Guidelines for Preparation of State Action Plan for Bustards Recovery Programme - Sukanya Kadyan
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Transcript of Guidelines for Preparation of State Action Plan for Bustards Recovery Programme - Sukanya Kadyan
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Guidelines for Preparation of State ActionPlan for Bustards Recovery Programme
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1. Introduction
Owing to the widespread degradation and fragmentation of grasslands, which support some
of the most threatened species of wildlife and are breeding grounds for several unique avian
species, many grassland species are faced with serious threats of extinction. Bustards (family
Otididae), which is a terrestrial grassland bird and includes 25 species across the world, is a
threatened group.
Of the 25 species of Bustards, India is home to 4 species: Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis
nigriceps), Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indica), Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis) and
Houbara Bustard. Since the past few decades, the populations of these four Bustard species have
been dwindling very fast in the country. Currently, not more than 300 individuals of GIB are left
in the world, with no known breeding population outside India. The situation is, similarly grim in
cases of Bengal Florican and Lesser Florican.
Habitat loss and degradation, coupled with poaching and overgrazing of grasslands are
considered some of the major reasons for the drastic decline in Bustard populations. While the
Lesser Florican is listed as an ENDANGERED species in the IUCN Red List 2011, the GIB
and Bengal Florican have been listed as CRITICALLY ENDANGERED in IUCN Red List
2011- the highest category of endangerment, applied to the species closest to extinction. In
addition, the three species have also been listed under the Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection)
Act, 1972 of India.
Looking at their critical situation and high probability of extinction in the near future, the
Ministry of Environment and Forests has identified the three Bustard species under the Species
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2. Status of Bustards in India
Historically, Great Indian Bustard was distributed throughout the western half of India;from Punjab and Haryana in north to Tamil Nadu in south, and from Gujarat and Rajasthan in
west to Orissa in east; spanning eleven states (Rahmani 1989). However, the last three decades
have seen a severe reduction in the range occupancy of this species (Dutta et al. 2010).
Knowledgeable estimate of the current global population of GIB is less than 300 birds. Similarly,
Lesser Florican was once abundant in the grasslands of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh,
Maharashtra and Karnataka, and was a common game bird of the region. However, due to a
declining population, now its occurrence is restricted to few pockets in Western and South-
central India. Currently, less than 2500 individuals are estimated to be surviving. The Lesser
Floricans are also highly prone to population fluctuations, which are in turn directly correlated
with breeding season rainfall patterns.
Unlike the Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican, the main stronghold of the Indian
sub-species of Bengal Florican was from terai in Uttar Pradesh, through the terai of Nepal and
duars of North Bengal, to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh foothills, and historically toBangladesh. Today, it is surviving in small, highly fragmented populations restricted to few
Protected Areas, with an estimated population in India to be less than 350 birds.
The range of these birds spans beyond the Protected Areas and in terms of the type and
degree of threats. Therefore, identifying the major site-specific threats faced by the birds should
be the first step before devising a Recovery Action Plan. Consequently, the activities proposed in
the Recovery Plan will have to be in accordance with the specific threat identified for a particularsite.
For ready reference, a table briefly indicating the degree of potential threats to the
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4. Submission of the State Action Plan4.1 The Chief Wildlife Warden may forward the State Action Plan based on these guidelinesto this Ministry for appraisal, and providing assistance for implementation at the earliest.
4.2 The State Action Plan may envisage action for 5-10 years and shall also clearly indicate
the year-wise activities to be undertaken so as to review the progress annually. Pending
completion of the State Action Plans, essential activities can be proposed for the current year to
be factored in the main plan later.
5. Preparation of the State Action Plan for Recovery of Bustards5.1 Constitution of Bustard Conservation Committee at local level5.1.1 Each range State will constitute Bustard Conservation Committees (BCC) for eachManagement Unit/Division. There may be one Committee for a whole habitat landscape
comprising of more than one Management Unit/Division. These BCCs will, inter alia, help the
Chief Wildlife Warden in preparing the State Action Plan (SAP) for Recovery of the threeBustard species.
5.1.2 Keeping this in view, the following basic composition of the Conservation Committee isproposed:
Chief Conservator of Forests of the region consisting the project
area
Chairman
Representative of a Scientific Institution working on Bustards
ecology and conservation or in a related field/ an ecologist or
Member
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iii)To regularly monitor and review the State Action Plan.iv)The Chairman of each Committee would report to the Chief Wildlife Warden on a
quarterly basis.
5.2 The Range Officers will conduct thorough field surveys in their respective areas toidentify the existing as well as potential Bustard habitats, which will then be delineated into
breeding, nesting, roosting and non-breeding areas. Range Officers will also survey the villages
and major livelihood activities being undertaken inside/in adjoining areas of these Bustard sites.
5.3
A Survey Report on the basis of their field survey will be submitted to the Chairman ofBCC. This Survey Report shall contain a list of Bustard sites (breeding, nesting, roosting, non-
breeding sites), list of villages near or in the vicinity of these Bustard sites, major land-use
pattern in these areas, list of specific area-wise threats to the Bustard species, etc. This Survey
Report will form the basis for preparing the SAP by the CWLW.
5.4 The BCC will review the reports and on their basis propose specific year-wise remedialactions/activities corresponding to each threats.
5.5 Finally each BCC will forward its Report to the Chief Wildlife Warden, including thesurvey reports and the suggested activities, who will then prepare the SAP for the respective
Bustard species.
5.6 In case, where the range of a Bustard species transcend the boundaries of two or morerange States, a joint meeting of the respective Chief Wildlife Wardens will be held to discuss the
common issues in Bustard conservation, common activities to be taken up by the respectiveStates, etc. This stage is important, since any activity proposed by a particular range State may
have an impact on the Bustard populations of its adjoining range State.
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c) Any Conservation Breeding Program will require approval from the CompetentAuthority. Therefore, the viability and logistical requirements of such breeding
programmes for the Bustard species shall be clearly indicated in the SAP.
d) Other secondary programmes such as Bustard Gene Banks, etc. may also be taken upunder the Conservation Breeding Programme.
6.2.2 Core breeding areas protection plan:
a) Identification of vital Bustard habitats such as Breeding site, Nesting sites, Lek sites,Feeding sites shall be an important step of the Recovery Program. These sites may be
declared as Critical Bustard Sites (CBS).b) The Critical Bustard Sites (CBSs) shall be declared as inviolate and no anthropogenic
activities shall be allowed, especially during the breeding season.
c) To make them inviolate, fencing of the CBS shall be done, and daily monitoring of suchsites shall be essential. For the purpose of daily monitoring, local villagers and volunteers
may also be involved.
d) Since a CBS may lie outside PA, help and coordination with the District administration,local panchayats and local villagers will be crucial.
e) In addition, the 5 Km radius around the enclosures may be declared as minimalinfrastructure zone so as to prevent mortality due to bird hits and decrease
disturbances to the birds.
6.2.3 Participation of the local communities:
a) Each Bustard Conservation Committee shall develop a framework for the involvementof the local communities in the Recovery Programme of the Bustards.
b) In cases where compensatory mechanisms will be employed, the nature and magnitudeof the compensation schemes may vary as per the local conditions.
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b) Invasive species of shrubs/trees and tall shrubs/tree species may be avoided in these sitesas they impede visibility, which is important for successful breeding of the birds.
c) The Government-owned revenue lands that are intensively used by the Bustards andFloricans can be acquired by the Forest Department and can be developed as per the
requirements of the Bustard species.
d) The SAP may propose activities and components to tackle overgrazing of thegrasslands.The SAP may also include a fire management plan for the grasslands, for
which, help of scientific institutions such as Wildlife Institute of India, BNHS may be
taken.
6.2.5 Regular Population Monitoring:
a) A collaborative baseline joint-population survey shall be conducted in the 1st Year ofthe project for which a common date or period shall be selected by the range States .
b) Similarly, the joint population surveys shall be conducted for each subsequent year. TheChief Wildlife Wardens will then submit a population status survey report of the
Bustard species to the Ministry.
c) The State Action Plan must include a detailed description of the methodology to beadopted for Population Monitoring and logistical requirements for the process, if
any. Use of contemporary techniques such as satellite telemetry program and micro-chips
etc. to understand the seasonal movement patterns & life-history requirements of the
species will be encouraged. If required, adequate training will be imparted to the ground
staff and Wildlife officials of the region in this regard.
6.2.6 Capacity building of the Forest Department and local communities:a) The Forest officials and staff involved in this particular project will be imparted
specialized training in Bustard conservation, grassland management and in participatory
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processing the proposals, is at Appendix III.
For each item of work, details like quantity, location, rate per unit, para of theManagement Plan/ Biodiversity Conservation Plan/ Recovery Plan whererecommended and site specific justification must be given as per the statement in
Appendix IV.
In case of items like wireless sets, computers, vehicles, etc. additional informationlike total requirement for the area, already available units etc., may be given as per
Appendix V.
9. Implementation9.1 In order to successfully implement this project, a close collaboration between the RangeStates will be critically important. Institutional arrangement for technical supervision of the
programme will be made by MoEF in due course.
9.2 At the level of State, the Chief Wildlife Warden will be the nodal officer responsible forformulation of the SAP, suggesting a timeline for the recovery programme, proposing year-wise
activities for the recovery programme.
9.3 The Bustard Conservation Committee at the Management unit/ project area level will beresponsible for the actual on-ground implementation of the SAPs.
9.4 Since the three species are highly threatened, the Bustard Conservation Committee willmeet as often as possible to monitor the progress of the Action Plan. The Bustard ConservationCommittee will submit an annual progress report to the Chief Wildlife Warden, who will
accordingly assess the progress of the SAP and decide the future course of action for the State.
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with this objective. However, the maximum timeframe for the Recovery Programme shallnot exceed a period of 10 years.
11. Conclusion11.1 Though the project will intensively focus on the conservation of the three critically
endangered species, it will also aim to rejuvenate and protect the varied and extensive grassland
ecosystems of the country. In order to truly conserve these three species to perpetuity, the need
for a synergy between the State wildlife management agencies and the local communities is
reiterated.
11.2 This initiative aims to set up a conservation model which will not only focus on the
conservation of Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican and Bengal Florican, but will also strive to
elicit a pride among the citizens of this country in these three unique species of India and their
habitat.
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APPENDIX I
A list of potential threats faced by the three Bustard species in India- Great Indian Bustard,Lesser Florican and Bengal Florican:
*The threats/activities/issues have been designated as Very high, High, Medium and Low
depending on the degree of threat posed by them to the respective species.
S.No. Threats/Activities/Issues Species of
Bustards
Degree of
threats
with
respect to
the species
States/Regions
where the threat is
most prevalent
1 Hunting/Poaching GIB High Western Rajasthan,
Kachch (Gujarat)
Lesser Florican Very High Gujarat and
Maharashtra along with
Rajasthan, Madhya
Pradesh and Karnataka.
Bengal
Florican
High Assam, Arunachal
Pradesh, West Bengal
(Sahabad-Sayedabadtea estates in
Darjeeling district)
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Land-use patterns,
anthropogenic
disturbances etc.
majorly in Madhya
Pradesh (Ghatigaon
WLS and Karera
WLS), Rajasthan
(Desert NP, Sorsan
WLS), Karnataka
(Rannibennur WLS),
Andhra Pradesh (areas
around Rollapadu Bird
Sanctuary), Gujarat etc.
Lesser Florican Very High Prevalent across the
range of Lesser
Florican, especially in
Gujarat (Jamnagar
district, Naliya in
Kutch), Madhya
Pradesh (especially
western Madhya
Pradesh), Malwa
plateau (which is
considered to be one of
the most important
breeding areas for
Lesser Florican),
Rajasthan.
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4 Overgrazing GIB Very High Prevalent across the
range of GIB, but
majorly inMaharashtra,
Karnataka and Andhra
Pradesh.
Lesser Florican Very High Prevalent across the
range of Lesser
Florican, especially inGujarat (grass vidis of
Saurashtra) and
Rajasthan.
Bengal
Florican
Very High Across the Bengal
Floricans range
including ProtectedAreas such as Dibru-
Saikhowa National
Park, Jaldapara
Wildlife Sanctuary,
Manas National Park,
Laokhowa Wildlife
Sanctuary
5 Invasive species GIB High Rajasthan (Jaiselmer,
B Bik )
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etc.
Lesser Florican High Gujarat (Naliya inAbdasa taluka of
Kachchh)
Bengal
Florican
High In some sanctuaries in
Assam (eg. Manas and
Orang), etc.
7 Lack of inter-
departmental co-ordination
GIB Medium Most of the GIB
sanctuaries (eg. KareraWLS, Nannaj WLS,
Rollapadu WLS,
Sonkhaliya WLS and
Sorson WLS).
Lesser Florican Medium Prevalent across the
Lesser Floricanhabitats
Bengal Low Since majority of the
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Florican. the decline in Bustards
populations, In
addition, sometimesnatural phenomenon
such as floods also
pose threats to the
survival of these birds,
especially in case of
Bengal Florican.
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APPENDIX II
CERTIFICATE
(For Recovery Programme for Critically Endangered Species and Habitats for which financial
assistance is requested for the first time.)
It is certified that:
(Name of the Recovery Programme)
i) This Programme shall be implemented through the administrative and technical controlof Wildlife wing of the State headed by the CWLW.
ii) That the State Govt. will provide for trained manpower for the programme.iii)
That a detailed Recovery Plan would be drawn up as early as possible (if none existsalready) for management of this area
iv)That the advice of the Director, Wildlife Preservation given on behalf of the GOI wouldbe followed in matters concerning the implementation of the Programme.
v) That the State Govt. accepts financial commitment for all such recurring and non-recurring expenditure which are not provided by the GOI.
(Signed)
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APPENDIX III
MODEL FORMAT FOR PREPARING ANNUAL PLAN OF OPERATION (APO)
UNDER CSS INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT OF WILDLIFE HABITATS
1. Name of the Recovery Programme2. Range states and nearest trans-boundary Management units3. Details of the Management unit (Division) with break-up of the area on land-use
pattern, proposed to cover the programme
4. List of Critical Bustard Sites in the Management Unit along with a clear map ofA4 size
5. Number of villages within the Recovery Programme6. Status of Recovery Plan (Period to be given.)7. Census (population figures of the Bustard species during last three census)8. Biodiversity in the area covered under the Recovery Programme9. Type of forest /ecosystem with major species10. Staff position in the Management unit (Total sanctioned strength, Vacancy
position etc.)
11. Approved labour wage rates of the respective State Government12. Miscellaneous information such as no. of tourists/visitors visiting the Recovery
Programme annually and facilities available for tourists, Shooting for films /
documentaries carried out during last 5 years, etc. along with the Postal address/
Tel No./email ID13. Funds provided under State Plan during the last 5 years, including funds provided
under other schemes
14 St t f d d ti f th b d i
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APPENDIX IV
DETAILS OF ITEMS OF WORK PROPOSED
Item of Work Para of
Management
Plan/
Biodiversity
Conservation
Plan/ Recovery
Plan which
specifies this
item
Quantity Rate per Unit Location
(to include
co-ordinates,
digital maps,etc)
Site specific
Justification
1 3 4 6
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APPENDIX V
The site specific recommendations for conservation of Great Indian Bustard as suggested by the Task Force for Conservation
of Bustards in India:
Site Action Task RequirementsEstimated
funds (lakh)Implementation Priority Supplements
Rajasthan
(Jaiselmer,
Barmer,
Bikaner)
Protection to areas
intensively used by GIB by
creating inviolate spacesduring breeding season
Consolidate existing enclosures
and create at least 5 additional
enclosures each >20 sq.km in
GIB areas (identified by
research)
Fencing repair of 25 lakhs
and new fencing of 50km X
11 lakhs/km
500 State F. D. High
Make enclosures inviolate
between April-July
Employ 30 watchers @
5000/month X 4 months6 State F. D.
Very
high
During these breeding
months, grazing or any
other form of consumptive
human use should not be
permitted within the
breeding refuge. Outside of
the breeding period the area
can be moderately grazed by
livestock
Landscapes outside breedingareas (identified by research)
should be managed to
accommodate differential
breeding and non-breeding
habitat needs of GIB.
Draft and implement enclosure
and landscape management
plan incorporating community
livelihood concerns
Site specific scientifically
informed management
strategies need to be
implemented
100
State F.D. &
Research
organizations
High
No Prosopis or other woody
trees plantation. Promotepesticide-free low intensity
farming in irrigated (IGNP)
areas through State subsidy
driven mechanisms, or
award schemes to those
following them.
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Declare 5km radius around
enclosures as minimal
infrastructure zone, where
GIB-unfriendly infrastructure
has to be curtailed.
No new GIB-unfriendly
development and no high
tension power lines should be
allowed in the minimal
infrastructure zone.
Replace electricity network
by underground cables.50
State F.D. &
NGOsMedium
GIB-unfriendly
development (road and
electricity networks,
irrigation, petroleum
excavation and
constructions) increase
mortality and disturbance to
GIB. Curtailing them inprime GIB areas would be
legally easy since the area is
already a PA.
Gujarat
(Abdasa,
Kachchh)
Protection to known breedingareas by creating sacrosanct
refuges made inviolate
during breeding months
Acquire all Govt. owned
revenue and Gaucharlands
that constitute breeding areas
of GIB within PA network
Lands from villages of
Gadvada, Rava, Berachia,
Bitta, Dufi, Kunathia,
Kalatalao, Bhachunda,
Khirsra, Bhanara, Prajau,
Vagapadar, Vingaber,Jasapar, Lala, Budiya of
Abdasa
None since
the land
would be
transferred
between
Govt.
departments
State Govt.Very
high
Currently Govt. lands are
being encroached and
developed illegally which is
a major threat to GIB
habitat
Chain-link-fencing of entire
breeding area within Govt. PAto form "breeding refuge"
~25 km length chain link @
11 lakhs/km and 4 km fencerepairing
280 State F. D. High
Make breeding refuge inviolate
during April, July-Sept
Employ 10 watchers @
5000/month X 4 months
and their fuel costs
3 State F. D.Very
high
During these breeding
months, grazing or any
other form of consumptive
human use should not be
permitted within the
breeding refuge. Outside of
the breeding period the area
can be moderately grazed by
livestock
Predator (dogs and cats)
removal in breeding refuge
during April, July-Sept
Capture and remove or
eliminate1
State F.D. & Vet.
Dept.High
To enhance the survival
rates of eggs and chicks
Landscapes outside core
breeding areas (identified by
research) should also be
conserved to accommodate
the different breeding and
non-breeding habitat needs
of GIB.
Draft and implement breeding
refuge and landscape
management plan
Site specific scientifically
informed management
strategies need to be
implemented
5
State F.D. &
Research
organizations
High
Development of water
bodies, roads, trenches and
plantations without
ecological basis have
resulted in loss of GIB
habitats within PAs.
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Declare crucial areas (2-5
km) around breeding refuge
as minimal infrastructure
zone, where GIB-unfriendly
infrastructure has to beminimized.
No high tension power lines
and major highways within 2
km radius of breeding refuge.
No wind turbines and intensiveirrigated pesticide use
agriculture within 5km radius
of breeding refuge.
No new GIB-unfriendly
development should be
allowed. Replace electricitynetwork by solar power or
underground cables
50
State F.D. &
Researchorganizations
High
GIB-unfriendly
development increase
mortality and disturbance to
GIB. These need to be
controlled or appropriately
mitigated within refuge and
curtailed within the
landscape of intensive useoutside of the breeding
season. This could be
achieved by declaring the
area as Eco-sensitive Zone.
Link local livelihood
concerns with bustard
conservation by providing
Environmental Incentive
Schemes for continuing
GIBfriendly traditional
practices.
GIB-friendly practices have to
be promoted by State subsidy
driven mechanisms, or award
schemes to those following
them.
Implementation within 5
km radius of breeding
refuges
75State Govt. &
NGOsMedium
GIB-friendly livelihood
practices include 1) growing
short food crops (groundnut,
Sesame, Sorghum, millets
etc.), 2) farming once
annually and leaving
agricultural fields fallow for
the rest of the year; 3)
pesticide free farming, 4)
allowing GIB to display and
nest in private fields, 4)instead of herding livestock
in peak monsoon, stall-
feeding them on fodder
supplements.
Maharashtra
(Sholapur,
Ahmednagar,
Nasik)
Protection to intensively usedareas by GIB (identified by
research) by creating
sacrosanct breeding refuges
made inviolate duringbreeding months
Consolidate existing cores and
create 5-10 additional cores
each 5-10 sq.km to form
"breeding enclosures"
Potential sites are Mardi,
Karmala, Kamoni,
Chapadgaon, Sawargaon,
Boremani-Gangewadi,
Patkul etc.
None since
the land
would be
transferred
between
Govt.departments
State Govt.Very
high
Currently Govt. lands are
being developed which is a
major threat to GIB habitat
Chain-link-fencing of entire
breeding enclosures
~80 km length chain link @
11 lakhs/km400 State F. D. High
Make core PA inviolate during
March-April, August-October
Employ 30 watchers @
5000/month X 5 months
and fuel costs
10 State F. D.Very
high
During breeding months,
grazing or any other form of
consumptive human use
should not be permitted
within the breeding
enclosures. Outside of the
breeding period the area can
be moderately grazed by
livestock
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Predator (dogs and cats)
removal in breeding refuges
during March-April, August-
October
Capture and remove or
eliminate1
State F.D. & Vet.
Dept.High
To enhance the survival
rates of eggs and chicks
Landscapes outside core
areas should also beconserved to accommodate
the different breeding and
non-breeding habitat needs
of GIB.
Draft and implement core
usage and landscape
management plan for 5 km
radius around breeding
enclosures
Scientifically informed
management strategies need
to be implemented for
restoration and maintenance
of grassland habitats.
25
State F.D. &
Research
organizations
High
No plantation without
ecological basis. Selective
placement of water guzzlersbut no large water bodies.
Control of livestock number
within 2 km radius of
enclosures and regulate
grazing.
Declare crucial areas within3 km radius around breeding
enclosures as minimal
infrastructure zone, where
GIB-unfriendly infrastructure
has to be minimized.
No new GIB-unfriendly
development should be allowedhere. No high tension power
lines, major highways,
irrigation projects,
construction, mining and
industries should be allowed
here.
Replace electricity network
by underground cables.50 State Govt. High
Mitigating GIB-unfriendlydevelopment in and around
breeding enclosures should
be legally possible since the
area is already declared as
PA.
Gain popularity for GIB
conservation through
awareness programmes and
by addressing local
livelihood concerns through
Environmental Incentive
Schemes.
1. GIB-friendly practices have
to be promoted by Statesubsidy driven mechanisms, or
award schemes to those
following them. 2. Awareness
programmes have to be
conducted and publicity
manuals for GIB & grassland
conservation have to be
produced.
Target areas for awareness
and Environmental
Incentive Schemes within 5
km radius of breeding
enclosures
50State Govt. &
NGOsMedium
GIB-friendly livelihood
practices include 1) growing
short food crops (groundnut,
Sesame, Sorghum, millets
etc.), 2) farming once
annually and leaving
agricultural fields fallow for
the rest of the year; 3)
pesticide free farming, 4)
allowing GIB to display and
nest in private fields, 4)
instead of herding livestock
in peak monsoon, stall-
feeding them on fodder
supplements.
Andhra
Pradesh
(Kurnool)
Protection to known
intensively used areas by
GIB by creating sacrosanct
refuges made inviolate
during breeding months
Acquire Govt. owned revenue
lands that are intensively used
by GIB. Create minimum 3
more core areas of 5-10 sq.km
in these areas
Potential sites for
enclosures are Alaganur-
Parumanchala, Jalakanur-
Sunkesula-Gani, and
Vipangandla-Byrapuram
areas
None since
the land
would be
transferred
between
Govt.
departments
State Govt.Very
high
Rollapadu has historically
been one of the most
preferred breeding areas of
GIB. Although Rollapadu is
well protected, adjoining
areas have been developed
and intensively cultivated in
recent times. The few
remnant grasslands should
be immediately consolidated
and restored
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Chain-link-fencing over all
existing core areas other than
Rollapadu to secure breeding
refuges
Fencing of 50km X 11
lakhs/km211 State F.D. Medium
Make breeding refuges
inviolate during July-October
Employ 12 watchers @
5000/month X 4 months
and fuel costs
3.2 State F. D.Very
high
During these breeding
months, grazing should not
be permitted withinbreeding refuge. Complete
restriction on GIB egg
collection, which has been
reported occasionally.
Outside of the breeding
period the area can be
moderately grazed by
livestock
Predator (dogs and cats)
removal in breeding refuge
during July-October
Capture and remove or
eliminate1
State F.D. & Vet.
Dept.High
To enhance the survival
rates of eggs and chicks
Landscapes outside coreareas should also be
conserved to accommodate
the different breeding and
non-breeding habitat needs
of GIB.
Draft and implement breeding
refuge landscape management
plan for 5 km radius around
breeding refuges
Scientifically informed
management strategies for:
1. Restoration of habitats.
2. No new development
projects.
5
State F.D. &
Research
organizations
High
Restoration of grasslands
which are overgrazed or
cultivated. No plantation
without ecological basis.
Regulated grazing
(particularly sheep).
Selective placement of
water guzzlers but no large
water bodies. Control of
blackbuck population so as
to reduce crop damage.
Gain popularity for GIB
conservation through
awareness programmes and
by addressing local
livelihood concerns through
Environmental Incentive
Schemes.
1. GIB-friendly practices have
to be promoted by State
subsidy driven mechanisms, or
award schemes to those
following them. 2. Awareness
programmes have to beconducted and publicity
manuals for GIB & grassland
conservation have to be
produced.
Target areas for awareness
and Environmental
Incentive Schemes within 5
km radius of breeding
refuges
50State Govt. &
NGOsHigh
GIB-friendly livelihood
practices include 1) growing
short food crops, 2) farming
once annually and leaving
agricultural fields fallow for
the rest of the year; 3)
pesticide free farming, 4)
allowing GIB to display and
nest in private fields, 4)
instead of herding livestock
in peak monsoon, stall-
feeding them on fodder
supplements.
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Madhya
Pradesh
(Gwalior)
Consolidation of relatively
small potential GIB habitat
within the existing
PA
Create a core area enclosure inthe potential GIB habitat within
Ghatigaon Sanctuary (the entire
Sanctuary is not critical bustard
habitat but the identified area iscrucial for breeding).
Chain-link-fencing of ~150sq.km potential GIB habitat
roughly bordered by
Tighara reservoir to the
north and Dhoha village tothe south
650 State Govt. High
Without protection of afence, this area is unlikely to
continue supporting
bustards for any long-term
due to intensive humanpressures
Reduction of human pressure
within the core area
Employ 30 watchers @
5000/month X 12 months
and fuel costs
23 State F. D.Very
High
Consumptive use of
grassland resources should
be curtailed during 3
breeding months of GIB
(July-Aug). Livestock
grazing should be regulatedin the non-breeding months.
No new development
(electricity and road
network, constructions,industries and mining)
projects should be allowed
within 2 km of the core area
State Govt. Medium
Restoration of habitat in the
core area
Scientific management plan
for habitat restoration (no
plantations especially of
Prosopis juliflora used as
hedge to other plantations.)
7
State F.D. &
Research
organizations
High
Control number of livestock
in villages within 2 km of
core area
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Figure 1. Great Indian Bustard population distribution in India depicting conservation priority based on population status and potential
for long term viability.
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APPENDIX VI
The site specific recommendations for conservation of Lesser Florican as suggested by the Task Force for Conservation of
Bustards in India:
Site Action Task RequirementsEstimated
funds (lakh)Implementation Priority Supplements
Rajasthan
(Ajmer,
Malpura,
Shahpura,
Devgarh,
Pratapgarh)
Conservation
of keyhabitats. 18
grassland
sites have
been
identified by
WII, 2011 as
critical
habitat forflorican
Declare florican sites in
and around Pratapgarh and
Shahpura as Community/
Conservation Reserves.
Dialogue with owners of private
grasslands in these areas
State F. D. &
NGOsHigh
Florican-friendly practices include
regulated grazing and farming practices.
Livestock should be stall fed during two
monsoon months (florican breeding time)
to reduce disturbance and allow grass
regeneration for cover. This will al so
provide fodder in lean period. Grassland
patches >1ha should be left intact between
crop fields, and organic (pesticide free)
farming should be promoted
Promote incentive driven florican-
friendly grassland management
Infrastructure intensive development(mining, road, electricity & irrigation)
should not be allowed here
Acquire State Govt. ownedflorican sites in Ajmer and
Malpura within the PA
network. Make >5
enclosures of total 30 km2
in these grasslands, which
should be made inviolate
during July-September
22 km chain-link-fencing X 11 lakh/km,and repairing existing enclosures in
Saunkhaliya
State F. D.Very
High
State Govt. owned lands are increa singlybeen encroached by cultivators, and need
to be conserved for floricans During these
breeding months, grazing or other form of
consumptive human use should not be
permitted within breeding refuge. Outside
of the breeding period the area can be
moderately grazed by livestock
Deployment of 18 watchers (3 per
enclosure) X 5000 Rs/month for 4
months for 5 years
Eradicate tall invasive
shrub/tree species (e.g.
Prosopis juliflora), dogs
and cats from all florican
sites
Physically remove plantations, capture
and eliminate dogs and cats during July-
September
State F.D. &
trained
biologists or
veterinary
service
High
Floricans avoid tall vegetation that
impedes visibility, and Prosopis is an
invasive that competitively excludes native
species. Dogs and cats are potential threats
to nesting females & juvenile survival
Develop and implement
management plan for all
florican sites that addresses
species habitat
requirements
1.No plantation of tall shrub/tree species
2. Leave intact grasslands (>1ha size)
between crop fields3.Promote subsidy/incentive driven
florican-friendly livelihood practices
4. Curtail infrastructure intensive
development (mining, road, electricity &
irrigation) near breeding habitat.
State F.D. &
NGOsHigh
Florican friendly practices are stall feeding
livestock during two monsoon months toreduce disturbance and allow grass
regeneration for cover. It also includes
organic (pesticide free) farming in irrigated
areas
Education
and
awareness
Educational programme for
forest staff and local
communities
Disseminate information on ecological
& conservation values of florican and
their habitats through publication of
manuals and workshops
State FD &
NGOs
Med-
ium
Research and Alternate year monitoring Appoint a biologist @ Rs 15000 /month State F.D & WII High Migratory and population dynamics of
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Monitoring of florican populations and
their habitat is required.
Migratory pattern needs to
be studied through satellite
tracking technique
for 3 years with Rs 40 lakh project
implementation cost
lesser florican are poorly known without
which formulation of conservation
strategies becomes difficult
Gujarat
(Velavadar,
Abdasa,
Rampar,
Gondal,
Amreli)
Conservation
of florican
habitats
identified by
WII 2007-11
In Abdasa
Kunathia,
Kalatalao,
Naliya-Lala,Vanku,
Sandhan,
Latheri,
Dediya
Layaja
Declare florican sites in
Gondal, Amreli & around
Velavadar as Community/
Conservation Reserves.
Dialogue with owners of private
grasslands in the State
State F. D. &
NGOsHigh
Florican-friendly practices include
regulated grazing and farming practices.
Livestock should be stall fed during twomonsoon months (florican breeding time)
to reduce disturbance and allow grass
regeneration for cover. This will al so
provide fodder in lean period. Grassland
patches >1ha should be left intact between
crop fields, and organic (pesticide free)
farming should be promoted
Promote incentive driven florican-
friendly grassland management
Acquire State Govt. owned
florican sites in Abdasa &
Rampar grasslands within
the PA network. Make >5
enclosures of total 50 km2
here, which should be
made inviolate during July-
September
28 km chain-link-fencing of enclosures
X 11 lakh Rs/km and repairing of
existing enclosures in Lala
State F. D.Very
High
State Govt. owned lands are increa singly
been encroached by cultivators, and need
to be conserved for floricans During these
breeding months, grazing or other form of
consumptive human use should not be
permitted within breeding refuge. Outside
of the breeding period the area can be
moderately grazed by livestock
Deployment of 18 watchers (3 per
enclosure) X 5000 Rs/month for 4
months for 5 years
Eradicate tall invasive
shrub/tree species (e.g.
Prosopis juliflora), dogs
and cats from florican sites
Physically remove plantations; a;sp
capture and eliminate dogs and cats
during July-September
State F.D. &
trained
biologists or
veterinary
service
High
Bustards & floricans avoid tall vegetation
that impedes visibility, and Prosopis is an
invasive that competitively excludes native
species. Dogs and cats are potential threats
to the nesting females & juvenile survival
Develop and implement
management plan in these
sites that addresses species
habitat requirements
1. No plantation of tall shrub/tree species
2. Leave intact grasslands (>1ha size)
between crop fields
3. Promote subsidy/incentive driven
florican friendly practices
4. No infrastructure intensive
development (road, electricity, mining,
industry)
State F.D. &
NGOs
Very
High
Florican friendly practices are stall feeding
livestock during two monsoon months to
reduce disturbance and allow grass
regeneration for cover. It also includes
organic (pesticide free) farming in irrigated
areas.
Education
and
awareness
Educational programme for
forest staff and local
communities
Disseminate information on ecological
& conservation values of florican andtheir habitats through publication of
manuals and workshops
State FD &NGOs
Med-ium
Research and
Monitoring
Alternate year monitoring
of florican populations and
their habitat is required.
Migratory pattern needs to
be studied through satellite
tracking technique
Appoint a biologist @ Rs 15000 /month
for 3 years with Rs 40 lakh project
implementation cost
State F.D & WII High
Migratory and population dynamics of
florican are poorly known without which
formulation of conservation strategies
becomes difficult
Madhya
Pradesh
Conservation
of florican
Declare agro-grasslands
around Sailana &
Dialogue with owners of private
grasslands in these areas to promote
State F. D. &
NGOsHigh
Florican-friendly practices include
regulated grazing and farming practices.
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(Sailana,
Sardarpur,
Petlawad,
Thandala)
habitats
(Sailana,
Sardarpura,
Petlawad,
Thandala)
Sardarpur WLS as
Community/ Conservation
Reserves.
incentive driven florican-friendly
grassland management
Livestock should be stall fed during two
monsoon months (florican breeding time)
to reduce disturbance and allow grass
regeneration for cover. This will al so
provide fodder in lean period. Grassland
patches >1ha should be left intact between
crop fields, and organic (pesticide free)
farming should be promoted
Consolidating existing PAs
(Sailana & Sardarpura)
through fencing &
patrolling
Repair existing fencing State F. D.Very
High
Employ 10 watchers (5 per site)
equipped with modern communication &
transport facilities during July-Sept
State F. DVery
High
Eradicate tall invasive
shrub/tree species (e.g.
Prosopis juliflora), dogs
and cats from florican sites
Physically remove plantations, remove
dogs and cats during July-September
State F.D. &
trained
biologists or
veterinaryservice
High
Bustards & floricans avoid tall vegetation
that impedes visibility, and Prosopis is an
invasive that competitively excludes native
species. Dogs and cats are potential threatsto the nesting females & juvenile survival
Develop and implementmanagement plan in thesesites that addresses species
habitat requirements
No plantation of tall shrub/tree species
in FD areas
Leave intact grasslands (>1ha size)
between crop fields & promotesubsidy/incentive driven pesticide-freelow intensity farming in community
lands
No infrastructure intensive development
(road, electricity, mining, industry)
around 2 km of Pas
State F.D. &NGOs
VeryHigh
No Prosopis or other woody trees
plantation. Promote pesticide-free lowintensity farming in irrigated areas through
State subsidy driven mechanisms, or award
schemes to those following them.
Education and
awareness
Disseminate information on
ecological & conservation
values of florican and their
habitats among forest staff
and local communities
Educational programmeState FD &
NGOs
Mediu
m
Research and
Monitoring
Alternate year monitoring
of florican populations and
their habitat is required.
Migratory pattern of needs
to be studied.
Appoint a biologist @ Rs 15000 /month
for 3 years with Rs 40 lakh project
implementation cost
State F.D & WII High
Migratory and population dynamics of
florican are poorly known without which
formulation of conservation strategiesbecomes difficult
Andhra
Pradesh
Conservation
of critical Acquire Govt. owned Potential sites for enclosures are State Govt. Very Although Rollapadu is well protected,
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(Kurnool) florican
habitats
(identified
through
scientific
criteria)
through
protection andhabitat
management
revenue lands that are
intensively used by
floricans. Create >3 more
core areas of 5-10 sqkm in
these areas
Alaganur-Parumanchala, Jalakanur-
Sunkesula-Gani, and Vipangandla-
Byrapuram areas
high adjoining areas have been developed and
intensively cultivated in recent times. The
few remnant grasslands should be
immediately consolidated and restored
Chain-link-fencing over
these core areas other than
Rollapadu to secure criticalhabitats
Fencing of 50km X 11 lakhs/km State F.D.Mediu
m
Make these core areas
inviolate during breeding
season (July-September)
Employ 12 watchers @ 5000/month X 4
months and fuel costsState F. D.
Very
high
During these breeding months, grazing
should not be permitted within breeding
refuge. Outside of breeding period the ar ea
can be moderately grazed by livestock
Predator (dogs and cats)
removal in core areas
during July-October
Capture and remove or eliminateState F.D. &
Vet. Dept.High
To enhance the survival rates of eggs and
chicks
Research
Appoint a biologist @ Rs 15000 /month
for 3 years with Rs 40 lakh project
implementation cost for
State F.D & WIIMediu
m
Rollapadu and its adjoining areas form
breeding & non-breeding ground for
floricans. Information on habitat use,
without which landscape conservation
strategies cannot be formulated, is scanty.
Gain
popularity forflorican
conservation
through
awareness
programs and
by addressing
local
livelihood
concerns
through
Environmenta
l Incentive
Schemes.
1. Florican-friendlypractices have to be
promoted by State
subsidy/incentive driven
mechanisms, or award
schemes to those following
them.
2. Awareness programmes
have to be conducted and
publicity manuals for
florican & grassland
conservation have to be
produced.
Target areas for awareness and
Environmental Incentive Schemes within
5 km radius of core areas
State Govt. &
NGOsHigh
Florican-friendly livelihood practices
include 1) growing short food crops, 2)
farming once annually and leaving
agricultural fields fallow for the rest of the
year; 3) pesticide free farming, 4) allowing
floricans to display and nest in private
fields, 4) instead of herding livestock in
peak monsoon, stall-feeding them on
fodder supplements.