Sustaining resources and livelihoods: Samaspur Bird Sanctuary
The Samaspur Bird Sanctuary located near Salon in Rae Bareli District of Uttar Pradesh comprises six wetlands; five of which are inter-connected and the sixth is a standalone water-body. The sanctuary, which hosts more than 250 resident and migratory birds and 46 fish species including several threatened species, is known for the migratory waterfowls visiting these wetlands during the winter season for feeding, nesting and breeding. A large population of the Indian Sarus crane, an endangered bird species venerated in Hindu mythology, also inhabit the area. The flora in this wetland is dominated by herbaceous layer and planted tree species.
Taking into account the ecological importance of the habitat, TERI undertook a study on the Ecological sustainability of Samaspur Wetland with a special emphasis on migratory waterfowls. A survey based approach - including transects walks and spot sighting for measuring bird diversity; structured and informal discussions with local villagers and forest department officials; and an analysis of stakeholder perceptions - was adopted to assess the importance of the sanctuary for its role in conservation management.
The study revealed a significant conflict between protecting the livelihoods of embedded villagers and conservation of birds owing to an array of reasons. One of the primary reasons of conflict is the historical dependence on the wetlands by local people for agriculture and fishing, the prevention of which is pushing the populace towards poaching of birds. Paradoxically, it is these communities who hold immeasurable knowledge with regard to natural history associated with the waterfowls and fish. As such, apart from The study also revealed that aside of villages from seven Gram Panchayats surrounding the sanctuary, due consideration has also to be taken with regard to land rights of local people inside the sanctuary area including the fact that even agriculture is practised inside the sanctuary.
There have been serious changes in the habitat of the lakes over past few decades. One of the probable reasons is mismanagement of overflow of the Sharda canal. In fact, the Sharda canal water has not only brought invasive species like Echhornia crassipes to the Samaspur wetlands but has also increased the water level in the lakes and submergence of agricultural lands resulting in disturbance of shallow water habitats required for the waterfowls. The conflict between the main line departments namely forest and irrigation over management of the Sharda canal water is of serious concern in the context of long term conservation of the Samaspur Bird Sanctuary.
The issues highlighted by the study indicate that a multi-pronged strategy is required for conservation management of sanctuary area.
Taking into account the ecological importance of the habitat, TERI undertook a study on the Ecological sustainability of Samaspur Wetland with a special emphasis on migratory waterfowls. A survey based approach - including transects walks and spot sighting for measuring bird diversity; structured and informal discussions with local villagers and forest department officials; and an analysis of stakeholder perceptions - was adopted to assess the importance of the sanctuary for its role in conservation management.
The study revealed a significant conflict between protecting the livelihoods of embedded villagers and conservation of birds owing to an array of reasons. One of the primary reasons of conflict is the historical dependence on the wetlands by local people for agriculture and fishing, the prevention of which is pushing the populace towards poaching of birds. Paradoxically, it is these communities who hold immeasurable knowledge with regard to natural history associated with the waterfowls and fish. As such, apart from The study also revealed that aside of villages from seven Gram Panchayats surrounding the sanctuary, due consideration has also to be taken with regard to land rights of local people inside the sanctuary area including the fact that even agriculture is practised inside the sanctuary.
There have been serious changes in the habitat of the lakes over past few decades. One of the probable reasons is mismanagement of overflow of the Sharda canal. In fact, the Sharda canal water has not only brought invasive species like Echhornia crassipes to the Samaspur wetlands but has also increased the water level in the lakes and submergence of agricultural lands resulting in disturbance of shallow water habitats required for the waterfowls. The conflict between the main line departments namely forest and irrigation over management of the Sharda canal water is of serious concern in the context of long term conservation of the Samaspur Bird Sanctuary.
The issues highlighted by the study indicate that a multi-pronged strategy is required for conservation management of sanctuary area.