Thar Coalfield Block VI 2x330MW Coal-fired Power Plant Volume III - Technical Appendices
March 2017
Oracle Coalfields PLC
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Oracle Coalfields PLC 6th Floor Two Kingdom Street Thar Coalfield Block VI London 366982 01 A W2 6BD 2x330MW Coal-fired Power Mott MacDonald Plant Volume III - Technical Appendices
March 2017
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Mott MacDonald | Thar Coalfield Block VI 2x330MW Coal-fired Power Plant Volume III - Technical Appendices
Issue and Revision Record
Revision Date Originator Checker Approver Description A March 2017 Various Appendices to support ESIA
Document reference: 366982 | 01 | A
Information class: Standard
This document is issued for the party which commissioned it and for specific purposes connected with the above- captioned project only. It should not be relied upon by any other party or used for any other purpose.
We accept no responsibility for the consequences of this document being relied upon by any other party, or being used for any other purpose, or containing any error or omission which is due to an error or omission in data supplied to us by other parties.
This document contains confidential information and proprietary intellectual property. It should not be shown to other parties without consent from us and from the party which commissioned it.
This report has been pr epared sol el y for use by the party which commissi oned it (the ‘Client’) i n connecti on with the capti oned proj ect. It should not be used for any other purpose. N o person other than the Client or any party who has expressl y agreed ter ms of r eliance with us (the ‘Reci pient(s)’) may rel y on the co ntent, i nformati on or any views expressed i n the repor t. We accept no duty of care, responsi bility or liability to any other r eci pie nt of thi s document. T his r eport is confi denti al and contains pr opri etar y intell ectual property.
No representati on, warranty or under taking, expr ess or i mplied, is made and no responsi bility or liability is accepted by us to any party other than the Cli ent or any Reci pient(s), as to the accuracy or completeness of the i nformati on contai ned i n this r eport. For the avoidance of doubt this r eport does not in any way purport to i nclude any legal , insur ance or fi nanci al advice or opi nion.
We disclai m all and any liability whether arising i n tort or contract or other wise which it might otherwise have to any party other than the Cli ent or the Reci pient(s), in r espect of this report, or any infor mation attri buted to i t.
We accept no r esponsibility for any error or omission i n the r eport which is due to an error or omission i n data, infor mation or statements supplied to us by other par ties incl udi ng the client (‘D ata’). We have not i ndependentl y verified such D ata and have assumed it to be accurate, complete, reli abl e and current as of the date of such infor mation.
Forecasts presented i n this document were pr epared usi ng Data and the report is dependent or based on D ata. Inevitabl y, some of the assumptions used to develop the for ecasts will not be realised and unantici pated events and circumstances may occur. C onsequentl y M ott MacDonal d does not guarantee or warr ant the concl usi ons contain ed i n the repor t as there are li kel y to be differ ences between the for ecasts and the actual results and those di ffer ences may be material. Whil e we consi der that the infor mation and opini ons gi ven i n this r eport are sound all parti es must rel y on their own skill and j udgement when making use of it.
Under no circumstances may this report or any extr act or summar y ther eof be used in connection with any public or pri vate sec urities offering i ncluding any rel ated memorandum or prospectus for any securities offering or stock exchange listing or announcement.
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Mott MacDonald | Thar Coalfield Block VI 2x330MW Coal-fired Power Plant Volume III - Technical Appendices
Contents
Appendices
A. Information disclosure, consultation and participation A.1 Consultations from August 2011 to May 2012
B. Air quality B.1 Project meteorological data
C. Ecology and biodiversity C.1 Report on Ecological Impacts (2016) C.2 Biological baseline report (2015) C.3 References
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Appendices
A. Information disclosure, consultation and participation B. Air quality C. Ecology and biodiversity
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A. Information disclosure, consultation and participation
A.1 Consultations from August 2011 to May 2012
A.1.1 Overview This appendix includes all stakeholder engagement activities conducted between August 2011 and May 2012. Activities have been undertaken prior to the development of this ESIA. The issues raised are summarised and signposts are provided to where and how these issues have been addressed in the ESIA process and documentation, if it remains relevant.
The consultations outlined in this appendix include the mine and the power plant in Block VI. These project consultations are listed in chronological order in Volume II, chapter 6.
A.1.2 Project consultation and disclosure activities Various rounds of scoping consultations for the project developments in Block VI (open pit mine and coal power plant) were conducted between August 2011 and May 2012.
The information consultations were conducted with 70 stakeholders from the different stakeholder groups identified in Table 1 and Table 2. Contact was first initiated with stakeholders by letter which was developed in collaboration with the Coal and Energy Development Department (CEDD). The letter provided a brief introduction to the project developments in Block VI and the kind of studies to be undertaken. A questionnaire was developed for use while interviewing the stakeholders. A mixture of interviews and focus group discussions were conducted in Karachi and in Tharparkar. In Tharparkar, the meeting were held in three Talukas (towns), namely Islamkot, Mithi and Diplo. These initial meetings were held between 25 August 2011 and 17 October 2011, using different communication approaches and the consultations were conducted in English, Urdu, Sindhi and Thari.
The main focus of the meetings was to understand stakeholders’ concerns regarding the project and gather any suggestions or recommendations. The information gathered from the stakeholders is summarised in Table 1 overleaf.
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Table 1: Project consultations held between 25 August and 17 October 2011 in Karachi and Tharparkar Stakeholder opinion / concern Chapter within this ESIA where this issue and relevant mitigation is reflected Various government ministries stated that it is Chapter 16 ‘Social Impact Assessment’ includes important for local community members to be hired for enhancement measures for local jobs. There will be no jobs, that advertising needs to be done in local papers resettlement conducted as part of the power plant. and that resettlement must be done properly. Local NGOs stressed the importance of involving There will be no resettlement conducted as part of the communities in planning and decision making power plant. Groundwater is discussed in chapter 14. particularly regarding environmental and social impacts such as ground water issues and the resettlement process. Local NGOs stress the need for the provision of jobs Chapter 16 ‘Social Impact Assessment’ will include for local people and the need for skills training to be enhancement measures for local people to obtain jobs provided. have been included. A local family, which works in agriculture, livestock There will be no resettlement as part of the power plant. keeping and holds government jobs is not in favour of the new development. They are satisfied with their existing condition and assume that the coal mining will lead to disturbances in their lives. They are reluctant to be displaced at any cost. A local man, who works as a primary school teacher, There will be no resettlement as part of the Project. states that some people from his village have worked for Chinese companies previously and they were happy with the wages they received. People in the village do not want to be displaced but will be satisfied if they are provided proper compensation in terms of housing, education, health and alternate sources of income. Local men and women were asked about possible There will be no resettlement as part of the power plant; displacement. The men answered that this should be however, gender will be considered and mitigation decided by the male members of the families and that measures will be included in Chapter 16 ‘Social Impact women would follow the instructions given. The men Assessment’. stressed that if they were to be displaced then they would want to be given alternate agriculture, grazing areas and proper housing facilities. Source: Mott MacDonald
The second set of project consultations were conducted between 1 and 4 May 2012 as part of the Strategic Environmental Social Assessment Scoping Report and the Landuse Plan, including resettlement framework for the Thar coalfields. The project consultations and the consulting workshops were conducted in the Tharparkar District. The first meeting was conducted on 1 May 2012 in the Circuit House in the town of Diplo with a total of 15 attendees ranging from vulnerable people to primary school teachers to journalists. The second meeting was conducted on 2 May 2012 in the office of Baanhn Beli in the town of Nagarparkar with a total of 28 attendees ranging from teachers to NGO members to politicians. The third meeting took place on 3 May 2012 at the circuit house in the town of Chachro with a total of 17 attendees, ranging from vulnerable people to NGO workers to teachers. The fourth meeting was held on 4 May 2012 in the office of PVDP in the town of Islamkot with a total of 29 attendees, ranging from farmers to teachers to shopkeepers.
The meetings were all facilitated by Mott MacDonald as the Project Proponent’s environmental and social consultant. Details of the scoping report regarding the socio-economic aspects of the Thar Coalfields Project were explained to the participants. The objective of the consultations was to inform the participants about:
● Cultural issues ● Religious issues
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● Employment opportunities ● Education and vocational training ● Health and occupational health ● Social issues The stakeholders voiced similar concerns during the different meetings held and thus a summary of the information gathered has been presented in Table 2.
Table 2: Project consultations between 1 and 4 May 2012 No. Stakeholder concerns / opinions Chapter within this ESIA where this issue and relevant mitigation is reflected 1 Lack of compensation being provided by companies There will be no resettlement for the power using the land for project developments plant. 2 Request for the provision of free electricity In the Chapter 16 ‘Social Impact Assessment’ community investment measures are included in the mitigation and enhancement measures; however, the project will not provide free electricity to the local population. 3 Request for the project not to destroy shrines, Chapter 16 ‘Social Impact Assessment’ mosques, temples and cultural heritage addresses cultural heritage. 4 There are different religions in Thar but people co- Chapter 16 ‘Social Impact Assessment’ exist happily and there is no conflict between addresses ethnicity and religion. religions 5 People will not accept displacement easily as people There will be no resettlement for the power are very attached to their lands plant. 6 The people’s first priority is to obtain local jobs from Chapter 16 ‘Social Impact Assessment’ will the Thar coal project address local employment and provide enhancement measures. 7 People are requesting a copy of the agreement N/A signed between the investors Source: Mott MacDonald
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B. Air quality
B.1 Project meteorological data Table 3 to Table 5 present meteorological data gathered at three sites for the project. The data shows consistently high temperatures with dominant winds from the south, south west and south east.
Table 3: Site 1 – 6th & 7th June 2016 meteorological data Time (hrs) Temperature (°C) Wind Direction Wind Speed (m/s) Humidity (%) 8:30 32 S 3.2 50 9:30 34 S 3.0 48 10:30 34 S 3.0 44 11:30 35 S 3.8 42 12:30 35 S 3.9 38 13:30 38 S 3.5 34 14:30 39 SW 4.0 32 15:30 42 SW 2.6 32 16:30 45 SW 2.8 34 17:30 45 SW 4.6 34 18:30 42 S 3.6 34 19:30 40 SW 4.5 37 20:30 40 SW 3.6 37 21:30 37 SW 3.2 40 22:30 35 SW 3.2 40 23:30 32 S 3.0 42 0:30 30 S 3.6 43 1:30 30 S 2.6 47 2:30 30 S 3.8 50 3:30 30 SW 2.4 52 4:30 30 S 4.0 52 5:30 31 S 2.5 52 6:30 32 S 2.8 50 7:30 32 S 3.0 48 Note: Located at coordinate 633653, 2742344 UTM WGS1984 Zone 42N
Table 4: Site 2 – 8th & 9th June 2016 meteorological data Time (hrs) Temperature (°C) Wind Direction Wind Speed (m/s) Humidity (%) 16:00 42 SE 5.2 32 17:00 40 SE 5.8 32 18:00 40 SE 3.2 34 19:00 38 SE 3.0 35 20:00 37 SE 2.8 35 21:00 37 SE 3.6 37 22:00 37 SE 3.6 37 23:00 37 S 3.5 39
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Time (hrs) Temperature (°C) Wind Direction Wind Speed (m/s) Humidity (%) 0:00 33 S 3.2 42 1:00 30 SE 3.2 48 2:00 28 SE 3.9 51 3:00 28 SE 3.0 56 4:00 28 S 3.8 62 5:00 27 S 4.0 68 6:00 28 SE 3.6 56 7:00 30 SE 3.2 48 8:00 31 SE 2.0 43 9:00 34 S 2.8 38 10:00 37 S 2.6 36 11:00 39 SE 4.6 36 12:00 42 SE 2.0 36 13:00 43 S 1.8 32 14:00 43 SE 5.0 30 15:00 45 SW 5.8 30 Note: Located at coordinate 638228, 2754022 UTM WGS1984 Zone 42N
Table 5: Site 3 – 10th & 11th June 2016 meteorological data Time (hrs) Temperature (°C) Wind Direction Wind Speed (m/s) Humidity (%) 8:00 30 S 3.8 56 9:00 34 S 3.6 48 10:00 38 SW 4.5 44 11:00 40 S 4.2 39 12:00 42 S 4.6 37 13:00 44 S 3.8 35 14:00 43 SW 3.6 33 15:00 44 S 5.0 30 16:00 38 S 3.8 32 17:00 36 S 4.6 34 18:00 32 S 3.2 34 19:00 30 S 4.8 34 20:00 29 S 4.6 35 21:00 29 S 3.2 37 22:00 29 SW 3.6 41 23:00 28 SW 3.4 43 0:00 26 S 4.8 56 1:00 27 S 3.6 66 2:00 27 S 3.8 66 3:00 27 SW 3.2 67 4:00 27 S 3.6 67 5:00 26 S 2.8 67 6:00 28 S 2.5 65 7:00 30 S 3.9 62 Note: Located at coordinate 634001, 2751236 UTM WGS1984 Zone 42N
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C. Ecology and biodiversity
C.1 Report on Ecological Impacts (2016)
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INFORMATION ON
ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS STUDY OF POWER PLANT PROJECT IN BLOCK VI OF THAR COAL FIELD
The Thar Desert The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, occupies 77,000 square miles of rolling sand dunes in eastern Pakistan and the northwestern Indian state of Rajasthan. The Thar Desert's name derives from the word t'hul, the general term for the region's sand ridges. It is defined by a series of natural borders, including the Aravalli Mountain Range to the southeast and the Punjab plain in the north and northeast. To the west, lies the Indus plain, and to the south, the Rann of Kutch.
The geographic isolation of the Thar Desert by mountain ranges and plains contributes significantly to the weather patterns that shape its distinctive, hot, dry environment. The environment around the Thar effectively absorbs all the rain that is carried in the monsoon clouds before the clouds can reach the desert. The resulting monsoon winds in the desert are hot and dry, and the desert does not share in the wet season experienced in surrounding terrains.
The origin of the Thar Desert is considered to be 4,000 to 10,000 years old. It has been observed through remote sensing techniques that late quaternary climate changes and neo-tectonics have played a significant role in modifying the drainage course. Most of the studies share the opinion that the palaneo-channels of the Sarasyti River coincide with the bed of present day Ghaggar and believe that the Sutlej along with the Yamuna once flowed into the present Ghaggar riverbed. It has been postulated that the Sutlej was the main tributary of the Ghaggar and that subsequently the tectonic movements might have forced the Sutlej westward and the Yamuna eastward, causing the Ghaggar to dry-up.
The Thar Desert is distinguished by a series of rolling sand dunes that vary in height across the desert. Whiles sand dunes are a common occurrence in deserts across the world, the dunes of the Thar are remarkable for their continual motion. In sharp contrast to the mountain ranges that ring the desert, the sandy desert floor is always in motion. The sands are particularly mobile due to severe winds in the region, which sweep the sands over areas of fertile soil. The layer of sand over much of the available farming land hinders the agricultural development in the region. Some of the sand dunes of the Thar Desert have become semi stabilized over time and these older dunes move only very small degrees and may reach a height of up to 500 feet.
The annual rainfall in the region is particularly low ranging from 4-20 inches per annum and most of that falls during the monsoons in summer season. However this annual rainfall often varies heavily from year to year.
With the discovery of huge coal deposits in the Thar Desert, numerous mega projects are planned for the exploitation of the resource. In this connection the Sindh Carbon Energy Limited has also launched extraction of coal deposits from Block VI. The extracted coal would be utilized in the planned Coal Fired Power Plant of 330 MW for electricity generation. The power plant is planned within the demarcated block VI of Thar Coal Filed as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Block VI of Thar Coalfield shown in rectangular black color line.
For the purpose of determination of ecological information of the Power Plant area hereafter would be referred as Project Area located in Block VI of the Thar Coalfield a detailed study was carried out. A four member team engaged in this study. The survey team comprised of the following members:
S. No Name Qualification Discipline 1 Dr. Kishan Chand Mukwana Ph.D Environment Engineering 2 Engr. Imran Ahmed B.E Energy & Environment 3 Mr. Nanak M.Sc Zoology 4 Mr. Sadhu M.Sc Botany
Flora and Fauna in the Project area of Block VI in Thar Coal Field Flowers and animals; we can't live without them. The flora existing on the planet Earth produce the oxygen that is breathed by the fauna and in turn, the fauna exhale the carbon dioxide that the flora need to live. One cannot live without the other, and humans cannot live without both either flora or fauna. The world's ecology is so complex, so fragile, and so interdependent, that an ecological upheaval of the flora and fauna of one region of the world (i.e. the destruction of rainforests) can affect the entire planet.
Flora and fauna are the plant and animal life respectively of a region. That may sound simple, but the ecosystem created by the interdependence of these two life forms is not simple at all. In fact, humans cannot breathe unless both flora and fauna survive and thrive on the earth. The very air we breathe and the food we eat, the medicines that cure us, and the water that keeps us alive would not exist if these flora and fauna are not present. All things in an ecosystem are interdependent. The existence of one species may depend on the health of another, such as the relationship of bamboo forests to pandas. Pandas only eat bamboo shoots, so the destruction of the bamboo forests in China resulted in the endangerment of the Panda, due to starvation and loss of habitat.
In China, destruction of the forests left the tigers with no place to go. Farmers killed them in great numbers to protect their farm animals, and soon there were few left. In an attempt to save the species, Chinese tigers were moved to the forests of Africa, where they are surviving nicely.
The famous Amazon rainforest once gave us 20% of our oxygen supply. As their destruction has progressed, so has the incidence of respiratory illness around the world. Some of our most effective drugs come from rainforest plants. Destruction of these plants, and their habitats, will not only affect our health, but our very lives. Half of the world's species of plants, animals and microorganisms have become endangered or extinct due to this pernicious destruction of the rainforest.
Humans in quest for money, development and power, has created a world in which the ecological balance of flora and fauna has been destroyed, in many instances causing the extinction of entire species due to destruction of habitat and food sources.
METHODOLOGY FOR ECOLOGICAL STUDY FOR PROPOSED POWER PLANT AT BLOCK VI OF THAR COALFIELD AREA
Objectives
The objectives of ecology assessment are as under:
• To identify the ecological resources and habitat available in the micro and macro environment of block VI of Thar Coal Field • To maximize the potential benefits and control negatives impacts on ecology • To maintain essential ecological process, preserving biodiversity and where possible restoration of degraded natural resources
Location
The proposed Power Plant in block VI in Thar coalfield and is about 380km east of Karachi in Thar Desert at the southeastern corner of Sindh Province, Pakistan. Block VI is situated in the north of Thar coalfield and it occupies a land area of about 66.1km 2 and is 15km away from the local town of Islamkot in the east. The site of this project has an undulated terrain with 20-50m tall rectangular dunes dotted on the flat desert. The elevation of ground ranges between 75m and 85m.
The land in Thar Dessert is mainly used for agriculture, i.e. grazing and planting crops harvested in autumn. Natural vegetations include grass, dwarf trees and sparsely distributed trees. As it is dry in Thar, land is only cultivated in rainy season (July to September) and the following months. The soil dominantly contains sand.
The land is also used as pasture in kharif. The natural vegetation includes grasslands, shrubs, scattered with trees. Due to the aridity and sandy soil of Thar area, land farming is limited to the rainy season (July to September) and the following few months.
Methodology
a) Materials and Field Equipment
The following monitoring equipment are to be used for survey
• GPS (Global Positioning System) • Binoculars • Maps • Camera • Four Wheel Drive b) Methods
The following methods are used to be determined the animal population and plants in the area Direct Method
Direct counting is helpful to observe the animals and plants in the habitat
• Sighting habitat • Visual observations • Spot lighting or night observation • Catching reflection of eyes
Indirect Method
A species presence can be observed in the habitat by following signs
• Fecal pellets spirant • Den and Tunnels • Tracks • Foot prints • Sound/voice identification methods
Public Consultation
Information will be collected from different sources such as;
• Interview from local people • Wildlife department • Local NGO representatives
Furthermore the Faunal survey would be conducted on the following aspects:
• Collection of secondary data • Mammals’ survey • Reptiles’ survey • Birds’ survey
State of Vegetation in Thar in the Project area of Block VI in Thar Coal Field
The harsh natural environment and extreme temperature variations have severely affected the Thar Desert vegetation. Most of the native plants grow in small clusters without a system of order. The plants which have been most successful in the difficult environment have adapted to the conditions of the Desert. It is important for plants to have capacity of water storage to be able to utilize stored water during the dry season. There are seventy six mature trees of five different species as given in Table 1 are present in the designated Power Plant Project area. These are fully matured trees and with the planned project all of them are expected to be removed. This removal of trees is an adverse impact on the natural environment.
Table 1: List of presently existing different types of trees in the Power Plant Project area
S. No Local name Botonological Number of trees in the Power Plant GPS of tree name power plant Project area Coordinates 1 Kandi Prosopis Cineraria 40 2 Jhar Salradora Porsica 32 3 Kumbat Prosopis Modesta 02 N 24° 85’ 15.27” 4 Roheero Acacia Albida 01 E 70 °33’26.2” 5 Kirar Cyperus Decidua 01 Total No of mature trees in the Power 76 Plant Project Area
The team focused on the existing floral species in the project area as well as in the macro environment. The information gathered from the field shows that wide varieties of flora species are present in the area. This floral vegetation is going to adversely affected with the project activities. The recorded/observed flora species are given in Table 2. The pictorial views of existing important tree species are given in Figure 2.
Table 2: List of overall presently existing Flora species in the Power Plant Project area
S. No Local name Botanical name Growth Life Botanical uses form Form 1 Khejri Prosopis Cineraria Perennial Tree Fodder, Fuel wood 2 Jhar Salvadova Persica Perennial Tree Tooth Brush 3 Kumbat Prosopis Modesta Perennial Tree Fodder, Fuel wood 4 Roheero Acacia Albida Perennial Tree Furniture 5 Berri Zeziphus Jojoba Perennial Tree Fuel wood, Hedge 6 Kirar Cyperus Decidua Perennial Tree Fuel wood, Home making 7 Akk Calotropis Perocera Perennial Shrub Herbal Treatment 8 Devi Prosopis Glandulosa Perennial Tree Furniture, Fuel wood 9 Kankaro Kunzea Erocoides Perennial Tree Fodder 10 Neem Azadirachta Indica Perennial Tree Furniture 11 Bubar Acacia Nilotica Perennial Tree Furniture 12 Liyaro Cardia Mexia Perennial Tree Fodder 13 Guwar Cyamopsis Perennial Shrub Vegetable, Fodder Tetrazonoloba 14 Bajri Pennisetum Glaucum Annual Cereal Food 15 Moong Phaseolus Mungo Annual Shrub Pulse 16 Moth Phaseolus Vulgaris Annual Shrub Pulse 17 Tirr Sesamum Indicum Annual Shrub Oil 18 Jowar Sorghum Bicolor Annual Shrub Food 19 Water Melon Citrullus Lanatus Annual Herb Fruit 20 Melon Cucumis Melo Annual Herb Fruit 21 Mushroom Agricus Campestris Annual Shrub Food, Vegetable 22 Golaroo Ficus Racemosa Perennial Herb Fodder 23 Boh white Not available Perennial Shrub Fodder 24 Boh Black Not available Perennial Shrub Fodder 25 Khip Not available Perennial Shrub House making 26 Tantaro Not available Perennial Shrub Fodder, House making 27 Gangati Not available Perennial Shrub Fodder S. No Local name Botanical name Growth Life Botanical uses form Form 28 Tinda Not available Annual Herb Vegetable 29 Murat Not available Perennial Shrub Fodder, House making 30 Burat Not available Annual Herb Fodder, Grass 31 Kori Not available Annual Herb Fodder 32 Sonali Not available Annual Herb Grass 33 Gamo Not available Perennial Herb Grass 34 Surngo Not available Perennial Tree Fuel wood 35 Banwary Not available Perennial Shrub Circular wheel 36 Morari Not available Perennial Shrub House making 37 Son makai Not available Perennial Shrub Fodder 38 Kanti Not available Annual Shrub Fodder 39 Vekar Not available Annual Shrub Fodder 40 Toh Not available Perennial Herb Fodder 41 Prori Not available Annual Herb Fodder 42 Santoroo Not available Bi -annual Shrub Fodder 43 Moriro Not available Annual Shrub House making 44 Baghoro Not available Annual Herb Fodder 45 Visoni Not available Perennial Shrub Fodder 46 Lolar Not available Annual Herb Vegetable 47 Vinjhal Not available Annual Herb Fodder, House making 48 Kalkato Not available Bi -annual Shrub Fodder 49 Dub Not available Perennial Herb Fodder 50 Choinwra Not available Annual Herb Pulse 51 Karela Not available Perennial Shrub Fodder 52 Peeli Bhuti Not available Perennial Shrub Fodder 53 Aki Phutni Not available Annual Herb Fodder
Berri ( Zeziphus Jojoba)
Devi ( Prosopis Glandulosa)
Jhar or Khabar ( Salvadova Persica)
Figure 2: Pictorial views of existing important tree species
The province of Sindh is fortunate in the sense that it is rich in diverse wildlife species. The natural habitat of wildlife is found in various ecological zones like, coastal ecological zones, riverine forest ecological zones along the banks of river Indus, the Indus plains and the Thar and Nara desert ecological zones. Though the harsh arid dry climate prevails in the Thar Desert but still this has several species fauna. From literature review (Roberts T. J. 1997) twenty nine (29) mammalian species have been reported within the Thar Desert ecological zone. In this study in the micro-environment and macro-environment the wildlife species detected through foot print signs and physical sightings are listed in the following Table 3:
Table 3: List of overall presently existing wildlife species in the Power Plant Project area
S. Common name Scientific name IUCN Red List Local Status Remarks No Status (2012) 1 Asiatic Jackal Canis Aureus Not Threatened Common Foot prints signs 2 Jungle Cat Felis species Least Common Sighting in the project area Concerned 3 Wild Hare Lepus Nigricollis Least Frequent Sighting in the project area Concerned 4 Long eared Hemiechinus Least Common Foot prints signs Desert Hedgehog Collaris Concerned 5 Indian Hedgehog Paraechinus Least Common Foot prints signs micropus Concerned 6 Five stripped Funambulus Not Threatened Common Sighting in the project area Palm Squirrel Pennantii 7 Asian Mongoose Herpestes Least Rare Sighting in the project area Javanicus Concerned 8 Asian Fox Vulpes species Not Threatened Common Sighting in the project area
In this study in the micro-environment and macro-environment the reptile species detected through foot print signs and physical sightings are listed in Table 4:
Table 4: List of overall presently existing reptile species in the Power Plant Project area
S. Common name Scientific name IUCN Red List Local Status Remarks No Status (2012) 1 Ground Lizard Saara Hardwickii Not available in list Common Sighting in the project area S. Common name Scientific name IUCN Red List Local Status Remarks No Status (2012) 2 Desert monitor Varanus Griseus Not available in list Common Sighting in the project area 3 Sand Lizard Acanthodactylus Least concerned Frequent Sighting in the project Cantoris area 4 Garden Lizard Calotes Versicolor Not available in list Common Sighting in the project area 5 Bark Gecko Hemidactylus Least concerned Common Sighting in the project Leschenaultii area 6 Yellow tailed Gecko Crossobamon Not available in list Common Sighting in the project Orientalis area 7 Three Toed Snake Ophiomorus Least concerned Rare Local residents views Skink Tridactylus 8 Saw Scaled Viper Echis Carinatus Least concerned Rare Local residents views Sochureki 9 Black Cobra Naja Naja Least concerned Rare Local residents views 10 Common Sand Boa Eryx Johnii Least concerned Frequent Local residents views
In this study in the micro-environment and macro-environment the bird species detected through signs and physical sightings are listed in the following Table 5:
Table 5: List of overall presently existing bird species in the Power Plant Project area
S. No Common name Scientific name IUCN Red List Local Status Remarks Status (2012) 1 House Crow Corvus Splendens Least concerned Common Sighting in the project area 2 Common Raven Corvus corax Least concerned Rare Sighting in the project area 3 House Sparrow Passer Domesticus Least concerned Abundant Sighting in the project area 4 Jungle Sparrow Passer Pyrrhonotus Least concerned Common Sighting in the project area 5 Common Babbler Turdoides Caudatus Least concerned Common Sighting in the project area 6 Spotted Owl Athene Brama Least concerned Scarce Sighting in the project area 7 Collared Dove Streptopelia Least concerned Common Sighting in the project area Decaocto 8 Little Brown Dove Streptopelia Least concerned Common Sighting in the project area Senegalensis 9 White-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus Leucotis Least concerned Frequent Sighting in the project area 10 Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus Cafer Least concerned Common Sighting in the project area 11 Scavenger Vulture Neophron Least concerned Rare Local residents views Percnopterus 12 Oriental White- Gyps Bengalensis Critically Rare Sighting in the project area S. No Common name Scientific name IUCN Red List Local Status Remarks Status (2012) backed Vulture Endangered 13 Desert Lark Ammomanes Deserti Least concerned Common Sighting in the project area 14 Common Myna Acridotheres Tristis Least concerned Common Sighting in the project area 15 Black Drongo Dicrurus Least concerned Common Sighting in the project area Macrocercus 16 Sunbird Nectarinia Asiatica Least concerned Common Local residents views 17 Bee-eater Merops Orientalis Least concerned Common Local residents views 18 Pipit Anthus Campestris Least concerned Common Local residents views 19 Rose-ringed Psittacula Krameri Least concerned Frequent Sighting in the project area Parakeet 20 Peacock/Peahen Pavo Cristatus Least concerned Common Sighting in the project area 21 Desert Wheatear Oenanthe Deserti Least concerned Common Local residents views 22 Woodpecker Dendrocopos Least concerned Common Local residents views Assimilis 23 Rock Pigeon or Blue Columba Livia Least concerned Common Sighting in the project area Pigeon
IUCN Red List of Threatened species
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species was introduced in 1964 and is the world's most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation of biological species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is the world's main authority on the conservation status of species. The IUCN Red List is set upon precise criteria to evaluate the extinction risk of thousands of species and subspecies. These criteria are relevant to all species and all regions of the world. The aim is to convey the urgency of conservation issues to the public and policy makers, as well as help the international community to try to reduce species extinction. According to IUCN (1996), the formally stated goals of the Red List are (1) to provide scientifically based information on the status of species and subspecies at a global level, (2) to draw attention to the magnitude and importance of threatened biodiversity, (3) to influence national and international policy and decision-making, and (4) to provide information to guide actions to conserve biological diversity.
The Red List of 2012 was released 19 July 2012 at Rio + 20 Earth Summit; nearly 2,000 species were added, with 4 species to the extinct list, 2 to the rediscovered list. The IUCN assessed a total of 63,837 species which revealed 19,817 are threatened with extinction. With 3,947 described as "critically endangered" and 5,766 as "endangered", while more than 10,000 species are listed as "vulnerable". At threat are 41% of amphibian species, 33% of reef-building corals, 30% of conifers, 25% of mammals, and 13% of birds.
Mitigation measures to avoid or reduce ecological impacts from coal based mining and Power Plant
The following mitigation measures could be applied to reduce ecological impacts arising from the execution and operation of a project depending on site and project-specific conditions. Impacts to ecological resources are related to the project footprint (e.g., land disturbance, habitat destruction, erosion, changes in runoff patterns, and hydrological alterations), project emissions (e.g., dust emissions, air emissions, sediment transport, water releases), and resource use (e.g., water extraction). Many impacts can be reduced or avoided when considered during the siting and design phase.
Siting and Design Mitigation Measures
Siting and design considerations that mitigate impacts include:
• Use existing facilities (e.g., access roads or graded areas) to the extent possible to minimize the amount of new disturbance. • Review existing information on species and habitats in the project area. Contact appropriate agencies viz; forest department, wildlife department, NGOs etc. early in the project execution process to identify potentially sensitive ecological resources that are present in the project area. • Ensure protection of important resources by establishing protective buffers to exclude unintentional disturbance. • Minimize the amount of land disturbance and develop and implement stringent erosion and dust control practices. • Handle earth materials and runoff in a manner that minimizes the formation of acid mine drainage, prevents adding suspended solids to water flow, and otherwise prevents water pollution. • Construct sedimentation structures near the disturbed area to impound surface water runoff and sediment. • Maintain as necessary, including discharge of water meeting applicable water quality standards, so as not to exceed designed storage capacity. • Bury electrical supply lines in a manner that minimizes additional surface disturbance. Use overhead lines in cases where the burial of lines would result in further habitat disturbance. • Implement site reclamation plan that addresses both interim and final reclamation requirements and that identifies vegetation, soil stabilization, and erosion reduction measures. Ensure that interim reclamation of disturbed areas is conducted as soon as possible following facility construction. • Implement plan for control of noxious weeds and invasive plants, which could occur as a result of new surface disturbance activities at the site. • There should be monitoring, weed identification and methods for treating infestations. Avoiding the use of fill materials from areas with known invasive vegetation problems.
General Mitigation Measures
General mitigation practices and principles that could apply to any or all phases of a coal mine project include:
• Educate workers regarding the occurrence of important resources in the area and the importance of protection. • Schedule activities to avoid disturbance of resources during critical periods of the year (e.g., drought season). • Instruct employees, contractors, and site visitors to avoid harassment and disturbance of wildlife, especially during reproductive (e.g., courtship, nesting) seasons. In addition, control pets to avoid harassment and disturbance of wildlife. • Avoid the spread of invasive nonnative plants by keeping vehicles and equipment clean and reseeding disturbed areas with native plants. • Apply spill prevention practices and response actions in refueling and vehicle-use areas to minimize accidental contamination of habitats. • Reclaim all areas of disturbed soil using weed-free native shrubs, grasses and restore the vegetation cover, composition, and diversity to values commensurate with the ecological setting.
Conclusion
From the field survey it is concluded that the Power Plant Project’s micro and macro environment possess valuable flora and fauna species. Though the project site itself does not have that much extensive presence of flora and fauna but the surroundings are rich in biodiversity and ecosystem. In all seventy six (76) mature trees are presently existing in the project area and all are to be uprooted with the project. In the case of execution and operation of the project there will be adverse impacts on the flora and fauna and these impacts can be minimized through implementation of the mitigation measures. Mott MacDonald | Thar Coalfield Block VI 2x330MW Coal-fired Power Plant Volume III - Technical Appendices
C.2 Biological baseline report (2015)
366982 | 01 | A | March 2017
Sindh Coal Authority Energy Department Government of Sindh
Report on Baseline Information
Volume 2: Biological Baseline Report Environmental and Social Studies including Resettlement Frameworks, Land Use Plan for Thar Coal Fields
May, 2015
in association with
Report1 on2 Baseline 5 4 Information 8 D:\_Thar Coal\Reports to be formatted\Baseline Reports \HK -- Draft Baseline Report05 October for Flora 2012 and
Volume 2: Biological Baseline Report
Environmental and Social Studies including Resettlement Frameworks and Land Use Plan for the Thar Coalfield
May 2015
MM Pakistan Pvt Ltd, Dolmen Estate, 1st Floor, 18-C Union Commercial Area, Shaheed-e-Millat Road, Karachi, Sindh, 753502, Pakistan T+92(0) 21 34320 527 F+92(0) 21 34524819 www.mmpakistan.com Environmental and Social Studies including Resettlement MM Pakistan Frameworks and Land Use Plan for the Thar Coalfield Mott MacDonald
Issue and revision record
Rev Date Originator Checked Approved Description
A May, 2015 Dr Abdul Aleem Imran Akram Mohammed Ali Biological Baseline (Final) Chaudhry Bahadur Shah Shishmahal Dr. Bodla Hammad Hayat Azmat Beg
This document is issued for the party which commissioned it and for specific purposes connected with the above-captioned project only. It should not be relied upon by any other party or used for any other purpose.
We accept no responsibility for the consequences of this document being relied upon by any other party, or being used for any other purpose, or containing any error or omission which is due to an error or omission in data supplied to us by other parties
This document contains confidential information and proprietary intellectual property. It should not be shown to other parties without consent from us and from the party which commissioned it.
T+92(0) 21 34320 527 F+92(0) 21 34524819 www.mmpakistan.com
Report on Baseline Information i Volume 2: Biological Baseline Report Environmental and Social Studies including Resettlement MM Pakistan Frameworks and Land Use Plan for the Thar Coalfield Mott MacDonald
Contents
Non-Technical Summary ______viii
1. Introduction ______1
1.1 BACKGROUND ______1
1.2 CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE OF THE AREA ______3
2. Faunal Survey ______9
2.1 REVIEW OF LITERATURE ______9
2.1.1 Birds ______9
2.1.2 Mammals ______10
2.1.3 Amphibians and Reptiles ______11
2.2 METHODOLOGY ______12
2.2.1 Birds ______12
2.2.2 Mammals ______12
2.2.3 Amphibians and Reptiles ______13
2.2.4 Secondary Data______13
3. Survey Results ______14
3.1 BIRDS ______14
3.2 CONSERVATION STATUS OF RECORDED BIRDS ______20
3.3 DISTRIBUTION OF RECORDED BIRDS IN DIFFERENT HABITATS IN THARPARKAR ______21
3.4 SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN ______24
3.5 WHITE -RUMPED VULTURE ______26
3.6 INDIAN VULTURE OR LONG -BILLED VULTURE ______28
3.7 EGYPTIAN VULTURE ______29
3.8 GREAT KNOT ______30
3.9 LAGGAR FALCON ______30
3.10 SEASONAL DATA ON BIRDS ______31
3.11 MAMMALS ______53
3.12 DISTRIBUTION OF MAMMALIAN FAUNA ______56
3.13 SPECIES OF CONCERN ______57
3.13.1 Striped Hyaena ______60
Report on Baseline Information ii Volume 2: Biological Baseline Report Environmental and Social Studies including Resettlement MM Pakistan Frameworks and Land Use Plan for the Thar Coalfield Mott MacDonald
3.13.2 Nilgai or Blue Bull ______61
3.13.3 Chinkara or Indian Gazelle ______61
3.14 CONSERVATION STATUS OF THE RECORDED SPECIES ______62
3.15 SEASONAL DATA ON MAMMALS ______62
3.16 AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES ______67
3.17 CONSERVATION STATUS OF THE RECORDED SPECIES ______68
3.18 DISTRIBUTION OF HERPS IN THE STUDY AREA (T HARPARKAR ) ______69
3.19 SPECIES OF SPECIAL CONCERN ______70
3.19.1 Kuchh Spotted Ground Gecko ______71
3.19.2 Striped Sand Gecko ______72
3.19.3 Chameleon (Casqued lizard) ______72
3.20 SEASONAL DATA ON AMPHIBIAN AND REPTILES ______73
4. Public Consultation Faunal Survey ______78
5. Wildlife Sanctuary ______79
5.1 CRITICALLY IMPORTANT HABITATS AND WORKING THERE ______79
5.2 WORKING IN THE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY ______80
6. Floral Survey ______82
6.1 REVIEW OF LITERATURE ______82
6.2 VEGETATION ______83
7. Methodology ______84
7.1 SAMPLING SITE SELECTION ______84
7.2 FLORISTIC COMPOSITION ______84
7.3 FAMILY IMPORTANCE VALUE (FIV) ______85
7.4 LIFE -FORM ______85
8. Results ______86
8.1 DISTRIBUTION OF PLANT SPECIES IN MICROHABITATS ______92
8.1.1 Crest Habitat (Top of the Sand Dune) ______92
8.1.2 Slopes/Swale/Flank Habitat ______93
8.1.3 Sandy Plains Habitat (Tar-Tarai/low Lying Flat Areas) ______93
8.1.4 Saline Lands ______94
8.1.5 Lake/Wetland Habitat ______94
8.1.6 Hilly Tract ______95
8.2 VEGETATION CHARACTERISTICS ______96
Report on Baseline Information iii Volume 2: Biological Baseline Report Environmental and Social Studies including Resettlement MM Pakistan Frameworks and Land Use Plan for the Thar Coalfield Mott MacDonald
8.3 FLORISTIC COMPOSITION ______96
8.4 FAMILY IMPORTANCE INDEX ______102
8.5 LIFE -FORM ______104
8.6 LIFE SPAN ______105
8.7 ECOLOGICAL / BIOLOGICAL AMPLITUDE ______106
8.8 SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF PLANT SPECIES / COMMUNITIES ______112
8.9 TEMPORAL CHANGES IN VEGETATION COVER ______115
8.9.1 Introduction ______115
8.9.2 Data Acquisition & Pre-processing ______116
8.9.3 Methodology ______116
8.9.4 Temporal changes in Vegetation Cover - Outcomes ______119
8.10 ENDEMIC SPECIES ______133
8.11 THREATENED PLANT SPECIES ______133
8.12 WILD RELATIVES OF CROP PLANTS ______133
9. Public Consultation Floral Survey ______134
Bibliography of Fauna ______135
Appendices for Fauna ______143 Appendix A. The Study Team ______144
Appendix B. Public Consultation ______145
Appendix C. Fauna Maps ______146
Appendix D. Photographs of Faunal Species ______149
Bibliography of Flora ______157
Appendices of Flora ______159 Appendix E. The Study Team ______160
Appendix F. Public Consultation ______161
Appendix G. Wild Relatives of Crop Plants ______162
Appendix H. Photographs of Floral Species ______164 List of Tables
Table 1.1: The Sindh Government Gazette Extraordinary (four notifications) ______6
Table 3.1: Bird species recorded in Tharparkar in Summer 2012 and their conservation status according to IUCN Red List (2012) ______14
Table 3.2: Distribution of recorded birds in different habitats in Tharparkar, Summer (2012). ______21
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Table 3.3: Locations and GPS Coordinates where the threatened bird species were observed in Tharparkar in Summer (2012). ______25
Table 3.4: Birds of Tharparkar Druing Winter (2009) ______31
Table 3.5: Bird species recorded in Block II, Coal Fields, Tharparkar Winter (2009) ______37
Table 3.6: Summer Data: 2010 ______40
Table 3.7: Monsoon Data (2010) ______43
Table 3.8: Bird Species Recorded in Winter and their Conservation Status According to IUCN Red List (2012) ______45
Table 3.9: Mammal species recorded in Tharparkar in Summer (2012) and their Conservation Status according to IUCN Red List (2012) ______53
Table 3.10: Distribution of mammalian fauna in Tharparkar District in Summer (2012) ______56
Table 3.11: Locations and GPS coordinates where the threatened Mammal Species were Sighted/Spotted or Reported in Tharparkar in April 2012 ______58
Table 3.12: Mammal species recorded in Tharparkar in Summer (2010) and their Conservation Status according to IUCN Red List (2012) ______62
Table 3.13: Mammals of Coal Block 2, Tharparkar during Winter (2009) ______64
Table 3.14: Amphibian and Reptile species recorded in Tharparkar in Summer (2012) and their Conservation Status according to IUCN Red List (2012) ______67
Table 3.15: Distribution of Amphibians and Reptiles in Tharparkar in Summer (2012) ______69
Table 3.16: Locations and GPS coordinates where Reptile species of special concern were recorded in Tharparkar in Summer (2012) ______71
Table 3.17: Amphibian and Reptilian species of Rann of Kutch and Wildlife Sanctuary Wniter (2009). ______73
Table 3.18: Amphibians and Reptiles in Coal Block 2, Tharparkar druing Winter (2009) ______74
Table 3.19: Amphibians and Reptiles in Coal Block 2, Tharparkar druing Summer (2010) ______75
Table 3.20: Amphibians and Reptiles in Coal Block 2, Tharparkar druing Monsoon (2010) ______76
Table 5.1: Sindh Government Gazatte ______80
Table 8.1: Flora of Tharparkar District, Sindh, Pakistan recorded during Summer (2012) ______96
Table 8.2: Family Importance Value (FIV) in the flora of Thaparkar Desert ______103
Table 8.3: Ecological / Biological amplitude of plant species in the study area in Summer (2012) ______106
Table 8.4: Spatial Distribution of Plant Species / Communities in Tharparkar in Summer (2012) ______112
Table 8.5: Endemic Plant Species Recorded from Tharparkar District, Summer (2012) ______133
List of Figure
Figure 1.1: Map of Tharparkar District showing Thar-coal Project sites © MMP ______2
Figure 1.2: Runn of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary in Thar Parkar district (The sanctuary area also includes some areas in Badin District in the west). ______4
Figure 1.3: Runn of Kutch Ramsar Site (showing the boundary in red at the southern edge of the district) ______5
Figure 3.1: Distribution of Bird Species of Concern. Wildlife Sanctuary and Ramsar Site borders have also been shown ____ 26
Figure 3.2: White-rumped vulture ______26
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Figure 3.3: Nests of Indian vulture in Karoonjhar hills ______27
Figure 3.4: Indian Vulture ______28
Figure 3.5: Egyptian vulture ______29
Figure 3.6: A flock of Great knot ______30
Figure 3.7: Laggar Falcon ______30
Figure 3.8: Distribution of Mammal Species of Concern. Wildlife Sanctuary (green thin line) and Ramsar Site (dark red line) borders have also been shown ______58
Figure 3.9: Distribution of Reptile Species of Concern. Wildlife Sanctuary (green thin line) and Ramsar Site (drk red line) borders have also been shown. ______70
Figure 3.10: Cyrtopodion kachhense ______72
Figure 3.11: Crossobamon maynardi ______72
Figure 5.1: Seasonal wetlands mainly the marshes in Ramsar site / Runn of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary ______79
Figure 8.1: Dune Crest Habitat ______86
Figure 8.2: Dune Crest Habitat ______87
Figure 8.3: Slope Habitat ______87
Figure 8.4: Slope Habitat ______88
Figure 8.5: Flat Habitat ______88
Figure 8.6: Flat Habitat ______89
Figure 8.7: Wetland Habitat ______89
Figure 8.8: Wetland Habitat ______90
Figure 8.9: Sodic Lands ______90
Figure 8.10: Sodic Land. ______91
Figure 8.11: Hilly Tract ______91
Figure 8.12: Hilly Tract ______92
Figure 8.13: Family Importance Index ______103
Figure 8.14: Life forms in the vegetation of Tharparkar district-Summer (2012) ______105
Figure 8.15: Life span of the flora of Tharparkar district- Summer (2012) ______105
Figure 8.16: Spatial distribution of plant species/communities in Tharparkar in Summer (2012) ______115
Figure 8.17: ArcGIS Model for the process execution ______118
Figure 8.18: Vegetation Cover during Summer Season 2014 ______120
Figure 8.19: Transition in Vegetation Cover from Summer to Monsoon Season ______121
Figure 8.20: Vegetation Cover during Monsoon Season ______122
Figure 8.21: Transition in Vegetation Cover from Monsoon to Winter Season ______123
Figure 8.22: Vegetation Cover during Winter Season ______124
Figure 8.23: Transition in Vegetation Cover from Winter to Summer Season ______125
Figure 8.24: Vegetation Cover in Monsoon 2009 ______126
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Figure 8.25: Vegetation Cover in Summer 2009 ______127
Figure 8.26: Vegetation Cover in Winter 2009 ______128
Figure 8.27: Vegetation Cover in Monsoon 2010 ______129
Figure 8.29: Vegetation Cover in Summer 2010 ______130
Figure 8.30: Vegetation Cover in Winter 2010 ______131
Figure 8.31: Species on Vegetation Cover ______132
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Non-Technical Summary
Biological Baseline Information
Tharparkar district is bounded by Mirpurkhas and Umerkot districts on the north, Barmer and Jaisalmer districts of India on the east, Badin district on the west and sandy salt marsh in Runn of Kutch towards the south. The topography of the project area is striking with sandy hills, steep slopes and vast low lying areas locally known as Patt. There is huge sandy tract commonly distributed in the whole area along with dunes and the plains. The accrual of sand in gigantic mass in the form of a hill is known as sand dune/ridges. Dune has a crest; the topmost portion, swale (flank); the middle portion and the foot; and the base of the dune. The area between two successive dunes is called flat plains or inter-dunal valley. Runn of Kutch envisages areas of marsh / wetlands that support livestock and migratory waterfowl during winter. Karoonjhar Hills in Nagarparkar Taluka offer a different ecological setting that is home to specific biodiversity.
Wetlands are an important part of the desert ecosystem. They provide the much needed water for the human beings, their livestock and the wild animals and birds. The vegetation around the wetlands is also utilized by the livestock and wildlife. The sustenance of wetlands water from natural ponds (locally called tarai) and depressions is evaporated and the livestock, wildlife and the human population have to face the shortage of water and feed hence they migrate from drought stricken areas to irrigated areas. The excavated wells and cemented Takas (Tanks) counter the impact of drought. Ponds are usually short lived because their water is accumulated and evaporated, while takas and wells live for longer time, but after some time their water quality deteriorates and become brackish. Pond water is fresh and sweet and is used for drinking both by humans and livestock.
Coal mining under the present legislation is not allowed in a Wildlife Sanctuary (Runn of Kutch is a Wildlife Sanctuary and a Ramsar site) even after the Amendments made in 2001.
As the Thar Coal Project is of national significance it is suggested that Energy Department along with Sindh Wildlife Department should initiate a process, with the Government of Sindh to obtain permission to undertake exploration, coal mining, setting up power plants, industries and any other works in relation to coal fields falling within the Wildlife Sanctuary limits. Such permission cannot be granted by any singular authority. This shall have to come through an Act of the Sindh Parliament i.e., an amendment in section 14 of the Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1972 that would subsequently be approved by the Cabinet.
Even after the amendment the basic requirement shall remain that is the conduct of a detailed EIA by Block Owners before undertaking mining, if the work is to be undertaken in a Wildlife Sanctuary.
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Ramsar sites are not covered in the current legislation hence there should be no such restrictions on exploration, mining, setting up plants and related works. But Runn of Kuch Ramsar site is different as whole the site lies within the Wildlife Sanctuary area. As such any exploration work within Runn of Kuch Ramsar Site shall also be governed by legislation as related to Wildlife Sanctuary.
Once the work in the Wildlife Sanctuary area has been legally allowed the following conditions shall have to be met with as well:
• Mitigation measures as recommended by the EIA shall have to be undertaken.
• As there is no approved Management Plan for the Wildlife Sanctuary, a Plan of Work consistent with the general provision of wildlife and habitat conservation shall have to be formulated in consultation with the Wildlife Department and implemented.
• Consultation with local communities and other stakeholders shall have to be made.
Fauna
The fauna of Tharparkar is a mixture of Palearctic and Indo-Malayan elements. The desert is an undulating vast plain of soft sand with out-crops of hills (Karoonjhar Hills in extreme south-east of the district) and large stony plains at different locations such as in Nagar Parker. Karoonjhar hills containing pink granite provide an ideal habitat and a refuge to a number of important wildlife species. The area as a whole is rich in fauna with many endemic, threatened and important vertebrate species. The key wildlife species in the area include: chameleon ( Chameleo zeylanicus ) among reptiles which is found nowhere else in the country; critically endangered Gyps vultures; White-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis ), Indian vulture ( Gyps indicus ) and endangered Egyptian vulture ( Neophron percnopterus ) that have selected the area as an ultimate refuge; commonly distributed Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus ) among birds; and critically endangered Nilgai ( Boselephus tragocamelus ) and Striped hyena ( Hyaena hyaena ) among the mammals. Indian gazelle ( Gazella bennettii ), the desert hare (Lepus nigricollis ), the predatory carnivores like jackal ( Canis aureus ), desert cat ( Felis lybica ) and desert fox ( Vulpes vulpes ) are the other important wildlife species still occurring in the area. The distinctive soft sand undulating regions of Thar Desert and gravel desert plains around Nagar Parkar, near the Runn of Kutch, contain remaining population of the caracal ( Felis caracal ) and the only remnant population of the Indian wild ass ( Equus hemionus khar ) in Pakistan.
Since 1980 part of the Tharparkar district has been notified as “Runn of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary” that covers an area of 8300 km 2. Part of the Wildlife Sanctuary (5664 km 2) has also been notified as Ramsar site i.e., the Wetland of International Importance, under the Ramsar Convention (Convention on the Wetlands as Habitat for Waterfowl).
The fauna of Thar has been studied extensively. A detailed review of literature has been presented on the occurrence of birds, large and small mammals, amphibians and reptiles. This baseline study was conducted in the second fortnight of April 2012. Standard census methods were employed to record the occurrence of birds, large and small mammals, amphibians and reptiles in areas where the main
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wildlife species were reported to occur. Observations on different habitats were recorded; officials of Sindh Wildlife Department and local residents were interviewed in order to assess the existing threats to the fauna as well as any possible negative impacts of the Thar Coal Project to the resident as well as migratory birds, large and small mammals, amphibians and reptiles.
Birds
During the survey in different habitats in the study area, 74 bird species were recorded of which 58 (78.37 %) were Resident, 4 (5.4 %) winter visitors, 8 (10.81 %) irregular year-round visitors and 4 (5.4 %) species were summer breeders. The recorded 74 species belonged to 17 orders, 37 families and 60 genera. The residential status, and conservation status and population trend of threatened species was assessed and reported.
Out of the recorded 74 species, four species are threatened whereas, rest are either Least Concern (LC) or Not Assessed (NA) according to IUCN Red List of threatened animals 2012. The threatened species include; Indian vulture and White-rumped vulture evaluated as Critically Endangered (CE) both with decreasing population trends; Egyptian Vulture evaluated as Endangered (E) with a decreasing population trend and Great Knot evaluated as Vulnerable (VU) with a decreasing population trend. Rest of the 70 species include: Laggar falcon evaluated as Near Threatened (NT) with a decreasing population trend and 68 species evaluated as LC. One species, Asian Koel has not been assessed for IUCN Red List but recorded. A brief description of species of concern and the threats to the species from the proposed project and their mitigation measures have been suggested.
Three crane species viz., Demoiselle ( Anthropoides virgo ), Common ( Grus grus ) and Sarus ( Grus antigone ) have also been reported from the area. Three Sarus cranes stayed at Habba sar in Nagarparkar from November 2011 to late February 2012; the place where a pair of Sarus were killed in 2000; after the incidence they have returned only this winter. Two other migratory birds viz., Houbara bustard ( Chlamydotis undulate macqueenii ) and Great Indian bustard ( Choriotis nigriceps ) are also reported from the area.
The wetlands in the district especially within the Ramsar site area support large populations of migratory waterfowl that visit the area for wintering.
Peafowl ( Pavo cristatus ) is frequently seen in the area. Its population is feral as well as domestic. It enjoys immunity from hunting being considered sacred by the Hindu community. It frequently comes across domestic poultry hence is prone to infectious diseases.
The conservation status of all recorded bird species as listed in IUCN Red Data List has been reported.
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Mammals
Of the 34 species of mammals recorded 13 species were rodents; two insectivores; two bats; one lagomorph, ten carnivores; five ungulates and one ant-eater. Nilgai or blue bull, Striped hyaena and Wild ass were recorded only from Nagarparkar Taluka. Hyaena was reported from the lower hilly area of Nagarparkar but reported to be absent in the upper desert. Locals and game watchers were of the opinion that there may be 40-50 hyaenas in Karoonjhar Hills cluster. Nilgai is distributed in areas of Ranpur, Cheetra Sar, Bartala, Kasbo, Bako, Veeka Sar, Soora and Chand. It was estimated that there may be 175-200 animals in these areas. Wild Boar (Sus scrofa ) was recorded for the first time from Nagarparkar that shared the habitat with Nilgai. Chinkara habitat in Diplo was sampled. Six animals were spotted resting under the shade of Kandi Salvadora oleoides trees in Union Council Mar Norer. The three mammal species have already created human-wildlife conflicts because they cause economic losses to farmers and livestock owners. The three large mammal species have been described.
The conservation status of all recorded mammal species as listed in IUCN Red Data List has been reported. Four species viz., Striped hyaena, Caracal or Desert lynx, Honey badger (Mellivora capensis ) and Wild ass are Critically Endangered; six species viz., Asiatic jackal, Desert fox, Palm squirrel (Funambulus palmarum ), Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica ), Balochistan gerbil (Gerbillus nanus) and Kutch rock rat are Near-threatened; three species viz., Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata ), Nilgai and Chinkara are Vulnerable. One species is Data Deficient whereas 20 species are of Least Concern.
Amphibians and Reptiles
Two amphibian and 20 species of reptiles were recorded from the study area. These include: one toad, one frog, one turtle, 14 lizards and five snakes. Of five snake species two are poisonous and three non-poisonous. The recorded species belong to three orders and 13 families. All the recorded species except Russell’s chain viper (Daboia russelii ) and Black cobra (Naja naja ) were observed directly. Some species were also recorded through indirect evidences such as tracks, burrows, moults and nests that confirmed the existence of the species in the area. The moults of the Russell’s chain viper and Black cobra were also observed during the study that confirmed their existence in the study area.
According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012, none of the recorded herp species is threatened. One species Indian flap-shell turtle (Lissemys punctata ) is categorized as Lower Risk with unknown population trend; four species are categorized as Least Concern with stable population trend, two species are categorized as Least Concern with unknown population trend, one species Bengal Monitor Lizard (Varanus bengalensis ) is categorized as Least Concern with decreasing population trend while rest of the 15 species have not yet been assessed for IUCN Red List but are recorded in the catalogue of life.
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Two out of the recorded 22 species; striped sand gecko ( Crossobamon maynardi ) and Kuchh spotted ground gecko ( Cyrtopodion kachhense ) are endemic to Pakistan. Chameleon ( Chamaeleo zeylanicus ) is facing severe threats to its population due to excessive trapping and illegal trade. The three species have been described.
Biologically Important Areas
Wetlands and seasonal wetlands mainly the marshes in Ramsar site / Runn of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary have high biodiversity values such as the occurrence of species of interest (vultures, nilgai, chinkara, hyaena, cranes) and the habitats supporting them need to be considered to enhance their conservation values. Wetlands are specifically important for the conservation of migratory species and fulfilling the needs of humans and their livestock. Efforts should be made to spare such areas from active exploration or gas field operations or developing the infrastructure. In case such areas are put to some active use, mitigation measures suggested to address potential impacts must be taken. Special consideration for the conservation of population of species of concern (including the habitats of concern) would include: i) rehabilitation of habitats to enable them to support populations of species of concern; ii) creation of ecologically comparable area/s that could be managed for conservation and management of wildlife and their habitats; iii) involvement of all stakeholders in the overall management of areas of interest; and iv) enhancement of livelihood opportunities for the local people that would have been directly affected.
Public concerns
• A rodent control program may have to be initiated in the area with the help of Agriculture Department and Pest Control Departments.
• Anti-venom kits must be provided at the level of Basic Health Centres and Rural Health Centres so that the affected people could have an access to medical treatment.
• An awareness campaign may be started to train the land owners how to be vigilant in the conservation of natural resources.
Flora
The vegetation of the study area can be classified as scrub forest. The plants are best adapted to the ecological conditions either for high or low temperature fluctuations as well as poor soil and rainfall ranges. The soils of the desert plains are loamy sand to loam; the soil in the eastern part is alluvial which supports good vegetation.
Flora of the project area is sporadic; 122 plant species were recorded in a preliminary floristic survey in 1966 from Thar Desert, Sindh. This is the only listing of plants available from the area. Forty medicinal plant species were reported in 1991. From the nearby Nara desert 145 plant species have been reported.
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During April 2012, 50 quadrats of 50 x 50 meters were laid out to study the floral composition in different Landscape Ecological Units (micro habitats) e.g., Dune crest habitat (top of the sand dune); Slopes / Swales / Flanks habitat; Sandy Plains habitat (Tar-Tarai/ low Lying Flat Areas); Saline Lands; and Lake/Wetland Habitat etc. The quadrats were laid down randomly when any micro changes were observed. Plants from each quadrat were collected and preserved. The associated species present outside the quadrats in close proximity were also noted down and collected for proper identification. Six (6) microhabitats were identified on the basis of topography and physiognomic features; plants were identified with the help of floristic literature. All the plant species were classified into families and calculated by dividing all the species by their respective families in order to obtain Family Importance Value.
During the survey, 162 plant species belonging to 113 genera and 45 families were identified. Amongst them, 42 species were monocot and 120 dicots. Out of 162, thirty seven had medicinal value. Grasses dominated in the whole area; 33 species (20.37%) were contributed by Poaceae family. Fabaceae was found the second most important family that contributed 12 species, 7.41% flora, followed by Amaranthaceae, Boraginaceae, Euphorbiaceae (seven species, 4.32% each), Asclepiadaceae, Asteraceae, Convolvulaceae, Mimosaceae (six species, 3.70% each) and Cyperaceae and Solanaceae (five species, 3.09% each). Rest 34 families contributed one to four species in the total flora. The study area sustains six life forms of the vegetation; herbs (67 species) dominate in the area. The other important groups of plants included shrubs that consisted of 34 species (20.99%), followed by grasses (33 species, 20.37%) and trees (11 species, 6.79%). Rest of the forms had fewer species. Most of the recorded taxa were annual (51%) followed by perennial (36%) and biennial (13%).
Based on frequency percentage, biological amplitude of each plant species was determined. Aerva javanica possessed wide amplitude (77.14%) as it was fairly well distributed in the whole study area. Four species viz., Lactuca spp., Bolboschoenus glaucus , Acacia jacquemontii and Prosopis juliflora were constantly present in the study area. The other important species of the area included: Acacia senegal , Calotropis procera , Chenopodium album , Corchorus depressus , Crotalaria burhia , Leptadenia pyrotechnica , Saccaharum bengalensis , Bacopa monnieri ; The most common species in the study area were: Citrulus colocynthis , Panicum turgidum , Polypogon fugax , Zygophyllum simplex . These species were recorded in various proportions and were a part of the typical vegetation type/s.
Spatial distribution of 42 plant communities identified in sampled areas of Tharparkar has been shown on the map (Figure 8.16). Five plant species are endemic to the area that include: Blepharis sindica , Justicia vehlii var. scindica , Ruellia scindica , Pulicaria boissieri and Convolvulus scindicus . None of the plant species recorded from the study area is included in IUCN Red Data List. The documented wild relatives of crop plants in southern Sindh include: wild relative of millet Sorghum halepense (a common weed throughout the country); wild relative of cotton Gossypium stocksii (occurring in Sindh); wild relative of kenaf Hibiscus micranthus (occurring in Sindh and Balochistan). None of the three species was collected during the survey.
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Views of some stakeholders were recorded and have been reported.
The potential impacts of mining, power generation, transmission and associated activities like infrastructure development on vegetation of the study area were assessed and appropriate measures to avoid/minimize the adverse effects and enhance the positive impacts:
The vegetation removed must be compensated by new plantation to provide the necessary habitat to birds and other fauna. Specific impact can be determined only at the site from where the vegetation shall be removed by studying the vegetation and the related fauna at the site and the space.
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1. Introduction
1.1 Background
MMP has been engaged by the Energy Department, Government of Sindh to conduct “Environmental and Social Studies including Resettlement Frameworks and Land Use Plan for Thar Coal Fields”.
The objective of component I “Environment and Social Studies” to be carried in Tharparkar district spread over 19,638 km 2, is to ensure that there is a basis for measuring and determining what impacts (positive or negative) mining, power generation, transmission, infrastructure activities and associated activities will have on the environment, people and their livelihoods, and cultural heritage of Thar area.
Tharparkar district (19,638 km 2) lies between 24°10' to 25°45'N latitudes and 69 o04' to 71°06'E longitude (Figure 1.1). The district is bounded by Mirpurkhas and Umerkot districts in the north, Barmer and Jaisalmer districts of India in the east, Badin district in the west and sandy salt marsh in Runn of Kutch towards the south. Tharparkar composed of two words; Thar means ‘desert’ and Parkar stands for ‘the other side’.
The topography of the project area is striking with sandy hills, steep slopes and vast low lying areas locally known as Patt. Sand dunes are interspersed with valleys in the whole tract. The accrual of sand in gigantic mass in the form of a hill is known as sand dune/ridge. A dune has a crest; the topmost portion, swale (flank); the middle portion and the foot; and the base of the dune. The area between two successive dunes is called flat plains or inter-dunal valley.
Two types of dunes are observed in the area- the stabilized and un-stabilized dunes. The un- stabilized dune is a movable heap of sand, not really fixed on the ground but can be moved with the fast wind in the wind direction. It lacks or has some scanty vegetation, such as some ephemerals or pioneer species like Limeum indicum , Euphorbia prostrata , Gisekia pharnaceoides , Mollugo cerviana . These dunes gradually stabilize with the passage of time due to the growth of some sand binding perennial species such as Aerva javanica , Calotropis procera , Leptadenia pyrotechnica , Saccharum spontaneum . They provide habitat for the survival of some annual grasses e.g. Aristida spp ., Eragrostis spp ., Stipagrostis plumose for various annual herbs such as Convolvulus , Heliotropium , Indigofera , Tephrosia , Polygala and perennials like Echinops echinatus , Crotalaria burhia and shrubs like Acacia jacqumontii . Species of Trianthema , Chenopodium , Salsola and Suaeda are commonly found in saline tract of the desert.
The stabilized dunes are characterized by mixed population of plant species. The study area has stabilized dunes with low lying flat areas; the valleys. The factors responsible for the making of such
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dunes are the wind that blows steadily against an obstacle, which results in the collection of sand on the windward side, forming a long slope of sand. On the other side, the leeward side, the dune drops in a sharp curving cliff.
Hummocky dunes are also common feature of the area. These are formed when sand gets trapped around perennial trees or shrubs growing over the top of the sand dunes (crest) or its sides (slopes). It has been observed that the majority of older bushes grow on the hummocks, whereas, the younger ones were found without the hummock.
Figure 1.1: Map of Tharparkar District showing Thar-coal Project sites © MMP
Wetlands are an important part of the desert ecosystem. They provide the much needed water for the human beings, their livestock and the wild animals and birds. The vegetation around the wetlands is also utilized by the livestock and wildlife. The sustenance of wetlands water from natural ponds (locally called tarai) and depressions is evaporated and the livestock, wildlife and the human population have to face the shortage of water and feed hence they migrate from drought stricken areas to irrigated areas. To counter the impact of drought artificially excavated wells and cemented Takas (Tanks) counter the impact of drought. Ponds are usually short lived because their water is accumulated and evaporated, while Takas and wells live for longer time, but after some time their water quality deteriorates and become brackish. Pond water is fresh and sweet and issued for drinking both by humans and livestock. These ponds have significant effect on the top seated aquifers, because their water seeps down slowly to the deep water reservoir and make it suitable for drinking. The depth of each aquifer varies from few meters (5-10 meters) to 100m.
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The flora and fauna of Tharparkar is a mixture of Palearctic and Indo-Malayan elements (Parkash 1974). The desert is an undulating vast plain of soft sand with out-crops of hills (Karoonjhar Hills in extreme south-east of the district) and large stony plains at different locations such as in Nagar Parker. Karoonjhar hills containing pink granite provide an ideal habitat and a refuge to a number of important wildlife species. The area as a whole is rich in flora and fauna with many endemic, threatened and important vertebrate species. The key wildlife species in the area include: chameleon (Chameleo zeylanicus ) among reptiles which is found nowhere else in the country; critically endangered Gyps vultures; White-rumped vulture, Indian vulture and endangered Egyptian vulture that have selected the area as an ultimate refuge; commonly distributed Indian peafowl among birds; and critically endangered Nilgai and Striped hyena among the mammals. Indian gazelle, the desert hare, the predatory carnivores like jackal, desert cat and desert fox are the other important wildlife species still occurring in the area. The distinctive soft sand undulating regions of Thar Desert and gravel desert plains around Nagarparkar, near the Runn of Kutch, contain remaining population of the caracal and the only remnant population of the Indian wild ass ( Equus hemionus ) in Pakistan.
Due to the presence of rich and varied wildlife Sindh Wildlife Department is planning to establish Karoonjhar Hills National Park that will include whole of the Tharparkar district and some parts of Badin and Thatta districts.
Most of the important wildlife species are found in Tehsil Nagarparkar in the extreme south-east of the district; initial project sites for exploration of Thar Coal fields are however located mostly in Mithi and Chachro Tehsils in central and northern parts of the district (Figure 1.1).
The desert also supports a well-established rodent fauna that plays a vital role as pest of food grains, grasslands and other vegetation and as carrier of diseases. Rodents are an important link in the food chain/ food web in the desert especially with reference to predator fauna, viz., raptors, snakes and carnivores dwelling in the desert.
Amphibians and reptiles act as excellent biological indicators. They play a key role in interlocking the web of nature. They prey upon insects and other invertebrates and therefore regulate the population of these animals; they are also a major source of food for other carnivore species (birds and mammals). Their position in the ecological niche is so vulnerable that the survival and collapse of the whole energy cycle depends upon the presence and absence of amphibians and reptiles. The existence and sustainable use of this biological resource is therefore imperative around the study area.
1.2 Conservation Importance of the Area
Part of the study area, Runn of Kutch (Figure 1.2) has been declared a Wildlife Sanctuary vide Government of Sindh Notification No. WL&FT (DCF-GEN-151)/1980 dated August 17, 1980 the wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 8300 km2. Runn of Kutch has also been declared a ‘Ramsar site
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(Site No. 1285)’ i.e., the Wetland of International Importance under the Convention on the Wetlands as Habitat for Waterfowl popularly known as Ramsar Convention (Figure 1.3).
Figure 1.2: Runn of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary in Thar Parkar district (The sanctuary area also includes some areas in Badin District in the west).
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Figure 1.3: Runn of Kutch Ramsar Site (showing the boundary in red at the southern edge of the district)
A Wildlife Sanctuary is established under Clause 14 of the Sindh Wildlife Ordinance 1972. The Clause reads as follows:
1. Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, declare any area to be a wildlife sanctuary and may demarcate it in such manner as may be prescribed. 2. The wildlife sanctuary shall be set aside as undisturbed breeding ground for the protection of wildlife and access thereto for public shall, except in accordance with the rules, be prohibited and no exploitation of forest therein shall be allowed except for reducing fire hazards, epidemic or insect attacks or other natural calamities. 3. No person shall: i) enter or reside, ii) cultivate any land, iii) damage or destroy any vegetation, iv) hunt, kill or capture any wild animal or fire any gun or other firearm within three miles of the boundaries or, v) introduce any exotic species of animal or plant, vi) introduce any domestic animal or allow it to stray, vii) cause any fire, or viii) pollute water,
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In a wildlife sanctuary:
Provided that Government may, for scientific purposes or for aesthetic enjoyment or betterment of scenery, authorize the doing of the aforementioned acts. [Amendments (3), (4), (7) and (12) (July 17, 1993 to June 01, 2001)]
Amendments (3):“4. No fishing waters in a wildlife sanctuary shall be leased, auctioned or in any way used for the purpose of fishing or collection of lotus or roots thereof for commercial purpose.”
Amendments (4):4. Any lease or permission granted or any agreement executed or auction held for the purpose mentioned in aforementioned section (4) before the coming into force of the Sindh Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Ordinance, 1992 shall stand annulled and be of no effect.
Amendments (7):“Provided further that Government may authorize the laying of an underground pipeline, using construction techniques other than blasting, which do not permanently disturb the wildlife or environment, on such terms and conditions, including the betterment, conservation and preservation of the wildlife sanctuary, as may be specified.”
Amendments (12):“Provided also that this section shall not apply to any activity in a wildlife sanctuary in connection with the exploration or production of oil or gas which is undertaken in accordance with an environmental impact assessment, as defined in the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997(Act XXXIV of 1997)”.
Governments of Sindh have made four amendments in the Ordinance as follows:
Table 1.1: The Sindh Government Gazette Extraordinary (four notifications)
699 The Sindh Govt. Gazette Ext. December 15, 1993 PART-1
Amendment (3) 3. In the said Ordinance, in Section 14 after sub-section (3), the following sub section shall be added: Amendment of “(4) No fishing waters in a wildlife sanctuary shall be leased, auctioned or in any way section 14 of Sindh used for the purpose of fishing or collection of lotus or roots thereof for commercial Ordinance V of 1972 purpose.”
Amendment (4) 4. Any lease or permission granted or any agreement executed or auction held for the purpose mentioned in aforementioned section (4) before the coming into force of the Sindh Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Ordinance, 1992 shall stand annulled and be of Amendment of lease no effect. etc.
68 The Sindh Govt. gazette Ext. December 20, 2001 PART-1
Amendment (7)* 2. In the Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1972, herein referred to as the said Ordinance, in section 14, in sub-section (3), in the proviso, the full stop at the end shall be replaced by colon and thereafter the following new proviso shall be added: Amendment of section 14 of Sindh “Provided further that Government may authorize the laying of an underground pipeline, Ordinance V of 1972 using construction techniques other than blasting, which do not permanently disturb the
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wildlife or environment, on such terms and conditions, including the betterment, conservation and preservation of the wildlife sanctuary, as may be specified.”
1225-B The Sindh Govt. gazette Ext. June 01, 2001 PART-1
Amendment (12)* 2. In the Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1972, herein referred to as the said Ordinance, in section 14, in sub-section (3), in the second proviso thereto, the full stop at the end shall be replaced by colon and thereafter the following new proviso shall be Amendment of added: section 14 of Sindh Ordinance V of 1972 “Provided also that this section shall not apply to any activity in a wildlife sanctuary in connection with the exploration or production of oil or gas which is undertaken in Accordance with an environmental impact assessment, as defined in the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997(Act XXXIV of 1997)”.
The Sindh Wildlife Ordinance (1972) has however been revised after wide consultation and presented to the Sindh Provincial Cabinet. Approval is still awaited.
Ramsar site, Runn of Kutch (690 03’ 00” to 710 08’00”E and 240 09’30” to 240 36’ 00”N) and its adjoining tidal mudflats area is part of the great Thar desert. Thar region forms bigger desert, representing the eastern most link of the great Afro-Asian desert chain stretching eastward from the Sahara. The Runn of Kutch is spread over an area of 566,375 ha (5663.75 km 2) and is an ideal habitat for a number of wild animals and birds of global significance. Runn of Kutch was declared wildlife sanctuary in 1980, and is located in the central south-east of the Sindh province. This area consists of old stabilized sand dunes that run parallel in south-west to north-east direction with broad inter-dunal valleys between dune tops. The marshy stretch or tidal mudflat area in its southern end is the most attractive feature of the project area. The Runn was created as delta of the Hakra River that once flowed along the eastern boundary of Sindh.
It is a true desert habitat and sand dunes are main characteristics of this area. In its eastern side, some rain fed ponds in the Nagarparkar area provide refuge to sarus crane and other coastal birds. This area can be classified into three habitat types; Sandy and sand-dunal tract Karoonjhar hill range and Coastal saline marshy tract/mudflats.
Area is rich in floral diversity and well developed herbs/shrubs, trees and grasses manifest the area. Main floral species include: Acacia senegal , Acacia jacquemontii, Prosopis cineraria , Prosopis glandulosa , Capparis decidua , Zizyphus nummularia , Salvadora oleoides , Euphorbia caudicifolia , Panicum turgidum , Aerva tomentosa , Calligonium polygonoides , Calotropis procera , Azadirachta indica , Prosopis spp ., Tecomella undulata are common tree, herb and shrub species of the area. Grass species are Cenchrus ciliarus , Cenchrus biflorus , Cenchrus setigerus , Dichanthium annulatum , Panicum antidotale . These floral species are biogeographically important.
Noteworthy fauna (indicating endangered, rare and abundant) include:
Endangered: Hyeana ( Hyeana hyaena ), Desert cat ( Felis libyca ), Caracal cat ( Felis caracal ), Small Indian Civet ( Viverricula indica ), Honey Badger ( Mellivona capanisis ), Nilgai ( Boselaphus
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tragocamelus ), HoubaraBustard ( Chamydotis undulata ), Commoncrane ( Grus grus ), and Common peafowl ( Pavo cristatus ).
Rare: Indian Wild Ass ( Equus hemionus ), Wolf ( Canis lupus ), Sarus crane( Grus antigone ), and Great Indian Bustard ( Choriotis nigriceps ).
Abundant: Chinkara gazelle ( Gazella bennettii ), Desert fox ( Vulpus vulpus ), Indianfox (Vulpus bengalensis), Indian Cobra (Naja naja), Saw-scaled viper ( Echis carinatus ), Indian Krait ( Bungarus caeruleus ), Indian desert monitor ( Varanus griseus ), Indian Fringe – toed sand lizard (Acanthodactylus cantoris ), Black Partridge ( Francolinus francolinus ), Grey Partridge ( Francolinus pondicerinus ), Sandgrouse ( Pterocelus excustus ), Tawny eagle ( Aquila rapax ) and Sakar Falcon (Falco biarmicus ).
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2. Faunal Survey
2.1 Review of Literature
2.1.1 Birds
Ali and Ripley (1971-81) are among the pioneers in avian studies of the region. They have contributed a lot to the knowledge on the avifauna of Pakistan. Data regarding waterfowl and wetlands of Pakistan mainly come from Midwinter Waterfowl Census conducted regularly since 1987 and published by International Waterfowl and Wetlands Research Bureau (IWRB) and Asian Wetlands Bureau (AWB) (Perennou and Mundkur 1992; Perennou et al. 1993; Mundkur and Taylor 1993; Lopez and Mundkur 1997 and Li and Mundkur 2004). Directory of Asian Wetlands by Scott (1989) is a remarkable achievement as it gives a series of national reports covering all countries from Pakistan in the west, and China, Koreas, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea in the east. The Pakistan section of the directory describes 52 wetland sites. These have been selected on the basis of criteria developed through the Ramsar Convention. Although it lacks information about the wetlands of the Nara Desert Wetlands Complex, Deh Akro Wetlands Complex, Runn of Kutch, different sites in Baluchistan such as Ormara, Jiwani, Hingol, Miani Hor, Ras Malan etc. This is still a sole reference book on the wetlands of Pakistan. Roberts’ (1991 and 1992) two volumes on Birds of Pakistan are the first complete account of the avifauna of the country. The first volume contains detailed descriptions of 347 non-passerine birds while the second volume deals with 313 species of passerine birds. Ghalib et al. (1999) listed the Birds of Chotiari Wetland Complex based on their surveys during 1997. They described the preferred habitats of various avian species, threats to avifauna and proposals for management of the Chotiari Wetland Complex. Ghalib and Bhaagat (2004) studied the wetlands of Indus Eco-region and produced list of important wetlands along with the recorded avian species. Hassan et al. (2005) listed the fishes and birds of Keti Bunder, Shah Bunder and other parts of the Indus delta. They have recorded 51 species of birds. Khan and Ghalib et al. (2006) have given the bird populations and threats to some selected important wetlands in Pakistan.
Many scientists have worked on avian fauna of Thar Desert in India but very little efforts have been made to study the avian fauna of That Desert in Pakistan. Rehmani (1997) conducted four avian surveys during 1993 and 1994 in the Thar Desert to find out the effects of Indira Gandhi Nahar (Canal) Project on the avian fauna of Thar Desert. He recorded 250 bird species from the area with nearly half being non-desert taxa. Existence of a number of new forest and wetland species in Thar Desert was found due to canal-side plantations and seepage wetlands. Sangha (2002) published his observations about birds in Thar Desert based on his survey made during 1985 and 1999. He updated the checklist of birds given by Rehmani (1997) and reported 62 additional bird species.Sivaperuman et al. (2005) also recorded the distribution pattern of birds in Thar Desert in
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India.Sivaperuman (2012) conducted a detailed study on composition and abundance of bird populations in Thar Desert in India during 2000 and 2004 and reported 272 bird species.
In Pakistan Mirza (2007) and Grimmett (2008) are the major contributors to the ornithology of Tharparkar.
2.1.2 Mammals
Highly diversified mammalian fauna has been reported from the Thar Desert (Siddiqi 1961, 1969; Ahmad and Ghalib 1979; Roberts 1997). Most of the species have not been studied in depth from conservation point of view. Ahmad (1997) briefly described the conservation status of ungulates in Pakistan, including regions of Thar Desert. According to him most of the species are now rare with the exception of wild boar.All other species (e.g. Wild Ass; Nilgai; Blackbuck; Chinkara) are generally on the decline in their areas of occurrence. In the deserts it is only the wild mammalian fauna which can reflect variation in geographical distribution and environmental changes through time. Most of the species found in Thar Desert during prehistoric and historic times are to be found even today and they represent a biological continuity (Prakash 1958, 1974; Nath 1968; Misra 1988).
The rodents are numerically the most abundant tenants of desert lands around the world, and in Thar Desert too (Prakash 1975). Rodents constitute one of the largest mammalian groups in the Thar Desert of Pakistan, both in total number and in the number of species represented (Akhtar 1958-60; Ellerman 1961; Siddiqi 1961, 1969; Mirza 1969; Roberts 1972, 1997). Some of the rodent species recorded in Tharparkar district have been studied by different workers (Rana and Beg 1976;Beg et al 1975; Fulk et al. 1981). Greaves and Khan (1978) and Khokhar (1983) described the distribution and ecology of the Indian crested porcupine and Mus species in Pakistan. Wild boar distribution has been studied in Pakistan (Inayatullah 1973; Smiet et al.1979), and its pest status (Tisdell1982; Brooks et al.1989). The rodents role in the intensification of desertic conditions may be comprehended from the fact that a single species viz., Meriones hurrianae is able to excavate about 61,400 kg of stabilized soil per/km 2 per day during summer and deposit it outside its burrow openings in a loose formation (Prakash 1962). This dug-up sandy soil is easily blown away by the strong desert winds. The rodents, thus, are a prime biotic factor that enhances soil erosion in desert lands.
Rodents’ impact on the desert vegetation as a result of their gnawing, debarking, cutting and feeding is very serious, the crop yields and rangelands cannot attain their optimum productivity without a rodent control programme. The rodents are regarded to be the most potent enemies of man in the desert (Prakash 1974, 1975). The frequency of occurrence of M. hurrianae in various habitats of Rajasthan Desert was reported as; 60% from the sandy habitat, 17% from stony plains and the rest from ruderal habitat (Prakash and Ghosh 1975; Prakash 1962 & 1981).
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2.1.3 Amphibians and Reptiles
The herpetological studies in southern Asia started during second half of 19 th century and the first general work was The Reptiles of British India by Albert Günther (1864), followed by George Boulenger’s work in Fauna of British India series (1890). Fauna of British India was later revised by Malcolm Smith in three volumes (1931, 1935 and 1943). The revision updated the herpetological knowledge but it fell short of the coverage of the area. Large parts of land in the subcontinent especially in Pakistan are even nowadays unknown and unexplored in respect of the herpetofaunal composition. Ferdinand Stoliczka (1872), William Blanford (1874, 1876), and James A. Murray (1886) are among those who published herpetological papers prior to 1900 on the region that became Pakistan.
After 1947, Minton (1962 and 1966) and Mertens (1969, 1970 and 1974) were the only contributors to the herpetology of Pakistan, covering large areas not covered by previous work. Thus Minton and Mertens are among the pioneers of the herpetological research in the country. In ‘A contribution to the herpetology of West Pakistan’ Minton (1966) described different herps in details. Minton’s collections were made mainly from lower Sindh and Balochistan, whereas Mertens’ collections were made from a wider area. Since then, several reports have been published on herpetological collections from different parts of Pakistan, adding much to the knowledge on the composition of herpetological assemblages in different parts of Pakistan. The bulk of that work was produced by first Pakistani herpetologist, Muhammad Sharif Khan followed by Khalid Javed Baig (Khan 1968 a, 1972, 1979, 1980a, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991c, 1992, 1993a,c, 1997, 1999 a, b, 2001, 2004, 2006; Khan and Ahmed 1987; Khan and Baig 1988, 1992; Khan and Tasnim 1990; Baig 1988 a,b,c, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1997, 1998a,b; Baig and Böhme 1991, 1996; Dubois and Khan 1979). Several species have been recorded for the first time from Pakistan (Khan 1974, 1977, 1984a, b, 1985b, 1986, 1989, 1992; Baig 1988c, 2005; Baig and Gvozdik 1998). New species of frogs, lizards and snakes have been described (Khan 1980a, 1985b, 1988, 1991a, b, 1993a, 1997a, b, 1998, 1999c, d; Khan and Tasnim 1989, 1990; Khan and Baig 1992; Khan and Khan 1997; Khan and Khan 2000; Baig 1989, 1992a, 1998b, 1999; Baig and Böhme 1996; Dubois and Khan 1979). Mohammad Sharif Khan has studied the herpetological fauna of Pakistan spending around 40 years of his life. He has compiled all his research work in the form of six books on herps of Pakistan with “Amphibians and Reptiles of Pakistan” (Khan, 2006) the most authentic book available on herpetology of Pakistan.
Very few herpetological studies have however been published on areas around Tharparkar especially the Nagar area due to its proximity to the Pak-India border. Zoological Survey Department reports (unpublished) are quite extensive and report on the distribution of amphibians and reptiles in Tharparkar area. These are anxiously being awaited.
The survey data shall serve as the baseline data and shall serve as a repository for future studies in Tharparkar area.
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2.2 Methodology
2.2.1 Birds
The survey was conducted around Thar Coal project sites in Tharparkar from April 23 to 30, 2012. Birds were watched in all the potential habitats in the area including sand dunes in Mithi, Diplo and Chachro Tehsils, hard soil plains with sparse vegetation, agricultural lands, hilly areas and ruderal habitats in Nagar Tehsil and wetlands around Weerawah. Karoonjhar hills in Nagarparkar were especially searched to locate nesting sites of Critically Endangered Gyps vultures. The visits were planned during dawn, early morning, in the afternoon and dusk mostly by walking through the core zones of bird habitats and by using a 4 x 4 jeep wherever possible. Waterfowl and waders were watched especially along Saanghah Lake near Weerawah from shore using binoculars. Most of the birds were identified without using binoculars. Some birds were identified after keenly observing with binoculars and consulting the hand book for bird identification (Grimmett et al. 2008). The birds that could not be identified in the field were later identified on the basis of some basic information collected in the field about their color, size, habits and habitat, and the photographs taken to facilitate their identification after consulting reference books (Grimmett et al. 2006; Roberts 1991 and 1992).
Observations on different habitats were recorded; officials of Sindh Wildlife Department and local residents were interviewed in order to assess the existing threats to the birds as well as any possible negative impacts of the Thar Coal Project to the resident as well as migratory avian fauna of the area.
2.2.2 Mammals
Four talukas/tehsils (Mithi, Diplo, Chachro and Nagarparkar) of Tharparkar distract were sampled to record, identify and assess species richness of mammals in the area.
Sampling for small mammals was conducted in the interior of 27 quadrats of 500x500m size in representative areas selected after reconnaissance surveys. Quadrats were established at a distance of 500m from the metalled road (on both sides alternatively) and similarly along gravel roads in the interior of the desert. Quadrats were marked with the help of vehicle meters. Such quadrats were established 15-20km apace. GPS readings (coordinates) were taken at each quadrat.
For small mammals assessment (rodents, hedge hogs, mongoose etc.) burrows, burrow systems and colonies were recorded in different habitats. In some areas (Mithi and Nagarparkar) rodents were recorded at night through spotlighting.
Medium-sized and large mammals were recorded through signs such as foot prints, scats and dens, also by gathering information from locals, hunters and game watchers of Department of Wildlife, Sindh. Chinkara gazelle and Nilgai or Bluebull were observed in the field using field binoculars.
All species were arranged according to taxonomic classification and their IUCN conservation status determined (Sheikh and Molur, 2005).
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2.2.3 Amphibians and Reptiles
To study the reptilian fauna around Tharparkar, field visits were carried out between 10:00 am to 3:00 pm for diurnal species and after dusk for the nocturnal species.
Collection Methods: Stone turning, looking at and through bushes, searching basking skinks on sand dunes and walking along microhabitats were various means used to find out all possible reptiles in the study area. Amphibians were observed along water bodies as well as in redural habitats. Fast moving Agamid and Lacertid lizards were collected by striking with a stick. Some specimens were pulled out with the help of long forceps from crevices in stones while a few were collected by hand from under the bushes.
Preservation Techniques: The specimens that could not be identified in the field were preserved for detailed studies in the laboratory. Collected lizards were killed by injecting concentrated formalin at the site of heart and then the formalin was injected in belly, neck, legs and tail for preservation. A tag number was allotted to each specimen and tied with the left hind limb for identification and later detailed studies. Preserved specimens were stored in 10% formalin in air tight plastic jars. Field notes were also prepared.
Field Records and Specimen Identification: Information about each collected specimen was recorded such as locality from where the specimen was collected, description of habitat of the collection site, time of collection, collection date and collector’s name. Collected specimens were identified by using the keys given by Minton (1966) and Khan (2004 and 2006).
Scale counts and Measurements: During laboratory study, following pholidosic counts and measurements were made. Number of upper labials, number of lower labials, number of supra-ocular scales (Scales on dorsal side of orbit outer to frontal and front-o-parietal), callose pre-anal scales (Enlarged scales in front of anal slit), callose abdominal scales (A patch of enlarged scales on the mid abdomen), number of scales around mid-body, number of scales along the lateral side of the body, shape of the scales and pre-auricular lobes (small lobules at anterior of ear opening). Similarly, snout- vent length, caudal length, head length, head width, axilla to groin length, eye diameter, ear diameter and all external characters were recorded.
2.2.4 Secondary Data
Thorough search was made to collect secondary data collected by different organizations in different seasons of the year. Unpublished data collected by conservation oriented NGO for Rann of Kach Wildlife Sanctuary during winter 2009; and M/S Hagler Bailly for for Block 2 Coal field were available. These data have been presented in the Report.
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3. Survey Results
3.1 Birds
During the survey in different habitats in the study area, 74 bird species were recorded of which 58 (78.37%) were Resident, 4 (5.4%) winter visitors, 8 (10.81%) irregular year-round visitors and 4 (5.4%) species were summer breeders according to Grimmett et al. (2008). The recorded 74 species belonged to 17 orders, 37 families and 60 genera. The residential status, and conservation status and population trend of threatened species is given in Table 3.1and Figure 3.1. The species of concern have been shown by coloured legends provided below:
Legend:
Critically Endangered Endangered Vulnerable Near Threatened
Table 3.1: Bird species recorded in Tharparkar in Summer 2012 and their conservation status according to IUCN Red List (2012)
IUCN 2010 Sr. Occurrence Zoological Names English Names Red list Status No. in study Area criteria Order Galliformes
Family Phasianidae
1 Coturnix coturnix Common Quail Irregular year-round LC Frequent Bater (u) visitor
2 Francolinus Grey Francolin Resident LC Frequent pondicerianus Bhura teetar (u), Bhoro-Tittar (s)
3 Francolinus Black Francolin Resident LC Common francolinus Kala teetar (u), Karo- Tittar (s)
4 Pavo cristatus Indian Peafowl Resident LC Common Mor(u) Order Piciformes
Family Picidae
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IUCN 2010 Sr. Occurrence Zoological Names English Names Red list Status No. in study Area criteria 5 Dendrocopos Yellow-crowned Resident LC Common mahrattensis Woodpecker Kath bardhai(u) 6 Dendrocopos Sind Woodpecker Resident LC Common assimilis Sindhi Kath bardhai(u) Order Coraciiformes
Family Upupidae 7 Upupa epops Common Hoopoe Winter visitor LC Common Hudhud (u), Badshah (s) Family Coraciidae 8 Coracias Indian Roller Resident LC Common benghalensis Chahi (u), Neel Kantth(u) Family Halcyonidae 9 Halcyon smyrnensis White-throated Resident LC Common Kingfisher Sufaid seena shah mahi khor (u) Family Cerylidae 10 Ceryle rudis Pied Kingfisher Resident LC Common Sah mahi khor (u) Family Meropidae 11 Merops orientalis Green Bee-eater Resident LC Common Sabz Makhi khor(u) 12 Merops persicus Blue-cheeked Bee- Summer Breeder LC Frequent eater Neela Makhi khor(u) Order Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae 13 Clamator jacobinus Pied Cuckoo Summer Breeder LC Frequent
14 Eudynamys Asian Koel Summer Breeder NA Frequent scolopacea Koel(u) 15 Centropus sinensis Greater Coucal Resident LC Frequent Jangli Kukar (u)
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IUCN 2010 Sr. Occurrence Zoological Names English Names Red list Status No. in study Area criteria Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittaculidae 16 Psittacula krameri Rose-ringed Resident LC Frequent Parakeet Gulabi kanthidar toota (u) Order Apodiformes
Family Apodidae 17 Apus affinis House Swift Resident LC Common Ababil (u) Order Strigiformes
Family Strigidae 18 Athene brama Spotted Owlet Resident LC Scarce Dhabbaydar ullu (u) 19 Bubo bubo Eurasian Eagle Owl Resident LC Common Jungli ullu Order Caprimulgiformes
Family Caprimulgidae 20 Caprimulgus Sykes’s Nightjar Resident LC Rare mahrattensis Chapako (u) 21 Caprimulgus Indian Nightjar Resident LC Rare asiaticus Chapako (u) Order Columbiformes
Family Columbidae 22 Columba livia Rock Pigeon Resident LC Common Jangli kabutar (u) 23 Streptopelia Laughing Dove Resident LC Common senegalensis Chhoti fakhta(u) 24 Streptopelia Eurasian Collared Resident LC Common decaocto Dove Halkaydar fakhta (u) Order Gruiformes
Family Rallidae 25 Gallinula chloropus Common Moorhen Resident LC Frequent Jal murghi (u), Khinati (s)
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IUCN 2010 Sr. Occurrence Zoological Names English Names Red list Status No. in study Area criteria Order Pteroclidiformes
Family Pteroclididae 26 Pterocles exustus Chestnut-bellied Resident LC Frequent Sandgrouse Order Charadriiformes
Family Scolopacidae 27 Calidris minuta Little Stint Irregular year-round LC Scarce visitor 28 Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot Winter visitor V Rare (Decreasing) Family Recurvirostridae 29 Himantopus Black-winged Stilt Resident LC Common himantopus Siah parpa bansa, Tindora (s) Family Charadriidae 30 Vanellus indicus Red-wattled Lapwing Resident LC Common
31 Vanellus leucurus White-tailed Lapwing Winter visitor LC Frequent
Order Accipitriformes
Family Accipitridae 32 Elanus caeruleus Black-shouldered Resident LC Rare Kite 33 Milvus migrans Black Kite Resident LC Scarce Kapasi, Sirar (s) 34 Haliastur Indus Brahminy Kite Resident LC Rare Misri cheel (u) 35 Neophron Egyptian Vulture Resident E (Decreasing Scarce percnopterus Misri gidh (u) population trend) 36 Gyps indicus Indian / Long-billed Resident CE Scarce Vulture (Decreasing) Lumbi chonch gidh (u) 37 Gyps bengalensis White-rumped Resident CE Scarce Vulture (Decreasing) Ganja gidh (u) 38 Accipiter badius Shikra Resident LC Frequent
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IUCN 2010 Sr. Occurrence Zoological Names English Names Red list Status No. in study Area criteria 39 Butastur teesa White-eyed Buzzard Resident LC Frequent Chooha mar (u) 40 Aquila rapax Tawny Eagle Resident LC Frequent
Order Falconiformes
Family Falconidae 41 Falco jugger Laggar Falcon Resident NT Frequent Laggar (u) (Decreasing population trend) Order Podicipediformes
Family Podicipedidae 42 Tachybaptus Little Grebe Resident LC Common ruficollis Choti pundabi (u), Chikilo (s) Order Ciconiiformes
Family Ardeidae 43 Egretta garzetta Little Egret Irregular year-round LC Common Baglo (s) visitor 44 Mesophoyx Intermediate Egret Irregular year-round LC Common intermedia Baglo (s) visitor 45 Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret Resident LC Common Baglo (s) 46 Ardea cinerea Grey Heron Winter visitor LC Common Sain bagla, (u), Jhaho (s) 47 Ardea purpurea Purple Heron Irregular year-round LC Frequent Laal sain bagla, Sain visitor (s) 48 Ardeola grayii Indian Pond Heron Resident LC Common Baglo (s) Order Passeriformes
Family Laniidae 49 Lanius vittatus Bay-backed Shrike Resident LC Frequent
50 Lanius meridionalis Southern Grey Shrike Summer breeder LC Frequent
Family Corvidae 51 Dendrocitta Rufous Tree pie Resident LC Frequent vagabunda
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IUCN 2010 Sr. Occurrence Zoological Names English Names Red list Status No. in study Area criteria 52 Corvus splendens House Crow Resident LC Common Kawa(u) 53 Corvus corax Common Raven Resident LC Rare Pahari Kawa(u) Family Dicruridae 54 Dicrurus Black Drongo Resident LC Common macrocercus Siah kotwal kawa, Kaleech(u) Family Muscicapidae 55 Saxicoloides fulicata Indian Robin Resident LC Common
56 Saxicola caprata Pied Bushchat Resident LC Frequent
Family Sturnidae 57 Sturnus roseus Rosy Starling Irregular year-round LC Frequent Tiliar(u) visitor 58 Acridotheres tristis Common Myna Resident LC Common Myna, Shark, Laalli(u) 59 Acridotheres Bank Myna Resident LC Common ginginianus Jangli myna, Laalli(u) Family Hirundinidae 60 Riparia paludicola Plain Martin Resident LC Frequent Ababil(u) 61 Hirundo smithii Wire-tailed Swallow Resident LC Common Ababil(u) Family Pycnonotidae 62 Pycnonotus leucotis White-eared Bulbul Resident LC Frequent Sufaid rukhsar bulbul(u) 63 Pycnonotus cafer Red-vented Bulbul Resident LC Common Bulbul(u) Family Cisticolidae 64 Prinia buchanani Rufous-fronted Prinia Resident LC Common
65 Prinia gracilis Raceful Prinia Resident LC Common
Family Timaliidae 66 Turdoides caudatus Common Babbler Resident LC Common Sohrr(u)
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IUCN 2010 Sr. Occurrence Zoological Names English Names Red list Status No. in study Area criteria 67 Turdoides striatus Jungle Babbler Resident LC Common Jangli Sohrr, Haro (s) Family Alaudidae 68 Eremopterix grisea Ashy-crowned Resident LC Rare Sparrow Lark 69 Galerida cristata Crested Lark Resident LC Common Chandola(u) Family Nectariniidae 70 Nectarinia asiatica Purple Sunbird Resident LC Common
Family Passeridae 71 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Resident LC Abundant Chirya, Goraya(u) Family Motacillidae 72 Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail Irregular year-round LC Common Peeli Posi(u) visitor Family Estrildidae 73 Lonchura malabarica Indian Silverbill Resident LC Rare
Family Emberizidae 74 Emberiza Black-headed Irregular year-round LC Scarce melanocephala Bunting visitor Note: Abundant: numerous; Common: more than 10 during the visit; Frequent: 5-10 during the visit; Rare: more than 5 during the visit; Scarce: 2-5 during the visit. LC: Least Concerned; CE: Critically Endangered; E: Endangered: NT: Near Threatened; NA: Not Assessed; V: Vulnerable. Source: NGO Consevation Study
3.2 Conservation status of recorded birds
Out of the recorded 74 species, four species are Threatened whereas rest of the 70 species are either Least Concern or Not Assessed according to IUCN Red list of threatened animals (IUCN 2012). The threatened species include; Indian vulture and White-rumped vulture evaluated as Critically Endangered (CE) both with decreasing population trends; Egyptian Vulture evaluated as Endangered (E) with a decreasing population trend and Great Knot evaluated as Vulnerable (VU) with a decreasing population trend. Rest of the 70 species include: Laggar Falcon evaluated as Near Threatened (NT) with a decreasing population trend and 68 species evaluated as Least Concern (LC). One species, Asian Koel ( Eudynamys scolopacea ) has not been assessed for IUCN Red List but recorded.
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3.3 Distribution of recorded birds in different habitats in Tharparkar
Distribution of different bird found in the study area is given against GPS coordinates (Table 3.2).
Table 3.2: Distribution of recorded birds in different habitats in Tharparkar, Summer (2012).
Sr. GPS Location Species Observed No. Coordinates
House Sparrow, Purple Sunbird, Red-vented Bulbul, White- eared Bulbul, Common Myna, Bank Myna, Black Drongo, Residential area N 24° 43’ 57.8” Common Raven, House Crow, Black Kite, Eurasian Collared 1 along western side E 69° 47’ 14.2” Dove, Rock Pigeon, Spotted Owlet, Greater Coucal, House of Mithi Swift, Green Bee-eater, White-throated Kingfisher, Indian Peafowl, Indian Roller
Crested Lark, Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark, Common Babbler, N 24° 44’ 08.9” Sand dunes near 2 Rufous-fronted Prinia, Pied Bushchat, Laggar Falcon, Egyptian E 69° 47’ 09.1” Mithi city Vulture, Black Kite, Grey Francolin
Common Babbler, Rufous-fronted Prinia , Crested Lark, Ashy- Sand dunes near N 24° 39’ 56.0” crowned Sparrow Lark, Brahminy Kite, Rufous-fronted Prinia, 3 Mithi with sparse E 70° 26’ 19.6” Pied Bushchat, Laggar Falcon, Egyptian Vulture, Black Kite, vegetation Grey Francolin, Black Francolin
Black-headed Bunting, Crested Lark, Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark, Common Babbler, Jungle Babbler, Rufous-fronted Prinia, Graceful prinia, Pied Bushchat, Egyptian Vulture, Black Kite, Grey Francolin, House Sparrow, Purple Sunbird, Red-vented N 24° 23’ 56.8” Northern end of 4 Bulbul, White-eared Bulbul, Common Myna, Bank Myna, Black E 70° 43’ 52.7” Karoonjhar hills Drongo, Common Raven, House Crow, Black Kite, Eurasian Collared Dove, Rock Pigeon, Spotted Owlet, Greater Coucal, House Swift, Green Bee-eater, White-throated Kingfisher, Indian Roller, House Swift
House Sparrow, Purple Sunbird, Red-vented Bulbul, White- eared Bulbul, Common Myna, Bank Myna, Black Drongo, Village Malji ka N 24° 24’ 04.4” Common Raven, House Crow, Black Kite, Eurasian Collared 5 Wandir near E 70° 41’ 51.6” Dove, Rock Pigeon, Spotted Owlet, Greater Coucal, House Nagarparkar Swift, Green Bee-eater, White-throated Kingfisher, Indian Peafowl, Indian Roller
Rosy Starling, House Sparrow, Bay-backed Shrike, Common Myna, Black Drongo, Common Raven, House Crow, Black Semi desert area Kite, Eurasian Collared Dove, Rock Pigeon, Spotted Owlet, N 24° 23’ 33.4” 6 and agricultural Greater Coucal, House Swift, Green Bee-eater, White-throated E 70° 41’ 25.0” fields Kingfisher, Purple Sunbird, Red-vented Bulbul, White-eared Bulbul, Wire-tailed Swallow, Plain Martin, Rufous Tree pie, White-rumped Vulture
Jungle Babbler, Egyptian Vulture, Black Kite, Grey Francolin, House Sparrow, Common Raven, House Crow, Black Kite, N 24° 21’ 02.8” 7 Karoonjhar hills Eurasian Collared Dove, Rock Pigeon, Spotted Owlet, House E 70° 44’ 08.9” Swift, Plain Martin, Indian / Long-billed Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Black Francolin, Grey Francolin
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Sr. GPS Location Species Observed No. Coordinates
Crested Lark,House Sparrow, Bay-backed Shrike, Common Myna, Black Drongo, House Crow, Black Kite, Eurasian Collared Dove, Spotted Owlet, Green Bee-eater, Purple Forest with N 24° 21’ 10.0” Sunbird, Red-vented Bulbul, Plain Martin, Indian Silver bill, 8 Prosopis juliflora as E 70° 46’ 44.9” Jungle Babbler, Common Babbler, Graceful prinia, Tawny dominant species Eagle, White-eyed Buzzard, Shikra, Black-shouldered Kite, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Laughing Dove, Indian Nightjar, Common Hoopoe
Crested Lark,House Sparrow, Bay-backed Shrike, Common Myna, Black Drongo, House Crow, Black Kite, Eurasian Collared Dove, Spotted Owlet, Green Bee-eater, Purple Plain area with N 24° 21’ 14.8” Sunbird, Red-vented Bulbul, Plain Martin, Indian Silver bill, 9 Devi, Peelu, Kandi, E 70° 49’ 46.5” Jungle Babbler, Common Babbler, Graceful prinia, Tawny Kareer Eagle, White-eyed Buzzard, Shikra, Black-shouldered Kite, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Laughing Dove, Indian Nightjar, Common Hoopoe, Pied Bushchat
Black-winged Stilt , Crested Lark,Indian Pond Heron , House Sparrow, Bay-backed Shrike, Common Myna, Black Drongo, House Crow, Black Kite, Eurasian Collared Dove, Spotted Runpur N 24° 21’ 24.4” Owlet, Green Bee-eater, Purple Sunbird, Red-vented Bulbul, 10 Embankment, E 70° 52’ 10.9” Plain Martin, Tawny Eagle, White-eyed Buzzard, Shikra, Black- Nagarparkar shouldered Kite, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Laughing Dove, Indian Nightjar, Common Hoopoe, Pied Bushchat, Grey Heron, White-tailed Lapwing
Black-headed Bunting, Crested Lark, Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark, Common Babbler, Jungle Babbler, Rufous-fronted Prinia, Graceful prinia, Pied Bushchat, Egyptian Vulture, Black Kite, Khairio Dharo, Grey Francolin, House Sparrow, Purple Sunbird, Red-vented N 24° 18’ 16.7” 11 Eastern end of Bulbul, White-eared Bulbul, Common Myna, Bank Myna, Black E 70° 47’ 48.9” Karoonjhar hills Drongo, Common Raven, House Crow, Black Kite, Eurasian Collared Dove, Rock Pigeon, Spotted Owlet, Greater Coucal, House Swift, Green Bee-eater, White-throated Kingfisher, Indian Roller, House Swift
Indian Pond Heron, Southern Grey Shrike, Indian Robin, House Sparrow, Bay-backed Shrike, Common Myna, Black Drongo, House Crow, Black Kite, Sykes’s Nightjar, Eurasian Collared Dove, Spotted Owlet, Green Bee-eater, Red-vented N 24° 17’ 10.5” Kasbo village, near 12 Bulbul, Plain Martin, White-eyed Buzzard, Shikra, Black- E 70° 47’ 08.8” Pak-India border shouldered Kite, Laughing Dove, Indian Nightjar, Common Hoopoe, Pied Bushchat, Grey Heron, White-tailed Lapwing, Purple Sunbird, Common Quail, White-eared Bulbul, Yellow- crowned Woodpecker, Pied Cuckoo, Eurasian Eagle Owl
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Sr. GPS Location Species Observed No. Coordinates
Indian Robin, House Sparrow, Bay-backed Shrike, Common Myna, Black Drongo, House Crow, Black Kite, Eurasian N 24° 20’ 23.9” Cheetra Sar area Collared Dove, Spotted Owlet, Green Bee-eater, Purple 13 E 70° 49’ 44.0” near borderline Sunbird, Red-vented Bulbul, Shikra, Black-shouldered Kite, Laughing Dove, Common Hoopoe, Pied Bushchat, Common Quail, White-eared Bulbul
Indian Pond Heron, Southern Grey Shrike, House Sparrow, Bay-backed Shrike, Common Myna, Black Drongo, House Crow, Eurasian Collared Dove, Spotted Owlet, Green Bee- N 24° 18’ 40.7” Rarkoa village near eater, Red-vented Bulbul, Plain Martin, White-eyed Buzzard, 14 E 70° 45’ 44.9” Singra dam, Nagar Shikra, Black-shouldered Kite, Laughing Dove, Common Hoopoe, Pied Bushchat, White-tailed Lapwing, Purple Sunbird, White-eared Bulbul, Yellow Wagtail, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, Cattle Egret, Pied Kingfisher
Indian Pond Heron, Yellow Wagtail, Purple Heron, Grey Heron, N 24° 30’ 23.1” Saangha Lake, 15 Pied Kingfisher, Little Grebe, Black-winged Stilt, Little Stint, E 70° 45’ 12.4” Weerawah Great Knot, Common Moorhen, Little Egret
Indian Pond Heron, House Sparrow, Bay-backed Shrike, Common Myna, Black Drongo, House Crow, Black Kite, N 24° 43’ 30.2” Eurasian Collared Dove, Spotted Owlet, Green Bee-eater, 16 Near Islam Kot E 69° 49’ 53.0” Red-vented Bulbul, Shikra, Black-shouldered Kite, Laughing Dove, Common Hoopoe, Pied Bushchat, Purple Sunbird, Common Quail, White-eared Bulbul, Asian Koel
Indian Pond Heron, House Sparrow, Bay-backed Shrike, Common Myna, Black Drongo, House Crow, Black Kite, N 69° 53’ 47.0” Mini Sar village in Eurasian Collared Dove, Spotted Owlet, Green Bee-eater, 17 E 24° 49’ 58.0” UC Mar Norer Red-vented Bulbul, Shikra, Black-shouldered Kite, Laughing Dove, Common Hoopoe, Pied Bushchat, Purple Sunbird, Common Quail, White-eared Bulbul, Asian Koel
House Sparrow, Purple Sunbird, Red-vented Bulbul, White- eared Bulbul, Common Myna, Bank Myna, Black Drongo, N 24° 57’ 08.0” Common Raven, House Crow, Black Kite, Eurasian Collared 18 UC Chachro E 69° 54’ 11.0” Dove, Rock Pigeon, Spotted Owlet, Greater Coucal, House Swift, Green Bee-eater, White-throated Kingfisher, Indian Peafowl, Indian Roller
Purple Sunbird, Red-vented Bulbul, Common Myna, Bank Myna, Black Drongo, Common Raven, House Crow, House N 24 45’ 13.0” Village Saha Jani Sparrow, Black Kite, Eurasian Collared Dove, Rock Pigeon, 19 E 69 45’ 57.0” Bheel Spotted Owlet, White-eared Bulbul, Greater Coucal, House Swift, Green Bee-eater, Indian Roller White-throated Kingfisher, Indian Peafowl,
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Sr. GPS Location Species Observed No. Coordinates
Asian Koel, House Sparrow, Bay-backed Shrike, Common Myna, Black Drongo, House Crow, Black Kite, Eurasian Village Kharo N 24 52’ 45.0” Collared Dove, Spotted Owlet, Indian Pond Heron, Green Bee- 20 Junejo Near Islam E 69 43’ 47.0” eater, Red-vented Bulbul, Shikra, Black-shouldered Kite, Kot Laughing Dove, Common Hoopoe, Pied Bushchat, Purple Sunbird, Common Quail, White-eared Bulbul
Egyptian Vulture, Indian Pond Heron, House Sparrow, Black Drongo, House Crow, Black Kite, Eurasian Collared Dove, N 24 27’ 17.0” 21 Runn of Kutch Green Bee-eater, Red-vented Bulbul, Plain Martin, White-eyed E 70 38’ 31.0” Buzzard, Black-shouldered Kite, Laughing Dove, White-tailed Lapwing, Eurasian Eagle Owl
Source: MMP Study
Three Sarus crane ( Grus antigone ) were seen at Hubba Sir close to the border area in Nagarparkar in November 2011. They stayed in Hubba Sar wetland which covers around 1 km 2 area and is located about 500m away from Pak-Indian border in Nagarparkar Tehsil. They stayed at Hubba Sar wetland up to the end of February, 2012. The birds fed upon snails, oysters and other mollusks. They would fly to Indian side when disturbed but return again after the disturbance was over. These birds were seen for the last time at Hubba Sar wetland by the end of February, 2012. This is the same location where an adult and a juvenile Sarus crane were killed in 2000.
Common crane and Demoiselle crane also visit the desert during winter while on their way to southern latitudes in the autumn or on their return journey to northern latitudes during spring. Some individuals may also winter in the area. They may be hunted opportunistically.
Houbara bustard and Great Indian bustard are also reported from the area. The Houbara bustard migrates to the area from Central Asian states during the winter and leaves the area by the end of winter in January. The Great Indian bustard occasionally migrates from the Indian part of Thar Desert in May and stays up to September/October.
Both the species are prime target of hunters and may be hunted opportunistically.
Peafowl is frequently seen in the area. Its population is feral as well as domestic. It enjoys immunity from hunting being considered sacred by the Hindu community. It frequently comes across domestic poultry hence is prone to infectious diseases.
3.4 Species of special concern
Out of the recorded 74 species, four species are Threatened and one Near Threatened and hence, of special concern from conservation point of view. These include;
• White-rumped vulture Critically Endangered
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• Indian vulture Critically Endangered
• Egyptian Vulture Endangered
• Great Knot Vulnerable
• Laggar Falcon Near Threatened
Locations and GPS coordinates where the threatened bird species were observed are given below in Table 3.3 and shown in Figure 3.1.
Table 3.3: Locations and GPS Coordinates where the threatened bird species were observed in Tharparkar in Summer (2012).
Sr. Location GPS Coordinates Species Observed No.
1 Singharin (1), Block No. 2 N 24° 47’ 42.9" E 70° 18' 28.0" Egyptian Vulture
2 Singharin (2), Block No. 2 N 24° 47' 28.5" E 70° 19' 27.0" Egyptian Vulture
3 Talaji Thari, Block No. 2 N 24° 46' 16.9" E 70° 19' 05.6" Egyptian Vulture
4 Mihari Bajeer, Block No. 4 N 24° 43' 40.7" E 70° 12' 46.3" Egyptian Vulture
Jan Muhammad Khaskaili, 5 N 24° 46' 06.5" E 70° 15' 02.5" Egyptian Vulture, Indian Vulture Block No. 4
6 Run of Kutch N 24 27’ 17.0” E 70 38’ 31.0” Egyptian Vulture
7 Saangha Lake, Weerawah N 24° 30’ 23.1” E 70° 45’ 12.4” Great Knot
Khairio Dharo, Eastern end of 8 N 24° 18’ 16.7” E 70° 47’ 48.9” Egyptian Vulture Karoonjhar hills
9 Karoonjhar hills N 24° 21’ 02.8” E 70° 44’ 08.9” Egyptian Vulture, Indian Vulture
Semi desert area and 10 N 24° 23’ 33.4” E 70° 41’ 25.0” White-rumped Vulture agricultural fields
Northern end of Karoonjhar 11 N 24° 23’ 56.8” E 70° 43’ 52.7” Egyptian Vulture, Indian Vulture hills
Sand dunes near Mithi with 12 N 24° 39’ 56.0” E 70° 26’ 19.6” Egyptian Vulture, Laggar Falcon sparse vegetation
13 Sand dunes near Mithi city N 24° 44’ 08.9” E 69° 47’ 09.1” Egyptian Vulture, Laggar Falcon
Source: MMP Study
A brief description of these species and the threats to the species from the proposed project and their mitigation measures is given below:
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Figure 3.1: Distribution of Bird Species of Concern. Wildlife Sanctuary and Ramsar Site borders have also been shown
3.5 White-rumped vulture
The White-rumped Vulture is a typical, Figure 3.2: White-rumped vulture medium-sized vulture, with an unfeathered head and neck, very broad wings, and short tail feathers (Figure 3.2). It is much smaller than the Eurasian Griffon. It has a white neck ruff. The adult's whitish back, rump, and underwing coverts contrast with the otherwise dark plumage. The body is black and the secondaries are silvery grey. The head is tinged in pink and bill is silvery with dark ceres. The nostril openings are slit-like. Juveniles are largely dark and take about four or five years to acquire the adult plumage. In
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flight, the adults show a dark leading edge of the wings and have a white wing-lining on the underside. The under tail coverts are black. This is the smallest of the Gyps vultures but is still a very large bird. It weighs 3.5-7.5kg, measures 75–93cm in length and has a wingspan of 1.92–2.6m (Prakash et al., 2003).
This vulture builds its nest on tall trees often near human habitations in northern and central India, Pakistan, Nepal and Southeast Asia, laying one egg. Birds form roost colonies. The population is mostly resident. Like other vultures it is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring high in thermals and spotting other scavengers. It often moves in flocks. At one time, it was the most numerous of the vultures in the region (Prakash et al., 2007).
The 80 to 95% population of Gyps vultures has declined in the South Asian region in recent years (Khan and Murn, 2011). Griffon vultures of the genus Gyps were formerly very common throughout South and South-East Asia, with White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis considered one of the most abundant large birds of prey in the world. In the late 1990s, the Indian populations of White-rumped Vulture, Indian Vulture and Slender-billed Vulture crashed with dramatic declines also observed in Nepal and Pakistan (Birdlife International 2008). Current evidences suggest that populations of these species are continuing to fall rapidly (Gilbert et al. 2006), to the extent that Figure 3.3: Nests of Indian vulture in Karoonjhar hills White-rumped Vulture has now declined in numbers by 99.9% since 1992 (Prakash et al. 2007).
During the present study, these birds were mostly found in Tehsil Nagarparkar nesting mainly upon Prosopis cineraria trees. A unique feeding behavior exhibited by these birds was that they were found feeding in Nagarparkar area i.e. close to Karoonjhar hills (Figure 3.3) and not found in northern and western areas of Mithi and Chachro Tehsils in Tharparkar even though the carcasses were found in these areas. Learning process among birds is very fast and they can adapt themselves with the changing environment, habitat and climatic conditions. Dirksen et al. (1998) while monitoring bird populations around a wind farm in the Netherlands reported that Pochard (Aythya ferina) and tufted duck (Aythya fuligula) flew regularly through the wind farm at night under moonlight but flew around the wind turbines at greater distance from them when dark and foggy. Any alteration in the existing habitat is well noticed by the birds and soon they adapt accordingly and learn how to avoid such negative factors.
Use of diclofenac is comparatively less in remote areas of Nagarparkar and perhaps this vulture has learnt the lesson and now avoids feeding in areas where carcasses are actually death traps. The
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evidence to support this idea is the occurrence, nesting and breeding of this species only in Nagar area.
Since this species has already restricted itself to the southernmost corner in Tharparkar, therefore, there seem no potential threats to this species from Thar Coal project.
3.6 Indian vulture or Long-billed vulture
The Indian Vulture is an Old World vulture breeding mainly in hilly crags in central and peninsular India (Figure 3.4). The birds in the northern part of its range once considered a subspecies are now considered a separate species, the Slender-billed Vulture. These were lumped together under the name Long-billed Vulture Wikipedia, 2012.
Figure 3.4: Indian Vulture The species breeds mainly on cliffs, but is known to use trees to nest in Rajasthan. According to Birdlife International (2012), Gyps indicus breeds in south-east Pakistan and peninsular India south of the Gangetic plain, north to Delhi, east through Madhya Pradesh, south to the Nilgiris, and occasionally further south. Like other vultures it is a scavenger, feeding mostly on carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over savannah and around human habitations. They often move in flocks. The Long-billed Vulture is a typical vulture, with a bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It weighs between 5.5 and 6.3kg and measures 80–103cm in length and 1.96 to 2.38m across the wings (Wikipedia, 2012).
Like the White-rumped Vulture, 80 to 95% population of this species has also declined in South Asian region in recent years (Khan and Murn, 2011). Current evidences suggest that population of this species is also continuing to fall rapidly (Gilbert et al. 2006). During the present study, these birds were found mainly in Tehsil Nagarparkar but some birds were also observed in Diplo and Mithi Tehsils along with the Egyptian vultures. Around 25 active nests of Gyps indicus were recorded in four colonies of the species in Karoonjhar hills. The population of Gyps indicus was found better as compared to Gyps bengalensis.
This species uses the current Thar coal project site only when it finds some special meal there otherwise it concentrates on the Karoonjhar hills and their surroundings for feeding. Any harmful impact on its population because of activities related to Thar Coal project.
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3.7 Egyptian Vulture
This scavenger species is resident in Pakistan Figure 3.5: Egyptian vulture and distributed in Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces of the country especially along plain and hilly areas (Figure 3.5). It feeds on a range of food items that include mammalian faeces especially human, insects in dung, carrion as well as vegetable matter and sometimes small live prey. They roost communally though the birds are also seen singly or in pairs. They are socially monogamous and the pair bonds may be maintained for more than one breeding season. The nest sites include cliffs, buildings as well as trees however; the nests are used year after year. The nesting season is February to April, two eggs are laid and both the parents incubate the eggs. Incubation period is 42 days.
Major threats to adult and healthy birds include; environmental pollution and poisoning. Young birds are attacked and taken by eagles and eagle owls. The young birds falling off the cliffs may be picked up by Jackals. Use of pesticides on vegetables, diclofenac in livestock and various unknown wildlife diseases caused by environmental pollution seem some of the possible reasons for their decline (Prakash et al., 2007). In a recent survey (WWF-P 2011) its population was estimated around 450 in Pakistan with a maximum colony size of 35 birds. Whereas, during the year 2000 its population was more than 2000 with a maximum colony size of 350 birds in Thar Desert (Pers. Comm. Mr. Shahid Iqbal, a local falconer and bird surveyor).
Since these birds mostly rely on dead organic matter, mammalian faeces, dung beetles and decaying vegetables, therefore, they can be seen in all habitat types including plain, sandy and hilly areas where animal dung, mammalian faeces and carcasses and decaying vegetables are readily available. In Pakistan, the man has become its major competitor and a number of poor people are involved in providing raw material for poultry industry. These people collect wasted flesh, bones etc. from slaughter houses as well as from nature thus leaving no carcass in nature for these scavengers. The situation in Tharparkar is somewhat different. Tharparkar is a remote area with less developed transportation facilities and hence, limited access to medical facilities especially to the livestock. Secondly, drought in Thar desert causes countless livestock casualties each year. Therefore, food for scavengers is available in the area. It was found during the survey that vultures concentrated in southern areas in Nagarparkar especially along the Karoonjhar hills. They roost, nest and breed in Nagarparkar thus, no potential threat to the species from Thar-coal project.
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3.8 Great Knot
The Great Knot is a small wader but the Figure 3.6: A flock of Great knot largest of the calidrid species (Figure 3.6). Their breeding habitat is tundra in northeast Siberia. They nest on the ground laying about four eggs in a ground scrape. They are strongly migratory wintering on coasts in southern Asia through to Australia. This species forms enormous flocks in winter. It is a rare vagrant to Western Europe.
This species has short dark legs and a medium-length thin dark bill. Breeding adults have mottled grayish upperparts with some rufous feathering. The face, throat and breast are heavily spotted black, and there are also some streaks on the rear belly. In winter the plumage becomes uniformly pale grey above. These birds forage on mudflats and beaches, probing or picking up food by sight. They mainly eat mollusks and insects. A flock of around 40 birds was observed at a small wetland in Diplo wading along the shore. These birds have vast wintering grounds along sea shore in Pakistan as well as in India and south eastern countries. Thar coal project in district Tharparkar will not pose any threat to these migratory birds.
3.9 Laggar Falcon
Laggar falcon is a resident raptor of Figure 3.7: Laggar Falcon Pakistan with a wide distribution throughout Sindh, Baluchistan, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces of the country (Figure 3.7). It is not used by Arab falconers for hunting game species like Houbara bustard ( Chlamydotis undulat macqueenii ) (Knox et al., 2002) in Pakistan rather it is used as a decoy bird and main source of trapping of other raptors that are used for Houbara bustard hunting. The most favorite species of Arab falconers among raptors are; Saker falcon (Falco cherrug) and peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus). Local falcon trappers trap Laggar falcon in large numbers every year and use them as decoy bird for trapping Saker and Peregrine falcons. According to a rough estimate, almost 80% of its population is trapped every year in Pakistan which then recovers by local migration of
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laggar falcons from adjacent areas of India (Pers. Comm. Mr. Shahid Iqbal, a local falconer and bird surveyor).
A number of camps are set in the habitats of Saker and Peregrine falcons and each camp consists of a small tent for two persons with 2-3 Laggar falcons per camp. The eyelids of the Laggar falcons are sewn and a decoy having many snares and covered with the feathers of common quail (Coturnix coturnix) is tied with the legs of the Laggar falcon. This decoy falcon is then thrown high up in the air and due to closed eyes it cannot fly more than 500 m and lands to be trapped again by the trapper. This practice continues all the day for trapping Saker or Peregrine falcons. A Saker or a Peregrine falcon flying high in the sky when looks at a Laggar falcon holding a quail in its claws, it attacks the Laggar falcon to snatch the prey from him. But due to a large number of snares gets trapped and both the Laggar and Saker or Peregrine falcons fall on the land unable to fly.
This violation of animal rights and cruel practice is going on without any check and control and hundreds of Laggar falcons are trapped every year in order to facilitate trapping of precious falcon species. This practice has posed a serious threat to the Laggar falcon populations in the country which has become Near Threatened now (IUCN 2012).
This falcon usually roosts and nests on high tension poles and was observed in the current Thar Coal project site while foraging its food.
This falcon has a vast home range. The project area does not offer good roosting or nesting sites for the Laggar falcon. Therefore, no potential threats to this species from the project activities.
3.10 Seasonal Data on Birds
To gain an insight into the overall scenario in Tharparkar, data collected in different seasons by different organizations were searched. The data collected by conservation oriented NGO on Runn of Katch Wildlife Sanctuary in Tharparkar and M/S Hagler Bailly on Block 2 of Coal Fields Tharparkar were obtained and analysed. Conservation status of bird species according to IUCN Red List 2012 has also been given. The bird species recorded during different seasons are presented in the following tables:
Table 3.4: Birds of Tharparkar Druing Winter (2009) Occurrence IUCN 2010 # Scientific Name Common Name Status in study Area Red list criteria PODICIPEDIDAE 1 Tacybaptus ruficollis Little Grebe Resident LC Common
ARDEIDAE
2 Egretta garzetta Little Egret Resident LC Common
3 Casmerodius albus Great Egret Resident LC Common
4 Ardeola grayii Indian Pond Heron Resident LC Abundant
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Occurrence IUCN 2010 # Scientific Name Common Name Status in study Area Red list criteria ANATIDAE Marmarmonetta 5 Marbled Teal Winter visitor V Rare angustirostris 6 Anas acuta Northern Pintail Winter visitor LC Abundant
7 Anas clypeata Northern Shoveler Winter visitor LC Abundant
ACCIPITRIDAE Neophron 8 Egyptian Vulture Resident E Common percnopterus 9 Trogos calvus Red-headed Vulture Resident LC Rare Oriental White-backed 10 Gyps bengalensis Resident CE Rare Vulture Summer Rare 11 Gyps indicus Long-billed Vulture breeding & CE Resident Winter visitor Summer 12 Gyps fulvus Eurasian Griffon Vulture breeding & V Rare Winter visitor 13 Hieraaetus fasciatus Bonnelli’s Eagle Resident Scarce
14 Circus aeruginosus Eurasian Marsh harrier Winter visitor LC Common
15 Haliastur Indus Brahminy Kite Resident LC Rare Resident & 16 Aegypius monachus Cinerous Vulture NT Scarce Winter visitor 17 Aquila nipalensis Steppe Eagle Resident LC Common
18 Butastur teesa White-eyed Buzzard Resident LC Abundant
19 Buteo rufinus Long-legged Buzzard Winter visitor LC Common
20 Buteo buteo japonicas Common Buzzard Winter visitor LC Common
21 Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle Resident LC Frequent
22 Aquila rapax vindhiana Tawny Eagle Resident LC Common
23 Aquila clanga Greater spotted Eagle Winter visitor V Common
24 Accipiter nisus Eurasian Sparrow Hawk Winter visitor LC Frequent
25 Elanus caeruleus Black-shouldered Kite Resident LC Common
26 Milvus migrans Black Kite Resident LC Abundant
27 Accipiter badius Shikra Resident LC Frequent FALCONIDAE
28 Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon Winter visitor V Scarce
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Occurrence IUCN 2010 # Scientific Name Common Name Status in study Area Red list criteria Common or Eurasian 29 Falco tinnunculus Resident LC Common Kestrel Scarce 30 Falco cherrug Saker Falcon Winter visitor V becoming rare OTIDIDAE Scarce 31 Chlamydotis undulata Houbara Bustard Winter visitor V becoming rare PHASIANIDAE
32 Pavo cristatus Indian Peafowl Resident LC Rare Francolinus Grey Francolin or Indian 33 Resident LC Common pondicerianus Grey Partridge RECURVIROSTRIDAE Himantopus Summer 34 Black-winged Stilt LC Abundant himantopus breeding CHARADRIIDAE
35 Hoplopterus indicus Red-wattled Lapwing Resident LC Abundant Hoplopterus 36 Yellow- wattled Lapwing Resident LC Frequent malabaricus CALIDRIDINAE Double 37 Calidris minuta Little Stint passage LC Abundant migrant SCOLOPACINAE, TRINGINAE
38 Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper Winter visitor LC Common
39 Tringa glareola Wood sandpiper Common
40 Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank Winter visitor LC Abundant
41 Tringa ochropus Green Sandpiper Winter visitor LC Common
COLUMBIDAE
42 Columba livia Rock Pigeon or Dove Resident LC Abundant Streptopelia 43 Laughing Dove Abundant senegalensis Indian ring or Eurasian 44 Streptopelia decaocto Resident LC Abundant collard dove PSITTACIDAE
45 Psittacula krameri Rose-ringed Parakeet Resident LC Abundant
ALCEDINIDAE
46 Halcyon smyrnensis White-throated Kingfisher Resident LC Common
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Occurrence IUCN 2010 # Scientific Name Common Name Status in study Area Red list criteria 47 Alcedo atthis Common Kingfisher Resident LC Frequent
MEROPIDAE Little Green or Small 48 Merops orientalis Resident LC Abundant Green Bee-eater CORACIIDAE
49 Coracias benghalensis Indian Roller or Blue Jay Resident LC Common
UPUPIDAE
50 Upupa epops Hoopoe Resident LC Common
PICIDAE
51 Jynx torquilla Eurasian Wryneck Winter visitor LC Frequent
ALAUDIDA Oriental skylark or Small 52 Alauda gulgula Resident LC Abundant or Lesser Sky lark Double Calandrella Greater Short-toed Lark or 53 passage LC Abundant brachydactyla Yarkand Short-toed Lark migrant Melanocorypha 54 Bimaculated lark Winter visitor LC Frequent bimaculata Ashy-crowned Sparrow- 55 Eremopterix grisea lark or Ashy-crowned Resident LC Common Finch-lark HIRUNDINIDAE
56 Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow Winter visitor LC Abundant
57 Riparia diluta Pale Martin Winter visitor LC
MOTACILLIDAE
58 Anthus campestris Tawny Pipit Winter visitor LC Common Motacilla alba White Wagtail or Masked 59 Winter visitor LC Abundant personata Wagtail Motacilla White Browed Wagtail or 60 Resident LC Common maderaspatensis Large Pied Wagtail PYCNONOTIDAE
61 Pycnonotus cafer Red-vented Bulbul Resident LC Abundant
62 Pycnonotus leucotis White-eared Bulbul Resident LC Abundant
TURDIDAE Black Redstart or Indian 63 Phoenicurus ochruros Winter visitor LC Common Redstart 64 Saxicola caprata Pied Bush Chat Resident LC Abundant
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Occurrence IUCN 2010 # Scientific Name Common Name Status in study Area Red list criteria Double 65 Saxicola torquata Common Stonechat passage LC Common migrant 66 Oenanthe deserti Desert Wheatear Common
67 Saxicoloides fulicata Indian Robin or Indian Chat Resident LC Common
68 Oenanthe pleschanta Pied Wheatear Resident LC Frequent
69 Oenanthe monacha Hooded Wheatear Resident LC Rare
SYLVIIDAE
70 Sylvia curruca Lesser Whitethroat Winter visitor LC Abundant Common or Eurasian 71 Phylloscopus collybita Chiffchaff or Brown Leaf Winter visitor LC Abundant Warbler TIMALIIDAE
72 Turdoides caudatus Common Babbler Resident LC Abundant
PTEROCLIDIDAE Common Chestnut-bellied 73 Pterocles exustus Resident LC to Sandgrouse Abundant 74 Pterocles orientalis Black-bellied Sandgrouse Winter visitor LC Common
CORVIDAE
75 Corvus splendens House Crow Resident LC Frequent
76 Corvus corax Common Raven Resident LC Frequent
LANIIDAE Long-tailed Shrike or 77 Lanius schach Resident LC Common Rufous-backed Shrike 78 Lanius vittatus Bay-backed Shrike Resident LC Common
79 Lanius isabellinus Rufous-tailed shrike Winter visitor LC Frequent
80 Lanius meridionalis Southern Grey Shrike Winter visitor LC
DICRURIDAE Black Drongo or King 81 Dicrurus macrocercus Resident LC Abundant Crow STURNIDAE Common Myna or Myna or Very 82 Acridotheres tristis Resident LC Indian Myna Abundant Very 83 Sturnus roseus Rosy starling Winter visitor LC Abundant PASSERIDAE
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Occurrence IUCN 2010 # Scientific Name Common Name Status in study Area Red list criteria Very 84 Passer domesticus House Sparrow Resident LC Abundant 85 Passer hispaniolensis Spanish Sparrow Winter visitor LC Common Chestnut-shouldered 86 Petronia xanthocollis Petronia or Yellow- Vagrant LC Common throated Sparrow PLOCEIDAE Streaked Weaver or 87 Ploceus manyar Resident LC Abundant Striated Weaver ESTRILDIDAE Indian Silver bill or White- 88 Lonchura malabarica Resident LC Common throated Munia STRIGIDAE
89 Bubo bubo Eurasian Eagle Owl Resident LC Frequent
EMBERIZIDAE Rock Bunting or Meadow 90 Emberiza cia Winter visitor LC Common Bunting Abundant: numerous; Common: more than 10 during the visit; Frequent: 5-10 during the visit; Rare: more than 5 during the visit; Scarce: 2-5 during the visit. LC: Least Concerned; CE: Critically Endangered; E: Endangered: NT: Near Threatened; V: Vulnerable. Source: Aleem Conservation Consultants.
Out of the recorded 90 species, two species are Critically Endangered, one Endangered, one Near Threatened and five Vulnerable; hence of special concern from conservation point of view. These include;
• White-rumped vulture ( Gyps bengalensis ) Critically Endangered
• Long-billed Vulture ( Gyps indicus ) Critically Endangered
• Egyptian Vulture ( Neophron percnopterus ) Endangered
• Cinerous Vulture ( Aegypius monachus ) Near Threatened
• Greater spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga) Vulnerable
• Black vulture ( Gyps fulvus ) Vulnerable
• Peregrine Falcon ( Falco peregrinus ) Vulnerable
• Saker Falcon ( Falco cherrug ) Vulnerable
• Houbara Bustard ( Chlamydotis undulata ) Vulnerable
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Table 3.5: Bird species recorded in Block II, Coal Fields, Tharparkar Winter (2009) Occurrence IUCN 2012 # Scientific Name Common Name Status in study Area Red list criteria Order Accipitriformes
Family Accipitridae 1 Elanus caeruleus Black-winged Kite R LC Scarce
2 Milvus migrans Common Kite R LC Common
3 Neophron Egyptian Vulture R E Rare percnopterus 4 Gyps bengalensis White-rumped Vulture R CE Rare
5 Gyps fulvus Eurasian Griffon Vulture WV V Scarce
6 Aegypius monachus Cinerious Vulture R NT Scarce 7 Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle R LC Scarce
8 Buteo buteo Desert Buzzard WV LC Scarce
9 Buteo rufinus Long-legged Buzzard WV LC Scarce
10 Circus macrorourus Pallid Harrier WV LC Frequent
11 Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier WV LC Frequent
12 Accipiter badius Central Asian Shikra R LC Frequent
13 Aquila rapax nipalensis Steppe Eagle WV LC Frequent
14 Aquila rapax vindhiana Tawny Eagle R LC Frequent Order Falconiformes Family Falconidae 15 Falco tinnunculus Common Kestrel WV LC Rare
16 Falco chicquera Red-headed Merlin R NT Rare
17 Falco jugger Laggar Falcon R V Scarce
Order Galliformes Family Phasianidae 18 Francolinus Grey Partridge R LC Common pondicerianus 19 Pavo cristatus Indian Peafowl R LC Common
Order Pteroclidiformes Family Pteroclididae 20 Pterocles orientalis Imperial or Black-bellied WV LC Common Sandgrouse Order Columbiformes
Family Columbidae 21 Streptopelia Collared Dove R LC Common decaocto 22 Streptopelia Little Brown Dove R LC Common senegalensis
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Occurrence IUCN 2012 # Scientific Name Common Name Status in study Area Red list criteria
23 Streptopelia Red Collared Dove R LC Common tranquibarica Order Psittaciformes
Psittacidae 24 Psittacula krameri Rose-ringed Parakeet R LC Common
Order Strigiformes
Family Strigidae 25 Athene brama Spotted Owlet R LC Rare
Family Glareolidae
26 Cursorius cursor Cream-coloured Coursor R LC Frequent
Order Coraciiformes
Family Coraciidae 27 Coracias Indian Roller R LC Frequent benghalensis Family Meropidae
28 Merops orientalis Green Bee-eater R LC Common
Order Passeriformes
Family Alaudidae 29 Alauda gulgula Small Skylark R LC Rare
30 Eremopterix grisea Ashy-crowned Finch-lark R LC Frequent 31 Eremopterix Black-crowned Finch-lark R LC Common nigriceps 32 Melanocorypha Eastern Calandra Lark W LC Common bimaculata Family Motacillidae
33 Anthus campestris Tawny Pipit W LC Common
Family Pycnonotidae
34 Pycnonotus leucotis Bulbul R LC Common
35 Pycnonotus cafer Red vented Bulbul R LC Scrce
Family Turdidae
36 Phoenicurus Black Redstart WV LC Rare ochruros
37 Saxicoloides fulicata Indian Robin R LC Common
38 Oenanthe albonigra Hume’s Wheatear R LC Common
39 Oenanthe isabellina Isabelline Wheatear WV LC Scarce
40 Oenanthe deserti Desert Wheatear WV LC Common
41 Oenanthe picata Variable Wheatear WV LC Rare
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Occurrence IUCN 2012 # Scientific Name Common Name Status in study Area Red list criteria Family Sylviidae
42 Prinia inornata Plain Wren Warbler R LC Rare
43 Sylvia nana Desert Warbler WV LC Common
44 Sylvia curruca Lesser Whitethroat WV LC Rare
45 Orthotomus sutorius Indian Tailor Bird R LC Common
Family Timaliidae
46 Turdoides caudatus Common Babbler R LC Common
Family Nectariniidae
47 Nectarinia asiatica Purple Sunbird R LC Common
Family Laniidae
48 Lanius excubitor Great grey Shrike R LC Common
49 Lanius schach Rufous-backed Shrike R LC Common
Family Dicruridae
50 Dicrurus Black Drongo or King Crow R LC Common macrocercus Family Corvidae
51 Corvus corax Raven R LC Scarce
52 Dendrocitta Indian Tree Pie R LC Scarce vagabunda Family Sturnidae
53 Acridotheres tristis Common Myna or Indian R LC Common Myna Family Passeridae
54 Passer domesticus House Sparrow R LC Abundant
55 Passer pyrrhonotus Sind Jungle Sparrow R LC Common
56 Petronia xanthocollis Yellow-throated Rock SM LC Frequent Sparrow Family Estrididae
57 Lonchura malabarica White-throated Munia R LC Frequent Note: Abundant: numerous; Common: more than 10 during the visit; Frequent: 5-10 during the visit; Rare: more than 5 during the visit; Scarce: 2-5 during the visit. CE: Critically Endangered; E: Endangered: NT: Near Threatened; V: Vulnerable; R: Resident; WV: Winter Visitor; PM: Passage Migrant; SM: = Spring Migrant; YRV: Year Round visitor. Source: Hagler Bailly.
Out of the recorded 57 species, one species is Critically Endangered, one Endangered, two Near Threatened and two Vulnerable; hence of special concern from conservation point of view. These include;
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• White-rumped vulture ( Gyps bengalensis ) Critically Endangered
• Egyptian Vulture ( Neophron percnopterus ) Endangered
• Cinerous Vulture (Aegypius monachus) Near Threatened
• Red-headed Merlin ( Falco chicquera ) Near Threatened
• Laggar Falcon ( Falco juggar) Vulnerable
• Eurasian Griffon Vulture ( Gyps fulvus ) Vulnerable
Table 3.6: Summer Data: 2010
Occurrence IUCN 2012 # Scientific Name Common Name Status in study Area Red list criteria Order Accipitriformes
Family Accipitridae 1 Elanus caeruleus Black-winged Kite R LC Scarce
2 Milvus migrans Common Kite R LC Common 3 Neophron percnopterus Egyptian Vulture WV E Rare
4 Gyps bengalensis White-rumped Vulture R CE Scarce
5 Gyps indicus Indian Vulture R CE Scarce
6 Torgos calvus Black Vulture WV LC Scarce
7 Accipiter badius Central Asian Shikra R LC Scarce
8 Butastur teesa White-eyed Buzzard R LC Scarce 9 Aquila clanga Greater Spotted Eagle WV V Rare
10 Aquila rapax vindhiana Tawny Eagle R LC Scarce
11 Hieraaetus fasciatus Bonnelli’s Eagle R LC Scarce Order Falconiformes
Family Falconidae 12 Falco chicquera Red-headed Merlin R NT Rare
13 Falco jugger Laggar Falcon R V Frequent
Order Galliformes
Family Phasianidae 14 Francolinus pondicerianus Grey Partridge R LC Common
15 Pavo cristatus Indian Peafowl R LC Common
16 Coturnix coturnix Common Quail R/PM LC Common
Order Pteroclidiformes
Family Pteroclididae 17 Pterocles orientalis Imperial or Black-bellied WV LC Frequent Sandgrouse Order Columbiformes
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Occurrence IUCN 2012 # Scientific Name Common Name Status in study Area Red list criteria Family Columbidae 18 Columba livia Blue Rock Pigeon R LC Common
19 Streptopelia decaocto Ring Dove R LC Common
20 Streptopelia senegalensis Little Brown Dove R LC Common
Order Strigiformes
Family Strigidae 21 Athene brama Spotted Owlet R LC Rare
22 Bubo bubo Eagle Owl R LC Rare
Family Caprimulgidae
23 Caprimulgus mahrattensis European Nightjar W LC Rare
Order Coraciiformes
Family Meropidae 24 Merops orientalis Green Bee-eater R LC Common
Order Passeriformes
Family Alaudidae 25 Alauda gulgula Small Skylark R LC Common
26 Eremopterix grisea Ashy-crowned Finch-lark R LC Common
27 Galerida cristata Crested Lark R LC Common
Family Hirundinidae
28 Hirundo daurica Red-rumped Swallow PM LC Rare
Family Campephagidae
29 Pericrocotus cinnamomeus Small or Wandering Minivet R LC Rare
Family Pycnonotidae
30 Pycnonotus leucogenys White-cheeked Bulbul R LC Common 31 Pycnonotus cafer Red-vented Bulbul R LC Common Family Turdidae
32 Saxicoloides fulicata Indian Robin R LC Common
33 Saxicola caprata Pied Bush Chat R LC Common
34 Saxicola torqata Stone Chat WV LC Frequent
Family Sylviidae
35 Prinia buchanani Rufous-fronted Wren R LC Common Warbler 36 Prinia gracilis Streaked Longtail Warbler R LC Common Family Timaliidae
37 Turdoides earlie Striated Babbler R LC Common
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Occurrence IUCN 2012 # Scientific Name Common Name Status in study Area Red list criteria 38 Turdoides caudatus Common Babbler R LC Common Family Nectarinidae
39 Nectarinia asiatica Purple Sunbird R LC Common Family Laniidae
40 Lanius meridionalis Southern Grey Shrike R LC Frequent Family Dicruridae
41 Dicrurus macrocercus Black Drongo R LC Common Family Corvidae
42 Corvus splendens House Crow R LC Common 43 Corvus corax Raven WV LC Rare Family Sturnidae
44 Acridotheres tristis Common Myna R LC Common 45 Sturnus vulgaris Common Myna Vagrant LC Common 46 Sturnus roseus Rosy Starling DPM LC Rare Family Passeridae
47 Passer domesticus House Sparrow R LC Abundant 48 Petronia xanthocollis Yellow-throated Rock SM LC Rare Sparrow Family Estrididae
49 Lonchura malabarica White-throated Munia R LC Rare Note: Abundant: numerous; Common: more than 10 during the visit; Frequent: 5-10 during the visit; Rare: more than 5 during the visit; Scarce: 2-5 during the visit. CE: Critically Endangered; E: Endangered: NT: Near Threatened; V: Vulnerable; R: Resident; WV: Winter Visitor; PM: Passage Migrant; SM: = Spring Migrant; YRV: Year Round visitor. Source: Hagler Bailly
Out of the recorded 51 species, two species are Critically Threatened, one Endangered, one Near Threatened and two Vulnerable; hence of special concern from conservation point of view. These include; • White-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) Critically Endangered
• Long-billed Vulture ( Gyps indicus ) Critically Endangered
• Egyptian Vulture ( Neophron percnopterus ) Endangered
• Red-headed Merlin ( Falco chicquera ) Near Threatened
• Laggar Falcon ( Falco juggar ) Vulnerable
• Greater spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga) Vulnerable
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Table 3.7: Monsoon Data (2010)
Occurrence IUCN 2012 # Scientific Name Common Name in study Red list Status Area criteria Order Acciptriformes
Family Accipitridae
1 Elanus caeruleus Black-winged Kite R LC Rare
2 Neophron percnopterus Egyptian Vulture R E
3 Gyps fulvus Eurasian Griffon Vulture WV V V
4 Torgos calvus Black Vulture WV LC Rare
5 Aquila rapax nipalensis Steppe Eagle R LC Rare
6 Buteo buteo Desert Buzzard WV LC Common
7 Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle WV LC Rare
8 Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle WV LC Frequent
Order Falconiformes
Family Falconidae
9 Falco tinnunculus Common Kestrel WV LC Frequent
Order Galliformes
Family Phasianidae
10 Francolinus pondicerianus Grey Partridge R LC Rare
11 Pavo cristatus Common Peafowl R LC Common
Order Pteroclidiformes
Family Pteroclididae
12 Pterocles orientalis Imperial or Black-bellied Sandgrouse WV
Order Columbiformes
Family Columbidae
13 Streptopelia decaocto Ring Dove R LC Rare
14 Streptopelia senegalensis Little Brown Dove R LC Common
15 Streptopelia tranquebarica Red Collared Dove R LC Rare
Order Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae
16 Clamator jacobinus Pied Crested Cuckoo WV LC Frequent
Order Coraciiformes
Family Coraciidae
17 Coracias benghalensis Indian Roller R LC Frequent
Family Meropidae
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Occurrence IUCN 2012 # Scientific Name Common Name in study Red list Status Area criteria 18 Merops orientalis Green Bee-eater R LC Frequent
Family Upupidae
19 Upupa epops Common Hoopoe WV LC Frequent
Order Passeriformes
Family Alaudidae
20 Galerida cristata Crested Lark R LC Common
21 Calandrella brachydactyla Greater Short-toed Lark WV LC Frequent
22 Eremopterix grisea Ashy-crowned Finch-lark R LC Rare
Family Pycnonotidae
23 Pycnonotus leucogenys White-cheeked Bulbul R LC Common
24 Pycnonotus cafer Red vented Bulbul R LC Scarce
Family Turdidae
25 Oenanthe alboniger Hume’s Wheatear R LC Rare
Family Sylviidae
26 Sylvia curruca Lesser Whitethroat WV LC Rare
27 Sylvia nana
28 Prinia gracilis Streaked long-tailed Warbler R LC Frequent
29 Prinia inornata Plain Wren Warbler R LC Frequent
30 Prinia socialis Ashy Wren Warbler V LC Frequent
Family Timaliidae
31 Turdoides caudatus Common Babbler R LC Common
Family Nectarinidae
32 Nectarinia asiatica Purple Sunbird R LC Frequent
Family Laniidae
33 Lanius meridionalis Southern Grey Shrike R LC Frequent
34 Lanius excubitor Great Grey Shrile WV LC Rare
Family Dicruridae
35 Dicrurus macrocercus Black Drongo R LC Frequent
Family Corvidae
36 Corvus splendens House Crow R LC Common
37 Corvus corax Raven WV LC Rare
Family Sturnidae
38 Acridotheres tristis Common Myna R LC Common
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Occurrence IUCN 2012 # Scientific Name Common Name in study Red list Status Area criteria 39 Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling R LC Common
40 Sturnus roseus Rosy Starling WM LC Rare
Family Passeridae
41 Passer domesticus House Sparrow R LC Common
42 Passer pyrrhonotus Sind Jungle Sparrow R LC Common
Family Ploceidae
43 Ploceus philippinus Baya Weaver R LC Common
Family Estrididae
44 Lonchura malabarica White-throated Munia R LC Rare
Note: Abundant: numerous; Common: more than 10 during the visit; Frequent: 5-10 during the visit; Rare: more than 5 during the visit; Scarce: 2-5 during the visit. LC: Least Concern; CE: Critically Endangered; E: Endangered: NT: Near Threatened; V: Vulnerable; R: Resident; WV: Winter visitor. Source: Hagler Bailly
Out of the recorded 45 species, one species is Endangered and one Vulnerable; hence of special concern from conservation point of view. These include; • Egyptian Vulture ( Neophron percnopterus ) Endangered
• Eurasian Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) Vulnerable
Table 3.8: Bird Species Recorded in Winter and their Conservation Status According to IUCN Red List (2012)
IUCN 2012 Residential S.No. Scientific name English / Local name Red list Status Status criteria Order Podicepidiformes Family Podicipedidae Little Grebe 1 Tachybaptus ruficollis Choti pundabi (u), Chikilo R LC Common (s) Black-necked Grebe 2 Podiceps nigricollis WV LC Rare Tobo (s) Order Pelecaniformes Family Phalacrocoracidae Little Cormorant 3 Phalacrocorax niger R / LC LC Common Jal kawa, (u), Kayro (s) Order Ciconiiformes
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IUCN 2012 Residential S.No. Scientific name English / Local name Red list Status Status criteria Family Ardeidae Grey Heron 4 Ardea cinerea WV LC Common Sain bagla, (u), Jhaho (s) Purple Heron 5 Ardea purpurea Irregular YRV LC Frequent Laal sain bagla, Sain (s) Indian Pond Heron 6 Ardeola grayii R LC Common Baglo (s) Cattle Egret 7 Bubulcus ibis R LC Common Baglo (s) Large Egret 8 Egretta alba WV LC Common Baglo (s) Intermediate Egret 9 Egretta intermedia Irregular YRV LC Rare Baglo (s) Little Egret 10 Egretta garzetta Irregular YRV LC Common Baglo (s) Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae Common Teal 11 Anas crecca WV LC Common Chikoo battakh (u) Marmarmonetta 12 Marbled Teal WV LC Common angustirostris 13 Anas acuta Northern Pintail WV LC Common
14 Anas clypeata Northern Shoveler WV LC Common
15 Aythia ferina Common Pochard WV LC Common
Order Apodiformes Family Apodidae 16 Apis affinis House Swift R LC Common
Order Falconiformes Family Falconidae Rare 17 Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon WV V Rare 18 Falco cherrug Saker Falcon WV V Rare 19 Falco jugger Laggar Falcon R V
Family Accipitridae Black-shouldered Kite 20 Elanus caeruleus R LC Rare Kohamar (s) Common Kite 21 Milvus migrans R LC Common Kapasi, Sirar (s)
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IUCN 2012 Residential S.No. Scientific name English / Local name Red list Status Status criteria Brahminy Kite 22 Haliastur indus R LC Rare Misri cheel (u) Rare 23 Accipiter nisus Eurasian Sparrow hawk R LC Rare 24 Accipiter badius Shikra R LC
25 Aquila clanga Greater spotted Eagle R V Rare Long legged buzzard 26 Buteo rufinus R LC Frequent Chooha mar (u) 27 Buteo buteo Common buzzard R LC Common Marsh Harrier 28 Circus aeruginosus WV LC Frequent Sufaid sira (u) Hen Harrier 29 Circus cyaneus WV LC Frequent Chhota baaz (u) E 30 Neophron percnopterus Egyptian Vulture R (Decreasing)) Oriental White-backed CE 31 Gyps bengalensis R Vulture (Decreasing) CE 32 Gyps indicus Long-billed Vulture R (Decreasing) Family Pandionidae Osprey 33 Pandion haliaetus WV LC Frequent Machli mar (u), Pilio (s) Family Gruidae V 34 Grus grus Common Crane WV Rare (Decreasing) 35 Anthropoides virgo Demoiselle Crane WV V (Decreasing) Rare
Family Otididae V 36 Chlamydotis undulata Houbara Bustard WV Rare (Decreasing) Order Galliformes
Family Phasianidae Black Partridge LC 37 Francolinus francolinus R Frequent Kala teetar (u), Karo-Tittar (s) (Decreasing) Grey Partridge 38 Francolinus pondicerianus Bhura teetar (u), Bhoro- R LC Common Tittar (s) 39 Pavo cristatus Indian Peafowl R LC Common
40 Coturnix coturnix Common Quail Irregular YRV LC Common
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IUCN 2012 Residential S.No. Scientific name English / Local name Red list Status Status criteria Order Gruiformes Family Rallidae White-breasted Water hen 41 Amaurornis phoenicurus Sufaid seena jal murghi (u), R LC Common Jhang Kokar (s) Indian Moorhen 42 Gallinula chloropus R LC Common Jal murghi (u), Khinati (s) Order Pteroclidiformes Family Pteroclididae Chestnut-bellied 43 Pterocles exustus R LC Common Sand grouse (Bhattittar) Black-bellied 44 Pterocles orientalis WV LC Frequent Sand grouse (Bhattittar) Order Charadriiformes Family Scolopacidae 45 Calidris alpina Dunlin WV LC Common
46 Calidris minuta Little Stint Irregular YRV LC Common
47 Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot WV V (Decreasing) Rare
Family Charadriidae Red-wattled Lapwing 48 Vanellus indicus Surkh gosha tatri (u), R LC Common Tetehar (s) 49 Vanellus leucurus White-tailed Lapwing WV LC Frequent Little Ringed Plover 50 Charadrius dubius WV LC Scarce Choti halkaydar tatri (u) 51 Charadrius alexandrinus Kentish Plover WV LC Scarce
Family Scolopacidae Common Sandpiper Frequent 52 Tringa hypoleucos WV LC Karli chaha (u) Frequent 53 Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank WV LC Frequent 54 Tringa ochropus Green Sandpiper WV LC Frequent 55 Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit WV LC Little Stint Frequent 56 Calidris minuta WV LC Chota punluva (u) Common Snipe 57 Gallinago gallinago WV LC Scarce Raj chaha (u) Family Recurvirostridae
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IUCN 2012 Residential S.No. Scientific name English / Local name Red list Status Status criteria Black-winged Stilt 58 Himantopus himantopus Siah parpa bansa, Tindora R LC Common (s) 59 Recurvirostra avocetta Pied Avocet WV LC Common
Family Laridae
60 Larus canus Common Gull R LC Common
61 Sterna aurantia Indian River Tern R LC Common
62 Sterna albifrons Little Tern R LC Common
Order Columbiformes Family Columbidae Blue Rock Pigeon 63 Columba livia R LC Common Jangli kabutar (u) Ring Dove 64 Streptopelia decaocto R LC Common Halkaydar kabutar (u) Little Brown Dove 65 Streptopelia senegalensis R LC Common Chhoti fakhta(u) Order Psittaciformes Family Psittacidae Rose-ring Parakeet 66 Psittacula krameri R LC Common Gulabi kanthidar toota (u) Order Cuculiformes Family Cuculidae Crow Pheasant 67 Centropus sinensis R LC Common Jangli Kukar (u) Order Strigiformes Family Strigidae Spotted Owlet 68 Athene brama R LC Rare Dhabbaydar ullu (u) 69 Bubo bubo Eurasian Eagle oil R LC Rare
Order Caprimulgiformes Family Caprimulgidae Indian Nightjar 70 Caprimulgus asiaticus R LC Rare Chapako (u) Syke’s Nightjar 71 Caprimulgus mahrattensis R LC Rare Chapako (u) Order Coraciiformes Family Alcedinidae
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IUCN 2012 Residential S.No. Scientific name English / Local name Red list Status Status criteria Pied Kingfisher 72 Ceryle rudis R LC Frequent Sah mahi khor (u) Common Kingfisher 73 Alcedo atthis R LC Rare Machi Mar (u), Chalar (s) White-breasted Kingfisher 74 Halcyon smyrnensis Sufaid seena shah mahi R LC Common khor (u) Family Meropidae Green Bee-eater 75 Merops orientalis R LC Common Sabz Makhi khor(u) Family Coracidae Indian Roller 76 Coracias benghalensis R LC Common Chahi (u), Neel Kantth(u) Family Upupidae Common Hoopoe 77 Upupa epops WV LC Common Hudhud (u), Badshah (s) Family Picidae Golden-backed 78 Dinopium benghalense Woodpecker R LC Common Kath bardhai(u) Yellow-crowned 79 Dendrocopos mahrattensis Woodpecker Kath R LC Common bardhai(u) 80 Dendrocopos assimilis Sind Woodpecker R LC Common
Order Passeriformes Family Alaudidae Crested Lark 81 Galerida cristata R LC Common Chandola(u) 82 Alauda gulgula Oriental Skylark WV/ PM LC Frequent
83 Eremopterix grisea Ashy-crowned Finch Lark R LC Common
Family Hirundinidae
84 Riparia diluta Pale Marten R LC Frequent Plain Sand Martin 85 Riparia paludicola WV LC Frequent Ababil(u) Barn or Common Swallow 86 Hirundo rustica WV LC Frequent Ababil(u) 87 Hirundo smithii Wire-tailed Swallow R LC Frequent
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IUCN 2012 Residential S.No. Scientific name English / Local name Red list Status Status criteria Family Laniidae Isabelline or Pale Brown 88 Lanius isabellinus WV LC Scarce Shrike 89 Lanius excubitor Great Grey Shrike R LC Frequent
90 Lanius vittatus Bay backed Shrike R LC Frequent
Family Dicruridae Black Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis or 91 Siah kotwal kawa, R LC Frequent D. macrocercus Kaleech(u) Family Sturnidae Indian Myna 92 Acridotheres tristis R LC Common Myna, Shark, Laalli(u) Bank Myna 93 Acridotheres ginginianus R LC Common Jangli myna, Laalli(u) Common Starling 94 Sturnus vulgaris WV/R Scarce Tiliar(u) Double Rosy Pastor 95 Sturnus roseus passage Scarce Gulabi Tiliar, Kabbar (s) migrant Family Muscicapidae
96 Phoenicurus ochruros Black Redstart WV LC Frequent
97 Oenanthe deserti Desert Wheatear WV LC Frequent
98 Saxicoloides fulicata Indian Robin R LC Frequent
99 Saxicola caprata Pied Bush Chat R LC Frequent Double 100 Saxicola torquata Stone Chat passage LC Frequent migrant Family Corvidae House Crow 101 Corvus splendens R LC Frequent Kawa(u) Rare 102 Corvus corax Common Raven R LC Rare 103 Dendrocitta vagabunda Tree Pie R LC
Family Cisticolidae
104 Prinia flaviventris Yellow bellied Prinia R LC Frequent
105 Prinia buchanani Rufous-fronted Prinia R LC Frequent
106 Prinia inornata Plain Coloured Prinia R LC Frequent Tailor Bird 107 Orthotomus sutorius R LC Frequent Baya(u)
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IUCN 2012 Residential S.No. Scientific name English / Local name Red list Status Status criteria Family Pycnonotidae White-cheeked Bulbul 108 Pycnonotus leucogenys R LC Frequent Sufaid rukhsar bulbul(u) Red-vented Bulbul 109 Pycnonotus cafer R LC Frequent Bulbul(u) Family Timaliidae Common Babbler 110 Turdoides caudatus R LC Common Sohrr(u) Striated Babbler 111 Turdoides earlie R LC Rare Dhadidhar Sohrr(u) Jungle Babbler 112 Turdoides striatus R LC Jangli Sohrr, Haro (s) Family Sylviidae
113 Sylvia curruca Lesser Whitethroat WV LC
114 Phylloscopus collybita Chiffchaff WV LC
115 Phylloscopus trochiloides Greenish Warbler WV LC Rare
Family Motacillidae White Wagtail 116 Motacilla alba WV LC Frequent Sufaid Posi(u) Yellow Wagtail 117 Motacilla flava PM LC Frequent Peeli Posi(u) Tawny Pipit 118 Anthus campastris WV LC Frequent Piddi(u) Family Nectarinidae
119 Nectarinia asiatica Purple Sunbird R LC Frequent
Family Passeridae House Sparrow 120 Passer domesticus R LC Abundant Chirya, Goraya(u) Sind Jungle Sparrow 121 Passer pyrrhonotus R LC Common Sindhi chirya(u) Family Ploceidae Streaked or Striated 122 Ploceus manyar R LC Common Weaver Family Estrilidae
123 Lonchura malabarica Indian Silverbill R LC Frequent
Family Emberizidae
124 Emberiza melanocephala Black-headed Bunting Irregular YRV LC Frequent
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Note: Abundant: numerous; Common: more than 10 during the visit; Frequent: 5-10 during the visit; Rare: more than 5 during the visit; Scarce: 2-5 during the visit. CE: Critically Endangered; E: Endangered: NT: Near Threatened; V: Vulnerable; R: Resident; WV: Winter visitor; PM: Passage Migrant; SM: = Spring Migrant; YRV: Year Round Visitor. Source: NGO Study
Out of 124 species, two species are Critically Endangered, one Endangered, and six Vulnerable; hence of special concern from conservation point of view. These include;
• White-rumped vulture ( Gyps bengalensis ) Critically Endangered
• Long-billed Vulture ( Gyps indicus ) Critically Endangered
• Egyptian Vulture ( Neophron percnopterus ) Endangered
• Laggar Falcon ( Falco juggar ) Vulnerable
• Greater spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga) Vulnerable
• Peregrine Falcon ( Falco peregrinus ) Vulnerable
• Saker Falcon ( Falco cherrug ) Vulnerable
• Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis undulata) Vulnerable
• Demoiselle Crane ( Anthropoides virgo ) Vulnerable
3.11 Mammals
Survey results are summarized in (Table 3.9) and (Table 3.10).Of 34 species of mammals recorded 13 species were rodents; two insectivores; two bats; one lagomorph, ten carnivores; five ungulates; and one ant-eater.
Table 3.9: Mammal species recorded in Tharparkar in Summer (2012) and their Conservation Status according to IUCN Red List (2012)
S. Zoological Name Common Name IUCN Status (2012) Local Status No.
Order Insectivora
Family Erinaceidae
1 Hemiechinus collaris Long eared desert hedgehog LC Common Soricidae
2 Suncus murinus House shrew LC Common Order Chiroptera
Family Rhinopomstidse
3 Rhinopoma microphyllum Large mouse-tailed bat LC / Stable Rare
4 Scotophilus heathii Lesser house bat LC / Stable Frequent
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S. Zoological Name Common Name IUCN Status (2012) Local Status No.
Order Pholidota
Family Manidae
5 Manis crassicaudata Indian Pangolin V Rare
Order Carnivora
Family Canidae
6 Canis aureus Asiatic jackal NT Common
7 Vulpes vulpes Desert fox NT Common
Order Carnivora
Family Mustelidae
8 Mellivora capensis Ratel or honey badger Critically endangered Rare
Family Herpestidae
9 Herpestes edwardsi Indian mongoose LC/ Stable Rare
10 Herpestes javanicus Small Indian mongoose LC/ Stable Frequent
Family Hyaenidae
11 Hyaena hyaena Striped hyaena CE Rare
Family Felidae
12 Felis caracal Caracal or red lynx CE Rare
13 Felis chaus Jungle cat LC Common 14 Felis silvestris Indian desert wild cat Data Deficient Common
Order Perissodactyla
Family Equidae
15 Equus hemionus Indian wild ass CE Scarce
Order Artiodactyla
Family Suidae
16 Sus scrofa Indian wild boar LC Common Family Bovidae
17 Boselaphus tragocamelus Nilgai or bluebull V Rare
Sub Family Antilopinae
18 Gazella benettii Chinkara V Rare
Order Lagomorpha
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S. Zoological Name Common Name IUCN Status (2012) Local Status No.
Family Leporidae
19 Lepus nigricollis Indian or Desert hare LC/ Stable Frequent
Order Rodentia
Family Sciuridae
20 Funambulus pennantii Northern palm squirrel NT Common
Family Hystricidae
21 Hystrix indica Indian crested porcupine NT Common
Family Muridae
22 Millardia meltada Soft furred field rat LC Common
23 Meriones hurrianae Indian desert jird LC Common
24 Mus musculus House mouse LC Frequent
25 Nesokia indica Short tailed mole rat LC Common
26 Gerbillus gleadowi Indian hairy- footed gerbil LC Frequent
27 Gerbillus nanus Balochistan gerbil NT Rare
28 Mus booduga Little Indian field mouse LC Frequent
29 Milardia gleadowi Sand-colored rat LC Common
30 Rattus rattus Roof rat LC Frequent
31 Tatera indica Indian gerbil LC Common
32 Mus saxicola Grey spiny mouse LC Rare
33 Cremnomys cutchicus Kutch rock rat NT Rare
34 Golunda ellioti India bush rat LC Common LC: Least Concern; CE: Critically Endangered; E: Endangered: NT: Near Threatened; V: Vulnerable; R: Resident; WV: Winter visitor; PM: Passage Migrant; SM: = Spring Migrant; YRV: Year Round visitor. Source: MMP Study
Nilgai or blue bull, striped hyaena and Wild ass were recorded only from Nagarparkar Taluka.
In the upper desert half of Nagarparkar, hyaena is absent while in lower hilly area hyaena was recorded. Locals and game watchers were of the opinion that there may be 40-50 hyaenas in Karoonjhar Hills cluster.
Nilgai is distributed in areas of Ranpur, Cheetra Sar, Bartala, Kasbo, Bako, Veeka Sar, Soora and Chand. It was estimated that there may be 175-200 animals in these areas. Wild Boar is being recorded for the first time from Nagarparkar and shares Nilgai habitat.
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Chinkara habitat in Diplo was sampled. In Union Council Mar Norer (24o51’08.3” N and 69o51’07.8”E) six animals were spotted resting under the shade of Kandi Salvadora oleoidestees.
These three mammal species have already created human-wildlife conflicts because they cause economic losses to farmers and livestock owners.
Meriones hurrianae and Gerbillus gleadowi are equally abundant in the inter-dunal valleys, followed by Tatera indica and Mus species .
These mammalian species, except wild ass and Nilgai, recorded in Thar Desert are at the same level of conservation as has been assessed in Nara Desert (Ghalib et al., 2008). Information on some of the species as listed in (Table 3.10) has been derived from secondary data which were not directly observed or identified through any sign.
3.12 Distribution of mammalian fauna
Locations and GPS coordinate where the mammal species were Sighted/Spotted or Reported inTharparkar in April 2012 is given in (Table 3.10) below:
Table 3.10: Distribution of mammalian fauna in Tharparkar District in Summer (2012)
Taluka /Tehsil Location Coordinates N Coordinates E Species observed/located/identified
MITHI Gandhi bit 24°43'57.8" 69°47'14.2" Scattered colonies of Meriones 24°47'08.9" 69°47'09.1" hurrianae ; burrow systems of Mus 24° 44'13.9" 69°47'27.2" booduga under bushes and Funambulus pennanttii near huts and trees 12km from 24° 43'30.2" 69°49'53.3" Meriones hurrianae ; Mus booduga and Mithi on way to gerbillus gleodowi Islamkot On way to 24°46'49.2" 69°46'04.1" Funambulus pennanttii near huts; Lonhihar Meriones hurrianae burrows numerous Nearby village 24°45'13.5" 69°45' 57.8" Gerbillus gleodowi, M. hurrianae,M . Saha Jani booduga, Tatera indica, Hemiechinus Bheel collaris Loonhiyar 24°49'20.3" 69°45'10.5" T. indica, M.hurrianae, Mus species, village Herpestes javanicus, Vulpes vulpes Kharo Junejo 24°52'45.5" 69°43' 47.2" T. indica , G. gleadowi , Mus booduga , F. pennanttii On way to 24°44 '54 .1" 70°00'28.7" 5 Meriones hurrianae spotted at 20.30hrs Islamkot while crossing the road 24°44'19.9" 70 °00 '28.7" One long eared desert hedge hog (Hemiechinus collaris ) at 21.00 hrs. 2 Tatera indica spotted NAGAR Bhude Sar 24°23 '57.3" 70°43' 51.6" G. gleadowi, Tatera indica, M. booduga, PARKAR Vulpes vulpes , and hyaena reported Maliji ka 24 °24' 04.4" 70 °41' 51.6" Colonies of Tatera indica along field Wandir edges; Faecal deposits of Hyaena hyaena
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Taluka /Tehsil Location Coordinates N Coordinates E Species observed/located/identified
Malji Bund 24°24' 47.1" 74°41' 17.3" Numerous colonies of Tatera indica ; Funambulus Pennantii seen; Locals reported wandering hyaena in the area Runn of Kutch 24°27 '17.1" 70°38 '31.8" Could not observe Equus hemionus; Vandhia 24°20 '15.01" 70°48' 25.09" Locals reported seeing 2 animals recently in the area Karoonjhar Hill 24°20'00.04" 20°46 '21.08" Hyaena, M. hurrianae, H.javanicus (slopes) Khario dharro 24°18' 31.0" 70°47 '50.09" Hyaena, Hysterix indica, Vulpes vulpes (western edge of K.Hills) Kasbo 24°17 '16.02" 70°47 '18.05" Nilgai, Wild boar, Prosopis juliflora habitat) Qasho Mandir 24°17 '23.02" 70°46 '45.08" Nilgai, Wild boar, Prosopis juliflora habitat) Chitra Sar 24°20 '24.03" 70°49 '42.08" 6-8 Nilgai observed and also droppings and tracks , hyaena, Wild boar P.juliflora habitat Saardhara 24°20' 51.07" 70°44 '13.06" Hyaena , Hysterix indica , Kutch rat Ran Pur Dam 24 °21'24.04" 70 °52 '10.09" Nilgai, wild boar
Rarkoa Village 24°18' 40.07" 70°45'44.09" Hyaena, Hysterix indica (Western Edge Of K.Hills) DIPLO U.C.MAR Nimi Sar 24 °47 '05.09" 69° 52' 08.04" Heavy infestation of M. hurrianae; G. NORER gleadowi; Hysterix indica;H. collaris; H. javanicus U.C.MAR 24 °51 '08.03" 69 °55 '07.08" 6 Chinkara spotted; Lepus nigricollis; AMER Vulpes vulpes U.C.CHACHRO Chilhar 24 °57 '58.02" 69° 54 '43.07" M. hurrianae; G. gleodowi; V. vulpes; H. javanicus, L. nigricollis 24° 54 '54 .00" 24 °57 '08.08" M. hurrianae; G. gleodowi; H. indica; H. collaris; L. nigricollis Surce: MMP Study
3.13 Species of Concern
Conservation status of mammal species as given in (Table 3.10) shows that four species viz., Striped hyaena, Caracal or Desert lynx, Honey badger and Wild ass are Critically Endangered; six species viz., Asiatic jackal, Desert fox, Palm squirrel, Indian crested porcupine, Balochistan gerbil and Kutch rock rat are Near-threatened; three species viz.,Indian pangolin, Nilgai and Chinkara are Vulnerable. One species is Data Deficient whereas 20 species are of Least Concern (IUCN 2012; Sheikh and Molur 2005).
Locations and GPS coordinate where the threatened mammal species were Sighted/Spotted or Reported in Tharparkar in April 2012 is given in Table 3.11 and shown in Figure 3.8 below:
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Figure 3.8: Distribution of Mammal Species of Concern. Wildlife Sanctuary (green thin line) and Ramsar Site (dark red line) borders have also been shown
Table 3.11: Locations and GPS coordinates where the threatened Mammal Species were Sighted/Spotted or Reported in Tharparkar in April 2012
S. No Species Coordinates Remarks
1 Felis caracal --- Locals and Game Watchers reported from various Karoonjhar Hill areas, Nagarparkar
2 Felis silvestris --- Locals and Game Watchers reported from various Karoonjhar Hill areas, Nagarparkar
3 Canis aureus --- Locals and Game Watchers reported from various Karoonjhar Hill areas, Nagarparkar
4 Vulpes vulpes pusilla 24°23'57.3"N In some cases dens and footprints were seen. In 70°43' 51.6"E other cases locals reported its distribution/presence. 24°49'20.3"N 69°45'10.5"E 24°18' 31.0"N 70°47'50.9"E 24°18' 40.7"N 70°45'44.9"E 24 °51'08.3"N 69 °55'07.8"E
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S. No Species Coordinates Remarks
24 °57'58.2"N 69° 54'43.7"E 24° 46' 16.9"N 70 °19'05.6"E 24 °50'42.4"N 70° 25'33.6"E 24° 49 '29.4"N 70 °20 '28.2"E 24°47'26.9"N 70°21' 34.9"E
5 Hyaena hyaena 24°22’37.8”N Live dens, footprints and fresh or old scats were 70°40’ 50.3”E observed in Karoonjhar Hills. 24°18’ 31.0”N 70°47’50.09”E 24°20’00.4”N 20°46’21.8”E 24°20’ 51.7”N 70°44’13.6”E 24°18’ 40.7”N 70°45’44.9”E 24°24’ 47.1”N 74°41’ 17.3”E 24°20’24.3”N 70°49’42.8”E
6 Mellivora capensis Locals and Game Watchers reported from various --- gravel and sandy areas of Nagarparkar
7 Manis crassicaudata 24 °50’42.4”N Locals and Game Watchers reported 70° 25’33.6”E
9 Gazella bennettii 24 °51 '08.3"N 6 Animals were observed 69 °55 '07.8"E
10 Boselaphus 24°17’16.2”N 6-8 male animals were observed at Kasbo and tragocamelus 70°47’ 18.5”E Chitra Sar and also reported from other areas of Ran Pur Dam 24 °21’24.4”N 70 °52 ‘10.9”E 24°17 ‘23.2”N 70°46 ‘45.8”E 24°20 ‘24.3”N 70°49 ‘42.8”E 24°20 ‘02.3”N
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S. No Species Coordinates Remarks
70°49 ‘27.0”E 24°20 ‘23.9”N 70°49 ‘44.0”E
11 Equus hemionus 24°27’17.1”N Locals and Game Watchers reported 2 animals 70°38’ 31.8”E wandering in the area
12 Funambulus pennanttii 24°44’13.9”N 10-12 pairs were observed. 69°47’ 27.2”E 24°46’49.2” N 69°46’04.1” E 24°52’45.5 “N 69°43’ 47.2” E 24°24’ 47.1”N 74°41’ 17.3”E 24° 46’ 06.5”N 70° 15’ 02.5”E
13 Hystrix indica 24°20’51.7”N At some places footprints and scats were recorded, 70°44’ 13.6”E locals also reported its presence. 24°18’ 31.0”N 70°47 ’50.9”E 24°18’ 40.7”N 70°45’44.9”E 24 °47 ’05.9”N 69° 52’ 08.4”E 24° 54 ’54 .0”N 69 °57 ’08.8”E 24 °43’ 40.7”N 70 °12’46.3”E
14 Gerbillus nanus 24°18’ 40.7”N Live Burrows were observed 70°45’44.9”E
15 Cremnomys cutchicus 24°20'51.7"N Burrows and droppings were observed 70°44' 13.6"E
Source: MMP Study
Three large mammal species are described in forthcoming sub-sections.
3.13.1 Striped Hyaena
The striped hyaena is predominantly a scavenger, its diet consisting mainly of carcasses and human originated carrion. In Tharparkar district, hyaena is found only in hilly areas of Nagarparkar (lower half). Upper half is desert area where hyaena does not occur. Hyaena is distributed in Karoonjhar,
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Ranpur, Mokrio, Dighano, Worawo, Churio, Janagaam, Wadhra, Deansee, Khaar Sar and Daidwero hills. There may be 40-50 animals in these hills. With strict law enforcement, this population may increase by 2-3 folds within next 5 years.
Hyena dens were seen in Karoonjhar hills. Bones of dead animals and one uneaten stomach of a sheep were also found in the den.
As these hilly areas are far away from Thar Coal exploration blocks, there will be no foreseeable threat to hyaena population in Nagarparkar.
Status: Critically endangered (CR) in the IUCN status and Red list of Pakistan Mammals (2005). Global assessment: Near threatened, continuing decline of 10% over next three generations it almost qualifies as threatened under criterion C1.
3.13.2 Nilgai or Blue Bull
The Nilgai is endemic to the Indian subcontinent and is distributed in areas with scanty tropical forest cover. Before the erection of border fence, Nilgai occasionally crossed into Thar Desert areas of Pakistan.
During this survey, Nilgai in Nagarparkar was reported from Qasbo, Bako, Weeka Sar, Sindhi Ka Wndia, Soora Chand, Cheetra Sar, Bartala, Ranpur, Karkee Sairee and Dhingano. The areas are thickly vegetated with mesquet ( Prosopis juliflora ). At Cheetra Sar 6-8 male Nilgai were observed. Nilgai exists only in Nagarparkar Tehsil of Tharparkar district. The population is estimated around 175-200 animals. The Nilgai has potential chances of establishing permanent breeding grounds in Nagarparkar. Nilgai is also reported to maraud agricultural crops in certain areas (e.g, areas irrigated by the water of Ranpur Dam) attaining a pest status because of its grazing and browsing feeding habits.
There will be no or minimal threat to Nilgai from exploration activities in Thar Coal Project areas. The population of Nilgai may however be affected by the illegal shooting by locals or hunters. Striped hyaena may also predate on calves and young ones of Nilgai. Its current IUCN status is vulnerable (VU).
3.13.3 Chinkara or Indian Gazelle
Chinkara is a highly adaptable antelope; distributed in sand-dune areas of Chachro and Diplo in Tharparkar district. They are, also, able to exist in areas down to sea level as well as in stoney plateaus and low hilly regions up to 1500m elevation. Chinkara is under severe pressure in the desert areas of Punjab and Sindh where once it was abundant.
Potential habitat of Chinkara exists in Diplo, union councils of Mar Norer and Mar Amir, and in Chachro, union council of Chilhar. Wildlife Department Office of Tharparkar district has estimated
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around 100 animals in 3 km 2 area in Mar Amir union council. Illegal hunting by influential hunters and cutting of Salvadora oleoides are the main threats to the survival of Chinkara in Thar Desert. S. oleoides provides feed and shelter to this animal.
Chinkara survival is threatened due to anthropogenic activities. With the start of coal related operations, the habitat could be disturbed and habitat quality impaired. The Chinkara may migrate from the immediate vicinity of disturbance to the nearby suitable habitats which are available in plenty. The vigilance on the part of Wildlife Department staff would be important to ward off any opportunistic hunting on the Chinkara in the new habitats that they would occupy. They may return to the original habitat that would be restored/rehabilitated after the mining operations are completed. Chinkara are prolific breeders; proper management can help increase their populations manifold. Its current IUCN status is vulnerable (VU).
3.14 Conservation Status of the recorded species
Conservation Status of the recorded species is shown in Table 3.9.
3.15 Seasonal Data on Mammals
To gain an insight into the overall scenario in Tharparkar, data collected in different seasons by different organizations were searched. The data collected by conservation oriented NGO on Katch Wildlife Sanctuary in Tharparkar and M/S Hagler Bailly on Block 2 of Coal Fields Tharparkar were obtained and analysed. Conservation status of mammal species according to IUCN Red List 2012 has also been given. The mammal species recorded during different seasons are presented in the following tables:
Table 3.12: Mammal species recorded in Tharparkar in Summer (2010) and their Conservation Status according to IUCN Red List (2012)
S. Zoological Name Common Name IUCN Status (2012) Local Status No. Order Insectivora
Family Erinaceidae
1 Hemiechinus collaris Long eared desert hedgehog LC Common
2 Paraechinus micropus Indian Hedgehog LC Common
Order Chiroptera
Family Rhinopomstidse
3 Rhinopoma microphyllum Large mouse-tailed bat LC/ Stable Rare
Family Vespertilionidae
4 Scotophilus heathii Lesser house bat LC/ Stable Frequent
5 Pipistrellus tenuis Pygmy pipistrelle
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S. Zoological Name Common Name IUCN Status (2012) Local Status No. Family Emballonuridae
6 Taphozous perforatus Tomb bat LC/ Stable Frequent
7 Taphozous nudiventris Kutch Shield-tailed bat LC/ Stable Frequent
Family Molossidae
8 Tadarida aegyptiaca Free tailed bat LC/ Stable Frequent
Order Carnivora
Family Canidae
9 Canis aureus Asiatic jackal NT Common
10 Canis lupus Indian wolf CE Rare
11 Vulpes vulpes Desert fox NT Common
Family Herpestidae
12 Herpestes edwardsi Indian mongoose LC/ Stable Rare
13 Herpestes javanicus Small Indian mongoose LC/ Stable Frequent
Family Hyaenidae
14 Hyaena hyaena Striped hyaena CE Rare
Family Felidae
15 Felis chaus Jungle cat LC Common
Family Viverridae
16 Viverricula indica Small Indian Civet
Order Perissodactyla
Family Equidae
17 Equus hemionus Indian wild ass CE Scarce
Order Artiodactyla
Family Suidae
18 Sus scrofa Indian wild boar LC Common
Family Bovidae
19 Boselaphus tragocamelus Nilgai or bluebull V Rare
Sub Family Antilopinae
20 Gazella benettii Chinkara V Rare
Order Lagomorpha
Family Leporidae
21 Lepus nigricollis Indian or Desert hare LC/ Stable Frequent
Order Rodentia
Family Sciuridae
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S. Zoological Name Common Name IUCN Status (2012) Local Status No. 22 Funambulus pennantii Northern palm squirrel NT Common
Family Hystricidae
23 Hystrix indica Indian crested porcupine NT Common
Family Muridae
24 Meriones hurrianae Indian desert jird LC Common
25 Gerbillus nanus Balochistan gerbil NT Rare
26 Mus booduga Little Indian field mouse LC Frequent
27 Milardia gleadowi Sand-colored rat LC Common
28 Rattus rattus Roof rat LC Frequent
29 Tatera indica Indian gerbil LC Common
30 Cremnomys cutchicus Kutch rock rat NT Rare
Note: LC: Least Concern; CE: Critically Endangered; E: Endangered: NT: Near Threatened; V: Vulnerable;R: Resident; WV: Winter visitor. Source: NGO Study
Out of the recorded 30 species, three species are Critically Endangered, two Vulnerable and six are Near Threatened hence of special concern from conservation point of view. These include: • Critically Endangered - Indian wolf ( Canis lupus ) - Indian wild ass ( Equus hemionus ) - Striped hyaena ( Hyaena hyaena )
• Vulnerable - Nilgai or bluebull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) - Chinkara (Gazella bennettii)
• Near Threatened - Asiatic jackal (Canis aureus) - Desert fox (Vulpes vulpes) - Northern palm squirrel (Funambulus pennantii) - Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica) - Balochistan gerbil (Gerbillus nanus) - Kutch rock rat (Cremnomys cutchicus)
Table 3.13: Mammals of Coal Block 2, Tharparkar during Winter (2009)
S. Local Zoological Name Common Name IUCN Status (2012) No. Status Order Insectivora Family Erinaceidae 1 Hemiechinus collaris Long eared desert hedgehog LC Common
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S. Local Zoological Name Common Name IUCN Status (2012) No. Status 2 Paraechinus micropus Indian hedgehog LC Common
Order Carnivora
Family Canidae 3 Vulpes bengalensis NT Common
Family Felidae
4 Felis chaus Jungle cat LC Common
Family Viverriculidae
5 Viverricula indica Small Indian civet cat LC Common
Order Lagomorpha
Family Leporidae 6 Lepus nigricollis Indian or Desert hare LC/ Stable Frequent
Order Rodentia
Family Sciuridae 7 Funambulus pennantii Northern palm squirrel NT Common
Family Hystricidae
8 Hystrix indica Indian crested porcupine NT Common
Family Muridae
9 Meriones hurrianae Indian desert jird LC Common
10 Gerbillus nanus Balochistan gerbil NT Rare
11 Mus booduga Little Indian field mouse LC Frequent
12 Milardia gleadowi Sand-colored rat LC Common
13 Rattus rattus Roof rat LC Frequent
14 Tatera indica Indian gerbil LC Common
April 2010 Order Insectivora Family Erinaceidae 1 Hemiechinus collaris Long eared desert hedgehog LC Common
2 Paraechinus micropus LC Common
Order Carnivora Family Canidae 3 Vulpes bengalensis Desert fox NT Common
Family Herpestidae 4 Herpestes edwardsi Indian grey mongoose LC/ Stable Rare
Family Felidae
5 Felis chaus Jungle cat LC Common
Family Viverriculidae
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S. Local Zoological Name Common Name IUCN Status (2012) No. Status 6 Viverricula indica Small Indian civet cat LC Common
Order Lagomorpha Family Leporidae 7 Lepus nigricollis Indian or Desert hare LC/ Stable Frequent
Order Rodentia Family Sciuridae 8 Funambulus pennantii Northern palm squirrel NT Common
Family Hystricidae
9 Hystrix indica Indian crested porcupine NT Common
Family Muridae
10 Millardia meltada Soft furred field rat LC Common
11 Meriones hurrianae Indian desert jird LC Common
12 Gerbillus nanus Balochistan gerbil NT Rare
13 Mus booduga Little Indian field mouse LC Frequent
14 Rattus rattus Roof rat LC Frequent
15 Tatera indica Indian gerbil LC Common
August 2010 Order Insectivora Family Erinaceidae 1 Hemiechinus collaris Long eared desert hedgehog LC Common
Order Carnivora Family Canidae 2 Canis aureus Golden jackal NT Common
3 Vulpes vulpes Fox NT Common
Family Herpestidae
4 Herpestes javanicus Small Asian mongoose LC/ Stable Rare
Family Felidae
5 Felis chaus Jungle cat LC Common
Order Lagomorpha Family Leporidae 6 Lepus nigricollis Indian or Desert hare LC/ Stable Frequent
Order Rodentia Family Sciuridae 7 Funambulus pennantii Northern palm squirrel NT Common
Family Muridae
8 Meriones hurrianae Indian desert jird LC Common
9 Gerbillus gleadowi Indian hairy-footed gerbil LC Common
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S. Local Zoological Name Common Name IUCN Status (2012) No. Status 10 Gerbillus nanus Balochistan gerbil NT Rare
11 Rattus rattus Roof rat LC Frequent
12 Tatera indica Indian gerbil LC Common
Note: LC: LC; NT: Near Threatened. Source: Hagler Bailly
3.16 Amphibians and Reptiles
Two amphibian and 20 species of reptiles were recorded from the study area. These include: one toad, one frog, one turtle, 14 lizards and five snakes (Table 3.14).Of five snake species two are poisonous and three non-poisonous. The recorded species belong to three orders and 13 families. All the recorded species except Russell’s chain viper and Black cobra were observed directly. Some species were also recorded through indirect evidences such as tracks, burrows, moults and nests that confirmed the existence of the species in the area. The moults of the Russell’s chain viper and Black cobra were also observed during the study that confirmed their existence in the study area. The Amphibian and Reptile species recorded from Tharparkar area are shown in Table 3.14 .
Table 3.14: Amphibian and Reptile species recorded in Tharparkar in Summer (2012) and their Conservation Status according to IUCN Red List (2012)
S. Zoological Name Common Name IUCN 2012Status Local Status No. Amphibians Order Anura
FamilyBufonidae 1 Bufo stomaticus Indus valley toad LC/ Stable Common
TrionychidaeRanidae 2 Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis Skittering frog LC/ Stable Common
Reptiles
Order Chelonia
Family Trionychidae
3 Lissemys punctata Indian flapshel turtle LR Rare
Order Squamata
Family Agamidae 4 Calotes versicolor Common Tree Lizard NA Common
5 Trapelus megalonyx Ocellate ground agama NA Common
6 Uromastyx hardwickii Spiny-tailed ground lizard NA Common
Family Chamaeleonidae
7 Chamaeleo zeylanicus Chameleon (Casqued lizard) NA Rare
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S. Zoological Name Common Name IUCN 2012Status Local Status No. FamilyGeckonidae
8 Crossobamon maynardi Striped sand gecko NA Rare
9 Hemidactylus brooki Spotted barn gecko NA Direct
10 Hemidactylus flaviviridis Common house gecko NA Common
11 Hemidactylus leschenaultii Tree-bark gecko NA Common
12 Cyrtopodion kachhense Kachh spotted ground gecko NA Rare
Family Lacertidae
13 Acanthodactylus cantoris Blue tailed sand lizard LC Common
Family Scincidae
14 Eutropis dissimilis Striped grass skink NA Frequent
15 Ophiomorus raithmai Three-fingered sand fish LC Frequent
Family Varanidae
16 Varanus bengalensis Bengal Monitor Lizard LC/ Decreasing Rare
17 Varanus griseus Desert Monitor Lizard NA Common
Family Bovidae
18 Vconicus Chain sand boa NA Frequent
Family Colubridae
19 Lycodon striatus Indus valley wolf snake NA Common
20 Psammophis schokari Saharo-Sindian ribbon snake NA Common
Family Elapidae
21 Naja naja Black cobra LC/ Stable Rare
Family Viperidae
22 Daboia russelii Russell’s chain viper NA Rare
Note: LC: Least Concern; NA: Not Assessed; LR: Low Risk. Source: MMP Study
3.17 Conservation Status of the recorded species
According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN 2012), none of the recorded species shown in (Table 3.14) are threatened. One species (Indian flap-shell turtle) is categorized as Lower Risk with unknown population trend; four species are categorized as Least Concern with stable population trend, two species are categorized as Least Concern with unknown population trend, one species (Bengal Monitor Lizard) is categorized as Least Concern with decreasing population trend while rest of the 15 species have not yet been assessed for IUCN Red List but are recorded in the catalogue of life.
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3.18 Distribution of Herps in the study area (Tharparkar)
Distribution of different amphibians and reptile species recorded from the study area is given against GPS coordinates in (Table 3.15) below:
Table 3.15: Distribution of Amphibians and Reptiles in Tharparkar in Summer (2012)
Sr. GPS Location Species Observed No. Coordinates 1 N 24° 43’ 57.8” Residential area along Duttaphrynus stomaticus, Hemidactylus flaviviridis, E 69° 47’ 14.2” western side of Mithi Hemidactylus brooki, Lissemys punctata, Naja naja 2 N 24° 44’ 08.9” Sand dunes near Mithi city Hemidactylus brooki, Acanthodactylus cantoris, E 69° 47’ 09.1” Ophiomorus raithmai, Daboia russelii 3 N 24° 39’ 56.0” Sand dunes near Mithi with Hemidactylus brooki, Acanthodactylus cantoris, E 70° 26’ 19.6” sparse vegetation Ophiomorus raithmai, Daboia russelii 4 N 24° 23’ 56.8” Northern end of Karoonjhar Calotes versicolor, Psammophis schokari, Trapelus E 70° 43’ 52.7” hills megalonyx, Hemidactylus brooki, Lycodon striatus 5 N 24° 24’ 04.4” Village Malji ka Wandir near Trapelus megalonyx Hemidactylus flaviviridis, H. E 70° 41’ 51.6” Nagarparkar brooki, Cyrtopodion kachhense, Eutropis dissimilis 6 N 24° 23’ 33.4” Semi desert area and Crossobamon maynardi, Varanus bengalensis, Eryx E 70° 41’ 25.0” agricultural fields conicus, Lycodon striatus, Psammophis schokari 7 N 24° 21’ 02.8” Karoonjhar hills Hemidactylus leschenaulti, Cyrtopodion kachhense, E 70° 44’ 08.9” Varanus griseus, Naja naja, Psammophis schokari 8 N 24° 21’ 10.0” Forest with masquit as Uromastyx hardwickii, Trapelus megalonyx, Calotes E 70° 46’ 44.9” dominant species versicolor, Naja naja, Daboia russelii 9 N 24° 21’ 14.8” Plain area with Devi, Peelu, Uromastyx hardwickii, Trapelus megalonyx, Calotes E 70° 49’ 46.5” Kandi, Kareer versicolor, Naja naja, Daboia russelii 10 N 24° 21’ 24.4” Runpur Embankment, Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis, Trapelus megalonyx, Calotes E 70° 52’ 10.9” Nagarparkar versicolor, Naja naja, Daboia russelii 11 N 24° 18’ 16.7” Khairio Dharo, Eastern end Cyrtopodion kachhense, Hemidactylus leschenaultii, E 70° 47’ 48.9” of Karoonjhar hills Naja naja, Varanus griseus, Varanus bengalensis 12 N 24° 17’ 10.5” Kasbo village, near Pak- Chamaeleo zeylanicus, Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis, E 70° 47’ 08.8” India border Lissemys punctata, Calotes versicolor, Naja naja 13 N 24° 20’ 23.9” Cheetra Sar area near Eutropis dissimilis, Trapelus megalonyx, Naja naja, E 70° 49’ 44.0” borderline Trapelus megalonyx, Cyrtopodion kachhense , 14 N 24° 18’ 40.7” Rarkoa village near Singra Duttaphrynus stomaticus, Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis, E 70° 45’ 44.9” dam, Nagar Calotes versicolor, Naja naja, Lycodon striatus 15 N 24° 30’ 23.1” Saangha Lake, Weerawah Varanus bengalensis, Duttaphrynus stomaticus, E 70° 45’ 12.4” Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis Hemidactylus flaviviridis 16 N 24° 43’ 30.2” Near Islam Kot Varanus griseus, Naja naja, Hemidactylus brooki, E 69° 49’ 53.0” Uromastyx hardwickii, Calotes versicolor 17 N 69° 53’ 47.0” Mini Sar village in UC Mar Eryx conicus, Varanus griseus, Naja naja, E 24° 49’ 58.0” Norer Hemidactylus brooki, Calotes versicolor
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Sr. GPS Location Species Observed No. Coordinates 18 N 24° 57’ 08.0” UC Chachro Varanus bengalensis, Duttaphrynus stomaticus, E 69° 54’ 11.0” Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis Hemidactylus flaviviridis 19 N 24 45’ 13.0” Village Saha Jani Bheel Psammophis schokari, Duttaphrynus stomaticus, E 69 45’ 57.0” Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis, Calotes versicolor 20 N 24 52’ 45.0” Village Kharo Junejo Near Naja naja, Duttaphrynus stomaticus, Euphlyctis E 69 43’ 47.0” Islam Kot cyanophlyctis Hemidactylus flaviviridis 21 N 24 27’ 17.0” Run of Kutch Cyrtopodion kachhense, Psammophis schokari, E 70 38’ 31.0” Daboia russelii ,
Source: MMP Study
3.19 Species of special concern
Two out of the recorded 22 species; striped sand gecko and Kuchh spotted ground gecko are endemic to Pakistan. Chameleon is facing severe threats to its population due to excessive trapping and illegal trade. Locations and GPS coordinates where the threatened species were observed are given below in Table Table 3.10 and Figure 3.9 below:
Figure 3.9: Distribution of Reptile Species of Concern. Wildlife Sanctuary (green thin line) and Ramsar Site (drk red line) borders have also been shown.
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Table 3.16: Locations and GPS coordinates where Reptile species of special concern were recorded in Tharparkar in Summer (2012)
S. No. GPS Coordinates Location Species Observed
1 N 24° 24’ 04.4” Village Malji ka Wandir near Nagarparkar Cyrtopodion kachhense , E 70° 41’ 51.6”
2 N 24° 23’ 33.4” Semi desert area and agricultural fields Crossobamon maynardi E 70° 41’ 25.0”
3 N 24° 21’ 02.8” Karoonjhar hills Cyrtopodion kachhense E 70° 44’ 08.9”
4 N 24° 18’ 16.7” Khairio Dharo, Eastern end of Karoonjhar Cyrtopodion kachhense hills E 70° 47’ 48.9”
5 N 24° 20’ 23.9” Cheetra Sar area near borderline Cyrtopodion kachhense E 70° 49’ 44.0”
6 N 24° 27’ 17.0” Run of Kutch Cyrtopodion kachhense E 70° 38’ 31.0”
7 N 24° 17’ 10.5” Kasbo village, near Pak-India border Chamaeleo zeylanicus E 70° 47’ 08.8”
8 N 24° 18’ 40.7” Parkao village, near Singra Dam Chamaeleo zeylanicus
E 70° 45’ 44.9”
9 N 24° 21’ 02.8” Near Saajhro Mandir in Karoonjhar hills Chamaeleo zeylanicus E 70° 44’ 08.9”
Source: MMP Study
The three species of special concern are described in forthcoming suc-sections.
3.19.1 Kuchh Spotted Ground Gecko
This gecko lives in cracks and holes in ground, readily colonizing crevices among rocks and nearby houses and crevices under bridges and walls (Figure 3.10). It avoids competition with Hemidactylus flaviviridis and Hemidactylus brooki which are sympatric species. According to Khan (2006), this gecko is plentiful in hard rocky terrains. This gecko is distributed in most of the Kutch area, coastal Sindh and Las Bela in Balochistan. Gymnodactylus ingoldbyi described by Proctor (1923) from the hilly tracts along the western borders of Punjab and southwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has recently been described as a northern race of Cyrtopodion kachhense by Khan (1997f). Thus, although this species is endemic to Pakistan but its vast distribution in Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber
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Pakhtunkhwa suggests that there will not be any significant threat to the species from the Thar-coal project activities.
3.19.2 Striped Sand Gecko
Type locality of this gecko (Figure 3.11) is Baluchistan near Afghanistan border and it has been reported from north western Baluchistan. The occurrence of this species in Tharparkar thousands of km away from its type locality is its new distribution record and extension of its distribution range. Since the herpetological fauna of most of the areas in Pakistan still requires extensive search therefore, it is assumed that this species might also be present at some locations between the type locality in Balochistan and the current distribution range in Sindh. Thus, the proposed project will not have any serious impacts on this species.
Figure 3.10 : Cyrtopodion kachhense Figure 3.11 : Crossobamon maynardi
3.19.3 Chameleon (Casqued lizard)
This greenish lizard is the only species representing Family Chamaeleonidae of Order Squamata in Pakistan. It inhabits thick jungles and bushy areas with mesic to moderate xerophytic environments. This diurnal and arboreal species is capable of moving its both eyes independently in different directions. Its breeding season lasts from April to July and 10-40 oval shaped eggs are laid in a 30cm deep pit dug by the female in soft soil under bushes. The pit with eggs is closed by pushing soil onto it and the incubation period lasts almost to 90 days (Khan, 2006).
Chameleon is found in the wooded parts of peninsular India and Sri Lanka and extends in southeastern Sindh in Pakistan. It is reported from Umerkot, Naukot and Nagarparkar in Sindh. During the present study this species was recorded from three locations in Tharparkar and all being in Nagarparkar Tehsil (Table 3.16 above). A few years back, it was common in the area but due to illegal trade of this species especially to Middle East, its population has decreased considerably. It was revealed while interviewing local residents and hunters that during 2011, it was not captured and smuggled out due to being rare. The middle man pays Rs. 500/- to local hunters and trappers for one animal.
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3.20 Seasonal Data on Amphibian and Reptiles
To gain an insight into the overall scenario in Tharparkar, data collected in different seasons by different organizations were searched. The data collected by a conservation oriented NGO on Runn of Katch Wildlife Sanctuary in Tharparkar and M/S Hagler Bailly on Block 2 of Coal Fields Tharparkar were obtained and analysed. Conservation status of amphibian and reptile species according to IUCN Red List 2012 has also been given. The amphibian and reptile species recorded during different seasons are presented in the following Tables:
Table 3.17: Amphibian and Reptilian species of Rann of Kutch and Wildlife Sanctuary Wniter (2009).
S. Zoological Name Common Name IUCN 2012 Status Local Status No. Amphibians
Order Anura
Family Bufonidae
1 Bufo stomaticus Indus valley toad LC Common
Family Dicroglossidae
2 Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis Skittering frog LC Common
3 Hoplobatrachus tigerinus Bull-frog LC Common
Reptiles
Order Chelonia
Family Testudinidae
4 Geochelone elagans Star tortoise LR Common
Order Squamata
Family Agamidae
5 Calotes versicolor Common Tree Lizard NA Common
6 Trapelus agilis pakistanensis Brilliant agama/ Kirarri NA Common
7 Uromastyx hardwickii Spiny-tailed ground lizard NA Common
8 Saara hardwickii Hardwicke’s spiny-tailed lizard NA Frequent
9 Cyrtopodion scabrum Keeled rock gecko NA Common
10 Cyrtopodion kachhense Keeled rock gecko NA Rare
11 Tropiocolotes helenae Banded dwarf gecko NA Common
12 Mesalina watsonana Indian fringe-toed sandy lizard NA Rare
13 Mesalina watsonana Long-tailed desert lacerta NA Frequent
Family Chamaeleonidae
14 Chamaeleo zeylanicus Chameleon (Casqued lizard) NA Rare
FamilyGeckonidae
15 Crossobamon orientalis Sindh sand gecko NA Rare
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S. Zoological Name Common Name IUCN 2012 Status Local Status No.
16 Hemidactylus flaviviridis Common house gecko NA Common
17 Hemidactylus leschenaultii Tree-bark gecko NA Common
Family Lacertidae
18 Acanthodactylus cantoris Blue tailed sand lizard LC Frequent
Family Scincidae
19 Ophiomorus tridactylus Three-fingered sand fish LC Direct
20 Eutropis dissimilis Striped grass skink
Family Varanidae
21 Varanus bengalensis Bengal Monitor Lizard LC/ Decreasing Rare
22 Varanus griseus Desert Monitor Lizard NA Common
Family Boidae
23 Eryx johnii Indian sand boa NA Frequent
Family Colubridae
24 Psammophis schokari Saharo-Sindian ribbon snake NA Frequent
25 Spalerosophis arenarius Red spotted royal snake NA
26 Spalerosophis atriceps Red-spotted diadem snake NA
27 Xenochrophis piscator Checkered keel-back snake NA
Family Elapidae
28 Naja naja Black cobra LC/ Stable Rare
Family Viperidae
29 Daboia russelii Russell’s chain viper NA Rare
Family Elapidae
30 Bungarus s. sindanus Sindh krait NA Rare
31 Bungarus caeruleus Common krait NA Rare
Family Viperidae
32 Echis carinatus Saw-scaled viper NA Rare
Note: LC: Least Concern; NA: Not Assessed. Source: NGO Study
Table 3.18: Amphibians and Reptiles in Coal Block 2, Tharparkar druing Winter (2009)
S. Zoological Name Common Name IUCN 2012 Status Local Status No.
REPTILES
Order Squamata
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S. Zoological Name Common Name IUCN 2012 Status Local Status No. Family Agamidae
1 Calotes versicolor Common Tree Lizard NA Common
FamilyGeckonidae
2 Hemidactylus leschenaultii Tree-bark gecko NA Common
Family Lacertidae
3 Acanthodactylus cantoris Blue tailed sand lizard LC Common
4 Eremias cholistanica Cholistan lizard NA Rare
Family Varanidae
5 Varanus griseus Desert Monitor lizard NA Rare
Family Colubridae
6 Lytorhynchus paradoxus Sind Long-nose Sand Snake NA Common
7 Spalerosophis atriceps Red-spotted diadem snake NA Common
Family Elapidae
8 Bungarus s. sindanus Sindh krait NA Rare
9 Bungarus caeruleus Common krait NA Rare
Family Viperidae
10 Echis carinatus Saw-scaled viper NA Rare
Note: LC: Least Concern; NA: Not Assessed. Source: Hagler Bailly
Table 3.19: Amphibians and Reptiles in Coal Block 2, Tharparkar druing Summer (2010)
S. Zoological Name Common Name IUCN 2012 Status Local Status No.
Order Squamata
Family Agamidae
1 Calotes versicolor Common Tree lizard NA Common
2 Trapelus megalonyx Ocellate ground agama NA Frequent
3 Trapelus agilis Brilliant ground agama NA Common
4 Uromastyx hardwickii Spiny-tailed ground lizard NA Rare
Family Geckonidae
5 Hemidactylus leschenaultii Tree-bark gecko NA Common
6 Crossobamon orientalis Sindh Gecko NA Common
Family Lacertidae
7 Acanthodactylus cantoris Blue tailed sand lizard LC Common
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Family Scincidae
8 Ophiomorus tridactylus Three-fingered sand fish LC Common
Family Varanidae
9 Varanus griseus Desert Monitor lizard NA Common
Family Boidae
10 Eryx johnii Indian sand boa NA Common
Family Colubridae
11 Psammophis schokari Saharo-Sindian ribbon snake NA Rare
12 Boiga trigonata common cat snake NA Common
13 Lytorhynchus paradoxus Sind Long-nose sand snake NA Common
14 Platyceps v. ventromaculatus Glossy-bellied racer snake NA Rare
15 Spalerosophis arenarius Red spotted royal snake NA Frequent
16 Spalerosophis atriceps Red-spotted diadem snake NA Common
Family Elapidae
17 Bungarus s. sindanus Sindh krait NA Rare
Family Viperidae
18 Echis carinatus Saw-scaled viper NA Rare
Note: LC: Least Concern; NA: Not Assessed. Source: Hagler Bailly
Table 3.20: Amphibians and Reptiles in Coal Block 2, Tharparkar druing Monsoon (2010)
S. Zoological Name Common Name IUCN 2012 Status Local Status No.
Order Squamata
Family Agamidae
1 Calotes versicolor Common Tree Lizard NA Common
2 Trapelus agilis Brilliant ground agama NA Common
3 Saara hardwickii Hardwicke’s spiny-tailed lizard NA Rare
Family Geckonidae
4 Hemidactylus leschenaultii Tree-bark gecko NA Common
Family Lacertidae
5 Acanthodactylus cantoris Blue tailed sand lizard LC Common
Family Scincidae
6 Ophiomorus raithmai Three-fingered sand fish LC Common
Family Boidae
7 Eryx conicus Chain sand boa NA Frequent
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8 Eryx johnii Indian sand boa NA Frequent
Family Colubridae
9 Psammophis schokari Saharo-Sindian ribbon snake NA Common
10 Lytorhynchus paradoxus Sind Long-nose Sand Snake NA Common
Family Elapidae
11 Bungarus s. sindanus Sindh krait NA Rare
12 Bungarus caeruleus Common krait NA Rare
Family Viperidae
13 Echis carinatus Saw-scaled viper NA Rare
Note: LC: Least Concern; NA: Not Assessed. Source: Hagler Bailly
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4. Public Consultation Faunal Survey
Local residents from different areas in Tharparkar were interviewed to record their views about the impacts of proposed Thar coal project on the wildlife of the study area. The following inferences were drawn from the Public perceptions:
• The people were hopeful that the Project would help enhance livelihood opportunities for local populations in the wake of scarcity of job opportunities in the district.
• They were also hopeful that the energy produced in Thar shall be shared with the local population on priority basis.
• They showed the apprehension that the private land to be brought under mining operations shall be duly acquired and compensation or resettlement processes shall be transparent and decided on merit.
• Apprehension was also shown that the mining operations shall cause disturbance not only for them but also for the wild animals. Such disturbance may however not impact their population as they could easily move out of the impact area.
• Vegetation removal from the mining area could in their view reduce the vegetation cover and that they might have to travel longer distances to collect firewood or to graze their livestock.
• They were however not very sure about the impact on water availability in the area as a result of Project activities.
• Removal of vegetation in their view could impact the distribution of birds in that they may migrate from the area and may never return even when the habitat was restored.
• The proposed plan to revegetate the area was greatly appreciated. They were of the view that improvement in tree/vegetation cover shall improve the local climate/environment of the area.
• The people were apprehensive of the presence of rodents as they considered them as pests. It was feared that the rodents may spread further from their original distribution and may cause increased damage to the crops, grains or to the grazing lands.
• Whereas they were not visualizing any adverse impacts on the amphibians and reptiles. They however showed concern on the presence of poisonous snakes, Russell’s chain viper and black cobra, which if disturbed and forced out of their natural habitat may cause deaths to the people who could not, in all probability access the antidotes in case of a snake bite that could be fatal.
• Large mammals in their view could not have been affected by the project activities as they were distributed far a field.
• They also had some concerns about the population of Nilgai and Chinkara as they raided their crops and inflicted damage on the agricultural fields.
• They were positive that the local population did not indulge in illegal hunting however the foreign elements did not refrain from hunting Chinkara or Nilgai.
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5. Wildlife Sanctuary
5.1 Critically Important habitats and working there
Biologically Important Areas, wetlands and seasonal wetlands mainly the marshes in Ramsar site / Runn of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary have been shown in (Figure 5.1). Areas that have high biodiversity values such as the occurrence of species of interest (vultures, nilgai, chinkara, hyaena, cranes) and the habitats supporting them need to be considered to enhance their conservation values. Wetlands are specifically important for the conservation of migratory species and fulfilling the needs of humans and their livestock. Efforts should be made to spare such areas from active exploration or gas field operations or developing the infrastructure. In case such areas are put to some active use, mitigation measures suggested to address potential impacts must be taken. Special consideration for the conservation of population of species of concern (including the habitats of concern) would include: i) rehabilitation of habitats to enable them to support populations of species of concern; ii) creation of ecologically comparable areas that could be managed for conservation and management of wildlife and their habitats; iii) involvement of all stakeholders in the overall management of areas of interest; and iv) enhancement of livelihood opportunities for the local people that would have been directly affected.
Figure 5.1: Seasonal wetlands mainly the marshes in Ramsar site / Runn of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary
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5.2 Working in the Wildlife Sanctuary
Runn of Kutch is a Wildlife Sanctuary established vide section 14 of the Sindh Wildlife Ordinance 1972. The two Amendments made in 2001 relate to Section 14 of the Ordinance are mentioned in Table 5.1.
Table 5.1: Sindh Government Gazatte
68 The Sindh Govt. gazette Ext. December 20, 2001 PART-1
Amendment (7)* 2. In the Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1972, herein referred to as the said Ordinance, in section 14, in sub-section (3), in the proviso, the full stop at the end shall be replaced by colon and thereafter the following new proviso shall be added: Amendment of section 14 of Sindh Ordinance V of 1972 “Provided further that Government may authorize the laying of an underground pipeline, using construction techniques other than blasting, which do not permanently disturb the wildlife or environment, on such terms and conditions, including the betterment, conservation and preservation of the wildlife sanctuary, as may be specified.”
1225-B The Sindh Govt. gazette Ext. June 01, 2001 PART-1
Amendment (12)* 2. In the Sindh Wildlife Protection Ordinance, 1972, herein referred to as the said Ordinance, in section 14, in sub-section (3), in the second proviso thereto, the full stop at the end shall be replaced by colon and thereafter the following new proviso shall be Amendment of added: section 14 of Sindh Ordinance V of 1972 “Provided also that this section shall not apply to any activity in a wildlife sanctuary in connection with the exploration or production of oil or gas which is undertaken in Accordance with an environmental impact assessment, as defined in the Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997(Act XXXIV of 1997)”.
In the light of provisions of section 14 of the Ordinance and the amendments made subsequently exploration work within Runn of Kuch Ramsar site is not allowed.
As the Thar Coal Project is of national significance I would suggest that the Client i.e., Thar Coal Authority should approach the highest authority in the Government of Sindh to obtain permission to undertake exploration or any other works in relation to coal fields falling within the Wildlife Sanctuary limits. Such permission cannot again be granted by any singular authority. This shall have to come through an Act of the Sindh Parliament i.e., an amendment in section 14 of the Ordinance that would subsequently be approved by the Cabinet.
Even after the amendment the basic requirement shall be the conduct of a Detailed EIA to before undertaking this job, if the work is to be undertaken in a Wildlife Sanctuary.
Such a situation did arise when Premier Petroleum Limited (PPL) started their work on Gas wells for the exploration of gas reserves in Khirthar National Park Complex in Sindh. As the boundaries were not clearly demarcated in the National Park Complex, they were not allowed to work for two years.
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This was even after a one time amendment had been made in the Ordinance to work in the National Park Complex for exploration of Gas.
Subsequently the PPL agreed to finance the demarcation of boundaries, not only the National Park Complex but also six other areas located in different parts of Pakistan. A National Boundary Demarcation Committee for Protected Areas (NBDCPAs) was constituted. Inspector General of Forests was the coordinator of this committee. The task was assigned to the GIS lab of WWF Pakistan (cost at that time was Rs. 5 million) that planned the demarcation based on the Survey sheets, Landsat imagery, ground truthing, revenue record checking and public consultation. Only after the complete demarcation of the area, the PPL was allowed to work in the Khirthar National Park Complex.
Ramsar sites are not covered in the current legislation hence there should be no such restrictions on exploration works BUT Runn of Kuch Ramsar site is different in that the whole site lies within the Wildlife Sanctuary area. As such any exploration work within Runn of Kuch Ramsar site shall not be allowed.
Once the work in the Wildlife Sanctuary area has been legally allowed the following conditions shall have to be met with as well:
• Mitigation measures as recommended by the EIA shall have to be undertaken.
• As there is no approved Management Plan for the Wildlife Sanctuary, a Plan of Work consistent with the general provision of wildlife and habitat conservation shall have to be formulated in consultation with the Wildlife Department and implemented.
• Consultation with local communities and other stakeholders shall have to be made.
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6. Floral Survey
6.1 Review of Literature
Floristic composition is the presence of different species occurring in a community. Floristic lists are valuable characterization because each species has its own range of ecological amplitude. Each one has its particular relationships to the environment and to the other species so the total number of species as well as the average number per sample area in each stand, reveals the conditions of the habitat (Qureshi and Bhatti, 2010). A complete list of species is the most essential characteristic of a stand, and marking of such a list is the first step in the study. Flora of the project area is sporadically known; the previous work is outdated, the present inventory of plant species shall serve as benchmark for monitoring plant biodiversity in future.
Flora of the project area is sporadically known; the previous work is outdated, the present inventory of plant species shall serve as benchmark for monitoring plant biodiversity in future.
Chaudhary and Chuttar (1966) reported on a preliminary floristic survey of Thar Desert, Sindh. They rerecorded 122 species from the study area. This is the only listing of plants available from the area.
Rajput et al. (1991) reported 40 plant species belonging to 23 families from Thar Desert, which are being used as medicinal plants for different ailments.
Some studies are available from Nara desert, an extension of the Greater Thar desert. Qureshi and Bhatti (2008) identified five habitats for plant communities from Nara Desert. A total of 145 species belonging to 104 genera and 43 families were recorded during 1998-2001. The vegetation over major area is characterized by xerophytic adaptation. The most common plants in this desert were Calligonum polygonoides , Aerva javanica , Dipterygium glaucum , Crotalaria burhia , Prosopis cineraria , Tamarix aphylla , Capparis decidua , Salvadora oleoides , Leptadenia pyrotechnica , Aristida spp ., Limeum indicum and Stipagrostis plumosa growing in Crest, Slope and flat habitats, whereas saline/ sodic land and wetland habitat possessed halophytic and hydrophytic characteristic features. Qureshi and Ahmad (2010) delineated four microhabitats based on the topography and physiognomic features. Within vegetation stands, a total of 76 species belonging to 58 genera and 26 families were identified.
The floristic composition of Gorakh hill (Khirthar range) has been reported by Parveen and Hussain (2007). They recorded 74 species belonging to 62 genera and 34 families.
Ansari et al. (1993) published a Floristic list of district Khairpur. Their work serves as a checklist.
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Some studies, though not exactly relevant to the present study, have been conducted in Indian part of Thar Desert falling in Rajasthan. Some studies are reported here keeping in view the general interest. Sharma and Mehra (2009) described the Thar Desert and its ecosystem; reviewed and presented the natural condition of the Thar Desert within Rajasthan State. The diversity of the vegetation and of higher animals was discussed on the basis of earlier works and surveys. Major problems and conservation issues were presented along with their possible solutions.
Arora et al. (2010) stated that the animal and human populations exert tremendous pressure on the scant vegetation of Thar Desert making several plants vulnerable to becoming endangered. Inherent biological problems associated with these plants make their survival difficult and have forced adaptation to the harsh environment. The biological activities of these plants range from analgesic, antifungal, antimicrobial, hypolipidemic to hepatoprotective and anticancerous. The authors reviewed the biological problems faced by the medicinal plants of this region, their bioactive molecules, as well as biotechnological approaches aimed at improving and conserving these plants.
Sharma and Sharma (2011) reported phytosociological studies on the vegetation of sand dunes and sandy plains of Ajmer (Rajasthan); three sites of the study i.e. Leela Sewri, Pushakr Valley Base & Pachkund, were dominated by Acacia senegal (Mimosaceae), Acacia tortilis (Mimosaceae) and Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Myrtaceae). Species such as Acacia leucophloea , Acacia senegal , Acacia tortilis and Maytenus emarginata were present in all three localities and were different in respect of phytosociololgical parameters, height, girth and canopy width. Shrubs and trees of sand dunes were differentiated on the basis of profile diagrams and scattering patterns of height and canopy width.
Reddy et al. (2011) mapped vegetation types and land use of Rajasthan, India using multi-season IRS P6 LISS III data. Visual image interpretation technique was adopted in mapping the heterogeneity of land cover classes. Georeferenced phytosociological information was also used to delineate different vegetation formations. 26 vegetation type classes were mapped in the study region. The vegetation cover occupies 16.78% of the geographical area of the State. Of the total vegetation cover, forest area is contributing 4.71% of the geographical area. The main forest types of Rajasthan includes Dry Deciduous forest, Thorn forest, Broad leaved hill forest, Dhauk forest, Teak mixed forest and Riverine forest. The vegetation type map prepared provides a key input for biodiversity understanding at landscape level.
6.2 Vegetation
The vegetation of the study area can be classified as scrub forest. The plants are best adapted to the ecological conditions either for high or low temperature fluctuations as well as poor soil and rainfall ranges. The soils of the desert plains are loamy sand to loam; the soil in the eastern part is alluvial that supports good vegetation. Occurrence of saline soils with pH up to 9.0 is a common feature in the whole desert area.
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7. Methodology
7.1 Sampling site selection
The study was carried out by delineating the area on the basis of topography and physiognomic features in to the following microhabitats (Landscape Ecological Units):
1. Dune crest habitat (top of the sand dune) 2. Slopes / Swales / Flanks habitat 3. Sandy Plains habitat (Tar-Tarai/ low Lying Flat Areas) 4. Saline Lands 5. Lake/Wetland Habitat 6. Hilly Tract
The whole area was sampled using 50 x 50 meter quadrats (large enough to contain all forms of plant life) for the collection of plant specimens. Fifty (50) quadrats (random stratified sampling based on sampling frequency) were laid down for determining frequency of plant species. Based on frequency, the status and amplitude of species were determined.
The quadrats were laid out by using rope with nails, the starting point of quadrat randomly selected by tossing a nail; in locations that covered micro habitats e.g., ridges, depressions, slopes towards eastern side, slopes towards western side, agricultural belt, disturbed areas, rocky mountain slopes, canyon, dry stream bed etc. occasionally two quadrats were taken in each habitat when slight changes were noticed within the same area.
Coordinates were noted at the start of each habitat. The quadrats were laid down randomly when any micro changes were observed. Plants from each quadrat were collected and preserved. The associated species present outside the quadrats in close proximity were also noted down and collected for proper identification.
7.2 Floristic Composition
During the floristic survey under taken in April, 2012 the plants were identidied in each microhabitate (Figure 8.1 to Figure 8.12) with the help of floristic literature (Jafri 1966; Bhandari 1978; Nasir and Ali 1970-1989; Shetty and Singh 1987, 1991; Ali and Nasir 1989, 1997; Ali and Qaiser 1993, 2010; Qureshi 2012).
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7.3 Family Importance Value (FIV)
All the plant species were classified into families and calculated by dividing all the species by their respective families in order to obtain FIV.
7.4 Life-form
Life-form in a broad sense is meant for the characteristic vegetation appearance such as the size, shape, branching and its longevity. The general appearance of a community is caused more by the life-form of the most abundant or dominant species than by any other characteristic of the vegetation. The vegetation of the project area was studied as per habits adapted to deserts (Qureshi and Bhatti 2008).
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8. Results
Microhabitats: Six microhabitats (LSMU) have been shown in the following figures Figure 8.1-Figure 8.12).
Figure 8.1: Dune Crest Habitat
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Figure 8.2: Dune Crest Habitat
Figure 8.3: Slope Habitat
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Figure 8.4: Slope Habitat
Figure 8.5: Flat Habitat
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Figure 8.6: Flat Habitat
Figure 8.7: Wetland Habitat
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Figure 8.8: Wetland Habitat
Figure 8.9: Sodic Lands
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Figure 8.10: Sodic Land.
.
Figure 8.11: Hilly Tract
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Figure 8.12: Hilly Tract
8.1 Distribution of Plant Species in Microhabitats
The distribution of plant species with respect to microhabitats is given as follows:
8.1.1 Crest Habitat (Top of the Sand Dune)
Sand dunes are the main characteristic feature of the study area. Their height ranges from a few meters to more than one hundred meters. Plant species in the habitat include:
• Calligonum polygonoides L.
• Aerva javanica (Burm. f.) Juss ex J. A. Shultes.
• Indigofera argentea Burm. f.
• Tribulus longipetalus Viv.
• Aristida adscensionis Hk-f.
• A. funiculata T. & P.
• Panicum turgidum Forsk.
• Lasiurus sindicus Henr.
• Stipagrostis plumosa (L.) Munro ex T. Anders.
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8.1.2 Slopes/Swale/Flank Habitat
Plant species growing on the slopes/flanks of sand dunes were almost similar to those growing on the crests except that a few trees were also growing on the slopes.
• Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce.
• Tamarix aphylla (L.) Karst.
• Calligonum polygonoides L.
• Aerva javanica (Burm. f.) Juss ex J. A. Shultes.
• Indigofera argentea Burm. f.
• Tribulus longipetalus Viv.
• Aristida adscensionis Hk-f.
• A. funiculata T. & P.
• Panicum turgidum Forsk.
• Lasiurus sindicus Henr.
• Stipagrostis plumosa (L.) Munro ex T. Anders.
8.1.3 Sandy Plains Habitat (Tar-Tarai/low Lying Flat Areas)
Low lying flat areas, encircling the sand dunes support a mixed population of tall and old trees of Prosopis cineraria , Tamarix aphylla and Capparis decidua presenting a forest landscape. Livestock use the wells in the Taraie sand; spend the hotter hours of the day under the shade of trees planted to create a peaceful environment around the water wells. Plant species in the habitat include:
• Aerva javanica (Burm. f.) Juss ex J. A. Shultes.
• Amaranthus graecizans sub.spp. Thellungianus (Nevski) Gusev.
• Aristida adscensionis Hk. f.
• A. funiculata T. & P.
• Boerhavia procumbense Bank ex Roxb.
• Calligonum polygonoides L.
• Capparis decidua (Forssk.) Edgew.
• Cassia senna L.
• Senna italica Mill
• Cenchrus ciliaris L.
• Convolvulus prostratus Forssk.
• Corchorus depressus (L.) Stocks.
• Cymbopogon jwarancusa (Jones) Scult.
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• Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.
• Cyperus rotundus L.
• Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) Beauv.
• Heliotropium strigosum Willd.
• Polygala erioptera DC.
• Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce.
• Salsola imbricata Forssk.
• Stipagrostis plumosa (L.) Munro ex T. Anders.
• Tephrosia uniflora Pers.
• Tribulus longipetalus Viv.
8.1.4 Saline Lands
Saline lands have developed as a result of stagnating rain water in the flat lands in the inter-dunal valleys in the desert area. The salts are left on the ground whereas the water evaporates from the flatlands. The most common plant species occurring in this habitat include:
• Aeluropus lagopoides (L.) Trin.
• Alhagi maurorum Medic.
• Capparis decidua (Forssk.) Edgew.
• Desmostachya bipinnata (L.) Stapf.
• Eragrostis minor Host.
• Heliotropium crispum Desf.
• Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce.
• Saccharum spontaneum L.
• Salsola imbricata Forssk.
• Suaeda fruticosa (L.) Forsk.
• Tamarix indica Willd.
• Trianthema triquettra Rottl. and Willd.
8.1.5 Lake/Wetland Habitat
The wetland habitat is prevalent along the road from Mithi to Nagarparkar. The habitat is dominated by grasses ( Saccharum bengalense ), reeds ( Phragmites karka ), sedges ( Cyperus rotundus ), and cattails ( Typha spp. ). These plants typify emergent vegetation, which has its roots in soil covered or saturated with water and its leaves held above water. The plant species in the habitat are:
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• Cyperus rotundus L.
• Heliotropium supinum
• Desmostachya bipinnata (L.) Stapf.
• Eclipta prostrata
• Equisetum arvense L.
• Launaea procumbens (Roxb.) Rammayya & Rajagopal.
• Oxystelma esculentum (L. f.) R. Br.
• Phragmites karka (Retz.) Trin
• Saccharum bengalense Retz.
• Tamarix passernioides Del ex. Desv.
• Typha domingensis Pers.
• Typha elephantina Roxb.
8.1.6 Hilly Tract
The Karoonjhar hills are located around Nagarparkar. The top of the hills and slopes are dominated by bushes and sub-shrubs like Fagonia indica, Zygophyllum simplex and grasses like Aristida spp . and Stipagrostis plumosa . Haloxylon stocksii also shows its presence. The foothills are covered by Tephrosia spp., Saueda fruticosa, Haloxylon stocksiia and Salsola imbricata . Following species were recorded from this habitat:
• Aeluropus lagopoides (L.) Trin.
• Aerva javanica (Burm. f.) Juss ex J. A. Shultes.
• Aristida adscensionis Hk. f.
• A. funiculata T. & P.
• Boerhavia procumbense Bank ex Roxb.
• Boerhavia rubicunda Steud.
• Senna italica Mill.
• Cleome brachycarpa Vahl.
• C. scaposa DC.
• Corchorus depressus (L.) Stocks.
• Cressa cretica L.
• Fagonia indica Burm.f
• Haloxylon stocksii (Boiss.) Benth. & Hook.
• Salsola imbricata Forssk.
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• Saueda fruticosa (L.) Forsk.
• Stipagrostis plumosa (L.) Munro ex T. Anders.
• Tephrosia spp.
• Tribulus longipetalus Viv.
• Zygophyllum simplex L.
8.2 Vegetation characteristics
Vegetation of Tharparkar district was studied and plant specimens collected during 11th to 29th April, 2012. The detailed enumerations are mentioned in fourthcomming sections.
8.3 Floristic Composition
During the report period a total of 162 plant species belonging to 113 genera and 45 families have been identified. Amongst them, 42 species were monocot and 120 dicots. Besides, one gymnosperm was also recorded. Data are given in (Table 8.1).
Table 8.1: Flora of Tharparkar District, Sindh, Pakistan recorded during Summer (2012)
S. Plant species* Family Life form Life span No
1 Abutilon fruticosum Guill. & Perr. Kapanh wal Malvaceae Shrub Perennial
2 Abutilon indicum (L.) Delile. Kapanh wal Malvaceae Shrub Perennial
3 Acacia jacquemontii Benth. Chhota Babur Mimosaceae Shrub Perennial
4 Acacia nilotica (L.) Delile. Babur Mimosaceae Tree Perennial
Acacia nilotica ssp. Cupressiformis 5 Mimosaceae Tree Perennial (J.L. Stewart) Ali & Faruqi Babur
6 Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. Khonr Mimosaceae Tree Perennial
7 Aeluropus lagopoides (L.) Trin. Poaceae Grass Perennial
8 Aerva javanica (Burm. f.) Juss ex J. A. Shultes. Booh Amaranthaceae Shrub Perennial
9 Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R. Br. Amaranthaceae Herb Annual
Amaranthus graecizans subsp . Thellungianus (Nevski) 10 Amaranthaceae Herb Annual Gusev. Saag
11 Amarathus virdis L. Saag, Mariro Amaranthaceae Herb Annual
12 Amberboa ramosa (Roxb.) Jafri. Lubh Asteraceae Herb Annual
13 Ammania baccifera L. Lathyraceae Herb Biennial
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S. Plant species* Family Life form Life span No
Argyrolobium roseum ssp. Ornithopodioides (Jaub. & 14 Fabaceae Herb Annual Spach) Jafri & Ali
15 Aristida adscensionis Hk. f. Poaceae Grass Annual
16 Aristida funiculata T. & P. Poaceae Grass Annual
17 Arnebia hispidissima Khari Boraginaceae Herb Annual
18 Asparagus sp. Herb Perennial
19 Asphodelus tenuifolius Cavan Basri Liliaceae Herb Annual
20 Avena fatua L. Poaceae Grass Annual
21 Azadirachta indica A. Juss. Nim Meliaceae Tree Perennial
22 Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell. Brambhi Buti Scrophulariaceae Herb Biennial
23 Barleria acanthoides Vahl Acanthaceae Shrub Biennial
24 Barleria prionotis L. Acanthaceae Herb Annual
25 Bergia suffruticosa (Del.) Fenzl. Elatinaceae Shrub Perennial
26 Blepharis sindica Stocks ex. Anders Acanthaceae Shrub Biennial
Boerhavia procumbense Bank ex Roxb. Dakhri/Satti, 27 Nyctaginaceae Herb Biennial Sentori
28 Bolboschoenus glaucus (Lam.) S.G . Smith Cyperaceae Sedge Perennial
29 Brachiaria eruciformis (J.E. Smith) Griseb. Poaceae Grass Annual
30 Brachiaria ramosa (L.) Stapf Poaceae Grass Annual
31 Calligonium polygonoides L. Phog Polygonaceae Shrub Perennial
32 Calotropis procera R. Br. Akk Asclepiadaceae Shrub Perennial
33 Capparis decidua (Forssk.) Edgew. Kirar Capparidaceae Tree m Perennial
34 Cassia senna L. Senna Caesalpiniaceae Herb Annual
35 Celosia argentea L. Amaranthaceae Herb Annual
36 Cenchrus biflorus Roxb. Poaceae Grass Annual
37 Cenchrus ciliaris L. Poaceae Grass Annual
38 Cenchrus pennisetiformis Hochst. & Steud. ex Steud. Poaceae Grass Biennial
39 Cenchrus setigerus Vahl. Poaceae Grass Biennial
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S. Plant species* Family Life form Life span No
40 Chenopodium album . Chill Chenopodiaceae Herb Annual
41 Chenopodium murale L. Chill Chenopodiaceae Herb Annual
42 Chloris barbata Swartz. Poaceae Grass Annual
43 Citrulus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. Trooh Cucurbitaceae Shrub Perennial
44 Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt Cucurbitaceae Climber Annual
45 Cocculus hirsutus (L.) Diels. Menispermaceae Climber Perennial
46 Commicarpus boisseiri (Heimer) Cufod. Nyctaginaceae Climber Biennial
47 Commiphora stocksiana (Engl.) Engl. Gugur Burseraceae Shrub Perennial
48 Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari Gugur Burseraceae Shrub Perennial
49 Convolvulus arvensis L. Wan Vehri. Naro Convolvulaceae Climber Perennial
50 Convolvulus glomeratus Choisy. Wan Vehri Convolvulaceae Herb Annual
51 Convolvulus prostratus Forssk. Kirhanj Convolvulaceae Herb Annual
52 Corbichonia decumbens (Forssk.) Exell Aizoaceae Herb Annual
53 Corchorus depressus (L.) Stocks. Mundheri Tiliaceae Herb Annual
54 Corchorus trilocularis L. Mundheri Tiliaceae Herb Annual
55 Cressa cretica L. Gen, Oin Convolvulaceae Herb Annual
56 Crotalaria burhia Ham ex Bentham Chagg Fabaceae Shrub Biennial
57 Crotolaria medicaginea var. medicaginea Lamk. Fabaceae Herb Annual
58 Cuscuta chinensis Lam. Bepari, Wan Werhi Cuscutaceae Parasite Annual
59 Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taubert. Fabaceae Herb Annual
60 Cymbopogon jwarancusa (Jones) Scult. Kattan Poaceae Grass Perennial
61 Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Kattan, Chhabar Poaceae Grass Perennial
62 Cyperus articulatus L. Cyperaceae Sedge Perennial
63 Cyperus difformisL . Cyperaceae Sedge Perennial
64 Cyperus rotundus L. Kabah Cyperaceae Sedge Perennial
65 Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) Beauv. Poaceae Grass Annual
66 Dactyloctenium scindicum Boiss. Poaceae Grass Annual
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S. Plant species* Family Life form Life span No
67 Desmostachya bipinnata (L.) Stapf. Drabh Poaceae Grass Perennial
68 Dichanthium annulatum (Forssk.) Stapf. Poaceae Grass Perennial
69 Digera muricata (L.) Mart. Lulur Amaranthaceae Herb Annual
70 Echinochloa colonum (L.) Link. Poaceae Grass Annual
71 Eclipta prostrata (L.) Mant. Asteraceae Herb Biennial
72 Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. Poaceae Grass Biennial
Enneapogon schimperianus (Hochst. Ex A. Rich.) 73 Poaceae Grass Annual Renvoize
74 Ephedra ciliata Fisch. & Mey. ex C.A.Meyer. Ephederaceae Shrub Perennial
75 Eragrostis cilianensis (All.) Lut. ex F.T. Hubbard Poaceae Grass Annual
76 Eragrostis ciliaris (L.) R.Br. Poaceae Grass Annual
77 Eragrostis tenella (L.) P. Beauv. ex Roem. & Schult. Poaceae Grass Annual
78 Eragrostis viscosa (Retz.) Nees ex Steud. Poaceae Grass Annual
79 Euphorbia caducifolia Haines Thor Euphorbiaceae Shrub Perennial
80 Euphorbia hirta Forssk . Khir wal Euphorbiaceae Herb Annual
81 Euphorbia prostrata Ait. Khir wal Euphorbiaceae Herb Biennial
82 Fagonia indica var. schweinfurthii Hadidi Dramaho Zygophyllaceae Shrub Biennial
83 Farsetia jacquemontii Hook. f.& Thoms. Brassicaceae Herb Annual
84 Fimbristylis acuminata Vahl. Cyperaceae Sedge Perennial
85 Fimbristylis bisumbellata (Forssk.) Bubani Cyperaceae Sedge Perennial
86 Gisekia pharancoides L. Aizoaceae Herb Annual
87 Glinus lotoides L. Kotak Molluginaceae Herb Annual
88 Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Aschers & Schweinf. Tiliaceae Shrub Perennial
89 Heliotropium bacciferum Forssk. Boraginaceae Herb Annual
90 Heliotropium crispum Desf. Kharsan Boraginaceae Shrub Biennial
91 Heliotropium europeum L. Uth Chaaro Boraginaceae Herb Annual
92 Heliotropium strigosum Willd. Kharsan Boraginaceae Herb Annual
93 Heliotropium supinum L. Boraginaceae Herb Annual
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S. Plant species* Family Life form Life span No
94 Indigofera argentea Burm.f. Fabaceae Herb Annual
95 Indigofera cordifolia Heyne ex Roth Fabaceae Herb Annual
96 Ipomoea carnea (Martius ex Choisy) D. F. Austin Convolvulaceae Shrub Perennial
97 Ipomoea eriocarpa R. Br. Convolvulaceae Herb Annual
98 Lactuca spp . Asclepiadaceae Herb Annual
99 Lasiurus sindicus Henr. Poaceae Grass Perennial
Launaea procumbens (Roxb.) Rammayya & Rajagopal. 100 Asteraceae Herb Annual Lassi Bhattar
101 Launaea resedifolia (L.) Kuntze Bhattar Asteraceae Herb Biennial
102 Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Forssk.) Dcne. Khip Asclepiadaceae Shrub Perennial
103 Leucas urticifolia R. Br. Goomi Buti Lamiaceae Herb Annual
104 Luffa echinata Roxb. Tutri Cucurbitaceae Climber Annual
105 Lycium edgeworthii Dunal. Solanaceae Shrub Perennial
106 Maerua arenaria (DC) H. & T. Asclepiadaceae Shrub Perennial
107 Melilotus indica (L.) All Fabaceae Herb Annual
108 Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser. Molluginaceae Herb Annual
109 Mollugo pentaphylla L. Molluginaceae Herb Annual
110 Moringa oleifera Lam. Suhandro Moringaceae Tree Perennial
111 Mukia maderaspatana (L.) M. J. Roem. Chibhari Wal Cucurbitaceae Climber Annual
112 Neurada procumbens L. Chhapri Neuradaceae Herb Annual
113 Ochthochloa compressa (Forssk.) Hilu. Poaceae Grass Perennial
114 Oxalis corniculata L. Oxalidaceae Herb Biennial
115 Panicum antidotale Retz. Poaceae Grass Annual
116 Panicum turgidum Forssk. Poaceae Grass Perennial
117 Pentatropis nivalis (J.F.Gmel.) D.V.Field & J.R.I.Wood Asclepiadaceae Climber Perennial
118 Pergularia extensa (Jacq.) N.E. Brown Asclepiadaceae Climber Perennial
119 Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud. Poaceae Grass
120 Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene. Bukan buti Verbenaceae Herb Perennial
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S. Plant species* Family Life form Life span No
121 Phyllanthus maderaspatensis L. Khat mithro Euphorbiaceae Herb Annual
122 Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir. Khat mithro Euphorbiaceae Shrub Perennial
123 Physalis peruviana L. Khat mithro Solanaceae Herb Annual
124 Pluchea wallichiana DC. Asteraceae Shrub Biennial
125 Polygala irregularisBoiss . Polygalaceae Herb Annual
126 Polygonum effusum polygonaceae Herb Annual
127 Polypogon fugax Nees ex Steud., Poaceae Grass Annual
128 Portulaca oleracea L. Lonak Portulacaceae Herb Biennial
129 Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce. Kandi Mimosaceae Tree Perennial
130 Prosopis juliflora (Swartz) DC. Devi Mimosaceae Tree Perennial
131 Pupalia lappacea (L.) Juss. Amaranthaceae Herb Annual
132 Rhynchosia minima (L.) DC. Fabaceae Climber Biennial
133 Rhynchosia schimperii Hochst. ex Boiss. Fabaceae Herb Biennial
134 Ricinus communis L. Heran buti Euphorbiaceae Shrub Perennial
135 Saccharum bengalensis Retz. Poaceae Grass Perennial
136 Salvadora oleoides Decne. Jaar Salvadoraceae Tree Perennial
137 Senna holosericea (Fresen.) Greuter Ghora wal Caesalpiniaceae Herb Annual
138 Senna italic Mill. Ghora wal Caesalpiniaceae Herb Annual
139 Sericostema pauciflorum Stocks ex Wight Boraginaceae Herb Annual
140 Sesbania bispinosa (Jacq. ) W.F. Wight. Fabaceae Herb Annual
141 Setaria verticllata (L.) P. Beauv. Poaceae Grass Annual
142 Sida tegii Malvaceae Herb Annual
143 Solanum albicaule Kotschy ex Dunal Kapanh wal Solanaceae Shrub Perennial
144 Solanum nigrum L. Kanwal booti Malvaceae Herb Annual
145 Solanum surattense Burm.f. Mahokari, Kanderi Wal Solanaceae Shrub Biennial
146 Sonchus asper (L.) Hill. Solanaceae Herb Annual
147 Stipagrostis plumosa (L.) Munro ex T. Anders. Poaceae Grass Annual
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S. Plant species* Family Life form Life span No
148 Tamarix aphylla (L.) Karst. Lao Chenopodiaceae Tree Perennial
149 Tamarix dioica Roxb. Lai Tamaricaceae Shrub Perennial
150 Tamarix indica Willd. Lai Tamaricaceae Shrub Perennial
151 Tamarix pakistanica Qaiser Tamaricaceae Shrub Perennial
152 Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. Drebbar Acanthaceae Shrub Biennial
153 Tephrosia uniflora Pers. Visoni, Siringh/Andhri Fabaceae Shrub Annual
154 Tribulus terrestris L. Trikundi, Bakhro Zygophyllaceae Herb Annual
155 Trichodesma indicum (L.) R.Br. Gaaozeban Zygophyllaceae Herb Annual
156 Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less. Hydrocharitaceae Herb Annual
157 Veronica didyma Tenore Asteraceae Herb Annual
158 Vicia sativa L . Scrophulaiaceae Climber Annual
159 Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal Akri Fabaceae Shrub Perennial
160 Zizyphus mauritiana Lam. Ber Aizoaceae Tree Perennial
161 Zizyphus nummularia (Burm. f. ) Wt. & Arn. Jhangori ber Rhamnaceae Shrub Perennial
162 Zygophyllum simplex L. Rhamnaceae Herb Annual Note: *Plants having medicinal value are highlighted in Blue; Local names are provided in Red
8.4 Family Importance Index
Grasses dominate in the whole area; 33 species (20.37%) were contributed by Poaceae family. Fabaceae was found the second most important family that contributed 12 species, 7.41% flora, followed by Amaranthaceae, Boraginaceae, Euphorbiaceae (seven species, 4.32% each), Asclepiadaceae, Asteraceae, Convolvulaceae, Mimosaceae (six species, 3.70% each) and Cyperaceae and Solanaceae (five species, 3.09% each). Rest 34 families contributed one to four species in the total flora (Figure 8.13 and Table 8.2).
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Figure 8.13: Family Importance Index
Table 8.2: Family Importance Value (FIV) in the flora of Thaparkar Desert
S.No. Family Number of Species Percentage
1 Poaceae 33 20.37
2 Fabaceae 12 7.41
3 Amaranthaceae 7 4.32
4 Boraginaceae 7 4.32
5 Euphorbiaceae 7 4.32
6 Asclepiadaceae 6 3.70
7 Asteraceae 6 3.70
8 Convolvulaceae 6 3.70
9 Mimosaceae 6 3.70
10 Cyperaceae 5 3.09
11 Solanaceae 5 3.09
12 Acanthaceae 4 2.47
13 Cucurbitaceae 4 2.47
14 Malvaceae 4 2.47
15 Aizoaceae 3 1.85
16 Caesalpiniaceae 3 1.85
17 Chenopodiaceae 3 1.85
18 Molluginaceae 3 1.85
19 Tamaricaceae 3 1.85
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S.No. Family Number of Species Percentage
20 Tiliaceae 3 1.85
21 Zygophyllaceae 3 1.85
22 Burseraceae 2 1.23
23 Nyctaginaceae 2 1.23
24 Polygonaceae 2 1.23
25 Rhamnaceae 2 1.23
26 Scrophulariaceae 2 1.23
27 Asparagaceae 1 0.62
28 Brassicaceae 1 0.62
29 Capparidaceae 1 0.62
30 Cuscutaceae 1 0.62
31 Elatinaceae 1 0.62
32 Ephederaceae 1 0.62
33 Hydrocharitaceae 1 0.62
34 Lamiaceae 1 0.62
35 Lathyraceae 1 0.62
36 Liliaceae 1 0.62
37 Meliaceae 1 0.62
38 Menispermaceae 1 0.62
39 Moringaceae 1 0.62
40 Neuradaceae 1 0.62
41 Oxalidaceae 1 0.62
42 Polygalaceae 1 0.62
43 Portulacaceae 1 0.62
44 Salvadoraceae 1 0.62
45 Verbenaceae 1 0.62
162 100.00
8.5 Life-form
The study area sustains six life forms of the vegetation; herbs (67 species) dominate in the area (Figure 8.14). The other important groups of plants include shrubs that consisted of 34 species (20.99%), followed by grasses (33 species, 20.37%), trees (11 species, 6.79%). Rest of the forms had fewer species.
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Figure 8.14: Life forms in the vegetation of Tharparkar district-Summer (2012)
0.62 Parasite 1 3.70 Sedge 6 6.79 Tree 11 20.37 Grass %age 33 Spp.# 20.99 Shrub 34 41.36 Herb 67
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
8.6 Life span
Most of the recorded taxa were annual, (51%) followed by perennial (36%) and biennial (13%) as shown in (Figure 8.15).
Figure 8.15: Life span of the flora of Tharparkar district- Summer (2012)
Perennial 36% Annual 51%
Biennial 13%
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8.7 Ecological/ Biological amplitude
Based on frequency percentage, biological amplitude of each plant species was determined. (Table 8.3) reveals that Aerva javanica possessed wide amplitude (77.14%) as it is fairly well distributed in the whole study area. Four species viz., Lactuca spp., Bolboschoenus glaucus, Acacia jacquemontii and Prosopis juliflora were constantly present in the study area. The other important species of the area include: Acacia senegal , Calotropis procera , Chenopodium album , Corchorus depressus , Crotalaria burhia , Leptadenia pyrotechnica , Saccaharum bengalensis , Bacopa monnieri ; The most common species in the study area are: Citrulus colocynthis , Panicum turgidum , Polypogon fugax , Zygophyllum simplex . These species were recorded in various proportions and were a part of the typical vegetation types.
Table 8.3: Ecological / Biological amplitude of plant species in the study area in Summer (2012)
Present in S. Life Plant species Family Life span Number of Freq.% No. form Quadrats
Aerva javanica (Burm. f.) Juss 1 Amaranthaceae Shrub Perennial 27 77.14 ex J. A. Shultes.
2 Lactuca spp. Asclepiadaceae Herb Annual 16 45.71
Bolboschoenus glaucus (Lam.) 3 Cyperaceae Sedge Perennial 15 42.86 S.G. Smith
4 Acacia jacquemontii Benth. Mimosaceae Shrub Perennial 14 40
5 Prosopis juliflora (Swartz) DC. Mimosaceae Tree Perennial 14 40
6 Acacia senegal (L.) Willd. Mimosaceae Tree Perennial 13 37.14
7 Calotropis procera R. Br. Asclepiadaceae Shrub Perennial 13 37.14
8 Chenopodium album L. Chenopodiaceae Herb Annual 13 37.14
Corchorus depressus (L.) 9 Tiliaceae Herb Annual 13 37.14 Stocks.
Crotalaria burhia Ham ex 10 Fabaceae Shrub Biennial 11 31.43 Bentham
Leptadenia pyrotechnica 11 Asclepiadaceae Shrub Perennial 11 31.43 (Forssk.) Dcne.
12 Saccharum bengalensis Retz. Poaceae Grass Perennial 11 31.43
13 Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell. Scrophulariaceae Herb Biennial 10 28.57
14 Citrulus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. Cucurbitaceae Shrub Perennial 10 28.57
15 Panicum turgidum Forssk. Poaceae Grass Perennial 10 28.57
Polypogon fugax Nees ex 16 Poaceae Grass Annual 10 28.57 Steud.,
17 Zygophyllum simplex L. Rhamnaceae Herb Annual 10 28.57
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Present in S. Life Plant species Family Life span Number of Freq.% No. form Quadrats
18 Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. Poaceae Grass Biennial 9 25.71
19 Eragrostis ciliaris (L.) R.Br. Poaceae Grass Annual 9 25.71
20 Vicia sativa L. Scrophulaiaceae Climber Annual 9 25.71
Argyrolobium roseum ssp. 21 ornithopodioides (Jaub. & Fabaceae Herb Annual 8 22.86 Spach) Jafri & Ali
Blepharis sindica Stocks ex. 22 Acanthaceae Shrub Biennial 8 22.86 Anders
23 Cyperus rotundus L. Cyperaceae Sedge Perennial 8 22.86
24 Heliotropium supinum L. Boraginaceae Herb Annual 8 22.86
Ochthochloa compressa 25 Poaceae Grass Perennial 8 22.86 (Forssk..) Hilu.
26 Prosopis cineraria (L.) Druce. Mimosaceae Tree Perennial 8 22.86
27 Salvadora oleoides Decne. Salvadoraceae Tree Perennial 8 22.86
28 Amberboa ramosa (Roxb.) Jafri. Asteraceae Herb Annual 7 20
Brachiaria eruciformis (J.E. 29 Poaceae Grass Annual 7 20 Smith) Griseb.
Indigofera cordifolia Heyne ex 30 Fabaceae Herb Annual 7 20 Roth
Sericostema pauciflorum Stocks 31 Boraginaceae Herb Annual 7 20 ex Wight
Capparis decidua (Forssk.) 32 Capparidaceae Tree Perennial 6 17.14 Edgew.
33 Cyperus difformisL . Cyperaceae Sedge Perennial 6 17.14
Grewia tenax (Forssk.) Aschers 34 Tiliaceae Shrub Perennial 6 17.14 & Schweinf.
35 Launaea resedifolia (L.) Kuntze Asteraceae Herb Biennial 6 17.14
36 Solanum nigrum L. Malvaceae Herb Annual 6 17.14
37 Aristida adscensionis Hk. f. Poaceae Grass Annual 5 14.29
38 Convolvulus prostratus Forssk. Convolvulaceae Herb Annual 5 14.29
39 Cyperus articulatus L. Cyperaceae Sedge Perennial 5 14.29
40 Euphorbia caducifolia Haines Euphorbiaceae Shrub Perennial 5 14.29
41 Heliotropium crispum Desf. Boraginaceae Shrub Biennial 5 14.29
42 Lycium edgeworthii Dunal. Solanaceae Shrub Perennial 5 14.29
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Present in S. Life Plant species Family Life span Number of Freq.% No. form Quadrats
43 Moringa oleifera Lam. Moringaceae Tree Perennial 5 14.29
44 Neurada procumbens L. Neuradaceae Herb Annual 5 14.29
45 Polygala irregularis Boiss. Polygalaceae Herb Annual 5 14.29
46 Tamarix aphylla (L.) Karst. Chenopodiaceae Tree Perennial 5 14.29
47 Acacia nilotica (L.) Delile. Mimosaceae Tree Perennial 4 11.43
48 Cenchrus biflorus Roxb. Poaceae Grass Annual 4 11.43
Commicarpus boisseiri (Heimer) 49 Nyctaginaceae Climber Biennial 4 11.43 Cufod.
50 Glinus lotoides L. Molluginaceae Herb Annual 4 11.43
51 Heliotropium strigosum Willd. Boraginaceae Herb Annual 4 11.43
52 Lasiurus sindicus Henr. Poaceae Grass Perennial 4 11.43
53 Leucas urticifolia R. Br. Lamiaceae Herb Annual 4 11.43
54 Tephrosia uniflora Pers. Fabaceae Shrub Annual 4 11.43
55 Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less. Hydrocharitaceae Herb Annual 4 11.43
56 Zizyphus mauritiana Lam. Aizoaceae Tree Perennial 4 11.43
57 Amarathus virdis L. Amaranthaceae Herb Annual 3 8.57
Boerhavia procumbense Bank 58 Nyctaginaceae Herb Biennial 3 8.57 ex Roxb.
59 Cassia senna L. Caesalpiniaceae Herb Annual 3 8.57
60 Cenchrus ciliaris L. Poaceae Grass Annual 3 8.57
61 Chloris barbata Swartz. Poaceae Grass Annual 3 8.57
Commiphora stocksiana (Engl.) 62 Burseraceae Shrub Perennial 3 8.57 Engl.
63 Convolvulus arvensis L. Convolvulaceae Climber Perennial 3 8.57
64 Corchorus trilocularis L. Tiliaceae Herb Annual 3 8.57
65 Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Poaceae Grass Perennial 3 8.57
Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) 66 Poaceae Grass Annual 3 8.57 Beauv.
67 Eclipta prostrata (L.) Mant. Asteraceae Herb Biennial 3 8.57
Fagonia indica var. 68 Zygophyllaceae Shrub Biennial 3 8.57 schweinfurthii Hadidi
Fimbristylis bisumbellata 69 Cyperaceae Sedge Perennial 3 8.57 (Forssk.) Bubani
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Present in S. Life Plant species Family Life span Number of Freq.% No. form Quadrats
70 Maerua arenaria (DC) H. & T. Asclepiadaceae Shrub Perennial 3 8.57
71 Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser. Molluginaceae Herb Annual 3 8.57
Mukia maderaspatana (L.) M. J. 72 Cucurbitaceae Climber Annual 3 8.57 Roem.
Rhynchosia schimperii Hochst. 73 Fabaceae Herb Biennial 3 8.57 ex Boiss.
74 Senna italica Mill. Caesalpiniaceae Herb Annual 3 8.57
75 Setaria verticllata (L.) P. Beauv. Poaceae Grass Annual 3 8.57
76 Sida tegii Malvaceae Herb Annual 3 8.57
77 Tamarix dioica Roxb. Tamaricaceae Shrub Perennial 3 8.57
78 Tamarix pakistanica Qaiser Tamaricaceae Shrub Perennial 3 8.57
79 Abutilon fruticosum Guill. & Perr. Malvaceae Shrub Perennial 2 5.71
80 Abutilon indicum (L.) Delile. Malvaceae Shrub Perennial 2 5.71
Acacia nilotica ssp. 81 cupressiformis (J.L. Stewart) Ali Mimosaceae Tree Perennial 2 5.71 & Faruqi
Amaranthus graecizans subsp. 82 Amaranthaceae Herb Annual 2 5.71 thellungianus (Nevski) Gusev.
83 Aristida funiculata T. & P. Poaceae Grass Annual 2 5.71
84 Arnebia hispidissima Boraginaceae Herb Annual 2 5.71
85 Asparagus sp . Herb Perennial 2 5.71
86 Azadirachta indica A. Juss. Meliaceae Tree Perennial 2 5.71
87 Barleria prionotis L. Acanthaceae Herb Annual 2 5.71
88 Chenopodium murale L. Chenopodiaceae Herb Annual 2 5.71
Commiphora wightii (Arn.) 89 Burseraceae Shrub Perennial 2 5.71 Bhandari
90 Convolvulus glomeratus Choisy. Convolvulaceae Herb Annual 2 5.71
Corbichonia decumbens 91 Aizoaceae Herb Annual 2 5.71 (Forssk.) Exell
92 Cressa cretica L. Convolvulaceae Herb Annual 2 5.71
Crotolaria medicaginea var. 93 Fabaceae Herb Annual 2 5.71 medicaginea Lamk.
Cymbopogon jwarancusa 94 Poaceae Grass Perennial 2 5.71 (Jones) Scult.
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Present in S. Life Plant species Family Life span Number of Freq.% No. form Quadrats
95 Digera muricata (L.) Mart. Amaranthaceae Herb Annual 2 5.71
Enneapogon schimperianus 96 Poaceae Grass Annual 2 5.71 (Hochst. Ex A. Rich.) Renvoize
Eragrostis tenella (L.) P. Beauv. 97 Poaceae Grass Annual 2 5.71 ex Roem. & Schult.
98 Euphorbia prostrata Ait. Euphorbiaceae Herb Biennial 2 5.71
Farsetia jacquemontii Hook. f. & 99 Brassicaceae Herb Annual 2 5.71 Thoms.
Launaea procumbens (Roxb.) 100 Asteraceae Herb Annual 2 5.71 Rammayya & Rajagopal.
101 Luffa echinata Roxb. Cucurbitaceae Climber Annual 2 5.71
102 Oxalis corniculata L. Oxalidaceae Herb Biennial 2 5.71
103 Panicum antidotale Retz. Poaceae Grass Annual 2 5.71
Pentatropis nivalis (J.F.Gmel.) 104 Asclepiadaceae Climber Perennial 2 5.71 D.V.Field & J.R.I.Wood
Pergularia extensa (Jacq.) N.E. 105 Asclepiadaceae Climber Perennial 2 5.71 Brown
Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. 106 Poaceae Grass 2 5.71 ex Steud. 107 Phyllanthus maderaspatensis L. Euphorbiaceae Herb Annual 2 5.71
108 Physalis peruviana L. Solanaceae Herb Annual 2 5.71
109 Polygonum effusum polygonaceae Herb Annual 2 5.71
110 Portulaca oleracea L. Portulacaceae Herb Biennial 2 5.71
111 Rhynchosia minima (L.) DC. Fabaceae Climber Biennial 2 5.71
Sesbania bispinosa (Jacq. ) 112 Fabaceae Herb Annual 2 5.71 W.F. Wight.
113 Solanum surattense Burm.f. Solanaceae Shrub Biennial 2 5.71
114 Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. Acanthaceae Shrub Biennial 2 5.71
115 Trichodesma indicum (L.) R.Br. Zygophyllaceae Herb Annual 2 5.71
116 Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal Fabaceae Shrub Perennial 2 5.71
Zizyphus nummularia (Burm. f.) 117 Rhamnaceae Shrub Perennial 2 5.71 Wt. & Arn.
118 Aeluropus lagopoides (L.) Trin. Poaceae Grass Perennial 1 2.86
119 Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R. Br. Amaranthaceae Herb Annual 1 2.86
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Present in S. Life Plant species Family Life span Number of Freq.% No. form Quadrats
120 Ammania baccifera L. Lathyraceae Herb Biennial 1 2.86
121 Asphodelus tenuifolius Cavan Liliaceae Herb Annual 1 2.86
122 Avena fatua L. Poaceae Grass Annual 1 2.86
123 Barleria acanthoides Vahl Acanthaceae Shrub Biennial 1 2.86
124 Bergia suffruticosa (Del.) Fenzl. Elatinaceae Shrub Perennial 1 2.86
125 Brachiaria ramosa (L.) Stapf Poaceae Grass Annual 1 2.86
126 Calligonium polygonoides L. Polygonaceae Shrub Perennial 1 2.86
127 Celosia argentea L. Amaranthaceae Herb Annual 1 2.86
Cenchrus pennisetiformis 128 Poaceae Grass Biennial 1 2.86 Hochst. & Steud. ex Steud.
129 Cenchrus setigerus Vahl. Poaceae Grass Biennial 1 2.86
130 Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt Cucurbitaceae Climber Annual 1 2.86
131 Cocculus hirsutus (L.) Diels. Menispermaceae Climber Perennial 1 2.86
132 Cuscuta chinensis Lam. Cuscutaceae Parasite Annual 1 2.86
Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) 133 Fabaceae Herb Annual 1 2.86 Taubert.
134 Dactyloctenium scindicum Boiss. Poaceae Grass Annual 1 2.86
Desmostachya bipinnata (L.) 135 Poaceae Grass Perennial 1 2.86 Stapf.
Dichanthium annulatum 136 Poaceae Grass Perennial 1 2.86 (Forssk.) Stapf.
137 Echinochloa colonum (L.) Link. Poaceae Grass Annual 1 2.86
Ephedra ciliata Fisch. & Mey. ex 138 Ephederaceae Shrub Perennial 1 2.86 C.A.Meyer.
Eragrostis cilianensis (All.) Lut. 139 Poaceae Grass Annual 1 2.86 ex F.T. Hubbard
Eragrostis viscosa (Retz.) Nees 140 Poaceae Grass Annual 1 2.86 ex Steud.
141 Euphorbia hirta Forssk. Euphorbiaceae Herb Annual 1 2.86
142 Fimbristyliis acuminata Vahl. Cyperaceae Sedge Perennial 1 2.86
143 Gisekia pharancoides L. Aizoaceae Herb Annual 1 2.86
144 Heliotropium bacciferum Forssk. Boraginaceae Herb Annual 1 2.86
145 Heliotropium europeum L. Boraginaceae Herb Annual 1 2.86
146 Indigofera argentea Burm.f. Fabaceae Herb Annual 1 2.86
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Present in S. Life Plant species Family Life span Number of Freq.% No. form Quadrats
Ipomoea carnea (Martius ex 147 Convolvulaceae Shrub Perennial 1 2.86 Choisy) D. F. Austin
148 Ipomoea eriocarpa R. Br. Convolvulaceae Herb Annual 1 2.86
149 Melilotus indica (L.) All Fabaceae Herb Annual 1 2.86
150 Mollugo pentaphylla L. Molluginaceae Herb Annual 1 2.86
151 Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene. Verbenaceae Herb Perennial 1 2.86
152 Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir. Euphorbiaceae Shrub Perennial 1 2.86
153 Pluchea wallichiiana DC. Asteraceae Shrub Biennial 1 2.86
154 Pupalia lappacea (L.) Juss. Amaranthaceae Herb Annual 1 2.86
155 Ricinus communis L. Euphorbiaceae Shrub Perennial 1 2.86
Senna holosericea (Fresen.) 156 Caesalpiniaceae Herb Annual 1 2.86 Greuter
Solanum albicaule Kotschy ex 157 Solanaceae Shrub Perennial 1 2.86 Dunal
158 Sonchus asper (L.) Hill. Solanaceae Herb Annual 1 2.86
Stipagrostis plumosa (L.) Munro 159 Poaceae Grass Annual 1 2.86 ex T. Anders.
160 Tamarix indica Willd. Tamaricaceae Shrub Perennial 1 2.86
161 Tribulus terrestris L. Zygophyllaceae Herb Annual 1 2.86
162 Veronica diidyma Tenore Asteraceae Herb Annual 1 2.86
Source: MMP Study
8.8 Spatial Distribution of Plant Species / Communities
Spatial distribution of 42 plant communities identified in sampled areas of Tharparkar is given in (Table 8.4 and Figure 8.16).
Table 8.4: Spatial Distribution of Plant Species / Communities in Tharparkar in Summer (2012)
Quadrat Serial # Latitude N Longitude E Location Plant community #
Chinkara Habitat near A. jacquimontii, L. pyrotechnica, 1 37 24° 51 ′ 08.3 ″ 69° 55 ′ 07.8 ″ Islamkot Z. Nummularia, S. oleoides
Islamkot (Abban jo thar) Z. nummularia, A .jawanica, p. 2 25 24° 47 ′ 28.5 ″ 70° 19 ′ 27.0 ″ Block No:2 juliflora, P. cenararia, C. procera
Islamkot (Banbnio bheel) C. procera, Techomella undulata, 3 31 24° 50 ′ 48.8 ″ 70° 13 ′ 32.5 ″ Block No:5 A. jawanica, L. pyrotechnica
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Quadrat Serial # Latitude N Longitude E Location Plant community #
Islamkot (Jan Muhammad A. senegal, L. pyrotechnica, P. 4 21 24° 46 ′ 06.5 ″ 70° 15 ′ 02.5 ″ khaskheli goth) Block No:4 turgidum
Islamkot (Kharo jani) Block L. pyrotechnica, C. procera, p. 5 30 24° 49 ′ 29.4 ″ 70° 20 ′ 28.2 ″ No:6 juliflora, Z. nummularia,
Islamkot (mehaari bajeer) C. procera, C. prostratus, L. 6 20 24° 43 ′ 40.7 ″ 70° 12 ′46.3 ″ Block No:4 pyrotechnica, C. arenarius,
Islamkot (RanjhoNoon S. oleoides, I. Cardifolia, C 7 23 24° 48 ′ 11.1 ″ 70° 17 ′ 04.7 ″ village) Block No:6 .colocynthis, L. pyrotechnica,
Islamkot (Saleh janji) Block L. pyrotechnica, A. jawanica, S. 8 28 24° 51 ′ 11.6 ″ 70° 24 ′ 59.3 ″ No:3 nigrum, C. decidua
Z. nummularia, C. decidua, Islamkot (Saleh janji)Block 9 29 24° 50 ′ 42.4 ″ 70° 25 ′ 33.6 ″ Glinus lotoides, S. oleoides, Z. No:3 pentendra
Islamkot (Singharo)Block Z. nummularia, S. oleoides, A. 10 24 24° 47 ′ 42.9 ″ 70° 18 ′ 28.0 ″ No:2 jawanica, C. procera
Islamkot (Sono Bheel)Block C. procera, Crotolaria, T. 11 32 24° 50 ′ 48.8 ″ 70° 13 ′ 32.5 ″ No:5 undulata,A. Senegal,
Islamkot (soonal bah L. pyrotechnica, C. procera, P. 12 22 24° 47 ′ 40.2 ″ 70° 15 ′ 25.3 ″ village) Block No:4 ceneraria, Z. nummularia
Islamkot (Tala ji thari) Block L. pyrotechnica,C. Procera, E. 13 26 24° 46 ′ 16.9 ″ 70° 19 ′ 05.6 ″ No:2 longus, C.prostratus
Islamkot (Wakrio village) C. burhia, A. senegal, Polygala 14 27 24° 50 ′ 12.3 ″ 70° 26 ′ 30.8 ″ Block No:3 irregularis, A. jacquimontii
C. procera, L. pyrotechnica, S. 15 1 24°46 ′49.2 ″ 69°46 ′04.1 ″ Mithi (on the way to lonihar) oleoides
16 5 24° 43 ′ 30.2 ″ 69° 49 ′ 53.3 ″ Mithi (on way to Islamkot) C. procera, C. burhia
17 6 24° 44 ′ 54.1 ″ 69° 56 ′ 34.9 ″ Mithi (on way to Islamkot) C. procera, C. burhia
18 7 24° 44 ′ 19.9 ″ 70° 00 ′ 28.7 ″ Mithi (on way to Islamkot) L. pyrotechnica, C. burhia
A. senegal, E. caducifolia, A. 19 2 24°48 ′13.5 ″ 69° 45 ′ 57.8 ″ Mithi (on way to lonhihar) javanica
Z. nummularia, S. oleoides, L. 20 3 24°49 ′20.3 ″ 69° 45 ′ 10.5 ″ Mithi (on way to lonhihar) pyrotechnica, A. javanica
A. senegal, S. oleoides, C. 21 4 24° 52 ′ 45.5 ″ 69° 43 ′ 47.2 ″ Mithi (on way to lonhihar) procera, A. javanica
Nagarparkar (budhasar 22 8 24° 23 ′ 57.3 ″ 70° 43 ′ 51.6 ″ P. juliflora, E. caducifolia mosque)
P. juliflora, L. aspera, S. 23 17 24° 20 ′ 24.3 ″ 70° 49 ′ 42.8 ″ Nagarparkar (Cheetrasar) arabicus, D. scindicum
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Quadrat Serial # Latitude N Longitude E Location Plant community #
Nagarparkar (fogarian ji O. compressa, P. turgidum, P. 24 13 24° 20 ′ 15.1 ″ 70° 46 ′ 25.9 ″ waandh) juliflora, T. pupurea
Nagarparkar (karunjhar hill E. caducifolia, A. adscensionis, 25 14 24° 20 ′ 00.4 ″ 70° 46 ′ 21.8 ″ slope) C. boisirii
C. burhia, A. javanica, S. Nagarparkar (Keerio daor, 26 15 24° 18 ′ 31.0 ″ 70° 47 ′ 50.9 ″ hyssipifolia, O. compressa, I. end of karanjhar hills) cordifoila
P. juliflora, A. javanica, G. 27 10 24° 24 ′ 47.1 ″ 70° 41 ′ 17.3 ″ Nagarparkar (Malji bandh) lotoides, T. purpurea, C. procera
Nagarparkar (Manjhi ka C. cretica, C. decidua, A. 28 11 24° 23 ′ 49.0 ″ 70° 42 ′ 39.7 ″ wanjha) jacquimontii, P. cineraria
C. procera, P. juliflora, T. 29 9 24° 22 ′ 37.8 ″ 70° 40 ′ 50.3 ″ Nagarparkar (oan village) uniflora, C. biflorus
Nagarparkar (Rama peer C. biflous, A. javanica, E. indica, 30 16 24° 17 ′ 23.2 ″ 70° 46 ′ 45.8 ″ mandar, Qaasbo) T. terrestris, S. pumila
Nagarparkar (Run of kach O. compressa, T. purpurea, A. 31 12 24° 27 ′ 17.1 ″ 70° 38 ′31.8 ″ area) javanica, B. scindica, S. oleoides
Nagarparkar (Saardhara P. juliflora, S. oleoides, A. 32 19 24° 20 ′ 51.7 ″ 70° 44 ′ 13.6 ″ mandar, Centre of Senegal, P. reticulata Karanjhar hills)
C. colocynthis, B. monierii, P. Nagarparkar (suria nagar 33 18 24° 21 ′ 39.9 ″ 70° 48 ′ 57.1 ″ nodiflora, E. prostrata, H. dam) supinum
L. pyrotechnica, A. jawanica, P. 34 35 24° 47 ′ 05.9 ″ 69° 52 ′ 08.4 ″ Nini Sar Village Block No:7 juliflora, C. procera
A. jawanica, H. Supinum, Z. 35 42 24° 59 ′ 37.9 ″ 69° 55 ′ 26.7 ″ On way to Rana Sir Lake pentendra,Z. nummularia
G. lotoides, A. indicum, S. 36 41 24° 59 ′ 37.9 ″ 69° 54 ′ 56.1 ″ Rana Sar Lake surattense, P. ceneraria, C.decidua
Taluka Bhoja Sar Block C. procera, L. pyrotechnica, S. 37 34 24° 53 ′ 33.4 ″ 70° 13 ′ 35.3 ″ No:7 oleoides, T. purpurea
Taluka Chachro (Mihal C. procera, A. jawanica, L. 38 33 24° 54 ′ 55.8 ″ 70° 13 ′ 53.7 ″ Bajeer) Block No:7 pyrotechnica, T. purpurea
P. juliflora, Z. Nummularia, C. 39 38 24° 53 ′ 06.9 ″ 69° 54 ′ 48.5 ″ UC Chachro decidua, S. oleoides, C. procera
C. procera, C. burhia, A. sengal, 40 39 24° 54 ′ 54.0 ″ 69° 53 ′ 29.5 ″ UC Chachro P.ceneraria
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Quadrat Serial # Latitude N Longitude E Location Plant community #
A. nilotica, P. 41 40 24° 57 ′ 58.2 ″ 69° 54 ′ 43.7 ″ UC Chilhar Town (Chachro) juliflora,C.decidua,P.ceneraria
UC Marnor (Chinkara C. decuda, T. undullata, A. 42 36 24° 49 ′ 50.3 ″ 69° 53 ′ 47.8 ″ habitat) senegal, L. pyrotechnica
Source: MMP Study
Figure 8.16: Spatial distribution of plant species/communities in Tharparkar in Summer (2012)
8.9 Temporal changes in Vegetation Cover
8.9.1 Introduction
The purpose of the task was to assess the seasonal vegetation change detection for different land covers in the study area (Tharparkar District). The change was to be analyzed among three different seasons (Summer, Monsoon and Winter) of the same year. For this purpose, vegetation cover was mapped using GIS/RS techniques for the above mentioned seasons and pair wise comparison was conducted for detecting temporal change in vegetation cover of study area.
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8.9.2 Data Acquisition & Pre-processing
The Landsat 8 satellite imageries of study area, for all the seasons, were acquired from free internet domain. The study area covered the Landsat scenes with Path-Row combinations of 150-042, 150- 043 and 151-043. Hence, three Landsat scenes were acquired for each season to cover the study area. The imagery for the Monsoon, Summer and Winter seasons were acquired for the months of October, May and December 2013 respectively. Various image processing techniques were employed in order to make these raw images useful for our analysis. For each Landsat scene of each season, all the spectral bands were stacked into a composite layer. At this stage, the Landsat scenes of the same season were not mosaicked since the pixel values are re-calculated during the interpolation stage of Image Mosaicking and it would have affected the results for determining various land covers at later stage.
8.9.3 Methodology
The procedure for the execution of this analysis is explained in the following steps:
Extraction of the Vegetation Cover using NDVI technique : In this step, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) technique was used to extract the vegetation cover from the Landsat 8 satellite images of Study Area. NDVIs for all the scenes of each season were calculated. Different scenes may show different DN values for same feature on earth surface when captured at different times, due to possible variation of reflected sun energy due to variation in physical environmental conditions. Had we done Image Mosaicking earlier, the NDVI would have given different output, therefore, we avoided mosaicking the scenes earlier. At the end of this stage, we had a total of 9 NDVI rasters corresponding to different scenes of each season.
Definition of Threshold & Composite Rasters : After calculating the NDVIs, the next step was to reclassify the NDVI rasters into three classes and assess the classified raster by changing the ranges of classes to identify the best range for a single class to represent the vegetation cover. This was aided by visually comparing the NDVIs with the actual satellite imagery. When a threshold value was found which defines the border line for the vegetation cover, NDVI raster was reclassified to extract only vegetation showing pixels. All the nine vegetation rasters for each season were added using the Raster Calculator spatial analysis technique to generate final three rasters, each representing the vegetation cover of one of the three seasons.
Land Cover Change: The process to detect the land cover change for vegetation among these seasons includes comparing two seasons at a time. Hence, we made a total of 3 comparisons to detect the Summer-Monsoon, Monsoon-Winter and the Winter-Summer land cover changes. To compare any two seasons, we first reclassify the vegetation rasters of both the seasons to assign their cells some unique value like 1 or 2. Then both the rasters are added using raster calculator. The values of the output raster then contain three types of values 1, 2 or 3. First value belongs to the value from the vegetation raster of first input season and it corresponds to the vegetation present in the first
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season only, and second value corresponds to the value from the vegetation raster of the second input raster which corresponds to the vegetation present in the second season only, the third value is the sum of the first and the second value and it corresponds to the vegetation which is common in both the seasons. Figure 8.17 shows the model to graphically represent complete process as described above.
Vegetation Change Detection Map : The final output is provided in the form of three maps, which correspond to Summer-Monsoon, Monsoon-Winter and Winter-Summer changes. Each map consists of three classes. First class shows the vegetation present in the first season only. Second class shows the vegetation present in the second season only whereas the third class shows the common vegetation in both the seasons. All the three classes are represented using different labels and symbology.Figure 8.18, Figure 8.19 and Figure 8.20 show the vegation Landcover Maps for the Summer, Monsoon and Winter seasons and Figure 8.21, Figure 8.22 and Figure 8.23 show the vegetation Landover change maps among these seasons.
Extraction of Water Bodies using NDVI technique : All three scenes of each season (Summer, Monsoon and Winter) were mosaick and NDVI remote sensing technique was employed to extract water bodies in the study area for each season.
Extraction of the Bare Land / Built up Area : After extracting vegetation cover and water bodies for each season, rest of all the study area pixels were assigned to a single class, named as Bare land / Built up area, for ease of management.
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Figure 8.17 : ArcGIS Model for the process execution
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8.9.4 Temporal changes in Vegetation Cover - Outcomes
Summer Vegetation Cover: Dry and hot summer season prevails in Tharparkar during mid-April to mid-June when there is no rainfall, temperature ranges between 107-109 oF and relative humidity ranges 59-66% in the day and only 20-34% in night. These unfavourable climatic conditions in this part of the year make the plant life very difficult. The annual flora vanishes, the perennial plants on the slopes of the sand dunes and hills (e.g. Acacia sengal, A. jacquemontii, Gymnospora montana, Euphorbia caudiciflora etc.) pass in to dormant period by shedding their leaves and by drying up their aerial parts.
The perennial plants in the valleys and in the plains (e.g. Prosopis aphyla, Zizyphus nummularia, Salvadora oleoides, Calotropis procera etc.) are able to continue their growth to a limited extent depending on the availability of subsoil moisture. Along the coastal areas where relative humidity is higher, the drought and salt tolerant plants such as Prosopis glandulosa are in abundance during summer season. No agriculture could be practised during this period. The vegetation cover during summer is shown in Figure 8.18.
Monsoon Vegetation Cover: Thar Desert receives rainfall during mid-June to mid-September. It reaches average maximum of 200 mm in August at Nagarparker and Chachro whereas only 22 mm is received at Mithi and Diplo. The hot and humid monsoon season is conducive for the sprouting of natural vegetation particularly the grasses resulting in maximum vegetation cover during monsoon/post monsoon seasons. Figure 8.19 shows vegetation cover from Summer to monsoon season whereas Figure 8.20 presents the vegetation cover in Thar during monsoon season when most of the herbaceous plants (e.g. Convolvulus pleuricaulis, heliotropium strigosum etc.) and range grasses (e.g. Arstida depressa, Cenchrus biflorus, Cenchrus pennisetiformis, Cymbopogon jwarancusa, Cyperus spp., Eleusine flagellifera, Eragrostis poaedies and Penicum antidotale etc.) emerge/sprout and fulfil the fodder requirements for the cattle. The Figure 8.20 also depicts that the vegetation cover in Nagarparker and Chachro is more as compared to Mithi and Diplo areas where rainfall is higher. There is no scarcity of food for cattle from mid of June to November as the perennial and annual vegetation can provide sufficient food for livestock. However many areas in the region are not suitable for grazing because drinking water for cattle and human beings is not available.
Winter Vegetation Cover: The mean daily minimum temperature during the coldest month of February is 78 oF at Nagarparker, and 43.6 oF at Chachro during January. Due to absence of frost, the climate is suitable for plant growth during the whole year provided water is not the limiting factor. Most of the agriculture is practised using the soil moisture provided during monsoon season. In the plains of Nagarparker, Triticum vulgare (wheat), Sorghum vulgare (Jowar), Ricinus communis (Caster, Arind), Pennisetum typhoides (Bajra) is cultivated., in addition to aforementioned crops, Sesamum indicum (Til) is also grown in the depressions between sandy hills. The agriculture crops coupled with natural vegetation exhibit a thick vegetation cover in Thar (Figure 8.21). On approaching winter, the crops are harvested leaving the dormant perennial vegetation (Figure 8.22 and Figure 8.23).
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Figure 8.18: Vegetation Cover during Summer Season 2014
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Figure 8.19: Transition in Vegetation Cover from Summer to Monsoon Season
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Figure 8.20: Vegetation Cover during Monsoon Season
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Figure 8.21: Transition in Vegetation Cover from Monsoon to Winter Season
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Figure 8.22: Vegetation Cover during Winter Season
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Figure 8.23: Transition in Vegetation Cover from Winter to Summer Season
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Figure 8.24: Vegetation Cover in Monsoon 2009
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Figure 8.25: Vegetation Cover in Summer 2009
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Figure 8.26: Vegetation Cover in Winter 2009
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Figure 8.27: Vegetation Cover in Monsoon 2010
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Figure 8.28: Vegetation Cover in Summer 2010
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Figure 8.29: Vegetation Cover in Winter 2010
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Figure 8.30: Species on Vegetation Cover
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8.10 Endemic Species
The following plant species (Table 8.5) recorded from the study area are endemic to Pakistan i.e., they do not occur outside of Pakistan.
Table 8.5: Endemic Plant Species Recorded from Tharparkar District, Summer (2012)
S. Possible Family Species Distribution Status Remarks No. Threats
Dominant species of Thar Blepharis Sindh and Very desert. Spread over the entire 1 Acanthaceae No threat sindica Balochistan common desert areas and almost every type of micro habitat
The var. scindica can be Justicia distinguished from the species 2 Acanthaceae vehlii var. Sindh Common Grazing by the absence of main stem. scindica It is commonly found throughout the desert areas
The species is very rarely Grazing, found in the desert areas, thus Ruellia Very soil mining, it is exposed to several 3 Acanthaceae Sindh scindica Rare well threats. It was collected from construction the road-side on way to Nagarparkar
It is found at disturbed sites, Soil mining, agriculture fields,along Pulicaria Fairly 4 Asteraceae Sindh habitat roadsides and depressed boissieri Common destruction areas; collected from the soil mining depressions
The species is very rarely Soil mining, Convolvulus Very found, it is endemic to Sindh; 5 Convolvulaceae Sindh habitat scindicus Rare collected near roadside on destruction way to Nagarparkar
Source: MMP Study
8.11 Threatened Plant Species
None of the plant species recorded from the study area is included in IUCN Red Data Book.
8.12 Wild Relatives of Crop Plants
The documented wild relatives of crop plants (Appendix G) in southern Sindh include: wild relative of millet Sorghum halepense (a common weed throughout the country); wild relative of cotton Gossypium stocksii (occurring in Sindh); wild relative of kenaf Hibiscus micranthus (occurring in Sindh and Balochistan). None of the three species was collected during the survey.
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9. Public Consultation Floral Survey
Local residents from different areas in Tharparkar were interviewed to record their views about the impacts of proposed Thar coal project on the wildlife of the study area. List of participants is given in (Appendix F). The following inferences were drawn from the Public perceptions:
• The people were hopeful that the Project would help enhance livelihood opportunities for local populations in the wake of scarcity of job opportunities in the district.
• They were also hopeful that the energy produced in Thar shall be shared with the local population on priority basis.
• They showed the apprehension that the private land to be brought under mining operations shall be duly acquired and compensation or resettlement processes shall be transparent and decided on merit.
• Vegetation removal from the mining area could in their view reduce the vegetation cover and that they might have to travel longer distances to collect firewood or to graze their livestock.
• Apprehension was also shown that the mining operations shall cause disturbance not only for them but also for flora of the area. Such disturbance may however not impact their population as they could easily move out of the impact area.
• They were however not very sure about the impact on water availability on flora in the area as a result of Project activities.
• Removal of vegetation in their view could impact the distribution of birds in that they may migrate from the area and may never return even when the habitat was restored.
• The proposed plan to revegetate the area was greatly appreciated. They were of the view that improvement in tree/vegetation cover shall improve the local climate/environment of the area.
• A rodent control program may have to be initiated in the area with the help of Agriculture Department and Pest Control Department.
• The people were apprehensive of the presence of rodents as they considered them as pests. It was feared that the rodents may spread further from their original distribution and may cause increased damage to the crops, grains or to the grazing lands.
• An awareness campaign may be started to train the land owners how to be vigilant in the conservation of natural resources
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Amphibians and Reptiles
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Baig, K. J. & Böhme, W. 1991.Callous scalation in female agamid lizards (Stellio group of Agama) and its functional implications. Bonn. Zool. Beitr. (Germany), 42 (3 4): 275 281.
Baig, K. J. & Böhme, W. 1996. Description of two new subspecies of Laudakia pakistanica (Sauria: Agamidae). Russian J. Herpetology, 3 (1): 1-10.
Baig, K. J. & Gvozdik, L., 1998.Uperodon systoma: Record of a new microhylid frog from Pakistan. Pak. J. Zool., 30 (2): 155-156.
Baig, K. J. 1988 a. Anurans (Amphibia) of northern Pakistan: with special reference to their distribution. Pak. J. Sci. Ind. Res., 31 (9): 651 655.
Baig, K. J. 1988 b.An un-usual tail regeneration in Agama. Pak. J. Sci. Ind. Res., 31 (10): 731 732.
Baig, K. J. 1988 c. New record of Agama nuristanica (Sauria: Agamidae) from Pakistan. Biologia, 34 (1): 199 200.
Baig, K. J. 1989. A new species of Agama (Sauria: Agamidae) from northern Pakistan. Bull. Kitakyushu Mus. Nat. Hist. (Japan), 9: 117 122.
Baig, K. J. 1990. Japalura kumaaonensis: A new record of the genus and species from Pakistan. Herpetological Review (USA), 21 (1): 22.
Baig, K. J. 1992. Systematic studies of the Stellio group of Agama (Sauria: Agamidae). Ph.D. Diss., Q. A. Uni., Islamabad.
Baig, K. J. 1996. Herpetofauna of the sub-Himalayan region of Pakistan including Islamabad area. Proc. DAAD 4th Follow-up Seminar, Islamabad: 35-42.
Baig, K. J. 1997. Distribution of Laudakia (Sauria: Agamidae) and its origin. pp 373-381. In: Mufti, S.A., Woods, C.A. & S.A. Hassan (eds.), Biodiversity of Pakistan.
Baig, K. J. 1998. The amphibian fauna of Azad Jammu and Kashmir with new record of Paa liebigii.Proc.Pakistan Academy of Sciences. 35 (2): 117-121.
Baig, K. J. 2001a. Annotated Checklist of amphibians and reptiles of the northern mountain region and Potwar Plateau of Pakistan. Proc. Pakistan Acad. Sci. 38(2): 121-130.
Baig, K. J. 2001b. Threatened Herpetofauna of Pakistan, pp 82-90. In: Bambaradeniya, C.N.B. & Samarasekra, V.N. (eds). An Overview of the Threatened Herpetofauna of South Asia. IUCN, Sri Lanka. 118 pp.
Baig, K. J. 2002. Rediscovery of Murree Hill Frog, Paa vicina after 130 years from Ayubia National Park. Proc. Pakistan Acad. Sci. 39(2): 261-262.
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Boulenger, G. A., 1890. The Fauna of British India including Ceylon and Burma: Reptilia and Batrachia. Taylor & Francis, London, pp 541.
Boulenger, G. A., 1920. A monograph of the South-Asian Papuan, Melanesian and Australian frogs of the genus Rana.Rec. Ind. Mus., Calcutta, 20: 1-223.
Dubois, A. and Khan, M.S. 1979. A new species of frog (genus Rana subgenus Paa) from northern Pakistan (Amphibia: Anura). Jour. Herpetol., 13: 403-410.
IUCN 2011.IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.Version 2011.2.(www.iucnredlist.org). Downloaded on 09 June 2012.
Khan, M. S., 1994.Key for identification of amphibians and reptiles of Pakistan. Pakistan J. Zool.,26(3): 225-249.
Khan, M. S., 2000.Amphibians and Reptiles of Pakistan. (In Urdu) Urdu Science Board, 299 upper Mall, Lahore.138 pp.
Khan, M. S., 2004.Checklist and key to the lizards of Pakistan. Pakistan J. Zool. Suppl. Ser., 5: 1-25.
Khan, M.S. & K.J. Baig (1992).A new tenuidactylid gecko from northeastern Gilgit Agency, north Pakistan. Pak. J. Zool. 24: 273-277.
Khan, M.S. & Tasnim, R., 1989.A new frog of the genus Rana, subgenus Paa, from southwestern Azad Kashmir.J.Herpetology., 23 (4): 419-423.
Khan, M.S. & Tasnim, R., 1990.A new gecko of the genus Tenuidactylus from northwestern Punjab, Pakistan and southwestern Azad Kashmir. Herpetologica 46: 142-148.
Khan, M.S. (1989). Rediscovery and re-description of the highland ground gecko Tenuidactylus montiumsalsorum (Annandale, 1913). Herpetologica 45: 46-54.
Khan, M.S. (1992). Validity of the mountain gecko Gymnodactylus walli Ingoldby, Herpetological Journal, 2:106-109.
Khan, M.S. (1993).A checklist and key to the gekkonid lizards of Pakistan. Hamadryad 18: 35-41.
Khan, M.S. 1979.On a collection of amphibians and reptiles from northern Punjab & Azad Kashmir, with ecological notes.Biologia, 25 (1-2): 37-50.
Khan, M.S. 1980.A new species of gecko from northern, Pakistan. Pak. J. Zool. 12 (1): 11-16.
Khan, M.S. 1997.A new toad of genus Bufo from the foot of Siachin Glacier, Baltistan, northeastern Pakistan.Pak. J. Zool., 29 (1): 43-48.
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Khan, M.S. 1998.Typhlops ductuliformrs a new species of blind snakes from Pakistan and a note on Typhlops porrectes Stoliczkai, 1871 (Squamata: Serpentes: Scolicophidia). Pak. J. Zool., 31 (4): 385- 390.
Khan, M.S. 2006.Amphibians and reptiles of Pakistan.Krieger Publishing Company, Malabar, Florida.pp 311.
Khan, M.S. and Baig, K.J. (1988).Checklist of the amphibians and reptiles of district Jhelum, Punjab, Pakistan. The Snake, 20: 156-161.
Mertens, R. 1969. Die Amphibiens und Reptiliens West Pakistan. Stutt.Beit. Naturkunde, 197: 1-96.
Minton, S. A. 1966. A contribution to the herpetology of W. Pakistan.Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist., 134(2): 28-184.
Murray, J. A., 1884. Vertebrate zoology of Sindh: A systematic account. Richard & Co., London. 415 pp.
Murray, J. A., 1886. Vertebrate zoology of Sindh: A systematic account: 1-92. Richard & Co., London.
Prakash,I. 1974. The ecology of vertebrates of the Indian desert, pp. 369-420 in biogeography and ecology in: India (Ed. M. S.Mani) Dr. Junkb V. Verlag, The Hague.
Smith, S. A. 1933. The Fauna of British India including Ceylon and Burma, vol. I. Taylor & Francis, London.
Smith, S. A. 1935. The Fauna of British India including Ceylon and Burma, vol. II. Taylor & Francis, London.
Smith, S. A. 1943. The Fauna of British India Ceylon and Burma including the whole of Indo-Chinese sub-region, vol. III. Taylor & Francis, London. 240 pp.
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Appendices for Fauna
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Appendix A. The Study Team
Members of the study team for faunal surveys in Tharparkar
S.No. Name of Team Member Expertise
Dr. Abdul Aleem Chaudhry (Retired) Director General, Wildlife & Parks Department, Punjab, 1 Team Leader / Wildlife Ecologist Chief Conservator of Forests Punjab, National Project Manager Mountain Areas Conservancy Project
Dr. Rahmatullah Qureshi 2 Associate Professor Department of Botany, Arid Areas Flora Specialist Agriculture University Rawalpindi
Waseem Ahmad Khan 3 Ph. D. Scholar (Zoology), Ex Conservation Officer, WWF Ornithologist Pakistan
Mr. Abdul Aziz Khan 4 (Retired) Principal Scientific Officer, Vertebrate Pest Field Biologist / Mammalogist Control Pakistan, Agricultural Research Council
Mr. Shamim Fakhri, Senior Research Assistant, Pakistan 5 Field Biologist / Herpatologist Zoological Survey Department
6 Mr. Saeed Ahmad Free lance Consultant Botanist
Mr. Kaleemullah 7 M. Phil. student at Department of Botany, Arid Areas Botanist Agriculture University Rawalpindi
8 Mr. Suleman Khosa Wildlife Watcher
9 Mr. Tan Sukh Wildlife Watcher
10 Mr. Dev Raj Local Guide
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Appendix B. Public Consultation
Local residents, local guides, local hunters, school teachers, businessmen and Government officers/officials were interviewed during the survey from different areas in Tharparkar. The purpose was to record their views about the impacts of proposed project on the flora and fauna of the study area.
Persons interviewed during the survey as a component of Public Consultation
Sr. Area / Duty Station / Name Association / Affiliation Contact Details No. Resident of
1 Mr. Dev Raj Kohli Village Casbo, Nagar Local guide 0334-2950556 Parkar
2 Mr. Ghulam Rasul Khosa Nagarparkar Town In charge Circuit house 0333-2436761 Nagar Parkar
3 Mr. Ali Ahmad Nagarparkar Town Guard Circuit house Nagar Parkar
4 Maharaj Abhay Munni Mithi PA to DC Tharparkar 0343-5333111
5 Jaji Muhammad Sharif Manager Badin-Mithi Road, 0300-625155 Niazi Petrol Pump Shadi Laaj, Tharparkar
6 Mr. Govind Sharma Mithi Town Business man 0333-2969137
7 Mr. Kishore Kumar Mithi Town Business man
8 Mr. Maqbool Ahmad Islam Kot Sub Inspector 0333-7281123 Rangers Check post Sindh Rangers
9 Mr. Shafqat Ali Weerawah Head Constable 0321-2321317 Rangers Check post Sindh Rangers
10 Mr. Lajpat Sharma Mithi Assistant Conservator 0333-2664099 Sindh Wildlife Department
11 Mr. Muhammad Suleman Nagarparkar Town Wildlife Watcher Sindh 0332-2084678 Khosa Wildlife Department
12 Mr. Tan Sukh Tehsil Diplo Wildlife Watcher Sindh 0333-2511216 Wildlife Department
13 Mr. Muhammad Saifal Weerawah Wildlife Watcher Sindh 0331-2947796 Wildlife Department
14 Mr. Shah Mir Islam Kot Local guide and Driver 0308-8222653
15 Mr. Anwar Ali Faqeer Islam Kot School Teacher 0347-8613813 0333-2501718
16 Mr. Dinesh Mithi Business man 0333-2511512
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Appendix C. Fauna Maps
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Seasonal wetlands; mainly the marshy areas in Runn of Kutch Ramsar site
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Appendix D. Photographs of Faunal Species
Rufous-backed shrike Pond heron
Indian Robin Black-winged stilt
Vulture Egyptian vulture
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Black kite Indian vulture
Egyptian vulture Black-rumped vulture
Indian vulture Tawny eagle
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Spotted owlet House crow
Black drongo Whit-breasted kingfisher
Peafowl Peafowl
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Peafowl Sarus crane
Demoiselle crane Common crane
Hoopoe Rock pigeon
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Common raven Taylor bird nest
Great Indian bustard Houbara bustard
Black francolin Grey francolin
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Hedgehog Hedgehog
Grey mongoose
Chinkara Golden jackal
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Garden lizard
Saharo-Sindian ribbon snake Russell’s chain viper
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Blue tailed sand lizard Snake moult
Black cobra Xenochrophis piscator
Indus valley toad
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Bibliography of Flora
Ali, S.I. and Qaiser, M. (Eds.), 1993-1995. Flora of Pakistan, Islamabad, Karachi. Ali, S.I. and Nasir, Y.J. (Eds.), 1990-1991. Flora of Pakistan, Islamabad, Karachi. Ansari, K.A., Malik, A.R. and Mahar, A.Q. (1993). Floristic list of district Khairpur. Ann. Jour. Res. Scientific Sindh. 1, 11-18. Arora, J., Goyal, S. and Ramawat, K.G. (2010). Biodiversity, Biology and Conservation of Medicinal Plants of the Thar Desert. In K.G. Ramawat (ed.), Desert Plants, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. Bhandari, M.M. (1978). Flora of Indian Desert. Scientific Publishers, Jodhpur. Bhatti, G.R., Shah, M. and Qureshi, R. (1998-2001). Floristic study of arid zone (Desert Nara, Region), Sindh. Pakistan Science foundation Project. No. S-SALU/ENVR (45). Boulos, L. (1991). Flora of Egypt. Al Hadara Publishing Cairo, Egypt, Vol. 1. Chaudhri, I.I. and Chuttar, M.S. (1966). The vegetation and range Flora of Thar desert, W. Pak. For. Dept., Hyderabad. Jafri, S.M.H. (1966). The Flora of Karachi. The Book Corporation, Karachi, Pakistan. Nasir, E. and Ali, S.I. (Eds.), 1970-1989. Flora of Pakistan, Islamabad, Karachi. Parveen, A. and Hussain, M.I. (2007). Plant biodiversity and phytosociological attributes of Gorakh Hill (Khirthar Rage). Pak. J. Bot., 38(3), 691-698. Qureshi, R. (2008a).Vegetation assessment of Sawan Wari of Nara Desert, Pakistan. Pak. J. Bot., 40(5), 1885-1895. Qureshi, R. (2008b). Preliminary floristic list of Chotiari Wetland Complex, Nawab Shah, Sindh, Pakistan. Pak. J. Bot., 40(6), 2281-2288. Qureshi, R. (2012). The Flora of Nara Desert, Pakistan. Nova Science Publishers, Inc. Hauppauge, New York, USA. Hard cover (ISBN: 978-1-62081-683-7) and eBook (ISBN: 978-1-6281-648-6). Qureshi, R. and Bhatti, G.R. (2008a). Ethnobotany of plants used by the Thari people of Nara Desert, Pakistan. Fitoterapia, 79, 468-473. Qureshi, R. and Bhatti, G.R. (2008b). Taxonomy of Scrophulariaceae from Nara Desert, Pakistan. Pak. J. Bot., 40(3), 973-978. Qureshi, R. and Bhatti, G.R. (2008c). Diversity of micro-habitats and their plant resources in Nara Desert, Pakistan. Pak. J. Bot., 40(3), 979-992. Qureshi, R. and Bhatti, G.R. (2010). Some notes on the vegetation of Achro Thar (White Thar) of Nara Region, Sindh Pakistan. Pak. J. Bot., 42(5): 2985-2994pp. Qureshi, R. and Bhatti, G.R. (2010). Floristic inventory of Pai Forest, Nawab Shah, Sindh, Pakistan. Pak. J. Bot., 42(4), 2215-2224. Rajput, M.T., Ahmed, B., Tahir, S.S. and Bhatti, N.M. (1991). A study of medicinal plants of Thar Desert, Sindh Uni. Res. Jour. (Sci. Sr.) 23(1), 15-26.
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Raunkiaer, C. (1934). Life form of Plants and Statistical Plant Geography. Clarendon Press, Oxford. Reddy, C.S., Hari Krishna, P. and Ravi Kiran, A. (2011). Mapping the Vegetation Types of Rajasthan, India Using Remote Sensing Data. Journal of Environmental Research and Management, 2(1). 1-9. Saeed-ul-Islam (2010). Ecological status of Commiphora wightii (Arn.) Bhandari in Various Habitats of Nagar Parkar, Sindh. Participatory Village Development Programme (PVDP), Sindh. Unpublished Report. 33 pp. Sharma, K.K. and Mehra, S.P. (2009). The Thar of Rajasthan (India): Ecology and Conservation of a Desert Ecosystem. In C. Sivaperuman et al. (eds.), Faunal Ecology and Conservation of the Great Indian Desert, 1c Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. Sharma, B. and Sharma, K. (2011). Phytosociololgical studies on the vegetation of sand dunes and sandy plains of Ajmer (Rajasthan). Current Botany, 2(10), 01-06. Shetty, B.V. and V. Singh (1987 & 1991). Flora of Rajasthan, Botanical Survey of India. Old Connaught Place Dehra Dun. Vol. I & II. Xueli, C. and Halin, Z. (2003). Plant production and diversity at desertification stages in Horqin Sandy grassland region, China. In: Lamons, J., Victor, R., and Schaffer, D. (eds.) Conserving Biodiversity in Arid regions. Kluwer academic Publishers.
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Appendices of Flora
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Appendix E. The Study Team
E.1. The Study Team
Members of the study team for floral surveys in Tharparkar
S.No. Name of Team Member Expertise
Dr. Abdul Aleem Chaudhry (Retired) Team Leader / 1 Director General, Wildlife & Parks Department, Punjab, Chief Conservator of Wildlife Ecologist Forests Punjab, National Project Manager Mountain Areas Conservancy Project
Dr. Rahmatullah Qureshi 2 Associate Professor Department of Botany, Arid Areas Agriculture University Flora Specialist Rawalpindi
3 Mr. Saeed Ahmad Freelance Consultant Botanist
Mr. Kaleemullah 4 M. Phil. student at Department of Botany, Arid Areas Agriculture University Botanist Rawalpindi
5 Mr. Suleman Khosa Wildlife Watcher
6 Mr. Tan Sukh Wildlife Watcher
7 Mr. Dev Raj Local Guide
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Appendix F. Public Consultation
F.1. Public Consultation
Local residents, local guides, local hunters, school teachers, businessmen and Government officers/officials were interviewed during the survey from different areas in Tharparkar. The purpose was to record their views about the impacts of proposed project on the flora and fauna of the study area.
Persons interviewed during the survey as a component of Public Consultation
Sr. Name Area / Duty Station / Association / Affiliation Contact Details No. Resident of
1 Mr. Dev Raj Kohli Village Casbo, Nagar Local guide 0334-2950556 Parkar 2 Mr. Ghulam Rasul Nagarparkar Town In charge Circuit house 0333-2436761 Khosa Nagar Parkar 3 Mr. Ali Ahmad Nagarparkar Town Guard Circuit house Nagar Parkar 4 Maharaj Abhay Munni Mithi PA to DC Tharparkar 0343-5333111
5 Jaji Muhammad Sharif Manager Badin-Mithi Road, 0300-625155 Niazi Petrol Pump Shadi Laaj, Tharparkar 6 Mr. Govind Sharma Mithi Town Business man 0333-2969137
7 Mr. Kishore Kumar Mithi Town Business man
8 Mr. Maqbool Ahmad Islam Kot Sub Inspector 0333-7281123 Rangers Check post Sindh Rangers 9 Mr. Shafqat Ali Weerawah Head Constable 0321-2321317 Rangers Check post Sindh Rangers 10 Mr. Lajpat Sharma Mithi Assistant Conservator 0333-2664099 Sindh Wildlife Department 11 Mr. Muhammad Nagarparkar Town Wildlife Watcher Sindh 0332-2084678 Suleman Khosa Wildlife Department 12 Mr. Tan Sukh Tehsil Diplo Wildlife Watcher Sindh 0333-2511216 Wildlife Department 13 Mr. Muhammad Saifal Weerawah Wildlife Watcher Sindh 0331-2947796 Wildlife Department 14 Mr. Shah Mir Islam Kot Local guide and Driver 0308-8222653
15 Mr. Anwar Ali Faqeer Islam Kot School Teacher 0347-8613813 0333-2501718 16 Mr. Dinesh Mithi Business man 0333-2511512
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Appendix G. Wild Relatives of Crop Plants
G.1. Wild Relatives of Crop Plants in Pakistan
Common Name Scientific Name Distribution in Pakistan
Wild relative of wheat Aegilops squarossus Mountain areas of Northern Pakistan
Aegilops triuncialis Mountain areas of Northern Pakistan
Wild relative of wheat Elymus borianum Endemic to Swat
Elymus kuramensis Endemic to Kurram
Elymus nodosus Kurram
Elymus stewarti Endemic to Kashmir
Elymus longe -aristatus High alpine areas of Hindukush Himalayas and Karakorum
Elymus russelii Endemic to Karakorum
Elymus jacquemontii Endemic to Kashmir
Wild relatives of barley Hordeum bogdanii Karakorum, Ziarat, and Harboi Range
Hordeum spontaneum North Balochistan
Hordeum murinum NWFP, Murree Hills
Oryza coarctata Indus Delta
Sorghum nitidum Hazara and Murree Hill tract
Sorghum halepense Common weed throughout the country
Wild relatives of millet Pennisetum flaccidum High alpine slopes of Karakorum, Himalayas, Hindukush
Wild relative of cotton Gossypium stocksii South Sindh
Wild relatives of mustard Brassica junacea Western area of Balochistan
Brassica deflexa Western part of North Balochistan
Wild relatives of kenaf Hibiscus caesius North Punjab, NWFP, Kashmir
Hibiscus micranthus Sindh and Balochistan
Hibiscus lobatus Salt Range, Kurram Valley, Sindh
Wild relatives of chick pea Cicer macranthum Hindukush, -Himalayas,-Karakorum
Cicer microphyllum Hindukush, -Himalayas,-Karakorum
Wild relatives of bean Vigna spp
Wild relatives of fruits Pyrus pashia Temperate Himalayas
Mallus chitralensis Chitral
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Common Name Scientific Name Distribution in Pakistan
Prunus prostrate Temperate Himalayas
Wild almond Amygdalus brahuicus North Baluchistan
Wild cherry Cerrasus rechingeri North Baluchistan
Wild relatives of grapes Vitis jacquemontii Himalayas
Pomegranate Punica granatum Foothill Himalayas
Wild relative of olive Olea ferruginea Lower hills of North Pakistan
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Appendix H. Photographs of Floral Species
Mesquite: Prosopis glandulosa Mesquite naturalized
Caletropis procera Euphorbia caducifolia
Acacia senegal Zizyphus mauritiana
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Salvadora oleoides Prosopopis cineraria
Prosopis cineraria infested with Grassland vegetation: grasses galore Cascuta reflexa Calotropis procera in the foreground
Capparis decidua Capparis decidua
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Wetland vegetation Wetland vegetation
Desert landscape and vegetation Desert landscape and vegetation Crotolaria burhia and Aerva javanica overgrazed
Karunjhar hills vegetation Karunjhar hills vegetation Mesquite, Euphorbia , Babbur
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Streambed vegetation: Mesquit Grazing use at the water point
Livestock Ziziphus mauritiana : Camel browse
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C.3 References
● Avian Power Line Interaction Committee (APLIC) (2006). Suggested Practices for Avian Protection on Power Lines: The State of the Art in 2006. Edison Electric Institute, APLIC, and the California Energy Commission. Washington, D. C. and Sacramento, CA. ● BirdLife International (2013a). Clanga clanga. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2013: e.T22696027A40759511. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013- 2.RLTS.T22696027A40759511.en. Downloaded on 16 June 2016. ● BirdLife International (2013b). Aquila heliaca. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2013: e.T22696048A40763222. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013- 2.RLTS.T22696048A40763222.en. Downloaded on 17 June 2016. ● Birdlife International (2013c). Migratory Soaring Birds Project: Power Lines Guidance V1 – Developers and Consultants [Online]. Available from http://migratorysoaringbirds.undp.birdlife.org/sites/default/files/factsheet%20Power%20Line %20Developer%20new%20logo%20PR.pdf. Downloaded 9 August 2016. ● BirdLife International (2015a). Gyps bengalensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T22695194A79395731. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015- 4.RLTS.T22695194A79395731.en. Downloaded on 16 June 2016. ● BirdLife International (2015b). Gyps indicus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T22729731A79451078. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015- 4.RLTS.T22729731A79451078.en. Downloaded on 15 June 2016. ● BirdLife International (2015c). Sarcogyps calvus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T22695254A79362898. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015- 4.RLTS.T22695254A79362898.en. Downloaded on 17 June 2016. ● CBD (2014). Pakistan Fifth National Report, Climate Change Division Government of Pakistan, Progress on CBD Strategic Plan 2010-2020 and Aichi Biodiversity Targets. ● Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Secretariat (2016). Pakistan – Main Details [Online]. Available at https://www.cbd.int/countries/profile/?country=pk (accessed 17 June 2016). ● Grimmett, R., Roberts, T. and Inskipp, T. (2008). Birds of Pakistan. Christopher Helm Publishers Ltd, London, 256 pp. ● Hagler Bailly (2013). Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, Block VI Lignite Mining Project, Sindh Carbon Energy Limited. ● Hagler Bailly (2014). Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, Thar Coal Block II Power Project Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company. ● IFC (2012a). Performance Standard 6: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources. International Finance Corporation, World Bank Group. ● IFC (2012b). Guidance Note 6: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources. International Finance Corporation, World Bank Group. ● IPIECA & OGP (2010). Alien invasive species and the oil and gas industry. Guidance for prevention and management. OGP Report Number 436. http://www.ipieca.org/sites/default/files/publications/alien_invasive_species.pdf. ● IUCN (2015). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2015.4. www.iucnredlist.org (accessed 24 May 2016).
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Mott MacDonald | Thar Coalfield Block VI 2x330MW Coal-fired Power Plant Volume III - Technical Appendices
● Morrison, M.L, Marcot, B., Mannan, W. (2006). Wildlife-Habitat Relationships: Concepts and Applications. Island Press, Washington, D.C. ● Mott MacDonald (2015). Environmental and Social Studies including Resettlement Frameworks, Land Use Plan for Thar Coal Fields. Vol. 2: Biological Baseline Report. Sindh Coal Authority Energy Department. ● Government of Sindh ● Prinsen, H.A.M., Smallie, J.J., Boere, G.C. & Píres, N. (Compilers) (2012). Guidelines on How to Avoid or Mitigate Impact of Electricity Power Grids on Migratory Birds in the African- Eurasian Region. AEWA Conservation Guidelines No. 14, CMS Technical Series No. 29, AEWA Technical Series No. 50, CMS Raptors MOU Technical Series No. 3, Bonn, Germany. ● Roberts, T.J. (2005a). Field Guide to the Large and Medium-Sized Mammals of Pakistan. Oxford University Press, Karachi. pp. 259. ● Roberts, T.J. (2005b). Field Guide to the Small Mammals of Pakistan. Oxford University Press, Karachi. pp. 280. ● Sheikh, K. M. & Molur, S. (Eds.) (2004) Status and Red List of Pakistan’s Mammals. Based on the Conservation Assessment and Management Plan. 312pp. IUCN Pakistan. ● Tropicos (2016). Flora of Pakistan. Pakistan Plant Database. http://www.tropicos.org/Project/Pakistan (accessed 15 June 2016). ● Weber, E. (2013). Invasive Plant Species of the World. A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing.
366982 | 01 | A | March 2017
Mott MacDonald | Thar Coalfield Block VI 2x330MW Coal-fired Power Plant Volume III - Technical Appendices
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366982 | 01 | A | March 2017