Holocene year 3 issue 2

Year 3/Issue 02/October–November 2017

The World After 5th Extinction

The Shifting Scenarios of Birding in Uttarakhand

Game Theory, Graph Theory

Featuring Asian Biodiversity

And Minimum Spanning Tree…

Basics of Ethical Birding Techniques

Asiatic Lion Previous Range and Present Days Distribution

Gunjan Eco park

Monthly Newsletter of

One of the last refuge

The Shifting Scenarios of Birding in Uttarakhand Cover Photo : Dwaipayan Ghosh

Year 3/Issue 02/October–November 2017

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead

Blackbuck (male); Photography by Samiran Halder

Year 3/Issue 02/October–November 2017

The Holocene is the geological epoch that began after the Pleistocene at approximately 11,700 years BP and continues to the present. As Earth warmed after the Ice Age, the human population increased and early man began to change the planet forever. For Exploring Nature, our newsletter Holocene is our platform to convey our concerns on human threat to biodiversity. We will use our newsletter as a media to highlight the current local and global issues which could impact biodiversity of Mother Nature and promote awareness of biodiversity in alignment with our group’s mission of promoting awareness of different aspects of Mother Nature among people.

In this newsletter our readers will get information and periodic updates on.

Recent significant discussions on biodiversity, going on across the world.

Major recent research and studies on biodiversity.

Biodiversity explorations planned and conducted by national and international groups as well as Exploring Nature.

Information and interesting readings on wildlife photography and biodiversity modelling etc.

Holocene Year 3/Issue 02/October–November 2017

Content: Cover Story The Shifting Scenarios of Birding in Uttarakhand by Rajiv Bisht Puran Singh 3|Page Editorial Stop! Don’t shoot like this…

5|Page Experts’ Voice Game Theory, Graph Theory and Minimum Spanning Tree… by Saurabh Shanu & Sudeepto Bhattacharya 7|Page Basics of Ethical Birding Techniques

by Harikrishna Adepu 10|Page Exploration Camp The Asiatic Lion Previous Range and Present Days Distribution by Dwaipayan Ghosh 12|Page

© Exploring Nature Cover, Design and Illustration © Exploring Nature All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage or retrieval systems, without proper prior permission in writing from Exploring Nature.

Editorial Board Editor in Chief : Co–Editors :

Anwesha Ghatak Dwaipayan Ghosh, Arnab Basu and Vrushabh Borkar

Cohabitation Gunjan Eco Park : One of the last refuge by Saptarshi Mukherjee 16|Page Ask me Anything Question on Landscape Complex 20|Page Theme Poster Chestnut – Capped Babbler by Ambar Chakraborty 22|Page

Social Media Coordinators Koushik Mondal and Samiran Halder Logo and Title Design Arijit Das Majumder and Saikat Chakraborty Website www.exploringnature.org.in

The Monthly Newsletter of

e-mail holocene@exploringnature.org.in info@exploringnature.org.in 2|Page

Year 3/Issue 02/October–November 2017

Rajiv Bisht Puran Singh

Author is an Avifauna Enthusiast and Conservationist from Uttarakhand.

Translated by Anwesha Ghatak from original Hindi version.

Species of resident birds identified in Uttarakhand, a newly founded state in the Northern part of India, is 697, which comprises more than half of India’s avifauna population. The climate of Uttarakhand is quite varied and so the dense vegetation of the land is a mix of “Sal” tree (Shorea robusta) and various fruit bearing tress. The forests of this “Northern Land” are populated with banyan tree, peepal tree, Rhododendron plants, Pines, Deodar tree, medicinal plants timur. When the fruits are ripe, they attract flocks of local birds, including barbets, woodpeckers, orioles, leafbirds.

Commercialization of hills results in numerous tree felling. The birds’ chirps are replaced with bulldozers and diggers, once a serene land where wind whispered sweet nothings to tree branches, is turned into multi-storied hotels, resorts, home-stays. Human interferences increase, the land is slowly taken over by tourists and local business-owners. Many glaciers of the great Himalayan ranges, surrounding Uttarakhand is a great source of rivers. The terrain is flanked by many water-falls and streams big and small and the banks of the rivers are hot-spots for commercial tourism. The intrusion disrupts kingfisher or dipper habitats. Small villages, once a safe haven for birds to quench thirst and hunger are now under the commandments of corporate. Pangot near Nainital was once home for a birding camp, but after the locals sold their lands for commercial developments, there is little or no viewing of birds. When you sell your soil, you also vend your soul. Nature’s virginity is taken away in the name of progress depriving birds of shelters. In a similar manner Habitats of birds in Sattal birding camp is on the verge of destruction, if we do not defy deforestation.

Fast reducing forests is compelling birds to stay close to tribal communities, with a hope to get food and minimal trespass. Birds will not fly away unless and until they feel threatened and if we have patience to observe them calmly, any kind of chaos will scare them off. Kotdwar birding camp is an ideal example of conserving bird habitats. Guarded by mountains, this camp is on a foot-hill where flamboyant streams flow, sal trees provide sheds and other jungle trees bring fruits to welcome the birds. Less human access preserves the birding camp with all its natural beauty.

Since its founding days, Uttarakhand’s disproportionate growth is leading to environmental disasters, 3|Page

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deranging bio-habitats in Pongat, Nainital, Sattal or the valley of Chopta. The developmental blunders are seriously endangering the rare bird species Monal, the state bird of Uttarakhand. Soon Monals will be extinct from this pious land if we do not restrict encroachment. Will the birds of this northern state meet with a similar fate like their city counterparts “house sparrow”, a question we need to raise? Birds can tune in with harmless human activities, like brown dipper, crested kingfisher, common kingfisher perfectly co-habit with villagers sharing the same water source. Tiny birds like warblers, tits or muinas are commonly found into the sparse forest areas and bushes near human occupancies. The birds exist with humans in total peace.

Birding is not just about capturing the feathery beauties with the lenses, but to be educated with the bio-diversity of that particular nature camp, the realm of the birds and the behavioral patterns of the winged creatures. A study through the natural history of the residents or migratory birds will give a clear understanding of the birding experience. There are different kinds of visiting population among birds; some are seasonal migration, some in search for a warm and cozy place to breed. Uttarakhand, famous for its Panorama is ideal for bird viewing and more sanctuaries should emerge with proper infrastructure. At the same time stringent rules should be administered for birding groups. Large numbers of tourists should be avoided. Anybody carrying lenses should be responsible enough not to budge in the resting sites of the birds. A while ago Uttarakhand woods were echoed with the pecking of woodpeckers. But men’s greed is claiming more and more perennial plants. Woodpeckers are losing their homes and hope to feel secured. Carry a sapling with you whenever you visit a campsite in Uttarakhand or anywhere for that matter and plant that on the soil. The sapling will flourish with leaves and new branches and eventually host a congregation of birds for your inspection.

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Editorial

Stop! Don’t shoot like this…

Let's face it – wildlife photography is the holy grail of all photography. Photograph of fish eagle pounding his wings to lift the tiger fish that it has just caught in its talons and you have a picture that will captivate any audience – some will drop their jaws in wonder as to how you managed to capture it, while others will just revel in its timeless magnificence.

Now, the question is, why we want to take these kinds of exceptional pictures and the most common answer will be, “because we want the satisfaction of achieving an exceptional shot”. That leads to the cliche, “Do whatever it takes to get the shot”. And here Wildlife Photography does differ from other genres of Photography. When we make the all-important transition of realising that the well-being of our subject is more important than a mere photo of it, we are truly on the road to greatness.

We can certainly call our time as “The Era of Photography and Eco-Tourism”. With the neo–liberal economic reforms in various developing countries, consumerism is gaining momentum. Like many other facets of modern human civilization, development of ecotourism has emerged as the most happening thing beckoning common tourists. Since late 20th century, craze for ecotourism is everincreasing. In a report, UNWTO revealed that in 2007, ecotourism alone hold 7% share of the global market and is still on a rise. According to Travel Weekly, it would grow up to 25% of the world travel market, bagging approximately $473 billion a year. With an annual growth rate of 10 to 15% worldwide, Ecotourism is the fastest growing subsector of tourism and the major share of the revenue is generated in the developing countries compared to developed countries. The popularity of nature and wildlife photography is also increasing in keeping with this growing ecotourism.

As the access to wildlife photography increases, there are some adverse effects on nature, if not handled with expertise. In various cases, Wildlife photography is causing significant disturbances to animals in their natural habitats. The growing interest in travelling to developing countries, has created a boom in resorts and hotels constructions, particularly in the viccinity of rain forest and mangrove forest lands. Wildlife viewing is scaring away animals, disrupting their feeding and nesting sites, or acclimating them to the presence of people. In Kenya, for an example, wildlife-observer disruption is continuously driving cheetahs off their reserves, increasing the risk of inbreeding and further endangerment of the species. In Manú National Park, Peru, increase in boat traffic has disturbed the feeding pattern of giant otters. There are many incidences, when guides chase wildlife, dig up turtle nests, create chaos in bird habitats, to give clients better photography opportunities.

In India also, Wildlife Photography, hasn’t always served its purposes. One of the most disgraceful chapters in the history of wildlife photography in India is the nest photography craze that had spread like wildfire in the early 1990s. In a quest to outdo each other, many photographers practiced levels of insensitivity and brutality bwyond comprehension. Their modus operandi was quite simple: they would scout around, or offer rewards to villagers, for locating active nests. Once the nest of a desired species was discovered, the photographer would land up and do some ‘gardening’ – a euphemism for removing leaves or twigs to get a clear view of the nest. With the obstructions out of the way, nesting activity would be photographed from all angles, sometimes with multiple flashes positioned around the nest. Once the photographer was satiated with his efforts, he would depart, leaving the exposed nest vulnerable to predators. Some went even further, and destroyed the nest (and eggs or chicks) so that other photographers could not take advantage of their ‘find’.

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This went on for a few years, until there was severe condemnation from conservationists and photographers with a conscience. The pernicious practice finally died out when nest pictures were banned from competitions. However, even today, some novice semi-literate over-enthusiasts with fancy lenses cannot resist their urges to track bird nests and boast their immoral clicks of nestlings on social media. Little do they know that they only exhibit their idiocy by doing so? Before pursuing any hobby or passion, one should be enlightened enough of the subject matter. A lot of research goes behind any successful photographer or wildlife activists.

Back then there were far fewer nature photographers in India, so any damage caused by a few unethical ones was somewhat limited. Since entry barriers for newcomers were formidable, the annual increase in the number of ‘wildlife photographers’ was incremental. Cameras and lenses were far more expensive due to prohibitive customs duties. It was rare to see someone with a 300mm lens, let alone anything longer! Film and processing were costly too. And not everyone had a car to take off into the countryside on weekends. The kind of money needed to pursue this expensive hobby was largely restricted to an affluent few.

But all that changed with economic reforms and the technology boom. Suddenly, youngsters were able to get five-figure salaried jobs straight out of college. At the same time, customs duties dropped drastically, camera manufacturers set up dealerships in India, social media took off, and wildlife documentaries on television ignited an enormous thirst for travel and photography. Nature photography as a hobby took off on an exponential curve.

While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to enjoy nature and photograph wildlife, how we do it, matters. ‘Enjoyment’ must be tempered with responsibility. Unfortunately, the two rarely seem to go together. Many photographers probably don’t even think about their impact on wildlife, and may regard animals simply as ‘models’ those “Pose” for their photographic pleasure. It probably does not even occur to them that their actions could cause stress to an animal, perhaps even affecting it profoundly. Simply becoming aware of the issue might make many photographers – at least those who are otherwise ‘decent’ folks – think carefully on their next outing, and modify their behaviour appropriately. American wildlife photographer, George Lepp puts it succinctly, when he says: “Curious Innocents energetically “interacting with nature” endanger themselves and their potential subjects and rarely bring back photographic prizes. Mother Nature may suffer from fools with cameras, but she will not gladly give up her secrets to them.”

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Experts’ Voice

Saurabh Shanu

Depertment of Virtualisation School of Computer Science and Engineering University of Petroleum and Energy Studies Dehradoon, Uttarakhand

Sudipto Bhattacharya

Depertment of Mathematics School of Natural Science Shiv Nadar University Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttarpradesh

In the present work, we shall describe a modelling of a feasible wildlife corridor for the tiger using two specific areas of discrete mathematics. In this section, we shall provide the essentials of both these areas, in order to make the work self-contained.

The first of the two areas mentioned in preceding paragraph is Game theory, which studies and models situations of competition and conflict – of cooperation and defection – between several interacting agents, for shared resources (Webb 2007). We use game theory in this paper to model the interactions between possible tiger passages within the landscape, and the different landscape features.

Let G (S, ∑, ∏) be a normal form, strategic game where ∀i∊/={1,…., n} ⊂ℵ, n≥2 (i) S={S,} is the set of interacting agents or players; (ii) ∑i ≠{ } is the set of strategies for the player Si. ∑=∑1 x … x ∑nis the space of strategies, with σ=(σ1,...,σn)∊∑ being a strategy profile of the game G; (iii) ∏i:∑→ℜ is the payoff function, which assigns to each strategy profile σ a real number ∏ ̩ (σ), the payoff earned by the player S ̩ when σ is played in G. ∏=∏1 x...x ∏n is the space of payoff functions in the game.

Let the game G be repeated in periods of discrete timet∊ℵ. Assume that the players are ‘hardwired’ to 7|Page

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play only pure strategies in G . Thus each strategy set ∑i is a member of the standard basis for the strategy space ∑ where the ith coordinate is 1 and the rest are zeroes, and thus would correspond to a corner point of the simplex Λ={ p̂ =(p1, p2,..., p3)T ∊ ℜ : pi≥ ̩ 0, i ∊ N, n∏i=1 pi = 1}, which is the simplex corresponding to ∑.

Let the Prisoner’s Dilemma game, a non-zero sum, non-cooperative, symmetric game be represented

by G such that n=2. Let the two pure strategies that the two players can opt for, be called cooperate (C) and defect (D), respectively, giving ∑i {C, D}, i=1, 2. The bounded simplex corresponding to G would be given by Λ={p̂ =(p1, p2)T ∊ ℜ : pi ≥0, i ∊{1, 2}, 2∑i=1 pi=1} ⊆ ℜ2 In the strategic form, G may be described by the following payoff matrix: C

D

C

(R, R)

(S, T)

D

(T, S)

(P, P)

With the row player being the first player S1 and the column player being the second one S2 In the above game, both the players S1 and S2 have two pure strategies each to choose from: either play C or play D. If both play C, each obtains a reward R as the payoff for cooperating. If both play D instead, each obtains a punishment P for defecting, as the payoff. If one player plays C while the other plays D, then the one playing D obtains a payoff of temptation (to defect) T while the one playing C gets a payoff of sucker’s, S. The game G is then defined by the constraint on the payoffs thus: T>R>P>S. It is obvious from the foregoing discussion, that in a single shot, non-iterated game, the dominant strategy is D, and hence both the players, being rational, would choose to play D in order to maximize their individual payoffs. However, as the above game matrix shows, in an attempt to maximize individual payoffs, the players obtain equilibrium as (P, P) , which, being Nash equilibrium, is a suboptimal solution of the game, the optimal solution being (R, R) , that could have been obtained through mutual cooperation of the players. Selfish defection gives a higher payoff than cooperation but if both defect, condition is worse than if both cooperate (Hofbauer and Sigmund 1998; Webb 2007).

Prisoner’s Dilemma, though being a general-sum game, would adequately capture and model the essential conflicts of interest among the players involved in the present modelling (Axelrod and Hamilton 1981; Axelrod 1984).

The theme of this work is landscape-level conservation planning, given spatial information about locations of entities (tiger habitat patches) of interest. The map suggests that the possible landscape connectivity between the tiger habitat patches in the focal complex could conveniently be represented as a network. A network is a mathematical model of a real-world situation, which is amenable to analysis by using graph theory, the other area of discrete mathematics that we wish to use for the present modelling (Bondy and Murty 2008; Diestel 2006; Chetkiewicz et al. 2006; Taylor et al. 1993).

Graph theory has been recognized as a potent framework for modelling landscape connectivity in scholarship, at least since the last decade of the previous century (Bunn et al. 2000; Cantwell and Forman 1993; Dunne et al. 2002; Fall et al. 2007; Gastner and Newman 2006; Keitt 2003; Minor and Urban 2007, 2008; Urban and Keitt 2001; Taylor et al. 1993). This body of research serves as our motivation to apply graph theoretic reasoning in the present work to advance our arguments in the paragraphs that follow.

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A graph Γ(⩗(Γ).E(Γ).Ψr) (henceforth Γ) is an ordered triple comprising a set ⩗(Γ) of vertices, a set E(Γ) of edges, such that V⌒E=∅ , and an incidence function Ψr : E→[⩗]2 where [⩗]2 is the set of unordered pair of (not necessarily distinct) vertices of Γ, ∍ e↦Ψr(e)={vi, vj}, vi, vj∊⩗, ∀e∊E. The vertices vi and vj are incident with the edge e, and vice versa. In the aforesaid, the edge e joins the vertices vi, vj, which, in turn, are the end vertices of e. Also, vi, vj connected via the incidence function Ψr, are adjacent to each other. Γ, as defined thus, is an undirected graph. Γ is finite if both V and E are finite sets. Then, |V| the order and |E| the size, define the two parameters of Γ respectively. The degree of a vertex vi is the number of edges for which vi is an end vertex. A path in Γ is a sequence of vertices v1, v2,..., vn and a sequence of distinct edges e1, e2,…, en-1 such that each successive pair of vertices vk, vk+1 are adjacent and are the end vertices of ek. A path that begins and ends at the same vertex is a cycle. Γ is acyclic if it contains no cycle and is connected if there exists a path from any vertex to any other vertex in Γ. For the present work, we shall consider Γ to be undirected and finite graph.

A tree T is a connected acyclic graph, and a vertex of the tree that has degree exactly one is a leaf of the tree. If there exists a vertex v0∊T such that there exists a unique path from v0 to every other vertex in T but no path from v0 to v0, then v0 is the root of the tree T. A tree T is a spanning tree of the connected graph Γ if it is a spanning subgraph of Γ with vertex set ⩗(Γ). We omit the proofs of the following propositions and theorems that we mention for the sake of providing the basis for our arguments and deductions in the paper.

Proposition 1. In a tree, any two vertices are connected by exactly one path.

Proposition 2. Every nontrivial tree has at least two leaves.

Theorem 1. If T(V(T),E(T) is a tree, then |E(T)|=|V(T)|-1.

Let T be a tree in the graph Γ. If |V(T)=|V| , then T is a spanning tree of Γ.

Theorem 2. A graph is connected if and only if it has a spanning tree.

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Harikrishna Adepu

Author is an Avifauna Enthusiast and Conservationist from Hyderabad, Telangana. He is one of the Founder of one of the most prominent Bird Watching Group, “Hyderabad Birding Pals”.

From time to time, we all need a reminder about proper birding etiquettes. There are numerous cases where unethical behaviour had taken a toll on birders to witness some fine birding experiences. We all need to be very cautious about birding expeditions, especially in large groups, and ensure that birds’ habitats are not disturbed.

To start with, dresses the birders choose to wear play an important role in making the birds feel safe.

Wearing flashy or bright colours, such as blue, red, white etc., might lead the birds astray. Dull coloured dresses, especially green or brown, in sync with the surroundings would camouflage the bird watchers and not jeopardize natural behavioural patterns of the birds.

Bizarre conduct by excited birders, “anxious” to get a closer look or better photograph might muddle not only the avifauna inhabitants but also other visitors. As an expert or guide, when we take people in large numbers for birding, it is better to have a quick chat with everyone in the group about the behaviour to be observed while birding and photographing the birds and ensure everyone follows the same.

Also, for the shutterbugs who try to get too close to the birds for that one “Close-up” shot, would frighten the bird who is sitting quiet on a tree branch, perhaps waiting on the next kill or a possible mating. The serious observers waiting patiently with binoculars would definitely disapprove any kind of chaos in the name of birding. It is morally suggested to maintain a safe distance from the bird in a way that the bird is caught unaware. The telephoto zoom lenses for DSLR cameras could enhance the scope of capturing the feathery beauties as they are standing at a vantage point.

Using a flash while photographing birds in bushes where there is not enough light, might bedazzle the bird. It is never recommended to use a flash not only for birds, but, also for mammals or any such wildlife, which might irritate the tranquil creatures. Importantly, while birding or photographing, whenever a nest is observed with the nestlings, it is a strict NO to get near. Even if it costs a great picture, it is improper, as this behavior will scare the parent birds to abandon the nest, leaving the nestlings to fend for themselves. The lives of the nestlings will be at stake for a mere 10 | P a g e

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photograph of it.

In a nutshell, it is very important for us to blend with the nature to have a memorable birding experience. The below points summarize the ethics of birding and help the birders get the joy of birding: 1. The wellbeing of the bird must be the main concern and every effort should be made to ensure that the bird is not stressed in any way.

2. Keep disruptions to a minimum. Some species can tolerate human activity, while others are extremely sensitive. Migrants are especially sensitive to interference as they might be tired and hungry from the long trajectory. They need their rest and food.

3. Rare birds are exciting, but the circumstances should be scrutinized thoroughly before widely circulating the information of sighting.

4. The habitat should not be altered at any cost.

5. Terrorizing nesting sites to optimize photographic opportunities is a clear no. Intruding a bird’s feeding area or nesting site can cause trauma that may drive the bird into an area where it is more vulnerable to predators.

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Exploration Camp

Dwaipayan Ghosh

Former Range Lions were spread into north-western Asia from Europe and then westward into Africa, where it established its dominion practically over the whole of the continent. During Biblical times lions were abundant in Asia Minor and Palestine. From these parts, their territory extended to Iraq through Iran, to Baluchistan into India. The lion came to India by way of our north–western passes and it once inhabited practically the whole northern and central India from Sindh to Bengal, from the Ganges and Indus to the northern banks of Narmada. Its limited distribution in India suggest that the lion is comparatively recent immigrant into India.

The Asiatic/Persian lion (P. l. persica) once was found in Europe and Asia (eastward up to India’s Gangetic plain). In Asia, this subspecies was historically stretched from Syria, across the Middle East to Eastern India. In early 19th century even around 1850, the lions’ distribution was quite extensive across Indian subcontinent. Large number were found in present day states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh with reports of strugglers from Bihar and Odisha. A lion never reported from south of Narmada river. The last lions in India outside Gir forest had been shot by 1888 (Lydekker 1895). The last reports of Asiatic lions outside India (Heaney 1944, Champion-Jones 1945) were in Iran.

Present Days Distribution and Population The once widely distributed Asiatic lion is now confined in the Gir Forest and surrounding areas, in the state of Gujarat in north-western India. In 2007, lions were restricted into 1621 sq.km distributed in five (5) Protected Areas (Gir National Park, Gir Sanctuary, Pania Sanctuary, Mitiyala Sanctuary and Girnar Sanctuary). Among these five (5) Protected Areas, Gir National Park, Gir Sanctuary and 12 | P a g e

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Pania Sanctuary cover an area of 1452 sq.km of a compact block forest in Junagadh, Gir-Somnath and Amreli districts of the state of Gujarat. Mitiyala Sanctuary near Gir East and Girnar near Gir West are the first two satellite sanctuaries for the lion, where animals move freely from the Gir forest through both forests and non-forest areas.

With strengthening conservation measures and habitat recovery, the number of lions has increased and they have dispersed into the satellite areas Girnar, Mitiyala, Babara vidi, coastal areas, Amardi, Liliya–Krankach, Jesor, Shatrunjay hills and Hippavadli areas (Figure 1).

Figure 1 : Asiatic Lion Distribution range in 2015

More than the area of PAs covering satellite areas and their corridors has been proposed for notification as an Ecological Sensitive Zone (ESZ), which is pending with the Government of India for final declaration (source: Gujarat Forest Department).

With five PAs (1649 km2), and a substantial area (more than five PAs) under the proposed ESZ, the total area under the conservation regime would be quite high.

However, the visiting area of lions may be three times the above, spreading in over 1475 villages of the four districts (Junagadh, Gir–Somnath, Amreli and Bhavnagar).

The number of Asiatic lion was lowest during the first and second decade of the 20th century, when only a few dozen of them survived in and around the Gir. The restriction on hunting and protection measures initiated during the second and third decades in the 20th century paid dividends and helped in the conservation of lions. The Asiatic lion again faced problems on transition of political power after independence, when the animal was on the verge of extinction in the late 1950s and early 1960s. After the establishment of the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in 1965 and resettlement of 588 maldhari (a cattlerearing community) families among 845 families outside Gir, the situation improved. Analysis of census data shows that the impact of intensive conservation during the last five decades since implementation of the Gir Sanctuary Project is reflected in the population growth of prey and predator (Tables 1).

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Area

Core Population – Gir Forest including Pania and Babara vidi Satellite I : Girnar Satellite II : Mitiyala Satellite III : Coastal Junagadh Satellite IV : Coastal Amreli Satellite V : Amardi–Lilia–Krankach– Savarkundala in Amreli district Satellite VI : Satrunji–Jesor–Hippavadli, coastal area in Bhavnagar district Total

1974

Year 1995 2010

2015

180

262

306

315

* * ---

13 * 10 16

23 7 9 12

33 8 32 18

--

*

31

80

--

--

23

37

180

304

411

523

* A few lions frequented from the Gir forest and were counted with the core population.

Table 1 : Population Trend and Lion Dispersion

In 14th Asiatic Lion census done in 2015, 523 individual wild Asiatic Lions comprising of 109 adult males, 201 adult females and 213 cubs were present in Gir Forest and its surrounding areas.

Home Range, Habitat Use, Present Dispersion and Cattle Killing Trend Dr. Joslin Paul (in 1973) found that the home ranges of 2 coalitions of 2 males to be 74 and 188 sq km, respectively, whereas ranges of two female groups were 74 and 81 sq km. On an average females moved 2.5km per day and 95% of their movements were less than 5.3km. Males moved daily an average of 5.3km and 95% of their movements did not exceed 13.4km. By analysing radio tracking data, it is found that males had annual home range of ca 100 sq km and females had 50 sq km. Even resident males were regularly observed using the area outside the limits of the protected area even in Crop fields and human settlements.

This home range utilisation pattern is one of the most important key to understand the cause of Human-Lion Conflicts in Kathiawad region. With the increasing number, there is not enough room for Asiatic Lion in Gir Forest. Lions are more and more visiting human settlements and more often getting involved in livestock killing. As a resolution of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and Forest Conservation Act, 1980, though most of Maldharies and other tribes have been relocated outsite the protected forest area, lions are visiting nearby villages and killing cattle .

In 2015, Surprisingly, the number of lions and their dispersion trend continued beyond the expectation of conservationists. Lions had limitations of dispersion in the west due to intensive cultivation and human habitation, but wasteland, forests and presence of grazing ground with livestock and blue bull attracted the spilled lion population in the east, radiating far away in the eastern landscape in Amreli and Bhavnagar districts. A total of 356 lions were counted in the five PAs, including Girnar and Mitiyala – the satellite sanctuaries. A total of 208 lions were counted in satellite and other areas, far away from the boundaries of the Gir forest.

According to official records of livestock kills during the last three decades, movement of lions had been reported in 1475 villages in the four districts, although the animals occasionally visited some villages in Jetpur and Gondal talukas in Rajkot district as well. In fact the occupancy area of the lion is less than the visiting or movement areas. Presence of the animal was noticed in 57% of total villages in the four districts5. Based on livestock kill data and lion census in 2015, the Wildlife Division, Sasan estimated very high distribution range because certain villages visited by nomad lions once due to some compulsion were also included along with other villages within this range which were 14 | P a g e

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never visited by the lion. Such areas are excluded in this study. It is difficult to estimate accurate distribution range of the lion, but, based on livestock kill data and the frequent movement of the animal, the range may be projected roughly about 12,500–13,000 km2, a substantial increase from 2010. In recent years, annual predation rate of the livestock in the villages is about 3400 individuals.

Figure 2: Present Asiatic Lion Home Range 1. Category A Village : High rate of livestock killing 2. Category B Village : Moderate rate of livestock killing 3. Category C Village : rare or occasional livestock killing

To be Continued…

References: 1. Mammals of South Asia – Ajt Johnsingh & Nima Manjrekar 2. Indian Mammals – S. H. Prater 3. A Handbook of The Mammals in India – T. C. Jerdon 4. Indian Mammals a Field Guide – Vivek Menon 5. Evolution of Cats by Stephen J. O’Brien & Warren E. Johnson in Scientific American 6. The Evolutionary Dynamics of the Lion Panthera leo Revealed by Host and Viral Population Genomics 7. Dispersion of the Asiatic lion Panthera leo persica and its survival in human-dominated landscape outside the Gir forest, Gujarat, India – H. S. Singh 8. 14th Lion Population and Estimation Report, 2015 – Gujarat Forest Depertment 9. The Asiatic Lion: A Study of Ecology and behaviour by Dr. Paul Joslin (1973). PhD Thesis, Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Edinburgh 10. Ecology of Asiatic lion (P. l. persca) by Dr. Ravi Chellam, PhD Thesis, Saurashtra University, Rajkot.

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Cohabitation

Saptarshi Mukherjee

Author is an Avifauna Enthusiast and Explorer from West Bengal.

They are the guests. They come every year when the winter comes. In fact their arrival announces that winter is knocking at India’s doors. During winter, in the Northern Hemisphere, several species of birds migrate annually from Trans-Himalayan regions and other parts of Northern Asia to the wetlands of India. They are the visitors who take shelter in most of the major rivers, lakes, ponds of India and so in West Bengal. The entire water body becomes lively by the quaking of the ducks, whooping of the crane, chirping of the taiga. They return to the exact same location from where they come with the onset of spring. Santragachi of Howrah district, Gajaldoba of NorthBengal, Chupi of Burdwan are the major areas in West Bengal where this great migration occurs every year.

The “Gunjan Ecological Park” of Asansol is garnering Migratory birds and gradually finding its spot among favorites of the wandering avifauna. Previous year, nearly 2000 migratory birds came in Gunjan. This year the number is estimated to be more or less the same.

A barren widespread area with an abandoned OCP (Open Cast Project of coal mining) which was serving as a rendezvous of the criminals and anti-socials, has since been transformed into a beautiful picturesque park named as “Gunjan” in 1995 by law enforcement initiatives and efforts,. Aforestation with a number of trees and pisciculture at the water body of the abandoned OCP has been made. A children’s park has been developed at the place and maintained well. The area has become a lucrative tourist spot as well as the place of interest for kids. A mini zoo functioning at “Gunjan” with birds etc is being closed due to absence of NOC (No objection certificate) from the appropriate authority.

Central Zoo Authority has since petitioned to get a license in favour of “Gunjan” to run a Nature Interpretation and Rescue Centre for the wild life and for a mini zoo.

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For last few years, this water body of “Gunjan” is attracting flocks of birds. The water body and dense trees and bushes beside the lake make a home for near about 3000 resident and migratory birds.

The major ducks which is found here comprises of Red Crested Pochard, Gadwall, Northern Pintail, Tufted Duck. Lesser Whistling Duck and Cotton Pygmy Goose are the resident ducks. In 2015, the local ornithologist Mr. Ajoy Kr Dawn found a Baikal Teal and recorded a shot.

Not only aornithologist or a birdwatcher, but anybody will fall in love seeing the feathered beauties floating on water or resting on the trees. The entire park is enchanted by the chirping, quacks, tweets and songs. Apart from the birds mentioned above, other birds spotted are Lesser Flameback, Lineated Barbet, Coppersmith Barbet, Common Hoopoe, Indian Roller, Common Kingfisher, Stork-billed Kingfisher, White-breasted Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Green Bee-eater, Brainfever Bird, Greater Coucal, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Alexandrine Parakeet, Spotted Owlet, Spotted Dove, Eurasian Collared Dove, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, White-breasted Water hen, Purple Moorhen, Phesant-tailed Jacana, Bronje-winged Jacana, Water cock, Black-winged Kite, Black-eared Kite, Shikra, Little Grebe, Little Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Pond Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Rufous Tree pie, Black-hooded Oriole, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Ashy wood Swallow, Black Drongo, Common Iora, Verditer Flycatcher, Oriental magpie Robin, Taiga Flycatcher, Pied Starling, Common Mayna, Chesnut-tailed Starling, Red-vented Bulbul, Red-whiskered Bulbul, Tailor Bird, Purple Sunbird, Purple-rumped Sunbird, Jungle Baabler, Olive-backed Pipit, White Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Paddy field Pipit, Baya Weaver, Red Advadat, Spotted Munia, Tricolored Munia, Sulphur-bellied Warbler, Blyth’s Leaf Warbler, Greenish Warbler etc.

The list is half completed without the reptiles one can find here. The Oriental Garden Lizard, Checkered Keelback, Spectacled Cobra, Monocled Cobra, Russle’s Viper, Rat Snake are the predators the pretty birds need to watch out for. The list of Mammals includes Jungle Cat, Golden Jackal, and Indian palm squirrel.

And the butterflies population has quite a few members: Plain Tiger, Striped Tiger, Tawny Coster, Greay Pansy, Lemon Pansy, Blue Pansy, Peacock Pansy, Chocolate Pansy, Great Eggfly, Common Rose, Lime Swallowtail, Psyche, Yellow Orange Tip, Mottled Emigrant, Small Grass Yellow, Common Grass Yellow, Common Pierrot, Pale Grass Blue, Gram Blue, Common Crow, Common Evening Brown, Common Sailor and some other species of butterfly are common here. Their number is numerous. Thus the strong ecosystem is conspicuous in this area.

Now the question arises why does “Gunjan” attract so many migratory birds? And the answer has basically three aspects. The main reason is the hyacinth of the lake. Near about 15% of the lake is covered by the hyacinth. It’s a well-known fact that the amount of hyacinth in a water body is proportionate to the biological oxygen demand (BOD) of the same. If the level of hyacinth rises, it kills the phytoplankton, zooplanktons and other aquatic animals and plants, and turns the PH level of water towards acidic. But, it happens after a certain level. Before that (when the hyacinth covers 1520% of the water body), hyacinth serves in two different ways. Firstly, it absorbs some heavy metals like Lead, Mercury, and Cadmium etc and purifies the water. Secondly, it creates an excellent hideout for small aquatic insects and tiny fishes, which in turn are food for these birds. Moreover, the bushes of hyacinth are natural habitat for lesser whistling duck, Pintail etc.

In the middle of this lake, there is an island, isolated from the main land. There are various trees on the island and the land is covered with tall grasses. It serves as an excellent breeding ground for many birds like cormorants, ducks, egrets.

Last but not the least, the fact that a police barrack of Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate is situated inside the park ensures security and protection of these feathery beauties. The personals 17 | P a g e

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here are always alert and working painstakingly. The park is located far from the heart of the city and intrusion by any harmful element is less likely.

The only cause of concern here is the rising level of hyacinth. If the level rises drastically, then the assembly of the “delegates” of “Gunjan” will be a forgotten affair. Although, in December 2016, the hyacinth was cleared by the joint venture of Eastern Coalfields Ltd and Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate (preserving 15% hyacinth intact), the people of Asansol are fighting hard to sustain the area to welcome their coveted visitors.

Tickells Leaf Warbler; Photography by Saptarshi Mukherjee

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A New Series is about to start….. The Outlander is Exploring Magnificent Malaysia…

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Ask Me Anything

Ask Me Anything is the section where readers can ask any question to clarify their doubts regarding any Articles published in previous issues of Holocene. Author of that particular article will answer their question.

Article : Central India – Eastern Ghats Landscape Complex Author : Saurabh Shanu and Sudipto Bhattachrya Q. Have these kind of landscape complexes defined for other animals (especially for elephants) in India?

A. As of now the landscape complex definitions are not species specific. The landscape definition computationally remains the same for all the cases. For the present work tigers have been the focal species and the article speaks with reference of the tigers but it may be considered same for the entire kingdom.

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Exploration Series – 9, Experience of Europe is on…. Arnab Basu is Hiking in Scottish Hignlands…

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