Activity Update October 2020: Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve

 Highlights:

THE FULL REPORT:

Team: 

Conservation Officer:  Ajay Poddar

Field Assistant:  Kishor Dudhbarai

Leave: Nil

Highlights of the month: 

• 1 check-dam constructed – 9 villagers participated
• 2 garbage management programs to mitigate human-wildlife conflict –62 villagers participated
• 2 foot patrols in buffer area – 19 local young villagers participated 
• 3 environment education activities - 67 children participated  
• 3 women’s SHG meetings were organised - 41 members attended
• 3 VEDC meetings- 50 members attended
• 2 PRT sensitisation meeting-10  team members attended
• 5 livestock management meetings- 96villagers attended
• Helped 2 villagers claim compensation for their cattle killed by carnivores 
• Wildlife Week 2020 celebration

During  October, we organised garbage management meetings and activities with villagers of Khutwanda. After the garbage collection, Conservation Officer Ajay Poddar gave a talk on cleanliness and precautions to be taken during the ongoing COVID19 pandemic. Programs were also organised to sanitise the area around villages, as garbage spillover and food leftovers lure wildlife into villages and cause human-wildlife conflict. We also collected over 12 kilograms of plastic litter through public participation (shramdaan).  72 children volunteered for the drives. 

We have formed teams of local village young villagers who have been supporting Satpuda Foundation and Forest Department in nature conservation activities. In October, we organised joint foot patrols with them at Khutwanda forest beat along with Forest and Beat Guards.

During  October, we organised students’ sensitisation through wildlife conservation awareness and environment education programs in Khutwanda, Mudholi and Bhamdeli villages. We engaged children in interactive nature game through which they learned about identification of wildlife and importance of their conservation. A nature and birdwatching trail was also organised.  67 local children participated in the activities. 

Due to current lockdown situation, many forest dwelling communities are going through hardship. Members of women’s SHGs requested us to conduct livelihood awareness sessions. We organised programs on oyster mushroom cultivation and also discussed various potential small enterprises. Several SHG members agreed to take an online craft making course with the assistance of Satpuda Foundation. 

In VEDC meetings we talked about how to prevent electrocution of wild animals. The meetings involved primary response teams (PRTs) and Forest Department staff. We also discussed the grazing issue and spoke about increased livestock killings by large carnivores. Some villagers have set up cattle sheds and are not allowing their cattle to graze in forest land in buffer. Types of grasses and fodder plantation were also discussed during the meetings.  

We also discussed the rising number of free-ranging stray dogs in villages that often pose threat to small to medium-sized wild animals and also carry diseases with them. These dogs will be marked to be neutered by related departments/organisations.

Activity Update September 2020: Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve

 Highlights:

THE FULL REPORT

Team: 

Conservation Officer:  Ajay Poddar

Field Assistant:  Kishor Dudhbarai

Highlights of the month: 

• 3 check dams constructed – 22 young villagers participated
• 2 garbage management programs to prevent human- animal conflict –75 villagers participated
• 2 foot patrols in buffer – 19 local young villagers participated 
• 3 nature games - 62 children participated  
• 3 women’s Self-Help Group (SHG) meetings were organised - 34 members attended
• 4 Village Eco Development Committee (VEDC) meetings - 46 members attended
• 3 Primary Response Teams (PRT) sensitisation meeting - 15 team members attended
• 4 livestock management meetings - 59 villagers attended
• Assisted 2 villagers to claim compensation for their cattle killed by carnivores 

Conservation Activities: See Table 1

During  September, we organised garbage management programs with villagers of Khutwanda. After the garbage collection, Conservation Officer Ajay Poddar gave a talk on cleanliness and precautions to be taken during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Programs were also organised in order to sanitise the area around villages, as garbage spillover and food leftovers lure wildlife into villages and cause human-wildlife conflict. We also collected over 5 kilograms of plastic litter through public participation (shramdaan). 75 children volunteered for the programs. 

During the month, we constructed 3 check dams at different locations in the buffer area which will provide water to wildlife that often venture towards villages during dry weather spells. 22 villagers volunteered to construct the check dams.  

We also organised foot patrols during the month. Our team consists of local young villagers, who have been supporting Satpuda Foundation and the Forest Department in forest and wildlife conservation activities.  We organised patrols with our team at Khutwanda and Mudholi forest beats with forest and beat guards. During the patrol, our team observed a tiger’s (probably a sub-adult’s) pug mark around Mudholi beat and informed the range forest officer. Camera traps have been deployed by the Department after our information.   

Environment Education: See Table 2

During  September, we organised a students sensitisation drive through wildlife conservation awareness and environmental education programs in Mudholi and Bhamdeli villages. We engaged children in interactive nature game where they learned about identification of wildlife and importance of their conservation. 62 local children participated in the activities. Nature and birdwatching trails will be organised after the monsoon.   

Employment Cell: See Table 3

Due to the current lockdown situation, most of the forest dwelling communities are going through hardship. Members of women’s SHGs requested us to conduct livelihood awareness sessions, especially about oyster mushroom cultivation. During the meetings, we also discussed various articles which can be sold online.  Members also agreed to take online craft making courses with the assistance of Satpuda Foundation. 

In VEDC meetings we talked about how to prevent electrocution of wild animals. The meetings also involved primary response teams (PRTs) and Forest Department. We also discussed grazing issue and spoke about increased livestock killings by large carnivores. Some villagers have set up cattle sheds and are not allowing their cattle to graze in forest land in buffer. Types of grasses and fodder plantation were also discussed during the meetings.  

We also discussed the rising number of free-ranging unowned dogs in the village that often pose a threat to small to medium wild animals and also carry diseases with them. These dogs will be marked to be neutered by a related department/organisation.

Activity Update August 2020: Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve

 Highlights:

THE FULL REPORT

Team: 

Conservation Officer:  Ajay Poddar

Field Assistant:  Kishor Dudhbarai

Highlights of the month: 

• 2 garbage management programmes to mitigate human-wildlife conflict –68 villagers participated
• 2 foot patrols – 19 local young villagers participated 
• 2 plantation drives- 270 saplings planted 
• 2 Nature games - 44 children participated 
• 1 nature trail- 25 children participated 
• 3 women’s SHG meetings were organised - 35 members attended
• 4 VEDC meetings- 53 members attended
• 5 livestock management meetings- 61villagers attended
• Assisted 4 villagers in filing claims for compensation for their cattle killed by carnivores 

CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES: SEE TABLE 1

During  August, we organised garbage management programmes with villagers of Mudholi and Khutwanda. After the programmes, Conservation Officer Ajay Poddar gave a talk on cleanliness and precautions to be taken during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Programmes were also organised to sanitise the area around villages, as garbage spillover and food leftovers lure wildlife into villages and cause human-wildlife conflict. We collected over 5 kilograms of plastic litter through public participation (shramdhaan). 68 villagers volunteered for the programmes. 

We also organised plantation drives with villagers. 270 saplings of different species were planted during the drives. 

We have formed groups of local young villagers who have been supporting Satpuda Foundation and the Forest Department in nature and conservation activities. During August, we organised joint foot patrols with them at Khutwanda and Mudholi along with Forest Guards. Following a recent tiger mortality case, we patrolled the beats adjoining farmlands. Patrolling teams also noted water levels of water bodies, hoof and pug marks, presence of birds etc. The young villagers were also taught about floral indicators of a biodiverse forest. 

ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION: SEE TABLE 2

During  August, we organised wildlife conservation awareness and environment education programmes in Mudholi and Bhamdeli villages. We engaged children in interactive nature games through which they learned to identify wild animals and the importance of their conservation. 44 local children participated in these activities. Nature and bird watching trails will be organised post-monsoon.   

EMPLOYMENT CELL: SEE TABLE 3

Due to the current lockdown situation, most of the forest dwelling communities are going through hardship. Members of women’s SHGs requested us to conduct programmes on alternative livelihood options, especially on oyster mushroom cultivation.  

In VEDC meetings, we talked about preventing electrocution of wild animals. The meetings included primary response teams (PRTs) and staff from the Forest Department and Electricity Board. We also discussed the issue of domestic livestock grazing in the forest which leads to increased conflict with wild animals. Some villagers have set up cattle sheds and are not sending their cattle to graze in forests area in the buffer area. 

We also discussed the rising number of free-ranging stray dogs in villages that often pose a threat to small and medium-sized wild animals. These dogs often spread infections. Such dogs will be marked to be neutered by a related department/organisation. 

Activity Update July 2020: Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve

 Highlights:

THE FULL REPORT:

Team: 

Conservation Officer:  Ajay Poddar

Field Assistant:  Kishor Dudhbarai

Highlights of the month: 

• 2 garbage management programmes to mitigate human-wildlife – 55 villagers participated
• 2 foot patrols in buffer area – 19 young villagers participated 
• 2 plantation drives- 250 saplings planted 
• 3 nature games - 97 children participated 
• 1 nature trail- 25 children participated 
• 3 women’s SHG meetings were organised - 31 members attended
• 2 VEDC meetings- 33 members attended
• 3 livestock management meetings- 41 villagers attended
• Assisted 2 villagers to claim compensation for their cattle killed by carnivores 
• Global Tiger Day 2020 celebration

Conservation Activities (See Table 1)

During  July, we organised garbage management programmes at Mudholi and Khutwanda. After the programmes, Conservation Officer Ajay Poddar gave a talk on cleanliness and precautions to be taken for COVID19. The programmes were organised in order to sanitise the area around villages, as garbage spillover and food leftovers lure wildlife into villages and cause human-wildlife conflict. We also collected over 5 kilograms of plastic litter through public participation (shramdhaan). 55 villagers volunteered for the drives. 

                       

Our team consists of local  young villagers, who have been supporting Satpuda Foundation and the Forest Department in nature conservation activities. 

We organised joint foot patrols at Khutwanda and Mudholi forest beats with Forest Department staff and volunteers from the villages. Keeping in focus the recent tiger mortality case, we patrolled areas adjoining farmlands. Patrolling teams also noted water levels of water bodies, hoof and pug marks, presence of birds etc. The young villagers were also taught about floral indicators of bio-diverse forests. 

Environmental Education (See Table 2)

During the month of July, we organised students’ sensitisation drive through wildlife conservation awareness and environment education programmes in Kondegaon, Ashtha, Katwal and Bhamdeli villages. We engaged children in interactive nature games through which they learned about identification of wildlife and importance of their conservation. After the wildlife conservation session, we spoke to children about the COVID19 pandemic and its impact. 122 children participated in the activities. 

Employment Cell (See Table 3)

Due to the current lockdown situation, most of the forest dwelling communities are going through hardship. Members of women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) requested us to conduct programmes on alternative livelihood options. Some members agreed to join an online craft making course with the assistance of Satpuda Foundation.

In Village Eco-Development Committee (VEDC) meetings, we talked about preventing electrocution of wild animals. We involved primary response teams (PRTs), the Forest Department and the Electricity Board. We also discussed issues associated with domestic cattle grazing inside forests and resultant attacks on cattle by wildlife. Some villagers have set up cattle sheds and do not allow their cattle to graze in forest areas. We discussed the benefits of fodder plantation and different types of grass during the meeting. 

Global Tiger Day 2020

On July 29, Global Tiger Day, we organised a plantation drive with villagers of Khutwanda and a rally to promote awareness about tiger conservation at Katwal. During the rally, children chanted slogans and displayed placards about tiger conservation. Children also put on tiger masks while rallying through the village. Villagers selected a barren spot outside the village and planted saplings of various trees.  After the rally and plantation, our colleagues Ajay Poddar and Kishor Dudhbarai spoke to participants about the significance of the day. 75 villagers participated in the rally and plantation drive. 

Activity Update May 2020: Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve

 Highlights

THE FULL REPORT

Team: 

Conservation Officer:  Ajay Poddar

Field Assistant:  Kishor Dudhbarai

Highlights of the month: 

• 1 garbage management programme to mitigate human-wildlife conflict –32 villagers participated
• Seed collection drive – 34 children participated
• 300 saplings prepared - 22 children participated
• Nature game - 25 children participated 
• Helped 2 villagers claim compensation for their cattle killed by carnivores 

Ahead of the monsoon, we organised seed collection drives and local children collected a variety of endemic seeds during the drive. We also finalised the location for this year’s plantation drive during the monsoon. Our team also spoke to the children about the floral diversity of the landscape. The children  prepared 300 saplings from the collected seeds to be planted during the monsoon. 

We organised garbage management meetings and activities with villagers of Bhamdeli. Programmes were organised in order to sanitise the area around villages, as garbage spillover and food leftovers lure wildlife into villages and are a potential cause for human-wildlife conflict. 

We also collected over 5 kilograms of plastic litter through public participation. 32 villagers volunteered for the programmes. 

Environment Education Programme

During May, we organised students’ sensitisation drive through wildlife conservation awareness and environment education programmes in Kondegaon village. We engaged children in an interactive nature game where they learned about the identification of wildlife.  25 children participated. 

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.