	AQUATIC HOTSPOT Chippalgudda

	Setting \| Threats \| Knowledge Individuals \| Habitat \| Life Scape \| Management

Name of the Hotspot	Chippalgudda
Focal species	Mahseer – Tor kudhree (Sykes), Puntius pulchellus (Day)
Coordinating Team Experience / Expertise	Prof. Madhav Gadgil & Team
Investigation Team	Shri. H.N. Chandrasekharaiah, Shri.M.F. Rahman, Shri. K. Shama Bhatt and Dr. G.V. Kowtal.
Dates of data collection	From 14.12.2003 to 31.12.2003
Process of data collection	Survey and enquiries.
Source of information	Sri. K.S. Bhaskar Bhat, Chippalgudda. Sri. Vinayak Bhat, Chippalgudda , Sri. Prakash, Convenor, Siddhi Vinayak Seva Samithi, Chippal gudda. Sri. K.S. Diwakar, Ex-President, Melige Village, Panchayat. Sri. K. Bandyappa, Secretary, Melige V.P, Dr. C.K. Murthy, Jt. Director of Fisheries, Bangalore, Sri. T. Venkateshappa, Deputy Director of Fisheries, Shimoga.
Number of man-days consumed in data collection	20 Man-days

Location	Chippalgudda Fish Sanctuary is in Tunga river flowing through Nambala Village, Survey No. 10, Thirthahalli Taluk, Shimoga District.
Area (in ha or Sq. km)	300 m long and 200 m wide.
Latitude / Longitude / Altitude.	Lat : 13 o 42', Long : 75 o 14', Alt : 600m MSL
Village/Town/ Taluk/ District	Nambala / Thirthahalli / Shimoga.
Maps (kind of map and scale)	Enclosed
Mode of access (Distance from Railway/Bus station)	Chippalgudda is situated at a distance of 10 km from Thirthahalli and 70 km from Shimoga. The nearest railway station is Shimoga. This site is 8 km away from NH 13 (Mangalore-Solapur).
Facilities to stay closest to the Hotspot	I.B and Hotels at Thirthahalli and Sri. Siddhi Vinayaka Kalyan Mantap at Chippalgudda.
Tariff (if any) to be paid to visit the Hotspot	Nil
Controlling authorities	Sri. Siddhi Vinayaka Seva Samithi and Department of Fisheries.
Classes of Landscape	Upper reaches of Sahyadri Range.
Water bodies	The Hotspot is located in Tunga River near Nambala Village, Thirthahalli, Shimoga.
Human population	904
Presence of Scheduled Tribes or Nomadic Tribes population.	Not recorded.
Livestock	Cattle and bovine population.
Irrigation status and Major crops	Paddy, areca and coconut are the major crops. Most of the land area is under irrigation.
Significant forest produce	Cashew, rubber, firewood, timber and green manure.
Quantities recorded at the Range or Divisional Forest Offices	Not Applicable
Cooperative Societies and their transactions.	Not Applicable
Significant freshwater fish productions	Mahseer, Pulchellus and other carps form the major fisheries.
Disposal of fishing rights (Leasing / Auctioning / Licence)	Licencing is done by Dept of Fisheries beyond the upper and lower limits of the sanctuary.
Significant estuarine and marine fish and shell fish productions	Not applicable
Number and type of fishing crafts	Coracles and floats are used for operating gill nets, castnets etc. Angling and scoop nets are also used.
Nearest fish landing centre	Thirthahalli
Availability of fish processing facilities	Thirthahalli
Mining and quarrying activities	Nil
Source and extent of air and water pollution	Negligible
Prevalent of human diseases	Not reported
Prevalence of livestock diseases	Not reported
Educational Institutions	Not present
Co-operative Societies	Not present
Youth Clubs	Not present
Ladies Clubs	Not present
Active NGOs	Members of Sri. Siddhi Vinayaka Seva Samithi, Chippalgudda.

	Name of individual / institutions / agency	Activity with a positive influence on core area	Activity with a negative influence on core area	Activity with a positive influence on zone of influence	Activity with a negative influence on zone of influence
1	2	3	4	5	6
Local individuals	Sri Vinayaka	Protection to fish	Nil	Nil	Nil
Local institutions	Sri. Siddhi Vinayaka Seva Samithi	Feeding and protection of fish	Nil	Nil	Nil
Outside individuals	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
Outside institutions	Village Panchayat Melige	Development of the Hotspot	Nil	Nil	Nil
Government agencies	Dept of Fisheries	Protection of fish and development of Hotspot.	Nil	Protection of fish and development of sanctuary	Nil
Industrial mining companies etc.,	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
Any other agencies	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil

*Name*	*Age*	*Sex*	*Community*	*Address*
Sri. K.S. Bhaskar Bhat	50-60	Male	Brahmin	Archaka, Sri.Siddhivinayaka Temple, Chippalgudda, P.O. Melige, Thirthahalli Taluk, Shimgo District.
Sri. Vinayaka Bhat	20-25	Male	Brahmin
Sri. Prakash	35-38	Male	Hindu	Convenor, Sri. Siddhi Vinayaka Seva Samithi, Chippalgudda, P.O. Melige, - 577415. Ph: 08181-792003
Sri. V.S. Diwakar	45-50	Male	Hindu	Ex-President, Melige Village, Panchayat, Melige – 577415. Ph: 0818 – 792054

A. Preparation of sketch map of the landscape
1.	For zone of influence (Upper)	Enclosed
2.	For zone of influence (Lower)	Enclosed
B. Description of Habitat types
1.	Habitat type	The habitat is a part of Tunga river flowing through Malnad region of Thirthahalli Taluk, Shimoga District. The river is perennial and has sand and gravelly bottom studded with granite rocks. There is a deep pool and the embankment is very steep on the western side.
2.	Local name (if any)	Chippalgudda (Chibbalgudda) Matsya Dhama.
3.	Approximate total area (in ha)	4 ha
4.	Special significance of the habitat type (if any)	Large congregation of Mahseer Tor Khudree and Puntius pulchellus are note worthy.
5.	Management regimes	The sanctuary is located in river Tunga flowing adjacent to Sri. Siddhi Vinayaka Temple, Chippalgudda and is managed by Sri. Siddhi Vinayaka Seva Samithi. The archaka of the temple is the local guardian. Department of Fisheries and Village Panchayat are involved in protection of fishes and development of the sanctuary.
6.	Goods and services provided by the habitat	The pool provides shelter to fishes and water is utilized for domestic needs and irrigation.
7.	Bads and disservices provided by the habitat	Nil
8.	Significant ecological processes influenced by the habitat	Perennial water flow and deep pool provide a good habitat for the threatened species of fishes which are in healthy condition.
9.	Significant man-induced processes influenced by the habitat	The habitat has brought in good road communication and has provided steps and platform at the site for the benefit of visitors.
10.	Interacting individuals and institutions (local)	The temple priest and Seva Samithi officials play a major role in maintaining the sanctuary.
11.	Activities	Feeding and protection of fish
12.	Interacting individual and institutions (External)	Assistant Director of Fisheries, Thirthahalli Taluk provides information to visitors and supervises the sanctuary development.
13.	Activities	Feeding of fish and protection of fish.
C. History of important habitat patches over 10-15 / 40-50 years
1.	Type and name of the habitat patch	Chippalgudda sanctuary is located in Malnad area in Tunga river.
2.	Change in
i	Area	The temple has been renovated and has expanded over the last 10-15 years.
ii	Vegetation Strata	Natural forest and cultivation patches are seen.
3.	Aquatic habitat change in
i	Catchment area	Nil
ii	Aquatic fauna	Change not discernible.
iii	Aquatic flora	No significant change observed.
4.	Significant ecological processes influencing the habitat patch	Ecological processes not significant
5.	Significant man-induced processes influencing the habitat patch	Improved road conditions have brought in large number of visitors to the sanctuary.
6.	Productivity of Goods and Services	The fish provide recreation and the legend that Mahseer fish is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu has led to increased religious activities. .
7.	Extent of Bads and Disservices	Nil
8.	Reasons for ongoing changes	Increase in number of visitors has paved way for the development of the sanctuary.
9.	Gainers	Visitors
10.	Loosers	None
11.	Desired changes / Desired future	Conservation of water resources so as to maintain free flow of river.
12.	Desired management system	Regular feeding and protection of fish are to be under taken. Feeding and breeding habit of fish are to be studied and efforts should be made in artificial propagation or transplantation of the threatened / endangered fish.
13.	Suggested component for a feasible management plan for that habitat patch

i)PLANKTON :
PHYTOPLANKTON :
	Myxophyceae:Eudorina
	Chlorophyceae:Spirogyra Zygnema
	Bacillariophyceae:Synedra Fragillaria
ZOOPLANKTON :
	Copepoda: Nauplius Cyclops
	Cladocera: Daphnia
ii)BENTHOS:
a)Insects:
	Order:Hemiptera
	Family:GERRIDAE
	1 Gerris spinolae Leth. & Sev.
	Family:NEPIDAE
	2 Laccotrephes maculata Fabricius.
	Family:CORIXIDAE
	3.Micronecta merope Dist.
	Family:DYTISCIDAE
	4.Dytiscus limbatus Fabricius
b)Molluscs :
	Class: Gastropoda
	Subclass: Prosobranchia
	Order: Mesogastropoda
	Family: THIARIDAE
	Sub family:Thiarinae S. Str
	Genus: Thiara Roding
	Subgenus: Melanoides Olivier
	5 Thiara (Melanoides) tuberculata (Muller)
	Class: Bivalvia
	Subclass: Paleoheterodonta
	Order:Unionida
	Family: UNIONIDAE
	Sub family: Unioninae
	Genus:Lamellidens Simpson
	6.Lamellidens corianus Lea
	7.Lamellidens marginalis (Lamarck)
FISH :
	Order: Cypriniformes
	Family: CYPRINIDAE
	Sub family: Danioninae (=Rasborinae)
	Tribe: Oxygasterini
	Genus: Salmostoma Swainson
	8 Salmostoma acinaces (Valenciennes)
	Genus: Barilius Hamilton-Buchanan
	9 Barilius bendelisis (Hamilton-Buchanan)
	Tribe: Danionini
	Genus: Rasbora Bleeker
	10 Rasbora daniconius (Hamilton-Buchanan)
	Sub family: Cyprininae
	Tribe: Cyprinini
	Subtribe: Tores
	Genus:Tor Gray
	11 Tor khudree (Sykes)
	Tribe:Systomini
	Subtribe:Systomi
	Genus:Puntius Hamilton-Buchanan
	12 Puntius sophora (Hamilton-Buchanan)
	13 Puntius ticto ( Hamilton-Buchanan)
	Family :BALITORIDAE
	Sub family :Nemacheilinae
	Genus :Nemacheilus Bleeker
	14 Nemacheilus anguilla Annandale
	Sub family:Cobitinae
	Genus:Lepidocephalus Bleeker
	15 Lepidocephalus thermalis (Valenciennes)
Crustacea :
	Class :Crustacea
	Subclass:Malacostraca
	Order :Decapoda
	Family:PALAEMONIDAE
	16 Paratelphusa Spp.
AMPHIBIA :
	Phylum :Chordata
	Class :Amphibia
	Order:Salentia
	Suborder:Phaneroglossa
	Family:RANIDAE
	17 Rana cynophylctes Schneider
iii AQUATIC WEEDS :	Not recorded in the fish

iv. FISH SPECIES :
		Scientific name	Common English name	Kannada name
	Order	Cypriniformes
	Family	CYPRINIDAE
	Subfamily	Danioninae (=Rasborinae)
	Tribe	Oxygasterini
	Genus	Salmostoma Swainson
		1Salmostoma acinaces (Valenciennes)	Silver razor belly minnow	Sampaj
		2Salmostoma phulo phulo (Hamilton-Buchanan)	Razor-belly minnow	Chalake
	Genus	Barilius Hamilton-Buchanan
		3Barilius bendelisis (Hamilton-Buchanan)	Hamilton's Baril	Agasa-gitti
	Tribe	Danionini
	Genus	Esomus Swainson
		4Esomus danricus (Hamilton –Buchanan)	Flying barb	Meese pakke
	Genus	Danio Hamilton-Buchanan
		5Danio aequipinnatus (Mc Clelland)	Giant Danio	Arshina Patte
	Genus	Rasbora Bleeker
		6Rasbora daniconius (Hamilton-Buchanan)	Black-line Rasbora	Saslu
	Genus	Amblypharyngodon Bleeker
		7Amblypharyngodon mola (Hamilton Buchanan)	Mola carplet	Enapu Pakke
	Sub family	Cyprininae
	Tribe	Cyprinini
	Subtribe	Tores
	Genus	Tor Gray
		8Tor khudree (Sykes)	Deccan Mahseer	Bili Meenu
	Tribe	Systomini
	Subtribe	Osteobramae
	Genus	Osteobrama Heckel
		9 .Osteobrama cotio peninsularis	Peninsular	Parake
		Silas	Osteobrama
	Subtribe	: Systomi
	Genus	: Puntius Hamilton-Buchanan
		10 Puntius amphibious (Valenciennes)	Scarlet banded barb	Gende
		11 Puntius guganio (Hamilton-Buchanan)	Glass barb	Pakke
		12 Puntius pulchellus (Day)	Pulchellus	Haragi
		13 Puntius sophore (Hamilton-Buchanan)	Spot-fin swampy barb	Gud Pakke
		14 Puntius ticto (Hamilton-Buchanan)	Ticto barb	Bud pakke
	Tribe	Labeonini
	Subtribe	Labeones
	Genus	Labeo Cuvier
		15 Labeo calbasu (Hamilton-Buchanan)	Calbasu	Kage
	Subfamily	Oreininae
	Genus	Garra (Hamilton – Buchanan)
		16 Garra gotyla stenornhynchus (Jerdon)	Nilgiri Garra	Kallu Korava
	Family	BALITORIDAE
	Subfamily	Nemacheilinae
	Genus	Nemacheilus Bleeker
		17 Nemacheilus anguilla Annandale	Nemacheilus	Murangi
	Genus	Nemachilichthys Day
		18 Nemachilichthys rueppelli (Sykes)	Nemacheilus	Murangi
	Order	Siluriformes
	Family	BAGRIDAE
	Subfamily	Bagrinae
	Genus	Mystus Scopoli
		19 Mystus cavasius (Hamilton-Buchanan)	Gangetic Mystus	Girlu
	Family	SILURIDAE
	Genus	Ompok Lacepede
		20 Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch)	Butterfish	Godle
	Family	CLARIIDAE

	Genus	Clarias Scopoli
		21 Clarias batrachus Linnaeus	Magur	Ane Meenu
	Order	Cyprinodontiformes
	Family	APLOCHEILIDAE
	Subfamily	Aplocheilinae
	Genus	Aplocheilus Mc Clelland
		Aplocheilus lineatus (Valenciennes)	Killifish	Moogu malli
	Order	Synbranchiformes
	Suborder	Mastacembeloidei
	Family	MASTACEMABELIDAE
	Genus	Mastacembelus Scopoli
		23 Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepede)	Spiny Eel	Havu meenu
	Order	Perciformes
	Sub order	Percoidei
	Family	CHANDIDAE (=AMBASSIDAE)
	Genus	Paramabassis Bleekar
		24 Parambassis ranga (Hamilton Buchanan)	Glass fish	Bachinke
	Suborder	Gobioidei
	Family	GOBIIDAE
	Subfamily	Gobiinae
	Genus	Glossogobius Gill
		25 Glossogobius giuris giuris (Hamiton-Buchanan)	Tank Goby	Bhangi-Sidda
	Suborder	Channoidei
	Family	CHANNIDAE
	Genus	Channa Scopoli
		26 Channa marulius (Hamilton – Buchanan)	Giant Snake head	Avulu
		27 Channa striatus (Bloch)	Stripped Snake-head	Kuchchu

v) CRUSTACEA :
	Class: Crustacea
	Subclass: Malacostraca
	Order: Decapoda
	Family: PALAEMONIDAE
	1 Macrobrachium spp.
	Family: POTAMONIDAE
	2. Paratelphusa spp
	3. Paratelphusa spp.
Vi) AMPHIBIA :
	Phylum: Chordata
	Class: Amphibia
	Order: Salentia
	Sub-Order: Phaneroglossa
	Family : RANIDAE
	1 Rana cynophlyctes Schneider
Vii) REPTILIA :
	Order: Testudinata
	Family: EMYDIDAE
	1.Geomyda spp.
	Family: TRIONYCHIDAE
	2. Lissemys punctata Bonnatera
	Order: Squamata
	Family: COLUBRIDAE
	Subfamily : Homalopsinae
	3. Natrix piscator (Linnaeus)
viii) AVES :
	Family: PHALACROCORACIDAE
	1 Phalacrocorax fuscicollis
	2 Anhinga rufa
	Family: ARDEIDAE
	3 Ardeola grayii
	4 Ardea alba
ix) AQUATIC MAMMALS:
	Family:LUTRINAE
	1.Aonyx cinerea nirnai (Pocock)
	2.Lutra spp.

Most common local name of the species (Language )	Bili meenu (Kannada) and Haragi (Kannada)
Scientific name of the species	Tor khudree (Sykes) and Puntius pulchellus (Day)
Habitat favoured	Clear flowing water and deep pools with aquatic weeds.
Value to local community	Increased revenue to temple due to large number of visitors.
Major uses / Ill-effects	Sanctuary serves as a recreation / picnic spot and a place of worship.
Value of global relevance (as rare, threatened or endangered)	Tor khudree and Puntius pulchellus, being endangered and threatened fishes take shelter in the deep pools of the sanctuary. The species, Tor khudree –a game fish of India and Puntius pulchellus- the only indigenous herbivorous fish of India commanding international fames are to be protected.
History of significant species / Varieties ;
Most common name of the species	Mahseer and Pulchellus
Scientific name	Tor khudree (Sykes) and Puntius pulchellus (Day)
Most common local name of variety	Bili Meenu and Haragi
Existing management authority	Sri. Siddhi Vinayaka Seva Samithi and Department of Fisheries.
Fish breeding season	Post- monsoon.
Fishing methods (Types of nets used)	Fishing is not permitted in sanctuary area. Beyond sanctuary area gill nets, cast nets, hook and line etc are operated.
Current level of abundance	Mahseer fish population is more dominant than of pulchellus.
Trend in abundance in last 10-15 / 40-50 years	Not significant
Significant ecological processes influencing the species	Not noticed
Significant man-induced processes influencing the species	The fishes get added protection and feed due to increased number of pilgrim / visitors to the temple and the sanctuary.
Reasons for the ongoing change	Improved communication has brought in more visitors resulting in development of the temple area and sanctuary.
Gainers – Internal / External	Visitors and local people
Loosers – Internal / External	Nil
Desired changes / desired future	Improvement in management practices.
Desired management system	Release of funds for development of sanctuary. Demarcation of sanctuary area and declaration of the area as a fish sanctuary.
Suggested component for a feasible management plan for the species	Location of the breeding and nursery grounds of the species and protection of sites.

Most common name of the species	Indicated
Scientific name	Indicated
Most common local name of species	Indicated
Existing management authority	Department of Fisheries
Fish breeding season	June – December
Fishing methods	Gillnets, Long-line, rod and line
Current level of abundance	Moderate
Trend in abundance in last 10-15 / 40-50 years	Fishery is subjected to depletion on account of indiscriminate fishing, dynamiting and poisoning .
Significant ecological processes influencing the species	Reduced flow of water in the river course has resulted in easy catch for the fishermen as they take shelter in pools .
Significant man-induced processes influencing the species	The construction of Almatti and Narayanapur dams have affected the migration of fishes, inundation of breeding grounds and riverine fishery.
Reasons for the ongoing changes	The construction of Almatti and Narayanapur dams have affected the migration of fishes, inundation of breeding grounds and riverine fishery.
Gainers – Internal / External	Public, fishermen, fisher merchants, etc.
Losers –Internal / External	Habitat
Desired changes / Desired future	Declare 5 Km lower stretch area from Chaya bhagawathi falls as fish sanctuary. Fishing should be strictly prohibited. Threatened fish species may be rehabilitated. Fishermen should be educated and lease of reservoirs for them may be considered.
Desired management system	A Committee of Officer of the Department of Irrigation, P.W.D, Forest, Fisheries, Tourism may be constituted to foreseen the development of the area besides Protecting the fish fauna .
Suggested component for a feasible management plan for the species	The threatened fish species may be rehabilitated, both in reservoirs and pools of the Chaya - bhagawathi falls for perpetuation. Protect from poaching. Declare the area as Fish Sanctuary

a)	Perspective of others :
1.	Desired response options of different members of local or outside communities / institutions / government agencies / industrial or mining undertaking etc.,	The Sri. Siddhi Vinayaka Temple authorities, local and Gram Panchayat members are keen in the development / pilgrims of Chippalgudda sanctuary. Visitors / piligrims feel that road communication and lodging facilities would further enhance the number of pilgrims / visitors and local people would be the beneficiaries. The Department of fisheries should provide more guidance and funds for the development of the sanctuary. They should make immediate efforts to declare the Hotspot area as “Fish sanctuary” under Karnataka Inland Fisheries Act 1996 and provide feed and protection to fish. Chippalgudda sanctuary provides protection to threatened fish-Mahseer, Tor khudree and Puntius pulchellus . These fishes are generally fed by visitors and temple archakas and this practice is age old. The local authorities feel that they should be empowered to maintain the sanctuary by providing financial and administrative powers. Extra watch and ward facilities may be provided during summer (low water period) and festival periods when fish are more vulnerable for poaching. Joint management by Temple Authorities, Village Panchayat and officials of the Fisheries Department should be planned.
b)	Perspectives of Investigators	Chippalgudda sanctuary provides protection for the threatened fish-Mahseer- Tor khudree and Puntius pulchellus. Hence development of the Sanctuary should be taken up on priority basis. Feeding, breeding and migration studies of these fish species should be taken up so as to formulate suitable management measures.
c)	Desired and feasible pattern of management that should be promoted in the opinion of the investigators	As detailed above
d)	Suggested strategy for promoting this desired patterns of management and the communication needs for the purpose	Detailed scientific study of the species mentioned should be undertaken and 5 km area of the river stretch, up- as well as downstream should be covered. This area should be conserved as a regulated aquatic zone. This project may be undertaken by a coordinate committee consisting of Temple Trustees, Village Panchayat, Revenue, Fisheries, Irrigation and Forest Department officials.
e)	Cultural, religious, recreational, scenic, tourist significance of the Hotpsot	The Hotspot is situated adjacent to Sri. Siddhi Vinayaka Temple premises and is closely linked with religious sentiments of the devotees to the fact that the fish Mahseer is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The visitors / pilgrims to the temple make it a point to visit the sanctuary and feed the fish. The sanctuary is also a scenic spot; the area, hence can be developed as a tourist spot.
f)	Ecological evaluation of the Hotspot	This Hotspot is free from pollution and harbours Mahseer and Pulchellus. The fish species deserve scientific study and developmental measures.
g)	Suggested follow-up investigations	Scientific study of these two fish species may be undertaken, covering, feeding, breeding, migration and population.
h)	Any other suggested follow-up	The proposed KUVEMPU WILD LIFE SANCTUARY area to be developed by the Forest Department and other agencies includes vast area of Koppa and Thirthahalli Taluks and this sanctuary would become part of the Kuvempu wild life sanctuary. Hence, steps should be initiated to form a committee to look after the welfare of this fish sanctuary.

Oxygasterini

Salmostoma Swainson

Cyprinini

Tores

Silas