Contents

Messages ...... 3

Preface ...... 13

About Eastern Ghats ...... 19

Conservation of Nature ...... 21

Odisha Environmental Outlook ...... 27

Bhubaneswar-The Temple City ...... 30

Utkal University ...... 34

About GrACE and CGR ...... 34

Conference Committee ...... 35

Organizing Committees ...... 37 Programme Schedule ...... 39 List of Abstracts……………………………………………………………..41

Invited Lectures ...... 47

Abstracts ...... 63

th 1 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

th 2 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

th 3 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

th 4 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

th 5 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Prof. (Mrs) P. Mohanty Hejmadi M.Sc., Ph.D (Michigan), Sigma XI, F.A.Sc., F.Z.S.I Awarded Padmashri in Science/Engineering by President of India Former member, Indian Board of Wild Life; Visitor’s nominee to IIT’s & MANUU Former Vice-Chancellor, Sambalpur University Former Vice-Chancellor (I/C), National Law University Odisha Former Pitamber Pant National Environment Fellow Awardee, Central Sangeet Natak Akadem; Member, Central Board of Film Certification Former Co-ordinator, UGC (SAP) Programme, Department of Zoology, Utkal University

I am very happy to know that the Department of Zoology, Utkal University in collaboration with the Council of Green Revolution, Hyderabad, is organizing a National Conference on Conservation of Eastern Ghats on 16th and 17th April 2016.

The Eastern Ghats, a part of the ancient Gondwana Land is an important physiographic unit with rich bio-geographic, environmental, ethnic, socio-economic and cultural significance. Unfortunately, the studies in this region have lagged behind in comparison to the Western Ghats. It is only in the 1980’s that a separate unit was created by MoeF exclusively for Eastern Ghats and I was fortunately involved from the very beginning to carry out an extensive project on the Olive ridley (Lepidochys olivacea) turtles as Eastern Ghats region in a broader sense included the regions from the mountain ranges in the west to the coastal areas. Several studies ever since have enriched our knowledge on its biogeography, fauna, flora and anthropological aspects. Many endemic species have been identified and some are reported for the first time. The ethnic component has indicated how the inhabitants of the region have contributed significantly in developing unique crops which are of immense value. However, much is needed to be done and I am very happy that many issues are being addressed through this Conference to identify the gaps in our knowledge and prioritize the areas.

I congratulate the organizers for holding this conference and I wish the National Conference all success.

th 6 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

SRI VENKATESWARA UNIVERSITY

Prof. W. RAJENDRA Sri Venkateswara University Former Vice-Chancellor Tirupati - 517 502, A.P, India Email: [email protected]

India’s Eastern Ghats are a discontinuous chain of mountains extending parallel to the east coast of India and situated within the states of West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. These hill ranges are the habitat of rare species of flora and fauna and are also home to several indigenous tribal populations. With progress and development of the Human Race, has caused an irreversible damage to these ghats.

Understanding the need of conserving these ghats, awareness among the decision makers and the young civil society is must. I would like to congratulate Greens' Alliance for conservation of Eastern Ghats and Utkal University in organizing the national conference on conservation of eastern ghats. It was indeed our pleasure that we could also organize one such convention at our university to emphasize the importance of the Eastern Ghats in Tirupathi.

Wishing both the organizations all the best in their future endeavors.

(Prof. W. RAJENDRA) th 7 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Prof. K. Purushotham Reddy Renowned Environmentalist

Message

Today’s world is facing a multitude of environmental challenges such as deforestation; loss of biodiversity, desertification, global warming, climate change etc., and the list is exhaustive.

Ecosystems health, biodiversity and resources of Eastern Ghats are essential for the environmental balance and sustainable development of the region.

The National Conference on Conservation of Eastern Ghats in Utkal University, Bhubaneswar stand as a milestone in the conservation history of india.

I hope and wish the milieu of academia, civil society groups, individuals, activists, policy makers, pres in this conference will draw fruitful outcomes for future initiative in preserving the region as national and global natural heritage. My best wishes to all the delegates of the conference.

Prof. K. Purushotham Reddy

th 8 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

R. Dileep Reddy Chairman, GrACE & Former RTI Commissioner, AP

Message

Eastern Ghats are our national treasure with a m yriad of ecosystems, natural resources, tribal habitats and so on. T he health of ecosystems is crucial for the environmental, socio-economic and cultural facets of peninsular India.

GrACE was initiated on World Environment Day, the June 5th 2011 to provide an ideal platform for concerned organizations and individuals for a long-term to conserve eastern ghats.

As a beginning, GrACE initiated regional conventions in universities along the region to raise awareness and focus Eastern Ghats to bring it to the national agenda.

I am happy that the Utkal University has come forward to hoist and jointly organize the conference. This conference in Utkal University is the fourth in the series of conventions which were organized at Andhra University - Visakhapatnam, Nagarjuna University - Guntur and SRM University Chennai, SV University - Tirupati.

I believe the call of the conference will echo and reverberate to sensitize masses, intelligentsia and policy makers throughout the nation. I heartily welcome one and all to the conference; wish a pleasant stay and fruitful deliberations.

Best wishes to all participants.

R. Dileep Reddy

th 9 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

K. Laxma Reddy Founder, CGR Message

Council for Green Revolutions was founded with utmost commitment and concern for environmental protection and sustainable development. Protection and restoration of ecosystems is one of the important agenda for CGR. In this context, Greens' Alliance of Conservation of Eastern Ghats was initiated to save and rejuvenate the vulnerable Eastern Ghats Ecosystems to its pristine glory.

This conference is the fourth in the series of conventions organized by GrACE in association with local universities to strengthen the cause. We are indeed grateful to Utkal University for hoisting this which will be an important milestone in our journey for restoring the hills back to the serenity and richness of nature.

Best wishes to all the participants and nature lovers.

K. Laxma Reddy

th 10 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

K. Leela Laxma Reddy President, CGR & Patron GrACE

Message

Earth, our beautiful home, is the only known planet, in the universe with all bounty of life sustaining systems. The nature is our nourishing mother and our very survival depends on our care and concern towards mother earth. Conservation of Nature is the responsibility for everyone on t his living planet earth. We are witnessing the rapid degradation and shrinkages of our ecological treasures. Eastern Ghats is one such prime natural heritage which is facing undesirable devastation.

It gives me immense happiness for being part of the conference organized in association with Utkal University. With eager, enthusiastic participation, confluence of minds, insights of luminaries, I hope the conference will send a valuable message and guide the direction for further endeavor in conserving the nature.

Best wishes to the delegates and to one and all who are involved in making the conference a big success.

K. Leela Laxma Reddy

th 11 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

G. Narayan Rao B.Com., FCMA, FCS, LL.B CEO, CGR Former Chairman and CMD Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) Former Chairman ICAI, Hyderabad Chapter

Message

Unlike Western Ghats, and Himalayas there has been no focus, attention and less efforts to conserve easternghats. We need concerted efforts by scientists, activists, policymakers, Corporate and all people in the society to bring focus and conserving the hill ranges. Easternghats needs attention, massive campaign and collective action to save the fragile ecosystems, resources and livelihoods of millions of humanity in the region. Here the GrACE is envisaged to play a pivotal role for a national level conservation mission.

P.G. Department of Zoology of Utkal University’s coming forward in joining their hands with Greens Alliance for Conservation of Easter Ghats (GrACE), an initiative of Council for Green Revolution (CGR) and supporting the cause of organizing this National Conference on Conservation of Eastern Ghats, is highly laudable and acknowledging their this good gesture, on behalf of CGR and GrACE, I profusely thank the entire Department and University Officials, while wishing a grand success of the event.

I Congratulate P.G. Department of Zoology of Utkal University and Greens Alliance for Conservation of Easter Ghats (GrACE), wish all the best for all the participants while thanking all the supporters.

G. Narayan Rao

th 12 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Preface

Eastern Ghats the set of discontinuous mountain range along the east coast of India is one of the important bio-geographic entity with significance in ecological niches, biodiversity, natural resources, ethnic and cultural landscape in the subcontinent. The Odisha highlands cover about three-fourths of the states geography. Conservation of invaluable natural heritage has been a s erious concern among environmentalists, academic and research community.

Taking into the cognizance of imminent damage to the rich natural heritage in the hills a Two Day National Conference on Conservation of Eastern Ghats is organized by Post Graduate Department of Zoology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, and Greens’ Alliance for Conservation of Eastern Ghats (Initiative of Council for Green Revolution, Environmental Organization, and Hyderabad). The Objective of the conference is to discuss on status of environment and its conservation strategies in the hills ranges. The national conference will highlight the necessity of conservation of nature, biodiversity and also foster interaction between academicians, environmentalists, scientists, students, development experts, civil society, policy makers, media, government and private organizations and individuals. We hope the deliberations would also help in improvising the policy and governance of ecosystems. The event hope fully will inspire many youngsters towards research and championing for nature. During these two days nationally, internationally renowned scientists, environmentalists from institutes of higher learning, scientists from R&D institutes, subject matter experts from different parts of the country will deliver lectures in six technical sessions.

The souvenir and abstracts treatise is a compilation of 100 abstracts of research papers, invited lectures and insights. The treatise encompassing a r ange of aspects of conservation such as ecosystems, biodiversity, natural resources, conservation practices, indigenous communities, ecosystems governance to be presented through invited lectures, oral/postal presentations. The selected papers will be published in PRANIKEE, the Journal of Zoological Society of Odisha (ISSN No. 0970-4450). More than 300

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delegates from academic institutions, research institutes, non-governmental organization, and individuals from all over India will participate in scientific deliberations.

We are grateful to Prof A.K. Das, Vice Chancellor, Utkal University, Prof. R. K. Bal Chairman, PG Council and all the academic fraternity and students of the University Kind Encouragement, support and guidance in organizing this national event. On behalf organising team my best regards and thanks for the generous support of the sponsors for the conference.

I am indeed grateful and it’s a great occasion that GrACE an initiative of CGR for joining and taking lead in organizing this national event within our university and department. We thank Chairman GrACE, Sri R. Dileep Reddy, Patron K. Leela Laxma Reddy, CGR Chief Advisor Prof. K. Purushotham Reddy and all the team of CGR in making this a very big national event.

I thank and acknowledge one all in the university and outside the University for their Support directly, indirectly in organizing this two day national conference. I appreciate the response, enthusiasm and encouragement of all the delegates from across the country. I express my gratitude to all emient dignitaries who are gracing the occasion. I welcome all to the conference and extend my best wishes for pleasant stay and productive and fruitful deliberations in the conference.

Organizing Convener & Head Dept. of Zoology, Utkal University

th 14 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Welcome Note

Its great pleasure and a previlage for me to welcome the dignitaries, deleagates and all the participants of this National Conference on Conservation of Easterng Ghats organized by our Dept. of Zoology in association with Greens’ Alliance for Conservation of Eastern Ghats,(GrACE) an initiative by Council for Green Revolution, an Environmental Organisation, Hyderabad.

I appreciate and thank GrACE and CGR who have joined with our university for this conference organized with a purpose of potecton of natural world in Eastern Ghats region.

With all encouragement, guidnance and support from our VC and all the seniors and colleagues, students in the university and also from various institutions in the city, we could make this need of the hour conference to save Mother Nature.

I hope this conference will enable a substantial interaction among teachers, researchers and studens from academia, scientific community, and people from a wide range of fields like NGOs, officials, media and on.

I thank all the guest speakers, delegates and participants for the encouraging response and for joining in deliberation. With the insights and wishes from dignitaries and guests. The conference wills strenghrn the conservation science and policy framework with its deliberations and outcomes.

I once again welcome one and all to the conference; wish a good interaction stay during the conference.

Dr. Gunanidhi Sahoo, Organising Secretary Reader, Dept. of Zoology, Utkal University

th 15 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

th 16 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

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Eastern Ghats

During the last few centuries of human civilization, the ecosystems on this planet have undergone unprecedented devastation and destruction. The earth has lost almost half of its original forests during the last three hundred years. Each year we are losing about 13 million hectares of forests. The devouring land cover and land use changes pushing the legacy of living planet to a brink beyond the planetary boundaries.

Only mountainous terrains and few remote corners remained as last reserves of the biodiversity and natural heritage. Those bastions of gene pool and resoueces are also under severe threat from exploitation and degradation. There is an imminent need to protect, safeguard, rejuvenate and restore the primacy and glory of this natural heritage. There has been a special effort around the world to fortify and restore mountain ecosystems around the world.

Eastern Ghats is a discontinuous range of mountains along the eastern coast of India. It is an important physiographic unit with immense bio-geographic, environmental, socio- economic, cultural and spiritual significance in the peninsular region of our country. The ecosystems in Eastern Ghats are fragile to degradation owing to fragmented and narrow distribution and heavy anthropogenic pressure. Many scientists have cautioned about the degradation and this warrants immediate attention and action plans to conserve the eco- geo-sphere of Eastern Ghats.

Starting down the Bengal the ranges runs about 1700 km through the states of Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The Mahanadi basin marks the northern boundary is the Niagara hills. They are eroded and cut through by the four major rivers of southern India, the Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Kavery. The ranges are divided into 3 regions, the northern section is in Odisha to the north of Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh and the middle section starts from Krishna River to the border of Tamil Nadu and the last section entirely located in Tamil Nadu.

The region covers about 2, 50,000 km2 with an average width of 220 Km in the north and 100 Km in the south. Orissa has 25 %, Andhra Pradesh has 45 % Tamilnadu has 25 % Telangana has 3 %, Karnataka has 2 % of the hills ranges. The Deccan Plateau with the tips of Bastar, Telangana and Karnataka plateaus and Tamil Nadu uplands lies to the west of the range, between the Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats. W ider to narrow coastal plains lies between the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal.

It is an invaluable ecological treasure and natural heritage of our country. The hills are nestled with rich biodiversity with endemic and endangered species of plants and animals. The hill ranges hoist dry deciduous to semi-ever green forests, grasslands, semi- arid dry land woods and scrubs, aquatic habitats and a myriad of ecosystems on hi lls, plateaus on t he hills and foothills region. Simlipal (Odisha) and Sheshachalam (AP) Biosphere reserves forms part of the Eastern Ghats region. There are large tiger reserves and many other biodiversity rich areas. The region lies adjacent to the geo-biographic

th 19 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

realms of Chattisgarh, Jarkhand, Bengal, Karnataka and Kerala making it one of the important ecological corridors in the country.

Till today, new species are being discovered from the region. It is estimated that more than 2500 species of Angiosperms occur in this region which constitutes about 13% of the flowering plants of India. Cycas Beddomi, Red Sanders are a quick example for floral endemism of the hills. The region boasts an amazing variety and richness if faunal diversity. The hills are home to unique species like Great Indian Bustard, Jerdons Courser, Red Sanders, Ongole bull, Tiger, Elephants and many other biota.

The hills have been the cradle of civilization and culture in the region. There are about 54 Primitive tribal groups like Chenchu, Koya, Savara, Jatapu, Konda Dora, Gadaba, Khond, Bondos are living in the hills. The hills have many pilgrimage trails to the places such as Tirumala, Srishailam, Simhachalam, Mahendragiri, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Jaugada and many more. Buddism flourished in the region.

MoEF has identified number of eco-sensitive areas in the Eastern Ghats. These are the environmentally sensitive zones with identified environmental resources which have “incomparable values”. In these zones there is an imminent possibility of permanent and irreparable loss of extant life forms from this world or significant damage to the natural processes of evolution and speciation. Devouring land use changes, rampant deforestation, fires, agricultural expansion, cattle grazing, monoculture, invasive species, mining, irrigation projects etc., causing a s erious threat to the very existence of ecosystems, indigenous communities. Roads, game hunting, poaching, wild life trade, invasive alien species, increased human movement are undesirably altering the rich texture and mosaic of ecosystems. Privatization, commercialization industrialization of hills further aggravating the situation. The degradation of the hills is an irreversible loss of natural capital of India. change in regional climate, human-animal conflicts, forest rights, ecosystems, livelihoods, and developmental issues are the day to day eco- sociological issues in the region.

There are unique species and genetic wealth but the distribution of the endemics and rare species are in a n arrow range of geographical distribution. They are fragile, and vulnerable than any other eco region in the country owing to the dense human-scape and activity around. Unlike Western Ghats, and Himalayas there has been less focus, attention and less efforts to conserve these hill ranges.

One and all from all walks of life shall pledge and act to conserve the hills protect this invaluable natural heritage. The conference appeals one and all to take part in this conservation movement to pass on the nature’s legacy to all the coming generations. The conference is one such effort in saving the nature and eastern ghats

th 20 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Conservation of nature

Brief outline of global consciousness and governance

Once upon a time there in a dense jungle…. Long long ago a jackal from the wilderness thickets near village in near the hills…. These were the beatiful backdrops fairy tales and images of ancient land imprinted in the minds of child to senior, farmer and prince. They were enchanting and exiting and are great reminiscence. All of our fathers and forefathers and many in our generation have also seen the serenity and the wonderlands in the countryside. That was a real picture of wilderness in India and elsewhere especially in tropical world. Where have they gone, what happened to those vast expanses? Just in last 3 centuries humanity wiped out almost half its primordial forests and other ecosystems. The people in the past especially in India lived in a symbiotic relationship with its background ecosystem. Primitive man lived as an integral part of ecosystem. He felt himself like any other living organism, with abidance and reverence to the spirits of natures. Agricultural man, for about 10000 year with the invention of farming started the usage of nature for creation of wealth but lived prudent still with a symbiotic relationship. Modern man progressed scientifically, economically, politically, during industrialization has felt that he is a superior entity, apart from natural world, just to command and conquer the nature. The ego and profligacy made a huge impact on the earth’s resources and living legacy.

During the industrialization there also has been a concern from came up urging upon the conservation of nature for ecological, aesthetic, social, spiritual and intrinsic values. The conservation movement took roots with environmental, social and political concerns that seek to protect flora, fauna as well as their habitats and sites of nature, and its resources for the future. The early conservation movement included fisheries and wildlife management, water, soil conservation and sustainable forestry. The contemporary conservation movement has broadened from the early movement's emphasis on us e of sustainable yield of natural resources and preservation of wilderness areas to include preservation of biodiversity. Conservation movement is part of the broader and more far- reaching environmental movement, while others argue that they differ both in ideology and practice. Conservation aims to preserve natural resources expressly for their continued sustainable use by humans. It the campaigns sought after setting aside of natural areas and the active protection of wildlife for their inherent value, as much as for any value they may have for humans.

The conservation movement can be traced back to John Evelyn's work Sylva, presented as a paper to the Royal Society in 1662. Published as a book two years later, it was one of the most highly influential texts on forestry ever published. Timber resources in England were becoming dangerously depleted at the time, and Evelyn advocated the importance

th 21 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR of conserving the forests by managing the rate of depletion and ensuring that the cut down trees get replenished.

The field developed during the 18th century, especially in Prussia (Germany) and France where scientific forestry methods were developed. These methods were first applied rigorously in British India from the early-19th century. The government was interested in the use of forest produce and began managing the forests with measures to reduce the risk of wildfire in order to protect the "household" of nature, as it was then termed. This early ecological idea was in order to preserve the growth of delicate teak trees, which was an important resource for the Royal Navy. Concerns over teak depletion were raised as early as 1799 and 1805 when the Navy was undergoing a massive expansion during the Napoleonic Wars; this pressure led to the first formal conservation Act, which prohibited the felling of small teak trees. The first forestry officer was appointed in 1806 to regulate and preserve the trees necessary for shipbuilding. This promising start received a setback in the 1820s and 30s, when laissez-faire economics and complaints from private landowners brought these early conservation attempts to an end.

Conservation was revived in the mid-19th century, with the first practical application of scientific conservation principles to the forests of India. The conservation ethic that began to evolve included three core principles: that human activity damaged the environment, that there was a civic duty to maintain the environment for future generations, and that scientific, empirically based methods should be applied to ensure this duty was carried out. Sir James Ranald Martin was prominent in promoting this ideology, publishing many medico-topographical reports that demonstrated the scale of damage wrought through large-scale deforestation and desiccation, and lobbying extensively for the institutionalization of forest conservation activities in British India through the establishment of Forest Departments. Edward Percy Stebbing warned of desertification of India. The Madras Board of Revenue started local conservation efforts in 1842, headed by Alexander Gibson, a professional botanist who systematically adopted a forest conservation program based on scientific principles. This was the first case of state management of forests in the world.

These local attempts gradually received more attention by the British government as the unregulated felling of trees continued unabated. In 1850, t he British Association in Edinburgh formed a committee to study forest destruction at the behest of Dr. Hugh Cleghorn a pioneer in the nascent conservation movement. He had become interested in forest conservation in Mysore in 1847 and gave several lectures at the Association on the failure of agriculture in India. These lectures influenced the government under Governor-General Lord Dalhousie to introduce the first permanent and large-scale forest conservation program in the world in 1855, a model that soon spread to other colonies, as well the United States. In the same year, Cleghorn organised the Madras Forest Department and in 1860 t he Department banned the use shifting

th 22 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR cultivation. Cleghorn's 1861 manual, the forests and gardens of South India, became the definitive work on t he subject and was widely used by forest assistants in the subcontinent. Sir Dietrich Brandis, a German forester, joined the British service in 1856 as superintendent of the teak forests of Pegu division in eastern Burma. After seven years in Burma, Brandis was appointed Inspector General of Forests in India, a position he served in for 20 years. He formulated new forest legislation and helped establish research and training institutions. The Imperial Forest School at Dehradun was founded by him.

Germans were prominent in the forestry administration of British India. As well as Brandis, Berthold Ribbentrop and Sir William P.D. Schlich brought new methods to Indian conservation, the latter becoming the Inspector-General in 1883 after Brandis stepped down. Schlich helped to establish the journal Indian Forester in 1874, a nd became the founding director of the first forestry school in England at Cooper's Hill in 1885. He authored the five-volume Manual of Forestry (1889–96) on silviculture, forest management, forest protection, and forest utilization, which became the standard and enduring textbook for forestry students.

The conservation movement in America set a new lead and guided the efforts elsewhere in the world. It is has a place to mention in the world conservation history. The American movement received its inspiration from 19th century works that exalted the inherent value of nature, quite apart from human usage. Author Henry David Thoreau (1817- 1862) made key philosophical contributions that exalted nature. Thoreau was interested in peoples' relationship with nature and studied this by living close to nature in a simple life. He published his experiences in the book Walden, which argued that people should become intimately close with nature. The ideas of Sir Brandis, Sir William P.D. Schlich and Carl A. Schenck were also very influential - Gifford Pinchot, the first chief of the USDA Forest Service, relied heavily upon Brandis' advice for introducing professional forest management in the U.S. and on how to structure the Forest Service.

Both Conservationists and Preservationists appeared in political debates during the Progressive Era in the early 20th century. The laissez-faire position held that owners of private property-including lumber and mining companies should be allowed to do anything they wished for their property. The conservationists, led by future President Theodore Roosevelt and his close ally George Bird Grinnell, were motivated by the wanton waste that was taking place at the hand of market forces, including logging and hunting. This practice resulted in placing a large number of North American game species on the edge of extinction. Roosevelt recognized that the laissez-faire approach of the U.S. Government was too wasteful and inefficient. In any case, they noted, most of the natural resources in the western states were already owned by the federal government. The best course of action, they argued, was a long-term plan devised by national experts to maximize the long-term economic benefits of natural resources. To accomplish the mission, Roosevelt and Grinnell formed the Boone and Crockett Club in 1887. The Club

th 23 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR was made up of the best minds and influential men of the day. The Club's contingency of conservationists, scientists, politicians, and intellectuals became Roosevelt's closest advisers during his march to preserve wildlife and habitat across North America. Preservationists, led by John Muir (1838–1914), argued that the conservation policies were not strong enough to protect the interest of the natural world because they continued to focus on the natural world as a source of economic production.

The debate between conservation and preservation reached its peak in the public debates over the construction of California's Hetch Hetchy dam in Yosemite National Park which supplies the water supply of San Francisco. Muir, leading the Sierra Club, declared that the valley must be preserved for the sake of its beauty.

Roosevelt established the United States Forest Service, signed into law the creation of five national parks, and signed the year 1906 Antiquities Act, under which he proclaimed 18 new national monuments. He also established the first 51 bird reserves, four game preserves, and 150 national forests, including Shoshone National Forest, the nation's first. The area of the United States that he placed under public protection totals approximately 230,000,000 acres (930,000 km2).

Working through the Sierra Club he founded, Muir succeeded in 1905 i n having Congress transfer the Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley to the federal government. While Muir wanted nature preserved for its own sake, Roosevelt subscribed to Pinchot's formulation, "to make the forest produce the largest amount of whatever crop or service will be most useful, and keep on producing it for generation after generation of men and trees."

The modern environmental movement that took root in the 60’s and 70’s gave rationale and social strength for the conservation. Rachel Carsons book titled Silent Spring triggered the modern environmental movement in US and elsewhere. Books like Limits to Growth, Small is Beautiful further added to the public conscience on the need to conserve resources biotic and abotic in the nature.

In 1972, United Nations for the first time convened a conference on Human environment and deliberated in detail on the challenges that the planet earth is is facing. The conference also constituted World Commission on E nvironment and Development (WCED) and the commission submitted its report ‘Our Common Future’ in1987 to the UN. The report listed major environmental issues at the global level such as the depletion of Ozone layer, global warming, loss of bio-diversity, spreading desertification, the nuclear threat, etc. Also For the first time the commission coined and defined Sustainable Development (SD) as emphasized in the report focuses on t he need to organize development to ensure that it meets the needs of present without compromising the

th 24 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Subsequently several major conventions were organized. Rio summit in 1992 pronounced Agenda 21 to guide the international community and local governance systems to safeguard its resource base while progressing for a standard of life. These global forums gave necessary impetus to the conservation and environmental sustainability. An array of conventions has been evolved with the stewardship of UN such as Conference of Parties on B iological Diversity (CBD), UNFCC, and UNCCD.

The Earth's biological resources are vital to humanity's economic and social development. As a result, there is a growing recognition that biological diversity is a global asset of tremendous value to present and future generations. At the same time, the threat to species and ecosystems has never been as great as it is today. Species extinction caused by human activities continues at an alarming rate. The Convention on Biological Diversity was inspired by the world community's growing commitment to sustainable development. Signed by 150 g overnment leaders at the 1992 R io Earth Summit, the Convention on Biological Diversity is dedicated to promoting sustainable development. Conceived as a practical tool for translating the principles of Agenda 21 into reality, the Convention recognizes that biological diversity is about more than plants, animals and micro organisms and their ecosystems – it is about people and our need for food security, medicines, fresh air and water, shelter, and a clean and healthy environment in which to live and progress. It represents a dramatic step forward in the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. Subsequently several conference of Parties were held to promote conservation around the world through governments and people. Further several conferences of parties were organized to strengthen the conservation framework around the world. https://www.cbd.int

Conservation of nature and environmental sustainability stands in the centre stage of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) officially came into effect upon expiry of the Millennium Development Goals on 1st January 2016. It will run through 2030 and applies to every country. The new 17 SDGs and 169 associated targets integrate and balance the three dimensions of ecology, economy and equity.

Two prominent models for biodiversity conservation include protected areas and community based conservation. Ex-situ, In-situ conservation through national parks, reserves, sanctuaries, biosphere reserves, and zoos are the prominent models for the conservation of species around the world. After World War II, national parks were founded all over the world.

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Launched in 1971, UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) is an Intergovernmental Scientific Programme that aims to establish a scientific basis for the improvement of relationships between people and their environments. T here are 669 biosphere reserves in 120 countries, including 16 transboundary sites as on t oday. Simlipal and Sheshachalam of the Eastern Ghats are notified as biosphere reserves.

UNEP, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources" (IUCN) World Wildlife Fund, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Audubon society, Sierra Club, Friends of Earth, Birdlife International, Nature Conservancy are some of the international organizations working on t he conservation efforts worldwide.

Silent valley movement, Western Ghats conservation movements, Chipko andolan are the prominants conservation movements in India. In 1972, the Government of India enacted a law called the Wildlife Conservation Act. Soon after enactment, a trend emerged whereby policymakers enacted regulations on conservation. State and non-state actors began to follow a detailed "framework" to work toward successful conservation. The strategy aims to "provide an intellectual framework and practical guidance for conservation actions."

Conservation not only confines to Biodiversity but also to natural resources like water, minerals, rock formations, earth features, time tested traditional wisdom, indigenous technologies, lifestyles, culture, attitudes of people to live in harmony with nature. Early naturalists, colonialists and pioneers explored the new world for resources, academic and scientific, political rationale. Taxonomy, systemic studies, mapping of earth resources, advancement of scientific and social disciplines were well developed during the period. The systemic studies of nature and all basic sciences/humanities are faded with the strong positioning of apllied and marker driven courses. Now it is the time to revitalize those faded faculties with different purpose, a purpose to safe guard earth resources and life, a purpose to stock take the remaining biodiversity, ecosystems, resources and to evolve a h ighly effective amicable conservation strategies and governance systems. If everyone can understand the philosophy of nature, then there is no need for any other philosophy. As the populations and its aspirations rises, the challenge of conservation becomes much tougher in this crowded, warmed and globalised world. Everyone on this planet must have concern and act collectively and proactively to save our nature, for our common future. (For views: C.Umamaheswar Reddy, [email protected]).

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Odisha Environment Outlook

Odisha or earlier called Orissa is one of the 29 states of India, located in the east of India. It is surrounded by the states of West Bengal to the north-east, Jharkhand to the north, Chhattisgarh to the west and north-west, and Andhra Pradesh to the south and south-west. Odisha has 485 kilometers of coastline along the Bay of Bengal on its east, from Balasore to Malkangiri. It is the 9th largest state by area, and the 11th largest by population. Odia (formerly known s Oriya)[ is the official and most widely-spoken language, spoken by 33.2 million according to the 2001 Census.

Odisha lies between the latitudes 17.780N and 22.730N, and between longitudes 81.37E and 87.53E. The state has an area of 155,707 km2, which is 4.87% of total area of India, and a coastline of 485 km. In the eastern part of the state lies the coastal plain. It extends from the Subarnarekha River in the north to the Rushikulya river in the south. The lake Chilika is part of the coastal plains. The plains are rich in fertile silt deposited by the six major rivers flowing into the Bay of Bengal:Subarnarekha, Budhabalanga, Baitarani, Brahmani, Mahanadi and Rushikulya. Three-quarters of the state is covered in mountain ranges of Eastern Ghats. Deep and broad valleys have been made in them by rivers. These valleys have fertile soil and are densely populated. Odisha also has plateaus and rolling uplands, which have lower elevation than the plateaus. The highest point in the state is Deomali at 1672 meters. The other high peaks are: Sinkaram (1620 m), Golikoda (1617 m), and Yendrika (1582 metres). The hills hoist a great amount of ecosystems, biodiversity and rich natural resources.

The state experiences three meteorological seasons: winter (January to February), pre- monsoon season (March to May), south-west monsoon season (June to September) and north east monsoon season (October–December). However, locally the year is devided divided into six traditional seasons (or rutus): Basanta (spring), Grishma (summer), Barsha (rainyseason), Sharad (autumn), Hemant (winter), and Shishir (cool season).

Orissa, situated on the eastern seaboard of India is one of the gifted parts of the World, where a gamut of mineral resources exist in bounty. The state is endowed with large reserves of bauxite, china clay, chromite, coal, dolomite, fireclay, graphite, gemstones, iron ore, limestone, manganese ore, mineral sand, nickel ore, pyrophylite and quartz. Recent discovery of diamond in the Dharambandha area of Nuapada district has added a coloured feather in the cap of the state. Other minerals of the state include copper ore, lead ore, titanium bearing vanadiferous magnetite, talc/ soap stone and high magnesia igneous rocks. The rich mineral wealth of the state is attributed to its

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favourable Geological setup. Situated on t he eastern fringe of the peninsular India, Orissa has about 72.5%of the area occupied by Precambrian metamorphic rocks (of Archaean and Proterozoic age) which hosts the majority of the minerals. The Gondwanas hosting the coal resources occur over about 8% of the landmass. The tertiary and quaternary formations, occupying rest of the area, provide avenues for aluminous/ nickeliferous laterite and heavy minerals (in beach sand).

The forests in the State are rich in biodiversity. There are two National parks, 18 Sanctuaries and one Biosphere Reserve in the State. There are two notified and one proposed Tiger Reserves namely Similipal, Satkosia and Sunabeda(proposed).There are three elephant reserves in the State namely Mayurbhanj, Sambalpur and Mahanadi. The protected area for wildlife management constitutes 4.25% of the total geographical area of the State.

As per the report of the Forest Survey of India using remote sensing techniques, the forest cover in the State is 48,855 s q. kms of which 7,073 sq. kms is very dense forest. The moderately dense forest extends over 21,394 sq. kms while open forest is over 20,388 sq. kms. The forest cover in the State constitutes 31.38% of the geographical area. Besides this, there exists tree cover outside the forest over 2.85% of the geographical area of the State. Thus the forest and tree cover in the State is 34.23% of the geographical area. The state is losing its forests to timber smuggling, mining, industrialization and grazing. There have been attempts at conservation and reforestation.

Due to the climate and good rainfall, Odisha's evergreen and moist forests are suitable habitats for wild orchids. Around 130 s pecies have been reported from the state.97 of them are found in Mayurbhanj district alone. The Orchid House of Nandakanan Biological Park hosts some of these species.

A huge number of tribals subsist on t he rich natural resources in the hills. O f all the states of India, Orissa has the largest number of tribes, as many as 62. In terms of percentage they constitute an impressive 24 percent of the total population of the state. These tribes mainly inhabit the Eastern Ghats. More than half of their population is concerned in three districts of Koraput (undivided), Sundergarh and Mayurbhanj. Their very own survival depends entirely on ecosystems and its services in the region.

Simlipal National Park is a p rotected wildlife area and tiger reserve spread over 2750 km2 of the northern part of Mayurbhanj district. It has 1078 s pecies of plants, including 94 o rchids. The sal tree is the primary tree species there. The park has 55 mammals, including barking deer, Bengal tiger, common langur, four-horned antelope, Indian bison, Indian elephant, Indian giant squirrel, Indian leopard, jungle cat,

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sambar deer, and wild boar. There are 304 species of birds in the park, such as the common hill myna, grey hornbill, Indian pied hornbill and Malabar pied hornbill. It has also has 60 species of reptiles, notable among which are the king cobra and tricarinate hill turtle. There is also a mugger crocodile breeding program in nearby Ramtirtha.

The Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary is a 190 km2 protected area near the capital city, Bhubaneswar. However, urban expansion and over-grazing have reduced the forests and are driving herds of elephants to migration. In 2002, t here were about 80 e lephants. Besides elephants, the sanctuary also has Indian leopards, jungle cats and chitals.

The Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district covers 650 km2, of which 150 km2 are mangroves. The Gahirmatha beach in Bhitarkanika is the world's largest nesting site for olive ridley sea turtles. The sanctuary attracts more than five lakh Olive Ridley sea turtles every year for nesting during Feb- March. Other major nesting grounds for the turtle in the state are Rushikulya, in Ganjam district, and the mouth of the Devi River. The Bhitarkanika sanctuary is also noted for its large population of salt-water crocodiles. In winter, the sanctuary is also visited by migratory birds. Among the species of birds spotted in the sanctuary are the black-crowned night heron, darter, grey heron, Indian cormorant, Oriental white ibis, purple heron, and sarus crane. The possibly- endangered horseshoe crab is also found in this region.

Chilika Ramsar site is the Asia’s largest brakish water lagoon (1105 km2) having rich esturine and marine fauna including 152 Irrawady dolphins (as per 2013 J an, census). About nine lakh migratory birds visit Chilika every year. It is connected to the Bay of Bengal by a 35 km long narrow channel and is a part of the Mahanadi delta. In the dry season, the tides bring in salt water. In the rainy season, the rivers falling into the lagoon decrease its salinity. Birds from places like the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, other parts of Russia, Central Asia, South-East Asia, Ladakh and the Himalayas migrate to the lagoon in winter. Among the birds spotted there are Eurasian wigeon, pintail, bar-headed goose, graylag goose, flamingo, mallardd an Goliath heron. The lagoon also has a small population of the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. The state's coastal region has also had sightings of finless porpoise, bottlenose dolphin, humpback dolphin andspinner dolphin in its waters (courtesy;www & MoEF, Odisha)

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Bhubaneswar-The Temple City

Bhubaneswar is one of the famed cities of Odisha; it is the capital of the state, serving to be one of the centers of religious and economic importance in Eastern India. Bhubaneswar got its name from Tribhubaneswar meaning Lord Shiva. Since the establishment of the city, Bhubaneswar has been known by different names; Toshali, Nagar Kalinga, Kalinga Nagar, Ekamra Kanan, Mandira Malini Nagar are a few.

History Known as the Temple City Bhubaneswar is one of the oldest cities of India, finding its origin around the 1st and 2nd century B.C during the Chedi dynasty. Before the modern city emerged, the old city was of vital importance. The various historical monuments in and around the city are evidence of that. The first mention of the city was made during the Kalinga war. Other than Hindu temples, there are Jain and Buddhist temples carved during Ashokan rule around the city, which proves the importance of the city during different era. Repeatedly the city testifies its importance in history during the 7th to 11th centuries. Many empires have built temples in this city dedicated to various deities of the Hindu gods. Later in 1936, C uttack became Odisha’s capital. However in 1947 due to vulnerability to flood; Cuttack no l onger remained the capital of the state, instead Bhubaneswar gained the title and remains so.

Post-Independence, the modern city of Bhubaneswar, designed by German architect Otto Konigsberger in 1946, was established to shape the city in serving as an administrative centre for the state. It is considered as one of the first planned cities of modern India along with Chandigarh and Jamshedpur. In modern India, Bhubaneswar is a Tier 2 city, developing quickly as one of the education hubs. It caters to more than 1.4 million people today.

The physical setting Located in the Eastern coastal plains (20.27°N & 85.84°E) the city is situated in an average altitude of 45m above sea level. The city is visited by the Mahanadi River in the north, Daya River in the south and Kuakhai River in the east. Topographically the city is divided into the eastern lowlands and the western uplands. Bhubaneswar is one of the rapid growing cities; the urban development area in the city consists of the municipal corporation area, 173 revenue villages and two other nearby municipalities. The city can be broadly classified into different areas, which namely consist of the old city, the new planned city, added areas, and other peripheral areas. Bhubaneswar is blessed with a tropical savanna type climate. The annual mean temperature is 27.5 centigrade. May and June are one of the hottest months the city experiences and winters lasts only for ten weeks. The city experiences southwest summer monsoon brought by the rains from Bay

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of Bengal. All over, the city experiences a pleasant climate throughout the year with average annual rainfall of 1542 mm.

Tourism Tourism plays an integral part of Odisha. Bhubaneswar has a cluster of places to be visited. The city plays an important role as a regional gateway to the Golden Tourist Triangle of Puri, Konark, and Chilika Lake. Every year millions of people from the country and outside the country visit the various sightseeing places in Bhubaneswar. Some of these notable places include the Old town, Lingaraja temple, Bindu Sarovar, Khandagiri and Udaygiri, Dhauli Giri, Nandankanan zoo, Mukteshwar temple, Odisha state museum and many more. Each place has its own specialty and its own history, which is quite interesting for tourists to learn. They also form an integral part of the culture and history of Bhubaneswar and Odisha. A generally peaceful city, Bhubaneswar is one of the greenest cities. October to March is the best time to visit the city.

Culture and temples The city seamlessly integrates its rich cultural heritage with a strong regional economic base. Bhubaneswar today boasts of a cluster of magnificent temples, constituting a complete record of Odisha temple architecture from its early beginnings to its culmination. Kalinga architecture spans the entire city. Bhubaneswar had over one thousand temples and the city together with Konark and Puri forms the Swarna Tribhuja or Golden Triangle, the most visited destinations in Odisha. An architectural legacy this place has some great attractions that can invoke the inner austerity of a person. From Lord Vishnu to Lord Shiva, Bhubaneswar testifies the various temples located here. Some of the notable temples worth visiting are: Aisanyesvara Shiva Temple, Akhadachandi Temple, Ananta Vasudeva Temple, Astasambhu Temple, Bharati Matha, Bhringesvara Siva Temple, Brahma Temple, Bindusagar, Brahmeswara Temple, Lingaraja Temple, Madneswar Shiva Temple, Mangalesvara Shiva Temple, Mukteshwara Temple, Nagesvara Temple, Pabaneswara Temple, Rajarani Temple, Vaital Deula, Yameshwar Temple.

Food and flavor Bhubaneswar offers a choice of food for all foodies. Seafood being the specialty of the city, there are other epicurean delights available. Rice and fish curry is the staple food here and they are available in different variations. Lobsters and crabs are found in abundance here, which makes this place a seafood paradise for tourists. Street food is another specialty of this place. Food items like Gupchup, Cuttack chat, Bara Ghugni are quite famous among local people as well as everyday tourists. Another traditional recipe known as Dahi Pakhal is eating during the summers for taste and health during the hot summers. Equally, for vegetarians, this place is a food delight. While visiting

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Bhubaneswar, items like korakhaii, pitha must be tasted. Sweets are an integral part of Bhubaneswarites diet; here a lot of tasty sweet delight waits for all.

Festivals Odisha is famous for Rath Yatra festivals, and being a part of Odisha, Bhubaneswar is no different. A very famous festival celebrated here is the Ashokastami. In this festival, the deities of the Lingaraja Temple are taken to the Mausima temple in a highly decorated temple car procession. The deities are then kept there for four days. This festival is celebrated in the month of March and April. Another important festival that is worth mentioning is more like a fair. Adivasi Mela is a fair that displays different adivasi handicrafts products for sale. The tribal inhabitants of the state get their fair share of chance to display their hard work and talent. The city also hosts other festivals, which are equally famous and visited by thousands of locals as well as tourists.

Transport and connectivity As the capital of Odisha, Bhubaneswar is a prime hub and connecting route to all other locations of the state. The OSRTC or Odisha State Road Transport Corporation head office is located here. From state government buses to private operator run buses, all can be found here. Bhubaneswar connects to Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal and other neighboring states. The city is well connected with NH5. The city is renowned for its well formed wide roads that run smooth. Auto rickshaws are present throughout the city for local transport. Other than buses and cars, this place is connected with railways and airports. The East coast railway has its headquarters based here. There are five railway stations located in this city; They are Mancheswar, Vani Vihar, Patia Halt, Bhubaneswar station and Lingaraj Temple road. Its strategic geographic location along the east coast of India, has positioned Bhubaneswar to serve as the gateway to South-east Asia with easy access to existing and emerging ports, petrochemical and steel hubs at Paradeep, Kalinganagar, Dharma and Gopalpur. Additionally, a number of new ports are being proposed along the Odisha coast, which will further improve connectivity required for exports. The Biju Patnaik Airport is located 3 ki lometers away from the city. The airport is now upgraded to an international airport connecting Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Economy Bhubaneswar is mainly an administrative city and a tourism city. Tourism plays a vital role in the economy of the city as well as the state. The city has also emerged as one of the fast growing commercial hub. As per economic studies conducted in the year 2011, this city was highest to offer employment opportunities. Many major multinational corporations, NASSCOM registered companies are located here offering the city youth

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with employment opportunities and the state with economic growth. The city also caters to small and midsized IT companies and other business to have their start ups here.

The city is a major education centre with prestigious higher institution like universities, IIT, State and National R&D Centers. Today, the city is an emerging hub for education, health and information technology. It giants like Infosys, Wipro, Tata Consultancy Services, Tech Mahindra and Mindtree have centre here and many more are in row to operate from here. There are several corporate and public sector firms are housed in the city.

Administration Bhubaneswar is the home to many major state administration and civic administration body. The city is looked after by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, which takes care of 60 wards. A councilor for the sixty different wards is selected every 5 years. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation works on the orders discharged by the Mayor. The Commissioner heads the executive wing of the BMC. The Odisha Home Legislative Assembly is based in this city. The city also has two lower courts located for all judicial processes. Other than these administrative bodies, Bhubaneswar Cuttack Police Commissionerate is also located and functioning from here(courtesy: www & Odisha Tourism).

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Utkal University

Utkal University in Bhubaneswar, Odisha is the 17th oldest university of the country. It is the mother of all universities in the state and has been serving the cause of Higher Education in Odisha. The Post Graduate Department of Zoology, born on 21st July, 1960, has been imparting teaching and training to students in various emerging areas of Zoology through M.Sc., M.Phil. and Ph.D. programmes and a sponsored course in M.Sc. Fishery Science. During the last 55 years, the department has earned many laurels and has made a name in Zoology in the national arena. The department has received funds through DRS (UGC), FIST (DST) and PURSE (DST) schemes.

About GrACE

Greens Alliance for Conservation of Eastern Ghats (GrACE) was launched by CGR on World Environment Day, the June 5th 2011, a t Srisailam in Nallamala ranges, AP, to create a p latform for different institutions, civil society groups, individuals for the protection of the hills and its ecosystems. As a part of GrACEs' activities, four regional conventions were organized so far at Andhra University, Visakhapatnam; Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur; SRM University, Chennai; and Sri Venkateshwara University, Tirupathi.

CGR

Council for Green Revolution (CGR) is a five year old Hyderabad based Environmental Organization founded with to work for the protection of environment and sustainable development. CGR is instrumental in planting around 28 l akh saplings in semi-arid Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states. The other initiatives of the organization are Green Village, Conservation of Eastern Ghats, Prakrithi-Samskrithi, Environmental Awareness, and Policy Advocacy. For more details visit www.cgrindia.org.

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Conference Committee Chief Patron: Prof. A.K. DAS, Vice Chancellor, Utkal University

Patrons: Prof. R. K. Bal, Chairman P.G. Council, Utkal University Sri R. Dileep Reddy, Chairman, GrACE Smt. K. Leela Laxma Reddy, President, CGR

Advisory members: Prof. K. Purushotham Reddy, Renowned Environmentalist Dr. J. Bapu Reddy, IAS (Retd), Eminent Poet Prof. K.K. Basa, Dept. of Anthropology, Utkal University Prof. M. Das, Dept. of Geology, Utkal University Prof. K. M. Sethy, Dept. of Geography, Utkal University Prof. J. Dandapat, Dept. of Biotechnology, Utkal University Prof. A.B. Das, Dept. of Botany, Utkal University Dr. M. Bage, Dept. of Sociology, Utkal University Dr. D. Srinivas Rao, Sr. Principal Scientist and Prof., ACSIR, IMMT, Bhubaneswar Sri K. Laxma Reddy, Founder, CGR Prof. B. Ravi Prasad Rao, Dept. of Botany, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur Dr. K. Tulasi Rao, International expert on biodiversity and wildlife Dr. P.C Panda, Principal Scientist, Regional Plant Resource Center, Bhubaneswar

Organizing Conveners: Prof. (Mrs) P. K. Mahapatra, Head, P.G. Department of Zoology, Utkal University Sri G. Narayan Rao, CEO, CGR

Organizing Secretary: Dr. Gunanidhi Sahoo, Reader, Dept. of Zoology, Utkal University

Joint Organizing Secretaries Dr. D. Priya Kumari, Asst Prof(C), Dept. of Zoology, Nizam College, Hyderabad Mr. C. Umamaheswar Reddy, Environmental Scientist, CGR, Hyderabad

Organizing members Prof. P.K. Mohanty, Dept. of Zoology, Utkal University Dr. S.S. Nishank, Lecturer, Dept. of Zoology, Utkal University Mr. Gourav, SIC, RMNH, Bhubaneswar

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Miss Devi Priyadarsini, Scientist, RMNH, Bhubaneswar Mr. Ch. Shiva Prasada Rao, Sr. Journalist Dr. N. Sai Bhaskar Reddy, President, GEO Mr. Arvind Yadav, Journalist Dr. Vinitha Pandey, Asst Prof(C) Dept. of Sociology, Nizam College, Hyderabad Dr. G. Shailaja, Asst. Prof(C), Dept. of Zoology, Nizam College, Hyderabad Dr. Md. Akthar Ali, Asst Prof, Dept. of Geography, Osmania University, Hyderabad Mr. Manoj Jena, Chair person Human Rights Mr. G. Rajender Reddy, Gandhian and humanitarian, Hyderabad Mr. Rudra Reddy Regette, Biologist Ms. N.S. Srinidhi, Asst. Prof., Environmental Studies, VJIT-Hyderabad Mr. Matsyavardhan, Programme officer, CGR

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Organizing Committees VIPs/Dignitaries Committee 7. Mr. Vardhan 1. Prof. R. K. Bal 8. Ms. Ipsita Sarangi 2. Prof. K. K. Basa 9. Ms. Kiranbala Behera 3. Prof. K. M. Sethi 10. Ms. Barsha Pattanayak 4. Dr. J. Bapu Reddy, IAS (retd.) 11. Ms. Neha Gupta 5. Prof.K. Purushotham Reddy 6. Shri K. Laxma Reddy Transport & Hospitality Committee 7. Shri R. Dileep Reddy 1. Mr. M. Satyam Reddy, 8. Shri G. Narayan Rao 2. Mr. Rajib Patnaik 9. Shri G. Rajender Reddy 3. Mr. Pawan 4. Mr. Nagesh Delegates Committee 5. Mr. Madan Mohan Swain 1. Prof. P. K. Mahapatra 6. Mr. Sibasish Mohanty 2. Prof. P. K. Mohanty 7. Mr. Shakti Ranjan Rout 3. Dr. Priya Chandran 8. Mr. Debasish Mohanty 4. Mr. M. Laxman Rao 9. Mr. Deba Prakash Patra 10. Mr. Himansu Sekhar Sabar Souvenir committee 11. Mr. Bal Reddy 5. Dr. Priya Chandran 6. Dr. Gunanidhi Sahoo Press and Media Committee 7. Mr. C. Umamaheswar Reddy 1. Mr. Ch. Siva Prasada Rao, 8. Ms. NS Srinidhi 2. Mr. Arvind Yadav 3. Ms. Gayatri Pandalaneni Technical Committee 4. Dr.LVK Reddy 1. Dr. Maheswar 5. Mr. Manoj Jena 2. Dr. Akthar Ali 6. Ms. Ruchi Panigrahi 3. Dr. N.Madhusudan Reddy 4. Mr. C. Umamaheswar Reddy Cultural Events committee 5. Mr. Rudra Reddy Regatte 1. Dr. B B Mohapatra 6. Mr. Matsyavardhan, 2. Mr. Debasish Mohanty 7. Mr. Ranjan Sahu 3. Mr. Madan Mohan Swain 8. Mr. Suraj Prakash Routray 4. Ms. Ananya Ashabari 5. Ms. Swati Sucharita Panda Registration committee 6. Ms. Chinmayee Tripathy 1. Ms. NS Srinidhi 7. Ms. Kananbala Patra 2. Ms. Shravya Reddy 8. Mr. Lenin 3. Mr. M. Laxman Rao 9. Mr. Mohan 4. Ms. Shreeha Reddy 10. Ms. Sreeha Reddy 5. Mr. Rajib Patnayak 6. Mr. Krishna

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Dais Management 2. Mr. Rama Prasad Sahu 1. Ms. Sony Snigdha Sinku 3. Ms. Banita Behera 2. Ms. Swati Singh 4. Ms. Sushree Sangita Pati 3. Ms. Debashree Debasmita 5. Ms. N. S. Utkalika 4. Ms. Sushreeta Puruseth 6. Ms. Sasmita Samal 5. Mr. Nrushinga Behera 7. Ms. Pratibha Sahu 8. Ms. Arati Ho Venue arrangements committee 9. Ms. Namrata Singh 1. Dr. S S. Nishank 10. Mr. Kiran Kumar Sahu 2. Mr. S. C. Panda 11. Ms. L.Tejaswini 3. Mr. K. Krishna 4. M. Laxman Rao 5. Mr. Rajib Patnayak 6. Mr. Anurag Das 7. Mr. Ardhendu Sekhar Mallick 8. Mr. Baibabh Nayak

Photo/Video /online committee 1. Dr. N. Saibhaskar Reddy 2. Ms.NS Srinidhi 3. Mr. Ramu 4. Mr. Giri Prasad 5. Mr. Koteswar 6. Mr. Ashok 7. Mr. Sudhakar

Documentation, Resolutions Committee 1. Prof. P. K. Mohanty 2. Prof. K. Purushotham Reddy 3. Dr. D. Narsimha Reddy 4. Mr. R. Dileep Reddy 5. Mr. Arvind Yadav 6. Ch. Shiva Prasad 7. Ms. M. Shravya Reddy 8. Ms. M. Sreeha Reddy 9. Ms. Gayatri Pandalaneni

Volunteers for Auditorium 1. Ms. Prerana Mordina

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Programme Schedule th Day One: 16 April 2016 10.00 am- 12.00 pm Inaugural Programme Chief Guest: Shri S.C. Jamir, His Excellency, the Governor of Odisha and Chancellor of Universities, Odisha Welcome note: Prof. (Mrs.) P.K. Mahapatra, Organizing Convener and HoD, Zoology, Utkal University Speakers: Padmashri Prof. P.Mohanthy-Hejmadi, Former VC, Sambalpur University Prof A.K. Das, Vice Chancellor, Utkal University Prof. K. Purushotham Reddy, Renowned Environmentalist and Justice Kuldeep Singh Awardee Sri R. Dileep Reddy, Chairman, GrACE & Former State Information Commissioner (RTI-A), AP. Shri K. Laxma Reddy, Founder, CGR Smt. K. Leela Laxma Reddy, President CGR, Hyderabad Vote of Thanks: Dr. Gunanidhi Sahoo, Organizing Secretary, Reader, Dept. of Zoology, Utkal University 12.00pm-01.30 pm Technical Session-I: Eastern Ghats and Associated Ecosystems Chairperson: Prof. Prafulla Kumar Mohanty, PG Dept. of Zoology, Utkal University. Co-Chairperson: Prof. Arjun Rao, Dept. of History, Dean College Development Council, Osmania University. Guest Speakers: Mr. S.C. Rath, Former Director, Geological Survey of India Prof. S.K. Dutta, Former Prof, North Orissa University and Visiting Prof., Indian Inst. of Science, Bengaluru. Prof. Jagannath Dash, Former Prof. Dept. of Anthropology, Utkal University Rapporteur: Smt. Gayatri Pandalaneni, Sr. Journalist, PMC, MGNREGS-AP 1.30 pm-2.15pm Lunch 2. 15 pm – 3.45 pm Technical Session-II Biodiversity and Conservation Chairperson: Dr. N. Saibhaskar Reddy, Environment and Development Scientist, Member Executive Committee to the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management And Planning Authority(CAMPA), Hyderabad, Co-chairperson: Dr. S.S. Nishank, Lecturer, PG Dept. of Zoology, Utkal University. Guest Speakers: Prof. MNV Prasad, Dept. of Plant Sciences, Hyderabad Central University, Hyderabad, India, Pitamber Pant National Environment Fellow Prof. B. Raviprasada Rao, Dept. of Botany, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, AP, India. Dr. Tulasi Rao, IFS (Retd.), International Biodiversity and Wildlife Expert, UNDP Programme. Oral/Posters: Rapporteur: Dr. Madhusudan Reddy Narra, Biologist, Dept.Zoology, Osmania University, Hyderabad 3.45 pm -4. 00 pm Tea 4.00 pm-5.30 pm Technical Session-III Issues and Sustainable Management of Ecosystems Chairperson: Dr. Debananda Beura, Assoc. Prof., Dept. of Geology, Utkal University Co-Chairperson: Dr. Sadashivaiah, Asst. Prof. Dept. of Botany, Govt. Degree College, Wanaparthy, Mahabubnagar, Telangana, India. Guest Speaker: Prof. Kabir Mohan Sethi, Dept. of Geography, Utkal University. th 39 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Orals/Posters: Rapporteur: Rudra Reddy Regatte, Biologist, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana. Cultural Events Followed by Dinner Day Two-17th April 2016 7.00 am -8.00 am Green Rally 8.00 am -9.30 am Breakfast following the rally 9.30am-11.00am Technical Session IV-Indigenous Communities & Developmental Activities Chairperson: Dr. Sudarsan Panda, IFS, CCF (WL), Bhubaneswar Co-Chairperson: Dr. Md. Akthar Ali, Asst. Prof. Dept. of Geography, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India. Guest Speakers: Dr. D. Narsimha Reddy, Environment & Policy Expert, Hyderabad. Dr. Amarendra Mohapatra, Sr. scientist, Regional Medical Research Centre, BBSR Rapporteur: N.S. Sri Nidhi, Asst. Prof. Envi.Science, VJIET 11.45 am -11.45 am Tea/Poster walk 11.45 am -01.15 pm Technical Session V- Role of Civil Society, Youth and Women Chairperson: Prof. Kabir Mohan Sethi, Dept. of Geography, Utkal University, Co-Chairperson: Dr. P. Naveen Kumar, Addl. Controller of Exams, Osmania University, Hyderabad Guest Speakers: Shri R. Dileep Reddy, Former State Information Commissioner (RTI-A)-AP Dr. Biswajit Mohanty, Secretary, Wildlife Society of Odisha Oral/Posters: Rapporteur: Ms. M. Shravya Reddy 1.15 pm – 1.45 pm Lunch 1.45 pm-2.45 pm Technical Session VI-Legal, Policy, Governance and Management Framework Chairperson: Prof. K. Purushotham Reddy, Renowned Environmentalist Co-Chairperson: Dr. Priya Kumari, Dept. Zoology, Nizam College, Hyderabad Guest Speaker: Dr. (Mrs). Rajmohana, Scientist-D, Zoological Survey of India, Western Ghat Regional Centre, Calicut Oral/Open House Rapporteur: Mr. Manchala Lingaswamy 2.45 pm-4.00 pm Valedictory Chief Guest: Prof. Prafulla Kumar Mishra, Vice Chancellor, North Orissa University, Baripada Guest of Honor: Dr. DR Naik, Former Vice-Chancellor, Sambalpur University Speakers: Dr. Gunanidhi Sahoo, Organizing Secretary Sri R. Dileep Reddy, Chairman, GrACE Smt. K. Leela Laxma Reddy, President CGR Prof. (Mrs.) P.K. Mahapatra, Organizing Convener Prof. K. Purushotham Reddy, Renowned Environmentalist Vote of Thanks: Shri G. Narayan Rao, CEO CGR

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List of Abstracts:

S.No Name Title Of Abstract THEME I 1 Vikram Aditya, T Ganesh Diversity And Distribution Patterns Of Mammals In Papikonda National Park, Northern Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh' 2 C.Bhargavi Rayal Easterghats And Associated Ecosystems 3 Devanathan Krishnamoorthy Tree Diversity Of Kollihills,Southern Easternghats & D Narasimhan Of Tamilnadu 4 Paromita Ray J. A. Johnson A Baseline Study On Stream Fishes Of Papikonda And K. Sivakumar National Park In The Potential Submergence Zone Of A Large Dam 5 Dr. Vijaya Kumari Podu Practise In Srikalulam District, Andhrapradesh 6 Anirban Mahata, Sharat Diversity And Distribution Of Butterfly Kumar Palita, Sudheer (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) Along Different Kumar Jena And Bibhu Habitats Of Koraput District, Odisha In Eastern Prasad Panda1 Ghats Of India 7 Sudheer Kumar Jena* And Preliminary Assessment Of Odonate Diversity Of Sharat Kumar Palita. Koraput District, Southern Odisha, Eastern Ghats, India 8 Jasmin Rout.G, Susmita Role Of Amphibians In Ecosystem Management: Mahapatra1 And Gunanidhi Implication And Conservation Strategy Sahoo2 9 Ss Dash And A K Biswal Ecology, Distribution And Management Of Invasive Alien Flora Of Mayurbhanj, Odisha 10 Ramesh Babu Biswanath Impacts Of Climate Change On Bio-Diversity Ganguly 11 Mitta Mahendra Nath K. Restoration Ecology Of Plant Biomass In Horsely Madhava Chetty Hills, Eastern Ghats,Andhra Pradesh,India 12 Omkar Kanneboyena Invasive Alien Weeds Of Gundlabrahmeshwaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Nallamalas, Andhra Pradesh 13 Sanjeeb Kumar Das Conservation And Sustainable Utilization Of Medicinal Plants In The Smart City Bhubaneswar- A Case Study In Khordha District 14 Pratik Acharya & Csk Misra Soil Quality Variation And P opulation D iversity Of Some Dominant Below Ground Fauna Of Five Selected Land Use Zones In Three Forest Divisions Of Chandaka-Dampara Wild Life Sanctuary 15 Dr. Sanjeeb Kumar Das 1, Medicinal Plants Used For Cardiovascular Dharitree Samal 2 Diseases-A Case Study In Rie Campus Theme II 16 Srinivasa Reddy Ch Dr. Floristic Study Of Scattered Eastern Ghats In Ammani.K Vijayawada 17 A. Madhusudhana Reddy Ex Situ Conservation Of Threatened Plants At th 41 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Botanical Garden, Yogi Vemana University , Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India. 18 Madduri Sagar Reddy M. B. "Floristic Diversity Of Nallamala Hills Of Eastern Honnuri, G. R. S. Reddy Ghats Of Andhra Pradesh And Telangana". 19 Dr. Sk. M. Bhasha M. B. Medicinal Plant Resources Of Nagarjuna Sagar Honnuri, G. R. S. Reddy Srisailam Wildlife Sanctury 20 Manu Prakash Pathak Dr. P. Conservation Of Biodiversity- The Only Mean To Murugesan Ensure Human Existence 21 M. Venkat Ramana A Need Of Cycas L. (Cycadaceae) Conservation In The Eastern Ghats 22 P K Mohanty& Bandana Status And Conservation Of Asian Elephant In Khuntia Chandaka-Damapada Elephant Sanctuary 23 Chimaya Bhujabal Monalisa Conservation Of Purple Wood Pigeon Or Pale Bhujabal Capped Pigeon Columba Punicea In Odisha & New Distribution In Satkosia Tiger Reserve [Section 1 & 2 Eastern Ghats] 24 Diptiranjan Patra Nanda Berbara Dhuanali Forests [Section 2 Eastern Ghats] Kishore Bhujabal In Odisha – Rich Store Of Biodiversity And Need For Strengthening Wildlife Conservation Measures 25 Anil K Biswal Nirad Ferns Of Odisha : A Conservational Aspect Chandra Rout 26 M.Bubesh Guptha Inventory Studies Of Herpetofauna From Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve, Eastern Ghats Of Andhra Pradesh, India 27 Dr. Madhusmita Tripathy & A Study On Butterfly Diversity At Chandaka Smt Subinita Mshra Forest, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 28 Dr. Ranjita Sethi & Smt Studies On Faunal Diversity Of Bhitarkanika With Trupti Rekha Panda Special Reference To Mudskipper 29 Dr. Chinmayee Mohanty Present Status Of Conservation Of Sparrow (Passer Smt. Jyotsna Rani Biswal Domesticus) In Odisha 30 Mr. M.B.Honnuri K. Floristic Diversity Of Woody Species Of Kaundinya Naresh1, G.R.S.Reddy Wild Life Sanctuary 31 Subrat Debata Rout Sharat Bat Fauna Of Eastern Ghats In Odisha: Diversity, Ku. Palita Threats And Conservation Recommendations 32 A.Sai Rajesh…..Bhaskar Tasar Biodiversity Of Northern Odisha Behera 33 Biswajit Rath Conservation Of Biodiversity-Facts And Feasibility 34 Susmita Mahapatra Jasmin Dietary Preference Of Microhyla Ornata (Dumeril Rout1 And Gunanidhi Sahoo And Bibron, 1841) Tadpoles In Some Parts Mayurbhanj District 35 Pradhan R, S. Sukanya, J. Diversity And Land Use Pattern Of Butterflies In Sethy And H.K. Sahu North Orissa University Campus, Baripada 36 Dr.Rahul Tripathi Md. Soil Quality Affected By Rice Cultivation In Shahid, S. Mohanty, A.K. Bhitaranika Mangroove Ecosystem Nayak th 42 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

37 B.K.Senapati Importance Of Earthworm Inventory And Functional Attributes In The Eastern Ghats Region For Soil Conservation, Sustainable Production And Biogeographical Mystery 38 Animesh Kumar Mohapatra A Preliminary Study On Diversity Of Butterflies Priyamvada (Lepidoptera: Macrolepidoptera) In Regional Institute Of Education Campus, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India 39 Priyamvada Pandey, Diversity Of Libellulids (Anisoptera) And Animesh Kumar Mohapatra Coenagrionids (Zygoptera) In Regional Institute Of Education Campus, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India 40 Dr. K. Jyothi Dr. D. Euphorbian Species In Seshachalam Biosphere Veeranjaneyulu & Dr. M. Reserve, Andhra Pradesh, India – A Review Article Suneela 41 Biswajeet Pand, Dr. Bhaskar Avifauna Of The Chandipur Wildlife Jurisdiction Behera ,Odisha 42 Biswajit Panda, Dr. Bhaskar Indigenous Development Encourages The Behera Biodiversity- Specially To Similipal And Kuldhia Biosphere Reserve, Odisha 43 Papori Phukan Borpuzari, Panax Pseudoginseng Wall. And Panax Assamicus Kuntala Neog Barua And N. Ban. The Vulnerable Medicinal Species Of North Ravi Eastern Region - Need Conservation 44 Satyajit Mahatab, Anil A Study On Plant Diversity At Sindura Goura Hillside Kumar Giri Of Nilgiri Mountain Belt, Balasore, Odisha 45 Dr. Sk Das & Aditi Jena Indian Biodiversity At Stake : Need For Urgent Protection And Conservation 46 Dr. Sudhakar Kar Uniqueness Of Lakhari Valley Wildlife Sanctuary In The Eastern Ghats: An Overview Of Its Biodiversity Significance And Conservation 47 Agnesh Valluri Biodiversity Conservation In Eastern Ghats And Sustainable Use Of Medicinal Plants. 48 S. K. Palita* And Debabrata Conserving Biodiversity Of Deomali Hill Ranges In Panda Eastern Ghats Of Odisha, India 49 Dr. Sanjeeb Kumar Das1, The Significance In Conserving Biodiversity Through Madhu Kumari 2 Sacred Grooves: A Study 50 Dr. Sanjeeb Kumar Das 1, Invasive Alien Species Are A Major Threat To Priyanka Debnath 2 Biodiversity Flora In Odisha 51 Omkar Kanneboyena Medicinal Plants Diversity And Wealth In Gundlabrahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary Of Nallamalais, Andhra Pradesh Theme III 52 Prasanta Sahoo The Convergence Of Biological Diversity And Cultural Diversity:Towards Integration For Sustainable Development 53 Akash Ranjan Rath Shibaji Incentivizing And Sensitizing Wildlife Conservation Charan Nayak In Southern Buffer Of Similipal Tiger Reserve [Section 1 Eastern Ghats] In Odisha 54 Ms. Sushree Sangita Sustainable Creation Of Crop Fields To Avail Food

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Mohapatra For Wild Elephants And Putting Indigenous Communities Into Economic Work 55 Swaroopa. Maralla & D. Sustainable Use Of Natural Resources, A Bharathi Prerequisite For Sustainable And Resilient Societies 56 Ramanjan Ghanta And Heavy Metals – A Threat To Pollen Viability Subrata Mondal* 57 Soumitra Pal, Ramanjan Insect-Flower Interaction, Pollen Dispersal And Ghanta And Subrata Mondal Pollination Of Feronia Limonia (Linn.) Swing. 58 Dr Subrata Mondal Bird –Flower Interaction Of Some Plants From Lateritic West Bengal 59 Mekam Maheshwar Tropical Forests As Natural Resources Of Nutritious Fruits & Edible Plants – Sustainable Management Strategies For Conservation Of Nallamalas Of Eastern Ghats 60 Gayatri Pandalaneni Regeneration Of The Natural Resources And Conservation Of Ecosystems Through Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Guarantee Scheme In Eastern Ghat Highlands Of Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India, A Glance 61 Dr. B.C. Patra Conserving The Largest Gene Pool Of Rice In Eastern Ghats – An Important Agricultural Heritage System 62 Dr N.D. Borthakur*, R Raja Eco-Friendly Management Of Heortia Vitessoides, Rishi And Sabi Gogoi** Moore (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) A Major Pest Of Aquilaria Malaccensis Lamk. 63 Mrs Sobi Gogoi, Nd Conservation And Sustainable Management Of Borthakur, Ip.Bora Forest Through Energy Plantation. 64 Saujanendra Swain Mapping Of Plant Resources Of Eastern Ghats In Southern Odisha 65 Dr. Indrani P Bora Contribution Of Non-Timber Forest Produce (Ntfp) Towards Sustainable Management Of Jhum Agroecosystem In North East India 66 Bhagirathi Behera, I.F.S Conservation Of Natural Resources Through Retd Jenamani Sahu Traditional Agriculture: A Case Study In Bhuyan Tribe From Pacheripani, Deogarh (Odisha) 67 R Rahul Reddy Reducing Emissions From Deforestation And Forest Degradation (Redd+) Initiative In Protecting Eastern Ghats, A Comparative Study On The Basis Of Amazon Forests. THEME IV 68 Kalpana Patra * And Sharat Ethnomedicinal Practices Of Kandha Tribes Of K. Palita. Koraput In Eastern Ghats, Odisha, India 69 Parul Sen, A. Upadhyay2, N. Faunal Mortalities On Roads In The Forests Of The Gujre3, R. Goswami4 Northern Eastern Ghats, India 70 Kumbhakarna Mallik, S. N. Habitat, Economy And Society Of The Bonda Tripathy Tribe-A Geographical Analysis

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71 Mandadi Shravya Reddy Indigenous Communities And Development Activities In Eastern Ghats 72 Dr. D. Priya Kumari And Dr. Health Care System Of Tribes – Challenges And G. Shailaja. Threats: Special Reference To Tribes Of Eastern Ghats THEME V 73 Er. Balram Bharadwaj & Water Kinetic Energy Driven Hydro Mr. Narayan Bhardwaj Turbine System, Type - Varun- Iii-A Replacement To Conventional Hydro Power Dams And Remedies To The Degradation Done By Them In Eastern Ghats 74 Mahesh B; V. Hema Sailaja; Contribution Of Civil Society In Safe Guarding The B. Vijay Kumar; Mother Nature(Easternghats) K.Veerababu 75 Kumari S ubham, Nisha A Walk Towards Greenery …. Bharti, Sushmita Singh, Ritu 76 N.S.Srinidhi & Manchala Women's Role In Conserving The Environment - A Lingaswamy Focus On Eastern Ghats - A Review. 77 Papori Phukan Borpuzari Role Of Civil Societies In Kerala: A Case Study And N. Ravi 78 Mandadi Sreeha Reddy Role Of Civil Society, Youth And Women – The Need Of The Hour THEME VI 79 Dr.Kapil Kumar Gavasker Regional Environmental Governance,Space, Institutions And The Communities. 80 Dr. Madhusudan Reddy A Synaptic View Of Institutional And Governance Narra , Rudra Reddy Frame Work For The Conservation Of Faunal Regatte1 Species In Eastern Ghats 81 Sudhakar R Issues Relating To Development 82 B D Mahalik & S K Behera Environmental Laws For The Protection And Concervation Of The Eastern Ghat Mountains 83 Dr. L.Vijaya Krishna Reddy Eastern Ghats: Hardles In Their Conservation –A Study Of A.P.

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Conservation of Biodiversity in Eastern Ghats: A SWOT analysis (A herpetologists view point)

Sushil Kumar Dutta1 & Pratyush P. Mohapatra2 1. Retired Professor of Zoology & Chairman, Nature Environment & Wildlife Society (NEWS) Angul, Odisha, India

2. Lecturer in Zoology Govt. Science College, Chhatrapur Ganjam, Odisha, India

Biodiversity is the foundation stone on which human life and culture is built and its value in a p articular area is represented by the species richness. With the advent of modern taxonomy, rate of discovering new species and finding of cryptic species have been increased many folds. Taxonomic studies in India are flourishing in a faster rate and mostly targeted in biodiversity hot spots such as Western Ghats and Northeast India. Moreover, lack of systematic surveys in the Eastern Ghats and Central India has resulted in biased understanding of distribution of many species across Indian Subcontinent, which creates a shortfall in conservation planning.

The Eastern Ghats landscape in Odisha comprises the mountain ranges south of river Mahanadi continuing along Khurdha, Puri, Boudh, Kandhamal, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Kalahandi, Koraput and Malkangiri districts. We analysed data on status of seven groups of animals (mammal, avifauna, reptile, amphibian, arachnid, butterflies and odonates) of Eastern Ghats ranges of Odisha based on our survey in past two decades and also secondary data sources. Scopes for discovery of new species in these taxonomic groups are underway and based on the results of the SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat) analysis, the present report has been prepared.

Strengths: Eastern Ghats have a complex geologic history related to the assembly and breakup of the ancient supercontinent of Rodinia and the assembly of the Gondwana supercontinent and are much older than the Western Ghats and Himalayas. This landscape has been identified as a separate biogeographic zone based on several unique elements and the biodiversity of Eastern Ghats has affinities with the Indo-Malayan and the Western Ghats relicts. In contrary to the Satpura hypothesis, several workers

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considered Eastern Ghats as an important route for dispersal of biodiversity among South East Asia and the Western Ghats. Furthermore, Eastern Ghats span over a majority of geographical area in Odisha and is diverse in terms of culture and natural resources. The Eastern Ghats range of Odisha, popularly known as Northern Ghats is especially rich in biodiversity. For conservation of bio resources, there is a the network of 19 sanctuaries, one National Park, one Biosphere Reserve and two tiger Reserves in the state, of which six protected areas fall in the Eastern Ghats zone of Odisha. Apart from these there are many biodiversity rich areas including some community conserved areas in this landscape which are good signs in terms of conservation planning.

Weakness: Most of the natural vegetations are in highly degraded state, leaving behind only few pockets of habitats which harbour many faunal novelties. Hence, assessment, valuation, protection and conservation of the remaining biodiversity rich areas should be accorded high priority while developing management plan for this landscape. Habitats of many threatened species are vanishing at a f aster rate due to several anthropogenic factors some of which are beyond the control of forest managers. This has resulted due to lack of coordination between policy makers, politicians, forest managers, local community, NGOs, field biologists and conservationists. The most referred working plan/management plans of the state have underestimated the biodiversity component both qualitatively and quantitatively, this has failed to address the proper valuation of biodiversity. Extensive surveys of biodiversity have not been conducted for a majority of taxonomic groups and ecosystem types. Such lack of information severely hinders the assessment of the value of existing species, their current status and threats which might affect their long term conservation.

Opportunities: Systematic surveys, documentation and valuation of ecosystem services (services-provisioning, regulating and cultural that local people obtaining form these ecosystems) are the priorities. The extent of Protected Areas in the Eastern Ghats landscape is inadequate, on t he other hand the community managed forests and some Reserve Forests are refugees for many threatened and rare biodiversity, which need urgent attention in terms of landscape level conservation action planning. Assessing the biodiversity status and level of dependency on these habitats can be undertaken to

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prioritize the sites in Odisha landscape. Traditional knowledge and management of forests still has a vital role to play in forest management today. Hence valuation of different ecosystem services provided by a particular landscape is a prerequisite before any developmental activities.

Threats: Most of the areas in the Eastern Ghats are rich in mineral resources; hence the “developmental activities” are carried out at the stake of biodiversity. Furthermore, the major threats to the species arise from poaching (large scale in past) and habitat destruction due to anthropogenic activities. Other severe threats to the biodiversity include fragmentation; deterioration and loss of habitat, poaching and invasion of exotic species, live stock grazing, environmental pollution and last but not the least habitat destruction due to mining activities. There are also prevailing threats due to increasing commercialization of biodiversity products as per the demand of global market, which has been carried out without sharing the benefits with the local community. Although steps have been taken by the State Government, it actually needs serious attention.

Challenges: The National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) formulated in 2002, emphasized people’s participation and their support for wildlife conservation. In the changing global scenario additional research on biodiversity (other than knowing the richness) is imperative to quantify the value of ecological services being provided. Understanding the gamut of factors governing the sustainability of biodiversity resources along with building the capacity of local community and other stakeholders are essential to achieve the goal of biodiversity conservation. Biological Diversity Act, 2002 a lso provides space for sustainable use, conservation and judicious equitable sharing of benefit out of the commercial utilization of bio resources of any localities. The above steps shall be helpful for a critical assessment of conservation priorities in this data- deficient region.

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Faunal assemblage in various eco-zones in Odisha

Pratyush P. Mohapatra1 & Sushil K. Dutta2

1. Lecturer, Department of Zoology Govt. Science College, Chhatrapur Ganjam, Odisha, India

2. Retired Professor of Zoology Chairman, Nature Environment & Wildlife Society (NEWS) Angul, Odisha, India

Odisha falls under four biogeographic provinces and as per vegetation it is divided into four major forest types, with the most dominant – moist deciduous Sal forest. Furthermore, as per global ecoregion classification, the state falls under Lower Gangetic Plains moist deciduous forests, Chhota-Nagpur dry deciduous forests, Eastern highlands moist deciduous forests, Northern dry deciduous forests, Odisha semi-evergreen forests and Godavari-Krishna mangroves ecoregions. In consensus with all these ecozones we analyzed distribution pattern of nearly 900 faunal species comprising mammals (n=97), birds (n=300), herpetofauna (n=139), odonates (n=110) and butterflies (n=254), as these groups are comparatively well studied. Although majority of these species are widely distributed in Peninsular India, few (>10%) habitat specialists or relict species of other biogeographic zones are distributed only in one or few ecozones. Reasons of patchy distribution, “disjunct distribution”, faunal dispersal mechanisms and geographic barriers are discussed. Additionally, early landmass formation, anthropogenic activities and climatic factors tremendously influence faunal assemblage in various ecozones in Odisha.

Key words: Odisha, ecozones, biogeography, faunal dispersal, conservation

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Biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods for forest dependant communities in Eastern Ghats

Capsule “No plant is useless, each plant is a non-polluting chemical factory”

M.N.V. Prasad Department of Plant Sciences University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500046, India E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Climate constrained world has witnessed change in the statistical distribution of weather viz. temperature, soil moisture, salinity, e cohydrology, soil fertility, emission of greenhouse gases etc. over periods of time that range from decades to centuries to millions of years. Climate change has generated millions of ecological refugees as they depend up on pl ant resources for their lively hood. Plants do respond to these changes and get acclimatized but rapid urbanization and industrialization act as hindrance for these mechanisms resulting in rarity of plant resources

During the past one decade, there has been incredible demand for "natural things" all over the world, more particularly in the Western world the need for 'alternative' or 'complementary' medicines and value additions from plant based raw material has set off high demands for plant raw materials. In industrialized nations "Crops for Industry and Energy" have gained considerable importance. Diverse plant resources (Agricultural biodiversity and non-food crops) would serve as raw materials for sustainable utilization, restoration and enhancement of the natural environment. There is an increasing interest in the fields of phytoproducts and green chemistry for 1.Agrochemicals 2.Aromatics3. Bee foods 4.Beverages 5.Composite building materials 6.Contamination cleanup and environmental management 7.Cordage/Sacking 8.Cosmeticeuticals 9.Dyes/tannins, edible coloring materials 10.Energy and fuels 11.Fibres and Textiles 12. Forage and

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pasture 13. Fuel wood 14. Intoxicants 15. Lubricants and waxes 16. Medicinal plants 17. Non-edible Oils 18.Ornamentals and green belts19.Paints, varnishes/coatings 20.Paper and pulp21.Nutraceuticals 22. P lastics and polymers 23. P oisons24. Religious and ceremonial species 25. R esins/ adhesives26. Soaps and detergents 27. T imber 28. Industrial raw materials 29. Waxes, latex and resins 30. Wild relatives of crops

Viridians formed Co-operative societies (the predominant participating tribal groups are Agates, Valmikis, Nookadoras, Malis, and Kutias) in the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for collection of the above mentioned plant resources. Notable examples of large scale commercialization are Strychnos nux-vomica (nux-vomica), Sterculia urens (Gum karaya), Terminalia chebula (myrobalan), Tamarindus indica (Tamarind), Phyllanthus emblica (Amla), Madhuca longifolia (Mohwa).

Vanishing traditions – For e.g. Indigo has been one of the most popular dyes from ancient and medieval times until today. Several species of Indigofera yield a blue colouring matter. Natural indigo was an important dyestuff exported from India until the end of the last century. Its importance has declined with the advent of the synthetic bye product. In 1905 Adolf van Bayer (the scientist for whom Bayer aspirin was named) was awarded the Nobel prize for discovering the molecular structure of indigo and developing a process to produce it synthetically. For the purpose of indigo manufacture, the Indigofera tincotria is mainly used. Indigofera sumatrana, is grown in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Indigo is eco-friendly and generates employment but the tradition of production of Indigo has vanished. Selected examples of Plant resources for sustainable livelihoods for forest dependant communities in Eastern Ghats are covered in this lecture

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CONSERVATION OF PLANT RESOURCES OF EASTERN GHATS OF INDIA

A HOLISTIC APPROACH

Dr. B. Ravi Prasad Rao

Professor of Botany

Biodiversity Conservation Division

Department of Botany, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapuram, Andhra Pradesh

Corresponding author e-mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The Eastern Ghats a s ignificant eco-region of India represent an assemblage of discontinuous ranges, hill plateaus, narrow basins and gorges, run in fragmentary spurs down the east side of Peninsular India. The Ghats comprises an area of about 1.0 lakh Km2 (approx. 77o 22’ to 85o 20’ EL and 9o 95’ to 20o 74’ NL), and pass through the states of Orissa (encompassing 14 di stricts); Andhra Pradesh (all 13 districts); Telangana (3 districts); Tamilnadu (11 districts) and Karnataka (4 districts). The eco-region is cut through by five major rivers of Peninsular India: Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, Pennar and Kaveri and with diversified forest types i.e., evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous, dry deciduous, dry evergreen, scrub and savannah. One biosphere reserve- Seshachalam, 19 w ildlife sanctuaries (8 each in Andhra Pradesh-Telangana and Orissa and remaining 3 in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka) and two national parks are part of the eco-region. Over an estimated +4000 species of vascular plants with varied economic importance are currently known to encounter in the eco-region. Despite the ecological and economic importance of the forests of the Eastern Ghats, it has been subjected to unprecedented biotic interference leading to alarming loss of plant resources.

Our team started working in Eastern Ghats since 1995. Through 10 research projects funded by national agencies we could explore and document the plant resources of Eastern

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Ghats eco-region over the past 20 years and continuing till date. We made a first ever systematic exercise on quantification and mapping of plant resources of Eastern Ghats during 2006-2009 with the support of Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India; this project is coordinated by Sri Krishnadevaraya University and six research groups: RPRC, Bhubaneswar; MSSRF, Jeypore; Andhra University, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Pondicherry University and ATREE, Bangalore collectively explored 2640 grids of 6.25 km2 size and recorded 2331 vascular plant taxa (2273 species) belonging to 194 families comprising 567 tree taxa; 271 shrubs; 1145 herbs; 323 climbers (vines and liana) and 25 others (epiphytes, parasites etc.). We reported 135 new distributional records at different levels (Country to State level). Further 871 plant taxa of varied economic importance (comprising 486 medicinal plants). We preserved 8930 herbarium specimens (over 5000 harboured in SKU) and carpological collection of 250 species. A photographic database of vegetation, forest products, and individual taxa (2000 species) has been developed. Apart from relocating 28 threatened taxa which are on BSI red lists, we recommended 74 taxa to include in the red lists. Ex-situ conservation of significant plant species has been done through maintenance in RPRC, MSSRF, SKU and Andhra University.

Our team on the other in the context of climate change scenario attempted to document the impact of fires and studied carbon stocks of selected forests in Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh. Currently with support of DBT with RPRC and OUAT, Bhubaneswar we are assessing and studying genetic diversity of selected threatened taxa and attempting for ex situ conservation of the same.

For purpose of this conference, I would like to highlight 20 years of our work in Eastern Ghats, Challenges and future strategies for conserving plant resources in Eastern Ghats.

th 54 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

OVERVIEW AND CONSERVATION INITIATIVES OF CENTRAL EASTERN GHATS

Dr. K. Thulsi Rao, Dy. Conservator of Forests (Rtd.), State Project Coordinator, UNDP-GEF-GoI-GoAP Project

ABSTRACT: Eastern Ghats, popularly known as ‘Malyadris’- discontinued hill ranges along the East Coast of India, spreads across the states of Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and parts of Karnataka with varied physico-climatic conditions giving rise varieties of Ecosystems that wraps a total area of around 75,000 sq.km. There is diversity in vegetation that includes the tropical moist deciduous type, tropical dry deciduous type, mixed dry deciduous forests, dry savannah forests, thorny scrub, tropical semi-evergreen and tropical evergreen. These Ghats are mainly distributed as Northern, Central and Southern Eastern Ghats. The central Eastern Ghats comprise of 2 parallel ranges, namely the lower Velikonda Range in the east, and the higher Palikonda-Lankamalla-Nallamalla Ranges in the west. Eastern Ghats are endowed with rich flora and fauna. These Ghats contributes significantly to both species richness and endemicity of the Indian region. The Eastern Ghats have some ‘ecological islands’ that harbour endemic plants.

The biotic pressure on these ecosystems is quite pronounced and felt in these ecosystems, calling for conservation agenda which captures this diversity. Malyadris are now under severe environmental stress and many of the natural resources therein are not being managed on sound ecological principles to ensure sustainable yields. The forest cover in the Ghats is diminishing at a much faster rate than the replenishment, so also are there other changes that are affecting the social and economic milieu of the region. The issue of conserving and protecting the Eastern Ghats is all the more important in today’s context.

Keywords: Eastern Ghats, Ecosystem, Flora & Fauna, Threats, Conservation

th 55 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Eastern Ghats: Ecology, Governance and Development1 Dr. D. Narsimha Reddy Environmental and Public Policy Expert, Hyderabad, Telangana, India [email protected], 9010205742

Eastern Ghats is seen more as an abstract concept, except in geographical sense, in administrative, ecological and economic systems. Most often people expect a geographical explanation of ‘eastern ghats’, where it starts and ends, and how much is the area. This definition itself needs to be firmed up, t hrough diligent research and painstaking field work. With State boundaries, which are further divided into administrative divisions, conjuring up a geographical boundary for Eastern Ghats might not be easy. With numerous streams and rivers, originating in this vast expanse called Eastern Ghats, and running through this vast expanse after originating upstream, natural ecosystems, human settlements and their cultures built around food, water and shelter, require years of study and documentation.

Different kinds of adivasis have been living across Eastern Ghats in harmony with nature. However, last fifty years of socio-economic transformation, dictated by a centralized, democratic governance system that allows for least participation of adivasis has been wreaking havoc with the Eastern Ghats eco-system. There are myriad factors and reasons, cascading one from the other, intertwining with each other and perpetuating over a time, that have reduced the role of ecology and adivasis communities in monitoring, maintaining and sustaining natural resources. Notwithstanding rules, Acts and Statutes, under Indian Constitution, destruction and decimation of Easter Ghats ecosystems began some 40 years ago and continue.

Active destruction of hills and hillocks, for mining, road construction and timber harvesting, is also coupled with passive destruction caused by changes in agriculture, agro-ecological systems, water management, soil management and other natural resource usage pattern. Chemicalisation of agriculture, through massive usage of chemical

th 56 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

fertilizers, highly toxic pesticides, fossil fuel burning and changes in crops and other ‘modern’ methods of cultivation, has been playing a passive, yet massive, role in impacting ecology and environment of Eastern Ghats. Mining, industrialization, urbanization and concretization are also impacting on ecology and environment. In addition to the past and ongoing developmental activities, recent additions include thermal power plants, capital project at Amaravati, Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor and petro-chemical corridor in Andhra Pradesh State.

Reversing this destruction requires a reversal in the role of communities and people in governance and institutional structures. Paradigm shift is required. Eastern Ghats cannot remain as a abstract concept. Eastern Ghats has to be transformed into a ecological, social, political and economic concept. People need to become more aware, capacitated, educated and empowered. Pollution needs to be avoided. Natural resource cycles have to be restored. Ecology and biodiversity have to be promoted. Mining has to be stopped. Panchayats and adivasi settlements require primary role in decisions and decision-making. Farmers need to be independent and sovereign in taking decisions and accessing only natural inputs. Handloom weaving adds to ecology, economy and employment, without impacting negatively. This is one of the existing and long-standing professions in Eastern Ghats. Similar such professions have to be identified. Traditional science and technologies have to be resurrected. Commoditization and privatization of natural resources has to be discouraged.

th 57 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Protected areas and community based conservation Rajmohana K Zoological Survey of India Calicut, Kerala-673006 [email protected]

Biodiversity is considered as a nation’s living capital and is vital to sustaining life on earth. A developing country like India has to go through severe economic, agricultural, industrial, technological and democratic transformations, at the same time conserve its biological wealth. T he two global governance models for biodiversity conservation include protected areas and community based conservation. Ecological and environmental threats persistent in the Western Ghats, which is a hotspot of biological wealth, are discussed, along with the recent recommendations to curb them. In addition, a few thoughtful conservation episodes from diverse areas like ecorestoration, night closures and alternative roads in protected areas, networking protected areas, species recovery, and canopy bridges for small arboreals, eco-development committees, and community conservation areas- are provided. With strong socio-economic as well as political dimensions, the recommendations and episodes mentioned here are applicable to other landscapes too, like Eastern Ghats.

th 58 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

th 59 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

th 60 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Diversity and distribution patterns of mammals in Papikonda National Park, northern Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh

Vikram Aditya*, T. Ganesh,

Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Royal Enclave, Sriramapura, Jakkur post, Bangalore, Karnataka 560064. *Corresponding author email ID: [email protected]

The Eastern Ghats is a biodiversity rich area that is experiencing rapid landscape changes. The region is poorly explored in terms of biodiversity and there is very limited information on mammal diversity of the region. In this study, we examined the presence, distribution and diversity patterns of terrestrial, non-volant mammals in Papikonda NP and its buffer area in the northern Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh using camera traps. We stratified the region based on elevation zones and habitat types. Three elevation zones of 200 m intervals from 0 to 600 m were identified and were gridded into 2x2 km2 cells. We performed stratified random sampling for cell selection and installed 5 camera traps in each cell. A total of 271 locations in 58 cells were selected across the three zones. We sampled each cell for 3 days and collected data on 17 habitat charecteristics and disturbance indicators in 10 x 10 m 2 plots laid around the camera traps. Sampling was done from September 2014 t o April 2015. We recorded a t otal of 336 captures of 25 mammal species in our camera traps during the study period. Species captured included Tiger, Sambar, Gaur and Four horned antelope. Highest species richness (15) was observed in low and mid elevation zones, whereas the highest number of mean captures (1.73) was observed in the high elevation zone. The mid-elevation forests had the highest Shannon Weiner H (2.4555) and Simpson D (0.8992) diversity. Forests experiencing moderate level of human activity supported high mammal diversity. This includes the low elevation dry deciduous forests with high species richness, which is also experiencing rapid conversion along roads and the Godavari River, resulting in increased habitat loss. This suggests that rapid forest conversion occurring in low elevation forests is affecting the mammal diversity in Papikonda NP and its buffers.

Keywords: Mammal diversity, camera traps, Eastern Ghats

th 61 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Eastern Ghats and Associated Ecosystems

C. Bhargavi Rayal

B.COM (IIYEAR), ST.PATRICKS DEGREE COLLEGE, HYDERABAD

MAIL ID: [email protected]

EASTERN GHATS also known as MAHENDRA PARVATHAM are a discontinuous range of mountains. They run from west Bengal state in north to some parts of Karnataka. T hey are eroded and cut through four major rivers Krishna, Godavari, Mahanadi, Kaveri and also Tungabhadra. About 20 s mall rivers originate from Eastern Ghats. These mountains are made up of charnockits and lime stone ; bauxite a nd i ron ore a re also f ound . Eastern Ghats have hill stations, Hindu pilgrimage sites and also home for Buddhist culture . It is also habitat for many tribes. Around 62 sects of tribes l ive in Eastern Ghats near Orissa c omprising of 24% population of the state .

There are many TREATS to Eastern Ghats like global warming, deforestation , hydro power projects , bauxite mining and road widening .

ECO SYSTEM of Eastern Ghats is very rich. The FLORA consists , The southern tropical thorn scrub type forests consists low vegetation by thorny trees . Typical grasses include Chrysopogon fulvus, H eteropoger, C ontortus, a nd several ot hers habitat types . Apart from these the commercial trees like red sandal wood is found near seshachalam and rare endemic tree species that is harvested for medicinal value of its wood. The hill ranges are also home for coffee plantation .

The FAUNA of Eastern Ghats comprises mammals and birds like wild Asian elephant , black buck , g olden Jackal , w ild boar and great Indian bustard , Indian spotted eagle, vulture and rare butterflies , amphibians , r eptiles also forms part .It also consists many sanctuaries and national parks for protection of species.

Loss of Ghats cause not only loss of species and degrade Biodiversity but will also affect Rainfall patterns , River flows, Country water supply and Climate of the country . As we all cannot change past, let us join hands to change future . Its upon us to make what is right to do for saving OUR MOTHER NATURE .

Key Words :Eastern Ghats – Rivers , R ocks , ha bitat ; T reats t o Eastern Ghats, ECOSYSTEMS - Flora and Fauna , How Eastern Ghats help the country

th 62 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Tree Diversity of Kolli Hills, Southern Eastern Ghats Of Tamil Nadu

K. Devanathan & D. Narasimhan Email: [email protected]

Tropical forests are well known for its rich species diversity. Trees are the major component of the tropical forest and key indicator of the vegetation. Present study aims to explore the tree diversity of Kolli Hills (KH). KH occupy a total area of 441.5 km2 and an undulated chain of hills that lie between East 78o 17′ 05″ to 78o 27′ 45″ and North 11o 55′ 05″ to 11o 21′ 10″. A total of 282 tree species (about 26 % of the total flora) have been listed from the study area of which 187 tree species were documented in our own study and rest of the 95 species included from the published literatures (Matthew, 1988; Pullaiah & Sri Ramamurthy, 2001; Pullaiah & Muralidhara Rao, 2002; Pullaiah et al., 2007; Pullaiah et al., 2011). T rees of KH belong to 68 f amilies and comprise of 186 genera. Species rich families are Fabaceae (29), Euphorbiaceae (19), Rubiaceae (19), Malvaceae (16), Rutaceae (14) Moraceae (14) and rest of the families with single digit species. Ficus tops the list on s pecies rich genera with 12 s pecies next to Grewia, 8 species, Terminalia 6 species, 48 genera with 2 to 5 species and 135 genera with single represent. A total of 78 species are endemics, of these Memecylon kollimalaiyanum and M. bremeri are strictly endemic to the study area, Nothopegia heyneana is endemic to study area and Dharakonda hills of Andhra Pradesh, 8 species are pan Indian endemics, 25 species are endemic to Peninsular India, 12 species endemic to India & Sri Lanka and 30 species are endemic to Peninsular India & Sri Lanka. A total of 42 tree species recorded from the study area are listed under different IUCN red list categories. Of which 5 species are Endangered, 12 species are Vulnerable, 21 species are Lower Risk (Lc/nt) and 4 s pecies categorized under Data Deficient. According to the check list by EXIM Bank of India and FRLHT data base for Demand supply and traded medicinal plants of India, KH comprises 106 tree species have a trade value, of which 30 species are highly traded and 76 species are traded medicinal plants. Existing ethno botanical studies shows that the local community to cure various diseases uses 69 t ree species as an ethno medicine. The rich species diversity of KH and bio-resources needs attention to conserve the resource. Key Word: Memecylon kollimalaiyanum, M. bremeri, strict endemic, Panindian endemics, IUCN, Traded Medicinal plants

th 63 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

A baseline study on stream fishes of Papikonda National Park in the potential submergence zone of a large dam

Paromita Ray, J. A. Johnson and K. Sivakumar, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. Email: [email protected]

Research Question: Polavaram Project also known, as Indira Sagar Multipurpose Project is a large dam, which is currently being constructed across Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh. Like other large dams across the world, it is expected to bring profound changes in the aquatic biota leading to proliferation of generalist species and decline in native species highly adapted to the unique flow regime of the river. The issue could be compounded by a complete lack of baseline information on t he stream fishes of Papikonda National Park, a huge part of which will be submerged due to the dam’s reservoir. The main objective of this short study, therefore, is to fill this knowledge gap by assessing the status of stream fishes in the potential submergence zone of Polavaram Project in Papikonda National Park.

Methods: Nine streams inside Papikonda National Park falling under the potential submergence zone of the project were sampled from January 2013 to March 2013. Depending on t he length, two to three 100-m stretches of each stream were surveyed using monofilament cast nets and dragnets of varying mesh sizes.

Results and Discussion: Around 29 species including 4 threatened and 1 exotic species were recorded during the study. Our study not only helped in creating a baseline data which would be useful in monitoring future impacts of the upcoming dam but it also resulted in some interesting findings such as first record of a threatened carp Hypselobarbus curmuca from Eastern Ghats, previously known to be endemic to Western Ghats. Unlike the latter, studies on ichthyofauna of Eastern Ghats are very few and we might lose important species to the pressures of economic development only due to lack of basic information.

Key words: Eastern Ghats, Godavari River, Ichthyofauna, Large Dams.

th 64 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Practice of Podu cultivation in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh

N. Vijaya Kumari

VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering &Technology, Hyderabad – 500 090. [email protected]

Shifting cultivation is a traditional form of agriculture practiced mostly by tribals in the hilly tracts of the region. This type of agricultural system is also termed as ‘Slash and burn’ referring to the means of destroying the forestlands. It is also known as ‘Rotational bush fallow agriculture’ as the system functions in a cyclic manner before the area is finally abandoned.

India is the only country where shifting cultivation is confined to hill areas in the Northeast, Southern Orissa and tribal belts of Andhra Pradesh and is commonly known by the local vernacular names.

In Andhra Pradesh shifting cultivation is extensively practiced in the districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Khammam and East and West Godavari and sparsely in Adilabad district. Shifting cultivation is known as ‘Podu’ in the coastal areas and ‘Vegad’ in kolami dialect and ‘Padaka’ in Gondi dialect of Adilabad district. Shifting cultivation done on hill slopes is called ‘Konda Podu’ and ‘Chalka Podu’ on flat lands.

The present project was undertaken to estimate the areal extent of shifting cultivation in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh. The study area namely Srikakulam district is part of Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh. The district is divided into two natural regions namely the hilly region called the agency area in the northwestern parts of the district and the plains. The hilly region occupies about 1/3rd of the total area of the district and is mostly under ‘Podu’ cultivation. In the present study the total area under podu cultivation was mapped and estimated by using remote sensing techniques.

th 65 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Diversity And Distribution Of Butterfly (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) Along Different Habitats Of Koraput District, Odisha In Eastern Ghats Of India

Anirban Mahata*, Sharat Kumar Palita, Sudheer Kumar Jena and Bibhu Prasad

Panda1

Department of Biodiversity and Conservation of Natural Resources, Central University of Orissa, Koraput-764021, Odisha, India 1Environment Science, ITER, Sikha O Anusandhan University, Jagmohan Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India * Corresponding Author- [email protected]

Butterfly diversity and distribution along different habitats and altitudinal gradients were studied from March 2015 to March 2016 in Koraput district of Southern Odisha in Eastern Ghats of India. The study was based on random surveys carried out in different habitats such as moist deciduous, dry deciduous and exotic Coffee (Coffea spp.) plantation along with altitudinal variation ranging from 470m to 1368m MSL. A total 110 species were recorded represented under 5 Families and 80 Genera. Family Nymphalidae represented highest number of species (36 species), followed by Lycaenidae (32), Hesperiidae (21), Pieridae (11) and Papilionidea (10). Among the habitats, maximum of 69 species were recorded from Gupteswar, followed by 68 species from Deomali and 47 species from Coffee plantations at Koraput. Among the recorded butterflies, while 20 species are common among three habitats, 37 species are common between Gupteswar and Deomali, 30 species are common between Deomali and Coffee plantation, 29 species are common between Gupteswar and Coffee plantation. Out of total 110 s pecies of butterflies recorded, 14 species are placed under Indian Wildlife Protection Act, four species are under Schedule-I (Lethee europa, Chilasa clytia, Castalius rosimon and Deudorix isocrates), six species under Schedule-II and four species under Schedule-IV category. The present study focuses on the diversity and distribution of butterfly fauna along different biotopes and analyses impact of habitat destruction for making better management strategies for conservation of this unique fauna along with its ecosystem.

Keywords: Eastern Ghats, Koraput, Butterfly, Deomali, Gupteswar, Coffee Plantation

th 66 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Preliminary Assessment Of Odonate Diversity Of Koraput District, Southern Odisha, Eastern Ghats, India

Sudheer Kumar Jena* and Sharat Kumar Palita

Department of Biodiversity and Conservation of Natural Resources, Central University of Orissa, Landiguda, Koraput, Odisha- 764020. * Corresponding Author - [email protected]

A survey was carried out to document the Odonate diversity in 11 sites of Koraput district along Eastern Ghats, Southern Odisha, India from September 2014 to August 2015 along four habitat types, such as hill streams, rivers, ponds and reservoirs. From the study, 67 species from 46 genera under 10 families were recorded. Family Libellulidae was the most dominating group representing 32 species of the recorded diversity. Gupteswar possess maximum no of species diversity (58.20%) where as urban sites such as Jeypore and Koraput possess less no of species diversity (10.44%). In all, maximum numbers of species (89.55%) were recorded along hill streams followed by river (28.35%), pond (25.37%) and reservoir (13.43%). The present study shows that the odonate species diversity decreases in the habitats with maximum human interference, which is a major thereat for not only odonates but also other species. Further study is required to reveal the ecological impact to develop better management strategies for conservation purposes.

th 67 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Role of Amphibians in ecosystem management: Implication and conservation strategy

Jasmin Rout1, Susmita Mahapatra1 and Gunanidhi Sahoo2

1P.G. Department of Zoology, North Orissa University, Baripada, Odisha- 757 003 2P.G. Department of Zoology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha-751004 Email: [email protected]

Conservation refers to all human activities including proper evaluation, nursing, rehabilitation, strategies, plans, policies and actions undertaken to maintain the diversity of species. Globally the amphibians are more threatened as compared to other groups of animals with approximately 48% of the more than 7,000 amphibian species on the planet threatened with extinction due to both manmade and natural factors and are driving species most quickly to extinction. In addition to climate change, habitat degradation and conversion, diseases, along with fertilizer and pesticide stressors, over harvesting by humans may play a major role in the decline of amphibian populations. Many amphibian species of the Eastern Ghats bio-hub are in the danger of extinction and strongly need to be saved. G iven the current situation of catastrophic declines, extirpations and extinctions, we feel a sense of urgency regarding our understanding on the ecology and importance of amphibians in order to conserve these species. Amphibians are exploited as food source for some human societies, especially in Southeast Asia. They also serve as important prey for many vertebrates. They make popular pets because many species are relatively easy to care for and maintain. They are exploited as model organisms in ecological, embryological, physiological and genetic research and also it minimizes the spread of disease including malaria. They are also used in traditional medicines and provide potential starting points for developing new drugs from skin secretions. As one of the major groups of vertebrates, amphibians find a place in the culture and awareness of many human societies through mythology, literature and art. They also have the ability to invertebrate pest control. They also have the potential to affect pollination and seed dispersal. Being a secondary consumer in food chain, they play an important role in ecosystem through altered nutrient dynamics, bioturbation, and th 68 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

their effects on t he food web. T hey also control primary production in aquatic ecosystems through direct consumption and nutrient cycling. Amphibians are used as a barometer of overall biodiversity in an aquatic ecosystem. This property of amphibians is used to identify habitat fragmentation, ecosystem pressure, harmful effects of pesticides and different anthropogenic events.

One of the major problems that contribute to the declining of amphibian populations is the lack of public awareness to understand the importance of amphibians in ecosystem management. So, we must promote amphibian species awareness among each other through posters or by educating them. There is a strong need for amphibian conservation. Apart from creating awareness on protection and conservation of these unique group of animals at all level, it is imperative to locate, demarcate and catalogue their distribution centres and they should also be carefully managed in order to prevent their degradation.

Key words: Amphibians, ecosystem management, conservation

th 69 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Ecology, Distribution and Management of Invasive Alien Flora of Mayurbhanj, Odisha.

S S Dash & A K Biswal

PG Dept. of Botany, North Orissa University, Takatpur, Baripada, Mayurbhanj, Odisha. Email. anilkbiswal @yahoo.com

Mayurbhanj is the largest district of Odisha. The famous Similipal hill ranges cover about 43% of the geographical area of the district, a grand repository of rich biodiversity. As biological invasion becomes the second serious threat to the biodiversity, present study is aimed at identifying the invasive alien flora of the district, their origin, habitat, impact upon the environment and challenges of their management. According to the survey, total 172 invasive alien plant species (IAPS) belonging to 124 genera under 45 families have been recorded in the district of Mayurbhanj. The dominant family is Asteraceae having 30 s pecies, followed by Amaranthaceae (8), Ceasalpiniaceae (8), Cyperaceae (8), Euphorbiaceae (8), Fabaceae (8), Convolvulaceae (7), Solanaceae (7), Poaceae (6), Polygonaceae (5), Scrophulariaceae (5) & others. The invasive species are mostly dominated by herbs which include 145 s pecies. The shrubs and climbers are represented by 11 taxa each, wheras the tree elements are few i.e.5 nos. From the background information, the origin of different IAPS are found to be Tropical America(100), Tropical Africa(19), South America (16), Europe(11), A sia (8), Australia(7), Mediterranean(4), North America(3), West indies (3), Brazil (2), Mexico(1), Peru(1), Afghanistan (1).

The Invasive Alien Plant Species change the structure and composition of the ecosystem by suppressing the native flora either by outcompeting with later for resources or indirectly by changing the nutrient cycle. Most of the IAPS are noxious which a ffect major economic sectors like agriculture , f orestry, fisheries and some of them cause serious h ealth problems. Thus management of IAPS is necessary by eradicating them for higher goals like conservation of biological diversity, protection of human health and prevention of economic loss.

Key Words: Invasive, Mayurbhanj , Management , Dominant, Biodiversity .

th 70 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Impacts of climate change on bio-diversity

*P.Ramesh Babu & ** Biswanath Ganguly

Ph.D Research scholars

*Centre for Rural Development, **Department of Agronomy Annamalai University- 608002, Tamilnadu. [email protected]@gmail.com

The problem of climate changes has arisen due to modernization in the society (Industrialization and urbanization). Deforestation is a great example of climate change. Various greenhouse gases, which are release due to the climate, change (carbon di oxide, methane, Nitrous Oxide and Chlorofluorocarbons). Day by day temperature has drastically being increased, which effect on bi odiversity of the planet become endangered. Burning of fossil fuel environment has pollute, ozone layer is being depleted and become major problem for survive human, animal, bird, macro fauna and micro fauna. Temperature of planet is rising everyday 0.2% and slowly melting ice with them itself. Losing survival environment for which we are grown up-land, water and vegetation become shrink it is the major role player for survival, due to overexploitation of natural resources directly effect’s to the living and Non- living activities. With growing population and economic condition maintain demand of the needs or meet the demand. Anyhow sustainable livelihood become a threaten. There is other way to protect climate change with various practices- Afforestation, use of Organic Inputs, Changing Cropping Pattern, Construct Water Pond and Dams etc. Animal Farming (Goat Rearing, Sheep Rearing and Dairy Farming). These not only protect environment and ecological balance will generate income opportunities for surrounding people, with high returns and changes in socio-economic status of individual. Through these will save our rural society which mostly depend on the agricultural different activities.

Keywords: Climate Change, Gases, Protection, Socio- Economic Status.

th 71 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Restoration Ecology Of Plant Biomass In Horsely Hills, Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh, India

Mitta Mahindra Nat*and K. Machala Chatty Department of Botany, SVUCS, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, A.P. Email: [email protected]

Restoration ecology is the scientific study of repairing disturbed ecosystems through human intervention. A Treasure trove of phytodiversity with fresh air, cool habitat, and scenic beauty has been hiding in Horsley Hills of Andhra Pradesh, Eastern Ghats, India. Studies have done on ecological and seasonal variations of the plant taxa in relation to plant and plant community growth and diversity indices for diversity assessment and floristic exploration during 2013 -2015 in different seasons at various specific geographic locations and altitude of Horsley Hills (4,322ft). IUCN status, phytosociology, ecological influence and assessment of vegetation has been reported to understand the high priority of conservation of habitats. Identification of plant taxa has been done according to Local Floras, NCBI taxonomy and Plant List search engines. GPS and the waypoints were analyzed with Google Earth. Our investigation and exploration revealed that most species occurred in both the plains and hill terrains; they differed in proportion, with smaller-bodied species dominant (homogenous) on the plain and larger ones more common on the hills. The hill sites also had a biomass more than three times that of the plains. Graphical and satellite imaging, Species Accumulation Statistics and Landscape Pattern Analysis revealed that Fragmentation, Patchiness, Porosity, Interspersion, Juxtraposition played an important role on phytoecology of Horsely hills. We recommend that Revegetation, Habitat enhancement, Remediation, Mitigation, In- vitro and In-vivo conservation of ecomarker and Bioindicator plant species should be followed for Ecological restoration in Horsely Hills.

th 72 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Invasive Alien Weeds of Gundlabrahmeshwaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Nallamalas, Andhra Pradesh Omkar Kanneboyena Plant Systematics Laboratory, Department of Botany, PSC & KVSC Govt. Degree College, Nandyal-518 502, A.P.

Gundlbrameshwaram wildlife sanctuary (GBM) situated in the Nallamalais, is an off shoot of Southern Eastern Ghats and it is a paradise for the rich and variegated life forms. This Sprawling over an area of 1,194 Km2, supported by the tropical moist and dry deciduous forests and with a domain of rich habitat for many endangered flora and its associated fauna and supports the needs and sustenance of local people in the fringes especially the tribal communities Chenchus. Presently invaded with alien weeds and compete with the existing natural growth, the preliminary observations made in this are reveals Partheniumhy sterophorus (Asteraceae), Hyptissuaveolens (Lamiaceae), Waltheriaindica (Sterculiaceae), Senna sp. (C.tora) (Caesalpiniaceae), Passiflora foetida (Passifloraceae), Ageratum conyzoides (Asteraceae)these may cause considerable ecological damage in and around the sanctuary and great probability to expanding throughout And the CBD also said that “biological invasion of alien species as the second worstthreat after habitat destruction”. Hence it is urgent need to take research in the level of damage to the forest ecosystems and native biological wealth from invasive alien species.

th 73 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Conservation and Sustainable utilization of Medicinal plants in the smart city Bhubaneswar- A case study in Khordha district

Dr. Sanjeeb kumar Das Department of botany (DESM), Regional Institute of Education (NCERT), Bhubaneswar -751022 E mail: [email protected]/[email protected]

Khordha district in the state of odisha is endowed with a large number of medicinal plants as well as other socio-economic importance. For the floristic studies conducted by earlier taxonomist in the past, it is evident that district along with the other district of odisha was much rich with floristic elements in the remote past. However in course of time, flora of the city has been subjected to severe biotic pressure. As a result of which, flora of the city including medicinal plants is under tremendous stress in different regions. Khordha district is also much rich with traditional knowledge. People of the different ethnic groups of this district are utilizing various plants and plants products for treatment of various diseases. During present investigation, intensive floristic studies have been conducted in different areas of the district to document the traditional knowledge and to assess the distributional pattern and present status of medicinal plants as well as plants of socio-economic importance. About 500 medicinal plants have been collected and preserved in the Department of Botany , Regional Institute of Education(

NCERT) Bhubaneswar in the form of Herbarium specimen from 67 w ards of

Bhubaneswar. From the present studies it is evident that future studies will be much useful for documenting the rich traditional knowledge of the city. It will be also be much useful to assess the present status of medicinal plants and their conservation for sustainable utilization in this region.

Keywords: Conservation, sustainable utilization, Medicinal plants, ethnic groups

th 74 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Soil Quality Variation And Population Diversity Of Some Dominant Below Ground Fauna Of Five Selected Land Use Zones In Three Forest Divisions Of Chandaka- Dampara Wild Life Sanctuary

Pratik Acharya* and C.S.K.Mishra Department of Zoology Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology College of Basic Science and Humanities Bhubaneswar-751003 *Corresponding author: [email protected]

Invertebrates in general are regarded as potentially powerful monitoring tools in environmental management. They are relatively easy to sample, respond to a range of environmental stresses and may act as surrogate measures for nutrient cycling, changes in soil structural qualities and the overall connectivity of the soil food web. An obvious reason for examining below ground fauna as bio indicators relates to soil sustainability in forest ecosystems. Soil fauna, notably micro and macro arthropods along with nematodes and earthworms play significant role in the decomposition of litter, maintenance of soil structure, aeration and sustenance of soil nutrient pool in forest ecosystems. Soil quality too influences the diversity of below and above ground flora and fauna. Chandaka-Dampara wildlife sanctuary represents the North Eastern limits of the Eastern Ghats. Presently it covers 193.39 sq. kms and provides a habitat to a variety of plant and animal species including the Asian elephants. An investigation was undertaken to study the qualitative differences in the soil composition and chemical properties along with dominant soil micro and meso fauna over the dry and wet seasons of 2014-15 in the sanctuary.The study included three forest divisions namely Bharatpur, Godibari and Deras with five land use zones such as dense forest, less dense forest, bamboo plantations, grass land and wet land. Results indicated that the forest soil is of sandy loam type with a mean temperature range of 2 6.6-34.0 degrees celcius, moisture 12-44.5%,pH 6.16-7.2,conductivity 2.41-5.06 µS/ppm, organic carbon 0.067-0.318%,nitrogen 0.001-0.004%, phosphorous 0.0002-0.0007%, potassium 0.001-0.01%. Soil respiration ranged from 1.7-3.41 mol CO2 /cm²/sec. Major soil arthropods isolated from the forest soil are arachnids, coleopterans, diptearns, hemipterans, isopterans, hymenopterans, orthopterans, mites and collembolan. The highest population of soil arthropods were found in w etland followed by, dense forest and bamboo plantations irrespective of sampling divisions. In wet season bamboo plantations indicated the highest faunal population followed by wet land and dense forest zones. Less dense forest and grass land exhibited relatively lower soil arthropod populations over the seasons. Three species of earthworms namely Lampitto mauritii, Drawida wilsi and Glyphidrillus tuberosus were sampled during wet season only. The study was part of the research project funded by Odisha Biodiversity Board, Department of Environment and Forests, Government of Odisha.

th 75 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Medicinal Plants used for cardiovascular diseases-A case study in RIE Campus

Dr. Sanjeeb Kumar Das 1, Dharitree Samal 2 1, 2 Department of Botany, R.I.E (NCERT), Bhubaneswar- 751022 E-Mail: [email protected]

Use of plants as medicine is an old and traditional practice in India as well as in world. Since from prehistoric time knowledge of medicine for disease appeared in Rig Veda (4500-1600 B.C) and Atharva Veda (1500 B.C).India having more than 40 million people irrespective of urban and rural areas the use of plant based medicines seems to be playing a key role in rural areas of India a significant fraction of population directly or indirectly rely on pl ant based products for curing number of diseases. Cardiovascular diseases constitute one of the major causes of disability and death all over the world. Increase mechanization and westernization of life style and genetic factors; have contributed to its rise in the developing world as well. It is estimated that by 2030, over 23 million people will die from cardiovascular diseases annually. The Regional Institute of Education (RIE), Bhubaneswar is endowed with a large number of medicinal plants spread over about 100 acres of land. The RIE campus has housed a good number of plants having medicinal values. Some of the plants present in RIE campus are found to be used for curing cardiovascular diseases. Here in, we have documented some medicinal properties based on previous literature and current Research. The main objective of this documentation is to draw attention of people towards the medicinal plant present in their vicinity and their use in curing cardiovascular diseases. Some major wild medicinal plants present in RIE campus are, Eagle marvelous(Linn.)Corr., Alliums sativa, Antirrhinum magus, Terminalia chebula,Terminalia alata , Strychnos nux-vomica(Linn.), Dioscerea alata (Linn.), Melia azedarach (Linn), Ocimum sanctum (Linn.),Azadirachta indica, Digitalis purpurea, Rauwolfia serpentina, Zingiber officinale Roscoe,Curcuma longa (Linn.), Allium cepa (Linn.)

Keywords: Medicinal Plants, Cardiovascular diseases, Ethnobotany

th 76 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

th 77 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Floristic Study of Scattered Eastern Ghats in Vijayawada

Srinivasa Reddy CH and Ammani K Department of Botany and Microbiology, Acharya Nagarjuna Univeristy, Guntur Contact mail id: [email protected]

Vijayawada, one among the biggest states in newly formed Andhra Pradesh falls under the ‘Hot and Humid’ zone of India and experiences hot summers and moderate winters.. The Krishna River on t he east and the west and the Budameru River on t he north surround the city. The topography is more or less flat; with a few small and medium-sized hills working as lung spaces. The northern, northwestern, and southwestern parts of the city are covered by a low range of hills, Ganginenipalem hill (ca 421m), Moghalrajpuram hill (ca 226m) and Indrakiladri (ca 212m), These hills of Vijayawada are actually a co ntinuation of eastern ghats. Also these hills have a low elevation when compared with the rest of the ghat. The forest though a deserted cover of vegetation, provides supporting ecology to Vijayawada as a “Green Lung”. The floristic frequency of these three hills was studied and compared with district flora. Floristic study revealed new records from the hills. To name a f ew Dolichanrone falcata of Bignoniaceae, Cyphostemma of Vitaceae and medicinal plants such as Anisochlius of Lamiaceae, Cyperaceae members like Mariscus and Pycreus . Results will be discussed at length.

Key Words: Floristic frequency –hills-scattered Eastern Ghats

th 78 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Ex situ conservation of threatened plants at Botanical Garden, Yogi Vemana

University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India.

A. Madhusudhana Reddy

Department of Botany, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa – 516 003 India

Email: [email protected]‬ ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Yogi Vemana University Botanical Garden established in 2007 i s being maintained by the department of Botany. It is one of the significant gardens in the state universities; extended ov1er 20 a cres is located within the University campus, 15 km away from Kadapa city on the Kadapa-Pulivendula Road. The objective of the garden was ex situ conservation of rare, endemic and threatened plants of the region and building public awareness on t he rich plant diversity through garden display and educational programmes for university/college/school students as well as the general public. At present the garden has a live collection of more than 6300 plants spread over 850 species; indigenous ‬and ‬‬exotic‬ plant ‬‬species ‬ ‬including ‬some ‬rare, ‬endemic ‬ ‬and ‬threatened species. Visualizing the threats to plant resources across the globe and in our own home yards, Seshachalam hills and Eastern Ghats, Yogi Vemana University has took a lead in establishing an ex situ conservatory for selected plant species. YVU Botanical garden has a network of green ‬houses and open lands for maintaining a diversity of plants. It was established primarily for teaching purposes. In a beautiful setting, the garden serves to provide a wide assortment of plant materials for college students. ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Key words: Conservation, Plants, Botanical garden, Eastern Ghats

th 79 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Floristic Diversity of Nallamala hills of Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. M. Sagar, M. B. Honor, G. R. S. Reddy Institute of Forest Biodiversity, Hyderabad (Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education) E-mail- [email protected]

The Nallamalai's forests extend from north to south towards eastern portion of India in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, along the banks of river Krishna. It lies between 15◦ 30’– 16◦30’N latitude and 78◦30’ – 80◦10’ longitude. It runs across the Kurnool, Mahabubnagar, Parkas, Algona, Guntur and some parts in Kadapa district. The study site (Nallamala forest) was surveyed during the year 2013-2014.Applying quadrate method or sampling plot method conducted photo-sociological study. Nested Quadrates with size of 1×1m was used for herbs and seedlings and 5x5m for shrubs and saplings, 31.62 × 31.62 m quadrates were laid for tree species at random in a systematic sampling design in study sites In each quadrate, data of number of individual plants, diameters small plants girths big plants were noted for analyzing the quantitative measures such as frequency, density and abundance. These parameters were evaluated for Trees, Shrubs, and Herbs in the study in order to assess floristic diversity.

Key words: Nallamala forest, Frequency, Density

th 80 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Medicinal Plant Resources Of Nagarjuna Sagar Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary (Rajiv Gandhi Wild Life Sanctuary), Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh, India 1S. K. M. Basha, 2M. John Paul, 2P. Siva Kumar Reddy N. B. K. R MEDICINAL PLANT RESEARCH CENTER, VIDYANAGAR, 2&3Research and Development Centre, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Emali:[email protected]

The Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary lies between Longitude: 78°30' to 79°28' East and Latitude: 15°53' to 16°43' North. Elevation varies from 100 m (330 ft) to 917 m (3,009 ft) above mean sea level. The area consists mostly of the Nallamala Hills but varies from plains to precipitous cliffs. More than 80 per cent of the area is gently rolling to hilly. High hills, deep valleys and gorges are characteristic features. The hill ranges contain number of plateau of which Amrabad, Srisailam, Peddacheruvu, Sivapuram, Nekkanti are note worthy. The present paper deals with 222 s pecies of 175 g enera belonging to 91 families. Out of 91 families 85 are of angiosperms, 5 are of Pteridophytes and one is the gymnosperm. The medicinal ferns of Pteridophytes of wild life sanctuary are Adiantum caudatum, Actinopteris radiate, Christella dentate, Hemionitis arifolia and Lygodium flexosum. Cycas beddomi is the only one gymnosperm. There are 60 (27.02%) herbs, 41 shrubs,(18.46%) 77 trees(34.68%), and 33(14.86%) climbers. 34.68% of medicinal plants constitute trees. Rubiaceae is the dominant family with 11 species. It is the dominant family in Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Wild life sanctuary, Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh. Fabaceae is in second place with 9 species. Caesalpinaceae, Euphorbiacee , Solanaceae families are third in place with 8 species each. Asclepediaceae, Asteraceae, Combretaceae, Meliaceae families are fourth in place with 5 species each. Families with 4 species are Apocynaceae, Boraginaceae, and Mimosaceae. C ucurbitaceae, Rhamnaceae, Menispermaceae, Verbanaceae, Orchidaceae and Vitaceae, Sapindaceae and are families with 3 species.2 species from Acanthaceae, Amaranthaceae, Aristalochiaeae, Dipterocarpaceae, Lamiaceae, Liliaceae, Loganiaceae, Malvaceae, Myrtaceae, O leaceae, Poaceae, Salvadoraceae, Sapindaceae, Sterculiaceae. T he remaining families are with only one species.30 Endangered (EN) and 22 Near Threatened plants (NT), 2 Rare species of the Wild Life Sanctuary. Wild life sanctuaries depict cultural, traditional, sociological, biological, economical values and are the chief method of in-situ conservation of biodiversity. Key Words: Nagarjunasagar Wildlife Sanctury– Deities – Tribes - Mediflora

th 81 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Conservation of biodiversity- the only mean to ensure human existence *Manu Prakash Pathak,** Dr. P. Murugesan * Ph. D Research scholar, Centre for Rural development, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram – 6080002, TN, Ph: +91 994 498 1907; Email Id: [email protected]. ** Assistant Professor, Centre for Rural development, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram – 6080002, TN, Ph. No: +91 948 918 4536, Email Id: [email protected]

It is a common saying, there is enough for every ones need but not for singles ones greed. Presently twenty first century due to advancement in science, witnessing the development in the entire field which is touching human life. But the race of scientific advancement and in the name of development running so fast in the path of destruction of own existence. Our very life air is in threat, our water and soil is in theat. The reason why till now environment is flourished and progressed was only due to its own nature of diversity, because there is a strong relationship between diversity, unity and prosperity. Monopoly is against nature’s law. In an one sq Inch of soil there are approx one million microbes resides, and each one has a role in conservation of soil similarly there are numerous species of life takes shelter in Eastern Ghats. In faming we are destroying soil diversity, crop diversity as a result our land is becoming dry and productivity is decreasing, which is resulting in scarcity of food. Similarly due to over exploitation of resources and irregular cutting of tree and increase in industries causing loss of our ecological biodiversity which in result reducing our basic necessity of life either by air polluting or by reducing the resources such as oil and drinking water. This paper is focused on discussion on importance of biodiversity in all walks of life, its true nature and real meaning and need of its conservation, which is the only mean to save the existence of human beings. Keywords: Bio-diversity, Conservation, Human existence.

th 82 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

A Need of Cycas L. (Cycadaceae) Conservation in the Eastern Ghats

M. Venkat Ramana Department of Botany, Nizam College, Osmania University, Hyderabad, 500001 email. [email protected], [email protected]

Gymnosperms confine exclusively to high latitudes/elevations with little of diversity in tropical regions. Their replacement with rapid spread of angiosperms was evidenced through fossil records and this has attracted the attention of naturalists, including Charles Darwin. They are regarded as marginal and threatened group for multiple reasons. Forty per cent of known gymnosperms (=398 of 1014 s pecies) are threatened and face the risk of disappearance due to habitat loss and over exploitation. This is in fact a great concern as many species are being described even today. Further, few of them are endemic and confine to very restricted regions. In addition, and with respect to geography entire Southeast Asian regions should be of primary importance for conservation action.

The genus Cycas L., is the single genus of the family Cycadaceae. It is also the sole living cycad group occurring in Asia and its supports a long-term presence and probable origin of this genus in the region. Cycas consists of about 100 s pecies, commonly understory shrubs in forest, growing in the plains or low elevations on hills and along sea coast. In India the genus is represented with 12 species these are: Cycas andamanica, Cycas annaikalensis, Cycas circinalis, Cycas beddomei, Cycas indica, Cycas nayagarhensis, Cycas nathorstii, Cycas pectinata, Cycas orixensis, Cycas swamyi, Cycas sphaerica, Cycas zeylanica. Out of them 05 species are distributed in the Eastern Ghats region and they are strictly narrow endemic to the regions. Populations of the species appear to have declined, sometimes dramatically, over the past century. The reasons may be the habitat loss and selective removal of plants from the wild for trade or utilization. The species, which are inside the protected areas somehow safe but the others outside the protected areas, requires more attention for the conservation. There is, however, a growing interest in habitat and species conservation within the Eastern Ghats and additional reserved areas are being evaluated and declared.

Key Words: Conservation, Cycas, Eastern Ghats, Gymnosperms

th 83 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Status and Conservation of Asian Elephant in Chandaka-Damapada Elephant Sanctuary

Prafulla Kumar Mohanty1and Bandana Khuntia2

P. G. Department of Zoology, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar- 751004 IHSE, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, Khandagiri, Bhubaneswar- 751003 Email id- [email protected] and [email protected]

Chandaka- Damapada sanctuary is situated 20 km from the center of temple city of Bhubaneswar. Chandaka forest got the status of sanctuary by the Government of Odisha in 1982. It was established to provide inviolate refuge for elephant with a view to minimize their depredation. The aim was for overall protection of forest ecosystem, particularly for providing a safe heaven for resident elephants. It is a dense forest covering an area of 193.39 sq.km where elephants roam freely. The sanctuary is abutting both Cuttack and Khordha district. Deras, Jhumka and Kumar Khunti are reservoir surrounded by forest hillocks. Flora is moderately diverse with intimate mixture of evergreen and deciduous forests. According to the Geological Survey of India (GSI), it was found that 37 species of mammals, 167 species of birds, 13 species of amphibians and 33 species of reptiles are present but due to some anthropogenic activities the life of wild animals are in danger. In Chandaka, elephant is a flagship species. According to 2012 census, the member of elephants was 24 but in 2015, i t was found surprisingly declined to 8. T he major causes of declining number of elephant in Chandaka are the scarcity of food and water sources, human settlement in forest area, urban development, and construction of road, noise pollution, and corridor destructions. For this reason elephants are forced to come out from their original habitat and migrate towards connected forest to Nayagarh, Ganjam and Athagarh. Sometimes elephant also are entering nearby town, destroy the crop, damages the house and kill the human beings. Conservation and protection of this key stone species in Chandaka is essential. Conservation priorities for this endangered species include revival of the corridors, conservation of forests, maintenance of habitat and social development along with avoidance of noise and light.

Key words: Elephant, key stone species, conservation, Chandaka.

th 84 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Conservation of Purple Wood Pigeon or Pale Capped Pigeon Columba Punicea In Odisha & New Distribution In Satkosia Tiger Reserve [Section 1 & 2 Eastern Ghats] 1,2 Chinmaya Bhujabal*, 1,2Monalisa Bhujabal 1Wild Orissa (a registered society for conservation of nature and wildlife), BJ-29, BJB Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Orissa. 751014. 2www.wildorissa.org *corresponding author: [email protected]

Pale-Capped Pigeon or Purple Wood Pigeon occurs in scattered populations in Southeast Asia. Its range includes parts of north-eastern India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. A strong, swift flier, the pale-capped pigeon (Columba punicea) was once common throughout much of Southeast Asia, but is now in decline. The pale-capped pigeon is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List. The species is resident but “very local” in occurrence. This northeastern bird was reportedly seen in the Similipal hills of Mayurbhanj at an elevation of about 600–900 m (Jayakar 1967), and also in the Chandaka Dampara Sanctuary (Chandaka Game Sanctuary), and near Bhubaneswar (Jayakar 1967). Wild Orissa has been engaged in the monitoring of presence of this species in Odisha since 1998, and direct observations were made in the year 2010 in the Chandaka-Dampara and in 2014, 2015 & 2016 i n the Similipal forest areas. Poachers indulge in killing of birds like doves, pigeons, coucals, egrets, open billed storks, etc. in and around Bhubaneswar city. It is possible that killing of Purple Wood Pigeon would have happened as the sites from where observations have been made are areas where these small time hunters operate. There are a number of issues concerning the conservation of this vulnerable species which include nomadism, frugivorous habit, local migrations, similarity with doves and pigeons, extremely low numbers, fast growing urbanization, poaching, etc. There is an urgent need to ascertain the status of this species, close monitoring of the populations which have been observed, launching programs for controlling small time hunting through enforcement and awareness, ensuring adequate habitat friendly zones in known presence areas, controlling growth of real estate, controlling visitations, etc. During visit to Satkosia Tiger Reserve during April 2015, 4 ( four) numbers of a bird was observed in Raigoda Forest Range, while moving in a departmental jeep, whose plumage on the upperparts was generally deep purplish-maroon. The wings and tail were largely blackish, and the under parts were light brown. The pale grey crowns on the individuals were an important observation. Photographs of these birds were also taken. There have been no earlier reports of this species from the Satkosia-Baisipalli forests and is the first report of this species. Previous records in Odisha have been from Chandaka-Dampara and Similipal only. Key words: Columba punicea, Satkosia Tiger Reserve, Wild Orissa

th 85 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Berbara Dhuanali Forests [Section 2 Eastern Ghats] In Odisha – Rich Store Of Biodiversity and Need For Strengthening Wildlife Conservation Measures 1,2 Diptiranjan Patra*, 1,2Nanda Kishore Bhujabal 1Wild Orissa (a registered society for conservation of nature and wildlife), BJ-29, BJB Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Orissa. 751014. 2www.wildorissa.org. *corresponding author: [email protected]

The Berbera-Dhuanali reserve forest falls under Puri Forest Division, Khurda, Orissa. It covers an area of 350 sq. km. of a mixed deciduous forest with few patches of semi-evergreen forests. This forest is known for very old teak trees. The major tree species in this forest are Shorea robusta, Terminalia sp., Pterocarpus marsupium, Anogeissus latifolia, Adina cardifolia, Michelia champaca, Scheleichera oleosa, Mangifera indica, Bombax ceiba, Syzygium cumuni, Boswellia serrata, Dalbergia latifolia, Strychnos nuxivomica, S. potatorum, Xylia xylocarpa and Bridelia retusa. The fauna in this forest consist of 35 species of mammals, about 127 species of birds and 30 species of reptiles. There have been reports/sightings of tiger in this forest. Other important mammals in this area are leopard, elephant, sambar, barking deer, bison, wild boar, giant squirrel, jungle cat and common langur. Smuggling of timber is one of the problems and forest department have deployed Central Reserved Police Force (C.R.P.F.) for keeping a check on smuggling of timber. Economically important species like Teak, Sal, Bamboo & cane are available in this forest. Conservation of these forests are critical from not only the perspective of the Eastern Ghats ecosystem but also from the perspective of the livelihood needs of thousands of human settled in and around of these forests. As carbon sinks and as source of fresh water as well as ecological regulators of the nearby areas, there is a priority need for long term protection and conservation of Barbara Dhuanali.The major land uses are Forest Protection, Agriculture, Tourism, Plantations and Fishing. Major threats to wildlife conservation are tree felling, mono culture plantations, proposal to move out Central Reserve Police Force, poaching, chemical residues due to agriculture etc., forest fire, tourism, laying of bituminous roads connecting villages, etc. Anthropogenic activities and over exploitation of the resources existing in an ecosystem has destroyed its homeostasis and altered the habitat of the native species. This has threatened the survival of endemic species making them endangered. Good practices such as controlled Eco-tourism, Community Based Wildlife Tourism, Multi-stakeholders’ Participation, Protected Areas, Focus on W ildlife Corridors, Traditional Communities knowledge base, Biodiversity Mapping, Alternate Resource Use, Minimizing Collection of Forest Produce, Promoting Natural Regeneration, Remuneration for man-animal conflicts, Alternate Cropping Practice, etc. need to be considered. There is a priority need for notifying these forests under the Wildlife Protection Act. Key words: Berbara Dhuanali, Central Reserve Police Force, Biodiversity

th 86 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Ferns of Odisha: A Conservational Aspect

Anil Kumar Biswal and Nirad Chandra Rout*

PG Dept. of Botany, North Orissa University,

Takatpur, Baripada, Mayurbhanj, Odisha

[email protected]

*Environment and Sustainability Dept., CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Although the floristic study of Odisha can be traced back to late Eighteenth Century, the first ever study on ferns of this geographical area were attempted by R.H. Beddome (1877) and since then, many workers have contributed towards the Pteridophytic flora of the state. In recent time, Panigrahi (1998) compiled as many as 136 species of ferns and fern allies under 53 genera and 27 families. Saxena & Brahmam (1996) reported 141 s pecies of pteridophytes in their treatise “The flora of Orissa ". However, the forest cover of the state has been either cleared or disturbed considerably by the anthropogenic activity causing an alarming threat to the habitat of the ferns. It is often observed that many sensitive species have migrated to the relatively comfortable zone or living in a dwindling condition in the erstwhile reported locality. Recently, sporadic reports by many workers indicate a decline in the population of fern, linked to the vulnerability of their habitats. Their sexual reproductive system, strictly associated with water, is affected in response to environmental changes. In the state of Odisha, about 21 species are pushed into threatened categories, mainly due to loss or fragmentation of natural habitats.

The Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN, 2012) includes 167 species of fern and fern allies in the threatened category. But, there is insufficient coverage of the group, as only 3% of described species are evaluated. The present study throws light on the species under threat, reasons for the condition and possible strategies for their conservation in Odisha.

Key Words: Ferns, threatened, conservation, Odisha, habitat.

th 87 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

INVENTORY STUDIES OF HERPETOFAUNA FROM SESHACHALAM BIOSPHERE RESERVE, EASTERN GHATS OF ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA

M.Bubesh Guptha

Bio-Lab of Seshachalam Hills, WLM Circle, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, Forest Department, Andhra Pradesh, India. E-mail: [email protected]

The Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve (SBR) designated recently in 2011, these hill ranges are part of the Eastern Ghats lie between 13°38’ E and 13°55’N latitudes and 79°07’ and 79°24’E longitudes spread over Chattier and Kadapah districts of Andhra Pradesh. The predominant vegetation type is tropical southern dry mixed deciduous forest. The vegetation is a unique mix of the tropical southern dry mixed deciduous types. The area is having as many as 1750 species belonging to 178 families of vascular plants. The elevation ranges from 150 t o 1,130 m , the terrain is undulating, with deep forest- covered valleys. The mean maximum temperature ranges from 16o C to 46o C and minimum from 9.7 o C to 25 o C depending upon t he season. Average rainfall in this region is between 800 to 900mm. It includes two protected areas, namely Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary and Sri Venkateswara National. It is the richest floristic hot spot harboring many endemic and rare plants. The entire sanctuary is an uninhabited large chunk of dry deciduous Red Sanders bearing forest.

Various groups of faunal survey were documented in the study area and recorded by both direct and indirect methods. This study was conducted during between June 2011 to July 2014. Different sampling techniques and systematic methods were followed. Animals recorded in the present study include mammals, herpetofauna, birds and butterfly. Herpetofauna: Data collection was carried out by using Visual Encounter Survey Method. A total of 12 species of Amphibians belonging to four families and seven genera were recorded So far 46 species of Reptiles belonging to 36 genera, distributed in 12 families were recorded (33 species of snakes (72%) and 13 species of lizards (28%). The snakes belong to six families; more number of snakes were recorded from the family Colubridae (21 species) followed by, Boidae (3 species), Elapidae (3 species), Viperidae th 88 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

(3 species), Typhlopidae (2 species) and Uropeltidae (1 species). The lizards belongs to six families have been recorded in the study area, more number of lizards were recorded from the family Gekkonidae (5 species) followed by Agamidae (3 species), Scincidae (2 species), Varanidae (1 species), Chamaeleonidae (1 species) and Testudinidae (1 species), also stared tortoise and turtle are interesting. Snake IUCN status was gathered i.e. 68% (LR-nt) followed by 20% (LR-lc), 6% (VU) and 6% (NE). The lizards status like, 46% (LR-lc) followed by 23 % (LR-nt), 23% (VU) and 8% (EN) were recorded. So for 33 snake species were recorded, among which six species are venomous snakes and new records (Calliophis melanurus and Uropeltis ellioti), new locality records (Ahaetulla pulverulenta and Lycodon flavicollis), rediscovery (Coluber bholanathi) and one first record in India (Chrysopelea taprobanica) were recorded. Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve shows present in rich biodiversity and we recommend further studies in the Eastern Ghats at the earliest opportunity. Also everyone should realise that Wildlife is an important part of ecological community as wildlife play an important role in the environment. There is several importance of wildlife as wildlife itself is an important character of nature so its conservation is an important obligation for human beings for the sustainability of life. The protection of habitat is an important aspect in the conservation of such species.

Keywords: Seshachalam Hills, Status, Herpetofauna, Andhra Pradesh

th 89 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

A Study on Butterfly diversity at Chandaka forest, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Dr. Madhusmita Tripathy, Smt. Subinita Mishra,

Department of Zoology, P.N. College, (Autonomous), Khordha

Email: [email protected]

Chandaka Elephant sanctuary is a wild life reserve located at Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It is included in the Eastern Ghats Biotic region. The forest spread over 175.79square kilometers. It is a wild life sanctuary since 1982. Originally established for protection of Elephants, Now the sanctuary is a treasure trove of biodiversity. In the present study, diversity of butterflies and their resources within Chandaka forest area were studied. The survey of diversity of plants justifies the diversity of butterflies. The survey was undertaken during Oct. 2014 to Sept. 2015. Photographs taken time to time and species were identified. Insect represents the vast majority species in almost all type of ecosystem. Among insects, butterflies have proved to be invaluable flagship species for conservation. Butterflies are those members of class insecta, which are not only known for adaptability to habitats but also for magnificent colors and patterns on their wings. It has been observed that they are abundant during monsoon and post monsoon months within a height of 3 m eters from ground. They are found in forest openings, roadsides, flowers, grasses, edges of water, wet mud, food plants etc. During study period 11 species were identified such as Common Mormon, blue Mormon, common emigrant, common leopard, common hedge blue, Indian crow, double banded crow, common sailor, common bush brown, grey pansy and peacock pansy.

Key words: Sanctuary, diversity, species

th 90 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Studies on Faunal diversity of Bhitarkanika with special reference to Mudskipper

Dr. Ranjita Sethi, Smt. Trupti Rekha Panda, Department of Zoology, P.N. College, (Autonomous), Khordha, Email:[email protected] Bhitarkanika national park is situated in Kendeapara district, Odisha in eastern India. Spread over 672 sq. km. having 145sq.km Core area. It was constituted as the first sanctuary in Odisha under the provision of wild life protection act 1972 and designated as a national park since 1998. The National park surrounded by wild life sanctuary. Thus it becomes a vicinity of rich biodiversity. The sanctuary is the second largest mangrove ecosystem in India. It has much significance with regards to ecological, geomorphological and biological background, which includes mangrove forests, rivers, estuaries, creeks, backwater, accumulated lands and mud flats. Besides estuarine crocodiles the sanctuary is rich in avifauna, mammalian and reptilian population. About 9 species of lizard, 14 species of snakes, 26 species of mammals 15 species of fishes, 10 species of turtle, 5 species of amphibians, 2 species of crocodiles and 196 species of birds found here. The present study deals with faunal diversity of this area with special reference to Mudskipper. M udskippers are fish of the subfamily-oxudercinae with the family-gobiidae. They are completely amphibious fish; use their pectoral fin to walk on the land. Being amphibious they are uniquely adapted to intertidal habitats. They live on the mud flats associated with mangrove shores. Two species Periopthalamus and Bolephthalmus have been identified. They skip round on the water and mud and build chimney like burrows in muddy banks of river and creeks throughout the sanctuary. They have large mobile eyes, background color brown to greyish and whitish ventrally, sexes separate. They respire under water like other fishes but outside water cutaneous respiration takes place. It has been observed that due to specialized root system and other morphological adaptations mangroves form dense forests on t he shoreline creating a secure habitat for a variety of fauna.

Key words: Mangrove ecosystem, sanctuary, fauna

th 91 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Present status of conservation of Sparrow (Passer domesticus) in Odisha

Dr. Chinmayee Mohanty, Smt. Jyotsna Rani Biswal

Department of Zoology, P.N. College, (Autonomous), Khordha. Email:[email protected]

The House sparrow (Passer domesticus) is native to all the Indian states. They are typically present only in the vicinity of human habitation and non migratory. Due to their declining in number, they are included in Red Data List of IUCN. Bird species are now facing serious problems and disappearing due to urbanization, vegetation loss, use of chemicals in gardening, cutting of trees, noise pollution, air pollution etc. The World observed the World Sparrow Day on 20th March. A survey has been undertaken to know the present status of Sparrow in Odisha. Sparrow protection was started at Purunabandh village of Ganjam district in 2007 by activists of Rusikulya Sea Turtle Protection Committee (RSTPC). At that time there were only 7 sparrows in Purunabandh and their number now increased to 270. Successful experiments in sparrow conservation through the use of artificial nests in this village have been replicated in several other places all over Odisha such as Banei, Tensa, Rourkela, Sonepur, Balugaon, Athgarh etc. This is a preliminary study, more detail study is required. The above study emphasizes conservation has positive impact. Therefore steps should be taken for ex-situ and in-situ conservation of different endangered species.

Key words: Conservation, urbanization, pollution

th 92 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Floristic diversity of woody species of Kaundinya wild life sanctuary

M.B.Honnuri1*, K. Naresh1, G.R.S.Reddy1.

Institute of Forest Biodiversity, Hyderabad. Email: *[email protected]

The Kaundinya wild life sanctuary is located in the southern most part of Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. It lies between 120 39’ to 130 10’ N latitude and 780 29’ to 780 52’ E longitude and spreads over 357.63 sq km. Phyto-sociological study was conducted in the study site by applying quadrat method (Mishra, 1968; Sharma, 2003). Nested quadrats with size of 1 x 1m were used for seedlings and 3 x 3m for saplings, 31.62 x 31.62 m was laid for tree species at randomly in study site. In each quadrat, data of number of individual plants, height and diameter was noted for analyzing the quantitative measures such as frequency and density. 36 species of trees belongs to 18 different families were noticed in the study site. Strychnos nuxvomica (Loganiaceae)was the most frequent and dominant tree species with a population of 21818/ha followed by Chloroxylon swietenia (Meliaceae), Anogeissus latifolia (Combretaceae), Ziziphus xylopyrus (Rhamnaceae) whose population was 20909, 14545, 6363/ ha respectively. 19 species of saplings were noticed; Anogeissus latifolia formed the main saplings as its population was 1818/ha. Xanthium didymium (Rubiaceae), Albania samara (Mimosoideae), Erythroxylum monogynum (Erythroxylaceae) were the other species whose population was1527, 1363 a nd 1209/ha respectively. 27 species of seedlings were noticed, Acacia monogynum (Mimosoideae) formed the main seedling as its population was 4545/ha, followed by Diospyros ferrea (Ebenaceae), Trema orientalis (Cannabaceae) whose population was 4090 and 2272/ha respectively. The forests of this sanctuary do not represent much diversity in composition and quality of the crop, probably due to their disposition on only one type of distinct soil that has resulted from the Archaean gneissic formation.

Key words: kaundinyawild life sanctuary, woody species, diversity.

th 93 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Bat Fauna of Eastern Ghats in Odisha: Diversity, Threats and Conservation Recommendations

Subrat Debata* and Sharat Ku. Palita

Department of Biodiversity and Conservation of Natural Resources, Central University of Orissa, Koraput-764020, Odisha, India.

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

Information on biodiversity of a particular geographic region helps in signifying its importance and developing appropriate conservation plans. Present report compiles preliminary information on diversity, distribution and threats to bats. We carried out the survey at different sites selected through stratified random sampling techniques followed by estimating bat diversity by roost survey and mist net survey. Observing the habitat, human activities at roosting sites and interviewing local people elucidated threats.

Preliminary survey in Eastern Ghats range in Odisha revealed occurrence of 21 species of bats from seven different families including two nationally threatened species- Cantor’s leaf-nosed bat and Rufous horseshoe bat which represent around 84% of the known diversity of the state. Majority of the species (n=14) were found to use forested habitats for roosting and foraging. However, loss of natural habitat from shifting cultivation, increasing cave tourism activities, hunting for food and ethnozoological uses and public persecution are found to be major threats for survival of these ecologically important species. Even in the existing wildlife management paradigm for Protected Areas, bats find no pl ace and used to be a forgotten part of biodiversity research in academics which is evident from sporadic publications. We urge bringing further attention for regular chiropteran study along the landscape to better understand these species and their conservation status. Formulation of a ‘Bat Conservation Action Plan’ for Eastern Ghats incorporating the highlighted issues is recommended which will not only target the species and their habitat but also other associated flora and fauna of the landscape.

Key words: bats, conservation, Eastern Ghats, neglected species, Odisha

th 94 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Tasar Biodiversity Of Northern Odisha

A. Sai Rajesh, Chinmayee Pattanaik, Subhadarsani Pradhan, Arpita Pati, Dezi Senapati, Madhusmita Mohapatra and Bhaskar Behera.

Dept. of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Fakir Mohan University, Vyasa Vihar, Balasore, Odisha, 756020. E-mail: [email protected]

Odisha, is one of the important silk producing states in India and rearing of the three varieties of silk like eri, mulberry and tasar because of the agro climatic condition. Odisha is predominantly a tasar producing state. Rearing of tasar silk insect has been a traditional occupation of tribal’s in Odisha since time immemorial. The climatic condition of the natural forest of Odisha favours luxuriant growth of host plants like Sal (Shorea robusta), Asan (Terminalia tomentosa) and Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) which are considered to be the chief host plants for the tropical tasar. Odisha ranks third among the tasar producing states in India. Tasar culture is dominant in the district of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Sundargarh. In Odisha, two species of tasar insects Antheraea mylitta Drury and A. paphia Linn are cultivated. The wild tasar silk insects of Odisha, which reproduce in nature, are identified as A. paphia. Cocoons of A. paphia produced at a higher altitude (601 - 1000 mASL) are locally known as "Modal" having more economic traits. They are univoltine in nature. Cocoons of A. paphia produced at middle altitude (301-600 mASL) are "Nalia" having lesser economic traits. They exhibit bivoltinism. When Modal and Nalia are cultivated in the lower altitude (50-300 mASL) by the rearers, the progeny cocoons are locally known as "Bogie" having lesser "economic traits than their parents."Nalia" and "Modal" are wild tasar whereas "Bogei" is a cultivated tropical tasar. "Modal" is grown in natural Sal forest during the rainy season (July-August) above 600 mASL and is the highest silk producing insect ever known. Although tasar cultivation is practised in almost all the districts of Odisha, Mayurbhanj occupies a prime position.

Key words: Antheraea mylitta, Antheraea paphia, Tasar, Cocoon

th 95 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Conservation of Biodiversity-Facts and Feasibility

Biswajit Rath,

Department of Biotechnology, North Orissa University, Sriram Chandra Vihar, Takatpur, Baripada-757003. Email: [email protected]

In our biosphere immense diversity exists not only at the species level but at all levels of biological organization ranging from macromolecules within cells to biomass. It has taken millions of years of evolution, to accumulate this rich diversity in nature, but we could lose all that wealth in less than two centuries if the present rates of species losses continue. Biodiversity and its conservation are now vital environmental issues of international concern as more and more people around the world begin to realize the critical importance of biodiversity for our survival and well- being on this planet. Earth’s rich biodiversity is vital for the very survival of mankind. We also have a moral responsibility to take good care of earth’s biodiversity and pass it on in good order to our next generation. Although India has only 2.4 per cent of the world’s land area, its share of the global species diversity is an impressive 8.1 per cent. That is what makes our country one of the 12-mega diversity countries of the world. Biodiversity conservation may be in situ as well as ex situ. In in situ conservation, the endangered species are protected in their natural habitat so that the entire ecosystem is protected. Our country’s in situ conservation efforts are reflected in its 14 biosphere reserves, 90 national parks, > 450 wildlife sanctuaries and many sacred groves. Ex situ conservation methods include conventional protective maintenance of threatened species in zoological parks and botanical gardens and recent biotechnological approach such as in-vitro fertilization, tissue culture propagation and cryopreservation of gametes. Recently, 34 ‘biodiversity hotspots’ in the world have been proposed for intensive conservation efforts. Of these, two (Western Ghats- Sri Lanka and Eastern Ghats-Indo-Burma) cover India’s rich biodiversity regions. The Eastern Ghats is an important area in India and the rich diversity of floristic wealth included with potential agro-biodiversity and conservation of these biodiversity and sustainable use and protecting the environment is the need of the hour.

Key words: Biosphere, environment, evolution, in-situ, threatened

th 96 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Dietary Preference of Microhyla ornata (Dumeril and Bibron, 1841) tadpoles in some parts of Mayurbhanj District Susmita Mahapatra1, Jasmin Rout1 and Gunanidhi Sahoo2*

1P.G. Department of Zoology, North Orissa University, Baripada, Odisha- 757 003 2P.G. Department of Zoology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha-751004

*corresponding author: [email protected]

Knowledge of the food and feeding behaviors of the tadpole is very essential as the early part of the life history of amphibian is dependent on the availability of the food items in the natural habitat. Dramatic declines in amphibian populations have been noted since two decades from all over the world and are thus perceived to be one of the most critical threats to global biodiversity.The present study aims to find out the feeding spectrum of the Ornamented Pygmy Frog (Microhyla ornate) tadpoles in some parts of Mayurbhanj district, that forms a part of Eastern Ghats. Tadpoles were collected, fixed and preserved in formaldehyde (4%). Subsequently, the complete intestine was removed and analysed for food items under a compound microscope. The diet of Microhyla ornata tadpoles primarily consists of class Bacillariophyceae, Cyanophycae and Chlorophyceae. In the present study it was observed that Microhyla ornata tadpoles feed mainly on various algae (21 genera) and detrital material. Further studies are required for understanding the trophic interactions and food web dynamics. Hence, it ma y be concluded that aquatic habitats that form the most important component for reproduction and successful completion of lifecycle must be conserved and maintained so that conservation of anurans can be ensured.

Key words: Microhyla ornata, tadpoles, feeding spectrum, trophic relations

th 97 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Diversity and Land Use Pattern of Butterflies in North Orissa University Campus, Baripada

R. Pradhan, S. Sukanya, J. Sethy and H.K. Sahu

P.G. Department of Zoology, North Orissa University, Takatpur, Baripada, Mayurbhanj, 737003, Odisha

Email- [email protected]

The study of butterflies species diversity and richness in North Orissa University was carried out in 2015 January to 2016 February. This was to provide some information on the butterflies of the University campus. Line transect method was used to carry out butterflies survey at five different sites, namely: Mango orchard (Site: 1), Biotech department (Site: 2) Botany plantation (Site: 3), near Ranibandh (Site: 4) and University gate (Site: 5). A total of 69 butterflies’ species grouped and 5 families were recorded. The data were analyzed with the PAST software to determine the diversity level of the butterflies. The butterflies’ diversity was assessed using Shannon-Weiner diversity index. The results showed that butterflies species diversity was not equally distributed in the sites; Site 1 had the highest diversity compared to Site 2, Site 3, Site 4, and Site 5and also some species were recorded under protected in Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972).

The present study reveals that the diversity of Nymphalidae was the largest with maximum number of species followed by Papilionidae, Lycaenidae and Pieridae. The least diversity observed in Hesperiidae. The study area provides favorable ecological conditions and habitat for butterflies. Appropriate management of butterflies’ attractant sites is very important to discourage butterflies from the university campus.

Keywords: butterfly diversity, Land use pattern, North Orissa University Campus, Conservation

th 98 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Soil quality affected by rice cultivation in Bhitarkanika mangrove ecosystem

Rahul Tripathi1, Md. Shahid, S. Mohanty, A.K. Nayak

ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack-753006, Odisha 1Corresponding author: email: [email protected] (Mobile: 9439282740)

An attempt has been made in this study to quantify and test whether rice cultivation in adjoining areas of mangrove forest by cutting forest tress has brought about significant changes in physicochemical, microbial and enzymatic properties of soils of the mangrove ecosystem. 48 soil samples (24 pairs) were collected. Paired soil samples from each location were collected, i.e., one soil sample from mangrove forest and its paired soil sample from adjacent rice fields. Various soil physicochemical, microbial and enzymatic properties were analyzed. Total soil organic carbon (TOC), available potassium and Bray Pwere significantly higher in soils of mangrove forest than soils of cultivated rice fields. Soil pH was in the acidic range at all locations, but was moderated towards neutral in mangrove soils. DTPA extractable concentrations of soil micronutrients (Zn, Mn) were significantly higher under the soils of mangrove than soils under cultivated rice fields. Enzymatic activities (Dehydrogenase, Urease, FDA hydrolysis, Acid Phosphatase) in soils of mangrove forests exceeded than under cultivated rice fields except for acid phosphatase activity, which had higher activity in soils of cultivated rice fields. Populations of ammonium oxidizer and nitrite oxidizer were higher in mangrove soils, whereas populations of aerobic hetreotrophs were higher in cultivated rice fields compared to mangrove soils. The study provides a soil quality index based on s oil physico-chemical and microbiological properties. This index is a function of the eight soil parameters, which showed the greatest weight in the factorial analysis made with all the parameters analysed. The value of the soil quality index was higher in mangrove soils compared to soils of rice fields at all the four locations of sampling indicating the adverse effect of rice cultivation around the mangrove forests.

Keywords: Bhitarkanika, Soil quality index, Soil enzymes, Forest soil, MBC, Soil microbes

th 99 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Importance of Earthworm Inventory and functional attributes in the Eastern Ghats Region for soil conservation, sustainable production and biogeographical mystery

B. K. Senapati

Formerly at Ecology Section, School of Life Sciences, Sambalpur University, Odisha (India), Presently at School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Centurion University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha (India), Mobile-+91-9437054309, E-mail: [email protected]

Soil is the sink and the source of the system for sustainable development. Present issues concerning sustainable agriculture, anthropogenic impact on the environmental damage and effects of global change are to be linked to destabilization of biodiversity functional attributes. The present topic on “ Importance of Earthworm Inventory and functional attributes in the Eastern Ghats Region for soil conservation, sustainable production and bio- geographical mystery” is an attempt to link biodiversity in the context of bio-geographical evolution and environmental management. The tool is proposed to be an order of Oligochaete, Moniligastrida.

Members of earthworms in Moniligastrids are commonly found in cultivated soils, especially associated to low lying paddy fields, in the tropical East. Several species of Moniligastrid earthworms particularly belonging to Genus Drawida, have been reported from various Asian regions. The challenge now is to compare various taxa of Genus Drawida through inventory in their homelands in order to assess their variability. Since beginning of 19th century biogeographers in India are poised with the distribution of isolated presence of flora and fauna of Malayan origin in the Western and Eastern Ghats hills that led to speculation on the prehistory of peninsular India. Mahendragiri situated in the middle of Eastern Ghats in the Gajapati district, which is 175 km from Berhampur, is full with biodiversity and is with species from the Himalayas, Western Ghats and the Nilgiries. This has been attempted to be explained through Satpura Hypothesis.

th 100 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

A preliminary study on diversity of butterflies (Lepidoptera: Macrolepidoptera) in Regional Institute of Education Campus, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

Animesh Kumar Mohapatra and Priyamvada Department of Life Science Education Regional Institute of Education (NCERT), Bhubaneswar, Odisha. India Email:[email protected] and [email protected]

Butterflies are brightly coloured scaly winged insects of order Lepidoptera and one of the most important flagship species for conservation of invertebrates. A short term survey was conducted for a period of six months within the Regional Institute of Education Campus in order to study the diversity of butterflies and their distribution among respective families, subfamilies and genera. The major objective of this survey is to develop a systematic checklist of butterflies along with adding a preliminary note on their habitat, status and conservation priorities within the study area. During the course of this survey a total of 45 species of butterflies belonging to 5 families, 14 subfamilies and 35 genera were recorded. It was observed that family Nymphalidae is the most dominating family in the study area representing 6 subfamilies, 12 genera and 18 species followed by Lycaenidae with 3 subfamilies, 11 genera and 11 species. Out of 45 species reported here 7 species were found to be included under Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Keywords: Butterfly, Regional Institute of Education (RIE) Campus, Bhubaneswar, Macrolepidoptera, Host plants, Conservation.

th 101 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Diversity of Libellulids (Anisoptera) and Coenagrionids (Zygoptera) in Regional Institute of Education Campus, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

Priyamvada1 and Animesh Kumar Mohapatra2 Department of Life Science Education Regional Institute of Education (NCERT), Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Libellulidae and Coenagrionidae are the most dominant families among dragonflies and damselflies. The present study deals with the diversity, occurrence and present status of Libellulids and Coenagrionids within the study area. The major objectives of this study are to prepare a preliminary checklist of the Libellulids and Coenagrionids species in the RIE campus and to find out the status and distribution of genera and species in their respective families. This study also aimed at systematic planning for developing different strategies for conservation of Odonates in the campus. During this study total 24 species have been recorded out of which 20 species belong to family Libellulidae representing 15 genera and 4 s pecies belong to family Coenagrionidae representing 4 genera. The findings of this study are based on the survey which was carried out for a period of four months.

Keywords: Regional Institute of Education (RIE) Campus, Bhubaneswar, Odonata, Anisoptera, Zygoptera, Libellulids, Coenagrionids.

th 102 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

EUPHORBIAN SPECIES IN SESHACHALAM BIOSPHERE RESERVE, ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA – A REVIEW ARTICLE

Dr. K. Jyothi, Dr. D. Veeranjaneyulu and Dr. M. Suneela ENVIS Centre, Environment Protection Training and Research Institute, Gachibowli, Hyderabad* [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

The Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve (SBR) is a part of Southern Eastern Ghats which lie between 13°38' E and 13°55' N latitudes and 79°07' and 79°24' E longitudes covering an area of 4,755.99 sq km in the districts of Chittoor and Kadapa. The elevation ranges from 150 t o 1,130 m . T he study area temperature ranges from 16oC to 46oC depending upon the season. Average rainfall in this region is between 800 to 900mm. The study area has Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary and Sri Venkateswara National Park. It has richest floristic diversity. This area is also famous for its beautiful waterfalls like Talakona, Gundalakona and Gunjana. It comprises seven peaks, representing the seven hoods of Adisesha, thus earning the name Seshachalam. The seven peaks are called Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrishabhadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri. The town of Tirupati is one of the most ancient and sacred pilgrimage spots in India. The main objective of this review article is to give information and documentation on the floristic diversity of Euphorbiaceae family in the study area of Seshachalam biosphere reserve. T he information was gathered from various articles / publications on floristic diversity. Euphorbiaceae,is a large family of flowering plants with about 300 genera and 7,500 species (Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (2009). This paper projects on 44 wild and naturalized Euphorbiaceae taxa belonging to 20 genera in the study area.

th 103 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Avifauna of the Chandipur Wildlife Jurisdiction, Odisha

Biswajeet Panda & Dr. Bhaskar Behera

P.G Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Fakir Mohan University, Vyasavihar. Balasore, Odisha, India.

E.mail:[email protected]

The avifauna of Chandipur Wildlife Division falls in eastern India with its beautiful mesmerizing beach. The beach is a home of various resident birds and also welcomes the birds from foreign countries. The aves are the part of ecosystem for maintains the trophic levels. The status of birds in this region spotted near about 58 species belongs to different families. In this species list many migratory birds migrates during the season of winter. The place is suitable for the migrants due to suitable climatic condition and plenty availability of seafood. The chandipur has also a mangrove forest near Kashafal estuary where lots of avifaunal species are spotted. The no of species is going to be decline due to various anthropological activities, which creates a hectic condition in present scenario. The unwanted involvement of human society inside their living home, the mechanized trawler producing vulgar sound which destroys their biota. The leakage of contaminated oil from ships, radiation, heavy metals using in paddy fields and garbage’s such as polythene that causes the great problem in their health hazards and also causing death to migratory birds. So there has continuously reduction in no of migratory birds due their pleasant habitat loss. A suitable environment will attract many birds to inhabit. This can only be done through proper management and awareness program me regards to birds.

Key word: avifauna, migratory, estuary

th 104 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Indigenous Development encourages the Biodiversity- Specially to Similipal and Kuldhia Biosphere Reserve, Odisha

Biswajeet Panda & Dr. Bhaskar Behera

P.G Department of Bio science & Biotechnology, Fakir Mohan University. Balasore, Odisha, India.

Earth’s bountiful variety of life is called “Bio diversity”, that means biodiversity is the part of the nature which includes the differences in genes among the individual of a species .The Mahendra Parvatam is one of the older Ghats in the land of India. The earths most beautiful and fascinating lives survive under the cloud of this Eco region. There have no. of discontinuous hills present in this Ghats region having moist deciduous forest, east Deccan dry evergreen forest, Deccan thorn shrub forest, shrub land and south Deccan plateau dry deciduous forest. The Similipal and Kuldhia are rich in biological diversity, zoological, geological and geo-morphological importance of Kuldhia and for the purpose of protecting, propagating and developing wildlife in this habitat, it has been declared as a sanctuary. The important floral species is the Orchids, which are reported to this area.

Indigenous knowledge is the major terminology, which persists in local grass root level and bit different from the modern hypothesis. The peoples of this region belongs to tribe family who are completely dependent over the food, fodder, traditional drugs, natural dyes and other raw products pettily available inside the biodiversity. The santal are the main tribe family lives inside the Similipal and Kuldhia region. They are settled inside the forest and their economic, social and cultural aspects are dependable over the biota. From both region 377 plants, 102 edible plants, 217 use as medicinal plants. The glory of this bio reserve is the santals are the caretaker of germplasm of five races of silk worm, out of which modal eco-race is unique.

Keyword: Mahendra Parvatam, ecoregion, germplasm

th 105 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Panax pseudoginseng Wall. and Panax as amicus Ban. the vulnerable medicinal species of North Eastern region - need conservation

Papyri Human Borpuzari*, Kuntala Neog Barua and N. Ravi Rain Forest Research Institute Jorhat, Assam, India [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Panax pseudoginseng Wall. and Panax assamicus Ban. are perennial slow growing medicinal herbs belonging to the family Araliaceae. Due to the presence of active components ginsenosides, in rhizome these species occupies a highest position among the medicinal plant world. Globally P. pseudoginseng is grown in mountains of China, Nepal, Burma and South Tibet. In India the species are found mostly in the north and northeastern region especially Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Meghalaya between altitudinal ranges of 2900 – 4000 meters. It prefers temperate and well drained humus soil having deep acidic pH of 5.5 to 6.5. The population status of these species is endangered under RAT. It is reported that the rhizome of P. assamicus is extensively collected from the forest by the local herbal practitioners of Dimapur and Kohima in Nagaland that leads fast vanishing from their natural stock. Hard to propagation practices coupled with long seed germination period around 12-18 months encourages the people for indiscriminate harvesting of rhizomes in wild. Hence, evaluation of indigenous knowledge on c onservation of ginseng and creation of awareness among the local people on its value and sustainable harvest is essential for long-term benefit of the community.

Key words: Distribution, conservation, medicinal, ginseng, North Eastern region Corresponding author*

th 106 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

A Study on Plant Diversity at Sindura Goura Hillside of

Nilgiri Mountain Belt, Balasore, Odisha

Satyajit Mahatab, *Anil Kumar Giri

P.G. Department of Environmental Science, F.M. University, Balasore, Odisha, India 756020. *Correspondence:[email protected]

Sindura G oura i s on e of the sacred hills of the Nilgiri m ountain belt in Balasore district with an elevation of 52 meters from sea level and belongs to coordinate 21032|| 39.45|| N and 86047|16.41||E. Many diversified flora and fauna species along with sedimentary rock monuments found in this region.

Due to heavy resource exploration from this region, the amount of biodiversity and rock diversity continuously declines day by day. Mainly flora content of this region continuously destroys by the rock crossing and granite exploration. This region of Sindura Goura hillside of Nilgiri are rich in plant diversity and 18 p lant species under 15 families are reported in this study that needs to conserve. 1. Cyperus metel L.(Poaceae) Local Name: Mutha, 2. Rauvolfia serpentina L.(Apocynaceae) Local Name: Patalgaruda, 3.Mimosa pudica L. (Mimosaceae) Local Name:Lajokuli lata,4.Pongamia glabra(Papilionaceae)Local Name: Karanja, 5.Nyctanthes arbortristis L.(Oleaceae) Local Name:Gangasiuli,6.Ocimum sanctum L.(Lamiaceae) Local Name: Tulasi, 7.Phyllanthus fraternus(Euphorbiaceae) Local Name: Bhuianla, 8.Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae)Local Name: Neem, 9. Cuscuta reflexa (Convolvulaceae) Local Name: Nirmuli, 10. S ida acuta Burm.F. (Malvaceae) Local Name: Bajramuli, 11.Calatropis procera(Apocynaceae) Local name: Arakha, 12.Pteridocarpus erinaceous(Fabaceae) Local Name: Piasala, 13.Cynodon dactylon L.(Poaceae) Local name-Duba, 14.Tridax procumbens(Asteraceae) Local name- Bisalya Karani, 15.Vinca rosea L.(Apocynaceae) Local name- SadaBihari, 16.Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae) Local name- Mango, 17. Diospyros embryopteris(Ebenaceae) Local name- Kendu, 18.Shorea robusta L.(Dipterocarpaceae) Local name- Sal Tree. This species not only maintain the ecosystem of this region but also create a medicinal impact on the local society. Due to over exploration, and crossing of rocks affects the photosynthetic ability of plants, which influence to biodiversity loss. It needs social awareness and conservational majors for conserving this region of Eastern Ghats mountain range from rock crossing, particulate pollution, noise pollution and vegetation loss.

Key words: Awareness, Conservation, Diversity, pollution, Sindura Goura

th 107 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Indian Biodiversity at Stake: Need for urgent Protection and Conservation

Dr. Sanjeeb Kumar Das1, Aditi Jena2

1, 2 Dept. of Botany R.I.E (NCERT), Bhubaneswar -751022

Email: - Sanjeebdas75@yahoo. com

Biodiversity is the corner stone of our existence on earth. According to the state forest report 2013, released by the Forest survey of India (FSI), the forest cover in the country is now at 6,92,027 sq. Km. This accounts for 21.05 pe rcent of the total geographical area of India which is less than required 33% of standard forest cover for ecological balance. Reserved forests in India are rich source of diverse wild life of the country. It is because of the reserved forests in India don’t pe rmit grazing, hunting or commercial activities in the confines. India is the hub of the wild-collected plant medicine industry in Asia. According to assessment of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and N atural Resources, out of 359 prioritized wild medicinal plant species 335 have been assigned Red list status ranging from critically endangered vulnerable to near – threatened. Some of the example of the endangered medicinal plants are Balospermum montanum Muell (Danti) , Vitex trifolia (Nirgundi), Saraca asoca (Asoka), Pterocarpus santalinus, (Rakta Chandana) ,Rourolfia, serpentine(Sarpagandha) etc. Plants and other natural products play a significant role in traditional, botanical, pharmaceutical medicine.

Biodiversity is the life supporting system of our planet .We depends on it for the air we breathe, the food we eat, and medicines we need to fight aliments. Wetlands filter pollutants from water trees and plants reduce global warming by absorbing carbon and break down organic materials and fertilize the soil. The connections between biodiversity and sustainable future appear closer and closer, the more we look. We literally need to conserve biodiversity because living depend on it .The plans for conservation need proper execution and more public awareness.

Keywords: Biodiversity, Protection, Medicinal plants, Conservation

th 108 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Uniqueness of Lakhari valley wildlife sanctuary in the Eastern Ghats: an overview of its biodiversity significance and conservation

Dr. Sudhakar Kar

Former Senior Research Officer (Wildlife), Odisha Forest Department and Member: IUCN/SSC Crocodile Specialist Group, Subhadra Nibas, Shampur, Bhubaneswar- 751003, Odisha, India, E-mail: [email protected]

Lakhari Valley in the district of Gajapati of Odisha covering vast tracts of high hills and steep slopes has been notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary on 8 th Feb 1985. It encompasses an area of 185.87 s q.km. The hilly terrain of Chandragiri forest runs in south-north direction while that of Alara Ramaguda forest is in east-west direction. Apart from hills, valleys and perennial water sources Lakhari offers a rare feast of rich tropical miscellaneous forests comprising of Teak, Sal, Piasal, Bamboo, etc. Thickly populated villages towards the area bordering Ganjam district surround the Lakhary Valley. Tibetan settlements exist towards the western side. Lakhari valley has a small but significant Elephant population (21 as per 2015 census) in bamboo-sprinkled deciduous Sal forests. Although known for elephants, other major wildlife of the area include Tigers, Leopards, Spotted deer, Sambars, Monitor lizards, terrapins, tortoises and a variety of resident and migratory water birds, Brahminy ducks, Pintails, Lesser whistling teals etc. are some of the migratory water birds, and Grey Hornbill, Peafowl, Red Jungle fowl, etc are the common resident birds. The ecosystem value of Lakhari is enriched by the presence of the catchment of Ramada and other tributaries of Ghodahada reservoir and religious sites like Taila, Udayanarayaneswar, Ujjaleswara and Luhakhamba. Sitajhar fall, Jhirijhila water body, The water bodies including Ghodahad dam provide abode to Mugger or Marsh crocodiles, Crocodylus palustris. As per the Jan.2015 census 49 Mugger crocodiles were counted in the Godahad dam and its associated marshes. Conservation of the species and preservation of the ecosystem of the Lakhari Valley Sanctuary have been given priority by the Forest Department. Population status and trend on major herbivore and carnivore fauna have been monitored from time to time. Lakhari is the wilderness area for the people of Berhampur, Paralakhemundi, Digapahandi, and adjoining area. The approach to Lakhari valley is from Berhampur (60km), Parakhemundi (80km), Taptapani (the famous hot-water-spring) and Chandragiri (15km). Budha Monastry at Chandiput, Tara tarini temple, Tibetan handicraft and deer park at Taptapani are the other prominent spots around this landscape. In spite of this, the wild land that is still retained within Lakhary constitutes a prime attraction for nature lovers. This paper deals with biodiversity significance of the Lakhari Valley Wildlife Sanctuary and conservation measures taken to protect the rare and endangered wildlife species.

th 109 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Biodiversity Conservation in Eastern Ghats and Sustainable Use Of Medicinal Plants. Agnesh Valluri MS (pharm) Pharmacology and Toxicology NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF PHARMACEUTICAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH, NIPER - GUWAHATI

Plants provide food, medicine, fuel, clothing and shelter for humans around the world. They are threatened by extensive deforestation, pollution, climate change, etc., resulting in severe loss of biodiversity. World Commission on E nvironment and Development (WCED) in its report (1987) lamented this loss of biodiversity. United Nations in continuation of their ongoing attempts to conserve biodiversity, initiated the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) at Rio, Earth Summit,1992. Its main objectives are ; conservation of biological diversity , s ustainable use of the components of biological diversity , and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. In 2002, the Conference of Parties (COP-12) of the Convention on Biological Diversity adopted a Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC). Goal 15 of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) seeks to protect, restore, promote and sustainably manage forests. It further envisages sustainable utilization of natural plant products and the same has been reiterated by the World Health Organization’s Commission on Intellectual Property and Innovation in Public Health. India is a signatory of several UN conventions on bi odiversity, The time has come for India to fulfill its pledges and evolve proper policies to protect its rich biodiversity with specific reference to Eastern Ghats . I ndia’s traditional knowledge of herbal medicines (Ayurveda) is appreciated the world over and is viewed as a global leader. To continue to maintain our lead, we need to further intensify our Research and Development in this field.

KEY WORDS : Sustainable Utilization , Convention On Biological Diversity.

th 110 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Conserving biodiversity of Deomali Hill Ranges in Eastern Ghats of Odisha, India

S. K. Palita* and Debabrata Panda

Department of Biodiversity and Conservation of Natural Resources, Central University of Orissa, Koraput-8764021, Odisha * Corresponding Author – [email protected]

Deomali Hill ranges (18° 38′ to 18° 40′ N, 82° 58′ to 83° 01′ E), the highest mountain peak (1673 m) of the Eastern Ghats, India lies in the Koraput region of Odisha. The hill ranges are dotted with brooks and deep valleys, and inhabited by tribes such as Kandhas, Parajas, Bhumias, Malis and Bhotras. These tribes possess rich and unique ethno-medicinal knowledge for curing various ailments using plant and animal resources. Deomali can be called as a ‘sky island’ of biodiversity. The hill ranges support two river systems such as Kerandi and Kunduli that supports large number of wetland plants and animals in the region. The Kunduli river system supports a variety of traditional agricultural systems that have maintained large number of germplasm. The hill streams provide habitats for a variety of fish fauna including rare ornamental species. From phytogeographical point of view, this hill ranges represent an assemblage of Himalayan and South Indian hill top species; Rubus ellipticus, and Gallium asperfolium are Himalayan elements while Hypericum mysorense, Emilia zealanica and Gunuura lycopersicarifolia are the south Indian hill species. Strobilanthes jeyporensis, a shrub occupying damp ravines is endemic to the region and also listed under endangered category. Deomali also harbours a large number of fern species. Deomali Hill ranges are the habitats of many rare and endemic herpetofauna. The rediscovery of the endemic Jeypore hill gecko (Geckoella jeyporensis) and record of beddome’s skink (Eutropis beddomi) and stripe-necked snake (Liopeltis calmaria) are some of the characteristic species from Deomali. Report of a n ew species of caecilian amphibian Gegenophis orientalis from Deomali is the first testomatan caecilian from the Eastern Ghats. Presence of a l arge number of rare, endemic and endangered plant and animal species, unique hill ecosystem which supports traditional agro-ecosystems and rich traditional knowledge calls for conservation of biodiversity of Deomali Hill ranges of Koraput region of Odisha.

th 111 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

The Significance in Conserving Biodiversity through Sacred Grooves: A study

Dr. Sanjeeb Kumar Das1, Madhu Kumari 2

Department Of Botany, R.I.E (NCERT), Bhubaneswar- 751022

E-mail: [email protected]. Mo. 9437194035

Sacred grooves are tracts of virgin forest with rich diversity, which have been protected by the local people for centuries for their cultural and religious belief. Each sacred groove carries its own legands, lore and myths, which forms the integral part of the sacred groove. Sacred groove are distributed across the globe, and diverse cultures recognize them in different ways encoding various rules for their protection. Sacred groves occur in many parts of India i.e. Western Ghats, Central India, and Northeast India etc. particularly where the indigenous communities live. These are known by different names given to them by the ethnic people. Sacred grooves occur in variety of places from scrub forest in the desert of Rajasthan to Rain forest of western ghat of Kerala. Himachal Pradesh in North and Kerala in the south are known for their large number of sacred grooves. Sacred grooves acts as an ideal centre for the biodiversity conservation. It has been observed that medicinal plants that have not been found in the forest are abundant in the sacred grooves. Further rare endangered, threatened and endemic species are often concentrated in sacred grooves. The sacredness, religious belief play a significant role in promoting sustainable utilization and conservation of flora and fauna of sacred grooves in their vegetation structure, people’s perception towards them and the religious beliefs. Therefore structure and function of sacred groove is essential for assessing their ecological role and formulating strategies for their conservation.

(Keywords: Sacred grooves, Indigenous beliefs, Biodiversity conservation)

th 112 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Invasive Alien species are a major threat to Biodiversity flora in odisha

Dr. Sanjeeb kumar Das 1, Priyanka Debnath 2 Department of Botany (DESM), Regional Institute of Education (NCERT), Bhubaneswar -751022 E-mail: [email protected]/[email protected]

Invasive alien species are a major threat to biodiversity and ecosystem throughout

the world. Biological invasion will inform scientists, taxonomists, policy makers and the

public on t he seriousness of non-native species that causes extinction as well as significant impact on the earth’s ecosystem, has greatly increased recent years due to expanding trade and transport amount different countries. Conservation of Biological diversity (1992) focuses on i nvasion of alien species as the second worst threat after habitat destruction. A recent study has reported the occurrence of 1559 alien plant species belonging to 841 genera, in 161 families in India. More than one third (35%) of the total alien flora of India has its origin in the South American content. Most South American species come from Mexico and Brazil. More specifically while analyzing the native ranges of 225invasive species, more than half (25%) are from South America. The contribution of other continents are as follows: Africa (16%), Asia (16%), Europe (9%),

North America (4%), Australia (2%) and cryptogenic (1%). The pattern of origin is very similar if only those families represented by single species in the Indian alien flora are considered. This availability data on invasive plant species will contribute to the larger goal of setting robust global biodiversity targets and indicators with far reaching policy implications for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in all over the world.

Key words: Biodiversity, Biological Invasions, Alien flora

th 113 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Medicinal Plants Diversity and Wealth in Gundlabrahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary of Nallamalais, Andhra Pradesh Omkar Kanneboyena Plant Systematics Laboratory, Department of Botany, PSC & KVSC Govt. Degree College, Nandyal-518 502, A.P. Gundlabrahmeswaram wildlife sanctuary (GWS) is an offshoot of Southern- eastern Ghats and an abode for rich diversity, variegated life forms. It enjoys with biological, cultural, religious and scientific attributes exceptional medicinal phytodiversity. An attempt was made to explore the diversity and availability of medicinal plants and documentation of ethnobotanical knowledge with the financial support of UGC minor project. The preliminary survey and analysis revealed that 32% of herbs including grasses, roots and tubers (ground flora), 21% of climbers, 19% of shrubs and 22% trees, 4% epiphytes and parasites, 2% marshes. NTFPs are collected for the substantial income to the forest dwellers. The wide spread use of medicinal plants and its products Centella asiatica (whole plant), Andrographis paniculata (whole plant), Gloriosa superba (rhizome), Phyllanthus emblica (fruit), Asparagus racemosus (tuber), Dioscorea spp. (tuber), Gymnema syslvestre (leaf), Hemidesmus indicus var. indicus (root), H. indicus var. pubescens (root), Cheilocostus speciosus (rhizome), Aegle marmelos (fruit), etc. have been utilizing for various purposes. There is a need to conserve the medicinal plant wealth of this Gundlabrahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary Of Nallamalas.

th 114 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

th 115 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

The Convergence of Biological Diversity and Cultural Diversity: Towards Integration for Sustainable Development.

PRASANTA SAHOO, PhD Research Scholar, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi. Email: [email protected]

There is an emerging recognition that the diversity of life comprises both biological and cultural diversity. In the past, however, it has been common to make divisions between nature and culture, arising partly out of a desire to control nature. The range of convergence between biological and cultural diversity are reflected in the growing variety of environmental sub-disciplines that have emerged. In this article, the ideas from a number of these sub-disciplines are presented. Here investigation is made on four bridges linking both types of diversity (beliefs and worldviews, livelihoods and practices, knowledge bases and languages, and norms and institutions), seek to determine the common drivers of loss that exist, and suggest a novel and integrative path forwards for Sustainable Development. The recommendation is given that future policy responses should target both biological and cultural diversity in a combined approach to conservation. The degree to which biological diversity is linked to cultural diversity is only beginning to be understood. But it is precisely as our knowledge is advancing that these complex systems are under threat. While conserving nature alongside human cultures presents unique challenges, it is suggested that any hope for saving biological diversity is predicated on a concomitant effort to appreciate and protect cultural diversity for Sustainable Development.

Keywords: biodiversity, conservation, cultural diversity, culture, nature, policy, sub- disciplines, sustainable development.

th 116 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Incentivizing And Sensitizing Wildlife Conservation In Southern Buffer Of Similipal Tiger Reserve [Section 1 Eastern Ghats] In Odisha 1,2Akash Ranjan Rath*, 1,2Shibaji Charan Nayak 1Wild Orissa (a registered society for conservation of nature and wildlife), BJ-29, BJB Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Orissa. 751014. 2www.wildorissa.org *corresponding author: [email protected]

Similipal is located between 210 28’ to 220 08’ North Latitude and 860 04’ to 860 37’ East longitude in the district of Mayurbhanj in Odisha state. Similipal is a blend of Western Ghat, Eastern Ghat and Sub-Himalayan species with 1076 flowering species and 96 s pecies of orchids. Similipal is home to a range of wild animals including 55 species of mammals, 304 species of birds, 20 species of amphibians, 62 s pecies of reptiles and 37 species of fishes. The buffer area in Similipal Tiger Reserve constitutes an area of 1555.25 km ². There are 65 vi llages located in the buffer of this reserve and experiences anthropogenic pressures of various magnitudes. Some of the problems in these parts are; left wing extremism, alienation of local people, poaching, mass hunting, tribal rituals and way of life, forest fires, tourism, NTFP collection, timber felling/smuggling, cattle grazing, forest land rights, proximity to demand centers, etc. The buffer area in the southern part of this reserve consists of ranges under jurisdiction of Karanjia Division and Baripada Division, manned by forest officers/staff. Schools including primary are located in many of the villages. There are some civil society organizations working for welfare of tribal communities. The institution of Honorary Wildlife Warden is operating in Mayurbhanj district. The state police is engaged on need basis in combating wildlife offences etc. In comparison to the core/critical tiger habitat wildlife diversity and variety is less in the buffer for these extraneous reasons. There is a priority need to address these so as to ensure that biodiversity in the Similipal forests is sustained. In an effort to address these issues Wild Orissa engaged in some villages in Similipal. Certain villages assigned by the administration for this purpose are located in the Thakurmunda and Karanjia Ranges. Effort was made to generate goodwill and also to provide platforms for interface between the major stakeholders viz. STR Administration and local communities, for which Wild Orissa carried out series of wildlife conservation

th 117 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

programs in the said forest ranges in association with the Similipal Tiger Reserve administration during 2012, 2013 & 2014. Competitions for school children from remotely located villages in the Similipal Tiger Reserve have been conducted during 2012, 2013, 2014 a nd 2015. Rallies by school children for wildlife conservation and interactive sessions with local self help groups and vana surakshya samitis have carried out. Prize distribution functions have been held and many inter-village competition in cultural expertise and awareness on wildlife have been conducted by Wild Orissa in the STR. Interface programs have been attended by the Director STR, Deputy Directors STR, ACFs & RFOs, Field Staff, Honorary Wardens, Civil Administration, Police, Schools, Local Community, ex-poachers, etc. During 2014 W ild Orissa organized bird conservation program under the banner of the IBCN with the inhabitants in some remotely located hamlets in Similipal. The gathering were sensitized on various issues concerning to wild bird conservation in Similipal. Being remotely located, amidst dense forests, traditional dwellers such as these don’t get to interact on specific issues of bird conservation. This occasion was utilized to sensitize children, teachers, women, village elders, gram sabha representatives, etc. Conservation education material was distributed. These programs were conducted in association with the Similipal Tiger Reserve. These initiatives are an attempt at addressing problems inflicting wildlife conservation in an inclusive approach manner. These initiatives have had positive fallout: improvement in presence of some wildlife, associating and inculcating wildlife conservation consciousness, positive communications operating between the major stakeholders, increase in active participation in wildlife programs, etc.

Key words: Similipal Tiger Reserve, Buffer, Wild Orissa

th 118 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Sustainable creation of crop fields to avail food for wild elephants and putting indigenous communities into economic work

Ms. Sushree Sangita Mohapatra.

Post Graduate Department of Zoology, North Odisha University, Baripada-757 003 Email - [email protected]

Each and every corner of a hill or mountain is not covered with green vegetation and certainly has barren lands. One more agreeable fact is that elephants are permeating into the boundaries of civilization due to lack of food availability at certain time and squeezing of their area. Now, when these two facts come on the same page, a new idea emerges. We can rejuvenate those lands into food factories for wild elephants. The idea is to utilize those barren fields near to water bodies for cultivating grass, which should be the most edible for elephants. For this, we need to select those varieties that grow rapidly, self sustaining and long duration viable seeds that will germinate even after seed dispersal by the elephant excreta in different locations. Bamboo, another favorite food item, also grows rapidly and ease of plantation can be considered. Fast growing wild banana or GM bananas is another way of providing food to them. Choosing the right location, plant variety and mechanized farming will be the keys to the success for this idea. An adult elephant's daily diet is 150-250 kg. The census of elephant will lead to the calculation of total feed needed per year. If we can provide at least 35%-45% of the food during the scarcity period then we help them a lot and indirectly save the threatened lives. Coordination between the geologists, botanists, agriculturist and local people can accomplish the project. Initial strategic plantation may be time, labour and money consuming, but certainly the outcome will be largely comprehensive. Localities will get employed; excessive output from bamboo and grass will become raw material for paper industries. The budget equation for expense may be balanced by the Govt. budget for conservation of biodiversity, environmental protection, employment programs and compensation given to the attacked or dead peoples. At last, a thorough analysis, positive attitude and problem solving minds can definitely make the idea come real.

Keywords: barren lands rejuvenate, GM, mechanized farming

th 119 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Sustainable use of natural resources, a prerequisite for sustainable and resilient societies Swaroopa Maralla*1and D. Bharathi2

*1Post Doc Fellow in Biomedicine, Division of Zoology, Department of Sericulture, Sri Padmavati Mahila University, Tirupati-517502, Andhra Pradesh, India. 2Professor, Department of Sericulture, Sri Padmavati Mahila University, Tirupati- 517502, Andhra Pradesh, India *Email:[email protected] *Phone number: 09701589179

There exists limitations in the access to or availability of natural resources as well as internationally recommended minimum standards for basic human, social and economic development needs. Key challenges and governance responses for the development of globally accepted, qualitative and quantitative targets for the sustainable use of natural resources, several aspects have to be considered. Targets and limits in terms of absolute resource extraction on a global scale can provide a solid basis for further target derivations and the further need for a regional, temporal differentiation. Managing Environment, Forests, Wildlife & challenges due to Climate Change for faster & equitable growth, where ecological security for sustainability & inclusiveness is restored, equity in access to all environmental goods & ecosystem services is assured through institutionalization of people’s participation; a future in which the future generations can takes pride in the quality of its environment, forests, richness of its biodiversity, & efforts by States & its people to protect, expand and enrich it, for intra & inter‐generational equity & welfare of local & global community.

Keywords: Natural Resources, Sustainability, Socio-Economic Implications

th 120 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Heavy metals – a threat to pollen viability

Rumanian Ghana and Subarea Mondale* Department of Botany, Visa-Bharati, Santiniketan-731235 (India) * Email: [email protected] Loss of pollen viability due to heavy metals toxicity is one of the most important and burning problem towards the loss of productivity. The present investigation of in vitro pollen germination was aimed to study the effect of different heavy metals on pollen viability of Aloe Vera (L.) Burma. f. (Liliaceae), a plant of enormous medicinal values. It flowers during December to February and flowers generally open at 06.00 hrs.- 07:30 hrs., after which anther dehiscence take place. Maximum 98% pollen germination along with 2444 µm pollen tube development was observed in 15% Sucrose solution supplemented with 50 ppm Boric acid which was used as control solution for the toxicity study. When the Heavy metal solutions added at different concentrations with the control solution, both pollen germination and pollen tube development decreased. Different abnormalities were noticed during pollen germination as metal concentrations increased. The pollen germination was completely inhibited at 120 µM Cadmium, 240 µM Lead and 360 µM Cobalt Solution of which Cadmium showed highest toxicity.

Key words: Pollen germination, Pollen viability, Cadmium, Cobalt, Lead, Aloe Vera

th 121 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Insect-flower interaction, pollen dispersal and pollination of Fredonia lemonier (Linn.) Swing.

Sumatra Pal, Rumanian Ghana and Subarea Mondale* Department of Botany, Visa-Bharati, Santiniketan-731235 (India) * Email: [email protected] (Author for correspondence)

Present paper deals with the flower morphology, flower-visitor interaction, pollen dispersal and pollination of Fredonia lemonier (Linn.) Swing. Commonly known as wood-apple or elephant apple, which is a medicinally important plant of Rutaceae. The large deciduous tree flowers during February-April and bears numerous nectariferous whitish yellow flowers. Flowers open in between 07:30-09:00 hrs. and all the 10 anthers dehisced sequentially after flower opening. Each anther produces large number (3200) of 4-colporate (rarely 5) powdery pollen grains. The pollen grains and nectar are the main floral rewards for the flower visitors. After flower opening different insects like, Apis dorsata, Apis cerena indica, Apis florea, Trigona sp, Megachile sp., Syrphid flies, Flies, Butterflies etc were found to visit flowers for their forage. During visit, they carry a considerable amount of pollen grains through their body parts for successful pollination. Among them Apis florae was found as most dominant and frequent visitor. Though the flowers are visited by different insects, maximum 9% pollen grains were trapped from the ambient air at 12:00 noon.

Key words : Insect, pollen, pollination, Apis spp.

th 122 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Bird –Flower interaction of some plants from lateritic West Bengal

Subrata Mondal

Department of Botany, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, West Bengal-731235, India Email: [email protected]

Birds are the main components of vertebrate pollinators for plant reproduction. Birds are attracted mostly by bright colour and copious nectar production of flowers. Different birds like Acridotheres tristis, Corvus splendens, Dendrocitta vagabunda, Dinopium benghalense Nectariniaasiatica, Nectarinia zeylanica, Pycnonotus cafer, Psittacula spp.,Sturnus contra,Sturnia malabarica, Turdoidesstriatus, etc. are found to visit the flowers of different taxa for their forage. The plants like Alangium salviifolium (L.f.) Wag. (Alangiaceae), Bauhiniapurpurea L., B. variegata L.,Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taube, Erythrina indica Lam. (Fabaceae), Bombax ceibaL.(Bombacaceae),.Campsis radicans (L.) Seem. (Bignoniaceae), Dendrophthoe falcate(L.f.) Ettings. (Loranthaceae), Helicteres isora L. (Sterculiaceae), Hameliapatens Jacq. (Rubiaceae), Justicia gendarussa L.f. (Acanthaceae), Leonotisnepetifolia R. Br. (Lamiaceae), Mimusopselengi L. (Sapotaceae), Moringa oleifera Lamk. (Moringaceae), Peltophorum pterocarpum (D.C) Baker(Caesalpiniaceae)and Thevetia peruviana K.Schum. (Apocynaceae), g rowing beautifully throughout the Lateritic part of West Bengal, are frequently visited by the above birds for their forage. During their visit they carry a considerable amount of pollen grains attached to their mouth parts and help in pollen dispersal as well as pollination. Thus, understanding of such beautiful mutualism between birds and flowers is very important in terms of nutrition and pollination for sustainable development.

Keywords: Birds, flowers, nectar, pollination.

th 123 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Tropical Forests as Natural Resources of Nutritious Fruits & Edible Plants – Sustainable Management Strategies for Conservation of Nallamalas of Eastern Ghats Mekam Maheshwar Scientist E &Deputy Director National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR), Govt. of India E-mail: [email protected] The Nallamalas (also called the Nallamalla Range) are a section of the Eastern Ghats which stretch primarily over Kurnool Nellore, Guntur, Prakasam, Kadapa and Chittoor districts of state of Andhra Pradesh and Mahabubnagar, Nalgonda districts of the state of Telangana in India. The people living in and around these forests, particularly tribal people depend heavily on them for livestock grazing as well as for fuel wood, building poles, bamboo and a range of other products and services. In addition, these forests are serving as natural resources for edible plants, spices and fruits that are rich in nutrients. These includes, berries, black pepper, cardamom, cashews, cinnamon, citrus, cloves, coconut, ginger, mango, mung bean, peanut, pineapple, sesame, cucumber, turmeric, tamarind etc. The dry tropical forests pose management challenges very different from those of the moist tropics. Considering the fragility of dry areas and recognizing that the “policing” approach of conservation and protection has not succeeded, greater emphasis has to be given to people’s participation in forest management, decision-making and benefit sharing. Management of dry forests should, therefore, aim at the application of practices that are ecologically sound, economically viable, socially responsible and environmentally acceptable; and which do not reduce the potential of these resources to deliver multiple benefits. Some of these broad principles hold great promise for sustainable forest management and development of dry forests of this region. So far, criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management at the national level have been developed within five regional and international initiatives viz., the ITTO, the Pan- European Forest, Montreal, Dry Zone Africa Processes and the Tarapoto Proposal. The Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), a premier autonomous institution under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, generated a pool of knowledge for infusing the idea of sustainable forest management in the country. This Indian national initiative has been named as the Bhopal-India Process, which led to the identification of 8 national-level criteria and 51 related draft indicators. This set of criteria and indicators are relevant for the four major forest types of India, including Nallamalla forest range of Eastern Ghats. This study deals with detail analysis of the following eight criterions and their 51 indicators for sustainable forest management mentioned in the Bhopal-India Process: (1) Extent of Forest and Tree Cover (2) Ecosystem Function and Vitality (3) Biodiversity Conservation (4) Soil and Water Conservation (5) Forest Resource Productivity (6) Forest Resource Utilization (7) Social, Cultural and Spiritual Needs, and (8) Policy, legal and institutional framework.

Keywords: Nallamala range, Eastern Ghats, forest management, tribal people, fruits & edible plants

th 124 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Regeneration of the Natural Resources and conservation of Ecosystems through Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Guarantee Scheme in Eastern Ghats highlands of Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India, a glance

Gayatri Pandalaneni Programme Manager, Communications, MGNREGSA, Dept. of Rural Development, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh. [email protected], Mobile: 7093432444

The Mahatma Gandhi National Employment Guarantee Act aims at enhancing aims at enhancing the livelihood security of the people in rural areas by guaranteeing hundred days of wage employment in a financial year to a rural household whose adult members volunteers to do unskilled manual work. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, was notified on September 2005 by the Government of India. The other objective of the Act is to create productive assets having prescribed durability, which enables in providing sustainable to the rural poor and to the village community. This being the objective Schedule –I of the Act has enables to take up the categories of works in which more focus is given for the works related to Natural Resource Management such as Water Management, Renovation of Traditional Water bodies, Watershed Management work, Desilting of Existing water bodies. Also the Act enables to take up Afforestation works such as tree plantations, horticulture both in public and private lands and plantations along road margins, canal bunds tank foreshores and coastal belts. In the process, of creating the said assets the Scheme has lot of scope in providing resilience and adaptation to climate change and degradation of resource base. Srikakulam, the northern coastal district in Andhra Pradesh has a large area under hill ranges of Eastern Ghats. They harbor rich biodiversity, resources, and homes large population of primitive tribes like Savara and other ethnic clans. The tribal habitations are perched high in the hills and slopes. They practice slash and burn subsistence cultivation, collect a range of forest produce such as tamarind, hill brooms, honey, tubers, wild fruits etc. from local ecosystems. The Scheme has provided these tribes to earn their daily wages by providing wage employment taking up w orks like Water Conservation, Afforestation. Because of the Water Harvesting works the soil could able to retain moisture and the afforestation works taken up across the hill slopes could survive with best results. Over a period of 10 years these hill ranges could get maximum benefit out of the Scheme and will get in future also. Because of the increased area of plantations the region perceived more rains less warming and more carbon credits. The extent and kind of impact MGNREGS works have on t he environment depend on t he scale of the activities undertaken, the planning, design, the quality of assets created, and ownership and sustainable use of the resources created, rejuvenated. Preliminary findings indicate that MGNREGS works have led to the rejuvenation and enhancement in vegetation, soil, water and biodiversity and reducing vulnerability externalities.

The study throws a light on t he kind of natural resource management works taken up through MGNRES in the hills and attempts to provide instances of changes such as signs of conservation of ecosystems and sustainable development of tribes.

Key words :Hills, Resources, conservation, tribal, Rural Employment, Tribal

th 125 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Conserving the largest Gene Pool of Rice in Eastern Ghats – an important Agricultural Heritage System Dr. B.C. Patra

Principal Scientist, ICAR-National Rice Research Institute. Cuttack-753 006, Odisha

[email protected]

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important cereal crops providing more than 50% of the world’s staple food with 20% of the world’s dietary energy source. It is predicted that the human population might reach up to 9.4 billion by 2050 and estimated that the world may require 8–10 million tons more rice (or an extra 1.5%) each year to meet people’s needs. In India, rice is cultivated under a wide range of growing conditions, such as below sea level farming in Kuttanad in Kerala to high altitude farming in the Himalayas apart from the peninsular India. The erstwhile Jeypore tract of Odisha, the northernmost part of the Eastern Ghats is considered as one of the secondary centers of origin of cultivated rice. This region is also recently recognized as one of the globally important agricultural heritage systems (GIAHS) due to enormous diversity found in traditional rice farming. This enormous genetic variability has helped and continues to sustain the adverse alterations in temperature, precipitation and sea level rise in coming decades as a result of climate change. There are varieties, which withstand submergence during flood, and there are others, which can grow under moisture stress during drought condition and also at soil and water salinity. Therefore, it becomes imperative to conserve this national treasure for posterity. The search for superior genotypes regarding yielding ability, disease and pest resistance, abiotic stress tolerance or better nutritional quality is very hard, competitive and expensive. It is reported that even 5% of our rice germplasm conserved in the gene banks has not been utilized. However, with the advent of modern genomic tools the scope for use of vast genetic resources has increased. Newer strategies must be designed, first for an elaborate evaluation, and subsequently for efficient utilization of the diverse germplasm resource so painstakingly collected and conserved in the gene banks.

Key words: Germplasm, Rice, Oryza sativa, collection, conservation th 126 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Eco-friendly management of Heortia vitessoides, Moore (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) A major pest of Aquilaria malaccensis Lamk.

Nizara D Barthakur*, R Raja Rishi and Sabi Gogoi** Forest Protection Division, Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat – 785 001 (Assam) India *Email. [email protected] ** Silviculture and Forest Management Division

Aquilaria malaccensis, (Sasi) is a commercially important tree species of North East India. It is renowned for its oleoresin oil (commonly known as agar), the most expensive stabilizing agent used in perfumed industry. As all the agar trees do not form agar wood and is found invariably in some of the trees. Indiscriminate felling of Sasi tree for searching agar oil leads to the species becomes endangered. Moreover defoliation is a chronic in A. malaccensis particularly in nurseries and young plantations. Problem of epidemic defoliation is a regular phenomenon in A. malaccensis, which are regularly, and recurring plagued by the larvae of Heortia vitessoides. Perusal of literature revealed that very few attempts have been made so far to control this pest. Keeping in view of the environmental hazards caused by the synthetic insecticides and sporadic nature of the pest, there is an urgent need to use eco-friendly management strategies to control the pest in forest ecosystem. For this purpose attempts were made to evaluate the effect of some of the botanicals like, the acetone extract, petroleum ether extract and aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica, and Acorus calamus, were prepared at 10, 15 and 20 percent against the targeted i nsect. The results shows 92.8 percent mortality was recorded at acetone extract of A. indica, followed by acetone extract of A. calamus85.7 percent, petroleum éther extract of A. indica 74 percent and 64.2percent in A. calamus extract. Based on this study A. indica and A. calamus may be considered as potential biopesticides to control the developmental stages of H. vitessoides. Key words: Aquilaria malaccensis, oleoresins, Azadirachta indica, Acorus calamus, Heortia vitessoides

th 127 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Conservation and sustainable management of forest through energy plantation

Sabi Gogoi*, Nizara D. Borthakur and Ingrain P. Bora Rain Forest Research Institute, Deovan, P. Box-136, Jorhat- 785001, (Assam), *Corresponding author: e [email protected]

Population pressure, urbanization and industrialization have constantly declined natural forests except in reserve forests and in wild life sanctuaries. Conservation of forest to meet ecological, environmental and economical demands can be achieved by plantation and sustainable management of forest tree species in deforested land, non agricultural, degraded and also on abandoned land. Tribal population directly depends on forest for their livelihood. Out of 91% of fuel wood used 50% comes from forest. Keeping these views in mind and based on previously surveyed data of fuel wood species in N E region, an experimental plot of 10 ha was established in degraded land of Maharani, Galahad district of Assam where tribal population mostly tea garden labour dominated. On utilization basis 20 different tree species comprising 7 leguminous species such as Dalbergia sisso, Taphrosia candid, Albizzia procera, A. lebbek, A. lucida and Samania saman were planted along with 14 non -leguminous species such as Mallotus albus, Alstonia scholaris, Anthocephalus chinensis, Chukrasia velutina, Melia azadirach, Trewia nudiflora, Ficus hispida, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Dysoxylum procerum. Artocarpus chaplasha, Dipterocarpus retusus, Castanopsis indica, Actinodaphneae augustifolia, Litsea nitida. Besides providing scientific data the project benefited both economically and environmentally. Growth, biomass production and calorific values of different species calculated. Five years after plantation M. albus recorded highest progressive growth (943.11cm) followed by A. chinensis (864.58cm). Progressive DBH was recorded highest in A. scholaris (132.43cm). Calorific value was recorded more in M. azadirach. Soil organic carbon increased significantly and recorded 1.46% under legumes and 1.49% under non-legumes. Soil N, P, K, Ca and Mg showed significant increase under the tree vegetation. Leaf litter from trees served as unique habitat for arthropods. Acarina and Collembolan population was recorded high under all the tree species. D. procerum and L. nitida have pronounced impact on d ynamics of litter arthropods and L. speciosa and A. augustifolia has least impact.

Key words: Conservation, Degraded land, Management, Legume, Non-Legume.

th 128 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Mapping of plant resources of Eastern Ghats in Southern Odisha

Saujanendra Swain1# and Kartik Charan Lenka2 1. Former Principal Scientist, M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Jeypore, Odisha 2. Scientist, M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Jeypore, Odisha # Corresponding author: [email protected]

The study was carried out in the Eastern Ghats region covering seven district of southern part of Odisha state viz: Gajapati, Ganjam, Kalahandi, Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur. The entire stretches of Eastern Ghats in Odisha state were divided in to 6.25 x 6.25 Km grids, which forms a sampling unit. All together 443 grids were covered under the study. Trees of > 30cm gbh, Shrubs, climbers and herbs were enumerated within a transect plot of 1 Km X 5m inside each of the grid.

A total of 651 plant species belonging to 407 genera and 112 families were recorded from all the 443 grids. Out of the total plant species, 180 are trees, 155 are shrubs, 186 are herbs, 76 are climbers/ creepers/ lianas, 43 are grasses and 11 others like orchids, ferns etc. These 651 plant species belong to 112 families. Out of the 112 families 40 families have single species only, 11 families have two species each, 38 families have 3-10 species, 11 families have 11-22 species each and eight families have 20 to 64 species. The family having more than 20 species are Fabaceae (64 species) Poaceae (39 species) Euphorbiaceae (34 species), Rubiaceae (30 species), Asteraceae (26 species), Verbinaceae (22 species) and Convolvulaceae (20 species). Fabaceae is the mostly dominating family having 64 species in the surveyed region.

The study results recording of nine rare, endangered and threatened (RET) plants namely Albizia thomsonii, Allophylus seratus, Dolichandrone atrovirens, Gnetum ula, Hemigraphis latebrosa, Mesua ferrea, Pterocarpus santalinus, Selaginella nairii, and Stemona tuberose. Out of the species recorded from these grids Stemona tuberosa is found to be endemic endangered taxon of the region. Documentation of 253 e thno medicinal plants belonging to 207 genera and 81 families were made through this study. Keywords: Eastern Ghats, Plant species, RET, ethno-medicinal plants

th 129 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Contribution of Non-timber forest produce (NTFP) towards sustainable management of jhum Agro ecosystem in North East India

Indrani P Bora*, Arundhati Baruah and Kuntala N Barua Rain Forest Research Institute Jorhat, Assam, *Corresponding author [email protected], [email protected] Tribal people of North East hill region are practicing shifting cultivation as a dominant hill farming system to support their livelihood. Recently it has been observed that most of the jhumias of this region turned toward some kind of permanent land use system. Better approaches and methods are needed to manage this transition to enable farming system more productive. Planting of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) have a tremendous potential to create employment opportunity and lead to empowerment of the forest inhabitant in addition to arrest environmental degradation. Bamboo and broom grass are two important NTFP in terms of subsistence livelihood of people. Plantation establishment of economically important bamboo in degraded jhum land requires minimal capital investment and acts as a cu rrent carbon reservoir enhancing the vegetation cover. Plantation of Bambusa tulda (Jati) were raised in degraded fallow under Rongmobgwe block of Karbi Anglong district, Assam in a spacing of 5mx5m. Biomass production was recorded in every year upto four year of plantation. Dry biomass was recorded as 6.634 t ha-1 which reached 245.95t ha-1 in fourth year of study due to increment of more number of culm with the age of plantation. Total biomass carbon stock in four year old plantation attained 8894.12tC ha-1. Cultivation of Broom grass (Thysanolaena maxima) has also high potential to uplift economic conditions of jhumias. Experiment was conducted by planting selected rhizome having desirable characters in three spacing regime i.e. 1m, 2m, and 2.5 m . Yield was observed significantly high during 2nd year cultivation in 2m spacing which may facilitate proportionate increase in rhizome and root biomass. Results also concluded that selection of best performing individuals having desirable characters can boost the productivity of brooms and uplift rural livelihood. Key words: Management, jhum, Bamboo, Broom grass, NTFP

th 130 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Conservation of natural resources through traditional agriculture: a case study in Bhuyan tribe from Pacheripani, Deogarh (Odisha)

Bhagirathi Behera,

I.F.S Retd Jenamani Sahua,

Former Director Environment, Govt of Odisha, Research scholar, Jyoti vihar, Burla [email protected] Dept of Botany, Kalla College Deogarh, [email protected]

Within the range of world agricultural systems, traditional polycultures require less energy and external inputs than modern orchards, field crops, and vegetable cropping systems to achieve a similar level of desired stability. This greater stability apparently results from certain ecological and management attributes inherent to polycultural systems. These microcosms of traditional agriculture also found in Asia and Africa comprise "globally important ingenious agricultural heritage systems" (GIAHS) and as such offer promising models of sustainability as they promote biodiversity, thrive without agrochemicals, and sustain year-round yields. Adequate use of chemical fertilizer and pesticides make the soil dead and there is environmental degradation. It is essential to think of a method, which produce enough food and maintain the safe environment. Shifting cultivation is an age-old practice, particularly being practiced in the Eastern Ghats. Orissa accounts for the largest area under shifting cultivation in India. Shifting cultivation is locally known as the podu cultivation. About 5298 sq km area annually is under this primitive agriculture practice. About 1.5 lakh tribal families are engaged in podu cultivation. Based on the task force of Government of India report, more than 30,000 sq km of land (about 1/5 land surface of Orissa) is under such cultivation. Shifting cultivation is prevalent in Kalahandi, Koraput, Phulbani and other southern and western districts, covering 119 blocks. The tribal communities, viz. Kondha, Kutia Kondha, Dongaria Kondha, Lanjia Sauras, Paraja, Godaba, Koya, Didayi, Bonda, Jhang and PauriBhuyan, Peranga and Erenga Kolha are involved in this practice. Many festivals and other such rituals revolve around the podu fields, because

th 131 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

the tribals view podu cultivation not just as a means of their livelihood, but as a way of life.

It is based on the principle of sustainability, eco-friendly and scientifically sound. It is low –input system with poly-culture and rotation crop .It is highly efficient in terms of energy input and cost benefit analysis. Natural resources conserve in sacred groove, shifting cultivation and terrace agriculture are intimately associated with bio-diversity. Integration of land use pattern, landscape management and activity of soil engineer could serve as an essential intelligence to conserve natural resources in mountain ecosystem. Low-energy feedbacks that have high-energy effects are basic features of cybernetic systems. Energy flow in any particular component of the ecosystem may be very little as compared to the total ecosystem, but the ecosystem production might have highly magnified impact. Functional diversity has been postulated to be critical for the maintenance of ecosystem functioning, but the way it can be disrupted by human-related disturbances remains poorly investigated. The hypothesis that habitat degradation/fragmentation changes the relative contribution of different components aiming an integral establishment of system conservation. The essence of this paper emphasizes the conservation of natural resource with the eco system engineer of soil for land restoration.

th 132 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) initiative in protecting Eastern Ghats, a comparative study on the basis of Amazon forests

R. Rahul Reddy

[email protected]

In India, Eastern Ghats cover large parts of the terrestrial land surfaces and are major components of terrestrial carbon cycle. REDD+ was proposed as a mechanism to discourage deforestation and degradation for forests to reduce carbon emissions. This move comes into being by UN 19th conference of Parties (COP) on climate change in Warsaw, where rich nations agreed on c ompensating developing nations in efforts to protect and increase forest cover on basis of their sequestration values.

India is a signatory of the recently concluded Paris accord on c limate change, which mandates implementation of REDD+mechanism. This policy aims to create sustainable architecture at national and sub-national levels, to encourage and incentivise local communities for their role in conservation by reimbursing their expenditure accrued for implementation of REDD+. It also aims to safeguard the rights and interests of local communities including improvement of their livelihoods. The success of REDD+ depends on a rigid, scalable and reliable finance mechanism, technological assistance, and effective forest related legislation along with transparent equitable political momentum which has support of core stakeholder groups. Eastern Ghats requires new approaches and methodologies like REDD+ for restoring its damaged eco-systems. We may draw lessons from experiments done in this regard in Brazil, where the effectiveness of the REDD+ was due to involving community focus groups. The project resulted in improving their production systems through access to technical assistance, machinery and training, while valuing local traditional knowledge.

th 133 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

th 134 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Ethnomedicinal Practices Of Kandha Tribes Of Koraput In Eastern Ghats, Odisha, India Kalpana Patra* and Sharat K. Palita. Dept. of Biodiversity and Conservation of Natural Resources, Central University of Orissa, Koraput-764021, Odisha, India * Corresponding Author – [email protected]

The tribal communities of Koraput of Odisha in the Eastern Ghats have long been preserving traditional knowledge through ethno-medicinal practices of plants for cure from various ailments. The present survey deals with the ethno-medicinal practices of Kandha tribe of Koraput district, Odisha during September, 2014 to May, 2015. Kandhas (Kutia Kandha and Dongria Kandha) are a group of primitive tribes, have been identified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). For this study, Traditional Health Practitioners from 11 Kutia Kandha and 7 Dongria Kandha dominated villages of Koraput district of Odisha were interviewed with the help of a questionnaire.

Kutia tribe were found to use a large (n=84) and heterogeneous variety of plants under 55 families for treatment of comparatively larger number of ailments (n=58). Most treated ailments are epilepsy, joint pain, and stomach pain followed by blood dysentery, dysentery, headache, malaria, scabies, skin disease and worms. Dongria on t he other hand, uses very few plant species (n=26) under few families (n=21) for treatment of limited number (n=17) of ailments. Mostly treated ailments are dysentery, fever, followed by scabies and vomiting. While, Kutia tribe uses more than one plant species in case of 78% ailments (n=45), Dongria use more than one plants for treatment of only 24% (n=4) of ailments. Dominant plant families mostly used by the Kutia Kandha are Euphorbiaceae followed by Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Poaceae, Rutaceae, Apocynaceae, Asteraceae, Acanthaceae, Amaranthaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Dioscoreaceae, Meliaceae, Piperaceae, Rubiaceae, Sterculiaceae, Zingiberaceae, whereas, the Dongria Kandhas mostly use Euphorbiaceae followed by Asteraceae and Solanaceae. Kutia Tribes are far ahead of utilising more than one plant for a particular disease i.e. 32 plants were found to cure more than one disease, whereas Dongria are too conservative in this respect as they mostly utilise one plant for one disease. Keywords: Eastern Ghats, Kandha, ethnomedicine, Kutia, Dongria

th 135 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Faunal mortalities on roads in the forests of the northern Eastern Ghats, India

P. Sen1, A. Upadhyay2, N. Gujre3, R. Goswami4 1Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University, Ajmer 2Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 3National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur 4Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Bangalore [email protected]

Roads are considered as prime indicator of development. However, expansion and up gradation of roads networks leads to habitat loss and fragmentation. Roads passing through or near protected areas can have negative impact on w ild animals. However, there are no such studies in the northern Eastern Ghats region which undergoing severe lan duse and land cover change. Here, we estimate the impact of vehicular traffic on animals found in the forests of Northern Eastern Ghats. Over 48km of roads were sampled across elevation and forest type during early morning, afternoon and evening on 18th-20thJuly 2015 t o record road kill incidents. Simultaneously observation for traffic volume was estimated on each road. Individuals belonging to 52 species were recorded. Majority of road kills were millipedes, insects, arthropods, anurans and reptiles. Variation in elevation and vegetation along roads influenced mortalities. Most of the road kill incidents were recorded in areas having forests on both sides of the road. Based on our results we discuss the impacts of high traffic areas and state a few recommendations to reduce animal mortalities in the study area.

Keywords: Eastern Ghats, road-kills, animals.

th 136 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

HABITAT, ECONOMY AND SOCIETY OF THE BONDA TRIBE-

A GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

Kumbhakarna Mallik, S. N. Tripathy P. G Dept of Geography, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar. Mail-id: [email protected] On the eastern side of Malkangiri district of odisha, in the remote highland country within mighty Kondakamberu ranges of Eastern Ghats rising, lives the brave and beautiful human race called “Bonda”. Bonda which is know n as the Bondo, Bondo Poraja, Bhonda, or Remo are an ancient tribe. They live in the upland towards north-east of the river Machkund confined within the group of high hills called “The Bonda Hills”. They live in 32 villages confined to 130 sq. km. of hill area in the Khairput Block. They speak a language of their own that belongs to the Austro-Asiatic (South Munda) Language group. Unconventional dress pattern, dormitory organisation, spirit of independence and sense of freedom, excessive addiction of palm-wine, rude and ruthless manner of expression, are some of the most striking features of the tribe. They are one of the 75 Primitive Tribal Groups identified by the Government of India. The Bonda are generally semi-clothed, the women wear thick silver neck bands. Bonda women also wear metal rings that cover their necks and bangles on their arms. Beginning at the ages of eight or nine, males will adorn their bodies with headbands. Once married, men typically do not continue to adorn their bodies with more ornaments. The Bonda live in small thatched huts. They practice jhoom (Shifting) cultivation. Their livelihood is supplemented by seasonal forest collections and animal domestication. Nowadays the Bonda no longer remain isolated in their remote mountainous abode The Government of Odisha, has over the years tried to bring the Bonda into the mainstream. Now it is up to them to decide as to how best they can derive maximum benefit out of development intervention. The major findings of the paper will include the future prospects of the habitat planning for the development programs of Bonda Tribes in Malkangiri district of south-western Odisha.

Keyword: Bonda tribes, liquidate assets, community member, Bonda Development Agency

th 137 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Indigenous Communities And Development Activities In Eastern Ghats

Mandadi Shravya Reddy Computer Science Engineer and Member of Council for Green Revolution (CGR) [email protected]

Indigenous communities in the past, especially the tribes were the lords of the forest and free to use forest resources. With the interference and encroachment by non- tribals in the Eastern Ghats forests for developmental and commercial purposes in recent times. the tribals were forced to collect forest resources especially non-wood forest products for trade purpose and in certain areas to leave or forego right to live in their native land due to forest clearing, for different activities. People who were living in the past, were living in a symbiotic relationship with the forest. Many indigenous communities depend directly on natural ecosystems for their livelihoods, wild-plants and animals for food, clothing, medicine, fuel and shelter. The economy identity and cultural and spiritual values as well as the social organization of Indigenous people are closely linked to biological diversity. But due to rapid developmental activities like large scale mining, dams for hydropower and irrigation, extractive industries, railway lines, widening of roads in the pursuit of National development is causing biotic pressure on the eco-system which is quite pronounced. It is a tragic irony of development that the Indigenous Communities are at the vulnerable worst which led to the loss of control over resources, decision making, social and cultural identity, involuntary displacement, loss of livelihoods and forced migration. So, the government with the help of few NGO’s, environmentalists etc., should take an initiative to strictly implement all the necessary measures effectively and properly which is a great need of the hour.

Keywords: Tribes, Indigenous Communities, Eco-system.

th 138 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Health Care system of Tribes – Challenges and threats: Special reference to Tribes of Eastern Ghats Dr. D. Priya Kumari and Dr. G. Shailaja Department of Zoology, Nizam College, Osmania University, Telangana

Health is a prerequisite for human development and is an essential component for the well being of the mankind. Historically, environment has had a profound influence on human health. Keeping in line with the above, environmental changes and the deterioration of the Eastern Ghats pose new challenges for public health care system. This is further influenced by interplay of various factors including the value system, philosophical/cultural traditions, social, economic and political organization. Poverty and sickness form a vicious circle, each helping the other to add to the miseries of the most vulnerable in our country. The health status of the tribal population of India is very poor and can be owed to their isolation and remoteness. According to the 2013 c ensus estimate, tribal groups constitute about 8.6 % of the total population in India (Indian Government Census). Sixty percent of these people reside in the north Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Uttarakhand of which 85% can be found in Odisha.

The tribes of Odisha and their health scenario present a kaleidoscopic mosaic of various communicable and non-communicable diseases. The wide spread poverty, illiteracy, malnutrition, absence of safe drinking water and sanitary conditions, poor maternal and child health services, ineffective coverage of national health and nutritional services, etc. have been found, contribute to their dismal health condition. The government’s health strategy advocates for improving the health status of tribal population by reducing their morbidity and mortality.

Studies indicate that there is a high incidence of communicable and non-communicable diseases in tribal populations when compared to non-tribal populations. In the given scenario, wherein the government is working at developing the primary health program, there is also the need for the development of palliative care, which is an area of healthcare that focuses on r elieving pain and preventing unnecessary suffering of patients, whether the diseases are chronic or life-terminating. WHO also stresses the importance of incorporation of palliative care into mainstream health care services. Apart from improving national health systems and policies, focus should also be on incorporating Palliative care into health care system. The services should also be accessible in remote tribal habitats and must be driven by NGOs ideally established and run by tribes for their true health care development.

Key words: Public health, Tribes, Palliative care.

th 139 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

th 140 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Water Kinetic Energy Driven Hydro Turbine System, Type - Varun- III

A Replacement To Conventional Hydro Power Dams And Remedies To The Degradation Done By Them In Eastern Ghat

Er. Balram Bhardwaj1 &Mr. Narayan Bhardwaj2 1 M.Sc (Microbiology), M.Tech (Biotechnology), 2(MBA Finance)

As the ever-increasing encroachment of Conventional power projects in the delicate and fragile ecology of Eastern Ghats have triggered various issues related to economical, sociological, environmental, cultural, ethical, constitutional and legal at the national and international level. It is now time to ponder on alternatives of Hydro Power Dams because they are accused to drowns major chunks of forest land and fertile agricultural fields and stagnant water in there reservoir worsen the health of river ecosystem by obstructing the natural river low and drying out the riverbed. With example of many Hydropower projects, the unchecked movement of vehicles during and after construction of these project impact animal species and also increased sedimentation in rivers, obstruction in flow and storing the water submerged vegetation which causes Methane emission increasing to Global Warming. Clearing of forest, mechanical excavation, dumping debris, temporary shelters for labors, chopping jungle for firewood etc. are some of the other consequences of conventional hydropower technology. It is the time to ponder on a lternatives and while keeping mind the geographical location and availability of water velocity in water bodies of Eastern Ghats, hydrokinetic could be the best solution as the kinetic energy in any flowing water body is inevitable phenomenon which is in present scenario going waste due to lack of any possible technological advancement in the field of kinetic hydro power generation. Second world countries like India and third world countries like Somalia where majority of junta is depending upon agriculture and allied sector the project could bring revolution by providing cheap and sustainable source of non-conventional energy through utilization of each and every source of running water available in eastern Ghats.

The state of the art system is patented technology of the author and directly driven by kinetic energy present abundantly in every constantly flowing artificial or natural water bodies without developing any mega-structure such as Dam and alike. The design is quite simple in nature, easy to manufacture, very less expensive and also economic in maintenance.

th 141 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Contribution of civil society in safeguarding the Mother Nature (Eastern Ghats)

B.Mahesh; V. Hema Sailaja; B. Vijay Kumar; K.Veerababu [email protected]: [email protected]: [email protected]: [email protected]) - Ramky Enviro Engineers Limited and Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad

Environment refers to those surroundings which surrounds the living things from all sides & affected their lives Toto. The conservation of nature especially eastern Ghats because are endowed with an extensively rich variety of biological species, is a pressing issue, for the development of socio economic life. Environmental protection circumscribes not only pollution but also the development and protection of natural deposits & ecosystem. Changes on the planet ask for new solutions to maintain ecological balance. Various studies show that thousands of species are jeopardized where as more number of species have already vanished. Now it is essential to come up with the new proposals & implement projects for the conservation of nature especially our Eastern Ghats to reduce the compression on e nvironment. This is unachievable without education, information, without raising awareness regarding the importance of protected natural areas. The costs of loss or degraded environment are hard to establish but worldwide they are substantial and growing. Conducting citizen awareness programs, fact finding analysis, filing public interest litigations, providing expertise and policy analysis, solidarity and support to environmental defenders, working in collaboration with the government for capacity building, working out at the grassroots level and reaching far- flung areas can help people of various ages and social standing to find out values, motivation, skills, and responsibility regarding maintaining the quality of the environment and human health.

Key words: Jeopardize, environmental education, environmental movements, Eastern Ghats, youth education. Protected Natural areas

th 142 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

A Walk towards Greenery ….

1. Kumari Subham 2. Nisha Bharti 3. Sushmita Singh 4. Ritu

Affiliated By – Regional Institute of Education, Bhubaneshwar.

Email: [email protected]

“I don’t want to protect environment, I want to create a world where the Environment doesn’t need protection.” Edward Wilson, a socio biologist first popularized the term ‘biodiversity’ to describe the combined diversity at all the levels of biological organization. All though our country is one of 12 mega diversity countries of the world, there is a great thirst for its conservation.

A single step motivates thousand other steps. Youth, women and civil society in a developing country hold the key to the future of earth’s destiny. Women’s key role as a food provider and food producers links them directly to the management of environment- a basic altruistic step toward nurturing of mother earth. As said by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalama– “for success one need to convert the plan in action. Here is a simple concept called as ‘mandatory kitchen garden concept’ (MKGC), which makes it mandatory for all to maintain a kitchen garden no m atter they are living in flat, colonies or their own houses, there should be a plot of land fixed for this work.

Education is the preamble to showcase the vitality of the environment. And yes, the system can endeavor the curiosity to plant more and more sapling “5% each year for converting into a tree”. Conservation of environment should be academically judged on grade bases and be a compulsory part of curriculum framework.

There should be a fair balance of giving and taking between environment and human. The more you consume the more you have to replace. “The act of renaissance tress” can be one of the ways to achieve this. No matter how much tress your occupation needs use and replace equally.

Policies, which are executed if not properly overlooked by judiciary, are of no use. The newly formed idea of GREEN COPS who will look after the execution of the law for the conservation of biodiversity which can include MKGC and production of wild life separately and strictly. “GO FOR GREEN COPS”. At last this all things are possible only possible when initiation is followed by responsibility which comes from inside, not merely by cops ride.

Keywords: Biodiversity, Kitchen Garden, Education Policies, Green Cop, Renaissance Trees

th 143 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Women's role in conserving the Environment-a Review On Eastern Ghats N.S.Srinidhi1&Manchala Lingaswamy2, 1.Assistant Professor, Department of H&S, Vida Jyothi Institute of Technology, Range Reddy, Telangana State - 500075, [email protected], 7416627498. 2. Research Scholar, Department of Environmental Science, University College of Sciences, Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500007, [email protected], 9951382020

Every day, all over the world, women make countless choices that shape the environment. A lot of studies on women and environment have shown that women are significant actors in natural resources management; major contributors to environmental rehabilitation, conservation and in addressing some key environmental problems women play a major role.

Women have direct contact with environment and have deep-knowledge about the environment. Thus, women have served as environmentalist, agriculturalists, water resources managers and traditional scientists among others. Few the International environmentalist are Mei Ng, Angara Mute Matthau, Maria Cherkasova, Rachel Carson, Maude Barlow, Daryl Hannah, Lois Gibbs’s, Julia Butterfly Hill and in India Nanda Devi, Vandana Shiva, Medha Patkar, Sugatha Kumari, Tulsi Gowda, Seetha Coleman and Leela Laxma Reddy. Women are not only Knowledgeable about the environment; they are also protective and caring (shettima, 1996). Women being primarily responsible for domestic and household management interact more intensively with both the natural and built environment more than men.

Women have recorded successes in solving environmental problems all over the world. As rightly noted by Sayoe (1991) without the enhanced perception of a gendered analysis to guide into future environmental management programmes, a crash is inevitable. Therefore, there is the need to understand the various ways women have actively participated in environmental protection and management with a view to integrate them into environmental management programme. The objective of this paper is to appraise women involvement in environmental protection and management in general and in particular Eastern Ghats. India’s Eastern Ghats are a discontinuous chain of mountains extending parallel to the east coast of India and situated within the states of West Bengal, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The mountains are the habitat of rare species of flora and fauna and are also home to several indigenous tribal populations. Since colonial times, and also post-Independence, there has so much accelerated human intervention primarily through state-led projects in the pursuit of modernization and national development that has led to the destruction of these ecologically sensitive areas. This has made the participation of many women environmentalist that have worked in elevating the importance and need of conserving these Ghats. Keywords: Environment, Women, Environmentalist, environmental rehabilitation, Eastern Ghats, Conservation, Protection

th 144 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

ROLE OF CIVIL SOCIETY, YOUTH AND WOMEN – THE NEED OF THE HOUR

Mandadi Sreeha Reddy Administrative Officer, Suprabhat Model High School, Nacharam, Hyderabad [email protected]

The protection of environment of Eastern Ghats is a pressing issue. Every person, organisation and institution has an obligation and duty to protect it. Environmental protection encompasses not only pollution but also sustainable development and conservation of natural resources and the ecosystem. Tackling environmental problems and fulfilling our obligations to the natural environment must be main the responsibility, at all levels of society. Civil society is an autonomous and dynamic element, which can monitor and keep governments in check. Young people with a stake in the more distant future are especially well-placed to promote environmental awareness. Anti-ecological ways of thinking and behaving have not yet been fully ingrained in them so they can approach these issues with fresh ideas. At the same time much of the environmentally relevant information young people receive comes from formal education, It is vital to fostering environmental citizenship among our youth. We should make it compulsory in school curriculum. Also Women play an essential role in the management of natural resources, including soil, water, forests and energy and often have a profound traditional and contemporary knowledge of the natural world around them" Majority of the women (79.2%) are involved in farming and contributed significantly to land/soil conservation. (78.4%) of them have planted tree or flowers in the last five years while (79.2%). Appropriate recommendations were proffered to enhance women involvement in eastern ghats environmental protection and management and they are involved in decision making with regards to policies, programmes or funding of environment at various levels. So, all of us must contribute to increasing the visibility of environmental issues pertaining to eastern ghats on the national level and try to find various common solutions possible to make our planet Eco- friendly.

Keywords: Natural Resources, Protection, Environment.

th 145 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Role of Civil Societies in Kerala: a case study

Papori Phukan Borpuzari and N. Ravi Rain Forest Research Institute Jorhat, Assam, India [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Participation of CSOs together with the local governments is important in mobilizing the local and social capitals to follow the path of community development with sustainable development concepts.It includes the participation of local self governments like village panchayats, civil societies in empowering the women and common public. A study tour undertaken for rural exposure visit to the state of Kerala as part of the 15th Foundation Training for Scientists and Technologists at Indian Institute of

Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi to gather knowledge for development and

sustainability of rural communities by involving CSOs. Kerala has occupied the top

priority by implementing various development schemes driven by the state as well as

central government. Observations were made on two main civil societies in the locality

playing an important role in improving the development index of the communities.

Mitraniketan, a non-governmental organization with a mission to “evolve an alternative

paradigm for the development of individual and community” located at Vellanad.

Secondly, Kudumbshree a community network, works with local self governments like

panchayats, municipalities and self-governing local development institutions for poverty eradication and women empowerment. The impact reflects on the communities as a

successful model for holistic development of human lives. The resulted developments in

social fronts like improving literacy, health care, infrastructure, poverty alleviation,

empowering local governance, eradication of unemployment and gender-biasness etc. can well be adopted by the other states.

Key words: Civil society, women empowerment, Kerala th 146 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

th 147 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Regional Environmental Governance? Space, Institutions and the Communities

Kapil Kumar Gavsker, Ph D,

Department of Applied Geography, School of Regional Studies and Earth Sciences, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, Odisha

Email: [email protected]

Regional environmental challenges arising with the contemporary development practices are unavoidable impacts of global-level changes. Development in terms of industrialization, urbanizations and exploitation of natural resources and their uneven environmental consequences pose serious threats to the society and regions together. The regional challenges are essentially associated with water resources, ecosystems and biological diversity, natural hazards, health and infrastructure related issues and socio- cultural aspects. Other relevant issues such as access to basic services, infrastructure, and health care are unavoidable challenges at the regional level, which are to be addressed in effective as well as collective approaches. This requires a s trategic framework and institutional mechanism in the form of ‘regional environmental governance’. However, regions, as one of constructed scale-levels, are not paid as much attention and discussed as the local, the national and the international for dealing with diverse ecological challenges. Innovative approaches have to be open to the fact that various factors like cultural, physical, institutional and technological need to be taken into consideration as they have potential to play a vital role in the design and framework of regional environmental governance. Collaborative efforts between institutions along with active involvement of the communities can lead towards a productive and sustainable approach in this direction. Geographical regions viz. the Eastern Ghats ecologically, from biodiversity and from indigenous communities viewpoint are more important and they need to be conserved through environmental governance.

This research paper is an attempt to explore the idea and concept of regional environmental governance in dealing with and addressing regional challenges and problems. Paper also discusses the role of geography, institutional structure and socio- ethnic elements in dealing with regional environmental challenges. This paper is very much conceptual in its nature and approach. It critically examines contemporary development process and does offer a general framework to deal with environmental challenges.

Keywords: Development, Ecosystems, Institutions, Regional Environmental Governance,

th 148 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

A Synaptic View of Institutional and Governance Frame Work for the Conservation of Faunal species in Eastern Ghats

Madhusudan Reddy Narra1*, Rudra Reddy Regatte1*

Department of Zoology Osmania University, Telangana, Hyderabad- India, 500007

Biodiversity of any region and nation is essential for human survival, economic well-being and ecosystem function and stability. The Eastern Ghats are an array of low mountain ranges running parallel to the coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is one among the prominent ecological entities of Indo Malayan Biogeographic realm situated in the tropical world. Major peninsular rivers vivisect the hill ranges and the actuate hilly terrain lies between Deccan plateau and eastern seaboard in Indian peninsula. Eastern Ghats contributes significantly to flora and fauna species richness and ultimately left with insufficient but left with insufficient data and studies. The biodiversity of the hills is rich and unique which serves as mother to regional ecological niches in the subcontinent with its gene pool. These region harbors many species of fauna including 376 species of birds, 81 mammals, 59 reptiles 14 amphibians and 3,700 species of flora which including 1,400 species have medicinal properties.

Scientists and union ministry of environment India have identified several eco-sensitive areas with invaluable environmental resources with incomparable ecosystem values. They also cautioned the imminent possibility irreparable loss of extant biotic world and damage to the evolution and speciation process.

The origin of governance of ecosystems dates back to the late 19th century with forest management policy for exploitation timber resources for needs of British Empire. Viewing the hills for resources and revenue continued till 1970s. The growing awareness of its importance on the one hand and the anticipated massive depletion on the other hand prompted for genesis of present governance and institutional set up. Indian government and policy framework recognized the value and need for conservation of biotic resources in 1970s. The perception of governance took a turn from exploitive mode to conservation priority. Their environment ministries of central and state governments have formulated and created management plans such as project tiger and reserves for endemic and threatened species. Apart from project tiger and project elephant, two biosphere reserves i.e., Simlipal and Sheshachalam were notified in the region. T he study examines the evolution, effectiveness and needed changes in the existing setting.

Keywords: Eastern Ghats, Conservation, Fauna, Governance, institutional framework

th 149 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Issues Relating To Development R.Sudhakar Mining Engineer & Geologist Social worker – Secretary: SAMPARKA, Vizianagaram

The necessity to deliberate on the problem of conserving the Ghats arises out of the avoidable indiscriminate human activities in the region. As we all know the two most glaring of such activities are Mining and Deforestation Considering the issue of Mining, there is a very vehement lobby of diehard environmentalists and Social Workers (NGOs?) who say the Ghats be left alone as they are/were. This position is untenable both from the interests of the people living there and the overall Development agenda of the region. Considering the fact that most or many of the Industrial Minerals need to be sourced from the Ghats where they exist and without which no Development programme in the country can be envisaged It is said of minerals – if it cannot be grown it has to be mined. There is no other way out. Discovery of substitutes are few and far between As regards Deforestation – the situation need not be as controversial as that of Mining because a forest can be grown. Human activities that mostly contribute to Deforestation can be listed as i) Podu/Jhoom cultivation relating to livelihood and fuel needs of the forest dwellers,2) development activities initiated by Govt Agencies for connectivity ,education, health facilities and employment generation and 3) surface water management activities like construction of dams/weirs/canals etc Surface water management activities have the greatest impact on forests due to submersion of large tracts of it. Apart from submersion of forests they involve submersion of habitations resulting in problems of displacement, resettlement and rehabilitation that impact on the and life styles of such displaced persons What needs to be deliberated upon no w is to find a way out to satisfy the concerns of Environmentalists, Social workers, and Development agencies Surprisingly there are hardly any instances where or when these three groups sat together - repeat sat together – and tried to understand each others’ point of view The Environmentalists, Social Workers lobbies have been vociferous with the advantage of media Support while the Development Agencies have been dealing with the matter in a high-handed way with complete lack of transparency and often with aggressive imposition of authority.

The situation boils down to a need for a collective, proper and meaningful approach to consider all and each aspect relating to Legal. Policy, Governance and management framework avoiding obstinate vested interest positions

th 150 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

EASTERN GHATS: HARDLES IN THEIR CONSERVATION –A STUDY OF A.P.

Dr. L.VIJAYA KRISHNA REDDY

Assistant Director, Students Services Branch, Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad

The Eastern Ghats to a great extent pass through the states of Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, and to some extent in the states of Chattisgarh and Karnataka. Eastern Ghats is one of the important geographic endowed units with environmental, socio-economic, cultural and spiritual significance in the Country in general and Andhra Pradesh in particular. These Eastern Ghats spread over all districts of Andhra Pradesh.

The state of Andhra |Pradesh is basically an agricultural state, ‘known as Annapurna’ in the country, which fortunes are dependent greatly on r ain fall in the region. It is to note that through there were thick forests in the state, because of the lapses in conserving the forests; deforestation is taking place in leaps and founds. No single reason can be attributed to this menarche. Partly because of the failure of Governments mechanism in conserving the forests, partly because of the magnetic fake of political leaders and also the unawareness of public at large in the region to revitalize the forests. A strong mechanism shall be in place to bring balance in the ecosystems.

|In this paper an attempt is made to identify the causes which led to deforestation and, the attempts made by the Government to restore the forests and the gaps which need to be bridged to bring environment balance in the region.

th 151 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

Environmental Laws for the Protection and Conservation Of The Eastern Ghat Mountains

B.D. Mahalik and S.K. Behera CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneswar-751013

The Eastern Ghats are a series of discontinuations low ranges mountain system extending from central India to the far south and running parallel to the east coast, along the Bay of Bengal. The narrow range has an average elevation of about 2000 feet (600 meters) with peaks reaching 4000 feet (1200 meters) and higher. The high point is Arma Konda (5512 feet in Andhra Pradesh. The largest single sector – the remnant of an ancient mountain range that eroded and subsequently rejuvenated is found in the Dandakaranya region between the rivers Mahanadi and Godavari. The narrow range has a central ridge. The highest peak of Javadi Hills, is one of the larger of the Eastern Ghats, in northern Tamil Nadu State, southeastern India. About 50 miles (80 kms) wide and 20 miles (32 kms) long, they are bisected into eastern and western sections by the Cheyyar and Agaram rivers, tributaries of the Palar River.

The State of Odisha can be divided broadly into four divisions, the northern plateau, the Eastern Ghats, the central tract, and the coastal plains. The northern plateau is an extension of the forest covered and mineral-rich Chota Nagpur Plateau centred in Jharkhand. The Eastern Ghats extending roughly parallel to the coast and rising to an elevation of about 3,600 feet (1100 meters) are remnants of a very ancient line of hills in eastern peninsular India. The central tracts comprises a s eries of plateau and basins occupying the inland area to the west and north of the Eastern Ghats, the plateau areas provide scant resources, but several of basins-notably the Kalahandi, Bolangir, Hirakud and Jharsuguda have the soil and irrigation facilities to support local agriculture.

Several laws are to be enforced to safeguard the Eastern Ghat Mountains, protecting the environment and tribal communities. The related laws regulating and protecting environment are:

 The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.  Environmental Protection Act, 1986.  Forest Conservation Act, 1981  Environmental Impact Assessment Notification 1996.  Biodiversity Act, 2002.  National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.  Scheduled Five of the Indian Constitution.  Forest Rights Act, 2005.  The Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas 1996.

th 152 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

While these laws in principle could be effective in providing necessary checks for ecological disturbances and damages in practice there have been some inadequacies in many cases. These issues are dealt in the full paper.

MEASURES FOR CONSERVATION

• Legal framework, formulation/implementation of environmental laws protecting nature. • Policy implementation. • Empower Youth and Women in each State covered under the Eastern Ghats. • Tie up panchayat systems with help of youth & women, empowering to locally punish the nature-destructor. • The National Green Tribunal to oversee the preservation, plantation, protection of the Eastern Ghats. • Create a National Corpus Fund for Eastern Ghats development. • Develop Green Forest Revolution and empower the Forest Divisions with Stringent laws. • Afforestation campaigns around the upcoming cities in foot hills. • Mandatory creation/maintenance of wild life sanctuaries/zoological parks in each Forest Range, Division. • Bi-annual Forestation programs with help of Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) Govt. of India. • National Natural Heritage Centers (NNHC) in the State of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhatishgarh. • Promotion of Awards to the best the Nature Protection Groups / Centers. • Setting up of Soil Erosion Conservation Divisions in the States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Chhatishgarh& Jharkhand for conservation of land in the foot hills of Eastern Ghats. • Testing of the land/soil and launching of massive plantation programmes of horticulture plants like Mango, Guava, Jackfruit, Orange, Aanla, Harida, Bahada, Bel, Lemon etc. for protecting land erosion and enveloping the economic conditions of rural Youth and Women, NGO Groups involved in horticulture plantation programs. th 153 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR

For nature and our common future…

The earth has enough to provide the needs of all but not the greed of a few- Mahatma Gandhi

Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents; it was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors; we borrow it from our Children - Tribe Unknown

"Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect." Chief SEATTLE

What is man without the beasts? If all the beasts were gone, men would die from great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to man. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the children of the earth.Chief Seattle

Saving nature is equally about saving humanity-E.O. Wilson

The biodiversity of the planet is unique and uniquely valuable library that we have been steadily burning down –one wing at a time – before we have even catalogued all the books let alone read them all-John Holdren

Without the biosphere that made us what we are, in which we evolved we are not fully human-E.O Wilson.

"Only when the last tree has died, The last river been poisoned,? and the last fish been caught? Will we realize we cannot eat money?-Red Indian Proverb

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”Albert Einstein

None of Nature's landscapes are ugly so long as they are wild. John Muir

Save Nature-Save Future

th 154 NCEG - 16 & 17 Apr 2016, Bhubnaneswar, Utkal Univ.,GrACE -CGR