This is "Babu" observing swamp deer shortly after his first ever tiger sighting. As much as I feel very blessed to see the magnificent wildlife of western Nepal it is a special thrill when I see others enjoy their first sightings of the big three, tiger, elephant and rhino. It is no small irony that westerners can buy a wildlife experience when many locals rarely, sometimes never have the opportunity to enjoy the same experience in a peaceful setting. All too often the local experience may be a human/wildlife conflict issue such as elephants destroying crops, houses or worse, perhaps a leopard taking a goat.
Babu came with us on an anti-poaching unit training day (because his uncle was one of the trainers!) and although he is half the size of the rest of us his wonderful playful nature and thrill at seeing tiger enthralled us all. At one stage, at a rest stop, he starting singing quietly to himself, everyone smiled at the moment.
I'll write more about Babu and other great characters of the jungle and mountains as time goes on. The connectivity problems mean I will post short sharp blogs from this point.
For now I just want to briefly follow up on the poaching incident in my previous post. Yesterday I met with Bardiya National Park acting assistant warden Ashok Bhandari. We talked about the process taking place for the three caught for illegal fishing. I'll briefly sum up from the moment we stumbled across the three.
We had had a hot but successful training day. Rajan had been educating the guys mainly with biodiversity training. During the course of the day our party of ten had spotted two tigers, two rhinos and five elephants. It was super hot, everything had gone well, there was a good feeling in the group so we decided to make our way back to Park HQ taking less used trails, walking in some stunning mixed and riverine forest.
We were zig zagging the beautiful Geruwa river, preparing to cross for the fourth time. Such was the heat that these river crossings are sheer relief for body and spirit. The threat of crocodiles is taken seriously but all creatures are taking it easy in the jungle oven, the risk is very calculated. As we set down our gear, preparing for the crossing there is a sudden "loud whisper" asking all to quickly duck into the long grass.
Fishermen have been spotted in the distance. We train camera lens, binoculars onto the culprits. I prepare to take video as the team quickly takes action. Rajan places a quick call to park authorities, Hemant is getting as many still images as he can, important evidence. Meanwhile other team members start crossing the river with speed and stealth. Most are across and creeping through the jungle by the time the fishermen spot trouble.
The fishermen start running. They are out of the river quickly and tearing along the flats. Within seconds our guys are sprinting out of the jungle and seemingly flying across the river. The chase is no contest. Within two minutes a quiet morning's fishing has turned into a very bad scene for three locals.
In my previous post you can see the looks of concern as the three are held for questioning while park authorities make their way. Soon a walk and jeep ride see them arrive at the holding jail at Park HQ.
A day later Ashok tells how as "personal use" poachers they will be fined up to 2500 Nepal rupees each, not a small sum. Professional poachers face must stiffer penalties as I will explain in future posts. The whole investigation process must be completed within 25 days at which point sentence will be passed on recommendation from legal advisers attached to the Central Government.
This is the type of work the community based anti poaching unit (CBAPU) performs and makes huge impact with. Ashok explains that CBAPU support has been a major factor in the reduction of poaching in the area. The result? A stronger ecology and tiger numbers increase. Tiger populations reflect jungle health. A fish, a tree, they all play their part.
When I mention to Ashok the possibility of a zero poaching year he understands I am referring to the big three, tiger, rhino, elephant. However, he shakes his head. There is no such thing as zero poaching. All incidents, no matter what species, fauna or flora, must be treated seriously.
I love this attitude. This is why Bardiya is gaining such a strong name, why the tiger and all species under its umbrella are flourishing. The work must never stop. The CBAPU must continue playing its pivotal role.
More soon...cheers Jack.
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