Name of the Hotspot

Magadi Tank

Focal species

Carps (Introduced) and indigenous fish fauna.

Coordinating Team

Dr. Madhav Gadgil and team

Investigating Team

Shri. H.N. Chandrashekharaiah,

Shri.M.F. Rahman, Shri. K. Shama Bhatt and Dr. G.V. Kowtal.

Dates of data collection

From 12.04.2004 to 13.04.2004

Process of data collection

Field visits and interviews

Source of information

Shri. A.S. Burli, Chief Executive Officer, Fish Farmers Development Agency, Department of Fisheries, Dharwar.

Shri. A.D. Belvatgi, Fieldman, Dharwar, Shri. Adveppa Telkar, Fisherman, Dharwar.

Shri. Basavaraj Haveri, Driver, Dharwar.

Shri. Veerayya P. Mathapalli, President Village Panchayat, Magadi.

Shri. M.B. Mullannavar, Secretary V.P., Magadi.

Shri. Raman Gowda, Clerk, VP, Magadi and

Shri. Basavaraj, Tank Lessee, Magadi.

Number of man-days consumed in data collection

8 man- days.

Location

The tank is located in Magadi village of Gadag District.

Area (in ha )

50 ha

Latitude / Longitude

Lat : 15 o14', Long : 75 o 35'

Village/Town/ Taluk/ District

Magadi / Magadi / Shirhatti / Gadag

Maps (kind of map and scale)

Sketch of the tank map is enclosed

Mode of access (Distance from Railway/Bus station)

Gadag (by rail / road) –26 kms (Gadag-Bangalore Road), Shirhatti (by road)-8 kms, Lakshmeshwar (by Road)-11 kms and Gudgeri (by Road) – 20 Kms.

Facilities to stay closest to the Hotspot

Gadag (Travellers Bungalow, P.W.D) Lakshmeshwar (Private Lodgings), Shirhatti (Government / Private Lodgings)

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

Nil

Controlling authorities

Department of Fisheries, Govt of Karnataka and Village Panchayat, Magadi.

Classes of Landscape

Village, agricultural lands and coconut grooves.

Water bodies

A long –seasonal tank, retains water for about 8-9 months.

Human population

4506 as per the census of 2001. (Around 4650 in 2003-04)

Presence of Scheduled Tribes or Nomadic Tribes population.

SC-432 (Male-223; Female – 209)

ST 28 (male-17, female – 11)

Irrigation status and major crops

Agriculture dominated area, produce being Wheat, Jowar, Pulses, Groundnut, Chillies and Cotton.

Significant forest produce

Nil

Cooperative societies and their transactions.

Shettikere Fishermen Co-operative Society had taken lease of the tank prior to 2000. Stocking of fish seed and harvesting were the main occupations.

Significant fresh water fish production

Comprised of major carps, exotic carp and fishes indigenous to the water body. Because of the drought conditions, the tank had completely dried-up during 2001, 2002 and upto October 2003. There was, hence, no fishing activity during the period. The tank received water only in November 2003 and it is about 35% full.

Disposal of fishing rights (Leasing / Auctioning / Licence)

Department of Fisheries has entrusted the “leasing rights” of the tank for fisheries development , exploitation and marketing of the produce (fish) to the Village Panchayat, Magadi. Earlier to 2000, the tank was leased to Shettike Fishermen Co-operative Society; but the facility, on the completion of lease period, was withdrawn. The tank, due to failure of rains and drought conditions had dried –up during 2001, 2002 and upto October 2003. The tank received water only in November 2003 and is about 35% full. Presently the tank is leased for 3 years from 2003-04 to Shri. Basavaraj, Magadi who has stocked Catla, Rohu and Common Carp seed.

Types of fishing crafts and gears

Crafts being coracles and gears include castnets, gillnets dragnets and rod and line.

Nearest fish landing center

Magadi, but major part of the harvested fish used to be marketed at Lakshmeshwar and Gadag.

Availability of fish processing facilities

Nil

Mining and quarrying activities

At Persapur, 3 kms from Magadi, 4 Crushers are functioning and stone material so produced is used for house constructions and for laying roads.

Source and extent of air and water pollution

No air and water pollution as there are no industries / factories located close – by and the rain water draining into the tank is mainly from the catchment area above.

Prevalence of human diseases

Not reported any time .

Prevalence of livestock diseases

Not reported

•  Kannada Primary Vidhya Shala

•  Kannada Gandu-Makkala Shala

•  Kannada Hennu-Makkala Shala

•  Higher Secondary School and

•  College - Upto PUC

Sharada Yuvaka Mandala, Magadi

Basaveshwara Yuvathi Mandala, Magadi.

NGO's

None

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

Local individuals

-

-

-

-

-

Local institutions

Village Panchayat /Lessee

Stocking, leasing, fishing etc

-

Development of tank fisheries and bird sanctuary

-

Outside individuals

Dr. John Deodhar, Mrs. Madhuri J. Deodhar, Haveri

-

-

Development of tank, creation of islands for bird sanctuary

-

Outside Institutions

Karnakata University

Birds study

-

Birds study

-

Government agencies

Departmeent of Zoology,

Karnataka University

Forest Department

Dept of fisheries

Birds Study

Development of fisheries

-

Birds Study

Development of fisheries

-

Industrial mining companies etc.,

Quarrying activities are taking place in near- by area since 4 months

-

Noise pollution

And dust pollution

Noise Pollution

And dust pollution

Any other agencies

-

-

-

-

-

Name

Age

Sex

Community

Address

A.S. Burli, B.Sc, D.F.Sc,

D.F.P. Tech

52

Male

Brahmin

Chief Executive officer Fish Farmer's Development Agency, Dharwar.

A.D. Belvatgi

54

Male

Muslim

Fieldman, Dept. of Fisheries, Dharwar.

Advappa Telkar

54

Male

Bestha

Fisherman, Dept. of Fisheries, Dharwar.

Basavaraj Haveri

55

Male

Lingayat

Driver, Dept. of Fisheries, Dharwar.

Veerayya P. Mathapalli

B.A, B.Ed

52

Male

Lingayat

President, Village Panchayat, Magadi, Gadag.

M.B. Mullanavar

49

Male

Muslim

Secretary, Village Panchayat, Magadi, Gadag.

Raman Gowda

Male

Gowda

Clerk, V.P, Magadi, Gadag.

Basavaraj Magadi

44

Male

Lingayat

Lessee, Magadi tank, Magadi, Gadag

Dr. John Deodhar

60

Male

Brahmin

Deodhar compound, Station Road, Haveri.

Dr. (Mrs). Madhuri J. Deodhar

51

Female

Brahmin

Deodhar compound, Station Road, Haveri.

1.

For zone of influence

Sketch map of the tank enclosed.

1.

Habitat type

Long –seasonal tank

2.

Local name (if any)

Magadikere

3.

Approximate total area

50 ha

4.

Special significance of the habitat type (if any)

The tank water is used for drinking.

washing and for development of fisheries only with no agricultural activity.

5.

Management regimes

Department of Fisheries has entrusted the tank to the charge of village Panchayat, Magadi. The V.P looks after the drinking water and other domestic needs of the village; additionally, the tank has been leased to a party for 3 years to undertake fisheries development.

6.

Goods and services provided by the habitat

Drinking, washing of cloths, utensils, bathing, also for animals/birds needs of the village and development of fishes.

7.

Bads and disservices provided by the habitat

None

8.

Significant ecological processes influenced by the habitat

Rain water only from the catchment area drains into the tank. The tank, being long-seasonal, retains water for about 8-9 months, within which period fish cultural activity is to be undertaken. Certain amenable conditions provide required support for the migrating birds.

9.

Significant man-induced processes influenced by the habitat type

Providing drinking water, washing facilities, development of fisheries and shelter support to migrating birds.

10.

Interacting individuals and institutions (local)

Village Panchayat, local clubs and lessee of the tank.

11

Activities

Involved in the over-all development of fisheries, birds sanctuary and maintenance of the tank.

12.

Interacting individuals and institutions (External)

Dr. John Deodhar, Haveri, Dr. Madhuri J. Deodhar, Haveri, development of fisheries and Karnataka University, Dharwar.

13

Activities

Creation of required facilities for the migrating birds and development of fisheries.

1.

Type and name of the habitat patch

Magadi tank, a long-seasonal water body.

2.

Change in :-

i

Area

Successive reduction in the area over the years.

ii

Vegetation strata

Insignificant

3.

Aquatic habitat change in :

i

Catchment area

No significant change

ii

Aquatic fauna

Reduction in composition and population of indigenous fish species due to drought (in particular), birds and related condition.

iii

Aquatic flora

Insignificant

4.

Significant ecological processes influencing the habitat patch

Drought conditions, reduced in-flow of water and period of its retention in the tank.

5.

Significant man-induced processes influencing the habitat patch

Desilting, but stacking the excavated earth etc., haph raphazardly in the tank's bed results in its reduced area. Increased provision of desired facilities for the migrating birds (since 1996) during the period December to March has stimulated a positive approach towards its development.

6.

Productivity of Goods and Services

Fisheries development and protection of migrating birds.

7.

Extent of Bads and Disservices

Nil

8.

Reasons for ongoing changes

Failure of rains and drought conditions.

9.

Gainers

Habitat, inhabitants, animals, birds, fisheries, tourists, bird watchers, academicians, researchers and others.

10.

Losers

All concerned (as indicated under 4-(c)-9 if on account of failure of rains and on the onset of drought conditions.

11.

Desired changes / Desired future

Deepening of the tank bed, stacking of excavated earth in the agricultural fields, creation of few islands with desirable forest cover within the tanks' expanse, for birds to settle, undertaking fisheries development and preventing washing of cloths.

The whole process, as denoted above, if undertaken, will markedly improve the ecological conditions of the Hotspot to cater to the needs of one and all. The process also should have the active support of normal rains and conservation efforts.

12

Desired management system

A Committee be constituted to look into the activities of conservation of water in the tank, prevention of washing of cloths, stocking of desired fish seed, development of fisheries, facilities for migrating birds etc.

13

Suggested component for a feasible management plan for the habitat patch

Activities such as -

i)  Washing of cloths by soaps / detergents (which impairs the quality of water of the tank) facility be arranged below the bund of the tank.

ii)  Stocking of suitable fish seed for development of fisheries and

iii)  Creation of one or two small islands in the tank-bed with responsive forest cover for the migrating birds be undertaken to manage and maintain ideal ecological conditions of the tank.

Scientific name

Common English name

Kannada name

Order

Cypriniformes

Family

CYPRINIDAE

Subfamily

Cyprininae (=Rasborinae)

Tribe

Oxygasterini

Genus

Salmostoma Swainson

1. Salmostoma acinaces (Valenciennes)

Silver Razor-belly minnow

Sampaj

Tribe

Danionini

Genus

Rasbora Bleeker

2. Rasbora daniconius (Hamilton-Buchanan)

Black-line Rasbora

Golai

Subfamily

Cyprininae

Tribe

Cyprinine

Subtribe

Cyprini

Genus

Cyprinus Linnaeus

3. Cyprinus carpio communis Linnaeus

Common carp

Samanya Gende

Tribe

Systomini

Subtribe

Systomi

Genus

Puntius Hamilton-Buchanan

4. Puntius sophore (Hamilton-Buchanan)

Spot-fin swampy barb

Gud pakke

5. Puntius ticto (Hamilton-Buchanan)

Ticto Barb

Bud pakke

Tribe

Labeenini

Subtribe

Labeones

Genus

6. Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton-Buchana)

Mrigal

Mrigal

7. Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton-Buchanan)

Reba

Arja

Genus

Catla Valenciennes

8. Catla catla (Hamilton-Buchanan)

Catla

Catla

Genus

Labeo Cuvier

9. Labeo rohita (Hamilton-Buchanan)

Rohu

Rohu

Family

BALITORIDAE

Sub family

Nemacheilinae `

Genus

Nemacheilus Bleeker

10. Nemacheilus anguilla Annandale

Nemacheilus

Murangi

Order

Siluriformes

Family

BAGRIDAE

Subfamily

Bagrinae

Genus

Mystus Scopoli

11. Mystus vittatus (Bloch)

Stripped Dwarf Catfish

Jalla

Family

CLARIIDAE

Genus

Clarias Scopoli

12. Clarias batrachus Linnaeus

Magur

Ane-meenu

Order

Perciformes

Suborder

Labroidei

Family

CICHLIDAE

Genus

Oreochromis Gunther

13. Oreochromis mossambifa Peters

Tilapia

Bachinke

Suborder

Gobioidei

Family

GOBIIDAE

Subfamily

Gobiinae

Genus

Glossogobius Gill

14. Glossogobius giuris giuris

(Hamilton-Buchanan)

Tank Goby

Bhangi-Sidda

Suborder

Channoidei

Family

CHANNIDAE

Genus

Channa Scopoli

15. Channa orientalis

Asiatic Snake-head

Mottu

16. Channa traiatus Bloch

Stripped Snake-head

Kuchchu

Family

Common Name

Scientific name

PHALACROCORACIDAE

Littoral Cormorant

Phalacrocorax niger

CICONIDAE

Painted Stark

Mycteria leucocephala

CICONIDAE

White-necked Stark

Ciconia spiscopus

CICONIDAE

Black-necked Stark

Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus

THRESKIORNITHIDAE

White Ibis

Threskionis aethiopica

THRESKIORNITHIDAE

Black Ibis

Pseudibis papillosa

ANATIDAE

Bar-headed Goose

Anser indicus

ANATIDAE

Ruddy shell duck

Tadorna ferruginea

ANATIDAE

Scaup Duck

Aythya marila

ANATIDAE

Spotted Billed Duck

Anas poecilorhyncha

ANATIDAE

Coot

Fulica atra

Most common local name of the species (Language )

Samanya gende (Kannada)

Scientific name of the species

Cyprinus carpio communis Linnaeus

Habitat favoured

Standing water body (Reservoirs tanks)

Value to local community

As food value

Major uses / Ill-effects

As food value only

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

Commonly available Internationally

Most common name of the species

Common carp

Scientific name

Cyprinus carpio communis Linnaeus

Most common local name of the species

Samanya gende

Existing management authority

Village Panchayat, Magadi.

Fish breeding season

Prolonged – Monsoon / Post-Monsoon.

Fishing methods (Types of nets used)

Castnets, gillnets, dragnets and rod and line.

Current level of abundance

75,000 fish seed comprised at Catta Rohu and Common carp were stocked in the tank during November – December 2003. Common carp is in dominating numbers.

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

The tank, a decade back, used to retain water all through the year (Perennial). During 1984-1987, it was auctioned by the Department of Fisheries for Rs. 1.00 Lakh. Each fish-Catla, Rohu and common carp used to weigh upto 3.0 kg. Thereafter, failure of rains followed by drought conditions, rendered the tank to be seasonal / long seasonal Whence fisheries activities got curtailed. Vagaries of nature, and condition of the tank during the successive years had resulted in restricted fisheries activities and it was not encouraging.

Significant ecological processes influencing the species

Failure of rains and drought conditions had a negative impact on the fisheries developmental activities.

Significant man-induced processes influencing the species.

Not significant as it was completely depended on good monsoon rains and retention of water in the tank.

Reasons for the ongoing change

Failure of rains followed by drought conditions resulting in dried-up tank bed.

Gainers – Internal / External

None in the real sense.

Loosers – Internal / External

Society, animals, birds etc

Desired changes / desired future

Desilting of the tank-bed to store more water stacking the material so obtained in agricultural land, creation of one or two islands in the tank bed with desirable forest cover to shelter migrating birds, to resume fisheries developmental activities guided by scientific know-how and prevention of washing of cloths and such of the material.

The process, if implemented with all seriousness, will markedly improve the ecological conditions in the habitat to cater to the basic needs of all concerned.

Desired management system

A Committee represented by Departments of Ecology, Forest, Fisheries, Tourism, Irrigation, Village Panchayat and other nature lovers may be constituted to take note of points highlighted under No. 4-(c) -11 and No. 5-(c) 14.

Suggested component for a feasible management plan for the species.

•  Hazardous activities such as washing of cloths and such of the material within the tank premises be totally avoided.

•  Productive activities like undertaking fisheries development.

•  Creation of one or two small islands with compatible forest cover to cater to the needs of migrating and local birds be undertaken. In addition, a detailed study on the migrating birds and on the fish growth and composition, species-wise, may also be pursued to record their beneficial or otherwise inter-relationship.

a)

Perspective of others

1.

Desired response option of different members of local or outside. communities / institutions / government agencies / industrial or mining undertaking etc. to be recorded

Desilting of the tank for it to retain more water for a longer period helps in planned fisheries developmental activities. Creation of few islands with suitable forest cover will be of great help to the local and migrating birds. Above, as also other related activities calls for total participation of all concerned about which local assistance is assured. Government should provide technical and financial support.

2.

Significance of management issues and response options

A committee with representation from various departments along with the local participants be organized to introduce corrective measures for the overall development of the tank, Locals assures of their participation. Government and other interested agencies should act accordingly.

3.

Management issue pertaining to

a) Habitat and / or

To sustain normal ecological conditions in the tank, following points may be considered :

•  To prevent washing of cloths, etc .

•  Desilting of the tank bed.

• Creation of islands with suitable forest cover for the birds to take shelter.

• Development of fisheries.

b) Species / Variety

After conducting detailed study on the hydrobiology of the water, soil etc., of the tank, desirable fish only need be stocked along with fish species indigenous to the water body.

4.

Customary / Administrative

All concerned departments, institutions and individuals should work together for the over-all development of the tank and its environs.

5.

Since how long the arrangements have been in practice

The process is yet to be organized

6.

Changes, if any, in management pattern over last 10-15 / 40-50 years

The whole process of result –oriented endeavour may have to be organized afresh since it has not been envisaged any time earlier.

7.

Desired changes / Desired future

As indicated under 4 (c) -11

8.

Desired management system

As detailed in 4 (c) – 12

b)

Perspective of Investigators

i Detailed studies on the hydrobiological conditions of the tank may be undertaken.

ii Fish faunistic studies to be made to record their occurrence presently and to plan to improve the conditions.

iii Adequate measures to establish islands within the periphery of the tank with suitable forest cover for the birds, local as well as the migratory ones, be undertaken.

iv Fisheries developmental activities with available scientific know-how be undertaken.

v Health and hygiene of the tank be maintained and

vi A Committee to monitor the activities be constituted.

c)

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

As at 4 (c) 12

d)

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

As incorporated under 6 (a) – 1-8

e)

Cultural, religious, recreational, scenic, tourist significance of the Hotspot

The tank is of scenic study and tourists (Bird watchers) importance.

f)

Ecological evaluation of the Hotspot

Vagaries of nature, failure of rains, shallowness of the tank, period of water retention has made the managers of the tank to manage its fisheries developmental activities only moderately.

g)

Suggested follow-up investigations

As incorporated under 6 (b) above.

h)

Any other suggested follow-up

It is reported that the migratory birds congregate near about the tank for shelter only during day time. During night hours, the flock raids the agricultural fields in the area and eats away the produce such as wheat, jowar, pulses, ground nut, bengal gram etc., The farmers are a worried lot. It is an interesting problem which calls for a detailed study on the behaviour of the birds in question and their food habits. To over-come this problem and to salvage the situation to some extent atleast, measures such as desilting to deepen the tank to retain water perennially and to stock culturable fish species and those indigenous to the tank be undertaken. Species composition and their individual richness may cater as food to the migrating birds which may prevent them from raiding agricultural fields for their food needs. Normally birds, as has been observed in sanctuaries and other lotic and lentric watersheets, eat fish, amphibians, molluscs, snakes etc. Migratory birds eating agricultural produce is both interesting and curious too which calls, as mentioned earlier, a detailed study. In addition to deepening of the tank to store more water from the catchment area during monsoon, connecting the tank to receive regular supply of water through feeder canal of the Mulgund Halla be also explored to permanently cater to the needs of the society, fisheries, birds, tourists etc.,