Elucidating the Migratory Routes of Waterbirds Wintering Along the Maharashtra Coast

Annual Report June 2017 – June 2018

Submitted to

Mangrove and Marine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation of Maharashtra

Principal Investigator Dr. P. Sathiyaselvam

Project Advisor Dr. Deepak Apte

Scientists Tuhina Katti, Ramesh Kumar Selvaraj, Madhumita Panigrahi

Researcher Hrishikesh Rane

Bombay Natural History Society Mumbai

July 2018

Recommended citation: Sathiyaselvam, P., T. Katti, H. Rane, S. Ramesh Kumar, M. Panigrahi & D. Apte (2018): Elucidating the Migratory Routes of Waterbirds Wintering Along the Maharashtra Coast. Annual Report. Submitted to Mangrove and Marine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation of Maharashtra

Bombay Natural History Society Mission: Conservation of Nature, primarily Biological Diversity through action based on Research, Education and Public Awareness.

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Edited by: Maithreyi M R

Image Source: BNHS Wetlands Programme, Mandar Sawant Coverpage Image: Devvratsinh Mori

Disclaimer: Google Earth, Natural Earth Data and Bing maps were used to plot the maps. The information on this map was derived from the observations carried out by the BNHS team on field. Actual size and structure might vary on the ground. BNHS does not take any responsibility for errors, omissions, or positional accur acy. However, notification of any errors will be appreciated.

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SUMMARY

During the study, preliminary surveys were conducted at selected sites along the Maharashtra coast to monitor the population of migrato ry waterbirds at each site. During the surveys, a total of 88 waterbird species were recorded. Of them, ten were globally threatened waterbird species.

Selected sites around Mumbai were monitored from October 2017 to June 2018 to record the waterbirds and their numbers at each site. Roosting ducks and waders were recorded at Jasai and Panje during high tide. The creek surveys carried out in November 2017 and March 2018 were helpful in identifying feeding sites of waterbirds during low tide. During March 2018, a total of 14,508 Lesser Flamingo and 5,460 Greater Flamingo were recorded along with 23 other s pecies of waterbirds.

Selected sites along Maharashtra coast, between Alibaug and Shiroda, were surveyed thrice, in July 2017, January 2018 and later in April 2018. During these surveys, feeding and roosting sites of waterbirds were identified. Totally 49 sites were identified as potential bird congregation sites. During January 2018 survey, only three sites supported over 1000 waterbirds. Of them, two were r oosting sites and one was a feeding site. During the April 2018 survey carried out to record late winter population, no site recorded more than 500 birds.

Endangered Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris was sighted in two sites, one at Akshi beach and the other at Malgund beach. Four individuals of Vulnerable Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis were reported from Panje in October 2017 and three individuals of Vulnerable Asian Woollyneck Ciconia episcopus were sighted at Shiroda Saltpan in January 2018. Also eight other Near Threatened species were recorded during these surveys. Further surveys will be carried out to record the migratory waterbirds and the congregation sites along Maharashtra coast.

A flamingo survey was held from May 10 to 11, 2018 at Thane creek covering the areas from Sewri to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), during which 12,200 individuals of Greater Flamingo and 19,500 Lesser Flamingo were recorded.

As permission to ring birds was still awaited, bird banding study was not carried out. However, the records of banded birds sighted in Mumbai and one record in Gujarat were compiled. Colour banding protocol for flamingos was established to follow a systematic colour marking not only for India but at the flyway -level too.

Training Manual on Bird Monitoring, Handling and Marking , a bi-lingual manual was compiled to provide information on bird monitoring protocols, bird migration study techniques, bird handling and Central Asian Flyway to the trainees. The first training workshop was conducted be tween January 10–11, 2018 for frontline Forest Department staff, students and researchers from Mumbai and Thane districts to orient them in bird monitoring and study. The next two training workshops were organised for birdwatchers and students , one on April 08, 2018 covering Mumbai city district, Mumbai Suburb district and T hane district and the other on June 24, 2018 covering Palghar district respecitvely. The fourth training workshop was organised on April 17, 2018 for the Forest Department staff on bird migration, Central Asian Flyway Action Plan and implementation strateg ies.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We are grateful to the Mangrove and Marine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation for providing funds to conduct this study.

We are grateful to Mr. N. Vasudeva n IFS, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Mangrove Cell and Executive Director, Ma ngrove and Marine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, for his guidance and support.

We thank Mr. Jayaramegowda R. IFS, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Mangr ove Cell, Mumbai, Mr. Milind Panditrao, DFO, Mangrove Cell, Mumbai and Mr. Mayur Bothe, RFO, Mangrove Cell, Mumbai for their constant support and encouragement. We would like to acknowledge Mr. Siddhesh Surve, Assistant Director -Capacity Building, Mangrove Foundation, staff of Mangrove Cell and Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Interpretation Centre, Air oli and Chief Conservator of Forest office, Thane for their support during bird monitoring and training programme.

We would like to thank Dr. Arun Joshi for helping us translate Bird Monitoring, Handling and Marking Training Manual into Marathi. We apprec iate the efforts of Mrs. Sailee Joshi-Gupte, former Information Officer, ENVIS, Ms. Neha Mujumdar, JRF, Mr. Omkar Joshi, Education Officer, CEC -BNHS for their assistance with the translation of the Bird Monitoring, Handling and Marking Training Manual.

We would also like to thank Mr. Sachin Main, Chairman of Nature, Environment Society of Thane, and his team for assisting BNHS team to conduct Bird Migration wor kshop in Palghar district. We are grateful to Viva college for allowing us to organise our workshop in their auditorium.

At BNHS, we are grateful to Dr. Balachandran S. , Deputy Director, Mr. Shantanu Goel, Assistant Director, Dr. Raju Kasambe, Assistant Di rector and Mr. Nandkishor Dudhe, Programme Officer, CEC-BNHS for providing their expertise during the training programme.

We would like to thank BNHS researchers Mr. Mrugank Prabhu, Mr. Ameya Karulkar, Ms. Shalini Jain, Ms. Tanushree Mundra, Ms. Vinay Yad av, Naturalist Explorer Mr. Mandar Sawant, Intern Ms. Divya Kalsi, drivers Mr. Balaji Survase, Mr . Pritam Kadam, Mr. Vikas Pisal, Mr. Ashok Pisal driver, Mr. Sundar Pattern, Peon and volunteer Mr. Niketan Thakur for their help during field surveys and trai ning programmes. We extend our gratitude towards all the BNHS staff for their guidance and help during this project tenure.

In case we have missed out acknowledging the contribution of any more people involved, it is purely unintentional.

III

Table of Contents

SUMMARY ...... I ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ...... III INTRODUCTION ...... 1 OBJECTIVES ...... 3 METHODOLOGY ...... 4 Study Area: ...... 4 Monthly survey areas: ...... 4 Seasonal Surveys: ...... 4 METHODS: ...... 5 Bird Monitoring: ...... 5 Training and Awareness Programme: ...... 6 WATERBIRD POPULATION ...... 7 Monthly monitoring ...... 7 Other sites surveyed during the migratory bird season ...... 15 Flamingo Survey ...... 17 Areas surveyed along Maharashtra coast ...... 18 STATUS OF GLOBALLY THREATENED SPECIES ...... 20 Endangered ...... 20 Vulnerable ...... 21 BIRD RINGING ...... 29 TRAINING FOR FOREST DEPARTMENT STAFF AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS ...... 32 Compiling a Training Manual ...... 32 Training Workshops for locals ...... 32 Modules ...... 33 Training Workshop for Forest Officials ...... 34 FUTURE PLAN...... 36 Annexure I ...... 40 Annexure II ...... 55 Annexure III ...... 57 Annexure IV ...... 62

Elucidating the Migratory Routes of Waterbirds Wintering Along the Maharashtra Coast Annual Report June 2017 – June 2018

INTRODUCTION

Every year, millions of waterbirds migrate, covering astounding distances, crossing provincial boundaries, countries and oceans from their breeding ground (Russell- French 2008). The migration of birds illustrates the inter -connectedness of different ecosystems across the globe. These birds complete their life stages in geographically distinct locations. Each of this location has different ecological and socio -economic dynamics (Green et al. 2015). Hence, effective conservation of these network of wetlands by addressing the threats at each site is the key to safeguarding these species (Boere 2010). Unfortunately, the population size of these migratory birds is determined not by the best, but rather the worst conditions of the wetlands that the birds encounter (Myers, 1983).

Wetlands are among the most threatened habitats worldwide, with approximately half of all wetlands which existed in the last cent ury now degraded or lost (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2003). Wetlands are not isolated spaces but, on the contrary, dynamic complex habitats with biotic and abiotic connections all around, which are shaped by natural processes and social practices affe cting them. Hence wetland loss will impact the regional diversity in a scope much larger than what would b e expected from direct habitat loss (Merken et. al 2015). And the loss of staging sites results in a concentration of the migratory waterbirds in the few remaining ones which are in a good state of conservation, and in increased mortality during migration when the carrying capacity of the remaining wetlands is exceeded (Amezaga 2002).

Coastal wetlands are special types of wetlands that are influenced by fluctuating water levels and provide habitats for a vast array of organisms, including many endangered species. These wetlands are important habitats for several migratory bird groups such as ducks, shorebirds, gulls, terns and flamingos. The coastal wetl ands in India provide winter refuge for migratory waterfowl from different parts of the world such as nort h, central and west Asia, Europe and Mediterranean regions (Balachandran 2012). In addition to seasonal long-distance migration, many shorebirds regul arly move between high-tide ‘roost sites’ and the exposed intertidal ‘foraging’ grounds as the tide inundates; very less focus has been laid on the management of these inland ‘high - tide’ roosts along with the intertidal mudflats (Green et al. 2015).

The long-term waterbird studies carried out by BNHS in Bharatpur, Chilika Lake, and Great Vedaranyam Swamp have been helpful to understand local- and regional-level change in migratory waterbird population. The reasons behind changes in the population were assessed to recommend management activities to make alterations in the habitat. Along with comprehending the p opulation fluctuations, the banding

studies carried out at these sites helped elucidate the migratory routes or several species, and established a connectivity between important wetlands. The band recoveries were obtained from the wintering, stop -over and breeding sites, helping to demarcate the migratory route.

Though the migratory routes of some species have been established through bird ringing, for majority of the species, the habitat requirements and migratory routes are poorly understood, and this knowledge is essential for the conservation and management of waterbird habitats along bird migration routes.

Therefore, this project aims to study the population dynamics, movement patterns, migratory routes, wetlands utilised, duration of stay and the func tions performed by the wetlands for the migratory and local migratory species along the Maharashtra coast.

To achieve this, along with an extensive scientific monitoring study, it is necessary to involve multiple stakeholders. Exchange of relevant informa tion and awareness creation among local birdwatchers and other stakeholders will give a better understanding of the importance of the coastal wetlands in Maharashtra and their conservation needs. To achieve this, training workshops are necessary targeting people from different walks of life viz. local birdwatchers, students, researchers, Forest Department frontline staff and Forest Officials , to facilitate knowledge sharing.

The conservation of birds also requires reliable and up -to-date information on their population size and trends, which can help to identify species of concern, assess the impact of conservation efforts and help in decision making. Hence, this study is being carried out with the following objectives.

OBJECTIVES

1. To monitor waterbird population to determine the role of coastal wetlands in Maharashtra and their importance for migratory birds.

2. To study the movement and dispersal pattern of short and long distance migrants and to document the existence of important staging/wintering areas along the coast of Maharashtra by using bird ringing and colour marking.

3. To study the current status of globally threatened and r are bird species (if any) to Indian wintering grounds.

4. To contribute to the Central Asian Flyway (CAF) population estimation and to fill the gaps in the knowledge of movement patterns/migratory routes of priority species identified in the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) CAF Action Plan.

5. To develop special mobile application to collect information on bird po pulation and track the movement of the colour-marked birds

6. To impart training to amateur birdwatchers, researchers, inter -department stakeholders, wildlife officials and local public in bird monitoring techniques and the importance of bird migration st udies.

METHODOLOGY

Study Area:

Monthly survey areas: Based on the available secondary information and previous studies conducted by BNHS, the sites supporting a large number of migratory waterbirds were selected to be surveyed during early-, mid- and late-wintering season as well as during summer months.

The major sites selected for monthly monitoring were Sewri Jetty, Bhan dup Pumping Station (BPS), Airoli Jetty (Thane Flamingo Sanctuary), Delhi Public School pond, Training Ship (T.S.) Chanakya wetland, NRI Complex ponds, and Jasai and Panje/Panje dongri wetlands. Another site, Akshi beach which is less than 50 km of aerial distance from Mumbai was also surveyed across the months. Few other sites where Figur e 1: Areas selected around Mumbai Bay for migratory bird congregation were monthly monitoring recorded were also surveyed during the season.

Seasonal Surveys: During the reconnaissance surveys, 49 sites were selected between Alibaug and Shiroda These sites were surveyed during mid-winter in January 2018 and during late-winter in April-May 2018 to document the role played by these wetlands in supporting migratory waterbirds.

Figur e 2: Areas surveyed along the Maharashtra c oast to identify migratory waterbird congregation sites

METHODS:

Monthly wetland bird surveys were conducted in the selected wetlands in the Mumbai Bay. Seasonal waterbird surveys were conducted in the other 49 sit es, along the Maharashtra coast.

Bird Monitoring: The waterbird population was counted monthly by direct counts (Spindler et al. 1981). The bird con gregations were approached as close as possible for counting, without disturbing. Conspicuous species prese nt in relatively small numbers or dispersed widely were counted singly, whereas, birds in large flocks were generally estimated by mentally dividing the congregation into small groups of 10 to 100 depending on the size of the flock, and by counting the number of groups. Waterbird species were counted individually or in units of 10 when flocks were up to 5000 individuals. Very large flocks (> 5,000) wer e counted in units of 100 to 500 (Reeber 2000). Bird counts were carried out during low tide at the coasta l and creek sites as the birds congregate to feed on the exposed mudflats. In inland wetlands, the bird count was carried out during high tide. Birdl ife International 2018 list was followed for nomenclature and status of birds.

Figur e 3: Areas selected around Mumbai Bay for monthly monitoring

Training and Awareness Programme: A total of four training programmes were condu cted during the study duration. Different stakeholders were targeted during each training programme to maximise the impact and provide relevant orientation on bird migration to the people involved. One training programme was conducted for Forest Department frontline staff, and researchers working on waterbirds around Mumbai in January, two workshops were conducted for local birdwatchers, ornithologists and students in April and June and one workshop was conducted in April for Forest Officials. The focus of the workshops was to provide information on waterbird monitoring techniques, importance of bird ringing and monitoring for conservation , and the importance of Central Asian Flyway.

Literature: The information on distribution has been sourced from Ali and Ripley (1987), del Hoyo et al. (2018) and Manakadan et al. (2011), and the information on threats and population trend has majorly been sourced from Rahmani (2012) and IUCN Red List for Threatened Species database, and movement records from Balachandra n et al. (2018). The population status, size and 1% estimate are taken from Waterbird Estimate V (Wetlands International 2018).

WATERBIRD POPULATION

Monthly monitoring Monthly bird counts were carried out in the selected bird congregation areas in Mumbai coast from October 2017 to June 2018. Based on the records obtained during the survey, the sites were categorised as feeding, high -tide roosting, feeding and roosting sites, and other potential bird habitats.

NRI Complex Ponds This site is located at Seawoods, off Palm Beach Road. A small bund divides the wetland into two parts: the northern pond towards human settlement is used for fishing activity by the locals and the southern pond has mangrove cover on two sides . Water level, though dependent on tide, is regulated by the local fishing community. This site consists of two ponds, scrubs and mangroves.

In October, the arrival of ducks was recorded. A total of 11 0 waterbirds were recorded. Of them, ducks such as Northern Pintail Anas acuta, Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata, Garganey Spatula querquedula, Indian Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha and Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula, and terns such as Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica, Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida and Little Tern Sternula albifrons were dominant. In November, the Northern Pintail number was high (336) , resulting in 50% of all waterbirds recorded from this area. Due to disturbance by fishing act ivity, the numbers of birds were scarce and concentrated along the eastern edge of the pond. Most of them were duck species in December. The duck population increased and a total of 815 ducks of four species were recorded in January.

The duck numbers declined in March and none of the duck species were recorded during April due to low water level. In May, the water had been drained out and the northern side pond had dried up. Therefore, the waterbirds were found only in the southern pond. Over 450 individuals of gulls and terns from six species were found roosting in this area. Gull-billed Tern (268) was the predominant species followed by Brown-headed Gull (144) Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus . During high-tide in Thane Creek, a total of 2867 Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor were recorded in this area in June. This area was used as a high -tide roost by the Lesser Flamingo (Fig 6).

Figur e 4: High water level at NRI pond between Figur e 5: Pai nte d Stor k Mycteria leucocephala J une 20 17–J uly 2 0 18 congregation roosting at NRI Pond

3500

Thresklornithidae 3000 Recurvirostridae Rallidae 2500 Phoenicopteridae 2000 Phalacrocoracidae Charadriidae 1500 Ardeidae Ciconiidae Scolopacidae

Number of individuals of Number 1000 Laridae 500 Anatidae

0 October November December January March April May June

Months

Figur e 6: F amily- wise waterbird count at NRI Complex Ponds from October 2017 to June 2018

During the study carried out by BNHS in 2013 -2014, the bird counts were higher in October and March, coinciding with the southward and northward passage ( Narwade et al. 2017). This pattern was not observed during the present season. During December 2014, a total of 422 birds belonging to 19 waterbird species and 12 landbird species were ringed at this site. During the study period, the water level was high , due to which the wader numbers were low compared to the numbers recorded in the previous years.

DPS Pond A shallow pond adjacent to Delhi Public School along the Palm Beach Road, Navi Mumbai. This was used as a roosting site by waders, gulls and egrets.

The pond was dry in October. The waterbird numbers started building up from November and peak numbers were recorded in January (523). Of the total birds recorded in January, 81% comprised gulls and terns , and the pond was used as roosting site. (Fig 8). By March, the bird count had reduced considerably as a part of the pond had dried up. In April , a small roosting flock of gulls and terns was seen. By May, the pond had almost dried up and merely 34 individuals were recorded at this site. In June, despite the pond being filled with water, there were hardly any birds recorded.

Figur e 7: Low level of water during the month of May 2018

600

Laridae 500 Ardeidae Scolopacidae 400 Charadriidae Recurvirostridae 300 Phalacrocoracidae Anatidae 200

Ciconiidae Numberofindividuals Rallidae 100 Thresklornithidae

0 October November December January March April May June

Months

Figur e 8: F amily- wise waterbird n um ber s at DPS Pond from October 2017 t o June 2018

T. S. Chanakya Ponds This is a complex of ponds behind Training Ship Chanakya Mari time Institute, along the Palm Beach Road. The water level in these ponds are controlled by the local fishermen for various fishing practises. Small -scale fishing is practised in these wetlands.

In October, a total of 243 birds were recorded at this site, mainly comprising Black - winged Stilt. In November, a total of 564 birds were recorded, of which 364 were gulls and terns. In December, the water level was high and only a few birds were recorded along the edge of the pond. In January, a few (150) Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala were seen roosting on the trees in the periphery of the pond and not recorded in the other months. Apart from these a few shorebirds were also recorded along the edge of the pond.

In March, the water level was high with signs of eutrophication, but a few shorebirds were recorded along the edge of water. In April, 362 birds were recorded, of which 280 were shorebirds comprising Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea, Lesser Sandplover Charadrius mongolus and Common Redshank Tringa totanus. In May, the water in the ponds was partially drained out, at this site 3521 Lesser Flamingo were recorded along with 28

Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus. A large Figur e 9: Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias number of egrets and cormorants were recorded mi nor c ongregation at T . S. Chanakya in at this site, and Gull-billed Tern and May 20 18

Whiskered tern were recorded feeding on this site. In June the water level was high dur to rains and only 67 Lesser Flamingo were recorded.

4500 4000 3500 Thresklornithidae 3000 Recurvirostridae 2500 Phalacrocoracidae Ciconiidae 2000 Ardeidae 1500 Anatidae 1000 Laridae Number Individuals of 500 Scolopacidae 0 Charadriidae Phoenicopteridae

Months

Figur e 10: Fa mily- wise waterbird count at T . S. Chanakya Ponds from October 2017 to June 2018

Sewri Mudflats During the migratory season 2017-2018, bird population in site did not build up till April, 2018. It was due to disturbance. Due to the construction, movements of large number of construction staff on the site were observed. Birds were rarely recorded closer to the jetty. In most of the months, no birds were recorded closer to the jetty . But a few birds were sighted in the centre of the creek. In December, a flock of over 100 gulls were observed feeding in the creek. In March, a few shorebirds were recorded at the jetty. In May, despite the disturbance, a total of 8253 Lesser Flamingo along with Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica (190) were recorded feeding at this site during the receding tide. During the June survey, the Lesser Flamingo number was estima ted to Figur e 11: Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias mi nor congregation recorded from Sewri be 9000 at the site, but they were disturbed J etty due to rains.

10000 9000 8000 Thresklornithidae 7000 Ciconiidae 6000 Ardeidae 5000 Anatidae 4000 Laridae 3000 Scolopacidae Number Individuals of 2000 Charadriidae 1000 Phoenicopteridae 0 November December January March April May June Months

Figur e 12: Fa mily- wise waterbi rd count at Sewri Mudflats from October 2017 to June 2018

Jasai A marsh land on the eastern side of Panvel-Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust road near Jasai village, where waterbird congregations were recorded. This wetland is connected to the sea and water level in his wetland is influenced by tide level.

In October, the water level was low and 887 birds were recorded feeding, of which, 270 were shorebirds. In November, the bird numbers had reduced to 332, 50% of those being shorebirds. In December, though the total number of waterbirds recorded were 386, over 50% of those were egrets and storks. major composition was of egrets. By January, the reclamation work had intensified and due to high level of disturbance, no birds were recorded at the site. However, in March, in the southern part of the wetland, a total of 601 waterbirds were recorded comprising 413 shorebirds. During this survey, 160 Little Stint Calidris minuta and 23 Greater Flamingo were also seen in the proximate NSP Saltpans. In May and June , barely any birds were recorded due to the disturbance from reclamation activity (Fig 16).

Figur e 13: Status of Jasai wetland in October Figur e 14: Landfilling in Jasai wetland in May 20 17 20 18

Figur e 15: Reclamation of Jasai wetland in a span of one year

1000 Phoenicopteridae 900 Laridae

800 Ardeidae

700 Scolopacidae 600 Charadriidae 500 Recurvirostridae 400 Phalacrocoracidae 300

NumberofIndividuals Anatidae 200 100 Ciconiidae 0 Rallidae October NovemberDecember January March April May June Thresklornithidae Months

Figur e 16: Fa mily- wise waterbird count at Jasai wetland from October 2017 to June 2018

Panje It is a network of wetlands which acts as a roosting and feeding ground for waders and ducks during high tide. The water level of these wetlands is controlled by the locals for fishing and other activities.

The bird population started building up from October and the first peak was observed in November. The number of birds declined towards January. The second peak was recorded during February and the maximum of 3100 individuals of 19 waterbirds

species were recorded. The bird population declined thereafter. The bird composition also changed according to the water level of the wetland.

In October, a mixed flock of ducks and coot (560), namely Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail and Common Coot Fulica atra was recorded in the wetland, along with 708 shorebirds. Four individuals of Vulnerable Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis were also recorded from this site. Of the records in November, major composition (1421) was of ducks, comprising Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Garganey, Gadwall Mareca strepera and Common Teal Anas crecca . A large number of gulls and terns (640), such as Black-headed Gull, Gull-billed Tern and Whiskered Tern were seen roosting at this site. Among the shorebirds, Little Stint, Common Redshank, Curlew Sandpiper and Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata were seen. In December, a congregation o f 2100 Little Stint was sighted at the site, with only a few other shorebirds. 130 Black -headed Gull were also seen roosting, along with a few Whiskered Tern. The four individuals of Indian Skimmer were also sighted in this month. In January, due to low water level in the wetland, birds recorded were fewer than in the previous months, with 390 shorebirds and a few (70) Eurasian Spoonbill. In February, a flock of 2975 shorebirds was recorded, 90% of which comprised Curlew Sand piper, with the rest being a mix of Little Stint, Dunlin Calidris alpina, Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus, Lesser Sandplover and Greater Sandplover Charadrius leschenaultii. In March, a large flock of Little Stint (1645) was recorded along with 710 other shorebirds. Even in A pril, the composition of birds recorded was similar to those in March with the major composition of the 1485 shorebirds being Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Common Redshank and Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis. During May, of the 794 shorebirds recorded, 717 were Lesser Sandplover. By June, due to the rain, water level was high and hardly any birds were sighted in the wetland apart from 172 Little Cormorant Microcarbo niger. Across Figur e 17: Flock of Lesser Sand plover the months, the composition of shorebirds Charadrius mongolus in par tial br ee din g plum ag e at P a nje showed considerable variation, suggesting that there was good connectivity of the birds feeding in the creek, for roosting sites.

Figur e 18: L ow w ater le v e l at Panje, Uran during Summer as water inlet is blocked by the locals

Thresklornithidae 3500 Rallidae 3000 Ciconiidae 2500 Anatidae 2000 Phalacrocoracidae 1500 Recurvirostridae 1000 Charadriidae

Number Individuals of 500 Ardeidae 0 Laridae Scolopacidae

Months

Figur e 19: Fa mily- wise waterbird count at Panje wetland from October 2017 to June 2018

Akshi beach This is a sandy beach, where large congregations of bird s are generally seen feeding in the intertidal area.

In October, of the 2162 birds recorded, 89% were gulls and terns comprising Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus, Black-headed Gull, Slender-billed Gull Chroicocephalus genei, Greater Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii, Lesser Crested Tern Thalasseus bengalensis, Common Tern Sterna hirundo and Gull-billed Tern. Seven individuals of Near Threatened Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus were also recorded at this beach. In December, due to the disturbance by tourists, birds were seen scattered across the beach. Only 301 shorebirds were recorded along w ith 244 gulls and terns. In January, a large number of birds were recorded along the beach, with 2573 being shorebirds. Of these, over 70% were Lesser Sandplover and 15 % Kentish Plover. The remaining were Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres, Little Stint, Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus and Dunlin. The Lesser Sandplover population remained high even in March, with 81% of the total 798 shorebirds. During the survey in April, May and June, plenty of trash was recorded along the entire beach due to the Figur e 20: Solid waste at Akshi beac h, tourism. Due to which, very few birds (<100) Aliba ug during tourist season were recorded at the beach.

3500

3000

2500 Haematopodidae

2000 Anatidae

1500 Ardeidae

1000 Charadriidae

Number Individuals of 500 Scolopacidae

0 Laridae October December January March April May June Months

Figur e 21: Fa mily- wise waterbird count at Akshi beach from October 2017 to June 2018

Figur e 22: G ulls and terns roosting at Akshi Figur e 23: Gull congregation at Akshi beach be ac h Other sites surveyed during the migratory bird season

Vashi Bridge At Vashi bridge area, birds were counted during the low-tide. Large congregations of gulls were seen in the exposed mudlfats near the Vashi bridge. A mixed flock of 4160 gulls comprising Black-headed Gull, Brown- headed Gull and Slender-billed Gull were recorded feeding during the survey in January. In April, a flock of 517 Lesser Flamingo were seen feeding along the eastern bank of the creek from the bridge Figur e 24: Gulls roosting near Vashi bridge during low tide.

Bhuigaon Beach One survey was carried out at Bhuigaon beach in February. During the survey, a total of 866 shorebirds were recorded. Of them, almost 65% were Lesser Sandplover, the rest being Little Stint, Terek Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone, Greater Sandplover and Sanderling Calidris alba. Also, 58 Lesser Black-backed Gull and 16 Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia were sighted.

Figur e 25: Tourist disturbing bird s at Bhuigaon beach for photo opportunity

Madhuban Wetland These are inland wetlands and potential high -tide roosting sites. A survey was carried out in February. During the survey, a mixed flock of gulls total ling 900 were recorded from this area. Of them, 70% were Brown -headed Gulls and the remaining were Black - headed Gull and Slender-billed Gull. All of them were seen flying over the wetland. The other species recorded at this site were Black-winged Stilt Elanus caeruleus, Marsh Sandpiper, Ruff Calidris pugnax, Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia, and Ruddy Shelduck.

Bhandup Pumping Station The inland wetlands and saltpans near Bhandup Pumping Station were used as high - tide roosting sites by the waterbirds. Two surveys were carried out, one in November and the other in December. In November, a total of 450 Black -tailed Godwit Limosa limosa were seen flying in, to roost during high-tide. Other waterbirds recorded were Black-winged Stilt, Northern Shoveler and Common Coot. However, in December, only a few individuals (17) of Little Ringed Plover and Common Redshank were recorded.

Thane-Sewri Creek Waterbird surveys were conducted by boat in Thane Creek to know the feeding sites and understand the composition. The reconnaissance survey was carried out in late November 2017, when the sites were marked to monitor during the later months. After which, one survey was carried out in March and another in May. The surveys were carried out during low-tide.

The creek was accessed from Ghansoli jetty (Site 516), where Common Redshank, Common Greenshank and Black-tailed Godwit were commonly seen feeding. The open mudflat at Ghansoli (Site 517) is a good feeding site and a huge congregation of a mixed flock of waders was recorded along the mudflat in November. In March, a flock of 1021 shorebirds, predominantly comprising Black -tailed Godwit, Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper were recorded. Further, 200m south of this site (Site 518), the

mangrove fringed with mudflat was also a favourable feeding site for waders. In March, ducks such as Northern Shoveler and Indian Spot -billed Duck, along with waders, were seen feeding and roosting at this site. Waders were recorded near Site 519 and 520. The exposed mudflats between site 518 and 520 is where a large congregation, with maximum of Greater Flamingo (3400) and Lesser Flamingo (7600) , was recorded in March and April. At the mudflats near Seawoods (Site 523), a huge congregation of waders, majorly comprising Common Redshank, and Lesser Sandplover were sighted. A flock of 23 Common Sandpiper was also recorded from this site. Between Site 522 and 523, a flock of 479 L esser Flamingo was recorded on May, along with a feeding flock of 209 Brown -headed Gull and 49 Black-headed Gull. This mudflat has wetlands of T. S. Chanakya, NRI Complex and DPS in the vicinity. The movement of waterbirds between Thane -Sewri Creek and these wetlands has been established during previous studies carried out by BNHS (Narwade et al. 2017).

During the survey carried out between Site 526 and Site 527, adjoining the Bhandup Pumping Station, a huge congregation of waders was observed in November. In March, 2300 Lesser Flamingo and 120 Greater Flamingo were seen feeding. At Vikhroli canal confluence, a flock of 2500 waders was recorded. Of them, 60% were of Curlew Sandpiper, and the rest were Little Stint. At Trombay Creek (Site 533) , a mixed flock of 2500 individuals of waders was recorded along with a mixed flock of 700 gulls. Near the Navy enclosure south of Trombay Jetty, over 300 individuals of waders were sighted.

Flamingo Survey A coordinated flamingo census was carried out by BNHS in the Th ane creek on May 10 and 11, 2018 to estimate the flamingo population in the creek. M ultiple teams of researchers surveyed the entire creek for two days. In this census, both species of flamingos were counted in a day simultaneously. Totally 12,200 individuals of Greater flamingo and 19,500 individuals of Lesser Flamingo were recorded during the census.

Areas surveyed along Maharashtra coast

Figur e 26: Bird congregation numbers at sites surveyed along the Maharashtra coast in J a nu ar y 20 18 and April - May 20 18

The first reconnaissance survey along the Maharashtra coast was conducted in July 2017 identifying potential migratory waterbird habitat and ringing feasible sites between Alibaug and Shiroda. A total of 37 potential bird h abitats were recorded during the survey. The second reconnaissance was conducted in January 2018 to record the migratory waterbird population, when 12 more sites were added to the previous 37 selected. The third survey was conducted in late April and early May 2018 to record the status of migratory bird population during return migration. Alibaug Jetty, Alibaug During the January survey, a congregation (674) of gulls and terns were recorded roosting at this site, comprising majorly Black -headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Slender-billed Gull. During the survey in April, a few individuals of Gull -billed Tern were sighted. This is a fish landing jetty, with considerable anthropogenic activity. Along with several egrets, the gulls were seen following th e boats, feeding on the discarded fish. Baradkhol Beach During the survey in January a flock of 525 Lesser Black -backed Gull was sighted roosting on the rocky shore. In April survey, only six individuals of Lesser black - backed Gulls were seen, along with G ull-billed Tern, Black-headed Gull and Whiskered Tern. A few waders such as Whimbrel, Lesser Sandplover and Ruddy Turnstone were also seen. This site is also used by the local fishermen as a boat jetty. The locals have reported sighting the roosting gulls every winter. Kuravde Jetty During the survey in January, a large flock of Lesser Black -backed Gull (3000) were recorded roosting at this site. However, during the survey in April, the sandbar was

not completely exposed and no birds were seen. A few terns were flying around th is site, but no roosting birds were recorded.

Harnai Beach During the survey in January a flock of 386 roosting gulls and terns comprising Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Brown-headed Gull and Gull-billed Tern was recorded. No birds were see n at this beach in April. Figur e 27: L es s er Bla ck- bac k ed Gull L ar us fus c us roosting at Kuravde mudflats

Tsunami Island & Seagull Island, Devbaug During the survey in January, over 1400 gulls (Black-headed Gull 70%, rest majorly Brown-headed Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull) were recorded roosting on the exposed sandbar during low tide. During the survey in May, no birds were recorded even when the Figur e 28: Seagulls recorde d at Devbaug sandbar was exposed. Devbaug is a during high - tid e famous tourist destination and is crowded during May.

Pat Parule Lake This waterbody is a reedbed habitat with a diverse variety of bird species fr om Rallidae, Anadidae, Ardeidae and Jacanidae families. In January, a total of 341 ducks were recorded, mainly Northern Pintail and Lesser Whistling Duck. During the survey in May, the waterbirds recorded in highest numbers were Lesser Whistling Duck (157) and Figur e 29: Ducks in the reedbeds at Pat Cotton Teal (65) along with jacanas, Par ul e egrets and cormorants.

STATUS OF GLOBALLY THREATENED SPECIES

Totally 10 globally threatened waterbird species were recorded during the surveys including one Endangered and two Vulnerable species. The details of the Threatened species recorded and the locations where they were recorded are given in Table 1. The status of threatened birds recorded along the Maharashtra coast and their global and Indian status are described in detail here. The recovery details are also given.

Ta ble 1: Lis t of Threatened species recorded during the survey s

Common Name Scientific Name Site Recorded Endangered Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris Akshi, Malgund Vulnerable Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis Panje Asian Woollyneck Ciconia episcopus Shiroda Saltpan Near Threatened Mahul-Sewri Creek, Thane Flamingo Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor Sanctuary, Vashi Creek, T.S.Chanakya Wetland, NRI Pond, Jasai Mahul-Sewri Creek, Thane Flamingo Sanctuary, Vashi Bridge, Taak Marsh, Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus Achra Crab Culture, NRI Pond, Shiroda Saltpans Jasai, Panje, Thane Flamingo Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Sanctuary, Bhandup Pumping Station Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Akshi, Jasai Bhatye Beach, Achra Crab Culture, Harnai Beach, Jaigad Beach, Kelshi - Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata Anjarle Beach, NRI Pond, Thane Flamingo Sanctuary, Panje, Mahul - Sewri Creek, Tarkarli, Undi Beach Eurasian Haematopus ostralegus Akshi Oystercatcher Delhi Public School Pond, Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala T.S.Chanakya Wetland, NRI Pond, Jasai, Panje .

Endangered

Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris

Distribution: It breeds in north-eastern Siberia from Verkhoyansk mountains, east to Magadan, Koryak Highlands and South Chukotskiy Peninsula , and winters mainly in Southeast Asia and Australia; also in Arabia, Pakistan, northwest and northeast India and Bangladesh (del Hoyo et al. 2018). It is a winter migrant to the Indian

subcontinent, occurri ng along the coasts and tidal mudflats from Pakist an to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh; also reported from Lakshadweep and Andamans (Ali and Ripley 1987; Manakadan et al. 2011).

Population Trend: The population in the non-breeding range of South Asia and Australia is estimated to be 2,90,000 individuals, with 1% of the population numbering 2900. And the population in non - breeding range of northwestern India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Oman and Saudi Arabia is estimated between 2000 and 5000 individuals, with 1% of the population at 30.

In India, the population records are higher on the west coast than on the east coast, with over 1500 individuals recorded in the Gulf of Figur e 30: Gr e at Kn ot Calidris tenuirostris Kachchh. On the east coast, 1200 individuals recorded at Malgund beach were recorded in Point Calimere and 500 in Kakinada (Sathiyaselvam, personal observation)

Population status along the Maharashtra coast: During the surveys, three individuals of this species were recorded at Akshi, Raigad district and one individual at Malgund, Ratnagiri district in January 2018

Movement: During the migration studies, three birds tagged in Chongming Island, China were reported in India. One from Henry’s Island, West Bengal, another from Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh and third from Palghar , Maharashtra. One bird tagged in Sakhalin Island, Russia was also sighted in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.

Vulnerable

Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis

Distribution: It occurs in Pakistan, in north, east and central India, Bangladesh, western Myanmar and Cambodia. Winter visitor to northwestern Indian Peninsula and coastal Bangladesh (del Hoyo et al. 2018). Fairly common along the larger rivers in northern India including the Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra systems east to Nepal terai, south to about the Krishn a. Figur e 31: Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis Vagrant in Kutch, Jodhpur, Mt. Abu, recorded at Panje, Uran

Mumbai, Bangladesh, Pakistan (Ali and Ripley 1987; Manakadan et al. 2011).

Population trend:

The population status is poorly documented. The total population in the breeding range is estimated between 6000 and 10,000 individuals, with 1% at 75 individuals.

Population status along Maharashtra coast: During the survey, four individuals of Indian Skimmer were reported from Panje, Uran during October 2017 and one individual during November 2017

Movement: Very little is known regarding the movement pattern of Indian Skimmer. During the recent studies conducted by BNHS, 29 Indian Skimmer were marked along the Mahanadi River, Odisha in winter 2016, which have been re -sighted from the same site. Also, 158 individuals were marked along the Chambal River, Madhya Pradesh in summer 2018 and the information on their movement is awaited .

Asian Woollyneck Ciconia episcopus

Distribution: The nominate race of Asian Woollyneck that occurs in t he Indian Subcontinent is distributed in northern Pakistan (Punjab) and India, east to Indochina and Malay Peninsula and Philippines (del Hoyo et al. 2018). In the Indian Subcontinent, it occurs in the mainland and Sri Lanka (Ali and Ripley 1987; Manakadan et al. 2011).

Population Trend: Widespread, but regionally threatened in Southeast Asia. The total population in breeding range Figur e 32: Asian Woollyneck Cic onia is estimated to be 25,000 with 1% at 250 epis c op us recorded from Shiroda Saltpans individuals.

Population status along Maharashtra coast: During the surveys, a total of three birds was recorded at Shiroda Saltpans, Sindhudurg district.

Movement: Based on the ringing studies carried out by BNHS, seven birds ringed in Thailand between 1965 and 1971 were recovered in Bangladesh along the Brahmaputra delta. A bird ringed in Bharatpur in 1956 was recovered in 1958 from Rampur Karkhana, Uttar Pradesh.

Near Threatened

Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor Distribution: The population extends from Rift Valley in East Africa, with discrete populations in Botswan a, Namibia and South Africa, Mauritania, east to Pakistan and India (del Hoyo et al. 2018). In India, it occurs in brackish lakes and lagoons, sea coasts, estuaries, mudflats in north-western India, Little Rann of Kachchhtch and wanders elsewhere (Ali and Ripley 1987; Manakadan et al. 2011). During recent years, large congregations of Lesser

Flamingo are recorded near Mumbai. Figur e 33: Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor recorded from Thane Creek

Population Trend: It is found in salt lakes and brackish water , and is more restricted in distribution. Previously it was restricted to norther n and north-western India but in the recent years, it has been recorded increasingly in southern India also. The total population in breeding range (South Asia) is estimated to be 3,90,000 with 1% at 3900 individuals.

Population status along Maharashtra coast: During the surveys, this species was sighted in November 2017 near Bhandup Pumping Station , and since February 2018, it was recorded at Bhandup Pumping Station. Since Febr uary it was recorded in the Thane Creek as well as in Sewri Mudflats, NRI Ponds and T. S. Chanakya Ponds.

Month Site Maximum Count at site February 2018 Bhandup Pumping Station 30,000 April 2018 Vashi Creek 517 May 2018 Sewri Mudflat 8,233 May 2018 T. S. Chanakya 3,521 June 2018 Sewri Mudflat 194 June 2018 NRI Pond 2,866

Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus Distribution: Breeds in Pakistan, India, Nepal, south to Sri Lanka and east to north - eastern China, Cambodia, southern Vietnam, Java and Sumatra. Winter visitor to southern China, Myanmar, Thailand, Sumatra and P hilippines (del Hoyo et al. 2018). In Indian Subcontinent, it is resident and locally migratory in Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. Occurring near rivers, marshes, mangroves and inundated land (Ali and Ripley 1987; Manakadan et al. 2011).

Population Trend: This species is widespread and locally common in all the wetter parts of western India. Their distribution is extending to the drier parts d ue to

development of canal irrigation. The total population in the breeding range (South Asia) is estimated to be 25,000 with 1% at 250 individuals.

Population status along Maharashtra coast: During the survey, this species was recorded in several distri cts; Mumbai (Sewri Mudflats), Thane (Thane Flamingo Sanctuary), Raigad (T. S. Chanakya Ponds, NRI Ponds, Vashi Creek, Agardanda Jetty, Dighi Jetty) and Sindhudurg District (Achra Crab Figur e 34: Blac k - headed Ibis Thr es k ior nis Culture, Shiroda Saltpan). melanocephalus roosting at Taak Mar s h

Month Site Maximum Count at site January 2018 Thane Flamingo Sanctuary 48 March 2018 NRI Wetland 3 April 2018 T.S. Chanakya 24 April 2018 Vashi Creek 1 April 2018 Agandanda Jetty 2 April 2018 Dighi Jetty 6 April 2018 Achra Crab Culture 2 May 2018 Sewri Mudflat 3

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Distribution: Two races of Black-tailed Godwit occur in the Indian subcontinen t (del Hoyo et al. 2017):

L. limosa limosa: Breeds in western and central Europe and Russia to the upper Yenisey River; winters in Mediterranean and sub- Saharan Africa, east through the Middle East to western India.

L. limosa melanuroides: Disjunct breeding population in Siberia, east to the Yenisey River, east Mongolia, northeast China, and Russian Far East; winters from India, Indochina, Taiwan, and Philippines, south to Indonesia, New Guinea, and Australia.

It is a winter visitor to the Indian subcontinent, frequenting marshes and estuaries along the east and west coasts of the Figur e 35: Blac k - tailed Godwit Li mos a mainland, Andaman & Nicobar Is., li mos a recorded at Panje, Uran Lakshadweep, Sri Lanka, and Maldiv es (Ali and Ripley 1987; Manakadan et al. 2011).

Population Trend: It is listed as a priority species for cons ervation under the Arctic Migratory Bird Initiative for African-Eurasian Flyway, owing to its rapid decline in population. The total population of race L. limosa limosa is estimated to be 1,50,000 individuals in the breeding ground, with 1% at 1500. The population for race L. limosa melanuroides was estimated at 1,39,000 individuals in the breeding ground in 2007 when compared to 1,60,000 in 2005. The 1% population for this race is 1400 individuals.

Population status along Maharashtra coast: During the survey, this species was recorded between October and March at Thane Flamingo Sanctuary, Bhandup Pumping Station, Jasai and Panje. The largest congregation of 450 individuals was recorded in November at Bhandup Pumping Station .

Month Site Maximum Count at site October 2017 Jasai, Uran 206 October 2017 Panje, Uran 98 November 2017 Bhandup Pumping Station 450 December 2017 Thane Flamingo Sanctuary 70

Movement: Of the long-distance movement records, one bird ringed in Bharatpur in 1969 was recovered after ten years, from Balyktykol Lake, Kazakhstan.

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Distribution: The Curlew Sandpiper breeds in Arctic Siberia from Yamal Peninsula to Kolyuchinskaya Gulf (north Chukotskiy Peninsula), and winters from sub -Saharan Africa through the Middle East and South and Southeast Asia to Australasia (del Hoyo et al. 2017).

It is a winter migrant to the Indian subcontinent, frequenting seashores, mudflats, and marshes in the mainland, Andaman & Nicobar Is., Sri Lanka, and Maldives (Ali and Ripley 1987; Manakadan et al. 2011). Figur e 36: Curlew Sandpiper C alidr is fer r ugi ne a recorded from Panje, Uran Population Trend: It is listed as a priority species for conservation under the Arctic Migratory Bird Initiative for East Asian-Australasian Flyway, owing to its rapid decline in the population. The South Asian non-breeding population is estimated to be between 2,0,000 and 3,00,000, with 1% at 2400 individuals. While the East, South -east Asian and Australian non-breeding population is estimated to be 1,35,000, with 1% at 1400 individuals.

Population status along Maharashtra coast: This species was recorded from several sites during the survey. Around Mumbai, it was sighted at Sewri Mudflats NRI Pond, T. S. Chanakya Ponds, Thane Creek, Jasai and Panje Wetland. It was also sighted at Akshi Beach.

Month Site Maximum Count at site October 2017 Jasai, Uran 130 October 2017 Akshi,Alibaug 30 February 2017 Panje, Uran 1,215 March 2017 T S Chanakya 32 April 2017 NRI Wetland 31 April 2017 Vashi Creek 203 June 2017 Sewri Mudflat 3

Movement: As a result of the Bird Migration studies conducted by BNHS, several recoveries have been reported for this species. As a result of multiple recoveries, habitat connectivity has been established between Tianjin along Yellow Sea and Chilika Lake, Odisha and Point Calimere, Tamil Nadu. Also, birds ringed in Victoria, Australia were also recovered from these two sites. Birds ringed in Point Calimere, Chilika Lake and Bharatpur were recovered from wetlands in Russia and Kazakhstan. One bird ringed in Kazakhstan in 1971 was recovered from Mumbai in 1973.

Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata Distribution: Two races of Eurasian Curlew occur in the Indian subcontinent (del Hoyo et al. 2017): It is a winter visitor to the Indian subcontinent, frequenting the seashore and mudflats in the main land, Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Sri Lanka, and Maldives; occurs in inland wetlands during migration (Ali and Ripley 1987; Manakadan et al. 2011).

N. arquata arquata: Breeds in British Isles and France, across west Europe and east to the Volga River and Urals. Winters from Iceland and British Isles, south to Mediterranean and northwest Africa, and east to Persian Gulf and western India.

N. arquata orientalis: Breeds along the Volga River and Urals through central Russia and north Kazakhstan to central Manchuria. Winters in west, east, and south Africa, and from south Caspian Sea to Persian Gulf, and east through South Asia to east China, south Japan, Philippines and Greater Sundas.

Population Trend: The population of this species had recorde d a notable decline till 2006, with the geographical population of N. a. orientalis declining from 1,00,000 in

1991, to 35,000 in 2006. The recent estimation of this race is at 1,00,000 individuals, with 1% at 1,000. The current population of N. a. arquata is estimated between 6,37,000 and 8,76,000, with 1% at 7600 individuals.

Population status along Maharashtra coast: During the survey, this species was recorded from Thane Creek, Sewri Mudflats, NRI Pond, T. S. Chanakya Ponds and Panje around Mumbai. Along the coast of Mumbai, it was sighted from Raigad district (Akshi Figur e 37: Eurasian Curlew N u mer i us beach, Agardanda beach, Diveagar beach, ar qu ata seen at Akshi b e ac h Harihareshwar beach) and Ratnagiri district (Kelshi Anjarle beach, Harnai beach, Undi beach, Jaigad beach).

Month Site Maximum Count November 2017 Panje, Uran 51 November 2017 Thane Flamingo Sanctuary 2 December 2017 Mahul-Sewri Creek 2 January 2018 Kelshi-Anjarle beach 4 January 2018 Harnai beach 3 January 2018 Jaigad beach 8 January 2018 Undi beach 1 January 2018 Bhate Bridge 3 January 2018 Achra Crab Culture 3 January 2018 Tarkarli beach 6 April 2018 Alibaug beach 3 April 2018 Akshi,Alibaug 3 April 2018 Agardanda beach 1 April 2018 Diveagar beach 1 April 2018 Harihareshwar beach 1 May 2018 T. S. Chanakya 12 May 2018 NRI Pond 51

Movement: One bird ringed at Point Calimere in 1971 was recorded from Jaffna coast in Sri Lanka in 1973.

Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus Distribution: Breeds in western and north-central Russia. South Black, Caspian and Aral Seas and Lake Balkhash, and east to western Siberia; winters on the coast from East Africa through Arabia to India (del Hoyo et al. 2017).

Winter visitor to India, Bangladesh and Pakistan along sandy and rocky seashore. One breeding record from Sundarbans (Ali and Riple y 1987; Manakadan et al. 2011).

Population Trend: The overall population of this species is decreasing due to anthropogenic pressures. The recent population size is estimated to be between 27,000 and 50,000, with 1% at 370 individuals.

Population status along Maharashtra coast: This species was recorded only from Akshi. A total of seven individuals during October and two during December 2017.

Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala Distribution: Resident and locally migratory in the wetlan ds throughout the Indian Subcontinent and Myanmar.

Population Trend: The South Asian breeding population is estimated at 25,000 individuals with 1% at 250.

Population status along Maharashtra coast: During the survey, this species was sighted from Thane Creek, Sewri Mudflats, NRI Pond, T. S. Chanakya Pond, DPS Ponds, Jasai, Panje and Madhuban wetlands. During the study duration, 170 individuals were recorded feeding in Jasai wetland. By June, this wetland was reclaimed and was not suitable as a feeding s ite.

Month Site Maximum Count at site October Panje, Uran 170 December Jasai, Uran 23 January NRI Wetland 150 January T. S. Chanakya 69 March Madhuban Wetlands 1 April Vashi Creek 14 April Delhi Public School 28 May Sewri Mudflat 1

BIRD RINGING

The permission applied for bird ringing in Maharashtra is still awaited, hence ringing activity was not carried out in the mid -winter arrival season and departure season. Detailed reply has been sent to the Forest Department, Government of Maharas htra through Mangrove and Marine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation of Maharashtra on 03 May, 2018 for queries regarding bird ringing along the Maharashtra coast. As soon as the permission is granted, bird ringing will be scheduled in Thane creek, Panje-Uran and Akshi.

However, bird ringing was conducted at NRI Pond and Panje -Uran between December 2014 and February 2015, in which a total of 1193 birds belonging to 18 species were ringed. Sighting records have been obtained for these birds from different wetlands around Mumbai.

Totally three Curlew Sandpipers were resighted in Mumbai region. One each ringed and colour-flagged Curlew Sandpipers were sighted in Sewri in April 2017. A Curlew Sandpiper was re-sighted from NRI Pond in March 2017. During the r ecent surveys, one colour-flagged Common Redshank with tag ‘A11’ (tagged on February 22, 2015) and Grey Plover with tag ‘A02’ (tagged on February 15, 2015) were recorded in Panje, Uran in January 2018. Besides these, ringed Common Redshank, Curlew Sandpipe r, Dunlin and Little Stint were recorded from Panje, Uran.

The birds being sighted at the same location over the years draw attention to the site fidelity shown by these species wintering in the wetlands of Mumbai which further highlights the role of the wetland complex of Mumbai as important wintering and staging site for long-distance migratory birds.

A Broad-billed Sandpiper ringed in Uran on February 11, 2015 was recorded two years later from Jamnagar on November 25, 2017. This record was helpful in ascertaining connectivity between wetlands of Mumbai and Jamnagar (Fig 44).

Also two ringed Little Stint, one ringed Dunlin and one flagged Dunlin were resighted at Panje, Uran on February 14, 2018 during field survey. (Fig 38-39).

P r o g r a m m e ©Wetlands Programme © W e t l a n d s Figur e 38: Rin ge d L ittle Stint Calidris minuta Figur e 39: Flagged Little Stint Calidris minuta

sighted in Panje in February 2018. sighted in Panje in February 2018

Amol Lokhande

© ©Shalini Jain Figur e 41: Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola Figur e 40: Common Redshank Tringa tetanus c olour - flagged with tag 'A02" sighted in Panje, c olour - fla gg ed with tag ‘A11’ sighted in Panje, in February 2018 in February 2018

Mrugank Prabhu

Vikas Pisal © © Figur e 42: Ringed Common Redshan k Tr in g a Figur e 43: Ringed Little Stint Calidris minuta totan us sighted in Panje, in February 2018 Sandpiper sighted in Panje in February 2018

Figur e 44: Br o ad- billed Sandpiper Calidris falcin el lus ringed in Mumbai in January 2015 a nd sighted in Jamnagar in November 2017.

TRAINING FOR FOREST DEPARTMENT STAFF AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS

The success of any scientific approach to conservation is when the local communities and other stakeholders unde rstand and undertake efforts towards it. Most of the wetlands that support the migratory birds along the coast of Maharashtra lie close to settlements. Hence, it was proposed in the study to conduct workshops fo r the local students, birdwatchers, ornithologists and Forest Department frontline staff to give an orientation on the significance of wetlands for migratory birds and train them on basic bird monitoring techniques. A workshop involving Forest Officials wa s conducted to make them aware about the role played by the coastal wetlands of Maharashtra coast in the CAF and the role of the state Forest Department in implementing the CAF Action Plan. The schedule and agenda are given in Annexure III.

Compiling a Training Manual A Training Manual was prepared to impart training to the stakeholders on standardised methods and protocols for bird population monitoring, identification of important wetlands and collection of ringed bird sighting data. The bi -lingual Training Manual was compiled to provide information on bird monitoring, bird migration study techniques, handling and participation of stakeholders in bird monitoring.

Ta ble 2: Details of the workshops for the Forest Department staff and local stakeholders Date Location Total no. of people attended

January 10, Coastal and Marine Biodiversity 21 2018 Centre, Airoli

April 8, 2018 Coastal and Marine Biodiversity 22 Centre, Airoli

April 17, Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) 10 2018 Office, Thane

June 24, 2018 Viva College, Virar 30

Training Workshops for locals

A total of four training workshops were conducted for the stakeholders of four coastal districts viz. Palghar, Mumbai Suburban, Mumbai and Thane, of Maharashtra state (Table 2). A total of 73 members consisting of local students, researchers,

birdwatchers, members of local non-governmental organisations and Forest Department frontline staff attended the training programme (Annexure IV). The workshops aimed at introducing the participants to the CAF and prepare them to participate in various bird monitoring programmes, including the Asian Waterbird Census. The agenda for the workshop is given in Annexure – III. The modules covered during the training are given below:

Modules

a. BIRD IDENTIFICATION: Identifying birds is the first and most crucial step during bird monitoring. Hence, participants were trained to identify bird species commonly occurring around Mumbai.

b. BIRD MONITORING PROGRAMMES: Several bird monitoring programmes such as Common Bird Monitoring Programme, Sáli m Ali Bird Count and Great Backyard Count are developed to collate citizen science data in monitoring. The objectives of various bird counts, the methodology to be followed w hile counting birds and the network of entities involved in these monitoring programmes were taught. Using counting techniques, the details to be filled in the Asian Waterbird Count data-sheet were also explained to the trainees.

c. BIRD COUNTING TECHNIQUES: Various scientific waterbird counting techniques such as total count, roost coun t and breeding bird count were explained.

d. BIRD MIGRATION: The concept of bird migration and types of bird migration were taught to the participants. Ecological factors that govern the success of migration, and threats and barriers that long-distance migratory species face during their annual journey were highlighted. The topic on flyway emphasised the need for connectivity of wetlands and habitats that are necessary for birds to carry out their annual migration.

e. BIRD MIGRATION STUDY TECHNIQUES: Different bird migration study tools in use, the merits and limitations of each tool were expounded in detail. The different colour-marking protocols and the role of participants to th e bird migration studies were explained. The participants were urged to look for tagged birds while monitoring birds. The reporting procedure of a banded bird was also explained.

f. WILD BIRD HANDLING TECHNIQUES AND DISEASE MONITORING: The site managers as well as researchers could encounter some circumstances that they would need to handle wild birds during disease surveillance, bird marking, zoo purposes, sample collection or handling an injured bird. The safe and scientific restraining methods for wild bir ds were demonstrated. Some important handling protocols and necessary precautions were explained. Symptoms of major diseases were listed and the impact of avian influenza on the local bird community and local economy w as explained.

g. CENTRAL ASIAN FLYWAY AND CONVENTIONS FOR MIGRATORY BIRDS: The implementation strategies of CAF Action Pla n, state governments’ role in implementing the plan and the citizen’s role in strengthening the state government activities for better wetland management, species -specific action plan and sustainable use of the wetlands were covered in detail during the classroom session. The scope of migration studies in better management of wetlands was also highlighted during the training programme.

Training Workshop for Forest Officials

One workshop was conducted exclusively for the Forest Officials of Palghar, Mumba i Suburban, Mumbai, Thane and Raigad districts of Maharashtra. This workshop focussed on providing an orientation on the role of coastal wetlands in Maharashtra in the Central Asian Flyway. The major topics discussed involve d legal framework and governance of migratory birds and Central Asian Flyway Action Plan. The modules covered during the training are given below:

a. BIRD MIGRATION AND STUDY TECHNIQUES: The concept and seasonality of bird migration was discussed. Role of connectivity of habitats during migration was emphasised. Different bird migration study tools in use, the merits and limitations of each tool were discussed in detail.

b. CENTRAL ASIAN FLYWAY: The concept of flyways, and the need for safeguarding the sites along the migratory route of the b irds was discussed. The objectives of Central Asian Flyway in conserving habitats, and mitigating threats faced by migratory birds was the focus of the discussion, and t he role of Forest Department in implementing the management activities was reviewed.

c. IMPORTANT CAF SITES IN INDIA: This topic shed light on the need for conserving a network of internationally important migratory waterbird habitats in India. As a first step to achieving India’s commitment in implementing the Central Asian Flyway Action Pan , 29 sites including 20 major wetlands and nine wetland clusters have been identified as critical sites for migratory birds. Of these sites, three sites and cluster are a part of the list. The important considerations while managing such sites was the topi c of discussion.

d. CAF ACTION PLAN: The major activities envisaged in the CAF Action Plan, the implementation framework for the CAF Action Plan and the role and responsibilities of the state Forest Department in implementing the CAF Action Plan

Figur e 45: Training workshop on Bird Monitoring & Bird Migration under Central Asian Flyway for researchers, students and birdwatchers from Thane and Raigad district

Figur e 46:Workshop on Bird Monitoring, & Bird Migration under Central Asian Flyway for Forest Officials from Mumbai city, Mumbai Suburb, Thane and Raigad district s

Figur e 47: Training workshop on Bird Monitoring, & Bird Migration under Central Asian Flyway for local stakeho lders from Palghar district

FUTURE PLAN

MONITORING IMPORTANT MIGRATORY BIRD HABITATS IN MUMBAI: Monthly monitoring will be con ducted in the selected waterbird sites along Maharashtra till March 2019 to note the presence and status of waterbird population . Along with these sites, surveys will also be conducted in some satellite wetlands around Mumbai, which also support migratory waterbirds.

COASTAL SITES FOR IMPORTANT MIGRATORY BIRDS : Coastal Bird Survey will be conducted for the 49 sites selected betwe en Alibaug and Shiroda in November to understand the occurrence of waterbirds and the role of wetlands for the migratory waterbirds. While interacting with the locals , it was understood that some wetlands are utilised by birds during early wintering season (September-November). These sites, which are important staging sites during southward migration , will be recorded. Interaction with the locals around the sites will help to identify other locations in the vicinity which also support migratory birds.

CENTRAL ASIAN FLYWAY ACTION PLAN PRIORITY SPECIES: During the survey, special focus will be given to priority species identified in the Convention on Conservation Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) Central Asian Flyway (CAF) Action Plan to contribute to the CAF population estimation and to fill the gaps in the knowledge of movement patterns/migratory routes. The status and distribution of these species along Maharashtra coast will be assessed.

BIRD RINGING AND COLOUR TAGGING: As soon as we get the ringin g permission from the Maharashtra Forest Department, the ringing a ctivities will be carried out at Panje, Uran and other suitable habitats along the Maharashtra coast. Extensive ringing and colour flagging will be carried out to maximise the possibility of re- sighting records. The waders will be ringed and colour flagged . The flamingos will be marked with leg bands (with alpha numeric code) with a specific colour combination allotted to India.

During the surveys, ringed/ flagged birds in these wetlands will be recorded to understand the movement patterns of the ringed/fla gged birds.

DEVELOPING MOBILE APPLICATIONS: A mobile application will be developed and shared with the amateur birdwatchers, researchers, inter -department stakeholders, forest officials and local public to report any ringed/tagged bird which they observe . This is with an objective to gather information on the movement of ringed/tagged birds and collate it at a central platform. This information will help in understanding the connectivity of wetlands and the role play by the wetland (wintering, over summering, roosting and stop-over site) for the migratory waterbirds.

TRAINING WORKSHOP FOR FOREST DEPARTMENT AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS: Three training programmes will be organised for Forest Staff, researchers, birdwatchers and inter-department stakeholders on Bird Migration and Central Asian Flyway.

Training programmes for amateur birders, academic staff, members of the Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN), Common Bird Monitoring Programme (CBMP) participants and other stakeholders focusing on the need for and importance of scientifically collected, long -term site-wise data will be conducted in Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts.

The CAF National Action Plan aims to conserve the migratory waterbirds and their habitats. Policy intervention for the conservation of critical habitats is one of the major objectives under the CAF Action Plan. Therefore, a management -oriented training programme will be organised for Forest Officers of the coastal districts of Maharashtra. Focus will be on the Important Bird Area s and Potential Ramsar sites in Maharashtra, actions envisaged in CAF Action Plan, role of state government to implement the CAF Action Plan, site -specific and species-specific management action to be prepared by the state government, reporting procedure t o the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), and management activities to be undertaken for conserving the important sites for migratory waterbirds along the coast of Maharashtra. It will be helpful to report to the MoEFCC regarding the activities being taken in Maharashtra to fulfil the activities envisaged in the CAF National Action Plan as well.

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Russell-French, M.A. (2008): Foreword. In: J. van de Kam, P. Battley, B. McCaffery, D. Rogers, J.S. Hong, N. Moores & T. Piersma. Invisible connections: Why migrating shorebirds need the Yellow Sea. Wetlands International, Wageningen, The Netherlands. van de Kam, J., B. Ens, T. Piersma & L. Zwarts (2004): Shorebirds. An illustrated behavioral ecology. KNNV Publishers, Utrecht, The Netherlands. 368 pp.

Wetlands International (2018). "Waterbird Population Estimates" . Retrieved on Monday 26 Nov 2018 from http://wpe.wetlands.org

ANNEXURE I Annexure I: List of waterbird species recorded during the surveys

IUCN Common Name Scientific Name Site Name status Family: Ciconiidae Jasai, Uran Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans Pat Parule Lake LC Madhuban Wetlands NRI Pond Jasai, Uran Panje, Uran Delhi Public School Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala NT T S Chanakya Madhuban Wetlands Vashi Creek Sewri Mudflat Woolly-necked Ciconia episcopus Siroda Saltpans VU Stork Panje, Uran Bhandup Pumping Station

Delhi Public School Madhuban Wetlands Family: Anatidae Thane Flamingo Common Teal Anas crecca LC Sanctuary NRI Pond Bhendkal, Uran Panje, Uran Bhandup Pumping Station Nettapus Cotton Teal Pat Parule Lake LC coromandelianus Gadwall Mareca strepera Panje, Uran LC Garganey Spatula querquedula NRI Pond LC Panje, Uran Pat Parule Lake Bhendkal, Uran Bhandup Pumping Station Indian spot-billed Anas poecilorhyncha Bhandup Pumping Station LC duck Pat Parule Lake NRI Pond T.S.Chanakya Panje, Uran Lesser Whistling- Dendrocygna javanica Panje, Uran LC duck Pat Parule Lake

IUCN Common Name Scientific Name Site Name status Taak Marsh Kasheli bandh Sewri Mudflat Akshi,Alibaug Northern Pintail Anas acuta NRI Pond LC Jasai, Uran Bhandup Pumping Station Panje, Uran Pat Parule Lake Northern Shoveler Spatula clypeata NRI Pond LC Jasai, Uran Panje, Uran Thane Flamingo

Sanctuary Bhandup Pumping Station Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea Jasai, Uran LC Panje, Uran Madhuban Wetlands Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula NRI Pond LC Family: Anhingidae Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster Pat Parule Lake LC Family: Ardeadae Black-crowned Nycticorax nycticorax T S Chanakya LC Night-heron Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Delhi Public School LC NRI Pond

Sewri Mudflat

Alibaug Jetty

Achra Crab Culture Pat Parule Lake Panje, Uran Great Egret Ardea alba NRI Pond LC T S Chanakya Vashi Bridge Delhi Public School Jasai, Uran Akshi,Alibaug Madhuban Wetlands Alibaug beach Alibaug Jetty Sewri Mudflat Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Bhandup Pumping Station LC Delhi Public School NRI Pond

IUCN Common Name Scientific Name Site Name status Sewri Mudflat Panje, Uran Jasai, Uran Siroda Saltpans Jasai, Uran Vashi Creek Kasari Kasheli bandh Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii NRI Pond LC Thane Flamingo

Sanctuary Vashi Bridge Delhi Public School T S Chanakya Sewri Mudflat Panje, Uran Jasai, Uran Harnai beach Kasari Bhate Bridge Taak Marsh Madhuban Wetlands Agandanda Jetty Undi beach Kasari Dandi bridge Achra Crab Culture Pat Parule Lake Redi beach Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia Bhandup Pumping Station LC Vashi Bridge Delhi Public School NRI Pond T S Chanakya Sewri Mudflat Thane Flamingo

Sanctuary NRI Pond T S Chanakya Jasai, Uran Akshi,Alibaug Akshi,Alibaug Alibaug Jetty Kuravde Mangroves

IUCN Common Name Scientific Name Site Name status Taak Marsh Siroda Saltpans NSPS Wetland Agandanda Jetty Dighi jetty Kelshi-Savare-Harnai

beach Kasheli bandh Dandi bridge Achra Crab Culture Pat Parule Lake Little Egret Egretta garzetta NRI Pond LC Vashi Bridge Delhi Public School T S Chanakya Panje, Uran Bhendkal, Uran Vashi Bridge Madhuban Wetlands Delhi Public School Vashi Creek Alibaug beach Alibaug Jetty Bakale Fatta Dandi bridge Achra Crab Culture Pat Parule Lake Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Siroda Saltpans LC Jasai, Uran Madhuban Wetlands Pat Parule Lake Thane Flamingo Striated Heron Butorides striata Sanctuary LC

T.S.Chanakya Achra Crab Culture Shiroda saltpan Western Reef-egret Egretta gularis Panje, Uran LC Vashi Bridge Sewri Mudflat Delhi Public School Akshi,Alibaug Alibaug Jetty Bharadkhol Rocky beach Kuravde Mangroves

IUCN Common Name Scientific Name Site Name status NSPS Wetland T S Chanakya Jasai, Uran Vashi Creek Alibaug beach Agandanda Jetty Dighi jetty Diveagar beach Kelshi-Savare-Harnai

beach Family: Charadriidae Charadrius Greater Sandplover Kelshi-Anjarle beach LC leschenaultii Malgund beach Panje, Uran Bhuigaon beach NRI Pond Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola T S Chanakya LC Panje, Uran Bhuigaon beach Srivardhan beach Akshi,Alibaug Kentish Plover Charadrius Jasai, Uran LC alexandrinus Akshi,Alibaug

Alibaug Jetty

Murud beach Undi beach Panje, Uran T S Chanakya Lesser Sandplover Charadrius mongolus Murud beach LC Kelshi-Anjarle beach Malgund beach Undi beach Bhate Bridge Siroda Saltpans Panje, Uran Bhuigaon beach T S Chanakya Panje, Uran Akshi, Alibaug Sewri Mudflat Vashi Creek Nandgaon beach Diveagar beach

IUCN Common Name Scientific Name Site Name status Bharadkhol Rocky beach Kelshi-Savare-Harnai

beach Little Ringed Charadrius dubius Bhandup Pumping Station LC Plover Siroda Saltpans Bhendkal, Uran Panje, Uran Sewri Mudflat Pacific Golden Pluvialis fulva T S Chanakya LC Plover Siroda Saltpans Kasheli bandh Red-wattled Vanellus indicus Panje, Uran LC Lapwing Delhi Public School NRI Pond T S Chanakya NRI Pond Jasai, Uran Bhate Bridge Siroda Saltpans Madhuban Wetlands Kasheli bandh Pat Parule Lake Family: Haematopodidae Eurasian Haematopus ostralegus Akshi,Alibaug NT Oystercatcher Family: Jacanidae Bronze-winged Metopidius indicus Pat Parule Lake LC Jacana Taak Marsh Pheasant-tailed Hydrophasianus Taak Marsh LC Jacana chirurgus Pat Parule Lake Family: Laridae Chroicocephalus Black-headed Gull Akshi,Alibaug LC ridibundus Panje, Uran Vashi Bridge Thane Flamingo

Sanctuary Delhi Public School Panje, Uran T S Chanakya Alibaug Jetty

IUCN Common Name Scientific Name Site Name status Harnai beach Malgund beach Bhate Bridge Tsunami Island, Tarkarli Bhandup Pumping Station NRI Pond Murud beach Bharadkhol Rocky beach Srivardhan beach Kelshi-Savare-Harnai

beach Chroicocephalus Brown-headed Gull Akshi,Alibaug LC brunnicephalus Vashi Bridge T S Chanakya NRI Pond Alibaug Jetty Harnai beach Malgund beach Bhate Bridge Tsunami Island, Tarkarli Navabaug beach Bhendkal, Uran Bhandup Pumping Station Delhi Public School Agardanda beach Diveagar beach Bharadkhol Rocky Beach Srivardhan beach Caspian tern Hydroprogne caspia Panje, Uran LC Bhuigaon beach Akshi,Alibaug Delhi Public School NRI Pond Diveagar beach Bharadkhol Rocky beach Kelshi-Savare-Harnai

beach Malgund beach Common Tern Sterna hirundo Malgund beach LC Alibaug beach Akshi,Alibaug Kelshi-Savare-Harnai

beach

IUCN Common Name Scientific Name Site Name status Panje, Uran Greater Crested Thalasseus bergii Akshi,Alibaug LC Tern Harnai beach Malgund beach Bhate Bridge Murud beach Agardanda beach Diveagar beach Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica NRI Pond LC Akshi,Alibaug Panje, Uran Vashi Bridge T S Chanakya Sewri Mudflat Alibaug Jetty Nandgaon beach Harnai beach Seagulls Islands, Tarkarli Bhuigaon beach Delhi Public School Alibaug beach Murud beach Agardanda beach Diveagar beach Bharadkhol Rocky beach Srivardhan beach Kelshi-Savare-Harnai

beach Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis Panje, Uran VU Lesser Black- Larus fuscus Alibaug Jetty LC backed Gull Bharadkhol Rocky beach Kuravde Mangroves Harnai beach Bhate Bridge Tsunami Island, Tarkarli Bhandup Pumping Station Bhuigaon beach Bharadkhol Rocky beach Akshi,Alibaug Panje, Uran Lesser crested tern Thalasseus bengalensis Akshi,Alibaug LC Alibaug Jetty

IUCN Common Name Scientific Name Site Name status Harnai beach Malgund beach Bhate Bridge Murud beach Agardanda beach Diveagar beach Kelshi-Savare-Harnai

beach Malgund beach Panje, Uran NRI Pond Little Tern Sternula albifrons NRI Pond LC Sewri Mudflat Akshi,Alibaug Pallas's Gull Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus Akshi,Alibaug LC Alibaug Jetty Tsunami Island, Tarkarli Bhandup Pumping Station River Tern Sterna aurantia Pat Parule Lake LC Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis Harnai beach Slender-billed Gull Chroicocephalus genei Akshi,Alibaug LC Vashi Bridge NRI Pond T S Chanakya Alibaug Jetty Harnai beach Malgund beach Bhandup Pumping Station Panje, Uran Delhi Public School Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida NRI Pond LC Panje, Uran Vashi Bridge T S Chanakya Sewri Mudflat Jasai, Uran Delhi Public School Bhuigaon beach Akshi,Alibaug Agardanda beach Diveagar beach Bharadkhol Rocky beach Kelshi-Savare-Harnai

beach

IUCN Common Name Scientific Name Site Name status Family: Phalacrocoracidae Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Delhi Public School LC T.S.Chanakya Phalacrocorax Indian Cormorant Pat Parule Lake LC fuscicollis Achra Crab Culture T S Chanakya Little Cormorant Microcarbo niger Jasai, Uran LC T S Chanakya Delhi Public School NRI Pond Taak Marsh Siroda Saltpans Bhendkal, Uran Panje, Uran Madhuban Wetlands Vashi Creek Pat Parule Lake NRI Pond Family: Phoenicopteridae Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus Bhandup Pumping Station LC NSPS Wetland Jasai, Uran T S Chanakya Panje, Uran Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor Bhandup Pumping Station NT Vashi Creek T S Chanakya Sewri Mudflat NRI Pond Family: Podicipedidae Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis NRI Pond LC Panje, Uran Pat Parule Lake Delhi Public School Family: Rallidae Common Coot Fulica atra Panje, Uran LC NRI Pond Panje, Uran Bhandup Pumping Station Jasai, Uran Pat Parule Lake Bhendkal, Uran

IUCN Common Name Scientific Name Site Name status Madhuban Wetlands Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Delhi Public School LC NRI Pond Pat Parule Lake Shiroda saltpan Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago NRI Pond LC Bhendkal, Uran Panje, Uran Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio Pat Parule Lake LC White-breasted Amaurornis phoenicurus Pat Parule Lake LC Waterhen NRI Pond Family: Recurvirostridae Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Kuravde Mangroves LC Bhate Bridge Siroda Saltpans Bhendkal, Uran Panje, Uran Delhi Public School NRI Pond T S Chanakya NSPS Wetland Jasai, Uran Madhuban Wetlands Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta Panje, Uran LC Family: Scolopacidae Black-tailed Limosa limosa Bhandup Pumping Station NT Godwit Jasai, Uran Panje, Uran Broad-billed Calidris falcinellus T S Chanakya LC sandpiper Common Tringa nebularia T S Chanakya LC Greenshank Thane Flamingo

Sanctuary Vashi Bridge NRI Pond Sewri Mudflat Jasai, Uran Kuravde Mangroves Undi beach Bhate Bridge Achra Crab Culture

IUCN Common Name Scientific Name Site Name status Siroda Saltpans NSPS Wetland Bhandup Pumping Station Madhuban Wetlands Delhi Public School Panje, Uran Shiroda saltpan Sewri Mudflat Common Redshank Tringa totanus T S Chanakya LC Jasai, Uran Panje, Uran Thane Flamingo

Sanctuary Vashi Bridge NRI Pond Sewri Mudflat Thane Flamingo

Sanctuary Bhandup Pumping Station Delhi Public School Kasari Bhate Bridge Achra Crab Culture Siroda Saltpans Bhandup Pumping Station T S Chanakya Madhuban Wetlands Diveagar beach Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos NRI Pond LC Panje, Uran Thane Flamingo

Sanctuary Bhandup Pumping Station Vashi Bridge Delhi Public School NRI Pond T S Chanakya Sewri Mudflat Jasai, Uran Kuravde Mangroves Kelshi-Anjarle beach Harnai Beach Bhate Bridge Achra Crab Culture

IUCN Common Name Scientific Name Site Name status Siroda Saltpans Bhendkal, Uran Kelshi-Savare-Harnai

beach Harnai beach Undi beach Kasari Bhatye beach Dandi bridge Pat Parule Lake Redi beach Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Jasai, Uran NT Akshi,Alibaug Panje, Uran T S Chanakya NRI Pond Vashi Creek Sewri Mudflat Dunlin Calidris alpina Akshi,Alibaug LC Malgund beach Panje, Uran Bhuigaon beach Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata Panje, Uran NT Thane Flamingo

Sanctuary Sewri Mudflat NRI Pond Kelshi-Anjarle beach Harnai Beach Jaigad beach Undi beach Bhate Bridge Achra Crab Culture Tarkarli beach T S Chanakya Alibaug beach Akshi,Alibaug Agardanda beach Diveagar beach Harihareshwar beach Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris Akshi,Alibaug EN Malgund beach Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus T.S.Chanakya LC Little Stint Calidris minuta Panje, Uran LC

IUCN Common Name Scientific Name Site Name status Akshi,Alibaug Vashi Bridge Alibaug Jetty Bhate Bridge Siroda Saltpans Bhendkal, Uran Bhandup Pumping Station Bhuigaon beach T S Chanakya NSPS Wetland Jasai, Uran Sewri Mudflat NRI Pond Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis Jasai, Uran LC Panje, Uran Thane Flamingo

Sanctuary T S Chanakya Kasari Siroda Saltpans Bhendkal, Uran Delhi Public School NRI Pond NSPS Wetland Jasai, Uran Madhuban Wetlands Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Akshi,Alibaug LC Bhuigaon beach T.S.Chanakya Murud beach Diveagar Beach Bharadkhol Rocky beach Sewri Mudflat Panje, Uran Ruff Calidris pugnax Panje, Uran LC Jasai, Uran Madhuban Wetlands NRI Pond Sanderling Calidris alba Akshi,Alibaug LC Malgund beach Bhuigaon beach Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii Bhate Bridge LC Siroda Saltpans

IUCN Common Name Scientific Name Site Name status Sewri Mudflat Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus Akshi,Alibaug LC Murud beach Bhandup Pumping Station Bhuigaon beach Sewri Mudflat Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Achra Crab Culture LC Akshi,Alibaug Diveagar Beach Bharadkhol Rocky beach Panje, Uran Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola T S Chanakya LC Panje, Uran Thane Flamingo

Sanctuary Delhi Public School NRI Pond Siroda Saltpans Bhendkal, Uran Bhandup Pumping Station Madhuban Wetlands Pat Parule Lake Family: Thresklornithidae Threskiornis Black-headed ibis Achra Crab Culture NT melanocephalus Taak Marsh Siroda Saltpans NRI Pond T.S.Chanakya Vashi Creek Agandanda Jetty Dighi jetty Achra Crab Culture Sewri Mudflat Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia Panje, Uran LC NRI Pond Delhi Public School Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Jasai, Uran LC Madhuban Wetlands Panje, Uran Achra Crab Culture

ANNEXURE II

Annexure II: Status of waterbirds at the coastal sites along Maharashta

Site. Site Latitude Longitude Total Maximum Month of Status of No. No. of No. of maximum site bird birds record species recorded recorded 1 Akshi beach 18.62888 72.8842 31 2933 January Feeding sites 2018 2 Alibaug mangrove 18.63969 72.89877 - - - No Records 3 Alibaug beach 18.63965 72.87015 6 16 April 2018 Potential Roosting site 4 Alibaug Jetty 18.63849 72.88245 15 702 January Feeding and 2018 Roosting site 5 Akshi Sakhar khadi 18.62817 72.89729 - - - No Records 6 Revdanda bridge 18.54181 72.92974 - - - No Records 7 Nandgaon beach 18.38813 72.92642 3 24 April 2018 Feeding site 8 Murud beach 18.32336 72.95715 7 276 January Feeding site 2018 9 Murud-Agardanda 18.32335 72.95715 6 69 April 2018 Potential road Roosting site 10 Agardanda 18.27313 72.99396 5 146 April 2018 Potential Feeding site 11 Dighi ferry point 18.25385 72.96936 3 15 April 2018 Potential Feeding site 12 Diveagar creek 18.19204 72.98522 - - - No Records 13 Diveagar beach 18.18936 72.98097 12 291 April 2018 Potential Feeding site 14 Diveagar outskirts 18.18598 72.99156 4 7 April 2018 Feeding site 15 Velas beach 17.96151 73.02983 - - - No Records 16 Baradkhol beach 18.14451 72.9866 11 527 January Roosting site 2018 17 Kanjili Srivardhan 18.03697 73.01882 4 27 April 2018 Potential mudflats Feeding sites 18 Kalanje mudflat 18.03312 73.03446 - - - No Records 19 Kuravde jetty 18.02565 73.01884 6 3014 January Roosting site 2018 20 Kelshi-Anjarle 17.8698 73.0794 12 153 January Feeding site 2018 21 Harnai beach 17.80224 73.10159 13 398 January Feeding site 2018 22 Murud-dapoli 17.79051 73.11068 - - - Potential mudflats Roosting site 23 Dabhol beach 17.58773 73.17215 - - - Potential Roosting site 24 Undi beach 17.57865 73.17876 6 14 January Potential 2018 Feeding site 25 Navanagar veldur 17.57374 73.17547 - - - No records 26 Palshet 17.43742 73.19781 - - - No Records 27 Jaigad ferry point 17.29105 73.22382 2 10 January Potential 2018 Feeding site

Site. Site Latitude Longitude Total Maximum Month of Status of No. No. of No. of maximum site bird birds record species recorded recorded 28 Kasari 17.28023 73.24928 5 7 January Feeding site 2018 29 Malgund beach 17.18421 73.25416 12 550 January Feeding site 2018 30 Bhayte bridge 16.98221 73.29585 15 188 January Roosting site 2018 31 Gaonkhadi bridge 16.80838 73.32145 - - - No records 32 Kasheli bandh 16.74849 73.34203 5 70 April 2018 No records 33 Bakale fata 16.57197 73.35927 1 1 April 2018 Potential Feeding site 34 Dandi bridge 16.5554 73.35626 4 7 April 2018 No records 35 Pural rice field 16.4839 73.38555 - - No records 36 - - - Potential Malai 16.39373 73.39192 Roasting site 37 Taramumbrai 16.35905 73.39104 - - - No records Achra jetty 16.20154 73.43581 - - - No records 38 Achra Crab 15 78 April 2018 Feeding site Culture 16.20014 73.44423 39 - - - Potential Achra beach 16.19694 73.43763 Feeding site 41 4 1362 January Roosting site Devbaug 15.96971 73.50162 2018 42 1 6 January Roosting site Tarkarli beach 16.0076 73.49118 2018 43 Pat Parule Lake 15.96515 73.57287 28 470 May 2018 Feeding site 44 Vengurla bandar 15.85752 73.62353 - - - No records 45 1 38 January Feeding site Navabaug beach 15.85599 73.62224 2018 46 7 96 January Feeding/Ro Taak Marsh 15.80487 73.66608 2018 osting site 47 Vengurla taak 15.79415 73.66109 - - - No records 48 25 473 January Feeding site Siroda Saltpans 15.75628 73.68427 2018 49 2 2 May 2018 Potential Redi bandh 15.74353 73.66905 Roosting site

ANNEXURE III

WORKSHOP FOR FOREST DEPARTMENT STAFF AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS ON BIRD MIGRATION, CENTRAL ASIAN FLYWAY ACTION PLAN AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES

(UNDER THE PROJECT ELUCIDATIONG THE MIGRATORY ROUTES OF WATERBIRDS WINTERING ALONG THE MAHARASHTRA COAST )

Date: 10-11 January, 2018 District: Thane, Mumbai

Venue: Coastal and Marine Biodiversity centre , Airoli

Agenda

Day 1: 10 January 2018

Time Topics& Resource Person

09:15 – Registration& Tea 09:30

09:30 – Welcome Address 09:45

09:45 – Introductory Speech 10:00

10:00 – Introduction to Bird Migration. - DR. P. SATHIYASELVAM 10:50 Senior Scientist, BNHS Wetlands Programme

10:50 – Tea Break 11:00

11:00 – Bird Identification Tools. - DR. RAJU KASAMBE 12:15 IBA Project Manager, Conservation Education Centre In -charge

Bird Monitoring Programmes- NANDAKISHOR DUDHE Common Bird Monitoring Programme In -charge

12:15 – 1. Common Bird Monitoring Programme 13:00 2. Asian Waterbird Census.

13:00 – Lunch Break 13:45

13:45 – Bird Migration Study Techniques, Bird Banding and Reporting 15:00 Bands. - TUHINA KATTI Scientist, BNHS Wetlands Programme

15:00 – Tea Break 15:15

Wild Bird Monitoring Handling Techniques & Disease Monitoring 15:15 – 16:45 Central Asian Flyway Action Plan Way Forward. - DR. P. SATHIYASELVAM

15:45 – INTERACTION SESSION 16:15

16:15 – VOTE OF THANKS 16:30

Day 2: 11 January, 2017

FIELD SESSION

Time Topics

09:30 – 12:30 Bird Identification. Bird counting and estimation. Filling AWC Data (Thane Creek)

WORKSHOP FOR INTERNATIONAL BIRD CONSERVATION NETWORK (IBCN) MEMBERS AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS ON BIRD MONITORING, BIRD MIGRATION AND CENTRAL ASIAN FLYWAY ACTION PLAN

(UNDER THE PROJECT ELUCIDATING THE MIGRATORY ROUTES OF WATERBIRDS WINTERING ALONG THE MAHARASHTRA COAST)

Date: 8 April, 2018 District: Thane, Mumbai city, Mumbai Suburban

Venue: Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Centre, Airoli

Agenda

Date: 8 April, 2018

Time TOPICS & RESOURCE PERSON 10:30 - 10:45 REGISTRATION & TEA BREAK Introduction to Bird Migration and Central Asian Flyway by 10:45 - 11:20 Dr. P. Sathiyaselvam Senior Scientist, BNHS Wetlands Programme Bird Identification Tools and Wetland IBAs and Potential 11:20 - 12:10 Ramsar in Maharashtra by Dr. Raju Kasambe IBA Project Manager, Conservation Education Centre In-charge Bird Monitoring Programmes by Nandkishor Dudhe (Common Bird Monitoring Programme In -charge) 12:10-13:00 1. Common Bird Monitoring Programme 2. 2. Asian Waterbird Census 13:00 - 13:30 LUNCH BREAK Bird Migration Study Techniques, Bird Banding and Reporting 13:30 - 14: 30 Bands by TUHINA KATTI Scientist, BNHS Wetlands Programme 14:30- 14:45 TEA BREAK Wild Bird Monitoring Handling Techniques & Disease 14:45- 16:00 Monitoring Central Asian Flyway Action Plan Way Forward by Dr. P. Sathiyaselvam Senior Scientist 16:00 - 16:15 INTERACTION SESSION 16:15 - 16:30 VOTE OF THANKS

WORKSHOP FOR FOREST DEPARTMENT STAFF ON BIRD MIGRATION, CENTRAL ASIAN FLYWAY ACTION PLAN AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES

(UNDER THE PROJECT ELUCIDATING THE MIGRATORY ROUTES OF WATERBIRDS WINTERING ALONG THE MAHARASHTRA COAST)

Date: 17 April, 2018 District: Thane, Mumbai Suburban, Mumbai city, Raigad

Venue: Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) Office, Thane

Agenda

Date: 17 April, 2018

Time Topics & Resource Person 09:30 – 09:45 REGISTRATION & TEA 09:45 – 10:00 Welcome Address & Introductory Speech 10:00 – 10:45 National and international Bird Monitoring programmes Global flyways, initiatives, Central Asian Flyway (CAF), CAF 10:45 – 11:15 Action Plan and other CMS agreements related to birds Wetlands Important Bird Areas, Ramsar criteria and Potential 11:15 – 12:00 Ramsar Sites in Maharashtra Responsibilities of state governments for impl ementing the CAF 12:00 – 13:00 Action Plan and other CMS agreements 13:00 – 13:45 LUNCH 13:45– 14:30 Legal Framework and Governance for migratory birds in India 14:30– 15:30 Role of Wetlands in conservation of Migratory Waterbirds 15:30 - 15:45 TEA BREAK 15:45 – 16:15 Disease Monitoring 16:15 – 16:45 INTERACTIONS AND FEEDBACK 16.45 – 17:00 VOTE OF THANKS

WORKSHOP FOR INDIAN BIRD CONSERVATION NETWORK (IBCN) MEMBERS AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS ON BIRD MONITORING, WETLAND IMPORTANT BIRD & BIODIVERSITY AREA (IBA’S), POTENTIAL RAMSAR SITES, BIRD MIGRATION AND CENTRAL ASIAN FLYWAY ACTION PLAN

(UNDER THE PROJECT ELUCIDATING THE MIGRATORY ROUTES OF WATERBIRDS WINTERING ALONG THE MAHARASHTRA COAST)

Date: 24 June 2018 District: Palghar

Venue: Viva college, Virar

Agenda

Date: 24 June, 2018

Time Topics & Resource Persons 09:30 – 10:00 REGISTRATION 10:00 - 10:15 Introduction

10:15- 10:45 Introduction to Bird Migration Bird Monitoring Programmes 10:45 - 11:30 1. Common Bird Monitoring Programme 2. Asian Waterbird Census Bird Migration Study Techniques, Bird Banding and Reporting 11:30 - 12:30 Bands 12:30 - 13: 30 LUNCH BREAK Central Asian Flyway (CAF) and Central Asian Flyway Ac tion 13:30-14:30 Plan 14:30- 15:30 Wild Bird Disease Monitoring 15:30- 15:45 TEA BREAK 15:45- 16:00 Tie-ups and Way Forward 16:00 - 16:30 INTERACTION SESSION & VOTE OF THANKS

ANNEXURE IV Annexure IV: List of participants from Mumbai city and Mumbai Suburb di strict at the CAF Workshop conducted in January 2018

Sr. Name Designation Organisation/Institution no. 1 Abhishek Satam Biologist Zoological Survey of India (Kolkata) Asst. Professor 2 Aditi Neema Biodiversity/wildlife B. N. Bandodkar college M.Sc Student 3 Sagar G. Mahajan Biodiversity B. N. Bandodkar college 4 Prachi N. Jadhav M.Sc Student BWCM B. N. Bandodkar college WWF-Mah. Volunteer Hub St. 5 Vrushali Mitter M.Sc Student Geology Xavier’s College undergraduate WWF-Mah. Volunteer Hub Mithibai 6 Durgesh Patil Student Botany College 7 Priyanka Thakur T.Y.B.Sc WWF-Mah. Volunteer Hub K. J. Somiaya College of Science and 8 Toshal Raje M.Sc. Student E.V. S Commerce K. J. Somiaya College of Science and 9 Prakriti Bagdi M.Sc. Student E.V. S Commerce Divesh P. K. J. Somiaya College of Science and 10 Manchekar M.Sc. Student E.V. S Commerce Laxman P. 11 Nagargoje Forest Guard Mah. Mangrove cell unit 12 Deepak L. Zugare Forest Guard Mah. Mangrove cell unit 13 Sachin V. More Forest Guard Mah. Mangrove cell unit Yogesh P. 14 Ringane Forest Guard Mah. Mangrove cell unit 15 Pandal V. L Forest Guard Mah. Mangrove cell unit 16 S. D. Gangurde Forest Guard Mah. Mangrove cell unit 17 N. T. Bhangae Forest Guard Mah. Mangrove cell unit 18 P. A. Gosavi Forest Guard Mah. Mangrove cell unit 19 P.K. Kamble Forest Guard Mah. Mangrove cell unit 20 Pradip Mali Forester Mah. Mangrove cell unit 21 Daulat More Forester Mah. Mangrove cell unit 22 Sunil Chikane Forest Guard Mah. Mangrove cell unit 23 Subhash Shinde Forest Guard Mah. Mangrove cell unit Tanushree 24 Mundra JRF BNHS 25 Vinay Yadav JRF BNHS 26 Shalini Jain JRF BNHS 27 Ameya Karulkar JRF BNHS 28 Omkar Joshi Education officer BNHS

List of Participants from Thane and Raigad district at the CAF Worksho p conducted in April 2018

Sr. Name Designation Organisation/Institution No. Dr. Mahesh District Co-Ordinator 1 Sanzgiri CBMP The Golden Falcon Club 2 Ravindra Sathaye Member Paryavaram Dakshata Mandal Member Common Bird Monitoring 3 Madan Tillu Programme Nandish D. Member Common Bird Monitoring 4 Songire Programme 5 Shubham Yadav Student Ornithology Course Vrinda A. 6 Shringare Student Ornithology Course 7 Hemlata Sagare Student Ornithology Course 8 Jaya Peter Student Ornithology Course 9 Maithreyi M. R. Student Ornithology Course 10 Roozbeh Gazdar Student Ornithology Course 11 Hardeep Gazdar Student Ornithology Course Shubham 12 Tanpathak Student V.G. Vaze College 13 Sachin V. Rane Volunteer Naruralist Foundation 14 Yukti Joshi Volunteer Naruralist Foundation 15 Mr.Pravin Vishe Volunteer Greensteps 16 Divya Kalsi Intern BVIEER Prathamesh 17 Amberkar Student K. J. Somaiya College 18 Masira Shaikh Student Ornithology Course 19 Shrikant Podwal Student Mithibhai College Coastal & Marine Biodiversity 20 Manish Zendekar Boat Driver Centre Boat Driver Coastal & Marine Biodiversity 21 Shaheed Bamne Centre Satyawand Boat Driver Coastal & Marine Biodiversity 22 Lavande Centre

List of Participants at the Forest Official CAF Work shop conducted in April 2018

Sr. Name Designation Organisation/Institution no. Divisional Forest 1 Sachin Repal Officer Sushant Assistant Conservator 2 Salgaonkar of Forests Thane Forest Division Divisional Forest Mumbai Mangrove Conservation 3 M. M. Panditrao Officer Unit 4 S. S. Kank Range Forest Officer Thane Forest Division

Deputy Conservator 5 Maneesh Kumar of Forests Alibaug Forest Division 6 D. M. More Forest Ranger Forest Guard, Mumbai Assistant Conservator 7 R. B. Kumar of Forests Thane Forest Division 8 D. C. Deshmukh Forest Ranger Thane Forest Division 9 A.M. Nichite Range Officer Thane Forest Division Capacity Building 10 Siddhesh Surve Officer Mangrove Foundation

List of Participants from Palghar District at the CAF Workshop co nducted in April 2018

Sr. Name Designation Organisation/Institution no. 1 Amol Lopes Member NEST Dr. Parag Member 2 Nalawade NEST Dr. Ashirwad Member 3 Thakur NEST 4 Subhash Phadke Member NEST 5 Subhangi Phadke Member NEST 7 Girish Chonkar Member NEST 8 Sachin Main Chairman NEST 9 Pooja Pathak Lecturer Viva college 10 Swati Jaykar Lecturer Viva college 11 Arun Negi Student Viva college 12 Abhishek Mishra Student Viva college 13 Shubham Hadkar Student Viva college 14 Harsh Jadhav Student Viva college Karmishtha Student 15 Mhatre Viva college 17 Shivam Mishra Student Viva college 18 Monali Jethva Student Viva college 19 Sathyaprakash Student Viva college 20 Subham Dubey Student Viva college 22 Mansi Chaurasiya Student Viva college 23 Irshad Ali Student Viva college Vrushabh A Student 24 Khulatkar Viva college 25 Manish R. Singh Student Viva college 26 Sujeet Jagdale Student Viva college 27 Sailee Aras Naturalist Jungle Maniac 28 Anjali Mishra Naturalist Jungle Maniac 29 Vrushika Mistry Naturalist Jungle Maniac

30 Jayraj Nair Naturalist Jungle Maniac 31 Bruno Fernandes Naturalist Jungle Maniac 32 Abhijeet Mishra Student Viva college 33 Nikam Deepak Livelihood specialist Mangrove Foundation