Environmental and Social Monitoring Report
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Environmental and Social Monitoring Report Annual Environmental and Social Monitoring Report Project Number: 54035-001 October 2021 India: Gujarat Solar Power Project Prepared by ERM India Private Limited for Asian Development Bank This environmental and social monitoring report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.
Migratory Season Bird Survey
for a Solar Project in
Radhanesada, Tehsil Vav of
Engie
Banaskantha District
Final Report
08 October 2021
Project No.: 0540905
www.erm.com
The business of sustainability
Document details The details entered below are automatically shown on the cover and the main page footer.
PLEASE NOTE: This table must NOT be removed from this document.
Document title Migratory Season Bird Survey for a Solar Project in Radhanesada, Tehsil Vav of
Banaskantha District
Document subtitle Final Report
Project No. 0540905
Date 08 October 2021
Version 3.0
Author ERM India Private Limited
Client Name Engie
Document history
ERM approval to issue
Version Revision Author Reviewed by Name Date Comments
Draft 1.0 Suhas Fuladi Arun Ajay Pillai 19.07.2021 Approved as draft
Venkataraman report
Draft 2.0 Suhas Fuladi Arun Ajay Pillai 08.09.2021 Comments
Venkataraman addressed
Final 3.0 Suhas Fuladi Arun Ajay Pillai 08.10.2021 Comments
Venkataraman addressed and
finalized the
report
www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021
Signature Page 08 October 2021 Migratory Season Bird Survey for a Solar Project in Radhanesada, Tehsil Vav of Banaskantha District Final Report Name Arun Venkataraman Name Ajay Pillai Job title Technical Director Job Partner Name Suhas Fuladi Job title Consultant ERM India Private Limited 3rd Floor, Building.10B, DLF Cyber City Gurgaon, NCR – 122002 © Copyright 2021 by ERM Worldwide Group Ltd and/or its affiliates (“ERM”). All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any means, without the prior written permission of ERM. www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021
MIGRATORY SEASON BIRD SURVEY FOR A SOLAR PROJECT IN CONTENTS
RADHANESADA, TEHSIL VAV OF BANASKANTHA DISTRICT
Final Report
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Project Site .................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Objectives and Scope of Work....................................................................................................... 1
2. APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................... 2
2.1 Monitoring Sessions ...................................................................................................................... 2
2.2 Study Area ..................................................................................................................................... 2
2.3 Limitations...................................................................................................................................... 3
2.4 Survey Effort .................................................................................................................................. 3
2.4.1 Vantage Point Locations ............................................................................................... 3
2.4.2 Waterbody Survey ........................................................................................................ 4
2.4.3 Drive through ................................................................................................................ 4
2.4.4 Potential Habitat Identification and Mapping ................................................................. 5
3. FINDINGS ..................................................................................................................................... 9
3.1 Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 9
3.2 Congregations of Migratory Avifauna ............................................................................................. 9
3.3 Status of Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus gregarius)......................................................................... 11
Soaring and Large-bodied Species ............................................................................................................ 12
4. CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................ 13
APPENDIX A AVIFAUNAL SPECIES RECORDED IN THE STUDY AREA
APPENDIX B AVIFAUNA RECORDED THROUGH DIFFERENT SURVEY METHOS
List of Tables
Table 2.1 Sampling Efforts ............................................................................................................... 3
Table 2.2 Equipment used during field survey ................................................................................. 3
Table 2.3 Vantage Point Locations .................................................................................................. 3
Table 2.4 Location of waterbodies surveyed ................................................................................... 4
List of Figures
Figure 2.1 Various habitats around the some of the observation points ........................................... 5
Figure 2.2 Study Area and Sampling Locations ................................................................................ 6
Figure 2.3 Observation Points and Grasslands ................................................................................ 7
Figure 2.4 Locations of the waterbodies surveyed ........................................................................... 8
Figure 3.1 Congregations of the birds in the Study area ................................................................ 10
Figure 3.2 Monthly distribution of Sociable Lapwing ....................................................................... 11
Figure 3.3 Tracks of satellite-tagged Sociable Lapwing ................................................................. 12
Figure 4.1 Species observed in the Study Area .............................................................................. 14
www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021
MIGRATORY SEASON BIRD SURVEY FOR A SOLAR PROJECT IN INTRODUCTION
RADHANESADA, TEHSIL VAV OF BANASKANTHA DISTRICT
Final Report
1. INTRODUCTION
ERM India was commissioned to undertake a winter season survey for ENGIE’s 200 MW Solar Power
Site at Radhanesada Solar Park at Teh. Vav of Banaskantha District. ESIA studies and Critical
Habitat Assessment studies undertaken for the project site and transmission line by a third party
consultant suspected critical habitats for presence of Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus gregarius) an IUCN
listed Critically Endangered species at the site. The bird study conducted by the ERM India did not
support this fact however; it was further decided to re-evaluate this scenario by undertaking the
primary data survey in the migratory season of 2020.
1.1 Project Site
The proposed solar project has two components
Solar Plant of area (380 Ha.) of land area; and
220 KV shared Transmission line 35 KM of CTU (PGCIL) and connect to 220/400 KV Switchyard
CTU(PGCIL) in Vav
The proposed Radhanesada Solar project is located in Village Radhanesada, Tehsil Vav of
Banaskantha District Gujarat. The project site is largely part of Vav Sandy plains of Gujarat Alluvial
plains. It lies in the northern Rann of Kutch. The project site can be classified as an ecotone area
between saline mud flats and the fringe of open and dense scrub vegetation in the mainland. The
saline mud flats usually remain dry all through the year except during rainy season (August-October)
when it is inundated and becomes a saline marsh due to the discharges of Luni and Banas River. The
Rann area holds water for some time before it is further drained ultimately to the Greater Rann of
Kutch and the Arabian Sea.
The majority of the habitats within the project site varies from dense scrub to open scrub with open
areas of grasslands and saline mud flats.
The Power evacuation is planned through a shared transmission line (under construction) of 220 kV.
The transmission line is of 35 km length and starts from the Solar Park and ends at the Vav-Suigam
road (NH-68) at 765/400/220 kV Banaskantha Substation (PG) under construction. The transmission
line passes primarily through agricultural landscapes with a few smaller waterbodies along the
transmission line corridor.
1.2 Objectives and Scope of Work
The objectives and scope of work for the study is broadly described as following
Identification of Priority species of birds, such as threatened, restricted-range and migratory
species and those particularly at risk of PV farm development (habitat loss) during the migratory
season (Autumn and Spring);
Characterizing the project area with respect to priority bird occurrences with a focus on the
possible occurrence of Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus gregarius);
Enumeration of the bird species (resident and migratory) using accepted methods such as
Vantage Point Survey and habitat surveys
Characterizing the bird species and their enumeration by undertaking habitat specific surveys;
Quantification of bird species as per Total counts, Habitat specific counts and survey method
specific counts
Characterization of bird species based on flight pattern, flight height and nature of assemblage.
www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021 Page 1
MIGRATORY SEASON BIRD SURVEY FOR A SOLAR PROJECT IN APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY
RADHANESADA, TEHSIL VAV OF BANASKANTHA DISTRICT
Final Report
2. APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY
2.1 Monitoring Sessions
The survey was undertaken on the lines of the previous survey undertaken during the month of
January-February 2020. More emphasis was given to potential habitats of Sociable Lapwing
(Vanellus gregarius) in the Study area. The species feeds mainly on the grassland and arable land.
Two sessions were undertaken as below:
Session I: 3rd November to 9th November 2020
Session II: 15th January to 24th January 2021
2.2 Study Area
The survey effort focused on the following locations
1. Project Site and surrounding vicinity of 500 m;
2. Additionally staging grounds from Sociable Lapwing will be identified within 5 km of the project
site
A grid layer of 3km x 3km was overlaid on the study area with the help of GIS platform. During the site
visit, the grids were visited and checked for accessibility. The surveys were undertaken in eight
accessible grids covering most of the mainland area. The main habitat types identifies in the Study
area were grasslands, waterbodies, mudflats, scrubland and agricultural fields.
The data collection emphasizing on the Sociable Lapwing was undertaken with following
methodologies:
Vantage Point surveys recorded bird activity in the study area during the peak hours of bird activity
I.e. early morning and evening (6:00- 09:30 and 15:30-18:30). The potential locations in the areas
with high bird activity or availability of potential habitat patches for Sociable Lapwing and/or other
migratory species were identified during the study. These points were marked and visited multiple
times during the study. Minimum two continuous hours were spent at each point during the peak
activity hours during each session. The vantage points were visited again for relatively shorter
duration during both the sessions. A total of 4 visits were made to the vantage points during both the
sampling sessions. The area within 0.5 to 1 km radius was scanned during the survey based on the
habitat and visibility. For each bird sighting during the vantage point, waterbody and drive through
surveys, the following information will be recorded:
Species name
Common name
No. of individuals
Age/Sex where possible
Direction and height of flight
Nearest approximate distance from observer
Activity of the sighted bird(s) and
Amount of time the bird was observed.
Water body Survey: The major waterbodies and saltpans within 2 km radius of the Solar Park were
visited multiple times (at least twice) during each monitoring session. Water bodies were visited to
identify migratory or congregatory species using these habitats.
Drive through Surveys: Opportunistic drive through surveys were conducted along the motorable
roads inside the Study area of 2 km radius. These surveys were specifically aimed at observing
raptors and congregatory species flying across the landscape.
www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021 Page 2
MIGRATORY SEASON BIRD SURVEY FOR A SOLAR PROJECT IN APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY
RADHANESADA, TEHSIL VAV OF BANASKANTHA DISTRICT
Final Report
Community Consultations: Consultations were undertaken with the villagers (Radhanesada,
Kundaliya, Chandangadh, Vav) about the presence of Sociable Lapwing and other migratory species
and IUCN red-listed threatened species in Project landscape and along the transmission line corridor.
2.3 Limitations
Only accessible areas within the Study area were sampled. Some areas in Rann were
inaccessible due to mud and waterlogging.
No surveys were undertaken within the Project boundary due to ongoing construction activities.
2.4 Survey Effort
The Survey efforts undertaken during two monitoring sessions (November and January) are indicated
in Error! Reference source not found.. The data was generated through 107 hrs in two sessions.
Table 2.1 Sampling Efforts
Survey Methods Effort/unit Session 1 Session 2 Total Hours
Vantage Point 2 to 2.5 hr/VP 35 Hrs 40 Hrs 75 Hrs
Survey
Drive Through - 6 Hrs 6 Hrs 12 Hrs
Survey
Waterbody Survey 30-60 min/WB 8 Hrs 12 Hrs 20 Hrs
Total 49 Hrs 58 Hrs 107 Hrs
The surveys were undertaken by three ecologists during both the sessions. The following equipment
were used during the field surveys:
Table 2.2 Equipment used during field survey
SN Equipment Number
1 Spotting Scope (60X Magnification) 1
2 Nikon Binocular 12x50 1
3 Nikon Binocular 8x 42 2
4 Nikon D5100 DSLR Camera 1
5 Tamron 150-600 mm Lens 1
6 Nikon P900 Camera 1
7 Canon SX40 Camera 1
8 Garmin GPS 1
2.4.1 Vantage Point Locations
A total of 15 points were identified and monitored during the surveys. The locations of these points
have been provided in Table 2.3.
Table 2.3 Vantage Point Locations
Vantage Point Number Latitude Longitude
P1 24.514234 71.250398
P2 24.518496 71.254660
P3 24.553641 71.286894
www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021 Page 3
MIGRATORY SEASON BIRD SURVEY FOR A SOLAR PROJECT IN APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY
RADHANESADA, TEHSIL VAV OF BANASKANTHA DISTRICT
Final Report
Vantage Point Number Latitude Longitude
P4 24.570186 71.303679
P5 24.600713 71.305234
P6 24.519037 71.289411
P7 24.533483 71.322628
P8 24.534061 71.311008
P9 24.540088 71.342237
P10 24.609876 71.326926
P11 24.551936 71.363140
P12 24.512695 71.388101
P13 24.493195 71.360106
P14 24.621744 71.368953
P15 24.561275 71.297756
2.4.2 Waterbody Survey
All the waterbodies (Total 14 including small and medium) identified during previous surveys were
surveyed in the Study area. No large congregations of birds were observed at smaller
waterbodies/ponds. The shallow waterbodies formed in the Rann area were visited multiple times as
more activity was recorded from such habitats. The locations of the surveyed waterbodies have been
provided in Table 2.4.
Table 2.4 Location of waterbodies surveyed
Name Latitude Longitude
WB1 24.54548 71.28279
WB2 24.53789 71.29221
WB3 24.54183 71.34297
WB4 24.54712 71.34827
WB5 24.55084 71.3575
WB6 24.55237 71.36376
WB7 24.54003 71.37937
WB8 24.53026 71.36652
WB9 24.51239 71.38646
WB10 24.44847 71.38862
WB11 24.45132 71.38353
WB12 24.39426 71.42515
WB13 24.383 71.42787
WB14 24.37809 71.43056
2.4.3 Drive through
All the available motorable and accessible tracks in the Study area were sampled during early
morning and evening hours to record the activity of raptors and other migratory species in the region.
The tracks surveyed during drive-through have been indicated in Figure 2.2. The vehicle was driven
along the available mototable roads at a speed of 20-30 km/hr and the species encountered were
www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021 Page 4
MIGRATORY SEASON BIRD SURVEY FOR A SOLAR PROJECT IN APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY
RADHANESADA, TEHSIL VAV OF BANASKANTHA DISTRICT
Final Report
recorded. The tracks were also sampled white approaching and returning from the vantage points and
waterbodies. More than 55 km of the tracks were surveyed once during each sampling session.
2.4.4 Potential Habitat Identification and Mapping
The potential habitats for the Sociable Lapwing within the study area were identified during the first
session and monitored. The points considered during this exercise are provided below:
A grid layer (3X3 km grid size) was overlaid considering 5 km radius of the Project site as study
area;
Out of 19 grids, 11 grids covering muddy saline terrain of the Rann were inaccessible;
Potential habitats of Sociable Lapwing such as dry grasslands with short grasses, sandy plains,
etc. were identified and marked with the help of satellite imagery;
Vantage point, drive through and waterbody surveys were undertaken in 8 accessible grids and
surrounding areas;
Potential habitats of Social Lapwing identified from imagery were visited; observation points were
marked and visited at least twice per during each monitoring session;
Figure 2.1 Various habitats around the some of the observation points
View from P14 View from P6
View from P1 View from P3
www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021 Page 5MIGRATORY SEASON BIRD SURVEY FOR A SOLAR PROJECT IN APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY
RADHANESADA, TEHSIL VAV OF BANASKANTHA DISTRICT
Final Report
Figure 2.2 Study Area and Sampling Locations
www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021 Page 6MIGRATORY SEASON BIRD SURVEY FOR A SOLAR PROJECT IN APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY
RADHANESADA, TEHSIL VAV OF BANASKANTHA DISTRICT
Final Report
Figure 2.3 Observation Points and Grasslands
www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021 Page 7MIGRATORY SEASON BIRD SURVEY FOR A SOLAR PROJECT IN APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY
RADHANESADA, TEHSIL VAV OF BANASKANTHA DISTRICT
Final Report
Figure 2.4 Locations of the waterbodies surveyed
www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021 Page 8MIGRATORY SEASON BIRD SURVEY FOR A SOLAR PROJECT IN FINDINGS
RADHANESADA, TEHSIL VAV OF BANASKANTHA DISTRICT
Final Report
3. FINDINGS
3.1 Summary
The primary surveys were undertaken through two monitoring sessions in the months of November
2020 and January 2021. The key observations of the study have been presented below:
No Sociable Lapwing was detected during both the sessions of the survey; also the consultations
with the locals did not confirm the presence of the species in this landscape;
A few relatively larger patches of dry grasslands with short grasses, which are preferred habitat of
species, were observed in the northern parts (indicated as P5 in Figure 2.3) along the edge of
Rann outside 5 km radius of the Project boundary;
A total of 70 avifaunal species were recorded, of which 35 were migratory and 35 were resident;
Common Cranes, which are congregatory birds, were observed in good numbers (approx.150),
specifically in the northern areas;
Mixed flocks of migratory ducks (Approx. 500+) were observed at the water bodies in and around
the Study area;
More than 12 raptor species were recorded (7 migratory and 5 resident);
Endangered (IUCN v. 2021-1) Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) and Egyptian Vulture (Neophron
percnopterus) were recorded during the surveys; Egyptian Vulture was observed outside the
Study area.
Four Vulnerable (IUCN VU v 2021-1) species viz. Asian Woollyneck (Ciconia episcopus),
Common Pochard (Aythya ferina), Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliacal), Tawny Eagle (Aquila
rapaxand) and five Near Threatened (IUCN NT v 2021-1) species viz. Black-tailed Godwit
(Limosa limosa), Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata), Laggar Falcon (Falco jugger), Pallid
Harrier (Circus macrourus) and River Tern (Sterna aurantia) were observed during the survey;
12 species protected under Schedule I of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act viz. Black-winged Kite
(Elanus caeruleus), Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus), Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila
heliacal), Laggar Falcon (Falco jugger), Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus), Marsh Harrier
(Circus aeruginosus), Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus), Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus)
Shikra (Accipiter badius), Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis), Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax) and
White-eyed Buzzard (Butastur teesa) were recorded in the Study area;
No surveys were undertaken inside the Project boundary due to construction activities; however,
considering the disturbance inside, the species is unlikely to be present within the Project site.
3.2 Congregations of Migratory Avifauna
Large congregations (500+ birds) of migratory ducks and waders were observed at the waterbodies
and in Rann area. The mixed flocks of ducks were comprised of Common Pochard (Aythya ferina),
Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata), Common Teal (Anas crecca), Gadwall (Mareca strepera), etc.
while majority of the waders were Ruff (Calidris pugnax), Common Redshank (Tringa totanus) and
Black-winged Stilts (Himantopus himantopus). Waders were mostly restricted to the northern part of
the Study area with shallow waterbodies in the Rann. A few congregations/flocks of Common Cranes
(Grus grus) (about 100-150 birds in total) were also observed in the Rann and around shallow
waterbodies during both the sessions. The approximate numbers of these species were recorded
during both the monitoring sessions, however, none of the species crosses the threshold of ≥1% of
the global population of any migratory or congretory species.
www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021 Page 9MIGRATORY SEASON BIRD SURVEY FOR A SOLAR PROJECT IN FINDINGS
RADHANESADA, TEHSIL VAV OF BANASKANTHA DISTRICT
Final Report
Figure 3.1 Congregations of the birds in the Study area
Congregations/flocks of Migratory Ducks
Congregations/flocks of Waders (Ruffs, Redshanks, etc.)
www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021 Page 10MIGRATORY SEASON BIRD SURVEY FOR A SOLAR PROJECT IN FINDINGS
RADHANESADA, TEHSIL VAV OF BANASKANTHA DISTRICT
Final Report
3.3 Status of Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus gregarius)
The Draft CHA report (AECOM Jan 2020, section 5, sub-section 5.1) of Radhanesda Solar Power
Park, Gujarat, India mentioned Sociable Lapwing as potential CH trigger species within the study
area. The Critically Endangered (IUCN CR v 2021-1) Sociable lapwing (Vanellus gregarius) is a
migratory species that winters in north-western India along with many other countries in middle and
southern Asia. The wintering range of the species in India lies mainly in the north and west of the
country, in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan and Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya
Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, some parts of Karnataka and Kerala1. It is known to breed in
Kazakhstan and central parts of southern Russia. The species prefers habitats such as steppes,
savannah, dry plains, sandy wastes, harvested millet fields and short grass areas adjacent to
waterbodies2.
The review of ebird.org data and consultations with the birding guides confirmed that the species
winters in Nal Sarovar area in Gujarat, which is located at more than 195 km south of the Project site.
A flock of around 50 individuals was observed at Nal Sarovar during 2019-20 winter. The
consultations revealed that the Sociable Lapwings last sighted on 2nd March 2020 at Nal Sarovar
were not recorded thereafter in the region. A single individual of the species has also been recorded
from Thar landscape (Desert National Park and Khetolai) in Rajasthan, located at more than 158 km
north of the Project area, in October 20203. The bird was spotted after 22 years in this landscape.
Based on this information, it is evident that the species starts arriving in India in the month of October
and stays until March5 (Refer Figure 3.2).
Figure 3.2 Monthly distribution of Sociable Lapwing
Source: Donald et.al. (2021)4
1
Lakhmapurkar, Jayendra & Gavali, Deepa & Deshkar, Sonal & Rathod, Jagruti. (2014). Sociable Lapwing. International
Journal of Research in Zoology. 29-31.
2
http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sociable-lapwing-vanellus-gregarius/text
3
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/jaisalmer-welcomes-rare-feathered-guests/articleshow/78880447.cms
4
Donald, Paul & Kamp, Johannes & Green, Rhys & Urazaliyev, Ruslan & Koshkin, Maxim & Sheldon, Rob. (2021). Migration
strategy, site fidelity and population size of the globally threatened Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius. Journal of
Ornithology. 162. 10.1007/s10336-020-01844-y.
www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021 Page 11MIGRATORY SEASON BIRD SURVEY FOR A SOLAR PROJECT IN FINDINGS
RADHANESADA, TEHSIL VAV OF BANASKANTHA DISTRICT
Final Report
A recent (2021) satellite telemetry study of the species confirmed the species movement from the
State of Rajasthan and northern Gujarat. However, it does not discuss the exact locations of the
staging sites (Refer Figure 3.3).
The Study area does have fallow fields in some parts and grasslands in some areas of the Raan. All
such accessible habitats were visited and monitored during both the survey sessions. Relatively tall
grasses were observed on a few of the islands/patches in the Rann. Such habitats are not preferred
by the species. Some patches of short grasses outside the 5 km radius of the Project site were
regularly monitored, however, no bird was recorded. The number of fallow fields present within the
Study area was relatively less. Many of such agricultural fields were also sampled with no sighting
records of the species. Also, considering the high anthropogenic activities in the landscape, the
species is very unlikely to be present in the vicinity of the Project site and present inside the Project
site.
Figure 3.3 Tracks of satellite-tagged Sociable Lapwing
Source: Donald et.al. (2021)5
Soaring and Large-bodied Species
Some of the species with peculiar flight pattern such as soaring, high flyers and/or with relatively
larger size are more prone to collision with the transmission line components or electrocution. A total
of 27 species were identified to have this characterization. The raptors with larger wingspan such as
Steppe Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Buzzards, Harriers, Falcons, etc. were recorded during
the study. In addition, relatively large-bodied species included migratory ducks, Egrets, Storks and
Common Cranes. Such species have been indicated in Appendix A.
5
Donald, Paul & Kamp, Johannes & Green, Rhys & Urazaliyev, Ruslan & Koshkin, Maxim & Sheldon, Rob. (2021). Migration
strategy, site fidelity and population size of the globally threatened Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius. Journal of
Ornithology. 162. 10.1007/s10336-020-01844-y.
www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021 Page 12MIGRATORY SEASON BIRD SURVEY FOR A SOLAR PROJECT IN CONCLUSION RADHANESADA, TEHSIL VAV OF BANASKANTHA DISTRICT Final Report 4. CONCLUSION The migratory season surveys undertaken in November 2020 and January 2021 recorded at least 70 species of migratory as well as resident avifaunal species. Two Endangered species viz. Steppe Eagle and Egyptian Vulture were recorded from this landscape. Congregations of ducks and waders were recorded at the waterbodies and Rann areas. A few potential habitat patches for Critically Endangered Sociable Lapwing were identified in and around 5 km radius of the Project site. These habitats were surveyed multiple times during both the monitoring sessions. However, the presence of the species was not confirmed in the Study area. In addition, there are no previous sighting records/evidences of the species present within the Study area. The species is less likely to be found within 5 km radius of the Project site and this can be attributed to no sighting records during both the monitoring sessions, availability of less number of fallow fields and short grass patches in the Study area and high anthropogenic pressure. www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021 Page 13
MIGRATORY SEASON BIRD SURVEY FOR A SOLAR PROJECT IN CONCLUSION
RADHANESADA, TEHSIL VAV OF BANASKANTHA DISTRICT
Final Report
Figure 4.1 Species observed in the Study Area
Steppe Eagle Imperial Eagle Tawny Eagle Long-legged Buzzard
Marsh Harrier Montagu’s Harrier Common Kestrel Black Stork
Booted Eagle Common Pochard Gadwall Asian Woollyneck
www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021 Page 14MIGRATORY SEASON BIRD SURVEY FOR A SOLAR PROJECT IN CONCLUSION
RADHANESADA, TEHSIL VAV OF BANASKANTHA DISTRICT
Final Report
Ruff Common Redshank Migratory Ducks Common Cranes
Desert Wheatear Variable Wheatear Bimaculated Lark Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse
Barn Swallow Rosy Starling Black-winged Stilt Indian Roller
www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021 Page 15APPENDIX A AVIFAUNAL SPECIES RECORDED IN THE STUDY AREA www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021
Table A1 Avifaunal species recorded from the Study area
S Common Name Scientific Name Resident/ IUCN IWPA, Approx. Number Habitat observed in
N Migratory/ Status 1972 of Individuals
Congregatory Schedule
Nov Jan Grassland Scrublan Waterbody
Sessio Sessio d / Mudflats
n n
1 Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis R LC IV 7 4 3 8 0
2 Asian Woollyneck Ciconia episcopus R VU IV 2 0 0 0 2
3 Bank Myna Acridotheres ginginianus R LC IV 14 5 5 4 10
4 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica M LC IV 50 33 14 1 68
5 Bimaculated Lark Melanocorypha M LC IV 8 4 12 0 0
bimaculata
6 Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus R LC IV 16 11 7 16 4
7 Black Stork Ciconia nigra M LC IV 1 0 0 0 1
8 Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa M, C NT IV 46 35 0 0 81
9 Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus R LC I 8 4 7 5 0
10 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus R LC IV 56 50 0 0 106
11 Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus M LC IV 8 0 1 6 1
12 Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus M LC I 3 1 3 1 0
13 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis R LC IV 23 12 27 4 4
14 Chestnut-bellied Pterocles exustus R LC IV 55 32 13 0 74
Sandgrouse
15 Common Babbler Argya caudata R LC IV 12 8 1 17 2
16 Common Crane Grus grus M, C LC IV 100 150 235 0 15
17 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus M LC IV 3 2 3 2 0
18 Common Pochard Aythya ferina M, C VU IV 150 120 0 0 270
www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021S Common Name Scientific Name Resident/ IUCN IWPA, Approx. Number Habitat observed in
N Migratory/ Status 1972 of Individuals
Congregatory Schedule
Nov Jan Grassland Scrublan Waterbody
Sessio Sessio d / Mudflats
n n
19 Common Redshank Tringa totanus M, C LC IV 120 80 0 0 200
20 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos M LC IV 34 24 0 0 58
21 Common Teal Anas crecca M, C LC IV 50 40 0 0 90
22 Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti M LC IV 13 10 21 2 0
23 Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca M VU I 1 1 0 0 2
24 Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus R EN IV 0 1 0 1 0
25 Eurasian collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto R LC IV 48 43 9 82 0
26 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra R LC IV 68 50 0 0 118
27 Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata M NT IV 0 1 0 0 1
28 Gadwall Mareca strepera M, C LC IV 50 30 0 0 80
29 Great Egret Ardea alba R LC IV 1 2 0 0 3
30 Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus M, C LC IV 50 65 0 0 115
31 Greater short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla M, C LC IV 120 100 208 12 0
32 Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis R LC IV 32 24 13 40 3
33 Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus R LC IV 12 16 15 13 0
34 House Crow Corvus splendens R LC IV 4 2 0 6 0
35 House Sparrow Passer domesticus R LC IV 13 22 4 31 0
36 Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii R LC IV 2 3 0 0 5
37 Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis R LC IV 4 2 4 1 1
www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021S Common Name Scientific Name Resident/ IUCN IWPA, Approx. Number Habitat observed in
N Migratory/ Status 1972 of Individuals
Congregatory Schedule
Nov Jan Grassland Scrublan Waterbody
Sessio Sessio d / Mudflats
n n
38 Indian Silverbill Euodice malabarica R LC IV 14 30 22 15 7
39 Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina M LC IV 1 2 3 0 0
40 Laggar Falcon Falco jugger R NT I 2 2 4 0 0
41 Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis R LC IV 8 12 2 18 0
42 Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca M LC IV 2 0 0 2 0
43 Little Egret Egretta garzetta R LC IV 3 1 0 0 4
44 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis R LC IV 16 12 0 0 28
45 Little-ringed Plover Charadrius dubius R LC IV 8 4 0 0 12
46 Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus M LC I 1 2 3 0 0
47 Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus M LC I 1 0 0 0 1
48 Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis M LC IV 2 1 0 0 3
49 Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus M LC I 1 2 1 0 2
50 Northern Pintail Anas acuta M, C LC IV 5 14 0 0 19
51 Northern Shoveler Spatula clypeata M, C LC IV 70 48 0 0 118
52 Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus M NT I 1 1 2 0 0
53 Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus R LC IV 5 8 5 8 0
54 Red collared Dove Streptopelia R LC IV 1 0 0 1 0
tranquebarica
55 Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina M LC IV 2 0 0 0 2
56 Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer R LC IV 8 13 1 19 1
www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021S Common Name Scientific Name Resident/ IUCN IWPA, Approx. Number Habitat observed in
N Migratory/ Status 1972 of Individuals
Congregatory Schedule
Nov Jan Grassland Scrublan Waterbody
Sessio Sessio d / Mudflats
n n
57 Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus R LC IV 16 23 17 13 9
58 River Tern Sterna aurantia R NT IV 4 1 0 0 5
59 Rock Pigeon Columba livia R LC IV 27 43 4 65 1
60 Rosy Starling Pastor roseus M, C LC IV 40 65 66 24 15
61 Ruff Calidris pugnax M, C LC IV 80 95 0 0 175
62 Shikra Accipiter badius R LC I 1 0 0 1 0
63 Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis M EN I 3 2 3 0 2
64 Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax R VU I 2 1 2 0 1
65 Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris M LC IV 1 0 1 0 0
66 Variable Wheatear Oenanthe picata M LC IV 8 13 12 7 2
67 White-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus leucotis R LC IV 20 32 6 44 2
68 White-eyed Buzzard Butastur teesa R LC I 1 0 1 0 0
69 Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola M LC IV 2 1 0 0 3
70 Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava M LC IV 1 0 0 0 1
Note: The species with soaring flight patterns, high flyers and/or relatively large body sizes are highlighted in Orange.
R: Resident, M: Migratory, C: Congregatory, LC: Least Concern, NT: Near Threatened, VU: Vulnerable, EN: Endangered
www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021APPENDIX B AVIFAUNA RECORDED THROUGH DIFFERENT SURVEY
METHOS
www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021SN Common Name Scientific Name Number of individuals observed through different survey
methods
Vantage Point Waterbody Drive through
1 Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis 5 6 0
2 Asian Woollyneck Ciconia episcopus 0 2 0
3 Bank Myna Acridotheres ginginianus 7 10 2
4 Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 11 68 4
5 Bimaculated Lark Melanocorypha bimaculata 8 0 4
6 Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus 15 4 8
7 Black Stork Ciconia nigra 0 1 0
8 Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa 0 71 10
9 Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus 3 0 8
10 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus 9 91 6
11 Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus 5 1 2
12 Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus 2 0 2
13 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis 12 2 21
14 Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles exustus 9 74 4
15 Common Babbler Argya caudata 14 2 4
16 Common Crane Grus grus 55 15 180
17 Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus 1 0 4
18 Common Pochard Aythya ferina 0 256 14
19 Common Redshank Tringa totanus 45 144 11
www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021SN Common Name Scientific Name Number of individuals observed through different survey
methods
Vantage Point Waterbody Drive through
20 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos 6 50 2
21 Common Teal Anas crecca 0 90 0
22 Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti 12 0 11
23 Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca 0 2 0
24 Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus 0 0 1
25 Eurasian collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto 20 4 67
26 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra 0 118 0
27 Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata 0 1 0
28 Gadwall Mareca strepera 0 80 0
29 Great Egret Ardea alba 0 3 0
30 Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus 3 103 9
31 Greater short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla 185 0 35
32 Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis 21 3 32
33 Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus 11 0 17
34 House Crow Corvus splendens 0 0 6
35 House Sparrow Passer domesticus 8 0 27
36 Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii 0 3 2
37 Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis 0 1 5
38 Indian Silverbill Euodice malabarica 19 7 18
www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021SN Common Name Scientific Name Number of individuals observed through different survey
methods
Vantage Point Waterbody Drive through
39 Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina 3 0 0
40 Laggar Falcon Falco jugger 2 0 2
41 Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis 6 0 14
42 Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca 2 0 0
43 Little Egret Egretta garzetta 0 3 1
44 Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis 0 28 0
45 Little-ringed Plover Charadrius dubius 0 8 4
46 Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus 2 0 1
47 Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus 1 0 0
48 Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis 0 3 0
49 Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus 1 0 1
50 Northern Pintail Anas acuta 0 19 0
51 Northern Shoveler Spatula clypeata 0 118 0
52 Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus 2 0 0
53 Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus 4 0 9
54 Red collared Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica 0 0 1
55 Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina 0 2 0
56 Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer 6 1 14
57 Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus 8 5 26
www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021SN Common Name Scientific Name Number of individuals observed through different survey
methods
Vantage Point Waterbody Drive through
58 River Tern Sterna aurantia 0 5 0
59 Rock Pigeon Columba livia 11 1 58
60 Rosy Starling Pastor roseus 19 15 71
61 Ruff Calidris pugnax 0 166 9
62 Shikra Accipiter badius 0 0 1
63 Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis 0 2 1
64 Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax 2 1 0
65 Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris 1 0 0
66 Variable Wheatear Oenanthe picata 13 2 6
67 White-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus leucotis 12 2 38
68 White-eyed Buzzard Butastur teesa 1 0 0
69 Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola 0 3 0
70 Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava 0 1 0
Total 582 1597 773
www.erm.com Version: 3.0 Project No.: 0540905 Client: Engie 08 October 2021ERM has over 160 offices across the following
countries and territories worldwide
Argentina The Netherlands
ERM India Private Limited
Australia New Zealand
Belgium Norway 3rd Floor, Building.10B,
Brazil Panama
DLF Cyber City
Canada Peru
Chile Poland Gurgaon, NCR – 122002
China Portugal
Colombia Puerto Rico www.erm.com
France Romania
Germany Russia
Ghana Senegal
Guyana Singapore
Hong Kong South Africa
India South Korea
Indonesia Spain
Ireland Sweden
Italy Switzerland
Japan Taiwan
Kazakhstan Tanzania
Kenya Thailand
Malaysia UAE
Mexico UK
Mozambique US
Myanmar Vietnam
The business of sustainabilityYou can also read
