Wetlands News Monitor March - April 2015
TRENDING TOPICS IN THIS ISSUE:
1. News Brief on RAMSAR 2. World Water Day 2015 Celebration 3. Wetland Recreation Activities 4. Report on Wetland Events 5. Wetland Pollution 6. Discovery of New Fish Species in Kerala 7. Report on Endangered Pinzon Giant Tortoise 8. Information on Turtles 9. General News on Wetland
News brief on RAMSAR, World Water Day 2015 Celebration, Wetland recreation activities Pollution, General news on wetland
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
1. News Brief on RAMSAR
The destructive methods of fishing and pollution have badly affected the livelihood of hundreds of fishermen who depend upon the Ashtamudi Lake. Mechanized fishing is rampant in the lake and resulted in fish stocks getting heavily depleted. Encroachments on the lake and uncontrolled cruising of tourist houseboats were also affecting the fishermen. Inland water fishermen registered a novel protest against the destructive methods of fishing carried out in the Ashtamudi Lake by organizing a sail past through the lake. The protest was organized under the banner of the Akhila Kerala Swathantra Matsyathozhilali Union and was flagged off by Kadavur parish church vicar Fr. Amal Raj began from the Thevally Bridge in the city culminated at the boat jetty near the KSRTC depot.
The dry deciduous evergreen forest, spread over an area of 35 sq. km. at Kodiyakkarai near Vedaranyam, has recorded an increase in wildlife census due to the intensification of anti- poaching activities, proper water management, and conducive habitat for animals and birds by the Forest Department.
Source: The Hindu Dt: March 8, 2015
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
The department staff along with college students of AVC Engineering College at Mayiladuthurai and Government Arts and Science College at Poompuhar conducted one-day wildlife census at Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary at Kodiyakkarai on February 28. The Forest Ranger of Vedaranyam, V. Gobinath reported that the department has identified 948 bucks, 117 spotted deer, 172 horses, 77 monkeys, 82 wild boars, 12 black napped hares, 20 jackals, and 1,525 fruit-bearing bats. The department has recorded an overall 10 per cent increase in the wildlife when compared to last year.
Source:
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/census-records-increase-in-wildlife-at-point- calimere/article6970712.ece
2. World Water Day 2015 Celebration
World Water Day was celebrated by the residents of the western suburbs and members of unpolluted Cooum River Protection Committee and took part in a rally near Marina beach to create awareness on the need to protect the unpolluted stretches of Cooum and Adyar rivers and also, conserve resources in lakes around the city. The committee members released a handbook on Chennai’s water needs and suggestions to conserve water and distributed pamphlets. Similarly, several people took part in a walkathon organised by MORF India to stress on the need to conserve water and avoid scarcity of resources.
Events around World Water Day on March 22 reminded everyone about the implications of dwindling water reserves due to population pressure and pollution. The water pollution scenario in India can be mapped by the findings of the country's key pollution watchdog by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). In recent report noted that nearly 37,000 million liters per day (MLD) of 'untreated' sewage water flows into rivers across the country that kept polluting water resource. As many as 302 river stretches on 275 rivers across the country have got polluted due to discharge of both municipal and industrial waste water over the years.
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
Source: The Times of India Dt.: Mar 23, 2015
Source: The Times of India Dt.: Mar 23, 2015
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
The report, submitted to the environment ministry, said that though the sewage treatment capacity in the country was augmented over the years, the wide gap between sewage generation (57,000 MLD) and treatment capacity (20,358 MLD) kept polluting water resources. While municipal waste water is the prime cause of increasing water pollution, flow of untreated industrial waste water into rivers is not far behind.
World Water Day celebrations was organised by the Karunya University, Coimbatore and discussed ways to conserve and judiciously use water. Experts such as B.J. Pandian, Director, Water Technology Centre, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, P.A. Azeez, Director, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, D. Tensing, Director, Civil, Karunya University, and E.J. James, Distinguished Professor, Karunya University, exchanged ideas on water conservation. The university honoured R.K. Sivanappan, the water technology expert who established the Water Technology Centre at the TNAU.
Source:
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/residents-come- together-to-protect-water-sources/article7022049.ece
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/pollution/37000-million-litres-of- sewage-flows-into-rivers-daily-Report/articleshow/46657415.cms
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/water-day- celebrated/article7025967.ece
3. Wetland Recreation Activities
In Coimbatore district the civic body had renovated Singanallur boathouse at a cost of 30 lakh and launched it with much fanfare without purchasing any boats. An adventure company had offered to lend their boats for 10 days but soon the boats returned to the firm. Since then, the functioning of the boathouse has come to a halt, disappointing hundreds of visitors. The boathouse was built ten years ago at the Singanallur tank. But boating services were stopped
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
despite good patronage due to the growth of water hyacinth. Last year, when P Rajkumar became mayor, he announced that the boathouse would be returned to its original glory. The civic body started removing water hyacinth and cleaning the tank and renovated the boathouse. In addition to the 30lakh spent for renovation and beautification, more than 5 Lakh was spent on removal of the weeds.
The National Adventure Foundation has brought some canoes, kayak, a banana boat, and an inflatable dingy to train people at the Singanallur Tank with free of cost for 50 people a day on a first-come-first-served basis. Minister for Municipal Administration and Water Supply, Rural Administration, S.P. Velumani declared open the boating on the tank. District Collector Archana Patnaik, Coimbatore Mayor P. Rajkumar, and Corporation Commissioner K. Vijayakarthikeyan were present and said that efforts would be taken to clean the tank, and install a sewage treatment plant to purify the water that enter the tank.
Source: The Times of India Dt.: Mar 23, 2015
Nainarkulam tank in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu was beautified by the Corporation spending a whopping sum of Rs. 40 lakh nearly a decade ago that attracted a decent crowd. When it was announced that the replica of the Eiffel Tower would come up on its bank and a hotel would be created in the middle of Nainarkulam, people’s expectations heightened further. However, Nainarkulam lost its sheen very soon due to lack of maintenance with the steel railings damaged and stolen and the tiles removed by the miscreants. And, the plans to erect Eiffel Tower never took off.
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
A view of the Nainarkulam tankin Tirunelveli. Photo: A. SHAIKMOHIDEEN
Source: The Hindu Dt.: April 6, 2015
To make things worse, debris and garbage dumped in uncontrollable manner even as water hyacinth is spreading menacingly throughout the waterbody. Above all, sewage from the houses and the commercial establishments flows into it in unmanageable level to pollute Nainarkulam to the maximum possible extent.
To revive the polluted waterbody, the Corporation has proposed to allot Rs. 1.50 crore for during this fiscal as the amount was earmarked in the urban civic body’s Budget for 2015 – 2016 and the Mayor E. Bhuvaneshwari said that once the renovation work gets completed, the waterbody will be maintained regularly so that it will continue to attract the people.
Source:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/Without-boats-Coimbatores- Singanallur-boathouse-locked-again/articleshow/46631506.cms
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/boating-allowed-for-10- days-water-level-low/article6976414.ece
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/corporation-to-beautify- nainarkulam-tank/article7072688.ece
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
4. Report on Wetland Events
Big Bird Day is a wonderful celebration of our avian friends through the dedication of an entire day to birdwatching and recording the number of species sighted in a region and then upload a list of their sightings on an online portal called eBird. It was initially started by the Delhi Bird group (created by Nikhil Devasar and Bikram Grewal) as an informal event held in February or March. The first Big Bird Day was held on February 22, 2004 when 236 species of birds were recorded across Delhi.
Birding events was conducted for Big Bird Day 2015 by various teams in New Delhi. About 300 people, divided into 12-14 teams, participated in this year's Big Bird Day. Teams who participated in the Big Bird Day 2015 spotted a great variety of species and extremely rare ones. A team that was birding in Jhajjar's Bhinda spotted Smew, a European sea duck that was last seen in NCR between 1920 and 1925. Another team that went to the Sultanpur bird sanctuary spotted a White-bellied drongo which is also an important sighting as its population is declining. However, Smew was the highlight of the day. "It was spotted in 1881 by AO Hume, who was a great birder and the founder member of Indian National Congress. The team also spotted Peregrine falcon and an Indian spotted eagle. Sharma, one of the team member stated that 178 species were spotted in Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary.
At Yamuna Biodiversity Park, a team of 20 participated and spotted 109 species between 8am and 10am. A flock of small Pratincole was also seen in the flood zone of Yamuna. At Aravalli Biodiversity Park, counting started early in the morning. A team of six birders participated and listed 69 bird species.
Sri Sarvamangala Nagar Residents Association at Chitlapakkam organised a marathon titled ‘Save Environment - Save Water Bodies’ to create awareness about environment and waterbodies. The run was flagged off by Mr. R. Mohan, president of Chitlapakkam Special Grade Town Panchayat. More than 800 runners including the general public, residents, senior citizens and school students have participated. The runners carried placards which carried messages about the importance of preserving the environment and water bodies.
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
Source: The Hindu Dt.: March 8, 2015
To protect the endangered Gangetic River dolphins a three-day 'River for Life' campaign by WWF was run on a cruise from the Millennium Park under which they are conducting a series of conservation action with the local community at different points across the length of nearly 200 km from Kolkata to Nabadwip.
Source: The Times of India Dt.: March 22, 2015
Saswati Sen, state director of WWF stated that interaction with children and youth from schools and colleges will be sensitive during the journey. Spreading awareness on the need to keep the Ganga clean and protect dolphin which is our national aquatic animal to thousands of
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
people in places like Belur, Sobhabazar, Chinsurah, Chandanagar was also planned. The team of activists planned for film shows, quiz contests and also to distribute pamphlets for mass awareness.
The Madurai Division of the Forest Department launched two initiatives in a bid to involve public in its conservation and awareness activities on the occasion of the International Day of Forests. Launching the initiatives on Gandhi Memorial Museum premises, District Forest Officer Nihar Ranjan stated that the department was planning to work with those interested in becoming ‘Madurai Vana Nanbargal’ or ‘Friends of Madurai Forests’ and certified wildlife rescue experts in this regard. Trips to Kutladampatti or other ecologically sensitive areas were organized by the department.
Involving the public: District Forest Officer Nihar Ranjan launching the ‘Friends of Madurai Forest’ and Certified Wildlife Rescue' initiatives in the city on Saturday. Photo: S. James
Source: The Hindu Dt.: March 24, 2015
A workshop on the theme ‘Green Earth Day’ was conducted by Green Environment Service Society and the A. P. Pollution Control Board at Public Library, Dwarakanagar for 45th Earth Day. G.S.N. Raju, Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University, Sriram Murthy, Senior Environmental Engineer, Retd. Prof. S. Ramakrishna Rao, and Prof. Manjulatha of Zoology Department, AU were the guests for the workshop. The guests reiterated the need for protection of green cover to increase the oxygen levels in the atmosphere. They stressed on the importance of protecting water resources to save marine life. On the occasion, the participants of the drawing competition were given certificates and the winners of the competition were presented with mementos by the guests. ‘Green Earth Day Walk’ from YMCA to the bus stop near Beach Road as part of its five- day massive awareness drive to mark 45th anniversary of Earth Day was also organized Green Environment Service Society.
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
Source:
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/stress-on- protection-of-green-cover-water-resources/article7128789.ece
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/It-was-birders-day-out- with-rare-finds/articleshow/46498254.cms
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Campaign-to-protect- Gangetic-dolphins/articleshow/46653223.cms
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/initiatives-to-conserve- forests-ecology/article7026682.ece
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-downtown/chitlapakkam-residents- organise-marathon-to-save-waterbodies/article6970132.ece
5. Wetland Pollution
The diminishing freshwater habitat of Madhavaram poses a threat to the groundwater needs of the city by the release of effluents from hundreds of industrial units and unregulated dumping of garbage have taken a heavy toll on the Lake. Biodiversity in and around Madhavaram Tank (also known as Retteri Lake) is fast depleting. The wetlands of Madhavaram are among the city's three most fertile and bio-diverse spots; the others are around Ambattur and Korattur lakes nearby. The freshwater habitat is home to exotic plant and bird species including the common kingfisher, pied kingfisher, myna, great heron, purple heron, spotted dove and spot-billed pelican.
The construction of a national highway divided the Retteri Lake and spoiled the ecosystem by blocking waterways like canals, ponds and culverts. Another pollutant is chicken waste dumped by butchers on the roadside, particularly along the periphery of Retteri Lake. Antibiotic residue in hormone-injected chickens spreads through water and soil and ends up in crops, making humans vulnerable to a range of serious infections
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
Public from Hyderabad desired to stop the immersions of waste into the 400 years old Hussainsagar Lake and are ready to pay higher entry fee for the surrounding parks to improve the water quality. A recent survey of visitors to the lake and residents around it found that a majority of them didn’t mind paying a higher entry fee for the surrounding parks if the water quality improved.
The study, undertaken by researchers from the University of Hyderabad and South Asian Network for Development and Environmental Economics (SANDEE), interviewed visitors to the surrounding parks and residents away from the lake in all the five zones of the city. About 87.88 per cent of the people said that the lake’s water was of “very bad quality” and they would consider visiting the lake if it improved, even though it meant a hike in ticket prices.
Environmental experts have called upon the State government to take immediate measures and stop dumping of toxic industrial waste and effluents polluting Chembarambakkam Lake one of the largest freshwater reservoir near to Chennai. Nityanand Jayaraman, Environmentalist stated that the government should not allow setting up of polluting industries on the critical watershed area that contaminates the environment. Further, he said that the presence of high levels of lead and cadmium in the lake could be due to the heavy metal industries as well as the paint shops situated in the vicinity. Consumption of contaminated drinking water by heavy metals and other pollutants could result in anaemia, affect children whose bones are under development as well as adults, affect the kidneys and other neuron- related diseases.
Selva Chinthamani Tank in Selvapuram, Coimbatore was cleaned using two earthmovers due to the carcass of poultry waste thrown in it giving foul odour. The excavated earth gets dumped on the bund, water from tank flows quietly through the outlet channel on its south that takes the water to the Big Tank. Selvapuram is a dengue-prone and a red-alert zone for other communicable diseases. The Corporation Commissioner K. Vijayakarthikeyan instructed the Health Wing officials and they inspected the spot and with the help of the Engineering Wing officials engaged earthmovers to desilt the tank.
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
An earthmover removing silt from the Selva Chinthamani Tank as the Coimbatore Corporation took up the cleaning work on Thursday. Photo: M. Periasamy
Source: The Hindu Dt.: April 6, 2015
In an attempt to keep encroachers from usurp dried-up portions of Sembakkam lake bed, the government constructed fences around it. The government officials reported that the fence will also deter people from dumping garbage on the lake’s western fringes.
Misuse of resource:Originally spread over 150 acres, Sembakkam lake’s expanse is now less than 100 acres due to encroachments. Photo: G. Krishnaswamy
Source: The Hindu Dt.: April 20, 2015
The decision to fence the lake is part of steps to revive measures to protect the waterbody, located near suburban Tambaram. Kancheepuram district unit of the Public Works Department (PWD) reported that originally spread over of the lake was 150 acres, the lake’s
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
expanse is now less than 100 acres, due to unchecked construction of unauthorised structures. Earlier, the lake served as a source of drinking water for residents of surrounding areas, including Chitlapakkam and Sembakkam.
Residents of Coimbatore in R.K. Naidu Layout, Thadagam Road, complained that the potable water supplied to the public by the Coimbatore Corporation was contaminated more than a month. Black oily particles were clearly visible in the contaminated water due to the leakage and mixing of sewage wastewater in to the potable water. The Corporation officials received the complaint from the public and told that they will work on the issue at the earliest to provide a solution.
A resident of R.K. Naidu Layout showing the contaminated water the Coimbatore Corporation supplies them.— PHOTO: S.SIVA SARAVANAN
Source: The Hindu Dt.: April 30, 2015
TNPCB Environment Engineer (flying squad) G. Gopalakrishnan along with Assistant Environment Engineer S. Sathyaraj detected the illegal operations of two dyeing units discharging untreated effluents into River Noyyal in violation of the Madras High Court directive. The units were at South Periyapalayam area situated alongside Tirupur-Erode highway. The officials sent a report to the Board’s head office requesting issuance of necessary directions to the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation to disconnect power supply to the buildings in which the dyeing units were functioning.
The NGO Siruthuli organized Noyyal Walk as part of World Water Day observance. Around 200 persons comprising industrialists, farmers, nature enthusiasts and officials from
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
various government departments took part in Noyyal Walk. Siruthuli Managing Trustee Vanitha Mohan stated that the walk was organised to know about the greatness of the river, its present plight and to actively take part in the organisation’s effort to revive the river and the streams that feed the river.
A study on five lakes and the groundwater samples from the Hussainsagar lake, Nacharam lake, Babanagar lake, Kapra lake and Safilguda lake by Department of Chemistry, St. Pious X Degree and PG College for Women, Nacharam has found that levels of heavy metals such as Hexavalent Chromium (CrVl), and lead are much higher than the 50 mg/L and 10 mg/L respectively as per the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.
The Kannamoola canal which drains into Akkulam Lake at Thiruvananthapuram is filled up with hospital waste including syringe, gloves, plastic covers of medicines that are discarded by a local hospital for nearly 10 years. Even though several discussions were held at the city corporation to trace and penalise the polluters, no positive steps were taken in this direction.
World Bank report has suggested that the water level in the Sunderbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, is rising at an "alarming" level, endangering the habitation. The report stated that the sea level could witness an estimated 3 to 8 mm rise per year and mainly attributed it to land subsidence caused by various natural and anthropogenic processes. The report stated that management of estuaries could be the key to tackle the impact of sea level rise in the Sunderbans.
An environmentalist has written to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal seeking action to clean Yamuna while citing the recent report of the Central Pollution Control Board which says Yamuna has an exceedingly high biochemical oxygen demand at three of the five locations in Delhi. The CPCB report released a list of 275 polluted rivers. It shows vast stretches of rivers around Delhi, in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh also have stretches which do not meet water quality criteria.
On 28 March 2015 Delhi Development Authority has invited expression of interest from NGOs and other agencies for treating religious waste generally disposed off in the Yamuna River. Interested parties were asked to submit the write-up by April 17. The advertisement was
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
issued after the NGT pulled up civic agencies for not acting on the orders on cleaning up the Yamuna by 2017. The NGT had announced a fine of Rs.5,000 for dumping waste in the Yamuna and Rs.50,000 for dumping debris in the river. The DDA has also been directed by the Tribunal to ensure physical demarcation of the floodplain area within one week.
Source:
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/sembakkam-lake-gets- fence-to-keep-encroachers-at-bay/article7120550.ece
http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Save-Key-Water-Source-from-Harmful- Effluents/2015/04/04/article2746639.ece
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/corporation-begins- cleaning-tank/article7072002.ece
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/two-dyeing-units-found- letting-effluents-into-noyyal/article6968112.ece
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/the-good-earth/Wetlands-of- Madhavaram-going-dry/articleshow/46535929.cms
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150316/nation-current-affairs/article/hyderabad-ready- help-clean-hussainsagar-lake
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-telangana/metal-levels-much- above-limits-in-city-lakes/article7013805.ece
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/industrialists-farmers- take-part-in-noyyal-walk/article7019797.ece
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150427/nation-current-affairs/article/akkulam-lake- turns-solid-waste-dumpyard
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/residents-complain-of- water-contamination/article7046859.ece
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/global-warming/Sunderbans-sea- level-to-rise-3-8-mm-per-year-World-Bank-report/articleshow/46741437.cms
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/cm-should-takes-steps-to- clean-river-environmentalist/article7042113.ece
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/dda-invites-ngos- agencies-to-help-keep-yamuna-clean/article7051029.ece
6. Discovery of New Fish Species in Kerala
The recent discovery of three new fish species has re-emphasized the importance of the Manimala River flowing through Central Kerala as a biodiversity hotspot of freshwater fishes. The three new species, Puntius nelsoni, Systomus chryseus and Systomus rufus, have been reported from three locations in Pathanamthitta district by Mathews Plamoottil, Assistant Professor in Zoology, Government College, Chavara.
Source: The Hindu Dt.: March 15, 2015
All the three belong to the Cyprinid family of freshwater fishes. While P.nelsoni has been discovered from Kallumkal, near the point where the Manimala River merges with the Pampa,
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
S.chryseus has been reported from the riverbed of Keezhvaipur, a place near Mallappally, and S.rufus from Venpala, near Thiruvalla.
A detailed article describing the new species has been published in the latest issue of the International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies. According to Prof. Mathew, it is after 150 years that a new species of the genus Systomus is being discovered in Kerala. The specimens have been deposited in the Government Museum of the Zoological Society of India at Kolkata and Kozhikode.
Source:
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/three-new-fish-species-in- manimala-river/article6995257.ece
7. Report on Endangered Pinzon Giant Tortoise
Scientists have reported that for the first time in a century the endangered Pinzon giant tortoise have given birth to their younger ones in the wild in the Galapagos Islands. An expedition in 1970 found only 19 adult tortoises on the archipelago’s Pinzon Island, averaging 70 years old, so scientists removed them to start a captive breeding program on Santa Cruz Island. The programme produced juveniles that were transplanted back to the island, which is the only place the species is found. The Galapagos was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978.
Source:
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/scientists-cheer-birth- of-galapagos-tortoises-in-wild/article6994889.ece
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
8. Information on Turtles
Olive Ridley turtles mass nesting was found on the sandy shores near the Rushikulya river mouth in Ganjam district. Mass nesting of the Olive Ridley turtles, an endangered species, continued for the second day. One the second day, more than 59,000 turtles laid eggs while 10,000 turtles laid eggs on the first day at the river Rushikulya rookery. Wildlife experts expect that the mass nesting might continue for a few more days as the beach and weather conditions were conducive to the natural phenomenon.
The forest officials have taken several measures to protect the eggs and the turtles. The entire 4.5-km long stretch of beach has been divided into 33 sectors. The area has been totally fenced to prevent visitors from disturbing the turtles. Around 175 persons, including forest personnel, wildlife activists and people from nearby villages were engaged for round-the-clock vigil to protect the Olive Ridley turtles and the eggs.
Source: The Times of India Dt.: March 14, 2015
The Indian Coast Guard at Chennai reported that in order to protect olive ridley turtles and their habitat, the Tamil Nadu government should emulate Odisha and bring in a regulation banning use of mechanized fishing techniques within 20 km of the coast. A submission to this effect was made by the Centre after the first bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice M M Sundresh took up a suo motu PIL based on The Times of India's reports on mass death of turtles along Chennai Coast. Assistant solicitor general Su Srinivasan, representing
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
central agencies and government, furnished a copy of the comments and recommendatory notes prepared by the Coast Guard for protection of olive ridley turtles.
Among other things, Coast Guard suggested a study to identify most probable places of turtle landing/nesting, and issue notification prohibiting fishing by mechanized vessels till 12km from the coast. It also sought amendments to the Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh Marine Fisheries Regulatory Act and strict enforcement of the law. Coast Guard also stated that besides initiating penal action against errant fishermen, authorities must direct them to install turtle excluder devices in their nets to prevent turtle deaths.
Source:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Webcast-of-turtles- mass-nesting/articleshow/46559275.cms
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Follow-Odisha-model- to-protect-olive-ridley-turtles-Coast-Guard/articleshow/46777329.cms
9. General News on Wetland
The Asian Waterbirds Census (AWC) conducted by Wetlands International South Asia, a global NGO dedicated to sustaining and restoring wetlands revealed that the number of migratory bird species decreased at Kanjli wetland (Kapurthala district), Ranjit Sagar Dam (Pathankot district), Keshopur Miani Community Reserve (Gurudaspur district) and Harike wetland (Ferozepur district). The total number of birds, including domestic species, too has reduced this time at the wetlands of Ropar, Nangal and Ranjit Sagar Dam.
TK Roy, ecologist and coordinator of the AWC, said the worst condition was noticed at the Kanjli wetland, where only one species of migratory birds was seen in this season, whereas in last season, three species of migratory birds was witnessed. The only consolation here was that domestic birds were seen in a larger number this time than the last time, due to which the total number of birds increased from 15 to 164.
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
The next most affected wetland is that of the Ranjit Sagar dam where the total number of birds as well as the migratory birds species decreased drastically. At Keshopur Miani, though the total number of birds increased from 13,012 to 16,935 this time, the species of migratory birds reduced to 33 from 38 noticed last year. Similarly at Harike, where the census was conducted by the Wildlife Department of Ferozepur, the total population of birds increased from 62,041 to 82,100. The number of migratory birds species was found to be 44 which is lesser against 46 species registered last year. Roy said wetlands all over the country were being degraded and losing habitat. The main causes were environmental impacts, including little rainfall/drought, and disturbance by several anthropogenic pressures such as water pollution, sand mining and the overuse or misuse of natural resources.
A file photograph of birds at Ranjit Sagar Dam
Source: The Tribune Dt.: April 6, 2015
Flamingoes spotted in Thiruparankundram tank, Madurai after a decade. Principal scientist at Salim Ali Centre for Ornithologists and Natural History in Coimbatore Rajah Jayapal stated that April-May is the period of spring migration for flamingoes and is also their breeding period. He reported that the seven flamingoes were passing through the freshwater bodies. The breeding ground for flamingoes is in Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, and breeding begins towards
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
the end of April. Records also say that flamingoes are regularly spotted in Tuticorin, Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli districts. A bird enthusiast from the city Sharan Venkatesh reported that the flamingoes continue to visit down south in the coming years as well.
Bird experts claimed the flamingoes were slowly expanding their ranges to Ramanathapuram district and Dhanushkodi town due to the presence of fresh water bodies there. Deputy Director of Bombay Natural History Society Mr. S. Bala Chandra stated that “spotting flamingoes has become a regular affair in Ramanathapuram. The group must have halted at the Thiruparankundram tank during their northward journey from Ramanathapuram to the breeding ground in Rann of Kutch."
Ornithologists explained that flamingoes, also called as 'filer feeders', fed on micro- organisms and fresh water algae. Bird expert Badri Narayan stated that due to the recent rains in the city, water would have concentrated in the tanks forming alage that could have attracted the flamingoes.
A recent survey conducted to explore the fauna of aquatic Oligochaeta (freshwater worms) has identified 13 species from a few districts of Tamil Nadu, pointing to the need for further study of the species which is considered a bio-indicator. Freshwater Oligochaeta are a biotic component of environment and constitute the diet of many bottom-dwelling animals. Unfortunately, there is no proper study conducted so far in the country or in the state to identify this important species. Oligochaeta form the largest subclass, as well as the stem group, of the annelid class Clitellata. They have been considered a taxonomically difficult group, therefore their species are often missing from the lists of the hydrofauna. They occur in a wide range of habitats, from springs and groundwater to rivers and estuaries, and from small temporary pools to large lakes.
Mohammed Ibrahim Naveed, Assistant Professor, Chennai-based New College conducted survey in five districts in Tamil Nadu. He reported that this is the first time survey conducted to identify oligochaete exclusively for TN and pointed the need for further study of the species which is considered a bio-indicator. 13 species were identified.
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
Endangered Indian Skimmer was recently spotted along with big flock of River Terns at near Pattan area of Madhai range, Indore. The presence of Indian Skimmer at Satpura National Park has given a new hope for its survival.
Ornithologist Ajay Gadikar reported that the safe and undisturbed habitat of the tiger reserve has attracted the endangered birds to this place for breeding. With the receding water level of Tawa reservoir in summers, new sandbanks emerge, which act as an excellent breeding ground for Indian Skimmer. Presence of fresh water in Satpura Tiger Reserve can boost the number of these species.
Source: The Times of India Dt.: March 6, 2015
Unseasonal rains extended the season for migratory birds at Okhla Bird Sanctuary. Migratory species that were present in the sanctuary include bar-headed geese, grey-legged geese, northern shovelers, common teals, pochards, Eurasian widgeons, black-headed ibis, white-tailed lapwings, black-headed gulls and flamingoes.
A study conducted by the University of Kerala and Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) has revealed that the suckerfish, a popular aquarium species native to South America invaded water bodies in Kerala and pose threat to native fishes and ecosystems. The study recorded the abundance of the exotic species in the Amayizhanjanthodu, one of the major drainage channels in Thiruvananthapuram city. Despite employing modern methods such as DNA barcoding and mitochondrial gene sequencing, the team failed to establish the identity of the species, leading to the inference of hybridization. A survey conducted by the researchers later revealed that ornamental fish traders and aquarium enthusiasts in the city were releasing the
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India
fish into drainage channels after they grew too big for the tanks. Dr. Kumar pointed the difficulties in controlling invasive species and call for legislation to prevent the release of ornamental fishes and potentially damaging cultivable alien species into natural water bodies.
Source:
http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/community/fewer-migratory-species-spotted- this-winter/63393.html
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Flamingoes-spotted-in- Madurai-after-a-decade/articleshow/47069535.cms
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Scientists-find-13- exotic-freshwater-species-in-Tamil-Nadu/articleshow/47064049.cms
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Endangered-Indian- Skimmer-finds-new-home-in-Satpura-National-Park/articleshow/46504032.cms
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Mercury-dip-stretches- migratory-season/articleshow/46437621.cms
http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/aquarium-fish-invading- waterbodies-ecosystems/article7067234.ece
WNM Compiled by: Dr. B. Hemambika, Ms. A. Julffia Begam and Dr. Goldin Quadros ENVIS Centre, Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty P.O., Coimbatore – 641108, India