Agenda Notes for the 26th meeting of the RESEARCH, MONITORING AND ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF SACON AGENDA NO: 1/26 Confirmation of the minutes of the 25th meeting of the Research, Monitoring and Advisory Committee of SACON held on 11th January 2013 at Coimbatore Minutes of the 25th meeting of the Research, Monitoring and Advisory Committee is given in the Annex – 1. Since, no comments were received the minutes may kindly be confirmed. AGENDA NO: 2/26 Action Taken Report on the minutes of the earlier meetings SN Decisions of the 25th RMAC Action taken by SACON 1 Agenda No: 1/25: Confirmation of the minutes of the 24th meeting of the Research, Monitoring and Advisory Committee held on 17th February 2012 at SACON While confirming the minutes of the Complied with the instruction of the 24th meeting of RMAC held on RMAC 17/02/2012, the Member Secretary (RMAC) intimated that the observations of the committee on two research projects, placed under Additional Agenda No: 1/24 [i.e. (2) Status, ecology and conservation of Narcondam Hornbill in Narcondam Island and (3) Reassessment of the impact of nest collections on the Ediblenest Swiftlet in the Andaman Islands] due to oversight could not be included in the minutes. The Members asked the Member Secretary to include the observations of the RMAC as “Noted by the Committee” in the minutes of the 24th meeting of the RMAC under Additional Agenda No: 1/24, and with SN Decisions of the 25th RMAC Action taken by SACON these observations, the minutes were confirmed. 2 Agenda No: 2/25 : Action Taken Report on the minutes of the earlier meetings 3 Under Sl. No: 1 1. Strengthening community …………Nagaland While discussing the technical report, Noted for compliance the Chairman (RAMC) intimated that the BNHS has started a campaign to save the migratory species, Amur Falcons, hunted in large numbers for trade as they pass through Nagaland. The Chairman (RMAC) sought the assistance of SACON and its resource persons who were involved in the Nagaland community conservation project for the campaign. It was suggested that churches and student Unions in the state might also be roped in for the campaign. 4 Under Sl. No: 2 Agenda No: 3/21: Progress of the ongoing research projects 1. Ecology of the Endangered Indian Rock Python in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan However, the RMAC advised the PI Noted for compliance that since a study on the ecology of Rock Python covering the whole country is important to ease the pressure on the faculty concerned, such studies might be taken in more collaborative mode, sharing responsibility among other faculty members and others as a team. 5 Sl. No: 7 Under General Comments of the RMAC on ATR Agenda 2 SN Decisions of the 25th RMAC Action taken by SACON Agenda No: 4/22 (New proposals for the examination of the RMAC) Baseline data collection on the countrywide population estimates of Indian Peafowl The RMAC noted that a decision on The proposal still under the project proposal by the MoEF to consideration of the MoEF SACON is awaited. The RMAC also noted that there is no provision of institutional charges for conducting the study. The PI of the project informed that as suggested by the RMAC earlier, he would explore the possibilities of funding from the ICAR for the study. 6 Sl. No: 8 Agenda No: 3/23: Progress of the The matter is being pursued research projects 2. Strengthening Community Conservation Efforts in Nagaland: A Programme to Impart Technical Support on Biodiversity Conservation and Livelihood Options to Communities; Phase 1: Phek, Tuensang, Longleng, Kiphire and Mon Districts The RMAC noted the discussion SACON had with NEPED, and the funding agency regarding the second phase, and the submission of DPR to the NEPED for comments. 7 Agenda No: 3/24: Consideration of the progress of the ongoing research projects. 8 Sl. No: 11 10. Review of state of Copy of the project final report and environment in Keoladeo National copies of the papers on KNP are Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan and its submitted to SACON library for catchment area: A Historical analysis wider circulation. 3 SN Decisions of the 25th RMAC Action taken by SACON The RMAC noted submission of final technical report to the funding agency. Further, the RMAC noted that a copy of the reports and papers collected for the project and the publications emanating from the study would be available for wider use. 9 Sl. No: 13 The suggestions from the 25th meeting of the RMAC were Agenda No: 5/24 : Consideration of incorporated in the document and as white paper and Vision of SACON advised by the RMAC the document, after incorporating the comments, the RMAC advised the Director, was sent to Drs Jay Samant and E K SACON to send the white paper after Bharucha for their final suggestions/ incorporating the suggestions to Dr E comments to finalize the document. K Bharucha and Prof J S Samant, nominated by the Governing Council, With the permission of the Chairman for their comments and subsequently (RMAC) both Drs Jay Samant and E K after revising the document it may be Bhaurcha were invited to the submitted for consideration of the present meeting of the RMAC for to Governing Council finalize the document. However, due to certain preoccupation both could not make it to the meeting. However, they have assured to send their comments at the earliest to SACON for placing in the meeting. This issue may be discussed separately under Agenda No:…../26 of the present meeting. 10 Agenda No: 3/25 : Consideration of the progress of the ongoing research projects/ EIA studies 11 2. Status, Ecology and Conservation of Narcondam Hornbill Aeceros narcondami on Narcondam Island, India The Committee noted the objectives Noted the observation and that and the progress of the research would be incorporated in the final 4 SN Decisions of the 25th RMAC Action taken by SACON project. The Committee also opined report to the MoEF that since the species is endemic to the Narcondam Island, no attempts should be made to introduce the species to the other islands of the Andaman and Nicobar. 12 3. Reassessment of the impact of nest collection on the Edible-nest Swiftlet in the Andaman Islands While noting the state of the species in the Islands it was opined that As per RMAC's suggestion, increase in tourism would have an preparation of the scientific impact on the population. The monograph on the Edible-nest members also suggested a scientific Swiftlet in Andaman Islands will be monograph be prepared on the study. done 13 Agenda No: 3/25: Consideration of the progress on the ongoing research projects/ EIA studies 4. Patterns of Distribution of Selected Faunal groups in the Agasthiamalai Hills, Western Ghats, Kerala, India Plots for the vegetation study have The PI explained the objectives and been identified and data collection is methodology of the study. The planned during post monsoon (i.e. members suggested documenting October-December) of 2013. vegetation at the sites where faunal studies are being done. The members advised the PI to pursue more hypotheses driven study, basic science, for wider spectrum of audience. 14 5. Social organization, behaviour and phylogeography of Macaca fascicularis umbrosa in the Nicobar Islands, India The members noted the progress of the study and suggested analysis of This issue will be addressed during the species in comparison with other the study once we obtain enough related species (with data available data elsewhere) to shed light on evolution 5 SN Decisions of the 25th RMAC Action taken by SACON of the species. 15 7. Evaluating the status of NTFP trees and development of a model for sustainable harvest of Garcinia We had discussion with the forest gummi-gutta in Aghanashini -Lion department in this direction. We are tailed Macaque Conservation preparing the proposal jointly with Reserve, Western Ghats, India the forest department in this regard. The major issues relating to NTFP, the We also have interacted with the macaques and the people in the area local people, and they are convinced were explained by the PI. The PI was and have accepted to support the suggested to explore raising the NTFP activity trees by local tribals in their lands and raising the NTFP trees outside forest areas with the assistance of the forest department. 16 8. Ecological investigation of woody vegetation and nest tree use by birds in the Riverine Forests of Athikadavu Valley, Western Ghats Both points are taken into The PI was suggested to look into consideration and are being interactions among primary and implemented. secondary hole- nesters in the area, and to conduct bird census and generate quantitative data on birds in the study area in addition. 17 9. Identification of RNA transcripts We have standardized RNA isolation present in chicken sperm and their protocol from the sperm. The relation to fertility research work to identify fertility marker is in process. Once the The members noted the presentation markers are identified in chicken, on the objectives and the progress, their suitability for other avian and utility of the study for wild species (zoos and captivity) will be species, and suggested exploring later evaluated. with species in zoos and captivity. 18 10. Monitoring pesticide residues in select components of an agro- ecosystem adopting organic and chemical farming in Padayetti village, Palakkad District, Kerala 6 SN Decisions of the 25th RMAC Action taken by SACON The members felt that the Now the sample analyses to an recommendations of the study extent is completed. Data analysis is appear not substantiated or not in in progress.