Informatics Publishing Limited

W. A. Rodgers

Abstract

The paper describes the change in objectives of the national preservation plot network since their inception in the 1930s. Today the network could potentially playa useful role in research, as ecological reference centres and as benchmark reserves for maintenance of biodiversity. However the management status of plots is poor, many have disappeared, rarely are prescriptions for maintenance or monitoring given in working plans, and actual research use is very rare. The paper suggests that greater investment should be made in the preservation plot network so as to achieve their full potential.

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H. S. Panwar , W. A. Rodgers

Abstract

Despite successful conservation programmes for tiger and leopard in India, the subject of reintroducing these animals into wild situations is still discussed by conservationists. This paper describes three possible reasons for such reintroductions: creating new or bolstering small existing population; releasing captured 'problem' animals such as habitual stock lifters; and rehabilitaiting captive bred 'tamed' individuals. We conclude that none of these reasons has sufficient justification for planning reintroduction projects of tiger or leopard in India today, on conservation or ethical grounds.

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W. A. Rodgers

Abstract

This short review paper stresses both the complexity of the ecology of fire, and the range of the possible effects of fire on forest and grassland communities. It is pointed out that wildlife management is more than protecting tree cover, and in some places the ground layer is perhaps of greater importance. The manager may have to manipulate habitats 10 ensure adequate grass resources for grazing animals; fire is one tool for such manipuiation. The paper discusses some wildlife-habitat and fire studies from India and Nepal, and suggests that the objective of conservation of the protected area must dictate management's reaction 10 fire. The paper concludes that where fire is needed to manage habitats, then this must be a prescribed controlled burn On a patchwork basis, and not a wildfire.

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