Posted on January, 17 2006
The Khata Corridor in recent times has become a lively area with growing wildlife movement recorded on both sides of the protected areas.
Local communities have recorded the presence of female tiger and cubs in Gauri Mahila Community Forest of Khata Corridor. Pugmarks of both mother and her cubs have been recorded in the floodplains of Orahi River . The records indicate the mother watching her cubs play in mud, from the balcony of floodplain bunds. This is the first time that a breeding tigress along with her cubs has been recorded in the region. Two years ago, a male tiger was recorded in the same area.
Chairman of Gauri Mahila Community Forest , Bhadai Tharu (Recipient of the Prestigious Abraham Conservation Award, Institution Category) says, “For some time now, users are being barred from cutting thatch grass in the area to keep them safe from tiger attacks.” In common practice, users of the Community forest are allowed to harvest thatch grass found in forest areas.
Tiger movement has also been recorded in other areas of the community forest in Khata Corridor. Male tigers have been recorded in Ganesh Sisnia and Sonahaphanta Community Forest of Khata Corridor. This area is about 500m north of Gauri Mahila Community Forest .
Recently, poachers had been attacked by a tiger but the tiger has not been traced. Locals believe the tiger is moving around with the trap dangling around its feet. Tiger screams have been heard by villagers cutting grass in Sonahaphanta Community Forest . TAL in coordination with the Community Forest Coordination Committee and Community based Anti-poaching unit continue their joint efforts in tracking the tiger.
Khata Corridor is also becoming a feeding ground for rhinos. Rhino footprints are seen everywhere inside the forest areas. In-some areas, rhino along with calves are also being recorded. In recent times, one human casualty caused by a female rhino and her calf was recorded in Shiv Community forest. Similarly, a female calf was found dead along the Geruwa Floodplain (sub branch of Karnali River Floodplain). Post mortem report showed illness as her cause of death.
As these events indicate, Khata Corridor is becoming a hub for wildlife, in an area outside the protected areas. Simultaneously, the role of the Anti-poaching unit in Khata Corridor is becoming a challenge for keeping conservation beyond boundaries.
A new baby elephant joins us
A domestic elephant named “Gulab Kali” gave birth to a male calf on 8 January 2006 at Shivapur Hattisar in Royal Bardia National Park . She had given birth to another male “Thakurgaj” two and half years ago.
