New Horizons in Biotechnology

[Review Article] DWINDLING STATUS OF RAREST JERDON’S ( bitorquatus) OF ANDHRA PRADESH AND ITS CONSERVATION

Mohammed Ghouse S*1, Meer Althaf Ahmed2 and Shaik Abdul Muneer3

1 Department of Zoology, Osmania College, Kurnool. A.P, 2 Department of Chemistry, Osmania College, Kurnool. A.P, INDIA 3 Department of Chemistry, Osmania College, Kurnool. A.P, INDIA *Correspondence : [email protected]

Cite this article as: Mohammed Ghouse S, Meer Althaf Ahmed and Shaik Abdul Muneer (2015). Dwindling status of rarest bird Jerdon‟s courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus) of Andhra Pradesh and its conservation. In: New Horizons in Biotechnology. (Eds. Viswanath B and Indravathi G) Paramount Publishing House, India, pp. 308-311.

Jerdon’s Courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus) is a nocturnal cursorial bird found only in the State of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is one of the world’s rarest bird species and is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The species was believed to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1986 near Reddipalli village, Cuddapah District of Andhra Pradesh, India. The site where it was rediscovered was designated as the Sri Lankamaleswara Wildlife Sanctuary. Since 2000, research on the Jerdon’s Courser and its habitat has been conducted by Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) along with Royal Society for the Protection of (RSPB) and the Universities of Reading and Cambridge, supported by the Darwin Initiative and the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department (APFD). There has been considerable progress in developing the standard survey techniques to detect their presence and describe the broad habitat requirements. However, there is a clear need for more research to procure baseline information on the species mainly through radio telemetry studies that is vital to its survival. In addition, the species is under great pressure from unsustainable development and management practices. This combination of a lack of information on the Jerdon’s Courser, coupled with increasing pressure on its habitat, has prompted stakeholders to devise a Species Recovery Plan (SRP). The main purpose of the SRP is to secure the long-term survival of the Jerdon’s Courser. The SRP advocates a multi-pronged approach that includes elements of research, monitoring, advocacy, conservation education, habitat management & training and funding. It clearly outlines responsibilities and timeframes to facilitate regular monitoring and evaluation. This paper focuses on the participation of inputs from a wide range of stakeholders including the government, NGOs, national and international scientists and civil society. It is therefore a very inclusive and realistic document. This SRP will serve as a reference for conservation managers, policy-makers, researchers, decision-makers and form the basis of future conservation actions.

Keywords: Jerdon‟s Courser; Future conservation; Nature; Ecology

INTRODUCTION: The study of birds in India received a great impetus with Taxonomy Jerdon's Courser is the member of the order publication of Jerdon‟s (1862-1864) (1) „Birds of India‟ and . It belongs to the family and later on by work of Baker (2); Jerdon‟s Courser. Rhinoptilus further classified into Subfamily Cursoriinae (7). bitorquatus is a nocturnal cursorial bird and one of the world‟s rarest birds found only in Andhra Pradesh, India. Jerdon‟s Courser was believed to be extinct because none was recorded after 1900 until the species was rediscovered in 1986 near Reddipalli village, Cuddapah District of Andhra Pradesh, India (3). The site where it was rediscovered was designated as the Sri Lankamaleswara Wildlife Sanctuary. has been described as one of the attractive birds of India. The species has been also mentioned in the cultural notes because of its behavior (4). Pande et al., (2003) has given description of behavior of the species as if the species is pursued it runs, stops and surveys. Mostly it is found in arid and semiarid areas (5). This species mostly found in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. It is one of the world‟s rarest bird species and is classified as Critically Endangered (CR) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (6). This poorly known species qualifies as Critically Endangered as a result of its single, small, declining population, which is threatened by the exploitation of scrub- The subfamily Cursoriinae consists of birds of two distinct forest, livestock grazing, disturbance and quarrying. types: genus Pluvianus and true . Eight species of true coursers are present around the world in three genera: genus

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Cursorius, genus Smutsornis and genus Rhinoptilus. In India, (mainly Acacia, Ziziphus and Carissa) and non-thorny scrub two species of courser occur, the Cream-coloured (mainly Cassia, Hardwickia, Dalbergia, Butea and courser Cursorius cursor and Indian Courser C. Anogeissus) jungle . This scrub was generally 2–4 m tall with coromandelicus; and a single species of Rhinoptilus courser, Hardwickia around and above 5 m tall . The preferred habitat Jerdon's Courser Rhinoptilus bitorquatus (8). Jerdon‟s courser was apparently a “thin strip” of scrub forests between denser is one of three species in the genus Rhinoptilus, with the other forests and grazed or cultivated areas (13). Over the day birds two species occurring in Africa (Three-banded Courser rest up amongst thorn scrub bushes such as Carissa. Sightings Rhinoptilus cinctus and Bronze-winged Courser R. in 1994/1995 in Sri Lankamaleshwara Wildlife Sanctuary chalcopterus) (7) were close to small water bodies in undulating grasslands with Identification thin thorny scrub (15). Food Details are not known; it is 27 cm. Unmistakable, compact courser with two brown presumably insectivorous like its congeners. Breeding Birds breast-bands., has shortish, black-tipped yellow bill, mostly obtained in March and May were not breeding, but a male blackish crown, broad buffish supercilium and orange- collected in June had enlarged gonads and may have been chestnut throat patch. In flight, shows mostly black tail and breeding (2) The distribution of Jerdon‟s Courser Rhinoptilus white patch near tips of black primaries. bitorquatus: (1) Sironcha; (2) Bhadrachalam; (3) Udayagiri Distribution and population hill range; (4) Anantapur; (5) Lankamalai; (6) Cuddapah; (7) Rhinoptilus bitorquatus is a rare and local endemic to the Veliconda Wildlife Sanctuary; (8) Reddipalle. Historical (pre- Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh and extreme southern 1950) Recent (1980–present) B A Y O F B E N G A L Madhya Pradesh, India (9). Historically, it was known from Rhinoptilus bitorquatus1456 Threatened birds of Asia just a few records in the Pennar and Godavari river valleys and repeated by Baker (1922–1930) and Ali and Ripley (1968– was assumed to be extinct until its rediscovery around 1998) involving a clutch of two yellow eggs laid on the Lankamalai in 1986. It has since been found at six further ground in thin scrub jungle; recent local reports also suggest localities in the vicinity of the Lankamalai, Velikonda and that the clutch consists of two yellow eggs laid on stony open Palakonda hill-ranges, southern Andhra Pradesh, with all ground .Migration Local movements, if any, are not known. localities probably holding birds from a single population, the However, trappers in Sri Lankamaleshwara Wildlife Sanctuary majority of which are contained within the Sri have reported that the species inhabits hills during the Lankamaleswara Wildlife Sanctuary. Two individuals were monsoon, and foothills for the rest of the year (15). sighted in 2009 in the Cudaapah District of Andhra Pradesh, Threats the first confirmed sightings for several years (10). Up to 60 It is difficult to identify specific threats, although it is well camera traps have been deployed since 2010, but these had not known that the habitat is becoming increasingly scarce and detected any birds by 2012 (11). DNA analysis of an egg held fragmented. Following the construction of the Somasilla Dam, at the University of Aberdeen‟s Zoology Museum in 2013 57 villages were displaced and relocated within the showed that it was the first known egg of this species; the egg Lankamalai, Palgonda and Seshachellam areas, which were is thought to have been taken in the vicinity of the Kolar Gold previously inaccessible. The dependence of the settlers on the Fields, east of Bangalore, in 1917 (12). This is south of the area for resources may pose a serious threat to habitat through known range and raises the faint possibility that the species fuel wood collection and livestock grazing, and to the birds may still persist in the area. themselves through increased disturbance. In addition, Population justification extensive quarrying of the hills in the area was found to be The population at known sites numbers at least eight destroying the habitat. (13). Current Threats Scrub jungle individuals, but unsurveyed habitat may support "hundreds" . clearance for farming and plantations and development It is placed in the band 50-249 mature individuals, equating to projects in and around the protected areas are the main and 75-374 individuals in total, rounded here to 70-400 best documented threats to the Jerdon‟s courser. Other, less individuals. Very few individuals have been recorded so far, well documented, threats include illegal trapping of birds. mainly owing to their nocturnal, shy and retiring habits. Ground surveys and remote sensing studies both show that Between 1986 and 1995, there were eight sightings of the there has been substantial clearance of scrub jungle near the species in the Lankamalai area with a maximum of six birds boundary of the Sri Lankamaleswara Wildlife Sanctuary, seen on a single night (13). However, it may occur in much including areas from which there are recent records of higher densities than are currently known. This species is Jerdon‟s courser (16,17). The reasons for recent scrub jungle suspected to have declined at an unquantified rate over the last clearance outside the Sanctuary have been the creation of ten years, owing to unauthorised progress on the Telugu- areas of pasture for domesticated , growing of dry land Ganga canal and additional habitat loss and degradation crops, plantations of exotic trees and citrus orchards, outside Sri Lankamaleswara Wildlife Sanctuary as a result of quarrying and the construction of the Telugu-Ganga Canal. an unfavourable grazing regime. Inside the Sri Lankamaleswara Wildlife Sanctuary, Ecology developmental activities such as construction of check dams, Habitat Jerdon‟s Courser frequents dry rocky undulating trenches and establishment of exotic plantations have caused ground with a thin woodland or scrub cover, and although it loss and degradation of scrub jungle. The increasing number was regarded as a “mountain form of Cursorius” by Jerdon (1) of settlements near the sanctuary area has almost certainly led it was never seen “on hills” by Blanford (14), a paradox to an increase in illegal bird trapping. Whilst Jerdon‟s coursers explicable by the suggestion of mild seasonal vertical are not the main target of bird trappers, the species is likely to movements (see Migration). The rediscovered birds were be caught and killed opportunistically by trappers. However, found in bare grassless patches amongst bushes in foothill this activity, being illegal, is carried out in secret and not scrub, where the vegetation was made up of both thorny documented. Grazing of scrub jungle and woodcutting occur

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within the Sri Lankamaleswara Wildlife Sanctuary, especially forest using remote sensing; to capture and radio-tag at the edge. At recent low levels, this is probably beneficial to individuals; to increase efforts to identify new sites that may Jerdon‟s coursers in maintaining the density of bushes that host the species and to raise awareness of the species (22). A they prefer. However, the increase in the number of human final draft was submitted to the State Forestry Department and settlements near the Sanctuary might cause grazing of scrub National Government for endorsement, and the final version jungle and woodcutting to become excessive and to reduce the was published in November 2010. The development of density of bushes below that preferred by Jerdon‟s courser. tracking-strips and camera traps as a survey method is on- However, it is also possible that the construction of the going and should facilitate the discovery of other sites . Also, Telugu-Ganga Canal around the Sri Lankamaleswara Wildlife survey methods have been developed to conduct night-time Sanctuary might act as a barrier to local people and restrict listening surveys for identifying new populations and studying access to the scrub jungle. This might result in a higher existing ones (23). Forest department staffs have attended density of bushes than is preferred by Jerdon‟s courser. training in survey techniques and habitat management and an Its habitat is becoming increasingly scarce and awareness-raising programme has so far been attended by fragmented. The dependence of the settlers on the area for more than 85 people from five villages . resources, and the increase in the number of settlers, poses a Conservation Actions Proposed serious threat to habitat through fuel-wood collection, Identify areas of suitable habitat within its putative range livestock grazing, quarrying and clearance for agriculture and and conduct surveys of these to establish its current plantations, and to the birds themselves through increased distribution, population status, and assess potential threats. disturbance. Accidental and opportunistic trapping may also Monitor the species‟ status at all known locations at intervals be an issue. (18,19) Suitable habitat for the species lying of no more than five years . Monitor the extent and condition outside Sri Lankamaleswara Wildlife Sanctuary was of suitable and potentially suitable habitat (19). Carry out a threatened by the proposed construction of the Telugu-Ganga radio-telemetry study and diet analysis using faecal samples to Canal in Cuddapah District (20); however, in 2008 the determine the ecological requirements of this species and Supreme Court, having already halted construction work, enable more effective conservation recommendations to be approved a new route avoiding the remaining suitable habitat formulated (19,23). Make recommendations for its (21). Despite this, the remaining habitat is still under threat conservation based on survey findings, including the due to the expected increase of agriculture around the reserve establishment of sites supporting populations as strictly as a result of the construction of the canal (18). protected areas. Lobby against quarrying and proposed mining Current conservation status and relevant legislation activities that threaten existing habitat. Take a precautionary Jerdon's Courser is endemic to Andhra Pradesh. Historical approach regarding habitat management (19). Expand (19th Century) records are attributed to Andhra Pradesh and conservation awareness programmes and promote alternative neighbouring areas of Maharashtra. Recent 20th and 21st livelihoods in and around areas supporting populations to Century records are all in Andhra Pradesh. The species is minimise habitat alteration, disturbance and trapping , listed as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List (6). This Continue to train forest department staff, local communities is the highest of IUCN‟s categories of endangerment, and is and volunteers to carry out surveys for the species (19). only applied to the species closest to extinction. The Jerdon's Conclusion: Courser is listed under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Jerdon‟s Courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus) is a nocturnal (Protection) Act 1972, and is considered a priority species cursorial bird found only in the State of Andhra Pradesh, under the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002 – 2016) of the India. It is one of the world‟s rarest bird species and is Government of India. It has been identified by the classified as Critically Endangered (CR) by the International Government as one of twelve species to be included in the Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).It has been Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats programme (11th rediscovered IN 1986 and records it seeing are up to 2009, but 5 year plan of the Government of India). This species is also after that it is difficult to find this species. The conservation proposed to be notified as a threatened species under section methods proposed and implemented by the international and 38 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 national and government and NGO”s along with the Conservation Actions Underway stakeholders will help in the species recovery, let us hope that The local Yanaadi community have been employed to try this species will survives and see in our Andhra Pradesh to locate it. The Sri Lankamaleswara Wildlife Sanctuary and References Sri Penusula Narasimha Wildlife Sanctuary have been 1. Jerdon, T.C. (1862-1864). The Birds of India 2 Volumes declared in the Lankamalai, Veliconda and Palakonda hill- (3 Parts), Published by the Author, Calcutta. ranges as a direct result of its rediscovery. The Telagu-Ganga 2. Baker, E.C. 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