Ecology and Conservation of Threatened Birds in and Around Navegaon National Park, Maharashtra
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ESSENCE - International Journal for Environmental Rehabilitation and Conservation Volume VIII: No. 1 2017 [120 – 135] [ISSN 0975 - 6272] [www.essence-journal.com] Ecology and Conservation of Threatened Birds in and around Navegaon National Park, Maharashtra Paliwal, G.T.1 and Bhandarkar, S.V.2 Received: March 12, 2017 Accepted: May 18, 2017 Online: June 30, 2017 Abstract Birds, the warm-blooded bipeds with amazing The most important habitat in the park is the adaptations evolved millions of years ago from Navegaon Lake, home to many bird species. reptiles. These colorful, delicate- looking, Flocks of migratory A total of 312 bird species highly evolved animals are the only creatures from 57 different families under 14 orders have with feathered wings that make them capable been recorded (Paliwal G.T., 2013). Among of true and perfect flight. This ecologically these 252 were local residents, 53 winter valuable group of vertebrates is the subject of visitors, 05 passage migrants and 02 breeding the present study which deals with ecology and migrants. Out of total 312 avian species conservation status of threatened birds in and recorded, 12 are listed under different around Navegaon National Park, Maharashtra threatened categories (Birdlife International state. Navegaon National park, commonly 2013). Ecology and conservation of these known as Navegaon Bandh, is located in threatened species is discussed in the present Gondia district. It lies between 200 45’ to 210 study. 2’ North Latitude and 800 5’ to 800 15’ East Keywords: Ecology | Conservation | Longitude. It is popular in the eastern Vidarbha Threatened | Navegaon Bandh region of Maharashtra for diversity of vegetation ranging from dry mixed forest to Introduction rain forest. This southern tropical dry forest is Unique bio geographical features of enriched with varied wildlife, and is an Maharashtra have put the Maharashtra state in important conservation unit in central India. the list of hotspots of biodiversity. This birds visit this beautiful lake every winter. diversity is also reflected in the avifauna of the For correspondence: state. About 568 different species of birds occur in Maharashtra. Recent studies indicate 1Department of Zoology, S. S. Jaiswal College, Arjuni- Morgaon, Dist. Gondia, Maharashtra that habitat loss, fragmentation, over- 2 Department of Zoology, Manoharbhai Patel College of exploitation of our natural resources, pollution, Arts, Com. & Science, Deori. Dist. Gondia, Maharashtra Email: [email protected] 120 Paliwal & Bhandarkar /Vol. VIII [1] 2017/120 – 135 industrialization, urbanization etc. are posing central India. In our preliminary studies 312 great threats to the birdlife. In many parts of species of birds, 60 species of mammals & 46 urban areas it has been observed that sighting species of herpets were recorded from this of House Sparrow has become rare in recent National park (Paliwal G.T. 2013). years. It is alarming to note that in India about Adequate information on this aspect of birdlife 30 species are categorized as Endangered, 52 in Maharashtra is not available and immediate species are Vulnerable and about 66 species attention is the need of the hour. In this context are Near Threatened which needs adequate it becomes necessary to identify such species conservation planning. & draw up a conservation plan for their The 20th Century is witness to three phenomena sustainable existence. of great ecological consequences. Un- Material Methods precedence population growth, large scale Birds were observed by binocular (07x50). Industrialization & Intensive agriculture based They were identified following Grimmet et al., on large scale inputs of synthetic fertilizers & (2001), Ali (2002) and their status following insecticides. All three had an immensely Ali and Ripley (2001). Observations were adverse impact on the all resources of made every Sunday throughout the year during biodiversity. Terrestrial & associated aquatic 2010-2012 from morning 5.00 to evening 6.00 habitats maintain ecological balance of flora & pm. The bird watching was done from fauna interrelationship, regulate surrounding following study sites. climate & recharge ground water. Study Area Aquatic invertebrates are important as a source Navegaon National Park of food for birds, mammals, amphibians, Navegaon National park, commonly known as reptiles & other invertebrates. Changes in Navegaon Bandh, is located in Gondia district. terrestrial & aquatic habitat lead to changes in It lies between 200 45’ to 210 2’ North Latitude invertebrate assemblages which in turn and 800 5’ to 800 15’ East Longitude. It is increase, decrease or change food supplies for popular in the eastern Vidarbha region of other mammals. Navegaon National park is Maharashtra for diversity of vegetation ranging rich in bird fauna associated with it that from dry mixed forest to rain forest. This includes some migratory species & southern tropical dry forest is enriched with ecologically an important landmark. Flocks of varied wildlife, and is an important migratory birds visit this beautiful lake every conservation unit in central India. winter. About 60 species of migratory birds Navegaonbandh Lake visit this lake which indicates that the park and This site is situated in Navegaon National Park the lake is rich enough to attract these birds located at 200 45’ to 210 2’ North Latitude and and induce them to spend the winter here. The 800 5’ to 800 15’ East Longitude, representing National park has all the mammals that can be the lentic systems affected by fishing and other expected in any good protected forest of activities. 121 Paliwal & Bhandarkar /Vol. VIII [1] 2017/120 – 135 Observation and Result are listed under different categories (Birdlife A total of 312 species from 57 different International 2013).List of the threatened birds families under 14 orders have been recorded. reported with their status is given in the Table: Among these 252 were local residents, 60 1. migrants. Out of 312 avian species recorded 12 Sr. No. Scientific Name Common Name Status 01 Anhinga melanogaster Oriental Darter NT 02 Threskiornismelano cephalus Black headed Ibis NT 03 Mycteria leucocephala Painted Stork NT 04 Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Black necked stork NT 05 Leptoptilos javanicus Lesser Adjutant Stork VL 06 Ichthyophaga ichthyatus Grey headed Fish eagle NT 07 Gyps indicus Long billed Vulture CR 08 Neophron percnopterus Egyptian Vulture EN 09 Grus antigone Sarus Crane VL 10 Limosa limosa Black- tailed Godwit NT 11 Sterna aurantia River Tern NT 12 Anthracoceros coronatus Malabar-Pied Hornbill NT NT: Near Threatened, VL: Vulnerable, CR: Critically Endangered, EN: Endangered Table: 1. List of the Threatened birds reported from Navegaon National Park & its surrounding Discussion's inhabits shallow inland wetlands including Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster lakes, swamps & reservoirs, where it hunts fish (Pennat 1769): This species is classified as & frogs. It is as expert diver & feeds almost Near Threatened (NT) because of its exclusively on fish caught by its stiletto-shaped population is declining moderately rapidly bill. It nests colonially with egrets, storks & owing to pollution, drainage, hunting and herons. It makes a platform nest, sometimes collection of gees & nestlings (Birdlife very close to other nests & lay 3-6 eggs. International 2013). A sleek water bird, mainly Threats & Conservation measures black in adult stage, like the cormorants but The main threat to this & all piscivorous with longer more slender snake-like neck, species is from excessive fishing all over its narrow head & long straight pointed bill. The range. Hunting & disturbance at nesting Oriental Darter is widespread in India from colonies are also the threat to this species. In coastal wetlands to c.300 m in the Himalaya. India it is listed in schedule IV of the wildlife In Maharashtra, it is widespread in small (Protection) Act, 1972 & its hunting & numbers &can be found in any large wetlands, disturbance are prohibited. natural or man- made. The fish eating bird 122 Paliwal & Bhandarkar /Vol. VIII [1] 2017/120 – 135 Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis nestlings from colonies are the probable causes melanocephalus (Latham 1790) of decline in some parts of Maharashtra. Heavy Black- headed Ibis is undergoing a population predation of eggs & chicks by House Crow & reduction which is suspected to be moderately Fledglings by eagles has been noticed. It is also rapid. It faces the entire gamut of threats; from observed to be caught by traps by professional hunting & disturbance at breeding colonies to village bird trappers. It is protected under drainage & conversion of foraging habitat to Indian Wildlife (protection) Act 1972. In many agriculture. Consequently it qualifies as Near villages people protect colonies as a tradition. threatened (Birdlife International 2013). A Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala common resident, showing seasonal local (Pennant 1769) movements, it is a large hen-sized bird with Painted stork is one of the most abundant of black neck, naked black head & long stout the Asian storks. It is classified as Near down curved black bill, as well as black legs. Threatened (Birdlife International 2013) Black-headed ibis is recorded from all over because it is thought to be undergoing a Maharashtra, ranging from Mula-mutha, moderately rapid population decline. Painted Kawadi & Wurwund areas of Pune district Stork is a long-legged, long necked, lanky bird, (Bradbeer 1987); Jaikwadi dam, Paithan of less than