Browsing by Author "Johnson, J.A."

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A manual on marine mammal stranding response
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2022) Sivakumar, K.; Rajpurkar, S.; Tripura, V.; Dixit, D.; Pande, A.; Prabakaran, N.; Johnson, J.A.
Assessment of amphibians and reptilian diversity along Ganga river : progress report
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Das, Abhijit; Hussain, S.A.; Johnson, J.A.; Boruah, Bitupan
In the present study an attempt has been made to survey the herpetofaunal diversity along Ganga River. The objectives of the study are to determine the species richness and diversity of herpetofauna along Ganga and Alaknanda river ii. To map the distribution of herpetofaunal species along Ganga and Alaknanda river iii. To study the reproductive biology of threatened amphibian species of the Ganga River Basin
Assessment of aquatic resources of Askot landscape with reference to the human foot Prints - Phase 2
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2018) Rajpur, V.; Johnson, J.A.; Srivastava, Ajay
The aim of the report is to give an overview regarding the areas in Askot landscape which are in need for conservation in terms of aquatic habitat. This study is a part of the project Biodiversity Conservation and Rural Livelihood Improvement (BCRLIP) in Askot landscape. This report deals with the assessment of aquatic resources of Askot landscape with reference to human footprints available there. The focus is mainly on the assessment of fish density and people dependency on fishes along with the caused disturbances. People were-highly dependent on stream Rautis which is located at lower altitude of the landscape. Several human disturbances were identified in the landscape which is electrofishing, bleaching, water diversion, dynamiting, regulated water, sand mining, roads, stream crossings and waste discharge. Riparian quality was assessed in the streams of Askot landscape and found out Dhauli coming under the category F which shows low quality because of changes in the habitat. This provides the health and ecological status of all streams. On the basis of indicator criteria two indicator species was narrowed down as Schizothorax richardsonii and Naziritor chelynoides. So habitat requirement for both the species was studied and found out different requirement for substrate as boulders for Schizothorax and sand, silt for Naziritor. Further monitoring protocol is made for managing the Askot landscape in terms of aquatic fauna.
Assessment of cumulative impacts of hydroelectric projects on Aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity in Alaknanda and Bhagirathi basins, Uttarakhand
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2012) Rajvanshi, Asha; Arora, Roshni; Mathur, V.B.; Sivakumar, K.; Sathyakumar, G.S.; Rawat, G.S.; Johnson, J.A.; Ramesh, K.; Dimri, Nandkishor; Maletha, Ajay
Assessment of habitat use by black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) and eflows of Nyamjang Chu Hydroelectric Project in Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2018) Gopi, G.V.; Johnson, J.A.; Adhikari, B.S.; Bhattacharya, M.; Wattham, T.; Sivakumar, K.
Nyamjang Chu River flowing in Zemithang valley of Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh is on e of the only two known Black-necked crane wintering sites in India. In 2006, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh awarded the development of a hydropower project in the Nymjang Chu River at Zemithang valley to Bhilwara Energy Limited. On behalf of BEL WAPCOS ltd and RS Envirolink technologies pvt. limited carried out the EIA and EMP were strongly opposed and challenged by many scientific as well as social institutions. Citing flaws in the methods adopted for floral and faunal studies the baseline setting for the ecological aspects and prediciton of impacts on wildlife habitat and environment of the region. Recently the honorable National Green Tribunal (NGT) observed gross errors in the EIA and EMP such as omission of key, rare and threatened species such as omission of key, rare and threatened species such as the Black-necked crane in the report and ordererd that the WII to conduct a detailed study in this regard. The primary scope of the WII study was to assess the habitat requirements of the Black-necked crane and Assess the environmental flows requirement for protection and conservation of Black-necked crane habitats at the proposed Nyamjang Chu Hydroelectric project site in Zemithang valley
Assessment of habitat use by Black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) and elflows of Nyamjang Chu Hydroelectric project in Tawang District, Arunachal Pradesh.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2018) Gopi, G.V.; Johnson, J.A.; Adhikari, B.S.; Bhattacharya, M.; Wattham, T.; Sivakumar, K.
Detailed Project report of Bakhira Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh, India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Johnson, J.A.; Sivakumar, K.; Vijaykumar, C.; Mondal, P.S.; Mitra, P.; Dubey, V.K.; Sharma, A.
The Indo-Gangetic floodplains in the state of Uttar Pradesh, harbours numerous natural and man-made wetlands. Bakhira Lake is an important oxbow Lake of eastern Uttar Pradesh, which provides wintering and staging ground for large number of migratory birds and breeding ground for resident birds. Realizing the ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural and zoological significance of the area for the purpose of protecting, propagating and developing wild life and its environment the area has been declared as Sanctuary. 2. The lake supports about 100 species of resident and migratory waterfowl, over 40 species of fish, several species of amphibians and reptiles and the smooth coated otter, Nilgai and common langur. Over the centuries the fisher folks have practiced indigenes non-detrimental fisheries methods being dependant on the lake, but with the recent hydrological changes, they claim fish population, size and diversity to have changed and declined and are resorting to unsustainable fisheries practices to obtain a minimum required catch. 3. Further, Bakhira wetland has a significant socio-economic, ecological, floral and faunal value in addition to their aesthetic values. The Management Action Plans suggested in this DPR include both Policy level and site level Management Actions keeping in view the need to safeguard the well-being of this wetland and people around. 4. The DPR is also suggests the need for capacity building to professionally manage this wetland. A special focus is given to development of proper eco-development strategies that will decrease the human dependency on the wetland resources and increase visitation of these sites through proper eco-tourism plans. 5. Vision: “Ecologically functional wetland of ‘Bakhira Bird Sanctuary’ is important biodiversity heritage of Uttar Pradesh should be conserved and emerge as a centre of excellence for eco-tourism and conservation education”. 6. Objectives: a) Appreciate and promote the importance of integrated and sustainable management of Bakhira Bird Sanctuary (BBS); b) Promote participation of stakeholders in the management of BBS; c) Mainstream biodiversity conservation into production sectors of the region especially fisheries, tourism and agriculture; d) Effectively as well as scientifically protect, manage and monitor the biodiversity of BBS; e) Promote eco-friendly tourism that provides a rich experience for tourists, economic benefits to the local people and support to the Sanctuary; f) Develop BBS as a world class biodiversity site to promote eco-tourism and nature education. 7. Problems: Major portion of the sanctuary including the entire wetland area is not belongs to the State Forest Department that hindering the effective management of the Sanctuary. Altered hydrology that resulted in lack of flushing mechanism in the wetland. High nutrient rich water due to agricultural runoff and use of domestic animals in large numbers.Poaching. Fishing during the critical period and in the critical wildlife habitats. Spreading of Phragmites, Hydrilla in the wetland. Pollution (source: sewage pollution from urbans – poor sewerage system). Lack of inter-sectoral co-ordinations in planning and development of nearby Municipal corporations. Increasing anthropogenic pressure around the Sanctuary. Lack of clarity on ‘Scope of the Management Area of BBS’. Multi-stakeholders but lack of ownership and participation in conservation. Poor infrastructure of Management Authority of BBS. Poor infrastructure to promote eco-tourism, eco-development and nature education, to strengthening protection and monitoring.
Drivers of community and functional assemblages in rocky intertidal ecosystems of the Goan coast
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2026) Prashant, Shreyas; Ghanekar, Chinmaya; Dutta, Sutirtha; Johnson, J.A.
Rocky intertidal ecosystems have long served as natural laboratories for testing fundamental ecological theories. However, much of our understanding of community assemblages in these systems comes from temperate shores. In contrast, tropical intertidal ecosystems remain largely understudied. The disparity in environmental conditions between the temperate and the tropical zones limits our understanding of ecological processes. Therefore, investigating how environmental and biotic factors drive tropical community assemblages is critical for assessing the generalizability of existing ecological theory. This study examines the effects of environmental stress gradients ranging from the upper to the lower intertidal zones on community and functional assemblages in Goa’s rocky intertidal ecosystem. The influence of predation on community composition is also investigated within this ecosystem. To understand the effects of the environmental stress gradient and multiple fine-scale habitat characteristics on the community, a transect-quadrat method was employed across three study sites. The environmental stress gradient was found to be the main factor influencing community composition and structure, while sand cover, wave action and substrate complexity operated at finer scales within the broader gradient. Functional traits were compiled for the organisms found within the quadrats. This trait matrix was then used to assess whether motile and sessile animals respond differently to gradients of environmental stress and algae cover. Motile animals showed functional dispersion along the biotic gradient, while sessile animals showed a functional trait shift along the stress gradient. This suggests that motile animals may respond through biotic facilitation, driven by the combined effects of decreased stress and increased algal cover. Lastly, predator-exclusion cages were deployed to investigate whether predators considerably affect community composition. The experiment used Indothais blanfordi, a predatory sea snail, as the focal predator of Brachidontes mussels. Indothais had a strong effect on both Brachidontes mussels and community composition. Together, the results show that the environmental stress gradient structured the community through environmental filtering. However, the mechanisms through which this occurs are nuanced and depend on organismal life histories, biotic interactions and fine-scale habitat mediators. These findings extend environmental stress gradients and environmental filtering theory, developed primarily along temperate shores, into an understudied tropical system. In doing so, it provides an ecological foundation and methodological framework from which further questions can now be pursued.
Ecological responses of Intertidal Benthic communities to certain abiotic factors in Nancowry islands, Nicobar
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2017) Kandregula, Samyukta Rao; Sivakumar, K.; Johnson, J.A.
The intertidal zone is the amphibious niche between the high and low tides. The invertebrate taxa present here lay bare to several influencing factors and facilitate the flow of energy by participating at each trophic level in the marine ecosystem. This study was carried out in order to assess the community structure of intertidal benthic macro invertebrates. Their associations with various factors known to affect intertidal zones were looked into, in the remote islands of Kamorta and Nancowry in Central Nicobar, Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. Three study sites of varying beach profiles (reflective, intermediate and dissipative) were studied across spatio-temporal scales. Baseline information was drawn 'on the key players of the macrofauna community signals. Replicates need to be studied to confirm the patterns observed. Comprehensive community level analyses (at species) need to be done along with supplementary data through Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analysis and heavy metal analysis (ICP-MS analysis) needs to be done to ascertain the sources and magnitudes of the signals of influencing factors.
Ecology and conservation of Ichthyofauna in the Godavari River Restuarine Ecosystem (EGREE) Andhra Pradesh
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2022) Paromita Ray; Johnson, J.A.; Sivakumar, K.
This study was conducted to understand the ecological processes and functions of the estuary, including studying the role of the Godavari mangroves as fish habitats, is needed to maintain the various ecosystem services of EGREE. The three main objectives of this thesis are: 1. To study the spatio-temporal changes in fish assemblage across the different habitats in East Godavari Riverine Estuary Ecosystem (EGREE) 2. To study the trophic ecology of ichthyofauna in East Godavari Riverine Estuary Ecosystem (EGREE). 3. To study the role of mangrove forests in structuring the ichthyofauna in Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary. This study was conducted between June 2014 and May 2017 in the estuarine zone of the Godavari delta and the mangroves of Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh.
Ecology and Migratory patterns of the Golden Mahseer, Top Putitora (Hamilton,1822), in Western Himalayas using Radio Telemetry Techniques
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2023) Dhawan, Bhawana; Johnson, J.A.; Sivakumar, K.
This work is one of the most important and iconic freshwater fish species, golden mahseer Tor putitora (Hamilton, 1822), that provides crucial insights into the assemblage structure, food and space resource of the species, habitat ecology, life-history characteristics and movement ecology of the species. This study is the detailed study of any freshwater fish species in which movement patterns in the streams have been studied using radio telemetry techniques in the Himalayan streams.
Ecology of seagrass associated fin fishes and conservation perspectives of seagrass ecosystem in Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar, Tamilnadu
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2026) Deepak, Ghanekar Chinmaya; Johnson, J.A.; Sivakumar, K.
Seagrass meadows are among the most productive and ecologically significant coastal ecosystems that sustain marine biodiversity and human health as well. Seagrass meadows are particularly well-structured and provide habitat for many marine organisms. Their interaction with coral reefs, estuaries and coastal waters contributes to the functioning of whole seascapes. In addition to providing habitat, seagrass meadows are important for fisheries, protect coasts, stabilize sediment, and sustain millions of coast benefits, seagrass ecosystems are in decline worldwide, which is a direct consequence of increasing anthropogenic pressures and their ability to sustain biodiversity and ecosystem services. In India, Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar are among the most extensive and diverse seagrass meadows and are ecologically unique areas where biodiversity conservation and fisheries sustainability are linked. These ecosystems support threatened species such as the dugong and provide important fishing sites for coastal communities. But over time, fishing pressure, habitat degradation and other human-induced disturbances have made it hard to sustain them in the long term. Although research has been done on the distribution and composition of Indian seagrass meadows, the ecological processes that underlie the functioning of fish and ecosystems are poorly understood. The current study aimed to fill these knowledge gaps by integrating the assessment of commercially important finfish diversity, resource partitioning, ecosystem services and anthropogenic threats into a single ecological framework with following objectives: 1. Assess the commercially important fin fish species associated with seagrass ecosystems in Palk Bay. 2. Document the resource (food and space) partitioning patterns among fin fish species associated with seagrass ecosystems 3. valuate ecosystem services provided by seagrass ecosystem with reference to commercial fin fish fishery 4. Assess major threat posed by different fishing practices in seagrass ecosystem and provide option for conserving seagrass ecosystems. Rather than focusing on these aspects in isolation, I investigated how they interact and contribute to the healthy functioning and resilience of seagrass ecosystems. Fish diversity, habitat complexity, ecological connectivity and ecosystem services are linked and it is suggested that disturbances affecting one component can affect the health and sustainability of the whole system. Thus, the synthesis in this chapter synthesizes the findings of the study and considers their relevance in the management of fisheries and biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of seagrass ecosystems in Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar. 1. Commercially Important Finfish Species Associated with Seagrass Meadows The first objective of the present study was to assess the commercially important finfish species associated with seagrass ecosystems of Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar and to understand the ecological factors influencing their distribution and habitat use. Although seagrass ecosystems are widely recognized as important fish habitats, information on commercially important finfish species associated with Indian seagrass meadows has remained limited. This investigation was therefore undertaken to document fish diversity, evaluate regional variation in fish assemblages, and examine the relationship between habitat characteristics and fish communities. A combination of fish market surveys and underwater visual census techniques was employed to obtain a comprehensive understanding of seagrass-associated finfish diversity. Prior to ecological assessments, a comparison between belt transects and point count methods was carried out to standardize the sampling protocol. Both methods produced similar estimates of species diversity and evenness, but point counts recorded higher guild-wise fish densities and provided better opportunities for behavioural observations and size-class assessments. Based on these observations, point counts were adopted as the standard method for subsequent underwater surveys. Fish market surveys conducted across the major landing entres of Palk Bay confirmed that seagrass ecosystems support a large number of commercially important fish species. A total of 161 fish species belonging to 58 families were found to be consistently associated with seagrass fishing grounds. Considerable variation was observed among fish markets, with larger landing centres recording greater species and family richness. These observations indicate that seagrass ecosystems contribute substantially to local fisheries and support a diverse range of economically valuable species. Underwater visual surveys further demonstrated the ecological importance of seagrass meadows. A total of 85 fish species representing 51 genera and 31 families were recorded during field observations. The Gulf of Mannar supported greater species richness and diversity than Palk Bay, while Palk Bay exhibited higher species dominance. Family-wise composition also differed between the two regions, with reef-associated families being more abundant in the Gulf of Mannar and estuarine and shallow-water associated families showing greater representation in Palk Bay. These differences suggest that local habitat characteristics and connectivity with surrounding ecosystems strongly influence fish assemblages.
Ecology of Seagrass Habitats and its associated macrobenthic invertebrates in Andaman islands, India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Gole, Swapnali; Sivakumar, K.; Johnson, J.A.; Das, Himansu
The diversity, composition, and growth of species in plant communities are shaped mainly by their complex interactions with local environmental settings. Owing to the unprecedented global decline of seagrasses, it is crucial to understand in-situ ecological interactions for informing mitigation measures. However, several ecological aspects of seagrass ecosystems are under-studied in the tropical Indian waters, which fall in the highly productive Indo-Pacific seagrass distribution bioregion, offering many socio-ecological services. In this context, my study aimed to address the ecological gaps in India's unique seagrass biodiversity hotspot, the insular archipelago called the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI). Objectives of the study were 1) To assess the spatial distribution patterns of seagrass habitats and associated macrobenthic invertebrates in the Andaman Islands, 2) To understand the seasonal variation in seagrass meadows and associated macrobenthic invertebrates, 3) To understand the structural diversity of seagrass meadows and its influence on associated macrobenthic invertebrates, and 4) To document the Traditional Ecological Knowledge on seagrass habitats. The field study was carried out between 2018 and 2022, with a significant sampling period between January and May, as it is the best feasible season for fieldwork in ANI. The spatial diversity, distribution, and growth of seagrasses in the present study were primarily governed by the water depth, habitat heterogeneity, substrate types, and availability. The study suggests that any alterations in the benthic habitat profile of these meadows are likely to affect the species distribution patterns and overall ecological services offered
Effect of Habitat Structure on Odonate Species Richness in Streams of Kalakkand Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Anilitty, A.S.; Uniyal, V.P.; Johnson, J.A.
This study aimed at the responses of species richness of Odonates toward the habitat structure in Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve(KMTR) in Tamil Nadu, India. KMTR lies between latitudes 8° 25' to 8° 53' N and longitudes 77°10' to 77° 35' E with altitude ranging from 50 meters to 1868 meters. Intensive study areas were confined to three beats in Mundanthurai and Kalakkad ranges of KMTR namely Kodamadi, Kannikatti and Sengaltheri. We sampled vegetation and stream structural parameters along with altitude and time of sampling from three drainages, River Thamiraparni, River Servalar and River Kil Manimuthar. Only the second, third and fourth order streams were sampled. Thirty six belt transects were laid and each transect was walked trice. A total of thirty six species were found during the study period. Species richness was calculated using Software· Estimate S version 0.8 and used to do GLM(Generalized Linear Model) in Software R version 3.0.1. Altitude was found to be the most influencing factor on species richness. A second GLM was carried out for the altitude wise stratified data incorporating temporal replicates for each transect. Tree height and stream width were found to be the most influencing factors in this model with p values 0.00007 and 0.001 respectively.
Establishment of knowledge management system for East Godavari River Estuarine Ecosystem (EGREE) Andhra Pradesh
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2017) Sivakumar, K. ; Johnson, J.A.; Gopi, G.V.; Lal, Panna; Rajashekhar, P.V.; Bhadury, P.; Kumar, Ritesh; Rao, Tulsi K.; Kathula, Tarun; Malla, Giridhar; Ray, Paromita; Bagaria, Priyamvada; Anand, Dipak; Prasad, Leela
Global warming has already affected the marine and coastal ecosystems at greater extent. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, sea levels in India are expected to rise at the rate of 2.4 mm a year; in 2050, the total increase will be 38 cm. 2. East Godavari River Estuarine Ecosystem (EGREE) encompassing the Godavari mangroves is the second largest area of mangroves along the east coast of India. The area is rich in floral and faunal diversity, and generates significant ecological and economic benefits such as shoreline protection, sustaining livelihoods and carbon sink services. 3. It is situated at the confluence of Godavari River with Bay of Bengal in the East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. The geographical scope of this study lies between 16°59'23" N, 82°18'16" E and 16°34'57" N, 82°18'38" E. 4. EGREE encompasses the vast delta of Godavari River along with other coastal habitats such as mangroves, river channel, floodplains, natural levees, bay, mudflats, tidal creeks, sand spits, beaches etc. 5. Presence of a 17 km-long spit, called Hope Island provides natural shelter to the coast and city of Kakinada. It has allowed the establishment of a major fishing harbor and the Kakinada Port, thereby accruing high economic values to the region. 6. In recognition of its national and global biodiversity significance, the northern part is also protected as Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary (CWLS), which encompasses around 235.70 sq.km of mangrove forests. 7. The main production sectors currently operating in EGREE are fisheries, aquaculture, salt pans, tourism and manufacturing activities such as, oil and gas exploration, fertilizers, edible oil, rice products. Kakinada, a city located in EGREE is also one of the important ports of Andhra Pradesh and is being developed further into a ‘Smart City’. 8. These activities are impacting the overall ecological integrity of EGREE particularly the mangrove ecosystems, with associated impacts on the livelihoods of local communities. 9. The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and the Government of Andhra Pradesh with support from UNDP and GEF initiated the project 'Mainstreaming Coastal and Marine Biodiversity into Production Sectors in the East Godavari River Estuarine Ecosystem, Andhra Pradesh'. 10. In order to advice and monitor the implementation of this GOI-UNDP-GEF Project in EGREE, a National Project Steering Committee (NPSC) was constituted under the chairmanship of Additional Director General of Forests (Wildlife), Ministry of Environment and Forests (now Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change). The 1st meeting of the National Project Steering Committee (NPSC) of the project was held on 28th June 2011 in the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, New Delhi. In the meeting, it was decided that Wildlife Institute of India (WII) would establish a Knowledge Management System envisioned under the project and co-ordinate all activities related therein. 11. Main goal of the project was to establish a Knowledge Management System (KMS) for East Godavari River Estuarine Ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh. It had four objectives viz. identifying research gaps, study the impacts of climate change, identify and assess the ecosystem services, and conducting a national workshop on mainstreaming biodiversity conservation into production sectors in EGREE.
FISHES OF RAIN FOREST STREAMS/RIVERS OF INDIA A RESEARCH OVERVIEW
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2003) Arunachalam, A; Johnson, J.A.; Sankaranarayanan, A.
Recovery of dugongs and their habitats in India: an integrated participatory approach - Annual Progress Report IV (2019-20)
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2020) Sivakumar, K.; Johnson, J.A.; Pande, A,; Gole, Swapnali; Dudhat, S.; Shekar, S.; Pathan, S.; Ghanekar, C.; Dikshit, D.; Magesh, M.K.; Rajpurkar, S.; Seal, S.; Bayyana, S,; Patel, S.; Saini, H.; Prajapati, S.; Hatkar, P.; Mehta, D.; Bose, S.; Tripura, V.; Christian, G.; Yallapu, S.; Sharma, S,; Semwal, R.; Pacha, A.
National CAMPA Authority under the aegis of Endangered Species Recovery Program, Dugong Recovery Program was initiated with major objectives to a) Assess dugong population status through advanced census techniques and determine its abundance and distribution, identify critical habitats, classify threats and develop site-specific monitoring plan to reduce poaching and incidental entanglements, b) Characterize the critical dugong habitats, reduce direct and indirect threats, c) Raise awareness on the species and encourage the participation of the local communities; and d) Enhance the capacity of the State Forest Department staff and develop/implement smart patrolling tools to improve protection enforcement; train forest staff and local communities in underwater surveys for long-term habitat monitoring. In the last three years of its implementation, an integrated participatory approach was adopted to ensure recovery of dugong populations and conservation of seagrass their habitat in India.
Recovery of dugongs and their habitats in India: an integrated participatory approach : Annual progress report V (2020-21)
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Sivakumar, K.; Johnson, J.A.; Pande, A.; Gole, S.; Dudhat, S.; Shekar, S.; Pathan, S.; Ghanekar, C.; Magesh, M.K.; Rajpurkar, S.; Seal, S.; Bayyana, S,; Patel, S,; Prajapati, S.; Saini, H.; Hatkar, P.; Tripura, V.; Bose, S.; Christian, G.
National CAMPA Authority under the aegis of Endangered Species Recovery Program, Dugong Recovery Program was initiated with major objectives to a) Assess dugong population status through advanced census techniques and determine its abundance and distribution, identify critical habitats, classify threats and develop a site-specific monitoring plan to reduce poaching and incidental entanglements, b) Characterize the critical dugong habitats, reduce direct and indirect threats, c) Raise awareness on the species and encourage the participation of the local communities; and d) Enhance the capacity of the State Forest Department staff and develop/implement smart patrolling tools to improve protection enforcement; train forest staff and local communities in underwater surveys for long-term habitat monitoring. In the last five years of its implementation, an integrated participatory approach was adopted to ensure recovery of dugong populations and conservation of seagrass habitat in India
Recovery of dugongs and their habitats in India: an integrated participatory approach : Annual Progress report VI (2021-23)
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2023) Johnson, J.A.; Prabakaran, N.; Sivakumar, K.; Chakraborty, O.; Gole, S.; Pathan, S.; Ghanekar, C.; Rajpurkar, S.; Hatkar, P.; Seal, S.; Patel, S.; Iyer, S.; Prajapati, S.; Bose, S.; Tripura, V,; Christian, G.; Joshi, R.; Aggarwal, A.; Dhiman, G.; Negi, S.
National CAMPA Authority under the aegis of Endangered Species Recovery Program, Dugong Recovery Program was initiated with major objectives to a) Assess dugong population status through advanced census techniques and determine its abundance and distribution, identify critical habitats, classify threats and develop a site-specific monitoring plan to reduce poaching and incidental entanglements, b) Characterize the critical dugong habitats, reduce direct and indirect threats, c) Raise awareness on the species and encourage the participation of the local communities; and d) Enhance the capacity of the State Forest Department staff and develop/implement smart patrolling tools to improve protection enforcement; train forest staff and local communities in underwater surveys for long-term habitat monitoring. In the last five years of its implementation, an integrated participatory approach was adopted to ensure recovery of dugong populations and conservation of seagrass habitat in India.
Research Gaps in Coastal and Marine Conservation in India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Sivakumar, K.; Johnson, J.A.; Pande, Anant