PROJECT : SANDSTONE MINE CONSERVATION PLAN APPLICANT : KANHAIYALAL RAMESHWAR DAS CONSERVATION PLAN OF GRAY MONGOOSE (Herpestes edwardsii), INDIAN PEAFOWL (Pavo cristatus) SLOTH BEAR (Melursus ursinus) & LEOPARD (Panthera pardus fusca) FOR M/s KANHAIYALAL RAMESHWAR DAS Village(s) – Dhaneshwar & Sutara, Tehsil & District – Bundi (Raj.) ML No.:- 47/ 94, Area: - 490.5509 Ha. Lease Validity: - 14.09.1994 to 14.09.2024 (30 Years) Prepared by: Dinesh Bohra F.A.E. – Ecology & Biodiversity ENKAY ENVIRO SERVICES PVT. LTD., JAIPUR Accredited EIA Consultant Organization by NABET, QCI, New Delhi at S. No. 42 in MoEF&CC List of Accredited EIA Consultant Organizations (as on March 7, 2017). Validity: - 13.12.2014 to 12.12.2017. Corporate Office: - # 92 Heera Nagar - A, Near Shalimar Bagh, Ajmer Road, Jaipur (Raj.). - 302 021 Phone: - 0141-2354997, 2353996 Email: - [email protected] , Website: - www.enkayenviro.com ENKAY ENVIRO SERVICES PVT. LTD., JAIPUR 1 PROJECT : SANDSTONE MINE CONSERVATION PLAN APPLICANT : KANHAIYALAL RAMESHWAR DAS ENKAY ENVIRO SERVICES PVT. LTD., JAIPUR 2 PROJECT : SANDSTONE MINE CONSERVATION PLAN APPLICANT : KANHAIYALAL RAMESHWAR DAS CONSERVATION PLAN FOR INDIAN GRAY MONGOOSE (Herpestes edwardsii ) 3.1 INTRODUCTION The Indian gray mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii), also known as the Common grey mongoose, is predominantly found in Sri Lanka and Southern India although the species can also be found in other locations such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, other areas of India, and some areas of southeast China. Unlike other forms of wildlife, the Indian gray mongoose is often found close to the dwellings of humans, particularly in areas of tall grass and trees. They are also found in areas of dense vegetation as well as in cultivated farmland. The animal creates its den in burrows and holes and occasionally under rocks and crags. It often lives alone or in the companionship of another of its species. Although very curious, it is rare to see the mongoose venture far away from its den and natural habitat. Their coloring is typically a tawny grayish brown color with their underside being lighter than their upper body. The Indian gray mongoose typically lives about 12 years in captivity. The mongoose is an avid predator and is capable of defending itself against a variety of species. However, the primary predators of the Indian gray mongoose are the leopard as well as the snakes which the mongoose has been known to engage in fierce battle. The Common gray mongoose, as its name suggests, is the most common species of mongoose and is not considered endangered. The species is listed as a Least Concern meaning that there is no immediate risk that the mongoose will become extinct. Although this species is not in immediate danger, there are other species of mongoose which are listed as endangered. The lease area of Sandstone Mine is situated near Village(s) Dhaneshwar and Sutara, Tehsil and District – Bundi (Rajasthan). The lease area falls within the Geological Survey of India Toposheet no. 45 O/12. The geographical location of the mine is as under:- Latitude 25 °02’ 53.10’’N to 25 °04’ 40.78’’ N Longitude 75 °32’ 29.21’’E to 75 °36’ 01.12’’ E ENKAY ENVIRO SERVICES PVT. LTD., JAIPUR 3 PROJECT : SANDSTONE MINE CONSERVATION PLAN APPLICANT : KANHAIYALAL RAMESHWAR DAS Scientific classificatio n Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Herpestidae Subfamily: Herpestinae Genus: Herpestes Species H. edwardsii Fig. 1.1: Mongoose in the forest of the buffer zone of the study area Fig. 1.2 Indian grey mongoose range ENKAY ENVIRO SERVICES PVT. LTD., JAIPUR 4 PROJECT : SANDSTONE MINE CONSERVATION PLAN APPLICANT : KANHAIYALAL RAMESHWAR DAS 3.2 Study Approach 2 individuals were observed in the Buffer zone of the study area has been reported as a habitat of Schedule II species commonly known as Nevla, more effort was made to assess their status in term of movements and habitat use in and around the study area. At first, a detailed biological survey of the core zone and buffer zone (10 km radius from periphery of the proposed sand stone mining project) was carried out to understand the status distribution of the species in the study area. Also, questionnaire survey was carried out to understand the recent status of Nevla sightings and their movements. Overall, 8 people from five villages were interviewed randomly. The conclusion of the survey discussed the potential sightings & habitat use, and movement and food habits of Nevla in the study area. 3.2.1 PHYSICAL TRAITS The Indian gray mongoose is typically between 14 and 17 inches in length or 36 and 45centimeters. The tail length of the mongoose is usually about the length of the body, about 17 inches or 45 centimeters. Its long tail length allows for the mongoose to be a very apt climber because of its added ability to balance. The species weighs between 2 and 4 pounds or 0.89 and 1.7 kilograms with the females being significantly smaller than the males. 3.2.2 BEHAVIOR It frequents alike the open country and low jungles, being found in dense hedgerows, thickets, holes in banks etc ; and it is very destructive to such birds as frequent the ground. Not unfrequently it gets access to tame pigeons, rabbits, or poultiy, and commits great havoc, sucking the blood only of several. It also hunts for, and devours, the eggs of partridges, quails, and other ground-laying birds; and it will also kill rats, lizards, and small snakes. 3.2.3 HABITAT USE The habitat and ecology of the Indian Grey Mongoose is known from few studies, however, it has been recorded in disturbed areas, in dry secondary forests, and thorn forests (Shekhar 2003), but seems to be a commensal with humans as well. This species was often recorded near human settlements by Shekhar (2003) in a survey in central India during 2002-03, where it was seen near garbage bins, garbage dumps, scavenging on carrion, and on roads. The species seems to be most common in disturbed areas, in dry secondary forests and thorn forests. This species has been found up to 2,100 m (Corbet and Hill 1992) and feeds on insects and snakes (Santiapillaiet al. 2000). ENKAY ENVIRO SERVICES PVT. LTD., JAIPUR 5 PROJECT : SANDSTONE MINE CONSERVATION PLAN APPLICANT : KANHAIYALAL RAMESHWAR DAS 3.2.4 MATING BEHAVIOR Mongooses have an anal sac used in communication. Males spray only during the mating season. Mongooses display an adapted behavior to deposit the spray at nose height on vertical objects. Indian gray mongooses raise one leg, spraying the urine down the object to be marked. In addition, they may spray high on the object by rearing up on the forepaws into a handstand position and ejecting the secretions. The secretions of the scent glands are potent and can radiate a large distance, like that of the skunk Mephitis mephitis . 3.2.5 REPRODUCTION Shetty et al. (1995) observed mating behavior of Indian gray mongooses in captivity. Social hierarchy was evident, and the dominant male and female were observed and reported to mount more often than subordinate animals. There was no significant change in mounting with females in estrus. Herpestes edwardsi reproduces rapidly, with females giving birth to two or three litters per year. Litters typically contain from 2 to 4 young. The gestation period is 60 to 65 days with parturition occurring in May or June and October to December Females have four to six mammae. Breeding interval Indian gray mongooses breed two to three times a year. Breeding season Copulation occurs in March, August and October. Range number of offspring 2 to 4. Range gestation period 60 to 65 days. 3.2.6 FOOD HABITS The Indian gray mongoose has a varied diet consisting of rats, mice, other rodents, small birds, bird’s eggs, invertebrates and lizards. They are also known to kill snakes including cobras which require a great deal of speed and agility. It is one of the only species that is known for its ability to kill these deadly snakes as well as other poisonous snake species. Their ability to kill these potentially fatal animals is due to their speed as well to their exceptionally thick, course coat. Animal Foods Birds, Mammals, Amphibians, Reptiles, fish, Eggs, Insects, Terrestrial, Non-insect arthropods, Aquatic crustaceans Plant Foods Roots and tubers, Seeds, Grains, and nuts, fruit Primary Diet Carnivore ENKAY ENVIRO SERVICES PVT. LTD., JAIPUR 6 PROJECT : SANDSTONE MINE CONSERVATION PLAN APPLICANT : KANHAIYALAL RAMESHWAR DAS Conservation Status IUCN Least Concern (IUCN ver. 3.1) IWPA Schedule II CITES Appendix III 3.2.7 MAJOR THREATS This species has no major threats occurring across the whole of its range; however, it does experience some regional threats. Shekhar (2003) notes that the grey mongoose is often captured and sold as a pet. Gypsies from northern India use hook snares to capture individuals for skins, which are then sold in local markets in Nepal (Shekhar 2003). All mongoose species are in demand for the wildlife trade (Van Rompaey and Jayakumar 2003): the meat is eaten by several tribes and the hair is used for making shaving brushes, paint brushes, and good luck charms (Hanfee and Ahmed 1999). 3.3 MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION ACTIONS The Indian Grey Mongoose is listed on CITES Appendix III in India (Wozencraft 2005). In 2002 in India, the government upgraded the Mongoose species, to Part II of Schedule II of Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. In central India people consider the mongoose to be sacred and thus it is not killed there (Shekhar 2003). This species is found in numerous protected areas. Field surveys, ecological studies, habitat protection and monitoring of threats are needed. As people found out that mongooses were rat and snake killers, they were domesticated to control rats, mice and snakes in and around houses.