This is a report on Yamuna biodiversity park, Summaries of Environmental Science

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FIELD REPORT

YAMUNA

BIODIVERSITY

PARK

NAME: BHAVIK JAIN

SNU ID: BJ

ROLL NO: 2010110811.

DATE OF VISIT: 13

Th

February, 2021

DATE OF SUBMISSION: 1

ST

March 1, 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• 1. INTRODUCTION-------------------------------------------------------
  • ➢ BIODIVERSITY---------------------------------------------------
  • ➢ ABOUT YAMUNA BIODIVERSITY PARK-----------------
  • ➢ MAPS----------------------------------------------------------------
  • ➢ BACKGROUND AND HISTORY------------------------------
  • ➢ CHARACTERSTICS OF YBP-----------------------------------
• 2. OBSERVATIONS-------------------------------------------------------
  • ➢ FLORA OF YAMUNA BIODIVERSITY PARK-------------
  • ➢ FAUNA OF YAMUNA BIODIVERSITY PARK-----------
  • ➢ WETLANDS-------------------------------------------------------
• 3. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION--------------------------------

ABOUT YAMUNA BIODIVERSITY PARK

• Yamuna Biodiversity Park is present on Flat Alluvial plains of River Yamuna.
• Yamuna Biodiversity Park is totally spread over an area of approximately 457 acres.
• Yamuna Biodiversity Park is developed by DDA (Delhi Development Authority).
• Yamuna Biodiversity Park serves as an ideal alternative habitat for many species of birds and animals.
• Native plants did not survive in soil of Yamuna Biodiversity Park in the initial days of establishment of park because of high salinity of soil.
• Few scientists advised to plant some plants which are known to survive even in high saline conditions which may reduce salinity of soil in the area.
• After its establishment in 2005 few types of plants which will survive in high saline conditions were introduced in Yamuna Biodiversity Park.
• After few years slowly salinity of soil got decreased and native plants were also introduced in Yamuna Biodiversity park.
• Many types of grass are found at Yamuna Biodiversity Park which have a great Bio logical importance.

MAPS

BACKGROUND AND HISTORY

The Yamuna Biodiversity Park was inaugurated on February 11, 2012, by former Lt. Governor of Delhi, Mr. Tejendra Khanna. The park is spread over 457 acres, flanked by the Yamuna in Jharoda, Wazirabad (North Delhi). Initially, this land was a bit of a floodplain, around 30 years prior. In any case, in 2001, the DDA obtained authority over this land and started arranging a biodiversity park in 2003. When an infertile, saline land, it has now changed into an organically rich nature save, that pulls in vacationers, yet additionally transient animals from everywhere the world. The recreation center lies in the Yamuna basin, 1km away from the primary waterway stream. As it is low lying, the land was liable to visit flooding and stagnation of water, accordingly delivering its dirt profoundly saline, with a pH of about 8.9. Today, the Yamuna Biodiversity Park harbors in excess of 2000 plant and creature species, environmentally gathered into 30 self-supporting networks. The best local area wetlands harbor sea-going vegetation, fishes, dragonflies and microorganisms. These wetlands get groups of transitory birds (> 5000 people) from Siberia and other Palearctic districts each year. Different timberland networks mixed with rambling fields draw in numerous birds, reptiles and well evolved creatures.

CHARACTERISTICS OF

YAMUNA BIODIVERSITY PARK

• Forest Communities: The YBP is a host to a wide range of forestry, such as moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests, scrub grasslands and tropical thorn forests.
• Flowering Plants: The YBP is home to over 1000 species of flowering plants that originally existing in the floodplains of the Yamuna, long ago. YBBP also played a very important role in saving these flora and fauna from extinction.
• Wetland s : There are also two wetlands in the YBP that provide a home to more than 60 species of fish, such as the Katla and Rohu. These wetlands seize the floodwater and set it up as a habitat for migratory animals. They also play a rol in maintain a healthy level of ground water table.
• Fruit Tree s : There is also a conservatory of approximately 450 fruit yielding tree species of wild origin and natural genes.
• Butterfly Conservation: The YBP also acts as a host to butterflies in the form of a conservatory with over 55 different species residing there. In fact, some of the resident butterflies are highly endangered species.

KHIRNI TREE-

Khirni is a small to medium sized tree evergreen tree, 3-4 m high, with a spreading crown and straight massive bole. It is very commonly found growing wild in the dry evergreen forests in Central India and the Deccan Peninsula of India. Khirni bears small 1-2 seeded fruits which turn yellow at maturity. The fruits are 1×1.5 cm and round to ellipsoid in shape. Khirni fruits are very sweet and liked by people. Khirni is hence developed on a limited scale in gardens, particularly, close to huge urban communities where there exists a decent market for the organic products. Indeed, khirni organic products are viewed as an occasional delicacy and sell at genuinely exorbitant cost in Indian metros. Seeds of khirni contain 25% oil which is viewed as demulcent and emollient. Khirni has a solid and thick lumber that is put to a few uses in towns. Leaves are utilized as a feed for steers.

KHUS GRASS

Vetiveria zizanioides, also known as, khas or khus grass, is native to India. The roots are particularly valuable, not just for the essential oil that can be extracted from them but also because they can be used to construct dwellings and to make blinds and screens as well as handbags and fans. It has many medicinal benefits. The fragrant essential oil obtained from the plant root is quite famous throughout the world. It is used in high-end perfumes, for its fixative properties.The mats made from khus plant are hung in the house, to cool rooms during summer. Additionally, they even add a wonderful smell in the house, when sprinkled with water occasionally.The spice is tied in a muslin material and added to the earthen pots loaded up with water, to loan its particular flavor and fragrance to it. It has mitigating and clean impacts that give alleviation from aggravation in the circulatory framework and sensory system. Khus is utilized to make a tonic shower, which is the motivation behind why it is regularly remembered for top notch cleansers.

KEITH/ELEPHANT APPLE-

Elephant apple is an evergreen large shrub or small to medium size tree growing to 15 m tall. The plant is found growing in evergreen forest or tropical rain forest, often along rivers and normally prefers well- drained sandy loam. It also grows best in a rich, slightly acid soil. Trunk is straight with 6 feet in girth, with a dense rounded crown, straight but not high. Barks are reddish brown in color and exfoliating. Additionally, they even add a wonderful smell in the house, when sprinkled with water occasionally.The spice is tied in a muslin material and added to the earthen pots loaded up with water, to loan its particular flavor and fragrance to it. It has mitigating and clean impacts that give alleviation from aggravation in the circulatory framework and sensory system. Khus is utilized to make a tonic shower, which is the motivation behind why it is regularly remembered for top notch cleansers.

MESWAK TREE

Salvadora persica or Miswak Tree is a small tree or shrub with a crooked trunk, typically 6–7 metres (20– 23 ft) in height. Its bark is scabrous and cracked, whitish with pendulous extremities. The root bark of the tree is similar in colour to sand, and the inner surfaces are an even lighter shade of brown. It has a pleasant fragrance, of cress or mustard, as well as a warm and pungent taste. The leaves break with a fine fresh pop when trampled on. The tree creates little red eatable organic products, succulent however impactful in bunches. Salvadora persica stick, known as miswak, is mainstream for teeth cleaning all through the Arabian Peninsula, just as the more extensive Muslim world. The new leaves can be eaten as a component of a serving of mixed greens and are utilized in conventional medication. The blossoms are little and fragrant and are utilized as an energizer and are somewhat laxative. The berries are little and scarcely recognizable; they are eaten both new and dried. The wood of the Salvadora persica can be utilized for charcoal and kindling. In Namibia, the mustard shrubbery is utilized as dry spell safe feed for cows. The seeds can be utilized to separate a cleanser oil.

FAUNA OF YAMUNA BIODIVERSITY PARK

A variety of insects such as Mantis, Grasshoppers, and Beetles, diverse grassland birds such as Munias, Prinias, Francolin and animals like Skinks, Snakes, Mongooses and Hares are found here.Yamuna Biodiversity Park with abundant food and safe nesting sites has become home for many birds. Over 196 species have been recorded including resident and migratory bird species and the most easily and frequent sighted one are Parakeets, Bulbuls, Peafowls, prinias, Munias and Shikra in terrestrial communities. Many of them raise broods each year. Fauna of Phase II include 70 species of resident and migratory birds. Some of the notable species are Pheasant- tailed Jacana, Bronze-winged Jacana, Painted Stork, Asian Openbill, Eurasian Spoonbill, Ruddy Shelduck (Surkhab), Sarus Crane and many species of wader. These wetlands also serve as reservoir for the aquatic genetic resources (invertebrates, turtles, fishes, zoo and phytoplanktons) and also, serve as source population for the areas devoid of such aquatic fauna due to seasonal fluctuations in water level in the riparian ecosystem.

Here is the list of some fauna which observed during our virtual tour to YAMUNA

BIODIVERSITY PARK-

1. NILGAI

Nilgai is the Hindustani word for “blue cow,” which describes the blue-gray of adult bulls. (Cows are orange-brown.) The nilgai’s conformation, however, is more horselike than cowlike: it has a long neck with a short upright mane, a bony narrow head, a barrel-like chest, strong legs, and high withers sloping back to the croup. On the other hand, it has a hock-length cow’s tail that ends in a black tuft. Both sexes have similar markings; white areas include the cheek spots, ear tips, large throat bib, brisket, belly, rump patch, and underside of the tail. Its lower legs are banded black and white. Maximum contrast is achieved in prime males, which turn nearly black. They grow much bigger than cows, up to 1.5 metres (5 feet) tall and 300 kg (660 pounds), compared with 214 kg (471 pounds) for cows; they also have a

thicker neck and a tassel of black hair bordering the white bib. But the male’s cowlike horns are quite small, being 15–18 cm (6–7 inches) long. Nilgais possess level and moving dry savanna covered by slim forest and clean. Requiring negligible cover, they keep away from thick woods and are generally plentiful in focal and northwest India. (In any case, Texas has more than 36, relatives of nilgais that were presented during the 1930s, a large portion of which are non domesticated.) Mixed feeders, they lean toward grass yet additionally peruse acacias and different trees and like blossoms and natural products. They will remain on their rear legs to peruse as high as could be expected. Overgrazing by cows regularly leaves little nourishment for the nilgais, which remunerate by striking harvests. They are dynamic during the day and even in the most sweltering climate look for conceal just for noontime rests. Broadening the typical morning and late-evening time taking care of pinnacles, nilgais frequently start eating before sunrise and continue to take care of after dull. They drink routinely during the sweltering prepare yet can go a few days without water in cool climate.

2. SARUS CRANE

The Sarus crane is the tallest flying bird in the world standing 152-156 cm tall with a wingspan of 240cm. It has a predominantly grey plumage with a naked red head and upper neck and pale red legs. Females are smaller, growing to about 35-40kg, while the males grow bigger, up to 40-45kg. It is a social creature, found mostly in pairs or small groups of three or four. Known to mate for life with a single partner, its breeding season coincides with heavy rainfall in monsoon. Homes are built on water in common wetlands or in overflowed paddy fields. Typically, a grasp has just a couple of eggs, which are brooded by the two guardians for a time of 26 to 35 days. The adolescents follow their folks from the day of birth. The principle danger to the Sarus crane in India is natural surroundings misfortune and debasement because of depleting the wetland and transformation of land for farming. The scene of its noteworthy reach is quickly changing because of development of roadways, lodging settlements, streets, and railroad lines. All the more as of late, numerous passings have been recorded because of crash with electrical cables. Likewise, because of the increment in farming area, Sarus cranes are left with no decision except for to scavenge in these fields, and thus ingest pesticides, which lead to harming.

the place where its twisted tail proves to be useful as it assists the panther with keeping up equilibrium and helps in controlling the hop.

4. JUNGLE CAT

Larger and lankier than domestic cats, the jungle cat has an unspotted coat that varies from reddish or sandy brown to tawny gray. Fine black tips on the guard hairs give this cat a speckled appearance. The face of the jungle cat is long and slim with a bright white muzzle. Long, rounded ears are set close together high on the head, with a small but distinct tuft of black hair inside each. The cat has a short tail. Like in most species of cats, adult males are larger and heavier than adult females. The species has a fairly wide geographic distribution throughout the Middle East and Asia. A more proper name for this feline is "swamp feline" or "reed feline," since the species is typically not found in the thick wilderness. All things considered, it is more normal in thickly vegetated waterway valleys in grass, thick brush, riverine marshes, and reed beds. All through its reach, the feline lives in an assortment of natural surroundings and conditions, recommending that it is an entirely versatile animal categories. The species is typically found at heights lower than 1,000 meters (3,200 feet). In contrast to most felines, the wilderness feline is a superb swimmer and isn't opposed to getting wet. Not as carefully nighttime in its propensities as numerous felines, it regularly can be seen chasing during light hours. It chases primarily on the ground, catching its prey with covertness utilizing felid tail and trap methods.

5. PHEASANT TAILED JACANA The pheasant-tailed jacana (Hydrophasianus chirurgus) is a jacana in themonotypic genus Hydrophasianus. Like all other jacanas they have elongated toes and nails that enable them to walk on floating vegetation in shallow lakes, their preferred habitat. They may also swim or wade in water reaching their body while foraging mainly for invertebrate prey. They are found in tropical Asia from Yemen in the west to the Philippines in the east and move seasonally in parts of their range. They are the only jacanas that migrate long distances and with different non-breeding and breeding plumages. The pheasant-tailed jacana forages by swimming or by walking on aquatic vegetation. Females are larger than the males and are polyandrous, laying several clutches that are raised by different males in their harem

WETLANDS

The YBP stage I has two wetlands, situated on a latent flood plain while stage II has a bigger wetland fanned out over a territory of around 100 sections of land in a functioning floodplain. In stage I, the tight shallow wetland (approx 1.8 km), has been doused as a little waterway that extends all through the entire length of stage I. The other wetland called the profound wetland (approx 7 sections of land), is situated along the north-western limit of stage I. The wetland in stage II being situated on the dynamic flood plain gets rising water from the Yamuna River close by. This is a profound wetland being created alongside a mosaic of bogs, bogs and prairies. These wetlands give an environment to various types of lowered, emanant and coasting vegetation type plants. A couple of significant models may incorporate, types of Vallisneria, Hydrilla, Potamogeton (Submerged), Salvinia and Azolla (drifting – limnetic zone), Nymphaea (water lily) and Nelumbo (Lotus) (Floating – Littoral zone), Phragmites and Typha (emanant), and trees like Tamarix. These plants are adjusted to explicit states of soil and water given by wetland biological systems. The wetlands are home to around seventy types of water birds including waders, cranes-storks, ducks and jumpers. Enormous groups of transitory birds advance toward these wetlands each colder time of year looking for ideal territories. Little and Indian Cormorants, Darters, Herons, Egrets and a few ducks like Spot-Billed Duck and Common Moorhen live in and around these wetlands consistently. The island hills go about as perching and resting place for these birds. Extraordinary Cormorants, Common Pochard, Red- Crested Pochards, Large Crested Grebe, Tufted Pochard, Common Teal, Eurasian Wigeon, Northern

The waterway Yamuna has had a long geographical history and at no other time has its environmental condition been however shaky as it seems to be today. The stretch of Yamuna that goes through the Delhi area is naturally dead. One significant explanation behind this is the deficiency of wetlands attributable to "advancement".

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Getting a chance to visit Yamuna Biodiversity Park was a great opportunity for us. We saw the world from the different perspective. Reviving the lost flora and fauna species the park has set a huge example in front of the world. The core values behind the preservation of Yamuna Biodiversity Park have consistently been manageability and native information alongside the consolidation of the logical examination and upkeep methodologies.Seeing the beauty of flora and fauna of YBP was an immense pleasure. We learnt that one of the prime goals of the Yamuna Biodiversity Park is to conserve the landform of Delhi which is the river Yamuna. It is the need of today’s world to set up Biodiversity Park such as Yamuna biodiversity park as it provides people knowledge about the environment and existing species. It helps in awakening of environmental awareness among the people. The world’s forest cover is decreasing rapidly. Humans are the main reason for this degradation as we cut down the forests for our benefit. Human population is increasing rapidly due to which more and more land is required to build houses and civilisations. We need to understand that these forests are home for a large number of species. TAKEAWAYS o Field trip like this helps in inculcating a sense of environmental awareness. Beside seeing the beautiful flora and fauna we were also able to see the various environmental issues which the nature is currently dealing with. o If nature poses a problem it also provides us with the solution. We just need to figure out the solution and work on it. o The Yamuna River bed was highly saline and has a pH value of 9.8 approx. Due to this the soil was not appropriate for the growth of many plants. o But this problem has a solution. The pH value of soil can be reduced by planting more and more salt loving plant. This method was applied in Yamuna Biodiversity Park and today the results are in front of us. o Native species are really important for any ecosystem to survive. Foreign/invasive species harm the natural environment. o Artificial Wetlands are important to be maintained to have a good water table.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

o Because of the insensitive behaviour of people, nature has suffered a ton. Numerous types of birds, creatures and plants have become endangered and extinct. o Hunters, Poachers and unlawful brokers of wood are a possible danger to the common habitat. o Climate change and a worldwide temperature alteration represent another peril, not exclusively to the Yamuna Biodiversity Park but also to the flora and fauna all across the world. o Urbanization is a venturing stone for advancement. As urban areas develop, individuals begin moving from rural to metropolitan zones looking for better way of life. In any case, this puts an extra weight on the conveniences that must be provided to individuals. Huge populace move builds the interest for

lodging offices which thus is satisfied by clearing backwoods cover or changing agrarian fields over to solid designs. There is additionally an expansion in the waste produced, inappropriate removal of which corrupts land and water bodies.

SUGGESTIONS/RECOMMENDATION

o More such initiatives should be take by both the Government and the Non Governmental Organisations to restore the lost forests, ecosystems and endangered species. o Proper campaigns and plantation drives should be conducted regularly. o We should increase our focus more and more on sustainable development. Proper Innovation and Research Centres should be set up by the Government. The upcoming revolution of electric vehicles is one such initiative. o Proper Sewage treatment plants should be setup so that rivers can be prevented from getting polluted. o A proper monitoring of all the activities related to construction and mining which may effect the environment should be done. o We need to advance green urbanization. It is the need of great importance. Urban communities shouldn't be made on the graves of woodlands. This can be accomplished by advancing the tertiary sector more than the manufacturing sector as generally manufacturing requires natural resources to thrive. o The environmental problems like deforestation, ozone layer depletion, poor air quality index should be taken seriously by the government and the concerned authorities timely because day by day these problems are creating threat to the existence of human beings in the upcoming future.