SUBMISSION OF FINAL REPORT

Title of the Project

“Status of Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) and Other Grassland Associated Birds of Solapur Region, Maharashtra”

A Proposal Submitted By

Mr.R.V.Hippargi (Principal Investigator) (M.Sc., SET., NET.)

Asst. Prof., Department of Zoology &

Mr.N.S.Zambre (Co-Investigator) Asst. Prof. of Environmental Science, Dept. of Biotechnology,

Walchand College of Arts and Science, Solapur

Department of Zoology Walchand College of Arts & Science,

Ashok Chowk, Solapur- 413 006 Maharashtra (India)

(2012-13)

Index

Sr.No.

Title Page. No.

I

Introduction

01

II

Methodology

04

III

Result

06

IV

Discussion and Conclusion

17

V

Achievements of Project

18

VI

Summery

19

VII

References

20

VIII

Research Papers communicated for publication

22

IX

Annexure III

54

X

Annexure VI

57

Introduction: Research has demonstrated that birds serve as good indicators of changes in ecosystems (Cairns et al. 2004, Mallory et al. 2006, Wood et al. 2006). Birds are ideal bio-indicators and useful models for studying a variety of environmental problems (Newton I 1995). Throughout the New World attention is now being focused on the status of populations of land birds, which are the many species of smaller birds, sometimes referred to as “non-game” birds. Land birds have not usually been the focus of management activities except in a few cases of threatened or endangered species, such as the Kirtland’s Warbler. Recent evidence suggests that some landbird species are declining in abundance, fueling much speculation upon the causes of these declines, the species involved, and their habitat preferences. Hypotheses about the causes of these declines are varied, ranging from tropical deforestation to nest parasitism by the cowbird. However, part of the difficulty in determining the status of land birds results from problems in monitoring these small birds, as compared to larger, more easily-studied species. To determine population changes, and to hypothesize possible causes of these changes, more basic information needs to be gathered. For the majority of bird species in grassland from Solapur region these basic parameters are not fully known. Systematic quantitative data on as many species as possible of grassland birds of Solapur region needs attention. This information will help us to understand which species are most important, which might require special management because of their poor status and which might be so rare as to be in need of further protection elsewhere within their ranges. The influence of major modifiers of grassland ecosystem such as agriculture, urbanization/human settlement, desertification, fire, grazing of domestic livestock, Grassland fragmentation etc needs to be investigated in detail with respect to grassland bird diversity & population. The value of our grassland ecosystems as goldmines of plants used for food (they are the source of wheat, corn, rice; rye, millet, and sorghum etc.), as raw genetic resources for improving our crops, as traditional medicines, as a source of forage for domestic livestock (which in turn support human livelihoods with meat, milk, wool, and leather products), as an habitat for breeding, migrating, and wintering birds and for many soil fauna; and rangelands for wild herbivores is well established. Their role in cycling water and nutrients, building and maintaining stabilization of soil, its role as carbon sinks, are slowly explored. They also support recreational activities such as hunting, wildlife-watching, and tourism. "The Great Indian Bustard (GIB) Sanctuary" at Nanaj, is situated 22 kms from Solapur in Maharashtra. The Government of Maharashtra declared GIB sanctuary in 1979 to conserve this highly endangered magnificent, tall, long-necked and long-legged birds belonging to the avian family Otididae. The GIB, lives in arid and semi-arid (dry) grasslands and scrubs containing scattered bushes and some cultivation. The GIB, once abundant in the grasslands across the Indian subcontinent, is reportedly extinct from 90% of its former range (Birdlife International). Their population has declined to almost 50% during the last 10–15 years (Rahmani A). Today, their total number is estimated to be about 300-500 individuals (IUCN). Habitat deterioration, poaching, over-grazing, expanding agricultural fields and urbanization, contributed to their decline. The Bombay Natural History Society has extensively studied the decline of this bird and has strongly urged implementation of a centrally-sponsored ‘Project Bustard’ (on similar line of

Project Tiger) as conservation. Listed in Schedule-I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 (India), the GIB is classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List 2002, and Birdlife International has also classified it as ‘endangered’ in the Red Data Book in 2000. It is listed in Appendix-I of the CITES. In addition to Indian Bustards, grasslands in this region support a large number grassland interior and allied species of birds. Many bird species are highly territorial and require unique nature of niche within grassland. Previous studies on these birds tried to study their densities. Many of these birds are ground nesting birds. These birds are highly sensitive to slight changes of habitat due to overgrazing, frequent fires, grassland fragmentation, egg & young predation from other animals. A thorough study about present status of these birds within natural & disturbed grassland ecosystem with special reference to the breeding of these birds should be undertaken immediately. Grasslands contain 11 percent of the world’s endemic bird areas (areas encompassing the range of two or more bird species that have relatively small ranges (White et al. 2000). The relationship between breeding bird populations and vegetation has interested avian ecologists for quite some time (Johnston and Odum 1956, Bond 1957, Anderson 1970). Grassland birds, in particular, appear to be in trouble; during the last 25 years they have shown "steeper, more consistent, and more geographically widespread declines than any other behavioral or ecological guild" of North American bird species (Knopf 1994). Population declines of grassland birds have occurred not only in the northeastern United States (Vickery 1992), where regenerating forest has replaced much of the farmland that dominated the landscape in the 18th and 19th centuries (Norment 2002), but also in the Midwest (Herkert 1995) and the Great Plains (Knopf 1994), the historical centers of abundance and diversity of grassland birds. Population declines have also occurred in grassland birds in South America (Vickery et al. 1999a), Europe (Newton 1998), and other parts of the world (Goriup 1988). According to BirdLife International Red Data Book Indonesia has the highest total of threatened species in the region (117 species), followed by mainland China (78), India (73) and the Philippines (70). For Critical and Endangered species only, Indonesia has the most (44 species), followed by the Philippines (26) and India (18). Grasslands, savanna and shrublands are used by nearly 30% of threatened species, but for nearly half of these birds these habitats are of only minor importance (BirdLife International 2001). Recent Investigative surveys on Status, threats and conservation of the Great Indian Bustard in Pakistans (Cholistan) have reasoned ineffective law enforcement and human persecution for its alleged aphrodisiac value as responsible for dramatic decline in the number. (Aleem Ahmed Khan, 2008). Long-term monitoring of bird numbers in India has been carried out for waterfowl species (Perennou et al. 1994), and for grassland birds such as the Great Indian Bustard (Rahmani and Manakadan 1988) and floricans (Narayan et al. 1989). Other migrants such as raptors have not been regularly monitored. The migrant raptors which winter throughout the Indian subcontinent include several species of harriers Circus (Ali and Ripley 1983), which congregate in large numbers at grasslands for roosting (Rahmani and Manakadan 1986, Clarke 1996a). Some pioneering works on the status & distribution of grassland birds was carried in the plains of Solapur district grassland (Rahmani A.R., 1997). The study focused systematically on the floristic composition,

bird community composition and habitat associations of birds in grassland, grazing land, plantation & shrubland.

The primary objectives of the proposed study will be:

1) To conduct inventory to determine distributional patterns of grassland birds 2) To investigate breeding bird – habitat relationships. 3) To explore effects of various threats such as fire, agriculture, quarrying etc on

bird populations by correlating changes in bird community composition and abundance.

4) To monitor population trends population trends over a span of two years.

Methodology: A) Study Sites: The surveys were conducted at various sites around Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary (GIB), Nannaj, Solapur. Approximately 50 sq.km area was selected for intensive study. Earlier the GIB sanctuary consists of the area of North Solapur, Madha, Mohol and Karmala talukas of Solapur District and Karjat, Shrigonda, Newasa talukas of Ahmednagar district covering total area of 8496.44 sq. km. Now, the area has been declined to approximately 1200 Sq.Km. The climate is characterized by hot and humid summer and mild and dry winter. The mean annual precipitation, ranging between 600 and 1000 mm. The region constitutes drought-prone area and severe drought spells repeat once in every three years. The moisture availability mostly remains as sub marginal. The traditional practice is rainfed agriculture. The sorghum, pigeonpea and pearlmillet are major kharif season crops. The drought-prone districts of the region, interestingly, have bimodal rainfall distribution. The post-rainy season crops grown on residual soil moisture are mainly sorghum, safflower and sunflower. Cotton and groundnut are grown under irrigated conditions. The natural vegetation in the region comprises tropical, dry deciduous and thorn forests. Four sites with varying intensity of disturbance level and covering various habitat zones were selected for bird surveys (Table 1). Sr.No. Study site Habitat Features 1 Malumbra and

Pangardharwadi Habitat shows original features of Southern Tropical Thorn Forest ecosystem features with good patches of grassland and low disturbance level. These sites are located 30 kms from Solapur.

2 Gangewadi Plantation The original grassland and thorn forest ecosystem at this site has been converted in to monoculture of Gliricidia plantation. The monoculture is considered as higher level of disturbance as it alters the landscape and the original physiognomic features of landscape

3 Malumbra and Ekrukh Lake

The Malumbra Lake is situated at 25 kms from Solapur surrounded with grassland patches and the Ekrukh Lake is just 07 kms from Solapur. Both the lakes show moderate level of disturbance.

4 Disturbed Grassland (Pratapnagar), Solapur

This site is situated approximately 07 kms. from Solapur city. The site shows intense human modification of original grassland and thorn forest. The site shows all features of anthropogenic pressures such as urbanization, agriculture, industrialization, poaching, and quarrying.

B) Survey Methodology: Bird surveys followed methods outlined in the bird monitoring protocol by Peitz et al. (2003) and Field Methods for Bird Surveys by Salim Javed & Rahul Kaul (2002). Surveys were carried within one hour of sunrise, made during suitable weather conditions, without heavy rain or strong wind. Each bird seen or heard was recorded

using a code that differentiates between different forms of activity (i.e. birds singing, calling, carrying food etc). Point counts and line transects were employed exhaustively. The former involves walking to, and usually marking, a particular spot, and then recording all bird contacts for a pre-determined period (often 5 to 10 minutes) before moving on to the next point. Line transects involve the observer continually walking and recording all contacts either side of the track walked. The advantages of each method and, implicitly, the disadvantages of the other method, are given below. Point Counts: 1) Concentrate fully on the birds and habitats without having to watch where you walk; 2) More time available to identify birds; 3) More likely to detect the cryptic and skulking species; 4) Easy to relate bird occurrence to habitat features. Line transects: 1) Covers ground more quickly and record more birds; 2) Less chance of double recording of the same bird; 3) Good for more mobile, more conspicuous species and those which ‘flush’easily; 4) Errors in distance estimation are less serious than for point counts. Bird species occurrence and population sizes were estimated with point counts. All surveys in all sites were be conducted between 06:00 and 10:00 am every fortnightly.

Result: (I) Status of Birds from Grassland and Wetland Ecosystem:

A total of 175 species belonging to 53 families were recorded from grassland and wetland ecosystem (Table 1). Out of which 114 were terrestrial species with 19 ground nesting species preferring grassland ecosystem for feeding, breeding and fledgling. A total of 346 nests were recorded during two years study period. A total of 63 species were found to inhabit wetland ecosystems out of which 63 were found to nest along the shores of lakes with a total of 212 nests. Out of 175 species the number of residential species was found to be 123, while the 52 species were migratory. The general status, abundance and number of nests from grassland are represented in Table 2 and 3.

(II) Historical and Current Status of Critically Endangered Indian Bustard:

The historical and current status of Indian bustard data is represented in Table 4 (Source Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, Nannaj, Solapur). The summary of GIB sanctuary data is as per table 4. Nannaj sanctuary have highest records with sum of 511 birds (mean value-22.21) in last 23 years, while, the bustards have vanished locally from Karmala and Rehekuri sanctuary. Our own records have revealed not more than 10 bustards during study period. Our efforts to record bustards outside sanctuary were proved futile as we could not site even a single bustard from the entire study area.

(III) Historical and Current Status of Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps):

A detailed account of historical and current (Table 4) data shows sharp declines in the population of Indian Bustards from 03 potential known habitats from Maharashtra. The current status for bustards at Karmala and Rehekuri stands as locally extinct and the situation at Nannaj Sanctuary too is very bleak as the average number of birds is constantly showing negative trends in population. Our own studies for two years outside sanctuary has no records and the bustards within sanctuary averaged not more than 10.

(IV) Threatened Bird Species:

Lesser flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor), Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala) are in near threatened category and Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) are now included in critically endangered category.

(V) Anthropogenic disturbances:

Unsustainable and expanding agriculture, urbanization, habitat fragmentation, urbanization and soil extraction were found to be major contributors causing population bottlenecks in Indian bustards.

Table 01:- Summary of Avifauna Recorded From Study Sites (2010-2012):

Total Families of Birds Recorded 53 Total Species of Birds Recorded 175 Tot. Terrestrial Spp. 114 Ground Nesting Spp. 19 Tot. Nests of Ground Nesting Birds 346 Tot. Wetland Spp. 61 Wetland Nesting Spp. 17 Tot. Nests of Wetland Birds 212 Tot. Residential Bird Species 123 Tot. Migratory Bird Species 52

Fig. 1:- Comparison of Population, Breeding and Residential status of Avifauna

Table 02: List of Terrestrial and Wetland species along with their status C,R: Common Resident C,WM: Common Winter Migrant S,M: Summer Migrant U,R: Uncommon Resident U,PV: Uncommon Passage Vagrant U,SM: Uncommon Summer Migrant R,R,: Rare Resident

Family Common Name Scientific Name Status Status of Ground

Nesting Birds

1) Phasianidae Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus C,R C,R

Painted Francolin Francolinus pictus C,R C,R Common Quail Coturnix coturnix C,R C,R Rain Quail Coturnix coromandelica C,R C,R Rock bush-quail Perdicula argondah C,R C,R Indian Pea-fowl Pavo cristatus C,R C,R 2) Dendrocygnidae Lesser-Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica C,WM ----- 3) Anatidae Bar-Headed Goose Anser indicus U,WM ----- Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea U,WM ----- Comb Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos C,WM -----

Cotton Pygmy-Goose Nettapus coromandelianus C,WM -----

Gadwall Anas strepera C,WM ----- Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope C,WM ----- Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha C,R ----- Northern Shoveller Anas clypeata C,WM ----- Northern Pintail Anas acuta C,WM ----- Garganey Anas querquedula C,WM ----- Common Teal Anas crecca C,WM ----- Red-crested Pochard Rhodoness rufina C,WM ----- Common Pochard Aythya ferina C,WM ----- 4) Turnicidae Barred Buttonquail Turnix suscitator C,R R,R

5) Megalaimidae Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala C,R -----

6) Bucerotidae Indian Grey Hornbill Ocyceros birostris C,R ----- 7) Upupidae Common Hoopoe Upupa epops C,R ----- 8) Coraciidae European Roller Coracias garrulus U,WM ----- Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis C,R ----- 9) Alcedinidae Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis C,R ----- 10) Halcyonidae White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis C,R ----- 11) Cerylidae Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis C,R ----- 12) Meropidae Green bee-eater Merops orientalis C,R ----- 13) Cuculidae Pied cuckoo Clamator jacobinus S,M ----- Common Hawk Cuckoo Hierococcyx varius C,R ----- Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea C,R -----

Sirkeer Malkoha Phaenicophaeus leschenaultii U,R -----

Blue–faced Malkoha Phaenicophaeus viridirostris U, R

14) Centropodidae Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis C,R ----- 15) Psittacidae Alexandrine parakeet Psittacula eupatria C,R ----- Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri C,R -----

16) Apodidae House Swift Apus affinis C,R ----- 17) Tytonidae Barn Owl Tyto alba C,R ----- 18) Strigidae Collard Scops Owl Otus bakkamoena C,R ----- Eurasian Eagle Owl Bubo bubo C,R ----- Spotted Owlet Athene brama C,R ----- 19) Caprimulgidae Indian Nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus C,R C,R 20) Columbidae Rock Pigeon Columba livia C,R ----- Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis C,R ----- Red Collared Dove Streptopelia tranquebaria C,R ----- Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto C,R ----- Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Treron phoenicoptera U,R ----- 21) Otididae Indian Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps U,R R,R 22) Rallidae White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus C,R ----- Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio C,R ----- Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus C,R ----- Common Coot Fulica atra C,R ----- 23) Pteroclidae Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles exustus C,R C,R 24) Scolopacidae Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago U,WM ----- Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus C,WM ----- Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia C,WM ----- Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus C,WM ----- Wood sandpiper Tringa glareola C,WM ----- Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos C,WM ----- Little Stint Calidris minuta C,WM ----- Temminck's Stint Calidris temmincki C,WM ----- 25) Rostratulidae Greater Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis C,R -----

26) Jacanidae Pheasant-Tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus C,R -----

Bronze-winged Jacana Metopidius indicus C,R ----- 27) Burhinidae Eurasian Thick-knee Burhinus oedicnemus U,R R,R Great Thick-knee Esacus recurvirostris U,R 28) Charadriidae Balck-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus C,R ----- Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva U,WM ----- Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius C,R ----- Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus C,R ----- Yellow-wattled Lapwing Vanellus malabaricus C,R C,R Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus C,R C,R

29) Glareolidae Indian Courser Cursorius coromandelicus CR C,R

Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarus U,R ----- Small Pratincole Glareola lactea C,R ----- 30) Larini Brown-headed Gull larus brunicephalus U,WM ----- 31) Sternini Caspian Tern Sterna caspia U,WM ----- River Tern Sterna aurantia C,R ----- Whiskered Tern Chidonias hybridus U,WM ----- 32) Accpitridiae Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus C,R ----- Black Kite Milvus migrans C,R ----- Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus U,R ----- Short-toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus C,R ----- Eurasian Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus C,WM ----- Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus C,WM ----- Montagu's Harrier Circus pygarus C,WM ----- Shikra Accipiter badius C,R ----- Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax U,R ----- Bonelli's Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus U,R ----- 33) Falconidae Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus C,WM ----- Red-necked Falcon Falco chiquera U,R ----- 34) Podicipedidae Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis C,R ----- 35) Phalacrocoracidae Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger C,R -----

Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis C,R ----- Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo U,R ----- 36) Ardeidae Little Egret Egretta gazetta C,R ----- Grey Heron Ardea cinerea C,WM ----- Purle Heron Ardea purpurea C,R ----- Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis C,R ----- Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii C,R ----- 37) Phoenicopteridae Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber U,PV ----- Lesser Flamingo Phoenicopterus minor U,PV ----- 38) Threskiornithidae Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus U, PV -----

Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus C,R -----

Black Ibis Pseudibis papillosa C,R ----- Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia C,R ----- 39) Ciconiidae Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala C,R ----- Asain Openbill Anastomus oscitans U,R ----- Wooly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus C,R ----- 40) Pittidae Indian Pitta Pitta brachyura U,SM ----- 41) Laniidae Rufous Tailed Shrike Lanius isabellinus C,WM ----- Bay-backed Shrike Lanius vittatus U,R ----- Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach C,R ----- Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis C,R ----- 42) Corvidae House Crow Corvus splendens C,R ----- Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos C,R ----- Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus C,R -----

Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus C,R -----

Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus C,R ----- Asian Paradise flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi U,PV ----- Common Iora Aegithina tiphia C,R -----

Common Woodshrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus C,R -----

43) Muscicapidae Bluethroat Luscinia svecia U,WM ----- Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis C,R ----- Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicata C,R C,R Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros C,WM ----- Common Stonechat Saxicola torquata C,WM ----- Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata C,R ----- Brown-rock Chat Cercomela fusca U,R ----- 44) Sturnidae Brahminy Starling Sturnus pagodarum C,R ----- Rosy Starling Sturnus roseus C,WM ----- Common Myna Acridotheres tristis C,R ----- 45) Paridae Great Tit Parus major U,R ----- 46) Hirundinidae Plain Martin Riparia paludicola U,R ----- Dusky Crag Martin Hirundo concolor U,R ----- Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica C,WM ----- Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii U,R ----- Red -rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica C,R ----- Streak-throated Swallow Hirundo flavicola U,R ----- 47) Pycnonotidae Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer C,R ----- 48) Cisticolidae Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidus C,R ----- Ashy Prinia Prinia Socialis C,R ----- Plain Prinia Prinia inornata C,R ----- 49) Sylviidae Blyth's Reed Warbler Arocephalus dumestorum C,WM ----- Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus C,WM ----- Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius C,R ----- Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense C,R ----- Large Grey Babbler Turdoides malcolmi C,R ----- Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca C,WM -----

50) Alaudidae Indian Bushlark Mirafra erythroptera C,R C,R Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark Eremopteryx grisea C,R C,R Rufous-tailed Lark Ammomanes phoenicurus C,R C,R

Greater Short Toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla C,WM

Sykes's Lark Galerida deva C,R C,R 51) Nectarinnidae Purple-rumped Sunbird Nectarina zeylonica C,R ----- Purple Sunbird Nectarina asiatica C,R ----- 52) Passeridae House sparrow Passer domesticus C,R ----- Chestnut Shouldered Petronia Petronia xanthocollis U,R ----- White Wagtail Motacilla alba C,WM -----

White browed Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis C,R -----

Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola C,WM ----- Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava C,WM ----- Grey Wagtail Motacilla cineria C,WM ----- Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus C,R ----- Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis C,WM ----- Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus C,R ----- Red Avadavat Amandava amandava C,R ----- Indian Silverbill Lonchura malabarica C,R ----- Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata CR ----- 53) Fringillidae Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala C,WM ----- Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps C,WM ----- Grey-headed Bunting Emberiza buchanani C,WM ----- Crested Bunting Melophus lathami U,WM Total Family:53

Total Species: 175 Resident: 123 Migratory: 52

Grassland Specific Ground Nesting Species: 19

Table 3: Records of Abundance and Nests of Terrestrial and Wetland Species from Study Sites.

Family Common Name: Scientific Name Ter. Spp.

Tot.Nests of Ter.Spp. Wet.Spp.

Tot Nests of Wet. Spp.

Phasianidae Grey Francolin 250 10 0 0

Painted Frankolin 200 8 0 0

Common Quail 50 0 0 0

Rain Quail 300 2 0 0

Rock bush-quail 30 3 0 0

Indian Pea-fowl 70 0 0 0

Dendrocygnidae Lesser-Whistling Duck 0 0 500 0

Anatidae Bar-Headed Goose 0 0 30 0

Ruddy Shelduck 0 0 50 0

Comb Duck 0 0 90 0

Cotton Pygmy-Goose 0 0 70 0

Gadwall 0 0 300 0

Eurasian Wigeon 0 0 800 0

Spot-billed Duck 0 0 1500 5

Northern Shoveller 0 0 1200 0

Northern Pintail 0 0 750 0

Garganey 0 0 400 0

Common Teal 0 0 1200 0

Red-crested Pochard 0 0 280 0

Common Pochard 0 0 500 0

Turnicidae Barred Buttonquail 20 5 0 0

Megalaimidae Coppersmith Barbet 50 0 0 0

Bucerotidae Indian Grey Hornbill 100 0 0 0

Upupidae Common Hoopoe 20 0 0 0

Coraciidae European Roller 15 0 0 0

Indian Roller 60 0 0 0

Alcedinidae Common Kingfisher 0 0 20 0

Halcyonidae White-throated Kingfisher 60 0 0 0

Cerylidae Pied Kingfisher 0 0 20 0

Meropidae Green bee-eater 300 55 0 0

Cuculidae Pied cuckoo 8 0 0 0

Common Hawk Cuckoo 10 0 0 0

Asian Koel 50 0 0 0

Sirkeer Malkoha 1 0 0 0

Blue-faced Malkoha 5 0 0 0

Centropodidae Greater Coucal 80 0 0 0

Psittacidae Alexandrine parakeet 10 0 0 0

Rose-ringed Parakeet 130 0 0 0

Apodidae House Swift 650 0 0 0

Tytonidae Barn Owl 5 0 0 0

Strigidae Collard Scops Owl 1 0 0 0

Eurasian Eagle Owl 5 0 0 0

Spotted Owlet 35 0 0 0

Caprimulgidae Indian Nightjar 50 0 0 0

Columbidae Rock Pigeon 860 0 0 0

Laughing Dove 200 0 0 0

Red Collared Dove 30 0 0 0

Eurasian Collared Dove 400 0 0 0

Yellow-footed Green Pigeon 20 0 0 0

Otididae Indian Bustard 15 1 0 0

Rallidae White-breasted Waterhen 0 0 30 0

Purple Swamphen 0 0 70 0

Common Moorhen 0 0 8 0

Common Coot 0 0 1300 10

Pteroclidae Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse 800 5 0 0

Scolopacidae Common Snipe 0 0 1 0

Spotted Redshank 0 0 20 0

Common Greenshank 0 0 40 0

Green Sandpiper 0 0 35 0

Wood sandpiper 0 0 55 0

Common Sandpiper 0 0 250 0

Little Stint 0 0 120 0

Temminck's Stint 0 0 50 0

Rostratulidae Greater Painted Snipe 0 0 300 5

Jacanidae Pheasant-Tailed Jacana 0 0 130 0

Bronze-winged Jacana 0 0 25 0

Burhinidae Eurasian Thick-knee 15 2 0 0

Great Thick-knee 0 0 8 0

Charadriidae Balck-winged Stilt 0 0 350 25

Pacific Golden Plover 0 0 1 0

Little Ringed Plover 0 0 300 20

Kentish Plover 0 0 230 3

Yellow-wattled Lapwing 250 60 20 5

Red-wattled Lapwing 300 15 40 4

Glareolidae Indian Courser 330 5 0 0

Oriental Pratincole 0 0 120 0

Small Pratincole 0 0 800 25

Larini Brown-headed Gull 0 0 30 0

Sternini Caspian Tern 0 0 12 0

River Tern 0 0 45 10

Whiskered Tern 0 0 15 0

Accpitridiae Black-shouldered Kite 340 0 0 0

Black Kite 40 0 0 0

Brahminy Kite 0 0 20 0

Short-toed Snake Eagle 10 0 0 0

Eurasian Marsh Harrier 35 0 0 0

Pallid Harrier 270 0 0 0

Montagu's Harrier 120 0 0 0

Shikra 50 0 0 0

Tawny Eagle 12 0 0 0

Bonelli's Eagle 1 0 0 0

Falconidae Common Kestrel 14 0 0 0

Red-necked Falcon 8 0 0 0

Podicipedidae Little Grebe 0 0 50 7

Phalacrocoracidae Little Cormorant 0 0 550 20

Indian Cormorant 0 0 800 15

Great Cormorant 0 0 25 0

Ardeidae Little Egret 0 0 600 0

Grey Heron 0 0 120 0

Purle Heron 0 0 450 0

Cattle Egret 0 0 1200 0

Indian Pond Heron 0 0 550 0

Phoenicopteridae Greater Flamingo 0 0 450 0

Lesser Flamingo 0 0 25 0

Threskiornithidae Glossy Ibis 0 0 350 0

Black-headed Ibis 0 0 500 0

Black Ibis 0 0 680 5

Eurasian Spoonbill 0 0 600 10

Ciconiidae Painted Stork 0 0 400 40

Asain Openbill 0 0 60 0

Wooly-necked Stork 0 0 350 3

Pittidae Indian Pitta 1 0 0 0

Laniidae Rufous Tailed Shrike 30 0 0 0

Bay-backed Shrike 25 0 0 0

Long-tailed Shrike 130 0 0 0

Southern Grey Shrike 400 0 0 0

Corvidae House Crow 550 0 0 0

Large-billed Crow 70 0 0 0

Eurasian Golden Oriole 8 0 0 0

Small Minivet 70 0 0 0

Black Drongo 500 0 0 0

Asian Paradise flycatcher 2 0 0 0

Common Iora 70 0 0 0

Common Woodshrike 5 0 0 0

Muscicapidae Bluethroat 2 0 0 0

Oriental Magpie Robin 30 0 0 0

Indian Robin 150 0 0 0

Black Redstart 30 0 0 0

Common Stonechat 400 0 0 0

Pied Bushchat 220 0 0 0

Brown-rock Chat 30 0 0 0

Sturnidae Brahminy Starling 300 0 0 0

Rosy Starling 3000 0 0 0

Common Myna 800 0 0 0

Paridae Great Tit 30 0 0 0

Hirundinidae Plain Martin 60 0 0 0

Dusky Crag Martin 160 0 0 0

Barn Swallow 600 0 0 0

Wire-tailed Swallow 30 0 0 0

Red -rumped Swallow 500 0 0 0

Streak-throated Swallow 400 0 0 0

Pycnonotidae Red-vented Bulbul 560 0 0 0

Cisticolidae Zitting Cisticola 80 0 0 0

Ashy Prinia 220 0 0 0

Plain Prinia 280 0 0 0

Sylviidae Blyth's Reed Warbler 40 0 0 0

Clamorous Reed Warbler 35 0 0 0

Common Tailorbird 150 0 0 0

Yellow-eyed Babbler 80 0 0 0

Large Grey Babbler 700 0 0 0

Lesser Whitethroat 40 0 0 0

Alaudidae Indian Bushlark 600 10 0 0

Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark 2500 100 0 0

Rufous-tailed Lark 2000 10 0 0

Greater Short Toed Lark 8000 0 0 0

Sykes's Lark 3500 30 0 0

Nectarinnidae Purple-rumped Sunbird 200 15 0 0

Purple Sunbird 450 10 0 0

Passeridae House sparrow 300 0 0 0

Chestnut Shouldered Petronia 8 0 0 0

White Wagtail 80 0 0 0

White browed Wagtail 60 0 0 0

Citrine Wagtail 500 0 0 0

Yellow Wagtail 550 0 0 0

Grey Wagtail 700 0 0 0

Paddyfield Pipit 450 0 0 0

Long-billed Pipit 200 0 0 0

Baya Weaver 600 0 0 0

Red Avadavat 220 0 0 0

Indian Silverbill 540 0 0 0

Scaly-breasted Munia 260 0 0 0

Fringillidae Black-headed Bunting 600 0 0 0

Red-headed Bunting 450 0 0 0

Grey-necked Bunting 660 0 0 0

Crested Bunting 50 0 0 0

Tot. Fam:- 53 Total Species:- 175 Terr. Sps:-114

Gr.Nesting: 18

Wet.Spp: 63

Wet. Nesting:-17

Table 4: Historical and current status of Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) from grasslands of Solapur.

Nannaj Karmala Rehekuri 1989 40 12 9 1990 27 8 10 1991 35 10 8 1992 40 11 7 1993 24 10 9 1994 37 12 9 1995 22 13 8 1996 19 14 11 1997 19 5 9 1998 15 7 8 1999 21 4 3 2000 12 3 2 2001 12 2 1 2002 22 0 0 2003 14 0 0 2004 16 0 0 2005 22 0 0 2006 24 0 0 2007 30 0 0 2008 23 0 0 2009 15 0 0 2010 9 0 0 2011 13 0 0

Sum 511 111 94 Mean 22.2174 4.82609 4.08696

Discussion and Conclusion:

Our study has brought to light the current status of grassland adapted birds with respect to ground nesting birds from our region. Almost all ground nesting birds are experiencing intense human induced pressure of habitat alteration. Few species like Indian bustard are experiencing highest danger as evidenced with local extinction from two well known habitats. The bustards which survive at Nannaj too are in their last threshold and fragmentation of grassland and the concomitant repercussions of which like loss of potential breeding territories are distinctly visible with declining populations. Very few pockets of grassland patches may be considered as original and in future some other birds like some species of larks too may find these changes unsuitable for their survival and may vanish slowly. Species like yellow wattled lapwing, chestnut bellied Sandgrouse, Indian Coursers, and Eurasian Thick Knee are still present in viable numbers as they prefer both grassland and agricultural lands for feeding and breeding. Conservation of grasslands is important not just for local birds, but, for huge populations of migratory birds like oriental sky lark, harriers, Eurasian roller, pipits, eagles, and buntings. Vultures, once common in this habitat, are rarely sighted.

Our current and future initiatives encompass, usage of data derived from

above investigation is to build long term database of grassland specific birds to track response of various birds to habitat alterations for effective conservation and protection and management of grassland habitat. Some recommendations for long term conservation are enlisted below for conservation Indian bustard and other associated fauna.

Recommendations for Conservation of Indian Bustards:

1) Preserving all contiguous patches of grassland and known display areas of male bustards.

2) Acquiring potential grassland patches under the jurisdiction of Forest Department.

3) Reducing human and vehicular movements especially during breeding season.

4) Major thrust should be focused on initiating captive breeding programme.

5) Research focus on other vital aspects of grasslands like floral and faunal diversity of other species be attempted to attract more attention of government agencies, local people and all stakeholders.

6) More participation and involvement of locals in conservation efforts.

7) More research data should be generated for scientific management of protected area.

Achievements of Project: 1. Checklist of avifauna from grasslands and wetlands of Solapur region have been prepared. 2. The population trend and habitat preference of Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis Nigriceps) have studied. 3. Status, abundance and feeding preferences of Avifauna have been investigated. 4. The preliminary studies on breeding biology of ground nesting birds have done successfully. 5. Threats to Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis Nigriceps) and its habitat i.e. grassland have investigated. 6. Impact of habitat loss and fragmentation on avifauna have been studied in wetland and grassland patch respectively. 7. Habitat preference of ground nesting birds in breeding season was investigated.

Summary: The total of 175 species of birds representing 53 families have recorded in the study duration from grassland patches and wetlands of Solapur region, out of which 123 species of birds are residential and 52 species of birds are migratory. The total 114 terrestrial species of birds have been documented out of which 19 are ground nesting species. The 63 wetland species have been recorded, 17 of them are wetland nesting birds. The total of 558 nests was recorded from study area where out of them 346 nests of were terrestrial birds and 212 of wetland nesting bird species. The study have recorded some probably first records from Solapur region like breeding record of Brown Rock Chat from Pratap nagar area; nests of Painted Stork at Malumbra Lake; sighting of Great Indian Bustard at Savargaon-Malumbra region; Breeding of Asiatic Spoonbill at Dhotri Lake near Gangewadi Sanctuary area; breeding record of Kentish Plover and Black winged Stilt from Ekrukh Lake, Hipparga and Malumbra lake; Record of Great Indian Bustard feeds on Cicada and Capparis divaricata spp.; etc. Also our study have recorded beak deformity in three species of birds i.e. Common Crow, Common Tailorbird and Critically endangered Great Indian Bustard which is possibly impact of harmful chemicals in pesticides. The population trend of Great Indian Bustard have been recorded which shown the overall population declination in area urges implementation of a long term Conservation and monitoring plan in area. Impacts of habitat loss and disturbance on breeding of birds documented negative impact on breeding of such activities. Some general recommendations have been suggested based on our study may help in policy making for conservation of Grasslands and Great Indian Bustard.

References: 1) Cairns Jr., J., P.V. McCormick and B.R. Niederlehner. 2004. A proposed framework for developing indicators of ecosystem health. Hydrobiologia 263:1-44. 2) Mallory, M.L., H.G. Gilchrist, B.M. Braune and A.J. Gaston. 2006. Marine birds as indicators of arctic marine ecosystem health: linking the northern ecosystem initiative to long-term studies. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 113:31-48. 3) Wood, J.K., N. Nur, C.A. Howell and G.R. Geupel. 2006. Overview of Cosumnes riparian bird study and recommendations for monitoring and management. A Report to the California Bay-Delta Authority Ecosystem Restoration Program. Petaluma, California. 4) Newton, I., The contribution of some recent research on birds to ecological understanding. J. Anim. Ecol., 1995, 64, 675–696. 5) Bird Life International, Species factsheet: Ardeotis nigriceps, 2008; available online at www.birdlife.org 6) White, R.P., Murray, S., Rohweder, M. 2000. Pilot Analysis of Global Ecosystems: Grassland Ecosystems. World Resources Institute. 89pp. 7) Johnston, D. W., & E. P. Odum. 1956. Breeding bird populationsi n relation to plant succession in the Piedmont of Georgia. Ecology 37:50-62. 8) Bond, R. R. 1957. Ecological distribution of breeding birds in the upland forests of southern Wisconsin.Ecol. Monogr. 27:351-382 9) Anderson, S. H. 1970. The avifaunal composition of Oregon white oak stands. Condor 72:417-423.4 10) Knopf, F.L. 1994. Avian assemblages on altered grasslands, p. 232-246. In J.R. Jehl, Jr. and N.K. Johnson [eds.], A century of avifaunal change in western North America. Studies in Avian Biology, No. 15. 11) Vickery, P. D. 1992. A regional analysis of endangered, threatened, and special concern birds in the northeastern United States. Transactions of the Northeast Section of the Wildlife Society 48:1-10. 12) Herkert, J.R. 1994a. The effects of habitat fragmentation on Midwestern grassland birdcommunities. Ecological Applications 4:461-471. 13) Newton, I. 1998. Bird conservation problems resulting from agricultural intensification in Europe. Pages 307-322 in Avian Conservation; 14) Vickery, P. D., J. R. Herkert, F. L. Knopf, J. Ruth, & C. E. Keller, 1999. Grassland birds: an overview of threats and recommended management strategies. Pp. 74-77 In: Strategies for bird conservation: the Partners In Flight planning process (R. Bonney, D. N. Pashley, R. J. Cooper, and L. Niles, eds.). RMRS-P-16. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service.

15) Goriup, P. (1988). Ecology and Conservation of Grassland Birds. ICBP Technical Publication 7, International Council for Bird Preservation, Cambridge, UK. 16) Perennou, C., Mundkur, T. and Scott, A. D. (1994) The Asian waterfowl census 1987-91: distribution and status of Asian waterfowl. Malaysia: AWB. 17) Narayan. G., Sankaran, R., Rosalind, L. and Rahmani, A. R. (1989) Study of ecology of some endangered birds and their habitats:the floricans. Bombay: Bombay Natural History Society. 18) Asad R.Rahmani and Ranjit Manakadan (1988). Movement and flock composition of the great indian bustard Ardeotis nigriceps (vigors) at Nanaj, Solapur district maharashtra, India Journal, bombay natural history society, vol. 83 (1), april 1986.page no 17 19) Ali, S. and Ripley, S. D. (1983) Handbook of the birds of India and Pakistan. Compact edition. New Delhi: Oxford Univeristy Press. 20) Javed, S.; Rahmani, A. R. 1993. Ecology of the Grasslands of Indian Plains with Special Reference to Their Fauna. Bombay Natural History Society, Bombay (Book) 21) The Threatened birds of Asia: the BirdLife International Red Data Book (BirdLife International 2001; see www.rdb.or.id) 22) Rahmani, A. R. and Manakadan, R. (1988) Bustard sanctuaries of India. Technical report No. 13. Bombay: Bombay Natural History Society. 23) Rahmani, A. R. and Manakadan, R. (1986). A large roost of harriers in Andhra Pradesh, India. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 83: 203-204. 24) Rahmani. A.R. (ed) 1997. A study on the ecology of grasslands of the Indian plains with particular reference to their endangered fauna (Chapter 2.4 & 2.5): Final Report. Pp. 549. Bombay Natural History Society, Mumbai.

Research Papers Communicated for publication: I) Paper Accepted for Publication: - Journal - Care 4 Nature

An Assessment of Impact of Changes in Wetland Ecosystem on Population and Breeding Status of Avifauna in Ekrukh Lake, Solapur, Maharashtra

R.V.Hippargi*, P.M.Bolde**, S.V.Manthen***

* Dept. of Zoology, Walchand College of Arts and Science, Solapur ** Dept. of Electronics & Telecommunications, A.G. Patil Institute of Technology,

Solapur *** Dept. of Zoology, D. B. F. Dayanand College, Solapur

________________________________________________________________________ Abstract: The avifauna of Ekrukh Lake, Solapur was surveyed for two years from July 2009 and July 2011 to assess the preliminary impact of increased water level on population and breeding of avifauna. Information on the impact of such changes on wetland ecosystem with respect to avifauna are lacking, making it difficult to prepare a sustainable management plan. We present herewith two year data on changes in species composition and status of avifauna before and after the implementation of project. A total of 138 species of birds were recorded, with 136 species during 2009-10 and 119 species during 2010-11, indicating impact of changed dynamics in the wetland ecosystem, which is reflected in reduced diversity and evenness values for birds in 2010-11. The density of birds recorded for the year 2009-10 far exceeds with a mean value of 108.42 birds in two km2 compared to an average of 73.11 birds in 2010-11 after the changes in the wetland ecosystem. The status of 12 ground nesting bird species and 02 tree nesting bird species around the Lake was investigated. The number of active nests in 2009-10 was found to be 101 as compared to only 08 in 2010-11. This information can be used to assess, and construct models for predicting possible effects of such schemes on wetland ecosystem and associated fauna. Introduction:

Solapur district is situated on the Southeast fringe of Maharashtra state and lies in the basin of rivers Bhima and Seena. The water from the Ekrukh Lake is currently used for irrigation and drinking. The water body contains a diverse assemblage of resident and migratory birds that use the area for nesting, foraging and, wintering. The wetland bird includes several species that nest along the shoreline, either solitarily, or in small colonies. Birds use variety of habitats ranging from aquatic weeds, rocky shores, algal mats and, trees. During summer season the exposed landmasses and islands are most preferred sites for nesting. The area is surrounded with agricultural lands and water is regularly lused for irrigation directly from lake through pipes crisscrossing across the shore. Till now several studies on avifauna of Solapur have been carried out Rahmani, (1989) and Mahabal, (1989). Anecdotes of avifauna of fauna were discussed by Prasad (2003). Another exclusive checklist of birds of Solapur was produced by Gaikwad et al (1997). Avian ecology at Ekrukh Lake was studied by amateurs, but published literature on the same is wanting. The current study was undertaken to investigate the possible effects of

recent changes in the water input in Ekrukh Lake from Ekrukh Lift Irrigation project. The water input from the project now maintains water level to almost full capacity in all seasons, which is otherwise used to get dry in summer, exposing suitable shore for nesting of various breeding birds. The slow and gradual exposure of land during summer season remained a constant source of marshy land providing abundant food for variety of waders. II) Paper Communicated for Publication: - Journal of Threatened Taxa

Observations on the Population and Breeding Status of Brown Rock Chat (Cercomela fusca) from Solapur, Maharashtra

Prasad M. Bolde1, Rajshekhar V.Hippargi*2, Shripad V. Manthen3, Akbar R. Shaikh4 1Dept. of Electronics and telecommunication, A.G. Patil Institute of technology, Solapur – 413 008 (prasad141990@gmail.com) 2Dept. of Zoology, Walchand College of Arts & Science, Solapur – 413 006 (appuratna@rediffmail.com) 3Dept. of Zoology, D.B.F. Dayanand college of Arts and Science, Solapur 413 003 (shripadmanthen@gmail.com) 4Dept. of Zoology, Shree Shivaji Mahavidhyalaya, Barshi – 413 (akbar.shaikh261990@rediffmail.com) _______________________________________________________________________ Abstract: This article presents one year baseline data on distribution, population status and first breeding record of Brown Rock Chat (Cercomela fusca) from Solapur, Maharashtra. During our yearlong observations the bird was sighted for 58 times with a mean value of 4.83 birds per month. The breeding activity begins from late February and chicks and sub adults were observed in the month of March. Such surveys are vital for conservation of these creatures and building a biodiversity database of aves in this region. Keywords: Brown Rock Chat, Solapur, Breeding Records, Maharashtra. Introduction: Solapur region is presently one of the most rapidly developing areas in Maharashtra. Previously it was purely a traditional agriculture area with ample virgin grassland and Southern Tropical Thorn Forest cover with very less industrialization or urbanization. But in recent times this region has experienced intense urbanization and industrialization. Ecosystem of Solapur region is under high peril of complete annihilation owing to unsustainable human activities. In this regards, it’s very vital to improve upon the knowledge on biodiversity of Solapur region. III) Paper Accepted for Publication: - Journal - Avishkar

POPULATION AND BREEDING STATUS OF AVIFAUNA IN A HIGHLY FRAGMENTED GRASSLAND PATCH NEAR SOLAPUR, MAHARASHTRA

R.V.Hippargi1, P.M. Bolde2, S.V. Manthen 3 S.R. Aland4

1 Department of Zoology, Walchand College of Arts & Science, Solapur 2 Department of E & TC, A.G. Patil Institute of Technology, Solapur

3 Department of Zoology, D.B.F.Dayanand College of Arts & Science, Solapur 4 Department of Zoology, Walchand College of Arts & Science, Solapur

_____________________________________________________________________

Abstract: The avifauna in a patch of one square kilometer area near Solapur city was surveyed for one year between July 2010 and July 2011 to assess the preliminary impact of anthropogenic activities on the population and breeding status. Baseline information on the impact of such changes on grassland ecosystem is lacking, making it difficult to prepare a sustainable management plan for the grassland ecosystem. A total of 944 birds belonging to 65 species were recorded with a mean value of 14.52 birds. Nine ground nesting bird species were recorded with a total of 75 nests and 119 juveniles with a mean value of 8.33 nests and 13.22 juveniles during one year study period. Out of 65 species 57 were resident and 08 were migratory. The residential status of birds showed 05 general feeding categories based on predominant mode of feeding. The highest number of species belonged to insectivorous category with 32 birds followed by granivorous (13), omnivorous (09), carnivorous (08), frugivorous (02) and Nectarivorous (01) respectively. The high population of insectivorous, carnivorous and omnivorous birds suggests their significance as pest and insect population controllers in the grassland and agricultural ecosystems. The breeding of Eurasian thick-knee was reported for the first time from Solapur city. Urbanization, agriculture and poaching activities were found to be putting continuous pressures on ground nesting birds. There are no recent reports of Indian bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) from this area indicating negative impact of urbanization and unsustainable forestry practices. This information can be used to assess, track and construct models for predicting possible effects of expanding urbanization and anthropogenic activities on the avifauna in the grassland ecosystem for the effective conservation. Key-words: Urbanization, avifauna, grassland ecosystem, Solapur, Maharashtra. Introduction: Solapur district is situated on the Southeast fringe of Maharashtra state and lies entirely in the rivers Bhima and Seena basins. The grassland ecosystem contains a diverse assemblage of resident and migratory birds that use the area for nesting, foraging, wintering and molting purposes. The avifaunal community includes several species that use grassland and thorn forest as their breeding ground. The breeding season of majority of birds starts with approaching summer season. Ground nesting birds in this region are vulnerable to human disturbance as farmers, poachers, cattles and visitors can access the nest sites during the breeding season. Repeated disturbance during breeding season can result in reduced productivity and total abandonment, Temporary nest desertation and increased predation on eggs and hatchlings. Altered incubation and foraging schedules ultimately affect breeding success and sometimes disturbance may even cause failure of whole colony due to inability to initiate the nesting.

IV) Paper Accepted for Publication: - Journal – Indian Birds Status of Critically Endangered Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) in

and around Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, Solapur Rajshekhar Hippargi1, Prasad Bolde2, M.K.Rao3, Akshay Bolde4, S.A.Gaikwad5

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1,4Dept. of Zoology, Walchand College of Arts & Science, Solapur – 413 006 (appuratna@rediffmail.com, akshay.bolde@gmail.com) 2Dept. of Electronics and telecommunication, A.G. Patil Institute of technology, Solapur – 413 008 (prasad1491990@gmail.com) 3Conservator of Forests, Pune Division, Maharashtra (mkraomuvvala@gmail.com) 5Dept. of Anatomy, Bombay Veterinary College, Parel, Mumbai (dr.sagaikwad@gmail.com) Abstract:

Quantitative data on sightings of Indian bustard was investigated using visual searching in Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, Nannaj, Solapur, Maharashtra. Indian Bustards were sighted for a total of 215 times, out of which, 98.13% (n=211) sightings were within the sanctuary area and 1.86% (n=4) sightings were outside sanctuary area. Habitatwise 89.3% (n=192) of bustards were sighted in grassland, 9.76% (n=21) in scrubland and 0.93% (n=2) in agricultural land. Declining trend was evident in total sightings with 64 sightings in 2009 to 28 in 2013 while, the mean group size too showed a declining trend from 02 in 2009 to 1.12 in 2013. Key Words: Indian bustard, Grassland, Solapur, Maharashtra. Introduction:

Indian bustard is an endemic, critically endangered, and seasonally nomadic bird, which disperses widely during monsoon season (BirdLife International 2012, Ali, 1970, Dutta et al., 2010). Habitat loss, hunting, open nesting, k-selected traits, population bottleneck, low genetic diversity, nest predation and egg collection have been quoted as responsible for their decline (BirdLife International 2012, Dutta et al., 2010, Ishtiaq et al., 2011). An estimated 300 birds remain in wild fragmented patches spread across six states of India. Maharashtra accounts to 30-35 Indian bustards from Solapur, Ahmednagar, Chandrapur and Nasik districts (Dutta et al., 2010). Studies during 1990s, has led to a better understanding of habitat requirements, but, there is still a basic lack of knowledge about their local migration patterns during non-breeding season (Dutta et al., 2010, Ishtiaq et al., 2011).

The Bustard Sanctuary in Maharashtra was established in 1979 with an area of 7818.47 sq.km from Solapur and Ahmednagar districts and later in 1985 the grasslands from Nannaj area, Solapur were included in the Sanctuary on the recommendations of Bombay Natural History Society and extended the total sanctuary area to 8496 sq.km (Rahmani, 1989). Recently, the Supreme Court had cleared the denotification of bustard Sanctuary and brought down the total Sanctuary area to 1,222 sq.km (Sekhsaria, 2009). Ecology, breeding, movement and flock composition of Indian bustard from Bustard Sanctuary, Nannaj, Solapur was investigated during 1990’s (Rahmani, 1989).

In recent past, grasslands from this area are under high peril of complete annihilation owing to unsustainable human activities like conversion of grassland into arable land, grazing, monoculture plantation and quarrying (Hippargi, et al. 2011). In this regards, it’s vital to improve upon the knowledge on the current status of Indian bustard in order to develop proper conservation strategies. Methodology:

Survey sites include a mosaic of protected grassland, unprotected grasslands, fallow land and agriculture within a range of 20 kms from Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, Nannaj, Solapur (17°49'16.15"N; 75°52'7.81"E). The biogeographic zone of area is 6 B (Deccan Peninsula – Central Plateau) and the forest type in this ecoregion is mostly Southern Tropical Thorn Scrub (Champion & Seth, 1968). Bustards were sighted by employing visual searching with binoculars (Nikon-10×50) at protected Nannaj and Gangewadi Sanctuary region along with Savargaon-Malumbra and Bhogaon-Hipparga patches falling outside sanctuary area from 2009-2013 (Fig.1). The main objective was

to record incidences of sightings of male and female bustards and their flock composition. Birds moving together for hours were considered as a flock, while temporary associations during foraging were not taken as flock. The mean group size was calculated as described in Rahmani & Mankandan (1985).

Mean Group Size = No. of Individuals Observed / No. of Groups

Result: Indian bustards were sighted for a total of 215 times, out of which, 98.13%

(n=211) sightings were within the sanctuary area and 1.86% (n=4) sightings were outside sanctuary area. 89.30% (n=192) of bustards were sighted in grassland, 9.76% (n=21) in scrubland and 0.93% (n=2) in agricultural land (Fig.2). Highest number of bustards (n=204) were sighted at the Protected Nannaj Sanctuary, 08 times at the protected Gangewadi Sanctuary region, 02 times at the unprotected grassland patches at Savargaon-Malumbra, and only once near Bhogaon-Hipparga region. Maximum sightings occurred during monsoon season (June to September) with an average sighting of 34.25 birds compared to an average of 16.5 birds during summer season (February to May) (Fig.3). An overall declining trend was observed in the sighting of female bustard, with a total of 37 sightings during 2009 compared to 08 during 2013. The sightings of male bustard remained fairly stable with 27 sightings in 2009 and 20 sightings in 2012 (Fig.4). The proportion of sightings of total male and female bustards remained almost same during five years (114 males: 101females). There was a pronounced but non-significant yearly variation in the number of sightings of bustards and a declining trend was evident with 64 sightings in 2009, 48 in 2010, 40 in 2011, 35 in 2012 and 28 in 2013 (F=1.28, df=4, P=0.2854). Flocks with more than 05 birds were noted only twice in the year 2009, flocks consisting of 03 birds were noted six times, flocks of 02 birds were common and were observed for 14 times, and sightings of solitary bird accounts to 64 times. The difference in sightings of bustards at various sites during breeding and non-breeding seasons was found to be non-significant (F=0.88, df=1, P=0.3839). A total of 195 sightings occurred during breeding season (April-October), out of which 188 sightings were at Nannaj, 06 at Gangewadi, and 01 at Bhogaon-Hipparga region. Sightings during non-breeding season were 20, out of which 16 were at Nannaj Sanctuary, 02 at Gangewadi, 02 at Savargaon-Malumbra region. Mean group size of 02 birds in 2009 declined to 1.12 in 2013 (Table.1). Males were sighted 98 times compared to 97 sightings of female during breeding season (April-October) while, during non-breeding season (November-March) males were sighted for 16 times compared to only 04 sightings of female.

Discussion and Conclusion:

Most of our observations conform to earlier studies from Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, Nannaj with respect to flock composition, population dynamics and breeding activity. Bustards assemble in large numbers with the onset of monsoon and breed mainly during June-November and disperse during non-breeding season (Rahmani & Mankandan, 1985). Some transitory breeding activity has been recorded during March–April in our study and one egg shell was recorded in April 2009 (Fig.5-d). Males retain their territory even after termination of breeding season, while females disperse and hence are rarely sighted during non-breeding season. The average flock size of 1.42 birds as recorded in our study is in close approximation of 1.60 birds as reported in previous study from Nannaj (Rahmani & Mankandan, 1985). Studies of habitat use at Kachchh, Gujarat (Munjpara, et al. 2012) showed 73% preference for grassland and 11% at shrub dominated areas, while in our study 89.30% birds were sighted at grassland, 9.76% at scrub dominated habitat and 0.93% at agricultural land (Fig.2 and Fig.5-a,b,c). Bustards

have been documented earlier from outside sanctuary area during monsoon and summer from study area (Narwade & Fartade, 2011); our study too confirms their presence outside the sanctuary area which signifies that grasslands and fallow lands outside sanctuary area needs further research through field based studies and radiocollering, which may allow us to identify important areas for bustard conservation. Acknowledgement: The authors acknowledge University Grants Commission, New Delhi for financial assistance, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Nagpur), Forest Department (Solapur) for necessary permissions. References: 1. Ali, S., The Great Indian Bustard Choriotis nigriceps (Vigors). IUCN Eleventh Technical Meeting., 1970, Vol.II, No.18:58-62. 2. BirdLife International 2012. Ardeotis nigriceps. In: IUCN 2013. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species., Version 2013.1. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 29 September 2013. 3. Champion, H., Seth, S., A Revised Survey of Forest Types of India. Government of India Press., New Delhi, 1968. 4. Dutta, S., Rahmani A., Jhala V., Running out of time? The great Indian bustard Ardeotis nigriceps—status, viability, and conservation strategies. Eur. J. Wild. Res., 2010 (DOI 10.1007/s10344-010-0472-z). 5. Hippargi, R., Bolde, P., Manthen, S., Aland S., Population and breeding ecology of avifauna in a highly fragmented grassland patch near Solapur, Maharashtra. Avishkar., 2012, Solapur University Research Journal, Vol.2, pp22-30. 6. Ishtiaq, F., Dutta, S., Yumnam, B., Jhala, V., 2011., Low genetic diversity in the endangered great Indian bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) across India and Implications for conservation. Conserv. Genet., 2011, 12:857-863. 7. Munjpara, S., Pandey, C., Jethva, B., Habitat use by the Great Indian Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps (Gruiformes: Otididae) in breeding and non-breeding seasons in Kachchh, Gujarat, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa., 2012), 5(2): 3654–3660. 8. Narwade, S., Fartade, M., Birds of Osmanabad District of Maharashtra, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa., 2011, 3(2): 1567-1576. 9. Rahmani, A., Mankandan, R., Movement and flock composition of the great Indian bustard Ardeotis nigriceps (Vigors) at Nanaj, Solapur District, Maharashtra, India. Jour. Bomb Nat. Hist. Soc., 1985, 83 (1), pp17-31. 10. Rahmani, A., The Great Indian Bustard. Final Report: Study of ecology of certain endangered species of wildlife and their habitats, Bombay Natural History Society., 1989, Mumbai, India. 11. Sekhsaria P., Protected Area Update., 2009, Vol. XVII, No. 5, pp.1-24.

Table.1: Group size, number of groups, and mean group size of Indian bustards.

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Gr.Size No.of

Grs.

No. of

Ind.

No.of

Grs.

No. of

Ind.

No.of

Grs.

No. of

Ind.

No.of

Grs.

No. of

Ind.

No.of

Grs.

No. of

Ind.

1 9 9 11 11 10 10 12 12 22 22

2 4 8 3 6 2 4 2 4 3 6

3 2 6 2 6 1 3 1 3 0 0

4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

5 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

6 1 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Tot 17 34 16 23 13 17 15 19 25 28

M.G.S 2 1.43 1.30 1.26 1.12

Fig.1:- Map showing location of study sites (1-Nannaj Sanctuary; 2-Bhogaon-Hipparga

Region; 3-Gangewadi Sanctuary; 4-Savargaon-Malumbra Region)

Fig.2- Percentage sightings of Indian Bustards in three habitats.

Fig.3:- Monthly total sightings of Indian Bustards

Fig. 4:- Total sightings of male and female Indian Bustard

Fig. 5:- a) Indian bustard in grassland b) Indian bustard in agriculture

c) Indian bustard in scrubland d) Egg shell of Indian bustard recorded in 2009

V) Paper communicated for Publication: - Journal – Journal of Threatned Taxa

Record of Breeding Birds from Solapur, Maharashtra

R. V.Hippargi*, P. M. Bolde**, A.M. Bolde*, M.K.Rao***

*Dept. of Zoology, Walchand College of Arts & Science, Solapur – 413 006 (appuratna@rediffmail.com) **Dept. of Electronics and telecommunication, A.G. Patil Institute of technology, Solapur – 413 008 (prasad.bolde@gmail.com) ***Conservator of Forests, Pune Division, Govt. of Maharashtra, Maharashtra () Abstract:

Diversity and breeding ecology of birds was studied in grassland, fallow land, lakes, and managed forests across 30 square km. area around Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, Nannaj, Solapur, Maharashtra. Quantitative data on breeding birds was obtained following point count method during 2009-2012. Breeding activity was recorded in 65 bird species belonging 42 families. Observations on nests, juveniles, sub-adults, and presence of egg shells were taken as evidences of breeding activity. Highest number (n=120) of nests were recorded for Baya weaver (Ploceus philippinus) and there was only one record of breeding in critically endangered Indian bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) based on observation of egg shell. Breeding of Brown Rock-chat (Cercomela fusca) is first record from Maharashtra and breeding in 30 birds were recorded as first reports from Solapur district after reviewing historical data. Nests and birds were classified based on their position and their status.

Key Words: Breeding, birds, Solapur, Maharashtra.

Introduction:

Historically, the grasslands of Solapur district are recognized for its favourite ground nesting bird, the Indian bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps). The Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, located at Nannaj near Solapur, Maharashtra and the surrounding grassland habitats are home to few of the surviving critically endangered Indian bustards and are important sites for breeding and wintering of millions of other grassland associated birds.

The avifauna of Solapur district was investigated by many ornithologists who compiled comprehensive checklists of birds from Maharashtra. Some of the well cited publications are produced by Ambedkar & Mathew (1974). Anecdotes of avifauna by Prasad (2003) reviews a detailed account on the distribution and breeding records for 532 species of birds found in Western Maharashtra. Rahmani (1989) provides notable contribution mainly on the ecology of Indian bustard and reasonably covers other grassland associated avifauna. Recent published literatures on avian diversity of grassland ecosystem from Solapur are few and wanting.

The Solapur region is presently one of the most rapidly developing areas in western Maharashtra. Once known for its vast grasslands and traditional agricultural practices, the Solapur region in the recent last decade has experienced intense urbanization, industrialization, conversion of grassland into arable land and introduction of exotic species. Grasslands from this region are currently under high peril as evidenced with continued decline in the population of critically endangered Indian bustard as per Hippargi et al. (in press). In this regard, it is very vital to improve upon the knowledge on the biodiversity of the Solapur region in order to develop strategies for protected area management. Ornithological surveys and especially those to record breeding ecology are useful to identify environmental disturbances in a given ecosystem in Hippargi et al. (2012a, b).

Study Areas and Method:

The avifauna was surveyed periodically from 2009 to 2012 in a 30 square kilometre area surrounding Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, Nannaj, Solapur (17°49'16.15"N & 75°52'7.81"E), an ornithologically significant but neglected site located 20 km from Solapur city. The study site consisted of wide range of habitats like grasslands, fallow lands, lakes, and managed forests -N/P/G/E/M/D/U/S (Fig.1). The biogeographic zone of this area is 6 B (Deccan Peninsula – Central Plateau) and the forest type in this ecoregion is mostly Southern Tropical Thorn Scrub, as defined by Champion and Seth (1968). The landscape of the study area is a matrix consisting mainly of grasslands interspersed with fallow lands and croplands.

Data on breeding birds was obtained at randomly selected study patches held mainly during morning hours between 7:00 am to 11:00 am and birds were identified using binoculars (Olympus 7 x 35). Breeding birds were observed from long distances without causing any intentional disturbances during nesting, brooding and feeding activities. Breeding status was ascertained by observing nest, nestlings, parent with young ones and egg shell. Identification was based on Ali and Ripley (1987) and Grimmet et al. (1998). The data on breeding activity was compared mainly with those noted in Prasad (2003), as it exhaustively covers both historic and current published records.

Result:

I) Breeding Records of Birds from Study Site:

Breeding activity has been recorded in 65 bird species, out of which, 34 species find confirmed records as breeding in Solapur district, this include those records which were quoted as probably (underlined in Table.1) breeding in Deccan and Solapur area as noted in Prasad (2003). Breeding has been first time documented in 30 species (with * in Table. 1) from Solapur district. The percentage of nests (Fig.2) based on their position was found to be ground nesting (26.56%), herbs and shrubs (17.18%), tree (14.06%), aquatic (14.06%), near shore (10.93%), buildings (12.50%) and cavity (4.68%). Based on their status as noted in Prasad (2003), 57.81% of recorded birds were common

resident (CR), 35.93% were fairly common resident (FCR), and 3.12% each were fairly common winter visitor (FCWV) and rare resident (RR) respectively from study area (Fig.3).

Discussion and Conclusions: Present study is an attempt to review baseline information on the breeding of

avifauna from grassland ecosystem of Solapur and compare the status with the known historical data. Breeding in brown rock chat has been recorded for the first time from Solapur and it was previously only reliably recorded to breed at Dhule and it was also recorded as rare and resident from Saswad, Pune, Maharashtra as per Pande et al. (2003). From our study, we may conclude that brown rock chat may be well distributed in this region and its breeding record confirms residential status from Solapur, which is well beyond the documented distributional range, though lesser in number compared to northern residential sites from Maharashtra. The breeding period probably begins in late February and extends up to August as recorded by Salim Ali (1996). We failed to record the actual nesting place of the brown rock chat within and surrounding the building, but as reported earlier it uses crevices in buildings, walls, boulders, ravines, quarries, and ruins as discussed in Salim Ali (1996). Although most of the breeding records are predominantly of generalist species, the grasslands of this region hold important communities of regional avifauna. Breeding has been recorded in critically endangered ‘Indian bustard’ and the vulnerable species ‘painted stork’. The diversity of birds from Solapur and surrounding districts of Maharashtra have been fairly well studied (Rahmani & Mankandan,1989; Narwade et al 2011.; Hippargi et al. 2012a,b; 2013), by comparison, little attention has been paid to record the trends of breeding birds. The only detailed avian research from this region has been conducted on breeding ecology of birds of Ekrukh Lake, Solapur as recorded in Hippargi et al. (2012b). The present data can be used as a reference point for future surveys on breeding birds from this region to follow their population trend and factors regulating their population.

Our records of breeding in other grassland associated avifauna are encouraging as large breeding colonies have been recorded in 04 species of lark, Indian courser, chestnut bellied Sandgrouse, Eurasian thick-knee, yellow wattled lapwing, red wattled lapwing, rain quail, rock-bush quail, painted and grey francolin. In addition the grasslands from this region provide an important stop-over and wintering ground for species like larks, munias, Eurasian roller, buntings, which number in millions. References: Ali, S. (eds.) (1996). The Book of Indian Birds, Oxford University Press. XII + 281pp. Ali, S., Ripley, S.D. (1987). Compact handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan. Second Edition. Oxford University Press. Vol.4. pp.94-95. Ambedkar V.C., Mathew D.N. (1974). Birds. In : Maharashtra state Gazetters. General Series: Fauna (Ed. Kunte B.G.) Gazetter of India. Published by Director, Govt. Printing, Stationary and Publications, Maharashtra State, Bombay: 307-350. Champion, H.G., Seth, S.K., (1968). A revised survey of forest types of India. Government of India Press, New Delhi. Grimmet, H.R., Inskipp, C., Inskipp, T. (1999). Pocket Guide to the Birds of Indian Subcontinent. Christopher Helm (Publishers) Ltd. London, UK and Oxford Univ. Press, Delhi: 1-384.

Hippargi, R., Bolde, P., Manthen, S. (2012b). An Assessment of Impact of Changes in Wetland Ecosystem on Population and Breeding Status of Avifauna in Ekrukh Lake, Solapur, Maharashtra. Care4Nature, Vol 1 (1), 4-10. Hippargi, R., Bolde, P., Manthen, S., Aland S. (2012a). Population and breeding ecology of avifauna in a highly fragmented grassland patch near Solapur, Maharashtra. Avishkar., Solapur University Research Journal, Vol.2, pp22-30. Hippargi, R., Bolde, P., Rao, M.K., Bolde, A., Gaikwad, S. (In Press). Status of Critically Endangered Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) in and around Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, Solapur. Indian Birds. Narwade, S., Fartade, M. (2011). Birds of Osmanabad District of Maharashtra, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa., 3(2): 1567-1576. Pande, S., Tambe, S., Francis, C.M. & Sant, N., (2003). Birds of Western Ghats, Kokan and Malbar (Including Birds of Goa) Oxford University Press, +252pp. Prasad, A. (2003). Annotated checklist of the Western Maharashtra. Buceros, 8(2 and 3): 1-174. Rahmani, A.R. (1989). The Great Indian Bustard. Final report. Bombay, BNHS, 234pp. Table: 1- Breeding records of birds from study sites, Solapur Column No. 3:- ST-Status, BRS- Breeding Record from Solapur, FCR: Fairly

Common Resident, FCWV-Fairly Common Winter Visitor, CR-Common Resident, RR-Rare Resident, CE-Critically Endangered. (-) No Breeding Record and (+) Breeding Record

Column No.4:- N- Nannaj, P-Pratap nagar, G-Gangewadi, E-Ekrukh Lake, M-Malumbra Lake, D-Dhotri Lake, U-Ule Village, S-Sambhaji Lake.

Column No. 5:- AQ-Aquatic, BU-Building, CA-Cavity, GN-Ground Nesting, HS-Herbs & Shrubs, NS-Near Shore, TR-Tree

1 2 3 4 5 6 Sr.N. Bird Species

Status, distribution and

previous breeding records from Solapur

as in Prasad (2003)

Breeding Records

from Study site

(N/P/G/E/M/D/U/S)

Nest position

(AQ/BU/CA/GN/HS/NS/T

R)

No. of Nest

Family: PODICIPEDIDAE 1 Little Grebe*

Tacthybaptus ruficollis (Pallas)

-ST:-FCR -BRS :-(-)

N/D/E AQ 16

Family: PHALACROCORACIDAE 2 Little Cormorant*

Phalacrocorax niger (Vieillot)

-ST:- FCR -BRS:- (-)

D AQ 05

3 Indian Shag* Phalacrocorax fuscicollis Stephens

-ST:-FCR -BRS:- (-)

D AQ 03

Family: ARDEIDAE 4 Purple Heron* -ST:- FCWV- rare or E/S/D/M AQ 13

Ardea purpurea Linnaeus absent from Sholapur district (Mahabal, 1989) -BRS:- (-)

Family: CICONIIDAE 5 Painted Stork

Mycteria leucocephala (Pennant)

-ST:- FCR:- -BRS:- (+) Khatpal, about 10 miles east of Mhaswad tank, Sholapur district (Bentham, 1904).

M AQ 18

6 Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus (Boddaert)

-ST- FCR -BRS:- (+) Sholapur district (Davidson & Wenden, 1878)

U/G TR 02

Family: THRESKIORNITHIDAE 7 Indian Black Ibis

Pseudibis papillosa (Temminck)

-ST:- FCR -BRS:- (+) Deccan, Probably Sholapur/Satara districts (Davidson & Wenden, 1878); Rajewadi, Mhaswad tank, about 50 Sholapur (Barnes, 1891);

E TR 13

8 Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia Linnaeus

-ST:-FCR -BRS:- (+) Deccan probably Sholapur/Satara districts (Davidson & Wenden, 1878)

D AQ 05

Family: ROSTRATULIDAE 21 Greater Painted-Snipe*

Rostratula benghalensis (Linnaeus)

-ST:-FCR -BRS:- (-)

E NS 03

Family: CHARADRIIDAE 22 Little Ringed Plover

Charadrius dubius Scopoli -SR:-CR -BRS:- (+) Deccan, Probably in Bheema valley (Davidson & Wenden, 1878)

E/M NS 07

23 Kentish Plover* Charadrius alexandrinus Linnaeus

-ST:- FCWV -BRS:- (-)

E/M NS 05

24 Yellow-wattled Lapwing Vanellus malabaricus (Boddaert)

-ST:- FCR -BRS:- (+) Deccan, probably Bheema valley

N/P/G/E GN 55

25 Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus (Boddaert)

-ST:- CR -BRS:- (+) Deccan, probably Bheema valley

N/P/G/E/M

GN 28

Family: RECURVIROSTRIDAE 26 Black-winged Stilt*

Himantopus himantopus (Linnaeus)

-ST:-CR -BRS:- (-)

E/M NS 20

Family: BURHINIDAE 27 Eurasian Stone-curlew*

Burhinus oedicnemus (Linnaeus)

-ST:- FCR -BRS:- (-)

N/P/G GN 03

Family: GLAREOLIDAE 28 Indian Courser

Cursorius coromandelicus (Gmelin)

-ST:-FCR -BRS:- (+) Sholapur (Hume & Oates, 1890a)

N/P/G GN 08

29 Small Pratincole* Glareola lactea Temminck

-ST:-FCR -BRS:- (-)

E NS 22

Family: STERNIDAE 30 River Tern*

Sterna aurantia J.E. Gray -ST:-CR -BRS:- (-)

E NS 03

Family: PTEROCLIDIDAE 31 Chestnut-bellied

Sandgrouse Pterocles exustus Temminck

-ST:-FCR -BRS:- (+) Deccan (Burgess, 1855; Davidson & Wenden, 1878)

N/P/G GN 12

Family: COLUMBIDAE 32 Rock-pigeon*

Columba livia Gmelin -ST:- CR -BRS:- (-)

E BU 11

33 Little Brown Dove Streptopelia senegalensis (Linnaeus)

-ST:-CR -BRS:- (+) Deccan, probably Satara/Sholapur district (Davidson & Wenden, 1878)

N/P/G HS 10

34 Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto (Frivaldszky)

-SR:-CR -BRS:- (+) Deccan, probably Ahmednagar district (Burgess, 1855)

N/P/G HS 18

Family: PSITTACIDAE 35 Rose-ringed Parakeet

Psittacula krameri (Scopoli) -ST:-CR -BRS:- (+) Deccan, Probably Satara & Sholapur districts (Davidson & Wenden, 1878).

P/E TR 08

Family: CUCULIDAE 36 Asian Koel

Eudynamys scolopaceus (Linnaeus)

-ST:- CR -BRS:- (+) Deccan, Probably Satara & Sholapur districts (Davidson & Wenden, 1878)

P TR 07

Family: CAPRIMULGIDAE 37 Indian little Nightjar

Caprimulgus asiaticus Latham

-ST:-FCR -BRS:- (+) Sholapur/Satara districts (Davidson & Wenden,

N/P/G GN 12

1878) Family: APODIDAE 38 Little swift*

Apus affinis (J.E. Gray) -ST:-CR -BRS:- (-)

P BU 14

Family: ALCEDINIDAE 39 White-throated

Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis (Linnaeus)

-ST:- CR -BRS:- (+) Satara/Sholapur districts (Davidson & Wenden, 1878)

P CA 01

Family: MEROPIDAE 40 Little green Bee-eater

Merops orientalis Latham

-ST:-CR -BRS:- (+) Deccan, probably Ahmednagar district (Burgess, 1855)

P CA 15

Family: CAPITONIDAE 41 Coppersmith Barbet*

Megalaima haemacephala (P.L.S. Müller)

-ST:- CR -BRS:- (-)

E TR 01

Family: ALAUDIDAE 42 Indian Bushlark*

Mirafa erythroptera Blyth -ST:-CR -BRS:- (-)

N/P/G GN 30

43 Ashy-Crowned Finch- Lark Eremopterix griseus (Scopoli)

-ST:-CR -BRS:- (+) Deccan, probably Sholapur/Satara districts (Davidson & Wenden 1878)

N/P/G/E GN 78

44 Rufous-tailed Lark Ammomanes phoenicura (Franklin)

-ST:-CR -BRS:- (+) Satara & Solapur districts (Davidson & Wenden, 1878, Barnes, 1890b)

N/P/G/E GN 08

45 Sykes’s Lark Galerida deva (Sykes)

-ST:-FCR -BRS:- (+) Deccan, probably Solapur/Satara districts (Davidson & wenden, 1878); Sholapur (Ali & Whistler, 1933b, Barnes, 1890b)

N/P/G

GN 25

Family: HIRUNDINIDAE 46 Dusky Crag-Martin

Ptynoprogne concolor Sykes -ST:-CR -BRS:- (+) Sholapur district (Davidson & Wenden, 1878)

E BU 07

47 Red-rumped Swallow* Hirundo daurica Linnaeus

-ST:-CR -BRS:- (-)

N/P/G BU 06

Family: MOTACILLIDAE 48 White-browed Wagtail

Motacilla maderaspatensis Gmelin

-ST:-CR -BRS:- (+) Deccan, Probably Satara &

E (wetland) NS 01

Sholapur districts (Davidson & Wenden, 1878).

Family: PYCNONOTIDAE 49 Red-vented Bulbul*

Pycnonotus cafer (Linnaeus) -ST:- CR -BRS:- (-)

N/P HS 12

Family: MUSCICAPIDAE 50 Indian Robin

Saxicoloides fulicatus(Linnaeus)

-ST:-CR - BRS:- (+)Deccan, probably Sholapur/Satara districts (Davidson & Wenden 1878)

N/P/G GN 12

51 Brown Rock Chat* Cercomela fusca (Blyth)

-ST:-RR, Pande et al. (2003) - Rare & resident. Only reliably recorded from Saswad, Pune district -BRS:- (-)

P BU 03

Family: TIMALIIDAE 52 Large Grey Babbler*

Turdoides malcomi (Sykes) -ST:-CR -BRS:- (-)

P/G HS 03

Family: CISTICOLIDAE 53 Ashy Prinia

Prinia socialis Sykes -ST:-CR -BRS:- (+) Deccan (Davidson & Wenden, 1878)

N/P/G HS 18

54 Plain Prinia* Prinia inornata Sykes

-ST:-CR -BRS:- (-)

N HS 03

55 Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius (Pennant)

-ST:- CR -BRS:- (+) Deccan (Davidson & Wenden, 1878)

N/P HS 05

Family: PARIDAE 56 Great Tit

Parus major Linnaeus -ST:-CR -BRS:- (-)

P/S CA 01

Family: NECTARINIIDAE 57 Purple-rumped

Sunbird* Leptocoma zeylonica (Linnaeus)

-ST:- CR -BRS:- (-)

P HS 05

Family: ESTRILDIDAE 58 Indian Silverbill

Euodice malabarica (Linnaeus)

-ST:-CR -BRS:- (+) Deccan, Satara/Sholapur districts(Davidson & Wenden, 1878, Barnes 1889a)

N/P/G HS 18

59 Scaly-breasted Munia* Lonchura punctulata (Linnaeus)

-ST:CR -BRS:- (-)

N/P/G/E HS 55

Family: PASSERIDAE 60 House Sparrow

Passer domesticus (Linnaeus)

-ST:- CR -BRS:- (+) Sholapur/Satara districts (Davidson & Wenden, 1878)

P BU 20

Family: PLOCEIDAE 61 Baya Weaver

Ploceus philippinus (Linnaeus)

-ST:-CR -BRS:- (+) Sholapur/Satara districts (Davidson & Wenden, 1878)

N/P/E/U/M/D/G

HS 120

Family: STURNIDAE 62 Brahminy Starling*

Temenuchus pagodarum (Gmelin)

-ST:- FCR -BRS:- (-)

N/P BU 07

63 Common Myna Acridotheres tristis (Linnaeus)

-ST:-CR -BRS:- (+) Sholapur/Satara districts (Davidson & Wenden, 1878)

P BU 22

Family: DICRURIDAE 64 Black Drongo*

Dicrurus macrocercus Vieillot

-ST:-CR -BRS:- (-)

N TR 03

Family: CORVIDAE 65 House Crow

Corvus splendens Vieillot -ST:-CR -BRS:- (+) Deccan, Probably Satara & Sholapur districts (Davidson & Wenden, 1878)

P/E TR 21

Fig. 1:- Map showing study sites

Fig.2:- Percentage classification of nests based on their position (Ground Nesting-GN, Herbs & Shrubs-HS, Tree-TR, Aquatic-AQ, Near Shore-NS, Buildings-BU, Cavity-CA).

Fig.3:- Percentage classification of birds based on their status (Common Resident-CR, Fairly Common Resident-FCR, Fairly Common Winter Visitor-FCWV, Rare Resident-

RR).

Captions:

Table.1: - Breeding records of birds from study sites, Solapur Fig.1: - Map of study sites Fig.2: - Percentage classification of nests based on their position (Ground Nesting-GN, Herbs & Shrubs-HS, Tree-TR, Aquatic-AQ, Near Shore-NS, Buildings-BU, Cavity-CA). Fig.3: - Percentage classification of birds based on their status (Common Resident-CR, Fairly Common Resident-FCR, Fairly Common Winter Visitor-FCWV, Rare Resident-RR).

Images of Breeding Records:

1. Brown rock chat with 2. Ashy Crowned 3.Yellow-wattled Lapwing Subadult Sparrow Lark

4. Plain Prinia 5.Eurasian Collared Dove 6.Spot-bill Duck

7. Woolly-neck Stork 8.Eurasian Spoon-bill 9. Little Grebe

10. Common coot 11. Large Grey Babbler 12.Baya Weaver

13. Green Bee-eater 14. Indian Courser 15. Rock Bush Quail

16. Painted Francolin 17. Egg shell of Indian bustard 18. Purple Heron (Photo Credit: B. Maske)

19. Rufous Tailed Lark 20. Indian Bush Lark 21. Scaly Breasted Munia

22. Great Tit 23. Indian night jar 24. Little Ringed Plover

25. Kentish Plover 26. Pratincole 27. Greater Painted Snipe

28.Black Winged Stilt 29. Painted Stork 30. River Tern

31.Common Tailorbird 32. Ashy Prinia 33. Barred button quail

34. Red-vented Bulbul 35. House Crow 36. Black Ibis

37. Pheasant tailed Jacana 38. Common myna & Brahminy 39.White Breasted . . Myna (sub adults) Kingfisher

40. Eurasian collared dove 41. Laughing dove 42. Little Swift

43. Red Wattled Lapwing 44. Shikra 45. Sykes’s Lark

46. Eurasian Thick knee 47. White-browed Wagtail 48. Common Quail

49. Indian Peafowl

Author Detail:

1) Mr. Rajshekhar V.Hippargi: - Currently working as Asso. Prof. of Zoology at Walchand College of Arts and Science, Solapur and persuing his Ph.D. in Arachnology. 2) Mr. Prasad M. Bolde: - A third year engineering student and also keeps interest in natural history studies from grassland habitat of Solapur region. 3) Mr.A.M.Bolde:- A second year B.Sc. student, currently involved in studies pertaining to ecology of avifauna from grassland habitat of Solapur region. 3) Mr. M.K.Rao: - Currently posted as CCF, Pune Division, Pune, Maharashtra. Authors Contribution in Paper:

1) Mr. Rajshekhar V.Hippargi: - Contributed in field observation, documentation and preparation of manuscript. 2) Mr. Prasad M. Bolde: - Contributed in field observation, documentation and preparation of manuscript. 3) Mr.A.M.Bolde:- Contributed in field observation, documentation. 3) Mr. M.K.Rao: - Provided logistical support during ornithological field surveys.

VI) Paper Accepted for Publication: - Journal – Journal of Bombay Natural History Society

OBSERVATIONS ON BILL DEFORMITIES IN THREE BIRD SPECIES FROM SOLAPUR, MAHARASHTRA

R.V. HIPPARGI1, P.M. BOLDE2, M.K.RAO3, A.M.BOLDE4, S.A.GAIKWAD5

1,4Dept. of Zoology, Walchand College of Arts & Science, Solapur – 413 006 (appuratna@rediffmail.com, akshay.bolde@gmail.com) 2Dept. of Electronics and Telecommunication, A.G. Patil Institute of Technology, Solapur – 413 008 (prasad.bolde@gmail.com) 3Conservator of Forests, Pune Division, Maharashtra (mkraomuvvala@gmail.com) 5Dept. of Anatomy, Bombay Veterinary College, Parel, Mumbai - (dr.sagaikwad@gmail.com)

Introduction:

Reports on bill deformities in birds have been well documented around the world (Craves, 1994; Pomeroy, 1962). Naturally observed bill deformities mainly involve grossly crossed or elongated beaks. Published reports of wildly occurring bill deformities from India include long bill deformity in House Crow (Corvus splendens), Large-billed Crow (C. macrorhynchos) and Yellow-billed Blue Magpie (Urocissa flavirostris) and cases of long bill syndrome in House Crow (Kasambe et al.2009). Bill deformity has

also been reported in Blue Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) (Kasambe, 2010).Many reasons like trauma or injury, poor nutrition, diseases caused by bacteria, virus, fungi, or parasitic infections, genetical mutations, chemical pollutants, and radiation have been cited as causing bill deformities (Fox, 1952, Pomeroy, 1962; Sharp and Neill, 1979, Craves, 1994). In this manuscript we discuss our observations on bill deformities in three bird species and possible causes behind such incidences. Bill deformities in Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) and Common Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius) are probable first sightings from India. Deformed birds were recorded on bird trails in and around Solapur city. The deformity in Indian Bustard was noted in a rescued bird, which was housed at Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, Nannaj, Solapur. This injured bustard, although well taken care of, succumbed to death after three months and was later on preserved as a specimen at Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali, Mumbai. Bill measurements were taken of deformed preserved bustard specimen and were compared with bustard specimens in ornithological collection, Bombay Natural History Society, Mumbai. Measurement of bill length (culmen length) of deformed specimen was performed using a sliding Vernier calliper from tip of the bill to feathering base (Baldwin et al. 1931) to ascertain the actual variation in length compared to normal adult female specimens in the ornithological collection, BNHS Museum- R.No.BNHS 14026 and R.No. BNHS.14025. Bill deformities in House Crow and Common Tailorbird were purely incidental in nature. Result:

I) Bill deformity in Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps):

Bill deformity was noted in an adult injured live female Indian Bustard recorded on 4th March 2012, with no other visible anatomical deformities; the exact cause of injury was not ascertained. The bill deformity involved an abnormally longer, down-curved and pointed upper mandible that was visibly longer compared to lower mandible, a condition referred to as ‘Long Billed Syndrome’ (Fig.1 A-C). The total length of upper mandible (maxilla) measured 78.2 mm and that of lower mandible was 68.5 mm. Measurements of the deformed Indian bustard are compared with normal specimens without deformities (Table.1). The maxilla in deformed bill extends 7.8 mm beyond the point where the lower mandible meets the maxilla, whereas, in normal female specimens no such extension of upper mandible was evident. Excepting the abnormally long, decurved bill, all other morphological features of the deformed Indian Bustard appeared normal. II) Bill deformity in House Crow (Corvus splendens) and Common Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius):

A total of six incidences of bill deformity in House Crow and once only in Common Tailorbird were recorded from Solapur city. The deformity in House Crow involved an abnormally longer, down-curved and pointed upper mandible that was visibly longer compared to lower mandible. The bill deformity was so pronounced that it can be diagnosed even with naked eyes (Fig.2-D). All the six deformed crows were recorded independently (dated 13-12-2009; 18-9-2010, 24-10-2010; 6-1-2011; 26-7-2012; 12-8-2012) on separate field surveys spanning January 2009 to December 2012 mostly in a flock of more than 15 crows and showed normal feeding and group behaviour with other crows. The bill deformity in Common Tailorbird was noticed in a juvenile on 8th October, 2010 and it corresponds to upper mandible crossing with lower mandible and upper mandible was straight and lower mandible was comparatively longer than the upper mandible (Fig.2-E). Despite having a deformed beak the bird appeared normal and it was seen fledged by the parent bird.

Discussion and Conclusion: The bill deformity, although an isolated case and statistically insignificant, raises

a serious question, is this a representative of a widespread problem in natural population of Indian Bustard, which we are not aware of or fail to assess in the wild? There are no direct observational evidences to support the impact of low population and chemicals on the fitness of Indian Bustard in wild. Being an omnivore and vagrant, Indian Bustard frequents agricultural habitats. Deformities were recorded in birds like gulls, cormorants, and raptors, whose dietary habits make them prone to concentrate such mutagens through food chains (Craves, 1994). Chemicals were also cited as possible cause for deformities recorded in Brown Thrashers (Toxostoma rufum) in central Florida (Brown, 1976) as well as in Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) (Marshall and Stoleson, 2000). Solapur region has seen an overall shift in agricultural pattern from traditional sorghum based agriculture to intensive cash crops which require high doses of pesticide applications round the year (Dutta et al. 2010). With declining population, bustards have a reduced genetic diversity (Ishtiaq et al. 2011), which may be one of the reasons for the observed deformity in Indian Bustard. A synergistic effect between low genetic population and exposure to chemical pesticides may be responsible for such observed deformities in Indian Bustard. We need more such data before commenting on the significance of such reports.

We failed to find any published reports of Common Tailorbirds with deformed beaks, while, there are many such documented reports from various states across India of House Crow (Kasambe et al. 2009). The factors responsible for beak deformities in these birds are not well understood. We may speculate that these birds may be getting higher exposure to teratogenic chemicals in cities where they mainly feed on dead carcass of animals, of which many are killed with the use of chemicals. Chemicals have been postulated as causing beak deformities recorded in Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus), American Crows (Corvus brachyrynchos), and some 20 bird species in southeast Alaska (Handel, 2000).

The Solapur region is presently one of the most rapidly developing areas in western Maharashtra. Once known for its vast grasslands and traditional agricultural practices, the Solapur region in the recent last decade has experienced intense urbanization, industrialization, conversion of grassland into arable land and introduction of exotic species like Gliricidia sepium. Grasslands from this region are currently under high peril as evidenced with continued decline in the population of critically endangered Indian Bustard (Hippargi et al. 2012). Birds, being one of the indicators of environmental health, recent increased incidences of beak deformity pose a serious challenge. The findings of our observations are important especially with respect to the conservation and management of critically endangered Indian Bustards, which are on the verge of extinction (Rajput, 2008) Although our reports are incidental, more such data needs to be investigated in future to diagnose the underlying causes and background rates of prevalence of such anomalies.

Table.1: Measurements of maxilla and mandible of deformed bustard specimen and normal female bustard specimens.

Fig. 01:- Fig. A- Indian Bustard with deformed upper, longer and decurved

. Bill. Fig. B- Indian Bustard with normal bill (BNHS- R.No. BNHS. 14026) Fig. C- Indian Bustard with normal bill (BNHS- R.No. BNHS. 14025).

Deformed Specimen

Normal Female Specimen (R.No.BNHS. 14026)

Normal Female Specimen (R.No.BNHS. 14025)

Maxilla (Upper Mandible) 7.82 cm 7.23 cm 7.06 cm Mandible (Lower Mandible)

6.85 cm 7.19 cm 7.01 cm

Actual Difference in Length

0.97 cm 0.04 cm 0.05 cm

Observed Difference Beyond Crossing Point of Maxilla & Mandible

0.78 cm Nil Nil

Fig. 02:- Fig. D- Bill deformity in house crow (Long-bill syndrome) Fig. E- Bill deformity in common tailorbird (Cross-bill syndrome)

Acknowledgement: The authors acknowledge University Grants Commission, New Delhi for financial assistance; Dr. Asad Rahmani, Director, BNHS, Mr. Rahul Khot, In-charge Collections and Mr. Sujit Narwade, Project Scientist, BNHS, Mumbai for providing required permission and assistance to take measurements of Indian Bustard specimens; Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Nagpur); Forest Department (Solapur); and Sanjay Gandhi National Park (Mumbai) for necessary permissions and Rahul Bharadwaj for logistical support during field studies. References: Baldwin, S., Oberholser, H., Worley, L. (1931): Measurements of birds. Sci. Publ. Clev. Mus. Nat. Hist. 2: 1–165. Brown, L. N. (1976): Prevalence of bill abnormalities in Florida Brown Thrashers. Florida Field Natur. 4:11-13. Craves, J. (1994): Passerines with deformed beaks. North American Bird Bander. 19(1):14-18. Dutta, S., Rahmani A., Jhala V. (2010): Running out of time? The Great Indian Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps—status, viability, and conservation strategies. Eur J Wild Res.: 615-625 (DOI 10.1007/s10344-010-0472-z). Fox, W. (1952): Behavioral and evolutionary significance of the abnormal growth of beaks of birds. Condor 54:160-162. Handel, C. (2000): Deformed Black-capped Chickadees in south-central Alaska. http://www.absc.usgs.gov/research/bpif/chickadees.html. Hippargi, R., Bolde, P., Manthen, S., Aland S. (2012): Population and breeding ecology of avifauna in a highly fragmented grassland patch near Solapur, Maharashtra. Avishkar. Solapur University Research Journal, Vol.2:22-30. Ishtiaq, F., Dutta, S., Yumnam, B., Jhala, V. (2011): Low genetic diversity in the endangered great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) across India and Implications for conservation. Conserv Genet. 12:857-863. Kasambe, R., Joshi, A., Meppayur, S. (2009): Bill deformities in house crows Corvus splendens, large-billed crow C. macrorhynchos and yellow-billed blue magpie Urocissa flavirostris in India. Newsletter for Birdwatchers 49(5), 2009.

E D

Kasambe, R. (2010): Bill deformity in Blue Rock Pigeon (Columba livia), in Thane, Maharashtra. Newsletter for Birdwatchers. 50(5):73. Marshall, R.M. and Stoleson, S.H. (2000): Threats in Status, Ecology, and Conservation of the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher (D.M. Finch and S.H. Stoleson, eds.). U.S. Forest Service General Technical Report RMRS-GTR-60. 131 pp. Pomeroy, D.E. (1962): Birds with abnormal bills. Brit. Birds 55:49-72. Rajput, A.D. (2008). The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) on the verge of extinction. Current Science, Vol. 95(9):1108-1109. Sharp, M.S., and Neill, R.L. (1979): Physical deformities in a population of wintering black birds. Condor 81:427-430.

VII) Paper Accepted for Publication: - Journal – ELA Journal of forestry and Wildlife

Notes on the Feeding and Drinking Behaviour of a Female Great Indian bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps)

R.V. Hippargi1, P.M.Bolde2, A.M.Bolde3 1 & 3Dept. of Zoology, Walchand College of Arts & Science, Solapur (appuratna@rediffmail.com) 2Dept. of Electronics & Telecommunications, A.G. Patil Institute of Technology, Solapur (prasad.bolde@gmail.com) _______________________________________________________________________

Abstract:

We present herewith probably the first record of Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) feeding on the leaves of shrub Capparis divaricata and on the hemipteran insect Cicada from grassland habitat near Great Indian bustard Sanctuary, Nannaj, Solapur. A detailed account on the behaviour while drinking of water is also discussed. The significance of observations is correlated with habitat variables important for protected area management.

Introduction:

A great deal of research work provides detailed accounts on diet, feeding behaviour and habitat of Great Indian Bustard (Hume & Marshall, 1879; Elliot, 1880; Dharmakumarsinhji, 1957; Ali & Ripley, 1969; Bhushan and Rahmani, 1992). Patil et al., (2013) provides a behavioural ethogram of Great Indian Bustard, which gives an overview of various behaviours exhibited by Great Indian Bustard, including feeding and drinking. According to these studies, GIB food consisted mostly of locusts, grasshoppers, beetles, crickets, ants, spiders, centipede, scorpions, worms, frogs, lizards, bird eggs, small snakes and mice. Vegetable matter recorded as food included shoots of vegetables, lemon-grass, mustard, wheat, grains of millets, and fruits of Zizyphus sp., Capparis sp. and Salvadora sp. GIB usually assumes hawk sitting posture and drinks water using the principle of suction (Ali & Ripley, 1981-82; Hallager, 1994).

Study Methods: Study was conducted at selected sites surrounding the Great Indian Bustard

Sanctuary, Nannaj. The basic objectives of the study were to record the habitat variables preferred by bustard during various seasons. Direct visual searching was employed using

binoculars and camera to search bustards in grasslands and agricultural areas. Notes on food, feeding behaviour, habitat variables etc. were recorded in field note book.

Observations reported in his manuscript are based on our studies held on 5-7 May, 2015 during morning hours between 7.30am to 10.30am. Female GIB was mostly traced following clear footprint (pad) impressions along a soft silt and gravel path near Narotewadi agricultural area. Most of the tracks, as we followed ended at a nearby water source. As it was the peak of the summer months and temperature normally hovers on an average at 44 degree Centigrade, the bird may have come up for drinking water the previous day. With the hope that the bird will turn-up again for drinking water the next day and to confirm for the presence of bustard in the nearby grassland and agricultural habitat we took shelter behind a natural hide and waited patiently for birds reappearance. The vegetation of the area is dominated with sparse thorny shrubs, herbs and tree species adapted to semi-arid conditions. On all three days the behaviour of GIB was recorded meticulously during the act of feeding and drinking with a video camera (Sony: DSC-HX300 with 50x zoom).

Results: I) Feeding Behaviour:

a) Feeding Behaviour on Arthropods:

The bustard was observed mostly targeting Cicadas (Hemiptera, Cicadidae) on the bark of shrubs and trees and made successful foraging attempts by intentional searching, pinpointed locating and following in a rush to catch even flying cicadas from vegetation (Fig.1). Three successful attempts were made with the stretching of neck and body in perpendicular position to grab cicadas located at an approximate height of 4-5 ft. On one instance the bird feasted on a ground web spinning spider, Hippasa spp. (Fig.2).

b) Feeding Behaviour on Vegetation:

The bustard, while on its way towards water source, took a sudden turn towards Capparis divaricata (Family: Capparaceae) and lavishly fed on its leaves. This bushy shrub, known commonly as Spreading Caper has spreading branches, rough bark and stipular straight stout spines. Leaves are short stalked, thick, leathery, linear or elliptic-lance shaped 4-6 cm long and 1-1.7 cm wide. The bustard could easily pluck the leaves as the height of the shrubs ranged between 3-4 feet. We observed the bustard feeding on two Capparis divaricata shrubs. The bird took 4-5 mins and made a total of 115 pecks to feed on leaves. Mostly, leaves were consumed half cut and in some instances nearly full from the base of stalk depending upon birds ability to hold and pull the leaves through stout and spiny branches (Fig. 3 & 4).

II) Drinking Behaviour:

The drinking behaviour described here is based on three incidences of water drinking by same female bustard at the same water source. Observations were made on three days between 7.30am to 10.00am during morning hours from 5-7 May, 2015 and a video camera was used to record the behaviour. GIB drinks water using sucking method as described earlier (Hallager, 1994). Based on our observation we discuss herewith few additional behavioural details of a female GIB during drinking of water.

a) Approach towards water source: Out of three incidences, twice the bird approached by walking and once by flight. Mostly, during summer season the bird feeds during morning hours and then turns to drink water. In one incidence, we could record the bird feeding vigorously on insects and vegetation matter before actually venturing towards

water source. Normally, when the bustard nears the water source approximately at a distance of 20-30 meters it follows straight path towards water without any stops till it reaches near water edge. We never saw the bird in any alert mode during its walk towards water.

b) Pre-drinking Behaviour: Once near water edge the bird becomes wary and takes enough time to look for any possible threats. Then it selects a proper site which allows it to kneel down preferably on dry or semi-solid clay to avoid wetting of its legs. Tarsometatarsi of both legs rest on the ground when the bird fully kneels down. Before it takes its first sip of water the bird keeps constant vigil in its surrounding.

c) Drinking Behaviour: The bustard stretches its neck, immerses tip of the beak in water and starts drinking (sucking) water by pumping action (Fig-5). The sequence of events while drinking involves: Immersion of beak: Pumping in of Water by suction: Lifting of Neck to get water down through the oesophagus. Each pumping event has many suctions and the bird takes few seconds before venturing for next pumping event to scan the area for any possible threat (Fig-6). This sequence is repeated again till its thirst for water is satisfied. The average number of times these sequences are repeated along with the time taken during each step is given in the table 1.

d) Post-drinking Behaviour: After the completion of drinking, the bustard gets up and with an initial pause of few seconds it slowly moves towards plantation without showing any intent to feed on insects or vegetation matter (Fig-7). Normally, the bustard takes refuge in dense vegetation under the shadow of a shrub or tree.

Discussion:

Our observations of GIB feeding on leaves of Capparis divaricata seems to be first such record as most of the previous records have mentioned GIBs feeding only on the fruits of Capparis sp. (Dharmakumarsinhji, 1957). Looking at the quantity of leaves ingested and time invested during feeding on leaves, Capparis sp. proves to be major food during certain season for GIB. Studies on the distribution of Capparis sp. in GIB habitats across India have noted it as well distributed (Gopal Singh, 2011; Munjpara et al., 2013; Sengar, 2014). Other species of bustards which relish on fruits of Capparis sp. include Ardeotis Australis (Ziembicki, 2009), Chlamydotis undulate (Nadeem et al., 2004).

According to our observations Cicada forms a major food of GIB during summer season. During summer months (March-may), when the population of Cicada peaks, GIB prefers dense woody vegetation for feeding on Cicada. The female bustard which we studied was found to occupy a denser habitat for more than 45 days. We assume that a combination of factors, such as availability of water, safety, food in the form of Cicada and Capparis sps. and also food in the surrounding agricultural habitat may have provided optimal conditions for the female GIB. Feeding on Cicada was also recorded by us in male bustards during summer season.

While drinking of water, GIBs assumed hawk sitting position only and never attempted to drink water in standing position as recorded for Kori bustard- Ardeotis kori (Hallager, 1994). Like other bustards, GIB too employs drinking by pumping of water through suction method.

These observations prove to be of great value in protected area management as they signify the value of habitat variables that determine the distribution of the GIB. The main features in the habitat occupied by female bustard during summer season included a

contiguous stretch of grassland, woodland, traditional agriculture and a safer source of water. As noted by others, Capparis sp. forms an integral part of habitat and food in many species of bustards like Australian Bustard, Houbara Bustard and GIB. These observations demand further detailed study with respect to the distribution, density and utilization of Capparis sp. fruit and leaves as food component by bustards and any such ideal location should form part of reserve.

Acknowledgements: The author thanks UGC for financial assistance, Principal of the college & Forest Department for necessary permission to conduct surveys in and around the sanctuary and Dr. S. P. Gaikwad for identification of Capparis divaricata.

Author Contributions: The details of contribution of work by each author should be given under one or more of the following heads: 1. Original Idea: Dr.R.V.Hippargi & P.M.Bolde 2. Design of the study: Dr.R.V.Hippargi & P.M.Bolde 3. Survey and Data collection: Dr.R.V.Hippargi, P.M.Bolde, A.M.Bolde 4. Laboratory Experimental work: Dr.R.V.Hippargi & P.M.Bolde 5. Data analysis: Dr.R.V.Hippargi & P.M.Bolde 6. Manuscript Preparation: Dr.R.V.Hippargi & P.M.Bolde References:

1. Hume, A.O. and Marshall, C.H.T. 1879. Game Birds of India, Burmah and Ceylon. Vol.I. 8 Hasting Street, Calcutta.

2. Elliot, W. 1880. Notes on the great Indian bustard with special reference to its gular pouch. Proc. Zool. Soc. London.: 486-489.

3. Dharmakumarsinhji R.S. (1957). Ecological study of the Great Indian Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps (Vigors) [Aves : Otididae] in Kathiawar Peninsula, western India. J. Zool. Soc. India 9:139-52.

4. Ali, S. And Ripley, S.D. 1969. Handbook of the Birds of India and Pakistan. Vol. 2. Oxford University Press, Bombay.

5. Bhushan B & A.R. Rahmani (1992). "Food and feeding behaviour of the Great Indian Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps (Vigors)". J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 89 (1): 27–40.

6. Patil P., Rahmani A.R. and Hallager S. (2013). Behavioural Ethogram of the Great Indian Bustard Ardeotis Nigriceps (Vigors) 1831. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 110 (1): 22–34. 7. Ali, S. And A. R. Rahmani. 1981-1982. Study of ecology of certain endangered species of wildlife and their habitats. The Great Indian bustard. Ann. Rept. I. Bombay Nat.Hist. Soc. 8. Hallager, S.L.(1994). "Drinking methods in two species of bustards". Wilson Bull. 106 (4): 763–764.

9. Gopal Singh, H. (2011). Draft management plan for Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary from 2010-2011 to 2014-15, Karnataka Forest Department Wildlife wing. 49pp.

10. Munjpara S.B., Pandey C.N. and Jethava B. (2013). Habitat use by the Great Indian Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps (Gruiformes: Otididae) in breeding and non-breeding seasons in Kachchh, Gujarat, India. J. of Threatened taxa 5(2): 3654-3660.

11. Sengar, Y. S. (2014). Habitat analysis of Great Indian Bustard and evaluation of grazing pressure in Ghatigaon Bustard Sanctuary. B.Sc. dissertation submitted to H.N.B. Garhwal University, Shrinagar. 30pp. 12. Mark Ziembicki (2009). Ecology and Movements of Australian Bustard Ardeotis Australis in a Dynamic landscape. Ph.D. thesis Submitted to University of Adelaide, Australia. 296pp. 13. Nadeem, M. S., Ali, F., and M. S. Akhtar (2004). Diet of Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata in Punjab, Pakistan. Forktail Vol.20: 91-93. Table: 1

Average No. of pumping

incidences/drinking event

Average No. of

suctions/pumping event

Average Time taken/pumping

(seconds)

Average Time taken in

between two pumping events

(seconds)

Total Time taken for Drinking in

(minutes)

15

10.68 3.24 15.46 7.16

Figures: Fig 1: Female Great Indian Bustard (GIB) Fig. 2: Female GIB feeding on spider actively searching and feeding on Cicada belonging to family Lycosidae

Fig 3:Female GIB feeding on the leaves Fig. 4: Capparis divaricata leaves of the shrub Capparis divaricata consumed by GIB

Fig.5: Female GIB approaching towards water source Fig.6: Knee down posture of . female GIB while pumping of . water through suctions

Fig. 7:-Female GIB after each pumping event takes Fig. 8: Post-drinking, the female pause to scan the area for any possible threat GIB walks slowly towards dense . vegetation

(Mr.R.V.Hippargi) (Dr. A.H.Manikshete) Principal Investigator Principal

UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG NEW DELHI – 110 002.

Annexure -III Final Report of the work done on the Minor Research Project. (Report to be submitted within 6 weeks after completion of each year). 1. Project report No.: Final Report 2. UGC Reference No: File No:47-1082/09(WRO) 3. Period of report: Feb. 2010 to Feb. 2012 4. Title of research project: ‘Status of Indian Bustard (Ardeotis

nigriceps) and Other Grassland Associated Birds of Solapur Region’

5. (a) Name of the Principal Investigator: Mr.R.V.Hippargi (b) Deptt. & University/College where work has progressed:

Walchand College of Arts and Science, Solapur. 6. Effective date of starting of the project: 16 Feb 2009 (Date of first installment) 7. Grant approved and expenditure incurred during the period of the report: 1,50,000=00 a. Total amount approved Rs: 1,30,000=00

b. Total expenditure Rs: 1,26,454=00 (One Lakh twenty six thousand four hundred fifty four only)

Report of the work done: (Please attach a separate sheet): Enclosed a copy of progress report. ii. Work done so far and results achieved and publications, if any, resulting from the work (Give details of the papers and names of the journals in which it has been published or accepted for publication: Enclosed copy of four research papers along

with final report. iii. Has the progress been according to original plan of work and towards achieving the objective. If not, state reasons:

The work progressed smoothly as per the original plan & objectives defined in the project report. Three objectives of the project have been achieved upto satisfactory level.

iv) Please indicate the difficulties, if any, experienced in implementing the project:

No difficulties were observed while implementation & all the work progressed smoothly.

v) If project has not been completed, please indicate the approximate time by which it is likely to be completed. A summary of the work done for the period (Annual basis) may please be sent to the commission on a separate:

No, our project has been completed to our satisfaction.

vi) If the project has been completed, please enclose a summary of the findings of the study. Two bound copies of the final report of the work done also be sent to the commission.

Enclosed two copies of the report of the work done.

vii) Any other information which would help in evaluation of work done on the project. At the completion of the project, the first report should indicate the output, such as … a) Manpower trained: 03 b) Ph.D.awarded: Nil

c) Publications: 04 research papers are communicated for publication and 01 has been accepted for publication

Mr.R.V.Hippargi Dr.A.H.Manikshete (Prin. Investigator) (Principal)

Mr.N.S.Zambre (Co-investigator)

UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG NEW DELHI –

110 002.

STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE IN RESPECT OF MINOR RESEARCH PROJECT

1. Name of Principal Investigator: Mr.R.V.Hippargi 2. Dept. of University/College: Walchand College of Arts & Science,

Solapur 3. UGC approval No. and Date: File No: 47-47-1082/09(WRO) 4. Title of the Research Project: ‘Status of Indian Bustard (Ardeotis

nigriceps) and Other Grassland Associated Birds of Solapur Region’

5. Effective date of starting the project: Feb 16, 2012 (Date of receipt of 1st Installment)

6. (a) Period of Expenditure: From Feb. 2010 to Feb. 2012

Sr.No. Item Amt. Approved Rs. Expenditure Incurred in Rs.

1 Books and Journals ----- ----- 2 Equipment 1,10,000=00 95,451=00 3 Contingency 10,000=00 6,772=00 4 Fieldwork / Travel 30,000=00 24,231=00 5 Hiring Services ----- ----- 6 Chemicals & Glasswares ----- ---- 7 Overhead ----- ----- 8 Any other items (Please

specify) ----- -----

i) Staff : Not applicable to minor research project

It is certified that the grant of Rs.1, 30,000 (RUPEES ONE LAK THIRTY THOUSAND ONLY) received from the University Grants Commission under the scheme of support for Minor Research Project entitled ‘Status of Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) and Other Grassland Associated Birds of Solapur Region’ vide UGC letter no. F. File No: 47-1082/09 (WRO) Dated 6/10/2009 has been fully utilized for the purpose for which it was sanctioned and in Accordance with the terms and conditions laid down by the University Grants Commission (Total actual expenditure incurred= 1,26,454=00) PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR PRINCIPAL (Mr.R.V.Hippargi) (Dr.A.H.Manikshete)

CO-INVESTIGATOR (Mr.N.S.Zambre)

Annexure - VI UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION

BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG NEW DELHI – 110 002

STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURE INCURRED ON FIELD WORK Name of the Principal Investigator: Mr.R.V.Hippargi

Name of Place Visited Duration of Visit Mode of Journey Expenditure

Incurred From To Nannaj, Boramani 5/4/2010 5/4/2010 Motor Cycle 150=00 Gangewadi, Pangardharwadi

Motor Cycle 150=00

Wadala, Tamalwadi Motor Cycle 333=00 Boramani, Gangewadi Motor Cycle 151=00 Nannaj, Wadala, Tamalwadi

Car 660=00

Malumbra, Nannaj Motor Cycle 200=00 Boramani, Gangewadi Motor Cycle 100=00 Nannaj, Boramani Motor Cycle 200=00 Malumbra, Nannaj Motor Cycle 200=00 Wadala, Tamalwadi, Gangewadi

Car 825=00

Wadala, Tamalwadi, Gangewadi, Mandrup

Car 900=00

Nannaj, Boramani Motor Cycle 200=00 Boramani, Gangewadi Motor Cycle 120=00 Pratapnagar, Mandrup Motor Cycle 120=00 Nannaj, Boramani Motor Cycle 120=00 Wadala, Tamalwadi, Gangewadi, Mandrup

Car 750=00

Pratapnagar, Mandrup Motor Cycle 120=00 Nannaj, Boramani Motor Cycle 100=00 Wadala, Tamalwadi Motor Cycle 100=00 Pratapnagar, Mandrup Motor Cycle 120=00 Nannaj, Boramani Motor Cycle 100=00 Wadala, Tamalwadi Motor Cycle 100=00 Boramani, Gangewadi Motor Cycle 100=00 Pratapnagar, Mandrup Motor Cycle 100=00 Malumbra, Nannaj Motor Cycle 100=00 Boramani, Gangewadi Motor Cycle 119=00 Wadala, Tamalwadi, Shelgaon, Pangardharwadi

Car 900=00

Boramani, Gangewadi Motor Cycle 200=00 Malumbra, Nannaj Motor Cycle 120=00 Boramani, Gangewadi Motor Cycle 200=00 Wadala, Tamalwadi Motor Cycle 200=00 Pratapnagar, Mandrup Car 775=00 Malumbra, Nannaj Motor Cycle 200=00 Pratapnagar, Mandrup Motor Cycle 300=00 Wadala, Tamalwadi Motor Cycle 200=00

Pratapnagar, Mandrup Motor Cycle 150=00 Nannaj, Boramani Motor Cycle 100=00 Malumbra, Nannaj Motor Cycle 130=00 Malumbra, Nannaj Motor Cycle 130=00 Pratapnagar, Mandrup Motor Cycle 200=00 Nannaj, Boramani, Gangewadi

Car 700=00

Wadala, Tamalwadi Motor Cycle 140=00 Pratapnagar, Mandrup Motor Cycle 200=00 Nannaj, Boramani Motor Cycle 200=00 Wadala, Tamalwadi Motor Cycle 139=00 Nannaj, Boramani, Gangewadi, Tamalwadi,

Car 1100=00

Pratapnagar, Mandrup Motor Cycle 100=00 Boramani, Gangewadi Motor Cycle 100=00 Wadala, Tamalwadi Motor Cycle 150=00 Nannaj, Boramani Motor Cycle 200=00 Pratapnagar, Mandrup Motor Cycle 200=00 Boramani, Gangewadi Motor Cycle 210=00 Wadala, Tamalwadi Motor Cycle 100=00 Nannaj, Boramani Motor Cycle 101=00 Pratapnagar, Mandrup Motor Cycle 100=00 Boramani, Gangewadi Motor Cycle 199=00 Shelgaon, Pangardharwadi

Motor Cycle 140=00

Gangewadi, Malumbra Motor Cycle 184=00 Wadala, Tamalwadi Motor Cycle 342=00 Nannaj, Boramani Motor Cycle 393=00 Pratapnagar, Mandrup Motor Cycle 393=00 Boramani, Gangewadi Motor Cycle 86=00 Wadala, Tamalwadi, Shelgaon, Malunbra

Car 1000=00

Nannaj, Boramani Motor Cycle 100=00 Shelgaon, Pangardharwadi

Motor Cycle 120=00

Gangewadi, Malumbra Motor Cycle 200=00 Shelgaon, Pangardharwadi

Motor Cycle 100=00

Wadala, Tamalwadi, Malumbra, Gangewadi

Car 1100=00

Nannaj, Boramani Motor Cycle 152=00 Pratapnagar, Mandrup Motor Cycle 150=00 Boramani, Gangewadi Motor Cycle 150=00 Wadala, Tamalwadi Motor Cycle 150=00 Nannaj, Boramani, Gangewadi, Pratapnagar, Mandrup

Car 1500=00

Boramani, Gangewadi Motor Cycle 150=00 Shelgaon, Pangardharwadi

Motor Cycle 150=00

Wadala, Tamalwadi Motor Cycle 200=00 Nannaj, Boramani Motor Cycle 150=00 Pratapnagar, Mandrup Motor Cycle 100=00 Boramani, Gangewadi Motor Cycle 70=00

Shelgaon, Pangardharwadi

Motor Cycle 199=00

Gangewadi, Malumbra Motor Cycle 200=00 Wadala, Tamalwadi, Malumbra, Gangewadi

Car 1300=00

Nannaj, Boramani Car 1000=00 Pratapnagar, Mandrup Motor Cycle 100=00 Boramani, Gangewadi Motor Cycle 160=00 Shelgaon, Pangardharwadi

Motor Cycle 160=00

Gangewadi, Malumbra Motor Cycle 150=00 Nannaj, Boramani Motor Cycle 139=00 Wadala, Tamalwadi Total=24,231=00 Certified that the above expenditure is in accordance with the UGC norms for Major Research Projects