Vol.11, No.2 June-July 2021 ISSN 2321-1881 exploring wetlands Mugger Crocodiles of Chullia Waterfall, Rajasthan, India Grey-headed Lapwing, Timbi Wetland, Gujarat, India Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Rajasthan, India Living Room (Threats to Fish in Rivers & their Mitigation-A Kaveri Example) Mugger Crocodile and Manja Great Crested Grebe Nesting at Garamadi Wetland, Gujarat, India
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881) Vol.11, No. 2, June-July 2021 Jalaplavit, Vol. 11, No. 2, June-July 2021 Founding Editor: Dr. Ketan Tatu Editorial Dr. Ketan Tatu…………………………………………………………….....................3 Associate Editor: Dr. Amita Tatu Supporting Editor: Mr. Avichal Tatu Congratulations, Dr. James T. Anderson, Honorary Technical Advisor, “Jalaplavit”! Core Team Dr. Ketan Tatu ……………………………………………….............................4 Honorary Directors, Foundation for Ecological Observations on Behaviour of Mugger Crocodile and Human– Welfare (a not-for-profit Foundation under Crocodile Conflicts at Chullia Waterfall, Rawatbhata, Rajasthan Sabmeet Singh and Shubhechha Tapaswini ..............................5 section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013 of India) First Sighting of Grey-headed Lapwing at Timbi Reservoir, Vadodara in Hon. Principal Technical Advisor Central Gujarat Aniket Chandrarao, Rahul Bhatt and Anika Tere .....................16 Prof. James T. Anderson, Director, James C. Kennedy Waterfowl & Wetlands Centre, Clemson University, South Carolina, USA Senior Advisor: Dr. Raju Vyas A Mugger Crocodile Victimized by Chinese Manja Dr. Raju Vyas.................................................................23 Herpetologist, India Copy Editing: Priya Ranganathan, USA Living Room Steve Lockett.................................................................28 Front cover: A waterfall, South Gujarat (Picture: Amita Tatu) Keoladeo National Park- A Product of Human Ingenuity Avni Gupta……………………………….………………………….......................35 Back cover: A wetland amidst a woodland (Picture: Amita Tatu) Breeding of Great Crested Grebe at Garamadi Wetland, Patan District, Gujarat, India Views expressed by the contributors in P. S. Thakker………………………………………………………….……................45 ‘Jalaplavit’ are not necessarily those of editors. Editors are not responsible for any kind of plagiarism by any author.
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No. 2, June-July 2021 EDITORIAL Wadhvana wetland, Gujarat State, India-2454th Ramsar Site in the World declared on 5-4-21 It is a matter of great pleasure and Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), India must be appreciated for satisfaction that India got four more Ramsar working in “top gear” mode for adding more Sites in 2021; two in Gujarat and 2 in and more Ramsar Sites in the country. As Haryana. Thus, by now, the list of Ramsar per Dr. Ritesh Kumar, Director, Wetlands Sites in India contains a total of 46 wetlands International, South Asia, the number of covering an area of 10,833.22 sq.km. The Ramsar Sites added for India in the last four two newly declared Ramsar Sites in Gujarat years almost equals what the country did in are Thol wetland (a man-made reservoir) in last 20 years. True, Ramsar Site designation Mehsana district (North Gujarat) and for any wetland does not KeetnatnitTleatuthe Wadhvana wetland (another man-made wetland to get an international protection. reservoir) in Vadodara district (Central However, the designation imparts an Gujarat). On the other hand, two newly international tag as an internationally declared Ramsar Sites in Haryana are important wetland in our county. India Sultanpur wetland (a man-made wetland) certainly has many more wetlands that can near Gurgaon and Bhindwas wetland (a get “Ramsar Site” tag in the coming years. man-made wetland) in Jhajjar district. The current Wetland Division of the Ministry of -Ketan Tatu 3
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881) Vol.11, No. 2, June-July 2021 Congratulations, Dr. James T. Anderson, Honorary Technical Adviser, “Jalaplavit”! Ketan Tatu Dr. James T. (Jim) Anderson, the Honorary Senior Technical Advisor to “Jalaplavit”, after working as a full Professor at West Virginia University (WVU), WV, USA for over two decades, has been selected as the Director, James C. Kennedy Endowed Professor of Waterfowl and Wetland Ecology, Clemson University, SC, USA. Hearty Congratulations, Dr. Anderson! Dr. Anderson had started his University-level teaching and research career at WVU in 1999 as an assistant professor. After five years he became associate professor, and in late 2000s, he was offered a position of full professor. Jim earned a Bachelor’s degree in wildlife science from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and a Master’s degree (M.S.) in range and wildlife management from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. He was awarded a Ph.D. in wildlife science from Texas Tech University in 1997. He has published over 150 scientific articles and has mentored over 50 graduate students. He has reaped grants and contracts worth millions of dollars. Jim’s focus area of research comprises ecology and management of wetland and riparian ecosystems and their wildlife. He has taught various courses including Waterfowl Ecology, Introduction to Wildlife and Fisheries Resources, The Tradition of Hunting, Renewable Resources Policy and Governance, Applied Wetlands Ecology and Management, and Restoration Ecology. In December 2016, he had travelled all the way to India (Gandhinagar, Gujarat) to function as the subject expert of 4-day wetland workshop organized by GEER Foundation for researchers of Universities, government organization and frontline staff of Forest Department of Gujarat state. He had taught the trainees in the class-room and field at Nal Sarovar without charging a single penny as his fees. He has received multiple department and college awards for outstanding researcher, teacher and service provider. He has been actively supporting “Jalaplavit” (ISSN 2331-1881) since its beginning. His inspiring CV can be seen at https://www.clemson.edu/cafls/departments/kennedycenter/anderson_cv_web.pdf. Best wishes, Dr. Anderson! 4
Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.2, June-July 2021 Observations on Behaviour of Mugger Crocodile and Human- Crocodile Conflicts at Chullia Waterfall, Rawatbhata, Rajasthan Sabmeet Singh1 & Subhechha Tapaswini 1Email: [email protected] Sabmeet Singh Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) at Chullia Waterfall Introduction Endangered species marshes, and rivers, or the other area that's slow-moving and shallow. management has become a crucial However, because they appear to adapt easily to new environments, they have issue for several countries as animals also been found in reservoirs, irrigation canals, and other human-made and their habitats become increasingly freshwater bodies (Jacobson, 1999). In India, Muggers are reported from over threatened. The Mugger Crocodile is 10 States and the wild population is tentatively estimated as 2500 to 3500 widely distributed throughout Asia. It 5 is an adaptive species that can survive in a wide range of habitats. Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) is primarily found in freshwater lakes,
Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.2, June-July 2021 non-hatchlings (Silva et al., 2010). In The Mugger’s diet varies depending on some areas of northern India, Mugger age. Juveniles eat insects, crustaceans, tends to occupy the habitats which are and small fish. Adults primarily eat marginal for Gharial (Gavialis reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds, and gangeticus), also it was observed that mammals, such as monkeys, deer, Muggers compete for basking and buffalo, etc. (Jacobson, 1999). nesting banks where they are sympatric. When found together with The Mugger Crocodile greatly Gharial, Mugger will bask on midstream decreased in number until the first rocks or muddy banks (Silva et al., 1970s. The killing of the species for 2010). skins was the first explanation for their decline in India. Many dam construction The Marsh Crocodile or Mugger projects that occurred during the 1900s Crocodile (C. palustris) is one of the to the 1950s destroyed habitat which threatened reptile species in India and provided good cover to them. Timber legally protected under Schedule I of operations also destroyed habitat the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, during the time, by damaging forest 1972 (Vyas, 2010). ponds and rivers. Habitat destruction and alteration is another primary cause Mugger Crocodiles have several of species loss (Jacobson, 1999). While distinct features that differentiate the illegal skin trade was a major them from other crocodile species. problem in the 1950s to 1960s, the They have the broadest snout of any foremost threats to the Mugger were member of their genus. They generally previously identified as habitat reach maturity between 1.7 and 2.6 destruction and fragmentation, meters between the ages of 6-10 years. drowning in fishing nets, egg predation Like other crocodilians, this species is by people, and the use of crocodile known to dig burrows and nest in holes. parts for medicinal purposes (Silva et Females generally lay on an average of al., 2010). twenty-five to thirty eggs once a year. 6
Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.2, June-July 2021 Sabmeet Singh Basking crocodiles Human- Mugger conflict has been natural habitats and increases the risk reported from different parts of the of encounters between humans and country, indicating possible increases in wildlife. The consequences of human- population and/or Mugger reaching wildlife conflict can be both direct and larger sizes (Silva et al., 2010). indirect including loss of life from encounters with dangerous animals, Rising human populations and injury, and loss of crops, livestock, and the increase in demand for natural damaged infrastructure. resources expedite the depletion of Study Area Study Site at Chullia Waterfall Chullia falls is one of the main River. The National Chambal Sanctuary waterfalls in Rajasthan on the Chambal was constituted in 1979 encompassing a 7
Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.2, June-July 2021 stretch of 572km of river Chambal (Sharma and Singh, 2015). From 2011 within the administrative functions of onwards sighting of Mugger Crocodiles the states of Rajasthan, Madhya in the stretch of river downstream has Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. The significantly increased (Sharma and objective was for ensuring the best Singh, 2015). possible future for Gharial in India Sabmeet Singh Chullia Waterfall Chambal flows through the Rana Pratap Sagar Dam. The chullia is a Kundal Plateau, and therefore the Rana series of giant potholes that are Pratap Sagar Dam is built at the lower excavated by Chambal on small faults end of this reach. The Chullia Falls and joints in the kaimur sandstone, (Coordinates-24°55'59.99\", 75°34'0.02\") which forms the bed of the river near is located just after the Spillway of the Rawatbhata dam site. 8
Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.2, June-July 2021 Sabmeet Singh Downstream View from Chullia Falls In the deep mounds of rocks throughout the year, the stones here located downstream of Rana Pratap have become smooth and many mosses Sagar Dam, which binds the stream of remain on them. Rawatbhata's Chullia Chambal, many waterfalls start flowing Fall is one of the most favorite tourist along with rain. Its beautiful view destinations on rainy days. draws people here, but due to the flow of water Sabmeet Singh Small Canyon at Chullia Falls 9
Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.2, June-July 2021 Methodology It is easier to count the number and estimate the size of crocodiles when Present data is the compilation they are basking during the daytime of observations on Mugger activity at particularly in post-winter and pre- Chullia Falls, along with the other summer seasons (Bhatt et al., 2012). gathered information based on various Winter months, therefore are good relevant sources such as scientific times for counting crocodiles as in the literature, local newspaper reports, daytime, they tend to bask in groups. and information from NGOs. Also, visits Possible basking places were frequently to the sites of incidents and conflict visited to explore the activity status of sites, interviewing the affected people the Mugger. and relatives of victims of the incidents provided additional data. The Results collection of data was done after the briefing by the Forest Department on Nesting Activity Precautionary Measures which has to be taken care of and a very safe distance The nearest nesting sites of was made from the wild animals to muggers were located approximately avoid any disturbances created by our 300– 400meters from the Chullia Falls presence or movement. downstream and more nesting sites at Kalakhet (Approximately 1.7km from Survey for the Mugger Crocodile Chullia Falls), Udpuria (Approximately 3.2 km from Chullia Falls), and A continuous survey was Bhawanipura (Approximately 4.7km conducted for 30 days in November from Chullia Falls). At these four sites, 2020. Direct observations were made to the crocodile nesting activity is noticed note the activity of the Mugger every year regularly. Both banks at Crocodile using binocular (8×40 Kalakhet, Udpuria, and Bhawanipura magnification) and Digital Camera from sites of the river are less disturbed and the viewing towers and nearby the banks are rocky and at some places escarpments. The nature of Muggers is are covered with bushes and hedges. amphibious in nature and can be Based on the information given by counted both in water and on the land. locals, Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), 10
Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.2, June-July 2021 jackals (Canis aureus), and Indian with their mouths oriented towards the Monitor lizards (Varanus bengalensis) waterline and parallel to the water. On predate these nests. Nesting activity at the rest of 9 occasions, the animal the other three sites is noticed, but it sensed our presence and after a while is difficult to monitor nests and obtain returned quickly inside the water. successful results due to extremely Literature and some previous studies difficult terrain composed of big rocks suggest that crocodiles sometimes keep and heavy algal growth. their mouths open while basking for regulating their body temperature but Feeding habits during this investigation, no such phase was observed. During most of the observations, all muggers were found basking but, on Human- Crocodile conflict some occasions, adult muggers were found feeding on fishes. Additionally, As per the survey and interview several species of winter migratory from local people and information avian species were also observed but taken from CISF Unit RAPS HWP no stern encounter was observed Rawatbhata, approximately 14-15 between both the species. attacks by muggers were noted from Chullia Falls, during the last 2 years Behavioral responses (2018 – 2020). In which no official record was found from the local For the maximum time, adult Government Hospital regarding any muggers were found in the basking causalities. As per the interview, it was phase whereas juveniles were found to clear that these incidents were mostly bask in diminutive contact with water due to negligence of precautionary (Prebask Phase) and Surface Bask was measures taken by tourists or local not observed at all for juveniles. Of the people while visiting the Chullia Falls. 63 observations made during the In Kalakhet and its adjoining areas basking survey, on 41 occasions cases of crocodile’s presence inside the orientation of the mouth was found villages in small marshy ponds and away from the waterline and on 13 streams have increased. occasions, the muggers were found 11
Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.2, June-July 2021 Sabmeet Singh People can be observed sitting near the banks of the river taking no precautionary measures. Consequences mugger crocodile, are in the development phase of what to do next Most of the citizens have great with the Crocodile Conservation respect towards the animal but when Program in India. Although the mugger muggers are found in and around is no longer classified as an endangered residential areas, people get terrified animal, it is still at risk. India is a and immediately call to get rid of the country with an exploding population animal. Usually, locals call the Forest which will continue to damage the Department, Police, or volunteers of mugger population in various ways NGOs for getting rid of the animals. But (Jacobson, 1999) in a few cases (as per Interviews), it was observed that people were so There is no collation of data to terrified that they killed the animal suggest whether the overall wild themselves and threw it into the water population of Mugger Crocodile (C. body or even burnt it to avoid any legal palustris) is increasing or decreasing. problems. The numbers of non-hatchling Muggers in the National Chambal Sanctuary Discussion (India) have increased from 105 to 226 in 16 years (Silva et al., 2010). In the current scenario, India Survival, monitoring, and reproduction and the organizations which are helping are all considered factors of success in to coordinate the conservation of the 12
Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.2, June-July 2021 any crocodile conservation program Sabmeet Singh (Jacobson, 1999). Whilst egg collection and the medicinal use of Mugger parts The upper mandible of the skull (Dorsal are now marginal but changes to View) habitat and mortality in fishing nets continue to be major threats to the species. Although adequate survey data is lacking for India, existing records indicate that populations, while generally small and isolated, are widespread (Silva et al., 2010). During this study, a skeleton of the Mugger Crocodile was also found and scrutinized (Cause of Death unknown). Sabmeet Singh Sabmeet Singh Postoccipital Scutes of Exoskeleton (Dorsal View) The upper mandible of the skull (Ventral View) 13
Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.2, June-July 2021 Acknowledgments J, Christina. (1999). Reintroduction of the Mugger Crocodile, Crocodylus We are thankful to the Forest palustris, in India. Restoration and Department for the support and Reclamation review, Vol-4. Information provided to conduct this study. Also, we are very much thankful Sharma, R.K., and L.A.K. Singh (2015). to CISF Unit RAPS HWP Rawatbhata for Status of Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus providing information and allowing us palustris) in National Chambal to work near their security areas for Sanctuary after thirty years and its this study. implications on conservation of Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), ZOO’s PRINT, Vol References 30, No. 5. Bhatt H P., T.B. Saund, and J.B.Thapa Vyas, R. (2010). MUGGER (Crocodylus (2013). Status and Threats to Mugger palustris) Population in and Around Crocodile Crocodylus palustris Lesson, Vadodara City, Gujarat State, India. 1831 at Rani Tal, Shuklaphanta Wildlife Russian Journal of Herpetology. 17. 43- Reserve, Nepal. Nepal Journal of 50. Science and Technology. 13. 10.3126/njst.v13i1.7451. Vyas, R. (2017). Review and analysis of human and Mugger Crocodile conflict in Da Silva, A. and J. Lenin (2010). Mugger Gujarat, India from 1960 to 2013, Crocodile Crocodylus palustris. Pp. 94- Journal of Threatened Taxa, Vol. 9, No. 98 in Crocodiles. Status Survey and 12, Pp. 11016–11024. Conservation Action Plan. Third Edition, ed. by S.C. Manolis and C. Stevenson. Crocodile Specialist Group: Darwin. 14
Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.2, June-July 2021 About the Authors Sabmeet Singh is a student of M.Sc. Wildlife Sciences from the University of Kota, Rajasthan. He has completed his Graduation in Zoology (Hons). He is also a Research Intern at Duke University, USA, and has a very keen interest in the Movement Ecology of Large Carnivores and Human-Wildlife Conflict. Subhechha Tapaswini is a researcher at Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, where she works in the Landscape-level planning and management department. She holds a master’s degree in Forestry and Wildlife Sciences from Amity University Noida. She has a keen research interest in animal ecology and behavior. She has also worked in the field of bioacoustics. 15
Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.2, June-July 2021 First Sighting of Grey-headed Lapwing at Timbi Reservoir of Vadodara in Central Gujarat Aniket Chandrarao1, Rahul Bhatt and Anika Tere 1Email:[email protected] Aniket Chandrarao Fig. 1. A Grey-headed Lapwing (Vanellus cinereus) at Timbi irrigation reservoir, Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Introduction (Birdlife International, 2021). It is a species included in Schedule IV of the The Grey-headed Lapwing Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (Ganpule, 2020). It breeds in north- (Vanellus cinereus) is distributed from eastern China and Japan and during East Asia to Southeast Asia. It is a winter winter, it migrates to Myanmar, visitor to the Indian subcontinent. It Bangladesh, India, Nepal and other inhabits marshy areas, wet grazing northeastern parts of Southeast Asia grounds, banks of rivers, ploughed fields (Robson, 2005; Bamford et al. 2008). and stubbles (Ali & Ripley, 1983; Sonobe According to Grimmett et al. (2014), & Robinson, 1985). This species Lainer (1991) and Arlott (2015), GHL is (hereafter mentioned as GHL) has been listed as a Least Concern (LC) species in 16 the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.2, June-July 2021 mainly distributed over the 80% portion of the wetland was dry. A northeastern India in the Indian pair of GHL caught attention of the first subcontinent. However, in India, it has author among the other residential been reported from Assam, Andhra species of waterbirds. They were Pradesh, , North Bihar, Maharashtra, foraging on the ground near a watery Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kashmir, patch (Figs. 1 & 2). They looked Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and different from the ubiquitous Red- Andaman Islands (Ali & Ripley, 1983; wattled Lapwing (V. indicus) and Subramanya, 1987; Lainer, 1991; relatively uncommon Yellow-wattled Sundar, 2000; Pittie, 2001; Ravindran & Lapwing (V. malabaricus). Photographic Nameer, 2002; Conroy, 2003; Kumar et evidences were taken. We suspected al., 2003; Santharam, 2003; Santharam that the individuals belonged to a et al., 2006; Palkar, 2010; Sreekar & different species. Later, the reservoir Ram, 2010; Rasmussen & Anderton, was visited frequently for a week to 2012; Kasambe et al., 2012; Roshnath, observe the individuals repeatedly. 2017; Siva & Neelanarayanan, 2019; Photographs of the individuals taken at Bharos et al., 2019). Timbi were compared with the descriptions and illustrations provided in Observation select recognized books/ field guides to Timbi irrigation reservoir (220 19’ Indian birds like those by Ali & Ripley (1995) and Grimmett et al. (2014). After 9.185” N; 730 16’ 40.24” E) is located patient review of such literature, the about 12 km east to Vadodara city in birds’ identification as Grey-headed Gujarat state, India. The reservoir is Lapwing was confirmed. one of the important wetlands in Vadodara district. It supplies water for Discussion irrigation and it is also used for Timbi irrigation reservoir and aquaculture. The wetland acts as both feeding and breeding ground for many many other wetlands of Vadodara wetland and terrestrial birds. The district are being regularly visited by the reservoir was visited on 30th April 2021 authors in all seasons since many years. during 04:00 hours to 06:30 hours. About 17
Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.2, June-July 2021 However, this species has not been Porbandar. However, the records have recorded at any of the wetlands earlier. not been traced (Ganpule, 2016). Further, any of the above literature According to Robson (2005) and does not describe the exact location and Bamford et al. (2008), the GHL has two duration of sightings GHL in Gujarat breeding populations-a sedentary state. This species is not reported from population in Japan and a larger Saurashtra region (Dharmakumarsinhji, migratory population breeding in 1955). The checklists of eBirds were also northeastern China and wintering in reviewed by the authors to know any southern China, Indochina, Myanmar, recent sightings of GHL in Gujarat. Bangladesh, India, Nepal and parts of Scientific literature on sighting of GHL, mainland southeast Asia. After October, its distribution and range extension are most of the population breeding in available from different other states of snowy regions head south, but some of India. Hence the present observation is them stay and winter in the breeding a first and important sighting from the grounds. The birds that went south entire Central part of state and it return to their breeding sites by late represents the scientific document on February (Takahashi 2007, 2008). sighting of GHL from Gujarat. Sighting of GHL at Timbi reservoir in April-end month suggests that they Acknowledgments might have delayed their return We are thankful to Mr. Arpit Deomorari journey. and Dr. Rahul Bhagwat for their help in getting access to a few publications on Parasharya et al. (2004) and the species. Ganpule (2020) have described GHL as a vagrant winter visitor of Gujarat state. References Rasmussen & Anderton (2012) have Ali, S. & S.D. Ripley (1983). Handbook of the mentioned its rare sightings from Birds of India and Pakistan together with northern and southern Gujarat. those of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Grimmett et al. (2014) have described Lanka. Compact Edition. Oxford University isolated records from two regions of Press, 737pp. Gujarat on map viz. Morbi- Surendranagar and Devbhumi Dwarka- 18
Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.2, June-July 2021 Arlott N. 2015. Birds of India, Pakistan, Ganpule, P. (2016). The Birds of Gujarat: Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Shri Lanka. Status and Distribution, Flamingo, Willium Collins. Pp. 644 Newsletter for Bird Conservation Society of Gujarat, Gujarat. Vol. VIII 3 - XII 4. Bamford, M., D. Watkins, W. Bancroft, G. Tischler & J. Wahl (2008). Migratory Ganpule, P. (2020). A checklist of birds of Shorebirds of the East Asian– Australasian Gujarat. Bird Conservation Society, Flyway; Population Estimates and Gujarat, Ahmedabad. Internationally Important Sites. Wetlands International-Oceania, Canberra, Australia. Grimmett, R., C. Inskipp, & T. Inskipp (2014). Birds of the Indian Subcontinent. Bharos A.M.K., A. Mandavia, R. Naidu and A. Digital Edition. Christopher Helm London, Badesha. 2019. Distribution range extension 556pp. of Grey-headed Lapwing (Vanellus cinereus) in Chhattisgarh and Eastern Madhya Kasambe, R., G. Wagh, A. Mahajan, J. Pradesh, Jharkhand, India. International Wadatkar & M. Dhurve (2012). Recent Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies sighting records of Grey‐headed Lapwing 2019; 6(3): 11-13 (Vanellus cinereus) in Maharashtra. Newsletter for Birdwatchers 52(6): 90–91. BirdLife International (2021) Species factsheet: Vanellus cinereus. Downloaded Kumar, A., J.P. Sati & C.K. Tak (2003). from <http://www.birdlife.org> on Checklist of Indian Waterbirds. Buceros 31/05/2021. 8(1): 1–9. Conroy, C. (2003). Grey‐headed Lapwings Lainer, H. (1991). Grey-headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus seen around Vanellus cinereus (Blyth) in Goa. Journal of Machilipatnam, Krishna District, Andhra the Bombay Natural History Society 88(1): Pradesh, India. Journal of the Bombay 111. Natural History Society 100(1): 122–123. Palkar, S.B. (2010). First record of Grey- Dharmakumarsinhji R. S. (1955). Birds of headed Lapwing (Vanellus cinereus) from Saurashtra India with additional notes on Konkan. Newsletter for Birdwatchers 50(5): birds of Kutch and Gujarat. Pp. 606. 74. 19
Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.2, June-July 2021 Parasharya, B. M., C. K. Borad and D. N. Santharam, V. (2003). The Grey‐headed Rank (2004). A checklist of the birds of Lapwing in Tamil Nadu‐ a rejoinder. Journal Gujarat. Bird Conservation Society, of the Bombay Natural History Society Gujarat.Pp.26 100(1): 123. Pittie, A. (2001). Interesting species for Santharam, V., R. Ali & P. Prieto (2006). Andhra Pradesh. Pitta. 119: 2. Grey-headed Lapwings Vanellus cinereus extend range into coastal Tamil Nadu, India. Rasmussen, P.C. & J.C. Anderton (2012). Indian Birds 2(6): 172–173. Birds of South Asia. The Ripley Guide. Vol. 2. Second Edition. National Museum of Siva, T. & P. Neelanarayanan (2019). Grey- Natural History‐Smithsonian Institution and headed Lapwing: Sighting of Vanellus Lynx Edicions, Washington, D.C., Michigan cinereus in Koothappar Big Tank in and Barcelona, 684pp. Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu. Bird-o- soar #25. In: Zoo’s Print 34(2): 15-17 Ravindran, P.K. & P.O. Nameer (2002). Grey‐headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus Sonobe K. & J.W. Robinson (1985). A Field (Blyth) (Family Charadriidae) in Kerala. Guide to the Birds of Japan. Kodansha Journal of the Bombay Natural History International, Tokyo, 336pp. Society 98(3): 450–451. Sreekar, R. & R. Ram (2010). Sighting of Robson, C. (2005). Birds of South-east Asia. Grey‐headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus New Holland Publishers, UK, 304pp. (Blyth) in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Roshnath, R. (2017). Wintering of the Grey- Society 106(2): 207–208. headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus (Aves: Charadriiformes: Charadriidae) in Kerala, Subramanya, S. (1987). Occurrence of Grey‐ headed Lapwing, Vanellus cinereus (Blyth) India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 9(8): in Bangalore. Journal of the Bombay Natural 10613–10617. History Society 84(1): 205–206. <http://doi.org/10.11609/jott.3145.9.8.10 613-10617> Sundar, K.S.G. (2000). The Grey-headed Lapwing, Vanellus cinereus (Blyth) in Kali- 20
Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.2, June-July 2021 veli Tank, Tamil Nadu. Journal of the Master’s thesis. Graduate school of Natural Bombay Natural History Society 97(2): 277– Science & Technology, Kanazawa 278 University. Takahashi, M. (2007). Ecology of the Grey- Takahashi, M. (2008). Grey-headed Lapwing Headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus that lives Keri (Jpn) Vanellus cinereus. Bird Research in the Hokuriku region on the colonial News 5(11): 4–5 breeding and the communal defense. Aniket Chadrarao Fig. 2: Grey-headed Lapwing was never seen earlier in wetlands of Vadodara district. 21
Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.2, June-July 2021 About the Authors has developed a skill in bird identification. He has been active in conservation of fauna in Gujarat. His subject of interest is biodiversity and conservation with special reference to avifauna and mammals. Aniket Chanrarao Dr. Anika Tere Aniket is an Assistant General Dr. Anika Tere is an Ornithologist Manager in Tata Consultancy Services, and Conservationist. She owns her M. Sc. Vadodara. He is a nature lover and degree in Zoology, with specialization in photography enthusiast, also interested in Avian Biology and Ornithology. She learning ecology of avifauna. He regularly pursued her Ph. D. on the Ecology of visits wetlands and forests of Gujarat to Flamingos in Gujarat State, which was the pursue his passion. first Ph. D. on flamingos in India. She is a teacher and has vast experience of Rahul Bhatt teaching U.G., P. G., and higher Rahul is a passionate birder and secondary students. She is actively involved in research and conservation. photographer since past 15 years. He Her main subjects of interest are Ornithology, Wetland Ecology and Biodiversity. 22
Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.2, June-July 2021 A Mugger Crocodile Victimized by Chinese Manja Raju V. Vyas E-mail ID: [email protected] Manoj Thaker Fig. 1: A Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) basking on River Vishwamitri’s bank, Vadodara, India with a synthetic abrasive kite-string tangled along its jaws. Uttarayan, Makar-Sankranti or lighting bonfires, relishing on winter delicacies and celebrating the winter Maghi day in India marks the passing harvest of grains, sesame seeds and of winter solstice, welcoming the sugarcane. Western regions of the transition of the sun into the zodiacal country tend to have some of the best sign of “Makara” (i.e. Capricorn) on weather conditions; with optimum its celestial path. Every year, on 14th temperatures for outdoor activities January, this symbolic transition day and decent wind velocities best suited is celebrated as a festival across India for kite-flying. Thus, kite-flying (and some of its neighbouring emerges as a community sport and a countries) inherently woven into social event, with people from all age- culture, customs and jubilations. Considered as one of the most groups celebrating on the rooftops important festivals in India, and open grounds, while the Uttarayan festivities vary from region festivities continue for 2-3 days to region, including kite-flying, (Kumar and Begum, 2016). The history 23
Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.2, June-July 2021 of community kite-flying dates back kites tied to them) and get entangled to the middle-ages when kings and with whatever comes their way, courtiers practised it as a popular injuring birds, humans and other sport and gradually it began to reach creatures like fruit-bats and the commoners. Today, kite-flying is a macaques (Tiwari and Sharma, 1999; popular sport worldwide with Wankhede and Sariya, 2006; Babu et enthusiasts of all ages, classes and al., 2015, Kumar and Begum, 2016; cultures (Mehmood et al., 2010). Singh, 2020). The synthetic strings, However, the modern interpretation unlike their cotton counterparts, do of the festival has grown into this not lose strength even after getting fierce competitive practice. In the wet and hence stay suspended for a modern times, the focus of the sport long time in the environment, has shifted from enjoying kite-flying to creating a potential threat for various kite-cutting or kite-war that involves animals. use of very sharp, glass-coated kite strings. The modern day kite-fliers Chinese manja’s impact is not engage in a mid-air kite cutting using only limited to the birds or mammals, various tactics (such as release-cutting but it is hazardous for aquatic reptiles, or pull-cutting). Glass-coated kite too. One such unusual precedent of an string aka ‘manja’ has been in use entangled mugger is presented here, since remote past to fly fighter kites. reported from a rural area of Gujarat It was traditionally made from cotton. State, India. With the passage of time, traditional cotton-string was replaced by cheaper On February 12th, 2020, an synthetic threads and subsequently, injured mugger (Crocodylus palustris) ‘Chinese manja’ became very popular was found near a wetland in Chansad amongst the kite-flyers. Large village (22°12' 34.92\" N; 73° 7' 56.45\" reels(spools) of polymer threads/ E), Padra, Vadodara District. The strings imported from China are animal was a juvenile with a total body locally coated with metal dust and length of 75.5 cm and it had a deep slit glass fragments (Prakash, 2003; on its neck. On closer examination of Anonymous, 2012). These threads the wound, a nylon thread was found continue to trail along (with/without tightly strangling the mugger’s neck (Fig. 2). It was an obvious case of 24
Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.2, June-July 2021 entanglement similar to many birds particular mugger and cannot and mammals that accidentally end up comment whether or not it survived. getting wounded or strangled with the remains of synthetic thread spools Such incidences are not following the kite-flying festival. Much restricted to crocodiles. They include to the rescue team’s dismay, the freshwater turtles too. Back in 2016, a crocodile could not survive and died on local tabloid (a Gujarati newspaper) the fourth day despite intensive published a rescue story of a turtle medical treatment. The wetland near that was found in an abandoned state, which it was found has a small completely tangled in the kite-string. breeding population of mugger and in On January 23, 2016, volunteers from recent past three juveniles were found a local NGO successfully rescued an killed on the road passing nearby the Indian Flapshell Turtle (Lissemys wetland (Vyas et al., 2020). punctata) from a village pond at Chenpur (23° 6' 12.77\" N; 72°33' 36.46\" An earlier case with striking E) near Ahmedabad (Fig. 3). This was a similarity was observed in Vadodara similar instance of the turtle being City too. On January 23, 2015, a 3M victimised by deadly kite-threads or long adult mugger (C. palustris) was Chinese manja. spotted basking on the banks of Vishwamitri River near Akota (22°17' Chinese manja is now legally 47.44\" N; 73°10' 52.96\" E). This animal banned in most parts of India due to its was roaming around with a large knot foreign origin and non- of synthetic thread entangled around biodegradability. Yet, even though the its jaws (See the picture below the purchase and sale of Chinese manja is title). In this case, it was speculated a punishable offence, a large number that the animal might have engulfed of consumers continue to use it. With the fish-hook and was left entangled in the lack of ecological consciousness the remaining string. Observed as a and due to sheer negligence towards common practice in this area, many the environment or concerning laws, locals prefer fishing with nylon strings even far-flung inhabitants from tied to baited hooks (use of kite string remote areas do not cease to use this instead of fishing line). However, I was hazardous material. Such a scenario unable to continue monitoring this prevails even though it is no more an unknown or an uncommon 25
Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.2, June-July 2021 phenomenon to come across injured or flying threads Chinese manja (Verchot, dead birds, mammals, turtles or 2019). These numbers or reported crocodiles due to the Chinese manja. casualties are only the surface estimates. These numbers are under- As per the yearly records estimated speculations because maintained by the State Forest official records only depict voluntary Department, over 6000 to 8000 reports registered at government migratory and non-migratory birds are institutions, NGOs or hospitals. victimised due to these synthetic kite- Rocky Arya Fig.2: Mugger (Crocodylus palustris) during a rescue operation, discovered in a severely wounded condition with a tightly stuck nylon synthetic string around its neck About the Author Dr. Raju Vyas earned his Ph.D. on systematics of snakes from Bhavnagar University, India, in 1995. Based in Vadodara, India, his long-term research has focused on monitoring Mugger Crocodiles and their habitat as well as issues of human-crocodile conflicts for more than 25 y. He has authored over 300 scientific publications on various aspects of herpetology, including systematics, biogeography, taxonomy, and behavior, and is widely recognized for his contributions to herpetology in India. Raju is the Regional Vice Chair of the IUCN/SSC Crocodile Specialist Group (South Asia and Iran), and also a member of the South Asian Amphibian and Reptile Specialist Group, Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, and ReinAtrcokdnucotiwonleSpdegceiamliset nGtrosup of the IUCN/SSC. 26
Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.2, June-July 2021 I am very grateful to Rocky P. Mehmood, N., Z.H Khwaja, S. Ramazan Arya (Volunteer, Society of Jiv Rakshak and A. Quddus (2010). Kite-Flying for Animal, Padra, Vadodara) and Associated Injuries in Rawalpindi. Ann. Manoj Thaker for sharing information Pakistan Institute. Medical Science 6(2): and image of the victim mugger. 116-119 Special thanks to Social Forestry wing of the State Forest Department, Singh, R.V. (2020). Bird deaths by kite Vadodara, Gujarat. manjha in Jammu City. Bird-o-soar #51, In: Zoo’s Print 35(6): 33–35. References Tiwari, V.K. and D. Sharma. (1999). Kite- Anonymous (2012). Kite manufacturers flying: a unique but dangerous mode of electrical injury in children. Burns 25:537- facing labour crunch: Survey. 539. India Current Affairs. Prakash, A. (2003). Kites in India. Normad Heritage Trust, Mumbai. 35pp. <http://indiacurrentaffairs.org/kite- Vyas, R., A. Vasava and V. Mistry (2020). manufacturers-facing-labourcrunch- Crocodile-vehicle collision: New threat to mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) at survey> Gujarat, India. CSG Newsletter 39(1):15- 19. Babu, S., S. Subramanya and M. Dilawar (2015). Kite flying: Effect of Chinese Verchot, M. (2019). A sky is full of kites manja on birds in Bangalore, India. Indian become a death trap for birds. Birds Vol. 10(1): 13-18. <https://india.mongabay.com/2019/01/a -sky-full-of-kites-becomes-a-death-trap- Kumar, P.V. and T. Begum (2016). Cut for-birds/> Throat Injury by Manja String - a Case Report. Indian Journal of Forensic Wankhede, A.G. and D.R. Sariya (2006). Medicine & Toxicology 10 (1): 21-24. Electrocution by metal kite line. Forensic Science International 163:141-143. 27
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No. 2, June-July 2021 Living Room Steve Lockett Email: [email protected] Every one of us, I’m sure, Given the shared threats across freshwater habitats, I would like to discusses threats faced by the discuss further the realities of particular taxa with which we are habitat-loss mitigation and the involved. Certainly, these need to importance of connections be in the picture if we are to first between those working in this understand, and then improve the heavily impacted landscape (WWF, conservation status of our target 2020). species. My particular area of interest is in mahseer fish, Over the 40 years in which I members of the Tor genus primarily, have worked in freshwater but also the related genera conservation, there has always Neolissochilus, Naziritor and been a clamour to introduce more Parator. These fishes all live in fish as a method of improving rivers and streams across the whole stocks. Across the alphabet from of the Indian subcontinent, as well anglers to aquaculturists, stocking as further east into Southeast Asia fish is the first answer. Take a step (Pinder et. al., 2019). They favour back, however and there are many and thrive in well oxygenated of those from aquatic insect fans to water, with good riparian habitat zooplankton specialists who would also a key survival component and argue that throwing more fish into they tend to be omnivorous. The a river has negative impacts upon threats they face are common to their target species. The question many inhabitants of freshwater, to be answered first is: does the primarily: loss of flow; pollution; river actually have room for more in-stream aggregate mining; fish? I have made the point many destructive fishing; introductions times that if we were discussing of invasive and/or non-native tigers, the first question would be: species; deforestation; over fishing; is there a suitable prey base for loss of biodiversity and consequent more tigers? If the species is in food resources (WWF-India, 2013). decline, what has caused the 28
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No. 2, June-July 2021 decline and what has this done for dams and widespread support both the ecological niche? politically and within the general To create a meaningful population, is a perfect example of conservation action plan, therefore, how it is very difficult to stop them it is not enough to simply being built. In fish terms, understand the threats. We need to challenging dam building is have a clear idea to what extent we probably not going to be successful. can remove those threats, and we Dam removal would add greatly to also have to recognise that our the natural flow regimes of a river, impacts may have knock-on effects with a consequential improvement in other species within the in dilution of industrial effluent. ecosystem and possibly into But this probably remains a distant neighbouring ecosystems or dream in India. Demanding ecotones, and even into livelihood minimum e-flows is usually a very issues for human inhabitants who poor substitute for normal rely upon wetland ecosystem temporal flow regimes, but may be services. Given this, I wanted to the best compromise that can be present some real-life examples of reached. Which raises the question understanding and attempting to of: if we want to create some mitigate threats, and why breathing space for our species, collaboration across sympatric either to allow increased natural species specialist studies are recruitment, or to attempt a stock urgently needed. introduction, how do we increase the ecological niche available? Control what is controllable I decided to create a simple Some of the threats faced by chart to help communicate the mahseer, and by extension other various threats and to what extent riverine species, are currently they could be lessened. beyond control. The rapid rise of Threat Impact area Mitigation chances Required partners Dams Basin wide Very low Government agencies Industrial Local and Should be good but and funding bodies pollution basin wide reality low Pollution Control Boards 29
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No. 2, June-July 2021 Household Local Fairly good Outreach workers pollution Local Should be good Government Sand mining although huge enforcement dangers Invasive Local and Very low in large Government agencies species basin wide rivers higher in small and outreach workers rivers Destructive Local Quite good although Enforcement fishing there are dangers agencies and outreach workers Over fishing Local Very good Outreach workers and funding bodies Water Local Fairly good Government agencies abstraction From these few examples, it thriving. Likewise, those working becomes clear that the priority on coastal mangrove conservation areas for helping to relieve have a shared interest, and we can pressure on a river are those take it further to include those involving individual or household studying crabs. Together, a pollutions and water use, plus consortium of those working in this destructive fishing and over fishing. area will have a far better chance The others may have a higher of lifting common habitat threats overall negative impact on habitat, than a fish specialist working in but the chances of success are isolation. much lower. Example Finding partners for this work Over the last two years, I will add to the chances of success, even in areas where there may be have been part of a network little room for partnership. For looking at fishing communities instance, I often talk to people who along the River Kaveri in Karnataka are working with fishing cats and discussing ways to ease (Prionailurus viverrinus) despite pressure upon the river. The my interest in fish. It is clear that stretch we have focused on was if their cats are in healthy formerly a stronghold of the hump- populations, then fish must also be backed mahseer, Tor remadevii. A 30
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No. 2, June-July 2021 5-year study (not concluded) of many temples on this sacred river fishing livelihoods has shown that add to the physical and chemical both numbers and diversity of fish pollution. The cumulative effect is available is decreasing (pers. comm. catastrophic collapse of fish Nityata River Otter Conservancy). diversity and associated impacts Fishermen interviewed have upon many other taxa within the commented that “the river is dying” ecosystem, including for otters, and when asked about species crocodiles, turtles and piscivorous available, they say “we only catch birds. jalebi now” (invasive tilapia, Oreochromis spp.). African catfish Within the conservation (Clarias gariepinus) is another partnership, we first looked at the common invasive species catch, most critical local players; the with a very limited market, if any, fishermen. Our plan is to find despite our consortium attempting alternative livelihoods to lift the to find many avenues to create fishing pressure. We hope this will sales, from fertiliser to fish-skin have an associated effect of products. Reported catches have lessening destructive fishing over fallen to between 1 and 2 kg a day time. The first step is to find land for most of the fishermen. Because to develop ponds for breeding and of the loss of fish and especially growing native, marketable fish high value fish like mahseer and species like rohu (Labeo rohita) and murrel (Channa striata), in some catla (Catla catla), perhaps murrel communities, the fishermen have as well. As per the Indian National turned to dynamite in an attempt Fisheries Development Board to increase catches. guidelines, such ponds must be biosecure and not susceptible to There are other pressures on accidental wild release and must this stretch of river, particularly have the facilities to quarantine upstream impoundments and stock. “It should not have diversions, and deforestation in the possibility of adverse effects on upper catchment causing loss of people and environment.” (NFDB, flow across a longer season. Nearby 2015). The current Draft National towns bring huge effluent loads and Fisheries Policy (NFDB, 2020) raises 31
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No. 2, June-July 2021 hopes of finding more holistic ways Finally, taking steps to to work with the fishing declare a short stretch as a communities under aquaculture by sanctuary with multiple target protecting natural recruitment species should bring a new level of zones and ensuring ecological stewardship and expectation about services. the use of the river. These small measures are within grasp and To further help the should, over time, allow space employment of these fishermen within the river for multiple species and bring greater positive impacts to recover. Not only the fish I enjoy, to the river ecosystem, it is also but also other threatened cyprinids proposed that a scheme will pay for like Hypselobarbus dubius and physical clean-up, especially of Puntius cauveriensis, both red plastic waste. Once established, listed as endangered yet rarely the fishermen should become local figuring in plans to rehabilitate outreach workers to help spread mahseers. Perhaps there would the message of lowering pollution also be space for Nilsonia leithii, and stopping destructive fishing the vulnerable softshell turtle? And methods. Recent studies on Ganga more room for a regular target of (Nelms et. al., 2021) also show the the ire of fishing communities, as importance of working with fishing well as being the main target communities on clean-up and the species under the present plans: associated benefits across the smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale freshwater taxa. perspicillata). 32
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No. 2, June-July 2021 Small-scale sand mining on Kaveri river David Lambert with Hump-backed Mahseer from Kaveri river Author investigating habitat on a small Dam building on Mahseer River stream in India African catfish (Photo: Dr. Biju Kumar) African catfish (Photo: Dr. Biju Kumar) Tell-tale sign of sand mining on an Indian river 33
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No. 2, June-July 2021 References: Mahseer (Tor spp.) fishes of the world: status, challenges and National Fisheries Development opportunities for conservation. Rev Board, 2015. FIDF guidelines, and Fish Biol Fisheries 29, 417–452 NFDB guidelines for establishment (2019). of fish brood bank, esp. Point 6. <https://doi.org/10.1007/s11160- Risk Management. 019-09566-y> <http://nfdb.gov.in/guidelines> WWF. (2020). Living Planet Report National Fisheries Development 2020 - Bending the curve of biodiversity loss. Almond, R. E. A., Board, 2020. Draft National Grooten, M. and Petersen, T. (Eds). WWF, Gland, Switzerland. Fisheries Policy. WWF-India (2013). Mahseer <http://nfdb.gov.in/PDF/National conservation in India. Status, challenges and the way forward. _Fisheries_Policy_2020.pdf> Nautiyal, P., Babu, S., and Behera, S., (Eds). Nelms, S. E., Duncan, E. M., Patel, <https://www.researchgate.net/p S., Badola, R., Bhola, S., Chakma, ublication/261852139_MAHSEER_C S., et al. (2021). Riverine plastic ONSERVATION_IN_INDIA_STATUS_C pollution from fisheries: Insights HALLENGES_AND_THE_WAY_FORW from the Ganges river system. ARD_WORKING_TOGETHER_TO_HE Science of The Total Environment, LP_PROTECT_THE_WORLD'S_FRESH Vol 756 (20th February 2021). WATER_RESOURCES_3_COMPILED_ <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitote AND_EDITED_BY_ACKNOWLEDGEME NTS> nv.2020.143305> Pinder, A. C., Britton, R. J., Harrison, A. J., Nautiyal, P., Bower, S. D., Cooke, S. J., et al. (2019). About the Author Steve Lockett is the Executive Director of Mahseer Trust, an NGO looking at all species of mahseer fish across the regional distribution ranges. During the Covid-19 restrictions, Mahseer Trust organised a series of meetings to discuss how lockdowns were affecting rivers. This leads to ongoing work to help bodies across international borders to understand the effects of their actions upon their neighbours’ rivers. In particular, work continues between India and Nepal, and India and Myanmar. 34
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881) Vol.11, No. 2, June-July 2021 Keoladeo National Park: The Product of Man’s Ingenuity Avni Gupta Email: [email protected] Avni Gupta Wetland of Keoladeo National Park A Birder’s Paradise wetlands, woodlands, scrub Keoladeo National Park is one of the woodlands, forest, savannah, low world’s most entrancing reserves, grasslands, and plantations, the inhabiting around 380 plant species, 400 avian species, 30 herpetofauna mosaic vegetation of the region species, and numerous invertebrates, fish, and mammals (Chandra et al., extends an ideal environment for birds 2011). (Haque, 1990). One of the richest Located in the city of Bharatpur, in eastern Rajasthan, the park is waterbodies in an otherwise sandy and popularly called Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Comprising of habitats like dry state serves as salient breeding and feeding ground for myriad bird species. It hosts nearly 70 percent of Rajasthan’s entire bird diversity. The wetlands attract birds from countries like Australia, China, Afghanistan, 35
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881) Vol.11, No. 2, June-July 2021 Siberia, and Russia. An abode to wall of two meters in height. The park migratory as well as resident birds, it originates from around a long-existing correctly hailed as a paradise for natural depression, lying almost 174 birdwatchers. meters above sea level, which was flooded on an annual basis (Haque, The Human Intervention 1990). Historical studies reveal the inhabitation of large mammals like Originally referred to as Keoladeo elephant, wild buffalo, and rhinoceros Ghana National Park, the name during the Chalcolithic Period. derived from the Hindi word “ghana”, Geologists have stated the existence of meaning thick or dense forest and from a prominent river acting as a source of the name of the ancient temple built water in the past. The statement is on the premises, devoted to Lord further strengthened by the presence Shiva, a Hindu deity. of an artesian well in a nearby village called Mallah, literally meaning Wetland covering an area of about boatman (Sharma et al., 2013). 2,800 ha is enclosed within a stone Avni Gupta Keoladeo Temple situated in the premises of the park 36
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881) Vol.11, No. 2, June-July 2021 Keoladeo National Park beholds reservoirs, dams, woodlands, savanna, fascinating biodiversity and an and dry grassland that exists today is incredible history. Through time, the result of construction of a small human intervention has brought about earthen dam, Ajan Bund. Period phenomenal modifications to the flooding also resulted in formation of wetland and its biodiversity. Humans alluvial and clay soils. have played a crucial role in the fabrication and maintenance of the In 1760, Maharaja Suraj Mal, the park. It serves as a true example of the constructer of Bharatpur city, also implications of human doing. devised the area which would soon serve the purpose of leisure duck The Lane to Shoot Down shooting activity. The embankments, which are still in use, divide the area The local king of Bharatpur is known to into blocks, while sluice gates control have recognized the potential of the the water flow to and from the blocks. place and thus decided to increase the Erection of dykes facilitated water water supply artificially by diversion management by retaining soil from an irrigation canal. He fabricated moisture, supplying water to the waterbody into a “designer agricultural lands, and maintaining the sanctuary” in a way to augment water table (Sharma et al., 2013). The vegetation. The arrival of migratory meticulous design and management of bird species from all around the world, the canal system in the park was the due to vast biodiversity, would allow turning point in the emergence of them to carry out shooting on a today’s Keoladeo National Park. The massive level. The development of a anthropogenic control assisted in temporary reservoir in south of the numerous successful hunting episodes. Park marked the beginning of human Conscious administration of water involvement in conversion of the level evolved the waterbody into a natural depression into a permanent waterfowl jheel or refuge. waterfowl reserve (Sharma et al., 2013). The shooting reserve was officially inaugurated by Lord Curzon in the year The 29 sq. km. mosaic of aquatic and 1902. Kings, British viceroys, and terrestrial ecosystems comprising of princes shot birds in large numbers, lakes, ponds, swamps, marshes, 37
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881) Vol.11, No. 2, June-July 2021 especially during winter seasons. In was carried out in 1964, but the 1938, the Governor-General of India, Maharaja still retained his shooting Lord Linlithgow shot about 4,273 birds rights until the year 1972. Post- during a hunting party in a single day. independence pressure for land reform Even today, hunting records are caused the king to relinquish control of displayed on historical stone panels his hunting grounds to the State Forest inside the protected area. Early years Department. of 1900 experienced humongous sport- shooting records. The last big shoot Avni Gupta Stone panel with major historical events in Keoladeo National Park The Road to Protection Park) and X (World Heritage Site). Owing to its vast biodiversity, experts Currently, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary throughout the country identified it as receives protection under the IUCN a potential site of conservation. Rapid Management Category II (National survey of wildlife in Keoladeo was 38
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881) Vol.11, No. 2, June-July 2021 conducted in 1950, which prompted struggle amongst conservationists, the government to set up a committee scientists, government, and locals. to declare the habitat as a Bird Sanctuary. In 1956, Kailash Sankhla’s Curious Case of Cranes efforts managed to declare it a notified sanctuary. The Father of Sarus crane, Antigone antigone, is Indian Ornithology, Dr. Salim Ali often called a lucky sight at Keoladeo played a major role in conservation National Park. The park was once the and devoted significant efforts to only known Indian wintering site of protect the wetland. Bombay Natural Sarus crane’s relative, Siberian Crane History Society (BNHS) conducted an (Leucogeranus leucogeranus). The integrated and multidisciplinary critically endangered bird covered a research for a decade at Keoladeo, distance of 6,000 km from Siberia to which proved to be one of the most reach Bharatpur each year. Bird counts prominent studies in the field of in the 1960’s showed several hundred wetland ecology. The research was birds, but soon the population began to supported by the Government of India decline (Meine, 1996). Despite and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. reaching a decade-high total of 41 Intense research on bird ecology was birds during the winter of 1984-85 carried out by naturalist Dr. Salim Ali numbers steadily decreased and, in including bird ringing and migration the winter of 1993 and 1994, none studies between 1950-1980. Almost were observed. In 1996, four birds 11,000 common teals (Anas crecca) wintered in the park, and in 1997 two were trapped and ringed at the study adults and a young bird were seen. The site. Projects based on ornithology last pair however disappeared in 2002. continue till date and avifaunal Soon, in 2003, a semi-captive exhibit checklists are systematically published center was established at Bharatpur - and updated regularly. in order to release the birds at their wintering grounds. Over a period of The journey from a private duck several years, efforts of transfusing shooting reserve to area with the the captive-bred birds into wild flocks highest protection status was indeed went in vain as majority of the cranes progressive. It involved a perpetual failed to migrate and those that did were not seen again. 39
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881) Vol.11, No. 2, June-July 2021 Avni Gupta Stone panel with inscription to save the Siberian crane Cattle Grazing and Other Threats disturbance of birds and damaging of birds' eggs. This is when the As the status of the wetland raised to Government decided to erect the wall National Park in 1982, livestock grazing around the park – to prevent any cattle and collection of forest products in the entry. Soon after the ban was imposed, Park faced a strict ban. Violent clashes it was realised that Paspalum broke out at Keoladeo National Park distichum, an unwanted grass, was between local farmers and the displacing many crucial grass species. government when the ban on grazing Its proliferation was, at one time, was announced. being managed by cattle grazing and trampling. Now, however, lack of Grazing of about 6,000 cattle was the cattle has caused an excessive growth, cause of competition of valuable eventually reducing the food resource forage with wildlife residing in the for waterfowl (Lewis, 2003). park. Their presence also led to 40
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881) Vol.11, No. 2, June-July 2021 Cattle exclusion, which is a general season of Paspalum has been implied. suggestion of researchers, was on the Keoladeo National Park faces contrary, dismissed by BNHS. Cattle numerous anthropogenic threats which reintroduction during peak growing ultimately affect its biodiversity. Feral cattle in grasslands of Keoladeo National Park Establishment of a lodging facility on protected area allows movement of the premises allows certain registered public and certain cultural activities. vehicles to pass through the park, resulting in air and noise pollutions. Domination by invasive species poses a Large tourist groups may often be serious concern for conservation and found clustering, which cause management. Lantana camara, disturbance to the wildlife. Tourists Pontederia crassipe (common water even litter in open spaces and plastic hyacinth), and Prosopis juliflora are waste is commonly observed on the few prevalent invasive plant species, trail and even in waterbodies. that affect the native biodiversity. Presence of three temples within the Prosopis juliflora was first introduced for greening of landscapes and 41
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881) Vol.11, No. 2, June-July 2021 alleviating fuel wood pressure from has led to the community structure of local communities. Rapidly, it Keoladeo being heavily laden with P. occupied a large range due to its juliflora (Mukherjee et al., 2017). inherent characteristic of allelopathy. The species releases tryptophan, Pluralism in Park Management eventually inhibiting the growth of native plants. Keoladeo National Park is a peculiar ecosystem where human intervention Twice a year, flowers and pods of the has been a key player. Local plant become readily available for inhabitants of adjacent villages have foraging by cattle, which carry out the had their share of involvement when it dispersal of seeds. When exposed to comes to the park’s management. sulphuric acid in the gut, the seeds Prior to the high protection status, experience rapid germination and long they generally sustained their survival. Other animals that are livelihoods by collecting forest potential dispersal agents include products and grazing their cattle. birds, bats, and reptiles. This invasion Avni Gupta Locals employed as rickshaw pullers in Keoladeo National Park 42
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881) Vol.11, No. 2, June-July 2021 Post grazing and collection ban, they Chandra R., B.A. Kumar Prusty and P.A. Azeez (2011). A revised checklist have been employed as nature guides, of the flora of Keoladeo National Park, a World Heritage Site in India. Journal guards, rickshaw pullers, small of Environmental Research, 5(2/3). business owners, and labourers Meine, C. D. and G.W. Archibald (Eds) (1996). The Cranes: - Status Survey and (Goodwin, 1997). Nearby Conservation Action Plan. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland, and Cambridge, accommodation facilities around the U.K. 294pp. Bird Sanctuary also provides Goodwin, H.J., I.J. Kent, K.T. Parker, M.J. Walpole, I.R. Swingland, and M.T. opportunities to the locals for Sinclair (1997). Tourism, conservation & sustainable development. livelihood sustenance. Active Haque, N. (1990). Study on the ecology involvement of locals in management of wild ungulates of Keoladeo National Park Bharatpur, Rajasthan. PhD Thesis. elevates their socio-economic Aligarh Muslim University, Uttar Pradesh. condition. Moreover, it brings about a Jha, T. (2017). Perspectives of tourist sense of belonging amongst local development and its impact on host communities in Bharatpur with special communities (Azeez, 1992; Jha, 2017). reference to Keoladeo National Park. Global Journal on Recent Acknowledgements Advancement in Business Forecasting and Marketing Intelligence [ISSN: I am grateful to Creature Conserve for 2581-4168 (online)], 1(1). accepting my project. Dr. Lucy Spelmann and Mr. Nick Jainschigg have Lewis, M. (2003). Cattle and been supportive mentors throughout conservation at Bharatpur: a case the research work. I thank Ms. Muskan study in science and advocacy. Gupta for her contributions to the Conservation and Society, 1-21. project. 43 References Azeez, P.A., N.K. Ramachandran and V.S. Vijayan (1992). The socio- economics of the villages around Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur (Rajasthan), India. International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 18(2-3), 169-179.
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881) Vol.11, No. 2, June-July 2021 Mukherjee, A., A.D. Velankar and H.N. Sharma, B.K., S. Kulshreshtha, S. Kumara (2017). Invasive Prosopis Sharma, S. Singh, A. Jain and A.R. juliflora replacing the Native Floral Rahmani (2013). In Situ and Ex Situ Community over three decades: a case conservation: Protected area network study of a World Heritage Site, and zoos of Rajasthan. In B.K. Sharma, Keoladeo National Park, India. S. Kulshreshtha and A.R. Rahmani Biodiversity and Conservation, 26(12), (Eds.), Faunal Heritage of Rajasthan, 2839-2856. India (pp. 3-67). London: Springer. About the Author Avni Gupta is a research scholar with Creature Conserve, Rhode Island, United States. She is working on understanding and promoting ecotourism practices across Indian protected areas. She holds a master’s degree in Wildlife Science. She is an avid science writer, artist, and communicator. 44
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No. 2, June-July 2021 Breeding of Great Crested Grebe at Garamadi Wetland, Patan District, Gujarat, India P.S.Thakker Email: [email protected] Ketan Tatu A Great Crested Grebe on its nest in August, 2021 at Garamadi wetland Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps Grimmett et al. (2011) in addition to other scattered places. Breeding has cristatus) is a resident species of Europe been recorded in the Indian states like and Central Asia, which migrates to Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and South Asia, Africa and Australia. The in Ladakh. bird has been reported to breed in South Australia and New Zealand. Butler was first to report occurrence of this bird in Gujarat and Sporadic presence of Great also in other parts of India in the year Crested Grebe (GCG) was reported in 1876. There is also a record of breeding the Indian Subcontinent. Wintering of this bird in Gujarat by Bulkley (1891) range has been shown in Central India by 45
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No. 2, June-July 2021 near the Little Rann of Kachchh. In this programme 1987-1998 supported by first record of breeding of this bird in Centre for Environment Education Gujarat and also in India, the bird was (CEE), Ahmedabad. But we could not see shot and eggs were sent to the Bombay the nest/nests in any wetland. Natural History Society (BNHS). It was Moreover, even the number of birds was reported for the following year that less (just one or two individual). Dr. R. “birds did not breed there.” B. Balar had seen immature individuals of this species on January 7, 2020 at this Dr. Taej Mundkur and Dr. Rishad place on his way to Dholavira. Pravez reported breeding of GCG at Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary near Jamnagar, Dr. P. S. Thakker (i.e. the Gujarat in the year 1986. Late Mr. author), Mr. Chirag Shashtri and Mr. Himmat Sinhji, Mr. S. N. Varu and Mr. Kanubhai Rajgor visited the Garamadi Navin Bapat, reported breeding of GCG wetland on January 19, 2021 and they in Kachchh at Wala Khawas tank near saw about sixteen Great Crested Grebes Bhuj on Bhuj-Mandavi road in the year sitting on nests and saw two to three 1992. Later, there had been no report of eggs in each nest that were not occupied breeding of this grebe there. Mr. by the breeding grebes. This is the Anirudh Chaoji reported breeding of nesting record for North Gujarat a GCG in a swamp area on Saurashtra Diu century after the record in the year border, close to the Diu check post in 1891. This wetland is located in the month of October, 2008. between National Highway no. 15 and Palanpur Bhuj Railway line, to the South We (Late Mr. Lalsinh Raol, Dr. P. of Garamadi village, in Santalpur taluka S. Thakker, Dr. B.N. Trivedi, Late Mr. of Patan district North Gujarat, on the Dilhas Jafri and Late Mr. Kandarp fringe of Little Rann of Kachchh. A Vaishnav) had seen young ones at portion of Great Rann of Kachchh is Santalpur village tank and Garamadi located on northern and western sides of wetland in Patan district (Radhanpur- this wetland. Adesar road) during the bird census 46
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No. 2, June-July 2021 Location of Garamadi Wetland (Source: Google; Inset: A record photo of GCG eggs by P. S. Thakker) The presence of GCG with eggs in International, breeding takes place nests, were reported for the first time between April and September in Europe at this wetland. This is the first record and from November to March in in Patan District, North Gujarat and Australia and irregular throughout the third record of breeding in Gujarat. I year in Africa. It seems that birds could not find any reference of breeding visiting this wetland might be coming of this bird at wetlands like Nal Sarovar, from Australia or Africa based on their in Gujarat. According to Bird Life seasonal breeding behavior. Great Crested Grebe on its nest in 2021 [Record shot: Mr. Kanubhai Rajgor]; Immature birds with adult in 2020 [Record shot: Dr. R. B. Balar] 47
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No. 2, June-July 2021 References Bulkley H. (1891). The Great Crested Mundkur, T. & R. Pravez (1986). Grebe breeding in India. Journal of Rediscovery of Great Crested Grebe Bombay Natural History Society 6: 501. (Podiceps cristatus) breeding in Gujarat. Journal of BNHS 83: pp. 429-431 Chaoji A. (2010). Nesting of Great Crested Grebe at Diu. Flamingo 7: 4-5 Railla, S.K. V. Vasudeva Rao and V. Nagulu (014). New Breeding record of Grimmett, R., C. Inskipp, and T. Inskipp GreatCrested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) (2011). Birds of Indian Subcontinent. at Srikakulam District. Science Park Oxford University Press, pp.72. Research Journal 2:1-7 Himmat sinhji M. K., Varu S. N., & Bapat Tripathi,A. and V. K. Koli (2020). The N. N. (1992). Occurrence, status and breedin of Great Crested Grebe breeding of Podiceps cristatus (Linn.) Podiceps cristatus a second site in and Fullica atra (Linn.). Journal of Rajasthan. Indian Birds 16: 54-56 Bombay Natural History Society 88 (3) pp. 439-441 About the Author Dr. P.S. Thakker is a retired Research Scientist of Space Applications Center(ISRO). He also has a vast knowledge and experience about birds of Gujarat State. 48
Jalaplavit (ISSSN 2321-1881), Vol.11, No.2, June-July 2021 Latest Additions to the List of Ramsar Sites in India Wadhvana wetland, Gujarat Thol wetland, Gujarat Sultanpur wetland, Haryana Bhindwas wetland, Haryana (Source: Haryana Tourism) (Source: Hindustan Times) In the year 2021, 4 wetlands from India have been added to the global list of Wetlands of International Importance or Ramsar Sites. With these addition, the world has 2,430 Ramsar Sites covering 25,46,110 sq.km sq.km and India has 46 Ramsar Sites covering 10,833.22 area. Of the 4 newly declared Ramsar Sites, 2 are in Gujarat, viz. Wadhvana Wetland(near Vadodara, Gujarat) and Thol (near Ahmedabad, Gujarat). Wadhvana Wetland:Designation Date-5/4/2021; Site No.-2454, Area-6.30 sq.km Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary: Designation Date-5/4/2021; Site No.-2459, Area-6.99 sq.km Bhindwas Wildlife Sanctuary: Designation Date-25/5/2021; Site No.-2, Area-4.12 sq.km Sultanpur National Park: Designation Date-25/5/2021; Site No.-2457, Area-1.43 sq.km
Dr. Ketan Tatu is the Founding Editor of Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881). He initiated this not-for-profit movement in September 2009 for providing a platform to wetland enthusiasts (including photographers), students, researchers and professionals wanting to share their thoughts, opinions, studies, research and pictures pertaining to wetlands. He also intends to increase appreciation for wetlands in the society through this initiative. Dr. Tatu has earned two doctoral degrees (one from the US), for which he had conducted research on wetland biodiversity. He has been serving as a Sr. Scientist in India. He is nominated as an ex-officio Member of a State Wetland Authority. Wetland enthusiasts, post-graduate students having interest in wetland biodiversity, researchers and wetland biodiversity professionals are welcome to contribute their articles, research papers and observation notes regarding any aspects of wetland biodiversity. Each contribution must be accompanied with good relevant photographs. Nature photographers are welcome to contribute wetland picture galleries. Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881) publishes articles/research papers/notes pertaining to wetlands in any part of the world though its thrust region in the Indian Subcontinent. The next issue will be the October-November 2021 issue. Looking forward to have your contributions!
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