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.
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 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
Research strategies for conservation of Coastal and Marine Biodiversity in the East Godavari River Estuarine Ecosystem (EGREE) Andhra Pradesh, India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun and UNDP, 2012) Sivakumar, K.; Katlam, Gitanjali; Johnson, J.A.; Thulsi, K. Rao; Krishnan, Pramod; Kathula, Tarun; Sathiyaselvan, P.; Sivanadh, Y.Satya; Usa, P.
Resource Selection and Conservation of Smooth coated otter Lutrogale perspicillata in and Around the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) Prasad, Nadendla Leela; Sivakumar, K.; Johnson, J.A.; Hussain, S.A.
Resource selection of Smooth-coated Otter Lutrogale perspicillata was studied in the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, where a two dimensional interface of fishermen-otter present: fishermen fishing in the habitat of otter and otters feeding in the aquaculture farms of fishermen. This is resulting in conflict between Otters and Humans in the region. In this context, this study was carried out to understand the extent of this conflict by studying the food habit of otters and ecological factors that could affect the otter distribution in this mangrove ecosystem. 2. The study was carried out from December 2014 to April 2015 in and around the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, which is located at the mouth of the Godavari River, in Andhra Pradesh. 3. Food habit of otters was studied by analysing their spraints that were collected from different parts of the Sanctuary. Habitat and distribution of otters were studied using belt transacts along creeks as otters mostly used banks of the creeks. Further, people perspectives towards otter and intensity of human-otter interface was studied using interview based questionnaire surveys. 4. It was found that the fishes cultured in the aquaculture farms were not present in the creeks of Coringa WLS. 6. The diet analysis of 81 spraints collected from December 2014 to March 2015 revealed that fish comprise of 99% of Smooth coated Otter diet. Of this major portion comprised of Mystus gulio, Oreochromis mossambicus and Liza tade. These species were also found in high abundance during the fish sampling from which relative abundance was calculated. This indicates that Otters in the sanctuary are opportunistic feeder rather than selective. 7. Mystus gulio (long whiskers catfish) found to be the major prey of otter in the Coringa . WLS, constituting 17.8% of weight of all food items found in the spraints and this fish was also eaten by many otters (found in 13.4% of spraints). M gulio was also the most common fishes of the Sanctuary. M gulio followed by Oreochromis mossambicus (Tilapia) constituting 14.6% of weight of all food items found in the spraints. 9. Although, all five major aquaculture species offish were found in the spraints of Otter but overall, the aqua farm fishes constituted only the 14.4% of weight of total foods items found in the spraints of otter. Of the total spraints collected, only 17.8% of spraints contained the aqua farm fishes and remaining 82.2 % otter spraints did not have. aqua farms fishes and these otters were seems to be eaten only the wild fishes. 10. The high abundance of invasive tilapia was found in the Ramannapalem creek, which is a less saline creeks adjoining with aqua farms and villages. This fish was the second most preferred diet of otters in the area. This fish breeds in the grasses that are at the banks of creeks. Breeding tilapia was a easier target for otters and therefore, otters were seen close to aqua farms. 11. The factors essential for Otter survival in were found to be more towards land and decrease with increasing distance from land. An ordinal regression model with sign intensity in three ranks revealed that the factors that are playa significant role in Otter distribution are distance from sea had a positive effect on Otter distribution (estimate = 0.403, Standard error =0.225 and P value= 0.073), Width of channel also had a positive effect to an extent (estimate =0.509, Standard error =0.273 and P value = 0.062). Depth of the creek had a negative effect (estimate= -0.624, Standard error = 0.322 and P value=O.053). 12. As the factors that are positively influencing Otter distribution are near villages Otters signs were also found highest in creeks near villages. Thus it was concluded that the presence of Otters mostly towards villages is probably due to presence of suitable habitat near villages rather than fish from aquaculture farms. 13. Fishermen's Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Otters in and around the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary had also confirmed that otters largely feed in the wild but visit aqua farms occasionally for food or to play. Further, about 79% of people in the region felt that Otters visit their farms at night that confirms the nocturnal behaviour of Otters around human habitation, which is supported by previous studies 14. Further, most of fishermen (75%) believed that otters are high threat to aquaculture when compared to fishing cat and jackals. This is due to group hunting behaviours of otters, whereas fishing cats and jackals visit aquaculture ponds solitarily 15. Interestingly, nearly 11 % of fishermen felt that Otters have caused an income loss of 1-5% followed by 9% of respondents who claimed a loss of 10-30%. But, few farmers (2%) felt that Otters cause nearly 30-50% of loss, who were in the low income group and who can not offer even small loss in income. 16. Generalized Linear Model (GLM) with Poisson distribution revealed that both income and education of fishermen positively influenced their perspectives towards conservation importance of otters in the region. 17. Majority of fishermen (65%) believed that there was a decline in the sightings of otters and they have also believed that the population had been declined in the region. However, in contrast, about 13% of them felt that there was an increase in Otter population over years and most of these respondents who have also believed that high loss of income due to otters visits to their aqua farms. 18. Most of the aqua-farm owners admitted that they always scare and chase away otters when they visits their farms. Though only 11 % of them opted for killing does not mean that people have a positive attitude towards Otter. Boxplot analysis to understand the relationship between people's action towards visiting otters to their farms and their income and education, has revealed that the farm owners who had less income have tried to kill the visiting otters due to their poverty. 19. This study found that fishermen with poverty could not bear even the meagre loss caused by otters to them. Further, the study found that less educated people against the otters in the region. Therefore, additional livelihoods and awareness education to those poor fishermen need to be provided for the long term conservation of otters in the region. EGREE Foundation of Andhra Pradesh, a foundation established with support of GoI-UNDP-GEF Project to sustainably manage the Godavari estuarine has already initiated some programme in this regard but their programme should focus more on fishermen who are with low income 20. It is also proposed to have otter proof fencing for aquafarms especially those farms located along the Ramanapallam creeks. Developing eco- tourism in the sanctuary with the involvement of fishermen and small scale farm owners can also change their attitude towards otters.