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Bhutan Information |
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Bhutan Information |
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Sometime
in the mid-70s, the government initiated the mass poisoning of wild dogs
that terrorized farmers and fed on their cattle. Most of the carnivores
were killed and soon forgotten. Now after almost 22 years, the wild dogs
are back. This time the law is on their side. In lower Kheng region, Zhemgang
dzongkhag, the carnivores are believed to be on the rampage killing cattle
and giving farmers sleepless nights. Wild dogs are a nightmare to farmers. |
Last
year more than 36 cattle were lost under Goshing geog from the villages
of Ngarang, Drimjang, Dumjang and Karmabii, which consist of few households,
despite constant vigil. Many more cattle are believed to have been killed
in Dumti, Barpong and Phuling villages. Similar incidents have also been
reported in other nearby geogs like Langdubi and Ngangla. Most of these
geogs are two to three days walk from the nearest motor road.
For
farmers a loss of a cow is harsh since most depend on the animal for cheese
and butter which they sell for cash and use the dung as fertilizer. Cattle
can cost between Nu 5000 to Nu 15,000, depending on its breed. One farmer
lost about 14 cows in Goshing geog. Most farmers have resorted to keeping
cattle caged fearing more losses. The wild dogs prey in packs of 20 to
25. They are larger than the domestic dogs, and are of a brownish colour
with a black nose and a black tail.
Farmers
said that the only positive spin-off from the wild dog explosion
in their geogs is the reduction of the wild boar menace. The wild boars
in the area have reportedly drifted downwards into other geogs wrecking
farmlands and crops.
The
farmers of lower Kheng, however, are not alone grappling with the problem.
Forestry
officials in Wangduephodrang say that wild dog attacks have resurfaced
in Phobjikha and Kabji geog. Cases have also been reported in Thimphu Dagala
area and in Changkha and Dagapela in Dagana dzongkhag.
According to the Nature Conservation Division (NCD) it's been about three
years since the re-appearance of the wild dogs.
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The
sale of tobacco and tobacco products in the only duty free shop in the
country has been banned from January, 2003. This is part of the continuing
national tobacco free initiative programme. The Thimphu shop, however,
will be allowed to sell the last hundred or so crates of Marlboro (red
and lights), Benson and Hedges, 555, and other imported brands. "A ban
on imported cigarettes will be ineffective as long as other regional brands
are available in the market," a local resident added. |
Another
Thimphu dweller said that the government should first ban the sale of alcohol
in the country. "Alcohol is a bigger problem and faster killer," he said.
To
smaller shopkeepers the ban made little difference."People buy more Indian
brands than the imported ones and as long as we share our border with India
our blackers will always do us the service," a shopkeeper said.
Although
18 of the 20 dzongkhags have declared themselves tobacco-free, there are
few places where one cannot buy cigarettes in Bhutan. According to an expatriate
who travels frequently around the country, there is a "vibrant and lucrative"
under-the-counter tobacco trade in all the tobacco free dzongkhags.
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Thrumshingla
National Park provides CGI roofs to protect ecosystem
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| The Thrumshingla National Park, spanning across Bumthang, Mongar, Lhuentse
and Zhemgang, is home to the endangered red panda, satyr tragopan, and
some bird species which have become extinct elsewhere in the world.
However,
their habitat is being threatened by human activities in the park region.
Every
year hundreds of fir trees, the predominant vegetation in the area, are
being felled for roof shingles, other house construction materials and
fuel wood. |
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To
stop the destruction of the habitat the park has provided subsidized CGI
roofs to all the 20 households of Sengor, a village which is located at
the centre of the park.
According
to the park manager, all villages within the park territory and its buffer
zones would ultimately be provided with CGI sheets. The Thrumshingla National
Park, with an area of 768 square kilometers, was established in July 1998.
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