EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol. 13 No.2, 2007 The Eastern Ghats EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Biodiversity of Eastern Ghats Contents Scolopendra amazonica Millipede Sp. Page No 1. Faunal Diversity of Nallamalai hill ranges of Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh, India.......................................................... 2 2. Taxonomic and Molecular approach in Identification or Discovery of Species.......................................................... 8 3. Threats to Biodiversity of Eastern Ghats: The need for conservation and management measures........................... 9 4. Abstracts on faunal biodiversity of Eastern Ghats.............. 11 Hypolimnas bolina jacintha Urothemis signata signata Foreword The theme ‘Biodiversity of Eastern Ghats’ is so unusually large in extent or scope that one has to preset the range which one wants to discuss. As a sequel, therefore, it was decided to devote two issues of this Newsletter, one each on the sub-themes: phytological biodiversity and Rhagodes nigrocinctus Gasteracantha geminate faunal biodiversity. The last issue [Vol. 13, No.1 2007] comprehensively covered the phytodiversity of the Eastern Ghats with a precious article co-authored by eminent scientists. This issue attempts to focus on faunal diversity of the region with an article by a Scientist from Project Tiger, Department of Forests, Government of Andhra Pradesh highlighting Geochelone elegans Ardeotis nigriceps the conservation and management of faunal diversity in Nallamalai Hills of Eastern Ghats : a known biodiversity rich zone of the ecologically fragile terrain. Modern biological approach in taxonomy is also briefly discussed to understand the range of faunal species that causes diversity. Some selected abstracts on the theme are also given. ENVIS Coordinator Panthera tigris We plan to bring out the next issue of the Newsletter on Geoscientific aspects of Eastern Ghats and invite articles, write-ups and news items on the theme from our readers. The descriptive details may kindly be sent as file attachment by e-mail in WORD format and the supporting photographs in ‘jpg’ We request our readers to kindly intimate any change in contact details besides suggesting others who may be interested in receiving a copy of the Newsletter whose e-version could also be forwarded. ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION TRAINING & RESEARCH INSTITUTE (EPTRI), HYDERABAD EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol. 13 No.2, 2007 Faunal Diversity of Nallamalai hill ranges of Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh, India K.Thulsi Rao1 and I. Siva Rama Krishna2 1. Assistant Conservator of Forests, Biodiversity, Project Tiger, Srisailam. 2. Project Faculty, Environment Protection Training & Research Institute (EPTRI) Introduction: 2. The Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary : This is popularly known as G.B.M wildlife sanctuary - a paradise Nallamalais, one of the five biodiversity hot spot regions of for the rich and variegated life forms of animals and plants the country, harbours rich diversity of flora and fauna. It lies living there for eons. Sprawling over an area of 1,194 Km2, in a biodiversity rich zone of the Eastern Ghats and less supported by the tropical moist and dry deciduous forests studied from faunistic survey point of view. The state of with an under growth of bamboo and grasses, that this Andhra Pradesh in East Central peninsular India is typical sanctuary is a domain of rich habitat for unexplored of the extensive Deccan bio-geographic zone. The forest biodiversity, especially many endangered flora and its vegetation of the state is largely of dry deciduous, thorn type associated fauna. and seasonally arid. The Eastern Ghats add a mossaic of biological diversity and provide centers of endemism for flora 3. The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) Sanctuary of and fauna. The department of Forests, AP initiated an Rollapadu is picturesque gentle rolling golden grasslands, extensive “All Taxa Biodiversity Inventorization” (ATBI) situated in the Kurnool district. This sanctuary is established survey of species and built an enormous baseline data. This in the year 1988, harbours many grassland species including helps in assessing the status of biodiversity, immediate the flagship species – the “Great Indian Bustard”. conservation and management of natural resources for three very important Protected Areas of 6D, 6E, - a data deficient Inventory of biodiversity in Nallamalais: bio-geographical region of India. This paper discusses about the inventorisation of Faunal Diversity and conservation and Inventorying and monitoring of biological diversity of an area provides enormous information for in-situ and ex-situ management of Nallamalai hill ranges (9000 km2) which conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of its contain three main protected areas. The faunal biodiversity components. No comprehensive All Taxon Inventory is represents from phylum Protozoa to Chordata. The recent available for this region, Many researchers from the bio-systematic studies carried out by the research team of universities (Srinivasulu, 2003; Srinivasulu and Nagulu, 2002; Eco-Research & Monitoring Laboratories under AP Forest Srinivasulu and Thulsi Rao, 2000), Zoological Survey of India Department led to the discoveries of four new species and (Sharma, 1971; Murthy, 1986; Sanyal et al., 1993; Sarkar et hundreds of new records from the Nallamalai hills, Eastern al., 1993), Non Governmental Organizations including Ghats and to the Andhra Pradesh. Birdwatchers’ Society of Andhra Pradesh (Pittie, 1999; Taher, 1999), and Bombay Natural History Society (Ali and Whsitler, Study Area: 1933a,b,c; 1934a,b), and State Forest Department (Thulsi Rao et al., 1999; Thulsi Rao et al., 2004) have documented Nallamalais are constituted in three very important Protected part of the vast biodiversity of this region in general. Areas having rich and highly endangered species. They are Scientific and genetic resource collections and 1. Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary (Nagarjunasagar Srisialam information on several aspects including anthropogenic, abiotic Tiger Reserve) 2. Gundla Brahmeswara Wildlife Sanctuary and biotic factors are now being conducted. Carried out (GBM) 3. Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary for conservation of inventorying and monitoring of the floral and faunal species GIB and its associated species in Nallamalais initiated since 2001. An “Ecological Research and Monitoring Laboratories” field Research station is 1. Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary popularly known as established at Srisailam to facilitate to carryout the various Nagarjunasagar Sagar - Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) is research activities. The research team conducted several one of the largest Protected Areas of our country. It spreads surveys under the project “All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory” over an area of 3568.09 Km2. in five revenue districts. This in Nallamala of central Eastern Ghats and studied the habitat sanctuary is an abode for rich biodiversity, especially many and the existing ecosystems to estimate the present, past and endangered flora and its associated fauna. Large part of this predict future species availability and other related factors. sanctuary is hilly terrain with plateaus, ridges, gorges and The research team conducted field surveys and located the deep valleys which support tropical dry deciduous forests sites of rare plants, animals and species of conservation with an under growth of bamboo and grass. The population concern and also sensitive habitats. The results are being of tigers is in increasing trend in this sanctuary, which shows documented in the form of reports, database files, maps and the healthy prey – predator ratio. as published literature. 2 EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol. 13 No.2, 2007 3 EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol. 13 No.2, 2007 Methodology: 3. An J, Lee MY, Min MS, Lee MH, Lee 2007. A molecular genetic approach for species identification of mammals The faunal inventory has been carried out for both and sex determination of birds in a forensic case of invertebrates and vertebrates. Inventorisation of these species poaching from South Korea. Forensic Sci Int. has been carried out by various established methodologies . 22;167(1):59-61. The field visits have been conducted periodically in all three 4. Bastawade D.B., K. Thulsi Rao, S.M. Maqsood Javed seasons and habitat wise. By following the standard methods, and I. Siva Rama Krishna, 2005; A New species of Avian fauna has been documented by direct sighting and their Whip-Spider (PHRYNICHIDAE: AMBLYPYGI) from vocalizations. Mammalian diversity is estimated by direct Andhra Pradesh, India. Zoos’ Print Journal 20(12): 2091- sighting and indirect evidence (including footprints and 2093. droppings). Reptiles, amphibians and other faunal components were documented by direct sightings and collections. The 5. Champion, H.G. and S.K. Seth (1968). Forest types of status of each species is recorded and compared with red India. Government of India Press, New Delhi. data book. All the survey results have been well analyzed to 6. Choudhury B.C. and K. Thulsi Rao, 2005; Rehabilitation take necessary steps for formulating conservation strategies. of Repatriated Indian Star Tortoises in Protected Areas Voucher specimens collected were deposited in ERM Labs of Andhra Pradesh, India. Conservation Reference for identification and further studies. Series No. 2 of Wildlife Trust of India: “Back to the Wild-Studies in Wildlife Rehabilitation”. CRS No. 2; pp. Results: Over 50 species of mammals, 200 species of birds, 128-143. 54 species of reptiles, 18 amphibians,