Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii) diet consisted of Channa sp. (25%), Trachypauchen sp. (25%), P... more Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii) diet consisted of Channa sp. (25%), Trachypauchen sp. (25%), Puntius mahecola (14%) and Mystus vittatus (8%). It preferred medium sized prey of sizes 4-7 cm. In terms of biomass Channa sp. and Trachypauchen sp. constituted greater percent (51%). Scavenging behavior of Indian Pond Heron was observed. The prey fish species such as Mystus vittatus and Etroplus maculatus are economically important species and are of human interest but considering size of fishes in observed prey item it is having negligible economic value. But, continued predation of a particular size class may later affect the population structure of the prey species.
A questionnaire survey and field investigation in t he shrimp farms were conducted in the Kannur ... more A questionnaire survey and field investigation in t he shrimp farms were conducted in the Kannur District of South India from 28 th July, 2013, to 5 th August, 2013. A total of 30 shrimp farms were studied in Kannur district of Kerala. Shrimp farms were facing many threats of which only 30% were due to bird menace. Among the different bird species Cormorants were observed to be threat to shrimp farming. Group forager, diver and being an opportunistic feeder make Cormorants an ideal predator of shrimps (53%). Our present study revea led that cormorants predate and feed nestlings with large quantity of shrimps. Other problematic species were Night Herons, Little Grebe, Egrets, Kingfishers, Storks, Darter, Green Herons, and Whis tling Ducks. High food availability in farms (26%) and ease to catch shrimps (22%) are the major reasons proposed for bird predation. Other reasons were ecological changes (11%), lack of food and water sources (19%) in natural systems and clear and stagnant wat...
Butterfly diversity was recorded from Nov (2013) - May (2014) in Pookode region. A total number o... more Butterfly diversity was recorded from Nov (2013) - May (2014) in Pookode region. A total number of 128 species recorded from the five families; Nymphalidae (46 species) Lycaenidae (28 species), Hesperiidae (22 species), Pieridae (17 species) and Papilionidae (15 species) respectively. During the survey invasive plant species were also recorded. There were 36 species of invasive plants from 18 families identified from the study area. More butterflies were attracted towards nectar offering invasive plants. Chromolaena odorata, Ipomea cairica, Lantana camara, Merremia vitifolia, Mikania micrantha, Mimosa diplotricha, Pennisetumpolystachyon, Pteridium aquilinum, Quisqualis indica and Sphagneticola trilobata were the major invasive plants found in the Pookode region and their flower attracts butterfly for pollination. Even though nectar offered by the plants are supportive for growth, in long run these species can affect butterfly population bydeclining native host larval plant species f...
Sightings of Grey-headed Lapwings wintering in Kerala were compiled from different sources. With... more Sightings of Grey-headed Lapwings wintering in Kerala were compiled from different sources. With a total of 77 sightings from 1999–2016 in Kerala the bird, which was earlier thought to be a rare winter visitor, was found to be a frequent visitor to the state. Kole wetland, Vellayani-Punchakkari paddy fields and Kattampally wetlands were the sites in Kerala with fairly regular sightings of the bird. From the records, it was found that they are here from October to April, with a maximum number of sightings in January.
A questionnaire survey and field investigation in the shrimp farms were conducted in the coastal ... more A questionnaire survey and field investigation in the shrimp farms were conducted in the coastal regions of Villupuram and Cuddalore district in the East Coast of South India from October to November 2012. A total of 16 farms were interrogated to identify and quantify the number of birds considered to be a threat to shrimp farming. Tiger shrimps (Penaeusmonodon) and Vannamei (Penaeusvannamei) were the two widely cultivated species in this region. A total of 19 species of birds were observed, that includes, cormorants, coots, egrets, kingfishers and kites. Among the different size class of birds 58%, 32%, and 10% were small, medium and large birds, respectively. In foraging mode of birds 78% were active foragers caused highest damage in the farm. Scavenging birds and mud probers constituted 11% each of the total bird species. Farmers were more concerned about the disease transmission by mechanical or fecal contamination rather than predation. Based on the present findings management ...
ABSTRACT Urbanisation is a major threat to biodiversity by forcing animals to either adapt to it,... more ABSTRACT Urbanisation is a major threat to biodiversity by forcing animals to either adapt to it, emigrate or face extinction. Wetland depended birds, and in particular heronry birds, are known to be adapted to fresh urban conditions in Kerala, India. They nest on large trees and forage at waste yards and fish markets in urban sites. We used flight initiation distance (FID) as a measure of bird’s tolerance level to humans and to study urban adaptation in heronry birds. When a foraging bird of interest was spotted, we walked towards it holding a rangefinder to measure the FID. We studied this for 237 and 217 foraging birds in urban and rural sites, respectively. We also counted the number of birds in the foraging ground before walking in order to study the effect of group size on FID of the targeted bird. The FID of all bird species, except the intermediate egret, was significantly shorter in urban sites. While the habitat type affected FID, the group size and the interaction between group size and habitat type did not. This study concludes that heronry birds tolerate human presence in urban habitats more than in rural habitats, indicating urban adaptation of heronry birds.
House Sparrows Passer domesticus are one of the most widespread passerines in the world. A surve... more House Sparrows Passer domesticus are one of the most widespread passerines in the world. A survey was conducted to find out their status in Kannur District, Kerala. The survey recorded 553 sparrows in 35 sites in the district. The perspectives of the public were recorded through a questionnaire survey and conservational inputs from the public were noted. Most of the respondents (47%) suggested the provision of nest boxes for the enhanced breeding of sparrows. Thus, our NGO along with the support of students, the public and the Kerala Forest Department, placed 100 nest boxes in various identified sparrow dwelling places in the district and it was found effective in the conservation of sparrows.
Wetland ecosystems, particularly the mangrove forest, are the primary wild habitat of heronry bir... more Wetland ecosystems, particularly the mangrove forest, are the primary wild habitat of heronry birds. However, urban ecosystems have become a favorite breeding habitat of these birds. To provide inputs into the habitat management for conservation of these birds, we investigated the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of nesting trees of heronry birds in the urban environment of the North Kerala region of peninsular India. Census on nesting trees was done in 3 major microhabitats of the urban ecosystem: avenues of national highways and towns, nonresidential plots, and residential areas apart from the mangrove islets in the peri-urban locality. The study found that 174 trees of 22 species hosted 1,928 heronry bird nests in the urban habitats; mangrove forests, although plentiful in the study area, hosted only about 20% of the total nests encountered in the study. Rain trees Samanea saman (43.7%) were the most available nesting tree. The greatest number of nests and nesting tre...
Butterfly diversity was recorded from Nov (2013)-May (2014) in Pookode region. A total number of ... more Butterfly diversity was recorded from Nov (2013)-May (2014) in Pookode region. A total number of 128 species recorded from the five families; Nymphalidae (46 species) Lycaenidae (28 species), Hesperiidae (22 species), Pieridae (17 species) and Papilionidae (15 species) respectively. During the survey invasive plant species were also recorded. There were 36 species of invasive plants from 18 families identified from the study area. More butterflies were attracted towards nectar offering invasive plants. Chromolaena odorata, Ipomea cairica, Lantana camara, Merremia vitifolia, Mikania micrantha, Mimosa diplotricha, Pennisetum polystachyon, Pteridium aquilinum, Quisqualis indica and Sphagneticola trilobata were the major invasive plants found in the Pookode region and their flower attracts butterfly for pollination. Even though nectar offered by the plants are supportive for growth, in long run these species can affect butterfly population by declining native host larval plant species for butterfly reproduction. Invasive species compete with the native flora and reduce its population. Management practices like physical, chemical and modern bio control measures could be used for eradicating of invasive plants. Wise use of invasive plants for other economical purpose such as bio-fuel, medicinal purpose, bio-pesticide and handicraft could be suggested. Successful management of invasive species are needed for conserving Lepidoptera fauna and other native biota of the area.
The diet composition of Little Cormorants Microcarbo niger, during their breeding season, was stu... more The diet composition of Little Cormorants Microcarbo niger, during their breeding season, was studied in the Kannur District of Kerala during July– August 2012 to evaluate whether their diet conflicted with the commercial interests of shrimp, and fish farmers. Regurgitated samples (n=498) revealed that they mainly preyed upon shrimps (91%), to feed their nestlings. Other prey species included various species of fishes (Mystus vittatus 6%, Aplocheilus sp. 1%, Puntius mahecola 1%, and Etroplus maculatus 0.40%), and an amphibian tadpole (Euphlyctus cynophlyctus 1%). Slow-moving bottom dwellers like shrimps and M. vittatus, which are easy to catch, constituted most of the recorded prey. The size of prey species was 1–7 cm. Though shrimps constituted the higher percentage of their diet, their mean biomass (0.39 g) was less than that of other prey. Medium-sized shrimps ranging 1–4 cm were preferred. The higher percent of shrimps in their diet, recorded in the regurgitated samples, suggests a possible conflict with commercial shrimp farming. The small-sized fish (M. vittatus, and E. maculatus) these cormorants preying upon may have negligible economic value, but continued predation of a particular size class may later affect recruitment and thus the population structure of the prey species.
A survey of the heronries in Kannur District, Kerala was carried out from 25July, to 3August 2014... more A survey of the heronries in Kannur District, Kerala was carried out from 25July, to 3August 2014. A total of 25 heronries consisting of 1416 nests of eight species of colonial nesters Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger, Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis, Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster, Indian Pond Heorn Ardeola grayii, Black-crowned Night Heron Nyctricorax nycticorax, Little Egret Egretta garzetta, Median Egret Egretta intermedi and Grey Heron Ardea cinerea were recorded. There was 18% decline in the overall number of nests when compared to the year 2013 in the district. Anthropogenic disturbances such as cutting down of nesting trees and branches, hunting, disturbing nesting by bursting crackers etc. are the main threats faced by these birds.
Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii) diet consisted of Channa sp. (25%), Trachypauchen sp. (25%), P... more Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii) diet consisted of Channa sp. (25%), Trachypauchen sp. (25%), Puntius mahecola (14%) and Mystus vittatus (8%). It preferred medium sized prey of sizes 4-7 cm. In terms of biomass Channa sp. and Trachypauchen sp. constituted greater percent (51%). Scavenging behavior of Indian Pond Heron was observed. The prey fish species such as Mystus vittatus and Etroplus maculatus are economically important species and are of human interest but considering size of fishes in observed prey item it is having negligible economic value. But, continued predation of a particular size class may later affect the population structure of the prey species.
A questionnaire survey and field investigation in t he shrimp farms were conducted in the Kannur ... more A questionnaire survey and field investigation in t he shrimp farms were conducted in the Kannur District of South India from 28 th July, 2013, to 5 th August, 2013. A total of 30 shrimp farms were studied in Kannur district of Kerala. Shrimp farms were facing many threats of which only 30% were due to bird menace. Among the different bird species Cormorants were observed to be threat to shrimp farming. Group forager, diver and being an opportunistic feeder make Cormorants an ideal predator of shrimps (53%). Our present study revea led that cormorants predate and feed nestlings with large quantity of shrimps. Other problematic species were Night Herons, Little Grebe, Egrets, Kingfishers, Storks, Darter, Green Herons, and Whis tling Ducks. High food availability in farms (26%) and ease to catch shrimps (22%) are the major reasons proposed for bird predation. Other reasons were ecological changes (11%), lack of food and water sources (19%) in natural systems and clear and stagnant wat...
Butterfly diversity was recorded from Nov (2013) - May (2014) in Pookode region. A total number o... more Butterfly diversity was recorded from Nov (2013) - May (2014) in Pookode region. A total number of 128 species recorded from the five families; Nymphalidae (46 species) Lycaenidae (28 species), Hesperiidae (22 species), Pieridae (17 species) and Papilionidae (15 species) respectively. During the survey invasive plant species were also recorded. There were 36 species of invasive plants from 18 families identified from the study area. More butterflies were attracted towards nectar offering invasive plants. Chromolaena odorata, Ipomea cairica, Lantana camara, Merremia vitifolia, Mikania micrantha, Mimosa diplotricha, Pennisetumpolystachyon, Pteridium aquilinum, Quisqualis indica and Sphagneticola trilobata were the major invasive plants found in the Pookode region and their flower attracts butterfly for pollination. Even though nectar offered by the plants are supportive for growth, in long run these species can affect butterfly population bydeclining native host larval plant species f...
Sightings of Grey-headed Lapwings wintering in Kerala were compiled from different sources. With... more Sightings of Grey-headed Lapwings wintering in Kerala were compiled from different sources. With a total of 77 sightings from 1999–2016 in Kerala the bird, which was earlier thought to be a rare winter visitor, was found to be a frequent visitor to the state. Kole wetland, Vellayani-Punchakkari paddy fields and Kattampally wetlands were the sites in Kerala with fairly regular sightings of the bird. From the records, it was found that they are here from October to April, with a maximum number of sightings in January.
A questionnaire survey and field investigation in the shrimp farms were conducted in the coastal ... more A questionnaire survey and field investigation in the shrimp farms were conducted in the coastal regions of Villupuram and Cuddalore district in the East Coast of South India from October to November 2012. A total of 16 farms were interrogated to identify and quantify the number of birds considered to be a threat to shrimp farming. Tiger shrimps (Penaeusmonodon) and Vannamei (Penaeusvannamei) were the two widely cultivated species in this region. A total of 19 species of birds were observed, that includes, cormorants, coots, egrets, kingfishers and kites. Among the different size class of birds 58%, 32%, and 10% were small, medium and large birds, respectively. In foraging mode of birds 78% were active foragers caused highest damage in the farm. Scavenging birds and mud probers constituted 11% each of the total bird species. Farmers were more concerned about the disease transmission by mechanical or fecal contamination rather than predation. Based on the present findings management ...
ABSTRACT Urbanisation is a major threat to biodiversity by forcing animals to either adapt to it,... more ABSTRACT Urbanisation is a major threat to biodiversity by forcing animals to either adapt to it, emigrate or face extinction. Wetland depended birds, and in particular heronry birds, are known to be adapted to fresh urban conditions in Kerala, India. They nest on large trees and forage at waste yards and fish markets in urban sites. We used flight initiation distance (FID) as a measure of bird’s tolerance level to humans and to study urban adaptation in heronry birds. When a foraging bird of interest was spotted, we walked towards it holding a rangefinder to measure the FID. We studied this for 237 and 217 foraging birds in urban and rural sites, respectively. We also counted the number of birds in the foraging ground before walking in order to study the effect of group size on FID of the targeted bird. The FID of all bird species, except the intermediate egret, was significantly shorter in urban sites. While the habitat type affected FID, the group size and the interaction between group size and habitat type did not. This study concludes that heronry birds tolerate human presence in urban habitats more than in rural habitats, indicating urban adaptation of heronry birds.
House Sparrows Passer domesticus are one of the most widespread passerines in the world. A surve... more House Sparrows Passer domesticus are one of the most widespread passerines in the world. A survey was conducted to find out their status in Kannur District, Kerala. The survey recorded 553 sparrows in 35 sites in the district. The perspectives of the public were recorded through a questionnaire survey and conservational inputs from the public were noted. Most of the respondents (47%) suggested the provision of nest boxes for the enhanced breeding of sparrows. Thus, our NGO along with the support of students, the public and the Kerala Forest Department, placed 100 nest boxes in various identified sparrow dwelling places in the district and it was found effective in the conservation of sparrows.
Wetland ecosystems, particularly the mangrove forest, are the primary wild habitat of heronry bir... more Wetland ecosystems, particularly the mangrove forest, are the primary wild habitat of heronry birds. However, urban ecosystems have become a favorite breeding habitat of these birds. To provide inputs into the habitat management for conservation of these birds, we investigated the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of nesting trees of heronry birds in the urban environment of the North Kerala region of peninsular India. Census on nesting trees was done in 3 major microhabitats of the urban ecosystem: avenues of national highways and towns, nonresidential plots, and residential areas apart from the mangrove islets in the peri-urban locality. The study found that 174 trees of 22 species hosted 1,928 heronry bird nests in the urban habitats; mangrove forests, although plentiful in the study area, hosted only about 20% of the total nests encountered in the study. Rain trees Samanea saman (43.7%) were the most available nesting tree. The greatest number of nests and nesting tre...
Butterfly diversity was recorded from Nov (2013)-May (2014) in Pookode region. A total number of ... more Butterfly diversity was recorded from Nov (2013)-May (2014) in Pookode region. A total number of 128 species recorded from the five families; Nymphalidae (46 species) Lycaenidae (28 species), Hesperiidae (22 species), Pieridae (17 species) and Papilionidae (15 species) respectively. During the survey invasive plant species were also recorded. There were 36 species of invasive plants from 18 families identified from the study area. More butterflies were attracted towards nectar offering invasive plants. Chromolaena odorata, Ipomea cairica, Lantana camara, Merremia vitifolia, Mikania micrantha, Mimosa diplotricha, Pennisetum polystachyon, Pteridium aquilinum, Quisqualis indica and Sphagneticola trilobata were the major invasive plants found in the Pookode region and their flower attracts butterfly for pollination. Even though nectar offered by the plants are supportive for growth, in long run these species can affect butterfly population by declining native host larval plant species for butterfly reproduction. Invasive species compete with the native flora and reduce its population. Management practices like physical, chemical and modern bio control measures could be used for eradicating of invasive plants. Wise use of invasive plants for other economical purpose such as bio-fuel, medicinal purpose, bio-pesticide and handicraft could be suggested. Successful management of invasive species are needed for conserving Lepidoptera fauna and other native biota of the area.
The diet composition of Little Cormorants Microcarbo niger, during their breeding season, was stu... more The diet composition of Little Cormorants Microcarbo niger, during their breeding season, was studied in the Kannur District of Kerala during July– August 2012 to evaluate whether their diet conflicted with the commercial interests of shrimp, and fish farmers. Regurgitated samples (n=498) revealed that they mainly preyed upon shrimps (91%), to feed their nestlings. Other prey species included various species of fishes (Mystus vittatus 6%, Aplocheilus sp. 1%, Puntius mahecola 1%, and Etroplus maculatus 0.40%), and an amphibian tadpole (Euphlyctus cynophlyctus 1%). Slow-moving bottom dwellers like shrimps and M. vittatus, which are easy to catch, constituted most of the recorded prey. The size of prey species was 1–7 cm. Though shrimps constituted the higher percentage of their diet, their mean biomass (0.39 g) was less than that of other prey. Medium-sized shrimps ranging 1–4 cm were preferred. The higher percent of shrimps in their diet, recorded in the regurgitated samples, suggests a possible conflict with commercial shrimp farming. The small-sized fish (M. vittatus, and E. maculatus) these cormorants preying upon may have negligible economic value, but continued predation of a particular size class may later affect recruitment and thus the population structure of the prey species.
A survey of the heronries in Kannur District, Kerala was carried out from 25July, to 3August 2014... more A survey of the heronries in Kannur District, Kerala was carried out from 25July, to 3August 2014. A total of 25 heronries consisting of 1416 nests of eight species of colonial nesters Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger, Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis, Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster, Indian Pond Heorn Ardeola grayii, Black-crowned Night Heron Nyctricorax nycticorax, Little Egret Egretta garzetta, Median Egret Egretta intermedi and Grey Heron Ardea cinerea were recorded. There was 18% decline in the overall number of nests when compared to the year 2013 in the district. Anthropogenic disturbances such as cutting down of nesting trees and branches, hunting, disturbing nesting by bursting crackers etc. are the main threats faced by these birds.
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ranging 1–4 cm were preferred. The higher percent of shrimps in their diet, recorded in the regurgitated samples, suggests a possible conflict with commercial shrimp farming. The small-sized fish (M. vittatus, and E. maculatus) these cormorants preying upon may have negligible economic value, but continued predation of a particular size class may later affect recruitment and thus the population structure of the prey species.
of 25 heronries consisting of 1416 nests of eight species of colonial nesters Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger,
Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis, Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster, Indian Pond Heorn Ardeola
grayii, Black-crowned Night Heron Nyctricorax nycticorax, Little Egret Egretta garzetta, Median Egret Egretta
intermedi and Grey Heron Ardea cinerea were recorded. There was 18% decline in the overall number of nests
when compared to the year 2013 in the district. Anthropogenic disturbances such as cutting down of nesting trees and
branches, hunting, disturbing nesting by bursting crackers etc. are the main threats faced by these birds.
ranging 1–4 cm were preferred. The higher percent of shrimps in their diet, recorded in the regurgitated samples, suggests a possible conflict with commercial shrimp farming. The small-sized fish (M. vittatus, and E. maculatus) these cormorants preying upon may have negligible economic value, but continued predation of a particular size class may later affect recruitment and thus the population structure of the prey species.
of 25 heronries consisting of 1416 nests of eight species of colonial nesters Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger,
Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis, Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster, Indian Pond Heorn Ardeola
grayii, Black-crowned Night Heron Nyctricorax nycticorax, Little Egret Egretta garzetta, Median Egret Egretta
intermedi and Grey Heron Ardea cinerea were recorded. There was 18% decline in the overall number of nests
when compared to the year 2013 in the district. Anthropogenic disturbances such as cutting down of nesting trees and
branches, hunting, disturbing nesting by bursting crackers etc. are the main threats faced by these birds.