Dwindling Indian Bull frog populations- a cause of concern

An unexpected phenomenon is taking place across our state of Goa. Amphibian populations — especially Indian bull frogs, Indian toads and Fungoid frogs are rapidly, and mysteriously, declining across a range of habitats.

In some cases, field volunteers and interns have reported loss of habitats due to varied types of development factors including land fills, construction in key habitats like plateaus, etc.

But in general, the most consistent observation is that amphibians are simply missing from areas where they once were found. The Indian Bull frog is reportedly the most severely affected in this regard. I am personally observing this phenomenon too and hence this is a note of caution.

We should be very concerned about the loss of this species because this large flagship species of the Indian Amphibian world also serves as an indicator of the overall condition of the environment. They have permeable, exposed skin and eggs that come in direct contact with soil, water and sunlight. Thus their skin and eggs may readily absorb toxic substances from the environment and afford them little protection from harmful solar radiation.  Poaching for human consumption can be another key factor. The life history of this species, which usually includes an aquatic larval and tadpole stage and an ability of the adult to live on land, can also expose them to a wide array of environmental contaminants including overdoses of pesticides and inorganic fertilizers. There has not been a single factor, I agree but the decline is for real.

Indian Bull frogs are integral components of many ecosystems, and because of their important contributions to the web of life, a decline could have important impacts on other species.

Being key predators themselves within their ecosystems, and they are also prey for a number of other animals such as snakes, birds, fish and even invertebrates. Tadpoles also serve as important plant eaters in aquatic habitats. As they move about and forage, tadpoles can significantly alter the characteristics of lakes and ponds. Fluctuating populations can cause changes in nutrients, algae quantities and suspended particle concentrations.

The need to recognize and understand the contribution of this species is of paramount nature. It is a fervent appeal. Conserve the remaining populations and their habitats of the Indian Bull frogs before their characteristic presence as well as familiar vocal calls fades away forever.

'Feedback Loop' curated by Kanchi Mehta at TARQ Art Gallery, F 35/36 Dhanraj Mahal, CSM Marg, Colaba, Mumbai
A group exhibition featuring the works of eight emerging artists, whose multi-disciplinary practices each bring a unique perspective to the central premise of the exhibition, Feedback Loop.
Featuring works that include photography, painting, sculpture and performance, 'Feedback Loop' constructs various circuits of cause and effect, tracking the cyclical nature of a variety of forms.
Exhibition will be on till 23rd April 2016.

Here it is. A time where I attempt to combine aspects of conservation science, cultural documentation and main stream art to reach out to a wider audience about forgotten natural and cultural nuances that once upon a time enveloped our being.  
On the 30th of March 2016, at TARQ gallery in Mumbai, a single representative work of my foray in conservation/archival art has been chosen. ( the work on the invite isn't mine wink emoticon )Thank you Kanchi Mehta for this trust and support. For those in Mumbai, I hope to connect with fellow artists and conservationists, and with art aficionados to seek response and feedback of these works in particular and my new journey in general…this is the invite.

ANNUAL PIT VIPER EXPEDITION 2016 Northern Western Ghats of India.

This is the 7^th consecutive year of the now acclaimed PIT VIPER EXPEDITION of Herpactive. The last 6 years have seen teams gather vital data, compile popular articles and research notes and help collate baseline data on pit vipers as well as other Herpetofauna of the 3 states of Goa- Karnataka and Maharashtra.

This year the expedition broadens its scope and plans to set up long term monitoring data at a new field site and contribute to the existing knowledge of these highly evolved snakes. Study of their niche habitats through systematic photo, ecological documentation will be another objective and so will be conservation education to a selected target community target group.

We will target 3 species for data collection on color morphs and abundance besides collection of habitat preference data and photo documentation of other Herpetofauna. The 3 species of Pit vipers are the Hump Nosed Pit viper (Hypnale hypnale), Malabar Pit viper (Trimeresurus malabaricus) and Bamboo pit viper (Trimeresurus graminieus).

Besides this, the team will document any and all other forms of lesser forms of biodiversity that is intrinsic to the habitats of these charismatic species. We will also learn field data collection techniques, snakebite protocol and basic taxonomy amongst other aspects of ophiology and basic herpetology.

This year is special as I have dedicated it to the world of Asian Pit Vipers and my aim is to spread as much knowledge and awareness about these species as possible.

For those who wish to contribute to a one of its kind annual expedition through Northern Western Ghats canopy forests, cross the seasonal monsoon waters at picturesque locales and can brave high humidity and excessive rainfall, this trip is meant for you. 

Team strength will be restricted so join up soon.

Date- 29^th June to 3^rd July 2016. (29^th June, 30^th June, 1^st July, 2^nd July and 3^rd July)

Fees- Rs. 15,500/- only including transportation and basic camp meals. This does not include stay on day prior to the expedition and day after the expedition is over. Meeting point is at Panjim on 29^th June 2016 at 9.00 am at Heera petrol pump. We do not look at stay arrangement before or after the expedition.

To book a seat one has to pay entire amount as advance to the following account. This amount is non refundable so please be cent percent sure that you are attending the expedition.

HERPACTIVE- 611401010050078.

Account type- Current account.

The IFSC Code is UBIN0561142.

Union Bank of India, Dhuler Mapusa Branch, North Goa.

 

Received the 1^st place in the theme “Exploring Unknown locations of Goa” and 2^nd place in the theme “ Goa marching towards an advanced state” at the All Goa Photography Contest and Exhibition Scheme 2015 organized by Department of Information and Publicity (Govt. of Goa). Hon. Chief Minister of Goa Mr. Laxmikant Parsekar on the occasion of National Press Day 2015 presented the awards today.

Both these award-winning images were taken from aboard the ‘Sea Eagle’ cruise vessel in the hinterland backwaters of Goa. For details of how to embark on these cruises visit www.seaeaglenavigation.com

Wildlife Week 2015

A meeting with old team members and new ones as well as held at Hypnale Research Station Kuveshi on account of Wildlife week. Interactions with local Forest watchmen, school children and the village elders on various issues were held along with team member Vaibhav Kandalgaonkar.

Took a talk for the Sattari Headmasters Association on the occasion of Wildlife Week 2015. Interactions regarding human wildlife conflicts, stress to create consciousness amongst living with wildlife for children were held. The aspects of Snake bite protocol as well as dispelling of old myths regarding snakes and other reptiles were also covered. It was a good session as Headmasters from over 15 schools participated in the session.

Dear Team members and patrons,

The Goan Jungle Book is my attempt to bring together a collection of some articles and notes I have written for local newspapers and publications, which detail my several sojourns through the forests in and around Goa, and reflect my concerns as an ecologist and activist. 

Aimed at  youth in particular and the interested nature loving individual in general, these essays offer just a tiny glimpse of the teeming jungles of Goa - where creatures big and small thrive in habitats that are unexplored and seldom appreciated. It is now in its second reprint.

This mail is a request and an appeal- to purchase 10 copies of 'The Goan Jungle Book' and support a part of our field work that is carried on with funds generated from the same. 

Each set of 10 books costs Rs 3000/- (Rs 300/- per book) . These make excellent birthday gifts or souvenirs for young adults as well as for personal libraries and as return gifts. Moreover, I promise to sign every copy if one wishes so…and delivery is by speed post at our expense.

Do please let me know if anyone is interested.

thanks and cheers

Nirmal.