Exploration Series Two of Exploring Nature
Hiking in Highlands: Wild South West (Nagarhole – Bandipur – Munnar – Periyar) By Dwaipayan Ghosh and Arnab Basu 29th November to 7th December, 2015
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Hiking in Highlands: Wild South West (Nagarhole – Bandipur – Munnar – Periyar) By Dwaipayan Ghosh and Arnab Basu 29th November to 7th December, 2015
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Š All the Information and Photographs published in this report are the properties of Exploring Nature and cannot be used for commercial or research purposes without prior permission of the explorers CONTENTS Topic Cover Page Copyright Statement Contents
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Chapter One Why this visit?
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Chapter Two Visit plan and day to day activity Chapter Three
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A cameo at Pakshi Kashi of Karnataka Chapter Four
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Spotted and Identified Biodiversity at Nagarhole National Park Chapter Five
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Tribal of Nagarhole Chapter Six
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Spotted and Identified Biodiversity at Bandipur National Park Chapter Seven
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Mystic Munnar Chapter Eight
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Spotted and Identified Biodiversity at Periyar Tiger Reserve Chapter Nine
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Encounter with Elephant Chapter Ten
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In the Shadow of the Tiger End of Story Annexure One: The Explorers’ Profile Annexure Two: The Journey Itinerary Annexure Three: List of Species Identified Annexure Four: List of Gears Used Annexure Five: Reference
Chapter One:
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Why this visit? Being nature lovers and students of Natural Science for more than two decades, the members of Exploring Nature decided to pay tribute to Mother Nature by promoting awareness of some of the well explored as well as relatively less explored biodiversity around the world by carrying out a high level rapid biodiversity exploration. In this endeavor two members of Exploring Nature, after the successful completion of Exploration Series-I - "The Last Legacy-Wild Gujarat-Visit to the sole home of Asiatic Lion and Indian Wild Ass", planned for the next exploration – the biggest exploration of Exploring Nature in the year 2015 – Exploration Series – II – “Hiking in Highlands – Wild South West- Visit to Nagarhole National Park, Bandipur National Park and Periyar Tiger Reserve.” The exploration was also marked with two short trips to Ranganathittu bird sanctuary at Mysore, Karnataka and Eravikulam National Park at Munnar, Kerala. In Exploring Nature’s five year voyage plan of biodiversity exploration, Nilgiris play a significant role because of being India's first and foremost biosphere reserves with a heritage, rich in flora and fauna. The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is an International Biosphere Reserve in the Western Ghats and Nilgiri Hills ranges of South India. The Western Ghats, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster (6,000+ km²), conjoining the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, is a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO in 2012. It includes the Mudumalai, Mukurthi, Wayanad and Bandipur national parks. A fascinating ecosystem of the hill ranges of Nilgiris and its surrounding environments covering a tract of over 5000 square kilometers was constituted as Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in September 1986 under Man and Biosphere Programme. The reserve encompasses 5,520 km² in the states of Tamil Nadu (2537.6 km²), Karnataka (1527.4 km²) and Kerala (1455.4 km²). It forms an almost complete ring around the Nilgiri Plateau. The biosphere lies between 10°50′N and 12°16′N latitude and 76°00′E to 77°15′E longitude. The reserve extends from the tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, tropical moist forests of the western slopes of the Ghats to the tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests tropical dry forests on the east slopes. Rainfall ranges from 500mm to 7000mm per year. The reserve encompasses three ecoregions, the South Western Ghats moist deciduous forests, South Western Ghats montane rain forests, and South Deccan Plateau dry deciduous forests. Out of this vast area of Nilgiris, explorers had chosen Nagarhole National Park (also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park), is a national park located in Kodagu district and Mysore district in Karnataka state in South India. This park was declared the thirty seventh Project Tiger tiger reserve in 1999. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The Western Ghats Nilgiri Sub-Cluster of 6,000 km2 (2,300 sq mi), including all of Nagarhole National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site. The park has rich forest cover, small streams, hills, valleys and waterfalls. The park has a healthy tiger-predator ratio, with many tigers, Indian bison and elephants. The next destination after (for detail journey itinerary please refer Annexure 2 of this report), Nagrahole was Bandipur National Park (Kannada: ೕ ರ ೕಯ ಉ ನ), established in 1974 as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger, is a national park located in the south Indian state of Karnataka. It was once a private hunting reserve for the Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore but has now been upgraded to Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Bandipur is known for its wildlife and has many types of biomes, but dry deciduous forest is dominant. The last but not the least was Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady, is an example of nature’s bounty, with great scenic charm, rich bio diversity and providing veritable visitor satisfaction. Sprawled over an area of 925 Sq .km., Periyar is one of the 27 tiger reserves in India. Zealously guarded and efficiently managed reserve is a repository of rare, endemic and endangered flora and fauna and forms the major watershed of two important
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rivers of Kerala, the Periyar and Pamba. Periyar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (PNP) is a protected area in the districts of Idukki and Pathanamthitta in Kerala, India. It is notable as an elephant reserve and a tiger reserve. The protected area covers an area of 925 km2 (357 sq mi). 305 km2 (118 sq mi) of the core zone was declared as the Periyar National Park in 1982. There were also two cameos in this exploration – Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary (Kannada: ಗನ ಪ ಮ) also known as Pakshi Kashi of Karnataka is a bird sanctuary in the Mandya District of the state of Karnataka in India. It is the largest bird sanctuary in the state, only 0.67 km2. in area, which is about 40 acres and comprises six islets on the banks of the Kaveri river. Ranganathittu is located three kilometers away from the historic town of Srirangapatna and 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) north of Mysore. The sanctuary attracted about 2.90 lakh visitors during 2011-12, which shows its notability as important bird sanctuary of India. Eravikulam National Park is a 97 km2 national park located along the Western Ghats in the Idukki district of Kerala in India, between 10º05'N – 10º20'N latitude and 77º0'E – 77º10'E longitude. It is the first national park in kerala. Eravikulam National Park is administered by the Kerala Department of Forests and Wildlife, Munnar Wildlife Division, together with the nearby Mathikettan Shola National Park, Anamudi Shola National Park, Pambadum Shola National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Kurinjimala Sanctuary. The Western Ghats, Anamalai Sub-Cluster, including all of Eravikulam National Park, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for selection as a World Heritage Site. This report and all the photographs of explorations http://www.exploringnature.org.in/tourreports.php
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Chapter Two: Visit plan and day to day activity It was a Nine (9) day visit by two biodiversity explorers (Refer Annexure 1 for the profile of two explorers), which also includes travelling to and fro between their respective home bases and subject exploration locations. For detail journey itinerary please refer Annexure 2 of this report. Both the explorers started from Whitefield, Bangalore (Arnab’s residence) at 6:30 in the morning of 29th November and after three and half hours’ drive (162 Km) reached at Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. After a two hour boat safari on Cauveri River and brief bush walk within the sanctuary, the explorers left for Nagarhole National Park. Explorers reached at Jungle Inn lodge at 2:00 PM, where their staying arrangements were made for next two days. Jungle inn lies sheltered on the northern fringes of Karnataka’s Nagarhole National Park. The lodge is right next to the main entrance into the park and overlooking the park. It has colonial style bungalows with 10 private rooms, 6 tented cottages, 3 family rooms and 1 dormitory. Jungle inn can house 60 people in all. All the rooms have attached bathrooms and each dormitory has two attached bathrooms. During their stay, Explorers were served with South Indian food, the menu was specially designed to cater the tastes of both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The vegetables, rice and fruits are grown organically in their farm. On the evening of same day, explorers made a short visit to nearby tribal village (3 km away from Jungle Inn). Reportedly the village houses around 1000 people of Jenu Kuruba tribe. The exploration at Nagarhole National Park was started from next day at 8:00 AM; total three safaris were planned for two days. On the first day (30th November) of the exploration at Nagarhole, there were two safaris – morning between 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and afternoon between 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Only one safari in the morning of the second day (1st December) was planned, as explorers had to reach at next subject location in the afternoon of that day. The safari jip, guide was provided by the Forest department of Nagarhole National Park and explorers were accompanied by their driver Purushottam, who was with them for five days till they returned to Bangalore on 3rd December. On the afternoon of 1st December, explorers drove to Bandipur and the staying arrangements were made at M. C. Resort which was 3 km away from the Check post of Bandipur National Park. It was a one and half hour drive from Jungle Inn to M. C Resort. MC Resort was established in 1999, spread over 5 acres of land with lush green background behind the resort, the Luxury Resort consists of 20 Standard Rooms and 3 Suite Rooms, accompanied with efficient employees. It was traced adjacent to Bandipur forest boundary. Total two private Jip safaris organized by M. C. resort and one Government Bus safari were planned at Bandipur National Park. In the evening of 1st December, explorers did a small walkthrough within resort and their safari in Bandipur National Park was started from 6:30 AM on 2nd December and continued till 9:00 AM and again it resumed at 3:30 PM and continued till 6:00 PM. Only one safari was conducted on 3rd December morning at 6:30 AM for two hours. At 9:00 AM explorers left Bandipur and drove back to Bangalore at 1:30 PM.
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After completing the Karnataka part of Nilgiris, explorers started the next stage --- the Kerala part of Nilgiris. At 8:00 PM they reached at Majestic Bus Stand at Anand Rao Circle, Bangalore to catch Night Sleeper Coach (Bus) for Munnar. The Bus started at 9:00 PM and reached Munnar at 9:30 AM on 4th December. Explorers’ regular Cab driver and guide Murugesan was waiting for them at Munnar bus station and he took them to Eravikulam National Park. After one hour bush walk at the park, Explorers started their journey for Thekkady at 11:30 AM and reached there at 4:00 PM. It was a 110 km drive. Their staying arrangement for one night at Thekkady was made at Bamboo Grove Lodge. It is an eco-lodge as part of eco-tourism activities of Periyar Tourism Promotion Council and Forest Department of Government of Kerala. It is an eco-lodge for experiential learning run exclusively by a Forest Department initiative to support local communities. The fifteen bamboo huts with hygienic and modern furnishing are placed between bamboo thickets. On the evening of 4th December, explorers did some bush walking within lodge and next day (5th December) at 9:00 AM morning they reached at the check post of Periyar Tiger Reserve to start one of the most adventurous and challenging biodiversity hiking of this country ------ The Periyar Tiger Trail. Tiger trail was an adventurous trekking and camping programme, where explorers opted for two night stays. The programme was unique in being conducted by a team of rehabilitated poachers and tree cutters of the park, hardy and dependable individuals with an intimate knowledge of the forest terrain. They were accompanied by three Spanish, one French explorer and five forest guides (read ex-poachers) and one armed forest guard. After completing a three day - two night exploration in core area (the camp was in buffer zone and it was 3 km away from core area) of Periyar Tiger Reserve, explorers came out of the forest at 1:00 PM of 7th December and then headed for Kochi International Airport to end their Exploration Series II. During this nine day visit, comprised of total two (2) short safaris (1 in Ranganiathittu Bird Sanctuary and 1 in Eravikulam National Park), six (6) day safaris (3 in Nagarhole and 3 in Bandipur) and three (3) day-night safaris in Periyar Tiger reserve, around 2745 photographs were taken by two explorers. The instruments used for photography were one 60D Canon SLR with 400 mm (F/5.6) lens, one 600D Canon SLR with 200-500 mm (F/5-6.3) lens, one D3100 Nikon SLR with 18-55 mm and 70-300 mm (F/5-5.6) lens, one monopod and one tripod (Refer Annexure 4 of this report for list of gears used in exploration). Out of these 2745 photographs, 125 high impact and effectively informative photographs were selected to use in this report and publishing in the website of Exploring Nature. In these nine days, two explorers had spotted and identified around 90 animal species. Out of that there were 2 amphibian species, 3 insect species, 1 reptile, 18 mammal and 66 bird species. The exploration was ended on the afternoon of 7th December and both the explorers headed towards Kochi airport to board on flights for respective home destinations. In this exploration, both the explorers travelled altogether 899 km, excluding the distance travelled from home bases to nearest port of subject locations (Refer the route map below).
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Chapter Three: A cameo at Pakshi Kashi of Karnataka Location: Karnataka, India Nearest city: Mysore Coordinates : 12°24′0″N 76°39′0″E Area: 0.67 km2. Established: 1940 Visitors: 205,000 (in 1999) Governing body: Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India The islets came into being when an embarkment across the Kaveri river was built in 1648 by the then Mysore King, Kantirava Narasimharaja Wadeyar. The ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali observed that the isles formed an important nesting ground for birds, and persuaded the Wodeyar kings of Mysore to declare the area a wildlife sanctuary in 1940. The Forest Department of Karnataka State is maintaining the bird sanctuary and puts its efforts to improve the sanctuary, which include purchase of nearby private lands to expand the protected area. The sanctuary with its islets experience heavy flooding during certain rainy seasons when water is released from KRS Dam upstream, due to heavy rains. During heavy flooding boating is suspended and tourists are allowed to watch the nesting birds from a distance. Frequent flooding has also damaged some portions of three islands over past few decades. Biomes: Most of the park falls under the Riparian biome, corresponding to the Indomalaya ecozone. Flora: Riverine reed beds cover the banks of the islands, while the islands themselves are covered in broadleaf forests, with dominant species being Terminalia arjuna (arjun tree), bamboo groves, and Pandanus trees. Eucalyptus and acacia trees have also been planted, which might lead to long-term eradication of native species. The endemic and threatened lily Iphigenia mysorensis of the family Colchicaceae also grows in the sanctuary. Refer Plate 01 and 02. Birds: Roughly 170 birds have been recorded here. Of these, the painted stork, Asian openbill stork, common spoonbill, woolly-necked stork, black-headed ibis, lesser whistling duck, Indian shag, stork-billed kingfisher, egret, cormorant, Oriental darter, and heron breed here regularly. The great stone plover and river tern also nest here. The park is home to a large flock of streak-throated swallows. During the months of January and February, more than 30 species of birds are found and the season of the sanctuary is from November to June. About 50 pelicans have made Ranganathittu as their permanent home. During winter months starting from mid-December, at certain seasons, as many as 40,000 birds congregate in this bird sanctuary and some birds come from Siberia, Latin America and parts of north India. Ranganathittu is a popular nesting site for the birds and about 8,000 nestlings were sighted during June 2011. Fauna: The islands are host to numerous small mammals, including bonnet macaque, colonies of flying fox and common small mammals like common palm civet and Indian gray mongoose and the monitor lizard. The mugger crocodile or marsh crocodile is a common inhabitant of the riverine reed beds and Ranganathittu has largest fresh water crocodile population in Karnataka state During two hours of boat safari and bush walk, explorers spotted and identified 19 bird species, 2 mammalian species and 1 reptile. Refer Annexure Three: List of Species Identified for detail. Key Bird Species Identified:
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1. The little cormorant (Microcarbo niger) is a member of the cormorant family of seabirds. Slightly smaller than the Indian cormorant it lacks a peaked head and has a shorter beak. It is widely distributed across the Indian Subcontinent and extends east to Java, where it is sometimes called the Javanese cormorant. It forages singly or sometimes in loose groups in lowland freshwater bodies, including small ponds, large lakes, streams and sometimes coastal estuaries. Like other cormorants, it is often found perched on a waterside rock with its wings spread out after coming out of the water. The entire body is black in the breeding season but the plumage is brownish, and the throat has a small whitish patch in the non-breeding season. These birds breed gregariously in trees, often joining other waterbirds at heronries. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1) 2.
The spot-billed pelican or grey pelican (Pelecanus philippensis) is a member of the pelican family. It breeds in southern Asia from southern Pakistan across India east to Indonesia. It is a bird of large inland and coastal waters, especially large lakes. At a distance they are difficult to differentiate from other pelicans in the region although it is smaller but at close range the spots on the upper mandible, the lack of bright colours and the greyer plumage are distinctive. In some areas these birds nest in large colonies close to human habitations. Conservation status : Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1) The birds nest in colonies and the nest is a thick platform of twigs placed on a low tree. The breeding season varies from October to May. In Tamil Nadu, the breeding season follows the onset of the northeast monsoon. The courtship display of the males involves a distention of the pouch with swinging motions of the head up and down followed by sideways swings followed by the head being held back over the back. Bill claps may also be produced during the head swaying movements. The nests are usually built alongside other colonial waterbirds, particularly painted storks. Three to four chalky white eggs is the usual clutch. The eggs become dirty with age.
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The darters or snakebirds (Athinga Sp) are mainly tropical waterbirds in the family Anhingidae having a single genus Anhinga. There are four living species, three of which are very common and widespread while the fourth is rarer and classified as near-threatened by the IUCN. The term "snakebird" is usually used without any additions to signify whichever of the completely allopatric species occurs in any one region. It refers to their long thin neck, which has a snake-like appearance when they swim with their bodies submerged, or when mated pairs twist it during their bonding displays. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
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The black-headed ibis or Oriental white ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) is a species of wading bird of the ibis family Threskiornithidae which breeds in the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia from northern India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka east up to Japan. It builds a stick nest in a tree and lays 2–4 eggs. It occurs in marshy wetlands inland and on the coast, where it feeds on various fish, frogs and other water creatures, as well as on insects. It walks about actively on marshy land probing with its bill into soft mud and often feeds in shallow water with its head momentarily submerged. Like storks and Spoonbills, it lacks a true voice-producing mechanism and is silent except for peculiar ventriloquial grunts uttered when nesting. Conservation status: Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1).
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The Indian river tern or just river tern (Sterna aurantia) is a bird in the tern family. It is a resident breeder along inland rivers from Iran east into the Indian Subcontinent and further to Myanmar to Thailand, where it is uncommon. Unlike most Sterna terns, it is almost exclusively found on freshwater, rarely venturing even to tidal creeks. Conservation status: Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1).
6. The chestnut munia or Black-headed munia (Lonchura atricapilla) (formerly considered as a subspecies of the tricoloured munia Lonchura malacca atricapilla), also known as black-headed munia, is a small passerine bird. This estrildid finch is a resident breeding bird in Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Burma, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and Hawaii. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1).
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The white browed wagtail (Motacilla maderaspatensis) The white-browed wagtail or large pied wagtail (Motacilla maderaspatensis) is a mediumsized bird and is the largest member of the wagtail family. They are conspicuously patterned with black above and white below, a prominent white brow, shoulder stripe and outer tail feathers. They are common in small water bodies and have adapted to urban environments where they often nest on roof tops. The specific name is derived from the Indian city of Madras (now Chennai).
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Tickell's blue flycatcher (Cyornis tickelliae) is a small passerine bird in the flycatcher family. This is an insectivorous species which breeds in tropical Asia, from the Indian Subcontinent eastwards to Southeast Asia. Its range stretches across all the countries from India to Indonesia. They are blue on the upperparts and the throat and breast are rufous. They are found in dense scrub to forest habitats. The name commemorates the British ornithologist Samuel Tickell who collected in India and Burma. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1).
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The red-wattled lapwing (Vanellus indicus) is a lapwing or large plover, a wader in the family Charadriidae. It has characteristic loud alarm calls which are variously rendered as did he do it or pity to do it leading to colloquial names like the did-he-do-it bird. Usually seen in pairs or small groups not far from water but may form large flocks in the non-breeding season (winter). Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1).
10. The Eurasian stone curlew, Eurasian thick-knee, or simply stone-curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus) is a northern species of the Burhinidae (stone-curlew) bird family. Despite being classed as a wader, this species prefers dry open habitats with some bare ground. It is largely nocturnal, particularly when singing its loud wailing songs, which are reminiscent of that of curlews. Food consists of insects and other small invertebrates, and occasionally small reptiles, frogs and rodents. It lays 2–3 eggs in a narrow scrape in the ground. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1).
11. The Jungle crow (Corvus macrorhynchos), is a widespread Asian species of crow. It is very adaptable and is able to survive on a wide range of food sources, making it capable of colonizing new areas, due to which it is often considered a nuisance, especially on islands. It has a large bill which is the source of its scientific name macrorhynchos (Ancient Greek for "large beak"), and it is sometimes known by the common names large-billed crow or thick-billed crow. It can also be mistaken for a raven. Johann Georg Wagler first described the species from a holotype obtained from
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Java in the year 182. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1). 12. The Asian openbill or Asian openbill stork (Anastomus oscitans) is a large wading bird in the stork family Ciconiidae. This distinctive stork is found mainly in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is greyish white with glossy black wings and tail and the adults have a gap between the arched upper mandible and recurved lower mandible. Young birds are born without this gap which is thought to be an adaptation that aids in the handling of snails, their main prey. Although resident within their range, they make long distance movements in response to weather and food availability. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1).
13. The grey heron (Ardea cinerea), is a long-legged predatory wading bird of the heron family, Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia and also parts of Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but some populations from the more northern parts migrate southwards in autumn. A bird of wetland areas, it can be seen around lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes and on the sea coast. It feeds mostly on aquatic creatures which it catches after standing stationary beside or in the water or stalking its prey through the shallows.Standing up to a metre tall, adults weigh from 1 to 2 kg (2.2 to 4.4 lb). They have a white head and neck with a broad black stripe that extends from the eye to the black crest. The body and wings are grey above and the underparts are greyish-white, with some black on the flanks. The long, sharply pointed beak is pinkish-yellow and the legs are brown. 14. The black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), commonly abbreviated to just night heron in Eurasia, is a medium-sized heron found throughout a large part of the world, except in the coldest regions and Australasia (where it is replaced by the closely related rufous night heron, with which it has hybridized in the area of contact). Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1).
15. The white-breasted kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) also known as the white-breasted kingfisher or Smyrna kingfisher, is a tree kingfisher, widely distributed in Asia from Turkey east through the Indian subcontinent to the Philippines. This kingfisher is a resident over much of its range, although some populations may make short distance movements. It can often be found well away from water where it
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feeds on a wide range of prey that includes small reptiles, amphibians, crabs, small rodents and even birds. During the breeding season they call loudly in the mornings from prominent perches including the tops of buildings in urban areas or on wires. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1). Mammal Species Identified: 1. Flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus) are Bats of the genus Pteropus, belonging to the megabat suborder, Megachiroptera, are the largest bats in the world. They are commonly known as the fruit bats or flying foxes among other colloquial names. They live in the tropics and subtropics of Asia (including the Indian subcontinent), Australia, East Africa, and a number of remote oceanic islands in both the Indian and Pacific Oceans. At least 60 extant species are in this genus. The oldest ancestors of the genus Pteropus to be unearthed appear in the fossil record almost exactly as they are today, the only notable differences being early flight adaptations such as a tail for stabilizing. The oldest megachiropteran is dated about 6000 years ago, but the preceding gap in the fossil record makes their true lineage unknown. Characteristically, all species of flying foxes only feed on nectar, blossoms, pollen, and fruit, which explains their limited tropical distribution. They do not possess echolocation, a feature which helps the other suborder of bats, the microbats, locate and catch prey such as insects in midair. Instead, smell and eyesight are very well-developed in flying foxes. Feeding ranges can reach up to 40 miles. When it locates food, the flying fox "crashes" into foliage and grabs for it. It may also attempt to catch hold of a branch with its hind feet, then swing upside down; once attached and hanging, the fox draws food to its mouth with one of its hind feet or with the clawed thumbs at the top of its wings. Conservation Status: Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1). 2. The bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata) is a macaque endemic to southern India. Its distribution is limited by the Indian Ocean on three sides and the Godavari and Tapti Rivers along with a related competing species of rhesus macaque in the north. Land use changes in the last few decades have resulted in changes in its distribution boundaries with the rhesus macaque, raising concern for its status in the wild. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1).
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Reptile Species Identified: 1. The mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris - "crocodile of the marsh"), also called the Indian, Indus, Persian, marsh crocodile or simply mugger, is found throughout the Indian subcontinent and the surrounding countries, like Pakistan where the Sindhu crocodile is the national reptile of Pakistan. It is one of the three crocodilians found in India, the others being the gharial and the saltwater crocodile. It is a mediumsized crocodile that mostly inhabits freshwater lakes, ponds, sluggish rivers, swamps and marshes. Males of the species are said to grow up to 4–5 m (13–16 ft) in length. As with other crocodilians, females are smaller. The mugger crocodile has the broadest snout of any extant crocodile, giving it an alligator-like appearance. It is a more heavily armored species with enlarged scutes around the neck. Adults are dark grey or brown, while hatchlings are tan colored. Conservation status: Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1).
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Chapter Four: Spotted and Identified Biodiversity ---At Nagarhole National Park IUCN category II (national park); Location: Kodagu district and Mysore district in Karnataka state in South India. Nearest City: Mysore, 50 kilometres Coordinates: 12°3′36″N 76°9′4″E Area: 642.39 km2 (248.03 sq mi) Governing Body: Karnataka Forest Department The park ranges the foothills of the Western Ghats spreading down the Brahmagiri hills and south towards Kerala state. It lies between the latitudes 12°15'37.69"E and longitudes 76°17'34.4"N. The park covers 643 km2 (248 sq mi) located to the north-west of Bandipur National Park. The Kabini reservoir separates the two parks. Elevations of the park range from 687 to 960 m (2,254 to 3,150 ft). It is 50 km (31 mi) from the major city of Mysore. Together with the adjoining Bandipur National Park (870 km2 (340 sq mi)), Mudumalai National Park (320 km2 (120 sq mi)) and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (344 km2 (133 sq mi)), it forms the largest protected area in Southern India, totalling 2,183 km2 (843 sq mi). The park derives its name from naga, meaning snake and hole, referring to streams. The park was an exclusive hunting reserve of the kings of the Wodeyar dynasty, the former rulers of the Kingdom of Mysore. It was set up in 1955 as a wildlife sanctuary and later its area increased to 643.39 km (399.78 mi). It was upgraded into a national park in 1988. The park was declared a tiger reserve in 1999. The park receives an annual rainfall of 1,440 millimetres (57 in). Its water sources include the Lakshmmantirtha river, Sarati Hole, Nagar Hole, Balle Halla, Kabini River, four perennial streams, 47 seasonal streams, four small perennial lakes, 41 artificial tanks, several swamps, Taraka Dam and the Kabini reservoir.
Flora The vegetation here consists mainly of North Western Ghats moist deciduous forests with (teak and rosewood predominating in the southern parts. There is Central Deccan Plateau dry deciduous forests with Pala indigo and thorny wattle towards the east. There are some sub-montane valley swamp forests with several species of the Eugenia genus. The main trees found are here are the commercially important rosewood, teak, sandalwood and silver oak. Species of trees of the dry deciduous forest include crocodile bark, Lagerstroemia lanceolata (crepe myrtle), Indian kino tree, Grewia tilaefolia, rosewood and axlewood. Other tree species that are seen in the forests are Lagerstroemia microcarpa (crepe myrtle), kadam, cotton tree, Schleichera trijuga and some species of ficus. In the understorey, species found growing include Kydia calycina, Indian gooseberry and beechwood, Shrubs like horse nettles, tick clover, Helicteres species and invasive species like lantana and bonesets are found in abundance. These forests have some conspicuous tree species such as golden shower tree, flame of the forest and clumping bamboo. Refer Plat 03 for vegetation pattern of Nagarhole National Park.
Wildlife The park protects the wildlife of Karnataka. The important predators and carnivores in Nagarhole National Park are tiger, leopard, wild dog (dhole or Cuon alpinus), sloth bear and the hyena (Hyaena hyaena). The herbivores are spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, four-horned antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis), gaur (Bos gaurus), wild boar (Sus scrofa) and elephant. Nagarhole National Park provides an opportunity to see some of
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the southern population of gaur (jungle bison). Also, this park in Karnataka is a good place to see elephants in the luxuriant forests and bamboo thickets which they most enjoy. Their total population in southern India is now about 6500, nearly all living in the area where Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala adjoin in the shadow of the Western Ghats. Other mammals includes the common langur (Presbytes entellus), bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata), jungle cat, slender loris (Loris tadigradus), leopard-cat (Felis bengalensis), civet cat (Viverricula indica and Paradoxurus hermaphroditus), mongoose (Herpestes fuscus and Herpestes vitticollis), common otter (Lutra lutra), giant flying squirrel (Petaurista petaurista), giant squirrel (Ratufa indica), porcupine, jackal, mouse-deer (Tragulus meminna), hare and pangolin (Manis crassicaudata). Over 250 species of birds are found at Nagarhole National Park. Besides the enormous variety of woodland birds, there are large congregations of waterfowl in the Kabini River. Birds range from blue-bearded bee-eater, scarlet minivet and Malabar whistling thrush to the more common ospreys, herons and ducks. In 3 safaris of 2-3 hours each, at Veeranahosahalli range of Nagarhole National Park, Explorers spotted and identified 9 mammals, 18 bird species and 1 amphibian. Refer Annexure Three: List of Species Identified for detail. Key Herbivorous spotted and identified by explorers: 1. The chital or cheetal (Axis axis),also known as chital deer, spotted deer or axis deer, is a deer which commonly inhabits wooded regions of India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and in small numbers in Pakistan. The chital goes by various names in India, among which include: chital horin in Bengali, thith muwa in Sinhalese, jinke in Kannada, pulli maan in Tamil and Malayalam, jinka in Telugu, phutuki horin in Assamese, haran/harin in Marathi, and hiran in Hindi/Urdu (the latter two derived from harina, the Sanskrit cognate for 'deer'). It is the most common deer species in Indian forests. The name chital comes from the Bengali word chitral /chitra, which means "spotted" in Bengali (from the Sanskrit "chitra", "variegated" or "spotted"). The chital is monotypic within the genus Axis, but this genus has also included three species that now are placed in Hyelaphus based on genetic evidence. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1). 2. The sambar (Rusa unicolor) is a large deer native to the Indian subcontinent, southern China and Southeast Asia. Although it primarily refers to R. unicolor, the name "sambar" is also sometimes used to refer to the Philippine deer (called the "Philippine sambar") and the Javan rusa (called the "Sunda sambar"). The name is also spelled sambur, or sambhur. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1).
3. The black-footed gray langur (Semnopithecus hypoleucos) or South Western Langurs or Gray langurs or Hanuman langurs, the most widespread langurs of South Asia, are a group of Old World monkeys constituting the entirety of the genus Semnopithecus. All taxa have traditionally been placed in the single species Semnopithecus entellus. In 2001, it was recommended that several
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distinctive former subspecies should be given species status, so that seven species are recognized. A taxonomic classification with fewer species has also been proposed. Genetic evidence suggests that the Nilgiri langur and purple-faced langur, which usually are placed in the genus Trachypithecus, actually belong in Semnopithecus. Conservation status: Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1). 4. The Indian giant squirrel, or Malabar giant squirrel, (Ratufa indica) is a large tree squirrel species genus Ratufa native to India. It is a large-bodied diurnal, arboreal, and herbivorous squirrel found in South Asia. It is called शेक 'Shekru' in Marathi and is state animal of Maharashtra. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1).
5. The gaur (/ˈɡaʊər/, Bos gaurus), also called Indian bison, is the largest extant bovine, native to South Asia and Southeast Asia. The species is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 1986, as the population decline in parts of the species' range is likely to be well over 70% during the last three generations. Population trends are stable in well-protected areas, and are rebuilding in a few areas which had been neglected. The gaur is the tallest species of wild cattle. Conservation status: Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1).
6. The wild boar (Sus scrofa), also known as the wild swine or Eurasian wild pig is a suid native to much of Eurasia, North Africa, and the Greater Sunda Islands. Human intervention has spread its range further, making the species one of the widestranging mammals in the world, as well as the most widely spread suiform. Its wide range, high numbers, and adaptability mean that it is classed as least concern by the IUCN. The animal probably originated in Southeast Asia during the Early Pleistocene, and outcompeted other suid species as it spread throughout the Old World. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1).
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Key Avian species spotted and identified by explorers: 1. The green bee-eater (Merops orientalis) (sometimes little green bee-eater) is a near passerine bird in the bee-eater family. It is resident but prone to seasonal movements and is found widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal and the Gambia to Ethiopia, the Nile valley, western Arabia and Asia through India to Vietnam. They are mainly insect eaters and they are found in grassland, thin scrub and forest often quite far from water. Several regional plumage variations are known and several subspecies have been named. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1).
2. The Indian peafowl or blue peafowl (Pavo cristatus), a large and brightly coloured bird, is a species of peafowl native to South Asia, but introduced in many other parts of the world. The male peacock is predominantly blue with a fan-like crest of spatula-tipped wire-like feathers and is best known for the long train made up of elongated upper-tail covert feathers which bear colourful eyespots. These stiff feathers are raised into a fan and quivered in a display during courtship. Females lack the train, and have a greenish lower neck and duller brown plumage. The Indian peafowl lives mainly on the ground in open forest or on land under cultivation where they forage for berries, grains but also prey on snakes, lizards, and small rodents. Their loud calls make them easy to detect, and in forest areas often indicate the presence of a predator such as a tiger. They forage on the ground in small groups and usually try to escape on foot through undergrowth and avoid flying, though they fly into tall trees to roost. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1). 3. The cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a cosmopolitan species of heron (family Ardeidae) found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. It is the only member of the monotypic genus Bubulcus, although some authorities regard its two subspecies as full species, the western cattle egret and the eastern cattle egret. Despite the similarities in plumage to the egrets of the genus Egretta, it is more closely related to the herons of Ardea. Originally native to parts of Asia, Africa and Europe, it has undergone a rapid expansion in its distribution and successfully colonised much of the rest of the world in the last century. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1).
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4. The jungle babbler (Turdoides striata) is a member of the Leiothrichidae family found in the Indian subcontinent. They are gregarious birds that forage in small groups of six to ten birds, a habit that has given them the popular name of Seven Sisters or Saath bhai in Hindi with cognates in other regional languages which means "seven brothers". The jungle babbler is a common resident breeding bird in most parts of the Indian subcontinent and is often seen in gardens within large cities as well as in forested areas. In the past, the orange-billed babbler, Turdoides rufescens, of Sri Lanka was considered to be a race of this babbler, but is elevated to a species. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1).
5. Jungle fowl are the four living species of bird from the genus Gallus in the Gallinaceous bird order, which occur in India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia and Indonesia. These are large birds, with colourful male plumage, but are nevertheless difficult to see in the dense vegetation they inhabit. As with many birds in the pheasant family, the male takes no part in the incubation of the egg or rearing of the precocial young. These duties are performed by the drab and wellcamouflaged female. The junglefowl are seedeaters, but insects are also taken, particularly by the young birds. One of the species in this genus, the red junglefowl, is of historical importance as the likely ancestor of the domesticated chicken, although it has been suggested the grey junglefowl was also involved. The Sri Lankan junglefowl is the national bird of Sri Lanka. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1). 6. The blue-winged parakeet, also known as the Malabar parakeet (Psittacula columboides) is a species of parakeet endemic to the Western Ghats of southern India. Found in small flocks, they fly rapidly in forest clearings while making screeching calls that differ from those of other parakeet species within their distribution range. Their long blue tails tipped in yellow and the dark wings with blue contrast with the dull grey of their head and body. Adult males and females can be easily told apart from the colour of their beak. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1).
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7. The lesser adjutant (Leptoptilos javanicus) is a large wading bird in the stork family Ciconiidae. Like other members of its genus, it has a bare neck and head. It is however more closely associated with wetland habitats where it is solitary and is less likely to scavenge than the related greater adjutant. It is a widespread species found from India through Southeast Asia to Java. The lesser adjutant tends to be widely dispersed and is very local. It is often found in large rivers and lakes inside well wooded regions. It is found in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh (A colony with about 6 nests and 20 individuals was discovered near Thakurgaon in 2011.), Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Laos, Singapore, Indonesia and Cambodia. The largest population is in India in the eastern states of Assam, West Bengal and Bihar. It may occur as a vagrant on the southern edge of Bhutan. They are extremely rare in southern India. Conservation status: Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1). Amphibian spotted and identified by explorers: 1. Indian black turtle (Melanochelys trijuga) or Indian pond terrapin is a species of turtle found in South Asia. it is a medium-sized fresh water turtle. despite its name the color of its upper shell or carapace varies largely from reddish to dark brown and black with yellow streaks running along its length.the underside or plastron is uniformly brown in color. the face of this turtle may have yellow or orange marks and spots with the color of this marks varying form 1 sub species to another. It has 6 identified sub species in the Asian region, each having somewhat different pattern of spots on head. Size may vary from 38 –45 cm in length. It is also known as Hard Shelled Batgun Terrapins. Conservation status: Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1).
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Chapter Five: Tribal of Nagarhole Kuruba (also known as Kuruma, Kurumbar or Kuruba Gowda) is a Hindu caste whose traditional occupation was that of shepherding and farming. The community is present in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. They are known by different names such as Dhangar, Hatkar and Telwar Lingayat in Maharashtra. Some sources connect them to Pala, the shepherd dynasty of the Ahirs and suggest that Kuruba is a Dravidian name for Ahir. The term kuruba is derived from kuri, meaning sheep; kuruba means shepherd.
The Kurubas are said to have been connected to the Yadu or Yadava lineage mentioned in Puranas. Traditional sources claim that the Kurubas founded the Sangam dynasty and the Vijayanagara Empire. According to Ramchandra Chintaman Dhere, a scholar of the religious traditions of Maharashtra, The history of South India shows clearly that all the southern royal dynasties who arose from pastoralist, cowherd groups gained Kshatriya status by claiming to be Moon lineage Kshatriya, by taking Yadu as their ancestor and by continually keeping alive their pride in being "Yadava". Many dynasties in South India from the Pallavas to Yadurayas were originally members of pastoralist, cowherd groups and belonged to Kuruba lineages. Jenu Kuruba Tribes of Karnataka are the original residents of the forests regions of the Western Ghats and also other places of South India. In the Kannada language, the term 'Jenu' signifies honey and 'kuruba' stands for caste. Therefore their name suggests that these Jenu Kuruba tribes have adapted the profession of honey gathering. The anthropologists also have tracked out a rich history of the origination of this Jenu Kuruba tribal community of Karnataka. According to them, after the downfall of the Pallava dynasty, several Jenu Kuruba tribes have taken refuge in different places of the southern state of Indian subcontinent. The Jenu Kuruba tribes also have taken up occupations like small land employers and cultivators. Since many of these Jenu Kuruba tribes also have settled down in several forests hideouts, quite naturally these Jenu Kuruba tribes embraced the natural habitat of the forest region. Due to the elongated alienation, these Jenu Kuruba tribes have developed their own culture and ethnicity. Moreover the Jenu Kuruba tribes lead a carefree lifestyle of a typical nomad, adapting to various occupations like conventional food collectors, shifting cultivators. These Jenu Kuruba tribes also carry on cultivation as a supplementary profession. Instead of plowing the field, these Jenu Kuruba tribes rub the surface with a sort of bamboo spear. Housing settlements of these Jenu Kuruba tribes too witnesses the style and excellence of the whole of the Jenu Kuruba tribal community. Most of these Jenu Kuruba tribal communities reside in some tiny houses, popularly known as Hadi or Hatti. Only very currently, this Jenu Kuruba tribal community has settled down in numerous of huge hamlets, with the sincere initiatives of the government and other well fare organizations. The Jenu Kuruba tribal community converse in their local language which is known as Jenu Kuruba language.
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In the evening of 29th November, explorers made a visit to a Jenu Kuruba settlement close (around 6 km) to main entrance of Nagarhole National Park, accompanied by Yogesh, guide from Jungle Inn lodge, where explorers were staying. The village is known as Nagarpura stage I and II comprises 60 houses and home of 1000 Kuruba people. Area of each stage of Nagarpura is approximately 7 square kilometer. The village has houses built of bricks, hand pumps for abstracting ground water for drinking purpose, playground, health centre and primary school where non-tribal children are also allowed to study. The collection of honey, herbs, roots and fruites from the forest is the traditional occupation of the Jenu Kuruba. 5 acres of cultivable land has been given to them by Karnataka Government. In spite of that, a large section of them are employed as daily-wage labourers. The Jenu Kuruba are traditionally food gatherers and shifting cultivators. But presently, as shifting cultivation is banned, and many restrictions on the use of forests are imposed by the Government, the traditional occupation of the Jenu Kuruba is severly affected. They have switched over from their past nomadic life to settled life. They were settled in tribal colonies by the Government in 1960 and each family was provided with five acres of land. At present, they are settled cultivators and labourers in the forest produce and work in the nurseries of the forest department under the scheme of social forestry. When explorers visited their settlement in the evening, many of the Jenu Kuruba family were found to be cooking in front of their house using branches of trees collected from forest. They are non-vegetarians. Ragi and rice are their staple food.
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Chapter Six: Spotted and Identified Biodiversity ---At Bandipur National Park IUCN category II (national park); Location: Mysore district in Karnataka state in South India. Nearest City: Mysore, 80 kilometres Coordinates: 11°39′42″N 76°37′38″E Area: 874 square kilometers (337 sq mi) Governing Body: Ministry of Environment and Forests, Karnataka Forest Department Bandipur is located in Gundlupet taluq of Chamarajanagar district. It is about 80 kilometers (50 mi) from the city of Mysore on the route to a major tourist destination of Ooty. As a result, Bandipur sees a lot of tourist traffic and there are many wildlife fatalities caused by speeding vehicles that are reported each year. There is a ban on traffic from 9 pm to 6 am of dusk to dawn to help bring down the death rate of wildlife. The Maharaja of the Kingdom of Mysore created a sanctuary of 90 km2 (35 sq mi) in 1931 and named it the Venugopala Wildlife Park. The Bandipur Tiger Reserve was established under Project Tiger in 1973 by adding nearly 800 km2 (310 sq mi) to the Venugopala Wildlife park. Bandipur National Park located between 75° 12’ 17” E to 76° 51’ 32” E and 11° 35’ 34” N to 11° 57’ 02” N where the Deccan Plateau meets the Western Ghats and the altitude of the park ranges from 680 meters (2,230 ft) to 1,454 meters (4,770 ft). As a result, the park has a variety of biomes including dry deciduous forests, moist deciduous forests and shrublands. The wide range of habitats help support a diverse range of organisms. The park is flanked by the Kabini river in the north and the Moyar river in the south. The Nugu river runs through the park. The highest point in the park is on a hill called Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta, where there is a Hindu temple at the summit. Bandipur has typical tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry and hot period usually begins in early March and can last till the arrival of the monsoon rains in June. Bandipur National Park helps protect several species of India's endangered wildlife and also provides refuge to other threatened and vulnerable species of flora and fauna.
Flora Bandipur supports a wide range of timber trees including: teak (Tectona grandis), rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia), sandalwood (Santalum album V), Indian-laurel (Terminalia tomentosa), Indian kino tree (Pterocarpus marsupium), giant clumping bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus), clumping bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea) and Grewia tiliaefolia. There are also several notable flowering and fruiting trees and shrubs including: kadam tree (Adina cordifolia), Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis), crape-myrtle (Lagerstroemia lanceolata), axlewood (Anogeissus latifolia), black myrobalan (Terminalia chebula), Schleichera trijuga, Odina wodiar, flame of the forest (Butea monosperma), golden shower tree (Cassia fistula), satinwood (Chloroxylon swietenia), black cutch (Acacia catechu), Shorea talura (E), indigoberry (Randia uliginosa) In the understorey, species found growing include Kydia calycina, Indian gooseberry and beechwood, Shrubs like horse nettles, tick clover, Helicteres species and invasive species like lantana and bonesets are found in abundance. These forests have some conspicuous tree species such as golden shower tree, flame of the forest and clumping bamboo. Refer Plat 04 for vegetation pattern of Nagarhole National Park.
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Wildlife Bandipur supports a good population of endangered and vulnerable species like Indian elephants, gaurs, tigers, sloth bears, muggers, Indian rock pythons, four-horned antelopes, jackals and dholes. In 3 safaris of 2-3 hours each, at Bandipur National Park, Explorers spotted and identified 8 mammals, 31 bird species and 1 amphibian. Refer Annexure Three: List of Species Identified for detail. Avian species spotted and identified by explorers: 1. The black drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus) is a small Asian passerine bird of the drongo family Dicruridae. It is a common resident breeder in much of tropical southern Asia from southwest Iran through India and Sri Lanka east to southern China and Indonesia. It is a wholly black bird with a distinctive forked tail and measures 28 cm (11 in) in length. Feeding on insects, it is common in open agricultural areas and light forest throughout its range, perching conspicuously on a bare perch or along power or telephone lines. The species is known for its aggressive behaviour towards much larger birds, such as crows, never hesitating to dive-bomb any bird of prey that invades its territory. This behaviour earns it the informal name of king crow. Smaller birds often nest in the well-guarded vicinity of a nesting black drongo. Previously considered a subspecies (Dicrurus adsimilis macrocercus) of the African fork-tailed drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis), it is now recognized as a full species. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1). 2. The southern grey shrike (Lanius meridionalis) is a member of the shrike family. The plumage is generally similar to great grey shrike apart from the differences noted below. It is closely related to the great grey shrike, Lanius excubitor, with which it used to be considered conspecific; where they co-occur, they do not interbreed and are separated by choice of habitat. This medium-sized passerine bird eats large insects, small birds and rodents. Like other shrikes it hunts from prominent perches, and impales corpses on thorns or barbed wire as a "larder".The migratory eastern form is a scarce vagrant to western Europe, including Great Britain, usually in autumn. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1).
3. The true koels, Eudynamys, are a genus of cuckoos from Asia, Australia and the Pacific. They are large sexually dimorphic cuckoos which eat fruits and insects and have loud distinctive calls. They are brood parasites, laying their eggs in the nests of other species. In New Zealand the long-tailed koel is known as the long-tailed cuckoo. Two other species, the whitecrowned koel and the dwarf koel, are also known as koels but are in their own monotypic genera. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1).
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4. The hoopoe /ˈhuːpuː/ (Upupa epops, "hudhud") is a colourful bird found across Afro-Eurasia, notable for its distinctive "crown" of feathers. It is the only extant species in the family Upupidae. One insular species, the Saint Helena hoopoe, is extinct, and the Madagascar subspecies of the hoopoe is sometimes elevated to a full species. Like the Latin name upupa, the English name is an onomatopoeic form which imitates the cry of the bird. The hoopoe is the national bird of Israel. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1).
5. The paddy field pipit, or Oriental pipit, (Anthus rufulus) is a small passerine bird in the pipit and wagtail family. It is a resident (non-migratory) breeder in open scrub, grassland and cultivation in southern Asia east to the Philippines. Although among the few breeding pipits in the Asian region, identification becomes difficult in winter when several other species migrate into the region. The taxonomy of the species is complex and has undergone considerable changes. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1).
6. The yellow-billed babbler or white-headed babbler (Turdoides affinis) is a member of the Leiothrichidae family endemic to southern India and Sri Lanka. The yellow-billed babbler is a common resident breeding bird in Sri Lanka and southern India. Its habitat is scrub, cultivation and garden land. This species, like most babblers, is not migratory, and has short rounded wings and a weak flight and is usually seen calling and foraging in groups. It is often mistaken for the jungle babbler, whose range overlaps in parts of southern India, although it has a distinctive call and tends to be found in more vegetated habitats.[2] Its name is also confused with T. leucocephala, which is also known as white-headed babbler. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1). 7. The Indian pond heron or paddy bird (Ardeola grayii) is a small heron. It is of Old World origins, breeding in southern Iran and east to Pakistan, India, Burma, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. They are widespread and common but can be easily missed when they stalk prey at the edge of small water-bodies or even when they roost close to human habitations. They are however distinctive when they take off with bright white wings flashing in contrast to the cryptic streaked olive and brown colours of the
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body. Their camouflage is so excellent that they can be approached closely before they take to flight, a behaviour which has resulted in folk names and beliefs that the birds are short-sighted or blind. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1). 8. The spot-billed duck (Anas poecilorhyncha) sometimes referred to as the spotbill, is a dabbling duck which breeds in tropical and eastern Asia. It has three populations, treated here as subspecies, the Indian spot-billed duck (A. poecilorhyncha poecilorhyncha), Eastern spot-billed duck (A. poecilorhyncha zonorhyncha), and Burmese spot-billed duck (A. poecilorhyncha haringtoni). Some authors elevate the eastern population as a species, Anas zonorhyncha. The name is derived from the yellow and red spot on the bill. This duck is resident in the southern part of its range from Pakistan and India to southern Japan, but the northern subspecies, the eastern spot-billed duck (A. p. zonorhyncha), is migratory, wintering in Southeast Asia. Some individuals of the nominate population may also move. A bird ringed at Bharatpur in Rajasthan on 5 December 1969 was recovered near Novosibirsk in August 1970. It is quite gregarious outside the breeding season and forms small flocks. The northernmost populations have expanded their range northwards by more than 500 km since the early 20th century, possibly in reaction to global warming. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1). 9. The streak-throated woodpecker (Picus xanthopygaeus) is a species of woodpecker found in the Indian subcontinent. A medium-sized, green woodpecker with streaked throat and scaly whitish underparts. Green above with yellowish rump, white supercilia and white and black moustache. Crown red in male, blackish in female. Tail dark and plain. Small, dark bill. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1).
10. The greater flameback (Chrysocolaptes guttacristatus ) also known as greater goldenback, large golden-backed woodpecker or Malherbe's goldenbacked woodpecker, is a woodpecker species. It occurs widely in the Indian subcontinent, eastwards to southern China, the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, western and central Java and northeast Borneo. The greater flameback is a large woodpecker, at 33 cm in length. It is of typical woodpecker shape, has an erect crest and a long neck. Coloration is highly variable between subspecies; it always has unmarked golden-yellow to dark brown back and wings. The rump is red and the tail is black. The underparts are white with dark markings (chevrons, stripes, or bands), or light brown. The head is whitish with a black pattern, or it is yellow, brown or red. The straight pointed bill is long (longer than the head) and – like the legs and four-toed zygodactyl feet (two toes pointing forward, two backward) – lead-grey. The eyes' irides are whitish to yellow. Male Greater Goldenback near Kothagiri, India. The adult male greater flameback always has a red crown. Females have a crown color varying between subspecies, such as black spotted with white, yellow, or brown with lighter dots. Young birds are like the female, but duller, with brown irides. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1).
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11. Treron is a genus of bird in the pigeon family Columbidae, commonly called "'green pigeon."' The genus is distributed across Asia and Africa. This genus contains 29 species, remarkable for their green coloration, hence the common name, which comes from a carotenoid pigment in their diet. Green pigeons have diets of various fruit, nuts, and/or seeds. They dwell in trees and occupy a variety of wooded habitats. Members of this genus can be further grouped into species with long tails, medium-length tails, and wedge-shaped tails. Most species of green pigeon display sexual dimorphism, where males and females can be readily distinguished by different colored plumage. The wedge-tailed green pigeon or Kokla green pigeon (Treron sphenurus) is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is greenish yellow with wedge shaped tail.The crown is tinged with orange-rufous with variable amount of maroon on back and scapulars in male but absent in female. It is found in the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It ranges across Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, Tibet and Vietnam. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1). 12. The oriental magpie-robin (Copsychus saularis) is a small passerine bird that was formerly classed as a member of the thrush family Turdidae, but now considered an Old World flycatcher. They are distinctive black and white birds with a long tail that is held upright as they forage on the ground or perch conspicuously. Occurring across most of the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia, they are common birds in urban gardens as well as forests. They are particularly well known for their songs and were once popular as cagebirds. The oriental magpierobin is considered the national bird of Bangladesh. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1).
13. The brown fish owl (Bubo zeylonensis or Ketupa zeylonensis) is a species of owl that is part of the family known as typical owls, Strigidae, which contains most living owls. It inhabits the warm subtropical and humid tropical parts of continental Asia and some offshore islands. Of the four living species of fish owl, it is the most widely distributed, most common and beststudied. It occupies a range of over 7,000 km (4,300 mi) from eastern China to Palestine. The four fish owls were previously generally separated in the genus Ketupa. mtDNA cytochrome b sequence data is equivocal on which genus name is applied for them, and today they are commonly lumped with the horned and eagle-owls (Bubo) – which they also resemble osteologically very much – for sake of convenience. Depending on whether some little-studied tropical eagle-owls are closer to the fish-owls than to the typical eagle-owls, Ketupa might be a valid genus if these as well as
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the fishing owls (formerly Scotopelia) are included in it, although there are a number of osteological differences that suggest that fishing and fish owls are not directly related to each other. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1). Carnivorous spotted and identified by explorers: 1. The leopard (Panthera pardus) is one of the five "big cats" in the genus Panthera. It is a member of the family Felidae with a wide range in regions of sub-Saharan Africa, West Asia, the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia to Siberia. Fossil records found in Italy suggest that in the Pleistocene it ranged as far as Europe. Compared to other members of Felidae, the leopard has relatively short legs and a long body with a large skull. It is similar in appearance to the jaguar, but is smaller and more lightly built. Its fur is marked with rosettes similar to those of the jaguar, but the leopard's rosettes are smaller and more densely packed, and do not usually have central spots as the jaguar's do. Both leopards and jaguars that are melanistic are known as black panthers. The leopard's success in the wild is due to its well camouflaged fur; its opportunistic hunting behaviour, broad diet, and strength to move heavy carcasses into trees; its ability to adapt to various habitats ranging from rainforest to steppe and including arid and montane areas; and to run at speeds up to 58 kilometres per hour (36 mph). It is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List because leopard populations are declining in large parts of their range. They are threatened by habitat loss and pest control. Their habitats are fragmented and they are illegally hunted so that their pelts may be sold in wildlife trade for medicinal practices and decoration. They have been extirpated in Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuwait, Syria, Libya, Tunisia and most likely Morocco. Conservation status: Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1).
2. The stripe-necked mongoose (Herpestes vitticollis) is a species of mongoose found in southern India to Sri Lanka. The stripe-necked mongoose is the largest of the Asiatic mongooses. It has a stout body set on short legs. It is easily distinguished by the black stripe that runs laterally on both sides of its neck. The body coloration is a rusty brown to grizzled grey. The relatively short tail is mostly black, with grey at the base. The stripe-necked mongoose feeds on frogs, crabs, mouse deer, hares, rodents, fowl, and reptiles. This mongoose species is more diurnal in habits. They prefer forested areas near a fresh water source. They are often found in swamps and rice fields. There are two subspecies. H.
vitticollis vitticollis is from the provinces of
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Western Ghats, Coorg and Kerala, and has more of a reddish tint to its fur. The other, H. vitticollis inornatus, is found in the Kanara province, and lacks a reddish tint to its fur. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1). Amphibian spotted and identified by explorers: 1. Duttaphrynus melanostictus is commonly called Asian common toad, Asian toad, black-spectacled toad, common Sunda toad and Javanese toad. It is probably a complex of more than one toad species that is widely distributed in South and Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 20 cm (8 in) long. The species breeds during the monsoons and their tadpoles are black. Young toads may be seen in large numbers after the monsoons. Asian common toads breed in still and slow-flowing rivers and temporary and permanent ponds and pools. Adults are terrestrial and may be found under ground cover such as rocks, leaf-litter, logs, and are also associated with human habitations. The larvae are found in still and slow-moving waterbodies. They are often seen at night under street lamps especially in times when winged termites swarm. They have been noted to feed on a wide range of invertebrates including scorpions. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1).
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Chapter Seven: Mystic Munnar Munnar is a town and hill station located in the Idukki district of the southwestern Indian state of Kerala. Munnar is situated at around 1,600 metres (5,200 ft) above sea level, in the Western Ghats range of mountains. The name Munnar is believed to mean "three rivers", referring to its location at the confluence of the Mudhirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly rivers. Munnar town is situated on the Kannan Devan Hills village in Devikulam taluk and is the largest panchayat in the Idukki district covering an area of nearly 557 square kilometres (215 sq mi). The nearest major railway stations are at Ernakulam and Aluva (approximately 140 kilometres (87 mi) by road). The Nearest Functioning Railway station is at Udumalaipettai according to Google maps the nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is 105 kilometres (65 mi) away. Most of the native flora and fauna of Munnar have disappeared due to severe habitat fragmentation resultant from the creation of the plantations. However, some species continue to survive and thrive in several protected areas nearby, including the new Kurinjimala Sanctuary to the east, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Manjampatti Valley and the Amaravati reserve forest of Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary to the north east, the Eravikulam National Park and Anamudi Shola National Park to the north, the Pampadum Shola National Park to the south and the proposed Palani Hills National Park to the east. These protected areas are especially known for several threatened and endemic species including Nilgiri Thar, the grizzled giant squirrel, the Nilgiri wood-pigeon, elephant, the gaur, the Nilgiri langur, the sambar, and the neelakurinji (that blossoms only once in twelve years).
Eravikulam National Park: Location : Idukki, Kerala, India Nearest city : Munnar Coordinates : 10°12′00″N 77°04′59″E Area : 97 Visitors : 148,440 (in 2001) Governing body : Department of Forests and Wildlife, Government of Kerala The main body of the park consists of a high rolling hill plateau with a base elevation of about 2,000 m. The terrain consists of high altitude grasslands interspersed with sholas. Anamudi, 2,695 meters, the highest peak in India south of the Himalayas is inside this park. Many perennial streams criss-cross the park. They merge to form tributaries of the Periyar river and Chalakudiyar River on the west and the east flowing Cauvery River in Tamil Nadu.
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Twenty six (26) species of mammals have been recorded in the park including the largest surviving population of Nilgiri tahr, estimated at about 750 individuals. The other ungulates are gaur, Indian muntjac and sambar deer. Golden jackal, jungle cat, wild dog, dhole, leopard and tiger are the main predators. Some little-known animals such as Nilgiri langur, stripe-necked mongoose, Indian porcupine, Nilgiri marten, small clawed otter, ruddy mongoose, and dusky palm squirrel are also found. Elephants make seasonal visits. 132 species of birds have been recorded which include endemics like black-and-orange flycatcher, Nilgiri pipit, Nilgiri wood pigeon, white bellied shortwing, Nilgiri flycatcher and Kerala laughingthrush. Endemic butterflies confined to the shola-grass land ecosystem like the red disk bushbrown and Palni four wing are among the 101 species in the park. 19 species of amphibians have been recorded in the park. Three major types of plant communities are found in the Park – grasslands, shrublands and forests. The terrain above 2000m is covered primarily by grasslands. However, there are numerous small patches of forests in hollows and gullies in these areas. The deeper valleys are extensively forested. Shrublands predominate along the bases of the cliffs and interspersed in rocky slab areas. The antibacterial Eupatorium glandulosum is found here. Refer Plat 05 for vegetation pattern of Munnar. During one hour visit, explorers spotted herds of Nilgiri Tahr at the park. The Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) known locally as the Nilgiri ibex or simply ibex, is an ungulate that is endemic to the Nilgiri Hills and the southern portion of the Western Ghats in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in Southern India. It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu. Despite its local name, it is more closely related to the sheep of the Ovis genus than the Ibex and wild goats of the Capra genus. The Nilgiri tahr inhabits the open montane grassland habitat of the South Western Ghats montane rain forests ecoregion. At elevations from 1,200 to 2,600 metres (3,900 to 8,500 ft), the forests open into grasslands interspersed with pockets of stunted forests, locally known as sholas. These grassland habitats are surrounded by dense forests at the lower elevations. The Nilgiri tahrs formerly ranged over these grasslands in large herds, before but hunting and poaching in the nineteenth century reduced their population. Conservation status: Endangered (IUCN 3.1).
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Chapter Eight: Spotted and Identified Biodiversity ---At Periyar Tiger Reserve IUCN category II (national park); Location: Idukki and Pathanamthitta, in Kerala state in South India. Nearest City: It is 4 km (2.5 mi) from Kumily, approximately 100 km (62 mi) east of Kottayam, 110 km (68 mi) west of Madurai and 120 km (75 mi) southeast of Kochi. Coordinates: 9°28′N 77°10′E Area: 925 km2 (357 sq mi) Governing Body: Kerala Forest Department The park is often called the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary or Thekkady. It is located high in the Cardamom Hills and Pandalam Hills of the southern Western Ghats along the border with Tamil Nadu. The first official action towards the conservation of wildlife and biodiversity in Kerala was taken in 1934 by the Maharaja of Travancore, Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, by declaring the forests around Periyar lake as a private game reserve to stop the encroachment of tea plantations. It was founded as Nellikkampatty Game Reserve. It was consolidated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1950 after the political integration of India. People oriented and park centered community based ecotourism is the hallmark of Periyar Tiger Reserve. These programmes are conducted by local people responsible for the surveillance of the vulnerable parts of the reserve. By taking tourists along, they are involved in the conservation of the forests of Periyar and some valuable revenue is generated for community welfare. People who once made a living by illegal operations in the forests have since become forest protectors and earn their livelihood through these programmes. Hence, as a visitor, when you join them in any of these programmes, you are directly contributing towards forest conservation and community welfare. Periyar National Park lies in the middle of a mountainous area of the Cardamom Hills. In the north and the east it is bounded by mountain ridges of over 1,700 m (5,600 ft) altitude and toward the west it expands into a 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) high plateau. From this level the altitude drops steeply to the deepest point of the reserve, the 100 metre valley of the Pamba River. The highest peak is the 2,019 m (6,624 ft) high Kottamalai. The Periyar and Pamba Rivers originate in the forests of the reserve. The topography consists of steep and rolling hills which are thickly wooded. The sanctuary surrounds Periyar Lake, a reservoir measuring 26 km2 (10 sq mi) which was formed when the Mullaperiyar Dam was erected in 1895. The reservoir and the Periyar River meander around the contours of the wooded hills, providing a permanent source of water for the local wildlife. The temperature varies depending upon the altitude and it ranges between 15 °Celsius in December and January and 31 °Celsius in April and May. Annual precipitation is between 2000 and 3000 mm, about two thirds occurring during the southwest monsoon between June to September. Much of the rest occurs during the northeast monsoon between October and December. Summers are warm with some precipitation in April and winters are cold.
Flora The park is made up of tropical evergreen and moist deciduous forests, grasslands, stands of eucalyptus, and lake and river ecosystems. There are many hundreds of flowering plant taxa, including about 171 species of grass and 140 species of orchids. The grasses are found in the open grasslands found on the edges of the water body where fire resistant vegetation grows and dense grasses like elephant grass are found. This is the common dining hall of various herbivores. The forests contain deciduous and semi evergreen trees like teak, rosewoods, terminalias, sandalwoods, jacarandas, mangoes, jamun, tamarind, banyans, sacred fig, plumerias, royal poinciana, kino tree, bamboos,
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and the only South Indian conifer, Nageia wallichiana. The medicinal gloriosa lily grows in the park. The endemic flora includes Habenaria periyarensis and Syzygium periyarensis. The park is surrounded by agricultural regions, especially plantations of such crops as tea, cardamom, and coffee.
Fauna Mammals There are 35 species of mammals recorded in the park, including many threatened species. It is an important tiger and elephant reserve. A total of 40-45 Bengal tigers were counted across 640 square kilometers of the park in 2014. It is valuable for Indian elephant and also for a few of White tigers found here. Other mammals include the gaur, sambar, wild pig, Indian giant squirrel, Travancore flying squirrel, jungle cat, sloth bear, Nilgiri tahr, lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Salim Ali's fruit bat, stripe-necked mongoose, and Nilgiri marten Birds About 265 species of birds can be seen in the park, including migrants. Endemic birds include the Malabar grey hornbill, Nilgiri wood pigeon, blue-winged parakeet, Nilgiri flycatcher, crimson-backed sunbird, and whitebellied blue flycatcher. Other birds include the black baza, spot-bellied eagle-owl, Nilgiri thrush, little spiderhunter, rufous-bellied hawk-eagle, brahminy kite, great hornbill, Sri Lanka frogmouth, Oriental darter, and black-necked stork. Reptiles There are 45 species of reptiles: 30 snakes, 13 lizards, and two turtles. Snakes include the king cobra, Malabar pit viper, and striped coral snake. Amphibians in the park include caecilians, frogs, and toads. Species include the Malabar gliding frog, Asian toad, fungoid frog, and bicolored frog. Fish There are about 40 species of fish in the local lakes and rivers include the Periyar trout, Periyar latia, Periyar barb, channa barb, and Travancore loach. Insects There are about 160 butterfly taxa, including the South India's largest butterfly Southern Birdwing, lime butterfly, Malabar tree nymph, the highly threatened Travancore evening brown, and many kinds of moths, such as the Atlas moth. During two nights and three days Explorers spotted 3 insect species, 9 mammals and 17 avian species. Key Insects spotted and identified by explorers: 1. Grasshoppers are insects of the order Orthoptera, suborder Caelifera. They are sometimes referred to as short-horned grasshoppers to distinguish them from the katydids (bush crickets) which have much longer antennae. They are typically ground-dwelling insects with powerful hind legs which enable them to escape from threats by leaping vigorously. They are hemimetabolous insects (do not undergo complete metamorphosis) which hatch from an egg into a nymph or "hopper" which undergoes five moults, becoming more similar to the adult insect at each developmental stage. At high population densities and under certain environmental conditions, some grasshopper species
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can change colour and behaviour and form swarms. Under these circumstances they are known as locusts. Grasshoppers are plant-eaters, sometimes becoming serious pests of cereals, vegetables and pasture, especially when they swarm in their millions as locusts and destroy crops over wide areas. They protect themselves from predators by camouflage; when detected, many species attempt to startle the predator with a brilliantly-coloured wing-flash while jumping and (if adult) launching themselves into the air, usually flying for only a short distance. Other species such as the rainbow grasshopper have warning coloration which deters predators. Grasshoppers are affected by parasites and various diseases, and many predatory creatures feed on both nymphs and adults. The eggs are the subject of attack by parasitoids and predators.Grasshoppers have had a long relationship with humans. Swarms of locusts have had dramatic effects that have changed the course of history, and even in smaller numbers grasshoppers can be serious pests. They are eaten as food and also feature in art, symbolism and literature. 2. Leeches are segmented worms that belong to the phylum Annelida and comprise the subclass Hirudinea. Like the oligochaetes, such as earthworms, leeches share a clitellum and are hermaphrodites. Nevertheless, they differ from the oligochaetes in significant ways. For example, leeches do not have bristles and the external segmentation of their bodies does not correspond with the internal segmentation of their organs. Their bodies are much more solid as the spaces in their coelom are dense with connective tissues. They also have two suckers, one at each end. The majority of leeches live in freshwater environments, while some species can be found in terrestrial and marine environments, as well. The best-known leeches, such as the medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis, are hematophagous, feeding on vertebrate blood and invertebrate hemolymph. Most leech species, however, are predatory, feeding primarily by swallowing other invertebrates. Almost 700 species of leeches are currently recognized, of which some 100 are marine, 90 terrestrial and the remainder freshwater taxa. Leeches, such as the Hirudo medicinalis, have been historically used in medicine to remove blood from patients. The practice of leeching can be traced to ancient India and Greece, and continued well into the 18th and 19th centuries in both Europe and North America. In modern times, leeches are used medically in procedures such as the reattachment of body parts and reconstructive and plastic surgeries and, in Germany, treating osteoarthritis
Key Avian species spotted and identified by explorers: 1. The woolly-necked stork, bishop stork or white-necked stork (Ciconia episcopus) is a large wading bird in the stork family Ciconiidae. It can also be known as the episcopos or mannickjore. The woolly-necked stork is a large bird, typically 85 cm tall. It is glistening black with black "skull cap", white neck and white lower belly. The upper parts are glossed dark green, and the breast and belly have a purple hue.It has long red legs and a heavy, blackish bill. Sexes are alike. Juvenile birds are duller versions of the adult. It is a widespread tropical species which breeds in Asia, from India to
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Indonesia, and also in Africa. It is a resident breeder in wetlands with trees. Conservation status: Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1). 2. The grey-headed fish eagle (Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus) is a fish-eating bird of prey from South East Asia. It is a large stocky raptor with adults having dark brown upper body, grey head and lighter underbelly and white legs. Juveniles are paler with darker streaking. It is often confused with the lesser fish eagle (Ichthyophaga humilis) and the Pallas's fish eagle. The lesser fish eagle is similar in plumage but smaller and the Pallas’s fish eagle shares the same habitat and feeding behaviour but is larger with longer wings and darker underparts. Is often called tank eagle in Sri Lanka due to its fondness for irrigation tanks. Ichthyaetus come from the Greek terms meaning fish-eagle, ichtys-fish and aetos-eagle. Conservation status: Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1). 3. The brahminy kite (Haliastur indus) also known as the red-backed sea-eagle in Australia, is a medium-sized bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, which also includes many other diurnal raptors, such as eagles, buzzards, and harriers. They are found in the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia. They are found mainly on the coast and in inland wetlands where they feed on dead fish and other prey. Adults have a reddish brown plumage and a contrasting white head and breast which make them easy to distinguish from other birds of prey. Conservation status: Least Concerned (IUCN 3.1).
4. The osprey (Pandion haliaetus), sometimes known as the fish eagle, sea hawk, river hawk, or fish hawk, is a diurnal, fish-eating bird of prey. It is a large raptor, reaching more than 60 cm (24 in) in length and 180 cm (71 in) across the wings. It is brown on the upperparts and predominantly greyish on the head and underparts. The osprey tolerates a wide variety of habitats, nesting in any location near a body of water providing an adequate food supply. It is found on all continents except Antarctica, although in South America it occurs only as a non-breeding migrant. As its other common names suggest, the osprey's diet consists almost exclusively of fish. It possesses specialised physical characteristics and exhibits unique behaviour to assist in hunting and catching prey. As a result of these unique characteristics, it has been given its own taxonomic genus, Pandion and family, Pandionidae. Four subspecies are usually recognized, one of which has recently been given full species status (see below). Despite its propensity to nest
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near water, the osprey is not classed as a sea eagle. Conservation status: Least Concerned (IUCN 3.1). Key Herbivorous and Carnivorous spotted and identified by explorers: 1. The Nilgiri langur (Trachypithecus johnii) is a lutung (a type of Old World monkey) found in the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats in South India. Its range also includes Kodagu in Karnataka, Kodayar Hills in Tamil Nadu, and many other hilly areas in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This primate has glossy black fur on its body and golden brown fur on its head. It is similar in size and long-tailed like the gray langurs. Females have a white patch of fur on the inner thigh. It typically lives in troops of nine to ten monkeys. The animal is often seen encroaching into agricultural lands. Its diet consists of fruits, shoots and leaves. The species is endangered due to deforestation and poaching for its fur and flesh, the latter believed to have aphrodisiac properties. Conservation status: Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1). 2. Common Mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii): The grey mongoose is commonly found in open forests, scrublands and cultivated fields, often close to human habitation. It lives in burrows, hedgerows and thickets, among groves of trees, taking shelter under rocks or bushes and even in drains. It climbs very well. Usually found singly or in pairs. It preys on rodents, snakes, birds’ eggs and hatchlings, lizards and variety of invertebrates. It breeds throughout the year.
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Chapter Nine: Encounter with Elephant Elephants are large mammals of the family Elephantidae and the order Proboscidea. Two species are traditionally recognised, the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) and the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), although some evidence suggests that African bush elephants and African forest elephants are separate species (L. africana and L. cyclotis respectively). Elephants are scattered throughout subSaharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Elephantidae is the only surviving family of the order Proboscidea; other, now extinct, members of the order include deinotheres, gomphotheres, mammoths, and mastodons. Male African elephants are the largest extant terrestrial animals and can reach a height of 4 m (13 ft) and weigh 7,000 kg (15,000 lb). All elephants have several distinctive features the most notable of which is a long trunk or proboscis, used for many purposes, particularly breathing, lifting water and grasping objects. Their incisors grow into tusks, which can serve as weapons and as tools for moving objects and digging. Elephants' large ear flaps help to control their body temperature. Their pillar-like legs can carry their great weight. African elephants have larger ears and concave backs while Asian elephants have smaller ears and convex or level backs. The Indian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus) is one of three recognized subspecies of the Asian elephant and native to mainland Asia. Since 1986, Elephas maximus has been listed as Endangered by IUCN as the population has declined by at least 50% over the last 1 to -1 years or three generations. Asian elephants are threatened by habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation. Elephants are herbivorous and can be found in different habitats including savannahs, forests, deserts and marshes. They prefer to stay near water. They are considered to be keystone species due to their impact on their environments. Other animals tend to keep their distance; predators such as lions, tigers, hyenas and wild dogs usually target only the young elephants (or "calves"). Females ("cows") tend to live in family groups, which can consist of one female with her calves or several related females with offspring. The groups are led by an individual known as the matriarch, often the oldest cow. Elephants have a fission-fusion society in which multiple family groups come together to socialise. Males ("bulls") leave their family groups when they reach puberty, and may live alone or with other males. Adult bulls mostly interact with family groups when looking for a mate and enter a state of increased testosterone and aggression known as musth, which helps them gain dominance and reproductive success. Calves are the centre of attention in their family groups and rely on their mothers for as long as three years. Elephants can live up to 70 years in the wild. They communicate by touch, sight, smell and sound; elephants use infrasound, and seismic communication over long distances. Elephant intelligence has been compared with that of primates and cetaceans. They appear to have selfawareness and show empathy for dying or dead individuals of their kind. African elephants are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), while the Asian elephant is classed as endangered. One of the biggest threats to elephant populations is the ivory trade, as the animals are poached for their ivory tusks. Other threats to wild elephants include habitat destruction and conflicts with local people. Elephants are used as working animals in Asia. In the past they were used in war; today, they are often controversially put on display in zoos, or exploited for entertainment in circuses. Elephants are highly recognisable and have been featured in art, folklore, religion, literature and popular culture. On the morning of 30th November, 2015, both the explorers and their driver cum “Man Friday� Purushottam, reached at the Veeranahosahalli range of Nagrahole National Park from their base camp at Jungle Inn resort.
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At 6:30 in the morning there was overcast and temperature was around 20-22 O C. The security and safari arrangement at Nagarhole National Park didn’t appear quite impressive. Explorers booked a bus safari, but after reaching there they came to know that bus would not start unless there were at least 10 passengers. Explorers asked for Jip, and one senior forest guard told that, they had only one jip and driver was not available at that time. Also that would cost Rs. 3000/- for one exclusive jip, in comparison to Rs. 300/- per person for a bus safari. After waiting till 8:00 AM, they got one jip and started their first safari at Nagarhole. Explorers were accompanied by their driver Purushottam and the jip driver cum forest guide Adinarayan. After driving 3-4 km to the south west direction through teak forest of the park, and spotting lot of spotted deer, jungle fowl and hen en route, Purushottam suddenly screamed softly. He thought, he had spotted Elephant at the right hand side of the direction of their movement. Adinarayan initially was not interested to stop, as he was not sure about the presence of the animal. But the other explorer Dwaipayan asked him to stop. He spotted too and then everybody else spotted the animals, they were around 15 km away from the vehicle and their huge heads were visible through dense bushes. There was a 15 feet high watch tower close by, and entire team climbed to that to get a better view. Three female elephants were spotted distinctly and one huge bull further away from them. After that the safari continued till 10:30 AM, and other than spotting bunches of spotted deer, sambar, south west langur and lot of jungle moina, wagtail, pea fowl, green bea-eater, red wattled lapwing and egrets ----- no other significant species were spotted. The over cast and intermittent rain kept big animals away in their hide outs in the dense forest of Nagarhole. This over cast and intermittent heavy and light rain followed explorers throughout this series of “Hiking in Highlands” except the first day (29th November) at Ranganathittu bird sanctuary. That day was exceptionally sunny. However, a very rare bird - lesser adjutant stork (breeding species) was spotted at the park at around 9:00 AM among a herd of spotted deer. At 10:30 AM, explorers came out from the safari zone of the buffer area of forest and started driving in Purushottam’s Chevrolet Beat towards Nagrahole town through the highway across the national park area. The highway through national park remains opened from morning 6:00 o’clock to evening 6:00 o’clock. Explorers needed to refill their ration and they needed to go to town for that. After driving through the park for around 2 km, they had to stop as there was a huge single tusker on the left hand side of their movement. The tusker completely ignored their presence and was busy in grazing. A single tusker was always considered as most dangerous animal in wild. While returning to their base camp,
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explorers spotted lot of elephant dung at both side of the road which was indicative of substantial elephant movement in recent hours. Explorers started their next safari at Nagarhole at around 4:00 PM. This time their jip driver was Kumar Rao. Purushottam was also with them as usual. Just before explorers started their second safari, Kumar Rao returned from another trip from the deep inside of the forest, therefore he already knew where to go to spot one of the Indian “Big Seven”. Kumar Rao this time took the jip towards south west direction and stopped near by a water body ------ and what a spectacular visual ------ herd of elephant assembled there for drinking water. Around 10 elephants were there with a bull and a calf. The mother elephant was found assisting her calf to drink water from the water body. Safari of next day began with a moment of anxiety. In the morning of 1st December, 2015, explorers left their base camp at 6:30 and followed the same route as previous day towards forest office of Veeranahosahalli range, which was located at the starting point of safari zone. After spotting herds of Indian bison (Gaur), and a rare sight animal – Indian giant squirrel and progressing 10 km through the high way inside the national park, Purushottam had to stop his chevrolet beat. A tusker was walking slowly from the opposite side. It was spotted from 5 km distance. The elephant noticed them too, but did not show any intention to stop or change in course; neither had it given any warning sign. It kept walking towards them. Dwaipayan is a certificate holder from Nature and Wildlife from Wildlife Campus, South Africa on Animals Tracks and Signs. Arnab asked him, whether he remembered the warning signs of elephant. He started rambling with lots of uncertainty…….the ears were to be held forwards…..head to be held high….trunk to be raised to get scent…..Purushottam kept saying “Don’t panic Sir, I am here !”……although explorers were not sure how much credibility he got as far as dealing with wild elephant bull was concerned. After walking half a kilometer or more, the bull suddenly changed his course, turned towards his right and left the high way to find his path through dense forest. End of few tensed moments for the explorers. After reaching at the starting point of safari, explorers came to know that no safari bus was available and it wouldn’t be worthy to invest another three grands to hire a safari jip, as the prevailing overcast and intermittent rain, was not suitable for significant wild life sighting. Explorers decided to come back to base camp and spend some more time exploring on the highway while returning. So far the highway through the park turned out as best place for sighting wild life. On the highway itself, three times they spotted Indian bison, found giant squirrel, rare species of Indian terrapin and elephants – twice till that time and they were actually lucky for third time. This time a cow- elephant (female) on the right hand side of their movement. They spotted the female from 100 meters behind and stopped the car. The cow was grazing and after noticing their presence turned back to them. After watching them for a while she raised her trunk to get their scent. Explorers were bemused with the close sight of that beautiful but terrific creature and were in complete oblivion of all the warning signs of dangerous games. The cow later turned back and stomped into the forest and got disappeared.
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It was a near miss, realized later by the explorers. Rising trunk to get scent was an warning sign. As per the Study of Man-Elephant Conflict in Nagarhole National Park and Surrounding Areas of Kodagu District in Karnataka, India by Karnataka Forest Department, there has been an increase in elephant populations (around 8000 in Nagarhole itself, as per Population Estimation of Mammals in Nagarahole National Park ---- Validation of the results from Large Mammal Census and Long-term Study from Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarahole NP) by Surendra Varma, Asian Elephant Research & Conservation Centre (A division of Asian Nature Conservation Foundation), published in 2007) all over the country in recent years. There has been a substantial increase in elephant population in Kodagu District between 2002 and 2005. Strict protection and resultant increase in population could be a contributing factor towards crop damage as per Surendra Varma, Asian Elephant Research & Conservation Centre. A seven-point management strategy has been suggested by Surendra Varma for mitigation of conflict. •
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Elephants should be contained to the south of the Cauvery by creating barriers around Nagarhole National Park and Devmachi-Maukal forest. Containment of elephants in the Western forest belt will not be possible by Elephant Proof Trenches (EPT) or solar fencing. Community and private solar fences should be encouraged. Novel deterrent methods such as chilly ropes and chilly bombs should be used in rotation. Cooperative crop protection by community effort should be carried out. The present compensation rates should be reviewed and increased if found necessary. Insurance schemes should be tried. A village-level group insurance scheme should be tried to give immediate relief to victims. Increasing elephant numbers may give rise to higher conflict in the future. Control of elephant population should be considered seriously. Vaccination with PZP is a simple and effective method. Containment and localization of elephants may reduce genetic mixing and give rise to inbreeding in the long run. This issue needs further debate among forest officers and elephant researchers and experts.
Measures for reducing conflict with elephants will help elephant conservation and promote peaceful coexistence with humans. Explorers encounter with elephant did not end there at Nagarhole. More excitement and anxiety were actually waiting for them at the last part of “Hiking in Highlands” --- in the forest of Periyar. After 10 Km of hiking through dense rain forest of Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) – that included bamboo rafting across Periyar Lake, crossing 100-120 feet water streams over makeshift bridge made of tree trunk, muddy forest land with fresh pug mark on it, attack of leeches and nevertheless a 25-30 kg ruck sack on back with three days’ ration, survival kit and heavy cameras in hand – explorers accompanied by four more hikers from Spain and France, four forest guides (read ex-poachers) and one forest official cum gun man – reached within core area of the tiger trail at 1:00 PM of 5th December, 2015. It took them around 3 hours to cover that complete trek. Explorers did their first bush walk towards North – East direction from their camp located in the buffer zone which was within 3 km of the core area of PTR. It was happened in the afternoon of 5th December between 3:00 to 6:00 PM. Herds of bison, wild boar, nilgiri langurs were spotted among mammals. Among bird species, brahminy kite, wagtail, little cormorant, greater egret, fish eagle were spotted. One jungle giant spider was also spotted.
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At around 4:30 PM, after covering 5 km bush walk in same direction (North-East), elephant foot print was noticed by guide C. C. Thomas. The team started following that trail and all of a sudden, taken everybody in surprise, a tusker appeared through dense bushes within 50 meters. Everybody in the team got perplexed and clueless for a moment. Gun Man Ajimon started taking position.
Dwaipayan said “Don’t Panic!” - Not sure to whom, but the elephant ran away as quickly as it was appeared in front of them. Later everybody realized that the Spanish hiker Anna was wearing a pink rain cover and that made the tusker scared or panicked and made him ran away. Guide Thomas had gone furious on explorers. In Forest everybody should know how to camouflage, wearing pink rain cover was nearly committing suicide. It could make the elephant charge on them. Ironically in Malayalam “Anna” means elephant. So the joke for the remaining part of exploration was “Anna made Anna scared”. Explorers’ last encounter with elephant in this series was on the last day – 7th December at morning 6:30 near their camp. Guide Thomas and Pandya were heard shouting, “Sirs come down to cooking area, quickly!” Everybody rushed there to see that three elephants were swimming through the Periyar Lake. Their trunk and upper part of head were visible through water; they were coming from other side of the forest (West from the camp) to the camp side (East). After few minutes one female elephant was found coming towards camp while grazing in the forest. She was grazing through SouthWest to North-East direction and was just 10-15 meters away from the camp. The only barrier between her and the explorers was a 10 feet deep EPT, surrounding the camping area. The elephant was there for not less than half an hour; several times she raised her trunk towards camp to get the scent but never stopped grazing or had shown any other signs of attack. After that she got disappeared in the dense forest towards North – East direction. The cow’s tail was broken, therefore she could be considered as a dangerous animal. Guide Pandya told, five years back one female elephant came from the same direction of forest and fell in the trench. However, that time there used to be a big tree at the North West corner of the EPT. Therefore, the cow curled her trunk around the tree and got herself out of the trench. As per the population study conducted by Asian Elephant Research & Conservation Centre in 2000, there were around 145 elephants in PRT.
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Chapter Ten: In the Shadow of the Tiger The quest for tiger started at 6:30 in the morning of 2nd December, 2015 at Bandipur National Park. There was already news in Bandipur that one Gaur (Indian bison) was killed by a male tiger in Bandipur on previous night and that news pulled in many wildlife photographers and biodiversity experts from Bangalore and MP to Bandipur. At around 6:45 AM explorers entered into safari zone of the park. Apart from driver cum guide Boma, there were four more companions in the jip – two wild life photographers from Bangalore – they came to spot the bison killer tiger and one Gujarati couple. While entering forest, lot of spotted deer and bonnet macaque were spotted at the forest office and en route. Explorers also spotted white bellied drongo, yelloe billed babbler, paddy field pipit, common hoopoe, wag tail, jungle and pea fowl/hen etc. The first warning call was heard from the south east direction of the forest at 7:15 AM. It was a south west langur. Couple of jip started tracing the call slowly and after driving 2-3 km both the jip stopped. Big cat ---- the most elusive creature of forest ---- a pair of leopard. Leopards always make their existence highly imperceptible. The mating pair was sitting on the open land at the left hand side of their direction of movement. The langur was exactly on the top of a teakwood tree next to the female leopard and kept giving call. They were moving on after having mated probably a very short while ago, as anticipated by Boma. At first, the pair was baffled and they sunk into the bushy scrubs quickly. A few minutes later the male leopard came out and lied down boldly in the open followed by the female. The lady was shy and definitely not sure about being in the open. She straightaway went into the thicket nearby and settled down. After 2-3 minutes, the pair stood up and walked slowly into the bush. The explorers could hear the growling sound coming from the bush. What the explorers witnessed was a partial courtship behavior in leopards which is hardly seen live. Given that leopards are very discreet about their presence, they are highly so during the mating period. Explorers could hardly believe in their luck that they got to see a very rare moment in the nature. After that explorers waited there for 10-15 minutes but the pair did not come out. Explorers now started looking for any trace of the tiger, which had killed a bison in previous night. One of the photographers from Bangalore said that the tiger was spotted in last evening near a water body. The jip reached there and the carcass of the bison was found hidden inside a dense bush. The lower part of the carcass was half eaten. Probably the intermittent light and heavy shower of last night kept the tiger away from it and it was certain that the tiger would come back again to finish eating. Explorers waited there for some time and made few rounds of Jip movement around that area, but nothing significant related to tiger movement were spotted. While moving in that area, a sloth bear made sudden appearance. It was crossing his path from one side of forest to other side. One of the photographers from Bangalore, who was sitting in front seat – next to driver, spotted it and alerted others. All four wild life photographers with their hi-tech cameras – got surprised with this sudden appearance of another elusive animal of the forest. None of them were ready enough to capture this rare sight creature of wild and gradually the sloth bear disappeared in dense forest of Bandipur National park.
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The exploration continued till 9:00 AM, the significant sighting was few bird species – long tail shrike, streak throated woodpecker, malabar parakeet, brown fish owl, brahminy sterling, spot bill duck etc. No sight of any big animals. In the evening, the exploration was started little later than scheduled time. Three jips and two buses entered the forest at 4:00 PM. Later it was realized by the explorers, that the intention behind late start was staying bake late in forest so that the bison killer tiger could be spotted. All the photographers in different jips and their companion forest guides and drivers were desperate for the sight of tiger. For 2 hours all jips and forests kept circling that 15 square kilometer area around the bush where the carcass was hidden. Instead of safari it turned out as being on guard for that carcass. The intermitted rain throughout the day made the sighting of tiger less likely. At 5:00 PM towards North-West direction from the carcass, approximately 3 km away a male leopard was spotted lying down on branch of teakwood tree. Another rare sight in the nature. Once it noticed the presence of jip, the shy animal jumped down from the tree and got disappeared in deep forest. Apart from few spotted deer, south west langur, bonnet macaque, herds of Indian bison, few racket tail drongo, oriental magpie, flame back woodpecker and a pair of green pigeon nothing significant were spotted. Around 5:15 PM, strong warning call was heard repeatedly from the North West direction from the carcass. It was by a Burking deer and the call was coming from the direction where the male leopard moved 15 minutes back. It could be because of the leopard, but nevertheless it increased the excitement and hope for sighting tiger among the bunches of non-deserving, worthless Homo Sapiens sapiens. Eventually no trace of tiger movement was spotted. While coming out of the forest at around 6:00 PM, one sloth bear were spotted in darkness. It could be the same one, which was spotted in morning. But it was too dark to capture the creature ethically. Next day, 3rd December, explorers started their safari at 6:30 AM by a forest bus. The forest was unusually quiet than previous day, rain stopped and sun was out. All the wise and disappointed so called wild life and biodiversity experts appeared returned to their home after several unsuccessful attempts of tiger sighting. Apart from usual bird species explorers spotted a pair of happy stripe necked mongoose. On 5th December at 9:00 AM morning the explorers reached at the check post of Periyar Tiger Reserve to start one of the most adventurous and challenging biodiversity hiking of this country ------ The Periyar Tiger Trail, with a hope that their bad luck for sighting tiger would end there. Two explorers were accompanied by three Spanish hikers – Sichov, Fernando and Anna and one French hiker Juliet. Sichov and Anna came from Madrid whereas Fernando and Juliet have been living in Delhi for last one year. There were four forest guides with them – C. C. Thomas, S. Pandya, N. S. Kunjumon and C. Armugam – all of them were ex-poachers and had 30-40 years of experience in dealing with forest and wild life. They were also accompanied by a Forest Official cum Gun Man – Ajimon. The whole contingent started trekking at 10:00 AM from the PRT check post towards South West direction with cameras, survival kit and three days’ ration in 25-30 kg heavy ruck sack. Initial trekking was 4 km long till they reached the bamboo rafting point through Periyar Lake. In this trail, the key species spotted were male sambar, nilgiri langur, bonnet macaque, grey headed fish eagle; wag tail, common drongo etc. After 200 meters of bamboo rafting towards South West direction, they reached the most difficult stretch of the trekking.
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Explorers started last 5 km of trekking towards South West direction through dense bush and teak wood forest. The forest was full of leeches and to get prevent leech attack all of them spread tobacco powder over their trekking shoes and leech guard socks. It was an over cast day with 30oC temperature. Intermittently they were noticing fresh pug marks on the muddy forest land. Guide Thomas identified those as pug marks of a big male tiger. Scratch mark of tigers on tree trunk was also observed. In this 5 km trail, explorers climbed 600 meters and three times had to cross water streams of 100-120 feet deep over makeshift bridge of tree trunk with cameras in hand and heavy ruck sack on back. At the end of this trail they reached at the edge of forest and bunk of Periyar Lake. From that point a one km of bamboo rafting would take them to the core area of the forest, where their tents were erected for next three days and two nights. Explorers reached at camping area at 1:00 PM and for next one hour got busy in cooking. There were three tents for six hikers. The guides decided to stay at cooking area. The meal for them was Cappa Kodi or Tapioca. Drinking water source was Periyar Lake and the bush at South East corner of the forest around 200 meters away from their tents was their toilet. The camping area were protected by 1 feet high bio fencing and 10-12 feet deep Elephant Protecting Trench (EPT). After cooking and eating, again bush walking started from 3:30 PM towards North East direction of the forest. Around 3:30 PM, warning call was heard by barking deer but no other movement of big cat was spotted. An old skeleton of Indian bison was found on open land, the animal was killed by tiger. The night was windy, cold with heavy rain with fear of possible flown away of tents by strong wind. Forest guides created a small bon fire by dry woods collected from forest. Explorers put their wet shoes and socks near to that fire so that morning they could wear dry shoes. The dinner was done with lake fish bought from the local tribal at the cost of Rs. 200/- per kg. In the same night at around 9:00 PM, explorers were delighted by arrival of surprise guests at their camping area - a pair of porcupine – Raja and Rani. Guide Kunjumon told them, whenever they did camping in forest – Raja and Rani had always come to search for food. Morning of next day, i.e., 6th December, Arnab got a scary start. When he went to forest for dumping, three strong warning calls by Sambar was heard at 6:15 AM from very close distance from the South East direction
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of forest. Definitely movement of big cat was spotted, however nothing significant happened after that and Arnab returned to his tent quickly after attending his nature’s call. Morning safari of 6th December happened towards South West direction after crossing the Periyar Lake by bamboo raft. Explorers climbed almost up to 915 km, but the rain kept kept all the big animals away from them. An old skeleton of elephant was spotted which was killed by tiger. A rarest bird species great Indian Hornbill was found to be flew over them when they reached the highest point of their trail. In the afternoon of same day between 1:45 to 2:00 PM several strong calls of Sambar were heard from the North East direction of the forest from the camping area. From the camping area, two Sambars were also found running away from North East to North West direction within forest. In the evening explorers did bush walking in North East direction and chased several herds of Bison. Around 4:00 PM, they traced warning calls of nilgiri langur but could not find anything else which could lead to big cat movement. Another very rare bird species Serpent Eagle was spotted there. The night was relatively quiet, comparing to previous night and the porcupine pairs made their usual visit to entertain explorers. Next day morning at 10:00 AM, explorers with full contingent started retreating from the camping area to outside of forest. They followed the same route they took while getting into the camping area. First hour was sunny but then heavy rain started, which made their trekking through bushes and muddy forest land even more difficult. There were always fear of falling with heavy ruck sack on back. Couple of makeshift bridges over water streams was found to be destroyed due to heavy rain or by animals. Therefore, explorers had to search for new means of crossing water streams. At one point of time they had to cross an 8 feet deep trench full of water by a half a meter wide and 2 meters long tree trunk. That was quite scary and dangerous. The moist and slippery trunk was not a good thing to try balancing act, with 25-30 kg ruck sack on back. Last one kilometer of trekking was toughest in this whole series – rain became heavier and mud on forest became thicker and sloppier. Explorers were struggling in finding place to put their feet and maintain balancing. There was a slant slope of 30 meters they had to climb, with every step they were sliding down few meters towards the 140 meters deep Periyar Lake at the edge of the slope. Moreover, throughout this stretch fresh pug marks were spotted towards South West direction, whereas explorers were moving towards North East direction. However, with the help of guides, explorers managed to reach at the edge of the forest in one piece, from where they would do bamboo rafting to cross the 200 meter stretch of Periyar Lake. Every time the Explorers felt they were so closed to Bengal Tiger of this subcontinent……but all the time they realized they were too far…….
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End of Story: The exploration of Hiking in Highlands ended there at PTR. Explorers returned home with reach experience of biodiversity and memories of valuable interaction with wild life and forest dwellers. Explorer survived moments of anxiety when wild tuskers were in front of them. They were bemused with beauty of cow elephant and were in oblivion of all warning signs given by her. They were awestruck with the wildness of mystical Munnar and beautiful Bandipur. They refused to believe their luck after witnessing rarest of the rare sighting of natural phenomenon – when leopard in courtship appeared in front. Explorers were impressed with the simplicity of Nagarhole tribal community, the professionalism and knowledge shown by rehabilitated ex-poachers of PTR, the amazingly scary and beautifully terrible trail of Thekkady to Periyar Tiger Reserve. At the same time they were disappointed with lack of infrastructure at Nagarhole National Park and annoyed with the irresponsible behavior of so called wild life experts at Bandipur National Park. Last but not the least, explorers always admired the reach biodiversity of Ranganathittu Bid Sanctuary which has the name of legendry ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali, associated with it. Explorers tried capturing all their experience in this report to promote the biodiversity culture and awareness among common people; the explorers of Exploring Nature have been doing this and will always do so. Till the next exploration, adieus!
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Annexure One: The Explorers’ Profile
Dwaipayan Ghosh, Founder Member of Exploring Nature • •
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Born in Kolkata on 27th September, 1978 and currently based out of Hyderabad. An Electrical Engineer by profession and holds B. Tech in Electrical Engineering from 2004 batch of University of Kalyani. Has been working for Construction, Renovation & Modernisation of EHV Electrical Sub-Stations; Erection, Testing and Commissioning of Power Transformers and Equipment (Like Transformer, Circuit Breaker, Current Transformer, Potential Transformer, Isolator, Control & Relay Panels etc.) for last twelve years. Worked for ALSTOM T&D India Limited (Systems Business); Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd. (Electrical Contract Division); and Utility Powertech Ltd. (A Joint Venture Of Reliance Energy Ltd. & NTPC) etc. Currently working as Manager – Execution in Genus Power Infrastructure Limited (ECC Division). Holds Certificates in Nature and Wildlife from Wildlife Campus, South Africa on Digital Wildlife Photography; Anti-Poaching; Birding by Habitat; Animals Tracks & Signs; Trails Guiding; and Snakes & Reptiles of Lowveld. Participated in about 19 biodiversity expeditions, which include Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary (Karnataka); Nagarhole National Park (Karnataka); Bandipur National Park (Karnataka); Eravikulam National Park (Kerala) and Periyar Tiger Reserve (Kerala); Kaziranga National Park (Assam); Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (Assam); Clouded Leopard National Park/Sipahijala Wildlife Sanctuary (Tripura); Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary (Tripura); Bandhabgarh National Park (Madhya Pradesh); Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (Maharashtra); Sundarban Tiger Reserve (West Bengal); Gorumara National Park (West Bengal); Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary (West Bengal); Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary (West Bengal); Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary (Andhra Pradesh); Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park (Telangana) – for Butterfly Photography; Gir National Park (Gujrat); Wild Ass Sanctuary (Gujrat); and Urban and Sub-Urban Bird Photography in West Bengal, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh etc.
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Arnab Basu, Member of Exploring Nature •
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• Born in Kolkata on 17th June, 1978 and currently based out of Bengaluru. An Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Consultant by profession and holds B.Sc with major in Botany and Zoology from 2000 batch of University of Calcutta; MBA in Environment Management from 2004 batch of Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management (IISWBM), Kolkata; Diploma in Chemical Engineering and Industrial Safety. Has about 12 years of experience in overall management and supervision of Sustainability, Safety Transformation, Industrial and Construction Environment, Occupational Health & Safety and Quality Systems; compliance assessment, assurance, verification and evaluation of EHS legal requirements and Corporate EHS management system; implementation, evaluation and assurance of Corporate Sustainability Reporting and GHG accounting; training and consultancy for Quality, Health, Safety, Social Accountability and Environmental Management Systems. Worked with National and multinational EHS consultancy farm like EQMS, Deloitte etc, currently working as Principal Consultant in ERM. Has provided consultancy services to a number of major national and multinational companies including TATA Steel, Shell, Chevron, GAIL, GSK, Reckitt Benckiser, Boehringer, PEPSI, Raymond, US Pharmacopeia, Morgan Crucibles, NALCO, Unilever, British Petroleum, Becton Dickinson, and Vedanta. Participated in about 9 biodiversity expeditions, which include Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary (Karnataka); Nagarhole National Park (Karnataka); Bandipur National Park (Karnataka); Eravikulam National Park (Kerala) and Periyar Tiger Reserve (Kerala); Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (Assam); Gir National Park (Gujrat); Wild Ass Sanctuary (Gujrat); and Biodiversity study of Ghatshila and Jhargram (West Bengal), Araku Valley and Vizag Port (Andhra Pradesh), Forest of Bankura and Midnapore (West Bengal) etc. Conducted assessment of urban and sub urban biodiversity at Kolkata, Salt Lake Wetland, South Bengal (West Bengal). Conducted Study on Joint Forest Management and Wild Life in South West Bengal under the supervision of Department of Forest, Govt. of West Bengal and under the joint guidance of Environment Management department of IISWBM and National Afforestation and Ecodevelopment Board, Govt. of India.
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Annexure Two: The Journey Itinerary Day One (Sunday, 29th November): • 0630 Hours: Started from Whitefield, Bangalore by cab • 1000 Hours: Reached at Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Mandya, Karnataka • 1000 Hours to 1200 Hours: Boat Safari at Cauvery river and bush walking inside sanctuary • 1400 Hours: reached at Jungle inn, Nagarhole • 1400 Hours to 1500 Hours: Lunch • 1500 Hours to 1700 Hours: Photo processing, species profiling, data logging • 1730 Hours to 1830 Hours: Visit to nearby tribal settlement • 1830 Hours to 2100 Hours: Photo processing, species profiling • 2100 Hours to 2130 Hours: Dinner • 2130 Hours to 2330 Hours: Photo processing, species profoling Day Two (Monday, 30th November): • 0545 : started from Jungle Inn for the Nagarhole National Park, checkpost • 0800 Hours to 1030 Hours: First Safari by Jip • 11300 Hours: Breakfast • 1200 Hours to 1400 Hours: Photo processing, species profiling, data logging • 1400 Hours to 1430 hours: Lunch • 1500 to 1800 Hours: Afternoon Safary by Jip • 1900 to 2100 Hours: Species Profiling, Data logging for the day and Photo processing • 2100 Hours: Dinner • 2130 Hours to 2300 Hours: Photo processing Day Three (Tuesday, 1st December): • 0630 Hours: Started from Jungle Inn • 0800 Hours to 1000 Hours: Third Safari by Car • 1030 Hours: Breakfast • 1100 Hours: Leaving for Bandipur • 1245 Hours: Reached at M. C. Resort, Bandipur • 1330 Hours: Lunch • 1430 Hours to 1600 Hours: Photoprocessing, species profiling, data logging • 1600 hours to 1730 hours: Exploration within resort • 1800 Hours: Tea/Coffee break • 1830 Hours to 2100 Hours: Equipment cleaning, photo processing • 2100 hours: Dinner
Day Four (Wednesday, 2nd December): • 0615 Hours: Started for first safari of Bandipur • 0630 Hours to 0900 hours: First Safari at Bandipur National Park by Jip
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0930 Hours: Breakfast 1000 Hours to 1200 Hours: photo processing, species profiling, data logging 1330 Hours to 1430 hours : Lunch 1515 Hours to 1800 hours: Second safari at Bandipur by Jip 1900 Hours: Tea/Coffee break 1930 hours to 2100 Hours: photo processing, species profiling, book keeping 2100 Hours: Dinner
Day Five (Thursday, 3rd December): • 0600 Hours: Started for Third safari at Bandipur by Bus • 0645 hours to 0830 hours: Third Safari • 0845 Hours: breakfast • 0900 Hours: Left for Bangalore • 1330 Hours: Reached at Bangalore residence • 1400 Hours: Lunch • 1430 Hours to 1700 hours: photo processing, book keeping • 1815 hours: Started from Bangalore residence to Majestic Bus Stand • 2000 Hours: Reached at Majestic Bus Stand, Anand Rao Circle • 2100 Hours: Started from Bangalore by Non AC Night Bus for Munnar Day Six (Friday, 4th December): • • • • • • • • •
0930 Hours: Reached at Munnar 1000 Hours: Reached at Eravikulam National Park, Munnar 1030 Hours to 1130 hours: Bush walking at National Park 1200 Hours to 1530 Hours: Travel from Munnar to thekkady by Car 1545 Hours: Reached at Bamboo Grove Lodge, Thekkady 1600 Hours to 1700 hours: Exploration within resort 1700 Hours to 1900 Hours: Photo processing, data logging, book keeping 1900 Hours to 2000 hours: Dinner 2000 Hours to 2100 hours: photo processing, equipment maintenance
Day Seven (Saturday, 5th December) • • • • • •
0815 Hours: Started from bamboo Grove to Periyar Tiger Reserve, Checkpost 0930 Hours: 10 Km hiking started through the buffer zone of tiger trail with cameras, survival kit and three days’ ration 1300 Hours: Reached at camping point within Tiger reserve 1330 Hours to 1430 Hours: cooking 1500 Hours to 1800 Hours: 10 km to and fro Bush walking towards N-E direction from the camp and climbing of 915 meter 1830 Hours to 1930 hours: Dinner
Day Eight (6th December) •
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0730 Hours: Breakfast
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0745 Hours: 10 km to and fro bush walking from camp towards west 1100 Hours: return from bush walking 1200 hours to 1230 hours: second breakfast 1230 Hours to 1500 hours: Rest, data logging 1500 Hours: Lunch 1545 Hours to 1745 hours: 10 km to and fro Bush walking in N-E direction from camp 1800 Hours to 1900 Hours: Tea/coffee break, data logging 1930 Hours: Dinner and night exploration around camp
Day Nine (7th December) • • •
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0800 Hours: Breakfast 1000 Hours: 10 Km hiking started from camp to check post 1300 Hours: reached at check post and left for Kochi International Airport
Annexure Three: List of Species Identified Sl.
Name Species
1.
Little cormorant
Microcarbo niger
2.
Spot billed pelican
Pelecanus philippensis
3.
Black headed ibis
Threskiornis melanocephalus
4.
River Tern
Sterna aurantia
5.
Black headed Munia
Lonchura atricapilla
6.
Jungle myna
Acridotheres fuscus
7.
White wagtail
Motacilla alba
8.
Brahminy Kites
Haliastur indus
9.
Cyornis tickelliae
10..
Tickell’s blue fly catcher Rad-wattled Lapwing
11.
Eurasian thick-knee
Burhinus oedicnemus
12.
Indian jungle Crow
Corvus culminatus
13.
Eurasian Spoon bill
Platalea leucorodia
14.
Asian Open bill stork
Anastomus oscitans
15.
Grey Heron
Ardea cinerea
16.
Black crown night heron Red vented bulbul
Nycticorax nycticorax
18.
White kingfisher
Halcyon smyrnensis
19.
Indian
17.
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of Scientific Name
throated
Cormorant
Vanellus indicus
Pycnonotus cafer
Phalacrocorax fuscicollis
Date Location
and IUCN Conservation Status
29th November, Ranganathittu; 5th December, PRT 29th November, Ranganathittu 29th November, Ranganathittu 29th November, Ranganathittu 29th November, Ranganathittu 29th November, Ranganathittu; 30th November, Nagarhole; 2nd December, Bandipur 29th November, Ranganathittu’ 2nd December, Bandipur; 5th and 6th December, PTR 29th November, Ranganathittu; 5th December, PRT 29th November, Ranganathittu 29th November, Ranganathittu; 30th November, Nagarhole; 2nd December, Bandipur; 5th and 6th December, PTR 29th November, Ranganathittu 29th November, Ranganathittu; 30th November, Nagarhole 29th November, Ranganathittu 29th November, Ranganathittu 29th November, Ranganathittu 29th November, Ranganathittu 29th November, Ranganathittu 29th November, Ranganathittu; 1st December, Nagarhole; 3rd December, Bandipur 29th November,
Least Concern
Near Threatened Near Threatened Near Threatened Least Concern Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern Least Concern
Least Concern Least Concern
Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern
Least Concern
Sl.
Name Species
of Scientific Name
20.
(immature) Spotted Dove
Spilopelia chinensis
21.
Collard Dove
Streptopelia decaocto
22.
Green bee-eater
Merops orientalis
23.
Jungle Fowl and Hen
Gallus gallus
24.
Indian Peafowl (male and Female)
Pavo cristatus
25.
Cattle Egret
Bubulcus ibis
26.
Lesser adjutant stork
Leptoptilos javanicus
31.
Terpsiphone paradise
32.
Asian Paradise Fly Catcher White (Male and female) Malabar Parakeet
33.
Jungle Babbler
Turdoides striata
34.
Racket tailed drongo
Dicrurus paradiseus
35.
Black Drongo
Dicrurus macrocercus
36.
Black shouldered kyte
Elanus axillaris
37.
Black Kyte
Milvus migrans
38.
Koel male and female
Eudynamys scolopaceus
39.
Passer domesticus
40.
Indian Sparrow (Male and Female) Southern grey Shrike
41.
White bellied drongo
Dicrurus caerulescens
42.
Indian Pond Heron
Ardeola grayii
43.
Brown Fish Owl
Bubo zeylonensis
44.
Picus xanthopygaeus
45.
Streak throated woodpecker Commomn Hoopoe
46.
Long tale shrike
Lanius schach
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Psittacula columboides
Lanius meridionalis
Upupa epops
Date Location
and IUCN Conservation Status
Ranganathittu 30th November, Nagarhole; 2nd December, Bandipur 30th November, Nagarhole 30th November, Nagarhole 30th November, 1st December Nagarhole; 2nd December, Bandipur 30th November, 1st December, Nagarhole; 2nd December, Bandipur 30th November, Nagarhole; 1st December, Bandipur 30th November, Nagarhole 30th November, Nagarhole 30th November, Nagarhole; 2nd December, Bandipur 30th November, 1st December, Nagarhole 1st December, Nagarhole 1st December, Bandipur; 5th December, PTR 1st December, Bandipur; 6th December, PTR 1st December, Bandipur 1st December, Bandipur 1st December, Bandipur 1st December, Bandipur 1st and 2nd December, Bandipur 2nd December, Bandipur; 5th December, PTR 2nd December, Bandipur 2nd December, Bandipur 2nd December, Bandipur 2nd December,
Least Concern
Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern
Vulnerable Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern
Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern
Sl.
Name Species
47.
Paddy field Pipit
Anthus rufulus
48.
Yellow billed Babbler
Turdoides affinis
49.
Lesser whistling goose
Dendrocygna javanica
50.
Spot billed duck
Anas poecilorhyncha
51.
Brahminy Starling (mature) Yellow footed green pigeon Common Flameback
Sturnia pagodarum
Copsychus saularis
55.
Oriental magpie Robin (Male) Indian Robin (Male)
56.
Orange minivet
Pericrocotus flammeus
57.
Greater coucal
Centropus sinensis
58.
Oriole black napped
Oriolus chinensis
59.
Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus
60. 61. 62.
Grey headed fish eagle – adult Woolly necked stork Osprey Serpent Eagle
63. 64. 65.
Emerald dove Great Indian Horn bill Darter
Chalcophaps indica Buceros bicornis Anhinga melanogaster
66.
Little Egret
Egretta garzetta
67.
Flying Fox
Pteropus vampyrus
68.
Bonnet Macaque
Macaca radiata
69.
Sambar herds
70.
Chital (Male, female and calf)
Axis axis
71.
Three-striped squirrel
Funambulus palmarum
52. 53. 54.
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(Male
of Scientific Name
and
palm
Treron phoenicoptera Dinopium javanense
Saxicoloides fulicatus
Ciconia episcopus Pandion haliaetus Spilornis cheela
Cervus unicolor
Date Location
and IUCN Conservation Status
Bandipur 2nd December, Bandiur 2nd December, Bandiur 2nd December, Bandiur 2nd December, Bandiur 2nd December, Bandiur 2nd December, Bandiur 2nd December, Bandiur 2nd and 3rd December, Bandiur 2nd December, Bandiur 3rd December, Bandipur 4th December, Munnar 4th December, Munnar 5th and 6th December, PTR 6th December, PTR 6th December, 2015 5th and 6th December, PTR 5th December, PTR 5th December, PTR 29th November, Ranganathittu 29th November, Ranganathittu 29th November, Ranganathittu 29th November, Ranganathittu; 2nd December, Bandipur, 4th December, Munnar, 5th and 6th December at PTR 30th November, Nagarhole; 5th December, PTR 30th November, 1st, 2nd and 3rd December at Nagarhole and Bandipur 30th November, 1st, and 3rd 2nd December at Nagarhole and
Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Near Threatened Vulnerable Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Near Threatened Least Concern Near Threatened Least Concern
Vulnerable
Least Concern
Least Concern
Sl.
Name Species
72.
Indian Bison (Gaur)
Bos gaurus
73.
South West Langur
Semnopithecus dussumieri
74.
Elephant (tusker, cow, Herds with calf)
Elephas maximus indicus
75.
Indian Giant squirrel
Ratufa indica
76.
Wild Boar
Sus scrofa
77.
Herpestes vitticollis
79.
Stripe Necked Mongoose (male and Pair) Leopard (pair and adult male) Sloth Bear
Melursus ursinus
80.
Nilgiri tahr
Nilgiritragus hylocrius
81.
Rudy Mongoose
Herpestes edwardsii
82.
Nilgiri langur
Trachypithecus johnii
83. 84.
Barking deer Porcupine
Muntiacini Hystrix cristata
85.
Muggar Crocodile
Crocodylus palustris
86.
Indian pond terrapin
Melanochelys trijuga
87.
Indian common toad
Duttaphrynus melanostictus
88. 89. 90.
Giant jungle spider Grasshopper Leech
78.
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of Scientific Name
Panthera pardus
Date Location
and IUCN Conservation Status
Bandipur 30th November, 1st December at Nagarhole, 2nd December at Bandipur, 5th and 6th December at PTR 30th November, Nagarhole, 2nd December, Bandiur 30th November and 1st December at Nagarhole, 5th and 7th December at PTR 30th November, Nagarhole 30th November, Nagarhole; 1st and 2nd December, Bandipur; and 5th and 6th December, PTR 1st December, Nagarhole and 3rd December, Bandipur 2nd December, Bandipur 2nd December, Bandipur 4th December, Munnar 4th December, Thekkady 5th and 6th December, PTR 6th December, PTR 5th and 6th December, PTR 29th November, Ranganathittu 1st December, Nagarhole 2nd December, Bandipur 5th December, PTR 5th December, PTR 5th, 6th and 7th December, PTR
Vulnerable
Least Concern
Endangered
Least Concern Least Concern
Least Concern
Near Threatened Vulnerable Endangered Least Concern Endangered Least Concern Least Concern Vulnerable Near Threatened Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern Least Concern
Annexure Four: List of Gears used in Exploration
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Annexure Five: Reference 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
http://en.wikipedia.org/ http://thekkady.org/ Birds of Indian Subcontinent – 2nd edition Birds of India by Krys Kuzmierczal; illustared by Ber Van Perlo The Book of Indian Animals by S.H. Praler The Book of Indian Reptiles and Amphibians by J.C. Daniel Indian Mammals by V. K. Menon Plant Species by H. P. Sharma Flowering Plants of Sholas and Grasslands of the Nilgiris, by N. Krishna Kumar, P. S. Udayan, S. P. Subramani, and R. Anandalakshmi 10. Flowering Trees – Shrubs and climbers of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal by Rupinder Khullar 11. Encyclopaedia of Primitive Tribes in India, Volume 2, By P. K. Mohanty 12. Population Estimation of Mammals in Nagarahole National Park ---- Validation of the results from Large Mammal Census and Long-term Study from Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarahole NP) by Surendra Varma, Asian Elephant Research & Conservation Centre (A division of Asian Nature Conservation Foundation), C/o Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012 13. A Study of Man-Elephant Conflict in Nagarhole National Park and Surrounding Areas of Kodagu District in Karnataka, India by Karnataka Forest Department POPULATION STRUCTURE OF ELEPHANTS IN PERIYAR TIGER RESERVE SOUTHERN INDIA INTERNAL REPORT BY DR. N. BASKARAN, JUNE 2000, AISIAN ELEPHANT RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION CENTRE, CENTRE FOR ECOLOGICAL SCIENCES, INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE
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