Illegal Lion Safari: What Next?

As per recent report by TOI illegal lion shows are being organized by local hotels in Gir National Park in the State of Gujarat. The illegal safaris are being organized in the outer areas of the park. A bait is tied near the road and whence the lions come to kill and feed on it a tamasha is held.

The hoteliers charge up to 10,000 rupees for a lion show. In the photographs, I could see hordes on motor cycle rickshaw and tractor trolley watching the big cat. This practice of baiting goes against the conservation  ethics. Baiting  inhibits the natural hunting instincts of the big cats and also prevents local migration in search of food and water.

In the early stages of tourism this practice was followed by the forest department in Central Indian Reserves. But this was stopped in time whence the negative aspects became clear.   

If illegal baiting continues this will prove to be very harmful. As per the report the collusion of local forest staff is not ruled out. This has to be stopped in time. At Gir the bait killed by the lions is then subject to claims from the forest department.

This practice has to be brought to a halt else it will lead to other illegal activities by emboldened criminals. Gir National Park is the only abode of Asiatic Lion in India. Efforts to find another home at Kuno Palpur WLS  have been stalled so far.As a good conservation measure lion trans-location to Kuno Palpur would be a far reaching step in order to assure species survival.

Bandavgarh Tiger Safari

Gopal - Bapu

Gopal is a cousin, friend and fellow wild lifer. He is much more - a businessman, nature photographer and birding enthusiast. Since years of our association, he has matured into an interesting person especially when it comes to wildlife and nature.

He relishes good life and leaves no stone unturned whence it comes to enjoying nature. 

Apart from his interest in nature he is an excellent photographer ....amateur if you call him since he is not full time into it. Here are some images he and his friends captured on tiger tour to Bandhavgarh. It was difficult to sort out from the lot since all images carry heart and soul.

The images have been captured by Ila Ben S Dalal (nee Ambani), Shrujal and Gopal Desai.

Patdi Durbar

Apart from interest in tigers, he is knowledgeable about flora, fauna and bird life of the Little Rann of Kutch. He is regular visitor to Patdi Estate near Ahmedabad in Gujarat where they own a beautiful palace as erstwhile rulers of the Desert Kingdom. Patdi Durbar as the family is known are enthusiastic nature lovers and Gopal tops the list.

His experience and adventures of desert life....of things and places, fills one with envy. Besides the luxury tents, camp fire and sumptuous food he has many an experiences and wild tales to narrate. He is  a generous host and can give you the wildest adventure of the Desert Kingdom. True to his Royal Blood, he lives life King Size!  

He is a regular visitor to Kanha Tiger Reserve and Bandhavgarh and other tiger reserves in Madhya  Pradesh and elsewhere where he photographs wildlife. He has been visiting Gir National Park and other sanctuaries in Gujarat often. He has an interesting collection of photographs of wild animals and birds from the tiger reserves and National Parks.

I will blog more images with time to come.....