AGENDA NO: 1/28

Confirmation of the minutes of the 27th meeting of the Research, Monitoring and Advisory Committee of SACON held on 5th September 2014 at SACON,

The minutes are given in the Annexure – 1. Since no comments were received, the same may be confirmed.

AGENDA NO:2/28 Action Taken Report on the minutes of the earlier meetings

SN Observations of the 27th RMAC Action Taken by SACON 1 Under Sl. No: 8 The RMAC noted that SACON could not appoint Public Relation Officer since it Suggestion of the RMAC is noted. In case involves creation of new posts with the sufficient grant is available, we would hire approval of the central government. a person for the position of Public Relation However, the RMAC suggested that Officer. responsibilities of the PRO can be entrusted with one of the faculty of the centre or else a person can be hired on contract basis. 2 Under Sl No: 17 Had discussion with the Directorate of Monitoring pesticide residues in select Environment & Climate Change, components of an agro-ecosystem Government of and we will follow adopting organic and chemical farming in up the matter. Padayetti village, Palakkad district, Kerala

The RMAC noted the action taken and it also advised the PI to conceive a larger project on the same line 3 Under Sl. No: 20 Copy was dispatched in October 2014 to Impact assessment of prospecting BNHS. The reports are also available for exploration activities, through 3D seismic download at our Website data acquisition by Oil ltd, on mangrove fauna at Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh

The Chairman asked the PI to send a copy of the report to the BNHS 4 Under Sl No: 22 Already in contact with the MSSRF,

1 SN Observations of the 27th RMAC Action Taken by SACON Wayanad Centre and they have shared Ecological and Ethno-Cultural Examination valuable information. We also propose a of The Rise and Fall in Rice Diversity in workshop in the topic and we will be Southern India, With Special Reference To inviting MSSRF researchers for the same. The Western Ghats

The RMAC asked the PI to have linkage with MSSRF, Chennai that is undertaking studies in similar line. 5 Under Sl No: 23 Interim report was submitted to the Monitoring nature through birds funding agency, DBT, ; A copy of the same would be placed The RMAC noted that a brain-storming at the time of the meeting for the workshop was organized during 18-19 information of the RMAC. June 2014 at SACON, Coimbatore. And also a national orientation programme was organized during 13-14 August 2014. The RMAC said it expects an interim report on the programme at the next RMAC meeting.

6 Under Sl. No: 24 A proposal will be drafted and suitable A Survey for the Fishing Cat (Prionailurus funds will be sought in the near future to viverrinus) in coastal Kerala, India explore this hypothesis. The PI will be attending an International conference on The RMAC noted that species is not found Fishing cats this November and will meet along the western coast of the study area researchers working on fishing cats from and the PI reasoned that this may be due across its global distribution. This will to higher salinity level in the western provide an opportunity to request coast. However, the RMAC opined that information on distributions across coastal such hypothesis relating the occurrence of regions, especially Sri Lanka, which will the species with the salinity of water further inform on distributional limits of should be corroborated by scientific this species. methods. 7 Under sl. No: 26 Consideration of White Paper and Vision The White Paper of SACON was finalized of SACON with the help and guidance of Drs Erach Bharucha and Jay Samant and it was The RMAC noted that the White Paper of placed at the meetings of the 66th SACON is approved by the Governing Governing Council and 23rd Annual Council at its 66th meeting held in July General Meeting of the SACON Society 2014. held on 30 July 2014 at the MoEF. After in-

2 SN Observations of the 27th RMAC Action Taken by SACON depth deliberations, the GC and SACON Society approved the White Paper.

Now we understand that the MoEF has forwarded the finalized white paper of SACON to external experts for their comments.

On receipt of the comments, the document would be further fine-tuned for circulation. 8 Under Sl. No: 27 Publication Noted for compliance

The RMAC noted the research outputs of SACON during the period under review and proposed plan of action submitted by SACON for compilation of its research work of Andamans; However, the RMAC suggested that more quality papers should come out of SACON's Research program and each faculty member should set targets for publications and take care to produce more quality papers in peer- reviewed journals. 9 Under Sl. No: 29 The Recruitment, Assessment and Grant of retrospective promotion to the Promotion Committee, constituted by the senior faculty members Chairman, Governing Council, SACON, met on 22 December 2014 chaired by Dr R The RMAC noted that the Chairman, Sukumar (Professor, Centre for Ecological Governing Council of SACON has Sciences, Bangalore). The recommenda- constituted a committee ‘Recruitment, tions of the RAPC would be placed at the Assessment and Promotion Committee’ forth-coming meeting of the Governing (RAPC) under the chairmanship of Dr R Council to be held on 16th June 2015. Sukumar, Professor, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Bangalore which is going to look For the assessment of promotion, into the issues related to the due date confirmation of probation, the RAPC had promotion to some of the faculty of the set up a Sub Committee and the Sub centre. The RMAC advised the Director, Committee met during 24-26 April 2015 SACON to flag the following issues for the and has submitted its recommendations consideration of the Committee: which would be submitted to the RAPC for its consideration and approval.

3 SN Observations of the 27th RMAC Action Taken by SACON Contract appointment of scientists for a period of 5 years and steps to be followed by SACON after completion of five year tenure by the faculty concerned. Issues with regard to the due date promotion to the eligible scientists 10 Agenda No: 3/27

Consideration of the progress on the ongoing research projects/ EIA studies

11 1. Owl assemblage and occupancy in We are awaiting for a good quality photo Andaman archipelago, India image of Andaman Scops Owl and once we are successful with that then we will The Principal Investigator said the immediately start the preparation of preliminary survey is completed. The posters. RMAC advised the PI to prepare informative posters depicting the five species of owls of Andamans and send it widely especially to the forest departments.

12 3. Patterns of distribution of selected Draft Final Report (STPR) has been Faunal Groups in the Agasthiamalai Hills, prepared and sent to the Funding Agency Western Ghats, Kerala, India (Department of Biotechnology, Government of India) on 5 May 2015. This The RMAC noted that the duration of the will be put up before the next DBT study is over and now it is on no-cost Environmental Biotechnology Task Force extension till December 2014. The PI meeting scheduled to be held on 5-6 June intimated that the balance fund is yet to 2015 for its approval. be released and on receipt of the same the pending field work would be completed. Once again, the RMAC reiterated that the PI should avail the expertise of statistician for the analysis of data. Dr K Thiyagesan, one of the members of the RMAC, said that SACON can approach him at any time for statistical assistance for their projects, if required.

13 6. Social organization, behaviour and As intimated by the PI in the last RMAC, on

4 SN Observations of the 27th RMAC Action Taken by SACON phylogeography of Macaca fascicularis analysis of the size, it was found that the umbrosa on the Nicobar Islands, India mean group size reduced from 36.12 ±7.07 in 2000 to 26.75 (±28.23) by 2006, The PI said that he could not see any and increased to 41.30 ± 20.02 by 2014. difference in the group size of the species, analysis is going on, and the results would Group size relatively increased compared be submitted to RMAC. to before tsunami.

14 7. Spatio-temporal burrow use patterns The term ‘burrow’ is used to address ‘the by vertebrates in , burrows created by porcupine’. Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India Geo-scanner is purchased, and that will be The RMAC noted that the PI has taken the sent soon to field. charge of the project recently due to the sudden demise of Dr Bhupathy who was PI However, the earlier supplier could not of the project. While noting the progress, supply the burrow video camera. Later, we the RMAC said that the term ‘burrow’ came to know another person who can should be defined appropriately. The PI build a customized machine and placed said that the inner side of the burrow the order. We have tested that recently, would be studied by using geo-scanner to and suggested some more modifications. be purchased shortly. The RMAC asked the Once we get the same, both will be taken PI to utilize an appropriate sensor, for to field for the study. which he could seek technical expertise from appropriate institutions, to map out the inside configuration of the burrows.

15 8. Ecological investigation of woody As the project period got over by March vegetation and nest tree use by birds in 2015, final report preparation is in the riverine forests of Athikkadavu preparation and the report includes the Valley, Western Ghats importance of snags for cavity nesting birds. The final report would be submitted The PI said that the data on exploitation of to the funding agency by the end of this tree / regeneration of plants are being month. collected and analysed. The RMAC said that it would be better if an interim report on the findings of the study, especially since snags (dead trees) are found to be important nesting sites for birds, is submitted to the funding agency for further action from their side.

16 9. Status and distribution surveys of

5 SN Observations of the 27th RMAC Action Taken by SACON selected CR/EN/DD taxa in wild The project title is modified as 'Status and Distribution surveys of threatened plant The RMAC suggested a change in the title taxa in Tamil Nadu' instead of 'Status and of the project i.e. Plant taxa instead of distribution surveys of selected CR/EN/ DD Taxa in the final report. If the title change taxa in the wild'. is not agreeable to the funding agency, the revised title may be used for scientific publications and technical reports for wider circulation. The title given by the funding agency may be used for official submission to them.

17 10. Monitoring and surveillance ofA larger proposal is drawn up and environmental contaminants in birds insubmitted to the MoEF & CC for funding. India As per the suggestions of the RMAC, with the help of BNHS and other organizations, The RMAC noted the progress made by efforts will be made for having larger the PI of the project. However, the RMAC sample size representative of all the asked the PI to be cautious when defining regions in the country. the reason for the death of birds as to whether the deaths are due to chemical poisoning or drugs such as diclofenac. The RMAC said that for obtaining larger number samples, the PI should get in touch with other organizations. The Chairman said that BNHS team is ringing birds at its Vedaranyam research station and hence SACON should send its team there for collection of blood samples.

The Chairman further said that BNHS is doing a study on the same line in collaboration with the government.

6 SN Observations of the 27th RMAC Action Taken by SACON 18 11. Preparation of management plan of Noted for compliance and the report is Fudam Bird Sanctuary, Diu under preparation taking note of the suggestion. The PI said that the first pilot field survey is completed and next field survey would be undertaken during November 2014. The RMAC said that we should take care that the natural ecosystem characteristics of the study area is not altered, including plantation of mangroves in mud-flats, which are important for birds.

19 12. Impact of Hara Wind power project of Duly complied in the report CLP Wind Farms (India) Ltd on Wildlife including Migratory birds and Raptors at Harapanahalli, Davangere, Karnataka

The RMAC noted that a preliminary report is submitted to the funding agency. The RMAC opined that SACON findings should be based on strong scientific reasons on the impact of wind power projects on the environment and ecosystem.

20 13. Cumulative impact assessment study Duly noted for compliance of Hydro Power Projects on river Yamuna, Tons and tributaries in Uttarakhand; Faunal Aspects

The RMAC noted that the study could not be completed in time due to severe flood in the study area. The RMAC said that SACON is strong enough to say ‘no’ to any dam along / across the river basin if the proposed dams endanger the ecosystem. SACON should be very clear on its standing on positive and negative impact of such hydroelectric dams on the river basin. Since these are very serious issues, SACON should not compromise its policies and priorities on conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems in the country.

7 SN Observations of the 27th RMAC Action Taken by SACON

The RMAC further advised SACON to i) Three papers in peer-reviewed journals produce more research papers related to are accepted for publication. The project environmental impacts in peer reviewed reports were uploaded in the SACON journals, and ii) make available EIA website and is also available in the library projects of SACON in the public domain for wider access. and also in SACON library.

The RMAC said that EIA activities of SACON should take all efforts earnestly to Noted for compliance strengthen the hands of conservationists and the cause of conservation.

21 15. Cumulative environmental impact assessment (CEIA) studies of Hydro- Electric Projects of Sutlej river basin in Himachal Pradesh; Faunal Aspects

The RMAC noted the progress. However, it said that SACON should make objective reports giving both negative and positive impacts of the study without any Noted for compliance compromise. It should also avoid giving prospective gross mitigatory measures in case of studies covering the whole river basin with respect to the projects, which are likely to come up in the basin in future.

In general, the RMAC asked SACON to take up EIA / consultancy projects with conditions best for nature conservation.

It was also suggested that all invited / EIA / Consultancy / concept proposals should Noted for compliance. be submitted to the Internal Research All proposals developed are being routed Committee for discussion and vetting through IRC. before submitting to the funding agencies; however, the IRC should make its decision quick and fast.

22 17. Assessment of the morphological The recommendations of the last RMAC diversity and the ecological patterns in meeting have been taken note for

8 SN Observations of the 27th RMAC Action Taken by SACON the near threatened colonial water birds compliance. As per the advice of RMAC, across Indian sub-continent using novel the Principal investigator visited the approach Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata and used the stuffed specimens of birds for The RMAC noted the progress made by standardization of the video graphic the PI during the period under review. On method. The specimens were manually a specific query from the members of the measured first and then by video graphical committee with regard to the reason as to methods. The images from the specimens why the size of birds of northern part of were then measured using TPS software. India is larger than its counterparts in Finally, both the estimated and actual southern India as he has hypothesized, the lengths of specimens were compared, and PI said that sufficient data are being it was found that the results come in the collected from heronries in Kunthankulam. range of millimeter variation, and the The RMAC suggested that the PI should estimated results come very close to the not limit his data collection to actual values. These findings were Kunthankulam and should also collect data summarized in a manuscript the draft of personally from other bird colonies in which has been communicated for critical south India. The RMAC also said that the comments to subject experts. PI should also go to museums for data collection. The RMAC said that the PI should bring out the conservation implications / importance of the study.

23 18. Ecological and ethno-cultural Seminar cum workshop is scheduled to be examination of the rise and fall in rice held in association with Foundation for diversity in southern India with special Organic Agriculture and Rural reference to the Western Ghats Development (FOARD), Aluva, Kerala in October 2015. FOARD is an NGO active in The RMAC noted the progress made in the the areas of organic farming and project by the PI and also noted that PI agricultural biodiversity conservation. has planned to hold a workshop to the stakeholders after completion of the study.

Agenda No: 4/27 Completed Projects

24 7. Habitat assessment of Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary

The RMAC noted that with such a small Decision of the RMAC noted. grant, SACON undertook the project with

9 SN Observations of the 27th RMAC Action Taken by SACON multiple objectives/components. While appreciating the view of SACON that this study was undertaken with a small grant from the Kerala Forest Department just to maintain its relationship with the department, the RMAC said that SACON should also take into consideration the human resources and salary component of the PI, who hold a senior post, for undertaking such a small study.

25 Agenda No: 5/27; Project Proposals submitted to various funding agencies with the approval of the Internal Research Committee of SACON Noted for compliance. It would be ensured The RMAC noted that the above proposal that all proposals of SACON would be sent has been submitted to the funding agency to the Internal Research Committee for for its financial assistance. It further discussion and vetting before submitting advised that such proposals should go to to funding agencies. the Internal Research Committee for discussion and vetting.

26 6. Land use dynamics, disturbances and landscape patterns in the Mountain regions of South Asia

The RMAC noted that the above proposal Noted for compliance. has been submitted to the funding agency for its approval and financial assistance. The PI said that the project is being considered by the funding agency and the agency is likely to fund the study. The RMAC advised that such proposals should go to the Internal Research Committee for discussion and vetting.

27 7. Enhancing Livelihood options among Complied with the comments. The forest dependent tribal communities of proposal is being modified and will be Kerala: Exploring innovative mechanisms submitted to other agencies for funding. by income-health promotion

10 SN Observations of the 27th RMAC Action Taken by SACON The RMAC noted the submission of the project proposal to the funding agency. The RMAC advised that the PI should explore getting into a MoU with collaborating organizations before taking up the project.

One of the members of the RMAC said that decision of the funding agencies with respect to the projects mentioned at Sl. No: 4-5, has already been taken and hence the PI may submit these proposals, modifying the objectives and scope of the study, to the MoEF (Govt. of India) or other agencies for funding.

28 9. Study on Raptors in the Heronries of As per the RMAC suggestion, a broad Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary (VBS), Tamil report and proposal is being designed, Nadu highlighting the prevailing water scarcity and total breeding failure at Vedanthangal The RMAC suggested that the proposal bird sanctuary. should be developed further for large scale grant.

29 Any other item with the permission of the Chair

1. The RMAC advised that SACON The Importance of conserving biodiversity should expand its activities and need to outside the protected areas is noted for move out of the Protected Areas for compliance research projects.

2. The RMAC said that SACON should Noted for compliance develop larger multidisciplinary projects and submit to the MoEF or other funding agencies for funding. 3. The Director, SACON intimated The rules framed up by SACON with that SACON has formulated a new rule respect to the institutional charges and with the approval of the competent their apportionments have been approved authorities that whatever institutional by the competent authority for charges earned by the faculty 40% will go implementation at SACON. to a revolving fund from which the

11 SN Observations of the 27th RMAC Action Taken by SACON concerned faculty can draw funds for project needs such as fellowship to research students in case the funds are not received in time from the funding agency. Regarding deficit of funds for essential project needs (such as payment to the research fellows in time) some members of the RMAC felt that poor management of the budget component by the concerned PI may also be one of the reasons and advised the PIs to meticulously plan their project activities so that to an extend fund constraints may be avoided.

4. The RMAC felt the need for R & D During the FY 2014-15, we had requested grant to SACON and requested MoEF to Rs. 247/- lakhs under the R&D funds to the consider granting SACON a core grant for MoEF & CC through the Governing the same, which can be used as seed Council. However, the representatives of money for initiating larger projects. The the MoEF at the Governing Council RMAC also agreed to the suggestions of meeting said all proposals envisaged by the Faculty, SACON that the R & D grant SACON for R&D funds, need to be sent to allotted by the MoEF & CC should be kept the Ministry to its respective divisions for at the disposal of the RMAC. its consideration and the MoEF & CC cannot directly fund any R&D proposal bypassing the norms of the Ministry.

Hence, the scientists were asked to submit their research proposals for the R & D fund from ministry to it respective research divisions.

6. The RMAC further insisted that as As of now, SACON is organizing one-day advised earlier, that SACON should training camps / organizing scientific organize training programmes for the lectures frequently to the foresters / foresters on charge basis trainee foresters / IFS trainees of the Central Academy of State Forest Service, Coimbatore at SACON.

Apart from the above, we have envisaged weekly/ monthly courses viz., Certificate course ( and landscape

12 SN Observations of the 27th RMAC Action Taken by SACON ecology) and short-term courses (GIS and RS, Conservation Genetics, basic statistics and biodiversity conservation), and these courses would be taken up shortly 8 The RMAC also reiterated that all It is submitted that out of nearly 30 faculty members of SACON should pursue projects, only five are funded by the MoEF getting larger research projects, not only & CC from the MoEF but also from other national and international funding agencies.

30 For information of the RMAC Regarding Annual Research Seminar 2014 Due to other engagements, both the Member Secretary expressed his administrative and research, we could not gratitude to the members of the RMAC, hold the ARS in November 2014. Further and the special invitees for attending the some of the officials of the MoEF are also meeting. The member secretary intimated wanted to participate in the ARS of SACON that SACON would be organizing the Annual Research Seminar of SACON during Hence it is decided to have the ARS during November 2014. the August/September 2015 at Coimbatore

13

AGENDA NO:3/28

Consideration of the progress of the ongoing research projects/EIA studies

A. Ornithology, Avian Physiology and Conservation Ecology

1. Conservation of the Endangered Species and Habitats – The Edible-nest Swiftlet in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Principal Investigator : Manchi Shirish S Co-investigator : Chief Wildlife Warden, A&N Islands Research Fellows : Akshaya Mane Project Period : 17 Months Date of Commencement : April 2014 Date of Completion : March 2015 Budget : Rs 21,404.00/- Funding Source : MoEF & CC, Govt. of India Status : Ongoing

Summary Since 1999, significant increase in population has already occurred at the focal sites. We are in the process of establishing a population of Edible-nest Swiftlet in the houses; nest building has taken place and demonstrated that this approach will lead to far wider recoveries in population of the swiftlets and positively benefit these fragile islands. During 2014, almost 2715 chicks were fledged by 2086 breeding pairs (number of nests) in 205 caves at all three sites with average breeding success of 74 %. Between 2009 and 2014, more than 35 % of population growth was recorded in the caves of all the three protected sites combined. From three sites, around 11,690 chicks were estimated to be fledged. The harvesting started during 2009 and continued up to 2014. All together around 9000 (Almost 50% not in good condition) nests were harvested from all three sites during 2010 to 2014. During on-going season at all three sites together total more than 2350 (The number may increase by the end of the season) nests were counted. Fledging have commenced at all sites. Modifications in the newly constructed ex-situ houses are going on. Further to the provisional exclusion of the species from Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act, AFD and SACON should implement next phase of developing a marketing system, which would enable the local people of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to participate and truly benefit from the sustainable conservation of Edible-nest Swiftlet.

Background After the successful Phase-I (1999-2002) and Phase-II (2002-2008), since 2009 the Phase-III of the programme to conserve the Edible-nest Swiftlet in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands has been underway being implemented by the Department of Environment and Forests, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and SACON. Since 1999, significant progress has been made; up to a 75% increase in population has already occurred at the focal sites under protection. We are in the

14 process of establishing a population of Edible-nest Swiftlet in a custom-made house; nest building and egg-laying have taken place; demonstrating that this approach will lead to far wider recoveries in population of the species and positively benefit these fragile islands.

Objectives 1. Research and development 1. Design swiftlet houses attract and induce Edible-nest swiftlet to breed in human habitation. 2. To continue ongoing studies on the breeding ecology of the species 3. To study longevity and dispersal patterns of the Edible-nest swiftlet 2. In-situ conservation 1. Expansion of cave sites to Baratang Island in southern part of North and Middle Andaman Islands, where nest-collectors will be organised and supervised in scientifically managing Swiftlet colonies 2. To establish scientific harvesting systems 3. Ex-situ conservation 1. Expansion of the number of houses in which the Edible-nest swiftlet breed, thus establishing alternate populations and enabling widespread ranching of swiftlets from houses

Methodology 1. Research on population and biology of the Edible-nest Swiftlet is continued. entry-exit counts, egg laying, hatching and fledging success, and dispersal patterns by studying marked birds, is continued and the whole programme is continue to be under rigorous scientific monitoring. 2. All three sites, at Interview Island, Chalis Ek, Pattilevel and at the Bratang Island were being protected and studied under the conservation programme. Fourth site, South Button Island (a complex of 11 caves), was surveyed for incorporation in the conservation network. 3. As per the scientific methodology developed and established, each nest is identified and numbered and its history traced from commencement of construction until the fledging of chicks, thus ensuring successful breeding within the colony and growth in populations. 4. The colony of the Edible-nest Swiftlet at the house in Tugapur will be further augmented through the cross-fostering method. New houses were constructed and improved with reference to the designs in the South-east Asia and with further modifications according to the scientific information available and requirement of the local sub-species, so that house-ranching of Edible-nest Swiftlet will contribute to the economy of the islands as well as in building up populations of the species.

Results As the combined results from all three sites shows in-situ program in 2009 continued with the protection of total estimated population of 2474 birds with 72 % of breeding population in 29 caves (28 caves at Chalis-ek and a cave on Interview Island). During 2010 the population

15 depicted further growth of 58 % combined from both the sites and also 1117 birds from 175 caves at Wraffter’s Creek added in the calculation of protected population. With continuous increase total protected population at all three sites was estimated to be 5502 birds during 2012. Almost 2715 chicks fledged by 2086 Breeding pairs (number of nests) in 205 caves of all three sites with average breeding success of 74 %. In short total between 2009 and 2014, more than 35 % of population growth was recorded in the caves of all the three protected sites combined. From three sites, around 11,690 chicks were estimated as fledged. The harvesting started during 2009 and continued up to 2014. All together around 9000 (Almost 50% not in good condition) nests were harvested from all three sites during 2010 to 2014. After harvesting all the nests are dried and preserved by the forest department.

Recommendations It is strongly recommended that the Department of Environment and Forests [Andaman & Nicobar Islands (AFD)] and SACON continue to implement the work plan. Further to the exclusion of the species from Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act, AFD and SACON should proceed to the next phase of developing marketing system, which enables the local inhabitants of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to involve and truly benefit from the sustainable conservation of the Edible-nest Swiftlet.

Publications emanated from the project

Research Papers  Manchi, S. and R Sankaran. 2014. Effect of Protection on White-nest Swiftlet Collocalia fuciphaga in Andaman Islands, India- an assessment. Oryx 48(2), 213–217.  Pankaj Koparde and Manchi Shirish S. 2013. Avifaunal Records from Chalis Ek, North Andaman Island: Insights into Distribution of Some Andaman Island Birds, Check List 9(1): 034–041.  S. Manchi and R Sankaran. 2010. Foraging habits and habitat requirements of the Edible-nest Swiftlet and the Glossy Swiftlet in the Andaman Islands. Wilson Journal of Ornithology 122 (2): 259-272.  S. Manchi and R. Sankaran. 2009. Impact of the great earthquake of 2004 on limestone caves in North and Middle Andaman Islands, India. Current Science 97: 1230-1234.  S. Manchi and R. Sankaran. 2009. Predators of swiftlets and their nests in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Indian Birds. 5(4): 118-120

Presented in Conferences  Akshaya M. Mane & Manchi Shirish S. 2014. Participatory approach towards species conservation and livelihood generation in Andaman Islands, India: A Case-study, in Society for Conservation Biology Fiji 2014 conference on Resilient Island Ecosystem and Communities held in Suva, Fiji from 9th to 11th July 2014.  Akshaya M Mane & Shrish Manchi S. 2013. Abundance of the potential predators around the Edible-nest Swiftlets breeding caves at Baratang Island, (Edited by Jayapal R, Babu S, Quadros G, Arun P R, Pramod P, Kumara H N and Azeez P A.) Ecosystem Services

16 and Functions of Birds. Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Indian Ornithology, 19-23 November. Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore, India. 44-45 pp.  Akshaya M Mane & Shrish Manchi S. 2013. Does breeding stage affect the roosting behaviour of birds? - A case study of the Edible-nest Swiftlet in Andaman Islands, (Edited by Jayapal R, Babu S, Quadros G, Arun P R, Pramod P, Kumara H N and Azeez P A.) Ecosystem Services and Functions of Birds. Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Indian Ornithology, 19-23 November. Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore, India.182-183 pp.  Shirish S. Manchi. 2011. Review of an On-going Conservation Program of the Edible-nest Swiftlet in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. International Conference on Indian Ornithology, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History. Pp. 62-64. November 2011, Coimbatore, India.  S. Manchi and R. Sankaran. 2011. Conservation of the Edible-nest Swiftlet Aerodramus fuciphagus in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands: A critical analysis at International Conference and Training on Swiftlet Ranching, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terrenganu, Terrenganu, Malaysia, 17th -19th July 2011.  S. Manchi and R. Sankaran. 2011. Breeding Habitat requirements of the Edible-nest Swiftlet in North and Middle Andaman Islands at International Conference and Training on Swiftlet Ranching, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Kuala Terrenganu, Terrenganu, Malaysia, 17th -19th July 2011.

Popular Articles  Manchi Shirish S. 2014. WILD-O-PEDIA, SAEVUS, Vol-3 (6). Pp-26-29.  Manchi Shirish S. 2011. Conservation of the Edible-nest Swiftlet in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Souvenir of the International Conference on Indian Ornithology, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History. Pp. 22-23. November 2011, Coimbatore, India.  R. Madhuri and S. Manchi. 2009. Ravi Sankaran’s Circle. Current Conservation. September 2009: 21-22.

2. Status, Ecology and Conservation of Narcondam Hornbill Aeceros narcondami on Narcondam Island, India

Principal Investigator : Manchi Shirish S Project Period : 18 Months Date of Commencement : May 2011 Date of Completion : April 2014 (extension up to September 2015 requested) Budget : Rs 6,07,200/- Funding Source : MoEF & CC, Govt. of India, New Delhi Status : Ongoing

17

Summary Globally one of the most restricted range avian species, Narcondam Hornbill Aeceros narcondami, is found only on 6.82km2 Narcondam Island in Andaman and Nicobar Archipelago of India. Identifying this, the study was designed to understand life cycle traits and habitat requirements of the species towards its assured survival through formulation and advocacy of required conservation measures. The increased population of locally common Narcondam Hornbill on the island depicts that the species is doing well on the island. No direct or indirect detection of the feral goats, normal regeneration pattern of the forest and no poaching activity shows that the species and its habitat are safe on the island. As the conservation measure, it is now recommended that regular population monitoring of the Narcondam Hornbill should be done with no disturbance to its habitat.

Background The Narcondam Hornbill, also known as the Narcondam Wreathed Hornbill is distributed only on the 6.82km2 Narcondam Island in the North Andaman group. With several stresses, as the population trend of this globally endangered and restricted ranged species is believed to be in declining phase there is an urgency to understand ecological and evolutionary aspects of the species. In this view, each earlier study on the species and the Department of Environment and Forests (Andaman and Nicobar Islands) has suggested for an investigation on Narcondam Hornbill, especially, its life cycle traits and habitat requirements on the Island. Knowledge on the population status and its seasonal habitat requirements can help us identify the factors regulating population of the Narcondam Hornbill and lead us towards assured survival of the species and its habitat through formulation and advocacy of the required conservation measures.

Objectives 1. investigate population status of the Narcondam Hornbill 2. study the nesting and foraging habitat requirements of the Narcondam Hornbill 3. study breeding and non-breeding biology of the Narcondam Hornbill 4. identify threats, formulate and advocate conservation measures

Methodology Three belt transects of variable length were laid on different hill slopes in the island to understand population status of the Narcondam Hornbill. Each transect was walked through six times. Nests were located by searching middens bellow the nest and by calls by female or chicks. Relevant parameters of the nest hole and nest tree were recorded. Using Focal Nest Sampling three nests were observed once in a week, between 4:30 to 17:30 hrs, during March to May. Each identified nest was observed periodically to find its breeding success. Total 130 10x10m vegetation plots were laid following stratified random sampling method. Total 520 1x1m subplots were laid to measure impact of goats on forest regeneration through intensity of browsing. Vegetative and fruit samples of all the species are collected and preserved. A herbarium is prepared and the species identification is progressing. Opportunistic survey was

18 done to know food and foraging habits of the species, and seeds were collected from the middens bellow the nest hole. Discussions were made with the Police personal to understand current level of hunting, fire wood collection, and other disturbances by humans on the island.

Results The Narcondam Hornbills were found to be abundant on the Island. The encounter rate along the transects was 30.36±5.79. The estimated density of Narcondam Hornbill was 129±63 birds / km2 i.e. total 883 birds (estimated). On comparison with previous studies, the population shows considerable growth within a decade. More than six percent population was observed to be nesting with the nesting density of more than eight nests / km2. Of the 18 nests observed, 15 nests could fledge both the chicks and only one chick was found fledging from the remaining three nests. The nests of the Narcondam Hornbill were found on nine different tree species of different heights between 4m and 11m. Nest height, nest opening direction and nest tree GBH did not show any direct correlation with the nest success. Narcondam Hornbills were found quite opportunistic in their diet. Although males at the nests were seen bringing omnivorous food, majority of items were fruits of different types, mantids, spiders and grasshoppers. Total 21 types of seeds were identified from the middens. The population structure of the tree community shows normal reverse ‘J’ shaped curve. The good recruitment rate of young individuals and the stem density (598 stems / hectare) on the Narcondam Island seems to be normal. No direct or indirect signs of presence of feral goats were seen on the island. Narcondam Hornbills were not seeming disturbed by the Police personals. In addition, we could get indirect evidences of no poaching by policemen deployed on the islands because of the strong warnings from the higher officials. LPG facilities to the Police outpost have reduced the firewood collection.

We are still awaiting the response from the funding agency regarding extension of the project and release of grants sanctioned.

Recommendations It is recommended to have an arrangement made for commuting to and from the Narcondam Island and the nearest human habitation, to boost morale of the Police personal posted on the Narcondam Island. Additional LPG should be provided to the Police outpost to stop completely the firewood collection. Solar power system on the island should be repaired and put into use instead of the Diesel Generators to reduce disturbance to the nocturnal fauna on the island. In case feral goats are found in future, police personals should be allowed to eliminate them from the island. It is strongly recommended that there should be no further intervention of any sort on the island as the Narcondam Hornbill habitat seems to be recovering greatly there which is the only place in the world where the species is seen.

Publications Manchi S. S. and Kumar J. S. 2014. Sighting of the Blue-winged Pitta Pitta moluccensis on Narcondam Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Indian Birds 9 (1): 23-24 Manchi S., Rahmani A. R. and Mukherjee D. 2014. Grey-faced Buzzard Butastur indicus: First record from India. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 111(1).

19 3. Conservation of the Andaman Serpent-eagle Spilornis elgini in the Andaman Islands: Phase – I

Principal Investigator : Manchi Shirish S Co-investigator : Rishad Naoroji, Director, Raptor Research and Conservation Foundation, Research Fellows : Shivkumari Patel Project Period : 24 Months Date of Commencement : December 2014 Date of Completion : December 2016 Budget : Rs. 11,56,500/- Funding Source : Raptor Research and Conservation Foundation, Mumbai Status : Ongoing

Summary Andaman Serpent-eagle Spilornis elgini is an endemic raptor categorized in IUCN RedList as Near Threatened species. Data regarding its population, distribution and ecology is scarce and scattered. The publications regarding the species describe its occurrences on different islands and the species is always described as common. As every other raptor, it lacks focused studies. Forests of Andaman Islands are the only known primary habitat of this species. As the forests in these islands are under tremendous threat of logging it is important to know about the effects on the population of these birds. Also, hunting reports of these eagles from the islands have come forth and we do not know how all of these disturbances are affecting the species. In the preliminary Phase – I, we proposed to understand population distribution, abundance and habitat of the Andaman Serpent-eagle and the threats to the species in the Andaman Islands. This information will help us to design immediate conservation measures. The project work initiated during January 2015. Recently the permissions to conduct the study in the protected area were received from the Andaman Forest Department.

Background Only two Spilornis species, Andaman Serpent-eagle Spilornis elgini and Crested Serpent-eagle Spilornis cheela are known to be distributed in the Andaman Islands. Andaman Serpent-eagle is endemic to the Andaman group of islands. Based on the scarce literature available from the observations between 1988 and 2013, this resident species is believed to be locally common in suitable habitats (Vijayan 1999, Vijayan et. al. 2000, Naoroji 2006, Rajamamannan 2011, Rahmani 2012). The species is known to occur in different habitats. Globally the species is classified under Near Threatened category in the IUCN red data book. As per Birdlife International (2014) Andaman Serpent-eagle qualifies to be in Near Threatened category because of its moderately small range, and that the forests (habitat of the Andaman Serpent- eagle) in Andaman islands are under tremendous pressure from agriculture and development activities and also because the species is likely to decline concurrently. Considerably scarce and scanty documentation is available regarding population of the species. At present, the island groups are known to be under tremendous pressure from the increasing human activities and

20 the natural calamities. These natural and anthropogenic interventions caused by habitat destruction forced a direct/indirect stress on the species and its habitat in the islands. Though the species could be facing extinction due to habitat destruction on almost all the islands, the major problem for the species would likely be on the inhabited islands due to increased agriculture and developmental activities in addition to hunting of the species. It is now imperative to review the conservation status of the species and threats through focused population and habitat studies. This basic information would then be used to design and initiate conservation action along with further investigation to improve conservation strategies. Although the scope of the proposed study is limited to Andaman Serpent-eagle possible information regarding other raptors, will also be collected during the study and will be reported accordingly.

Objectives  Estimate population abundance and distribution of the Andaman-serpent Eagle on the large islands in Andaman. o What population of the Andaman Serpent-eagle exists in the Andaman Islands? o How the Andaman-serpent Eagle is distributed with respect to the forest types in Andaman Islands  Identify potential threats to the Andaman Serpent-eagle in Andaman islands o What are the potential threats to the population of the Andaman Serpent-eagle apart from deforestation?  Recommend immediate conservation measures for betterment of the Andaman Serpent-eagle and also identify the key sites for implementation of Phase – II

Methodology As the occupancy theory works on the presence-absence data therefore Area search method (Slater 1994, Dieni and Jones 2002, Watson 2004) is believed to be the most suitable to know presence of a forest dwelling, cryptic, high ranging and less dense species like Andaman- serpent eagle in a given area. For area search, the observation plots will be laid in the selected cells (25km2). The plots will be laid in all the habitats available in the selected cell. In addition to the area search method, we will also identify several vantage points from where observations will be taken covering a wide area. At these points, observations will be made during the late morning hours depending upon the weather conditions. Observations will be conducted for two to three hours at a single point. The opportunistic observations regarding mortality, predation or hunting of the adult, sub-adult and chicks will be recorded. To gain detailed information about threats known to be affecting population of the Andaman-serpent eagle snowball method (Atkinson and Flint 2001) will be used. The information will be collected from the key people like poachers/hunters, people from forest dwelling habitations, and others who directly or indirectly are related to raptors. Based on the information generated from the objective 1 & 2 the key areas will be identified for implementation of the immediate conservation measures. The conservation measures will be recommended and advocacy will be initiated for implementation of the same at the identified key sites.

Results

21 As per work plan proposed the research scholar in the project was appointed and the survey was initiated during February 2015. Permissions were received from Andaman Forest Department to carry on the data collection in the protected areas.

Recommendations As the project work is just initiated, it is too early to make any recommendations.

4. Owl Assemblage and occupancy in Andaman archipelago, India

Principle Investigator : S Babu Co-Investigators : H N Kumara Research Fellows : S Suresh Marimuthu & N Rajeshkumar Project period : Three years Date of Commencement : 19th June 2013 Expected Date of Completion : 18th June 2016 Budget : Rs. 41,17,000/- Expenditure till date : Rs. 18,90,126/- Funding source : SERB-DST Status : On-going Collaborative Agencies : NA

Summary In addition to the north Andaman road surveys, 40 more points were taken in the middle Andaman to elucidate distribution pattern of owls in Andaman using three survey protocols. Thirty five offshore islands were surveyed. Analysis of species combinations and C-score indicates that species composition of the study community was not structured by the inter- specific competition alone. 75 grids were covered for occupancy. Except Barn Owl, remaining four species have high naïve occupancy, which is above 0.80.

Objectives (1) How do offshore islands’ size, degree of isolation and habitat diversity (alone or combination of all) determine the assemblage of owls in the Andaman archipelago? (2) What are the habitat covariates influence the distribution and occupancy of owls in the North Andaman?

Methodology Objective one: Reconnaissance survey was carried out in 118 points covering entire North Andaman. Degree of isolation and size of the offshore islands in North Andaman was determined. Number of owl census points within each selected island was determined by stratified random sampling method considering island size as stratum variable. Point count method was adapted to sample owls in those selected islands. Three standard sampling protocols viz., initial quiet listening, broadcasting of conspecific calls and spotlight searches were followed in each point count station to assure the occurrence of owls. In each of owl

22 census point, habitat diversity of offshore islands was assessed at structural class level using Point Centered Quarter method.

Objective two: Site occupancy framework was followed to identify the habitat covariate that influences owl occupancy. Four km2 spatial grids were considered as individual sampling unit; however, alternative grids were sampled. In all selected grids, owl sampling was conducted using protocols that are mentioned in objective one. In addition, sampling covariates such as climate, moon status and breeding season and habitat covariates were also quantified in all owl census points. At present, habitat covariates were quantified at three levels: site, habitat and landscape to elucidate factor that might influence occupancy of owls in the North Andaman.

Results In addition to the north Andaman road surveys, 40 more points were taken in the middle Andaman to elucidate distribution pattern of owls in Andaman using three survey protocols. We surveyed 35 offshore islands of North and Middle Andaman. All five species recorded from Andaman were found to inhabit the islands surveyed. Out of five species, four are insectivorous and canopy dwellers in nature. Oriental Scops owl was recorded more commonly in all surveyed islands than endemic Andaman Scops owl. However, other three species are found in more or less equal proportion in the offshore islands of Andaman. Presence-absence matrix of all species of owls collected from 35 offshore islands were analyzed for testing the Diamond’s Assembly rules, inter-specific interaction, using two statistical indices viz., number of species combinations (for first and second Diamond’s assembly rules, which hypothesis that number of species combinations predicted to be less than expected by chance) and C-score (for fifth diamond’s assembly rule; which presumes that C-score value should be greater than expected by chance to support the rule). Number of species combinations (Observed index=8.00; Expected index=7.046) and C-score (Observed index=0.80; Expected index=0.89) were not found to be significantly different from the null values produced using Sequential Swap Algorithm and Random Knight’s Tour Algorithm (p>0.05). From the above results, it is found that species composition of the study community was not structured by the inter-specific competition. The project has covered only half of the islands and hence, the results should be treated as preliminary in nature.

We tested the effectiveness of various census methods used for owl sampling and it was found that encounter rate was higher during the call playback method in all species except Andaman Scops Owl. Compared to spotlight searches, Initial Quiet Listening method appears to be effective sampling method in Andaman.

The detection probability of owls was ranged from 0.06 for Barn Owl to 0.71 for Hume’s Hawk Owl. Except Barn Owl, remaining four species have high naïve occupancy, which is above 0.80. This shows that all lesser owls are found in high abundance in North Andaman.

Discussion and recommendations Andaman Barn Owls are using tree holes for roosting and nesting in natural forests, which is seldom or absent in mainland India. Selective logging of large hole-bearing trees, which is

23 happening in north Andaman, may give negative impact on the population of Andaman Barn Owl. Furthermore, it may also force them to occupy human modified structures as like the mainland India.

5. Assessing the status and distribution of avifauna within the coastal talukas of Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra

Principle Investigator : S Babu Co-Investigators : Goldin Quadros Research Fellows / TA : G Babu Rao, Amit J Patil, Bhupendra B Shirke & Rajan Surve Project period : Two years Date of Commencement : 10th September 2014 Expected Date of Completion: 9th September 2016 Budget : Rs. 31,32,000/- Expenditure till date : Rs. 7,71,812 Funding source : GOI-UNDP-GEF-Mangrove Cell, Mumbai Status : On-going Collaborative Agencies : NA

Summary Mangrove cell, Mumbai funded the project to assess the shorebird population and factors influencing them in the Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. We recorded around 200 species of birds along the coastal stretches of the district with 77 wetland dependent species. Overall, the shorebirds (waders) density is low in all the natural habitats surveyed. However, the abundance of plovers and stilts were higher in salt pans and aquaculture ponds. Stray dogs and increasing number of tourism are the major threats to the shorebirds in the coastal areas.

Objectives 1. Explore the relationships between environmental variables, habitat structure and impacts of human activities influencing the abundance of avian communities within the coastal areas of Deogad, Malvan and Vengurla talukas of Sindhudurg District 2. Spatial and temporal patterns of avifaunal diversity and density of avifauna 3. Breeding and nesting success of birds at Burnt Island and White-bellied sea-eagle 4. Establish a long term monitoring protocol for breeding birds at Burnt Island and for avian population at Sindhudurg coastal and marine ecosystem using bird ringing as also one of the monitoring protocols.

Methodology Seven creeks and two human modified landscapes are selected, considering the length of the river, degree of anthropogenic pressure and spatial representation, for surveying the shorebirds and habitat parameters (physico-chemical properties of water, sediment structure and benthos) in the Sindhudurg district. Within each creek, up to three observation points are established to understand the habitat use pattern of shorebirds in three major habitats viz.,

24 sandy beaches, mudflat and mangrove. Total count method was followed to count the birds. Each creek was surveyed twice in a month to document the spatial and temporal pattern in distribution and abundance of birds. Breeding and nesting success of birds at Burnt Island and White-bellied sea-eagle will be assessed using standard protocols used for birds.

Results A total 200 species of birds are recorded so far including 77 wetland dependent birds. Among them, 24 species are shorebirds. Lesser and Greater Sand Plovers are common and abundant in all the creeks except at Vengurla Bandar. Out of seven creeks selected for sampling, 40 species each were recorded at Mochemad and Mithbav creeks. Based on our preliminary analysis, we found that few shorebirds (Broad billed sandpiper, Curlew sandpiper, Terek Sandpiper, Dunlin etc.,) are using this coastal stretch as stop-over site and not as a regular wintering ground. However, further observation during subsequent years may probably shed light on this pattern. Approximately 30 thousand mixed groups of gulls (Black-headed gull, Brown-headed gull, Pallas’s gull, Heuglin’s gull, Steppe gull and Slender-billed gull) were recorded at Mithbhav and Mochemad. Seven species of gulls were recorded; Brown headed gull and Pallas’s gulls were abundant. Twenty five individuals of White-bellied sea-eagles were recorded during field surveys from eight localities viz., Devgad, Mithbav, Achara, Karli, Devbag, Nivti, Vengurla Bandar and Mochemad. We found 30 nests from three localities. Out of 30 nests, only four nests are located one km apart and rest of them are within one kilometer distance. We have not carried out intensive search for nest sites of sea-eagles and we will be doing it by end of October. Population survey and nesting success of white-bellied sea-eagle is presently being undertaken. By the end of this survey, we expect the data on the population status, nest site and nesting success of White-bellied sea-eagle along the coast. Stray dogs and increasing number of tourism are the major threats to the shorebirds in the coastal areas. Discussion and recommendations

Overall shorebirds (waders) density is low in all the natural habitats surveyed. However, the abundance of plovers and stilts were higher in salt pans and aquaculture ponds. We presume that shorebirds may utilize this site as passage ground/ stop-over sites rather than wintering ground. However, to address this issue, continuous monitoring of the site for over a year will be required. Stray dogs were observed to chase the shorebirds.

25

B. Landscape Ecology

6. Study on ecosystem requirements of hornbills (Great pied, Malabar pied, Indian grey and Malabar grey) in Munnar Landscape Project Area

Principal Investigator : P Balasubramanian Co-investigator : P V Karunakaran Research fellows : L Prakash and Mohamed Ibrahim N Project period : One year (January2015 – December 2015) Date of commencement : January 2015 Date of Completion : December 2015 Budget : Rs10.36 Lakhs Expenditure till Date : Rs 1.00/- lakh Funding source : UNDP Status : Ongoing

Summary Fieldwork covered six major areas namely Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Thattekad Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary, Cardamom Hills Reserve, Idamalayar Range, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Anaimudi Shola National Park. Only one species (Malabar Grey Hornbill) was sighted in Thattekad wildlife and bird sanctuary and Idamalayar Range. Hornbill distribution Map created with the available information, which will be updated in the future. Fieldwork could not be continued from March 2015 due to certain political issues in regard to the implementation of the projects in Munnar Landscape.

Objectives 1. Assess the distribution of hornbills in Munnar Landscape and develop a hornbill distribution map 2. Locate hornbill nesting locations and find out important nest tree species 3. Identify important foraging habitats of hornbills and find out their food tree species and assess the threats 4. Chart out the ecosystem requirements of hornbills and suggest conservation measures

Methodology Hornbill Census: Reconnaissance surveys are being carried out in different habitats of the Munnar Landscape. Hornbill surveys are done by Line Transect method. The habitats likely to be surveyed include evergreen forest, semi-evergreen forest, moist deciduous forest, dry deciduous forest, mixed forest, lowland riparian forest and plantations. During the surveys, the geo-coordinates of the locations of hornbill sightings are noted by using a GPS.

26

Mapping Hornbill distribution: Based on the geo-coordinates of locations where hornbills were sighted distribution maps are prepared. The base map in soft copies of the spatial data of Munnar Landscape (shape files) may be made available through the consultant who is working on landcover landuse component of project authority. In addition, hornbill nesting locations map will be prepared based on the field data on nest sites. All mapping exercise will be carried out using ArcGIS platform.

Identification of hornbill nesting locations and nest trees: As hornbills are known to use cavities of trees for nesting, potential nesting locations will be frequently visited during breeding season and nest trees will be located. Nest trees will be identified by examining the occurrence of seed middens at the bottom of the nest trees. Usually tribal people will be employed to lead us to the nest sites used by the hornbills in the past few years. Nesting will be also confirmed by following breeding pair of hornbills and breeding male carrying fruit to the nest.

Documenting the fruit species consumed by hornbills: Food habits of hornbills will be quantified by using focal animal sampling method. During non-breeding season, foraging observations will be made while walking along transects in the study area by following foraging individuals/flocks. The species of fruit consumed by hornbills will be noted. The breeding season diet will be determined by observing fruit deliveries at nest by males and nest midden analysis.

Results Field work covered six major areas namely Idukki wildlife Sanctuary, Thattekad wildlife and bird Sanctuary, Cardamom Hill Reserve, Idamalayar Range, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Anaimudi Shola National Park. Only one species (Malabar Grey Hornbill) was sighted. This species was recorded in Thattekad wildlife and bird sanctuary (n=4) and Idamalayar Range (n=1). Literature sources indicate the occurrence of all the four species of hornbills in Munnar Landscape. A hornbill distribution map was created with the available data.

7. Developing site-specific eco-restoration protocol based on existing community requirements in Munnar Landscape Project Area

Principal Investigator : P V Karunakaran Co-Investigator : Mathew K Sebastian Research Personnel : Anoop NR and S Nagendran Project period : One year Date of commencement : January 2015 Expected date of completion : December 2015 Budget : Rs. 17.73 lakh Expenditure till date : Rs. 2,25,029.00 Funding source : United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Status : Ongoing Collaborating agency : Nil

27

Summary A major conservation issue, particularly in the tropics is habitat loss and fragmentation due to developmental activities and increasing human populations. Munnar landscape has an intricate development history such as Grow More Food Programme, High Range Colonization Scheme, Co-operative Settlement Scheme, Settlement of Agricultural Labourer, river valley projects, extensive commercial and forestry plantations, and extensive collection of forest resources has lead into the degradation and fragmentation of pristine habitats. Hence, eco-restoration has been identified as one of the major projects under the India High Range Landscape Project (Munnar Landscape Project).

Objectives The major objectives of the projects are (i) Identify, document and prioritize sites/habitats in the landscape for eco-restoration activities, (ii) Conduct review and document the eco- restoration practices presently adopted by KFD, (iii) Review the existing acts and policies related in the light of conflicting interest between development and local community, (iv) Develop monitoring protocol with baseline information, and (v) Develop a protocol containing innovative and cost-effective eco-restoration practices for each identified site/habitat in the landscape based on the existing community requirement in the light of existing acts and policies

Methodology

Identify, document and prioritize sites/habitats requiring eco-restoration activities: This may be approached through the examination of forestry and developmental activities carried out in the region, floral and faunal species composition of the area, landscape analysis and climatic, edaphic and topographic features. The HVBAs under the control of territorial forest divisions of Forest Department in HRML and with Revenue Department will be inventoried. Further, HVBAs lying in areas outside government control particularly interspersed areas of tea gardens, needs knowledge generation ‘from scratch’ and document HVBAs/fragments (extent, number and location), biological richness, range of ecosystem services provided, magnitude of livelihoods supported, threat perception etc. Study of local bio-physical factors is necessary to understand the intensity of problems, nature of limiting factors and ways of restoration. Based on the data collected the hired agency will prepare location specific rehabilitation/eco-restoration activities.

GIS mapping of the prioritized habitats/sites: The shortlisted or prioritized sites for eco- restoration will be mapped at appropriate scale (preferably 1:25000 scale) as baseline information and for facilitating monitoring.

Document quantifiable baseline information for future monitoring: Carry out baseline survey to document vegetation composition, animal communities (limited to vertebrates) and other relevant factors such as soil and water quality, etc as quantifiable/measurable baseline information for future monitoring in the identified sites/habitats for eco-restoration.

28 Review the existing eco-restoration practices being adopted by KFD and document best practices: Presently eco-restoration activities are being carried out in Pas as stopgap arrangement. However, those activities need to be evaluated through literature survey, review of studies carried out in and around the landscape and reconnaissance survey of the present study, to understand the impact of activities carried out. Focus should also be given on cost- effectiveness of the methods adopted and effectiveness of various methods. Based on the review of activities already adopted by KFD, case studies/ success stories/ best practices should be documented.

Document and review the existing community requirements: The study should also review and document the existing community requirements such as potential activities using local resources for their economic upliftment, resources that need to be eliminated from forest as part of eco-restoration and the same may be used by the local communities for their sustainable livelihood (e.g. wattle and eucalyptus as fuel wood). Review the existing acts and policies in the light of conflicting interest between development and local community. This will yield information on assessment of scope of using forest resources without conflicting the conservation interest. This information would be highly useful in devising strategies to eliminate exotics from forest as part of eco-restoration activities and get wholehearted support from local community and improving better relation with KFD.

Develop criteria for measuring the success of eco-restoration activities and develop a monitoring protocol: Using the baseline information generated for future monitoring, scientifically robust procedures for monitoring and documenting the ‘success’ of restoration experiments should be developed. The monitoring protocol should contain indicators of success, periodicity (monthly, biannually, annually, etc) and proforma for monitoring.

Develop strategies and action plans to restore areas/habitats: The hired agency is expected to provide roadmap for innovate and cost-effective eco-restoration practices to be adopted in the prioritized sites/habitats in the landscape, quantifiable baseline information along with monitoring protocol, periodicity of monitoring, institutional arrangements for monitoring and documentation, ways of reducing anthropogenic stress on habitats, case studies/ success stories/ best practices based on the review of practices already adopted by KFD along with maximum possible details.

Results Since the project is ongoing, no specific results are presented. However, the progress made so far includes collection of secondary information (Spatial/non special data) on degraded forest areas and the type of dependency by local people for NTFP and other resources from this landscape. Non-spatial information’s were collected from the forest administrative documents, published scientific papers and. We also recorded the success models from different parts of Western Ghats and other tropical countries towards restoration. Shifting cultivation, construction of reservoirs, raising monoculture plantations (commercial and forestry) and forest fire are the major problem for the degradation of vegetation in the landscape. The available spatial data on forest degradation was gathered from vegetation map prepared by

29 French Institute, Pondicherry. The available socio economic status of the people in the study area was collected from Department of Economics & Statistics and Department of Forests and Wildlife.

8. Landuse and Management Plans for the Production Landscapes in Munnar Landscape Area

Principal Investigator : P V Karunakaran Co-Investigator : Mathew K Sebastian Research Fellow : E Kanthaiya Aadhavan, V Gayathri& G Uma Project period : One year Date of commencement : January 2015 Expected date of completion: December 2015 Budget : Rs. 19.71 Expenditure till date : Rs 4,08,140 Funding source : United nations Development Programme Status : Ongoing Collaborating agency : Nil

Summary The High Range Landscape of Kerala was subjected to extensive commercial and forestry plantations by cutting down the natural forests. Since the area is highly complex in its structure and attributes, the impact of such conversion on conservation was incredibly huge and large spectrum of both plants and animals are affected due to this. In order to address this issue, it was envisaged to mainstream the production activities with conservation of biodiversity. Hence, to facilitate such policy level intervention a project entitled as landuse and management plans for production landscape was identified under the Munnar Landscape Project..

Objectives The project envisages the following objectives, (i) Identification and mapping of different commercial and forestry production landuses, (ii) Characterizing the production landscapes, (iii) Assessing the ecological and conservational importance of production landscapes, (iv) Identification of management threats/issues that impede biodiversity conservation and environmental health in the production landscape, (v) Conduct review of the management inputs into different production landscapes, (vi) Develop a tool kit (spatial data base) on production landscapes of the project area and (vii) Develop landuse management plan with specific strategies for mainstreaming biodiversity conservation for different production landscapes

Methodology Identify and map the different commercial and forestry production landuses: This may be approached through the examination of existing landuses with the help of satellite data and ancillary information. The production landscapes both under government and private

30 ownership will be inventoried.

Characterizing the production landscapes: The production landscapes will be characterized based on their ownership, management inputs and present status. The production areas will be owned by both government and private enterprises and varies with their size, especially in the case of cardamom. It may also be characterized by the input energy in the form of silviculture operations (for forestry plantations), and chemically intensive to organic in the case of cash crops.

Assessing the ecological and conservational importance of production landscapes: The production landscape as such and the one, which encompass other landuses, provide habitat for many components of biodiversity as shelter, ranging and food. In addition to this, they also function towards ecological integrity of the landscape elements through nutrient dynamics, water balance and maintaining microenvironment. Data on presence and absence of key floral and faunal elements (habitat utilization through secondary or primary evidences) and physical factors will be collected /collated to assess conservation importance of these production landscape elements.

Review the existing management inputs into the production landscapes: The various management inputs ranging from forestry practices to chemically intensive and organic or semi organic of production landscapes both commercial, cash crops and agricultural/orchards will be collected to understand the impact of activities carried out. Focus should also be given on comparing the chemical vs. organic farming especially in the case of cardamom. This would also help in documenting the best practices being carried out in the landscape.

Document and review the existing conservation measures taken by different agencies in their production areas: The stakeholders or the entrepreneurs such as large tea estate owners or cardamom growers might have implemented certain environmental/biodiversity conservation measures in their production areas. Such input might have given certain desirable results as well. Hence, it is imperative to document such practices and if found scalable may be promoted for the similar situations

Develop landuse management plan for production landscapes: After completing the above- mentioned data collection at the scale of production landscape elements, consultative meeting should be held with different stakeholders on formulating strategies for the management. Draft strategies will be presented by the hiring team separately for each production landscapes and the same will be finalized in the consultation meeting and incorporated in the management plan.

Results The progress made so far includes the details of different plantations (commercial, forestry and agriculture) in the landscape area and information on habitat utilization by certain large fauna and on human wildlife conflict. Most of this information is collected through secondary sources such as working plans, management plans, administrative reports and published materials since

31 fieldwork could not be started yet due to logistic problems. It is found that the major production activities in the project area are forestry plantations of eucalyptus, teak, acacia by Forest and Wildlife Department and Kerala State Forest Development Corporation.

Another major commercial activity is the tea industry and cardamom industry that cover major part of the high range areas. Tea is owned by only two entrepreneurs and cardamom is grown by many small, medium and larger growers. Tea estates and the interspersed natural vegetation are profusely used by wild fauna both major and small herbivores but conflicts are minimum. Regarding cardamom, the input varies with type of growers and it was found that most of the farmers are using huge amount of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. There are some small farmers who are interested in organic farming and they developed own marketing mechanism. Agriculture practices in the easten Anjanad valley is the third major production activities where in cultivation of vegetables, fruits, sugar cane and rice paddies are found. Since the area is fairly populated with wildlife, many incidents of crop raiding and other conflicts are reported.

C. Conservation Biology

9. Ecological species sorting in relation to habitat structure in the small cat guild of Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh.

Principal Investigator : Shomita Mukherjee Co-Investigators : Karunakaran PV and Ramana Athreya Research Fellows : To be selected. Advertisement sent Project Period : 3 years Date of Commencement : December 2013 Date of Completion : November 2016 Budget : Rs 48,08,000.00 Expenditure till date : Rs 10,52,126.00 Funding Source : Department of Science and Technology, GoI Status : Ongoing Collaborative Agencies : Ramana Athreya’s laboratory, IISER (Pune)

Summary Nine of the 15 species of felids found in India occur in the North-East, perhaps the richest anywhere in the world. Cat morphology frequently indicates evolutionary origins with long tails suggesting arboreality and short tails, adaptation to open habitats. Yet, literature suggests considerable flexibility in the choice of habitats by most felids. We propose to explore if felid morphology is strictly related to habitat structure, facilitating co-existence particularly in a high diversity region. This project aims to study this in Eaglenest Sanctuary in the West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh, through non-invasive sampling using scats, molecular tools, camera trapping and spatial analysis on the GIS platform. We have to date begun sampling for scats and have deployed camera traps using two different sampling designs. We have captured

32 all cats recorded from Eaglenest earlier and have recorded the presence of 3 distinct morphs of the golden cat from a very small region within the Sanctuary.

Objectives 1. Examine the role of morphology in spatial distribution patterns and habitat associations in small and medium cats in EWS. 2. Examine the relationship between body size and diet for felids in EWS. 3. Compare conventional techniques for surveying small carnivores for cost effectiveness and information obtained.

Methodology A vegetation map is being prepared by using the Geographical Information System (GIS) platform and data derived from information sources such as Survey of India Toposheets, satellite images, GPS points and field inventory. GPS receivers will be used to identify the coordinates of ground truth points during field surveys. Forest vegetation map of the Sanctuary will be prepared through supervised classification of satellite images. Apart from this, data on climatic variables (temperature and rainfall, light levels) will also be collected across altitudes using weather stations with relevant sensors.

Scats are collected along the motorable road running through Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary and along trails inside the forest. GPS coordinates; date and relevant information for each scat location are noted. Scats are transferred in alcohol to Dr Ramana Athreya’s laboratory for further analysis using molecular tools for assignment to species as well as determine diet.

Heat sensory camera traps have been deployed for opportunistic as well as systematic sampling in order to maximise results to inventory species as well as quantify results of habitat use. We are comparing several sampling designs for camera trapping in mountainous terrain with dense forests. The first design is of 30 cameras 500m apart in a cluster for 20 days, the second of 30 cameras in 15 randomly picked grids(2 cameras per 1 sq km grid) across the sanctuary and the third of 30 cameras in 30 randomly picked grids (1 camera per grid) across the sanctuary. Sampling will be done close to the road as well as deep inside the forest and results from these will be compared.

A replicate sampling with camera traps for the month of summer in one of the areas was conducted. 28 camera traps were deployed for a period of 20 days in May 2015.

Results A digitized boundary for Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary was procured along with a map of the road running through the Sanctuary, from earlier studies conducted there. Based on this, the area was gridded in 1 km sq units for sampling. To date we used a 2 km buffer on either side of the road to conduct our sampling.

LISS IV imageries for the area have been procured and the GIS analysis for vegetation structure in underway. Structural aspects of the habitat (percent of canopy cover) are collected around

33 each camera trap as well as on trails inside the forest. This will be used as ground truthing points once the GIS analysis is completed.

Permits from the Arunachal Pradesh Forest Department to begin work were obtained in August 2014. A Program Fellow was appointed on the project in September 2014 and field work was initiated from November 2014.

A total of 365 scats were collected from November 2014 to March 2015. Scat analysis was initiated in March 2015 and we have extracted DNA from 64 scats to date. 60% of these have tested positive for felids. Sequence results are awaited.

30 heat sensor camera-traps have been procured along with 3 weather stations and 3 GPS units. Permission for beginning sampling was received in August 2014 and a student was recruited in the same month. Sampling commenced in November 2014. To date a total of 3150 camera trap nights in winter have been covered in 2 sampling designs. The cluster design has been used in 3 areas (Lama to Eaglenest Pass, Pass to Chacko, Chacko to Bompu) while the second design used 15 randomly picked grid with 2 cameras in each grid for 45 days. In addition 560 camera traps nights in summer (as a comparison for one site only) have been covered in May 2015.

Camera trap data shows the presence of leopard cat, golden cat, marbled cat and clouded leopard apart from several other species such as red panda, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan marten, Himalayan palm civet, serow, goral, barking deer, sambar, wildboar, porcupine, Arunachal macaque, Temminck’s tragopan, hill partridge, khaleej and some unidentified rodents. Camera trapping is ongoing and we are collating records with respect to habitat, aspect and altitude and will begin analysis once we complete sampling.

Camera trapping results show the presence of several morphs of golden cat, the patterned/’Ocelot’ morph has not been recorded from India before. It is interesting to note that all these morphs occur within a very small area within Eaglenest WLS.

10. Determining the taxonomic and conservation status of the Forest Owlet (Heteroglaux blewitti).

Principal Investigator : Shomita Mukherjee Co-Investigators : Robin Vijayan and Prachi Mehta Research Fellow : Pankaj Koparde Project Period : 3 years Date of Commencement : April 2013 Date of Completion : March 2016 Budget : Rs 30,52,000.00 Expenditure till date : Rs 14,25,503.00 Funding Source : Department of Biotechnology, GoI Status : Ongoing

34 Collaborative Agencies : Dr Uma Ramakrishnan’s laboratory, NCBS, (Bangalore)

Summary The Forest Owlet (Heteroglaux blewitti) is a Critically Endangered, endemic species distributed in less than ten locations in India. This species was rediscovered in 1997 after a gap of 113 years when it was believed to be extinct. Its distribution is extremely patchy with no information on connection between various populations. Its primary habitat is under severe threat from anthropogenic pressure, which has probably led to the extinction of some earlier pockets of populations. On another issue, a recent article speculated on the possible hybridization of the Forest Owlet with the Spotted Owlet (Athene brama) which met with severe criticism. However, there is no scientific evidence for or against this claim. The current proposal aims to study the phylogeography of the Forest Owlet to examine genetic connectivity between various populations, examine its molecular taxonomy and phylogeny with other owls and resolve the issue of possible hybridization with Spotted Owlet. The study is based on molecular analysis of feather, and pellet samples collected non-invasively as well as tissue samples of dead birds found during field sampling. This is the first time that genetic data has been generated for the Forest Owlet, which is Critically Endangered and endemic to India. From our analysis using mitochondrial and nuclear data we show that the Forest Owlet falls within the Athene genus, though the results need further support from more genetic data. To explore the species distribution range, we have built climatic niche models and refined them with recent species records. These models suggest that the species may occur in intervening areas of its present locations in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and . We are in the process of building past distribution of the species using past climate data, to understand if climate is driving the distribution of the species. In the future, we will attempt to use Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) using Ultra Conserved Elements (UCE) to obtain larger breadth of data from mitochondrial as well as nuclear genomes for more robust phylogenetic analysis.

Methods Sample Collection/Field-work – Samples for the phylogeny work were collected during 2013-14 from Madhya Pradesh. Additionally we collected samples (non-invasively) of other owls (jungle owlet and spotted owlet) from several locations across India, including samples housed in museums and feathers from rescue centers.

Laboratory Work - Data collection and literature survey – Taxonomic data was obtained from taxonomic monographs, field guides and research articles. Spatial distribution data of species of interest was downloaded from portal. Point location data of Forest Owlet was collected from previously published articles (type localities) and very recent records (e.g. Forest Owlet record from Tansa in Maharashtra and another one from Gujarat) from on-going field studies.

Standardization of Protocols

35 Commercially available extraction kits were used to extract DNA from feathers, tissue and egg shells. Published Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) primers were used for amplifying two mitochondrial genes - Cytochrome b-oxidase (Cyt b) and Cytochrome oxidase I (CO I) genes, a nuclear exon - Recombination Activating Gene – 1 (RAG-1) and a nuclear intron – Tissue Growth Factor B2 (TGF B2). We designed two owlet specific primers targeting CO I. For museum samples, we designed five short-range PCR primers using reference sequences downloaded from < http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/>. All the PCR primers used for amplifying a particular region of DNA were standardized for optimal annealing temperature for each gene and species. PCR products were visualized for amplification success on a 2% agarose gel (Bangalore Genei, Bangalore, India). Products were sent for sequencing using the Sanger method.

Data analysis Climatic niche models using 5 non-correlated temperature and moisture data were constructed. Previous models that we built were improved with new records of Forest Owlet from Maharashtra. For the phylogeny, Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian trees were built with concatenated information from mitochondrial and nuclear data.

Results Climatic Niche Models (CNM) of Forest Owlet: Previously we had built CNMs of Forest Owlet for Central India. We have added additional point location data from Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra in a previous CNM and re-run the analysis for India. The present CNM (Figure 1) shows that the species may occur in additional areas in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Gujarat. Recently, the species was reported from Poorna Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat. This location (not shown on the map, since the record is not published) falls in the high probability area of the distribution model. This partially validates the model; however, extensive surveys in the predicted area of presence are needed to test the power of prediction. We are attempting CNM for Forest Owlet, Spotted Owlet and Jungle Owlet using past climate data from mid Holocene (~6000 years ago), last glacial maxima (~20000 years ago) and last inter-glacial (~120000-140000 years ago) to understand if climate has shaped the species present distribution.

Figure 1. MaxEnt (Maximum Entropy) model of distribution of Forest Owlet. Green color indicates high probability of suitable climatic niche. Blue circle indicate Forest Owlet locations.

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Molecular phylogeny of Owlets: We have generated genetic sequences for Cytochrome B-oxidase (CYTB), Cytochrome oxidase I (CO I), recombination activating gene I exon (RAG I) and tissue growth factor B-2 intron (TGF B2) for Forest Owlet, Spotted Owlet and Jungle Owlet. Variable site analysis shows that RAG I and TGF B2 have fewer number of variable and informative sites (Table 1).

Our phylogenetic analysis shows that Forest Owlet and Spotted Owlet are not sister species.

However, the relationship among Athene and Heteroglaux members is not well-supported even after addition of nuclear DNA data in the analysis.

The mitochondrial and nuclear gene trees are incongruent at certain nodes. To resolve this, we will be adding one more nuclear intron – Myoglobin intron 2 in the analysis. A recent publication by Wink et al. (2014) suggests that Ninox superciliaris is a sister to Athene cunicularia. N. superciliaris was missing from our dataset, since the sequence was not available on NCBI. We are attempting to include this species in our dataset, which will probably resolve the issue with low nodal support due to incomplete taxon sampling.

We are attempting to sequence ultra conserved elements (UCEs) which are highly conserved regions with variable flanking sites. These elements can be used to study phylogeny as well as phylogeography.

We will be analyzing the current Sanger sequencing data for divergence time estimation and ancestral area reconstruction. This will provide insight into biogeography of the Owlets. This information along with CNMs built using past climate data will provide a deeper insight into species distribution.

Table 1. Percentage of variable and informative sites. OG: including several species as outgroups in the alignment; NOG: only Athene and Heteroglaux (only ingroup) members in the alignment.

Gene Genome Sequence length Percentage of Percentage of name (including gaps) variable sites parsimony informative sites OG NOG OG NOG OG NOG CYTB mitochondrial 1041 1037 53 28 45 23 CO I mitochondrial 561 561 42 24 39 18 RAG I nuclear exon 948 948 16 2 11 1

37 TGF B2 nuclear intron 605 596 22 4 14 2

Discussion The present CNM suggests that the species is widespread than earlier thought and additional surveys in predicted areas may recover missing data in species distribution.

Although our phylogenetic analysis suggests that Forest Owlet is probably a genus Athene member, it shows incongruence at certain nodes in mitochondrial and nuclear gene trees. Adding more markers and missing taxa such as Athene superciliaris may provide a robust phylogeny of the species.

Estimating divergence time and probable distribution of ancestors of the species is crucial to understand biogeography of these species. We will be attempting it, once we obtain a robust phylogeny of the owlets. CNMs using past and present data will be useful in understanding if climate has shaped species distribution.

We are attempting to generate UCE data for as many populations of Forest Owlet, Spotted Owlet and Jungle Owlet to study phylogeography and deep level phylogeny.

Publications We have submitted a popular article to SACON NEWS and we are in the process of drafting a manuscript based on molecular phylogeny and biogeography of Forest Owlet.

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Figure 2a. Combined Maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian phylogenetic tree based on overall (mitochondrial + nuclear) sequences (3141 bp). Left nodal values show bootstrap support based on ML analysis and right nodal values show posterior probability values based on Bayesian analysis. High value indicates high support for the node. Aegacad = Northern saw-whet Owl Aegolius acadicus; Ggnoma = Austral Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium gnoma; AC = Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia; HB = Forest Owlet Heteroglaux blewitti (1-5: Madhya Pradesh); AN = Little Owl Athene noctua; AB = Spotted Owlet Athene brama (1: Maharashtra, 2: Gujarat). Grey region = position of the genus Athene. The nodal value indicates posterior probability values. High value indicates high support for the node. Grey region = position of the genus Athene. The scale shows nucleotide substitutions per site for ML tree.

39 Figure 2b. Combined Maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian phylogenetic tree based on mitochondrial (CYT B + CO I) sequences (1509 bp). Left nodal values show bootstrap support based on ML analysis and right nodal values show posterior probability values based on Bayesian analysis. High value indicates high support for the node. Mwhit = Elf Owl Micrathene whitneyi; Aegacad = Northern saw-whet Owl Aegolius acadicus; Aegfun = Tengmalm’s Owl Aegolius funerus; GR1 = Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum from Madhya Pradesh; Gucu = Asian Barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides; Gpasser = Eurasian Pygmy Owl Glaucidium passerinum; Ghrdyi = Amazonian Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium hardyi; Gnanum = Austral Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium nanum; Ggnoma = Austral Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium gnoma; AC = Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia; HB = Forest Owlet Heteroglaux blewitti (1-5: Madhya Pradesh, 6: Toranmal, Maharashtra); AN = Little Owl Athene noctua; AB = Spotted Owlet Athene brama (1: Maharashtra, 2: Gujarat, 3: Karnataka, 4: Tamil Nadu, 5: Pakistan); Nnova = Southern Boobook (Ninox novaeseelandiae). Grey region = position of the genus Athene. The scale shows nucleotide substitutions per site for ML tree.

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Figure 2c. Combined Maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian phylogenetic tree based on nuclear (RAG-1 + TGF B2) sequences (1553 bp). Left nodal values show bootstrap support based on ML analysis and right nodal values show posterior probability values based on Bayesian analysis. High value indicates high support for the node. HB = Forest Owlet Heteroglaux blewitti (1-5: Madhya Pradesh); AB = Spotted Owlet Athene brama (1: Maharashtra, 2: Gujarat); AC = Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia; AN = Little Owl Athene noctua; Ggnoma = Austral Pygmy- Owl Glaucidium gnoma. Grey region = position of the genus Athene. The scale shows nucleotide substitutions per site for ML tree.

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11. Social organization, behaviour and phylogeography of Macaca fascicularis umbrosa on the Nicobar Islands, India

Principal Investigator : Honnavalli N. Kumara Co-Investigator : Mewa Singh & Shomita Mukherjee Research Fellow : S. Vinoth, Partha Sarathi Misra and Avadhoot D. Velankar Project period : 3 years Date of Commencement : 25 July 2012 Expected date of completion : 24 July 2015 Budget : Rs. 38.54 lakhs Expenditure till date : Rs. 28.81/- lakhs Funding Source : Science and Engineering Research Board (DST) Status : In progress Collaborative agencies : CES, Bangalore

Summary In India, data on the unique endemic subspecies, Macaca fascicularis umbrosa, is limited only to a status report from a short survey. This subspecies is endemic to three islands viz. Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar, Katchal. Nicobar Islands were one of the worst hit areas during the December 2004 tsunami. Large parts of the habitat of the macaque were affected. Further, the inhabited islands have been isolated since long and this could potentially result in inbreeding within, and genetic isolation among populations. The consequence of this would be high genetic distance among, populations resulting in strong genetic structure. Phylogeography utilizes standing patterns of genetic variation to explain historical events such as migrations and demography over space and time. We propose to document and study the phylogeography, social behaviour and behavior of Macaca fascicularis umbrosa in the Nicobar Islands, which would help in understanding the ecology and evolutionary history of this species.

Objectives 1. Assess the current status of populations of the long tailed macaque on the Nicobar Islands. 2. Study the social organization and time-activity budget of long-tailed macaques on the Nicobar Islands in the post-Tsunami scenario and correlate this to objective. 3. Study the phylogeography of the long-tailed macaques on the Nicobar Islands.

Methodology Social behaviour: All the three Islands will be visited, and location, group size and age-sex will be recorded for all the macaque groups sighted. Phylogeography and evolution: Samples for molecular work will be non-invasively collected fecal samples. Samples will be collected in a vials containing alcohol and transported to a lab for extraction of DNA and further analysis. Behaviour: Scan sampling will be done for data on activity budgets. The focal group will be

42 followed from 0700 to 1800 hr. While following the focal group a handheld GPS unit will be used to record the geo-coordinates of the group at every 30 min to assess the movement pattern and for plotting home ranges. Any interaction with other groups will be recorded as anecdotal. Focal animal sampling: Individual identification of all the group members will be made, and focal animal sampling will be used to understand the behaviour pattern and individual interactions.

Results We walked 212.14 km and sighted 79 groups of long-tailed macaque. The mean sightings did not differ between the forest types and habitat type. Percent adult females were lesser in the Katchal than in the Great Nicobar, where the immature were more in the Katchal than in the Great Nicobar. West coast of these islands was inundated up to 2.80 km in some of the islands that includes large tract of swamp forests due to 2004 tsunami. The waves of tsunami has killed some individuals of long-tailed macaques in the coastal forests, and resulted in decline in the population size. Habitat loss and decline in the population size are the immediate impact of tsunami on long-tailed macaques in Nicobar Islands. The DNA was isolated from 64 faecal samples of which, 37 samples gave positive PCR amplification. Thirty samples were sequenced from the D-loop region. Out of these, seven samples were from Great Nicobar and 23 samples from Katchal. The six samples from Great Nicobar and Katchal were sequenced for the 12s and 16s ribosomal gene. We downloaded sequences of two sub-species from NCBI to examine the phylogenetic relationships. The Macaca fascicularis fascicularis subspecies is distributed throughout the South Asian countries and is genetically structured and has several sister groups. The Indonesian group is paraphyletic and occurs in more than one clade. This may have to do with translocation of the species onto islands. The Nicobar macaques are in a separate group (unique) and are sister to the Javan group.

Discussion and recommendations The relative abundance of long-tailed macaque significantly increased from 2006 to 2014 at the rate of 12 to 17% in these islands. This indicates, long-tailed macaque being widely distributed and highly adaptable, they have shown speedy recovery in their population size following sharp decline in their population following tsunami.

12. Spatio-temporal burrow use patterns by vertebrates in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India

Principal Investigator : S. Bhupathy (Late)/ Honnavalli N. Kumara (From 30/07/2014) Co-Investigator : Shirish Manchi, S. Research Fellow : Aditi Mukherjee Project period : Three years Date of Commencement : June 2013 Expected date of completion : June 2016 Budget : Rs. 42.61 lakhs Expenditure till date : Rs. 28.21/- lakhs

43 Funding Source : Science and Engineering Research Board (DST) Status : In progress Collaborative agencies

Summary In arid and semi-arid conditions, due to scanty rainfall and high fluctuations in temperature, it appears that earthen burrows act as important refugia for many species. A study conducted in Keoladeo National Park (KNP), Bharatpur reported the occurrence of several species of vertebrates (both predators and prey) together in underground burrows. However, factors determining faunal assemblage and activity of these species are unknown. Objectives of the proposed study are to, (1) Determine burrow dwelling animal assemblage in KNP, Bharatpur, and (2) Understand (spatio-temporal) factors influencing the assemblage and activity of animals, especially their emergence and retreat into burrow. Direct observations, camera traps, burrow video camera and indirect evidences have been used for assessing burrow occupancy and activities of various species; data loggers for assessing burrow and ambient temperatures and humidity, and burrow structure will be determined using Ground Penetrating Radars. The present study would provide data on factors governing the coexistence of both predators and prey in underground burrows.

Objectives 1. Determine burrow dwelling animal assemblage (in terms of species richness and abundance) in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, and 2. Understand (spatio-temporal) factors influencing their composition and activity of them, especially emergence and retreat into their burrow.

Methodology The study is being undertaken at Keoladeo National Park (KNP), Bharatpur Rajasthan, is one of the Ramsar sites. The total area of KNP is 29 km2, of which about 20.5 km2 is terrestrial. Animals inhabiting Indian Crested Porcupine (ICP) Hystrix indica burrows are being studied, as this is the most prevalent system at KNP. All the burrow locations were marked using a GPS. Number of burrow openings, active and inactive ones, orientation, distance from water source and disturbance level were recorded. Habitat analysis has been done using circular plot (10 m radius for trees, 1m for herbs). Plant species, their number, % ground cover and % cover over the burrows were recorded. Nearest woody plant to the burrow was also noted. Compass orientation (degrees) of burrow openings was determined using Silva® Ranger Compass Type 15. Area of each opening was measured using offset method for calculating area of irregular shapes. Temperature and Relative Humidity data are being recorded using automatic data loggers. High sensitive passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor cameras were deployed to determine number of porcupines and other animals using a burrow system. Data collection is being done twice in a season for five days each. In addition, track plots are monitored on fortnightly basis to know the animal movement. It is planned to study the below ground burrow structure using Ground Penetrating Radar, and location of the burrow used by various animals using burrow Video Camera.

44 Results In all, 41 Porcupine burrow systems were recorded in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur during the present study. This works out to be about 2 burrows/ sq km. Porcupine burrows were distributed largely in clusters and most of them were present on the periphery of the wetland. 38 plant species were recorded within 10 m radius of Porcupine burrows. The median distance to the nearest perennial woody species was 2.75 m. Preliminary analysis showed no significant correlation between presence/absence of burrows per grid and vegetation stand structure. Twenty burrows were randomly selected to study number of animals dwelling there. A total of 850 trap days across all openings (34 openings X 5 days X 5 replications in different seasons) showed 13 species of vertebrates; including 9 mammals (porcupine, rat, mongoose, jackal, bat, jungle cat, squirrel, black-naped hare, hyena) 3 reptiles (gecko, python, monitor lizard) and one bird species (Indian robin). Camera trapping revealed pattern of porcupine activity outside burrows with following mean detections. Standard error is expected to decrease with increase in sampling efforts over next seasons. Similar activity patterns for other burrowing species will also be determined

Discussion and Recommendations The preliminary data on the burrow dwelling animal communities is being collected and it shows the importance of the terrestrial burrows in the semi-arid region of KNP. The camera trapped data so far revealed 13 vertebrate species using these burrows either regularly (e.g. Porcupines, Indian Pythons, Bats) or at some stage in their life cycle (e.g. littering by Golden Jackals and Striped Hyenas).

D. Ecotoxicology

13. Laboratory Minor Projects

Training course on “Instrumentation and Analytical Techniques” was organized between 16 and 20 March 2015 by the Division of Ecotoxicology at SACON. Dr. P.V.L Rao, Director, DRDO, Centre for Life sciences, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore inaugurated the programme. Researchers from Boston University, USA, National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Pondicherry University, Avinasilingam University, SACON and Classic Polo textile Industry, Tirupur participated in the programme. During the five-day-long programme, trainees were exposed to the basic principles and hands on training on offered analytical instruments, namely Gas Chromatograph, High Performance Liquid Chromatograph, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, UV Spectrophotometer and Ultracentrifuge.

Services were also extended to Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, Annamalai University, Chidambaram and KG Hospital, Coimbatore.

45 E. Environmental Impact Assessment

14. Preparation of management plan of Fudam Bird Sanctuary, Diu

Principal Investigator : Arun P R Co-Investigator/ Consultant : Rajah Jayapal Research Fellow : Rajan, P Project period : 6 Months Date of commencement : 3 April 2014 Expected date of completion : 1 July 2015 Budget : : Rs. 700,000.00 Expenditure till date : Rs. 399,683.00 Funding source : U T Admin of Daman & Diu Status : : Ongoing Collaborating agency : No

Summary The Fudam Bird Sanctuary having an area of 2.18 Sq.km. is situated in the Diu Island of the U.T. of Daman & Diu and is a rich habitat for the birds. It is interspersed with numerous creeks and mud flats. The final notification under Section 26 A (I) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 in respect of this sanctuary was issued on 08/12/2006 by the Administration of Daman & Diu. Though certain habitat management activities have been carried out in the sanctuary from time to time, there is no approved management plan of the sanctuary in place. Hence the forest Department of Daman & Diu approached SACON to develop a management plan to facilitate the long term planning for the habitat management of the sanctuary.

Objectives The main objectives of this management plan were:

1.  Evaluation of various issues related to opportunities and threats in the FBS for its ecological development and sustenance. 2.  Development of Management action Plan. 3.  Survey and Assessment of Floral and Faunal Diversity of the sanctuary and preparation of zonal action plan and theme plan for the management of the FBS along with management maps.

Methodology Standard field methods for avifauna and wildlife and socioeconomic questionnaire surveys are being used for collecing the primary data, in addition to the secondary sources of information

Results Work Ongoing. Field work completed, report under preparation. Waiting for the comments from forest department

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Discussion and recommendations: Detailed plans for Monitoring and Conservation of FBS and delineation of ecological buffer zone areas, Infrastructure for ecotourism etsc are being developed

15. Plant- Animal Community Studies in Various Landscape Elements (Birds and Butterflies) in the Munnar High range Mountain Landscape Area

Principal Investigator : Arun P R Co-Investigator/ Consultant : Karunakaran P V & Balakrishnan P Research Fellow : Ramesh Kumar, S., Anoop Raj, N & Ramarajan, N. Project period : 12 Months Date of commencement : 17 December 2014 Expected date of completion : 1 January 2016 Budget : : Rs 2,490,561.00 Expenditure till date : Rs. 276,338.00 Funding source : UNDP Status : Ongoing Collaborating agency : JNTBGRI

Summary The present project was taken up as a component of a larger UNDP funded Highrange mountain landscape project. The project field work could not be initiated because of the request from the funding agency. The negotiations between the UNDP and local authorities to sort out the issues is on. We expect to start the field operations by July

Objectives The project is aimed at studying the plant, bird and butterfly assemblages of various habitat/landscape elements within the HRML region and to evaluate the conservation importance of these communities including endemicity, rarity, endangeredness and habitat specialization viz. 1) Documentation of plant, bird and butterfly communities in different landscape elements of HRML. 2) Patterns of Assemblage and distribution of species across habits and gradients . 3) Delineation/ Prioritization of conservation important areas with respected to targeted taxa. 4) An objective analysis of the management issues that affect the community composition of plants, birds and butterflies. 5) Landscape element and community specific conservation strategies to facilitate long-term sustainability of the wildlife species and associated ecosystem services in the HRML landscape.

Methodology Detailed field surveys on identified landscape elements and taxa using standard methods adopting a stratified random sampling approach across important types of landscape elements where data gap is identified covering spatial and seasonal dimensions. The sampling strategy will be finalized after the initial reconnaissance, and finalizing the study area based on the

47 maps. It is expected that the detailed HRML area map depicting the whole study area to be covered would be made available for the use of all the projects for uniformity and better metadata compilation and meaningful geo-spatial interpretation of outputs from multiple projects.

Results The field operations could not be initiated further to the directions from UNDP because of the socio-political issues.

F. Wetland Ecology

16. ENVIS centre on Wetland Ecosystems including inland wetlands

Principal Investigator : Goldin Quadros Co-Investigator/ Consultant : Research Fellow : B Hemambika, A Julfia Begum & R Srinivasan Project period : 2014 – 2015 Date of commencement : 2003 Expected date of completion : Ongoing Budget : Rs. 13,02,706/- Expenditure till date : Rs. 13,01403/- Funding source : MoEF & CC Status : Ongoing Collaborating agency : NA

Summary The SACON ENVIS center during the past year has regularly updated the numeric and the generic database. We have created new databases for Freshwater wetlands, High Altitude wetlands, North East wetlands, Mangroves, Myristica swamps, Kids section and the associated aspects. The frequency of updating the website is minimum 50 per week. 30 new website links have been added to the existing ones. The website during April 2014 to March 2015 has had total hits of 13729 that include 3712 unique visitors. The center has also responded to all the queries it has received. Published three issues of the “Sarovar Saurabh” SACONENVIS Newsletter (also uploaded on the website), published posters on the World Wetlands Day 2014, Wild Life week, World Water Day, Three species and wetlands posters, SACON in the A& N islands (posters available on the SACONENVIS website), Compiled a knowledge product in the form of a CD on the wetland research publications of SACON researchers, A Calendar on the Ramsar Sites and published a book on the ‘Lakes of Coimbatore city’. The team has attended two conferences viz. Indian Science Congress 2015, Mumbai and Wetland conference 2015, Kerala and disbursed information on the ENVIS center.

Objectives The objectives of the centre are as follows

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1. Database creation on Wetland Ecosystems to be added on website with regional language interface. 2. Establish and operate a distributed clearing house to answer and channel queries related to the allocated subject. 3. Establish linkages with information users, carriers and providers from Government, academic, business and non-governmental organizations including those with ENVIS. 4. Identify information/data gaps in the specified subject areas and action taken to fill these gaps 5. Publication of ENVIS newsletters for dissemination of wetland information.

Methodology Research articles, news and events laws relating to the wetlands are being collated from various sources using especially the internet. Information on conferences, workshops and symposia’s on wetlands is also being collected. The research articles are being sorted onto categories such as birds, hydrology, hydrobiology, migration, flyways and the like. These are being collated for linking on the ENVIS website for wider access and information dissemination. Further emails are also sent out to several institutions and departments associated with wetland research and management to procure first hand information on the wetlands.

Results SACON was graded ‘B’ with 79 marks for the financial year 2013-2014. Published three issues of the “Sarovar Saurabh” SACONENVIS Newsletter (also uploaded on the website), published posters on the World Wetlands Day 2014, Wild Life week, World Water Day, Three species and wetlands posters, SACON in the A& N islands (posters available on the SACONENVIS website), Compiled a knowledge product in the form of a CD on the wetland research publications of SACON researchers, A Calendar on the Ramsar Sites and published a book on the ‘Lakes of Coimbatore city’.

Discussion and recommendations The successful updating of the website and regular publications were well appreciated at the workshop on national evaluation of ENVIS centers held at IFGTB, Coimbatore during 6th & 7 February 2015 organized by the MoEF&CC. Following, the evaluation Mr. M. Kannan, Economic Advisor, GoI, and his ENVIS Secretariat team comprising of Mr. Abhay Kumar, Dr. Susan George and Mr. Rajnish Kumar visited the SACON ENVIS centre to access the progress of the centre on 8th February, 2015. They recommended an Advisory committee for the SACON ENVIS which has been formed and comprises of Dr. P.A. Azeez, Dr. Kannan C.S. Warrier, Scientist E & ENVIS coordinator from IFGTB, Coimbatore; Dr. R. Ravi, Associate Professor, Govt. Arts & Science College, Coimbatore; Dr. Ms. E. Jegatahambal HoD, Water Institute Karunya University, Coimbator7 and Dr. Goldin Quadros.

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Publications (emanated from the project)

1. Lakes of Coimbatore City – Book

2. Wetland Research publications by SACON – CD Knowledge product

3. Ramsar Sites in India – 2015 Calendar Knowledge Product Posters

1. Research by SACON in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

2. Wet and Wild (Wild life week) October 2014

3. World Wetlands Day 2015

4. Olive Ridley Turtle (Wetland and Species series)

5. Sangai (Wetland and Species series)

6. Barasingha (Wetland and Species series)

7. World Water Day 2015

4. E-News bulletin – monthly online publication

5. Wetland News Monitor – quarterly online publication.

50 17. Assessment of the morphological diversity and the ecological patterns in the near threatened colonial water birds across Indian sub-continent using novel approach

Principal Investigator : Mahendiran Mylswamy Co Investigator : Nil Collaborating Agency : Nil Research Fellow : Rajneesh Dwevedi Project Period : Three years Commencement : 24 May 2012 Expected date of completion : 23 May 2015 (Requested no cost extension for 6 months) Budget : Rs. 16.45/- lakhs Expenditure till date : Rs.15.36/- lakhs Funding source : Dept. of Science and Technology, Govt of India Status : on going

Background Heronry birds which are mostly colonial nesters, distributed widely over the Indian subcontinent (Ali and Ripley 1987). This group receives considerable amount of conservational significance, as many of them namely, Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus, Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala and Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster have been included in Near Threatened by BirdLife International (2001). However, the detail ecological information on these fish eating, colonial nesting birds is limited (Mahendiran and Urfi 2005). Interestingly, these heronries provide an ideal place to videograph the nesting birds at close quarters. One of the main hurdles in studying morphometric in large birds is the difficulty with which the desired number of specimens can be captured or culled, due to restrictive laws and the endangered status of the species. Therefore, one has to rely upon either museum specimens or chance encounters with dead specimens. However, it is possible to obtain reliable measurements of external characters in a wild population of birds by using innovative non-invasive field methods.

Objectives

The present study proposed to investigate the morphological patterns of Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala at some selected heronries in North and South India using a novel video graphic method.

Methodology

Methods of morphometric measurements Images of the individual birds were captured using Digital SLR camera. The video images were downloaded to computer, after incorporating appropriate correction factor, images were measured using specific software. Initially the bill length was taken as a standard or reference length. The software (tps 2014), developed for microscopes for the measurement of cytological and histological images, was adapted for quantifying the dimensions of various external body parts. Since the video camera has not been calibrated with this software, the dimensions

51 estimated were initially in arbitrary units. These were later converted into metric units by the protocol described (Mahendiran and Urfi 2005, Urfi and Kalam 2006,).

Dimensions of the following hard body parts, using the methodology in Bosch (1996) and Wagner (1999) were employed.

Bill length was estimated as the distance from the tip of the upper mandible to the corners of the mouth. Tibia length was estimated as the distance from the joint of the tibia-tarsus till the feathers. Tarsus length was estimated as the distance between the tibia-tarsus joint and foot. On each bird, separate measurements were taken on the right and left legs. In addition, we also estimated two additional characters, pertaining to the feathered body parts of the bird, as follows. i) Body length was estimated as the distance from a point corresponding to the base of the neck and the breast to a point roughly corresponding to the origin of the tail. ii) ii) Body depth was estimated as the distance from the highest point on the back to the belly.

Calibration of Field Estimates Calibration of measurements obtained from video images was calibrated with those from actual specimens available in the museum of Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata.

Results The project involves two main important components namely a) Standardization of camera and methods b) Survey of North Indian and south Indian heronries.

Calibration using cardboard model fishes: Known lengths of cardboard model fishes of different sizes were designed. Cardboard bird model fishes, live size, were designed. All the fishes were kept at the bird bill as if it was handling the prey and those images were videographed. These exercises were repeated for all the fish samples. Then images in the video of the fish along the bird were frozen and saved as JEPC images with specific names. The software, originally designed to measure cytological images was used to measure the images of the bird bill and prey sizes. The measurements originally measured in the units µm given by the software. Using a known conversion factor all the values were transformed into metric units. Then regression of the actual values of the measurements upon the measured values of the images was done. The result showed that measured values were as close to actual values. Since there was no difference, images measured were taken as such without incorporating any correction factor.

Lab oriented assessment for the body sizes following standard method using softwares (tps) were done by taking bill length or standard known object as reference unit. This was done to develop an alternate novel methods or techniques for getting results that are more precise.

Survey of Indian heronries: Data collection from both the North Indian and South Indian heronries has been the challenging task and that forms the key component of this project. Morphometric data was collected from the following North Indian heronries from which the

52 namely, Delhi Zoo, Keoladev National Park and Yamuna Biodiversity Park. The detailed description of these study area are given in Mahendiran (2010).

Similarly, fieldwork was conducted in some selected heronries spread across Tamil Nadu. The heronries surveyed in the present study are Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary in Kancheepuram district, Koonthakulam in Tirunelveli District, Vadamugam Vellode and Periyakulam Eri in Erode District. All these heronries are well known and the details of the study area given in Subramaniyam (1996), Islam & Rahmani (2004).

Digitization of Museum specimens: The specimens particularly the waterbirds available in the Zoological Survey of India were examined. All the specimens were photographed along with a proper metric scale. These were further subject to measurements of specific parts by taking the known metric scale as unit. It was done using ImageJ or TPS digitization software.

New Observations 1) A new heronry of Painted Stork at Udpriya was discovered. It is situated approximately 40 kms from Kota district of Rajasthan. About 40 individual of painted storks were counted at the site and nearly 19 nests were identified. Along with huge number of (approximately 1500 individuals) little and Indian cormorants (Phalacrocorax niger, Phalacrocrax fuscicollis) were counted at the same site. 2) Field survey conducted by our team observed that painted storks were constructing nests on the bamboo trees at Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. This was quite significant from the nest site selection when compared to the nesting trees in Delhi region. 3) A new heronry of Painted Stork at Maruvathur Lake near Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary has been identified. Probably this is a new colony got its population from the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary. This year (2014-15), no birds were breeding at the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, owing to existing severe water crises. 4) A new type of black cattle egret was observed in Coimbatore by bird watcher Mr Balji. Our team examined the bird and conformed it as a rare occurrence of black melanistic Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis, which was black or dark in color while outer primaries and secondary feathers were partially white in color. Normal individuals of the Cattle Egrets are in uniform white color during non-breeding season and they develop yellow plumage on its fore head and back in the course of breeding season.

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G. Nature Education

18. Nature Education programmes at SACON

Principal Coordinator : Dr. P.Pramod* Volunteers : Chaithrashree, SuhirthaMuhil and Divyapriya C Project Period : Sept.2014 to May 2015 Funding Source : SACON & local sponsors for various programmes

*[ From 1st September 2014 to 8th January 2015, Senior Scientist incharge of Nature Education was on a sabbatical to US with the Fulbright – Nehru Award for Academic and Professional excellence, during that period the nature education activities were coordinated by Dr. P.V. Karunakaran, Principal Scientist, Landscape Ecology division]

Programme 1. One day Nature Awareness Programmes: During this report period, 18 one day nature awareness programmes conducted in the campus. 816 students, 79 teachers and 62 forest officers participated in these programmes. The each programme contained nature treks, field lectures, slideshows and interactive sessions with scientists.

Programme 2. Salim Ali Trophy Nature Competitions : Inter-school competitions for the Salim Ali Trophy Nature Awareness for this year conducted on 8thFebruary 2015. More than 3000 students from 55 schools participated the competitions and 130 students from 21 schools won the prizes. G D Mat. Hr. Sec. School, Coimbatore claimed the overall Rolling Trophy for the best school.

Programme 3 Sálim Ali Naturalist Forum (SANF) :SANF is a platform of Nature Education for all who love nature and wanted to contribute towards Conservation of Nature facilitated by SACON. Nature lovers of Coimbatore from different walks of life like, businessmen, engineers, Computer professionals, Professors, Doctor, Students and many others are the members. More than 150 active members participate in the programmes regularly conducted. SANF continued to conduct the bird watching and trekking programmes in forests, wetlands and other natural Ecosystems in and around Coimbatore once in every month.

Programme 4. Invited Lecture: The special invited Nature Education lecture for this year was given by Mr. R.H. Khwaja IAS (Retd) former Secretary Coals and Mines and tourism and former Special Secretary of Ministry of Environment and Forests. He spoke on the topic “Environmental Concerns and Strategies for Sustainable Development” Prize distribution of the Salim Ali Nature Competitions were also conducted during the lecture.

Programme 5. HSBC Coimbatore Bird Race: SACON has organized the third Coimbatore Bird Race On 22nd February 2015, with the support of HSBC bank and Yuhina Eco-Media, Mumbai. Twenty registered teams participated in the race covering bird habitats in and around the

54 Coimbatore city. Some of the teams have members as old as seventy and many were smart budding birdwatchers from the Coimbatore schools. All of them spend an entire day spotting and identifying birds in an effort to record as many species of birds as possible. All of them together identified more than 197 species of birds in a single day.

Participants in the Bird Race have made teams of four members with an experienced bird watcher as the team leader. There are many excitements as they sighted many migratory birds and forest bird species in the city areas. This celebration brought most of the birdwatchers and nature lovers of Coimbatore to come together and work together for the same cause.

Programme 6 Coimbatore Vizha: SACON has actively participated in Coimbatore Vizha (Coimbatore Festival), a multi institutional event lead by Young Indians of CII conducted in the first week of February is the sixth edition of this programme. SACON conducted the following programmes as part of this event.

1. Nature Trip to Silent Valley in collaboration with Young Indians and FCRI 2. A special nature trek and bird watching programme in Anaikatty hills

19. Exploring Nature through Birds

Principal Investigator : P Pramod Research Fellows : Divyapriya C Project Period : 2013-2016 Date of Commencement : 1-4-2013 Date of Completion : 31-3-2016 Budget : Rs. 18.4 lakhs Expenditure till date : Rs. 10,45,669.00 Funding Source : Dept. of Science & Technology Status : Ongoing

Summary Background: Exploring Nature through birds (ENTB) is a science education programme of Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology & Natural History (SACON) Coimbatore executed in collaboration with many partners across the country. This programme is catalyzed and supported by the National Council for Science and Technology and Communication of Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.

Objectives Aim of this programme is to develop science communication module for ornithology and nurture careful observation and systematic documentation among students and teachers

Methodology

55 At first, the programme developed an activity-based-learning module that could be used in class rooms as well as in field by students. Then a web portal is prepared and launched to connect and coordinate the teams working in various parts of the country.

Results As part of the project, from the brain storming workshop held earlier, a module of education materials including three books four postures and one CD is prepared. It has been distributed to students, nature lovers and bird watchers. ENTB webportal has been designed and integrated with Nature education website (www.saconeducation.org).

Field visits continued in schools in Coimbatore and also in Pollachi. The school’s students visited SACON campus on one day nature camps were introduced to the programme. Field level activities are progressing. The students and teachers have become active members in ENTB webportal (www.saconeducation.org/entb) and uploading their observations on bird population, nesting, roosting and feeding activities. A provision for observing other members data online http://www.saconeducation.org/index.php/entb/entb-observation-data-entry- portal) has been created and it is operational now

AGENDA NO:4/28

Completed Projects

1. Identification of RNA transcripts present in chicken sperm and their relation to fertility

Principal Investigator : Ram Pratap Singh Co-investigator : Nil Research Fellows : Shafeeque CM Project Period : 3 years Date of Commencement : 30 July 2012 Date of Completion : 15 August 2014 Budget : Rs 21 lakhs Funding Source : SERB-DST, Government of India Status : Completed and report submitted to funding Agency

Summary Sperm RNAs have the potential to serve as fertility biomarkers. However, research on sperm RNA is at slow pace because of lack of suitable species-specific sperm RNA isolation protocol. RNA isolation from sperm presents several challenges such as low RNA quantity (22–45 times less RNA) and removal of somatic cells. In addition, sperm are highly condensed cells, and there are differences among species in sperm attributes and chromatin packaging which makes cellular contents isolation further challenging. In this project a protocol for RNA isolation from chicken sperm and removal of somatic cells from semen is developed. Further, we encountered a problem in Protamine (PRM) gene amplification by PCR because of its high GC (88%) content.

56 Protamine is expressed only in male germ cells and known as signature of sperm RNA. Therefore, a method for PCR amplification of PRM is developed during this study. The new method provides flexibility to user to use either specific Taq Polymerase or normal Taq polymerase in combination with DMSO. A catalog of chicken sperm RNA is developed using microarray technique. A total of 3142 unique sperm enriched RNAs are found in chicken sperm (Fig. 1). A preliminary survey of the chicken sperm transcript profile for previously reported sperm RNA candidates identified several transcripts common in bovine, human, porcine and chicken. These transcripts showed differential expression pattern in chicken spermatozoa. Twenty least abundant probes based on the fold regulation in sperm RNA showed non- functional translational machinery in sperm. However, nineteen most abundant probes based on the fold regulation in sperm RNA are non-characterized. In a normal broiler breeder flock approximately 30% male birds are of inherent low fertilization potential, which is enormous in terms of production loss. The important point is that low fertilization potential birds cannot be identified by evaluating conventional semen characteristics. Our results demonstrated an association of sperm PRM and PLCZ1 RNA quantity with fertilization potential. Birds with high fertilization potential had three times more PRM and two times more PLCZ1 mRNA in their sperm compared to sperm of low fertilization potential birds (Fig. 2). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an association of PRM and PLCZ1 transcripts quantity with fertilization potential in birds. There two transcripts may be exploited as fertility biomarkers in birds for captive breeding programs.

Background Male fertility requires the production of an adequate number of normal mature spermatozoa with sufficient motility and the ability to undergo acrosome reaction in order to bind and penetrate the egg membrane for fertilization. Defects in any of these necessary characteristics can lead to male infertility. In addition, male fertility varies breed to breed because of difference in semen characteristics. Therefore, selection of high fertility potential males is essential for captive breeding programmes to achieve good fertility. Until date only phenotypic traits viz. comb area, testicular weight and semen characteristics are considered for male selection. However, these phenotypic traits are not promising and do not guarantee higher male fertility. Hence, unsuitability of above conventional methods for fertility evaluation forced us to investigate the most recent molecular approach i.e. sperm mRNA transcriptional profiling for the evaluation of male fertility. Recent interest in spermatic RNA has been motivated by the potential, which may offer as a diagnostic tool for infertility.

Objectives

1. Optimization of the RNA isolation methodology for chicken sperm, 2. Molecular analysis of the population of RNA in chicken spermatozoa, and 3. Expression analysis of fertility related genes in low and high fertility chickens.

Methodology

57 Objective 1: Optimization of the RNA isolation methodology for chicken sperm: Semen samples were subjected to density gradient centrifugation (DGC) by using two different density gradient mediums, Percoll (Sigma, St Louis, MO, USA) and PureSperm (Nidacon International, Mölndal, Sweden ), for the removal of somatic cells and immature diploid spermatocytes. Total RNA was isolated from purified sperm samples by TRIzol (Invitrogen) or RNAzol (MRC) isolation medium following the manufacturer’s protocol with certain modifications. RNA quality and quantity was measured by using Nanodrop (Thermo Scientific, Wilmington, DE, USA). Additionally, the quality of RNA samples were also evaluated on Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA). The genomic DNA contamination in purified RNA samples was examined by reverse transcriptase PCR with intron-spanning primers for CD4 gene. All genomic DNA free RNA samples were reverse transcribed with random hexamer primers using the ‘RevertAid First strand cDNA synthesis kit’ (MBI Fermentas, Hanover, MD, USA) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The presence of CD4, PTPRC, PRM and PLCZ1 mRNA in sperm samples were examined by using PCR with gene specific primers.

Objective 2: Molecular analysis of the population of RNA in chicken spermatozoa: Semen from ten healthy adult male broilers (IC3) was used for RNA isolation. After semen collection, all ten males were euthanized; testes were removed aseptically and washed with RNAse free chilled phosphate buffer saline. Approximately 1 mg of testicular tissue from each male was collected, pooled and mixed with 1 Ml of RNA later and stores at -20°C for further use. The microarray processing and data analysis was done at Genotypic, Bengaluru. The microarray results were verified by semi-quantitative PCR.

Objective 3: Expression analysis of fertility related genes in low and high fertility chickens: Birds were allocated into two groups (low and high fertility) based on physical parameters of semen and fertility. Semen from low and high fertility birds were subjected for RNA isolation following our new developed method (Shafeeque et al., 2014a). A total 500 ng RNA was used for Cdna synthesis. The expression of PRM and PLCZ1 genes were quantified in low and high fertility birds using SYBR green chemistry in Qrt-PCR. The fold expression of GOI was calculated according to Pfaffl et al. (2002).

Results

Objective 1: Optimization of the RNA isolation methodology for chicken sperm: RNA isolated by using RNAzol or Rneasy Micro Kit yielded good quantity and quality of RNA for downstream applications compared to TRIzol. 40% PureSperm was found effective in removing somatic cells. RT-PCR results showed that sperm RNA samples were negative for CD4 and PTPRC. All the sperm RNA samples were positive for PRM and PLCZ1, markers of sperm RNA.

Objective 2: Molecular analysis of the population of RNA in chicken spermatozoa: Microarray analysis identified 17542 predominantly nuclear-encoded transcripts in chicken sperm. The majority (87.3%) of the sperm transcripts were shared with the testes, while surprisingly, 12.7%

58 transcripts were detected (raw signal intensity greater than 50) only in the sperm and not in the testes. The maximum numbers of up regulated transcript were responsible for signal transduction (63.20%) followed by embryonic development (56.76%) and cell structure (56.25%). Of these 20 most abundant transcripts, 19 were uncharacterized, whereas least abundant genes were mostly associated with ribosome. The findings improve our understanding of the biological significance of sperm RNAs that in turn will offer an opportunity to identify sperm-based biomarkers for chicken fertility.

Objective 3: Expression analysis of fertility related genes in low and high fertility chickens: A wide variation in semen volume was observed. Semen volume varied from 300 to 1200 µL. Similarly, motility and concentration also varied. The sperm motility varied from 11 to 90%, whereas concentration varied from .07 to 5.78 million/Ml. Of these 50 birds, seven (14%) were found producing watery semen with compromised characteristics. However, fertility in those birds was unaffected. Fertility varied from 41 to 100%. It is interesting to note that fertility was not correlated with any of the semen characteristics. Of these 50 birds, 15 (30%) showed significantly lesser fertility compared to others. Ten birds from each having high (100%) and low (40-60%) fertility potential were used for semen collection and expression analysis. Our results demonstrated higher abundance of PRM and PLCZ1 mRNA in sperm of high fertility birds when compared to low fertility birds. The PRM abundance was approximately three fold higher (p<0.05), whereas PLCZ1 was approximately two fold in high fertility birds.

Further, we examined the effect of environmentally relevant concentrations of BPA (0 Mm, 0.18 Mm, 0.37 Mm, and 0.74 Mm) on sperm functions in chicken in vitro. Sperm were exposed to concentrations of BPA for 30 min and analyzed for motility, fertilizing ability, live sperm percentage and mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm). Results showed that BPA at a concentration of 0.74 Mm significantly decreased motility, fertilizing ability, live sperm count percentage, and sperm Δψm. Sperm motility was positively correlated with fertility (r = 0.73, p ≤ 0.01), live sperm percentage (r = 0.64, p ≤ 0.01), and high Δψm (r = 0.44, p ≤ 0.01). A dose- dependent and time-dependent effect of BPA was observed on sperm motility at all BPA concentrations. However, sperm’s fertilizing ability was unaffected in low BPA concentration (0.18 Mm and 0.37 Mm). A significantly higher percentage of moribund sperm was observed at 0.37 Mm and 0.74 Mm BPA compared with at 0.18 Mm BPA, in the negative control, and in the vehicle control. The present study confirms that environmentally relevant concentrations of BPA are capable of compromising sperm functions, leading to reduction in fertilizing ability of chicken sperm.

Recommendations

1) The RNA isolation method will be applicable to all avian species because avian sperm do not differ greatly in morphology and physiology. 2) The identified fertility biomarkers (PRM and PLCZ1) may be assessed in other captive birds for their suitability in conservation breeding programs. 3) Fertility related sperm transcripts are conserved across the specie – from birds to human.

59 4) Twenty least abundant probes based on the fold regulation in sperm RNA showed non-functional translational machinery in sperm, indicating that sperm are translationally quiescent. 5) Further studies are required to identify those uncharacterized transcripts, which presumably have important functions. 6) The other important observation is that a normal broiler breeder flock contains approximately 30% male of inherent low fertilization potential. And those male (low fertilization potential) birds cannot be identified by evaluating conventional semen characteristics.

Publications (emanated from the project) C.M. Shafeeque, R.P. Singh, S.K. Sharma, J. Mohan, K.V.H. Sastry, G. Kolluri, V.K. Saxena, J.S. Tyagi, J.M. Kataria, P.A. Azeez (2015). Chicken sperm transcriptome profiling by microarray. Animal Reproduction Science (under revision). R.P. Singh, C.M. Shafeeque, S.K. Sharma, N.K. pandey, R. Singh, J. Mohan, G. Kolluri, M. Saxena, B. Sharma, K.V.H. Sastry, J.M. kataria, P.A. Azeez (2015). Bisphenol A reduces fertilizing ability and motility by compromising mitochondrial function of sperm. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, doi: 10.1002/etc.2957. C.M. Shafeeque, R.P. Singh, S.K. Sharma, J. Mohan, K.V.H. Sastry, G. Kolluri, V.K. Saxena, J.S. Tyagi, J.M. Kataria, P.A. Azeez (2014). Development of a new method for sperm RNA purification in the chicken. Animal Reproduction Science, 149: 259-265. S.K. Sharma, C.M. Shafeeque, J. Mohan, P.A. Azeez, R.P. Singh (2014). PCR amplification protocol for GC rich protamine gene from chicken testis Cdna. Advances in Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 2(11): 599-605. C.M. Shafeeque, S.K. Sharma, K.V.H. Sastry, J. Mohan, R. P. Singh (2014). Sperm RNA: a new class of fertility biomarkers for birds. Advances in Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 2(3): 155-158.

60

2. Patterns of Distribution of Selected Faunal Groups in the Agasthiamalai Hills, Western Ghats, Kerala, India

Principal Investigator : Late S. Bhupathy (01-10-2013 to 28-04-2014) & R Jayapal (19-06-2014 to 31-12-2014) Co-Investigators/Consultants : Lalitha Vijayan Research Fellows : V J Jins & Madhumita Panigrahi Project Period : 3 years + 7 months Date of Commencement : 30 May, 2011 Date of Completion : 31 December, 2014 Budget : Rs. 24,90,000.00 Expenditure till date : Rs. 19,66,962.00 Funding Source : Dept. of Biotechnology, Govt. of India Status: : Final draft report submitted to DBT for approval Collaborative Agencies : Nil

Summary The present research was initiated to understand the distribution patterns of reptiles and birds along the altitudinal gradient of Agasthiamalai Biosphere Reserve, Western Ghats. Standard methods were followed to delineate the intensive study area, data collection and analyses. Distribution patterns of reptiles and birds along elevation were found to be markedly different. Reptile species richness showed a monotonic decline with increasing elevation; but bird species richness was higher in lower and mid elevations and steeply dropped with further increase in altitude. Distribution of both taxa was not constrained by geographical hard boundaries and as such no significant mid-domain effect was found in elevational distribution of neither taxa. Species turnover rate of reptiles and birds was found to increase with elevation, and was particularly high at high altitudes. Distribution range of Kangaroo Lizard Otocryptis beddomii and Captain’s Wood Snake Xylophis captaini, predicted using MAXENT, showed that these species had very narrow global distribution i.e. 1000 – 1800 sq km, calling for urgent measures for their conservation. The present results demonstrated the suitability MAXENT model in predicting distribution range of little known species. The model is being refined, validated and extended to other little known species in both reptiles and birds.

Objectives: This project aims to study the spatial patterns of distribution of selected fauna (birds and reptiles) and factors governing the same along the altitudinal gradient (about 50 to 1868 m above sea level) in the Agasthiamalai Hills, Western Ghats. Within this analytical framework, it is also planned to map the distribution range of select species of rare and endemic taxa using predictive tools like Ecological Niche Modelling (ENM). The study intends to explore these spatial patterns of species diversity to develop a protocol to identify, prioritize and delineate biodiversity-rich sites for further protection in the newly declared Agasthiamalai Biosphere Reserve.

61 1. To determine the species richness and turnover patterns of reptiles and birds with altitude in Agasthiamalai Range, Western Ghats, Kerala 2. To understand both abiotic and biotic factors influencing such patterns 3. To know the status of reptile and bird species found in the Agasthiamalai Range, Kerala 4. To apply distribution (Ecological Niche) models to find out the probable distribution limits of selected endemic species found in Agasthiamalai Hills

Methodology An intensive study area (8°33’N- 77°6’E & 8°43’N 77°15’E) representing most altitudinal categories (50 m to 1868 m) was selected and has been stratified at 100 m altitude and gridded (1 sq km) using GIS and Remote Sensing protocols. The sampling effort was largely depending on area availability in each category. In the end, 15 altitudinal categories were delineated and sampling for both reptiles and birds was undertaken in each altitudinal category.

Reptiles were sampled using time-constrained visual encounter survey (Heyer et al. 1994. Measuring and Monitoring Biological Diversity: Standard Methods for Amphibians. Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC). Birds were sampled using open-width circular plot (Bibby et al. 1992. Bird Census Techniques. Academic Press, London). Species turnover among different altitudinal categories was estimated using Sorenson’s dissimilarity index (SI). Turnover or dissimilarity of species between two consecutive altitudinal zones was obtained as (1-X), where X is Sorenson Similarity Index (Wolda, H. 1981. Similarity indices, sample size and diversity. Oecologia 50: 296-302). Sorenson’s Index was calculated using Estimate S version 9.1.

Data on environmental parameters such as canopy, shrub and herb cover, stem density, litter cover and temperature and relative humidity and other microhabitat variables are being collected using standard methods.

Data from samples within one altitude zone were pooled and number of species observed in each zone was considered as richness. Regression analysis was performed to ascertain the distribution pattern of species (observed and estimated) along the elevation gradient. Overall data was processed for the best-fit curve using statistical software SPSS (version 10.0) without prior specification of any model and was chosen based on r2 and P values. The observed pattern in species richness was compared with null model predictions generated by a Monte Carlo simulation procedure (Mid-Domain Null programme; McCain, C.M., 2004. The mid-domain effect applied to elevational gradients: species richness of small mammal in Costa Rica. Journal of Biogeography 31: 19–31). This programme generates null model by randomly placing ranges between two hard boundaries based on analytical-stochastic model. Prediction curves (95%) based on 10,000 simulations with replacement from empirical range sizes were used to assess the impact of geometric constraints on reptiles and birds.

Location details (lat-long) of each sighting of the target species (in the present case, Kangaroo Lizard Otocryptis beddomii, Captain’s Wood Snake Xylophis captaini and Rock Dwelling Skink Europis clevicola) were collected. Locations of a minimum of 1km from each other were included in the analysis to avoid overlap. Uncorrelated environmental variables, consisting of

62 six bioclimatic layers (max-mini temperatures, etc.), two topographical layers (aspects, elevation) and one vegetation layer (vegetation types) were used to predict the geographic distribution and area occupied by study species south of Palghat gap including Agasthiamalai Biosphere Reserve using MAXENT model.

Results In all, 68 species of reptiles and 194 species of birds belonging to 48 families were observed in 15 elevation categories. When the species richness of reptiles and birds was plotted against the altitudinal categories and contrasted with the simulated response, it was found that both taxa did not show unimodal pattern as predicted by the mid-domain theory. Typically, the species richness of both the taxa showed a steadily declining trend with increasing altitude, though the rate of decline varied between altitudes. For example, the decline was slow and gradual till 800 m elevation, but took a steep fall between 800-1200 m. The slight spike in reptile diversity at around 1000-1100m altitude is suspected to be a sampling error that is expected to be corrected with further sampling. Further up (above 1200m), the species richness became extremely low for both the taxa. The highest reptile species turnover among consecutive altitudinal zones was between 1400-1500m and 1500-1865m (0.71). The complete species turnover (1) was observed in both 1200-1300m and 1300-1400m zones with all altitudinal zones below 800m. The highest bird species turnover was seen between 200-300m and 1400- 1500m, which showed almost complete turnover. Consecutive altitudinal categories did not show any significant amount of species turnover. All altitudinal categories from 100 to 1100 m did not show species turnover by more than 70 % (Table 5). Both reptile and bird communities were significantly different at either low (<800m) or high (>1200 m) altitudes of the Western Ghats. Unlike reptiles, the species turnover in birds was rather gradual and contiguous barring the composition of communities between 300m and 1500m, which were almost completely non-identical.

Thirty-nine Otocryptis beddomii in 24 locations were observed. Among them, 15 locations were 1 km apart, and the same were included for analysis. It is predicted that potential sites (probability > 0.7) for O. beddomii were found south of Periyar Tiger Reserve and highly suitable sites (>0.8) were predicted only further south of the Senkottah gap. About 730 sq km of Western Ghats was found to be suitable at (probability >0.6) for this species including 620 sq km in Agasthiamalai Biosphere Reserve. Xylophis captaini was found in 33 locations, which were separated by at least by 1 km from each other. The estimated potential area (with the probability of over 0.5) of the species distribution is about 1,800 sq km. The distribution of X. captaini was predicted with nine environmental variables (three topographic, one vegetation type and five bio-climatic variables). The area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve value was higher (mean = 0.991), indicating that the model distribution was not random (0.5). The precipitation seasonality has the highest predictive gain when used in isolation and it appears to be the most important variable for the predicted model. Climatic and topographic variables such as altitude and mean diurnal temperature range have also contributed to the predicted model. The findings show that MAXENT model is suitable for predicting distribution range of species, which will be useful for further targeted surveys by interested researchers and department concerned. Currently presence only model has been

63 tried. Other models using presence and absence data and habitat variables will be developed for predicting distribution range of selected endemic species.

Discussion and recommendations Though final analysis is still not complete, some general trends have emerged from the data analysis. Curiously, both the taxa did not show any mid-domain effect along the elevational gradient. This is in sharp contrast to predicted species richness patterns and also observed elsewhere too. This contradiction needs to be further investigated in view of several competing hypotheses presented in various ecological literature. These include ecotonal effect, competition, productivity, structural complexity of habitats, ecological sorting, area effect, and sometimes mere sampling effect. We are currently testing each of these hypotheses with full dataset.

The differences between reptiles and birds in terms of species turnover along altitudinal gradient were quite marked unlike their near-convergence in species richness-elevation pattern. We suspect this to be largely a function of relatively higher degree of endemism and niche-conservatism shown by reptilian taxa compared to birds. In this regard, we intend to carry out analyses in future on how range size dynamics could influence the species turnover in space in Western Ghats.

Regarding the species-distribution models, it was evident that the precipitation seasonality has highest predictive gain when used in isolation and it appeared to be the most important variable for the predicted model. The findings show that MAXENT model is suitable for predicting distribution range of species, which will be useful for further targeted surveys. Other models using presence and absence data and habitat variables will be developed for predicting distribution range of little known species particularly rare and endemic taxa of high conservation significance.

Publications (emanated from the research study): 1. Panigrahi, M. (2013). Small Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis) gritting. Indian Birds 8(4): 112pp. 2. Jins, V.J., Bhupathy, S. & Panigrahi, M. (2014). New record of Beddome’ s coral snake Calliophis beddomei Smith , 1943 from the southern Western Ghats , India. Herpetology Notes. 7: 555–557. 3. Bhupathy, S. V.J, Jins, S. Babu & Joyce Jose. Distribution and conservation status of the caenophidian snake, Xylophis captaini Gower & Winkler, 2007 in the Western Ghats, India. Current science (In print).

3. Ecological investigation of woody vegetation and nest tree use by birds in the riverine forests of Athikadavu Valley, Western Ghats

Principal Investigator (PI) : P Balasubramanian Co-investigator : Nil

64 Research Fellows : P. Manikandan Project Period : Three years Date of Commencement : April 2012 Date of Completion : March 2015 Budget : Rs.10.72 Lakhs Expenditure till date : Rs 8.39 lakhs Fuding Source : MoEF, Govt. Of India Status : Completed Collaborative agency : Nil

Summary Vegetation assessment in the riverine forests showed the occurrence of 70 woody plant species belonging to 38 families. In dry deciduous forests, 67 woody plant species belonging to 26 families were recorded. Bird community study indicated the occurrence of 145species in the riverine forests. A total of 32 cavity nesting bird species was recorded. This included woodpeckers, hornbills, barbets, parakeets, mynas and owls. A total of 302 active nests of various bird species were located in the riverine forests of Athikadavu. Out of 302 cavity nests, 33.77% belonged to primary cavity nesting birds and 66.23% to secondary cavity nesters. Highest number of tree cavities was used by Common Myna (55; 18.21%) followed by White- cheeked Barbet (44; 14.57%) and Brown-headed Barbet (30; 9.93%). Fifty-four tree species were utilized for nesting by cavity nesting birds. Majority of the nests were located on Terminalia arjuna followed by Mangifera indica and Melia dubia. Eight raptor species were recorded in the riverine forests. This included Brahminy Kite, Black Kite, Jerdon’s Baza, Greater Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Crested Serpent-Eagle, Black Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle and Shikra. Raptors showed preference towards certain tree species. Highest preference was observed for Albizia lebbeck (PI=0.50) and Hardwickia binata (PI=0.50) followed by Terminalia bellirica (PI=0.33).

In India, more than 100 species of tree-cavity nesting birds have been identified, but very little information is available about their breeding habits. In the above background, it was felt that a study on tree diversity and its use by birds in the riverine forests of an important river system- the Bhavani a tributary of Cauvery would be useful for protecting the biodiversity. The study was carried out in Athikadavu valley (11o12’48.19”N&76o45’22.94” E) along the river Bhavani in the southeastern Nilgiri slopes, Western Ghats.

Objectives

1. Quantify the woody vegetation and estimate the abundance of trees in the riverine forests of the Athikadavu Valley, Western Ghats, 2. Find out the nest trees used by cavity-nesting birds, assess the characteristics of nest trees and identify preferred nest tree species 3. Find out the nest trees used by stick-nesters, especially raptors and assess the nest tree features and identify preferred nest tree species, 4. Assess the human impacts on riverine vegetation and suggest conservation measures.

65 Methodolgy The woody vegetation was quantified by using belt-transect method. Two belt transects of 1000 X 10m were used. All the stems measuring >20 cm GBH (girth at breast height) were enumerated. Bird census was carried out along the riverbank by using line transect method. Nest trees were located by making repeated walks along riverbanks. The plant species on which nests are placed were identified and recorded. Data on nest characteristics and nest-sites were collected. Nest tree parameters such as height of the tree, height of the nest location, placement and orientation of the nest and cavity dimensions were recorded. Nest tree preferences of cavity nesting birds were assessed by using Ivlev’s Preference Index. Stick-nests of raptors were located by making repeated walks along riverbanks. Trees species, its features, including the canopy characteristics and nest location etc were observed and recorded. Ivlev’s selectivity Index was used to find out the nest tree species preferences of the stick nesting raptors. Potential human disturbances include cutting, lopping and Non-Timber Forest Produces collection. While sampling the woody vegetation, human disturbances such as number of branches, stems cut and trees felled etc were noted.

Results In the riparian fringing forests, 70 woody plant species belonging to 60 genera and 38 families were recorded. Moraceae constituted the largest family with eight species. The dominant tree species were Pongamia pinnata (IVI-74.64) Diospyros peregrina (41.75), and Mangifera indica (41.16). The vegetation of Athikadavu valley can be described as Pongamia pinnata –Diospyros peregrina – Mangifera indica community. In the dry deciduous forests, a total of 67 woody plant species belonging 55 genera and 26 families were recorded. Mimosaceae constituted the largest family with eight species followed by each five species are Ebenaceae and Fabaceae. The dominant tree species were Drypetes sepiaria (IVI-22.82), Chloroxylon sweitenia (22.62) and Atalantia monophylla (11.41). The plant community of the mixed dry deciduous forest can be described as Drypetes seperia –Chloroxylon sweitenia- Atalantia monophylla community.

A total of 157 bird species belonging to 51 families were recorded. Out of 51 families, Cuculidae constituted the largest family with 12 species followed by each family 8 species Accipitridae and Rallidae. Four near threatened bird species namely Malabar Pied Hornbill, Great Hornbill, Greater Grey-headed Fishing Eagle and Indian Darter were found here. Out of the 157 species, 32 species are cavity-nesting birds, which include woodpeckers, hornbills, barbets, parakeets, mynas, owls and tits. Eight raptor species have been recorded. In the study area, 287 nest trees belonging to 54 species (23 families) were utilized for nesting by cavity nesting birds during the study period. The 302 nest trees included 263 live trees and 24 dead trees. Maximum number of nests were located on Terminalia arjuna (42; 13.91%) followed by Mangifera indica (27; 8.94%) and Melia dubia (21; 6.95%). A total of 302 active nests of various bird species were located in the riverine forests of Athikadavu. Out of 302 cavity nests, 102 (33.77%) belonged to primary cavity nesters and 200 (66.23%) belonged to secondary cavity nesters. Highest number of cavities was used by Common Myna (55; 18.21%) followed by White-cheeked Barbet (44; 14.57%) and Brown-headed Barbet (30; 9.93%). Highest number of tree species was used by Common Myna (n=22) followed by Brown-headed Barbet (n=20) and White-cheeked Barbet (n=18).In all, species such as Terminalia arjuna, Mangifera

66 indica, Ceiba pentandra and Melia dubia were favored by several bird species. Cavity nesting birds showed preference to Terminalia arjuna (PI=0.95) followed by Mangifera indica (PI=0.93) and Melia dubia (PI=0.91).

Nest features of cavity nesting birds in riverine forests of Athikadavu Valley Nest features such as nest location, nest tree condition, cavity status, cavity position etc were studied. A total of 302 nests belonging to 20 cavity nesting bird species were examined. Majority of the Common Myna nests were placed on live trees (n=51; 92.7%). Nest heights of cavity nesting birds were recorded for 302 nests. Nest cavities were located on varying heights from as low as 2m to a height of 23m. Largest proportion of nests (48.01%) was located in the 5-10m category. Nest heights of cavity nesting birds were recorded for 302 nests. Nest cavities were located on varying heights from as low as 2m to a height of 23m. Largest proportion of nests (48.01%) was located in the 5-10m category.

Stick nesting raptors in the riverine forest Eight species of raptors belonging to Accipitridae family were recorded in the riverine forests. This included Brahminy Kite, Black Kite, Jerdon's Baza, Greater Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Crested Serpent-Eagle, Black Eagle, Shikra and Bonelli’s Eagle. A total of 13 raptor nests were located in the riverine forest of Athikadavu valley. Nest tree features were studied for 13 trees. Mean height of the nest tree, mean girth at breast height, mean nest distance from the first branch of the trunk, nest height for Greater Grey-headed Fish Eagle were 24.37±5.3, 316.6±50.6, 3.94±1.5 and 19.5±9.5 respectively. Six tree species were utilized by raptors for nesting. Highest preference was observed for Albizia lebbeck (PI=0.50) and Hardwickia binata (PI=0.50) followed by Terminalia bellirica (PI=0.33).

Recommendations Protection of nest trees: Bhavani riverbank vegetation in Athikadavu and Pillur comprised of unique species composition. Species such as Mangifera indica, Calophyllum apetalum, Diospyros peregrina, Madhuca longifolia, Terminalia arjuna, Syzygium cumini offer suitable substrate for roosting and breeding of birds. Hence, it is suggested to protect the nest trees from anthropogenic impacts.

Livestock Grazing: Hundreds of goats and cows are left free in the forest areas, which extensively graze, on herbaceous vegetation including the tree seedlings thus affecting forest regeneration. Measures need to be taken up to control cattle grazing in forest areas.

4. Status and Distribution surveys of threatened plant taxa in Tamil Nadu

Principal Investigator : P. Balasubramanian Co-investigator : Nil Research fellows : C. Anbarasu and L. Prakash Project period : 18 months Date of commencement : August 2013 Date of Completion : March 2015

67 Budget : Rs. 5.27 Lakhs Expenditure till Date : Rs. 4.48 Lakhs Funding source : Tamil Nadu Forest Department Status : Completed

Summary A state wide threatened plants assessment was planned by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and it was decided to carry out the survey in 17 Divisional Management Units (DMU) across the state. Of the 17 DMUs, four namely Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Mukurthi National Park and Gudalur Forest Division were allotted to SACON. Field surveys were carried out in all the four DMU’s. Twenty three threatened species were recorded in Sathyamangalam, 21 species in Gudalur, 19 Mukurthi National Park and two in Point Calimere.

Objectives 1) Prepare the master check list of plant species in Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, 2) Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Mukurthi National Park and Gudalur Forest Division. 3) List out the endemic, endangered and threatened taxa from the target area. 4) Assess the diversity status of the threatened plant taxa (IUCN).

Methodology Vegetation assessment was done by using nested-quadrat method. Trees, bamboos, and lianas were measured in the sample plots measuring 31.62 m x 31.62m (0.1 ha). All trees with >10 cm diameter at breast height were measured and recorded. Diameter of the bamboo clumps was measured at its base. Shrubs and saplings were measured in the two 5x5 m quadrat laid within the 0.1 ha plot. Data onherbs was gathered by laying 1x1 m plot. Four 1x1 m plots was laid within the 0.1 ha plot to recorded herbs and seedlings. Number of ).1 ha plots laid included 76 for Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, 15 for Mukurthi National Park, 12 for Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary and 19 in Gudalur Forest Division.

Results Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary: Fifty six quadrats were allotted for vegetation sampling. Twenty quadrats were laid additionally to get adequate coverage of the threatened species. In total, 660 plant species belonging to 131 families were recorded in the quadrats. Poaceae (71) was found to be the most dominant family. Highest number of species (288) was recorded in the Southern dry mixed deciduous forest. A total of 90 endemic plants of 41 families were recorded. IUCN threatened species recorded here included 23 belonging to 18 families.

Mukurthi National Park: Fifteen quadrats were laid for vegetation sampling. In total, 409 plant species belonging to 98 families were recorded in the quadrats. It included 37 endemic species and 19 IUCN threatened species. Most dominant family representing endemic species included Lauraceae.

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Gudalur Forest Division: Nineteen quadrats were laid for vegetation sampling. In total, 686 plant species belonging to 100 families were recorded in the quadrats. This included 95 endemic species and 21 IUCN threatened species. Lauraceae formed the most dominant family representing both endemic and threatened species.

Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary: Twelve quadrats were laid for vegetation sampling. A total of 124 species were found in the quadrats. Three endemic species and two IUCN threatened species were recorded.

Discussion and Recommendations The surveys indicated the occurrence of exotic weeds across habitats in all the DMU’s. Lantana camara, Eupatorium glandulosum, Parthenium hysterophorus, Prosopis juliflora are commonly occurring in Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary. Acacia spp are abundantly found in Mukurthi National Park. In Sathyamangalam, exotic weeds invasion form a major threat to the native species. Lantana camara invasion needs to be controlled. In Mukurthi National Park, the spread of Black Wattle, Acacia mearnsii needs to be controlled as it spreads fast into adjoining open areas and pose competition for the native species. In Gudalur Forest Division, habitats of threatened species are encroached by settler population. Forest areas are encroached for agricultural activities. With the involvement of NGO’s, forest conservation awareness program needs to be conducted for the settler population.

5. Habitat Assessment of Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Kerala

Principal Investigator : P V Karunakaran Co-Investigators : Rajah Jayapal and B Anjan Kumar Prusty Research Fellows : Manish Kumar

69 Project Period : One year Date of commencement : March 2014 Date of completion : March 2015 Budget : Rs. 80,000 Funding source : Kerala Forests & Wildlife Department Status : Completed

Summary The Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department through the letter DO No. WL 4-424/ 12 dated 22nd May 2013 requested Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) to carry out a study regarding the permanent ecological status of the Sanctuary. As per the letter, it was reported that the Sanctuary in the past attracted large number of birds both migratory and residents and in the recent years there has been a decline in arrival of many migratory birds. Among many reasons attributed, it was thought that the developmental activities taking place in and around the sanctuary and the siltation which has taken place in the water body depleting the fish population are the two major reasons for the presumed less visit of the avifauna especially migrants. The Advisory Committee on Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary in its meeting held on 16.05.2013 has recommended getting a study done by SACON on this issue and suggests remedial measures including the need and scope for desilting the water body.

Objectives

1) Examine the factors that adversely impacted in the Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary 2) Suggest short term and long term measures to restore the bird population

Methodology

Birds A cumulative table of all the bird species recorded by various studies in the past was created. Though Mangalavanam with its mangrove vegetation and tidal lake is particularly known for the waterbirds, it encompasses other habitats as well on which several bird species, notably, the passerines, depend on for their survival. We classified the birds of Mangalavanam into six groups on the basis of their habitats/habits: (i) Waterbirds: Species that use the water and aquatic vegetation as their prime nesting, foraging, or roosting sites. Include waterfowl, waders, and other aquatic avifauna, (ii) Wetland-dependent birds: Normally terrestrial bird species, which are either directly or indirectly dependent on water bodies and their vegetation for foraging. Include taxa like kingfishers, swallows, and wagtails, (iii) Woodland birds: Species that are restricted to woodlands including overgrown mangrove trees and other arboreal vegetation surrounding the waterbody. Include a large number of passerines and near- passerines, (iv) Understorey birds: Birds, which normally frequent the dense undergrowth and shrubbery occurring on both land and edges of water. Typical birds are prinias, tailorbirds, and some warblers, (v) Open-habitat birds: Birds of open places including openings in woodland, built-up areas, roads, open shore, and air. May include taxa like pigeons, bee-eaters, swifts,

70 crows, sparrows, and other human-associated species and (vi) Raptors: Though raptors do not form a habitat-based class on its own, they are nevertheless treated separately here as their numbers and distribution are governed by common ecological parameters.

Environmental parameters It was observed that both organic and inorganic municipal waste, small industrial waste and solid waste from different sources are entering to the sanctuary. Samples related to environmental components, i.e. water, sediment, planktons were collected following standard field methods. The samples were divided into sub-samples and sanctuary was divided into different sampling locations. The glasswares were acid-treated to remove any sort of contamination. All the chemicals used were of analytical grade and the reagents were prepared in deionized water.

Results

Birds In total, 95 species of birds belonging to 15 Orders and 42 Families were found to have been reliably recorded from Mangalavanam. With regard to habitats, woodland birds followed by waterbirds form the majority of the sanctuary’s avifauna and raptors constitute nearly 7% of the bird species diversity. The number of species of both local migrants and winter visitors remain more or less stable through the reporting period, but number of resident species has been on decline particularly after 2012. Though open waters are getting scarcer with time, probably from expanding mangroves, the number of species of waterbirds (NOT their population size, though) seems to be relatively stable. The populations of some of the key waterbird taxa show dramatic decline over the period to the extreme that counts of three species (Black-crowned Night Heron, Large Cormorant, and Oriental Darter) drew nil in 2013. [Note that the 2014 data are based on incomplete survey and hence not considered here). What is more distressing is the fact that both the species that comprised the Mangalavanam heronry a decade back viz., Black-crowned Night Heron and Little Cormorant are the ones that underwent the steepest fall in their numbers over the years.

Environmental Parameters Among the physical properties, pH of the MBS was alkaline in nature, varying between 7.93 at sewage mixing point and 8.17 at inlet point of the sanctuary, whereas the incoming sewage and the adjacent lake had similar level of pH 7.10 - 7.97 and 8.17, respectively. The EC ranged from 22.24 to 26.67 mS/cm within sanctuary, whereas the sewage and effluent location had less conductivity 1.29 - 5.16 and 3.25 mS/cm, respectively. Similarly, TDS ranged from 11.13 to 13.37 ppt within sanctuary, whereas at sewage and effluent locations it ranged 0.68-2.51 ppt and 1.58 ppt, respectively. The Salinity of the sanctuary water fluctuated from 18 to 20 ppt indicating the influence of the adjacent Vembanad lake (inflow water).Free Carbon dioxide (FCO2) ranged between 2.0 and 3.3 mg/l in the sanctuary area, whereas the adjacent Vembanad lake water had around 4.0 mg/l. The dissolved Oxygen(DO) level in MBS water varied between 4.47 and 8.13 mg/l.

71 The higher level of COD, Nitrate, Nitrite etc. will harm the normal hematology of any organism and causes fatality. When the organic nitrogenous waste getting decomposes the conversion process reduces the oxygen level in the environment and repels the organism from the locality. The sediments from different sources i.e. Vembanad lake and inflow water from Ernakulum town filled the sanctuary so there were no water retention. The litters from the nearby area increase the organic matter load (10.39 %). The presence of oil and other hydrocarbons found in the samples that cause the death of aquatic animals as well as they may cover the pores of pneumatophores of mangroves which can cause the death of plant. The presence of this devastating chemical may reduce the flora and fauna of sanctuary. The lower values for nutrients were observed due to tidal flush in the sanctuary. The plankton data shows the majority of them are rotifers, which are clear indication of organic and nitrogenous-based pollution in the sanctuary.

Discussion and recommendations The fact that the resident birds showed a marked decrease in their species richness after 2010 would also infer that the proverbial breaking point for habitat deterioration in the PA was likely of more recent origin. This was substantiated by the results of the analysis of physical environment. The spread of dense-canopied vegetation would mean that all open areas available within the sanctuary precincts (including shores, tree-fall gaps, and open waters) are no longer available. This can also affect foraging efficiency of nesting waterbirds and fish population in the waters. Our inference is further strengthened by a corresponding increase in woodland bird species richness in the sanctuary noted during the same period till 2012. The management suggestions were made.

Regarding de-silting the sanctuary area, it may not be a viable option in the long run since the sanctuary is under tidal influx and sediments may get deposited regularly. Nevertheless on experimental basis without disturbing the mangrove vegetation and on close monitoring an attempt may be made and monitored intensively for the growth of fishes and other organisms that support bird population and visit of the water birds. As the water spread area experiences in out flow with respect to tidal effects the quantum of stagnant water even after de-silting may reduce over weeks or months.

If the objective of MBS management is nurturing the bird population, especially the water birds, then the canopy management (thinning of canopy) may be sought. Nevertheless, before attempting this, a detailed critical analysis of the ecology of the targeted bird species may be studied.

Thinning (cutting of branches) of some of the exotic canopy trees (e.g. Samanea saman) may be thought to make the area a little more open.

In order to enrich the food species (plankton, fishes, mollusks, etc) for the birds in the Sanctuary, the substratum may be devoid of pollution or contamination. As the major source of contamination of the substratum (sediment) is identified as sewage and municipal waste water draining through the sanctuary, diversion of sewage canals to prevent such organic load and

72 pollutants to change the quality of aquatic environment may be made. If it enters the sanctuary, ensure the biological treatment of the sewage and the quality should ranges within the limits of CPCB and WHO.

During the tidal (high) influx large quantity of solid wastes are entering into the sanctuary. In order to prevent this barricading of inlet canal by hard PVC shutters may be thought.

Regular environmental monitoring (biannual) of soil and water quality, seasonal monitoring of water birds, monitoring of aquatic fauna, population dynamics of birds other than water/wetland, monitoring of bats and changes of mangrove vegetation should be performed and recorded.

An institutional mechanism should be evolved incorporating the functionaries of Cochin Corporation, High Court of Kerala, Railway, Bharat Petroleum, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, relevant department of Cochin University and other stakeholders to get actively involved in the management and monitoring of biological diversity of the sanctuary. The present Management Committee may be suitably modified to achieve this.

6. Monitoring and Surveillance of Environmental Contaminants in Birds in India

Principal Investigator : S. Muralidharan Research Fellows : K. Ganesan & Mr. K. Nambirajan Technical Assistant : V. Kirubhanandhini Project Period : 3 Years Date of Commencement : March 2010 Date of completion : August 2014 Budget : Rs. 48, 36, 000/- Expenditure till date : Rs. 43, 20, 201/- Funding Source : MoEF, Govt. of India Status : work completed; report writing in progress Collaborating agency : Nil

Summary During July 2014 – May 2015, 20 individuals comprising 7 species of birds were collected from states, namely Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. White Backed Vulture, Black Kite, Spotted Owlet and Saras Crane were the notable species. Pesticides heavy metals and diclofenac were estimated in tissue samples. Levels of DDT higher when compared to other pesticides. Carnivores had maximum levels of pesticide residues and omnivores the least. Indian Pond Heron had highest level of heavy metal accumulation. When compared based on feeding guild Granivores had the maximum and omnivore the minimum levels of heavy metals.

Objectives

1. Monitor residue levels of persistent chemicals in birds and generate a database.

73 2. Identify chemicals responsible for mass mortality of birds across the country. 3. Assess the effectiveness of guidelines on usage of major chemical pesticides in the country.

Methodology Opportunistic sampling strategy and organized field visits were followed to collect samples of dead birds from all over India. Post-mortem examinations were conducted either in the field or at SACON laboratory and suitable tissues preserved at -200C. QuEChERS multiresidue extraction method was followed for extracting pesticide residues. Final quantitative analysis was carried out in Gas Chromatograph (GC) fitted with electron capture detector (ECD). For metal analysis, Microwave Digestion System was used for digestion of samples and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) for estimation. Residues of Diclofenac and cholinesterase activities were estimated using HPLC equipped with UV detector and UV/Vis Spectrophotometer respectively.

Results and Discussion Pesticides: During the period under report, 120 birds comprising 35 species including the birds received during 2013-14 were analysed for a set of 19 Organochlorine (OC) pesticide residues. Accumulation pattern of Ocs was in the order of DDT > HCH > Endosulfan > heptachlor, Dieldrin, Alachlor and dicofol. White-backed Vulture had the highest levels of DDT and HCH. While classifying them based on feeding guild, carnivores had the highest accumulation followed by piscivores and omnivores.

Heavy metals: Levels of copper, lead, chromium and cadmium in 25 species of birds collected from Ahmadabad, Gujarat were analysed. Analyses on other species of birds are being done. The pattern of accumulation differed among species, organs, feathers and metals. Indian Pond Heron had the highest level of total metal burden (4249.46 ppb) while in other species the levels ranged between 905 and 2631 ppb. Among tissues, accumulation was the highest in kidney (3313.14 ppb) followed by liver (2976.22 ppb). Amongst the four metals studied, levels of cadmium were the highest in both tissues and feathers. Accumulation of metals also differed among feeding guilds of the birds. Granivores (4606.26 ppb) had the highest level followed by frugivores (2901.58 ppb), and omnivores the lowest.

Diclofenac in White-backed Vultures: Fourteen White-backed Vultures were received dead from Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (3) and Wild Ass Sanctuary, Gujarat (11). Although the levels of diclofenac recorded could be considered toxic, none of the vultures had signs of visceral gout. Hence, we could not confirm that diclofenac was surely responsible for the mortality in both the places. However, it is adequately evident that vultures continue to remain exposed to diclofenac contamination.

Unfortunately, in Assam vulture mortality has been of great concern. While 50 vultures were reported dead in Sivasagar district in January 2015, 54 died again in upper Assam during early March. Circumstantial evidence support unintentional poisoning. However, we could not get tissue for analysis.

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Recommendations: Being formulated.

7. Monitoring the impacts of Jangi Wind power farm (91.8 MW)with special reference to birds and bats

Principal Investigator : Arun P R Co-Investigator/ Consultant : -Nil- Research Fellow : Samsoor Ali and Ramesh kumar Project period : 36 Months Date of commencement : 26 July 2011 Expected date of completion : 31 December 2014 Budget :  : Rs. 5,832,800.00 Expenditure till date :  Rs.5,393,454.00 Funding source : M/s Genting energy Status : Completed (Report Submitted on 13 Feb 2015) Collaborating agency : No

Summary The development of wind-energy is a vital component of the India-wide objective to increase the proportion of energy derived from renewable sources, thus helping to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. However, considering the current pace and scale of wind power development proposals, the impacts on environment is a cause for concern and hence there is a pressing need for more information on the range of potential impacts of wind farms, from across landscapes and seasons. There are many studies from various parts of the world indicating that the wind farms can potentially have serious adverse effect on the environment and wildlife such especially through habitat disturbances, changing flight behavior of birds and most importantly causing mortality of birds and bats (Arnett et al. 2005; Jain 2005; Keil 2005; Kinglsley & Whittam 2005; Drewitt et al. 2006; Barclay et al. 2007). However there is very little documentation on the impacts of windfarms on birds from other parts of India (Pande et al, 2013).

Objectives: The study addressed the following objectives • Documentation of bird and bat populations in and around the project sites • Identification of roosting sites of bats and population estimations • Study the response of avifauna to wind turbines • Evaluate the impact of the project on Raptor roosting sites • Assess the mortality risk caused by wind turbines to avifauna • Preparing plans to mitigate the impacts

Methodology

75 The methodology involved rigorous field studies that included Floristic Surveys, Bird Surveys, Bird Nest and Roost Site Surveys, Flight Height preference and Patterns of Birds, Bat Activity Monitoring, Mortality Searches, field evaluation of Carcass Removal and Searcher Efficiency and Bias. Standard methods were followed during the field operations

Results The Jangi wind power project is located in an environmentally less sensitive area with no major forest or wildlife area involved. The present study reports the presence of diverse bird fauna that include several species of conservation importance. The high avian species-richness recorded is attributable to the presence of diverse habitat types and also to the closeness of the region to the Western edge of the Central Asian migratory flyway of birds. Although studies elsewhere have reported that birds especially migratory species do not prefer wind turbine sites (Villegas-Patraca 2012), around 70 migratory bird species were recorded in the present study area. Few species such as Black redstart, Blue throat, Booted warbler, Brahminy starling, Dusky craig Martin, Greater Coucal and Yellow throated sparrow were the only species found absent in the wind farm area compared to the control sites.

The results suggest that wetland birds do not actively avoid the wetlands within the wind turbine sites. However, abundance of individual species differed between wetlands of turbine and non-turbine sites. For example, the Demoiselle Crane was most abundant species in both sites, but the abundance varied from wetland to wetland. Other than wind turbines, several factors such as wetland size, water availability, landscape structure, physico-chemical parameters of water, prey availability and migratory season may also influence the wetland birds distribution. The findings indicate that wetlands within wind turbine sites still have conservation value since diverse avifauna including threatened species were found to be using these wetlands. Nesting pattern of birds varied between control and turbine sites. The results indicated that birds generlly tend to avoid turbine sites (wind farm area) for nesting purpose.

Although 173 species of birds recorded in the area, only 28% (49 species) of birds were found to be at high risk of collision with turbines. In general, raptors, doves and some waterbirds had maximum chance of collisions whereas passerines had low probability of colliding with the turbine.

The estimated mean annual mortality rates per turbine at the Genting wind farm at Jangi was 0.38 for birds and 0.28 for bats. This is a very low mortality rate when compared with the reports from wind farms in various other parts of the world (Pedersen & Poulsen 1991; Muster et al. 1996; Howe et al. 2002; Everaert & Stienen 2007;Fiedler et al. 2007). For instance, the mean number of collision fatalities reported in different European wind farms varies between a few birds per turbine per year up to 64 birds per turbine per year (Langston & Pullan 2003).

Only single fruit bat colony with small population was recorded in the control site and no evidence of fruit bat mortalities caused by collition with turbines were recorded during the study period. Noctornal bat activity survey revealved that bat activity was comparatively less in turbine site than the non-turbine control sites, indicating possible avoidance of turbine site by

76 bats. Only four instances of bat mortalities were recorded during the study period with an estimated bat mortality rate of 0.28 bats/ turbine/year which is very low. However, the low number of bat carcasses used for the scavenger removal rate tests (because of unavailability of bat carcasses for the test) might have slightly affected the accuracy of mortality rate estimations. Overall, the bat activities in the study area was low and there is no singnificant mortality risk from wind turbines to the bat population in the present context of Jangi wind farm.

Discussion and recommendations Though it appears that there is only minimal impact on the avifauna and bats from the wind turbines based on the observations and estimates during the present study, following precautionary measures are recommended for further minimizing the chance of avian mortality in the wind farm.

 Switching off the lights below the turbines whenever not required at night to avoid attracting the insects and associated nocturnal birds and bats to the turbines  Ensuring proper Insulation of electrical installations such as junctions on electric posts and transformers in order to avoid electrocution since many of the birds use these as perching sites.  Further installation of turbines may be avoided in the area within 1 km radius of wetlands to further minimize the collision risk especially for migratory avifauna.  Measures may be taken to create awareness among the villages in and around turbine site such as Jangi, Modpar, Godpar and Vandhiya for careful burial of the cattle carcasses to avoid the attraction of scavenging birds such as vultures into the turbine area.  A participatory approach towards advocating and popularizing various measures in the human habitations located in and around the wind farm areas mainly for discouraging the feeding of pigeons and other human associated avifaunal species may be adopted. This can help minimize bird collision risk directly at the turbines, and also indirectly through avoiding the raptors getting attracted to the area.  Vehicle movements in the turbine sites may be reduced and appropriately managed to minimize disturbances and road mortalities  Seasonal bird counts and regular avifaunal mortality recordings following standard protocols (as followed during the present study) may be done on a long-term basis to understand the changes in the wind farm bird assemblages and their response to the wind farm operations in the long run.

7. Publications (emanated from the project) : Ramesh Kumar, S., Ali, A.M.S. & Arun, P.R. 2013.Report of Bat Mortality from Indian Wind Farm. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 5(13); 4822–4824.

77 Ali, A.M.S., Ramesh Kumar. S. &. Arun, P.R. 2013. Water bird assemblage in rural ponds of Samakhiali region, , Gujarat, India. Bird Populations. 12:12-18. Ali, A.M.S., Ramesh Kumar. S. &. Arun, P.R. 2013.Records of Black Ibis Pseudibis papillosa nesting on power transmission line towers. Birding ASIA. 19: 104-106. Ali, A.M.S., Ramesh Kumar. S, &. Arun, P.R. 2013. House Crow Corvus splendens nesting on pylons, Kutch District, Gujarat, India. Forktail. 29:148-150.

8. Impact of Hara Wind power project of CLP Wind Farms (India) Ltd. on Wildlife including Migratory birds and Raptors at Harapanahalli, Davangere, Karnataka

Principal Investigator : Arun P R Co-Investigator/ Consultant : Rajah Jayapal Research Fellow : Anoop, V Project period : 14 Months Date of commencement : 26 November 2013 Expected date of completion : 28 May 2015 Budget : Rs. 1,646,000.00 Expenditure till date : Rs. 411,079.00 Funding source : CLP Wind Farms (India) Pvt. Ltd. Status : Completed (Report Submitted on 29 May 2015) Collaborating agency : No

Summary The present study was taken up further to the request from CLP Wind farms (India) PVT LTD to SACON to undertake a study about the ‘impact of windmill in wildlife of the project area in general: including impact on migratory birds and roosting of raptors in particular in forest land of 56.508 hectare in Hyarada RF’. This study started in November 2013 and the present report covers the results of our preliminary observations on the avifauna of the study area that include recorded bird abundance figures in the project and nearby areas including surrounding wetlands, recorded bird mortalities at the turbine sites, birds flight height records and also presence of other wildlife species in study area.

Objectives The objective of the study was the Assessment of impacts of wind power on the wildlife especially on the migratory birds and their movement through the area and the raptors and their roosting sites. Methodology The methodology followed for the study was aimed at addressing two major aspects 1) to document the faunal abundance and its seasonal and spatial patterns 2) to assess the potential impacts (Both direct and indirect) on the avifauna. The line tranect and total counts (for wetlands) were used for documenting the bird abundance, while the intensive searches for Bird carcasses at turbine sites and flight height monnitoring of birds were used for addressing the second aspect.

78

We followed the line transect method (Gaston) as one of the methods for our bird surveys in field. Each transect was 1000 m length and 100 m width. We monitored four transects including two control sites. We surveyed the bird abundance in selected wetlands and its near by agriculture lands and human inhabited areas in five kilometer radius from the windmill area.

To estimate the mortality of birds and bats, searches were conducted below all the 24 turbines for carcasses. We searched forty minutes per turbine within in a 100 m radial zone around the turbine base for remnants of birds and bats that might have collided with turbine. Flight activities of birds in wind turbine area including their flight height, distance of flight from turbine blade was observed during the field work.

Results The data indicate that wind turbines do cause some bird mortalities in the CLP Wind farm area; however, the mortalities of birds is quite low while comparing with other reported mortality rates elsewhere. The Bat mortalities recorded were comparatively higher than that of birds in the Hara wind farm which is contrary to reports from some other Indian Wind farm areas which reported higher bird mortalities than bats. During the carcass search method we recorded seven dead birds but all were common resident birds only. It is likely that wind mills along with the supporting structures like roads, power evacuation corridors, and other associated infrastructure impact birds and biodiversity. Nonetheless, the study could not find any evidence that indicate significant impacts on birds from the operations of CLP Hara wind farm. But the comparatively higher rate of mortality for bats posed by Hara wind farm needs closer monitoring over a long term basis. Significantly higher number of bat carcasses compared to birds were recordedfrom this wind farm site. The estimated mortality rates were 0.47 birds/ turbine/ year and 12 Bats/ turbine/ year.

Discussion and recommendations Though the observed and estimated mortality rates of raptors, other birds and bats were not alarmingly high in the Hara wind farm it was found that the Bats are at a higher risk compared to birds at this site. However it needs further investigations to ascertain whether it is a function of the inherent difference in population densities of birds and bats in this area.

Following measures are proposed for further minimizing the impact of wind turbines on fauna at the Hara Wind farm Minimize the lighting around the turbines during night to minimize attracting the insects to the congregation of insects at turbine sites and thus indirectly attracting nocturnal insectivorous birds and bat species.

Forest department may be urged to intensify the fire control measures in the forests adjoining the Hara wind farm in order to minimize the influx of various faunal species to the relatively unburnt habitat areas available in the Wind farm which might result in escalated risk of collision for the aerial faunal elements such as bats and birds.

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9. Cumulative Impact Assessment study of Hydro Power Projects on river Yamuna, Tons and tributaries in Uttarakhand; Faunal Aspects

Principal Investigator : Arun P R Co-Investigator/ Consultant : -Nil- Research Fellow : Srinivas, M & Shanthakumar, S B Project period : 18 Months Date of commencement : 4 January 2013 Expected date of completion : 1 December 2014 Budget : Rs 4,323,000.00 Expenditure till date : Rs. 1,397,641.00 Funding source : Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Status : Completed (Report Submitted on 04 May 2015) Collaborating agency : ICFRE Dehadun, AHEC of IIT Roorke & DCFRI Bhimtal

Summary The river Yamuna together with its tributary Tons is identified as a major source for hydroelectric power in the st.te of Uttarakhand. The Yamuna river along with its numerous tributaries in Uttarakhand constitute about 6,000 MW of Hydro power potential, of which only 10 per cent has been tapped so far. Currently, five run of the river schemes generate a total of 550 MW of hydropower utilizing a gross available head of 240 m. The High Court of Uttarakhand at Nainital vide its Order dated 15th July 2011 had asked Government of Uttarakhand to conduct a Cumulative Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Hydropower Projects on River Yamuna and Tons & its Tributaries in Uttarakhand. Accordingly a study was assigned to Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE by Uttarakhand Govt. through Uttarakhand Jal Vidhyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL) for conducting a cEIA in collaboration with relevant expert organizations. Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON), Coimbatore was awarded with the faunal component of the study. The study was initiated in 2012 and is currently ongoing.

Objectives The specific objectives of the study include involving Inventory of avi-fauna, and other terrestial fauna and evaluate their conservation status and threat perceptions from the Hydroelectric projects. The study’s fndings on terrestrial fauna of the basin would contribute to the overall comprehensive cumulative impact assessment of Hydropower projects along the Yamuna and Tones River systems.

Methodology Standard methodologies for faunal and floral sampling was followed to collect relevant data from the field along with secondary data sources. Time constrained Point counts, transect walks and opportunistic observations were mainly used for documenting the faunal elements. Transects varying from 500 meter to 1 kilometre were used depending on the terrain and

80 availability of area were used during the study. Using Global Positioning System points were taken at frequent intervals for sampling. About 400 sampling points are being monitored. The study covered the vertebrate fauna (Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals) using different sampling techniques. Visual Encounter Surveys for herpetofauna (Amphibians and Reptiles), Point count and transect methods for birds, transect and opportunistic records along with indirect evidences in the form of tracks and signs (tracks, pellets, pugmarks, markings etc) for mammals are among the field methods being used in the field. The sampling are repeated seasonally.

Results During the present study 535 faunal species known to occur in the area were documented. Of this 276 species were recorded during our primary field surveys during the present study and an additional 259 species were compiled based on various secondary information such as published literature and past EIA reports from the study area. This included one endangered species (Egyptian Vulture, Neophron percnopterus), one Vulnerable species (Pallas’s Fish Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus) and two near Threatened species (Cinereous vulture Aegypius monachus and River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii). Remaining species were mostly of ‘Least Concern’ as per IUCN (2014).

32 species of mammals including Central Himalayan Langur, Yellow-Throated Marten, Common Mongoose, Large Indian Civet, Red Fox, Golden Jackal Asiatic Black Bear and the Leopard were recorded during the study.

Discussion and recommendations The Yamuna basin area of Uttarakhand is an important area from the faunal point of view with diverse spectrum of habitats ranging from lower altitude wetlands important for migratory avifauna to high elevation forests important snow leopards pheasants and mountain ungulates. The present study documented 535 faunal species under the five major taxonomic groups studied namely, Birds (359), Mammals (32), Reptiles (16), Amphibians (3) and Butterflies (125). The faunal list included 21 threatened species (14 sp of birds, 06 Mammals and one Amphibian) and 19 near threatened species (14 birds and 05 Mammals). The Rupin and Supin sub basins in the uppermost reaches of Tons river are located in the protected area of Govind National park and Wildlife Sanctuary and it is very important from the forests and wildlife point of view as wildlfe habitats including that of Snow leopard and pristine water sources for the downstream areas. Outside the protected areas, the Lakhwar and Vyasi project sites along Yamuna in district was also found to have good amount of faunal diversity. As far as the endemic species are concerned, all the endemic species were represented exclusively in the upper reaches that encompasses the Govind National park and Wildlife sanctuary. Hence, from the faunal point of view, it is recommended that the Protected areas in the upper catchments should ideally be declared as no go areas for any kind of development for the long term survival of the faunal and wildlife wealth and to ensure sustainability of the ecosystem services upto the downstream areas.

81 Emerging low impact technologies in Hydropower such as the ‘Trench technique’, which do away with any physical obstruction to the rivers may be explored for RoR projects in the basin with due evaluation and review of impacts.

A comprehensive long-term ecological monitoring programme in the area may be undertaken in collaboration with a regional and national level institutes and relevant Departments of Energy, Environment and Science of the Government of Uttarakhand to monitor the impacts on a long term basis so that necessary conservation measures as required may be taken up based on periodic reviews.

10. Ecological and ethno-cultural examination of the rise and fall in rice diversity in southern India with special reference to the Western Ghats

Principal Investigator : Mathew K Sebastian Co-investigator : P R Arun & P A Azeez Research Fellows : Ms. Chaithra Shree Project Period : 2.5 years after 6 months extension Date of Commencement ; August 2012 Date of Completion : 23 December 2014 Budget : Rs 14 lakhs Expenditure incurred : Rs 8.80 lakhs Funding Source : National Centre for Arts Status : Completed Collaborating agency : Nil

Summary It is reported that till few decades back 50,000 to 60,000 rice varieties were cultivated in India. However, it has come down to few hundred varieties now. Therefore, it is imperative to identify and document the diversity of the traditional rice varieties and associated traditional knowledge available in Western Ghats and in other Important Rice Cultivating Areas (IRCA’s) and to study the historical changes in rice cultivation practices and explore the reasons for the same.

Surveys were conducted in the coastal belt and traditional IRCA’s such as Cauvery delta regions of Tamil Nadu, the Western Ghats region of Idukki and Wayanad districts of Kerala, IRCA’s such as Kuttanad and Palakkad areas, ‘Kole’ paddy fields of Trichur district, ‘Pokkali’ paddy fields of Trichur and Ernakulum districts and ‘Kaippadu’ areas of Kannur district, Mandya, Mangalore, Kumta and Shimoga districts of Karnataka, different areas in Palghar, Ahemadnagar and Kolhapur districts of Maharashtra and different locations in south and north Goa.

Our study could document information about 591 traditional varieties from 5 states listed above. Out of this 141 are from Kerala, 122 from Tamil Nadu, 182 from Maharashtra, and 77 from Goa. The survey could locate unique land races with neutraceutical properties such as “Rakthasali’ and ‘Njavara’. The ‘Komban’ variety, thought to be no more cultivated in Kerala,

82 was found out from Kanthalloor area of Idukki district. ‘Kunjuju, believed to be a hybrid of two traditional varieties,’ once widely cultivated in Central and Eastern Kerala and Palakkad districts was located in Trichur and Idukki districts. Information regarding the cultural, religious and ritualistic aspects, agronomic practices related with each variety, and biodiversity in the paddy fields and surrounding areas were documented. Plants, birds, butterflies and odonates occurring in the paddy fields and its environs were recorded.

IRCA’s were identified for conservation purpose in all the above mentioned states based on our survey.

The data collected was mapped on a “GIS Platform’.

Objectives  Identify and document the diversity of the traditional rice varieties of Western Ghats and associated traditional knowledge  Identify Important Rice Areas (IRAs) based on rice biodiversity, ecological status, agronomical practices, commercial and socio religious importance  Study the historical changes in rice cultivation practices and explore the reasons for the same  Assess and compare the ecological values / services of rice / rice paddies, traditional vs modern

Methodology a) Identification of important Rice Cultivating Areas (IRCA’s) b) The traditional important RCAs were located/ identified by using historical imageries and maps including irrigation maps/ forest survey maps / shikar maps and also from grey literature and reports published /unpublished. Further, extensive field surveys identified talukas in the Western Ghats were carried out. RCAs were identified based on the rice biodiversity richness, dependence on the population on rice as food and/or as a source of income or for socio religious and/or cultural purposes and/or the extent of rice cultivation. c) Customized questionnaire survey d) A customised questionnaire surveys were conducted at each location using standard sampling protocols. e) Biodiversity documentation f) Plants, birds, butterflies and odonates species occurring in the paddy fields and their environs were documented. g) Mapping on a GIS platform: The data compiled were mapped on a GIS platform.

Results Surveys were conducted in the coastal belt and traditional Important Rice Cultivating Areas (IRCA’s) such as Cauvery delta regions of Tamil Nadu, the Western Ghats region of Idukki and Wayanad districts of Kerala, IRCA’s such as Kuttanad and Palakkad areas, ‘Kole’ paddy fields of Trichur district, ‘Pokkali’ paddy fields of Trichur and Ernakulum districts and ‘Kaippadu’ areas of

83 Kannur district, , Mandya, Mangalore, Kumta and Shimoga districts of Karnataka, different areas in Palghar, Ahemadnagar and Kolhapur districts of Maharashtra and different locations in south and north Goa.

Our study could document information about 591 traditional varieties from 5 states listed above. Out of this, 141 are from Kerala, 122 from Tamil Nadu, 182 from Maharashtra, and 77 from Goa. Information regarding the cultural, religious and ritualistic aspects, agronomic practices related with each variety, and biodiversity in the paddy fields and surrounding areas were documented. One hundred and seventy three plant species, 57 bird species and 41 butterfly species from the paddy fields of Tamil Nadu, 144 plant, 189 bird, and 51 butterfly species from Kerala; 169 plant, 74 bird, 42 butterfly and 30 odonates species from Karnataka; 144 plant, 29 bird, 36 butterfly and 24 odonate species from Maharashtra and 7 odonate and 16 bird species form Goa were recorded.

The survey could locate unique land races with neutraceutical properties such as “Rakthasali’ and ‘Njavara’. ‘Kunjuju, believed to be a hybrid of two traditional varieties,’ once widely cultivated in Central and Eastern Kerala and Palakkad districts was located in Trichur and Idukki districts It was revealed that several land races such as ‘Komban’ are surviving in isolated patches ranging from 10 cents to few acres due to religious, cultural and agroclimatic reasons by the efforts of communities (tribal and non tribal), individuals and Non Governmental Organisations. Many individuals such as Cheruvayal Raman of Wayanad who cultivates 37 varieties, Mrs. Indira of Kodakara who cultivates 50 varieties, Mr.Ghani Khan of Mandya who cultivates around 700 hundred varieties were contacted.

Kuttanad paddy ecosystem, Pokkali and Kole paddy ecosystem, Wayanad, and Kanthalloor areas in Kerala, Cauvery delta Basin in Tamil Nadu, Shimoga, Sagar, Medini areas in the western Ghats of Karnataka, parts of Vikramgarh, Jawahar, Sangamner, Akole and Radhanagari Taluk in Maharashtra and the entire Khazan fields of Coastal area of Goa are identified as IRCA’s. Samples of 125 varieties collected for educational purposes. Historical data on the rise and fall of paddy cultivation were collected. The data collected is being mapped on a “GIS Platform’.

Discussion and Recommendations Our survey has revealed that several traditional varieties are still being cultivated in all the states surveyed. In Tamil Nadu and Kerala, of late, due to the efforts of committed individuals and some institutions there has been an increased awareness regarding the need for the conservation of traditional rice varieties. In Karnataka, many traditional varieties are still surviving in the Malnad area, despite the best effort s of government agencies to introduce hybrid varieties, because only indigenous varieties could survive in that particular soil and climatic conditions.

In earlier times around 70 traditional varieties were being cultivated in Goa. However, except in the Khazan lands we could not find any traditional varieties. From Khazan paddy fields, also

84 traditional rice varieties are disappearing at a faster pace due to the introduction of hybrid salt tolerant varieties.

Our survey could identify many high yielding traditional varieties which yield 5 to 8 M T per hectare which is highly impressive considering the fact that our Indian average rice productivity has never crossed 2500 M.T/ha. Therefore reintroduction of these varieties adopting modern agronomical practices will yield good results.

Special management and conservation action plans should be prepared and implemented for conserving the IRCA’s identified as result of the present study. The Kurumbas of Muthanga area of Wayanad cultivate around 130 acres of paddy with traditional rice varieties organically. Mr. Cheruvayal Raman of Wayanad, Mr. Krishnan of Koppam, Palakkad, Mr. Jayaraman of Thruthiraipoondy, Thiruvarur, Mr.Ghani Khan of Hassan are some of the individuals cultivating several rice varieties for conservation purposes selflessly spending time and energy. Unless governmental/institutional support is extended to them, their efforts cannot be sustained in the long run.

Corporates and commercial enterprises are eyeing the neutraceutical properties of many varieties and recently the antidiabetic property of a traditional rice variety was patented. Therefore it is imperative that intellectual property rights of the communities who have conserved the numerous land races are recognized at the earliest ensuring appropriate sharing of the benefits accrued through the commercialization of traditional varieties are ensured.

A network of individuals and organizations involved in the cultivation/conservation of traditional varieties should be developed. At present there is a tendency among individuals/organizations to keep the varieties among them without sharing it with any interested people.

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AGENDA NO: 5/28

Proposal submitted to the funding agencies with the approval of the IRC

1. Mapping key nesting sites of coastal and marine birds for identification of Ecologically Sensitive Areas along Indian coasts

Summary Given the fact that there are very few coastal and marine Protected Areas in the country, a large stretch of its coastline of over 7500km is heavily under pressure from different quarters including industrial and infrastructural development, severely jeopardizing the coastal ecosystem and its biodiversity value. In order to streamline coastal development activities, Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) of Government of India issued a revised Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification in 2011; it has identified 11 classes of land cover and land use along the costal ecosystem as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA) under CRZ-I category within which a lot of development activities have been either banned or curtailed. Nesting grounds of birds that are of ecologically significant value are one of the eleven criteria to identify ESAs in coastal landscape. Among the 1300 species of birds recorded from India, 56 species are primarily known to nest along the coastline. Though a large body of literature exists on the status and distribution of birds in other ecosystems, our current knowledge of coastal breeding birds is very scanty. The present study proposes to identify, delineate and map the important nesting sites of coastal and marine birds along the mainland coastline of India using multiple approaches so as to aid the process of identifying coastal and marine ESAs in India.

Principal Investigator : Rajah Jayapal Co-investigators : S Babu, PA Azeez, and Goldin Quadros Research Fellow : To be recruited on funding Project Period : 8 months Budget : Rs. 19,88,250.00 Funding source : NCSCM (National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management) & MoEF&CC Status : Approved in principle & under processing Collaborating agency : Nil

Background India has a coastline of more than 7500 km long, including islands and the present geomorphology of the Indian coast is believed to have shaped up during the post glacial marine transgression (Baba and Thomas, 1999). All along this coastline, a multitude of coastal and marine sub-habitats characterize the three major intertidal zones - viz. rocky, sandy, and muddy. These intertidal zones along with the seaboard harbour a remarkable faunal diversity including birds (Goyal & Arora, 2009; Nagarajan & Thiyagesan, 2014). Given the fact that there are very few coastal and marine Protected Areas in the country, a large stretch of its coastline is heavily under pressure from different quarters including industrial and infrastructural

86 development, severely jeopardizing the coastal ecosystem, its biodiversity value, and the livelihood of fishing communities (Venkataraman & Wafar, 2005).

In order to streamline coastal development activities so that social sustenance and ecological integrity of coastal and marine habitats are not compromised, Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) of Government of India issued a revised Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification in 2011; it has identified 11 classes of land cover and land use along the costal ecosystem as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA) under CRZ-I category within which a lot of development activities have been either banned or curtailed. Nesting grounds of birds that are of ecologically significant value are one of the eleven criteria to identify ESAs in coastal landscape (Refer to Appendix 1 for the list of key criteria for identification of ESAs under CRZ-I category). In total, 1305 species of birds are known to occur in India, of which about 75% breed in the country (Rasmussen & Anderton, 2005). Among them, 56 species of birds are primarily known to nest along the coastline, though a large number of inland freshwater and scrub jungle species are also found to nest occasionally along the Indian seaboard. Of these 56 species that nest either exclusively or facultatively along the coastal habitats, 36 species are colonial breeders with 19 solitary and one communal nesting (Refer to Appendix 2 for a list of coastal nesting birds of India).

Though a large body of literature exists on the status and distribution of birds in other ecosystems including inland freshwater wetlands, tropical and montane forests, and grasslands, our current knowledge of coastal breeding birds is very scanty owing to a severe paucity of avian studies along Indian coastline. This has, subsequently, affected the identification of ESA’s in coastal and marine environment of the country as key nesting sites of coastal avifauna remains an important criterion. In this context, the present study proposes to identify, delineate and map the important nesting sites of coastal and marine birds along the mainland coastline of India so as to aid the process of identifying coastal and marine ESAs in India.

Study Area The project would identify key nesting sites of coastal and marine birds along the entire coastline of mainland India.

Objectives a) To collate primary and secondary data on significant nesting sites of coastal marine birds along the coastline of mainland India b) b) To identify, delineate, and map the key nesting sites for designation as Ecologically Sensitive Areas

Methodology Given the length of the India’s coastline and our limitations on resources and logistics, it is proposed to adopt a multi-pronged approach to collect data on coastal nesting sites of birds within the given timeframe. Main steps in our methodology would be: a) Questionnaire survey b) Collation of secondary data/information

87 c) Collation of primary data/information d) Spatially explicit database development e) Generation of maps of nesting sites f) Preparation of the final report and submission to NCSCM

A major source of data would be the secondary information from both published and unpublished works on nesting birds of Indian coasts. A comprehensive collection and collation of relevant literature will be accessed to identify the major nesting sites of coastal birds and this may be followed up by field-visits to validate the nesting data for under- reported sites. Existing data on marine Important Bird Areas (IBAs) as compiled by IBCN (Indian Birds Conservation Network) of Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) may also be used in identifying potential breeding sites of coastal birds. In addition, a questionnaire survey would be conducted among all the ornithologists, ecologists, conservationists, research and academic institutions, NGOs, and birdwatchers for information on nesting sites of birds along the country’s coastline. We will develop a spatially explicit database incorporating key ecological information for each nesting site identified.

Field-visits would also be undertaken to select sites from where information is completely lacking or scanty and where some significant reports of bird nesting exist. These primary data would complement our extensive secondary database on coastal nesting of birds and a combination of different metadata standards would be maintained to explicitly address the issue of varying data quality. Crucial biodiversity hotspots along the mainland coast of India like Gulf of Kachchh, Gulf of Khambat, Saurashtra Coast, Vengurla rocks, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg coasts, Pulikat Lake, Chilika, Sunderbans, Point Calimere, Bhitarkanika, Rushikulya and Gulf of Mannar would be some of the key focal areas of the study.

A range of criteria including species attributes, population abundance, convergence of taxa in nest-site selection, site and habitat characteristics, complementarity, and irreplaceability of nesting grounds would be employed to assess and prioritize critical nesting sites for enlisting in ESAs. Geo-referenced maps would, then, be generated along with boundaries.

Expected outcome and suggested plan of action for utilization of research outcome expected from the project: The project will have the following outcomes at the end of the tenure: a) A spatially explicit database on key nesting sites of coastal and marine birds of Indian mainland coasts b) Identification of Ecologically Sensitive Areas on the basis of nesting sites critical to conservation of marine and coastal avifauna c) Maps with shape files and vector data of ESAs to be shared among all policy makers and administrators so that they could be used in action plans and coastal regulation guidelines.

Agencies which can utilize the results of the project: The main beneficiaries of the project findings would primarily include all the policymaking bodies and conservation organizations

88 besides ornithologists. This project is to be commissioned by NCSCM and MoEF&CC for their use in identifying and designating ESAs along Indian mainland coasts under CRZ-I regulations

Work plan Criteria for identification of coastal bird areas (including nesting sites) as coastal ESAs; detailed methodology for data collection, custom made questionnaire, identification of secondary sources and means for acquiring the secondary data, and allotment of specific works to respective team members - (By 2nd month after release of the grant)

Preliminary identification of each of the bird habitats and nesting sites, and quantitative data on the screening criteria evolved in the consultation - (By 4th month after release of the grant)

Draft maps with relatively accurate boundaries for all bird nesting sites within the coastal regulation zone along the Indian Coast including islands, as shape files in GIS format - (By 6th month after release of the grant)

Final report with detailed description on the ecological importance, conservation value and GIS maps for each of the bird nesting sites identified as potential ESAs - (By 8th month after release of the grant)

Budget summary: No Particulars Amount (Rs) 1. Contractual man power and consultancies Research Associate @ Rs 36,000/- +20% HRA for 8 months Research Fellow @ Rs 25,000/- + 20 % HRA for 8 months 5,85,600 2 Travel 4,00,000 3 Vehicle / Boat hiring charges 2,50,000 4 Contingencies including minor equipments 1,75,000 5. Consumables including reporting and printing 1,80,000 6. Institutional charges @ 25% 3,97,650 TOTAL 19,88,250

89 2. Survey for small cats in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai

Summary Few metropolises in India can boast of a Protected Area in the heart of the city. Mumbai’s Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) with an area of 104 km2 is popularly referred to as the city’s lungs. Apart from the recreational aspects of the forest to the city’s denizens there is significant biodiversity value attached to it. Its prized species is the leopard, which unfortunately also receives considerable negative coverage due to sporadic but serious conflict with neighbouring human communities. This highlights the threats that the Park faces from the burgeoning metropolis and the development activities that go along with it. However, unknown to most, the Park is also home to at least 2 species of small cats, the jungle cat (an open habitat specialist) and rusty spotted cat (the smallest cat in the world). Apart from these, the leopard cat is also expected to occur here since it occurs across the Western Ghats. Not much is known about the distribution and habitat requirements of these small cats but studies indicate that they provide important ecosystem services due to their strong dependence on rodents as prey. The paucity of knowledge on their habitat requirements and threats impedes decision making and strategising their conservation over a long period. Some of the questions that would provide very important answers from a managerial perspective are: How common are they? Where do they occur? What do they eat? Do their populations require management interventions such as captive breeding?

We plan a survey on the small cats of SGNP and surrounding areas that aims to answer questions around their distributions, threats, coexistence and diet. We will do this through molecular analysis of scats for species identities, camera trapping and scat analysis for diet estimations. We plan this as Phase I of the project.

As part of Phase II, we will extend the project to areas outside the National Park in a human- dominated landscape comprising of a range of land-use regimes including agriculture, rural, urban and wasteland.

Principal Investigator : Shomita Mukherjee Co-investigators : Nayan Khanolkar, Freelance wildlife photographer and lecturer Research Fellow : To be recruited on funding Project Period : 12 months (Phase – 1) and 12 months (Phase 2) Budget : Rs. 2823450.00 (Rs 1141350.00 for Phase I and Rs 1682100.00 for Phase II) Funding source : Maharashtra Forest Department Collaborating agency : Nil

Background Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), a 104km2 Protected Area is located in the midst of the bustling metropolis of Mumbai. Despite its aesthetic relevance to the metropolis, it has several threats from the expanding city and its population (Jadhav 1995, Zérah 2007, Mirza et al. 2010,

90 http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_sanjay-gandhi-national-park-still-in-the-wild-on- rehabilitation_1716339 Accessed on 27th December 2012). Though not as large as some other National Parks in India, it is perhaps the largest within the limits of any Indian metropolis. It harbours several important species of flora and fauna (Pradhan et al. 2005, Bastawade and Khandal 2006, Kasambe 2012). Its most celebrated species is the leopard which has also received much negative attention due to severe, though sporadic conflict with humans in the past (Edgaonkar and Chellam 1998, Athreya 2007).

Apart from leopards at least two other cats, the jungle cat (Felis chaus), an open habitat specialist and the rusty spotted cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus), the smallest cat in the world, are known to occur in and around SGNP (Edgaonkar and Chellam 1998) but little is known about their distribution within the Park. A third small cat, the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) though not recorded from SGNP, is expected to occur here since it is found across the Western Ghats which is connected to this National Park. The leopard cat population from the Western Ghats is unique in being isolated genetically and physically from all other populations of the species elsewhere (Mukherjee et al. 2010). This makes the Western Ghats leopard cat very important from a conservation perspective.

Recent developments related to land policy where eco-sensitive zones are to be identified (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Zoo-to-be-built-in-Aarey-eco-sensitive- zone/articleshow/46061508.cms accessed on 18th February 2015, http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai/eco-law-for-sgnp-can-t-be-changed-without-panel- nod/article1-1312422.aspx accessed on 18th February 2015, http://www.indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/out-of-blue-new-blues-for-real-estate- projects-in-mumbai-suburbs-thane-2/ accessed on 18th February 2015) necessitates information on biodiversity across land use regimes. Information on the habitat requirements and diet of small cats is meagre and hence their long term persistence in this region cannot be predicted. In the past, several kittens of jungle cat and rusty spotted cat have been brought by well meaning locals from their farmlands to the Forest Department at SGNP. Often the identity of the kittens was not known due to the lack of information available on the appearance and distribution of these species. Several studies suggest that small cats provide vital ecosystem services to farmers due to their strong dependence on rodent prey (Nowell and Jackson 1996, Mukherjee et al. 2004, Adhya 2014). If this could be demonstrated locally, it could be a very important way to help them persist in human dominated landscapes, perhaps without the requirement of strong legal procedures.

Some of the questions that would provide vital answers from a managerial perspective are: How common are each species? Where do they occur? What do they eat? Do their populations require management interventions such as captive breeding? Apart from facilitating local conservation strategies, information on habitat requirements and diet would also help explain mechanisms of co-existence. Additionally, good photographs from natural habitats could be an important tool in spreading awareness and generating support in conservation programs for rare and relatively unknown species.

91 We plan a study on the small cats of SGNP and surrounding areas that aims to answer questions around their distributions, threats, coexistence and diet. We will do this through two phases, the first focussing within the Protected Area and the second phase in areas surrounding the National Park including agriculture, wasteland, rural and urban land regimes. We will use molecular analysis of scats for species identities, camera trapping and scat analysis for diet estimations. Results from this study will also feed into a larger study planned, to compile distribution records, habitat specificity and diet of small cats across various Biogeographic zones and land use regimes in the country.

Objective

Phase I: To conduct a survey of small cats and understand their habitat requirements in and around SGNP, including the National Park area, Aarey Milk Colony and Film city through molecular analysis of scats. Additionally, the scats will also be used to determine the diet of various species of cats.

Phase II: To conduct a survey of small cats (their distribution and diet) in various land regimes surrounding the National Park as well as to initiate awareness programs and monitoring protocols for small cats in human-dominated landscapes in this region.

Methods Although the study is compartmentalised into 2 phases, the methods for surveying will be the same. In the second phase we will also capture rodents to determine species richness and abundance of prey. This will be used to interpret results from the diet analysis as well as distributions of the cats and aid in assessing their role as rodent control in crop-fields. Results from this will be used in the awareness programs planned for Phase II.

Phase I: We will procure LISS IV imageries and toposheets for SGNP and surrounding areas and a preliminary analysis of vegetation structure (open-closed canopy cover gradient) and land-use will be done using a Geographic Information System (GIS) platform. The study area will be gridded in 1 km2 grids (because the predicted home range for the cats would be approximately equal to 1 km2) and a proportion of these will be randomly picked for sampling. The grids picked for sampling will be further divided into 4 units of 250 m2 and each of these will be sampled for scats. The subdivision of the 1 km2 units into smaller sampling units will be done to capture habitat heterogeneity and have a more uniform sampling effort in the grids. Scats will be collected on trails within the grids and geo-coordinates will be noted. Scats will be preserved in pure ethanol for storage and subsequent analysis. Points along the trails will be used for collecting information on habitat structure (percentage of canopy cover) for ground truthing the GIS results.

Additionally we will deploy 10 infrared camera traps and 5 CCTV cameras in each of the randomly picked grids that will be surveyed for scats. This will give us additional information on

92 areas that do not have trails where scats cannot be located and will also provide us with photographs that can be used for awareness programs by the Forest Department.

Phase II: Habitat categorisation (identifying land-use regimes) and scat sampling will be done using the same protocols as in Phase I. Each land use category will be sampled for scats. During the second phase of the project we may not be able to deploy cameras in all areas and we may have to do it selectively (in areas that have a low probability of theft) as opposed to randomly. We will also network with villagers and tribals for any information they have on small cats in their locality e.g. kittens found during harvest and opportunistic sightings. This will be done by providing mobile contacts to some locals from surrounding villages as well as within the National Park and they will communicate their observations to the research team.

We will capture rodents, using 50 Sherman traps within and outside the National Park, to measure diversity and abundance of rodent communities in various land use regimes. Traps will be placed within the same grids that will be sampled for scats, 10 m apart from each other in a 100mx50m grid. Traps will be baited with peanut butter and each trapping session will last 5 days/nights after which they will be removed and placed in the next location. Traps will be monitored twice daily (dawn and dusk). Rodents captured will be weighed, measured (ears, legs, tail and head and body length) and a small portion of their ear will be clipped for genetic analysis for species identity, using standard protocols and care (Barnett and Dutton 1995, Herbreteau et al. 2011). Rodents will be released at the location of capture.

The second phase will also include an extension component to spread awareness towards the necessity and conservation needs of small cats amongst locals (villagers, city dwellers and policy makers, forest staff). This will be done through articles in popular magazines, newspapers, awareness programs in the form of meetings, and workshops by involving local conservation NGO’s and interested citizens (e.g. college students). Additionally, we will train a group of interested citizens and Forest Department staff in monitoring small cats. Interested college students/staff will be trained in molecular techniques employed in scat analysis as part of the monitoring program.

Laboratory analysis

Phase I and II: We will identify a laboratory in Mumbai to conduct molecular analysis of scats to assign scats to predators and determine diet. Existing felid specific primers (Adhya 2015) will be used to pick out cat scats from our collection and these will then be sequenced for identifying the species. Once the identity is established diets of various species will be analysed by teasing apart the scats and examining remains such as rodent jaws, feathers and invertebrate body parts.

Statistical analysis Data will be analysed using descriptive statistics and re-sampling techniques such as Bootstrapping for diet analysis and appropriate multivariate models for explaining distributions.

93

Expected Outcome

The study will provide information on the distribution of small cats in and around SGNP, their choice of habitats especially with respect to structure of habitat (canopy cover) and land-use regime, diet and dietary overlap, degree of coexistence and potential threats. This will eventually help in planning measures to facilitate their long-term persistence in this region.

Time schedule: Phase I:

Phase II:

References:

Adhya T. (2014) Habitat use and diet of two sympatric felids – the Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) and the Jungle Cat (Felis chaus) - in a human-dominated landscape in suburban Kolkata. A Thesis Submitted to the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai for the degree of Master of Science in Wildlife Biology and Conservation. National Centre for Biological Sciences Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Bangalore, India.

Athreya V.R, Thakur S.S., Chaudhuri S. and Belsare A. (2007): “Leopards in human-dominated areas: A spillover from sustained translocations into nearby forests?”, Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 104: 13-18.

94 Barnett, A. and Dutton, J. (1995). Expedition Field Techniques: Small Mammals (excluding bats). Royal Geographical Society with IBG. ISBN 978-0-907649-68-7.

Bastawade, D. B., and Khandal D.. (2006). Arachnida: Araneae (Spiders). Fauna of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (Invertebrates) Borivali, Mumbai (Maharashtra). Conservation Area Series. Zoological Survey of India 26: 139-184.

Edgaonkar, A. J., and Chellam R. (1998). A preliminary study on the ecology of the leopard, Panthera pardus fusca in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Maharashtra Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, India.

Herbreteau V., Jittapalapong S., Rerkamnuaychoke W., Chaval Y., Cosson J.-F. and Morand S. (Editors). (2011). Protocols for field and laboratory rodent studies. Retrieved from CERoPath project: http://www.ceropath.org/FichiersComplementaires/Herbreteau_Rodents_protocols_2011.pdf

Jadhav, R.N. (1995) "Encroachments in Sanjay Gandhi National Park." Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing 23.2: 87-88.

Kasambe, R. (2012). Butterfly fauna of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Mumbai. Bionotes. 14 (3): 76-80.

Mirza, Z.A., Pal S. and. Sanap R.V. (2010). Notes on a ground gecko Geckoella cf. collegalensis Beddome, 1870 (Squamata, Sauria, Gekkonidae) from India. Russian Journal of Herpetology 17(1): 8-14

Mukherjee S., Goyal S.P., Johnsingh A.J.T. and Leite Pitman M.R.P. (2004) The importance of rodents in the diet of jungle cat (Felis chaus), caracal (Caracal caracal) and golden jackal (Canis aureus) in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, India. Journal of Zoology, London 262: 405-411.

Mukherjee S., Krishnan A., Tamma K., Home C., Navya R., Joseph S., Das A. and Ramakrishnan U. (2010) Ecology driving genetic variation: A comparative phylogegraphy of jungle cat (Felis chaus) and leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) populations in India. PLoS ONE 5(10): e13724. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0013724

Nowell K. and Jackson P. (Editors.) (1996) Wild cats, status survey and conservation action plan. IUCN, Gland Switzerland

Pradhan, S.G., Sharma B.D., and. Singh N.P. (2005) .Flora of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali, Mumbai (Bombay). Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta.

Zérah, M.H. (2007) Conflict between green space preservation and housing needs: The case of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai. Cities 24.2: 122-132.

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Budget for Phase I: Category/Item Cost calculation Total in INR Salaries per diem for Field Assistant Rs. 250/-*10days*10 months 2 people 50000.00 Total for Salaries 50000.00 Travel Travel for Investigators 2 trips from Coimbatore 25000.00 Rs. 200/day (10 days per month) for 2 Fuel Allowance for volunteers 40000.00 volunteers (200 days total) Total for Travel 65000.00 Consumables Imageries, Maps, Toposheets 25000.00 Sample collection tubes 6000.00 DNA Extraction kits 4 extraction kits @ Rs 15,000 /kit (for faeces) 60000.00 PCR Reactions 1500 PCR reactions @ Rs 100 /reaction 150000.00 Sanger sequencing 500 sequencing reactions @ Rs 400/run 200000.00 Chemicals (alcohol, silica gel, 100000.00 bleach, agarose, DNA ladder, dye vials/glassware/stripetc. ) tubes for 50000.00 extractions and PCR Total For Consumables 591000.00 Non Consumables GPS 2 units @ Rs. 18,000 /- per unit (Etrex30) 36000.00 10 units @ Rs 18000/- per unit (Boskon Infrared Camera traps 180000.00 guard) CCTV cameras 5 units @ Rs 25000/- per unit 125000.00 Min-Max thermometers and 5 @ 1000 per unit 5000.00 Hygrometerhygrometers 5 @ 1000 per unit 5000.00 Total Non Consumables 351000.00 Other Costs Contingency 30000.00 Total Other Costs 30000.00 Total 1087000.00 Overheads 5% of Total 54350.00 Grand Total 1141350.00

96 Budget for Phase II: Category/Item Cost calculation Year 1 in INR Salaries 15000/- + 20% HRA = 18000/- per month Salary program fellow 216000.00 for 12 months per diem for Field Assistant Rs. 250/-*10days*8 months 2 ppl 40000.00 Total for Salaries 296000.00 Travel Travel for Investigators 2 trips from Coimbatore 25000.00 Fuel Allowance for Rs. 200/day (10 days per month) for 2 40000.00 volunteers volunteers (200 days in total) Total for Travel 65000.00 Consumables Sample collection tubes 6000.00 5 extraction kits @ Rs 15,000 /kit (for DNA Extraction kits 75000.00 faeces) PCR Reactions 1500 PCR reactions @ Rs 100 /reaction 150000.00 Sanger sequencing 500 sequencing reactions @ Rs 400/run 200000.00 Chemicals (alcohol, silica gel, bleach, agarose, DNA ladder, 100000.00 dye etc.) vials/glassware/strip tubes 50000.00 for PCR etc Total For Consumables 581000.00 Non-Consumables 10 units @ Rs 18000/- per unit (Boskon Camera traps 180000.00 guard) Rodent traps (Sherman) 50 traps @ Rs 1000 per trap 50000.00 Total for Non-Consumables 230000.00 mobile networking with villagers/locals for Communication 30000.00 information on cats Material for awareness printing costs for photographs and 300000.00 programs booklets, training workshops Final Report printing costs for report 100000.00 Total 1602000.00

97 Overheads 5% of Total 80100.00 Grand Total 1682100.00

3. A comprehensive study of potential ecological impact of windmill farms on wildlife with special emphasis to avifauna in Karnataka

Summary The requirement of energy has become immense over a time has lead to the high depletion in the non-renewable energy sources like hydrocarbon. It was believed that the renewable energy sources like wind and solar will solve the energy crisis. In some of the countries the electricity generation from wind power has reached to 30 to 40 % of their total annual production. Conversely deploying the wind turbine requires vast land area. In some of the countries like Belgium, Netherlands, Spain and UK, after they witnessed the mortality of many birds due to collision of them to the rotor blade of the turbine, the other negative impact of this on the wildlife was felt, and this has become a crucial issue while selecting the location for wind farm. The mortality of animals or negative impacts was expected high if the selected area for the wind-farm is rich with wildlife or migratory path of birds. Thus, understanding of the risk of animal collision, and other negative impacts of turbine on movement pattern, habitat selection and breeding biology of animals was felt crucial for each wind farm to manage, mitigate the problem and to decide the future establishment of such farms. In India, altogether installed capacity of wind power was 20,149 MW. These farms are located predominantly in 10 states of the country. Karnataka stands in 5th place in India’s wind power generation with an installed capacity of 2,113 MW. Northern dry zones of Karnataka (Belgaum, Dharwad, Gadag, Bellary, Chitradurga and Bagalkot Districts) were reported to have high potential for windmill farms, and where already many windmill farms have been established, however, the impact of them on wild animals are not known.

Principal Investigator : Honnavalli N. Kumara Co-Investigator /consultant : S. Babu Research Fellow : Project period : 18 months Budget : 39.07 lakhs Funding Source : Karnataka FD Collaborative agencies :

Background

Windmills cause three major potential risks to animals:

(1) Direct habitat loss through construction of wind farms and their associated infrastructure (2) Displacement of birds in response to the construction of wind turbines

98 (3) Collision or interaction with rotor blades and other infrastructures leading to death or injuries to the animals

In India, by end of 2013, altogether installed capacity of wind power was 20,149 MW. The progress made by India over 12 years in installation of the windmills in terms of capacity of energy generation. This indicates the persistence in efforts towards shifting to wind power. These farms are located predominantly in 10 states of the country, among them eight states are leading in installation viz. Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. Although, mortality of few species were reported for couple of sites e.g. Kutch region of Gujarat and in some parts of northern Western Ghats, apparently intensity of the issues or mortality on spatial scale is not available in India. However, the mortality of many bird species has been attributed to windmills, and literature indicates that this can be turned out be a potential threat if the project site is in the middle of prime habitat or on the migratory path of birds. Karnataka stands 5th place in India’s wind power generation with an installed capacity of 2,113 MW. Northern dry zones of Karnataka (Belgaum, Dharwad, Gadag, Bellary, Chitradurga and Bagalkot Districts) were reported to have high potential for windmill farms, and where already many windmill farms have been established, however, the impact of them on wild animals are not known. With this background, we propose a research “A comprehensive study of potential ecological impact of windmill farms on wildlife with special emphasis to avifauna in Karnataka”. The study is designed as phase-I and phase-II. The present proposal include phase-I where the first baseline data will be generated, and based on the same the mitigation measures will be suggested. The second phase of the study will look at the efficacy of the implementation of the suggested measures on controlling the mortality of animals

Objectives 1. To assess the occurrence and abundance of wildlife in and around the selected and proposed windmills 2. To map the location of windmill farms existing and proposed to examine the vulnerability of wild animals from the windmills -To map the location of windmill farms existing or proposed and to examine these sites for windmill -vulnerable bird species -To develop an atlas of yes/no sites for windmill farms in Karnataka based on energy generation, and priorities for birds and wildlife 3. To study the collision and mortality rate of animals especially the birds, bats, primates and other arboreal species in relation to the type of windmills -To establish whether windmills, and which type of windmills, kill or injure birds and bats or otherwise pose impediment for the movement of birds to their destination. This is either in relation to annual migration patterns or nearby roosting sites. -To establish which size classes / groups of birds, bats and other arboreal primates and gliding species vulnerable to windmills? 4. To study the impact of windmills on movement pattern, habitat selection and breeding biology of birds and also terrestrial fauna especially blackbuck

99 -To examine if ground nesting birds nest in windmill farms, and if the patterns of nest densities or nesting success are similar when compared to areas without farms? -Movement pattern, habitat utilization and crop-riding pattern in and around the windmills 5. To assess the habitat characteristics of windmills sites 6. To suggest preventive and restorative strategies for addressing significant potential impact of proposed and existing windmill farms on wildlife and evolve mitigation measures to minimize the impact -To examine the possible impact of a wind mill farm on roost or congregation site for species like harriers or fruit bats at post construction of the wind farm (proposed sites) -To assess if the forest canopy contiguity is likely to be affecetd at proposed sites and the consequent impacts on arboreal species, especially gliding animals like flying squirrel -To suggest preventive and restorative strategies for addressing significant potential impacts of proposed windmill farms on wildlife.

Methodology The intensive study will be conducted in two major locations; however, all selected sites will be assessed for the general features, vulnerability of wildlife, mapping of the windmills and assessment of impacts and its mitigative measures. In the selected sites, the detailed study on occurrence, abundance of wild animals, their movement pattern and breeding bird density will be carried out in relation to the windmills. Collision rate of wild animals will be monitored in relation to the type of windmill.

Work Plan A minimum of 18 months required to achieve proposed goals. First three months for procure the equipments and recruit the research staff, next one year for field data collection, and last three months for data compilation, analysis and report writing.

Budget Heads Items Rate Units Total Rs. Wages JRF-3 x 18 months 19200 54 1036800.00 SRF-1 x 18 months 21600 18 388800.00 FA-3 x 12 months 4500 36 162000.00 Travel Travel and lodging 650000.00 Equipments Binocular 25000 4 100000.00 GPS 30000 4 120000.00 Camera with accessories 30000 2 60000.00 Bat detector 150000 2 300000.00 Rangefinder 30000 4 120000.00 Mist nets 8000 10 80000.00 Spotting scope 40000 2 80000.00

100 Sound recording unit 200000 2 200000.00 Camera Traps 15000 24 360000.00 Consumables 100000.00 Contingency 50000.00 Other project costs and report production 100000.00 Total 3907600.00

4. All India coordinated project to monitor the impact of environmental contaminants on birds in India.

Summary Ornithologists the world over accept that population of many species of birds have declined and that environmental contamination is one of the potential reasons for the same. In India, several species of birds have either almost disappeared in totality or their populations plummeted drastically. The Spot-Billed Pelican Pelecanus phillippensis, whose population plummeted from 2000 to 330 within a span of 30 years in Karnataka, the Sarus Crane Grus antigone, whose breeding population declined from 27 pairs in 1973 to six pairs in 1990 and two pairs in 2012 in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, the Himalayan Grey-Headed Fish Eagle Ichthyophaga nana, which was not successful in breeding at Corbett National Park, in Uttarkhand, and the Gyps vultures, whose populations across South Asia declined catastrophically are a few examples. There are recent records of mortality of birds such as the Spot-Billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis, Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala, Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia, Little Egret Egretta garzetta, Black-Headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus, Black-Crowned Night-heron Nycticorax nycticorax due to Phosphamidon poisoning in Chennai, Red-Crested pochard Netta rufina and Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus in Sitarganj Forest Range, Uttarkhand due to Chlorpyrifos poisoning, Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo in Amreli and Surendranagar districts, of Gujarat, due to Phorate and rodenticide poisoning. In the case of Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo and Great White pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus in Kaziranga National Park, Assam and Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis in Amreli District, of Gujarat, circumstantial evidences were pointing towards pesticide poisoning. Deliberate poisoning of fish-eating birds such as the Black-Crowned Night-heron Nycticorax nycticorax and Purple Heron Ardea purpurea using Carbofuran in Virudunagar, Tamil Nadu has also been recorded. These records give credence to the concerns of ornithologists. Death of birds due to pesticide poisoning has become rampant of late across the agricultural landscapes in India. What gets published is a minuscule percentage of the reality. Many instances go unrecorded unless they attract the attention of the media and public. A study was conducted at SACON between 2009 and 2013 to document unusual mortalities of birds across the country and identify the chemicals responsible. During the referred period SACON received 736 dead birds comprising 101 species. Incidences of poisoning were confirmed in 17 species of birds. But, it was not practically feasible to effectively keep track of the situation in the entire country due to several constraints. Moreover opportunity based study need not project the reality. Hence, realizing the gravity of the situation, it is proposed to conduct a study in a

101 coordinated fashion involving a set of institutions indentified based on their location and area of research interest.

This project will develop an all India coordinated monitoring system for residues of problem pesticides (OC, OP, SP, Cb, weedicides, herbicide and fungicides), apart from toxic metals and veterinary drugs in birds and generate a database. Standardized methods will be followed for each contaminant using instruments, namely GC-MS, HPLC and GF-AAS.

This project is sure to provide necessary information to the policy makers for formulating policies and criteria for the use of many chemicals which present great risks to the environment and man. Although this programme has to be an ongoing exercise, the present project is planned and budgeted for 3 years. The project will have 8 research fellows (3 SRFs, 5 JRFs), 5 field and 3 technical assistants at an estimated cost of about Rs. 3,40,42,670/-

Principal Investigator : Dr S Muralidharan Research Fellow : SRF-3; JRF-5; TA/LA-3 and Field Assistant-5 Project Period : 3 years Budget : Rs.3,40,42,670/- Funding source : MoEF Collaborating agency : Nil

Background

Birds are one of the major victims of environmental contaminants as they occupy a wide range of trophic levels in different food chains. Among the innumerable chemicals introduced into the environment, pesticides have been posing serious problems to all life forms including birds. Birds have the potential to be used as bioindicators for environmental contamination, particularly for pesticides which are considered as potential endocrine-disturbing chemicals.

Population decline in many species of birds and its relation to environmental contamination is a point that enjoys consensus among ornithologists the world over. In India, population of several species of birds has been decreased in recent years. Causality of birds due to pesticide poisoning has become rampant of late across the agricultural landscapes in India. What gets published is a minuscule percentage of the reality. Many instances go unrecorded unless they attract the attention of media and public. India does not have a structured programme whereby instances of mortality of birds are brought on record and the residue levels of many harmful pesticides are monitored. SACON has been tracking unusual mortalities of birds and identifying the chemicals responsible, where ever possible.

Study area All over India

Objectives

102  Monitor residue levels of problem chemicals in select species of birds in India and generate a database.  Identify chemicals responsible for mortality of birds across the country.  Assess the effectiveness of acts, guidelines on usage of chemicals in the country.

Methodology Opportunistic sampling strategy and organized field visits will be followed to collect samples of dead birds from all over India. Post-mortem examinations will be conducted either in the field or at SACON laboratory and suitable tissues preserved at -200C. QuEChERS multiresidue extraction method will be followed for extracting pesticide residues. Final quantitative analysis will be carried out in Gas Chromatograph (GC). For metal analysis, Microwave Digestion System will be used for digestion of samples and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) for estimation. Residues of Diclofenac and cholinesterase activities will be estimated using HPLC equipped with UV detector and UV/Vis Spectrophotometer respectively.

Expected outcome and suggested plan of action for utilization of research outcome expected from the project The outcomes of the project will include database, scientific articles, research papers, books and other such publications which will be useful in dissemination of the data obtained, among the scientific community, policy and decision makers and also the general public.

Agencies which can utilize the results

 The database created (status of persistent/ problem chemicals on a spatial and temporal scale) will be useful to many Government departments, namely Agriculture, Public Health, Pollution control, Fisheries and Wildlife for setting guideline values and making policy decisions on the use of pesticides and other chemicals.

 Universities and institutions with academic interest in wildlife toxicology/ ecotoxicology, research and conservation in India and abroad will be benefited.

 Wildlife managers will be able to adopt measures in protecting birds and other wildlife.

 The findings of the project are also expected to create awareness among the public.

 The research output will help the government in terms of providing evidences towards its commitments with international treaties and conventions on contaminants.

Work plan Taking into account the geographical extent of the country and magnitude of issues pertaining to conservation of birds, it is not possible for SACON alone to undertake the study. Hence it is imperative to conduct the study in a coordinated manner. Coordinators, for five regions, namely East, West, North, North-East and South will be identified and their role and responsibility will be fixed. Each coordinating agency (Institute/ University department/ NGOs)

103 will also have a small team of two research personnel (1 JRF + 1 Field Assistant). During the proposed three-year project period, twice or thrice select species of birds representative of feeding guilds will be trapped with the concurrence of state forest departments and analysed for residues of select contaminants. Apart from this, the regional agency will keep track of any incidence of poisoning or mass mortality of local as well as migratory birds in their area through their network of people. Seasonal surveys will be carried out in select agricultural hotspots in each region to observe mortality or any other impact. Each coordinating agency will be provided with a weighing scale and deep freezer (-20:C) to weigh and store samples, and kits to transport tissues of birds to SACON. At the beginning of the project a workshop will be conducted to familiarize all the project personnel and coordinators with the methodology. Considering the fact that analysis of chemical residues is a specialized job and it needs elaborate laboratory facilities, it is planned that all the coordinating agencies will conduct post- mortem and send samples of tissues over courier on ice pack to SACON at Coimbatore and SACON will handle all sample processing and analysis.

At SACON, the analytical facility will be reinforced with a set of necessary instruments for storage, processing and analyzing referred group of contaminants. It is proposed to analyze the tissues for a set of pesticides, metals and drugs. Additionally residues of diclofenac will be tested in samples of vulture whenever dead birds were received. If birds are found sick subsequent to contaminant exposure, while efforts will be made to treat them, to understand the causative agent, levels of biomarkers, such as cholinesterases will be measured without sacrificing the birds. At SACON besides the PI, the team will comprise one veterinarian, two Senior Research Fellows and three Technical/ Laboratory Assistants. The veterinarian will travel the length and breadth of the country to attend to the poisoning and cases of any emergency. This team will take care of all analytical work in SACON laboratory in addition to handling southern region.

Budget summary (year wise)

I YEAR II YEAR III YEAR TOTAL (Rs.)

21773670/- 6026800/- 6242200/- 34042670/-

104

Any other Item with the permission of the Chair

6. For the information of the RMAC

1. A brief report of the Sabbatical US visit of Dr Pramod under Fulbright Nehru Fellowship for Academic and Professional Excellence

Dr Pramod was selected for Fulbright Nehru Award for Academic Professional Excellence 2014. Under this fellowship Dr Pramod worked in Michigan State University and MSU Museum as a visiting scientist and also visited universities such as Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology (Ithaca), Smithsonian Museum of Natural History (Washington), American Museum of Natural History (New York), University of Chicago, University of South Florida, University of Wisconsin, University of Michigan (Ann Harbor), Princeton University, New Jersey, Duke University (Durham), University of Massachusetts and Harvard University, Boston.

In the Department of Zoology (Michigan State University, East Lansing) Dr Pramod undertook the following activities in the Avian Vocalization Centre (AVoCet). • Birdcalls and songs recording in many of the wildlife refuges and national parks in Michigan and neighboring states: More than 100 calls and songs of 20 species recorded. • Processing of bird calls and songs with the latest song analysis softwares • Development of Bird call/song databases • Analysis of bird calls parameters and comparison between species • Working with uploading the calls and maintenance of Avian Vocalization Website • Discussed with Dr. Pamela Rasmussen (the Curator MSU Museum and Professor of Dept. of Zoology) and Mr Patrick Bills (IT in charge of Department of Zoology), on possibility of collaboration in development of a Salim Ali Bird calls/songs Library for Indian Calls. They have agreed to extend the technical support and enter an MOU between the two institutions.

Dr Pramod was trained in Research Works and training in Museum specimens and the morphometric analysis under Dr Pamela Rasmussen. He worked in the MSU Museum (many days), Natural History Museum of University of Michigan, Ann Harbor (3 days), American Museum of Natural History (New York, 4 days), The Field Museum (Chicago, 1 day).

Dr Pramod visited the exhibits in the American Museum of Natural History (New York), The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History (Washington DC), The Field Museum (Chicago), Natural History Museum (University of Michigan), Museum at the College of Marine Sciences (University of South Florida) and Museum of Comparative Zoology (Harvard University) to learn the way the collections and exhibits are presented to use it for communication of conservation science and for the nature education at SACON.

105 Dr Pramod had discussions with Director John Fitzpatrick (Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology) during his visit from 1-4 December 2014) and all division directors. He also explored the possibility of developing collaboration of SACON with Cornell labs.

Dr Pramod also had detailed interactions with Macaulay Bird Calls Library and Bioacoustics Lab scientists, Mike Webster (Director), Greg Budney (Curator), Greg Budney, Steve Kelling (the Director of Information science) and the entire team of eBird (Marshall Cliff, Chris Wood - Project Leader), Janis Dickinson (Director of Citizen Science), Nancy Trautmann (Director of Education), Andre Dhondt (Director, Bird population studies), Wesley Hochochka (Assistant Director), and Tom Schulenburg (Avian Taxonomy specialist, and Head of Evolutional Biology and Information science).

Dr Pramod also visited Department of Zoology (Princeton University - 6th October 2014), Nelson Institute of Environmental Sciences (University of Wisconsin, Madison, 18th November 2014), School of Marine Sciences (University of South Florida, 5- 9 November 2014), Department of Zoology (University of Chicago - 20-23 November 2014), Urban Ecology Centre (Milwaukee, 15 -17 November), Fermi’s Lab (Chicago, 16th November), Feather identification Laboratory (Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, Washington DC), Duke University (Durham), University of Massachusetts (Prof. Kamal Bawa and Prof. Robert Stevenson).

2. Mr Mohd Zeesahan's 45 days training in Chinese Academy of Sciences

Mr Mohd Zeeshan, PhD Scholar, SACON, was selected with full funding for the “Advanced Field course in Ecology and Conservation” held in Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Menglun, Mengla, Yunnan, China from 12 October to 24 November 2014. The course consisted of a 10-day workshop followed by 32 days' intensive coursework. 48 participants from eight countries attended the workshop, of which only 22 were selected to attend the coursework that followed the workshop. Ten instructors eminent in ecology and conservation conducted the workshop.

The workshop dealt with conservation ecology, species distribution modeling, and climate change. During the later part, the detailed course addressed themes such as plants, animals, understanding the past focusing on climate change, statistics and R, experimental design, birds and bats, and skill development in making independent projects, writing, presentations and curriculum vitae (CV) preparation. It also involved an intensive Field trip and mini project. In the theme “Plants” and “Animals” apart from classroom lectures on plant animal interactions, exercise and field visits for plant collection and identification were also done. In “Understanding the past” talks cover climate change in Asia, climate change-proxies. During this tree-rings and growth lab was visited. Climate change talks were mostly by Dr. Richard Corlett, a climate change expert and a lead author in Inter-governmental panel on climate change (IPCC) fifth assessment report - Asia chapter. He elaborated about fifth assessment

106 report, its limitations, and adaptation and mitigation strategy to overcome climate change threat on the biodiversity of Asia in near future.

During the next part of the course a mini project was undertaken where students were involved in the field. Much emphasize was given on the methods in sampling techniques for vegetation, field of survey birds, insects, butterflies and measurements of environmental parameters. The data collected was analyzed using R and various models were applied to the data under the supervision of instructors. This was followed by interactive talks on scientific writing, PowerPoint presentations and CV preparation skills.

The final assignment of the project was to design an independent project and work in a group of three to five members from at least two different countries. In my group, I along with Alyssa M Fontanilla from Institute of Biology, University of the Philippines Diliman and Mehreen Khaleel from Center for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore worked in a project, entitled “A comparative study on bat and small non-Volant mammal species between two habitats in Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, China”, and was presented in the symposium held at the end of the field course.

7. Consolidated Publications (since the last RMAC meeting)

Conferences 1. Anbarasu. C, Prakash. L and Balasubramanian. P, 2014. “Some interesting fern species recorded from Gudalur Forest Division”. Indian Association for Angiosperm Taxonomy & International Conference on Trends in Plant systematic, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli on October 31 – November 02. 2. Hemambika B, Julffia B, Kirubhanandhini V, Babu S, Mahendiran M, Goldin (2014) Diversity of birds from the Urban wetlands of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. National Conference on Modern Trends in Zoological Research, 25- 26 March, Tirussur, Kerala. P 186-189. 3. Mahendiran, M, Rajneesh D and P A Azeez (2015) Use of long term monitoring programme for estimating the casual relationship among the heronry birds and water availability in Keoladeo National Park. National Conference, 28 Feb 2015 at Keoladev National Park, Rajasthan. 4. Mahendirna M and Azeez PA (2015) Birds, habitat services, unsung functional Values. (Eds Thivakaran, Mahoto and Gajera) Dryland Birds: Strategy for Conservation and Management. Proceedings of the National symposium Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology Gujarat 5. Prakash. L, Anbarasu. C and Balasubramanian. P (2014).Some ecological observation on the orchids in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve”. Conference on “Indian Biodiversity Congress”. SRM University, Chennai on 18th - 20th December.

107 Technical Reports 1. Arun, P R, and Rajan, P (2014). Study on the Potential Environmental Impacts of Wind Farm Development in Agali, Attapadi, Kottathara and Nallasingam Areas of Palakkad District, Kerala. Technical report, SACON, Coimbatore 2. Arun, P.R., Murugesan M, Shantha Kumar, S.B., Sony, R.K, and Ramesh, C. (2014). Cumulative Environmental Impact Assessment of Hydro Electric Projects of Sutlej River Basin in Himachal Pradesh-Faunal Aspects. Technical report. SACON, Coimbatore 3. Arun, P.R., Rajah Jayapal, and Anoop, V (2015). Impact of Hara Wind Power Project of CLP Wind Farms (India) Ltd. on Wildlife Including Migratory Birds and Raptors at Harapanahalli, Davangere, Karnataka.” Technical report, SACON, Coimbatore 4. Arun, P.R., Samsoor Ali, A M, and Ramesh Kumar, S (2014). Monitoring the Impacts of Jangi Wind Power Farm (91.8 MW) with Special Reference to Birds and Bats.”Technical report, SACON, Coimbatore 5. Arun, P.R., Srinivas, G, and Shantha Kumar, S.B (2015). Cumulative Environmental Impact Assessment of Hydro Electric Projects of Yamuna River Basin in Himachal Pradesh-Faunal Aspects. Technical report, SACON, Coimbatore 6. Arun, PR, and Rajan, P. (2014). Impact Assessment of Prospecting Exploration through 3D Seismic Data Acquisition by Oil India Ltd. on Mangrove Fauna at Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. Technical report, SACON, Coimbatore 7. Chandra R, Sharpana Bharathi, S Murugesan and P A Azeez (2015), Investigations into the Levels of Pesticides and Heavy Metals in and around Oussudu Lake, Puducherry; Submitted to the Department of Science Technology and Environment (DSTE), Puducherry 8. Kumara, H.N. and Santhosh, K. (2014). Evaluating the status of NTFP trees and development of a model for sustainable harvest of Garcinia gummi-gutta in Aghanashini Lion-tailed Macaque Conservation Reserve, Western Ghats, India. SACON Technical Report-130, submitted to Rufford Small Grants, SACON, Coimbatore 9. Kumara, H.N. and Sasi, R. (2014). Distribution Pattern of Slender Loris in Parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, India. SACON Technical Report-125, submitted to Primate Conservation Inc., USA. SACON, Coimbatore, India. (PR-125) 10. Mathew KS, Azeez PA, Chaithra Shree, J, and Arun, P R (2014). Ecological and Ethno- Cultural examination of the rise and fall in Rice Biodiversity in Southern India with Special Reference to The Western Ghats. Technical report, SACON, Coimbatore, Submitted to Indira Gandhi National Center for Arts, New Delhi, DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.4546.7047 11. Nishadh K A, P A Azeez and R Mohanraj (2015). Real time air pollution modeling and dissemination of information through mobile devices, Submitted to Natural Resource Data Management System, Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi 12. Karunakaran PV, R Jayapal, BAK Prusty and Manish Kumar, 2015. Habitat Assessment of Managalavanam Bird Sanctuary Submitted to Forests and Wildlife Department, Government of Kerala 13. Muralidharan S., Ganesan K., (2015). Monitoring of Pesticide Residues in Select components of an Agroecosystem Adopting Organic and Chemical Farming in Padayetti

108 Village, Palakkad District, Kerala. Final Report. Submitted to Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB). 14. Muralidharan S, Sivasubramanyan C., Jayakumar S., Dhananjayan V and Navamani P. (2014). Impact of Agricultural Pesticides on the Population Status and Breeding Success of Select species of Fish-eating Birds in Tamil Nadu. Final Report. Submitted to Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF), Government of India.

Books 1. Babu, S. and Mahendiran, M (2014). Our recent survey on Birds. In: Lakes of Coimbatore. Quadros, G., Hemambika, B., Julfia Begam, A and Azeez, P.A. pp 22-23. 2. Goldin Quadros, Hemambika B, Julffia Begam A and Azeez P A (2014), Lakes of Coimbatore City, ENVIS Publication, pp. 43; First Edition 2014, E-ISBN:978-93-5174- 750-5, PB ISBN: 978-93-5174-749-9; DoI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.2700.4329 3. Nikhil Raj P and P A Azeez (2015) Factors influencing the runoff trend in a medium sized river basin in the Western Ghats, India, In: Ramkumar M, Kumaraswamy K and Mohanraj R (Eds.), Environmental management of River Basin ecosystems; Springer International Publishing Switzerland, Springer Earth System Sciences, pp:111-125, DoI: 10.1007/978-3-319-13425-3_6

Journals 1. Anbarasu C and Balasubramanian, P (2015). Tree diversity of the tropical montane evergreen forest (Shola) in the Nilgiri Mountains, Western Ghats, India. Indian Forester, 141: 490-495 2. Babu, S., Karthik, T., Srinivas, G. and Kumara, H.N (in Press). Linking critical patches of Sloth Bear Melursus ursinus for their conservation in Meghamalai landscape, Western Ghats. Current Science 3. Babu, S., Kumara, H.N. and Jayson, E.A (In Press). Distribution, Relative Abundance And Habitat Signature Of the Indian Giant Flying Squirrel Petaurista philippensis (Elliot 1839) In The Western Ghats, India. Journal of Bombay Natural History Society 4. Bhupathy, S., Jins, V.J., Babu, S. and Jose, J (In Press). Distribution and conservation status of the caenophidian snake, Xylophis captaini Gower & Winkler, 2007 in the Western Ghats, India. Current Science 5. Chandra R, BAK Prusty and P A Azeez (2014), Spatial variability and temporal changes in the trace metal content of soils: Implications for mine restoration plan, Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 186(6):3661-71, DOI: 10.1007/s10661-014-3648-2 6. Chandran R and P A Azeez (in Press), A study on the outbreak of Dengue in Tamil Nadu, India, Current Science 7. Das, S., Dutta, S., Sen, S., Jijumon A. S., Babu, S., Kumara, H.N. and Singh, M. (2014). Identifying regions for conservation of sloth bears through occupancy modelling in north-eastern Karnataka, India. Ursus, 25: 111-120 8. Dilip Shenai and Goldin Quadros (2014). Comparison between a manmade lake and a natural lake in Mumbai using select water quality Parameters. Ecology, Environment and Conservation. 20(2) 2014; 777-782 pp

109 9. Dwevedi, R., Singh, S. K., & Krishna, V., (2014). Heronries of Mathura District, western Uttar Pradesh, India. Indian Birds 9 (4): 93–95 10. Jayakumar Samidurai, Babu Santhanakrishnan and Mahendiran Mayilsamy, (2014) Stray dog Canis familiaris preying on Threatened Birds in Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, Zoo’S Print XXIX(1): 32 11. Jayakumar, S., Muralidharan, S. and Babu, S (2014). A hitherto unrecorded sighting of the common Pochard Aythya farina (Linnaeus 1978) (Aves: Anseriformes:Anatidae) in Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 6(11): 6485-6487 12. Jins, V.J., Bhupathy, S. & Panigrahi, M. (2014). New record of Beddome’ s coral snake Calliophis beddomei Smith , 1943 from the southern Western Ghats, India. Herpetology Notes 7: 555–557. 13. Kumara, H.N., Sasi, R., Sugantha sakthivel, R., Singh, M., Sushma, H.S., Ramachandran, K.K. and Kaumanns, W. (2014). Distribution, demography and conservation of lion-tailed macaques (Macaca silenus) in the Anamalai Hills Landscape, Western Ghats, India. International Journal of Primatology 35: 976-989 14. Kumara, H.N., Singh, M., Sharma, A.K., Santhosh, K. and Pal, A. (2014). Impact of forest fragment size on between-group encounters in lion-tailed macaques. Primates, 55: 543- 548 15. Kumara, H.N., Thorat, O., Santhosh, K., Sasi, R. and Ashwin, H.P. (2014). Small carnivores of Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve, Karnataka, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 6: 6534-6543 16. Manchi S., Rahmani A. R. and Mukherjee D. 2014. Grey-faced Buzzard Butastur indicus: First record from India. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 111(1) 17. Manchi, S. and R Sankaran. 2014. Effect of Protection on White-nest Swiftlet Collocalia fuciphaga in Andaman Islands, India- an assessment. Oryx 48(2), 213–217. 18. Murugesan, M., Arun, P.R., Nikhil Raj PP, Azeez PA, and Mathew KS (in Press). A New Species of Sonerilla (Melastomataceae) from the Western Ghats of Kerala, India. Nordic Journal of Botany 19. Panigrahi, M. (2013). Small Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis) gritting. Indian Birds 8(4): 112 20. Praveen, J., R. Jayapal, and A. Pittie (2014). Notes on Indian rarities-2: Waterfowl, diving waterbirds, and gulls and terns. Indian Birds, 9: 113-136. 21. Ramesh, C., Shantha Kumar, S.B., Arun, P.R., Sony, R.K, Murugesan, M., and Bhupathy, S. (accepted 2015). Further Confirmation for Platyceps rhodorachis (JAN, 1865), from India, with a Note on Feeding on Cyrtodactylus fasciolatus (BlyTH, 1861).Herpetozoa 1 (2) 22. Sasi, R. and Kumara, H.N. (2014). Distribution and Relative Abundance of the Slender Loris Loris lydekkerianus in Southern Kerala, India. Primate Conservation, 28: 165-170 23. Shafeeque C M, R P Singh, S K Sharma, J Mohan, K V H Sastry, G Kolluri, VK Saxena, J S Tyagi, J M Kataria and PA Azeez (2014), Development of a new method for sperm RNA purification in the chicken, Animal Reproduction Science 149 (3–4): 259–265; DoI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci .2014.06.032

110 24. Sharma S K, CM Shafeeque, Jag Mohan, P A Azeez, R P Singh (2014), PCR Amplification Protocol for GC Rich Protamine Gene from Chicken Testis cDNA, Advances in Animal and Veterinary Sciences 2 (11): 599-605, DoI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14737 /journal.aavs/2014/2.11.599.605 25. Singh RP, Chathathayil M Shafeeque, Sanjeev K Sharma, Nitin K Pandey, Renu Singh, Jag Mohan, Gautham Kolluri, Meeta Saxena, Bhaskar Sharma, Kochiganti V H Sastry, Jag M Kataria, and P A Azeez (2015), Bisphenol a reduces fertilizing ability and motility by compromising mitochondrial function of sperm, Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 9999: 1-6; DoI: 10.1002/etc.2957 26. Sony, R K, and Arun, P R (2015, in press). A Case Study of Butterfly Road Kills from Anaikatty Hills, Western Ghats, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 27. Sushma, H.S., Mann, R, Kumara, H.N. and Udhayan, A. (2014). Population Status of the Endangered Lion-tailed Macaque Macaca silenus in Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Western Ghats, India. Primate Conservation, 28: 171-178 28. Varun, V., J. Ratnam, V. Viswanathan, A.M. Osuri,J.C. Biesmeijer, M.D. Madhusudan, M. Sankaran, M. Krishnadas, D. Barua, M. Budruk, K. Isvaran, R. Jayapal, J. Joshi, K.K. Karanth, J. Krishnaswamy, R. Kumar, S. Mukherjee, H. Nagendra, M. Niphadkar, N. Owen, N. Page, S. Prasad, S. Quader, R. Nandini, V.V. Robin, S.M. Sait, M.A. Shah, H. Somanathan, U. Srinivasan, and B. Sundaram (2015). Perceptions of priority issues in the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems in India. Biological Conservation 187: 201- 211

Popular articles / Newsletters / Vernacular articles

1. Goldin Q., Mangroves and Ecosystem Services" Vanashobha- a journal of the friends of the trees. 54-61pp. 2013-2014 2. Ramesh Kumar S, Samsoor Ali, A M, and Arun, P.R (2014). Peculiar Nest Site of Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicatus. SACON News 3. Ramesh Kumar, S., & Arun, P.R. (2014). Butterflies (of SACON ). SACON News, 11(2-3), 9–13. 4. Samsoor Ali, A.M., Shantha Kumar, S.B., Ramesh Kumar, S., Chandran, R., and Arun, P.R (2014). SACON Campus- A Bird Haven. SACON News 5. Samsoor Ali, A.M., Shantha Kumar, S.B., Ramesh Kumar, S., Chandran, R., & Arun, P.R. (2014). SACON Campus- A Bird Haven. SACON News, 11(2-3), 1–5. 6. Sebastian, M K and P A Azeez (2014). Oduku; Jaiva Krishikku Inagngiya oru jaiva keeda nashini (Malayalam). Harithabhoomi, 5(8), 15-16 7. Sebastian, M K and P A Azeez (2015). Jaiva Krishikku Inangiya Parambaragatha Nellinangal (Malayalam), Harithabhoomi, Vol.5(9), 6-10 8. Sebastian, M K and P A Azeez (2015). Nelkrishiyile Nattarivukal (Malayalam), Harithabhoomi

111

Talks delivered (with date and title of the topic)

1. Arun P.R., Inaugural address at National Seminar on "Bioconservation as an investment" organized by Govt. Brennen College Tellicherry on 15/12/14 2. Arun P.R., Keynote address on Nature lessons and Conservation at National Seminar on "Bioconservation as an investment" organized by Govt. Brennen College Tellicherry on 15/12/14 3. Arun P.R., Presentation on “Developmental Impacts and Environmental Protection: Challenges for striking a delicate balance” National Seminar “Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Issues and concerns” at Govt College Kodanchery on 10th Feb 2015 4. Babu, S “Overview on diversity of higher vertebrates in High-wavy environs” in a workshop Updates on documentation of Biodiversity of High-wavy Environs held at Hotel Western Ghatz, Theni 5. Babu. S “Bird migration” to school students at SACON campus. 6. Goldin Q., "Importance of wetlands" 25th February,2015, Mercy college, Palakkad, Kerala. 7. Goldin Q., "Management, monitoring and research needs of wetlands" 2nd February, 2015, World Wetland Day-2015, Nalsarovar, Gujarat 8. Goldin Q., Mangrove Ecology " 6th October, 2014, B.N.Bandodkar college of Science, Thane. 9. Karunakaran PV. “Landscape Ecology- an approach for Natural Resource Management” – lecture class at Academic Staff College, Calicut University on 22 July 2014. 10. Karunakaran PV. “Mapping RET species” talk delivered as part of Faculty Improvement Programme at PSG College, Coimbatore on 27 September 2014 11. Karunakaran PV. “Western Ghats as a Bioresource” talk delivered to ECOLOGUE-an assemblage of media person at Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary on 4 May 2014 12. Karunakaran PV. Gregor Mendel Memorial Lecture 2014 on “Western Ghats- past, present and future”- 21 July 2014 13. Karunakaran PV. Talk on “Biodiversity Conservation” on the occasion of inauguration of Eco Club at KendriyaVidyalaya, Kannur on 24 April 2014 14. Muralidharan, S “Ecotoxicology and Biotechnology”- Department of Biotechnology, PSG college of Arts and Science, Coimbatore. 7th January 2015 15. Muralidharan, S “Impact of agricultural chemicals on the avifauna”-Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. 9th December 2014 16. Muralidharan. S “Demonstration of sustainable agriculture in the grama Panchayat, Vellangallur” – Salim Ali Foundation. 26th July 2014. 17. Singh R.P., ‘Endocrine disruptors and bird population’ in Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, USA (16 May 2015). 18. Singh R.P., ‘Reproduction in Birds’ in Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, USA (12 March 2015).

112

Participation in seminar/conference/meetings ; (1) national and (2) international

National

Arun P.R., Public consulatation meeting on Sutlej cEIA report Faunal aspects atRekongpeo on 08/12/14 Arun P.R., Public consultation meeting on Sutlej cEIA report Faunal aspects at Poo on 09/12/14 Babu S. In Tamil Nadu birders meet held on November 1st and 2nd at Gandhigram University, Dindigul. Balasubramanian, P., 24th Annual Conference of Indian Association for Angiosperm Taxonomy (IAAT) & International Conference on Trends in Plant systematic(ICTIPS) Organized by Dept of Plant Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli on Oct 31 – Nov 02, 2014. Balasubramanian, P., Conference on “Indian Biodiversity Congress” Organized by CISSA, CPREEC and SRM University, Chennai on 18th - 20th Dec 2014. Goldin Q., Indian Science Congress 2nd to 7th January, 2015, Mumbai University, Mumbai. Goldin Q., National Consultation workshop on wetlands - 8th August, 2014, New Delhi organized by MoEF & CC and Wetlands International. Goldin Q., National Seminar on Conservation of wetland for Future, 25th February,2015, Mercy college, Palakkad, Kerala. Goldin Q., Strategic Environment Assessment workshop 1st to 5th September, 2014 organised by GIZ and WII Goldin Q., World Wetland Day seminar 2nd February, 2015 organised by Forest Department and MoEF & CC at Nalsarovar, Gujarat. Jayakumar S. and Muralidharan S. (2014). “Diversity and Richness of water birds in select wetlands of Tamil Nadu”. In proceedings of “Third Indian biodiversity congress (IBC)”, Organized by School of Public Health SRM University Chennai, 18th to 20th December. Karunakaran, P.V., Annual Research Seminar 2014, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun 21-22 August 2014 Karunakaran, P.V., Western Ghats Biodiversity Portal Consortium Meeting – 12 November 2014 at KFRI, Peechi, Thrissur. Muralidharan S. (2015) “Pesticide banes the futures hold”. In proceedings of National Conference on “Impact of climate change on environment and biodiversity” in Sri Paramakalyani Centre for Excellence in environmental Sciences Alwarkurichi, Tamil Nadu,26th and 27th March. Muralidharan S. (2015). “Fish-eating birds: indicators of contamination status in select wetlands in Tamil Nadu”, in proceedings of “National consultative workshop on restoring wetlands of Tamil Nadu”, organized by Tamil nadu forest department, Chennai, held on 2nd and 3rd February.

113 Muralidharan S. (2015). “Pesticides and Birds: From Legentary DDT to Today’s Poisons”. In proceedings of the Seminar on “Recent Trends & Future Advances in Life Science (RTFLS)”, Central University of Tamil Nadu Thiruvarur, 26th to 27th February.

114