BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION PLAN OF PANCHET HILL (GARH PANCHKOT)

NEAR

Village: PARBATPUR Tehsil: RAGHUNATHPUR District: PURULIA, WEST BENGAL

Prepared by

EMTRC Consultants Pvt. Ltd. Delhi

In association with

Department of Conservation Biology Durgapur Government PG College

West Bengal JULY, 2016

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

EMTRC is grateful to the entire team members of Professors and Students of Department of

Conservation Biology, Govt PG College, Durgapur for providing guidance and assistance to

carry out this study. EMTRC is grateful to Dr. Moitreyee Chakrabarty, Head & Assistant

Professor, Department of Conservation Biology, Dr. Utpal Singha Roy, Assistant Professor,

Department of Zoology, Dr. Aloke Kr. Mukherjee, Assistant Professor and Prof. Sanghamitra

Sanyal, Assistant Professor and Students Ms. Antara Koley, Mr. Bibek Mishra, Ms. Bidisha

Mitra, Mr. Pavel Ghosh M, Ms. Poulami Santra, Ms. Priyanka Mukherjee, Ms. Rajkumari

Chattarjee, Mr. Raunaq Ghosh, Ms. Sanghita Mondal, and Ms. Satabdi Sarkar.

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CONTENTS

S.No. Particulars Page. No.

1 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 Garh Panchkot (Panchet Hill) 1

1.2 Historical Perspective 2

2 OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT 3

3 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT SITE 3

3.1 Location 3

3.2 Topography and Drainage 4

3.3 Hydrogeology 5

4 ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF GARH PANCHKOT HILL 5

5 LEGAL PROVISION FOR THIS CONSERVATION PLAN 6

6 REQUIREMENTS OF CONSERVATION PLAN 6

7 METHODOLOGY 6

8 ECOLOGY 10

8.1 Flora of the Area 10

8.2 Fauna of the Area 18

9 IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT 30

9.1 Direct Impacts 30

9.2 Indirect Impacts 30

9.3 Anticipated Impact on Panchet Hill 31

10 CONSERVATION OF ECOLOGICALLY IMPORTANT SPECIES 31

10.1 Snakes 31

10.1.1 Ecology 31

10.1.2 Distribution 31

10.1.3 Food Habits 31

10.1.4 Threats 32

10.1.5 Conservation Status 32

10.2 Butterflies 32

10.3.1 Ecology of butterflies 32

10.3.2 Food Habits 32

10.3.3 Threats 32

10.3 Conservation of Plant Species 33

11 CONSERVATION PLAN 34

12 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 36

13 FUNDING CRITERIA 37

14 CONCLUSION 37

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List of Tables

S. No. Particular Page No.

Table 1 List of Team Members from Durgapur Government (PG) College 7

Table 2 Comparative Account of Plant Species in Site-1 and Site-2 10

Table 3 List Flora Recorded From the Site-1 11

Table 4 List of Flora Recorded From Site-2 17

Table 5 List of Reptiles Exist in Present Study Site 19

Table 6 List Avifauna Recorded From Site-1 20

Table 7 List of Avifauna Recorded From Site-2 23

Table 8 List of Mammals Recorded From the Study Site 24

Table 9 List of Butterflies Recorded From Site-1 25

Table 10 List of Butterflies Recorded From Site-2 26

Table 11 List of other Insect Fauna Recorded From the Study Site 27

Table 12 Details of Conservation Plan 34

Table 13 Allocation of Budget under Proposed Conservation Plan 37

List of Figures

S. No. Particular Page

Figure 1 Google Image showing Garh Panchkot (Panchet hill) and Project Site 1

Figure 2 Map showing Project Site, Panchet Hill and 10 km area of Project Site 4

Figure 3 Google image Showing the Two Sites Selected for Primary Survey 9

Figure 4 Photographs of Survey Team Members 10

Figure 5 Some Photographs of Flora Found in Panchet hill 15-16

Figure 6 Some Photographs of Fauna Found in Panchet hill 28-29

Biodiversity Conservation Plan of Panchet Hill (Garh-Panchkot) Near Village:

Parbatpur & Digha, Tehsil: Raghunathpur, District: Purulia, West Bengal 6

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Garh Panchkot (Panchet) Hill

Garh Panchkot or Panchet hill has maximum altitude of 650 m above MSL, The lush dense

green hill stands amidst the lateritic landscape of Neturia Community development Block, of

Raghunathpur sub-division, Purulia district. The block comprises of seven gram panchayats

viz., Vamuria, Digha, Guniaria, Janardandi, Raibandh, Saltore and Sarbari. Ramkanali, is the

head quarter of this block. In this area, the temperature drops down to 7˚C in winter and

rises up to 40˚C in summer. The annual rainfall is approximately 1170 mm. The hill stands

on the south bank of Damodar river, near the Panchet dam, which demarcates the border of

West Bengal and Jharkhand. This hill have 2 distinct faces, one which is steep, faces an E-

to-N direction, looking over the State Highway-5 (Asansol-Purulia), while the other face is a

S-to-SE direction and comparatively more gentle.

Figure 1 Photograph showing Garh Panchkot (Panchet Hill) from Project Site

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1.2 Historical Perspective:

Panchkot was a part of an ancient East Indian

kingdom known as Rajchakla Panchkot, locally

known as Panchet. Damodar Sekhar, established

Panchkot Raj probably during early 90 AD with

the help of Sardars of Jhalda and expanded his

kingdom over several other parganas. To give

recognition to the main five (panch) clans (khunt)

of the locals the kingdom assumed the name

Panchkot. For 800 years Sing Deo Dynasty (32

Kings) ruled Panchkot state from here.

Jaina Bhagavati-Sutra of 5th century AD mentions that Purulia was one of the sixteen

mahajanapadas and was a part of the Kingdom known as Vajrabhumi in ancient times.

Panchkot Giri has its references in the Puranas

also. The place was then known as Sekhar bhum

from which the founder king of Singh Deo

Dynasty Damodar Sekhar derived his name. The

kingdom was probably a part of old „Tilakampa‟

Kingdom. The ruins of Telkupi, the said capital of

Tilakampa (submerged) went under water after

the construction of Panchet Dam. The ruins of the

Garh (Fort) of Singh Deo Dynasty located at the

southern foothills and a group of temples is still

standing as mute spectators of the rise & fall of the dynasty. The temples are of different

architectural styles, the principal one being a „Pancharatna‟ temple accompanied by „Jor-

Bangla‟ type and more than one „Pirha‟ type temples made of stone. The Pancharatna

temple still carries some depleted but exquisite piece of presumably pre-muslim period

terracotta (baked earth or clay material) work on its arches and pillars. About 500 m away

and a bit uphill from the main ruins of the Garh Panchkot, lies „Dhara‟ a perennial spring

channeled through a „Cow mouth‟ made of stone.

Around 1600 AD, Garhpanchkot came under the rule of the famous king Bir Hambir of

Bishnupur Malla Dynasty, but for how long that could not be ascertained. The Maratha

raiders, locally known as Bargis, ransacked the place in the 18th century. The Singh Deo

family, ultimately, moved out to Kashipur, now in Purulia district. One of the two inscriptions

located by J.D. Beglar (Report of a Tour Through the Bengal Provines Vol-VIII,J. D. Beglar,

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Published on 1878) beside the ruined gateway of Panchkot fort mentioned of Hambir. Beglar

went to Panchkot in 1862 and wrote an essay called „Panchet‟. The great poet Michael

Madhusudan Dutt visited the place during 1872 for a short period as an estate manager of

Singh Deo dynasty. He wrote three poems on Panchkot namely, „Panchkot giri‟,

„Panchkotoshyo Rajosree‟ and „Panchkot Giri Biday Sangeet‟.

In 1942, during the course of World War II, a flood occurred in the Damodar valley region

that cut Calcutta off from the rest of the country for a period of 10 weeks. Soon the

government sprang into action and called Mr. W.L.Voord, a civil engineer of Tennessee

Valley Authority (TVA) to construct a river dam. He designed the plan of the dams by 1945.

Finally the first dam of independent India came up on July 7, 1953 at Tilaiya. Soon Konar,

Maithon and Panchet Dam followed in its footsteps in 1955, 1957 and 1959 respectively.

2. OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT

Shree Cement Limited (SCL), having presence in the Cement and Power sectors, is an

environment friendly organization. Incorporated in 1979, the company today is the largest

cement player of North India and ranked among the top six cement groups in the country.

The principal promoters of the company are the Bangur Group.

In order to meet demand of cement, M/s Shree Cement Limited (SCL) proposes to set up 5

Million Tons Per Annum Clinker Grinding Unit at Village: Parbatpur and Digha, Tehsil:

Raghunathpur, District Purulia, West Bengal. 20 MW Captive Power Plant shall be installed

to meet the power demand of the unit. Residential colony is also proposed inside the

complex. The plant area is 42.087 hectares (about 103 acres). As per EIA Notification,

dated 14th September 2006, this project falls under Category „B‟, hence Environmental

Clearance from State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC), West Bengal, is required. SCL

submitted Form-1 and PFR to SEAC and made presentation on the salient features of the

project before the SEAC on 19th February 2016. The Terms of Reference (TOR) for EIA

Study were issued by SEAC vide Memo No. 193 2N-08/2016 (E) dated 16st March 2016.

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT SITE

3.1 Location: The Shree Cement Limited plant lease area is 42.087 hectares,

geographically located between latitude 23037‟42.2‟‟ to 23038‟07.4‟‟ and longitude

86047‟34.6” to 86047‟49.2”. The land has been identified near village/ mauza- Parbatpur,

Digha & Inanpur, Tehsil- Raghunahpur, District: Purulia (West Bengal) to establish the

proposed project. The site is about 25 km from Asansol. Nearest railway station is

Ramkanali, about 8 km southwest of project site, on Asansol-Adra rail line of Eastern

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Railways. NH-5 runs about 2 km from the proposed plant site in the east. Nearest villages

from project site is Parabatpur and Digha. Parabatpur located on the south of the project site

while Digha situated on the north of the project site. Damodar river is flowing about 7 km

north of the project site. Plant location and site details are given in Table 1.

Panchet hill Reserve Forest is located at a distance of about 1 km from project site in west

direction. The Location Map is shown in Figure 2. The Proposed Plant Lease Area (Project

Site / Core Zone) falls in Survey of India (SOI) Toposheet No. 731/14 & 731/ 10.

Figure 2. Map Showing Project Site (Center) , Panchet Hill (West of site) & Surrounding

3.2 Topography and Drainage: The general terrain in the area is more or less flat with

minor undulations. The main tributary of Damodar is Barakar River that join Damodar River

north of site. The entire study area is studded with innumerable water tanks which form the

lifeline of local inhabitants.

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3.3 Hydrogeology

Ground water in the district occurs mainly in (1) weathered mantle (2) saprolitic zone (3)

fractured zones of hard rock (4) narrow zone of unconsolidated sediments along the river

valleys. The weathered mantle varies in thickness and attains a maximum thickness of the

order of 25m. Ground water occurs under water table condition and it is mostly developed by

dug/open well. At some places, these wells go dry during peak summer. These dug wells

yield up to 2.75 lps.

Saprolitic zone is sandwiched between weathered mantle and fresh rock mass in granitic

terrain. The depth of this zone varies between 10-30 mbgl, with an average thickness of 4m.

Ground water occurs under semi-confined condition and yield up to 2.5 lps is recorded.

Drawdown in the wells tapping this zone is much less and recovery is quite fast.

In the hard rock ground water exploration has been conducted down to 198 mbgl. The

occurrence of saturated fractures are generally restricted to 50 to 110 mbgl. The shallow

fractures at 50-60 m depth are tapped mainly by borewells fitted with hand pump and yield

varies from, 1-2.77 lps. Deeper fracture are encountered at 100-110m depth, yielding around

3 lps as observed at Manbazar. In Gondwana sediments, drilling down to 103 m reveals the

existence of fractures within the depth of 24-36 mbgl which are capable of yielding 3.3-

5.5lps.

Unconsolidated sediment zone along the river valleys are of limited thickness and fall within

5-13 mbgl with areal extent not exceeding 1-2 km across river valley. Saturated thickness of

alluvial tract varies from 1m -> 5.5m. Open wells and shallow tubewells yield upto 20m3/hr at

economic drawdown for a considerable period of pumping.

4. ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF GARH PANCHKOT HILL

Panchet hill is rich in biological diversity. Essentially hill is an abode to number of medicinal

flora and fauna. Panchet hill provides ecosystem services in terms of soil nutrients, organic

matter, medicinal flora, butterflies, honey-bees, grasshoppers, cricket, beetles, etc. The

butterflies, moths and honeybees are very significant drivers of the forest and agricultural

ecosystems and play a major role as pollinator and source of food to various birds and

reptiles in the Panchet hill. A considerable assemblage of flora of medicinal value was

enumerated during field survey. Therefore, any non- sustainable developmental activities in

adjoining areas shall affect the ecosystem of the hill. Hence there is need of robust and

effective biodiversity conservation plan.

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5. LEGAL PROVISION FOR THIS CONSERVATION PLAN

Biodiversity Conservation Plan is required to comply with the Terms of Reference (TOR)

prescribed by the State Expert Appraisal Committee, West Bengal (SEAC). Point 5 of TOR

mentions “A Biodiversity conservation plan, and conservation plan of Schedule- I fauna (if

any exist within 10 km radius of the periphery of the plant lease area), shall be carried out.

Details of flora and fauna, endangered, endemic and RET species duly authenticated,

separately for core and buffer zone should be furnished based on such primary field survey,

clearly indicating the Schedule of the fauna present. In case of any Schedule-I fauna found

in the study area, the necessary plan along with budgetary provisions for their conservation

should be prepared in consultation with State Forest and Wildlife Department and details

furnished. Necessary allocation of funds for implementing the same should be made as part

of the project cost.”

6. REQUIREMENTS OF CONSERVATION PLAN

Primary survey of the Panchet Hill was done by engaging a team of Professors and Students

from Department of Conservation Biology, Durgapur Government (PG) College, Durgapur,

West Bengal during the period 30-06-2016 to 01-07-2016. No Schedule-I wildlife was

sighted during physical survey of Panchet hill. Interviews with local people revealed that

during the last 10-15 years they have never seen any rock python (Python molurus) or

leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) in the Panchet hill. Plenty of butterfly, insects and snakes

were sighted, voice of several birds were heard inside the forest. The list of flora and fauna

found in the plant site and study area was also authenticated by the State Forest Division.

Nevertheless, Biodiversity Conservation Plan for some faunal species along with budgetary

provisions for its conservation has been prepared.

7. METHODOLOGY

A field survey was carried out by the team of professors and the students from, Department

of Conservation Biology, Durgapur Government (PG) College, Durgapur, West Bengal

(Name of team members given in Table 1) to estimate the floral and faunal assemblage of

and around Panchet hill. Two sites were identified on the basis of accessibility to the

naturally occurred trail (Figure 3). South-West aspect of the Panchet hill was named as Site-

1. The 1st survey was conducted on the latter face, on a sunny day 1st of July, 2016

(henceforth termed as Site-1). The approximate height of the highest point surveyed was

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almost 600 feet (183 m) above mean sea level. A forest trail, used normally by the local

women for picking of fuel-wood, was used for this purpose.

Table 1 List of Team Members from Durgapur Government (PG) College

S.No. Name of Teachers

1 Prof. Moitreyee Chakrabarty, Head & Assistant Professor, Department of Conservation Biology

2 Dr. Utpal Singha Roy, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology

3 Dr. Aloke Kr. Mukherjee, Assistant Professor (PTT), Department of Conservation Biology

4 Prof. Sanghamitra Sanyal, Assistant Professor (PTT), Department of Conservation Biology

S.No. Name of Students

1 Antara Koley

2 Bibek Mishra

3 Bidisha Mitra

4 Pavel Ghosh M

5 Poulami Santra

6 Priyanka Mukherjee

7 Rajkumari Chattarjee

8 Rounaq Ghosh

9 Sanghita Mondal

10 Satabdi Sarkar

The site was a predominance of Aegle marmelos all along the trail. At the lower slopes, the

vegetation comprised mainly of scrubs and herbs with few trees. However, with increasing

altitude, the number of trees went high, along with a decreased count of shrubs. The number

of herbs remained more-or-less comparable. A total of 137 plant species were recorded from

Site-1 of which 5 species are threatened according to IUCN conservation status.

In Site-2 (proposed plant site facing), the approximate height of the highest point surveyed

was almost 100 feet (30 m) above mean sea level. Owing to the steepness, deep forested

areas, previous incidence of attacks on humans from wild boar, and overall inaccessible

contours, the survey was kept restricted only upto the above-mentioned height. The survey

was, instead, intensified along the foothills.

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In this case, the ground was noted with mounted ash, slag, and fly-ash, from a local sponge-

iron unit covered the entire area. It was seen that pollutant-resistant species like Lantana

camara, Parthenium sp., and Tridax procumbens, had replaced the species that were found

on the other face, on the earlier survey (Table 5). The leaves of almost all the plants, had

layers of black soot, that supposedly emitted from the sponge-iron factory, located only 100

m from Site-2.

Figure 3 Google Image Showing the Two Sites Selected for Primary Survey

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Figure 4 : Photographs of the Survey Team Members

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Table 2: Comparative Account of Plant Species in Survey Site-1 and Site-2

Category of plants

No. of species observed at Site-1 in 1st 100 meters and adjacent foothills

No. of species observed at Site-2 in 1st 100 meters and adjacent foothills

Dicots 041 038

Monocots 007 003

Gymnosperms 003 001

Pteridophytes - 001

Bryophytes 001 -

Fungi - 001

Algae - -

The availability of fauna was sampled both by direct methods (viz. extensive searches in

micro habitats and opportunistic spotting) and indirect methods (viz. acquiring information

from local people and visit to local animal rescue centre). Diversity of fauna recorded/ listed

during the short study period included 19 species of reptiles, 22 species of butterflies, and

several other species of insects belonging to the orders Coleopteran, Odonata and

Hymenoptera. There were also different varieties of arachnids (spiders and scorpions). The

reptiles found in this region were not directly spotted during our field study but information

was collected through local interaction in a Snake Rescue Centre. It was reported from

locals the presence of Python, Rock Agama, Spectacled Cobra and Russell‟s Viper are

present in the Panchet hill.

8.0 ECOLOGY

The proposed project area falls under Bio-geographic zone namely Gangatic plains of India.

The entire area is pre-dominated with Butea monosperma and Borassus flebellifer, Bomax

ceiba, Zizyphus spp., Calotropis procera and Ipomea spp. etc. The area is surrounded by

small hillocks. The hillocks are isolated which provides appropriate habitat for the wildlife.

8.1 Flora of the Area: The entire region is pre-dominated with Butea monosperma,

Borassus flabellifer, and Cocos nucifra. Vegetation composition of the study area consist

Butea monosperma, Borassus flabellifer, Zizyphus spp. Bambusa arundenaria etc. The

associate species were Ricinus communis, and Calotropis procera, Ipomea spp., Lantana

camara, Parthenium histerophorous. The understory vegetation comprises largely shrub,

herbs and grasses. The dominant shrubs species included Ricinus communis, Zyzypus spp.,

Ipomea spp., Calotropis procera etc. and herbs species were Euphorbia hirta, Cyperus

rotandus, and Solenum nigrum etc. while grasses were Cynodon dactylon, Dactyloctenium

aegypticum, Pannicum antidotale, Saccharum spontanum etc.

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Table 3 List Flora Recorded From the Site-1

S. No.

Name of Family and Plant Species

Local name Common Name Conservation Status

Anonaceae

1. Polyalthia longifolia Debdaru Mast tree LC

Capparidaceae

2. Cleome viscose Holdey-hurhurey Asian Spider flower LC

Dipterocarpaceae

3. Shorea robusta Shal Sal LC

Oxalidaceae

4. Oxalis corniculata Amrul-shak Common Woodsorrel LC

Rutaceae

5. Ruta graveolens Ermul Common rue LC

6. Aegle marmelos Bael Wood apple LC

7. Zanthoxylum trifoliatum Bazinali/Brojonoli Prickly ash LC

8. Murraya koeningii Karipata Curry leaf plant LC

9. Glycosmis pentaphylla Aash-sheonra Tooth brush plant LC

Malvaceae

10. Sida acuta Kureta Common wireweed LC

11. Sida cordifolia Berela Flanell weed LC

12. Abutilon indicum Kankatika Indian mallow R

Bombacaceae

13. Bombax ceiba Shimool Silk-cotton tree LC

Meliaceae

14. Melia azedarach Ghoranim Persian lilac LC

15. Azadirachta indica Nim Neem/Margosa LC

Rhamnaceae

16. Zizyphus jujube Kool Indian plum LC

Sapindaceae

17. Madhuca longifolia Mohua Mowra butter tree LC

18. Cardiospermum halicacabum

Lataphatki Love-in-a-puff LC

19. Schleichera oleosa Kusum Ceylon oak LC

Anacardiaceae

20. Semecarpus anacardium Bhela Marking nut LC

21. Mangifera indica Aam Mango tree LC

22. Buchanania lanzan Piyal Almondette tree LC

23. Spondias dulcis Amra Hogplum LC

24. Spondias mangifera Deshi Amra Indian Hogplum LC

25. Anacardium occidentale Kaju-badaam Cashewnut LC

Moringaceae

26. Moringa oleifera Shojney Drumstick LC

Fabaceae

27. Butea frondosa Polash Flame-of-the-forest LC

28. Pongamia glabra Karanja Indian creeper LC

29. Clitoria ternetea Aparajita Butterfly pea LC

30. Sesbania grandiflora Bokphul Sesban/Swamp tree LC

31. Caesalpinia bonducella Nata Fever nut LC

32. Bauhinia acuminata Kanchan White orchid-tree LC

33. Cassia fistula Bandorlathi Indian laburnum NE

34. Caesalpinia pulcherrima Krishnochura Peacock flower LC

35. Tamarindus indicus Tentul Tamarind LC

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36. Delonix regia Gulmohor Royal poinciana LC

37. Peltophorum pterocarpum Radhachura Caper pod LC

38. Albizzia lebbeck Shirish Silk flower LC

39. Mimosa pudica Lojjaboti Touch-me-not plant LC

40. Mimosa sp. N.A. N.A. LC

41. Entada scandens Kanta-shojney Water cress LC

42. Acacia arabica Babla Gum arabic tree LC

43. Derris scandens Noalata Hog creeper LC

44. Pterocarpus marsupium Piashal/ Murga Indian kino LC

Rosaceae

45. Rosa centifolia Golaap Cabbage rose LC

Combretaceae

46. Quisqualis indica Madhabilata Rangoon creeper LC

47. Terminalia arjuna Arjun White murdah LC

48. Terminalia catappa Deshi-baadam Country almond LC

49. Terminalia chebula Horitoki Black myrobalan LC

50. Terminalia bellirica Bahera/Karu Beleric myrobalan LC

Myrtaceae

51. Psidium guajava Peyara Guava LC

52. Syzigium cumini Jaam Black Plum LC

Lythraceae

53. Duabanga grandiflora Bandormool Duabanga. LC

Cucurbitaceae

54. Luffa aegyptica Dhundhul Sponge-gourd LC

Caricaceae

55. Carica papaya Penpey Papaya LC

Cactaceae

56. Opuntia dilenii Phoni-monsha Prickly pear LC

Rubiaceae

57. Adina cordifolia Haldu/Karam Haldina LC

58. Gardenia jasminoides Gondhoraaj Cape jasmine LC

59. Oldenlandia corymbosa Khet-papra Diamond Flower LC

60. Paederia foetida Gaendal Skunkvine LC

61. Dentella repens Bhuipat Creeping Lickstoop LC

62. Ixora coccinea Rangan Flame-of-the-woods LC

63. Anthocephalus cadamba Kadam Burflower tree LC

Asteraceae

64. Sonchus arvensis Bon-palong Sow thistle LC

65. Calendula officinalis Calendula Calendula LC

66. Tridax procumbens Tridaksha Coatbuttons LC

67. Parthenium sp. N.A. Feverfew LC

68. Vernonia cinerea Kukshim Ironweed LC

Zapotaceae

69. Mimosops elongi Bokul Elengi/Indian medlar LC

Ebenaceae

70. Diospyros melanoxylon Kendupata Coromandel Ebony LC

Apocynaceae

71. Tabernaemontana divaricata Thok-togor Wax-flower LC

72. Tabernaemontana alternifolia Togor Wax-flower

NT

73. Tabernaemontana gamblei Chhoto-togor Wax-flower CD

74. Alstonia scholaris Chhatim Devil's tree LC

75. Nerium odorum Roktokorobi Oleander LC

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76. Holarrhena antidysentrica Kurchi Easter tree LC

77. Thevetia peruviana Kolkey Yellow oleander LC

78. Carissa carandus Koromcha Currant LC

79. Catharanthus roseus Noyontara Periwinkle LC

Asclepiadaceae

80. Hemidesmus indicus Anantomool Indian sarsaparilla LC

81. Calotropis procera Akondo Apple of Sodom LC

82. Pergularia daemia Kunjo-lata Cowslip-creeper LC

Convolvulaceae

83. Ipomoea pestigridis Bon-kolmi Tiger's foot LC

84. Quamoclit pinnata Tarulata Needle creeper LC

85. Cuscuta reflexa Swornolata Cypress Vine LC

86. Evolvulus nummularis Bhui-akra Dodder LC

Solanaceae

87. Solanum xanthocarpum Kantikari Devil's trumpet LC

88. Datura stramonium Dhutra Jimson weed LC

89. Datura metel Dhutra Thorn apple LC

90. Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Bon-tamak N.A. LC

91. Solanum ferox Bon-begun Hairy-fruited eggplant NT

Acanthaceae

92. Andrographis paniculata Kalmegh Creat LC

93. Thunbergia grandiflora Jagatmadan Bengal clockvine LC

94. Ruellia tuberosa Chotpotey Common spiderling LC

Verbenaceae

95. Tectona grandis Sheygoon Teak LC

96. Lantana camara Putush/Chotro Wild Spanish flag LC

97. Vitex negundo Nishinda Chastetree LC

Lamiaceae

98. Ocimum canum Bon-tulsi African basil LC

Nyctaginaceae

99. Boerrhavia repens Punarnabha Pigweed LC

100. Mirabilis jalapa Shondhyamoni Four'o clock plant LC

Amaranthaceae

101 Celosia cristata Morog-phul Cock's comb LC

102 Amaranthus viridis Notey Amaranth LC

103. Amaranthus gangetica Laal-Notey Pointy Fingers LC

104. Amaranthus spinosus Kanta-notey Prickly amaranth LC

Euphorbiaceae

105. Euphorbia hirta Boro-karni Asthma plant LC

106. Phyllanthus niruri Bhui-amla stonebreaker LC

107. Phyllanthus minima Bon-tepari N.A. LC

108. Euphorbia thymiflora Shet-karni Milk hedge LC

109. Croton bonplandianum Lankashirey N.A. LC

110. Justicia procumbens Jagatmadan Justicia LC

111. Jatropha gossypipholia Lal-Bharenda Nettlespurge LC

112. Putranjiva roxburghii Putranjib Wild olive LC

113. Tragia involucrata Bichuti Nettle LC

Moraceae

114. Ficus religiosa Aswattho/Pipal Bo-tree LC

115. Ficus benghalensis Bot Banyan LC

116. Artocarpus heterophyllus Kanthal Jackfruit tree LC

117. Streblus asper Sheonra Siamese rough bush LC

Cupressaceae

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118. Thuja occidentalis Jhau Thuja LC

119. Cryptomeria japonica Boro Jhau Japanese cedar NT

Cycadaceae

120. Cycas circinaliis Cycas Cycas E

Cannaceae

121. Canna indica Kolaboti Indian shot LC

Liliaceae

122. Asparagus racemosus Shatamuli Asparagus LC

123. Aloe vera Ghritokumari Aloe LC

Commelinaceae

124. Commelina benghalensis Kanshira Day flower LC

Arecaceae

125. Phoenix sylvestris Khejur Date-palm LC

126. Borassus flabellifer Taal Palm LC

Araceae

127. Epipremnum aureus Money-plant N.A. LC

Cyperaceae

128. Cyperus rotundus Mutha-ghash Common sedge LC

129. Cyperus tagetum Shawn Mat-grass LC

130. Carex indicus N.A. N.A. LC

Poaceae

131. Pennisetum typhoideum Bajra Pearl millet LC

132. Bambusa arundinacea Bansh Bamboo LC

133. Eragrostis cynosuroides Kushghash N.A. LC

134. Andropogon squarossus Benaghash Love Grass LC

135. Chrysopogon aciculatus N.A. Slough grass LC

Ricciceae

136. Selaginella sp. N.A. Clubmoss LC

137. Riccia ganetica N.A. Riccia LC

Abbreviations: NA= Not Available, LC= Least Concern, E= Endangered, NT= Nearly threatened, NE= Not Evaluated, CD= Conservation Dependent, R=Rare

15

Spondias dulcis Tragia involucrata

Thunbergia grandiflora Spondias dulcis

Semecarpus anacardium Ruta graveolens

16

Figure 5 Some Pictures of Flora Found in Panchet hill

Limnofera acidissima Schleiclera oleosa

Holarrhena antidysentrica Glycosmis pentaphylla

Buchanania lanzan Albizia lebbeck

17

Table 4: List of Flora Recorded From Site-2

Sl. No

Name of Family and Plant Species

Local name Common Name Conservation Status

Capparidaceae

1. Cleome viscose Holdey-hurhurey Asian Spiderflower LC

Oxalidaceae

2. Oxalis corniculata

Amrul-shak

Common

Woodsorrel

LC

Rutaceae

3. Aegle marmelos Bael Wood apple LC

Malvaceae

4. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Joba China-rose/ Hibiscus LC

Bombacaceae

5. Bombax ceiba Shimool Silk-cotton tree LC

Meliaceae

6. Azadirachta indica Nim Neem/Margosa LC

Rhamnaceae

7. Zizyphus jujube Kool Indian plum LC

Sapindaceae

8. Cardiospermum halicacabum Lataphatki Love-in-a-puff LC

9. Schleichera oleosa Kusum Ceylon oak LC

Anacardiaceae

10. Mangifera indica Aam Mango tree LC

11. Spondias dulcis Amra Hogplum LC

Fabaceae

12. Abrus precatorius Kunch Indian liquorice LC

13. Senna alata Kalakashunda Candle bush LC

14. Tamarindus indicus Tentul Tamarind LC

15. Caesalpinia bonducella Nata Fever nut LC

16. Acacia nilotica Akashmoni Egyptian thorn LC

Caricaceae

17. Carica papaya Penpey Papaya LC

Rubiaceae

18. Anthocephalus cadamba Kadam Burflower tree LC

Asteraceae

19. Tridax procumbens Tridaksha Coatbuttons LC

18

20. Parthenium sp. N.A. Feverfew LC

21. Vernonia cinerea Kukshim Ironweed LC

Apocynaceae

22. Tabernaemontana alternifolia Togor Wax-flower NT

23. Thevetia peruviana Kolkey Yellow oleander LC

Convolvulaceae

24. Cuscuta reflexa Swornolata Cypress Vine LC

25. Evolvulus nummularis Bhui-akra Dodder LC

Acanthaceae

26. Ruellia tuberosa Chotpotey Common spiderling LC

Verbenaceae

27. Tectona grandis Sheygoon Teak LC

28. Lantana camara Putush/Chotro Wild Spanish flag LC

29. Vitex negundo Nishinda Chaste tree LC

30. Clerodendron infortunatum Ghentu NA

Nyctaginaceae

31. Boerrhavia repens Punarnabha Pigweed LC

Amaranthaceae

32. Amaranthus viridis Notey Amaranth LC

Euphorbiaceae

33. Euphorbia hirta Boro-karni Asthma plant LC

34. Phyllanthus minima Bon-tepari N.A. LC

35. Croton bonplandianum Lankashirey N.A. LC

36. Jatropha gossypipholia Lal-Bharenda Nettlespurge LC

Moraceae

37. Ficus hispida Dumur Bo-tree LC

38. Ficus benghalensis Bot Banyan LC

Cupressaceae

39. Thuja occidentalis Jhau Thuja LC

Poaceae

40. Bambusa arundinacea Bansh Bamboo LC

41. Andropogon squarossus Benaghash Love Grass LC

42. Cynodon dactylon Durba-ghash Common grass LC

Pteridaceae

43. Adiantum sp. Fern Maiden-hair fern E

19

Ascomycetes

44. Agaricus sp. Chhatu Mushroom LC

Abbreviations: NA= Not Available, LC= Least Concern, E= Endangered, NT= Nearly

threatened

8.2 Fauna

During field survey of the entire study area a numerous faunal species were also found.

Some common animals were recorded e.g. Bat, House rat, Striped squirrel, Langoor,

Mangoose, Garden Lizard, Bull frog , Cricket frog, Cockroach, Spider, Honey bee, etc were

observed. Information on snakes of the area has also been collected from the local villagers,

Locally situated Snake Rescue Centre. Common sighting of Spectacled cobra, Indian Rock

Python, Green snake, Viper, Indian Sand Boa is also exist in adjoining area.

Avifauna: Most of the Avifauna is noticed near vegetation patches Dominant birds at sites

are spotted dove, sparrow, black drongo and crow. Most of these birds recorded in the study

area are omnivorous in habit preferring grains, insects and worms etc. as their principal food

items.

Table 5: List of Reptiles Found in Panchet hill

Common name

Local name

Scientific name

Venom Status

Feeding habit Schedule

1 Spectacled cobra

Gokhro Naja naja +++ Toads ,frogs, mice, small birds, small snakes

II

2 Ornamental snake

Kalnagini Chrysopelea ornate

+ Frogs, geckos, lizards, bats and small birds

IV

3 Green tree snake

- Dendrelaphis punctulatus

- Frogs, water skinks, small reptiles, eggs

IV

4 White tree snake

- - - - -

5 Common wolf snake

Ghar chiti Lycodon aulicus

- Geckos, skinks, frogs IV

6 Stripped keelback

Hele Amphiesma stolatum

- Frogs, toads, lizards, tadpoles(only juveniles snakes)

IV

7 Common krait

Kalaj Bungarus caeruleus

+++ Snakes, other kraits, mice, frogs, lizards

IV

8 Banded krait Shankhini Bungarus fasciatus

+++ Other snakes, rats, lizards

IV

9 Indian rat snake

Danras Phyas mucosus

_ Rats, toads, frogs, lizards, geckos, small birds, other snake, squirrels, bats

II

10 Python Moyal Python molurus

_ Small mammals like rats and bandicoots

II

20

molurus to deer.

11 Vine snake Laudoga Ahaetulla nasuta

+ Small birds, eggs, hatchlings, lizards, frogs

IV

12 Russell‟s viper

Chandrabora

Daboia russelii ++ Rats, small mammals

II

13 Bronze backed tree snake

Beth achhra, Gecho sap

Dendrelaphis tristis

_ Frogs, lizards ,garden lizards, birds

IV

14 Russell‟s sand boa

Bali bora, Tutur

Gongylophis conicus

_ Lizards, frogs, calotes, skinks, small birds, small mammals

IV

15 Water python

- Liasis fuscus _ Opportunistic feeder, a variety of vertebrates

IV

16 Bengal monitor

Gosap Varanus bengalensis

_ Beetles, grubs, orthopterans , scorpions, snails, ants, roosting bats (large adults lizards)

IV

17 Common cat snake

Bankaraj Boiga trigonata + Frogs, geckos, lizards, small birds, mice

IV

18 Agama - Agama agama - Ant, grass- hopers, beetles, termites, small mammals, small reptiles, grasses, flowers, fruits

II

19 Mabuya Takshak Mabuya carinata

- - IV

Venom Status: +++ = Highly Venomous, ++ = Venomous, + = Semi-venomous, - = Non-venomous

Table 6: List Avifauna Recorded From Site-1

S. No.

Name of Family and Bird Species

Scientific name

Possible Habitat

Feeding Habit IUCN status

Columbidae

1 Spotted Dove

Streptopelia chinensis

Woodland, scrub, farmland and habitation

Grass seeds, grains, fallen fruits and seeds of other plants, insects

LC

2 Eurasian Collared Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

Woodland, scrub, farmland and habitation

Grass seeds, grains, fallen fruits and seeds of other plants, insects

LC

Dicruridae

3 Black Drongo

Dicrurus macrocercus

Open country Grasshoppers, cicadas, termites, wasps, bees, ants, moths, beetles and dragonflies

LC

Sturnidae

4 Common Acridotheres Open Insects, arachnids, LC

21

Myna tristis woodland, cultivation and around habitation.

crustaceans, reptiles, small mammals, seeds, grain and fruits and discarded waste from human habitation.

5 Bank Myna Acridotheres ginginianus

In the vicinity of open water, cultivated farmland and open country

Grain, insects and fruits LC

6 Asian Pied Starling

Gracupica contra/ Sturnus contra

Lowland open areas with scattered trees near water, often near human habitation

Grain, insects and fruits LC

Ardeidae

7 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Wet fields Grasshoppers, crickets, flies, moths, spiders, frogs, and earthworms

LC

8 Indian Pond Heron

Ardeola grayii Marshy wetlands, wet fields

Crustaceans, aquatic insects, fishes, tadpoles and sometimes leeches,

LC

9 Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

Fresh and salt- water wetlands

Small fish, crustaceans, frogs, aquatic insects, small mammals, and small birds

LC

Ciconiidae

10 Asian Openbill Stork

Anastomus oscitans

Inland wetlands, river banks, tidal flats

Large molluscs LC

Cuculidae

11 Common Hawk Cuckoo

Hierococcyx varius

Garden land, groves of tree, deciduous and semi-evergreen forests.

Insects, mainly caterpillars and cutworms, also grasshoppers, locusts, winged termites, ants; lizards; fruits of wild banyan fig

LC

Rallidae

12 Water Hen Amaurornis phoenicurus

Near fresh and brackish water

LC

Muscicapidae

13 White-rumped Shama

Copsychus malabaricus

Dense undergrowth especially in bamboo forests.

Insects LC

14 Oriental Magpie Robin

Copsychus saularis

Open woodland and cultivated areas

Insects, other invertebrates, nectar, geckos, leeches

LC

Upupidae

15 Common Upupa epops Bare vegetated Insects, small reptiles, LC

22

Hoopoe grounds, grasslands

frogs, seeds, berries

Leiothrichidae

16 Jungle Babbler

Turdoides striata

Sparse and low thorny scrub vegetation

fruits, berries, nectar, figs, seeds and grains

LC

Pycnonotidae

17 Red-vented Bulbul

Pycnonotus cafer

Dry scrub, open forest, plains and cultivated lands

Fruits, petals of flowers,nectar, insects and occasionally geckos

LC

18 Red-whiskered Bulbul

Pycnonotus jocosus

Lightly wooded areas, open country with bushes and shrubs, and farmland

Fruits, nectar, insects LC

Oriolidae

19 Black-hooded Oriole

Oriolus xanthornus

Woodland and cultivation

Insects and fruits, especially figs

LC

20 Golden Oriole

Oriolus kundoo Open deciduous forests, semi-evergreen forests, woodland, forest edge, mangroves, open country with scattered trees, parks, gardens orchards and plantations

Fruits, nectars, insects LC

Cisticolidae

21 Common Tailorbird

Orthotomus sutorius

Scrubs and bushes

Insects, beetles, bugs LC

Nectariniidae

22 Purple Sunbird

Cinnyris asiaticus

Thin forest and garden land

Nectars LC

Corvicidae

23 Rufous Treepie

Dendrocitta vagabunda

Open forests, scrubs, plantation, gardens

Fruits, seeds, invertebrates, small reptiles and the eggs and young of birds

LC

Abbreviations: NA= Not Available, LC= Least Concern, E= Endangered, NT= Nearly threatened

23

Table 7: List of Avifauna Recorded From Site-2

Sl. No.

Name of Family and Bird Species

Scientific name Possible Habitat Feeding Habit IUCN category

Columbidae

1 Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis

Woodland, scrub, farmland and habitation

Grass seeds, grains, fallen fruits and seeds of other plants, insects

LC

2 Eurasian Collared Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

Woodland, scrub, farmland and habitation

Grass seeds, grains, fallen fruits and seeds of other plants, insects

LC

Dicruridae

3 Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus

Open country Grasshoppers, cicadas, termites, wasps, bees, ants, moths, beetles and dragonflies

LC

Sturnidae

4 Common Myna Acridotheres tristis

Open woodland, cultivation and around habitation.

Insects, arachnids, crustaceans, reptiles, small mammals, seeds, grain and fruits and discarded waste from human habitation.

LC

5 Asian Pied Starling

Gracupica contra/ Sturnus contra

Lowland open areas with scattered trees near water, often near human habitation

Grain, insects and fruits LC

Cuculidae

6 Common Hawk Cuckoo

Hierococcyx varius

Garden land, groves of tree, deciduous and semi-evergreen forests.

Insects, mainly caterpillars and cutworms, also grasshoppers, locusts, winged termites, ants; lizards; fruits of wild banyan fig

LC

Muscicapidae

7 White-rumped Shama

Copsychus malabaricus

Dense undergrowth especially in bamboo forests.

Insects LC

8 Oriental Magpie Robin

Copsychus saularis

Open woodland and cultivated areas

Insects, other invertebrates, nectar, geckos, leeches

LC

Upupidae

9 Common Hoopoe

Upupa epops Bare vegetated grounds, grasslands

Insects, small reptiles, frogs, seeds, berries

LC

Leiothrichidae

10 Jungle Babbler Turdoides striata

Sparse and low thorny scrub

fruits, berries, nectar, figs, seeds and grains

LC

24

vegetation

Pycnonotidae

11 Red-vented Bulbul

Pycnonotus cafer

Dry scrub, open forest, plains and cultivated lands

Fruits, petals of flowers,nectar, insects and occasionally geckos

LC

12 Red-whiskered Bulbul

Pycnonotus jocosus

Lightly wooded areas, open country with bushes and shrubs, and farmland

Fruits, nectar, insects LC

Oriolidae

13 Black-hooded Oriole

Oriolus xanthornus

Woodland and cultivation

Insects and fruits, especially figs

LC

Accipitridae

14 Black kite Milvus migrans Areas of human population

Small live prey, fish, household refuse and carrion, birds, rodents, bats

LC

Nectariniidae

15 Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus

Thin forest and garden land

Nectars LC

Corvicidae

16 Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda

Open forests, scrubs, plantation, gardens

fruits, seeds, invertebrates, small reptiles and the eggs and young of birds

LC

17 House Crow Corvus splendens

Human habitation

Refuse around human habitations, small reptiles and mammals, insects, small invertebrates, eggs, nestlings, grains, fruits

LC

Megalaimidae

18 Coppersmith Barbet

Psilopogon haemacephalus

Gardens, groves and sparse woodland

Banyan, peepul, and other wild figs, various drupes and berries, and the occasionally insect

LC

Abbreviations: LC= Least Concern

Table 8: List of Mammals Recorded in Panchet Hill

S. No.

Common Name Scientific Name IUCN Status

1 Hanuman Langur Semnopithecus (=Presbytis) entellus LC

2 Asian palm civet Paradox urushermaphroditus LC

3 Indian Flying Fox Pteropus giganteus LC

4 Indian palm squirrel Funambulus palmarum LC

5 House Rat Rattus rattus LC

6 House Mouse Mus musculus LC

25

7 Indian Mole Suncus murinus LC

8 Indian Mole rat Bandicota bengalensis LC

9 Striped Hyena Hyena hyena NT

10 Bengal Fox Vulpes bengalensis LC

Abbreviations: LC= Least Concern, NT = Nearly Threatened

Table 9: List of Butterflies Recorded From Site-1

Sl.

No.

Common Name

and Family

Scientific name Habitat and Feeding Habit

Pieridae

1 Common Emigrant Catopsilia pomona Host plant include Cassia fistula, Senna

alata, Butea monosperma

2 One spot Grass

Yellow

Eurema andersoni The larva feeds on variety of plants and

grasses of Euphorbiaceae, Spurges

andFabaceae.

3 Common Jezebel Delias eucharis The host plant are various species of small

shrubs which are plant parasites growing

on trees such as Loranthus

4 Cabbaage White Pieris rapae They prefer purple, blue and yellow

flowers. Host plant include Crucifera

5 White Orange tip Ixias marriane The larval food plant include Capparis

grandis in Capparaceae family

6

Yellow Orange tip Ixias pyrene

The larval food plant is Capparis and

Acacia scrub.

7 Lesser Gull Cepora nadina The catterpillars feeds on Capparis

8 Common Gull Cepora nerissa The larva feeds on Capparis

Lycaenidae

9 Common Silver

Line

Spindasis Vulcanus The larva feeds on Jujube, Zizyphus

rugosa, Ioxora longifolia.

10 Grass blue Pseudozizeeria maha The larval host plant include families of

Leguminosal, Acanthaceae and

Oxalidaceae

Papilionidae

11 Common Lime Papilio demolus The larval food plants are from family

Rutacea, such as wood apple tree.

12 Common Mormon Papilio polytes It is fond of Lantana, Jatropa icora for

nector and larva breeds on species of

family Rutacea.

13 Common Rose Pachliopta

aristolochiae

The larval food plants belongs to family of

Aristolochia

Nymphalidae

14 Lemon Pansy Junonia lemonias Caterpillars feed on plants of families

Acanthaceae, Malvaceae, Rubiaceae,

Verbanaceae and Amaranthaceae

26

15 Chocolate Pansy Junomonia iphita The host plant includes Justicia

procumbens, and species of Acanthaceae

family.

16 Common Crow Euploea core The host plant belongs to families

Rubiaceae, Asclepiadoideae andMoraceae

17 Common Castor Ariadne merione The larval food plant is Tragia

euphorbiaceae.

18 Common Leopard Phalanta Phalantha Larval food plants are from families

Acanthaceae,Compositae and Rubiaceae

19 Baronet Euthalia nais the larval host plants are Shorea robusta

and Diospyras melanoxylon

20 Plain Tiger Danaus chrysippus The larval food plants include several

families most importantly Asclepiadoideae

like Calotropis and Pergulania daemia

21 Striped Tiger Danaus genutia The most common food plants are small

herbs, creepers, twiners from family of

Asctepiadaceae

22 Blue Tiger Tirumala Limniace The larval food plant feed on many plant

specially Calotropis plant of family

Asclepiadaceae

Table 10: List of Butterflies Recorded From Site-2

Sl. No.

Common Name and Family

Scientific name Habitat and Feeding Habit

Pieridae

1 Common Emigrant Catopsilia Pomona Host plant include Cassia fistula, Senna

alata, Butea monosperma

2 One spot Grass

Yellow

Eurema andersoni The larva feeds on variety of plants and

grasses of Euphorbiaceae, Spurges

andFabaceae.

5 White Orange tip Ixias marriane The larval food plant include Capparis

grandis in Capparaceae family

7 Lesser Gull Cepora nadina The catterpillars feeds on Capparis

8 Common Gull Cepora nerissa The larva feeds on Capparis

Lycaenidae

9 Common Silver

Line

Spindasis Vulcanus The larva feeds on Jujube, Zizyphus

rugosa, Ioxora longifolia.

10 Grass blue Pseudozizeeria maha The larval host plant include families of

Leguminosal, Acanthaceae and

Oxalidaceae

Papilionidae

11 Common Lime Papilio demolus The larval food plants are from family

Rutacea, such as wood apple tree.

12 Common Mormon Papilio polytes It is fond of Lantana, Jatropa icora for

nector and larva breeds on species of

family Rutacea.

27

Nymphalidae

14 Lemon Pansy Junonia lemonias Caterpillars feed on plants of families

Acanthaceae, Malvaceae, Rubiaceae,

Verbanaceae and Amaranthaceae

15 Chocolate Pansy Junomonia iphita The host plant includes Justicia

procumbens, and species of Acanthaceae

family.

16 Common Crow Euploea core The host plant belongs to families

Rubiaceae, Asclepiadoideae andMoraceae

18 Common Leopard Phalanta Phalantha Larval food plants are from families

Acanthaceae,Compositae and Rubiaceae

20 Plain Tiger Danaus chrysippus The larval food plants include several

families most importantly Asclepiadoideae

like Calotropis and Pergulania daemia

Table 11: List of Insect Fauna Recorded in Panchet Hill

S. No. NAME

1. Common Hooktail

2. Granite Ghost

3. Trumpet Tail

4. Robber Fly

5. Beetles

6. Ants

7. Apple nail

8. Pseudo-scorpion

10. Scorpion

28

Chocolate pansy Common gull

Common hooktail Common rose

Common silver-line Granite ghost

Lemon pansy Lizard

Figure 6 Some Pictures of Fauna Found in Panchet hill

29

Common scorpion Bengal monitor lizard

Bicellate Cobra Mabuya Spp.

Palm Squirrel Indian vine snake

Spectacled cobra Python

Figure 6 Some Pictures of Fauna Found in Panchet hill

30

The present study clearly indicates the presence of huge collection of natural flora and fauna

in Panchet Hill. Though majority of studied biodiversity belong to least concern (LC) category

of IUCN Red data base, there are 5 plant species recorded during the study that are

threatened. The area harbours considerable assemblage of flora that support the growth of

different butterflies, beetles, dragonflies, damselflies and several other arthropods including

scorpions and spiders. Thus it can be said that the area shows diversity in fauna. Marked

stratification of trees, shrubs, herbs, climbers as well as creepers has been observed.

During the filed survey, information were collected from a local Snake Rescue Centre.

Information revealed the presence of Python, Spectacled Cobra (Gokhro) and Russell‟s

viper (Chandra bora) in Panchet hill, Indian Rat Snake (Darash) is very common in Panchet

hill. Few people confirmed the presence of Striped Hyena in the Panchet foothills.

9. IMPACTS OF PROPOSED PROJECT

9.1 Direct Impacts: For installation of various units of Cement Plant, existing vegetation

from proposed plant area will be removed with in the first step. Soil of the proposed area will

be affected due to vehicular movement, construction of various manufacturing units,

residential area etc. Therefore, the vegetation along with soil will be affected directly. In this

way habitat for the flora will be destroyed. This practice will also impact the habitat of the

birds, lizards, snakes and mongoose, etc. Vibration due to heavy machines and vehicular

movements will also directly impact the movement and behavioral (territorial, reproductive,

feeding) aspects of the animals present within the core zone.

9.2 Indirect Impacts: Surrounding area might be affected during operational phase.

Emissions from industry indirectly promote invasive species, as they are more tolerant to

stress. Particulate matter when depositing on leaves might lower the photosynthetic capacity

of the plants due to inadequate stomatal movements. Consequently, species might become

disappear or their number might reduce, that will promote the invasion of more tolerant

invasive species in the nearby areas. Consequently, ecology of that particular area might be

disturbed. Panchet Hill harbours a considerable numbers of medicinal flora. Eastern aspect

of the hill will be exposed to more stress. Significant insects like honey bee, butterfly which

depend on the vegetation will be affected.

31

9.3 Anticipated Impact on Panchet Hill

Proposed plant activity will exert influence upto 500 m – 1000 m distance around the site. No

road pass through the forested area. Hence there will be no significant impact on the wildlife

species due to the proposed project, except dust from the industries hinder the accessibility

of the butterflies to the flowering wild plants for nectar as dust deposits over the flowers.

10. CONSERVATION OF ECOLOGICALLY IMPORTANT SPECIES

10.1 Snakes:

10.1.1 Ecology

Snakes are found in a variety of habitats including rainforests, river valleys, woodlands,

scrublands, grassy marshes, and semi rocky foothills. They are usually found in habitats with

areas that can provide sufficient cover. Snakes are never found very far from water sources,

and seems to prefer very damp terrain.

10.1.2 Distribution

Cosmopolitan

10.1.3 Food Habits

Snakes are carnivorous reptiles. Its diet consists mostly of live prey. Its staples foods

are rodents and other mammals. A small portion of its diet consists of birds, amphibians,

and reptiles. When looking for food snakes will either stalk prey, ambush, or scavenge for

carrion. Snakes have very poor eyesight. To compensate for this, the species has a highly

developed sense of smell, and heat pits within each scale along the upper lip, which sense

the warmth of nearby prey. Indian pythons kill prey by biting and constricting until the prey

suffocates. Prey items are then swallowed whole.

10.1.4 Threats

Snakes like python, cobra and viper species have long been hunted for their skins, which are

made into fashionable accessories, and trapped for the pet trade. People also tend to kill

these large snakes when intrude into any human habitation out of fear. Additionally, this

species of snake is threatened by shrinking habitat caused by deforestation. Snakes are

considered vulnerable species; trade prohibits live snakes and their products. Poaching is

still a major threat.

32

10.2 Butterflies

10.2.1 Ecology of Butterflies: There are about 20,000 species of butterflies around the

world, about 1500 species known in India. However, in West Bengal about 600 species are

known. Butterflies play a number of roles in the ecosystem. They act as a pollinator and as a

food source for other species, acting as an important connector in a thriving ecosystem web.

It has been estimated that nearly 90% of all plants need a pollinator to reproduce and as bee

populations drop, the role of the butterfly becomes even more vital. Without these wonderful

insects, many plant species would then be unable to reproduce and their populations would

dramatically decrease. This loss of plant life would affect both animals and humans.

Butterflies also provide assistance for genetic variation in the plant species that they collect

nectar from. Many species of butterfly migrate over long distances, which allow pollen to be

shared across groups of plants that are far apart from one another. This helps plants to be

more resilient against disease and gives them a better chance to survive. Different species

of butterfly can even provide effective pest control, naturally keeping plant populations

healthy and disease free.

10.2.2 Food Habits

Butterflies feed on nectar of various plant species. In larva stage butterfly need specific plant

for food requirement e.g. Milk weed plant.

10.2.3 Threats

Habitat change and loss as well as climate change are the biggest threats to butterflies

today. These delicate insects are incredibly sensitive to climate change and habitat loss and

require ideal conditions for their eggs to mature. This sensitivity, though useful for monitoring

the health of our ecosystems, is a downfall for the survival of many butterfly species. An

abundance of butterflies indicates a healthy ecosystem, but if there is a subtle change in the

environment, it can trigger an extreme drop in the butterfly population. Essentially, butterfly

population can be affected by pollution from the nearby industrial set up. There might be

decline in the plant species used by butterflies for nectar, egg laying host plants etc.

Keeping in view the ecological significance of the Panchet hill to the local environmental

settings there is an intense need to conserve the biodiversity of the Panchet hill, especially

one of major emphasis must be given to the conservation of butterflies and schedule-I

species found in the Hill.

33

10.3 Conservation of Plant Species

While doing survey in Panchet hill, six (6) plant species were recorded under Low Risk (Near

Threatened- 03; Conservation Dependent- 01) category of IUCN. Habitat destruction or

over-exploitation of these species leads them to be put in them to High Risk category.

S.

No.

Local

Name

Scientific Name IUCN

Category

Medicinal Use Conservation

Strategy

1 Bon

begoon

Solenum ferox NT Seeds used for

toothaches

burned and the

fumes inhaled.

coughs, asthma,

fever, vomiting,

sore throat and

gonorrhea,

female sex

disorders.

Dried seeds and

flowers are kept

in mouths for

tooth decay.

Burned seeds

are taken to

relieve chronic

and bronchial

cough; used in

asthma. Root

extracts used as

anti-asthmatic

Solanum ferox is

indigenously used for

medicines, hence folk

people play an

immense role in the

conservation of more

plants.

Cultivation of Solanum

ferox can be

encouraged among

urban populations too.

Germplasm storage

can be applied for the

ex-situ conservation.

Pollen storage can

also help a lot.

2 Fern Adiantum sp. NT Expectorant,

Anti-rheumatic,

Pectoral,

Refrigerant,

tonic. Leaves

help clear up

coughs and

congestion due

to colds, asthma,

fever, flu,

pleurisy, as well

as hoarseness

and catarrhal

problems. A hair

tonic

Adiantum fern is small

in size and hence can

be grown successfully

in large numbers, in

controlled environment

such as greenhouses

or labs.

Germplasm collection

of the species can also

help in conservation of

such plants.

3 Togor Tabernaemontana NT Useful in skin Since it is an

34

alternifolia infections, but no

scientific report

establishes its

antibacterial

activity.

ornamental flower, the

plant is extensively

grown in 94% of

households in India.

However, the plant

census does not count

these domestic

individuals. So it

apparently seems to

be threatened.

Pollen Banks, Germ

banks can used for

storage of pollens and

explants for future

propagations

4 Chhoto-

togor

Tabernaemontana

gamblei

CD Not known Plantation of more

trees

Germplasm

conservation

Pollen bank

conservation

5 Boro

Jhau

Cryptomeria

japonica

NT Used for the cure

of trauma,

tumour, eczema

and gonorrhaea.

Cryptomeria japonica

is slowly recovering

from its threatened

status. However, it

requires planting of

more trees, to help it

outgrow from the

„Threatened‟ status. Germbanks have been

successfully storing its

explants, especially in

Japan.

NT: Near Threatened, CD: Conservation Dependent

11.0 CONSERVATION PLAN

Table 12: Proposed Conservation Plan

S. No. Plan Details

1 Biological Goals &

Objectives

To plan for improving the habitat of wild animals

inside deep forests

To plan for developing habitat of ecologically

significance butterflies

To plan for reducing man-animal conflicts

35

To arrange food and water supply within the

natural habitat of wild animals

2 Measures to achieve the

goals

Three level strategy to deal with man-leopard conflict for

dealing with Man-Animal conflict as per guidelines issued

by MoEF.

1. Awareness generation among local

communities (if leopard or hyena or snake is

sighted inside human habitation, then it should

not be attacked or killed. The Forest Officials

should be informed)

2. Establish trained teams at two levels; the

primary response team (village level) and the

emergency response team (Forest Officials),

3. Use of cutting edge technology and scientific

know-how to improve efficacy of capture,

handling, care and translocation of the animal.

Purchase of Tranquilizers equipment, Cage

and Vehicle etc.

Local villagers living near forest areas should be

provided financial assistance to make their

LIVESTOCK SHEDS safe (strong and robust)

Awareness among the locals about the ecological

significance of the snakes and scavenger fauna.

3 Measures to avoid the

impacts

Proposed plant will have certain impacts which could not

be avoided. Significant impacts could be minimized to the

level of tolerance and standards by adopting advanced

scientific technology

4 Measures to minimize

the impacts

To minimize noise level during operational phase,

latest technology will be adopted and monitored

continuously.

To prevent dust and fugitive emission robust green

belt will be developed all along the plant boundary.

Regular monitoring of the air and noise pollution

will be done so that baseline quality of the

surrounding area is kept under check.

36

12.0 IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

12.1 Phase-1 (Short term- immediately)

Since construction of the proposed plant has not started there is no requirement for

immediate action.

12.2 Phase-2 (Mid-term)

Awareness programs may be conducted for local communities residing around the proposed

project boundary of the study area. Preparation and training of the primary response team

(at village level, residing in adjacent villages) may be also started in consultation with District

Forest Department.

12.3 Phase-3 (Long term)

Development of wild life habitat, springs, marshy areas, dens, artificial waterholes, plantation

of more trees and shrubs and herbs for butterflies to be started in the identified areas inside

deep forests. District Forest Department to be strengthened in terms of infrastructure

development to capture, handle, and translocate the wild animals away from human

habitation.

Monitoring Mechanism

Regular monitoring and reporting is required to check the effectiveness of measures

implemented. This will be done in consultation with State Forest Department.

37

13.0 FUNDING PLAN

Table 13: Allocation of Budget under Proposed Conservation Plan

S. N Conservation Plan Budget in Rs. (lakhs)

1 Training the primary response team (at village level, around the

forest boundary) to meet the MOEF Guidelines on Conservation

0.5

2 Strengthen infrastructure of District Forest Department required to

capture, handle, and translocate snakes and wild animals away from

human habituated area.

1.5

3 Develop effective habitats to minimize Man-Animal conflicts, through

making den like structures, artificial waterholes, plantation of more

nectar species etc. inside deep forests.

1.5

4 Provide funds to District Forest Department to promote plantation in

the Panchet hill to conserve floral diversity of the hill.

1.5

5 Develop waterholes, marshy area, and natural springs inside forests

of study area for providing suitable habitat for faunal species.

1.0

6 Provide funds to District Forest Department to create Awareness

among local communities residing around the forest boundary of

study area on avoiding Conflict with Animals

0.5

Total Rs.6.5 Lakhs

14.0 CONCLUSION

We are living in a society where both environment preservation and development activity

should move on together. We can‟t avoid any of them. Development at the cost of

environment will certainly cause irreparable damage. So the development should be in a

sustained and responsible manner. Panchet Hill was found to be ecologically significant

place for several medicinal plant species, a number of insects, butterflies and snakes. An

effective conservation plan will help in proper management of habitat of these ecologically

important species. Implementation of step by step conservation plan as described is

essential. Shree Cement Limited shall allocate budget of Rs. 6.5 lakhs for achieving the

goals and objectives of the Conservation Plan. This budget will be spent in consultation with

the District Forest Department, Purulia, West Bengal.