Browsing by Author "Sivakumar, K."

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A Bibliographic review: Identification and prioritization of research gaps in Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Conservation in the East Godavari River Estuarine Ecosystem (EGREE)
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Sivakumar, K.; Katlam, Gitanjali; Kathula, Tarun
A rapid assessment of wild birds in areas affected by Avian Influenza
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2006) Sivakumar, K.
A study on Ecology and migration of the Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indica) in Western India using satellite techniques
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2016) Sivakumar, K.; Jhala, Y.V.; Bhardwaj, G.S.; Mohan, A.
The Lesser Florican Sypheotides indica, a species endemic to the Indian subcontinent, is largely seen during the monsoon season in north-western India, where it breeds. Its population and range is believed to be decreasing at an alarming rate due to breeding habitat loss and threats in the non-breeding habitats, believed to be in south and south-east India. In this connection, to understand the present status, distribution and non-breeding habitats of Lesser florican in the north-western India i.e. in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, this study was initiated in the month of August 2010, which is a art of breeding season of this species, when most of males display in the grasslands. 2. In 2010, a total of 84 individual Lesser floricans (83 male and 1 female) were sighted in three states of north-western India, which is less than 65% of the sightings reported in 1999. It was found significantly fewer sightings than reported in 1999 in all grasslands surveyed (t=2.81, df=14, p<0.05). Of the 169 potential grasslands available for floricans in the north-western India, 91 grasslands were surveyed, which include grasslands surveyed during 1999. Of the surveyed grasslands, Lesser floricans were found in 24 grasslands as against 37 grasslands in 1999. 3. At Shokhaliya, two male floricans (Florikin I and II) were tagged on 10th of August, 2014 with PTT transmitters that are solar-powered Platform Terminal Transmitters (PTTs: Microwave Telemetry, Inc., Columbia, MD, USA) weighed less than 3% of body mass of birds. 4. FLORIKIN-I: The male florican that was tagged with 18g Agros PPT- 100 (Platform no.125812) had spent 112 days in breeding site and then left the site (Shokaliya) on 11th November 2014. The bird moved for 94 km towards south direction and settled down in grasslands/croplands of north of the Bhilwara, Rajasthan. The bird covered this distance in 5 days and 8 hours (including stopover times) with four stopovers. Each stopover last for one to two days. All the stopovers were in the croplands or fallow lands. Florikin-I flew at the speed of 0.73 km/hr which includes stopover days. The transmitter was active until May 2015. PTT lost the signal when the bird just started moving towards Ajmer from Bhilwara in the month of May, 2015. 5. FLORIKIN-II: He was tagged with 22g GPS/Argos PTT had transmitted data for 35 days after that it failed to function, the reason remained unknown, but it provided much more precise insight into the lekking behavior of this species. The available data shows that the Florican can shift the displaying territory within an arena during a breeding season. Three times this bird had shifted his territory and spent considerable time in each territory. All these three territories of Florikin-II were within the home range of 6.8 sq.km area (MCP100%). The same kind of territory shifting behaviour was observed in Florikin-I as well. 6. Both Florikin I and II, left their territory and moved to a different site after a week of tagging. Total days spent in breeding season/area by Florikin-I were 122 days. During that period the home range of Florican-I was estimated as 12.46sq.km when 5% locations excluded (MCP 95%) and 30sq.km when all location were included (MCP 100%). Similarly, the home range of Florikin-II was within 6.8 sq.km (MCP 100%) 7. Territory shift within Lek Arena was observed in Floricans. Both the tagged floricans could shift the displaying territory but within the arena. Agricultural activities such as weeding, pesticides applications and growth of crops (like Millet) might have also influenced this short distance territory shifts. 8. After the breeding season, one of the tagged florican i.e. Florikin I which had active PTT left the breeding ground on 11th November 2014 to non-breeding grounds. It reached the non-breeding grounds on 15th November 2014 which was 87 km (aerial) 94 km (polygon) away from the breeding ground. During this 87 km long migration, it stopped at four places (nearby villages Goyla (26º 60' 54" N, 74º 55' 36" E), Keriya kurd (26º 03' 43" N, 74º 53' 42" E), Peepaliya (25º 59' 17" N, 74º 49' 52" E) and Sardarpura (25º 49' 21" N, 74º 49' 51" E). All these stopovers were near the water bodies with grasslands. In each stopover that last for one to two days. This bird flew at the speed of 0.73 km/hr which include the stopover time. 9. Habitats of the migratory route of Florikin I were mostly comprised of croplands (Cotton and Millet) with mosaic of grass/herbs cover at least 40% to 50% of the total land cover. 10. Non-breeding habitat of Florikin I was located at Bhilwara, Rajasthan, largely comprising agricultural crops with mosaic of scrub forests consists of Prosopis juliflora. At Bhilwara region, this bird stayed for first 17days at one place where the home range was 6.1 sq.km (MCP 100%) and then moved into another place and stayed for 177 days till 29th March 2015 where the home range was 2.9 sq.km (MCP 100%). The distance between these two non-breeding areas was 9.53 km. 11. General habitat of non-breeding area of florican was Prosophis juliflora (34.18%) followed by Agriculture land with crop and without crop (19.47%), grassland (18.93%), water logged but this land dried during the summer 10.29%), Barren land (8.28%) and human built (6.61%. 12. Though the sample size was low, our study indicate that the all floricans won’t migrate a long distance from the breeding areas. Their non-breeding grounds probably near to breeding areas within distance of 200 to 300 km and gather during the breeding season in the breeding ground. 13. In 2014, the population of floricans was estimated using both traditional (Area Search method) and ‘Occupancy Modelling with Distance Sampling’ methods. Using the Occupancy Model, it was estimated that the population size of floricans was 1091 floricans (689 to 1729) (Uniform cosine function x2 p=80.8, AIC=659.6) and estimation the ESW at 213.7 m ranging 185.3−246.4). Detection probability=0.56 (0.48 to 0.65). The generated global density estimate is 1.19 Floricans per sq.km. However, sightings of floricans in the breeding grounds from 2010 to 2014 were varied between years.
An Investigation of the Relationship Between Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas herbibory and Seagrass in the Agtti Lagoon, Lakshadweep
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2007) Lal, Aparna; Choudhury, B.C.; Sivakumar, K.
Globally, nearshore ecosystems are being increasingly impacted upon by expanding coastal development. The almost complete dependence of marine mega herbivores like Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) on these habitats for food together with their current low population levels in many regions highlights the need to understand this vital relationship. This study was an attempt within this framework. It aimed to quantify the intensity and potential impacts of Green Turtle grazing on the seagrass Cymodocea rotundata in the Agatti Lagoon, Lakshadweep. To map the habitat types in the lagoon, points generated from a grid were used, while 23 transects, perpendicular to the shore, formed the basic sampling unit to assess turtle density and map their distribution patterns across the lagoon. The study recorded exceptionally high turtle abundances within the lagoon with their distribution patterns being restricted to certain areas within the seagrass meadow. The magnitude and potential impacts of herbivory were quantified across the established gradient of turtle density in the lagoon. It was found that C. rotundata plant parameters like morphology, life history strategies, population dynamics and meadow level characteristics were significantly different in areas with less turtles, indicative of a response to turtle grazing, results supported by experimental evidence. It was found that increased shoot recruitment rather than increased shoot production could be a mechanism whereby seagrass deals with intense herbivory. This study shows that grazing intensity is an important factor potentially regulating the response of seagrasses to grazing.
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 current status of threatened and protected marine flora and fauna in trade in India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2010) John, S.; Kumar, B.M. Praveen; Choudhury, B.C.; Sivakumar, K.
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, (WPA) prohibit the trade of protected marine species in India but illegal trade on these species was observed to be continuing in almost all maritime States and Union Territories. Illegal trade of these protected marine species was observed to be contributing marginal benefits to the rural fisher folks but it imperils the complex marine biodiversity in the country. Most of the elasmobranchs (Sharks, Rays and Skates) in India are threatened due to indiscriminate fishing. In India, seven species of marine elasmobranchs are protected by the WPA. Even though protected elasmobranchs were not encountered in the marine fish landing centres during the study period, their illegal trade cannot be completely ruled out. Majority of the elasmobranchs recorded in the fish landing centers were small in size. Ever increasing market demand for their meat, fins and cartilage are the major cause for this over exploitation. Among marine mammals the dugongs, dolphins and porpoises were caught either incidentally or deliberately in India. In many parts of coasts they have been traded in the domestic market although it was very occasional. Interviews with fisher folks revealed that dolphin meats were largely used for shark baiting than consumption. Occasional killing of dugong was also observed along the Palk Bay, Gulf of Mannar, and Andaman Islands. Meat and eggs of marine turtles are consumed in many parts of the coastal India. Sea turtle landings are not rare on the southern coasts of India especially in the coastal areas between Tuticorin and Trivandrum. Illegal trade of sea turtle’s meat were also observed along the Indian coasts but it is rare or nil in Orissa. Vizhinjam harbor in Kerala is one of the major marine fish landing centers in India where the turtles were regularly traded in the open market. Protected marine mollusks and corals are also illegally collected and sold as curios in several parts of the country especially near the popular tourist beaches and pilgrimage centers. Most of these marine mollusks and corals are collected from the coral rich reefs around Gulf of Mannar, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. Beside, large quantities of seashells are also imported from Tanzania, Philippines and Sri Lanka to meet the local market demand. The imported seashells are then processed in Kanyakumari, Rameswaram and Tuticorin before sending to markets. Therefore, it would be difficult to differentiate the source of these materials whether they have been collected locally or imported from other countries. These processed materials are then either exported to other countries or traded locally. The size classes of these marine mollusks which have been observed in the markets were significantly smaller than the average size observed in the literatures, which itself infer that the populations in the wild have been over exploited and larger sized seashells have already became rare. Domestic markets for the illegal trade of seashells and corals are concentrated largely around pilgrimage and tourist areas. Among the west coast, major illegal marine curio trade exists in the state of Goa. Among the east coast, major domestic curio market was found in Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu). Lack of awareness, poverty, market demand and feeble enforcement are the major reasons for continuation of illegal trade on protected marine species in India. Therefore, integrated marine biodiversity conservation plan along with plan to upliftment of fishermen community is required to prevent illegal trade forever. Further, strengthening of infrastructure and capacity of enforcement agencies is also required to curb these illegal activities in the country. Most importantly, there should be an integration and cooperation between line departments such as Police, Customs, Forest, Fisheries and Coast Guard to successfully curb marine wildlife illegal trade in India.
Assessment of Ecological settings and biodiversity values of Papikonda National Park and Indira Sagar (Polavaram) Multipurpose project Impact zone in Andhra Pradesh for development of migratory measures
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2014) Sivakumar, K.; Johnson, J.A,.; Gokulakkannan, N.; Ray, Paromita; Katlam, Gitanjali; Bagaria, Priyamvada
The Indira Sagar (Polavaram Project) Multipurpose Project envisages the construction of a zoned earth-cum-rock fill dam with an impervious core across the Godavari River in Polavaram. This project also includes the construction of two canals, viz. the Right Main Canal, extending over a distance of 174 km, and the Left Canal, extending over a distance of 181.5 km. The Right Canal will connect the water-surplus Godavari River with the water-deficient Krishna River in Vijayawada and supply 80 tmcft (226 MCM) of water to Budameru in Vijayawada. The Left Canal is designed to provide water to 12 lakh acres in the northern coastal districts besides meeting the drinking water needs of the urban and rural areas around these. It will connect with the Yeleru canal to bring water for industries (Vizag steel plant) and a drinking water supply. It will also supply the northern coastal districts of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam with irrigation water. Apart from boosting irrigation in the region, this project will also provide drinking water to 28 lakh people in 540 villages along the canals and generate around 960 MW of hydro-electricity. Despite these benefits, the project has come under scrutiny from various quarters, especially its adverse impacts on various ecosystems that are closely linked with the Godavari River. Further, an area of 3267 ha of land in Bhadrachalam (S), Bhadrachalam (N), Paloncha, Krishna, Eluru, Kakinada and Visakhapatnam forest divisions also needs to be diverted for submergence, construction of a power house, digging of canals, etc. In this context, as per the direction of the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India, vide their letter no. 8-123/2005-FC dated 26/29th December 2008, Point No. 7(ii), the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) initiated a short term (18-month) study to assess the impact of the project on the wild flora and fauna and the habitat and subsequently suggest mitigatory measures for the same. The status and distribution of certain taxa such as mammals, birds, herpertofauna and fishes were assessed using various census techniques. These included the use of line transects and camera traps and sign surveys for mammals, point counts for birds, quadrat methods for herpetofauna, CPUE (Catch Per Unit Effort) and market surveys for fishes and circular plots for vegetation assessment. Further, GIS and remote sensing tools were used to assess the land cover and land use pattern and potential impact of the project at the landscape level.
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.
Avian Responses to Varying Landscape Parameters in Mangrove Forests of Coastal Gujarat
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) Kulkadia, Devanshi; Talukdar, G.; Gopi, G.V.; Sivakumar, K.
Mangrove systems are the most productive ecosystems on the earth. The mangrove environment provides living space for dependent biota of more than two thousand species of flora and fauna of resident, semi-resident or migratory wildlife. The conversion of large contiguous tracts of the tropical mangrove forests to smaller patches embedded in a landscape matrix surrounded by human-altered habitats is one of the most serious concerns as it would affect their associated species such as birds, fishes, etc. In this context, this study was carried out aiming at discerning the responses shown by avifauna to varying landscape parameters like the mangrove patch characteristics, the level of disturbance and the structure of mangrove vegetation. Therefore, the abundance and diversity of the avifauna in mangrove forests at twenty selected sites on the coasts of Gujarat were investigated using point count surveys for a period of five months (December 2014-April2015). 2. A total of 98 points were laid across the twenty patches o(mangroves and surveyed twice during winter and summer seasons, respectively. Data were collected from the four replicates of each point during the entire study period. The total area surveyed during the study at these twenty mangrove patches was 47.97sq.km. These patches were ranging from various size classes with the smallest patch of the size of 0.125sq.km to the largest patch size was of 10.49 sq.km and were distributed throughout the coastline of 1650 km long. Habitat correlates such as structural and floristic characteristics of mangroves were quantified for each patch to establish their relationship with avifaunal abundances. 3. Despite recording only 7 species of mangroves in the twenty patches, a wide variety of birds totaling to 119 species were recorded from the mangroves during the two seasons, i.e. winter and summer during the study. 4. From the data collected by the variable-width point counts, the mean density of birds from the patches were calculated to be 6.485/ha in winter and 4.898/ha in summer. The diversity of birds varied across the seasons. A total of 104 species of birds were recorded during the summer season as compared to 117 species of birds in winter season. 5. Large contiguous patches of mangroves were found to be supporting fewer species of birds than the smaller patches. The avian species richness of the smaller fragments were largely governed by the adjoining environment settings (matrix) of the patch. Therefore, the study found that the diversity of the birds was not found to be getting influenced by the area of the patch as the species richness was found to be increasing with the number of the surrounding matrix. 6. It was found that the structural composition of mangroves especially the canopy cover was found influence the bird density and diversity greatly as with the increase in the canopy cover, the bird species diversity and density also increased in a patch. 7. The bird assemblages in the mangroves showed a significant response towards the disturbance. The disturbed patches contained an overlapping mixed composition of the forest birds and open country birds in an equal proportion, whereas the undisturbed patches showed less number of open country birds. 8. Based on the study, it is suggested that the larger sized mangroves patches are important for their ineffable ecological services, therefore, these patches should be protected and conserved. Similarly, the smaller and fragment of mangroves patches are also equally important as they hold a good number of avifauna! species and hence, we have to adopt some strategies to conserve all the remaining – large contiguous and small fragmented patches of the mangroves from further degradation.
Biodiversity of Coastal Islands of India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Pande, Anant; Singh, Yashaswi; Biba, Jasmine; Rajbhar, Anil; Katlam, Gitanjali; Sivakumar, K.
Biogeographical Analysis of Galliformes Distribution in India and Pheasants in the Himalayan Protected Areas
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2007) Jayapal, R.; Sivakumar, K.; Sathyakumar, S; Mathur, V.B.
Capacity Development Needs For Sustainable Management of Marine and Coastal Protected Areas in India: A Cross-sector Assessment
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Khera, Neeraj; Mathur, V.B.; Sivakumar, K.; Yadava, Yugraj; D'Monte Darryl; Warrier, S. Gopikrishna; Dave, Sanjay; Mukherjee, Rajdeep; Hariparkash, Vasanthi
Coastal and Marine Protected Areas in India: Challenges and Way Forward
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Sivakumar, K.; Mathur, V.B.; Pande, Anant
Compendium of Training Courses on Coastal and Marine Biodiversity and Marine Protected Areas in India
(GIZ and Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2014) Mathur, V.B.; Khera, Neeraj; Sivakumar, K.
Facilitating capacity development of individuals and institutions relevant to coastal and marine biodiversity conservation in India, through networking, trainings, and other measures and instruments, is one of the objectives of the ‘Conservation and Sustainable Management of Existing and Potential Coastal and Marine Protected Areas’ (CMPA) project under the Indo-German Biodiversity Programme.
Conservation status of fishes in the tributaries of Ramganga with special reference to golden mahseer Tor putitora Hamillton
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2005) Atkore, Vidyadhar Mahadeorao; Sivakumar, K.; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
A common goal in the studies of community ecology is to uncover patterns of species abundance or distribution and determining the factors that are responsible for them. Himalayan waters are unique in the ichthyofaunal diversity. To know what species are here, fish sampling was carried out with help of cast net. Three rivers were identified for the stratified fish sampling. Each river was divided at two hundred meter distance apart. Each segment was sampled thrice though out study period. Morphometric measurements were taken in the field. Habitat parameters were also recorded as on same day of fish sampling. Result shows that MandaI River had .more species richness followed by Khoh and Kolhu. Forty three species belonging to five orders and ten families (four species yet to identify) were recorded in the study river. Of these, approximately 80 % were classified into the rare category. Tor putitora, Garra gotyla Barilius barila, and Scizothorax richardson are listed in the IUCN Red list. However, endangered golden mahseer was one of the commonest fish. The reason could be the preferred spawning habitat ground or abundant food availability. Population estimation was estimated by using Jolly Seber method, resulted high standard error. Low number of recapture sessions could be the reason. Mostly juveniles of 6-10 cm size classes were abundant in all three rivers followed by 11-15 cm group. The total length measured for Golden mahseer varies from 3 cm to 28 cm. The condition factor was calculated based on the available size class. Result showed that 20-25 cm size classes of golden mahseer were in better condition in the Study Rivers. However, condition for size class 0-5 cm fish was better in Kolhu River than others. The 6-10 cm size class, 15-20 cm and 21-25 cm were doing better in the MandaI than two rivers.
Conservation strategy and action plan for the marine turtles and their habitats in Puducherry
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2017) Sivakumar, K.; Senthil Kumar, S.; Kumar, R.S.; Ramesh, C.; Adhavan, D.; Hatkar, P.; Bagaria, Priyamvada; Kakadia, D.; Jyothi, P.
Puducherry, is a small but beautiful Union Territory of India, located along the southern east coast of India with coastline of 45 km. This coastline is being used for nesting of sea turtles, especially Olive Ridley and Green Sea turtles. Their sporadic nesting is at peak during November to February along Puducherry and Karaikal coasts. High sporadic nesting of sea turtles were observed on the beaches along Nallavadu/Moorthikuppam villages (Puducherry) and beaches around Arasalar River (Karaikal), therefore, these two beaches have been identified as ‘Important Sea turtle Habitats of Puducherry’ and recommended to be declared as the ‘Community or Conservation Reserves’ as per the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Further, it is recommended to manage these two beaches with active participation of local communities by promoting the turtle conservation as well as eco-tourism. Land use/land cover patterns along the coastal areas of Puducherry and Karailkal was significantly changed between 2004 and 2015. Larger portion of agricultural lands adjoining to nesting beach were converted for aquaculture and built up areas, that deterred sea turtles use of beaches for nesting. It was also found that arable lands along turtle nesting beaches were shrunk due to demand from other developing sectors such as aquaculture, tourism and real estate. Therefore, it is proposed to declare remaining critical sea turtle nesting beaches of Puducherry such as Nallavadu, Pannithittu, Narambi and Moorthikuppam villages (Puducherry) and beaches around Arasalar River (Karaikal) as ‘Eco-sensitive Zones’ under relevant sections of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. A significant proportion of world's Olive Ridley population migrates every winter from the Southern Indian ocean (near Sri Lanka) to Odisha, where they do mass nesting. Puducherry coastline is being used as a migratory route by these sea turtles. Off coast of Puducherry especially 60 - 400 km stretch from the shore were largely used by the migratory sea turtles during the month of October to April in every year. Further, few hundreds of sea turtles that are seems to be resident to Puducherry off coast, breed and nest along its coasts. Some of these breeding sea turtles have been incidentally killed by fishing nets especially between December and January. Turtles eggs are also predated by dogs and other animals on the shore. Therefore, it is proposed to strengthen the ongoing ex-situ turtle conservation programme of State Forest Department by facilitating the safe hatchings of turtle eggs through the artificial hatcheries. In this context, it is recommended to create two permanent hatcheries in these proposed two conservation reserves and involve local communities in the turtle monitoring and conservation programme. Moreover, Turtle Excluder Device (TED) should be made mandatory for all trawlers fishing along the Puducherry coasts. Beach erosion due to natural phenomena as well as urbanization, have reduced the nesting habitats and resulted in a drastic reduction in sea turtle nesting along Puducherry coast. Moreover, beach armouring with exotic plantations, artificial illumination and tourism are few other threats to the nesting beaches and hatchlings. Hence, it is recommended to continuously monitor the nesting beaches and avoid exotic plantation within 500 m from the high tide line and also manage vegetations on the beaches. Further, it is recommended to constitute an Authority with multi-stakeholders to protect the beaches and its biodiversity of Puducherry. It is also suggested to create a ‘Puducherry Sea Turtle and Coastal Research and Monitoring Cell’ at the Forest Department for the long term conservation of coastal biodiversity and livelihoods of people of Puducherry.
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.
Diversity of Predaceous Cicindelidae (Tiger beetles) in Relation to Bioindication and Ecological Importance - Observations from Shivaliks, Himachal Pradesh
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2006) Bhargav, Vinay; Uniyal, V.P.; Sivakumar, K.
Dugong distribution, habitat and risks due to Fisheries and other anthropogenic activities in India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Sivakumar, K.; Nair, A.
The dugong (Dugong dugon), also called the sea cow, is one of the four surviving species in the order Sirenia, and it is the only existing species of herbivorous mammal that lives exclusively in the sea, including Indian waters. Conservation of the dugong, which is a flagship species, represents coastal conservation. This protected species occurs in the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Gulf of Kutch and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The population of the dugong, which was once abundant, is assumed to have reduced to about 200 individuals in India. This number and the range of the dugong are believed to be continuously declining. Several reasons have been attributed to the decline in the dugong population, including sea grass habitat loss and degradation, gill netting, disease, water pollutants, indigenous use and poaching. This study was initiated to understand the dugong’s current distribution range and the magnitude of the anthropogenic threats faced by it and its habitat in India. The objectives include (1) determining the status and distribution of the dugong population in India, (2) understanding the risks faced by the dugong populations and their habitats, (3) assessing the status of artisanal fisheries in identified dugong habitats, (4) identifying the key areas where dugongs are present to conserve them and (5) understanding the attitude of fishermen towards conservation of dugongs. Three zones, namely the Gulf of Kutch, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Gulf of Mannar–Palk Bay were identified as the study area on the basis of information published on dugong sightings, stranding records and seagrass presence. A standardised dugong catch/bycatch questionnaire developed by the CMS-UNEP Dugong MOU Panel was used for interview surveys after it was translated into regional languages. Region-specific threats to the dugong and its habitat were identified. Occupancy models were built in the program PRESENCE to identify critical dugong habitats using dugong sighting data from the past 5 years (2008 to 2012). The range of variables that influenced occupancy and detection were also assessed. Dugong occupancy was greatest in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay, followed by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and lowest in the Gulf of Kutch. At present, the overall occupancy of the dugong in Indian waters is estimated to be 11% of the total surveyed area. Only 21% of the area sampled in Tamil Nadu was found to be occupied by dugongs. The corresponding proportion was 12% in the iii Andaman and Nicobar Islands and 1% in the Gulf of Kutch. Overall, the dugong distribution range has significantly decreased by about 85% in the distribution range of the dugong in India. Dugongs are also exist in regions outside the existing protected area (PA) network. Thus, conservation planning should also focus on dugong habitats outside PAs. Preventive measures, such as affording greater protection to dugongs and making fisheries sustainable with dugong friendly gear and craft, especially in the critical dugong habitats identified, are recommended. It is of the utmost importance to secure and strengthen community participation in the management of dugongs and their habitats in India. Model