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MANAGING MAN TIGER CONFLICTS & CONSERVING TIGERS IN INDIAN SUNDERBANS BY RESTORING MANGROVE ECOLOGY WITH COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

(DETAILED REPORT- Moushumi Basu, Kolkata)

PREFACE

In December 2014, Rufford Small Grants (RSG) gave us this wonderful opportunity to contribute in our

own small way for this huge cause of tiger conservation. The best part of our endeavour has been--

that it is not just about tigers and their habitat alone--- but an all encompassing effort involving the

voluntary participation of local communities as well.

The situation has been hapless for them since generations.They are having to go to the tiger habitat

daily in quest for their livelihood despite glaring uncertainties of their life--- not knowing whether they

will return back alive, at the face of tiger attacks. Simultaneously, for the tigers too, there was increasing

biotic pressures in its habitat area as more number of people squeezed in everyday, escalating man

tiger conflicts.

Hence, as grass root conservationists it was both a challenge and dilemma to create a mutually

favourable situation for the tiger as well as the local villagers in our target area. It was challenging

because we certainly could not expect them to make space for tigers , at the cost of their home and

hearth. Thus, in order to reduce their entry into the habitat area, it was necessary to provide them with

parallel livelihood options. It was also dilemmatic, considering that the tiger habitat has been the

source of livelihood for the local communities since generations. Hence, it would not be easy to

convince them against venturing into the habitat.

However, RSG showed us the way. We could take up our challenge and work towards it in a more

organised way. It enabled us to plan out various activities on means of revival of traditional livelihoods

for the local communities, next to their villages. We approached them with our ideas. It was not easy

but again not impossible to convince them. We coined our strategy as simple as this - " How long can

we continue to lose our kin in tiger attacks? It is time we left the big cats on their own. They too need

their own share of space for survival, just as we need ours." We next showed them how this can be

achieved. Though skeptical initially, they agreed to give it a try.

The first ones to come forward were the tiger widows, survivors in tiger attacks, orphaned children and

elder members of the community. They were otherwise scared of entering the habitat and looking for

feasible options for survival. We began our community meetings with them, spelling out our objectives

before them. Slowly more villagers joined us and together it is picking up --- turning out to be a

mangrove movement spreading in the villages.

Our aim is to over at least 22 villages that are amongst the most vulnerable to man tiger conflicts in our

target area. We have been able to cover 9 villages so far, during our present attempt. Our reports and

surveys that follow henceforth highlight the details of our year long work. But friends, this is only a

humble beginning... as, "We have miles to go before we sleep... Miles to go before we sleep..."

1

Summary of Project:

Back ground- Our project is located in Indian Sunderban , located on the mouth of Bay of

Bengal in South Asia. It is about 80 kms. away from the nearest metro city of Kolkata. Endowed

with inter tidal stretches of mangrove forests Sunderban here, covers an area of above 4000 sq

kms. This rare mangrove habitat is the home of Royal Bengal tigers. The tigers here are

exceptional as they are known to attack human not just in

self defense but also prey on them.

The villages fringing the forest have dense human

population that are mostly forest fishers or honey

collectors. They are very poor with low food security and

thus heavily dependent on forest resources for their

livelihood. Hence instances of human deaths/ injuries are

very high in man tiger conflicts in these villages.

According to the villagers, more than 100 human deaths have occurred during the last five

years besides cases of injuries. However, most of these incidents go officially unrecorded/

uninformed. The villagers have to largely sneak into the jungle without permits from forest

department, In

absence of other

livelihood options.

Hence, such news

mostly spread by

words of mouth in

the villages.

Further, Sunderban being a hot spot of climate change, the villages are also very vulnerable to

its impacts as rise in sea level, sudden tidal storms, erratic rainfall, coastal erosion etc.

Objective-

In the above context our project has three basic goals. First is to reduce man tiger conflicts and

number of deaths in the target villages. Second is to reduce biotic pressures in the tiger habitat

and create more inviolate space for big cats. The third important objective is to mitigate

impacts of climate change in the target villages.

SUNDERBAN TIGER RESERVE

FISHERMEN ENTERING FOREST HONEY COLLECTORS IN WILD

2

The project is being implemented by the Sunderban Wildlife & Rural Development Society

(SWRDS), a grass root organisation working for wildlife

conservation and generation of sustainable livelihoods,

in the Lahiripur area in the Gosaba island of Indian

Sunderban. Set up in 2011, SWRDS largely comprises of

members of bereaved families of those killed in tiger

attacks, tiger widows, survivors in tiger attacks and

other villagers.

The objectives of the project are being realized with generation of sustainable means of

traditional livelihood with restoration of mangrove ecology. Our basic aim is to reduce the entry

of human in the forest thereby causing lesser disturbances for the tigers in their habitat and

help in their long term conservation.

For this, one of the most sustaining benefits of the project is the development of community

owned mangrove forests, being conserved by the villagers themselves using their traditional

practices. These forests are to generate sustainable sources of their traditional livelihoods

including fishing, crab catching, honey collection, besides reviving traditional ways of life as folk

healing etc. The mangrove forest patches will enable them to procure their raw materials for

medicines regularly and easily. The dispensaries of folk healers will be self sustaining and also

promote general well-being of local communities. We have an overall target of growing

community mangrove forests in at least 22 villages covering about 250 hectares of inter tidal

vacant land next to river banks outside villages.

Further, revival of aquatic eco systems, for culture of fish and crabs, is also a part of the

objectives of the project. The coastal villages get carved into a number of inlets and gulfs by

the gushing tidal waters of Bay of Bengal, into which flow large and small rivers. Hence, these

areas are endowed with such naturally occurring ponds and water bodies. But unfortunately,

over a period of time many of these ponds in the vicinity of these villages have become silted

and thus rendered useless.

Apart from pisciculture, the revival of such ponds is also found to have a long term impact in

the target villages by providing water for irrigation. According to the villagers, this will enable

them to take up agriculture as a feasible means of livelihood, besides forestry. The sustainable

CORE COMMITTEE OF SWRDS

3

resources generated by the rivers/ ponds can help villagers to clean/ maintain them voluntarily,

even after the project completion. We have an overall target of regenerating at least 10- 12

such natural aqua systems in our target villages.

Awareness programmes are also a part of the project to enhance a sense of belonging and

protection towards forest and bio diversity within the beneficiaries . The local communities will

feel proud of their mangrove and wildlife heritage realizing that reducing pressures on tiger

habitat will not only conserve tigers but also protect their lives from tiger attacks.

To add to the problem of man tiger conflicts, these villages are very vulnerable to impacts of

climate change and global warming. The worst was experienced on May 26, 2009, when

hundreds of villagers were killed in devastating tidal storm. The mangrove trees and our

community forest will act as eco barricades against the impacts of climate change ensuring long

term protection in the target villages.

Duration of our Project- One year

Project Site - Lahiripur Panchayat comprising of 22 villages in Gosaba island of Indian

Sunderban. These villages as we see in the map are on the immediate outskirts of the tiger

reserve, in the vicinity of tidal banks of rivers/ rivulets and hence very vulnerable to man tiger

conflicts.

MAPS SHOWING PROJECT SITE

4

Methodology - Inception Meetings -

We started off with meetings with core members of SWRDS where the key objectives of Rufford Grant were discussed. In the process, we also drew up an initial list of activities to be undertaken in the course of the project. Simultaneously, we also prepared a tentative list of about 20-22 target villages based on their proximity to the tiger reserve. It was decided that the first phase of the project would include about 7-9 villages.

Community/ Village level Meeting- These meetings were carried out at the respective village levels where the community members were apprised of the goals and basic objectives of the project. The general decisions taken at the core committee meetings were discussed with them and their opinions sought in this regard. We took random interviews of the local communities based on a questionnaire to determine their status of understanding and involvement. The following questions were randomly thrown at the participants in village meetings, to get an idea of their understanding of the core issues related to the project and their nature of involvement required for implementation. 1. Do they think that this project is really necessary in their villages? Why? 2. What according to them should be the key objectives of the project? 3. Is it really possible for them to survive without venturing into the tiger habitat? 4. What is the importance of mangroves in their lives? 5. Living side by side with the tiger for generations, how do local communities relate to the big cats? 6. Do they support the idea of tiger conservation especially when they claim to have lost their kin in tiger attacks? 7. What according to them is the best solution to reduce man tiger conflict?

FIRST INCEPTION MEETING

VILLAGE LEVEL MEETINGS

5

8. What does climate change mean to them? Do they think they can mitigate its impacts with the implementation of the project? There were varied answers in different meetings. But the best part was their common

observation--- on how mangroves and tigers were integral to their existence. Unlike in other parts of India (particularly in Central India), where poaching of tigers were prevalent, here the villagers were found to be in awe of the big cat. They worship the tiger as Raja Dakshinrai, which even exists in their folk lore. Even their folk theatre "Dukhe Jatra" has a reference of the tiger, indicating that the big cat has been a surreal part of their life and ethos since generations. The mangrove forest on the

other hand is considered the lifeline of the villagers. The villagers did think that the objectives of the project---- that of growing community mangrove forests and reviving community ponds will not only help them to carry out their traditional forms of livelihood but also can be passed on as the best gifts for their future generations. They also accept the fact that reducing their entry into the tiger habitat would not only decrease loss of lives in tiger attacks but also reduce disturbances and create inviolate space for the big cats. Focused group discussions - After the basic objectives of the project were discussed in the target villages it was time to decide on the implementation and management of the project at various levels. The core committee of SWRDS formed respective target groups in the villages based on the activities to be undertaken in the course of implementation of the project. Such activities were volunteered by the community members as per their skills and inclination. These discussions succeeded in motivating the tiger widows from different villages who played an important role in our project implementation by participating in various activities.

WORSHIP OF TIGER IN VILLAGE

MANGROVES - LIFELINE OF VILLAGERS

DISCUSSIONS WITH TIGER WIDOWS

6

Collecting Data – The members of SWRDS carried out door to door surveys to record village wise conflict cases (both deaths and injuries) incurred over a period of 5 years. The villages with highest number of cases of deaths/ injuries have been prioritized as the first lot of our target villages for commencement of our work. Each survey team included 3-5 members, of which at least 1-2 members were from the core committee of SWRDS. We also collected data on the availability of vacant (chor land) in our 22 target villages besides noting the areas that are being gradually covered with mangrove plantation in our target villages. Surveys have also been conducted on details of livelihoods being / to be generated with community mangrove forests and community ponds in our first lot of seven target villages.

DOOR TO DOOR SURVEY BEING CONDUCTED TIGER ATTACK SURVIVOR DURING A SURVEY

A SURVEY TEAM AT WORK WITH WOMEN

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Round Up Of Our Year Long Project Activities

Our meetings and discussions were henceforth followed by

various activities of restoration of mangrove ecology for

generation of livelihood. Our initial lot of target villages included

Patharpara, Annpur and Chargheri . These villages were found to be

the most vulnerable to man tiger conflicts. In fact, in Patharpara

and Annpur , there are even areas called "Bidhoba Para" meaning

locality of tiger widows. During the course of our project

implementation work spread to other villages including Duttagram,

Parasmani, Tipligheri and Hamilton Mouza besides Vidyasagar Road

and Shantipur. The work undertaken relate to developing

community mangrove forest and revival of community ponds.

1. Developing Community Mangrove Forest

A. Identification of Vacant (Chor) Land – Most our target villages

are located by the banks of rivers and rivulets, crisscrossing the

landscape, fringing the mangrove forest or flowing through it.

These villages have vacant land in the vicinity of river banks that

are washed by the tidal water of Bay of Bengal. Such inter tidal

areas are ideal for the growth of halophytic mangrove of the

region. We have conducted a detailed survey on the quantum of

Chor land available in our 22 target villages, which is about a total

of 250 hectares.

B. Mangrove seed collection-

Mangrove propagules that are dispersed by tidal waters are swept offshore during high tides. The

target members mostly tiger widows are involved in the collection of seeds. Surviving in these

mangrove terrains for generations they can recognise easily the seeds that are fully mature and in good

condition . Such seeds handpicked by them ensure better mortality rates of the mangrove plantations.

Bidhoba Paara in Annpur village

Vacant Land For Plantation

Mangrove Seed Collection Mangrove Propagules Few Species Of Seeds

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C. Mangrove Nurseries -

We have developed two mangrove nurseries in our villages. The seeds collected from the tidal

waters are planted in plastic bags filled with soil and reared these nurseries till they are

between 2.5 feet - 3 feet tall. It takes about 90- 100 days for the seeds to develop into saplings

of this height. The species of mangroves being planted include Sundari (Heritiera fomes),

Goran (Ceriops decandra), Kankra (Bruguiera Gymnorrhiza ) , Kholshi ( Aegicerus

Corniculatum), Byne (Avicennia Officinalis), Dhundul (Xylocarpus Granatum), Keora (Sonneratia

Apetala) amongst others.

D. Mangrove Plantation-

The saplings are next transferred from nurseries to our pre- identified chor land, which are

being developed as plantation sites. These sprouting mangroves are planted on the basis of

their nature and suitability to the respective soil conditions. They are planted at least 4 feet

away from each other to leave space for the development of their elaborate root systems.

A Plantation Site By River Bank

Seeds Being Planted In Plastic Bags Mangrove Nursery In A Village

Plantation Being Carried Out

Planting With Precision Members At Work In A Site

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E. Mangrove Guarding -

It is a sheer delight to watch

our first lot of baby

plantations gradually develop

into tracts of mangrove

wilderness in the once vacant

land outside villages. The

growing saplings are however

very attractive to cattle. Our

Mangrove guards from SWRDS are maintaining vigil to keep away the cattle.

F. Cleaning Drives

Tourists crossing the rivers

and rivulets in motor boats

often litter the place they are

passing through with poly

packs, throw away plastic

packets etc. Such wastes

reach our plantation sites by

the river banks clogging the

soil and preventing the sprouting of mangrove seeds. The SWRDS members are particularly

vigilant and keep nursery and plantation sites clean.

2. RESTORATION OF MANGROVE AQUA SYSTEMS:

While the forests are still growing, our other major

activity during the year has also been the restoration of

aquatic bodies. Mangrove ecosystem has endowed the

local villages with naturally occurring ponds and water

bodies. But over the years they have become shallow

with deposition of silt and rendered useless.

In the first phase we identified three community ponds

Growing Mangrove Saplings A Mangrove Guard At Work

Cleaning by SWRDS Members Dustbin For Tourists By SWRDS

Manual Desiltation Of A Pond

10

in the villages of Chargheri, Vidyasagar Road and Patharpara. They were manually dredged /

desilted by the local communities. The villagers dug out the silt, mud etc. and opened them up

for accumulation of water again.

We next restored two more ponds in the village of Shantigachi and Annpur. All these five

ponds have been developed for crab and fish culture. Based

on the traditional

knowledge of the villagers,

fingerlings of various

species of fish and Mud

crabs/ have been

introduced in these water

bodies and being harvested.

Ducks are also reared on these ponds by the villagers. Ducks can also be reared in these water bodies. The droppings of ducks will also serve as food for the fish besides aerating the water while swimming.

Agriculture Emerging as viable livelihood option-

Apart from promoting fishery, these ponds are also encouraging villagers to take up agriculture

as a feasible livelihood option. The brackish water in the region is favourable for the cultivation

of certain coarse varieties of crops along with seasonal vegetables and fruits .

Further, the sustainable

resources generated by

these water bodies will

help villagers to clean/

maintain them voluntarily,

even after the project

completion.

It is heartening to see that certain homes, particularly those close to the ponds are trying to

grow coarse variety of paddy/ pulses in rotation besides fruits and vegetables as bananas,

water melon, potato, cucumber, various varieties of gourds, etc in slushy plots next to the

ponds.

According to villagers, it is enough to water their vegetable plots twice- thrice in a week for

about 20 minutes. This water for irrigation, according to them is obtained from the community

A Community Crab Pond

Ducks Reared In Community Ponds

Tilling the Slush For Sowing Plots Of Banana & Paddy

11

ponds. The products cultivated not only supplement their day to day family needs but also

enable them to sell some surplus in the market.

Sunderban as we know is a hot spot of climate change--

characterized by erratic rainfall, which is either scanty, surplus

or untimely. Hence, agriculture had failed to emerge as a

feasible option in the villages as against forestry. However,

revival of these aqua systems has at least enabled some of

these traditional forest fishers and wild honey gatherers to

consider the possibilities of agriculture in their available land,

for supplementing their income.

3. Revival of Folk Healing-

Mangrove plants are rich in medicinal properties. Community forests are reviving the age old

practice of folk healing in our target villages. We have developed two folk dispensaries in our

target villages of Hamilton Mouza and Kagmaari. Extracts from mangroves and various parts of

the plants including leaves, barks, roots etc. are effective in treating various ailments.

The roots of Acanthus ilicifolius (common name Horgoja) for instance is used for reducing the

poison Snakebite, skin diseases, Kidney stone, smallpox and ulcer. The bark and fruits of

Xylocarpus Mekongensis (common name Possur)are used for treating malaria, fever and

cholera. Rhizophora Apiculata Blume (commonly called Garjan) has properties to combat

antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal diseases besides checking blood loss. Heriteris Fomes

(common name Sundari) is used in gastrointestinal disorders including diarrhea, dysentery,

Paddy Field Next To Pond

Specimens Of Mangroves For Folk Medicines A Folk Healer Treating Villagers

12

constipation, indigestion, and stomachache. It is also recommended for skin diseases besides

hepatic disorders including jaundice, hepatitis.

Our traditional folk healers have begun their folk remedies on a small scale with the available

raw materials from the developing community mangrove forests. The local villagers usually

compensate for their treatments and medicines by giving some quantity of rice, vegetables or

fruits in exchange.

4. Awareness Drives

The villagers of our target villages are today keen to spread

awareness of our work in other neighboring villages. The

awareness campaigns are in the form of street campaigns

where groups of men, women and children move around in

the villages to draw the attention of the fellow community

members. Their basic purpose is to impress upon other

villagers on the necessity to reduce human pressures in the

tiger habitat. This would not only help tiger conservation but

also protect their lives from attacks.

As part of these awareness campaigns , the beneficiary members share their experiences on

their work in street corner meetings in various villages. The message is also spread through

cultural programmes in community gatherings. Drawing / poster making competitions are

organised amongst children to bring out their ideas on tiger conservation. Some of the villagers

have also spread the importance of tiger conservation through wall paintings.

Street Corner Campaigns

A Child Enacting A Tiger Play In Village Awareness Through Wall Paintings

13

5. Preparation Of Survey Reports – We have conducted various surveys and compiled our findings into separate reports. The first of these include details of Man Tiger conflicts in our target villages, that formed the basis of our selection of first lot of villages. Apart from the number of tiger victims (injured and dead) from every village, taken over a period of last five years. The data will also include the name of the deceased / injured victim, date and year of occurrence, location where the incident had occurred. We have included an abridged version of the survey with the report. We have also worked out village wise availability of vacant land available for mangrove plantation and subsequent development of mangrove forests. It also shows the quantum of land so far covered by plantation in the course of one year of project duration along with the species planted in the respective villages.

Our other two surveys include details of livelihood options emerging / expected to emerge from our community mangrove forests and community ponds. It also includes the expected outcome/ outcome achieved so far as a result of them. These reports form the basis of our present and future

work in our target villages. The survey results are

originally in the local Bengali language. They have been

translated into English by the project leader for inclusion in this detailed report.

5. Rapport Building with local bodies/ administration -

This is a constant process, whereby the members of SWRDS

from our target villages participate in local meetings/

conferences and workshops on environment protection/ tiger

conservation organized by local NGO's, administration or

forest department. Such occasions prove to be platforms for

our members to speak about the ongoing work and their

experiences in conservation besides enabling them to

exchange ideas with experts and participants. Our grass root

Collating Ground Survey Data

Survey Reports Being Made Ready

Members In A Local Meeting

14

conservationists are thus enriched with new ideas and thoughts which they in turn share with

their fellow villagers.

EXTRA SHOTS FROM OUR PROJECT ALBUM

Poster Designed By A Child

Learning Young.... Bringing Back Smile To Tiger Widows

Forest Deity - Ma Bonbibi

A Scene From Folk Theatre - Dukhe Jatra

15

OUR SURVEY REPORTS (DONE WITH SUPPORT FROM RUFFORD SMALL GRANTS )

18

DETAILED ASESSMENT OF EMERGING LIVELIHOOD OPTIONS

THROUGH RESTORATION OF MANGROVE ECOLOGY This pilot project supported by RSG, marks the beginning of our efforts in about 22 villages to save tigers by reducing biotic pressures in their habitat area. We have been able to convince and prove to the local communities that it is possible to carry on with their traditional livelihoods even outside the tiger habitat. Our project though still in the preliminary stage and its outcome modest--- amply testifies that the means adopted for livelihood generation are sustainable and can well be carried out on a wider scale for more extensive results.

Our sources of livelihood generation are derived from restoration of mangrove ecology in the target villages fringing the tiger habitat. This includes revival of natural aqua systems by developing community ponds and growing community mangrove forests in vacant/ chor land near river banks outside the villages. We have so far been able to cover nine villages in the first phase of our pilot project. These include Patharpara, Annpur , Duttagram, Parasmani, Tipligheri , Hamilton Mouza besides Chargheri, Vidyasagar Road and Shantigachi.

1. LIVELIHOOD OPTIONS FROM COMMUNITY PONDS

We hope to divert between 70- 75 persons who were directly dependent on the tiger habitat for their livelihood besides 360 - 400 indirectly dependent persons. The local community being traditional forest fishers for generations are able to identify and create optimum conditions for raising diverse varieties of commercial fish and crabs. Our six community ponds have been developed in the villages of Patharpara, Chargheri, Vidyasagar Road, Shantigachi

and Annpur. We have two ponds in Patharpara, of which one is exclusively used for crab culture.

The pond at Chargheri is also used for culture of crabs besides raising Bararamundi Asian seabass (locally called Bhetki) , Tiger prawns and Brown shrimps. The location of these ponds near river banks outside villages provide the ideal mix of brackish water within them during

A Crab Pond Being Deepened

19

high tides when there is incursion of tidal river water. Crabs and varieties of prawns/ shrimps thrive well in such mix of saline water. In the given situation a Bhetki fish can grow up to the weight of 1.5kg - 2 kgs. which have high market demand.

The other four ponds in the villages of Patharpara, Vidyasagar Road, Shantigachi and Annpur are located in the interiors of the villages away from the impact of tidal waters. They are largely sweet water ponds with the accumulation of rain water. We have introduced various species of commercial fish, including Giant River prawn (Galda), Rohu, Catla , Morola, Grass Carp, Japanese Carp (Koi), amongst others in such ponds.

The sources of livelihood emerging out of desiltation of five community ponds include-

A. Crab Culture -

COMMON NAME OF CRAB

SCIENTIFIC NAME

QUANTUM RAISED/ POND

PRICE/ KILO IN MARKET

INCOME

COMMENTS

Per Pond Total Ponds

Giant Mud crabs/ King Crab/ Mangrove crabs

Scylla Serrata

60 kgs -70 kgs / year in two harvests In Patharpara & Chargheri ponds

Rs. 500 - Rs. 700

Rs. 45,000 (average)

Rs. 45,000 x 2 = Rs. 90,000

Maturity period - within 90 days.

NET ANNUAL INCOME FROM TWO PONDS = Rs. 90,000 General Observations Potential of crab fishery is thus vast in our target villages. The weight of each crab varies between 350 gms - 500 gms. sometimes even reaching 1 kg. which sell in the market between Rs. 500 - Rs. 700 per kilo.

A Typical Crab Being Harvested

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According to villagers though it is possible to cultivate the given species of crabs round the year due to its high productivity and fast growth, but their present economic condition allows them to cultivate it twice a year. The optimum time for one culture happens to be with the onset of monsoon in June. The ponds are stocked with crab seedlings which get ready to be harvested by August end to September.

However, price of crabs being highest in winter, another round of crab seedlings are nurtured in the beginning of October and

cultivated by December. We have had our first harvest of 30 kgs- 35 kgs. of crabs early this month.

Live crabs are exported as far as China, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. Female crabs especially the rare ovigerous ones have a higher market value. Crabs are also in demand due to their anti carcinogenic and other medicinal properties. It also helps in treating diabetes, controlling the level of bad cholesterol in blood etc.

Woman Displays Net To catch Crabs Harvested Crabs Weighed For Sale

Closer View Of Our First Harvest Of Crabs

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B. FISH CULTURE

COMMON NAME OF FISH

SCIENTIFIC NAME

QUANTUM TO BE RAISED/ POND


ESTIMAED INCOME

COMMENTS

Per Pond Net Total

BHETKI / (Bararamundi Asian seabass)-

Lates calcarifer 8- 10 kgs (Chargheri pond)

Rs. 400- Rs. 420

Rs. 4000 (average)

Rs. 4000

Maturity period between 8- 12 months

BAGDA CHINGRI (Tiger Prawn) 50 - 60 gms

Penaeus monodon

18 - 20 kgs (Chargheri pond).

Rs. 500- Rs. 520

Rs. 11, 000

Rs. 15, 000 x 2 = Rs. 30,000

Maturity period- 90- 100 days

8- 10 kgs. Vidyasagar Road pond

Rs. 5000

Raised in two harvests annually. Rs. 15,

000/ harvest

Two Ponds

GALDA CHINGRI (Giant River Prawn)- 150 - 200 gm

Macrobrachium Rosenbergii

4- 5 kgs/ pond. Being Cultured In Patharpara, Shantigachi, Vidyasagar Road & Annpur ponds

Rs. 400- Rs. 420

Rs. 2100 (average)

Rs. 2100 x 4 = Rs. 8400

Maturity period- 90- 100 days

But harvested once in a year ???

Horina Chingri (Brown Shrimp)

Metapenaeus monoceros

10- 12 Kilos after every fortnight Chargheri pond

Rs. 150- Rs. 250

Rs. 3000 (average/ harvest) (Total 24 harvests)

Rs. 3000 X 24 = Rs. 72,000

Maturity period – 15 - 20 days

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COMMON NAME OF FISH

SCIENTIFIC NAME

QUANTUM TO BE RAISED / pond


ESTIMATED INCOME

COMMENTS

Per Pond

Net Total

Rohu

Labeo Rohita

8- 12 kgs. / pond . From Patharpara, Shantigachi, Vidyasagar Road & Annpur ponds

Rs. 150 - Rs. 200

Rs. 2000 (average)

Rs. 2000 x 4 = Rs. 8000

Maturity Period - 9-12 months

Katla- 700- 80 gms

Catla Catla

8- 10 kgs / pond. From Patharpara, Shantigachi, Vidyasagar Road & Annpur ponds

Rs.200- Rs. 220

Rs. 2000 (average)

Rs. 2000 x 4 = Rs. 8000

Maturity Period - 9-12 months

Mrigal- 600 - 700 gm

Cirrhinus cirrhosus 12- 15 kg/ pond. From Patharpara, Shantigachi, Vidyasagar Road & Annpur ponds

Rs. 100- Rs. 120

Rs. 1500 (Average)

Rs. 1500 x 4 = Rs. 6000

Maturity Period - 8- 10 months

Mourola- 5 gm- 6 gm

Amblypharyngodon mola

6- 7 kgs- From Patharpara, Shantigachi, Vidyasagar Road & Annpur ponds

Rs. 60 - Rs. 70

Rs. 450 (average)

Rs. 450 x 4 = Rs. 1800

Maturity period - 9-12 months

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COMMON NAME OF FISH

SCIENTIFIC NAME

QUANTUM RAISED / POND


ESTIMATED INCOME

COMMENTS

Per Pond

Net Total

Magur/ Shingi (Indian Torrent Catfish)- 2100 gm

Amblyceps Mangois

5-7 kgs.

each in

Patharpara, Shantigachi, Vidyasagar Road & Annpur ponds

Rs. 200- Rs.250

Rs. 1500 (average)

Rs. 1500 x 4 = Rs. 6000

Maturity period - 9-12 months. Fish has medicinal value and hence in demand.

Grass Carp- 1 kg - 1.5 kg

Ctenopharyngodon Idella

8 -10 kgs each In Patharpara, Shantigachi, Vidyasagar Road & Annpur ponds

Rs. 130 - Rs.150

Rs. 1300 (average)

Rs. 1300 x 4 = Rs. 5200

Maturity period - 9-12 months.

Koi (Japanese carp)- 40 gms - 50 gms

Cyprinus Carpio 8 -10 kgs each In Patharpara, Shantigachi, Vidyasagar Road & Annpur ponds

Rs. 200- Rs. 250

Rs. 1800 (average)

Rs. 1800 x 4 = Rs. 7200

Maturity period - 10-12 months.

Bata/ Minor carp- 80 -100 gm

Labeo Bata 15- 20 kgs each In Patharpara, Shantigachi, Vidyasagar Road & Annpur ponds

Rs. 100- Rs. 120

Rs. 2000 (average)

Rs. 2000 x 4 = Rs. 8000

Maturity Period about 12 months

24

COMMON NAME OF FISH

SCIENTIFIC NAME

QUANTUM TO BE RAISED/ POND

PRICE/ KILO

ESTIMATED INCOME

COMMENTS

Per Pond

Net Total

Tilapia 40- 50 gm

Oreochromis Mossambicus

6- 7 kilos each In Patharpara, Shantigachi, Vidyasagar Road & Annpur ponds

Rs. 70 - Rs.80

Rs. 520 (average)

Rs. 520 x 4 = Rs. 2080

Fish starts getting collected from 6-8 months

Punti- Swamp barb/Puntio barb

Puntius chola/ Puntius puntio

12- 14 kilos each In Patharpara, Shantigachi, Vidyasagar Road & Annpur ponds

Rs. 60- Rs.80

Rs. 1000 (average)

Rs. 1000 x 4 = Rs. 4000

Fish starts getting collected from 6-8 months

NET ESTIMATED ANNUAL INCOME FROM FOUR PONDS = Rs. 1,70,680 TOTAL INCOME GENERATED/ ESTIMATED THROUGH CRAB & FISH CULTURE IN FIVE PONDS = Rs 90,000 + Rs. 1,70,680 = RS. 2,60, 680

General Observations

The local community with their traditional knowledge on nature

and requirements of fish have selected and prepared the ponds

accordingly to provide optimum conditions for their growth.

Like crabs, the maturity period of prawns is also between 90-

100 days. We have had our first harvest of about 26 - 30 kgs . of

prawns/ pond between November- early December. Harvested Tiger Prawns

25

Prawns fetch an average price of about Rs. 500 – Rs. 520. Sunderban prawns are also exported

to South East Asian countries.

However, brown shrimps

(Horina Chingri) whose

fingerlings come through

tidal waters are harvested

in the two ponds at

Chargheri and Patharpara,

which are very close to the

rivers. This variety of shrimp takes about 15- 20 days to

mature and is already being harvested. Selling at about Rs. 150- Rs. 200 per kg, 10- 12 kgs are

being raised every fortnight.

The first harvest of other species of fish is expected around February - March next year. They

are being reared in sweet water ponds or those having accumulated rain water.

Emerging Prospects of Agriculture

As mentioned earlier, the water from the community ponds are encouraging villagers to take

up the cultivation of certain coarse cereals , seasonal vegetables, besides certain varieties of

fruits in their available plots of land. We have surveyed quantum of such land that has been

used for cultivation obtaining water from our desilted community ponds.

Harvested Shrimps Sold In Market Close View Of The Shrimps

Our Community Pond At Annpur Village View Of Our Desilted Pond At Patharpara

26

Village Wise Survey Results of Livelihood Details Through Community Ponds

NAME OF VILLAGE - PATHARPARA

DETAILS OF POND DESILTED BY VILLAGERS

Two in Number. Dimensions - A. Area- 5-6 katha each. (Katha is local unit of land measurement in West- Bengal. 1 Katha is = 720 sq feet) Area of each pond is between 3800 sq feet – 4200 sq feet (approx). Total area of two ponds = 8000 sq feet – 8400 sq feet B. Depth- Each pond is about 2.5 feet - 3 feet deep.

SPECIES CULTURED-

Pond 1- Crab culture. Pond 2- Various species of commercial fish having local names as Rohu, Katla, Silver Carp, Morola, Singi, Magur, Punti, Japanese Carp etc.

DETAILS OF CULTIVATION-

About 6-7 kathas of vegetable cultivation including potatoes, various types of gourds and other seasonal vegetables.

NO. OF BENEFICIARY FAMILIES-

About 20 in number. (Approx - 5 persons/ family) Income generated per family is between Rs. 2500 - Rs. 5000 per month, which is at par with average sustainable earnings in the village.

NUMBER OF PERSONS DIVERTED FROM FOREST-

Direct- 18-20 persons. They are primary earning members of the beneficiary families who would enter tiger habitat for livelihood. Indirect- 80-100 persons. They are dependent family members .

27

NAME OF VILLAGE - CHARGHERI


One in number. Dimensions - A. Area- 11-12 Katha. Total area of the pond = 8000 sq feet – 8400 sq feet B. Depth- About 2.5 feet - 3 feet deep.

SPECIES CULTURED-

1. Mud Crabs 2. Various species of prawns locally called Bagda chingri,

Horine chingri, Galda chingri, besides Bhetki.


Cultivation of coarse rice in approx 1 bigha of land in vicinity of pond. (1 bigha = 20 katha) Banana plants also grown along the ridges of the pond.


About 23. (Approx - 5 persons/ family) Income generated per family is about Rs. 2500 per month, which is at par with average sustainable earnings in the village. Three families also benefitting from agriculture.


Direct- 15- 18 persons. They are primary earning members of the beneficiary families who would enter tiger habitat for livelihood. Indirect- 100- 120 persons. They are dependent family members .

28

NAME OF VILLAGE - VIDYASAGAR ROAD


One in number. Dimensions - A. Area- 2.5 -3 Katha. Total area of the pond = 1800- 2100 sq feet B. Depth- About 2.5 feet - 3 feet deep.

SPECIES CULTURED

Commercial Fish as Rohu, Mrigel, Katla, Singi, Morola, Magur, etc.


About 5 kathas of vegetable cultivation including potatoes, various types of gourds, ladyfinger and other seasonal vegetables.


About 4 (Approx - 5 persons/ family) Income generated per family is about Rs. 2000 per month, which is at par with average sustainable earnings in the village.


Direct- 3-4 persons They are primary earning members of the beneficiary families who would enter tiger habitat for livelihood. Indirect- 20-25 persons. They are dependent family members .

29

NAME OF VILLAGE - SHANTIGACHI


One in number. Dimensions - A. Area- 3- 3.5 Katha. Total area of the pond = 2300- 2550 sq feet B. Depth- About 2.5 feet - 3 feet deep.

SPECIES CULTURED

Commercial Fish as Singi, Morola, Magur etc.


About 2 kathas of vegetable cultivation including potatoes, various types of gourds, ladyfinger and other seasonal vegetables.


About 3. (Approx - 5 persons/ family) Income generated per family is about Rs. 2000 per month, which is at par with average sustainable earnings in the village.



30

NAME OF VILLAGE - ANNPUR


One in number. Dimensions - A. Area- 3 Katha. Total area of the pond = 2160 sq feet B. Depth- About 2.5 feet - 3 feet deep.

SPECIES CULTURED

Commercial Fish as Bagda Chingri, rui, katla, Mrigel, grass carp, Punti, morola etc.


About 1.5 -2 kathas of vegetable cultivation including potatoes, various types of gourds, ladyfinger and other seasonal vegetables.


About 3 (Approx - 5 persons/ family) Income generated per family is about Rs. 2000 per month, which is at par with average sustainable earnings in the village.



OUTCOME – TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS TO BE DIVERTED FROM TIGER HABITAT

DIRECT 70- 75

INDIRECT 360 - 400

31

SURVEY ON EMERGING LIVELIHOODS IN VILLAGES WITH DEVELOPMENT OF

COMMUNITY MANGROVE FOREST

OVERALL RESULTS -

We have been able to cover about 19.5 hectares of vacant (Chor) land with mangrove

plantation in 7 out of our 22 target villages. More than 14 species of mangroves have been

planted in these sites. These plants are in varying stages of growth and expected to reach full

size in another 6-8 months. Once developed they will generate various options of traditional

livelihood in these villages.

A. Fishing in tidal water- Fishing continues to be the primary source of livelihood in our target

villages. Mostly located on the banks of rivers and streams, these villages are washed by tides

twice a day. Gushing through the forest, this saline tidal water brings with it various species of

fish, mollusks and other marine species that are consumed as food by the various communities

in these villagers. The community mangrove forests once developed would thus help in

promoting natural fishery in the target villages. Mangroves are a crucial habitat for the

juveniles and adults of many species of fish The intricate root systems of the plants not only act

as shelter to numerous marine species against predation, but their leaves and woody matter

(detritus) are also their rich sources of nutrition. Tidal waters gushing into the community

mangrove forest would thus provide mixed catch of various species of commercial fish

B. Catching of crabs in slush of mangrove forest - Crab catching is an equally important part of

traditional livelihood here. Mud crabs found in this mangrove terrain are amongst the most

valuable crab species in the world, with the bulk of their commercial production sent live to

market. Like fish, crabs also sustain themselves in mangrove swamps which provide them both

refuge and food. The crabs that burrow into the mangrove slush during low tide are trapped by

the villagers with their age old expertise. The upcoming community mangrove forest will thus

able crab catching as a viable livelihood option in the target villages.

C. Wild Honey Collection- Wild honey collection is yet another traditional livelihood of the local

communities. The flowers of various mangrove species are sources of rich honey. Locally called

32

Khalsi, Tora, Geon etc. these species have been included in our mangrove plantations to

promote wild honey gathering as a viable livelihood option.

D. Apiary Honey -.

According to local villagers , community mangrove forests fringing the villages will also

encourage apiary honey production , by bringing bee keepers from outside districts. For about

three months during spring, when most mangrove species are in full bloom their village homes

can turn into bee yards. The villagers would rent out their land for bee keeping which will

augment their sources of livelihood. This is expected to generate nearly 40% or even more of

additional income in the villages. It has been estimated that each home can accommodate

nearly 80-100 of such bee hive boxes and each box according to villagers can generate nearly 50

kgs of rich honey. Slowly, the villagers can also take up apiary honey production themselves

independently.

Other livelihoods emerging out of support from RSG -

Promotion Of Folk Culture - Tapping the rich native culture and local talents, SWRDS has

organised four - five cultural teams of the fellow villagers. Their performances as professional

artistes in tourist lodges generate income for them. These teams also voluntarily perform during

the awareness campaigns, spreading the message of tiger conservation and restoration of

mangrove ecology through entertainment.

Cleaning Molluscs Picked Up From Mangrove Slush Saplings Being Transported From Nursery To Village

33

SURVEY REPORT OF MANGROVE PL ANTATION & LIST OF VACANT (CHOR) LAND IDENTIFIED FOR PLANTATION (PERIOD OF SURVEY- JAN 2015- DECEMBER 2015)

NUMBER

OF

VILLAGE

NAME OF VILLAGE

CHOR

LAND

AVAILABLE

(IN

HECTARES)

AREA OF

PLANTATION

WORK DONE

(IN

HECTARES)

SPECIES OF MANGROVES

PLANTED (LOCAL NAME)

1

ANNPUR

5

5

Dhudul, Tora, Sundari , Hental,

Horgoza and others

2 PATHARPARA 7 3 Garjan, Kankra , Byne, Sundari,

Mot Goran and others

3

DUTTAGRAM

7

3

Sundari , Byne, Keora, Garjan and

others

4 PARASMANI 21 2.5 Byne, Kholshi, Geon etc.

5 TIPLIGHERI 3 2 Pyara Byne, Bokul Kankra, Goran,

Sundari, Garjan , Keora and others

6 HAMILTON MOUZA 7 2 Keora, Byne, Golpata, Possur,

Dhundul, Horgoza, Geon and

others.

34

NUMBER

OF

VILLAGE

NAME OF VILLAGE

CHOR

LAND

AVAILABLE

(IN

HECTARES)

AREA OF

PLANTATION

WORK DONE

(IN

HECTARES)


PLANTED

7 RAJATJUBILEE 5 2 Byne, Sea grass, Kankra,

Goran etc.

8 BIDHAN COLONY 17

9 JAWHAR COLONY 22

10 LUXBAGAN AND

AROUND

22

11 CHARGHERI 22

12 NETAJI

SARDARPAARA

21

13 KAGMARI 20

14 GILASKHALI 18

15 SADHUPUR AND

AROUND

15

16 JAMESPUR 10

17 LAHIRIPUR 8

18 SHANTIGACHI 7

19 MITHA KHALI 5

35

NUMBER

OF

VILLAGE

NAME OF VILLAGE

CHOR

LAND

AVAILABLE

(IN

HECTARES)

AREA OF

PLANTATION

WORK DONE

(IN

HECTARES)


PLANTED

20 BANIKHALI 4

21 KARTIK KHALI 2

22 SUDHANGSHUPUR 2

TOTAL

250

19.5

Nurturing A Sapling with Care...

36

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We are grateful to Rufford Foundation for supporting the work in such remote villages of

Sunderban, with hundreds of members of forest communities.. The project has ushered a sense

of "conservation empowerment" amongst them. The beneficiaries take pride in utilizing their

traditional practices for conservation and maintenance of their community mangrove forests

and ponds. They have a keen sense of belonging towards them. According to them, it is the best

form of legacy they can pass on to their future generations for a secure livelihood. At the same

time, such a change also herald a favourable development for tiger conservation.

Our acknowledgements to the local villagers of Lahiripur Panchayat as well for believing in us

and their full fledged involvement in carrying out various project activities . We are also

thankful to the local administration, forest department and other NGO's for their cooperation,

guidance and valuable inputs time to time to our members.

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