Location

Bachanayakanagundi is a spot in Yenekal river, which is a tribution to Kumaradhara river.

Area (in ha or sq km)

2 ha

Latitude / Longitude

Lat : 12 o 38' long : 75 o 35

Village/Town/Taluk/District

Yenekal//Yenekal/Sullia/Dakshina Kannada

Maps (Kind of map and the scale)

Enclosed.

Mode of access (Distance from Railway / Bus Station

Bachanayakanagundi is near the famous Kukke-Subramanya temple. From pundigadde stop of Yenekal village , “Bachanayakanagundi” is just 1 km on mud road. It is located at a distance of 40 km from Sullia and 110 km from Mangalore

Facilities to stay closest to the Hotspot

Chowltry and hotels at Kukke -Subramanaya and IB. (P.W.D) and hotels at Sullia

Tariff (if any) to be paid to visit the Hotspot

Nil

Controlling authorities

Assistant Director of Fisheries, Mangalore

Classes of landscape

Forest and agricultural land bordering the perennial Yenekal river.

Water body

The Bachanayakanagundi Hotspot of Yenekal river is situated in Yenekal Village of Sullia Taluk. Bachanayaka is a local hero of the past who is being worshiped as a local DAIVA and Gundi-a river water pool in local language. Since the stone and Gudi, of Bachanayaka is situated on the banks of the river, the pool is named after him Kapukaya is another name of the same pool. It is not known who established the sacred pool, but it is the practice of local people to offer milk of newly calved cow to the sacred fishes of the pool. So also offerings of rice to the fishes is a sacred practice during the months of April every year from times immemorial. Local people celebrate the annual festival at the DAIVASTHANA or BOOTHASTHANA of Bachanayaka. During the occasion, people offer rice to the sacred fishes. Because of these acts of local people the sacred fishes have become safe and abundant here in Yenekal river. The river originates in Western Ghats at Kalmakaru area 25 Kms upstream and joins river Kumaradhara 3 Kms downstream from the spot. No dams are constructed across the perennial river. The riparian and bottom conditions are not altered.

Human populations

According to 1991 census the population of the village was 2435.

Presence of Schedule tribes or Nomadic tribes population

People mainly belonging to Vokkaliga community, ajila an mayila Scheduled caste and naiks of Scheduled Tribe live here.

Live Stock

Cattle, buffaloes, poultry, etc.

Irrigation status and major crops

Paddy, areca, coconut and plantains form the main crops. Rubber and cashew are also cultivated.

Significant forest produce

Besides green manure and firewood, rubber and cashew are grown as cash crops.

Co-operative Societies and their transactions

No Fisherman Co-operative Society is functioning here.

Significant fresh water fish production :

No commercial fishery is noticed.

Disposal of fishing rights

The Department of Fisheries is empowered to dispose the fishing rights. Traditionally fishing is not done in Bachanayakanagundi area of the river. But local people fish in the river. Traditional hooks, traps and small nets outside the zone of hotspot are operated catching of fish by dynamiting by migrant people is also reported at some places. There are no professional fishermen engaged in regular fishing in the area.

Significant estuarine and marine fish /shell fish production

Not applicable

Number and types of fishing crafts

No crafts are in use.

Nearest fish landing centres and fish processing facility

Local catch is scanty and scattered. Fish processing facility is not available.

Mining and Quarrying activities

Not done in the area.

Source and extent of air and water pollution

No air pollution, but use of agricultural pesticides, washings of vehicles etc cause water pollution to some extent.

Prevalence of human diseases

Not reported any time

Prevalence of livestock diseases

Not reported any time

Educational institutions

Pre – primary, Primary, Secondary, Higher secondary

NGOS, and local clubs

A. NGO called Parisarasaktha Krishikara Vedike, Karnataka has a branch which is taking interest in environmental protection.

Name of the individuals / organization / agency

Activity with a positive influence on the core area

Activity with a negative influence on the core area

Sri. P.R. Yashochandra Yenekal

Leader, Taluk level traditional protection group.

Nil

Department of Fisheries Government of Karnataka.

Assists in development of the Hotspot by providing administrative and financial help

Nil

Forest Department

Government of Karnataka.

Assists in protecting the forest and wildlife

Nil

Migrant labourers

Nil

Dynamiting and fishing

Local people

Protect and feed the fishes

Nil

Name

Age group Years

Sex

Community

Address of expertise

Shri. P.R Yashochandra

39

M

Gowda

Yeneka-574238

Sullia Taluk, D.K

Ph : 08257-616258

Shri. Parla Ananda Gowda

56

M,

Gowda

Yenekal - 574238

Sullia Taluk, D.K

Ph : 08257-616510

A

Preparation of sketch map of the lanscape

Map enclosed.

B

Description of habitat (LSE) :-

1.

Habitat type

The river Yenekal is a perennial one flowing adjacent to the village Yenekal. The catchment is covered by forest and agricultural holdings. Hydromodifications and encroachments are observed in some places. Riparian conditions are not altered much. The bottom of the river is rocky with emerging granite rocks. The pools are deep and clear with constricted flow at some points. The ‘Hot spot' is located in traditional rural area of western ghat region.

2.

Local name (if any)

Bachanayakanagundi and Athishayak- shethra Sree Kapu Kaya

3.

Approximate total area (ha)

About two hectares (2 ha)

4.

Special significance of the habitat

The Hotspot, a natural river course with deep and large pools and with swift flowing water is an ideal abode for large Mahseers – Tor khudree.

5.

Management regime

At present, there is no local organization to look after the Hotspot. The Department of Fisheries is yet to declare the area as a ‘Fish Sanctuary ‘ and a place for fish protection. Still a traditional fish sanctuary is existing since ages due to the efforts of the devoted villagers.

6.

Goods and services provided by the habitat

The river provides water for agriculture, human needs and aquatic life

7.

Bads and disservices provided by the habitat

Nil

8.

Significant ecological processes influenced by the habitat type

The area provides a good shelter for the rare and endangered Mahseer to develop and propagate in deep pools.

9.

Significant man-induced processes influenced by the habitat

The presence of big sized fishes attract people and they worship and feed the fishes

10.

Interacting individuals and institutions (Local)

Local people

11.

Interacting individuals and institutions (External)

Visitors / pilgrims

1.

Type and name of the habitat patch

Bachanayakanagundi – Meenugundi,

Athishayakshethra Sree Kapukaya

2.

Change in :

i.

Area

Insignificant

ii.

Vegetation strata

Normal

3

Aquatic habitat change in :-

i.

Catchment area

Not much

ii.

Aquatic fauna

No significant change

iii.

Aquatic flora

Not significant

4.

Significant ecological processes influencing the habitat patch

No significant change in the waterbody and fish population is reported.

5.

Significant man-induced processes influencing the habitat patch

Nil

6.

Productivity of Goods and services

Not significant

7.

Extent of Bads and Disservices

Nil

8.

Reasons for ongoing changes

Normal / Natural

9.

Gainers

Habitat

10.

Losers

Nil

11.

Desired changes / Desired future

The Department of Fisheries should take immediate action to declare 4 Km area in the upper reaches and 3 Km in the lower reaches of the Buchanayakanagundi as sanctuary. Arrange feeding of these fishes when there are no pilgrims; watch and ward should be organized. Organize awareness camps. A platform may be created to feed the fishes. A board indicating do's and don'ts should be erected . Forest Department may protect the forest and prevent encroachment of river course.

A Committee consisting of local people Fisheries, Forest, Revenue, Gram Panchayat and Taluk Panchayat may be constituted for organized development and management of the Hotspot.

12.

Desired management system

As above

13.

Suggested component for a feasible management plan for that habitat patch

As above

Scientific Name

Common Name

Kannada Name

Order : Anguilliformes

Suborder : Anguilloidei

Family : ANGUILLIDAE

Genus : Anguilla Schrank

1. Anguilla bengalensis bengalensis (Gray & Hardw)

Indian Longfin Eel

Malaga

Order : Cypriniformes

Family : CYPRINIDAE

Subfamily : Danioninae (=Rasborinae)

Tribe : Oxygasterini .

Genus : Salmostoma Swainson

2 Salmostoma clupeoides (Bloch)

Black razor-belly minnow

Orali

Genus : Barilius Hamilton-Buchanan

3. Barilius bendelisis (Hamilton-

Buchanan )Bilichi

4. Barilius gatensis (Valenciennes)

Hamiliton's Baril

River –carp Baril

Bitchi

Agasagitti menu

Tribe : Danionini

Genus : Danio Hamilton-Buchanan

5. Danio aequipinnatus (McClelland)

Giant Danio

Arashina patte

Genus : Rasbora Bleeker

6. Rasbora daniconius (Hamilton -

Buchanan

Black line Rasbora

Golai

Subfamily : Cyprininae

Tribe : Cyprinini

Subtribe : Tores

Genus : Tor Gray

7. Tor khudree (Sykes)

Deccan Mahseer

Bili menu

Tribe : Systomini

Subtribe : Systomi

Genus : Puntius Hamilton-Buchanan

8  Puntius amphibius (Valenciennes)

9  Puntius fasciatus fasciatus (Day)

10  Puntius filimentosus (Valenciennes)

11  Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton- Buchanan)

12  Puntaus ticto (Hamilton- Buchanan)

Scralet-banded barb

Melon barb

Black spot Barb

Olive barb

Ticto barb

Gende

Pakke

Kijan

Gende

Bud pakke

Tribe : Semiplotini

Genus : Osteochilichthy's Hora

13  Osteochilichthys nashi (Day)

Nash's Barb

Ogari

Subfamily : Oreininae

Genus : Garra (Hamilton- Buchanan)
14  Garra gotyla stenorhynchus

(Jerdon)

Family : BALITORIDAE

Subfamily : Nemacheilinae

Genus : Acanthocobitis Peters

15 Acanthocobitis moreh (Sykes)

Niligiris's Garra

Nemacheilus

Kallu korava

Murangi

Genus : Mesonemacheilus Banarascu &

Nalbant

16 Mesonemacheilus pulchellus (Day)

Nemacheilus

Murangi

Gensu : Nemachilichthy (Day)

17 Nemachilichthys rueppelli ( Sykes)

Nemacheilus

Murangi

Order : Siluriformes

Family : BAGRIDAE

Subfamily : Ritinae

Genus : Rita Bleeker

18 Rita pavimentata (Valeneiennes)

Gogra Rita

Arashina Gaggarike

Family : SILURIDAE

Genus : Wallago Bleeker

19  Wallago attu (Schneider)

Fresh water shark

Balae

Family : CLARIIDAE

Genus : Clarias Scopoli

20  Clarias batrachus Linnaeus

Magur

Ane menu

Order : Beloniformes

Suborder : Belonoidei (= Exocoetoidei)

Family : BELONIDAE

Genus : Xenontodon Regan

21  Xenontodon cancila (Hamilton –

Buchanan)

Fresh water garfish

Kokkare

Family : HEMIRAMPHIDAE

Genus : Hyporhamphus Gill

22  Hyporhamphus limbatus

(Valenciennes)

Gaimard's half -beak

Surali

Order : Cyprinodontiformes

Family : APLOCHEILIDAE

Subfamily : Aplocheilinae

Genus : Aplocheilus McCelland

23 Aplocheilus lineatus (Valenciennes)

Killi fish

Moogu malli

Order : Synbranchiformes

Suborder : Mastacembeloidei

Family : MASTACEMBELIDAE

Subfamily : Mastacembelinae

Genus : Mastacembelus Scopoli

24 Mastacembelus armatus

(Lacepede)

Spiny Eel

Havu meenu

Order : Perciformes

Suborder : Gobioidei

Family : GOBIIDAE

Subfamily : Gobiinae

Genus : Glossogobius Gill

25  Glossogobius giuris giuris

(Hamilton-Buchanan)

Tank goby

Bhangi sidda

Suborder : Anabantoidei

Family : ANABANTIDAE

Genus : A nabas Cuvier

26 Anabas testudineus (Bloch)

Climbing perch

Kooru meenu

Family : BELONTIDAE

Subfamily : Macropodinae

Genus : Pseudosphromenus (Lacepede)

27 Pseudosphromenus cupanus

(Valenciennes)

Paradise fish

Champarke

Suborder : Channoidei

Family : CHANNIDAE

Genus : Channa Scopoli

28  Channa marulius (Hamilton –

Buchanan)

29  Channa orientalis ( Schneider)

30  Channa striatus (Bloch)

Giant Snake-head

Asiatic Snake-head

Stripped Snake head

Avulu

Mottu

Kuch hu

Most common local name of the species (Languages)

Indicated

Scientific name of the species

Indicated

Habitat favoured

Fast flowing clean water (Riverine)

Value to local community

Local people worship the fish and offer milk and rice as feed.

Major uses/ill effects

The fishes attract devotees and visitors

Value of global relevance (as rare, threatened or endangered)

Mahseer – Tor khudree has been declared as an endangered species ; hence protection to its population and habitat improvements are required

Most common name of the species

Mahseer

Scientific name

Tor khudree (Sykes)

Most common local name of the variety

Peruvol meenu (Devaru menu)

Existing management authority

Devotees of Bachanayaka daiva among local people and the Department of Fisheries

Fish breeding season

Post –monsoon

Fishing methods (Types of nets used)

Fishing is not allowed in Bachanayakanagundi

Current level of abundance

Fishes of all sizes and ages are seen

Trend in abundance in the last 10-15/40-50 years

Size and population of fish is on the decline

Suggested component for a feasible management plan for the species / variety

Marking of the ‘Hotspot' boundary and declaration as ‘Fish Sanctuary'

Perspective of others

Local people suggests protection of river bank and regulation of adjacent land from encroachment, modification and change of use.

Perspective of investigators

Desired and feasible pattern of management that should be promoted in the opinion of investigators.

Suggested strategy for promoting this desired patterns of management and the communication needs for the purpose.

The investigators feel the area of the ‘Hotspot' should be immediately demarcated and the river stretch declared as a ‘Fish Sanctuary' by the Department of Fisheries. Thereafter efforts should be made to feed the fishes regularly, protect them and prevent destructive dynamiting and related activities in the river stretch with the help of local people and the Departments of Government having concern.

Cultural, religious, recreational, tourist significance of the hotspot

The Hotspot is located near to Subramanya, a very famous pilgrim centre. The local people worship the fishes as sacred and protect. Hence a river side area can also be developed into a very attractive tourist spot. Steps to educate the public by organizing environmental awareness camps may be undertaken.

Ecological evaluation of the Hotspot

Bachanayakanagundi Hotspot should be conserved an developed as an important Biodiversity Conservation spot as well as tourist centre.

Suggested follow up investigations

Identify the breeding places of the focal species and its protection besides periodic observations on its population in habiting the Hotspot.

Any other suggested follow up

In the upstream of Bachanayakanagundi, on the same river, there exists a similar fish congregation spot in front of Durga Parameshwari Temple at Marakatha in Nalkur village. This spot is located at a distance of about 3 Km upstream and since the entire stretch of river Yenekal cover both the spots, may be declared as Fish Sanctuary.