MP sanctuary identified for shifting Gir Asiatic Lions
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- Tuesday, 20 March 2012 14:37
- Published on Tuesday, 20 March 2012 14:37
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Gujarat Global News Network, New Delhi
A survey conducted by the wildlife Institute of India has found the Kuno-Palpur sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh to be the most suitable site for relocation of Asiatic Lions from Gir forests, Gujarat.
The Minister of State for Environment & Forests Jayanthi Natarajan informed the Lok Sabha today. She said that three sites, namely Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, Jawahar Sagar Sanctuary and Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan and Kuno-Palpur Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh were identified for lion introduction. Out of these four, Kuno-Palpur Sanctuary was found to be the most suitable site on account of its area, shape and vegetation.Â
In its report submitted in 1995, the Wildlife Institute of India recommended certain steps to be taken up before relocating lions to the area like establishment of the Kuno National Park over an area of approximately 700 sq. km. and translocation of all human settlements from the National Park area and stoppage of livestock grazing therein.
The institute has also advised undertaking habitat improvement measures including weed removal, and enhancing the availability and distribution of water and augmentation of the resident wild ungulate population by additional release of chital and nilgai to build up an adequate prey base for the reintroduced lions.
Natarajan added that The Ministry of Environment and Forests has so far released an amount of Rs. 1545.00 lakh to the State Government of Madhya Pradesh for rehabilitation of 1545 families from the Kuno-Palpur Sanctuary. An amount of Rs. 168.435 lakhs has been released during the last three years to the State Government of Madhya Pradesh to take up various measures for improvement of habitat and management of the Sanctuary. The Minister however clarified that no specific time limit has been fixed for the relocation of lions.
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