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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Local ‘wildlife watchers' turn conservationists in Pune's grasslands
In an initiative which demonstrates that coexistence between wildlife and urban development is possible, more than 40 residents of villages around Pune – trained as 'wildlife watchers' to report sightings of elusive species such as the Indian grey wolf, striped hyena and leopard – have submitted over 350 verified reports covering more than 60 species of mammals, birds and reptiles within just six months. What's more, over 30 of these reports have prompted direct conservation interventions, including alerts about poaching and confirmations of breeding activity. This initiative, launched by The Grasslands Trust in partnership with the Pune forest department and Ashraya Hastha Trust, empowers local communities to become frontline conservationists through a custom mobile app and basic field kits. The 'Wildlife Watcher programme' is set in the grasslands and scrublands surrounding Pune, one of India's few megacities where large carnivores still inhabit human-dominated landscapes. Wolves, hyenas and leopards continue to roam these non-protected areas, making Pune a unique setting for such a grassroots' conservation model. The programme is built on the philosophy that conservation should be co-created with local communities rather than imposed from above. Unlike conventional methods that depend on expensive tools such as radio collars and centralised surveillance, this programme relies on traditional knowledge and the lived experience of local residents. Each participant receives a basic field kit comprising clothing, a torch, reusable water bottle, and simple field guide to support his/her work. Verified sightings are rewarded with recognition and upgraded tools such as binoculars, smartphones and trap cameras. Consistent contributors may also receive modest stipends in recognition of their role as biodiversity stewards. Mihir Godbole of The Grasslands Trust, said, 'Although launched just a few months ago in select areas around Pune—such as Saswad and Morgaon in the Purandar landscape—the programme is already showing remarkable results. Some watchers have even begun documenting animal behaviour and identifying individual animals by their markings; a clear sign that they are evolving into skilled naturalists.' Tushar Chavan, deputy conservator of forests (wildlife), Pune forest department, said, 'This initiative offers a dual advantage—it strengthens wildlife conservation while building awareness within the local community. People on the ground become more sensitised to the presence and importance of wildlife in their surroundings. Their involvement also provides real-time data that complements trap cameras, drone surveys, and other monitoring tools. Crucially, it helps us extend our reach into non-protected areas where wildlife continues to thrive outside formal boundaries.' Looking ahead, The Grasslands Trust aims to expand the Wildlife Watcher programme to other under-monitored and ecologically vulnerable landscapes across Maharashtra. 'But the focus remains on sustainability. We don't want a short-lived project that ends with funding. Our vision is to build a resilient, community-led conservation network that grows organically—driven by pride, purpose, and deep-rooted local knowledge,' Godbole said.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
PMC urges forest dept to drop charges against Katraj zoo director, return animals
Pune: The civic body has urged the forest department to drop all charges against the director of Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Museum for alleged mismanagement of wild animals in the Wild Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (WARRC), also seeking return of all animals the department took away during investigations. In Sept 2023, the forest department had registered an offence against the zoo director after receiving a complaint from honorary wildlife warden Aditya Paranjape regarding irregularities at WARRC. The department carried out three investigations as ordered by DCF Tushar Chavan. Investigations covered allegations such as the release and relocation of 612 wild animals — including birds, mammals and reptiles — outside their natural habitats; the mistreatment of Schedule I and II species, including snakes and chausingha, and the failure to maintain records or data for 328 animals that reportedly died at the centre. The department registered an offence under sections 2 (16-G), 9, 39 and 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) was also told to carry out an investigation into the matter and submit a report to the Maharashtra Zoo Authority (MZA). MZA conducted an inspection at the site after a leopard escaped from the WARRC for 40 hours in 2024. According to PMC's letter addressed to the forest department, the Indian Herpetological Society (IHS), responsible for WARRC, was to be held accountable for the events — including maintenance of accurate records, taking care of animals, administering medication on time and releasing animals into the wild while informing the department about the same. "Even though PMC has sought that the charges be dropped, I think people responsible for the mismanagement should be held accountable. The department and corporation must find the person accountable in place of the director and pursue the case," said Paranjape. After the turn of events in 2023, PMC permanently closed WARRC and terminated the contract with IHS. Alongside this, the CZA granted permission to the zoo to permanently keep the animals from the rescue centre on Dec 8, 2023, said PMC. "The errors observed in the work related to the wildlife orphanage are not intentional, but show deficiencies in daily working. Since the zoo director or any PMC official is not responsible in this regard, the Forest Offence First Report No. WL 1/2023, dated Sept 14, 2023, filed on their behalf under the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) should be cancelled. Also, since the approval of the CZA has been obtained, the animals taken from the zoo should be sent back," said PMC in its letter on May 30. The forest department is yet to file a chargesheet against IHS for mismanagement. "We have received the letter and will wait for PMC's report to the MZA. Even though we registered an offence, no chargesheet was filed. Hence, the MZA would take the next call on the subject. We have submitted our report to them," said deputy conservator of forests Mahadev Mohite.
Hindustan Times
29-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Leopard rescue op at Pune International Airport in final stage: Forest Dept.
The ongoing operation to capture the leopard that was spotted at Pune International Airport on April 28 is in its final stage, according to Tushar Chavan, deputy conservator of forests (wildlife), Pune. The officer remains optimistic about the animal's safe capture, despite a delay in the rescue operation. 'Due to security protocols, we are not in a position to share further details of the rescue operation. However, multiple efforts are being made to capture the leopard within the airport premises. The operation is nearing completion and we believe that we will capture the leopard in the next two days,' Chavan said. A source informed Hindustan Times that the team has managed to restrict the movement of the leopard by cordoning off the area and that it hopes to capture the animal soon. On April 28, a fully-grown male leopard was spotted at Pune International Airport (part of an airbase) at about 7 am after which it was sighted again at about 8 pm, resting on the runway and take-off site. The Pune Airport staff alerted the forest department about the presence of the wild animal following which the forest department immediately launched a search operation. Conducted jointly by a team of forest officials and members of the RESQ Charitable Trust (NGO), three trap cameras along with two cages were set up initially. The number of trap cameras was increased to nine within a week of the rescue operation. In the meantime, flight operations for both civilian and Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft remained unaffected. Earlier, N R Praveen, chief conservator of forests, Pune forest department, told Hindustan Times that the department initially installed trap cages at various locations and that the leopard entered the cage/s on two occasions. On the first such occasion however, the door of the trap cage could not be closed due to lack of a pressure point. And on the second such occasion, the leopard managed to escape after grabbing the bait. 'All standard procedures are being followed during the search-and-capture operation. The department is also maintaining communication with the Air Force authorities regarding the same. We believe that the leopard has used the open drainage channel to enter the premises. The team is working on the ground and necessary actions are being taken after following the situation,' Praveen had earlier told Hindustan Times. Following the launch of 'Operation Sindoor' by the Indian Armed Forces, the search-and-rescue operation was temporarily put on hold due to military tensions between India and Pakistan. Pune International Airport being part of an airbase was on high alert and because of security protocols, access to the base was restricted. The operation resumed on May 17 and has been intensified ever since. However, the department is finding it challenging to capture the leopard due to various reasons which the officers refuse to disclose at the moment.
Indian Express
13-05-2025
- Indian Express
Crackdown on wildlife poaching, Pune forest dept seizes weapons, ammo and meat
IN A crackdown against wildlife poaching for meat, the Pune Forest Department on Tuesday raided a bungalow in Maval taluka and arrested one person from whom over 50 kilograms of wildlife meat was seized along with two firearms and ammunition. Based on credible intelligence, the Forest Department conducted a raid on Tuesday morning at a bungalow in Tikona village, Maval Taluka. 'The operation led to the arrest of Sukhmit Harmit Singh Bhutaliya (26), resident of Tikona. Among the items seized were around 52 kilograms of suspected wild animal meat, two firearms, live and used cartridges, and various tools and equipment used for hunting and skinning animals. A forest offence has been registered under Sections 9 and 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the accused will be produced before court following due legal procedure.' said a press statement issued by Deputy Conservator of Forest for Pune Tushar Chavan. 'The entire operation was conducted with utmost confidentiality and precision. A sample of the seized meat has been sent to the Wildlife Research Centre, Gorewada, Nagpur for forensic examination and species identification. The firearms and cartridges will be further investigated in coordination with police authorities to verify legal ownership and licenses.' the release stated. An officer said that the meat, which they seized in frozen form, possibly includes meat of both small and large wild animals. This operation was executed under the guidance of Chavan and was led by Assistant Conservator of Forests Mangesh Tate. The core field team included Prakash Shinde (Range Forest Officer of Vadgaon, Seema Palodkar Forester of Devle, Ganesh Mhetre Forester of Khandala) among others. 'The Forest Department appeals to the public to report any suspicious activity related to illegal hunting or wildlife trade to the nearest forest office or helpline. Protecting wildlife and forests is a shared responsibility.' the release stated.
Hindustan Times
02-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Pune forest dept starts registration for waterhole census
The wildlife wing of the Pune forest department has started registration for volunteers for the upcoming annual waterhole census in the district. The census will be held on the night of May 12 in six protected areas under the wildlife division. The registration will be free of cost and people can send their application to the department's official email ID at wildlifepune@ The last date for submission of the application is set as May 7. The census will be held at various locations--Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary in Junnar, Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary in Pune, Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Supe, Rehekuru Blackbuck Sanctuary in Ahmednagar, Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary in Solapur and Shrigonda tehsil of Ahmednagar district. The activity will be held under the supervision of NR Praveen, chief conservator of forest and Tushar Chavan, deputy conservator of forest (wildlife), Pune forest department. 'The activity will be conducted at different waterholes inside the sanctuary areas. There are some existing watch towers or Machan. Based on the response from people, we will further expand the required facility,' said Snehal Patil, district forest officer, Pune department. As per the data, last year the census was carried out at 86 locations across sanctuaries in the Pune and Solapur districts. Around 150 volunteers from across Pune participated in the waterhole census along with forest officials. At least 1,118 wild animals were spotted during this census, among which, Blackbuck was spotted in higher numbers as 451. Followed by wild boar at 278. Great Indian Bustard, monkey, sambar deer, and Bengal monitor are among the least spotted animals. The highest number of 726 animals were spotted in the Nannaj forest range in the Solapur district.
