Media employees demonstrate against Sangbad Lahari’s closure http://spnewsagency.com/media-employees-demonstrate-against-sangbad-laharis-closure/
________________________________ From: Pankaj Barah <pankajbo...@gmail.com> To: supportachild-assam <supportachild-as...@yahoogroups.com>; Barua Rajen <rajen.ba...@gmail.com>; Wahid Saleh <w.sa...@indiawijzer.nl> Cc: "assam@assamnet.org" <assam@assamnet.org>; "friendsofassa...@yahoogroups.com" <friendsofassa...@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Sunday, March 30, 2014 9:49 PM Subject: Re: [Assam] [SupportAChild-Assam] RE: Petition against dehorning rhinos in Assam [1 Attachment] Dear all, Thank you all for your great support for the cause. All total 1750 people from across the globe have signed the petition opposing the proposal of dehorning the rhinos, which was put forwarded by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wild-Life), Assam. The petition along with all the signatures and comments has been submitted to the PCCF, Assam with copy to 1. Hon'ble minister, Ministry of Environment & Forests, Paryavaran Bhavan CGO Complex, Lodhi Road New Delhi - 110 003 INDIA 2. World Wildlife Fund (WWF International), 1250 24th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20037 3.United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations Avenue, Gigiri PO Box 30552, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya 4. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, PO Box 28260 Juhu, Mumbai - 400 049 I am attaching the copy of the submitted petition here: Best regards, Pankaj To The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wild-Life), Assam, Assam Forest Department, Basistha, Guwahati-29 *Subject: Regarding Invitation of Opinion from Citizens of Assam on the issue of Rhino Dehorning.* Respected Sir, In response to your appeal for inviting opinion regarding dehorning rhinos in Assam; Bhaxa Xahityo Xonmiloni Axom (*ভাষা* *সাহিত্য* *সন্মিলনী**, **অসম* *)*, a non-profit organisation of Assamese people (of more than 15000 members) from all across the globe and its Facebook group Axomiyat Kotha-Botora (*অসমীয়াত* *কথা* *বতৰা*<https://www.facebook.com/groups/axomiyakothabotora/> ) have started an online campaign for collecting comments and signatures on the proposal of dehorning rhinos in Assam. More than 1500 people from across the globe have signed the petition opposing the move by the PCCF, Assam. We are forwarding all the names and address of the people who have signed the petition along with their comments. There are numerous cases where dehorning has proved insufficient to prevent rhinos from falling victim to poachers. For example, in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe during the early 1990s, the majority of dehorned rhinos were killed just 12-18 months after being dehorned. In Zimbabwe’s Save Valley Conservancy, six newly dehorned rhinos were poached during January-August 2011 (one rhino was killed within 24 hours and another within five days of being dehorned). Horns grow back over time, with recent studies claiming that the re-growth of dehorned rhino horn appears faster than growth in non-dehorned rhinos. With the current severe poaching threat, experts recommend that rhinos should ideally be dehorned every 12-24 months. Dehorning is an intrusive procedure and, like any immobilisation, there is a risk to the rhino during the operation. While all efforts are taken to reduce the risk, there are sometimes veterinary complications while the animal is under anaesthetic that may result in death. The more frequently the rhinos are immobilised, the greater the risk. We believe that trimming the horns of rhinoceros cannot stop illegal poaching of rhinoceros. Another contentious issue is whether dehorning actually deters poachers. Joel Berger, in a 1993 paper published in Conservation Biology, *suggested that poachers do not discriminate among rhinos based on the size of their horns, meaning even rhinos with stumps could be targeted.1* This conclusion may have some support. Janet Rachlow, a conservation biologist at the University of Idaho and one of Berger’s former Ph.D. students, helped manage a population of mostly dehorned white rhinos in Zimbabwe’s 1. http://www.rhinoresourcecenter.com/pdf_files/117/1178933370.pdf Hwange National Park in the 1990s. Normally, the herd was guarded by armed rangers; *however, a budget shortage forced the park to scale back its security, and, as a result, most of the rhinos were poached anyway. *Berger and his wife, Carol Cunningham, conducted the research in question in Namibia in the early 1990s. *In 1994, they published an article in Science suggesting that dehorned mother rhinos were less capable of defending their babies against predators than horned rhinos. 2* We have analysed a few case studies and have tried to rationally investigate if Dehorning has reduced poaching. · In Namibia between 1989 and the early 1990s, dehorning *coupled with rapid improvements in security* is perceived by stakeholders in that country to have contributed to reducing losses to poaching. · In Zimbabwe, during the early 1990s, a massive dehorning programme, coupled with the translocation of rhinos from vulnerable areas *into well protected IPZs* and conservancies away from the country’s borders is perceived by stakeholders in the country to have contributed to reducing losses to poaching. In addition, rhinos that have been dehorned in recent years in the Zimbabwe Lowveld conservancies appear to have 29.1% higher chance of surviving than horned animals (du Toit 2011). · Dehorning in Swaziland during the early 1990s, coupled with efforts to move rhinos to a *smaller and more secure sanctuary* within Hlane National Park seem to have been effective at reducing poaching of those animals, but may have simply shifted the focus of poachers to other rhino populations in the country. · In Mpumalanga, tentative insights from the dehorning programme in the provincial parks suggest that the intervention has caused a reduction in poaching losses. · However, in Hwange National Park, dehorning in 1991 *was unsuccessful primarily due to a virtually complete lapse in security for six months 12-18 months after the rhinos were dehorned. * · Similarly, several populations in Zimbabwe that have been almost completely dehorned in the last 2-3 years (Hwange National Park, Matobo National Park, Matusadona National Park, Chipinge Safari Area, Sinamatela) *have suffered severe poaching, due to the lack of security in those areas.* · The rhino population of Chiredzi River Conservancy which was completely dehorned (which had poor security and was heavily settled by subsistence farmers following land ‘reform’) was virtually eradicated by poachers (during 2003-2007), *whereas Malilangwe Trust (where no dehorning was done, but where there is excellent security) has not lost any rhinos.* · In South Africa, several incidents have been recorded of dehorned rhinos being killed by poachers in the last two years (including two in September 2011). In one incident, a horned rhino was wounded by poachers, and then dehorned by management and placed in a boma, *where poachers returned to kill the animal despite clearly being able to see that the animal was dehorned* (F. Coetzee, pers. comm.). Apart from the statistical analysis above, there are other emotionally significant reasons behind our appeal to stop the dehorning of Rhinos. · One horned rhinos along with tea are the only two symbols which define what Assam stands for. On a national or an international platform these are the two things that make us stand out and put us somewhere on the world map. The horn of the one horned rhino stands like a proud epitaph reminding us of our heritage our culture. A hornless rhino would put a serious mark on our cultural symbol itself. 2. http://www.rhinoresourcecenter.com/pdf_files/117/1175857535.pdf · Tourists all over the world are drawn to Assam to watch this one horned wonder the rhino. Dehorning the rhinos would lead to despair and dismay and the limited tourists that we have (inspite of the huge potential) would also stop visiting our state. This would lead to a loss in the state exchequer. In a state as financially strained as ours every penny lost would reflect in our inability to give shape to our future. From the above, it is pertinently clear that in an unsecure environment, such as in Kaziranga, dehorning of Rhinos will not yield desired results. *First we should beef up security measures in the region.* There are examples, as mentioned above in the case of *Malilangwe Trust*, where excellent security has minimized poaching to NIL. Hence, we strongly oppose the proposal of doing experiments by dehorning rhinoceros as a conservatory measure. We feel that the international community should consider other options, such as conducting economic analyses of the horn trade and taking steps to crack down on the global demand for rhino horns. If successful, such measures could reduce the need for brutal methods like dehorning. We hereby request the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wild-Life), Assam to put an end to this cruel proposal. We would also like to bring this proposal into the kind notice of concerned authorities like- WWF International, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA),United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt of India. Sincerely, <All the signatures> * Copy To:* 1. Hon'ble minister, Ministry of Environment & Forests, Paryavaran Bhavan CGO Complex, Lodhi Road New Delhi - 110 003 INDIA 2. World Wildlife Fund (WWF International), 1250 24th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20037 3. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations Avenue, Gigiri PO Box 30552, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya 4. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, PO Box 28260 Juhu, Mumbai - 400 049 On Sat, Mar 29, 2014 at 4:20 PM, Wahid Saleh - Indiawijzer < w.sa...@indiawijzer.nl> wrote: > > [Attachment(s) <#14513c19ce522e47_1450eee908560841_TopText> from Wahid > Saleh - Indiawijzer included below] > > Dear Pankaj, > > It is a good initiative you have taken. As per your request I have signed > the petition at “'Asomiyat Kotha-botora'. I am afraid I might have not > followed the correct procedure. Pls find attached the text. > > On the subject of the rejection of the Bidyut’s film, together with > Satyajit we submitted a petition to the responsible Minister in India. > Stayajit also took the responsibility of collection of the petitions and > submission of the petition. If you want you may contact him for guidance. > Greetings, > > Wahid da > > > > *From:* Pankaj Barah [mailto:pankajbo...@gmail.com] > *Sent:* zondag 23 maart 2014 16:56 > *To:* friendsofassa...@yahoogroups.com; assam@assamnet.org; > supportachild-assam > *Cc:* Barua Rajen; Wahid Saleh > *Subject:* Petition against dehorning rhinos in Assam > > > > Dear all, > > Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wild-Life), Assam, Assam Forest > Department is proposing an experiential project to dehorn the rhinos in > Assam as conservation measure. They are asking public opinion on or before > 30th of March 2014 in this regard. The opinions can be send to < > pccf.wl.as...@gmail.com> by email or to "Principal Chief Conservator of > Forests (Wild-Life), Assam, Assam Forest Department, Basistha, Guwahati-29, > Assam" by post. > > > We believe that trimming the horns of rhinoceros can not stop illegal > poaching of rhinoceros. It may have negative impact on rhino's normal > physiology, or psychological status. We, strongly oppose the proposal of > doing experiments by dehorning rhinoceros as a conservatory measure. > > 'Asomiyat Kotha-botora' a facebook group consisted of more than 15000 > members across the globe is preparing an online petition opposing this > unethical proposal by the PCCF, Assam. I request you all to sign this > petition with your short comments and contact address by clicking the > following URL. Copy of this petition will also be sent to People for the > Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, World Wildlife Fund, Ministry > of Environment & Forests, India and United Nations Environment Programme > etc. > > > https://www.change.org/petitions/principal-chief-conservator-of-forests-wild-life-assam-don-t-trim-horns-of-rhinoceros > > We would also appreciate if someone living in USA (FASS officials) comes > forward to help us to send this letter with all collected signatures to > the World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20037. > > > > Best regard, > > On behalf of 'Asomiyat Kotha-botora' group > > > Pankaj Barah > > Cell Molecular Biology and Genomics Group > http://boneslab.bio.ntnu.no/wordpress/ > Norwegian University of Science & Technology (NTNU), > Realfagbygget, Room no.: DU1-172 > N-7491, Trondheim,Norway > E.mail: pankaj.ba...@bio.ntnu.no > Homepage: http://www.ntnu.edu/employees/pankaj.barah > > __._,_.___ > > Attachment(s) from Wahid Saleh - Indiawijzer | View attachments on the > web > <https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/SupportAChild-Assam/attachments/651377276;_ylc=X3oDMTJycmhsNms5BF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzI1NTE0MTA4BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA2Mzk4NQRzZWMDYXR0YWNobWVudARzbGsDdmlld09uV2ViBHN0aW1lAzEzOTYxMTQ3NjQ-> > > 1 of 1 File(s) > Dehorning one-horned rhinoceros the State-symbol of >Assam.docx<https://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/25514108/149532850/name/Dehorning%20one-horned%20rhinoceros%20the%20State-symbol%20of%20Assam%2Ed> > Reply via web >post<https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/SupportAChild-Assam/conversations/messages/2000;_ylc=X3oDMTJxczJlOWFzBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzI1NTE0MTA4BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA2Mzk4NQRtc2dJZAMyMDAwBHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA3JwbHkEc3RpbWUDMTM5NjExNDc2NA--?act=reply&messageNum=2000> > Reply > to sender > <w.sa...@indiawijzer.nl?subject=RE%3A%20Petition%20against%20dehorning%20rhinos%20in%20Assam> > Reply > to group > <supportachild-as...@yahoogroups.com?subject=RE%3A%20Petition%20against%20dehorning%20rhinos%20in%20Assam> > Start > a New > Topic<https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/SupportAChild-Assam/conversations/newtopic;_ylc=X3oDMTJmcWF0ZjltBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzI1NTE0MTA4BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA2Mzk4NQRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNudHBjBHN0aW1lAzEzOTYxMTQ3NjQ-> > Messages > in this > topic<https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/SupportAChild-Assam/conversations/topics/1980;_ylc=X3oDMTM1OWJzaXQwBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzI1NTE0MTA4BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA2Mzk4NQRtc2dJZAMyMDAwBHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA3Z0cGMEc3RpbWUDMTM5NjExNDc2NAR0cGNJZAMxOTgw>(11) > Visit Your >Group<https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/SupportAChild-Assam/info;_ylc=X3oDMTJmaHFlZmwyBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzI1NTE0MTA4BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA2Mzk4NQRzZWMDdnRsBHNsawN2Z2hwBHN0aW1lAzEzOTYxMTQ3NjQ-> > > > [image: Yahoo! >Groups]<https://groups.yahoo.com/neo;_ylc=X3oDMTJlMXFtdTFsBF9TAzk3NDc2NTkwBGdycElkAzI1NTE0MTA4BGdycHNwSWQDMTcwNTA2Mzk4NQRzZWMDZnRyBHNsawNnZnAEc3RpbWUDMTM5NjExNDc2NA--> > • Privacy <https://info.yahoo.com/privacy/us/yahoo/groups/details.html> • > Unsubscribe<supportachild-assam-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com?subject=Unsubscribe>• > Terms > of Use <https://info.yahoo.com/legal/us/yahoo/utos/terms/> > . > > _______________________________________________ assam mailing list assam@assamnet.org http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org _______________________________________________ assam mailing list assam@assamnet.org http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
