Biodiversity
Our Heritage, Our Wealth, Our Responsibility
Minister of State (Independent Charge) Environment & Forests Government of India New Delhi
Jayanthi Natarajan Preface Land, Water, Air and life are intricately woven. The prosperity of a nation is dependent on maintaining a fine balance between development and the health of ecosystems. With growing global population, forests and associated ecosystems play an increasingly important role in meeting the demand for food, fodder, fuel and sustain the livelihoods of the millions through myriad ecosystem services. At the local level, the link between people and the ecosystem is vital, especially in times of stress. The Science Express - Biodiversity Special (SEBS) train is a special gift to the people of the country. It is through this train that the rich biodiversity heritage of the country can be shared widely, reaching school students, the youth and the general masses alike. It is estimated that the SEBS will reach out to over three million people as it travels to the far reaches of the country, halting at more than 100 stations over two years, starting from 5th June 2012. The SEBS is truly 'Biodiversity on Wheels'. I invite each of you to experience the rich natural heritage, and pledge to take affirmative action to cherish, nurture and protect our rich biodiversity heritage. It is with great pride and optimism; I dedicate this exhibition to the people, especially the children of India. 'Prakriti Rakshati Rakshita - Nature protects if she is protected. Jayanthi Natarajan
Contents
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Biodiversity Trans-Himalaya and Himalaya The Gangetic Plain North East India The Indian Desert and The Semi-arid Zone Western Ghats The Deccan Peninsula The Coasts and Islands Acknowledgments Note and Schedule on Science Express Biodiversity Special 1 21 39 52 71 91 117 139 156 166
Biodiversity Biodiversity It's all about Life and Variety. Biodiversity Biodiversity Celebrate it, protect it, conserve it!
BIODIVERSITY
Biodiversity
Our Heritage, Our Wealth, Our Responsibility
It shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures.
BIODIVERSITY
BIO = LIFE DIVERSITY = VARIETY
India is home to over 7% of the world's Animal Diversity More than 91, 200 animal species
things
Biodiversity is usually described at 3 levels: genetic, species, communities and ecosystems. 1. genetic (the variety of genetic information within a species), e.g. all humans are one species but no two humans are genetically identical. 2. species (the variety of species), e.g. horses, tigers, rice, mango, are all different species. 3. communities and ecosystems (complexes of species and their physical environments); a small area may hold more diversity than a large one. Think ! Without Variety There Would Be No Life India: One of the richest countries in the world! Why? The country
l harbours 8% of the world's biodiversity on just 2% of the Earth's
surface.
l includes wettest to driest regions of earth, cold to hot extremes. l has 16 major forest types. The total forest cover of the country is
Ghats).
l is one of the eight centres of origin and diversity of crop plants. l represents two realms, five biomes, ten biogeographic zones.
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Spiny-tailed Lizard Malabar Whistling Thrush They are all Endemic to India!
Asiatic Lion
Endemic species are species occurring in only specific areas or regions and found nowhere else in the world. Look at the amazing endemism in India 9% of India's fish species, 61% of amphibians, 47% of reptiles, 14% of birds, and 9% of mammals are endemic.
11, 058 species of plants are endemic to India. In addition, there are 14500 species of fungi and 2233 species of lichens. Rice: 50,000 varieties Mango: 1,000 varieties Sorghum: 5,000 varieties There is a great variety among domesticated animals, too!
l All the world's buffalo breeds are found in India. l All poultry breeds of India have descended from one wild l India is one of the 8 centres of origin of cultivated
plants in the
ancestorRed Junglefowl.
Cow: 30 breeds
ancestorZebu. The Zebu motif is found on seals of the Indus Valley civilization. What Do these have in Common? Laws Balsam Wild Ass Andaman Day Gecko Gharial Blackbuck Balloon Frog
Camel: 8 breeds 4
Black Paper 5
As you go through this book you will learn more about these zones.
Trans-Himalaya
compulsions.
l Over-exploitation, over-consumption, unregulated trade, poaching. l Introduction of exotic and invasive species like Lantana, Parthenium,
Prosopis.
North-East Semi-Arid
Deccan Peninsula
A3
Western Ghats
Islands
conservation programmes.
l Systems and policies dictated by need for rapid economic
Coasts
development.
l Unsustainable use of natural resources. l Lack of awareness and loss of traditional knowledge.
Crises!!
l Pollinator decline due to pesticides and habitat loss has been
provides us food security, water recharge, climate regulation, and many other services for human survival. the
etc. For example, over 25% of all drugs come from p l a n t s ; Indian Systems of Medicine use nearly 8000 wild species. Species Under Threat Going GoingGone.!! Vulnerable: a species which is likely to become Endangered in the near future, unless the circumstances threatening its survival improve. Endangered: a population of organisms which is at risk of becoming extinct because it is either few in numbers, or threatened by changing environmental or predation parameters. Critically Endangered: means that a species has declined or will decline, by 80% in numbers within three generations. This is the highest risk category assigned for a wild species.
of diversity mapped or studied, or even known. A number of species are being lost even before they are known to science.
l Cultural and aesthetic values: deeply ingrained in our culture,
rituals, festivals, music and arts. Communities across the country have traditional practices linked to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and reflecting respect for nature.
l Basis for recreation, education: We enjoy being out in nature;
humans have learned a lot from other species and natural phenomena, and biodiversity is still providing us with answers to many of our unsolved questions.
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Protected Areas (for In-situ conservation) A Protected Area is a clearly defined geographic space, recognized, dedicated and managed, through legal or other effective means, to achieve long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values. Several categories of Protected Areas exist in India. National Park (NP): A tract of land declared the nation's property by the Central Government, with a view to preservation of natural and cultural heritage, and where human pressures (hunting, fishing, extraction, residences, commercial activities) are not allowed. Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS): An area designated usually by a State Government, where like in a National Park, it is illegal to interfere in anyway with the natural life there. Hunting and fishing are prohibited; some activities allowed with special permits. Community Reserves: These areas are being protected through the joint efforts of local communities and State Governments. Protected Area Network
Categories Number Area (sq. km) % coverage
India has some more specially designated conservation areas: Tiger Reserves: 41 sanctuaries and national parks are specially protected under National Tiger Conservation Authority (previously Project Tiger). Elephant Reserves: 25 Elephant Reserves under Project Elephant. Ramsar Sites: Under the Ramsar Convention (an international treaty for protecting wetland habitats) 25 areas have been identified. Important Bird Areas: There are 465 sites of importance as crucial bird habitats, identified in collaboration with Bird Life International. UNESCO-Designated Sites: UNESCO Natural Heritage Site: these are clearly defined natural sites of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science, conservation (of threatened species) or natural beauty. India has 5 such sites: Kaziranga NP, Keoladeo NP, Manas WLS, Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers NP, and Sundarbans NP. Biosphere Reserves: Special sites for natural and cultural landscapes extending over large area of land or water/sea ecosystems, or a combination of these. India currently has 17 BRs.
National Parks Wildlife Sanctuaries Conservation Reserves Community Reserves Total Protected Areas
Species Conservation Initiatives of Government of India Project Tiger Project Tiger Scheme has been under implementation since 1973. The main objective of Project Tiger is to ensure a viable population of tiger in India. 41 Tiger Reserves are specially protected under the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
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Project Snow Leopard Project Snow Leopard is designed for all biologically important habitats within the snow leopard's range. The project is operational in five Himalayan States viz. Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. Project Elephant Project Elephant was launched in 1992. The objectives are to protect elephants, their habitat and corridors, to address issues of mananimal conflict, and welfare of domesticated elephants. There are 25 Elephant Reserves under Project Elephant. There are also several other programmes for the conservation of different species. These include: One Horned Rhinoceros Conservation programme, Ganges River Dolphin Conservation Plan, Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme, Gharial Recovery Action Plan, Action Plan for Vulture Conservation. In addition, the zoos and botanical gardens play an important role in ex-situ species conservation.
Animals
l Central Zoo Authority (CZA) to secure better management of zoos l National facility Laboratory for Conservation
of Endangered Species LaCONES for conservation of e n d a n g e r e d a n i m a l species like tiger, lion, blackbuck, vulture, etc.
wisdom,
rites,
rituals.
ex-situ Conservation
Includes maintaining genetic germplasm in seed banks, zoos, captive breeding sites, gene banks, primarily outside the natural habitats of a species. Plants
l Green channel projects in Botanic Garden
of
Indian
Republic
l Maritime Zones Acts l Environmental Protection Act 1986 l Fisheries Act 1897 & 1984 l Biodiversity Act 2002
Red Panda conservation
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International Conventions and Treaties A number of countries reach multi-party agreements to work together, to implement rules, to address common issues. They all stand to benefit from such cooperation, as quite often answers to local problems may lie in resources elsewhere, often trans-boundary. India is party to several Conventions and Treaties.
l Ramsar Convention (on Wetlands of International Importance)
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) The CBD is an international treaty to sustain the rich diversity of life on Earth. There is a growing recognition that biodiversity is a global asset of tremendous value to present and future generations, and essential for economic and social development. At the same time, the threat to species and ecosystems has never been so great as it is today. Species extinction caused by human activities continues at an alarming rate. The Convention was opened for signature on 5 June 1992 at the UN Conference on Environment and Development (the Rio "Earth Summit"). It entered into force on 29 December 1993, and has 193 Parties including 168 signatory countries. The CBD was inspired by the world community's growing commitment to sustainable development. It represents a step forward in the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components, the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources, and support to innovation by local people. A number of Protocols, Goals and Targets have been adopted and named after the cities where the different meetings were held. The Cartagena Protocol aims at reducing the potential adverse effects of biotechnology on biodiversity. The Nagoya Protocol provides a framework for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources. The Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and its following Aichi Targets represent the world's commitment to reduce biodiversity loss: A. Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss mainstreaming biodiversity across government and society by
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signed 1971
l World Heritage Convention since 1972: Biodiversity needs to be
UNCED
l UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) l UN Convention on Combating Desertification (UNCCD)
Other international agreements include: - UN Commission on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) - International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources (ITPGR) - UN Convention on Law of the Seas (UNCLOS)
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B. Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and promote sustainable use C. Improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding ecosystems, species and genetic diversity D. Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and ecosystem services E. Enhance implementation through participatory knowledge management and capacity building planning,
Fishery Survey of India (FSI) Forest Survey of India (FSI) Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development (GBPIHED) Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) National Afforestation and Eco-Development Board (NAEB) National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
Protecting Biodiversity
Challenges l How to ensure sustainable use of biological resources (using biodiversity without leading to its long-term decline)?
l How to ensure equity in conservation and use, specially for the
National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) National Institute of Animal Welfare (NIAW) National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) National Zoological Park (NZP) Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) India is perhaps as rich in its initiatives to conserve biodiversity as its biodiversity itself. Local, state, national initiatives by Government, NGOs, and communities themselves are all working towards conserving this magnificent heritage. Only a few examples are mentioned for each of the biogeographic zones.
underprivileged? Meeting the Challenges Government of India is doing this through a number of strategies, both in situ (within the natural habitats) and ex situ (in special sites such as zoos, seed banks, even labs). The Ministry of Environment & Forests, and a number of organizations and bodies are engaged in biodiversity conservation, research, education and awareness. Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) Botanical Survey of India (BSI) Central Zoo Authority (CZA) Centres of Excellence (COEs)
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Microbes
Lactobacillus (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus) Do you know who makes yummy dahi and paneer, who keeps your gut healthy and drives away nasty bugs? It's me, it's me!! Longy Lacto, say all doctors .
Bacteriophage T4 (Captain Phago) We may be 100 times smaller than a bacterium but we give the power to the Ganga. We are the magicians with a wand that injects toxins into bad bugs and make them vanish to restore rivers to pristinity.
Rhizobium (Rhizobium leguminosarum) Although I live in a rented house root nodules of leguminous plants, I pay substantial rent by fixing nitrogen, the building blocks of proteins for the landlord and all the land. I'm Ready Rhizo.
Spirogyra (Spirogyra hyalina) I am the cheerful green hero who floats happily by in fresh water lakes and ponds. I love to hog sunlight, trap carbon and drive away climate change blues. I am the Sunny Spiro, the 21st century hero. Without me there'll be great harm since earth will become very very warm.
Blue mold (Penicillium notatum) They say I spoil food, I say I'm the great composter. I also manufacture antibiotic Penicillin which is used as an important medicine in many diseases. I'm the Bold Blue Mold.
E-coli (Escherichia coli K-12) I am the king of the gut. I grow so fast that I make all nasty bugs outcast. I am not 'all mass and no substance', I make a very important vitamin - K2 without which you feel weak and have no resistance. I'm the great King Coli.
Wild Yeast (Saccharomyces paradoxus) I get under the urad dal's skin and secretly make the idli batter rise. People think I am pungent but I give plenty of B vitamins. I am the Wily Wild Yeast.
Mucor (Rhizomucor pusillus) Although I look fluffy, I am not a 'delicate darling'. I can break down hard stuff like wood and cardboard. With waste mountains eclipsing our towns and cities you just can't do without me, what a pity! I am the Mighty Mucor, your source of the new fuel 'ethanol' in cars. You'll have a rough ride without me.
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Trans-Himalaya
Trans-Himalaya is the northern-most area of India. It falls in the rain shadow regions immediately north of the Himalaya. This includes the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir and LahaulSpiti region of Himachal Pradesh, some parts of Garhwal, Uttarakhand, and a small part of Sikkim.
Double-humped Camel
l These regions are marked by severe, arid climatic conditions. l The annual precipitation is between 500 and 1000 mm, mainly in
It is the only region in the world where both desert and arctic conditions are found, marked by scanty rainfall, high radiation and intense cold. The temperature drops to as low as 50 degree C in some places. Snow-clad peaks, seasonal marshlands and high-altitude lakes are characteristic features. The seemingly inhospitable terrain has given rise to a variety of flora.The plant growth season is only two to three months. Marmots, Wooly hare, Tibetan antelope, Tibetan sheep, Bharal, Wild yak, Wild ass, Wolf, Snow leopard, Black-necked crane and Barheaded goose are some characteristic animals of this region, which are highly adapted to the harsh conditions.
area in Himachal Pradesh, very small pockets of Niti, Malari, Mana and the Nelang regions in Garhwal, Uttarakhand and the Tso Lhamu Gurudogmar plateau of Sikkim.
l Seasonal migration by Bakarwal, Gujjar and Gaddi herdsmen and
nomadism followed by the Changpa tribe are important practices in cold deserts.
l The Snow Leopard is the top predator found in cold deserts.
Sea Buckthorn
This region forms the catchment of three major rivers--Indus with its major tributaries, Zanskar and Shayok; Chenab, and Sutluj each with its tributaries. There are two National Parks, three Wildlife Sanctuaries and one Biosphere Reserve in this region.
diverse and supports many rare and endemic species, indigenous varieties and breeds.
l Animals of economic importance include pashmina (changra)
Frozen Desert
Where high Himalayan mountains block rain clouds lie the cold deserts.
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goats, changthangi sheep, yaks, chumurti horses, donkeys, and double-humped camels.
l Animals have adapted to the extreme and difficult climatic
conditions.
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l Pin Valley National Park, Himachal Pradesh (HP) l Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, HP l Sechu Tuan Nala, HP
water, safe nesting and breeding locations, climatic conditions and protection.
l The migratory birds face several threats: habitat loss; destruction
Yellowbilled Magpie
of breeding and nesting sites; unsustainable tourism; hunting; air and water pollution, as well as weak trans-boundary conservation efforts. Saving Wetlands Sky-High!
This is a regional initiative of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to mobilise governments, communities and local stakeholders towards conservation of the Himalayan High Altitude Wetlands which are beyond national and political boundaries. The initiative includes India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and China.
Pintail Duck
streams and rivers. Often fed by glaciers or snow from the surrounding mountains, the water bodies remain largely frozen during the winter months.
l There are over 500 HAWs in central and western Himalaya alone.
They are home to several endemic species of birds, animals and medicinal plants.
l Pasturelands around the wetlands provide grazing grounds for
Himalayan Griffon
Tufted Duck
Himalaya
The Indian Himalayan Region occupies a special place in the mountain ecosystems of the world. The Himalaya stretches in an arc over 2,500 km from Nanga Parbat in the West to Namche Barwa in the East. This expanse has a great variation in biodiversity as well as topography. The Shivalik ranges, or the foothills, are uplifted glacial debris.
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livestock.
l They are of immense livelihood, cultural and spiritual significance
growth, control over climate and river flow, hydropower generation, transport, irrigation and fisheries.
Common Pochard 24
Middle Himalaya reaches altitudes up to 3,000 m in the form of undulating hills, cut by flowing torrents and rivers. The Greater Himalaya range consists mainly of sedimentary rocks with patches of igneous (solidified from lava) rock formations. Most of this area is covered with huge glaciers and peaks, with a few semiarid and occasional arid valleys.
Greater Himalaya
A Profusion of Plants
The region supports nearly 50% of the total flowering plants of India.
l Represents 18,440 species of plants, (all the plant groups), of
Across the Greater Himalaya is the region referred to as Trans-Himalaya. The Himalaya forms the watershed for most of the rivers flowing in northern India, sustaining the lives and livelihoods of millions of people. The high ranges of the Himalaya stop the northward movement of monsoon clouds that bring rain to the Indian sub-continent. The diverse terrains and altitude gradients harbour a rich variety of flora, fauna which show several behavioural and physiological adaptations. There is also a great deal of cultural and ethnic diversity.
155 sacred plants including deodar, brahmakamal, bhojpatra and pipal are found here.
rudraksha,
forests.
Brahmakamal
The himalayan mountain system is recognized as a centre of origin and evolution of many living forms.
l Is home to almost 300 species of mammals, of which 12 are
endemic, including Kashmir Markhor, Kashmir Red Deer, or Hangul, Himalayan Tahr.
l About 1000 out of the 1300 bird species of India occur in the
Blue Sheep
endangered.
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declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO under the Man and Biosphere (MAB) programme in 2004.
New Discoveries
Despite large tracts being remote, harsh, and inaccessible for most part of the year, new floral species are constantly being discovered in the region. Its rich biodiversity is yet to be entirely documented. Several of the species were identified by scientists of Botanical Survey of India. The new discoveries have not yet been given common names.
Silene gangotriana
Ganga, and Brahmaputra, inhabit the Himalaya. 30 of nearly 270 species are endemic.
Under Threat
Threats to Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan fauna include habitat loss and degradation, poaching, wildlife trade, logging, over-fishing, pollution, human-animal conflict, climate change and unsustainable harvesting for firewood, food, fodder and timber.
Valley of Flowers
The Valley of Flowers is renowned for its meadows of rare, native and endemic alpine flowers, and outstanding natural beauty. Located in Uttarakhand Himalaya, this valley, together with Nanda Devi Park, has been designated as Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. Over 55 per cent of the species in the Reserve are native to Himalaya, over 10 are endemic and 225 are near endemic.The Biosphere Reserve was
Impatiens devendrae 28
l Apiculture, mushroom cultivation, poly greenhouse cultivation l Handicrafts and handloom such as wooden furniture, baskets,
AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES
Environmental, biological and socio-cultural diversity of the Himalaya has resulted in unique traditional varieties of crops, livestock, and agro-pastoral practices. Some traditional agricultural practices:
l Mixed cropping l Agro-forestry l Rotational cropping
Agroforestry
farming.
l In spite of hardships of high altitudes, there is presence of different
breeds of sheep, goats, horses, yaks, mules, pigs and poultry in this region.
l Nomadic pastoralism is a common practice of some mountain
tribes.
l Threats
l Crop sowing prioritization (sowing crops in a certain sequence) l Seed selection (collecting seeds from different villages every 3-4
to domestic animals include shrinkage of grazing pastures, shortened grazing periods, inadequate fodder growth, shortage of water, poor health of animals due to changing temperatures and parasitic infections.
BARAHNAJA
An age old agricultural practice of intercropping of twelve or more compatible mix of crops using native, indigenous seeds.
l A community of cereals, lentils, vegetables, creepers, and root
Agricultural patterns in the Himalaya differ according to geographic zones. Western Himalaya, a region of low rainfall, heavy snowfall and temperate conditions, grows mainly cereals and fruits. Eastern Himalaya with high rainfall is a major producer of potato, oilseeds, sugarcane, millet, pulses and vegetables.
Common Millet Amaranth
vegetables grown together on the same terraced fields in the kharif or monsoon season.
l This helps maintain ecological balance, protects farmers from
losses due to crop failures, enhances food and nutritional security, and provides good quality fodder for domestic animals.
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is being revived by Vijay Jardhari, a farmer and one of the founders of the Beej Bachao Andolan.
MAPs and GSMPs in their natural habitats, a network of natural sites or forests have been set up as MPCAs.
l The network of MPCAs represents the diversity of forest types. l MPCAs
by
local
communities
and
forest
MPCAs.
l MPCAs offer protection to species that are in high demand and at
Snow Leopard and its habitat. The Hemis High Altitude National Park is working to reduce retribution killings and providing alternative incomes. NCF and SLT have helped set up livestock insurance programmes and community-managed reserves in Spiti and Ladakh. The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), GoI with SLTNCF, inaugurated a flagship programme in 2009 called 'Project Snow Leopard' (PSL). It stresses on: identification and zonation of large landscapes that have conservation value; identification of threats; innovative approaches to conservation; participation of other institutions. The PSL encourages the use of alternative energy sources, environmental education, and eco-friendly cultivation practices. Advanced tools have also been introduced to accurately measure the number of snow leopards in India. Today, there are 400-700 snow leopards left in India, and over 30 PAs that cover their range. National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem GoI's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) has enunciated the launch of a National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem. The mission attempts to address some important issues concerning biodiversity conservation and protection; and wild life conservation and protection in the context of the traditional knowledge societies and their livelihoods. It recognizes the importance of scientific and technological inputs and planning for sustaining of the Himalayan Ecosystem which is vulnerable and susceptible to the impacts and consequences of climate change and anthropogenic activities.
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to 4.5 degree C, and the maximum temperatures may rise by 0.5 to 2.5 degree C. Existing and detailed knowledge on the vulnerability of the region to impacts of climate change is still limited. Absence of information calls for an urgent need to initiate efforts to generate information to respond and adapt to the current and future consequences on the natural resource base and climate change in the region. IUCN, in collaboration with Nokia, is working to encourage an integrated multi-stakeholder approach for developing sustainable and effective adaptive strategies to cope with climate change in the Himalayan region. A priority of the project is to document and disseminate best practices related to water management and climate change adaptation in the Indian Himalaya, and presenting improved water management regimes from the perspective of indigenous systems, the work of government, civil society and community-based organizations. In order to increase the resilience of the Himalayan ecosystem and reduce the vulnerability of the local communities it is essential to develop guidelines that can ensure sustainable management of the natural resources. This is possible through implementing the best practices for sustainable development and improving the existing governance structure as well as strengthening the local institutions and participatory planning. Equally important is the development of a strategic, integrated approach for addressing the issues of biodiversity conservation and improvement of livelihoods in the context of climate change, that ultimately ensures the well-being of the people in the Himalayan region including their social, economic and cultural aspects.
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Yamuna. The soil of this region is formed by the fertile alluvial deposits of the Ganga and its tributaries.
l The rivers and wetlands are important habitats for migratory
waterfowl. They also support Crocodiles, Gharials, the Ganges River Dolphin, and more than 15 species of freshwater turtles.
l Most natural vegetation and wildlife is found in the north bordering
Shivalik hills and in adjacent Bhabar and Terai tracts. The vegetation is typically tropical, moist and dry deciduous.
l The important Protected Areas in this region are Dudhwa, Valmiki,
Buxa and Sundarbans. The approximate population of tigers in these areas was estimated to be 274 in 2010.
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The basin is home to rich natural vegetation, considerable endemic flora, and supports a large number of wildlife species. River Ganga is considered to be one of the most sacred rivers, and is recognized as the country's valuable heritage. Industrial and domestic waste water, agricultural runoff, some developmental projects, disturbance on the river catchment area, contribute to make the Ganga river basin highly polluted in the Gangetic Plain.
Farm lands: Paddy, Wheat, Maize, Pulses are some of the major crops grown here.
Sal
A tree that can be as tall as a ten storey building! Sal (Shorea robusta) is a large, deciduous tree which is native to the Indian subcontinent. This moderate to slow growing tree can attain a height of 30 to 35 m and girth of up to 1.5-2 m. Its wood was widely used for making railway sleepers by the British. The trees shed their leaves in February-March, this is followed by flowering. The small off-white flowers fill the forest with fragrance. The fruits are food for many animals during the dry summer months. Sal is the dominant forest type mainly distributed in the Terai region of the Gangetic Plain. Periodic infestation by Sal borer affects Sal forests.
Forests to Farmlands
The Gangetic Plain comprises a variety of habitat types. These include floodplains dominated by agriculture; marshy grasslands in the Terai, and forests along the northern fringes. Each habitat has typical vegetation. Forests: Sal (Shorea robusta), Bahera (Terminalia belerica), Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Gular (Ficus glomerata), Semal (Salmalia malabarica), Khair (Acacia catechu) are characteristic tree species. Grasslands: Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus), Kans (Saccharum spontaneum), Munj (Saccharum munja), Narkul (Phragmites karka), Pater (Typha angustata) are typical grasses of this region. Wetlands: Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), Trapa (Trapa natans), Water lily (Nymphaea sp.) are some of the common aquatic plants. Canebrakes: Cane or Bent (Calamus tenuis). Mangroves: Rhizophora sp. Found mainly in the Sundarbans. Rivers: Aquatic plants.
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Freshwater Turtles
Freshwater turtles are of two types depending on the shell, which is either a soft shell or a hard shell. Turtle populations in this area have declined drastically during the last few decades. The freshwater habitats of turtles are under constant threat due to sand mining, agriculture practices on the river banks, discharge of pollutants etc. Turtles are also poached for food and medicinal purposes. This is currently the most serious threat. The loss of turtle eggs due to predation by domestic and wild animals, as well as humans, is another factor responsible for the decline in the population of turtles.
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A Bounty of Crops
Put water and the right type of soil together, and Nature gives you a bounty of crops. The mainly alluvial type of soil and annual rainfall ranging from 1000 to 2000 mm support the cultivation of a variety of crops in the Gangetic Plain, including rice, wheat, lentils, pulses, maize and sugarcane. Not just once but thrice! There are three major cropping seasons: 1. Rabi (October - February): Wheat and Mustard 2. Kharif (June - October): Rice 3. Jayad (February - June): Maize, Udad and Moong Kalanamak Rice Kalanamak is one of the finest quality, scented rice varieties of India. It derives its name from its black husk. Kala means black, and namak means salt. It is believed that this variety has been in cultivation since about 560 BC. Kalanamak was grown widely in Terai belt of Uttar Pradesh. Farmers have been using their own Kalanamak rice seeds since ages. This variety of rice is now threatened due to poor yield, decline in grain quality, non-availability of quality seeds, and lack of research support.
Mango
Vegetables The Gangetic Plain ranks first in vegetable production in India. Major vegetables produced are potato, tomato, peas, sweet potato, cucurbits, cauliflower and cabbage. This region is the largest producer of tomato and cauliflower in the country. The Indian Institute of Vegetable Research is in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
Vegetables
Some of the IBAs in this region: Uttar Pradesh: Patna Jheel, Etawah; Shiekha Jheel, Aligarh; Lakhbahosi, Farrukhabad; Saman, Mainpuri; Sandi, Hardoi Bihar: Kanvar Lake Bird Sanctuary, Begusarai; Gogabil Bird Sanctuary, Katihar; Nagi Dam and Nakti Dam, Jamui; Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, Bhagalpur. West Bengal: Kulik Bird Sanctuary, Raiganj; Sundarbans, 24 Paraganas. Ramsar Sites: The Gangetic Plain has two Ramsar Sites, wetlands of International Importance designated under the Ramsar Convention. Upper Ganga River (Brijghat to Narora Stretch) Uttar Pradesh East Kolkata Wetlands, West Bengal
Fruits Mango: Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh is world famous for the popular Dussehri Aam. Litchi: Muzaffarpur in Bihar is famous for the production of the Shahi Litchi. Guava: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal are main guava producing states. Safeda guava of Allahabad is famous. Banana: Hajipur in Bihar is famous for the production of the best quality of banana. Betel Leaf : The Gangetic Plains are one of the largest producers of Betel leaf, or paan. 66 per cent production of paan is contributed by West Bengal alone.
Wetland Birds
Long-haul flight from Siberia to India over the Himalaya. No Passport Required! The wetlands are favourite wintering grounds of the migratory birds from Siberia. Some Migratory and Resident Birds. 1. Spotbilled Duck 2. Pintail 4. Ruddy Shelduck 6. Common Coot 8. Rosy Pelican 10. Pheasanttailed Jacana 12. Sarus Crane 3. Shoveller 5. Lesser Whistling Teal 7. Comb Duck 9. Purple Heron 11.Bronzewinged Jacana 13.Barheaded Goose
Litchi
The Wetlands
Home to innumerable birds and plants, the wetlands also support lakhs of humans. IUCN's Important Bird Areas (IBA) are areas recognized as being globally important habitats for the conservation of bird populations.
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The wetlands provide feeding and breeding habitats for the Sarus Crane, which is the tallest flying bird in the world. Ramsar Convention has defined wetlands as "areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters".
The gharial is endemic to the Indian subcontinent, occurring in the Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra and the Mahanadi river systems. Once found abundantly, it is believed that the gharial is possibly extinct from Myanmar, Bhutan and Pakistan. Bangladesh and Nepal has remnant populations. It is estimated that less than 250 'mature individuals' exist in the wild. Thus, gharial is globally 'Critically endangered'. In India the major breeding populations are found in Chambal and the Girwa rivers; Chambal holds 85% of the entire gharial population. Habitat destruction, prey population depletion, pollution, siltation and poaching are some of the main threats to this crocodilian. River conservation and various protection measures can help to save this unique species which is also referred to as the 'River Guardian'.
Swamp deer
Deer
The Gangetic Plain is home to five species of deer. Swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli duvauceli), Sambar (Rusa unicolor), Spotted deer, or Chital (Axis axis), Barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), Hog deer (Axis porcinus).
Gharial
All the five species of deer are found in the Dudhwa National Park in Uttar Pradesh.
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Increasing Pressure
Some losses of biodiversity are irreversible and are a threat to our own well-being. Human activities are placing severe pressure on biological resources, and increasingly leading to fragmentation and degradation of habitats, and resultant loss of biodiversity.
Deforestation
Religious practices and periodic events such as melas on riverbanks also add to the problem. Several aquatic species such as Ganges River Dolphin, turtles, gharials, and otters, are facing threat of extinction due to river pollution. Dams and Barrages: Dams, barrages, and irrigation projects are changing the courses and water levels of the rivers. Many former habitats of gharial, Ganges River Dolphin and other species have now become inhospitable for these species, especially during the dry season. Sand Mining: Sand mining is one of the major threats to biodiversity in the Gangetic Plain. Despite enforcement of laws, illegal sand extraction continues along the riverbanks of the Ganga and its tributaries. Large-scale sand mining destroys the sandy banks required by gharials, turtles, and some birds for nesting and basking.
Deforestation: Rapidly growing population generates pressure on forest resources to meet the demand for fuelwood, fodder, timber, etc. Spread of human habitations and some development activities are leading to forest cutting and clearing. This leads to siltation of rivers, soil erosion, loss of species, and human-animal conflict. Alien Invasive and Exotic Species: Introduction of non-native species, deliberately or accidentally, has been a major threat. These species have often flourished at the cost of the local native species. Some prominent weeds are Lantana, Water Hyacinth and Parthenium. Poaching and Illegal Trade for animal-based products is one of the major threats to the wild animals. Many species of turtles, migratory birds, and fishes are now on the verge of extinction due to this.
Protected Areas
Out of the 3,54,848 sq km area of the Gangetic Plain 7,807.7 sq km comes under Protected Areas (PAs). The Gangetic Plain covers 10.8 per cent of the total landmass of India. Protected Areas - 52 Area under National Parks 2,363 sq km Area under Wild Life Sanctuaries 5,444.7 sq km National Parks 7 (Uttar Pradesh-1, Bihar-1, West Bengal-5) Tiger Reserves 4 (Uttar Pradesh-1, Bihar-1, West Bengal-2) Wild Life Sanctuaries 44 (Uttar Pradesh-17, Bihar-12, West Bengal-15) Biosphere Reserves 1 (West Bengal-1)
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Threats to Biodiversity
Use of Pesticides: Extensive use of pesticides in agriculture not only kills the pests, but also adversely affects diversity of useful insects and birds. The agricultural runoff which flows into the rivers adds to river pollution. Pollution: Release of untreated industrial and domestic waste into the rivers of the region is leading to a high level of water pollution.
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Ramsar Sites (Wetlands of International Importance) 2 (Upper Ganga River, Brijghat to Narora stretch, Uttar Pradesh; East Kolkata Wetlands, West Bengal)
The Park area of 884 sq km represents the best natural Sal forest left in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, as well as extensive tracts of moist grasslands. Sal, Asna, Bahera, Haldu, Rohini, Semal, Khair are the predominant tree species. Dudhwa is perhaps the last stronghold of the wild fauna of the Gangetic Plain. Several endangered and important species are found here. It is home to sizeable populations of Tiger and Leopard. Some critically endangered species like the Bengal Florican and the Hispid Hare are also found here. Once distributed across the floodplains of Indus, Ganges and Brahmaputra, the one-horned rhino now occurs only in a few pockets in terai of Nepal and West Bengal, and Brahmaputra valley in Assam. Rhinos are reported to have occurred in Dudhwa in the 19th century. Since it offered the required swampy habitat under the protection of a national park, rhinos were successfully reintroduced in the park through a programme initiated in 1984. Dudhwa is the only National Park of Uttar Pradesh, located in the Lakhimpur Kheri district of the state.
Marsh Crocodile
Chambal River
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Gharial Conservation Programme was initiated for conserving Gharial in National Chambal Sanctuary and Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary. More than 2500 juveniles were released in early 1980s in river Chambal and Girwa and also in other habitats like the Ramganga, Ghaghra and recently in the Ganga at Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary. This effort has brought the Gharial population back from the brink of extinction. Ganga Action Plan (GAP) was launched in 1986 by the Government of India with the main objective of pollution abatement and improving the water quality, as well as supporting research and development to conserve the biotic diversity of the River Ganga. Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has developed the Ganges River Dolphin Conservation Plan 2010-2020.
Joining Hands
Joint Forest Management approach is adopted under the Uttar Pradesh Participatory Forest Management and Poverty Alleviation Project (UP-PFMPAP) by Uttar Pradesh Forest Department. It aims at restoring degraded forests, augmenting forest resources and improving livelihoods, thereby empowering the local forest dependent communities. Children's Forest Programme as part of UP-PFMPAP project is being implemented in around 650 schools in 6 districts of UP. It aims to create understanding among children about the value of trees and to motivate and support them to plant saplings in schools, thus ensuring their protection and creating mini-forest in school campus.
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Patna University, Vikramshila Biodiversity Conservation Education Centre, Bhagalpur, Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII) are among the several institutions doing conservation research on biodiversity of the region. Centre for Environment Education (CEE) with the support from MoEF has initiated a Ganges River Dolphin conservation education programme with more than 500 schools. WWF India is implementing initiatives for biodiversity conservation throughout the Gangetic Plain with the focus on conservation research, education and awareness. Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) is working for conservation of freshwater turtles in the region.
Ecosystems for Life: a Bangladesh-India Initiative is a civil society-led multi-stakeholder dialogue process to promote better understanding of the management of natural resources in Bangladesh and India. Ecosystems for Life works to develop a shared vision and understanding of food, livelihood and water security issues through collaborative research and studies; creation of a knowledge hub; development research-based policy options; and enhancing the capacity of civil society stakeholders to participate in the management of natural resources. Ecosystems for Life is being implemented in Bangladesh and India by IUCN Country Offices and managed by the IUCN Asia Regional Office, Bangkok, Thailand.
Ecosystems for Life The Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna, three major rivers, along with their tributaries, drain an area of about 1.75 million sq km and have direct impact on around 620 million people in India and Bangladesh. These great rivers are inseparable from the history and legends of the region, as well as from the people who depend on them for their well-being. Strategies to ensure the future well-being of the region are needed.
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The major wetlands of the region include three Ramsar Sites (wetlands of international importance), namely Loktak, Deepor beel and Rudrasagar. The major rivers of North East include the Brahmaputra, Barak, Teesta and their tributaries.
Magnificent Mammals
Royal Bengal Tiger The 5 Tiger Reserves in the region are home for over 150 tigers. 329 species of mammals are distributed over a wide range of habitats from mountain peaks to floodplain wetlands in North East India. One-horned Rhino Kaziranga National Park alone is home to 2290 rhinos out of 2505 found in the region. The rhino population is confined to riverine grasslands of the Himalayas only. Asian Elephant The second largest elephant population (more than 9000) in the country is found in the region. There are 8 Elephant Reserves and 58 elephant corridors.
One-horned Rhino
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A Paradise of Birds
Some of the rarest birds of the world like Greater Adjutant Stork, Bengal Florican, Green Peafowl and Bugun Liocichla are found in North East. 3 species Manipur Bush Quail, Marsh Babbler and Black Breasted Parrot bill are endemic to the Assam plains. North East is also home to several species of critically endangered vultures.
White Backed Vulture
6 species of pines out of 7 found in the world are found in North East. Approximately 7500 species of flowering plants, 1000 species of nonflowering plants are found here. 28 species are Gymnosperms (plants whose seeds are not enclosed in an ovule, e.g. a pine cone). 97 ferns and 144 orchids are endemic to North East. Many primitive plants like Tree fern, Magnolia, Ginkgo biloba are found in the region. Out of 124 types of forest in India 54 types of forests are represented here. Bamboo North East India accounts for over 63 species of Bamboo classified under 20 genera. This tall grass is an integral part of the culture and day-to-day life of the people of this region, particularly those living in the rural areas. Himalayan ginseng (Panax pseudoginseng) It has high medicinal propertiesbelieved to be a stamina-boosting plant as it contains sapogenins. Taxus wallichiana An important gymnosperm which yields a valuable anti-cancer compound called taxol.
Apart from the resident species, during the winter, a wide number of migratory birds like the Bar Headed Goose visit this region from Siberia and Mongolia. This region is a part of the migration route Central Asian flyway.
known to occur in the country. North East is a 'Hotspot' of tortoises and freshwater turtles within India.
l 105 Amphibian species out of 286 reported from India.
l 267 Fresh Water Fish species have been reported. l 3624 Insect species have been reported.
A Plenitude of Plants
The region accounts for nearly 50 per cent of the total number of plant species in India. Many of the flora found here are endemic to the region.
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Look at the Pictures. l What is the most prominent feature of the face? l How are they different? The male is black. The female is brown. l Notice the arms and legs. The arms of the Hoolock Gibbon are normally double the length of its legs.
Hoolock Gibbon
This is the only fair of North East India where the barter system still exists. Before the mela, an Agni Puja, or fire worship, is performed for the well-being of mankind. The mela has great significance for the conservation of Jon Beel wetland.
Sacred Groves
Sacred groves are tracts of virgin forest with rich diversity. They have been protected by the local people for centuries because of the cultural taboos and beliefs that the deities reside in these and protect the villagers from calamities. Several plants and animals that are threatened in other forests are still well conserved in some of the sacred groves. The sacred identity of these forest tracts plays a significant role in promoting sustainable utilization and conservation of flora and fauna of the region. Sacred groves demonstrate an inextricable link between present society and the past in terms of biodiversity, cultural, religious and ethnic heritage. The sacred groves, managed by the Lamas, and the Mompa tribe in Arunachal Pradesh are known as Gompa forest area. Gompa means Monastery. Going Going ... Human activities are posing a serious threat to the biodiversity of the region. Developmental projects: Construction of hydro power dams, roads, railways, industries, townships etc., though inevitable, are leading to loss of forests and posing threat to the wildlife in these habitats.
Jon Beel Mela goods for exchange
Celebrating Biodiversity
Bihu: Farming Festivals Three bihus are celebrated in Assam. Rogali the spring festival is celebrated in April for preparation of farming activity. Kongali is for worshipping the gods for a prosperous yield. The lighting of lamps around paddy fields helps to control pests.
Bihu Dance
Bhogali is a post harvest festival. The traditional dishes for the festival feasts are made from a variety of cereals and seasonal vegetables. Hornbill Festival: Unity in Diversity This most important festival of Nagaland is named after the bird Hornbill (Dhanesh). The aim of the festival is to revive and protect the rich culture of Nagaland and display its traditions. The festival signifies unity in diversity. Jon Beel Mela: Conserving the Wetland Jon Beel Mela is a century-old festival of Assam. The three-day mela held in the second or third week of Magh is known for the Gobha Haat.
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Poaching Rhino, Tiger, Elephant and Snakes are some of the prime targets of poachers. This region is on the route of the illegal international trade of wild animals to South East Asia. Encroachment Forests and wetlands are being encroached upon by people for agricultural practices and settlement. This is a major cause of habitat loss for wildlife.
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A Fragrant Business Tripura supplies approximately 25,000 MT of raw bamboo sticks that account for 60 per cent of the total raw sticks requirement for incense stick production in the country. Tripura JICA Project launched 'Incense Stick Making' as a sustainable income generating activity for the members of the 130 Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMC). Following the training, most of the members started this activity, and through this value addition, have been able to supplement their household income by Rs 2000/- to 2,500/-per month. About 1.5 lakh artisans are engaged in value addition of bamboo in the state. Khonoma Khonoma is the first village in Nagaland to impose a ban on logging and hunting in community forests. The conservation effort was initiated by the local community. The village started the ban on logging in 1996. Subsequently, demarcation of the area as a sanctuary was envisioned, and as a result in December 1998, Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary was established. Centre for Environment Education (CEE) provided support to build capacity of the village council in the context of biodiversity conservation. Organizations like Kalpavriksh and others also extended support. Implementation of conservation and ecotourism initiatives was taken up by Khonoma village council. The council has 3-4 representatives from each khel and 3 women members. The village now has a better forest cover, increased animal population and has become an eco-tourism destination for a number of tourists.
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first rescue and rehabilitation centre near a protected area in India. CWRC was established in August 2002 near the Kaziranga National Park with the primary aim to stabilize displaced animals and release them back into the wild. This is a joint venture of Wildlife Trust of IndiaInternational Fund for Animal Welfare, and Assam Forest Department. This is one of the most successful rescue and rehabilitation centres with more than 83 per cent successful rescues. Indian Rhino Vision 2020 IUCN Species Survival Commission's Asian Rhino Specialist Group is helping to rehabilitate a once dwindling population of the magnificent Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros. In order to reduce the risks to the Indian rhino population by overcrowding, disasters and disease, The Indian Rhino Vision - 2020 aims to ensure that rhinos are evenly distributed throughout their home range. Translocations are the driving force in the successful comeback of the Greater One-horned Indian Rhino.
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biodiversity of the semi-arid zone. There are 6 Ramsar Sites (wetlands of international importance) in these regions. These are Harike lake, Kanjli and Ropar wetland in Punjab, Keoladeo National Park and Sambhar lake in Rajasthan, and Bhoj wetland in Madhya Pradesh.
the Deserts and Semi-Arid Zone. These attract a large number of birds, both migratory and resident.
l 'City of Lakes' Udaipur is situated in the drylands of Rajasthan! l The rivers Sutlej, Beas, Luni, Ravi, Chenab, Jhelum, Yamuna,
Pelican
Ghaggar, Chambal, Bandi, Arvari, Sabarmati, Aji, Bhadar, Mahi, Narmada, Banas are some of the major rivers of the Indian Desert and the Semi-Arid Zones. AND THAT'S NOT ALL Both these zones contribute a large share in India's food security. Together they support more than 30 per cent of the country's food grain and also milk production!
Asiatic lion, tiger and leopard. The magnificent Asiatic lion is found in its natural state only in the scrub forests of Gir in Gujarat.
l Porbandar Gecko (Hemidactylus porbandarensis), a new species
of lizard found from the region recently, is believed to be unique to this region.
l The world famous bird sanctuary Keoladeo Ghana National Park at
plants!
l Flamingo City' in the Rann of Kachchh is amongst the few places in the
Wild Ass.
drought resistant. There are open grasslands, too. Short-lived plants cover the desert with a green carpet for a short period after rains. Once upon a time The Thar Desert was a rich forest and Kachchh was sea! The discovery of fossilized remains of dinosaurs and trees and rich reserves of lignite and coal are proof of this. The Indian Desert is the cradle of the Harappa and Mohenjodaro civilizations! The excavations of remains of the ancient settlements of Dhola-Vira from Kachchh indicate that this was once an active port city. Thar Desert is the eastern extension of the Persio-Arabian desert that connects to the great Sahara desert. Complex geological and climatic changes led to the creation of Thar, probably more than 10,000 years ago!
Russell's Viper: The scaly waterproof skin, and the ability to recycle a large portion of fluid from the urinary system help this snake in reducing water loss. Blackbuck: As the heat increases, the body temperature of this antelope also rises. This way it sweats less, as sweating starts only after the body temperature crosses 41 C. It can also obtain water by burning fat tissue. Lampro (Aristida adscensionis) Aristida are an opportunistic species that flower in summer or spring. In severe climatic conditions, these plants die back to the crown, essentially reverting to a bunch-grass-like form; the massive roots allow for rapid re-growth after rain. Kikar (Acacia jaquemontii) This rigid xerophytic (adapted to survive with little water) shrub has a fast growing tap root. This enables it to utilize moisture stored in lower soil layers to remain green into the dry seasons. The extensive root system makes this plant ideal for dune stabilization and preventing soil erosion.
Blackbuck
Russell's Viper
Adapt or Perish
Astonishing adaptations enable local species in a desert not only to survive in minimal moisture, harsh sunlight and high temperature, and high salinity, but even to thrive in these conditions.
Thar Desert is the most populated desert in the world. It has a population density of 83 persons per sq km as compared to the world average of 7! The cities of Bikaner, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur are located within the desert!
Succulents such as cactii store water in fleshy leaves, stems or roots. This helps them survive in water-scarce conditions. Some Special Adaptations Flamingo: A pair of salt glands just below its eyes secretes a solution saltier than seawater. This helps flamingos to control the salt level in their blood. The higher the salinity in the water in which they feed, the bigger is the gland size!
Thar Desert harbours about 16 endemic plant species. Phog, Khejari, Rohido are a few of them.
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Some Important Desert Plants Lana (Haloxylon salicornium), Khari jar (Salvadora persica) and Mithi jar (S. oleiodes), Acacia species, Rohida (Tecomella undulata), Fafada Thor (Opuntia elatior), Aak (Calotropis procera).
Jungli Ber Zizyphus nummularia
Some Threatened Desert Plants Paneer Bandh (Withania coagulans), Shrubby horsetail (Ephedra foliata), Motio-Hiran Chobbo (Farsetia macrantha), Rato Jal Agio (Ammannia desertorum).
Black-winged Stilt
Web of Life
Plants in desert have their own unique place in the web of life. There are birds and animals that depend on a particular vegetation for their different needs. The critically endangered Great Indian Bustard prefers to breed in open grasslands with scattered low scrubs.
Kachchh Biosphere Reserve It is an admixture of saline, marshy and coastal desert where water and soils are extremely saline. Monsoon floods the entire low-lying areas. Then the scorching heat dries up the entire landscape into a flat barren land covered with crystals of salt. A number of wetlands, green elevated patches known as beyt (island), grasslands and saline mud flats give Kachchh its unique biodiversity. Keoladeo Ghana National Park One of the most important waterfowl refuges of the world, a Ramsar Site (wetland of international importance) and a World Heritage Site, this Park is home to rich biological diversity. This is a human-made and managed wetland which was originally a natural depression. It is the wintering area for over 364 species of birds. Herons, storks, common teal, species of ducks and sandpiper, white spoonbill, many species of eagle, partridge, quail etc. are found here. Dalmatian pelicans, sociable lapwing, species of vulture are among the threatened birds found here.
Indian Roller
Larva of the Blue Spotted Arab, a butterfly restricted to northwest region in India, can feed only on Salvadora persica and S. oleoides. A number of water bodies and marshes in the desert harbour characteristic aquatic species such as Lemna paucicostata, Najas graminea, N. welwitschii, Potamogeton crispus, P. pectinatus, Spirodela polyrrhiza.
White-breasted Waterhen
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Sariska Tiger Reserve Besides the tiger, herbivores such as the spotted deer, sambar and blue bull are found here. Dhok is the dominant tree species. Boswellia serrata and Lannea coromandelica grow in rocky patches. Kattha and Bamboo are common in the valleys. Some valleys support Palash and Ber. Dramatically changing with the changes in season, the forest here is typical dry deciduous. The terrain includes undulating plateau lands and wide valleys. Sambhar Lake This is one of the largest inland salt lakes and also a Ramsar Site. Along with Phulera and Didwana salt lakes, this salt lake forms a vast saline wetland, which constitutes the most important area for the flamingos outside the Rann of Kachchh. Pied tit, red shank, common sandpiper and pelicans are some other birds seen here. Sambhar Lake is amongst the largest producers of salt in India.
The Semi-Arid Zone represents Savannah vegetation. Extensive grasslands rich in legumes and shrubs, deciduous forests, and thorn forests are dominant here. Littoral and swamp forests are seen near wetlands/water bodies.
Scorpion
Desert Fox
Grassland ecosystem in Semi-Arid Zone has its own unique place. Grasslands provide the ecological and economic base of this zone.
Heteropogon contortus, Aristida spp., Eragrostis spp., Chloris spp., and Aeluropus spp. are some of the common grasses of the zone. Wetlands: Some of the species found are Lemna, Hydrilla, Vallisneria, Najas, Nymphaea, Potamogeton, and Wolffia.
Sand Grouse
Desert Dwellers
Wildlife in the desert is as colourful and vibrant as in other zones. Mammals like blackbuck, chinkara, gerbil, desert fox, caracal, wolf, bats etc. are seen here. Some of these desert animals are also seen in semi-arid areas.
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Greater and lesser flamingos, dalmatian pelicans, sociable lapwing, houbara bustard and great Indian bustard are some of the globally threatened bird species found here. Green munia, white-naped tit, demoiselle crane are some other birds of arid areas. Reptiles like monitor lizards, saw-scaled viper, red sand boa, and invertebrates like scorpion, spider, butterfly species such as White Arab and Plain Tiger are found in the Indian Desert.
Invasive Aliens The uncontrolled spread of an alien species poses an extreme threat to local vegetation and wildlife. Prosopis juliflora, introduced to combat desertification, now dominates the local plant varieties. Asia's finest grassland 'Banni', in Kachchh, is getting converted into a homogenous woodland due to the spread of this species. Water hyacinth, an aquatic exotic plant, is choking wetlands of the region.
The grasslands are the 'common' lands of the community and are the responsibility of none. They are the most productive ecosystems in the subcontinent; they belong to all, but are controlled by none.
- Task Force on Grasslands and Deserts
Overgrazing
Leopard
Grasslands and wetlands of the region are home to many species of migratory as well as resident birds. Species of crane, grey partridge, peafowl, owl, wagtails, ducks, vulture etc. are found here. Harriers are widespread winter migrants to India. Grasslands of the Velavadar Blackbuck National Park are the Harriers' largest roosting ground in the world. They host the Montagu's, Pallid, Western Marsh and Hen Harriers.
Poison, Power
The birds, Harriers are threatened due to the presence of pesticide residues in their prey insects. Intensive use of pesticides in modern agriculture is posing threats to biodiversity. In last decade, the population of 3 of India's common vulture species has declined by 97 per cent. Investigations have identified the antiinflammatory drug Diclofenac, used to treat domestic livestock, as the cause of mortality of vultures, as they feed on the carcasses of these animals containing residues of the drug. Electrocution Large scale industrialization requires energy in the form of electricity. But, the power supply lines sometimes lead to the death of birds. This
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Limestone Mining
Star Tortoise
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was the case in Gujarat where electrocution led to the death of hundreds of flamingos.
Adaptation Features
How Do They Help?
Camel
Hump Stores fat for later use Long eye-lashes Protect eyes from sand Voluntary closure of nostrils Protects from blowing sand Long legs Keep body away from hot ground
Cactus
Fleshy pads Store water Waxy coating on the stem Prevents water loss Green colour of stem Performs photosynthesis Spines Protect from grazing animals
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Drop by Drop
Water Harvesting: Traditional water harvesting structures such as Johads, Tankas, Khadins, step-wells or village ponds have enabled life to flourish in these water-scarce regions.
A Little Water Leads to a Lake Meghoji, a common herdsman of Rajasthan, once happened to pour a little water left in his kuldi in a small pit and then covered the pit with aak leaves. After two days, when he removed the leaves, he could feel cool air rising from the moist pit. The word 'bhap' (Vapour) came to him. Realising the land's capacity to hold moisture he decided to build a lake there. He started his venture all by himself. Slowly others also joined him. Work continued for 12 years. Meghoji passed away but his wife continued his work. And in six months the lake was ready. It was named Lake Bhap which later became Bap Lake.
The Malwa Plateau is one of the prime locations for the cultivation and evolution of durum wheat. 'Bhalia' from the Bhal region in Gujarat is a rain-fed, hardy, high protein wheat variety with low water requirement. It has been registered for the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Sanguineum desi cotton (G7), known for its drought tolerance and fibre quality, was used as a source in the development of the internationally known Bikanery Nerma cotton.
Kankrej Bullock
Sturdy, Hardy
Livestock Diversity These regions possess some of the best breeds of livestock of the world. The famous cow breeds are Gir, Sahiwal, Rathi, Tharparkar, Harianvi, Kankrej, Malvi, Nagori, Mewati, Dangi.
Gir Cows
Sorghum
Arid and Semi-Arid Zones contribute 30 per cent of India's food grain! Traditional dry-land farming practices -mixed cropping, traditional seed storage methods, composting and mulching- enhance communities' food security, and adaptive capacity to climate change.
Gir cows are high milk yielders. Sahiwal is the best Indian dairy breed. Rathi is resistant to adverse desert climatic conditions. Kankrej, Malvi, Nagori and Mewati breeds are excellent draught breeds for hot climate. Banni buffalo has good adaptability to harsh climatic conditions and drought resistance. Mehsani and Jaffarabadi buffaloes are amongst the best milch breeds of buffalo in India. Sirohi goat is used mainly for meat, while Surti is a good milk producer. Kathiawari and Marwari horse are well known horse breeds across the world.
Crop Diversity Drought tolerant, heat resistant indigenous crop varieties from the region make up an extremely important genetic pool. Rich diversity occurs in millets, beans, grams, sesame, legumes and grasses. The local landraces of pearl millet are being used globally.
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Research and Conservation: Some Institutions l Arid Forest Research Institute, Jodhpur. l Arid Zone Research Association of India, Jodhpur. l Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Jodhpur. l Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner. l Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar. l Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal. l Desert Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, Jodhpur. l Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation, Gandhinagar. l Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE), Bhuj. l National Research Centre on Camel, Bikaner.
Efforts to Conserve
Conservation values and practices are embedded in cultural, social and moral ethos of the local communities. Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary is an open sanctuary established entirely on community-owned and private lands of 13 villages of the Bishnoi Community in Firozabad district of Punjab. The Bishnoi Community is known for its respect towards nature, and legendary love for animals, as a result of which the blackbuck population and other wildlife is flourishing here. Bhairon Dev Lok Van Abhayaranya The Bhaonta Kolyala community of Rajasthan, with the support of Tarun Bharat Sangh, revived their traditional water harvesting structures known as Johads. This resulted in the revival of the river Aravari. They also set up self-imposed rules to conserve the degrading forest lands and, in 1998, declared the patch as a people's sanctuary.
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Learning from International Community One of the major causes of bird mortality (especially for migratory species) is collision with and electrocution by power lines. Fitting the earth wire with markers in the form of brightly coloured 'aviation' balls; thickened wire coils; luminescent, shiny or hinged flashing or flapping devices have been shown to reduce bird collision frequency considerably, though the overall impact varies from species to species. In Georgia, USA, bright orange aviation balls fitted on the power lines have helped in reducing collision of wood storks into power lines.
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partnership in the efforts to conserve the Asiatic lion of Gir is probably incomparable in the world. Vulture Conservation Owing to the rapid decline of the vulture population in India, the Ministry of Environment and Forests, GoI, initiated an Action Plan for Vulture Conservation, in 2006. The Haryana Forest Department in collaboration with Bombay Natural History Society has established a Vulture Conservation Breeding Centre at Pinjore. At present the Centre houses 127 vultures. This is the largest collection of the three critically endangered species of vulture at one place anywhere in the world, and is recognized as the first centre of its kind in Asia. Raising Awareness, Reducing Pressure Involving local people in the protection and management of forest areas by effective decentralization, is the basic philosophy in the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aided project being implemented in the eastern tribal belt of Gujarat since 2007-08. The project implements forestry, conservation and income generation activities in an integrated manner to reduce dependence of rural poor on forests. As a result 40 per cent of the degraded lands have been converted into open forests. Grazing pressure and encroachment have been reduced.
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Efforts to Conserve
Government departments, research institutions and NGOs have joined hands to conserve some of the unique and characteristic species of this region. Lion Conservation Programme The Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) was nearly extinct at the beginning of the 20th century with merely 50 individuals remaining in the wild in this single habitat of Gir in Gujarat. In 1965, the area was declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary and the core area was declared as a National Park. Gujarat Forest Department initiatives and support of the local people have made a tremendous positive impact on the lion's habitat. The number of lions increased from 50 in 1965 to 410 in 2011. Various other areas have also been declared as protected, as the lion's distribution range has expanded. There is a strong cultural and emotional bond between lions and the local community. The strong government-people
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WESTERN GHATS
Western Ghats
Mountain chain that rises in Gujarat, ends more than a thousand km away at Kanyakumari. The Western Ghats, or Sahyadris, are the ancient chain of mountain ranges that run from the southern border of Gujarat down to Kanyakumari, at 30 to 50 km inland along the west coast. More than 30 per cent of India's biodiversity is found here. The region harbours remarkable species diversity, of which around 332 are globally threatened species.
l The Western Ghats Hill Ranges run to a length of about 1600 Kms,
interrupted only between Maharashtra and Karnataka by Goa Gap and near Palghat in the southern-most region by Palghat Gap.
l The average elevation of the mountain range is 1200 m, or 3900 ft.
It has 15 peaks, and the highest peak is Anaimudi (elephant head) in Kerala (2695 m, or 8842 ft).
l The region is rich in natural resources including plant products
(timber, fruits, herbal medicine), animal products (lacquer, honey), and mineral wealth (iron and manganese).
l It is home to a number of tribes who are the original inhabitants of
the region.
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l The major rocks found here are basalt, laterite, granites and granite
gneiss.
l There are more than 400 forts, of which around 300 are in northern
region. Increasing human pressures have resulted in the degradation of the region. Once a dense forest, only one third area now remains pristine. The Western Ghats are identified as one of the world's 8 'Hottest Hotspots', which makes it a critical bio-geographical region for conservation.
An Ancient Link Studies of the species such as Myristica swamps purple frog in the Western Ghats and Madagascar have shown interesting resemblances providing evidence to the Gondwana split theory. Striking similarities between some of the species of the Western Ghats and the Himalayas such as Rhododendron tree, mountain goat, some bird and fish species, indicate that the species distribution was once continuous. Such resemblance also provide evidences of the movement of the Indian land mass.
Elevation
Laurasia
Which is Older?
Gondwanaland What became Indian Peninsula
Water Wealth
The mountain range is the major water source for 6 states for agriculture and supply of domestic water to more than 245 million people. The Western Ghats harvest the monsoon rains. The average rain here is about 3000 mm to 4000 mm from the southwest monsoon. Agumbe, in Karnataka receives an average rainfall of 7640 mm, the second highest annual rainfall in India. It is one of the three major watersheds of India. They feed perennial rivers. The three major rivers Krishna, Godavari, Kaveri originate here and flow east and join the Bay of Bengal. The Periyar and other smaller rivers like the Sharavati and Mandovi that originate here drain west into the Arabian sea. The Western Ghats have been identified as one of the important regions of freshwater biodiversity, with 288 species of fish. There are more than 50 major dams. The Idukki dam built on Periyar river in the Kerala region is the 14th biggest arch dam in Asia. It supplies nearly 70 per cent of the power needs of the Kerala State.
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Himalaya or Western Ghats? It is believed that the Western Ghat ranges were in place even before peninsular India became part of the Asian mainland. During the break up of the super continent Gondwana 150 million years ago, a large part split and moved northwards to collide with the Asian Mainland to become peninsular India. As it drifted over the localised volcanic centres of the earth, called the Reunion Hotspots, series of volcanic eruptions laid down the basaltic sheets or traps resulting in the elevation of its western part. The faults (fractures) caused in the earth's crust during this process between 45 and 65 million years ago, gave rise to the present day hill chain of the Western Ghats. The Western Ghat ranges thus are fault mountains or fault-block mountains due to the uplift along the faults of Deccan plateau. Hence the ranges have high summits, steep slopes, long cliffs, deep valleys and high potential for erosion.
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The Jog falls in Karnataka is the second highest waterfall in South Asia. The Sharavati river takes an 829 feet (253 m) plunge here, making a visit to the Jog falls a lifetime experience.
So many plants and animals species exist nowhere else but here. The tropical and humid climate and varied topography of the Western Ghats have given rise to different ecoregions and forest types which support rich biodiversity here. The biodiversity here has evolved and adapted with high specialization. Many plant and animal species found here exist nowhere else in the world. Hence, they are called endemic species.
Podocarpus (Nageia) wallichianus, the only gymnosperm tree that is endemic to the southern region of the Ghats.
The Tree Fern (Cyathea nilgiriensis) grows wild in the high altitude areas of the southern region of the Ghats.
% endemism 38 11 65 86 62 4 12
This native of the Western Ghats is a recent discovery. This high-altitude wild ginger (Amomum nilgiricum) is found only in the evergreen forests of the Nilgiri Hills .
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A Biodiversity Hotspot
The Western Ghats are counted among the world's top eight 'Hottest Hotspots'. The area is biologically rich and has high percentage of plants and animals which are endemic to the region, which means, they are found nowhere else in the world. The region is threatened by human activities and has lost at least 70 percent of its original habitat, primarily the forest cover. All these have made Western Ghats one of the 34 global biodiversity hotspots. significant for conservation.
Globally threatened species in the Western Ghats (at least 325)
The dominant groups are insectivores (those that eat insects) like moles and shrews, and rodents like squirrels, and bats. The Western Ghats are an important Asian Elephant habitat. The Ghats also harbour the second largest population of the critically endangered tiger, particularly in the Karnataka region.
129 (40%)
Vulnerable
145 (44%)
Endangered
51 (16%)
Critically Endangered
Isolated populations of the nocturnal Malabar large-spotted civet (Viverra civettina) once lived in the Malabar region. Now they are critically endangered. There are no confirmed records of its recent sightings! The Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) resembles wild goats (Capra genus) of the Himalayas. However, it is more closely related to the sheep (Ovis genus). As the name suggests, this is endemic to the Nilgiri Hills and the southern Western Ghats and lives in sholas (patches of forests separated by grasslands). It is now endangered due to the degradation of the sholas. The Indian Giant Squirrel, or Malabar Tree Squirrel (Ratufa indica), lives in the upper canopy of trees. This brown squirrel flattens itself on a tree branch when in danger, and the colour of its body blends with the background. It is nearly threatened due to the destruction of trees.
A Heritage Site is an area of outstanding universal value, identified by the biological and cultural significance to be protected and conserved by the global community. The Western Ghats have been nominated and are a strong candidate for becoming a World Heritage Site.
Magnificent Mammals
Asian Elephant 96
About 140 mammals have been identified in the Western Ghats, out of which 18 have made the Ghats their only home.
Nilgiri Tahr 97
India Southern
Elephant Distribution Stray Herds Malnad-Bhadra North Kanara BandipurMudumalaiNilgiris Nagarhole Nilambur-Palghat Anaimalai-Palani
Ghats the hornbill lacks casque, the spongy growth on the beak, which is prominent in other species of hornbills. Most birds are important pollinating and seed dispersal agents. This is very important for the regeneration and survival of the habitats. This hornbill particularly is a crucial seed dispersal agent in the Western Ghats. Vernal Hanging Parrot (Loriculus vernalis), a resident breeder in the Western Ghats What is a frog doing here? Look again! It is a bird. Its large, flat, hooked bill and a frog-like gape (interior of the open mouth) to catch insects gives it the apt name Frogmouth. Found in the south Western Ghats and Sri Lanka as well, Sri Lanka Frogmouth or Ceylon Frogmouth (Batrachostomus moniliger) is difficult to spot in the tree. Why? The Malabar Whistling Thrush (Myophonus horsfieldii) is called Whistling Schoolboy. Why? The Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis), dives vertically and rapidly into water to catch its prey which has little time to escape.
Ceylon Frogmouth Malabar Grey Hornbill
Eastern Ghat
Periyar Agasthyamalai
The growing list The Western Ghats are truly the centre of herpetofaunal (reptiles and amphibians) diversity in India. There are around 157 species of reptiles and 157 species of amphibians identified in the Ghats. New species of frogs, lizards and snakes are getting added to this list.
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About 62 per cent of the reptiles are endemic to the Western Ghats. Snakes are the major reptile group. Some of the species of snakes of Uropeltis, a genus of nonvenomous shield tail snakes and primitive burrowing snakes are almost entirely restricted to the South Western Ghat.
Malabar Pit Viper
tink-tink-tink-tink. The sound is amplified by the vocal sacs that inflate during the call. Observe the inflated vocal sacs. The tree frog (Rhacophorus pseudomalabaricus), found in the South Western Ghats, parachutes in the air at an angle greater than 45 degrees. Occurring in a single small location in the Indira Gandhi National Park in Tamil Nadu, it is critically endangered.
Arboreal Frog
The beautiful scales of the venomous Malabar (Trimeresurus malabaricus) are a designer's delight.
Pit
Viper
The Travancore Tortoise (Indotestudo travancorica) is a forest tortoise, endemic to the South Western Ghats. More than one foot in length, it resides in hill forests at 450850 m elevation.
Survival Secrets
Travancore Tortoise
Varieties of amazing adaptations in amphibians such as body shape, colour, behaviour help them to survive in the Western Ghats. The Purple frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis) was found in 2003 in 5 localities around the Palghat Gap area. Its closest relative is in the Seychelles. This is an important evidence of the separation of Madagascar and the Seychelles from the Indian land mass. This frog is called a living fossil it is the sole surviving member of an ancient lineage. It is now endangered due to habitat loss. Its distinct body shape and colour conceals the body outline. Spot the frog. The splash pattern of the frog (Nyctibatrachus aliciae) conceals the body shape and merges with its background protecting it from predators. Splendid colours of survival, indeed!
The small endemic, arboreal frog (Philautus luteolus) in the Western Ghats makes loud calls during monsoon, which sounds like
The endemic land snail (Indrella ampulla) shows great colour diversity from white, yellow, red to black. It is found along water bodies and other moist habitats of the evergreen forests.
Forests
Endemic Land Snail
There are four major forest types in the Western Ghats. North Western Ghats Moist Deciduous Forests: Teak is the dominant tree species here. North Western Ghats Montane Rainforests: Cinnamon type of trees dominate. South Western Ghats Moist Deciduous Forests: Predominantly trees of Cullenia genus of the Bombacaceae family like wild durian (Cullenia exarillata) are found here. South Western Ghats Montane Rainforests: Most species-rich, with about 80 per cent of the flowering plant species of the Ghats range. Also known as Shola Forest. Forest Is More Than Just Trees Besides 4000 and more higher plants, 320 species of pteridophytes, 200 species of bryophytes, 300 species of algae and 800 species of lichens have been identified. One-third of all the flowering plant species in India are found in the forests of the Western Ghats. Of the 267 species of fascinating orchids, 130 are found nowhere else. Plant diversity increases from north to south of the Ghats.
Gaur
Relic Forests
Some of the Last Non-equatorial Rainforests Located in the north of the Equator, the tropical forests of the Western Ghats have patches of ancient forests. These are called relic forests. They shelter rare and endemic plants and animals. The luxuriant rainforest with its thick canopy and three-layer vegetation is nearly impenetrable. The undergrowth of shrubs and herbs supports varieties of invertebrate fauna and facilitates a steady flow of water making the Ghats water-rich.
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Original Inhabitants
The Western Ghats first came under human influences during the stone age some 12,000 years ago! Tribes of the Western Ghats are the original inhabitants (Adivasis) of the region. There are several tribal communities in the region, living in small pockets. Coexisting with nature, each tribe has developed unique culture and practices closely linked with nature. They have rich knowledge of the local natural resources. Interestingly, each of these tribes uses different resources for their sustenance and livelihood, thereby not competing with the other. This supports the sustainable use, and harvest of the available resources.
patch work quilts (kawandi or kaudi) stitched by Siddi women are popular the world over. In Harmony with Nature: The Warli Tribe Living in the northern-most region of the Western Ghats, Warli, an agricultural tribe, is said to predict the onset of the monsoon using eco-indicators such as the time of the sunset, bird calls etc. They respect life forms and do not hunt unless it is a necessity. Traditional folk paintings of the Warli tribe revolve around nature, religious rituals and daily social life. The Kings of Wayanad Jungles: Kattunayakans Kattunayakan is one of the five primitive tribal groups in Kerala. They are also called Cholanaickan in Nilambur area and Pathinaickans in the plains of Malappuram district. Kattunayakans gather forest produce. Expert honey gatherers, they can even tell if there is honey in a hive hanging at a height of 20 m!
Sustainable Living
The Way of Tribal Life
Todas: The Nobles of Nilgiris The well-built Todas, supposed to be of some foreign origin, believe that they are the God-sent lords of the Nilgiris. Dairy is the livelihood of this pastoral community. The population of the Todas is less than 1000 today. Siddis: From East Africa to Uttara Kannada Siddis, supposed to have African ancestors have been living in the forests of Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka for the last 400 years. They believe that Barack Obama, the US President shares their genepool! They even wanted to gift him a bottle of honey during his visit to India in 2010! They practise agriculture, collect forest produce like honey, and occasionally hunt small animals. Colourful, traditional
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Bababudan Giri (hill) in Chikmagalore in the Karnataka Ghat region is named after a Muslim pilgrim, Baba Budan who introduced Arabic variety of coffee here in the 17th century from just 7 seeds brought from Yemen. Coffee from plantations which originated from those 7 seeds is famous. l Mining is disrupting the large home ranges of elephants, tigers and liontailed macaques. l Significantly altered habitats have disturbed the life support system of the elephants leading to human-elephant conflicts and elephant deaths. l Climate change is likely to change the character of the forests. In the Nilgiris, there may be a deterioration in shola ecosystem, the only habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr. Will these animals survive this change?
In just about 0.15 per cent of India's land area, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve harbours 23 per cent of vertebrates, 15 per cent of butterflies and 20 per cent of flowering plants found in India. The Reserve also supports the largest single population of elephants and tigers in India.
Corridor Conservation
Green Corridor, or Wildlife Corridor, is a patch of habitat that connects populations of wild life, which may become isolated by activities such as forest clearing, fire and so on. Such corridors are vital for the movement of animals, requiring large home ranges, such as the elephant and tiger for re-establishment and breeding.
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For instance, the Project Elephant, launched in 1992 by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India, has identified 30 State corridors and 6 major interstate corridors in the Western Ghats for conservation.
Promising Ventures
How secure is the future of the Western Ghats? As the initiatives to conserve the Western Ghats Biodiversity increase, new challenges are emerging, particularly the complexity surrounding the developmental projects and climate change. DNA Barcoding DNA barcodes are used in rapid assessment of species from samples. It is a cheaper taxonomic method that uses a short genetic marker in an organism's DNA to identify the species. The National and State Governments are planning the DNA barcoding project to identify and distinguish species in the Western Ghats, with the Kerala State initiating the project in threatened habitats. Policy for the Protection of Fragile Mountain Scape National Environment Policy (2006) views mountains (Western Ghats and Himalayas) as entities with Incomparable Values. The policy has recommended some measures for conservation such as appropriate land use planning and watershed practices, adopting best practice norms for infrastructure projects, promoting organic farming, encouraging sustainable tourism and so on. How effective are the actions? How precise and prompt are the deliveries? The future of the Western Ghats depends on how positive the answers to these questions are. Act Now to save the Western Ghats with their exceptional lifescape before this paradise is lost!
Sacred Groves
Traditional Way to Conservation Thousands of sacred groves are found in the Western Ghats, with their area ranging from 0.01 acre to more than 50 acres. Sacred Groves are pockets of vegetation preserved on religious grounds and dedicated to various deities by the traditional societies. These groves are rich repositories of biodiversity and indicate the type of vegetation that existed, in the distant past in the region. Over 1000 Sacred Groves (Deva kadu) are documented in the district of Kodagu alone, in Karnataka. Dedicated to Ayyappa, the forest god, the groves are protected and maintained by the martial community of Kodavas, with strict laws and taboos against poaching and felling of trees. In many such sites, ritualistic dances like Theyyam in Kerala are performed for the deity in connection with the grove protection. Traditional societies living in the Western Ghats area perceive conservation as a part of their religion, traditions and culture. The Sacred Groves are one of the greatest repositories of ethno-biological knowledge.
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Some Organizations Working for Western Ghats Conservation Several development agencies including government organizations, research and academic institutions, and nongovernmental organizations are working towards Western Ghats conservation through policies, surveys, research, management, education, livelihood improvement and so on.
l Centre for Environment Education, Ahmedabad l C.P.R Environmental Education Centre, Chennai l Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru l Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON),
l l l l l l l l l l
Coimbatore Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Trivandrum Centre of Excellence in Environmental Economics, Chennai Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT), Bengaluru Centre for Animals and Environment, Bengaluru Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE), Bengaluru Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Mumbai Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Kerala. Key Stone Foundation, Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore Wildlife Conservation Society, India, Bengaluru
An IUCN and Zoo Outreach Organisation joint assessment on global conservation status and distribution of freshwater species confirms the Western Ghats as a significant centre of diversity and endemism for freshwater species. 96 of the endemic species are under IUCN Red List category as they are threatened with extinction risk.
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Actions required to prevent extinction of the Western Ghats freshwater endemic species include protection of key habitats, prevention of flow modifications where possible, conservation of specialized ecosystems such as Myristica swamps, prevention of agrochemical use in upper catchments, effective effluent treatment and better solid waste disposal and regulation of tourism in critical habitats. Awareness programmes promoting better understanding of the values, sustainable use, and management of wetlands and rivers are crucial to eliminate public perception of wetlands as wastelands. Management plans need to be developed with community participation to benefit both the many dependant people and the rich biodiversity that these areas support. The Western Ghats provides important ecosystem services including food and resources to sustain livelihoods to about 400 million people.
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Who Lives Here? 1. Long billed vulture 3. Palash tree 5. Painted spurfowl 7. Cicadas 9. Termite 11. Yellow footed green pigeon 13. Flying squirrel 15.Mahua tree 17. Ratel 19. Rock python 21. Dung beetle 23. Harvester ant 25. Red jungle fowl
2. Hanuman langur 4. Bulbul 6. Crocodile bark tree 8. Monitor lizard 10. Sloth bear 12. Teak tree 14. Forest owlet 16. Tiger 18. Plain tiger butterfly 20. Grasshopper 22. Giant wood spider 24. Indian cobra
consists of open, low vegetation characterized by thorny trees with short trunks such as Acacia spp. The region is neither exceptionally speciesrich, nor high in endemism, still it is home to a variety of life forms. Who Lives Here? 1. Black shouldered kite 3. Ashy crowned sparrow lark 5. Indian wolf 7. Bay backed shrike 9. Grey francolin 11. Great Indian bustard 13. Indian silverbill 15. Milkweed plant 17. Field mouse 19. Fan throated lizard 2. Baya weaver 4. Blackbuck 6. Ber tree 8. Jungle bush quail 10. Green keelback 12. Yellow wattled lapwing 14. Funnel web spider 16. Plain tiger butterfly 18. Toad 20. Painted grasshopper
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The native grasses are gradually being replaced by less nutritious grasses due to over-grazing, soil erosion and degradation. The Indian Grassland and Fodder Research Institute (IGFRI) in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh is the country's premier research institute in the area of grassland, fodder production and utilization.
The plant grows everywhere, but it is not browsed by cattle, because it is toxic. Giant milkweed has immense medicinal value. Animals that Eat Milkweed (Primary Consumers) Locate two animals that eat parts of the plant Locate three animals that feed on nectar Animals that Eat Other Animals that Eat Milkweed (Secondary Consumers) Locate two animals that eat creatures that feed on leaves, seeds or nectar of milkweed
rocky soils.
Golden Bamboo
l They enrich and stabilize the soil and, therefore, help other plants
to grow. What makes a grass? l Stems called culms which are generally cylindrical and hollow. l Ribbon-like leaves which are called blades. l Fibrous roots which form an intricate web under the ground. l Grass also has flowers and fruits.
?
Garden lizard
Predatory mammal
Flowers
Ladybird beetle
Predatory bird
?
Giant Milkweed
More Than Meets The Eye! There are many common plants which we come across daily but tend to ignore. Every plant constitutes a small world in itself. Take the example of the Milkweed; locally known as Aak, Madar, Aakdo, Rui. The plant plays an important role in improving the fertility and water holding capacity of the soil.
Snail Aphids Fruit fly Mantid Carpenter bee
Shoot
Milkweed
Calotropis procera
Stolon
Fibrous roots
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Jerdon's Courser
Named after the British surgeon-naturalist Thomas C. Jerdon who described it in 1848, sightings of this bird were reported till the early 1900s. In 1986, Dr. Bharat Bhushan, a researcher from the Bombay Natural History Society and a local person were able to locate the bird again. It lives in sparse scrub forest. It is endemic to southern India, and its range is mainly the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh. This fairly long-legged ground dwelling bird prefers to run rather than fly. Its habitat is being destroyed by quarrying, extraction of fire wood, cattle grazing and conversion of the forest areas to farms. It is currently known to exist only in Sri Lanka Malleswara Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh. There are 9 species of Coursers worldwide. The Jerdon's Courser is classified as Critically Endangered as it is thought that no more than 200 individuals remain.
The bird faces threats like habitat destruction, forest fires and hunting due to superstitions. As only about 100 individuals have been found so far, the Forest Owlet is still classified as Critically Endangered.
In Danger!
The existence of wild animals and plants is in danger. If their habitat is not conserved, we might lose them forever. The natural habitats of the Deccan Plateau and Highlands are rapidly deteriorating due to a number of reasons. With the loss of habitat there is also loss of the flora and fauna of this habitat. With reduction in grassland habitat and conversion to farmlands, blackbuck sometimes enter crop fields. Bauxite mining in reserved forests of Araku valley will destroy the pristine habitats of several endangered flora and fauna. Construction of dams, urbanization and sprawling industries have greatly reduced the undisturbed wilderness available for wild creatures to live in.
Jerdon's Courser Locally known as Kalivi Kodi, this bird is active at dawn and dusk.
Forest Owlet
Thought to be extinct, rediscovered after 113 years! The Forest Owlet was first described in scientific literature in 1878. It was last seen in 1884. For a long time, it was thought that this bird was extinct. But, in 1997, a team of scientists surveying the forests found it again in the Nandurbar district of Maharashtra. Besides Nandurbar, Forest Owlets are also found in Melghat in Maharashtra and some parts of Madhya Pradesh. This owl is endemic to the dry deciduous, teak-dominated forests of Central India.
Gone
Where is the Asiatic Cheetah? Some species are now believed to be extinct, while others are endangered or threatened. Once the top predator of the Deccan grasslands, the Asiatic Cheetah has not been seen in the wild in India since the middle of the 20th century. It is believed that the last one was hunted down in 1947.
Forest Owlet Unlike other owls, the Forest Owlet is up and about during the day, not at night. 122
Cheetah 123
Going?
The Last Wild Buffaloes The wild buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is the ancestor of the domestic water buffalo. It is bigger in size and heavier, with majestic horns. The Udanti and Indravati wildlife sanctuaries in the State of Chhattisgarh are the only places in Central India where genetically 'pure' wild buffalo population is concentrated, with numbers less than 40 individuals. The remaining wild buffaloes in India total less than 4,000.
Wild Buffalo
Plants in Peril
Rakt Chandan (Pterocarpus santalinus) This tree species which is endemic to the Deccan area is widely used for timber and in medicines to treat injuries, reduce burning sensation, arrest bleeding and treat skin disorders. The wood is illegally traded for its medicinal value. The tree is listed as endangered. Rakt chandan, or red sandalwood, is smuggled and fetches a high price as the Zitan furniture (famously called King's Furniture) in China is made from this wood. It is commercially valuable for extraction of dye and cosmetics. Swallow Root (Decalepis hamiltonii) An endemic and endangered medicinal plant of Peninsular India, it is found in the forests of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The plant roots are used in ayurvedic medicine to treat wound, bronchial asthma, fever, haemorrhage. It is also used to make pickle and chutney which taste like ginger. Yenadi tribes of Andhra Pradesh prepare traditional drink from it called Nannari. This drink cools the system and purifies blood. The plant is listed as endangered due to habitat destruction, illegal trade and over-exploitation for its medicinal value.
Rakt Chandan
Swallow Root
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Kurubas: traditional sheep keepers Baiga: semi-nomadic; do not plough the earth out of respect for it Bhoi and Koli: fishing communities in Maharashtra Bhil: rich cultural tradition visible in their songs, dances, stories and art. Walls are decorated with clay relief work, mittichitra, and paintings.
Conserving Traditional Rice Varieties The knowledge, practices and cultural values of tribal communities are a valuable resource for modern conservation work. Bastar in Chhattisgarh has over 5000 traditional varieties of rice and millets such as ragi, kodo and kutki. These have been developed and cultivated over generations by Gond, Madia, Halba, Bhatra and other tribal groups. Dharohar Samiti, a local tribal farmers' group in Kondagaon area, is conserving over 260 traditional varieties of rice and millets. Through the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) technique, they have improved productivity of these crops in an organic way, to match productivity of hybrid varieties. This also helps to conserve crop diversity and maintain the ecological integrity of this agro-climatic region.
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Goat The region has about a third of the goat population of the country. Sangamneri, Osmanabadi, Kannaiadu are the important breeds. The Osmanabadi Goat, which gets its name from Osmanabad in Maharashtra, is known for its tasty meat. Goat rearing requires little investment and is not labour intensive. Thus, it is a productive option for the poor in this dry region.
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Celebrating Cereals
Ragi - brought to India 4000 years ago! Rice - 19000 varieties in Chhattisgarh alone! Millets are a group of small-seeded species of grasses, the seeds used as cereal or grains. Eight millet species are commonly grown in Deccan Peninsula. Millets are specially suited to this region because of their adaptability to grow in water-scarce areas, and heat and drought resistance capacity. They can be cultivated round the year. Wild Ancestors The plants and animals we have domesticated have originally come from wild varieties. From the great variety of wild species of plants human beings have, over centuries, selected some of the species to cultivate. Farmers and scientists developed improved crop varieties through selection, cross-breeding, and grafting to enhance taste, nutritional value, yield, resistance to diseases, drought tolerance etc. The eastern part of peninsular India is the centre of origin of Toor, or pigeon pea. Its closest wild relatives (Cajanus cajanifolia) occur in forests of Odisha.
Sorghum, or Jowar Source of energy One of the most important staple foods of millions of poor people in the semi-arid tropics of Asia and Africa. Pearl Millet, or Bajra Source of iron and protein It can grow where other cereals like wheat and maize cannot. Foxtail Millet It is one the worlds oldest cultivated crops. Finger Millet, or Ragi Rich in calcium Native of Ethiopian Highlands, this was introduced in India about 4000 years ago.
Little Millet Domesticated in India It grows even in dry weather. Stalks are good fodder for cattle. Proso Millet Requires very little water An excellent crop of dryland as it requires little water and grows in 6090 days. Barnyard Millet Fastest growing It produces a crop in six weeks. Kodo Millet High fibre content Domesticated in India almost 3000 years ago.
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Government Efforts
Government of India has established several wildlife Protected Areas to conserve flora and fauna in the wild. There are 116 wildlife sanctuaries and 21 national parks in Deccan Peninsula. These include special sanctuaries to protect the highly endangered Great Indian Bustard and Jerdon's Courser.
Community Efforts
Biodiversity on Wheels
The Mobile Biodiversity Festival is a unique conservation and cultural campaign initiated in 2001 by the Deccan Development Society in Andhra Pradesh. The festival features a caravan of bullock carts that move from village to village. Displayed in the carts are hundreds of traditional varieties of seeds of the Deccan dryland region. The annual festival begins on Sankranti Day, and the jatra of the caravan ends a month later at the Central Community Seeds Shrine run by women farmers. At every village along the route, discussions are held with farmers about local seed varieties, and also about other agriculture-related issues. Food festivals of traditional dishes and screening of films are the other highlights. Over the decade, the participation of farmers in the festival has increased greatly.
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The festival symbolizes the celebrations of the agrobiodiversity of the region and a sense of pride in the local crops, animals and their relationships with local culture.
Ministry of Environment and Forests as the main implementing partner guides efforts to ensure the sustainable development of medicinal plants and to promote and protect the livelihoods of the rural population. The project has support of United Nations Development Programme, and State governments and organizations across India. Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT), Bangalore, Karnataka coordinates the activities of the state and local partner agencies in nine states of India. The agency provides technical and policy advisory services. The programme also promotes the exchange of expertise and best practices with traditional medical practitioners across Asia, Africa and South America.
comprise habitats such as cliffs, rocky coasts, sandy coasts, estuaries, deltas, lagoons, backwaters, mangrove forests, mud flats, salt marshes, sea grass beds, and coral reefs.
l Salinity, waves and tidal actions are the major factors that affect
example, near the Shravan Kavadia temple (in Lodai village, Bhuj District in Gujarat) there is a 0.7 ha land-locked patch of mangroves, which is located 100 km from the seashore. This is an evidence that once this area may have been on the shoreline. In India, for regulation purposes, the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) 2011 Notification, states that coastal zone is 500 m on the landward side from high tide line and up to 12 nautical miles seaward from the low tide line.
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Islands
0k m. Landward side 12.5 m 10
50
Seaward side m
Surrounded by Sea
l An island is a landmass surrounded by water. l The major island groups of India are the Andaman and Nicobar
25 m 37.5 m 50 m
Our Coastline
India has the world's seventh longest coastline. l The coastline of India is 7516 km long. Of this, the mainland coastline is 5422 km, Lakshadweep coast line 132 km and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands coastline is 1962 km. l Salt pans are a common feature of coastal states of India. These support the important salt industry. l The Marina Beach in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is the world's second longest beach. l A Bay is a large body of sea water surrounded by land on three sides. The Bay of Bengal is an example. l A Gulf is a large area of a sea or ocean partially enclosed by land. The Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat has the second largest tidal range in the world. l Estuaries are water bodies where there is mixing of freshwater from river and salt water of the sea. Estuaries are highly productive ecosystems and abodes of rich biodiversity. l A Lagoon is a shallow lake of salt water separated from sea by offshore islands, coral reef, sand bars or shingle spits. Chilika Lagoon, Largest in India l Chilika Lake in Odisha, spread over 1165 sq km, is the largest lagoon in Asia and second largest in the world, after the Patos Lagoon in Southern Brazil. It is a Ramsar Site, a wetland of international importance.
141 Painted Storks in Chilika Lagoon
National Park, Jamnagar in Gujarat has 42 islands. Island Types Continental: These lie on the continental shelf and are mostly volcanic in origin, e.g. Sri Lanka, Java, Sumatra, Greenland. Oceanic: These do not lie on the continental shelf. They may be volcanic in origin, e.g. Andaman, Nicobar. Some may be formed due to corals, e.g. Lakshadweep.
An Enchanting World
In the marine world you can see 'deserts' of sand dunes, 'forests' of sea grasses and mangroves, and spectacular coral reefs. The animal and plant life is incredible in its diversity, and has amazing adaptations to the marine world. The Indian coasts host, among others l more than 180 species of benthic algae l 14 species of sea weeds l 12 species of sea grasses l 108 species of sponges l 4 species of lobsters
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ecosystems with estuarine characters. l Chilika supports rich and varied wildlife the highest density of the Irrawaddy Dolphins, 167 species of migratory and resident birds, etc. l The lagoon includes the Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary (15.53 sq km of Nalaban area) and the rest is "Closed Area" under the provisions of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Chilika: A Success Story Chilika lagoon was designated as 'Ramsar Site' in 1981. Around the same time, ecological factors and human activities were putting severe pressure on the lagoon. This adversely affected the livelihood of the local community. To address these issues, the Chilika Development Authority (CDA) was formed in 1991 under the aegis of Forests and Environment Department, Odisha. Over the last two decades, the CDA has implemented a variety of measures e.g. catchment area treatment, desiltation of lead channels, opening of mouth to the sea, fishery resource development, improvement of the ecosystem and overall eco-development programmes with the community. As a result the ecosystem has been restored to a great extent and there has been improved livelihood of the community. CDA got the international Ramsar Wetland Award and also the Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar, both in 2002.
About 97 per cent of all species found in the sea are invertebrates (animals without backbone). They range from primitive sponges (Spongilla) to the complex echinoderms (starfish). Planktons are microscopic organisms that provide the basic source of food for aquatic life-forms. Hints to the Past
l Balanoglossus is an evolutionary link between invertebrates
marine invertebrates. Their fossilized shells are found in the Kali Gandaki valley of the Himalayas, indicating the presence of sea once upon a time in that area.
l Horseshoe Crab is known as a 'living fossil' because it is almost
Horseshoe Crab
identical to the species present during the Triassic period (230 million years ago). It has nine eyes and copper-based blue colour blood.
l Squids are the largest invertebrates on earth. A giant
squid's eyeball can be as big as a basketball! It can change its colour to suit its surroundings. The Humboldt squids are intelligent and hunt in groups exhibiting cooperation and communication.
l Amazing Partners: The Clownfish and the Sea Anemone have a
Life can be found even in the deepest and darkest corners of the sea.
useful partnership. The Clownfish avoids its enemies by staying nestled among the Anemone's stinging tentacles. In return, it protects the Sea Anemone from its predators like butterfly fish. The Anemone also gets nutrition from the faeces of the Clownfish. This is an example of mutually beneficial relationship called symbiosis.
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The dominant group of vertebrates (animals with backbones) in the sea is made up of fishes although the marine vertebrates range from tiny fishes to giant whales. So special! The special aquatic adaptations like gills to extract oxygen and salt from water, streamlined shape of the body and fins help the fish swim swiftly in water. Some fishes migrate from river to sea and vice-versa for spawning (egg laying and sperm discharge). The 'Hilsa' swims up from sea to rivers and 'eel' migrates from freshwater rivers to sea for spawning. Keystone species A keystone species is a species that exerts major influence on the structure of the ecosystem. If its population dwindles the food web can be drastically disturbed. The Dugong (seacow), the State Animal of A&N Islands, is a keystone species in the seagrass ecosystem.
Sea to Sand l Sea Turtles: Five species of sea turtles Olive Ridley, Green Turtle, Hawksbill, Leatherback and Loggerhead come to the Indian coasts for nesting every year. Gahirmatha in the state of Odisha is the world's largest rookery (mass nesting site) for Olive Ridleys. In the Mangroves l Mudskippers: These walking fish can breathe through their skin, crawl and jump on mud flats. l Sundarban Tigers are well adapted to mangrove forests with a lean and athletic build. They prey on fishes, crabs, water lizards and other aquatic animals. l Saltwater crocodile, the largest crocodile in the world, is also found in mangrove forests in estuaries. Its special ability to excrete salt is one of the adaptive features for living in the estuarine habitats. Guests from Abroad: The Indian Coasts are host to lakhs of migratory birds arriving from Siberia, Asia, Europe, Arabia and Mongolia.
Mudskippers
Sundarban Tiger
Puffer Fish
Full Of Fish
2546 species of fish have so far been recorded along the Indian coasts.
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different colouration and are accordingly classified into: Blue-Green Algae, Green Algae, Brown Algae and Red Algae. Seaweeds also have other adaptations like holdfasts instead of roots, stems and leaves, to hold firmly on any place; stipes to keep them upright, and leaf blades for photosynthesis.
Support in nutrient cycling, topsoil formation and fertility Cultural & spiritual, Educational & scientific information, Recreation
Tsunami Soldiers
and more... Multipurpose Mangroves
Vivipary germination
Floral Paradise
From colorful, glistening algae to the gallery of sea grasses and seaweeds. The vegetation of the Indian coasts is unique in forms and functions. Plants along the shore There are 338 species of coastal sand dune flora found in Indian coasts. The predominant species are Beach Sedges, Beach Morning Glory, Giant Milk Weed, Horse-tail Sea Oak, Coconut and Palm tree. Cocos on coast The coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) is predominant along the Indian coast with incredible adaptations to the saline environment and sandy soil. The coconut fruits can float for thousands of miles in the sea until they are cast onto a sandy shore and eventually sprout to life. It is said that every part of the coconut tree has important uses. It is used for food and shelter, and plays a significant role in livelihood, culture and lifestyle of the coastal communities.
Your roots are showing! Mangroves are a group of specialized woody, flowering plants growing in intertidal region along creeks, estuaries and river deltas. They have stilt (aerial) roots for support and breathing during water logging. The diagram shows some more adaptations. Mangrove habitats are also a migratory path for catadromous fish (fish migrating from river to sea, e.g. eel) and anadromous fish (migrating from sea to river for breeding). Hilsa fish is an example of anadromous fish.
Sea Grass
Food, fish resources, medicines, livelihoods Protection from floods, shoreline erosion, cyclones
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l Algins from brown algae are used in paints, pigments, dyes, paper,
Horseshoe Crab
caught in a net
Agriculture
and other solid waste is being released into the sea in India!
are extracted from the sea water. Deposits of radioactive elements like thorium are found on the seashore of Kerala and Odisha. l Materials extracted from sea sponges have antibiotic and antifungal properties.
Fishing
S.O.S.
Coasts and islands are facing threats from a variety of factors human activity-related as well as natural. l Overexploitation of fishery resources.
l Dredging and mining of shore sand leading to shore erosion and
Sea erosion
Salt of the Sea Can anyone think of a delicious dish without salt?
flooding.
l Pollution, oil spills, sewage and effluent disposal, hot water
states of India. l The farmers of Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal cultivate more than 10 varieties of salt-tolerant paddy in saline low land areas. l Agar from brown algae is used in bakery products, ice creams and microbial culture media.
discharge from thermal power plants, coastal ground water overexploitation, urbanization and industrial establishments that convert coastal habitats.
l Climate change impacts like increase in sea surface water
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l The lagoon, reef and the deep sea provide the islanders with their
basic needs - food, construction materials, and livelihood resources such as fishing and coconut cultivation.
l Common sea birds are Taratachi (Sterna fusca) and Common
environment. They give an early warning of the deteriorating health of the ecosystem, e.g. coral reefs, sponges, mussels, pearl oyster. These are known as bio-indicators.
Fishing trawl net with TED
Noddy (Anous stolidus) The Coral Islands l The word 'Lakshadweep' in Sanskrit means one lakh (laksha) islands (dweep). In fact, this island group includes 36 islands of which 11 are inhabited.
l Some of these islands are made up of coral formations, and others
Rani crab
metals present in sea water and, thus, a concentration of these metals in its tissues can indicate the level of pollutant load.
l Sea urchins are used as bio-sensors for the effects of ultraviolet
radiation.
plants have been introduced from the Indian mainland and other countries.
l Coconut groves are the predominant vegetation.
Lakshadweep
There are no dogs, no snakes on these islands! l The coral reefs and lagoons have rich species diversity.
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A&N are a group of 306 islands situated in the Bay of Bengal. Of these islands, 33 are inhabited, 88 are designated as sanctuaries and 6 areas as National Parks. Two of these are Marine National Parks.
l Megapode: This bird is closely related to fowl (hens and cocks).
The bird does not sit on its eggs. To provide warmth, it lays its eggs on ground and covers them with a mound of leaves and soil.
l Andaman Day Gecko: This emerald green reptile is found only in
the Andamans.
l Andaman Water Monitor: Lives in fresh and salt water where it
coconut from the tree, tear away the outer cover and feed on the flesh inside.
l Nicobar Crab-eating Macaque: It is endemic to the Nicobar
toughness and use as timber. When freshly cut the wood is bright red, which fades over time to a rich brown. Visitors that stayed on: Animals brought to the islands by humans or transported through natural factors or other animals are called introduced species. Some of these species are domestic dogs, cats, goats, spotted deer, house sparrows, rats, etc. Now, the unchecked population of these species has become a threat to the native (local) species.
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Cultural Practices
l Conch Shell, Coconut, Cowrie as sacred items in their puja
(close to the Pichavaram mangrove forests) in Tamil Nadu is called Thillai Natarajar named after the Thillai mangrove (Excoecaria agallocha) worshipped since the 3rd century.
l The local community of the Sundarbans pray to 'Bano bibi' and
'Bandurga, Bandevi' as a guardian deity of the Sundarban mangrove forests. 'Sundarban' in Bengali language means ('Shundor' beautiful and 'bon' forest) a beautiful forest of the Sundari trees (mangrove species, Heritiera fomes). The Sundarbans mangrove forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
l The Matsyasana (yogic posture) is from the Sanskrit word
Matsya (fish). It strengthens the spinal cord and helps digestion. Our ancient Rishis observed features of biodiversity to create healthy lifestyles. Landmark in Sea Turtle conservation Smithsonian Natural History Museum recognized Sea Turtle Conserverancy's (STC) long-term Green Turtle recovery program at Tortuguero, Costa Rica, as being one of the world's greatest marine conservation success stories. STC has worked with the Tortuguero community since 1959 to protect green turtles. This effort has produced a 500 per cent increase in the nesting populationmaking the Tortuguero green turtle colony by far the largest in the Western Hemisphere.
mangrove cover has been reported at the national level as per India State of Forest Report 2009.
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Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements
Biodiversity
Lead Knowledge Partner Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
Resource Institutions and Individuals
l Applied Environmental Research Foundation l Andaman & Nicobar Environment Trust l Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment l Botanical Survey of India l Central Arid Zone Research Institute l Central Himalayan Rural Action Group l CPR Foundation Environmental Education Centre l Centre for Science and Environment l Deccan Development Society l GEER Foundation l Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology l International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development l International Union for Conservation of Nature l Kalpavriksh l Madras Crocodile Bank Trust l MS Swaminathan Research Foundation l National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources l North Eastern Hill University l Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History l Society for Andaman & Nicobar Environment l World Wide Fund for Nature l Zoological Survey of India l P R Sinha, WII l V B Mathur, WII l R Suresh Kumar, WII l l l l l l l l l
Resource Institutions
l Foundation for Revitalisation of
Local Health Traditions l International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development l Nature Conservation Foundation l Wildlife Institute of India
Photographs
l Botanical Survey of India l Foundation for Revitalisation of
l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l
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Trust Joy Chakraborty Joydeep Shil K. N. Rai Kalyan Varma Kamal Lochan Purohit Kedar Champhekar Mayukh Ghose Mukesh Acharya Nitesh Parulekar
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l CEE Photo Bank l Wildlife Trust of India, l l l l l l l l Partha Pratim Baruah,
l l
l l l l
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Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements
Western Ghats
Lead Knowledge Partner Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES), Indian Institute of Science
Resource Institutions
l Dr. T. V. Ramachandra, Centre for
l Dinesh Misra, Addl. PCCF, Gujarat State l Lokhit Pashu Palak Sansthan, Rajasthan l Minoo H. Parabia l Ratibhai Pandya l Rohit Patel, GUIDE, Gujarat l Satish Sharma, Rajasthan State Forest
International, M. Zafar-ul Islam and Asad R. Rahmani, Indian Bird Conservation Network: Bombay Natural History society, and BirdLife International (UK)
l India's Fourth National Report to the
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Photographs
l CEE Photo Bank l Creative Commons Attribution l Down to Earth l Keystone Foundation l Wikimedia Commons l Akhil Vijayakumar Modemplackel l Amoghvarsha l Dave Bird l Kalyan Varma l Nitesh Parulekar l Rajasri Ray l Saldanha l Santosh Sutar l Satish Awate l V. Deepak
l http://www.cepf.net/Documents/CEPF_WesternGhats
Department
l Shailendra Tiwari, Sevamandir, Rajasthan l Subhash Nautial, Head, Botany Division,
Convention on Biological Diversity, Ministry of Environment and Forests, GoI, New Delhi, 2009
l Natural Heritage of Gujarat (Forests and
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l Nature Scope India, Discovering Deserts,
Photographs
l CEE Photo Bank l Maldhari Rural Action Group l Tarun Bharat Sangh l Guru Arjan Dev Institute of Development
001.pdf
l http://wgbis.ces.iisc.ernet.in/biodiversity/sahyadri/m
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l Aditya Roy l Devjibhai Dhamecha l Farhad Contractor l Gaurav Sharma (ZSI) l G. Singh (AFRI) l Kalyan Varma l Mukesh Acharya l Rajpal Singh l Rohit Patel (GUIDE) l Satish Sharma l Shantun Malhotra l V. Vijay Kumar (GUIDE) l Vinod Gajjar
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Acknowledgements
Resource Institutions
l Institute of Ocean
Photographs
l CEE Photo Bank l The Walt Disney Company India l S. Rao l Hemal Solanki l K. N. Rai l Kalpesh Dave l Kedar Champhekar l Nitesh Parulekar l NTFP-EP Network (India) l Ravi Panchal l Sarita Thakore l Satheesh Periyapatna l Satish Awate l Sushma Durve
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l ANET l CEE Photo Bank l United Artists' Association l l l l l l l l l l l l l
l l l l l l l l
(UAA) Abhijeet Das Dhiresh Shah Kamal Lochan Purohit M. Satyanarayan Mukesh Acharya Prasad Kumar Dash Pratyush P. Mohapatra Rudra Mahapatra Satyabrata Mishra Satyanarayan Mishra Shriji Kurup Sushant Kumar Nayak Vinod Gajjar
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CEE Credits
We would like to thank all those from the Ministry of Environment and Forests who provided us vital encouragement and support as well as made valuable and creative suggestions to the exhibition. Coach 2: Trans-Himalaya and Himalaya Abdhesh Gangwar, Rashmi Gangwar, Senjooti Sen Coach 3: Gangetic Plain Preeti R. Kanaujia, Neeraj Pal, Abdul Kalam
Coach 8: Coasts and Islands D.P. Rath, Satyanarayan Mishra, Shriji Kurup Design Coordination Kiran Desai, Kalpesh Dave, Meena Nareshwar Graphic Design D. M. Thumbar, Mukesh Panchal, Shailesh Bhalani, Hemal Solanki, Hitesh Vaza, Mahendra Dadhania, Hardik Raval, Ravi Panchal, Pankaj Gorana, Jogendra Rajora, Pratik Gajjar, Chirag Thumbar Printing & Production Shailesh Bhalani, Pratik Gajjar, Baldev Thakor Exhibit Design Kalpesh Dave, Praful Bilgi Models Kaushik Christian Fabrication and Installation Co-ordination: Kalpesh Dave, Hemal Shah, Amrut Anna, Ramesh Sachania, Mansukh Modasia, Dipendra Harsora, Chandubhai Gajjar, Dineshbhai Prajapati, Amrut Thakore, Manilal Sudra, Jayantibhai Patel, Madhavsingh Chauhan, Vipul Parmar, Praful Padhiyar, Rajendra Waghela, Ashok Waghela, Fatesingh Thakore, Manubhai Thakore
Take-away Material Concept: Kartikeya Sarabhai Pattern Design: Santiago Acosta, Juliana Pelaez Co-ordination: Aditya Ray, Purvi Vyas Souvenir Mug, Kit Bag: Santiago Acosta, Juliana Pelaez Booklet Design: Mukesh Panchal, Hardik Raval, Hitesh Vaza Brochure Design: Mukesh Panchal, Mahendra Dadhania Poster/Post Card Design: Pankaj Gorana Printing & Production: Mukesh Panchal Administration & Purchase: Sureshbabu, K. Chandran, Rethi Menon, Rajesh Rathod National Microbe Nominations/ Activity: Shyamala Mani, Purvi Vyas
CEE Team
Coordination Kartikeya Sarabhai, Kiran Desai, Mamata Pandya, Atul Pandya, Ramesh Savalia, Kalpesh Dave Secretariat Atul Pandya, Ramesh Savalia, Janki Shah, Amit Shah (RPG Team), Meena Nareshwar Editing: Mamata Pandya, Kiran Desai, Ramesh Savalia Coach 1: Introduction to India's Biodiversity Kartikeya Sarabhai, Sharad Gaur, Ramesh Savalia, Kedar Champhekar, S. Sivakumar
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Coach 4: North-East Abdhesh Gangwar, Simanta Kalita, Bijoy Goswami Coach 5: Western Ghats Shailaja Ravindranath, Ishwar Poojar, Reema Parikh, Santosh Sutar Coach 6: Desert and Semi-arid Atul Pandya, Ramesh Savalia, Janki Shah, Santosh Gupta, Amit Shah, Amrita Badheka, Ayub Sherasiya, Samat Solanki Coach 7: Deccan Peninsula Sanskriti Menon, Satish Awate, Sarita Thakore, Satya Ranjan Mahakul
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conservation supported by HSBC, the Swiss Embassy, Nestle and PCRA. The Legacy of Science Express showcasing the most popular exhibits from the previous phases has been exhibited in one coach. The VASCSC Joy of Science (JOS) Lab supported by Indus Towers is housed in another coach, in which students can perform various experiments and activities to understand concepts in biodiversity, climate change, environment and science. A training facility is also provided in a coach primarily for capacity building of teachers in Environment and Science. Complementary activities will be organized to reinforce the message of SEBS. These include the Outreach Programme to be conducted at local schools and institutions associated with the National Environment Awareness Programme (NEAC), National Green Corps (NGC) and the Paryavaran Mitra Programme. Interesting platform activities for visitors of SEBS have also been planned at respective train stations. In addition to this, informative take-away material will also be made available for wider distribution among visitors. The SEBS, Phase II, will be flagged off from Delhi on the 9th April 2013 from the Safdarjung railway station. The exhibition timings will be between 10.00 am and 5.00 pm at respective railway platforms (schedule attached). If you want to plan a visit to the exhibition or have any queries regarding it, please send an email to sciencexpress@gmail.com or contact +91 9428405407.
Science Express - Biodiversity Special (SEBS), an innovative and unique mobile exhibition mounted on a specially designed 16 coach AC train, traveled, in the First Phase, across India to 52 locations from 5 June to 22 December 2012. In its Second Phase it will travel across India to 62 stations from 9th April to 28 October 2013. The state-of-the-art exhibition aboard the SEBS aims to create awareness about the biodiversity of India, climate change and similar issues among students, teachers and the general public. A collaborative initiative of the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) and Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, SEBS, in its First Phase, was also stationed at Secunderabad to coincide with the XI Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP-11) held from October 1 to 19, 2012 in Hyderabad. Dignitaries and delegates from about 190 countries and various organizations visited the SEBS during this time. Vikram A Sarabhai Community Science Centre (VASCSC) and Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Ahmedabad along with lead knowledge partners - Bombay Natural History Society, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, G. B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, National Museum of Natural History, Wildlife Institute of India and Wildlife Trust of India, and several others have contributed to give final touches to this unique exhibition on wheels. In the First Phase the train traveled 18,000 km, halting for 3-4 days at each of the 52 locations. The exhibition was visited by more than 24 lakh visitors. Of the 16 coaches, eight coaches supported by MoEF highlight biodiversity found in different bio-geographical zones of India as well as various facets of marine, coastal, forest, microbial, agro biodiversity and their linkage with livelihoods besides challenges of conservation. Three coaches have exhibitions on Climate Change, Water and Energy
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