2006-7 annual report - Nature Conservation Foundation

now in the process of being protected and prepared for
restoration efforts from 2007 onwards.
Over the last few years, we have planted 11,582
saplings of over 120 rainforest tree and liana species
covering an area of around 9 ha in 4 fragments. In addition,
around 7,700 saplings of around 50 species are
being used as shade trees in tea, coffee, and vanilla
plantations. Around 2,400 rainforest tree and liana saplings
were planted in restoration sites in 2006, besides
around 1,500 as future shade trees in plantations. The
area of the fragments targeted for restoration is around
135 ha and there are encouraging signs of recovery
within restoration plots and in a wider area within
these protected sites, although some problems such
as tree and sapling cutting for fuel-wood continue in a
couple of sites.
Regular photographic and survival monitoring
of plots continued in 2006. The results of survival
monitoring indicate an average sapling survival of 60%
(range: 34 – 90%) after 2 years across all restoration
plots. These results were analysed and included in a
manuscript which has been accepted for publication
in the leading international journal Restoration Ecology.
Retaining regenerating native species during weed
clearing operations was crucial for rapid re-establishment
of a first layer of canopy to shade-out weeds and
enhance survival of shade-tolerant rainforest seedlings.
The recovery of vegetation in these sites is also clearly
evidenced from the photographic documentation of
restoration sites.
Training and workshops are a regular part of
our programme; among these, three important meetings/workshops
held over the last year are indicated in
the table below.
The rainforest restoration programme has had
a steady stream of visitors since its inception, with a
distinct increase noted in recent years. In an assessment
made this year, we found that we have had at least
251 recorded visitors from 50 institutions spanning 11
countries. Around 100 visitors were in 2006. Most visitors
spend between 1 and 14 days in Valparai, visiting
the nursery and restoration sites, watching wildlife, and
learning about our conservation activities. Some have
specifically come for training in these activities. Over
half the visitors were students and lay persons, while
a significant portion of the remainder were managers,
government officers, scientists, and conservationists.
This centre, under development in a building
provided by Parry Agro Industries Ltd, will have three
themed rooms: habitats, biodiversity, and conservation,
with posters containing photographs and educational
information in English and Tamil. Over 15 nature photographers
have donated c. 200 stunning images and
over 50 beautifully-designed posters are being prepared.
Conservation issues and ecosystem functions
are going to be brought to life are paintings by a reputed
wildlife artist, Maya Ramaswamy. Library material and
educational films about nature are also available and
we anticipate the opening of this Centre in 2007.
Interaction meeting Discussion points Participants
Meeting and field visit regarding
rainforest corridor, 10 May 2006,
18 May 2006
Workshop on Restoration and
conservation action in Indira
Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil
Nadu Forest Department, 7
November 2006, Valparai
State-level workshop on Ecological
Restoration of Degraded
Ecosystems organised with Tamil
Nadu Forest Department and
UNDP Post-tsunami Environment
Initiative, 19 Dec 2006, Chennai
Corridor connecting two fragments
and Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary
Workshop and field visit to nursery
and restoration sites (manual in
English and Tamil produced). Followup
: assisting Forest Department with
nursery and selection of sites for joint
implementation of restoration.
15 technical presentations, and panel
discussions (Annexure 6). Minutes of
the Workshop have been prepared and
follow-up initiated with Tamil Nadu
Forest Department.
Managers from 5 plantation
companies, Forest Department
officials, NCF scientist
Conservator of Forests
(Coimbatore), Wildlife Warden
(IGWLS), range officers and
field staff of the Indira Gandhi
Wildlife Sanctuary.
The workshop had over 80
participants including 3 PCCFs,
Conservators, and DFOs of TN
Forest Department, scientists,
students, & conservationists.
26
annual
report