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Chat on "Conserving wildlife in fragmented landscapes" dated January 15, 2012 Vinay Nadig: Hi Shankar , vinay here from NCF`s EcoQuest in Mysore Sandeep Ghosh.: Good Evening, Folks! Am I glad to be back, Susan! T R Shankar Raman: Good evening, all! And hello Vinay... good to see you here! PRAVEEN V: Good Evening sir. Great to make it IWF chat finally T R Shankar Raman: Yes, it is good to meet you all on this chat to talk about conserving wildlife in our increasingly fragmented landscapes. rohit: hi everyone T R Shankar Raman: Hi Rohit rohit: after a long wait rohit: finally iwc chat came Susan Sharma: Glad to see the good response rohit: so how can we start? rohit: dear shankar raman, so you are maderator today, am i right? PRAVEEN V: I would like to know about your activities and how a common man like me can contribute PRAVEEN V: I stay quite close - Palakkad!! T R Shankar Raman: Yes, I am. Perhaps begin with a brief introduction to the theme? T R Shankar Raman: I work with colleagues and students on effects of rainforest fragmentation in the southern Western Ghats. T R Shankar Raman: We are based out of a research station in the Anamalai hills. Sandeep Ghosh.: R fragmented landscapes synonymous with habitat fragmentation?? T R Shankar Raman: Well, fragmented landscapes are a consequence of the process of habitat fragmentation. rohit: @ sandeep ya i hope so.. Sandeep Ghosh.: don't hope PLEASE!! tell me definitely, Shankar!! T R Shankar Raman: When a large tract of forest, for instance, is broken into smaller patches by agriculture and development, for example. Sandeep Ghosh.: so the two are the same!! PRAVEEN V: Now that the existing fragmentation is a reality, whats the best alternative to ensure habit fragmentation does not get more serious? T R Shankar Raman: The process of loss of forest and isolation of the remaining patches is habitat fragmentation. While... rohit: which areas in india are most suffererd from fragmentation shankar? T R Shankar Raman: the resulting landscape of forest patches, with the surrounding 'matrix' of agriculture, dams, development etc. is the fragmented landscape. rohit: okies... Sandeep Ghosh.: so fragmentation of landscape is a direct consequence of habitat fragmentation!! T R Shankar Raman: @ Praveen: To ensure habitat fragmentation does not get more serious, we can identify areas that are relatively 'unfragmented' and work to first conserve them. T R Shankar Raman: @ Sandeep: yes Sandeep Ghosh.: easier said than done!! T R Shankar Raman: But we can also, try to prevent further fragmentation by minimising or reversing the effects of fragmentation. Sandeep Ghosh.: identifying such areas needs extensive coordination rohit: @ shankar by maintainig corridors ?? T R Shankar Raman: This could be done through restoration of links ('corridors'), making surrounding matrix more hospitable for wildlife, and so on. Sandeep Ghosh.: between wildlife conservationists and forest officers PRAVEEN V: conserving unfragmented area is one side, but how to bypass existing fragmentation so that the birds and animals dont get disturbed further Sandeep Ghosh.: which is asking for the impossible at least in India PRAVEEN V: ok, u've answered that before I cud type the question :) Sandeep Ghosh.: since they don't trust each other much Sandeep Ghosh.: this is from hard experience T R Shankar Raman: @rohit: yes, corridors are important, but not the only approach. We cannot have corridors (esp. as forest corridors) everywhere. Vinay Nadig: I would like to bring in the recent elephants running in the streets of mysore as an example T R Shankar Raman: One should look at surrounding habitats, including human-use or modified habitats as well. T R Shankar Raman: @ Sandeep: I agree that it requires extensive coordination between wildlife scientists, forest officers, local people. PRAVEEN V: can u explain a bit about your NCF activities and how effective have your activities been in avoiding the above? T R Shankar Raman: It is not easy, but one should try. Often, reducing the effects of fragmentation will benefit, not only wildlife, but could benefit people as well. Sandeep Ghosh.: shankar I beg to differ Sandeep Ghosh.: from your last statement rohit: so how to work a way out for conserving existing wildlife in a already fragmented landscape? Sandeep Ghosh.: the effects of fragmentation could help in saving certain types of wildlife T R Shankar Raman: For instance, reducing the likelihood or incidence of human-wildlife conflict could emerge from reversing the effects of fragmentation. Sandeep Ghosh.: but not all wildlife can benefit from it T R Shankar Raman: @ Praveen: NCF is trying to protect existing rainforest fragments outside the Anamalai Tiger Reserve, in partnership with private plantations. Sandeep Ghosh.: reversing the effects of habitat fragmentation takes up valuable time T R Shankar Raman: We also carry out restoration of degraded forest fragments to enhance their quality and use for wildlife. Sandeep Ghosh.: and that is one commodity which we have in extreme short supply T R Shankar Raman: Simultaneously, we work to minimise human-wildlife conflict involving species such as elephants and leopards that move through such landscapes. Sandeep Ghosh.: wildlife does not consist only of mammals T R Shankar Raman: @ Sandeep: could you explain what you mean by not all wildlife will benefit from it. Sandeep Ghosh.: what about the birds?? Sandeep Ghosh.: Shankar, yes i can explain T R Shankar Raman: Please do... my PhD research included a study on the effects of forest fragmentation and plantations on birds. T R Shankar Raman: I'm curious to know why you think reversing the effects of fragmentation will not benefit all birds (you are partly right!). Sandeep Ghosh.: Those forest species which are conservation reliant can experience problems Sandeep Ghosh.: in habitat fragmentation rohit: birds can escape from deleterious effects of fragmentation to some extent.. Sandeep Ghosh.: but certain other species which do not T R Shankar Raman: @ rohit: First steps include identifying the species that are affected and possible ecological causes. Then species- and site-specific steps... rohit: @sandeep ya i was banging my head for this name 'reliant'.. Sandeep Ghosh.: rely on conservation T R Shankar Raman: Yes, birds, may be less impacted because they can fly... but not all birds. Many rainforest birds are highly sedentary and habitat-specific. Sandeep Ghosh.: can survive on their own by moving from one habitat to another rohit: hmmm.. T R Shankar Raman: For instance, understorey flycatchers and babblers. In the Neotropics research has shown how small birds will not fly across gaps created by T R Shankar Raman: agriculture, roads, etc. Sandeep Ghosh.: exactly Sandeep Ghosh.: if forest fragmentation results in barren land, then neither one nor the other can survive T R Shankar Raman: In my research, for instance, rainforest birds like trogons and endemic understorey flycatchers, for e.g., seemed more affected by fragmentation. Sandeep Ghosh.: and in india the problem is heading for that consequence T R Shankar Raman: Widespread, common birds, especially birds of more open forests, such as some bulbuls, tailorbird, etc. actually benefit from fragmentation. Sandeep Ghosh.: yes, but endemic species reach extinction faster T R Shankar Raman: Thus reversing the effects of fragmentation may affect some birds, but these are usually more common species of not so high conservation value.. rohit: and genetic variability and gene pool thing T R Shankar Raman: as the endemic and specialised birds are. Sandeep Ghosh.: that is only the case with mammals, rohit rohit: ohh.. T R Shankar Raman: @rohit: I'm not sure if I clarified your point... Sandeep Ghosh.: with bird species and insect species what gene pool are you going to create PRAVEEN V: when u say they dont benefit by reversing fragmentation does not mean they are adversely affected, right? T R Shankar Raman: Yes, there can certainly be genetic consequences as well. In general affecting the more localised and sedentary species more perhaps. Sandeep Ghosh.: praveen, they are driven to extinction rohit: @shankar...you clarified my point very well actually... T R Shankar Raman: Well, in highly fragmented landscapes, I think reversing the effects of fragmentation may affect some species, but is unlikely to drive them extinct. PRAVEEN V: @sandeep, am not clear on this rohit: @sandeep i think every species and genus has a unique gene pool. PRAVEEN V: ok not extinct, but how is it adversely affected? T R Shankar Raman: This is because there will always be spaces in the surrounding landscape for the disturbance-adapted species: or 'matrix-tolerant' species. Sandeep Ghosh.: yes, rohit, but how are you going to conserve a gene pool for the avifauna?? Sandeep Ghosh.: u certainly cannot catch all the birds and insects and..... T R Shankar Raman: What we are trying to do is really to provide conservation support for the endemic species... a better prospect for those negatively affected by fragmentation Sandeep Ghosh.: transport them from one place to another, can you rohit?? Sandeep Ghosh.: Shankar, please tell me more T R Shankar Raman: Genetic effects may not be restricted to mammals. Studies have shown effects on birds, butterflies... many taxa. But one does not want to... rohit: i am actually talking about genetic variabil;ity which is required for survival...as darwin says T R Shankar Raman: 'catch all the birds and insects' to conserve the gene pool. We should try to conserve biological diversity (genes-communities) in situ... Sandeep Ghosh.: yes biological diversity conservation is right! rohit: that can only be maintained if organisms of different genetic combinations can mate...which is reduced to some extent in an island fragmented area T R Shankar Raman: I am not an expert on genetics of fragmented populations, so cannot really comment in detail. I do feel that many ecological aspects require... Sandeep Ghosh.: but the way forward is beset with extreme difficulties!! T R Shankar Raman: more immediate attention on the ground. Sandeep Ghosh.: like what?? T R Shankar Raman: Yes... but we should not avoid trying because it is difficult. When we began our work on rainforest restoration it was expected to be very difficult... T R Shankar Raman: and some aspects are difficult... but we have been able to raise more than 130+ native tree species for restoration of degraded fragments... rohit: thats good.. T R Shankar Raman: @Sandeep: immediate ecological effects: the effects of invasive alien species (such as Lantana camara) spreading into fragments Sandeep Ghosh.: Shankar, what effect did your restoration work have on the raptors, since they stand on top of the food chain?? T R Shankar Raman: 'edge effects' such as desiccation, change in plant community, loss of canopy continuity for arboreal animals such as primates... Sandeep Ghosh.: and raptors?? T R Shankar Raman: ...these are examples of more immediate ecological effects that may need attention in fragmented landscape T R Shankar Raman: @Sandeep... cannot really say the effects on raptors, since they have such large home ranges... and our fragments/restoration sites are small... Sandeep Ghosh.: ecological effects are both long term and short term? how does this affect fragmentation? rohit: edge effects...can anybody help me in understanding it in simpler words T R Shankar Raman: it is not suitable to reach scientific conclusions on the effects on raptors. T R Shankar Raman: Lets talk about edge effects... T R Shankar Raman: Imagine a dense forest that is now isolated, adjoining a very different habitat on one side: say a paddy field or a monoculture tea plantation T R Shankar Raman: Also, imagine there is a road, widened into a highway, passing through the fragment... both these result in edge effects... but different types Sandeep Ghosh.: if the core area : edge area ratio is reduced, that is my experience, then as a result of... T R Shankar Raman: Along the agriculture field we have a hard edge... where closed canopy gives way to open, diversity to monoculture... T R Shankar Raman: and in the open it is more sunny (hot), more exposed to light etc. This affects the plants and animals at the forest edge. Sandeep Ghosh.: habitat fragmentation makes it difficult to conserve wildlife! T R Shankar Raman: And not just at the edge, but this edge effect penetrates into the forest for some distance... rohit: ok.. PRAVEEN V: and what is the effect of the road? T R Shankar Raman: So one can have weedy plants spreading from the edge to the interior, the exposure leads to death of tall trees at the edge... this is edge effect... PRAVEEN V: ok rohit: so how does the plant and animals on edge got effected or adapt to this? T R Shankar Raman: The road may have similar effects... for instance, weeds can spread along the disturbed roadsides and penetrate forests, but another effect... Sandeep Ghosh.: also isolation of one fragmented area from other contiguous adjoining areas results in edge effects! T R Shankar Raman: ...is that there are higher wind speeds and tree falls along roads. PRAVEEN V: ok T R Shankar Raman: Canopy continuity is affected. Tree-dwelling animals trying to cross on the ground may be killed by speeding traffic... some birds may avoid road edges... rohit: hmm..the cloud is clearing now... Sandeep Ghosh.: Shankar, come straight to the point! what is the solution in the PRACTICAL SENSE?? T R Shankar Raman: @ rohit: not all species can adapt to it... depends on species and kind of effect... the "edge penetration distance" varies by species and kind of factor rohit: so this restoration you are talking about work at which particular area of forest and where first? T R Shankar Raman: @ Sandeep: as we have been talking about: (1) ensuring that remnant habitats are protected, (2) corridors for animal movement are safeguarded... Sandeep Ghosh.: PRACTICALLY HOW!!?? T R Shankar Raman: (3) degraded areas can be ecologically restored... well chosen locations, (4) understand that the surrounding habitats can also have value for wildlife T R Shankar Raman: See examples from our website. Again, like I have already mentioned, we are working with private plantations to protect over 20 rainforest fragments. Sandeep Ghosh.: THIS IS CERTAINLY NOT A ONE MAN JOB! T R Shankar Raman: We have a nursery where we raise native plant species and plant them in carefully chosen degraded sites. In the surrounding landscape... rohit: obviously not.. T R Shankar Raman: coffee planters are encouraged to use native tree species as shade ... this helps wildlife as well... these are the sort of practical steps required T R Shankar Raman: But it will vary from place to place. And yes, it is not a one man job. It requires several people with different skills working together... PRAVEEN V: Sir, coming to the action part - as an ordinary working man how can a person like me contribute to your cause? T R Shankar Raman: I appreciate your interest. But more than contributing to my/our cause... it may be a good idea for you to take up this cause in areas of your interest Sandeep Ghosh.: u need to coordinate with forest officers, local populace, and conservationists and politicians! a tall order! rohit: @praveen i think as an urbanite we can do a little by..RECYCLE REUSE AND REDUCE !!! T R Shankar Raman: Almost every place where we live, cities, towns, villages, countryside, forests, there are opportunities for conserving wildlife... even in fragmented landscape Sandeep Ghosh.: my extremely long experience of the last 18 years has taught me the hard lesson!!!!!!!11111 T R Shankar Raman: Please dont be negative or lose heart... there is much you can do if you take interest and start... start small but start! Sandeep Ghosh.: it seems to me that more than contribution, it is commitment which is sorely missing at least in Eastern India.... T R Shankar Raman: First, work to understand the landscape, read and interact with local people, forest officers, wildlife scientists... get a better understanding... rohit: @ shankar...yes..positivity matters...even 1% of today,s work will mean a lot after a decade.. rohit: i mean conservation Sandeep Ghosh.: and north eastern India where I live and work on Indian raptors and Indian rhinos!! T R Shankar Raman: you will find then that there are many ways to engage. Some of the best restoration work in the world has come from citizens/local community T R Shankar Raman: NE India has a lot of challenges... and is in the forefront of habitat fragmentation today. Lots of proposed dams, roads, mining, habitat alteration... Sandeep Ghosh.: Shankar, please try to understand that the political situation in Eastern and North East is extremely fragile! T R Shankar Raman: such work is quite needed there and people like you can make a difference. Sandeep Ghosh.: and working there has a lot of political problems, period!!!!!!!!!!1 T R Shankar Raman: I worked on effects of slash and burn agriculture in Mizoram in 1994-5, and have colleagues working in Assam and Arunachal... I know what you mean. T R Shankar Raman: @ Sandeep: dont focus so much on problems. Everyone knows there are so many problems. Begin to focus on solutions, on changing mind sets... PRAVEEN V: Another question, since you have worked on elephant corridor PRAVEEN V: Here in Palakkad, we have elephants entering fields during the monsoon months too PRAVEEN V: you have any idea about the reason? Sandeep Ghosh.: Shankar, please write to me at rhinos9848@gmail.com and tigers8269@gmail.com I need to interact with U MORE!!!! T R Shankar Raman: At a fundamental level conservation can seem negative focussed on 'extinction' etc. but the other side of the coin 'restoration' looks ahead, too... rohit: i am an MBBS graduate and have yet to start my work for conservation...experienced people like you can only inspire us.. T R Shankar Raman: I would not know the reason in your specific locality. It could be because of disruption of movement route, loss of habitat, need for water... T R Shankar Raman: or perhaps some crops are attractive as food... we need to study the exact time and location of conflict incidents across years to better understand causes T R Shankar Raman: There are a number of MBBS/Doctors among my friends colleagues who are active in conservation... you can be, too! Sandeep Ghosh.: wildlife conservation in fragmented habitats and landscapes is definitely the future for all of us now! PRAVEEN V: ok, may be food - Bananas :) T R Shankar Raman: Its almost an hour now... anyone with any final quick question(s)? Sandeep Ghosh.: shankar will you please correspond with me?? PRAVEEN V: thanks a lot for the inspiring session bhavana sharma: thank u all ....m bhavana doing mca the discussion was very useful Vinay Nadig: sorry to interrupt ..EDUCATION plays a big role ? and if yes would like to bring in th concept of ECOQUEST to reach out to people PRAVEEN V: @Vinay - a very big role, yes rohit: @shankar what could be the best way to head...M.sc degree in conservation biology or instead by any other way..?? T R Shankar Raman: Yes. Education plays a big role... especially for targetted awareness of issues... and sharing of ecological research findings. So that we rohit: for myself PRAVEEN V: what's Ecoquest? T R Shankar Raman: can find better solutions. We have an EcoQuest/Nature Discovery Centre here in the Anamalais for several years now that plays this role. T R Shankar Raman: And it is important that the education is not just targeted at children but at all ages and kinds of people in the community... Susan Sharma: TRS, thanks for inspiring a great discussion. Would love to have you over again T R Shankar Raman: Thanks all of you for the opportunity to share and discuss these ideas... and good night to all! Sandeep Ghosh.: good nite! PRAVEEN V: Good night all! rohit: tanks to all and specially susan for the platform Susan Sharma: Thank you all T R Shankar Raman: Thanks Susan and bye...

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