WILDLIFE WING

GOVERNMENT OF WEST BENGAL

BIKASH BHAWAN,NORTH BLOCK,3rd FLOOR,

SALTLAKE CITY,CALCUTTA-700 091,

WEST BENGAL,INDIA.

Conservation Initiatives

I.Tiger Conservation Initiative

Tiger has always been integral to the life and legend of Bengal. Feared and revered, hunted and worshipped, the tiger has found it's way into folklore and lullabies, books of worship, popular fiction and innumerable stories of heroism, bravery and adventure. Bengal's reigning deity, the goddess Durga, traditionally rides one of the two great cats, the lion or the tiger.
The first official estimation of the Indian Tiger population was done in 1972, recording about 1800 animals in the wild. This led to setting up of a task force under the IBWL and basing on their recommendations, "Project Tiger" was launched in 1973 begining with nine sites (one of them being Sunderbans) in India. Currently there are 25 sites in the country, two being in West Bengal (Buxa was included in 1992)
Sunderbans is considered as the largest prograding delta of the world. The Indian part covers 9630 sq km and has been declared the "Biosphere Reserve". Project Tiger covers 2550 sq km of which 1692 sq km is the core area (National Park) and has also been declared as "World Heritage Site". The unique mangrove ecosystem (containing 64 mangrove species) holds the largest single population of tigers in the wild. Improved management have helped resuciating wide variety of flora and fauna. The river terrapin 'Batagur Baska' has reappeared on the beaches after almost a century. The salt water crocodile thrives again. Possibilities of transboundary cooperation between India and Bangladesh for jointly working for saving the Tiger are enormous and could lead to more focussed attention of the world.
Buxa is situated in the Doars, in North Bengal and is the critical corridor with Assam and Bhutan. Once a favoured hunting ground of the shikaris, the wild population had touched a critical low. But that is now history. Buxa has long re-established its pristine status. Habitat improvement measures viz canopy opening, plantation of palatable grasses and fodder species, ground water recharging, fire protection and more have yielded satisfactory results. Efforts are on to reintroduce the extinct faunal species.
Jaldapara and Mahananda wildlife sanctuaries are better known for their Rhinoceros and Elephants. But they contain a growing population of tigers. Management of the two mega species with conflicting demands over a relatively small confines of sanctuaries calls for great managerial acumen. The hard work has been greatly rewarding. Both the Rhino and the Tiger populations in Jaldapara and the Elephant and Tiger population in Mahananda have shown upward trends.
Neora valley National Park is Bengal's crowning glory. The inviolate area of 88 sq km has been preserved the way nature wanted it to be. Periodic monitoring has shown enormous wealth of wild flora and fauna, particularly the Tiger.
The success of Project Tiger has shown that, no species, howsoever important, can be conserved in isolation. Over the years we have also learnt that "no park howsoever well managed, can be protected in isolation of the people of its surrounds". Active involvement of the local people in the management of the parks make the conservation measures more effective and the resource sharing ensures reciprocity of committment.Participatory microplanning has fostered ownership.
The residents of Sunderbans now perceive tiger protection efforts serving their own interest. The people of Buxa are aware that the investments under the India Ecodevelopment Project is because of its unique tiger habitat.
The nineties witnessed an unprecedented escalation in illegal trade in wildlife and its derivatives. Huge demand for tiger bones and other body parts as a macho supplement, added new dimension to the 'threats' facing the tiger.
In West Bengal, strategies were quickly reviewed, expert studies commissioned and recommendations implemented to counter this threat. Despite international boundaries and trade routes, significant drain was avoided. This has been our singular achievenment. Database updating, collaboration with various government and non-government enforcement agencies are some of the continuing efforts to save the Tiger.
An essential prerequisite for successful wildlife management is monitoring of investments and evaluation of its effects. Wild animal census is one such management tool. Surveillance and monitoring of wildlife in protected areas across the state is now a regular practice. A formal census regime of tiger population in Project Tiger reserves every two years, and in the rest of the areas every four years, as per guidelines of the Central Government, is strictly followed.
Population composition and the dynamics are quite encouraging. The last All India Census 1997 showed presence of around 360 animals in the wild in the state.
Tranquillisation and translocation of aberrant tigers has been perfected in the State. Stray tigers are captured in trap cages or tranquillised, and released back into the wild after veterinary care and examination.
This is one of the few States where the aberrant tiger gets a second chance to freedom.
One real-life incident has it that-a 'darted' tiger jumped into the river in the Sunderbans. The officer concerned also dived in, heedless of personal danger, and held the head of the tiger above the surface of the water so it would not drown after the tranquilliser took effect. The rest of the team then rushed in and the tiger was rescued.
In another brave incident, a pregnant tigress strayed into a village in the Sunderbans. Come daybreak, panic ensued and the animal, surrounded by villagers, scrambled up a date palm tree in a rare burst of fear. The animal was darted but went to sleep on the top. One brave man climbed up and tied a rope to the tiger's tail. The tigress was then pulled down onto a stretched net but awoke on impact. People kept their cool and managed to inject a sedative. The animal was caged and after proper examination released in its own habitat.
These are inspiring acts of courage and dedication to save the tiger.
Irrespective of caste, creed, religion or social standing, people take pride in their very own Royal Bengal Tiger. The Government of West Bengal has responded wholeheartedly to the conservation and protection of the tiger and its habitat as part of its commitment to renew and protect the state's glorious heritage.
Protect Tiger has completed 25 eventful years as the largest and most successful conservation project of its kind in the world.
The Forest Department of West Bengal is pledged anew to ensure a safe and enriched 'home' for the most celebrated royalty of Indian Forests.

II.Rhino Conservation Initiative

The single-horned Rhinoceros is not exceeded in size by any land animal except the Elephant and in strength and power it gives place to none. Its length is ususally about nine feet, and this is also nearly the girth of its body.The Rhinoceros is generally of quiet and inoffensive disposition,but when attacked or provoked he becomes very furious and dangerous and he is even sometimes subject to paroxysms of fury, which nothing can assuage. All the three Asiatic species of rhinos inhabited different parts of West Bengal.The smaller one-horned or the Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus Desmarest) was present in the Sunderban mangrove forests about a century back and died out by 1900. The Asiatic two-horned or Sumatran Rhinoceros (Didermocerus sumatrensis Fisher) used to occur in North Bengal plain areas till about 1930. The Great Indian One-horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis Linnaeus) is known to have once been extremely common and widespread in the Indo-Gengetic plains of the north, central and south-eastern part of the state. By the end of the 17th century it had completely disappeared from much of the range.The great one-horned Rhinoceros is now confined, as small populations, in two PAs, namely Gorumara National Park (70 sq.km) and Jaldapara Sanctuary(217 sq.km) located in North Bengal plains in habitats comprised of riparian grasslands, shallow and dense woodlands. There are 19 animals at Gorumara and 48 at Jaldapara as per 1998 census. Rhinos have been killed for the horn which is attributed to mythical aphrodisiac properties. 28 rhinos were killed by poachers during the period 1968-72. Intense anti-poaching measures reduced the killing spree, but there has been occassional spurts. During 1981-85, poachers killed 9 rhinos. However,poaching has been contained and only 3 cases were recorded during 1994-98. Habitat shrinkages has also led to population loss. This is caused by floods, invasion of grasslands by woody species and pernicious weeds and incendiary fires.
Anti-poaching measures have been intensified by regular patrolling, constitution of special protection for strengthening communication networks, provision of better arms for staff, coordination of law enforcement agencies, incentives and rewards, publicity/nature education/awareness generation and ecodevelopment activities for fringe villages. Habitat improvement works are caused on by canopy manipulation in woodlands with planting of indigenous fodder grasses, weed eradication, control burning and fire control, grazing control of domestic livestock and flood embankment protection works and soil moisture conservation works. Conservation biologists are charged with elucidating the factors affecting the persistence and evolutionary potential of populations. It has now been well illustrated that environmental heterogeneity and migration can maintain genetic variability in natural populations. The fragmentation of habitats by human activities, however, often prevents migrations and genetic exchange among populations. As a consequence, local population become isolated and cause "inbreeding". Inbreeding and the resulting loss of the genetic variability are often inevitable consequences of the severe reduction in population size experienced by endangered species, but the extent to which this results in inbreeding depression is likely to vary tremendously and is difficult to document in wild population. The population may, finally, become highly endangered through the loss of genetic adaptability. Nevertheless, a primary goal of conservation efforts has been to preserve a maximum amount of genetic variation in each species. The Wildlife Wing of the Govt. of West Bengal in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun and the National Institute of Immunology,New Delhi, therefore, undertook a study for genetic finger-printing of rhino population distributed within this state. The surviving population in West Bengal in two pockets have become isolated since no habitat corridor exists between these two Protected Areas. The absence of any likelihood of infusion of the newer genetic materials into the already confined gene pool, insurmountable biotic pressure and ever growing habitat encroachment have become cause of concern. In view of this precarious scenario, information on the genetic diversity is needed to address issues related to management and conservation of this highly endangered species. In order to gain an insight into the organisational aspects of the genome, a study on the DNA sequence variability within and between the Rhino species was undertaken. It is envisaged that a detailed understanding on genetic variability would greatly facilitate the effective conservation of this species. The resultant information would also enable to compare Rhino genomes from the above mentioned two PAs and later even from other parts of the world. The purpose of the present study was to establish the pattern and extent of genetic variation at the DNA sequence level among the rhino population in West Bengal using conventional DNA profiling and AP-PCR mediated approaches. Further, it was aimed to develop species specific DNA probe so that the same may be used for ascertaining the origin of tissues, bone or horn samples in forensic or poaching cases. Important conclusions drawn from the present preliminary genetic study wherein the collection of blood and tissue samples through chemical immobilaztion ans skin biopsy technique were integral and inevitable are stated below:

I.Chemical Immobilization:
The chemical immobilization of two captive and six free ranging Rhinos was successfully carried out. The combination of etorphine and acepromazine maleate(Immoblion) is a drug choice since it has a wide safety margin, short induction time and rapid reversibility. Each animal immobilized was photographed, hence a complete set of sequential pictures on chemical immobilization and animal handling is now available. This is one of the significant outcome of the study and would have immense educational and training utility

II.Skin biopsy technique:
Well demonstrated skin biopsy technique on other free ranging animals including the Asian Wild Buffalo in Assam did not work on Rhinos in spite of few trials were made, both on captive as well as wild animals. In each trial the dart bounced off without collecting the samples and dart got distorted. Hence, the technique needs further experimental trials and refinement of the biopsy dart since this technique can be of great help where immobilization of endangered animals is difficult, tedious and also risky.

III.Genetic variation and inbreeding:
Aware of the fact that the sample size was very small and limited only to one PA in West Bengal, it is difficult to conclusively demonstrate a clear picture about the genetic status of Rhinos in West Bengal and their relationships with other populations. However, the preliminary findings revealed high level of genetic homogeneity in the Rhino population though several approaches were used simultaneously. At this juncture, it is not possible to corroborate actual situation of the inbreeding depression.

IV.Development of species specific DNA probe:
A cloned probe pSS(R)2 has been developed. This is one of the significant achievements of the present study. The total sequences of the clone have been deposited in the GENE BANK. This probe is species specific and may successfully be used for ascertaining the origin of tissue, blood,horn,hoof or skin samples from the Rhino genome.

V.Genetic management of rhino populations:
With respect to effective management and conservation of Rhinoceros unicornis in the two PAs in West Bengal, it becomes necessary to supplement wild or captive populations with individuals from a different conservation unit in order to avoid likely inbreeding depression. The low amount of genetic materialinto the confined gene pool is not done. The appropriate strategies would required to be evolved for infusion of genetic materials into the confined gene pool. However, such actions should be based on the:

i.Sound principles of conservation genetics:In first instances it is necessary to ascertain the genetic status and establish taxonimic position of Rhinos in two PAs, i.e. whether they form the same species or different populations or distinct sub-species etc. These genetic considerations have so far been ignored in India due to complete absence of genetic information relevant to wild animals. Probably this is the first such attempt to uncover organisational aspects of the genome and understanding of genetic variability of a free ranging mega herbivore population. Obviously, this is a prerequisite for decision making relevant to the management of small populations of endangered species.

ii.Experiences gained in the genetic management of small populations:
Augmentation of a population by translocating a few animals from the neighbouring populations has always been risky due to several factors,viz. likely disruption of social organisation, introduction of disease and parasites in the resident population and disorientation of the introduced animals in the new environment. The inadvertant mixing of genetic material from 'locally adapted' populations may also lead to negative results on account of outbreeding depressions.
VI.Rhino poaching and genetic variability:
One of the major factors accountable for the depletion of all the five Rhino species is poaching, mainly for horns. At present this may not be relevant in the case of West Bengal, however, PA managers are well aware of this potential threat. At the same time managers have to visualise that loss of one single male that has already sired several offsprings will be less damaging compared to the one that has not. While no control on mating can be exercised, total protection of the population would allow them to maintain segregation of fair level of heterozygosity in the population while propagating their germplasm in natural manner.
VII.Future research needs:
It is evident that the present study is just the beginning in the field Rhino genetics. In order to bring this new initiative to a logical conclusion and also in view of the above findings and conservation concerns highlighted, it is recommended that further study in this direction should be supported at all levels and continued on a priority basis. This would require additional sampling in two PAs of West Bengal alongwith adequate samples from other related captive and free ranging Rhino populations.



III.Elephant Conservation Initiative



Elephant (Elephas maximus), more familiarly known as GAJRAJ is the largest terrestrial mammal of India. It is inextricably linked with our history and lore for centuries and has retained its status as a special species whether in wild or captivity and is considered a symbol of fertility, wealth and abundance.

The elephant requires much larger home range than any other terrestrial animal, it is usually one of the first species to suffer the consequences of habitat fragmentation and destruction. The historical and present day distribution of the elephant in the India sub-continent is in many ways a record of the progressive deterioration of the environment in the sub-continent. Whether this deterioration is all man made may be open to question but there is total unanimity about the need of prevention of further degradation of the elephant and the allied species and thereby preserving the quality of soil, water regime and other life supporting processes in nature.

The state of West Bengal comprises two distinct geographical ranges of elephants. The northern elephant range-located in the sub-Himalayan foot hill region, mostly in the Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri Districts. Elephants occuring in this range are generally residential but some inward and outward movements occurs through contiguous landscapes across interstate and international boundaries.

Contrary to the northern elephant range, the southern range is mostly constituted by the migratory flux of elephants coming from Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Bihar. There are however, few scattered individuals/groups, mostly males which remain throughout the year in West Bengal.

The first systematic assessment of the wild population was undertaken in the year 1975 to record ststus, distribution, movement and conflicts of northern range of West Bengal. This indicated presence of three separate elephant populations in North Bengal, viz,(a)West of Torsa, (b)East of Torsa and (c)one seasonally transient from Assam. The West of Torsa population has no linkages with Bhutan and very little with augmentation from Assam/Bhutan. The West of Torsa population is most threatened because of the habitat fragmentation and pocketed populations.

The Wildlife Wing of the Forest Department undertakes regular census and monitoring of the wild population and the population estimates in April,'86, Feb,'89 and Feb/Mar,'92 showed figures around 140, 173 and 186 respectively. The last count of the population in Nov.1996 showed a population range between 225 to 240 animals.

In North Bengal major conflicts of elephants take place either in tea gardens or in the crop fields. A number of human deaths do take place each year (around 40 to 45) due to this conflict and is unfortunate. The wildlife wing has "wildlife squads" based at strategic places in North Bengal to try and mitigate the depredation by the wild elephants. The government also pays compensation for the damages caused to the crop and the property; it also pays ex gratia for the human deaths.

The south Bengal elephant range extends from the districts of Purulia in the west to Midnapore in the east and south and Bankura in the North. This range gets augmentation from Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary situated 50 Km west from its western limit. A scattered group of residential elephants, however, remains in the range throughout the year.

There are records that the elephants from the Dalma Sanctuary in Bihar used to take place in the past but was always restricted to the west if Kanshabati river. The first long distance movement of the elephants from Dalma to the east of Kanshabati river was recorded in the year 1987. The exploratory movement of the elephants (around 45 in number) in successive years continued and expanded deeper and deeper to the east.

The recolonisation of elephants in the vast areas of South Bengal, migrating from Dalma is a major cause for the increased conflict with the local population. To tackle this situation several steps were initiated by the Forest Deptt to stop the elephant movement beyond the Kanshabati river but all of them failed. In 1995, capture and removal of some elephants was thought as a strategy to tackle the conflict. A total of 7 elephants were removed from the population, the impact of which thought not totally evaluated, had a salutary effect on the whole issue. Thereafter, the elephants were gently guided and allowed to chart their own territory. With less disturbance to the panchyderms the magnitude of depredation also got controlled. However, the most understanding role has been played by the local people who have now come to accept the elephants as a part of their environment. The migratory herd of elephants kept on exploring new territories and in 1999, they for the first time crossed over to Simlipal Tiger Reserve in Orissa. It has been reported that after spending some time in the lush green environment of Simlipal, the elephants have again moved back to Dalma. What route they would adopt in the millenium year is a matter of conjecture!

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