Feasibility study of proposed Katthiwada Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

The WII team conducted the study from February 2007 to October, 2007 involving desk review; field data collection on ecological and socio-economic characteristics; assessment of human disturbance and remote sensing and GIS analysis. On the basis of evaluation of the available forest cover, wild animal presence, landscape attributes (ridges, valleys, water sources, village settlements, proximity to forest areas) – attributes that are vital for survival and reproduction of wildlife occupying and using the area and also considering the socio-economic assessment, the study recommended the establishment of only the proposed Katthiwada WLS but not the Mathwad WLS. The study recommended the inclusion of forest compartments 468 to 475, 453 and 532 of Bhabhra Range (13.67 Km2) in the proposed Katthiwada WLS as it provides additional habitat of good quality to a number of wildlife species. The total area of proposed Katthiwada WLS would be 106 Km2. The study also found that socio-economic and cultural context wherein a predominantly Adivasi population of Bhils and Bhilalas reside and eke out a livelihood from the farm and forest of these areas. This presents specific challenges as well as opportunities for Feasibility Study of Proposed KWLS conservation in the area. The households depend on forests for fuelwood, fodder and NTFP for subsistence or sale. These resources are vital to the households and there is little or no capacity within these households to purchase fuels and source fodder. Farm productivity also being low on account of poor soils and lack of adequate farm inputs, people resort to seasonal ‘out migration’ and cultivation along sub-marginal tracts within the forests.