Agenda Notes for the 26th meeting of the - Sacon

Agenda Notes for the 26th meeting of the

RESEARCH, MONITORING AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF SACON

AGENDA NO: 1/26 Confirmation of the minutes of the 25th meeting of the Research, Monitoring and

Advisory Committee of SACON held on 11th January 2013 at Coimbatore Minutes of the 25th meeting of the Research, Monitoring and Advisory Committee is given in the Annex – 1. Since, no comments were received the minutes may kindly be confirmed.

AGENDA NO: 2/26 Action Taken Report on the minutes of the earlier meetings

SN Decisions of the 25th RMAC Action taken by SACON

1 Agenda No: 1/25: Confirmation of the minutes of the 24th meeting of the Research, Monitoring and Advisory Committee held on 17th February 2012 at SACON While confirming the minutes of the 24th meeting of RMAC held on 17/02/2012, the Member Secretary (RMAC) intimated that the observations of the committee on two research projects, placed under Additional Agenda No: 1/24 [i.e. (2) Status, ecology and conservation of Narcondam Hornbill in Narcondam Island and (3) Reassessment of the impact of nest collections on the Ediblenest Swiftlet in the Andaman Islands] due to oversight could not be included in the minutes. The Members asked the Member Secretary to include the observations of the RMAC as “Noted by the Committee” in the minutes of the 24th meeting of the RMAC under Additional Agenda No: 1/24, and with

Complied with the instruction of the RMAC

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these observations, the minutes were confirmed.

2 Agenda No: 2/25 : Action Taken Report on the minutes of the earlier meetings

3 Under Sl. No: 1 1. Strengthening community …………Nagaland While discussing the technical report, the Chairman (RAMC) intimated that the BNHS has started a campaign to save the migratory species, Amur Falcons, hunted in large numbers for trade as they pass through Nagaland. The Chairman (RMAC) sought the assistance of SACON and its resource persons who were involved in the Nagaland community conservation project for the campaign. It was suggested that churches and student Unions in the state might also be roped in for the campaign.

Noted for compliance

4 Under Sl. No: 2 Agenda No: 3/21: Progress of the ongoing research projects 1. Ecology of the Endangered Indian

Rock Python in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan

However, the RMAC advised the PI that since a study on the ecology of Rock Python covering the whole country is important to ease the pressure on the faculty concerned, such studies might be taken in more collaborative mode, sharing responsibility among other faculty members and others as a team.


5 Sl. No: 7 Under General Comments of the RMAC on ATR Agenda

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Agenda No: 4/22 (New proposals for the examination of the RMAC) Baseline data collection on the countrywide population estimates of Indian Peafowl The RMAC noted that a decision on the project proposal by the MoEF to SACON is awaited. The RMAC also noted that there is no provision of institutional charges for conducting the study. The PI of the project informed that as suggested by the RMAC earlier, he would explore the possibilities of funding from the ICAR for the study.

The proposal still under consideration of the MoEF

6 Sl. No: 8 Agenda No: 3/23: Progress of the research projects 2. Strengthening Community

Conservation Efforts in Nagaland: A Programme to Impart Technical Support on Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Options to Communities; Phase 1: Phek, Tuensang, Longleng, Kiphire and Mon Districts

The RMAC noted the discussion SACON had with NEPED, and the funding agency regarding the second phase, and the submission of DPR to the NEPED for comments.

The matter is being pursued

7 Agenda No: 3/24: Consideration of the progress of the ongoing research projects.

8 Sl. No: 11 10. Review of state of environment in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan and its catchment area: A Historical analysis

Copy of the project final report and copies of the papers on KNP are submitted to SACON library for wider circulation.

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The RMAC noted submission of final technical report to the funding agency. Further, the RMAC noted that a copy of the reports and papers collected for the project and the publications emanating from the study would be available for wider use.

9 Sl. No: 13 Agenda No: 5/24 : Consideration of white paper and Vision of SACON the RMAC advised the Director, SACON to send the white paper after incorporating the suggestions to Dr E K Bharucha and Prof J S Samant, nominated by the Governing Council, for their comments and subsequently after revising the document it may be submitted for consideration of the Governing Council

The suggestions from the 25th meeting of the RMAC were incorporated in the document and as advised by the RMAC the document, after incorporating the comments, was sent to Drs Jay Samant and E K Bharucha for their final suggestions/ comments to finalize the document. With the permission of the Chairman (RMAC) both Drs Jay Samant and E K Bhaurcha were invited to the present meeting of the RMAC for to finalize the document. However, due to certain preoccupation both could not make it to the meeting. However, they have assured to send their comments at the earliest to SACON for placing in the meeting. This issue may be discussed separately under Agenda No:…../26 of the present meeting.

10 Agenda No: 3/25 : Consideration of the progress of the ongoing research projects/ EIA studies

11 2. Status, Ecology and Conservation

of Narcondam Hornbill Aeceros narcondami on Narcondam Island, India

The Committee noted the objectives and the progress of the research

Noted the observation and that would be incorporated in the final

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project. The Committee also opined that since the species is endemic to the Narcondam Island, no attempts should be made to introduce the species to the other islands of the Andaman and Nicobar.

report to the MoEF

12 3. Reassessment of the impact of nest collection on the Edible-nest Swiftlet in the Andaman Islands

While noting the state of the species in the Islands it was opined that increase in tourism would have an impact on the population. The members also suggested a scientific monograph be prepared on the study.

As per RMAC's suggestion, preparation of the scientific monograph on the Edible-nest Swiftlet in Andaman Islands will be done

13 Agenda No: 3/25: Consideration of the progress on the ongoing research projects/ EIA studies 4. Patterns of Distribution of

Selected Faunal groups in the Agasthiamalai Hills, Western Ghats, Kerala, India

The PI explained the objectives and methodology of the study. The members suggested documenting vegetation at the sites where faunal studies are being done. The members advised the PI to pursue more hypotheses driven study, basic science, for wider spectrum of audience.

Plots for the vegetation study have been identified and data collection is planned during post monsoon (i.e. October-December) of 2013.

14 5. Social organization, behaviour and phylogeography of Macaca fascicularis umbrosa in the Nicobar Islands, India

The members noted the progress of the study and suggested analysis of the species in comparison with other related species (with data available elsewhere) to shed light on evolution

This issue will be addressed during the study once we obtain enough data

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of the species.

15 7. Evaluating the status of NTFP trees and development of a model for sustainable harvest of Garcinia gummi-gutta in Aghanashini -Lion tailed Macaque Conservation Reserve, Western Ghats, India

The major issues relating to NTFP, the macaques and the people in the area were explained by the PI. The PI was suggested to explore raising the NTFP trees by local tribals in their lands and raising the NTFP trees outside forest areas with the assistance of the forest department.

We had discussion with the forest department in this direction. We are preparing the proposal jointly with the forest department in this regard.

We also have interacted with the local people, and they are convinced and have accepted to support the activity

16 8. Ecological investigation of woody vegetation and nest tree use by birds in the Riverine Forests of Athikadavu Valley, Western Ghats

The PI was suggested to look into interactions among primary and secondary hole- nesters in the area, and to conduct bird census and generate quantitative data on birds in the study area in addition.

Both points are taken into consideration and are being implemented.

17 9. Identification of RNA transcripts present in chicken sperm and their relation to fertility

The members noted the presentation on the objectives and the progress, and utility of the study for wild species, and suggested exploring later with species in zoos and captivity.

We have standardized RNA isolation protocol from the sperm. The research work to identify fertility marker is in process. Once the markers are identified in chicken, their suitability for other avian species (zoos and captivity) will be evaluated.

18 10. Monitoring pesticide residues in select components of an agro-ecosystem adopting organic and chemical farming in Padayetti village, Palakkad District, Kerala

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The members felt that the recommendations of the study appear not substantiated or not in accord with the topic of the study and advised the PI to look into. It was also observed that the finding does not reflect statistically significant differences and suggested that the areas, under chemical and organic farming, being very close to each other the differences would not be substantial.

Now the sample analyses to an extent is completed. Data analysis is in progress. Recommendations will be made based on the objectives of the project.

19 11. Monitoring and Surveillance of Environmental Contaminants in Birds in India

The members also noted with concern that the samples are becoming unsuitable for analysis due to electricity power cuts in the area. The members asked the PI to explore equipment funding from others Departments such as Science and Technology or Biotechnology. Further, the members advised the PI try to explore getting samples analysed utilising other central facilities / laboratories in a collaborative mode.

SACON has contacted Department of Science and Technology (Govt of India) to get funds though schemes such as PURSE (Promotion of university research and scientific excellence) and FIST (Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure in Higher Educational Institutions (FIST). But it is understood that SACON is not eligible to seek funds from these schemes. Hence, efforts are being made to seek funds through research project. It is also learnt that SACON has submitted a proposal to MoEF for purchase of equipment under infra structure development. Had discussion with Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Bharathiar Univeristy, Avinashiligam University Coimbatore and Central University, Thiruvarur and Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad. It was not possible because the following reasons; Equipment specifications are not matching with our need Detection limit of equipment was not in line with our need.

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The members also suggested that instead of waiting for opportunistic sampling, as and when birds are found dead, samples of common species such as Common Myna, House Crow, Cattle Egret, should be taken on all-India basis. BNHS can help in collecting blood and feather samples when birds are caught for ringing.

Number of samples are too many to find spare time Cost of analysis is too high. Due to lack of funds and time, it could not be takenup. The tenure of the project was over by March 2013. Request for extension (no cost) has been made with MoEF. The PI is in touch with Dr Balachandaran of BNHS for samples.

20 12. Monitoring the impacts of Jangi Wind power farm (91.8 MW) with special reference to birds and bats

The members noted the progress of the study. They also expressed the need for more intensive data collection, taking into consideration all factors such as migratory seasons, altitudes and locations, before making any conclusion on the impact of the wind turbines on bird and bat populations.

The data collection has been intensified, duly considering all the suggestions

21 13. Cumulative Environment Impact Assessment Studies for Sutlej Basin in Himachal Pradesh: Faunal Aspects

The members noted the limited to scope of the study. The members opined that the scope and methodology should be mentioned very clearly while presenting / reporting the progress of the work. It was also suggested that previous studies with respect to various faunal group in the river basin should be

The recommendations has been duly implemented while preparing the draft report

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given due importance, while preparing the final technical report.

22 14. Cumulative Environmental Impact Assessment of Hydropower projects on Yamuna and Ton

The members noted the wide scope of the study and time given for completion of project which is too less. The PI was advised to develop appropriate format for conducting the study, prepare correct maps, and to highlight the submergible areas due to the hydropower projects. It was also suggested, while reporting the conservation importance of the various locations in the study area, to include fish along with birds and other animals.

Appropriate workable sampling strategy has been developed. The maps are being prepared by the GIS team from IIT Roorkee. Fishery aspect is being studied by DCWF, Bhimtal. All these data will be integrated in the final cumulative assessment report.

23 15. Study on Impact of Construction of High Rise Towers on Migration of Fauna Including Avifauna - Bengal NRI Township Project (Urbana), Anandapur

The committee noted the progress and advised to incorporate data on migratory and other avifauna. Overall, the members felt that all EIA and other Consultancy studies should be discussed internally at SACON regarding the methodology, data, progress and conclusions.

Duly incorporated in the report

24 17. ENVIS –Wetlands Ecosystems including inland wetlands The members noted the revival of the ENVIS centre at SACON. On deliberations, the members advised to look into the following:

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1. Identification of wetlands which are potential Ramsar sites in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states

2. Preparing a template on

quantification techniques and methodologies for biodiversity values of wetlands, which would be beneficial to the state forest departments, wildlife departments and other stakeholders

3. Preparation of an Inventory of temple wetlands starting with Tamil Nadu, consolidating the history and cultural, religious and biodiversity importance of such wetlands

4. Involving the respective district authorities in the ENVIS programme conducted by SACON and sharing the data with the respective district administration

5. The Extension Division of the Centre may collaborate with the Wetland Ecology Division in the ENVIS programme

6. Preparation of inventory of wetlands of industrial, and defence lands in the country in a collaborative mode

The team has now started the work by collecting existing data and information available on several wetlands in Tamil Nadu state. We are also consulting the BNHS publication ‘Potential and Existing Ramsar Sites in India’ Work is in progress and we have looked into some of the existing examples of templates on wetlands elsewhere. We are now trying to modify and adapt the templates to the country context. The ENVIS centre of CPREEC is into documenting sacred waterbodies. We have given a link to their web page for the information. Will execute the suggestion while conducting the district wise program. Noted for compliance. Have discussed with the ENVIS secretariat team and the suggestion will be executed after their approval.

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Utilisation of other complementary data bases, imagery sources and other resources and linkages to consolidate information on wetlands in the country; the matter may also be discussed with NRDMS, DST

We have compiled and collated information on a number of complimentary data bases on wetlands and linked them to the envis website. Some of the resources are being updated on a daily basis. We would be in touch with NRDMS, DST in this regard.

25 18. Assessment of the morphological diversity and the ecological patterns in the near threatened colonial water birds across Indian sub-continent using a novel approach The members noted the scope of the study, progress made, and advised the PI to test the morphological measurements made by video techniques comparing with specimen.

As per the recommendations standardization of video methods has been carried out and all the technical issues are being sorted out. As per the advice of RMAC, the PI visited the ZSI (Kolkata) and used the stuffed specimens of birds for standardization of the video graphic method. The specimens were manually measured first and then by the video graphic methods. The images of the dead specimens were measured using TPS software. The specimen measurements and video graphic measurements of lengths came to the level of millimeter accuracy.

26 20. Nature Education Activities for Coimbatore The members asked the Coordinator to develop an all India nature education programmes with special emphasis on children education and educating the policy makers and advised roping in other faculty members of SACON for such national level programmes. The members asked the Coordinator to include the media also in these programmes, which would make SACON more visible all over the country. The members also suggested conducting an orientation course for media personnel /journalists.

As per the suggestion, initiatives have been taken to expand the nature education activities in terms of geographical spread and target groups. Monitoring Nature through Birds is a DST programme through which SACON will be reaching out to nature lovers, students, and public across the country. A special awareness programme for media personnel and another one for farmers are under schedule for this year.

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During the discussion, the members appreciated the assurance given by faculty member from the Calicut University that he would spread the message to all colleges under the University to involve in the nature education activities of SACON.

27 21. DNA clubs for Andaman Islands The members noted the activities taken up under the project. The members advised the PI to create local resource persons, mentored under SACON for continuance of the activities.


28 22. Ecodevelopment Plan for Mount Harriet National Park The members noted the progress of the study. The members asked the PI to make efforts to establish a Nature Interpretation Centre at the Mount Harriet National Park.


Agenda No: 4/25: Completed projects The RMAC noted details submitted by SACON on the following completed studies. In this regard, as a policy, the RMAC asked SACON to upload all final technical reports of its research studies / EIA / Consultancy reports in the SACON’s website. In case, any clause under the terms and conditions of the funding agencies while granting the studies, which prevent uploading of such reports in the website, such


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assignments may not be taken up. It was also suggested that all studies including EIA / consultancy assignments might be put up internally for thorough discussions on methodology and findings to avoid unsubstantiated conclusions. This would also help in midway corrections and modifications in study strategy if required. The RMAC also advised SACON to take up studies without compromising the quality and brand value of SACON; each study of SACON, research or consultancies or nature education, should enhance the brand value of the Centre.

Agenda No: 5/25 Projects submitted to various funding agencies with the approval of the Internal Research Committee of SACON. The suggestions given by the RMAC on the following research studies

1. Ecological species sorting in relation to habitat structure in the small cat guild of Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh

The RMAC suggested the PI to explore including study of parasites as a separate component of the study.


2. Monitoring the bird populations and habitat quality of the Pallikaranai Swamp Reserve Forest, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

The RMAC suggested that while monitoring the bird populations and


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habitat quality of the Pallikaranai swamp reserve forest, a Comprehensive Management Plan could also be incorporated in the final technical report.

3. Owl assemblage and occupancy in Andaman archipelagos, India

Genetic study using the feathers or fecal samples of the birds may also be included as a component which would further help in achieving the objectives of the project, provided the fund are sufficient. The Chairman (RMAC) also advised the PI of the project to get in touch with international experts such as Dr Pamela Rasmussen.

Proposed funds is not sufficient to conduct genetic study, however attempt will be made to collect the required samples. The project is initiated recently and we will contact Dr Pamela Rasmussen in the upcoming months

4. Ecological study to assess the Diversity and Biopollution Index of the man-made wetland Ujani in Maharashtra

The RMAC suggested the PI to look at earlier data / information on the wetland, including those available with Dr Bharucha’s team and to identify the potentials of the Ujani wetland to be declared as ‘Ramsar Site’


5. Comparative study on the ecology and conservation of the avifauna in the systemic and non-systemic wetlands spread across the Thanjavur and Ramnad Districts of Tamil Nadu, South India

The RMAC opined re-looking and recasting the objectives and suggested the PI to do a Meta analysis of the data already available.


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6. Assessment of the helminth parasites in the colonial waterbirds across India

The RMAC opined that the oppor-tunistic sampling would not be sufficient to achieve the objectives of the study in full. It also suggested discussing with Dr Balachandran of BNHS who has extensive know-ledge/expertise on capturing, ringing and handling birds and it would be possible to collect fecal sampling during the process, which he regularly conducts, that could be used for assay for internal parasite’s eggs and cysts.


Concluding Remarks Further, the Chairman (RMAC) said that SACON should have a good Public Relation Officer to improve visibility of SACON’s research / conservation activities throughout the country. The members also suggested that a Press Meets / releases would also be good while releasing the reports of the research studies. The Chairman and Members of the RMAC advised SACON to publish its research papers in the peer-reviewed journals. He also suggested more articles from SACON to be submitted to the journals of BNHS such as JBNHS and scientific popular magazines such as Hornbill and Mistnet.


The Members of the RMAC asked the Director, SACON to invite the Additional PCCF, Coimbatore and Director, IFGTB, Coimbatore to all its ARS and meetings of the RMAC in future, which would be highly beneficial to SACON and its research

As advised, Director (IFGTB) and Addl. PCCF (Coimbatore) were invited to the 26th meeting of the RMAC.

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programmes.

Agenda No: 3/26 Consideration of the progress on the ongoing research projects/ EIA studies

ORNITHOLOGY, AVIAN PHYSIOLOGY & GENETICS, AND CONSERVATION ECOLOGY

1. CONSERVATION OF THE ENDANGERED SPECIES AND HABITATS - THE EDIBLE-NEST

SWIFTLET IN THE ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS Principal Investigator: Manchi Shirish S Research Fellows: Akshaya M Mane and Punyamurty Khristodas Project Period: 5 years Date of Commencement: 1st April 2009 Date of Completion: March 2014 Budget: Rs. 5124814 Funding Source: MoEF, GoI through Dept. of Environment and Forests, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Status: On-going Collaborative Agencies: Dept. Environment and Forests, A & N Islands Summary A programme to conserve the Edible-nest Swiftlet in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands has been underway since 1999, which is being implemented by the Department of Environment and Forests, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and SACON. During Phase I (1999-2002) and II (2002-2008), the conservation strategy that has been undertaken included: (a) organizing and motivating nest-collectors to protect caves round the clock for the duration of the breeding season, and (b) developing alternate populations of the Edible-nest Swiftlet in houses, both to increase populations as well as to augment livelihoods. Since 1999, significant increase in population has already occurred at the focal sites. We are in the process of establishing a population of Edible-nest Swiftlet in the houses; nest building has taken place and demonstrated that this approach will lead to far wider recoveries in population of the swiftlets and positively benefit these fragile islands. During the last season between January and July 2013 almost 2659 chicks fledged by 817 Breeding pairs (number of nests) in 204 caves of all three sites with average breeding success of 78 %. Annual population growth rate was 8.5% from Baratang and Chalis-ek Swiftlet Protection site. Whereas, in the cave at interview island population declined by 3% compare to last year. Scientifically managed nest collection was done and total 1944 nests were harvested by the end of the season. Modifications in the newly constructed ex-situ houses are still on-going. Objectives

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I. Research and development 1. To continue ongoing studies on the breeding biology of the species 2. To understand roosting behaviour of the Edible-nest Swiftlet 3. To study longevity and dispersal patterns of the Edible-nest Swiftlet 4. To continue study on nesting and foraging habitat in/around nesting caves of

swiftlets 5. To study natural predators and their density in the nesting area of the swiftlets 6. To study food of the Edible-nest Swiftlet 7. To optimize the technology and the methodology to attract and induce Edible-

nest Swiftlet to breed in human habitation II. In-situ conservation 1. The consolidation and expansion of cave sites where conservation action is being

implemented from the existing two to eight (5 in the Andaman and 3 in the Nicobar), where nest-collectors will be organized and supervised in scientifically managing Swiftlet colonies;

2. To establish scientific harvesting systems III. Ex-situ conservation 1. The development, and expansion of the number of houses in which the Edible-

nest Swiftlet breed, thus establishing alternate populations and enabling widespread ranching of swiftlets from houses;

2. To establish scientific harvesting systems in Edible-nest Swiftlet colonies in houses IV. Swiftlet Conservation Co-operative 1. The establishment of a co-operative that will establish market linkages for nests

harvested under supervised scientifically managed systems, which is fundamental to the conservation of the Edible-nest Swiftlet.

Methodology: 1. Research on population and biology of the Edible-nest Swiftlet is continued. entry-

exit counts, egg laying, hatching and fledging success, and dispersal patterns by studying marked birds, is continued and the whole programme is continue to be under rigorous scientific monitoring.

2. Caves at all three sites, one at Interview Island, 29 at Chalis-Ek and 175 at Wraffter’s Creek, Baratang Island are being protected and studied under the conservation programme.

3. As per the scientific methodology developed and established, each approachable nest is identified and numbered and its history traced from commencement of construction until the fledging of chicks, thus ensuring successful breeding within the colony and growth in populations.

4. Entry and exit counts for different caves (n=13) were taken once in a week throughout the breeding season to understand the total population of the colony. Bird roosting pattern in different moon phases were recorded in 24 hrs counts for (n=6) different caves.

5. Vegetation sampling was done (n=100 plots) to understand tree diversity and density in and around the cave complex at Baratang protection site.

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6. Nest site characters were recorded at nesting sites (164 nest sites), old nest site (62 old nesting sites) and random sites (805 locations) to study the nesting habitat requirements of the species at Baratang Swiftlet Protection site.

7. More than 300 chicks were marked to explore the dispersal patterns of the species. Body weight and morphometric measurement of 140 chicks of different age were recorded.

8. Bird droppings and insects were collected from both Pattilevel and Interview Island for the analysis of Edible Nest Swiftlet’s diet. Plastic sheets were placed bellow the nesting sites in eight caves at Chalis-ek, one cave at Interview Island and 2 caves at Baratang Island swiftlet protection site. Samples collected were placed in paper bags for dry preservation. Insects were also collected using different methods like net sweeping, sticky traps method and also by hand. Samples were preserved in plastic containers using ethanol.

9. Presence of different owls was studied by recording the calls at two Swiftlet Protection sites (Baratang and Interview Island).

10. Six caves were measured to explore and map internal structures of the caves using actual measurements taken inside caves.

11. Under Ex-situ conservation, playing calls using MP3 players continued in all the four swiftlet houses at Tugapur, Khara Nallha, Ramnagar and Baratang and house temperature and humidity was recorded to check the house environment.

12. Efforts to augment the Edible-nest Swiftlet population in the man-made construction also continued through the cross-fostering method.

13. Towards identifying the potential site for expansion of the in-situ conservation sites in Andaman Islands the survey was conducted and the results are given in the next project funded by WWF Small Grant Program.

Results The Edible-nest Swiftlet start constructing nests in December. If the nests are not collected, then egg laying is initiated in February end and hatching of chicks takes place about 25 days later. The chicks begin fledging between the 35th and the 45th day. By end of May swiftlets begin laying the second clutch and the fledging of the second clutch takes place by the August end to Mid September. The survival rate of the second clutch is largely determined by the amount of water seepage in the cave. In Chalis-ek, Interview and Baratang Island’s Swiftlet protection site, nesting started in December. Nest building followed by egg laying and incubation at the end of the February. First egg was laid in Baratang on 22nd February whereas at Chalis-ek first egg laid was on 27th February. At Interview Island, first egg was laid on 17th march. Hatching started on 18th March at Baratang, 30th March at Chalis-ek and lately it started on 20th April at Interview Island. Fledging period at three sites was started during pre monsoon shower during April end and continued to end of June in first two camps and by July in Interview Island cave. Roosting studies shows that, the numbers of birds coming for roosting were higher during time of 18:00 to 19:00 in three hrs roost count (17:00 to 20:00). Roosting with respect to moon light in different lunar phases was studied during entire breeding season at Interview Island. There is no significant difference observed in arrival time of

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birds for roosting with respect to different lunar phases. However, less number of birds counted during egg incubation and hatching period during mid March and April. Nevertheless cloud cover, rain and exact light amount at the site influences the roosting, thorough studied are in progress to understand the roosting behaviour. Around 300 chicks were ringed on nests to study the natal and breeding dispersal of the species. Body weight and body measurements were taken from 140 individuals of different age. Towards protection of the Edible-nest Swiftlet, at all three focal sites in North and Middle Andaman Islands 28 motivated nest collectors were engaged on daily wages for protection during the breeding season of the Edible-nest Swiftlet. The growth rate of 3% (approximate) estimated population of Edible-nest Swiftlet in 28 caves at Chalis-ek reached 3758 birds in 2013. The breeding pairs (number of nests) increased to 1346 from 1305. Approximately 1261 Chicks were fledged by 1346 breeding pairs. The protection camp was closed during June 2013. At Interview Island, population of the Edible-nest Swiftlet depicted around 3 % of decline compared to last year’s population i.e. 274 birds. Reason for decline in population is not yet known. During 2013, 165 chicks fledged from 133 breeding pairs. The protection of almost all the known caves (174 caves plus one newly added cave) at Baratang Island commenced during January 2013. With an addition of approximately 93 nests (breeding pairs) in the last years breeding population the total nest count at Baratang reached to (approximate) 762 nests. Approximately 701 Chicks fledged from Baratang Island. With further estimated annual growth of 14 %, population of Baratang continued to depict constant increasing trend. Total breeding population of 1524 birds and non-breeding population of 319 birds together reached 1843 birds in Baratang during 2013. Protection camp was closed during June 2013. With continuous increase total protected population at all three sites was estimated to be 5855 birds during 2013. Almost 2127 chicks were fledged by 2241 breeding pairs (number of nests) in 204 caves of all three sites with average breeding success of 78 %.

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Figure 1: Effect of Protection on the population of Edible-nest Swiftlet in Andaman and Nicobar Island

Nest Harvesting With involvement of the nest protectors scientifically managed harvesting of the nests is on-going. Total 2053 nests (1243 from Chalis-ek and 133 from Interview Island and 677 from Baratang Island) were harvested during the year 2013. All the harvested nests are numbered, registered, air dried and packed in air tight container after complete drying.

Vegetation around the cave complex 930 individual trees belonging to 113 species were enumerated. A total 1325 individuals belongs to 87 species were enumerated for sapling and shrub category. The incidence based estimators such as Chao2 and Incidence based Coverage Estimator (ICE) using Estimate S indicated the presence of a maximum of 154 and 167 tree species respectively, which covers about 75% of encountered species. Further data processing and species identification is on-going. Ex-situ Conservation

During May and June 2013, total 101 eggs were transferred in two batches from Chalis-ek caves. The eggs were cross fostered in the nests of the Glossy Swiftlets in Tugapur ex-situ swiftlet house at Tugapur, Middle Andaman Island. More than 87% of eggs transferred to the house hatched successfully. More than 71% of breeding success was observed in the house.

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Roost count was taken outside ex-situ swiftlet house at Tugapur during January 2013 between 17:00 and 20:00hrs. Three individuals were observed roosting in the house. No breeding attempt was recorded during the season. Discussion and recommendations Steady population growth at two in-situ conservation sites (Chalis-ek and Baratang) is the quite noticeable. Whereas, after the successful breeding every year population decline at Interview Island is inexplicable. The population is under continuous observations. Capture-recapture studies confirm presence of the old birds in the colony. Study on dispersal will help us to understand the breeding and natal dispersal of the species. The roosting pattern is now known to be related with the breeding stage of the colony rather than the lunar cycle. As there are no nests in the unprotected caves, roost count method will help us estimating the populations here. Regular, scheduled playing back of the calls and transfer of Edible-nest Swiftlet eggs into the Glossy Swiftlet nests may result in settlement of the Edible-nest Swiftlet populations in the ex-situ swiftlet houses. Scientifically monitored, post-breeding nest harvesting is successful at all three protection sites. After conditional de-listing of the species, the conservation program has achieved most of the objectives and successfully demonstrated population growth of the species at the focal in-situ conservation sites, nesting attempts in the ex-situ houses and exploration of the new urban breeding colonies of the Edible-nest Swiftlet. Further, it is now important to de-list the species from the schedules of Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972) to allow protectors to get their deserving incentive, with scientific guidance and local administration, from this high priced, local natural resource. Long term research and conservation of the species should be assured to strengthen the on-going conservation efforts. Communication with the Andaman Forest Department is on-going for further continuation of the Edible-nest Swiftlet conservation in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Publications

1. In Press) S. Manchi and R. Sankaran, Effect of Protection on White-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus fuciphagus population in Andaman Islands, India - an assessment, Oryx.

2. In Press) Pankaj K. and Manchi S., Sighting of Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maurus on North Andaman Island, India, Indian Birds.

3. 2013) Pankaj K. and Manchi S., Avifaunal Records from Chalis Ek, North Andaman Island: Insights into Distribution of Some Andamanese Birds, Checklist 9(1): 034–041.

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2. REASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF NEST COLLECTION ON THE EDIBLE-NEST SWIFTLET IN THE ANDAMAN ISLANDS

Principal Investigator : Manchi Shirish S Co-investigator/consultant : NIL Research Fellow : NIL Project Period : 1 Year : Date of Commencement : September 2011 Expected date of completion : August 2012 (extended up to May 2013) Budget : Rs. 1,95000/- Funding source : Small Grant Program, WWF India Status : On-Going Collaborating Agency : Summary The project was initiated to achieve part of the objective in the On-going Edible-nest Swiftlet conservation program. The survey was proposed to reassess the breeding populations of the Edible-nest Swiftlet in the Andaman Islands, and to understand the intensity of nest collection in the undefended caves of the Andaman Islands. The survey is finished with some interesting results, though still the data analyses are on-going. More than 70% of undefended population in the North and Middle Andaman islands is gone within 15 years. Also, populations of the Edible-nest Swiftlet are extinct from more than 48% of caves in North and Middle Andaman Islands. However, two new colonies of the Edible-nest Swiftlet were discovered in different islands. Compare to the edible nests in protected caves building stage of the edible nests in the undefended caves is poor because of the regular illegal nest harvesting. From the survey in North and Middle Andaman Islands, the only identified site for in-situ conservation of the Edible-nest Swiftlet could be the newly discovered breeding population in a cave on Landfall Island and the known breeding population on South Button Island. But practically setting up the protection camp here is very difficult. Total nine urban populations of the Edible-nest Swiftlet were discovered during the survey. These issues have to be discussed further in detail with the Chief Wildlife Warden, A&N Islands. Survey should be taken up for the breeding populations of the Edible-nest Swiftlet in Nicobar Islands. Objectives 1. Estimate the breeding population of the Edible-nest Swiftlet throughout the

Andaman Islands 2. Assess the extent of the nest collection in Andaman Islands 3. Identify the potential populations towards expansion of the on-going conservation

program Methodology

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Of the 384 caves identified in the Andaman and Nicobar islands, 325 were surveyed by Sankaran (1998) in the Andaman Islands. In addition to these 10 new caves were identified during present survey. Among total 335 caves, 304 caves were revisited and 10 caves were first time visited between February and April 2012 & 2013 to estimate population of the Edible-nest Swiftlet. Remaining 21 caves in South Andaman could not be included in present study because of the inaccessibility during the field visits. These remaining 21 caves were also removed from the analyses part while comparing the data with the present survey. Of these 314 caves, around 95% were surveyed physically to know the breeding population of the Edible-nest Swiftlet. Information from the nest collectors was obtained about the population of the Edible-nest Swiftlet in more than 4% caves. Information from 3 caves located on rock cliffs of the White Cliff Island could be collected, neither by Sankaran (1998) nor during the present survey, (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Number of caves surveyed in the Andaman Islands during 1997-98 and 1012-13. (Here: (S) = physically surveyed; (NS) = physically not surveyed but obtained the information from the nest collectors about the swiftlet populations inside; (NI) = caves could not be surveyed and also no information could be obtained about the swiftlet population inside) The nest collectors / field assistants (were part of last survey during 1997) from different islands were identified and involved in the survey for the population estimation of the Edible-nest Swiftlet inside caves. All the caves explored were surveyed for the population of the Edible-nest Swiftlet. Nests count method (Sankaran 1998, 2001) was used to estimate breeding population of the species. Following Sankaran (1998, 2001), all the nests (completely or partially built) were counted with their breeding/nesting stages. All the nests and nests sites (marks left behind by the old nests) were counted to estimate the breeding populations inside the caves. Where ever possible the nests collectors will be interviewed to understand the intensity of nest collection in different islands.

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Results During the survey all the known caves were observed for presence of the swiftlets and bats. Among 314 caves surveyed in Andaman Islands, more than 64% were occupied by swiftlets. Edible-nest and Glossy Swiftlet were occupying around 57% and 15% caves respectively. More than 37 % caves were deserted by the Edible-nest Swiftlet between 1998 and 2013 (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Number of caves occupied by the Edible-nest and Glossy Swiftlet in the Andaman Islands during 1998 and 2013. Of 34 islands visited during the survey 14 islands were found with the population of the swiftlets. Additional seven islands previously known to support the Swiftlet population could not be visited and two islands Inglis and Outram in the Rani Jhansi National Park of South Andaman Islands were found deserted by swiftlets. Simultaneously, new swiftlet colony was explored on East Island where they were never recorded before (Table 1). Though not much change observed about presence of Swiftlets on different islands more damage was recorded in case of the Edible-nest Swiftlet. The species is now only on seven islands and could not be seen breeding on four previously known islands. Among these islands the colony of the Edible-nest Swiftlet found on East Island of the North Andaman Islands is the new population of the species never known. This can be considered is now as northern most known population of the species.

Table 1. Nest count of the Edible-nest Swiftlet and number of caves occupied by the

species on different islands of the Andaman group of islands during 1998 and 2013.

Island Name # Caves

Surveyed

# Caves with

Swiftlets

# Caves with

ENS

# Caves with

GS

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1998 2013 1998 2013 1998 2013 1998 2013

Interview 34 35 30 19 21 15 12 5

Point 2 2 1 1 0 0 1 1

Reef 5 5 4 2 1 0 3 2

White Cliff 4 4 4 1 3 0 1 1

East 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0

N. Andaman 35 38 32 30 31 29 6 5

M. Andaman 3 3 1 1 1 0 1 1

Strait 2 NS 1 NS 1 NS 1 NS

Opp. Strait 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1

Baratang 170 175 153 122 152 118 5 23

Henry Lawrence 20 20 18 9 6 2 16 9

Inglis 2 2 1 0 0 0 1 0

Outram 2 3 2 2 1 0 2 0

Neil 9 9 9 5 9 5 1 0

South Button 14 14 10 10 10 10 0 0

Middle Button 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

S. Andaman 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1

North Cinque 1 NS 1 NS 1 NS 0 NS

Rutland 6 NS 3 NS 2 NS 2 NS

Passage 2 NS 2 NS 2 NS 0 NS

Little Andaman 3 NS NS NS 3 NS NS NS

Redskin 1 NS 1 NS 0 NS 1 NS

Jarawa Territory 6 NS 1 NS 5 NS 6 NS

Total 325 314 276 205 249 180 61 49

In 314 caves visited, 2445 nests were observed. From total observed 2111 nests were recorded in the 205 protected caves at Interview Island, Chalis-ek of North Andaman and Wraffter’s Creek of Baratang Island. Only 334 nests were observed in 109 undefended caves revisited to know breeding population of the Edible-nest Swiftlet. Present investigation depicts that almost 38% of the Edible-nest Swiftlet population is declined from 1997-98 onwards and more than 56% of undefended/unprotected population is lost between 1997-98 and 2012-13 (Table 2). Table 2. Nest count of the Edible-nest Swiftlet and the number of caves in different parts of the Andaman Islands

Sr. No.

Island Name Sankaran (1998) Present (2012)

# Caves # Nests # Caves # Nests

1 Interview

Interview (UP) 33 310 34 67

*Interview (P) 1 600 1 137

2 Point 2 0 2 0

3 Reef 5 8 5 0

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4 White Cliff 4 0 4 0

5 Landfall 1 0 1 78

6 North Andaman

Chalis-ek, N. Andaman (UP) 3 19 5 32

**Chalis-ek, N. Andaman (P) 30 922 30 1302

Ramnagar, N. Andaman 2 0 3 0

7 Middle Andaman

Cuthbert Bay, M. Andaman 3 1 3 0

8 Opp. Strait 1 0 1 0

9 ***Baratang (P) 170 1799 175 669

10 Henry Lawrence 20 51 20 2

11 Inglis 2 0 2 0

12 Outram 2 1 3 0

13 Neil 9 139 9 98

14 South Button 14 296 14 60

15 Middle Button 1 0 1 0 16 South Andaman

16 Chidiya Tapu 1 0 1 0 TOTAL 304 4146 314 2445

*Cave protected since 2000, **Caves protected since 2001, ***Caves protected since 2010,

NS: Not Surveyed, UP: Unprotected, P: Protected

Figure 3 The graph shows the number of nests observed in different size categories during the survey which depicts the results of an extent of the illegal nest collection in the unprotected caves and legal nest harvesting in the protected caves. (Here: Foundation = Saliva laid attached to rock; <25% = >Foundation < 25%; >25%-<50% = nest built was > 25% but < 50% ; >50%-<75% = Nest built was > 50% but < 75%; Full Nest = nest built was > 75%-100%)

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During survey in March and April 2012-13, more than 99.8 % of the nests in the protected caves were found built completely whereas, of 347 unprotected nests only 139 nests were found built completely followed by 134 nests built only >25 - <50% and 53 nests were in the foundation building stage (Figure 3). Total eight breeding and one roosting site of the Edible-nest Swiftlet were discovered in the man-made buildings in urban areas of the North, Middle and South Andaman and Havelock Island. In these eight urban breeding colonies, total 62 nests were found. Discussion and recommendations The results clearly show that the undefended population on the islands is still under tremendous nest collection pressure. Among all the surveyed sites at present only South Button and Landfall islands have potential populations remaining which can be focused for expansion of the ongoing in-situ conservation of the Edible-nest Swiftlet. Both these islands are the rocks in the middle of the open sea, where it seem to be practically difficult to setup the protection camps there. As Landfall, the northern most island, and South Button Island in southern group of the Andaman, uninhabited, with no fresh water source on the island and also difficult to access in harsh climatic conditions, it may not be feasible to make people stay here for protection. As per the discussion with some of local former nest collectors, it is understood that the population in the remaining caves of the Andaman Islands is under tremendous pressure and are also extinct from some islands. This information allows us to believe that there may be no other potential areas remaining for in-situ conservation of the Edible-nest Swiftlet in Andaman Islands. In such case, it is now very urgent and important to survey the caves in Nicobar Islands to identify the potential sites for in-situ conservation of the Edible-nest Swiftlet in the islands. Discovery of the urban populations is one of the most important outcomes of this survey. These successfully breeding colonies allow us to believe there may be more populations in the urban areas. Immediate detailed survey of the urban areas in the islands is required to explore new urban breeding colonies of the species. Final report draft of the project is almost ready and will be submitted by 31st August. Publications: 2013) S. Manchi, Records of the Andaman Barn-owl Tyto deroepstorfii from North and Middle Andaman Islands, Indian Birds 8 (3): 66–67.

3. STATUS, ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF NARCONDAM HORNBILL AECEROS NARCONDAMI ON NARCONDAM ISLAND, INDIA

Principal Investigator : Manchi Shirish S Co-investigator/consultant : Research Fellow : Project Period : 18 Months

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Date of Commencement : May 2011 Expected date of completion : October 2012 (extended up to October 2013) Budget : Rs. 6,07,200.00/- Funding source : MoEF Status : On-Going Collaborating Agency : Summary During the last visit to the Narcondam Island, the focus was to study the nesting and foraging habitat available for the Narcondam hornbill on the island. Vegetation plots were laid to see vegetation diversity and density on the island and to understand the browsing intensity of the feral goats. As the monsoon season was at its peak limited data could be collected. The reverse ‘J’ shaped curve of the population in plant community and good recruitment rate of young individuals observed for the low circumference classes illustrates good health of the vegetation community (Rasingam and Parthasarathy 2009). The species accumulation curve explains requirement of additional data for proper interpretation of the tree diversity on the islands. Stem density shows normal health of the forest. No direct or indirect sign on the Feral Goats allows us to predict that there is no more or very rare occurrence of goats on the island and has very low or no effect of the vegetation on the island. Narcondam Hornbills were found quite opportunistic in their diet. The individuals were observed foraging on more than 11 species of fruits. Occurrence of the Narcondam Hornbills in a close vicinity of the Police outpost shows the signs of no disturbance or very less disturbance by the police men to the species. Provision of LPG cylinders has contributed to vast reduction in firewood collection. Overall the disturbances to the Narcondam Hornbill are seems to be reduced positively. As the project is extended till October 2013, further data collection will be continued. Objectives

• to investigate population status of the Narcondam Hornbill

• to study the nesting and foraging habitat requirments of the Narcondam

Hornbill

• to study breeding biology of the Narcondam Hornbill

• to identify threats, formulate and advocate conservation measures

Methodology The study was carried out in the Northern and central part of the Island. The southern part could not be accessed because of tough terrain and field limitations. To investigate population status of the Narcondam Hornbill three slopes/patches were surveyed in the North and Central part of the island. Each slope/patch had 3 to 5 line transects of variable length. Each transect was walked six times during April and May 2013. The birds were counted while walking on the transects. The data was analysed to calculate the encounter rate using the formula:

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Encounter rate = Total no. of birds encounters Transect length (km) X Total no. of observations Nests of the Narcondam Hornbill were searched randomly covering most of the approachable forested area in the Northern and Central part of the island. Once the nests were located different parameters of the nest hole and nest tree were recorded. Nest centred circular plots of 15m were laid to understand the nesting habitat requirments of the Narcondam Hornbill. Also the 15m Circular plots were laid 100m away from the nesting tree either in east or west side to estimate the nesting habitat availability. Towards understanding breeding biology of the species, focal nest sampling was used. Three nests were observed during March to May. Each nest was observed once in a week till the chicks leave the nest. Each observation at each nest was between 4:30 to 17:30. All he nests were also observed periodically to know the breeding success of each nest. To study the foraging habitat available on the island, 1X1hectar grids were laid on the whole island. Within 100X100m central area of each 1X1 hectar grid, five 10X10m vegetation plots were laid to understand the plant diversity and density on the island (Map 1). IVI was calculated for all the species encountered in the sampling plots following Magurran (2004). To measure impact of goats on forest regeneration through intensity of browsing 1X1m sub plots were laid at four corners of each 10X10m. Total 100 (10X10m) plots and 400 (1X1m) subplot were laid. Vegetative and fruit samples of all the species are collected and preserved. The herbarium is prepared and species identification is on-going. Opportunistic survey was done to know the foraging habits and requirements of the species. Data regarding Narcondam Horbills sex, age, group size, food item, food tree species, height of the tree, etc. were recorded while laying the vegetation plots, were recorded to understand foraging habits and important food trees for the species. Other than that, seeds were also collected from the middens bellow the nest hole. These seeds were segregated and counted species wise to understand the food delivered by the males to the female and the chicks inside the nest. Discussions were made with the Police personal to understand current level of hunting, fire wood collection, and other disturbances by human on the island. While being in the forest list of birds seen on the island was made through the opportunistic observations. Results As data analyses are on-going results given should be considered as the preliminary. The Narcondam Hornbills were found to be very abundant on the Island. At all the three study slopes/patches, the encounter rate (5.35±0.38, 4.49±1.23 and 5.34±0.97)

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of the Narcondam Hornbill was more or less same. This depicts equal distribution of the Narcondam Hornbill population on the island. Further data analyses are on-going. Total 23 nests of the Narcondam Hornbill were located. As all the nests could be located only during hatchling period, it is very difficult to discuss about the breeding chronology of the species. Total 18 nests could be observed periodically to know their breeding success. During the fledgling period, female and chicks were inside the nests. All of these nests could fledge at least one chick. From 15 nests, both the chicks fledge successfully. Male was observed visiting the nest to feed female and chicks. Average frequency of the male visiting the nest was 14±4 (n=18 days) Frequency of male visiting the nest did not show any significant difference between different stages of fledgling period. Males usually feed the individuals in the nests and leave. Also sometimes, they defend the nest and the nesting tree from the other intruder Narcondam Hornbill individuals. Once the chicks are grown up to fledging stage, female was seen breaking walls built to narrow the opening of the nest. Following her within a day or two, both the chicks came out of the nest on their own. Both the chicks fledged seem to be morphologically identical from a distance. More than 80% (n=6) of time chicks were observed fledging from the nests during early morning hour. Once the chicks are fledged male, female and fledged chick/chicks were observed staying with 50m range circle of the nest. Until sixth week after fledging one family was observed being within 50m-100m range circle of its nest tree. Male was observed visiting the nests at least once a day. The nests of the Narcondam Hornbill were found on nine different tree species of different heights between 4m to 11m on the island. The average nest height was 3.64m. Minimum height of nest was 1.8m and maximum was close to 8m. Average girth of the tree near the nest cavity was 1.66m with maximum girth of 6.20m and minimum of 0.76m. The nest openings of the Narcondam Hornbills were observed facing all the directions accept North (Figure 1). Data analyses regarding habitat around the nest and also the nesting habitat availability is on-going. Narcondam Hornbills were found quite opportunistic in their diet. Though males at the nests were seen bringing omnivorous food, majority of food items were fruits of different types, Mantids, spiders and grasshoppers. Total 27481 seeds were collected from the middens bellow 10 nests, with an average of 2748±1795 seeds per nest. Total 21 types of seeds were collected. Till now only 10 species could be identified and other 11 type of seeds are yet to be identified. Maximum seed were found of Canarium euphyllum (33.94%) followed by Caryota Mitis (24.74%) and Aglaia andamanica (15.80%). The population structure of the entire tree community shows normal reverse ‘J’ shaped curve (Figure 2). The good recruitment rate of young individuals observed for the low circumference classes illustrates the health of the vegetation community (Rasingam and Parthasarathy 2009).

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Figure 1. Number of nests of the Narcondam Hornbill recorded with the opening in different directions on the Narcondam Island.

Figure 2. The population structure of the tree community on the Narcondam Island shows normal reverse ‘J’ shaped curve. Based on the GBH classification, population structure of six dominant (based on IVI value) species was plotted. Out of the six dominant species three shows reverse ‘J’ shaped population structure which is considered to be the normal pattern for the tree populations. Interestingly these three species growth does not exceeded more than 100 cm GBH (except 2 individuals) and are seems to be under canopy woody plants that does not grow to the top layer of the canopy. Another three species are having high GBH values (seems to be canopy trees) and are showing less number of individuals in the lowest GBH classes. Hence, the recruitment of the canopy trees is

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seemingly poor. Though the recruitment of canopy trees is seemingly poor, it will not be right to postulate something until the data analyses is finished. More than 76 types of plant samples (yet to be identified) were observed to be present on Narcondam Island. Using the data collected, stem density was estimated (598 stems / hectare) on the Narcondam Island, which seems to be normal when compared with the studies in the other tropical forest areas. Narcondam Hornbills were not recorded facing any big threat other than the occurance of any natural disasters on the Narcondam Island. During the population and vegetation survey and nest searching, no direct or indirect evidences were showing the presence of goats on the Narcondam Hornbill presently. Though many individuals were observed using the area close to the Police Outpost, around four pairs were observed nesting close to the police camp. Some male individuals of the Narcondam Hornbills were seen regularly hunting insect from the mango tree next to the police barrack. This shows that the Narcondam Hornbills are not disturbed by the Police personal. This also gives us a reason to believe that the poaching by the Police personal is not happening so the birds are not afraid to be close to the camp. The facility of LPG cylinder to the Police Outpost has brought firewood collection drastically down. Total 38 species of birds were seen on the Narcondam Island. Around 15 species were seen first time on the Narcondam Island. Five species are believed to be seen first time in the Andaman Islands and may be Four species are first time recorded in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Discussion and recommendations Major goal of the study is to understand status, biology and habitat requirements of Narcondam Hornbill, the most endangered hornbill in the world, confined to a small island, for immediate conservation action and also design further detailed studies to develop appropriate conservation measures/strategies for the species and its habitat on the Narcondam Island. The high Encounter rate of the Narcondam Hornbill shows that either there is a noticeable increase in the Narcondam Hornbill population in last decade or the population was under estimated during last surveys. The proper results and reasons can be projected only after finishing the final analyses part of the present data comparing with previous. Not a single nest out of 18 observed was unsuccessful. High rate of successful fledglings shows that the species is breeding very successfully on the island. Absence of sexual dimorphism of the Narcondam Hornbill fledglings forbids us to understand the brood sex ratio of each nest. Futher, survival of the fledglings have to be studied to understand the population recruitment of the species on the island. There were only two incidences where Hill Myna and Long-tailed Parakeet were seen competing with Narcondam Hornbill for nest site. Just two observations depicted the natural control of the Narcondam Hornbill population on the island. In one incidence, an individual was seen entangled in the climbers at the top of lower canopy and in

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another incidence a Monitor Lizzard was observed climbing the Narcondam Hornbill nest tree, may be to predate on the nest. Comprehensive analyses of the nest site characters and habitat and also the available habitat will help us understand the nesting habitat requirements of the species. This also will help us understand the capacity of the habitat available to hold the number of breeding pairs at a given time. Similar is the case about the foraging habitat. One of the major outcomes of this study is conformation of no goats on the island. As the observations were done up to the highest peak from the zero elevation on more than 60% of the island it can now be confidently said that there are no feral goats, considered to be the biggest threat to the habitat, on the Narcondam Island. Also, we could get some indirect evidences of no poaching by the policemen on the islands because of the strong warnings from the higher officials. LPG facilities to the Police Outpost have reduced the firewood collection. It is recommended to have an arrangement made either by police or by the forest department to commute to and from the Narcondam Island and the nearest human habitation, as it will boost morale of the Police personal working in the inaccessible area. Additional LPG should be provided to the Police Outpost to completely ban the firewood collection. Solar power system on the island should be repaired and used instead of the Disel Generators to reduce disturbance to the nocturnal fauna on the island. In case the feral goats are encountered in future, police personals should be allowed to eliminate them from the island. From all the observations it is strongly recommended that there should be no more interference of any sort on the island as the Narcondam Hornbill and its habitat seem to be recovering greatly. The project is facing severe financial crisis because of the delay from Ministry of Environment and Forests in releasing the sanctioned 2nd instalment, which was suppose to be released during last November. Publications

1. Communicated) Grey-faced Buzzard Butastur indicus: new record from India. Journal of Bombay Natural History Society

2. Communicated) Sighting of the Blue-winged Pitta Pitta moluccensis on

Narcondam Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Indian Birds

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4. OWL ASSEMBLAGE AND OCCUPANCY IN ANDAMAN ARCHIPELAGO, INDIA Principal Investigator: S Babu Co-Investigator: H N Kumara Research Fellows : S Suresh Marimuthu & N Rajeshkumar Project period : Three years Date of commencement: 19 June 2013 Expected date of completion: 19 June 2016 Budget : Rs. 41.17 Lakhs Funding source: DST-SERB Status: On-going Collaborating agency: Nil Summary Andaman archipelago, comprised of three large islands and around 325 oceanic islands with various degree of isolation, sizes and habitat diversity, supports ~270 bird species including five species of owls that consists of four endemics and one common between mainland India and Andaman. The configuration of archipelagos and diverse species of owls is facilitating as a natural laboratory to raise questions pertaining to owl assemblages in offshore islands and occupancy in Main Island. In this context, we address two questions: (1) How do offshore islands’ size, degree of isolation and habitat diversity (alone or in combination of all) determine the assemblage of owls in the Andaman archipelago? (2) What are the habitat covariates influence the distribution and occupancy of owls in the North Andaman? The study will facilitate to comprehend the mechanism underlying to the assemblage of owls in the offshore islands, and proportion of area occupied by each owl species in North Andaman. Objectives

1. How do offshore islands’ size, degree of isolation and habitat diversity (alone or in combination of all) determine the assemblage of owls in the Andaman Archipelagos?

2. What are the habitat covariates influence the distribution and occupancy of owls in the North Andaman?

Methodology Objective 1: Around 100 offshore islands (30% of islands in entire archipelago) will be selected for sampling considering island size, degree of isolation and habitat diversity. Within each island, owl sampling and habitat assessment will be carried out. In addition, remotely sensed habitat covariates such as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, altitude, slope and habitat heterogeneity will be quantified for each island. The assemblage pattern of owls in the offshore islands will be evaluated using assembly rules. Objective 2: Northern Andaman will be selected to estimate the proportion of area occupied by owls. Four sq km spatial grids will be overlaid on the base map of

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northern Andaman. Fifty percent of grids will be selected for sampling. Each selected grid will be divided into four 1 sq km grids and these grids will be considered as individual sampling units. All sampling units will be surveyed for both owls and habitat covariates. Appropriate tools will be used to estimate the proportion of area occupied by the owls. Results Field work will be initiated shortly Discussion and recommendations Field work will be initiated shortly.

5. IDENTIFICATION OF RNA TRANSCRIPTS PRESENT IN CHICKEN SPERM AND THEIR RELATION TO FERTILITY

Principal Investigator: Ram Pratap Singh Co-Investigator/ Consultant: Nil Research Fellow: Shafeeque CM Project period: 3 year Date of commencement: 30th July 2012 Expected date of completion: 29th July 2015 Budget: Rs. 21 lakhs Funding source: SERB-DST, Government of India Status: Ongoing Collaborating agency: Central Avian Research Institute, Bareilly, India Summary Male fertility requires the production of an adequate number of normal mature spermatozoa with sufficient motility and the ability to undergo acrosome reaction in order to bind and penetrate the egg membrane for fertilization. Defects in any of these necessary characteristics can lead to male infertility. Till date only phenotypic traits viz. comb area, testicular weight and semen characteristics are considered for male selection. However, these phenotypic traits are not promising and do not guarantee higher male fertility. Hence, unsuitability of above conventional methods for fertility evaluation forced us to investigate the most recent molecular approach i.e. sperm mRNA transcriptional profiling for the evaluation of male fertility. Fifty adult male chickens were used for semen collection. Semen from five birds were polled, and subjected to density gradient centrifugation to remove somatic cells. Somatic cell free sperm were used for RNA isolation by using TriZol/RNAzole. Isolated RNA samples were checked for gDNA by putting a PRC reaction with the RNA as template. Genomic DNA free RNA samples were converted into cDNA for further examination. Our results indicated that Trizol method of RNA isolation is not suitable for chicken sperm RNA isolation. Therefore, a new RNA isolation method from chicken sperm by using RNAzol reagent has been standardized. The isolated RNA by using RNAzol is of high quality and free from gDNA as evident by the absorbance ratio and PCR.

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Objectives I. Optimization of the RNA isolation methodology for chicken sperm.

II. Molecular analysis of the population of RNA in chicken spermatozoa. III. Expression analysis of fertility related genes in low and high fertility chickens.

Methodology Objective 1: Optimization of the RNA isolation methodology for chicken sperm RNA isolation from sperm: Semen from five males were collected and used for RNA isolation. Before RNA isolation, semen samples were subjected to Percoll/PureSperm100 density gradient centrifugation to remove somatic cell contamination followed by sperm concentration measurement. The adjusted sperm concentration (100-3000 X 106 sperm/ml) in semen samples were further used for RNA isolation by RNAzol/Trizol reagent. The quantity and quality of RNA was measured using NanoDrop. Objective 2: Molecular analysis of the population of RNA in chicken spermatozoa. The mRNA population present in chicken spermatozoa will be identified by microarray technique. Pooled semen samples will be used to identify RNA population in sperm. Similarly pooled samples of spermatids will be used as control to identify critical RNA molecules in sperm. RNA will be isolated by using the protocol developed under objective one and will be subjected for microarray. Microarray results of critical fertility related genes will be validated further by Q-PCR in the same samples. Objective 3: Expression analysis of fertility related genes in low and high fertility chickens. About 50 healthy adult male chickens will be used for this study. The semen collected from these birds will be evaluated for volume of semen, sperm motility, sperm concentration and fertility. On the basis of physical parameters of semen and fertility, birds will be allocated into two groups (low and high fertility). Critical fertility related genes identified in objective 2 will be studied to confirm their role in low and high fertility of chickens. Expression of fertility related genes will be studied by Q-PCR with gene specific primers already used in objective 2. Results Somatic cell removal from semen: In the present study, sperm purification with a one-layer 40% PureSperm100 gradient at 2000 rpm for 30 min was found to be optimal (Table 1). On average, gradient purification resulted in 30–50% reduction of the initial sperm count, probably due to the loss of sperm which accumulated in the intermediate layer. Table 1: Sperm purification by using different density gradient medium.

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Density gradient Medium

Centrifugation speed (rpm) and time (min)

Observations Somatic cells

80%+40% Percoll 1600 rpm for 30 min No pellet Present

80%+40% Percoll 2000 rpm for 30 min Pelleted Present

90%+45% Percoll 2000 rpm for 30 min Pelleted Very few

40% PureSperm 2000 rpm for 30 min Pelleted Rare

80% PureSperm 2000 rpm for 30 min No proper pellet Very few

RNA isolation by using TRIzol from sperm purified by Percoll and without purified: The RNA isolation was best achieved by using 1:2 semen/TRIzol without purified sperm. Further, we have verified these results in 30 samples, which showed good quality and quantity. Other combinations did not yield good quality of RNA (Table 2). Therefore, we used 1:2 semen/Trizol for all further isolations. Table 2: RNA isolation from sperm (without purified) by using different TRIzol amount.

Sample No. Semen: TRIzol 260/280 OD

260/230 OD

RNA quantity (ng/µl)

1 1:2 1.74 1.88 544.3

2 1:3 1.57 1.16 56.2

3 1:4 1.50 1.17 59.4

4 1:5 1.55 0.31 537.4

When Percoll purified sperm were used for RNA isolation, the quality and quantity of RNA compromised (Table 3). This may probably due to very less quantity of RNA present in chicken sperm. Increasing number of spermatozoa also did not improve RNA quality and quantity probably because of high glycoprotein contamination. Table 3: RNA isolation from sperm (purified by 45% and 90% Percoll) by using 1:2 semen/TRIzol

Sample No.

Sperm count X 106 260/280 OD

260/230 OD


1 276 1.22 0.49 20

2 424 1.24 0.56 33.3

3 800 1.52 0.24 8.8

4 980 1.75 1.27 40.6

5 980 1.80 1.32 39.8

6 1016 1.74 0.61 19.8

7 1016 1.38 0.34 43.1

8 1932 1.60 1.29 77.7

9 1932 1.55 1.25 78.3

10 2780 1.37 1.24 80

RNA isolation by using TRIzol from sperm purified by PureSperm: The results of this experiment showed very good OD values (Table 4), which is a primary measure of RNA quality. However, DNA contamination was observed in these samples.

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Table 4: RNA isolation from sperm (purified by 40% PureSperm) by using 1:2 semen/TRIzol

DNA and somatic cell contamination in RNA samples: The PCR results showed that isolated RNA by TRIzol was highly contaminated with gDNA. Somatic cell contamination was also observed in semen even after Percoll density gradient centrifugation. We tried DNA digestion by DNAse enzyme, which resulted into RNA degradation, also because of very less quantity. However, somatic cells contamination was not detected by PCR in samples that were purified by PureSperm. We also tried another reagent called ‘RNAzol RT’, which is known for gDNA free RNA isolation. We also tried a different method to remove somatic cells from the semen by somatic lysis. RNA isolation by using RNAzol RT: The 260/280 OD of RNA samples isolated using RNAzol has yielded well. The quantity of RNA was also comparatively higher than TRIzol (Table 5). Most important, of these 12 RNA samples, 11 were free from gDNA as evident by PCR. All the samples were free from somatic cell RNA as confirmed by somatic cell marker gene PTPRC (Figure 1). Table 5: RNA isolation from sperm (somatic cell lysis) by using RNAzol

Sample No.


260/230 OD


1 200 1.71 0.90 30.3

2 200 1.53 0.48 93.3

3 200 1.79 0.46 205.7

4 200 1.82 0.54 178.0

5 200 1.70 0.31 153.5

6 200 1.72 0.75 47.5

7 200 1.69 0.45 236.1

8 200 1.63 0.85 83.2

9 200 1.73 0.46 157

10 200 2.05 0.46 63.9

11 200 1.80 0.36 119.8

12 200 1.89 0.41 162.5

Sample No.


260/230 OD


1 1500 1.74 2.18 1061.5

2 1000 1.74 2.25 716.6

3 800 1.73 2.18 662.7

4 600 1.70 2.22 1467.0

5 400 1.76 2.32 702.5

6 <400 1.78 2.14 633.0

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Figure 1: Amplification of PTPRC gene in cDNA of 4 different RNA samples.

Discussion and recommendations Chicken sperm contain very less RNA as compared to other mammalian sperm. Our results showed that TRIzol is not suitable for RNA isolation from chicken sperm even after modifications. A new RNA isolation method from chicken sperm has been standardized.

6. PATTERNS OF DISTRIBUTION OF SELECTED FAUNAL GROUPS IN THE AGASTHIAMALAI HILLS, WESTERN GHATS, KERALA, INDIA

Principal Investigator : S Bhupathy Co-Investigator : Lalitha Vijayan Research Fellows : Jins, J V and Madhumita Panigraghi Duration : Three years Date of Commencement : August 2011 Date of Completion : August 2014 Budget : Rs. 24.904 lakhs Funding Source : Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India Status : In Progress Summary This research work was initiated to understand the distribution patterns of reptiles and birds along the elevation gradients of the Agasthiamalai Hills. During the reporting period, reptiles and birds were sampled in various altitudinal bands i.e. 50m- 1850m above sea level. As species detection is the most important aspect of this study, Time-constrained Visual Encounter search for reptiles and Variable-width Circular Plot for birds are being used for data collection. A total of 57 reptiles and 157 species of birds have been observed so far. Monotonic decline of reptile species richness with increasing elevation was observed. Higher number of species was observed in lower and mid elevations and declined further. The complete species turn-over of reptiles (1) was observed in both 600-700m and 800-900m zones with all elevation zones above 1200m. Most of the higher elevation zones (>1200m) had higher turnover (above 80%) with lower elevation zones. The highest bird species turnover was seen between elevation 300m and 1500m which is showing almost complete turnover. It is

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predicted that potential sites (probability > 0.7) for Otocryptis beddomii were found south of Periyar Tiger Reserve and highly suitable sites (>0.8) were predicted only south of the Senkottah gap. Fieldwork is in progress. Objectives

Determine the species richness and turnover patterns of reptiles and birds with altitude in Agasthiamalai Range, Western Ghats, Kerala,

Understand both abiotic and biotic factors influencing such patterns,

Know the status of reptile and bird species found in the Agasthiamalai Range, Kerala, and

Apply distribution (Ecological Niche) models to find out the probable distribution limits of selected endemic species found in Agasthiamalai Hills.

Methods Considering the requirement of maximizing species detection, the sampling methods have been designed. The study area was stratified at 100 m elevation. Fifteen bands are being surveyed for reptiles and birds using Time-constrained Visual Encounter and Variable-width Circular Plot respectively for data collection. The sampling effort was largely depending on area availability in each category. Location details (lat-long) of each sighting of Otocryptis beddomii) is being recorded using a GPS. Locations of a minimum of 1km from each other were included in the analysis to avoid overlap. Uncorrelated environmental variables, consisting of six bioclimatic layers (max-mini temperatures, etc.), two topographical layers (aspects, elevation) and one vegetation layer (vegetation types) were used to predict the geographic distribution and area occupied by Otocryptis beddomii at two levels using MAXENT model; south of Palghat gap in the Western Ghats and within Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve. Results & Discussion The data collection is in progress and the following are salient findings during the reporting period

In all, 57 species of reptiles were observed in 15 elevation categories during the reporting period. Monotonic decline of reptile species richness with increasing elevation was observed.

In all, 157 species of birds belonging to 43 families were observed. Higher number of species was observed in lower and mid elevations and declined further.

The highest reptile species turn-over among consecutive zones was between 1100-1200m and 1200-1300m zones (0.75). The complete species turn-over (1) was observed in both 600-700m and 800-900m zones with all elevation zones above 1200m. Most of the higher elevation zones (>1200m) had higher turnover (above 80%) with lower elevation zones.

The highest bird species turnover was seen between elevation 300m and 1500m which is showing almost complete turnover. Consecutive elevation categories did not showed any significant amount of species turnover except between 800 m and 900 m (0.846).

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As on date, 39 individuals of Otocryptis beddomii in 24 locations were observed. Among them, 15 locations were 1 km apart, and the same were included for analysis.

It is predicted that potential sites (probability > 0.7) for Otocryptis beddomii were found south of Periyar Tiger Reserve and highly suitable sites (>0.8) were predicted only south of the Senkottah gap.

Recommendations Fieldwork is in progress, and recommendations would be submitted once the fieldwork and substantial data analyses are completed.

7. SPATIO-TEMPORAL BURROW USE PATTERNS BY VERTEBRATES IN KEOLADEO

NATIONAL PARK, BHARATPUR, RAJASTHAN, INDIA Principal Investigator : S Bhupathy Research Fellow : Being recruited Duration : Three years Date of Commencement : August 2013 Date of Completion : August 2016 Budget : Rs. 42.61 lakhs Funding Source : DST- SERB, Government of India Status : In Progress (just initiated) In arid and semi-arid conditions, due to scanty rainfall and high fluctuations in temperature, it appears that earthen burrows act as important refugia for many species. A study conducted in Keoladeo National Park (KNP), Bharatpur reported the occurrence of several species of vertebrates (both predators and prey) together in burrows. However, factors determining faunal assemblage and activity of species are unknown. Objectives of the proposed study are to, (1) Determine burrow dwelling animal assemblage in KNP, Bharatpur, and (2) Understand (spatio-temporal) factors influencing the assemblage and activity of animals, especially their emergence and retreat into burrow. Direct observations, camera traps, burrow video camera and indirect evidence (signs and spoors) will be used for assessing burrow occupancy and activities of various species; data loggers for assessing burrow and ambient temperatures and humidity, and burrows structure will be determined using Ground Penetrating Radars. The proposed study would provide data on factors governing the coexistence of both predators and prey in cramped burrows. A research fellow has been recruited and the field work is to be initiated during September 2013.

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CONSERVATION BIOLOGY

8. DETERMINING THE TAXONOMIC AND CONSERVATION STATUS OF THE FOREST OWLET (HETEROGLAUX BLEWITII)

Principal Investigator: Shomita Mukherjee Co-Investigators: Prachi Mehta and Robin Vijayan Research Fellow: Pankaj Koparde Project period: Three years Date of commencement: 15th April 2013 Expected date of completion: 14th April 2016 Budget: Rs 30,52,000.00 Funding source: Department of Biotechnology, GoI Status: Ongoing Collaborative agency: National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore Summary The Forest Owlet (Heterogalux blewitti) is a Critically Endangered, endemic species distributed in less than ten locations in Central India. This species was rediscovered in 1997 after a gap of 113 years when it was believed to be extinct. Its distribution is extremely patchy with no information on connection between various populations. Its primary habitat is under severe threat from anthropogenic pressure, which has probably led to the extinction of some earlier pockets of populations. On another issue, a recent article speculated on the possible hybridization of the Forest Owlet with the Spotted Owlet (Athene brama) which met with severe criticism. However, there is no scientific evidence for or against this claim. The current proposal aims to study the phylogeography of the Forest Owlet to examine genetic connectivity between various populations, examine its molecular taxonomy and phylogeny with other owls and resolve the issue of possible hybridization with Spotted Owlet.

Objectives Specific objectives of the project are to:

1. Identify any genetically unique populations of the Forest Owlet through a phylogeographic study

2. Compare molecular based phylogeny to current taxonomy of the Forest Owlet and to establish as to whether molecular data support the existing taxonomic position and

3. Resolve the taxonomic ambiguity surrounding Heteroglaux blewitti with respect to possible hybrid individuals in the populations.

Methodology

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1. To identify any genetically unique populations of the Forest Owlet through a phylogeographic study. Feathers of the Forest Owlets will be collected from around nest sites of known individuals where they have been reported from in Central India. We will attempt to sample in the vicinity of 10 nests from each location in accordance with permits obtained from the Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra Forest Departments. In Maharashtra, we will sample from areas in the Non- Protected Areas of the Melghat landscape as directed by the Maharashtra Forest Department. DNA will be extracted using commercially available kits. Sequence data of mitochondrial and nuclear genes and microsatellite fragment analysis will be used to estimate genetic variation within and structure among populations. Populations that show high FST values with other populations and a low degree of shared alleles and haplotypes will be identified as unique.

2. To compare molecular based phylogeny to current taxonomy of the Forest Owlet. Does molecular data support the existing taxonomic position? Sequence data of nuclear and mitochondrial genes will be used to build phylogenetic trees. Existing sequences of other owls for similar regions of the genome will be downloaded from GenBank to build trees and infer phylogenetic relations. This will then be compared to current morphological taxonomy for the Forest Owlet to determine support.

3. To resolve the taxonomic ambiguity surrounding Heteroglaux blewitti with respect to possible hybrid individuals in the populations

The occurrence of hybridisation will be tested through mitochondrial (female) and nuclear genes (including microsatellites) and sex chromosome markers. Data from both species (Spotted Owlet and Forest Owlet) will be used to compare various population genetic parameters such as allele frequencies, sequences from mitochondrial and nuclear genes and sex chromosomes. Assignment tests (Manel et al. 2005) will be used with allelic data to determine the likelihood of individuals being hybrids.

Each of these questions pertaining to hybridisation if detected will be addressed as follows:

1. What is the proportion of hybrids in the population?

One measure will be the proportion of individuals that are assigned as hybrids. However, since we will also be specifically sampling around nests where individuals with morphological anomalies are observed to identify putative hybrids, this could lead to over estimates. Hence the final outcome will be based on a combination of this project as well as the one proposed by the CO-PI (PM) on population ecology.

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2. Are these hybrids fertile?

This will be addressed through the long term population ecology study proposed by one of the Co-PI’s (PM), by monitoring individuals to measure breeding and nesting success.

3. Is the hybridisation directional i.e. consistently females of one species mating with males of the other? This would happen if dimorphism is important in mate choice. For this mitochondrial sequences will be used since these are maternally inherited.

4. Is this hybridisation a natural event or is it human mediated, through habitat modifications as in the case of the Spotted Owl Strix occidentalis? This will be done inferentially through correlations of the location and proportion of hybrids in various habitat quality zones.

5. How would the hybrids fit into the conservation scenario? This will be debated based on answers from the previous questions.

Results

The project was recently initiated, to date a Programme Fellow has been appointed, and the process for procurement of laboratory equipment is underway. Permits for non-invasive sampling have been obtained from Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Field visits will begin from October 2013.

9. SOCIAL ORGANIZATION, BEHAVIOUR AND PHYLOGEOGRAPHY OF MACACA FASCICULARIS UMBROSA ON THE NICOBAR ISLANDS, INDIA

Principal Investigator : Honnavalli N. Kumara Co-Investigator : Prof. Mewa Singh and Dr. Shomita Mukherjee Research Fellow : - Project Period : 3 years Date of Commencement : June 2012 Expected date of Completion : May 2015 Budget : Rs. 38.54 lakhs Funding source : Science and Engineering Research Board (DST) Status : Initiated Collaborative agencies : -

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Summary Nicobar Islands were among the worst hit areas during the December 2004 tsunami. The long-tailed macaque Macaca fascicularis umbrosa inhabits three islands of the Nicobar including Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar and Katchal. The species is known to associate with swamp, riverine and mangrove forests along the coasts of these Islands all of which were severely impacted during the tsunami. The current study will assess the distribution of the species with respect to resource (food, shelter) spread/availability and use. Molecular data will provide information on levels of current genetic variation in the populations as well as the degree of isolation among them. Observations on social organization will be necessary to explain genetic data in the context of social spacing. Together such data will help in identifying the current status of the species as well as provide inputs towards any conservation action, if required. Objectives

1. To assess the current status of populations of the long tailed macaque on the Nicobar Islands.

2. To study the social organization and time-activity budget of long-tailed macaques on the Nicobar Islands in the post-Tsunami scenario and correlate this to objective.

3. To study the phylogeography of the long-tailed macaques on the Nicobar Islands.

Methods Social organisation: All the three Islands will be visited, and location, group size and age-sex will be recorded for all the macaque groups sighted. Phylogeography and evolution: Samples for molecular work will be non-invasively collected fecal samples. Samples will be collected in a vials containing alcohol and transported to a lab for extraction of DNA and further analysis. Behaviour: Scan sampling will be done for data on activity budgets. The focal group will be followed from 0700 to 1800 hr. While following the focal group a handheld GPS unit will be used to record the geo-coordinates of the group at every 30 min to assess the movement pattern and for plotting home ranges. Any interaction with other groups will be recorded as anecdotal. Focal animal sampling: Individual identification of all the group members will be made, and focal animal sampling will be used to understand the behaviour pattern and individual interactions. Results Two groups of monkeys were selected around the Campbell Bay at Nicobar Island (group size 19 and 43). More than 70 % of the adults were individually identified. Both the groups have been followed minimum of five days per month. Data on ranging has been obtained for at least twenty days for the large group. Scan sampling and focal animal sampling has been initiated. The survey of the monkeys at Great Nicobar (70 %) and Little Nicobar (30 %) is completed. Results show the presence of promising

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population at both the islands. Sample (faecal deposits of monkeys) collection for the molecular study will be done in the next dry season.

10. A SURVEY OF SLENDER LORIS IN PARTS OF KERALA AND TAMIL NADU, INDIA

Principal Investigator : Honnavalli N. Kumara Co-Investigator : R. Sasi Research Fellow : - Project Period : 20 months Date of Commencement : February 2012 Expected date of Completion : September2013 Budget : Rs. 1.97 lakhs Funding source : Primate Conservation Inc. Status : Awaiting for the permission Collaborative agencies : - Summary The distribution of the nocturnal primate of South India, Loris lydekkerianus is known only from limited areas in its entire range. Two sub species are known for the Peninsular India, and their distributions are known to overlap each other. To address the distribution, population abundance, sub species overlaps and conservation status of the slender loris, a research project was initiated three years back. That project had covered only half of the original distributional range because of limited resources and time limits. As a second and final phase of that project we propose to survey the remaining forested areas in the two states of India viz., Tamil Nadu and Kerala to study the presence of loris and its habitat characteristics. This present study will fulfil the gap by generating precise information on the distribution pattern and conservation of the two sub species of slender lorises. This information is crucial in planning protected area network with a focus to conserve the slender lorises in the Eastern and Western Ghats forested mountain areas of South India. Objectives

1. To survey Slender Loris in Southern Kerala and Northern Tamil Nadu 2. To assess the Abundance of slender loris in forest units 3. To assess the Habitat parameters and Threats 4. To spatially characterize and configure the landscape of suitable habitats in

GIS for conservation prioritization Methods Surveys will begin at the forest range level in the two states. We propose to examine the amount of forest cover within each range to identify possible sites for the survey (Kumara et al, 2006). Two techniques will be used to confirm the presence of lorises in an area – (a) field sightings of the species during night transects, and (b) information from Forest Department personnel and local villagers. Night transects will be repeated in areas where initial transects fail to locate lorises, if local information indicates the

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presence of the species. Apart from forests, slender lorises also inhabit adjacent plantations and orchards (Singh et al 1999, 2000; Radhakrishna 2002c). Hence these habitats in the fringes will also be surveyed for the presence of lorises. Results Waiting for the permission from the forest department of Tamil Nadu to carryout further fieldwork in the state. No cost extension from the funding agency has been obtained to complete the field work. 11. EVALUATING THE STATUS OF NTFP TREES AND DEVELOPMENT OF A MODEL FOR

SUSTAINABLE HARVEST OF GARCINIA GUMMI-GUTTA IN AGHANASHINI -LION TAILED MACAQUE CONSERVATION RESERVE, WESTERN GHATS, INDIA

Principal Investigator : Honnavalli N. Kumara Co-Investigator : - Research Fellow : K. Santhosh Project Period : 18 months Date of Commencement : April 2012 Expected date of Completion : September 2013 Budget : Rs. 8.85 lakhs Funding source : Rufford Small Grants Status : Field work is in progress Collaborative agencies : - Summary The population of Macaca silenus in Sirsi-Honnavara is the largest one in its distribution rage. In the area, many low income class people leading livelihood using forest products of which many are food trees of LTM. The status of NTFP species is unknown of which Garcinia an understory tree valued for its fruit as food for the LTM and important NTFP for people. An evaluation of NTFP abundance with a study to develop a model for sustainable harvest of Garcinia having minimal effect on forest and LTM and its impact on stand structure and regeneration is vital Objectives

1. Distribution and abundance of NTFP tree species in Aghanashini LTM CR 2. To develop a model for sustainable harvest of Garcinia gummi-gutta 3. To evaluate the impact of sustainable harvest on stand structure and

regeneration of Garcinia gummi-gutta Methods Assessment of the status of NTFP will be done by gridding the whole area and assessing its abundance in each of 10 km2 grids. Development of a good rapport with people by having a series of interactions and conducting public meetings with local people and thus influencing them by explaining

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the advantages of proper and sustainable harvesting system at right phenophases of Uppage and also seeking inputs by them in minimising their dependence on forest. Developing the rapport with local bodies and representatives of Government for active participation in meetings for information exchange and if necessary to bring out necessary regulations in law and governance. Meetings with the processing firms and factories to exclude middle men from the trade, and thus ensure getting quality raw materials directly from harvester to the factory, to get higher profits for the initiatives. Results Stand structure of Woody plant species. Hosthota area: 1503 woody plants belonging to 57 genera and 71species spread over 32 families were recorded from 132 circular plots (10m radius) in Hosthota area. Among these Knema attenuata was represented by maximum number of individuals (n=238) followed by Diospyros sylvetrica (n=185), Hopea ponga (n=158) and Holigarna arnottiana (n= 111). The highest Important Value Index (IVI) was recorded for Knema attenuata (28.6) followed by Diospyros sylvatrica (23.94), Hopea ponga (19.76) and Olea dioca (14.21). Chiksuli Area: 1383 woody plant belonging to 73 species, 54 genera spread over 31 families were recorded from 128 circular plots (10 m radius) in the study site of Chiksuli of Group 2 range. Among them Olea dioca was represented by maximum number of individuals (n=128) followed by Knema attenuata (n=100), Aglaia roxburghiana (n=92) and Garcenia talbotti (n=89). The highest Important Value Index (IVI) was recorded for Olea dioca (17.89) followed by Knema attenuata (15.61), Aglaia roxburghiana (14.41) and Garcenia talbotti (13.00). NTFP trees: Garcenia gummi-gutta showed the highest density in Hosthota (14.2) followed by Chiksuli (11.2) and Devgaar (13.1). Myristica dactyloides showed highest density in Devgaar (13.1) followed by Chiksuli (4.2) and Kodgi (2.6). Hosthota showed highest density of Mangefera indica (2.8) while the density of Myristica malabarica is being high in Devgaar (2.2) and Garcenia morella being high in Hosthota (21.0). Densities of Piper nigrum, Entada scandens, and Canerium strictum remained negligible in all the areas while Kodgi showed comparatively higher density of Artocarpus lakoocha (0.6).

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LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY

12. ECOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF WOODY VEGETATION AND NEST TREE USE BY BIRDS IN THE RIVERINE FORESTS OF ATHIKKADAVU VALLEY, WESTERN GHATS

Principal Investigator: P. Balasubramanian Co-investigator: Nil Research Fellow: P. Manikandan Project Period: Three years Date of Commencement: April 2012 Date of Completion: March 2015 Budget: Rs. 10.72 lakhs Funding: SourceMoEF, Govt. of India. Status: Ongoing Summary A total of 95 woody plant species belonging to 36 families and 130 bird species belonging to 38 families were recorded in the riparian fringing forests of Athikadavu Valley. Major proportion of cavity nesting birds included woodpeckers, owls and mynas (16.13% each) followed by parakeets (12.90%), hornbills and barbets represented by 9.68% each. Seven species of raptors belonging to Accipitridae were recorded in the study area. More than 50 active nests were monitored during the past breeding season. Background Two important tree strata namely bole and canopy are heavily used by birds for nesting. While the cavity nesters such as parakeets, owls, barbets, hornbills, woodpeckers, and mynas use the cavities of live and dead trees, stick-nesting raptors such as kites, eagles, vultures and owls use the tree canopy. Cavity nesting birds prefer diseased, dying or dead trees because it is easier to find or excavate cavities in such trees. Anthropogenic interventions such as tree felling, non-timber forest produces collection, agricultural activities alongside the forests threatens birds that nest in cavities of tree trunks and canopies. Hence, it is felt that a study on tree diversity and its use by birds in the riverine forests of an important river system-the Bhavani a tributary of Cauvery would be useful for protecting the biodiversity. Objectives 1. Quantify the woody vegetation and estimate their abundance in the riverine

forests of the Athikkadavu Valley of the river Bhavani, Western Ghats 2. iIdentify the nest trees used by cavity-nesting birds and assess the characteristics

of nest trees 3. iFind out the nest trees used by stick-nesters, especially raptors and assess the

nest tree characteristics 4. Assess the threats to the nest trees and suggest conservation measures

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Methodology Quantification of vegetation: Woody vegetation along river banks was enumerated by making repeated walks along river banks and recording the species encountered. A preliminary list was prepared. Subsequently, woody vegetation was quantified by using belt-transect method. All the stems measuring >20 cm gbh (girth at breast height) were enumerated. Snags were also counted. Two belt transects, totaling 2 ha were sampled. Data analysis is in progress. Observations on cavity-nesters and nest tree and cavity characteristics: Birds were observed using a pair of 10 x 50 binoculars. Nest trees were located by making repeated walks along river banks. The plant species on which nests are placed are identified and recorded. Data on nest characteristics and nest-sites are collected. Nest tree parameters such as height of the tree, height of the nest location, placement and orientation of the nest and cavity dimensions were recorded. Observations on stick-nesters, nest trees and canopy features: Stick-nests of raptors were located by making repeated walks along river banks. Trees species, its features, including the canopy characteristics and nest location, etc were observed and recorded. Threat Assessment to Trees: Potential human disturbances include cutting, lopping, and Non-Timber Forest Produces collection. While sampling the woody vegetation, human disturbances such as number of branches, stems cut and trees felled etc were noted. Based on the disturbances, tree species will be grouped into i. highly exploited ii. Moderately exploited and mildly used and conservation measures would be planned accordingly. Results 95 woody plant species belonging to 36 families were enumerated. Moraceae constituted the largest family with 11 species. Ebenaceae and Fabaceae are represented with 5 species each. At the generic level, Ficus has the highest species (8). Quantitative data on vegetation is being analyzed. 130 bird species belonging to 38 families were recorded. Out of 38 families, Cuculidae constituted the largest family with 11 (8.5%) species followed by Corvidae 10 (7.7%). Muscicapidae and Accipitridae represented by 8 (6.2%) species each. A total of 31 cavity nesting birds have been recorded so far. Major proportion of cavity nesting birds included woodpeckers, owls and mynas (16.13% each) followed by parakeets (12.90%), hornbills and barbets represented by 9.68% each. Nest tree searches were done along river banks for finding out the presence of tree cavities in tree trunks. A total of 23 cavity bearing tree species belonging to 18 families were recorded in the study area. Sixty six active nest holes were used by different birds in the riverine forests. Out of the 66 active tree holes, highest number was used by Common Myna (14; 21.21%) followed by Jungle Myna (9; 13.64%) and Blue-winged Parakeet and Brown-headed Barbet represented by 7 nests each (10.61%). Majority of

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the hole nests were found in Mangifera indica (14.06%) followed by Ceiba pentandra (10.94%), Ficus benghalensis and Melia dubia (7.81% each). Seven species of raptors belonging to Accipitridae were recorded in the study area. These included Brahminy Kite, Black Kite, Jerdon’s Baza, Greater Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Crested Serpent-Eagle, Black Eagle and Bonelli’s Eagle. Grey-headed Fish-Eagle used three nest tree species viz. Mangifera indica, Calophyllum apetalum and Terminalia bellirica. Jerdon’s Baza’s nests were located on 2 tree species namely Hardwickia binata and Albizia lebbeck and Bonnelli’s Eagle nest found on Terminalia arjuna.

13. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION SURVEYS OF THREATENED PLANT TAXA IN WILD (SATHYAMANGALAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY)

Principal Investigator: P. Balasubramanian Co-investigator: Nil Research Fellow: C. Anbarasu Project Period: 18 months Date of Commencement: August 2013 Date of Completion: January 2015 Budget: Rs. 4.10 Lakhs Funding Source: MoEF, Govt. of India Status: Just Initiated Summary As a part of state-wide coordinated programme on status and distribution surveys of threatened plants (IUCN category) in Tamil Nadu, SACON has been allotted the Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Eastern Ghats. The Orientation meeting for the coordinators has been successfully completed by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. Tentative plan of action was presented by the project investigator. Work will be initiated in September 2013. Background & Objective The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has formulated Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Conservation and Greening Project aimed at conservation of vital biodiversity of the state inside both the Protected Areas as well as Reserved Forests. As a part of “Biodiversity Conservation” component work, the Forest Department identified expert institutions/resource persons across the Tamil Nadu state, entrusted a coordinated project to survey, to assess the status of threatened plant taxa in the wild. Of the 17 Divisional Management Units identified for the study, SACON has been assigned to work in the Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary (SWLS). The objective of the project is to gather information on status and distribution of threatened plant species in SWLS. Methodology

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The methodology furnished in the Terms of Reference will be followed. Inventory of Floral species Extensive field surveys will be carried out in Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary. Based on maps and available literature, various forest types and the extent of area of each forest type will be known. During the repeated field visits, plant species occurring in different forest types will be listed. Whenever threatened species are encountered, lat-long and elevation details of the site will be noted by using a GPS. Field visits will be made in such a way that different seasons are covered, in order to record ephemerals. Existing literature on threatened plants will be consulted to get the past status, distribution history of the species. List of IUCN Red listed plant species known from Tamil Nadu will be maintained and it will act as a guide in the field. This will help us to shortlist the threatened species. The structure of the IUCN Red list categories (IUCN 2001) provided in the invitation letter by the Coimbatore working Plan unit will be used to categorize the threatened species. The threatened species include Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (VU). In addition to the threatened species, occurrence of Near Threatened (NT), and Data Deficient (DD) species will also be recorded as a supplementary data. Vegetation Quantification: In addition, a quantitative study will be done in the field, to assess the status and distribution of threatened plant species in various forest types. Efforts will be made to cover at least 0.1% of each vegetation type. As far as possible, sample plots will be laid in the virgin forest locations. Plots will be located in such a way that factors such as impacts of human disturbances and edge effects will be avoided. By using the nested quadrat method, vegetation data will be gathered. 31.62 m X 31.62 m sample plots will be laid to enumerate the plants. For each quadrat, the geo-coordinates will be noted by a GPS. Separate form will be used to record data for each sample plot and for each growth-form category namely trees, shrubs, herbs. In the case of riparian vegetation assessment, instead of 31.62 x 31.62 plot, a linear 250 m X 10 m belt transect will be used as the riparian vegetation occurs as a narrow stretch along river banks. Trees: Within the 31.62x31.62 m plot, all trees measuring 10 cm and above in diameter at breast height will be recorded. Bamboos will be measured at the base to get the entire clump. Separate data sheet will be used for each sample plot. Other woody forms such as lianas will also be enumerated. Shrubs: Data on shrubs and saplings will be gathered by laying two 5 m x5 m sub-plots within the larger plot (31.62x31.62 m). Number of individuals of all the shrub and sapling species occurring in the plot will be recorded. Separate form will be used for each quadrat.

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Herbs: Data on herbs will be collected by laying four 1m X 1 m quadrat in the four corners of the larger plot (31.62 X 31.62 m). All the herb species occurring within each 1X1 m quadrat will be recorded. Separate form will be used for each quadrat. Threatened and Endemic Plants: Published flora books and other relevant literature will be referred to find out the threatened and endemic species. A comprehensive table will be prepared for the complete list of plant species in the respective target area. This will contain information such as species name, family, forest type, endemic status, threat status, system of medicine etc. Photographic documentation of threatened plants: High resolution photographs of plants, especially threatened species will be taken in the field and submitted along with the project report. Results Recruitment of research fellow completed. Literature review on occurrence and distribution of threatened plants in Sathyamangalam Sanctuary are gathered. Field work will be commenced in September.

ECOTOXICOLOGY

14. MONITORING OF PESTICIDE RESIDUES IN SELECT COMPONENTS OF AN AGRO-ECOSYSTEM ADOPTING ORGANIC AND CHEMICAL FARMING IN PADAYETTI VILLAGE,

PALAKKAD DISTRICT, KERALA Project Investigator : S. Muralidharan Research Fellow : K. Ganesan Project Period : 3 Years Date of Commencement : 17-05-2009 Date of Completion : 31st Dec, 2012 Budget : 15, 45, 000/- Funding Agency : Dte. of Environment and Climate Change (DECC),

Government of Kerala Status : Extension is requested till October 2013 Summary Challenged by many environmental concerns there have been attempts, world over, to develop alternate methods of farming which are environment-friendly and economically viable. It may be noted that the annual consumption of pesticides mainly for agriculture in India has crossed 50,583 metric tons (MT) from a mere 5,000 MT during 1960s. Several studies have shown that pesticides could cause a plethora of health problems. At this juncture, Kerala State Biodiversity Board through Directorate of Environment and Climate Change launched a demonstration project known as “Granary of Kerala” in Palakkad district in 2009 to conserve biodiversity associated with agro-ecosystems. As part of this mission, SACON was entrusted with an assignment to monitor the residues of pesticides in organic and chemical farms in

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Padayetti village. Residues of select organochlorines (ocs), organophosphates (ops), synthetic pyrethroids (sps) and carbamates (cbs) were measured in samples (select components) collected seasonally at the Application Laboratory of Agilent Technologies, Bangalore. The present study is expected to reveal the importance of organic farming in terms of food safety and environmental concern. Final report will be submitted by end of this year. Objective

Monitor pesticide residues in select components of an agro-ecosystem adopting organic and chemical farming.

Methodology

Multi residue extraction method was followed for extraction of pesticide residues. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of organochlorines (OCs), organophosphates (OPs), synthetic pyrethroids (SPs) and carbamates (Cbs) were performed with GC-MS.

Results Samples of components, namely sediment, fish, crab, frog, snail, paddy, fodder and cow milk were collected from organic and chemical paddy agro ecosystem on seasonal basis and processed for multiresidue estimation. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of a group of pesticides were performed by GC-MS.

Pesticide residues in different components of the agro-ecosystem in Padayetti village:

a) Residues of Organochlorine pesticides Total (Σ) HCH residues were below detection limit (BDL) in sediments of organic farms whereas in chemical farms it ranged between BDL and 30.90 µg/kg. Among the OC residues detected in different biotic components, Σ-HCH was higher in the tissues of frogs (81.14 µg/kg), followed by snail (80.90 µg/kg) and crabs (72.30 µg/kg) collected from chemical farms than organic farms. Σ-DDT, Endosulfan, Heptachlor, dieldrin, chlordane and mirex were not detected in paddy straw and milk samples from both the farms. b) Residues of Organophosphate pesticides Among a set of commonly used OP compounds analysed, residues of chlorpyrifos (14.72 µg/kg) and triazophos (17.71 µg/kg) were detected at higher levels in sediments from chemicals farms, while in organic farm, the levels of all the OPs were BDL. In frogs collected from chemical farms concentrations of quinalphos and phorate were in the range of BDL- 7.19 and BDL- 3.35 µg/kg respectively, while in frogs from organic farms, the concentrations of quinalphos and phorate were in the range of BDL- 3.89 and BDL- 2.78 µg/kg respectively. The levels of Primifos ethyl and Ethion were BDL in all the components and malathion (BDL- 5.38 µg/kg) and quinalphos (2.45 µg/kg) were detected only in paddy straw collected from chemical farms.

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c) Residues of Synthetic pyrethroid pesticides Two isomers of fenvalerate, namely fenvalerate I (28.11 µg/kg) and II (34.70 µg/kg) were the only SP detected in sediments collected from chemical farms, while it was BDL in organic. Among the other components, paddy straw (6743.02 µg/kg), crabs (99.01 µg/kg), frogs (70.38 µg/kg) and snails (20.33 µg/kg) collected from chemical farms had recorded high concentrations of total fenvalerate residues. Further these residues were not detected in any of the organic field fodder, crabs and snails except frogs which had trace levels (1.47 µg/kg). Levels of permethrin were BDL in all the components in both organic and chemical farms.

d) Residues of Carbamate pesticides Commonly used carbamate pesticides such as carbaryl and carbofuran were analysed. Among all the components collected during the years, one of the dead crabs collected from the chemical farms recorded 3501.91 µg/kg of carbaryl. Trace amount of the same pesticide was detected in two of the cow milk (5.23 µg/kg) samples.

15. MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINANTS IN BIRDS IN INDIA

Principal Investigator : S. Muralidharan Research Fellows : K. Ganesan and K. Nambirajan Technical Assistant : V. Kirubhanandhini Project Period : 3 Years Date of Commencement : March 2010 Expected date of completion : March 2013 Budget : Rs. 48, 36, 000/- Funding Source : MoEF, Govt. of India Status : Extension is requested till Oct. 2013

Summary Impact of pesticides on birds has been an ongoing concern in India. In this direction a study was initiated and the same is in its third year. Dead birds are being collected on opportunistic basis and through organized field visits. To assess the magnitude of contamination (pesticides and heavy metals), residue levels in muscle, brain, liver, kidney and blood plasma are being determined. Additionally activity inhibition of esterases, such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterse (BChE) and Carboxylesterase (CbE) as biomarkers are being carried out in all possible brain and blood plasma samples. During the period under report (January 2013 - August 2013), 89 individuals belonging to 32 species of birds were collected dead from different states of India. Intentional Carbofuran poisoning of Black-crowned Heron and Purple Herons have also been recorded. Fourty three blood plasma from 16 species and 73 brain samples from 19 species of birds were analysed for biomarkers. Samples of tissues were analyzed for various persistent organochlorine contaminants. Diclofenac residues were estimated in 24 Vultures (20 White-backed Vultures, 2 Slender-billed

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Vultures, Long-billed Vulture and Himalayan Griffon one each) received from different districts of Assam and Gujarat.

Objectives

Monitor residue levels of persistent chemicals in birds and generate a database.

Identify chemicals responsible for mass mortality of birds across the country.

Assess the effectiveness of guidelines on usage of major chemical pesticides in the country.

Methodology Efforts were made to collect dead birds from all over India. Opportunistic sampling strategy and organized field visits were followed to collect samples. Multi residue method was used for extraction of pesticides, and residues were measured in GC-ECD and GC-MS. For metal analysis, Microwave Digestion System was used for digestion of samples and AAS with graphite furnace was used for estimation. Residues of Diclofenac and cholinesterase activities were estimated using HPLC equipped with UV detector and UV/Vis Spectrophotometer respectively.

Results Between January ’13 and August ‘13, 89 individuals comprising 32 species of birds were collected dead from Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Notable species were Demoiselle Crane, Painted Stork, White-backed Vulture, Long-billed Vulture, Spot-billed Pelican, Common Coot, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Marsh Sand Piper, White-necked Stork, Slaty-legged Crake, Red-crested Pochard and Common Moorhen. Fourty seven blood plasma samples from 16 species of live birds and 73 brain samples from 19 species of dead birds collected from Ahmedabad were analysed for cholinesterase activity.

Carbofuran poisoning in birds Deliberate poisoning of birds using granular form of carbofuran (Furadan) was observed in Thiruthangal, near Sivakasi, Viruthunagar Dt, Tamil Nadu. Nomads in the area poisoned fish-eating birds using pesticides loaded with fish as baits. Species, namely Black-Crowned Heron and Purple Heron were received dead at the lab, though were not fit for analysis. Circumstantial evidences proved the intentional poisoning using Furadan.

Carbofuran (2, 3-dihydro-2, 2-dimethyl-7-benzofuranol methyl carbamate), is a broad-spectrum anticholinesterase pesticide, commonly used as an insecticide, nematicide and acaricide in agricultural practices for the control of stem borers in rice, sugarcane, fruits, and vegetables. It is one of the most toxic pesticides. Other incidences of suspected poisoning in birds in India We have also confirmed reports on the death of Great Cormorants and Greater Pelicans (around 50 Nos) in Kaziranga National Park Assam, Peafowl in Rajasthan (12 Nos), Madhya Pradesh (7 Nos) and Maharashtra (13 Nos) and Tamil Nadu (33 Nos), Blue Rock Pigeons in Pune (38 Nos) and Ahmedabad (>50 Nos), Cattle Egrets (150 Nos) in Amreli Dt of Gujarat and Crows in Vellalore dumping yard at Coimbatore. While

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circumstantial evidences were pointing towards chemical poisoning, samples of tissues could not be obtained for analysis. Pesticide residues in birds Samples of 40 birds received form Tamil Nadu and Kerala alone were analyzed for residues of organochlorines. Although varying levels of pesticide residues were detected, the levels were not indicative of any poisoning. Remaining samples are under various stages of analysis.

Diclofenac residues in Vultures received from Assam and Gujarat Samples of 24 vultures comprising four species, namely Oriental White-backed Vulture, Long-billed Vulture, Slender-billed Vulture and Himalayan Griffon from Gujarat (20 Nos) and Assam (5 Nos) were analysed for residues of diclofenac. Levels ranged between 162.90 ppb in Oriental White-backed Vulture collected from Kadi district of Gujarat and 497.26 ppb in the same species collected from Ahmedabad. It may be noted that the concentration associated with the toxicity of diclofenac ranges from 250 to 1000 ppb. Further, in one of the Oriental White-backed Vulture which was found to have visceral gout during postmortem examination, the liver tissue had 891.85 ppb of diclofenac. Although use of diclofenac for treating cattle was banned in India in 2006, it is evident that the drug is still being illegally used.

Cholinesterase activity in blood plasma and brain tissues of birds

a) Acetylcholinesterase activity AChE activity in plasma ranged between 0.10 μmol/ min/ ml in Blue Rock Pigeon and 4.15 μmol/ min/ ml in the Common Moorhen. The highest levels of mean brain AChE activity was observed in Eurasian Collared Dove (43.40 µmoles/min/g) and lowest activity was in Black Ibis (6.80 ± 0.82 µmoles/min/g). The variation in plasma and brain AChE activity among the species studied was significant (P<0.05).

b) Butyrylcholinesterase activity Mean plasma BChE activity was found to be the highest in Black Ibis 1.58 μmol/min/ml and lowest in Oriental Honey Buzzard 0.92 μmol/min/ml. The variation in brain BChE activity among the species studied was not significant (P>0.05). c) Carboxylesterase activity Carboxylesterase activity was the highest (0.06 μmol/min/ml) in Blue Rock Pigeon and lowest (0.01 μmol/min/ml) in Long-Billed Vulture. It is noted that plasma carboxylesterase activity is inversely related to the body size of the bird. Variation in activity among the species was highly significant (p< 0.05).

16. LABORATORY MINOR PROJECT (RESEARCH ASSISTANT: K MAHARAJAN)

Analytical Service

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We continued to extend analytical services to academic and industrial institutions. During the period under report we provided analytical service to KG Hospitals Coimbatore. We have also received samples from BNHS.

We trained nine M.Sc (Chemistry and Zoology) students from Bharathiar University and Avinashilingam Univeristy for Women, Coimbatore and Gandhigram Rural University Dindigal on Laboratory Techniques.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

17. ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF AGROCHEMICALS ON AVIFAUNA IN THE CATCHMENT OF KEOLADEO NATIONAL PARK, RAJASTHAN

Principal Investigator: B Anjan Kumar Prusty Co-Investigator: P A Azeez Research Fellows: To be recruited Project period: Three years Date of Commencement: August 2012 Expected date of completion: July 2015 Budget: Rs. 35.95 lakhs Funding source: SERB, DST, Govt. of India, New Delhi Status: Initiated (On-going)

Summary Keoladeo National Park (KNP) in Bharatpur is unique having multiple habitats with congregation of thousands of birds on the onset of monsoon. There have been drastic changes in the ecology of KNP driven by both natural and anthropogenic factors. Water changes in recent years related to drought, upstream water diversion, and possibly climate change in recent years have greatly reduced the water available to the Park, leading to drought conditions of the last 10-15 years. The frequent occurrence of droughts in this district in the recent past has adversely affected the agro productivity of the region and consequentially the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in boosting the agro-productivity and containing the pest outbreak, respectively has become extensive and rampant. In the meanwhile, due to the reduced water availability several birds have started depending on wetlands (satellite) in neighbouring districts. As these satellite wetlands are receivers of agro-run off from the neighbouring farmlands, there is likely hood of accumulation of agrochemicals (chemical fertilizers and pesticides) residues in different trophic levels and the potential indirect effects operating through the food chain and reflected through survival of birds. Therefore, this study is aimed at assessing the level of residues of different groups of agro-chemicals in different trophic levels and impact on breeding success in piscivorous and granivorous birds. We hypothesize that “differential rate of application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the catchment induce graded availability of agrochemical residues in different wetlands and thereby impact avifauna in the wetlands especially their breeding success”.

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Objectives The proposed study based in the catchment of KNP, Rajasthan for duration of 3 years attempts to accomplish the goal: “Assessing the levels and possible impact of agrochemicals residues on birds in the satellite wetlands in catchment area of KNP”. This goal can be achieved by addressing certain objectives and answering associated research questions, and the details are as below:

i. Examine the cropping pattern and agro-inputs in the six districts around KNP, Bharatpur

ii. Assess the level of heavy metals and chemical pesticide residues in different trophic levels and environmental matrices in the select satellite wetlands and neighbouring corresponding agricultural fields

iii. Examine the impact of agrochemical residues on breeding success of birds

Methodology Objective wise detailed methodology is as below: Objective-1: Examine the pattern of agriculture and agro-inputs Details about the agricultural activities and usage pattern of chemical fertilizers and pesticides were collected through a tailor made farmers’ survey in the area. This also provided information on farming practices and shifts in cropping practice over last 40 years. Objective-2: Assess the level of heavy metals and chemical pesticide residues in different trophic levels and environmental matrices This objective can be addressed by undertaking a systematic sampling of different environmental and biological samples and performing appropriate laboratory analysis, the details of which are as follows: Sampling: Subsequent to the reconnaissance, some important wetlands were prioritized for intensive survey, where different samples are being collected on seasonal basis. Both biological and environmental samples are being collected during the present investigation.

i. Birds: two approaches will be followed for collection of information on pollutant accumulation in birds; i) by collecting droppings and shed feathers of birds in the breeding colonies, and ii) by collecting dead specimens as and when located in and around the study area for further examination of the level of persistent chemicals.

ii. Water and sediment: surface water samples from satellite wetlands are being collected following direct dipping method and bed sediment samples using core sampler on seasonal basis.

iii. Soil: surface and subsurface soil samples from nearby agricultural fields, corresponding to the prioritized wetlands and/or breeding colony, are being

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collected based on the cropping pattern. The frequency of the sampling is seasonal.

iv. Macrophytes: macrophytes and other aquatic vegetation, which are known food plants of colonial nesting birds, are being collected during their peak growth season from the prioritized wetlands for processing in laboratory to estimate the level of persistent chemical residues.

v. Fish: ichthyofauna samples will be collected, from the foraging sites including the prioritized wetlands, using stow net. The samples will be retained randomly for further processing and chemical analysis, which will be based on the feeding preference of birds under observation.

Laboratory Analysis: The collected samples are being subjected to standard analytical methods in the laboratory for estimating the level of toxic metals and pesticides.

i. Select toxic heavy metals and other nutrient elements will be analyzed using a double beam Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS).

ii. Residual level of different groups of pesticides (Organochlorine, Organophosphorous and carbamate compounds) will be analyzed using a GC-MS.

iii. The analytical data will be subjected to appropriate statistical tools for better interpretation and inference.

Objective-3: Examine the impact of agrochemical residues on breeding success of birds

The study was initiated with a reconnaissance of all the 27 satellite wetlands as identified earlier, and other additional wetlands in the area, and the neighbouring agricultural fields.

Breeding success of select nests will be estimated. The details of the breeding biology and foraging ecology observation methods are as below:

i) Point count Method will be used to document the population of different

wetland bird species in KNP and other satellite wetlands. ii) Estimation of the breeding populations of different wetland bird species in the

wetlands will be made through counting the active nests around the wetlands and the known heronries in the region, where one of the prioritized wetlands is selected.

iii) The fish eating bird species foraging in the wetlands and breeding close to these wetlands will be selected for further detailed breeding chronology and success studies every season. All the selected nests will be observed twice in a week to understand breeding chronology and estimate the breeding success of the nests.

iv) Focal Nest Sampling Method (draft field datasheet in Table 3) will be used to observe the chick feeding frequency and possibly feeding material. The nests will be observed once in a week. Nests will be observed from dawn to dusk (6:00hrs – 10:00 hrs, 10:00hrs – 14:00 hrs, 14:00hrs – 18:00hrs). Other behaviour will also be recorded during the observation time. The observations will be made using Spotting Scope.

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v) Selected breeding pairs and chicks, under observations for the breeding chronology and success, will be captured, and a millilitre of blood and feathers (01 per individual), and body fluids will be collected for analyses of level of contaminants.

vi) Few selected breeding pairs will be radio tagged to know their movements to different foraging grounds, in turn, the source of contamination (wetlands/farm lands) will be identified from the foraging observations.

vii) Focal Animal Sampling method will be used to unveil the food and foraging habits of the selected species.

viii) Additionally, in the event of signs of morbidity observed in a bird, the behaviour of the individuals will be noted, as behavioural changes can be an early warning of contamination due to several persistent chemicals. Villagers in the area are being informed about such issues and hence recording of any change in behaviour of birds in the nesting colonies by any villager can be an additional input.

The details of the levels of different groups of agrochemical residues, locations, organisms, breeding and foraging sites will be mapped in a GIS platform in order to obtain an overall status map of the region with regard to agrochemicals. Results Presently, the project work is ongoing in the surrounding wetlands of KNP. The seasonal survey of wetlands till date reveals the followings:

Wetland survey: o In total 39 wetlands were surveyed. o Most of the wetlands are manmade, i.e. abstraction of catchment area

water in the form of anicuts / water resource development projects o Nearly 27% of the surveyed wetlands have a water retention period of

only 4 months, and are used for agriculture once the water dries up. o Different area categories and water retention periods of the wetlands

are presented in Figure 1 and Figure 2. o In total 122 bird species were recorded, which is higher than the earlier

study undertaken jointly by Rajasthan Forest Department and Wildlife Institute of India (75 species). 40 species were recorded by both the studies, thus with the present survey there is an addition of 82 species to the existing list of birds from satellite wetlands and its surrounding areas.

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Figure 1. Area wise classification of wetlands surveyed

Wetlands July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb March Apr May June Species Size (km2)

Pattharpura 18 0.5

Bhandor 16 1

Nonera 55 1

Kanwar 12 1

Jasora 37 1

Babula 14 2

Lalpurbandh 20 2

Rupbas 19 2

Anjnokh 17 2

Hulwana 15 2

Talabshahi 36 2

Bhatawali 6 3

Nari 37 3

Sagartal 22 3

Jalsen 9 4

Sankhi 20 4

Sursarover 48 5

Ghumna 20 5

Lalpur 24 5

Kot 57 5

Ramsagar 35 6

Yamuna barrage 43 6

Motijhil 25 7

Senthal 24 7

Chiksana 10 8

Redia bundh 45 8

kalakhoh 54 10

Jagartal 48 10

Mansarover 45 10

Jamwa Ramgarh 17 12

Baretha Bundh 63 12

Ajan Bundh 21 12

Panchana 32 14

Parvati 40 70 Figure 2. Water retention period of satellite wetlands

Agriculture survey:

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o In total 26 villages were surveyed for understanding the scenario on use of agrochemicals and agriculture practices, and this included 46 locations where visits were made to see the ongoing cropping practices etc. A brief summary of the results are presented in Figure 3.

o Data collected from the agriculture department were compiled, and the trend in use of chemical fertilizers in the area are presented in Figure 4. In recent years, intensification of agriculture has been observed; as there has been a gradual shift from livestock based economy to agrarian economy. With ever-increasing uncertainty in rainfall and water release from upstream Panchana dam, an increase in agro-chemical input is observed. Most of the area in Bharatpur has double cropping system, i.e. Kharif and Rabi. Though NPK remains a preferred chemical fertilizer in the area, the proportion of N application has been on the rise as compared to P and K. Figure 4 and Figure 5 reveal the impact of application of chemical fertilizers on Kharif and Rabi crop production, respectively. The present analysis shows that the fertiliser use is negatively correlated with Kharif crop production (r = 0.878, p < 0.05), and positively correlated with Rabi crop production (r = 0.844, p < 0.05).

Figure 3. Use of agrochemicals in villages

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Figure 4. Kharif crop production and fertilizer application

Figure 5. Rabi crop production and fertilizer application

Further, routine (seasonal) sampling of environmental samples and laboratory analysis is in progress. Discussion and recommendations: We will be able to articulate recommendations once the sampling and subsequent analysis of samples will be over. Publications:

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Prusty BAK and Azeez PA (2013). New directions and approaches to ecotoxicological studies: Application of radio and GPS telemetry. Proceedings of Ecotone GPS Telemetry Workshop, Polish Academy of Sciences, Masurian Lake District, Poland, 5 – 9 April, 2013.

Prusty BAK, Sharma G, Azeez PA, Kumar M and Choudhury BC (In preparation).

Standardized approach for monitoring of wetlands in a regional scale (to be communicated shortly).

18.MONITORING THE IMPACTS OF JANGI WIND POWER FARM (91.8 MW)WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO BIRDS AND BATS

Principal Investigator Arun P R Co-investigator/consultant - Research Staff Samsoor Ali and Ramesh kumar Project Period 36 Date of Commencement May 2011 Expected date of completion April 2014 Budget 58,32,800 ` Funding source M/s Genting energy Status Ongoing Collaborating Agency -Nil BACKGROUND This is an ongoing three year study being conducted at the Jangi Wind power farm. The study is aimed at monitoring and assessing the impact of Wind turbines on birds and bats. The present study was initiated in May 2011, further to a request from M/s Genting Power Energy Ltd. Information on impact of wind power facilities on avifauna or bats is very scarce from India. However, it is reported to be of serious risk concern for the avifauna and bats from other countries such as USA, UK and New Zealand. But there are not much studies in india related to the wind fams and its relation with wildlife. Results of the present study so far indicated the mortality of birds (0.2 birds/Turbine per year) due to wind turbines is very low in the study area when compared to other parts. OBJECTIVES Field surveys were initiated in August-2011 following major objectives:

Documentation of bird and bat populations in and around the project sites

Identification of roosting sites of bats and population estimations

Developing an effective monitoring protocol for bats and birds

Recording the seasonal patterns in the migratory bird population and assess the importance of the area in terms of migratory route for birds

Documentation of flight behaviour of birds in study area

Evaluate the impact of the project on Raptor roosting sites METHODOLOGY

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A total of 70 points (50 m radius) and 3 line transects (3km length and 100m width) were sampled repeatedly from July 2012 to March 2013 in and around the wind farm in order to study the avian community (Especially passerines) of the area. A Total of 10 points (500-800m radius) were also sampled in order record the raptor activities and flight activity of birds in the wind farm. Total count method was used to count water birds in human made ponds, lakes and other water bodies in and around the wind farms. Visual surveys were done regularly to record the nesting and roosting-sites of birds and bats in the study area. Three transects of 1km length were surveyed in order to record the nocturnal bat activities with the help of ultrasonic bat call detector (BATBOX III D). To record the mortality of birds and bats at turbine sites, searches for fatalities were conducted at 51 turbines. Each turbine was searched via slow walking of spiral circles outwards from the base of the turbine (generally 100 m radius). RESULTS Totally 166 species of birds belonging to 44 families were recorded during the study period which included 3 vulnerable and 8 near threatened species. Among the 166 species 16 diurnal raptor species and 2 nocturnal raptors species were recorded. In all, 61 species belonging to 15 families were winter migratory to the study area. A total of 9 species of birds namely were found nesting in the study area. Nesting of Black Ibis and House crow on power transmission line towers were also recorded. 11 species birds and 1 species of bat (Pteropus giganteus) were found roosting on trees in and around the wind farm. Four rounds of nocturnal bat survey revealed there are activities of insectivorous bats present in both turbine and adjacent areas. A Total of 85 bat echolocation calls (bat passes) were recorded in all three transects during four rounds of survey. Out of 165 species of birds recorded in the study area, 54 species belonging 16 families mostly raprtors were found flying in the risk zone of the turbine (i.e. between 45m to 150 m from the ground). A total of 15 bird fatalities from 7 known species and 3 unidentified species were recorded under the wind turbines. Of these, dominantly each three individual fatalities of Blue Rock Pigeon (Columba livia), House Crow (Corvus splendens) and Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) were recorded. The dead birds were found usually close to the base of turbine, the distance ranged from 2m to 150m with an average of 44m from the base of turbine. During the survey, two carcasses of the Greater Mouse-tailed Bat (Rhinopoma microphyllum) in two different turbine sites were recorded. DISCUSSION & RECOMMENDATIONS The study area supports rich and diverse avifaunal groups that include both resident and migratory species as well as several species of conservational importance. The bird abundance varied markedly between seasons, abundance of bird was higher in migratory season than the non- migratory season. It is frequently assumed that collision mortality should increase with bird abundance because more birds are ‘available’ to collide. The present study adds to mounting evidence to this assumption as all the dead birds in the study were found in the migratory season when the bird abundance was high. Among 54 bird species recorded in risk zone, soaring birds were the most dominant species, which is alarming as the high risk of collision reported (from other countries) for raptors than other groups of birds. Moreover, the seasonal

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variation in raptors species richness is also high in winter season which leads to more collision risk of raptors. The Nesting of House crow and Black Ibis recorded in the study was unseals as all the nests were in the transmission pylon. The lack of tall trees in the area may be the reason for these unusual nests. As the Genting Energy wind turbine towers are of tubular type there is no chance of nesting in the tower. The present study also reported the first proof from this area that bats can be affected by the wind turbines. The estimated mortality rate by turbines during the present study was 0.02 birds/turbine/year which is very low compared to other studies in various parts of the world. As the findings from the present study is incomplete, completion of this study would throw more light into our present understanding of Wind power generation and associated impacts on avifauna & bats and the possible to mitigate the effects. PUBLICATIONS (EMANATED FROM THE PROJECT)

1. Samsoor Ali, A M, Ramesh Kumar S, and Arun PR. 2013. House Crow Corvus splendens nesting on pylons, Kutch District, Gujarat, India. Forktail. In press.

2. Samsoor Ali, A M, Ramesh Kumar S, and Arun PR. 2013. Records of Black Ibis Pseudibis papillosa nesting on power transmission line towers. Birding ASIA. In Press.

3. Ramesh Kumar S, Samsoor Ali, A M, and Arun PR. 2013 Report of Bat Mortality from Indian Wind Farm. Journal of Threatened Taxa. Accepted.

4. Samsoor Ali, A M, Ramesh Kumar S, and Arun PR. 2013. “Waterbird Assemblage in Rural Village Ponds of Samakhiali and Jangi Regions, Kutch District, Gujarat, India.” Bird Populations. In press.

5. Ramesh Kumar S, Samsoor Ali, A M, and Arun PR. 2013. Wild Nilgai in Company with Domestic cattle. SACON News 10(1).

6. Ramesh Kumar S, Samsoor Ali, A M, and Arun PR. 2012. “Impact of Wind Turbines on Birds: a Case Study from Gujarat, India.” Scientific Journal of Environmental Sciences 1 (1) (August 31): 9–20.

7. Samsoor Ali, A M, Ramesh Kumar, S Arun PR, and M Murugesan. 2012. “Preliminary Survey of Avifauna around Wind Farm of Jangi Region, Kutch District, Gujarat, India.” Scientific Journal of Zoology 1 (1): 01–10.

8. Samsoor Ali, A M, Ramesh Kumar S, and Arun PR. 2012. “Sighting Large Congregation of Demoiselle Crane (Grus Virgo).” SACON News 9(2).

9. Samsoor Ali, A M, Ramesh Kumar S, Arun PR, and Joseph Reginald. 2012. “Sighting of a Large Congregation of Demoiselle Cranes (Grus Virgo) Near Jangi, Kutch Dt., Gujarat.” Newsletter for Birdwatchers 52 (1): 11–12.

19. CUMULATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF HYDRO ELECTRIC PROJECTS OF SATLUJ RIVER BASIN IN HIMACHAL PRADESH-FAUNAL ASPECTS

Principal Investigator : Arun P R Co-investigator/consultant : -

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Research Staff : 1) Murugesan M., 2) Ramesh C., 3) Shanthakumar S.B. and 4) Sony R.K. Project Period : 01 Year Date of Commencement : July 2011 Expected date of completion : Nov 2013 Budget : 55,56,000/- Funding source : Govt. of HP through ICFRE Status : Ongoing, Draft report submitted Collaborating Agencies : ICFRE, AHEC, DCFR & FRI BACKGROUND The River Satluj, which is one of the key river basins featuring in the hydro development plan of the state of Himachal Pradesh, rises in the Tibetan Plateau, Rakastal-Mansarovar lake. The Governments of India and Himachal Pradesh are working to exploit the full hydro-potential of the river Basin through both private and public developers. The state holds the major projects like Nathpa-Jakhri (1500MW), Karcham-Wangtoo (1000MW) and many other small and medium hydroelectric projects.

Starting from Kinnaur district to Bilaspur district, the river has been used for construction of more than 35 hydro-electric projects. These projects are mainly supplying power to Himachal Pradesh and other North Indian states. It has enabled to overcome power shortages in the region. The resources used for generating electricity such as construction of dam and activities involved for generating the power could cause disaster to the environment. It also led to deleterious effect on fauna and flora, drying up of the river bed, soil erosion, dried up of natural water springs, changed climatic conditions also it would affect the livelihood activities. Hence, the Department of Energy, Government of Himachal Pradesh and Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India, had assigned the task of Cumulative Environment Impact Assessment in Satluj basin to Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education (ICFRE), Dehradun. ICFRE is taking up this study in collaboration with other three partner institutions. Among them, Sàlim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) has taken up the study on Terrestrial fauna including Avifauna.

OBJECTIVES

1. Inventory of Avifauna and other terrestrial fauna from Primary & seconday sources

2. Evaluation of conservation importance of species (RET, Endemics etc).

3. Identification of existing protected areas

4. Existence of Barrierrs and corridors for Wild Animals

5. Threats to wildlife

6. Identification of ecologically sensitive areas

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7. To assess the cumulative impact of Hydropower projects on fauna along the Satluj River. Prepare the suitable Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and mitigation measures to reduce these impacts on fauna and rivers

8. Examine Faunal Impacts of Baspa and Nathpa Jakhri projects as case study.

METHODOLOGY In order to document the faunal components of the study area, intensive and extensive field surveys were conducted from June 2012, covering the entire Satluj river basin within the Himachal Pradesh from Koldam to Kunzam top. A total of 554 sampling points were covered in the entire Satluj basin. The sampling was done at different altitudes ranging from 500 to 4600 meters. Importance was given to those areas where maximum vegetation and agricultural fields found while selecting the sampling points in the catchment area. Minimum sampling points were taken in high altitude areas due to proportionately lesser area availability and lack of vegetation and the harsh terrain. The present study focused on five major faunal groups viz. i) insects (particularly butterflies), ii) amphibians, iii) reptiles, iv) birds and v) mammals and documented by both direct and indirect methods. Time constrained Point counts, Transect walks and opportunistic observations were mainly used for documenting the overall faunal elements. Transects varying from 500 meter to 1 kilometre were used depending on the terrain and area availability. RESULTS The present study results in the identification and documentation of 62 Butterflies species 13 species of amphibians 20 species of reptiles 368 avifaunal species and 64 species of mammals. Among the 62 species of butterflies, Danaid Eggfly protected under both Schedules I&II and Green Sapphire under Schedule II. Only one species of amphibian i.e. Paa Frog (Nanorana minica) protected under “Vulnerable” category as per IUCN. Of the 20 species of reptiles, only one species i.e. Indian Monitor Lizard protected under Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Species like Checkered Keelback, Spectacled Cobra and Indian Rat Snake are coming under Schedule II and species such as Banded Kukri Snake, Common Krait, Himalayan Keelback and Himalayan Pit Viper are coming under Schedule IV. Among the 368 species of birds, 18 species are included in various IUCN red-listed categories. Four species namely, Himalayan Quail, Indian White-backed Vulture, Long-billed Vulture and Red-headed Vulture are protected under “Critically Endangered” Category. Egyptian Vulture is the only species which is coming under the category “Endangered”. Black Partridge, Cheer Pheasant, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Pallas’s Fish-Eagle, Western Tragopan, Yellow-throated Bulbul and Wood Snipe are falling under the “Vulnerable” category. Five “Near Threatened” bird species such as European Roller, Lesser Grey-headed Fish-Eagle, Red Backed Thrush, Tytler’s Leaf-Warbler and Pallid Harrier also recorded from the study. Apart from these, only one species Large-billed Reed-warbler is coming under the category “Data Deficient.

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Of the 368 species of birds recorded, 11 birds Peregrine Falcon, Common Hill Myna, Bearded Vulture Indian White-backed Vulture, Long-billed Vulture, Himalayan Monal, Kaleej Pheasant, Himalayan Quail, Indian Peafowl, Tibetan Snowcock and Western Tragopan are protected under “Schedule I” category of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) and rest of the species are included under Schedule IV. Among the 64 species of mammals, 21 species are protected under the various categories of IUCN, 2012. Only one species i.e., Markhor is protected under “Critically Endangered” category. 3 species namely Tibetan Wolf Snow Leopard and Tibetan Antelope included in the Endangerd category. Species such as Asian Black Bear Himalyan Brown Bear, Ladakh Urial, Musk Deer, Red Fox, Sambar Deer, Sumatran Serow and Wild Yak are included in the vulnerable category. 9 species viz., Common Leopard, Common Otter, Himalayan Goral, Himalayan Tahr, Large Indian Civet, Pallas's Cat, Himalayan Serow, Tibetan Gazelle and Wild Sheep are included under Near Threatened category. Of the 64 species of mammals, 45 species are protected under various schedules of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Of the 45 species, 22 species are protected under “Schedule I” category, 18 species are coming under “Schedule II” and 5 species are under “Schedule III”. DISCUSSION & RECOMMENDATIONS Adverse ecological impacts are unwelcome by-products of any development process. However, scientific studies can help in planning and managing development so as to minimise these impacts to the possible bare minimum levels. Dumping of soil muck is a common practice during the construction phase of hydroelectric projects. From the faunal point of view, in the study area, 42 birds, 1 mammal, 3 reptiles and 8 amphibians were found associated with the fast flowing river stretches for their ecological requirements. Detailed ecological impacts and its mitigation measures also discussed in the report Because of the proposed HEPs along the Satluj River system, the reduction in the flow of water through Natural River channels will be decreased drastically affecting the associated ecology and biodiversity. While the deep puddles and sub surface flows of Potamon reaches may still be sustained, the Rhithron zones will be the most affected and would become narrower and shallower with slower and less Oxygenated waters. Reduction of flow coupled with increase in turbidity especially in the tributaries will significantly reduce the habitat quality and resource base for endemic and stream dependent species that require these specialized conditions. The Changes in the natural seasonal, cyclic successions of varying water levels also has significant implications on the aquatic and semi aquatic diversity.

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20. CUMULATIVE IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDY OF HYDRO POWER PROJECTS ON

RIVER YAMUNA, TONS AND TRIBUTARIES- FAUNAL ASPECTS

Principal Investigator Arun P R Co-investigator/consultant - Research Staff 1) Srinivas, G; 2) Vacant (Being recruited) Project Period 18 months Date of Commencement 1/1/2013 Expected date of completion 6/25/2014 Budget Rs 43,23,000 Funding source Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd Status Ongoing Collaborating Agency ICFRE, AHEC, DCFR & FRI BACKGROUND The High Court of Uttarakhand at Nainital vide its Order dated 15th July 2011 has asked Government of Uttarakhand to conduct Cumulative Impact Study of Hydropower Projects on River Yamuna and Tons & its Tributaries in Uttarakhand. Accordingly, the study has been assigned to Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), in collaboration other three Partner institutes, by Uttarakahnd Govt. through Uttarakhand Jal Vidhyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL). ICFRE, as the lead organization, would conduct the study in association with three Partner Institutions viz. i) Alternate Hydro Energy Centre (AHEC), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee, Uttarakhand, ii) Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu and iii) Directorate of Cold Water Fisheries Research (DCFR), Bhimtal, Uttarakhand. The river Yamuna (also called as Jamuna River) is originates in the state Uttarakhand (formerly Uttaranchal) is the largest tributary of the river Ganga in northern India. It originate from the Yamunotri Glacier point near Bandar Punch (38o 59' N 78o 27' E) in the Mussourie range of the lower Himalayas at an elevation of about 3000 m above mean sea level in the district of Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand). The river Yamuna and its tributary Tons are identified as a major source for generating hydroelectric power. The total potential for hydropower development in the entire Yamuna basin is about 1300 MW (CPCB, 2006). Few hydro electric projects schemes have already been developed by Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL). Only one third of the estimated potential is utilized presently. There are few new schemes, which are at various stages of construction. It travels a total length of 1,376 kilometers and merges with the river Ganga at Triveni Sangam in Allahabad. OBJECTIVES The study addresses the following major objectives

Assess the cumulative impact of Hydropower projects along the Yamuna and

Tones River systems on fauna.

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Primarily involving Inventory of avi-fauna, and other animals and evaluate their

conservation status.

Identification of threats to wildlife in the region

METHODOLOGY The present study was envisaged to generate relevant faunal information from the basin are as a part of the Cumulative impact Assessment of the basin. The study primarily involved systematic faunal sampling across gradients of altitude, vegetation and human disturbance in the Yamuna and Tons basins. The study would focus on the hydro electric project sites that are existing as well as under various stages of development. Transects of 500 m to 1 km were used for sampling as per the terrain conditions. Impact assessment using the before-after-control-impact (BACI) models will be used to evaluate the impact of Hydro power projects. Sampling Strategy: The sampling strategy involved a stratified random sampling approach. For the sampling, the entire area was gridded into 5*5 km grids using a GIS platform and the sampling has been designed to ensure a minimum representation of 25% of these grids. The sampling grids will be selected from each altitudinal and Hydro-power project Impact zones ensuring adequate and proportionate representation of various strata. The sampling is carried out seasonally. Different field sampling techniques used for documenting different faunal groups are given in the following table. Apart from this primary data, available secondary information on fauna will also be compiled and recorded.

S.No. Taxa Methods

1. Butterflies Random walk, opportunistic observations, Time constrained Point count and Sweep sampling.

2. Herpetofauna Visual encounter survey

3. Birds Random walk, opportunistic observations, Time constrained Point count method.

4. Mammals Direct sighting and indirect evidences

Apart from the direct field sampling, various relevant secondary sources on Fauna of the area are also being collected and compiled. RESULTS The study was initiated with an Initial reconnaissance survey of the study areas in the Yamuna basin conducted in December 2012 by a combined reconnaissance survey team represented by all partner institutions viz. ICFRE-Dehradun, DCFR-Bhimtal, AHEC IIT-Roorkee and SACON Coimbatore. During this survey, the team visited various existing and proposed hydroelectric project site areas such as Burnighat, Yamuna bridge, Barkot, Janakichatti, Hanumanchatti, Phoolchatti, Purola, Gadugad, Netwad, Jakhol, Sankari, Mori, Subin, Dhola, Isthraghad, Imri, Samrod, Hanol, Tiuni, Kausu, Pilasu, Anthroli, Gumma, Ichadi, Kotti, Chibru, Khodri, Dakpathar, Assan dam and Kolgharghat. An initial rapid reconnaissance survey of various faunal groups was also

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carried out all along the River Basin areas during this survey. Detailed field studies on fauna is in progress since summer season of 2013. Parallelly, the collection of relevant secondary data and compilation is also under way. Two species of amphibians, one species of reptiles, 74 species of birds and four species of mammals has been recorded so far. A total of 74 species of birds (under 38 families) were recorded during the study so far. This included one endangered species (Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus) and one near Threatened species (River Lapwing, Vanellus duvaucelii). 67 species were of Least Concern and five species were not assessed by IUCN (2012). Other faunal records during the field surveys included two Amphibians (Common Indian Toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus and Marbled Toad D. Stomaticus), one Agamid species, (West Himalayan Rock Agama, Laudakia tuberculata) and four species of mammals (Himalayan Red Fox Vulpes vulpes, Black Napped Hare Lepus nigricollis, Central Himalayan Langur, Semnopithecus schistaceus and Rhesus Macaque Macaca mulatta). DISCUSSION Majestic Himalayan landscapes are being transformed by various developmental activities including hydroelectric projects in important areas directly affecting the mountain ecosystems. Disturbance to natural drainage patterns of water can lead to further aggravating the already existing issues associated with unstable geographic structures such as landslides and flash floods. Many tourist facilities are already found along the river banks and even on the river bed itself. They obstruct the natural course of river, often directly release the raw sewage into the river, and are a cause for serious concern during floods and disasters such as the recent one happened during June 2013 because of the heavy rainfall and cloudburst. River Yamuna being one of the sacred rivers also attracts huge number of pilgrims and tourists seasonally. Although there is a lack of authentic data on the vehicular and tourist influx and potential conflict zones, however it is a major source of disturbance to this delicate Himalayan ecosystem. During the field visit, we recorded various instances anthropogenic disturbances to the system such as forest fire, over-grazing and destabilization of slopes through various human activities that lead to increased silt load and threat to aquatic and associated fauna. In the absence of proper management interventions, these disturbances can seriously affect the wild flora and fauna. The Proposed Hydro Electric projects in the basin would add additional pressure on to this already stressed system. From the faunal point of view, the Snow leopard –Panthera uncial, Cheer Pheasant Catreus wallichii and Koklass Pheasant -Pucrasia macrolopha and Western Tragopan -Tragopan melanocephalus are the major species of global concern in the area. Apart from these, there are birds associated with natural river courses that are likely to be most affected. Conservation and mitigation plans incorporating all the study components are being developed.

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21. IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF PROSPECTING EXPLORATION ACTIVITIES THROUGH 3D SEISMIC DATA ACQUISITION BY OIL INDIA LTD ON MANGROVE FAUNA AT

KAKINADA, ANDHRA PRADESH Principal Investigator Arun P R Co-investigator/consultant - Research Staff Rajan P Project Period 06 months Date of Commencement 23 July 2013 Expected date of completion Jan 2014 Budget ` 10,35,000/- Funding source Oil Indi Ltd. Status Ongoing Collaborating Agency - The present study was taken up by SACON upon the request from OIL to monitor the impact of seismic surveys on the mangrove faunal species. The origin of this study was from an earlier report of SACON that suggested undertaking such a study. The study will be the first of its kind from India that will monitor and document the response of select faunal components during the seismic sureys in real time. Objectives

Monitoring the impact of Seismic surveys in the mangrove forests

Documenting the impacts on select faunal groups such as Birds and Fishes

Develop a baseline on the impact potential of seismic surveys in the Mangrove areas

Methodology The seismic survey impacts will be documented using standard methods of faunal sampling and behavioural observations on focal animal groups as well as opportunistic observations. Scenarios before, during and after the shooting operations will be studies to understand the impacts.

WETLAND ECOLOGY

22. WETLANDS OF INDIA ENVIS CENTRE Principal Investigator: PA Azeez Co-ordinator: Goldin Quadros Research Fellows: Raja Mamannan (16th January to 30th April, 2013); Ms. Sheeba Nanjan (16th January to 30th April, 2013); Julfia A Begum (1st February till date) Project Period: Long term Statis: On Going

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Budget: Rs. 7,07,600/- (2012-2013) Rs. 12,60,000/- (2013-2014 sanction order received on 19/8/13)

Funding Source: MoEF (ENVIS secteriat)

Summary The centre since December 2011 has been collecting, collating data on Indian wetlands and has been uploading the same on the website. The sacon envis website is now functioning from the NIC portal although it has to be restructured fully into the NIC format by the ENVIS secretariat. Objectives 1. Database creation on Wetland Ecosystems to be added on the website with

regional language interface 2. To establish and operate a distributed clearing house to answer and channel

queries related to the allocated subject 3. To establish linkages with information users, carriers and providers from

government, academic, business and Non-Governmental Organizations including those with ENVIS

4. Identification of information/data gaps in the specified subject areas and action taken to fill these gaps

5. Publication of ENVIS newsletters for dissemination of wetland Information

Methodology Research articles, news and events, laws relating to the wetlands etc are procured from various online sources. Information on conferences, workshops and symposia’s on wetlands are also being collected. The research articles are sorted into categories like birds, hydrology, hydrobiology, Migration, flyways, etc and curated for uploading on the envis website. Further emails are also being sent out to several institutions and departments associated with wetland research and management to procure first hand information on the wetlands. Results, discussions and recomendations Completed the publications of four Newsletters for the year 2012 and have compiled information for the 2013 issues. Up dated the numeric data and descriptive data on wetlands as required by the secretariat Publications

A poster on World Wetlands Day

Newsletters

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23.ASSESSMENT OF THE MORPHOLOGICAL DIVERSITY AND THE ECOLOGICAL

PATTERNS IN THE NEAR THREATENED COLONIAL WATER BIRDS ACROSS INDIAN SUB-CONTINENT USING A NOVEL APPROACH

Principal Investigator: Mahendiran Mylswamy Co-Investigator: Nil Collaborating Agency: NIL Research Fellow: Kalpana Das Duration: Three years Commencement: 24th May 2012 Date of Completion: 23rd May 2015 Budget: Rs. 16, 45, 000 Funding source: Department of Science and Technology, GoI Status: On going Background Colonial nesters, distributed widely over the Indian subcontinent (Ali and Ripley 1987), receives considerable conservational significance, as many of them namely, Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus, Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala, and Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster have been included in Near Threatened by BirdLife International (2001). However, the detail ecological information on these fish-eating, colonial nesting birds is limited (Mahendiran and Urfi 2005). Interestingly, these heronries provide an ideal place to videograph the nesting birds at close quarters. One of the main hurdles in studying morphometrics in large birds is the difficulty with which the desired number of specimens can be captured or culled, due to restrictive laws and the endangered status of the species. Therefore, one has to rely upon either museum specimens or chance encounters with dead specimens. However, it is possible to obtain reliable measurements of external characters in a wild population of birds by using innovative non-invasive field methods. Objectives The present study proposed to investigate the morphological patterns of Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala at some selected heronries in North and South India using a novel video graphic method. Methodology Methods of morphometric measurements Images of the individual birds will be captured on a video camera. The video images will be downloaded to computer, and then by incorporating appropriate correction factor, these images will be measured using specific software. Initially the bill length will be taken as a standard or reference length. The software (MOTIC IMAGES PLUS 2.0), developed for microscopes and the measurement of cytological and histological images, adapted for quantifying the dimensions of various external body parts. Since the video camera is not calibrated with this software, the dimensions estimated were initially in arbitrary units. These can be later converted into metric units by the protocol described (Urfi and Kalam 2006, Mahendiran and Urfi 2010). Dimensions of

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the following hard body parts, using the methodology in Bosch (1996) and Wagner (1999) will be employed. Bill length is estimated as the distance from the tip of the upper mandible to the corners of the mouth. Tibia length is estimated as the distance from the joint of the tibia-tarsus until the feathers. Tarsus length is estimated as the distance between the tibia-tarsus joint and foot. On each bird, separate measurements will be done on the right and left legs. Calibration of Field Estimates

Calibration of measurements obtained from video images will be done with those from actual specimens available in the museums of Bombay Natural History Society and Zoological Survey of India.

Results

Four important components namely a) Standardization of camera and methods b) Survey of Northern & southern Indian heronries and collection of video data of the Painted storks c) Lab oriented assessment for the body sizes following standard method, using different software, taking bill length as reference unit. d) Develop an alternate novel methods or techniques for getting results that are more precise has been planned. Out of the above component, a preliminary survey of selected heronries has been completed in both Northern and Southern India. Standardization exercise both at lab using cardboard model images of birds are in progress.

EXTENSION DIVISION

24. ECOLOGICAL AND ETHNO-CULTURAL EXAMINATION OF THE RISE AND FALL IN RICE DIVERSITY IN SOUTHERN INDIA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE WESTERN

GHATS Principal Investigator : Mathew K Sebastian Co-investigators : PR Arun & PA Azeez Research Personnel : Navaneethakrishnan, JRF (upto 18 July 2013) Mr Riyaz, Research Fellow (from 12 August 2013) Project Period : Two years Date of Commencement : 11 July 2013 Expected Date of Completion : December 2014 Budget : Rs 14.75 lakhs Funding Source : Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts,

Ministry of Culture, Govt of India Status : Ongoing Collaborative Agencies : Nil Summary Rice is the staple food for half of the total human population. The location of origin of rice as a crop is debatable and it would have happened in India, China or in Southeast Asian region. From the place of origin, the rice has reached, perhaps now, to almost all

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the continents except the poles. The rice culture goes far back to antiquity; remnants of rice have been excavated even from 7000 BC. It is said that rice cultivation goes back to 10000 years or more. Rice belongs to the genus Oryza having 20 wild species and two cultivated ones; the African rice Oryza glaberrima, and the Asian rice Oryza sativa. Rice plant, largely a semi-aquatic species, is seen growing in deeper waters as well as in dry lands. The plant shows a broad and continuous array of natural variants, eco-geographic races, and ecotypes as it has gone through large-scale eco-genetic differentiation and diversification. It is estimated that, not long back, India had more than 50,000 varieties of rice. These varieties were cultivated for their varied flavor, taste, cultural and religious importance, agronomic and other characteristics. At present due to various reasons, the rich biodiversity of rice has shrunk and it is estimated that hardly 700-1000 varieties exist in our country. It is imperative that all the associated information about these varieties are documented for posterity. Extensive field surveys were conducted in different parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Secondary information was also collected from various sources. The rice paddies in Kerala and Goa are drastically declining whereas rice cultivation in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka has remained more or less consistent. The major reasons for the decline are conversion of paddy fields into real estate, cropping pattern favouring plantation and long duration crops, unaffordable labour cost, lack of timely availability of labour, vagaries of climate, lack of interest among the younger generation in agriculture etc. One thirty five varieties from Tamil Nadu, 84 varieties from Kerala, 10 varieities from Goa, 37 varieties from Karnataka and 28 varieties from Maharashtra were listed. The information collected include their specific uses, colour, shape, duration of the crop, and ethnocultural information associated with the variety if any. All the Important Rice Cultivating Areas (IRCAs) in South India and Western Ghats are being mapped. IRCAs are designated based on the extent of area cultivated, the importance and status of a traditional variety found in one area, the number of varieties cultivated in a particular area by and individual/institution. A directory of the individuals and institutions involved in the conservation of indigenous varieties is also being compiled. About 40 varieties of rice were collected and display boards were prepared for creating awareness about the indigenous rice varieties. Objectives

Identify and document the diversity of the traditional rice varieties of Western Ghats and associated traditional knowledge

Identify Important Rice Areas (IRAs) based on rice biodiversity, ecological status, agronomical practices, commercial and socio religious importance

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Study the historical changes in rice cultivation practices and explore the reasons for the same

Assess and compare the ecological values / services of rice / rice paddies, traditional vs modern

Methodology

a) Identification of important Rice Cultivating Areas (IRCAs) The traditional important RCAs will be located/ identified by using historical imageries and maps including irrigation maps/ forest survey maps / shikar maps etc. We would also draw information from grey literatures and reports published /unpublished at various government and nongovernmental offices/ institutes. Further, extensive field surveys throughout identified talukas in the Western Ghats will be carried out for collecting information. RCAs will be identified based on the rice biodiversity richness, dependence on the population on rice as food and/or as a source of income or for socio religious and/or cultural purposes and/or the extent of rice cultivation. b) Customized questionnaire survey After identifying the historically important RCAs, a customised questionnaire survey will be conducted at each location using standard sampling protocols. The questionnaire will be designed in such a way to collect data on varieties, pattern of cropping, water requirements, use and type of fertiliser, yield /productivity of local rice culture, preservation of seeds, storage of rice, reasons for cultivating the traditional varieties and such related information. The questionnaire will also document land type, associated local plants, animals and local hydro-meteorological conditions and rituals if any associated with sowing and harvesting. Oral history documentation looking upon the land use changes happened in the region during the recent pasts and opinions regarding the traditional and modern agriculture would provide valuable but fast depleting Indigenous Ecological Knowledge (IEK) and knowledge of conventional Agriculture.

c) Ecological assessment of Important RCAs

A comparative analysis of the traditional and modern rice culture will be carried out using standard analytical tools / methodologies to estimate the water foot print and virtual water content of rice paddies and economics of traditional practices. Similarly life cycle analyses (LCA) is proposed to be performed to compare the modern and traditional systems.

Results

Secondary information is being compiled from different sources on a continuous basis. India is the second largest producer (148.36 million tons) of rice after China (193 million tonnes) in the world. However, India has the largest area (43.91 million ha; Jishnu et. al, 2010) under rice paddies, spread almost in all the states of the country. The rice paddies in India extend to 20 agro-ecological zones (Gajbhiye and Mandal, 2000) spreading over different ecological, altitudinal and climatic conditions. The Indian rice cultivation is facing severe problems, from several corners. Unpredictability

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in the local climate, competition from other sectors for land, water, labour, the lack of interest from the farmers (Kumar et al, 2011) and diminishing returns are some of the major problems. Nevertheless, the rice production of the country during the last couple of years shows a stable growth. On the other hand the area under the rice cultivation shows a trend of fall (Directorate of Rice Development, 2007); indicating better productivity, but making the cultivars / cultigens much more homogenous and making the cultivation practice more fossil energy and chemical intensive.

World Rice Production(million tons), area (million hectares) & yield (Kg/hectare)

Coming down to south, the case of the states Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Goa is quite different. In Kerala, the area under paddy cultivation has decreased drastically. The declining interest among the farmers, fragmentation of land holdings, labour shortage and rising labour costs are among the major reasons for this decline. Moreover, in Kerala, during the seventies the rice cultivators had also converted their rice fields to more economically lucrative cash crops plantations. The breakup of joint families to nuclear families, increasing demand for independent residences, and infrastructure development such as road construction through formerly agricultural landscapes and reduced land holding also have to be factored in while looking at the declining rice culture in the state. The more lucrative avenue of real estate business that became prominent during the nineties onwards also have caused notable conversion of rice paddies in to built-up areas are also noticeable in the state (Raj and Azeez, 2009a and b).

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Recent change in the extent of Rice Cultivation in Kerala

The statistics of the state of Goa also shows a declining trend in the area under rice paddies during the last few years. The major reasons for the decline in the state are said to be lack of labour, high cost of cultivation, climatic factors and perhaps extensive mining activities recently booming in the state (Korikanthmath et. al, 2010). In contrast to the states of Kerala and Goa, rice cultivation in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka has remained more or less consistent. The recent cultivation trend in both of these southern Indian states shows increasing trend in area under rice cultivation (Rajanna, 2010 and Thiyagarajan and Kalaiyarasi, 2010), perhaps for water availability and irrigation facilities. Visits were conducted to TNAU Coimbatore, Soil and Water Management Institute, TNAU, Kattuthottam, Thanjavur, Rice Research Institute, TNAU, Adthurai, Kumbakonam, Office of the Joint Director of Agriculture, Thanjavur and to many traditional farmers or farmers and interested people/institutions cultivating traditional varieties. Held discussions with many scientists in involved in rice related research and traditional rice varieties. It has been observed that several NGOs and individuals have taken up the cause of the conservation of the traditional rice varieties with. Centre for Indigenous knowledge Systems, Chennai, Vengai, Santhamanglam, Jayakumar, Thiruthiraipoondi, Thanjavur, Goplakrishnan, Kulithalai are some of the NGOs and individuals working towards the cause of the conservation of the traditional rice varieties. The name of Narayanunni of Chittoor, Palakkad is worth mentioning for the service he is doing towards the ‘Njavara’ variety of rice, which has been traditionally used in Ayurveda treatment. A visit was also undertaken to National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), ICAR, New Delhi, which is having 90,000 accessions of land races. NBPGR authorities assured all the relevant data shall be provided to us.

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One thirty five varieties from Tamil Nadu, 84 varieties from Kerala, 10 varieities from Goa, 37 varieties from Karnataka and 28 varieties from Maharashtra were listed. The information collected includes their specific uses, colour, shape, duration of the crop, and ethnocultural information associated with the variety if any. These include varieties having medicinal properties, different types of culinary characteristics, varieties of religious and cultural importance etc.

A variety namely ‘Komban’ is found to be cultivated only in 10 cents was found out from Kerala. A directory of individuals/organizations involved in the conservation of traditional rice varieties is compiled. About 40 varieties of rice were collected and display boards were prepared for creating awareness about the indigenous rice varieties.

Discussions/recommendations

Our initial field work indicates that the available rice varieties might have come down to 600-700. There are several organizations/individuals committed to the conservation of traditional rice varieties by taking up several activities such as popularization of the varieties through campaigns, rice melas, exhibitions etc. If their efforts have to be sustained, strong governmental support is needed since rice cultivation is becoming prohibitively costly. A strong networking of the interested group is essential to maintain the present momentum in conserving the traditional varieties. It is also noteworthy to mention that governmental institutions have not taken up any major steps to conserve traditional varieties except for breeding purposes.

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NATURE EDUCATION DIVISION

25. NATURE EDUCATION ACTIVITIES IN COIMBATORE Coordinator : P.Pramod Assistant : - Project period : Long term ongoing activities Funding source : SACON & local sponsors for various programmes Objectives Conduct nature awareness programmes for the public of Coimbatore district with special emphasis to students Activities 1. Activities at SACON campus Nature and natural resources awareness programmes were conducted in the campus as well as outside. Nature Education programmes at SACON campus includes lectures, One-Day nature camps for school and college students. Other programmes include Salim Ali Nature competitions, training camps for teachers. During this report period, the following events were conducted. 2. Salim Ali Trophy Nature Competitions Inter-school competitions for the Salim Ali Trophy Nature Awareness for this year conducted on 12th February 2013. 1500 students from 48 schools participated the competitions and 134 students from 15 schools won the prizes. G D Mat Hr Sec School, Coimbatore claimed the overall Rolling Trophy for the best school defeating the nearest competitors Konguvellalar Mat Hr Sec School and Kadri Mills Hr Sec School in the next two positions. 3. Salim Ali Nature Club Coordinators Workshop A workshop for teacher coordinators of various schools in Coimbatore is conducted on 21st of August 2013. Primary aim of this work was planning and explaining the programmes scheduled for this year. 32 teachers attended the one day workshop, two scientists from SACON and four research scholars gave talk and the programme for the coming year is discussed and finalized.

26. DNA CLUBS FOR ANDAMAN ISLANDS Principal Investigator : P Pramod Assistance : Rajan P

Suhirtha Muhil M Project period : 2007-2013 Funding : Rs. 52 lakh for three years Source : DBT

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Objective ‘The DNA Clubs’ for School Children– (DBTs Natural resources Awareness Clubs) is an initiative of the National Bioresource Development Board, of Department of Biotechnology to promote awareness among school students regarding the importance of biodiversity, biotechnology and the relation of all these with everyday life and enviornment. SACON is coordinating as a regional resource agency the activities in 10 schools across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Activities were conducted in the participating schools during the year a) Invited lectures: One lecture per two months was arranged in ten schools on the biodiversity and conservation in Andaman . b) Field visits: one field visit per two month to study the local biodiversity conducted in ten schools within month c) Laboratory experiment demonstrations: Monthly laboratory demonstrations, experiments and hands on activities were conducted in the ten schools d) Audiovisual programmes: Regular audiovisual programmes were conducted for the members of DNA clubs in all the schools. Monthly reports are submitted to the National Programme Unit. Second phase of the project ended in March 2013

27. MONITORING NATURE THROUGH BIRDS Principal Investigator : P Pramod Project period : 2013-2016 (three years) Funding : Rs. 18.4 lakh Source : Department of Science and Technology Monitoring Nature through birds (MNTB) is a science education programme of Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology & Natural History (SACON) Coimbatore executed in collaboration with many partners such as India Biodiversity Portal, NCSTC Network, Nature Conservation Foundation, NCBS etc. This programme is catalysed and supported by the National Council for Science and Technology and Communication of Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The project intends to cvultivate scientific temperament, habit of careful observation, and learning directly from Nature among children and nature lovers. MNTB nurtures careful observation and systematic documentation, which in turn is creating participatory data generation on the status of biodiversity, with the participation of students and teachers. This will also motivate children to understand and appreciate well of our environment and the role of birds in it. MNTB is aimed also to develop a web portal to collate and present the data, connect and coordinate the teams working in various parts of the country. An activity-based-

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learning module will be prepared that could be used in class rooms as well as in field by students. As part of the project, a brain storming workshop was conducted on 18th and 19th of June 2013 for all the master resource persons and partners of the project and made a road map for the future implementation of the project. Primary activities of the project are progressing.

28. ‘SIMPLE TASKS GREAT CONCEPTS’ TEACHERS TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR SOUTH INDIA

Principal Investigator : P Pramod Project period : 2013 (six months) Funding : Rs. 5.2 lakh Source : DST, GoI through Eco-science Research Foundation The Department of Science and technology, Ministry of Science and technology, Government of India, New Delhi, in consultation with Ecoscience Research Foundation, Chennai, SACON and a couple of other organizations have planned a series of workshops to school teachers and students in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu on concepts of ‘Simple tasks great concepts’, for creating awareness on science and application of simple science experiments to understand the concepts of science. The program is co-ordinated in overall by Dr Sulthan Ismail (Ecoscience Research Foundation, Chennai). The training workshops are planned to be conducted in 3 batches from August to October. The first batch of training is scheduled in the last week of August.

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Agenda No: 4/26

COMPLETED PROJECTS

1. A SURVEY FOR THE FISHING CAT (PRIONAILURUS VIVERRINUS) IN COASTAL KERALA, INDIA

Investigators : Shomita Mukherjee & P.V. Karunakaran Collaborator : Ramana Athreya, IISER, Pune Research personnel: Ranjini J Project period: Two and half months Commencement: 15th January 2013 Date of completion: 31st March 2013 Budget : Rs 1 lakh Funding source: Panthera Corporation, New York for the field component and IISER Pune for laboratory work Status: Completed Collaborative agency: Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune Summary The fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is widely distributed in India, along the Himalayan foothills, eastern coasts and in a few pockets in Rajasthan. There is speculation of its occurrence on the Western Ghats and Western coast but there are no authentic records to corroborate this. We undertook a survey for this medium sized cat along coastal Kerala since mangroves and inland water bodies that form its prime habitat are abundant in this region. Our survey methods included visits to various mangroves patches and inland water bodies in five districts of Kerala and scat collection for molecular analysis to determine identity of predators. Results of our discussion with locals, assessment of the habitats and scat analysis suggest that the fishing cat currently does not exist along the coastal belt of Kerala. Further, we hypothesise that they never existed here given high salinity levels along the west coast and the absence of large rivers to dilute the salinity. Locals too did not have a name for the cat unlike in the eastern part of India. Objective Survey the coastal parts of Kerala for the presence of the fishing cat, through an assessment of habitats and scat analysis using molecular techniques. Methods In a week long field survey (20th to 27th January 2013), we covered five districts shown in the map and in Table 1.

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Map showing locations visited on the fishing cat survey in Kerala. Table 1: Places visited on the survey where habitat observations were made and scat samples were collected.

District Locality Habitat type Kannur Ezhom, Pazhyangadi Mangrove, aquafarms, paddy

fields Chempallikunde Aquafarm, abandoned paddy fields Ramapuram East and West Reed beds, degraded mangrove

Pappinissery, Chungam, Naniyur, MayyilPanchayat, Koduvally, Thalassery

Relatively intact mangrove

Kozhikode Kadalundi Mangrove islands (degraded)

Kottayam Neelamperoor Paddy fields and reed beds

Alleppey Kavalam Tall grass, abandoned paddy fields

BootapandiKayal Temple pond

Thankankary Tall grass, abandoned paddy fields

Judge 6000 Paddy fields and canals

Kollam Ashramam Highly disturbed mangrove

The survey was conducted with the help of the Forest Department and local naturalists who informed us of possible locations at every site. We visited potential

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mangrove patches and water bodies to assess the habitat as well as collect scats. Locals were asked to describe the cats present in their area. Scats were collected from the sites visited in zip-loc bags with details of geo-coordinates and date of collection, and were transferred to the laboratory at IISER Pune for further analysis using molecular tools for species assignments. In the laboratory, DNA from scats was extracted using commercially available stool kits by QIAGEN (QIAAmp) and a portion the 16srRNA gene of the mitochondrial DNA was amplified using felid specific primers. The products were then digested using enzymes Hae III, Ase I and Dpn I, following Mukherjee et al. (2010). Results We surveyed a variety of habitats in several districts including, mangroves, aquaculture farms, paddy fields, lakes (kayals), small wetlands and backwater canal systems. All sites visited were severely disturbed and patchy. The mangroves were in very poor condition and deeply fragmented. The water canal systems of Alleppey were devoid of any large fish and severely polluted. None of the locals could provide information on the fishing cat. No local name exists for the cat and descriptions provided by locals of cats present in the region matched those of jungle cat and house cat. One tiny mangrove patch that was located opposite the Parassinikadavu temple in Kannur district was relatively undisturbed. A snake park located nearby supposedly housed a fishing cat caught in the mangrove patch in the 1990’s. From accounts of the staff in the snake park, after the cat died in captivity, its skin was kept but it was destroyed in a fire in 1996. No photographic evidence of the cat or the skin was available and hence the record is unauthenticated. A total of 53 scats were collected and 14 were identified as felids from DNA analysis. However, none of these was positive for fishing cat. Nevertheless, 6 jungle cats and 2 house cats were identified from scats. Four scats were too degraded to provide any useful information.

Discussion Arguments for recent extirpation of the fishing cat from coastal Kerala, hinge on our discussion with locals, the extremely poor condition of the coastal habitat as well as negative results from scat analysis. Of particular concern was the state of the fragmented mangrove patches that had a huge amount of plastic waste from urban sprawls. This was also the case with inland canals and no large fish was seen in these. Additionally, we also surmise that they never existed in this region and we provide 2 reasons:

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1. There are no local names for the species unlike in other regions where they occur in human dominated landscapes e.g. Eastern India. The cat is fairly large in size (12-15kg body mass) and it is unlikely that it would have gone unnoticed in a human dominated landscape such as the coasts.

2. The higher salinity on the Western coast with no large rivers to dilute the salinity as in the eastern part of India (Sundarbans and Coringa both have large rivers pouring into the coastal belt). High salinity perhaps makes this unsuitable for the fishing cat. This can be tested using niche model analysis with salinity gradients and known, global fishing cat locations.

Their presence in the Western Ghats however, needs to be examined through longer, detailed surveys. Publications Ranjini J., Mukherjee, S., Karunakaran P.V. and Athreya R (In Prep). On the occurrence of the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) in coastal Kerala.

2. STUDY ON IMPACT OF CONSTRUCTION OF HIGH RISE TOWERS ON MIGRATION OF FAUNA INCLUDING AVIFAUNA - BENGAL NRI TOWNSHIP PROJECT (URBANA),

ANANDAPUR Principal Investigator Arun P R Co-investigator/consultant Rajah Jayapal Research Staff Murugesan M Project Period 4 months Date of Commencement 10/10/2012 Date of completion Feb 2013 Budget 6,53,000 ` Funding source Bengal NRI Complex Ltd. Status Completed Collaborating Agency Nil BACKGROUND Further to the directive from the respective state Pollution Control Board, The Bengal NRI Complex Limited of Kolkata, approached SACON in September 2012 to undertake a study focussing on the specific aspect of the impact of high-rise residential towers (URBANA Towers) on the migration of fauna, especially avifauna. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Study on the project was already under way for the project. As the East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW) is located towards eastern side, boardering the site, it was desired that the potential impact of these towers on the migration of avifauna be conducted by SACON covering the important migratory season of birds. Accordingly a rapid one season study was conducted by SACON from November 2012 to January 2013. The present short-term study was conducted covering the major migratory season of birds from November 2012 to January 2013. Extensive field surveys were conducted

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to record the avifauna of the region especially the migratory avifauna. The study then examined the potential risks for the migratory avifauna based on our current knowledge on the subject. OBJECTIVES The study proposed to address the issue of the impacts of Urbana projct of Bengal NRI Complex Ltd. near East kolkata wetlands on the Migratory fauna especially avifauna METHODOLOGY The general methodology comprises two approaches: first was the field survey to collect primary data on bird populations and species diversity in East Kolkata Wetlands along with a general appraisal of the habitat quality of the wetlands. The survey was also meant to inspect the upcoming artificial structures including tall buildings. Secondly, extensive literature survey was done to gather information on the past status of birdlife of the wetlands and to gain insights into the changing trends in wetland use patterns and concomitant changes in bird diversity. Focus was particularly on migratory birds of the region, which chiefly wintered in the suburban wetlands and some of which might use these wetlands as stopover sites along their migratory routes. The field survey was undertaken in two phases: the first visit was during 19-23 November 2012 followed by another follow-up survey during 22-25 January 2013. A circular area of 10 km radius around the Urbana project site was the focus of our intensive bird survey, though wetlands beyond this circle were also covered as part of the survey. Thus, East Kolkata Wetlands as bound by Anandapur - Mundapara - Dhapa - Kolkata Leather Complex - Sonarpur - Narendrapur - Mukundapur - Anandapur formed the intensive survey area. In addition, we also surveyed wetlands of Nalban Fishery Farm (of West Bengal State Fisheries Development Corporation), located close to Salt Lake City c.10 km northwest of East Kolkata Wetlands; this wetland complex, though heavily used for fishing, is known to harbour good population of migratory ducks. Though Nalban forms the northern boundary and often considered as part of the present landscape of East Kolkata Wetlands, we surveyed Nalban complex avifauna separately as it is quite distinct from other parts of EKW in terms of human disturbance, management regime, and geolocation settings. Santragachi jheel in Howrah, about 18 km northwest of the Urbana project site was also covered during the present survey, as this wetland was popular for its exceptional number of waterbirds and could possibly represent the original birdlife of East Kolkata Wetlands before urbanization and associated human disturbances including intensive fish-farming and agiculture activities altered this natural landscape. Data on bird species inventories from East Kolkata Wetlands were compared and contrasted with that from Nalban and Santragachi wetlands to assess the status of birdlife of the former. The primary aim of the survey was to record all the birds both resident and migratory found in the region; since it was not possible to undertake any population census of birds within this short span of time, it was decided to go in for systematic species inventory data through repeated samples.

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The field surveys were typically conducted using extensive road network that marked the East Kolkata Wetlands. A separate species inventory was maintained for each session that lasted from morning to evening. Surveys were repeated for days ranging from two to four, depending on the total area of the wetland complex. We used species accumulation curve, a measure of the rate at which new bird species are added to the avifauna, to assess the current bird diversity of East Kolkata Wetlands and since the sampling effort was not standardized, we then used rarefaction curves using species richness values estimated through resampling (n = 1000 bootstrapped randomizations). The rarefaction curves were used to compare the bird diversity of all the three wetland complexes surveyed. RESULTS Results indicated the relatively poor bid life around the area and identified relevant potential impact sources during the project implementation. Our observations during the present study supported by relevant literature surveys and discussions with local people revealed that the EKW harbours a poor bird fauna both in terms of diversity and abundance compared to wetlands of comparable dimensions. There are extensive piscicultural activities going on in these wetlands and as a result, the piscivorous birds such as Cormorants are attracted to this area. It has resulted in severe competition between fish farmers and birds for the fish resource. As a result, the fish farms have adopted ingenious methods to keep the birds away. The fine mesh layers over most of the fish farms prevent any bird from landing in these wetland areas. Also, there are physical interruptions strategically placed in these wetlands to deter the birds from using these wetlands. However, these deterrents along with other environmental factors appear to have caused the birds to desert this area for better pastures and consequently resulted in severe decline in the bird diversity of the area. DISCUSSION & RECOMMENDATIONS Given the present status of the East Kolkata wetlands in terms of pollution load, water quality and disturbance levels from urbanization and aquaculture; there is little potential for this wetlads as a safe or healthy habitat for migratory birds. Results of the present rapid study clearly indicated that, the vast expanse of East Kolkata Wetlands harbour very poor avifaunal diversity, especially for migratory birds. As a result there is no potential mass movement of migratory avifauna in or across this area at an elevational profile within the range of proposed towers (~ 200m from ground level). However, going by the precautionary principle considering the reports from elsewhere, the following recommendations are made for further minimizing any unforeseen risk for birds that might arise in future.

Minimise the use of reflective and transparent glass on the exteriors of the towers

Raising tall green vegetation directly against reflective glass panels to be avoided

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The night lightings on the towers may be minimized and the use of exterior floodlighting especially during the spring and autumn migratory seasons (from September to November and from April to June) to be avoided.

Shields may be installed on night light sources (except those necessary for air traffic safety) to direct the light downward.

As a positive gesture towards the environment, the project proponents may develop a programme to document and monitor bird movements and collisions, through bird population studies around the site involving relevant experts for enhancing our knowledge on the impacts of tall buildings on birds as well as to minimize response time in case of any unforeseen future exigencies.

3. ECODEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR MOUNT HARRIET NATIONAL PARK

Principal Investigator : P Pramod Project period : 2012-2013 (one year) Funding : Rs. 3 lakh Source : Andaman Nicobar Forest Department With eighty four percent of the land area falling under forests, along with the 1962 km long cost makes the background ecological profile of the Andaman & Nicobar islands. There are seven national parks identified and declared for the protection of nature and natural resources in the islands. Of these, two namely, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (MGMNP) and Mount Harriet National Park (MHNP) are associated with the south Andaman group of Islands. The Mount Harriet National Park (MHNP), is situated in Ferrargunj Tehsil of Andaman District about 28 km from Port Blair by road. The MHNP, located to the South-east of the main South Andaman Island, is approximately 30 km. from Port Blair by road and 10 km in aerial distance. Department of Enviornment and Forest, A & N Islands has entrusted SACON to facilitate the development of this ecodevelopment programme in a consultancy mode. SACON has conducted household surveys, stakeholder consultations, group discussions, synthesis of the available data and explored the eco-developmental options possible for the given area. Multi stakeholders meetings were conducted in three locations with the Panchayat members and local people of seven panchayat around the National park. Taken attempts to integrate the local people’s aspiration, plans and ideas for the area with an idea to develop alternative livelihood for the people and develop a constructive interphase between conservation and local people’s welfare with minimal conflict of interests. Report with guiding principles, microplans, benchmarks, success indicators and a timeframe for the sustainable development of the area prepared and submitted to the Forest Department

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Agenda No: 5/26

PROJECT PROPOSALS SUBMITTED TO VARIOUS FUNDING AGENCIES WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE INTERNAL RESEARCH COMMITTEE OF

SACON

1. EFFECT OF LOW FREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION ON AVIAN MALE REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF AN ANATOMICAL-COMPUTATIONAL

MODEL Summary Daily exposure levels for non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation (NI-EMR) have significantly increased in the last few decades for human populations, and for wildlife, plants, and other living creatures on earth. The exposure to any of these frequencies individually, or in combination, raises concern about their potentially harmful effects on reproduction and is the subject of intensive scientific studies around the world. Many controlled studies have been conducted on this aspect on human and other animals such as rat, mouse and rabbit but not on birds and other wild animal. The objective of this study is to establish the effect of low frequency electromagnetic radiation on bird’s male reproduction and development of an anatomical-computational model for future avian research. The aim of the research is to evaluate the testicular functions under RF exposure in controlled environment, and identify non-invasive biomarker for future studies. Since, it is difficult to conduct studies on wild animals; we propose here to develop an anatomical-computational model for future avian research. Principal Investigator: Ram Pratap Singh Co-Investigator/Consultant: P A Azeez Research Fellow: One Project Period: 3 years Budget: Rs 64.12 lakhs Funding source: SERB-DST, Govt. of India Collaborating agency: Nil Background Indian communication industry has evidenced a boom in number of telephone users since 1995. According to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI, 2012), the composition of telephone subscribers using wireless form of communication in urban area is 63.27% and rural area is 33.20%. By 2013, it is estimated that more than one billion people will be having cell phone connection in India. This has directly led to the mushrooming of supporting infrastructure in the form of cell towers which provide the link to and from the mobile phone. With no regulation on the placement of cell towers, they are being placed haphazardly at any place irrespective of human and animal vicinity. As a result of this, humans and other animals are being exposed to continuous, low intensity radiations/electromagnetic field (unseen enemy) from these towers which are thought to be adverse for reproductive health. It has been

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advocated that low intensity electromagnetic radiations mediate their adverse biological effect (stress, sperm damage, DNA damage, chromosomal abnormalities, plasma membrane damage, neurological disorders and cancer etc.) through both thermal and non-thermal process, but hard to believe, since body always use to be in a thermal non-equilibrium, and as a result of this any rise in temperature is immediately sensed and normalized by highly precise thermodynamic mechanism. However, a biological response is likely to be in effect by thermal stimulation when it is being given continuously for a considerable amount of time at a temperature more than physiological tolerance limit. Likewise, it is unlikely that low intensity radiations/electromagnetic field with a power density of less than 10 mW/cm2 (100 W/m2) could have a significant effect on biological processes by non-thermal mechanisms because damping effects of the water surrounding biological structures are too strong to allow resonances to exist at radiofrequencies. Therefore, it is difficult and yet to be established whether these low intensity electromagnetic radiations are able to provoke a biological response in the animals because life has evolved under the influence of two omnipresent forces: gravity and electromagnetism. It should be expected that both play important roles in the functional activities of organisms. The other difficulties in establishing the adverse effect of these unseen enemies are: 1) lack of a proper control, 2) the lack of universal experimental model (body mass ratio and metabolic activities are different for each species, and altogether these factors determine the quantity of absorbed radiation therefore a computational model is required to conduct future research) and, 3) tissue-specific absorption rate (each tissue have a unique property to absorb radiation at specific rate-a tissue specific SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) has to be determine for all the experimental animals used for such studies). Furthermore, most of the previous studies are focused on humans in this regard. The effects of electromagnetic pollution on wildlife, have scarcely been studied, and almost non-existent in India. Therefore, to ensure any possible effect of microwave and radiofrequency pollution on decline of wildlife animal populations, urgent specific studies on male and female reproductive success under controlled conditions are necessary. Also, a two-dimensional anatomical-computational model to calculate tissue and species-specific SAR is the need of present time to extend the cause and effect studies on wild species. Without a model, it is almost impossible to assess the effect of microwave and radiofrequency pollution on wild animals because of many legislative problems which prevent wild animals use for experimentation. Study area: Not Applicable (Lab studies only) Objectives

1. Determine effect of low frequency microwave radiation (300MHz, 800 MHz and 2.45 GHz) on testicular functions by:

a. Measuring histological changes, cell-cell interactions, gene expression and apoptosis in testes

2. Examine impacts of low frequency microwave radiation (300MHz, 800 MHz and 2.45 GHz) on sperm function by determining:

a. Sperm motility, sperm viability, acrosome reaction, lipid peroxidation, DNA integrity and mitochondrial function

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3. Examine impacts of low frequency microwave radiation (300MHz, 800 MHz and 2.45 GHz) on sperm RNAs and cloacal gland area by determining:

a. Total RNA quantification, Specific RNA expression by RTq-PCR, cloacal gland area measurement

4. Development of an two-dimensional anatomical-computational model by using:

a. Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) technique Methodology Objective 1: Determine effect of low frequency microwave radiation (300MHz, 800 MHz and 2.45 GHz) on testicular functions. The methodology used in this experiment will be based on the previous study by Kesari et al. (2010) with certain modification. Experimental Birds: Adult male Japanese quail (6-10 wk old) of similar body weight from the same hatch will be used for this study. The birds will be maintained under uniform husbandry conditions at 14 h of light/d with standard quail ration and water ad libitum. Animal Exposure: Male quail birds will be allocated into five groups with having sixteen birds in each group. Group 1 & 2 will serve as control and sham control respectively. Group 3, 4 & 5 will serve as treatment (Group 3- 300MHz, group 4- 800MHz and group 4- 2.45 GHz). A specialized chamber lined with radar absorbing material to minimize the reflection of the scattered beam will be designed to conduct microwave experiments. A microwave exposure devise will be designed for birds based on the device used for rat (Kumar et al. 2011). Exposure will be performed through the horn antenna for 2-4 h per day for 40-60 days. A microwave oven will be used as the source of exposure of 2.45 GHz. For 300MHz and 800 MHz exposure other suitable source will be used. The exposure cage will be placed vertically such that all of the birds will be irradiated homogeneously at a single power level. The distance of animal from exposure source will also taken into account. Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) Calculation: The SAR will be calculated for the average size of the small animals by following the work of Durney et al (1984). For a plane-wave exposure with a random polarization and a power density of 0.21 mW/cm2, the SAR is 0.014 W/kg. The emitted power of the microwaves will be measured by a power meter, which will have a peak-sensitive device (RF power sensor) and IFR 6960 B RF power meter. Methodology for testicular functions: Testes from control and treated birds will be removed (n = 4/group). Briefly, after washing, each testis will be cut into small fragments (1 mm3), and 6 pieces will be immediately fixed in Bouin’s fluid for 2 h for histological (morphometry) and immunohistochemistry (apoptosis-to measure cell death) analyses. The remaining pieces will be frozen and stored at -800C, for testosterone analysis (ELISA) and gene expression studies (real time PCR analysis). Gene expression studies will include the marker genes for paracrine growth factors

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(Nerve growth factor (NGF), Fibroblast growth factors (FGF), Insulin-like growth factors (IGF), Endoglin, and Inhibin), cell-cell communication (c-kit, Gap junction and connexin 43), steroidogenesis (StAR, insl3 and Cyp11a) and androgen hormone action (androgen receptor and androgen binging proteins). Objective 2: Examine impacts of low frequency microwave radiation (300MHz, 800 MHz and 2.45 GHz) on sperm function by determining. Methodology: To investigate the effect of low frequency microwave on sperm functions, fresh semen from normal birds (n = 10) will be collected by using abdominal massage method. Semen samples will be washed to remove somatic cells and other debris, and then diluted 1:2 in a suitable semen diluent. Diluted semen samples will be exposed under low frequency microwave radiation (300MHz, 800 MHz and 2.45 GHz) for 30 minute. Control sperm will not be exposed for microwave radiation. After low frequency microwave radiation exposure sperm motility and forward progression will be recorded. In-vitro acrosome reaction induced using egg membrane homogenate will be evaluated. Spermatozoa will be stained with conjugated PNA lectin at a final concentration of 0.2 μg/mL to assess the proportion of spermatozoa with intact acrosomes. Lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation will be evaluated using a commercial lipid peroxidation kit (BODIPY-C11, at a final concentration of 2 mM) and Comet assay (4251-050-K; Trevigen), respectively. Objective 3: Examine impacts of low frequency microwave radiation (300MHz to 2.45 GHz) on sperm RNAs and cloacal gland area. Methodology for sperm RNA: Adult male Japanese quail (6-10 wk old) of similar body weight from the same hatch will be used for this study. Low frequency microwave radiation exposure will be given to birds as per mentioned in objective 1 (n=10/group). After 20 days continuous exposure, semen will be collected from treated and control birds up to 60 days of exposure. The semen samples will be subjected for density gradient centrifugation to remove somatic cells contamination. Enriched sperm will be used for RNA isolation. The quantity and quality of isolated sperm RNA will be checked by spectrophotometer and gel-electrophoresis. DNA contamination in RNA samples will be checked by RT negative PCR reaction. Further, gDNA free RNA samples will be converted into cDNA. The cDNa samples will be used for normal PCR by using intron spanning somatic cell marker genes (CD4, PTPRC) primer to check somatic cell RNA and gDNA contamination. Somatic cell RNA and gDNA free cDNA samples will be used for RTq-PCR. The expression of different known marker genes for spermatogenesis (StAR, insl3 and Cyp11a) and androgen hormone action (androgen receptor and androgen binging proteins) will be examined in sperm cDNA samples. The differentially expressing genes will be identified by this approached and may used as radiation biomarker for testicular function for future studies. Methodology for cloacal gland area measurement: Adult male Japanese quail (6-10 wk old) of similar body weight and cloacal gland area from the same hatch will be used for this study. Low frequency microwave radiation exposure will be given to birds as per mentioned in objective 1 (n=10/group) for 40-60 days. Cloacal gland area

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during the exposure will be calculated weekly to observe any change with respect to the cloacal gland area before the exposure and control. Blood form all the treated and control birds will be collected to measure serum testosterone concentrations. Since, cloacal gland is testosterone dependent, any change in serum testosterone concentrations can lead to change in the area of cloacal gland. Objective 4: Development of a two-dimensional anatomical-computational model. Methodology: The finite difference time domain (FDTD) method is a robust computational technique useful for modeling electromagnetic processes. It has been used in induction electromagnetic (EM) and in GPR studies. Both EM and GPR follow a method of staggered-grid approximation of Maxwell’s curl relations. With the help of experts we will use this technique to develop a two-dimensional anatomical computational model of testes tissue to conduct in-vitro studies. The suitability of the model will be examined. The brief methodology is as follows:

I. The values of electric parameters, relative permeability and electric conductivity for each frequency for each tissue will be calculated by using Impedance Analyzer.

II. A NMR structure of the target tissue will be generated. III. The sagital cut of NMR structure of the target tissue will be loaded into Yee

cells, and SAR will be calculates. Expected outcome and suggested plan of action for utilization of research outcome expected from the project We expect to establish the effects of low frequency microwave radiation on quail male reproduction, which is yet to be established. We are confident to identify any effect of low frequency microwave radiation on testicular functions in birds, which is not known directly. The results of this study will serve as a base line data for future studies on other wild birds. The non-invasive biomarkers and two-dimensional anatomical-computational model will be of great importance for future studies on wild animals. Agencies that can utilize the results This data will be very useful for agencies like TRAI and MOEF to set the maximum frequency limit in India. Work plan

I. Administrative tasks (Work element 1) - 6 month II. Pilot experiments (Work element 2) – 6 month

III. Actual experiments (Work element 3) – 12 month IV. Model development and validation (Work element 4) – 8 month V. Utilization of research results (Work element 5) – 4 month

Total Duration-36 months

Budget summary (year wise)

Item BUDGET (in Rupees)

1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year Total

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A. Recurring

1.Salaries/wages 2,94,480 2,94,480 3,23,280 9,12,240

2. Consumables 2,00,000 3,00,000 2,00,000 7,00,000

3. Travel 1,00,000 1,00,000 1,00,000 3,00,000

4. Other costs 2,00,000 3,00,000 3,00,000 8,00,000

B. Equipment 37,00,000 --- --- 37,00,000

Grand total (A+B)

Total FEC* 44,94,480 30% FEC

9,94,480

9,23,280

64,12,240

2. ENVIRONMENTAL FLOW, NUTRIENTS AND CONTAMINANTS IN SELECT RIVERS IN

NORTH-EASTERN RAJASTHAN TO ENSURE ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY OF KEOLADEO NATIONAL PARK, RAJASTHAN

Summary Water resource management practices should include estimation of realistic in-stream flows, factoring in various conflicting interests, which ensure environmental flows (e-flows) within river basins. Large-scale construction of check dams on rivers Banganga and Gambhir and their tributaries has reduced the river flow considerably resulting in no or negligible release of water from the dams on the rivers to KNP. These rivers and the adjoining streams carry runoff water from the catchment areas (agricultural fields), which essentially bring in residues of agrochemicals (heavy metals and chemical pesticides), to various wetlands in the area including KNP. Thus, we intend to i) examine the in-stream flow requirements of the rivers Banganga and Gambhir and their corresponding streams to ensure water availability in KNP, ii) assess the flow pattern and movement of agrochemical residues (chemical pesticides and heavy metals) in rivers and associated streams, and iii) examine/Prioritise the river segments based on water and contaminant flow patterns. The study will be undertaken in north-eastern Rajasthan in the catchment areas of Banganga and Gambhir rivers and their adjoining streams. The proposed study involves (i) identification of sources for obtaining water flow and quality data (historical data); (ii) identification and selection of sampling locations (for flow and contaminants) for environmental samples, i.e. water and sediment; (iii) processing these samples for gross estimation of the level of select groups of heavy metals and pesticides in the laboratory; and (iv) mapping the locations and prioritizing them on the basis of water flow and contaminant flow, for further management intervention, in GIS domain. Principal Investigator: B. Anjan Kumar Prusty Co-investigators: PA Azeez and S Murugesan Research Fellow: --- Project Period: 36 months Budget: Rs. 68.00 lakhs Funding source: Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India, New Delhi Status: Submitted for consideration

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Collaborating agency: Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB), Coimbatore

Background World over rivers are fragmented by hydrological alterations, causing degradation of aquatic ecosystems and reduced aquatic biodiversity, and the north-eastern parts of Rajasthan are no exception to this. Large-scale construction of check dams on rivers Banganga and Gambhir and their tributaries and in the catchment areas has reduced the flow considerably. Consequentially, the Keoladeo National Park (KNP) wetland ecosystem experiences frequent dry years, a situation that is synonymous with no or negligible release of water from the dams on the rivers to KNP. In the meanwhile, due to less water availability, the application of agrochemicals has increased over the years in the upstream villages. These rivers and the adjoining streams carry runoff water from the catchment areas, which essentially bring in residues of agrochemicals (heavy metals and chemical pesticides especially the Organochlorine and Organophosphate groups), and ultimately reach various wetlands in the area including KNP. This forms the basis of the present proposal, wherein we intend to integrate the concept of e-flow and contaminant flow and aim to examine the flow variability in the rivers and streams and spatial flow pattern of such residual chemicals (water and contaminant budgeting). Study Area The proposed study is based in north-eastern parts of Rajasthan spreading across six districts (Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa, Dholpur, Jaipur and Sawai Madhopur districts). These districts form the catchment area for the rivers Banaganga, Gambhir and Kakund (a tributary of Banganga river) and numerous first and second order streams. Banganga River basin is located between 26°40' and 27°37' N and 75°49' and 77°39' E. The total length of the river is 240 km, with a total catchment area of 8,878 km2 as per the Survey of India topo- map (1:250,000 scale). Gambhir River basin (an interstate river) is located between 26°16' and 27°04' N and 76°34' and 77°47' E. The total length of the river is 288 km (in Rajasthan before entering Uttar Pradesh to join river Yamuna), with a total catchment area of 4,174 km2 as per the Survey of India topo- map (1:250,000 scale). Objectives The proposed study focussing on the catchment of Banganga and Gambhir rivers in north-eastern Rajasthan for the duration of 3 years attempts to accomplish the goal: “Assess the in-stream flows for ecosystem use of Banganga and Gambhir, and other dependent wetlands and flow of agrochemical residues in the region”. The associated objectives are as below:

Examine the in-stream flow requirements of the rivers Banganga and Gambhir and their corresponding streams, preferably up to the level of primary streams, which are the major gatherers of the pollutants from the site of application or release.

Assess the flow pattern and movement of agrochemical residues (chemical pesticides and heavy metals) in rivers and associated streams

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Examine/Prioritise the river segments based on water and contaminant flow patterns.

Methodology Objective wise detailed methodology is as below: Objective-1: Examination of the in-stream flow requirements of the rivers and streams

A drainage map for the whole area will be prepared to understand the structure of the rivers from their origin until Keoladeo National Park or until its confluence with nest higher order river/stream.

Available water flow and water quality data (for the last 30-40 years) will be obtained from relevant sources.

The water flow data will be subjected to various DFAs (Look Up Tables, Hydrological time series, Flow percentile Curves using low flow indices (Q95, Q90, Q75, Q84, Q96, Q97, Q98, and Q99) and in the process the best suitable and appropriate DFA will be screened out.

Of the various indicators used in assessing the health of riverine ecosystems, water quality classes (as indentified by CPCB: A to E) and annual flow variation will be our focus.

Primary data on river flow and its annual variability will be collected using digital flow meters. The data will be recorded from strategic locations along the rivers and streams, taking into consideration major inflow and outflow locations. The measurements will be done fortnightly. Hourly data (for 24 hours) on flow velocity will be recorded from each of the selected locations once in a month.

The inflow and outflow data at each location and/or existing gauge stations (in the dams/reservoirs) will be subjected to the universal water budget equation

P + SWI + GWI = ET + SWO + GWO + dS/dt Where, P = Precipitation, SWI = Surface Water Inflows, GWI = Ground Water Inflows, ET = Evapotranspiration, SWO = Surface Water Outflows, GWO = Ground Water Outflows, dS/dt = Storage

We will also attempt to construct V-notch weirs at a few locations (especially where the stream width is less and water flow is low). This would reduce the error in estimating the stream dimension to compute flows.

Objective-2: Flow pattern and movement of agrochemical residues in rivers and streams

A customised farmers’ survey will be carried out in order to obtain information about farming practices, agro-chemical usage, crop wise application rate, frequency of application, source of irrigation etc. Attempt will be made to collect the said information from Government departments for the last 50 years in order to understand the historical trend.

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Sampling: The sampling stations will be decided based on the existing data on the river flow, agro-practices in the neighbouring villages in the catchment area.

Samples of surface water and bottom sediment will be collected from the locations where flow is being recorded.

Surface water samples from the river and stream will be collected following direct dipping method and bottom sediment samples will be collected using core/grab sampler on seasonal basis.

Surface and subsurface soil samples from nearby agricultural fields, corresponding to the locations in rivers and streams, will be collected based on the cropping pattern. The frequency of the sampling will be bimonthly.

Laboratory Analysis: The samples will be brought to SACON laboratory at Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu and subjected to standard analytical methods and protocols for estimating the level of toxic metals and pesticides.

Select toxic heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Cd, As) will be analyzed using AAS (Perkin Elmer AA800) equipped with appropriate lamps (HCL and EDL).

Residual level of different groups of pesticides (Organochlorine and Organophosphates) will be analyzed using GC-MS fitted with appropriate detectors.

Cations and anions, which cannot be measured using AAS, will be measured using an Anodic Stripping Voltameter (ASV).

Certified Reference Materials will be procured and subjected to same analytical protocol to standardize our methods, and checking the precision, error and biasness.

The analytical data will be subjected to appropriate statistical tools for better interpretation and inference.

The contaminant and flow data will be synchronized to see as what degree of association does exist for spatial movement of agrochemical residues along the river stretch and seasonal variation in the flow pattern.

Objective-3: Prioritise the river segments based on water and contaminant flow patterns.

A general drainage and land-use/land-cover map of the area will be extracted by digitizing Survey of India topo-sheet to derive the river and stream map in the area.

Landsat images of fixed time period intervals will be used to find out the changes in the river and stream course and embankments, if any, during the last 50 years.

The findings of the desktop analysis estimating the flow and mathematical estimation of e-flow, and flow of heavy metals and chemical pesticides will be mapped and super-imposed on the GIS layer for water flow, to generate a multilayered map depicting all the three variables and zones clearly indicative with the level of residual chemicals.

Expected outcome and suggested plan of action for utilization of research outcome expected from the project

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The anticipated outcomes are as below:

Flow status of rivers (Banganga and Gambhir) and streams: Historical and present

Desirability of maintaining e-flow in the rivers for ecological integrity

Water budgeting and contaminant budgeting for the region

Information about the zones and areas along the river and streams under study with respect to water and contamination

Provide insights into the impact of use of agrochemicals in the upstream areas of Keoladeo National Park

Quantum of residual agrochemicals likely to reach KNP under the present land use and other environmental set up

The suggested plan of action for utilization of research outcome expected from the project is as below:

Results from the project will aid in planning an ecologically acceptable and environmentally sustainable flow regime, which includes water abstraction and diversion in the region.

Utilizing the results of the projects, the zones of surplus and deficit in the rivers can be identified.

The outcomes will help realising the specific zones in both Banganga and Gambhir Rivers that require attention as far as the level of residual chemicals are concerned.

The study would improve the water budget relations taking into consideration requirements for ecosystem services and would lead to developing more rationale means to estimate those requirements.

This would provide insights for improved planning whether to continue constructing check-dams in the catchment area of the rivers, and more specifically on the streams joining the rivers.

The results of the study will be disseminated to stakeholders at various levels through publishing a bilingual (English and Hindi) compendium on the “status of the rivers: contamination and flow”.

Results of the study will be published in peer-reviewed journals. Agencies which can utilize the results of the project The following agencies/groups could use the outcome of the present assessment and investigation:

Academicians and researchers from different colleges, universities, and research institutions

Central Water Commission, National Water Academy, institutions concerned with hydrology, water management and aquatic system management.

Different line departments of Govt. of Rajasthan (Agriculture, Irrigation, Forest and Wildlife, Water Resources Information System)

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Civil Society Organizations & Consumers, and farmers (small, medium and large scale)

Various user ministries of Govt. of India o Ministry of Environment and Forests o Ministry of Water Resources o Ministry of Agriculture

Work plan: Work plan in each quarter during the whole duration of the proposed exercise is given below:

Year wise activity plan Particulars

Year-I (Quarters)

Year-II (Quarters)

Year-III (Quarters)

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Permits

Recruitment of project staff

Procurement of equipments

Reconnaissance and selection of sampling points

Pre-sampling workshop (brainstorming session on appropriateness of e-flow estimation methodologies)

Questionnaire survey among farmers

Details on crops & agrochemical usage

Data on agrochemical inputs from different line departments and also from published literatures, report etc.

Discussion with officials of Irrigation department and CWC

Flow recording and estimation

Desktop Analysis and synthesis

Interpretation of results

Environmental sampling (water & sediment)

Laboratory processing & analysis for residual agro-chemicals

Interpretation of results

Mapping and synthesis

Estimation of desired e-flow, and trends in contaminant flow

Zonation of rivers and streams

Collection and collation of relevant scientific literature

Annual progress report

Review of Progress both in SACON and MoEF, New Delhi

Final report

Publication works (Manuscripts)

Stakeholder meeting in the select locations

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Budget Summary

No. Particulars I Year II Year III Year Total

A. Salary & wages 556800 556800 614400 1728000

B. Permanent equipments 1800000 0 0 1800000

C. Expendables/Consumables (Chemicals & Glassware)

350000 150000 150000 650000

D. Travel 400000 300000 300000 1000000

E. Other project costs, if any (organization of workshops, maintenance of equipment, analyses of samples, procurement of imageries, etc.)

300000 150000 100000 550000

F. Contingencies (5% of the total project cost) 170340 57840 58220 286400

G. Dissemination of Research Work 25000 35000 50000 110000

H. Institutional Charges @ 15% of the Total (except permanent equipment cost) 270321 187446 190893 648660

Grand Total 3872461 1437086 1463513 6773060

Grand Total Rounded off to 6800000

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Agenda No: 6/26

CONSIDERATION OF WHITE PAPER AND VISION OF SACON

SACON placed a draft ‘White Paper’ at the 62nd meeting of the Governing Council of SACON held during November 2011. After perusing the document, the GC advised the Director, SACON to circulate the document among the faculties for revisit and improvements and place the same at the next meeting of the RMAC for its comments/ suggestions to draw a clear-cup road map with future vision to achieve the mandates of SACON more effectively. As advised by the GC, the document was circulated among the faculties and after incorporating their suggestion/comments, the same was placed at the 24th meeting of the RMAC held during February 2012 for its deliberation. After indepth deliberation, the RMAC suggested that the white paper need to be made concise and precise, time line for the envisaged activities could be made clear, fund requirement could be presented according to the time line of activities, the vision part could be revised taking into account of strengths, expertise, new faculty joining SACON and mandate of SACON and a clear summary be provided for easy perusal of the concerned authorities. The decision of the RMAC on the White paper was presented at the 63rd meeting of the GC held during 17th August 2012. After deliberation, the GC advised the Director, SACON to modify the document as per the advice of the RMAC and place the same at the 25th meeting of the RMAC. As per the advice of the RMAC and GC, the modified White Paper was placed at the 25th meeting of the RMAC held on 11th January 2013 for deliberation. After indepth deliberation, RMAC offered its comments/ suggestions as given below

1. The research programmes, listed in the document, should be based on themes and vision for the centre and should not be division/ individual specific.

2. Objectives of the centre are not fully reflected by the programmes mentioned in the document. Stronger correlation is needed between the centre’s objectives, the vision and the programs.

3. Core areas of activity, thrust and key research areas should be very clear. 4. Strength of SACON should be better highlighted. The RMAC suggested an

interaction meeting of the faculties to assess the centre’s strengths and weaknesses.

5. The plan may have short-term (5 years) and long-term (10 years) plans with a roadmap for achieving the same.

6. Regarding the evaluating the performance of the centre every five year, a committee of three members may be formed.

7. Appropriately re-forming different divisions and synergize the activities of the centre across the divisions in the centre for optimal use of the resources of the centre; manpower, infrastructure and expertise and for better outputs.

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8. Eco-restoration a theme, an important core research area needs to be looked into by SACON.

9. In view of the infrastructure and fund limitations faced by the centre, synergize the activities of the centre collaborating with other organizations for optimally utilizing their resources including laboratory facilities, and for better visibility of the centre and for better outputs.

10. All EIA studies should be taken up in a research mode, aiming to develop better baseline date and knowledgebase.

11. SACON to focus on institutional research oriented consultancies more than individual consultancies.

12. It was felt that a self-assessment/ introspection from the part of each faculty will be beneficial for the institute. It was pointed out that growth of the institute should be the primary aim and individual growth and fulfillment of individual aspiration comes only with growth of the institution. The RMAC felt that temporal aspect of the centre’s growth should be given in the document so that it would give a clear idea about its growth over a period.

13. It was suggested that SACON might improve its logo drawing help from professionals.

14. Seeking outside expertise would improve the strategic plan part of the White Paper.

15. Each issue mentioned in the White Paper preferably should be numbered, rather than with bullets.

16. SACON may develop regular MSc programs, summer schools and other courses in ornithology and conservation research. In this regard, it can also source financial assistance from other agencies such as DBT, DST or even UGC. Such programs also should be mentioned in the White Paper.

17. Entering into MoUs with other academic institutions by SACON would also help in conducting such academic programs and for synergy in research, conservation and nature education activities.

18. Wherever required, illustrations and pictures may be in the White Paper, which would improve conveying the message more effectively.

The RMAC advised the Director, SACON to modify the white paper after incorporating the above suggestions of the RMAC and send the same to Dr E K Bharucha and Prof J S Samant, nominated by the Governing Council, for their comments and subsequently after revising the document to submit it for consideration of the Governing Council. As advised by the RMAC at its last meeting (25th), the document was revised by SACON as per lines of advice of the RMAC and sent to Drs. Jay Samant and E K Bharucha for their inputs/comments. We are yet to receive the comments from both experts and we expect to receive the same before the end of August 2013. After receiving their comments, the same would be incorporated in the final document. The revised White Paper document is given as an Annexure – 2 for the kind perusal of the members of the RMAC.

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Further, it is submitted that with the permission of the Chairman, RMAC, both Drs Jay Samant and E K Bharucha were invited to the present meeting as Special Invitees, however due to other preoccupation, both experts could not make it to the meeting. Hence, it is suggested that the RMAC members may kindly peruse the modified White Paper for finalizing the same so that the same could be placed at the forthcoming meeting of the GC for its approval.

FOR INFORMATION OF THE RMAC

BIDS SUBMITTED FOR CONSULTANCY PROJECTS DURING THE YEAR

1. Impact of infrastructure development for Kalyan Bharti Trust, Kolkata on the

migration of avifauna o Budget : 4,53,000/- o Duration : 03 months

2. Impact of Wind power project on wildlife especially Migratory birds and Raptor roosting, Belgaum

o Budget : 15,57,000/- o Duration : 12 Months

3. Study on Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary habitat restoration o Budget : 5,00,000/- o Duration : 06 Months

4. Technical Proposal for Developing A Comprehensive Management Plan for the Pallikaranai Marsh

o Budget : 20,00,000/- o Duration : 03 Months

Detailed methodology and other collaboration details are not finalized for the above proposed studies. It will be developed after the award of projects, in the light of the final mutually agreed ToRs

SCHOOL ON AVIAN BIOLOGY The DST has approved the proposal submitted by SACON to conduct regular school in avian biology. The first meeting of the steering committee was held in June 2013, and the steering committee decided to conduct the shool in December 2013 at SACON. The Website giing all the details of the school is being developed and will be available online within this month end.

INTERENATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INDIAN ORNITHOLOGY – 2013

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Further to the decision of the AGM of SACON Soceity, the second International Conference on Indian Ornitolhoy is scheduled in November 2013. The brochure of the next ICIO is enclosed for the kind information of the RMAC.

PUBLICATIONS

A. JOURNALS; NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL

Anusree A.S., P.V. Karunakaran and N.Parthasarathy; Journal of Threatened taxa (Communicated): Effect of adult-tree density and nearness to natural forest on restoration of degraded deciduous forests of Attappady, Western Ghats, Kerala”.

Aarif, KM., Babu, S. and Basheer, M. Population trend of wintering gulls in Kadalundi-Vallikkunnu Community Reserve, India. Accepted for publication in Journal of Environmental Biology

Anbarasu, C and Balasubramanian, P. Bird-mediated seed dispersal of Lantana camara and Solaum erianthum in the shoal forest ecosystem of Nilgiris, Western Ghats. Indian Journal of Weed Science

Babu, S and Bhupathy, S. Birds of Megamalai landscape. Accepted for publication in JoTT

Babu, S., Srinivas, G., Kumara, HN., Karthik, T. And Molur, S. Mammals of megamalai landscape: A review. Accepted for publication in JoTT

Bhupathy, S. and Babu, S. Megamalai Landscape: A biodiversity Hotspot. Accepted for publication in JoTT.

Bhupathy, S., Chinnasamy Ramesh and Archana Bahuguna (2012- Under review). Feeding habits of Indian rock pythons in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, India. Herpetological Journal.

Bhupathy, S., Kumar, S.R., Paramanandham, J., Thirumalainathan, P. and Changlemba, L. (2013) Wildlife exploitation: a market survey in Nagaland, North-eastern India. Tropical Conservation Society 6(2): 241-253.

Dhananjayan V, Muralidharan S, Jayakumar, R and P Selvam (2012). Assessment of suitability of inland wetland fishes in Gujarat, India, for Human consumption: A focus on organochlorine pesticides. Research and reviews: A Journal of Toxicology. 2(3): 7-14.

Khillare G. S., K.V.H. Sastry, R.P. Singh, R. Agarwal, J. Mohan. (2013). Acid and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity in sperm storage tubules in Japanese quail. Indian Journal of Poultry Science, 48(1): 128-130.

Goldin Q., ‘Awareness about mangroves among the citizens of Mumbai, an island metropolitan city of India surrounded with mangroves’. Proc. Of International workshop on Mangrove Conservation in India during 26 – 27 July, 2013

Goldin Q., ‘Evaluation of Peoples perceptive on wetlands of Coimbatore city’ Proc. of National Seminar on “Recent perspectives on Lakes, Rivers and Coastal wetlands” 24 & 25 March, 2013

Jayakumar, S., Babu, S. and Muralidaran, S. Stray dogs Canis familiaris preying on Threatened Birds in Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu. Accepted for publication in Zoos Print magazine.

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Jayson, E.A., Babu, S. and Suresh, K.G., Sighting record of White Tern Gygis alba from Athirapilly, Kerala, India. Accepted for publication in Indian Birds.

Kumar M, Prusty BAK and Jeniffer PN (2013). Ecosystem (provisioning) services and resource utilization pattern of an oxbow lake in Muzaffarpur urban agglomeration, Bihar. The Ecoscan. Special Issue: Volume III: 289-295 (January 2013, Special Issue – Prof. P C Mishra Felicitation Volume).

Kumara, H.N. and Radhakrishna, S. (2013). Evaluation of census techniques to estimate the density of slender loris (Loris lydekkerianus) in southern India. Current Science, 104: 1083-1086.

Mohan J, Khanday J. M, Singh R. P, Tyagi JS. (2013). Effect of storage on the physico-biochemical characteristics and fertility of guinea fowl semen. Adv. Anim. Vet. Sci. 1 (2): 65–68.

Murugesan M, Arun PR and Prusty BAK (2013). The butterfly community of an urban wetland system – A case study of Oussudu bird sanctuary, Puducherry, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa. 5 (12). 26 August 2013.

Murugesan, M., Arun, P R and Prusty B Anjan. 2013. “The Butterfly Community of an Urban Wetland System - A Case Study of Ousteri Wildlife Sanctuary, Puducherry, India.” Journal of Threatened Taxa 5 (12) (Accepted).

Pandey N. K., R. P. Singh, V. K.Saxena, N. Shit, R. Singh, R. K. Sharma, K. V. H. Sastry (2013). Effect of IGF1 gene polymorphism and expression levels on growth factors in Indian colored broilers. Livestock Science, 155: 157-164.

Nehru, P. and Balasubramanian, P. 2012. Sonneratia ovata Backer (Lythraceae) Status and distribution of a near-threatened mangrove species in tsunami impacted mangrove habitats of Nicobar Islands, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 4 (15): 3395-3400.

Pankaj K. and Manchi S., Avifaunal Records from Chalis Ek, , North Andaman Island: Insights into Distribution of Some Andamanese Birds, CheckList 9(1): 034–041.

Pankaj K. and Manchi S., Sighting of Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maurus on North Andaman Island, India, Indian Birds. (In Press)

Praveen, J., R. Jayapal, and A. Pittie. (In print). Notes on Indian rarities. Part-I. Seabirds. Indian Birds 8: xxx-xxx.

Singh R. P., P. K. Dubey, R. Agrawal, R. Singh, J. Mohan, K. V. H. Sastry (2013). Norfloxacin drug induces reproductive toxicity and alters androgen receptor gene expression in testes and cloacal gland of male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 32(9):2134-2138.

Ramesh, C. and S. Bhupathy (2013- In Press). Ecdysis in free-ranging Indian rock pythons: a case study. Hamadryad: 36(2): xxx

Rameshkumar, S., S. Bhupathy, Vengota Nakro, P. Thirumalainathan, J. Paramanandam and Pranjit Sarma (2012). Blyth’s tragopans Tragopan blythii (Jerdon, 1870) of eastern Nagaland: peoples’ perception. J. Bombay Natural History Society 109(1&2): 82-86.

Renu Singh, A. S. Yadav, V. Tripathi, R. P. Singh. (2013). Antimicrobial resistance profile of Salmonella present in poultry and poultry environment in north India. Food Control 33, 545-548.

S. Manchi and R. Sankaran, Effect of Protection on White-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus fuciphagus population in Andaman Islands, India - an assessment, Oryx. (In press)

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S. Manchi, Records of the Andaman Barn-owl Tyto deroepstorfii from North and Middle Andaman Islands, Indian Birds 8 (3): 66–67.

Samsoor Ali, A M, Ramesh Kumar S, and Arun P R. 2013. “Waterbird Assemblage in Rural Village Ponds of Samakhiali and Jangi Regions, Kutch District, Gujarat, India.” Bird Populations 12: 12–17

Samsoor Ali, A M, Ramesh Kumar S, and Arun P R. 2013. 2013b. “Black Ibis Pseudibis Papillosa Nesting on Power Transmission Line Pylons, Gujarat, India.” BirdingAsia 19: 104–106.

Samsoor Ali, A.M., Ramesh Kumar, S., Shanthakumar, S.B., Chandran, R., Arun P R, and Murugesan M. 2013. “Sighting of a Bald Common Myna Acridotheres Tristis at Jambu Kandi, Anaikatty, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.” BirdingAsia 19: 10–11.

B. PAPERS IN CONFERENCES/SEMINAR/PROCEEDINGS/EDITED VOLUMES: NATIONAL

/INTERNATIONAL

Arun PR. 2013. “Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA); a Tool for Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development.” In Thalassery: Govt Brennen College.

Arun PR. 2013. “Environmental Impact Assessment; Challenges and Opportunities.” In Proceedings of the National Seminar on Environmental Managementand Its Future Perspectives, 51–55. Mampad: MES College. www.mesmampad.org.

Balasubramanian, P., Nehru, P., and Sebastian, M.K. 2012. Forest genetic resources conservation in SACON, Anaikatty, Coimbatore, in: Forest Genetic Resources Management in India (Eds.) K. Palanisamy, and N. Krishnakumar, IFGTB, Coimbatore. P. 314-319.

Karunakaran, P.V., Vegetation Types and Phytogeography of Western Ghats; In Proceedings of National Seminar on Western Ghats: Biogeography, Biodiversity and Conservation; March 2013 Published by Dept. of Botany, NSS College, Manjeri, Kerala pp38-49-

Kumar M, Prusty BAK and Jeniffer PN (2013). Ecosystem (provisioning) services and resource utilization pattern of an oxbow lake in Muzaffarpur urban agglomeration, Bihar. National Seminar on Ecology, Environment and Development (NASEED - 2013). PG Department of Environmental Sciences, Sambalpur University, Orissa, 25-27 January 2013.

Lavanya C, Prusty BAK and Azeez PA (2013). An overview of agrochemical residues in the catchment of Keoladeo National Park, and associated environmental casualties. National Conference on Forest and Wildlife: Present Status, future needs and challenges ahead. 30-31 January 2013, Keoladeo National park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, pp. 03.

Prusty BAK and Azeez PA (2013). New directions and approaches to ecotoxicological studies: Application of radio and GPS telemetry. Ecotone GPS Telemetry Workshop, Conference Center “Wierzba” (Polish Academy of Sciences), Wierzba Village, Masurian Lake District, Poland, 5 – 9 April, 2013.

Saxena R, V. K. Saxena, V. Tripathi, R. Agarwal, R.P. Singh, Singh, B. P. Singh. (2013). Expression profiles of IGF system genes in naked neck broilers under different dietary regimes. 11th World Conference on Animal Production scheduled to be held in China on 15-19 October, 2013 (Accepted).

http://www.mesmampad.org/

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Saxena V. K, R. Saxena, R. P. Singh (2013). Myostatin Gene Silencing by Lentivirus-Mediated Delivery of shRNA in Chicken. 11th World Conference on Animal Production scheduled to be held in China on 15-19 October, 2013 (Accepted).

Zeeshan M, Shrivastava N and Prusty BAK (2013). Public opinion about environmental issues in the catchment of Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan. National Conference on Forest and Wildlife: Present Status, future needs and challenges ahead. 30-31 January 2013, Keoladeo National park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, pp. 23.

C. BOOK/CHAPTERS IN BOOKS

Bhupathy, S., Kumar, S.R., Paramanandham, J., Thirumalainathan, P. and Sarma, P.K (2012) Conservation of reptiles in Nagaland, India. (Eds) Singh, K.K., Das, C.K., Lalruatsanga, H. Bioresources and Traditional knowledge of Northeast India. Pp.181 -186

Kumara, H.N., Singh, M., Irfan-Ullah, M. and Kumar, S. (2013). Status, distribution and conservation of slender lorises in India. In Leaping Ahead (eds. Masters, J., Gamba, M. and Genin, F). Developments in Primatology: Progress and Prospects 43, 10.1007/978-1-4614-4511-1_38. © Springer Science+Business Media New York 2013. Pp. 343-352.

Mukherjee S. (2013) Small cats. In Mammals of South Asia: Ecology, Behaviour and Conservation: Johnsingh, A. J. T. & Manjrekar, N. (Ed.). pp 531-540. New Delhi: Permanent Black.

P. K. Dubey and R. P. Singh. Stem cell and drug discovery: Novel approach in human and veterinary therapeutics. Recent Advancements in Biotechnology. Published by Studium press, Houston, USA (In press).

Tejaswi, K.P.P, Kumara, H.N. and Kumar, S. (2013). Gaadli. In The Macaque Connection: Cooperation and Conflict between Humans and Macaques (eds. Radhakrishna, S., Huffman, M.A. and Sinha, A). Developments in Primatology: Progress and Prospects 43, DOI 10.1007/978-1-4614-3967-7-8, © Springer Science+Business Media New York 2013. Pp. 127-133.

Thangalakshmi, R., R. Eswaran and M. Mahendran (2013) Preliminary observations on the bird diversity, environmental and sociological aspects of selected wetlands of Madurai IN (ed John Joseph) Food security, issues and concerns, Shanlax publications Madurai.

D. TECHNICAL REPORTS

Arun PR, Rajah Jayapal, and Murugesan M. 2013. “Impact of Construction of High Rise Towers on Migration of Fauna Including Avifauna - Bengal NRI Township Project (Urbana), Anandapur”. Technical report. Coimbatore: SACON.

Arun R, Jayapal R, and Murugesan M. (2013). Impact of construction of high rise towers on migration of fauna including avifauna – Bengal NRI Township Project (Urbana), Anandapur. Final EIA Report. Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty, Coimbatore. 32pp.

Kumara, H.N. and Santhosh, K. (2013). Development of conservation strategy for a newly discovered lion-tailed macaque Macaca silenus population in Sirsi-Honnavara, Western Ghats: II. Understanding the impact of NTFP collection on

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lion-tailed macaque. Technical Report submitted to CEPF-ATREE Small Grants. SACON, Coimbatore. (PR- 116)

Kumara, H.N., Thorat, O., Santhosh, K, Sasi, R. and Ashwin, H.P. (2013). An assessment of status of small carnivore species and feeding ecology of large carnivores in Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Wildlife Sanctuary. Technical Report submitted to Karnataka Forest Department, Chamarajnagar-Wildlife Division. SACON, Coimbatore, India. (PR- 115)

Mukherjee S. (2013). Small cats in human-dominated landscapes in Madhya Pradesh. Report and Recommendations submitted to the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department.

Mukherjee S., Karunakaran P.V., Ranjini J. and Athreya R. (2013). A survey for the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) in coastal Kerala, India. Technical report submitted to Panthera Corporation, New York, USA.

Prusty BAK, Zeeshan M and Shrivastava N (2013). Review of state of environment in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan and its catchment area: A Historical analysis. Final report submitted to the SER Division, Planning Commission, Govt. of India, New Delhi. 135 pp.

Shomita Mukherjee, P.V.Karunakaran, Ranjini J and Ramana Athreya. A Survey for the fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) in Coastal Kerala; Technical report Submitted to PANTHERA Corporation, New York 2013.

Singh, M., Sasi, R., Kumara, H.N. and Kaumanns, W. (2013). Status of primates in the wet forests of Parambikulam landscape, Kerala, India with special reference to the lion-tailed macaque Macaca silenus. Technical Report, University of Mysore and Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, India. (PR- 117)

Srinivas, G., Babu, S., Kumara, H.N and Molur, S. (2013). Assessing the status and distribution of large mammals in Highwavy and its environs, Southern Western Ghats, Technical Report submitted to CEPF-ATREE Small Grants and Rufford Small Grants. Coimbatore, India. (PR- 114)

E. TALKS DELIVERED

Babu, S. Delivered a talk on “Prioritization of conservation area for Megamalai landscape” in the interactive meeting held at PCCF office of Kerala, organized by FERAL, Pondy.

Balasubramanian, P. Eco-club inaugurated and Lecture delivered on “Current Trends in Ornithological Research” in Nirmala College, Coimbatore

Balasubramanian, P. Lecture delivered on “Biodiversity Conservation” as part of Interactive Lecture Series of the Environment Science Dept. of the Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirapalli.

Balasubramanian, P. Lecture delivered on “Biodiversity Conservation” for Biotechnology Graduate students of TNAU, Coimbatore.

Balasubramanian, P. Lecture delivered on “Bird Conservation” for the in-service trainees at CASFOS, Coimbatore.

Balasubramanian, P. Lecture delivered on plant-animal interactions for M.Sc. Forestry students from Forest Research Institute, TNAU, Mettupalayam

Balasubramanian, P. On “Wetland Management” Orientation Training Programme offered for the Forest Range Officers at Tamil Nadu Forest Academy, Coimbatore.

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Balasubramanian, P. Organized and spoke for a Radio Broadcast Programme on SACON through Rainbow Kovai Radio.

Goldin Q., on ‘Emerging trends on Biological Sciences’ at the National level Seminar organized by St. Agnes College Mangalore and delivered a lead talk on “Role of Intertidal Fauna along the Mangrove ecosystem” during 18th and 19th January, 2013.

Goldin Q., on ‘Ramsar sites in India’ at the National seminar on Wetlands and Biodiversity at M.E.S. Asmabi College

Goldin Q., on ‘Wetlands and sustainable development’ at the National workshop on “Ecological Networks from species to landscape in riverine biocenose” at Feroke college during 6th to 7th February, 2013.

Jayapal R (2012). Delivered an invited lecture and presentation on "Trade in Wild Birds in India" at the 'Workshop on Awareness Training to CITES Implementation Agencies in India' organized by Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB), ICFRE, Coimbatore for the western zone participants during 16-18 January, 2013 and for the northern and eastern zone participants during 19-21 March, 2013.

Jayapal R (2013). Common Birds of Tamil Nadu: From Common to Rare in 100 years?" at the Enviro Meet- February 2013 organized by OSAI at Coimbatore on 24 February, 2013.

Karunakaran, P.V. A talk on Wetland Macrophytes in National Seminar on Wetland, Biiodiversity and Sustainability during 14-15 Febraury 2013 at MES Asmabi College, Kodungallor, organized jointly by SACON, WWF (Kerala) and MES College

Kumara, H.N. (2013). The new conservation reserve for lion-tailed macaque. Workshop on The Science and Practice of Linking Periyar-Agastyamalai Landscapes for Large Mammal Conservation, on 8th August 2013, at Trivendrum, Kerala.

Kumara, H.N. (2013). The new reserve for the lion-tailed macaque ‘Aghanashini Lion-tailed macaque Conservation Reserve’. India Conference of the Grantees of the Rufford Small Grants, at New Delhi, 12-13th April 2013.

Kumara, H.N. and Santhosh, K. (2013). Development of conservation strategy for a newly discovered lion-tailed macaque Macaca silenus population in Sirsi-Honnavara, Western Ghats: II. Understanding of the impact of NTFP collection on lion-tailed macaques. Workshop-2 “CEPF Participatory Five –year Assessment for the Western Ghats” at Kolhapur, Maharashtra, 1-2nd July 2013.

Mahendiran. M. delivered a talk on the topic “ On the importance of Urban wetlands” during the Geography Association Meeting in Nirmala College, Coimbatore.

Muralidharan, S. Environmental Chemicals and Health Hazards- Birds as Indicators. Science day celebrations at Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur on 28th February 2013.

Muralidharan, S. Environmental Contaminants and Vultures in India at Indian Veterinary Association, Coonoor organized by Arulagam on 1st Feb. 2013.

Muralidharan, S. Fish - The most vulnerable category of food product to pesticide contamination in India at Green Peace Workshop, Bangalore on 6-7 March 2013.

Muralidharan, S. Why Science is Important? Chemistry association meeting at Avinashilingam University on 4th March 2013.

Prusty, BAK. Importance of wetland conservation with special emphasis on urban wetlands. Talk delivered to the faculty members from Karunya University on 19 January 2013.

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Prusty, BAK. Tools and approaches for undertaking Environmental Impact Assessments of developmental projects. Talk delivered to the students from Nirmala College for Women on 18th July 2013.

Shomita Mukherjee. Snoop through poop: understanding the ecology and distribution of cats through non-invasive sampling”, made at the Indo-UK Scientific Seminar Mammalian diversity assessment & monitoring interdisciplinary & multi-scale approaches, 13th to 15th February 2013, Corbett Tiger Reserve

Shomita Mukherjee. Walking back the cat: Gathering information through the molecular path”, Keynote speaker for the National Seminar on Biodiversity Conservation and Eco-restoration' organized by the Department of Botany BCM college for Women, Kottayam, Kerala, 25th to the 27th of July 2013

Shotmita Mukherjee. Are all cats gray in the dark? -Explored through coats, quotes, tails and tales.”. Invited talk at the Centre for Ecological Sciences, IISc, Bangalore, 10th July 2013

Singh, RP. Gene based mechanism of sex determination in birds” in Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar (6 March 2013)

Srinivas, G., Babu, S. and Kumara, H.N. (2013). Assessing the status and distribution on large mammals in Highwavy and its environs, southern Western Ghats. Workshop-1 “CEPF Participatory Five –year Assessment for the Western Ghats” at Periyar, Kerala, 28-29th June 2013.

F. POPULAR ARTICLES

Babu, S. Kadalundi makes history with new gull species. The Hindu daily dated 2nd July 2013.

Balasubramanian, P. and Pramod, P., Zaibin, A. P., and Nehru, P. 2012. Impacts of Indian Ocean tsunami 2004 on the biodiversity of Nicobar Islands, SACON News, Vol. 9(4).

Ganesan K, Kirubhanandhini V, S Suresh Marimuthu, T Manikandan & Muralidharan S (2012). Uttarayan: Sport of Killing the Feathered Friends. SACON News. Vol .10.(1)

Ganesan K, Maharajan K, Manikandan T, & Muralidharan S Mass mortality of fishes in river Noyyal, SACON News. Vol.10.(1)

Goldin Q., “Role of Intertidal Fauna along the Mangrove ecosystem” in Souvenir of National level Seminar on ‘Emerging trends on Biological Sciences’ at St. Agnes College

J. Mohan, R. P. Singh, J. S.Tyagi and K. V. H. Sastry (2013). Role of artificial insemination technology in poultry production. Indian farming (Accepted)

K Ganesan, K Nambirajan, S Suresh Marimuthu, V Kirubhanandhini & Muralidharan S (2013). Mass mortality of Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo in Gujarat: An incidence of unintentional pesticide poisoning. SACON News Vol.10.(1)

Karunakaran, Shomita and Ranjini Some observations on Mangroves of Kerala- SACON Newsletter (to be published in August)

Nishad KA, Azeez PA and Karunakaran PV. Review on Proceedings of Kerala Environment Congress 2012, focal theme Agriculture and Environment: SACON Newsletter, Vol 9 (4): 6-7

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R. P. Singh (2013). Gene based mechanism of sex determination in birds. International training course on gene based techniques for research in biotechnology, 18th Feb to 9th March, 2013. Ministry of External Affair, India

G. PARTICIPATION IN SEMINAR/CONFERENCE/MEETING; NATIONAL AND

INTERNATIONAL

Balasubramanian, P. Nature Awareness Programme on “Turtle Conservation” carried out at Ukkadam Lake, Coimbatore with the collaboration of TN Forest Dept. Coimbatore Division and Sri Krishna College of Arts & Science.

Balasubramanian, P. Participated in the Workshop on Reassessment of endemic plants from southern Western Ghats, at Bharathiar University, Coimbatore.

Goldin Q., Consultation meeting of Water and Biodiversity organized by MoEF on 22nd May, 2013 at New Delhi.

Goldin Q., Meeting of the Scientific Advisory Committee meeting for ENVIS during 24th & 25th June, 2013 at New Delhi.

Goldin Q., National Ramsar sites Stake holders meet and wetland conservation seminar, 3-5March, 2013. Atree, Kerala.

Goldin Q., National Seminar on “Recent perspectives on Lakes, Rivers and Coastal wetlands” 24 & 25 March, 2013 organised by Annamalai University. And presented a research paper titled ‘Evaluation of Peoples perceptive on wetlands of Coimbatore city’.

Goldin Q., on ‘Emerging trends on Biological Sciences’ at the National level Seminar organized by St. Agnes College Mangalore and delivered a lead talk on “Role of Intertidal Fauna along the Mangrove ecosystem” during 18th and 19th January, 2013.

Goldin Q., on ‘Ramsar sites in India’ at the National seminar on Wetlands and Biodiversity at M.E.S. Asmabi College

Goldin Q., on ‘Wetlands and sustainable development’ at the National workshop on “Ecological Networks from species to landscape in riverine biocenose” at Feroke college during 6th to 7th February, 2013.

Goldin Q., Participated in the “International workshop on Mangrove Conservation in India” during 26 – 27 July, 2013 at Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat Co-organized by MSI, GEC, MoEF & ISMI. Presented the research paper titled ‘Awareness about mangroves among the citizens of Mumbai, an island metropolitan city of India surrounded with mangroves’.

Goldin Q., Stake holders consultation meet organized by WII and NBA at WWF-India on 30th July, 2013.

Goldin Q., Workshop on AVP at NIO Goa during 1st to 4th May, 2013. Jayapal R (2012). Workshop on "Awareness Training to CITES Implementation

Agencies in India" organized by Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB), ICFRE, Coimbatore for the western zone participants during 16-18 January, 2013 and for the northern and eastern zone participants during 19-21 March, 2013.

Karunakaran, P.V., Seminar-International Biological Diversity Day 2013 – IFGTB - Relevance of river basin approach for wise use of wetland ecosystem.

Karunakaran, PV. National Workshop - New Delhi hosted by MoEF and World bank - Strategies for Management of Large Landscapes in India - presented a paper on Landscape Level Conservation in India - an approach

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Karunakaran, PV. One day workshop on Eco-restoration of degraded laterite landscape: Current status and Future Scenario organized by Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), Peechi at Payyannur on 25th March 2013.

Karunakaran, PV. Prepared and presented two posters during the NASA LCLUC International Regional Science Meeting at Karunya University during 10-14 January 2013. The posters were on (a) Identification of Ecosensitive areas in the Western Ghats (2) On showing the impact of removing aquaculture tank in Kolleru Lake on land cover and landuse

Karunakaran, PV. Presented a paper on Forest Cover Dynamics in NASA LCLUC International Regional Science Meeting at Karunya University during 10-14 January 2013

Karunakaran, PV. Seminar on International Year for Water Cooperation- presented a paper on wetland conservation

Karunakaran, PV. Western Ghats Portal Consortium partner meeting and workshop Karunakaran, PV. workshop on Integrated Perspective Plan for Cardamom Hills

Reserve, Idukki organized by the Kerala Forest Department for developing the strategic plan for the sustained agriculture in cardamom forests

Kumara, HN. CEPF Participatory Five –year Assessment for the Western Ghats- Workshop-1 at Periyar, Kerala, 28-29th June 2013.

Kumara, HN. CEPF Participatory Five –year Assessment for the Western Ghats-Workshop-2 at Kolhapur, Maharashtra, 1-2nd July 2013.

Kumara, HN. India Conference of the Grantees of the Rufford Small Grants, at New Delhi, WWF Auditorium, 12-13th April 2013.

Kumara, HN. Workshop on The Science and Practice of Linking Periyar-Agastyamalai Landscapes for Large Mammal Conservation, on 8th August 2013, at PCCF office-Auditorium, Trivandrum, Kerala.

Shomita Mukherjee; Annual Academic Meeting of the Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore, 26th to 28th July 2013.

Shomita Mukherjee; Indo-UK Scientific Seminar Mammalian diversity assessment & monitoring interdisciplinary & multi-scale approaches, 13th to 15th February 2013, Corbett Tiger Reserve.

Shomita Mukherjee; National Seminar on Biodiversity Conservation and Eco-restoration' organized by the Department of Botany BCM college for Women, Kottayam, Kerala, 25th to the 27th of July 2013.

Singh, RP; Meeting of Ad-hoc Animal Committee on Alteration of Schedules of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 held on 24th May 2013 in Ministry of Environment and Forest, Paryavaran Bhawan, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi.

Agenda Notes for the 26th meeting of the - Sacon

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Transcript of Agenda Notes for the 26th meeting of the - Sacon