species onservation plan of pavo cristatus varanus
TRANSCRIPT
Species Conservation Plan of Pavo cristatus (Indian Peafowl)
& Varanus bengalensis (Indian Monitor Lizard)
For “TECHNICAL GRADE PESTICIDES MANUFACTURING UNIT”
at PLOT NO 3206/B, & 3206/A, GIDC, PIRAMAN,
ANKLESHWAR, BHARUCH, GUJARAT
PROJECT PROPONENT: -
M/s BHARAT PRODUCTS LIMITED
(E-17& 18, DSIIDC Industrial Complex New Delhi-110041, India)
Contact Details:
Mr. Shambhu Nath Upadhyay
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +91-9818236022
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT
M/S SHIVALIK SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT LTD.
NABET Registered List ‘A’ of Accredited Consultant Organizations / Rev. 76,
06th May, 2019, at Sr. No. 141)
((UPL Enviro Infrastructure Group Co.),2nd floor, SCO 20-21,
near Hotel Dolphin, Zirakpur, Punjab-140604
Email id: [email protected]
Phone: +91-9316028131
ASSOCIATE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT
M/s Perfact Enviro Solution Pvt. Ltd.
NABET Registered List ‘A’ of Accredited Consultant Organizations / Rev. 76,
06th May, 2019, at Sr. No. 119)
(5th Floor, NN Mall, Mangalam Palace, Sector 3, Rohini, New Delhi-110085)
Email id: [email protected]
Phone: 011-49281360
1
Contents Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 2
1.1 Details of the study area ..................................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Details of Ecological and Biodiversity Study ....................................................................................... 3
1.3 Principles of Wildlife Conservation ................................................................................................... 11
1.4 Decline of Wildlife ............................................................................................................................ 11
Chapter 2: Conservation Plan ..................................................................................................................... 12
2.1 Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) ........................................................................................................ 12
2.2 Indian Monitor Lizard (Varanus bengalensis) ................................................................................... 16
Chapter 3: Baseline Information and Conservation Plan ............................................................................ 19
3.1 Anticipated Impact on Pavo cristatus ............................................................................................... 19
3.2 Conservation Measures for Fauna with respect to project proponent ............................................ 19
3.3 Specific Conservation Measures in consultation with forest department ........................................ 20
Chapter 4: Project Budget .......................................................................................................................... 21
2
Chapter 1: Introduction
The Proposed project is “Technical Grade Pesticides Manufacturing Unit” will be located at Plot no.- 3206/B,
& 3206/A, GIDC, Piraman, Ankaleshwar, Bharuch, Gujrat. The total plot area of the project site is 1.989 ha.
The proposed unit will be manufacturing 6480 TPA of Technical Grade Pesticides- 3360 TPA (Herbicides- 1200
TPA, Fungicides- 420 TPA, Insecticides- 1200 TPA, Other pesticides- 540 TPA) & Pesticide Intermediates- 3120
TPA. The estimated cost of the project for the proposed new manufacturing project is estimated around Rs.
25 crores.
It is located at coordinates of Longitude –73° 1'54.56"E and Latitude– 21°37'28.14"N.
Figure 1: Satellite imagery of the Unit
1.1 Details of the study area
The proposed project is Technical Grade Pesticides Manufacturing Unit which is located in an industrial area.
In the zone of 15 km around the project, one protected area Jama Masjid, Bharuch (8.89 Km, NNW) and
Water Bodies near the project site are GIDC Water Reservoir (2.67 Km SW), GNFC Lake (2.78 Km NW),
Amravati River (2.91 Km NE), Amla Khadi near Bhadkodra (3.29 Km SWW), Kondhki Khadi near Jitali (3.50 Km
SEE), Pond near Jalaram Nagar (4.06 Km NWW), Canal near Boidara (6.11 Km SWW), Narmada River (7.04 Km
NNW), Vtaria Lake (10.25 Km SE).
3
Figure 2 Topographical Map with 10 km radius of the project site
1.2 Details of Ecological and Biodiversity Study
The study of Ecology and Biodiversity has been done for the core and buffer area. The detailed buffer zone
species of Flora and Fauna and the core zone species are given below:
The present status of the ecology has been determined by study of secondary data sources such as
publications of Zoological Survey of India, renowned authors, etc., study of maps and satellite images and
visit to project site. From details survey of all the projects two schedule, I species Pavo cristatus (Indian
Peafowl) and Varanus bengalensis (Indian Monitor Lizard) found in Project buffer zone. The details study of
4
Conservation Plan of Pavo cristatus (Indian Peafowl) and Varanus bengalensis (Indian Monitor Lizard) given
below.
Table 1: Flora of Buffer Zone (Trees and Shrubs species)
S.No Botanical Name Common name
1 Acacia catechu Khair
2 Acacia jacquemontii Baonḷi
3 Acacia nilotica Babul
4 Acacia planifrons Chatri Bawal
5 Acacia senegal Gorad
6 Alangium salvifolium Ankol
7 Albizia odoratissima sarasado
8 Anacardium occidentale Cashew
9 Annona cherimola Ramphal
10 Avicennia officinalis Cher
11 Azadirachta indica Limdo
12 Balanites aegyptia Ingoria
13 Bambusa arundinacea Bambusa bambos
14 Borassus flabellifer Tad
15 Butea Monosperma Khakra
16 Calotropis gigantea Moto akdo
17 Capparis aphylla Kerdo
18 Capparis grandis Dumro
19 Carica papaya Papaya
20 Cassia auriculata Avar
21 Cassia siamea Karamdi
22 Casuarinas equisetifolia Saru
23 Catunaregam spinosa Mindhol
24 Commiphora wightii Gugal
25 Cordia dichotoma Gunda
26 Dalbergia latifolia Sissoo
27 Delonix elata Sandasado
28 Dendrocalamus strictus Calcutta Bamboo
29 Diospyros melanoxylon East Indian ebony
5
30 Euphorbia nivulia Kantharo Thar
31 Ficus benghalensis Vad
32 Ficus religiosa Peepal
33 Grewia tenax Gangeti
34 Grewia tiliaefolia Dhaman
35 Grewia villosa Hairy-Leaf Crossberry
36 Haldina cordifolia Haldu
37 Leptadenia spartium Khip
38 Magnolia grandiflora Southern magnolia
39 Mangifera indica Mango
40 Manilkara zapota Sapodilla
41 C Vingo
42 Miliusa tomentosa Hoom
43 Mitragyna parvifolia Kalam
44 Moringa oleifera Saruguva
45 Musa acuminata Banana
46 Myristica fragrans Nutmeg
47 Phoenix dactylifera Date palm
48 Phyllanthus emblica Amla
49 Polyalthia cerasoides Cherry Ashok
50 Premna obtusifolia Kundher
51 Prosopis cineraria Khijdo
52 Prosopis juliflora Vilayati Babool
53 Pterocarpus marsupium Indian kino tree,
54 Punica granatum Pomegranate
55 Rhizophora mucronata Karod
56 Salvadora persica Luno
57 Soyamida febrifuga Ron
58 Syzygium cumini Jamun
59 Tamarindus indica Imli
60 Tamarix dioica Achi
61 Tecomella undulata Rohido
62 Tectona grandis Teak
6
63 Terminalia elliptica Saaj
64 Xeromphis uliginosa Gongad
65 Ziziphus nummularia Cheni bar
(Source: Field survey done by Ecology & Biodiversity team and data of forest Department)
Table 2: Flora in the Buffer Zone (climbers, Herb and Grass Species)
S.No Botanical Name Common name
1 Aeloropus lagopoides Kadvano
2 Arisida histricula Lomodu
3 Apluda mutica Bhongoru
4 Bothriochola ischaemum Dungri Zenzvo
5 Bothriochloa intermidia Saravu
6 Cynodon dactylon Daro
7 Cenchrus setigerus Dhramnu
8 Cymbopogon jwarancusa Gandharu
9 Dichanthium annulathum Jinjvo
10 Desmostachya bipinnata Darabh
11 Dinebra retrofelxa Khariu
12 Eleusine compressa Khovan
13 Heteropogon contortus Dab saliu
14 Sorghum halepense Baru
15 Sacchaum spontaneum Kans
16 Schima salcatum Saniar
17 Themeda cymbaria Ratad
18 Plantago ovata Isabgol
19 Foeniculum vulgare Fennel
20 Cuminum cyminum Cumin
21 Curcuma longa Turmeric
Climber
22 Abrus precatorius Gunja
23 Cuscuta reflexa Amarvel
24 Celastrus paniculata Malkankan
25 Combretum decandrum Malvel
26 Pueraria tuberosa Vidari
7
27 Rivea hypocrateriformis Fagvel
28 Tinospora cordifolia Galo
29 Cassytha filiformis Air creeper
30 Diploclisia glaucescens Vatan-vel
(Source: Field survey done by Ecology & Biodiversity team and data of forest Department)
1.2.1 Faunal Community:
Core Zone: During study, it was found that the faunal diversity in the core site was limited to Butterflies,
insects, animals like rats, monkey, dog, cat etc. and common lizards. List of the fauna observed and reported
during field visit is listed below.
Fauna of Core zone
Table 3: Fauna of Core Zone
TYPE COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME SCHEDULE
Reptiles:
1 Oriental garden lizard Calotes versicolor IV
2 House lizards Hemidactylus frenatus -
3 Indian Skink Sphenomorphus indicus
Mammals:
4 Northern palm squirrel Funambulus pennanti IV
5 Bat Pteropodidae V
6 Rat Rattus -
Aves:
7 Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus IV
8 Crow Corvus splendens V
9 Jungle babbler Turdoides striata IV
10 Maina Acridotheres tristis IV
11 Pigeon Columba livia IV
8
12 Rose-ringed parakeet Psittacula krameri IV
Butterflies
13 Common jay Graphium doson -
14 Common grass yellow Eurema hecabe -
Insects
15 Ant Formicidae -
16 Dragonfly Agrian sp -
17 Honey Bee Apis indica -
18 Spider Araneae -
(Source: Field survey done by Ecology & Biodiversity team)
Buffer Zone:
In the buffer Zone there is no RF or PF, so diversity of inland is very limited too few species of reptiles,
Mammals, avifauna and data collected from secondary literature in buffer zone. Secondary data also
collected from Narmada river.
Table 4: Fauna of Buffer Zone
TYPE SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON NAME SCHEDULE
Amphibian:
1 Bufo bufo Common Toad IV
2 Rana tigrina Frog IV
Reptiles:
3 Calotes versicolor Common Indian garden lizard IV
4 Hemidactylus flaviviridis House lizards -
5 Bungarus caeruleus Krait IV
6 Naja naja Indian Cobra II
7 Varanus bengalensis Indian Monitor Lizard I
8 Indotyphlops braminus Blind Snake -
9 Ptyas mucosus Dhaman II
10 Psammophis condanorus Sand snake -
9
Mammals:
11 Funambulus pennantii Five striped palm squirrel IV
12 Herpestes edwardsii Common Mongoose II
13 Boselaphus tragocamelus Nilgai III
14 Hystrix indica Porcupine IV
15 Sus scrofa Wildbore III
Aves:
16 Alcedo atthis Common Kingfisher IV
17 Anas acuta Northern pintail IV
18 Anas clypeata Northern shoveler IV
19 Anas crecca Eurasian teal or common teal IV
20 Anas penelope Eurasian wigeon IV
21 Anas poecilorhyncha Spot-billed duck IV
22 Anas strepera Gadwall IV
23 Ardea alba Great egret IV
24 Ardea cinerea Grey heron IV
25 Ardea intermedia Intermediate Egret IV
26 Columbidae Dove IV
27 Columbidae Pigeon IV
28 Coturnix coturnix Common quail IV
29 Cuculidae Cuckoos IV
30 Dicrurus macrocercus Black drongo IV
31 Egretta egretta Little egret IV
32 Gallus sp Jungle fowl IV
33 Grus leucogeranus Common crane IV
34 Mycteria leucocephala Painted Stork IV
35 Passer domesticus House sparrow -
36 Pavo cristatus Indian peafowl I
37 Pelecanus onocrotalus Great white pelican IV
38 Phalacrocorax niger Little cormorant IV
39 Phoenicopterus rubber Flamingo IV
40 Plegadis falcinellus Glossy ibis IV
41 Podiceps cristatus Great crested grebe IV
10
42 Pseudibis papillosa Red-naped ibis IV
43 Podiceps cristatus Great crested grebe -
44 Psittacidae Parakeet IV
45 Pycnonotidae Bulbul IV
46 Strigidae True owls IV
47 Acridotheres tristis Myna IV
48 Turdoides caudata) Common babbler IV
Insects
50 Rhopalocera spp Butterflies -
51 Vespa orientalis Wasps -
52 Agrian sp Dragonfly -
53 Apis indica Honey Bee -
54 Musca domestica House fly -
55 Androctonus scorpion Scorpion -
Fish
56 Anguilliformes Eel -
57 Eleutheronema tetradactylum Indian Salmon -
58 Grenadier anchovies Coilia -
59 Harpadon nehereus Bombay duck -
60 Lampridiformes Ribbon Fish -
61 Mugilidae spp Mullet -
62 Oligoplites saurus Leather jacket -
63 Pampus argenteus White Pomfret -
64 Parastromateus niger Black Pomfret -
65 Perca fluviatilis European perch -
66 Polynemidae Thread Fin -
67 Scombridae Seer Fish -
68 Siluriformes spp. Cat fish -
Crustacean
1. Fenneropenaeus indicus Indian prawn -
(Source: Field survey done by Ecology & Biodiversity team)
ENDANGERED SPECIES
11
There is only 2 schedule I Species found in buffer zone namely Pavo cristatus (Indian Peafowl) and Varanus
bengalensis (Indian Monitor Lizard). Three schedule II species were also reported in the buffer zone namely
Naja naja, Ptyas mucosus and Herpestes edwardsii.
Details conservation for schedule species I Pavo cristatus (Indian Peafowl) and Varanus bengalensis (Indian
Monitor Lizard) are given below.
1.3 Principles of Wildlife Conservation
Wildlife conservation is the practice of protecting wild plant and animal species and their habitat. Wildlife
plays an important role in balancing the ecosystem and provides stability to different natural processes of
nature like rainfall (transpiration from plant), changing of temperature (heat evolution by animals), fertility
of soil (making of manure by earthworm). The goal of wildlife conservation is to ensure that nature will be
around for future generations to enjoy and also to recognize the importance of wildlife and wilderness for
humans and other species alike. Many nations have government agencies and NGO's dedicated to wildlife
conservation, which help to implement policies designed to protect wildlife. Numerous independent non-
profit organizations also promote various wildlife conservation causes.
An endangered species is defined as a population of a living species that is in the danger of becoming extinct
because the species has a very low or falling population, or because they are threatened by the varying
environmental or prepositional parameters like (landslides, increase in temperature above optimum
temperature, acid rain). Wildlife is part of nature which maintain equally distribution of food instead of over
use of food by one human.
Wildlife management is the application of scientific knowledge and technical skills to protect, conserve, limit,
enhance, or create wildlife habitat. Wildlife management also includes implementing laws regulating the use,
kinds, and amounts of wildlife, people can harvest. Laws that protect existing habitat are also wildlife
management tools.
1.4 Decline of Wildlife
Biological evolution on earth is associated with extinction of older species and descent of new species but
the disappearance of species from the surface of the earth has speeded up 1000 to 10,000 times as compared
to the natural disappearance, due to destructive activities of man. Important reasons for decline of wildlife
are:
• Habitat loss and degradation, along with behaviours like overhunting,
• Hunting and poaching,
• Man- animal conflict,
• Pollution
12
Chapter 2: Conservation Plan
2.1 Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus)
2.1.1 Taxonomy
Table 5: Taxonomical Classification of Peacock (International, 2016)
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Galliformes
Family Phasianidae
Sub family Phasianinae
Genus Pavo
Species cristatus
Vernacular Name Mor or Peacock
Google image
13
The Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) has been an integral part of the people of the India and their culture for
centuries. From religion and mythology to civilization and socio-culture, the Indian Peafowl occupies an
important place in the lives of the people. In addition to this, the Indian Peafowl is well recognized for its
ecological and aesthetical values, and hence aptly declared as the 'National Bird' of India in the year 1963.
Since the early 1990s, there have been reports of increasing illegal trade in peafowl feathers, large-scale
mortalities due to increased use of insecticides/pesticides in agricultural lands, poaching, and retaliatory
killings by people due to alleged crop depredation by peafowl. Several peafowl strong hold areas in the
country are now concerned about the current declining status. Peacock which is in schedule-I of the wildlife
(protection) Act 1972 is reported in the study area.
2.1.2 General description
Peacock or Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) is a familiar and universally known large pheasant. It is the National
bird of Indian. The term “Peacock” is commonly used to refer to birds of both sexes. Technically, males of are
Peacock, females are peahens and together they are called peafowl. The male has a spectacular glossy green
long tail feathers that may be more than 60 percent of the birds total body length. These feathers have blue,
golden green and copper colored a celli (eyes). The long tail feathers are used for mating rituals like courtship
displays. The feathers are arched into a magnificent shape across the back of the bird and almost touching
on both sides. Females do not have these graceful tail feathers. They have the fan like crest with whitish face
and throat, chestnut brown crown and hind neck, metallic green upper breast and mantle, white belly and
brown back rump and tail. Their primaries are dark brown.
2.1.3 Morphology
Table 6: Morphological features of Peacock (Kushwaha & Kumar, 2016)
Scientific Name Pavo cristatus
Type Bird
Diet Omnivore
Size (L) 86 cm-107 cm (34in- 42in)
Wing span 120cm-300cm (47in-118in)
Weight 2.7 Kg-6 Kg (6lbs-13.2lbs)
Top speed 16 Km/h (10 mph)
Life span 12-20 years
Lifestyle Solitary
14
Conservation Status Schedule I (As per Wildlife protection act, 1972)
Average clutch size 6
Main Prey Grains, Seeds, Insects
Predators Dogs, Tigers, Wild Cats, Raccoon
Distinctive features Long tail feathers and Colorful tail of Males
2.1.4 Habitat
It is found in moist and dry-deciduous forests, but can adapt to live in cultivated regions and around human
habitations and is usually found where water is available. Size of the male tail feathers, its coloration and
eyes determine the don menace of the male in peacock hierarchy. The females are believed to be attracted
towards the male with longest and most colourful tail feathers.
2.1.5 Physical Characteristics
The male Indian Peafowl, commonly known as the peacock, is one of the most recognizable birds in the world.
The brightly coloured Indian peacock birds have a distinctive crest and an ornamental train. The train (1.4-
1.6 meters in length) accounts for more than 60% of their total body length (2.3 meters). Combined with a
large wingspan (1.4-1.6 meters), this train makes the male peafowl one of the largest flying birds in the world.
The train is formed by 100-150 highly specialized upper tail coverts. Each of these feathers sports an eye spot,
and has long disintegrated barbs, giving the feathers a loose, fluffy look. When displaying to a female, the
peacock bird erects this train into a spectacular fan, presenting the ocelli to their best advantage (Fowler,
2011)
Size of the male tail feathers, its coloration and numbers of eyes presents determine the dominance of the
male in peacock hierarchy. The females are believed to be attracted towards the male with longest and most
colourful tail feathers (Kushwaha & Kumar, 2016).
Table 7: Other physical Characteristics of peacock
Body length Male 110-230 cm, Female: 85 cm
Weight 2750-6000gm
Habitat In the undergrowth in deciduous forests near streams and neighborhoods of villages
and cultivated country and tall trees for roosting.
15
2.1.6 Behaviour
In the breeding season they are usually seen in small parties of one male three to five females whereas in the
non-breeding season they remain in separate parties of adult males and females with juveniles. Peacock roost
in tall trees and emerge from the dense thickets to feed in fields and opening in forests fields.
Call: Kee-ow, Kee-ow, Ka-an, Ka-an, Ka-an, Kok-kok, Kok-Kok, cain-kok,may-yow c Please incorporate the
same.
alls at dusk and dawn, also loud nasal calls and cackles, very noisy during the rains, when breeding.
Nesting: On tall Trees.
Breeding: Peak season in southern India is April to May and June in Northern India.
Other habits: Male sheds its colourful tail feathers during winters which grow again till autumn.
2.1.7 Food Habit
Peacock are ground feeders. Indian peafowl’s do most of their foraging early in the morning and shortly
before sunset. They retreat to the shade and security of the trees for the hottest portion of the day. They
make a meal of grains, drupes of wild and some cultivated crops. They can also eat insects, small reptiles and
small mammals (Fowler, 2011) .
2.1.8 Conservation and relationship with man
The great beauty and popularity of the Indian Peafowl has ensured its protection throughout most of its
native ranges. It enjoys the grace of the National Bird od India. The Peafowl is prominent in the mythology
and folklore of the Indian people. The Hindus consider the bird to be sacred because of its association with
Lord Krishna, who used to wear its feather as crown (Mor Mokut). It is also associated with the God Kartikey,
son of the Lord Shiva and Parvati and brother of Lord Ganesha. It is “Vaahan” (transport) of Lord Kartikeya.
This long and close association with humans has proven the Peafowl’s adaptability to human altered
landscapes. In villages where it is protected, it becomes quite tame, but is very shy and secretive where
hunted. Peacock is generally protected by the local people.
16
2.2 Indian Monitor Lizard (Varanus bengalensis)
1.1 Taxonomy
Taxonomical Classification of Indian monitor lizard (International, 2016)
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Varanidae
Genus: Varanus
Subgenus: Empagusia
Species: V. bengalensis
2.2.1 General Description
Bengal monitors or common Indian monitors (Varanus bengalensis) occur across much of southern Asia.
Compared to other varanid lizards, Bengal monitors have a much larger geographic range, where they are
considered less restricted both geographically and environmentally. This species is widely distributed from
Afghanistan to Java, including southeastern Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, southern Nepal,
Bhutan, and China, North and South Vietnam, Laos, and islands in the Strait of Malacca and the Greater Sunda
Islands. (Auffenberg, 1994; Pianka, 1995)
2.2.2 Habitat
Unlike other varanid lizards, Bengal monitors have the ability to cope with a broad range of environments,
from deserts to rainforests to habitats having seasonally snowy winters. However, generally they are found
in areas with continuously warm climates, with mean annual air temperatures of approximately 24 C. Most
of southern Asia experiences seasonal monsoons and wind patterns influenced by neighbouring seas and
Google image
17
mountains. Thus, precipitation across much of the range for Bengal monitors is highly variable. Some habitat
areas are relatively arid, with mean precipitation less than 200 mm per year. Other habitats are considerably
more humid, with annual rainfall reaching 2,200 mm per year. The most common tropical forest habitats for
Bengal monitors are deciduous, semi-deciduous, evergreen tropical forests, and thorn brush. (Auffenberg,
1994)
2.2.3 Physical Characteristics
Adult Bengal monitors are generally grey or greenish-grey in color, with a ventral pattern of grey to black
crossbars from the chin to the tail. These markings are generally darkest in the western parts and lightest in
the eastern parts of the geographic range. These ventral markings typically become lighter, and the ground
color darker, with age. Thus, adults display a less pronounced, less contrasting pattern than younger Bengal
monitors.
In the wild, the heaviest recorded male Bengal monitor weighed 7.18 kg, though captive individuals have
been reported to reach 10.2 kg. In the wild, males generally weigh 42% more than females. Males of the
same snout to vent length (SVL) as females are typically 9.2% heavier. Young Bengal monitors, on average,
weigh 0.078 kg. (Auffenberg, 1994)
2.2.4 Behaviour
In the wild, Bengal monitors are almost completely solitary. Much of the daytime is spent in constant
movement, searching for food. Bengal monitor are more likely to interact with one another during the peak
breading season, when males compete for mates. (Auffenberg, 1994). There are no noted negative impacts
of Varanus bengalensis on humans. Bengal monitors are not large enough to attack any livestock nor do they
eat any human cultivated crops. They may eat any small mammals that they can easily catch.
2.2.5 Food Habit
The diet of Bengal monitors is almost strictly carnivorous. They consume almost anything that is smaller than
themselves and that they can easily overpower. They are known to scavenge carcasses of previously felled
animals. Their documented observed prey species list is considerable, containing roughly 200 species.
Common prey includes: annelids, insects, amphibians, smaller reptiles, birds, small mammals, and eggs.
Cannibalism of eggs, hatchlings, and even adults has been noted, although predation on adults is rare. As
with most varanids, they swallow prey whole but are also capable of ripping and tearing flesh from larger
animals and carcasses. At smaller body sizes for Bengal monitors, various beetles species represent the
largest portion of their diet, averaging 52.8%. The second largest component of their diet is made up of
orthopteran insects at 9.5%. The remainder of their diet is made up of other insects, crabs, rodents, reptiles,
spiders, birds and almost any other animal they can reasonably consume. (Auffenberg, 1994). Primary Diet
18
carnivore eats terrestrial vertebrate’s insectivore eats non-insect arthropods scavenger. Animal Foods birds’
mammals’ amphibians’ reptiles’ carrion insect’s terrestrial non-insect arthropods.
2.2.6 Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, Varanus bengalensis is a species of Least Concern. This
is based on its wide geographic range. However, there are increasing pressures on the species. They are
hunted for their meat, skins, and for use in medicine. Due to expanding human habitation and urbanization,
the range threats to their population are likely to increase in the future. (Papenfuss, et al., 2010).
19
Chapter 3: Baseline Information and Conservation Plan
Distribution of the animal in the project area: During the field survey, the bird was reported in the buffer zone
of the project.
3.1 Anticipated Impact on Pavo cristatus
Table 8: Anticipated impact on Peacock present in Buffer zone
1. Loss of vegetation due to the
increased manufacturing Plant
will cause displacement of
Peafowl.
Core Zone of existing land:
No impact is envisaged as the project site is located within GIDC
notified industrial area which is earlier occupied by textile industry.
No cutting of trees was involved as the land was vacant at the time
of construction. The Peafowl and Indian Monitor lizard has been only
reported in the Buffer Zone where the dominant species are Peepal,
Neem, Aam, etc. However, Plantation will be done in Core Zone.
Preference will be given to fast growing, ecological important,
tolerant to air pollution trees are proposed for green belt. Plantation
will increase the vegetation which will give shelter to other avifauna
etc. Hence it will have positive impact on the environment.
2. Noise from construction work
may have little effect on the
migration of Indian Peafowl.
Plantation will be done along the periphery of the core zone. This
will help mitigate the impact of Noise.
3.2 Conservation Measures for Fauna with respect to project proponent
I. Strategy: Will make it an essential component of the project to look after the well-being of the animal in its
natural habitat.
II. Protection and development of habitat: Will keep vigil on illicit felling and illegal grazing in the nearby area.
All other activities which may damage the habitat will be kept on watch.
III. Strategy to enhance food supply: Planting of fruit and berries bearing species in the project area will be
carried out. In the core zone, the grain-feeding trays will be provided to get feed along with artificial water
body.
20
IV. Creation of tree groves: It will help the bird provide very good shelter for resting and roosting. The
increased number of trees will increase flowering and hence the insects and butterflies which may serve the
assured food supply. Plantation will be done with a difference of 100 m from the project boundary.
VI. Awareness strategy: It will be ensured through regular awareness programs and through publicity by way
of signage’s, posters, bill distributions, public meetings, announcements, student’s awareness sessions etc.
with the help of forest department.
3.3 Specific Conservation Measures in consultation with forest department
a) Plantation details and programs: Preferred roosting trees for the peacocks are Azadirachta indica,
Prosopis juliflora, Albizia lebeck, Dalbergia sissoo, Mimusops elengi etc. The plantation of these trees
would be specifically taken up in the Green belt area of the Project with consultation with forest
department.
b) Small earthen material lined water tanks will be created in the Core-zone Green area as well as select
areas in the Buffer Zone to make sure availability of clean drinking water to the Peacocks. The
availability of clean water will ensure a permanent stay of peafowl in these areas because peafowl
are effectively confined to undisturbed water sources during the dry months.
c) Awareness program: Gardeners and farmers would be encouraged to use natural manure such as
cow dung and vermicompost (compost prepared by earthworms which convert organic waste into
manure) instead of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to maintain flower beds and plants that mostly
kill insects and seasonal weeds (food of peafowl) which limit peafowl food supply. Insects are an
important prey-item for peafowl during the incubation period and for juvenile’s growth. Awareness
generation like in schools, setting up of interpretation zones, etc. for next five years. (includes
farmers and local villagers)
d) Litter burning will be discouraged strictly. Litter burning practices destruct peafowl habitat and
destroy feeding material and removes the cover and nesting materials necessary for shelter and
protection from predators.
e) Dogs movement in the proposed project area will be controlled. Dogs have a detrimental effect on
peafowl’s nesting and roaming behaviour. Dogs also lead to hardening the soil by decreasing the
vegetation of the area through continuous roaming and sitting at the same place, thereby making a
search for food more difficult for peafowl.
f) People will not be allowed to feed peafowl which infects them and starts a competition with other
urban birds such as feral pigeons and common myna.
21
Chapter 4: Project Budget
The Proponent has proposed a sum of Rs 9 Lakhs (Capital Cost) and 2.2 Lakhs (Recurring Cost) for
conservation of species under the following heads. The estimates are prepared for the project area in which
many activities are common to all the species as mentioned in the relevant places in the estimates. The total
financial plan is also specifically mentioned in the table below:
Table 9: Budget for conservation
Capital Cost
Recurring Cost
S. No. Component Provision in Lakhs
1 Plantation in association with Chief wildlife warden 2.5
2 In consultation with Chief Wildlife warden developing safety
walls or net with 100 m of project area
3.0
3 Awareness generation programs in consultation with Chief
Wildlife warden like in schools, setting up of interpretation
zones, etc. for next five years. (includes farmers and local
villagers)
2.5
4 Purchase and donation of GPS and camera 1.5
Total 9 lakhs
S. No. Component Provision in Lakhs
1 Maintenance of protective measures 0.6
2 Provision of Food and water for fauna 0.6
3 Awareness Programs like in schools, setting up of
interpretation zones, etc. for next five years. (includes farmers
and local villagers)
1.0
Total 2.2 lakhs