Step forward towards the Secure future of the Tiger With Sustainable Development...

Ranthambhore is world famous tiger reserve, holding the most endangered Tigers in the western zone.

Tropical dry deciduous population of tiger is highly vulnerable because it is surrounded by villages making it an isolated island which needs to be protected by the villagers who graze and do agriculture very close to the tiger territory.

Keeping the tigers good will alive in the villagers is very important to keep the harmony.

The same condition of shrinking habitats and increasing population is the future of all tiger reserves in India. Hence it is the need of the hour to understand and start working on local population’s role in tiger conservation.

The main objective of the Solar Light distribution program was to connect with the local villagers – the tiger’s neighbours - Creating a good will in them.

Tiger Watch is a non profit organisation working around Ranthambhore for the conservation of tigers. Tiger watch also runs a successful antipoaching unit around Ranthambhore. Tiger watch gathers information related to poaching and trading of wildlife parts; this information is then passed to state police for conducting raids.

Volunteers and the paid informers are the main part of this information network.

Ranthambhore Solar Light and Tiger Conservation

Solar Light Project Partners –

• The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) [www.teriin.org]

Responsibility of TERI is to provide and install lights.

• Shri Ram Foundation [www.shriramfoundation.com]

Monitoring of the entire project

• Tiger Watch [www.tigerwatch.net]

Ground implementation of the project, selection of villager.

Village Selection –

1. Villages with No Electricity.
2. Villages with a direct impact on forest, villages with zero distance/ surrounded by forest.

Apart from these 2 criteria’s the reason why Tiger Watch chose the 5 villages was that they were in the corridor area where the authority has less reach. Tiger moves from Ranthambhore to neighbouring Keladevi Sanctuary via this corridor route hence it is important to make this area safe for the tiger.

Also Tiger Watch runs an anti-poaching program which can get some benefits from local people contact.

Pic1: Villages depicted in the corridor

Beneficiary Selection:

A Prakash Dooth (Light Ambassador) was selected in each village. This man is supposed to be the coordinator of the program in his village – An educated, non controversial neutral man in the village.

He would have two responsibilities: Selecting the villages (First preference given to villagers with kids studying in school) and to the rest. The second responsibility was to charge the solar lights for which the coordinator would get 2 INR for each recharge.

The coordinator was also given a mobile phone for networking and contact.

Pic2: Solar light distribution among Kala Khora Village by Advocate Ms. Padmini Rathore

Pic3: Solar light distribution among Jogipura Dhani Village by Advocate Ms. Padmini Rathore

How will Solar light Program help in Tiger Conservation:

Now a regular contact is established with the villagers and with the mobile phones Tiger Watch is able to speak on the solar light and other issues too. This base level communication with villagers will help in spreading message of Tiger Conservation.

In few months Tiger Watch will conduct a slide show in these corridor villages, when the villagers will be more receptive to the issue.

Pic4 :Entrepreneur at Bhid Village

Selected Village:

1. Bhid

Number of light distributed: 50

Coordinator: Mr. Murari and Mr. Mukesh Gurjer (9772344336, 9610139465)

2. Sanwata

Number of Light Distributed: 50

Coordinator: Mr. Sehj Ram Gurjer and Mr. Mukesh Gurjer (9828548161)

3. Jogipura Dhani

Number of light distributed: 30

Coordinator : Mrs. Birma Devi Jogi Mr. Ramkesh Jogi (9982997577)

4. Gadheen

Number of Light distributed : 10

Coordinator : Mr. Dhanji Gurjer

5. KalaKhora

Number of Light distributed: 10

Coordinator: Mr. Deviram Gurger (9649194485)

(report by: Dharmendra & Divya Khandal, Tiger Watch, Ranathmbhore Road, sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan) dharmkhandal@gmail.com

Tiger Watch Newsletter May-July 09

Tiger Watch Newsletter May - July 2009

Conservation Leadership Course 2009

With 10 years of experience in ground level conservation, anti-poaching, and rehabilitation work, we at Tiger Watch have been able to put together the knowledge that can be invaluable to those making a sincere and serious effort towards conservation.

Tiger Watch along with prominent conservation personalities conducted a Conservation leadership course from 20 – 25 May 2009. The course was intended for people who are currently involved in conservation, students, wildlife writers, or simply those interested in wildlife conservation.

The course schedule consisted of 7 lecture sessions with these prominent personalities who work at the ground level in various fields towards wildlife conservation.

About 35 individuals attended this course, coming from all parts of the country. The faculty consisted of Fateh Singh Rathore, Green Teacher Madhu Bhatnagar, Wildlife filmmaker and Journalist Jay Mazoomdaar, Community Conservationist Dr Govardhan Singh Rathore and Anti-poaching expert Dharmendra Khandal. The closing ceremony was showered with kind attendance from Tiger Watch Chairman John Singh and Secretary Ashutosh Mahadevia.

The Participants with Tiger Watch Members, Faculty and Volunteers

The Chambal Express

MogyaMotivation Ceremony (For the Mogya’s who had walked successfully on path to reform along with Tiger Watch)

Anti-poaching Operation

A Tiger Watch initiated raid in Naghor district led to confiscation of 7 illegal guns.

On the tip off from an informer, the Tiger Watch team led by Dr Dharmendra Khandal conducted a raid with Jaipur Police in the border area of Jaipur on 25th May' 09. The place was Bhaadwa Sirsi village.

The team consisted of Dharmendra Khandal, Ruchik Pande, Digvijay Sabne, Lakhan (driver)
the items confiscated were 7 Illegal Guns, A dead Barn Owl, A dead Collared Dove. The poachers involved were Nanda, Fatulal, Kisan, Galara from the Bawaria community.

Volunteer Team Ruchik, Digvijay along with the confiscated illegal guns

An Historic Arrest.. .

Ranthambhore’s first officially recorded Tiger Poacher; Gopal Mogya was Re-arrested after 17 years with tip from Tiger Watch sources by the Rajasthan’s Forest Department and Tiger Watch team.

Gopal was active in 1992 around Ranthambhore. He was arrested in 1992 by the Rajasthan Police with a tiger skin. Gopal was put on court trial for tiger skin possession, but soon was released on bail. During this time he declared himself dead.

The Lucifer emerged with a new name of Parsadi Mogya and relocated himself to Sariska Tiger Reserve, near Gola ka Bas.

He told about poaching tigers and leopards which would send chills through your spine. The way he killed a tigress which was caught in a foot trap by throwing stone from above, the way he killed leopard barely 4 months ago by hitting it with sticks to death after it was stuck in an iron leg trap.

In words of Ashutosh Mahadevia, Secretary, Tiger Watch; Gopal Mogya was a ‘Dream Poacher’ on the hit list of Tiger Watch.

1992 Fateh was the one who had got Gopal Mogya arrested and today once again after 18 years he was re-arrested by the Tiger Watch team, this shows how synchronous Fateh Singh Rathore is and will be...

Gopal Mogya being arrested and taken also seen is the Tiger Watch Volunteer Lokesh

Hero of Ranthambhore Awards

This award is committed to encourage people working on the ground-level in the field of wildlife conservation in and around Ranthambhore.

It is important that people working in conservation are motivated to get a long-term commitment towards wildlife protection.

It is very difficult to work on the field conditions and despite all odds the staff and many individuals around the forest fight for the tiger’s survival. It is in due acknowledgement of their efforts that this award was initiated – To honor these true heroes of Ranthambhore.

Mr Jagdish Singh

Green Teacher Madhu Bhatnagar presenting award to Jagdish Singh

Jagdish Singh – Ex-army personnel, posted at Khandar range. Last year 36 bull carts filled with forest wood were caught by Jagdish, the area you can imagine how difficult to work in. He has played an important role in stopping villagers from wood cutting and grazing in that area. Villagers attacked him – broke his hands and head, even after 36 hours he was hospitalized in a very bad condition. Tiger Watch and Prakritik Society facilitated his free treatment. He went back and resumed his duty in the same range.

Mr. Rajveer Singh

Ashutosh Mahadevia honoring Forest Guard Rajveer Singh

Rajveer Singh – Forest guard and an expert in animal rescue and rehabilitation. He is the first to reach the spot whether it is a tranquilized tiger or rattle. Member of the anti-poaching squad, he is the first one to be called for due to his efficiency and sharpness.

Mr. Jaagan Singh Choudhary

Journalist and Wildlife filmmaker Jay Mazoomdaar Awarding Jaagan Singh Choudhary

Mr. Jaagan Singh is a police constable, a sportsman, and wrestler – A fit and strong man. Jaagan has been involved with Tiger Watch in the arrest of difficult poachers like Kesra Mogya, Parthya, Neniya Mogya, trader Babloo and in the capture the most important poacher Devisingh Mogya. He keeps a vigil on any poaching activities in the area. He is a brave and fireless Police constable of the department.

Animal of the month – Caracal

Seeing a caracal is a reverie for researchers, dream of wildlifers and an ultimate fantasy of photographers. Many species like the Snow Leopards or Red Panda are equally hard to see. To see a Snow Leopard one has to climb the tall Himalayan Mountains in freezing temperatures, while to see a Red Panda one has to overcome the nasty rains and various hurdles associated with a rain forest.

Geographically, the areas inhabited by the Caracal are easily approachable, and are a part of the main tourism hubs of India such as Ranthambhore and Sariska. Thousands of tourists, hundreds of vehicles go in these areas every day, yet the caracal remains ever elusive.

A recent sighting reported by Dharmendra Khandal, bought new light to the elusive species of Ranthambhore. In his 6 years of stay in Ranthambhore he sighted the caracal for the first time. His article on The Caracal – A cat that stole the show – featured in the Hornbill journal of BNHS in august edition.

The April- June edition of Hornbill

Some interesting information on the caracal: ..

The word Caracal is derived from the Turkish word karakulak, which means “black ear”. Caracals are known and called by many names; known as ‘Siyeh gush’ in Persian, and as ‘Mor mar Bhageri’ in Rajasthani. Kutchi, a dialect of Gujarat, has a name for it,

‘Harnotro’ meaning haran (Chinkara) like colour. The scientific name of Caracal is Caracal caracal.

Caracal is a medium sized cat. It is generally dark red, grey, or golden sand in colour, and as the name suggests, the Caracal possesses a very unique distinguishing physical feature; its ears are long, narrow and tipped with long tufts of black hair on top of each ear.

Caracals are native to Africa, Asia, and even certain areas of the Middle East. In India, it is reported in Ranthambhore (Rajasthan), Sariska (Rajasthan), Kutch (Gujarat) and Chambal (Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh). Late Dr. Ishwar Prakash, Director, ZSI, reported a caracal from Bikaner district.

Other than the Cheetah the caracals were the only other feline which were used by the Moghul’s for hunting. Interestingly, the Caracal couldn’t influence art and culture like tigers and lions, because of its elusiveness.

The most important factor leading to the endangerment of the Caracal is the human impact on the habitat of the species. As human-use of resources and space has amplified over years the habitat of the Caracal has shrunk considerably. We have to act rapidly to save this secretive and enchanting cat species.

Tiger of the month...

T23 lived in Lahpur, now resident of Gudha – Jhumroo Tigers son.

‘Hero of Ranthambhore’

Hero of Ranthambhore is a program initiated since May 2007, where people in service doing exceptional jobs are honored for their contribution in saving and protecting wildlife in Ranthambhore.

The nominees are chosen from either the ground staff of the Forest department, the police department, the local media or simply individuals doing conservation job in their areas. These people are chosen based on the work accomplished by them towards better conservation of Ranthambhore’s wildlife and tiger’s.

The award is given once every 2 months and includes a citation and a monetary reward of Rs. 5000/-. A small ceremony is organized where the heroes are honored in a public gathering and a chief guest of distinction gives away the award. So far, nine people have been chosen for this honor.. .

1. Mr. R. S. Kala, Forest Ranger

Fateh Singh Rathore awarding Ranger Kala along with Tiger Watch Secretary Ashutosh Mahadevia and a personnel from the US Embassy

With the co-operation of Mr. Kala who was the then Ranger of the Phalodi range of the Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary, Operation Co-operation between Forest Department and Tiger Watch started for anti-poaching work in the area. The team had successes and many wildlife criminals got convicted. This was the starting point of the vigorous anti-poaching drive in Ranthambhore.

2. Mr. Omprakash Sharma, Forester

Omprakash Sharma Being Awarded by John Singhji – Also in the picture – Rajiv Singh, Fateh Singh Rathore and Ashutosh Mahadevia

Mr. Sharma is a forester and works for the flying squad of Ranthambhore National Park. He is responsible for documenting evidence and legal cases against wildlife crimes that have helped in successful prosecution of the criminals.

3. Mr. Girraj Sharma, Journalist- ETV (Rajasthan)

Geoffrey C. Ward Awarding Journalist Girraj Sharma

Mr. Sharma has been earlier responsible for printing more than a 1000 stories in Rajasthan Patrika, a local newspaper. After he has moved to the ETV Rajasthan a news channel, he continues to bring the issues of the wildlife to people strongly. He is one of the few journalists who understand the issues of wildlife and the importance of wildlife protection in Ranthambhore.

4. Mr. Alok Gautam, SHO - Rajasthan Police Department

Geoffrey C. Ward awarding SHO Alok Gautam

Mr. Alok Gautam played an important role in the anti-poaching raid in Gangapur area in July 2007. His timely intervention helped the anti-poaching team in nabbing the criminals before the crime was actually committed. This was the first ever backstop raid that resulted in nabbing criminals before they could find a way to commit the crime.

5. Mr. P. D. Gurjar, Forester

John Singh Awarding forester P. D. Gurjar

Mr. Gurjar has been working for the development of the area around Balas Chowki in Sawai Man Singh sanctuary. He has been persistently working with the villagers to make them more sensitive towards the issues and problems of wildlife conservation. He has recently been taking care of an abandoned leopard cub; he has named ‘Laxmi.’

6. Mr. Sudarshan Sharma, Forest Guard

Eminent Social Worker Manvendra Singh Awarding Sudarshan Sharma

Mr. Sharma received the award in July 2008 for his outstanding work in preventing wildlife crimes. He has been involved in nabbing 18 criminals in different cases of wildlife crime. He was also a part of the team that took the Former President of the United States of America, Bill Clinton around Ranthambhore. His hard work has earned him much appreciation from his seniors and higher authorities.

7. Mr. Jagdish Singh - Ex - Army Personnel

'Green Teacher' - Madhu Bhatnagar presenting award to Jagdish Singh

Jagdish Singh – Ex-army personnel, posted at Khandar range. Last year 36 bull carts filled with forest wood were caught by the Forest Department, the area you can imagine how difficult to work in. He has played an important role in stopping villagers from wood cutting and grazing in that area. Villagers attacked him – broke his hands and head, even after 36 hours he was hospitalized in a very bad condition. Tiger Watch and Prakritik Society facilitated his free treatment. He went back and resumed his duty in the same range.

8. Mr. Rajveer Singh - Forest Guard

Ashutosh Mahadevia honoring Forest Guard Rajveer Singh

Rajveer Singh – Forest guard and an expert in animal rescue and rehabilitation. He is the first to reach the spot whether it is a tranquilized tiger or rattle. Member of the anti-poaching squad, he is the first one to be called for due to his efficiency and sharpness.

9. Mr. Jaagan Singh Choudhary - Police Constable

Journalist and Wildlife filmmaker Jay Mazoomdaar Awarding Jaagan Singh Choudhary

Mr. Jaagan Singh is a police constable, a sportsman, and wrestler – A fit and strong man. Jaagan has been involved with Tiger Watch in the arrest of difficult poachers like Kesra Mogya, Parthya, Neniya Mogya, trader Babloo and in the capture the most important poacher Devisingh Mogya. He keeps a vigil on any poaching activities in the area. He is a brave and fearless Police constable of the department.

This award is committed to encourage people working on the ground-level in the field of wildlife conservation in and around Ranthambhore.

It is important that people working in conservation are motivated to get a long-term commitment towards wildlife protection.

It is very difficult to work on the field conditions and despite all odds the staff and many individuals around the forest fight for the tiger’s survival. It is in due acknowledgement of their efforts that this award was initiated – To honor these True Heroes of Ranthambhore.

The program is supported by two friends of Ranthambhore – Mr. Varun Bery and Mr. Vikram Vohra.

Tiger Watch

Tiger Watch

Tiger Watch is a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) registered (Reg No.: F-19858 (Mumbai)) under the Bombay Public Trusts Act. This organization has, as its primary objective, the conservation and protection of wildlife, at Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan. Mr. F. S. Rathore (Field Director, Ranthambhore National Park, Retd.) along with other prominent conservationist have launched this organization. www.tigerwatch.net

Ranthambhore is one of the most popular tiger reserves in India, cushioned in and around the Aravali & Vindhya hill ranges in the state of Rajasthan.

‘Project Tiger’ was launched here on April, 1973. The ‘Project Tiger’, as a concept, seeks to sustain the tiger population in its natural habitat by demarking specially constituted ‘Tiger Reserves’ throughout the country. It also meant the prioritization of the objective to free the parks from human exploitation and other biotic disturbances.

Unfortunately, the conflict between people and the tiger always had a devastating impact on every protected habitat of the tiger throughout the country. Ranthambhore was no exception. Being one of the first nine parks to be created as a Tiger Reserve meant that there had to be a habitat management to prevent further damage to the ecosystem and to put in place a repair process, to facilitate recovery of the ecosystem to its natural state.

Historically, Ranthambhore has always been a populated area with several villages situated within the periphery of its ‘Project Tiger’. Implementation of the concepts of the ‘Project Tiger’ meant going into a collision course with the presence of the human population living and sustaining livelihood within its boundaries.

The then park director Fateh Singh Rathore armed with powers to compensate the villagers, managed to move most of the villages outside the park. The park seemed secure, at least for the time being, from the onslaught of human interference with the resident wildlife. He did all that could be done within the capacity of a field director of the forest department.

After the second tiger crisis in the 1990’s, a need was felt to constitute an NGO that could help the forest department in strengthening their forces. Thus, Tiger Watch was born. Since its inception in 1998 Tiger Watch has moved from strength to strength and has proven itself to be a formidable force.

Tiger Watch has always led from the front be it anti-poaching, biodiversity exploration or traditional hunting community “Mogya” rehabilitation programs and set an example for the working of an efficient conservation unit.

It was through Tiger Watch’s efforts that the Mogya community, which mainly responsible for poaching in the region came to be noticed.

The main objectives of Tiger Watch include –

1) Helping in the protection of the wildlife in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve and its adjoining areas.

2) Forming an efficient anti-poaching network.

3) Helping the Mogya’s find an alternative source of livelihood so that they can be encouraged to reform.

4) Helping the women in the Mogya community become self-sufficient.

5) Educating the children of the Mogya community.

6) Exploring biodiversity in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve and its surrounding areas.

7) Helping in capacity building of the forest department by providing them with various resources.

8) To continue acting as a pressure group (in alliance with the media) in the area to ensure long-term efforts in protecting the tiger.

The Executive Team:

Mr. John Singh – Chairman

Founder of Jaipur Virasat Foundation and Anokhi an International Brand. John Singh has also promoted traditional Rajasthani Folk music right from Rajasthan villages to world over with his Morchang studio. His passion for saving wildlife is commendable. John Da as he is fondly called has the skill to manage resources optimally and priority based. His whole-hearted support is vital for organization.

Mr. Fateh Singh Rathore - Vice Chairman

The living legend of Ranthambhore. Mr. Fateh Singh who was the former Field Director of Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve made this park world famous for its Tigers. Even today, he has been given the status of ‘Honorary Warden’ of the park. He is a man many have misunderstood or not desired to understand.

Mr. Ashutosh Mahadevia – Secretary

Ashutosh along with Fateh felt the need for "a private eye" to watch over the tigers in Ranthambhore.

Ashutosh or Ashu Bhai as he is fondly called, hails from the Mafatlal family and runs a textile business, which supplies clothing to the Indian armed forces and the police; responded to this challenge.

The team together; Fateh executes Tiger Watch on ground level, Ashu Bhai is that secretary of the organization who pumps the blood; as in the resources, if TW is some ones it is Ashu Bhai’s baby as he tought of It first. He is mainly a businessman from Mumbai. All the legal aspects are dealt by Ashu Bhai. He is the torchbearer of Tiger Watch.

Ms. Madhu Bhatnagar

A ‘Green teacher’ from Delhi. Madhu has undertaken the task of environment education for three Shri Ram Schools in Delhi. She has inspired and mobilized not just her students but also the parents to get involved in conservation activities. Her work for cleaning the Yamuna, rainwater harvesting and tiger conservation have created a difference in the world of conservation in a unique way. She is also the coordinator of Kids for Tigers, Delhi chapter. With her efforts Tiger Watch could start the much needed Mogya Rehabilitation program.

· Mr. Harsh Javeri - Treasurer

· Mr. Sachin Rai - Joint Secretary

· Mr. Shantanu Kumar

· Mr. Divyabhanu Singh Chavda

· Mr. Rishad Naoroji

· Mr. Ravi Singh

Field Team:

Dharmendra Khandal, Ph. D – Conservation Biologist

With a doctorate in botany, Dharmendra is the country’s foremost spider expert, and a connoisseur of Rajasthan’s flora and fauna. Dharmendra has been working at the ground level for tiger conservation since the past 6 years. A futurist in anti-poaching and wildlife conservation, he has not just helped governmental agencies nab poachers but also established ethics and methodology in anti-poaching strategies. He has religiously taken up the work of rehabilitating poachers’ families.