CONSERVING TIGER AND ELEPHANT HABITAT IN INDIA

CONSERVING TIGER AND ELEPHANT HABITAT IN INDIA

EARTHWATCH 2016

DEAR EARTHWATCHER,

On behalf of The Corbett Foundation and as a Principal Investigator (PI) of the “Conserving Tiger and Elephant Habitat in India” Earthwatch expedition, I welcome you all to Corbett Landscape – a region famous for the conservation of tigers, elephants and other wildlife. Although there have been many successes in tiger conservation in the Corbett Tiger Reserve and Corbett Landscape, which in turn is part of the Terai-Arc Landscape, the conservation of large wild animals such as tigers, elephants and bears has always been a challenging task in human-dominated landscapes. Available forest cover outside the Protected Area is fragmented, degraded and surrounded or interspersed with human settlements and crop fields. As such, human beings and wild animals are forced to share common resources, which can result in human-wildlife conflict. Resolving these conflicts is necessary to protect tigers and other species. But this cannot be achieved without the active support of local communities.

This project aims to promote co-existence between humans and wildlife and incorporates activities aimed at assessing available forest cover, status of forests, wildlife corridors, and adopting measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. The interactions you have with local communities will help you to understand both their affection and resentment towards wildlife.

As the Project PI, I look forward to welcoming you to the project site.

Yours sincerely,

Dr. Harendra Singh Bargali, Deputy Director The Corbett Foundation & Principal Investigator, Earthwatch Project

CONNECT WITH OTHER

EARTHWATCHERS! FIND US ON FACEBOOK

AT FACEBOOK.COM/ EARTHWATCH OR ON TWITTER

@EARTHWATCH_ORG, AND ON YOUTUBE AT YOUTUBE.COM/

EARTHWATCHINSTITUTE

https://www.facebook.com/Earthwatch

https://www.facebook.com/Earthwatch

https://twitter.com/earthwatch_org

http://www.youtube.com/earthwatchinstitute

http://www.youtube.com/earthwatchinstitute

1CONSERVING TIGER AND ELEPHANT HABITAT IN INDIA 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL INFORMATION .............................. 2

TRIP PLANNER ..............................................3

THE RESEARCH ............................................ 4

DAILY LIFE IN THE FIELD .............................. 6

ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD ...................... 8

PROJECT CONDITIONS ................................. 10

SAFETY ....................................................... 12

TRAVEL TIPS ............................................... 13

EXPEDITION PACKING CHECKLIST ...............14

PROJECT STAFF .......................................... 16

EMERGENCY NUMBERS ............................... 18

CONSERVING TIGER AND ELEPHANT HABITAT IN INDIA 20162

EARTHWATCH SCIENTISTS

Dr. H.S.Bargali

RESEARCH SITE

Ramnagar, Uttarakhand, India

EXPEDITION DATES

Team 1: Jan. 6–16, 2016

Team 2: Feb. 1–11, 2016

Team 3: Mar. 10–20, 2016

Team 4: Nov. 15–25, 2016

Team 5: Dec. 14–24, 2016

GENERAL INFORMATIONCONSERVING TIGER AND ELEPHANT HABITAT IN INDIA

Complete travel information is not available in this version of the briefing.

Please contact Earthwatch with any questions.


Read this expedition briefing thoroughly. It provides the most accurate information available at the time of your Earthwatch scientist’s project planning, and will likely answer any questions you have about the project. However, please also keep in mind that research requires improvisation, and you may need to be flexible. Research plans evolve in response to new findings, as well as to unpredictable factors such as weather, equipment failure, and travel challenges. To enjoy your expedition to the fullest, remember to expect the unexpected, be tolerant of repetitive tasks, and try to find humor in difficult situations. If there are any major changes in the research plan or field logistics, Earthwatch will make every effort to keep you well informed before you go into the field

IMMEDIATELYq Make sure you understand and agree to Earthwatch’s

Terms and Conditions and the Participant Code of Conduct.

q If you plan to purchase additional travel insurance, note that some policies require purchase when your expedition is booked.

q Send Earthwatch a scanned, color copy of the front page of your passport for the research permit to enter the park.

90 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPEDITIONq Log in at earthwatch.org to complete your

volunteer forms.

q Pay any outstanding balance for your expedition.

q Book travel arrangements (see the Travel Planning section for details).

q If traveling internationally, make sure your passport is current and, if necessary, obtain a visa for your destination country.

60 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPEDITIONq Make sure you have all the necessary vaccinations

for your project site.

q Review the Packing Checklist to make sure you have all the clothing, personal supplies and equipment needed.

30 DAYS PRIOR TO EXPEDITIONq Leave the Earthwatch 24-hour helpline number with

a relative or friend.

q Leave copies of your passport, visa, and airline tickets with a relative or friend.

TRIP PLANNERCONSERVING TIGER AND ELEPHANT HABITAT IN INDIA

http://earthwatch.org/terms-and-conditions


http://earthwatch.org/terms-and-conditions/participant-code-of-conduct

http://earthwatch.org/terms-and-conditions/participant-code-of-conduct



THE STORYCorbett National Park is situated in the foothills of Himalaya in the districts of Nainital and Pauri Garwal, comprising a total area of 520.82 km². This Park was established in 1936 and is the first National Park of India. It was also the site where Project Tiger debuted, a commitment to tiger conservation launched by the Indian government in 1973. The reserved forest areas form part of buffer zone of the Corbett National Park. The Corbett landscape is famous for its vast numbers of tigers and elephants, which play an important role both ecologically and economically, as they are responsible for much of the eco-tourism in the region.

Both tigers and elephants need a lot of land. Tigers in particular divide their landscapes up into territories, demarking their boundaries with scent and markings. But this project is also about those other invisible boundaries, those between the various administrative and management units. These include the boundaries between the Uttarakhand and Uttar States, between different zones designated to protect the wildlife in the reserve (core and buffer), and between various zones managed exclusively for tourism. These anthropogenic boundaries result in a complex matrix of landscapes that may provide either haven or risk to the tigers and elephants – and to the people who to call this landscape home. Much of the research on the welfare and conservation of tigers and elephants in the Corbett landscape has been done inside the reserve. This will be one of the first studies to look at human-wildlife conflict outside of the boundaries of the protected reserve, while working in collaboration with community members.

THE RESEARCHCONSERVING TIGER AND ELEPHANT HABITAT IN INDIA


HOW YOU WILL HELPCitizen Scientists will be involved in a number of research activities that include:

• SAMPLE VEGETATION: Assess the habitat of tigers and elephants in the region by recording observations and sampling vegetation across seasons.

• ASSIST WITH FIELD STUDIES: Help scientists to collect data to reduce crop damage.

• SUPPORT STUDIES ON FAUNA: Assist scientists in collecting data to understand the predator/prey relationship in the landscape.

• CONDUCT LOCAL OUTREACH: Interact and share experiences with local students and teachers to raise awareness about relevant conservation issues. In the evenings, you’ll head back to the field station for an informal talk by the researchers, an opportunity for Q&A, and time to relax.

RESEARCH AIMSThe objectives of this project—a partnership between The Corbett Foundation and Earthwatch are:

1.) To assess local community attitude towards elephant and tiger conservation in particular and other wildlife species in general.

2.) To evaluate and learn about habitat availability in and around crucial corridors and its use by tigers and elephants.

3.) To assess the efficacy of various human-wildlife conflict mitigation strategies in conflict-prone areas.

4.) To develop environmental leaders from share knowledge with local students, villagers and citizen volunteers by involving them in learning program actively in data collection, analysis, advocacy and other conservation measures.

At the start of the expedition, there will be an introduction and safety briefing, followed by an overview of the field tasks. The scientist and TCF research teams will present on biodiversity assessment and monitoring in and around the Corbett Tiger Reserve. The scientists will also brief you on other conservation efforts continuing in the Corbett landscape.

After the first day, you will be out in the field with the field experts. Before any new task, you’ll see a demonstration and receive training.

In between these activities we will visit local places of interest, such as the Museum of the Great Jim Corbett; a wildlife safari in the Corbett National Park, and local sightseeing. In the evenings, there will be learning sessions on the environment along with environmental movies.

DAILY LIFE IN THE FIELDPLANS FOR YOUR TEAM

6 CONSERVING TIGER AND ELEPHANT HABITAT IN INDIA 2016


ITINERARY AND DAILY SCHEDULE

Weather and research needs can lead to changes in the itinerary and the daily schedule. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

ITINERARY

DAY 1Arrival in Delhi

DAY 2Travel to Ramnagar

DAY 3Overview and introductions

DAY 4Fieldwork

DAY 5Fieldwork

DAY 6Fieldwork

DAY 7Corbett National Park Safari

DAY 8Fieldwork

DAY 9Debrief and presentations

DAY 10Travel to Delhi

DAY 11Departure

SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE (MAY VARY)

TIME ACTIVITY

7:00–8:00 a.m. Bird watching

9:00–10:00 a.m. Breakfast

10:00–10:30 a.m. Daily briefing and check-in

10:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. Fieldwork

2:00–3:00 p.m. Lunch

3:00–5:00 p.m. Fieldwork

5:00–6:00 p.m. Personal time

6:00–7:30 p.m. Learning session and review of the day

8:00–9:00 p.m. Dinner

9:00–10:00 p.m. Movie/end of the day


SLEEPINGYou will stay in the Infinity Resort, Dhikuli, Ramnagar District Nanital, Uttarakhand. INFINITY RESORTS CORBETT (address: Infinity Resorts, Village and P.O. Dhikuli, Ramnagar, District Nanital, Uttarakhand). The Resort is a luxurious nature resort occupying 22 acres and is situated on the renowned Corbett National Park. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, the mountain ranges, snow peaks, lush green forests and the Kosi River – all add up to the natural beauty that will absolutely take your breath away. The architectural design of the guests blocks are built to resemble an English country village and the guest rooms have walls made of “cut and dressed” river stones, chimneys, high bamboo ceilings and wooden trellises. The interior is spacious, dimly lit and decorated with a Buddha and paintings of wildlife and birds, which contributes to a wonderful sense of serenity and calm. Situated in the midst of a mango orchard, the entire feeling is that of a truly upmarket wildlife resort.

CENTER ON GLOBAL WARMING - There is an interpretation Centre inside the resort property on Global Warming to find out how you can be more environmental conscious. The Centre houses state-of-the-art exhibits, information panels, models and exhibits to illustrate to the visitors about the various causes, effects and ways to mitigate these effects of Global Warming.

BATHROOMSEach room has its own bathroom with a shower and toilet fitted with a western toilet seat. The hotel has hot and cold running water 24 hours a day. The hotel will provide a towel and soap, as well as a bucket. The hotel also offers a laundry service of clothing (you’ll be responsible for any laundry costs).

ELECTRICITYThe region has regular electricity, with occasional power cuts due to bad weather, in which case a generator usually takes over. Each room has a battery-operated lantern for emergency purposes. Voltage in India is 230V 50Hz; if necessary, bring a convertor to match Indian standards.

ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOODABOUT YOUR HOME IN THE FIELD


PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONSThere is chargeable Wi-Fi Internet at the hotel, which you can use from your own laptop or mobile phone. You can also check emails on a free hotel computer. The hotel has a copying and printing that you can use for a fee. Major mobile phone companies (Airtel, BSNL, Idea, and Vodafone) operate in the area, and there are phone booths near the hotel from which you can make long-distance calls. You can also get a SIM card at the airport if you wish to use your cellphone during the expedition.

FACILITIES AND AMENITIESThere is a multi-cuisine buffet restaurant in the Infinity Resort, which serves a wide variety of Indian, Chinese, Muglai meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The buffet will be served which offers a delicious buffet spread and always a good way of sampling the various multi-ethnic and multi-cultural cuisines offered.

DISTANCE TO THE FIELD SITEFrom the hotel, it takes from 20-30 minutes to an hour to drive to the various research sites. You will be traveling in comfortable vans with seat belts.

PLEASE NOTE: Alcohol and smoking are not allowed anywhere inside the hotel.

FOOD AND WATERThe resort has a restaurant, which will provide most breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. You will also have early morning tea served in your room. Depending on the distance to the research site and the day’s schedule, the restaurant may provide breakfast or lunch as a packed meal to take into the field. The kitchen is inside the restaurant on the ground floor, next to a large dining hall. You’ll enjoy meals while taking in a view of Kosi river and the foothills of the Himalayas.

You’ll eat local dishes on this expedition, and the Indian diet is primarily vegetarian. However, the cooks will make an effort to provide non-vegetarian food at least twice a week. You’ll have access to a pantry with a refrigerator for cold water and juices. You can also buy extra food or beverages and store a small quantity of food in the refrigerator.

TYPICAL MEALS

BREAKFAST Paratha (Indian flatbread), puri sabji (fried rounds of bread accompanied by spiced potatoes), other breads, butter, apple jam, apple chutney, honey, omelets, boiled eggs, cereal, and fruit, along with coffee, tea, milk, and juice.

LUNCH Rice, vegetable dishes like dal (a thick stew of lentils, peas, or beans), curry, salad, and Indian breads. Packed lunches may include sandwiches, puri sabji, rice, vegetable biryani (a rice dish), or other dishes.

DINNER Soup, vegetable biryani, dal, raita (a yogurt-based condiment), Indian breads, and northern Indian dishes. (Italian food and Chinese food can be served for those who can’t tolerate Indian food. All food is made fresh and not very spicy

SNACKS Fruit, pakora (potato, cauliflower, and onion dipped in chickpea flour paste and deep fried), Indian sweets such as halwa and assorted mithai (milk- and nut-based sweets).

BEVERAGES The hotel provides water filtered with Aqua-guard (a reverse osmosis filter). If you’re not comfortable with aqua-guard water you can ask for free bottled water, but we encourage using filtered water, to minimize our carbon footprint. Do not drink untreated tap water.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTSPlease alert Earthwatch to any special dietary requirements (e.g., diabetes, lactose intolerance, nut or other food allergies, vegetarian or vegan diets) as soon as possible, and note them in the space provided on your volunteer forms.

This project can cater to vegetarian and vegan diets, but other special diets are not likely to be accommodated due to availability, location, and local conditions.


GENERAL CONDITIONSHUMIDITY: 50%–95%

TEMPERATURE RANGE: Average daytime temperature from January to March: 68º F (20º C). The temperature may fall suddenly by up to 35.6º F (2°C) due to bad weather.

October: 68º–77º F (20º–25º C). At night the temperature will be around 41º F (5°C)

Please check accuweather.com/en/in/india-weather and see Ramnagar/Corbett National Park weather for field dates before packing.

ALTITUDE: Averages 400 meters

RAINFALL: Rain ranging from 5 to 15 cm can usually be expected in January and February and thunder showers often accompanied by hail are not uncommon throughout the hot months of April and May.

PROJECT CONDITIONSTHE FIELD ENVIRONMENT

ESSENTIAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:All participants must be able to:

• Follow verbal and/or visual instructions independently or with the assistance of a companion.

• Enjoy being outdoors all day in all types of weather, in the potential presence of wild animals and insects.

• Traverse an uncleared 100-meter (300-foot) transect of sometimes dense and tangled forest vegetation twice per day for quadrate study. Volunteers can take this activity at their own pace within their group. Total time hiking is less than four hours per day and the total distance less than 6.4 kilometers (four miles) per day.

• Carry personal daily supplies such as water, and some small field equipment—about one to five kilograms (two to 10 pounds) for up to 60 minutes each day, 30 minutes at a time.

• Get low enough to the ground for up to four hours each day

• Move around the forest on an undulating surface to lay quadrates and measure tree girth and count the number of trees of each species.

• Get oneself up into and down out of a minivan and ride, seated with seatbelt fastened, for a total of about two hours a day (or up to four hours when going to the research station).

http://www.accuweather.com/en/in/india-weather

http://www.accuweather.com/en/in/india-weather

HAZARD TYPE ASSOCIATED RISKS AND PRECAUTIONS

Transportation Road travel is the highest risk on this project. You’ll travel by train to and from Delhi to Ramnagar. For the field visits from hotel and from railway station to hotel, road network is fairly good. Precautionary measures will include traveling at slow speeds to navigate roads with heavy traffic from people, vehicles, and animals. Some travel will be on unpaved roads, which can be bumpy. Participants prone to back pain should consult their physician about these road travel conditions. Seatbelts must be worn at all times.

Terrain Some areas of the forest have uneven terrain and fallen branches covering the ground. Some of the terrain is terraced for agricultural use, with small streams. Wear comfortable, sturdy boots in the field and pay attention to where you step.

Insects Appropriate clothing and insect repellent are essential. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to avoid insect bites (and sunburn).

Snakes (less active during winters i.e. brumation), wasps, ants, and bees may be present. If you are allergic to any insect bites or stings, please include this information on your Health Form and bring the appropriate medication with you into the field.

Water Tap water is not safe to drink; drink bottled, boiled, or purified water only. You will be provided with bottled or reverse-osmosis filtered water.

Plants Some plants along the trails—nettle, berberis, rubus, and some grasses—have thorns or are likely to cause irritation if handled. You’ll be briefed on these species so that you can exercise caution in the field.

Wildlife Tigers, leopards, elephants, wild boars and crocodiles are present in the forest and some of them have been sighted near the hotel, so please do not walk around outside after sunset. Snakes may be present, but contact is unlikely due to winter brumation. Scorpions and other arthropods are also found in the region. By adhering to the guidelines provided during safety briefing, and wearing long trousers/pants and footwear and socks that cover the ankles, you can reduce the chance of accidents.

Climate/Weather Much of the work will be carried out under the forest canopy, but in the open, the sun will likely be very strong. Wear appropriate protection: sunscreen, long-sleeved shirts, and a hat.

Temperatures may fall suddenly, and rain or hail may come on quickly. We advise you to always carry warm layers and an umbrella or raincoat

Personal Security Ramnagar is a small town and Dhikuli where the resort is located is a small village and the research will be conducted in the surrounding rural areas with minimum security concerns. Crime is rare in the region as this place is a famous tourist site. However, visitors should be cautious. Here are some simple suggestions:

• Stay in pairs or groups when walking around, especially if you go out in the late evening. • Carry a torch/flashlight when necessary.• Wear conservative clothing that covers the upper arms and legs.• Don’t carry more cash than necessary.• Keep hold of your belongings in public areas.• Do not engage in reckless or risky behavior.• Always carry emergency contact information wherever you go.• Please inform Earthwatch staff before leaving the hotel.• To tackle with beggars in Delhi and other cities, always keep some sweets or biscuits.

Please do not give money.

Village Hazards When working in the villages, be careful of cook stoves. Additionally, unmarked drains, which present a tripping risk, may be present around the village homes. Loose and stray dogs may be present and should always be avoided.

Please ask permission from villagers before taking photos.

NOTE: Once you are in India and if you are facing any problem please dial #100 to reach police in any city.

HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATIONPOTENTIAL HAZARDS


EMERGENCIES IN THE FIELDThe Government Health Centre (Phone: +91-5947-253374) is 08 km from the hotel and is equipped with all basic medical facilities. There are also private clinics nearby (e.g., Brajesh Hospital, phone: +91-5947-253492) which can be used in an emergency.

Serious injuries or heath problems will be treated at the Ramnagar Government hospital (18 kilometers/11 miles away), a large hospital with many specialists. Extremely critical cases will be referred to the hospital in New Delhi, 268 kilometers (1678 miles) from the hotel.

PHYSICIAN, NURSE, OR EMT ON STAFF: Project staff members are not medical professionals.

NEAREST MEDICAL CENTERS: The Corbett Foundation (300 meters from the accommodations)

For emergency assistance in the field, please contact Earthwatch's 24-hour emergency hotline number on the last page of this briefing. Earthwatch is available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; someone is always on call to respond to messages that come into our live answering service.

IMMUNIZATIONSPlease be sure your routine immunizations are up-to-date (for example: diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella). Medical decisions are the responsibility of each volunteer and his or her doctor, and the following are recommendations only. Visit the Healix Travel Oracle website through the “Travel Assistance and Advice” page in your Earthwatch portal, cdc.gov or who.int for guidance on immunizations.

PROJECT VACCINATIONSREQUIRED: If traveling from countries or region where yellow fever is endemic, you must have a certificate of vaccination.

RECOMMENDED FOR HEALTH REASONS: Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, polio, rabies, Japanese encephalitis


SAFETYHEALTH INFORMATION

http://www.cdc.gov

http://who.int/en/

YOUR DESTINATIONLANGUAGE: People in the region generally speak Hindi or their local language. The project staff members and the hotel owner speak English.

TIME ZONE: India Standard Time (IST)

CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS: People generally dress conservatively, so please bring conservative clothing (e.g., long pants, not shorts or short skirts) while you are in the field and even in Delhi. While in the field, please ask permission before taking photos of people.

ELECTRICITY: There is 24 hr power supply and power backup.

TELEPHONE DIALING CODES: When calling India from another country, dial that country’s international dialing code, followed by 91 and the number. When calling another country from India, dial 0, followed by the other country’s country code and the number.

NOTE: You should check with your cell phone provider to obtain any carrier-specific dialing codes you may need; many providers have dialing procedures that may differ in whole or in part from these directions.

MONEY MATTERSLOCAL CURRENCY: Indian rupees (INR)

PERSONAL FUNDS: Participants may want to bring a small amount of money (INR5,000-10,000/US$100-200) to cover personal expenses. You can exchange money at the New Delhi airport or at hotel or the foreign currency exchangers at Ramnagar, however, we suggest that your hotel will be safest place for exchanging your currency.

PASSPORTS AND VISASPassport and visa requirements are subject to change. Check with your travel advisor, embassy or consulate in your home country for requirements specific to your circumstances. Generally, passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry and a return ticket is required.

CITIZENSHIPPASSPORT REQUIRED? VISA REQUIRED?

United States Yes Yes

United Kingdom Yes Yes

Europe Yes Yes

Australia Yes Yes

Japan Yes Yes

If a visa is required, participants should apply for a TOURIST visa. Please note that obtaining a visa can take weeks or even months. We strongly recommend using a visa agency, which can both expedite and simplify the process.

CONTACT INFORMATIONYou may be required to list the following contact information on your visa application and immigration form, or if your luggage does not make it to baggage claim at your destination:

Earthwatch, United States 114 Western Avenue Boston, MA 02134 U.S.A.

Email: [email protected] Phones are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EST). Tel: + 1-978-461-0081 Fax: + 1-978-461-2332


TRAVEL TIPSSUGGESTIONS FOR THE ROAD

mailto:[email protected]

14 CONSERVING TIGER AND ELEPHANT HABITAT IN INDIA 2016

EXPEDITION PACKING LISTWHAT TO BRING

GENERALq This expedition briefing

q Your travel plans, rendezvous details, and Earthwatch’s emergency contact information

q Photocopies of your passport, flight itinerary, and credit cards in case the originals are lost or stolen; the copies should be packed separately from the original documents

q Passport and/or visa (if necessary)

q Certification of vaccination (if necessary)

q Documentation for travel by minors (if necessary)

CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR FOR FIELDWORKq Earthwatch T-shirt

q Lightweight, quick-drying, long-sleeved shirts (the best protection against sunburn, bites, and scratches)

q Lightweight, quick-drying trousers.

q Jeans are not recommended for field work.

q Appropriate footwear: lightweight, quick-drying hiking boots, sturdy walking shoes (preferably waterproof), or tall rubber boots. Footwear should be well worn in to avoid abrasions and blisters. Sandals and f lip-flops are not acceptable for fieldwork.

q Calf-length socks that trousers can be tucked into. Wool-rich fabrics (about 70% wool, 30% nylon) wick moisture away and keep feet dry and comfortable. Inner socks are also recommended.

q Waterproof jacket or poncho

q Waterproof over-trousers

q Wide-brimmed hat

q Summer teams (May to November): a sweater/jacket, closed walking shoes

q Winter teams (December to April): a warm sweater, a jacket, wool socks, a warm hat and closed walking shoes, wool gloves

CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR FOR LEISUREq At least one set of clothing to keep clean for end

of expedition

q Pair of light shoes or sandals

FIELD SUPPLIESq Small daypack

q Sunscreen lotion with SPF 30 or higher

q Drybag or plastic sealable bags (good for protecting equipment like cameras from dust, humidity, and water)

q Insect repellent spray

q One one-liter water bottles

q Sunglasses

q Cap/Hat

BEDDING AND BATHINGNOTE: the project will provide linens, pillows, towels, blankets, etc.

PERSONAL SUPPLIESq Personal toiletries (biodegradable soaps and shampoos

are encouraged)

q Antibacterial wipes or lotion (good for cleaning hands while in the field)

q Personal first aid kit (e.g., anti-diarrhea pills, antibiotics, antiseptic, itch-relief, pain reliever, bandages, blister covers, etc.) and medications

q Spending money

OPTIONAL ITEMSq Headlamp with extra batteries and extra bulb

q Travel guide

q Extra eyeglasses, contact lenses, and/or lens solution

q Bandana or scarf

q Sewing kit, safety pins, and extra shoelaces

q Gloves for collecting plant and soil samples and other research tasks

q Camera, film or memory card(s), extra camera battery

q Hardware for sharing digital photographs at the end of the expedition

q Books, games, art supplies, etc. for free time

q Earplugs for light sleepers

NOTE: Do not bring more luggage than you can carry and handle on your own. If traveling by air and checking your luggage, we advise you to pack an extra set of field clothing and personal essentials in your carry-on bag in case your luggage is lost or delayed.

NOTE: The check in baggage limit in domestic flights is 15kg and hand baggage is 8 kg. Additional luggage is charged at the rate of INR 250/kg.

EXPEDITION PACKING CHECKLIST



PROJECT STAFFYOUR RESOURCES IN THE FIELD

DR. HARENDRA SINGH BARGALI is the Deputy Director at The Corbett Foundation, Corbett Tiger Reserve. He has been working as Deputy Director of the Corbett division of The Corbett Foundation (TCF) since 2007. Having more than 15 years experience in wildlife conservation he is an expert in human-wildlife conflict. In past he had been associated with the Wildlife Institute of India as Research Fellow and Research Associate. He has done one of the foremost detailed studies on sloth bear for his PhD and did detailed research on the sloth bear ecology, behaviour and human-sloth bear interactions using radio-telemetry. He has carried out a number of research and conservation projects supported by a various conservation agencies including International Bear Association and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. He has published more than 20 research papers and given more than 25 presentations in various national and international conferences. He has served as a member of the Uttarakhand State Wildlife Advisory Board (2012-2014) and continuing as Research Associate, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, USA and Co-Chair of IUCN/BSG Sloth Bear Expert Team.

DR. SHARAD KUMAR is the Deputy Director at The Corbett Foundation, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is the CoPI in this project. He conducted a long term study on ecology of tigers in buffer zone of Corbett Tiger Reserve using camera traps. Having done MSc and PhD in Wildlife Sciences he is having vast experience in the field of wildlife research and conservation. He has long been associated with wildlife research, training and conservation education. Currently he is serving as Deputy Director of Bandhavgarh Division of The Corbett Foundation and responsible for supervision of various research projects as well as coordination with various governmental and non-government agencies.

AISHWARYA MAHESHWARI is the Research Coordinator at the Earthwatch Institute India. He is a capable wildlife biologist carries nine year experience of working in various agro-pastoral and ecological zones covering fragile ecosystem of India with leading research and conservation organizations of the country. He has led the “Snow Leopard Project” for five years as a team leader. The multidimensional activities of the project have resulted in significant improvements with respect to conservation of species as well as sustainable development. Later, I also lead a project on snow leopard illegal trade across Central and Southern Asia and devised mitigation strategies to curb poaching of snow leopards.

His long term interests are to maintain the ecological balance by mitigating threats to the natural ecosystems and develop harmonious symbiotic relationship between nature and human. He would like to achieve this goal by putting his energy in developing logical, feasible and implementable strategies in today’s scenario, for long – term conservation of natural ecosystems on this planet. At Wildlife Institute of India, WWF-India and TRAFFIC, he has been helping National and International Schemes in different capacities with respect to identification of potential high altitude wildlife habitats and devising mitigating strategies for emerging threats.


GHANSHYAM PANDE is a program associate at the Earthwatch Institute India.He is an ornithologist, and carries a work experience of 10 years in the field of adventure tourism and outdoor education. Ghanshyam is a certified mountaineer and a certified wilderness first aid and CPR responder from Henfil Centre.

Ghanshyam has conducted a lot of nature awareness programs for school and college students as well as corporate groups. He likes to be in the outdoors and his main interest is in photography and documenting different species of flora and fauna.

PRADEEP MEHTA is the Research and Programme Manager at Earthwatch India. He has over 12 years of postdoctoral experience in natural resource management and sustainable livelihoods (mainly agriculture) in the western Himalayan areas of Uttarakhand and Ladakh. He has received a Junior Research Fellowship as part of Indian Council for Forestry Research and Education and Nuffic Fellowship. Before joining Earthwatch, he worked as a country representative of India at Appropriate Technology Asia. He is member of IUCN Commission on Environment Communication (CEC), Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM) and Commission on Protected Areas. He is also member of Global Citizen Science Association.

NOTE: Staff schedules are subject to change.


EMERGENCY NUMBERSAROUND-THE-CLOCK SUPPORT

EARTHWATCH’S 24-HOUR EMERGENCY HOTLINE

Call Earthwatch’s 24-hour on-call duty officer in the U.S.:

+1 (978) 461.0081

+1 (800) 776.0188 (toll-free for calls placed from within the U.S.)

After business hours, leave a message with our living answering service. State that you have an emergency and give the name of your expedition, your name, the location from which you are calling, and if possible, a phone number where you can be reached. An Earthwatch staff member will respond to your call within one hour.

TRAVEL ASSISTANCE PROVIDER: HEALIX INTERNATIONAL

+44.20.3667.8991 (collect calls and reverse charges accepted)

U.S. TOLL FREE: +1.877.759.3917

U.K. FREE PHONE: 0.800.19.5180

E-MAIL: [email protected]

You may contact Healix International at any time. They can assist in the event of a medicalor evacuation emergency or for routine medical and travel advice, such as advice on visas and vaccine requirements.

FOR VOLUNTEERS BOOKED THROUGH THE EARTHWATCH AUSTRALIA OFFICE:

Earthwatch Australia 24-Hour Emergency Helpline+61.0.3.8508.5537



MESSAGE FROM EARTHWATCHDEAR EARTHWATCHER,

Thank you for joining this expedition! We greatly appreciate your decision to contribute to hands-on environmental science and conservation.

As an Earthwatch volunteer, you have the opportunity to create positive change. And while you’re out in the field working toward that change, we are committed to caring for your safety. Although risk is an inherent part of the environments in which we work, we’ve been providing volunteer field experiences with careful risk management and diligent planning for over 40 years. You’re in good hands.

We hope this expedition will inspire you to get more involved in conservation and sustainable development priorities— not just out in the field, but also when you return home. We encourage you to share your experiences with others, and to transfer your skills and enthusiasm to environmental conservation efforts in your workplace, community, and home.

If you have questions as you prepare for your expedition, contact your Earthwatch office. Thank you for your support, and enjoy your expedition!

Sincerely,

Larry Mason President and CEO, Earthwatch

Earthwatch U.S. 114 Western Ave. Boston, MA 02134United States

[email protected] earthwatch.org

Phone: 1-978-461-0081 Toll-Free: 1-800-776-0188 Fax: 1-978-461-2332

Earthwatch Europe Mayfield House 256 Banbury Rd. Oxford, OX2 7DE United Kingdom


Phone: 44-0-1865-318-838 Fax: 44-0-1865-311-383

Earthwatch Australia 126 Bank St. South Melbourne, VIC 3205 Australia


Phone: 61-0-3-9016-7590 Fax: 61-0-3-9686-3652

Earthwatch Japan Food Science Bldg. 4F The University of Tokyo 1-1-1, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8657, Japan


Phone: 81-0-3-6686-0300 Fax: 81-0-3-6686-0477


http://earthwatch.org







CONSERVING TIGER AND ELEPHANT HABITAT IN INDIA

Documents