Story/place-Pune
Dipannita Das, TNN, Mar 19, 2011, 06.10am IST
PUNE: The endemic Indian Giant Squirrel, which is also the state animal, is losing its habitat in Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary as the tree canopy which this endangered species need, is disappearing due to human interference, and this has added pressure on the forest and the wildlife. This was stated by Renee M Borges, professor at the Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore.
Borges, who has studied the status, ecology and conservation of the Indian Giant Squirrel in Bhimashankar, was in the city for a two-day workshop on 'Capacity building of forest staff with focus on Indian Giant Squirrel', organised by the forest department (wildlife) on Friday. Borges pointed out that the sanctuary, which has the potential to become a world heritage site, is in a sorry state. "There is no proper garbage disposal system. The sanctuary is littered and is facing pressures from pilgrim tourism because of the Shiva temple located inside the sanctuary," she said. "The Indian Giant Squirrel is a symbol of undisturbed forest. Therefore, a holistic approach is needed to protect them. It needs continuous canopy, so there has to be continuity between two forests. The forest department has to identify the threats and take measures accordingly." According to Borges, the sanctuary has to be protected from human disturbance and measures are needed to reduce the pressure. "The sanctity of the temple has to be maintained. The sanctuary also contains the origin of the Bhima river and its catchment areas. Steps are needed to reduce the pressure on the sacred groves as well." During her talk, Borges narrated how during a field trip, a giant squirrel with her baby and nest was sighted. "These are positive signs that some forest areas are still good for the species. But there is a need to look at the disturbances like poaching. There has to be continuous monitoring inside the forest,'' she said. The Indian Giant Squirrel feeds on certain plant species. Borges stressed that these plant species have to be conserved.
source-timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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