Location

Shishila Mathsyatheertha is in Kapila river.

Area (in ha)

2.5 ha

Latitude / Longitude / Altitude.

Lat : 13 o 05', Long : 75 o 23'

Village/Town/ Taluk/ District

Shishila /Shishila / Belthangadi / Dakshina Kannada

Maps (kind of map and scale)

Enclosed

Mode of access (Distance from Railway/Bus station)

From Mangalore, Shishila is 110 kms away on Mangalore-Uppinangadi, Arasinamakki-Shibaje Road. From Belthangady, it is 40 kms on Belthangady, Dharmasthala-Shishila route.

Facilities to stay closest to the Hotspot

Lodging facilities at Belthangady, Ujre and Uppinagadi.

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

No

Controlling authorities

Department of Fisheries. The Shishileswara temple authorities and local youth club members “Maysya Hitharakshana Vedike' looks after locally.

Classes of Landscape

Forest, Agricultural land and perennial river.

Water bodies

The Shishila fish sanctuary is situated in Kapila river. The river Kapila, originating at a place called “Devaramane” in Gutti Village of Mudigere taluk of Chikmagalore district, also takes-in the waters of a river let “Bairavi” and flows westwards though Shishila, Kokkada, Kowkradi, Nidle, Patrame villages before joining river Netravathi at Koodali Pathikallu. The width of the river near the temple is 60 meters. The area declared as sanctuary in the river is four kilometers.

Human population

According to census of 1971 is 1235, 1981 is 1556 and estimate of 2000 is 2600. This population is mainly made up of people belonging to the communities of “Mogera, Nalike, Malekudiya, Gouda, and Billavas. Brahmins of “Chithpavana, Shivalli and other sects came during the last 400 years period.

Presence of Scheduled Tribes or Nomadic Tribes population.

Malekudiya, Mogera, Nalike and Marati Nayaks are the main tribal people living here.

Areca, Coconut, Paddy, Rubber and Cocoa are mainly grown here. Banana, Pepper, Coffee and Cardamom are grown as inter crops. Few people also cultivate Ginger, Turmeric, Pineapple and Cashew.

The speciality of local irrigation is community seasonal barrages and canal irrigation. Totally 10 such barrages are built across the river every year during summer. Besides these, lift irrigation by using pump sets are also in use.

Cooperative societies and their transactions.

No society related to fisheries activities is functioning in the area.

Significant fresh water fish production

Fish production in the village is negligible. Most fish eaters get marine fish regularly from coastal landing centres. However, outside the sanctuary area people belonging to S.C, S.T and B.C groups who are labourers, fish using hooks and nets of traditional type.

Disposal of fishing rights (Leasing / Auctioning / Licence)

The Department of Fisheries is not leasing, licensing or auctioning the fishing rights of the river stretch.

Number and types of fishing crafts

Theppas; few in numbers.

Nearest fish landing center

None

Availability of fish processing facilities

None

Mining and quarrying activities

None

Source and extent of air and water pollution

Pollution in the river is negligible and limited to the use of pesticides for agricultural operations. No point pollution of industrial or urban source exists in the village or in the upper stretches of the river.

Prevalence of human diseases

Not on record

Prevalence of livestock diseases

Not reported

Educational Institutions

Primary School

Shishileswara Temple Trust is the most important local organization responsible in developing the fish sanctuary. Besides guarding and regularly feeding rice to the fishes, they are also encouraging devotees to feed the fishes by making available the feed in the temple. “Matsya-Hitarkashana-Vedike” is the local association formed after the 1996 fish kill to safe guard the sacred fishes. Dharmasthala Rural Development Programme is also under implementation in the village since 1980 for the overall upliftment of the area.

Active NGOs

NIL

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

Shishileswara

Temple Trust

Religious protection and feeding of fishes

Nil

Local institutions

Matsya Hitarakshana Vedike

Social Awareness

Nil

Outside individuals

Dharmasthala Rural Development Programme

Social and scientific education

Nil

Outside institutions

Fisheries Department

Financial aid and legal support.

Nil

Government agencies

Forest Department

Environmental support

Nil

Industrial mining companies etc.,

-

-

-

Any other agencies

Devotees / Villagers

Sacred belief protection and feeding of fishes

-

Name

Age

Sex

Community

Address

Sri. B. Jayarama Nellithaya

40

Male

Brahmin

Shishila 574198

Ph : 08251-634223 Office : 08256-317186

Sri. Veerappa Gowda

50

Male

Gowda

Shishila : 574198

Ph : 08251-634275

Sri. Babu Poojari

55

Male

Poojari

Shishila : 574198

Ph : 634268

Sri. Ratnaraja Hegde

50

Male

Jain

V.P. Secretary

Ph : 364265

1.

For zone of influence

Enclosed

b)

Description of Habitat types :

1.

Habitat type

The river Shishila is unique in that it provides water to all animals and agriculturists perennially. The forest cover and the western ghat ranges give precipitation from April to November. The agriculturists of the village build temporary barrages every year to feed water to the adjoining fields by gravity. Totally ten, (four below and six above the temple) summer bundhs are put up across the river jointly by the participating agriculturists. Water is impounded in these up to 15' to 20' and by April when rains start, these get cut open for free flow of flood water. According to Sri. Jayarama Nellithaya, the sacred fishes (Mahseer) move up or down and get congregated in front of the temple in the river or upstream at “Mccnagundi” area about 1 km above the temple in the river. The fishes migrate like this when people start the construction every year. Of course small and young fishes left in the impoundment locally called “Katta” grow and join the stream on the on- set of monsoon when the flow gets normal. The watershed is mainly western ghat reserve forest area. The riparian land in the village is mainly agricultural. Hydro modification is limited to the construction of local barrages and river side agricultural activities. Encroachment and sedimentations are less ; the bottom is almost clear with sand, gravel, boulders and black granite rocks. The water flow is swift and deep at several places due to gorged hilly banks bordering the agricultural lands.

2.

Local name (if any)

Matsya theertha.

3.

Approximate total area (in ha)

The fish congregation is about 50 square meters, and the sanctuary area of the river is 4000 meters length and 60 meters width of the river (About 25 hectares)

4.

Special significance of the habitat type (if any)

The river Kapila is rich in biodiversity and a home for the recruitment of young ones of Mahseer fishes.

5.

Management regimes

When and how the fish sanctuary was developed is not clearly known? It is believed that it's development is as old as the temple here. Peoples' belief is the fishes as sacred and represents God. The custom of feeding them with rice as an offering to the local deity must have developed faith, fear and belief, leading finally to total protection. Stories built by local people on illness and death caused because of killing and / or eating the sacred fishes also might have built a support for this aquatic wild- life protection. Reports state that the then Collector of the district, Mr. Cotchman who visited the site in 1930 for revenue collection, wanted to eat the fishes. But when they were caught and taken to his camp, he saw full of blood in the container in which the fishes were kept . This made him to believe on the sanctity attached to the fishes and he declared the area as a ‘fish sanctuary'. On 22 nd October 1930 Development Department, Government of Madras, issued a notification prohibiting fishing in the river in Shishila village (Notification appended). This appears to be the first fish conservation and Protection order perhaps in the Country. The process of protection and feeding of fishes is being managed by the temple authorities and the people of the village. Villagers are always alert on the river course and intimate fellow villagers by a vocal whistle when ever any body is seen trying to fish. All villagers cooperate and control poaching.

The legal and developmental aspects of the managements are looked after by the Department of Fisheries Government of Karnataka. Observation and feeding platform was constructed here with the financial assistant of Rupees One Lakh. The Government of Karnataka in their notification No. AHF / 336 / SFM 1996 dated : 23 rd March , 1998 prohibited fishing in Shishila river for a length of 2 kms above and 2 km below Shishila temple. So, totally 4 kms of the river is protected, under the Indian Fisheries Act of 1897. Thus the local Temple Trust, Matsya Samrakshana Vedike and the Department of Fisheries play major role in the management of the sanctuary.

6.

Goods and services provided by the habitat

The river water sustains several species of aquatic animals including fish. For terrestrial animals, water for drinking and to the human populace, for all his needs. The village's agriculture entirely depends on barrage water.

7.

Bads and disservices provided by the habitat

Not significant

8.

Significant ecological processes influenced by the habitat

Longer rainy season swift current and presence of several feeder streams with good nursery area provide ideal environment to the endangered Mahseer .

9.

Significant man-induced processes influenced by the habitat type

The construction of river barrages during summer months create depth in pools which inturn, provide good habitat to aquatic life. These barrages or “Kattes” are made up of mainly mud and stones. The cost of each Katte said to be around Rs. 15 - 20 thousand which shared by the participants. They hold 20 to 25 feet water. 10 such Kattes are located at Holegandi, Padaya, Polippu 1, Polippu 2, Jatti, Girijana colony 1, Girijana colony 2, Ummanthimaru, Meenagundi and Addole.

10.

Interacting individuals and institutions (local)

The Shishileswara Temple Trust, Shishila : 574 198 Tel No. 08251 – 634321

11.

Interacting individuals and institutions (External)

Deputy Director of Fisheries Mangalore and Assistant Director of Fisheries Mangalore.

12.

Activities (Conservation efforts)

The local people under the Matsya samrakshana Vedike protects and help to conserve the endangered Mahseer PERUVOLU MEENU). They maintain day and night vigil on the fishes when required. They are responsible for constructing the fish memorial of 1996 disaster, when truck loads of Mahseer died in Mathsy theretha and all along the river when miscreants poisoned the pool.

13.

Worst disaster

It was on 25.05.1996 morning that the fishes of Shishila faced their end in the pesticide poison mixed waters of the river. Group clash on fish catch among local people in the area lead to poisoning of the river which made the flowing water, at all points, unfit for drinking, bathing and for the survival of aquatic animals of all kinds. Drinking water was supplied in tankers to the village and down stream places. The sight of fishes jumping and dieing in distress was pathetic. According to local reports, 14 lorry loads of fishes died. Some of them weighed up to 50 kgs. In two days more than 250 people worked to collect and burry the dead fishes. More than 6 tons of lime was used to burry the fishes. Thousands of people gathered and witnessed; the incident was covered in all News papers and media. The subject was also raised in the State Legislative Assembly by many members. This event lead to two major developments, namely wide spread awareness on fish conservation and renovation of Shishila temple, fish sanctuary.

1.

Type and name of the habitat patch

Shishila Fish Sanctuary

2.

Change in :-

i

Area

Not much

ii

Vegetation strata

Except of agricultural development of the village and consequent changes of normal nature.

3.

Aquatic habitat change in

i

Catchment area

No significant change

ii

Aquatic fauna

No significant change

iii

Aquatic flora

No significant change

4.

Significant ecological processes influencing the habitat patch

Not significant

5.

Significant man-induced processes influencing the habitat patch

Renovation of the temple, and improvement of the river bank near the sanctuary for observation and feeding

6.

Productivity of Goods and Services

Supply of fish feeding material and local guidance has enhanced the number of visitors to the Hot spot.

7.

Extent of Bads and Disservices

Not observed

8.

Reasons for ongoing changes

Not significant as the people of the area practice traditional cultivation and irrigation.

9.

Gainers

Agriculturists, pilgrims visitors and the habitat.

10.

Losers

None.

iv FISH SPECIES :

Scientific name

Common English name

Kannada name

Order

:

Cypriniformes

Family

:

CYPRINIDAE

Subfamily

:

Danioninae (=Rasborinae)

Tribe

:

Oxygasterini

Genus

:

Salmostoma Swainson

1

Salmostoma acinaces (Valenciennes)

Silver – razor belly minnow

Sampaj

2

Salmostoma clupeoides (Bloch)

Black razor belly minnow

Orali

Genus

:

Barilius Hamilton-Buchanan

3

Barilius gatensis (Valenciennes)

River carp Baril

Agasagitti meenu

Tribe

:

Danioni

Genus

:

Rasbora Bleeker

4

Rasbora daniconius (Hamilton-Buchanan)

Black-line Rasbora

Golai

Sub family

:

Cyprininae

Tribe

:

Cyprinini

Subtribe

:

Tores

Genus

:

Tor Gray

5

Tor khudree (Sykes)

Deccan Mahseer

Bili meenu

Genus

:

Neolissochilus Rainboth

6

Neolissochilus heagonolepis (McCleland)

Katli Mahseer

Bili meenu

Tribe

:

Systomi

Genus

:

Puntius Hamilton-Buchanan

7

Puntius amphibious (Valenciennes)

Scarlet-banded Barb

Gende

8

Puntius faciatus faciatus (Day)

Melon Barb

Pakke

9

Puntius filamentosus (Valenciiennes)

Black spot Barb

Kijan

10

Puntius sarana sarana

(Hamilton-Buchanan)

Olive Barb

Gende

11

Puntius ticto (Hamilton – Buchanan)

Ticto Barb

Bud Pakke

Subfamily

:

Oreininae

Genus

:

Garra (Hamilton-Buchanan)

12

Garra gotyla stenorhynchus (Jerdon)

Nilgiri Garra

Kallu- Korava

Family

:

BALITORIDAE

Sub family

:

Nemacheilinae

Genus

:

Schistura (McClelland)

13

Schistura denisoni denisoni (Day)

Nemacheilus

Murangi

Order

:

Cyprinodontiformes

Family

:

APLOCHEILIDAE

Subfamily

:

Aplocheilinae

Genus

:

Aplocheilus Mc Clelland

14

Aplocheilus lineatus (Valenciennes)

Killi fish

Moogu Malli

Order

:

Synbranchiformes

Suborder

:

Mastacembeloidei

Family

:

MASTACEMBELIDAE

Subfamily

:

Mastacembelinae

Genus

:

Mastacembelus Scopoli

15

Mastacembelus armatus (Lacepede)

Spiny Eel

Havu meenu

Order

:

Perciformes

Suborder

:

Gobiodei

Family

:

GOBIIDAE

Subfamily

:

Gobiinae

Genus

:

Glossogobius Gill

16

Glossogobius giuris giuris (Hamilton-Buchanan)

Tank Goby

Bhangi sidda

Sub order

:

Channoidei

Family

:

CHANNIDAE

Genus

:

Channa Scopoli

17

Channa marulius (Hamilton – Buchanan)

Gaint Snake head

Avulu

18

Channa orientlis (Schneider)

Asiatic Snake head

Mottu

19

Channa striatus (Bloch)

Stripped Snake head

Kuchchu

Most common local name of the species (Language )

Peruvol meenu (Tulu)

Scientific name of the species

Tor khudree (Sykes)

Habitat favoured

Running water, – with no pollution

Value to local community

The fish is worshipped by pilgrims and visitors enjoy the scenery of fish congregation.

Major uses / Ill-effects

Keep the water clean and attracts large number of visitors.

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

This is one of the famous game fish in the Country, listed as ‘endangered'. It is therefore necessary to protect the species.

Most common name of the species

Mahseer

Scientific name

Tor khudree (Sykes)

Most common local name of variety

Peruvol

Existing management authority

Department of Fisheries, Shishileswara Temple Trust and Mathsya-Hitarakshana Vedike.

Fish breeding season

Monsoon (Other fish species)

Post monsoon (Mahseer)

Fishing methods (Types of nets used)

Not applicable since fishing is prohibited in the area.

Current level of abundance

Tor khudree is the dominating fish

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

Earlier to 1996, Mahseer used to be there in large numbers. The fish kill incidence of 25.05.1996 has greatly reduced its population. Now with greater vigil and conservation process its population is picking-up.

Significant ecological processes influencing the species / varieties

Clean and well-oxygenated river water and amenable habitat with the availability of natural food.

Significant man-induced processes influencing the species / variety

Management measures such as round the clock vigil, provision of supplementary feed, etc.

Reasons for the ongoing change

The fish is being treated as a ‘sacred one' and is worshiped since a long time.

Gainers – Internal / External

Habitat, Mahseer fish (in particular), pilgrims, visitors, academicians and researchers.

Loosers – Internal / External

None

Desired changes / desired future

Deepening / desilting of the fish congregating pool, is required to be undertaken; provision of supplementary food in the form of cooked rice etc., be effected and constant vigil by the authorities concerned will auger well for the development of the fish congregating centre which should be declared as a “Fish Sanctuary” by a Government Notification.

Desired management system

A Committee may be constituted represented by Department of Fisheries, Forest, Tourism and Temple Trust to over see the conservation and developmental measures of the Hotspot. Department of Fisheries should earmark sufficient funds towards feeding of fishes programme and related activities.

Suggested component for a feasible management plan for the species variety

A detailed fish faunistic survey may be carried –out to locate the breeding and nursery grounds in the upstream and lower stretches of the river in order to salvage and transplant the seed in the present fish congregating centre to further enrich it by its (Mahseer) population in particular.

1.

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

To declare the area as a “Fish Sanctuary”. Enough funds be made available towards up grading of the area and for provisions of supplementary food to the fishes, regular watch and ward and suitable river crossing facility for the pilgrims, tourists, academicians, researchers etc., to visit the temple and the fish congregating center.

2.

Significance of management issues and response options

For the overall development of ‘fish congregating center', a Committee with representation from Department of Fisheries, Forest, Tourism and Temple Trust may be constituted. Temple Trust be financed adequately to employ regular watch and ward and fish feeding schedule.

3.

Management issues pertaining to

a)

Habitat and / or

As highlighted in 6(a-1 & 2 above).

b)

Species / Variety

Fish faunistic studies and in particular to Tor khudree, its breading and nursery grounds be located to enrich its population in the present fish congregating center by salvaging and transplanting its seed.

4

Customary / Administrative

Temple Trust with the active support of the Department of Fisheries, Forest and Tourism, be empowered to oversee the management issues pertaining to the fish congregation center.

5.

Since how long the arrangements have been in practice

Presently, Temple Trust, with the active administrative, technical and financial support of the Department of Fisheries is looking after the well-being of the Hotspot. This practice is there for the past few years only.

6.

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

Not significant

7.

Desired changes / Desired future

As detailed in 6 (a-1-4 above)

8.

Desired management system

As detailed in 6 (a-1-4 above)

b)

Perspectives of Investigators

As detailed in 6(a-1-4 above)

c)

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

•  To declare the area as a “Fish Sanctuary”

•  A committee with representation from Department of Fisheries, Forest, Tourism and Temple Trust be constituted to oversee the development and improvement of the Hotspot, Name boards indicating Do's / Don'ts and the list of fish species recorded be displayed.

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, tourists significance of the Hotspot

The locals considers the fishes in the Hotspot as ‘God-incarnation; hence they devotedly pray and makes offerings. The normal visitor / tourist view the fish assemblage from the recreational point and of at scenic importance and a researcher evince interest in pursuing investigative endevours with reference to this ( Tor khudree) endangered game fish of India.

f.

Ecological evaluation of the Hotspot

The ‘Hotspot' located amidst serene forest environment with congregating fish species is both enchanting and educative. The center deserves concerted efforts towards its development and management. It could be an avenue to pursue research and developmental studies with reference to famous game fish of India. Tor khudree its food and feeding habits, breeding and recruitment.

g.

Suggested follow-up investigations

A Committee represented by officers from the Departments of Fisheries, Forest, Tourism, members of the Temple Trust and Society for Advancement of Aquaculture be constituted to look-after the overall development and maintenance of the Hotspot. A detailed fish faunistic study may be organized to locate the breeding and nursery grounds of Tor khudree to further improve the existing fish congregating center and to take action to establish such fish assemblages in nearby amenable and secure areas.

h.

Any other suggested follow-up

As in 6-(g) above.