Taxonomy

Taxonomy[top]KingdomPhylumClassOrderFamily

ANIMALIACHORDATAAVESCICONIIFORMESARDEIDAE

Scientific Name:Ardea insignis

Species Authority:Hume, 1878

Common Name/s:EnglishImperial Heron, White-bellied Heron

Assessment Information[top]Red List Category & Criteria:Critically Endangered C2a(i)ver 3.1

Year Published:2012

Assessor/s:BirdLife International

Reviewer/s:Butchart, S. & Symes, A.

Contributor/s:Bishop, K., Choudhury, A., Crosby, M., Duckworth, W., Eames, J., Feijen, C., Lascelles, B., Pradhan, R., Tordoff, J., Tshewang, N. & Wilson, D.

Justification:This heron is classified as Critically Endangered because it has an extremely small and rapidly declining population. This decline is projected to increase in the near future as a result of the loss and degradation of lowland forest and wetlands, and through direct exploitation and disturbance.

History:2011Critically Endangered

2010Critically Endangered




2004Endangered

2000Endangered

1996Endangered

1994Endangered

Geographic Range[top]Range Description:Ardea insignisis known from the eastern Himalayan foothills inBhutanand north-eastIndiato the hills ofBangladesh, northMyanmarand, historically at least, across west and central Myanmar (BirdLife International 2001). It may also occur in south-east Tibet, China, but is now extinct in Nepal. Birds visit the Brahmaputra lowlands in winter. Although historical reports suggest it was previously common in Myanmar, it has evidently declined throughout its range given the paucity of recent records. Most of the few recent records come from five or six sites in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, India, one or two sites in Bhutan, and parts of Myanmar. In Bhutan, there is a small population of 30 known individuals (with six juveniles) as of July 2007 (Pradhan 2007), with the total national population unlikely to exceed 50 individuals (Pradhanet al. 2007). The birds were observed along the Phochu, confluence of Phochu-Mochu, Punatsangchhu, Kamechu (Digchu), Zawa, Ngagshina and Burichu confluence (Pradhan 2007). Six active nests were recorded in Bhutan in 2007, two from a new site, and by 26 July 2007 they held six chicks in total. Due to the natural forest fire, three nests were abandoned. A further three active nests with five chicks were recorded in 2009, although only three chicks remained on a subsequent visit (Anon 2009). Six breeding sites from two rivers of central Bhutan have been recorded, and the eastern part of the country has not been thoroughly surveyed (Pradhan2007). The species has also been reported from the Thim Chhu, Lungtenphu (C. Feijenin litt. 2009). A massive hydroelectric scheme may have recently caused its expiration from the Sunkosh Valley (K. D. Bishopin litt.2012). In Myanmar, the 21,700 km2Hukaung Valley tiger reserve (the largest area of suitable habitat within the species's range) is believed to support approximately 30-40 individuals (W. Duckworthin litt. 2006), and Hpon Razi Wildlife Sanctuary and Hkakabo Razi National Park hold small populations. White-bellied Heron has been recorded along rivers elsewhere in Kachin State, such as the Nam Sam Chaung, although little is known about its status in these areas(A. W. Tordoffin litt. 2006). Despite an increase in survey effort within the species's range in Myanmar there has been no corresponding increase in the number of records and the species was apparently absent from large areas of suitable habitat (J. Eamesin litt. 2006, D. Wilsonin litt. 2006). One recent repeat survey failed to record the species in an area where it had been seen in 1998(D. Wilsonin litt. 2006). The findings of field surveys have also been supported by reports from local people which suggest that the species has declined in the region in recent years(D. Wilsonin litt. 2006). This evidence suggests there may be fewer than 250 individuals remaining(J. Eamesin litt. 2006, D. Wilsonin litt. 2006). In north-east India, a few individuals are regularly seen in Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh. However, records from other sites are sporadic and there are no recent sightings from a number of former sites including Jamjing Reserved Forest, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park and Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary (A. Choudhuryin litt.2012). The most recent sighting in Assam was of two birds from Subankhata Reserved Forest, Baksa district in 2010 (A. Choudhuryin litt.2012).

Countries:Native:Bhutan; India; MyanmarPossibly extinct:BangladeshRegionally extinct:Nepal

Range Map:Click here to open the map viewer and explore range.

Population[top]Population:Though a complete population census is yet to be conducted, the current population size is though to be best placed in the band 50-249 mature individuals (D. Wilson and J. Eamesin litt.2006). This equates to 75-374 individuals in total, rounded here to 70-400 individuals.

Population Trend:Decreasing

Habitat and Ecology[top]Habitat and Ecology:It is primarily recorded from small or large rivers, usually with sand or gravel bars, often within or adjacent to subtropical broadleaved forest, from the lowlands up to at least 1,500 m, and it has also been reported from an inland lake (A. W. Tordoffin litt. 2006). It is generally solitary but may aggregate into small flocks and family groups during winter (D. Wilsonin litt. 2006,Pradhan2007) and tends to frequent inaccessible and undisturbed areas. The species is known to breed and roost in Chir pine forest(A. W. Tordoffin litt. 2006, D. Wilsonin litt. 2006); four nests located in Bhutan in 2003-2007 were solitary and located in large Chir pines on ridges or steep slopes at 500-1,500 m, near the confluence of a small forest stream with a larger river (Pradhan 2007, Pradhanet al. 2007). Nesting took place in March-early June. Birds then moved up to 30 km to feed on sand bars in large braided river systems in winter (Pradhan 2007, Pradhanet al. 2007).

Systems:Terrestrial; Freshwater

Threats[top]Major Threat(s):The main threats are presumed to be widespread loss, degradation and disturbance of forest and wetlands. Wetlands have become degraded as a result of pollution, rapid growth of aquatic vegetation, and the over-exploitation of resources. Increasing disturbance and habitat degradation from settlement, conversion to agriculture, harvesting of wetland resources and, more locally, poaching are thought to present significant threats in key protected areas (e.g. Namdapha National Park) in north-east India, Bhutan and Myanmar (W. Duckworthin litt. 2006). Natural forest fires have destroyed nests in Bhutan. In Bhutan, hydroelectric power developments and road improvements have resulted in significant habitat degradation. Rivers act as busy transport routes for the human population, exacerbating disturbance of this species (W. Duckworthin litt. 2006, D. Wilsonin litt. 2006).

Conservation Actions[top]Conservation Actions:Conservation Actions UnderwayIt probably breeds in Namdapha Tiger Reserve (last surveyed in 2005-2006) (Maheswaran 2007)and it occurs seasonally in several other protected areas, including Kaziranga, Dibru-Saikhowa and Manas National Parks, and Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary, India. In Myanmar, a small population occurs within the Hukaung Tiger Reserve(A. W. Tordoffin litt. 2006), and Hpon Razi Wildlife Sanctuary. A project studying White-bellied Heron began in Bhutan in 2003, and is run in conjunction with the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature, the World Wildlife Fund, the Felburn Foundation and the International Crane Foundation. Recognising the importance of the riverbed in Punakha-Wangdue as a primary feeding ground for this species, the Royal Government of Bhutan has declared the area as protected habitat for White-bellied Herons. In May 2011, a White-bellied Heron was hatched in captivity for the first time (Tshewang Norbuin litt. 2011), and in September 2011 it was released at Bumitsawa, Pochu, Punakha, in Bhutan, having been already tagged with a satellite transmitter (www.rspnbhutan.org).Conservation Actions ProposedConduct extensive surveys for the species in north-east India, Myanmar and also south-east Tibet, to establish its distribution, population status and ecological requirements, particularly in breeding areas. Support proposals to provide more effective protection for Namdapha National Park, including creation of buffer zones. Support requests to maintain habitat and minimise disturbance along the Manas river and around Ada lake, Bhutan. Initiate conservation awareness programmes in areas supporting populations, particularly in Myanmar and north-east India, using it as a flagship species. Consider satellite tagging individuals to improve current understanding of the species's movements and habitat preferences(J. Eamesin litt. 2006). Improve conservation of protected areas in Myanmar.

Citation:BirdLife International 2012.Ardea insignis. In: IUCN 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.1. . Downloaded on05 August 2012.

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ANIMALIACHORDATACHONDRICHTHYESCARCHARHINIFORMESCARCHARHINIDAE

Scientific Name:Carcharhinus hemiodon

Species Authority:(Valenciennes, 1839)

Common Name/s:EnglishPondicherry Shark

Assessment Information[top]Red List Category & Criteria:Critically Endangered A2acd; C2a(i)ver 3.1

Year Published:2003

Assessor/s:Compagno, L.J.V., White, W. & Fowler, S. (SSG Australia & Oceania Regional Workshop, March 2003)

Reviewer/s:Cavanagh, R.D., Kyne, P.M., Fowler, S., Musick, J.A. (Shark Red List Authority) & Pogonoski, J.

Contributor/s:

Justification:Previously assessed as Vulnerable, this species has been reassessed based on improved information.

This very rare Indo-West Pacific species is known from about 20 specimens in museums, obtained from widely separated sites all of which are subject to large, expanding and unregulated artisanal and commercial ?catch all? fisheries. Last recorded in 1979, the species has not been reported since, despite market surveys in much of its range in recent years. Given that it has not be observed in over 20 years, that most known specimens were captured before 1900, and that its previously known habitat and area of occurrence face expanding unregulated fisheries, this species is listed as Critically Endangered. Future survey work should attempt to locate the species.

History:2000Vulnerable

Geographic Range[top]Range Description:This Indo-West Pacific species has only been recorded from a small number of widely-separated sites (most of them in India) and is represented by fewer than twenty specimens in museum collections, most of which were captured before 1900. The last record was in 1979 in India; it has not been seen since anywhere, despite detailed surveys in Borneo, Philippines and Indonesia.

Countries:Possibly extinct:China; India; (Kalimantan); Malaysia; Oman; Pakistan

FAO Marine Fishing Areas:Native:Indian Ocean eastern; Indian Ocean western; Pacific northwest; Pacific western central


Population[top]Population:Considered to be extremely rare globally (possibly even extinct).

Population Trend:Unknown

Habitat and Ecology[top]Habitat and Ecology:Occurs inshore on continental and insular shelves. No information available on the biology or life history parameters of this rarely recorded and poorly known inshore shark.

Systems:Marine

Threats[top]Major Threat(s):This apparently rare shark occurs (or occurred) in inshore localities and habitats subject to large, expanding, and unregulated artisanal and commercial fisheries. If still extant, it is probably caught and utilized as bycatch of other fisheries, although market surveys have failed to locate it. Its populations are thought to have been severely depleted as a result of this exploitation.

Conservation Actions[top]Conservation Actions:No conservation measures are in place for this species.

Citation:Compagno, L.J.V., White, W. & Fowler, S. (SSG Australia & Oceania Regional Workshop, March 2003) 2003.Carcharhinus hemiodon. In: IUCN 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.1. . Downloaded on05 August 2012.




ANIMALIAARTHROPODAARACHNIDAARANEAETHERAPHOSIDAE

Scientific Name:Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica

Species Authority:Smith & Carpenter, 2004

Common Name/s:EnglishRameshwaram Ornamental, Rameshwaram Parachute Spider

Taxonomic Notes:In 2004, Andrew Smith discovered a new speciesPoecilotheria hanumavilasumicafrom a sacred grove of the Hanumavilasum Temple on Rameshwaram Island. This species was earlier misidentified by Simon (1885), and Annandale (1907), asPoecilotheria fasciatafrom the Island and later Gravely (1915) misidentified this asPoecilotheria striatafrom Pamban on Rameshwaram Island.

Assessment Information[top]Red List Category & Criteria:Critically Endangered B1ab(ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(ii,iii,iv,v)ver 3.1

Year Published:2008

Assessor/s:Siliwal, M., Molur, S. & Daniel, B.A.

Reviewer/s:Spector, S. & Mason, T. (Terrestrial Invertebrates Red List Authority)

Contributor/s:

Justification:This Critically Endangered species is now restricted to a few tamarind, casuarina and mixed dry deciduous tree and palm plantations on the island of Rameshwaram and on the mainland close to the island. The entire estimated extent of occurrence is less than 100 km, with the actual area of occupancy being less than 6 km. The species has been recorded from eight subpopulations and less than 15 severely fragmented locations. Natural vegetation is almost completely lost. Spiders from one location were recently lost when the entire tamarind plantation of five hectares was razed for constructing government quarters. The species is CR due to restricted distribution, and continuing decline in area, quality, populations and mature individuals.

Geographic Range[top]Range Description:Poecilotheria hanumavilasumicais endemic to the Ramanthapuram district, southern India. It is reported from Rameshwaram Island and Mandapam area on mainland at an altitude of less than 50 m. The extent of occurrence encompassing known and inferred distribution is around 100 km, while the area of occupancy is less than 10 km.

Countries:Native:(Tamil Nadu)


Population[top]Population:Eight subpopulations in 13 severely fragmented locations. Subpopulation size varies from four individuals to 78 individuals depending upon the size of the plantation (Manju Siliwal pers. obs.). The densities are high in some tamarind plantations compared to casuarina or palm plantations.

Population Trend:Decreasing

Habitat and Ecology[top]Habitat and Ecology:The species was found in plantations like tamarind, palm, coconut and casuarina. They are also frequently seen in human habitations, especially in thatch-roof houses and huts. Mature females have been observed nesting every year and the maximum number of spiderlings seen with a single mother is 52. Mortality rate amongst the spiderlings is high due to cannibalism and natural predation. The male survives for only one breeding season after maturity, rarely up to the second breeding season. Females show nest fidelity as they have been observed in the same tree holes over three years, unless they have been disturbed or physically removed.

Systems:Terrestrial

Threats[top]Major Threat(s):Loss of plantations due to developmental activities, small size of the habitat fragments, small population size, persecution and fragmentation are major threats. Due to increased tourism, in the course of a single year (2006) two plantations were razed of which one was observed to have at least 70 individuals. All the spiders were killed by the loggers while razing the plantation. Due to their skewed sex ratio, and the difference in maturity rates between males and females, small populations with less than 5,000 individuals have a very high probability of extinction within the next three to four decades (S. Molur and B.A. Daniel, pers. comm. from running a simulation model (Vortex)). Although not found extensively in pet trade, a few adult males and females along with subadults and juveniles were taken out of the country.

Conservation Actions[top]Conservation Actions:The spiders occur in private plantations only and are not subjected to any protection laws.

Citation:Siliwal, M., Molur, S. & Daniel, B.A. 2008.Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica. In: IUCN 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.1. . Downloaded on05 August 2012.



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