Theme 4: Forests and Wildlife Paper 1 | Paper 2
 

Faunal assemblages in Myristica swamps of Central Western Ghats , Karnataka , India

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1. Abstract  
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Western Ghats of India is one among the 25 global biodiversity hotspots. It is experiencing large-scale loss of forest cover in recent years due to lack of integrated approaches in developmental planning. Rapid land cover changes in the region have led to the removal of large patches of forests with the associated vital ecosystems. Myristica swamps are one such threatened ecosystem that is still found in these remnant patches of forests. They are unquestionably invaluable assets for an evolutionary biologist, as the family Myristicaceae is considered as ‘living fossils' due to its primitive origin. This paper focuses on Myristica swamps of Uttara Kannada district based on the survey of five swamps. The dominant tree species are Myristica fatua var. magnifica and Gymnacranthera canarica . Apart from these tree species, an endemic palm Pinanga dicksonii is prominent in all the surveyed swamps. Some of the swamps contain rare and a new tree species, Semecarpus kathalekanensis . These swamp trees show adaptations such as knee roots and stilt roots. In surveyed swamps, a total of 64 tree species are enumerated apart from the 24 species of shrubs and herbs, which include 8 species of Pteridophytes.

These swamps also harbour many endemic and endangered fauna of the Western Ghats which is evident from the six species of damselflies including Phylloneura westermanni, which is a range extension from Coorg, 109 species of butterflies, 16 species of fishes, 29 species of amphibians, 59 species of birds and 22 species of reptiles. About 15 species of mammals found in these swamps, which include an endemic and endangered primate Lion tailed macaque ( Macaca silenus ). The Myristica swamps in this region are in the verge of extinction due to rampant illegal conversions to agricultural lands and areca plantations. Rich biodiversity of swamps along with their evolutionary significance demands immediate policy measures to conserve these Myristica swamps— fragile ecosystems in remnant forest patches of Uttara Kannada.

2. Introduction

 
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Tropical forests, which harbour most of the world's plant diversity, continue to be destroyed at unprecedented rates (Myers et al., 2000; Pittman & Jorgenson 2002). The faunal species associated with these forests are also affected by one or another reason. The wet evergreen forests of the Western Ghats of India are one of the global biodiversity hotspots, being rich in biodiversity and endemic species (Myers et al ., 2000), is also under the threat of deforestation. It harbors some of the relic elements in the remnant forests which, are in patchy distribution. Myristica swamps are one such threatened ecosystems occur in these remnant forests of Western Ghats. They are undoubtedly priceless assets for the evolutionary biologist, since many features of Myristicaceae are primitive in origin and hence regarded as ‘living fossils'.

What are Myristica swamps?

Swamps are wetlands dominated by woody plants. They have fairly deep water and minimal growth of emergent plants. A marsh, though sometimes used synonymous with the swamp is more applicable to a large area of wetland where the dominant vegetation consists of low lying grasses, rushes and sedges. Swamps have a high water table and occur near rivers, streams, and lakes. The soils are saturated (or soaked) with water. The soil is thick, black, and nutrient-rich providing an environment for water tolerant trees and other organisms. Freshwater swamps occur in many parts of the world,

Valleys of Mississippi and its tributaries, in Sweden, Odzala National Park, Congo, in the Malaysian region, Papua New Guinea, Swamp forests fringe the Amazon and its tributaries etc. In India, freshwater swamps are reported from the Siwalik and Doon Valley and the Brahmaputra Valley (Rao, 1994).

Myristica swamp is any fresh water swamp where any one or both any one or both of the exclusive swamp growing trees of the family Myristicaceae namely Gymnacranthera canaria or Myristica fatua var. magnifica are present. These swamp species may occur in association with some other, usually evergreen trees having varied degrees of flood tolerance.

Distribution of Myristica swamps

Davis et al. (1934), in their Working plan for North Mangalore Forest Divison Madras reported about “ swampy evergreens” with Myristica spp. confined to low lying poorly drained areas, without specifying the exact locations. However, KrIishnamoorthy (1960) reported Myristica swamp, for the first time, as a special type of habitat from Travancore. These swamps were found in the valleys of Shendurney, Kulathupuzha and Anchal forest ranges in the southern Western Ghats. Champion and Seth (1968) classified such swamps under a newly introduced category ‘ Myristica Swamp Forests' under the Sub Group 4C. Talbot (1911), in The Forest Flora of the Bombay Presidency and Sind vol. II, reported just one locality, near Malemane, in Siddapur of Uttara Kannda for Myristica magnifica . The northernmost swamp known is associated with a sacred grove in the Satari taluk of Goa (Santhakumaran et al. 1995). However they have not reported M. fatua or G. canarica from the Goa locality. The photographs in their paper, however, are indicative of the presence of G. canarica , thereby meriting the classification of the habitat as a Myristica swamp .

Varghese and Kumar (1997) differentiate between two types of swamps having Myristicaceae, in the Travancore region: 1. Myristica swamp forest, restricted to below 300 m, fringing sluggish streams. 2. Tropical sub-montane hill valley swamp forest- found as narrow strips of water-logged areas. Whereas the former has M. fatua as well as G. canarica , in the latter, G. canarica is found along with Mastixia arborea and several others. Such bifurcation of these swamps does not have enough justification. The Atlas of Endemics of the Western Ghats (India) by Ramesh and Pascal (1997) shows that G. canarica and M. fatua occur from sea level to 700m and 1000m altitudes respectively.

More detailed studies on the Myristica swamps of Uttara Kannada in central Western Ghats have been made recently. These swamps are isolated and situated in localities from near sea level to about 450m altitude (Chandran et al . , 1999; Chandran and Mesta, 2001).

Figure 1. Myristica swamps distribution in Western Ghats

 

3.   Study area  

 
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The Uttara Kannada district, formerly North Kanara (13°52" to 15°30"N and 74°05" to 75°5"E), is located towards the centre of the Western Ghats. The district with 10,250 km² of area is one of the most forested in South India with about 70% of the land under forest cover, including forest plantations. Here the Western Ghats seldom exceeds 700m in altitude. The district is a maze of steep hills with narrow valleys. Tropical evergreen to semi-evergreen forests form the natural climax vegetation in most of parts of the district, which receive 200 to 500cm of rainfall. The survey has been carried out in five localities of Honnavar and Siddapur taluk (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Surveyed localities

 

4.MATERIALS AND METHODS

 
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The sampling has been carried out in five Myristica swamp localities namely, Kathalekan, Malemane, Torme, Halsolli and Mundigethagu. The survey was a random opportunistic survey visiting all the swamps and list all the information regarding flora and fauna. For amphibians time constrained samplings were carried out (2x2 man hours) from 17:30 to 19:30 hrs in five localities. During the survey, amphibians were searched using torchlight and also based on their vocal calls. Microhabitats like litter, wood logs, water bodies, rocks, bushes, etc., were thoroughly searched. Keys of Daniel (1963a and b , 1975 ); Daniel and Sekhar (1989) and Daniels (1997a , b and c ) were used for species identification.

Photographs and geographical co-ordinates of occurrence using Global positioning system (GPS) were noted. Specimens were identified with the help of regional and other floras for plants and faunal elements are identified with help of literature and experts.

 

5. Results and Discussion

 
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Flora

The survey resulted in 64 trees, 24 species of shrubs and herbs (which include 8 species pteridophytes) (see annexure I&II). As per the Myristica swamp definition it should have one or both exclusive swamp species viz., Gymnacranthera canaria or Myristica fatua var. magnifica, all five swamps has these trees as prominent tree species. Apart from these species Myristica swamps also associated with some of the flood tolerant evergreens like, Mastixia arborea , Calophyllum apetalum, Dipterocarpus indicus, Elaeocarpus tuberculatus, and Lophopetalum wightianum . Recently one new species also described from the Myristica swamps of Uttara Kannada Semecarpus kathalekanensis (Swaminath, 2000). Three surveyed swamps have this species in an isolated patch of few trees. The swamp has high level of Western Ghats endemism among trees 34 species are endemics.

Notable of the ground layer are rare shrubs and herbs like Apama siliquosa , Ochlandra scriptoria , Calamus spp., Arenga wightii , Pandanus spp., Nothopodytes foetida , Alpinia malaccensis , Jerdonia indica , Neurocalyx calycinus Begonia maabarica and Schumanniatus virgatus . An aroid Lagenandra ovata and Elatostemma lineolatum and Pellionia heyneana , both members of Urticaceae, are found abundantly in all the surveyed swamps. Pinanga dicksonii , a slender endemic palm of the Western Ghats, grows gregariously in all the swamps. In case of ground layer 7 species are endemic to Western Ghats. The notable of the Pteridophytes are Angiopteris evecta , Bolbitis appendiculata , Cyathea nilgiriensis , Osmunda regalis , Pronephrium triphyllum , Selaginella , Pteris , Staenochlaena palustris and Tectaria wigthii .

Fauna

These swamps also harbour many endemic and endangered fauna of the Western Ghats. The survey resulted in 15 species of mammals, 59 species of birds, 22 species of reptiles (including snakes), 29 species of amphibians, 16 species of fishes, 109 species of butterflies and six species of damselflies.

About six species of damselflies of are found in these swamps (see annexure III) including Phylloneura westermanni , which is a range extension from Coorg and Wayanad. Other species are, Clear-winged Forest glory ( Vestalis gracilis ), Malabar torrent dart ( Euphea fraseri ), Stream ruby ( Rhinocypha bisignata ), Black-tipped forest glory ( Vestalis apicalis ) and Pied reed tail ( Protosticta gravelyi ). Most of the species are found along the perennial stream inside the swamp. Clear-winged Forest glory ( Vestalis gracilis ), is found in the undergrowth of interior forest areas.

About 109 species of butterflies representing five families (see annexure IV) are found in the Myristica swamps. Family Nymphalidae is dominated by 43 species followed by Papilionidae 16 species, Pieridae 13, Lycaenidae 18 and Hesperiidae 19 species. Many species are found basking in the open canopy areas. Malabar tree nymph ( Idea malabarica ), an endemic species found in moist, shady areas and in two swamps they form congregations. Evening browns and Bush browns of family nymphalidea, are found in the thick litter covered areas and in the vicinity of Ochlandra scriptoria , Calamus spp. The members of the family Hesperiidae are found in the swamp edges, grasslands and open canopy areas.

16 species of fishes are found in the perennial streams of these swamps (see annexure V). Most of them are generalists species found in the Western Ghats. Garra gotyla stenorhynchus , Rasbora daniconius , Danio aequipinnatus are prominent species.

About 29 species of amphibians are listed from the five Myristica swamps (see annexure VI). Order Anura comprises eight families and Gymnophiona the family Ichtyophiidae. The family Dicroglossidae and Rhacophoridae comprises seven species each. Whereas the family Nyctibatrachidae and Ranidae comprises three species each. Some of the notable species are, Micrixalus saxicola Nyctibatrachus major , N . petraeus Philautus ponmudi, P . neelanethrus , Polypedatus pseudocruciger and Rhacophorus malabaricus .

21 species of reptiles which includes 13 species of snakes found in the surveyed swamps (see annexure VII). The notable snakes are Python (Python molurus), King cobra (Ophiophagus hanna), Humpnosed pit viper (Hypnale hypnale), Malabar pit viper (Trimersurus malabaricus), Trinket snake ( Elaphe helena helena ) etc.

About 59 species of birds found in these swamps (see annexure VIII). Some of the endemic species like, Wynaad laughing thrush ( Garrulax delesserti ), Great pied hornbill ( Buceros bicornis ), Bluewinged parakeet ( Psittacula columboides ) are found in all the five surveyed swamps. Indian great horned owl ( Bubo bubo L.,), is a common species found in the riparian vegetation of Kathalekan, Halsolli and Torme swamps. Other species like, Fairy bluebird ( Irena puella ), Malabar whistling Thrush ( Myiophonus horsfieldii ) and Wagtails are found along the perennial streams.

About 15 species of mammals found in these swamps (see annexure IX), which include an endemic and endangered primate Lion tailed macaque ( Macaca silenus ). This species is associated with the relics of the primary forests in Siddapur having the Myristica swamps and Dipterocapus.

Conclusion

In Myristica swamp the perennial streams and its associated flora harbors many of the endemic and endangered fauna of Western ghats . The swamp and its immediate surrounding forests have a number of wild fruit bearing trees which include Garcinia, Myristica, Syzygium, Holigarna, members of Lauraceae, Meliaceae, Myrtaceae etc. which provide food for many wild mammals and birds. Because of high watershed value and ecological value, it is necessary to conserve and document the biodiversity of these swamps in proper way.

In the study area most swamps are presumably extinct due to human impacts of various kinds. The swamps are encroached for agricultural lands and areca plantations. The two of the studied swamps are at risk of disapearence due to areca plantations. The pressure is mounting on the last traces of the remaining swamps, due to mainly ignorance about the value and evolutionary significance of these ancient patches of forests. Rich biodiversity of swamps along with the evolutionarily significance demands the immediate policy measures to conserve these Myristica swamps— fragile ecosystems in remnant forest patches of Uttara Kannada. Special efforts should be made to locate more of these swamps lying hidden in the recesses of the Western Ghats.

6. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

 
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We thank Mr. Divakar K. Mesta, Dr. K.V. Gururaja, Mr. Karthick B., Mr. Vishnu D Mukri, and Mr. Shrikanth Naik for their assistance in field work, identification and data collection.

7. Reference  

 
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  1. Pittman NC, Jorgenson PM (2002) Estimating the size of the world's threatened flora. Science , 298 , 989.
  2. Champion, H.G. and Seth, S.K. (1968) A Revised Survey of the Forest Types of India (New Delhi: Manager of Publications).
  3. Varghese, A.V. and Kumar, B.M. (1997) Ecological observations in the fresh water swamp forests of southern Kerala, India . J. of Tropical Forest Science 9(3), 299-314.
  4. Myers, N et al. (2000) Biodiversity hotspots for conservation Priorities. Nature 403, 853-858.
  5. Chandran, M.D.S., & Mesta, D.K. On the conservation of the Myristica swamps of the Western Ghats. In Forest Genetic Resources: Status, Threats, and Conservation Strategies (eds Uma Shaanker, R., Ganeshaiah, K.N., & Bawa, K.S.) 1-19 (Oxford & IBH, New Delhi , 2001).
  6. Chandran, M.D.S., Mesta, D.K. & Naik, M.B. Inventorying and Conservation of the Myristica Swamps of Uttara Kannada. Report (Forest Research and Training Institute, Bangalore, 1999).
  7. Rao, R.R. Biodiversity in India (Floristic Aspects) (Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh, Delhi, 1994).
  8. Davis, P.W., Krishnaswami, M.H. and Wilson, C.C. (1934). Working Plan for the North Mangalore Forest Divison, Madras (Madras: Supdt. Of Government Press)
  9. Krishnamoorthy, K. Myristica Swamps in the evergreen forests of Travancore . In Tropcal Moist Evergreen Forest Symposium (Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, 1960).
  10. Talbot, W.A. (1911). Forest Flora of the Bombay Presidency and Sind. Vol. 2 (Poona: Government Photozicographic Press).
  11. Ramesh, B.R. and Pascal, J.P. (1997). Atlas of endemics of the Western Ghats (India), Pondicherry: French Institute).
  12. Santhakumaran, L.N., Singh, A. and Thomas, V.T. (1995). Description of a sacred grove in Goa (India), with notes on the unusual aerial roots produced by its vegetation. Wood. Oct – Dec., 24-28.
  13. Daniel, J. C. 1963a. Field guide to the amphibians of Western India. Part I. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society , 60(2): 415-438.
  14. Daniel, J. C. 1963b. Field guide to the amphibians of Western India. Part II. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society , 60(3): 690-702.
  15. Daniel, J. C. 1975. Field guide to the amphibians of Western India. Part III. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society , 72(2): 506-522.
  16. Daniel, J. C., and Sekhar, A. G. 1989. Field guide to the amphibians of Western India. Part IV. Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society , 72(2): 194-202.
  17. Daniels, R. J. R. 1997a. A field guide to the frogs & toads of the Western Ghats, India. Part I. Cobra , 27: 1-25.
  18. Daniels, R. J. R.1997b. A field guide to the frogs & toads of the Western Ghats, India. Part II. Cobra , 28: 1-24.
  19. Daniels, R. J. R. 1997c. A field guide to the frogs & toads of the Western Ghats, India. Part III. Cobra , 29: 1-13.

Annexures- I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX

 
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Annexure I. Checklist of Tree species found in the five Myristica swamps.

Sl. No.
Plant species
Distribution
1
Gymnacranthera canarica Western Ghats endemic
2
Mastixia arborea Western Ghats endemic
3
Lophopetalum wightianum Indomalaysia
4
Myristica fatua var. magnifica Western Ghats endemic
5
Semecarpus kathalekanensis Western Ghats endemic (New species)
6
Dipterocarpus indicus Western Ghats endemic
7
Hopea wightianum Western Ghats endemic
8
Hopea ponga Western Ghats endemic
9
Olea dioica Western Ghats & N.E. India
10
Dimocarpus longan Tropics
11
Garcinia gummi-gutta Western Ghats, Sri Lanka
12
Elaeocarpus tuberculatus Indomalaysia
13
Caryota urens Tropical Asia
14
Persea macarantha Western Ghats, Sri Lanka
15
Hydnocarpus laurifolia Western Ghats endemic
16
Holigarna grahamii Western Ghats endemic
17
Syzygium laetum Western Ghats endemic
18
Diospyros candolleana Western Ghats endemic
19
Syzygium hemispericum South India, Sri Lanka
20
Callicarpa tomentosa South India
21
Holigarna arnotiana Western Ghats endemic
22
Euonymus indicus Western Ghats endemic
23
Syzygium macrocephala Western Ghats endemic
24
Anthocephalus cadamba India, Sri Lanka, Sumatra, Borneo
25
Vapris bilocularis Western Ghats endemic
26
Alstonia scholaris S. Asia through Malaysia to Australia & Melanesia
27
Knema attenuata Western Ghats endemic
28
Garcinia morella Indomalaysia
29
Syzygium cumini Indomalaysia
30
Holigarna ferruginea Western Ghats endemic
31
Diospyros malabarica India, Sri Lanka
32
Canarium strictum Western Ghats endemic
33
Myristica malabarica Western Ghats endemic
34
Mangifera indica Western Ghats endemic
35
Aglaia elaeagnoidea Indomalaysia
36
Paramignya monophylla India, Burma, Sri Lanka
37
Myristica dactyloids South India, Sri Lanka
38
Artocarpus hirsutus Western Ghats endemic
39
Elaeocarpus serratus India including Tropical Himalayas
40
Flaucortia montana Western Ghats endemic
41
Aglaia anamallayana Western Ghats endemic
42
Aporosa lindleyana Peninsular India, Sri Lanka
43
Diospyros assimilis Western Ghats endemic
44
Ficus nervosa India to Vietnam
45
Syzygium gardneri Western Ghats, Sri Lanka
46
Cyclostemon confertiflorus Western Ghats endemic
47
Garcinia talbotii Western Ghats endemic
48
Nothopegia colebrookeana Western Ghats endemic
49
Cleidion sp.  
50
Beilschmedia fagifolia Western Ghats endemic
51
Casearia elliptica India to Australia through Indomalaysia
52
Macaranga peltata Peninsular India, Sri Lanka
53
Murraya paniculata Indomalaysia
54
Glochidion sp.  
55
Carallia brachita Continental Asia to N. Australia
56
Cinnamomum macrocarpum Western Ghats endemic
57
Actinodaphne hookeri Western Ghats endemic
58
Linociera malabarica Western Ghats endemic
59
Ervatamia heyneana Western Ghats endemic
60
Agrostistachys longifolia Central & Peninsular India
61
Ixora brachiata Western Ghats endemic
62
Miliusa indica Western Ghats, Sri Lanka
63
Calophyllum polyanthum Western Ghats, Indomalaysia, China
64
Symplocos racemosa Western Ghats endemic

 

Annexures- I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX

 
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Annexure II. Checklist of Shrubs and Herbs (including pteridophytes) species found in the Five Myristica swamps.  

Sl. No. Plant species Remarks
1 Alpinia malaccensis Indomalaysia
2 Jerdonia indica Western Ghats endemic
3 Neurocalyx calycinus Western Ghats endemic
4 Schumannianthus virgatus Western Ghats, Sri Lanka
5 Lagenandra ovata Western Ghats, Sri Lanka
6 Elatostemma lineolatum India
7 Pellionia heyneana Western Ghats, Sri Lanka
8 Pinanga dicksonii Western Ghats endemic
9 Apama siliquosa Western Ghats, Sri Lanka
10 Ochlandra scriptoria Western Ghats endemic
11 Calamus sp.  
12 Arenga wightii Western Ghats endemic
13 Pandanus sp.  
14 Nothopodytes foetida China, India, Malaysia
15 Begonia maabarica Western Ghats endemic
16 Argostemma courtallense Western Ghats endemic
Pteridophytes
1 Angiopteris evecta  
2 Bolbitis appendiculata  
3 Cyathea nilgiriensis  
4 Osmunda regalis  
5 Pronephrium triphyllum  
6 Pteris sp.  
7 Staenochlaena palustris  
8 Tectaria wigthii  

Annexures- I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX

 
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Annexure III. Checklist of Damcelflies found in the Five Myristica swamps.  

Sl. No. Scientific Name Common Name
1 Phylloneura westermanni Myristica swamp Bambootail
2 Vestalis gracilis Clear-winged Forest glory
3 Vestalis apicalis Black-tipped Forest glory
4 Rhinocypha bisignata Stream ruby
5 Euphaea fraseri Malabar toreent dart
6 Protosticta gravelyi Pied reed tail

Annexures- I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX

 
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Annexure IV. Checklist of Butterflies found in the Five Myristica swamps.  

Sl. No.
Scientific Name
Common Name
Family Papilionidae
1
Troides minos Cramer Southern Birdwing (WG)
2
Pachliopta aristolochiae Fabricius Common Rose
3
Pachliopta hector L.,* Crimson Rose (PI&SL
4
Graphium sarpedon L., Common Bluebottle
5
Graphium doson C&R Felder Common Jay
6
Graphium agamemnon L., Tailed Jay
7
Graphium nomius Esper Spot Sword Tail
8
Graphium antiphates Cramer Fivebar Swordtail
9
Papilio liomedon Moore * Malabar Banded Swallow Tail (WG)
10
Papilio dravidarum Wood-Mason Malabar Raven (WG)
11
Papilio helenus L., Red Helen
12
Papilio polytes L., Common Mormon
13
Papilio polymnestor Cramer Blue Mormon (PI&SL)
14
Papilio paris L., Paris Peacock
15
Papilio buddha Westwood Buddha Peacock
16
Papilio crino Fabricius Common Banded Peacock
Family Pieridae
1
Catopsilia pomona Fabricius Common Emigrant
2
Eurema brigitta Cramer Small Grass Yellow
3
Eurema laeta Boisduval Spotless Grass Yellow
4
Eurema hecabe L., Common Grass Yellow
5
Delias eucharis Drury Common Jezebel (PI & SL)
6
Leptosia nina Fabricius Psyche
7
Appias albina Boisduval Common Albatross
8
Colotis etrida Boisduval Small Orange Tip
9
Colotis danae Fabricius Crimson Tip
10
Ixias pyrene L., Yellow Orange Tip
11
Pareronia valeria Cramer Common wanderer
12
Pareronia ceylanica C&R Felder Dark Wanderer (PI&SL)
13
Hebomoea glaucippe L., Great Orange Tip

Family Nymphalidae

1
Melanitis leda L., Common Evening Brown
2
Melanitis phedima Stoll Dark Evening Brown
3
Elymnias hypermenstra L., Common Palmfly
4
Mycalesis anaxias Hewitson White-bar Bushbrown
5
Mycalesis perseus Fabricius Common Bushbrown
6
Mycalesis patnia Moore Glad-eye Bushbrown (PI&SL)
7
Orsotrioena medus Fabricius The Nigger
8
Zipoetis saitis Tamil Catseye (WG)
9
Ypthima asterope Klug Common Three-ring
10
Ypthima hiiebneri Kirby Common Four-ring
11
Polyura athamas Drury Common Nawab
12
Acraea violae Fabricius Tawny Coster
13
Cethosia nietneri C&R Felder Tamil Lacewing (PI&SL)
14
Vindula erota Fabricius Cruiser
15
Cupha erymanthis Drury Rustic
16
Phalanta phalantha Drury Common Leopard
17
Cirrochroa thais Fabricius Tamil Yeoman (PI&SL)
18
Neptis jumbah Moore Chestnut-streaked Sailer
19
Neptis hylas Moore Common Sailer
20
Pantoporia hordonia Stoll Common Lascar
21
Athyma perius L., Common Sergeant
22
Limenitis procris Cramer Commander
23
Parthenos sylvia Cramer Clipper
24
Tanaecia lepidea Butler Grey Count
25
Euthalia aconthea Cramer Common Baron
26
Dolpha evelina Stoll Red-spot Duke
27
Ariadne merione Cramer Common Castor
28
Ariadne ariadne L., Angled Castor
29
Cyrestis thyodamas Map
30
Libythea lepita Moore Common Beak
31
Junonia lemonias L., Lemon Pansy
32
Junonia almana L., Peacock Pansy
33
Junonia atlites L., Grey Pansy
34
Junonia iphita Cramer Chocolate Pansy
35
Cynthia cardui L., Painted Lady
36
Hypolimnas bolina L., Great Eggfly
37
Hypolimnas misippus L., * Danaid Eggfly (PI&SL)
38
Kallima horsfieldi Kollar South Indian Blue Oak Leaf (WG)
39
Tirumala limniace Cramer Blue Tiger
40
Tirumala septentrionis Butler Dark Blue Tiger
41
Danaus genutia Cramer Striped Tiger
42
Euploea core Cramer Common Indian Crow
43
Idea malabarica Moore Malabar Tree Nymph (WG)
Family Lycaenidae
1
Abisara echerius Stoll Plum Judy
2
Castalius rosimon Fabricius Common Pierrot
3
Caleta caleta Hewitson Angled Pierrot
4
Actolepis puspa Horsfield Common Hedge Blue
5
Zizula hylax Fabricius Tiny Grass Blue
6
Chilades laius Stoll Lime Blue
7
Lampides boeticus L., Pea Blue
8
Jamides bochus Cramer Dark Cerulean
9
Jamides celeno Cramer Common Cerulean
10
Nacaduba pactolus Large four line blue
11
Arhopala amantes Hewitson Large Oakblue
12
Thaduka multicaudata Moore Many-tailed Oakblue
13
Amblypodia anita Hewitson Leaf Blue
14
Spindasis vulcanus Fabricius Common Silverline
15
Loxura atymnus Yamfly
16
Rathinda amor Monkey Puzzle
17
Zeltus amasa Fluffy tit
18
Rapala varuna Moore Indigo Flash
Famlily Hesperridae
1
Hasora chromus Cramer Common Banded Awl
2
Hasora badra Moore Common Awl
3
Badamia exclamationis Fabricius Brown awl
4
Celaenorrhinus leucocera Kollar Common Spotted Flat
5
Celaenorrhinus ambareesa Moore Malabar Spotted Flat
6
Tagiades litigiosa Moschler Water Snow Flat
7
Sarangesa dasahara Moore Common Small Flat
8
Sarangesa purendra Moore Spotted Small Flat (WG)
9
Spialia galba Fabricius Indian Grizzled Skipper
10
Ampittia dioscorides Bush Hopper
11
Lambrix salsala Moore Chestnut Bob
12
Notocrypta curvifascia C & R Felder Restricted Demon
13
Udaspes folus Cramer Grass Demon
14
Suastus gremius Fabricius Indian Palm Bob
15
Gangara thyrsis Fabricius Giant Redeye
16
Taractrocera maevius Fabricius Common Grass Dart
17
Talicota colon Fabricius Pale Palm Dart
18
Borbo cinnara Wallace Rice Swift
19
Pelopidas mathias Small branded swift
Note: * indicates Endangered species

 

Annexures- I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX

 
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Annexure V. Checklist of Fishes found in the Five Myristica swamps.

Sl. No.
Family
Scientific name
Distribution
1
Bagridae Mystus malabaricus Endemic to Western Ghats
2
Cyprinidae Garra gotyla stenorhynchus Endemic to Western Ghats
3
Cyprinidae Salmostoma boopis Endemic to Western Ghats
4
Channidae Channa orientalis India
5
Cyprinidae Puntius ticto India
6
Cyprinidae Rasbora daniconius India
7
Siluridae Ompok bimaculatus India
8
Aplocheilidae Aplocheilus lineatus Southern India
9
Balitoridae Schistura denisonii densisonii Southern India
10
Cyprinidae Danio aequipinnatus Southern India
11
Cyprinidae Puntius fasciatus Southern India
12
Cyprinidae Puntius filamentosus Southern India
13
Cyprinidae Puntius sp .  
14
Balitoridae Schistura sp .  
15
Balitoridae Schistura sp .  
16
Synbranchidae Monopterus sp.  
 

Annexures- I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX

 
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Annexure VI. Checklist of amphibians found in the Five Myristica swamps.  

Family Species Distribution IUCN Status
Bufoniidae Bufo scaber   LC
  Bufo melanostictus   LC
       
Microhylidae Ramnella montana Western Ghats NT
  Microhyla ornata   LC
       
Micrixalidae Micrixalus saxicola Western Ghats VU
       
Nyctibatrachidae Nyctibatrachus cf.aliciae Western Ghats EN
  Nyctibatrachus major Western Ghats VU
  Nyctibatrachus petraeus Western Ghats LC
       
Petropedetidae Indirana beddomi Western Ghats LC
  Indirana semipalmata Western Ghats LC
       
Dicroglossidae Fejervarya brevipalmata Western Ghats DD
  Fejervarya limnocharis   LC
  Fejervarya syhadrensis   LC
  Fejervarya rufuscence Western Ghats LC
  Sphearotheca breviceps   LC
  Hoplobatrachus tigrinus   LC
  Euphlyctes cyanophlyctis   LC
       
Ranidae Hydrophylax malabarica   LC
  Sylvirana temporalis Western Ghats NT
  Sylvirana sp.    
       
Rhacophoridae Philautus tuberohumerus Western Ghats DD
  Philautus cf. leucorhinus Western Ghats  
  Philautus sp. Western Ghats  
  Philautus cf. luteolus Western Ghats DD
  Philautus ponmudi Western Ghats CR
  Polypedates pseudocruciger Western Ghats LC
  Rhacophorus malabaricus Western Ghats NT
       
Ichthyophiidae Ichthyophis beddomei Western Ghats LC
  Ichthyophis sp. Western Ghats  

Note: CR: Critically Endangered, EN: Endangered, VU: Vulnerable, DD: Data deficient, NT: Near Threatened, LC: Least concern

   

Annexures- I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX

 
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Annexure VII. Checklist of reptiles found in the Five Myristica swamps.  

Sl. No. Common Name Scientific Name IUCN Status
1 Common Indian Monitor Lizard Varnus bengalensis VU
2 Flapshell turtles Lissemys punctata LRnt
3 Gunther's Supple Skink Lygosoma guentheri * LRnt
4 King Cobra Ophiophagus hannah LRnt
5 The Cobra Naja naja LRnt
6 Hump-nosed Pit Viper Hypnale hypnale LRnt
7 Malabar Pit Viper Trimersurus malabaricus * LRnt
8 Bronzebacked Tree Snake Dendrelaphis tristis LRlc
9 The Vine Snake Ahaetulla nasuta LRnt
10 Indian Ornate Flying Snake Chrysopelea ornata LRnt
11 Common Indian Trinket Snake Elaphe helena helena LRnt
12 Checkered Keelback Xenochrophis piscator piscator LRlc
13 Common Sand Boa Eryx conicus conicus LRnt
14 Shieldtail Uropeltis sp. *  
15 The Rat Snake Ptyas mucosus LRnt
16 Python Python molurus LRnt
17 Lizard Calotes sp.  
18 Roux's Forest Lizard Calotes rouxi LRnt
19 Deccan Ground Gecko Geckoella dekkanensis VU
20 Gecko Cnemaspis sp.  
21 Western Ghats Flying Lizard Draco dussumieri LRnt

Note: * indicates Western Ghats endemic

VU: Vulnerable, LRnt: Lower risk near threatened, LRlc: Lower risk least concern

Annexures- I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX

 
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Annexure VIII. Checklist of birds found in the Five Myristica swamps.  

Sl. No.
Family
Sub-family
Common name
Scientific name
1
Accipitridae   Crested serpent eagle Spilornis cheela (Latham)
2
Phasianidae   Grey jungle fowl Gallus sonneratii Temminck
3
    Common pea fowl Pavo cristatus L.,
4
Columbidae   Orangebreasted green pigeon Treron pompadora (Jerdon)
5
    Greyfronted green pigeon Treron pompadora (Gmelin)
6
    Green imperial pigeon Ducula aenea L.,
7
    Emerald dove Chalcophaps indica L.,
8
Psittacidae   Blossomheaded parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala (L.,)
9
    Lorikeet Loriculus vernalis (Sparrman)
10
    Bluewinged parakeet Psittacula columboides (Vigors)*
11
Cuculidae   Cuckoo Cuculus canorus L.,
12
    Koel Eudynamys scolopacea L.,
13
    Sirkeer cuckoo Taccocua leschenaultii Lesson
14
    Crow-pheasant Centropus sinensis Stephens
15
Strigidae Striginae Forest eagle-owl Bubo nipalensis Hodgson
16
    Indian great horned owl Bubo bubo L.,
17
Alcedinidae   Small blue kingfisher Alcedo atthis L.,
18
Meropidae   Small green bee-eater Merops orientalis (Latham)
19
Upupidae   Hoopoe Upupa epops L.,
20
Bucerotidae   Malabar grey hornbill Tockus griseus Latham
21
    Great pied hornbill Buceros bicornis L., *
22
    Malabar pied hornbill Anthracoceros malabaricus Boddaert *
23
Capitonidae   Crimson throated barbet Megalaima rubricapilla Gmelin
24
    Small green barbet Megalaima viridis Boddaert
25
    Large green barbet Megalaima zeylanica Gmelin
26
Picidae   Indian goldenbacked threetoed woodpecker Dinopium javanense (Ljungh)
27
    Great black woodpecker Dryocopus javensis (Horsfield)
28
    Heartspotted woodpecker Hemicircus canente L.,
29
Hirundinidae   Swallow Hirundo rustica L.,
30
Oriolidae   Golden oriole Oriolus oriolus L.,
31
Dicruridae   Racket-tailed drongo Dicrurus paradiseus L.,
32
Sturnidae   Hill myna Gracula religiosa L.,
33
Corvidae   House crow Corvus splendens Vieillot
34
    Tree pie Dendrocitta vagabunda (Latham)
35
Campephagidae   Scarlet minivet Pericrocotus roseus (Forster)
36
Irenidae   Iora Aegithina tiphia L.,
37
    Goldmantled chloropsis Chloropsis cochinchinensis (Gmelin)
38
    Fairy bluebird Irena puella (Latham)
39
Pycnonotidae   Redvented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer L.,
40
    Rubythroated bulbul Pycnonotus melanicterus gularis Gould
41
    Greyheaded bulbul Pycnonotus priocephalus Jerdon
42
    Yellowbrowed bulbul Hypsipetes indicus (Jerdon)
43
Muscicapidae Timaliinae Rufous babbler Turdoides subrufus (Jerdon)
44
    Blackheaded babbler Rhopocichla atriceps
45
    Jungle babbler Turdoides striatus ( Dumont )
46
  Muscicapinae Paradise flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi L.,
47
    Redbreasted flycatcher Muscicapa ruficauda Swainson
48
    Verditer flycatcher Muscicapa thalassina Swainson
49
  Turdinae Blue rock thrush Monticola solitarius L.,
50
    Malabar whistling thrush Myiophonus horsfieldii (Vigors)
51
    Wynaad laughing thrush Garrulax delesserti (Jerdon)

Note: * indicates Western Ghats endemic

Annexures- I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX

 
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  Annexure IX. Checklist of mammals found in the Five Myristica swamps.  

Sl. No.
Common name
Scientific name
IUCN Status
1
Common Langur Semnopithecus entellus Lr-lc
2
Lion tailed Macaque Macaca silenus* EN
3
Small Indian Civet Viverricula indica Lr-nt
4
Grey Mongoose Herpestes endwardsii Lr-lc
5
Small Indian Mongoose Herpestes javanicus Lr-lc
6
Three-striped Palm Squirrel Funambulus palmarum Lr-lc
7
Indian Giant Squirrel Ratufa indica indica* VU
8
Common Giant Flying Squirrel Petaurista petaurista Lr-nt
9
Indian Porcupine Hystrix indica Lr-lc
10
Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata Lr-nt
11
Black-naped Hare Lepus nigricollis Lr-lc
12
Wild Boar Sus scrofa cristatus Lr-lc
13
Indian Spotted Chevrotain or Mouse Deer Tragulus meminna Lr-nt
14
Sambar Cervus unicolor Lr-lc
15
The Gaur or Indian Bison Bos gaurus VU

Note: * indicates Western Ghats endemic

EN: Endangered, VU: Vulnerable, LRnt: Lower risk near threatened, LRlc: Lower risk least concern

 

 

Energy & Wetlands Research Group,
Centre for Ecological Sciences,
Indian Institute of Science,
Bangalore 560 012

 

 
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