Sanjay Gandhi National Park Research Articles

Diet of Rusty-spotted Cat Prionailurus rubiginosus (I. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1831) (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai, India

The 103.68 km2 Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), Mumbai, exists amidst human densities that figure among the highest in the world. The rich biodiversity of SGNP includes the Rusty-spotted Cat Prionailurus rubiginosus, endemic to India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, and categorised as ‘Near Threatened’ on the IUCN Red List. Little is known about its ecology and the dynamics of its coexistence with the other small carnivores in SGNP. We conducted a study with citizen volunteers to explore the diet of the Rusty-spotted Cat and other sympatric small carnivores in SGNP and in the adjoining human-dominated areas of Yeur village, Shivaji Nagar, Dahisar Quarry, and Aarey Milk Colony. After initial training, the volunteers collected scat samples from all forest ranges in SGNP and the surrounding areas outside, following defined protocols. Seventy-eight scat samples were analysed for species assignments using standardised molecular techniques, felid-specific primers, and DNA sequencing, and 24 were identified as of the Rusty-spotted Cat. The contents of the samples were examined under a microscope to identify prey remains. Results were presented as the mean number of scat samples containing remains of specific taxa with 95% Confidence Intervals. Diet estimated from 22 Rusty-spotted Cat scat samples and 52 samples of other small carnivores revealed rodents to be the major prey of the entire group. However, a higher proportion of Rusty-spotted Cat scat samples had remains of rodents (95%) and reptiles (6%) as compared to samples of other small carnivores, i.e., 79% with rodent remains and none with remains of reptiles. On the other hand, a lower proportion of Rusty-spotted Cat scat samples had remains of insects (14%), plant matter (9%), and birds (5%) than samples of other small carnivores (40% plant matter, 38% insects, 17% birds). Our results highlight the role of small carnivores, especially Rusty-spotted Cat in regulatory services through pest control.

Primary Study of Drinking Water Quality (Groundwater) from Adivasi Pada of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai, (M. S.) Bharat

Primary Study of Drinking Water Quality (Groundwater) from Adivasi Pada of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai, (M. S.) Bharat

New records of Ascomycota from Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), Maharashtra, India

New records of Ascomycota from Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), Maharashtra, India

Aarey conservation: A multifaceted opportunity for climate mitigation in an urban setting

Abstract Citizens of the world are bracing themselves to combat and mitigate cataclysmic climate crisis. Recurrent climate accidents are leaving behind millions of climate refugees, who flock to urban centers in search of safety and security. Overcrowded metropolitan cities are highly vulnerable due to their high human densities and absolute numbers of residents and migrants. A well-connected network of urban green zones (UGZs) provides multiple values that enable sustainable climate mitigation and adaptation. The metropolis of Mumbai, with over 24 million humans (Mumbaikars), is fortunate to also have a network of large UGZs and protected areas (PAs), viz. Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Aarey Milk Colony (AMC), Tungareshwar, Thane, Tansa, and Karnala Wildlife Sanctuaries, along with mangrove forests and public parks. However, most PAs restrict entry and climate mitigation actions. AMC, spread over 12.5 km2 provides a unique “mosaic” landscape, inhabited by indigenous communities (Warli and Mahadev Koli), locals, and migrants. The hills, farms, artificial meadows, and built-up complexes, with a good road network and proximity to Mumbai’s suburbs, provide numerous opportunities to achieve the 17 sustainable development goals set out by members of the United Nations Conference of the Parties. The path to achieve climate and resource stability, in the economic capital of the nation, is a precarious one and needs planning and engagement of all stakeholders. Long-term protection of AMC will provide socioeconomic equity as well as ecological and health security to current and future generations of Mumbaikars.

Curb pollution of river -dealing with dry weather flow interception

The Mithi River having length of 17.8 km runs through densely populated residential and industrial areas in Mumbai. Except during the monsoon, behaves as a non-perennial water body and carries only sewage during the rest of the year. The Mithi River has a catchment area of 7,295 ha and receives overflows from Vihar and Powai lakes at its origin of 246 m above mean sea level on the periphery of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The Mithi River flows through densely populated residential and industrial areas, Marol, Andheri, Bail Bazar to meet the Arabian Sea at Mahim Bay. This has resulted into pollution of river water by joining of nallas with Dry Weather Flows. The methodology & flow of study work adopted i.e. data collection, Topographical surveys, measurement of DWF at ingress locations in the river and suggested the feasible solution i.e. Dry Weather Flow Interceptors, STP etc. Under this Study, Identified the 52 nos of DWF (Dry weather flow) outfalls into Mithi River for Area 1 of Mithi River (Filterpada to WSP site). It found that daily 24 MLD DWF is entered into the Mithi river form Filter Pada to WSP Site. This is damaging to the environment, public health and visual landscape of the river & polluted river. So it is necessary to stop ingress of DWF into river & give the suitable treatment before further flow into river. Under this studied in various measures in detail to Curb Pollution of Mithi River. Adequate Dry Weather Flow Interceptors (DWFI), Sewer Network, Sewage Treatment Plant are designed and proposed to treat the Dry Weather Flow for required standards.After implementation of these solutions good results will be achieved i.e. river will flow with treated water all time and get the river to its original natural conditions free from pollution.

Taxonomic Documentation and Statistical Analysis of Soil Mycoflora of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Maharashtra, India

Aims: The present paper deals with documentation of diversity and analysis of ecological aspects of soil microfungal flora of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP).
 Study Design: The study area was divided into five zones, defined over span of three ranges and 10% peripheral area.
 Place and Duration of Study: SGNP, Maharashtra, India between September 2016 and September 2020.
 Methodology: A total of 43 soil samples were collected from 5 zones. Microscopic and molecular methods were used for identification of species. We examine dissimilarity in species composition by pairwise Jaccard Dissimilarity Index. We examine diversity of microfungi using diversity indices of Gini-Simpson’s and Shannon’s, true diversity (Shannon’s effective number of species) and equitability of species with Pielou’s evenness index.
 Results: The study resulted in a total of 77 isolates of 77 soil fungi obtained from 43 soil samples. A total of 36 species were documented under 15 genera. Aspergillus was dominant genus with 16 species, whereas Aspergillus niger was dominant species representing maximum 12 isolates. Pairwise Jaccard Dissimilarity Index was found to be above 66% in all cases, with only one species common in all the zones. In diversity indices, Gini-Simpson’s was 0.9347, and Shannon’s, was 3.1450. Pielou’s evenness index was 0.8776, causing true diversity, calculated as effective number of species (23), to be less than observed species richness (36).
 Conclusion: Thus, based on systematics and statistical analysis, it can be concluded that SGNP exhibits rich diversity of soil microfungi.

Changing a leopard's spots or how people spot leopards? Managing human – leopard interactions in urban India

Human–wildlife interactions are an everyday reality in India. Managing any potential human–wildlife conflict is one of the most important tasks of the Indian government. As urban construction grows exponentially, many cities have come closer to forested areas and increased sightings of wildlife. Mumbai is located close to Sanjay Gandhi National Park, a 120 square kilometre wildlife zone which is home to approximately 40 leopards. Over the years, there have been sporadic incidents of human – leopard conflicts and a few humans have died in fatal leopard attacks. This case study follows a hypothetical Chief Wildlife Warden in Mumbai as a decision maker who must make a decision regarding leopard sightings after a spate of leopard attacks in the city earlier in the year. By providing detailed information and data regarding leopard population management as well as the cultural milieu and political context of Mumbai, the case study provides information required to advise the decision maker on their options.

Leopards in the City: The Tale of Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Two Protected Areas in and Adjacent to Mumbai, India

Recent studies in the last decade have recorded obligate carnivores adapting to human dominated landscapes. Leopards, amongst other large carnivores, are highly adaptable and survive in a range of environments from the arid regions of Africa and the Middle East to the cold regions of the Russian Far East. They are also highly adaptable in their diet and consequently are present close to and even within high-density human landscapes. These also include the edges of urban areas such as Nairobi and Mumbai. Our study, to better understand the coexistence of leopards and humans, was conducted in 104 km2of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), which is surrounded on three sides by the urban landscape of Mumbai and Thane cities. The study area also included 85 km2of an adjoining protected area, Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (TWLS), which is surrounded by a combination of forests, rural areas and agricultural lands. Based on spatial capture—recapture framework we observed that leopard densities in SGNP (26.34 ± 4.96 leopards/100 km2) and TWLS (5.40 ± 2.99 leopards/100 km2) were vastly different. We found that density estimates of wild prey and domestic dogs were higher in SGNP in comparison to TWLS. In both the protected areas (PAs), domestic dogs formed a major proportion of leopard diet and were the single highest species contributors. Our study shows that despite extremely high human density around SGNP (~20,000 people/km2), leopard density is also much higher than the adjoining TWLS which has a comparatively lower surrounding density of people (~1,700 people/km2). Leopard density reported from SGNP is amongst the highest ever reported. This interesting result is probably due to much higher biomass of potential food resources in and around SGNP. Studying this relationship between leopards and their prey (both wild and domestic) in a human dominated landscape will give us valuable insights on human—leopard interactions. The two adjacent and connected PAs are similar ecologically, but differ widely in almost all other aspects, including human densities along the periphery, leopard densities, prey densities as well as management regimes.

Heteroconium tulsiense (Antennulariellaceae): a novel microfungus from Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Maharashtra, India

Heteroconium tulsiense is a new species collected on dry twig litter at Tiger Reserve areas (Tulsi Range), Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It is illustrated, described and compared with related taxa. This fungus is characterized by unevenly pigmented conidia having pale brown ends, and produced in chains of up to four. The isolate was identified on the basis of its asexual morph. A key to 20 valid species of Heteroconium is presented.

Preliminary Archaeoacoustic Study of Kanheri Caves in Mumbai (Maharashtra, India)

Here we report first ever study on acoustical evaluation of Kanheri Caves located in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai (Maharashtra, India). These caves are dated to a period between 2nd century BCE to 7th century CE. In this study we used an ambisonic recorder to capture Impulse Response, which carries acoustic signature of the place. Out of total 109 caves 41 were surveyed in available time. Out of those reverberant environment was noted in 12 caves. Measurements were made only in 3 caves (Cave Nos. 1, 3, 11) which are important. In the beginning we carried out an FFT analysis. We then studied room acoustic parameters like Reverberation Time, Early Decay Time, Clarity, Definition, etc., based on the measurement of Impulse response. Cave No. 3 have high value of reverberation time, compared to other. Therefore it also have lower clarity compared to others. It is properties needs to be compared with similar structures (chaityas) in Maharashtra (at Ajanta, Ellora, Nashik, Junnar, etc.) and elsewhere in India. It is worthwhile to carry out further research in Cave No. 3 with more sophisticated instruments as well as 3D modeling. Since the experiment was performed with receiver at only one position, we also suggest to carry out experiment with receiver at multiple positions and then comparing them.

Https://asianjournalofmycology.org/pdf/AJOM_5_1_10-1.pdf

The present paper aims at studying the diversity of phyllospheric, rhizospheric soil and aquatic microfungal flora of Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) and its 10% peripheral area with statistical analysis of the diversity data to draw inferences about microfungal diversity. For analysis, the study area was divided into five zones, defined over a span of three ranges and a 10% peripheral area. Standard methods and keys were followed for the isolation and identification of fungi from different substrates, with routine microscopic work supplemented by scanning electron microscopy and molecular methods for some novel fungi. A total of 334 isolates obtained included 186 litter fungi (55.69%), 77 soil fungi (23.05%), 43 foliicolous fungi (12.87%), and 28 water fungi (8.38%). A total of 231 species in 121 genera were documented, of which 120 genera belong to Ascomycota and one to Basidiomycota. The study resulted in the publication of three new species, 13 new records for India, and two new records for Maharashtra. Aspergillus was dominant with 23 species, followed by Diatrype and Meliola (eight species each). In statistical analysis, we first examine differences in observed species richness across the zones using dummy variable regression and Kruskal-Wallis Test, with species count as the dependent variable. Both yielded similar statistically significant (p-value<0.01) differences in mean and median species counts, respectively. Dissimilarity in species composition, analysed by pairwise Jaccard Dissimilarity Index, was above 82% in all cases, with only one species common in all the zones. In diversity indices, Gini-Simpson’s was above 0.9 for all the zones, and Shannon’s was maximum (=4.4118) for Yeoor [South] and minimum (=2.7185) for Peripheral areas. Pielou’s evenness index was maximum (=0.9954) for Krishnagiri range and minimum (=0.9539) for Yeoor [South]. True diversity (based on Shannon’s Index) was highest (=82) for Yeoor [South] and lowest (=15) for Peripheral. Thus, based on systematics and statistical analysis, it can be concluded that SGNP exhibits a very rich diversity of microfungi.

Scientific contributions and learning experiences of citizen volunteers with a small cat project in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai, India

We conducted a project on small wild cats in Sanjay Gandhi National Park near Mumbai during 2017–2019 with the participation of 35 citizen volunteers. Volunteers underwent a training period after which they collected scat samples, placed camera traps and participated in data analysis. Volunteers answered a questionnaire to gauge the impact the program had in furthering their interests and knowledge. Nineteen participants responded to the feedback survey. Most indicated an increase in their knowledge of wildlife research, conservation issues and small wild cats. We discuss the value of research projects where citizens can actively participate and learn semi-technical skills.

Diversity of ants in Aarey Milk Colony, Mumbai, India

Aarey Milk Colony (AMC) is 16km2 of forested area, acts as a buffer to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai. It has gardens, lakes, recreation spots, and a nursery. It also harbors 32 cattle farms, animal husbandry centers. Apart from urbanization and forest degradation, this forest harbors great biodiversity which includes the leopard as a top predator and also lesser-known species of amphibians, reptiles, and arthropods. Considering ants as important bio indicators and the vulnerability of AMC to development plans, a study on the diversity of ants was conducted from January 2016 to May 2016. Four methods were used for data collection of ants—pitfall trap, line-transect, quadrate, and all-out search. A total of 35 species under 24 genera under six subfamilies– Myrmicinae, Formicinae, Ponerinae, Dolichoderinae, Pseudomyrmecinae, and Cerapachyinae were recorded during this study. The Simpson’s diversity index (0.88) for the pit fall trap indicates that the diversity of ants in the AMC is fairly high. This increases the importance of this forest land which is presently facing a mass destruction of trees.

Opportunities for investment in the societal values provided by Sanjay Gandhi National Park, India

Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), surrounded by the megacity of Mumbai, India, is subject to high anthropogenic pressures. However, it constitutes an important ‘green lung’ and water source, supporting biodiversity, tourism, recreation and additional benefits both locally and remotely. To safeguard and enhance the Park ecosystem, there is a need to recognise and demonstrate the diversity of values associated with these multiple benefits, potential conflicts, and management measures necessary to protect them. This study explores outcomes from SGNP across a systemically connected range of ecosystem services, and the geographical scales over which service benefits accrue. This informs potential novel ‘payment for ecosystem services’ (PES) opportunities. The protected status of the landscape is reflected in low values from provisioning services (material or energy exploitation), but substantial values from supporting (such as habitat for wildlife), regulating (including global climate, microclimate and hydrological regulation) and cultural (particularly tourism) services. However, direct resource exploitation by communities inhabiting the Park is limited. Some ecosystem services were identified as ready for PES implementation (for example water supply), others require further development (including contributions to peripheral urban microclimate), through many services have no or limited PES potential (such as wood or aggregate extraction, prohibited under Park regulations).

Subaqueous effusive and explosive phases of late Deccan volcanism: evidence from Mumbai Islands, India

About 30 m of massive basaltic lava sheets and pillows belonging to the Deccan Traps are exposed at Borivali in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai (India). These lavas are conformably overlain by ~ 100 m of volcaniclastic deposits exposed in the Kanheri Caves. The pillows are plagioclase-clinopyroxene-phyric, very poorly vesicular, tholeiite basalts and commonly develop one to few central large cavities. Pillow rinds are holohyaline with swallow-tailed lanceolate or slender needle-shaped plagioclase and fan-spherulitic or dendritic textures in clinopyroxene that indicate rapid cooling under water. The volcaniclastic succession lying on top of the pillow lavas is chiefly composed of non-vesicular to scoriaceous/pumiceous, basaltic and andesitic clasts. The numerous sediment dykes within the volcaniclastic succession and the conformably underlying pillow lavas imply that the entire sequence was emplaced in a submarine environment. The fluidal texture and quenched margins in some of the volcanic clasts strongly suggest that at least part of the volcanic clasts were produced by underwater explosive eruptions. This study describes subaqueous erupted pillow lavas in context of continental flood basalts and provides a significant analogy to recent submarine-erupted intraplate oceanic basalts. The occurrence of pillow lavas and volcaniclastic deposits well above the present-day high tide line (160 m) indicates either high eustatic sea level during the Danaian age (61.8–62.9 Ma), or post-rifting regional uplift in the western Deccan Traps.

Media reporting on the protected areas in Maharashtra, India: a thematic analysis

This research paper is an account and analysis of English media reporting on wildlife conservation and protected areas (PAs) in Maharashtra, India, between 1994 and 2015. It is based on 269 articles that first appeared in the media and were then edited for publication in the ‘Protected Area Update’. The analysis attempts to draw out significant themes that the media deems important in matters of wildlife conservation. Themes that emerge prominently are related to issues of land, displacement of people, development projects, and tourism. We also discovered that some PAs like the Sanjay Gandhi National Park and the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve receive disproportionately large media space, while a third of the PAs were not reported on at all. This does not imply that these areas were not reported in the larger media that the newsletter draws upon, but points to the skewed coverage and (limited) importance these PAs get. We argue that media content analysis is a useful tool because the media is the first interface for the general public on issues of wildlife conservation and plays an important role in shaping public opinion. To our knowledge, this is the first such state-wide study of media reporting of wildlife conservation issues; it provides important insights into the wildlife conservation discourse in the country as well as the concerns, priorities, and challenges of the media.

Self-organising maps for rain event classification in Mumbai City, India

ABSTRACT The detailed analysis of individual rain event characteristics is an important step for improving our understanding of variations in precipitation over different topographies. In this study, the homogeneity among rain gauges was investigated using the concept of ‘rain event properties’. Thirty-one properties of 23,176 rain events recorded at 47 meteorological stations in Mumbai, India, were analysed utilising seasonal (June–September) rainfall records over 2006–2016. The random forest model was used to evaluate the importance of rain event variables, thus leading to an optimum subset of variables. As a result, 12 signature variables portraying various aspects of rain event behaviour at each station were obtained. The high similarities among the variables indicated similarities among the rain gauges. Furthermore, similar rain gauges were distinguished, investigated, and characterised by cluster analysis using self-organising maps. The cluster analysis results show six clusters of similarly behaving rain gauges, where each cluster addresses one isolated class of variables for the rain gauge. Additionally, the clusters confirm the spatial variation in rainfall caused by the complex topography of Mumbai, comprising the flatland near the Arabian Sea, high-rise buildings (urban areas), and mountain and hill areas (Sanjay Gandhi National Park located in the northern part of Mumbai).

Mumbai North: Contemporary Aerial Photographs of Mumbai’s Suburbs

‘Mumbai North’ features black-and-white aerial photographs of the city’s suburban ecologies—social and natural. Spanning from Sanjay Gandhi National Park to Gorai Creek, and from Bhiwandi’s Waral Lake to Powai, the series visually engages with the ecosystems of Mumbai. Juxtaposed against each photograph are excerpts from archival publications, such as the 1964 Report on the Development Plan for Greater Bombay and the 1965 Marg publication, Bombay, Planning and Dreaming. Together, these two art forms are interwoven into a photo-literary tapestry spanning decades, providing historical insight as to how policies and development plans of the past have shaped urban forms of the present. Air pollution levels, as monitored by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, record the contents of atmospheric contaminants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and respirable suspended particulate matter. This photo-essay integrates multiple layers of information—visual, historical and anthropogenic—as a contemporary means of a new civic survey.

Precipitation Regionalization Using Self-Organizing Maps for Mumbai City, India

The detailed analysis of individual rain events characteristics is an essential step for improving our understanding of variation in precipitation over different topographies. In this study, the homogeneity among rain gauges was investigated using the concept of “rain event properties,” linking them to the main atmospheric system that affects the rainfall in the region. For this, eight properties of more than 23,000 rain events recorded at 47 meteorological stations in Mumbai, India, were analyzed utilizing seasonal (June-September) rainfall records over 2006-2016. The high similarities among the properties indicated the similarities among the rain gauges. Furthermore, similar rain gauges were distinguished, investigated and characterized by cluster analysis using self-organizing maps (SOM). The cluster analysis results show six clusters of similarly behaving rain gauges, where each cluster addresses one isolated class of variables for the rain gauge. Additionally, the clusters confirm the spatial variation of rainfall caused by the complex topography of Mumbai, comprising the flatland near the Arabian Sea, high-rise buildings (urban area) and mountain and hills areas (Sanjay Gandhi National Park located in the northern part of Mumbai).

<b>Flies matter: a study of the diversity of Diptera families (Insecta: Diptera) of Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Maharashtra, India, and notes on their ecological roles</b>

Diptera is one of the three largest insect orders, encompassing insects commonly known as ‘true flies’. They are one of the most important in terms of their interactions with humans. Family-level diversity of Diptera was studied in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR)—50 families were recorded in four protected areas—Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnala Bird Sanctuary, and Matheran Eco-Sensitive Zone, of which 24 were also found in urban areas of Mumbai and Thane City. The MMR’s family-level dipteran diversity constitutes 78% of families documented in the Western Ghats and 57% of India’s known families of Diptera. The recorded Diptera families were segregated into two groups based on their habits - beneficial and pestiferous. Of the 50 families, 66% comprised members which were beneficial in terms of flower visitations (28%), decomposition (24%), and predators and parasitoids of pest insects (14%), whereas 34% comprised members that were pestiferous in nature in terms of posing a threat to human health and causing nuisance (11%), causing crop and food damage (12%), posing a threat to animal health (8%), and as parasitoids of beneficial insects (3%). In terms of their feeding preferences, the majority of the adults were flower visitors (26%), 24% were saprophagous, followed by members that were frugivorous, fungivorous, coprophagous, and predatory in nature. Among larval feeding habits, 31% were detritivorous, 18% phytophagous, and 13% predatory in nature. In terms of their habitat preferences, 24 families were found in dense undergrowth, 12 in mountainous forests, and 11 in fruit gardens. This study establishes that Diptera is more diverse in natural areas than urban areas, and emphasizes the need for further exploration in terms of taxonomic and ecological studies, and economic benefits vis-à-vis the losses they incur in the region.