Report on Field Study

tour to
Park

Yamuna Biodiversity
At
Wazirabad,New Delhi
On 19th September

2015
Submitted by
N.THARUN BABU
(AAA0564)
(1210110122)
Under CCC704: Environmental
Studies
2015

SHIV NADAR UNIVERSITY

MONSOON SEMESTER

CONTENT
1.Background
2.INTRODUCTION
3.OBSERVATIONS
4.LESSON LEARNT
5.CONCLUSION

Background
Biodiversity is the degree of variation of life.
forms the basis of human survival on the earth.
Living resources (plants, animals and microbes)
and their habitats form an integral component of
the biodiversity. Mutual interaction between them
provide stream of tangible and intangible
benefits to the human society. Unscientific and
unsustainable use of these resources will
threaten the very survival of humans.
Biodiversity conservation, therefore, is of prime
importance.
They seek to conserve keystone species and
other threatened plant and animal species,
preserve the biodiversity of any habitat that is
likely to be converted into urban infrastructure,
establish field gene banks for threatened land
races and wild genetic resources, promote
education on environmental awareness and
nature conservation, establish native
communities of the Aravalli hills of the Delhi
region, develop mosaic of wetlands that sustain
the rich aquatic flora and fauna of the Yamuna
and monitor short term and long term changes in
the ecology of the Delhi region.
Thus, Biodiversity Parks act as heritage sites and
repositories of the approximately 50, threatened

communities of the Aravalli hills, provide ideal

alternative habitats for migratory and resident
bird species, enhance ground water recharge and
augment fresh water availability, act as sinks for
CO2 and other pollutants.

INTRODUCTION
Yamuna Biodiversity Park

Aerial View of YBP

Emerging as the capital's most visited public
place and prominent center for learning and
understanding the environment, the Yamuna
Biodiverstity Park has become a home for
biologically rich wetlands, grassland
communities, a wide variety of fruit yielding
species and an abundance of medicinal herbs.
The Park also comprises a native flora and fauna
which used to exist a 100 years ago and then
became extinct locally. It further, acts as a
natural conservation site for specific group of
endangered plants. The Yamuna Biodiversity Park
is presently spread over an area of approximately
457 acres near Wazirabad village on the flat
alluvial plains of the Yamuna and can be
approached:

Entrance to YBP
(i) from East Delhi through Bhajanpura,
(ii) from South and Central Delhi through ISBT,
and
(iii) from North Delhi through Burari. The
Biodiversity Park is 15 kms north-east of
Connaught Place, and 4 kms north of ISBT.

Goals of YAMUNA Biodiversity Park

1. Conservation of keystone species and
other plant and animal species that are
threatened
2. Preservation of the biodiversity

3. Establishment of field gene banks for

threatened land races and wild genetic
resources.
4. Development of a mosaic of wetlands that
sustain a rich aquatic flora and fauna .
Functions of YAMUNA Biodiversity Park
1. Acts as heritage sites and repositories of
threatened communities of aravalli.
2. Provides ideal alternative habitats for
migratory and resident birds
3. Serves as field gene banks for wild
genetic resources of economically important
species
4. Enhances ground water recharge and
augmented fresh water availability
5. Acts as sinks for CO2 and other pollutants
6. Promotes eco-tourism and social connectivity
across the urban community
7. Represents unique ecological model having not
only wildlife and natural asset values but also
aesthetic environmental and educational values.
Delhi Biodiversity Foundation
In order to develop these nature reserves, and
retain the ecological, aesthetical and cultural

quality of Biodiversity sites in the National Capital

Territory of Delhi, the Delhi Development
Authority has set up the Delhi Biodiversity
Foundation. The foundation, in turn, is setting up
Biodiversity
parks, which are being developed by DDA
technical inputs by team of scientists who have
specialized in the areas of field biology, ecology,
wildlife, taxonomy, conservation, habitat
restoration, natural resource management and
nature education. Besides these experts, trained
technical supporting staff oversees the
development and management of these parks.
The Foundation has a Governing body and an
Executive Committee.

OBSERVATIONS
Butterfly Conservatory

Butterfly Conservatory
The Yamuna Biodiversity Park aims to create a
Butterfly Conservatory, that will become a major
ecotourism destination for visitors and nature
lovers. There are four small ponds to add
humidity to the surroundings and provide
moisture to the butterflies. The Plantation of

native plants will attract thousands of wild

butterflies, who play important roles as
pollinators, as part of the web of life and as
cultural icons for human beings. Within beds of
butterfly attracting plants are trees that have
been landscaped to resemble mixed deciduous
forest communities. Unlike birds, butterflies are
late risers and can be seen in large numbers late
in the morning. Their population peaks in spring
but they remain in plenty right up to the
monsoon. Presently, as many as 36 species of
butterflies and their caterpillars can be sighted
here.
Stroll through the beautifully designed butterfly
conservatory; watch the blossoming of new life in
a nearby zone of larval host plants and
sericulture and admire flittering of tasar silk
moth. The butterfly observation shed made of
bamboo is a quiet place to sit and observe these
beautiful insects at work on plants like Thevetia
and Milkweed.
According to the Centre for Environmental
Management of Degraded Ecosystems (CEMDE),
their garden is hosting about 90 species of
butterflies, some of them extremely rare and
breathtakingly beautiful.

The park features two major zones - the

visitor zone and the nature reserve zone.

Domesticated Biodiversity Zone

The front portion of the Yamuna Biodiversity Park,
a 220m southward and 140m northward stretch
from the main entry gate with 20-30m width is
demarcated as Domesticated Biodiversity Zone.
Enclosed by a hedge of poplar, it features plants
like Ailanthus, Butea and Bauhinia that have a
continuous seasonal interest due to their long
flower production throughout the season. The

outer iron fencing is embraced by multi-coloured

climbers like Jasmine and Quisqualis with the
same theme of continual luxury.

Resting Point
Located at the main entrance, at the southward
end, are three snack bars, a drinking water
facilities and three resting places covered with
the vines of Argyreia nervosa, Jasminum
sambac and Petrogea volubilis. Just past the
entry pocket and to the right is a Welcome Rock
facet representing the origin of the Ganga and
Yamuna and their convergence at Allahabad. A
trail further leads to theBambusetum, the
Nature interpretation Centre, the
Conservatory of fruit yielding species, the
Migratory ducks wetland and the Nature
Reserve area.

A View of NIC
Nature interpretation Centre is a beautiful
classical building with elegant lighting, a red
carpet floor, attractive interior designs, panels
depicting various biodiversity levels, touch

screens, and visual-aids that provide an insight

into the basic concepts of biodiversity.
On the left, the landscaping provides two shallow
valleys representing rangelands

Welcome Rock Facet

with 10 mounds representing different
ecosystems present from the foothills of the
Himalayas (Siwaliks) through the Yamuna basin,
till the point of confluence of the Yamuna and
Ganga. The first rangeland i.e. Rangeland 1,
corresponds to an exclusive Sporobolus
dianderdominance while the second one i.e.
Rangeland 2 showcases a mixture of native
tropical grasses such as Dichanthium,
Chrysopogon, Vetiveria, and Bothriochloa. These
two rangelands are bordered by a serpentine
trail. The first loop of the trail connects
Rangeland 1 with Herbal garden, sacred
grove and Rangeland 2 while the other loop
leads to the butterfly conservatory and
amphitheatre.

Visitor Area Trail

The amphitheatre is an open auditorium, the

herbal garden offers a collection of about 450
plant species with healing properties.
On this loop trail one sometimes comes across
bouncing hares and has a chance to watch redwattled lapwings and other grassland birds. The
exit of the Butterfly Conservatory on the west
side leads to Sacred Grove and the Gene Bank of
Petro- and Oil-yielding and other plants through
the Bamboo Bridge from which one can enjoy a
view of the resident ducks wetland and a wide
variety of fishes.

Mounds
Surrounding the valley are the Ten
Mounds which illustrate the different forest
ecosystems in its miniature form found all along
the Yamuna River Basin. The composition of
forests, as in nature, consists of three to four
layers: a tree canopy that supports climbers and
provides shade for the middle storey tree layer
and shrub layer which in turn protect the groundcover of herbs and grasses. Plantation on these
mounds is designed on the basis of the structure
and composition of the forest ecosystem found in
its natural environment. These ecosystems are:

Subtropical mixed evergreen forest

ecosystem
Top canopy - Toona ciliata, Dalbergia latifolia,
Mitragyna parvifolia, Syzygium cumini
Middle storey - Trewia nudiflora, Artocarpus
lakoocha, Cinnamomum camphora,
Shrub layer- Dillenia indica, Coffea benghalensis,
Murraya paniculata, Bauhinia malabarica,
Herbs and Grasses- Barleria cristata, Flemingia
bracteata, Desmodium triflorum
Climbers- Vigna capensis, Combretum
decandrum, Vitis paniculatum
Moist tropical deciduous forest ecosystem
with Teak as a dominant species
Top Canopy- Tectona grandis, Pterocarpus
marsupium, Diospyros melanoxylon,
Middle storey- Buchanania lanzan, Albizia
lebbeck, Bauhinia variegata
Shrub layer- Flemingia rugosus, Vitex negundo,
Nyctanthus arbortristris, Zizyphus mauritiana
Herbs and grasses- Desmodium triflorum,
Crotolaria juncea, Bothriochloa pertusa,
Climbers- Pueraria phaseoloides, Asparagus
racemosus
Tropical dry decuduous forest ecosystem
with Sal as a dominant species
Top canopy Shorea robusta, Diospros
melanoxylon, Putranjiva roxburghii,
Middle storey Erythrina indica, Cassia fistula,

Albizia sp., Sterculia urens

Shrub layer Carissa spinarum, Zizyphus
oenoplea, Nyctanthus arbortristris
Herbs & Grasses Chloris, Eragrostis, Fimbristylis
ferruginea, Indigofera tinctoria,
Climbers Smilax zeylanica, , Clittoria turnatea,
Marsidenia, Cocculus hirsutus
Tropical Dry Deciduous forest with Teak as a
dominant species
Top Canopy Tectona grandis, Butea
monosperma, Sterculia urens, Terminalia
chebula,
Middle storey Emblica officinalis, Bauhina
variegata, Cochlospermum religiosum
Shrub layer Gardenia turgida, Randia
dumetorum, Grewia asiatica
Herbs & Grasses Barleria prionitis, Bothriochloa
pertusa, Dicanthium Hetropogo
Climbers Abrus pulchellus, Cocculus hirsutus
Tropical thorn forest
Top Canopy- Acacia sp., Prosopis cineraria,
Anogeissus pendula
Underwoods- Zizyphus mauritiana, Maytenus
emarginatus, Wrightia
Herbs and Grasses- Vicovestata, Vico auriculata,
Desmostachya bipinnata,
Climbers- Valletia, Leptochloa fusca, Tinospora
cordifolia

Scrub jungle
Top Canopy- Acacia catechu, A. senegal, A.
leucophloea
Underwoods- Euphorbia neriifolia, Cassia
auriculata, Maetenus emarginatus
Herbs- Tephrosia purpurea, Justicia simplex,
Cyperus rotundus, Eragrostis tenella
Climbers Cocculus laurifolius, Rhynchosia
minima
Yamuna Biodiversity Park, Connservatory of Fruit
Yeildieng Species:
The display of about 500 varieties of 80 species
of fruit yielding plants in a small area reveals the
astounding diversity found amongst fruiting
plants. The conservatory harbours some
unfamiliar fruits in addition to many familiar
ones. Khirni a locally extinct species is thriving
as are anar, sapota, jamun, gauava, amla,
lemons, oranges, grapes, loquat and ber. The
conservatory is a home to variety of birds such as
parakeets, yellow footed green pigeons, munias,
babblers, coppersmith barbets, bulbuls and
peafowl in large flocks, as also snakes which are
rarely seen except between April and October.
Yamuna Biodiversity Park, Water Body
Wetlands

Migratory Ducks' Wetland

Two wetlands, which simulate natural water
bodies, have been created in the Yamuna
Biodiversity Park. One which is long and narrow
simulating the river, is 1.8 km long; and the
second, which is more open and deep, is spread
over about 2 hectares. The creation of wetlands
served three useful purposes. Firstly, it adds to
the diversity of habitats, secondly, it performs
the much-needed ecological functions of water
purification, groundwater recharge, and storage
of rainwater, and thirdly, it provides the soil for
raising the ground level to avoid flooding in the
post monsoon period so that the development of
terrestrial ecosystems and plant communities
can go ahead unhindered.

Resident Ducks' Wetland

These wetlands are now home to hundreds of
migratory birds as well as native bird species. In
other words, a new bird sanctuary has been
created within the ambience of metropolitan
Delhi. The wetlands also help to preserve the

aquatic genetic resources (invertebrates, turtles,

fishes, zoo- and phytoplanktons) of the river.

A view of peripheral bamboo

plantation
Bambusetum

Bambusetum
The Bambusetum, a symbol of endurance and
resilience, allows specialists to study the wide
diversity of bamboo species while generalists
enjoy their variety: the climbing Ochlandra, shrub
- like Arudinaria, the pole like golden bamboo and
the belly shaped Buddha-belly bamboo.
Presently, 37 species of bamboos are grown in
the Bambusetum. One can see nests of the scaly
breasted munia and the red vented bulbul and
regularly sight the common castor butterfly
hovering over the emerging juvenile bamboo
shoots.

MEDICINAL GARDEN
Herbal Garden

Medicinal Garden
The herbal garden, in essence, is a reference
collection of around 450 living species that have
been important in human culture throughout the
ages. This garden is a green oasis with a diversity
of medicinal plants. In between more than 200
seasonal changing beds and borders are trees
with medicinal properties that provide shade to
delicate plants. The Yamuna Biodiversity Park
herbal garden is a charming place to visit any
time of the year. Spring brings exuberance and
the full bloom ofBarlerias, summer the flowering
of the Hibiscus, the
monsoon Ocimum and Costusand winter a
profusion of Andrographis, Bacopa, Calendula,
Aloe, and Tylophora. A total of 434 species
including 120 species of trees, 280 species of
shrubs and herbs, 26 species of climbers and 8
species of grasses have been planted.
The Cerulean butterfly flutters over the beds
of Spilanthes acmella and frequent bird sightings
are those of the hoopoe, the green bee eater,
and doves.
1.ALOVERA
SCIENTIFIC NAME - ALOE VERA

Uses
1. Traditional medicine
2. Dietary supplement

3. Commodities
2.FLAME OF THE FOREST.
Scientific name: Butea monosperma
USES1. Usage in leather
2. Culinary use
3. Patravali plate
4. Use as a dye

5. Use as a pesticide
CHINA ROSE

Scientific name: Rosa chinensis

USESThe species is extensively cultivated in China as
an ornamental plant; numerous cultivars have
been selected, with varying flower colour and
usually an increased number of petals (semidouble or double flowers). The species is also
important in the breeding of many modern
garden roses, including the Hybrid Tea roses.
The flowers and fruits are used in traditional
Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of
irregular and/or painful menstruation, as well as
swollen thyroid.

SCIENTIFIC NAME - Terminalia arjuna

USES1. Silk production
2. Medicinal

3. Alternative medicine

NEEM TREE
SCIENTIFIC NAME- AZADIRACHTA INDICA
USESses
1. As a vegetable
2. Traditional medicinal use
3. Safety issues
4. Pest and disease controlANTIFUNGAL PLANTS
TULSI
SCIENTIFIC NAME- Ocimum tenuiflorum
USES1. In Hinduism
2. Ayurveda
3. Thai cuisine

4. Insect repellent
LEMON GRASS
SCIEN TIFIC NAME- Cymbopogon
USESLemongrass is used for treating digestive tract
spasms, stomachache, high blood pressure,
convulsions, pain, vomiting, cough, achy joints
(rheumatism), fever, the common cold, and
exhaustion. It is also used to kill germs and as a
mild astringent.Some people apply lemongrass
and its essential oil directly to the skin for
headache, stomachache, abdominal pain, and
muscle pain

LEMON GRASS

SOCIAL INSECTSsocial insect, any of numerous species of insects

that live in colonies and manifest three
characteristics: group integration, division of
labour, and overlap of generations. Social insects

are best exemplified by all termites (Isoptera)

and ants (Formicidae) and by various bees and
wasps (Hymenoptera).
Social insects are differentiated in structure,
function, and behaviour into castes, the major
ones being the reproductives (e.g., the queen)
and the steriles (workers and soldiers). Besides
carrying out the basic function of reproduction,
the members of the reproductive caste generally
select the site for a new colony and excavate the
first galleries. The workers care for the eggs and
larvae, collect food for other members of the
colony, and construct and repair the nest, while
the soldiers defend the colony against predators.
TERMITE INSECTTermites are a group of eusocial insects that, until
recently, were classified at the taxonomic rank of
order Isoptera (see taxonomy below), but are
now accepted as the infraorder Isoptera, of the
cockroach order Blattodea.[1][2] While termites
are commonly known, especially in Australia, as
"white ants", they are for practical purposes
unrelated to the ants (although they are prey to
some ants, including the acrobat ant).

HONEY BEESHoney bees (or honeybees) are a subset of bees

in the genus Apis, primarily distinguished by the
production and storage of honey and the
construction of perennial, colonial nests from
wax. Honey bees are the only extant members of
the tribe Apini, all in the genus Apis. Currently,
only seven species of honey bee are recognized,
with a total of 44 subspecies,[1] though
historically, from six to 11 species have been
recognised. Honey bees represent only a small
fraction of the roughly 20,000 known species of
bees. Some other types of related bees produce
and store honey, but only members of the genus
Apis are true honey bees.

LESSON LEARNTThe complex web of inter-dependent ecosystems

which constitute life on Earth includes us.
We are part of that web and are entirely
dependent on clean air, fresh water and healthy
food for our survival. Some people would argue
that as the species at the top of the food chain
capable of acting on the planet's ecosystems to
create profound change, we have a responsibility
to act as stewards of the planet, protecting
nature for its own sake and ensuring our
consumption levels are sustainable.
1. Health benefits - The evolution in the gene
pool of species through countless generations
has produced substances that offer us significant
health and other benefits. For example, doctors
use the saliva of leeches to dissolve dangerous
blood clots.
2. Human needs - The diversity of life forms
provides us with a wide array of options for
satisfying our needs, including our need for
gainful employment. The jobs of a significant
portion of the population depend directly on
biological resources including agriculture, fishing,
forestry, eco-tourism and outdoor recreation.
Biodiversity also provides the natural "capital" for
the tourism sector that attracts visitors from
around the globe.

3.Spiritual values -The diversity of ecosystems

and species is a source of emotional, artistic and
spiritual inspiration and cultural identity. Plants
like Belpatra, Mahua have been worshipped by
people from ages. Many people believe that
human society must be built on a respect for all
life around us. Even historic murals and
excavations have indicated that people in that
age too worshipped plants and animals.

CONCLUSIONYAMUNA BIODIVERSITY PARK 450 host plants

have played a major role in supporting over 36
species of butterflies. Strangely, weeds and wild
grass that are usually uprooted from gardens
have been deliberately conserved here because
they make perfect butterfly habitats. We must
make every effort to preserve, conserve, and
manage biodiversity. Protected areas, from large
wilderness reserves to small sites for particular
species, and reserves for controlled uses, will all
be part of this process. Such systems of
protected areas must be managed to take
account of a range of ecological and humaninduced changes.

BIBILOGRAPHYProtecting and Restoring Biodiversity

www.globalchange.umich.edu
BIODIVERSITY PARKS USES - Google Search
www.google.co.iN
https://dda.org.in/greens/biodiv/yamuna-fruitconservatory.html#herbal