number 4 / 2012

ISSN: 0972-3153

Vol. 8(4), 2012

ENVIS Newsletteron wetland ecosystems and inland wetlands

Sarovar Saurabh

Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON)

Anaikatti P.O. Coimbatore - 641108. TamilNadu

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Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuaryth26 Ramsar Site of India

Editor in Chief

Dr.P.A.Azeez

Director, SACON & ENVIS Head

ENVIS and Editorial Team

Dr.Goldin Quadros - ENVIS Co-ordinator

Dr.M.A.RajaMamannan

Dr.Sheeba Nanjan

Ms.A.Julffia Begam

Layout & Design

Ms.A.Julffia Begam

Photographs in this issue unless specified courtesy

Mr. Bhaumik Gadani

Published by

Environmental Information System (ENVIS)

Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON),

Anaikatti P.O. Coimbatore - 641108.

Sponsored by

Ministry of Environment and Forests

Government of India, New Delhi.

Instruction to Contributors

We welcome original research and popular articles, reviews, reports, research highlights, notes, news, snippets, etc., related to the thematic area of the ENVIS centre for publication in ‘Sarovar Saurabh the ENVIS Newsletter on Wetland ecosystems and inland wetlands’.

The articles and other information should be neatly typed in double space not exceeding five pages. The figures, graphs/drawings should be of good quality and clarity. Photographs should be of minimum 300 dpi resolution. References should be limited and cited in the text by name an year. Council of Science editors style may be referred to for listing references at th end.

Email your articles in MS-Word 2003 or 2007 format to [email protected] or [email protected]

Or send the articles in hard and soft copy by post to

The ENVIS Co-ordinator,

ENVIS Centre,

Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History(SACON)

Anaikatti P.O. Coimbatore - 641108. TamilNadu, India

Contents Page.No.

The Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary 1

Glimpse of the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary 2

Nal Srovar - a waterbird abode 3

Communities and their livelihood around

the Nal Sarovar bird sanctuary 5

The Tribes living around Nal Sarovar 6

Abstracts from Published Literature 8,9

Bibliography of some of the studies done on the

Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary 9

News Article 10

Sarovar SaurabhENVIS Newsletter on wetland ecosystems and inland wetlands

From the Editors' desk

Wetlands are in fact the most species diverse habitats. They are aesthetically pleasing and attractive, and enormously valuable to humanity; they provide water, food and timber, protect us from floods and droughts, and offer recreation. They provide habitats for numerous species. However, wetlands are among the most threatened ecosystems, for overt or covert causes vanishing from the cityscapes as well as from other landscapes or falling in their habitat quality. Overexploitation of the wetland resources, spreading ecologically unsound cities and increasing human demands have endangered the wetlands in turn upsetting the diversity of life that abounds it and the ecosystem services they have been providing from time immemorial. However, this state is not particular to wetlands; all over the world, almost all natural habitats are under various types of severe threats and vanishing. Growing concern over this state of affairs has lead to the framing of several policies, agreements and intergovernmental treaties to conserve them. Of these, the Ramsar Convention focuses on the conservation of wetlands and their wise use. India is one of the early signatories to the Ramsar Convention and now has

thdesignated one of its wetlands as its 26 Wetland of International Importance. In this newsletter, we bring to you articles and abstracts from some of the research papers on the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat. These briefs highlight the importance of the Nal Sarovar ecologically and to the locals and

ththeir livelihoods. Now with its designation as the 26 Ramsar site, it is even more necessary to formulate appropriate management plans for it keeping in mind the wellbeing of the locals and the birds. We look forward to your comments, suggestions and feedback, in taking this Newsletter further. Please do write to us and we request you to be a partner in disseminating information on wetlands, a crucial ecosystem for humans, numerous wild species and the environment.

P A Azeez

Printed at : Udhayam Achagam, Coimbatore - 641 002. Ph : 0422 - 2541551

The Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary-The Ramsar Site

stThe convention on wetlands came into force for India on 1 February, 1982. Presently India has 26

sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, with a surface area of 689,131 hectares. The th

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary in Gujarat is the 26 Ramsar site for India as on 24/09/2012 with an area of 12,000 ha and located at 22°46'33”N 72°02'21”E coordinates is the Ramsar site no. 2078.

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, a natural freshwater lake (a relict sea) that is the largest natural wetland in the Thar Desert Biogeographic Province and represents a dynamic environment with salinity and depth varying depending on rainfall. The area is home to 210 species of birds, with an average 174,128 individuals recorded there during the winter and 50,000 in the summer.

It is an important stopover site within the Central Asia Flyway, with globally threatened species such as the critically endangered Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus gregarious)and the vulnerable Marbled Teal (Marmaronetta angustirostris) stopping over at the site during migration, while the vulnerable Sarus Crane (Grus antigone) takes refuge there during summer when other water bodies are dry. The wetland is also a lifeline for satellite population of the endangered Indian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur) which uses this area in the dry season. Local communities heavily rely on the lake as it provides them with a source of drinking water and water for irrigation, as well as an important source of income from fishing for Catla fish (Catla catla) and Rohu (Labeo rohita). An average of 75,000 tourists visit the wetland annually.

SACON ENVIS Newsletter - Sarovar SaurabhVol. 8(4), 2012. ISSN: 0972-3153

1

Source: Wildlife Division, Environment and Forests Department, GUJARAT/ 2012.

List of threatened mammal and birds

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary

at

(RAMSAR Site No: 2078)

Nal Sarovar bird sanctuary is a temperature rises up to 35 °C during the monsoons. The lake dries up almost natural shallow lake, muddy lagoons and month of May and falls below 15 °C in completely in the summer. The marshes dotted by over 300 islets. It is the largest January. The average rainfall is about do not support much vegetation wetland bird sanctuary about 64 km to the 580 mm (Nirmal Kumar et al., 2006). although the lake is surrounded by West of Ahmedabad in the Gujarat state Geologically, the area is bound in the grasslands and open fields. Reeds and of India. The lake measures 120.82 km², west by basaltic trap rocks of the aquatic plants may be found around the and has its genesis in the late quaternary Saurashtra peninsula and northwest lake whereas trees are practically absent. period. It is one of the largest bird fringe by the Jurassic and Cretaceous The unique geographical location, sanctuaries, Nal Sarovar harbours one of sandstones, while north-east brink is climate and topography have endowed the highest populations of waterfowl c o n s t i t u t e d b y i g n e o u s a n d Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary with anywhere in India. It supports a variety of metamorphic rocks of Aravalli. substantially good floral and faunal other resident bird species and also Quaternary alluvial plains occupy diversity. This natural shallow lake attracts several migrant varieties. There Cambay basin on its eastern side f lourishes with 48 species of are varying records on the number of (Nirmal Kumar et al., 2007). phytoplankton and 71flowering plants, species of birds recorded at Nalsoravar, including more than 30 species of Nal Sarovar is a shallow lake however the Ramsar RIS mentions 210 aquatic macrophytes that include that occurs over a flat, extensive low species of birds. Marselia sp., Bergia odorata, Hydrilla lying stretch of land which is mainly

verticillata, Ipomoea aquatica, Najas Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is marshy. The lake is situated at the graminea, N.marina, Nelumbo nucifera, located between 22°78' N to 22° 96' N junction of the Saurashtra plateau with Phragmites karka, Typha sp., Cyperus sp. latitude and 71° 92' E to 72° 64' E the Gujarat Mainland. The northern, and Vallisneria spiralis. (Stanley, 2004; longitude, falls in 4B Gujarat-Rajwara southern and eastern boundaries of the Nirmal Kumar et al., 2006)biotic province of the semi arid lands of lake are fringed by Shahpur, Shiyal,

Central Gujarat, India (Rodgers and Kayla, Vekaria, Meni and Durgi villages. The lake fauna includes 76 Panwar 1988). It receives water from two While the western periphery is species of zooplankton, >20 species of rivers: Brahmini and Bhogavo, carries surrounded by Digvijaygadh, Panali, fish, 11 species of herpetofauna, 216 household sewage and agricultural run- Mulbavia, Ranagadh, Bhagvanpur, species of birds, including 160 species of off from village pockets at north-western Galiela and Nani Kathechi villages. The waterfowl of both resident and migratory boundary. The waterflow pattern of the sanctuary supports more than 300 islets, species, and 13 mammalian species area is exhibited by gentle slope from most of which are located on its western including the threatened Indian Wild Ass north-west to south. No industrial boundary. It is rainfed wetland and (Equus hemionus khur) and Blackbuck effluent enters into the lake. The water serves as a water-catchment area in the (Antelope cervicapra) (GEER 1998).

Glimpse of the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary


2

English Name

Scientific Name IUCN RED

List CITES

CM S India

National Status

MAMMALS

Indian Wild Ass

Equus hemionus Endangered I II Endangered

BIRDS

Sarus Crane Grus antigone Vulnerable II II Vulnerable

Dalmatian Pelican

Pelecanus crispus Vulnerable I I and II Vulnerable

Marbled Teal Marmaronetta angustirostris

Vulnerable - I and II Vulnerable

Sociable Lapwing

Vanellus gregarius

Critically

Endangered

-

I and II

Critically Endangered

Pallas’s Fish Eagle

Haliaeetus leucoryphus

Vulnerable II II Vulnerable

Greater Spotted Eagle

Aquila clanga Vulnerable II I and II Vulnerable

Eastern Imperial Eagle

Aquila heliaca Vulnerable I and II I and II Vulnerable

FISH

White Carp Cirrhinus cirrhosus

Vulnerable

Wild Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio Vulnerable

List of water fowls (in 1% threshold level) presence in

Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary (RAMSAR Site No: 2078)

S . N o.

E n g lish N a m e S c ie n t ific N am e 1 %

T h r e sh ol d Y e ar /s , p e r io d s

p r e se n t

P E L IC A N S

1 G r e a t W hite P e lic a n P e le ca nu s on oc r ota lus 2 10 19 92 , 1 99 6

C O R M O R AN T S & D A R T E R S

2 L ittle C o rm or a nt P ha lc roc o ra x n ige r 2 ,5 00 19 92 , 1 99 6, 20 00 , 20 02 , 2 00 4, 20 06 , 20 08

S T O R K S

3 O p e n- bill S to rk A na sto m us o sc itan s 3 ,0 00 A s a bo ve

IB I S E S & S P O O N B IL L S

4 G lo ssy Ibi s P le ga dis fa lc ine llu s 2 50 A s a bo ve

F L A M IN G O S

5 G r e a te r F la m i ngo P ho e nic o pte ru s ros e us 2 ,4 00 A s a bo ve

G E E S E & D U C K S

6 G r e yla g G e e se A ns er ans e r 2 50 A s a bo ve

7 P in ta il A na s ac u ta 2 0,00 0 A s a bo ve

8 C o m m on T ea l A na s c re c c a 4 ,0 00 A s a bo ve

9 G a d wa ll A na s stre p e ra 3 ,0 00 A s a bo ve

1 0 W ige o n A na s pe n e lop e 2 ,5 00 A s a bo ve

1 1 G a r ga n ey Te a l A na s qu e rqu e du la 3 ,5 00 A s a bo ve

1 2 S h ov e lle r A na s c ly pe at a 7 ,1 00 A s a bo ve

1 3 C o m b D uc k S ark id ior nis m e lan o tus 2 50 A s a bo ve

R A IL S , C R A K E S , G A L L IN U L E S & C O O T S

1 4 C o o t F ulic a atra 1 5,00 0 A s a bo ve

S H O RE B IR D S A N D W AD E RS

1 5 B l a ck -ta il ed G od wi t L im o sa lim o sa 1 ,5 00 A s a bo ve

1 6 R u f f P hilo m ac h us p ug na x 1 ,0 00 A s a bo ve

1 7 B l a ck -w in ge d S tilt H im an to pus him an to pu s 1 ,7 00 A s a bo ve

Note:

CITES-Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Of Wild Fauna And Flora

CMS-Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals

ReferencesRodgers and Panwar, 1988 Planning a Wildlife Protected Area Network (PAN) in India. State Summaries. Vol. II. Wildlife Institute of India

(WII), Dehra Dun.

Nirmal Kumar J. I., Hiren Soni and Rita N Kumar, 2006 Biomonitoring of selected freshwater macrophytes to assess lake trace element contamination: a case study of Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat, India. J. Limnol., 65(1): 9-16,

Stanley, O.D., 2004 Wetland ecosystems and coastal habitat diversity in Gujarat, India. Journal of Coastal Development Volume 7, Number 2: 49-64

GEER, 1998 Environmental Impact Assessment of Sardar Sarovar Project on Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. Final Technical Report submitted to Narmada Planning Group, Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited, Gandhinagar.

Nirmal Kumar J. I., Hiren Soni and Rita N Kumar, 2007 Anthropogenic Pressures of Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat, India International Journal of Nature and Conservation. 19 (2): 209-231.

Nalsarovar-a waterbird abodeNalsarovar has achieved fame as Pochard (NT). Besides these Globally Open Water with Moderate

bird-heaven and the status of “bird Threatened/Near Threatened water birds, Turbidity, Open Water with Very Low sanctuary” mainly due to high bird diversity birds like Osprey and Eurasian Spoonbill Turbidity, Emergent Aquatic Vegetation, and abundance that it supports, especially in that are recorded at Nalsarovar are Schedule- Barren/Sparsely Vegetated Islet, Shoreland winter season. Considering the confirmed 1 species as per Wildlife (Protection) Act, with Herbaceous Cover, Shoreland with waterbird records available in some 1972. Sal t-Encrustat ion, Shoreland with

Water bird censuses have been authentic bird checklists (GEER 1998, Waterlogged Areas, Barren Shoreland. In Pandit et al. 2001), a total of 222 species of conducted by Gujarat State Forest addition, the immediate environs have birds have been recorded at Nalsarovar, of Department since 1992, usually at the agricultural land and it also provide foraging these, 122 species (57%) have been water interval of 2 years. The abundance of water opportunity to birds like cranes, ducks and bird species. From the 122 water bird birds (i.e., overall population estimates for some shorebirds. It may be noted that Open species, 60 are migratory, 42 species are water birds) as per the surveys for different Water (OW) Habitat and Emergent Aquatic resident and 20 species are resident- years indicates that highest water bird Vegetation have been the main habitat migratory for the Indian Subcontinent. Of population (2,53,254 birds) was recorded in components in the Nal wetland. Open Water the various species recorded, maximum the year 2008. provides the foraging and loafing areas for species are of shorebirds/small waders Waterbird Habitat Diversity: swimming/diving water birds (like ducks, followed by large waders and Anatids. One of the major reasons for pelican s, grebes, coots etc.), large waders like The Globally threatened/Near Nalsarovar having high bird species richness flamingos and aerial hunters like terns, gulls Threatened birds recorded at Nalsarovar

and abundance is good diversity of habitat and some wetland dependent raptors (e.g., include Dalmatian Pelican(VU), Indian components. A doctoral research conducted Aquila eagles) . Emergent Aquatic Sarus Crane (VU), Greater Spotted by the first author at Space Applications Vegetation has been providing foraging area Eagle(VU), Black-tailed Godwit(NT), Center (ISRO) had shown that following and/or cover for the marsh-dwelling water Lesser Flamingo (NT), Painted Stork(NT), habitat components occur in Nalsarovar birds like bitterns, rails, crakes, waterhens, Oriental White Ibis (NT), Oriental Darter wetland: Open Water with High Turbidity, swamphen and moorhens. (NT) and White-eyed/Ferrugineous


3

Predatory resident species of finfish of Nal wetland resources. These tribes form almost Now with the Ramsar designation Sarovar, like Channa sp, Wallugo attu, 74% of the whole population, while the Government of Gujarat should develop Saccobranchus sp. forms one of the chief remaining 26% of the population comprises and implement inclusive conservation component of the total fish-catch, according Bharwad, Vaghri, Harijan, Koli Patel, Naik, Pagi, measures by involving the local community to Stanley (2004), can survive under most Rawal, Khalifa, Khoja and Prajapati tribes. The and stakeholders. The state of Gujarat is adverse conditions. traditional livelihood system of these tribes fortunate to have all kinds of diversity and

The lake and the wet lands consisted of collection of fuel wood, hence can become an example of inclusive surrounding it, now a Ramsar site, were income generation through fishing, boating, conservation with Nal Sarovar as its first declared a bird sanctuary in April 1969. The horse-riding and agricultural practices, Ramsar site.locals claim that the Lake Nalsarovar is named hunting and poaching of waterfowl and after King Nal who ruled in the region. The gathering of possible wetland resources up Bhaumik Gadani community structure according to Nirmal Goldin Quadros to certain extent. Herds of domestic animals Kumar et al. (2007) is mainly dominated by include cows, buffaloes and goats. As M.A.RajaMamannanPadhar (the only tribe in Gujarat State lives in Email: [email protected] majority of the people thrive on wetland plains), Samma Sindhi and Muslim tribes, which [email protected], agriculture practices and cattle inhabit different parts of the sanctuary with an grazing are subordinate activities in and [email protected] lifestyle wholly dependent on the around sanctuary area.

dependent raptors (e.g., Aquila eagles). Forest Department for his contributions in Center for mentoring his doctoral study on

Emergent Aquatic Vegetation has been coordinating the bird studies and censuses at Nalsarovar during 1990s. Help rendered by Mr.

providing foraging area and/or cover for the Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary. But for his efforts, the Maulik Patel, JRF, GEER Foundation, in

marsh-dwelling water birds like bitterns, rails, data could not be generated on birds of Nalsarovar. preparation of this article is also acknowledged.

crakes, waterhens, swamphen and moorhens. The authors also acknowledge the contribution of

RS/GIS lab of GEER Foundation. The first Acknowledgments author is indebted to Dr. J.S. Parihar, currently Dy.

Th e au t h o r s a cknow l e d g e t h e Director, SAC (ISRO) and Dr. M. M. Kimothi, contributions of Mr. Uday Vora, Dy. CF, Gujarat currently Director, Uttrakhand Space Application

Ketan Tatu & Bharat Pathak, IFS

E-mail:[email protected], [email protected]

ReferencesGEER (1998): Environment Impact Assessment of Sardar Sarovar Project on Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuay, Gujarat Ecological Education and

Research (GEER) Foundation, Gandhinagar, India, 138pp.Pandit, S. J., M. M. Sharma and G. A. Patel (2001): Management Plan of Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary (2002-03 to 2007-07) (Unpublished).,

Gujarat State Forest Department, Gandhinagar, India, 122 pp

Name of species Scientific name Name of species Scientific name Name of species Scientific nameGREBES HERONS, EGRETS & BITTERNS

PELICANS

DUCKS & GEESE

GULLSSTORKS

IBIS & SPOONBILL TERNS

FLAMINGOS

CRANES KINGFISHERS

RAILS, CRAKES, GALLINIULES & COOTS

WADERS & SHOREBIRDS RAPTORS

CHAT etc.

WAGTAILSJACANAS

CORMORANTS & DARTARS

Curlew Sandpiper Calidrus testaceaLittle Grebe Podiceps cristatus Common Redshank Tringa tetanusBlacknecked Grebe P. nigricollis Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Green Shank Tringa nebulariaGreat CrestedGrebe P. ruficollis Little Green Heron Butorides striatus Little Stint Calidris minuta

Night Heron Nycticorax nyticorax Temminck's Stint Calidrus temminckiiGreat White Pelican Pelicanus onocrotalus Pond Heron Ardeola grayii grayii Sanderling Calidris albaSpotted-billed Pelican P. phillippensis phiippensis Western Reef-Egret Egretta gularis Dunlin Calidris alpineDalmatian Pelican P. phillippensis crispus Large Egret Ardea alba Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himanitopus

Median Egret Egretta intermedia Avocet Recurvirostra avosettaBarheaded Goose Anser indicus Cattle Egret Bulbulcus ibis Small Pratincole Glareola lactealGreylag Goose Anser anser Bittern Botaurus stellaris Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincolaLesser Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna javanica Chestnut Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamonmeus Oriental Pratincole Glariola maldivarumCommon Teal Anas crecca Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis Ruff Philomachus pugnaxCotton Teal Nettapus coromandeilianus Little Egret Egretta garzettaCommon Shelduck Tadorna tadorna Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundusRuddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea Asian Openbill-Stork Anastomus oscitans Brown-headed Gull Larus brunnicephalusComb Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala Heuglin's Gull Larus heugliniTufted Duck Aythya fuligula White Stork Ciconia ciconia Yellow-legged Gull Larus cachinnansSpotbill Duck Anas poecilorhyncha White-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus Pallas's Gull Larus ichthyaetusScaup Duck Aythya marilaCommon Poachard Anthya fernia Oriental White Ibis Threskiornis acthiopica River Tern Sterna aurantiaWhite-eye Pochard Anthya nyroca Black Ibis Pseudibis papillosa Little Tern Sterna albifronsRed-crested Pochard Netta rufina Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica niloticaMallard Anas platyrhynchos Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucordia Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridusGadwall Anas strepera Common Tern Sterna hirundoEurasian Wigeon Anas penolope Greater Flamingo Phoenicpterus roseus Caspian Tern Hydroprogne casipaGarganey Anas querquedula Lesser Flamingo Phoenicpterus monor White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterusNorthern Shoveler Anas clypeataNorthern Pintail Anas acuta Common Crane Grus grus Small Blue Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo Lesser Pied KingfisherCeryle rudisSarus Crane Grus antigone White-breasted KingfisherHalcyon smyrensis

Bluebreasted Rail Gallirallus striatusSpotted Crake Porzana porzana Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus Brahminy Kite Haliastur IndusRuddy Crake Porzana fusca Yellow-wattledLapwing Vanellus malabaricus Osprey Pandion haliaetusBrown Crake Amaurornis akool Golden Plover Pluvialis spp Marsh Harrier Cirus aeruginosusPurple Moorhen Porphyrio porphyrio Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola Pallas's Fish- Eagle Haliaeetus leucorythusCommon MoorhenGallicrex chloropus Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrines Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clangaWhitebreasted WaterhenAmaurornis phoenicurus Lesser-sand plover Charadrius monogolousWatercock Gallicrex cinerea Little- Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Bluethroat Luscinia svecicaCommon Coot Fulica atra Blacktailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Bartailed Godwit Limosa lapponica Grey-headed Yellow Pheasant-tailed JacanaHydrophasianus chirurgus Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago Wagtail Motacilla flava

Bronzewinged Jacana Metopidius indicus Jack Snipe Gallinago minima Yellow-headed /Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis Citrine Wagtail M. citreola

Greater Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Curlew Numenius arquata Grey Wagtail M. cinereaLittle Cormorant P .niger Great -Stone plover Esacus mangirostris White Wagtail M. albaIndian Shag P .fuscicollis Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos Large Pied Wagtail M. maderaspatensisDarter Anhinga rufa Terek Sandpiper Tringa terrek

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

Check-list of Waterbirds Recorded at Nalsarovar


4

Communities and their livelihood around the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary

Wetland ecosystems provide Padhar tribe forms 55% of the total winter season and this occupation is only done by

many services that contribute to human population, followed by Sama Sindhi (10%,) the Pagi community.When the tourist inflow shrinks at the wellbeing and poverty alleviation. Some Muslims (9%) and Bharwad (8%), while

onset of summer, tribes such as Padhar, Sama groups of people, particularly those living remaining 18% of the population comprises Sindhi and Muslim communities thrive on fishing near wetlands are highly dependent on Vaghri, Harijan, Koli Patel, Naik, Pagi, Rawal, practice as a major source of income. In addition these services and are directly harmed by Khalifa, Khoja and Prajapati tribes. Livestock the local community also depends on the their degradation. However the primary population as per the GEER (1998) report, waterfowl for its food. Poaching has been indirect drivers of degradation and loss of is one of the strongest hold owned by reported from many parts of the sanctuary wetlands have been population growth community as major economic activity for including some peripheral villages (Nirmal and increasing economic development. landless labourers. The community reared Kumar and Rita Kumar, 2000), large number of The primary direct drivers of degradation three types of domestic animals i.e. Cows, waterfowl is trapped by Padhar community who and loss inc lude inf ras t r ucture Buffalos and Goats and sought a livelihood use nylon net method, clap-trap method and mist development, land conversion, water through activities such as rearing, milching net method for trapping the birds (Nirmal withdrawal, pollution, over harvesting and and selling of dung-piles. Camels, horses Kumar and Rita Kumar, 2007b).over exploitation and the introduction of and Donkeys, though present, are very

The Ramsar Convention has fully invasive alien species. The continued negligible in number. The Camels are recognized and addressed the importance of degradation of wetlands and more brought in Nal region during summer from wetlands to people and biodiversity and that specifically the continued decline in water surrounding areas. maintaining the ecological character of wetlands Though the Nal region harbours quality and quantity will result in further through an ecosystem approach is critical to the diverse plant species, local people impoverishment of human health continued provision of ecosystem services. excessively use of some native tree species (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, However the concerns expressed in 1960s about like Azadirachta indica, Prosopis julifora, P. 2005).the drivers of wetland loss and degradation, The recently designated Ramsar cineria, Salvadora persica, S. oleiodes, as which originally led to the establishment of the site Nal Sarovar Bird sanctuary has 12 Fuelwood and fodder. Some prolific aquatic Ramsar Convention, remain and are probably villages surrounding it and inhabited by macrophytes like Typha angustata was mainly more important now than they were then. several communities whose livelihood is utilized for thatching of huts as a roofing Imperatives for economic growth and dependent on the Lake. Here below we material, while huts as a roofing material, development, eradicating poverty and supplying have a cursory look at the communities while Phragmites karka was used as stall-feed the increasing needs of an ever-growing human and their approach to the lake ecosystem. to domestic animals. The root nodules of

The Nal Sarovar Lake has population for food, water and energy security Cyperus sp as well as the roots of Phragmites villages that cover an area varying from continue frequently to override the maintenance karka is also collected and cooked with the 200 hectare to 500 hectare. The villages of naturally functioning wetlands (Finlayson et vegetables and eaten by the locals (Nirmal have a dominant male population the al., 2011). Keeping these concerns and the needs Kumar et al., 2007).family size varies from 5 to 15 across the The Na l sa rovar be ing an of the community as far as Nal Sarovar is

villages (Nirmal Kumar et al., 2007a). The important bird area receives a large inflow concerned it is necessary that the policy makers

community structure is mainly dominated of tourist (approx. 75000) each year during plan and implement the conservation measures

by Padhar (the only tribe in Gujarat State the winter season. During this time over 150 for the lake in a sustainable manner.

lives in plains), Samma Sindhi and Muslim households around the lake are engaged in

tribes, which inhabit different parts of the ferrying the tourist thereby generating their

sanctuary with an intricate lifestyle wholly income. Horse riding is another minor Email:[email protected] on the wetland resources. The source of income generation during the

[email protected]

Hiren Soni and Goldin Quadros

Collection of thatching material -TyphaAngustata

Fuelwood collection by local people in Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary

Tourists - Horse-riding during winter at Nal

Photo Courtesy : Dr. Hiren Soni Photo Courtesy : Dr. Hiren Soni Photo Courtesy : Dr. Hiren Soni


5

References Finlayson Max C., Nick Davidson, Dave Pritchard, G. Randy Milton and Heather Mackay, 2011 The Ramsar Convention and Ecosystem

based Approaches to the wise Use and Sustainable Development of Wetlands, Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy, 14: 3-

4, 176-198.GEER, 1998 Environmental Impact Assessment of Sardar Sarovar Project on Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. Final Technical Report submitted

to Narmada Planning Group, Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited, Gandhinagar.Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005 Ecosystems and Human Well-Being: Wetlands and Water Synthesis. World Resources Institute,

Washington DC.Nirmal Kumar J. I., Hiren Soni and Rita N Kumar, 2007a Anthropogenic Pressures of Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat, India

International Journal of Nature and Conservation. 19 (2): 209-231.

Nirmal Kumar J.I. and Rita N. Kumar, 2000 Ecological Studies of Certain Protected Areas of Gujarat with special reference to

Anthropogenic Pressures. Final Technical Report. Gujarat State Forest Department, Gandhinagar. pp. 1-287.

Nirmal Kumar, J.I., Hiren Soni, and Rita Kumar 2007b Patterns of site-specific variation of waterbirds community, abundance and diversity

in relation to seasons in Nal Lake Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat, India. International Journal of Bird Populations. 8: 1-20. (USA)

Nal Sarovar apart from being an abode to a blouse with close neck and a thin cloth over occupation of being shepherds. According variety of wild life also provides shelter to a their head. They use simple ornaments made to their own traditions they are descendents number of tribes and communities. Here is a up of silver. They are highly talented artisans of Anavil Bharwad, who helped a Chavda cursory look at some of the tribes and are known for merry making, dancing and prince regain his kingdom. There are also communities that depend on the Nal music during the festivals. The music and traditions that they are members of the Ahir Sorovar. dance of the Padhars are similar to the tribe who took up the occupation of

gestures of the sailors who bend their body shepherding. The Bharwad are Hindu, and Padhar tribe – This tribe of Gujarat is dark in in a particular manner and create some like other Hindu pastoral communities pay complexion and moderately built, they have special noise. They usually perform the special reverence to Lord Krishna. The tribe migrated from Sindh region and have choral dance wherein one person sings and has come from the Vrindavan and infiltrated occupied a major position among the tribal the others respond, their songs are mostly into Gujarat. This Tribes dress is very similar communities of India. It is reckoned as one devotional and romantic. They also play to the Rabaris, men's cloth are different in of the most ancient tribal groups of Gujarat Raas, Garbhi and Raasda. design as they wear the design of parrot, and speaks the Pardhi language, while some

peacock, flowers on their cloths (Kehdiyun), of them also speak the Guajarati language. ladies wear backless tops or shirts which are Padhars live in the hutments known as Kuba, Samma Sindhi tribe - They are part of the very rarely covered by the help of veils. The in groups. These hutments- Kubas are larger Jamot tribe (Jamot means Rajput in most attractive clothes is the 'Ghaghro' circular in shape with 4´ to 6´ diameter and Sindhi language) and speak the Sindhi, Bharwad ladies wear this; it takes around 6´ height. They are made up of grass Balochi, and Seraiki. There are various approximately 2 months to complete the and mud. Because of these material used in theories about the origins of Samma tribe. embroidery work on the cloth. In Bharwad the construction of Kubas, they provide One theory is that Samma are descent of tribes, they wear thick cloth around the waist warmth during winter and also protect the Lord Shree Krishna and some believe they which is called as Bori, both women and men residents from the severe heat during were descendants of Sam (derived from wear this. In the olden times, this tribe used to summer. The name of Lord Krishna "SHYAM" ) (Shem), wear ivory ornaments. Nowadays, women tribes are basically non-vegetarian and their the eldest of the three surviving sons of the commonly wear kansu, khoter i tu , meals include meat and fish. They are prophet Nuh (Noah). Between 1351-1551 kambikadla, anhuthi, vedhla, Dalyu, followers of Hindu religion, they are known C.E. the Samma Dynasty ruled in Sindh and Kokarva, vedhla, Akota, Baloya which is for their colorful clothes. The men wear thick parts of Punjab region and Balochistan, with worn on the wrists and Nathli is worn on the clothes and sleeveless shirts, wear a turban or their capital at Thatta. The most famous of n o s e . B h a r w a d m e n a l s o w e a r a piece of cloth called melkhayu. The women these rulers was Jam Nizamuddin. The d i f f e r e n t t y p e o f o r n a m e n t s i n wear large size petticoat and a sleeveless Samma dynasty left its mark in Sindh and

Balochistan by building magnificent structures including the necropolis of kings and royalties in Thatta and many more ruins.

Bharwad tribe – The Bharwads are shepherds from Saurashtra. The term Bharwad is said to be a modified form of the word badawad, from the Gujarati words bada meaning sheep and wada

meaning was said to be acquired by the Bharwad on the account of their traditional

meaning enclosure. This name

The tribes living around Nal Sarovar


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Harijan from Mahatma Gandhi. The origin of Meghwal is from Marwar, in Rajasthan; but now they are spread over Kachchh. Generally the Meghwal tribe live outside the villages. This tribe has its excellence in cotton weaving, wool weaving. The Meghwal women do fine embroidery and designing work. Another specialty of this tribe is leather embroidery. The Meghwal people, who are located in Kutch's Banni area and who migrated from state Rajasthan

their fingers, on neck, armlet and one earring at the end by chotla. Men wear dhoti and kurta generally use Kharek, Khanbira and Kudi which are known as 'Variyo'. This tribe is also (short with many folds). These clothes were Stiches to do their style embroidery. They known because of their traditional folk song designed especially for the protection from also give outline to the embroidery of satin such as Garbi, Hinch. Folk songs are like harsh climate in deserts and to distinguish stitch and mirror designs like popular Mutwa Duba, Garba and Bhajan, are sung on the them from others.embroidery work. This tribe also makes occasions such as Sagai, Lagan and decorative items like waistcoats, wall

Khoja tribe - The Khojas are a group of Bharawano. hanging, pouches by using Kharek stitch and diverse peoples - originally practitioners of also the bracelets, beadwork, Moti Bharat,

Vaghri tribe -sometimes pronounced as Hinduism - originating from the Indian belts and toys. Married women of the tribe, Bagri are said to have derived its name from Subcontinent. Derived from the Persian wear a gold nose ring, which is known as the Sanskrit wagura, meaning a net, and Vagri khwaja, a term of honour, the word Khoja Velado. For them it is a symbol of marriage; are said to have gotten this name on name on referred to those converted to Nizari Ismaili they wear it only on particular occasions. The account of the fact that many Vagri were Islam in the Indian sub-continent from beadwork, which is made by the Meghwal professional hunters. During the Colonial about the 13th century onward. More consists of bracelets and neck chokers. The period, Vagri were listed under the Criminal particularly, it included certain groups, demand for bead item is mostly during the Tribes Act, 1871, as being a tribe "addicted predominantly from Gujarat and Kutch, wedding ceremonies such as Mangal Sutra, to the systematic commission of non- who retained strong Indian ethnic roots and Indoni, and Akhiyan; it used to cover face of bailable offences." They suffered greatly as a caste customs while sustaining their Muslim brides, all these items are made by the plastic result of this decision, and are still suffering religious identity under continual threats of beads. Women of this tribe wear chokers in the consequence as they now fall within the persecution. their neck. denotified tribe category. They speak

Koli tribe - The Koli people are historically Vaghriboli which is very closely related to Rawal Tribe - The Rawal is a title used by an ethnic group native to Rajasthan, Gujarati and Gujarati with outsiders. The Hindu Rajpoots in India. With the passage Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Vaghri are landless, and depend on of time and due to different political, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana states. The Kolis agricultural labour. They are also involved in cultural and social changes in Indian society, of Gujarat were the largest caste cluster in the raising poultry, sheep, goat, and cattle, as some of Rawals are converted to different the state, comprising around 24 per cent of well as selling vegetables. In Gujarat, the religions e.g. Sikh and Muslims. The tribe the population, and were spread widely. Vagri are Hindu, and their main tribal deties was associated with the occupation of They remained educat ional ly and are Kalika and Meldi mata. hikmat (the practice of traditional Muslim occupationally disadvantaged compared to Unani medicine) and astrology.

Prajapati tribe - also known as Kumhar or other communities.Kumbhar. Prajapati means protector and Naik tribe – belong to the Banjara

Pagi tribe – they are a sub group from the preserver (King) and is a caste or community community are usually described as nomadic Koli community and are also disputed to of India, mainly belonging to the Hindu people from the Indian state of Rajasthan, have Rajput origins. The traditional religion. Kumhar literally means potter in North-West Gujarat, and Western Madhya occupation of the tribe is agriculture, and Indian languages, and pottery is the Pradesh and Eastern Sindh province of pre-they include both landowners and traditional occupation of Prajapatis beside independence Pakistan. Women are known sharecroppers.governing the Praja (People). The Kumhar to wear colorful and beautiful costumes like

community is found throughout India, but phetiya (as ghagra) and kanchalli (as top) and Khalifa tribe - are a predominantly Muslim mainly in the northern states of India. have mehendi tattoos on their hands. The caste based in Valsad District, Gujarat, India. Traditionally, the Kumhars have been the dress is considered fancy and attractive by They are traditionally barbers and musicians.followers of the Dharmic religions Western cultures. They use mirror chips and

(especially Hinduism), but many adopted often coins to decorate it. Women put on Compiled from several un-publishedIslam after the Muslim conquest in the thick bangles(bandiya) on their arms (patli).

and internet sources by Goldin QuadrosIndian subcontinent. Their ornaments are made up of silver rings, E-mail:[email protected]

coins, chain and hair pleats are tied together Harijans - Meghwal tribe got its name

Abstracts from Published LiteratureMarsh Bird Community Index of Biotic Integrity: A Key to

Study an Ecological Condition of Wetlands

Aquatic ecosystems have significant impact on migratory bird condition of the wetland were identified by studying the hydrology,

species. As the Gujarat state, western India falls on an important geology, vegetation, pressure. Apart from these the Index of Marsh

migratory route of many migrant waterfowls, it is necessary to Bird Community Integrity (IMBCI) were worked out for each wetland

monitor the wetlands for its ecological condition, anthropogenic as well as the bird species were used to determine whether wetland

pressure and the species composition. The present research is a pilot habitat characteristics influence marsh bird community and vice

study of a long term research on such important wetlands through versa. Marsh bird community integrity shows a threshold response to

out the entire North Gujarat region. The study was started with two urban development at local scales. IMBCI scores, combined with the

important wetlands of the region. Total 88 species were detected at identification of a land use threshold, can be easy to interpret and may

12 point count locations distributed in two bird sanctuaries of help communicate complex ecological data to natural resource

Gujarat viz. Thol Lake Bird Sanctuary (TLBS) and Nal Sarovar Bird manager and conservation planners.

Sanctuary (NSBS) as a pilot research to develop a key methodology Keywords: Bird Community, Biotic integrity, wetland monitoringto study the major wetland ecosystems in the region. The ecological

Biomonitoring of selected freshwater macrophytes to assess lake trace element contamination: a case study of Nal Sarovar

Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat, India

A biomonitoring study was carried out at Nal Sarovar Bird falls within normal range, while that of Co, Ni and Cu were within the Sanctuary, a proposed Ramsar site, Gujarat State, India, to ascertain critical range. However, Zn showed the highest concentration and the degree of trace element contamination. The study focused on alarming toxicity levels, which is considered as one of the most assessment of trace element contamination in certain aquatic hazardous pollutants in Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. Certain aquatic macrophytes to be used as biomonitors, in comparison with the macrophytes species are also proposed as biomonitors for the sediments (abiotic monitor) for heavy metal pollution. Good investigated heavy metal pollutants. Such result was significant in the information was provided by analyzing roots, stems and leaves of plant species such as Ipomoea aquatica and Phragmites karka, which are native aquatic plants (biomonitors) represented by eight the two most useful species in biomonitoring studies due to their species:Bergia odorata, Hydrilla verticillata, Ipomoea aquatica, Najas ability to accumulate elements in high concentration in the roots and graminea, Nelumbo nucifera, Phragmites karka, Typha angustata and their availability throughout the year. The results showed the Vellisnaria spiralis, along with surface sediments and water, were significant difference in accumulation rate of some metals like Zn, Cu analyzed for Cd, Co, Cu, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn contamination. The and Ni in different plant organs, which showed more accumulation in highest concentrations of the trace elements were measured in root than that of stem and leaves. Also, there is a high positive Ipomoea aquatica and the lowest in Bergia odorata. Based on the correlation between combinations of different metal-pairs in either concentration and toxicity status observed in the lake's vegetation, plant's root, stem or leaf system.the six metals are arranged in the following decreasing order: Zn> Cu > Ni > Co > Pb > Cd. Compared with the standard, normal and Keywords: freshwater macrophytes, trace element, contamination, critical toxicity range in plants, the detected values of Cd and Pb Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary

Sejal Patel and Nishith Dharaiya

Department of Life Sciences, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Patan 384265 - (Gujarat) IndiaEmail: [email protected], [email protected]

Sengupta, M. and Dalwani, R. (Editors). 2008thProceedings of Taal2007: The 12 World Lake Conference: 558- 561

1)#* 1) 2)J.I. Nirmal KUMAR , Hiren SONI and Rita N. KUMAR1)#Head, P.G. Department of Environmental Sciences, Institute of Science & Technology for Advanced

Studies & Research (ISTAR),Vallabh Vidyanagar – 388 120, Gujarat, India

2)Head, Department of Biosciences & Environmental Sciences, N.V. Patel College of Pure & Applied Sciences, Vallabh Vidyanagar – 388 120, Gujarat, India*e-mail corresponding author: [email protected]

J. Limnol., 65(1): 9-16, 2006


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WETLAND ECOSYSTEMS AND COASTAL HABITATDIVERSITY IN GUJARAT, INDIA

Oswin D. Stanley

Gujarat Ecology Commission, GERI Campus, Race Course Road, Vadodara, Gujarat, India

Journal of Coastal Development Volume 7, Number 2, February 2004 : 49-64

Wetland ecosystems are the major contributors for the nations’ wildlife biodiversity, productivity and economy. The paper elaborates the habitat diversity of wetlands in Gujarat, India, the floral and faunal diversity of each ecosystem, the major industrial and development pressures posed by the mangroves and coastal ecosystems. Thus indicates the significance and necessity for wetland habitat conservation.

Key Words: Biodiversity Hotspots, Wetlands, Mangroves, Corals, Pressures.

An automated knowledge - based classifier has been developed to the decipher wetland features (water, aquatic vegetation - floating as well as submerged, mud flats) in Nal Sarovar wetland, Gujarat, India from Resources at - 1 LISS - III data acquired on November 24, 2005. Water has further been classified into three qualitative turbidity classes (low turbid, moderate turbid and high turbid). Same dataset has also been classified for wetland features using Maximum Likelihood classifier, Comparison of the results has brought out that overall accuracy of wetland feature delineation and Kappa statistic of Knowledge based classifier (87.78% and 0.85) are better in comparison to MXL classifier derived wetland features (80.22 and 0.76). Estimated total area of wetland features in Nal Sarovar using knowledge based and MXL classifiers is 106.138 sq.km respectively out of 139.24 sq.km wetland area.

Keywords: LISS III, Wetlands, Remote sensing and MXL classifier

COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF MXL CLASSIFIER AND KNOWLEDGE BASED CLASSIFIER FOR DELINEATION OF WITHIN WETLAND FEATURES USING RESOURCES AT-1 LISS-III DATA

Rafiq Sethwala, Reshu Agarwal, M.B.Dhodakia and J.K.GargL.D.College of Engineering, Ahmedabad

University School of Environment Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, DelhiE-mail : [email protected][email protected]:

ISH JOURNAL OF HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING VOL., 16, 2010, NO.2

Bibliography of some of the studies done on the Nal Sarovar Bird SanctuaryBaskaran, S. T., 1999. Nalsarovar: a paradigm for wetland. In: The dance of the Sarus: essays of a wandering naturalist. 154–157. Baskaran, S. T. (ed.) New Delhi:

Oxford University PressGauriar, S., 1982. A day at Nalsarovar Water Bird Sanctuary. NLBW 21 (12): 8–10.Gauriar, S., 1982. A day at Nalsarovar Water Bird Sanctuary. NLBW 22 (3-4): 7–9.GEER, 1998. Environmental Impact Assessment of Sardar Sarovar Project on Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. Final Technical Report submitted to Narmada Planning

Group, Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited, Gandhinagar.GEER 2011 Dissertation supported and guided by GEER Foundation. Understanding Waterbird Profile of Nalsarovar Wetland in Relation to the Long-term changes

in its Aquatic Habitat Components. Dissertation student: Shri Rahul Talegaonkar, M S University, Vadodara.Jaffri, D., 1995. Pied Harrier in Nalsarovar, Gujarat. NLBW 35 (3): 56.Muni, N., 2004. Waterfowl census at Nalsarovar. Flamingo 2 (1&2): 2–3.Nature Club, S., 1990. Disturbance to birds at Nalsarovar. Wetlands & Waterfowl Newsletter. 2: 11.Nirmal Kumar J. I., Hiren Soni and Rita N Kumar, 2007a Anthropogenic Pressures of Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat, India International Journal of Nature and

Conservation. 19 (2): 209-231.Nirmal Kumar, J.I., Hiren Soni, and Rita Kumar 2007b Patterns of site-specific variation of waterbirds community, abundance and diversity in relation to seasons in

Nal Lake Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat, India. International Journal of Bird Populations. 8: 1-20. (USA)Nirmal Kumar J.I. and Rita N. Kumar, 2000 Ecological Studies of Certain Protected Areas of Gujarat with special reference to Anthropogenic Pressures. Final

Technical Report. Gujarat State Forest Department, Gandhinagar. pp. 1-287.Pandit, S. J., M. M. Sharma and G. A. Patel (2001): Management Plan of Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary (2002-03 to 2007-07) (Unpublished)., Gujarat State Forest

Department, Gandhinagar, India, 122 ppPandit, S. J., 2004. Waterfowl census at Thol and Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuaries: 2004. Flamingo 2 (1&2): 5.Pandya, P., 2007. My experience at Nalsarovar Waterfowl Census, 2006. Flamingo 4 (1&2): 14–15 (2006).Parasharya, B. M., 2004. Waterfowl census at Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary: Some important records. Flamingo 2 (1&2): 4–5.Prasad S, Pandharinath K and Gupta SK. 1997 Lake Quaternary Evolution of the Nal Region, Gujarat, India. In: Changes in Global Climate due to Natural and

Human Activities (Eds) SN Das and RS Thakur. Proceedings of IGBP Symposium, Allied Publishers Ltd.Sama, K., & Kamat, H., 2007. Sighting of White-winged Black Tern at Nalsarovar. Flamingo 5 (1&2): 11.Suthar DC, Ramani KR and Patel GA. 1991. Management Plant for Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat State Forest Department, Gandhinagar.Tatu K., 1995 Ecological Study of Nal Sarovar (Gujarat) with an emphasis on its Floristic and Avifaunal profile using Satellite Remote Sensing Technique. Ph.D.

Thesis. Gujarat University, Ahmedabad.Tatu, K., J. S. Parihar and M. M. Kimothi (1999): Remote sensing for wetland monitoring and waterfowl habitat management- A Cae Study of Nal Sarovar (Gujarat),

APH Publishers, New Delhi, India, 185pp.Tere, A., 2005. Communal roosting of House Crows at Nalsarovar. Flamingo 3 (2): 4–5.Urfi, A. J., 2000. A bird count at Nalsarovar: experiences of a participant. NLBW 40 (3): 33–34.


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Article

Crimson choreographySource:http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/crimson-choreography

A flock of flamingos are the most beautiful birds with their flaming shades of rosy pink. Collectively wading in blue lagoons, the pink birds make a profound statement for any casual onlooker. However, for the birdwatcher, they are a thrilling sight to behold when viewed through binoculars. It is not just because they are tall and slim but they also have gorgeous contours. Above all, they are not easy to find because of their rarity in the Indian sub-continent.

When on the wing, the flamingos' flamboyance is even more fascinating as they light up the azure sky with pleasing plumage. Their extra long necks and lanky legs make them look like flying sticks attached with feathers. These fragile birds are presently in trouble in their favourite feeding and breeding grounds at the Rann of Kutch in the hinterlands of western Gujarat. Here they often either accidentally collide with or get electrocuted by high-tension cables. Ornithologists from the region lament that they witness falling flamingos across the region, as they virtually drop dead in dozens.

Though no authentic figures are available to substantiate the death numbers, the Gujarat Forest Department admits it has recorded accident fatalities, especially in west Gujarat. The death zone is mostly concentrated in areas where there are power lines to and fro from the grid.

Though no systemic study has been done to estimate the number of flamingo deaths taking place, a sample survey by ornithologists Anika Tere and B.M. Parasharya mapped seven sites in Kutch, Bhavnagar and Jamnagar where high tension cables run close to flamingo breeding sites. With very few flamingo breeding grounds across the world, the necessity of taking steps to save them is paramount.

Ms. Tere, who is with Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, says, “During my studies on flamingos, I discovered that collusion with power lines occurs regularly and so it is prudent that power cables should be laid underground even if it involves more money and effort. This can be taken up not only in Gujarat but across the country so that other big birds like cranes, vultures and storks are also saved from collisions and electrocutions.”

India hosts 1,250 bird species of which there are seed-eaters, insect-eaters, flesh-eaters, fruit-eaters, nectar-suckers and the array of beaks they deploy in feeding is astounding. But the flamingo has the weirdest beak of all that is large and crooked as they are niche filter feeders. Extraordinarily structured, the beak is for specialised eating habits as it feeds on microscopic water plants and animals. While feeding, the b i rd lowers i t s beak ups ide down in the g ooey mud to swee p and see p to s e pa ra t e o rg an i c

microbes with comb filters in its voluminous bill. Strangely, even blue whales, the largest creatures on earth, have similar oral features and also feed on tiny organisms. While the food, in the form of miniature crustaceans, worms, algae, plankton and aquatic insects is retained and absorbed, the brine and grime is filtered out. Hence, the flamingos devote long sessions for breakfast, lunch, dinner as they truly have a beak to fit the bill.

Of the six species of flamingos in the world, only two dwell in our country — the greater and lesser flamingos. Both species are choosy in selecting feeding areas as they prefer shallow water bodies. On October 20 while at Aurangabad with a fellow birdwatcher, we learnt that flamingos had arrived at Jayakwadi dam on the Godavari. We scurried to the site at dawn to find flamingos frolicking in the backwaters unmindful of our close presence. There were sixty gangly flamingos sharing shore space with 5,000 terns and other water birds.

The word 'flamingo' comes from the Spanish and Latin word 'flamenco' which means fire, and obviously refers to the colour of the feathers. A group of flamingos is called a 'stand' as they gregariously rest on one leg or 'flamboyance' as they flutter gracefully in the air. I witnessed thousands of them enacting the same in the Nal Sarovar sanctuary, situated 77 away from Ahmedabad.

Unfortunately, insufficient rains, inadequate water bodies and polluted lakes are some of the many problems faced by flamingos today. Hence, they desperately roam the countryside in search of undisturbed shallow waters filled with their favourite food.

The graceful flamingo is falling victim to electrocution by high-tension cables at its breeding ground in west Gujarat


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number 4 / 2012

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