Bytes

big cat in trouble: Indonesia's last tiger species -- the Sumatran tiger -- is on the brink of extinction, warns a report by TRAFFIC and WWF. At least 50 tigers have been poached each year between 1998 and 2002. This is alarming, as only 400-500 tigers were found in Sumatra in 1999. Undercover operations revealed substantial domestic trading in the tiger's parts.

Shelved!

the standing committee of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (cites) has deferred the one-time sale of 60 tonnes of stockpiled ivory by South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. The decision was taken at the panel's meeting, which took place in Geneva from March 15-19.

Hot on the poachers' trail

Having made a mark as a valuable tool in human forensic studies, genetics will now solve the puzzle for endangered wildlife too. Teams of researchers from Taiwan's Central Police University and the uk's Institute of Zoology in London are developing "fingerprint" tests that may soon put rhino poachers out of business by helping wildlife protection agencies to track smuggling routes.

Passing the buck

Wresting absolute control of forests but refusing to shoulder the blame when things go wrong -- this attitude can be attributed to just about any state forest department (fd) in India. The Mizoram fd is no exception.

FORESTS: Losing its soul

WATER: Fading glories

status: Most of the major lakes are dying potential: Just three lakes provide economic sustenance for close to 500 villages strategy: Revive these water bodies to generate livelihood

TOURISM & HANDICRAFTS: Backs to the wall

status: Almost no tourism; crafts trade only Rs 900 crore potential: Eco- and religious tourism can generate Rs 1,000 crore revenue, while handicrafts can turn in Rs 3,500 crore strategy: Revive confidence by reviving governance

The key: empowerment

As an economy, reviving Kashmir is not a difficult proposition. The new government, instead of exploring the more difficult option of sourcing resources from outside, has to look inwards. It has to bring about a basic change in the state's policy: from that of dependence to self-dependence. While the government -- to its credit -- is making an effort to harness the state's resources (vis--vis the new power policy and forest policy), what is also imperative is a simultaneous revival of governance.

Rhinos at risk

The alarming rise in poaching in Nepal's national parks is threatening to derail the country's success in rhinoceros conservation. A total of 48 rhinos have died since April 2002, according to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC). While most of the pachyderms fell prey to poachers, some were either electrocuted by irate local farmers or died due to other causes.

Film review: A planet of hope

Kalahandi: A Planet of Herbs o Director: Amarendra Kishore o 28 minutes o English/Hindi