Chilika Waterfowl Census 2008 January 2008

15 members from the organisation associated with the Orissa State Wildlife Wing during the Chilika Waterfowl Census conducted during January 2008. They were part of 5 Census Units constituted viz. Nalabana, Mangalajodi and Bhusandpur. The exercise was for 2 days. Wild Orissa has been associating in this exercise since 1997. Wild Orissa is an organisational partner in the Indian Bird Conservation Network under the Important Bird Areas Program.

Visit to Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary, Orissa

Members visited the Satkosia Tiger Reserve during January-June 2008. They deliberated with the Satkosia Wildlife Division officials on the problems facing this newly created Tiger Reserve. Issues pertaining to man-animal conflicts, degradation of wildlife habitats, presence of prey base, anthropogenic pressures, etc. were deliberated upon. Wild Orissa had taken up the issue of bringing the Satkosia-Baisipalli forests under the Project Tiger scheme since 1997. Wild Orissa has associated with the State Wildlife Wing during Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Birds, Waterfowl, etc. enumeration exercise since 1997.

Visit to Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary, Orissa

Members have visited the Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary, located about 20 kms from the city of Bhubaneswar, during 2008 on various occasions. The issues of anthropogenic pressures, growth of real estate around this protected area, possible future impact of human settlements on the wildlife, etc. has been engaging the attention of the organization since 1997. Chandaka, Dampara and Bharatpur Reserved Forests have been visited.

Visit to Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary, Orissa

Members have been visiting the Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary, located 25 kms and 16 kms from Konark and Puri respectively. Issues pertaining to wildlife awareness amongst the locals, problem of capturing/rearing of cheetal deer by locals, presence of Black Bucks and their distribution, road kills, poaching of wildlife, degradation of habitat, etc. have engaged the organization. A major road connecting Puri and Konark passes through this protected area, causing disturbance to the wildlife.

Participation in Indian Bird Conservation Network Advocacy Workshop at Mumbai March 2008

The organization participated in the Indian Bird Conservation Network Advocacy Workshop at Mumbai during March 2008. The initiative by the organization to contain and combat the problem of poaching in the Chilika Lake was discussed. The success of this initiative in Mangalajodi village was amongst the gathering which was included Bombay Natural History Society, Royal Society of Birds London, etc.

Visit to Dhanni Forests

Members have been visiting the Dhanni forests which were regenerated through the efforts of 5 nearby villages since 1987. This community protected forest under the leadership of village Arjunapur has since seen the return of wildlife including Gaur and revival of Bamboo strands. Wild Orissa has been engaged in monitoring of the areas wildlife and to assist the local communities in employment generation programs.

Visit to Similipal Tiger Reserve

Members visited the Similipal Tiger Reserve and deliberated on the problems being faced in conservation. The issue of controversy on tiger numbers also was a point of discussion.

Visit to Bhittarkanika National Park

Members visited the Bhitarkanika National Park and studied the conflicts arising due to man-animal interface. The anthropogenic pressures in the buffer region was analysed and noted.

Visit to village Purnabandha on Rushikulya for Olive Ridley Turtles egg laying and hatching

Members visited the coastal villages in Ganjam District, including Purnabandha, and took part in monitoring of egg laying exercise by the Oilve Ridleys in the sea coast around the Rushikulya River mouth. Members, later, also took part in the monitoring and patrolling during the hatching of the youngs.

Participation in Leopard Census in Corbett Tiger Reserve

Members associated with the staff of the Corbett Tiger Reserve in the Leopard enumeration exercise during the month of June.