Alarms Raised Over the Future of the Philippine Monkey Eagle

Philippine Monkey Eagle

Recently, conservationists in the Philippines expressed major concern and distress over the future of the archipelago's near-extinct monkey eagles after several maimed and diseased birds were taken from captivity in recent months. According to the Philippine Eagle Foundation, it had rescued four birds since last December. These eagles are some of the largest raptors in the world, and yet conservation laws have not protected them from being poached. The foundation further added that the retrieved birds, which were all recovered from Mindanao, included a female missing two toes on one foot when she was rescued in December. In January, the government handed over a year-old male eagle to the foundation. This month, the foundation received a year-old bird with just two remaining feathers on its right wing. Tragically, at the same time, a juvenile bird died from fungal infection. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimates that there are 180-500 of these eagles in the islands of Mindanao, Luzon, Leyte, and Samar. Majority of their threats consist of poaching and habitat loss.

I'm extremely shocked at the numbers of eagles rescued during the recent months. Many were mutilated and diseased, which indicated that they are still vulnerable to the threat of poaching. According to this article, it is believed that the captive breeding program in saving these magnificent birds has failed so far. Among the examples included when an eagle was electrocuted on a transmission line nine months after it was released into the wild in 2004. In 2008, a captive-bred eagle was killed by a poacher four months after its release. I have a feeling that the program in saving these eagles is in a great need of help. The reason is because this bird is the national bird of the Philippines. It is also an apex predator in archipelago's rainforest ecosystems, keeping the monkey population in check. Without the eagle, the number of monkeys would increase dramatically leading to intense competition for space, food, etc. In turn, the ecosystems' would be turned upside-down. This is why I feel that these eagles must be protected with strict vigilance, and one way is by having the villagers collaborate with the authorities. That is, reporting any suspicious or illegal activity in the jungles. This way, the birds will be able to flourish. Also, there should be efforts to help establish habitats for these birds before releasing them from captivity; habitats without any obstacles like transmission lines.

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Blackbucks on the Verge of Decline at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary

Blackbucks in Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary

Point Calimere's feral horses

Last week, a wildlife census conducted at Tamil Nadu's Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary was likely to show that the numbers of blackbucks are on the verge of decline. Although the figures have not been officially released yet, it is believed that a large number of feral horses in the sanctuary's grasslands is responsible for the decline. According to one wildlife expert, who was also a member of the census team, the number of these horses has gone up to 150. And while the feral horse population is small compared to the blackbuck population, it still poses a threat in competition for space. The horses, being larger in size, tend to force the antelopes in search of new territories.

This was not the first observation made in the sanctuary, which is famous for having the second largest concentration of migratory birds in India. A similar one was made during a census exercise last year by S. Balachandran of the Bombay Natural History Society. In his report, Balachandran stated that the blackbuck population was at around 1300 compared to an earlier census which showed it to be closer to 1600. He further added that three feral horses first came to the area a few decades ago after being abandoned by their masters. They had been roaming wild ever since. A forest official further added in addition to horses, the blackbucks face competition for food from stray cattle. However, there have been no conclusive studies to prove it. Dr. Rauf Ali, a researcher for Feral, gave his opinion based on a study he had conducted on Point Calimere's blackbucks in 2005. He stated that an invasive plant called prosopis is the real threat to the antelopes. This plant started growing in the sanctuary as a result of human influence, and was consumed by horses who would disperse its seeds which led to further growth. This process of seed dispersal has been reducing the amount of grassland area for the blackbucks.

My opinion on this article is that it is filled with some key facts and evidence of what threats are contributing to the decline of Point Calimere's blackbuck population. One of them is the spreading of the prosopis plant. This plant was brought by humans, and has started spreading in the sanctuary's grassland area which is the only home for the antelopes. With so many plants sprouting, the antelopes are loosing space for living. I feel that the best solution would be to uproot/cut down these plants in large quantities, and clean up the dung of horses which is known to contain the seeds. This way, the seed dispersal process for this alien plant will cease. At the same time, there should also be a removal of these horses and the best option would be to put them up for adoption. This type of method helped in the regulation of America's mustang populations. These animals were once beasts of burden for some people, who later abandoned them and then they started living in the wild. But while living, they started using Point Calimere's land to their own advantage and forced one of its flagship species (blackbuck) to search for new land. Similarly, cattle that are often seen in the sanctuary should also be kept in facilities and put up for adoption. Point Calimere does not have powerful predators like tigers keep the horse population in check. There should even be a strict vigilance against any form human interference, and one of the methods would be to learn about which plants and animals are native and not native to Point Calimere. This way, the sanctuary stay safe from any threat.

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Nepal's Rhino Population on the Rise

A one-horned rhino in Chitwan National Park

A recent census in Nepal has shown that the population of rhinos have increased significantly over the last few years. It stated that the overall rhino numbers have risen to an astonishing 99 percent in Bardiya, Chitwan, and Shuklaphata National Parks. In the famed Chitwan National Park, rhino numbers increased by 95 percent from 408 to 503 animals. Similarly, two more have been sighted; each in Bardiya and Shuklaphata. In turn, taking the total number in these national parks to 24 and seven from 22 and five respectively. The result of this remarkable achievement was a well-coordinated state-sponsored program intended to save endangered species such as rhinos and tigers. Nepal even received support from the World Bank and international animal welfare organizations in its fight to save these magnificent creatures from extinction. Last year, the nation received an international laudatory notice for its national campaign and the role played by its vigilance agency, Army, and government. There was also a large scale use of radio collaring devices on the rhinos.

I'm very proud and happy at the progress Nepal has made in protecting and helping its rhinos. This is truly a remarkable achievement since Nepal has been known to act as a route for storing and smuggling animal body parts. But now, it appears that image is changing as Nepal put in a lot of its effort, energy, and money to fight this ongoing threat to its local wildlife. In the last couple years, the police, in partnership with NGOs and INGOS, have busted large illegal trade rackets. However, this does not goes to show that rhinos and the rest of Nepal's wildlife is safe. The threat of wildlife trade, with its network all over South Asia and in other parts of the world, is still looming. And as long as the demand in the black market stays, poaching will go on. I personally feel that the Nepalese Government should take this step in protecting its wildlife to a whole new level, where it should work together with its neighbors China and India. Last year, all three neighbors signed a memorandum of understanding but now the plan should be to actively communicate with one another concerning any poaching or wildlife trade activities. At the same time, each one should establish a state-sponsored program dedicated to involve local people in an effort to help save endangered species through education and collaboration. This way, it will further help each of the three nations' wildlife to flourish.

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Lion Carcass Found in Bhavnagar District; Cause of Death a Mystery

A young Asiatic lion

Recently, a carcass of an Asiatic lion was found mutilated in the coastal areas of the Talaja range in Bhavnagar District. It was reportedly discovered by a team of forest officials in the outskirts of a village. To wildlife activists and some sources, the death of this lion was suspected to be of poaching, but forest officials say that it is too early to make any conclusion. They, on the other hand, suspect the incident was a result of man-animal conflict where the lion was may have died of shock received from an electric fence put up to guard crops from wild animals. However, these fences are now illegal. Instead, the carcass is thought to be of a five or seven-year-old lion which could have died four-five days ago. According to wildlife warden in-charge and additional principal chief conservator of forests H.S Singh, the carcass was eaten away by hyenas which made it difficult determine the actual cause of death. He also pointed out that the bones were intact which might indicate that this was not a case of poaching. However, he further added that he and his team are still determining other vital body parts which may lead them to conclusions. In other words, the investigation is still on.

I'm very surprised and shocked at the death of this lion. At the same time, I'm perplexed because no one really knows what may have caused the death of this creature. In this article, all I saw were hypotheses on the lion's death. Some sources claim it was because of poaching, while forest officials suspect it to be the case of man-animal conflict where the lion died as a result of shock from an electric fence. Mr. Singh further added to this theory that the local villagers may have thrown the carcass away and did not inform the officials since electric fences are illegal. Whatever the cause, I feel that this lion's death is a sign of danger in obstacles the lion population is facing in Gujarat. These animals have been spotted roaming freely outside their home in Gir Forest in recent times. It is estimated that as many as 53 lions have made their way up to the areas of Savarkundla, Amreli, and Bhavnagar. With lions spreading beyond the borders of Gir Forest, I feel that locals should take extra precautions with the help of forest officials and collaborate with them in an effort to prevent any poaching activities. The reason is these lions are not just moving out of Gir Forest due to lack of space, but because the surrounding areas were their ancestral homes during the 19th century and are now recolonizing those areas where they once roamed for generations.

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India's Famed Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary to Go Solar

Painted storks in Keoladeo Ghana National Park

The Keoladeo Ghana National Park is one of the most spectacular bird sanctuaries in India. Its roots date back to late nineteenth century when the maharajah of Bharatpur created this approximately 29 square kilometer wetland to attract birds for shooting. By 1971, it was declared a protected sanctuary and is also a World Heritage Site. In present day, Keoladeo is a haven for bird-lovers and ornithologists. It is not only a home for the native bird populations, but also for winter visitors migrating from as far as Siberia or the Arctic Circle.

But now, there is a new miracle in the making. The bird sanctuary will soon go solar, and will be the only national park to be free of conventional energy sources. This means that everything in it will run on solar power, from lighting to air-conditioners in guest houses and offices. R.N Mehrotra, the principal chief conservator of forests and head of Rajasthan's forest forces, says that the movement will help in the reduction of carbon footprints. He further added that the project will be implemented by the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited (RRECL). The corporation has floated tenders for ten solar power plants of 200 wattage power at all the guard posts in the park, an 8-KW (kilowatt) grid-solar hybrid power plant at the Dr. Salim Ali Convention Center and another such plant near the park's entrance. There will also be solar lanterns, searchlights, and even three six-seater battery-operated cars for tourism. Officials also said that the Nature Interpretation Center within the park will be redone, and will feature an internet cafe for tourists. They further added that the park's main entrance will have closed circuit cameras to monitor any suspicious activities. The work is expected to be complete within the year.

I'm very proud and happy to see what an initiative Keoladeo Ghana has taken, regarding not just its own local environment but the environment of the world as well. In addition to protecting the wildlife from the encroachment of poaching and other threats, the national park is taking action against a far greater threat: global warming. And I have a very good feeling that the work being put will show that this bird sanctuary is further helping its wildlife to flourish. The reason is because it is where migratory birds have been flocking there for generations every winter. The change in climate would affect their annual migration in a way that they might choose not arrive every winter. This would be a huge shocker for both tourists and ornithologists. However, with this tremendous project underway, I have a strong feeling the migratory birds' biological clocks will not be affected. I also feel that Keoladeo Ghana is a perfect example of a national park that focuses on other more greater environmental issues, and not just poaching and other smaller threats. I strongly believe that other national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India should follow Keoladeo's example, and this would lead to further reduction of India's carbon footprints.

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Great Indian Bustards Suffering from Poor Genetic Diversity

Great Indian bustard

A recent study has shown that the great Indian bustard population is suffering from poor genetic diversity, and consists of a small population of breeding adults. This is an extremely terrible news for the scientists and researchers involved in the battle to save the bustard. The reason is because poor genetic diversity increases  wild animals' vulnerability to extinction, especially when they are faced with catastrophic issues as they do not have the genetic strength to fight against their threats. A team of four scientists of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) conducted a year-long study which was published in an international journal called Conservation Genetics early this year. Their findings showed that the birds have poor genetic diversity and even a low population size of effective females.

There are about 350 to 300 birds in six states, according to director of Great Indian Bustard Foundation Pramod Patil. And they are fighting a stiff battle for survival. He further added that habitat protection and captive breeding are a must in raising their numbers. This statement was backed by the scientists of WII. Suchitra Dutta, one of the researchers, told that the birds have very low life history traits. This means that although they have a long lifespan, they have a slow growth rate and can lay a less number of eggs. Farah Ishtiaq added, saying that continuous destruction of habitat will greatly affect the birds' survival. The team also compared the genetic variability of India's bustards to those in Europe and the Middle East. The results showed that the ones in India suffered a population bottleneck. It is believed that the distribution of fragmented habitat caused by agricultural development and disturbance by livestock grazing, along with restricted gene flow between populations may have contributed to low genetic diversity. In addition to that, experts have stated that satellite tracking techniques must be used in order to understand the birds' migration routes.

I very much feel that this article is a clear reminder about how and why the bustard population in India is facing a bleak future. The ongoing process of agriculture development and livestock grazing combined with illegal poaching has brought their numbers down to critical levels. Much of their habitat is fragmented as a result of these destructive issues. They have also interfered with their migration routes such that scientists and researchers are finding it difficult to understand their nomadic movements. I happen to agree with the experts, and hope that satellite tracking will help give a clear picture of how much of the birds' migration routes are affected. But at the same time, I personally feel that serious action must be taken regarding the threats of agriculture and poaching. The bustard population has plummeted from 1,260 birds in 1969 to 300 in 2010, and any further encroachment will keep pushing the current population to the brink of extinction. I had earlier heard that local villagers are becoming involved in the fight to save the birds, but there plenty of those who are not paying attention to what they are doing. These people should be taught about the threats the birds are facing, and educated about their ecological importance. Furthermore, it would really help if the villagers help the law enforcement by keeping vigil in reporting any poaching activities. That way, the bustard population will be saved.

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Study- West and Central Africa's Lions Maybe Related to Asiatic Lions

A typical lion from either West or Central Africa

 

 

A recent study has shown that lions in West and Central Africa maybe remarkably different from their cousins in eastern and southern parts of the continent. Researchers analyzed a region on the mitochondrial DNA of lions in Africa, including extinct subspecies like the Atlas lion, and India. The results indicated that those in Central and West Africa seem to be more related to their Asiatic brethren. A previous research had already shown that lions in Central and West Africa are smaller in size and weight, have smaller manes, live in smaller prides, feast on smaller prey, and perhaps have a different shape in skull. However, there is no conclusive scientific evidence to prove these lions' relationship with the ones in India. The current research findings show that difference is also seen in the genetic makeup.

Another difference between lions in West and Central Africa, and those in eastern and southern parts can be partially explained by their geographic locations which are separated by barriers such as the Central African rainforests and the Great Rift Valley. There is even an aspect of climatological history explaining West and Central Africa's lions' genetic position. It was scientifically thought that a local extinction had occurred, followed by periods of severe droughts 18,000 to 40,000 years ago. During that period, lions ranged east into Asia where conditions in the Middle East were sufficiently favorable to sustain their populations. The data showed that West and Central African regions were recolonized by lions from areas close to India, which explains the genetic similarities between lions from those two areas.

I'm extremely surprised to see that some African lions happen to very much resemble their Asiatic counterparts. In fact, the picture above of the lion from either West or Central Africa really does resemble an Asiatic lion at first glance. Its mane is definitely shorter, but the only difference is that its belly skin is not hanging loose like its oriental cousin. This, in my opinion, goes to show that West and Central Africa's lions still count as subspecies of the African lion. While it seems like a success story for scientists and researchers, the current state of the lion population in Central and West Africa is different. It is thought that there are about 1700 of these magnificent beasts left in those regions, which is less than ten percent of the estimated total lion population in Africa. According to the article, the numbers are still diminishing; largely due to persecution by farmers, habitat loss, and loss of natural prey. I feel that, in order to further study these lions, strict protection must be enforced. At the same time, farmers should be helped such that they do not lose their livestock to these animals and anti-poaching patrols must be put into action to protect the local wildlife. Furthermore, the locals should be educated on the ecological importance of these lions and what makes them special in Africa.


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