Investigation of wild species in Yamuna - Chambal forest, in Etawah - Auraiya (UP) India

Abstract

A detailed exploration of Yamuna –Chambal forest was carried out between Udi to Pachnada in March 2012 to Sep 2014. The entire study area is covering about 3000 Sq. km from Udi to Pachnada. The riverine study stretch of Chambal and Yamuna was surveyed by row boat, motor boat and the forests stretch surveyed on foot and on motor cycle for documented important land marks and various activities. Occasionally information gathered from local people and forest department staff members. The general achievements wereRiverine Achievments  Chambal is unpolluted river.  At Bhareh confluence (Chambal with Yamuna) water was found less polluted due to mixing of Yamuna water.  Avian fauna was satisfactory.  Gharial population is higher than mugger.  Dolphin population is high at Herpura.  Hard shell turtle high but soft shell turtle is less.  Deforestation and fishing is main anti conservation.  River bank condition is much concern. Annelids, Molluscs and Arthropods were noticed as main Invertebrates. Forest Achievments 1. More than 350 species of forest vegetations have been presented. 2. Deforestation, mining and cultivation were main anti conservation activities. 3. Main Mammalian species were Mole, Hedgehog, Rats, Rabbit, Squirrel, Porcupine, Pangolin, Fox, Mongoose, Jungle cat, Jackal, Hyena, Weasels, Ratel, Stag, Nilgai, Ban gai, Wild boar, Sambhar. 4. Main reptiles noticed in this area were Python, Cobra, and black headed snake Racer, Double headed snakes, Monitor lizard and calottes Vishkhaper and Skinks. 5. All common birds were present. 6. Invertebrates fauna were Annelids, terrestrial univalve Molluscs, and many species of Arthropods such as Arachnids, Millipedes, Centipedes, Crustaceans and Insects. 7. Nilgai, Jackal and Wild boar population is satisfactory. 8. Python population is increasing in this area.