Malabar trogon Vol 12 (1 3) 2014 by Babu Balan

Earthworms (Oligochaeta: Megadrile) from the Mahatma Gandhi University campus, Kottayam, Kerala S. Prasanth Narayanan1*, S. Sathrumithra1, Dinu Kuriakose1, G. Christopher1, A.P. Thomas1 and J.M. Julka2

1 Advanced Centre of Environmental Studies and Sustainable Studies (ACESSD), School of Environmental Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Priyadarsini Hills. Kottayam - 686560, Kerala. * Email- narayanankc@gmail.com 2 School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shoolini University, The Mall, Solan – 173 212, Himachal Pradesh.

Introduction

arthworms have been referred to an “ecosystem engineers” since they influence the soil and microbial activity (Lavelle, 1988; Pulleman et al., 2005). They are silently improving the physical conditions of soil like drainage,

aeration, fertility, nutrient recycling etc. (Julka, 2008). At present around 3500 species are estimated to be present worldwide (Csuzdi, 2012). Earthworm diversity, community structure and distribution patterns across the tropical parts of the world are not well documented in the literature and hence only little is known about the regional taxonomic richness of the earthworms in these regions (Blanchart and Julka, 1997; Suthar, 2011). As far as India is concerned, few reports are available on the diversity and distribution of earthworms (Mohan et al., 2011) and Kerala state is not an exception. So far, 509 species (including exotic species) of earthworms have been recorded from India (Julka, 2008) and this comes about 11.1% of the total known global earthworm diversity (Tripathi and Bhardwaj, 2004; Verma et al., 2010). Endemism, both at the generic and species level, is very high in India, about 71% of genera and 89% of earthworms species are endemic (Mohan et al., 2011). The Western Ghats and Western coastal plains stand out as the regions with the highest level of earthworm species richness in India (Dash and Saxena, 2012), which is about 53% of the total earthworm species recorded from India (Mohan et al., 2011). Published work on the megadrile oligochaetes of India includes short publications as well as work on comprehensive fauna (Dhiman and Battish, 2006). Taxonomic studies of the earthworms of Kerala started by Alfred G. Bourne (1894) and the first earthworm named from Kerala region was Drawida nilamburensis (Bourne, 1894). Later Fedarb (1897), Michaelsen (1909), Aiyer (1929), Gates (1940) described various species from Kerala. Subsequently, Julka and Chandra (1986), Julka (1988), Julka et al. (1997) etc. had contributed to the taxonomical studies of the earthworm fauna of the state. Hence, we are reporting the results on the collection of earthworms from Mahatma Gandhi University campus - Athirampuzha, Kottayam during 2010 to 2014. 2

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Methods Samplings were mainly done by digging and hand sorting method as proposed by Senapati and Sahu (1993). Soil lumps were broken and the soil was silted between fingers to sort out the worms. Collected specimens were preserved in 5% formalin. Anatomical details were examined under dissection binocular microscope. Specimens collected were identified and deposited in the earthworm systematic laboratory of the Advanced Centre of Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam.

Results and discussion

Eleven species of earthworms, Pontoscolex corethrurus (Muller, 1857), Drawida ghatensis Michaelsen,

1910, Drawida nr. travancorensis, Ocnerodrilus occidentalis Eisen, 1878, Dichogaster bolaui (Michaelsen, 1891), Megascolex auriculata Aiyer, 1929, Megascolex konkanensis Fedarb, 1897, Megascolex cochinensis Stephenson, 1915, Megascolex nr. polytheca, Perionyx excavatus Perrier, 1872 and Metaphire houletti (Perrier, 1872), belonging to five families were recorded from the Mahatma Gandhi University campus. Results suggest that the Megascolecidae family dominate the earthworm fauna of this campus with six species. Among the species recorded Megascolex auriculata and Drawida ghatensis are endemic to the state. Species such as Pontoscolex corethrurus, Ocnerodrilus occidentalis, Dichogaster bolaui and Metaphire houletti are naturalized exotic species of India. Perionyx excavatus is a native species of India, but its original home is believed to be the Himalayas (Gates, 1972).

Details of the earthworms collected from the campus Glossocolecidae 1. Pontoscolex corethrurus (Muller, 1857) Materials examined: 3-4-3. Collection date - 29 November 2010, Collectors - S.P. Narayanan and G. Christopher, Reg. no. ACESSD/EW/1; 3-3-2. Collection date - 18 April 2012, Collectors - S.P. Narayanan and S. Sathrumithra, Reg. no. ACESSD/EW/110; 0-1-3. Collection date - 1 October 2012, Collectors - S.P. Narayanan and S. Sathrumithra, Reg. no. ACESSD/EW/67. Habitat – wide spread in the campus from the well wooded to open areas. Diagnosis: Dorsal pore absent; Seate – lumbricine at the anterior portion and gradually irregular and becoming quincunx towards the posterior end; clitellum – saddle shapes, xiv, xv-xxii; Tubercula pubertatis longitudinal bands in xviii-xxi. Distribution: cosmopolitan species (Blakemore, 2003), indigenous to Guyanan Shield region (Righi, 1984) of the Neotropics. This is the most widely distribute peregrine glossocolecid species (Csuzdi and Pavlicek, 2009). Kerala: Dist. Kottayam: Mahatma Gandhi University campus (present record); Dist. Thiruvananthapuram: Bonaccord, Chimunga, Neyyatinkara, Pallode, Trivandrum, Vellany; Dist. Kollam: Shasthancottah; Dist. Alappuzha: Kerumaadi; Dist. Kozhikode: Tiruvellur, Calicut; Dist. Wayanad: Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Stephenson, 1923). Malabar Trogon

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Moniligastridae 2. Drawida ghatensis Michaelsen, 1910: Diagnosis: Prostomium prolobic. Dorsal pore absent. Clitellum – x-xiii. Setae – lumbricine. Spermathecal pore paired, large transverse slits in 7/8, at c. Paired tumescences on x and xi silghtly anterior and posteriorto the male pores. Genital markings absent. Gizzards 5 in xv-xiv. Testis sacs paired. Vas deferens coiled in mass of hairpin loops. Prostates paired, glandular shortly stalked, ovoidal, prostatic capsule oval, erect. Spremathecae paired in viii, adiverticulate, ampulla pear-shaped, duct pierces through the septum 7/8 to enter on the dorsal surface at about centre of the atrium in vii, atrium oval, sessile slightly projecting into viii. Materials examined: 0-8-2. Collection date - 1 October 2012, Collectors - S.P. Narayanan and S. Sathrumithra, Reg. no. ACESSD/EW/161; 0-7-2. Collection date - 13 August 2013, Collector - S. Sathrumithra, Reg. no. ACESSD/EW/157; 0-12-0. Collection date - 26 August 2013, Collector - S. Sathrumithra, Reg. no. ACESSD/EW/156. Habitat – well wooded areas with decaying leaves and other biomass on the ground. Distribution: Endemic to Kerala. Kottayam: Mahatma Gandhi University campus (present record), Kottayam; Dist. Thiruvananthapuram: Bonaccord, Mukkunni Reserve Forest, Ponmudi; Dist. Kollam: Kulattupuzha, Maddathoray, Tenmalai; Dist. Pathanamthitta: Thiruvella; Dist. Dist. Palakkad: Road to Valiyaparathodu (Silent Valley National Park) (Stephenson, 1923; Julka and Chandra, 1986). 3. Drawida nr. travancorensis: Materials examined: 5-6-2. Collection date - 29 November 2010, Collectors - S.P. Narayanan and G. Christopher. Habitat – Loose soil and well wooded areas with decaying leaves and other biomass on the ground. Ocnerodrilidae 4. Ocnerodrilus occidentalis Eisen, 1878: Diagnosis: Small earthworm. Genital markings absent. Clitellum – annular. Prostomium – epilobous, tongue usually open but many be closed or even unrecognizable. Spermathecal pores absent. Materials examined: 0-0-2. Collection date - 26 August 2013, Collector - S.P. Narayanan, S. Sathrumithra and D. Kuriakose, Reg. no. ACESSD/EW/204. Habitat – kitchen drainage area. Distribution: cosmopolitan species indigenous to the Neotropics (Blakemore, 2003). Kottayam: Mahatma Gandhi University campus (present record); Dist. Thiruvananthapuram: Nedumangad, Trivandrum; Dist. Alappuzha: Chengannur (Stephenson, 1923; Aiyer, 1929) Octochaetidae 5. Dichogaster bolaui (Michaelsen, 1891):

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Diagnosis: Small earthworm. Genital marking – absent. Setae – lumbricine. Prostomium – epilobous. Clitellum - annular but thinner at ventral portion. Dorsal pore – 5/6-6/7. Male pores minute, in seminal grooves on the setal arc of XVIII. Seminal grooves slightly concave between seatal arcs of xvii and xix. Gizzards – in vi, vii. Spermathecal duct barrel shaped, and of about the same size as of the ampulla. Materials examined: 0-0-3. Collection date - 26 August 2013, Collector - S.P. Narayanan, S. Sathrumithra and D. Kuriakose, Reg. no. ACESSD/EW/155. Habitat – kitchen drainage area. Distribution: cosmopolitan species; indigenous to Africa the frequently introduced peregrine Dichogatser species all over the tropics and subtropics (Csuzdi and Pavlicek, 2009). Kottayam: Mahatma Gandhi University campus (present record); Dist. Thiruvananthapuram: Neyattinkara, Trivandrum; Dist. Ernakulam: Ernakulam; Dist. ? : Terkumalai; Dist. Palakkad: Kanjikode (Stephenson, 1923; Kathireswari et al., 2005) Megascolecidae 6. Megascolex auriculata Aiyer, 1929: Diagnosis: Small earthworm. Prostomium – proepilobous. Dorsal pore – begins at 9/10. Seatal arrangement – lumbrcine up to middle portion of the body and then change to perichaetine. Clitellum – annular – xiv-1/2xvii. On the ventral surface of segment xviii are two excavations placed obliquely, separated by an interval equal to aa. Male pores are on segment xviii and female pores are paired. Gizzard – barrel shaped in segment vi. No calciferous glands. Last heart is in segment xiii. The prostates are thick and loosely lobed and extend through three or four segments. Spermathecae are two pairs in segments viii and ix. Ampulla thickly club shaped, duct is very short. Unidiverticulate, cylindrical , arise from the base of the ampulla. Materials examined: 0-0-3. Collection date - 13 December 2010, Collectors - S.P. Narayanan and K. Rahul, Reg. no. ACESSD/EW/6. Habitat – grass covered portions within the wooded areas. Distribution: Endemic to Kerala. Dist. Kottayam: Mahatma Gandhi University campus (present record); Dist. Idukki: Kumili,Vandiperiyar (Aiyer, 1929). 7. Megascolex cochinensis Stephenson, 1915: Diagnosis: Medium sized earthworm. Prostomium epilobus. First dorsal pore in 5/6. Setae: - perichaetine. Setae closer set ventrally. Clitellum xiv-2/3xvii. Male pores as oblique wavy slits, the posterior ends of which approach each other. Female pore single. Spermathecal pores in 7/8 and 8/9, in line with a. Gizzard large and barrel shaped, in v. Intestine begins in xix. Last heart in xiii. In front of the clitellum nephridia only as tufts by the side of the esophagus, behind clitellum they form a band (but not single line) in the anterior half of each segment. Seminal vesicles moderately large reacemose, in xi and xii. Prostates limited to xviii, each a mass of small rounded lobules, duct passing starght inwards. Spermathecal ampulla ovoid, duct as long as ampulla and less than half as wide, Diverticulum arising from ectal end of duct, club shaped, reaching about middle of ampulla. No penial setate. Malabar Trogon

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Materials examined: 0-0-6. Collection date - 17 October 2014, Collectors - I.M. Nair and R. Kabeer, Reg. no. ACESSD/EW/441. Habitat – beneath decaying leaves on the roadside. Distribution: Endemic to Kerala. Dist. Kottayam: Mahatma Gandhi University campus (present record); Dist. Thrissur: Forest Tramway (nr Vazhachal) (Stephenson, 1915). 8. Megascolex konkanensis Fedarb, 1897: Diagnosis: Long earthworm. Anterior end blunt. Prostomium epilobous. First dorsal pore in 4/5. Setae: perichaetine. Clitellum – annular, xiv-xvi or 1/2xviii. Male pores each in special area, which when fully developed is oval. Female pores paired. Spermathaecal pores two pairs, in 7/8 and 8/9. Gizzard is large, in vi. No calciferous glands. Intestine begins XVI. Last heart in xiii. Prostates mop like, duct thick and fairly long, muscular and thinner at the ends. Spermathecae with stalked pear shaped main pouch. Diverticulam given off from main pouch where this joins body wall. No penial setae. Materials examined: 0-5-14. Collection date - 29 November 2010, Collector - S.P. Narayanan and G. Christopher, Reg. no. ACESSD/EW/396. Habitat – Open ground areas. Distribution: Wide spread in west coast of India. Kerala: Dist. Kottayam: Mahatma Gandhi University campus (present record), Kottayam; Dist. Thiruvananthapuram: Trivandrum; Dist. Kollam: Kulattupuzha, Madathoray, Quilon, Shasthancottah; Dist. Alappuzha: Kerumaadi; Dist. Ernakulam: Ernakulam; Dist. Palakkad: Chitoor, Palghat; Dist. Malappuram: Tirur; Dist. Kozhikod: Calicut, Tiruvallur (Stephenson, 1923). 9. Megascolex nr. polytheca: Materials examined: 0-4-1. Collection date - 26 August 2010, Collectors - S.P. Narayanan, S. Sathrumithra and, Dinu Kuriakose, Habitat –wooded area in the campus. 10. Perionyx excvatus Perrier, 1872: Diagnosis: Small to medium sized. Prostomium epilobic, tongue open. First dorsal pore in region of 2/35/6. Setae: - perichaetine. Clitellum annular in xiii-xvii. Male pores on a small papillae in a singl male field, each papilla with 4-9 penisetal follicles contained in a transverse groove. Spermathecal pores paired, near mid-ventral line in 7/8/9. Genital markings absent. Gizzard absent or slightly developed in v. Intestine begins in xv or xvi. Last pair of hearts in xii. Holandric, testes and male funnels free in x and xi, seminal vesicles in xi and xii. Penial setate present. Spermathecae paired, large, in viii and ix, each with intramural senminal chambers near ental end of duct. Materials examined: 0-0-1. Collection date - 17 October 2014, Collectors - I.M. Nair and R. Kabeer, Reg. no. ACESSD/EW/442. Habitat – beneath decaying leaves on the roadside. Distribution: Widely distributed, but restricted to tropical lowlands from Madagascar east to the Hawaiian Islands (Julka and Senapati, 1987). Kerala: Dist. Kottayam: Mahatma Gandhi University campus (present 6

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record); Dist. Thiruvananthapuram: Thiruvananthapuram, Vellayambalam; Dist. Thrissur: Trichur; Dist. Kozhikod: Chevagun near Calicut (Stephenson, 1923; Nair et al., 2007). India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal (Julka and Senapati, 1987; Kathireswari et al., 2005; Siddaraju et al., 2010). 11. Metaphire houletti (Perrier, 1872): Diagnosis: Perichaetine setae arrangement; clitellum annular, at segments xiv-xvi; male pores in copulatory pouches, on segment xviii; spermathecal pores 3 pairs, at intersegmental furrows 6/7-8/9; intestinal caeca, simple, in xxvii-xii; typhlosole present; prostates racemose, in xvi-xxii; holandric; testis sacs unpaired, ventral; seminal vesicles, in xi, xii. Pseudovesicles, in xiii, xiv, quite rudimentary; spermathaecae, duct ectal to diverticular junction with narrow lumen that opens into parietal invaginations without externally recognizable demarcation from the duct itself, diverticulam with short, slender stalk and wider , elongate seminal chamber that is variously looped. Materials examined: 0-2-4. Collection date - 26 August 2013, Collector - S. Sathrumithra, Reg. no. ACESSD/ EW/148. Habitat – well wooded areas. Distribution: Wide spread peregrine species (Gates, 1972). Dist. Kottayam: Mahatma Gandhi University campus (present record); Dist. Thiruvananthapuram: Thiruvananthapuram; Dist. Thrissur: Trichur; Dist. Kozhikod: Chevagun near Calicut (Stephenson, 1923) Pontoscolex corethrurus, Ocnerodrilus occidentalis, Dichogaster bolaui, Megascolex auriculata, Megascolex cochinensis, Perionyx excavatus and Metaphire houletti are new record for Kottayam district. So far, species such as Drawida ghatensis Michaelson, 1910, Drawida travancorensis Michaelson, 1910, Argilophilus variabilis (Aiyer, 1929), Megascolex konkanensis Fedarb, 1897 have only been reported from Kottayam district. Among the newly recorded species Megascolex auriculata is worth mentioning as this species was first described by Aiyer (1929) based on the samples collected from Vandiperiyar and Kumili in 1926. After that, this species has not been collected from any other parts of the state. Hence the present record from the Mahatma Gandhi University campus can be considered as the rediscovery of this species after a gap of 81 years. Conclusion Much of the native vegetation of the campus is being converted for developmental activities, but the campus still holds a good diversity of earthworm species. The species diversity in the campus noted in this study is much greater than the earlier reports from the whole district. Hence, we assume that further surveys may add more species to the list of earthworm fauna of the campus as well as from the Kottayam district. Acknowledgments We would like to thank Rahul K., Indu M. Nair and Raisa Kabeer for the help offered during the fieldwork and providing specimens. Malabar Trogon

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References Aiyer, K.S.P. 1929. An account of the oligochaeta of Travancore. Records of the Indian Museum, 31(1): 13-76. Blakemore, R.J. 2003. Japanese earthworms (Annelida: Oligocaheta): a review and checklist of species. Organisms Diversity and Evolution, 3(11):1-43. Blanchart, E. and Julka, J.M. 1997. Influence of forest distribution on earthworms (Oligochaeta) community in Western Ghats (South India). Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 29: 303â&#x20AC;&#x201C;306. Bourne, A.G. 1894. On Moniligaster grandis, A.G.B., from the Nilgiris, S. India; together with descriptions of other species of the genus Moniligatsre. Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science, 36: 307-384. Csuzdi, Cs. 2012. Earthworm species, a searchable database. Opuscula Zoologica Budapest, 43(1): 97-99. Csuzdi, Cs. and Pavlicek, T. 2009. New records of earthworms from Guadeloupe with description of a new species (Oligocaheta: Glossocolecidae, Acanthodrilidae, Megascolecidae and Eudrilidae). Opuscula Zoologica Budapest, 40(1): 9-15. Dash, M.C and Saxena, K.G. 2012. Earthworms in the Himalayas and Western Ghats region of India: a review. The Bioscan, 7(1): 1-8. Dhiman, N. and Battish, S.K. 2006. Earthworms from Northern Indian states with Ocnerodrilus occidentalis Eisen, 1878 as a new report from Punjab. Zoosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Print Journal,21(1): 2135-2137. Fedarb, S.M. 1897. On some earthworms from India. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 11(3): 431-437. Gates, G. E. 1972. Burmese earthworms, an introduction to the systematic and biology of the megadrile oligochaeta with special reference to South East Asia. Transactions of the American Philosophical Society, 62 (7): 1-326. Gates, G.E. 1940. Indian earthworms XIII. The genus Moniligaster. Records of the India Museum, 42: 487-518. Julka, J.M. 1988. The fauna of India and the adjacent countries. Megadrile Oligochaeta (earthworms). Haplotaxida: Lumbricina: Megascolecidea: Octochaetidae. Zoological Survey of India, Calcutta. Xvi + 400pp. Julka, J.M. 2008. Know your earthworms. Foundation for Life Sceiences & Business Management, Sloan. 51 pp. Julka, J.M. and Chandra, M. 1986. On a small collection of earthworms and leeches (annelida) from the Silent Valley, Kerala, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, 84 (1-4): 165-171. Julka, J.M. and Senapati, B.K. 1987. Earthworms (Oligochaeta: Annelida) of Orissa, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, Occasional Paper, 92: 1-49. Julka, J.M., Giri, S. Panigrahi, P.K. and Senapati, B.K. 1997. Parryodrilus lavellei gen. nov. and sp. nov. (Octochaetidae, Oligochaeta) from Western Ghats, South India. European Journal of Soil Biology, 33(3): 141-144. Kathireswari, P., Jeyaraaj, R. and Jeyraaj, A. 2005. Distribution and diversity of earthworm resources in Kanjikode, Palakkad district, Kerala state, India. Pollution Research, 24: 117-120. Kathireswari, P., Julka, J.M. and Reynolds, J.W. 2005. Checklist of oligochaeta of Tamil Nadu, India. Megadrilogica, 10(8): 57-68. Lavelle, P. 1988. Earthworm activities and the soil system. Biol. Fertil. Soils, 6: 237-251. Michaelsen, W. 1909. The Oligochaeta of India, Nepal, Ceylon, Burma and AndamanIslands. Memoirs of Indian Museum, 1: 103-253. Mohan, M., Chandran, M.S.S. and Ramasamy, E.V. 2011. Vulnerable earthworm species identified from Nilgiri biosphere reserve. International Journal of Zoological Research, 7(6): 410-413. Nair, K.V., Manazhy, J., Manazhy, A. and Reynolds, J.W. 2007. Earthworm (Annelida: Oligochaeta) fauna of Kerala, India: 1. 8

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Some species from Thiruvananthapuram corporation. Megadrilogica, 11(8): 85-90. Pulleman, M.M., Six, J., Uyl, A., Marinissen, J.C.Y. and Jongmans, A.G. 2005. Earthworms and management affect organic matter incorporation and microaggregate formation in agricultural soils. Applied Soil Ecology, 29: 1-15. Righi, G. 1984. Pontoscolex (Oligochaeta, Glossoscolecidae), a new evaluation. Studies on Neotropical Fauna and Environment, 19:159-177. Senapati, B.K. and Sahu, S.K. 1993. Population biomass and secondary production in earthworms. Pp 57-78. In: Julka, J.M. (ed.), Earthworm Resources and Vermiculture. Zoological Survey of India, Kalkatta, pp 123. Siddaraju, M., Sreepada, K.S. and Reynolds, J.W. 2010. Checklist of earthworms (Annelida: Oligochaeta) from Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, South West India. Megadrilogica, 14(5): 65-75. Stephenson, J. 1915. On some Indian Oligochaeta, mainly from Southern India and Ceylon. Memoirs of the Indian Museum, 6: 35-108. Stephenson, J. 1923. The fauna of British India, including Ceylon and Burma – Oligochaeta. Taylor and Francis, London, Xxiv + 518pp.= Suthar, S. 2011. Earthworm biodiversity in western and semiarid land of India. Environmentalist 31: 74–86. Tripathi, G. and Bhardwaj, P. 2004. Earthworm diversity and habitat preferences in arid regions of Rajasthan. Zoos’ Print Journal, 19(7): 1515–1519. Verma, D., Bharti, S. and Yadav, S. 2010. Earthworm resources in the Gangetic plain of Uttar Pradesh, India. International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation, 2(6):134–139.

Heronry Census, 2014 in Kannur district, Kerala R. Roshnath*, Nithin Divakar, Karthika Chandran, Dipika Valsarajn and Ashly Jose. Center for Wildlife Studies, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Pookode *Corresponding author: email: roshnath.r@gmail.com

Abstract

A survey of the heronries in Kannur District, Kerala was carried out from 25July, to 3August 2014.

A total

of 25 heronries consisting of 1416 nests of eight species of colonial nesters Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger, Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis, Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster, Indian Pond Heorn Ardeola grayii, Black-crowned Night Heron Nyctricorax nycticorax, Little Egret Egretta garzetta, Median Egret Egretta intermedi and Grey Heron Ardea cinerea were recorded. There was 18% decline in the overall number of nests when compared to the year 2013 in the district. Anthropogenic disturbances such as cutting down of nesting trees and branches, hunting, disturbing nesting by bursting crackers etc. are the main threats faced by these birds.

Introduction The term “heronry” can be considered as group nesting of colonial water birds of the orders Ciconiformes, Pelecaniformes and Suliformes which comprise of herons, egrets, storks, pelicans, ibis, darter and cormorants during the breeding period, which shows spatial and temporal clumping of nests. The previous survey of the heronries in Kannur district was done in the year 2013 (Roshnath et al., 2013). Malabar Trogon

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Counting of colonial nests can be regarded as an effective and accurate way to determine the breeding population of water birds. These piscivorous birds are one of the top predators in the aquatic food chain. Monitoring their population can indicate the health of the aquatic ecosystem, freshwater as well as brackish water.

Methods

The heronry census was carried from 25 July to 3 August 2014, presumed to be the peak of breeding season.

This count was a part of a large state wide activity in Kerala to survey heronries during the breeding season under the auspicious of Green Partners Programme, Kerala Forest Department, Social Forestry Wing. Survey sites were selected from published data on nesting locations in the study area (Sashikumar and Jayarajan, 2007; Sashikumar and Jayarajan, 2008; Sashikumaret et al., 2011 and Roshnath et al., 2013). In addition to the existing nesting sites, several other possible nesting sites also were surveyed so that data from the earlier surveys could be compared to assess the population trend. A press release was published in the local newspaper before the survey to get additional information on heronries not yet recorded. In the survey, the information such as the species of the nesting bird, number of nests of each species, number of nesting trees, species of nesting trees, tree height, predominant nesting stages, geographical co-ordinates of the location using Global Positioning System (GPS), etc. were recorded. Cluster of trees with nests within 300m was considered as one heronry. The bird species were identified using binoculars (8x30, Crown) and a standard field guide (Ali, 2003).

Result and discussion

A total of 25 heronries consisting of 1416 nests of eight species of birds belonging to three families (Anhin-

gidae, Phalacrocoracidae and Ardeidae) were observed during the study period (Table 1). Indian Pond Heron had the highest number of nests (964), followed by Little Cormorant (228), Black-crowned Night-Heron (84), Median Egret (79), Indian Cormorant (29), Little Egret (21), Darter (8) and Grey Heron (3). Table.1: Details of species nesting and number of nests of heronry water birds in Kannur district, Kerala during the survey period (Jul-Aug 2014).

No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Family Phalacrocoracidae Anhingidae Ardeidae

Scientific name Phalacrocorax niger Phalacrocorax fuscicollis Anhinga melanogaster Egretta garzetta Egretta intermedia Nyctricorax nycticorax Ardeola grayii Ardea cinerea

Common name Little Cormorant Indian Shag Darter Little Egret Medium Egret Night Heron Pond Heron Grey Heron

No. of nests 228 29 8 21 79 84 964 3 1416

A list of nest-tree species is given in Table 2. A total of 12 species of trees were recorded. 66% of the nests were found

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on Rain Trees Samanea saman along the roads. Other major species included Copper Pod Peltophorum pterocarpum; (8%), Mango Mangifera indica (7%), Coconut Cocos nucifera (5% - in Chalode heronry) and Tamarind Tamarindus indica ( 4%). About 33% of the nests was recorded in mangrove islets. Due to lack of accessibility, nest count in mangroves can only be done along the sides from a distance. Mangroves in which the nests were seen consisted of short (5-7m), densely clustered trees. The commonly seen mangrove species were Bruguiera cylindrica, Aegiceras corniculata, Kandelia candel and Rhizophora mucronata. Table.2: List and number of nesting tree species in Kannur District of Kerala during the survey period (Jul-Aug 2014)

Tree species Rain Tree Coconut Mango Peepal Jack Tree Copper Pod Gulmohar Mahogany Tamarind Badam Ashoka tree Charcoal Tree Mangrove sp.

Scientific name Samanea saman Cocos nucifera Mangifera indica Ficus religiosa Artocarpus heterophyllus Peltophorum pterocarpum Delonix regia Swietenia mahagoni Tamarindus indica Terminalia catappa Polyalthia longifolia Trema orientalis

No of trees 51 13 9 7 5 4 3 3 2 2 1 1

An overall decrease in nest count was observed in the district compared to the previous season. Decline in the number of nests had been reported in the previous year’s survey also (Roshnath et al., 2013): the total nest count was 1730 in 2013 and there was a decrease of 18% in the nest count in the current year. As a one off count in the season, there is a possibility that the peak of the nesting season could have been missed, and this observation may not reflect the actual status of the breeding birds in the district. The pattern of South-West monsoon in the current season – scarce in June, picking up momentum only in July and August – also could have influenced the number of nests at the time of counting. The response of press release was positive and one new heronry site was recorded. At several sites, many people expressed concern about the decline of these birds in their area. Most the nesting trees in Kottukapara, a site which we came to know in response to the press release, were in house compounds and the people complained about the foul smell emanating from the droppings and decaying fallen food in the heronry. Branches of many trees were cut down during the breeding season in Kottukapara so that no birds nest in their territory (Fig. 1). Naniyoor mangroves, in the Valapattanam river, was the largest heronry in terms of both species composition and abundance in Kannur district in the survey. With the presence of Little cormorant, Indian cormorant, Oriental Darter, Little Egret, Median Egret, Indian Pond heron, Night heron, this was a site with conservational priority. There were also reports of hunting here (pers.comm. Riyas Mangad). General awareness should be given to local people Malabar Trogon

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near the sites focusing on the importance of these birds in their life. Valapattanam mangrove (Fig. 2) had less nests compared to earlier years. Nests of Little Cormorant, Indian Cormorant, Black-crowned Night Heron, Indian Pond Heron and Median Egret were found here. Predominantly, nestling stage was observed in both Naniyoor and Valapattanam mangroves. Nest density was low in Chirakuni heronry which was situated in a parking area of auto-rickshaws, goods carriers and other vehicles. The fecal droppings of these birds fall down on their vehicles which have made the drivers turn against the nesting birds. The heronry at Nadal is also facing threat as it is located in bus waiting shelter and autorickshaw stand. Proper sheltering under the nesting trees has to be provided to prevent the dropping of the birds falling below. Similar is the situation in Shivapuram heronry, located in an auto-rickshaw stand where a small Copper Pod tree in the junction hosts the nests of Little Cormorants and Indian Pond Herons. The main branch of the tree had broken down in heavy rain and wind causing the death of many nestlings. Even though earlier records of nesting were reported no heronries were observed in Thaliparamba â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Payyanur road (Pers. comm. Jafer Palot). No nests were recorded in Arayalthara (Kannur - Kakkad road); two of the nests found earlier (2013) were observed to be predated by house crows. A prospective nesting site was found near mangroves behind Ezhome fish market. Many cormorants, egrets, herons and mynas were found to be roosting in these mangroves. Even though no nests were found, Oriental White Ibis (4nos) were seen with the nesting Grey Herons in Koduvally mangroves. Indian Cormorants with breeding plumes were also observed in the same area. Caltex and Stadium heronrieslocated in Kannur town are two sites where there is huge human presence all round the day. The heronry near the bus waiting shelter and footpaths cause much nuisance to the public and invariably creates a negative response towards the birds. To control this, experimentation of providing shelter under the nesting tree can be tried out. Since most of the heronries are located in public places, Kerala Forest & Wildlife Department and local NGOs should collaboratively plan conservational activities in these areas to protect the birds. These water birds are one of the topmost predators in an aquatic ecosystem and their decline in the numbers can adversely affect the ecosystem.

Acknowledgment

I would like to thank my mentors C. Sashikumar and Dr. Jafer Palot for giving me opportunity to study the

population dynamics of the heronry birds in the district. I would like to thank Prabakaran (RFO,Thaliparamba Range, Kerala Forest & Wildlife Department) for his constant support and for providing vehicle for the survey. I would also like to thank other forest officials of Rapid Response Team (Kerala Forest & Wildlife Department, Thaliparamba), Murali (Forester), Mohanan, Riyas Mangad and Sandeep for their assistance during the survey. I also acknowledge my friends Sethu Dinesh, Rachin C.V, Shabeer Thurakkal and Prasoon Kiran for the help rendered during the survey.

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References Ali, S.2003. The Book of Indian Birds (13th Ed.), Oxford University Press, Bombay, 466p. Roshnath, R., Ashokkumar, M., Revi Unni, Sree Jith and Ashli Jose, 2013. Status of birds in Heronries of Kannur district, Kerala. Malabar Trogon.11(1-3): 15- 20. Sashikumar, C and Jayarajan,O. 2008. Census of the heronries of north Kerala 2007.Malabar Trogon .6 (1): 14-19. Sashikumar, C and Jayarajan,O. 2007. Census of the heronries of north Kerala.Malabar Trogon.5 (1): 2-8. Sashikumar,C., Vishnudas,C.K., Raju,S., Vinayan P. A., and V.A. Shebin 2011. Heronries of North Kerala â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2011.Malabar Trogon 9 (3) Subramanya, S. 2005. Heronries of Kerala.Malabar Trogon 3 (1): 2-15. Sutherland, W.J. 2006.Ecological census techniques a hand book. Cambridge University Press, New York. Pp 1-406.

Fig1: Trees with cut down branches to prevent bird nesting in Kottakapara.

Fig 2: Timber industry in Valapattanam River near heronry site.

A note on the butterfly diversity of Zoological Gardens, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Sujitha. P.C.1, Kalesh.S2 and Joseph Bastian3 Biologist, Museum and Zoo,Thiruvananthapuram

Consultant, Butterfly Garden,Museum and Zoo,Thiruvananthapuram,

Director, Department of Museum and Zoos, Thiruvananthapuram

Corresponding Author : kaleshs2002in@gmail.com

Abstract

Zoological gardens can be effective conservation reserves for regional biodiversity. The campus of Thiru-

vananthapuram Zoological Garden provides ample space and habitat for survival of a good number of Lepidopteran species including endemics. This study is aimed at elucidating a checklist of butterflies of the Zoo campus. A total of 92 species were recorded which included 3 species endemic to the Western Ghats. This number far exceeds the total number of butterflies recorded in some of the protected areas of the Western Ghats, thus highlighting the importance of this urban biodiversity reserve. Malabar Trogon

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Introduction

The Thiruvananthapuram Zoological Garden (8.5091 N and 76.9553 E) is one of the oldest establishments of

its kind, started in 1857 under the reign of His Highness Swathi Thirunal Maharajah(1813-1847) with H.S Ferguson as the curator. The total area of the campus is 36.032 acres and it enjoys a warm tropical climate with maritime effect with a temperature range of 23-34 degree Celsius. There are two bouts of rains in a year with South West Monsoon lashing during June to September and the North East Monsoons during October to November. The annual rainfall is about 1700 mm (Anonymous 2012). Campuses as biodiversity conservation regions in Kerala were highlighted in the works of Prasad et al. (2010) and Toms et al. (2010).The campus has a rich floral wealth in the form of native as well as introduced plants and this forms the basis of the sprawling Lepidopteran diversity that it harbors. The earliest records of butterflies from the campus are seen in the butterfly collection of the Museum, which have a good number of specimens collected from the garden premises around a century ago. These mainly consisted of common species that survive in the campus even to this day. Butterflies were photographed and identified with standard texts like Kunte (2000) and Issac (2008), Evans (1932), Kunte et al. (2011) and Palot, et al. (2012) are the taxonomic references.

Methodology

The work was carried out in over an year from June 2013 to August 2014. The zoo campus was covered us-

ing fixed transect path and counts taken twice a day from 8-10 am and 3-5 pm. The preliminary checklist of the species is provided here and the detailed transect data will be analyzed and published elsewhere. The regional checklist will serve as benchmark and can aid in comparative analysis of transect data in future.

Results

The total number of butterfly species observed was 92 (Table:1).This included 10 species of Papilionids,

12 species of Pierids, 31 species of Nymphalids, 17 species of Lycaenidae and 22 species of Hesperiidae.The list includes the largest butterfly of the region the Southern Birdwing Troides minos and other Indian sub-continental endemic species like Ypthima ceylonica The White four ring and Cirrochroa thais Tamil Yeoman. The commonest Papilionid observed was Graphium sarpedon Common blue bottle and the commonest nymphalid was Euploea core Common Crow, while Catopsilia pomona was the commonest Pierid.The commonest nymphalid was Ypthima ceylonica White four ring, while the commonest Lycaenid was Chilades pandava Plains cupid. The most commonly seen Hesperiid was Chestnut bob.The species Papilio hector Crimson rose and Hypolimnas missipus Danaid Eggfly are listed under Schedule1 (Part IV) of Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972 (Gupta and Mondal 2005).

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This checklist was compiled while the butterfly garden was being established in a 400 square meter plot in the museum premises and a comparative study of the populations will be done after it is fully functional, thus enabling to assess the efficacy of the Butterfly garden to attract the winged visitors.

Discussion

Ambrose and Raj (2005) reported 24 species from Kalakkad and Mundanthurai, Eswaran and Pramod (2005)

observed 75 species in Anaikatty in Coimbatore, Mathew (1994) collected 100 species from Silent V alley region, Mathew (2005) identified 71 species of butterflies from Peechi-Vazhani region, Mathew et al. (2004) reported 73 species from Shendurney, Arun (2003) reported 75 species from Shiruvani Reserve Forests, Mathew (2007) recorded 51 species from Neyyar, thus it is interesting to note that the total number of species found in this urban green-zone is comparable to and even higher than the number of species listed for various sanctuaries and National parks across the state and in other parts of the southern Indian peninsula.Thus it is imperative that this urban faunal wealth is protected at any cost and measures be taken to conserve the butterflies of the campus by establishing an open butterfly garden and by planting more butterfly-friendly plants. This would function as an effective Urban Biodiversity Reserve.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Dr.Anoop Rajamoni,Dr. Jacob Alexander and the staff of the Museum and Zoo cam-

pus, Thiruvananthapuram for their kind cooperation throughout the work. We sincerely thank Mr.Vijayakumar.K and Mr.Sanjayan.K.B for comments on the drafts.

References Anonymous (2012). Masterplan, Zoological Garden, Thiruvananthapuram, Government of Kerala,1-3p. Ambrose D.P. and D.S. Raj (2005). Butterflies of Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu, Zoos’ Print Journal 20 (2): 2100-2107. Arun ,P.R. (2003). Butterflies of Shiruvani Forests of Western Ghats with Notes on their seasonality, Zoos’ Print Journal 18 (2): 1003-1006. Eswaran,R and P.Pramod (2005). Structure of butterfly community of Anaikatty hills, Western Ghats, Zoos’ Print Journal 20 (8): 1939-1942. Evans,W.H. (1932). Identification of Indian Butterflies, second edition, Bombay Natural History Society, Mumbai, India, 464pp+ 32pl. Gupta,I.J, and D.K. Mondal (2005). Red Data Book (Part -2) Butterflies of India, Zoological Survey of India,Kolkata. 503pp. Issac Kehimkar (2008). The book of Indian Butterflies, Bombay Natural History Society, Oxford University Press,Mumbai. 497pp. Kunte,K. (2000). Butterflies of Peninsular India, India Lifescape series, Universities Press, Hyderabad. 270pp. Kunte,K., S.Kalesh and U.Kondaramaiah (eds.) (2011). Butterflies of India v.1.03.Indian Foundation for Butterflies, Bengaluru. http://ifoundbutterflies.org/ Accessed 2013. Malabar Trogon

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Mathew,George (1994): Insect Biodiversity in Tropical Forests: A study with reference to butterflies and moths (Insecta: Lepidoptera) in the Silent Valley National Park,Kerala. Advances in forestry research in India Vol.XI.134-171. Mathew, George, Rashmi Chandran, C.M. Brijesh and R.S.M.Shamsudeen (2004). Insect fauna of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala. Zoos’ Print Journal. 19(1): 1321-1327pp. Mathew,G. R.S.M. Shamsudeen and Rashmi Chandran (2005). Insect Fauna of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala India. Zoos’ Print Journal 20(8): 1955-1960. Mathew, George.,R.S.M. Shamsudeen,C.M. Brijesh (2007). Insect fauna of Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary,Kerala,India. Zoos’ Print Journal 22(12): 2930-2933 Palot,M.J., V.C.Balakrishnan and S.Kalesh (2012). An updated checklist of butterflies of Kerala with their Malayalam names, Malabar Trogon 9(3): 22-29. Prasad.G.,P.V. Prathibhakumari and A.M. Lizby (2010). Butterflies of Kerala University Campus, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. 3rd Asian Lepidoptera Conservation Symposium and Training Programme, Coimbatore, India. Toms,A., S.P.Narayanan, Babu.V., Padmakumar,B. Arun, N.D. Jaisen, J.Paul, M.Deepa, K.Jisha, K.K.Jayasooyan, J .Ranjini, C.Rathy.P.N. Sreejith, G.Christopher and A.P. Thomas (2010). Butterfly fauna of Mahatma Gandhi University Campus, Kerala and the Strategies adopted for its conservation, 3rd Asian Lepidoptera Conservation Symposium and Training Programme, Coimbatore, India.

Table: 1 CHECKLIST OF THE BUTTERFLIES OF THE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, TRIVANDRUM ENGLISH NAME FAMILY PAPILIONIDAE 1. SOUTHERN BIRDWING 2. COMMON ROSE 3. CRIMSON ROSE 4. COMMON BLUEBOTTLE 5. COMMON JAY 6. TAILED JAY 7. COMMON MIME 8. LIME 9. COMMON MORMON 10. BLUE MORMON FAMILY PIERIDAE 11. COMMON EMIGRANT 12. MOTTLED EMIGRANT 13. COMMON GRASS YELLOW 14. THREE-SPOT GRASS YELLOW 15. COMMON JEZEBEL 16. PSYCHE 17. COMMON GULL 18. PIONEER OR CAPER WHITE 19. STRIPED ALBATROSS 20. CHOCOLATE ALBATROSS

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SCIENTIFIC NAME

STATUS

Troides minos Pachliopta aristolochiae Pachliopta hector Graphium sarpedon Graphium doson Graphium agamemnon Papilio clytia Papilio demoleus Papilio polytes Papilio polymnestor

End, U C C VC C C C C C U

Catopsilia pomona Catopsilia pyranthe Eurema hecabe Eurema blanda Delias eucharis Leptosia nina Cepora nerissa Anaphaeis aurota Appias libythea Appias lyncida

VC VC C C C C C C C C

21. COMMON ALBATROSS 22. COMMON WANDERER FAMILY NYMPHALIDAE 23. COMMON EVENING BROWN 24. COMMON PALMFLY 25. MEDUS BUSHBROWN 26. WHITE OR CEYLON FOURRING 27. COMMON FOURRING 28. COMMON FIVERING 29. TAWNY COSTER 30. RUSTIC 31. COMMON LEOPARD 32. TAMIL YEOMAN 33. CHESTNUT-STREAKED SAILER 34. COMMON SAILER 35. COMMANDER 36. GREY COUNT 37. COMMON BARON 38. GAUDY BARON 39. ANGLED CASTOR 40. COMMON CASTOR 41. LEMON PANSY 42. GREY PANSY 43. CHOCOLATE PANSY 44. GREAT EGGFLY 45. DANAIDEGGFLY 46. GLASSY TIGER 47. BLUE TIGER 48. DARK BLUE TIGER 49. PLAIN TIGER 50. STRIPED OR COMMON TIGER 51. COMMON INDIAN CROW 52. DOUBLE-BRANDED CROW 53. BROWN KING CROW FAMILY LYCAENIDAE 54. APEFLY 55. COMMON PIERROT 56. PLAINS CUPID 57. COMMON HEDGE BLUE 58. DARK GRASS BLUE 59. TINY GRASS BLUE 60. GRASS JEWEL 61. GRAM BLUE

Appias albina Pareronia valeria Melanitis leda Elymnias hypermenstra Orsotrianea medus Ypthima ceylonica Ypthima huebneri Ypthima baldus Acraea violae Cupha erymanthis Phalanta phalantha Cirrochroa thais Neptis jumbah Neptis hylas Limenitis procris Tanaecia lepidea Euthalia aconthea Euthalia lubentina Ariadne ariadne Ariadne merione Junonia lemonias Junonia atlites Junonia iphita Hypolimnas bolina Hypolimnas misippus Parantica aglea Tirumala limniace Tirumala septentrionis Danaus chrysippus Danaus genutia Euploea core Euploea sylvester Euploea klugii Spalgis epius Castalius rosimon Chilades pandava Actolepis puspa Zizeeria karsandra Zizula hylax Freyeria trochylus Euchrysops cnejus

C C C C U End,VC C C C C U End,U U C U U C U C C U U C C U C C C C C VC C U U U VC C C C U C Malabar Trogon

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62. COMMON CERULEAN 63. COMMON LINE BLUE 64. RED PIERROT 65. WESTERN CENTAUR OAKBLUE 66. LARGE OAKBLUE 67. MONKEY PUZZLE 68. REDSPOT 69. PEACOCK ROYAL 70. SLATE FLASH FAMILY HESPERIIDAE 71. BROWN AWL 72. COMMON BANDED AWL 73. WATER SNOW FLAT 74. TRICOLOUR FLAT 75. INDIAN SKIPPER 76. PYGMYSCRUB-HOPPER 77. MOORE’S ACE 78. CHESTNUT BOB 79. GRASS DEMON 80. INDIAN PALM BOB 81. GIANT REDEYE 82. COMMON REDEYE 83. ROUNDED PALMRED EYE 84. INDIAN/COMMON DARTLET 85. PSUEDOMAESA DART 86. PLAIN PALMDART 87. DARK PALM DART 88. RICE SWIFT 89. DARK SMALL-BRANDED SWIFT 90. CONJOINED SWIFT 91. PAINTBRUSH SWIFT 92. BLANK SWIFT

Jamides celeno Prosotas nora Talicada nyseus Arhopala pseudocentaurus Arhopala amantes Rathinda amor Zesius chrysomallus Tajuria cippus Rapala manea Badamia exclamationis Hasora chromus Tagiades litigiosa Psuedocoladenia indrani Spialia galba Aeromachus pygmaeus Halpe porus Iambrix salsala Udaspes folus Suastus gremius Gangara thyrsis Matapa aria Erionota torus Oriens goloides Potanthus pseudomaesa Cephrenes acalle Telicota ancilla Borbo cinnara Pelopidas mathias Pelopidas conjucta Baoris farri Caltoris kumara

Key: C- common, U- Uncommon, VC- Very common, End- Endemic

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C U U U U U C U U U U U U U U U VC C U C C C U U U U C C U U U

Kattampally Wetland, Kannur district, Kerala - an Important Bird Area (IBA) under threat C. Sashikumar1 and P. C. Rajeevan2 1 Sree Nilayam, Pattanur P O, Kannur 670595 csashikumar@gmail.com 2 Pandanchira, Kizhutally, Thazhe Chovva.P.O, Kannur 670 018 sandpiper991@yahoo.in

Introduction

Kattampally wetland is part of the floodplain of the Valapattanam River and is situated on the south-eastern

bank; the river flows from here for about nine km towards the west and joins Kuppam (Thaliparamba) River at Matakkara and discharges into the Arabian Sea. The wetland has a narrow channel of water flowing through the middle part, in the east- west direction, spreading over the banks as shallow water-spread with scanty floating vegetation and reasonably good emergent vegetation such as reeds. The marshland adjacent to the water-body comprises mainly of fallow paddy fields. Some reedy islets are also present, which, along with the banks submerge very often in the high tide. The land around the wetland is typical of the north Kerala midlands â&#x20AC;&#x201C; well wooded homesteads, coconut plantations, paddy fields and lateritic hillocks (Fig. 1). Vegetation of the wetland

Hydrilla verticillata forms the major part of the floating vegetation,. Species common in the marshy area are

Acanthus ilicifolius , Acrostichum aureum, Aeschynomene aspera, Avicennia marina, Blyxa octandra, Bruguiera cylindrica, Ceratopteris thalictroides, Cerbera odollam, Clerodendrum inerme, Crinum viviparum, Derris trifoliata, Eleocharis dulsis, Eleocharis geniculata, Fimbristylis ferruginea, Fuirena umbellata, Kandelia candel, Nymphaea nouchali , Nymphoides hydrophylla , Nymphoides indica, Pandanus odorifer, Premna serratifolia , Schoenoplectiella lateriflora, Schoenoplectus litoralis ssp., Spinifex littoreus, Wedelia trilobata, etc. (Jayarajan, 2008). The tidal effect restored since 2009 has obviously facilitated the growth of mangrove species (Fig. 2.) The change in vegetation has to be closely monitored in the years to come. Kattampally: the last five decades

Originally, the wetland was spread over nine Grama Panchayaths of Kannur district and a major part of the

wetland was under the effect of tidal cycles. Five decades ago, 945 ha of the swamp were under kaipad (brackish water paddy) cultivation. The Kattampally agricultural development project was proposed in 1958 to protect about 1282 ha of wetland from floods and salt water intrusion so that three crops of paddy could be raised in this area in a year. It was envisaged that the water required for the second and third crop of paddy would be supplied by the canals of the Pazhassi irrigation project. The project, commissioned in 1966, consisted mainly of a regulator-cum-road bridge and bunds along the sides of the water channel. The apathy towards the very fact that kaipad cultivation was a sustainable mode of agriculture using salinity-resistant rice varieties was the main reason for the failure of this ambitious project. The Pazhassi Irrigation Project, which was supposed to supply fresh water to the fields of Kattampally also turned out Malabar Trogon

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to be an abject failure. At present, the land under paddy cultivation has shrunk to 80 ha, the rest of the agricultural land has either been left fallow or has been altered to pave the way for coconut plantations or has been filled up for construction activities in fact, several schools, houses, granite stone crushers, timber factories, a tourist resort and a temple complex have come up at different parts of the wetland. The wetland which sustained the livelihood of the local population through agriculture and fishery has turned nonproductive within five years of the commissioning of the project and the local economy lies in shambles. The local agriculturists’ clamour for reversing this agricultural wetland ecosystem to the pre-project status fell on the deaf ears of the authorities for quite a long while. However, in 2008, a commission was appointed by the Kerala government to study the possibility of reviving the paddy cultivation. Based on the recommendations of the commission, the shutters of the regulator was kept open in 2009 on an experimental basis to let in tidal waters (ADAK, 2013; Leneesh, 2011); whether this will have a major affect on the ecosystem is yet unknown and needs to be closely monitored. Since 2005, three road bridges – at Munderi Kadav, Varam Kadav and Pullooppi Kadav – have been constructed across the water channel with the approach roads built on either side of them without providing any facility for proper drainage of water. This has led to stagnation of water resulting in eutrophication and further fragmentation of the wetland. Birds The first author has been visiting Kattampally wetland from 1979 onwards. The list of birds provided here, includes species seen by either of the two authors or by both of them together. It also includes other published records too. In all, 212 species of birds have been recorded (Table 2: the taxonomy follows IOC World Bird List (v 4.3) (Gill & Donsker, 2014). They belong to 20 Orders and 59 Families. 77 (36 %) of these are migratory species and the rest (64 %) residents. Threatened birds Eleven species of birds recorded here belong to the threatened category of IUCN (Birdlife International ,2014). (Table 1) Table 1. Threatened birds recorded at Kattampally

Common Name

Scientific Name

Ferruginous Duck

Aythya nyroca

Near Threatened

Painted Stork

Mycteria leucocephala

Near Threatened

Asian Woollyneck

Ciconia episcopus

Black-headed Ibis

Threskiornis melanocephalus

Near Threatened

Oriental Darter

Anhinga melanogaster

Near Threatened

Indian Spotted Eagle

Aquila hastata

Vulnerable

Greater Spotted Eagle

Aquila clanga

Vulnerable

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Status IUCN Category

Vulnerable

Eastern Imperial Eagle

Aquila heliaca

Vulnerable

Black-tailed Godwit

Limosa limosa

Near Threatened

River Tern

Stena aurantia

Near Threatened

Bristled Grassbird

Chaetornis striata

Vulnerable

Out of these, Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala, Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca and Bristled Grassbird Chaetornis striata are rare whereas the other five species are regularly seen. Bird Families

The species belonging to the 59 bird families are depicted in Figure 2. As can be seen, Anatidae (11), Ardei-

dae (13), Accipitridae (15) and Scolopacidae (13) have more than 10 species present here. Interestingly, despite being a wetland, Order Passeriformes is represented by 77 species belonging to 29 families. Most of these species are found in the well wooded homesteads surrounding the wetland. This includes forest birds like Bronzed Drongo Dicrurus aeneus, Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea, Yellow-browed Bulbul Acritillas indica, Puff-throated Babbler Pellorneum ruficeps etc. Considering the typical layout of the well wooded north Kerala midlands and coastal plains with a scattering of sacred groves (Kavu), the presence of these birds is only to be expected. Anatidae: Eleven species present, three of them resident and eight migratory. Northern Pintail Anas acuta and Garganey Anas querquedula are the most numerous of migratory ducks, seen in thousands. Occasional large flocks up to 2000 of the resident Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica have been observed in winter in certain years; breeding of this species also has been reported during the SW monsoon season. Ardeidae, Ciconiidae and Threskiornithidae: Thirteen species of Ardeidae recorded. Pond Heron Ardeola grayii and the white egrets are the most numerous of this family. Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans, Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus and Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus were rare in the early 1980s, but now are seen regularly in good numbers. Accipitridae: Apart from the 15 species of Accipitridae, Osprey Pandion haliaetus (Pandionidae) and two species of Falconidae (Oriental Hobby Falco severus and Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrines) also have been recorded. Eighteen species of raptors suggest a very good prey base. Only five species of these can be considered as truly wetland dependent. Record of four species of Aquiline eagles is unique for any wetland in Kerala; these eagles made their appearance in this wetland since 2001 (Sashikumar, 2004a, 2004 b). There have been at least two instances of Osprey overwintering here. Scolopacidae, Charadriidae: Thirteen species belonging to Scolopacidae and seven of Charadriidae are recorded. This includes Grey-headed Lapwing Vanellus cinereus and Spotted Redshank Vanellus cinereus which are not common in Kerala. Other significant sightings Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea, Eurasian Wigeon Tadorna ferrugine, Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, Tufted Malabar Trogon

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Duck Aythya fuligula, Greater Falmingo Phoenicopterus roseus, Oriental Hobby Falco severus, Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla, Bristled Grassbird Chaetornis striata, Hume’s Whitethroat Sylvia althaea, Siberian Stonechat Saxicola caprata, Grey-necked Bunting Emberiza buchanani, Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala and Redheaded Bunting Emberiza bruniceps are some other birds that have been recorded only from Kattampally or rarely from elsewhere in Kerala (Rajeevan & Khaleel, 2012; Sashikumar, 1990a, 1990b, 2004a, 2004b; Sashikumar, Jafer Palot and Praveen, 1995; Sashikumar et al. 2011; Thomas & Rajeevan, 2007). Kattampally – an Important Bird Area (IBA) under threat

Kattampally has been identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Birdlife International and Bombay

Natural History Society along with 23 other areas in Kerala as priority sites for conservation as they hold a considerable population of Globally Threatened birds (Islam & Rahmani, 2004). But this wetland is classic case proving that being declared as an IBA will never conserve a wetland unless the concerned authorities and the local people want to protect it. The major threats faced by this wetland are: 1. Habitat alteration: filling up of marshland and paddyfields for construction activities (Varam Kadavu, Pullooppi, Kakkad and many other places- Figures 5,6, 7, 8). 2. Construction of bridges and approach roads without adequate provision for drainage entailing fragmentation of the wetland. (Pullooppi Kadav, Varam Kadav). 3. Garbage dumping (Kakkad, Munderi etc.). 4. Poaching. Changes in the habitat and avifauna In the last three and a half decades, the distribution, composition and numbers of the avifauna in the wetland have changed considerably. Till the mid 1990s, the concentration of migratory ducks was towards the west of the wetland (A1 and A2 in Fig.1) and the enormous ‘rafts’ of ducks used to stretch kilometers towards the east. Now, the ducks are seen in lesser numbers and that too in the eastern parts of the area around Munderi (C in Fig. 1). The wetland at Varam Kadav has been altered irreversibly with the construction of the bridge, approach road and large scale filling up for a tourist resort. This area looks like a dusty barren land and along the sides of the approach road, a thick growth of grass and shrubs has come up. Interestingly, all the three species of buntings and White-eyed Buzzard Butastur teesa – all of these are birds of the dry open land – were recorded at this place. Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum used breed in two locations (B1 and B2 in Fig. 1) till the early 2000s, but they are rarely seen now. The islet (B2) submerges fully during high tide now and has become unsuitable for these birds to breed anymore. Kattampally wetland – the future The future of this wetland looks bleak indeed. Once the bridges and roads become fully operational, traffic will increase and with it several sort of disturbances – garbage dumping, poaching, pollution etc. – are bound to increase. The wetland beside the road, in all probability, will be filled up and new buildings will come up. The wetland will become fragmented further and the diverse avifauna will definitely become a thing of the past. Like most of the wetlands in Kerala, Kattampally does not come under the protected area network. As most of the 22

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wetland is privately owned, conservation is impossible without the cooperation of the local people. In the Budget Proposal of the Finance Minister, Kerala, in March 2012, it was announced that Munderi Kadav, a part of the wetland within the Munderi Grama Panchayath, will be declared as a bird sanctuary. Nothing much was done for the implementation of this proposal. Just declaring the wetland or part of it as a bird sanctuary will not be sufficient for the conservation of this IBA. Lopsided â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;developmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of a bird sanctuary with tourism as the first priority will only enhance the hindrances and will drive away the few birds that remain. As things stand now, this wetland will be lost to us forever, within a span of a few years. Only a concerted effort by the governmental agencies, conservationists and the local people will save Kattampally from imminent doom.

Figure 1. Kattampally wetland

Fig. 2. Kattampally wetland- High tide Malabar Trogon

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Fig. 3. Kattampally wetland- High Tide

Fig. 4 Bird Families recorded at Kattampally

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Kattampally – Habitat alteration

Fig. 5

Fig. 7

Fig. 6

Fig. 8

References related to Kattampally ADAK . 2013. Promotion of rice cum shrimp farming in Kaipad lands of Kattampally area in Kannur District Under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana. Proposal Submitted by Agency for Development of Aquaculture, Kerala (ADAK), August 2013. BirdLife International. 2014. Country profie: India. URL:http://www.birdlife.org/ datazone/country/india. on 8 October 2014].

[Accessed

Gill, F & D Donsker (Eds). 2014. IOC World Bird List (v 4.3). doi : 10.14344/IOC.ML.4.3. Downloaded from http://www. worldbirdnames.org/master_ioc_list_v4.3.xls Islam, M. Z. and Rahmani, A. R. (2004) Important Bird Areas in India: Priority sites for conservation. Indian Bird Conservation Network: Bombay Natural History Society and Birdlife International (UK). Jayarajan O. 2008. Conservation Planning for the Wetlands of North Kerala with special emphasis on Bird Communities. Report – Dr. Salim Ali National Fellowship Award 2003. Lineesh, K. 2011. Paddy Revival in Kattampally Kaippad: Achievements and Challenges. www. save-our-rice.net, November 2011. Rajeevan, P. C., & Khaleel, K.M. 2012. First sighting of Bristled Grassbird Chaetornis striata from Kerala. Indian Birds 8 (2): 51–52. Roshnath, R., V. Shruthi and K. Prasoon. 2013. Copulatory behavior of Oriental White Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus Latham, 1790). Malabar Trogon Vol. 11(1-3), 2013: 28-30. Sashikumar, C (1990a) Blacktailed Godwit Limosa limosa and Large Indian Pratincole Glareola pratincola – two new records from Kerala. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 87 (2): 296.

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Vol. 12 (1-3) 2014

Sashikumar, C. (1990b) Occurrence of some rare migrants in Cannanore, Kerala. Newsletter for Birdwatchers 30 (3-4): 7-8. Sashikumar, C. (1991a) Occurrence of the Indian Shag Phalacrocorax fuscicollis Stephens in Kerala. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 88 (3): 442. Sashikumar, C. (1991b) On the roosting of Indian Whiskered Tern. Newsletter for Birdwatchers 31 (5-6): 13. Sashikumar, C. (1993) Breeding of Large Indian or Oriental Pratincole Glareola pratincola maldivarum J.R. Forster in Kerala. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 90 (1): 92. Sashikumar, C. (2004a) Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga Pallas and Northern Shoveller Anas clypeata Linn. – Two rare records from Kerala. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 101(1): 154. Sashikumar, C. (2004b) Aquila eagles in Kerala. Newletter for Ornithologists 1 (4): 53-54. Sashikumar, C., Jafer Palot and T. Praveen (1995) Stone Chat Saxicola torquata (Linn.) in Kerala. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 92 (2): 267. Sashikumar, C., Jayakumar, C. and Mohammed Jafer (1991) Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus(Linn.) and Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala (Pennant): two more additions to the bird list of Kerala. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society 88 (1): 110. Sashikumar C, J. Praveen, Muhamed Jafer Palot and P.O Nameer. 2011. Birds of Kerala : Status and Distribution, DC Books, Kottayam Thomas, Jayan and Rajeevan P. C. 2007. Tryst with a raptor. Malabar Trogon Vol. 5(3). Sept. –Dec. 2007: 12.

Table 2. Checklist of the birds of Kattampally

Sl No

Order

Family

English Name

Scientific Name

Anseriformes

Anatidae

Lesser Whistling Duck

Dendrocygna javanica

Ruddy Shelduck

Tadorna ferruginea

Cotton Pygmy Goose

Nettapus coromandelianus

Eurasian Wigeon

Anas penelope

Indian Spot-billed Duck

Anas poecilorhyncha

Northern Shoveler

Anas clypeata

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

Garganey

Anas querquedula

Eurasian Teal

Anas crecca

Ferruginous Duck

Aythya nyroca

Tufted Duck

Aythya fuligula

Podicipediformes

Podicipedidae

Little Grebe

Tachybaptus ruficollis

Phoenicopteriformes

Phoenicopteridae

Greater Flamingo

Phoenicopterus roseus

Ciconiiformes

Ciconiidae

Painted Stork

Mycteria leucocephala

Asian Openbill

Anastomus oscitans

Black Stork

Ciconia nigra

Asian Woollyneck

Ciconia episcopus

White Stork

Ciconia ciconia

Pelecaniformes

Threskiornithidae

Black-headed Ibis

Threskiornis melanocephalus

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

Eurasian Spoonbill

Platalea leucorodia

Pelecaniformes

Ardeidae

Yellow Bittern

Ixobrychus sinensis

Cinnamon Bittern

Ixobrychus cinnamomeus

Black Bittern

Dupetor flavicollis

Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

Striated Heron

Butorides striata

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Status

Indian Pond Heron

Ardeola grayii

Eastern Cattle Egret

Bubulcus coromandus

Grey Heron

Ardea cinerea

Purple Heron

Ardea purpurea

Great Egret

Ardea alba

Intermediate Egret

Egretta intermedia

Little Egret

Egretta garzetta

Western Reef Heron

Egretta gularis

Suliformes

Phalacrocoracidae

Little Cormorant

Microcarbo niger

Indian Cormorant

Phalacrocorax fuscicollis

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

Anhingidae

Oriental Darter

Anhinga melanogaster

Accipitriformes

Pandionidae

Western Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

Accipitridae

Crested Honey Buzzard

Pernis ptilorhynchus

Black-winged Kite

Elanus caeruleus

Black Kite

Milvus migrans

Brahminy Kite

Haliastur indus

White-bellied Sea Eagle

Haliaeetus leucogaster

Crested Serpent Eagle

Spilornis cheela

Western Marsh Harrier

Circus aeruginosus

Montagu’s Harrier

Circus pygargus

Shikra

Accipiter badius

White-eyed Buzzard

Butastur teesa

Indian Spotted Eagle

Aquila hastata

Greater Spotted Eagle

Aquila clanga

Steppe Eagle

Aquila nipalensis

Eastern Imperial Eagle

Aquila heliaca

Booted Eagle

Hieraaetus pennatus

Falconiformes

Falconidae

Oriental Hobby

Falco severus

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

Gruiformes

Rallidae

Slaty-breasted Rail

Gallirallus striatus

White-breasted Waterhen

Amaurornis phoenicurus

Ruddy-breasted Crake

Porzana fusca

Watercock

Gallicrex cinerea

Purple Swamphen

Porphyrio porphyrio

Common Moorhen

Gallinula chloropus

Eurasian Coot

Fulica atra

Charadriiformes

Recurvirostridae

Black-winged Stilt

Himantopus himantopus

Charadriidae

Yellow-wattled Lapwing

Vanellus malabaricus

Grey-headed Lapwing

Vanellus cinereus

Red-wattled Lapwing

Vanellus indicus

Pacific Golden Plover

Pluvialis fulva

Little Ringed Plover

Charadrius dubius

Kentish Plover

Charadrius alexandrinus

Lesser Sand Plover

Charadrius mongolus

Greater Sand Plover

Charadrius leschenaultii

Jacanidae

Pheasant-tailed Jacana

Hydrophasianus chirurgus

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Bronze-winged Jacana

Metopidius indicus

Scolopacidae

Pin-tailed Snipe

Gallinago stenura

Common Snipe

Gallinago gallinago

Black-tailed Godwit

Limosa limosa

Bar-tailed Godwit

Limosa lapponica

Whimbrel

Numenius phaeopus

Spotted Redshank

Tringa erythropus

Common Redshank

Tringa totanus

Marsh Sandpiper

Tringa stagnatilis

Common Greenshank

Tringa nebularia

Green Sandpiper

Tringa ochropus

Wood Sandpiper

Tringa glareola

Common Sandpiper

Actitis hypoleucos

Little Stint

Calidris minuta

Temminck’s Stint

Calidris temminckii

Curlew Sandpiper

Calidris ferruginea

Glareolidae

Oriental Pratincole

Glareola maldivarum

Small Pratincole

Glareola lactea

Laridae

Brown-headed Gull

Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus

Black-headed Gull

Chroicocephalus ridibundus

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

Sandwich Tern

Thalasseus sandvicensis

Little Tern

Sternula albifrons

River Tern

Sterna aurantia

Whiskered Tern

Chlidonias hybrida

White-winged Tern

Chlidonias leucopterus

100

Columbiformes

Columbidae

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

101

Spotted Dove

Spilopelia chinensis

102

Common Emerald Dove

Chalcophaps indica

103

Grey-fronted Green Pigeon

Treron affinis

104

Yellow-footed Green Pigeon

Treron phoenicopterus

105

Psittaciformes

Psittacidae

Vernal Hanging Parrot

Loriculus vernalis

106

Rose-ringed Parakeet

Psittacula krameri

107

Plum-headed Parakeet

Psittacula cyanocephala

108

Cuculiformes

Cuculidae

Greater Coucal

Centropus sinensis

109

Jacobin Cuckoo

Clamator jacobinus

110

Asian Koel

Eudynamys scolopaceus

111

Grey-bellied Cuckoo

Cacomantis passerinus

112

Banded Bay Cuckoo

Cacomantis sonneratii

113

Common Hawk-Cuckoo

Hierococcyx varius

114

Indian Cuckoo

Cuculus micropterus

115

Strigiformes

Strigidae

Brown Fish Owl

Ketupa zeylonensis

116

Jungle Owlet

Glaucidium radiatum

117

Spotted Owlet

Athene brama

118

Caprimulgiformes

Caprimulgidae

Jerdon’s Nightjar

Caprimulgus atripennis

119

Apodiformes

Apodidae

Brown-backed Needletail

Hirundapus giganteus

120

Asian Palm Swift

Cypsiurus balasiensis

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121

Alpine Swift

Tachymarptis melba

122

Little Swift

Apus affinis

123

Coraciiformes

Coraciidae

Indian Roller

Coracias benghalensis

124

Alcedinidae

Stork-billed Kingfisher

Pelargopsis capensis

125

White-throated Kingfisher

Halcyon smyrnensis

126

Black-capped Kingfisher

Halcyon pileata

127

Common Kingfisher

Alcedo atthis

128

Pied Kingfisher

Ceryle rudis

129

Meropidae

Green Bee-eater

Merops orientalis

130

Blue-tailed Bee-eater

Merops philippinus

131

Bucerotiformes

Upupidae

Eurasian Hoopoe

Upupa epops

132

Piciformes

Megalaimidae

White-cheeked Barbet

Megalaima viridis

133

Coppersmith Barbet

Megalaima haemacephala

134

Picidae

Eurasian Wryneck

Jynx torquilla

135

Black-rumped Flameback

Dinopium benghalense

136

Passeriformes

Tephrodornithidae

Common Woodshrike

Tephrodornis pondicerianus

137

Artamidae

Ashy Woodswallow

Artamus fuscus

138

Aegithinidae

Common Iora

Aegithina tiphia

139

Campephagidae

Large Cuckooshrike

Coracina macei

140

Black-headed Cuckooshrike

Coracina melanoptera

141

Small Minivet

Pericrocotus cinnamomeus

142

Scarlet Minivet

Pericrocotus speciosus

143

Laniidae

Brown Shrike

Lanius cristatus

144

Long-tailed Shrike

Lanius schach

145

Oriolidae

Indian Golden Oriole

Oriolus kundoo

146

Black-hooded Oriole

Oriolus xanthornus

147

Dicruridae

Black Drongo

Dicrurus macrocercus

148

Ashy Drongo

Dicrurus leucophaeus

149

Bronzed Drongo

Dicrurus aeneus

150

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo

Dicrurus paradiseus

151

Monarchidae

Black-naped Monarch

Hypothymis azurea

152

Asian Paradise Flycatcher

Terpsiphone paradisi

153

Corvidae

Rufous Treepie

Dendrocitta vagabunda

154

House Crow

Corvus splendens

155

Indian Jungle Crow

Corvus culminatus

156

Alaudidae

Jerdon’s Bush Lark

Mirafra affinis

157

Greater Short-toed Lark

Calandrella brachydactyla

158

Malabar Lark

Galerida malabarica

159

Oriental Skylark

Alauda gulgula

160

Ashy-crowned Sparrow-Lark

Eremopterix griseus

161

Pycnonotidae

Red-whiskered Bulbul

Pycnonotus jocosus

162

Red-vented Bulbul

Pycnonotus cafer

163

Yellow-browed Bulbul

Acritillas indica

164

Hirundinidae

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

165

Wire-tailed Swallow

Hirundo smithii

166

Red-rumped Swallow

Cecropis daurica

167

Streak-throated Swallow

Petrochelidon fluvicola

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168

Phylloscopidae

Greenish Warbler

Phylloscopus trochiloides

169

Acrocephalidae

Clamorous Reed Warbler

Acrocephalus stentoreus

170

Paddyfield Warbler

Acrocephalus agricola

171

Blyth’s Reed Warbler

Acrocephalus dumetorum

172

Thick-billed Warbler

Iduna aedon

173

Locustellidae

Bristled Grassbird

Chaetornis striata

174

Cisticolidae

Zitting Cisticola

Cisticola juncidis

175

Ashy Prinia

Prinia socialis

176

Plain Prinia

Prinia inornata

177

Common Tailorbird

Orthotomus sutorius

178

Pellorneidae

Puff-throated Babbler

Pellorneum ruficeps

179

Leiothrichidae

Jungle Babbler

Turdoides striata

180

Yellow-billed Babbler

Turdoides affinis

181

Sylviidae

Hume’s Whitethroat

Sylvia althaea

182

Sturnidae

Common Myna

Acridotheres tristis

183

Chestnut-tailed Starling

Sturnia malabarica

184

Malabar Starling

Sturnia blythii

185

Brahminy Starling

Sturnia pagodarum

186

Rosy Starling

Pastor roseus

187

Muscicapidae

Bluethroat

Luscinia svecica

188

Oriental Magpie-Robin

Copsychus saularis

189

Siberian Stonechat

Saxicola maurus

190

Pied Bush Chat

Saxicola caprata

191

Asian Brown Flycatcher

Muscicapa dauurica

192

Chloropseidae

Jerdon’s Leafbird

Chloropsis jerdoni

193

Golden-fronted Leafbird

Chloropsis aurifrons

194

Dicaeidae

Pale-billed Flowerpecker

Dicaeum erythrorhynchos

195

Nectariniidae

Purple-rumped Sunbird

Leptocoma zeylonica

196

Purple Sunbird

Cinnyris asiaticus

197

Loten’s Sunbird

Cinnyris lotenius

198

Passeridae

House Sparrow

Passer domesticus

199

Yellow-throated Sparrow

Gymnoris xanthocollis

200

Ploceidae

Baya Weaver

Ploceus philippinus

201

Estrildidae

Red Avadavat

Amandava amandava

202

White-rumped Munia

Lonchura striata

203

Tricolored Munia

Lonchura malacca

204

Motacillidae

White Wagtail

Motacilla alba

205

Western Yellow Wagtail

Motacilla flava

206

Grey Wagtail

Motacilla cinerea

207

White-browed Wagtail

Motacilla maderaspatensis

208

Richard’s Pipit

Anthus richardi

209

Paddyfield Pipit

Anthus rufulus

210

Emberizidae

Grey-necked Bunting

Emberiza buchanani

211

Black-headed Bunting

Emberiza melanocephala

212

Red-headed Bunting

Emberiza bruniceps

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Amphibian Diversity of Laterite hills of Kavvayi River Basin, Kerala, India Sandeep Das1, Prejith MP1, Rajkumar KP1, Alex CJ1, Prasad TS1 and Sreejith KA1* Forest Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation Division, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi-680653, Kerala, Email: sreejith@kfri.res.in

Introduction

Owing to its peculiar geographic features, the presence of lateritic hillocks with fascinating undulations in

the midland terrains in particular, the Kavvayi river basin is typical among the rivers originating from the midlands in Northern Kerala. Lateritic hills are the most imposing but extremely threatened topographical, floristic and faunistic features of Northern Kerala (Sreejith et al., 2014). The alternation of very wet and dry conditions creates an unusual ecological situation and varying microhabitats which support unique biota especially smaller vertebrates including amphibians and reptiles. The permanent and temporary water bodies found in these lateritic biotopes and the various microhabitats harbour different species of amphibians. The current study focused on the amphibian diversity of laterite ecosystems of the Kavvayi River basin.

Materials and Methods

The Kavvayi river basin is located between 120

05’ to 120 15’ North latitude and 750 05’ to 750 20’ East longitude. It spread over an area of 164.76 km2 covering 14 villages and spreads over nine local bodies in the districts of Kannur and Kasargod. The Kavvayi river emerges from the Cheemeni village at an elevation of 114 m. above MSL having a length of 31 Km and directly flows into the Kavvayi backwater. The Kavvayi River is prominent among the 14 rivers originating in midland Kerala. It has a watershed area confined to midland hillocks and their valleys.

Fig 1: Zakerana rufescens

For estimating the species diversity and ecology of the study area, a combination of random methods including night surveys, call based surveys and patch sampling were used. Observations were done for 70 days, both during the day (0700 hrs to 1100 hrs) and night (1800 hrs to 0100 hrs), so as to record amphibian diversity from December 2012 to December 2014. Nomenclature followed is after Dinesh et al. (2013).

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Fig 2: Map of Study Area

Results and Discussion

Most of the studies on amphibians of Lateritic hill ecosystems were from Madayipara, Kannur (Palot and

Radhakrishnan, 2002; Palot and Radhakrishnan, 2005; Palot and Balakrishnan, 2014) which only represents a small fraction of the larger spread of this ecosystem and the latest study reported 19 species. The present study reports a total of 20 species of amphibians in two Orders, Anura (19 species) and Gymnophiona (one species) belonging to six different families under 14 Genera. Dicroglossidae family was the most represented family with eight species followed by Microhylidae (five species), Rhacophoridae (four species) and one species in Bufonidae, Ranidae and Ichthyophidae, respectively. Zakerana rufescens, is a laterite specialist and the only IUCN red data list endangered species in the study area Minervarya sahyadris was well represented throughout the study area. Laterite hill ecosystems with a variety of microhabitats (Sreejith et al, 2014) support a variety of amphibians and many other organisms and at the same time are under severe threat of habitat degradation due to mining, pollution, roads and other developmental activities. Roads acts as barriers for amphibian dispersal and amphibians are prone to local extinction when their habitats dispersal corridors/ habitats are fragmented (Seshadri 2009). Almost all Laterite hill ecosystems sampled had roads cutting through the landscape acting as death sites for amphibians moving towards and away from water bodies during the breeding season. Amphibian road kills were also found in temporary pools along roads created during rainy seasons. Uncontrolled mining and destructive activities without a check can easily wipe out these sensitive creatures from laterite ecosystems. 32

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Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, Government

of Kerala for providing financial support. Thanks are due to Dr. K.V. Sankaran and Dr. P.S .Easa, former Directors of KFRI for their support and encouragement, Dhaneesh Bhasakar, Manjunath H P and Prijo for assistance in field.

CHECKLIST OF AMPHIBIANS OF LATERIE HILLS OF KAVVAYI RIVER BASIN Sl

Scientific Name

Common Name

No 1 2 3 4

Class: AMPHIBIA Gray Order : ANURA Fischer von Waldheim Family: BUFONIDAE Gray Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1799) Family: DICROGLOSSIDAE Anderson Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (Schneider, 1799) Euphlyctis hexadactylus (Lesson, 1834) Euphlyctis aloysii Joshy, Alam, Kurabayashi, Sumida &

Common Indian Toad Skittering Frog Indian Pond Frog Aloysius Pond Frog

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Kuramoto, 2009 Hoplobatrachus tigerinus (Daudin, 1803) Minervarya sahyadris Dubois, Ohler & Biju, 2001 Sphaerotheca breviceps (Schneider, 1799) Zakerana rufescens (Jerdon, 1853) Zakerana brevipalmata (Peters, 1871) Family: MICROHYLIDAE Gunther Kaloula taprobanica Parker, 1934 Microhyla ornata (Dumeril & Bibron,1841) Microhyla rubra (Jerdon, 1854) Microhyla spp. Ramanella variegata (Stoliczka, 1872) Family: RANIDAE Rafinesque Hylarana malabarica (Tschudi, 1838) Family: RHACOPHORIDAE Hoffman Polypedates maculatus(Gray, 1834) Polypedates occidentalis Das & Dutta, 2006 Pseudophilautus wynaadensis (Jerdon,1854) Rhacophorus malabaricus Jerdon, 1870 Order : GYMNOPHIONA Muller Family: ICHTHYOPHIDAE Taylor Uraeotyphlus spp.

Indian Bullfrog Minervarya Frog Indian Burrowing Frog Rufescent Burrowing Frog Short-webbed Frog Painted Frog Ornate Narrow-mouthed Frog Reddish Narrow-mouthed Frog Narrow-mouthed Frog Variegated Ramanella Fungoid Frog Common Indian Tree Frog Charpa Tree frog Jerdon’s Bush Frog Malabar Gliding Frog Caecilian

IUCN Status

Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Endangered Least Concern Least Concern Data Deficient Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Data Deficient Least Concern Least Concern

Malabar Trogon

Vol. 12 (1-3) 2014

References Dinesh, K. P., Radhakrishnan, C., Gururaja, K.V., Deuti, K., Bhatta, G.K. 2013. A checklist of Amphibia of India with IUCN Red List status. Zoological Survey of India. Palot, M. J.and Radhakrishnan, C. 2002. Herpetofauna of Madayipara Hill, Kannur district, Kerala. Cobra, 48: 3-6 Palot, M. J.and Radhakrishnan, C. 2005. Faunal diversity of a laterite hill system at Madayipara, Kannur district, Kerala, India. Records of Zoological Survey of India, Occasional Paper No. 242: 1-98 Palot, M. J.and Balakrishnan, V. C. 2014. Biodiversity of Madayipara (Illustrated Field Guide) Kerala Forest Research Institute.Thrissur. 100 pp Seshadri, K. S., A. Yadav & K. V. Gururaja (2009). Road kills of amphibians in different land use areas from Sharavathi river basin, central Western Ghats, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa (11): 549-552. Sreejith, K. A., Prashob, P., Sreekumar, V. B. and Prejith, M. P. 2014. Microhabitat diversity in a lateritic hillock of northern Kerala, India. International Journal of Conservation Science. In press. Sutherland, W J. 2006. Ecological Census Techniques, A handbook. Cambridge University Press. 278-293.

Im«m-¼Ån dKp-te-äÀ Xpd-t¡-ï-sX-´p-sImïv Dinesan Cheruvat Cheruvattil House, Rajendra Nagar, Podikundu, Pallikunnu Post, Kannur- 670 004 cheruvat@yahoo.com

N‑n-d-¡Â, \mdm-¯v, ]pgm-Xn, sImf-t¨-cn, Ff-bm-äqÀ, aptï-cn, tNtem-d, a¿nÂ, Ip-ä-ym-«qÀ F¶o 9 ]©m-b-¯p-I-fn-embn 946 slIvS-dn-embn ae-_m-dnse Gähpw henb ssI¸mSv ]mS-§Ä \ne-\nÂ¡p-¶p. Cu {]tZ-i-§-fn-emsI-bpÅ 1267 s‑l-IvSÀ Im«m-¼Ån s\Âh-b-ep-fnÂ 946 slIvSdpw (75%) ssI¸mSv \ne-§-fm-Ip-¶p. slIvS-dn\v 3 S¬ s\Ãpw 1 S¬ aÕ-yhpw DXv]m-Z\w \ÂIn-bn-cp¶ Cu ssI¸mSv ]mS§-fnÂ apgp-h³ Øe¯pw 1966 hsc ssI¸mSv s\Â¡rjnbpw aÕ-y-_-Ô-\hpw \ne-\n-¶n-cp-¶p. A§n-s\-sb-¦nÂ Ipd-ªXv 2800 S¬ s\Ãpw 900 S¬ aÕ-y-h‑p-sa-¦nepw Cu {]tZ-i¯p-\n¶pw hÀjm-hÀjw e`n-¡p-Ibpw {]Xn-hÀjw Hcp slIvS-dn\v 350 sXmgnÂ Zn\-§Ä {]Imcw 946 s‑l-I‑v-S-d‑n-\‑v 3,31,000 sXmgnÂ Zn\-§Ä (A-Xm-bXv Hcp hÀjw Ipd-ªXv 2000 t]À¡v ‑) s‑X‑m-g‑nÂ {]Zm\w sNbvXn-cp¶ Im«m-¼-Ån-bnÂ 1966 Â Im«m-¼Ån dKp-te-äÀ I½o-j³ sNbvX-tXmsS s\ÂIr-jnbpw aÕ-y-_-Ô\h‑pw CÃm-Xm-b-sX-§ns\ F¶v ]cn-tim-[n-t¡-ïn-bn-cn-¡p-¶p. 1966 Â dKp-te-äÀ I½o-j³ sNbvX-tXmsS ASp¯ hÀjw apXÂ a®nsâ cmk-þù-XnI KpW-§-fnÂ {]-IS-amb amä-§Ä A\p-`-h-s¸-Sp-Ibpw a®v I«n-bmbn s\Âs¨Sn \Sm³ km[-y-a-Ãm-Xm-bn-¯o-cp-Ibpw , s\Âs¨-Sn¡v thcp-]n-Sn-¡m³ km[-y-a-ÃmsX \in-¡p-Ibpw sNbvXp. a®n-\p-ïmb Cu amä-§Ä Cdn-tK-j³hIp-¸n-sâbpw Irjn-h-Ip-¸n-sâbpw A¶s¯ tcJ-I-fnÂ hy-à-am-¡n-bn-«p-ïv. Ignª cïm-bncw hÀj-§-fmbn then-tb-ä-þ-th-en-bn-dn¡w A\p-`-h-s¸-Sp¶ sNfn-¸-c-¸p-I-fnÂ hÀj-Ime agsb B{i-bn-¨p- sN¿p¶ Hcp s\ÂIrjn þ aÕy-_-Ô\ k{¼-Zm-b-amWv ssI¸mSv Irjn F¶-dn-b-s¸-Sp-¶-Xv. Bbn-c¯n sXmÅm-bn-c¯n Adp-]-Xp-I-fnepw , Fgp-]-Xp-I-fnepw tIc-f-¯nÂ (I-®qÀ PnÃ-bn-epw) ss‑I¸m-SpÄs¸sS apgp-h³ s\Âh-b-epI-fn-epw s\Â-Irjn hym]n¨psIm-tïbn-cn-¡p-t¼m-gmWv 1966 Â dKp-te-äÀ I½o-j³ sNbvXv 3 hÀjw Ign-bp-t¼m-tg¡pw Im«m-¼-Ån-bnse Bbn-c-t¯mfw slIvSÀ(-Hu-tZ-ym-KnI IW¡v 946 slIvSÀ) ssI¸mSp \ne-§-fnepw kao] s\Âh-b-ep-I-fn-epw s\ÂIrjn A{]-X-y-£-am-b-sX¶ (a-Õ-y-_-Ô-\-h‑p‑w‑) N-c‑n-{‑Xk-X‑y‑w ad¨psh¡p-¶-Xm-cm-sW¶v ]cn-t‑im-[n-t¡-ïn-bn-cn-¡p-¶p. sXmgnÂ e`-yX Ipd-ª-Xns\ XpSÀ¶‑v PnÃ-bnse CXc{]tZ-i-§-fnse ssI¸mSv Irjn] nd-tIm«p t]mbXv 1990 \p tij-am-sW-¶pÅXpw _Ô-s¸« ]©m-b-¯p-I-fnse (G-tgmw, sNdp-Ip-¶v, ]«p-hw, I®-]p-cw) Irjn `h-\p-I-fnse IW-¡pIfpw hy-à-am-¡pw. Im«m-¼Ån dKp-te-äÀ I½o-j³ sNbvXv then-tbä then-bn-d¡w CÃm-X‑m-b-X‑n-s‑\-¯pSÀ¶v ssI¸mSv a®n-ep-ïmb ùXnIþ c‑m-k þs‑s‑P-h L-S-\-b‑n-s‑e amä-§-fmWv Irjn Akm-[-y-am-¡n-¯oÀ¯-Xn-\pw, {]tZ-is¯ shÅ-¯n\v A]-I-S-I-c-amb cmk KpW-§Ä¡v Imc-W-am-b-sX¶pw imkv{Xo-b-ambn sXfn-bn-¡m³ km[n-¡p-¶-Xm-Wv. s‑]m¡mfn/ssI¸mSv {]tZ-i-§-fnse sNfn-a-®nsâ {]tX-y-I-X-IÄ 10,000 hÀj-§Ä ap¼v BtKmf hym-]-I-ambn ISÂ \nçv DbÀ¶v Hcp ImeL-«-¯nÂ cq]-s¸-«-Xm-Wv. then-tb-äþ then-bnd¡a\p-`-h-s¸-Sp¶ C¯cw sNf‑n-¸çp-IÄ temI-¯nse hnhn[ cmP-y-§-fnÂ \ne-hn-ep-ïv. A-a‑v-f-X-b‑p‑w DbÀ¶ t‑XmXnÂ kÄ^À km¶n-²-y-hp-apÅ eh-Wmwiw IeÀ¶ C¯cw ( Acid sulphate saline soils ) a®nsâ {]tX-y-I-X-IÄ IW-¡n-se-Sp-¯pÅ {]tX-yI Xcw s\ÂIrjn þ aÕ-y-Irjn k{¼Zmb-amWv temI-¯nÂ C¯cw {]tZ-i-§-fnÂ Ah-ew-_n¨p hcp-¶-Xv. Aavf-X-tbbpw eh-Wmw-i-t¯bpw , shÅs¡«nt\bpw Hcp ]cn-[n-hsc sN-dp-¡p¶ ]c-¼-cm-KX s\Âhn-¯n-\-§-fmWv ChnsS Irjn km[-y-am-¡p-¶-Xv. ]Sn-ªm-d³ B{^n-¡³ cmP-y-§-fnepw (2 e£w slIvSÀ) Ct´m-t\-jy , hnb-äv\mw, _wKvfm-tZ-iv, aym³amÀ, {ioe-¦, Xmbvemâv, kvs]bn³, Bkvt{X-enb F¶nhn-S-§-fnse C¯cw {]tZ-i-§-fnÂ an¡34

Malabar Trogon

Vol. 12 (1-3) 2014

bn-S-§-fn-epw s\ÂIrjn km[-y-am-Ip-¶p-ïv. C´-y-bnÂ ]Ýna _wKmÄ (s`dn \ne-§Ä ) , HUo-j (-sKdn \ne-§Ä) , tKmh (-I-km³ \ne-§Ä) , IÀ®m-S-I (-K-k-\n \ne-§Ä) F¶n-hn-S-§-fn-epw tIc-f-¯nse s]m¡mfn A-Y-h‑m ssI¸m-Sn\v kam-\-amb s\ÂIrjn þ aÕ-y-Irjn k{¼-Zmbw 2000 hÀj§fmbn \ ne-\nÂ¡p-¶p-ïv. Hcphn[ hf-§-tfm, IoS-\m-in-\n-Itfm atäm D]-tbm-Kn-¡msX ssPhcoXn-bnÂ DÂ¸m-Z\w km[-y-am-Ip¶ C¯cw {]tZ-i-§fnse ]c-¼cm-KXIrjncoXn-I-fpw ssPhsshhn-[yhpw {]kn-²-§-fm-Wv. kÄ^À km¶n-²yhpw Aavf-Xbpw eh-Wmw-i-hpw \ne-\nÂ¡p¶ C¯cw a®nÂ Irjn km[-y-am-Ip-¶Xv Chn-Sps¯ shÅ-s¡«pw hÀj-Im-es¯ ip²-Pe \oscm-gp¡pw then-tbä---- then-bn-d¡ {]Xn-`m-k-§fpw, sshhn-[-y-amÀ¶ Ht«sd Poh-Pm-e-§-fpsS km¶n-²-y-hp-am-Wv. Ccp¼v þ kÄssÛv (ss]ssd-äv þ Pyrite - Iron sulphide – FeS2) {‑]-[‑m-\-a‑m-b‑p‑w AS-§nb C¯cw s‑N-f‑n-¸-çv shÅ-s¡-«n-ÃmsX A\m-hr-X-am-Ip-t¼mÄ kÄssÛv HmIvk‑n-P-\‑p-ambn {]Xn-{]-hÀ¯n¨v kÄ^yq-cnIv BknUv Dïm-hp-Ibpw a®nsâ A¾X hÀ²n-¡p-Ibpw sN¿p-¶p. \\-hpÅ a®nÂ A¾X hÀ-²n-¡p-t¼mÄ Ccp-¼v, Aeq-an-\ nbw F¶nh IqSmsX BÀk-\nI‑v DÄs¸sS hnj-a-b-amb ]e L\-tem-l-§fpw hne-bnXcq]-¯nÂ Pe-¯nÂ hÀ²n-¡p-Ibpw CXv taÂa®n-s\-¡q-Sm-sX, C-X‑n-e‑q-s‑S Hgp-Ip¶ Pe-s¯bpw {]tZ-i-s¯bpw kao-]-{]-tZ-i-s¯bpw `qKÀ` Pe-s¯bpw hnj-a-b-am-¡p-Ibpw sN¿p-¶p. AXp-sImïv Xs¶ C¯cw {] tZ-i-¯nse kkyP´pPme-§-sf ({][m-\-ambpw aÕy-§sfb‑p‑w‑, a®nse t]mfn-¡oäv hnc-IÄ, I¡-Po-hn-IÄ F¶n-htbbpw) \-in-¸n-¡p-Ibpw sN¿p-¶Xv IqSmsX kao-]s¯ InW-dp-I-fnse A¾-Xbpw hnj-a-b-a‑m-b c‑m-k-]ZmÀ°-§sfbpw hÀ²n-¸n-¡p-Ibpw sN¿pw. dKp-te-äÀ AS¨n«n-cp¶ Ime-b-f-hnÂ {]tZi-s¯ InW-dp-I-fnse shÅw ]pfn-c-k-ap-Å-Xmbn¯oÀ¶p-sh¶v ]d-b-s¸-Sp-¶Xv CXv sImïm-Wv. C-h‑n-s‑S ]e-bn-S¯pw shÅ-¯nsâ A¾X IqSn-b-Xp-amWv (]n.-¨v 3þ4) IpSn-sh-Å-¯nse ]‑n.-F-¨v \ne 6 Â Ipd-b-cp-sX¶v Pe AtXm-dn-änbpw \njvIÀjn-¡p-¶p-ïv. dKp-te-äÀ AS-¨n-cp¶ Ime-b-f-hnÂ {]tZ-is¯ a®n-sâbpw Pe-¯n-sâbpw A¾X hf-sc-tbsd hÀ²n-¨n-cp-¶p. ( ]n.-F¨v 3þ4) CXv Chn-Sps¯ Irjnbpw aÕy-_-Ô-\hpw XI-c‑p-¶-Xn-\pÅ {][m-\-Im-cW-am-bn Xocp-Ibpw sNbvXp. s‑sI¸mSv t]mse-bpÅ Øe-§Ä \nI¯n AhnsS tIm¬{Ioäv sI«n-S-§Ä ]Wn-bp-¶Xv At§-bäw A]-I-S-I-c-am-Wv. (Acid sulphate soil – wikipedia ImWp-I) C¯cw {]tZ-i-§-fnÂ Ccp-¼v, tIm¬{Ioäv F¶nh A[n-I-Imew \ne-\n-ev¡p-I-bnÃ F¶pw Npcp-§nb Ime-¯n-\p-ÅnÂ C¯cw sI«n-S-§Ä XI-cp-sa¶pw \mw a\-Ên-em-t¡-ï-Xp-ïv. s‑sI¸mSv \ne-§-fnse a®nsâ A¾-Xbpw, kÄ^À km¶n-[yhpw Ipd¨v Irjnbpw aÕy-_-Ô-\hpw km[y-am-¡p-¶Xv agbpw ip²-Pe\oscm-gp¡pw then-tbä then-bn-d¡ {]Xn-`m-k-hpw, Ahn-sS-bpÅ X\-Xmb Poh-Pm-e-§-fp-am-Wv. 5 amk-t¯m-f-apÅ agbpw ip²Pe \oscm-gp¡pw ( ag-sh-Å-¯nsâ ]n.-F¨v þ7) A¾-X-sbbpw kÄ^À km¶n-[y-s¯-bpw, eh-Wmw-i-s¯bpw Hgp-¡n-¡-f-bp-¶p. (A-¾X-bpÅ a®ns\ ( ]n.-F-¨v-þ3-þ4), ]n.-F¨v 7 DÅ ip²Pew IgpIn ]n.-F¨v Iq«p-¶p. A-Xp-t]mse £mc-Kp-W-apÅ then-tb-ä-Pew (]n.-F-¨v-þ -7-8) a®nsâ A¾-Xsb \nÀÆo-cy-am-¡p-¶p. AXpt]mse Nne ]mb-ep-IÄ (Gut weed ) kÄ^-dnsâ B[n-Iys¯ Ipd-¡p-¶-Xn\v klm-bn-¡p-¶p. kq£va Pohn-Ifpw Cu {]{In-¿sb klm-bn-¡p-¶p. ip²-Pe\oscm-gp-¡n-\pw, then-tb-ä-¯n\pw XS-Ê-ap-ïm-Ip-t¼mÄ Cu {]{In-b-I-sfÃm‑w Ah-Xm-f-¯n-em-hp-Ibpw a®nsâ cmk-þù-Xn-I-þ-ssP-h-kz-`mhw amdp-Ibpw sN¿p-¶p. CXmWv dKp-te-äÀ AS-¨n« 40 hÀj-t¯mfw Im«m-¼-Ån-bnÂ kw`-hn-¨-Xv. 2009 Â dKp-te-äÀ Xpd-¶-tXmsS sXm«-Sp¯ hÀ-j-§-fnÂ a®nsâ LS-\-bnÂ {]I-S-amb amä-ap-ïm-Ip-Ibpw s\ÂI-‑r-jnbpw aÕy-_-Ô-\hpw km[y-am-hp-Ibpw sNbvXp-sh-¶Xpw kXyw Xs¶. temI¯v ]e-bn-S¯pw ( DZm-þ Kn\n-b, _ntÊm, Bkvt{S-en-b) C¯cw {]tZ-i-§-fnÂ taÂ kqNn-¸n¨ coXn-bn-epÅ {]iv\-§Ä A`n-ap-Jo-I-cn-¨-t¸mÄ CXn-\pÅ ]cn-lm-c-ambn imkv{X-Ú³amÀ \nÀt±-in-¨Xpw ê-h-¯‑m-b-X‑p‑w Xmsg ]d-bp¶ amÀ¤-§-fm-bn-cp-¶p. (Ref:-Tulea.M.J.,2007. Acid Sulphate Soil remediation guidelines for coastal flood plains in New South Wales. Department of Environment and climate change ( New South Wales, Australia)

1) C¯cw a®n-eqsS ip²-Pew Hgp¡n h‑n-S‑p-I. 2) then-tbä then-bn-d¡w ]p\:Øm]n-¡p-I. 3‑) t‑Umf-ssdäv/Ip½mbw F¶nh Bh-iym-\p-k-cWw a®nÂ tNÀ¡pI 4) shÅw Ibdn Cd-§p-¶-Xn-\mbn \oÀ¨m-ep-IÄ [mcm-f-ambn \nÀ½n-¡p-I (a®nse tZmj-I-c-amb cmk ]ZmÀ°-§sf Hgp¡n If-bp-¶-Xn-\m-bn). ssI¸m-Sn\p Npäp-ap-ff ip²-Pe s\Âh-b-ep-Isf AIw _ïp-IÄ sImïv (]-c-¼-cm-KX coXn-bnÂ) thÀXn-cn¨v sNdnb a©IÄ ( Sluice) Øm]n¨v thÀXncn-¡p-I-b‑p‑w Ime-hÀjw Ign-bp-¶-tXmsS C¯cw a©-IÄ AS-bv¡p-I-bpw sN-¿p-I-bm-sW-¦nÂ ssI¸m-Sn-t\mSv tNÀ¶ Ic-h-b-ep-I-fnse ip²-Pe s\ ÂIr-jn-, PnÃ-bnse aäp ssI¸mSv {]tZ-i-t¯mSv tNÀ¶n-cn-¡p¶ Øe-¯p-f-f-Xp-t]mse XpS-cm³ km[n-¡pw. t‑aÂ¸-dª imkv{X kXy-§Ä sXfn-hn-\mbn ap¶n-ep-Å-t¸m-gmWv cïm-bncw hÀj-¯n-te-sd-bmbn ssI¸mSv Irjn XpSÀ¶n-cp¶ Øe-§-fnÂ D¸-‑p-shÅw Ib-dp-¶Xv XS-b-W-sa¶v Hcp Iq«À hmZn-¡p-¶pX‑v. ssI¸mSv s\Âh-b-ep-IÄ \nI¯n sI«nS \nÀ½mWw e£y-an-«n-cn-¡p¶hÀ¡p-thïn hmZn-¡p-¶-hsc ssI¸mSv IÀj-Icpw aÕy-s¯m-gn-em-fn-Ifpw Xncn-¨-dn-tb-ïn-bn-cn-¡p-¶p. Gähpw IqSp-XÂ ssI¸mSv \nI-¯nb/\nI-¯n-s¡m-ïn-cn-¡p¶ Øe-§-fn-ep-Å-hÀ am{X-amWv then-tbäw XS-b-W-sa¶v hmZn-¡p-¶-Xv. Bh-iy-¯n\v \oscm-gp¡v A\p-h-Zn-¡m-¯-Xp-sImïv Im«m-¼Ån ]pgbpw AXnsâ ssIh-gn-bmb I¡mSv ]pgbpw \nI¶v \in-¨p-sIm-ïn-cn-¡p-¶Xv ChÀ t\cnÂ ImWp-I. j«À Xpd-¡-W-sa¶ Bhiyw temI-_m¦v klm-b-t¯m-sS-bpÅ sN½o³Irjn \S-¯p-¶-h-cpw ]cn-ØnXn hmZn-I-fp-amWv D¶-bn-¡p-¶-sX¶ Btcm-]Ww ChÀ DbÀ¯p-¶p-ïv. Im«m-¼-Ån-bnÂ Fhn-sS-bmWv temI-_m¦v klm-b-t¯m-sS-bpÅ sN½o³ Irjn \S-¡p-¶-sX¶v ChÀ sXfn-bn-¡-s«. 2009 Â dKp-te-äÀ Xpd-¶-Xn-\p-tijw 2010-þ11 Â cmjv{SobIrjn-hn-Imkv tbmP\ ]²Xn {]Imcw 100 G¡-dnepw XpSÀ¶v kwØm\ kÀ¡m-dnsâ ]²Xn {]Imcw 250 G¡-dnepw ]c-¼-cm-KX ssI¸mSv Irjn ]p\-cp-Öo-hn-¸n-¡p-¶-Xn\m-bpÅ s\Ãpw sN½o\pw Irjn \S-¸n-em-¡n-b-Xv. Cu {]tZ-i-§-fnÂ am{X-amWv C¶v ssI¸mSv s\ÂIrjn \ne-\n-ev¡p-¶-Xpw. AÃmsX sN½o³ Irjn am{X-ambn ssI¸mSv s\Âh-b-ep-I-fnÂ t{]mÕm-ln-¸n-¡p-¶-Xn\v Hcp kÀ¡mÀ hIp-¸n\v km[n-¡p-I-bn-Ã. Malabar Trogon

Vol. 12 (1-3) 2014

IpSn-shÅw ap«n-¡m-\mWv Im«m-¼Ån dKp-te-äÀ Xpd-¡-W-sa¶v hmZn-¡p-¶-hÀ {ian-¡p-¶-sX¶ Btcm-]-Whpw ]cn-tim-[n-¡-s¸-tS-ï-Xp-ïv. 2009Â dKp-te-äÀ Xpd-¡p-¶-Xn-\p-ap³]pw 2009 Â dKp-te-äÀ Xpd-¡p-¶-Xn\p tijhpw th\Â¡me IpSn-shÅ hnX-c-W-¯n\v Cu {]tZ-i-§-fnÂ sNe-h-gn¨-XpI ]cn-tim-[n-¨mÂ Btcm-]-W-¯nse s]mÅ-¯cw a\-Ên-em-¡mw. Bbn-c-¡-W-¡n\‑v hÀj-§-fmbn Hmcp-Pe‑w Ib-dn-bn-d-§p¶ Øe-§-fnÂ D¸p-shÅw {]iv\-am-sW¶v ]d-bp-¶-hÀ¡v thïXv hym]-I-ambn ssI¸mSv \nI¯n aäm-h-iy-§Ä¡v D]-tbm-Kn-¡pI F¶v KqV e£y-am-Wv. Fhn-sS-bmWv ssI¸mSv hym]-I-ambn \nI-¯-s¸-Sp-¶Xv F¶v ]cn-tim-[n-¨mÂ taÂ hkvXpX t_m[y-s¸-Spw. Nnd-¡Â ssI¸m-Sns\ Im«m-¼Ån ]pg-bnÂ \n¶pw thÀXn-cn-¡p¶ _ïnsâ \nÀ½mWw ap¡mÂ `mKhpw ]qÀ¯n-bm-bn-«p-ïv. CXnsâ tijn¡p¶ `mKhpw ]qÀ¯n-bm-¡n {]kvXpX {]tZ-is¯ ssI¸mSv IÀj-IÀ¡v kzoIm-cy-am-hp-I-bm-sW-¦nÂ {]kvXpX _ïnse a©-IÄ ]qÀ®-ambpw AS-¨nS-s«. \nI-¯Â {]{In-b-b‑v-¡v CXv klm-b-I-am-hp-Ibpw sN¿pw. Im«m-¼Ån sdKp-te-äÀ hÀjw apgp-h³ Xpd¶p sht¡-ï-Xnsâ Imc-W-§Ä Xmsg ]d-bpw {]Imcw kw{K-ln-¡mw. 1) then-tbä þ then-bn-d-¡-a-\p-`-h-s¸-Sp-t¼mÄ am{X-amWv ssI¸mSv a®nsâ cmk-þ-`u-Xn-Iþ ssPh {]tX-y-IX Irjn-¡-\p-Iq-e-ambn \ne-\nÂ¡p-¶-Xv. 2) hÀjw apgp-h³ then-tb-äþ then-bn-d¡w A\p-`-h-s¸-Sp-t¼mÄ am{X-amWv ag-¡m-e¯v Hcp-hnf s\ÂIr-jn-sb-¦nepw ssI¸m-SnÂ km[y-am-Ip-¶-Xv. sdKp-te-äÀ ]qÀ®-ambpw AS-¨n« 1966-þ2009 hÀj-§-fnÂ Im«m-¼Ån ssI¸mSnÂ s\ÂIrjn km[y-am-bn-cp-¶nÃ F¶v HmÀ¡p-¶Xv \Ã-Xm-bn-cn-¡pw. 3) thentbäw XS-b-s¸-Sp-t¼mÄ ssI¸mSv a®n-sâbpw , Pe-¯n-sâ-bpw kao-]s¯ `qKÀ` Pe-¯n-sâbpw Aavf-Xbpw hnj-ab]ZmÀ°-§fpw hÀ²n-¡p-¶p. 4) ag-¡m-e¯v XS-Ê-an-Ãm-sX-bpÅ ip²-Pe \oscm-gp¡v a®n-sâbpw Pe-¯n-sâbpw (`q-KÀ` Pe-apÄs¸-sS) KpW-\n-e-hmcw hÀ²n-¸n¡p¶p. 1966 Â dKp-te-äÀ I½o-j³ sNbvX-tXmsS \n¶p t]mb ssI¸mSv s\ÂIr-jnbpw aÕ-y-_-Ô-\hpw 2009 Â dKp-te-äÀ Xpd¶Xn-\p-tijw Im«m-¼-Ån-bnÂ Xncn¨p h¶Xv F§ns\sb¶v j«À AS-¨n-S-W-sa¶v hmZn-¡p-¶-hÀ hni-Zo-I-cn-t¡-ï-Xm-Wv.

From the field: Birds

Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis from Attappadi, Palakkad district PJ George [Email: drpjgeorge@gmail.com]

“Tree Pipits” reported in this column from Agali, Attappadi in Palakkad district in 2013 could not be identified to species level with certainty (George 2014) and hence not included in Kerala checklist (Praveen & Narayanan 2014). However, this image [1] made on 23 December 2014 from the same area shows a definite A. trivialis with plain face, no dark spot on rear edge of cheek and greyer upper parts and identification is confirmed by Dipu Karuthedathu & Rajah Jayapal. They have been sighted five times between 12 January Fig.1 2013 and 23 Dec. 2014. All the sightings were within a three sq.km probably indicating that they winter here. Last three sightings were on three consecutive days and this time there were two of them, foraging among the weeds and flying off to perch prominently on low branches. These appear to be the first definite reports of this species from Kerala (Sashikumar et al. 2011, Praveen & Narayanan 2014).

Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus from Azheekkal coast, Kannur district Ashwini Kumar Bhat [Email: sumasutaha@gmail.com]

Fig. 2

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During a pelagic trip done on 3 April 2011 from Azheekkal in Kannur, several Skuas where photographed and tentatively identified as Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus. Two years down the line, while analysing the photographs, Dipu Karuthedathu picked up this image [2] that showed an adult Long-tailed Skua S. longicaudus sporting an extra ling tail projection. Long-tailed Skuas were excluded from India checklist by Praveen et al. (2013) but later added through notes by Ukil & Karuthedathu (2014) and Karuthedathu (2014). However, this photograph predates all prior photographic records and should be treated as the first well-documented record for India. This is also the only photograph till date for Kerala (Sashikumar et al. 2011, Praveen & Narayanan 2014).

Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris from Madayipara, Kannur district Abhinand Chandran [Email: abhinandc87@gmail.com]

Fig.3

Madayipara is the only place in Kerala where Tawny Pipits Anthus campestris have been recorded (Rajeevan et al. 2012, Praveen & Narayanan 2014). This is a repeat record of this species from the same site on 23 September 2014 with a photograph and call recording (http://www.xeno-canto.org/211606). The bird shows a wagtail jizz with longish tail and horizontal structure, dark lores, conical bill, strong moustachial and malar stripes, plain upper parts, indicating this to be this species.

European Roller from Vengeri, Kozhikode Fig.4

Sunil Koodathingal [Email: sunilkoodathingal@yahoo.com] On 25 January 2015, a European Roller Coracias garrulus was photographed near Vengeri bypass c.7 km from Kozhikode city. The bird was seen on the subsequent days until 28 January. Considered a rare autumn passage migrant, records of European Roller from Kerala are scarce (Sashikumar et al. 2011), it has been photographed a couple of times from north Kerala in Kannur and Kozhikode districts since 2010 – however, this would be the first January record from Kerala for this species in the peak of winter.

References Karuthedathu, D., 2014. Long-tailed Jaeger Stercorarius longicaudus from the western coast of India: Identification in retrospect. Indian BIRDS. 9: (3) 69–72 Praveen J.,;Jayapal, R.;Pittie, A., 2013. Notes on Indian rarities—1: Seabirds. Indian BIRDS. 8: (5) 113–125 Praveen J.,;Narayanan, S. P., 2014. Additions to the checklist of birds of Kerala. Malabar Trogon. 11: (1–3) 2–12 (2013) Rajeevan, P. C.;Biju, P. B.;Thomas, J., 2012. First record of Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris from Kerala. Indian BIRDS. 7: (6) 167 Sashikumar, C., Praveen J., Palot, M. J., &Nameer, P. O., 2011. Birds of Kerala: status and distribution. 1st ed. Kottayam, Kerala: DC Books. Pp. 1–835. Ukil, P.M.;Karuthedathu, D., 2014. Wind-blown pelagic birds from Odisha, India. Indian BIRDS. 9: (3) 74–76

Compiled by: Praveen J

PROGRAMME CONDUCTED Dragonfly Survey at Wayanad WLS A three day long dragonfly survey was conducted at Wayanad WLS (WWLS) from 29th May to 1st June 2014.

The survey was organised jointly by the Malabar Natural History Society (MNHS) and the Kerala Forest & Wild life Department. This was the first such a survey in the sanctuary and 67 species of odonates, including 38 dragonfly species and 29 damselflies, were recorded during the event. Rare and endemic species such as Malabar torrent Dart, Black torrent Dart, Long-legged club-tail, Kodagu club-tail, Giant club-tail, Pigmy club-tail, Wayanad Bamboo tail and Pale spotted bamboo tail were observed during the survey. Around 50 odonate enthusiasts from across the State took part in the survey. They were grouped into eight teams for the purpose. Two teams each along with supporting forest staff were deployed at eight areas of the four forest ranges in the WWLS. The survey methodology was in Malabar Trogon

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BIoblitz Mode (Rapid photo documentation of all the dragonfly species of a particular region within a specified time). Shri. Pramod G. Krishnan, Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) inaugurated the survey. Shri. P. Roy Thomas, Wildlife Warden, WWLS presided over the function. Dr. Jafer Palot, Ajith K. Raman, Asst. Wildlife Warden, WWLS also spoke on the occasion. Shri. Narendranth Veluri Additional Deputy Conservator, WWLS gave away the prizes to the winners.

Heronry Survey in North Kerala As part of the water bird monitoring programme of the State, a total of 81 heronries were counted during the survey in northern Kerala by the members of MNHS with the help of Kerala Forests & Wildlife Department (Social Forestry wing). The Malappuram district reported the maximum number of 25 nests followed by Kannur (24 nests), Kozhikode (16 nests), Kasaragod (14 nests) and two heronries from Wayanad district.

Rain Camp at Madayipara: Annual rain camp was conducted at Madayipara, Kannur district on 5-6th July 2014. The survey was organized jointly with Society for Environmental Education in Kerala (SEEK). More than 90 nature enthusiasts from various parts of Kerala participated in the survey. A small Book on “A Pocket guide to the Biodiversity of Madayipara” was released during the camp. Dr. P.S. Easa, Director, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Thrissur released the book. The book was received by Shri. T.P. Padmanabhan, Director, SEEK. Dr. C.K. Ramachandran, Member Secretary, Kerala Council for Science, Technology and Environment was the chief guest in the function. Pelagic

Surveys at Calicut coast:

As part of the ‘Green Partners Programme’ of Kerala Forests & Wildlife Department (Social Forestry wing) two pelagic sea bird surveys were conducted at Kozhikode coast from Beypore Port on 29th May 2014 and 18th December 2014. The details are as given below Pelagic survey on 29th May 2014: Approximate 20km transect was covered in the sea for the count of sea birds from 9.05am to 3.15pm. Altogether 8 species of sea birds were observed during the survey viz. Arctic Skua (Stercorarius parasiticus), Flesh-footed Shearwater (Puffinus carneipes) , Bridled Tern (Onychoprion anaethetus), Common Tern (Sterna hirundo), whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida), Lesser crested Tern (Thalasseus bengalensis), Greater Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii) and the Little Tern (Sterna albifrons) . A large flock of about 96 birds of Flesh38

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footed Shearwater was the highlight of the survey. Besides birds, insects like the Common Rose butterfly (Pachliopta artistolochiae) and the Global Skimmer dragonfly (Pantala flavescens) were observed far off the sea. Interestingly, no movements of dolphins were noted during the survey. Other bird species observed during the survey were Lesser Sand Plover, Large Sand Plover, Common Sandpiper, Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Cattle Egret, Median Egret, Little Egret, Reef Heron, etc. Dr. Md Jafer Palot, Sathyan Mepayur, O. Vijesh, Abinand, and Vishnu from MNHS and Shri. K.V. Uthaman, DCF, Wayanad, Udaykumar, ACF, Kozhikode, Gopalan, Range Forest Officer (SF), Kozhikode, Rajeevan, Section Forest Officer, Unais (Driver) , Biju (Driver) participated in the event. Pelagic survey in 18th December 2014: About 20km distance transect was covered in the sea for the count of sea birds from 7.30am to 12.20pm. Bird life was less and we could see only 8 species of sea birds during the survey viz. Arctic Skua (Stercorarius parasiticus), Heuglin’s Gull (Larus heuglini), Pallas’s Gull (Larus ichthyaetus), Blackheaded Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus), Brown–headed Gull (Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus), Common Tern (Sterna hirundo), Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica), Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida), Greater Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii) and the Little Tern (Sterna albifrons). Other bird species observed during the survey were Lesser Sand Plover, Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Median Egret, Little Egret, Barn Swallow, Red-rumped Swallow, etc. Small scale migration of papilonid butterflies like Common Rose (Pachliopta aristolochiae), Crimson Rose (Pachliopta hector) was noticed all along the path, all were moving from south to north direction. A few Jezebel butterflies (Delias eucharis) and Global Skimmer dragonfly (Pantala flavescens) were also observed during the survey. Dr. Md Jafer Palot, Sathyan Mepayur and O. Vijesh, from MNHS and Shri. K.V. Uthaman, DCF, Wayanad, Smt. Srilekha, Range Forest Officer (SF), Kozhikode, Rajeevan, Section Forest Officer participated in the event.

John C Smrithi Sangamam:

The 6th death anniversary of Prof. John C. Jacob was organized at Department of Environmental Studies, Payyannur Study Centre of University of Kannur on 13th October 2014. Dr. V.S. Vijayan, Former Director of SACON delivered the commemorative talk. Dr. Balachandran Keezhoth, Registrar, University of Kannur presided over the function. Shri. T.P. Padmanabhan, Prof. M. Jayarajan, Dr. T. Pavitran, Shri. O. Jayarajan (I.F.S. Rtd.), C. Sunil Kumar & Dr. Dinesan Cheruvat also spoke on the occasion.

Kerala Birdrace 2015 The 8th edition of Kerala Bird Race programme was organized by the Malabar Natural history Society at Kozhikode on 16/11/2014 Sunday. The programme is part of the commemoration even in connection with the birth anniversary of Dr. Salim Ali, father of Indian ornithology. Keralabirder, an internet mailing group of birdwatchers, along with the HSBC Ltd and Yuhina Eco-media, a Mumbai based organization specializing in natural history and environmental related activities, conducted the dawn to dusk-bird watching event. This year participants from Kannur, Kozhikkode, Wyanad and Malappuran took part in the event. As many Malabar Trogon

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as 140 bird watchers participated in the Programme. The bird watchers in the region covered birding areas in Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Malppuram districts including Malabar WLS, Kackavayal, foothills of Wayanad, Chembra Peak, Aralam WLS, Pookode Lake, Kannavam RF, Purathur estuary, Ealthur estuary, Kottakadavu estuary, Chemballikundu, Ezhome wetlands, Muzhappilangad Beach, Madayipara, Kadalundi- Vallikunnu Community Reserve, Mavoor Wetlands, Ayancherry wetlands, Cherandathur and Kottoolil wetlands, etc. Various teams observed birds of the area they selected in the whole day and assembled for an experience sharing and valedictory function in the evening at the conference hall of Garlic Roots Restaurant, Kozhikode. Altogether 160 bird species were observed during the survey. Some of the important sightings during the survey were Darter, Common Grey Hornbill, Whimbrel, Greater Flamingo, Rufous Wood Pecker, Brown flycatcher, Indian Pitta, Kestrel, Orange-headed Ground Thrush, Booted Eagle, etc. A team of 25 birdwatchers from the city spotted 52 species of birds from the Sarovaram Bio-park in the heart of Kozhikode city alone. The valedictory function was inaugurated by the chief guest of the function, Mr. Uthaman K. V., Deputy Conservator of Forests, Wayanad. The mobile App, “KILI”: Birds of Kerala, authored by the Raptor Team, Kozhikode, was also released at the function by the Dr. Vijayakumar, President of Malabar Natural History Society by activating the Mobile application. Dr. T.N. Vijayakumar, President, MNHS, Presided over the function. Dr. Muhammed Jafer Palot, Secretary of the Society delivered a presentation on ‘Common Bird Monitoring Programme’. Sri. C.J. Thomas, Mr. Sathyan Meppayur, Dr. A.P.M, Muhammed Rafeeq also spoke on the occasion.

ONCOMING PROGRAMMES: 25th April 2015 7.30 AM: Tree Walk at Kottooli Wetlands, Kozhikode 25th April 2015 at 2.30PM: Annual General Body Meeting of MNHS at Shikshak Sadan Conference Hall, Ram Mohan Road, Palayam, Kozhikode 11th May 2015: One day Workshop on Mangroves at IMA Hall, Kannur 17th May 2015: Nature Walk at Kackavayal Biodiversity Conservation Park for school students. 29-31st May 2015: Dragonfly Survey of Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

An appeal As the cost of printing and postage is shooting up for the last few years we are strained to print sufficient copies of the newsletter to our limited financial position. Hence it has been decided by the executive committee to put the news letter online in our web site (www.malabarnhs.org) and print very few copies only for the authors and libraries or archives. Vol. 13 (2015) onwards you will receive pdf copy of the newsletter. The link will also be uploaded in our website (www.malabarnhs.org). Members and readers are requested to cooperate with this and intimate their e-mail ID to the Secretary, MNHS at the earliest (palot.zsi@gmail.com) to receive the pdf copy.

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