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: Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve

Chiwanda - Villagers watch a film on wildlife conservation

Kanargaon- Students learn about wildlife through an interactive nature game

Kanargaon- Village eco-development commitee meeting
to discuss fodder plantation

Kondegaon - Members of women's self-help group attend
an awareness session on alternative livelihood options

Kondegaon - Students learn about floral diversity of the landscape
 during our nature trail

Mudholi - Local youths volunteer for our foot patrol 

Mudholi - Students collect 10 kilograms of plastic litter
 during our garbage management programme

Mudholi- Cattle owners who are willing to use cattle sheds
to reduce grazing pressure over forest

Mudholi- Students and teachers attend a classroom lecture
on wildlife conservation

Wadala- Members of village eco-development committee
and other villagers attend a meeting on human-wildlife conflict

THE FULL REPORT

Team: 

Conservation Officer:  Ajay Poddar

Field Assistant:  Kishor Dudhbarai

Highlights of the month: SEE TABLE 1

• 8 awareness programs on human-wildlife conflict - 155 villagers and students attended
• 2 garbage management programs to prevent human-wildlife conflict –80 students participated
• 1 foot patrol – 10 villagers participated
• 3 Nature club activities - Nature and bird watching trails and drawing competition – 76 students participated
• 8 Environment education programs - 228 students and 14 teachers attended
• Oyster mushroom cultivation training- 10 young villagers participated
• 5 women’s SHG meetings were organised - 74 members attended
• 3 VEDC meetings were organised - 66 members attended
• Free medical camps in 6 villages-  160 patients treated 

During December, we organised several meetings with villagers focusing on reducing human-wildlife conflict. We introduced them to recently released human-wildlife conflict resolution guidelines issued by the Maharashtra Forest Department.  In order to spread awareness, we spoke to the community members about potential threats and the danger of venturing into 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 villages, cattle grazing, minor forest produce (MFP) collection and unemployment, help in reducing human-wildlife confrontation.  

We also focused on wildlife movement outside protected areas (PAs). Wild animals like blue bulls, spotted deer, sambar deer and wild boar also pose a threat to villagers by raiding crops, damaging property and sometimes attacking farmers. Farmers suffer losses in these depredations. Farmers were told to maximise the usage of solar-powered fencing around their farms to deter animals. Our team is preparing a list of farmers who are willing to set up solar-powered fencing around their farms.  155 villagers attended these meetings. 

We organised garbage management meetings and activities with villagers of Mudholi and Dewada. Programs were 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 10 kilograms of plastic litter through public participation (voluntary work). 80 students along with their teachers volunteered for these activities.

We organised a foot patrol involving local young villagers in an area prone to hunting, mainly of birds. Our team patrolled an area of 4 kilometers along with the local forest guard. 10 people participated in the patrol. 

Environment education - SEE TABLE 2

During December, we organised environment education programs in Chiwada, Kanhargaon, Junona, Dewada, Udiyatola, Adegaon and Bhamdeli villages. We  organised these programs with students and teachers in order to make them aware of the importance of biodiversity and conservation. We taught them about nature and wildlife’s value through wildlife films, documentaries, presentations and classroom lectures. 168 students and 14 teachers participated in the programs. 

Students of Nature clubs  ‘Ashwal’ and ‘Chimni’ from Adegaon and Kondegaon  participated in interactive nature games and bird watching trails. 76 students participated in these activities. 

Employment Cell - SEE TABLE 3

We organised 3 village eco-development committee (VEDC) meetings and 5 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.  140 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. 

In Chiwanda, we introduced the villagers to mushroom cultivation and finalised a location for cultivation.  10 interested local farmers attended the meeting. 

Mobile Health Unit - SEE TABLE 4

During December, we organised free medical camps in 6 villages - Adegaon, UdiyaTola, Junona, Dewada, Bhamdeli and Sitarampeth. 160 patients were treated in our camps. 

Activity Update December 2019: IUCN Project in the Pench-Bor Tiger Corridor

Students and teachers of Pench-Bor corridor villages at Ambakhori
during our nature camp 

Sillari - Students from Pench-Bor corridor villages on our nature trail

Sillari - Students from Pench-Bor corridor villages visit
Tiger Tale Interpretation Centre at Sillari, Pench Tiger Reserve

Telgaon - Invasive species of plants seen around the recharge lake
before our desilting work

 Telgaon - Members of Gram Panachayat participate in
planning the desilting work

Telgaon - Members of Gram Panchayat at the inauguration of desilting work

Telgaon - Recharge lake before the start of desilting work

Telgaon - Recharge lake after the completion of desilting work

Telgaon - Removal of invasive plant species
and preparing the land for plantation

Telgaon - Students of Narendra High School get ready for our nature camp 

Umari - Students and teachers of Sarvoday High School
leaving for our nature camp

THE FULL REPORT

Mandar Pingle – Conservation Officer

Highlights

• Silt removal and habitat restoration from lake in Telgaon village
• 2-day residential nature education camp organised at Pench Tiger Reserve Maharashtra; 30 students and 6 teachers participated

Activity

As part of IUCN’s Tiger Corridor project, Satpuda Foundation undertook de-silting of a recharge lake in Telgaon village in Pench-Bor corridor. The recharge lake is spread over an area of 0.6 acre and invasive species like lantana camara had encroached upon the land surrounding the lake. The silt from the recharge lake was removed and the lake deepened. The invasive species have been uprooted and the land has been cleared for plantation work. The inauguration of the work was done by Mr Taywade, member of the Gram Sabha (village council). Other members and prominent villagers were present during the inaugural ceremony of the work. Sarpanch Mrs Chanda Gaydhane expressed her gratitude towards IUCN, and Maharashtra State Forest Department for funding, and Satpuda Foundation for undertaking this work as it will help solve water shortage issues for her village.

As part of the IUCN project, Satpuda Foundation organised a 2-day residential nature camp at Pench Tiger Reserve, Sillari on 27 and 28 December 2019. 30 students from Narendra High School (HS), Telgaon, and Sarvoday HS, Umari, along with 6 teachers participated in the camp. On day 1, the students learnt about the basics of tiger ecology at Tiger Tale Interpretation Centre. Later they learnt about the concepts of ecosystem, habitat, and the importance of insects, birds and animals in nature. The students also learned to spot and identify birds during the trail. Signs of the presence and movement of leopard, sloth bear and spotted deer were seen during nature trails organised by our team.

On the concluding day of the nature camp, the students went on a safari ride in the jungle and observed gaur, sambar deer, spotted deer, peafowl, Red-crested Pochards, Ruddy Shelducks, and Eurasian Wigeons. A visit to a medicinal plantation in Sillari was organised. Later in the afternoon, through nature games, students learnt the importance of conservation. During discussion sessions, students came to the conclusion that forests and biodiversity are absent near their villages and that they will make collective efforts to improve the situation and support the Forest Department in conservation initiatives. Teachers also expressed their willingness to support nature education programmes in their schools. 

Activity Update December 2019: Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve

Check dam built by students attending our nature camp

Our volunteers clean a waterhole in Compartment 56

Students learn about pug marks during our nature trail

 Students on our bird-watching trail 

Students perform a skit to promote awareness about conservation
among the villagers

Students set off on a jungle safari as part of the activities
during our nature camp

Waterhole in Compartment 56 being cleaned and repaired

Jindatola - Students and teachers at our nature camp 

Jindatola - Students learn to identify animals through nature games

Kodebarra - Students clear plastic litter from the village

odebarra - Volunteers clean the area around a hand pump
in a community assistance programme 

THE FULL REPORT

Team: 

Mukund Dhurve – Assistant Conservation Officer

Highlights - SEE TABLE 1

• Joined  Forest Department staff on foot patrols on 4 occasions
• 1 voluntary work program to clean area next to water hole 
• 6 voluntary work programs to clean area next to hand pumps
• 6 anti-plastic programs 
• Organised 2-day nature camp at Jindatola ;  35 students and 5 teachers present
• 1 check dam built in Compartment no. 56
• 3 young villagers identified for driving training program 

Our team organised a program on December 28 to clean and repair a waterhole in Compartment No. 56. 

We organised 6 community assistance programs on December 1, 3, 6, 13, 16 and 22 to clear areas around hand pumps at Chorkhamara, Bolunda, Thadezari, Pitezari, Umarzari and Kodebarra respectively. Unemployed young villagers from Mangezari participated in the programs, led by Mukund. 

Water had spilled over while people drew from the hand pumps and had stagnated, leading to proliferation of mosquitoes and insects. Our teams cleared the area, removing scum and organic growth and dug canals to drain away the water.

Our team joined the Forest Department in day and night patrols in Compartment No. 110, 109, 110 and on the path linking Mangezari to Jindatola. Besides our staff, volunteers from a youth club at Mangezari also joined in the patrols. The youth club was set up with our assistance and is mentored by our Conservation Officer Mukund Dhurve.

During the month, our team organised 6 anti-plastic programs to clean polythene/plastic litter from villages. The programs were organised on December 1, 3, 6, 13, 16 and 22 at Chorkhamara, Bolunda, Thadezari, Pitezari, Umarzari and Kodebarra villages respectively. Mukund organised the programs. They were attended by villagers and village eco-development committee (VEDC) members. The plastic litter has been kept in our Mangezari office and will be sent to Tiroda for recycling. 

Education - SEE TABLE 2

There were 6 education programs in December.

On December 20 and 21, we organised a 2-day nature camp at Jindatola. During the camp, we organised bird-watching and nature trails, a wildlife safari, construction of a check dam, an anti-plastic program, a nature game and a skit based on a conservation theme. This camp was organised for 35 students and 5 teachers. Range Forest Officer Shri Akare attended the camp. 

On December 28, we cleaned and repaired a waterhole in Compartment No. 56. 

Employment Cell Training activities - SEE TABLE 3

During this month, we identified 3 young villagers to attend a driving training program at Ashok Leyland Driving Training Centre, Chhindwara. The expenses for the month-long training program will be borne by the Forest Department.