Amber Sharma Nature-Wildlife And Fine Art Photography-Filmmaker and Producer

Documentary On Sharks

2011-11-10T10:20:00.000+05:30

China Town

Hi Every One, hope you all must be doing great.

I am updating my blog since gap of 8 Months, my last post was in Feb. In these 8 months lots of things happened to me and for few 3-4 months I was in depression and was taking too much of stress. Some how things got better and I started working on new projects.

My new project is on Sharks, Underwater world always fascinated me since my child hood and sharks I always want to see and photographs them. They are so beautiful once you see them you become more eager to see them again and again.

My project is all about sharks fin soup and shark fishing, every year 70 million sharks (as of 2010) sharks killed for fins. Sharks fins soup is delicacy and often severs in weddings and banquets,as a luxury item in China.

My journey starts from New Delhi, I went to Siliman and Surin National Parks at Indian Ocean. While talking to other people who are working for shark conservation I was very shock to hear that every year number of sharks is decline just because of shark fishing. And I was very much surprised to see in a national park area more than 100 fishing boats was fishing and rangers on island least bothered about fishing boats. Fisherman gets 200$ for per shark they catches and every fishing boat come back to dock with at-least 15-20 sharks.

I did diving at these national parks and seen lots of marine life,corals was great and honey comb eels was beautiful. Sharks often seen at 18-20 meters below but the sharks was photographed by our video-grapher Tony at 37 Meters and while photographing the sharks was just running away from us and later went into the cave.

After finishing diving I went to China Town to have a look of restaurant serving sharks fins soup. While visiting the place I found each and every restaurant has shark fins and bird nest soup costing 100$ and above.

One of the restaurant I visited they were serving Black Tip Shark Fin Soup. Black Tip and White Tip sharks are very much rare to see and only few thousand has left in the oceans around the world.

If shark fishing is going to continue we will loose all sharks from ocean and sharks is like Tiger of oceans. If no sharks then no corals ,if no corals then nothing will be left. And i finally we will see sharks in books or in museum, this is the time when we should stand up for a cause and bring awareness about illegal shark fishing and shark fin soups.

Promo of Wildlife and Nature Documentary

2011-03-10T10:35:00.000+05:30

This the promo for documentray which I have directed, please see the video and comment on it thanks

Snow Leopard Documentary Shoot January 2011

2011-02-26T15:00:00.000+05:30

With Team

On 14^th jan 2011, reached leh by early morning flight from Delhi, we were having 12 bags out 9 was in luggage check in, reached leh at 7:30 AM, went to collect the luggage from luggage belt ,but came to know our luggage has not arrived, as that luggage has low clothing, camera equipments and vegetables and chickens.

Temperature in leh was minus 18 degree Celsius.

I had made the complaint to airport manager he replied due to over load luggage will arrive tomorrow that is 15^th jan 2011.

A night we stayed in leh and I had unbearable headache due to the altitude sickness, had some brandy and went for sleep, later in evening had something to eat and went for sleep, again.

I Am With Mr.Greg (Director Of Photography)

Next morning had breakfast and feels better than last night, after breakfast I went to airport from there I came to know some luggage has arrived from delhi and now it is at Air India cargo office at Fort Road in Leh. Went up there for collecting the luggage and after collecting it, we started our journey to ullay for snow leopard documentary shoot, on the way I found lots of people playing ice hockey on frozen Indus river, shot some pics there for a while. The journey started again, reached nimo which 35km from Leh and Nimo has sangam (where 2 different rivers meet) I decided to shoot sangam of River Zanskar and Inuds. I walk down near to rivers, start shooting time laps of river, I had 3 cameras with me decided to put 2 other cameras on different location to get better time laps of both rivers, placed to cameras on the location, while coming back I was walking on frozen part of river, somehow the frozen ice got brooked and I fell down into the river, I was half in river for 4-5 mins till my crew took me out, I was frozen like anything barely I can walk some crew members took me to the car and help me out to change my clothes and try to keep me warm, I have walked on frozen river many times during treking,but it never happened to me, as it was 1^st time when I fall into the river after ice broke down, I was shocked. After changing my clothes crew put me up into the 3 blankets and started the journey to ullay as they want to reach there early and want me next to fire.

View From 15800 Feet's Above From Sea Level

It took 3 hours to reach ullay I was welcomed by the best snow leopard tracker Mr.Norbo, me and my crew are going to stay at his house, Norbo house will be our base am for snow leopard documentary shoot. Ullay is situated at 14000 feet’s above from sea level and has 4 house with population less than 20 people. When we reached to ullay the temperature was mius 20 degree and less oxygen to breath.

After falling down in river I need to be next to the fire, crew lit the fire in our room I sat next to it covered with many blankets, later had dinner with team and decide for next day, at 9pm we went for sleep.

Next day (16^th jan 2011) we wake up 6am , had breakfast at 7 and started our journey for snow leopard search at 8, we walked for 6km to reach the valley where a snow leopard mother lives with its 3 cubs, we placed our telescopes and started our search for snow leopards, we find some ibex climbing the mountains. We spend 2 hours and moved further on the way we found snow leopard made a kill of male ibex (9 years old ibex) few days back, also we find the rock where snow leopard had scratching his body, seen some his hairs stuck in rock, it was exciting, we spend all day there but saw no sign of snow leopard we started our journey back to our base camp with hope that we will see something coming days.

Next day was very tough for us as we have to climb till 15800 feet’s above from sea level, the toughest trek I have done in y life, the steeply mountains with knee full snow makes us hard to reach on the top, it took us 3 hours to be on the top of hill, we stayed there till 4pm but we saw nothing just a dropping of snow leopard, from top of the mountain the view was fantastic we capture lots of time lapse in our camera. While coming down from top of hill we saw group of ibex try to shoot them but they were far away. After coming back to our base camp we had dinner and went straight to bed as we were so tired that we can even think to talk each other.

Night Shot (Shot Taken at 8:30 PM)

Next day I decided not to a track this day, we just want to relax and shoot some local birds since late morning till evening we were busy shooting birds, when night arrives I decided to play with my camera and clicked some nice night shots.

In 5 days we saw no snow leopard even no pug marks, hard luck for us, hope we going to see something next coming days.

Winters Arrived But No Snow Fall

2010-12-24T17:22:00.000+05:30

December is almost most going to over but there is no snow fall on Indian Mountains. It is getting cold, but where is the snow fall.

From Feburary 2010 onwards I am waiting for Snow Fall, as soon there is snow fall I will leave for documentary shoot of snow leopard near tibet border.

Hope we will get some snow in January 2011. The Project I am doing this is all about Musk Deers and Snow Leopards both are endangered mammals.

Lets hope for the best.

Wishing You All Merry Chirstmas and Happy New Year 2011.

Snow Leopard Clip

2010-09-29T09:38:00.003+05:30

In Search of Snow Leopards. A Documentary on Snow Leopard Expedition. Documentary All About Tracking The Snow Leopard At The Altitude of 15000 Feets From Sea Level. During The Month of Dec, Jan and Feb When Temperature Goes To Minus 20 to 35 Degree.

Directed By Amber Sharma (also known as Mowgli) Produced by Mowgli Productions Pvt Ltd. Association With Nature Trails India (a brand of Nature Trail Tours India Pvt Ltd)

Royal Tiger Of Bandhavgarh B2

2010-09-07T19:49:00.001+05:30

Male Dominant Tiger B2 : The Fight between father and the son marked the end of the ruling King 'Charger' was the son of the three males of Mohini. The Name of the Crown Prince was B2 called by the locals. They were the male sons of Mohini, the most dominant amongst the three was B2. The Other males B1, and B3 were not so much highlighted. B2 ruled the territory of the charger for a long period, while B1 and B3 satisfied themselves with the region outside the Tala range. B-2 inherited with qualities of Charger more than B1 and B3.

A Road Side Local Fortune Teller Of Pattaya, Thailand

2010-06-30T10:22:00.000+05:30

After attending Film Award Night at Bangkok, I went to Pattaya for Holiday and for my Scuba Diving Certification.

My scuba diving class start early morning and finishes at 2:30 in afternoon after that I was free. Pattaya is Famous for Night Life so there is not much to do in afternoon till evening.So I use to sit at beach and have some beers with burgers.

One evening I was walking on beach road, I saw a lady sitting at footpath with some playing cards, charts and some other cards. I stop by and start looking at her, she asked me to sit,she was with other customer and come to know she is fortune teller who tells about your future through playing cards,charts and other different set of cards. I sat there and watch it for while. When she got free she told me I should know about my future. I am always curious to know about my future.Its not only me who want to know about future,its with every on in the world. She charge me 20 Bhat

After paying her 20 Bhat she asked me to shuffle the cards and later she made 3 decks of it and asked me to select any 2 decks. I did the same and select the 2 decks of cards, after looking at 2 selected deck she told me I will be marry with 2 girls, the selection of cards goes for 20 min and every time after shuffling the cards I always get the same cards, 2 queens (Diamond and Hearts). Later she shows me me the chart and said in earlier life you were a chicken and now in this birth you are Snake and Running behind the success, which is true as I am always running behind the success and money.

If any one visiting Pattaya, I would say try her to know about your future she is known as Mamma and Sit on beach road opposite Pizaa Hut. I have attached the pictures as well.

Shuting Down The Tiger Reserves of India

2010-05-02T12:33:00.000+05:30

NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority Of India) wants to shut down the 37 Tiger Reserves (National Parks) of India for tourist.

They say due to the Tourism in the National Parks or Tiger Reserve. The number of Tiger is declined.
I do not think by stopping the tourist, it will increase the number of tigers. It will be better if they create the corridor among 2 national parks. For example corridor between Ranthmbore and Kela Devi Wildlife Sanctuary. This will give more space to Tigers to breed and will have large number forest to survive.

Goverment of India should put their effort in creating the corridor not shutting down the jungles.

Think about it and give me your views

Wildlife Photography Work Shop at Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Park May 2010

2010-04-18T15:05:00.000+05:30

India’s One of the best destinations to spot and photograph the elusive Tiger, Kanha & Bandhavgarh National Parks are the best in the business .

Come join team of Film Makers, Photographers and Wildlife Enthusiasts to explore the tracks and the fortress of Bandhavgarh National Park and Kanha during 25th May - 30th May 2010. The

Photo Tour will be aimed at providing better opportunities to learners and newbies with a lot of on and off the field learning through:

1. Informal discussions, Knowledge sharing sessions and slide-shows.
2. Talks and presentations on relevant subjects.
3. Reviews and feedback evening sessions.

Some of the features of the Tour:

1. Up to three or four people in a Safari vehicle which can otherwise accommodate 6 pax, aiming at maximum comfort while balancing the economics.

2. Co-ordinate safari experience with on the field learning

3. Experienced staff of Guides and Driver for every vehicle.

Cost Includes:-
- 3 night’s hotel accommodation on Twin/ Triple Sharing at Kanha and Bandhavgarh
- All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Photographic guidance by Tour Leaders.
- AC Transportation for Transfers as per the itinerary
- Assistance during transfers
- 4 Jungle Safaris each at Kanha and Bandhavgarh by Exclusive jeep with Naturalist & Guides.
- Entrance Charges, Guide Charges, Jeep Charges.

Cost Not Includes:-
-Elephant Safari (Tiger Show)
- Train or Flight Tickets
-Expenses of Personal Nature like drinks, laundry, telephone calls
-Anything not mentioned in the above inclusion.

For more information and queries please write to promotions@ambersharma.net or call 09818734947

Photo tour cost: Rs.13500/- Per Person for Kanha and Rs.13500/- For Bandhavgarh Rs.1500/- Extra for Transfer from Kanha to Bandhavgarh inclusive of taxes. For Indian Nationals only. Park Entry Fees - Varies for Foreign Nationals.

How To Become A Good Wildlife Photogrpaher.

2010-04-01T13:14:00.000+05:30

Dear All

Lots of people ask me a one common question that is how to become a wildlife photographer. So I thought to write about. Go through the article below:

If you love observing animals in their natural habitat and photography, why not combine your two passions and pursue a career as a wildlife photographer? After all, what could be better than getting paid to do something you love? Continue reading this guide for tips and information on how to become a wildlife photographer.

If you've found yourself inspired by the amazing animal photographs in National Geographic and other wildlife publications, you may have considered becoming a wildlife photographer. Many wildlife photographers travel around the world taking photos of different species in their natural habitats. Although getting that perfect shot can be a personally and financially rewarding experience, doing so can take hours of waiting, not to mention hundreds, or even thousands of less than perfect shots.

Step 1: Is It For You?

* Wildlife photography may seem like a glamorous and carefree occupation—who wouldn't want to travel the world and take photos of animals? However, the job can be difficult and dangerous as you may have to spend long hours of waiting in the hot sun to get that perfect shot and may potentially be dealing with aggressive animals.

* Before you go out and spend thousands of dollars on camera equipment, ensure that you are suited to the career of wildlife photography. If you can, consider interviewing a professional wildlife photographer for an honest first-hand account of what the job entails.

Also ensure that you are willing to:

1. Work odd hours, including very early mornings and very late nights
2. Learn about different species of animals
3. Put yourself in potentially dangerous situations
4. Travel extensively
5. Work as a freelancer and promote your own work
6. Spend several hours, or even days, in an animal's habitat, waiting for them to appear
7. Subject yourself to potentially harsh weather conditions
8. Spend thousands of dollars each year on equipment and supplies
9. Learn about photography and stay up to date with the latest techniques and technology

Step 2: Get Equipped and Educated

* Naturally, as is the case when pursuing any type of career in professional photography, you'll want to ensure that you have a camera capable of taking the highest quality photos.
* In addition to a camera, you'll likely also need:

1. A tripod
2. A selection of different lenses
3. Lighting equipment
4. Camouflage blinds

* Once you have purchased your equipment, ensure you know how to use it by reading your owner's manuals and practicing the techniques described therein. If you have not already done so, you may also want to consider pursuing formal education in the field of photography to learn the basics of photo composition, lighting, framing, depth of field and the like. If you prefer practical learning, you can also contact professional wildlife photographers and asking if they would be willing to take you on as an assistant or intern.

Step 3: Practice

* After getting the basics down, your next step is to get out there and practice using your equipment and taking shots of wildlife. The more practice you get using your camera, equipment and different photography techniques, the better you will become at your craft.

* Some areas where you may be able to find wildlife to photograph include:

1. Zoos
2. Bird or wildlife sanctuaries
3. National or state parks
4. Beaches
5. Your own backyard or home, if you have pets

* When dealing with wildlife, especially animals in a natural setting, be sure to respect them. Keep in mind that some animals may be dangerous and even seemingly timid animals, such as deer, may charge if threatened. Try not to startle or encroach upon the animals—remember that you are a visitor in their environment, not the other way around. One of the most important, and at times, frustrating aspects of wildlife photography is waiting for the animals to come close enough to get a good photo of them.

Step 4: Build a Portfolio and Seek Employment

* Although your ultimate dream may be to work as a photographer for National Geographic, be aware that most of the magazine's photographers have worked for years in their field to become respected and accomplished photographers. Many wildlife photographers work as freelancers, selling their photos to magazines, newspapers, websites and other publications.

* Once you have taken a collection of impressive wildlife photos, arrange them into a professional portfolio. Then, either submit individual photographs to parties that may be interested in them, or approach a specific publication with your portfolio. Part of the challenge of securing employment as a wildlife photographer is convincing others that they are in need of and will benefit from your services.

Conclusion

* Becoming a wildlife photographer can be an enjoyable and rewarding career for those who are suited for it. However, it is also a challenging occupation, as you will have to be patient with your subjects and spend much of your time traveling and waiting for animals to enter your camera's field of view. Especially when you are just starting out, you will have to prove your talents to potential employers and buyers by promoting yourself demonstrating that you have what it takes to provide them with high quality and engaging photos.

Article Courtesy. Mahalo

Widlife Tiger Photography Workshop April 2010

2010-03-14T11:01:00.001+05:30

Our 3 day Safari Experience workshop at Pench National Park (MP) has all the ingredients for a truly special workshop days. We have exclusively arranged an amazing 2 days of photography and animal encounters built around the parks enormous, landscaped animal enclosures.

The day begins at 5am with a Tea/coffee and briefing and then we embark on a morning of true safari photography in Open jeeps. Our small groups of only 8-12 delegates are driven off road to achieve the very best views of the animals. The Drive highlights include; Tigers, Langurs, Sloth Bears, Sambhar, Spotted Deer, Barasingha & more then 250 species of birds.

Every Jeep will be accompanied by the forest guides / Naturalists. They will aim to put everyone in great spots for pictures, and the animals can be photographed at close quarters with very natural backgrounds thanks to the extremely large enclosures.

The afternoon is on leisure in wildlife resort followed by the lunch. The evening safari will start at 3:00PM will be back by 6:00 in evening to resort.

The 3 day workshop is fully inclusive of park entrance, jeep charges, guide charges, breakfast, lunch, dinner and photographic tuition.

Save our Tigers.

The participation money will goes for the well fare of local people as this the supporting amount and it will goes to Planet era Foundation. Building up and school for children lives near by the national park area.

Itinerary For Wildlife (Tiger) Photographic Workshop.

April 2-Arrive Nagpur- We will leave for Pench National Park by Non Ac Vechiles. (2 hours Drive)s

April- 3 - Early morning and afternoon game drives in the park, returning to the lodge for lunch each day. The morning safari will initially concentrate on looking for Tiger pug marks on the track and listening for alarm calls from the Chital, Sambar deer and Langur monkeys, indicating they have spotted a Tiger (or other predator) on the move. We carry a flask of tea and snacks into the park, as there are a few places where it is possible to stop, stretch legs and enjoy the refreshments. We will visit a central point in the park each morning where the park rangers will have received news of any Tiger tracking by Elephant. If the mahout's (elephant handler) tracking has been successful there is a chance to ride on the Elephants and experience a never forgotten view of the Tigers in their habitat. Back in our jeeps we continue our game drive before returning to our lodge. Time is now available to explore the lodge grounds or simply relax. After lunch we re-enter the park by jeep looking for wildlife and Tigers. Just before sunset predator activity increases, Tigers, Leopards and even Sloth Bears may be spotted. Returning to our lodge there is time for a shower before dinner. the evening chorus of the Mottled Wood Owl in the branches of the Sal trees and packs of communicating Jackals begins. On one of our days we will also visit "Elephant Camp" to watch the mahouts preparing elephant sized chapattis and if you wish you can help feed these to the hungry Elephants. Nights at The Celebration Van Vilas.
April 4- We make an early morning start for Nagpur to catch train for onward journey

Tour will be lead by Mr. Ambar Sharma

Mr.Ambar Sharma is well known in the felid of wildlife photography. He has worked with National Geographic, WWF & currently running his own wildlife documentary production house in the name of Mowgli Productions Pvt Ltd

Instructions for participants:-

1-All participants has to bring there SLR Cameras (Digital or Analogue) with 75-300 f/5.6 lens.

2-Bean Bag & Tripod (If possible)
3- Participants has to report at Nagpur Railway Station for onward journey to Pench.

4- 20% advance is required for confirmation of Participation

COSTS:-

Each Person (on 2 sharing per room) Rs.8500/- Net Per Person
HOTELS FEATURED:-

CITY	Nights	Meal Plan	Hotel Name

Pench	2	Full Board (Breakfast Lunch and Dinner	Royal Jungle Retreat

Cost Includes:-

- 2 night’s hotel accommodation

- All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

- Photographic guidance by Tour Leaders.

- Non AC Transportation for Transfers as per the itinerary

- Assistance during transfers

- 4 Jungle Safaris by Exclusive jeep with Naturalist & Guides.

- Entrance Charges, Guide Charges, Jeep Charges.

Cost Not Includes:-

- Elephant Safari (Tiger Show)

- Expenses of Personal Nature like drinks, laundry, telephone calls

- Anything not mentioned in the above inclusion.

For Details Please email at promotions@ambersharma.net

Note:-

There is never any guarantee of seeing Tigers. You are requested to enjoy the jungle in its full wilderness.

For Any Other Assistance Feel Be Free To Contact Me.

Thanks N Regards

Ambar Sharma

Mo:-9818734947

www.flickr.com/photos/ambersharma

www.ambersharmablog.blogspot.com

www.ambersharma.net

Snow Leopard Documentary Shoot Update

2010-03-10T13:22:00.001+05:30

Hi All

After all I am back from Documentary shoot on Snow Leopards for 20 days.

It was a great experience to be at 4500 meters ( at most 14000 feet) above from sea level, working in minus 20 to minus 25 degree of Temperature. Our base camp was setup at Ullay valley a small village ( 4 houses only whole village) 3 hours drive from Leh.

During the shoot I faced many difficulties like walking in nee deep snow for 12 km every day,crossing the frozen river during crossing the forzen river I fell down 3 times. And every one start laughing.

On 5th day of trek we saw 3 Snow Leopards ( 2 cubs 2-3 years old with mother) in Hemis Satputca Valley.

We saw them for 2 hours they were sitting on top of the hill, being cubs they curious and keep staring towards us and camera. We had great shots.

The Documentary is produce by Mowgli Productions and Supported by Nature Trails India along with Planet Era Foundation. Nature Trails India provides wildlife tours to India for details please visit website www.naturetrailsindia.info

I have uploaded all the videos and images on my facebook profile kindly have a look and do comment, those who dont have my facebook profile id please search me on facebook by typing "ambar sharma" add me there and have a look of videos and images.

Thanks
Ambar Sharma
Wildlife Photographer and Film Maker

Snow Leopard Documentary Shoot from 17th Feb 2010

2010-02-07T13:17:00.000+05:30

Hi All

Just a quick update to you all, I am leaving on 17th February 2010 to shoot documentary on Snow Leopard in Ladakh, the documentary will be based on the story line is how to track snow leopard in higher altitude and what are difficulties faced by trackers and filming group, importance of snow leopard and poaching treats.

The documentary is producing by Mowgli Productions Pvt Ltd. and Supported by Nature Trails India (a Brand of Nature Trail Tours India Pvt Ltd)

Hope fully I will be back by great experience and some nice footage to share online with you all guys.

Mowgli Productions Looking For Volunteers to handle the camera and assistant Director. you can email them your CV at promotions@mowgliproductions.com

Will keep you updated.

My Interview With Danik Jagran on 3rd Feb 2010

2010-02-05T22:50:00.000+05:30

Hi All

Sorry for not keeping you all with latest updates. I was busy and most the time I was out on the trips.

Recently I been contacted by Mr.Harendra Chaudhary Chief Sub Editor / Sr.Reporter of Danik Jagran News Paper.

I have met lots of media people for my interview but I found Mr.Harendra truly dedicated for wildlife and nature. He is passionate about wildlife and photography. He came for a interview with me on wildlife photography and I found he is the true lover of Photography during the interview we discussed many things on photography and wildlife. I have attached the pic of interview in this blog, do go through it let me know what you feel about it, thanks a lot to Mr.Harendra

Female presence’ to lure runaway tiger back to Panna

2009-12-18T04:25:00.000+05:30

New Delhi: A “healthy, adult male tiger” was chosen after months of deliberation from Pench tiger park to be trans located to the empty Panna tiger reserve, which lost all its big cats to poaching exactly a year ago. Now, the young male has done what was least expected — it has run 200 km away.

After several letters between the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in New Delhi, it has finally been decided that the truant should be sedated and brought back — but only after he is given evidence that there are tigresses in Panna for company.

In an unusual letter to Madhya Pradesh, the NTCA has given the state forest department the permission to sedate the tiger and bring him back to Panna, after littering the enclosure he is brought back in with the scat of tigresses — to establish mate presence and to keep him “in Panna”.

This follows several arguments between the state and Centre, with the satellite signal in the tiger’s collar failing to work, and a debate on the ethical wisdom of sedating the animal for a second time.

“The tiger should be brought back to a soft-release enclosure in Panna, and kept there for at least 10 days so he can be familiarised with Panna. Further we have specifically asked that scat of the two tigresses in Panna be kept around the enclosure that is created for the tiger, so he doesn’t leave the park,” says an NTCA official. This is the first time that such a solution is being mooted in black and white, but the problem also is a first.

After weeks of searching in tiger reserves Bandhavgarh and Kanha, a male tiger had been selected from Pench to be tranquilised and moved to Panna, which had lost all its tigers to poaching. Two tigresses have also been translocated to the reserve since then.

The male tiger, fitted with a satellite-cum-radio collar roughly worth Rs 4 lakh, was brought in in November, and ran away soon after. Walking out of the park, the four-year-old tiger has been on a long march, via Panna to Kishenpur, Rajpura, Bakswaho, Dalpatpur (close to the district border) — crossing at least two districts and 200 kilometres.

A large group from the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, including Panna Field Director Srinivas Murthy, and scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) have been on its trail for two weeks.

Some members of the WII team are of the view that the tiger, which was tranquilised when it was first translocated, should not be sedated again. The ethics of sedating tigers to move them has become a burning question after a stray tigress, sedated and caged earlier this year to be taken to the Bhadra tiger reserve in Karnataka, died in the process.

Madhya Pradesh meanwhile claims that the NTCA did not respond soon enough. “We had communicated with the NTCA several times for permission to tranquilise the runaway tiger. However, we were not granted permission for several days. Further, the satellite collar stopped working. Even though it is a very expensive device, it has not been giving a signal since November 25. We have barely been able to follow the tiger through radio telemetry signals. The tiger has been moving in ravines and hilly area and tracking it has been very difficult,” says R S Negi, Chief Wildlife Warden, Madhya Pradesh.

“The ethical questions should be considered later. At this moment, it is imperative that the tiger be moved before there is any conflict with human beings. Also, it should not be allowed to cross any state borders,” says former Project Tiger director P K Sen.

MOVING STRIPES

There have been only two large-scale tiger translocation projects in India — one for the Sariska tiger reserve in Rajasthan, and one for Panna in Madhya Pradesh, both of which lost all their tigers to poaching. As per population recovery plans created by the WII, five tigers from adjoining reserves have to be brought in to each park. Three tigers, a male and two females, have been translocated to Sariska, while two tigresses and one tiger have been brought to Panna. While the male tiger moved to Sariska also showed a lot of restlessness after being moved, it is for the first time that a translocated tiger has run so far away.

New Courtesy: Indian Express

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/female-presence-to-lure-runaway-tiger-back-to-panna/553871/0

Tigerss Found Dead in Kanha National Park

2009-09-20T11:24:00.000+05:30

Sad news came from Kipling Country, Kanha Tiger Reserve. Kanha Tiger Park was always my 1st love I have almost spend 3 years working in this park,.

One more tigress was found dead in the Kopedabri beat of Kisli Range of Kanha National Park .
This is the seventh tiger death of which fifth tiger death attributed to infighting among big cats within this year in the K.N.Park.

The 16 months old tigress was killed and eaten from the rear end by a male tiger of the area.

“The park staff found pug marks of a male tiger near the spot where the body was found. They also found langurs raising alarm calls that points to the presence of the tiger in the vicinity,” Mr Negi said.

As per the post-mortem report the death was due to attack by another carnivore as per the forest official.

One of My Favorite Tigress Died in Bandhavgarh National Park

2009-08-21T18:10:00.000+05:30

A Sad News came from one of my favorite destination Bandhavgarh National Park, also known as Tiger Country with highest density of Tigers.

A 5 years old Tigress found Dead at Bamhera Dam Area comes under Pathor Range.

She was daughter of Chardhara Female she was born with 1 female and 2 male tigers in year 2004 at Bandhavgarh Fort.

I have photographed her till the age of 2 years later she changed her territory and movd to Bamehra Dam. I did not get a chance to photographed her after moving from charkdhara to bamerha dam as that area was closed for tourist recently in 2008 bahmera dam opned for tourist excursions.

She mated with one the male tiger and gave birth to 3 Cubs now they are 7 months (one male and two female cubs). After the death of Tigress these 3 cubs are untraceable.

Bandhavgarh National Park has lost 3 tigers in year 2009 sad news for all nature and tiger lovers.

I have attached the tigress pic I clicked it when she was 18 months old.

Save Tigers

Top Five Reasons Why You Must Act to Save the Tiger

2009-08-20T14:32:00.000+05:30

1. Tiger Supports Livelihood

Tourism is the world’s biggest industry. On the ecotour front, the tiger is a star attraction for not just the Indian tourists but also for the people coming from other countries. There are foriegners who come to India only to have a glimpse of the tiger and then there are others who return more than once for another such opportunity.

The look in the eyes of a canter that has just come out of a National Park after sighting a tiger is very different from the look and feel of a canter that could not sight any. This eventually impacts the tourist influx thus impacting everyone from the tour companies to the local tour guides. A healthy tiger population thus supports livelihoods as well.

2. Tiger Protects Genetic Diversity

Tiger is an umbrella species. It’s conservation automatically ensures the conversation of a large number of flora and fauna and entire ecosystems. Thus, a properly planned tiger conservation programme is actually a programme to protect and save large number of species.

However, a dwindeling tiger population and news of declining number of tigers only implies an immediate threat to what is remaining of our natural ecosystems. A healthy tiger population thus also protects all that remains of our natural ecosystems.

3. Tiger brings Rain

A tiger is a both a guardian and an indicator of a healthy forests. A healthy forests. Few understand that a live bird or insect is far more important to the economy than a dead one. A live tiger brings rain – a dead one brings nothing but devastation.

4. Tigers Prevent Climate Change

A healthy tiger population lives in large forests – which are nothing but the natural sinks of Carbon. The more tigers we can save, the more healthier reserves we have, larger is our national carbon sink. A tiger should therefore be entitled to carbon credits in the form of protection.

And last, but never the least…

5. Tiger is a symbol of our National Pride

This is what India.gov.in has to say about our National Animal:

The magnificent tiger, Panthera tigris is a striped animal. It has a thick yellow coat of fur with dark stripes. The combination of grace, strength, agility and enormous power has earned the tiger its pride of place as the national animal of India. Out of eight races of the species known, the Indian race, the Royal Bengal Tiger, is found throughout the country except in the north-western region and also in the neighbouring countries, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.

Courtesy:- Delhi Green

My 1st Partial Solar Eclipse Shot

2009-08-09T12:44:00.000+05:30

It was always my dream to take some Solar Eclipse shot and I was waiting for the day to come. Finally on 22nd July 2009, I am able to take some images.

I use to wake up early in the morning but on 22nd July 2009 I wake 30min early at 4:30Am . I made my camera ready for the shot but when I look in the sky I found sky is full of clouds and no sign of sun.

I waited for more than an hour at 6:15am I saw sky is getting clear and sun is visible I started clicking the images but it give me only 30 sec to take the images, in 30 sec I took near about 20 pics of solar eclipse it some out good.

I am happy now as I have few shots of solar eclipse.

Tigress Shifted To Bhadra Sanctuary Found Dead

2009-07-07T08:19:00.000+05:30

A sad news come from Bhadra Tiger Reserve. In Bhadra National Park (Karnataka) where I have spent lots of Time while studying about Mammals population and helping Wildlife Conservation Society of India (WCS) in their wildlife population census, I was happy that the tigress was trans located to Bhadra but sad news came just after 2 days.

CHIKMAGALUR: The three-year-old tigress which was captured near the Nagarahole National Park and then relocated to Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary was found dead on Friday.

The tigress was captured last Tuesday after it terrorized villagers with its frequent attacks on the cattle. The cause for the death will be known only after the post-mortem report.

Sanctuary authorities said the tigress died naturally and was not involved in any territorial fight. They suspect that the wild cat may have died either because the tranquilizer dose may have been in excess or due to the stress while acclimatizing to its new territory.

Authorities in Nagarahole national park had consulted wildlife experts before releasing it to Bhadra. They had assured the authorities that the Bhadra prey-predator base was balanced and the tigress would not have any problems in acclimatizing itself to the new territory.

News Courtesy:- Times Of India

Madhya Pradesh (Land Of Tigers) Sets Up Special Force To Protect Tigers

2009-07-07T08:17:00.000+05:30

BHOPAL: With its tiger population dwindling sharply over the last two years, a worried Madhya Pradesh government will deploy a Special Tiger
Protection Force in its three tiger reserves of Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Pench to arrest the big cat's rapid decline.

The state government took the decision as it does not want to lose its 'Tiger State' tag to Karnataka due to the falling number of the big cats, according to a forest department official. The number of tigers in the state is reported to have dropped from 300 in 2007 to 232 in 2009, he said.

A tiger census conducted by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in 2007 put the number of big cats in Madhya Pradesh at 300, followed by Karnataka with 290. However, another census conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in 2008 has put the population in five tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh at 232 - with 89 big cats in Kanha, 47 in Bandhavgarh, 39 in Satpura, 33 in Pench and 24 in Panna.

However, in April this year a four-member central inquiry committee announced that Panna had no tigers since January. "It is regrettable that not even one tiger is left in Panna," committee chairman and former NTCA director P.K. Sen had said after visiting the tiger reserve in eastern Madhya Pradesh.

Concerned over the report, the Madhya Pradesh government formed a six-member committee to look into the matter. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also transferred the field directors of Panna, Kanha and Bandhavgarh national parks late last month. "Now a Special Tiger Protection Force is on the anvil to protect the big cats in the various tiger reserves of the state," a senior wild life official said, not wishing to be identified as he is not authorized to speak to the media.

The state Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, H.S. Pabla, admitted that the tiger population in Panna had decreased but said the figure has remained constant in other reserves of the state.

Minister of State for Forests Rajendra Shukla last week instructed departmental officers to expedite the constitution of the Special Tiger Protection Force. Every company of the force would comprise 112 jawans, three sub-inspectors and six head constables and be headed by a deputy superintendent of police.

Constables of the force will be on deputation from the local police department and be below 40 years of age. Their deputation will continue till the police department creates permanent posts for the force.

The force will work under the control and guidance of the tiger reserve's Field Director, who will send a monthly report about it to the National Tiger Protection Authority. The cops will be exclusively for tiger protection and be empowered to use firearms in dealing with poachers and organized criminals within the periphery of the reserves.

Officers of the state police department and central forces will impart training to the constables on skill development, dealing with poaching and acting on information.

News Courtesy:- Economy Times

CEC opposes NHAI Road Project in Pench Tiger Reserve

2009-07-07T08:15:00.000+05:30

NEW DELHI: In a boost to wildlife lobby, Supreme Court-appointed Centrally Empowered Committee (CEC) has shot down a controversial proposal of the National Highways Authority of India's (NHAI) to widen a road passing through Pench Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, contending that it will be a threat to animals and the fragile ecosystem.

In the report submitted to the apex court last week, the CEC members said that the widening of the road connecting Nagpur to Jabalpur from two lanes to four lanes will increase traffic frequency in the area, scaring the animals, including endangered species like tigers and gaurs in the region, which may fall victim to the speeding vehicles.

The CEC also rejected the NHAI's alternative Rs 600- crore plan to build 13 bridges and underpass on the route so that wildlife movement is not hampered, a source said.

The highway project which is a part of the North-South corridor covers a distance of 8.7 kilometer and passes through the tiger reserve and the reserve forest contiguous.

It was referred to the panel after the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) moved a petition for stopping the project alleging that road widening would fragment wildlife habitat and restrict movement of already dwindling wildlife between Pench and Kanha Tiger Reserve.

The members have, however, have not sought closing down of the road but suggested that only light vehicles at a specified speed should be permitted while a complete ban be imposed on night traffic to prevent animal casualty.

News Courtesy Economic Times

Tigress Shifted to Bhadra Tiger Reserve

2009-07-01T20:19:00.000+05:30

A news come from Bhadra National Park, the tiger reserve where I studied about Mammals Population how could I forgot those days and Bhadra my first learning ground for wildlife, all team members specially Bipin now he is doing his reserach in Ladakh.

MYSORE: The six-year-old tigress that was captured in NagaraholeNational Park will now have to get used to a new home. For it will berelocated to the tiger reserve of Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in Chikmagalur district.

The decision follows consultation with the experts in wildlife, who suggested the forest officials to relocate it to some other area far from its present location. This is to cut down chances of the tiger coming back to the area and attacking cattle.

A team led by RFO Satish took the tigress, which was nursed at Sunkadakatte in Nagarhole National Park, to Chikmagalur early Monday. The senior officials of the department contacted the Project Tiger officials and took their consent for its relocation.

Though the Bandipur National Park in Chamarajanagar district was considered as a possible option it was dropped as it is close to Nagarhole National Park, its present territory. "The experts told us there are chances that it will come back again to its territory if it is let out into close by forested areas. So it was decided to change its territory, sources told `The Times of India'. However, it does not face threat from tigers at Bhadra wildlife sanctuary since it is a
tigress and will not overlap the territory, they contended.The prey-predator base at Bhadra is balanced and so the big cat will not have problems. If it was a tiger it could have been a problem for relocation. But there is no such chance here, they added. But a wildlife activist said it could face problems in its new area which could again push it back to take easy route to get its feed. There is a possibility that it could start visiting the villages on the forest fringes in Western Ghats. But the saving grace is that people in the Western Ghats are used to threats from wild animals, he stated. Field director (project tiger) B J Hosmath was not available for comments.

New Courtesy Times of India.

Centre Clears Trans Location of 4 Tigers to Panna Options

2009-07-01T09:00:00.000+05:30

New Delhi : After losing all its tigers to poaching, Panna Tiger
Reserve is set to get a second chance. The Ministry of Environment and
Forests (MoEF) has cleared a proposal to trans locate two tigers and
two tigresses to the reserve. But in a letter to Madhya Pradesh Chief
Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the MoEF has made it clear that it
expects action to be taken after the “Panna disaster”.

The letter, sent by MoEF Minister Jairam Ramesh, calls for “urgent
administrative and ecological actions”, saying “responsibility should
be fixed on erring officials as pointed out in the SIT report and
disciplinary action be taken”. Seeking personal intervention of the CM
in Panna, the letter has asked for a follow-up action report and
directed that a site-specific security plan be drawn up for Panna. As
already reported by The Indian Express, a probe by the SIT, set up by
the Centre, found that senior officials ignored all warnings regarding
Panna, resulting in the loss of more than 40 tigers to poaching.

“I solicit your personal intervention for early action indicated, to
avoid Panna-type disasters,” said the letter, and asked for the
phasing out of tourism activities from the core areas of Panna and
moving it to buffer areas. “The guidelines and red alerts sent by the
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) were ignored (in Panna),”
the letter points out, citing the SIT observations.

The states ignoring NTCA’s warnings is a common occurrence since
wildlife is a concurrent subject. This is now set to end as the
Cabinet has okayed bringing the position of NTCA member secretary at
par with the Chief Wildlife Warden at the state-level.

“This will strengthen the NTCA’s position,” Ramesh told The Indian
Express.

In the past, states have often ignored NTCA advisories on issues like
transfer of officials, culling of maneaters and notifying buffer zones
for tiger reserves. This had reduced the NTCA to little more than a
fund-giving body for the Centrally sponsored Project Tiger scheme.

Madhya Pradesh has been at loggerheads with the NTCA on the Panna
issue, declaring that it had enough tigers in the reserve as late as
March 2009. However, a Wildlife Institute of India camera trap survey
in February showed that tigers had completely vanished from Panna.

The genetic stock of Panna was lost after all its tigers were poached
between 2002 and 2009. Currently, the reserve only has two tigresses,
translocated to Panna from Kanha and Bandhavgarh after it was learns
that there were no big cats left in the reserve.

The four tigers will now be moved as per a new tiger trans location
protocol. The new protocol is a response to a spate of local tiger
extinctions in the country, starting with Sariska in Rajasthan in
2005, and now Panna, which necessitates moving tigers from other parts
of the country to these reserves.

Sariska Tigers Mate First litter by Monsoon End

2009-06-10T06:31:00.000+05:30

NEW DELHI: More than four years after the Sariska Tiger Reserve earned worldwide notoriety for having lost its entire tiger population, hopes are high that the reserve will finally have its "own" tigers again.

The three relocated tigers - two females and a male, all of them from Ranthambore - have taken to their new habitat very well and have been mating. Two were recently "caught in the act" by a Wildlife Institute of India researcher and the second tigress - which has been mating with the male since November - according to WII officials, is in the family way.

Tigers have a gestation period of about 100 days and WII experts expect the first litter to arrive before the end of the monsoon.

According to WII (Wildlife Institute of India) research coordinator K Shankar, the two tigresses are aware of each others presence but have not met so far probably because ``they are keen to avoid confrontation.'' While one of them has settled in Bagani - the site of a village which was relocated out of Sariska last year as part of the initiative to make the forest safer for tigers - the other, pregnant female has marked the Sariska-Kalighatti valley as its "territory." It was the Bagani female which was photographed with the tiger. The first tiger was brought to Sariska on June 28, 2008, the second on July 5 and the third on February 25 this year.

Shankar said mating does not necessarily result in pregnancy because tigers have induced ovulation. "The female releases the egg only when she is comfortable enough in her surroundings and feels that she is ready to raise a litter. The Kalighatti female seems to have done so," he said.

Happy as they are at the prospect of the striped beauties returning to Sariska, Shankar said there was hardly any doubt that the tigers would breed. As members of the cat family, tigers are prolific maters. The real challenge, he added, is to save the coming generation from meeting the same fate as their predecessors in the forest.

"Tigers did not die out from Sariska. They were poached. There is an elaborate plan in place now to protect them. There are 100 homeguards and another 100 ex-servicemen who have been recruited. All the older guards have been shifted out of forest duty so that there is an entire staff of young people patrolling the forest. Poaching routes have been identified and the intelligence network has been strengthened," Shankar said.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Earth/Sariska-tigers-mate-litter-by-monsoon/articleshow/4629186.cms