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Volume-6 Issue-1 January - March 2012

From:ENVIS CoordinatorENVIS Centre on Status of Environment and Related issues for Andhra PradeshEnvironment Protection Training and Research Institute (EPTRI)91/4, Gachibowli, Hyderabad-500 032, A.P., IndiaPh : +91-040-23180103, 23180114, 23180100Fax No.:+40-23180135,

Content

This issue of the newsletter

Pa ryavaranam dea l s w i th

Protected Areas of Andhra

Pradesh. Apart f rom th is

Abstracts,World Sparrow Day and

Forth Coming Events are provided.

Editorial

ENVIS Coordinator

The ENVIS Centre on SoE & RI for Andhra Pradesh is a decentralized EnvironmentalInformation Centre established by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India

ISSN : 0974-2344Vol.6, No.1. 2012

ENVIS Centre onStatus of Environment & Related Issues for Andhra Pradesh

ParyavaranamE P T R I - E N V I S N e w s l e t t e r

91/4, Gachibowli, Hyderabad - 500 032, A.P., IndiaPh.:+91-040-2318 0103, 2318 0114, 2318 0100, Fax No.+40-2318 0135

URL: http://apenvis.nic.in; http//www.eptri.comEmail : ap@envis.nic.in / emailrazia@yahoo.com

ENVIS CENTRE ON STATUS OF ENVIRONMENT AND RELATED ISSUES FOR ANDHRA PRADESH

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION TRAINING & RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Published by

Supported by

EPTRI, Hyderabad

Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF)

Government of India, New Delhi

Editorial Team

Dr. Razia Sultana,

Dr. Prabhata Kumar Swain,

Ms. Meenakshi Bajpai,

Mr. D. Uma Shankar,

ENVIS Coordinator

Sr. Program Officer

Program officer

Data Entry Operator

Editorial

World Sparrow Day

Protected Areas of Andhra Pradesh

Abstracts

Forth Coming Events

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2

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Vol.6, No.1, 2012Paryavaranam:EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter

Title: International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology 2012Date: 25 to 29 June 2012Venue: Houston, Texas, United StatesEmail/Contact person: George Sorial, env-conference@AASci.orgWebsite:

Title: Meeting on Mangrove ecology, functioning and ManagementDate: 2 to 6 July 2012Venue: Galle, Sri LankaOrganizer: Université Libre de Bruxelles ULB - Vrije Universiteit Brussel VUB - University of Ruhuna UoR Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute KMFRIEmail/Contact person: Farid Dahdouh-GuebasWebsite:

http://www.AASci.org/conference/env/2012/index.html

http://www.vub.ac.be/APNA/greendyke/MMM3/

Forth Coming Events

ABSTRACTS

Gap Analysis for Protected Areas of Andhra Pradesh, India for conserving biodiversity, C.Sudhakar Reddy,

Forestry and Ecology Division, National Remote Sensing Centre, Indian Space Research Organisation,

Balanagar, Hyderabad- 500 625, India, Journal of American Science 2010;6(11);472-484], (ISSN: 1545-1003).

.Abstract: A gap analysis was carried out to assess the Protected Area (PA) network system in Andhra Pradesh, India.

The decisive factors of vegetations type distribution, elevation and endemism was used to determine the

representativeness of PA system. In Andhra Pradesh, vegetation cover occupies 23.03% of geographical area and

distributed in Coastal Plains, Deccan Plateau and Eastern Ghats. There are 27 PAs for conservation in Andhra

Pradesh. The total area protected for bio-diversity is about 12,555 km or 4.56% of geographical area of Andhra

Pradesh. Of the three physiographic region, Eastern Ghats represents very high area under PAs which was estimated

as 7811.38 km followed by Deccan plateau of 3526.89 km. Three main forest types (semi evergreen forests, thorn

forests and dry evergreen forests) missing in the existing PA network were identified. Moist deciduous forests of

Eastern Ghats of northern Andhra Pradesh were under-represented in Pas. The land area in an elevation range of

900m-1527m was not included in PA network. Of the 103 species of endemics, 64 species were not included in PA

system. Many PAs are experiencing threat from invasive species, forest fires, grazing pressure etc. There is a need to

consider for possible ways for effective conservation and to extend the present PA network system in India.

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Paryavaranam:EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol.6, No.1, 2012 Paryavaranam:EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol.6, No.1, 2012

Protected Areas of Andhra Pradesh

M. Giridhar , P. K. Swain and B.L.N. Murty

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION TRAINING AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE91/4, Gachibowli, Hyderabad-500032,

Protected areas are those locations which receive protection because of their recognized natural, ecological and/or cultural values. There are several kinds of protected areas, which vary by level of protection depending on the enabling laws of each country or the regulations of the international organizations involved. There are over 161,000 protected areas in the world with more added daily, representing over 13 % of the world's land surface area

Designating special areas for protection is an effective way of ensuring our wildlife and natural l a n d s c a p e s t o r e t a i n t h e i r i n d i v i d u a l characteristics.Some areas are deemed of such importance that they are formally designated under various pieces of national and international legislation. Protected areas are designated with the objective of conserving biodiversity and providing an indicator for the conservation's progress, but the extent to which they defend resources and

.

ecosystem dynamics from degradation are slightly more complex.

The protected areas of India cover 156,700 square kilometres (60,500 sq. mi), roughly 4.95% of the total surface area.

The protected areas found in India according to IUCN category National Parks, Wildlife Sanctauries, Biosphere Reserves, Reserve Forests, Community Forests and Village forests.

National Park(IUCN Category II): India's first National Park was HaileyNational Park, now JimCorbettNational Park, established in 1935. By 1970, India had 5 National Parks; today it has over 90.

National Parks1.KasuBrahmananda Reddy National Park.Uniqueness: A concrete jungle in HyderabadCity supporting verdant forest with diverse flora & fauna.Flora: Southern tropical dry deciduous forest that ncludes species like Teak, Sandalwood, Neem, Babul, Palas and Ficus etc.Fauna: Porcupine, Jungle Cat, Small Indian Civet, Pangolin, Mongoose, Wild Boar, over 130 species of birds, 30 species of Reptiles and 30 species of Butterflies. The park supports over 300 Peacocks

2.MahavirHarinaVanasthali National Park: Uniqueness: The largest single green lung in HyderabadCityharboring the State animal of Andhra Pradesh, the Black Buck.Flora: Dry deciduous forest mixed with scrub jungle and grasslands. The terrain varies from hilly to gently rolling. Sandalwood, Rosewood, Palas, Amaltha, Albizzia, Accacias, Teak.Fauna: Panther, Black Buck, Cheetal, Wild Boar, Civet, Porcupine, Peacock, 30 species of Reptiles and over 120 species of birds.

3. Mrugavani National ParkUniqueness: A unique urban forest ecosystem supporting large ungulates likes Cheetal, Sambar, Wild Boars etc. presents the visitors a true experience of wilderness. Flora: Southern tropical dry deciduous forests. The topography is undulating with rocky exposures of the Deccan trap formation. The park is endowed with species like Teak, Bamboo, Sandal, Ficus, Palas and Rela.Fauna: An urban refuge for large ungulates like Panther, Cheetal, Sambar, Wild Boar, Jungle Cat, Civet Cat, Mongoose, Monitor Lizard, Python, Russell's Viper, Cobra, Grey Partridge, Quail, and Butterflies.

4. Papikonda National Park:Uniqueness: The sight of mighty Godavari meandering through densely forested hills with deep gorges & valleys provides an unforgettable experience.Flora: Dry deciduous Teak forest with Bamboo, Terminalia, Pterocarpus, Cassia and other species conforming to the Eastern Ghat vegetation.Fauna: Tiger, Panther, Gaur, Cheetal, Chowsingha, Sambar, Black Buck, Mouse Deer, Barking Deer, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog, Hyena, Jackal, Wild Boar, Marsh Crocodile and a variety of birds both resident and migratory.5. Rajiv Gandhi National Park: This sanctuary stretches along the banks of river Krishna, Nagarjuna Sagar and Srisailam. (See NSTR which includes RajivGandhi National Park)

6. Sri Venkateshwara National Park: (See Sri Venkateswar WLS which include Sri Venkateswara National Park)

Zooloical Parks1)Nehru Zoological park: NehruZoolgicalPark was declared open to the public on 6th October, 1963. The zoo spreads over 400 acres and is the premier picnic spot for the twin-cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. It is open all round the year except Mondays. The undulating landscape of the Zoo provides a natural setting displayed in large habitat-simulating enclosures.The Mir- Alam tank covering nearly 600 acres attracts hundreds of migratory birds which is a special attraction.

2)Sri VenkateshwaraZoological Park:It is located at Tirupati that abode Lord Venkateswara being visited by about 40,000 people daily. The Park is developed with a spiritual theme. The Entrance depicts the incarnations of Almighty (Matsya, Kurma, Varaha and Narasimhaavataras) provides an opening to the new theme of the park.

3)Indira Gandhi Zoological Park:Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is situated in Visakhapatnam amidst the scenic Eastern Ghats of India, flanked by hills on either side and Bay of Bengal on the east.Declared open to the public on 19th May 1977. The park extends over an area of 625 acres that help in conservation of critically endangered fauna (Special attention on endemic fauna).

Biosphere Reserve:

Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve: Ministry of Environment and Forests, GoI has designated 4755.997 km2 of SeshachalamHillls as Biosphere Reserve in Chittoor and Kadapa districts of Andhra Pradesh in Deccan Peninsula Deccan south biogeographic province, vide Letter No-F.No.18/02/2008-CS/BR dated20-09-2010.

This Bioshere Reserve covers an area of 750.589 sq. km under Core zone, 1865.156 under Buffer zone and 2140.252 under Transition zone. Also houses many endangered and endemic flora and fauna.

Still some of the areas in Andhra Pradesh have good habitat which can conserved under protected areas like: Gudem-Marripakala and Sapparla– in Visakhapatnam district, Salur–in Vijayanagaram District and Viragatum- in Srikakulum District.

World Sparrow Day

World Sparrow Day (WSD) is not just a one-day event to celebrate the ubiquitous, but fast-disappearing sparrow, but an attempt to bring sparrow lovers and nature supporters on a common platform, and to kick start a conservation movement to save the common flora and fauna of the world.

Mohammed Dilawar of the Nature Forever Society that has been in the forefront of conserving house sparrows across the country said, “This year, we want people to throw open their homes, welcome and make sparrows part of their families.” “We do not intend to make it just a one-day event to raise public awareness about the decline of the house sparrow and throw light on the problems faced by the species in its daily fight for survival, but inspire people to take concrete steps.”

The reasons for the house sparrows' slow but noticeable disappearance has been labelled as one of the biggest mysteries of recent times, he said. A leading newspaper in the United Kingdom - a country that has witnessed one of the biggest declines of the house sparrow population

in recent times - declared a cash prize to anyone who could solve the mystery. Needless to say, the reward remains unclaimed, he added.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/article2961102.ece

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Animal Sanctuary(IUCN Category IV):

India has over 500 animal sanctuaries, referred to as Wildlife Sanctuaries. Among these, 28 are governed by Project Tiger, and are of special significance in the conservation of the tiger. Some wildlife sanctuaries are specifically named Bird Sanctuary, e.g. Keoladeo National Park before it attained National Park status. Many National Parks were initially Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO des igna t ion corresponding to IUCN Category V):

The Indian government has also established Biosphere reserves, which protect larger areas of natural habitat, and often include one or more national parks and/or preserves, along buffer zones that are open to some economic uses.

Reserved Forest and Protected Forest(IUCN Category IV or VI, depending on protection accorded):

These are forested lands where logging, hunting, grazing and other activities may be permitted on a sus ta inable bas is to members of cer ta in communities. In reserved forests, explicit permission is required for such activities. In protected forests, such activities are allowed unless explicitly prohibited. Thus, in general reserved forests enjoy a higher degree of protection with respect to protected forests.

Conservat ion Reserve and Communi ty Reserve(IUCN Category V and VI respectively):

These are places adjoining to existing PAs, which are of ecological value and can act as migration corridors, or buffer zone. Conservation reserves are designated government owned land from where communities may earn subsistence, while c o m m u n i t y r e s e r v e s a r e o n m i x e d government/private lands. Community reserves are the only privately held land accorded protection by the Government of India.

Village Forest and Panchayat Forest(IUCN Category VI):

These are forested lands administered by a village or a Panchayat on a sustainable basis, with the habitat, flora and fauna being accorded some degree of protection by the managing community.

Paryavaranam:EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol.6, No.1, 2012 Paryavaranam:EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol.6, No.1, 2012

Private protected areas: These are regions which are owned by an individual or an organization / corporation not affiliated to the government or a communal body. Even though Indian legislation does not provide for protection of such areas, some NGOs are using land trusts to help in the conservation effort, and providing limited means of protection.

Conservation areas: Conservation areas are large, well-designated geographical entities where landscape conservation is undergoing, and usually contains different kinds of constituent protected areas, as well as privately owned land.

Protected areas of Andhra Pradesh.Geographically Andhra Pradesh stands as the fifth largest state in India with the longest coastline stretching over 1000 Kms. The State is bestowed with two mighty river systems of Krishna and Godavari. The State has wide and varied vegetation types enriched by a variety of flora and fauna. Andhra Pradesh being located strategically in the central region of the Indian sub-continent has representatives of the magnificent Indian plant & animal life. It's varied topography ranging from the hills of Eastern Ghats and Nallamallas to the shores of Bay of Bengal supports varied ecotypes, which in turn support a rich diversity of flora & fauna. The forest in the state can broadly be divided into four major biotic provinces.

Andhra Pradesh has a network of 21 Wildlife Sanctuaries and 6 National Parks covering an area of

212,579.205 Km . or 4.57 % of the geographical area of the state.

Map of Andhra Pradesh showing protected areas

12. Nellapatu Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: The largest breeding ground for the GreyPelicans. The Pelicans can be watched in their nestsfrom a few feet away.Flora: A fresh water tank with Barringtonia treeproviding nesting ground for Pelicans, also has Babul,Psosopis, Ipomea.Fauna: Grey Pelican, Open Bill Stork, Spoon Bill,White Ibis, Night Heron, Cormorant, Teals, Ducks etc.Villagers of Nelapattu offer full protection to thesebirds.

13. Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: A large scenic lake in the middle of theforests adds beauty to the area. Flora: Dry deciduous Teak forest with Bamboo,Mohua, Terminalia and Pterocarpus.Fauna: Tiger, Panther, Gaur, Sambar, Cheetal, Nilgai,Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog, Hyena, Jackal, Foxand migratory Birds like Duck, Teal, Ibis, Stork andCormorant.

14. PocharamWildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: The vast Pocharam Lake adjoining thePocharam Sanctuary makes it a place worth visiting.Flora: Mixed dry deciduous forest with patches ofscrub and grassy plains. Terrain undulating with lowhills and small water pools.Fauna: Panther, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar,Cheetal,Sambar, Nilgai, Chowsingha, Chinkara,Hyena, Jackal, Python, Ducks, Teals, StorksPartridges and Quails.

15. PranahitaWildife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: PranahitaRiver, one of the tributaries ofmighty Godavari, abuts this Sanctuary on its east. It isthe home for the endangered Black Buck, Chinkaraand Wolf.Flora: Dry deciduous and riverine forests along riverPranahitawith Teak, Bamboo, Terminalias andAnogeisus etc.Fauna: Tiger, Panther, Sloth Bear, Cheetal, BlackBuck, Nilgai, Chinkara, a variety of aquatic Birds &Reptiles.16. Pulicat Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: The second largest brackish water EcoSystem in the Country supporting the largestcongregation of Flamingos in the State.Flora: A vast coastal shallow, brackish water lakealong the coast of Bay of Bengal into which severalfresh water streams drain. Fauna: The back waters attract large congregation ofGreater and Lesser Flamingos, Grey Pelican,Painted Stork, Spoon Bills, Grey Heron, Ducks Teals,Terns, Herons, Gull and a number of waders.

17. Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: The only habitat in the State for the rare and highly endangered Great Indian Bustard.Flora: Open dry grassland interspersed with thorny bushes. Fauna: Great Indian Bustard, Black Buck, Wolf, Jackal, Bonnet Monkey, Russell 's viper and Cobra.

18. Sivaram Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: A perennial basin in GodavariRiver, home for Marsh Crocodile or Mugger.Flora: Riverine forest mixed with Teak, Terminalia, Bamboo, Anogeissus and Cassia.Fauna: Flagship species is the Marsh Crocodile with Tiger, Langur, Rhesus Monkey, Sloth Bear, Cheetal, Sambar as other associates in the adjoining forests.

19. Sri Lanka Malleshwara Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: The only habitat in the world harbouring the Jerdon's Courser a highly endangered bird.Flora: Dry deciduous mixed thorn forests with deep gorges and steep slopes. Red Sanders, an endemic species is found here.Fauna: Panther, Sloth Bear, Cheetal, Sambar, Chowsingha, Chinkara, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Fox and the Jerdon's Courser.

20. SriPeninsulaNarasimha Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: This sanctuary comprises a unique forest type viz. the dry evergreen forests. Hilly slopes, rolling forested areas and low valleys make this place worth visitingFlora: Dry evergreen forest type with species like A c a c i a , C a s s i a a n d P o n g a m i a e t c .Fauna: Panther, Cheetal, Nilgai, Chowsingha, Sloth Bear, Jackal, Wild Boar, large number of Reptile and Bird species.

21. Sri Venkateshwara Sanctaury& National ParkUniqueness: Comprises the Seshachalam hill ranges with the abode of Lord Venkateshwara in its midst. It supports many endemic and highly endangered flora and fauna. Flora: Dry deciduous mixed forest with patches of moist deciduous forests in the valleys. Some of the rare and endemic plant species like Red Sanders, Sandalwood,Shoreatalura, Shoreathumburggaia, T e r m i n a l i a p a l l i d a , C y c a s b e d d o m e i , Syzygiumalternifolium, Psilotumnudam occur in this area. Fauna: Tiger, Panther, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Cheetal, Mouse Deer, Barking Deer, Chowsingha, Wild Boar, Wild Dog, Hyena, Jackal, Fox, Civet Cat, Jungle Cat, rare and endangered Golden Gecko, Slender Loris, Indian Giant Squirrel, Tree Shrew and Flying Lizard.

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1.Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: The largest patch of Mangrove forests inthe State with more than 65 mangroves and associatespecies. It is a home for the rare, endangered SmoothIndian Otter, Fishing Cat and Estuarine Crocodile.Flora: The Sanctuary in the estuary of river Godavarisupports rich mangrove vegetation with species likeRhizophora, Avicennia, Sonneratia and AegicerasFauna: Otter, Fishing Cat, Jackal, Marine Turtle andEstuarine Crocodile. Most common birds are Se Gulls, Storks, Herons, Snipes, Ducks and Flamingos.

2. Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: Rolling country with low hills on banks of Godavari. The dense Forests are home for the largest Gaur populations in the state. Flora: Dry deciduous TeakForest & Riverine Forest with Bamboo, Pterocarpus, Anogeissus an BuchananiaFauna: Tiger, Panther, Gaur, Sambar, Cheetal, Nilgai, Black Buck, Chowsingha, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Wolf, Jackal, Fox, Jungle Cat and a variety of Birds.

3. Gundla Brahmeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: The pristine forests of Nallamalai tract, rich in plants of Ethno-Botanical values and most scenic forest areas.Flora: Mixed deciduous forest of Teak, Pterocarpus,Terminalia, Albizia, Anogeisus, Dalbergia, Boswellia,Shisham, Andug& Bamboo. Gundlakamma perennial river passes criss-cross through the sanctuary on its eastern parts.Fauna: Tiger, Panther, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog, Hyena,Jungle Cat, Langur, Bonnet Monkey, Pangolin, Sambar, Nilgai, Chowsingha, Chinkara, Mouse Deer, Monitor Lizard, Python and Marsh Crocodile.

4. Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: Large and sprawling greenery around the VizagCity harbouring diverse flora & fauna.Flora: Dry evergreen forest mixed with scrub and meadows. Terrain hilly with steep slopes. Fauna: Panthers, Spotted Deers, Sambar, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Jackal, Wild Dog etc.

5. Kaudinya Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: This is the only Elephant Reserve in theState to which Elephants have returned after 20 years. Flora: Southern tropical dry deciduous and thornforests consisting of Albizia, Acacia, Lagerstroemia,Ficus and Bamboo.Fauna: Indian Elephant, Sloth Bear, Panther,Cheetal, Chowsingha, Sambar, Porcupine, Wild Boar,Jungle Cat, Jackal, Jungle Fowl, Starred Tortoise and Slender Loris.

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6. Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary: Uniqueness: One of the richest Teak forests in the State, with dense pristine areas free of human disturbance. The River Kadiam flows through this area.Flora: Dry Deciduous Teak Forests mixed with Bamboo, Terminalia, Pterocarpus, Anogeisus and Cassia.Fauna: Flagship species is Tiger. Also has Panther, Gaur, Cheetal, Sambar, Nilgai, Barking Deer, Chowsingha, Mouse Deer, Sloth Bear, a variety of Birds and Reptiles.

7. Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: The picturesque KinnerasaniLake with densely forested islands in the middle makes a breath taking sight.Flora: Dry deciduous Teak forest with Bamboo, Terminalias, Anogeissus and CassiaFauna: Tiger, Panther, Gaur, Cheetal, Chinkara, Chowsingha, Sambar, Wild Boar, Wild Dog, Hyena, Jackal, Sloth Bear and a variety of ground nesting and aquatic birds. The Kinnerasani lake and water pools harbour Marsh Crocodile.

8. Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: Largest fresh water lake in the Country. It is one of the Ramsar convention wetland sites.Flora: A fresh water wetland habitat with Ipomea, Eichornia, Reeds and Tall grasses. Fauna: Water birds like Garganys, Teals, Pochards, Spot Bills, Brahminy Ducks, Open Bill Storks, Herons, occasionally Flamingos and Grey Pelicans.

9.Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: Mangrove forests with unique flora & fauna.Flora: The Sanctuary supports rich mangrove vegetation with plants like Rhizophora, Avicennia, Sonneratia and Aegiceras.Fauna: Fishing Cat, Otter, Jackal, Estuarine Crocodile and a variety of local and migratory birds.

10. Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary: Uniqueness: A man made reservoir, which is a haven for aquatic birds, Marsh Crocodiles. Lifeline to Hyderabad City supplying drinking water.Flora: Fresh water Eco-System with species like Ipomea, Babool, Prosopis, Vallisnaria, Eichornia and Reeds.Fauna: Riverine habitat supporting Marsh Crocodile, fresh water Turtles and a variety of aquatic birds like Herons, Storks, Teals, Ducks, Geese, King Fishers, Moon Hens, Jacanas and Kites,

Sl.No Protected Areas District Area in 2Km

1 Coringa East Godavari 235.70

2 Eturnaguram Warangal 803

3 Gundla Brahmeswaram Kurnool & Prakasam 1194

4 KambalaKonda Visakhapatnam 70.70

5 Kaudinya ( Project Elephant) Chittoor 357.60

6 Kawal Adilabad 893

7 Kinnerasani Khammam 635.40

8 Kolleru West Godavari 308.55 9 Krishna Krishna and Guntur 194.81

10 Manjira Medak 20 11 Nagarjuna-Srisailam Tiger Reserve Gtr, Prkm, Krl, Mhbr, Nlga 3568 12 Nellapattu Nellore 4.58

18 Sivaram Adilabad &Karimnagar 29.81

Sanctuary

17 Rollapadu Kurnool 6.14

16 Pulicat Nellore 500

15 Pranahita Adilabad 136.02

14 Pocharam Medak& Nizamabad 129.84

13 Pakhal Warangal 860.20

National Parks

21 Sri VenkateshwaraSanctaury Chittoor & Cuddapah 172.35

20 SriPeninsulaNarasimha Nellore 1030.85

19 Sri Lanka Malleshwara Cuddapah 464.42

1 Kasu Brahmananda ReddyNational Park Hyderabad 1.425

2 Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park Hyderabad 14.59

3 Mrugavani National Park Hyderabad 3.60

4 Papikonda National Park E.Godavari,W.Godavari,Khammam 591

5 Rajiv Gandhi ---- 2.3

6 Sri Venkateshwara National Park Chittoor & Cuddapah 353.62

Zoological Parks

1 Indira Gandhi Zoological Park Visakhapatnam 2.53 2 Nehru Zoolgical Park Hyderabad 625

3 Sri Venkateshwara Zoological Park Tirupati 400

Biosphere Reserve

1 Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve Chitoor 4755.997

11. Nagarjuna-Srisailam Tiger Reserve:Uniqueness: Largest Tiger reserve in India spreading over 5 Districts with river Krishna flowing through the reserve presenting some breathtaking sights with hills, valleys and deep gorges. Flora: Dry deciduous mixed forests along river Krishna with Teak, Bamboo, Terminilias, Hardwickias, Anogeissus and hundreds of medicinal plants.Fauna: Tiger, Panther, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog, Jackal, Wolf, Fox, Ratel, Indian Giant Squirrel, Tree Shrew, Cheetal, Mouse Deer, Black Buck, Sambar, Chowsingha, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Mugger Crocodile, Rock Python and Peafowl.

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1.Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: The largest patch of Mangrove forests inthe State with more than 65 mangroves and associatespecies. It is a home for the rare, endangered SmoothIndian Otter, Fishing Cat and Estuarine Crocodile.Flora: The Sanctuary in the estuary of river Godavarisupports rich mangrove vegetation with species likeRhizophora, Avicennia, Sonneratia and AegicerasFauna: Otter, Fishing Cat, Jackal, Marine Turtle andEstuarine Crocodile. Most common birds are Se Gulls, Storks, Herons, Snipes, Ducks and Flamingos.

2. Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: Rolling country with low hills on banks of Godavari. The dense Forests are home for the largest Gaur populations in the state. Flora: Dry deciduous TeakForest & Riverine Forest with Bamboo, Pterocarpus, Anogeissus an BuchananiaFauna: Tiger, Panther, Gaur, Sambar, Cheetal, Nilgai, Black Buck, Chowsingha, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Wolf, Jackal, Fox, Jungle Cat and a variety of Birds.

3. Gundla Brahmeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: The pristine forests of Nallamalai tract, rich in plants of Ethno-Botanical values and most scenic forest areas.Flora: Mixed deciduous forest of Teak, Pterocarpus,Terminalia, Albizia, Anogeisus, Dalbergia, Boswellia,Shisham, Andug& Bamboo. Gundlakamma perennial river passes criss-cross through the sanctuary on its eastern parts.Fauna: Tiger, Panther, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog, Hyena,Jungle Cat, Langur, Bonnet Monkey, Pangolin, Sambar, Nilgai, Chowsingha, Chinkara, Mouse Deer, Monitor Lizard, Python and Marsh Crocodile.

4. Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: Large and sprawling greenery around the VizagCity harbouring diverse flora & fauna.Flora: Dry evergreen forest mixed with scrub and meadows. Terrain hilly with steep slopes. Fauna: Panthers, Spotted Deers, Sambar, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Jackal, Wild Dog etc.

5. Kaudinya Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: This is the only Elephant Reserve in theState to which Elephants have returned after 20 years. Flora: Southern tropical dry deciduous and thornforests consisting of Albizia, Acacia, Lagerstroemia,Ficus and Bamboo.Fauna: Indian Elephant, Sloth Bear, Panther,Cheetal, Chowsingha, Sambar, Porcupine, Wild Boar,Jungle Cat, Jackal, Jungle Fowl, Starred Tortoise and Slender Loris.

Paryavaranam:EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol.6, No.1, 2012 Paryavaranam:EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol.6, No.1, 2012

6. Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary: Uniqueness: One of the richest Teak forests in the State, with dense pristine areas free of human disturbance. The River Kadiam flows through this area.Flora: Dry Deciduous Teak Forests mixed with Bamboo, Terminalia, Pterocarpus, Anogeisus and Cassia.Fauna: Flagship species is Tiger. Also has Panther, Gaur, Cheetal, Sambar, Nilgai, Barking Deer, Chowsingha, Mouse Deer, Sloth Bear, a variety of Birds and Reptiles.

7. Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: The picturesque KinnerasaniLake with densely forested islands in the middle makes a breath taking sight.Flora: Dry deciduous Teak forest with Bamboo, Terminalias, Anogeissus and CassiaFauna: Tiger, Panther, Gaur, Cheetal, Chinkara, Chowsingha, Sambar, Wild Boar, Wild Dog, Hyena, Jackal, Sloth Bear and a variety of ground nesting and aquatic birds. The Kinnerasani lake and water pools harbour Marsh Crocodile.

8. Kolleru Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: Largest fresh water lake in the Country. It is one of the Ramsar convention wetland sites.Flora: A fresh water wetland habitat with Ipomea, Eichornia, Reeds and Tall grasses. Fauna: Water birds like Garganys, Teals, Pochards, Spot Bills, Brahminy Ducks, Open Bill Storks, Herons, occasionally Flamingos and Grey Pelicans.

9.Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: Mangrove forests with unique flora & fauna.Flora: The Sanctuary supports rich mangrove vegetation with plants like Rhizophora, Avicennia, Sonneratia and Aegiceras.Fauna: Fishing Cat, Otter, Jackal, Estuarine Crocodile and a variety of local and migratory birds.

10. Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary: Uniqueness: A man made reservoir, which is a haven for aquatic birds, Marsh Crocodiles. Lifeline to Hyderabad City supplying drinking water.Flora: Fresh water Eco-System with species like Ipomea, Babool, Prosopis, Vallisnaria, Eichornia and Reeds.Fauna: Riverine habitat supporting Marsh Crocodile, fresh water Turtles and a variety of aquatic birds like Herons, Storks, Teals, Ducks, Geese, King Fishers, Moon Hens, Jacanas and Kites,

Sl.No Protected Areas District Area in 2Km

1 Coringa East Godavari 235.70

2 Eturnaguram Warangal 803

3 Gundla Brahmeswaram Kurnool & Prakasam 1194

4 KambalaKonda Visakhapatnam 70.70

5 Kaudinya ( Project Elephant) Chittoor 357.60

6 Kawal Adilabad 893

7 Kinnerasani Khammam 635.40

8 Kolleru West Godavari 308.55 9 Krishna Krishna and Guntur 194.81

10 Manjira Medak 20 11 Nagarjuna-Srisailam Tiger Reserve Gtr, Prkm, Krl, Mhbr, Nlga 3568 12 Nellapattu Nellore 4.58

18 Sivaram Adilabad &Karimnagar 29.81

Sanctuary

17 Rollapadu Kurnool 6.14

16 Pulicat Nellore 500

15 Pranahita Adilabad 136.02

14 Pocharam Medak& Nizamabad 129.84

13 Pakhal Warangal 860.20

National Parks

21 Sri VenkateshwaraSanctaury Chittoor & Cuddapah 172.35

20 SriPeninsulaNarasimha Nellore 1030.85

19 Sri Lanka Malleshwara Cuddapah 464.42

1 Kasu Brahmananda ReddyNational Park Hyderabad 1.425

2 Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park Hyderabad 14.59

3 Mrugavani National Park Hyderabad 3.60

4 Papikonda National Park E.Godavari,W.Godavari,Khammam 591

5 Rajiv Gandhi ---- 2.3

6 Sri Venkateshwara National Park Chittoor & Cuddapah 353.62

Zoological Parks

1 Indira Gandhi Zoological Park Visakhapatnam 2.53 2 Nehru Zoolgical Park Hyderabad 625

3 Sri Venkateshwara Zoological Park Tirupati 400

Biosphere Reserve

1 Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve Chitoor 4755.997

11. Nagarjuna-Srisailam Tiger Reserve:Uniqueness: Largest Tiger reserve in India spreading over 5 Districts with river Krishna flowing through the reserve presenting some breathtaking sights with hills, valleys and deep gorges. Flora: Dry deciduous mixed forests along river Krishna with Teak, Bamboo, Terminilias, Hardwickias, Anogeissus and hundreds of medicinal plants.Fauna: Tiger, Panther, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog, Jackal, Wolf, Fox, Ratel, Indian Giant Squirrel, Tree Shrew, Cheetal, Mouse Deer, Black Buck, Sambar, Chowsingha, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Mugger Crocodile, Rock Python and Peafowl.

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Animal Sanctuary(IUCN Category IV):

India has over 500 animal sanctuaries, referred to as Wildlife Sanctuaries. Among these, 28 are governed by Project Tiger, and are of special significance in the conservation of the tiger. Some wildlife sanctuaries are specifically named Bird Sanctuary, e.g. Keoladeo National Park before it attained National Park status. Many National Parks were initially Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO des igna t ion corresponding to IUCN Category V):

The Indian government has also established Biosphere reserves, which protect larger areas of natural habitat, and often include one or more national parks and/or preserves, along buffer zones that are open to some economic uses.

Reserved Forest and Protected Forest(IUCN Category IV or VI, depending on protection accorded):

These are forested lands where logging, hunting, grazing and other activities may be permitted on a sus ta inable bas is to members of cer ta in communities. In reserved forests, explicit permission is required for such activities. In protected forests, such activities are allowed unless explicitly prohibited. Thus, in general reserved forests enjoy a higher degree of protection with respect to protected forests.

Conservat ion Reserve and Communi ty Reserve(IUCN Category V and VI respectively):

These are places adjoining to existing PAs, which are of ecological value and can act as migration corridors, or buffer zone. Conservation reserves are designated government owned land from where communities may earn subsistence, while c o m m u n i t y r e s e r v e s a r e o n m i x e d government/private lands. Community reserves are the only privately held land accorded protection by the Government of India.

Village Forest and Panchayat Forest(IUCN Category VI):

These are forested lands administered by a village or a Panchayat on a sustainable basis, with the habitat, flora and fauna being accorded some degree of protection by the managing community.

Paryavaranam:EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol.6, No.1, 2012 Paryavaranam:EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol.6, No.1, 2012

Private protected areas: These are regions which are owned by an individual or an organization / corporation not affiliated to the government or a communal body. Even though Indian legislation does not provide for protection of such areas, some NGOs are using land trusts to help in the conservation effort, and providing limited means of protection.

Conservation areas: Conservation areas are large, well-designated geographical entities where landscape conservation is undergoing, and usually contains different kinds of constituent protected areas, as well as privately owned land.

Protected areas of Andhra Pradesh.Geographically Andhra Pradesh stands as the fifth largest state in India with the longest coastline stretching over 1000 Kms. The State is bestowed with two mighty river systems of Krishna and Godavari. The State has wide and varied vegetation types enriched by a variety of flora and fauna. Andhra Pradesh being located strategically in the central region of the Indian sub-continent has representatives of the magnificent Indian plant & animal life. It's varied topography ranging from the hills of Eastern Ghats and Nallamallas to the shores of Bay of Bengal supports varied ecotypes, which in turn support a rich diversity of flora & fauna. The forest in the state can broadly be divided into four major biotic provinces.

Andhra Pradesh has a network of 21 Wildlife Sanctuaries and 6 National Parks covering an area of

212,579.205 Km . or 4.57 % of the geographical area of the state.

Map of Andhra Pradesh showing protected areas

12. Nellapatu Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: The largest breeding ground for the GreyPelicans. The Pelicans can be watched in their nestsfrom a few feet away.Flora: A fresh water tank with Barringtonia treeproviding nesting ground for Pelicans, also has Babul,Psosopis, Ipomea.Fauna: Grey Pelican, Open Bill Stork, Spoon Bill,White Ibis, Night Heron, Cormorant, Teals, Ducks etc.Villagers of Nelapattu offer full protection to thesebirds.

13. Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: A large scenic lake in the middle of theforests adds beauty to the area. Flora: Dry deciduous Teak forest with Bamboo,Mohua, Terminalia and Pterocarpus.Fauna: Tiger, Panther, Gaur, Sambar, Cheetal, Nilgai,Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog, Hyena, Jackal, Foxand migratory Birds like Duck, Teal, Ibis, Stork andCormorant.

14. PocharamWildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: The vast Pocharam Lake adjoining thePocharam Sanctuary makes it a place worth visiting.Flora: Mixed dry deciduous forest with patches ofscrub and grassy plains. Terrain undulating with lowhills and small water pools.Fauna: Panther, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar,Cheetal,Sambar, Nilgai, Chowsingha, Chinkara,Hyena, Jackal, Python, Ducks, Teals, StorksPartridges and Quails.

15. PranahitaWildife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: PranahitaRiver, one of the tributaries ofmighty Godavari, abuts this Sanctuary on its east. It isthe home for the endangered Black Buck, Chinkaraand Wolf.Flora: Dry deciduous and riverine forests along riverPranahitawith Teak, Bamboo, Terminalias andAnogeisus etc.Fauna: Tiger, Panther, Sloth Bear, Cheetal, BlackBuck, Nilgai, Chinkara, a variety of aquatic Birds &Reptiles.16. Pulicat Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: The second largest brackish water EcoSystem in the Country supporting the largestcongregation of Flamingos in the State.Flora: A vast coastal shallow, brackish water lakealong the coast of Bay of Bengal into which severalfresh water streams drain. Fauna: The back waters attract large congregation ofGreater and Lesser Flamingos, Grey Pelican,Painted Stork, Spoon Bills, Grey Heron, Ducks Teals,Terns, Herons, Gull and a number of waders.

17. Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: The only habitat in the State for the rare and highly endangered Great Indian Bustard.Flora: Open dry grassland interspersed with thorny bushes. Fauna: Great Indian Bustard, Black Buck, Wolf, Jackal, Bonnet Monkey, Russell 's viper and Cobra.

18. Sivaram Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: A perennial basin in GodavariRiver, home for Marsh Crocodile or Mugger.Flora: Riverine forest mixed with Teak, Terminalia, Bamboo, Anogeissus and Cassia.Fauna: Flagship species is the Marsh Crocodile with Tiger, Langur, Rhesus Monkey, Sloth Bear, Cheetal, Sambar as other associates in the adjoining forests.

19. Sri Lanka Malleshwara Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: The only habitat in the world harbouring the Jerdon's Courser a highly endangered bird.Flora: Dry deciduous mixed thorn forests with deep gorges and steep slopes. Red Sanders, an endemic species is found here.Fauna: Panther, Sloth Bear, Cheetal, Sambar, Chowsingha, Chinkara, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Fox and the Jerdon's Courser.

20. SriPeninsulaNarasimha Wildlife Sanctuary:Uniqueness: This sanctuary comprises a unique forest type viz. the dry evergreen forests. Hilly slopes, rolling forested areas and low valleys make this place worth visitingFlora: Dry evergreen forest type with species like A c a c i a , C a s s i a a n d P o n g a m i a e t c .Fauna: Panther, Cheetal, Nilgai, Chowsingha, Sloth Bear, Jackal, Wild Boar, large number of Reptile and Bird species.

21. Sri Venkateshwara Sanctaury& National ParkUniqueness: Comprises the Seshachalam hill ranges with the abode of Lord Venkateshwara in its midst. It supports many endemic and highly endangered flora and fauna. Flora: Dry deciduous mixed forest with patches of moist deciduous forests in the valleys. Some of the rare and endemic plant species like Red Sanders, Sandalwood,Shoreatalura, Shoreathumburggaia, T e r m i n a l i a p a l l i d a , C y c a s b e d d o m e i , Syzygiumalternifolium, Psilotumnudam occur in this area. Fauna: Tiger, Panther, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Cheetal, Mouse Deer, Barking Deer, Chowsingha, Wild Boar, Wild Dog, Hyena, Jackal, Fox, Civet Cat, Jungle Cat, rare and endangered Golden Gecko, Slender Loris, Indian Giant Squirrel, Tree Shrew and Flying Lizard.

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Paryavaranam:EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol.6, No.1, 2012 Paryavaranam:EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter Vol.6, No.1, 2012

Protected Areas of Andhra Pradesh

M. Giridhar , P. K. Swain and B.L.N. Murty

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION TRAINING AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE91/4, Gachibowli, Hyderabad-500032,

Protected areas are those locations which receive protection because of their recognized natural, ecological and/or cultural values. There are several kinds of protected areas, which vary by level of protection depending on the enabling laws of each country or the regulations of the international organizations involved. There are over 161,000 protected areas in the world with more added daily, representing over 13 % of the world's land surface area

Designating special areas for protection is an effective way of ensuring our wildlife and natural l a n d s c a p e s t o r e t a i n t h e i r i n d i v i d u a l characteristics.Some areas are deemed of such importance that they are formally designated under various pieces of national and international legislation. Protected areas are designated with the objective of conserving biodiversity and providing an indicator for the conservation's progress, but the extent to which they defend resources and

.

ecosystem dynamics from degradation are slightly more complex.

The protected areas of India cover 156,700 square kilometres (60,500 sq. mi), roughly 4.95% of the total surface area.

The protected areas found in India according to IUCN category National Parks, Wildlife Sanctauries, Biosphere Reserves, Reserve Forests, Community Forests and Village forests.

National Park(IUCN Category II): India's first National Park was HaileyNational Park, now JimCorbettNational Park, established in 1935. By 1970, India had 5 National Parks; today it has over 90.

National Parks1.KasuBrahmananda Reddy National Park.Uniqueness: A concrete jungle in HyderabadCity supporting verdant forest with diverse flora & fauna.Flora: Southern tropical dry deciduous forest that ncludes species like Teak, Sandalwood, Neem, Babul, Palas and Ficus etc.Fauna: Porcupine, Jungle Cat, Small Indian Civet, Pangolin, Mongoose, Wild Boar, over 130 species of birds, 30 species of Reptiles and 30 species of Butterflies. The park supports over 300 Peacocks

2.MahavirHarinaVanasthali National Park: Uniqueness: The largest single green lung in HyderabadCityharboring the State animal of Andhra Pradesh, the Black Buck.Flora: Dry deciduous forest mixed with scrub jungle and grasslands. The terrain varies from hilly to gently rolling. Sandalwood, Rosewood, Palas, Amaltha, Albizzia, Accacias, Teak.Fauna: Panther, Black Buck, Cheetal, Wild Boar, Civet, Porcupine, Peacock, 30 species of Reptiles and over 120 species of birds.

3. Mrugavani National ParkUniqueness: A unique urban forest ecosystem supporting large ungulates likes Cheetal, Sambar, Wild Boars etc. presents the visitors a true experience of wilderness. Flora: Southern tropical dry deciduous forests. The topography is undulating with rocky exposures of the Deccan trap formation. The park is endowed with species like Teak, Bamboo, Sandal, Ficus, Palas and Rela.Fauna: An urban refuge for large ungulates like Panther, Cheetal, Sambar, Wild Boar, Jungle Cat, Civet Cat, Mongoose, Monitor Lizard, Python, Russell's Viper, Cobra, Grey Partridge, Quail, and Butterflies.

4. Papikonda National Park:Uniqueness: The sight of mighty Godavari meandering through densely forested hills with deep gorges & valleys provides an unforgettable experience.Flora: Dry deciduous Teak forest with Bamboo, Terminalia, Pterocarpus, Cassia and other species conforming to the Eastern Ghat vegetation.Fauna: Tiger, Panther, Gaur, Cheetal, Chowsingha, Sambar, Black Buck, Mouse Deer, Barking Deer, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog, Hyena, Jackal, Wild Boar, Marsh Crocodile and a variety of birds both resident and migratory.5. Rajiv Gandhi National Park: This sanctuary stretches along the banks of river Krishna, Nagarjuna Sagar and Srisailam. (See NSTR which includes RajivGandhi National Park)

6. Sri Venkateshwara National Park: (See Sri Venkateswar WLS which include Sri Venkateswara National Park)

Zooloical Parks1)Nehru Zoological park: NehruZoolgicalPark was declared open to the public on 6th October, 1963. The zoo spreads over 400 acres and is the premier picnic spot for the twin-cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. It is open all round the year except Mondays. The undulating landscape of the Zoo provides a natural setting displayed in large habitat-simulating enclosures.The Mir- Alam tank covering nearly 600 acres attracts hundreds of migratory birds which is a special attraction.

2)Sri VenkateshwaraZoological Park:It is located at Tirupati that abode Lord Venkateswara being visited by about 40,000 people daily. The Park is developed with a spiritual theme. The Entrance depicts the incarnations of Almighty (Matsya, Kurma, Varaha and Narasimhaavataras) provides an opening to the new theme of the park.

3)Indira Gandhi Zoological Park:Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is situated in Visakhapatnam amidst the scenic Eastern Ghats of India, flanked by hills on either side and Bay of Bengal on the east.Declared open to the public on 19th May 1977. The park extends over an area of 625 acres that help in conservation of critically endangered fauna (Special attention on endemic fauna).

Biosphere Reserve:

Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve: Ministry of Environment and Forests, GoI has designated 4755.997 km2 of SeshachalamHillls as Biosphere Reserve in Chittoor and Kadapa districts of Andhra Pradesh in Deccan Peninsula Deccan south biogeographic province, vide Letter No-F.No.18/02/2008-CS/BR dated20-09-2010.

This Bioshere Reserve covers an area of 750.589 sq. km under Core zone, 1865.156 under Buffer zone and 2140.252 under Transition zone. Also houses many endangered and endemic flora and fauna.

Still some of the areas in Andhra Pradesh have good habitat which can conserved under protected areas like: Gudem-Marripakala and Sapparla– in Visakhapatnam district, Salur–in Vijayanagaram District and Viragatum- in Srikakulum District.

World Sparrow Day

World Sparrow Day (WSD) is not just a one-day event to celebrate the ubiquitous, but fast-disappearing sparrow, but an attempt to bring sparrow lovers and nature supporters on a common platform, and to kick start a conservation movement to save the common flora and fauna of the world.

Mohammed Dilawar of the Nature Forever Society that has been in the forefront of conserving house sparrows across the country said, “This year, we want people to throw open their homes, welcome and make sparrows part of their families.” “We do not intend to make it just a one-day event to raise public awareness about the decline of the house sparrow and throw light on the problems faced by the species in its daily fight for survival, but inspire people to take concrete steps.”

The reasons for the house sparrows' slow but noticeable disappearance has been labelled as one of the biggest mysteries of recent times, he said. A leading newspaper in the United Kingdom - a country that has witnessed one of the biggest declines of the house sparrow population

in recent times - declared a cash prize to anyone who could solve the mystery. Needless to say, the reward remains unclaimed, he added.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/article2961102.ece

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To PRINTED MATTERSri......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Pin :.......................................................................

Volume-6 Issue-1 January - March 2012

From:ENVIS CoordinatorENVIS Centre on Status of Environment and Related issues for Andhra PradeshEnvironment Protection Training and Research Institute (EPTRI)91/4, Gachibowli, Hyderabad-500 032, A.P., IndiaPh : +91-040-23180103, 23180114, 23180100Fax No.:+40-23180135,

Content

This issue of the newsletter

Pa ryavaranam dea l s w i th

Protected Areas of Andhra

Pradesh. Apart f rom th is

Abstracts,World Sparrow Day and

Forth Coming Events are provided.

Editorial

ENVIS Coordinator

The ENVIS Centre on SoE & RI for Andhra Pradesh is a decentralized EnvironmentalInformation Centre established by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India

ISSN : 0974-2344Vol.6, No.1. 2012

ENVIS Centre onStatus of Environment & Related Issues for Andhra Pradesh

ParyavaranamE P T R I - E N V I S N e w s l e t t e r

91/4, Gachibowli, Hyderabad - 500 032, A.P., IndiaPh.:+91-040-2318 0103, 2318 0114, 2318 0100, Fax No.+40-2318 0135

URL: http://apenvis.nic.in; http//www.eptri.comEmail : ap@envis.nic.in / emailrazia@yahoo.com

ENVIS CENTRE ON STATUS OF ENVIRONMENT AND RELATED ISSUES FOR ANDHRA PRADESH

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION TRAINING & RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Published by

Supported by

EPTRI, Hyderabad

Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF)

Government of India, New Delhi

Editorial Team

Dr. Razia Sultana,

Dr. Prabhata Kumar Swain,

Ms. Meenakshi Bajpai,

Mr. D. Uma Shankar,

ENVIS Coordinator

Sr. Program Officer

Program officer

Data Entry Operator

Editorial

World Sparrow Day

Protected Areas of Andhra Pradesh

Abstracts

Forth Coming Events

1

2

2

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Vol.6, No.1, 2012Paryavaranam:EPTRI - ENVIS Newsletter

Title: International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology 2012Date: 25 to 29 June 2012Venue: Houston, Texas, United StatesEmail/Contact person: George Sorial, env-conference@AASci.orgWebsite:

Title: Meeting on Mangrove ecology, functioning and ManagementDate: 2 to 6 July 2012Venue: Galle, Sri LankaOrganizer: Université Libre de Bruxelles ULB - Vrije Universiteit Brussel VUB - University of Ruhuna UoR Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute KMFRIEmail/Contact person: Farid Dahdouh-GuebasWebsite:

http://www.AASci.org/conference/env/2012/index.html

http://www.vub.ac.be/APNA/greendyke/MMM3/

Forth Coming Events

ABSTRACTS

Gap Analysis for Protected Areas of Andhra Pradesh, India for conserving biodiversity, C.Sudhakar Reddy,

Forestry and Ecology Division, National Remote Sensing Centre, Indian Space Research Organisation,

Balanagar, Hyderabad- 500 625, India, Journal of American Science 2010;6(11);472-484], (ISSN: 1545-1003).

.Abstract: A gap analysis was carried out to assess the Protected Area (PA) network system in Andhra Pradesh, India.

The decisive factors of vegetations type distribution, elevation and endemism was used to determine the

representativeness of PA system. In Andhra Pradesh, vegetation cover occupies 23.03% of geographical area and

distributed in Coastal Plains, Deccan Plateau and Eastern Ghats. There are 27 PAs for conservation in Andhra

Pradesh. The total area protected for bio-diversity is about 12,555 km or 4.56% of geographical area of Andhra

Pradesh. Of the three physiographic region, Eastern Ghats represents very high area under PAs which was estimated

as 7811.38 km followed by Deccan plateau of 3526.89 km. Three main forest types (semi evergreen forests, thorn

forests and dry evergreen forests) missing in the existing PA network were identified. Moist deciduous forests of

Eastern Ghats of northern Andhra Pradesh were under-represented in Pas. The land area in an elevation range of

900m-1527m was not included in PA network. Of the 103 species of endemics, 64 species were not included in PA

system. Many PAs are experiencing threat from invasive species, forest fires, grazing pressure etc. There is a need to

consider for possible ways for effective conservation and to extend the present PA network system in India.