Status Survey of Clouded Leopard(Neofelis nebulosa Griffith) in Buxa Tiger Reserve of West Bengal

Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal could boast for recent records of occurance of clouded leopard an ever elusive lesser cat.The population status as well as wether they are residents or straying fron adjacent forest are still unknown.

NEWS in association with the department of forest(Wildlife wing) of West Bengal will do a survey to confirm the population status of clouded leopard in Buxa Tiger Reserve.

 

Status Survey of Bengal Fox (Vulpes Bengalensis) in Purulia and Bankura district of West Bengal.
NEWS has done a survey on BengaFox(Vulpes bengalensis) which has become quite rare in West Bengal in dist of purilia,Bankura and Midnapur.

In Garpanchocot of Purilia we could find the dens were we photographed two pairs with two puppies.Information was collected and dens were identified form the forest Deuli, Hanspahari, Barobenda, Jorsal, Adivasipara, Amlabed under Bliator range in Bankura.Local people specially the tribals helped the field workers on these issue a local person has been engaged to pursue with the matter.

Carrying out the project of “Survey of status of Marsh Mongoose” which is highly endemic to the east Kolkata wetland, endorsed by the State Forest Department.
(Document in PDF format)

A major population of Herpestes palustris, commonly known as Marsh mongoose or Bengal mongoose, strictly endemic to South Bengal is restricted to East Kolkata Wetlands of West Bengal. It is a less known, data deficient species and is under continuous threat as East Kolkata Wetlands has gone through a massive degeneration, which is still continuing. The project aims to find the population status, extent of endemism, morphological and biological difference with Herpestes javanicus and to study the breeding behaviour and food habit.

Status survey of Clouded Leopard - Neofelis nebulosa (Griffith) and Hodgson's Flying Squirrel - Petaurista magnificus (Hodgson) in Neora valley national park of West Bengal.
(Document in PDF format)

A one year stydy funded by the department of forest, West Bengal, investigated and confirmed a small population of clouded leopard and a fair population of flying squirrel in the park. NVNP is a 88 sq. km. protected, forest, a region difficult to access with altitudinal variation from 183 mtr. to 3200 mtr. in the Himalayas.

A pilot survey to estimate the present trend of status of the critically endangered River Terrapin (Batagur baska) in Sunderban and adjacent areas.

The project has concluded that the species is almost absent in the area. In this regard it is important to mention that nearly the whole population of the species in India is found in Sunderban only.

Mapping of wetlands and associated fauna, flora
and avi-fauna in West Bengal.

Three year project funded by Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt of India, to study the geographical feature, morphometric features, physio-chemical analysis, study of bio-diversity and socio-economic study of 16 selected wetlands of West Bengal. It resulted in 105 page study report and publication of Wetland and waterbirds of West Bengal.

Survey of flora and fauna of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary in North Bengal. Sponsored by: Department of Forests, Government of West Bengal

The sanctuary, situated in Terai region of the Eastern Himalayas house 32 species of mammals, 253 species of birds, 29 species of butterflies and moths, 6 species of amphibians, 8 species of reptiles, 39 species of trees, 55 species of herbs, 54 species of shrubs, 22 species of climbers. It was a one year collaborative project on the study of the bio diversity of the sanctuary with the Wildlife Wing, Forest Department, Government of West Bengal followed by a book “MAHANANDA – Floral and faunal resources of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary”.

Problems of tiger straying in the villages of Sunderban.

Estimation of population trend of seven endangered species of animals in west bengal

A study was conducted to estimate the trend of population of seven lesser animals of West Bengal namely Himalayan Salamander, Indian Pangolin, Wolf, Gangetic River Dolphin, Olive Ridley Turtle, Bengal Florican, and Estuarine Crocodile funded by Government of India.

Survey of Olive Ridley Turtle in West Bengal with special referance to the coast of Sunderban.

The objective is to identify the nesting sites of the Olive Ridley Turtles along the coasts of West Bengal, study the nesting behaviour, assess the impact of mechanized trawling in deep sea and suggest measures. The results were submitted to the Forest & Fisheries departments in order to reduce the mortality of parents and their hatchlings. Initially funded by GOI- UNDP, co-ordinated by Wildlife Institute of India. But at present, the project is ongoing being self funded, and carried out in collaboration with Sunderban Tiger Reserve.

Himalayan Newt (Salamander) conservation in Namthing Pokhri. Funded by Public Affairs Department, USA.

Himalayan Newt (Salamander) is regarded as a living fossil which did not pass through any evolution since Jurassic Age. It is endemic and endangered in the Himalayan Terrains of West Bengal and Sikkim. Once abundant in Mirik Lake, Jor Pokhri and some other pockets, it has become highly endangered at present due to many human factors and loss of habitats. This has prompted us to protect the last viable population of Himalayan Newt in Namthing Pokhri of Darjeeling district, carry out captive breeding programme and form a local NGO in order to promote Eco tourism in restricted ways. The aim is to make a sustainable conservation work. The project was funded by Public Affairs Section, Embassy of USA.

Participated in the Vulture Study, organised by the State Forest Department.

Gyps bengalensis or Bengal Vulture is now on the verge of extinction. Wildlife Wing, Deptt of Forests, West Bengal with the help of NGO's are engaged on a survey to identify and locate the pockets of vulture population throughout West Bengal. NEWS actively participated in field studies, preparing materials providing resource persons in training field activists. Now, we are engaged in organizing a movement at Block level with Veterinary Officers against prescribing diclofenac for cattle treatment.

Participated in “Identification of Important Bird Areas (IBA) organised by BNHS.

The society participated in the programme of Identification of Important Bird Areas in West Bengal along with other NGO's under IBCN.

Conservation of Satragachi Wetland and its water birds in collaboration with the Forest department

Santragachi Wetland in the Howrah district of West Bengal houses a number of migratory birds as also local birds and is a prominent place in bird map of WB .However the habitat was threatened due to unplanned growth of water hyacinth, encroachment of water area by local stall holders , pollution of water due to swewrage nearby etc. A detailed planned study was worked out by the Forest Deptartment with the help of NGO's. NEWS actively participated in the process. Clearing of water hyacinth was done, the process of construction of a low fencing started, awareness campaign among people around was done with the help of brochures, materials etc. After all these activities, this year Santragachhi wetland has registered more flocks of migratory bird.

Actively participated in Organising raids to prevent illegal animal trades.

The Society has been successful in turning persons previously engaged in illegal bird trading to act as informers about illegal trades and based on their information Wildlife Wing, Forest Department, West Bengal has conducted few successful raids from time to time. Birds have been confiscated which were kept illegally for trade