Being wildlife enthusiast, I pursued my graduation and Post-graduate degree in zoology from Mumbai University with specialization in Oceanography and fishery science. After completion of studies, I got opportunity as researcher in CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography. I was fortunate to have experience in Marine ecology, Intertidal survey, Ecological survey of coral reef, Mangrove assessment and marine monitoring projects like Environment Impact assessments. Marine life had always captured my heart and mind. I grabbed second opportunity at marine science project in Wildlife Institute of India as I have lifelong interest in marine biodiversity conservation. Previously, I kept passionately pursued conservation for sea turtles conservation in my coastal state, Maharashtra. I was honored to accredited by National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET) for Functional and Biodiversity expert (FAE) for Ecology and Biodiversity for ‘Category B’ EIAs in Terracon Ecotech Pvt. Ltd. I have ventured into sea life by joined for recovery of charismatic marine mammal (king of the sea)- Dugong to make difference in marine life conservation. My current research interests include understanding ecology of endangered species, diversity assessment of marine life, connecting the conserving ecosystem benefits along with livelihood. In my spare time, I sketch and make cross-stich designs. Due to inclination towards nature, I love to capture wildlife through my photography. I wish to perform my own research which can contribute to the knowledge of the field Supervisors: Dr. K. Sivakumar Kuppuswamy , Dr. R.Sureshkumar, Dr. Varsha Andhare
Spatial prioritization of dugong habitats in India can contribute towards achieving the 30 × 30 global biodiversity target, 2024
Indian coastal waters are critical for dugong populations in the western Indian Ocean. Systematic... more Indian coastal waters are critical for dugong populations in the western Indian Ocean. Systematic spatial planning of dugong habitats can help to achieve biodiversity conservation and area-based protection targets in the region. In this study, we employed environmental niche modelling to predict suitable dugong habitats and identify influencing factors along its entire distribution range in Indian waters. We examined data on fishing pressures collected through systematic interview surveys, citizen-science data, and field surveys to demarcate dugong habitats with varying risks. Seagrass presence was the primary factor in determining dugong habitat suitability across the study sites. Other variables such as depth, bathymetric slope, and Euclidean distance from the shore were significant factors, particularly in predicting seasonal suitability. Predicted suitable habitats showed a remarkable shift from pre-monsoon in Palk Bay to post-monsoon in the Gulf of Mannar, indicating the potential of seasonal dugong movement. The entire coastline along the Palk Bay-Gulf of Mannar region was observed to be at high to moderate risk, including the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, a high-risk area. The Andaman Islands exhibited high suitability during pre-and post-monsoon season, whereas the Nicobar Islands were highly suitable for monsoon season. Risk assessment of modelled suitable areas revealed that < 15% of high-risk areas across Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu, fall within the existing protected areas. A few offshore reef islands are identified under high-risk zones in the Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat. We highlight the utility of citizen science and secondary data in performing large-scale spatial ecological analysis. Overall, identifying synoptic scale 'Critical Dugong Habitats' has positive implications for the country's progress towards achieving the global 30 × 30 target through systematic conservation planning.
Sea turtles are affected by various natural calamities and disasters apart from those caused by h... more Sea turtles are affected by various natural calamities and disasters apart from those caused by human-induced activities, including fishing operations. Stranded carcasses of marine megafauna can provide valuable information on the cause of death at sea. However, interpreting the results can be challenging because stranding probabilities are usually very low and highly variable in space and time. However, it is crucial for the management of such species. Knowledge of the spatial and temporal distribution of specific mortality sources is crucial for managing species vulnerable to human interactions. Beach cast carcasses represent an unknown fraction of at-sea mortalities. Data on stranded sea turtles were examined between 1981 and 2021 along the Maharashtra coast (N = 510) to detect spatio-temporal patterns and understand the factors that contribute to their mortality. We evaluated the distribution and magnitude of sea turtle mortality along the Maharashtra coast. These data are valuable for directing and implementing specific and local mitigation measures along the Maharashtra coast, such as avoiding bycatch hotspots through fleet communication programs or area- and season-specific closures, enforceable legislation, effective penalties, and proper waste management. This study highlights the importance of addressing these data gaps and provides a meaningful conservation tool that can be applied to stranding data on sea turtles along the Konkan coast of India.
In India, dugong populations and their habitats are under pressure from several factors, includin... more In India, dugong populations and their habitats are under pressure from several factors, including seagrass degradation caused by high turbidity and pollution, ghost nets, bycatch, poaching, fragmentation of seagrass habitats, and climate change. We reviewed the strandings of vulnerable Dugongs (Dugong dugon, Müller, 1776) in the Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat with prevailing threats factors. Dugong strandings data was collected through the Friends of Dugong Network, established in the Gulf of Kutch, to promote citizen science to recover obscure dugongs and records from the published literature. We could document 24 incidents of strandings with 29 dugongs between 1877 and 2022. In the Gulf of Kutch, dugong mortality incidents were reported with discontinuous occurrences, and the causes for their strandings were also unknown. However, fisheries bycatch and ghost nets in the seagrass meadows seem to be major causes for recent strandings of dugongs.
First distribution record of the Pamban sea slug, Marionia pambanensis O’Donoghue, 1932 (Gastropoda: Heterobranchia: Tritoniidae), from the Gujarat coast, India, 2023
Marionia pambanensis (O'Donoghue, 1932), commonly named Pamban sea slug, is a dendronotid nudibra... more Marionia pambanensis (O'Donoghue, 1932), commonly named Pamban sea slug, is a dendronotid nudibranch belonging to the family Tritoniidae, phylum Mollusca which was first described from the waters around Pamban Island, southeastern coast of India. This species was previously reported only from the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Maharashtra. The current study provides the first record from the Okha coast, Devbhoomi Dwarka district, between the Gulf of Kutch and the Arabian Sea in Gujarat. Distinguishing features from morphologically similar M. olivacea are mentioned.
This research is the first to assess marine litter and plastic pollution in India's first mar... more This research is the first to assess marine litter and plastic pollution in India's first marine protected area (MPA), the Gulf of Kachchh Marine Protected Area (GOKMPA). We compare it to two non‐protected areas, that is, Okha Beach and Beyt Dwarka, known for their high industrial and tourist activity, respectively. Standing‐stock surveys were used to collect primary litter data, while questionnaire surveys were used to learn about people's perception and attitude towards the plastic pollution problem in the study area. We found that plastic was the most common component of the litter at all the sites and that it was primarily of terrestrial origin. Compared to non‐protected sites, GOKMPA had the lowest litter density but the highest proportion of plastic litter. Single‐use plastic bottles were the most counted items at all the sites, regardless of the conservation status of the sites. The majority of people (locals, visitors, and fishers) around these sites expressed concern about waste but were hesitant to take responsibility and discourage or prevent littering. We noted that designating coastal territories as protected areas helps in reducing plastic pollution while also conserving habitat and biodiversity. However, this could change rapidly due to either mishandling of litter within MPAs or neighboring non‐PAs, and also because plastics pose an actual toxicity risk when present even at minimal concentrations in the environment. We recommend combining preventive, mitigating, and curative measures in areas where risk hotspots for plastic litter are identified, and such sites must be constantly monitored. Long‐term solutions could include transitioning from a linear to a circular economy, which would involve goals for reducing plastic waste and instituting more sustainable production and consumption patterns.
Review of stranding records of megaherbivore the Dugong (Dugong dugon, müller, 1776) in the Gulf of Kutch, India- an implication to the conservation of marine mammals in Gujarat , Jun 4, 2023
In India, dugong populations and their habitats are under pressure from several factors, includin... more In India, dugong populations and their habitats are under pressure from several factors, including seagrass degradation caused by high turbidity and pollution, ghost nets, bycatch, poaching, fragmentation of seagrass habitats, and climate change. We reviewed the strandings of vulnerable Dugongs (Dugong dugon, Müller, 1776) in the Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat with prevailing threats factors. Dugong strandings data was collected through the Friends of Dugong Network, established in the Gulf of Kutch, to promote citizen science to recover obscure dugongs and records from the published literature. We could document 24 incidents of strandings with 29 dugongs between 1877 and 2022. In the Gulf of Kutch, dugong mortality incidents were reported with discontinuous occurrences, and the causes for their strandings were also unknown. However, fisheries bycatch and ghost nets in the seagrass meadows seem to be major causes for recent strandings of dugongs.
INDIA'S FIRST DUGONG CONSERVATION RESERVE NOTIFIED IN PALK BAY, Tamil Nadu bringing hope for extinction-prone dugongs , 2023
As an outcome of the CAMPA-Dugong recovery project, and based on the frequent sightings of dugong... more As an outcome of the CAMPA-Dugong recovery project, and based on the frequent sightings of dugongs , a Dugong conservation reserve was proposed jointly by WII and state Tamil Nadu state forest department in the North Palk Bay, Tami Nadu, in 2020. Subsequently, the Hon’ble State Forest Minister in the Tamil Nadu state assembly announced the need to establish the Dugong conservation reserve in order to conserve dugongs. The Tamil Nadu government declared about 448square-kilometer area in the northern part of the Palk Bay as a 'Dugong conservation reserve' notified by gazette order G.O. Ms. No.165, Environment, Climate Change and Forests (FR.5) dated 21st September 2022.
Puducherry, is a small Union Territory of India, located along the southern east coast of India ... more Puducherry, is a small Union Territory of India, located along the southern east coast of India with coastline of 45 km. This coastline is being used for nesting of sea turtles, especially Olive Ridley and Green Sea turtles, but the coastline was observed as highly dynamic and rapidly changing probably due to anthropogenic pressures in the recent past. Therefore, this study aimed to detect the land use and land cover change in the recent past and its impact on the nesting beaches of sea turtles. Land use/land cover patterns between 2004 and 2015 were visually interpreted and assessed for its changes. High sporadic nesting of sea turtles was reported on the beaches of Nallavadu village before 2004 but due to significant changes in the land use of adjoining areas of the beach that resulted in decline of nesting of sea turtles. Larger portion of agricultural land adjoining to nesting beach was converted into aquaculture and built up areas that deterred more sea turtles use the beaches for nesting. Similarly, another fishing village Vanjiur where 116 hectares of agriculture land along nesting beach was converted to aquaculture and built up has resulted in decline of nesting of sea turtles. It was found that arable lands along turtle nesting beaches were shrunk due to demand from other developing sectors such as aquaculture, tourism and real estate. Therefore, we propose to declare remaining critical sea turtle nesting beaches of Pudchurry such as beaches between Nallavadu and Moorthikuppam villages, and beaches around Arasalar River, Karaikal as ‘Community or Conservation Reserves’. These community or conservation reserves should be managed with active participation of local communities for the long term conservation of sea turtles in Puducherry. Keywords: Land use land cover, Puducherry, Coastal, Arable, Sporadic
First time celebration of ‘Dugong Day’ in India: a social media campaign to highlight dugong conservation issues in India amidst COVID-19 pandemic, 2020
Puducherry, is a small Union Territory of India, located along the southern east coast of India ... more Puducherry, is a small Union Territory of India, located along the southern east coast of India with coastline of 45 km. This coastline is being used for nesting of sea turtles, especially Olive Ridley and Green Sea turtles, but the coastline was observed as highly dynamic and rapidly changing probably due to anthropogenic pressures in the recent past. Therefore, this study aimed to detect the land use and land cover change in the recent past and its impact on the nesting beaches of sea turtles. Land use/land cover patterns between 2004 and 2015 were visually interpreted and assessed for its changes. High sporadic nesting of sea turtles was reported on the beaches of Nallavadu village before 2004 but due to significant changes in the land use of adjoining areas of the beach that resulted in decline of nesting of sea turtles. Larger portion of agricultural land adjoining to nesting beach was converted into aquaculture and built up areas that deterred more sea turtles use the beaches for nesting. Similarly, another fishing village Vanjiur where 116 hectares of agriculture land along nesting beach was converted to aquaculture and built up has resulted in decline of nesting of sea turtles. It was found that arable lands along turtle nesting beaches were shrunk due to demand from other developing sectors such as aquaculture, tourism and real estate. Therefore, we propose to declare remaining critical sea turtle nesting beaches of Pudchurry such as beaches between Nallavadu and Moorthikuppam villages, and beaches around Arasalar River, Karaikal as ‘Community or Conservation Reserves’. These community or conservation reserves should be managed with active participation of local communities for the long term conservation of sea turtles in Puducherry.
Keywords: Land use land cover, Puducherry, Coastal, Arable, Sporadic
All seven species of marine turtles of which four species that occur in the Indian waters have un... more All seven species of marine turtles of which four species that occur in the Indian waters have undergone severe population declines. The Maharashtra state, having a 720 km long coastline is among the top few coastal states in India that supports high coastal and marine biodiversity. Many of these sites along this coast have been prioritized for conservation action. We carried out a survey to assess the sea turtle nesting beaches and collect information on the near shore turtle habitats along the 120 km long Sindhudurg coastline along Southern Maharashtra. Three sites along this coast: Devgad, Vengurla, Malvan have been prioritized for immediate conservation action. Out of 27 identified nesting beaches only 13 beaches exhibited sporadic nesting of Vulnerable Olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea). Endangered Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the Critically Endangered Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) are regularly seen in the near shore waters, this has been reported through questionnaire survey of the local fishermen. Our study indicates that turtles probably congregate in select areas off the Sindhudurg coast during a certain time of the year for feeding or resting during which they are likely vulnerable to near shore trawling or to gill net fishing.
Spatial prioritization of dugong habitats in India can contribute towards achieving the 30 × 30 global biodiversity target, 2024
Indian coastal waters are critical for dugong populations in the western Indian Ocean. Systematic... more Indian coastal waters are critical for dugong populations in the western Indian Ocean. Systematic spatial planning of dugong habitats can help to achieve biodiversity conservation and area-based protection targets in the region. In this study, we employed environmental niche modelling to predict suitable dugong habitats and identify influencing factors along its entire distribution range in Indian waters. We examined data on fishing pressures collected through systematic interview surveys, citizen-science data, and field surveys to demarcate dugong habitats with varying risks. Seagrass presence was the primary factor in determining dugong habitat suitability across the study sites. Other variables such as depth, bathymetric slope, and Euclidean distance from the shore were significant factors, particularly in predicting seasonal suitability. Predicted suitable habitats showed a remarkable shift from pre-monsoon in Palk Bay to post-monsoon in the Gulf of Mannar, indicating the potential of seasonal dugong movement. The entire coastline along the Palk Bay-Gulf of Mannar region was observed to be at high to moderate risk, including the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, a high-risk area. The Andaman Islands exhibited high suitability during pre-and post-monsoon season, whereas the Nicobar Islands were highly suitable for monsoon season. Risk assessment of modelled suitable areas revealed that < 15% of high-risk areas across Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu, fall within the existing protected areas. A few offshore reef islands are identified under high-risk zones in the Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat. We highlight the utility of citizen science and secondary data in performing large-scale spatial ecological analysis. Overall, identifying synoptic scale 'Critical Dugong Habitats' has positive implications for the country's progress towards achieving the global 30 × 30 target through systematic conservation planning.
Sea turtles are affected by various natural calamities and disasters apart from those caused by h... more Sea turtles are affected by various natural calamities and disasters apart from those caused by human-induced activities, including fishing operations. Stranded carcasses of marine megafauna can provide valuable information on the cause of death at sea. However, interpreting the results can be challenging because stranding probabilities are usually very low and highly variable in space and time. However, it is crucial for the management of such species. Knowledge of the spatial and temporal distribution of specific mortality sources is crucial for managing species vulnerable to human interactions. Beach cast carcasses represent an unknown fraction of at-sea mortalities. Data on stranded sea turtles were examined between 1981 and 2021 along the Maharashtra coast (N = 510) to detect spatio-temporal patterns and understand the factors that contribute to their mortality. We evaluated the distribution and magnitude of sea turtle mortality along the Maharashtra coast. These data are valuable for directing and implementing specific and local mitigation measures along the Maharashtra coast, such as avoiding bycatch hotspots through fleet communication programs or area- and season-specific closures, enforceable legislation, effective penalties, and proper waste management. This study highlights the importance of addressing these data gaps and provides a meaningful conservation tool that can be applied to stranding data on sea turtles along the Konkan coast of India.
In India, dugong populations and their habitats are under pressure from several factors, includin... more In India, dugong populations and their habitats are under pressure from several factors, including seagrass degradation caused by high turbidity and pollution, ghost nets, bycatch, poaching, fragmentation of seagrass habitats, and climate change. We reviewed the strandings of vulnerable Dugongs (Dugong dugon, Müller, 1776) in the Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat with prevailing threats factors. Dugong strandings data was collected through the Friends of Dugong Network, established in the Gulf of Kutch, to promote citizen science to recover obscure dugongs and records from the published literature. We could document 24 incidents of strandings with 29 dugongs between 1877 and 2022. In the Gulf of Kutch, dugong mortality incidents were reported with discontinuous occurrences, and the causes for their strandings were also unknown. However, fisheries bycatch and ghost nets in the seagrass meadows seem to be major causes for recent strandings of dugongs.
First distribution record of the Pamban sea slug, Marionia pambanensis O’Donoghue, 1932 (Gastropoda: Heterobranchia: Tritoniidae), from the Gujarat coast, India, 2023
Marionia pambanensis (O'Donoghue, 1932), commonly named Pamban sea slug, is a dendronotid nudibra... more Marionia pambanensis (O'Donoghue, 1932), commonly named Pamban sea slug, is a dendronotid nudibranch belonging to the family Tritoniidae, phylum Mollusca which was first described from the waters around Pamban Island, southeastern coast of India. This species was previously reported only from the coasts of Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Maharashtra. The current study provides the first record from the Okha coast, Devbhoomi Dwarka district, between the Gulf of Kutch and the Arabian Sea in Gujarat. Distinguishing features from morphologically similar M. olivacea are mentioned.
This research is the first to assess marine litter and plastic pollution in India's first mar... more This research is the first to assess marine litter and plastic pollution in India's first marine protected area (MPA), the Gulf of Kachchh Marine Protected Area (GOKMPA). We compare it to two non‐protected areas, that is, Okha Beach and Beyt Dwarka, known for their high industrial and tourist activity, respectively. Standing‐stock surveys were used to collect primary litter data, while questionnaire surveys were used to learn about people's perception and attitude towards the plastic pollution problem in the study area. We found that plastic was the most common component of the litter at all the sites and that it was primarily of terrestrial origin. Compared to non‐protected sites, GOKMPA had the lowest litter density but the highest proportion of plastic litter. Single‐use plastic bottles were the most counted items at all the sites, regardless of the conservation status of the sites. The majority of people (locals, visitors, and fishers) around these sites expressed concern about waste but were hesitant to take responsibility and discourage or prevent littering. We noted that designating coastal territories as protected areas helps in reducing plastic pollution while also conserving habitat and biodiversity. However, this could change rapidly due to either mishandling of litter within MPAs or neighboring non‐PAs, and also because plastics pose an actual toxicity risk when present even at minimal concentrations in the environment. We recommend combining preventive, mitigating, and curative measures in areas where risk hotspots for plastic litter are identified, and such sites must be constantly monitored. Long‐term solutions could include transitioning from a linear to a circular economy, which would involve goals for reducing plastic waste and instituting more sustainable production and consumption patterns.
Review of stranding records of megaherbivore the Dugong (Dugong dugon, müller, 1776) in the Gulf of Kutch, India- an implication to the conservation of marine mammals in Gujarat , Jun 4, 2023
In India, dugong populations and their habitats are under pressure from several factors, includin... more In India, dugong populations and their habitats are under pressure from several factors, including seagrass degradation caused by high turbidity and pollution, ghost nets, bycatch, poaching, fragmentation of seagrass habitats, and climate change. We reviewed the strandings of vulnerable Dugongs (Dugong dugon, Müller, 1776) in the Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat with prevailing threats factors. Dugong strandings data was collected through the Friends of Dugong Network, established in the Gulf of Kutch, to promote citizen science to recover obscure dugongs and records from the published literature. We could document 24 incidents of strandings with 29 dugongs between 1877 and 2022. In the Gulf of Kutch, dugong mortality incidents were reported with discontinuous occurrences, and the causes for their strandings were also unknown. However, fisheries bycatch and ghost nets in the seagrass meadows seem to be major causes for recent strandings of dugongs.
INDIA'S FIRST DUGONG CONSERVATION RESERVE NOTIFIED IN PALK BAY, Tamil Nadu bringing hope for extinction-prone dugongs , 2023
As an outcome of the CAMPA-Dugong recovery project, and based on the frequent sightings of dugong... more As an outcome of the CAMPA-Dugong recovery project, and based on the frequent sightings of dugongs , a Dugong conservation reserve was proposed jointly by WII and state Tamil Nadu state forest department in the North Palk Bay, Tami Nadu, in 2020. Subsequently, the Hon’ble State Forest Minister in the Tamil Nadu state assembly announced the need to establish the Dugong conservation reserve in order to conserve dugongs. The Tamil Nadu government declared about 448square-kilometer area in the northern part of the Palk Bay as a 'Dugong conservation reserve' notified by gazette order G.O. Ms. No.165, Environment, Climate Change and Forests (FR.5) dated 21st September 2022.
Puducherry, is a small Union Territory of India, located along the southern east coast of India ... more Puducherry, is a small Union Territory of India, located along the southern east coast of India with coastline of 45 km. This coastline is being used for nesting of sea turtles, especially Olive Ridley and Green Sea turtles, but the coastline was observed as highly dynamic and rapidly changing probably due to anthropogenic pressures in the recent past. Therefore, this study aimed to detect the land use and land cover change in the recent past and its impact on the nesting beaches of sea turtles. Land use/land cover patterns between 2004 and 2015 were visually interpreted and assessed for its changes. High sporadic nesting of sea turtles was reported on the beaches of Nallavadu village before 2004 but due to significant changes in the land use of adjoining areas of the beach that resulted in decline of nesting of sea turtles. Larger portion of agricultural land adjoining to nesting beach was converted into aquaculture and built up areas that deterred more sea turtles use the beaches for nesting. Similarly, another fishing village Vanjiur where 116 hectares of agriculture land along nesting beach was converted to aquaculture and built up has resulted in decline of nesting of sea turtles. It was found that arable lands along turtle nesting beaches were shrunk due to demand from other developing sectors such as aquaculture, tourism and real estate. Therefore, we propose to declare remaining critical sea turtle nesting beaches of Pudchurry such as beaches between Nallavadu and Moorthikuppam villages, and beaches around Arasalar River, Karaikal as ‘Community or Conservation Reserves’. These community or conservation reserves should be managed with active participation of local communities for the long term conservation of sea turtles in Puducherry. Keywords: Land use land cover, Puducherry, Coastal, Arable, Sporadic
First time celebration of ‘Dugong Day’ in India: a social media campaign to highlight dugong conservation issues in India amidst COVID-19 pandemic, 2020
Puducherry, is a small Union Territory of India, located along the southern east coast of India ... more Puducherry, is a small Union Territory of India, located along the southern east coast of India with coastline of 45 km. This coastline is being used for nesting of sea turtles, especially Olive Ridley and Green Sea turtles, but the coastline was observed as highly dynamic and rapidly changing probably due to anthropogenic pressures in the recent past. Therefore, this study aimed to detect the land use and land cover change in the recent past and its impact on the nesting beaches of sea turtles. Land use/land cover patterns between 2004 and 2015 were visually interpreted and assessed for its changes. High sporadic nesting of sea turtles was reported on the beaches of Nallavadu village before 2004 but due to significant changes in the land use of adjoining areas of the beach that resulted in decline of nesting of sea turtles. Larger portion of agricultural land adjoining to nesting beach was converted into aquaculture and built up areas that deterred more sea turtles use the beaches for nesting. Similarly, another fishing village Vanjiur where 116 hectares of agriculture land along nesting beach was converted to aquaculture and built up has resulted in decline of nesting of sea turtles. It was found that arable lands along turtle nesting beaches were shrunk due to demand from other developing sectors such as aquaculture, tourism and real estate. Therefore, we propose to declare remaining critical sea turtle nesting beaches of Pudchurry such as beaches between Nallavadu and Moorthikuppam villages, and beaches around Arasalar River, Karaikal as ‘Community or Conservation Reserves’. These community or conservation reserves should be managed with active participation of local communities for the long term conservation of sea turtles in Puducherry.
Keywords: Land use land cover, Puducherry, Coastal, Arable, Sporadic
All seven species of marine turtles of which four species that occur in the Indian waters have un... more All seven species of marine turtles of which four species that occur in the Indian waters have undergone severe population declines. The Maharashtra state, having a 720 km long coastline is among the top few coastal states in India that supports high coastal and marine biodiversity. Many of these sites along this coast have been prioritized for conservation action. We carried out a survey to assess the sea turtle nesting beaches and collect information on the near shore turtle habitats along the 120 km long Sindhudurg coastline along Southern Maharashtra. Three sites along this coast: Devgad, Vengurla, Malvan have been prioritized for immediate conservation action. Out of 27 identified nesting beaches only 13 beaches exhibited sporadic nesting of Vulnerable Olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea). Endangered Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the Critically Endangered Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) are regularly seen in the near shore waters, this has been reported through questionnaire survey of the local fishermen. Our study indicates that turtles probably congregate in select areas off the Sindhudurg coast during a certain time of the year for feeding or resting during which they are likely vulnerable to near shore trawling or to gill net fishing.
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Papers by Prachi S Hatkar
Keywords: Land use land cover, Puducherry, Coastal, Arable, Sporadic
Keywords: Marine turtle, Sporadic nesting, Olive ridley, Vulnerable, Critically endangered
Keywords: Land use land cover, Puducherry, Coastal, Arable, Sporadic
Keywords: Marine turtle, Sporadic nesting, Olive ridley, Vulnerable, Critically endangered