Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra

Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra (SNM) is a leading non-governmental organization (NGO) of Maharashtra, engaged in nature conservation, education and research. SNM started its work in Maharashtra s Konkan region in 1992, and despite limited manpower and resources, successfully organized various types of conservation projects. , , Of the7 species of marine turtles found throughout the world, 5 are found on the Indian coast, all 5 being listed in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Marine turtles are also included in the Red List of IUCN. , , In 2002, SNM started a Marine Turtle Conservation Project for the first time in Maharashtra, in Velas in Ratnagiri district, protecting 50 Olive Ridley Turtle nests and releasing 2734 hatchlings into the sea. Over the next three years, we expanded this work to cover the entire 720 km coastline of Maharashtra. In course of the last seven years, 530 nests have been protected and over 25,000 hatchlings released into the sea. SNM has also kept up a sustained awareness campaign in Maharashtra s coastal villages. , , From 2004, we have instituted the Turtle Friend Award given to individuals or organizations doing outstanding work in turtle conservation. The award includes Rs. 5000/-, a trophy and a certificate. , , In 2006, a booklet written by Ram Mone and Bhau Katdare, was published. This booklet was distributed free of charge to volunteers all over the coast of Maharashtra. The booklet has also been translated into Gujarati by Mr. Parthiv Sanghavi, and published in March, 2008. , , Marine Turtle Conservation and Awareness through Community Participation in Maharashtra, this project has been implemented in 5 coastal villages in Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. The project was aimed at increasing community participation in marine turtle conservation, as well as developing related livelihood activities. , , In March 2009, a DVD in Marathi, titled Kasava Tuzyach Sathi was published. It covers the entire lifecycle of the Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)and measures for its conservation. , , A group of villagers in Velas have formed the Kasav Mitra Mandal to provide lodging and boarding facilities to Turtle Tourists. A small percentage of the profits derived from such Turtle Tourism is donated to a Marine Turtle Conservation Fund. This fund is utilized for Marine Turtle conservation activities in the village. Having proved to be a success at Velas, this activity is now being promoted at other Turtle Villages. , , Marine Turtle Knowledge Information Centre (MTKIC) , , An information centre focused on Marine turtles has been developed at Velas. It is housed in a 20 x 20 shed where the entire lifecycle of Marine Turtles has been displayed on panels using photographs and detailed information. The Centre may be visited free of charge. , , Study of the White-rumped Vulture , , The White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis), classified as critically endangered by IUCN, has suffered a 95 % population decline in India. Use of Diclofenac in the veterinary sector, low breeding success and food scarcity have been identified as the main causes. , , While monitoring a nesting colony over a 3 year period, we observed many instances of false incubation, possibly resulting from food shortage. We also found that the relatively new practice of burying livestock carcasses was leading to unavailability of an important source of carrion for the vultures. We arranged to feed the vultures in the nesting colony at Anjarla in an attempt to overcome both these threats. This experiment yielded positive results, with false incubation declining from 45 % to 13 % while the breeding success increased from 16 % to 40 %. , , Prevention of Indian Swiftlet Nest Robbery in India , , In 2001, SNM uncovered an international smuggling racket involving nests of the Indian Swiftlet (Collocalia unicolor) from Vengurla Rocks, an island about 20 km off the shore of Vengurla in Sindhudurg district. The nest robbery was stopped with the help of the Forest Department. Our sustained efforts thereafter led to the species being included in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act. , , Vengurla Rocks is also a breeding ground for Terns. Overcoming various difficulties in accessing the island in monsoon, the breeding season of the terns, we managed to reach the site in June, 2001 and report authentic records regarding Tern breeding. , , Study of the White-bellied Sea Eagle , , From 1996, SNM began documentation of the endangered White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster ) and completed a status survey in two districts of Maharashtra, discovering a total of 105 nests. Between 1996 and 2000, nests of the bird were monitored in every breeding season. In 2000, the breeding biology of this eagle was studied in detail using closed circuit cameras, this being the first time in India that such data was obtained on this species. SNM continues to work on the conservation of the White-bellied Sea Eagle. , , Bird Studies , , Realising that very little scientific data is available on most local species, we have started scientific studies of some local bird species. Valuable information on the breeding biology of 22 bird species has been collected and published. , , Project Mangrove (with BNHS) , , Mangroves, an important part of the coastal ecosystem, are under threat everywhere. This led us to start Mangrove Conservation activities. We have begun an awareness campaign on the Konkan coast with the help of the BNHS. A film show, a slide show, a photo exhibition and lectures have been organized to make coastal communities aware of the importance of mangrove forests.