To check crimes against Big Cats, WWF to train forest officials

To check crimes against Big Cats, WWF to train forest officials

Neha Attre
Posted: Monday , Nov 16, 2009 at 0636 hrs

With an aim to check crime against leopards and tigers, World Wide Fund For Nature India (WWF-India) will impart training to Forest department officials manning areas with substantial population of these big cats.

The training, an initiative of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), will introduce the use of metal detectors as a tool to check wildlife crimes in the area.

“We have identified 27 such hotspots in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve based on the frequency of wildlife crimes reported from there. These include Gulra, Maholi, Kishanpur and Parua area near Sharda River. As part of the training, the forest staff will use metal detectors to look for hidden traps,” said P P Singh, deputy director, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.

The training will take place in areas with substantial tiger population — Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Dudhwa Tiger reserve, Lakhimpur Kheri and Pilibhit. The Forest department will also be asked to identify areas that are prone to wildlife crimes.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/To-check-crimes-against-Big-Cats–WWF-to-train-forest-officials/542062

http://bigcatrescue.org