Guidelines for Preparation of State Action Plan for ...envfor.nic.in/assets/wl-2072012.pdf · Guidelines for Preparation of State Action Plan for Bustards’ Recovery Programme GOVERNMENT

Guidelines for Preparation of State Action Plan for Bustards’ Recovery Programme

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

2 | P a g e

1. Introduction

Owing to the widespread degradation and fragmentation of grasslands, which support some of the most threatened species of wildlife and are breeding grounds for several unique avian species, many grassland species are faced with serious threats of extinction. Bustards (family Otididae), which is a terrestrial grassland bird and includes 25 species across the world, is a threatened group.

Of the 25 species of Bustards, India is home to 4 species: Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indica), Bengal Florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis) and Houbara Bustard. Since the past few decades, the populations of these four Bustard species have been dwindling very fast in the country. Currently, not more than 300 individuals of GIB are left in the world, with no known breeding population outside India. The situation is, similarly grim in cases of Bengal Florican and Lesser Florican.

Habitat loss and degradation, coupled with poaching and overgrazing of grasslands are considered some of the major reasons for the drastic decline in Bustard populations. While the Lesser Florican is listed as an ‘ENDANGERED’ species in the IUCN Red List 2011, the GIB and Bengal Florican have been listed as ‘CRITICALLY ENDANGERED’ in IUCN Red List 2011- the highest category of endangerment, applied to the species closest to extinction. In addition, the three species have also been listed under the Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 of India.

Looking at their critical situation and high probability of extinction in the near future, the Ministry of Environment and Forests has identified the three Bustard species under the Species Recovery component of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme- Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (CSS-IDWH). A Task Force was constituted by the Ministry on 17th September 2010 with a mandate to look into the issue of conservation of Bustards in India and to prepare an Action Plan for the same.

A 2-days Workshop was jointly organized by MoEF, BNHS and WWF-India on 1st-2nd November 2011 at WWF-India, New Delhi in this context, involving the members of the Task Force, experts and representatives of NGOs. These guidelines are based on the recommendations of the Task Force to enable the State Governments to prepare site-specific Action Plans for onward submission to the Ministry for financial assistance.

3 | P a g e

2. Status of Bustards in India

Historically, Great Indian Bustard was distributed throughout the western half of India; from Punjab and Haryana in north to Tamil Nadu in south, and from Gujarat and Rajasthan in west to Orissa in east; spanning eleven states (Rahmani 1989). However, the last three decades have seen a severe reduction in the range occupancy of this species (Dutta et al. 2010). Knowledgeable estimate of the current global population of GIB is less than 300 birds. Similarly, Lesser Florican was once abundant in the grasslands of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka, and was a common ‘game’ bird of the region. However, due to a declining population, now its occurrence is restricted to few pockets in Western and South-central India. Currently, less than 2500 individuals are estimated to be surviving. The Lesser Floricans are also highly prone to population fluctuations, which are in turn directly correlated with breeding season rainfall patterns.

Unlike the Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican, the main stronghold of the Indian sub-species of Bengal Florican was from terai in Uttar Pradesh, through the terai of Nepal and duars of North Bengal, to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh foothills, and historically to Bangladesh. Today, it is surviving in small, highly fragmented populations restricted to few Protected Areas, with an estimated population in India to be less than 350 birds.

The range of these birds spans beyond the Protected Areas and in terms of the type and

degree of threats. Therefore, identifying the major site-specific threats faced by the birds should be the first step before devising a Recovery Action Plan. Consequently, the activities proposed in the Recovery Plan will have to be in accordance with the specific threat identified for a particular site.

For ready reference, a table briefly indicating the degree of potential threats to the survival of the three Bustard species is annexed at Appendix I.

3. Objectives of the Species Recovery Action Plan

i. To augment the populations of Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican and Bengal Florican to a minimum viable population in order to remove the three species from the list of Critically Endangered Species;

ii. To improve the habitat range of the Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican and Bengal Florican, especially the breeding sites and nesting sites of these species; and

iii. To facilitate a participatory approach to conservation of Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican and Bengal Florican.

4 | P a g e

4. Submission of the State Action Plan

4.1 The Chief Wildlife Warden may forward the State Action Plan based on these guidelines to this Ministry for appraisal, and providing assistance for implementation at the earliest.

4.2 The State Action Plan may envisage action for 5-10 years and shall also clearly indicate the year-wise activities to be undertaken so as to review the progress annually. Pending completion of the State Action Plans, essential activities can be proposed for the current year to be factored in the main plan later.

5. Preparation of the State Action Plan for Recovery of Bustards

5.1 Constitution of Bustard Conservation Committee at local level

5.1.1 Each range State will constitute Bustard Conservation Committees (BCC) for each Management Unit/Division. There may be one Committee for a whole habitat landscape comprising of more than one Management Unit/Division. These BCCs will, inter alia, help the Chief Wildlife Warden in preparing the State Action Plan (SAP) for Recovery of the three Bustard species.

5.1.2 Keeping this in view, the following basic composition of the Conservation Committee is proposed:

Chief Conservator of Forests of the region consisting the project area

Chairman

Representative of a Scientific Institution working on Bustards ecology and conservation or in a related field/ an ecologist or conservation biologist in the vicinity of the project area

Member

Representative from a local NGO well-versed with the socio-ecological issues in the vicinity of the project area

Member

Representative(s) from the local Panchayat(s) Member

Officer in-charge of the project Member-Secretary

* The above constitution of the Committee is suggestive only. If required, additional members may also be added in the Committee.

5.1.3 The Terms of Reference for the Bustard Conservation Committee will be: i) To help the Chief Wildlife Warden in preparing the State Action Plan. ii) To facilitate the implementation of the State Action Plan at the ground level.

5 | P a g e

iii) To regularly monitor and review the State Action Plan. iv) The Chairman of each Committee would report to the Chief Wildlife Warden on a

quarterly basis.

5.2 The Range Officers will conduct thorough field surveys in their respective areas to identify the existing as well as potential Bustard habitats, which will then be delineated into breeding, nesting, roosting and non-breeding areas. Range Officers will also survey the villages and major livelihood activities being undertaken inside/in adjoining areas of these Bustard sites.

5.3 A Survey Report on the basis of their field survey will be submitted to the Chairman of BCC. This Survey Report shall contain a list of Bustard sites (breeding, nesting, roosting, non-breeding sites), list of villages near or in the vicinity of these Bustard sites, major land-use pattern in these areas, list of specific area-wise threats to the Bustard species, etc. This Survey Report will form the basis for preparing the SAP by the CWLW.

5.4 The BCC will review the reports and on their basis propose specific year-wise remedial actions/activities corresponding to each threats.

5.5 Finally each BCC will forward its Report to the Chief Wildlife Warden, including the survey reports and the suggested activities, who will then prepare the SAP for the respective Bustard species.

5.6 In case, where the range of a Bustard species transcend the boundaries of two or more range States, a joint meeting of the respective Chief Wildlife Wardens will be held to discuss the common issues in Bustard conservation, common activities to be taken up by the respective States, etc. This stage is important, since any activity proposed by a particular range State may have an impact on the Bustard populations of its adjoining range State.

6. Important Activities suggested for Bustard Recovery Programme

6.1 Though the range States will propose their own activities in accordance to the degree and type of a particular threat prevalent in their range, certain site-specific activities are proposed for Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican at Appendix V and Appendix VI. In addition, some of these activities are described briefly below.

6.2 List of important activities:

6.2.1 Conservation Breeding Program: a) A Nodal Centre for undertaking the Breeding Programme may be set up for each of the

three Bustard species. b) Adequate training will be imparted to the officers and field staff involved in the project

so as to form a trained workforce specializing in Ex-situ Conservation of Bustard species.

6 | P a g e

c) Any Conservation Breeding Program will require approval from the Competent Authority. Therefore, the viability and logistical requirements of such breeding programmes for the Bustard species shall be clearly indicated in the SAP.

d) Other secondary programmes such as Bustard Gene Banks, etc. may also be taken up under the Conservation Breeding Programme.

6.2.2 Core breeding areas protection plan: a) Identification of vital Bustard habitats such as Breeding site, Nesting sites, Lek sites,

Feeding sites shall be an important step of the Recovery Program. These sites may be declared as ‘Critical Bustard Sites’ (CBS).

b) The ‘Critical Bustard Sites’ (CBSs) shall be declared as inviolate and no anthropogenic activities shall be allowed, especially during the breeding season.

c) To make them inviolate, fencing of the CBS shall be done, and daily monitoring of such sites shall be essential. For the purpose of daily monitoring, local villagers and volunteers may also be involved.

d) Since a CBS may lie outside PA, help and coordination with the District administration, local panchayats and local villagers will be crucial.

e) In addition, the 5 Km radius around the enclosures may be declared as “minimal infrastructure zone” so as to prevent mortality due to bird hits and decrease disturbances to the birds.

6.2.3 Participation of the local communities: a) Each Bustard Conservation Committee shall develop a framework for the involvement

of the local communities in the Recovery Programme of the Bustards. b) In cases where compensatory mechanisms will be employed, the nature and magnitude

of the compensation schemes may vary as per the local conditions. c) In addition to the above, public consultations or dialogues may be held with the local

communities and custodians of private grasslands in these areas. Awareness campaigns in form of publications or workshops may also form a part of the participatory conservation scheme. In addition, Citizen Groups may be formed at the level of local villages or districts, so as to actively involve the villagers, especially the youth and children, in this endeavour.

d) Alternate sources of livelihood may be provided to the local communities so as to prevent them from hunting these birds or stealing their eggs.

6.2.4 Habitat Management: a) The SAP may prescribe specific activities which will directly address the habitat needs

of the Bustards. However, it should be noted that funding under the species recovery component will not be given for routine grassland management activities.

7 | P a g e

b) Invasive species of shrubs/trees and tall shrubs/tree species may be avoided in these sites as they impede visibility, which is important for successful breeding of the birds.

c) The Government-owned revenue lands that are intensively used by the Bustards and Floricans can be acquired by the Forest Department and can be developed as per the requirements of the Bustard species.

d) The SAP may propose activities and components to tackle overgrazing of the grasslands. The SAP may also include a fire management plan for the grasslands, for which, help of scientific institutions such as Wildlife Institute of India, BNHS may be taken.

6.2.5 Regular Population Monitoring: a) A collaborative baseline joint-population survey shall be conducted in the 1st Year of

the project for which a common date or period shall be selected by the range States. b) Similarly, the joint population surveys shall be conducted for each subsequent year. The

Chief Wildlife Wardens will then submit a population status survey report of the Bustard species to the Ministry.

c) The State Action Plan must include a detailed description of the methodology to be adopted for Population Monitoring and logistical requirements for the process, if any. Use of contemporary techniques such as satellite telemetry program and micro-chips etc. to understand the seasonal movement patterns & life-history requirements of the species will be encouraged. If required, adequate training will be imparted to the ground staff and Wildlife officials of the region in this regard.

6.2.6 Capacity building of the Forest Department and local communities: a) The Forest officials and staff involved in this particular project will be imparted

specialized training in Bustard conservation, grassland management and in participatory planning and action.

b) In addition to the above, manuals and pamphlets in national and local languages may be printed and distributed among the local forest officials as well as in the local villages.

7. Pattern of Funding The Annual Recovery Plans for the Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican and Bengal Florican will be given Central funding under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Ministry of Environment and Forests - Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (CSS-IDWH). 7.1 Under the third component of the CSS-IDWH Scheme, i.e. Recovery programmes for saving Critically Endangered Species and Habitats, 16 species along with their habitats have been identified for initiating species recovery programmes.

8 | P a g e

7.1.1 To avail the Central Assistance for the first time under the Scheme, a copy of the relevant details (such as notification, map indicating the species range etc.) and declaration in the format attached at Appendix II is to be submitted along with the proposals. It should also be noted that the proposals should have the details of latitude and longitude of the land-based activities.

7.1.2 Based on the CSS-IDWH Guidelines, some of the essential points for funding under the Species Recovery component are as under:

Under the third component of the Scheme, i.e. Recovery programmes for saving Critically Endangered Species and Habitats, 100% assistance is provided for both recurring and non-recurring items of expenditure.

Each Recovery Plan has to be based on a comprehensive and scientific assessment, and prescription focused on the species to be dealt. Concerned State/UT (if the species range is in more than one State/UT), shall jointly prepare the Recovery Plan with the help of a national scientific institute/organization of repute and will be endorsed/ approved by the Chief Wildlife Warden of the States jointly. Accordingly the State Action Plan will emanate from the prescription of the Species Recovery Plan.

Based on the approved State Action Plan, the Chief Wildlife Warden of the concerned State/UT shall submit proposals in form of a single comprehensive APO for activities falling in their jurisdiction.

The Central Government, after scrutiny of the proposals, shall release the money to the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State Government in two installments (80 per cent as 1st installment and balance as 2nd installment).

Provision may be kept to provide financial assistance to Wildlife Institute of India or other relevant national institute/organization to conduct the status survey of critically endangered species, based on specific proposals received from such institute/organizations on case-to-case basis.

8. Submission of proposals 8.1 The Chief Wildlife Warden of each range State will forward the State Action Plan to

this Ministry. The State Action Plans will then be appraised in the Ministry and will be duly approved by the competent authority.

8.2 Other salient points for submission of proposals:

Each proposal under this Scheme should include detailed information on important/relevant aspects. Minimum information, which is compulsorily required for

9 | P a g e

processing the proposals, is at Appendix III.

For each item of work, details like quantity, location, rate per unit, para of the Management Plan/ Biodiversity Conservation Plan/ Recovery Plan where recommended and site specific justification must be given as per the statement in Appendix IV.

In case of items like wireless sets, computers, vehicles, etc. additional information like total requirement for the area, already available units etc., may be given as per Appendix V.

9. Implementation

9.1 In order to successfully implement this project, a close collaboration between the Range States will be critically important. Institutional arrangement for technical supervision of the programme will be made by MoEF in due course.

9.2 At the level of State, the Chief Wildlife Warden will be the nodal officer responsible for formulation of the SAP, suggesting a timeline for the recovery programme, proposing year-wise activities for the recovery programme.

9.3 The Bustard Conservation Committee at the Management unit/ project area level will be responsible for the actual on-ground implementation of the SAPs.

9.4 Since the three species are highly threatened, the Bustard Conservation Committee will meet as often as possible to monitor the progress of the Action Plan. The Bustard Conservation Committee will submit an annual progress report to the Chief Wildlife Warden, who will accordingly assess the progress of the SAP and decide the future course of action for the State.

9.5 The CWLW will accordingly submit a comprehensive State Annual Progress Report to the MoEF. It will be the responsibility of the CWLW that the activities outlined in the SAP are implemented as per the suggested timeline.

10. Monitoring

10.1 The SAPs will be monitored by an Annual Appraisal Mission of MoEF on an yearly basis. The SAPs shall be subjected to mid-term appraisal in third year for required amendments and improvements to its components at any particular time.

10.2 The main objective of the SAP should be the increase in population of the species in the wild and subsequent removal of the three Bustard species from the list of 16 Critically Endangered Species, identified by the Ministry for initiating Recovery Programme, and if possible removal from the Scheduled List of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Therefore, the timeframe suggested by the Chief Wildlife Warden for the SAP should be in consonance

10 | P a g e

with this objective. However, the maximum timeframe for the Recovery Programme shall not exceed a period of 10 years. 11. Conclusion

11.1 Though the project will intensively focus on the conservation of the three critically endangered species, it will also aim to rejuvenate and protect the varied and extensive grassland ecosystems of the country. In order to truly conserve these three species to perpetuity, the need for a synergy between the State wildlife management agencies and the local communities is reiterated.

11.2 This initiative aims to set up a conservation model which will not only focus on the conservation of Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican and Bengal Florican, but will also strive to elicit a pride among the citizens of this country in these three unique species of India and their habitat.

11 | P a g e

APPENDIX I

A list of potential threats faced by the three Bustard species in India- Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican and Bengal Florican:

*The threats/activities/issues have been designated as Very high, High, Medium and Low depending on the degree of threat posed by them to the respective species.

S.No. Threats/Activities/Issues Species of Bustards

Degree of threats with respect to the species

States/Regions where the threat is most prevalent

1 Hunting/Poaching GIB High Western Rajasthan, Kachch (Gujarat)

Lesser Florican Very High Gujarat and Maharashtra along with Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.

Bengal Florican

High Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal (Sahabad-Sayedabad tea estates in Darjeeling district)

2 Removal/Destruction of Eggs and Nests

GIB High Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh

Lesser Florican Very High Gujarat and Maharashtra along with Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.

Bengal Florican

High Prevalent across Bengal Florican’s habitats.

3 Habitat destruction including changes in

GIB Very High Prevalent across the range of GIB, but

12 | P a g e

Land-use patterns, anthropogenic disturbances etc.

majorly in Madhya Pradesh (Ghatigaon WLS and Karera WLS), Rajasthan (Desert NP, Sorsan WLS), Karnataka (Rannibennur WLS), Andhra Pradesh (areas around Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary), Gujarat etc.

Lesser Florican Very High Prevalent across the range of Lesser Florican, especially in Gujarat (Jamnagar district, Naliya in Kutch), Madhya Pradesh (especially western Madhya Pradesh), Malwa plateau (which is considered to be one of the most important breeding areas for Lesser Florican), Rajasthan.

Bengal Florican

Very High Prevalent across the range of Bengal Florican particularly in Uttar Pradesh, even in Protected Areas such as Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Burachapori Wildlife Sanctuary, Lagga Bagga Sanctuary, Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary etc.

13 | P a g e

4 Overgrazing GIB Very High Prevalent across the range of GIB, but majorly in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Lesser Florican Very High Prevalent across the range of Lesser Florican, especially in Gujarat (grass vidis of Saurashtra) and Rajasthan.

Bengal Florican

Very High Across the Bengal Florican’s range including Protected Areas such as Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Manas National Park, Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary

5 Invasive species GIB High Rajasthan (Jaiselmer, Barmer, Bikaner)

Lesser Florican High Rajasthan (Sonkhaliya WLS, etc.)

Bengal Florican

Medium Across the Bengal Florican’s range.

6 Lack of Effective Grassland Management

GIB High Madhya Pradesh (Ghatigaon WLS and Karera WLS), Rajasthan (Desert NP, Sorsan WLS), Karnataka (Rannibennur WLS),

14 | P a g e

etc.

Lesser Florican High Gujarat (Naliya in Abdasa taluka of Kachchh)

Bengal Florican

High In some sanctuaries in Assam (eg. Manas and Orang), etc.

7 Lack of inter-departmental co-ordination

GIB Medium Most of the GIB sanctuaries (eg. Karera WLS, Nannaj WLS, Rollapadu WLS, Sonkhaliya WLS and Sorson WLS).

Lesser Florican Medium Prevalent across the Lesser Florican habitats

Bengal Florican

Low Since majority of the range of Bengal Florican lies inside PAs, it does not play much role. However a clear cut grassland management policy and a grazing policy are required.

8 Others Great Indian Bustards, Lesser Florican and Bengal

Medium Data deficiency and a lack of proper population monitoring mechanisms for these birds also contribute to

15 | P a g e

Florican. the decline in Bustards’ populations, In addition, sometimes natural phenomenon such as floods also pose threats to the survival of these birds, especially in case of Bengal Florican.

16 | P a g e

APPENDIX II

CERTIFICATE

(For ‘Recovery Programme for Critically Endangered Species and Habitats’ for which financial assistance is requested for the first time.)

It is certified that:

(Name of the Recovery Programme…………………………………………)

i) This Programme shall be implemented through the administrative and technical control of Wildlife wing of the State headed by the CWLW.

ii) That the State Govt. will provide for trained manpower for the programme.

iii) That a detailed ‘Recovery Plan’ would be drawn up as early as possible (if none exists already) for management of this area

iv) That the advice of the Director, Wildlife Preservation given on behalf of the GOI would be followed in matters concerning the implementation of the Programme.

v) That the State Govt. accepts financial commitment for all such recurring and non-recurring expenditure which are not provided by the GOI.

(Signed) Secretary (Forests and Wildlife)

17 | P a g e

APPENDIX III

MODEL FORMAT FOR PREPARING ANNUAL PLAN OF OPERATION (APO) UNDER CSS – ‘INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT OF WILDLIFE HABITATS’

1. Name of the Recovery Programme 2. Range states and nearest trans-boundary Management units 3. Details of the Management unit (Division) with break-up of the area on land-use

pattern, proposed to cover the programme 4. List of Critical Bustard Sites in the Management Unit along with a clear map of

A4 size 5. Number of villages within the Recovery Programme 6. Status of Recovery Plan (Period to be given.) 7. Census (population figures of the Bustard species during last three census) 8. Biodiversity in the area covered under the Recovery Programme 9. Type of forest /ecosystem with major species 10. Staff position in the Management unit (Total sanctioned strength, Vacancy

position etc.) 11. Approved labour wage rates of the respective State Government 12. Miscellaneous information such as no. of tourists/visitors visiting the Recovery

Programme annually and facilities available for tourists, Shooting for films / documentaries carried out during last 5 years, etc. along with the Postal address/ Tel No./email ID

13. Funds provided under State Plan during the last 5 years, including funds provided under other schemes

14. Status of survey and demarcation of the boundaries 15. No. of natural / unnatural deaths including Poaching/accidental deaths of the

Bustard species in the Management Unit/Division 16. Fire incidents in the Recovery Programme area 17. No. of beats/sections/ranges/revenue villages/ private lands etc. 18. Major problems in the area 19. Tenure of last 5 incumbents / in charge of the PA/ High Value Biodiversity Area/

Recovery Programme 20. Photographs of the works carried out during the previous year under the Scheme 21. Any other relevant information

18 | P a g e

APPENDIX IV

DETAILS OF ITEMS OF WORK PROPOSED

Item of Work Para of Management

Plan/ Biodiversity Conservation

Plan/ Recovery Plan which

specifies this item

Quantity Rate per Unit Location

(to include co-ordinates, digital maps,

etc)

Site specific Justification

1 2 3 4 5 6

19 | P a g e

APPENDIX V

The site specific recommendations for conservation of Great Indian Bustard as suggested by the Task Force for Conservation of Bustards in India:

Site Action Task Requirements Estimated funds (lakh) Implementation Priority Supplements

Rajasthan (Jaiselmer, Barmer, Bikaner)

Protection to areas intensively used by GIB by creating inviolate spaces during breeding season

Consolidate existing enclosures and create at least 5 additional enclosures each >20 sq.km in GIB areas (identified by research)

Fencing repair of 25 lakhs and new fencing of 50km X 11 lakhs/km

500 State F. D. High

Make enclosures inviolate between April-July

Employ 30 watchers @ 5000/month X 4 months 6 State F. D. Very

high

During these breeding months, grazing or any other form of consumptive human use should not be permitted within the breeding refuge. Outside of the breeding period the area can be moderately grazed by livestock

Landscapes outside breeding areas (identified by research) should be managed to accommodate differential breeding and non-breeding habitat needs of GIB.

Draft and implement enclosure and landscape management plan incorporating community livelihood concerns

Site specific scientifically informed management strategies need to be implemented

100 State F.D. & Research organizations

High

No Prosopis or other woody trees plantation. Promote pesticide-free low intensity farming in irrigated (IGNP) areas through State subsidy driven mechanisms, or award schemes to those following them.

20 | P a g e

Declare 5km radius around enclosures as “minimal infrastructure zone”, where GIB-unfriendly infrastructure has to be curtailed.

No new GIB-unfriendly development and no high tension power lines should be allowed in the minimal infrastructure zone.

Replace electricity network by underground cables. 50 State F.D. &

NGOs Medium

GIB-unfriendly development (road and electricity networks, irrigation, petroleum excavation and constructions) increase mortality and disturbance to GIB. Curtailing them in prime GIB areas would be legally easy since the area is already a PA.

Gujarat (Abdasa, Kachchh)

Protection to known breeding areas by creating sacrosanct refuges made inviolate during breeding months

Acquire all Govt. owned revenue and Gauchar lands that constitute breeding areas of GIB within PA network

Lands from villages of Gadvada, Rava, Berachia, Bitta, Dufi, Kunathia, Kalatalao, Bhachunda, Khirsra, Bhanara, Prajau, Vagapadar, Vingaber, Jasapar, Lala, Budiya of Abdasa

None since the land would be transferred between Govt. departments

State Govt. Very high

Currently Govt. lands are being encroached and developed illegally which is a major threat to GIB habitat

Chain-link-fencing of entire breeding area within Govt. PA to form "breeding refuge"

~25 km length chain link @ 11 lakhs/km and 4 km fence repairing

280 State F. D. High

Make breeding refuge inviolate during April, July-Sept

Employ 10 watchers @ 5000/month X 4 months and their fuel costs

3 State F. D. Very high

During these breeding months, grazing or any other form of consumptive human use should not be permitted within the breeding refuge. Outside of the breeding period the area can be moderately grazed by livestock

Predator (dogs and cats) removal in breeding refuge during April, July-Sept

Capture and remove or eliminate 1 State F.D. & Vet.

Dept. High To enhance the survival rates of eggs and chicks

Landscapes outside core breeding areas (identified by research) should also be conserved to accommodate the different breeding and non-breeding habitat needs of GIB.

Draft and implement breeding refuge and landscape management plan

Site specific scientifically informed management strategies need to be implemented


High

Development of water bodies, roads, trenches and plantations without ecological basis have resulted in loss of GIB habitats within PAs.

21 | P a g e

Declare crucial areas (2-5 km) around breeding refuge as “minimal infrastructure zone”, where GIB-unfriendly infrastructure has to be minimized.

No high tension power lines and major highways within 2 km radius of breeding refuge. No wind turbines and intensive irrigated pesticide use agriculture within 5km radius of breeding refuge.

No new GIB-unfriendly development should be allowed. Replace electricity network by solar power or underground cables


High

GIB-unfriendly development increase mortality and disturbance to GIB. These need to be controlled or appropriately mitigated within refuge and curtailed within the landscape of intensive use outside of the breeding season. This could be achieved by declaring the area as Eco-sensitive Zone.

Link local livelihood concerns with bustard conservation by providing Environmental Incentive Schemes for continuing GIB–friendly traditional practices.

GIB-friendly practices have to be promoted by State subsidy driven mechanisms, or award schemes to those following them.

Implementation within 5 km radius of breeding refuges

75 State Govt. & NGOs Medium

GIB-friendly livelihood practices include 1) growing short food crops (groundnut, Sesame, Sorghum, millets etc.), 2) farming once annually and leaving agricultural fields fallow for the rest of the year; 3) pesticide free farming, 4) allowing GIB to display and nest in private fields, 4) instead of herding livestock in peak monsoon, stall-feeding them on fodder supplements.

Maharashtra (Sholapur, Ahmednagar, Nasik)

Protection to intensively used areas by GIB (identified by research) by creating sacrosanct breeding refuges made inviolate during breeding months

Consolidate existing cores and create 5-10 additional cores each 5-10 sq.km to form "breeding enclosures"

Potential sites are Mardi, Karmala, Kamoni, Chapadgaon, Sawargaon, Boremani-Gangewadi, Patkul etc.



Currently Govt. lands are being developed which is a major threat to GIB habitat

Chain-link-fencing of entire breeding enclosures

~80 km length chain link @ 11 lakhs/km 400 State F. D. High

Make core PA inviolate during March-April, August-October

Employ 30 watchers @ 5000/month X 5 months and fuel costs

10 State F. D. Very high

During breeding months, grazing or any other form of consumptive human use should not be permitted within the breeding enclosures. Outside of the breeding period the area can be moderately grazed by livestock

22 | P a g e

Predator (dogs and cats) removal in breeding refuges during March-April, August-October



Landscapes outside core areas should also be conserved to accommodate the different breeding and non-breeding habitat needs of GIB.

Draft and implement core usage and landscape management plan for 5 km radius around breeding enclosures

Scientifically informed management strategies need to be implemented for restoration and maintenance of grassland habitats.


High

No plantation without ecological basis. Selective placement of water guzzlers but no large water bodies. Control of livestock number within 2 km radius of enclosures and regulate grazing.

Declare crucial areas within 3 km radius around breeding enclosures as “minimal infrastructure zone”, where GIB-unfriendly infrastructure has to be minimized.

No new GIB-unfriendly development should be allowed here. No high tension power lines, major highways, irrigation projects, construction, mining and industries should be allowed here.

Replace electricity network by underground cables. 50 State Govt. High

Mitigating GIB-unfriendly development in and around breeding enclosures should be legally possible since the area is already declared as PA.

Gain popularity for GIB conservation through awareness programmes and by addressing local livelihood concerns through Environmental Incentive Schemes.

1. GIB-friendly practices have to be promoted by State subsidy driven mechanisms, or award schemes to those following them. 2. Awareness programmes have to be conducted and publicity manuals for GIB & grassland conservation have to be produced.

Target areas for awareness and Environmental Incentive Schemes within 5 km radius of breeding enclosures

50 State Govt. & NGOs Medium

GIB-friendly livelihood practices include 1) growing short food crops (groundnut, Sesame, Sorghum, millets etc.), 2) farming once annually and leaving agricultural fields fallow for the rest of the year; 3) pesticide free farming, 4) allowing GIB to display and nest in private fields, 4) instead of herding livestock in peak monsoon, stall-feeding them on fodder supplements.

Andhra Pradesh (Kurnool)

Protection to known intensively used areas by GIB by creating sacrosanct refuges made inviolate during breeding months

Acquire Govt. owned revenue lands that are intensively used by GIB. Create minimum 3 more core areas of 5-10 sq.km in these areas

Potential sites for enclosures are Alaganur-Parumanchala, Jalakanur-Sunkesula-Gani, and Vipangandla-Byrapuram areas



Rollapadu has historically been one of the most preferred breeding areas of GIB. Although Rollapadu is well protected, adjoining areas have been developed and intensively cultivated in recent times. The few remnant grasslands should be immediately consolidated and restored

23 | P a g e

Chain-link-fencing over all existing core areas other than Rollapadu to secure breeding refuges

Fencing of 50km X 11 lakhs/km 211 State F.D. Medium

Make breeding refuges inviolate during July-October


3.2 State F. D. Very high

During these breeding months, grazing should not be permitted within breeding refuge. Complete restriction on GIB egg collection, which has been reported occasionally. Outside of the breeding period the area can be moderately grazed by livestock

Predator (dogs and cats) removal in breeding refuge during July-October



Landscapes outside core areas should also be conserved to accommodate the different breeding and non-breeding habitat needs of GIB.

Draft and implement breeding refuge landscape management plan for 5 km radius around breeding refuges

Scientifically informed management strategies for: 1. Restoration of habitats. 2. No new development projects.


High

Restoration of grasslands which are overgrazed or cultivated. No plantation without ecological basis. Regulated grazing (particularly sheep). Selective placement of water guzzlers but no large water bodies. Control of blackbuck population so as to reduce crop damage.

Gain popularity for GIB conservation through awareness programmes and by addressing local livelihood concerns through Environmental Incentive Schemes.

1. GIB-friendly practices have to be promoted by State subsidy driven mechanisms, or award schemes to those following them. 2. Awareness programmes have to be conducted and publicity manuals for GIB & grassland conservation have to be produced.

Target areas for awareness and Environmental Incentive Schemes within 5 km radius of breeding refuges

50 State Govt. & NGOs High

GIB-friendly livelihood practices include 1) growing short food crops, 2) farming once annually and leaving agricultural fields fallow for the rest of the year; 3) pesticide free farming, 4) allowing GIB to display and nest in private fields, 4) instead of herding livestock in peak monsoon, stall-feeding them on fodder supplements.

24 | P a g e

Madhya Pradesh (Gwalior)

Consolidation of relatively small potential GIB habitat within the existing PA

Create a core area enclosure in the potential GIB habitat within Ghatigaon Sanctuary (the entire Sanctuary is not critical bustard habitat but the identified area is crucial for breeding).

Chain-link-fencing of ~150 sq.km potential GIB habitat roughly bordered by Tighara reservoir to the north and Dhoha village to the south

650 State Govt. High

Without protection of a fence, this area is unlikely to continue supporting bustards for any long-term due to intensive human pressures

Reduction of human pressure within the core area


23 State F. D. Very High

Consumptive use of grassland resources should be curtailed during 3 breeding months of GIB (July-Aug). Livestock grazing should be regulated in the non-breeding months.

No new development (electricity and road network, constructions, industries and mining) projects should be allowed within 2 km of the core area

State Govt. Medium

Restoration of habitat in the core area

Scientific management plan for habitat restoration (no plantations especially of Prosopis juliflora used as hedge to other plantations.)


High Control number of livestock in villages within 2 km of core area

25 | P a g e

Figure 1. Great Indian Bustard population distribution in India depicting conservation priority based on population status and potential for long term viability.

26 | P a g e

APPENDIX VI

The site specific recommendations for conservation of Lesser Florican as suggested by the Task Force for Conservation of Bustards in India:

Site Action Task Requirements Estimated funds (lakh) Implementation Priority Supplements

Rajasthan (Ajmer, Malpura, Shahpura, Devgarh, Pratapgarh)

Conservation of key habitats. 18 grassland sites have been identified by WII, 2011 as critical habitat for florican

Declare florican sites in and around Pratapgarh and Shahpura as Community/ Conservation Reserves.

Dialogue with owners of private grasslands in these areas

State F. D. & NGOs High

Florican-friendly practices include regulated grazing and farming practices. Livestock should be stall fed during two monsoon months (florican breeding time) to reduce disturbance and allow grass regeneration for cover. This will also provide fodder in lean period. Grassland patches >1ha should be left intact between crop fields, and organic (pesticide free) farming should be promoted

Promote incentive driven florican-friendly grassland management

Infrastructure intensive development (mining, road, electricity & irrigation) should not be allowed here

Acquire State Govt. owned florican sites in Ajmer and Malpura within the PA network. Make >5 enclosures of total 30 km2

in these grasslands, which should be made inviolate during July-September

22 km chain-link-fencing X 11 lakh/km, and repairing existing enclosures in Saunkhaliya

State F. D. Very High

State Govt. owned lands are increasingly been encroached by cultivators, and need to be conserved for floricans During these breeding months, grazing or other form of consumptive human use should not be permitted within breeding refuge. Outside of the breeding period the area can be moderately grazed by livestock

Deployment of 18 watchers (3 per enclosure) X 5000 Rs/month for 4 months for 5 years

Eradicate tall invasive shrub/tree species (e.g. Prosopis juliflora), dogs and cats from all florican sites

Physically remove plantations, capture and eliminate dogs and cats during July-September

State F.D. & trained biologists or veterinary service

High

Floricans avoid tall vegetation that impedes visibility, and Prosopis is an invasive that competitively excludes native species. Dogs and cats are potential threats to nesting females & juvenile survival

Develop and implement management plan for all florican sites that addresses species’ habitat requirements

1.No plantation of tall shrub/tree species 2. Leave intact grasslands (>1ha size) between crop fields 3.Promote subsidy/incentive driven florican-friendly livelihood practices 4. Curtail infrastructure intensive development (mining, road, electricity & irrigation) near breeding habitat.

State F.D. & NGOs High

Florican friendly practices are stall feeding livestock during two monsoon months to reduce disturbance and allow grass regeneration for cover. It also includes organic (pesticide free) farming in irrigated areas

Education and awareness

Educational programme for forest staff and local communities

Disseminate information on ecological & conservation values of florican and their habitats through publication of manuals and workshops

State FD & NGOs

Med- ium

Research and Alternate year monitoring Appoint a biologist @ Rs 15000 /month State F.D & WII High Migratory and population dynamics of

27 | P a g e

Monitoring of florican populations and their habitat is required. Migratory pattern needs to be studied through satellite tracking technique

for 3 years with Rs 40 lakh project implementation cost

lesser florican are poorly known without which formulation of conservation strategies becomes difficult

Gujarat (Velavadar, Abdasa, Rampar, Gondal, Amreli)

Conservation of florican habitats identified by WII 2007-11 In Abdasa – Kunathia, Kalatalao, Naliya-Lala, Vanku, Sandhan, Latheri, Dediya Layaja

Declare florican sites in Gondal, Amreli & around Velavadar as Community/ Conservation Reserves.

Dialogue with owners of private grasslands in the State

State F. D. & NGOs High

Florican-friendly practices include regulated grazing and farming practices. Livestock should be stall fed during two monsoon months (florican breeding time) to reduce disturbance and allow grass regeneration for cover. This will also provide fodder in lean period. Grassland patches >1ha should be left intact between crop fields, and organic (pesticide free) farming should be promoted

Promote incentive driven florican-friendly grassland management

Acquire State Govt. owned florican sites in Abdasa & Rampar grasslands within the PA network. Make >5 enclosures of total 50 km2

here, which should be made inviolate during July-September

28 km chain-link-fencing of enclosures X 11 lakh Rs/km and repairing of existing enclosures in Lala

State F. D. Very High

State Govt. owned lands are increasingly been encroached by cultivators, and need to be conserved for floricans During these breeding months, grazing or other form of consumptive human use should not be permitted within breeding refuge. Outside of the breeding period the area can be moderately grazed by livestock

Deployment of 18 watchers (3 per enclosure) X 5000 Rs/month for 4 months for 5 years

Eradicate tall invasive shrub/tree species (e.g. Prosopis juliflora), dogs and cats from florican sites

Physically remove plantations; a;sp capture and eliminate dogs and cats during July-September


High

Bustards & floricans avoid tall vegetation that impedes visibility, and Prosopis is an invasive that competitively excludes native species. Dogs and cats are potential threats to the nesting females & juvenile survival

Develop and implement management plan in these sites that addresses species’ habitat requirements

1. No plantation of tall shrub/tree species 2. Leave intact grasslands (>1ha size) between crop fields 3. Promote subsidy/incentive driven florican friendly practices 4. No infrastructure intensive development (road, electricity, mining, industry)

State F.D. & NGOs

Very High

Florican friendly practices are stall feeding livestock during two monsoon months to reduce disturbance and allow grass regeneration for cover. It also includes organic (pesticide free) farming in irrigated areas.


Educational programme for forest staff and local communities

Disseminate information on ecological & conservation values of florican and their habitats through publication of manuals and workshops

State FD & NGOs

Med- ium

Research and Monitoring

Alternate year monitoring of florican populations and their habitat is required. Migratory pattern needs to be studied through satellite tracking technique

Appoint a biologist @ Rs 15000 /month for 3 years with Rs 40 lakh project implementation cost

State F.D & WII High

Migratory and population dynamics of florican are poorly known without which formulation of conservation strategies becomes difficult

Madhya Pradesh

Conservation of florican

Declare agro-grasslands around Sailana &

Dialogue with owners of private grasslands in these areas to promote State F. D. &

NGOs High Florican-friendly practices include regulated grazing and farming practices.

28 | P a g e

(Sailana, Sardarpur, Petlawad, Thandala)

habitats (Sailana, Sardarpura, Petlawad, Thandala)

Sardarpur WLS as Community/ Conservation Reserves.

incentive driven florican-friendly grassland management

Livestock should be stall fed during two monsoon months (florican breeding time) to reduce disturbance and allow grass regeneration for cover. This will also provide fodder in lean period. Grassland patches >1ha should be left intact between crop fields, and organic (pesticide free) farming should be promoted

Consolidating existing PAs (Sailana & Sardarpura) through fencing & patrolling

Repair existing fencing State F. D. Very High

Employ 10 watchers (5 per site) equipped with modern communication & transport facilities during July-Sept

State F. D Very High

Eradicate tall invasive shrub/tree species (e.g. Prosopis juliflora), dogs and cats from florican sites

Physically remove plantations, remove dogs and cats during July-September


High

Bustards & floricans avoid tall vegetation that impedes visibility, and Prosopis is an invasive that competitively excludes native species. Dogs and cats are potential threats to the nesting females & juvenile survival

Develop and implement management plan in these sites that addresses species’ habitat requirements

No plantation of tall shrub/tree species in FD areas Leave intact grasslands (>1ha size) between crop fields & promote subsidy/incentive driven pesticide-free low intensity farming in community lands No infrastructure intensive development (road, electricity, mining, industry) around 2 km of Pas

State F.D. & NGOs

Very High

No Prosopis or other woody trees plantation. Promote pesticide-free low intensity farming in irrigated areas through State subsidy driven mechanisms, or award schemes to those following them.


Disseminate information on ecological & conservation values of florican and their habitats among forest staff and local communities

Educational programme State FD & NGOs

Medium

Research and Monitoring

Alternate year monitoring of florican populations and their habitat is required. Migratory pattern of needs to be studied.

Appoint a biologist @ Rs 15000 /month for 3 years with Rs 40 lakh project implementation cost

State F.D & WII High

Migratory and population dynamics of florican are poorly known without which formulation of conservation strategies becomes difficult

Andhra Pradesh

Conservation of critical

Acquire Govt. owned Potential sites for enclosures are State Govt. Very Although Rollapadu is well protected,

29 | P a g e

(Kurnool) florican habitats (identified through scientific criteria) through protection and habitat management

revenue lands that are intensively used by floricans. Create >3 more core areas of 5-10 sqkm in these areas

Alaganur-Parumanchala, Jalakanur-Sunkesula-Gani, and Vipangandla-Byrapuram areas

high adjoining areas have been developed and intensively cultivated in recent times. The few remnant grasslands should be immediately consolidated and restored

Chain-link-fencing over these core areas other than Rollapadu to secure critical habitats

Fencing of 50km X 11 lakhs/km State F.D. Medium

Make these core areas inviolate during breeding season (July-September)

Employ 12 watchers @ 5000/month X 4 months and fuel costs State F. D. Very

high

During these breeding months, grazing should not be permitted within breeding refuge. Outside of breeding period the area can be moderately grazed by livestock

Predator (dogs and cats) removal in core areas during July-October

Capture and remove or eliminate State F.D. & Vet. Dept. High To enhance the survival rates of eggs and

chicks

Research Appoint a biologist @ Rs 15000 /month for 3 years with Rs 40 lakh project implementation cost for

State F.D & WII Medium

Rollapadu and its adjoining areas form breeding & non-breeding ground for floricans. Information on habitat use, without which landscape conservation strategies cannot be formulated, is scanty.

Gain popularity for florican conservation through awareness programs and by addressing local livelihood concerns through Environmental Incentive Schemes.

1. Florican-friendly practices have to be promoted by State subsidy/incentive driven mechanisms, or award schemes to those following them. 2. Awareness programmes have to be conducted and publicity manuals for florican & grassland conservation have to be produced.

Target areas for awareness and Environmental Incentive Schemes within 5 km radius of core areas

State Govt. & NGOs High

Florican-friendly livelihood practices include 1) growing short food crops, 2) farming once annually and leaving agricultural fields fallow for the rest of the year; 3) pesticide free farming, 4) allowing floricans to display and nest in private fields, 4) instead of herding livestock in peak monsoon, stall-feeding them on fodder supplements.

Documents

Guidelines for Preparation of State Action Plan for ...envfor.nic.in/assets/wl-2072012.pdf · Guidelines for Preparation of State Action Plan for Bustards’ Recovery Programme GOVERNMENT