Jackal spotted for the first time in PTR

Giji K. Raman, IDUKKI
The Hindu, January 17, 2019

The presence of a jackal was reported for the first time in the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) recently. Patric David, a researcher at the Periyar Tiger Conservation Foundation (PTCF), noticed the animal near a penstock pipe carrying water from the Mullaperiyar dam to Tamil Nadu on January 9. It was later photographed by naturalist Rajkumar. After scrutiny of the photograph and the descriptions of its behaviour, it was confirmed by wildlife experts P.S. Easa and Vivek Menon as the golden jackal. It is believed that the animal might have entered the forest from the eastern side of the Western Ghats.

Usual habitat

Mr. Easa who has been conducting animal research at the PTR from 1990, said this was the first sighting of jackal (Canis aureus) in the area.
The photograph is the first evidence of its presence. Jackals are mostly found in open areas with thorny shrubs. Researchers at the PTR said that the animal might have either entered the PTR in search of the remains of carnivorous animals such as tiger or leopard or reached the area after being separated from its group.
Compared to the eastern side of the Western Ghats, which is in the rain shadow area, the PTR is green and has fewer geographical features preferred by the Canis aureus species. It is notified as an animal in the category of ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List. Native to Southeast Europe, Southwest Asia and South Asia, its presence is widespread in areas where food is abundant. It is also seen in groups near tributaries or lakes and is rarely found in foothills and low mountains.

Tribes’ version

However, a tribal leader at Mannakudy settlement near PTR said their ancestors had seen jackals scavenging from burial sites. As jackals mostly move during night, their presence is not easily noticed. An official at the PTR said there were no records yet of the presence of jackal in the area.

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Conservation drones top wish list of tiger reserves

K.S. Sudhi
KOCHI,  
TheHindu, May 26, 2015
The Periyar and Parambikulam tiger reserves and the Eravikulam National Park are planning to procure conservation drones to step up their conservation drive.

While the Periyar reserve will get one drone (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) at a cost of Rs.25 lakh, the Parambikulam reserve hopes to get three such aerial vehicles. This is the first time the managers of three protected areas have decided to go in for conservation drones.

Apprehension about Maoists using their territory also seems to have influenced the Periyar managers to go in for e-eye technology, electronic surveillance cameras that can scan 360 degrees.

Modernisation process

The Periyar reserve has included the suggestion in its proposals for “strengthening modernisation process and upgrading implementation and management effectiveness” during 2015-16.”

According to its project proposal, “since Periyar shares an interstate boundary of around 90 km and the adjacent landscapes on both sides are undulating and inaccessible, the possibility of the presence of Maoist groups is high.

“We can use the e-eye technology in a befitting manner to curb the aforesaid menace,” it said.

The e-eye technology can be used to track animal and human movements. It also has short-range infrared night vision camera stations, long-range thermal camera stations, remotely-operated cameras, and Wi-max devices, it said.

O.P. Kaler, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, said the Periyar and Parambikulam Tiger Conservation Foundations would move ahead with the proposal for procurement of drones.

Central support

The two reserves together had received an additional Central support of Rs.4 crore last year, which can be used to procure the gadgets, he said.

According to Sanjayankumar, Deputy Director, Periyar Tiger Reserve, drones can be effectively used for conservation activities and to monitor parts of the reserve. Illegal entry of persons into the protected areas and movement of animals can be monitored.

Enforcement

Enforcement activities of the reserve are mostly by foot patrolling and it would take much time to cover the inaccessible and non-motorable areas, he said.

Presence of canopy may prove obstructive in some parts. However, it could be effectively used in other parts of the reserve, he said

Satellite imagery

A proposal to procure satellite imagery of 6,000 sq km of the southern Western Ghats at a cost of Rs.60 lakh has also been mooted.

The wish-list of the Periyar tiger reserve also includes thirty night-vision binoculars and two all-terrain vehicles.

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Periyar tiger reserve wins NTCA award

Meena Menon
NEW DELHI,  
The Hindu, January 20, 2015 

The Periyar Tiger Reserve, spread over 925 sq.km. in Kerala, bagged the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) biennial award on Tuesday for encouraging local public participation in managing the reserve.

There are 75 communities living around the reserve, including tribal people who are dependent on eco-development programmes, said field director of the reserve Amit Mallick on Tuesday. The reserve set up the Periyar Foundation in 2006 which was a model for other reserves in biodiversity conservation and community participation in managing natural resources.

After this, the Wildlife Protection Act was amended so that each reserve would set up a Foundation, he told The Hindu. Earlier, the India Eco-Development project (IEDP), which was started in the reserve in December 1996, continued up to June 2004. The community-based eco-tourism activities helped visitors and there were night scouting programmes with the help of expert trackers as well. Tourism was supplemented by pepper growing and marketing which was a value addition.

Now self-help groups were involved in honey processing and other income-generating activities, Dr. Mallick said. Of the 75 eco development committees, 15 were tribal and each had about 150 to 200 members. There were 19 different eco-tourism programmes apart from village eco-development programmes like bee-keeping.

The committees also played a major role during the Sabarimala pilgrimage which involved a 23-km trek in the dense forests. Small shops were set up along the way and people helped in regulating the pilgrims and in waste management, removing 40 to 50 tonnes each season.

 

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