Threatened Species of AP
List of 65 threatened species, which was identified by the Andhra Pradesh Biodiversity Board. The list contains names of 22 plants, 19 birds, 10 mammals, 12 fish, and two reptiles.
List of Threatened Plants of Andhra Pradesh
Systematic position
- : Plantae
- : Tracheophytes
- : Asterids
- : Lamiales
- : Acanthaceae
- : Andrographis
- : beddomei C. B. Clarke
Common/Vernacular name
False water willows
Habit
Low Decumbent herbaceous
Habitat
Grasslands, Forests and even a drop of water available
Distribution
- 1. Lankamalai, Kadapa district
- 2. Kurnool hills, Kurnool district
- 3. Diguvametta Prakasam district
Technical Description
Small herbaceous plant, Rootstock very thick and 4 angled. Stem glandular, hairy; Nodes and internodes and not distinguished but swollen at the node’s region. Inflorescence axillary or terminal sometimes branched. Flowers are bisexual and deeply purple in colour. Seeds are narrow, ovoid, very hard, deeply pitted and yellowish brown in colour. ovoid, oblique at base, obtuse at apex, very hard deeply pitted, yellowish brown.
Flowering and Fruiting
August - April.
Medicinal Importance
Andrographis species find extensive application in traditional medicine in the treatment of dyspepsia, influenza, malaria and respiratory infections.
Available BMCs near by
- 1. Lingalapalli GP, Veerapanayani palle (M), YSR Kadapa (D)
- 2. Vonthithatipalli (GP), Sidhout (M), YSR Kadapa (D)
- 3. Jagannadhagutta (GP), Jagannadhagutta (M), Kurnool (D)
- 4. Diguvametta (GP), Diguvametta (M), Prakasam (D)
IUCN Conservation category and distribution
Endangered (EN)
Propagation Methods
Seeds proved to be the best planting material for raising under cultivation. Freshly collected seeds remain viable for four months. For raising nursery, the freshly collected seeds should be used
References
- 1. https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/226951
- 2. http://flora-peninsula-indica.ces.iisc.ac.in/herbsheet.php?id=21&cat=8
- 3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258911963_Cycas_sphaerica_Roxb_A_little_known_endemic_species_from_Eastern_Ghats_India
- 4. https://sites.google.com/site/efloraofindia/species/a---l/cl/cycadaceae/cycas/cycas-sphaerica
Systematic position
- : Plantae
- : Tracheophytes
- : Cycadopsida
- : Cycadales
- : Cycadaceae
- : Cycas
- : sphaerica Roxb
Habit
Arborescent
Habitat
Tropical deciduous forests and woodlands on hills
Distribution
Occasionally in Northern most part of Srikakulam district in deciduous forests and woodlands of Palakonda, Donubayi, Seetampet areas, Jalanthrakota Reserve Forest of Srikakulam, Pinjarikonda Reserve Forest of East Godavari
Technical Description
Stems arborescent: leaves bright green, semiglossy. Petiole 45-60 cm long, glabrous, spinescent for 90% of length. Basal leaflets not gradually reducing to spines. Median leaflets simple, weakly discolours. Section flat; apex softly acuminate. Cataphylls narrowly triangular, soft, soft, persistent. Pollen cones narrowly ovoid, orange. Megasporophylls 15-25 cm long, brown-tomentose; ovules 2-5, glabrous; Seeds sub-globose, 25 mm long; sarcotesta yellow; fibrous layer present; sclerotesta smooth. Spongy endocarp absent.
Flowering and Fruiting
May - August
Available BMCs near by
- 1. Dhonubai (GP), Seethampeta (M), Srikakuloam (D)
- 2. Sompeta (GP), Sompeta (M), Srikakulam (D)
- 3. Kanchili (GP), Kanchili (M), Srikakulam (D)
IUCN Conservation category and distribution
Endangered (EN)
Propagation Methods
Seeds - best sown as soon as they are ripe, though the seeds of many species will take a few months to finish maturing the embryo before they are ready to germinate. Sow the seeds in a tray in a freely-draining medium and place in moderate shade. Bottom heat at about 27°c will hasten seed germination dramatically. Young roots are quite brittle and once germination takes place; the root grows rapidly. It is important to pot up the seedlings at this time in order to give them enough root-space. Grow on the plants in pots until large enough to plant out. Division of off-sets or suckers is best carried out just before the plant comes in to new growth at the start of the growing season.
References
Systematic position
- : Plantae
- : Tracheophytes
- : Asterids
- : Lamiales
- : Apocyanaceae
- : Asclepiadoideae
- : Brachystelma
- : penchalakonenses
Common/Vernacular name
Not founded
Habit
Perennial herb
Habitat
Wet lands, semi – evergreen areas and water availability areas
Distribution
Penchalakona Nellore district Indian sub-continent and Asia-Tropical regions of Andhra Pradesh
Technical Description
Perennial herb. Tubers fusiform, brownish. Stem erect, unbranched, greenish-yellow and internodes 3-9 cm long. Leaves sessile, simple, opposite- decussate. Inflorescence slightly extra-axillary sessile 3-flowered. Buds ampulliform, greenish-white with a red ring at base. Bract and bracteoles linear acuminate. Calyx yellowish, linear. Corolla very showy, Corolla tube convex with radial compressions with dark green-coloured.
Flowering and Fruiting
September – October.
Available BMCs near by
- 1. Penchalakona GP, Rapur (M), Nellore (D)
- 2. Gonupalli GP, Gonupalli (M), Nellore (D)
IUCN Conservation category and distribution
Critically Endangered (CR)
Conservation Techniques
As a contribution to the sustainability of Brachystelma species, micro propagation protocols are available. To enhance the efficiency, continuous optimization is required.
Propagation Methods
Tubers proved to be the best planting material for raising under cultivation. Freshly collected Tubers remain viable for four months. For raising nursery, the freshly collected tubers should be used.
References
Systematic position
- : Plantae
- : Tracheophytes
- : Asterids
- : Lamiales
- : Apocyanaceae
- : Asclepiadoideae
- : Brachystelma
- : Pullaiahi
Common/Vernacular name
Nakshathrala mokka, Nemithi-gadda
Habit
Perennial herb
Habitat
Found in dry deciduous forests and grows on black and red soils mixed with slate rock on open hill slopes among grasses at an altitude range of 400-600m
Distribution
- 1. Eastern Ghats, Southern Andhra Pradesh, India.
- 2. The species has restricted distribution in Rayalaseema, Nallamalais and Lankamalleswaram hills
Technical Description
Perennial herb up to 1.6 m high. Tubers brownish. Stem erect, unbranched-sparsely branched, filled with watery sap, green downwards. Nodes purple-tinged, internodes 15 cm long. Leaves linear or filiform, simple, opposite, decussate, fleshy, sessile, acute at apex, entire, glabrous. Inflorescence axillary, sessile. Flowers with long pedicels, bracts and bracteoles linear, pinkish-green. Calyx 5-lobed, pinkish-green. Corolla 5 star-shaped, ash- glabrous colour. Pollinia yellow and waxy.
Flowering and Fruiting
June-December.
Available BMCs near by
- 1. Siddavatam (GP), Siddavatam (M), YSR Kadapa (D)
- 2. Ahobilam (GP), Allagadda (M), Kurnool (D)
- 3. Mittapalli (GP), Thavanampalle (M), Chittoor(D)
- 4. Bachepalli (GP), Allagadda (M), Kurnool (D)
IUCN Conservation category and distribution
Critically Endangered (CR)
Conservation Techniques
As a contribution to the sustainability of Brachystelma species, micropropagation protocols are available. To enhance the efficiency, continuous optimisation is required.
Propagation Methods
Tubers proved to be the best planting material for raising under cultivation. Freshly collected Tubers remain viable for four months. For raising nursery, the freshly collected tubers should be used.
References
- 1. Karthikeyan, S., M. Sanjappa and S. Moorthy. 2009. Asclepiadaceae. Flowering Plants of India: Dicotyledons. Vol. 1: Acanthaceae – Avicenniaceae. Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata, India. pp. 157-184.
- 2. http://flora-peninsula-indica.ces.iisc.ac.in/EasternGhats/herbsheet.php?id=440&cat=4
- 3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258911963_Cycas_sphaerica_Roxb_A_little_known_endemic_species_from_Eastern_Ghats_India
- 4. https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/226951
Systematic position
- : Plantae
- : Tracheophytes
- : Asterids
- : Lamiales
- : Acanthaceae
- : Brachystelma
- : volubile Hook.f.
Habit
Climber herb
Habitat
Deciduous forests
Distribution
Chittoor District.
Technical Description
Climbers, herbaceous, branched, glabrous, from 1 or 2 subterranean tubers; tubers discoid. Leaves linear-lanceolate, long petiole. Inflorescences a cyme, extra-axillary, 2or 3-flowered. peduncles 5 – 7 mm long. bracts 2, pedicels long, purplish green. Calyx glabrous, purplish green. Corolla densely covered with fine white hairs. The anthers slightly shorter and yellow in colour. Seeds flattened, comose, brown coloured.
Flowering and Fruiting
August-April
Medical Importance
Preliminary Study of Clinical Antidiabetic Activity of Salam Leaves (Eugenia Polyantha) and Sambiloto Leaves (Andrographis Paniculata) In Type 2 Diabetic Patients. Optimization of production parameters for Andrographolide-loaded Nano emulsion preparation by micro fluidization and evaluations of its Bioactivities in skin Cancer cells and UVB radiation-Exposed skin
Available BMCs near by
- 1. Nerabailu (GP), Yerravaraipalem (M), Chittoor(D)
- 2. Kotakadipalli (GP), Sodam (M), Chittoor (D)
IUCN Conservation category and distribution
Critically Endangered (CR)
Propagation Methods
Tubers proved to be the best planting material for raising under cultivation. Freshly collected Tuberss remain viable for four months. For raising nursery, the freshly collected tubers should be used.
References
- 1. Hooker, J.D. 1885. The Flora of British India. Vol. 4. L. Reeve & Co. Ltd., London. p. 65.
- 2. https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/226951
- 3. http://flora-northernEasternGhats-indica.ces.iisc.ac.in/herbsheet.php?id=21&cat=8
Systematic position
- : Plantae
- : Tracheophytes
- : Asterids
- : Apiales
- : Apiaceae
- : Bupleurum
- : Andhricum M.P.Nayer & R.N.Benerjee
Habit
Erect herb
Habitat
Tropical semi – evergreen forest
Distribution
- 1. Palakonda, Rampachodavaram, East Godavari District
- 2. Sunkarimetta, Laxmipur, Visakhapatnam District
- 3. Devagiri parlakimidi, Srikakulam District
- 4. Gadikonda of Northern Eastern Ghats
Technical Description
Erect herb, up to 1m tall, branchlets glabrous and lower leaves alternate, simple, oblong at base. Margins entire, membranous. Inflorescence terminal, axillary, umbel, unequal rayed. Flowers are bisexual and yellow in colour. Peduncle unequally rayed, umbel. Involucre leaves glabrous, many unequals. Calyx conspicuous, very short. Petals pale yellow, Stamens 5 long, Style short divaricate. Fruit oblong, vallecular and commissural vittae.
Flowering and Fruiting
August - December.
Medicinal Importance
Bupleurum is used for respiratory infections, including the flu (influenza), swine flu, the common cold, bronchitis, and pneumonia; and symptoms of these infections, including fever and cough. Some people use bupleurum for digestion problems including indigestion, diarrhea, and constipation.
Available BMCs near by
- 1. Balijepalli (GP), Rampachodavaram (M), Chittoor(D)
- 2. Rampachodavaram (GP), Rampachodavaram (M), East Godavari (D)
- 3. Dhonubai (GP), Seethampeta (M), Srikakulam (D)
- 4. Pubbada (GP), Pubbada (M), Srikakulam (D)
- 5. Rayagadajammu (GP), Gummalakshmipuram (M), Vizianagaram (D)
- 6. Punyagiri (GP), Srungavarapu kota (M), Vizianagaram (D)
IUCN Conservation category and distribution
Critically Endangered (CR)
Propagation Methods
Seeds proved to be the best planting material for raising under cultivation.
References
Systematic position
- : Plantae
- : Tracheophytes
- : Magnoliopsida
- : Sapindales
- : Burseraceae
- : Boswellia
- : Ovalifoliolata Balakr. & A.N.Henry
Common/Vernacular name
Konda sambrani
Habit
Larege Tree
Habitat
Terrestrial
Distribution
Seshachalam hills and Palakonda region of Eastern Ghats of India
Technical Description
The plant is medium to large-sized deciduous tree grown up to 18 m in height and 2.4 m in girth. Bark is greenish grey, yellow or reddish, fairly thick, smooth, exfoliating in thin, papery flakes and resinous inside. Leaves are long up to 30-45 cm, opposite, sessile, variable in shape. The leaflets are 2.5-6.3 cm X 1.3- 3.0 cm ovate- lanceolate. Flower is small, white, in auxiliary racemes or panicles. Petals are long and ovate. Fruit is trigonous, 12 mm long drupe, splitting along 3 valves.
Flowering and Fruiting
April – May
Medical Importance
The extract of this plant is used for rheumatic pains by folklore and wood of this species is specially used in toy making industry besides its commercial importance as aromatic resin yielding plant. Recently Reddy et al. (2003) found two new macrocyclic diaryl ether heptanoids, ovalifoliolatin A and B, in this species which show antibacterial activity.
Available BMCs near by
- 1. Nerabailu GP, Yerravaraipalem(M), Chittoor(D)
- 2. Perur GP, Tirupathi(M), Chittoor(D)
IUCN Conservation category and distribution
Endangered (EN)
Propagation Methods
In vitro techniques are therefore exploited for the conservation of valuable plants especially B.ovalifoliolata which are difficult to propagate by conventional means. Seeds of Boswellia ovalifoliolata were collected during April and May from a small population of trees and used for nursery beds.
References
Systematic position
- : Plantae
- : Tracheophytes
- : Asterids
- : Gentiales
- : Apocyanaceae
- : Asclepiadoidae
- : Ceropigieae
- : caralluma
Habit
Fleshy succulent herb
Habitat
Dry deciduous forests and scrub jungles
Distribution
Endemic to South western ghats
Technical Description
Indian Caralluma is a small fleshy herb. Leaves are minute, falling off. Flowers are born in umbels at branch ends. Flowers are broadly bell shaped and red-brown to purple in colour. Petals are broadly ovate, pointed, straight and hairy. Pollina is erect, pellucid at tip, style tip 5 angled.
Flowering and Fruiting
July - October
Medical Importance
They possess antidiabetic, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial characteristics. In addition, a number of Corallium species have been reported in the traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases such as diabetes, cancer, inflammation, tuberculosis, skin rashes, scabies and fever.
IUCN Conservation category and distribution
Critically Endangered (CR)
Propagation Methods
Propagated by stem cuttings and seeds.
References
Systematic position
- : Plantae
- : Tracheophytes
- : Liliopsida
- : Poales
- : Poaceae
- : Chrysopogon
- : velutinus (Hook.f.) Bor
Habit
Herb
Habitat
Dry deciduous Forests
Distribution
Kadapa district
Technical Description
Perennials, stem tufted. Leaves to 20 x 0.2 cm, linear, pubescent with long hairs at the base; sheath rounded. Panicles 10 cm, branchlets and peduncles capillary, 2 cm; callus hairy; sessile spikelets , upper glume aristate, lemma awned, awns to 20 mm; pedicelled spikelets , narrowed, glumes pubescent, pedicels 1 mm, fulvous.
Flowering and Fruiting
December- February
Medicinal Importance
Used in Folk Medicine
IUCN Conservation category
Critically Endangered (CR)
Available BMCs near by
- 1. Siddavatam (GP), Siddavatam (M), YSR Kadapa (D)
- 2. Peddulapalli (GP), Galiveedu (M), YSR Kadapa (D)
References
Systematic position
- : Plantae
- : Tracheophytes
- : Cycadopsida
-
:
- : Cycadaceae
- : Cycas
- : beddomei Dyer
Common/Vernacular name
Perita, Madhana-Kamashi, Beddome’s Cycas, Kondeetha
Habit
Arborescent plant
Habitat
They occur in dry deciduous forests and on the exposed quartzite rock and sandy black soils
Distribution
This species is the global endemic of Seshachalam hills (formerly called as Cuddapah - Tirupati hills) of the Southern Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh.
Technical Description
Shrubs to 2 m high, dioecious; bark brown, exfoliating in rectangular scales. Leaves up to 1 m long; rachis quadrangular, petiole up to 15 cm long with minute spines on upper portion, base clothed with tufted tomentum; leaflets narrow, linear, 10 - 18 x 0.2-0.35 cm, margins revolute, apex pointed. Male cone oblong-ovoid, up to 35 x 16 cm with a short peduncle; microsporophyll oblong, deltoid, tapering, acuminate at apex, lower erect, upper strongly recurved. Megasporophylls ovate-lanceolate, up to 4 x 2 cm; ovules usually 2 - 4. Seeds globose.
Flowering and Fruiting
April- August
IUCN Conservation category and distribution
Endangered (EN)
Medicinal Importance
The male cones are pruned away by local tribals for its professed medicinal properties and are used as a major ingredient in rejuvenating tonics. The male cones of this plant are also considered to possess the narcotic properties, rheumatoid and muscle pains. The seeds are used as a poultice to treat skin complaints such as wounds, sores and boils.
Available BMCs near by
- 1. Nerabailu (GP), Yerravaraipalem (M), Chittoor (D)
- 2. Perur (GP), Tirupathi(M), Chittoor(D)
Conservation Techniques
- 1. The seedlings produced via vegetative and seeds are conserved in ex-sit conservation mode in various botanic gardens.
- 2. The natural cycad localities should be designated as Cycad Conservation Sites by respective forest departments.
Propagation Methods
1. By Seeds. Sow the seeds in a tray in a freely-draining medium and place in moderate shade. Bottom heat at about 27°c will hasten seed germination dramatically. Young roots are quite brittle and once germination takes place, the root grows rapidly. It is important to pot up the seedlings at this time in order to give them enough root-space.
2. Vegetative propagation is also possible.
References
- 1. http://www.bsienvis.nic.in/CITES/Cycas%20beddomei.pdf
- 2. http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Cycas+beddomei
- 3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311509340_Indian_Cycas_under_severe_threat
- 4. https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/242943
- 5. https://threatenedtaxa.org/index.php/JoTT/article/view/2379/3406
Systematic position
- : Plantae
- : Tracheophytes
- : Magnoliopsida
- : Lamiales
- : Acanthaceae
- : Acanthoidea
- : Dicliptera
- : beddomi C. B. Clarke
Habit
Herb
Habitat
Tropical dry deciduous forest
Distribution
Nallamalai range, Areas of Rollapenta to Pecheruvu, Kurnool district
Available BMCs near by
- 1. Pecheruvu GP, Kurnool(D)
- 2. Siddapuram GP, Atmakur(M), Kurnool(D)
- 3. Vadlaramapuram GP, Atmakur(M), Kurnool(D)
Technical Description
Erect slender herb, branches striate, tall. Leaves ovate, pubescent beneath, base acute, margin entire, apex acuminate. Flowers in trichotomous cymes on lax panicles, rachis bristly hairy; inflorescence bracts linear-oblong, mucronate, ciliate, gradually reduced to linear, flower bracts spathulate-obovate. villous calyx lobes 5, linear, 2.5 mm, corolla pink, distinctly bilabiate. stamens 2 and anther 2-celled, superposed. Capsule clavate, Pubescent. seeds verrucose, ovoid-orbicular.
IUCN Conservation Category
Critically Endangered (CR)
References
Systematic position
- : Plantae
- : Tracheophytes
- : Magnoliopsida
- : Malpighiales
- : Euphorbiaceae
- : Dimorphocalyx
- : Kurnoolensis R.Venkatar. & Pullaiet
Common/Vernacular name
Erratandra
Distribution
Kurnool district
Flowering and Fruiting
January- March
IUCN Conservation category and distribution
Critically Endangered (CR)
Available BMCs near by
- 1. Somayajulapalli GP, B.Atmakur(M), Kurnool(D)
- 2. Nallakaluva GP, B.Atmakur(M), Kurnool(D)
- 3. Kaluvabugga GP, Kurnool(D)
References
- 1. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/979451-1
- 2. http://www.theplantlist.org/1.1/browse/A/Euphorbiaceae/Dimorphocalyx/
- 3. https://www.irmng.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=10462566
- 4. http://www.worldfloraonline.org/search?query=dimorphocalyx+kurnoolensis&limit=24&start=0&facet=base.class_s%3Aorg.emonocot.model.Taxon&sort=
- 5. http://flora-peninsula-indica.ces.iisc.ac.in/herbsheet.php?id=3768&cat=7
Systematic position
- : Plantae
- : Tracheophytes
- : Magnoliopsida
- : Malvales
- : Malvaceae
- : Eriolaena
- : lushingtonii Dunn
Habit
Tree
Habitat
Terrestrial tree
Distribution
Nallamala forests, Kurnool district
Technical Description
Terrestrial Tree. Leaves orbicular to ovate, rounded at base, irregularly dentate at margin, acuminate at apex. Flowers 1-3 in axillary cymes. fragrant; bracteoles laciniate; pedicels and bracteoles pubescent. Sepals linear, acuminate. Petals obovate, yellow with tomentose claws. Stamens 12-15 long, pubescent; anthers linear, basifixed. Ovary ovoid, 5-loculed; style pubescent. stigma minutely lobed. Capsules ovoid, woody, pubescent. Seeds winged above.
Flowering and Fruiting
June- August
Medical Importance
The plant is used as an antidose for snake bites and scorpion stings
Available BMCs near by
- 1. Ahobilam GP, Allagadda(M), Kurnool(D)
- 2. Harinagaram GP, Rudravaram(M), Kurnool(D)
- 3. Mittapalli GP, Bangarupalem(M), Chittoor(D)
- 4. Mutyalapadu GP, Chagalamarri(M), Kurnool(D)
IUCN Conservation Category
Vulnerable (VU)
Propagation Methods
Seeds proved to be the best planting material for raising under cultivation. Freshly collected seeds remain viable for four months. For raising nursery, the freshly collected seeds should be used.
References
Systematic position
- : Plantae
- : Tracheophytes
- : Magnoliopsida
- : Malvales
- : Malvaceae
- : Sterculioideae
- : Hildegardia
- : Populifolia (Roxb.) Schott.&Endl.
Common/Vernacular name
Malaipuvarasu, Delibuda, Dalibuda, Gali Budda, Gali Budaga, Pichipolki, Buddapolki
Habit
Tree
Habitat
Terrestrial, found mostly on forest slopes
Distribution
Found in certain parts of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh. Some areas of Ananthapur (Chinnapalle), Kadapa and Chittoor districts, Rayalaseema.
Technical Description
They are growing up to 20m and mature plants are recognizable for their pale green coloured bark. Leaves are ovate-cordate. Flowers are purple, erect with leathery perianth. Leaf-stalks are long,leaves large, round, deeply heart-shaped at the base, tapering at the tip, and with entire margins. The scarlet flowers are borne in leaf-axils and at branch-end, in panicles which are shorter than the leaves. The flower buds are oblong. The seeds are ovate-oblong, pale brown, and 15-20 mm long.
Flowering and Fruiting
April, June- February
Medicinal Importance
The Stem bark extract is applied externally and decoction given orally for dog bite. Stem extract is also used in curing malaria.
Available BMCs near by
- 1. Chinnapalle GP, Talupula(M), Ananthapur(D)
- 2. Peddulapalli GP, Galiveedu(M), YSR Kadapa(D)
- 3. Perur GP, Tirupathi(M), Chittoor(D)
IUCN Conservation category and distribution
Vulnerable (VU)
Propagation Methods
Conventional propagation by seeds and they are viable for few months. Vegetative propagation by cuttings. For large scale field cultivation of woody saplings, in vitro culture can be adopted.
References
Systematic position
- : Plantae
- : Tracheophytes
- : Magnoliopsida
- : Saxifragales
- : Crassulaceae
- : Kalanchoe
- : Cherukondensis Subba Rao & Kumari
Distribution
Srikakulam district, East Godavari
Flowering and Fruiting
January- April
Available BMCs near by
- 1. Dhonubai GP, Seethampeta(M), Srikakulam(D)
- 2. Pubbada GP, Pubbada(M), Srikakulam(D)
- 3. Kadiyam GP, Kadiyam(M), East Godavari(D)
- 4.
IUCN Conservation Category
Critically endangered (CR)
References
Systematic position
- : Plantae
- : Tracheophytes
- : Magnoliopsida
- : Myrtales
- : Melastomataceae
- : Memecylon
- : madgolense Gamble
Distribution
Madgol hills (Visakhapatnam district)
Flowering and Fruiting
January- April
Available BMCs near by
- 1. V.Madugula GP, Chodavaram(M), Visakhapatnam(D)
- 2. Kothapalle GP, Chodavaram(M), Visakhapatnam(D)
IUCN Conservation Category
Critically Endangered (CR)
References
Systematic position
- : Plantae
- : Tracheophytes
- : Magnoliopsida
- : Fabales
- : Fabaceae
- : Faboideae
- : Rhynchosia
- : ravii K. Prasad & A. Narayana Swamy
Habit
Erect shrubs
Habitat
Open deciduous forests, rocky hills
Distribution
Batrepalli forest, Talapula forest (Ananthapuram district ), Mangapatnam forest (Kadapa district)
Flowering and Fruiting
November – April
Available BMCs near by
- 1. Batrepalli GP, Talapiula(M), Anantapuram(D)
- 2. Mangapatnam GP, Kondapuram(M), YSR Kadapa(D)
IUCN Conservation Category
Critically Endangered (CR)
Technical Description
Erect shrubs grow up to 1.2 m high, with glandular tipped hairs, and with glands in the leaves. Branches erect; mature branches woody, young branches slender, pale golden-yellow or greyish-white pubescent. Leaves 6–10 cm long, alternate, 3-foliolate; Inflorescence an axillary raceme, 1- 3 racemes per axil, slender, filiform, golden-yellow pubescent and 6-8-flowered. Bracts ovate, bracteoles absent. Flowers solitary1 cm long, zygomorphic. Calyx pale green with pale rose tinge. Corolla standard yellow, rounded and emarginate at apex. Stamens 10, white, diadelphous, 9 + 1, unequal, yellow colour and dehiscent. Ovary sessile, with white hairs. stigma pale yellow. Pod compressed, longer than the calyx, septate between the seeds, incurved beak, tomentose; seeds 2, subreniform, strophiolate.
References
-
1.
Prasad, K., & Narayana Swamy, A. (2014). Rhynchosia ravii (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae), a new species from Andhra Pradesh, India. Phytotaxa, 175(3), 155-160.
- 2. http://flora-peninsula-indica.ces.iisc.ac.in/herbsheet.php?id=4496&cat=7
- 3. https://www.biotaxa.org/Phytotaxa/article/view/phytotaxa.175.3.5
Systematic position
- : Plantae
- : Tracheophytes
- : Equisetopsida
- : Malvales
- : Dipterocarpaceae
- : Shorea
- : tumbuggaia Roxb.
Common/Vernacular name
Green dammar tree, karuppu dammar, Googilapu, Nallaguggilamu, Thamba
Habit
Tree
Habitat
Terrestrial, Deciduous trees
Distribution
- 1. Talakona RF, Tirumala Hills (Chittoor district),
- 2. Nellore district, Veligonda (Kadapa district),
- 3. Sesachalam Hills (Kadapa and Chittoor districts)
Technical Description
Trees grow about 12-18 m tall, girth up to 2 m, crown of mature trees dome shaped. Bark thick, rough, dark brown,wood hard with white resin. Leaves simple, alternate, base truncate to shallow emarginate, margins entire, dark green, glabrous on both sides. Inflorescence axillary or terminal, panicles, up to 20 cm long, glabrous or hairy. Flowers bisexual, cream white, pedicel subsessile, calyx 5 lobed white. Anthers sub-globose, appendages hairy, Ovary enclosed inside calyx tube, narrow ovoid, pubescent, tri-locular. Fruit capsule or nutlike. Seed 1, cotyledons large, fleshy.
Flowering and Fruiting
March - August
Available BMCs near by
- 1. Kapilathertam GP, Tirupathi(M), Chittoor(D)
- 2. Penchalakona GP, Rapur(M), Nellore(D)
- 3. Gonupalli GP, Gonupalli(M), Nellore(D)
- 4. Renigunta GP, Tirupathi(M), Chittoor(D)
IUCN Conservation category and distribution
Endangered (EN)
Propagation Methods
1. Seed, best sown as soon as possible. It does not require pre-treatment, but it is recommended to soak the seed for hours prior to sowing. The seeds are sown in seed beds, where they are covered with a mixture of sand and soil (1:1) or with a thin layer of saw dust.
2. Invitro propagation is a best alternative method to conserve this plant. High rate of success of germination percentage was obtained by placing healthy seeds on MS medium
References
- 1. INVITRO PROPAGATION OF SHOREA TUMBUGGAIA ROXB–AN ENDEMIC AND ENDANGERED SPECIES OF TIRUMALA HILLS
- 2. https://efloraindia.bsi.gov.in/eFlora/speciesDesc_PCL.action?species_id=20252
- 3. https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/252349
- 4. http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Shorea+tumbuggaia
- 5. http://flora-peninsula-indica.ces.iisc.ac.in/herbsheet.php?id=3492&cat=7
Systematic position
- : Plantae
- : Tracheophytes
- : Magnoliopsida
- : Fabales
- : Fabaceae
- : Faboideae
- : Tephrosia
- : calophylla Bedd.
Common/Vernacular name
Adivivempalli, Dumpavempalli, Gadda Vempalli
Habit
Woody herb
Habitat
Tuberous woody herbs growing in shady areas
Distribution
Talakona hills of Chittoor district
Medical Importance
Shade dried whole plant is powdered and taken in with honey in empty stomach heals pectic ulcers, spleen, heart and blood disorders. Whole plant decoction
Flowering and Fruiting
March - August
Technical Description
Glabrescent, tuberous woody herbs growing in shady areas. Leaves simple, 7-10 cm X 2-3 cm. Petiole to 8 cm long; blade indurate along margin, oblanceolate, obtuse, coriaceous, to 12 X 4 cm. Flowers in 10-15 cm long terminal raceme. Calyx lobes as long as tube. Corolla brick red, 1.2 cm long. Pod to 6.5 X 0.5 cm, nearly straight, glabrous.
Available BMCs near by
- 1. Kapilathertham (GP), Tirupathi (M), Chittoor (D)
IUCN Conservation category and distribution
Vulnerable (VU)
References
- 1. http://flora-peninsula-indica.ces.iisc.ac.in/herbsheet.php?id=4550&cat=7
- 2. http://www.worldfloraonline.org/search?query=tephrosia+calophylla
- 3. http://flora-peninsula-indica.ces.iisc.ac.in/karnataka/herbsheet.php?id=2103&cat=1
- 4. https://sites.google.com/site/efloraofindia/species/a---l/f/fabaceae/tephrosia/tephrosia-calophylla
Systematic position
- : Plantae
- : Tracheophytes
- : Magnoliopsida
- : Gentiales
- : Rubiaceae
- : Wendlandia
- : gamblei Cowan
Habit
Tree
Distribution
Srikakulam district, Rampa hills of East Godaveri districts
Available BMCs near by
- 1. Rampachodavaram (GP), Rampachodavaram(M), East Godavari (D)
- 2. Dhonubai (GP), Seethampeta (M), Srikakulam (D)
- 3. Pubbada (GP), Pubbada (M), Srikakulam (D)
IUCN Conservation category
Vulnerable (VU)
References
- 1. https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/259273
- 2. http://www.worldfloraonline.org/organisation/WFO
- 3. http://eptrienvis.nic.in/All%20PDF%20Files/Tree%20flora%20in%20Eastern%20Ghats%20of%20Southern%20Pennisular%20India.pdf
- 4. http://flora-peninsula-indica.ces.iisc.ac.in/karnataka/herbsheet.php?id=2103&cat=1
- 5. https://sites.google.com/site/efloraofindia/species/a---l/f/fabaceae/tephrosia/tephrosia-calophylla
Systematic position
- : Plantae
- : Tracheophytes
- : Magnoliopsida
- : Fabales
- : Fabaceae
- : Pterocarpus
- : santalinus Linn.f.
Common/Vernacular name
Sanders, Agaru, Ruby wood, Yerra chandhanam
Habit
Tree
Habitat
Deciduous tree growing on rocky hills
Distribution
Sesachalam, Veligonda, Lankamala and Palakonda running through the five districts namely Chittor, Kadapa, Kurnool, Nellore and Prakasham.
Flowering and Fruiting
April- may
Medical Importance
It is a well-known traditional medicinal plant. It’s mentioned in Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita.
- 1. It is used in treatment of ulcers, skin diseases, bone fracture, leprosy, high cough inducing vomiting and mental aberrations.
- 2. It possesses properties like anti-hyperglycaemic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-helmintic. diaphoretic
- 3. In combination with other drugs, the wood is used for treating snake bites and scorpion stings.
Technical Description
Small tree with round crown, compound leaves with3 broadly elliptic leaflets. Flowers are yellow shorter than calyx. Bark blackish brown cleft into rectangular plates and exuding a red gum wh en blazed. Pod 3.8 cm across, obliquely circular, gradually narrowed to a short stalk. Seeds one or two, 1-1.5 cm long, reddish-brown, smooth and leathery.
Available BMCs near by
- 1. Ahobilam GP, Allagadda(M), Kurnool(D)
- 2. Gonupalle GP, Gonupalle(M), Nellore(D)
- 3. Veligondla GP, Urvakonda(M), Anantapuram(D)
- 4. Kapilatertham GP, Tirupathi(M), Chittoor(D)
IUCN Conservation category
Endangered (EN)
Propagation Methods
Conventional vegetative propagation techniques such as grafting and air-layering have limited scope in large-scale multiplication of this species and rooting of cuttings was also poor. In-vitro propagation of the species was successful no significant growth differences were reported. Monoculture is possible.
References
- 1. Azamthulla, M., Balasubramanian, R., & Kavimani, S. (2015). A review on Pterocarpus santalinus Linn. World J Pharm Res, 4(2), 282-292.
- 2. https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/226212
- 3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874121003548
Systematic position
- : Plantae
- : Tracheophytes
- : Cycadopsida
- : Cycadales
- : Cycadaceae
- : Cycadaceae
- : sphaerica Roxb
Habit
Arborescent
Habitat
Tropical deciduous forests and woodlands on hills
Distribution
Occasionally in Northern most part of Srikakulam district in deciduous forests and woodlands of Palakonda, Donubayi, Seetampet areas, Jalanthrakota Reserve Forest of Srikakulam, Pinjarikonda Reserve Forest of East Godaveri
Technical Description
Stems arborescent: leaves bright green, semi-glossy. Petiole 45-60 cm long, glabrous, spinescent for 90% of length. Basal leaflets not gradually reducing to spines. Median leaflets simple, weakly discolors. section flat; apex softly acuminate. Cataphylls narrowly triangular, soft, soft, persistent. Pollen cones narrowly ovoid, orange. Megasporophylls 15-25 cm long, brown-tomentose; ovules 2-5, glabrous; Seeds sub-globose, 25 mm long; sarcotesta yellow; fibrous layer present; sclerotesta smooth. Spongy endocarp absent.
Flowering and Fruiting
May - August
Available BMCs near by
- 1. Dhonubai GP, Seethampeta(M), Srikakuloam(D)
- 2. Sompeta GP, Sompeta(M), Srikakulam(D)
- 3. Kanchili GP, Kanchili(M), Srikakulam(D)
IUCN Conservation Category
Endangered (EN)
Propagation Methods
Seeds - best sown as soon as they are ripe, though the seeds of many species will take a few months to finish maturing the embryo before they are ready to germinate. Sow the seeds in a tray in a freely-draining medium and place in moderate shade. Bottom heat at about 27°c will hasten seed germination dramatically. Young roots are quite brittle and once germination takes place; the root grows rapidly. It is important to pot up the seedlings at this time in order to give them enough root-space. Grow on the plants in pots until large enough to plant out. Division of off-sets or suckers is best carried out just before the plant comes in to new growth at the start of the growing season.
References
List of Threatened Mammals of Andhra Pradesh
Common/Vernacular name
Indian Wild Dog, Dhole, Asiatic Wild dog, Red dog
Systematic position
- : Animalia
- : Chordata
- : Mammalia
- : Carnivora
- : Canidae
- : Cuon
- : alpines Pallas, 1811
IUCN Conservation Status
Endangered (EN)
Diagnostic Features:
Dholes are large canids (typically 12–20kg) usually having a reddish or brown coat and a darker, bushy tail (sometimes with a white tip). Sexual dimorphism is not very distinct. The ears are triangular with rounded tips. The pinnae are usually whitish-fawn on the inside and reddish-brown on the outside. The muzzle is brown, relatively short, and slightly convex in profile. The nose is black and the eyes slightly hooded with amber irises. The dorsal and lateral pelage is red to brown and the foreneck, chest and undersides are often whitish or light ginger coloured. In the south and south-west of the dhole’s, the fur is shorter and rusty-red colord. The legs are notably shorter and the coat is a yellowish-grey colour. The coat is more uniform brown and occasionally grizzled. The toes are red, brown and white.
Habitats
Tropical dry forest, semi-evergreen and alpine steppe forest.
Distribution
- India: Western Ghats, Central Indian high lands, Eastern Ghats, Himalayan and Northern India
- Andhra Pradesh: Eastern Ghats
Threats
Depletion of prey base, Habitat loss and fragmentation, Diseases and pathogens
Protect measures required
- 1. Awareness of the habitat and role of the fauna species in ecosystem balance to be understand by BMCs/Students
- 2. Protection of RET species to given priority by BMC members
References
- 1. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/5953/72477893#habitat-ecology
- 2. https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/238442
- 3. Choudhury, A. (2003). The Mammals of Arunachal Pradesh. Regency Publications.P.43
- 4. Menon, V. (2014). Indian Mammals: A field guide. Hachette Book Publishing India Pvt.Ltd.P.280
Common/ Vernacular Name
Leopard, Chirutha Puli (Telugu)
Systematic position
- : Animalia
- : Chordata
- : Mammalia
- : Carnivora
- : Felidae
- : Panthera
- : Pardus Linnaeus1758
IUCN Conservation Status:
Endangered (EN)
Diagnostic Features:
Size considerably less than that of the tiger or lion. Sexual dimorphism will be observed. The coat varies greatly in length, thickness, and texture, according to the season, in some races; the ground colour above is also exceedingly variable, from greyish or whitish-buff, with sometimes hardly a trace of buff, to olivaceous. Cheek and the lower side of the tail and the inner surfaces of the limbs, it is generally wholly white, and sharply contrasted with the tint of the upper side and outside of the limbs, though the paws may be paler than the rest of the limbs. The pattern is very different from that of the tiger, but not unlike the pattern of some lion-cubs. It consists of solid black spots on the head, sometimes for a short distance behind it, on the outer side of the limbs and on the belly, which is typically heavily spotted. The " black " variety is the commonest of them. In this type the blackness is due to the deposit of black or dark brown pigment in the hairs that are normally yellow or white.
Distribution
- INDIA: Throughout India but best seen at Sanjay Gandhi NP, Borivili NP (Maharashtra) and Gir NP (Gujarat).
- In A.P.: Eastern Ghats (PNP, SB, RWLS, Kamalakonda)
- 3. Kanchili (GP), Kanchili (M), Srikakulam (D)
IUCN Conservation category and distribution
Endangered (EN)
Propagation Methods
Seeds - best sown as soon as they are ripe, though the seeds of many species will take a few months to finish maturing the embryo before they are ready to germinate. Sow the seeds in a tray in a freely-draining medium and place in moderate shade. Bottom heat at about 27°c will hasten seed germination dramatically. Young roots are quite brittle and once germination takes place; the root grows rapidly. It is important to pot up the seedlings at this time in order to give them enough root-space. Grow on the plants in pots until large enough to plant out. Division of off-sets or suckers is best carried out just before the plant comes in to new growth at the start of the growing season.
References
Common/Vernacular name
Sloth bear
Systematic position
- : Animalia
- : Chordata
- : Mammalia
- : Carnivora
- : Ursidae
- : Melursus
- : melursus ursins (Sham1971)
IUCN Conservation Status:
Vulnerable (VU)
Diagnostic Features:
Length about 5 feet; height nearly 3 feet; tail about 7 or 8 inches. Fur long and coarse, longest between the shoulders. In the skull the palate is broad and concave, and extends back further than in other bears, covering about two thirds of the space between the posterior molars and the hinder terminations of the pterygoids. Colour black, end of muzzle dirty grey; a narrow white horse-shoe-shaped mark on the chest. Claws white.
Habitats
Terrestrial, Found all over in forests and grassland. It is the only species of bear found in tall elephant-grass or wet savannah in addition to forests in the plains and foothills
Distribution
India : Patna and Bihar
Threats
Habitat loss and poaching
Protect measures required
1. BMC member/students have to visit nearby forests, waste lands and wet lands to understand the function of Nature etc.,
2. Involvement of schools/college science teachers/lecturers & Scientists to be there for proper summary, departmental studies and specific conversation measures required for RET species conservation.
References
List of Threatened Birds of Andhra Pradesh
Systematic position
- : Animalia
- : Chordata
- : Aves
- : Otidiformes
- : Otididae
- : Ardeotis
- : nigriceps (Vigors, 1831)
Common/Vernacular name
Great Indian Bustard, InIUCN Conservation Statusdian Bustard, Batta meka/Batta Myaka (Telugu), Godawan (Rajastan)
IUCN Conservation Status:
Critically Endangered (CR), Criteria A2a+4acd; C1, Geoprivacy, IWPA (1972), Schedule I, CITES Appendix I
Diagnostic Features:
A heavy ground bird reminiscent of a young ostrich. Unmistakable, large, brown-and-white bustard with black crown and wing markings. Males have whitish neck and underparts with narrow black breast-band. In flight, the white outstretched neck and underparts, black crown and gorget, and a large whitish patch near tip of wings prominent. Females are smaller, with greyer neck and typically no or incomplete breast-band.
Habits:
Affects open sparse grass and scrub plains country interspersed with cultivation. Good runners and heavy in take-off, but once launched flies strongly with steady rhythmical flapping of broad wings.
Nesting Season:
March - September
Habitat and Ecology
Inhabits arid and semi-arid grasslands with scattered short scrub, bushes and low intensity cultivation in flat or gently undulating terrain.
Distribution
India: Western Rajasthan, Kachchh, Andhra Pradesh (Rollapadu)
Others: Pakistan
Threats
Habitat loss and fragmentation, Agriculture land expansion, Hunting, Mining, Stone quarrying, Pollution, Urbanization and Industrialization, Energy Production, Deforestation, Over grazing, Antagonism
Protect measures required
- 1. Protection of RET species to given priority by BMC members
- 2. Waterholes, small ponds and artificial supply of water can be done in summer.
References
- 1. ALI, SALIM (2002): The Book of Indian Birds, 9th ed, Bombay Natural History Society, Oxford Press, Mumbai.
- 2. https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/238974
Common/ Vernacular Name:
Greater Spotted Eagle, Spotted Eagle, Kaljanga (Hindi), Nalla gadda (Telugu)
Systematic position
- : Animalia
- : Chordata
- : Aves
- : Accipitriformes
- : Accipitridae
- : Clanga
- : clanga (Pallas, 1811)
IUCN Conservation category and distribution
Endangered (EN)
Diagnostic Features
Dark blackish brown with minute white specks on wings and body. Paler below. Sexes alike. Female larger. Any dark eagle without a whitish head seen near water is likely to be of this species. Distinguished from the very similar Lesser Spotted Eagle by the pure white under tail-coverts. Immature birds with paler crown and nape and whitish upper tail-coverts, seen as a broad crescentic patch above tail in flight.
Habits, Habitats and Ecology:
An habitue of well-watered areas frequenting jheels and other water bodies. Less sluggish in fight than the Tawny Eagle. Forest, Shrubland, Grassland, Wetlands (Inland), Marine Intertidal, Marine Coastal/Supratidal, Artificial/ Terrestrial, Artificial/ Aquatic & Marine
Nesting:
Season – April - June
Distribution:
India: Resident in North India. It moves to South in winter
Others: Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, Mongolia, Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, Poland, Russia, Ukraine
Threats
Habitat fragmentation and destruction, Natural system modifications, Human intrusions & disturbance, Residential & Commercial Development, Agricultural & Aquaculture, Invasive and other problematic species, genes & diseases, Energy Production & Mining, Transportation & service corridors, Hunting, Trapping
Protect measures required
- 1. BMC member/students have to visit nearby forests, waste lands and wet lands to understand the function of Nature etc.,
- 2. Involvement of schools/college science teachers/lecturers & Scientists to be there for proper summary, departmental studies and specific conversation measures required for RET species conservation.
References
- 1. ALI, SALIM (2002): The Book of Indian Birds, 9th ed, Bombay Natural History Society, Oxford Press, Mumbai.
- 2. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22696027/203868747
- 3. https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/279336
Common/Vernacular name
Indian Vulture, Long-billed Vulture, Podugumukku boruva (Telugu), Gidh (Hindi)
Systematic position
- : Animalia
- : Chordata
- : Aves
- : Accipitriformes
- : Accipitridae
- : Gyps
- : indicus (Scopuli, 1786)
IUCN Conservation Status:
Critically Endangered (CR), Criteria A2abce+4abce, Geoprivacy, IWPA, (1972), Schedule I, CITES Appendix II
Diagnostic Features:
Robust, strong features giving eagle-like bearing. Perched adults have pale-yellowish bill and cere; pale eye rings; large white neck-ruff; and buff back and upper wing coverts. The stout blackish neck has pale down. Juveniles have dark bill with pale culmen; pinkish head and neck covered in pale down and dingy heavily streaked underparts. In flight thighs are heavily feathered and concolorous with the rest of the underparts.
Brown above with features, pale edged (scalloped). Head, Neck and nape naked (Himalayan race) or patchily covered with hair-like features or down (Peninsular race).
Nesting
Season- November – March
Habits, Habitat and Ecology:
Takes shelter on trees. It also lives as colony in the rock cliffs and ruins in the absence of trees. Forest, Savanna, Shrubland, Grassland, Rocky areas (eg. Inland cliffs, mountain peaks).
Distribution
- India : Rajasthan, Gujarat and the peninsula south of the Gangetic plains, north to Delhi, east through Madhya Pradesh, south to the Nilgiris.
- Others : South -East Pakistan
Threats
Hunting and trapping, human intrusions and disturbance, natural system modifications, climate change.
Remarks
The most serious threat to this species is by kidney failure through consumption of cattle treated with the anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac. ketoprofen, another veterinary drug in use in India, has also been recently identified as being lethal to this bird species.
Protect measures required
1. Should protect the small natural water bodies like ponds etc., for sheltering migrated birds locally
2. keep necessary food & feed for RET species
3. Should observe the movement of any hunters and report the matter to Forest /Police
References
- 1. ALI, SALIM (2002): The Book of Indian Birds, 9th ed, Bombay Natural History Society, Oxford Press, Mumbai.
- 2. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22729731/204672586
- 3. https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/239132
Common/Vernacular name
Oriental White-backed Vulture, Asian White-backed Vulture, Matti pudum-gadu, Tellaveepu boruva (Telugu)
Systematic position
- : Animalia
- : Chordata
- : Aves
- : Accipitriformes
- : Accipitridae
- : Gyps
- : bengalensis (Gmelin, 1788)
IUCN Conservation Status:
Critically Endangered (CR), Criteria A2abce+4abce, Geoprivacy, IWPA Schedule I, CITES Appendix II
Diagnostic Features:
75-85 cm. Medium-sized, dark vulture. Adult has blackish plumage, white neck-ruff, rump and underwing-coverts, silvery panel on upper surface of secondaries, dark head and neck, and rather short, heavy, mostly silver bill. Juvenile dark brown with prominent white shaft-streaks, especially below. White down on head and neck and usually a brownish nape- patch. Subadult drabber brown. The white back is an important diagnostic character during flight.
Breeding Season
October - March
Habits
It feeds on carrion, both putrid and fresh. While feeding considerable aggregations can form, and regular communal roost sites are used. It is social and usually found in conspecific flocks.
Habitat and Ecology:
Mostly in plains and less frequently in hilly regions where it utilizes light woodland, villages, cities, and open areas.
Subtropical/Tropical dry Forests, Dry savannas, Sub-tropical/Tropical moist Shrublands, Sub tropical/Tropical dry/ seasonally flooded Grasslands, Artificial/Terrestrial structures.
Distribution
- India : Throughout the Union.
- Others :Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan.
Threats
Habitat fragmentation and destruction, Deforestation, Electrocution, Collision with energy infrastructure, Hunting, Poisoning, Invasive and other problematic species, genes & diseases, Pollution.
Protect measures required
1. BMC member/students have to visit nearby forests, waste lands and wet lands to understand the function of Nature etc.,
2. Involvement of schools/college science teachers/lecturers & Scientists to be there for proper summary, departmental studies and specific conversation measures required for RET species conservation.
References
- 1. ALI, SALIM (2002): The Book of Indian Birds, 9th ed, Bombay Natural History Society, Oxford Press, Mumbai.
- 2. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22695194/204618615
- 3. https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/239129
Common/Vernacular name
Indian Vulture, Long-billed Vulture, Podugumukku boruva (Telugu), Gidh (Hindi)Lesser Adjutant, Lesser Adjutant-Stork, Dodalkonga, Doidal gatti gadu (Telugu), Chhota garur (Hindi), Mevakokku (Tamil)
Systematic position
- : Animalia
- : Chordata
- : Aves
- : Ciconiiformes
- : Ciconiidae
- : Leptoptilos
- : javanicus (Horsfield,1821)
Diagnostic Features:
Similar to, but smaller in size than the Adjutant with less erect carriage and glossy metallic black instead of slaty upperparts; white below. It has a bare head. Lacks neck pouch. It has a straight upper bill edge with a paler base and appears slightly trimmer and less hunch-backed. It has long legs. It is dark grey to black on the wings and black and white on the underside. Sexes alike. Breeding males show coppery spots on median coverts, narrow whitish edges to lower scapulars, tertials and inner greater coverts and redder head sides. Juvenile is duller and less glossy above, with more down on head and neck
Habitats and Ecology:
Forest, Savanna, Wetlands (inland), Marine Intertidal, Marine Coastal/Supratidal, Artificial/ Terrestrial. Inland birds inhabit natural and human-modified wetlands, both open and forested and Coastal populations move to the mangroves and intertidal flats. It nests colonially in large trees and historically on cliffs,
often at traditional sites in or adjacent to wetlands. It utilises small wetlands within Asian dry forest, and can breed some distance from these; shrinking of pools during the dry season and limited availability can lead to overlap with human uses and resulting disturbance.
IUCN & Other Conservation Status:
Vulnerable (VU), Criteria A2cd+3cd+4cd, IWPA, (1972) Schedule IV, Not included in CITES
Nesting
Season- November to January
Habits, Habitat and Ecology:
Takes shelter on trees. It also lives as colony in the rock cliffs and ruins in the absence of trees. Forest, Savanna, Shrubland, Grassland, Rocky areas (eg. Inland cliffs, mountain peaks).
Distribution
- India : North East region, Assam, Kerala, Bihar, West Bengal
- Others : Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Bhutan
Threats
Habitat fragmentation and destruction, Agriculture & Aquaculture, Energy Production & Mining, Hunting, Trapping, Introduction of invasive species, Over exploitation of aquatic resources, Human intrusions and disturbances, Pollution
Remarks
Resident and locally migratory bird.
Protect measures required
1. Should protect the small natural water bodies like ponds etc., for sheltering migrated birds locally
2. keep necessary food & feed for RET species
3. Should observe the movement of any hunters and report the matter to Forest /Police
References
- 1. ALI, SALIM (2002): The Book of Indian Birds, 9th ed, Bombay Natural History Society, Oxford Press, Mumbai.
- 2. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22697713/110481858
- 3. https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/239303
Common/Vernacular name
Yellow-throated Bulbul, Kondapoda pigli (Telugu)
Systematic position
- : Animalia
- : Chordata
- : Aves
- : Passeriformes
- : Pycnonotidae
- : Pycnonotus
- : xantholaemus (Jerdon, 1845)
IUCN & other Conservation Status:
Vulnerable (VU), Criteria A2ac+3c+4c; C2a(i), IWPA, (1972) Schedule IV
Diagnostic Features:
A plain uncrested grey and yellow bulbul with bright yellow crown, chin, throat, thighs and under tail-coverts. Wings and yellow tipped tail brown. Sexes alike. Its call resembles that of the Red-vented Bulbul with which it is sometimes found.
Habits, Habitat and Ecology:
Seen in sparse scrub jungle with trees among stony hillocks. A confirmed skulker shy and restless.
Forest, Shrubland, Rocky areas (Inland Cliffs, Mountain Peaks)
Nesting:
Season- May to July, Breeding- between June- August
Distribution
Endemic to Peninsular India
- India : Patchily in the Deccan between the Krishna and Cauvery rivers – Southern Andhra, Eastern Karnataka (Bellary, Chitaldurg, Biligirirangans), Tamil Nadu (Chitteri Range, Sankaidurg, Shevaroy hills) and Kerala (An old record from Anamalai). Eastern Ghats, West of Nellore, Andhra Pradesh.
Threats
Natural system modifications like fires, Habitat fragmentation and destruction owing to residential purposes, commercial quarrying for granite, cutting and lopping of trees for fuelwood, clearance for cultivation and intensive browsing of berry-bearing shrubs by domestic live-stock, facilities for transportation and service corridors.
Protect measures required
1. Should protect the small natural water bodies like ponds etc., for sheltering migrated birds locally
2. keep necessary food & feed for RET species
3. Should observe the movement of any hunters and report the matter to Forest /Police
References
- 1. ALI, SALIM (2002): The Book of Indian Birds, 9th ed, Bombay Natural History Society, Oxford Press, Mumbai.
- 2. https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/239420
- 3. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22712719/94345114
Common/Vernacular name
Indian Skimmer, Scissor bill, Pachira (Hindi)
Systematic position
- : Animalia
- : Chordata
- : Aves
- : Charadriiformes
- : Laridae
- : Rynchops
- : albicollis (Swainson,1838)
IUCN Conservation Status:
Vulnerable (VU), Criteria C1+2a(ii), IWPA, (1972), Schedule IV
Diagnostic Features:
Relative Size to Crow ±,measures 40 to 43 cms and has a wingspan of 110 cm. It is a unique bill which has a much longer lower mandible and is perfectly adapted to their specialised feeding technique of skimming the water’s surface for prey. A very long and pointed-winged tern-like bird of pied plumage, chiefly blackish brown above, glistening white below, with a peculiar laterally flattened knife-blade lie orange-yellow bill and bright red legs. Sexes alike: female smaller. Seen singly or in small parties flying low over the water surface in rivers.
Habits, Habitat and Ecology:
Rather tern-like. Hunts actively up and down the river in daytime as well as during moonlit nights. Skims with quivering wing-tips over placid water with tip of lower mandible immersed at an angle lightly ploughing the surface, the short upper mandible raised open in readiness to snap on any fish touching the edge and hold it in a vice-like grip. Wetlands (inlands), Marine Intertidal. Primarily they occur on larger, sandy, lowland rivers, around lakes and adjacent marshes and in the non-breeding season, estuaries and coasts.
Nesting
Season- February – May
Distribution
- India : Northern India- Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra etc. South to about the Krishna; Vagrant to Kutch, Jodhpur, Mt. Abu, Bombay. Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu.
- Others : Nepal terai, Bangladesh, Pakistan (old records)
Threats
Habitat fragmentation and destruction, Natural system modifications, Anthropogenic intrusions & disturbance, Hunting, Pollution by industrial and military effluents, agricultural and forestry effluents, Invasive and other problematic species, genes & diseases, Energy production & mining.
Protect measures required
1. Should protect the small natural water bodies like ponds etc., for sheltering migrated birds locally
2. keep necessary food & feed for RET species
3. Should observe the movement of any hunters and report the matter to Forest /Police
References
- 1. ALI, SALIM (2002): The Book of Indian Birds, 9th ed, Bombay Natural History Society, Oxford Press, Mumbai.
- 2. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22694268/178970109#habitat-ecology
- 3. https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/239240
Common/Vernacular name
Jerdon’s Courser, Double-banded courser, Adavi-wuta-titti (Telugu)
Systematic position
- : Animalia
- : Chordata
- : Aves
- : Charadriiformes
- : Glareolidae
- : Rhinoptilus
- : bitorquatus (Blyth, 1848)
IUCN Conservation Status:
Critically Endangered (CR), Criteria C2a (ii), Geoprivacy, IWPA, (1972) Schedule I
Diagnostic Features:
An unmistakable first cousin of the Indian Courser. Upper Parts pinkish sandy brown. Crown and hindneck dark brown with broad whitish supercilium from lores to nape. Chin and throat whitish. Fore neck rufous, separated from brown breast by a white band. A second white band across lower breast. Rest of the underparts whitish. Tail white and black. A white wing-bar prominent in flight. Sexes alike.
Habitat and Ecology:
Shrubland, Scrub-forest and bushes, interspersed with patches of bare ground, in gently undulating, rocky foothills.
Threats
Habitat fragmentation and destruction, Agriculture & Aquaculture, Energy Production & Mining, Hunting and Trapping.
Remarks
Endemic Peninsular India
Distribution
- India : Peninsular India- Eastern Ghats. Pennar and Godavari Valley of Andhra Pradesh.
- Others : Nellore, Kadapa, Sironcha, Bhadrachalam and Anantapur neighbourhoods. Gunakala Kodi (P), Turayi Kodi (P), Killada (P), Donubhai (P), Darapadu (P), Pagulu chennuru (P)
Protect measures required
1. BMC member/students have to visit nearby forests, waste lands and wet lands to understand the function of Nature etc.,
2. Involvement of schools/college science teachers/lecturers & Scientists to be there for proper summary, departmental studies and specific conversation measures required for RET species conservation.
References
-
1. ALI, SALIM (2002): The Book of Indian Birds, 9th ed, Bombay Natural History Society, Oxford Press, Mumbai.
PBR of Gunakala Kodi Panchayath
PBR of Turayi Kodi Panchayath
PBR of Killada Panchayath
PBR of Donubhai Panchayath
PBR of Darapadu Panchayath
PBR of Pagulu chennuru Panchayath
- 2. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22694103/117189206
- 3. https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/239193
Common/Vernacular name
Lesser Florican, Nela Nemali (Telugu)
Systematic position
- : Animalia
- : Chordata
- : Aves
- : Otidiformes
- : Otididae
- : Sypheotides
- : indicus (J.F Miller, 1782)
IUCN Conservation Status:
Critically Endangered (CR), Criteria A2bcd+3bcd+4bcd, Geoprivacy, IWPA, (1972) Schedule I, CITES Appendix II
Diagnostic Features:
Size of like of a village hen and have longer neck and legs. Hen sandy buff, mottled and streaked with blackish. Cock in non-breeding plumage like hen and minus the upwardly curled head plumes. Retains a good deal of the white in the wings. Singly, or widely separated pairs in tall grassland.
Habits
Affects all grass country and standing fields of cotton, millets etc. not gregarious. Flight like bustard’s but the more rapid wing strokes produce resemblance to a lapwing in silhouette.
Habitat and Ecology:
Dry grassland with scattered bushes.
Distribution
- India : The greater part of Indian plains except the NE hill states
- Others : Pakistan
Threats
Hunting, Residential & commercial development, Agriculture & Aquaculture, Energy production & mining, Transportation & service corridors, Biological resource use, Human intrusions & disturbance, Invasive and other problematic species, genes & diseases, Climate change.
Remarks
The most serious threat to this species is by kidney failure through consumption of cattle treated with the anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac. ketoprofen, another veterinary drug in use in India, has also been recently identified as being lethal to this bird species.
Protect measures required
1. BMC member/students have to visit nearby forests, waste lands and wet lands to understand the function of Nature etc.,
2. Involvement of schools/college science teachers/lecturers & Scientists to be there for proper summary, departmental studies and specific conversation measures required for RET species conservation.
References
- 1. ALI, SALIM (2002): The Book of Indian Birds, 9th ed, Bombay Natural History Society, Oxford Press, Mumbai.
- 2. https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/238976
- 3. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22692024/199959007#habitat-ecology
- 4. https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/lesflo2/cur/introduction
Common/Vernacular name
Black- bellied Tern, Kali Taheri (Punjabi)
Systematic position
- : Animalia
- : Chordata
- : Aves
- : Charadriiformes
- : Laridae
- : Sterna
- : acuticauda (J.E Gray, 1831)
IUCN Conservation Status:
Endangered (EN), A2cde+3cde+4cde, Geoprivacy, IWPA, (1972) Schedule IV, Not listed in CITES
Diagnostic Features:
A river tern with a deeply forked tail. Ash grey above black below in summer. Forehead, crown and crest glossy black. Cheeks, chin, throat white. In winter, head streaked with black and black patch behind eye. Greyish white below
Habits
Seen on large rivers and jheels in large or small flocks quartering the river a few metres above the surface. Rest in packed flocks on sandbanks all facing into the wind.
Habitats
Terrestrial, Freshwater- wetland (Inland waters)
Threats
Destruction of breeding habitat, increased level of pollution, Increased predator rate, natural disasters.
Distribution
- India : Wide spread in India
- In A.P : Nizampatnam (P), Vodaveru (P)
- Others : Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. These tern species are now possibly extinct in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
Protect measures required
1. Should protect the small natural water bodies like ponds etc., for sheltering migrated birds locally
2. keep necessary food & feed for RET species
3. Should observe the movement of any hunters and report the matter to Forest /Police
References
- 1. ALI, SALIM (2002): The Book of Indian Birds, 9th ed, Bombay Natural History Society, Oxford Press, Mumbai.
- 2. PBR of Nizampatnam Panchayath
- 3. PBR of Vodaveru Panchayath
- 4. https://www.wii.gov.in/nmcg/priority-species/birds/black-bellied-tern
- 5. https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/257556
- 6. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22694711/110488626#use-trade
- 7. https://www.stateofindiasbirds.in/species/blbter1/
List of Threatened Species of Andhra Pradesh
Synonym
Barbodes bovanicus (Day, 1877)
Common/Vernacular name
Bovany Barb, Bhavani kendai (Telugu) Tain
Systematic Position
- : Animalia
- : Chordata
- : Actinopterygii
- : Cypriniformes
- : Cyprinidae
- : Neolissochilus
- : bovanicus (Day, 1877)
Diagnostic Features:
A moderately deep bodied fish, without any bands or spots, four barbels, dorsal ray osseous, strong; smooth, as long as body depth or slightly shorter. Lateral line complete with 24 to 26 scales. Its colour is greenish with a golden tinge, darkest along back. Dorsal profile somewhat more convex than ventral. Head moderate. Mouth subterminal its width equal to or greater than inter nostril distance. Lips thin, plain, lower labial fold complete in the adult, with a moderately developed median lobe which is not apparent in juveniles. Two pairs of barbels. Dorsal fin inserted nearer tip of snout
than caudal base. Last unbranched ray osseous, strong, smooth as long as body depth below it or slightly shorter than it. Dorsal fin base greater than least depth of caudal peduncle. Pectoral fins extend to pelvic fins; latter not reaching anal opening. Anal fin when laid flat reaching root of caudal fin.
IUCN Conservation Status
Critically Endangered (CR), Criteria D (Possibly Extinct), Geoprivacy, IWPA (1972) Not included, CITES- Not evaluated
Habitats
Wetlands (Inland) - Freshwater Permanent Rivers/Streams/Creeks
Artificial/Aquatic & Marine – Water Storage areas
Distribution
- Endemic
- India: Restricted to Cauvery River and it recorded from Bhavani River system at the base of Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu. (Mettur & Mudumalai – got specimens before but not so sure now
Threats
Fishing, Pollution
Protect measures required
- 1. keep necessary food & feed for RET species
- 2. Should observe the movement of any hunters and report the matter to Forest /Police Authorities.
References
Common/ Vernacular Name
Deccan Labeo, Hoobali (Kannada)
Systematic Position
- : Animalia
- : Chordata
- : Actinopterygii
- : Cypriniformes
- : Cyprinidae
- : Labeo
- : potail (Sykes, 1839)
IUCN & Other Conservation Status:
Endangered (EN), Criteria A2acde+3cde+4acde, Geoprivacy, CITES – Not evaluated
Diagnostic Features:
A species of Labeo with elongate body, its dorsal profile slightly more convex than ventral; head length 5 times in SL; snout overhanging mouth, often with fine pores; eyes not visible from underside of head, its diameter 4–6 in head length; mouth small and inferior; one pair of maxillary barbels; dorsal fin inserted slightly nearer to tip of snout than caudal fin base; 39–40 lateral line scales.
Habitat and Ecology
Inland Wetlands – Permanent Rivers/Streams/Creeks
It is a benthopelagic species which inhabits rivers and streams in the upper reaches.
Distribution
- Endemic to Western Ghats
- India: Tributaries of Krishna River system – Bhima River & tributaries, Tungabhadra River, Cauvery River system Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Presence in Andhra Pradesh is uncertain.
Threats
Habitat alterations, Fishing, Anthropogenic activities, Pollution, Invasive and other problematic species, genes & diseases.
Protect measures required
1. Awareness of the habitat and role of the fauna species in ecosystem balance to be understand by BMCs/Students
2. Protection of RET species to given priority by BMC members
References
- 1. Sarma, K. J., Prajapati, M., & Mankodi, P. C. (2017). Morphological description and taxonomic account of Labeo species (Cypriniformes, Family: Cyprinidae) from Gujarat, India. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies 5(4): 1120-1125.
- 1. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/169627/6657573
- 2. https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/232637
- 3. https://www.entomoljournal.com/archives/2017/vol5issue4/PartO/5-4-91-323.pdf
Common/Vernacular name
Periyar trout, Peninsular Hill Trout, Brahmanakendai (Malayalam)
Systematic Position
- : Animalia
- : Chordata
- : Actinopterygii
- : Cypriniformes
- : Cyprinidae
- : Lepidopygopsis
- : typus (Raj, 1941)
IUCN & Other Conservation Status:
Endangered (EN), Criteria B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii), Geoprivacy, IWPA, (1972) – Not included, CITES – Not evaluated
Diagnostic Features:
A species of Lepidopygopsis having elongate and compressed body; no scales on head, only a few on interior part of body consisting of a patch at scapular region, a few scattered scales on base of dorsal spine and a continuous row of enlarged scales along lateral line, elongated tile like scales forming a sheath to vent and base of anal; lateral line complete and decurved with 54 to 60 scales.
Distribution
Endemic to South India
Habitat and Ecology
Inland Wetlands – Fresh water - Permanent Rivers/Streams/Creeks Found in fast flowing torrential streams with boulders, cobbles and bed rock as substrates. Known to be a habitat specialist with affinity towards cascades and riffles. Also occurs in confluence zone of lakes and feeder streams.
Threats
Natural system modifications – Dams & water management/use, Invasive and other problematic species, genes & diseases
Protect measures required
1. Awareness of the habitat and role of the fauna species in ecosystem balance to be understand by BMCs/Students,
2. Protection of RET species to given priority by BMC members
References
Common/Vernacular name
Sandkhol Carp, Banga (Kannada), Sandkhol (Marathi)
Systematic position
- : Animalia
- : Chordata
- : Actinopterygii
- : Cypriniformes
- : Cyprinidae
- : Thynnichthys
- : sandhkol (Sykes, 1839)
IUCN & Other Conservation Status:
Endangered(EN),Criteria A2acde+3cde+4acde, Geoprivacy, IWPA (1972) – Not included, CITES – Not evaluated
Diagnostic Features:
A Cyprinid species with small scales, lateral line with about 120 scales; no barbels; no gillrakers; dorsal fin inserted slightly anterior to pelvic fins; head broad, half of its length; mouth terminal; silvery white with a purplish head and hyaline fins.
Distribution
Endemic, Deccan Rivers
India : Maharashtra (Pravara River and Godavari), Andhra Pradesh (Godavari and Mahanadi, Karnataka (Krishna River and Tungabhadra River)
Habitats
Wetlands (inland), Artificial/Aquatic & Marine
Threats
The species is threatened by the construction of numerous dams, anicuts and barrages, pollution and indiscriminate exploitation of rivers and lack of conservation and stocking introduced species such as carps from other rivers systems in India and China. Mining and quarrying for energy production is also worsens.
Protect measures required
1. Awareness of the habitat and role of the fauna species in ecosystem balance to be understand by BMCs/Students
2. Protection of RET species to given priority by BMC members
References
List of Threatened Reptiles of Andhra Pradesh
Common/Vernacular name
Crocodile, Marsh Crocodile, Moseli (Telugu), Mugger (Hindi), Muthalai (Tamil)
Systematic position
- : Animalia
- : Chordata
- : Reptilia
- : Crocodylia
- : Crocodylidae
- : Crocodylus
- : palustris (Lesson, 1831)
IUCN & Other Conservation Status
Vulnerable (VU), Criteria A2cd, Geoprivacy, IWPA, (1972) Schedule I, CITES Appendix I
Diagnostic Features:
In the field, the mugger and the estuarine crocodile are difficult to distinguish from each other, but normally they do not occur together. Snout broad and without distinct ridges in front of the eyes. A row of 4, distinct, sharply raised scales just behind the head called post occipitals, back armored with 16 or 17 transverse and 6 (rarely 4) longitudinal series of bony plates (scouts) embedded in the skin. Ventrally the skin lacks armor. Tail with two series of flattened, vertical scales merging and continued as a single row to the tip. Toes webbed. Coloration is Olive above the speckles of black which are more evident in young. White or yellowish white below.
Reproductive period
Mid-January- March
Habits
All Indian River systems and their connected streams, lakes, sizeable ponds and jheels. The crocodiles those who are living in the transitory waters moves to more permanent sources during night time in the summer season. The open mouth of basking crocodiles is a method of heat control. They also make burrows
Habitat and Ecology:
Inland wetlands- permanent rivers/streams/creeks/permanent freshwater lakes/permanent freshwater marshes/permanent inland deltas
Marine Neritic – Coral lagoon reefs
Artificial/Aquatic – Water storage areas, ponds Inhabits rivers, lakes, hill streams, village ponds and other large water bodies in the plains and up to 600 m in the hills.
Distribution
- India: Throughout the sub-continent, from Baluchistan in the west to Assam in the east, and from Nepal in the north to Tamil Nadu in the south. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, East and west sides of peninsula in Karnataka, Goa, Orissa, Middle Ganges areas, Chambal River
- Others: Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Iran, Myanmar (possibly extinct)
- In AP: Godavari River. Coastal areas
Threats
Habitat destruction due to agricultural and industrial expansion, Entangled and Drowning of fishing equipment, Egg predation by humans, Hunting- illegal poaching for skin and meat.
Protect measures required
- 1. Awareness of the habitat and role of the fauna species in ecosystem balance to be understand by BMCs/Students
- 2. Protection of RET species to given priority by BMC members
References
- 1. DANIEL J.C. (2013): The Book of Indian Reptiles and Amphibians, Bombay Natural History Society, Oxford Press, Mumbai.
- 1. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/5667/3046723#geographic-range
- 2. https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/226936
Synonym
Aspideretes leithii
Common/ Vernacular Name
Leith Softshell Turtle, Deccan Softshell, Nadi Tabelu (Telugu)
Systematic position
- : Animalia
- : Chordata
- : Reptilia
- : Testudines
- : Trionychidae
- : Nilssonia
- : leithii (Gray, 1872)
IUCN & Other Conservation Status:
Critically Endangered (CR), Criteria A2cd+4cd, Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972): Schedule IV, CITES Appendix II
Diagnostic Features:
It is a large freshwater turtle which can grow upto 1 m with average adult size varying from 700 mm to 1 m. The carapace or disc coloured olive-green with lighter vermiculations. The edge of the carapace near its neck has a few raised tubercles in most individuals which is absent in Gangetic softshells which can be used to differentiate between the species.Head greenish. Black longitudinal streaks from between eyes to nape with side streaks. The young individuals have orange coloured spot near the end of the lip and the ocelii often have an orange rim on the iris.
Reproduction
The females are known to lay eggs in two seasons, one in June and one in December.
The nest is often built along the soft soil along the riverbank. The eggs are round like all the other softshell turtles and are 28.8-31.1. mm in diameter.
Habitat and Ecology:
Large freshwater systems like Reservoirs, Rivers/Lakes/Streams.
Distribution
- Peninsular India – Large rivers and reservoirs
- INDIA: Andhra Pradesh, Telengana (Manjira Wildlife Sanctuary, Siwaram Wildlife Sanctuary), Tamil Nadu, Karnataka (Kali River), Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa.
Threats
Poaching, Habitat fragmentation and Mining & Quarrying, Fishing, Human intrusions &, Pollution, Climate change.
Remarks
Endemic to peninsular India. Rare, encountered occasionally from the protected areas.
Protect measures required:
1. keep necessary food & feed for RET species
2. Should observe the movement of any hunters and report the matter to Forest /Police
References
- 1. DANIEL J.C. (2013): The Book of Indian Reptiles and Amphibians, Bombay Natural History Society, Oxford Press, Mumbai.
- 2. https://indiabiodiversity.org/files-api/api/get/raw/observations//0caaec66-0dcd-498a-9ac5-6feacb1e28d0/324.jpg
- 3. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/2174/2778380#habitat-ecology