AQUATIC
HOTSPOT
Nisargadhama |
||
![]() |
||
BACKGROUND INFORMATION |
Name of the Hotspot | Nisargadhama, River Cauvery,Kushal nagar, Coorg District. |
Focal Species | Tor khudree (Sykes) |
Coordinating team | Prof. Madhav Gadgil Centre for Ecological Sciences. IISc, Bangalore - 560 012. |
Investigating team | S/Shri. H.N. Chandrashekharaiah,M.F. Rahman, Sham Bhatt Kolari and Dr. G.V. Kowtal |
Dates of data collection | 16,17,18-November, 2003 |
Process of data collection | Field visits and interviews |
Source of information | Ecological status of the River Cauvery around Nisargadhama, Kushalnagar, Coorg. H.N. Chandrashekharaiah, S.L. Raghavan and M.F. Rahman Cauvery Nisargadhama-Dr. Ananda Rao and-A.N. Yellappa Reddy-Sri. Appaji, Forest Officer- Sri. Kenchappa, Kushalnagar-Sri. Ramu, Kushalnagar Sri. Ramaiah, Guddehosur. |
Number of man-days consumed in data collection | 15 man-days |
SETTING |
Location | Nisargadhama, Kushalnagar, Coorg District (2 Km from Kushalnagar) |
Area | 25.3 ha - Nisargadhama Island River 0.5 Km in length and 75 mts in width. Fish Congregation spot, 2 km away on the high way from Kushalnagar. |
Latitude / Longitude | Lat:12o35', Long : 75o-52' |
Village / Town / Taluk / District | Kushal nagar / Kushalnagar/Kushalnagar/ Coorg. |
Map | Enclosed |
Mode of access (Distance from Railway station Bus station) | By road, 2 Km from Kushalnagar on Kushalnagar-Mercara road, No train connections. |
Facilities to stay closest to the 'Hot-Spot' | There are cottages located in Nisargadhama Island just adjacent to fish congregating centre which are managed by Forest Department. They are named Lopamudhra, Kannike, Brahmagiri and Sujyoti. There is an Inspection Bungalow under the control of Public Works Department and also private hotel lodges at Kushalnagar. |
Tariff (if any) | Forest lodges Rs. 600/-and Rs. 1200 to 500 per day to V.I.P room. |
Controlling authorities for Cottages | Conservator of Forest or Deputy Conservator of Forest -Madikere (Coorg). |
For Inspection Bungalow | Asst. Executive Engineer Public Works Department, Kushalnagar. |
Classes of Landscape | Forest zone surrounding the river exposed rocks along the river course. There are some pools which are 2 to 3 mts deep. There is continuous flow of water through out the year. |
Water body | River Cauvery. |
Human Population | Nil - Except visitors / tourists. |
Presence of ST's or Nomadic | Not applicable tribes population |
Livestock | Not applicable |
Irrigation status and major crops | Not applicable |
Significant forest produce | It is a protected area. Green leaves and firewood |
Quantities recorded at the Range or Divisional Forest Offices | NIL |
Cooperative Societies and their transactions | Nil |
Significant freshwater fish production | Nil, since the 'Hot-spot' has been considered to be fish protection centre. |
Disposal of fishing rights (Leasing / Auctioning / Licences) | None, since the 'Hot-spot' has been considered as a prohibited area, as such, no fishing activity. |
Significant estuarine/marine fish / shell fish productions | Nil |
Number and type of fishing crafts | Nil |
Nearest fish landing centre | Not applicable. |
Availability of fish processing facilities | Not applicable |
Mining and quarrying activities | None |
Source and extent of air and water pollution | Likely, some air pollution on account of the vehicular movements. There is no water pollution. |
Prevalence of human diseases | No recorded instances |
Prevalence of livestock diseases | No recorded instances |
Educational Institutions | Nil at Nisargadhama; but at Kushalnagar, pre-primary-2,primary-2, Higher primary-1, Pre-university-1, Degree-1, Polytechnic-1. |
Cooperative Society | Nil |
Youth Clubs | Nil |
Ladies clubs | Nil |
Active NGOs | Nil |
THREATS AND SUPPORTIVE RESTORATION ACTIVITIES |
Name of Individual / Institutional Agencies |
Activity with a positive influence on core area |
Activity with a negative influence on core area |
|
Local Individuals |
- |
- |
- |
Local Institutions |
- |
- |
- |
Government Agencies |
Dept of Forest |
Developed the area as a tourist center. |
Nil |
LIST OF KNOWLEDGE INDIVIDUALS |
Name / Designation |
Age |
Sex |
Community |
Asst Director of Fisheries. |
|||
Kenchappa |
30 |
Male |
Fisherman, Kushalnagar |
Ramu |
45 |
Male |
Fisherman, Kushalnagar |
Ramaiah |
35 |
Male |
Guddehosur |
HABITATS |
a) | Preparation of sketch map of the landscape | Enclosed |
b) | Description of Habitat type | |
1. | Habitat type | Riverine environment- Cauvery river |
2. | Local name (if any) | Nisargadhama |
3. | Approximate total area (ha) | 0.5 km river stretch having a width of 75 mts |
4. | Special significance of the habitat type (if any) | River course encircles the Nisargadhama island. It is surrounded by forest. During mansoon, the river shall be in flooded condition but during the summer months, the river will have reduced flow of water. There are some pools located in the river stretch. |
5. | Management regimes | Forest Department is managing the area. |
6. | Goods and services provided by the habitat | Provide scope for breeding of fishes. Surrounding area is protected. Conservation of fish is maintained. |
7. | Bads and disservices provided by the habitat | Nil |
8. | Significant ecological processes influenced by the habitat type | Since Forest Department is managing the river and the island, poaching, poisoning, etc are prevented. |
9. | Significant man- induced processes influenced by the habitat | The Forest Department has developed the island and constructed cottages for visitors to stay and also provided recreational facilities like deer park, elephant ride, boating, etc. There is also a canteen to cater to the needs of the visitors. |
10. | Interacting individuals and institutions (Local) | Forest Department, Kushalnagar and Mercara. |
11. | Activities | Nil |
12. | Interacting individuals and Institutions (External) | Society for Advancement of Aqua- culture, Ice Factory, Building, Cubbon park, K.R Circle, Bangalore-560001, and Karnataka Association- for Advancement of Science, Central College, Bangalore-560 009. |
13. | Activities | These two institutions have taken up studies on aquatic life of river Cauvery around Nisargadhama and establishment of an Orchidarium respectively. |
c) | History of important habitat patches over 10-15 / 40-50 years | |
1) | Type and name of the habitat patch | The developmental activities are undertaken for the last 13 years Developed forest, established Orchidarium, island is fenced, boating, Safari deer park, canteen are established. Hanging bridge is erected. |
2) | Change in | |
i) | Area | 25.3 ha (No change) |
ii) | Vegetation strata | Forest area |
3) | Aquatic habitat change in | |
i) | Catchment area | Nil |
ii) | Aquatic fauna | The Mahseer fishes are habituated to congregate near the hanging bridge |
iii) | Aquatic flora | Crinum viviparum |
4) | Significant ecological processes Influencing the habitat patch | Nil |
5) | Significant man-induced processes influencing the habitat patch | Cottages are built, deer park, elephant ride, boating, canteen have been organisaed without disturbing the habitat. |
6) | Productivity of Goods and services | Provided scope for recreation |
7) | Extent of Bads and Disservices | Nil |
8) | Reasons for ongoing changes | Since it is an island, Forest Department has developed it as a tourist centre and it is attracting large number of tourists. |
9) | Gainers | Public |
10) | Losers | Nil |
11) | Desired changes / Desired future | The fishes are found congregated near the hanging bridge. Only tourists who visits feed the fishes, but when there are no tourists, fishes have to sustain on the available natural food. |
12) | Desired management system | Fishing should be totally prohibited in consultation with the Department of Fisheries as fishery rights vests with it only. |
13) | Suggested component for a feasible management plan for that habitat patch | A strech of ½ km of river near the hanging bridge has developed as a fish congregation spot. It should be protected. Feeding of fishes should be arranged daily for their sustenance. |
LIFE SCAPE |
i)PLANKTON | |
Phytoplankton | |
Myxophyceae: Oscillatoria | |
Cholorphyceae: Oedogonium, Spirogyra, Zygnema, Merismopedia, Ulothrix. | |
Bacillariophyceae: Synedra, Fragillaria, Surierella, Cosmarium. | |
ZOOPLANKTON | |
Prtozon: Epistylis | |
Copepoda: Cyclops | |
Rotifera: Keratella | |
Cladocera: Daphnia,Diaphnosoma. | |
MISCELLANEOUS: Insect remains, Nematode | |
ii) BENTHOS | |
a) Insects | |
Order: Odonata | |
Suborder: Anisoptera | |
Family: LIBELLULIDAE | |
1. Urothemis signata (Rambur) | |
Order: Hemiptera | |
Family: GERRIDAE | |
2. Gerris spinolae Leth. & Sev. | |
Family: NEPIDAE | |
3. Laccotrephes maculatus Fabricius | |
Family: CORIXIDAE | |
4. Micronecta merope Dist. | |
b) MOLLUSCS | |
Class: Gastropoda | |
Subclass: Prosobranchia | |
Order: Mesogastropoda | |
Family: VIVIPARIDAE | |
Subfamily: Bellamyinae | |
Genus: Bellamya Jousseame | |
1. Bellamya bengalensis (Lamarck) | |
Family: THIARIDAE | |
Sub family: Thiarinae s. str. | |
Genus: Thiara Roding | |
Subgenus: Melanoides Olivier | |
2. Thiara (Melanoides) tuberculata (Muller) | |
Subfamily: Melanatrinae | |
Genus: Sulcospira Troschel | |
3. Sulcospira hugely (Philippi) | |
Class: Bivalvia | |
Order: Unionida | |
Family: UNIONIDAE | |
Subfamily: Unioninae | |
Genus: Lamellidens Simpson | |
4. Lamellidens corianus Lea | |
5. Lamellidens marginalis (Lamarck) | |
Family: AMBLEMIDAE | |
Subfamily: Parreysiinae | |
Genus: Scabies Hass | |
6. Scabies crispata (Gould) | |
Family: CORBICULIDAE | |
Genus: Corbicula Megerle von Muehlfeld | |
7. Corbicula striatella Deshayes | |
iii)AQUATIC WEEDS | Crinum viviparum |
iv) FISH SPECIES | Scientific name | Common English name | Kannada name | |
Order | - | Osteoglossiformes | ||
Suborder | - | Notopteroidei | ||
Family | - | NOTOPERIDAE | ||
Genus | - | Notopterus Lacepeds | ||
1 | Notopterus notopterus | (Pallas) Gray feather back | Chappali | |
Order | - | Cypriniformes | ||
Family | - | Cyprinidae | ||
Subfamily | - | Danioninae (=Rasborinae) | ||
Tribe | - | Oxygasterini | ||
Genus | - | Salmostoma Swainson | ||
2 | Salmostoma acinaces (Valencienmes) | Silver razor -belly minnow | Sampaj | |
3 | Salmostoma clupeoides (Bloch) | Black razor belly minnow | Orali | |
4 | Salmostoma horai (Silas) | Hora razar-belly minnow | Chalake | |
5 | Salmostoma untrachi (Day) | Mahanadi razor belly minnow | Chalake | |
Tribe | - | Danionini | ||
Genus | - | Esomus Swainson | ||
6 | Esomus danricus (Hamilton-Buchanan) | Flying barb | Meese pakke | |
Genus | - | Danio Hamilton - Buchanan | ||
7 | Danio aequipinnatus (Mc Clelland) | Giant Danio | Arshina patte | |
Genus | - | Rasbora Bleeker | ||
8 | Rasbora caverii (Jerdon) | Scissor-tail Rasbora | Saslu | |
9 | Rasbora daniconius (Hamilton-Buchanan) | Black -line Rasbora | Midun | |
Subfamily | - | Cyprininae | ||
Tribe | - | Cyprinini | ||
Sub tribe | - | Cyprini | ||
Genus | - | Cyprinus Linnaeus | ||
10 | Cyprinus carpio communis (Linnaeus) | Common carp | Samanya Gende | |
Subtribe | - | Tores | ||
Genus | - | Tor Gray | ||
11 | Tor khudree (Sykes) | Deccan Mahseer | Bili - meenu | |
12 | Tor mussullah (Sykes) | High-backed Mahseer | Bili - meenu | |
Genus | - | Neolissochilus Rainboth | ||
13 | Neolissochilus hexagonolepis (McClelland) | Katli Mahseer | Bili - meenu | |
Tribe | - | Systomini | ||
Sub tribe | - | Systomi | ||
Genus | - | Puntius Hamilton - Buchanan | ||
14 | Puntius arulius arulius (Jerdon) | Long fin barb | Kempu puthri | |
15 | Puntius carnaticus (Jerdon) | Carnatic carp | Machalu | |
16 | Puntius cauveriensis (Hora) | Cauvery barb | Cauvery gende | |
17 | Puntius conchonius (Hamilton - Buchanan) | Rosy barb | Pakke | |
18 | Puntius dorsalis (Jerdon) | Long snout barb | Mooti gende | |
19 | Puntius fasciatus fasciatus (Day) | Melon barb | Pakke | |
20 | Puntius filamentosus (Valenciennes) | Black spot barb | Kijan | |
21 | Puntius melanostigma (Day) | Wynaad barb | Pakke | |
22 | Puntius narayani (Hora) | Narayan Barb | Narayani pakke | |
23 | Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton - Buchanan) | Olive barb | Gende | |
24 | Puntius sophore ( Hamilton - Buchanan) | Spot -fin swampy barb | Bud pakke | |
25 | Puntius ticto (Hamilton - Buchanan) | Ticto barb | Bud pakke | |
Genus | - | Gonoproktopterus Bleeker | ||
26 | Gonoproktopterus dubius (Day) | Niligir carp | Koorlu menu | |
27 | Gonoproktopterus micropogon micropogon (Valenciennes) | Korhi barb | Chitte koorlu | |
Tribe | - | Labeonini | ||
Subtribe | - | Labeones | ||
Genus | Cirrhinus Oken | |||
28 | Cirrhinus cirrhosa (Bloch) | Cauvery carp | Arja | |
29 | Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton - Buchanan) | Reba | Arja | |
Genus | - | Catla Valenciennes | ||
30 | Catla catla (Hamilton - Buchanan) | Catla | Catla | |
Genus | Labeo Cuvier | |||
31 | Labeo ariza (Hamilton - Buchanan) | Ariza | Panjali | |
32 | Labeo bata (Hamilton - Buchanan) | Bata | Bata | |
33 | Labeo boggut (Sykes) | Boggut | Gubali | |
34 | Labeo calbasu (Hamilton - Buchanan) | Calbasu | Kage | |
35 | Labeo fimbriatus (Bloch) | Fimbriatus | Kem-meenu | |
36 | Labeo kontius (Jerdon) | Pig-mouth carp | Moogi halala | |
37 | Labeo rohita (Hamilton - Buchanan) | Rohu | Rohu | |
Subfamily | - | Oreininae (=Schizothoracinae) | ||
Genus | - | Garra Hamilton - Buchanan | ||
38 | Garra gotyla stenorhynchus (Jerdon) | Nilgiris's Garra | Kallu korava | |
39 | Garra mcClellandi (Jerdon) | Cauvery Garra | Kallu Korava | |
Family | - | BALITORIDAE | ||
Subfamily | - | Nemacheilinae | ||
Genus | - | Schistura Mc Clelland | ||
40 | Schistura denisoni denisoni (day) | Namacheilus | Murangi | |
41 | Schistura semiarmatus (Day) | Nemacheilus | Murgani | |
Genus | Mesonemacheilus Banarasu and Nalbant | |||
42 | Mesonemacheilus pulchellus (Day) | Namacheilus | Murangi | |
Order | - | Siluriformes | ||
Family | - | BAGRIDAE | ||
Subfamily | - | Bagrinae | ||
Genus | - | Mystus Scopoli | ||
43 | Mystus cavasius (Hamilton - Buchanan) | Gangetic Mystus | Girlu | |
44 | Mystus malabaricus (Jerdon) | Jerdon's Mystus | Girlu | |
45 | Mystus punctatus (Jerdon) | Nilgiri Mystus | Kattalu | |
46 | Mystus vittatus (Bloch) | Stripped dwarf - catfish | Girlu | |
Family | - | SILURIDAE | ||
Genus | - | Ompok Laccpede | ||
47 | Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch) | Butterfish | Godle | |
Genus | - | Wallago Bleeker | ||
48 | Wallago attu (Schneider) | Freshwater Shark | Bale | |
Family | - | SCHILBEIDAE | ||
Subfamily | - | Schilbeinae | ||
Genus | - | Silonia Swainson | ||
49 | Silonia childreni (Sykes) | White catfish | Bili-halathi | |
Family | - | PANGASIDAE | ||
Genus | - | Pangasius valenciennes | ||
50 | Pangasius pangasius (Hamilton - Buchanan) | Pangas | Iykalthi | |
Family | - | SISORIDAE | ||
Genus | - | Bagarius Bleeker | ||
51 | Bagarius yarrelli Sykes | Goonch | Kuldi | |
Family | - | CLARIIDAE | ||
Genus | - | Clarias Scopoli | ||
52 | Clarias batrachus Linnaeus | Magur | Ane meenu | |
Family | - | HETEROPNEUSTIDAE | ||
Genus | - | Heteropneustes Muller | ||
53 | Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) | Singhi | Chelu meenu | |
Order | - | Mugiliformes | ||
Family | - | MUGILIDAE | ||
Genus | - | Rhinomugil Gill | ||
54 | Rhinomugil corsula (Hamilton - Buchanan) | Corsula mullet | Natti kannu | |
Order | - | Beloniformes | ||
Sub order | - | Adrianichthyoidei | ||
Family | - | ADRIANICHTHYIDAE | ||
Subfamily | - | Horaichthyinae | ||
Genus | - | Horaichthys Kulkarni | ||
55 | Horaichthys setnai Kulkarni | Thready top minnow | Solle menu | |
Order | - | Cyprinodontiformes | ||
Family | - | APLOCHEILIDAE | ||
Subfamily | - | Aplocheilinae | ||
Genus | - | Aplocheilus Mc Clelland | ||
56 | Aplocheilus lineatus (Valenciennes ) | Killi fish | Moogu malli | |
Order | - | Synbranchiformes | ||
Suborder | - | MASTACEMBELOIDEI | ||
Family | - | Mastacembelidae | ||
Subfamily | - | Mastacembelinae | ||
Genus | - | Macrognathus Lacepede | ||
57 | Macrognathus aral (Bloch & Schneider) | Spiny Eel | Havu Meenu | |
Genus | - | Mastacembelus Scopoli | ||
58 | Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepede) | Spiny Eel | Havu Meenu | |
Order | - | Perciformes | ||
Suborder | - | Percoidei | ||
Family | - | CHANDIDAE (= AMBASSIDAE) | ||
Genus | - | Chanda (Hamilton - Buchanan) | ||
59 | Chanda nama (Hamilton - Buchanan) | Elongate Glass perchlet | Bachinke | |
Genus | - | Parambassis Bleeker | ||
60 | Parambassis ranga (Hamilton - Buchanan) | Glass fish | bachinke | |
Suborder | - | Labroidei | ||
Family | - | CICHLIDAE | ||
Genus | - | Oreochromis Gunther | ||
61 | Oreochromis mossambica (Peters) | Tilapia | Tilapia | |
Suborder | - | Gobioidei | ||
Family | - | GOBIIDAE | ||
Subfamily | - | Gobiinae | ||
Genus | - | Glossogobius Gill | ||
62 | Glossogobius giuris giuris(Hamilton Buchanam) | Tank goby | Bhangi sidda | |
Suborder | - | Anabantoidei | ||
Family | - | ANABANTIDAE | ||
Genus | - | Anabs Cuvier | ||
63 | Anabas testudineus (Bloch) | Climbing Perch | Koru meenu | |
Suborder | - | Channoidei | ||
Family | - | CHANNIDAE | ||
Genus | - | Channa Scopoli | ||
64 | Channa marulius (Hamilton - Buchanan) | Giant snake-head | Avulu | |
65 | Channa punctatus (Bloch) | Spotted snake- head | Korava | |
66 | Channa straitus (Bloch) | Stripped snake- head | Kuchuchu |
v CRUSTACEA | |
Class: Crustacea | |
Sub class: Malacostraca | |
Order: Decapode | |
Family: Potamonidae | |
1. Paratelphusa spp. | |
vi AMPHIBIA | |
Phylum: Chordata | |
Class: Amphibia | |
Order: Salentia | |
Suborder: Phaneroglossa | |
Family: RANIDAE | |
1. Rana cynophlyctes Schneider | |
vii REPTILIA | |
Order: Testudinata | |
Family: TRIONYCHIDAE | |
1. Lissemys punctata granosa (Schoepff) | |
Order: Squamata | |
Family: COLUBRIDAE | |
Subfamily: Homalopsinae 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). |
(b) Additionalinformation on species of significance:
Out of 65 fish species, 15 are listed under 'endangered, threatened or rare' category.
a. Tor khudree, |
b. Labeo calbasu |
c. Labeo fimbriatus |
d. Labeo kontius |
e. Gonoproktopterus dubius |
f. Neolissochilus hexagonolepis |
g. Cirrhinus cirrhosa |
h. Mystus malabaricus |
i. Mystus punctatus |
j. Ompok pabo |
k. Silonia childreni |
l. Pangasius pangasius |
m. Bagarius Yarrelli |
n. Nangra itchkeea |
o. Macrognathus aral |
1. Most common local name of the species language | Furnished |
2. Scientific name of the species | Furnished. |
3. Habitat favoured | Fluviatile conditions |
4. Value to local community | Fishes when multiply, they are likely to migrate both upstream and down stream. Some of these are likely to be caught by fishermen. |
5. Major uses / ill effects | Nil |
6. Value of global relevance (as, rare, threatened or endangered) | Tor khudree is a famous game fish and it has reached a threatened state. In addition, the fishes listed above are on decline. Therefore every effort should be taken to protect them. |
(C) History of magnificant species / variety
1. Most common name of the species | Indicated |
2. Scientific name | Indicated |
3. Most common local name of variety | Indicated |
4. Existing Management Authority | Department of Forest |
5. Fish breading season | June- July, August- December |
6. Fishing methods (Types of nets used) | Fishing prohibited |
7. Current level of abundance | Moderate |
8. Trend in abundance in last 10-15 / 40-50 years | In early 50s, the fishery was rich and thereafter, indicated gradual declining trend upto 90s. Now, for the last 10-13 years, the population is slightly improved. |
9. Significant ecological processes influencing the species/ varieties | The Forest Department is protecting the area. |
10. Significant man- induced processes influencing the species / variety | The Forest Department is protecting the area and prevent poaching. Population wise Tor khudree is showing marked improvement. |
11. Reasons for the on going change | The area is developed as a tourist centre, and there is significant change in the habitat. |
12. Gainers internal / external | Habitat, Tourists and Aquatic life. |
13. Losers internal / external | Nil |
14. Desired changes / Desired future | ishing should be totally banned in the area by declaring it as a "Sanctuary. Regular feeding should be organized, This will act as a insitu conservation for Mahseer fish species. |
15. Desired management system | A committee may be constituted represented by concerned Department to foresee the development and management of the fish congregation center. |
16. Suggested component for a feasible management plan for the species/variety | Because the feeding of fishes was initiated during 1990-91, the congregation of fishes developed near the hanging bridge. Now the tourist feed these fishes to some extent. But when there are no tourist fishes have to subsist on the natural food available. Some of the threatened species are in inhabiting in this area. It is not declared as a fish sanctuary to prevent poaching, poisoning, dynamiting etc.,. However, Forest department is protecting the area to some extent. In consultation with the Department of Fisheries, feeding of fishes may be organized besides declaring it as a 'Fish sanctuary' including the river surrounding the Nisargadhama area. Periodical survey of fish fauna may be conducted for ascertaining the species available. |
MANAGEMENT |
a) Perspective of others | |
1. Desired response options of different members of local or outside (communities / institutions / Government agencies / industrial or mining undertaking etc., to be recorded) | he Forest Department has taken interest in developing the island as a tourist centre. The river surrounding is also to some extent preventing poaching etc. The constant feeding of fishes near the hanging bridge, the fish species specially "Mahseer are found in large numbers. |
2. Significance of management issues and response options | The Department of Fisheries in collaboration with Forest Department may declare the entire river stretch surrounding the island as 'Sanctuary', provide additional protection, organize feeding, thus contribute for the rehabilitation of threatened fish species. |
3. Management issues pertaining to | |
a) Habitat and / or | As in 6 (2) above |
b) Species / Variety | As in 6 (2) above |
4. Customary / Administrative | A Committee represented by the Officers of the Forest, Fisheries and Tourism may be constituted to foresee the development of fisheries. |
5. Since how long the arrangements have been in practice | The proposal as at 6 (4) above may be put into practice. |
6. Changes, if any, in management pattern over last 10-15 / 40-50 years | Now no licences are issued for fishing. Fishery, to some extent, is protected. |
7. Desired changes / desired future | The area may be declared as a fish sanctuary. Feeding of fishes may be undertaken. |
8. Desired management system | As in 6 (4) above |
b) Perspective of Investigators | There are about 15 threatened species encountered in the area. These species are required to be protected. There is one Mahseer hatchery at Harangi which is presently not undertaking the breeding of Mahseer. The species found in Nisargadhama Cauvery may be collected and raised in the farm and bred and young ones produced may be transplanted in the Nisargadhama area. |
c) Desired and feasible pattern of management that should be promoted in the opinion of the investigators. | |
i) Declaring it as Sanctuary. | |
ii) Organise daily feeding of fishes. | |
iii) Collect juveniles of threatened species and raise them in the fish farm and later breed them so as to rehabilitate the species in the river Cauvery. | |
iv) A committee may be constituted to foresee the developmental activities. | |
d) Suggested strategy for promoting this desired patterns of management and the communication needs for the purpose | As in 6 (c) above |
e) Cultural, religious, recreational, scenic, tourist significance of the Hotspot | It is an important tourist centre as it is located in Coorg District. Facilities for tourists are existing like boating, safari, lodges, orchidarium etc., Cost of cottages - General Rs. 600/-, VIP Rs. 1500/- and Rs. 850/- |
f) Ecological evaluation of the Hotspot | Evaluation of flora and fauna of the area may be periodically undertaken to asses their status. |
g) Suggested follow-up investigations | Some of the threatened species of fishes found in river Cauvery around Nisargadhama may be protected by declaring the area as a 'Fish Sanctuary'. The selected species may be collected and raised in the near by fish farm and the young ones produced may be transplanted and investigations may be undertaken to assess their performance. |
h) Suggested follow-up investigation | As in 6 (g) above. |