CEPF-ATREE Western Ghats Small Grants - List of projects granted

Status of the application as of 25/5/2013

SlNo. Proposal Title Applicant Start Date Status Location (KML)
1)

Regeneration of traditionally used indigenous species to reduce pressure on the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

Create a nursery of these traditionally used species such as various medicinal plants, tubers and firewood, and proving saplings to the numerous tribal families and settlements along edge of critical tiger habitat (CTH) of Gudalur Division near Mudumalai. If propagated on their own land, this will retain the tribal communities traditional resource base while reducing pressure on the CTH.
ACCORD 1-Oct-2009 On-going
2)

Revitalizing the Indigenous Farming System to Enhance the Ecological and Livelihood Security in Anamalai Corridor of Western Ghats, southern India

Revitalize capacity of tribal farmers for traditional farming, maintaining on-farm crop diversity, and practice sustainable NTFP harvest and their linkages with biodiversity, thereby improving quality of critical habitats for biodiversity conservation in the Palni Hills (Anamalai). Project aims to concentrate on rare plants, threatened species such as grizzled giant squirrel, and Paliyan tribes
ACT India Foundation 1-Sep-2009 On-going
3)

Ecological and Anthropogenic Correlates of Large Carnivore Occupancy in the Sahyadri-Konkan Corridor

Quantifies the ecological and anthropogenic correlates of occupancy for tigers, leopards, dholes and sloth bears in the Sahyadri-Konkan corridor, to generate a scientifically rigorous estimate of species distribution. It will identify habitat variables underlying occupancy, identify critical sites for interventions and disseminate the results of the research to various stakeholders, and support efforts to conserve endangered species through management plans
Advait Edgaonkar 1-Aug-2009 On-going
4)

Community Based Conservation and Monitoring of Great Hornbills (Buceros bicornis) and Malabar Pied Hornbills (Anthracoceros coronatus) and their Habitats of the Anamalai Part of Southern Western Ghats, India through Empowering The Endemic ‘Kadar’ Tribe

Developing a long-term conservation strategy for the hornbills and their habitat in the landscape unit with the support of the Kadar tribe, by assessing availability of hornbill nesting trees, nest characteristics, habitat details and threat factors. Project also envisages strengthening of ongoing participatory conservation activity in the Vazhachal forest division with the support of forest department, Kadar tribe and their community groups
Amitha Bachan 1-Sep-2009 Completed
5)

Investigating congruence between biodiversity and ecosystem services across production landscapes in the Mysore-Nilgiri landscape corridor in the Western Ghats

Assess patterns of and congruence between biodiversity (birds) and ecosystem services (carbon storage) across a heterogeneous human-dominated landscape outside protected areas, in Kodagu. Besides documenting impacts on ecosystem services by land-use intensification for increased economic returns, this study will provide a quantitative understanding of biodiversity and economic aspects for planning private reserve models on private lands as well as state-supported models on public lands
Anand, M.O. 1-Oct-2009 Completed
6)

Evaluation of aquatic insect diversity in natural water-filled tree holes and their artificial analogues, in a tropical forest of Western Ghats

Perform a much needed scientific evaluation on the dynamics of the canopy-aquatic insects and other fauna of natural tree holes (phytotelmata) and their artificial analogues. Project explores how insects in tree holes are active colonizers trapped in a risky mostly ephemeral habitat and along with other fauna play a significant role in the ecosystem functioning in the forest canopy.
Anoop Das, K.S 1-Sep-2009 On-going
7)

Identifying critical areas for a landscape level wildlife corridor in Uttara Kannada District (northern part of Malnad-Kodagu corridor to Sahyadri - Konkan corridor) of Central Western Ghats

Assess conservation priority areas in the northern part of Malnad-Kodagu corridor in Western Ghats. Project will compile the researches done in the landscape over the years and collect baseline ecological and diversity status data for Aghanashini and Bedthi river valley in detail. Based on this, proposals would be developed to identify the priority regions in the corridor under better protection strategies with different legal options
B.L.Hegde 1-Sep-2009 On-going
8)

Identifying Potential Areas as "Conservation Reserves" in Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve

Intend to Develop criteria for the establishment of conservation reserves in the reserved forests of the Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, and to delineate and map the potential conservation reserves. The project will promote and strengthen the partnerships and mechanisms in the management of biological corridors for globally threatened species, within and outside Protected Area networks in the Biosphere Reserve, that are exposed to severe anthropogenic pressures.
CED 1-Sep-2009 Completed
9)

Conserving native trees in the coffee agroforestry landscape of Kodagu

Identify strategies that would enable farmers to conserve native trees within privately owned coffee estates in Kodagu that harbor a high diversity of tree species, even though economic and legal constraints are driving farmers to reduce native tree cover. Other project outcomes include production of scientific articles and development of linkages between stakeholders
Cheryl D. Nath 1-Oct-2009 Completed
10)

Ecology and conservation of small carnivores in the Western Ghats

Undertake ecological studies of small carnivores in Karnataka state, use this information to formulate scientifically based management recommendations for these species and disseminate the results among protected area managers, conservationists and other stakeholders
Devcharan Jathanna 1-Jan-2010 On-going
11)

Conservation of bio-diversity hotspot through capacity building of forest dependent communities through the promotion of organic farming in Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary of North Kanara district, Karnataka, India

Identify major native species threatened by intensive chemical agriculture on selected farms in and around Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary and assess the positive effect of organic farming on endemic biodiversity. Project also aims to document indigenous agricultural knowledge in reducing the effect of chemicals on flora and fauna, while promoting organic farming with active participation of stakeholders, and minimize the use of in-organic inputs to crops
Ganapati Bhat 1-Dec-2009 Completed
12)

Study on Distribution, Status and Dynamics of Private and Community Forests in Sahyadri-Kokan Corridor in Southern Maharashtra

Form partnerships for protection of private and group private forests in the Sahyadri-Konkan. Project aims to help maintaining tree cover on group private forests, thereby enhancing biodiversity in priority sites and will help in achieving consolidation of corridors. Project will also analyze policy issues and make recommendations that will help to protect tree cover on private forests.
Jayant Kulkarni 1-Sep-2009 On-going
13)

Promotion of Organic farming through Introduction of Analog Forestry concept in Kollegal FD

Explores the possibilities of initiating Analog Forestry, a system of forest management that combines the values of local forest biodiversity with organic crop cultivation, in Kollegal FD that is home to rich diversity and diversified communities. Project will also provide an overview of the causes of the biodiversity loss, current situation in the project area - human-wildlife conflict, and threats from chemical farming
Krishna Prasad, G 1-Oct-2009 On-going
14)

Development of conservation strategy for a newly discovered lion-tailed macaque Macaca silenus population in Sirsi-Honnavara, Western Ghats: II. Feeding ecology, status of food trees and habitat

Study the impact of NTFP collection on feeding ecology of a newly discovered Sirsi-Honnavara population of the endangered lion-tailed macaque, an endemic primate, restricted in its distribution to certain pockets of rainforests in the Western Ghats. The study would help formulate a conservation action plan for this newly discovered, possibly the largest population that is confined to unprotected reserve forests with extensive anthropogenic pressure
Kumara H.N 1-Aug-2009 Completed
15)

Bat communities in the Western Ghats: status, ecology and conservation

Quantify and characterize spatial variation in bat communities, and develop echo-location call libraries for bats in priority conservation areas in the Western Ghats. The work will contribute to an enhanced recognition of the biological value of this unstudied taxonomic group, and evaluate the efficacy of the current protected area network for bat conservation in the region
Mahesh Sankaran 1-Dec-2009 Completed
16)

Tarantula (Araneae: Theraphosidae) spider diversity, distribution and habitat-use: A study on Protected Area adequacy and conservation planning at a landscape level in the Western Ghats of Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka

Aims to understand diversity, distribution and habitat use of theraphosid species of tarantula spiders in various land use categories in the Uttara Kannada district. It will help in population assessments of Indian Theraphosid spiders of the region, create awareness amongst locals about the importance of conservation of tarantulas, and help in improving conservation efforts of these poorly known but globally threatened taxa
Manju Siliwal 1-Sep-2009 Completed
17)

Opportunities for establishing informal conservation arrangements in the Periyar-Agasthyamalai Corridor of the southern Western Ghats

Identifies potential mechanisms and sites for informal biodiversity conservation in Ranni Forest Division (Periyar-Agasthyamalai ). Using an integrated approach involving ecological, socio-cultural and policy level filters, project will develop a set of mechanisms that identify sites of ecological importance and long-term socio-ecological persistence. A review of policies governing land-use and a template for awareness generation in the area will also be carried out.
Meera Anna Oommen 1-Aug-2009 Completed
18)

Cinnamon Plant Resources of the Central Western Ghats: Quantification, Impact Assessment, Livelihood issues and Conservation through Participatory Approach

Envisages assessment of the impact of harvesting Cinnamomum malabatrum, livelihood issues, evaluating the prospects for green-labeling, promoting sustainable harvest and multiplication of species in agro forestry systems through participatory approaches is envisaged. Project outcomes include cinnamon regeneration status, level of disturbance and impact on regeneration, sustainable harvesting methods, importance of resources to the family income, prospects for green-labeling, community nurseries and planting of species
Narsimha Hegde 1-Sep-2009 Completed
19)

Grassland and Shola Research and Restoration of the Palni Hills

Evaluate the status and restore three high altitude patches of forest land in Palni Hills, presently occupied by invasive monocultures of eucalyptus and wattle, with an objective to create habitat for native biodiversity, especially Nilgiri tahr, while exposing the hill communities to biodiversity conservation and restoration that can provide vital resources, and income. Project also aims to research and identify suitable pioneer native species that can replace invasive wattle
PHCC 1-Sep-2009 On-going
20)

Pilot Study for Mitigation of Human Elephant Conflict in Southern Maharashtra, India

Address the issue of conservation of endangered Asian elephant in fragmented landscape of northern Karnataka and southern Maharashtra by involving local community in conflict mitigation along with the Forest Department. This study aims to identify and implement activities that will motivate local communities, create social awareness and strengthen the efforts of Forest Department towards elephant conservation.
Prachi Mehta 1-Oct-2009 Completed
21)

Status of freshwater fishes in the Kerala region of the Western Ghats Hotspot: determining distribution, populations and threats to newly described and poorly known species

Assess the status of ‘data deficient’ freshwater fishes from ten major rivers of Kerala, since freshwater fishes remain one of the most poorly studied and documented taxa in the Western Ghats. Project will generate baseline information, which will help in systematic conservation planning and action as well as monitoring and assessing the conservation status of globally threatened species of fishes in the Western Ghats.
Rajeev Raghavan 1-Sep-2009 Completed
22)

Identifying historic and present connectedness in the unique montane “sky-island” ecosystem in the Western Ghats.

Examine connectedness and the effects of anthropogenic isolation as well as historical geographic isolation on populations of an endemic, threatened bird, the White-bellied Shortwing, using microsatellite and mtDNA markers from different sky-islands including 22 CEPF priority sites. Sky-island refer to Shola forests fragments on mountain-tops isolated by anthropogenic forces
R Vijayan 1-Aug-2009 On-going
23)

An investigation into the taxonomy of the Malabar Civet (Viverra civettina)

This study examines the taxonomic status and validity of the Malabar Civet (Viverra civettina), a Critically Endangered species that is endemic to the Western Ghats. It has never been sighted in the wild, and all accounts are from museum skins. The current study will determine whether the Malabar Civet is a valid species; and will impact conservation and management decisions.
R Nandini 1-Feb-2010 On-going  
24)

Spatial decision support for conservation planning in the Western Ghats

Builds a spatial data set to support decisions on conservation of ecologically sensitive areas and ecosystem services by the Western Ghats Panel. Available information from CEPF partners and publicly available data sets will be compiled, analyzed and shared under an appropriate Creative Commons license. Research priorities of the collaborating institutions will guide the data collection efforts to facilitate publications in peer reviewed journals.
Foundation for Ecological Research, Advocacy and Learning(FERAL) 1-Sep-2010 Completed  
25)

Assessing biodiversity value of production landscape and non protected forests on sky islands by establishing occurrence of cryptic, threatened birds

Shola habitat on any large sky island is fragmented and disconnected by the formation of commercial plantations almost a century ago. This production landscape now hosts remnant forest patches that are reported to harbour many threatened, endemic birds. We propose to investigate how species use such patches and provide species lists to privateland-holders to increase awareness and value of their landscape.
National Institute for Advance Studies (NIAS) 1-Feb-2011 On-going
26)

Identification of critical crossing points of animals along the road in and around Anamalai Tiger Reserve and to suggest relevant mitigation measures to minimize road mortality

Increasing tourism in the Anamalai hills have resulted in the death of endangered fauna such as Lion-tailed macaque, leopard cat, slender loris, and several other birds, endemic reptiles and amphibians by the fast plying vehicles. This study is designed to identify mitigation measures and implement them to reduce the road mortality of these species, besides contributing to the knowledge on the effects of traffic and road construction on forest animal movements.
Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) 1-Apr-2011 On-going
27)

Hill Wetlands in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve – A People’s Conservation Initiative.

Aims to preserve special habitats of Hill Wetlands (Tarnadmund, Bison Swamp, Nedugula) of Nilgiris, highlight their special status, bring to the forefront lesser known wetland species and their importance in conservation programs. This will be achieved by implementing sustainable management plans with stakeholder communities for the protection and monitoring of these landscapes which today are fragmented and disregarded.
Keystone Foundation 1-Apr-2011 On-going
28)

Motivating the local communities through Documentary Movie Campaign to evolve long-term conservation strategies in the community and private reserves and achieve conservation outcomes at unprotected sites in Malnad-Kodagu Corridor.

Identify and evaluate the community induced threats to biodiversity sites in Malnad-Kodagu Corridor. Suggest locally adaptable threat mitigation mechanisms in the film and promote protection of biodiversity sites from major landscape level threats like proposed mega and mini Hydroelectric Projects through film screenings among local communities and different stakeholders.
SAMVADA 1-May-2011 On-going  
29)

Assessing the distribution and status of large mammals in Highwavy environs of southern Western Ghats

Study intends to identify eco-sensitive and potential corridors and contiguity within and with adjacent landscapes. This study aims to develop plausible science-based management mechanism with the support of data on large mammal movement pattern, species-habitat interactions and threats in Highwavy environs. Results and findings will be disseminated to various local stake holders and Forest Department by conducting series of workshops
Wildlife Information Liaison Development (WILD) Society 1-April-2011 On-going
30)

Gap analysis of the Periyar-Agasthyamalai landscape for arboreal mammal conservation

Aims to identify forests outside the Protected Area network in Periyar - Agasthyamalai landscape that are crucial for conservation of threatened arboreal mammals and to assess the existing Protected Areas for adequate representation of these species, while also determining current distribution of arboreal mammals in this landscape. Information generated will be used to envisage site specific conservation and management plans for these threatened species.
Foundation for Ecological Research, Advocacy and Learning(FERAL) 1-Aug-2011 On-going  
31)

Restoration of Lantana camara-invaded deciduous forests in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

Madras Crocodile Bank Trust 1-Dec-2011 On-going  
32)

Community Based Conservation and Monitoring of Great Hornbills (Buceros bicornis) and Malabar Pied Hornbills (Anthracoceros coronatus) and their habitats of the Southern Western Ghats, India through empowering local ethnic community.

MES Asmabi College 1-Nov-2011 On-going  
33)

Building capacities for conservation planning using open source tools and data

Addresses the gap between availability of spatial data and its use by conservationists. Basic level training will be provided in a user friendly and open source Geographical Information System (GIS) package, covering vector and raster GIS applications. Participants selected from across the Western Ghats will subsequently use the training for conservation planning, research and as a stepping stone to advanced spatial analysis.
Foundation for Ecological Research, Advocacy and Learning (FERAL) 1-Oct-2011 Completed  
34)

Produce local-language materials on biodiversity conservation using results of ongoing and completed CEPF projects and other research outputs to disseminate among local ethnic communities, Forest Departments and other key stakeholders in the Anamalai part of Western Ghats

Centre for Environment and Development 1-Nov-2011 On-going  
35)

Establishing Community Conservation Reserves in the Anamalai Corridor

Wildlife Information Liaison Development (WILD) Society 1-Jan-2012 On-going  
36)

Conserving the Sacred – An Eco- Cultural Approach to Community Conservation in the Nilgiris District

Keystone Foundation 1-Nov-2011 On-going  
37)

Networking and information support for conservation of rocky plateaus in the Sahyadri-Konkan corridor.

Biome Conservation Foundation 1-2-2012 On-going  
38)

Building a Pro-conservational understanding among the local communities in Uttara Kannada, through designing the need based Environmental literature and Educational material in Kannada, based on the findings from select CEPF Projects

Green India Trust 1-Nov-2011 On-going  
39)

Showcasing the Western Ghats at the Society for Conservation Biology (Asia) Conference and Beyond

Create a compelling showcase of the incredible biodiversity of the Western Ghats, with special focus on lesser-known organisms and ecosystem services for the Asia Regional Conference of the Society for Conservation Biology to increase awareness and understanding of the landscape in the larger science and conservation community in Asia.
Nature Conservation Foundation (NCF) 1-Mar-2012 On-going

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