EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol. 13 No.2, 2007 The EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Biodiversity of Eastern Ghats

Contents Scolopendra amazonica Millipede Sp.

Page No 1. Faunal Diversity of Nallamalai hill ranges of Eastern Ghats, , ...... 2 2. Taxonomic and Molecular approach in Identification or Discovery of Species...... 8 3. Threats to Biodiversity of Eastern Ghats: The need for conservation and management measures...... 9 4. Abstracts on faunal biodiversity of Eastern Ghats...... 11 Hypolimnas bolina jacintha Urothemis signata signata

Foreword

The theme ‘Biodiversity of Eastern Ghats’ is so unusually large in extent or scope that one has to preset the range which one wants to discuss. As a sequel, therefore, it was decided to devote two issues of this Newsletter, one each on the sub-themes: phytological biodiversity and Rhagodes nigrocinctus Gasteracantha geminate faunal biodiversity.

The last issue [Vol. 13, No.1 2007] comprehensively covered the phytodiversity of the Eastern Ghats with a precious article co-authored by eminent scientists. This issue attempts to focus on faunal diversity of the region with an article by a Scientist from Project , Department of Forests, Government of Andhra Pradesh highlighting Geochelone elegans Ardeotis nigriceps the conservation and management of faunal diversity in Nallamalai Hills of Eastern Ghats : a known biodiversity rich zone of the ecologically fragile terrain.

Modern biological approach in taxonomy is also briefly discussed to understand the range of faunal species that causes diversity. Some selected abstracts on the theme are also given.

ENVIS Coordinator Panthera tigris

We plan to bring out the next issue of the Newsletter on Geoscientific aspects of Eastern Ghats and invite articles, write-ups and news items on the theme from our readers. The descriptive details may kindly be sent as file attachment by e-mail in WORD format and the supporting photographs in ‘jpg’

We request our readers to kindly intimate any change in contact details besides suggesting others who may be interested in receiving a copy of the Newsletter whose e-version could also be forwarded.

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION TRAINING & RESEARCH INSTITUTE (EPTRI), EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol. 13 No.2, 2007

Faunal Diversity of Nallamalai hill ranges of Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh, India K.Thulsi Rao1 and I. Siva Rama Krishna2 1. Assistant Conservator of Forests, Biodiversity, Project Tiger, . 2. Project Faculty, Environment Protection Training & Research Institute (EPTRI)

Introduction: 2. The Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary : This is popularly known as G.B.M wildlife sanctuary - a paradise Nallamalais, one of the five biodiversity hot spot regions of for the rich and variegated life forms of animals and plants the country, harbours rich diversity of flora and fauna. It lies living there for eons. Sprawling over an area of 1,194 Km2, in a biodiversity rich zone of the Eastern Ghats and less supported by the tropical moist and dry deciduous forests studied from faunistic survey point of view. The state of with an under growth of bamboo and grasses, that this Andhra Pradesh in East Central peninsular India is typical sanctuary is a domain of rich habitat for unexplored of the extensive Deccan bio-geographic zone. The forest biodiversity, especially many endangered flora and its vegetation of the state is largely of dry deciduous, thorn type associated fauna. and seasonally arid. The Eastern Ghats add a mossaic of biological diversity and provide centers of endemism for flora 3. The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) Sanctuary of and fauna. The department of Forests, AP initiated an Rollapadu is picturesque gentle rolling golden grasslands, extensive “All Taxa Biodiversity Inventorization” (ATBI) situated in the district. This sanctuary is established survey of species and built an enormous baseline data. This in the year 1988, harbours many grassland species including helps in assessing the status of biodiversity, immediate the flagship species – the “Great Indian Bustard”. conservation and management of natural resources for three very important Protected Areas of 6D, 6E, - a data deficient Inventory of biodiversity in Nallamalais: bio-geographical region of India. This paper discusses about the inventorisation of Faunal Diversity and conservation and Inventorying and monitoring of biological diversity of an area provides enormous information for in-situ and ex-situ management of Nallamalai hill ranges (9000 km2) which conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of its contain three main protected areas. The faunal biodiversity components. No comprehensive All Taxon Inventory is represents from phylum Protozoa to Chordata. The recent available for this region, Many researchers from the bio-systematic studies carried out by the research team of universities (Srinivasulu, 2003; Srinivasulu and Nagulu, 2002; Eco-Research & Monitoring Laboratories under AP Forest Srinivasulu and Thulsi Rao, 2000), Zoological Survey of India Department led to the discoveries of four new species and (Sharma, 1971; Murthy, 1986; Sanyal et al., 1993; Sarkar et hundreds of new records from the Nallamalai hills, Eastern al., 1993), Non Governmental Organizations including Ghats and to the Andhra Pradesh. Birdwatchers’ Society of Andhra Pradesh (Pittie, 1999; Taher, 1999), and Bombay Natural History Society (Ali and Whsitler, Study Area: 1933a,b,c; 1934a,b), and State Forest Department (Thulsi Rao et al., 1999; Thulsi Rao et al., 2004) have documented Nallamalais are constituted in three very important Protected part of the vast biodiversity of this region in general. Areas having rich and highly endangered species. They are Scientific and genetic resource collections and 1. Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary (Nagarjunasagar Srisialam information on several aspects including anthropogenic, abiotic Tiger Reserve) 2. Gundla Brahmeswara Wildlife Sanctuary and biotic factors are now being conducted. Carried out (GBM) 3. Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary for conservation of inventorying and monitoring of the floral and faunal species GIB and its associated species in Nallamalais initiated since 2001. An “Ecological Research and Monitoring Laboratories” field Research station is 1. Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary popularly known as established at Srisailam to facilitate to carryout the various Nagarjunasagar Sagar - Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) is research activities. The research team conducted several one of the largest Protected Areas of our country. It spreads surveys under the project “All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory” over an area of 3568.09 Km2. in five revenue districts. This in Nallamala of central Eastern Ghats and studied the habitat sanctuary is an abode for rich biodiversity, especially many and the existing ecosystems to estimate the present, past and endangered flora and its associated fauna. Large part of this predict future species availability and other related factors. sanctuary is hilly terrain with plateaus, ridges, gorges and The research team conducted field surveys and located the deep valleys which support tropical dry deciduous forests sites of rare plants, animals and species of conservation with an under growth of bamboo and grass. The population concern and also sensitive habitats. The results are being of is in increasing trend in this sanctuary, which shows documented in the form of reports, database files, maps and the healthy prey – predator ratio. as published literature.

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Methodology: 3. An J, Lee MY, Min MS, Lee MH, Lee 2007. A molecular genetic approach for species identification of mammals The faunal inventory has been carried out for both and sex determination of birds in a forensic case of invertebrates and vertebrates. Inventorisation of these species poaching from South Korea. Forensic Sci Int. has been carried out by various established methodologies . 22;167(1):59-61. The field visits have been conducted periodically in all three 4. Bastawade D.B., K. Thulsi Rao, S.M. Maqsood Javed seasons and habitat wise. By following the standard methods, and I. Siva Rama Krishna, 2005; A New species of Avian fauna has been documented by direct sighting and their Whip-Spider (PHRYNICHIDAE: AMBLYPYGI) from vocalizations. Mammalian diversity is estimated by direct Andhra Pradesh, India. Zoos’ Print Journal 20(12): 2091- sighting and indirect evidence (including footprints and 2093. droppings). Reptiles, amphibians and other faunal components were documented by direct sightings and collections. The 5. Champion, H.G. and S.K. Seth (1968). Forest types of status of each species is recorded and compared with red India. Government of India Press, New Delhi. data book. All the survey results have been well analyzed to 6. Choudhury B.C. and K. Thulsi Rao, 2005; Rehabilitation take necessary steps for formulating conservation strategies. of Repatriated Indian Star Tortoises in Protected Areas Voucher specimens collected were deposited in ERM Labs of Andhra Pradesh, India. Conservation Reference for identification and further studies. Series No. 2 of Wildlife Trust of India: “Back to the Wild-Studies in Wildlife Rehabilitation”. CRS No. 2; pp. Results: Over 50 species of mammals, 200 species of birds, 128-143. 54 species of reptiles, 18 amphibians, 55 fishes, 89 species of 7. Ellis, J.L. (1990). Flora of Nallamalais, Vol. 1: 1-221pp., butterflies, 57 species of moths, 45 species of Coleopteran, Vol. 2: 221-486 pp. Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta. 30 species of Odonata and numerous other forms of insects 8. Murthy, T.S.N. (1986). Lizards of . Bull. are inventoried from this area and prepared a checklist. As Maryland Herpt. Soc., 22(3): 134-143. per the literature verified it was noted that discovery of four 9. Nagulu, V., V.V. Rao, and C. Srinivasulu (1998). new species and hundreds of new reports from Andhra Biodiversity of select habitats in Eastern Ghat regions Pradesh and Eastern ghats. All the checklists are being of Andhra Pradesh. In: Anon. (ed.), The Eastern Ghats: published in scientific journals as given in the references and proceedings of the National Seminar on Conservation some new and rare species photographs are given on page 6. of Eastern Ghats. Environment Protection Training and Research Institute, Hyderabad. pp. 6-35. Four new species recently discovered are: 10. Pittie, A. (1999). Field trip to Uma Maheshwaram, 22 November, 1998. Pitta, 93: 1-2. Whip scorpion (Phrynichus andhraensis sp. nov.) Tarantula spider(Poecilotheria nallamalaiensis sp. nov.) 11. Reddy H.S., C. Srinivasulu and K. Thulsi Rao, 2004; Tommy spider (Tmarus srisailamensis sp. nov.) Prey selection by the Indian Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) Praying mantis (Metacromantis nigrofemorata sp. nov.) in Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve, India, Mammalian Biology (Zeitschrift Für Säugetierkunde) vol. Acknowledgements 69, no. 6, pp. 384-391 (8). 12. Rubinoff D, 2006. Utility of mitochondrial DNA barcodes The authors are very much thankful to Sri S.K. Das, IFS, Prl. in species conservation. Conserv Biol. ;20(4):1026-33. Chief Conservator of Forests, Sri K.S.Rao, IFS, Prl. Chief 13. Sanyal, D.P., B. Dattagupta and N.C. Gayen (1993). Conservator of Forests (Wild life) and The Chief Wildlife Fauna of Andhra Pradesh: Reptilia. In: State fauna Series, warden, Sri A.V. Joseph IFS, Addl. Prl. Chief Conservator of Zoological Survey of India, 5(1): 1-63. Forests (WL), A.P, Hyderabad and the filed directors of NSTR 14. Sanyal, D.P., B. Dattagupta and N.C. Gayen (1993). for constant encouragement and sustained support. We are Fauna of Andhra Pradesh: Reptilia. In: State fauna Series, also grateful to Dr. Rajesh Gopal, IFS, Inspector General of Zoological Survey of India, 5(1): 1-63. Forests and Director Project Tiger and the MoEF, New Delhi, 15. Sarkar, A.K., P.K. Chandra and S. Ray (1993). Fauna for their consistent funding support and encouragement. The of Andhra Pradesh: Amphibia. In: State fauna Series, photographs on the cover page and on pages 6, 11, 12 have Zoological Survey of India, 5(1): 65-87. been taken by the authors. 16. Sarkar, A.K., P.K. Chandra and S. Ray (1993). Fauna of Andhra Pradesh: Amphibia. In: State fauna Series, References Zoological Survey of India, 5(1): 65-87. 1. Alford RL, Caskey CT, 1994. DNA analysis in 17. Seifert KA, Samson RA, Dewaard JR, Houbraken J, forensics, disease and animal/plant identification. Curr Levesque CA, Moncalvo JM,Louis-Seize G, Hebert PD. Opin Biotechnol.; 5(1):29-33. Review. 2. Ali, S. and H. Whistler (1933). The Hyderabad State 2007 Prospects for fungus identification using CO1 DNA ornithological survey. Part I. Jour. Bombay nat. Hist. barcodes, with Penicillium as a test case. Proc Natl Acad Soc., 36(2): 356-390. Sci U S A. Mar 6;104(10):3901-6.

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18. Sharma, R.C. (1971). The reptile fauna of 31. Thulsi Rao K., M. Prudhvi Raju, S. M. Maqsood Javed Nagarjunasagar dam area (Andhra Pradesh, India). Rec. and I. Siva Rama Krishna 2004; A checklist of Zool. Surv. India, 63(1-4): 77-93. Butterflies of Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve, 19. Sharma, R.C. (1971). The reptile fauna of Andhra Pradesh. Zoos’ Print Journal 19(12): 1713-1715. Nagarjunasagar dam area (Andhra Pradesh, India). Rec. 32. Thulsi Rao, K, 1998 : Biodiversity Management Plan Zool. Surv. India, 63(1-4): 77-93. for Nagarjunasagar - Srisailam Tiger Reserve, Andhra 20. Srinivasulu, C. (2003). Site records of Yellow-throated Pradesh, India. Bulbul Pycnonotus xantholaemus (Jerdon, 1844) in the 33. Thulsi Rao, K. et al. 1999. Rusty spotted cat Prionailurus Nallamala Hills, Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh, India. rubiginosus, a new record for Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Zoos’Print Jour. 18(3): 1051-1052. Tiger Reserve, Andhra Pradesh. Jour. Bombay Natural. 21. Srinivasulu, C. and V. Nagulu (2002). Mammalian and Hist. Soc. 96(3): 463-464. avian diversity of the Nallamala Hills, Andhra Pradesh, 34. Thulsi Rao, K. et al. 2004; Biodiversity Conservation in India. Zoos’Print Jour. 17(1): 675-684. Andhra Pradesh,: Proceedings of National symposium 22. Srinivasulu, C. and V. V. Rao (2000). Occurrence of on Bioresourses, Biotechnology and Bioenterprise., 19- the Yellowbrowed Bulbul Hypsipetes indicus (Jerdon) 21st November,2003, Dept. of Zoology, Osmania in the Nalamalla Hills, Andhra Pradesh. Jour. Bombay University, Hyderabad. Pages 158-162. nat. Hist. Soc. 97(1): 144-145. 35. Thulsi Rao, K. et al. 2004; Biodiversity Status 23. Taher, H. (1999). Field trip to Umamaheshwaram - (Preliminary) Survey of Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger 28.xi.1999. Pitta, 104: 1-2. Reserve (N.S.T.R) , Andhra Pradesh,: Proceedings of 24. Thulsi Rao K. et al. 2006; A new species of praying National symposium on Bioresourses, Biotechnology and mantis genus Metacromantis beier from Andhra Bioenterprise, 19-21st November,2003, Dept. of Pradesh, India. (Mantodea: Hymenopodidae: Zoology, Osmania University, Hyderabad. Pages 187- Acromantinae) Vol. 17 (3): 327-334 Wroclaw, 30 IX 190. 2006. 36. Thulsi Rao, K. et al. 2005; A note on the Tiger 25. Thulsi Rao K. et al. 2006; Description of two new Centipede scolopendra hardwickei new report from species of Spiders of the Genus Poecilotheria Simon Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve , Andhra (Araneae: Theraphosidae) and Tmarus Simon (Araneae: Pradesh Thomisidae) from Nallamalai Hills, Eastern Ghats, 37. Thulsi Rao, K. et al. 2005; Arachnid Fauna of Andhra Pradesh, India. Records of the Zoological Nallamalai Region, Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh, Survey of India, Paper No.106, (Part-1) : 49-54, 2006. India, Rec. of zool. Surv. India, Occ. Paper No. 239 : 26. Thulsi Rao K. et al. 2006; First record of Uperodon 1-42 (Published by the Director, zool. Surv. India, globulosus (Gunther, 1864) ( Anura: Microhylidae) from Kolkata) Published: July, 2005. ISBN: 81-8171-075-4. Andhra Pradesh, India. Hamadryad Vol. 30, No. 1 & 2, 38. Thulsi Rao, K., M. Sudhakar 2004; Ecological Heritage 197-199. of the Krishna Valley along the banks of Nallamalai 27. Thulsi Rao K., B.E. Yadav, M. Prudhvi Raju, S.M. Hill Ranges, : Proceedings of National symposium on Maqsood Javed and I. Siva Rama Krishna 2004; On a Proceedings of National Seminar on The River Krishna collection of centipedes from Nagarjunasagar Srisailam and its Heritage; 28th to 30th August 2004, Vijayawada. Tiger Reserve, Andhra Pradesh. Zoos’ Print Journal 39. Thulsi Rao, K., C. Srinivasulu, R. Prudhvi Raj, S.M.M. 19(11): 1691-1692. Javed and I. Siva Rama Krishna 2004; Second record 28. Thulsi Rao K., H.V. Ghate, M. Prudhvi Raju, S.M. of Rhinolophus beddomei in Eastern Ghats, India. Zoos’ Maqsood Javed and I. Siva Rama Krishna 2004; Some Print Journal 19(4): 1446. species of praying mantids ( Insecta : Mantodea) from 40. Thulsi Rao, K., D. Sudhakar, V. V. Rao, V. Nagulu and Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve, Andhra C. Srinivasulu (1999). Rusty-spotted cat Prionailurus Pradesh. Zoos’ Print Journal 19(11): 1692-1693. rubiginosus (I. Geoffroy Saint Hillaire, 1871) - A new 29. Thulsi Rao K., H.V. Ghate, M. Sudhakar, S.M. Maqsood record for Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve, Javed and I. Siva Rama Krishna 2004. Herpetofauna Andhra Pradesh. Jour. Bombay nat. Hist. Soc., 96(3): of Nallamalai Hills with eleven new records from the 463-464. region including ten new records for Andhra Pradesh. 41. Thulsi Rao, K., H.V. Ghate, M. Sudhakar, S.M. Zoos’ Print Journal 20(1): 1737-1740. Maqsood Javed and I. Siva Rama Krishna 2005. 30. Thulsi Rao K., M. Prudhvi Raju, I. Siva Rama Krishna, Updated checklist of preying mantids (Insecta: S.M.M. Javed, Manju Siliwal and C. Srinivasulu, 2004; Mantodea) from Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Record of Poecilotheria regalis Pocock, 1899 from Reserve, Andhra Pradesh. Zoos’ Print Journal 20(6): Nallamalai hills, Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh. Zoos’ 1905-1907. Print Journal 19(10): 1668.

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Poecilotheria nallamalaiensis so. nov. Tmarus srisailamensis sp. nov

Kaloula taprobanica Uperdon alobulosus

Hierodula coarctata Ahoethulla nasutus isabellinus

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Modern biological approach in Taxonomy and Systematics Sushanth Gade and I. Siva Rama Krishna Project Faculty, Environment Protection Training and Research Institute [EPTRI], Hyderabad

India is exceptionally rich in biodiversity and is one of the similarity among the genes, and slowly in other regions. The 12-mega diversity centers of the world. With 10 bio- gene organization, the distribution of hydrophobic and geographical zones and 25 biotic provinces, all the major hydrophilic segments in the encoded protein, and several other ecosystems are represented here. The Biodiversity hotspots features have been conserved throughout the evolution of include mainly the Himalayas, the Eastern Ghats, the the tetrapod amelogenin gene. Clones corresponding to one and the Northeastern hills. The recent locus only were found in caiman, whereas the clawed toad estimates reveal the presence of 45,000 plant species and possesses at least two amelogenin-encoding loci. (Toyosawa. 81,000 animal species in India, representing 7% of world’s S, 1998). flora and 6.5% of world’s fauna. Of these, 33% flora and 62% fauna are endemic to India. The scientists from various research institutes are collecting the samples from forested areas but unable to identify up to We share the earth with millions of other living beings. the species level. For example Varad Giri, a researcher with There are about thirty million species of plants, animals the Bombay Natural History Society recently discovered two and micro organisms. India alone has 1,25,000 recorded new species - One belonging to a group of limbless species, and perhaps many more are yet to be discovered. amphibians and the other, a lizard. He faced problem with identification of cryptic species, where no data is available Human beings have always depended on services provided to work on. This is where genetic analysis can help and a by ecosystems, such as the provision of food, clean air, very few experts in the specific fields are left in the present water and the stabilization of climate. Conserving endangered taxonomic studies. The experts are also taking biodiversity is a primary means of sustaining these services, much time to identify the species and for some, there is a especially in response to changing environmental conditions. need to dissect the organism. It is difficult to identify certain species, where only a part or parts of the body are collected. With the ever increase in demand on the Natural Resources In case where the entire specimen is available, the taxonomic by human beings has lead to direct decrease in the levels approach to identification is handicapped by insufficient of Biodiversity. With minimum resources, efficient tasks literature and data. Hence, there is a need to carry out can be performed, which is possible only through systematic molecular studies to identify the species. scientific research work. This will also be useful for better future planning for policy makers. As the Eastern Ghats The rapid and accurate identification of species is a critical region is less explored, there is an urgent need to conduct component of large-scale biodiversity monitoring programs. inventorying of biodiversity to assess and gauge the impacts DNA arrays (micro and macro) and DNA barcodes are two on the region. molecular approaches that have recently garnered much attention. The analyses is based on the two commonly used Much work has been done for molecular studies for flora mitochondrial genes cytochrome c oxidase I (the standard and fauna. This can also be studied for evolutionary DNA barcode for animal species) and cytochrome b (a innovations. For example, two features make the tooth an common species-level marker), suggest that both arrays and excellent model in the study of evolutionary innovations: barcodes are capable of discriminating mammalian species the relative simplicity of its structure and the fact that the with high accuracy. As for DNA barcoding, The analyses major tooth-forming genes have been identified in eutherian shows that both cytochrome c oxidase I and cytochrome b mammals. To understand the nature of the innovation at genes, and even smaller fragments of them (mini-barcodes) the molecular level, it is necessary to identify the homologs can successfully discriminate species in a barcod programs. of tooth-forming genes in other vertebrates. As a first step Both approaches were capable of discriminating among toward this goal, homologs of the eutherian amelogenin mammalian species in our test assemblages. However, gene have been cloned and characterized in selected because designing DNA arrays require advance knowledge species of monotremes (platypus and echidna), reptiles of target sequences, the use of this approach could be limited (caiman), and amphibians (African clawed toad). in large scale monitoring programs where unknown Comparisons of the homologs reveal that the amelogenin haplotypes might be encountered. DNA barcodes, by gene evolves quickly in the repeat region, in which contrast, are sequencing-based and therefore could provide numerous insertions and deletions have obliterated any more flexibility in large-scale studies. barcoding identifies

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living beings by genetic composition rather than appearance, although not all species are identified using this technique (Hajibabaei M, 2007).

A DNA technique has been established for the identification to species level of tortoises. The test on the shell of the animal was used to identify samples from the species Kachuga tecta. A total of 100 tortoise shell specimens collected from the National Council of Agriculture (COA), Taiwan, were used in this study. Primer pairs were designed to amplify partial DNA fragments of cytochrome b within the mitochondrial genome. The DNA data showed that among the 100 samples, there were four distinct haplotype DNA sequences, within which there were a total of 90 variable sites. Between haplotypes I and II, there was only 1 nucleotide difference at position 228. Between haplotypes I and III, 65 nucleotide differences were observed; haplotypes I and IV, 62 nucleotide differences; and haplotypes III and IV, 56 nucleotide differences were observed. There were 66 and 63 nucleotide differences between haplotypes II and III and haplotypes II and IV respectively. All four haplotypes were compared with the References: DNA sequences held at the GenBank and EMBL databases. The most similar species were K. tecta (haplotype I and 1. Thulsi Rao, K. et al, 2004; Biodiversity Status II), Morenia ocellata (haplotype III) and Geoclemys (Preliminary) Survey of Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger hamiltonii (haplotype IV), and their respective mtDNA Reserve (N.S.T.R), Andhra Pradesh,: Proceedings of similarities were 99.5%, 99.3%, 89.9% and 99.5%. National Symposium on Bioresourses, Biotechnology and However, as haplotype III was only 89.9% homologous with Bioenterprise, 19-21st November,2003, Dept. of Zoology, M. ocellata, it would seem that this haplotype shows only a Osmania University, Hyderabad. Pages 187-190. limited relationship with a similar species registered currently in these databases. The method established by this study is 2. Kirtiman Awasthi, 2007, Species being discovered by an additional method for the identification of samples Taxonomy or Technology, Down to Earth, Vol. 15, No. protected under Convention International Trade in 24, May 1-15, 2007, Page. 46. Endangered Species (CITES) and will improve the work for the preservation of the endangered species. (Hsieh HM 3 Toyosawa S, et al 1998. Identification and characterization et al, 2006) of amelogenin genes in monotremes, reptiles, and amphibians. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A.; 95(22):13056- There is a need to differentiate between the identification 61. and discovery of species. Species discovery is said to be `the process of classical taxonomy based on morphology, 4. Hajibabaei M, 2007. Design and applicability of DNA physiology and ecology`. Molecular approach to `analysis` arrays and DNA barcodes in biodiversity monitoring. augments classical taxonomy. In the earlier studies, entities BMC boil, 5:24 recognized as species through conventional taxonomy were barcode distinct. DNA barcoding methods are not ‘causing’ 5 Hsieh HM, Huang LH, Tsai LC, Liu CL, Kuo YC, Hsiao an upsurge in discovery. Many of these might be due to CT, Linacre A, Lee JC.,2006. J Forensic Sci. 2006 increased survey efforts in remote parts of the world. Jan;51(1):52-6. However, most of these new cases are likely to be verified with DNA sequence data.

The experts agree that with greater advancement in the science of species discovery and identification, conservation efforts can be improved by allowing environmentalists to track species better.

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Threats to Biodiversity of Eastern Ghats: The need for conservation and management measures K. Henry Jonathan and A.J. Solomon Raju Department of Environmental Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam 530 003 Email: [email protected]

Biodiversity refers to the total variety of life on earth. During temperature and microclimate of flora to levels unfavorable the past two decades, the diversity of Eastern Ghats has for their physiological activity as high temperature and humidity undergone a phenomenal decline in the density and distribution act as limiting factors effecting the efficiency of pollinators of flora and fauna. The Eastern Ghats is a pristine habitat for of plants. Large scale mineral exploration of bauxite ore, the diversified biota across the east coast of India traversing transportation of iron ore across and transmission of power through the states of , Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. lines in an unplanned manner in the Eastern Ghats, is The Eastern Ghats is located between 770 22’ and 850 20’ E precariously affecting the natural topography of the Eastern longitudes and 110 31’ and 210 0’ N latitudes in the tropical Ghats. region (Murthy et al. 1982) comprising a diversity cover of 75,000 km extending from the north east to south-west Nomadic life of Chenchu tribes in search of cultivable land is (Bhairavamurthy 1982). The climate regime of the Eastern leading to the denudation of hill tops on a large scale, which in Ghats is tropical monsoon, with an average rainfall of 1000– turn is silting the reservoirs and down streams more often, 1600 mm annually. The mean temperature ranges between resulting in the reduction of storage capacity of the tanks. 20-250 C during winter and 30- 320C in summer (Murthy et The honey collection by destroying of fertile bee combs is al. 1982). The Eastern Ghats region has a special importance invariably bringing the populations of pollinators effecting the as an en-route for all the major rivers , Godavari, fertilization and natural fruit set of plants. The removal of Krishna, Pennar and Cauvery, before they reach the Bay of boled trees by the tribes for use in fire wood is unknowingly Bengal (Murthy et al. 1982). This diversified topography has affecting the hole nesting birds. Industrial establishments at become a sanctuary for numerous plant and animal species Nelapattu and fragmentation of Pulicat lake in Andhra Pradesh in general and endemic flora and fauna in particular. With have drastically threatened the food sources and limited the this importance, the Eastern Ghats flora and fauna are flow of migratory birds during breeding seasons (Mahajan consistently subjected to threats from both natural and 1982). Plant-based industries like plywood and paper and anthropogenic activities. In this article, how the Eastern Ghats pulp making units collect the plant materials without assessing forests are threatened by natural and human activities have the availability and regeneration status of the rare and been addressed and also the measures required for the endangered flora that is invariably affecting the plantation conservation and management of biodiversity are suggested. and canopy density of the forest. The Eastern Ghats is profusely subjected to indiscriminate grazing by livestock, Factors affecting the biodiversity of Eastern Ghats utilizing tree species for making agriculture implements, house The Eastern Ghats forests produce a variety of construction, fencing, fodder cultivation, etc. which are products and in prospect of this potential output for trade and perennial threats to the existing diversity of the region. Tilling business, they are subjected to over-exploitation in the recent forest land for harvesting rhizome and tubers have resulted in times. The single greatest threat to biodiversity of the Eastern clear denudation of forest land as a consequence of which, Ghats is the human destruction of natural habitat coupled with many species have reached critically endangered state. Some other intricate effects. The Forest Survey of India (1993), critically endangered flora includes Cycas beddomei, based on remote-sensing data on the Eastern Ghats forest Pimpinella tirupatiensis and Boswellia ovalifoliata. Some rare cover, indicated that during 1989–1991 alone, nearly 75 km2 and endangered flora includes Angiopteris evecta, Ceropegia were lost to podu cultivation (Gopal 1997). The large share candelabrum, Cyathia gigantea, Dioscorea hamiltonii, Entada that is leading to the substantial decline in the floral diversity rheedii, Pterocarpus santalinus and Shorea talura and is the increasing tribal population and shifting cultivation, Strobilanthes flyposens (Subba Rao 1998). Caryota urens, a clearing vast tracks of fertile land. Clear felling of trees for shrub species, is more often subjected to annual fires naturally conversion of land to coffee/ tea plantations, growing of fodder in summer, exposes more land for the invasion of weed species for cattle, etc. is leading to change in land use patterns turning like Lantana camara, Parthenium hysterophorus, Croton the floral and faunal species to endangered and vulnerable bonplandianum and Eupatorium odoratum which compete with category. Delayed and infrequent monsoons, and forest fires the native flora for nutrients and space; in the process leading (induced and natural) have increased the average annual to a reduction in the diversity of species in the Eastern Ghats.

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Different anthropogenic factors led some fauna to reach to Mahajan, K.K. 1982. Endangered Species (plants and animals). rare or endangered or threatened status. Some rare avian Proc. National Seminar on Resources, Development fauna include Pelecanus phillippensis, Gallus gallus, Pavo and Environment of Eastern Ghats. Waltair, pp. 85- cristatus, Ardea cinerea, Choristis nigriceps and Tockus 93. birostris. Some endangered mammals are Loris tardigradus, Murthy, R.S., R. M. Pofali., Sitaram and Swaminathan, M. Panthera tigris, Tragulus meminna and Bos gaurus gaurus. 1982. Environs of Eastern Ghats- Their Problems, Some rare and threatened herpetofauna are Microhyla ornata, Potentials and Priorities for Development. Proc. Chamaeleon zeylanicus, Varanus bengalensis, Crocoylus National Seminar on Resources, Development and porosus and Crocoylus patustris (Subba Rao 1998). Environment of Eastern Ghats. Waltair, pp. 139-143. Subba Rao, M.V. 1998. Conservation and Management of Measures for conservation and management of Wildlife Resources in the Eastern Ghats Forests of biodiversity in the Eastern Ghats: Andhra Pradesh, India. Proc. National Seminar on Conservation of Eastern Ghats. Waltair, pp. 285-290. The dwindling wealth of Eastern Ghats is a cause of concern in view of the declining diversity of many keystone species. With an effort to sustain the totality of the species Abstracts on faunal biodiversity of Eastern Ghats inhabiting, planned measures are of prime importance for maintaining balance of the Eastern Ghats ecosystems. 1 Nagulu, V., V.V. Rao, and C. Srinivasulu (1998). Biodiversity Establishing restrictions in the sanctuaries and reserve forests of select habitats in Eastern Ghat regions of Andhra Pradesh. should be effectively imposed for checking the migration of In: Anon. (ed.), The Eastern Ghats: proceedings of the National non-tribals into the tribal areas. Control over the increasing Seminar on Conservation of Eastern Ghats. Environment uneconomic cattle population to moderate the competition for Protection Training and Research Institute, Hyderabad. pp. pasture land with wild herbivores is a wide measure to slowly 6-35. bring resurgence of diminished species. Reducing the density of village populations in the disturbed areas, sustainable The Present study was taken up to document the mammalian extraction of non-wood forest produce and training on seedling and avian diversity of this region. This paper indicates that establishment practices to the chenchus would bridge the gap these hill ranges severs as a home for a number of rare and between degradation and regeneration. Thinning of fire endangered species which impart uniqueness to this much- causing shrubs (Cymbopogon) would reduce the effect of neglected area. The Mammalian and avain diversity were loss of valuable flora during the forest fires, and substitution inventorised in total of 9 orders, 26 families and 78 species with Acacia, Prosopis, Oldenlandia, Antigonon, Tribulus were recorded from the five sites. In Kawal wildlife sanctuary, terrestris, Barleria. etc. in areas prone to high wind erosion 76 species of mammals belonging to 26 families were recorded. will cut down the wind speed. This protects the top valuable In (East) Forest division, a total of 73 species soil from getting eroded from the impact of high velocity winds. belonging to 25 families were noted; In Eturunagarams In addition, construction of wind break crops to arrest soil sanctuary, 74 species belonging to 26 families were noted; erosion, planning crop rotation to break the soil pest cycle, and in Gundla Brahmeshwaram Metta Willife sanctuary, 66 growing herbaceous cover over open lands will hinder soil species belonging to 26 families were noted. erosion from rain and wind. Training and establishing bee hives at different locations would enhance bee pollination 2. Srinivasulu, C. and V. Nagulu (2002). Mammalian and avian activity effectively and supplement honey collection as diversity of the Nallamala Hills, Andhra Pradesh, India. subsidiary income for the tribes. Every measure should be Zoos’Print Jour. 17(1): 675-684. systematically formulated and comprehensively planned to bring about the reconstruction of the degraded habitats of the The paper emphasizes on the mammalian and avian diversity Eastern Ghats. of the Nallamala Hills. Based on faunal surveys carried out intermittently throughout the study area and published References: information, the presence of 74 mammals and 302 bird species in this stretch of Eastern Ghats is reported. Among the Bhairavamurthy, P.V. 1982. Environmental aspects of the mammalian species reported by us in the Nallamala Hills, 69 Eastern Ghats. Proc. National Seminar on Resources, species (93.24%) were sighted during the study period, and Development and Environment of Eastern Ghats. about 4.3% (3 species) are based on indirect evidence. The Waltair, pp. 135-138. presence of five species (6.75%) of mammals that were not Gopal S. Rawat. 1997. Conservation status of Forests and recorded by us during the present study, is reported on account wildlife in the Eastern Ghats, India. Environmental of reliable information. Conservation 24 (4): 307–315.

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3. Thulsi Rao K., B.E. Yadav, M. Prudhvi Raju, S.M. During biodiversity inventorisation in Nagarjunasagar- Maqsood Javed and I. Siva Rama Krishna 2004; On a Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR), Nallamalais, the researchers collection of centipedes from Nagarjunasagar Srisailam of AP forest department invented nine mantid species. So Tiger Reserve, Andhra Pradesh. Zoos’ Print Journal 19(11): far 14 genera and 16 species of mantids are known from 1691-1692 Andhra Pradesh (Mukherjee et al., 1995).

During biodiversity inventorisation in one of the biggest 6. Thulsi Rao, K., H.V. Ghate, M. Sudhakar, S.M. Maqsood protected areas of our country i.e., Nagarjunasagar- Javed and I. Siva Rama Krishna 2005. Updated checklist of Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR), spreads over an area of preying mantids (Insecta: Mantodea) from Nagarjunasagar 3,568km2 situated in the Nallamalais - an offshoot of Eastern Srisailam Tiger Reserve, Andhra Pradesh. Zoos’ Print Journal Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, the researchers of AP forest 20(6): 1905-1907. department collected six centipede species. In a recent note we presented a preliminary list of nine mantid 4. Bastawade D.B., K. Thulsi Rao, S.M. Maqsood Javed and I. Siva Rama Krishna, 2005; A New species of Whip- species from Srisailam (Thulsi Rao et al., 2004). A few more Spider (PHRYNICHIDAE: AMBLYPYGI) from Andhra species of mantids were collected from the same area and Pradesh, India. Zoos’ Print Journal 20(12): 2091-2093. the priliminary list has been updated with the new entries. In this paper authors check listed a total of 26 species (23 genera) During the arachnid faunal survey of the Nagarjunasagar- from Andhra Pradesh, many of which are first records for Srisailam Tiger Reserve of Andhra Pradesh, the research this region. team described a new species Phrynichus andhraensis sp. nov of whip-spider (Phrynichidae: Amblypygi) from 7. Thulsi Rao K., H.V. Ghate, M. Sudhakar, S.M. Maqsood Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India. The types are Javed and I. Siva Rama Krishna 2004. Herpetofauna of stored in the ERM Laboratory, Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Nallamalai Hills with eleven new records from the region Tiger Reserve. They are most secretive, raptorial with including ten new records for Andhra Pradesh. Zoos’ Print extremely long pedipalp with an exceptionally long, whip Journal 20(1): 1737-1740. like modified first pair of legs. Recently Weygoldt (1996) has revised and updated the Amblypygid fauna from Asia The authors conducted herpetofaunal studies under ‘All Taxa and Africa under the family Phrynichidae. Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI)’, of Nallamalais, Andhra Pradesh. The present herpetofaunal studies give the precise information about their occurrence and habitat information for proper management and conservation of these species as part of management of the protected areas. Stray records of publications outside the Nallamalais reveal a total of 42 species of herpetofauna (Srinivasulu, 2004), which constitutes a small part of the region So far 18 species of amphibians belonging to 11 genera, distributed in four families and 48 species of reptiles belonging to 34 genera, distributed in 12 families have been recorded from the present study area. Out of this 11 new records from the region including 10 new records for the state are reported from this study.

8. Thulsi Rao K., M. Prudhvi Raju, S. M. Maqsood Javed and I. Siva Rama Krishna 2004; A checklist of Butterflies of Phrynichus andhraensis Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve, Andhra Pradesh. Zoos’ Print Journal 19(12): 1713-1715. 5. Thulsi Rao K., H.V. Ghate, M. Prudhvi Raju, S.M. Maqsood Javed and I. Siva Rama Krishna 2004; Some A survey for butterflies was carried out in Nagarjunasagar species of praying mantids ( Insecta : Mantodea) from Srisailam Tiger Reserve, and collected a total of 89 species Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve, Andhra Pradesh. comprising 58 subspecies, belonging to 64 genera, 13 Zoos’ Print Journal 19(11): 1692-1693. subfamilies distributed over five families were collected from the monitoring sites, during the study period.

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9. Thulsi Rao, K., D. B. Bastawade, S.M.M. Javed and I. The authors conducted mamalian studies under ‘All Taxa Siva Rama Krishna, 2005; Arachnid Fauna of Nallamalai Biodiversity Inventory (ATBI)', of Nallamalais, Andhra Region, Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh, India, Rec. of zool. Pradesh and observed Rhinolophus beddomei hanging from Surv. India, Occ. Paper No. 239 : 1-42 (Published by the the chain of the bell hung in the dome of an ancient Shiva Director, zool. Surv. India, Kolkata) Published: July, 2005. ISBN: 81-8171-075-4. temple (15039'N & 78043'E) on the Metta (=Plateau) (alt. 775m) in Gundla Brahmeswaram Metta Wildlife Sanctuary. The research team of Ecological Research and Monitoring The bat, a gravid female, was collected (Image 1w) for Laboratories, Biodiversity Cell of Tiger Project conducted identification and measurements (head and body length: biodiversity survey to reveal the Arachnid diversity in 75.0mm; forearm length: 63.5mm; tail length: 44.0mm; Nallamalais of Andhra Pradesh. The present study hindfoot length: 16.0mm; and ear length; 29.0mm) during which summarizes Arachnid fauna belonged to 61 Species in 41 genera, distributed over 20 families under 4 orders, of which it succumbed. The ease of capture of this gravid female (by Scorpions- 7 Species in 5 genera distributed in 2 families, hand) could be because of her condition nearing parturition Amblypygi belonging to 1 genus distributed in 1 family, which indicates a later date than that reported by Brosset Solifugae - 2 Species belonging to 2 genera distributed in 2 (1962) in March and April from . In Sri Lanka a families. gravid female was collected in January (Phillips, 1924) indicating a much earlier birthing season. There is only one 10. K. Thulsi Rao, C. Srinivasulu, M. Prudhvi Raju, S.M.M. Javed and I. Siva Rama Krishna, 2004; Second record of known locality, namely Thummalabailu (14011'N & 79009'E) Rhinolophus beddomei in Eastern Ghats, India. Zoos’ Print Rajampeta Range, South Cuddapah, Andhra Pradesh in the Journal 19(4): 1446. Eastern Ghats from where this species was collected earlier in September 1929 (Paula Jenkins, in litt., 03 February 2003). The present collection is the second recorded occurrence of this species from the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh which increases its distribution range further north by about 160km.

Centre for Biodiversity & Ecological Research. Project Tiger, Srisailam, AP.

Rhinolophus beddomei The ENVIS Centre on Eastern Ghats is a decentralized Environmental information centre established by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India

For further information : Contact : ENVIS Coordinator, [email protected] Visit : http://envis-eptri.ap.nic.in If undelivered, please retrun to: ENVIS CENTRE ON EASTERN GHATS ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION TRAINING & RESEARCH INSTITUTE 91/4, Gachibowli, Hyderabad - 500 032, A.P., India EPTRI Ph.:+91-040-23000489, 23001241, 23001242 ; 23001707; Fax No: +40 - 23000361, URL: http//www.eptri.com; http://envis-eptri.ap.nic.in; http://envis-soe.ap.nic.in