Guidelines for Preparation of State Action Plan for Bustards Recovery Programme - Sukanya Kadyan

7/31/2019 Guidelines for Preparation of State Action Plan for Bustards Recovery Programme - Sukanya Kadyan

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Guidelines for Preparation of State ActionPlan for Bustards Recovery Programme


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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


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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 toBangladesh. 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 particularsite.

For ready reference, a table briefly indicating the degree of potential threats to the


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4. Submission of the State Action Plan4.1 The Chief Wildlife Warden may forward the State Action Plan based on these guidelinesto 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 Bustards5.1 Constitution of Bustard Conservation Committee at local level5.1.1 Each range State will constitute Bustard Conservation Committees (BCC) for eachManagement 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 threeBustard species.

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

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

Member


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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 toidentify 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 ofBCC. 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 remedialactions/activities corresponding to each threats.

5.5 Finally each BCC will forward its Report to the Chief Wildlife Warden, including thesurvey 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 morerange 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 respectiveStates, 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.


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c) Any Conservation Breeding Program will require approval from the CompetentAuthority. 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 upunder 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 suchsites 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 minimalinfrastructure 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 involvementof the local communities in the Recovery Programme of the Bustards.

b) In cases where compensatory mechanisms will be employed, the nature and magnitudeof the compensation schemes may vary as per the local conditions.


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b) Invasive species of shrubs/trees and tall shrubs/tree species may be avoided in these sitesas 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 andFloricans 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 thegrasslands.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 ofthe 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. TheChief 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 beadopted 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


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processing the proposals, is at Appendix III.

For each item of work, details like quantity, location, rate per unit, para of theManagement Plan/ Biodiversity Conservation Plan/ Recovery Plan whererecommended 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 informationlike total requirement for the area, already available units etc., may be given as per

Appendix V.

9. Implementation9.1 In order to successfully implement this project, a close collaboration between the RangeStates 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 forformulation 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 beresponsible for the actual on-ground implementation of the SAPs.

9.4 Since the three species are highly threatened, the Bustard Conservation Committee willmeet as often as possible to monitor the progress of the Action Plan. The Bustard ConservationCommittee 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.


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with this objective. However, the maximum timeframe for the Recovery Programme shallnot exceed a period of 10 years.

11. Conclusion11.1 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.


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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-Sayedabadtea estates in

Darjeeling district)


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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.


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4 Overgrazing GIB Very High Prevalent across the

range of GIB, but

majorly inMaharashtra,

Karnataka and Andhra

Pradesh.

Lesser Florican Very High Prevalent across the

range of Lesser

Florican, especially inGujarat (grass vidis of

Saurashtra) and

Rajasthan.

Bengal

Florican

Very High Across the Bengal

Floricans range

including ProtectedAreas such as Dibru-

Saikhowa National

Park, Jaldapara

Wildlife Sanctuary,

Manas National Park,

Laokhowa Wildlife

Sanctuary

5 Invasive species GIB High Rajasthan (Jaiselmer,

B Bik )


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etc.

Lesser Florican High Gujarat (Naliya inAbdasa 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. KareraWLS, Nannaj WLS,

Rollapadu WLS,

Sonkhaliya WLS and

Sorson WLS).

Lesser Florican Medium Prevalent across the

Lesser Floricanhabitats

Bengal Low Since majority of the


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Florican. the decline in Bustards

populations, In

addition, sometimesnatural phenomenon

such as floods also

pose threats to the

survival of these birds,

especially in case of

Bengal Florican.


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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 controlof 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 existsalready) for management of this area

iv)That the advice of the Director, Wildlife Preservation given on behalf of the GOI wouldbe 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)


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APPENDIX III

MODEL FORMAT FOR PREPARING ANNUAL PLAN OF OPERATION (APO)

UNDER CSS INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT OF WILDLIFE HABITATS

1. Name of the Recovery Programme2. Range states and nearest trans-boundary Management units3. 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 ofA4 size

5. Number of villages within the Recovery Programme6. 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 Programme9. Type of forest /ecosystem with major species10. Staff position in the Management unit (Total sanctioned strength, Vacancy

position etc.)

11. Approved labour wage rates of the respective State Government12. 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 ID13. Funds provided under State Plan during the last 5 years, including funds provided

under other schemes

14 St t f d d ti f th b d i


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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 3 4 6


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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 RequirementsEstimated

funds (lakh)Implementation Priority Supplements

Rajasthan

(Jaiselmer,

Barmer,

Bikaner)

Protection to areas

intensively used by GIB by

creating inviolate spacesduring 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 months6 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 breedingareas (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. Promotepesticide-free low intensity

farming in irrigated (IGNP)

areas through State subsidy

driven mechanisms, or

award schemes to those

following them.


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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. &

NGOsMedium

GIB-unfriendly

development (road and

electricity networks,

irrigation, petroleum

excavation and

constructions) increase

mortality and disturbance to

GIB. Curtailing them inprime GIB areas would be

legally easy since the area is

already a PA.

Gujarat

(Abdasa,

Kachchh)

Protection to known breedingareas by creating sacrosanct

refuges made inviolate

during breeding months

Acquire all Govt. owned

revenue and Gaucharlands

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. PAto form "breeding refuge"

~25 km length chain link @

11 lakhs/km and 4 km fencerepairing

280 State F. D. High

Make breeding refuge inviolate

during April, July-Sept


5000/month X 4 months

and their fuel costs

3 State F. D.Very

high


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

eliminate1

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

5

State F.D. &

Research

organizations

High

Development of water

bodies, roads, trenches and

plantations without

ecological basis have

resulted in loss of GIB

habitats within PAs.


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Declare crucial areas (2-5

km) around breeding refuge

as minimal infrastructure

zone, where GIB-unfriendly

infrastructure has to beminimized.

No high tension power lines

and major highways within 2

km radius of breeding refuge.

No wind turbines and intensiveirrigated pesticide use

agriculture within 5km radius

of breeding refuge.


development should be

allowed. Replace electricitynetwork by solar power or

underground cables

50

State F.D. &

Researchorganizations

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 useoutside 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

GIBfriendly 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

75State Govt. &

NGOsMedium

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 usedareas by GIB (identified by

research) by creating

sacrosanct breeding refuges

made inviolate duringbreeding 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.

None since

the land

would be

transferred

between

Govt.departments

State Govt.Very

high

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/km400 State F. D. High

Make core PA inviolate during

March-April, August-October



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


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removal in breeding refuges

during March-April, August-

October


eliminate1

State F.D. & Vet.

Dept.High



Landscapes outside core

areas should also beconserved to accommodate



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.

25

State F.D. &

Research

organizations

High

No plantation without

ecological basis. Selective

placement of water guzzlersbut no large water bodies.

Control of livestock number

within 2 km radius of

enclosures and regulate

grazing.

Declare crucial areas within3 km radius around breeding

enclosures as minimal

infrastructure zone, where

GIB-unfriendly infrastructure

has to be minimized.


development should be allowedhere. 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-unfriendlydevelopment 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


Schemes.

1. GIB-friendly practices have

to be promoted by Statesubsidy driven mechanisms, or


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


enclosures

50State Govt. &

NGOsMedium



short food crops (groundnut,

Sesame, Sorghum, millets

etc.), 2) farming once

annually and leaving





nest in private fields, 4)

instead of herding livestock



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

None since

the land

would be

transferred

between

Govt.

departments

State Govt.Very

high

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


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Chain-link-fencing over all

existing core areas other than

Rollapadu to secure breeding

refuges

Fencing of 50km X 11

lakhs/km211 State F.D. Medium

Make breeding refuges

inviolate during July-October



and fuel costs

3.2 State F. D.Very

high


months, grazing should not

be permitted withinbreeding 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


removal in breeding refuge

during July-October


eliminate1

State F.D. & Vet.

Dept.High



Landscapes outside coreareas should also be

conserved to accommodate



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.

5

State F.D. &

Research

organizations

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


Schemes.

1. GIB-friendly practices have

to be promoted by State

subsidy driven mechanisms, or


following them. 2. Awareness

programmes have to beconducted and publicity

manuals for GIB & grassland


produced.

Target areas for awareness

and Environmental

Incentive Schemes within 5


refuges

50State Govt. &

NGOsHigh



short food crops, 2) farming

once annually and leaving





nest in private fields, 4)

instead of herding livestock



supplements.


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Madhya

Pradesh

(Gwalior)

Consolidation of relatively

small potential GIB habitat

within the existing

PA

Create a core area enclosure inthe potential GIB habitat within

Ghatigaon Sanctuary (the entire

Sanctuary is not critical bustard

habitat but the identified area iscrucial for breeding).

Chain-link-fencing of ~150sq.km potential GIB habitat

roughly bordered by

Tighara reservoir to the

north and Dhoha village tothe south

650 State Govt. High

Without protection of afence, this area is unlikely to

continue supporting

bustards for any long-term

due to intensive humanpressures

Reduction of human pressure

within the core area



and fuel costs

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 regulatedin 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.)

7

State F.D. &

Research

organizations

High

Control number of livestock

in villages within 2 km of

core area


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

for long term viability.


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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 RequirementsEstimated

funds (lakh)Implementation Priority Supplements

Rajasthan

(Ajmer,

Malpura,

Shahpura,

Devgarh,

Pratapgarh)

Conservation

of keyhabitats. 18

grassland

sites have

been

identified by

WII, 2011 as

critical

habitat forflorican

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. &

NGOsHigh

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 al so

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. ownedflorican 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 increa singlybeen 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 fields3.Promote subsidy/incentive driven

florican-friendly livelihood practices

4. Curtail infrastructure intensive

development (mining, road, electricity &

irrigation) near breeding habitat.

State F.D. &

NGOsHigh

Florican friendly practices are stall feeding

livestock during two monsoon months toreduce 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


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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.


grasslands in the State

State F. D. &

NGOsHigh



Livestock should be stall fed during twomonsoon months (florican breeding time)







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 increa singly

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




and cats from florican sites

Physically remove plantations; a;sp

capture and eliminate dogs and cats

during July-September

State F.D. &

trained

biologists or

veterinary

service

High

Bustards & floricans avoid tall vegetation

that impedes visibility, and Prosopis is an


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.

Education

and

awareness

Educational programme for

forest staff and local

communities

Disseminate information on ecological

& conservation values of florican andtheir habitats through publication of

manuals and workshops

State FD &NGOs

Med-ium

Research and

Monitoring

Alternate year monitoring

of florican populations and


Migratory pattern needs to

be studied through satellite

tracking technique

Appoint a biologist @ Rs 15000 /month


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 &


grasslands in these areas to promote

State F. D. &

NGOsHigh




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(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)







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. DVery

High




and cats from florican sites

Physically remove plantations, remove

dogs and cats during July-September

State F.D. &

trained

biologists or

veterinaryservice

High

Bustards & floricans avoid tall vegetation

that impedes visibility, and Prosopis is an


species. Dogs and cats are potential threatsto the nesting females & juvenile survival

Develop and implementmanagement plan in thesesites that addresses species

habitat requirements

No plantation of tall shrub/tree species

in FD areas

Leave intact grasslands (>1ha size)

between crop fields & promotesubsidy/incentive driven pesticide-freelow intensity farming in community

lands

No infrastructure intensive development

(road, electricity, mining, industry)

around 2 km of Pas

State F.D. &NGOs

VeryHigh

No Prosopis or other woody trees

plantation. Promote pesticide-free lowintensity farming in irrigated areas through

State subsidy driven mechanisms, or award

schemes to those following them.

Education and

awareness

Disseminate information on

ecological & conservation

values of florican and their

habitats among forest staff

and local communities

Educational programmeState FD &

NGOs

Mediu

m

Research and

Monitoring

Alternate year monitoring

of florican populations and


Migratory pattern of needs

to be studied.



implementation cost

State F.D & WII High

Migratory and population dynamics of

florican are poorly known without which

formulation of conservation strategiesbecomes difficult

Andhra

Pradesh

Conservation

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


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(Kurnool) florican

habitats

(identified

through

scientific

criteria)

through

protection andhabitat

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 criticalhabitats

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

m

Make these core areas

inviolate during breeding

season (July-September)

Employ 12 watchers @ 5000/month X 4

months and fuel costsState F. D.

Very

high

During these breeding months, grazing

should not be permitted within breeding

refuge. Outside of breeding period the ar ea

can be moderately grazed by livestock


removal in core areas

during July-October

Capture and remove or eliminateState F.D. &

Vet. Dept.High

To enhance the survival rates of eggs and

chicks

Research



implementation cost for

State F.D & WIIMediu

m

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 forflorican

conservation

through

awareness

programs and

by addressing

local

livelihood

concerns

through

Environmenta

l Incentive

Schemes.

1. Florican-friendlypractices 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


produced.

Target areas for awareness and

Environmental Incentive Schemes within

5 km radius of core areas

State Govt. &

NGOsHigh

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 Bustards Recovery Programme - Sukanya Kadyan