(Araneae: Theraphosidae) diversity, distribution and habitat-use in the of Uttara district,

A study on Protected Area adequacy and conservation planning at a landscape level

Dr. Manju Siliwal Wildlife Information Liaison Development Society 9-A, Lal Bahadur Colony, Gopalnagar, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641004 Objectives

• To understand patterns of species diversity, distribution and habitat use of theraphosid across broad land use categories in Western Ghats of district, Karnataka - Protected areas, Reserve forest, Plantations, agriculture fields and settlement areas

• To identify potential Conservation priority areas in Uttara Kannada district for Theraphosids.

• To sensitize local people for conservation of tarantula spider Contributions towards CEPF investment strategy

2.1 Monitor and assess the conservation status of globally threatened species with an emphasis on lesser-known organisms such as reptiles and fish. • Two globally threatened species ( Poecilotheria striata and Thrigmopoeus insignis) were assessed for their population and threat status in the region during the study, and qualify for down-listing from Vulnerable to Near Threatened • Identified three sites (Kulgi, Potoli and Anshi) having high abundance of Taruntulas during the study, which areas are recommended for future monitoring of the spider populations 2.3 Evaluate the existing protected area network for adequate globally threatened species representation and assess effectiveness of protected area types in biodiversity conservation. • Large populations of globally threatened were found in Protected Areas in the region and therefore, appears adequate for the conservation of these spiders 2.4 Support interdisciplinary efforts to analyze and disseminate biodiversity data • Added 11 species of mygalomorph spiders to the faunal list of the conservation priority areas ( CPA, Bedthi CPA, Aghanashini CPA) • A checklist of spiders of Dandeli and Anshi Tiger Reserve Study Area

Dandeli (Sahyadri-Konkan corridor)

Karwar (Malnad - Kodagu Corridor)

© B. Hegde Impacts to date

• Discovery of 1 new , 9 new species , 1 range extension record, 2 new records of mygalomorph genera for • Two of the 9 new species discovered are likely to be Gondwana relicts • An ecological study on tarantulas and trapdoor spider ( Idiops sp., Idiopidae ) was carried out for the first time during the project • Created awareness about spiders amongst locals and forest department (Red Listed Tarantula poster distributed to all the forest department offices in Western Ghats, CEPF grantees, Paper mill in Dandeli, and Env. & Forest. Ministry office) Protected Area Adequacy

100 PA RF PP AF HH

80

60

40 % occurrence % 20

0 C. fimbriatus T. insignis T. P. striata Theraphosid truculentus sp.1

Large–sized tarantulas 100 PA RF PP AF HH

80

60

40 % occurrence % 20

0

Small- sized tarantulas and mygalomorphs Association with other CEPF projects: Conservation Priority Area

Dandeli Hornbill Conservation Reserve (9 species) Bedthi Hornbill Conservation Reserve (5 species)

Aghanashini Conservation Reserve (4 species)

© B. Hegde

CEPF project: Identifying Critical Areas for a Landscape-Level Wildlife Corridor in Uttara Kannada District (Northern Part of Malnad-Kodagu Corridor to Sahyadri-Konkan Corridor) of Central Western Ghats - B.L. Hegde Dandeli Hornbill Conservation Reserve (Proposed)

• Localities surveyed – Dandeli city –Kulgi- , Dandeli – Janta Colony- Potoli

• Mygalomorph spiders – Poecilotheria striata Pocock, 1899 (Vulnerable) – Thrigmopoeus insignis Pocock, 1899* (Vulnerable) – Thrigmopoeus truculentus Pocock, 1899 (Near Threatened) – fimbriatus Pocock, 1899 (Least Concern) – Theraphosid sp. 1 (new species and new record) – Theraphosid sp. 2 (new species) – Barychelid sp. (new species, new record) – Indothele sp. (new species) – Idiops sp. (new species) Bedthi Hornbill Conservation Reserve (Proposed) • Localities surveyed – Magod • Mygalomorph spiders – Thrigmopoeus truculentus Pocock, 1899 (Near Threatened) – Chilobrachys fimbriatus Pocock, 1899 (LC) – Indothele sp. (new species) – Idiops sp. (new species) – Plesiophrictus sp. (new species) Aghanashini Conservation Reserve (Proposed) • Localities surveyed – Nilkund, Bheemanagudda and • Mygalomorph spiders – Thrigmopoeus truculentus Pocock, 1899 (NT) – Chilobrachys fimbriatus Pocock, 1899 (Lc) – Idiops sp. (new species) – Plesiophrictus sp. (new species) Future Plans • Carry out molecular analysis from the samples collected. – Gondwana hypothesis – Species confirmation • Continue monitoring of populations of theraphosids in Dandeli and nearby areas • Similar level studies are planned to be taken up in other priority areas in the Western Ghats • Population and threat status assessments for globally threatened tarantula species (which were not covered during the present study) will be carried out based on surveys in Western Ghats. These assessments will be sent to IUCN Red List and also published in peer- reviewed journals (public domain) • Monitor populations of globally threatened species of tarantula in selected areas identified during the present study • Develop strategies for participation of local people and forest department in the conservation of globally threatened species of tarantulas