BIODIVERSITY NEWSLETTER Issue #
KARNATAKA BIODIVERSITY BOARD Biodiversity Newsletter
Volume-5, Issue: 4 October- December 2014 www.newsonair.nic.i n KARNATAKA BIODIVERSITY BOARD. BENGALURU IN THIS ISSUE
A Sacredwarm wel Grovescome to all: theAn readers Overview of Editorial Board 1. {1-3} Shri. R. M. N. Sahai. IFS (Retd)., Chairman
Shri. Rajkishore Singh. IFS., Member Secretary Kariyattalagundi Naga 2. Brahmasthana- Sacred Grove Dr. Ramakrishna Arkalgud, Consultant {4-10}
Shri. Vinayak Kulkarni, Publication in charge, Technical Executive Two new species of frogs 3. discovered from Western Ghats {11-12}
4. Board Activities {13-20}
“The aim of Karnataka Biodiversity Board (KBB) is to create awareness and disseminate information of Biodiversity. Keeping this in view, KBB is bringing out this quarterly Newsletter that will help you in gaining insights about the ongoing activities of KBB and highlights of issues related to Biodiversity” BIODIVERSITY NEWSLETTER | Issue #
Sacred Groves: An Overview
One of the critical issues on the national and global agenda is the need to preserve biodiversity for future generations while trying to understand and document the indigenous knowledge of resource management practices. Religion, being a powerful instrument for convincing people, has always been used for meeting the desired objectives of the society. The various religious philosophies have contributed significantly in the conservation of forests, biodiversity and landscapes by promulgating customary norms, practices and beliefs. Some prominent live examples of traditional and cultural forms of biodiversity conservation still exist and are in practice, which include sacred groves, sacred species and sacred landscapes. Sacred groves are the religious practice of conserving biodiversity with strong beliefs, customs and taboos and are treasure house of rare and endemic species. Everything within these groves is under the protection of the reigning deity of the grove and the removal of any material, even dead wood or twig is a taboo (Gadgil & Vartak, 1976). Such groves still exist in many parts of the world and represent relict vegetation of the locality, preserved in its original form with minimal disturbance. Preservation of these groves, though on the pretext of religious beliefs, is of importance for conserving germ plasm that is otherwise under threat from human interference (Khiewtan & Ramakrishnan, 1989). The concept of sacred groves is still relevant and exists today, especially in many parts of Mexico, Ghana, Nigeria, Syria, Turkey and Japan (Gadgil & Vartak 1976). In India, they occur in Western Ghats, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Karnataka, etc., and found in variety of habitats from scrub forests of Thar Desert (maintained by Bishnois), to rain forests of Kerala in Western Ghats, Himachal Pradesh in the North and Kerala in the south are specifically known for their large number of sacred groves. India has the highest concentration of sacred groves in the world. Estimates suggest that there might be between 1,00,000 and 1,50,000 sacred groves around the country (Malhotra et al., 2007) and named differently in different parts of India such as Law lyngdhoh in Meghalaya, Kovil kadu in Kanyakumari, Dev bhumi in Uttarakhand, Kavu in Kerala, Sarna and Deorai in Madhya Pradesh, Oran in Rajasthan, Jaherthan and Garamthan in West Bengal, Deovan in Himachal, Ummanglai in Manipur, etc. The existence of such undisturbed pockets is mostly due to certain taboos, strong beliefs, supplemented by mystic folklores. Services of sacred groves Biodiversity in sacred groves: The sacred grove is kept in a comparatively undisturbed condition, due to faith and regard of local people and the belief that the sylvan deities would be offended, if trees are cut, flowers and fruits are plucked. The vegetation composing the sacred groves is very different from that of the surrounding areas of the region. Many of the sacred groves are studied in different parts of India, with a general focus on diversity of plant species. Hariyal Devi and Tarkeshwar sacred landscape are one of the examples of rich heritage of plant diversity situated in Garhwal Himalayas. About 372 species are found in Tarkeshwar sacred landscape and more than 100 species are found in Hariyali sacred landscape. Kabi sacred grove in North Sikkim has 241 species of plants in a 3 km2 area. Jamir and Pandey (2003) studied plant species diversity of three sacred groves in Meghalaya and found 395 species, 14 % of which were endemic. 83 species are reported in Nakuleshwar sacred grove from Kumaon Himalaya (Singh et al., 2011). Tiwari et al. (1998), studied 79 sacred groves in Meghalaya, ranging from 0.01 to 900 hectares in size and found that the species diversity was much higher than in disturbed forests. In addition, the species Myristica magnifica and Pinanga dicksoni are now mainly confined to a Myristica swamp in a sacred grove of Uttara Kannada in northern Karnataka. Rare and endemics plant species from sacred groves: A number of studies have emphasized that many sacred groves are repositories of rare species. Haridasan and Rao (1985) have reported at least 50 endangered and rare species in sacred groves of Meghalaya. Kunsteria keralensis, a climbling legume, reported from a sacred grove in
1 BIODIVERSITY NEWSLETTER | Issue #
southern Kerala, is confined to that sacred grove (Mohanan and Nair, 1981). Belpharistermma membranifolia, Buchanania lanceolata and Syzygium travuncorium are rare species found only in some sacred groves of Kerala. Mohanan also discovered a rare species of cinnamon, Cinnamomum quilonensis, in some of the Kavus of Alapuzha district in Kerala (Unikrishnan, 1995).The Kallabbekan sacred grove in Kumta taluk, Karnataka, over 50 ha. in extent, despite being in the midst of arecanut-spice gardens of a populated village, is rich in endemics like wild nutmegs (Myristica malabarica), Cinnamomum malabathrum Garcinia gummi-gutta and wild pepper. Petiveria alliacea, an endangered medicinal plant has been reported from sacred grove of Kanyakumari (Sukumaran & Raj, 2008). In Kodagu district of Western Ghats, sacred groves were found to protect some threatened tree species such as Actinodaphne lawsonii, Hopea ponga, Madhuca neriifolia and Syzygium zeylanicum, which are not found elsewhere. Micro-climatic habitats: Several taxa exhibit remarkable microhabitat-specific nature which can be attributed to the local environmental conditions and sacred groves provide excellent micro-climatic conditions for the luxuriant growth of those plant species which are not present in the surrounding areas at the same altitude. Changes in the microhabitat often induce noticeable damping effect on the dominance of one taxon in that area which sometimes account for its disappearance on one hand and simultaneous emergence of another species, since many species are highly sensitive even to the smallest changes in the environmental conditions. For example in Haat Kali sacred grove, Hedera nepalensis and Smilax aspera are found frequently on trees of Cedrus deodara and provide shelter to other life-forms. Microstylis acuminate, an orchid grows gregariously in moist and humus rich soil of the grove. Conservation of water resources: Larger sacred groves also have their own micro-climate which increases nutrient recycling, recharge of aquifers and act as a primary source of perennial streams. For example, in Nakuleshwar sacred grove of Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, the dense forest forms plenty of catchment for perennial water stream and provide essential requirement of water to the villagers and other people of the area. Providing livelihood: Most of the sacred groves besides maintaining biodiversity provide a livelihood to the community they belong to. The local communities and the care takers of the groves have developed a rotation system of getting forest products by which all the families receive benefits during different time. Tree cutting is prohibited and only felled trees are taken away by the natives. Chamunda Devi and Haat Kali sacred groves in Kumaon Himalaya are one of the examples of sustaining communities around the sacred groves. Sacred plant species From pre-historic times, plants and animals are the part of our life. Some plant species are grown in sacred places because people thought that ancestors and deities reside in these plant species and protect their life. Plants are oldest creation of God on earth and the conscious about them is as the human civilization. Plant worshiping is one of the earliest religious trends since the time ancient. Numerous references are available in literature where plants are treated as to the abode of the gods. In the scriptures, these plants are mention of the Kalpa vrisksha and Chaitya vrisksha, indicating that worshiping of the trees is an Indian tradition. These plants are often grown along and within the temples and can be considered as “sacred plants”. Various religious ceremonies are based on these trees or plants. In India, there are many festivals, which are based on flora. Holy Basil (Ocimum species), Asoka (Saraca asoca), Banyan tree (Ficus bengalensis), Peepal (Ficus religiosa), Kela (Musa paradisica), Neem (Azadiaracta indica), Aam (Mangifera indica) and Beal (Aegle marmelos) etc., are sacred plant species in India. Many of them like the sacred basil and neem are multi-purpose medicinal plants. These culturally valued species are often ecologically important keystone species, which by their key role in ecosystem functioning contribute to support much biodiversity associated with it. Several studies were carried out in Almora district (Uttarakhand) on the religious or sacred plants (Sharma and Joshi, 2010). For example, Cedrus deodara is frequently seen in Jageshwar and Dhaula Devi sacred groves and is protected through religious beliefs, Quercus leucotricophora in Jhakarsham sacred grove, Pinus roxburghii in Gairar sacred grove, similarly, in Pithoragarh district, Rhododendron arboreum in Malay Nath and Narayan Swami Ashram sacred grove, Osmanthus frangrance in Thal Kedhar sacred grove, Cedrus deodara in Haat Kali and Chamunda (Hanera) Gangolihat, etc. Many ethnic, religious and cultural traditions are associated with plant species (folk music, dance, literature and poetry). In spite of this, these plant species play a significant role in our
2 BIODIVERSITY NEWSLETTER | Issue #
daily life. These species are used as a good fodder, fuel wood and timber, apart from the fact that they play a key role in nutrient cycling and conservation, as well as in ensuring water balance within the soil. Threats to sacred groves There are several key threats that have led to the degradation of groves in India, these are: Developmental projects: Some of the sacred groves that fell under government-vested lands, were destroyed when townships grew. Rails, roads and highways have also taken their toll of many sacred groves. Others disappeared under mining and industrial operations. Still others were flooded by big dam projects. Such developmental projects have contributed greatly to the diminishing of the flora and fauna of these sacred groves. Collection of biomass and medicinal plants: Collection of biomass like fodder, fuel and other edible plants are frequently done by local communities for their survival and daily needs and grazing of animals is major concern to the biodiversity of sacred groves. Ruthless destruction and overexploitation of medicinal plants which are abundantly found in the sacred groves is another factor for degradation of biodiversity within the grove. Shift in belief system: Shift of beliefs systems have also led to a weakening of the conservation of sacred groves. In some cases, Hinduism has subsumed the sacred groves that were established for older folk deities. Moreover, in many countries local traditions are being challenged by westernized culture, which results in the loss of sacred groves and their cultural importance for future generations of local people. Diminishing traditional beliefs due to modernisation is another factor which effects their conservation. Encroachment, Pilgrimage and Tourism: Encroachment in various sacred groves for agricultural practices such as coffee production in Kodagu sacred grove of Karnataka and heavy influx of tourism and pilgrimage play significant role in destruction of biodiversity. The biodiversity of Patal Bhuvneshwar and Haat Kali sacred grove are now degraded due to high tourism. Conservation measures: Sacred groves are managed by local communities since ancient time and protection through religious norms and taboo is excellent approach to protect these patches of virgin forests, however, in the absence of effective conservation management these sacred groves are facing challenges to hold the original plant diversity they have. Sacred groves serve as repositories of genetic diversity and are provided with comprehensive and rich ecological niche. Creating awareness among the inhabitants about the importance of invaluable genetic diversity and sustainable use of resources can lead to a secure future of these conserved patches. Government and international conservation agencies should support traditional institutions of sacred grove management, whether at family, community or even regional level. For effective conservation, it is important to respect community values behind such impressive conservation.
Credits Priyanka Agnihotri, Harsh Singh and Tariq Husain* Taxonomy & Herbarium Division, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow -226001 Website:
3 BIODIVERSITY NEWSLETTER | Issue #
Kariyattalagundi Naga Brahmasthana- Sacred Grove: Dakshina Kannada
Introduction 1.Kariyattalagundi Naga Brahmasthana sacred grove is situated on the banks of River Shambavi in Ulipady village, near Kinnigoli, Mangalore Taluk. Ulipady village is having 220 houses with a population of about 2000. The surrounding villages of Ulipady are Balkunje, Elinje, Kolluru, Mundkuru, Aikala and Patte. The main Deity of this sacred grove is Naga Brahma and other associated Deities are Raktheshwari, Nandigona and Vyagra Chamundi. This sacred grove belongs to Ulipady village and managed by Mogerabettu Gutthu family. Devotees have built a temple to the Deity and it is surrounded by scanty vegetation. People offer Pooja on every Tuesday and Sankramana. Annual Pooja being offered every 3rd of April and special Pooja on Nagara Panchami.
View of the Kariyattalagundi Nagabrahmasthana
A view of the vegetation in Kariyattalagundi Nagabrahmasthana
Kariyattalagundi Nagabrahmasthana spread over an area of two acres of land. Nearly 30% of the grove (North & eastern side) is surrounded by Shambavi River and remaining 70% at South & Western side by paddy field.
4 BIODIVERSITY NEWSLETTER | Issue #
GPS Readings Points Latitude Longitude Altitude Entrance N 13° 06ʹ 67.3ʺ E 074° 52ʹ 67.3ʺ 11 m Near the Deity N 13° 06ʹ 72.5ʺ E 074° 52ʹ 29.1ʺ 11 m River side (East N 13° 06ʹ 78.3ʺ E 074° 52ʹ 19.2ʺ 11 m end) West end N 13° 06ʹ 64.2ʺ E 074° 52ʹ 23.1ʺ 11 m
Google earth image showing Kariyattalagundi Nagabrahma Sthana
Vegetation of Kariyattalagundi Nagabrahma Sthana Sacred grove
The vegetation of the sacred grove is of semi evergreen type. A total of 80 species of plants have been recorded (Annexure 1). The vegetation is dominated by tree species such as Garcinia xanthochymus Hook.f. ex T.Anderson, Holigarna ferruginea Marchand, Hopea ponga (Dennst.) Mabb., Aporosa cardiosperma (Gaertn.) Merr. and Vateria indica L.
The largest trees observed in the sacred grove are Aporosa cardiosperma (Height -20m & GBH- 90cms), Garcinia xanthochymus (Height-25m & GBH-112cms), Ochreinauclea missionis (Height -25m & GBH -175cms), Mimusops elengi (Height -20m & GBH -175cms) and Barringtonia racemosa (Height -30m & GBH -200cms).
5 BIODIVERSITY NEWSLETTER | Issue #
The other tree species found in the sacred grove are Adenanthera pavonina L., Aphanamixis polystachya (Wall.) R.Parker, Artocarpus gomezianus subsp. zeylanicus Wall. ex Trécul, Artocarpus hirsutus Lam., Carallia brachiata (Lour.) Merr., Cinnamomum verum J.Presl, Diospyros malabarica (Desr.) Kostel., Ficus microcarpa L.f., Ficus benghalensis L., Ficus callosa Willd., Flacourtia montana J.Graham, Garcinia indica (Thouars) Choisy, Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merr., Macaranga peltata (Roxb.) Müll.Arg., Mangifera indica L., Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre, Sapindus emarginatus Vahl, Strychnos nux-vomica L., Syzygium caryophyllatum (L.) Alston, and S. cumini (L.) Skeels,
The shrubs like Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet, Alangium salviifolium subsp. hexapetalum (L.f.) Wangerin, Antidesma montanum Blume, Capparis sp., Ficus hispida L.f., Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) DC., Hibiscus rostellatus Guill. & Perr., Ixora coccinea L., Mussaenda bellila L., Pandanus canaranus, Paramignya monophylla Wight, Salacia chinensis L., Sida acuta Burm.f. , Sida rhombifolia L., Streblus asper Lour. and Ziziphus rugosa Lam., are commonly found in the sacred grove.
The herbaceous species includes Achyranthes aspera L., Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R.Br. ex DC., Blumea sp., Chasallia sp., Chromolaena odorata (L.), R.M.King & H.Rob., Curcuma oligantha Trimen, Cyperus rotundus L., Euphorbia hirta L., Hygrophila auriculata (Schumach.) Heine, Justicia gendarussa Burm.f., Mimosa pudica L. Pseudoeranthemum sp. And Strobilanthes ciliata T.Anderson. The epiphytic orchid Acampe ochracea (Lindl.) Hochr. is also recorded.
Entada rheedii Spreng., a largest climber with GBH of 200 cms is found lying on the ground near the entry point of the sacred grove. According to local people this climber was found to be growing on a tree and covered the entire canopy of many trees. Because of its overweight and lack of sun
Project Team Dr. M. Sanjappa, measuring the GBH
6 BIODIVERSITY NEWSLETTER | Issue #
light, the trees were died and fell down. This resulted in the fall of this fully grown liana on the ground.
The other climbers found are Acacia caesia (L.) Willd., Butea sp., Combretum latifolium Blume, Connarus wightii Hook.f., Dalbergia horrida (Dennst.) Mabb., Derris sp., Dregea volubilis (L.f.) Benth. ex Hook.f., Getonia floribunda Roxb., Ipomoea sp., Mukia maderaspatana (L.) M.Roem., Passiflora foetida L., Uvaria narum A.DC., Pothos scandens L. and Lygodium sp.
The area also represented by endemic threatened plants like Artocarpus hirsutus Lam., Garcinia indica (Thouars) Choisy, Ochreinauclea missionis and Vateria indica L.
Diversity of life forms in the sacred grove Sl. Habit Numbers No 1 Trees 33 2 Shrubs 16 3 Climbers 15 4 Herb 14 5 Epiphyte 1 6 Fern 1
Canopy of Hopea ponga overlapped by Combretatum latifolium
Regeneration:
Presence and stabilization of seedlings shows high regeneration status of Aporosa cardiosperma, Garcinia xanthochymus, Holigarna ferruginea and Vateria indic. Whereas species like Barringtonia racemosa, Borassus flabellifer , Caryota urens and Ochreinauclea missionis are showing low rate of regeneration.
Threats to the vegetation:
7 BIODIVERSITY NEWSLETTER | Issue #
No major threats to the vegetation have been noticed in this sacred grove. But due to over covering of the climbers like Combretum latifolium , Acacia caesia and Entada rheedii on the canopy of the tree species like Hopea ponga, Vateria indica and Garcinia xanthochymus which reduced its growth potential.
Local villagers have planted some ornamental and other plant species such as Dieffenbachia sp., Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L., Polyalthia longifolia (Sonn.) Thwaites, Psidium guajava L., Tectona grandis L.f. and Terminalia catappa L. around the temple area.
Annexure I
List of plant species recorded in Kariyattalagundi Nagabana Sl.No. Name of the speices Family Habit 1. Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet Malvaceae Shrub 2. Acacia caesia (L.) Willd. Leguminosae Climber 3. Acampe ochracea (Lindl.) Hochr. Orchidaceae Herb 4. Achyranthes aspera L. Amaranthaceae Herb 5. Adenanthera pavonina L. Leguminosae Tree 6. Alangium salviifolium (L.f.) Wangerin Cornaceae Shrub 7. Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R.Br. ex DC. Amaranthaceae Herb 8. Antidesma montanum Blume Phyllanthaceae Shrub Aphanamixis polystachya (Wall.) 9. R.Parker Meliaceae Tree 10. Aporosa cardiosperma (Gaertn.) Merr. Phyllanthaceae Tree 11. Artocarpus gomezianus Wall. ex Trécul Moraceae Tree 12. Artocarpus hirsutus Lam. Moraceae Tree 13. Atalantia racemosa Wight ex Hook. Rutaceae Tree 14. Barringtonia racemosa (L.) Spreng. Lecythidaceae Tree 15. Blumea sp. Asteraceae Herb 16. Borassus flabellifer L. Arecaceae Tree 17. Canthium sp. Rubiaceae Shrub 18. Capparis sp. Capparaceae Shrub 19. Carallia brachiata (Lour.) Merr. Rhizophoraceae Tree 20. Caryota urens L. Arecaceae Tree 21. Chasallia curviflora Rubiaceae Herb Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M.King & 22. H.Rob. Asteraceae Herb 23. Cinnamomum verum J.Presl Lauraceae Tree 24. Combretum latifolium Blume Combretaceae Climber 25. Connarus wightii Hook.f. Connaraceae Climber 8 BIODIVERSITY NEWSLETTER | Issue #
26. Curcuma oligantha Trimen Zingiberaceae Herb 27. Cyperus rotundus L. Cyperaceae Herb 28. Dalbergia horrida (Dennst.) Mabb. Leguminosae Climber 29. Derris sp. Leguminosae Climber 30. Diospyros malabarica (Desr.) Kostel. Ebenaceae Tree 31. Dregea volubilis (L.f.) Benth. ex Hook.f. Petha thajank Climber 32. Entada rheedii Spreng. Leguminosae Climber 33. Euphorbia hirta L. Euphorbiaceae Herb 34. Ficus microcarpa L.f. Moraceae Tree 35. Ficus benghalensis L. Moraceae Tree 36. Ficus callosa Willd. Malvaceae Tree 37. Ficus hispida L.f. Moraceae Shrub 38. Flacourtia montana J.Graham Salicaeae Tree 39. Garcinia indica (Thouars) Choisy Clusiaceae Tree Garcinia xanthochymus Hook.f. ex 40. T.Anderson Clusiaceae Tree 41. Getonia floribunda Roxb. Combretaceae Climber 42. Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) DC. Rutaceae Shrub 43. Hibiscus rostellatus Guill. & Perr. Malvaceae Shrub 44. Holigarna ferruginea Marchand Anacrdiaceae Tree 45. Hopea ponga (Dennst.) Mabb. Dipterocarpaceae Tree 46. Hygrophila auriculata (Schumach.) Heine Acanthaceae Herb 47. Ipomoea aquatica Forssk. Convolvulaceae Stragglers 48. Ipomoea sp. Convolvulaceae Climber 49. Ixora coccinea L. Rubiaceae Shrub 50. Justicia gendarussa Burm.f. Acanthaceae Herb 51. Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merr. Anacrdiaceae Tree 52. Lygodium flexuosum (L.) Sw. Lygodiaceae Fern 53. Macaranga peltata (Roxb.) Müll.Arg. Euphorbiaceae Tree 54. Mangifera indica L. Anacrdiaceae Tree 55. Memecylon talbotianum Brandis Melastomataceae Tree 56. Mimosa pudica L. Leguminosae Herb 57. Mimusops elengi L. Sapotaceae Tree 58. Mukia maderaspatana (L.) M.Roem. Cucurbitaceae Climber 59. Mussaenda frondosa L. Rubiaceae Shrub Ochreinauclea missionis (Wall. ex 60. G.Don) Ridsdale Rubiaceae Tree 61. Pandanus canaranus Warb. Pandanaceae Shrub 62. Paramignya monophylla Wight Rutaceae Shrub 63. Passiflora foetida L. Passifloraceae Climber
9 BIODIVERSITY NEWSLETTER | Issue #
64. Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre Leguminosae Tree 65. Pothos scandens L. Araceae Herb 66. Pseudoeranthemum sp. Acanthaceae Herb 67. Saccharum spontaneum L. Poaceae 68. Salacia chinensis L. Celastraceae Shrub 69. 70. Sapindus emarginatus Vahl Sapindaceae Tree 71. Sida acuta Burm.f. Malvaceae Shrub 72. Sida rhombifolia L. Malvaceae Shrub 73. Spatholobus parviflorus (DC.) Kuntze Leguminosae Climber 74. Streblus asper Lour. Moraceae Shrub 75. Strobilanthes ciliata T.Anderson Acanthaceae Herb 76. Strychnos nux-vomica L. Loganiaceae Tree 77. Syzygium caryophyllatum (L.) Alston Myrtaceae Tree 78. Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels Myrtaceae Tree 79. Uvaria narum A.DC. Annonaceae Climber 80. Vateria indica L. Dipterocarpaceae Tree 81. Ziziphus rugosa Lam. Rhamnaceae Shrub
Credits Ramakrishna Marati, Udayakumar Shetty and H.S. Shenoy Dr. Shivarama Karantha Pilikula Nisarga Dhama, Mangalore
10 BIODIVERSITY NEWSLETTER | Issue #
Two new species of frogs discovered from Western Ghats
New species of frogs discovered in Karnataka for the year 2014
Species Details Publication details Micrixalus candidus A small species of torrential Biju, S. D.; Sonali Garg, K. V. Gururaja, perrenial stream frog discovered Yogesh Shouche and Sandeep A. from the Kemmannugundi forests of Walujkar. 2014a. "DNA barcoding Bhadra Wildlife sanctuary. Found in reveals unprecedented diversity in leaf litters next to streams under the Dancing Frogs of India (Micrixalidae, forest canopy. Distribution range is Micrixalus): a taxonomic revision with narrow and restricted to description of 14 new species". Ceylon Kemmanugundi and Kottigehara. Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.) 43 (1): 1– Active during day time. 87. Micrixalus niluvasei Biju, A small species of torrential Biju, S. D.; Sonali Garg, K. V. Gururaja, Garg, Gururaja, Souche and perrenial stream frog discovered Yogesh Shouche and Sandeep A. Walujkar, 2014 from the Niluvase of Shimoga. Walujkar. 2014a. "DNA barcoding Found in leaf litters next to streams reveals unprecedented diversity in under the forest canopy. Dancing Frogs of India (Micrixalidae, Distribution range is narrow and Micrixalus): a taxonomic revision with known from Niluvase. Active during description of 14 new species". Ceylon day time. Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.) 43 (1): 1– 87. Micrixalus specca Biju, Garg, A small species of torrential Biju, S. D.; Sonali Garg, K. V. Gururaja, Gururaja, Souche and perrenial stream frog discovered Yogesh Shouche and Sandeep A. Walujkar , 2014 from the Charmadi Ghats. Found in Walujkar. 2014a. "DNA barcoding boulders between the flowing reveals unprecedented diversity in streams under the forest canopy. Dancing Frogs of India (Micrixalidae, Distribution range is narrow and Micrixalus): a taxonomic revision with restricted to Charmadi ghats. This description of 14 new species". Ceylon species of frog is known for foot Journal of Science (Bio. Sci.) 43 (1): 1– flagging behaviour. Active during 87. day time. Nyctibatrachus kumbara A medium sized wrinkled frog, Gururaja, K.V., K.P. Dinesh, G. Preeti Gururaja, Dinesh, Preethi found in the slow flowing perrenial and G. Ravikanth. 2014. Mud-packing and Ravikanth 2014 streams of evergreen forests, Frog: A novel breeding behaviour and discovered from the Kathlaekhan parental care in a stream dwelling new forests of Uttara Kannada. species of Nyctibatrachus (Amphibia, Distribution range is, known from the Anura, Nyctibatrachidae). Zootaxa. streams and rivulets of the Tunga, Sharavathi, 3796(1): 33-61. Aghanashini and Bedthi rivers in Shimoga and
11 BIODIVERSITY NEWSLETTER | Issue #
Uttara Kannada. Night active frog known for male mud packing the eggs. . Hylarana indica Biju, Garg, A large sized bronze frog, found Biju, S. D., S. Garg, S. Mahony, N. Mahony, Wijayathilaka, next to perrenial streams of Wijayathilaka, G. Senevirathne, and Senevirathne and evergreen forests, discovered from M. Meegaskumbura. 2014b. DNA Meegaskumbura, 2014 the Charmadi Ghats. Distribution barcoding, phylogeny and systematics range is, known from the Aralam to of Golden-backed frogs (Hylarana, Dandeli. Night active frog. Ranidae) of the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot, with the description of seven new species. Contributions to Zoology. Amsterdam 83: 269–335.
Credits. Dr. K. P. Dinesh
Raorchestes echinatus
Raorchestes indicus
12 BIODIVERSITY NEWSLETTER | Issue # Training programmes
BMC Training
District Date No. of Taluks Participants
Bagalkot Badami 56 Bagalkote 1-09-2014 40 Bilagi To 65 Hanagunda 8-09-2014 50 Mudol 43 Jamakandi 45 Belagavi Athani 11-09-2014 124 Belgaum 12-09-2014 Vijayapura Bijapur 14-10-2014 50 Indi 15-10-2014 47 Dharwad Kalaghatagi 27-10-2014 41 Dharwad 28-10-2014 50 Haveri Haveri 11-11-2014 41 Savanur 12-11-2014 50 Gadag Shirahatti 18-11-2014 60 Mundaragi 19-11-2014 65
13 BIODIVERSITY NEWSLETTER | Issue # BMC Trainings
District Taluks Date No. of Participants Uttara Siddapur 25-Nov-14 21 Kannada Yellapur 26-Nov-14 14 Gulbarga Afzalpur 2-Dec-14 53 Aland 3-Dec-14 47 Koppal Gangavathi 9-Dec-14 25 Kushtagi 10-Dec-14 50 Raichur Devadurga 19-Dec-14 40 Lingsugur 20-Dec-14 27 Yadgir Yadgir 16-Dec-14 40
Shahpur 17-Dec-14 50 Bellary Sondur 22-Dec-14 46 Kudligi 23-Dec-14 66 Bidar Bidar 29-Dec-14 43 Humnabad 30-Dec-14 51 Mysooru H.D.Kote 25-Aug -14 68
K.R. Nagar 26-Aug -14 60
Mysore 27-Aug -14 70
Bengaluru 48 Devanahalli 09-Dec-14 Rural
14 BIODIVERSITY NEWSLETTER | Issue #
BMC Trainings
District Taluks Date No. of Participants Bangalore 52 Doddaballapura 4-Sep-14 Rural Bangalore Anekal 18-Sep-14 65 Urban Bangalore North 19-Sep-14 69
Chikkaballapur Bagepalli 22-Sep-14 40
Chikkaballapur 23-Sep-14 20
Davanagere Channagiri 29-Sep-14 53
Davanagere 30-Sep-14 57
Kolar Bangarpet 29-Sep-14 53
Kolar 30-Sep-14 57
Ramanagara Channapatna 29-Oct-14 52
Kanakpura 10-Dec-14 60
11-Nov-14 63 Chamarajnagar Chamrajnagar 13-Nov-14 54 Gudlupet
Shivamogga Bhadravathi 14-Nov-14 45
Hosanagara 15-Nov-14 51
15 BIODIVERSITY NEWSLETTER | Issue #
District Taluks Date No. of Participants
Tumkur Chikkanayakanahalli 21-Nov-14 30 Gubbi 22-Nov-14 47 Chitradurga Hiryuru 12-Nov-14 53 Holalkere 13-Nov-14 58 Chikkamagalur Chikkamagalur 25-Nov-14 75 Kadur 26-Nov-14 81 Dakshina Bantwala 2-Dec-14 63 Kannada Belthangadi 3-Dec-14 87
Mandya K.R.Pet 5-Dec-14 68
Maddur 6-Dec-14 80
Hassan Alur 16-Dec-14 34 Arkalgud 17-Dec-14 56 Udupi Karkala 19-Dec-14 50 Kundapura 20-Dec-14 60 Madikeri 22-Dec-14 45 Somwarpet 23-Dec-14 64
16 BIODIVERSITY NEWSLETTER | Issue #
1 2
3 4
5 6
Photographs: 1. BMC training at Bijapur taluk , Bijapur district. 2. BMC training at Haveri taluk , Haveri district 3. BMC training at Savanur taluk , Haveri district 4. BMC training at Mundaragi taluk, Gadag district 5. BMC training at Shirahatti taluk, Gadag district 6. BMC training at Kudligi taluk, Bellary district
17 BIODIVERSITY NEWSLETTER | Issue # District Level Trainings
Sl. No Date District Venue of the Participants participated meeting 1 5-Sep-14 Bangalore Urban, Bangalore ZP Bangalore rural, meeting hall Kolar, Ramnagar, Tumkur, Chikkaballapur districts. 2 8-Sep-14 Shimoga, Shimoga ZP Chikamagalore & meeting hall Davanagere 3 12-sep-14 Mysore, Mandya, Mysore ZP meeting Chamrajnagar, hall District Level Line Hassan department 4 16-sep-14 Mangalore, Udupi, Mangalore ZP Officials Kodagu meeting hall 5 19-Sep-14 Belgaum, Bagalkot, Belgaum ZP Bijapur meeting hall 6 23-Sep-14 Gulbarga, Raichur, Gulbarga ZP Bidar, Yadgir meeting hall
7 26-Sep-14 Bellary, Koppal, Bellary ZP meeting Chitradurga hall 8 30-Sep-14 Dharwad, Haveri Dharwad ZP Gadag, Karwar meeting hall
18 BIODIVERSITY NEWSLETTER | Issue # PBR Coordinators workshops
Sl. No Date District Venue of the Participants participated meeting 1 07-08-2014 Dharwad, Bagalkot Belgaum, Gadag, Horticulture Koppal, College Coordinators of Gulbarga,Bidar, the respective Bijapur, Yadgir, districts Raichur, Bagalkot 2 11-08-2014 Bellary, Haveri, Shimoga ZP Shimoga, meeting hall Chitradurga, Davangere, Uttar Kannada 3 Chickamagalore, Hassan ZP Udupi, Dakshina meeting hall Kannada, Kodagu, Hassan 4 02-08-2014 Mandya, Mysore Mysore ZP meeting hall 5 9-9-14 Koppal Horticulture College, Munirabad 6 10-9-14 Uttara Kannada Karwar
19 BIODIVERSITY NEWSLETTER | Issue #
Taxonomy training Date: 3rd December, 2014
Venue: Department of Botany Karnataka University (Dharwad)
Participants: Students from Botany and Zoology,
Training conducted in the Department of Botany, Karnataka University (Dharwad) on 3rd December, 2014. Mr. Agnihothri, District Forest Officer, Dharwad and Prof. S. N. Agadi, Karnataka University (Dharwad) coordinated the training programme. 50 Participants from Life Sciences attended the program. The seminar was delivered by Dr. Ramakrishna and Dr. Jairaju on Biodiversity, its conservation and Taxonomy aspects respectively. Mr. Niranjan R delivered the lecture on PBR, Biodiversity Acts and Rules.
Inauguration of the training
2.
20 BIODIVERSITY NEWSLETTER | Issue #
Biodiversity Awareness creation module display at Science express- Biodiversity Special. Dharwad 9th to 12th December 2014
Science Express is a unique science exhibition mounted on a 16-coach AC train. It has been travelling across India successfully for the past six years. Flagged off on 30 October 2007 by the then Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh and German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel, the exhibition train has since covered over 1,00,000 km across the country, receiving more than 1.09 crore visitors at its 335 halts, in 1205 exhibition days. Science Express has thus become the largest, the longest running and the most visited mobile science exhibition in India and has created six Limca Book of Records in its journey so far. From 2007 to 2011 the train was running as 'Science Express’ displaying the world of micro and macro cosmos, spreading the awareness about strengths of science in meeting global challenges, including latest discoveries and innovations in the field of modern science. In the year 2012, Science Express was redesigned on the theme ‘Biodiversity’ and since then it has been running as ‘Science Express Biodiversity Special’. Karnataka Biodiversity Board participation Display modules were prepared to create awareness among the schoolchildren about the biodiversity of Karnataka. Multicolor posters were prepared about biodiversity conservation, Biodiversity Management Committees, Peoples Biodiversity Registers and were displayed inside and outside of the train. One of the major program of Karnataka Biodiversity Board, The online “Biodiversity Atlas of Karnataka” was also introduced to the schoolchildren and the general audience at the venue (See photograph below). The displays were largely appreciated by the audience.
21 BIODIVERSITY NEWSLETTER | Issue #
Karnataka Biodiversity Board Ground Floor, Vana Vikasa 18th cross, Malleshwaram. Bangalore 560003 Telephone: 080-23448783 FAX: 080-23440535 E-mail: [email protected] 22 Website: www.kbb.kar.nic.in