Avifauna of Ankodiya Village Pond, Vadodara District, Gujarat

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Avifauna of Ankodiya Village Pond,Vadodara District, Gujarat
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“Wetlands for Disaster Vol.7, No.1. March 2017
Risk Reduction” World Wetlands Day-2017 &

World Wildlife Day-2017 Special
(a theme of the World
Wetlands Day-2017)
ISSN 2321-1881
“Listen to the Young Voices!”
(a theme of the World

Wildlife Day-2017)
Page No.
Editorial
Dr. Ketan Tatu…………………………..………………..….…..3
Reflections
Dr. Pranav Trivedi…………….…………………....................5
Avichal Tatu
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881) Vol. 7, No. 1, March 2017
(World Wetlands Day &World Wildlife Day Special) Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction
Dr. Ritesh Kumar…………………………….……………………7
Gosa Bara-Mokarsagar Wetland Complex as

a Flood Regulator
Dhaval Vargiya…………………………………………...….….11
A Special Issue to mark
World Wetlands Day-2017 & Jalaplavit’s Wetland Guru conducts a Wetland
World Wildlife Day-2017. Techniques Workshop at Nal Sarovar, India
Dr. James T. Anderson…………………………..……………..15
Founder Editor
Dr. Ketan Tatu
A Limnological Study for Habitat Assessment
Associate Editor For Endangered Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista
Dr. Amita Tatu
gangetica gangetica) in Kulsi River, Assam
Copy Editor Shah Nawaz Jelil & Pranjal Mahananda……………........19
Kandarp Kathju
Expert Core Team A Pioneering Survey of Waders and Seabirds in

Modhava Coastal Area, Kachchh District, Gujarat
Principal Technical Advisor: State, India
Prof. James T. Anderson (USA)
Akshit R. Suthar & Dilipsinh Chudasama……...............26
Advisor
Dr. Pranav Trivedi
Avifauna of Ankodiya Village Pond,Vadodara
Foundation Layout & Design: District, Gujarat
Pugmark Qmulus Consortium Dhara R. Shah, Ishani B. Patel & Jagruti. Y. Rathod…...41
Design for the present issue
Ketan Tatu
Cover Photo: Avicahl Tatu

Jalaplavit’s Editorial/Core Team does not necessarily agree
Photographs in this issue are by: with the views/information provided by authors. Editorial/Core
Avichal Tatu, Dhaval Vargiya,
team is not responsible for any intentional/unintentional
Dilipsinh Chudasama, Ketan Tatu
plagiarism by authors.
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881), Vol.7, No.1, March 2017
EDITORIAL Ketan Tatu (Founder Editor)
“Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction”

But What about Man for Wetland Risk Reduction”?
providing natural barriers that can

On 2-2-2017, the World
mitigate the adverse impacts of land
Wetlands Day-2017 was celebrated all erosion, dust and sand storms, tidal
over the world with the focus on the surges, tsunamis and landslides, fires
Ramsar’s global theme for and droughts and protect communities.
2017―“Wetlands for Disaster Risk Unfortunately, the Millennium
Reduction”. What are those disasters Ecosystem Assessment has also
whose risks our wetlands reduce and recognized that there has been a
how do they do it? Well, Millennium continuing and accelerated loss of these
Ecosystem Assessment has recognized vital ecosystems called wetlands. And,
the significant role that wetlands play there is no need to mention separately
for human societies in regulating the that principally man is responsible for
gravity and rate of occurrence of accelerated wetland loss.
disastrous phenomena such as floods. It So, I earnestly feel (and would
has also acknowledged their value in like to share my feeling with you too)
3
that it is nice that global theme for the losing their value as habitats of surface-
World Wetlands Day-2017 is “Wetlands feeding ducks and emergent
for Disaster Risk Reduction”! It would hydrophytes? Are we vigilant enough to
certainly create and re-affirm the prevent any industrial unit risking a
importance of wetlands as buffers lake/pond, river or sea by its untreated
against the floods or other calamities in effluents? Are we seriously working to
the minds of people. But don’t we also stop degradation of our mangroves and
need a global theme to be implemented coral due to human economic
in near future- “Man for Wetland Risk ambitions? I am afraid, the answers to
Reduction?” Equipped with tremendous all these questions will be No’. Anyways,
scientific and technological capabilities, this issue has some articles revolving
adaptability to the changing around the theme of World Wetlands
circumstances, Sustainable Development Day-2017-“Wetlands for Disaster Risk
Goals etc., man certainly has potential to Reduction”.
reduce the man-induced or natural risks Many wetlands are excellent
to these fertile and productive wilderness areas. They offer rich wildlife-
ecosystems. However, even today, man’s experience. But, the wildlife of wetlands,
efforts to reduce risks to wetlands are like that of many other ecosystems is at
far from being satisfactory. Are we risk. Many species of waterbirds and
making sufficient efforts for reducing other wetland-animals are under threat
risks of encroachment of shores or as per IUCN Red List of Threatened
basins of suburban wetlands in the Species or Schedules (I-IV) of Wildlife
name of ‘modern development’? Are we (Protection) Act, 1972. Let’s have a
constantly striving to see that no pledge “to Do One Thing for (Wetland)
affluent farmer or a village level Wildlife of the World”! Considering the
authority poses risk to country-side rural theme of World Wildlife Day (WWD, 3rd
ponds owing to the tendency to fill March) declared by UN Environment for
them up to quench their thirst for more the year 2017(ie., “Listen to the Young
and more cultivable lands? Are we Voices”), this issue of “Jalaplavit” has
making sure that rural ponds are not at incorporated articles by few young
risk of getting over-deepened and authors!. Happy Reading……!
4
REFLECTIONS…
Pranav Trivedi
tpranav70@gmail.com
K Tatu
The Neglected Saviours
For a moment, just imagine how marshes of present day only represent the
erstwhile depressions! And other
it would feel if the Earth was flat. You’ll depressions such as valleys are the
agree that it would indeed be very boring pathways for rivers and streams
and monotonous. The relief features of supporting civilisations of the past and
our Earth i.e. elevations and depressions present both. Though mountains are their
not only make our planet more source, in a sense, these very depressions
interesting, but highly inhabitable! Yes, sustain life on Earth! All these wetlands
because many of the depressions occupying the various sized and shaped
gradually turned into some kind of water depressions play a crucial role of allowing
bodies during the course of Earth’s water to settle and be soaked that helps
life.These water bodies such as seas and prevent flooding of low-lying or plain
oceans, rivers and lakes, ponds and terrain. In our urban areas, much of the
5
flooding today is blamed on poor sewer these wetlands including the high-cost
system; yet a more fundamental cause is dams and reservoirs remain neglected in
disappearance of wetlands to urbanisation our country.
as has been observed in Ahmedabad,
Compounding the already grim
Bangalore and many other Indian cities.A
scenario, we do not have clear policies for
majority of the ponds in rural areas are
preservation and restoration of wetlands,
also going the slow but sure way of
nor do we seem to have the love and
demise much like the urban wetlands.
respect that can halt their degradation
However small a depressions it may be, its
and disappearance. If these happen to be
role as sink for water cannot be
National Parks and Sanctuaries or
underestimated.
irrigation reservoirs, there’s some hope.
If the urban wetlands are our But, we know that a vast majority of our
protectors from floods, the coastal-marine wetlands are too small and hence of any
wetlands such as mangroves and coral significance to be protected and valued!
reefs are guardians of the shore. Like So, despite facing multitudes of problems,
huge sponges, these absorb and lessen we have allowed these jewels of the Earth
the impact of natural events (often to remain in such a state of neglect.
termed erroneously as disasters!) such as There’s little wonder we struggle to
tsunamis and cyclones. Fertile grounds for maintain the man-made systems and
fish and other creatures which humanity incur huge costs each year for this.
uses as food, these productive ecosystems
Surprisingly, the only major action
are subject to much pollution and abuse
we have taken so far is to build more
in most coastal regions. This could
dams and other structures to preserve
jeopardise the uncountable ecological
water, while allowing nature’s bountiful
services from which we benefit – one of
treasures such as wetlands to go derelict!
which is protection against nature’s wrath.
Considering that nearly two-thirds of our
Water being one of the fundamental
bodies are water, doesn’t this neglect
needs of life in general and for human life
come as a shock and surprise?
in particular, our very survival and
protection from droughts is thanks to
wetlands and water bodies – be these
natural or man-made. And yet, most of
6
Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction

Ritesh Kumar (Wetlands International South Asia)
Ritesh.kumar@wi-sa.org
7
Healthy wetlands reduce our exposure

The theme of the World
to water related hazards such as floods
Wetlands Day for 2017 is “Wetlands for and water scarcity. Alone or in
Disaster Risk Reduction”. This theme has combination with traditional
been selected to raise awareness on the infrastructure, wetlands protect cities
vital roles of healthy wetlands in and communities against inundation
reducing the impacts of extreme events and flooding from the sea and rivers,
on communities, and in helping to build thus reducing loss of life and damage to
resilience. property. Coastal wetlands such as
Worldwide, disasters continue to mangroves protect the coast against
immensely impact development and flooding and serve as buffers against
environment. The increasing severity of saltwater intrusion. Floodplains, and
disasters is rooted in decisions and lakes retain and detain floodwaters,
actions that enhance disaster risk and reducing flood peaks reaching urban
make societies more vulnerable to areas and communities.
hazard impacts. Sustainable The floods of Kashmir Valley of
development calls for prospective and September 2014 and the December
preventive measures for reducing 2015 floods that drowned Chennai City
disaster risk. Integrating wetlands are grim reminders of the ways wetland
conservation and wise use within the destruction can make lives vulnerable.
policies and programmes for disaster Evidences from Super cyclone Kalinga of
risk reduction provides ‘cost-effective’ 1999, Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004
and ‘no-regrets’ options for buffering and Phailin of 2013 underline the role
communities from hazard impacts, coastal wetlands as estuaries and
reducing exposure to hazards and mangroves can play in buffering
provide for human needs and communities from impacts of these
livelihoods before, during and after cyclones and wave surges.
hazard events. India, as a signatory to Ramsar
How we use and manage Convention, is committed to wise use of
wetlands and other ecosystems is wetlands within its territory.
central to disaster risk reduction.
8
The National Environment Policy investing in specific disaster risk

of 2006 identifies wetlands as important reduction actions. The plan echoes the
component of ‘freshwater resources’. United Nations’ Sendai Framework for
The policy recommends integration of Disaster Risk Reduction emphasis on
wetlands within development planning addressing underlying risk causes for
and management of these ecosystems sustainable reduction of disaster risk. It
through prudent use strategies. is well-known that degradation of
Integration of wetlands in river basin wetlands aggravates society’s exposure
management is identified as a strategy to natural hazards and makes them
for management of river systems. more vulnerable to disasters.
Similar articulation can be seen in our Integration of wetlands within
national policies for biodiversity, climate disaster risk reduction strategies and
change, and water resources. The actions will require a number of
Ministry of Environment, Forest and collaboration actions between wetlands
Climate Change (MoEFCC) flagship managers and those responsible for
scheme ‘National Programme for implementation disaster risk reduction
Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems’ actions:
provides the programmatic framework a) Wetlands conservation and
for wetland conservation in the country. restoration should be included
The Ministry notified the Wetlands within the suite of actions
(Conservation and Management) Rules, proposed for reducing disaster
2010 as regulatory framework for risk, particularly those related to
wetlands in the country. The rules, at the water, food and climate security.
time of writing this article, were under Assessment of wetland
revision. ecosystem health should be
Notably, the National Disaster made a part of District level
Management Plan, released by the Disaster Planning processes
Hon’ble Prime Minister in May 2016, b) States should constitute Wetland
includes mapping and conservation of Authorities as nodal agencies for
wetlands within the set of actions integrated policy, planning and
understanding disaster risk, and regulation of wetlands.
9
Representation of disaster wetlands are in healthy state,

management authorities should these ecosystems are themselves
be ensured within State Wetland vulnerable to disaster risk and
Authorities. climate change impacts. Analysis
c) Mass awareness campaigns of potential vulnerabilities must
should be undertaken to educate be made a part of site
stakeholders from all walks of management planning processes,
society, particularly local and adequate response options
communities on the value of included as a part of adaptable
wetland ecosystems. management processes.
Wetland managers should
take into cognizance that even if
(Source: http://medwet.org/2016/12/world-wetlands-day-2017/)
10
Ghed and Gosabara-Mokar Wetland Area as Flood Regulators
Dhaval Vargiya (Mokarsagar Wetland Conservation Committee)

Dhaval.mwcc@gmail.com
Fig. 1 Ghed region in Porbandar District (Source: Jalaplavit, Vol. 6, No. 2)
Fig. 2 Bhadar and Ozat rivers (with Gosabara-Mokarsagar wetlands and its
surrounding villages (indicated by ellipses in an inset figure)
11
Wetlands provide multiple
Gosabara-Mokar wetland
complex is situated in Sorthi Ghed
benefits to local communities besides region. It is a huge rain-fed wetland
wildlife. Flood regulation during complex that is spread over the area of
monsoon season and water retention more than 100 sq. km. It serves as
during dry season are very important catchment area mainly of Bhadar river
ecosystem services of wetlands. though it also functions as catchment
Gosabara-Mokar wetland is area of Ozat river. Bhadar river has its
situated in Sorthi Ghed region of origin near Jasdan (Rajkot district) and
Porbandar district of Gujarat. It is a large meets the Arabian sea near Navi Bandar
wetland spread over an area of more village (Porbandar district). Its length is
than 100 sq. km. The word Ghed is 200 km and has a catchment of 7,094
derived from “Ghado” (which means sq.km. Ozat river originates near
‘pot’ in Gujarati language). Just as a pot Visavadar (Junagadh district) and meets
gets filled in when water is poured into the Arabian sea near Navi Bandar
it, the Ghed region gets inundated by village. Its length is 125 km and it has
the rain and river waters during catchment of 3,185 sq. km (Source:
monsoon. The inundation facilitated by Narmada, Water Resources, Water
the Ghed saves many villages from the Supply and Kalpsar Department). It is
acute effects of flash flooding during evident that these rivers are not very
heavy rains. Gujarat State Disaster long and so waters in monsoon can
Management Authority (GSDMA) has reach from the origin to the end
identified 9 villages in Porbandar district torrentially. Moreover, in the region
as the most flood-vulnerable villages, (Porbandar district) wherein these rivers
viz., Miyani, Palakhada, Ratia, Gorsar, meet the Arabian sea, their water
Balej, Kadachh, Mander, Tukda Gosa and courses are narrow and meandering.
Pata. Thus, during good monsoon, when
[Source: Impact of Monsoon Floods in the waters torrentially flow through the
rivers, their narrow basins are unable to
Ghed area of Porbandar Taluka.Unnati
hold waters. Therefore, if the large
Foudation, Gujarat, by A. Rawal (2010)]. depression area like Ghed or Gosabara-
12
Mokar wetland (through which these ,water spilling over from the narrow river
rivers flow) were non-existent as a buffer -courses could impose serious flooding
Dhaval Vargiya
Fig.3 Narrow channel of Bhadar River near its mouth at the Arabian sea
Dhaval Vargiya
Fig.4 A glimpse of birdlife at Gosabara- Mokar Wetland Complex
13
effects for the some of the villages of Nal Sarovar- A Flood-Buffer for Over A
Dozen Villages of “Nalkanthaa”
Porbandar district identified as flood-
--------
vulnerable villages (mentioned earlier). Nal Sarovar lake is the only
Ramsar Site of Gujarat. It is a shallow
Unlike Bhadar and Ozat, the river
depression area (with maximum 3 m
Madhuvanti originating from the Gir water-depth) -----------------
located between true
forest also meets the Arabian sea in aquatic system of Gulf of Cambay
Porbandar district. However, it does not (Khambhat) and uplands of at least
three talukas, viz. Lakhtar, Viramgam
flow through this depression area (of
and Sanand. It is connected to the Gulf
Ghed and Gosa bara-Mokar wetland of Cambay through a broad, forked
complex in Porbandar district) before creek called “Bhogavono Pat” that
originates somewhere near Shiyal
meeting the Arabian sea in Porbandar
village in Bavla taluka. The lake has a
district in the form of a narrow- large area (consisting of open water
channeled river. Hence, during the and emergent hydrophytic cover) of
147 sq. km. But, inundated area may
heavy rains in Gir (Gir Somnath and
even swell up to 350 sq. km
Junagadh district), huge amount of immediately after heavy rains during a
waters get torrentially poured into this good monsoon season. Local people
river but as it does not pass through say that immediately after heavy rains
during a good monsoon season, Nal
buffering areas like Ghed or Gosabara- Sarovar appears like a ‘miniature sea’
Mokar wetland, the river’s flood waters and that shows the capacity of the lake
spread across one or the other of the to store large amount of water! Large
quantity of water drains into the lake in
nine flood-vulnerable villages of
a good monsoon season because apart
Porbandar district (mentioned earlier). from the rains and rain water run-off,
Fortunately, such incidents do not occur lashing waters enter the Nal from the
seasonal and narrow-channeled rivers
every year. But, this is an apt example of
named Bhogavo and Brahmni on the
difference in flooding effect of a river Western fringe of the lake. If Nal
(i.e., Madhuvanti) that does not flow Sarovar were non-existent, over 12
villages on the periphery of the Nal (i.e.
through flood-buffering depression
Nalkanthaa region) could face acute
/wetland areas and the rivers (i.e., flooding effect due to these two
Bhadar and Ozat) that pass through narrow-channeled rivers. This is the
Ghed and Gosabara –Mokar wetland. ‘flood-buffering’ function of Gujarat’s
Ramsar Site. -Editor
14
Jalaplavit’s Wetland Guru Conducts a Wetland Techniques

Workshop at Nal Sarovar, India
James T. Anderson (West Virginia University, USA)
wetlands@wvu.edu
others. Finally, after years of trying to

December 2016 marked my first
make it happen it all came together at
trip to India. After a day and a half of the end of 2016.I am truly appreciative
car rides, planes rides, and sitting in of the GEER Foundation, my friend and
airports I finally arrived in Ahmedabad. colleague Dr. Tatu, and all those
At least Etihad Airways had a good involved with arranging my visit and
selection of movies on the long flight facilitating my stay in Gujarat.
from Chicago to Abu Dhabi, which
helped to pass the time. While in India, The GEER foundation offered a
I had the privilege of participating in a one-day symposium on wetlands on
1-day wetland seminar on December December 12th and I was one of 7
12th and teaching a 4-day workshop invited speakers. There were about 90
th th
from December 13 to 16 on wetland people in attendance for the symposium
techniques at Nal Sarovar Ramsar including many government employees,
wetland site in Gujarat, India. graduate students, and faculty. I was
asked to give two presentations: A
I was invited to India by the World View of Climate Change Impacts
Director of the Gujarat Ecological on Wetlands and America’s Wetland
Education and Research (GEER) Conservation and Restoration Policies.
Foundation, R.D. Kamboj at the request Other speakers included Dr. Ritesh
of Dr. Ketan Tatu. Dr. Tatu, the editor of Kumar (Integrated Wetland
Jalaplavit, has long held a dream to Management), Professor T.V.
bring me to India so I could share my Ramachandra (Conservation &
knowledge and passion of wetlands with Sustainable Management of Urban
15
Wetlands: Opportunities and traveled to Nal Sarovar wetland bird

Challenges), Dr. Asad Rahmani (What to sanctuary, which is managed by the
Do and What Not to Do at Wetlands), Gujarat Forest Department. For the next
Dr. K.D. Raju(Legislation for Wetland 3 days we spent mornings and early
Conservation in India), Dr. J. S. Parihar afternoons in the field and late
(Remote Sensing and GIS for Wetland afternoons and evenings at Kensville
Biodiversity Research in India-Scope, Resort covering additional lecture topics
Thrust Areas & Strategies), and Dr. that included wetland soils, wetland
Nirmal Kumar (Wetland Macrophyte functional assessment, wetland indices
Vegetation). of biotic integrity, and wetland
restoration. Field exercises included
From December 13thto 16thI wetland classification, hydrophytic
taught a workshop on wetland vegetation sampling and assessment,
techniques which was based on the 3- wetland hydrology indicators, hydric soil
volume Wetland Techniques books that identification and indicators, wetland
I co-edited with Dr. Craig Davis from delineation, and macroinvertebrate
Oklahoma State University: sampling. The entire week was wrapped
http://wvutoday.wvu.edu/n/2013/11/11/ up in a final ceremony featuring
wvu-scholar-gathers-wetland-research- comments from participants, awarding
methods-for-book-series. Attendance of certificates of completion, and many
was intentionally kept smaller for the photographs.
workshop, but there was still about 70
people in attendance, which made the I was highly impressed with the
field labs challenging. The first day was workshop participants. The students
designed to provide the foundation and asked many intriguing questions, and
background necessary for initial field they were engaged and interactive when
work. We had a full day of lectures I asked questions to them. They were
covering wetland classification, wetland very enthusiastic and appreciative of my
delineation, wetland vegetation, and time. Students were inquisitive, kind,
wetland hydrology, at GEER Foundation and respectful.
headquarters. On December 14th we
16
Glimpses of my Interaction with Wetland Techniques Workshop Participants at the Nal
17
However, I found it a little a treasure that needs to be conserved.

comical that at first, students were A strong research program needs to be
hesitant to get in the water, but after a developed on site so managers can
bit of coaxing and plunging into Nal respond to current and future
Sarovar myself, many of the students challenges.
quickly followed suite. By the end of the
workshop I couldn’t keep some of them I found that Gujarat has a strong
out of the water! Many had excellent contingent of dedicated natural
field skills in at least a subset of the resource professionals that are striving
topics we discussed and gladly shared to improve their science to conserve
their knowledge with me and others. their wetlands, wildlife, and
All-in-all I believe that most students environment. It is not an easy task as
learned a lot and have a better India like much of the world faces
appreciation for wetland science daunting ecological challenges from
following the workshop. climate change, pollution, population
growth, and numerous other issues.
I also was highly impressed with This workshop was one small step to
Nal Sarovar and the other wetlands that help improve the knowledge base on
I visited: Thol, Traj, Narda and Pariej. wetland ecology so resource
The avian life was tremendous. Indeed, I professionals can continue to enhance
saw roughly 90 bird species that I had wetland conservation in India. I hope
not previously seen. Nal Sarovar is truly there will be additional opportunities to
a tremendous place, full of life and a foster an exchange of ideas regarding
source of pride for Gujarat. I can see the wonderful wetlands and wildlife
why it was designated a Ramsar site in inhabiting this vast region.
2012. I saw many tourists enjoying Nal
Sarovar and also many local inhabitants
using the site and surrounding areas for
livestock grazing, fishing, and collecting
building material. Indeed, Nal Sarovar is
18
Listen to the Young Voices

A Limnological Study for Habitat Assessment for the
Endangered Gangetic Dolphin(Platanista gangetica gangetica)
in Kulsi River,Assam
Shah Nawaz Jelil1 (Division of Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation, ENVIRON, Guwahati, India)
& Pranjal Mahananda (Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore, India)
1
Email: shahnawazjelil@gmail.com
Abstract: A limnological study was conducted to ascertain physico-chemical

characteristics of habitats of the Gangetic Dolphin Platanista gangetica gangetica in
river Kulsi in Assam, India. Three sites were selected where dolphins are known to
occur (‘positive sites’). Another three sites were selected where dolphins have not
been observed (‘negative sites’) in the river Kulsi. The selection of the sites was done
through literature survey and reconnaissance survey before intensive field surveys.
The study aimed at testing whether or not certain physico-chemical parameters were
responsible for the habitat preference by the dolphins. Ten variables were considered
and they were compared for the ‘positive sites’ and ‘negative sites’ to see if any of
these constituted a factor of habitat selection by the dolphins. The study revealed
marked differences amongst various habitats/sites. The study also revealed that pH,
turbidity and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) constituted the governing factors for the
dolphin’s site preference.
Keywords: Brahmaputra, Dissolved Oxygen, Gangetic Dolphin, Platanista gangetica

gangetica, physico-chemical, pH, Turbidity, South Asian river dolphin conservation
Introduction Appendix I of CITES, Appendix II of

Convention of Migratory
The Gangetic Dolphin
Species(CMS). Moreover, it is also
Platanista gangetica gangetica is a placed in Schedule I of the Indian
small odontoceti species. It is one of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Thus, it
the four species of obligate river has got legal protection nationally and
dolphins. It is distributed in the has got international recognition as a
Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna- threatened species. Despite that, only
Karnaphuli river systems of India, a few thousand exist in the Ganges
Bangladesh and Nepal (Kasuya and system (Sinha and Sharma, 2003).
Haque, 1972). The Gangetic Dolphin is Wakid (2009) reported a total of 197
listed by IUCN as an Endangered (EN) individuals in Brahmaputra river
species and it is also included in system. River Dolphin conservation has
19
become a very critical issue, owing to Nagarbera. The origin of Kulsi is of

the recently reported extinction of the antecedent type and receives water
Baiji or the Chinese River Dolphin from various sources like surface run-
(Lipotes vexilifer) (Turveyet al., 2007). off water, ground water and hill
Conservation of endangered streams at source. On the basis of
species needs many lines of inquiry to continuity of flow, the river may
facilitate a holistic approach to reasonably be classified as permanent
conservation planning (Sutari, 2009). with a perennial source of water (Roy,
Investigation into physico-chemical 2000). Kulsi harbours diverse
properties of water may constitute one ichthyofauna and this diversity is
of the many lines of inquiry. The attributed due to the climatic
present study focused on conditions, physiography, topography
understanding the habitat parameters as well as its drainage system. A total
for the Gangetic Dolphin in Kulsi river of 63 fish species belonging to 8
of Assam. orders and 21 families have been
Study Area recorded along with 6 exotic fishes
Kulsi river (Fig. 1), a southern (Goswami and Ali, 2012) in Kulsi river.
tributary of river Brahmaputra It is surrounded by a number of
originates in the state of Meghalaya wetlands viz., Kulsi, Dorabeel,
(25°38´ N, 91°38´ E) in India, where it is Kukurmara, Salsola, Barpith, Baweli,
known as Khri River. At the distance of Chandubi, etc. (Goswami and Ali,
about12 km from its origin, the river 2012). Among them, wetlands-
enters Kamrup district of Assam at Chandubi (the tectonic wetland),
Umkiam and is known as Kulsi from Solbeel and Beeldora, play a pivotal
this point (Wakid and Braulik, 2009). role in providing healthy prey base for
River Kulsi traverses 7.5 km to the the Gangetic Dolphin. Kulsiriver is one
northeast and termed as Kulsi up to of the last and favourable refuges of
the place called Ghoramara, beyond this endangered river dolphin, i.e.
which it is termed as river Kalahi. The Platenista gangetica gangetica.
river (after flowing for about 80 km)
merges with Brahmaputra at
20
Figure 1: Some sampling sites for habitat assessment for P.gangetica

gangetica, River Kusli, Assam, India (A: India; B: Assam, C: Some of the sampled
sites in Kulsi river (Source: NatGeo map maker)
Fig.2. A view of Kulsi river in Kukurmara region, Assam
21
Material and Methods Assumptions: (i) The main assumption

Study design: Based on the was that all other environmental
reconnaissance survey and variables (e.g., fish composition and
comprehensive literature survey availability) other than those
carried out from September, 2013 to considered in this study were alike at
April, 2014, 6 sites were selected for all the sampling sites.
the field data collection. These (ii) Human/anthropogenic pressure
selected sites included 3 sites for was equal at all the sampling sites.
which the river dolphin’s occurrence Field survey and data collection: The
was most often reported and they priority for the team was to study the
were named as ‘positive sites’. Rest of dolphins in a non-invasive way. Hence
the three sites were those for which all surveys were conducted on foot or
the dolphin’s occurrence was never on traditional wooden canoes. The
reported and such sites were named field survey was conducted from April
‘negative sites’. The positive sites were to May, 2014. Nine habitat-assessment
(a) Kukurmara (b) Samaria(c) Jaljoli and limnological variables were considered
the negative sites were (a) Gumi (b) for the study (i) pH (ii) water depth (iii)
Kulsi village and (c) Singra. Nine dissolved oxygen (DO) (iv) Secchi Disk
habitat-assessment limnological Transparency (v) water temperature (vi)
variables were considered for the water colour (vii) flow velocity (viii)
study. The field work comprised of presence or absence of eddy counter
visiting the pre-selected sites and current system (ix) type of river bed.
recording the pre-determined habitat These data along with other data such
variables. Since the basic aim was to as channel width, number of dolphins
compare the habitat parameters of spotted, nearby river confluences, river
positive and negative sites, the sites meanders, weather, bank type, human
were sampled during almost the same activities in the river were also
time of the day (i. e. mid-day hours) to recorded into field datasheets. To
refrain from biases. ‘Positive’ and refrain from biases, each site was
‘negative’ sites as two sets of surveyed only during mid-day hours.
microhabitats were then compared pH was measured using a digital pH
and results were deduced thereby. meter, water depth using the sounding
weight method, DO was tested using
22
Winkler methods, temperature was Dolphin in Kulsi. As observed, the

measured using a thermometer, presence of eddy counter current
velocity was measured using the float increased the possibility of dolphin
methods and water transparency (light presence in Kulsi. Other variables were
penetration)using the Secchi disk. almost similar in both positive and
negative sites. Accurately describing
Results and Discussions and understanding the processes that
The data were presented in aggregate determine the distribution of
form so as to compare the positive organisms is a fundamental problem in
and negative sites as two habitats with ecology, with important conservation
respect to the dolphin’s and management implications
occurrence/non-occurrence (Table 1) (Redfern et al., 2006). The present
viz. Habitat with River Dolphin’s study showed some remarkable
Occurrence (HwRD), i.e., ‘positive sites’ differences between the values of
collectively and Habitat without River some of the habitat related
Dolphin’s Occurrence (Hw/oRD), i.e., limnological variables that were
‘negative sites’ collectively. The pH of considered in the study. They indicated
the ‘positive sites’ (or HwRD) ranged that these variables constitute some of
from 7.9–8.1, while at the ‘negative the key factors for the presence or
sites’ (or Hw/oRD), it ranged from 5.7– absence of the river dolphin in the
6.2. DO of the waters at the ‘positive study area. Field surveys were
sites’ (or HwRD) was 1.1 mg/L whereas conducted in the pre-monsoon
DO for the ‘negative sites’(or Hw/oRD) season. In this season, water dried up
was below 0.6 mg/L. Flow velocity at and the river water-depth got
‘positive sites’ (HwRD) was 0.07 decreased. Interestingly, only four
compared to 0.14–0.17 at the ‘negative individuals of dolphins were observed
sites’ (Hw/oRD). Secchi Disk in one of the six sites, i.e., Kukurmara.
transparency ranged from 29–30 cm at A dolphin calf was sighted in
‘positive sites’ and 24–25.5 cm at Kukurmara.
‘negative sites’(Hw/oRD). These four The inference of the study is
variables, viz., pH, DO, transparency that during pre-monsoon season, since
and flow velocity play a vital role in the water level decreases, the dolphins
habitat preference in the Gangetic seek refuge in some segments of the
23
river where relatively better water- Whales Research Institute. 24: 109–
depth was available. 115.
Our study reiterates that
Redfern, J. V, M. C. Ferguson, E. A.
Kukurmara segment of the river Kulsi is
Becker, K. D. Hyrenbach, C. Good, J.
a highly preferable site for the
Barlow, K. Kaschner, M. J. Baumgartner,
dolphins as they are present here all
K. A. Forney, L. T. Balance, P. Fauchald,
year round including the dry period. In
P. Halpin, T., Hamazaki, A. J. Pershing,
turn, management and conservation of
S. S. Qian, A. Read, S. B. Reilly, L. Torres
this segment of Kulsi should be
and F. Werner. (2006). Techniques for
considered to be of utmost
Cetacean-Habitat Modelling. Marine
importance.
Ecology Progress Series. 310: 271–295.
Acknowledgements: The equipment Roy, S. (2000). Studies on the ecology

support for this study was provided by of the Gangetic river dolphin Platanista
the Department of Zoology, Pandu gangetica gangetica (Roxburg, 1801) in
College. We thank Dr. ParagDeka of the Kulsi river of Assam.PhD thesis,
Pandu College for all the necessary Department of Zoology, Gauhati
equipment and demonstration of data University, Guwahati, India.
collection. We also thank Shakeel and
Sinha, R. K. and G. Sharma. (2003).
Mr. Jahangir Hussain for their help
Current status of the Ganges river
during the field surveys.
dolphin Platanista gangetica
gangeticain the rivers Kosi and Son,
References:
Bihar, India. Journal of Bombay Natural
Goswami, C. and S. Ali. (2012).
History Society 100(1): 27–37.
Ichthyofaunal diversity of Kulsiriver:
Prime habitat of dolphin. Biological Sutari, D.(2009). Species conservation
Forum-An International Journal 4(2): in a complex socio-ecological system:
38–44. Irrawaddy dolphins Orcaellabrevirostris
in Chilika lagoon, India. PhD thesis,
Kasuya, T. and A. K. M. Haque. (1972).
School of Earth and Environmental
Some information on distribution and
Sciences, James Cook University,
seasonal movement of Ganges
Townsville, Australia.
dolphin. Scientific reports of the
24
Turvey, S., R. L. Pitman, B. Taylor, J. Gangetic dolphin (Platanista gangetica

Barlow, T. Akamatsu, L. A. Barrett,, X. gangetica) in the Brahmaputra river
Zhao, R. R. Reeves, B. S. Stewart, K. within India in 2005. Current Science
Wang, Z. Wei, X. Zhang, L. T. Pusser, M. 97(8): 1143–1151.
Richlen, J. R. Brandon and D. Wang.
Wakid, A and G. Braulik. (2009).
(2007). First human-caused extinction
Protection of endangered Ganges river
of a cetacean species? Biology Letters
dolphin in Brahmaputra river. Final
3:537–540.
technical report submitted to IUCN-Sir
Wakid, A. (2009.) Status and
Peter Scott Fund, 44pp
distribution of the endangered
Table 1: Values of the habitat-assessment limnological variables for

‘positive sites’ (grouped as HwRD) and ‘negative sites’ (grouped as Hw/oRD)
pH Secchi Velocity DO Depth Type of Temperature Colour Eddy

disk (ms-1) (mg/L) (m) riverbed of water (°C) counter
transpare- current
ncy (cm)
8.1 29-30 0.07 1.1 4.23 Muddy 17.8 MB Present
HwRD
5.7- 24-25.5 0.15 0.6 4.32 Rocky 15.6 MB Absent
Hw/o 6.2 and and
RD
below muddy
25
Listen to the Young Voices
A Pioneering Survey of Waders and Seabirds in Modhava

Coastal Area, Kachchh District, Gujarat State, India
Akshit R.Suthar 1 (Gujarat Ecological Society) & Dilipsinh Chudasama

1
Akshitsuthar@gmail.com,
Abstract
To understand the shorebird profile of Kachchh coastal area under industrial
pressure, we conducted a study to get shorebird profile of a portion of it spread over 5-
6 km coastline of Modhava beach in Mundra Taluka, Kachchh District. Field work for the
study was carried out from April 2015 to March 2016. A total of 45 species were
recorded along Modhava beach that belonged to 5 orders and 11 families. Most species
were small or large waders belonging to the families Scolopacidae (16 species of
sandpipers, shanks, godwits etc), Charadriidae (6 species of plovers)] and Ardeidae (3
species of herons, egrets etc.). Other relatively dominant family was the seabird family
Laridae (with 11 species of gulls and terns). Of the remaining families, 2 families were
represented by 2 species each and 5 families were represented by one species each. Of
the total recorded species (i.e., 45 species), 2 species of birds were globally threatened
(1 Endangered and 1 Vulnerable) whereas eight species were Near Threatened as per
IUCN’s Red Data List of Threatened Species.
Introduction changes in aquatic productivity or

climate change.
Waders (i.e., shorebirds and The check-list of birds of Kachchh
district was prepared by several
large waders) and seabirds are integral
ornithologists from time to time;
components of coastal wetland
notably among them were Lester, Salim
ecosystems. Many of them forage over
Ali, Bates, Ripley, Himmatsinhji and
large geographic areas and feed at
Maharao. As per Tiwari and Sen,
different trophic levels. Thus, they are
Kachchh district supports more than 300
often considered to be effective
species of birds which include waders
indicators of the health of the
and seabirds. The Modhava beach,
ecosystem of which they are part.
where the present survey was carried
Seabirds have been used to monitor
out, is situated in Mundra Taluka of
pollution. and effects of fisheries
Kachchh District in Gujarat State. It
management practices. Moreover,
provides an excellent habitat for small
seabirds show ecological responses to
26
waders (shorebirds), large waders and this coastal area functions as an

(herons, egrets etc.) and seabirds (gulls abode to innumerable waders and
and terns). They utilize coastal wetlands seabirds especially in winter. The
with marshy shores and sandy beaches. ecological features of the Kachchh
Several migratory birds visit this coastal includes long coastline of 405 km,
area every year during winter. Keeping undulating terrain, saline marshy desert,
in view the conservation value of pristine grasslands, hillocks and bets.
shorebirds and this shorebird habitat, Modhava coastal area in Mundra
systematic efforts were made by us taluka, Kachchh district (marked in the
during April 2015–March 2016 with the Fig.1) consisted of nearly 5 km wide
objective to have an overview of the intertidal zone having mangrove forest,
diversity and threats to shorebirds in sandy shore and rocky habitat. The area
this landscape. had been traditionally used for fishing
and salt-manufacturing, but in the
Study Area modern times, it is increasingly used for

industrial development.
Kachchh district is a crescent
shaped peninsula located on the north- Kachchh Coast is one of the rare
ecological zones in the world having
western part of Gujarat state. The term
rich bio-diversity. It comprises of
“Kachchh” is derived from “Katchua or mangroves, Coral reefs, Mudflats,
Kachbo” meaning Tortoise. It is the Seaweeds, Commercial Fishes and
several rare marine species. A
largest district of India spreading over
prominent feature of the Kutch Coast
45,653 sq. km. It is located between the is the vast intertidal zone comprising
latitudes 22o 44’ 11” to 24 o
41’ 25” N a network of creeks, estuaries and
and the longitudes 68 09 46” to 71 54 mudflats. The Kutch coast provides
conducive environment for several sea
47” E. Large portion of Kachchh district based traditional occupations.
is located in arid bio-geographic zone. (Source:<http://www.ceeindia.org/cee
/pdf_files/ kutch_coast_study.pdf>)
The northern shore of the Gulf of
Kachchh is located in Kachchh district
27
Kachch District
Gujarat
G
Mundra
Fig.1 Modhava coastal area in Mundra taluka, Kachchh district
Material and Methods sunrise) to 1200hr and 0300hr to 0630hr

(sunset). The area was explored
Observations were made by
travelling on vehicles as well as on foot.
conducting field visits at regular time-
The observations were carried out with a
interval. Field work was conducted from
pair of 10 x 50 binoculars. Species were
April 2015 to March 2016. Field visits
identified using recognized field
were conducted every month during the
guides/Handbooks/Checklists like those
study period and all the three distinct
by Ali & Ripley (1983), Grimmett et al.
seasons (i.e. winter, summer and
(1998), Parasharya et al. (2004) and
monsoon) were covered. Observations
Rasmussen & Anderton (2005). We also
were made mainly from 0600hr (or
communicated with many local villagers
28
and fishermen to understand their identifying threats due to anthropogenic

dependency on this coastal area and activities.
Results
A total of 45 species were families, 2 were represented by 2
recorded in the Modhava coastal area species and 5 families were represented
which belonged to 5 orders and 11 by one species.
families (Table 1).
Threatened & Near Threatened
Family-wise species richness Species (as per IUCN)
Maximum number of species (i.e., Of the total recorded species, 10
16 species) belonged to the family (i.e., 22%) species of waterbirds were
Scolopacidae (i.e., family of Sandpipers, globally threatened/Near Threatened as
Godwit, Whimbrel, Turnstone etc.) per IUCN (2010)’s Red List of Threatened
followed by Laridae family [i.e., family of Species. Of these 10 species of birds,
Gulls, Terns, Skimmers) with 11 species, one species was Endangered (EN), one
Charadriidae family[i.e., family of species was Vulnerable (VU) and eight
Plovers] with 6 species and Ardeidae species were Near Threatened (NT). The
family [i.e., family of Herons, Egrets etc.] details of the status of those species are
with 3 species. Of the remaining given in Table 2.
Fig. 2 Family-wise waterbird species richness recorded on Modhava coast

18
16
16
14
12 11
10
8
6
6
4 3
2 2
2 1 1 1 1 1
0
29
Table 1. Checklist of waterbirds recorded on Modhava coastal area, Kachchh

Common Scientific Name Order Family Resident IUCN
Name -ial Status
Status
Western Reef Egretta gularis Pelecaniformes Ardeidae R LC
Egret
Great Egret Ardea alba Pelecaniformes Ardeidae R LC
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Pelecaniformes Ardeidae R LC
Great Thick- Esacus Charadriiformes Burhinidae R NT

knee recurvirostris
Pacific Golden Pluvialis fulva Charadriiformes Charadriidae M LC
Plover
Little Ringed Charadrius Charadriiformes Charadriidae RM LC
Plover dubius
Grey Plover Pluvialis Charadriiformes Charadriidae M LC
squatarola
Kentish Plover Charadrius Charadriiformes Charadriidae RM LC
alexandrinus
Lesser Sand Charadrius Charadriiformes Charadriidae M LC
Plover mongolus
Greater Sand Charadrius Charadriiformes Charadriidae M LC
Plover leschenaultii
Painted Stork Mycteria Ciconiiformes Ciconiidae R NT
leucocephala
Black necked Ephippiorhynchu Ciconiiformes Ciconiidae R NT
Stork s asiaticus
Crab Plover Dromas ardeola Charadriiformes Dromadidae M LC
Eurasian Haematopus Charadriiformes Haematopodi M NT
Oystercatcher ostralegus dae
Heuglin's Gull Larus heuglini Charadriiformes Laridae M LC
Pallas's Gull Ichthyaetus Charadriiformes Laridae M LC
ichthyaetus
Brown Chroicocephalus Charadriiformes Laridae M LC
Headed Gull brunnicephalus
Black Headed Chroicocephalus Charadriiformes Laridae M LC
Gull ridibundus
Slender Billed Chroicocephalus Charadriiformes Laridae M LC
Gull genei
Little Tern Sternula Charadriiformes Laridae R LC
albifrons
30
Lesser Thalasseus Charadriiformes Laridae M LC

Crested tern bengalensis
Gull-Bill Tern Gelochelidon Charadriiformes Laridae M LC
nilotica
Whiskered Chlidonias Charadriiformes Laridae M LC
Tern hybrida
Caspian Tern Hydroprogne Charadriiformes Laridae RM LC
caspia
Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans Charadriiformes Laridae M LC
Dalmatian Pelecanus Pelecaniformes Pelecanidae M VU

Pelican crispus
Greater Phoenicopterus Phoenicopterifo Phoenicopteri RM LC
Flamingo roseus rmes dae
Pied Avocet Recurvirostra Charadriiformes Recurvirostrid RM LC
avosetta ae
Black winged Himantopus Charadriiformes R LC
stilt himantopus Recurvirostrid
ae
Whimbrel Numenius Charadriiformes Scolopacidae M LC
phaeopus
Common Tringa totanus Charadriiformes Scolopacidae M LC
RedShank
Terek Xenus cinereus Charadriiformes Scolopacidae M LC
Sandpiper
Ruddy Arenaria Charadriiformes Scolopacidae M LC
TurnStone interpres
Sanderling Calidris alba Charadriiformes Scolopacidae M LC
Dunlin Calidris alpina Charadriiformes Scolopacidae M LC
Eurasian Numenius Charadriiformes Scolopacidae M NT

Curlew arquata
Common Tringa nebularia Charadriiformes Scolopacidae M LC
GreenShank
Bar-Tailed Limosa lapponica Charadriiformes Scolopacidae M NT
Godwit
Black-Tailed Limosa limosa Charadriiformes Scolopacidae M NT
Godwit
Common Actitis Charadriiformes Scolopacidae M LC
Sandpiper hypoleucos
Spotted Tringa Charadriiformes Scolopacidae M LC
Redshank erythropus
Green Tringa ochropus Charadriiformes Scolopacidae M LC
Sandpiper
31
Marsh Tringa stagnatilis Charadriiformes Scolopacidae M LC

Sandpiper
Great Knot Calidris Charadriiformes Scolopacidae M EN
tenuirostris
Curlew Calidris Charadriiformes Scolopacidae M NT
Sandpiper ferruginea
Note: R: Resident, M: Migratory, RM: Resident-Migratory, LC: Least Concern (as per IUCN Red List
of Threatened Species), NT: Near Threatened, VU: Vulnerable, EN: Endangered
Table 2. Threatened & Near Threatened Waterbirds of Modhava coast

Sr.No Common Name Scientific Name IUCN Status
1 Great Thick-knee Esacus recurvirostris NT
2 Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala NT
3 Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus NT
asiaticus
4 Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus NT
ostralegus
5 Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus VU
6 Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata NT
7 Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica NT
8 Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa NT
9 Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris EN
10 Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea NT
IUCN
EN
Status
VU
2% 2% LC
NT
NT
18% VU
EN
LC
78%
Fig. 3 Proportion of Threatened & Near Threatened waterbirds

(Modhava coast)
32
Residential Status of Birds Migratory (71%) for the Indian

Subcontinent, 8 were Resident (18%)
Of the total 45 species
and 5 species were Resident-Migratory.
recorded, 32 species were
11%
18%
R
M
RM
71%
Fig. 4 Proportion of Migratory, Resident and Resident-Migratory species
Threats identified
spillage of transport materials like
During the study period, we coal, fertilizers, soda ash and cement.
identified several threats or disturbance
factors in this coastal area. Some of  Changes in traditional fishing
them are mentioned below: practices.
 Rapid industrialization and other

 Movement of a variety of vehicles (2-
proposed development activities.
wheelers to 4-wheelers).
 Increasing shipping traffic and

 Likely increase in infrastructure and
associated problems like oil spills,
tourism pressure in future.
garbage and ballast water disposal,
33
Dilipsinh Chudasama Dilipsinh Chudasama

Crab plovers with a port in background Flamingo near fishermen on a bike

Sanderling and Ruddy Turnstone in front A flock of Black-headed Gull with
of a fisherman boats/steamers in background
Dilipsinh Chudasama
Eurasian Oystercatcher and a gull in the vicinity of fishermen
34
Discussion
Modhava beach is certainly rich used up by industries. In addition to an
from the viewpoint of shorebirds and existing port, four new ports, backup
seabirds. As per our opinion, it supports facilities and shipyards are coming up in
almost 19% of species of wetland birds the Mundra coast. A multipurpose SEZ
of India. The 5 km long intertidal zone has been planned along the port. Nearly
has several creeks. The area around the 25,000 MW power will be generated by
creeks has abundant mangroves. The coal based power plants on the Mundra
mangroves are known to support fish coast. During field-work, we had also
breeding and other faunal diversity observed that the birds got disturbed
including mollusks, crabs and due to drilling activities. The area has
mudskippers. They constitute the diet been under tremendous pressure due to
for a variety of shorebirds and seabirds. rapid industrialization, changes in
As the intertidal area provides strategic traditional fishing practices and tourism.
locations where traditional fishing can About 10 bird species that were found
be carried out, more than 1000 families to be threatened and good
of the Mundra coastal area are involved concentration of shorebirds make
in fishing. But now the entire 60 km Modhava beach a very important area
intertidal zone in Mundra area is being for bird conservation.
The Modhava coastal area is located in Mundra taluka, Kachchh district. A prominent
feature of the Mundra Coast is the vast intertidal zone comprising a network of creeks,
estuaries and mudflats. The intertidal zone is unique and very important because the
fishermen can land their boats in these natural creeks and also keep them there safe from
strong winds and currents. The fisher-folk have complete knowledge of the sea and have
been living on the coasts for ages. They are familiar with the creeks of the area and the
intertidal zone is important for their occupation, economic prosperity and survival of their
families. The creeks also form a natural drainage system which if disturbed might lead to
flooding during monsoons. Scientists have identified vacant sites along the Kutch coast
(Zone 3 Mandvi-Jakhau, Zone 1 Bhachau Gandhidham) which could be used for industrial
development. Along the northern coast, two lengthy stretches are available without any
ecologically sensitive zones that could be used for future development of industries. Why
use the ecologically sensitive and traditional livelihood supporting Mundra Coast for
Industrial Development when alternative sites are available nearby.
(Source: http://www.ceeindia.org/cee/pdf_files/impactofindustrial_expansion_in_mundra_coast.pdf)
35
Conclusion
The Modhava beach supports many The coastline of Kachchh is being used
resident and migratory bird species, of for only commercial purposes, but its
which, some are threatened. Apart from biodiversity richness is always neglected
good avian diversity, this area has been and not properly documented. This
providing good habitat to many living coastline has been providing good
organisms. It has also been providing habitat to many migratory and resident
livelihood option to fishermen birds, mammals, sea turtles and marine
communities. But, being an important invertebrates. Regular monitoring of this
area for a variety of avifauna it should coast biodiversity and developing the
receive immediate attention for database is crucial considering need for
conservation. environment impact assessments for
establishing new industrial or
Recommendations
commercial units.
No/cautious development on coast and
Public Awareness:
Habitat restoration:
Much can be achieved for coastal
If at all necessary, very cautious and
biodiversity conservation through public
environmentally careful industrial and
awareness and education. Awareness
other development activities on the
can be created at various levels—among
coast-line of Kachchh. Carrying out
local NGOs, fisher-folks and coastal
mangrove plantation by Forest
residents. Training/nature education
Department by involving local
programmes need to be conducted for
communities.
school/ college students and volunteers
Research and Monitoring: and employees of NGOs.
36

Great Knot Eurasian Oystercatcher

Black-necked Stork Dalmatian Pelican
Dilipsinh Chudasama D. Chudasama

Eurasian Thick-knee Bar-tailed Godwit
37
Eurasian Curlew Curlew Sandpiper
Dilipsinh Chudasama
A flock of Greater Flamingo at Modhava Beach
38
Dilipsinh Chudasama
Carb Plover – a species covered under “Agreement on the Conservation of African-
Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA)”
Dilipsinh Chudasama
An aesthetic value of Modhava Beach-a flock of Flamingos at sunset
39
Acknowledgments
We are thankful to Mr. Nirav Pomal,

Indian Subcontinent. Oxford University
Ashish Gohil, Mahesh Parmar and Alok
Press, Delhi, 480.
Jethi to give accompany us during the
field, we also grateful to Dr. Ketat tatu
IUCN (2010).IUCN Red List of
Sr. Scientist, GREER Foundation for their Threatened Species. Version 2010.4.
support and encouragement to www.iucnredlist.org
preparation of this manuscript. Parasharya, B.M., C.K. Borad & D.N. Rank
(2004). A Checklist of the Birds of
References
Gujarat. Bird Conservation Society,
Ali S. and Ripley S.D.(1983).A Pictorial Gujarat, 26pp.
Guide to the birds of the Indian
Subcontinent. Bombay Natural History Rasmussen, P. C. &, J. C. Anderton
Society. Oxford University Press, (2005). Birds of South Asia: the Ripley
Bombay, 165. guide. 1st ed. Washington, D.C. and
Barcelona: Smithsonian Institution and
Grimmett, R., C. Inskipp & T. Inskipp Lynx Edicions. 2 vols. Pp. 1–378; 1–683
(1998).Pocket Guide to The Birds of the
40
Jalaplavit (ISSN 2321-1881), Vol.7, No.1,March 2017
Listen to the Young Voices (Avian Profile of a Village Pond)
Avifauna of Ankodiya Village Pond,Vadodara District, Gujarat
Dhara R. Shah, Ishani B. Patel and Jagruti Y. Rathod*(Gujarat Ecological Society)

*E-mail: rathod21@gmail.com
Abstract
There are 1,561 villages in Vadodara district and usually each village has at least one
pond. Ankodiya is one of the traditional villages of this district in Vadodara taluka.
Our baseline study using point count method revealed that Ankodiya village pond
supports several species of resident and migratory birds and other fauna. A total of
50 species of birds were recorded that belonged to 28 families. The study
demonstrated significance of even a small village pond of Gujarat in supporting
avian and other type of fauna.
Key words: waterbirds, wetland
Introduction
talukas and 1561 villages. Vadodara

Ponds have their own
taluka has total 109 villages and
aesthetic and ecological values. almost all villages have village ponds.
Various ponds and other wetlands We have preliminarily surveyed about
provide a balancing reservoir for 50% of ponds in the district and based
sustaining native flora and fauna on these surveys we believe that there
(Surana et. al., 2007). Moreover, ponds has been wide variation in their
are often important for maintaining biodiversity richness. Therefore, we
ground water level, flood control, have initiated baseline biodiversity
balanced food chain etc. Each district studies on various ponds of the
of Gujarat has different types of ponds district. Ankodiya village pond is one
and Vadodara district in Central such pond.
Gujarat is no exception. As per the
Wetland Atlas for Gujarat published in Study Area
2010 by Space Applications Center,
Ankodiya village is 12 km away from
Geographical area of Vadodara district
Vadodara city and is located towards
is 7,794 sq. km and total wetland area
north-west of Vadodara city
is 35.55 sq.km which include 537 small (22º20.455’ N, 73º6.882’ E). Most of the
wetlands. Vadodara district has 12
people of this village are farmers and
41
workers. The area of the pond is 1.8 ha. Ficus benghalensis and Acacia nilotica
The pond is surrounded by trees like
Ankodiya Pond
Ankodiyaa
Pond
Fig.1 Ankodiya Village Pond & its location with respect to

Vadoadara city
Fig. 2 A View of Ankodiya Village Pond
42
Material and Methods
Field surveys were carried out by A total of 50 species of birds

laying point transects appropriately belonging to 29 families were sighted
and representatively across the study during the study period. Of these, 26
area (Bibby et al., 1993). Bird species species were waterbirds and 24
utilizing the pond area were recorded species were terrestrial birds (Table. 1).
using point count method. We had Dominant waterbird families included
covered 90% of the pond area with 4 Ardeidae (4 spp.) Scolopacidae (4 spp.)
observation points. Seasonal surveys and Threskiornithidae (4 spp.) (Table
of the pond were carried out, but only 1). Birds of these families are known to
the maximum count for each species be predominantly carnivorous. Four
recorded was used for reporting. This species of birds were migratory which
was done to indicate the capacity or included Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa
suitability of the pond in supporting limosa), Common Sandpiper (Actitis
various bird species in terms of their hypolecos), Common Redshank (Tringa
likely maximum numbers that can totanus) and Yellow Wagtail
inhabit it. Bird species were identified (Moctacilla flava). Ankodiya pond not
using pairs of 10x40 binoculars and only supported waterbirds, but it also
well-recognized Field Guides such as supported terrestrial birds. Further, this
one by Grimmett et al. (1999) and Ali pond also supported some Globally
(2002). Birds were categorized into Near Threatened (NT) species of birds
waterbird and terrestrial bird species (as per IUCN’s Red List of Threatened
and they were further sub-categorized Species, 2016). They included Black-
into 2 types – Extra-limital Migrants for tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa), Painted
Gujarat and Resident for Gujarat. The Stork (Mycteria leucocephala), Indian
comprehensive checklist was prepared River Tern (Sterna aurantia) and
using standardized common, scientific Oriental White Ibis (Threskiornis
names, family, current population melanocephalus). Birds and other
trend and status as per IUCN 2016 organisms often get good food
(Table 1). resource from such ponds due to their
richness in organic components, high
Results and Discussion
productivity, aquatic plants,
43
phytoplankton and zooplanktons similar rural wetlands should not be

(Bhandarkar, 2008). It was found that under-estimated.
Ankodiya village pond had not only
Recommendations
supported migratory species, but it
also supported residential species of  The pond should be protected
the birds. It was also found that from any unplanned activity like
presence of large number of trees like filling or draining.
Ficus benghalensis, Acacia nilotica,  It should also be protected from
Azadirachta indica, Ficus religiosa L., excessive and unchecked release of
and Pithecellobium dulce attracted sewage into it.
good number of terrestrial species of  If deepening of the pond is
birds for roosting and nesting. These required to improve its storage
trees also facilitated foraging, shelter potential, then it should be done
and breeding habitats for some in such a way that waterbird and
resident waterbirds such as Black Ibis fish habitats are not altered.
and egrets.  Logs can be provided on the
banks of the pond to enhance
Conclusion
basking/sunning utility of the
Despite its small size, Ankodiya banks for amphibians, turtles,
village pond was found to be waterbirds etc.
important in fulfilling foraging life  Poles/snags can be erected at
requisite of several migratory and appropriate places to provide
resident waterbird species, some of perching micro-habitat for the
which were Near Threatened as per the some waterbirds.
Red List of Threatened Species by  Awareness programme should be
IUCN. As the pond was surrounded by carried out for villagers,
native trees, it was also found to be youngsters and students.
important for fulfilling foraging,  Detailed studies on this and
resting and roosting life requisites of similar kinds of wetlands should
several terrestrial (arborial) birds and be carried out.
nesting needs of waterbirds like ibis
and egrets. Therefore, conservation
value of Ankodya village pond and
44
Table 1: Checklist of Aquatic and terrestrial birds observed at Ankodiya pond

From December 2014 to 2015
Status
Maximum
(as Global
No. Of
Birds per Population
Sr.No species
common Scientific name Family Status ‘Red Trend(as
. sighted at
name List’ per ‘Red
Ankodiya
IUCN List’, IUCN)
Pond
2016)
Waterbirds
Comb Sarkidiornis
1 Anatidae R LC D 5
Duck melanotos
Asian
2 Anastomus oscitans Ciconiidae R LC UK 3
Openbill
Black-
3 tailed Limosa limosa Scolopacidae M NT D 4
Godwit
Black-
Himantopus Recurvirostrid
4 winged R LC I 29
himantopus ae
Stilt
Bronze-
5 winged Metopidius indicus Jacanidae R LC UK 3
Jacana
Cattle
6 Bubulcus ibis Ardeidae R LC I 15
Egret
Common
7 Alcedo atthis Alcedinidae R LC UK 2
Kingfisher
Common
8 Tringatotanus Scolopacidae M LC UK 2
Redshank
Common
9 Actitishypoleucos Scolopacidae M LC D 4
Sandpiper
Eurasian Threskiornithi
10 Platalealeucorodia R LC UK 3
Spoonbill dae
Glossy Threskiornithi
11 Plegadisfalcinellus R LC D 2
Ibis dae
Great
Phalacrocora
12 Cormoran Phalacrocoraxcarbo R LC I 5
cidae
t
Indian
13 Pond- Ardeolagrayii Ardeidae R LC UK 10
heron
Intermedi
14 Ardeaintermedia Ardeidae R LC D 2
ate Egret
Lesser
Dendrocygnajavanic
15 Whistling Anatidae R LC D 7
a
Duck
Little
Phalacrocora
16 Cormoran Microcarboniger R LC UK 10
cidae
t
45
Little
17 Egrettagarzetta Ardeidae R LC I 10
Egret
Little
18 Ringed Charadriusdubius Charadriidae R LC S 7
Plover
Oriental Threskiornismelanoc Threskiornithi
19 R NT D 5
White Ibis ephalus dae
Painted Mycterialeucocephal
20 Ciconiidae R NT D 9
stork a
Red- Threskiornithi
21 Pseudibispapillosa R LC D 12
naped Ibis dae
Red-
22 wattled Vanellusindicus Charadriidae R LC UK 33
Lapwing
Indian
23 Sterna aurantia Laridae R NT D 12
River Tern
24 Ruff Calidrispugnax Scolopacidae R LC D 3
White-
25 breasted Halcyon smyrnensis Alcedinidae R LC I 1
Kingfisher
Wire-
26 tailed Hirundosmithii Hirundinidae R LC I 10
Swallow
Terrestrial birds
Ashy
27 Priniasocialis Cisticolidae R LC S 4
Prinia
Bank Acridotheresginginia
28 Sturnidae R LC I 14
Myna nus
Black
29 Dicrurusmacrocercus Dicruridae R LC UK 6
Drongo
Brahminy
30 Sturnuspagodarum Sturnidae R LC UK 3
Starling
Common
31 Turdoidescaudatus Timaliidae R LC S 3
Babbler
Common
32 Orthotomussutorius Monarchinae R LC S 4
Tailorbird
Coppersm Megalaimahaemace Megalaimida
33 R LC I 4
ith Barbet phala e
Eurasian
Streptopeliadecaoct
34 collared Columbidae R LC I 3
o
dove
Greater
35 Centropussinensis Cuculidae R LC S 2
Coucal
Green
36 Meropsorientalis Meropidae R LC I 7
bee-eater
46
House
37 Passer domesticus Passeridae R LC D 33
Sparrow
Indian
38 House Corvussplendens Corvidae R LC S 19
Crow
Indian
39 Saxicoloidesfulicata Muscicapidae R LC S 2
Robin
Jungle
40 Turdoidesstriatus Timaliidae R LC S 23
Babbler
Jungle Corvusmacrorhynch
41 Corvidae R LC S 3
Crow os
Laughing Streptopeliasenegal
42 Columbidae R LC S 7
Dove ensis
Purple
43 Nectariniaasiatica Nectariniidae R LC S 3
Sunbird
Purple-
44 rumped Nectariniazeylonica Nectariniidae R LC S 1
Sunbird
Red
45 Vented Pycnonotuscafer Pycnonotidae R LC I 6
Bulbul
Rock
46 Columba livia Columbidae R LC D 30
Dove
Roseringe
47 d Psittaculakrameri Psittacidae R LC I 17
Parakeet
Western Eudynamysscolopac
48 Cuculidae R LC S 2
Koel ea
White
49 browed Rhipiduraaureola Rhipiduridae R LC I 3
fantail
Yellow
50 Moctacillaflava Motacillidae M LC D 13
wagtail
R= Resident for Gujarat state; M= Extra-limital Migrants; LC= Least Concern; NT=
Near Threatened; D=Decreasing: I= Increasing; UK= Unknown; S= Stable
WETLANDS OF VADODARA DISTRICT
For Vadodara district, total 1101 wetlands are mapped by SAC (ISRO) including
537 small wetlands (< 2.25 ha) with 35553 ha area. Inland wetlands contribute
98% of the total wetland area and coastal wetlands contribute 2% of the total
wetland area. Major wetland categories of the district are Rivers/streams,
Reservoirs, Tank/ponds and Lakes/ponds.
[Source: National Wetland Atlas: Gujarat State by SAC (2010)]

47
1 2
3 4
5 6
Fig 2. 1. Lesser Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna javanica) Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea

leucorodia), 2and 3. Little Cormorant (Microcarbo niger), Red-wattled Lapwing
(Vanellus indicus), Indian River Tern (Sterna aurantia),Asian Openbill (Anastomus
oscitans) 4. Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius), 5. Common Redshank (Tringa
tetanus), Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) 6. Yellow wagtail (Moctacilla flava)
Ankodiya Pond &Black-faced Spoonbill(Platalea minor)
48
Acknowledgments Bibby, C.J., N.D. Burgess and D.A. Hill

(1993). Bird Census Techiques.
The authors wish to thank Gujarat
Academic Press Limited,
Ecological Society for providing the
London, xvii 257pp.
necessary infrastructure and support
Grimmett, R., C. Inskipp and T. Inskipp
for the study. The authors also wish to
(1999). Birds of the Indian
extend special thanks to Dr. Deepa
Subcontinent Cristopher Helm
Gavali for her expert guidance and
Publishers, Oxford University
inputs for this study.
Press, 384pp.
References:
National Wetland Atlas (2010). Gujarat,
Ali, S. (2002). The Book of Indian Birds SAC/RESA/AFEG/NWIA/ATLAS/
(13thRevised Edition). Oxford 21/2010 Space Applications
University Press, New Delhi, Centre (ISRO), Ahmedabad,
326pp. India, 198p.
Bhandarkar S.V. (2008). Observation on Surana, R., Subba, B.R., Limbu, K.P.
the avifaunal diversity in and (2007). Avian diversity during
around Shringarbandh Lake, rehabilitation stage of Chimdi
Bondgaon( Surban), district Gondia, Lake, Sunsari, Nepal. Our
Maharashtra. J. curr. Sci. 12 (2): Nature, 5: 75-80.
573-576.
49
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Environment Day”--2017. All the wetland admirers are welcome to submit their articles, research papers,
observation notes and pictures pertaining to the wetland biodiversity. They can send any of these inputs
before 10-5-2017 to ketantatu@gmail.com. “Jalaplavit” is a not-for-profit voluntary activity and it cannot
continue for long without sustained inputs from wetland admirers. It is also the duty of each wetland
admirer to share with others the knowledge he/she has acquired about wetland biodiversity. “Jalaplavit”
provides a platform for it. Your contribution will be a humble effort to express your appreciation for these
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Avifauna of Ankodiya Village Pond,Vadodara District, Gujarat

Article · March 2017

Jagruti Rathod Dhara Rajesh Shah

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Biodiversity of Korba Town View project

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Risk Reduction” World Wetlands Day-2017 &

“Listen to the Young Voices!”

(a theme of the World

Gosa Bara-Mokarsagar Wetland Complex as

Expert Core Team A Pioneering Survey of Waders and Seabirds in

Cover Photo: Avicahl Tatu

EDITORIAL Ketan Tatu (Founder Editor)

“Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction”

providing natural barriers that can

The Neglected Saviours

Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction

Healthy wetlands reduce our exposure

The National Environment Policy investing in specific disaster risk

Representation of disaster wetlands are in healthy state,

Ghed and Gosabara-Mokar Wetland Area as Flood Regulators

Dhaval Vargiya (Mokarsagar Wetland Conservation Committee)

Fig. 1 Ghed region in Porbandar District (Source: Jalaplavit, Vol. 6, No. 2)

Gosabara-Mokar wetland is area of Ozat river. Bhadar river has its

monsoon. The inundation facilitated by Narmada, Water Resources, Water

identified 9 villages in Porbandar district torrentially. Moreover, in the region

as the most flood-vulnerable villages, (Porbandar district) wherein these rivers

Pata. Thus, during good monsoon, when

Fig.4 A glimpse of birdlife at Gosabara- Mokar Wetland Complex

Jalaplavit’s Wetland Guru Conducts a Wetland Techniques

others. Finally, after years of trying to

Wetlands: Opportunities and traveled to Nal Sarovar wetland bird

Glimpses of my Interaction with Wetland Techniques Workshop Participants at the Nal

However, I found it a little a treasure that needs to be conserved.

Listen to the Young Voices

Abstract: A limnological study was conducted to ascertain physico-chemical

Keywords: Brahmaputra, Dissolved Oxygen, Gangetic Dolphin, Platanista gangetica

Introduction Appendix I of CITES, Appendix II of

become a very critical issue, owing to Nagarbera. The origin of Kulsi is of

Figure 1: Some sampling sites for habitat assessment for P.gangetica

Fig.2. A view of Kulsi river in Kukurmara region, Assam

Material and Methods Assumptions: (i) The main assumption

Winkler methods, temperature was Dolphin in Kulsi. As observed, the

Acknowledgements: The equipment Roy, S. (2000). Studies on the ecology

Turvey, S., R. L. Pitman, B. Taylor, J. Gangetic dolphin (Platanista gangetica

Table 1: Values of the habitat-assessment limnological variables for

pH Secchi Velocity DO Depth Type of Temperature Colour Eddy

Listen to the Young Voices

A Pioneering Survey of Waders and Seabirds in Modhava

Akshit R.Suthar 1 (Gujarat Ecological Society) & Dilipsinh Chudasama

Introduction changes in aquatic productivity or

waders (shorebirds), large waders and this coastal area functions as an

Study Area modern times, it is increasingly used for

Fig.1 Modhava coastal area in Mundra taluka, Kachchh district

Material and Methods sunrise) to 1200hr and 0300hr to 0630hr

and fishermen to understand their identifying threats due to anthropogenic

Fig. 2 Family-wise waterbird species richness recorded on Modhava coast

Table 1. Checklist of waterbirds recorded on Modhava coastal area, Kachchh