Report on Field Study tour to

Yamuna Biodiversity Park At Wazirabad,New Delhi

On 19th September 2015

Submitted by N.THARUN BABU (AAA0564) (1210110122)

Under CCC704: Environmental Studies SHIV NADAR UNIVERSITY MONSOON SEMESTER 2015

CONTENT

1.Background

2.INTRODUCTION

3.OBSERVATIONS

4.LESSON LEARNT

5.CONCLUSION

BackgroundBiodiversity is the degree of variation of life. forms the basis of human survival on the earth. Living resources (plants, animals and microbes) and their habitats form an integral component of the biodiversity. Mutual interaction between them provide stream of tangible and intangible benefits to the human society. Unscientific and unsustainable use of these resources will threaten the very survival of humans. Biodiversity conservation, therefore, is of prime importance.

They seek to conserve keystone species and other threatened plant and animal species, preserve the biodiversity of any habitat that is likely to be converted into urban infrastructure, establish field gene banks for threatened land races and wild genetic resources, promote education on environmental awareness and nature conservation, establish native communities of the Aravalli hills of the Delhi region, develop mosaic of wetlands that sustain the rich aquatic flora and fauna of the Yamuna and monitor short term and long term changes in the ecology of the Delhi region.

Thus, Biodiversity Parks act as heritage sites and repositories of the approximately 50, threatened communities of the Aravalli hills, provide ideal alternative habitats for migratory and resident bird species, enhance ground water recharge and augment fresh water availability, act as sinks for CO2 and other pollutants.

INTRODUCTIONYamuna Biodiversity Park

Aerial View of YBPEmerging as the capital's most visited public place and prominent center for learning and understanding the environment, the Yamuna Biodiverstity Park has become a home for biologically rich wetlands, grassland communities, a wide variety of fruit yielding species and an abundance of medicinal herbs. The Park also comprises a native flora and fauna which used to exist a 100 years ago and then became extinct locally. It further, acts as a natural conservation site for specific group of endangered plants. The Yamuna Biodiversity Park is presently spread over an area of approximately 457 acres near Wazirabad village on the flat alluvial plains of the Yamuna and can be approached:

Entrance to YBP

(i) from East Delhi through Bhajanpura,

(ii) from South and Central Delhi through ISBT, and(iii) from North Delhi through Burari. The Biodiversity Park is 15 kms north-east of Connaught Place, and 4 kms north of ISBT.

Goals of YAMUNA Biodiversity Park

1. Conservation of keystone species and other plant and animal species that are

threatened

2. Preservation of the biodiversity

3. Establishment of field gene banks for threatened land races and wild genetic resources.

4. Development of a mosaic of wetlands that sustain a rich aquatic flora and fauna .

Functions of YAMUNA Biodiversity Park

1. Acts as heritage sites and repositories of threatened communities of aravalli.

2. Provides ideal alternative habitats for migratory and resident birds

3. Serves as field gene banks for wild genetic resources of economically important species

4. Enhances ground water recharge and augmented fresh water availability

5. Acts as sinks for CO2 and other pollutants

6. Promotes eco-tourism and social connectivity across the urban community

7. Represents unique ecological model having not only wildlife and natural asset values but also aesthetic environmental and educational values.

Delhi Biodiversity Foundation

In order to develop these nature reserves, and retain the ecological, aesthetical and cultural quality of Biodiversity sites in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, the Delhi Development Authority has set up the Delhi Biodiversity Foundation. The foundation, in turn, is setting up Biodiversity

parks, which are being developed by DDA technical inputs by team of scientists who have specialized in the areas of field biology, ecology, wildlife, taxonomy, conservation, habitat restoration, natural resource management and nature education. Besides these experts, trained technical

supporting staff oversees the development and management of these parks. The Foundation has a Governing body and an Executive Committee.

OBSERVATIONSButterfly Conservatory

Butterfly ConservatoryThe Yamuna Biodiversity Park aims to create a Butterfly Conservatory, that will become a major ecotourism destination for visitors and nature lovers. There are four small ponds to add humidity to the surroundings and provide moisture to the butterflies. The Plantation of native plants will attract thousands of wild butterflies, who play important roles as pollinators, as part of the web of life and as cultural icons for human beings. Within beds of butterfly attracting plants are trees that have been landscaped to resemble mixed deciduous forest communities. Unlike birds, butterflies are late risers and can be seen in large numbers late in the morning. Their population peaks in spring but they remain in plenty right up to the monsoon. Presently, as many as 36 species of butterflies and their caterpillars can be sighted here. Stroll through the beautifully designed butterfly conservatory; watch the blossoming of new life in a nearby

zone of larval host plants and sericulture and admire flittering of tasar silk moth. The “butterfly observation shed” made of bamboo is a quiet place to sit and observe these beautiful insects at work on plants like Thevetia and Milkweed.

According to the Centre for Environmental Management of Degraded Ecosystems (CEMDE), their garden is hosting about 90 species of butterflies, some of them extremely rare and breathtakingly beautiful.

The park features two major zones - the visitor zone and the nature reserve zone.

Domesticated Biodiversity ZoneThe front portion of the Yamuna Biodiversity Park, a 220m southward and 140m northward stretch from the main entry gate with 20-30m width is demarcated as Domesticated Biodiversity Zone. Enclosed by a hedge of poplar, it features plants like Ailanthus, Butea and Bauhinia that have a continuous seasonal interest due to their long flower production throughout the season. The outer iron fencing is embraced by multi-coloured climbers like Jasmine and Quisqualis with the same theme of continual luxury.

Resting PointLocated at the main entrance, at the southward end, are three snack bars, a drinking water facilities and three resting places covered with the vines of Argyreia nervosa, Jasminum sambac and Petrogea volubilis. Just past the entry pocket and to the right is a “Welcome Rock facet” representing the origin of the Ganga and Yamuna and their convergence at Allahabad. A trail further leads to theBambusetum, the Nature interpretation Centre, the Conservatory of fruit yielding species, the Migratory duck’s wetland and the Nature Reserve area.

A View of NIC

Nature interpretation Centre is a beautiful classical building with elegant lighting, a red carpet floor, attractive interior designs, panels depicting various biodiversity levels, touch screens, and visual-aids that provide an insight into the basic concepts of biodiversity.

On the left, the landscaping provides two shallow valleys representing rangelands

Welcome Rock Facetwith 10 mounds representing different ecosystems present from the foothills of the Himalayas (Siwaliks) through the Yamuna basin, till the point of confluence of the Yamuna and Ganga. The first rangeland i.e. Rangeland 1, corresponds to an exclusive Sporobolus dianderdominance while the second one i.e. Rangeland 2 showcases a mixture of native tropical grasses such as Dichanthium, Chrysopogon, Vetiveria, and Bothriochloa. These two rangelands are bordered by a serpentine trail. The first loop of the trail connects Rangeland 1 with Herbal garden, sacred grove and

Rangeland 2 while the other loop leads to the butterfly conservatory and amphitheatre.

Visitor Area TrailThe amphitheatre is an open auditorium, the herbal garden offers a collection of about 450 plant species with healing properties.

On this loop trail one sometimes comes across bouncing hares and has a chance to watch red-wattled lapwings and other grassland birds. The exit of the Butterfly Conservatory on the west side leads to Sacred Grove and the Gene Bank of Petro- and Oil-yielding and other plants through the Bamboo Bridge from which one can enjoy a view of the resident ducks’ wetland and a wide variety of fishes.

MoundsSurrounding the valley are the Ten Mounds which illustrate the different forest ecosystems in its miniature form found all along the Yamuna River Basin. The composition of forests, as in nature, consists of three to four layers: a tree canopy that supports climbers and provides shade for the middle storey tree layer and shrub layer which in turn protect the ground-

cover of herbs and grasses. Plantation on these mounds is designed on the basis of the structure and composition of the forest ecosystem found in its natural environment. These ecosystems are:

Subtropical mixed evergreen forest ecosystemTop canopy - Toona ciliata, Dalbergia latifolia, Mitragyna parvifolia, Syzygium cuminiMiddle storey - Trewia nudiflora, Artocarpus lakoocha, Cinnamomum camphora, Shrub layer- Dillenia indica, Coffea benghalensis, Murraya paniculata, Bauhinia malabarica, Herbs and Grasses- Barleria cristata, Flemingia bracteata, Desmodium triflorumClimbers- Vigna capensis, Combretum decandrum, Vitis paniculatum

Moist tropical deciduous forest ecosystem with Teak as a dominant speciesTop Canopy- Tectona grandis, Pterocarpus marsupium, Diospyros melanoxylon, Middle storey- Buchanania lanzan, Albizia lebbeck, Bauhinia variegataShrub layer- Flemingia rugosus, Vitex negundo, Nyctanthus arbortristris, Zizyphus mauritianaHerbs and grasses- Desmodium triflorum, Crotolaria juncea, Bothriochloa pertusa, Climbers- Pueraria phaseoloides, Asparagus racemosus

Tropical dry decuduous forest ecosystem with Sal as a dominant speciesTop canopy – Shorea robusta, Diospros melanoxylon, Putranjiva roxburghii, Middle storey – Erythrina indica, Cassia fistula, Albizia sp., Sterculia urensShrub layer – Carissa spinarum, Zizyphus oenoplea, Nyctanthus arbortristrisHerbs & Grasses – Chloris, Eragrostis, Fimbristylis ferruginea, Indigofera tinctoria, Climbers – Smilax zeylanica, , Clittoria turnatea, Marsidenia, Cocculus hirsutus

Tropical Dry Deciduous forest with Teak as a dominant speciesTop Canopy – Tectona grandis, Butea monosperma, Sterculia urens, Terminalia chebula, Middle storey – Emblica officinalis, Bauhina variegata, Cochlospermum religiosumShrub layer – Gardenia turgida, Randia dumetorum, Grewia asiaticaHerbs & Grasses – Barleria prionitis, Bothriochloa pertusa, Dicanthium HetropogoClimbers – Abrus pulchellus, Cocculus hirsutus

Tropical thorn forestTop Canopy- Acacia sp., Prosopis cineraria, Anogeissus pendulaUnderwoods- Zizyphus mauritiana, Maytenus emarginatus,

Wrightia Herbs and Grasses- Vicovestata, Vico auriculata, Desmostachya bipinnata, Climbers- Valletia, Leptochloa fusca, Tinospora cordifolia

Scrub jungle Top Canopy- Acacia catechu, A. senegal, A. leucophloeaUnderwoods- Euphorbia neriifolia, Cassia auriculata, Maetenus emarginatusHerbs- Tephrosia purpurea, Justicia simplex, Cyperus rotundus, Eragrostis tenellaClimbers – Cocculus laurifolius, Rhynchosia minima

Yamuna Biodiversity Park, Connservatory of Fruit Yeildieng Species:

The display of about 500 varieties of 80 species of fruit yielding plants in a small area reveals the astounding diversity found amongst fruiting plants. The conservatory harbours some unfamiliar fruits in addition to many familiar ones. Khirni – a locally extinct species is thriving as are anar, sapota, jamun, gauava, amla, lemons, oranges, grapes, loquat and ber. The conservatory is a home to variety of birds such as parakeets, yellow footed green pigeons, munias, babblers, coppersmith barbets, bulbuls and peafowl in large flocks, as also snakes which are rarely seen except between April and October.

Yamuna Biodiversity Park, Water Body

Wetlands

Migratory Ducks' WetlandTwo wetlands, which simulate natural water bodies, have been created in the Yamuna Biodiversity Park. One which is long and narrow simulating the river, is 1.8 km long; and the second, which is more open and deep, is spread over about 2 hectares. The creation of wetlands served three useful purposes. Firstly, it adds to the diversity of habitats, secondly, it performs the much-needed ecological functions of water purification, groundwater recharge, and storage of rainwater, and thirdly, it provides the soil for raising the ground level to avoid flooding in the post monsoon period so that the development of terrestrial ecosystems and plant communities can go ahead unhindered.

Resident Ducks' Wetland

These wetlands are now home to hundreds of migratory birds as well as native bird species. In other words, a new bird sanctuary has been created within the ambience of metropolitan Delhi. The wetlands also help to preserve the aquatic genetic resources (invertebrates, turtles, fishes, zoo- and phytoplanktons) of the river.

A view of peripheral bamboo plantation Bambusetum

BambusetumThe Bambusetum, a symbol of endurance and resilience, allows specialists to study the wide diversity of bamboo species while generalists enjoy their variety: the climbing Ochlandra, shrub - like Arudinaria, the pole like golden bamboo and the belly shaped Buddha-belly bamboo. Presently, 37 species of bamboos are grown in the Bambusetum. One can see nests of the scaly breasted munia and the red vented bulbul and regularly sight the common castor butterfly hovering over the emerging juvenile bamboo shoots.

MEDICINAL GARDENHerbal Garden

Medicinal GardenThe herbal garden, in essence, is a reference collection of around 450 living species that have been important in human

culture throughout the ages. This garden is a green oasis with a diversity of medicinal plants. In between more than 200 seasonal changing beds and borders are trees with medicinal properties that provide shade to delicate plants. The Yamuna Biodiversity Park herbal garden is a charming place to visit any time of the year. Spring brings exuberance and the full bloom ofBarlerias, summer the flowering of the Hibiscus, the monsoon Ocimum and Costusand winter a profusion of Andrographis, Bacopa, Calendula, Aloe, and Tylophora. A total of 434 species including 120 species of trees, 280 species of shrubs and herbs, 26 species of climbers and 8 species of grasses have been planted. The Cerulean butterfly flutters over the beds of Spilanthes acmella and frequent bird sightings are those of the hoopoe, the green bee eater, and doves.

1.ALOVERA

SCIENTIFIC NAME - ALOE VERA

Uses

1. Traditional medicine

2. Dietary supplement

3. Commodities

2.FLAME OF THE FOREST.

Scientific name: Butea monosperma

USES-

1. Usage in leather

2. Culinary use

3. Patravali plate

4. Use as a dye

5. Use as a pesticide

CHINA ROSE

Scientific name: Rosa chinensis

USES-

The species is extensively cultivated in China as an ornamental plant; numerous cultivars have been selected, with varying flower colour and usually an increased number of petals (semi-double or double flowers). The species is also important in the breeding of many modern garden roses, including the Hybrid Tea roses.

The flowers and fruits are used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of irregular and/or painful menstruation, as well as swollen thyroid.

SCIENTIFIC NAME - Terminalia arjuna

USES-

1. Silk production

2. Medicinal

3. Alternative medicine

NEEM TREE

SCIENTIFIC NAME- AZADIRACHTA INDICA

USESses

1. As a vegetable

2. Traditional medicinal use

3. Safety issues

4. Pest and disease control-

ANTIFUNGAL PLANTS –

TULSI

SCIENTIFIC NAME- Ocimum tenuiflorum

USES-

1. In Hinduism

2. Ayurveda

3. Thai cuisine

4. Insect repellent

LEMON GRASS

SCIEN TIFIC NAME- Cymbopogon

USES-

Lemongrass is used for treating digestive tract spasms, stomachache, high blood pressure, convulsions, pain, vomiting, cough, achy joints (rheumatism), fever, the common cold, and exhaustion. It is also used to kill germs and as a mild astringent.Some people apply lemongrass and its essential oil directly to the skin for headache, stomachache, abdominal pain, and muscle pain

LEMON GRASS

SOCIAL INSECTS-social insect, any of numerous species of insects that live in colonies and manifest three characteristics: group integration, division of labour, and overlap of generations. Social insects are best exemplified by all termites (Isoptera) and ants (Formicidae) and by various bees and wasps (Hymenoptera).

Social insects are differentiated in structure, function, and behaviour into castes, the major ones being the reproductives (e.g., the queen) and the steriles (workers and soldiers). Besides carrying out the basic function of reproduction, the members of the reproductive caste generally select the site for a new colony and excavate the first galleries. The workers care for the eggs and larvae, collect food for other members of the colony, and construct and repair the nest, while the soldiers defend the colony against predators.

TERMITE INSECT-

Termites are a group of eusocial insects that, until recently, were classified at the taxonomic rank of order Isoptera (see taxonomy below), but are now accepted as the infraorder

Isoptera, of the cockroach order Blattodea.[1][2] While termites are commonly known, especially in Australia, as "white ants", they are for practical purposes unrelated to the ants (although they are prey to some ants, including the acrobat ant).

HONEY BEES-

Honey bees (or honeybees) are a subset of bees in the genus Apis, primarily distinguished by the production and storage of honey and the construction of perennial, colonial nests from wax. Honey bees are the only extant members of the tribe Apini, all in the genus Apis. Currently, only seven species of honey bee are recognized, with a total of 44 subspecies,[1] though historically, from six to 11 species have been recognised. Honey bees represent only a small fraction of the roughly 20,000 known species of bees. Some other types of related bees produce and store honey, but only members of the genus Apis are true honey bees.

LESSON LEARNT-The complex web of inter-dependent ecosystems which constitute life on Earth includes us.

We are part of that web and are entirely dependent on clean air, fresh water and healthy food for our survival. Some people would argue that as the species at the top of the food chain capable of acting on the planet's ecosystems to create profound change, we have a responsibility to act as stewards of the planet, protecting nature for its own sake and ensuring our consumption levels are sustainable.

1. Health benefits - The evolution in the gene pool of species through countless generations has produced substances that offer us significant health and other benefits. For example, doctors use the saliva of leeches to dissolve dangerous blood clots.

2. Human needs - The diversity of life forms provides us with a wide array of options for satisfying our needs, including our need for gainful employment. The jobs of a significant

portion of the population depend directly on biological resources including agriculture, fishing, forestry, eco-tourism and outdoor recreation. Biodiversity also provides the natural "capital" for the tourism sector that attracts visitors from around the globe.

3.Spiritual values -The diversity of ecosystems and species is a source of emotional, artistic and spiritual inspiration and cultural identity. Plants like Belpatra, Mahua have been worshipped by people from ages. Many people believe that human society must be built on a respect for all life around us. Even historic murals and excavations have indicated that people in that age too worshipped plants and animals.

CONCLUSION-YAMUNA BIODIVERSITY PARK 450 host plants have played a major role in supporting over 36 species of butterflies. Strangely, weeds and wild grass that are usually uprooted from gardens have been deliberately conserved here because they make perfect butterfly habitats. We must make every effort to preserve, conserve, and manage biodiversity. Protected areas, from large wilderness reserves to small sites for particular species, and reserves for controlled uses, will all be part of this process. Such systems of protected areas must be managed to take account of a range of ecological and human-induced changes.

BIBILOGRAPHY-Protecting and Restoring Biodiversity

www.globalchange.umich.edu

BIODIVERSITY PARKS USES - Google Search

www.google.co.iN

https://dda.org.in/greens/biodiv/yamuna-fruit-conservatory.html#herbal