Ranthambore Tigers up to Twice as Inbred as Those of Central, Southern India
Ranthambore’s tigers are up to twice as inbred as tigers in the larger, better-connected tiger populations of central and southern India, a new study has found.
The same team of scientists behind the new study also reported in 2020 that almost all the tigers in the park had descended from a single female – a famous tigress named ‘Machli’. However, scientists say authorities can ‘rescue’ this population by introducing tigers from another population, to increase genetic variation.
According to Rajasthan’s chief wildlife warden, talks have begun with the NTCA to “proactively address these findings”.Tigers with such reduced genetic fitness have lower chances of bearing children of their own
👉 TWS
Navi Mumbai: Centre steps in after greens’ SOS on golf course issue
Taking cognizance of the environmentalists’ concern over the destruction of NRI and TS Chanakya wetlands for a golf course at Nerul in Maharashtra, the Centre has asked the stare environment department to take action into the complaints “on priority” to resolve the concern of greens.
Meanwhile, a fresh complaint has been sent to the forest department about deliberate destruction of mangroves near Moraj Circle, Palm Beach Road. Environmentalists have also reiterated that by saving these flamingo sites, the birds will not divert their flights towards Navi Mumbai airport, thereby avoiding accidents.
The environmentalists have drawn the attention of the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC) to the fact that the destruction of wetlands would be detrimental to flights at the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA).
👉 TOI
Scheme to save crop from animals finds many takers
The Mukhya Mantri Khet Sanrakshan Yojana (MMKSY), launched six years ago to save crops from monkey and wild animals, has started picking up and 5,535 farmers have benefited to the tune of Rs 173 crore and 4,669-hectare land has been recultivated.
The state government is providing subsidy to the agriculturist for solar power fencing and farmers are entitled to 80% subsidy for setting up the fence at personal level and 85% subsidy at community level. The fencing is operated with solar power and keeps animals at bay.
In the past few years, there were a handful of farmers who opted for the scheme and the animal menace was so potent that farmers had started leaving their lands uncultivated. As per government claims, 4,669-hectare barren land had been re-cultivated under the scheme.
An increase in the number of beneficiaries has witnessed in the past two years as farmers have felt that due to solar fencing, trespassing of wild animals has reduced. To avail the benefit of the scheme, farmers can apply individually or as a group to the Deputy Director, Agriculture.
Reforestation efforts provide hope, but more work needed on supportive policy and community involvement
In 2010, India had 31.3 Mha of natural forest. By 2020, it lost 132 kha of natural forest, equivalent to 67.3 Mt of CO₂ of emissions.Vast tracts of forests and green cover have, over the past few decades, given way to concrete jungles, with increasing urbanisation in India.
In such a scenario, efforts for reforestation in various states across the country have provided hope. Also while it was initially difficult to gain acceptance for the Miyawaki method, over the last few years, it has gained repute and attention. The Miyawaki method involves planting two to four trees per square metre. Miyawaki forests are known to grow in two to three years and are self-sustaining.
Apart from policy makers, private organisations that are working to revive the lost green cover, offer some hope. Experts, however, argue that India still has a long way to go and despite the policies that prevail, the involvement of communities at the grassroot level is amiss.
Fresh cases of bird flu detected in Kerala’s Alappuzha district
An alert has been sounded in Alappuzha district in Kerala on Thursday after the state animal husbandry department confirmed bird flu (H5N1 influenza) in some samples sent to the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases in Bhopal.
Many ducks and local birds perished in the district last week forcing authorities to rush samples to the Bhopal lab. Veterinary officials said culling of ducks will start in affected areas on Friday and farmers will be compensated according to government norms. “The government has instructed the district collector to take necessary measures,” said Animal Husbandry Minister J Cinchu Rani in the state capital.
Endowed with many backwaters and water bodies, farmers rear ducks in the district and bird flu regularly hits the area. Migratory birds from other countries are reported to be the main carriers of the virus. In Alappuzha and neighbouring Kottayam, duck rearing is an important business and there is high demand for eggs and meat of the bird, normally priced higher than poultry.
Last year also the district reported the viral outbreak but it was localised and contained. In 2016, at least 5 lakh chicken and ducks were culled in Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts to control the outbreak. A highly contagious disease, experts say all rearing birds in the vicinity will have to be culled to contain the disease.
Environment India 