Activity Update January 2020: Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve

Adegaon - Our garbage management programme

Adegaon - Villagers take part in our garbage management programme 

Ashtha - Meeting with villagers to discuss methods
to reduce human-wildlife conflict

Bhamdeli - Dr. Khode examines an elderly patient at our free medical camp

Dewada - Candles prepared by women's SHG
as part of our programme to promote alternative livelihoods

Dewada - Conservation Officer Ajay gives a demonstration
on how to make candles

Dewada - Members of women's SHG making candles

Khutwanda -  Medicines being distributed to patients
as per our doctor's prescriptions

Kudesawli - Students learn about nature and wildlife through a game

Kudesawli - Students learn about nature and wildlife through a game 

Mudholi - Members of women's SHG attend our awareness programme
on alternative livelihood options

Mudholi - Villagers on patrol in the jungle adjoining their village

Wadala - Cattle being stall-fed under our
livestock managment program to reduce grazing pressure on forests

Wamanpalli - Cattle owners discuss issues related to grazing in forests

THE FULL REPORT

Team: 

Conservation Officer:  Ajay Poddar

Field Assistant:  Kishor Dudhbarai

Highlights of the month: 

• Awareness meetings on human-wildlife conflict and conservation - 90 villagers attended
• Meeting on preventing electrocution of animals - 38 farmers and VEDC members attended
• 2 garbage management programs to prevent human-wildlife conflict – 67 villagers participated
• 1 foot patrol – 11 villagers participated
• 3 Nature club activities - Nature and bird watching trail and drawing competition – 86 students participated
• 5 Environment education programs - 231 students and 14 teachers attended
• 5 livestock management workshops - 90 villagers participated 
• Oyster mushroom cultivation training program - 17 members of women’s SHG participated
• Candle making workshop- 20 members of women’s SHG participated
• 3 women’s SHG meetings were organised - 47 members attended
• 3 VEDC meetings were organised - 58 members attended
• Free medical camps in 6 villages-  243 patients treated 

During January, we organised several meetings with villagers focusing on reducing human-wildlife conflict.  In order to spread awareness, we spoke to the community members about potential threats and danger of venturing into the forest areas for fuel wood, mahua, tendu collection etc. As the Tadoba area has a good tiger breeding population and other large carnivores, many encounters turn fatal, often leading to retaliatory killing of wildlife by villagers. Resolving issues like garbage dumps around village, cattle grazing, minor forest produce (MFP) collection and unemployment, help in reducing man-animal confrontation.  

Electrocution is an emerging practice of poaching and killing of wild animals. To prevent electrocution of wildlife, we discussed preventive measures with community and Village Eco-Development Committee members. During the meeting, it was discussed that an interdepartmental approach would be required to prevent electrocution around protected areas. A patrolling unit, consisting of Forest Department’s beat guard, VEDC members, Satpuda Foundation officer, Vidhyut Sevak of Electricity Department and electric pump connection holder will be formed. 

We organised garbage management meetings and activities with villagers of Kondegaon and Adegaon. Programs were organised to sanitise the area around the villages, as garbage spillover and food leftovers lure wildlife into villages and cause human-wildlife conflict. We also collected over 10 kilograms of plastic litter through public participation (shramdhaan).  67 villagers volunteered for the drives. 

We also organised a foot patrol with select local young villagers in Mudholi. During the foot patrol, we recorded impressions of herbivores’ hooves, scats and birds. We patrolled an area of 5 kilometers along with a Forest Guard. 11 people joined the patrol. 

Environment Education: SEE TABLE 2

During January, we organised a students’ sensitisation drive through wildlife conservation awareness and environmental education programs in Mudholi, Kondegaon, Kanhargaon, Kudesawli, Wamanpalli, Katwal and Bhamdeli villages. We organised these programs with students and teachers in order to make them aware of the importance of biodiversity and the need for conservation. We taught them about nature and wildlife’s value through films, documentaries, presentations and classroom lectures. 231 students and 14 teachers participated in the programs. 

Students of Nature clubs  ‘Ashwal’ ‘Wagh’ and ‘Chimni’ from Mudholi, Bhamdeli and Kondegaon participated in interactive nature games and bird watching trails. During these activities, students observed bird behaviour around a perennial water body. They also made notes of their observations.  86 students participated in these activities. 

Employment Cell - SEE TABLE 3

During January, we organised 3 Village Eco-Development Committee (VEDC) meetings and 3 self-help group (SHG) meetings, focusing on alternative livelihoods which would reduce dependence on forests that leads to human-wildlife conflict and degradation of forests.  105 villagers attended these meetings. In the SHG meetings, we discussed several livelihood related issues. We also formed groups of interested members who are willing to be trained in making paper bags and in embroidery. The training will be provided to these members in order to improve their earnings and reduce their dependence on forests. 

In Kanargaon, a corridor village, we provided training in cultivation of mushrooms and identified a location for cultivation.  17 members of women’s SHG attended. The villagers had asked for this program after they learnt of the success of a mushroom cultivation program that we had organised in Moharli. 

We also organised several meetings focusing on alternate livelihood options. Women’s SHG Ramabai Mahila Bachat Gat participated in a candle making workshop where they made 8 dozen colorful candles, which will be sold at souvenir shops at Tadoba’s buffer and core tourism gates. 

Mobile Health Service - SEE TABLE 4

During January, we organised free health camps in 6 villages - Khutwanda, Katwal, Kondegaon, Sitarampeth, Bhamdeli and Moharli.  243 patients were treated in these camps. 

Activity Update December 2019: Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

Ambazari beat - Volunteers patrol the jungle 

Ghatpendari - Our colleague Bandu assists villagers
in applying for compensation for crop damaged by wildlife

Ghatpendari - Our colleague Bandu inspects crop damage
caused by wild animals

Kirangi Sarra - Women attend awareness meeting on Self-Help Groups
(SHGs)

Sawara - Students learn about local plants on our nature trail 

Shiladevi - Check dam built by our volunteers

Shiladevi - Villagers build a check dam 

Shiladevi - Our cattle vaccination drive

 Sillari - Villagers who attended our workshop on Primary Response Teams

Suwardhara - Students of village school set off on our nature trail 

Usaripar - Women villagers attend our meeting
to promote awareness about SHGs

Wanera - Our colleague Balkrishna conducts
an environment education programme in the village school

Sawara - a nature game to explain conservation concepts

Team: 

Bandu Uikey – Assistant Conservation Officer
Dilip Lanjewar – Field Assistant
Balkrishna Bagmare – Field Assistant

Highlights 

• Organised training workshop for ‘Primary Response Team’ to reduce and prevent human-wildlife conflict; 32 young villagers participated
• 3 foot patrols in forest organised; 15 villagers participated
• 1 check dam constructed and 1 check dam repaired; 27 villagers volunteered to help
• Assisted  Forest Department in organising one-day nature camp; 78 students participated
• Assisted Forest Department and Animal Husbandry Department staff in cattle vaccination program; 225 cattle vaccinated
• Organised 16 classroom nature education programs; 443 students attended 
• Helped 8 young villagers get jobs
• One women’s self help group (SHG) of 12 members  formed in Shiladevi
• Treated 208 patients in free health camps in 6 villages
• Assisted 2 villagers to apply for compensation for crop damage by wild animals; provided information regarding compensation scheme to villagers

Activity - SEE TABLE 1

On 14 December, Balkrishna Bagmare led 5 villagers of Suwardhara on a forest foot patrol. Forest guard Mr Sunil Waghmare along with forest labourer Mr Duryodhan Dhurve joined the team. During the patrol, the team searched for signs of the presence and movement of wild animals like tiger, leopard, sloth bear and herbivores, in the forest area adjoining the village. Human-wildlife conflict can be prevented by alerting the villagers beforehand when there are signs of the presence of wild animals. The patrolling team also looked out for signs of illegal activities like encroachments on forest lands, tree felling and grazing. However no signs of any illegal activities were recorded. 

Similar foot patrols were organised by Balkrishna with 5 villagers of Shiladevi on December 15 and by Dilip Lanjewar on 22 December with 5 villagers from Khapa. No illegal activities were reported during either of these patrols.

On 26 December, a Primary Response Team (PRT) workshop was organised at Amaltas Complex in Sillari. Satpuda Foundation organised the workshop jointly with the Maharashtra Forest Department. 32 young villagers from Sawara, Usripar, Ghoti, Kadbikheda and Khapa villages of Pauni Unified Control Range (UFC) (buffer area) of Pench Tiger Reserve participated in the workshop. The workshop aimed to teach the villagers ways to prevent and reduce human-wildlife conflict. The trainers and trainees discussed the concept of ‘co-existence’ with wildlife. Issues such as crop damage, cattle kill or attacks on humans by wild animals and ways to prevent such incidents were discussed. Information on the Government’s compensation scheme for such losses was given to the attendees. The members of the primary response teams have volunteered to assist Forest Department staff in preventing and reducing human-wildlife conflict. The teams will participate in regular forest patrols around their villages and create awareness about these issues amongst their fellow villagers. During the workshop, Mr Pratik Modwan, Range Forest Officer – Pauni UFC range along with Satpuda Foundation’s Conservation Officers Mandar Pingle and Bandu Uikey and field assistant Dilip Lanjewar guided the young villagers through audio-visual presentations and interactive discussions.

On 5 December, Dilip Lanjewar organised a voluntary work program to repair a check dam on a stream in Shivkund near Wagholi village. 15 volunteers from Wagholi village took part in the voluntary work program and assisted in removing waste accumulated near the check dam and rearranged the sand bags used earlier for construction of the dam. Some of the sand bags were dislodged during the monsoon rains, damaging the dam. By repairing and cleaning the area around the check dam, the flow of water in the stream was arrested once more. This check dam will prove beneficial for both farmers and wild animals.

On 24 December, Balkrishna Bagmare along with 12 volunteers from Shiladevi constructed a check dam on a stream located in the fields, 500 meters away from the village. Sand-filled gunny bags, boulders and rocks were used to construct the dam. Thanks to this check dam, water will be available for farmers up to February. Earlier, the water availability was up to mid-January.

On 13 December, a cattle vaccination program was organised by Animal Husbandry Department and Maharashtra Forest Department. Bandu Uikey assisted in the program by encouraging villagers to get their cattle vaccinated. By vaccinating the cattle, spread of diseases from domestic animals to wildlife can be prevented as domestic animals often stray into the forest in search of fodder. Bandu encouraged 70 villagers to vaccinate 150 cows from the village.

Similarly, Balkrishna encouraged 25 villagers from Shiladevi village to vaccinate 75 cattle.

On 19 December, Balkrishna took  78 students of Zilla Parishad schools of Suwardhara, Shiladevi, Ambazari and Saleghat on nature trails. A one-day nature camp was organised by Maharashtra Forest Department for which Satpuda Foundation provided the trainers. Balkrishna taught students the ecological importance of birds, insects and animals. Students spotted numerous birds, spiders and saw signs of wildlife during the nature trails.

On 21 December, Dilip Lanjewar took 20 students of Zilla Parishad school of Sawara village on a nature trail. During the trail, Dilip taught the students to observe birds found in the forest area near their village. Dilip explained that birds are indicators of health of ecosystem. 

Classroom education - SEE TABLE 2

In December 2019, Satpuda Foundation staff organised 16 classroom programs to sensitise students on wildlife conservation and environment protection issues.  443 students were present during these sessions. 

Employment, Placements and Trainings - SEE TABLE 3

In December, our staff assisted 8 young villagers to get jobs. 

Balkrishna organised a meeting of women from Shiladevi on 1 December and assisted 12 women to form an SHG called ‘Parivartan Mahila Bachat Gat’. Mrs Indravati Acchelal Naikam was elected as president of the group. Balkrishna assisted the group to open a bank account and register itself with Panchayat Samiti, Parseoni taluka.

On 12 December, Dilip Lanjewar organised a meeting of 30 women from Usripar village to explain benefits of self help groups. Dilip explained that by forming SHGs, the members can improve their economic condition, support each other in times of emergency and raise issues pertaining to women during village meetings. He also gave information regarding various schemes being implemented by government agencies for women’s self help groups. Range Forest Officer, Pauni UFC range Mr Modwan was also present during the meeting. He provided information regarding benefits that can be availed of by the women’s self help groups through 'Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Jan Van Yojna' being implemented by the Maharashtra State Forest Department.

A similar meeting was organised by Dilip in Kirangi Sarra village, attended by 18 women.

Mobile Health Unit - SEE TABLE 4

There were 6 medical camps held in December in which 208 patients were treated.

Activity Update November 2019: Priyadarshini Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Team:

 Bandu Uikey – Assistant Conservation Officer

 Niranjan Hinge– Field Assistant

Highlights

• Organised 1 anti-plastic drive and 1 programme to clean area around hand-pump in Satosha village - 14 villagers participated
• Two  biogas units repaired  in Turiya village - 6 villagers  participated
• Organised 6 education programs  in village schools - 130 students present
• Organised nature trail for 22 students from Kohoka and Ambadi villages
• Organised one nature game in P.S School Ambadi for 10 students 
• Organised 6 medical camps - 133 patients treated free of cost    

Activity: SEE TABLE 1

On November 27, we organised a garbage management program in Satosha village. During the program we conducted an anti-plastic drive and cleared the area around the hand-pump. 14 villagers participated in the activity.

On 11 November, Niranjan organised a nature trail for 12 students of Kohoka village. During the nature trail, Niranjan taught the students how to identify various birds and trees in the forest area in the vicinity of the village. Nature games were arranged during the trail to effectively teach concepts of ecosystem, habitat and biodiversity. Niranjan also taught students to identify pug marks, hoofmarks etc. of various wild animals during the trail. By learning to identify such signs, the students will be able to identify areas being used by wildlife and avoid them, thus reducing human-animal conflict. Nature trails also help to sensitise the students about the rich local biodiversity and encourage them to protect it. 

Similar nature trails were organised on 20 November for 10 students and on 24 November, both from Ambadi village.

On 1 November, Niranjan helped a villager to repair his defective biogas unit in Turiya village. Niranjan, with the help of 3 volunteers, repaired the unit. Alternative sources of fuel help to reduce the need for fuel wood collection, and so reduce the problem of humans venturing into forest areas. This will also help to avoid human-animal conflict.

Niranjan similarly assisted another villager from Turiya village to repair a biogas unit on 24 November.

Classroom education: SEE TABLE 2

In November, we organised 6 classroom awareness sessions. 130 students of Govt.  Primary Schools (PS) and Government Middle Schools (MS) were present. Niranjan taught students about various issues related to wildlife, soil and water and biodiversity conservation.  

Livelihood activity

On 8 November, Bandu Uikey met with members of Srushti Mahila Bachat Gat, a women’s Self-Help Group (SHG) mentored by us in Turiya village. This group is operating a restaurant in Turiya under the guidance of Satpuda Foundation. Bandu provided information regarding oyster mushroom cultivation and suggested ways to promote mushroom food products through their restaurant. He explained that by taking up mushroom cultivation and by introducing mushroom recipes to tourists, the group can improve their income. 

Mobile Health Unit: SEE TABLE 3

There were 6 medical camps held in November, at which 133 patients were treated. 

During the medical camps, patients were sensitised on human-animal conflict issues such as crop depredation, cattle kills and attacks on humans venturing into the forest. The patients were provided information regarding the compensation schemes and the process to file for compensation in case of such incidents. 

Activity Update November 2019: Pench Maharashtra

Awleghat - Balkrishna conducts nature education programme
in the village school

Pipariya - Members of a women's SHG learn how to make paper bags

Ghoti - Villagers attend our workshop on mushroom farming

 Khapa - Check dam built by our volunteers

Kirangisarra- Dr. Khode treats villager at our free health camp

Sawara - Dilip briefs students on our nature trail

Suwardhara - Volunteers clear wild growth from the sides of the road
leading to the village

Wagholi - Sahdeo Tekam packs dried mushrooms for sale

Team:
Bandu Uikey – Assistant Conservation Officer
Dilip Lanjewar – Field Assistant
Balkrishna Bagmare – Field Assistant

Highlights - SEE TABLE 1

• Organised 4 foot patrols jointly with Forest Department staff - 20 villagers participated
• One check dam constructed near Khapa village - 15 villagers participated
• Organised 17 classroom education programs - 448 students present
• Organised 2 training programs on mushroom cultivation and making of paper bags - 53 women participated 
• 25 students from Sawara village participated in nature trail
• Organised one meeting with villagers at Ghatpendari on crop damage 
• Organised 6 medical camps - 200 patients treated 

Activity

On 2 November, following reports of the presence near Ghatpendari of a large carnivore, possibly a tiger, Bandu motivated 3 local young villagers to patrol the area to keep track of the animal’s movements. During the patrol, the team assisted the Forest Department staff in checking for any illegal activity like logging, and placing of snares for poaching. They also looked out for any indirect signs like pug marks, scat or scratch marks made by tigers, leopards or sloth bears. The team also checked for signs of illegal grazing inside the forest. No illegal activity was detected during the patrol. The team encountered signs indicating the presence of ungulates like wild boar, sambar deer and axis deer.  Similar patrols were carried out along with Forest Department staff in Shiladevi, Khapa and Dhawlapur on November 10^th, 14th and 17^th respectively.

On 27^th November, Bandu and Dilip encouraged 15 villagers from Khapa to construct a check dam near the village to provide water for wildlife during the summer season. 

On November 15^th, following requests from farmers of Ghatpendari, Bandu assisted 20 farmers including the Sarpanch and Police Patil, in filing for compensation for their crops damaged by wild herbivores. While assisting the villagers, Bandu also explained to the farmers the various steps they could take to check crop raiding by wildlife. Speedy settlement of compensation claims helps improve the farmers’ morale and reduces the likelihood that they will seek revenge against wildlife for the crop damage.

Nature and bird watching trail

On 5 November, Dilip took 25 school students from Sawara village on a nature trail in the forested area adjoining the village. While on the trail, Dilip provided information on various plant and tree species. The students identified trees such as teak, palash, mahua, neem, banyan, fig and salai. Dilip explained that the trees not only provide people with many medicines and fruit but also support numerous animal, bird and insect species. Dilip helped students identify hoof marks of herbivores like wild boars and sambar deer. During the trail, the students also observed many birds like Rufous Treepie, oriole, Coppersmith Barbet, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon and Indian Grey Hornbill. Dilip helped the students observe the differences in the shapes of beaks, feet and wings of the birds. 

Classroom education - SEE TABLE 2

In November, we organised 17 classroom awareness sessions.  448 students of Zilla Parishad Primary (ZPPS) and Zilla Parishad Upper Primary (ZPUPS) schools were present. Dilip and Balkrishna spoke to the students about various issues related to wildlife, soil and water and biodiversity conservation.  

Mobile Health Unit - SEE TABLE 3

There were 6 medical camps in November in which 200 patients were treated. 

Employment cell - SEE TABLE 1

On November 24^th, we organised a workshop to train members of a women’s SHG of Pipariya village to make paper bags out of used paper. 13 members attended the workshop. 

On November 30^th, we organised a workshop jointly with Forest Department to promote and encourage villagers to cultivate mushrooms.  40 members of women’s SHGs and Forest Department officials attended the workshop.