The Uniqueness of the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary and its Region - Research Paper Example

Ecological Research Paper: The Uniqueness of the Manas Wildlife Sanctuary and its Region By s “Educational Introduction On a gentle slope in the foothills of the Himalayas, where wooded hills give way to grasslands and tropical forests, the Manas sanctuary is home to a great variety of wildlife and plants, including many endangered species, such as the tiger, the pygmy hog, and the Indian rhinoceros and elephant. The Sanctuary lies in the districts of Barpeta and Kokrajhar, 41km north of the Barpeta Township. It spans the Manas River and is bounded to the North by the international border of Bhutan, to the south by the populated regions of North Kamrup, and to the east and west by forest reserves. This research paper will discuss the various aspects and tribulations in which the ecology of the Manas Sanctuary faces, and has faced over the years. Scholarly sources will be used as evidence to look at historical facts relating to the influences of human beings, as will also draw upon conclusions on what might be done to assist in making the Sanctuary a safer place for its ecosystem and wildlife. Status of Biodiversity in the Region India occupies only 2.4% of the world’s land area but its contribution to the world’s biodiversity is approximately 8% of the total number of species (Khoshoo, 1996), which is estimated to be 1.75 million (As per Global Biodiversity Assessment of UNEP of 1995, described number of species so far is 1.75 million). Of these, 126 188 have been de-scribed in India. The species recorded includes flowering plants (angiosperms), mammals, fish, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, constitute 17.3% of the total whereas nearly 60% of India’s bio-wealth is contributed by fungi and insects (Khoshoo, 1996). Such a distribution is similar to that found in the tropics and the subtropics. Biogeographically, India is situated in three realms namely afro-tropical, Indo-Malayan and Paleo-Arctic realms, and therefore, has characteristic elements from each of them. This assemblage of three distinct realms probably is a fact which is believed to partly account for its rich and unique in biological diversity. Based on the available data, India ranks tenth in the world and fourth in Asia in plant diversity, and ranks tenth in the number of endemic species of higher vertebrates in the world (Khoshoo, 1996). Human Intrusions and Influence The Manas sanctuary is essentially a wilderness zone and forms the core of the tiger reserve. The rest of the tiger reserve is classified as reserve forest. Normal forestry operations were carried out in the core area prior to its designation as a sanctuary; however these were confined mostly to the southern belt (Anon, 1974). Traditional hunting practices persisted but without any noticeable adverse effects on the wild life population. Hunting then ceased with the establishment of the area as a sanctuary and very little logging has been permitted since 1950 with the last timber operation taking place in 1954 (Anon, 1974). In February 1989, the sanctuary was occupied by members of the local Bodo Students Union, which was campaigning for autonomy for its people, who form about one third of Assam’s population (Jackson, 1989). Armed attacks, in which more than a dozen wildlife guards were killed, had led to most of the sanctuary being abandoned by official staff. In addition to the Bodo, poachers and timber smugglers had opportunistically entered the sanctuary and a number of animals including rhinoceroses, elephants and valuable prey species such as deer have been killed (Hussain, 1989). A popular account of the intrusion (Gavron, 1989) reports that the workers were also attacked resulting in one fatality, and 30 of the 44 range posts had to be abandoned. At least six Indian rhinoceroses and at least four tigers were also killed. In addition, the corpses of two large male elephants were also found. The report also indicated that a large number of trees had been cut and the habitat of species, such as golden langur, as well as hispid hare and pygmy hog were also at risk. Intervention to protect the sanctuary by either the Assam State Government or the Central Indian Government was delayed by the lack of available manpower as well as various political difficulties. Protections in Preservation The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF) is the agency in the Government of India for planning, promotion, coordination, and overseeing the implementation of the environmental and forestry programs. The MOEF is also the center for implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (MOEF, 1999). The mandates of the Ministry include the survey of flora, fauna, forests and wildlife, and conservation of natural resources. These objectives are supported by legislative and regulatory measures. A number of institutions affiliated with the Ministry are involved in the work related to various aspects of biological diversity. Survey of the floral and faunal resources are carried out by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) established in 1890, and the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) established in 1916. The Forest Survey of India established in 1981 assesses the forest cover, with a view to develop an accurate database for planning and monitoring purposes (MOEF, 1999). The Wildlife Institute of India undertakes studies of endangered species of animals and critical ecosystems. Several recent initiatives of the Indian Government have focused on wetland, mangroves and coral reef management. In 1998-99, an amount of Rs. 140 lakhs were released to the State Government for the preparation of management action plans. Additionally, one more wetland has been identified for conservation, Rudrasagar from Tripura, thus increasing the list to 20 wetlands for intensive conservation in the country (MOEF, 1999). Additionally, a wetland strategy has also been drafted. Assistance of the World Conservation Union Recently, the IUCN had been educated that rebellion continues to be a problem in the Sanctuary. A large number of United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) radicals reportedly moved into Manas Wildlife Sanctuary in December 2000 from the Bhutan side. This followed the alleged infighting in the ULFA camps in September 2000. The Chief Minister of Assam informed the State Assembly that at least 35 militants had penetrated the Barpeta district and that offensive operations against them by security officers were underway. Poaching continues to be a serious problem at this site. There has been a major decline in rhino numbers over the past 10 – 15 years as well as elephants and swamp deer (Baillee, 1996). Other issues include illegal logging, grazing and grass cutting. The construction of a road from Bhutan through the Park has resulted in an increase in Bhutanese traffic, including a lot of commercial traffic, through the core areas. This is the only road link for Bhutanese vehicles and could be a permanent disturbance to the core area (Baillee, 1996). On a more positive note, and as an outcome of the combined efforts of the Forest Department and the people of Manas over the past two years, more than 25 Manas Bandhu groups have been formed (Baillee, 1996). These groups consist of young volunteers from the villages around the park who are involved in conservation work and organizing awareness campaigns. The Forest Department conducted a workshop in September 2000 at Bansbari to explore the possibilities of co-operation between these groups and other NGOs in relation to wildlife conservation, thus generating opportunities for self-employment and for strengthening people’s support for Manas Wildlife Sanctuary. Conclusion and Recommendations Most of the legal provisions pertain mainly to use/exploitation of biological resources, rather than their conservation. Even the Wild Life Protection Act 1972, focuses on protection rather than conservation. Protection under Wild Life Protection Act is largely directed towards large animal species (charismatic terrestrial species) rather than the large spectrum of fauna and flora also found in the marine realm. Hence the existing laws relating to biodiversity shall be examined in order to bring them in tune with the provisions of convention to reflect current understanding of biodiversity conservation. The need for comprehensive legislation on biodiversity conservation and use especially fisheries policies, which are generally ignored are most certainly needed. Conclusively, the Formulation of policies for protection of wetlands, grasslands, sacred groves, marine flora and fauna and other areas are significantly needed on the point of view of biodiversity in the Manas region. References Anon (1974), A Management Plan for Manas Tiger Reserve, 1974-1979. Government of Assam, Gauhati, pp.33. Baillie, J. (1996) IUCN of Threatened Animals: analysis. Switzerland: The World of Conservation Union IUCN. Gavron, J. (1989), Marauders Slaughter Assam Tigers. The Sunday Telegraph. 10 September, p.16. Hussain, W. (1989), Bodo Militants on Shooting Spree Inside Manas Tiger Reserve. The Telegraph, Calcutta. 5 April. IUCN (2001), Report on the State of Conservation of Natural and Mixed Sites Inscribed on the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger: Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage; 30 April 2001. Jackson, P. (1989), Manas Tiger Reserve Threatened. October WWF Features. pp.2. Khoshoo, T.N. (1996) ‘Biodiversity in the Indian Himalayas: conservation and utilization’. In Banking on Biodiversity, edited by Sheggi P Kathmandu: International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development. MoEF (1999) National Policy and Macro level Action Strategy on Biodiversity. New Delhi: Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. Olson, J.S.; Watts, J.A.; Allison, L.J. (1983) Carbon in live vegetation of major world ecosystems. Oak Ridge National Laboratory: WCMC 1992. Read More