Basudev Tripathy , B. C. Choudhury

Abstract

A survey of marine mammals of the Andhra Pradesh coast of India was undertaken for a period of one year from April 2000 to May 2001. Time-constrained opportunistic marine mammal sightings were made in the near shore waters and close to important river mouth areas. Dead specimens of dolphins and porpoises stranded along the coast were documented by visiting the entire coast every month. Morphometric measures were taken from all stranded marine mammals and standard identification keys were used identification. Five species of marine mammals along the Andhra coast were recorded during the study. However, based on other records, at least 3-4 other species of marine mammals are expected to occur along the Andhra Pradesh coast. Besides deliberate killing and destruction of natural marine habitat, incidental capture related mortality was found to be amongst the major threats to marine mammals of Andhra Pradesh coast. Awareness drives combined with stringent protection and conservation measures by the marine fisheries and wildlife authorities are suggested to safeguard these important marine mammal fauna along the East coast of India.

Full Text

     

B. C. Choudhury , S. Chowdhury

Abstract

The paper outlines the initiation and chronological development of Indian Crocodile Conservation Projects. The progress and achivenments made since 1975. In bringing back the Indian crocodilians from virtual extinction and re-establishing them in their natural protected habitats by reintroduction is discussed While pointing out the existing problems of future reintroductions and the need for more detailed follow up monitoring of reintroduced crocodilians, the authors suggest adoption of similar "reintroduction" strategy as a means of conservation for other endangered herpetofauna of India.

Full Text

     

H. R. Bustard , B. C. Choudhury

Abstract

A permanent marking method is described to identify crocodiles being rehabilitated back into the Wild. The method involves mutilation marking-clipping the enlarged dorsal scales (scutes) on the tail. This method is simple, requiring no specialised equipment and it is easy to identify released crocodiles in the field using binoculars. A noted advantage is that the crocodilian does not need to be recaptured for positive identification to be made if it is a released crocodilian. This method has now had more than 4 years of continuous field testing in India and subordinate personnel are able to participate freely in recording sightings.

Full Text

     

Satyaranjan Behera , K. Sivakumar , B. C. Choudhury , B. Tripathy , C. S. Kar

Abstract

The current study on olive ridley turtles was undertaken from 2007 to 2010 in Gahirmatha rookery of Odisha coast especially during their breeding season. Entire period of study the solitary nest and their predation and erosion level were studied in Islands as well as mainland beach. All successful nests were taken to nearest beat and translocated into temporary made hatchery. Total 3,046 solitary nests had been encountered in three Octobers period of study. Out of 3,046 only 294 were translocated in hatchery and remaining nest were destroyed by predation, erosion and inundation in the field itself. The mean hatching success rate was 54.7% in three Octobers of study. As soon as turtles start laying upon the nest; they become vulnerable to predation.

Keywords

Olive Ridley Turtle, Lepidochelys olivacea, Solitary Nest, Hatchery, Hatching Success, Conservation, Depredation

Full Text

     

Satyaranjan Behera , K. Sivakumar , B. C. Choudhury , Janmejay Sethy

Abstract

No Abstarct

Full Text