapani as a tiger reserve and the lack of action that is deemed necessary to make space for tigers and prevent any human encroachment into the area. The two developmental projects on roads cutting through the area are preventing any measurements required to establish Ratapani as a tiger reserve, and this cannot go on forever. Further delay will increase the chances of tiger attacks in the area and severely affect the livelihood and lifestyle of the villagers. It is highly crucial to put these projects on hold and first work towards making Ratapani a tiger reserve. This includes identifying specific locations in the area occupied by tigers and if villages happen to be present, it is necessary to encourage the villagers to move from those spots and settle in areas where there is no indication of tiger or any other predator presence. This would help prevent any human-animal conflict and provide plenty of space for tigers and other wild animals. When a forest area is found to have a significant number of tigers or any wild animals, it must be declared a protected area without delay and should be undergone with proper measurements to ensure that both people and wildlife coexist peacefully.

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Study Reveals that Alligators Like to Eat Sharks

American alligator

A recent study published in the Southeastern Naturalist revealed instances of alligators preying on small sharks along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. The study was conducted by James Nifong of Kansas State University and his colleagues, who have spent almost ten years studying alligators along the Florida and Georgia coasts generally using lamps to view the reptiles' nocturnal hunting activities. During their study, more than 500 alligators were caught and their stomachs examined to see what they had eaten. Their research found proof that the reptiles had consumed three species of sharks - each measuring 3-4 feet - and a stingray. Dr. Nifong also found historical evidence of alligators in confrontation with sharks dating as far back as the 1870s, but the findings were limited to an island off the coast of Georgia. They included one instance in which sharks attacked a group of alligators that were feeding on fish. Dr. Nifong indicated that such instances occur when sharks and rays swim up into freshwater and GPS tracking of alligators showed that the reptiles were opportunistic enough to take advantage.

It is astounding to see what a unique behavior alligators are capable of demonstrating in their natural habitat. Normally their diet consists of freshwater fish, crustaceans, birds, other reptiles, and various mammals ranging from rodents to raccoons and deer. However, this recent study has revealed their diet has also included sharks which nobody knew about before. One of the three shark species being preyed on by the alligators could be the bull shark, which is responsible for attacks on people along with the tiger and great white shark and is known to swim between both salt and fresh water. As part of this research study, it would be useful to identify which species of sharks the alligators are consuming. This could help indicate that alligators are dominant predators in the swampy ecosystems of the Southeastern U.S. While this seems like big news, Dr. Nifong indicated that the findings brought into question how important sharks and rays are to the alligators' diet. They also brought into question the fatality of some juvenile sharks in terms of population management of endangered species. This is why it is crucial to further study this unique hunting behavior to see if alligator attacks on sharks are increasing and investigate whether it is influenced by coastal development that has pushed alligators out of their freshwater habitats.

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Snow Leopards Recorded in Arunachal Pradesh via Camera Traps

Snow leopard captured on camera trap in Arunachal Pradesh

A study by WWF-India on snow leopards has revealed presence of these magnificent and elusive big cats in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in Northeast India. A statewide survey was conducted by WWF-India in partnership with the Arunachal Pradesh forest department from March 2017. It was based on the knowledge of local community members and will help understand the current distribution of snow leopards and other large mammals in Arunachal Pradesh. The research team set up camera traps in select areas to record the snow leopards. One of the places was a community-conserved area called Thembang, where a snow leopard was caught on camera. The survey not only included use of camera traps, but also interviews of herders and former hunters who gave detailed information on snow leopards and their prey species in the state. Over 80% of the interviewees verified the presence of snow leopards in the area. This discovery is especially important, given that large natural areas in the state are under protection of local communities whose support is essential to protect the species and its habitat. In Arunachal Pradesh, only a small portion of snow leopard habitat falls under two protected areas: Dibang Biosphere Reserve and Namdapha National Park. A press statement indicated that the existence of snow leopards outside these protected areas underlines the seriousness of community support for conservation in addition to landscape-scale conservation planning.

Landscape of Namdapha National Park; one of the places in Arunachal Pradesh where the snow leopard is found.

It is an incredible news that the snow leopard is found to be roaming in areas in other parts of Arunachal Pradesh, as well as the Dibang Biosphere Reserve and Namdapha National Park. Findings made during this survey will allow the forest department to create a snow leopard conservation plan to discuss threats such as vengeful killings and climate change-induced impact on the big cat's habitat. It will also help plan for infrastructure development. It is very pleasing to see that the local communities are protecting the areas of Arunachal Pradesh where the snow leopard is recorded. However, there are also communities in other parts of the snow leopard's range who do not share an easy relationship with the big cat. This is why it is crucial to reach out and encourage such communities to never resort to retaliatory killings against the snow leopard and provide them with helpful tips and harmless alternatives when living alongside the big cat. Furthermore, it is also important to address to the world about the impact of climate change on snow leopards and other mountain-dwelling wildlife and act upon it.

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Lake Baikal Damaged by Contaminated Algae, Poaching, and Pollution

Spirogya algae

Experts have recently indicated that Lake Baikal is experiencing a dangerous environmental crisis. In the past several years, the "blue eye of Siberia" has been damaged by a series of destructive phenomena, some of which is unknown to scientists. These include the decrease in the population of the omul fish, a swift growth of Spirogyra algae, and death of endemic species of sponges across the lake's area. Despite the government's recent ban on commercial fishing of omul, local fishery biologist Anatoly Mamontov pointed out that the decrease in its population is due to unlimited fish poaching with more pressure coming from the climate resulting in a drought thus killing the fish. The threat of Spirogyra algae has affected Lake Baikal in which a mass growth of the algae covered the pristine sandy beaches. Since the algae is unnatural to the lake, some scientists say that the lake cannot absorb human pollution without consequence. According to Oleg Timoshkin, a biologist from the Russian Academy of Sciences' Limnological Institute in Irkutsk, the reason for this algal outbreak is wastewater runoff from towns without adequate sewage treatment specifically of phosphate-containing detergents. In addition, the algae is pushing out oxygen-loving mollusks and crustaceans. Furthermore, the pollution is also contributing to the death of several endemic sponge species in the lake.

Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal is well-known throughout Russia and the world as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. Holding one-fifth of the world's unfrozen freshwater, it is a natural wonder of "exceptional value of evolutionary science" and home to over 3,600 species of endemic plants and animals. Among the animals unique to the lake is the Baikal seal, the world's only freshwater seal. The lake is also a major tourist destination for both local and international tourists who come each year for hiking, camping, and enjoying the scenery. However, in recent times, this lake has become tremendously affected by pollution, poaching, and spread of putrid algae. In 2012, a cleanup program was initiated in which the government has been putting 26 billion rubles to fund treatment facilities. However, local experts say that much of the money gets wasted. For example, in the town of Babushkin near Lake Baikal, millions of dollars were spent on a new treatment plant but the water-purifying bacteria failed to work in the winter. It turns out that funding for science has grown thin when studying the lake is most crucial. Therefore, it is vital to take necessary action to combat these threats affecting Lake Baikal's biodiversity and improvising the nearby towns by building treatment facilities. Otherwise, the lake would lose its status as a World Heritage Site and a tourist destination.

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North Korea's Illegal Trade System Affects Africa's Vulnerable Wildlife

White rhinos

North Korea has lately been in the news where it is increasingly pressed by international penalties enforced in attempt to stop its nuclear weapon and ballistic missile programs. But now, the nation has found creative ways to bring in money, often through smuggling in the guise of diplomacy. A new report by the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime has indicated that there appears to be a recent rise in Pyongyang's smuggling of African wildlife. The report has addressed that the trade is putting more pressure on Africa's elephant and rhino populations. There have been several incidents involving North Korean diplomats getting caught in connection to the illegal wildlife trade. For example, in 2015, a diplomat was expelled from South Africa after getting arrested in Mozambique with 4.5 kilograms of rhino horns and $100,000 in cash. According to researcher Julian Rademeyer, 18 out of 31 diplomats apprehended for smuggling elephant ivory and rhino horns in the past thirty years have been of North Korean origin. The reason for such instances is that about eleven African countries have trade relations with North Korea, partly because the nation provides good deals in order to prevent economic segregation. Therefore, many are unwilling to break those ties. According to Zachary Donnenfeld, a researcher from the Institute for Security Studies in Pretoria, no African government having economic ties with North Korea would ask so many questions if the nation offers a good deal on something like refined petroleum in the midst of heavy pressures on service delivery. When the North Korean embassy in Pretoria was contacted regarding the allegations in the report, the officials did not respond to any questions.

It is very disturbing to see that a country subjected to international controversy regarding nuclear weapon and ballistic missile programs is involved in the illegal wildlife trade as means to bring in money. In addition, the economic ties between some African countries and North Korea are so deep that none of the governments doubt the nation's offers on good deals of exports like refined petroleum. This is because the deals prevent those countries from being economically isolated. Furthermore, whenever North Korean diplomats are arrested for smuggling ivory or rhino horns, they are not being punished by their superiors for their actions even though North Korean embassies are known to be very strictly controlled. Despite the existence of laws to stop the illegal trade by diplomats, the will to do so is not present for the fear of arousing tensions between North Korea and the African countries with which it has trade relations. This has got to change. The Vienna Convention seems to be the only place to present cases with proof that North Korea has been involved in the illegal trade of ivory and rhino horns, and act upon it.

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Strong Effort in Motion to Save the Vaquita Porpoise from Extinction

Vaquita porpoise

The Mexican government has allocated more than $100 million to save and protect the endemic and critically endangered vaquita porpoise. Two years ago, President Pena Nieto showed his dedication to saving the vaquita by proclaiming a two-year ban on using gillnets throughout the porpoise's range while compensating fishermen and similar industries for their loss of income and improving the multi-agency enforcement of the ban led by the Mexican Navy. However, earlier this year, the gillnet ban was made permanent. Recently, the government has gathered an international team of experts in the town of San Felipe in northern Baja California to initiate an ambitious plan called Vaquita CPR to save the porpoise. This project involves finding and assembling the few remaining porpoises and placing them in an ocean sanctuary off the coast of San Felipe. The porpoises will be released as soon as gillnets and illegal fishing have been removed from their natural habitat. The field operations began on October 12; an acoustic monitoring system will be used to help find the porpoises. This system was first used by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the National Institute of Ecology and Climate Change of Mexico (INECC) in 2012 to oversee the vaquita population. In addition, large floating sea pens have been installed so that animal care experts and veterinarians can intently monitor the rescued porpoises. The WWF will also focus on finding and removing lost or abandoned nets, which can tangle the porpoises and other marine species. Both of these tactics will be carried out with the help of local fishermen.

A floating sea pen off the coast of San Felipe to temporarily hold the porpoises 

A pair of vaquitas

The future of the vaquita porpoise appears to be bright with the Mexican government taking the initiative in collaboration with the WWF and so many international experts to save it from the brink of extinction. What makes this conservation project special is that it consists of a joint cooperation between conservation groups and local fishermen. That is, the fishermen will be helping WWF and others in finding and removing nets in vaquita habitat, and monitoring the porpoises as well. This is a classic example of a full-fledged partnership between the local people, their government, and global conservation groups like the WWF working together to save a species that is on the brink of extinction. According to Cynthia Smith, executive director of the National Marine Mammal Foundation, if this project works, similar approaches may be used to save other marine mammals facing extinction.

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Burmese Star Tortoise Back from the Brink of Extinction

Burmese star tortoise

It has recently been reported that the Burmese star tortoise has made a comeback from the brink of extinction. This has been a result of a strong captive-breeding effort, which led to a population surge of 14,000 individuals according to a recent paper in the journal Herpetological Review. Native to Burma's central dry zone, these tortoises came to attention in 2003 when a survey team spent almost 1,000 hours searching for one of them but could not find one. The tortoise was then concluded to be ecologically extinct in the wild. In order to save the species, the Wildlife Conservation Society joined forces with an international conservation network called the Turtle Survival Alliance along with the government of Burma. A captive-breeding program was established at three local wildlife sanctuaries. The team began with around 175 tortoises, mostly seized from exotic animal traffickers,  and were supported by an army of herpetologists, molecular scientists, and veterinarians from the Bronx Zoo. Now, 750 tortoises have been released into the sanctuaries. It has been confirmed that the remaining 13,000 or so tortoises will remain in captivity until poaching is reduced. However, there is a constant threat of theft with about 200 tortoises stolen from the program so far. To prevent further thefts, the captive tortoises are kept in 10-foot concrete enclosures with concertina wire looped over the top and heavily guarded round-the-clock by staff members. Nevertheless, the project has been a success, astounding its strongest supporters, who call it a "model chelonian conservation success story."

Map of the Central Dry Zone in Burma

It is indeed a tremendous news for global conservation that the Burmese star tortoise has made a successful comeback from the brink of extinction. So far, 750 of these reptiles have been released into the wild. It is highly crucial to aggressively protect them from anthropogenic pressures like the exotic pet trade, poaching, and habitat destruction. This would increase their chances of survival and when they do, more captive populations can be reintroduced into the wild. The Burmese star tortoise is a critically endangered species, meaning it should be strongly protected to ensure its population increases to the point that it can be relabeled as either "Endangered" or "Vulnerable" according to the IUCN Red List.

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Trial Against Rhino Poaching Kingpin Delayed for 17th Time

Dumisani Gwala threatening a Zululand Observer journalist for having his photo taken 

A trial against an alleged rhino poaching kingpin Dumisani Gwala and his co-accused was delayed for the 17th time on Monday when he appeared in the Ngwelezana Regional Court. Gwala, along with his co-accused Wiseman Makeba and Aubrey Dlamini, are facing ten charges relating to the illegal purchase and possession of rhino horns, and of resisting arrest. Since his arrest in 2014, Gwala was thought to have been involved in 80% of the illegal rhino horn trade in KwaZulu-Natal. Last month, a trial date was set for this month but an appointment of a new prosecutor to the case resulted in postponement until May next year. The decision led to Saving the Wild activist Jamie Joseph to suspect whether the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) was trying to hinder the case by replacing State Advocate Yuri Gangai with a local senior prosecutor. Ms. Joseph told the Zululand Observer she had proof that a bribe was paid to influence the case in Gwala's favor, and this accusation is yet to be proven. She further added that this must be seen in a context of a reported intention of State Advocate Gangai producing an application for the refusal of Magistrate Shandu. In addition, she warned that this whole case is "built around allegations that there is a Zululand syndicate of corrupt magistrates and prosecutors protecting rhino poachers and kingpins."

Jamie Joseph tries to confront Gwala, who turned his back on her at the Ngwelezana Regional Court 

It is extremely disheartening that the fight against rhino poaching in South Africa is being hindered by corruption, in which magistrates and prosecutors are protecting rhino poachers and kingpins from being found guilty for their crimes. This allows the perpetrators to continue with their illegal activities, resulting in further loss of rhinos in the country. This year alone, more than 200 rhinos have been killed in KwaZulu-Natal. This figure will keep rising if trials against people like Dumisani Gwala continue to become delayed or worse: released despite strong evidence for their crimes committed. This is why it is crucial to combat corruption and bribery associated with corruption when fighting against rhino poaching. This includes targeting magistrates, prosecutors, and other influential figures in the political and legal systems suspected of taking bribes from poachers in exchange for protection.

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Gujarat High Court Dismisses Plea Against Lion Safari Park

A pair of Asiatic lions

The Gujarat High Court recently dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) that had raised criticism over the state government's plan of starting a fenced lion safari park for tourists in Gir Forest National Park. The PIL claimed that the park will damage the forest's ecosystem. The petition was filed by a city-based activist named Biren Pandya, who argued that permission for this park was pending for ten years and originally the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) did not give permission for the park. However, on May 18 of this year, the central government refurbished the CZA and "without any inspection (which is necessary) the final permission was granted by the technical committee on June 5." The PIL claimed that setting up a safari park on reserved forest land was in violation of standards of wildlife conservation. It also claimed that 400 hectares of forest area which used to be a haven for lions and other animals had been fenced in the past few years to be made into the safari park. Furthermore, it alleged that 18 lions have already been transferred and the entire lion satellite population has been "wiped out." The court indicated that the petitioner came after much delay and by then physical infrastructure like fencing had already been finished. The goal of this safari park is to cut down on the tourism in Gir Forest and is said to have three zoo-bred lions (one male and two females) for public viewing in a forest environment.

The idea of setting up a lion safari park in the vicinity of Gir Forest is something that generates mixed opinions. On one hand, it can help in regulating the tourist flow in the national park and on the other hand, it may damage the forest ecosystem. Even though this project was given an approval without proper inspection by the CZA, it is still very important to closely monitor it to see that it does not do any major damage to the Gir Forest ecosystem. In addition, the flow of tourism to this park must also be closely monitored. Just because the animals that are to be transferred to the park are zoo-bred does not mean they are used to being around people. They are still wild animals and should be given their space even in captivity. Furthermore, it would be very beneficial that the lions coming to this park should be kept for educational purposes as well as tourism. The goal of having a safari park should not solely be for providing entertainment for local and international tourists; but also for educating the public. That is, the park should also serve as a venue for school groups to learn about lions, other Gir Forest wildlife, the importance importance of conservation, etc. Just like Gir Forest, this safari park should administer strict rules and regulations to the public to ensure that the forest ecosystem is not negatively affected by tourism and other anthropogenic factors. The following suggestions above can help make this lion safari park a reputable place next to Gir Forest.

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IIT Madras Blamed for Death of Wild Animals and Poor Waste Management

Spotted deer feeding on garbage scraps on IIT Madras campus

IIT Madras has recently become a subject of controversy over a large-scale death of wild animals and poor waste management disposal on its campus. According to Md. Nasimuddin, Principal Secretary of the Environment and Forests Department, a data from the forest department showed that up to 517 animals had died, including spotted deer, blackbucks, and jackals, since 2010. The government of Tamil Nadu indicated that the issue had been given to the attention of the institute's management by the forest department on many occasions. An affidavit showed that the range forest officer from Guindy National Park had been carrying out weekly investigations inside the campus and advising authorities to take proper action. The affidavit further added that the forest department was taking legal action in case of an offence (i.e wildlife death due to an accident) against the person responsible on the campus, but did not provide facts of the action taken. The government also stated that IIT Madras must step in to curtail noise pollution during cultural festivals. The wildlife warden of Guindy National Park suggested a number of steps such as safe disposal of solid waste like plastic, a fully developed veterinary care unit, and a plan for management and protection of wildlife.

IIT Madras logo

The news about the death of several wild animals on the IIT Madras campus, due to poor management is very appalling. Several of the victims included endangered species like blackbucks and much of the campus is protected forest which is carved out of Guindy National Park. This means that students and staff have the opportunity to see wild animals on the university grounds. But with the presence of wild animals, it is crucial to properly manage waste disposal and ensure that wild animals stay safe by any means. This includes educating the students and staff to never feed the animals and establishing a segregated area exclusively for the wildlife. The affidavit included that blackbucks were attacked by stray dogs, which indicates the need to establish such an area to protect the wildlife. Furthermore, an inspection report by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board showed that plastic waste was seen in areas such as Krishna Hostel gate, Velachery residential area, and the sewage treatment plant area. This is why properly managing waste disposal, especially plastic, is of utmost important to prevent any possible incidents of pollution in the vicinity of IIT Madras. In addition, noise pollution should also be kept at minimum due to the presence of Guindy National Park.

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French Sheep Farmers Protest Against Wolf Attacks in Lyon

French breeders demonstrate with their sheep in Lyon

A total of 1,500 sheep farmers disembarked to the French city of Lyon with their flocks to express their anguish over a number wolf attacks in France's Aveyron region. The farmers warned that the wolves, which returned to the country in the early 1990s and now comprise of 360 animals, are threatening their way of life. According to breeder Francois Giacobbi, although the number represents only a handful of wolves in the area, the 800,000 sheep have become a "pantry for the wolf." The farmers claim that the use of electric fences and livestock guardian dogs has not worked. Last year, government figures indicated that 8,000 sheep were killed in attacks blamed on wolves in southeastern France. This year, the figure has reached 4,153 with major increase in Aveyron where attacks increased from 16 in 2016 to 50 this year. The farmers are particularly at odds with the government's so-called "wolf plan" which allows a nationwide killing of up to 40 wolves by July 2018. Unions closed off on talks over the plan last month, particularly over a new measure which requires farmers to give proof that they have take protective actions to receive financial compensation for wolf attacks. On Monday, the farmers called for the right to be allowed to shoot wolves on sight over and above the limit according to the plan whenever their flock is instantly threatened. They demanded the government to establish a "zero-attack" policy, warning otherwise that their way of life could diminish.

Up to 1,500 farmers took to the streets with their flocks demonstrating to call for attention to increase in wolf attacks on the sheep

It is very disturbing to see what a hostile relationship France's sheep farmers have with wolves, and are now demanding the government to allow them to take matters into their own hands in dealing with wolves. Despite the use of non-lethal protective measurements like livestock guardian dogs and electric fencing, the farmers claimed that such measures have not worked. They even added that they do not need to have solid proof to show that they have lost their sheep to wolves and received "massive subsidies" for such losses. This is outright persecution of an animal that has always been depicted as a "cold-blooded killer" in European folklore for centuries. Ironically, people in Europe were treated in much the same way during the Middle Ages when there was no need to have legitimate proof to condemn a person(s) accused or suspected of committing a serious crime. In addition, this "wolf plan" is described by pro-wolf groups as "very favorable to farmers and very anti-wolf."

A banner showing French poet Victor Hugo's quote which reads "He who saves the wolf kills the sheep"

The farmers, the government, and wildlife activists should compromise peacefully regarding the problems farmers are facing and come up with plans that benefit both farmers and wolves. This includes educating farmers to never unfairly stigmatize wolves as killers that should be decimated without question. In addition, when farmers claim that non-lethal protective measurements are not working, they should have proper reason and proof as to why they are not working. Otherwise, there would be no help in tackling this issue of livestock predation by wolves. The arguments and demands farmers made in Lyon indicates that their mindset is similar to that of their ancestors from the Middle Ages. They should be taught that such a way of thinking and taking actions based on that thinking will not make much difference in solving their wolf problem. If somehow the wolves disappear from France, then it would cause a major ecological imbalance as the number of prey species will increase and present farmers with another problem of disease spreading to their livestock.

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