Dear Friends,
Here is the abstract of the 3rd paper on the A&N that was presented recently
at the Seminar of the Centenary Journal of the BNHS
pankaj

ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF THE ANDAMAN TEAL
LALITHA VIJAYAN
Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology & Natural History,
Coimbatore 641108, Tamil Nadu.
The Andaman teal / Anas gibberifrons albogularis is the only threatened and
endemic species among the 49 Anatidae recorded in India, except the
pink -headed duck Rhodonessa caryophyllacea, which is believed to be almost
extinct. The Andaman teal was reported declining at an alarming rate during
the 19th and 20th centuries. This bird, although a subspecies of the grey
teal, has a small population in very restricrted range and hence, should be
considered as endangered. It is or greater concern, as the related
subspecies are also island birds facing serious threats from natural and
human interventions.
A detailed study of the species was conducted during 1995-97. It population
is estimated to be between 500 and 600. This teal inhabits inland or coastal
wetlands, ponds, lakes, marshes or swamps. Sighting of this species was very
rare during the post monsoon. Physical, chemical and biological parameters
of the habitat were analysed from feeding and similar non-feeding areas. The
Andaman teal preferred sparse vegetation at a depth of 20-50 cm for feeding
as observed in the case of most of the dabbling ducks. Molluscs and
arthropods formed the major food and plant matter to a less extent. The
feeding areas were significantly different from non- feeding areas in
vegetation cover depth, the crucial factor being abundance of invertebrates
in the soil.
Nests were mainly on phragmites karka and on Eleocharis spp., Scirpus spp.
And Acrostichum sp and paddy 20-30cm above water. The nest-site was near the
edge of a reed patch, 20-50cm inside form an open water area. Nests could
not be observed on trees as found by Osmaston.
The major threats faced by the Andaman teal are habitat destruction and
hunting which is the case with many rare birds. Area specific
recommendations are given for the conservation of this species and other
endemics : (1) Dhaninala and nearby areas in Rutland Island needs to be
protected as the Andaman Teal Sanctuary, (2) The Teal breeding areas such as
Mohanpur, Hanspuri, Karakatchang, Sippighat-Bimblitang may be declared as
"Andaman Teal Conservation areas" and protected with the participation of
the local people, (3) Jackson Creek in Little Andaman needs increased
protection status, (4) Detailed surveys and ecological studies have to be
taken up on priority on the rare endemic birds, (5) Environmental education
and public awareness programmes should be conducted intensively and
regularly.
C/o Kalpavriksh
Apt. 5, Sri Dutta Krupa
908 Deccan Gymkhana,
Pune 411004
Tel: 020 - 5654239 / 5675450
Fax: 5654239