Vol. XXVI No. 6, June 2011 ISSN 0971-6378 (Print); 0973-2543 (Online)

Magazine of Zoo Outreach Organisation

Date of Publication: 21 June 2011

Aquarium after Tsunami ... see damage of rooftop just above within square. Zoo Community around the world come to Japan’s zoos and animals aid

Magazine of Zoo Outreach OrganisationVol. XXVI No. 6, June 2011 ISSN 0971-6378 (Print); 0973-2543 (Online)

Contents

Feature articlesZoos and Zoo Associations helping Japanese Zoos and Aquariums in a Terrible Crisis … from a collection of emails, Pp. 1-3

From a 9.0 Earthquake and tsunami to an orphan Baby Mongoose?, Sally Walker, Andrea Fidgett, Penny Rudd, Simon Brown, R.K. Sahu, Lynne Ainscough and Will Condliffe, Pp. 4-5

Preservation of India’s local livestock germplasm: Vechur Cattle , R. Marimuthu, Pp. 6-7

EducationCoimbatore Industry hosts Employees and their Kids at WED 2011 with ZOO, B.A. Daniel, Pp. 8-9

Hotel, College & School, and Park observe WED with ZOO, R. Marimuthu, Pp. 10-11

Education Reports, Pp. 12-16Nature Awareness programme conducted at Science Center, K. V. Rao, Director, Pilikula Regional Science Center Society, Mangalore, Karnataka

Climate change programme at Government HS, Bamboo Bazaar & Amphibian awareness programme at Tribal Centre, Tanuja DH, Asst Pgm Mg., Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore

Nature Awareness programme, S. Suraj Kumaar, Discover Wild Foundation, Coimbatore

Tirupur hosts a Nature Awareness programme, Murugesan, Conservation photographer, Coimbatore

Animal Welfare Fortnight celebration in Odisha, Bijaya Kumar Kabi, APOWA, Hatapatana

TATA Zoological Park celebrates Wildlife Week, S. K. Mahato, Curator, TATA Zoological Park, Jharkhand

Hoolock Gibbon awareness programme & Climate Change and Bio Diversity programme at Community College, Ms. Jessie Jeyakaran, Chennai.

AnnouncementsMadras Crocodile Bank Trust’s New Director, P. 5Bangladesh NGO gets National Award -“Bangabandhu Award for Wildlife Conservation”, P. 17Access to Wildlife Information set to Revolutioniese Celebrating World Environment Day 2011

Animal Care -- From Twycross Zoo’s Press Release dated 25 May 2011, P. 18International Congress on Zookeeping 2012 held in Singapore (III cover page)

Technical articlesA note on FMD in Mithun (Bos frontalis) and Black buck (Antelope cervicapra), Raveendra Hegde, Amitha R. Gomes, P. Giridhar, Venkatesh, M. D and C. Renukaprasad, P. 19

Birds of Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, India: an annotated checklist, Varadharajan Gokula and Ponnuswami Ananth Raj, Pp. 20-24

Study on the distribution and occurrence of some threatened avifauna of Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Udaipur, Rajasthan, Chhaya Bhatnagar, Vijay Kumar Koli and Karnika Jani, Pp. 25-28

ZOO’s PRINT, Volume XXVI, Number 6, June 2011 1

Surely anyone with a heart for animal and man was deeply touched when they came to realize the severity and scope of the Tsunami that hit Japan last in April. Some newspapers and channels announced that some zoos had been very badly hit. I did not hear it from them; I heard it from a friend (Dr. Kanako) who is Japanese and deeply associated with JAZA, the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums. I had just written her an email about some trivial matter (compared to a Tsunami) and she actually replied with the information I wanted but wrote, very politely as is the custom of the Japanese, that she was “a little busy” with the Japanese Zoos and Aquariums that had been severely damaged.

Before I could turn on television, I received an email from Dr. Gerald Dick, Executive Director of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums WAZA who had picked up the news and was writing to ask Council Members what they thought of WAZA launching a fundraising campaign to help our colleagues and their animal charges in affected Japanese zoos and aquariums. An unqualified reply of “YES” from all and he had it organized and up on the WAZA website. In a day or two JAZA put up a similar campaign on their Association Website and also began collecting donations as the situation was dire, particularly for some animals. Zoos from all over the world contributed some amount including some of the zoos from South Asia. WAZA has included a project in its Corporate Vision 2020 to establish global emergency support for member institutions that have been affected by natural disasters. The criteria and parameters of this project have not been established as yet but that did not deter WAZA Council from stepping up to the plate to assist during this tragic event. The WAZA Executive Office quickly put an appeal on their website and got the word to members all over the world

Mr. Shigeyuki Yamamoto, Chair of JAZA kept in touch with zoos around the world with reports of damage and progress, despite how busy he was in dealing with various crises. He soon related that JAZA had a few reports from their member institutions about

damage of the 9.0 earthquake and tsunami. At that time there were reports of animals stranded in flooded enclosures and wreckage of facilities. The Japanese Zoo Association members cooperated with one another to provide immediate help … food, medicines, material needed to

evacuate the animals. The remainder of this feature article has been taken from communications from Mr. Yamamoto.

Around 14 April JAZA updated the bad news on their official Facebook page and also related their appreciation of

Zoos and Zoo Associations helping Japanese Zoos and Aquariums in a Terrible Crisis … from a collection of emails

Fukushima Aquarium after the Tsunami. Note damage in rectangle.

Fukushima aquarium was flooded to the second floor. All the staff were evacuated at third floor. Life support system broke down

and fishes died but marine mammals are still alive.

ZOO’s PRINT, Volume XXVI, Number 6, June 2011 2

the sympathy received. Their first ground truth was from the northern part of their country where there was enormous damage. In contacting their member zoos they learned that many aquariums in the Tohoku area were badly damaged. Since power was out and the country was in chaos it was difficult to get information…that was the first big challenge and there were more to come. Many zoos were in localities where their “lifeline” was not available to them, e.g., daily infrastructure equipment included energy facility, water supply facility, traffic facility or communication facility.

After some more days Mr. Yamamoto announced that 14 JAZA zoos and aquariums were damaged, worst cases nearby the locality where the nuclear facilities were located. He reported that the “Aquamarine Fukushima and Marinepia Matsushima Aquarium had the worst damage -- structural, electrical, and environmental. Also it was impossible to supply basic necessities like food, water, power etc. for the animals. The Association got transfer permission from their Ministry of Environment under the Act for Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora of all live species

including Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus), Steller Sea Lion (Eumetopias jubatus), Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), Common Murre (Uria aalge), and the Tufted Puffin (Fratercula cirrhata). These animals were moved from Aquamarine Fukushima by March 17th and also had transferred food to the affected zoos. Details of affected zoos are in Box 1.

By March 18 support to zoos included • Transfer of feed and materials to

Yagiyama Zoo, Akita Omoriyama Zoo, and Morioka Zoo.

• Immediate protection of animals - marine mammals and birds in Aquamarine Fukushima were transferred to Kamogawa Sea World, Ueno Zoo, Kasai Sea Life Park, Enoshima Aquarium, Izu Mito Sea Paradise.

• Establishment of the donation system for affected area and affected institutions

• Enhancement of information sharing inside and outside of Japan on website and Facebook.

• Ongoing Support and Future Planso Comprehending the details of

damageo Planning transfer of the required

feed and materials continuouslyo Planning of the appropriate

physical support damage, and urgent protection of animals

On April 20, 2011 the Association held the first JAZA meeting for the zoos and aquariums affected by Tohoku Earthquake at Yagiyama Zoological Park in Sendai, Miyagi. The affected institutions mentioned above joined together and exchanged opinions about restoration and reintegration, and the expectation to JAZA association. On 24 April the second JAZA meeting for facilities affected by Tohoku Earthquake was held at Kamine Zoo on April 24, 2011. The affected institutions attending this meeting were Hitachi City Kamine Zoo, Kiryugaoka Zoo, Aquamarine Fukushima and Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquarium. Shortly afterwards the JAZA Annual Conference took place in Okinawa and all of the Directors from 153 JAZA member institutions attended. JAZA administration shared the latest information in affected area and exchanged opinions for the restoration and reintegration of affected institution.

Marinepia Matsushima Aquarium. After the tsunami everything had become so dirty from the clay, it was such hard work for

the staff to clean everything.

Yet, they finished and re-opened the doors last month. The first day of reopening at Marinepia Matsushima Aquarium brought

many happy visitors.

ZOO’s PRINT, Volume XXVI, Number 6, June 2011 3

As of now donations for JAZA zoos affected by the disaster was (about USD US$ 65,465 as of May 20). JAZA announced it would continue to ask for donations until June 30 and in July they would distribute it suitably, establishing a committee to decide the intended application, criteria, time, and method of distribution for the affected zoos and aquariums will receive the donation and JAZA will continue to support them to go to the next stage.

The donor’s names and total amount can be seen on the public website of WAZA: http://www.waza.org/en/site/get-involved/donate-for-japan. On the site there is also a booklet of photos and captions telling what happened after the Tsunami. It is still possible to make a donation and still a need. Listed all donors till date here also.

Thanks to all donors. It is wonderful the ways the zoos, zoo associations and zoo personnel of the world came to the aid of a country in times of disaster.

Donor list up to 9 June.

Achtel Cornelia, ACOPAZOA Rafael Torres, American Association for Zoos educators, Armer Joan, Arno Claudia, Bayley Robert, Beall Frederick, Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, Bergen Aquarium Norway, Boehm Michael, Boyd Janice, Brinly Nancy, Buren Joseph, Carina Johann, Carter Kelsey, Caserma Sharon, Cash Jocelyn, Castillo Jennifer, Canadian Association of Zoos and Aqauriums, Cheng Wai Ki Rebecca, Chester Zoo, Chow Poh Soon,

Christy Matthew, Clements Lynn, Cloak Connie, Costelow Stephanie, Czipczer Attila, Dadone Liza, Dadone Ronnie, Dallas World Aquarium, Decelle Diomande Sophie, Deroual Benoît, Dick Gerald, Dixon Kim, Dunn Courtney, Dupree Eva, Dutton Lisa, Eaton Gail, Edberg Sunna, Ehmke Lee, Faust Kate, Fowler Diana & John, Gamp Monica, Gaffney Haley, Garries Brent, Gee Kathy, Graham Amber, Guaracini Sarah, Hajduchová Jana, Hankins Megan, Hays Cheryl, Holtman Leslie, Hunt Holly, Hunt RB, ISIS (International Species Information System), Jacksonville Zoological Society, Jacobs Nydia, Karabec Pavel, Kolmardens Djurpark, Kin Koryu, Kishaba Amy, Koplish Sara, Krueger Valerie, Kuklova Marcela, Lacy Robert, Lafler Mary Lou, Lind Meredith, Lion Country Safari, Long Sarah, Loro Parque, Low Kim Wah, Lubow Ikuko, Mandeville Francine, Masuga Becky, Mell Cheryl, Menard Marilee, Mendoza Miguel, Mericle Maria Romina, Miller Robert Eric, Mills Kevin, Morris Jennifer & Carlos, Münchener Tierpark Hellabrunn AG, Murphy Albert, Myers Carole, Neporova Daniela, Ogura Tadatoshi, Ooms Wim, Peeble Mary, Pevratil Julie, Pope Elizabeth, Reifschneider Linda, Reisinger Andreas, Rieden Debi, Rodriguez Jorge, Rubin Jane, Rude Susan, Rygwelski Sheila, SAZARC, SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, Schwartz Karin, Sixsmith Mark, Smith Mary D, Smith Shannon, Spencer Barbara, Spielmann Danielle, Stevenson Miranda, Stewart Penny, Tomonaga Masaki, Twycross Zoo, Uchikoshi Makiko, Ung Lee Hanae, Union of Czech and Slovak Zoos, Vander Linden Dan, Verduzco Doug, Vom Brauck Elke, Wagner Alexander, Wales Cheri, Wang Xin, Watanabe Keiko, Wellington Zoo Trust, Wong Staci, Zoo Landau in der Pfalz, Zoo Outreach Organisation, and Zucchet Lorna

Box 1: Facilities Damaged (as of March 14, 2011)Zoos:Akita Omoriyama Zoo (Akita, Akita) -- no damage on enclosures but difficulty for crucial supplies such as feed and also due to blackout. Morioka Zoological Park (Morioka, Iwate) - no damage on enclosures and animals but without power and water so difficult to get fuel and food. Yagiyama Zoological Park (Sendai, Miyagi) – No animal injuries or deaths. Buildings and parking lot need repair. Difficulty getting lifeline and feed. Nasu Animal Kingdom (Nasu, Tochigi) - damage on its hot spring facility and need to close temporarily.Kiryugaoka Zoo (Kiryu, Gunma) – cracks /damage on zoo pathways; glass of office buildings brokenHitachi City Kamine Zoo (Hitachi, Ibaraki)- blackout without water insufficient food; temporally closed but no damage on infrastructure and animals. Tobu Zoological Park (Minamisaitama, Saitama - no damage on animal facilities Aquariums:Chitose Salmon Museum (Chitose, Hokkaido)- some facilities damaged and fish killed.Aomori Prefectural Asamushi Aquarium (Aomori, Aomori) – temporary blackoutOga Aquarium GAO (Ojika, Akita) - blackout.Marinepia Matsushima Aquarium (Miyagi, Miyagi) – severe damage; floors flooded by tsunami; machine and electric room submerged but staff and animals are fine. In-house power generation.Aquamarine Fukushima (Iwaki, Fukushima)No human casualties including staff, volunteers, vendors, visitors in facility when tsunami hit. First floor of facility flooded & underground installation and electric system damaged. Massive damage on animals. Living animals transferred to Ueno zoo (Tokyo) and Kamogawa Sea World (Kamogawa, Chiba). All aquarium owned vehicles unusable due to damage.Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquarium (Higashiibaraki, Ibaraki) under blackout, but have in-house power generation; 4 parts of plumbing system broken. A part of parking lot is completely flooded. Staff are ok.Epson Aqua Stadium (Tokyo) - no human casualties; part of artificial rocks in the tube tank was broken.

ZOO’s PRINT, Volume XXVI, Number 6, June 2011 4

Editor’s Note : In the previous article we related how the world’s zoos and zoo employees stepped up to the plate when Japan’s zoos and aquariums suffered damage due to one of the most severe earthquakes and tsunami in centuries. In this article, it is amusing as well as touching how an orphaned baby mongoose in trouble could capture so much attention from so many individuals over 3 continents. Most of them were zoo people!

One day in April this year Ms Lynne Ainscough, Conservation & Education Directorate Secretary in charge of Guest Services at Chester Zoo in Great Britain got an urgent email from a British gentleman named Simon. Simon and colleagues had been working on a pipeline in Gujarat, India when they came upon a mongoose ‘nest’ with a tiny but living baby inside. Thinking the mother might return, they left the baby mongoose alone for some time. The baby mongoose cried for its missing mother for six hours but mama didn’t come back. The softhearted pipeline engineers, working in a remote corner far from zoos or animal care centers, collected the baby, rightly thinking that it would be prey for other animals if they left it alone. “None of us have a clue how to feed or care for it “ wrote Simon. “We have been feeding it milk with a syringe for the last six days and it appears to be surviving well, and has become very active & inquisitive. Its teeth haven’t come through yet. We must be doing something right, but what next!” The adoptive parents wanted advice on what solid food they need to feed it when teeth appeared.

Lynne wisely forwarded this urgent technical request to the zoo nutritionist Dr. Andrea Fidgett who jumped right on her computer, first congratulating Simon and his team on their mongoose parenting skills and praised the multiple photos of the baby. She also forwarded the request to some zoo-keepers who took care of mongoose at the zoo and collected information. She could tell Simon that mongoose mostly eat insects, small crustaceans, and earthworms – definitely solid food but can you imagine a team of pipeline workers running around chasing bugs and worms for their adopted pet. She also contacted a vet at Assam State Zoo.

Presently Andrea wrote Simon again with more advice. She had caught up with another of her colleagues, Penny Rudd, the zoo’s long term nanny,

having hand-reared hundreds of small furry mammals, including the famous field mice that were part of a system-atic reintroduction programme con-ducted by Chester and some other zoos a few years ago. (Yes, even field mice can become endangered.) Penny wrote back : “This baby looks pretty well developed so they just need to keep it on milk (from goats is best, followed by buffalo – avoid using cow’s milk if you can but any changes should be done slowly, over a couple of days) and then slowly introduce some insects and some very finely minced/chopped meat (with a bit of beaten raw egg to moisten it at first if that helps) once its teeth come through. My guess is that it will be pretty well weaned within the next 6-8 weeks or so.”

Andrea was still worried. Where would these guys get minced meat and raw egg yolk in the boonies while working on a pipeline? She sent another mail to me at Zoo Outreach Organisation

“Do you have any zoo or wildlife contacts in Gujarat that might be able to assist with this email query? It came via our zoo’s website, after Simon put ‘baby mongoose’ into an internet search engine and found a press release from last autumn about the birth of dwarf mongoose at Chester Zoo. They have been caring for the mongoose for ~10 days and it has imprinted on its human wet nurses already, so suggestions for long-term options would be most helpful.”

From a 9.0 Earthquake and tsunami to an orphan Baby Mongoose?Sally Walker1, Simon Brown2, R.K. Sahu3, Andrea Fidgett, Penny Rudd, Lynne Ainscough and Will Condliffe4

Infant Mongoose being fed by syringe

Monty Mongoose after some days - well developed!

1 ZOO, 2 British Engineer working in Gujarat, 3 Indian Zoo Director and Vet, Ahmedabed, India; 4 Staff of Chester Zoo.

ZOO’s PRINT, Volume XXVI, Number 6, June 2011 5

My suggestion was for Simon and other fathers to hand over the baby mongoose to a zoo as soon as possible, since it is a crime to possess wild animals in India without a permit. It is doubtful that the wildlife department would take punitive action in this case, since the pipeline crew were so obviously of good intent, but they still couldn’t keep the mongoose for the long term, both because of the law and because of their own situation.

I wrote back and suggested "Dr. R. K. Sahu" who is a vet and director at Ahmedabad Zoo who agreed to get in touch with Simon over email and do “whatever they could.”

About the same time we had another chapter from Simon, who wrote “Monty (the baby mongoose) is doing fine, so much so he freely wanders about the offices, actually Porta-cabins, and follows us about. Everybody has had to adopt a shuffling gait to avoid treading on him. There is no food problem since he has learned to take solids … ‘Scrambled-egg a la Moth’ is a favourite meal as he is more or less off Buffalo now. My reaction was not good : Buffalo ! what happened to the crustaceans! And Monty ! they named it … baaaaaddd sign! ... it usually means the animal has been turned into a pet!)

Simon continued : The biggest problem we have is what to do with him during the day when we are out and about on the pipeline. We tried taking him to the ‘field’ for a runabout to see how he reacts, but he just follows us around and appears to be fearless of bulldozers, excavators and trucks! Not the best play-toys for a tiny animal.

One of the local lads said his father has a farm with ‘partially’ tamed mongooses living in and about his home. We are going to take him there and see how he bears up... fingers crossed. In addition to photos, I’ve attached a few other details of the pipeline for your info. Monty was found towards the end of the pipeline near the Bhogat Terminal. Thanks & Regards, Simon.”

We thought that was end of story, and a very good end actually, but the next day Simon wrote that he was going back to UK for a couple of weeks and would update us when he got back. In the meantime Will Condliffe, Press Officer of Chester Zoo wrote to me to discuss an article on ‘how an international network of zoo’s came to the aid of Monty the mongoose’?! Knowing the soppy sentiments of the British about animals (God bless them! the Brits ... I feel that way about animals too...I thought it a good idea. I told him about Simons trip to UK and the potential new home for “Monty”, speculating that we might not have a dénouement for the story for some time yet.

Will and I agreed that the most spectacular aspect of this story is how agitated so many adults over three continental areas over a baby mongoose … in a good way.

Madras Crocodile Bank Trust’s New Director

We take great pleasure in introducing Colin Stevenson, the new Director of the Madras Crocodile Bank, who joins us this month. An Australian, Colin has been involved in crocodile conservation through the Crocodile Specialist Group for the past decade. Whilst in Australia, he owned and operated a zoo in New South Wales, as well as running an education-based reptile exposition, introducing school children to the world of crocodiles and other reptiles through his Crocodile Encounters. He continued Crocodile Encounters in the UK, whilst also getting more involved in CSG-related activities. He combines the qualities of an experienced administrator and educator, with an emphasis on crocodile conservation and a serious interest in scientific research, precisely what the Croc Bank needs!Croc Bank Team, Madras Crocodile Bank Trust/Centre for HerpetologyEmail: mcbtindia@gmail.com , Website: www.madrascrocodilebank.org

A very young monty waiting for his dinner. His savours did very well with him, wearing sanitary garments and keeping his feeding implements clean.

Monty is old enough to have his own bowl...no more bottles.

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In many developing regions, local breeds often are not efficient in terms of productivity, but they are well-adapted to local environmental conditions: climate, feed, diseases, parasites, etc. They are able to survive where improved breeds from temperate countries cannot do so without expensive treatments or protective measures (protective shelters, heating/cooling, heavy use prophylactic treatment with anti-biotics). In general, local livestock breeds tend to be more in balance with their environment. As some traditional breeds are small in size, these animals need less feed than improved breeds (FAO). To corroborate this statement, there is a local breed in Kerala that has all of these qualities and is called Vechur cattle.

In India, 29 important local breeds of cattle are recognized (Singh. R. R., 2006) and their breeding tracts are confined to certain regions of the state, or more than one state, or only in a district of the State. For example the Umblachery cattle are found only in Thanjavur district of Tamilnadu. Gir Cattle is found only in Saurashtra region of Gujarat. Mewati cattle is found in Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh States. Likewise all the other cattle belongs to a certain part of our country and are not widespread throughout the country. These cattle types are adapted to particular regions with various environmental conditions.

The most recent calendar of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) themed ‘Cattle Breeds of India’, and published by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) features pictures of 30 breeds including Vechur cattle (Table 1). The thirty recognized breeds in India constitute around 20 per cent of the country’s total cattle population.

On 14 May 2011 this writer, Mr. B. Rathinasabapathy and Dr. M. Manoharan, visited the Vechur Cattle Breeding Centre which is located at the campus of Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur. The objective of the visit was to know more about the efforts of the university to save this local breed from the verge of extinction especially by Dr. Sosamma Iype, Retd., Professor of Animal Breeding and Genetics and her other colleagues. In this facility, efforts also are undertaken to save the following breeds : Kasargod cattle, Malabari and Attappady Goats, Ankamali pigs, and Kuttanadu ducks.

Preservation of India’s local livestock germplasm: Vechur Cattle R. Marimuthu*

Map showing home tract of Vechur cattle *Education Officer, ZOO, marimuthu@zooreach.org

Vechur cow at the shed

Beautiful calf stand behind the mother

Vechur bull housed in another shed

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The objectives of the project are: insurance for the future; for scientific studies; to preserve the local breeds; to preserve the heritage and culture; for a farmer who cannot afford sophisticated management practices but need milk for home consumption.

The Vechur cattle is said to have originated in Vechur, a small place near Vaikom in Kottayam district of south Kerala. Vechur breed are very popular because their milk production is higher and the milk and butter sweeter than that of some other other local breeds. Mr. T. K. Velu Pillai wrote about this cow in Travancore State Manual of 1940. These cows are very much liked by the farmers because of their extremely small size, low feed requirement, good adaptation and high disease resistance. They have varied colouration, e.g., light red, black, white and grey.

Vechur cow has a long tail and its coat is smooth and glossy. The cow weighs about 95-150 Kg and bull weighs about 130-200 kg. Height is: cow 81-91cm and bull 83-105 cm. Humps are very prominent in bulls. Milk of this cow was considered having high medicinal values and it is extensively used in Ayurvedic medicine.

In the 1980’s the breed was on the verge of disappearing altogether and most people thought it had completely vanished. Dr. Sosamma and her colleagues work voluntarily and passionately to bring back these cattle to public attention. Her team fervently hunted for the animals for months through their “Save Vechur Cattle Campaign”. Her proposal for preservation of the germplasm of Vechur cows was accepted by the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) and funded by them in the initial stage. Later, it was funded by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). They bought the animals wherever they could find them. In 1989, Sosamma’s students refurbished an old shed to house these animals. The unit was started with 4 cows, 1 heifer, 2 bull calves and a bull. In the meantime the search for animals continued in full swing by the team, and the number of animals had increased to 24 within a year.

In 1998, nine years after the establishment of the breeding programme, the numbers of animals multiplied due to best management practices and they sold out about 30 animals for establishing some other field units to propagate the breed further. These field units got necessary technical advice and semen from the Kerala Agricultural University. At the time of our visit we recorded the stock list of Vechur cattle as of 26 November 2010: Adults - 59 cows in which 11 were pregnant, 28 not pregnant, 04 heifers, 15 breeding bulls, 01 young bull and 20 calves in which 10 males and 10 females, a total of 79 animals.

Trichur people are very happy to have taken up the preservation of Vechur cattle breed and they are very proud to keep them. They are happy to have the these cattle because of the milk yield by the cows is more than enough for a family’s consumption, and because managing them doesn’t require sophisticated equipment. Without the people’s participation these result could not have been achieved so the output of the project is indebted to the collaboration between KAU and the public. Still, breeding is going on at the centre scientifically and animals are being sold to the public. If one wants Vechur cattle, he has to register with the centre. There is a waiting list and it will take about 5 years to get a cow from the centre. Because of this effort to preserve the breed, Vechur cow has now attracted international respect and consideration. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has listed Vechur cattle among the Indian breeds in their Domestic Animal Diversity Information System. The World Watch List of

Domestic Animal Diversity, also published by the FAO, has listed Vechur cattle under the category of Critical Breeds, meaning nearly wiped out.

The acclaim of saving these cattle from dying out goes to the effort undertaken by the Kerala Agriculture University. Had they not begun the programme in 1989, the Vechur cattle might have vanished the Indian local breeds list. Kudos to Dr. Sosamma and her colleagues who were involved in the project from the beginning until today. The Vechur Conservation Association which was active from the beginning was registered as a public trust in 1998 called the Vechur Conservation Trust, dedicated to the cause of domestic animal diversity conservation in Kerala.

Acknowledgements: First of all, I would like to thank Madam Sally Walker who ignited my interest on this species and gave permission to visit this center and asked me to write an article about the Vechur based on my visit. Secondly, my profound thanks goes to Dr. Sosamma Iype for the arrangement she had made for us to see the centre even on holiday and sharing her and her colleagues experiences to save this rare breed from dying out. Overall both of them helped to make our visit as a fruitful and created interest to know more about other Indian local breeds and consecutively to start a blog on Indian Indigenous Cattle.

BibliographySingh, Rana Ranjit (2006). Biodiversity of indigenous cattle and its utility. The Indian Cow, April-June 2006.Pp29-37http://www.fao.org/ag/againfo/programmes/en/lead/toolbox/Tech/37Breed.htmhttp://www.vechur.org/ http://pib.nic.in/feature/feyr2000/fmay2000/f040520001.html http://dad.fao.org/ http://www.fao.org/docrep/009/x8750e/x8750e00.htm http://www.nbagr.res.in/cattle.html Dr. Sosamma Iype, Personal Communication

Sl. No. Name of Breed Name of Resident States1 Amritmahal Karnataka2 Bachaur Bihar 3 Bargur Tamilnadu4 Dangi Maharashtra & Madhya Pradesh5 Deoni Maharashtra and Karnataka6 Gaolao Maharashtra & Madhya Pradesh7 Gir Gujarat8 Hallikar Karnataka9 Hariana Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan10 Kangayam Tamilnadu11 Kankrej Gujarat and Rajasthan12 Kenkatha Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh13 Kherigarh Uttar Pradesh14 Khillar Maharashtra and Karnataka15 Krishna Valley Karnataka16 Malvi Madhya Pradesh17 Mewati Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh18 Nagori Rajasthan19 Nimari Madhya Pradesh20 Ongole Andhra Pradesh21 Ponwar Uttar Pradesh22 Punganur Andhra Pradesh23 Rathi Rajasthan24 Kandhari Maharashtra25 Red Sindhi On organized farms only26 Sahiwal Punjab and Rajasthan27 Siri Sikkim and West Bengal28 Tharparkar Rajasthan29 Umblachery Tamilnadu30 Vechur Kerala

Table 1. Cattle breeds of India

ZOO’s PRINT, Volume XXVI, Number 6, June 2011 8

ZOO joined hands with Cognizant’s Administration team, Coimbatore to celebrate World Environment day 2011 at Cognizant Coimbatore Cognizant Campus CCC – Special Economic Zone SEZ Campus along with their strategic vendor partners and their family members on 4th June. The objective was to personalize environmental issues and enable everyone to realise their responsibility and also their power to become agents for change in support of sustainable development. This is the first time the company organized WED programme for their employees, of which about 100 employees and their family members were invited. There were about 350 people of all age group gathered for the one-day event. The entire programme was organized in the regional language (Tamil) to ensure the message reached a wider audience.

The content of the programme was presented through power point presentations, as well as songs, stories, skits played involving participants. The objective was to personalize environmental issues and enable and also their power to become agents for change in support of sustainable development; to create awareness among common public on the impacts of deforestation and forest degradation.

World Environment Day this year is hosted by India with a theme ‘Forest: Nature at your service’. The theme highlights the benefits of forests towards human wellbeing, as well as the imperative to conserve them. The UN declared year 2011 as the International Year of Forests and WED supported this global concern. The WED initiated by United Nations in 1972, is celebrated globally and this year it is celebrated widely.

Forests play an important role in the ecosystem and provide services for all the life on earth. Forests are the most diverse ecosystem on land and provide shelter, food, security, air that we breath and culture for people who depend on forests. We destroy the very forests we need to live and breath. Just because forests are destroyed, many species become extinct. Loss of forest is an irreversible process.

The programme started at 9 am with rallies started at different places around the campus area and gathered at CCC – SEZ campus. These were organized by the volunteers of Cognizant’s administration team to popularize WED among the society. After the rally they gathered at the campus and planted about 300 saplings in memory of the day. The rest of the day was spent learning and

discussing eco-friendly environment strategies which should be adopted day to day.

Mr. Sundaram and Ms. Nithya from Cognizant welcomed the gathering and introduced the ZOO team. Ms. Nithya briefed the guests about the prorgamme. Dr. B.A. Daniel introduced the topic, stating that World

Cognizant, an Industry in Coimbatore, host their Employees and Kids at WED 2011 with help of Zoo Outreach Organisation, CoimbatoreB.A. Daniel*

Group photo of participants enjoying the handouts from ZOO

Company workers appreciate posters

* Scientist, ZOO. badaniel@zooreach.org

ZOO’s PRINT, Volume XXVI, Number 6, June 2011 9

Environment Day has been celebrated every year since 1972 to bring in positive environmental action creating worldwide awareness of the environment and also create ways for political attention and action. June 5th is the climax of the WED activities that took place all year round involving all around the world. The poster developed by ZOO used graphics from UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) a global host and sponsor of WED was distributed to the audience. The theme of WED 2011 ‘Forests: Nature at your service’. Daniel also lead the audience with a group folk song about ‘Tree’ that explained how all life on earth is interlinked. Reasons for decline of forest were discussed through a power point.

Children participated in skits and demonstrated the need to grow trees, keep the environment clean and the need for awareness about environment. It is important to know that every individual has the responsibility to contribute for a positive impact on the environment. ZOO made copies of WED Website’s ABC’s as a brochure that had simple tasks that can be carried out in daily life. Participants read out some of the simple tasks and promised to follow them. During the programme the concept of ‘Roof garden’ was introduced by way of demonstration by Mr. Vincent Paul, who has 30 years of experience in Green top technology.

About 150 wildlife photographs taken by Dr. R. Tolstoy were displayed. Prize coupons were awarded to the winners of different contests by Mrs. P.S.K. Sasikala. The kids were provided with crayons and chocolates as token of appreciation. At the end of the programme the children took pledge to help keep the environment clean and tidy. They also received saplings to plant in their neighbourhood. The programme ended with a vote of thanks by Mr. M. Gopalakrishnan, Head of Operations- Administration, Cognizant, Coimbatore.

Employees’ kids enjoyed the poster and will take it home and the school

Best participants receiving gifts from the organisers

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For the first time, India is the global host for World Environment Day (WED) 2011 which has been themed “Forest: Nature at your Service”. On that day, United Nations Environment Programme UNEP aims to stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and encourages political attention and action. WED is a day for people from all walks of life to come together to learn how a cleaner, greener and brighter outlook for themselves and future generations can be achieved.

To celebrate this day, Nilgiri Biosphere Nature Park, (NPNB), Anaikatti coordinating with of Zoo Outreach Organisation organized a programme at their park with Le Meridien Hotel for their staff. Le Meridien, an eco-friendly hotel in the city took this initiative to raise awareness amongst their staff as well as students. About 60 Hotel Staff with their General Manager, Mr. Sanjay Gupta and 50 PSGR Krishnammal College and school students with three teachers enthusiastically participated in the programme. The hotel sponsored student’s entry fees at the park, provided a very nice t-shirt to all the students, purchased 50 saplings to plant at the park with the students and food and snacks for the students.

The hotel staff and students were welcomed by the park staff who briefly related the history and major characters of the park. It was establishment in 1986 and has been actively supported and promoted by well known industrialists and philanthropists of Coimbatore. Successful restoration work has been done on barren land in the park premises. Over 25000 trees of 430 species, 85 of them native to Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve area, have been planted since the inception of the Park. This ecological restoration attracts over 100 species of birds, 20 species of reptiles, 22 species of amphibians, 18 species of mammals, and a number of invertebrates. The participants were taken inside the park to plant saplings. The students and hotel staff planted 50 saplings in different areas of the park. This experience created a memorable experience and created a feeling that they are part of the conservation mission to save forests. After that they were taken inside the park in groups

with each group being handled by the NBNP & ZOO staff. They walked through the park following the Nature Trail (about 1.2 km). The Nature trail covers amphibian pond, biodiversity hut, invertebrates hut, reptile and bird hut and medicinal plant hut and also thorn forest zone, evergreen zone, fish bond, herbal garden, pollinator garden, xerophytes plants garden, mist chamber and shade areas. At all points

of interest on the nature trail NBNP and ZOO hosts explained the plants and animals to their satisfaction and understanding.

The participants very much liked this nature trail and their overall comment about the park was that it is fabulous

Le Meridien Hotel, Krishnammal College & School, Nilgiri Biosphere Nature Park and Zoo Outreach Organisation partner and celebrate World Environment Day (WED) 2011 R. Marimuthu*

* Education Officer, ZOO. marimuthu@zooreach.org

Le Meridien staff planting sapling at NBNR site

Students with the signature campaign cloth

ZOO’s PRINT, Volume XXVI, Number 6, June 2011 11

to visit and see conservation of naturebeing done. Some of the senior staff of the hotel were provided with ZOO’s WED kits and they liked it very much. They left the park with great memories.

Afternoon ProgrammeIn the afternoon, the PSGR Krishnammal College and school students were brought back to the college and we conducted an education programme using ZOO’s World Environment Day special kits. The same 60 students, in which 37 were school students studying 10 Std and13 college students studying 1st year degree and all are belong to the Eco-club of the institution. There were three teachers. We have to appreciate the students and teachers attended this long programme on a school holiday.

In the first part of the afternoon programme, the students were briefed about the WED history, such as when it

was started and where, why they selected India as the global host for this year’s WED celebration. Further they were told about the Forest Survey of India and its statistics on Indian forested area, including the percentage of forest cover in Tamil Nadu and other states of India. The importance of forests was conveyed to participants in an explanation. They learned that the forest cover is one third of land mass and it plays a vital role in the battle against climate change, releasing oxygen into the atmosphere while storing carbon dioxide. Approximately 1.6 billion people directly depend upon forests for their survival. More than 50% cities in the world obtain water from the forest water catchment areas. The forests are home to more than half of the terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects. At the same time, global deforestation continues at alarming rate and every year 13 million forests are destroyed. Participants were encouraged to do whatever they can do to save the forests.

A brief note about Nilgiri Biosphere Nature Park was communicated highlighting the noble cause of saving plants. WED special kits developed by ZOO and sponsored by several donors around the world were distributed. Participants went through the posters including an A.B. C. brochure and packet folder cum sticker, etc. They were very happy to see the materials. Then Resource Persons took the group through the materials to insure understanding. The front side of the poster featured a colourful logo of WED 2011 and the selection of India wildlife appeared on it as well. Students identified the animals, two of which they saw in the morning at NBNP site, e.g., tiger centipede and leopard gecko. They were given time to read the information on the poster to understand what services forests provide to all living organisms. They went through the WED A.B.C.S brochure also and this created an opportunity for a game. We selected some letters and if participant name started with the letter, she was asked to stand up and read that particular point. They quickly learned the few simple steps that would easily green their daily routine and make good eco behavior into a habit! Green is forest friendly!. Both students and teachers told us that they really enjoyed the tree planting, NBNP visit and this education awareness programme.

We like to thank Madam Mrs. Nandini Rengaswamy who helped in organizing these two events even on the holiday and schools are reopening only on 15 June 2011 after the summer vocation. The programme was conducted and coordinated by Mr. B. Rathina-sabapathy, Project Coordinator, R.Munusamy, Murugesan, Ram Sundar, Sampath Kumar, Ponnusamy of NBNP, R. Marimuthu, Dr. B. A. Daniel and Brawin Kumar of ZOO and teachers Mrs. Amuthavalli, Mrs. S. Nagamani and Mrs. S. Thenmozhichelvi.

A student going through the ABC's of WED brochure

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Nature Awareness programme conducted at Science Center, Pilikula MangalorePilkula Regional Science Center Society, Mangalore organized a two-day Nature Awareness program on 28-29 April, 2011, for student teachers with the financial support of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board. Mr Jagannath, Education Officer, PRSC, coordinated the programme.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the auditorium of the Science Center Building at 09:30 am. Prof. Kurian, Principal, ALVA’S College; Moodbedri; inaugurated the programme. Dr. K V Rao, Director, Pilikula Regional Science Center Society, Mangalore presided over the function. The inaugurator discussed the “Significance of biodiversity preservation for sustainable outlook”. The address outlined the role of laypersons in various kinds of conservation efforts. This was followed by a speech by the president who took on the obligation of such trainings for enhancing Nature consciousness.

The first session with a lecture on “Biodiversity Conservation” by Shri Ramakrishna Marati, Scientific Officer, Pilikula Nisargadhama Society, followed by a lecture of Prof. Shruta Keertiraj who spoke on “Renewable source of Energy”. The second session featured a lecture on “Genetically Modified Food” by Prof. Venkatkrishna Rao, ALVA’S College followed by the visit to Arboretum. In the evening session, nature movies were run to spotlight present environmental concerns. Second day of the camp started with Nature Walk, a trekking activity conducted under the supervision of Sri Ramakrishna Marati. This was followed by excursion to Dr. Shivaram Karanth Biological Park, Pilikula.

The educational resources, provided by Zoo Outreach organization, were immeasurably supportive in the subsequent session of the camp consisting of Biodiversity Quiz and Theme based street play. The participants were categorized into three groups and each group consisted of twenty students. Groups were named amphibian, mammals and biodiversity. Mr. K. K. Singh, Curator, PRSC along with Mr Jagannath, Educational Officer and Mr. Victor,

Technical Assistant solicited Biodiversity quiz to the participants. It was followed by theme based unspoken play in which each group was given a biodiversity theme and they were invited to enact the same on stage, while the other groups had to divulge the whole subject of the play. Participants were delighted to engage in recreation as animals on a stage show. Afterwards each set of the educational resources were given to them.

Pilikula Regional Science Center Society is extremely thankful for these educational supports provided by Zoo

Outreach organization. Submitted by Dr. K. V. Rao, Director, Pilikula Regional Science Center Society, Mangalore, Karnataka. Email: kvrao_44@yahoo.com

Climate change programme at Government High school, Bamboo BazaarAbout 25 students from 9th standard participated in the programme. The students were told what is ailing the planet namely Climate Change as a result of Greenhouse gases and how we, as individuals, are contributing to it. The students were given, the 'Living

Education Reports

Student who took part in the street play

Performing the street play about biodiversity

ZOO’s PRINT, Volume XXVI, Number 6, June 2011 13

with Climate Change', 'The Greenhouse Gas Guardian and the Greenhouse Gas Ghost' was used. They were asked to list different pollutants and they replied the factories, vehicle and burning of plastics and leaves in winters. Greenhouse gases are useful, but we are producing them at an astonishing rate so how are they affecting the present climate. They were requested to monitor the temperature for a year and they themselves could figure out the rise in temperature. They were told, that it was every individual's responsibility rather than asking Government to bring with polices for betterment of climate change and how each of us could contribute in reducing the Greenhouse gases and encouraged to grow trees in their school campus. Children wore masks and identified themselves with the masks they got, while they enjoyed tying rakhis to each other, but not before taking an oath to learn more about the Climate Change. I thank the Headmistress and the students of the Government High School, Bamboo bazaar, Mysore, Zoo Outreach Organisation, and Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore. Submitted by: Tanuja DH, Assistant Programme Manager, Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore, Karnataka. Email: tanujadh@gamil.com

Amphibian awareness programme at Viveka Tribal Centre for Learning, HosahalliAt about 50 kmts, from Mysore, is the beautiful village called Hosahalli in Heggadevanakote taluk of Mysore. This village has a special school, called Vivek Tribal Centre for Learning, run by Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM), Mysore. As the name suggests, this school is for the tribal children. The school is set right besides forest and is very, very well designed.

The audience was 7 grade students on 7 August 2010. The students were asked what they thought about frogs and what was the first things that comes to their mind, when the word 'frog ' was mentioned. Girls, reacted in revulsion and said, they were slimy and not pleasant, while boys thought frogs were ok and they could live with them. When they were asked if they had caught any few of the boys hands went up, while girls looked at each other and giggled and said 'no' in unison. While few of the boys had killed a few, when asked' why?', they

Children with masks

Students hopped like frogs

Tying rakhi and pledging to mitigate climate change

ZOO’s PRINT, Volume XXVI, Number 6, June 2011 14

said that frogs coming inside a house is a sign of bad omen, because snakes follow them, although this might sound logic, but they were told that frogs need not be killed, but could always be driven out. Just then we heard a toad croak, and all the students got excited and brought the toad inside the class. This was a nice opportunity to show the skin, the fore and hind legs, and best of all to tell the difference between a toad and a frog. The students were given amphibian education packets, while many wore mask and croaked and hopped like frogs, they ended with tying rakhi and taking a pledge that would not kill amphibians. Thanks to Headmaster and students of Vivek Tribal Centre for Learning, Hosahalli, Mysore, Mr.Ramesh Kikkeri, Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement, for introducing me to this beautiful learning place, Zoo Outreach Organisation , Coimbatore for materials and Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore. Submitted by: Tanuja DH, Assistant Programme Manager, Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore, Karnataka. Email: tanujadh@gamil.com.

Nature Awareness programme in CoimbatoreWe successfully conducted a nature awareness program at Vivekalaya Matriculation School, Trichy Road, Coimbatore on 22.01.2011. A total of 53 students and 3 teachers participated in this program. The students belonged to the 8th and 9th Standards. We had a presentation on the Western Ghats followed by a short wildlife movie, Save our Sholas, after which we had a discussion session. The students were completely engrossed in the program and were also informed of the work done by Zoo Outreach Organization. The students were told about human elephant coexistence, the need to save amphibians and also the invertebrate species tarantula. Students were provided with elephant and amphibian kits from Zoo Outreach organisaton along with the tarantula posters and the amphibian art book. The students look forward to more such programs in future and have taken a decision to support the cause for wildlife. Submitted by: S. Suraj Kumaar, The DiscoverWild Foundation, Coimbatore. Email: discoverwild@gmail.com

Tirupur hosts a Nature Awareness programmeA nature awareness program was conducted at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Devanurpudur, near Udumalpet, Tirupur District on 31 January 2011. Seventy three girl students and 2 teachers participated in this program. The students belonged to the 11th Standard. We had a short wildlife movie, save our Sholas by Mr.

Shekar Dattatri in Tamil, after which we had a discussion session. The students were also informed of the work done by Zoo Outreach Organization and conducted education programme with the material from Zoo Outreach Organisation. Submitted by: Mr. Murugesan, Conservation photographer, Coimbatore. Email: murugeskovai@gmail.com

Tirupur students holding ‘don’t feed monkeys’ placard

Students are committing themselves for Amphibian conservation

Coimbatore students enjoying wearing maks and holding placards

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APOWA’s Animal Welfare Fortnight celebration in OdishaThis year APOWA conducted four programmes: Mega animal treatment camp, Students and Teacher’s orientation programme, Street play, Educational competitions among school students.

A mega animal treatment camp was organized at Hatapatana on 15-16 January 2011. In total 468 animals (both stray and domestic) were treated for veterinary problems and 342 animals were vaccinated. All the team members however worked very hard to keep up with the large numbers of animals presented at the camp. Vaccination of village dogs against rabies was an additional goal of the camp. In total 64 stray dogs were vaccinated against Anti Rabies. The junior group and Karuna club members of APOWA performed street play and took up the challenge of getting the message of animal welfare. The play attracted participation of many people, school and college students who enthralled the audience with their performances. As the teams were entertaining the audience with their performances, in the process they were also effectively putting across the various factors of animal issues and to protest against cruelty towards animals, especially strays.

On 25th January teachers & students orientation programme was organized at Ucha Siksha Srama Arua Kadaliban High School. Animal welfare was the main subjects discussed. The session was more interactive with the students

giving their inputs throughout the programme. Students took oath to save animals and rescue animals in distress and also promised that they will never torture an animal. An essay competition was held among different groups of school students where different themes were given like ‘role of students on animal welfare, compassion to animal, save birds and its habitat etc. More than 200 students from different schools & classes were participated. The programme was conducted at Panchayat High School, Gogua on 28th January. In the afternoon session, an educational programme was organized at the school premises. The programme was attended by a wide range of resource persons such as school teachers, forest and animal welfare personnel, and

members of APOWA. Submitted by Bijaya Kumar Kabi, APOWA, Hatapatana, Odisha. Email:mail@apowa.org

TATA Zoological Park celebrates Wildlife WeekThe wildlife week 2010 has been celebrated by the Zoo from 05-10

October, 2010. Tata Steel Zoological Park, Jamshedpur celebrates Wildlife Week, every year, this year it has also celebrated with the same enthusiasm. The Celebration was inaugurated on 05

October, 2010. About 910 students from 35 Schools have participated in different programme during the celebrations. (Essay Writing Competition-135 from 21 Schools, Best Eco Club Teacher Award- 14 from 14 Schools, Debate-30 from 15 Schools, Fancy dress- about 150 and Drawing Competition). The entire Prize winner has been honored by Case, trophy or moments and given Certificate to the winners. A great support was received from Zoo Outreach Organization, SMV Beverages PEPSI, Chhaganlal Dayaljee, Mr. K. N. Venkat, Mr. Lions Club of Jamshedpur, Rotary Club of Jamshedpur Steel City, Inner Wheel Club of Jamshedpur and many more other Social Organizations of the city. The Tata Steel Zoological Park thankful to al the sponsor, donors and all other supporters for the join hand directly or indirectly for the celebration. Submitted by Mr. S. K. Mahato, Curator, TATA Zoological Park, Jharkhand. Email: skmahato196@rediffmail.com

Karuna club members insisting animal welfare through street play

A creative young participant keen in drawing

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Hoolock Gibbon awareness programme at MaduraiHoolock Gibbon Awareness programme was organised by SAM school on 21.2.11, sponsored by Zoo Outreach Organization. The chief guest Mr. S. Kannan , sub-postmaster palanganatham, Madurai, inaugurated the function. The programme was carried out in two sessions. The first session was an introductory talk by the resource person, Mrs. Jessie Jeyakaran, member, ZOO’s Educator Network (ZEN), and a member of World Biodiversity Club. The main aim of the programme was to give awareness to the world in order to protect the Western Hoolock Gibbon which is declared as one of the world’s 25 most Endangered Primate species 2006 – 2008 and 2008 -2010, and to release the special cover on Hoolock Gibbon by the chief guest.

Mrs. Jessie Jeyakaran related that the gibbons play an important role in dispersing seeds to propagate fruit trees flowers and other plants, but these animals as they are facing a serious threats and will not survive as species unless human beings help them. Threats of habitat decline for human development, forest destruction for human commerce, intensive and insensitive cultivation and loss of quality of habitat all hurt their homes, potential food supply and survival. When these Gibbons live in small numbers close to human habitation they are often persecuted by local people, dogs, capture for food or pets. On the basis of these facts immediate measures such as updated and detailed studies, intensive habitat protection, movement of isolated population and other dramatic steps, are required of governments forest agencies local communities and NGOs in order to curb decline. The programme was supported by technical session where in the Gibbon pictured Rakhies, head band and the mask were given to the students to inform the public about the awareness of the decline rate of Gibbons.Zoo Outreach Organisation was explained to students for the world. In India – Wildlife Areas Development and Wildlife Trust, Guwahati, Gibbon conservation Centre, Guwahati Assam, Primate Research Centre, Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Information was collected by the press reporter along with the photos and has been published on the next day’s daily news paper dated 22.2.11.

Climate Change and Bio Diversity programme at New Life Development Community CollegeNew Life Development Community College, Chennai is conducting skill development training such as DTP, DHA, fashion design and garment making for the unprivileged youths. Rev. D. Mohan, the founder, Rev. Pursothaman, Director SWD and Mrs. Mary Revathi Jesaudoss, Principal encouraged the students in community participation. In this regard one day program on climate change and bio diversity was conducted to nearly seventy students with lecture, interactive and audio visual sessions. Mrs. Jessie Jeyakaran, Member CCN introduced and elucidated the topic climate change. The first session on climate change was interesting and the participants viewed the PPT prepared by Dr. B. A. Daniel ZOO Outreach Organization. The definitions for weather, climate, and temperature were clearly explained. They were thrilled to hear the various unfavorable conditions which are going to be happened especially around India.

The free educational packets received from ZOO Outreach Organization on living with climate change and amphibians were explained and given to the students. They tied the rakhi with one another, holding the placard with wearing the mask. Students came to know more from the information booklet and enacted short play as green house gas guardian and frog’s

guardian. With the knowledge gained, the second CD on species and climate change dragged them to know more about the effects of climate change to certain species around the world. The next power point presentation was on India’s environment issues and approaches revealed about the richness of natural resources in India.

The students commented about the programme that the PPT on climate change was educative, systematic, informative, interesting and clearly stated. Hats off to ZOO as this PPT was viewed by the deserving students who will spread the message to the community. The following were committed as their future follow up to mitigate Climate Change. WEHAB; Water - save water, Energy - shift to CFL, save energy practices; Health - behavioral shift to consume vegetables and fruits; Agriculture - developing bio manure pit and eco garden; Biodiversity - creating awareness about frog.

For spontaneous answers Jason, Packiaraj and Kalaiarasi received greeting cards printed by ZOO, along with amphibian pamphlets. All the participants’ whole heartedly thanked Ms. Sally Walker, Dr. B. A. Daniel and Mr. Marimuthu for the wonderful effort they have taken. The day’s program came to an end with vote of thanks proposed by the Principal. Submitted by: Ms. Jessie Jeyakaran, Chennai. Email: jessyjey@rediffmail.com

Ms. Jessie Jayakaran explaining about climate change

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The Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh (WTB) received a top honorary National Award “Bangabandhu Award for Wildlife Conservation” recently, 1st June, 2011. This national award was born in 2010 to recognize and inspire people and organizations for wildlife conservation.

Professor Dr. Md. Anwarul Islam, Chief Executive, WTB, collected the award on behalf of WTB from Hon. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the inauguration ceremony of National Tree Plantation Camp and Tree Fair-2011, arranged by the Ministry of Environment and Forest.

Why this award for WTB? WTB is a registered non-profit and non-governmental organization started its journey in 2003. The mission of WTB is to Protect the National Heritage of Bangladesh, and WTB’s aims are to conserve the country’s biological diversity and put Bangladesh on the road to attaining sustainability. Moreover, it also aims to communicate the values of conservation and sustainable development practices.

WTB has involved itself with different activities like educational programs, research, training and public awareness programs for wildlife conservation focusing endangered and critically endangered species.

Some key achievements of WTB include: (i) initiating the Bangladesh Tiger Action Plan (BTAP)

with Forest Department to conserve critically endangered Tigers in the Sundarbans;

(ii) tiger and prey survey, research and monitoring; (iii) tackling tiger human conflict by assembling Tiger

Response Teams (TRT) and providing training to the field staff of the Forest Department;

(iv) training on techniques and awareness raising to conserve elephants in Bangladesh;

(v) incrementing education and research on endangered species like hoolock gibbon and Asiatic black bear;

(vi) establishment of ‘Noazesh Knowledge Centre’, the first knowledge centre in Bangladesh for nature conservation study.

Chief Executive, Wildlife Trust of Bangladesh, Md. Anwarul Islam is Professor, Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka. He commented upon getting the award: “This award is the achievement of whole WTB team for their dedication and commitment for wildlife conservation. Receiving the honorary award, WTB team members are highly inspired to continue doing great work for wildlife conservation.”

Bangladesh NGO gets National Award -“Bangabandhu Award for Wildlife Conservation”

Dr. Md. Anwarul Islam receiving the award and the medal

WTB team with the award

ZOO’s PRINT, Volume XXVI, Number 6, June 2011 18

In a world first, Twycross Zoo – East Midland Zoological Society has put its closely referenced scientific and veterinary information into the public domain in a move designed to dramatically improve well-being in wildlife throughout the world.

The Wildpro® Multimedia Website – an electronic encyclopaedia and library~ contains a vast amount of scientific information that has been collated over 20 years and for the first time is freely available to wildlife professionals, academics and other interested parties. The information is likely to be particularly valuable in remote developing countries, where access to libraries and similar information resources is very limited.

“There is no doubt that having this information freely available will change the way wildlife, captive and free-ranging, is treated and managed” said Dr. Suzanne Bordman, CEO at Twycross Zoo. “This information resource encourages an approach to disease prevention and investigation, which considers the interaction between the animal host, the pathogen and the environment in producing either health or disease, and supports logical thinking and decision making”.

For further information, please contact lain Boardman, Chief Executive, Wildlife Information Network, The Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU. Tel : +44 07768 408 486. Email: infor@wildlifeinformation.org. Visit the Website at www.wildlifeinformation.org.

Wildlife Information Network is now part of Twycross Zoo-East Midland Zoological Society a registered charity No. 501841.

The Wildlife Information Network (WIN) is a charity dedicated to making information on the health and management of captive and free-ranging wild animals, and emerging infectious diseases, available to wildlife professionals and decision –makers worldwide. WIN was set up in 1992 and became registered UK charity (No. 1048059) in 1995. It is now part of Twycross Zoo, East Midland Zoological Society a registered charity No. 501841.

Wildlife Information Network would like to thank the Charity’s main sponsors, past and present :African Association of Zoos and Aquaria, Albuquerque Biological Park, Balcombe Trust, The Bank of New York Mellon, Bayer Animal Health (UK & Germany), British Airways, British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Celia Haddon, City Bridge Trust Corporation of the City of London, Colchester Zoo, Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, Dennis Curry Charitable Trust, Department for International Development, English Nature, Edna Smylie Memorial Fund, Environment Agency, European Association of Zoo and Wildlife Veterinarians, First Great Western, Fort Dodge Animal Health, Genitrix Ltd, Great North Eastern Railway, Haggie Financial, Humane Society of the United States, HSBC Holdings plc, International Fund for Animal Welfare, International Media Services, Intervet International bv, Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Marsh Christian Trust, Matthew Eyton Animal Welfare Trust, Merial Animal Health Limited, North of England Zoological Society, Olympus Optical Co(UK) Limited, Rabbit Welfare Fund.

Wildpro Open Access Press Launch Sponsored by: Bayer HealthCare Animal Health

Announcement : Access to Wildlife Information set to Revolutionise Animal Care -- From Twycross Zoo’s Press Release dated 25 May 2011

ZOO’s PRINT, Volume XXVI, Number 6, June 2011 19

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious and sometimes fatal viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals, including domestic animals such as cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats and pigs, as well as antelope, bison and other wild bovids, and deer. In addition, hedgehogs (McLauchlan and Henderson, 1947) and elephants are susceptible to the disease. The llama and alpaca may develop mild symptoms but are resistant to the disease and will not pass it on to others of the same species. In laboratory experiments, mice, rats and chicken have been successfully infected by artificial means, but it is not believed that they would contract the disease under natural conditions. All these animals may be responsible for the spread of the disease. It is caused by foot-and-mouth disease virus which is a prototypic member of the Aphthovirus genus in the Picornaviridae family. The members of this family are small (25-30 nm), nonenveloped icosahedral viruses that contain single-stranded RNA.

The disease is characterised by high fever that declines rapidly after two or three days; blisters inside the mouth that lead to excessive secretion of stringy or foamy saliva and blisters on the feet that may rupture and cause lesions leading to lameness. Adult animals may suffer weight loss from which they do not recover for several months as well as swelling in the testicles of mature males, and in females, milk production can decline significantly. Though most animals eventually recover from FMD, the disease can lead to myocarditis and death, especially in newborn animals. Some infected animals remain asymptomatic, but they nonetheless carry FMD and can transmit it to others.

There are several reports on the occurrence of the disease in wild and semi domesticated animals in India. In India the disease is seen mainly in mithun, yak, elephant, sambar deer, barking deer and wild buffaloes. The disease in wild animals has been reported frequently from north eastern states. The disease was also reported from Thiruvantahapuram Zoo, Kerala affecting captive Mithun, black buck and caped buffaloe in 2007. The present communication describes the occurrence of FMD in captive mithun and black buck in the State of Karnataka, South India.

The disease was reported from Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bangalore, India. On the information from zoo officials a team of scientists from Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals, Hebbal, Bangalore proceeded on for scientific investigation. On examination it was found that these animals, two Mithun and one black buck appeared to be dull, having a temperature of 1040 C. Oral ulcers were observed. Dryness with hyperemic upper dental gingiva was seen. Small wounds were found on the interdigital space of the black bucks. Later the animals succumbed to the infection. On post mortem examination oral lesions, subcutaneous hemorrhages, epicardial, endocardial and myocardial hemorrhages, petechial hemorrhages on the kidney were observed in mithun whereas in black bucks oral ulcers and haemorrhagic streaks were seen in the intestinal epithelium. Spleen, lymph nodes, kidney, heart, tongue epithelium and intestinal epithelium were collected for further laboratory examination. Typing the samples collected revealed FMD serotype ‘O’ when tested by sandwich ELISA. Several outbreaks of FMD in Mithun have been reported earlier. A total of 6239 Mithuns belonging to 57 villages were affected in a span of nine months in

Arunachal Pradesh during 1994-1995. Among that 818 animals succumbeed during the course of the disease (Verma and Sarma, 1997). Twenty three outbreaks of FMD in the northeastern states of India for 14 years (1974 to 1997) were also reported by Barman et al (1999). The outbreaks were recorded in 7 different species of wild and semi-domesticated animals. The highest number of outbreaks was recorded in mithun, followed by yak and elephant. The disease was recorded in sambar deer, spotted and barking deer and also in wild buffaloes. In the present study serotype O was confirmed in the outbreak of mithun and black buck. FMD virus type Asia 1 was identified to be the cause of the outbreaks involving mithun in Arunachal Pradesh by Verma and Sarma, 1997. FMD virus types O, A, A22 and Asia 1 were reported to be the cause of outbreak in wild animals by Barman et al (1999). Since the Bannerghatta Biological park had wide range of wild herbivores strict containment and biosecurity measures were adviced for the containment of the disease.

ReferencesVerma, N. D. & D. K. Sarma (1997). A note on foot-and-mouth disease in mithun in Arunachal Pradesh. Indian Journal of Virology. 13(1): 75-76.McLauchlan, J. D. & W. M. Henderson (1947). The Occurrence of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in the Hedgehog under Natural Conditions. The Journal of Hygiene. 45: 474-479Barman, N. N., Sarma, D. K., Das, S. & G. P. Patgiri (1999). Foot-and-mouth disease in wild and semi-domesticated animals of the north-eastern states of India. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 69: 781-783. Foot-and-mouth disease confirmed in zoo. The Hindu, Online edition of India's National Newspaper. Saturday July 07, 2007

A note on FMD in Mithun (Bos frontalis) and Black buck (Antelope cervicapra)Raveendra Hegde, Amitha R. Gomes, P. Giridhar, Venkatesh, M. D and C. Renukaprasad

Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals, Hebbal, Bangalore 560 024Email: amithagomes@gmail.com (corresponding author)

ZOO’s PRINT, Volume XXVI, Number 6, June 2011 20

AbstractWaterfowls and allied species depend on wetlands that have been threatened by urban, industrial and agricultural expansions, which have jeopardized the integrity of this unique ecosystem. As a result, avifauna that exploits the wetlands has severely been affected. The Vaduvoor Lake in Tamil Nadu, India is one such wetland that supports large number of migratory and resident birds. However, this lake has recently been identified as one of the Important Bird Areas (IBA) of India by Indian Bird Conservation Network, despite which so far no attempt has been made to study this wetland or the avifaunal species dependant on it. Hence, a study was conducted to comprehensively identify the status of birds utilizing the lake for various ecological purposes from April 2008 to September 2010. In total, 118 species of birds were found to utilize this lake, largely during September to April every year. Apart from the regular common migrants to Tamilnadu, the lake harbours near threatened bird species viz. Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis) Darter (Anhinga melanogaster), Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala) and Oriental White Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus). Vegetation in and around the lake consisted of Acacia nilotica (planted), Prosopis chilensis, Azadirachta indica and Tamarindus indica (natural) formed the prime breeding habitat. As most of the birds depend on the nearby paddy field for foraging, they were hunted or captured alive by the local and Narikuravas and sold in the Mannargudi fish-market. Hence, extensive awareness program targeting the local public, on the significance of the migratory birds and Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary is one of the main conservation action needed. IntroductionWaterfowls and allied species depend on wetlands that collect and store runoff and groundwater discharge, which is necessary to abate the effects of drought and flooding, sustain natural vegetation and crops, prevent erosion, and purify water. However, wetlands as wildlife habitats are suffering an accelerating degradation worldwide due to increase in human activities leading to urban, industrial and agricultural expansions that has jeopardized the integrity of this unique ecosystem. The impact of this habitat degradation has seriously affected the species dependent on wetlands; decline in bird populations resulting in many species being placed on threatened list. In India, wetlands receive comparatively little attention than the terrestrial ecosystems. Hence, an attempt was made to understand the status of the feathered visitors from April 2008 to September 2010 with following objectives:• Identification of numerical and breeding status of

waterbirds • Identification of threats to waterbirds and the lake.

Study areaThe Vaduvoor lake, situated at 100 42' 19" N and 790 18' 53" E, spreading over c.128 ha (1.28 sq.km) in Tiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu, India, is one such wetland that supports large number of migratory and resident birds. It was declared as a bird sanctuary by the Forest Department in July 1999. Vegetation of the lake consists of Prosopis chilensis, Azadirachta indica, Tamarindus indica, and Acacia nilotica including planting of A. nilotica by the forest department under the Sanctuary Management Programme. The Vennaru River is the main source of water in addition to northeast monsoon. The lake is surrounded by a large bund around the southern side, while on the northern portion, the bund is short as the elevation serves as natural bund. These

bunds help in holding the water upto a depth of c.2.5m in the lake. Nayvasal and Vaduvoor are the two villages situated around the lake. Recently, this lake has been identified as one of the Important Bird Areas (IBA) of India by Indian Bird Conservation Network, despite no attempt has been made so far to study this wetland or its dependant avifaunal species.

MethodologyWaterbirds of Vaduvoor Lake were monitored from April 2008 to April 2010. Birds were counted using direct count method from selected vantage points following Bibby et al. (1992) and Sutherland (1997). Counts were made four times in a month during which birds were observed from 0600 to 1000hrs in the morning and 1600 to 1800hrs in the evening, being their most active periods of the day. No count was done during extreme weather conditions. The identification of birds was done using field guides (Ali, 2002), while Manakadan and Pittie (2001) was followed for the common and scientific names of birds of India. During the fieldwork, anthropogenic activities viz. hunting, illegal fishing and woodcutting (if any) were monitored and quantified (if possible) following Joshua and Johnsingh (1994). Formal and informal interviews were conducted with the people involved in the above said activities to get the general perception on the need for them to do this and find out alternative options if possible. Shannon and Weaver (1949) were followed to calculate the diversity of birds.

Results and discussionA list of birds recorded from Vaduvoor Lake with common and scientific names, status, feeding habit, maximum number of individual sighted, and their occurrence in various months is given in the table (Table 1). The study reveals the occurrence of 118 species of birds belonging to 87 genera, 48 families and 18 orders. Among the 18 orders, Passeriformes dominated the list with 39 species of birds followed by Charadriiformes with 15 species, Ciconiiformes with 13 species, Anseriformes with nine species, Falconiformes with eight species, Coraciiformes with six species, Gruiformes and Pelecaniformes with five species each, Columbiformes and Cuculiformes with three species each, Galliformes, Strigiformes, Piciformes and Apodiformes with two species each, and Turniciformes, Podicipediformes, Psittaciformes Caprimulgiformes with one species each. Of the total 118 species of birds, 49 species were waterbirds and 69 species were terrestrial birds.

Although 118 species were listed from Vaduvoor Lake, 16 species were sighted either in flight or outside the lake boundary, but not from the lake. Only, 102 species of birds were found within the lake boundary. Further study may confirm whether these 16 species utilize the lake or not. Of the total 118 birds, 26 species were migrants, 61 residents and 31 were resident migrants that make local movements. As far as food habits are concerned, insectivore dominated the list with 46 species and followed by piscivore (32 species), granivore (10 species), carnivore (10 species), omnivore (9 species), and frugivore (7 species).

Spot-billed Pelican, a globally near threatened (IUCN 2007) and resident species with local movements in India, was found thrice in the lake during the study period. On 24th June 2009, a maximum of 60 Spot-billed Pelicans were

Birds of Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, India: an annotated checklistVaradharajan Gokula and Ponnuswami Ananth Raj

Department of Zoology, National College, Tiruchirappalli 620001, Tamil Nadu, India, Email: gokula@yahoo.com

ZOO’s PRINT, Volume XXVI, Number 6, June 2011 21

recorded in this lake that highlights the importance of this lake. Similarly, a maximum of 218 painted storks, another near threatened (IUCN 2007) and resident bird with local movements were also observed in the same year. However, few pairs of Spot-billed pelicans were reported to breed in this lake during 1998-1999, no breeding activities of this species was observed during this study period. It was told by the local wildlife enthusiasts that the use of firecracker by the devotees during festival season in temples adjacent to the lake caused the pelican to desert its nesting activities during the above mentioned period. Oriental white Ibis, another near threatened bird (IUCN 2007) was also frequently recorded from this lake.

Regardless of years, diversity of birds reached its peak in March when almost all birds were with chicks (Figure 1). As

majority of the birds complete their breeding activities and leave the lake before the month of May and the lake goes dry completely between late April and early June, number of bird species showed a decreasing trend after March. The adjacent paddy fields serve as a good foraging ground for majority of the aquatic birds that predominantly feeds on insects, molluscs etc.

As the lake is situated on one side of the Trichy - Mannargudi main road, vehicular sound is a great threat to the breeding birds. Further, use of crackers by locals during festivals in the temples located adjacent to the lake, also a threat for the breeding birds. The Vaduvoor Lake is getting filled with silt every year and needs periodical desilting to increase the depth so as to retain and store water for longer periods of the dry months. Above all, as most of the birds depend on the paddy fields nearby for foraging, they are often hunted or captured alive by the local and Narikuravas and sold in the Mannargudi fish-market. (Figure 2). Hence, extensive awareness programme targeting the local public, on the significance of the migratory birds and Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary is one of the main conservation action needed. ReferencesAli, S. (2002). The Book of Indian Birds (13th revised edition) Oxford University Press, New Delhi. 326 ppBibby C.J, Hill D.A, Burgess N.D, Mustoe S (2005). Bird census techniques London, UK:Academic Press, 302ppIUCN 2007 (2007) IUCN Red list of Threatened Species. www.iucnredlist.org Joshua, J., and Johnsingh, A. J. T. (1994). Impact of biotic disturbances on the habitat and population of the endangered grizzled giant squirrel Ratufa macroura in South India. Biol. Conserv. 68: 29-35.Manakadan, R. & A.Pittie (2001). Standardized common and scientific names of the birds of Indian Subcontinent. Buceros. 6(1):1-37Shannon,C. and Weaver, W. (1949). The Mathematical Theory of Communication. University of Illinois Press,. 1998 ppSutherland W.J. (1997). Ecological Census Techniques: A Handbook. Cambridge University Press, UK, 278 pp.

AcknowledgementWe sincerely thank the Tamil Nadu Forest Department for their cooperation and University Grants Commission for funding.

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Figure 1. Diversity of Birds in Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, India

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Figure 2. Man selling birds (Chestnut Bittern, a species not sighted in Vaduvoor Lake during the study period but

recorded only in the Market) in the Mannargudi fish market

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Table 1. List of birds recorded in Vaduvoor Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, India

S.No

Common Name Scientific Name Status

Food Habit

Observed Months (maximum number of individuals recorded

with year) Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podocipedidae 1 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis R P Throughout (82, 2009) Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae 2 Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis RM P June, July** (60, 2009) Family: Phalacrocoracidae 3 Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger RM P Throughout (178, 2010)4 Indian Shag Phalacrocorax fuscicollis RM P Jun** (2, 2009)5 Great Cormorant* Phalacrocorax carbo RM P Jun-Aug** (28, 2008) Family: Anhingidae 6 Darter Anhinga melanogaster RM P Jan-April, Oct-Dec (16, 2009) Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ardeidae 7 Little Egret Egretta garzetta R P,I Throughout (40, 2010)8 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea RM P Throughout (15, 2010)9 Purple Heron Ardea purpurea RM P Throughout (3, 2010)10 Large Egret Casmerodius albus RM P Throughout (18, 2010)11 Median Egret Mesophoyx intermedia RM P Throughout (16, 2010)12 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis RM I Throughout (162, 2010)13 Indian Pond-Heron Ardeola grayii R P,I Throughout (216, 2009)14 Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax R P Throughout (80, 2008) Family: Cicondae

15 Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala RM P Jan-April, Oct-Dec (218, 2009)16 White-necked Stork* Ciconia episcopus R P Jul** (2, 2008) Family: Threskiornitidae

17 Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus RM P Jan-April, Oct-Dec (16, 2010)18 Oriental White Ibis Threkiornis melanocephalus R P Jan-April, Oct-Dec (150, 2009)19 Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia RM P Jan-April, Oct-Dec (29, 2010) Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae

20 Lesser Whistling-Duck* Dendrocygna javanica M P Nov** (2, 2008)21 Bar-headed Goose* Anser indicus M P Jan** (16, 2008)22 Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope M P Nov-Jan (2, 2008)23 Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha RM P Jan-April, Oct-Dec (18, 2008)24 Northern Shoveller Anas clypeata M P Nov-Jan (420, 2010)25 Northern Pintail Anas acuta M P Nov-Jan (6, 2009)26 Garganey Anas querquedula M P Nov-Jan (807, 2009)27 Common Teal Anas crecca M P Nov-Jan (6, 2009)28 Common Pochard Aythya nyroca M P Nov-Jan (4, 2009) Order: Falconiformes Family: Accipitride

29 Black-Shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus M C Jan-Mar (2, 2009)30 Black Kite Milvus migrans R C Throughout (6, 2008)31 Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus R C Throughout (6, 2010)32 Western Marsh-Harrier* Circus aeruginosus M C Jan, Feb* (1, 2010)33 Pallid Harrier* Circus macrourus M C Jan, Feb* (2, 2008)34 Pied Harrier Circus melanoleucos M C Sep* (2,2008)35 Shikra Accipiter badius R C Throughout (4, 2009)36 Osprey* Pandion haliaetus M C Nov-Dec (1, 2009) Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae

37 Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus R G Throughout (2, 2009)38 Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus R O Nov-Jan (2, 2009) Order: Turniciformes Family: Turnicidae

39 Common Buttonquail Turnix suscitator R G Throughout (1, 2008) Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae

40 White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus R I Throughout (4, 2008)41 Water Cock* Gallicrex cinerea M I Dec-Feb* (2, 2009)

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42 Purple Moorhen Porphyrio porphyrio R I Throughout (2, all the years)43 Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus RM I Throughout (3, 2009)44 Common Coot Fulica atra RM P Throughout (165, 2008) Order: Charadriiformes Family: Jacanidae

45 Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus R O Jan-April, Oct-Dec (59, 2010) Family: Charadriidae

46 Yellow-wattled Lapwing Vanellus malabaricus R I Throughout (8, 2009)47 Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus R I Throughout (12, 2009) Family: Scolopacidae

48 Black-tailed Godwit* Limosa limosa M I Oct-Dec (48, 2010)49 Bar-tailed Godwit* Limosa lapponica M I Oct-Dec (26, 2009)50 Common Redshank Tringa totanus M I Oct-Dec (6, 2008)51 Common Greenshank* Tringa nebularia M I Oct-Dec (4, 2009)52 Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus M I Oct-Dec (4, 2009)53 Marsh Sandpiper* Tringa stagnatilis M I Oct-Dec (4, 2008)54 Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola M I Oct-Dec (2, 2009)55 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos RM I Oct-Dec (4, 2009) Family: Recurvirostridae

56 Black-winged Stilt* Himantopus himantopus R I Oct-Dec (48, 2009) Family: Laridae

57 Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica M P Nov-Dec (4, 2008)58 Common Tern Sterna hirundo RM P Nov-Dec (2, 2009)59 Black-bellied Tern Sterna acuticauda R P Nov-Dec (1, 2009) Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae

60 Blue Rock Pigeon Columba livia R G Throughout (2, 2008)61 Little Brown Dove Streptopelia senegalensis R G Throughout (1, 2010)62 Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis R G Throughout, 6, 2009) Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae

63 Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri R F Throughout (4, 2008) Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae

64 Pied Crested Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus RM I Nov-Dec, Jan-Feb (3, 2009)65 Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea R F Throughout (4, 2008)66 Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis R O Throughout (1, 2009) Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae

67 Barn Owl Tyto alba R C Throughout (1, all the years) Family: Strigidae

68 Spotted Owlet Athene brama R C Throughout (3, 2008) Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae

69 Indian Nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus R I Throughout (1, all the years) Order: Apodiformes Family: Apodidae

70 Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis R I Throughout (4, 2008)71 House Swift Apus affinis RM I Throughout (4, 2009) Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae

72 Small Blue Kingfisher Alcedo atthis RM P Throughout (6, 2009)73 White-breasted Kingfisher Hacyon smymensis R P Throughout (6, 2010)74 Lesser Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis R P Throughout (18, 2009) Family: Meropidae

75 Small Bee-eater Merops orientalis R I Throughout (8, 2008) Family: Coraciidae

76 Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis R I Throughout (2, 2009) Family: Upupidae

77 Common Hoopoe Upupa epops RM I Throughout (1, 2008) Order: Piciformes Family: Capitonidae

78 Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala R F Throughout (1, 2008) Family: Picidae

79 Lesser Golden-backed Woodpecker

Dinopium benghalense R I Throughout (2, 2008)

Order: Passeriformes

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Family: Alaudidae 80 Red-winged Bush-Lark Mirafra erythroptera R I Throughout (1, 2008)81 Eastern Skylark Alauda gulgula R I Throughout (1, 2008) Family: Hirundinidae

82 Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii RM I Oct-Mar (4, 2010)83 Common Swallow Hrundo rustica RM I Oct-Mar (4, 2010)84 Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica RM I Oct-Mar (6, 2008) Family: Motacillidae

85 White Wagtail Motacilla alba RM I Nov-Jan (6, 2008)86 Large Pied Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis R I Throughout (8, 2008)87 Yellow Wagtail* Motacilla flava RM I Dec-Jan (2, 2010)88 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea M I Nov-Jan (2, 2010)89 Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus R I Nov-Jan (2, 2010) Family: Campephagidae

90 Common Woodshrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus R I Throughout (2, 2009) Family: Pycnonotidae

91 Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus R F Throughout (4, 2009)92 Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer R F Throughout (6, 2010) Family: Laniidae

93 Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus M I Sep-Jan (2, 2008)94 Rufous-backed Shrike Lanius schach R I Nov-Jan (1, 2009) Family: Turdinae

95 Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicata R I Throughout (5, 2010) Family: Timaliinae

96 White-headed Babbler Turdoides affinis R I Throughout (16, 2010) Family: Sylviinae

97 Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis R I Throughout (4, all the years)98 Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola RM I Nov-Dec (2, 2009)99 Blyth's Reed Warbler Acrocepalus dumetorum RM I Nov-Dec (5, 2010)100 Common Tailor Bird Orthotomus sutorius R I Throughout (12, 2009)101 Greenish Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides M I Nov-Dec (4, 2008)

Family: Monarchinae 102 Asian Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi RM I Throughout (2, 2010)

Family: Dicaeidae 103 Tickell's Flowerpecker Dicaeum erythrorhynchos R F Throughout (2, 2010)

Family: Nectariniidae 104 Purple-rumped Sunbird Nectarinia striata R N,I Throughout (2, 2010)105 Purple Sunbird Nectarinia asiatica R N,I Throughout (2, 2010)

Family: Estriididae 106 White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata R G Throughout (6, 2008)107 Spotted Munia Lonchura punctulata R G Throughout (8, 2008)108 Black-headed Munia Lonchura malacca R G Throughout (8, 2009)

Family: Passerinae 109 House Sparrow Passer domesticus R G Throughout (6, 2010)

Family: Ploceinae 110 Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus R G Throughout (6,2009)

Family: Sturnidae 111 Rosy Starling* Sturus roseus M F Dec-Jan (16, 2008)112 Common Myna Acridotheres tristis R O Throughout (20, 2009)

Family: Oriolidae 113 Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus RM O Nov-Jan (2, 2008)114 Black-headed Oriole* Oriolus xanthornus R O Dec (2, 2008)

Family: Dicruridae 115 Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus R I Throughout (6, 2009)

Family: Corvidae 116 Indian Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda R O Throughout (4, 2009)117 House Crow Corvus splendens R O Throughout (12, 2009)118 Jungle Crow Corvus macrorhynchos R O Throughout (4, 2008)

*sighted outside the lake or while in flight near the lake

** sighted only once

R = Resident, M = Migrant, RM = Resident-Migrant, I = Insectivore, G = Granivore, O = Omnivore, N = Nectarivore, P = Piscivore, F = Frugivore, C = Carnivore, Throughout = Observed almost all the months of the year

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AbstractSajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary is the smallest sanctuary of Rajasthan state, India. One hundred and twenty nine bird species were identified in and around this sanctuary during study period and 8 species (Sarcogyps calvus, Gyps indicus, Gyps bengalensis, Neophron percnopterus, Parus nuchalis, Threskiornis melanocephalus, Mycteria leucocephala and Phoenicopterus minor) were identified in threatened category according to IUCN 2008. Their habitat preference and vegetation of their habitat were also analyzed in accordance to the number of times a bird was observed in a particular area.

IntroductionThe number of species in biotic communities generally increases from high to low latitudes and from high to low elevations (Kerr, 1999). Arctic tundra supports fewer species than does a deciduous forest, an alpine meadow less than a succulent desert. Yet, under the same macroclimatic conditions, community diversities can vary markedly at any latitude. Orians (1969), Karr (1971), Recher (1971), Nazneen et al. (2001) and Gupta (2004) discussed and summarized factors that may affect general and/ or local pattern of species diversity.

Birds have always fascinated man for their ability to fly in air and for their exquisite colouration. They have their functional role in the ecosystem as potential pollinators and scavengers and may be rightly called bio-indicators. The distribution and occurrence of avifauna correlate well with the vegetation patterns of the area, which is of great significance. India, being one of the mega diversity countries, harbours around 1,200 species of birds which amounts to 13 percent (9,600 species) of the bird species of the world (Ali and Ripley, 1987).

Habitat degradation is today a major threat for the extermination of avian species. Due to the diminishing of natural habitat by varied anthropological activities animals are facing a high risk of extinction. So it is the primary requirement of any conservation program to analyze the habitat of the area, and the habitat preference of the species within the area, so that further management policies can be laid upon. The southern part of Rajasthan is lush green, which supports great avian diversity and the present study area falls into this zone of the state. Despite of many intensive studies on avian diversity and ecology in the state, the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary is lacking a baseline study. Very few studies on ecology and biodiversity have been carried out in the study area. Present investigation was carried out with the view to record the habitat preferences of some threatened birds present in the sanctuary.

Study AreaSajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary is the smallest amongst the 25 wildlife sanctuaries of Rajasthan, the largest state in the country in terms of area. It is located at a distance of only 5 km from Udaipur city and spreads over an area of 5.19 km2 including only one forest block Sajjangarh (Figure 1). Geographically, it is situated between 73º 39’ – 73º 40’ East longitudes and 24º 35’ – 24º 39’ North latitudes. Altitude varies from 630 - 936m above MSL. The periphery of the sanctuary is constituted by Udaipur City and three villages namely Hawala, Bari, and Gorella which lie adjacent to its boundaries. Five other villages namely Sisarma, Kodiyat,

Barda, Morvania and Rampura (Ratakhet) are in 5 km range and fall into the zone of influence of the sanctuary.

The sanctuary lies in one of the oldest geological formation of the world – the Aravallis and is located atop the Bansdara Hill in the most fragile ecosystem of Aravallis. Unfortunately, the over exploitation and non-judicious harnessing of biological and non-biological resources of the Aravallis in the name of rapid development much beyond the sustainable limits, has left the Bansdara Hills in a much precarious condition. Summers are generally hot with an average temperature reaching up to 42ºC; while in winters it ranges to a minimum of around 06 ºC. Humidity is generally low. Rainfall in the area is erratic and unevenly distributed. It receives an average of approximately 650 mm rainfall annually.

Sanctuary has a total of seven water holes. Out of these some are made of natural or man made dug out areas in soil, while others are man made and cemented.

MethodologyStudy was carried out from January, 2002 to January, 2008. Rapid and extensive preliminary field surveys were carried out in sanctuary and its surroundings, during the first week of the study period. All forest trails, tracks and water holes were searched to gather information regarding the presence

Study on the distribution and occurrence of some threatened avifauna of Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Udaipur, Rajasthan Chhaya Bhatnagar1, Vijay Kumar Koli2 and Karnika Jani

Aquatic Toxicology and Wildlife Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur (Rajasthan) 313 001Email: 1bhatnagarchhaya@yahoo.co.in, 2vijaykoli87@yahoo.in

Figure 1. An outline map of Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary (not to scale).

ZOO’s PRINT, Volume XXVI, Number 6, June 2011 26

of the avian species, and the habitat structure of the area. The encounter rates (number of species seen/visit) of birds were recorded. On the basis of information gathered from the preliminary survey of area and land cover, the study area was divided into 8 zones to accomplish further study. The three types of forests (dense forest, open forest and scrub forest) were differentiated by observing the canopy cover. Here, the density refers to the spacing of trees.

The zones of the sanctuary area were divided into following categories (Table – 1 and Figure 2):To analyze avian diversity (species richness) of Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, the Timed Species Count Method (Pomeroy and Tengecho, 1986) was used and the habitat preference of birds was analyzed by three methods in the present study. First was altitude wise categorization of birds. The basis of altitude wise zonation was different types of vegetation, which are found at different altitudes. The first zone was recorded at a height of 634 MSL to 734 MSL. The second zone was 734 MSL-834 MSL and the third zone ranged from 834 MSL to 936 MSL. Second method was guild-wise categorization of bird’s species and third method was of siighting frequency (birds/visit) in different habitats (Gaston, 1973). Birds were identified by consulting the literature such as Grimmett and Inskipp (1999), Ali and Ripley (1983) and Grewal (1993). Some information was also collected from the local people.

ResultA total number of 129 bird species, including both terrestrial and aquatic category, were encountered and identified during the present study. Thirty three families, sixty two genera and ninety one species were recorded in terrestrial category. According to frequency wise grouping 23 species were more common (MC), 22 common (C), 25 less common (LC), 12 uncommon (UC), 2 rare (R) while 7 species were very rare (VR). According to local status eight are winter migratory, two are passage migrants and eighty one are resident.

Sanctuary is supported by a peripheral lake ecosystem named Lake Bari which lies in close proximity on the western boundary. The sanctuary and its surrounding rocks are the roosting site for various bird species. In aquatic bird category, 14 families comprising 32 genera and 38 species were identified. In this category 14 species were winter migratory (WM) and 24 were resident (R).

Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary is although the smallest sanctuary of Rajasthan state, but it harbours a significant number of threatened birds, which belong to different categories according to IUCN 2008. Four species of vultures were identified out of which Sarcogyps calvus, Gyps indicus and Gyps bengalensis are categorized in critically endangered while Neophron percnopterus falls under endangered category. Among other terrestrial birds one species Parus nuchalis, which is quite common in this sanctuary has been categorized as Vulnerable. Among aquatic bird species Mycteria leucocephala, Threskiornis melanocephalus and Phoenicopterus minor are categorized in Near Threatened group (Table – 2).

Sighting records of vultures has been mention in Table 2. Sarcogyps calvus (King vulture) were sighted twice in the sanctuary during the course of study on Maharana Pratap Nature Trail and its surrounding, which has rocky and sparse vegetation type of habitat. The trail provides proper height to take a clear flight and soaring and is also in vicinity of Gorella village. This habitat is very congenial for King vulture because it makes its nest in big trees and always prefers the top branches (Subramanya and Naveein, 2006). The habitat is also beneficial from the feeding point of view as this place gives a good view of neighbouring areas including the Bari Lake. Gyps indicus has been sighted in the sanctuary in the area surrounding the Bari Lake (Table 2). This area has tree, shrubs and mountain climbers. The nest of this vulture is made of sticks and twigs at a height of 7 to14 meters in above mentioned trees. During the course

Figure 2. Habitat zones of Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Figure 3. Habitat preference of threatened birds of Sajjangarh

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of present study, it has been reported in the surroundings of Lake Bari but the number of individuals was only two but 13 individuals were recorded on 24.5.2002. Gyps bengalensis has been evidenced on the first turn towards Gorella point. This is a forest road and the vultures are generally seen resting on bare rocks. It has also been sighted from the surroundings of the sanctuary. The vulture is present in this area due to the availability of carcasses of animals like buffaloes, cows and goats thrown here. Neophron percnopterus was sighted on the periphery of the sanctuary and has also been observed flying over the palace building because it always prefers a high altitudinal area. Beside Sarcogyps calvus, all three species of vulture prefer zone-I (634MSL to 734MSL) and Sarcogyps calvus akin to zone-II (734MSL-834MSL) of sanctuary habitat according to the altitude-wise zonation (Table 3). They are scavengers and carrion feeders. Their main food in and around sanctuary are carcasses from surrounding villages, carrion offal, garbage, human ordure and sometimes at tiger and panther kill at forest. Usually their feeding on carcasses, were observed outskirt of the sanctuary.

The forest type in the sanctuary is open dry deciduous kind that is a suitable habitat for Parus nuchalis, a bird of vulnerable category, which is endemic to the sanctuary. The high occurrence zones of this species are Zones II and VII and also along Maharana Pratap Nature trail. Some observations were also taken towards Gorella. The three aquatic birds fall under near threatened category and were observed in Zone VIII.

DiscussionSajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, an IBA site of Udaipur, has a diverse and vivid avian fauna. It also harbours nine threatened avian species. Gyps bengalensis prefers southern part of sanctuary, which is rocky, has less vegetation and is near to human establishments. Neophron percnopterus uses Zone IV near the periphery of sanctuary. Donazar et al. (1993) showed that breeding density of vultures was directly related to the ruggedness of the topography, altitude and distance to the nearest village. Breeding density is also related with these factors. Open area seemed also to have positive effects, probably by increasing the availability of food, although its effects were not separable from that of the relief, as the two factors covary. Vultures showed lower breeding success by reducing accessibility to human, and perhaps by increasing food availability (Donazar et al., 1993). Most importantly and urgently, now that the main cause of the vulture population decline has been discovered to be diclofenac (Oaks et al. 2004), the use of this drug needs to be banned, and stocks replaced with a safe alternative. Land-use patterns influence raptor diversity and density (Herremans and Herremans-Tonnoeyr 2000). In Africa, Brandl et al. (1985) reported a negative correlation between human impact on the landscape and raptor diversity and density. However, vultures have the highest density at the interface between protected and unprotected areas (Herremans and Herremans-Tonnoeyr 2000). In the present study also, the vultures were seen more on the periphery of the sanctuary near the human habitations such as village Hawala and Gorella.

In India, nesting and roosting habitats for Gyps vulture are abundant and vultures mainly use kapok trees for nesting in the Rampur valley (Prakash, 2001). According to Prakash et al. (2007), although thousands of vultures may remain, they are now spread very thinly across a huge area. This is a dangerous situation for such social birds, which nest and roost communally and rely on information gained from one another when searching for widely dispersed food sources. In 2002, 13 individuals of Gyps indicus were sighted around Lake Badi by Sharma (2007). The number of individuals has

decreased in five years. Thus, although the habitat is congenial for King vulture but due to increasing human population and diminishing forested areas breeding potential of this vultures seems to be on decline.

Parus nuchalis is present in wide area of sanctuary. It covers the whole Zone VII which has open low land scrub with sparse vegetation at foothills. This bird is endemic to the sanctuary and can be seen in frequently. Gajera et al. (2009) opined that this species is threatened and is a resident breeder in Danta Forest Range, northern Gujarat. As the distance between the breeding ground of this bird and the sanctuary is not much and the habitat type is similar, this bird is a resident of Sajjangarh also.

Out of the three aquatic birds, two are resident (Black-headed ibis and Painted stork) while the Lesser flamingo is winter migrant. These birds find a congenial habitat and are therefore present in the study area. The major threats faced by these birds were analyzed to be habitat loss, water pollution due to anthropogenic activities such as washing, bathing, power boat plowing and disturbances through tourism.

Tourist activity has increased year after year in the city and the sanctuary is one of the major tourist attraction site. Due to increased anthropogenic activities, the fauna of the sanctuary faces stress because of intrusion, vehicular exhaust, lights, littering and noise. Flood lights meant to attract tourists at Monsoon Palace are also encroaching upon the privacy of birds and other fauna.

References Ali, S. and S. D. Ripley (1987). Handbook of birds of India and Pakistan. Bombay Natural History Society, Oxford University Press. New Delhi.Brandl, R., Utschick, H. and Schmidtke, K. (1985). Raptors and land-use systems in southern Africa. African Journal of Ecology 23: 11–20.Donazar, J. A., Hiraldo, F. and Bustamante. J. (1993). Factors influencing nest site selection, breeding success in the beared vulture (Gypaetus barbatus). Journal of Applied Ecology 30: 504-514.Gajera, N., Dave, S. M. and Dharaiya, N. A. (2009). Nesting patterns of some terrestrial birds in Danta Forest Range, northern Gujrat, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 1(3): 170-173.Gaston, A. J. (1973). Methods for estimating bird populations. Journal of Bombay Natural History Society 72(2): 272-281.Grimmett, R., Inskipp, C. and Inskipp, T. (1999). Birds of Indian Subcontinent. Oxford University Press, Delhi.Gupta, H.S. (2004). Water bird diversity of Ranchi district. Zoos’ Print Journal 19(9): 1630.Herremans, M. and Herremans-Tonnoeyr, D. (2000). Land use and the conservation status of raptors in Botswana. Biological Conservation 94: 31–41.Karr, J. R. (1971). Structure of avian communities in selected Panama and Illinois habitats. Ecological Monograph 41: 207-233.Kerr, J. T. (1999). Weak links: Rapoport’s rule’ and large-scale species richness patterns. Global Ecology and Biogeography 8: 47-54.Nazneen, K., Gururaja, K. V., Manjunathareddy, A.H. and Krishnamurthy, S.V. (2001). Birds of Kuvempu University campus, Shimoga district, Karnataka. Zoos’ Print Journal 16(8): 557 – 560. Oaks, J. L., Gilbert, M, Virani, M. Z., Watson, R.T., Meteyer, C. U., Rideout, B. A., Shivaprasad, H. L., Ahmed, S., Chaudhry, M. J. I., Arshad, M., Mahmood, S., Ali, A. and Khan, A. A. (2004). Diclofenac residues as the cause of population decline of vultures in Pakistan. Nature 427: 630–633.

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Orians, G. H. (1969). The number of birds species in some tropical forests. Ecology 50: 783-801.Pomeroy, D. and Tengecho, B. (1986). Studies of birds in a semi-arid area of Kenya. III- the use of ‘timed species-counts’ for studying regional avifauna. Journal of Tropical Ecology 2: 231 – 247.Prakash, V. (2001). Status and distribution of vultures in India with special reference to the population crash in Gyps species. Pp. 4–6 in T. Katzner and J. Parry-Jones (eds) Reports from the workshop on Indian Gyps vultures, 4th Eurasian congress on raptors, Sevilla, Spain, September 2001. Seville, Spain: Estación Biológica Donaña Raptor Research Foundation.Prakash, V., Green, R. E., Pain, D. J., Ranade, S. P., Saravanan, S., Prakash, N., Venkitachalam, R., Cuthbert, R., Rahmani, A. R. and Cunningham, A. A. (2007). Recent changes in populations of resident gyps vultures in india. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 104 (2): 129-135.Recher, H. F. (1971). Bird species diversity: A review of the relation between number and environment. Proceeding of Ecological Society of Australia 6: 135-152.Sharma, S. K. (2007). Study of Biodiversity and Ethnobiology of Phulwari Wildlife Sanctuary, Udaipur (Rajasthan). Ph. D. Thesis, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur.Subramanya, S. and Naveein, O. C. (2006). Breeding of Long-billed Vulture Gups indicus at Ramanagaram hills, Karnataka, India. Indian Birds 2(2): 32-34.

Table 1: Habitat and flora of various zones of Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Zone Habitat Flora

I Rocky habitat with sparse vegetation

Acacia leucophloea, Anogeissus pendula, Rhus mysurensis, Ziziphus nummularia, Lantana camara, Apluda mutica, Heteropogon contortus, Acacia senegal

II Thickets with rich vegetation cover

Apluda mutica, Heteropogon contortus, Bothriochola pertusa, Acacia senegal, Ziziphus nummularia,Cassia auriculata

III Steep hillsides with rich vegetation cover

Boswellia serrata, Lannea grandis, Sterculia urens, Ficus arnottiana, Dendropthoe fulcata, Lantana camara, Euphorbia nerifolia, Wrightia tinctoria, Dendrocalamus strictus, Dicleptera verticilata, Peuraria tuberosa

IV Peripheral area outside the wall of sanctuary

Acacia nilotica, Dendrocalamus strictus, Madhuca indica, Acacia senegal, Butea monosperma, Cassia tora, Lantana camara, Acacia catechu, Lannea grandis, Boswellia serrata, Diospyros montana.

V Other infrastructures and cliffs and ruins within the limits of study area

Lindenbergia muraria, Lannea grandis, Actinopterus raditum, Ficus religiosa, F.arnottiana, F.benghalensis, Kickxia ramosissima

VI Scrub at middle slopes with sparse vegetation cover

Wrightia tinctoria, Securinega leucopyrus, Woodfordia fruticosa, Grewia flavescens, Dichrostachys cinerea, Boerhaavia diffusa, Zinnia elegans, Apluda mutica

VII Open low land scrub with sparse vegetation at foothills

Tephrosia purpurea, Melanocenchris jacquemontii, Aristida adscensionis, Dichrostachys cinerea

VIII Aquatic Acacia senegal,Prosopis juliflora, Acacia leucophloea, Azadirachta indica, Boswelia serrata, Lantana camara, Lannea grandis

Table - 2: Sighting records of vultures in Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Species Date Number of individuals

Remark

Sarcogyps calvus 23.8.2003 1 Perching on tree near road

26.2.2004 1 Perching on a tree near Gorella view point

16.3.2004 1 Perching on a tree near Rana Pratap natural trail

24.5.2004 1 Feeding on a carcass of a cow

Gyps indicus 24.5.2002 13 Feeding on a carcass of a cow

Gyps bengalensis 24.5.2002 21 Feeding on a carcass of a cow

Neophron percnopterus 24.5.2002 11 Feeding on a carcass of a cow

15.4.2004 2 Pair was seen nesting on cornice of Monsoon Palace

Table – 3: List of threatened birds of Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary (IUCN 2008)

NS.No. Category Species (Common name) Occurrence Zone Altitude wise zonation

11 Critically Endangered

Sarcogyps calvus (King vulture)* IV second zone11 Critically Endangered Gyps indicus (Long- billed vulture)* VIII first zone

11 Critically Endangered

Gyps bengalensis (White-rumped vulture)* IV first zone

22 Endangered Neophron percnopterus (Egyptian vulture)* IV first zone

33 Vulnerable Parus nuchalis (White-naped tit)* II and VII first zone

4 Near threatened Threskiornis melanocephalus (Black-headed ibis)** VIII first zone4 Near threatened

Mycteria leucocephala (Painted stork) ** VIII first zone

4 Near threatened

Phoenicopterus minor (Lesser flamingo) ** VIII first zone

Terrestrial birds* Aquatic birds**

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