Early count in saturated Gir

Faced with growing man-animal conflict, shrinking habitation and migration of lions into peripheral areas, Gir’s lion population faces a threat from both within and outside. The May 2001 census pegged the number at 321 lions, and the April 2005 census will indicate if the lions are thriving despite the threats. Braving the scorching heat, some 800 people, including forest officials, volunteers and observers, took up positions in four districts — Junagadh, Amreli, Bhavnagar and Porbandar — covering 26 talukas to count the lions.

Only direct observation of the animal is to be counted while indirect signs like pugmarks, kills etc can be used to track the animal. According to Conservator of Forests (Junagadh) Bharat Pathak, the method adopted for the census is block-director-total count.

Beat guards and foresters had the toughest task. ‘‘They are carrying forms with sketches of lions and lionesses and columns where data is to be filled. They will inspect every lion and make recordings like marks on the body, sex, location, structure of group or pride,’’ Raval says. With much of Sasan Gir’s dry deciduous forest now totally dry, sightings are a little difficult as the animals blend with the background of dry grass and foliage.

But teams assigned to various zones were upbeat.

‘‘We see them almost every day. But since the census started today morning every sighting is welcome and the boys get down to serious work of taking readings,’’ said J. Dave, a forester. Observations will be done again on April 24 and 25 to make correct readings.

Builder fined Rs 6 lakh for cutting 40 trees

Mumbai: The Thane Municipal Corporation has fined Hiranandani Developers Rs 6 lakh for cutting 40 trees on their 27-acre site at Patlipada, Thane.

The trees—mango, gulmohur, banyan, babul and Asoka—were chopped and the wood was secretly transported to Taloja. Local residents saw the wood being moved out and tipped off the TMC.

‘‘It’s really sad that big builders don’t abide by the law and seek permission before cutting trees,’’ said Suresh Gavande, the head of the TMC’s Garden Dept.

This is the second time that the developers are being fined for cutting trees in Thane. — ENS