The Asiatic lion news archive - 2001

Stories relating to the Asiatic lion and updates on the captive breeding programme from 2001.

DATELINE: November 23rd 2001
Biodiversity Conservation Plan for Gir reviewed

The Biodiversity Conservation Plan for Gir (BCPG) - 1996- 2005 was recently reviewed in the context of the completion of its first five years. There are various components to the plan. Successes achieved include an increase in the ungulate populations, the creation of more check dams, water holes and fire lines.

The plan had targeted the manipulation of vegetation by thinning it in 35 hectares area each in Gir West and Gir East. This was not achieved and neither was the expansion of the core area of the park from the current 258 sq. kms to 510.94 sq. kms. The targeted eradication of lantana from 1600 hectares every year too could not be fully achieved. It was carried out only in 3676 hectares resulting in a short fall of 4324 hectares. There was also no progress in the attempt to breed the rare Rusty spotted cat.

On the whole, however, the FD has expressed its satisfaction over the progress of the BCPG.

Source: Shyam Parekh. 'Gir management plan seeks swift corrective steps', The Times of India,

Contact: HS Singh, GEER Foundation, Indroda Park, Sector 9, Gandhinagar - 382009, Gujarat. Tel: 02712-21385. Fax: 41128. Email: geerindia@sify.com