WII Technical Reports
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Item Status of wildlife between Kota barrage and Jawahar Sagar Dam, Rajasthan(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Johnson, J.A.; George, Arun; Sharma, Megha; Kavin, D.; Sreelekha Suresh; Gopi, G.V.; Hussain, S.A.The present study examined the impacts of post-construction phase of the cable-stayed bridge on the aquatic wildlife and river habitat quality of the Chambal River between Kota barrage and Jawahar Sagar dam, Rajasthan. The study was carried out between March and November 2021. The study area was divided into 5 segments (each comprising 5 Km length of river) and the segment 1 stats from the Kota barrage. We recorded good signs/ activities of smooth-coated otters in the study area. This species is listed under “Schedule II” of IWPA 1972 and "Vulnerable" as per the IUCN Red List. A total of 10 sites within five river segments were surveyed for otter signs during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Out of which five sites (50%) have shown positive otter signs (fresh spraints, tracks, and direct sightings) during pre-monsoon, whereas in the post-monsoon season the number of otters occupied sites have reduced to four sites (40%). The otter occupancy map indicated, the segment 2 (just above the bridge area) had high level of otter presence. We recorded good population of bird diversity between Kota barrage and Jawahar sagar dam. A total of 132 bird species, which includes 45 wetland birds (N=1569), 21 species of raptors (N=928), and 66 species of other terrestrial birds (N=1351) were recorded. These include two Critically Endangered (Indian Vulture and Red-headed Vulture), one Endangered (Egyptian Vulture), one Vulnerable (Woolly-necked Stork) and four Near Threatened species (River Tern, Black-headed Ibis, Oriental Darter and Alexandrian parakeet). During the study period, the raptors, Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus) and Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus) were very commonly recorded and more number of nests were recorded in the third segment of the study stretch. In addition to vulture nests, we also observed nests of Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata) and Dusky eagle-owl (Bubo coromandus) in the riverside escarpments. We also recorded nests of three waterbird species, which include Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), Black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) and Woolly necked stork (Ciconia episcopus). Avian richness was varying with the season maximum number of waterbirds were observed during pre-monsoon (S=40), this same trend was followed by raptors (S=15) and other terrestrial birds (S=57). The bird occupancy map indicated that the segment 1 and segment 2 supported high abundance birds. We also recorded two species of aquatic reptiles, which are Mugger (Crocodylus palustris) and Indian roofed turtle (Pangshura tecta). Though, the river banks are mostly of rocky and large boulders with limited sand beach, we found quite a few nesting sites of muggers along the river banks. A total of 34 individuals and 23 individuals of muggers were recorded during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon respectively. The study area also supports good population of freshwater fishes. Rapid Assessment Report - 6 - During the study we recorded 46 species of fishes from the study area. Fishes belonging to the carp family were dominant in species richness (S=22). Among the 46 species of fish, three species are listed under threatened categories as per the IUCN Red List. During the study period the important physicochemical parameters of the water was monitored and the values were significantly varied between the river segments (p<0.05). The pH was found to be slightly alkaline across the river segments ranged from 7.08±0.02 and 8.55±0.01. Like conductivity, total dissolved solids in water (TDS) varied, ranging from 91.54 ppm at the second segment of the river in postmonsoon to 150 ppm at the second segment in pre-monsoon. All water quality parameters were found within the normal range of river water quality. Based on our findings we conclude that the cable-stayed hanging bridge of Kota does not have any negative impact on the wildlife of the Chambal River. The bridge is on the stable rocky gorge area, around 30 m above the water level across the river Chambal without any supporting billers from the riverbed. Thus, there is no direct contact between the river and bridge structure. Further, the technology used in this structure is marvellous, because it is totally vibration and notice proof. In this study we had some significant observations very close to this cable bridge such as an active nest of Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) very close to this bridge (25° 8'23.14"N, 75°47'36.64"E), which is just 80 meters away from the bridge and a nest of Woolly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus) just 200 meters downstream from the bridge (25° 8'20.90"N, 75°47'33.11"E). Generally, Woolly-necked Storks are assumed to prefer isolated areas for nesting (Mehta 2020). Previous studies indicated that disturbance is one of the major factors for avoiding nesting habitat by Storks (Bouton et al., 2005). We also observed the permanent roosting sites of the Indian eagle-owl (Bubo bengalensis) nearer to this bridge (25° 8'16.12"N, 75°47'27.02"E). Likewise, we observed number of direct sighting of otters and crocodiles near as well as downstream regions of bridge when compared to other segments of the rivers. Moreover, the water quality parameters examined were within the normal range of river water quality. Thus, the present study revealed that the presence of cable-stayed bridge does not have any negative impact on the aquatic wildlife and quality of habitats in the Chambal River.Item Study on ecology and migratory patterns of golden mahseer (Tor putitora) in river Ganga using radio telemetry techniques(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Johnson, J.A.; Dhawan, B.; Sivakumar, K.Golden Mahseer, Tor putitora is popularly known as ‘Himalayan mahseer’ and it is one of the largest freshwater fishes of India It occurs along the mid-hills stretch of Himalayan region including Shivaliks and part of Terai landscape. Over the years, the golden mahseer populations and their habitats have depleted due to various anthropogenic activities, hence, it is listed as an Endangered species in the IUCN Red List. Due to rapid hydro-power developments in the river valleys, habitats of golden mahseer have been fragmented, which in turn affects the ecology and spawning biology of golden mahseer. In order to, understand ecology, habitat use and movement pattern of golden mahseer, this project was proposed in 2017. The study was carried out in the two river systems of Western Himalaya: Kosi river in Ramnagar and Kolhu river in Kotdawar. To study the movement and migratory patterns of golden mahseer, 11 individuals were tagged with radio telemetry tags in the month of June (before onset of monsoon) to understand the migratory behaviour of tagged individuals. Manual tracking and monitoring were performed for all the tagged individuals to get location points and to generate movement data during the period from June-October, 2019. Correspondingly, information related to the fish habitat-type, depth, velocity, temperature and weather was collected. Simultaneously, habitat inventory was performed in three zones in both the rivers; upper, middle and down streams. At each zone 200-meter stream reach was selected for assessment of habitat availability, habitat use by different life history stages of golden mahseer (fingerlings, juveniles and adults). This study was performed for three seasons: Post-winter (March-April), Pre-monsoon (May-early June) and Post-Monsoon (October-November) during 2018-2019. Adults of the golden mahseer were mostly found in deep waters (> 2 m) with cool temperature (18-23o C) and low water velocity (0-0.4m/s). Adults prefer pool habitats with sand and gravel/cobbles as the dominant substratum. Similarly, availability of juveniles and fingerlings were recorded along the river basins and mapped to see the available nursery grounds of the golden mahseer. Habitat preference and microhabitat use were analysed for the available nursery grounds. The results for both the rivers exhibited backwater pools, secondary channels and run habitats as highly used habitats of fingerlings. And, run habitats were mostly as used habitats by juveniles in these rivers. Fingerlings were mostly seen at depth ranges (0.1-0.6m) with velocity (0-1.2m/s) where dominant substratum was gravel and sand. Similarly, depth range between (0.3- >1.8m), moderate velocity (0.3- >1.2m/s) and habitats with cobbles, bed rock and gravel as substrate were used by the juveniles. Based on the habitat availability and use by golden mahseer, Habitat Suitability Curves (HSC’s) for the youngs were formulated. The study revealed that variation in the habitat use by the fish, significantly varied during the monsoons. In the present study, we also recorded other fish species co-existing with golden mahseer in Kosi and Kolhu. Various threats which harm the golden mahseer population and their habitats in Kosi and Kolhu river were recorded and possible conservation measures are discussedItem 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, BitupanIn 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 BasinItem Seagrass and seaweed habitats in Gulf of Mannar and South Palk Bay region : Final Technical report(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2023) Seal, Sohom; Iyer, Sweta; Ghanekar, Chinmaya; Prabakaran, Nehru; Johnson, J.A.Seagrass beds are also heavily affected by frequent storms and prolonged rain, affecting the water transparency, and cutting the light penetration (Syukur et al., 2017). As a results, seagrass habitats quality and extend are degreasing in greater extent. In order to take a stock on the extend of seagrass and seaweed cover in the Gulf of Mannar and Southern Palk Bay region, the present investigation was under taken with the following objectives. Objectives of the study i. To map the current distribution and area coverage of seagrass and seaweed in Gulf of Mannar and Southern Palk Bay region. ii. Identify and demarcate the degraded seagrass habitats for adopting suitable management interventions.