AQUATIC
HOTSPOT
Ranganathittu |
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION |
Name of the Hotspot |
Ranganathittu |
Focal species |
Mahseer – Tor khudhree (Sykes). |
Coordinating Team Experience / Expertise |
Prof. Madhav Gadgil & Team |
Investigation Team |
H.N. Chandrashekharaiah, M.F. Rahman, K. Shyam Bhat and Dr. G. V. Kowtal |
Dates of data collection |
From 07.02.2004 & 08.02.2004 |
Process of data collection |
Field study and Interviews. |
Source of information |
1) Shri. S.N. Devaraj, Asst. Conservator, Wildlife, Sub-Division. |
Number of man-days consumed in data collection |
8 man – days |
SETTING |
Location |
Between Srirangapatnam to Krishnaraja Sagar. |
Area (in ha or Sq. km) |
6 Sq. Km |
Latitude / Longitude / Altitude. |
Lat 12 o .25', Long : 76 o -41' |
Village/Town/ Taluk/ District |
Ranganthittu /Srirangapatna / Mandya |
Maps (kind of map and scale) |
Enclosed |
Mode of access (Distance from Railway/Bus station) |
150 KM from Bangalore 6 KM from Srirangapatna K.R.S Road 15 km from Mysore. |
Facilities to stay closest to the Hotspot |
Inspection bungalow at Srirangapatna PWD and Mourya Hotel (KSTDC) , Private Hotels and Lodges at Srirangapatna. |
Tariff (if any) to be paid to visit the Hotspot |
Entrance fee Rs. 20/- per head + Rs. 20/- per head for Boat riding Parking charges for Buses Rs. 75/- and Cars Rs. 20/- |
Controlling authorities |
Department of Fisheries and Department of Forest. |
Classes of Landscape |
River Cauvery is surrounded by paddy and sugarcane fields and trees on the Banks of the river. |
Water body |
River Cauvery |
Human population |
Tourists |
Presence of Scheduled Tribes or Nomadic Tribes population. |
- |
Livestock |
- |
Irrigation status and Major crops |
Paddy, Sugar cane, etc |
Significant forest produce |
Green manure and firewood. |
Co-operative Societies and their transactions |
Ganjam Fishermen Co-operative Society, Srirangapatna. |
Significant fresh water fish productions |
Nil |
Disposal of fishing rights (Leasing / Auctioning / Licence) |
Not applicable (Protected area) |
Number and type of fishing crafts |
None |
Nearest fish landing centres |
Not applicable |
Availability of fish processing facilities |
None |
Mining and quarrying activities |
None |
Source and extent of air and water pollution |
Flow of pesticides from agricultural fields during rains. |
Prevalent of human diseases |
Not reported |
Prevalence of livestock diseases |
Not reported |
Educational Institutions | Nil |
Co-operative Societies | At Ganjam at Srirangapatna Taluk, there is one Fishermen Co-operative Society |
Youth Clubs | Nil |
Ladies Clubs | Nil |
Active NGOs |
Nil |
THREATS AND SUPPORTIVE RESTORATION ACTIVITIES |
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 |
Shri. S.N.Devaraj |
Protection to the sanctuary |
Protection of the habitat. |
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Local institutions |
Wildlife sub-Division, Dept. of Forest |
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Outside individuals |
Miscrients |
Dynamiting |
- |
Poaching |
Poaching |
Outside institutions |
|||||
Government agencies |
Dept of Forest |
Protecting the area |
Boating is organized for tourists |
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Industrial mining companies etc., |
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Any other agencies |
LIST OF KNOWLEDGE INDIVIDUALS |
Name |
Age group |
Sex |
Community |
Address of expertise |
Shri. Suresh |
40 years |
Male |
Fishermen |
Gaujam |
Shri. Ravi |
50 years |
Male |
Fishermen |
Gaujam |
Shri. Narayana swamy |
60 years |
Male |
Fishermen |
Srirangapatna |
Shri. Krishna |
50 years |
Male |
Raiyanakute |
|
Shri. Mahadev |
50 years |
Male |
Raiyanakute |
|
Shri. Shivaram |
50 years |
Male |
Raiyanakute |
|
Shri. Siddegowda |
45 years |
Male |
Raiyanakute |
|
Shri. S.N. Devaraj |
40 years |
Male |
Asst Conservator of Forest (Wild life Sub Division) |
|
Sri. Dinesh |
40 years |
Male |
Sr. Asst Director of Fisheries |
|
Dr. Ananth |
40 years |
Male |
Asst Director of fisheries. |
HABITATS |
a) | Preparation of sketch map of the landscape : | |
1. |
For zone of influence |
Village map enclosed |
2. |
For zone of influence |
Village map enclosed |
b) | Description of Habitat types : | |
1. |
Habitat type |
Riverine area |
2. |
Local name (if any) |
Ranganathittu |
3. |
Approximate total area (in ha) |
6 Sq. km |
4. |
Special significance of the habitat type (if any) |
Bird Sanctuary, place of nestingand breeding. Also fish species such as L.fimbriatus G. dubius P carnaticus. Tor khudree , used to be there in large numbers but their population, presently is declined. |
5. |
Management regimes |
Forest Department is managing the area – Good numbers of forage fishes are found in the area. |
6. |
Goods and services provided by the habitat |
Recreation, Bird watching. Nature has provided congenial conditions for the birds to migrate from far off countries, nests, breed and take their young after they attain adequate size. |
7. |
Bads and disservices provided by the habitat |
Nil |
8. |
Significant ecological processes influenced by the habitat |
Undisturbed area. Number of trees on the banks for and on island provide facilities for nesting. |
9. |
Significant man-induced processes influenced by the habitat |
Pesticides from neighbouring agricultural fields are likely to enter the river and may affect the aquatic life. Boating operations may disturb the brood stock. |
10. |
Interacting individuals and institutions (local) |
Forest Department and Department of Fisheries |
11. |
Activities |
Prevent poaching. Tourists, centre boating, recreational. |
12. |
Interacting individual and institutions (External) |
Tourists |
13. |
Activities |
Tourist feed the fishes |
c) | History of important habitat patches over 10-15 / 40-50 years : | |
1. |
Type and name of the habitat patch |
Ranganathittu |
2. |
Change in :- |
|
i |
Area |
Nil |
ii |
Vegetation strata |
Marginal change |
3. |
Aquatic habitat change in |
|
i |
Catchment area |
Nil |
ii |
Aquatic fauna |
Marginal changes |
iii |
Aquatic flora |
Nil |
4. |
Significant ecological processes influencing the habitat patch |
Rocky river, deep pools and marginal vegetation provide scope for fishes to breed and young to take shelter |
5. |
Significant man-induced processes influencing the habitat patch |
Nil |
6. |
Productivity of Goods and Services |
Nil |
7. |
Extent of Bads and Disservices |
Dynamiting, Poaching. |
8. |
Reasons for ongoing changes |
Population increase, tourists influx. |
9. |
Gainers |
Birds, fishes, tourists, Forest Department |
10. |
Loosers |
Nil |
11. |
Desired changes / Desired future |
Threatened fish species are required to be replenished and protected. |
12. |
Desired management system |
The Fisheries Department in collaboration with the Forest Department, may organize replenishment of endangered fish species and try to protect them. |
13. |
Suggested component for feasible management plan for the habitat patch |
A Committee consisting of Officials from Forest, Fisheries Society for Advancement of Aquaculture may be constituted for development and management of Hotspot. |
LIFE SCAPE |
i PLANKTON | |
PHYTOPLANKTON: | |
Myxophyceae: Spirulina | |
Chlorphyceae: Spirogyra | |
Bacillariophyceae: Synedra Fragillaria | |
ZOOPLANKTON: | |
Copepoda: Nauplius | |
Cladocera: Daphnia Ceriodaphnia | |
ii BENTHOS | |
a)Insects: | |
Order: Odonata | |
Sub order: Anisoptera | |
Family: LIBELLULIDAE | |
1. Urothemis signata (Rambur) | |
Order: Hemiptera | |
Family: GERRIDAE | |
2. Gerris spinolae Leth. and Sev | |
b)Molluscs: | |
Class: Gastropoda | |
Subclass: Prasobranchia | |
Order: Mesogastropoda | |
Family: VIVIPARIDAE | |
Sub family: Bellamyinae | |
Genus: Bellamya Jousseaune | |
1. Bellamya bengalensis (Lamark) | |
Class: Bivalvia | |
Subclass: Paleoheterodonta | |
Order: Unionida | |
Family: UNIONIDAE | |
Subfamily: Unioninae | |
Genus: Lamellidens Simpson | |
2. Lamellidens marginalis (Lamarck) | |
iii CRUSTACES | |
Class: Crustacea | |
Subclass: Malacostraca | |
Order: Decapoda | |
Family: POTAMONIDAE | |
1. Paratelphusa spp. | |
iv AMPHIBIA | |
Phylum: Chordata | |
Class: Amphibia | |
Order: Salentia | |
Sub order: Phaneroglossa | |
Family: RANIDAE | |
1. Rana cynophlyctes Schneider. | |
v AQUATIC WEEDS | |
Family: CYPERACEAE | |
Genus: Cyperus | |
1. Cyperus natans Linnaeus |
vi FISH | Scientific name |
Common English name |
Kannada name |
|
Order |
: |
Osteoglossiformes |
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Suborder |
: |
Notopteroidei |
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Family |
: |
NOTOPTERIDAE |
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Genus |
: |
Notopterus Lacepede |
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1 |
Notopterus notopterus (Pallas) |
Feather back |
Chamari |
|
Order |
: |
Cypriniformes |
||
Family |
: |
CYPRINIDAE |
||
Sub family |
: |
Danioninae (=Rasborinae) |
||
Tribe |
: |
Oxygasterini |
||
Genus |
: |
Salmostoma Swainson |
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2 |
Salmostoma clupeoides (Bloch) |
Black-razor-belly minnow |
Chalake |
|
3 |
Salmostoma untrachi (Day) |
Mahanadi – razor belly minnow |
Chalake |
|
Tribe |
: |
Danionini |
||
Genus |
: |
Isomus Swainson |
||
4 |
Esomus danricus (Hamilton-Buchanan) |
Flying barb |
Meese-pakke |
|
Genus |
: |
Danio (Hamilton – Buchanan) |
||
5 |
Danio aequipinnatus (Mc Clelland) |
Giant Danio |
Arshina Patte |
|
Genus |
: |
Rasbora Bleeker |
||
6 |
Rasbora daniconius (Hamilton-Buchanan) |
Black-line Rasbora |
Midun |
|
Genus |
: |
Amblypharyngodon Bleeker |
||
7 |
Amblypharyngodon mola (Hamilton Buchanan) |
Mola carplet |
Enapu-pakke |
|
Sub family |
: |
Cyprininae |
||
Tribe |
: |
Cyrinini |
||
Sub tribe |
: |
Cyprini |
||
Genus |
: |
Cyprinus Linnaeus |
||
8 |
Cyprinus carpio communis Linnaeus |
Common carp |
Samanya Gende |
|
Sub tribe |
: |
Tores |
||
Genus |
: |
Tor Gray |
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9 |
Tor Khudree (Sykes) |
Deccan Mahseer |
Bili meenu |
|
Genus |
: |
Neolissochilus Rain both |
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10 |
Neolissochilus hexagonolepis (Mc clelland) |
Chocolate Mahseer |
Bili meenu |
|
Sub tribe |
: |
Systomi |
||
Genus |
: |
Puntius Hamilton- Buchanan |
||
11 |
Puntius carnaticus (Jerdon) |
Carnatic Carp |
Machalu |
|
12 |
Puntius sarana sarana (Hamilton-Buchanan) |
Olive- barb |
Gende |
|
13 |
Puntius sophore (Hamilton-Buchanan) |
Spot-fin swampy barb |
Gud pakke |
|
14 |
Puntius ticto (Hamilton-Buchanan) |
Ticto barb |
Bud pakke |
|
Genus |
: |
Gonoproktopterus Bleeker |
||
15 |
Gonoproktopterus dubius (Day) |
Nilgiri carp |
Koorlu |
|
16 |
Gonoproktopterus micropogon micropogon (Valenciennes) |
Korhi barb |
Chitta Koorlu |
|
Tribe |
: |
Labeonini |
||
Subtribe |
: |
Labeones |
||
Genus |
: |
Cirrhinus Oken |
||
17 |
Cirrhinus cirrhosa (Bloch) |
Cauvery Carp |
Arja |
|
18 |
Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton-Buchanan) |
Mrigal |
Mrigal |
|
19 |
Cirrhinus reba (Hamilton-Buchanan) |
Reba |
Arja |
|
Genus |
: |
Catla Valenciennes |
||
20 |
Catla catla (Hamilton-Buchanan) |
Catla |
Catla |
|
Genus |
: |
Labeo Cuvier |
||
21 |
Labeo calbasu (Hamilton Buchanan) |
Calbasu |
Kem-machalu |
|
22 |
Labeo fimbriatus (Bloch) |
Fimbriatus |
Kem-meenu |
|
23 |
Labeo rohita (Hamilton-Buchanan) |
Rohu |
Rohu |
|
Sub family |
: |
Oreininae |
||
Genus |
: |
Garra Hamilton-Buchanan |
||
24 |
Garra gotyla stenorhynchus (Jerdon) |
Nilgiri Garra |
Kallu Korava |
|
Family |
: |
BALITORIDAE |
||
Sub family |
: |
Nemacheilinae |
||
Genus |
: |
Schistura Mc Clelland |
||
25 |
Schistura denisoni denisoni (Day) |
Nemacheilus |
Murangi |
|
Genus |
: |
Mesonemacheilus Banarascu and Nalbant |
||
26 |
Mesonemacheilus pulchellus (Day) |
Nemacheilus |
Murangi |
|
Order |
: |
Siluriformes |
||
Family |
: |
BAGRIDAE |
||
Sub family |
: |
Bagrinae |
||
Genus |
: |
Mystus scopoli |
||
27 |
Mystus cavasius (Hamilton Buchanan) |
Gangetic Mystus |
Girlu |
|
Family |
: |
SILURIDAE |
||
Genus |
: |
Ompok Lacepade |
||
28 |
Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch) |
Butterfish |
Godle |
|
Genus |
: |
Wallago Bleeker |
||
29 |
Wallago attu (Schneider) |
Freshwater Shark |
Bala |
|
Order |
: |
Mugiliformes |
||
Family |
: |
MUGILIDAE |
||
Genus |
: |
Rhinomugil Gill |
||
30 |
Rhinomugil corsula (Hamilton Buchanan) |
Mullet |
Natti Kannu |
|
Order |
: |
Cyprinodontiformes |
||
Family |
: |
APLOCHEILIDAE |
||
Sub family |
: |
Aplocheilinae |
||
Genus |
: |
Aplocheilus Mc Clelland |
||
31 |
Aplocheilus lineatus (Valenciennes) |
Killi fish |
Moogu-malli |
|
Family |
: |
POECILIDAE |
||
Subfamily |
: |
Poecilinae |
||
Genus |
: |
Gambusia Poey |
||
32 |
Gambusia affinis (Baird & Girard) |
Gamubsia |
Sole meenu |
|
Order |
: |
Synbranchiformes |
||
Suborder |
: |
Mastacembeloidei |
||
Family |
: |
MASTACEMBELIDAE |
||
Sub family |
: |
Mastacembelinae |
||
Genus |
: |
Mastacembelus Scopoli |
||
23 |
Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepede) |
Spiny Eel |
Havu meenu |
|
Order |
: |
Perciformes |
||
Sub order |
: |
Percoidei |
||
Family |
: |
CHANDIDAE (=AMBASSIDAE) |
||
Genus |
: |
Chanda (Hamilton-Buchanan) |
||
34 |
Chanda nama (Hamilton-Buchanan) |
Glass perchlet |
Bachinke |
|
Genus |
: |
Parambassis Bleeker |
||
35 |
Parambassis ranga (Hamilton – Buchanan) |
Glass fish |
Bachinku |
|
Sub order |
: |
Labroidei |
||
Family |
: |
Cichlidae |
||
Genus |
: |
Oreochromis Gunther |
||
36 |
Oreochromis mossambica (Peters) |
Tilapia |
Tilapia |
|
Suborder |
: |
Gobioidei |
||
Family |
: |
GOBIIDAE |
||
Subfamily |
: |
Gobiinae |
||
Genus |
: |
Glossogobius Gill |
||
37 |
Glossogobius giuris giuris(Hamilton-Buchanan) |
Tank Goby |
Bhangi Sidda |
|
Suborder |
: |
Channoidei |
||
Family |
: |
CHANNIDAE |
||
Genus |
: |
Channa Scopoli |
||
38 |
Channa marulius (Hamilton-Buchanan) |
Gaint Snake-head |
Avulu |
|
39 |
Channa punctatus (Bloch) |
Spotted Snake-head |
Korava |
|
40 |
Channa striatus (Bloch) |
Stripped Snake-head |
Kuchchu |
v CRUSTACEA: | |
Class: Crustacea | |
Sub class: Malacostraca | |
Order: Decapoda | |
Family: POTAMONIDAE | |
1. Paratelphusa spp. | |
2. Paratel phusa spp. | |
vi AMPHIBIA: | |
Phylum: Chordata | |
Class: Amphibia | |
Order: Salentia | |
Sub-Order: Phaneroglossa | |
Family: RANIDAE | |
1. Rana cynophlyctes (Schneider) | |
vii REPTILIA: | |
Order: Testudinata | |
Family: TRIONCHIDAE | |
1. Lissemys punctata (Bonnatera) | |
Order: Loricata | |
Family: CROCODILIDAE | |
2. Crocodilus palustris (Lesson) | |
Order: Squamata | |
Family: COLUBRIDAE | |
Sub family: Homalopsinae | |
3. Natrix piscator (Linnaeus) | |
viii AVES: | |
Class: Aves | |
Family: PHALACROCORACIDAE | |
Genus: Anhinga | |
1. Phalacrocorax niger-Little Cormorant | |
2. Anhinga rufa-Darter / Snake- bird | |
Family: ARDEIDAE | |
3. Ardea cinerea-Grey Heron | |
4. Ardea purpurea-Eastern Purple Heron | |
5. Ardeola grayii-Pond Heron | |
6. Egretta garzetta-Little Egret | |
7. Nycticorax nycticorax-Night Heron | |
Family: CICONIIDAE | |
8. Mycteria leucocephala-Painted Stork | |
9. Anastomus oscitans-Open-billed Stork | |
10. Ciconia spiscopus-White-necked Stork | |
Family: THRESKIORNITHIDAE | |
11. Pseudibis papillosa-White Ibis | |
12. Platella Ieucorodia-Spoon Bill | |
Family ANATIDAE | |
13. Dendrocygna javanica-Lesser Wistling Teal | |
Family: BURHINIDAE | |
14. Esacus magnirostris-Great Stone Plover | |
Family: LARIDAE | |
15. Sterna aurantia-Indian River Tern | |
Family: ALCEDINIDAE | |
16. Ceryle rudis-Lesser Pied King fisher | |
17. Halcyon smyrnensis-White Breaster kingfisher | |
ix AQUATIC MAMMALS: | |
Subfamily: Lutrinae | |
Genus: Lutra | |
1. Aonyx Cinerea nirnai (Pocock) |
(b) Additionalinformation on species of significance:
Most common local name of the species (Language ) |
Indicated |
Scientific name of the species |
Indicated |
Habitat favoured |
Fluviatile conditions and deep pools in the habitat. |
Value to local community |
Fishes breed and add to the population which will be caught in up-stream and down stream of the sanctuary. |
Major uses / Ill-effects |
Recreation; fishes form the food of birds. |
Value of global relevance (as rare, threatened or endangered) |
There are some threatened species of fishes which are to be protected. |
(C) History of magnificant species / variety
Most common name of the species |
Mahseer |
Scientific name |
Tor khudree (Sykes) |
Most common local name of variety / species |
Bili meenu |
Existing management authority |
Forest Department |
Fish breeding season |
Monsoon and Post- monsoon. |
Fishing methods (Types of nets used) |
Not applicable |
Current level of abundance |
Moderate |
Trend in abundance in last 10-15 / 40-50 years |
Comparatively fishery is declined in species. Composition, sizes and numbers. |
Significant ecological processes influencing the species |
The flow of water is reduced which has the direct impact on fish . |
Significant man-induced processes influencing the species |
Dynamiting |
Reasons for the ongoing change |
Increased fish population |
Gainers – Internal / External |
Nature, Tourists |
Loosers – Internal / External |
Nil |
Desired changes / desired future |
In the interest of providing adequate fish food for the birds, it is necessary to replenish the stocks and provide protection. |
MANAGEMENT |
a) |
Perspective of others |
|
1. |
Desired response option of different members of local or outside. communities / institution / government agencies / industrial or mining undertaking etc. |
The importance of the Hotspot is significant as a “Bird Sanctuary” commanding international recognition, visitors desire that proper protection should be given to birds nests and their young once. Disturbances should be strictly avoided. |
2. |
Significance of management issue and response options |
Some of the trees existed earlier have now disappeared. Trees of suitable species variety, facilitating nesting for birds should be planted both in the margin of river stretch and on islands. |
3. |
Management issue pertaining to Habitat and / or Species / Variety |
Since the flow of water is reduced suitable measures should be taken to allow water from KR Sagar. The species of birds visiting and their way of life may be studied. In addition, the food of birds i.e fishes play a vital role. Therefore periodical survey of fish population may be undertaken and efforts should be made to improve the fish stocks. |
4. |
Customary / Administrative |
Fisheries Department has prohibited fishing from 1964 onwards. |
5. |
Since how long the arrangements have been in practice |
Since 1964 |
6. |
Changes, if any, in management pattern over last 10-15 / 40-50 years |
Nil |
7. |
Desired changes / Desired future |
Threatened birds and fishes should be protected. |
8. |
Desired management system |
A Committee represented by the officials of the Forest, Fisheries, Society for Advancement of Aquaculture and bird watchers may be constituted to develop and manage the birds as well as fish sanctuary. |
b) |
Perspective of Investigators |
Survey of avian and fish fauna may be conducted and measures taken to improve the habit. A name board indicating do's and don'ts may be installed. There is old board indicating names of few fish species recorded earlier in the sanctuary. But based on the present study the list of fish species recorded now is enclosed a board detailing the names may be installed. |
c) |
Desired and feasible pattern of management that should be promoted in the opinion of the investigators |
As at 6 (a) 8 |
d) |
Suggested strategy for promoting this desired patterns of management and the communication needs for the purpose. |
As (a) 1 to 8 |
e) |
Cultural, religious, recreational, scenic, tourist significance of the Hotspot |
Recreational, Scenic, Tourist. |
f) |
Ecological evaluation of the Hotspot |
Moderately managed ‘Hotspot' |
g) |
Suggested follow-up investigations |
As in 6 (b) |
h) |
Any other suggested follow-up |
A Committee of represented by the concerned Departments may be constituted to foresee the development and management of the Sanctuary / Hot spot. |