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Vol.1, No.1, World Environment Day (June)-2022 Vol.1. No.1 World Environment Day (June)- 2022 The Living Terra FirmaFEW’S Indian Star Tortoise Asian Pied Starling New Records of Tiger Beetle Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Long-eared Owl Gumpe Hills, Kerala Grasslands

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 Contents Page Editorial …………………………………………………………………………..………….3 Asian Pied Starling (Gracupica contra) and its Expanded Distribution Range in India with Emphasis on Gujarat State Dr. P.S. Thakker …………….……………………………………………..…….……….....5 A “Star” on the Land under Threat: Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans) Dr. Raju Vyas……………………………………………………………..……..………….18 New Records of Tiger Beetle (Insecta: Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) from Gujarat Karan A. Thakkar, Bharatsinh M. Gohel & Ruchi Dave …………….………………..25 Grasslands: Their Origin and Management in the Indian Subcontinent Prajanya Sarma & Ratul Pegu……………………………………………….…………..29 Chestnut-headed Bee-eater in Gujarat-A Likely Range Extension Rajani Trivedi & Dr. P.S.Thakker……………………………………………………….36 G.umpe Hills – A Nature’s Heaven Shreya S. & N. Sharmila.………………….………………………………………..……..40 Sighting of a Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) at Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar, Gujarat Pravin Vegad, Vishal Japadiya, Dilip Gadhvi, Harpalsinh Chudasama ……..……45 The Living Terra Firma” is published by a not-for-profit foundation- Foundation for Ecological Welfare. Founding Editor: Dr. Ketan Tatu Associate Editor: Dr. Amita Tatu Copy Editor: Shah Nawaz Jelil The editors do not necessarily agree with the authors’ view-points that are expressed by them in their respective articles. The editors are not responsible for any intentional/unintentional plagiarism by any author.

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 Editorial Dear nature lovers, Foundation for Ecological Welfare (FEW) is a not-for-profit Foundation with a goal of bringing in ecological welfare for the human society. For bringing the ecological welfare, its main emphasis till date is to create ecological awareness and sensitization. To create ecological awareness and sensitisation towards wetlands’ importance and need of their conservation, Founding Directors of FEW had been publishing a wetland e- Magazine “Jalaplavit” (ISSN 2321-1881) since 2009. Now, after about 1.5 decades, the Founding Director has decided to start another eMagazine that will speak for importance of terrestrial

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 ecosystems like forests, scrublands, grasslands, deserts, savannahs and even rural and suburban ecosystems. All these ecosystems are throbbing with living organisms of one or the other types. And therefore, this eMagazine on your computer or smartphone is aptly called “The Living Terra Firma”! Friends, this is just a beginning. The issue in front of you is the first issue. It is actually published to mark the World Environment Day 2022. But as this is a voluntary activity, there has been a scarcity of time to work on it and bring it to the final shape. That is why its soft launch is delayed by over a month’s period. But, the Founding Editor is sure that the things will come on track. It is decided that FEW will publish (only soft launch) two issues of “The Living Terra Firma” (usually on around World Environment Day and World Soil Day in December) and two issues of “Jalaplavit” (ISSN 2321-1881; usually on around the World Wetlands Day and the Wildlife Week of India). I appeal all of you not to be just good readers of this eMagazine but also to contribute as authors of research papers, popular articles, observation/miscellaneous notes, reviews etc. Photographers are welcome to contribute their photographs. I also look forward to receive your comments on the issue through your emails to [email protected]. Ketan Tatu, Ph.D. Founding Editor

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 Asian Pied Starling (Gracupica contra) and its Expanded Distribution Range in India with Emphasis on Gujarat State P. S. Thakker Email: [email protected] Swarup Fullonton 5

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 Jatt Mahammadhasan Usmanbhai Introduction Distribution of Asian Pied Starling (Pied Myna) in India covers the region east of a line in north-south direction from Ambala (Haryana) to Hyderabad and Masulipatanam (Andhra Pradesh); north-eastern states to Myanmar; from Himalayan foothills to the north extending towards South India up to Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh through Madhya Pradesh. In India, the bird is widespread in Eastern Ghat mountain range and the entire part of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana (Ali, 2012). Distribution shown by Ali & Ripley (2007) and that by Grimmett et. al. (2011) is shown in Figures 1a & 1b. Habitat of this bird constitutes open country and cultivation. Generally, the bird can be seen in the neighborhood of villages, towns and cities. The bird is seen in presence of grazing cattle, particularly on moist or marshy environs of village tanks. The Nesting season is during March to September (Ali, 2012). As per the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the bird is Least Concern (LC) and its population trend is mentioned as “increasing”. 6

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 Fig.1a: Distribution of G. contra in India Fig.1b: Distribution of G. contra in (Source: Ali & Ripley, 2007) India (Source: Grimmett et al., 2011) Fig.2 Distribution of Asian Pied Starling within and outside India. (Source: eBird). Gupta and Maiti (2011) made habitat wise comparative assessment and assessment of seasonal patterns of abundance of Common Myna (Acridothere tristis), Asian Pied Starling (Gracupica contra) and Jungle Myna (Acridotheres fuscus) by conducting surveys twice a month. Abundance of Common Myna was found to be the highest, followed by that of Asian Pied Starling and Jungle Myna. Sinu (2011) has stated that Asian Pied Starling is one of the dominant insectivorous birds of tea plantations in North-East India. 7

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 The author had seen the bird long back during 1980s in and around Bharatpur in Rajasthan and in Panna district of Madhya Pradesh during the year 2011. It was found to be a common species in the region. Dr. Jugal Kishore Tiwari had reported unusual nesting site of this species at Bharatpur, Rajasthan in the year 1992. According to Grimmett et al. (2011), the bird is resident of India, wide spread in North, Central and Eastern sub- continent. Sharma (2004) had reported the species in Jaipur, Bhilwara, Jhunjhunun, Udaipur, Ajmer city, Kishangadh & Nasirabad in Ajmer district, Badmer, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Nagaur, Sikar, Hanumangadh, Alwar, Tonk, Bundi and Kota in the state of Rajasthan. The species is found mainly in the plains and foothills up to 700 m above the mean sea level. The presence of this bird outside distribution range was reported at Mumbai in the year 1953. this species was introduced in Mumbai of Maharashtra state, India (Rasmussen & Anderton, 2005). Expanding distribution range of Asian Pied Starling in Gujarat state Late Mr. Lalsinh M. Raol had seen three individuals of this species on 18-3-1961 at Rajkot in Saurashtra, Gujarat. This might be the first record of this species in Gujarat. Later, he saw the species on 18-3-1966 at Darbargadh at Jasdan in Saurashtra. He published his observations as “Unexpected Bird” in the “Newsletter for Birdwatchers” in the year 1966. In addition to Mr. L.M. Raol’s first record at Rajkot in 1961 and later at Jasdan in 1966, Mr. Anil Dhamelia photographed the bird at Kheda, Kheda district (Central Gujarat) on 1-1-1970. Another photographer Mr. Akshay Kumar Mathur also took photograph of this bird at Ahmedabad on 1st January 1970. As the above-mentioned birds were recorded at the sites outside the known distribution range, the birdwatchers and ornithologists of that time-frame believed that the recorded individuals could be the birds escaped from captivity. Until about a decade ago, any sighting of Asian Pied Starling in Gujarat state was considered to be a rare sighting in the state. Balar (2007), in his book “The Birds of Gujarat”, has mentioned this bird as “Vagrant” in Gujarat”. Late Mr. L.M. Raol, in his book (in Gujarati) “Weed Vagadaa naan Pankhi” has also described this bird as rare bird in Gujarat. Ganpule (2016) has also mentioned this bird as rare/vagrant in Gujarat state. But he has also mentioned that there are many isolated records and not all could be escapees. He has also mentioned breeding record in Dahod and a nest-record in Jamnagar. 8

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 R. B Balar The inclusion of Dahod (Dohad) region spread of distribution range of this bird in Gujarat in the town of might have been due to the occurrence of this bird in the adjoining area/regions of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, where birds occur in large population. Thus, distribution of Pied Myna is there in Eastern Gujarat. Mr. Bharat Rughani had recorded this bird at Kuchhadi near Porbandar in April 1999. He had published his observation note in “Vihang” bird magazine in the year 2000. Later, he saw this bird at Gosa Bara wetland during the year 2018. Mr. Yashodhan Bhatia and Mr. Jaypalsinh Jadeja had seen one bird at Vibhapar village on the outskirts of Jamnagar in the year 2004-05. They had also recorded a nest constructed by this bird on an electric pole. This has been reported by Mr. Prasad Ganpule in his report in the year 2016; by Monga & Navroji in the year 1983 and Chaudhary and Desai in the year 2021 in their work. Shri Ashwin Trivedi has photographed this bird at Jamnagar. Monga and Naoroji (1983) mentioned sighting of Pied Starling in Jamnagar and South Gujarat as rare / vagrant. (In: Chaudhary and Desai). Avi Base–The World Bird Data base-has shown occurrence of this species in Devbhoomi Dwaraka, Jamnagar, Morabi and Surendranagar districts. I personally contacted Mr. Chku Vora and Mr. Yogendra Shah for the records of this bird in Surendranagar district. But they had not seen this bird in this region. However, the species has been reported in the Bio Diversity Report of Wild Ass Sanctuary prepared by LEA Associates South Asia Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi. In the report, in section of avi- fauna, the Asian Pied Starling has been listed in the study area. The bird was reported in the study area during transit survey from Dhrangadhra to Kuda. Thus, in the Saurashtra region distribution of this species covers districts like Porbandar, 9

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 Surendranagar, Morabi, Jamnagar, Devbhoomi Dwaraka, and Rajkot since long (about sixty years). The species is common and breeds in Dahod district in Eastern Gujarat and now considered to be a common species. I had seen the species in Dahod in the year 2008. Mr. Ajay Desai has reported breeding of Asian Pied Starling at Dahod in the year 2005 and published a note regarding it in a Gujarati newsletter “Vihang” (Desai, 2006). Mr. Juzar Boriwala and Mr. Akil Kharodawala had also seen this species on 22-6-2005. Mr. Shakir Kadiwala had published a note in the Gujarati newsletter “Vihang” (Kadiwala, 2007). In this asticle, he has mentioned that he had been seeing this species of starling in Dahod since last five years i.e., from the year 2003 to 2008. He had also mentioned the starling’s nests were present at many places in the month of June 2006. After mid-2010s, there have been reports of sightings of this species from Vadodara district. The sites of sightings include Vadodara city, Timbi Lake and Wadhvana Lake. The bird was reported from Vadodara city, Vallabh Vidyanagar, and Anand by Late Dr. B.M. Parasharya. Dr. Anika Tere has also seen Asian Pied Starling at Timbi Lake, Wadhvana Lake and at Vadodara city. Mr. Vishal Shah has taken photograph of this bird at Wadhvana Lake on 31-12-2017. Mr. Gopi Rajgopal also took photograph at Wadhvana Lake on 11-3-2018. Mr. Mayur Patel photographed the species at Timbi Lake on 23-12-2018. Mr. Bhavya Joshi also photographed this bird at Wadhvana Lake on 6-1-2019. Mr. Sahdev Zala photographed an individual of this species in Kheda town on 16-6-2019. Anish Khira photographed this bird at Timbi Lake near Vadodara on 20-12-2019, 19-1-2020, 26-9-2020 and 9-1-2022. Mr. Jay Patel photographed the species at Timbi Lake on 17-2-2021. Dr. Jitendra A. Patel, Mr. Harish Joshi and the author of this article (Dr. P.S. Thakker) saw this bird at the village tank of Chakalasi village near Nadiad in Kheda district on 21-3-2020. Mr. Anil Dhamelia had taken a photograph of the species at Dahiyap in Kheda District on 1-1-1970. Mr. Soham Brahmabhatt also had taken a photograph of the Asian Pied Starling this bird at Lambhvel village of Anand district on 20-1-2014. Mr. Tim Tucey has taken photograph at Lambhvel near Anand on 21-4-2022. Thus, in the Central Gujarat region, the Asian Pied Starling is distributed over Kheda, Vadodara and Anand districts. As mentioned earlier, Mr. Akshay Kumar Mathur took a photograph of this bird in Ahmedabad on 1-1-1970. Recently Mr. Kailash Jani has taken photograph of Asian Pied Starling on 1-7-2021 at Dantiwada Reservoir constructed on Banas River in Banaskantha district. Mr. Ayaz Mansuri had reported sighting of this bird from Polo 10

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 Forest of Vijaynagar forest range in Sabarkantha district on 29-8-2021. Mr. S. V. Chaudhary and Mr. P.G. Desai had observed this species on the way to Vadnagar and at Kheralu town, Mehsana district on 5-4-2021. The observation was also published in “Species” in the year 2022 (Chaudhary et al., 2022). Thus, the distribution range of this species include the districts like Banaskantha, Mehsana and Sabarkantha in North Gujarat and Ahmedabad in Central Gujarat. Kailash Jani This species has been reported/photographed in the districts like Bharuch, Surat, Navsari, Narmada and Valsad Districts of South Gujarat. Mr. Jugal Patel has sighted the species at Adol village of Bharuch district and has reported the same in eBird. Dahya et al. (2021) has recorded the species in BKM Science college campus Valsad. Mr. Mehul Patel had collected photographic record of this bird at Kotha village, Gandevi Tauka of Navsari district on 15-11-2020. Mr. Anand Patel photographed this bird on the outskirts of Hajira, near Surat on 29-11-2020. Mr. Dipakbhai Patel took picture of the bird at Kotha village, Gandevi Taluka of Navsari district on 25-12-2020. BirdLife International has reported this bird in Narmada district. Thus, Asian Pied Starling is spread over Bharuch, Surat, Navsari, Narmada and Valsad districts in South Gujarat. Considering whole Gujarat state, the spread / distribution range of this species in Gujarat includes North Gujarat, Eastern Gujarat, Western Gujarat, Saurashtra, Central Gujarat and South Gujarat. It can be concluded that distribution range of Asian Pied Starling has expanded in Gujarat between 1961 and 2022. This range expansion might be due to the increase 11

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 in number bird watchers, easy access of instruments like cameras, binoculars, spotting scope and reporting the same to E bird or various media. To get the information has also become easy due to the use of internet. Table-1 Details of Photographic Records of Asian Pied Starling (Gracupica contra) in Gujarat Name of the Place District Day / Month / Year photographer Payal Patel Timbi Vadodara 14-11-2016 Dr.Pragnesh Patel Dahod Dahod 2-12-2017 Vishal Shah Wadhavana Lake Vadodara 31-12-2017 Saswat Mishra Dahod Dahod 16-12-2017 Gopi Rajgopal Wadhavana Lake Vadodara 11-03-2018 Mayur Patel Timbi Lake Vadodara 23-12-2018 Bhavya Joshi Wadhavana Vadodara 06-06-2019 Akshay Kumar Ahmedabad Amedabad 01-01-1970 Mathur Anil Dhameliya Dahiyap Kheda 01-01-1970 Sahdev Zala Kheda Kheda 16-06-2019 Anish Khira Timbi Lake Vadodara 26-09-2020 Anish Khira Timbi Lake Vadodara 20-12-2019 Anish Khira Timbi Lake Vadodara 19-01-2020 Anish Khira Timbi Lake Vadodara 09-01-2022 Pankaj Maheriya Muvalva Dam Dahod 18-01-2020 Mehul Patel Kotha Village Navsari 15-11-2020 Anand Patel Hajira outskirts Surat 29-10-2020 Dipakbhai Patel Kotha village Navsari 25-12-2020 Jay Patel Timbi Lake Vadodara 17-02-2021 Kailas Jani Dantiwada Dam Banaskantha 25-07-2021 Ashwin Trivedi Jamnagar Jamnagar - 12

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 Bharat Rughani Kuchhadi Porbandar 01-04-1999 Vadodara 11-11-2020 Bharat Sohagiya Timbi Lake Anand 21-04-2022 Anand 20-04-2014 Tim Tucey Lambhvel Kheda 09-05-2020 Soham Lambhvel Brahmabhatt Chaklasi Prabhu Thakker Records of Asian Pied Starling in the states other than Gujarat indicating range expansion Maharashtra Mr. Raju Kasambe had taken photographs of this species on 24-5-2014 and 21- 12-2014 in Maharashtra and has reported his sightings on eBird. According to him Kasambe the bird is resident of Maharashtra state and had distribution all over the state. In the past, this species was introduced in Mumbai city in the year 2005. Rajasthan The westward spread of this species in India, particularly in parts of Rajasthan has been aided by changes in irrigation and farming patterns. Recently, the species was reported from Todgarh Raoli Wild Life Sanctuary in 2020 (Purohit et. al, 2020), Delhi A pair of Asian Pied Starling was filmed near its nest in Delhi during summer months in the year 2021 by Wilderness Films India. Photograph of this bird was taken by Mr. Manish Kumar on 30-11-2012 at IIT Delhi. Punjab Ms. Navdeep Kaur and Mr. Manoj Kumar have recorded this species at Faridkot in Punjab in 2018 (Kaur and Kumar, 2018). They have reported this bird breeding in the premises of Punjab Agriculture University located in Ludhiana (Ludhiana District). The bird has also been photographed by Mr. Vivek Saggar at Hiana Kalan village in Patiala district on 11-3-2022. Haryana Mr. Alok Tewari had photographed this species in Sadhrana, Gurugram and Basai Wetland, Gurugram, Haryana. 13

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 The species was known to be present in Haryana earlier, but the above- mentioned photographic documentation was carried out at Gurugram. Mr. Rahul Sharma had photographed the species at Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary on 10-4-2016. The distribution range of this starling has expanded westward and north-westward in Rajasthan and Punjab from Ambala (Haryana). Jammu (J&K) Nest characteristics and nesting success were studied from May 2013 to September 2015 in Jammu region of J & K (Kumari et al., 2018). Out of 82 nests, 55 nests were studied by Ms. Meena Kumari, D. N. Sahi and Ms. Seema Langer. Most of the nesting trees were found in vicinity of different water body viz. canals, streams, ponds and marshes. Uttarakhand Tyagi and Lamba (1984) in a report of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) mentioned that the Indian Pied Myna does not breed round the year. At Dehradun it was observed to have a single breeding season of about six months from late February to the end of August. Ms. Sweta Bhattacharya and her colleagues had studied the bird in Pauri district (Gadhwal Himalayas) of Uttarakhand. They published the work in the year 2021. The bird was photographed by Devang Patel at Sat tal, Nainital district, Uttarakhand on 21-5-2018. Later, the bird was reported from Dehradun on 18-9-2021. Andhra Pradesh Earlier distribution range of Asian Pied Starling in South India was up to Krishna River, but now the species is also reported from southern Andhra Pradesh. Tamilnadu The species is reported from Chennai in Tamil Nadu State recently. According to reports published in the Times of India (April 22, 2018), and The Hindu (January 1 & 4, 2022), the species is recorded on outskirts of Chennai. According to Mr. V. Santhram, the species exists at Poondi Reservoir on Chennai outskirts since the year 2010. A pair of Asian Pied Starling was seen in Pallikarnai in the month of April 2018. The first sight record of Asian Pied Starling was from near Chennai in August 2010, when Mr. Gnanshankar Keshav Bharathi and his birder friend documented the species near the Poondi Reservoir. In the year 2019, Mr. Arvind A M reported breeding 14

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 of this bird near Chennai. Photograph of Pied Myna was taken B. Balaji at Coonoor in Nilgiris in Tamilnadu. Conclusion Based on the above discussion, one may infer that the spread of Asian Pied Starling (Pied Myna) has increased in Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Jammu region and POK (J &K), Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana (which was earlier part of Andhra Pradesh), Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu states. These above-mentioned districts should be considered as addition to the species earlier known distribution covering Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhatisgadh, Bihar, Orissa/Odisha, and North-East states in India. References Ali, S. (2012): The Book of Indian Birds 13th Edition, Bombay Natural History Society, Oxford University Press, New Delhi. Grimmett, R., C. Inskipp and T. Inskipp (2011): Birds of the Indian Subcontinent. 2nd ed. London: Oxford University Press & Christopher Helm. Pp. 1–528. Ali, S. & S. D. Ripley (1995): A Pictorial Guide to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent, Oxford University Press, New Delhi pp. 153. Ali, S. & S. D. Ripley (2007): Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan vol.5, Oxford University Press, New Delhi. pp.173. Balar, R. B. (2007): A Photographic Field guide to the Birds of Gujarat for Amateurs (1st ed.), Pappilion, Ahmedabad, pp.317. Bhattacharya S., K. Ray, G. Saha and S. Mazumdar (2021): Habitat-use patterns of Common Myna, Asian Pied Starling and Jungle Myna in an urban landscape, India. Biologia, 77:115-124. Chaudhary S. V. and P.G. Desai (2021): Range extension of Asian Pied Starling (Gracupica contra) in Gujarat State, Western India. Prithivya (An official Newsletter of WCB Research Foundation and WCB Research Lab): 1: 1-3. 15

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 Chaudhary S. V., P. G. Desai and N. A. Dharaiya (2022): An annotated checklist of bird diversity of Kheralu, Mehsana Gujarat Species. 23: 74-85. Dahya M. I., A. B. Thakor, K. M. Patel (2021): Avian diversity of Fauna of BKM science college campus, Valsad, Gujarat. International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies 2021; 8(4):01-03 Desai, A. (2006): Breeding of Pied Myna in Dahod. [in Gujarati] Vihang (Grishma):14- 15. Ganpule, P. (2016): The Birds of Gujarat Status and distribution Flamingo 8(3). Vol. VIII 3-XII 4. Gupta S.K. and B.R. Maiti (2011): Ovarian activity during the annual reproductive cycle and nesting cycle of a wild avian species, the Pied Myna (Sturnus contra contra). Canadian Journal of Zoology 65 (4) 958-966. Kadivala, S. (2007): Breeding of Pied Myna at many places in Dahod. [in Gujarati]. “Vihang” (Varsha): 13-14. Kailey J. S. (1973): Study on the biology of Pied Myna (Sturnus contra) M.Sc. Thesis Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana (Ref. in Kumari Meena) Monga, S. G. and R. K. Naoroji (1983): Birds of the Rajpipla forests - South Gujarat. With notes on nests found and breeding recorded and some new observations. JBNHS 80 (3): 575-612 Kumari, M., D. N. Sahi and S. Langer (2018): Nest characteristics and nesting success of the Indian Pied Myna (Gracupica contra) in Jammu Region (J&K). International Journal of Advanced Research 6: 903-909. Kaur, N. & M. Kumar (2018): Nesting of avian diversity in relation to indigenous trees. Journal of entomology and Zoology Studies 6: 422-426. Rasmussen, P. and J. C. Anderton (2005): Birds of South Asia: The Ripley guide. Smithsonian Institution & Lynx Edicion, 1061 pp. 16

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 Sharma, S. K. (2004): Present distribution of Asian Pied Starling Sturnus contra in Rajasthan, Zoos’ print 19 (12):1716-1718. Sinu, P. A. (2011): Avian Pest Control in Tea Plantations of Sub Himalayan plains of North East India: Mixed species foraging flock matters. Biological Control. 58: 362- 366. Tyagi A. K. and B. S. Lamba (1984): A contribution to the breeding Biology of two Indian Mynas Records of the Zoological Survey of India Misc. Publication, occasional paper no.55, pp. 12-34. Whistler, H. (1928): Popular Handbook of Indian Birds (1st Edition), Oliver and Boyed; Edinburgh and London. Websites referred to: Indian Pied Starling –Birds of Gujarat < https://birdsofgujarat.co.in > Avi base-Bird checklists of the world<https://avibase.bsc-eoc.org,checklist > India Biodiversity Portal<https://indiabiodiversity.org> The Hindu: Three Birds that checked in Chennai and stayed on <https://www.thehindu.com> Pied Myna or Asian Pied Starling pair filmed at Delhi<www.wildfilmsindia.com> Personal Communication with Bhatia Yashodhan, Jadeja Jaypalsinh, Jani Kailash, Parasharya Dishant, Parekh Jaysukh, Shah Yogendra, Tiwari J. K., Trivedi Ashwin, Trivedi B. N., Trivedi Rajanikant, Varu Maulik, Varu S. N., Vora Chiku, Tere Anika. 17

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 A “Star” on the Land Under Threat: Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans) Raju Vyas Email: [email protected] Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans) Modern man's urge for intense urbanization and rapid industrial development has put many reptilian species into trouble as these two phenomena expose them to numerous threats of varying extents. These threats lead to a series of events which negatively impact long-term survival of native reptiles, pushing some reptilians to the brink of extinction and some others vulnerable to it, like the Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans). This tortoise is widely distributed in Pakistan (east), India and Sri Lanka and is known by three discontinued populations, i.e. western, southern and island populations (Table 1; Figure 1). It is confirmed genetically too (D'Cruze et al., 2018). Indian Star Tortoise is legally protected in the native ranges of these three countries by their 18

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 respective national/provincial legislations. In India, it is protected under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, in Sri Lanka, the tortoise is protected by the Sri Lankan Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance of 1938 (Amendment, 1993). In Pakistan, it is protcted by the provincial legislation of the Sind Wildlife Protection Ordinance 1972. (It may be noted that Sind Province is the only natural range in Pakistan.) The Indian Star Tortoise (IST) faces various small to significant natural and other threats in wilderness in the range countries (Table 2). The most severe threat to the species is the illegal collection of massive number of tortoises from nature and their smuggling for commercial pet markets or as on captive breeding stocks (Vinke & Vinke, 2010). It is observed that IST is the favourite pet in the world. Therefore, this species is synchronic with the wildlife trade globally. Over the last three decades (1991-2021), the gathered information from various sources (like published scientific papers, newspapers, the internet and various official raids by the state forest department, pet traders and other enforcement agencies, including customs and export departments of native and overseas countries) indicated that over a 100,000 live ISTs were smuggled from nature, an alarming and an eye-opening fact. This trade-trend is rising day by day. Most of the tortoises were confiscated at international airports. Still, there exists an unseen complex network of smugglers, other modes of transactions and its other derivatives which are unknown to us. Overall, the illegal smuggling of IST is a massive trade. It is bigger and beyond our anticipation. What we can imagine is merely the tiny tip of a gigantic iceberg. Records and figures of tortoises victimized by this trade speak of only those specimens confiscated before reaching the final destination. Still, the actual numbers of specimens collected from nature are presumably much larger. A high percentage of tortoises die during such transactions and before consignments are delivered to the target points because most of the confiscated tortoises are immature, small-sized juveniles or sub-adults (hardly a few months to 6-7 years old). It is impossible to quantify the effects and magnitude of the tortoise trade in Asia. Still, it is estimated that over 5000 individuals were annually exported. Within a decade, it is likely that 1,0000-2,0000 individuals are annually being captured illicitly from the wilderness. However, such illegal pet trade involving large 19

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 number of tortoises have a significant impact on the entire wild population. This problem escalates two possibilities and thus adversely affects the species. On one hand, it may result into fewer percentages of new recruitments in the wild population and on the other hand, it leads to a possibility of genetic pollution between inter sub-populations and accidental introduction of new pathogens. A huge number of hatchlings, juveniles and sub-adults eradicated from natural ecosystems has direct negative repercussions on the global populace, resulting in fever or no new recruitments in nature, the parental stock becoming old and further older, leading to poor breeding performance and shrinkage in the population. It finally causes the entire population to suffer from the view point of a long term survival and existence in nature. Tortoises and Turtles Are tortoises and turtles different creatures? Well, all tortoises are in fact turtles; they belong to the order Testudines or Chelonia (reptiles having bodies encased in a bony shell). But, not all turtles are tortoises. The most important thing to remember about tortoises is that they are exclusively land creatures. As far as turtles are concerned they are usually freshwater and marine creatures. However, there are some exceptions as land turtles do exist, like Box Turtles and Wood Turtles. As far as anatomical features are concerned, the tortoises differ from other turtles in having elephantine (or columnar) hind limbs and hind feet. Their forelimbs are not flipperlike, and their hind feet are not webbed. And unlike turtles, all tortoises are vegetarians! (Source: Encyclopedia Britanica) 20

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 Fig.1. Geographical distribution of the Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans) 21

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 When any sizeable illegal consignment is seized, a question arises regarding the original geographical location in the wild/native of the seized IST and how the stocks should return to the native country after the necessary scientific and official procedure. But such practice is not exercised when small consignments/fewer numbers of IST are seized overseas or at a national level, especially during raids by the Forest Departments in India. The authority immediately rushes and panics about releasing the stocks of animals into any nearby habitat without any concern or opinion from any experts. In such cases, due to the shortcut practice, the local population of IST suffers genetic pollution due to the in-between sub-population. Further, the healthy sub-populations of ISTs are prone to infections from new pathogens transmitted by the release of seized stocks. These two critical issues massively deplete the wild population of IST and inflate the pet trade trend. The causes responsible for these issues are 1) No ex-situ housing facilities for maintaining large numbers of ISTs within the range countries, and 2) lacunae in forensic protocols especially for tracing the geographic origin of seized stocks and mandating their return to their origins. The IST pet trade represents a chronic failure of the management and conservation policies formulated for this species' benefit and long-time survival. This issue must be recognized as a significant lethal threat to the natives and the global populace. Thus, enforcement of law, vigilant monitoring of trade, education and awareness programmes for local communities, provisions of alternative survival strategies (with proper solutions to the socio-economic problems of poor forest dwellers living in the vicinity of habitats of this species) may ultimately discourage the harmful elements of the human society from any sort of participation in the illicit pet trade. If this multi-pronged approach is not implemented seriousy, the earth may lose her “Star” within a short period. We should also consider all the recommendations of van Dijk et al. (2000) suggested in Cambodia Workshop (Asian Turtle Trade Working Group, 2000). 22

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 TABLE 1 The geographically three distinct populations of Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans) Population Geographical % land occupied Country / Region Threats Area by each sub- As per the order from Occupancy population high-low (see Table 2 on (Approx) specific threats) North- 384656.0 50 Pakistan (Sindh), India 1, 2, 4, 5 & 3 western (Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh) South- 334959.3 44 India (Kerala, 4, 1, 2, 5 & 3 eastern Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu) Sri Lanka 45927.0 6 Sri Lanka 4, 1, 2, 3 & 5 TABLE 2 The list of various recorded threats to wild population of Gochelone elegans NO. TYPE OF THREATS THREAT LEVEL 1 HABITAT DESTRUCTION High -Fragmentation - Alteration 2 AGRICULTURE PRACTICE High -Pesticide, herbicide - Crop pattern -Protection device for crop field -Irrigation canal system net-work 3 FOREST MANAGEMENT Moderate -Fire line practice -Management plan on bases of only bigger or single species conservation guideline, not entire biodiversity -Interior blocks and boundary demark with concrete wall - Mono-culture plantation -Collection of grasses 4 PET TRADE High - Local level and international levels 5 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT Moderate - Expanding Road net-work - Expanding Railway net-work - Urbanization 23

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 References Asian Turtle Trade Working Group (2000): Conclusions and Recommendations from the Workshop on Conservation and Trade of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises in Asia. In. van Dijik, P. P. Stuart B. L. & A. G. J. Rhodin (Eds.) Asian Turtle Trade: Proceedings of a warkshop on conservation and Trade of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises in Asia, Phnon Pench, Cambodia, 1-4 December 1999. Chelonian Research Monographs, No. 2: 148-155. D'Cruze, N, Mookerjee, A., Vyas, R., Macdonald, D.W. & A. de Silva (2018): Geochelone elegans (Schoepff 1795) Indian Star Tortoise, Star Tortoise. In: Rhodin, A.G.J., Iverson, J.B., van Dijk, P.P., Stanford, C.B., Goode, E.V., Buhlmann, K.A., Pritchard, P.C.H. & Mittermeier, R.A. (Eds.). Conservation Biology of Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises: A Compilation Project of the IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group. Chelonian Research Monographs 5(12):106.1–13. doi: 10.3854/crm.5.106.elegans.v1.2018; van Dijk, P.P. & T. Palasuwan (2000): Conservation status, trade and management of tortoises and freshwater turtles in Thailand. In: van Dijk PP, Stuart BL, Rhodin AG. Eds. Asian turtle trade: Proceedings of a workshop on conservation and trade of freshwater turtles and tortoises in Asia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 1-4 December 1999. Chelonian Research Monographs, No. 2; Chelonian Research Foundation. 24

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 New Records of Tiger Beetle (Insecta: Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) from Gujarat Karan A. Thakkar1, Bharatsinh M. Gohil, Ruchi Dave 1Email: [email protected] Family Cicindelidae is one of the Beetles have been recorded in four families under the sub-order Gujarat (Pearson et al., 2020; above cited). Adephaga of order Coleoptera. Pictures of Tiger Beetles were Members of this family are popularly using a smartphone camera, which were known as Tiger Beetles. Over 2600 then compared with the pictures given in species of Tiger Beetles are known from “A field guide to Tiger Beetles of India” all over the world (Sinu et al., 2006). The for identification. Seven opportunistic Indian Sub-continent has one of the most records of five different species of Tiger diverse Tiger beetle fauna in the world Beetles were obtained from different (Bhardwaj et al., 2008). Two hundred and locations in two districts of Gujarat, viz. forty-one species belonging to 27 genera Bhavnagar and Tapi. Three of these five from the family Cicindelidae are species viz. Cicindela bicolor, Lophyra recognized from India (Pearson et al., striolata and Myriochila fastidiosa are first 2020). The taxonomic position of the known records from Gujarat. Therefore, Tiger beetles is a bit obscure with some total 18 species of Tiger Beetles are now of the taxonomists placing them within recorded from Gujarat. These records the subfamily Cicindelinae under the along with the locality details, time and family Carabidae, while others placed date, and other notes (Table: 1) are them within the family Cicindelidae. communicated through this article along Here in this communication, we follow with Photographs (Figure: 1) and the classification given by Pearson et al. distribution map (Figure: 2). (2020). To date, total 15 species of Tiger 25

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 We recommend further Pearson, D., J. Wiesner, R. Acciavatti, V. exploration of the forest areas in Gir, Uniyal & A. Anichtchenko. (2020): A Jessore, Dangs and Jambughoda areas of Field Guide to the TIGER BEETLES OF the state of Gujarat, which can lead to INDIA-Identification and Biology of the more additions in the diversity of Tiger Cicindelidae. Beetles in Gujarat. Acknowledgements References Authors are thankful to Mr. Deepak Bhardwaj, M., V. Bhargav & V. P. Mahida for allowing us to use the Uniyal, (2008): Occurrence of tiger photograph of Cicindela bicolor clicked by beetles (cicindelidae: coleoptera) in him. We are also thankful to Mr. Saurav Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajaji National Chauhan for sharing his record of Park, Uttarakhand. Indian Forester 134- Lophyra cancellata with us. We are also 12: 1636-1645 thankful to Dr. Soumya Dasgupta for revising the article and Mr. Viral Sinu, P.A., M. Nasser and P.D. Rajan Vadodariya for helping with Map (2006): Feeding fauna and foraging preparation. habits of Tiger beetles found in agro- ecosystems in Western Ghats, India. Biotropica, 38: 500-507. Did You Know This About Tiger Beetles? • Tiger beetles are known for their aggressive predatory habits and running speed. • The fastest species of tiger beetle can run at a speed of 9 km/h. Relative to the length of its body, this speed is 22 times the speed of an Olympic sprinter. • Tiger beetles have long legs, big eyes, and a wide head. • All Tiger beetles are colourful Their elytra (wing cases) are often bright and they are endowed with bold markings. • Most of them are diurnal. The male just after mating indulges into mate-guarding”. 26

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 Figure 1: 1. Cicindela bicolor (Photo by: Deepak Mahida); 2. Myriochila fastidiosa; 3. Lophyra striolata; 4. Lophyra cancellata; 5.Unidentified 27

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 Table 1: Records of Tiger Beetle Species Location (Locality, District) Time, Date Notes 08:42AM, Lophyra cancellata Mithi Virdi, Observed Four individuals at dry (Dejean) Bhavnagar 17/7/2021 upper sandy beach Cicindela bicolor Padam Dungari Eco-tourism 09:24PM, Attracted to Light Trap set up for (Fabricius) 11/7/2021 Moth watching Campsite, Vyara, Tapi 11:12PM, Attracted to outdoor lights 10/7/2021 Lophyra striolata Padam Dungari Eco-tourism Attracted to lights in the house; (Illiger) Campsite, Vyara, 12:55PM, Saurav Chauhan's personal 27/6/2021 observation Tapi Attracted to outdoor lights 09:18PM, Lophyra cancellata Mahuva urban area, 5/10/2020 Observed near a Farm; Deepak (Dejean) Bhavnagar 12:09PM, Mahida's personal observation 10/6/2020 Myriochila Bhavnagar city, 08:52PM, Attracted to outdoor lights fastidiosa (Dejean) Bhavnagar 11/8/2019 Cicindela bicolor Palitana, (Fabricius) Bhavnagar Unidentified Bhavnagar city, Bhavnagar Figure 2: Locations of records 28

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 Grasslands: Their Origin and Management in the Indian Subcontinent Prajnyan Sarma1 and Ratul Pegu 1Email: [email protected] Origin of grasslands According to Jacobs et al. (1999) grasslands seem to have existed for approximately 15 million years. Edwards et al. (2010) suggested that tropical grasslands originated around 10 million years ago, whereas their expansion began around 2 million years ago (Lehmann et al., 2016). Paleontological documentations support the existences of C4 plants back to the Miocene period. The origin of grasslands in the equatorial regions of Asia associated with monsoon can be traced back to fragmentation of Gondwana and subsequent rearrangements of the tectonic plates across the equatorial zone (Whyte et al., 1976). The period between Cretaceous and Oligocene was characterized with rapid movements of the tectonic plates ranging between 26 cm yr-1 to 16 cm yr-1 (Blow and Hamilton, 1975). In the initial period, the Indo-Australian region was characterized by tropical evergreen forest with prominent precipitations. However, the relative position of the Western Ghats and the formation of the Himalayan Mountain ranges increased aridity in the peninsular and northwestern region of the subcontinent respectively (Singh et al., 1983). Increase in the temperature towards the end of Pleistocene facilitated the diversification and extension of the herbaceous plants (Singh et al., 1983). In the last several millennia, anthropogenic activities have led to decrease in forest covers and increase in grass covers at a global scale. Whyte (1976) speculated that in western region of Asia, where impacts of monsoon are observed, the grasslands have recently originated. The plant species in these areas either originated from the pre-existing ancestral species through the events associated with evolution or from the species present in the neighboring arid regions (Singh et al., 1983). 29

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 According to Singh (1976), the grasslands of India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are anthropogenic in origin with the alpine grasslands being exceptions. However, Joshi et al. (2018) mentioned that the generalized concept of grassland origin through anthropogenic activities is not uniformly applicable as the Shola-grassland mosaics in southern India are the remains of the vegetation from Pleistocene era. The existence of these mosaics’ dates back to more than 20,000 years (Sukumar et al., 1993). According to White et al. (1983), grasslands are naturally extended in those areas which are subjected to sufficient moisture availability and environmental conditions that specifically inhibit the growth of trees and shrubs. Over the years of existence, the grasslands often undergo contractions and expansions due to changes in the climatic conditions such as precipitations, droughts, temperatures, etc. The distribution of the plant species in grassland ecosystems are found to be highly influenced by temperature, aridity and CO2 level as they affect the physiologies and responses of C3 and C4 plants (Bond and Midgley, 2000; Lehmann et al., 2016). Besides climatic and factors, physical barriers like distances between neighboring grasslands also play key role in the distribution of species. Management of grassland Grasslands are important as they play an important role in carbon sequestration as a large portion of the grassland biomass is below ground. According to White et al. (2000), the high latitude grasslands have highest below ground carbon sequestration (271- 303 t C/ha) whereas the low latitude grasslands have the lowest (91-131 t C/ha). However, the carbon sequestered by grasslands throughout the world is often found to be comparable to forest due to their extensive distribution around the globe (Gibson, 2009; Boval et al., 2012). Carbon sequestered by the grasslands is influenced by the types of grasses and herbs present in the area along with rainfall, temperature, humidity, insolation, decomposition and practices adopted for management of the grasslands. Since grassland patches are often formed due to the occurrences of disturbances, it is often seen that recurrence of disturbances are necessary to prevent secondary successions in grassland patches. The disturbances can either be exogenous (e.g., drought, flood, fires, etc.) or endogenous (e.g., natural eradication of dominant plant 30

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 species due to disease outbreak or overgrazing, etc.) on the basis of their initiation with respect to the community. Disturbances can also be categorized as biotic (e.g., herbivory, diseases, etc.) and abiotic (e.g., fire, drought, etc.). According to Veldman (2015), tropical grasslands are adversely affected by establishment of woody tree species and non-native invasive species either due to suppression of disturbances like fire and grazing or conversion of the grassland patches for agriculture, mining, afforestation, etc. These changes may later act as self-reinforcing and can subsequently lead to alterations of the ecosystem’s composition and structure. For the conservation and maintenance of grasslands, several techniques have been used such as grazing, mowing, haying, herbicides, fertilizers and fires. The main purpose of these techniques is to prevent or reduce the establishment of woody plant species further leading to the establishment of climax community. The implementation of these techniques is often constrained by several factors like vegetation type, seasons, accessibility as well as the vertebrate and invertebrate faunal species associated with grassland biomes. Herbicides: The applications of herbicides, both selective (e.g., 2,4-D, MCPP, dicamba, etc.) and non-selective (e.g., gulfosinate, paraquat, glyphosates, etc.), have been found to be quite useful in management of grasslands as they control and prevent the establishment of unwanted plant species. For the management of grassland patches, selective herbicides such as 2,4-D are often used as they target the broad-leaved plants. The utilizations of herbicides have low to negligible impacts on various organisms associated with the grassland ecosystems as the chemical compounds present in herbicides tend to dispel rapidly and gets readily excreted from the bodies of organisms thereby lowering the chances of bioaccumulations and biomagnifications. Fertilizers: The use of fertilizers to increase the yield of palatable species in the grasslands is termed as agricultural intensification. This approach is commonly implemented in the managed grasslands. The main cause behind the shortage of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in grassland ecosystems is the removal of vegetations through grazing. Nitrogen is often the limiting nutrient and external applications can increase the forage 31

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 productions accompanied with the dominance of grasses. This may lead to prolongation of the grazing periods. The second most limiting nutrient is phosphorus. Addition of phosphorus to the soil also helps in increasing the yield of the grasslands. The application of phosphorus is more effective in the areas where the soil is slightly acidic or neutral as it remains soluble for a longer period. Potassium is another nutrient that is more susceptible to leaching as compared to other cations. Its addition leads to increase in productivity as a portion of the applied potassium is readily absorbed by the plants while the remaining part is lost due to leaching. However, the overall responses of the plant species to the application of fertilizers are determined by both physiological factors (i.e., species-specific) and environmental factors (i.e., temperature, rainfall, soil moisture, soil acidity, etc.). Mowing: This method of is often used in the absence of disturbances like grazing and fire. Although this method is not species specific, it helps in controlling the establishment and growth of woody plants and facilitates the growth of grasses and low prostrate growing forbs. The intervals between subsequent mowing are often objective driven. When mowing is accompanied with haying or silage making (i.e., removal of clippings), it leads to nutrient reduction in the grasslands. However, this approach may fall short as a management technique because the growth of invasive plant species (e.g., Chromolaena odorata), along with native plant species, that are able to complete their flowering and seed maturation before the yearly mowing are also facilitated. Grazing: In the grassland ecosystems, herbivores play important role in preserving the grasslands and maintaining nutrient cycles. Studies have shown that in grassland ecosystems, organic carbon content of soil is higher than that of plants and animals such as grazers and browsers. Nevertheless, the soil nutrients accumulated by the plants for their growth is released back through the processes of grazing and excretion by the herbivores. Through the processes of grazing and browsing, deposition and decomposition of plant materials form a significant part of the nutrient cyclic pathways. However, the release of nutrients back into grassland biomes is also affected by the distribution of herbivores’ excreta and several other processes like leaching, 32

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 mineralization and volatilization. Apart from the nutrient cycles, various groups of animals based on feeding habits and dietary preferences such as bulk grazers, concentrate selectors and intermediate feeders also helps in the maintenance of grasslands’ plant species diversity. Fire: It is one of the most common age-old techniques for the management of grassland patches. Prescribed burning has often been used to maintained both natural and managed grassland ecosystems with objectives ranging from reduction or elimination of wildfires to maintenance of ecological diversity. In the absence of fire, there is a trend of gradual increase in heterogeneity within the grassland ecosystems which further decreases over time as invasions by plants lead to biotic homogenization henceforth altering the structures and functions of the ecosystems. Prescribed burnings often help in reduction of invasions by invasive and unwanted woody plant species. Apart from maintaining plant species diversity, burnings also play prominent roles in nutrient cycling. The occurrences of fire rapidly release the nutrients present in the plant materials thereby increasing rates of mineralization and their availability for the plants. In the post burning stage, there is also an increase in soil organic carbon owing to the generation of charred materials from the plant biomass and litters. The production of ashes from plant biomass also enables the release of cations (K+, Ca+, Mg+) into the soil. Although burning of grassland is a widely used old technique however its necessity varies among regions such as compared to arid and semi-arid grasslands, the moist grasslands require more frequent and planned burnings for maintenance. Since time immemorial, humans have depended on grasslands for different purposes like forage and livestock. Presently, with the increase in population, grasslands are often subjected to conversions into settlement areas and agricultural fields. Moreover, changes in climatic conditions such as alterations in rainfall patterns and increase in temperatures facilitate establishment of invasive species and degradation of grasslands. Therefore, in the present scenario, it is important to emphasize on the conservation and management of grasslands because with extensive distributions throughout the world, they can be compared with forests and provide multiple ecological services like nutrient 33

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 cycling, carbon sequestration, soil conservation, maintaining soil fertility, wildlife habitat, etc. Acknowledgements We are thankful to Dr. Ashalata Devi, Department of Environmental Science, Tezpur University for encouraging us and DST-Inspire, Govt. of India for funding the research works. References Blow, R.A. and N. Hamilton (1975): Palaeomagnetic evidence from DSDP cover of northward drift of India. Nature 257: 570-72. Bond, W.J. and G.F. Midgley (2000): A proposed CO2-controlled mechanism of woody plant invasion in grasslands and savannas. Glob. Change Biol. 6: 865–869. Boval, M. and R. M. Dixon (2012): The importance of grasslands for animal production and other functions: a review on management and methodological progress in the tropics. Animal 6(5): 748–762. Edwards, E.J., C.P. Osborne, C.A.E. Stromberg and S.A. Smith (2010): The origins of C4 grasslands: integrating evolutionary and ecosystem science. Science 328: 587–591. Gibson, D.J. (2009): Grasses and grassland ecology. Oxford University Press, New York. Jacobs, B. F., J. D. Kingston, and L. L. Jacobs (1999): The origin of grass-dominated ecosystems. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden, 86: 590–643. Joshi, A. A., M. Sankaran and J. Ratnam (2018): ‘Foresting’ the grassland: Historical management legacies in forest-grassland mosaics in southern India, and lessons for the conservation of tropical grassy biomes. Biological Conservation, 224: 144–152. 34

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 Lehmann, C. E. and C. L Parr (2016): Tropical grassy biomes: linking ecology, human use and conservation. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 371(1703), 20160329. Singh, J. S., W. K, Lauenroth and D. G Milchunas. (1983): Geography of grassland ecosystems. Progress in Physical Geography, 7(1), 46-80. Singh, J.S. (1976): Structure and function of tropical grassland vegetation of India. Polish Ecological Studies 2(2): 17-34. Sukumar, R. R. Ramesh, R. K. Pant and G. Rajagopalan (1993): A d13 C record of late Quaternary climate change from tropical peats in southern India. Nature 364: 703–706. Veldman J.W., E. Buisson, G. Durigan, G.W. Fernandes, S. Le Stradic, G. Mahy, D. Negreiros, G.E. Overbeck., R.G. Veldman, N.P. Zaloumis, F.E. Putz & W.J. Bond (2015): Toward an old growth concept for grasslands, savannas, and woodlands. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 13:154–162 White, F. (1983): The vegetation of Africa; a descriptive memoir to accompany the UNESCO/AETFAT/UNSO vegetation map of Africa. Unesco, Paris, 356p. White, R., S. Murray and M. Rohweder (2000): Pilot analysis of global ecosystems: grassland ecosystems technical report. World Resources Institute, Washington DC. Whyte, R.O. (1976): Bioclimatic and taxonomic consequences of tectonic movement and orogeny. Annals of Arid Zone 15: 247-69. 35

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 Chestnut-headed Bee-eater in Gujarat- A Likely Range Extension Rajni Trivedi & P.S. Thakker1 1Email:[email protected] Rajni Trivedi The Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaultia belonging to family Meropidae, is a resident breeder in the Indian sub-continent and adjoining regions. It ranges from the east of India to Southeast Asia. The species is distributed over the Western Ghats south of Belgaum, the Himalayan Terai from Dehradun to east Assam, Orissa, Bangladesh, Ceylon and Burma (Ali, 1972). As per Ali (2012), the species is found in Himalayan foot hills from Kumaon to Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern and Western Ghats, south to Kerala, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Andamans. Its IUCN conservation status is Least Concern (LC) (BirdLife International, 2016). A Little About its Natural History: The Chestnut-headed Bee-eater is recorded in habitats including sub-tropical, open wood land regions that are close to wetlands or water bodies. The bird is also common to high lands. The species occurs patchily and locally in fairly well-wooded country intermediate between the moist evergreen and the dry deciduous type forests. Large gatherings collect at nightly roosts in their favourite leafy trees. The bird lacks the two elongated central tail feathers possessed by most of its relatives. The bird is gregarious and nests colonially in sandy banks. 36

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 They create a comparatively long tunnel to fit 5-6 eggs. There can be around 10–100 nests in a colony. The bird lay eggs around February–June. Both sexes incubate the eggs. These birds may hunt together in a group, by wheeling flight and catch insects one after another without returning to the perch. Populations that breed along the Himalayan foothills leave the area during winter. Where they go is still a mystery but some evidence suggests that they may be moving to hill forests in South India. Both in autumn and in spring, Chestnut-headed Bee-Eaters are seen in passage in the plains of South, Central and North India, indicating considerable north-south movement (Bird-count India). An animated migration map was created by e-Bird from the observations uploaded by the birders, received by e-bird till the year 2020. Observations, debate and current findings: The second author (Dr. P. S. Thakker) observed 5-6 birds in the year 1980, which were perching on a wire of telephone line located at the back side of the C.N. Vidyalaya school-campus in Ambawadi area of Ahmedabad. The observation note was published in the Newsletter for Birdwatchers (Thakker, 1980). This was challenged by Khachar (1981), who is known to be the authority on birds of Gujarat. Dr. Thakker clarified and the answer was also published in the Newsletter for Birdwatchers (Thakker, 1981). Dr. Thakker was not able to photograph the bird as he did not have camera and he saw the birds during a morning walk. In those days even mobile phones were not available. So, he could not photograph the birds. Later, Monga (1983) reported this bird from Rajpipala forest and Ganpule (2016) included this bird in the checklist of the birds of Gujarat. The first author (Rajni Trivedi) observed and photographed a sizeable flock of Chestnut-headed Bee-eater (Merops leschenaulti Viellot 1817) at Meshwo Reservoir (23º 40´ 19´´ N; 73 º 23´ 22´´ E) near Shamlaji of Sabarkantha District, Gujarat on 28th January 2008. There were more than 35 birds on tree top during morning hours. This was the only occasion he had seen the species in Gujarat and that too in such a big flock. This observation was published in Newsletter for Birdwatchers (Trivedi, 2017). The photograph taken by the author was also published on the cover page of that issue(Fig.1). Recently the author (Mr. Rajni Trivedi) observed the bird on the way from 37

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 Ambadungar village to Hamph village in Chhota Udepur district of Gujarat, in the vicinity of Narmada Reservoir at the tri-junction of Maharashtra-Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat border. Though the species is found along the foot-hills of the Himalayas from the northern plains, the only report for the northern plains appears to be from Delhi (Waraich, 2017). Sharma (2018) observed two adult Chestnut-headed Bee-eater at Jhalna Safari Park (26.86 ̊ N, 75.83 ̊ E) Jaipur, Rajasthan, on 29th September, 2018. He was able to photograph the birds. Mr. Sharma knew that the species was photographed four to five times at Jaipur, during almost six weeks in August– September by Mr. Harkirat Singh Sangha. There are no other published reports from Rajasthan. Fig. 2 shows the distribution of the bird in India and Fig. 3 shows the distribution map prepared by Bird Life International across its range. The distribution map prepared e-bird also does not show the distribution of this bird in western states like Rajasthan and Gujarat. Photographers who have uploaded pictures on e-bird are mostly from Nepal and Thailand. Fig. 4 shows the distribution of Chestnut-headed Bee-eater in the country prepared by e-bird. The only two pictures we could find were from Karnataka in India. The photographer is Mr. Raghavendra Pai and pictures were taken from Goilekatte in Udupi district Karnataka on 5th May 2021 and 3rd February 2022. Thus, looking at the observations of the past and recent, the record in Chhota Udepur District confirms an addition of Chestnut -headed Bee-eater to the avifauna of Gujarat. Fig.1 Chestnut-headed Bee-eater (Merops leschenaulti Vieillot 1817) (Photo: Rajni Trivedi) 38

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 [Red colour shows Summer & Monsoon visitor; Green colour shows Resident, including local & altitudinal migrants, Yellow colour shows passage visitors.] Fig. 2 Distribution of the species in India (Source: Grimmett et al.) Fig.3 Distribution map of Chestnut- headed Bee-eater in India (Source: Bird Life International) Fig.4. Distribution of Chestnut- headed Bee-eater (Source: e-Bird) 39

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 Gumpe Hills-A Nature’s Haven Shreya S1 & Sharmila SN 1Email: [email protected] The lush green hillock ‘Posadi such as coconut, arecanut, cacao, cashew gumpe’ (12.6758° N, 75.0177° E) lies in nut and Black pepper. the southwestern part of the Western Ghats in Kasaragod District of Kerala. It is Despite receiving 250-400cm of located at an altitude of 1060ft, which rainfall every year in Western Ghats, attracts tourists across the state for water scarcity is still a serious issue trekking, sightseeing etc. The type of during summer. Residents of Gumpe are vegetation in Gumpe hills are Shola Forest ahead of time; they have found a panacea grasslands. for this enigma by constructing artificial ponds, which date back to the 19th There are about 30-35 residential century. Suranga are specialized gallery houses along the hilly areas, depending filtration constructed by horizontally upon agriculture as the main source of digging up 1.8-2.1 m through sloping income. They cultivate commercial crops terrain made up of laterite soil. 40

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 Water percolates out of the tunnel Fig1: Graphical Representation of Gumpe- and is collected into an artificially made hills earthen pond. Due to the presence of hard laterite stones, tunnels do not A total of 20 species of avian fauna require much supporting structures. were found in and around the pond ecosystem of Gumpe hills. These are often referred to as springs and the water present in those All the bird species recorded ponds do not dry up due to constant share Least Concern status in the IUCN percolation of water from underground Red list. The Rufous Treepie is endemic aquifers. There are about 60-70 ponds to the Indian Subcontinent. White along the hills, some are connected to Throated KingFisher and Orange- suranga and some ponds are naturally headed Thrush feed on insects, fishes formed. and frogs of the pond. Purple-rumped Sunbird use lichens, dried leaves and After 150 years of construction of cobwebs to construct their nests. The these ponds, there are a wide range of Vernal Hanging Parrot is a resident plants and other organisms including breeder in the Indian subcontinent, bird species depending on these water usually found feeding on nectars from bodies for survival. plantain trees. (List 1). At present, we could observe characters of early successional stages, which has brought quite an amount of changes in terms of diversity of organisms. There are numerous pioneer species spotted around this area, which have established well in this community. 41

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 Birds choose to construct nests pteridophytes are known to act like an around ponds for hassle-free commuting ecological indicator, in addition to it they to the location of water and food. can survive in a wide range of habitats. Ferns like pteris and adiantum are of high- Bryophytes, Pteridophytes and quality fodder for the cattle residing in that angiosperms were seen growing along the area. They are seen growing extensively on littoral zones of the pond. Laterite stone the sides of pond and also near arecanut around the pond provides a firm base for and coconut cultivation sites. These sites these plants to grow and their roots receive water throughout the year either penetrate through the crevices of the during the rainy season or by a sprinkler stones to obtain water. Bryophytes such as irrigation system which facilitates growth Funaria, Marchantia, Ceratophyllum of spores of these ferns and mosses. submersum found growing extensively producing sporophytes even during Barytelphusa cunicularis, Scylla summer season on the banks of pond due serrata are two crab species found to continuous availability of water. extensively in this areas. Frog species like Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis, Kaloula baleata, At the Local level, distribution of Ramanella mormorata are quite pteridophytes do not happen randomly, as predominantly seen. their survival will reflect to the microhabitat characteristics, such as Mammals like hedgehogs and wild atmospheric temperature, humidity, boars are commonly found around the precipitation, and light intensity, also soil pond at night’s drinking water and feeding texture and fertility plays an important on insects. role. (Patil et al, 2016). On that account, Hills & Mountains Mountains (which cover 24% of the Earth’s surface along with hills & other uplands) are exceptional geomorphic features of the Earth. They are characterized by high altitude, varying degrees of steepness and rocky constitution. They form the ecosystems that may contain different climatic zones within limited distances and altitudes. Mountains, often have assemblage of heterogeneous ecosystems that may exhibit a range of micro-habitats with great biodiversity. This heterogeneity, in turn, leads to good and often unique biodiversity. 42

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 List 1: Some Birds around Gumpe Hills ponds List 2: Some Plants of/near Gumpe Hill ponds Sr. No. Avian Species 1. SHr.iNllos. Plant Species Greater Coucal (Centropus 1. Chara braunii 2. sinensis) 2. Marchantia palmata 3. Funaria hygrometrica 3. Brown headed Barbet 4. Selaginella substipitata (Psilopogon zeylanicus) 5. Salvinia molesta 4. 6. Azolla microphylla 5. Indian Golden Oriole (Oriolus 7. Marsilea crenata kundoo) 8. Adiantum capillus-veneris 6. 9. Vallisneria sps Jungle Babbler (Argya striata) 10. Nelumbo nucifera 7. 11. Ceratophyllum submersum Greater Racket Tailed Drongo 12. Alsophila dealbata 8. (Dicrurus paradiseus) 13. Angiopteris 9. 14. Dryopteris clintoniana Rufous Treepie (Dendrocitta 15. Mimosa pudica 10. vagabunda) 16. Caladium bicolor 17. Impatiens minor 11. Red Whiskered Bulbul 18. Chromolaena odorata (Pycnonotus jocosus) 19. Tridax procumbens 12. 20. Phyllanthus urinate Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) 21. Cyperus rotundus 13. 22. Grona trifloral 14. Olive Backed Sunbird (Cinnyris 23. Centella asiatica jugularis) 15. White Throated KingFisher 16. (Halcyon smyrnensis) 17. Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) 18. Vernal Hanging Parrot 19. (Loriculus vernalis) 20. Shikra (Accipiter badius) Yellow Browed Bulbul (Acritillas indica), Orange-headed Thrush (Geokichla citrina) Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis) Golden-fronted Leaf Bird (Chloropsis aurifrons) Indian Cormorants (Phalacrocorax fuscicollis) Purple-rumped SunBird (Leptocoma zeylonica) Indian Owl (Bubo bengalensis) 43

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 Birds of Gumpe Hill as per eBird eBird gives a comprehensive list of birds occurring on Gumpe Hills, Kasaragod County, Kerala. As per the eBird website (https://ebird.org/hotspot/L5069720), at least 138 species of birds have been recorded in this hilly area between 2014 and 2022. They include a variety of pheasants like peafowl and spurfowl, doves and pigeons, like Spotted Dove, cuckoos like Banded Bay Cuckoo, Coucal and Koel, raptors like buzzards, eagles, hawks, harriers, kestrel, kites and owls, bee- eaters, barbets, parakeets, Vernal Hanging-Parrot, cuckoo-shrikes, orioles, ioras, monarch, leafbirds, prinias and warblers, bulbuls, flowerpeckers, sunbirds, spiderhunters, kestrels, drongos, pipits, starling and mynas, tree-pie, crows, hornbills, flycatchers, robins, woodshrikes, swallows, munias, minivets, buntings, swifts, drongos, shrikes, swallows, nightjars, woodpeckers, hoopoe, Fairy Blue-bird, larks, thrushes, rollers and waterbirds like waterhen, herons, cormorants and lapwings. Acknowledgements Govinda Krishna, Abhiram KM and We sincerely thank Aishwarya Anil for Sanath KM for providing us helping us identify aquatic species. We photographs and information about the are very grateful towards the locals like region. 44

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 Sighting of a Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) at Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar, Gujarat Pravin Vegad, Vishal Japadiya, Dilip Gadhvi and Harpalsinh Chudasama Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) at Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar, Gujarat The Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) is a bird is considered a passage migrant medium-sized owl which prefers to (Grimmett et al., 2014). inhabit woodland edges. The species is distributed over Europe; western, The bird was seen by the authors and central, and eastern Asia; North photographed by Shrey Mehta in America; Northern Africa and the Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar on northern Indian subcontinent. The 27th February 2022. On the day, the species is a winter visitor for Pakistan authors and Shrey Mehta were on a and north-west India. For Gujarat, this safari ride in the National Park, when they suddenly saw this bird on a 45

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 Prosopis juliflora tree, about 1.2m above The bird was located at around 8:30 AM ground-level and approximately 6.1m in the morning for five minutes. away from the safari road. Long-eared Owl is a passage migrant in Gujarat- A glimpse of the species Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar 46

The Living Terra Firma, Vol.1, No.1, June 2022 This is the second record of this species in grasslands in Kachchh on 11th March 2012. Gujarat and the first record in Saurashtra It was the first photographic record for India region. Only one record was noted previously (Deomurari, 2016). which was recorded in Naliya Acknowledgements: We are thankful to Mr. Kunan Naik, Ms Esha Munshi and Mr. Dhaval Varagiya for their help in identification of the species. Special thanks to Mr. Shrey Mehta for photographing the bird. We are indebted to Mr. Rushi Pathak and Mr. Dhaval Varagiya for helping us in drafting this note. References Deomurari, A. (2016): First Photographic Grimmett, R., C. Inskipp and T. Inskipp Record of Long-eared Owl in India. (2014): Birds of Indian Subcontinent Retrieved April 06, 2022, from (Digital edition). Christopher Helm, https://www.conservationindia.org/gallery/fi London. rst-photographic-record-of-long-eared-owl- asio-otus-in-india. Did You Know? • Long-eared Owls wear tufts that typically point straight up like exclamation marks! • Long-eared Owls are agile flyers, with very acute hearing, and therefore, they can snatch prey in complete darkness. • One of their calls heard at night are strange barking calls. • Some species are migratory, while some others are either residents or nomadic. • Parents indulge in “crippled wing” mimicking act for defending chicks. [Source: Animal Diversity Web & All About Birds(Cornell)] 47

For the next issue of \"The Living Terra Firma\" (an e-Periodical on biodiversity of terrestrial ecosystems like forests,woodlands, grasslands, savannas, deserts, agricultural systems, rural, urban and suburban systems etc.), one may wish to send articles/papers/photo-essays/observation notes etc. by October-end 2022. For more details, please email to [email protected] Back Cover