Dolphin Nature Conservation Society

Last updated

Dolphin Nature Conservation Society (DNCS), Visakhapatnam
Dolphin Nature Conservation Society
TypeNGO for nature conservation / environmental protection / education / awareness
Location HB Colony, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
Coordinates 17°44′42″N83°19′27″E / 17.745048°N 83.324062°E / 17.745048; 83.324062

The Dolphin Nature Conservation Society (DNCS) is a registered (no. 507/2001) voluntary environmental non-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO) located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. It is committed to the causes of nature conservation, environmental protection, research, education, and awareness. The society was founded on March 5, 2001, by Dr. Mantha Rama Murty and Dr. Mangathayi, who had previously launched several nature conservation programs in Andhra Pradesh, particularly in Visakhapatnam. [1] The organization's activities are intended to instill a love for nature and conservation among people, especially among the younger generation. Notable research, documentation, conservation, and awareness campaigns of the society have involved Olive-Ridley Sea Turtles, intertidal rocky shore fauna and flora of the Visakhapatnam coast, and butterflies of the Eastern Ghats. The society's flagship project is the development and maintenance of the Biodiversity Park in Visakhapatnam.

Contents

Precursor: Penguin Nature Club (WWF-India)

In 1987, an environmental organization known as the Penguin Nature Club was formed at the BVK College (part of Andhra University, Visakhapatnam) in affiliation with WWF-India. The organization engaged in nature conservation and environmental protection activities for more than a decade. Seeking to expand its activities, the organization was renamed the Dolphin Nature Conservation Society in 2001 and allowed public and student membership. [2]

Notable initiatives and programs

Awareness campaigns

Society has conducted various educational nature conservation and environmental protection activities and campaigns. One notable example was a campaign dedicated to dispelling myths and misconceptions about snakes. It was emphasized that the majority of snakes are non-venomous and play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling the rodent population. In collaboration with the Friends of Snakes Society, Hyderabad, the society conducted live snake awareness programs in schools and colleges in Visakhapatnam. [3] Other notable activities include campaigns against the use of thin plastic carry bags, [4] [5] zoo patrolling teams aimed at educating visitors about proper zoo visitation protocol, wildlife conservation projects, tree planting projects, [6] [7] and "save our beaches" anti-pollution campaigns. [3]

Survey and research programs

The Olive Ridley Sea Turtle

Olive Ridley Sea Turtles are best known for their migrations and unique mass nesting occurrences called "arribada" when thousands of females converge on the same beach to lay eggs. The turtle population has been declining over time; the species has been deemed vulnerable by the IUCN Red List. [4] [5] [6]

On the northeast coast of Andhra Pradesh (from Annavaram in the north to Pudimadaka in the south) and the Visakhapatnam coast, in particular, the society used surveying and documentation programs to research on the species. [8] This research found that sporadic nesting occurs from January to March and that the mortality rate for females had increased over time. The major cause was the incidental capture of adult turtles in gill and trawl fishing nets operated by mechanized boats. [9] Other reasons included artificial illumination along the coastline, sand mining, pollution by domestic sewage, chemicals, oil, plastics, and building debris, and the planting of exotic flora on the beaches. Human predation of eggs and meat, as well as the predation of hatchlings by crows, kites, seagulls, and feral dogs, were also contributing factors.

In an attempt to stop population decline, important conservation measures have been developed, including strict enforcement of bans on near-shore mechanized fishing and operation of gill nets, shore-seine and lines during breeding and nesting seasons, the use of turtle excluder devices (TED) in trawl nets, beach patrols, cessation of beachside construction and development activities, the promotion of in-situ conservation, the establishment of more hatcheries, and the creation of awareness programs targeted at fishermen, forest officials, students, NGOs, and the general public. [10] [11] The most important programs in the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Conservation project were the many public awareness events; turtle walks, screening pictures, exhibitions in schools and colleges, and celebratory festivals for turtles were effective at increasing public concern for the turtles. [7]

Intertidal rocky shore fauna and flora

The intertidal (littoral) zone is the area between high and low tide lines. The intertidal zone of Visakhapatnam is 70 meters long, with an average width of 25 meters. [12] It is mostly made up of rocky shore interspersed by sandy areas and extends from Gangavaram to Bheemunipatnam, a distance of approximately 25 to 30 kilometers. The zone has large boulders of various shapes, shingle beds, rock platforms, and rock pools. [13] In addition, it has a very rich diversity of organisms, from the smallest microscopic protozoans to sponges, cnidarians, polychaetes, arthropods, Mollusca, echinoderms, rock pool fish, and numerous varieties of algae. These highly peculiar and highly adaptable faunas and flora face environmental hardships such as water availability, temperature and salinity differences, and pressures from prey and predators. [14]

The society conducted research and survey programs that documented the fauna and flora of the Visakhapatnam coast. Throughout 10 years, the society observed a decline in marine biota, specifically in sea cucumbers, chitons, sea urchins, and Bullia and Zoanthus beds. The main reasons for this decline are human interference, including the illegal collection of specimens by colleges and universities and pollution of waters. The society recommends conservation methods including stopping pollution from all sources along the coast, preventing the illegal collection of specimens, declaring some areas as protective zones, and raising awareness among students and people by conducting marine biodiversity workshops and exhibitions. [15] [16] [10] [3]

Butterflies of the Eastern Ghats

More than 100 species of butterflies belonging to six families were recorded by the society in the Eastern Ghats forests (Chintapalle, G K Veedhi, Ananthagiri, Paderu, Araku Valley, Sileru), and urban environments (Thotala Konda, Kambala Konda, Simhachalam Hills, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, and RCD Biodiversity Park) of the Visakhapatnam district. The families included Papilionidae (swallowtails), Pieridae (whites and yellows), Nymphalidae (brush-footed butterflies), Lycaenidae, Riodinidae (metalmarks/Punches and Judies), and Hesperiidae (skippers). [8] [9] [11]

Biodiversity Park, Visakhapatnam

The Biodiversity Park, Visakhapatnam is an educational botanical garden run by the society. It contains more than 2000 species of plants and hundreds of butterfly and bird species. Hundreds of students and researchers visit the park daily for education and research purposes. [17] [12]

Awards

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Visakhapatnam</span> Metropolis in Andhra Pradesh, India

Visakhapatnam, also known as Vizag, Viśākha or Waltair, is the largest and most populous metropolitan city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is between the Eastern Ghats and the coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is the second largest city on the east coast of India after Chennai, and the fourth-largest in South India. It is one of the four smart cities of Andhra Pradesh selected under the Smart Cities Mission and is the headquarters of Visakhapatnam district. With an estimated output of $43.5 billion, it is the ninth-largest contributor to India's gross domestic product as of 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Madras Crocodile Bank Trust</span> Herpetology research station in Chennai, India

The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology (MCBT) is a reptile zoo and herpetology research station, located 40 kilometres (25 mi) south of the city of Chennai, in state of Tamil Nadu, India. The centre is both a registered trust and a recognized zoo under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and comes under the purview of the Central Zoo Authority, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. It was established with the aim of saving three Indian endangered species of crocodile—the marsh or mugger crocodile, the saltwater crocodile, and the gharial, which at the time of founding of the trust were all nearing extinction.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Olive ridley sea turtle</span> One of the most abundant living sea turtle in the world

The olive ridley sea turtle, also known commonly as the Pacific ridley sea turtle, is a species of turtle in the family Cheloniidae. The species is the second-smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world. L. olivacea is found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, but also in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kemp's ridley sea turtle</span> Species of sea turtle

Kemp's ridley sea turtle, also called the Atlantic ridley sea turtle, is the rarest species of sea turtle and is the world's most endangered species of sea turtle. It is one of two living species in the genus Lepidochelys. The species primarily occupies habitat around the Gulf of Mexico though their migrations into the Atlantic are being affected by rising temperatures. Kemp's ridley sea turtles are currently listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and current conservation efforts attempt to rebuild population numbers. Human activity, including but not limited to habitat destruction, climate change, and oil spills, threaten populations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Araku Valley</span> Hill Station in Andhra Pradesh, India

Araku Valley is a hill station in Alluri Sitharama Raju district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, lying 111 km west of Visakhapatnam city. It is a valley in the Eastern Ghats inhabited by different tribes, mainly Araku Tribes.

Gahirmatha Beach is a beach in Kendrapara district of the Indian state of Odisha. The beach separates the Bhitarkanika Mangroves from the Bay of Bengal and is the world's most important nesting beach for olive ridley sea turtles. The beach is part of Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, which also includes the adjacent portion of the Bay of Bengal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bheemunipatnam</span> Place in Andhra Pradesh, India

Bheemunipatnam, is a suburb of Visakhapatnam, India. The town was named after Bhima, a character in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. It formerly administered under the Bheemunipatnam municipality, but merged into GVMC in 2017. It is currently under the administration of Bheemunipatnam revenue division and the headquarters is located at Bheemunipatnam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hope Island (India)</span>

Hope Island is a small tadpole shaped Island situated off the coast of Kakinada, India, in the Bay of Bengal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Madhurawada</span> Neighbourhood in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Madhurawada is a major business and residential area of Visakhapatnam in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located on the Visakhapatnam-Vizianagaram stretch of National Highway 16 around 16 km from the city center of Visakhapatnam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Simhadri Super Thermal Power Station</span> Building in India

Simhadri Super Thermal Power Plant is a coal-fired power plant located in the outskirts of Visakhapatnam city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The power plant is one of the coal fired power plants of NTPC, a Government of India enterprise. The coal for the power plant is sourced from Kalinga Block of Talcher Coal fields in Odisha. The plant is a national asset, and power generated is shared between multiple states, as the operator is national. Power generated by units 1 and 2, making up for 1,000 MW, is dedicated to power distribution companies owned by the Government of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The remaining 1,000 MW, generated by units 3 and 4, is allocated to the states of Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Puducherry as per their shares as decided in PPA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bheemili Beach</span> Beach in Andhra Pradesh, India

Bheemili Beach is located at the origin of the Gosthani River, at a distance of 24 km from Visakhapatnam in Visakhapatnam district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The beach reflects the British and Dutch settlements of the 17th century.

S. S. Davidson is one of the pioneer educators of the environmental movement in Tamil Nadu, India. Davidson was born at Nagercoil in Kanyakumari District, India. He earned a degree in English from Scott Christian College, after which he joined as faculty in English. He completed his Masters and M.Phil in English from Annamalai University

Visakhapatnam Metro is a planned rapid transit system for the city of Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, India. The system is proposed to reduce traffic congestion as well as providing a modern and efficient public transport system in the city which became the largest city and the main hub for economic activity of Andhra Pradesh after the state's bifurcation. It will be the only Indian city which will have a combination of both metro and tram. Once constructed it will be the world's largest metro prepared in a PPP model. Initially proposed for Metro Rail alignment for a length of 42.55 km in the city. Now, Government have planned to expand the Metro Rail system to cover more routes in the city as well as in the VMRDA area.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation</span> Local civic body in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is the civic body that governs the city of Visakhapatnam, largest city of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Its jurisdiction encompasses an area of 640 km2 (250 sq mi). It is also part of the planning body of the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority. Established in the year 1979, the executive power of the GVMC is vested in the Municipal Commissioner, an Indian Administrative Service officer appointed by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The position is held by Saikanth Varma. Golagani Hari Venkata Kumari (YSRCP) was elected as the Mayor and Jiyyani Sridhar (YSRCP) as the Deputy Mayor by the newly elected general body in March 2021. In January 2021, the number of wards were increased to 98 from 81 earlier.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of Visakhapatnam</span>

Visakhapatnam is a major metropolitan city in the state of Andhra Pradesh, and it holds the distinction of being the largest city in the state. The rich history of Visakhapatnam dates back over 2,500 years, with its present name potentially given by the Eastern Chalukyas king to their family deity Visakha in 1010 CE. Visakhapatnam, steeped in a history that spans millennia, was once part of the Kalinga Kingdom around 260 BC before coming under the influence of the Maurya Empire. During this period, Buddhism flourished, leading to the construction of significant monuments between the 2nd century BCE and the 2nd century CE. The city's documented existence begins in 1068 CE, under the rule of King Vishakhavarman. In the 7th century, Visakhapatnam witnessed the conquest of the Eastern Chalukyas, and by the 14th century, it became part of the Reddi Kingdom. The era of European colonization commenced in 1630 with the Dutch, followed by the British taking control in 1757 after a brief interlude of French influence. The Battle of Vizagapatam in 1804 during the Napoleonic Wars emphasized the strategic importance of the city. Following India's independence in 1947, Visakhapatnam became part of the Madras Presidency, later becoming an integral part of Andhra Pradesh. Today, it stands as the largest city in Andhra Pradesh, playing a pivotal role in the state's economy. The city's industrial growth saw a transformative phase with the inauguration of Visakhapatnam Port operations on December 19, 1933, firmly establishing it as a major industrial center.

Transport in Visakhapatnam is the network of roads, railways, rapid transit system in the largest city of Andhra Pradesh. The city of Visakhapatnam also serves as the central hub of transport and logistics on the East coast of India and hence it is called as City Of Destiny.

Rani Chandramani Devi Government Hospital is a children's hospital located at Pedda Waltair, Visakhapatnam, India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CMR Central, Visakhapatnam</span> Shopping mall in Visakhapatnam, India

CMR Central is a shopping mall located at Maddilapalem, Visakhapatnam. It was developed by CMR Shopping Mall Private Limited.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sacred groves of Biodiversity Park, Visakhapatnam</span>

The sacred groves is a zone of Biodiversity Park, Visakhapatnam located in the premises of Rani Chandramani Devi Government Hospital. It has more than 100 sacred plant species, which are medicinal herbs with religious importance. Many sacred plants are becoming rare and endangered. Hence they are to be reared, protected, and conserved. The zone was inaugurated on February 5, 2017, by Kambhampati Hari Babu, a member of parliament from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Biodiversity Park, Visakhapatnam</span> Park in Andhra Pradesh, India

Biodiversity Park, Visakhapatnam, is a botanical garden, an ex situ conservation park, first of its kind in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. The park is located in the premises of the Rani Chandramani Devi Government Hospital. It extends over 3 acres (1.2 ha). Dolphin Nature Conservation Society (DNCS), Visakhapatnam, a registered, eco-friendly, non-government organization, has maintained it for 13 years and is now maintaining it in collaboration with the hospital and Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority. The park was inaugurated on 5 June 2002. This park has more than 2,000 species of plants. and has recorded visits by 60 species of birds and 105 species of butterflies. The park has become a "living laboratory" for education, awareness and research for students, and botanists, zoologists and researchers.

References

  1. Nivedita Ganguly. "Breathing new life". Frontline.thehindu.com. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  2. Ganguly, Nivedita (18 July 2018). "In the kingdom of plants". Thehindu.com. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  3. 1 2 3 "Oakridge organises field trip for students to RK Beach". The New Indian Express .
  4. 1 2 "Olive ridley Turtle : Scientific Name: Lepidochelys olivacea". Wwfindia.org. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  5. 1 2 "Important nesting habitats of olive ridley turtles Lepidochelys olivacea along the Andhra Pradesh coast of eastern India". Researchgate.net. October 2003. doi:10.1017/S0030605303000826 . Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  6. 1 2 Upadhye, Aishwarya (3 April 2019). "Saving the Olive Ridleys of Visakhapatnam Coast". Thehindu.com.
  7. 1 2 Ganguly, Nivedita (10 April 2015). "Hurdles for turtles". Thehindu.com. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  8. 1 2 Ganguly, Nivedita (17 August 2018). "Causing a flutter in Vizag". Thehindu.com. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  9. 1 2 Susarla, Ramesh (21 February 2011). "Bio-diversity Park attracts many butterflies". Thehindu.com. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  10. 1 2 "Learning experience with a difference". Thehindu.com. 12 November 2016. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  11. 1 2 "Girls discover 25 new species of butterflies". Deccan Chronicle . 17 September 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  12. 1 2 "The open air biology lab in Vizag". Yovizag.com. 12 January 2019.
  13. 1 2 Ganguly, Nivedita (18 July 2018). "In the kingdom of plants". Thehindu.com.
  14. Ganguly, Nivedita (11 March 2010). "Rare marine species spotted on Vizag coast". Thehindu.com.
  15. "Wildlife enthusiasts enjoy first tide pooling tour at Rushikonda | Hyderabad News". The Times of India .
  16. "Call to protect beach marine ecosystem in Visakhapatnam". Thehindu.com. 13 January 2013. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  17. "A fascinating world of plant kingdom amid concrete jungle". Thehindu.com. 29 July 2017. Retrieved 16 November 2021.