Journal of Threatened Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 December 2018 | 10(15): 12979–12985

On the diversity of the vertebrate fauna (excluding fishes) of Panchet Hill (Garh Panchkot), Purulia, West Bengal, India

Sanjib Chattopadhyay ¹, Somenath Dey ² & Utpal Singha Roy ³

¹ Panchakot Mahavidyalaya, Sarbari, Neturia, Purulia, West Bengal 723121, India

² P.G. Department of Zoology, Darjeeling Government College, 19, Lebong Cart Road, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101, India

³ Department of Zoology, Durgapur Government College, J.N. Avenue, Durgapur, Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal 713214, India

¹ csanjibrng@gmail.com, ²somenath.prl@gmail.com, ³srutpal@gmail.com (corresponding author)

doi: https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.4102.10.15.12979-12985 | ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:57FFC118-0D59-4450-9D4B-052061CAFBC1

Editor: L.A.K. Singh, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. Date of publication: 26 December 2018 (online & print)

Manuscript details: Ms # 4102 | Received 02 March 2018 | Final received 22 November 2018 | Finally accepted 04 December 2018

Citation: Chattopadhyay, S,. S. Dey & U.S. Roy (2018). On the diversity of the vertebrate fauna (excluding fishes) of Panchet Hill (Garh Panchkot), Purulia, West Bengal, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 10(15): 12979–12985; https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.4102.10.15.12979-12985

Copyright: © Chattopadhyay et al. 2018. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. JoTT allows unrestricted use of this article in any medium, reproduction and distribution by providing adequate credit to the authors and the source of publication.

Funding: University Grants Commission (Minor Research Project, Sanction No. PSW–119/13–14, ERO ID No. SKB–005, Dated: 18 March 2014), New Delhi, India.

Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Acknowledgements: This work was a part of a minor research project and the authors thankfully acknowledge the University Grants Commission, New Delhi, India for providing the necessary funds. The authors are thankful to the local inhabitants of the village adjacent to Panchet Hill for their immense and unconditional help and cooperation. The authors thankfully acknowledge the help and cooperation extended by the Director of Public Instruction, Government of West Bengal, Kolkata. Dr. Somenath Dey is thankful to Dr. P.C. Lama, Officer-in-Charge, Darjeeling Government College, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India while Dr. Utpal Singha Roy is thankful to Dr. P. Pramanik, Principal, Durgapur Government College, West Bengal for their keen interest in the present work. The authors thankfully acknowledge the help and support provided by the District Forest Officer, Panchet - I Division, Purulia.

Abstract: The present study was conducted at Panchet Hill (Garh Panchkot), Purulia, West Bengal between June 2013 and May 2015. Multiple methods were used for making a consolidated checklist and comments on the relative abundance of vertebrate diversity, excluding fishes. The methods included hand capturing, extensive searches in micro habitats, opportunistic spotting and information collection from the local people. A total of 106 different vertebrate species were recorded during the study span of two years. Aves was recorded as the Class with the highest diversity (63 species) while Amphibia was recorded as the Class with the lowest diversity (9 species). Most of the species recorded during the present study belong to ‘Least Concern’ category as designated by IUCN. The Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus and Striped Hyaena Hyaena hyaena belong to ‘Near Threatened’ category while the White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis belongs to ‘Critically Endangered’ category. The present study location is facing pressures from the usual anthropogenic interventions and needs attention from the concerned authorities.

Keywords: Amphibia, aves, biodiversity, Garh Panchkot, mammalia, Panchet Hill, Purulia, reptilia, vertebrates.

Over geological time scale biodiversity has followed the trend towards net increase; however, a marked decline in global biodiversity occurred during the late Quaternary period as a consequence of both direct and indirect human activities (Gaston & Spicer 2004). Hughes et al. (1997) reported that in tropical forests on an average 1,800 populations are being destroyed per hour while 16 million annually. An ever-increasing human population with huge demands on the natural resources have imposed a worldwide burden and consequently have depleted biological diversity. India with a burgeoning human population is no exception in this regard (Marcot & Nyberg 2005). Despite the tremendous pressure over the natural resources, India which covers about 2.4% of the world’s land area, harbours about 8% of the world’s total species (UNEP 2001). The rich tradition and culture of India since ancient times have set high values to protect its sacred biota (Bhagwat et al. 2005). Currently, India has about 21.34% of its geographical area classified as forest which includes 764 protected areas covering about 4.93% of the total land area (WII ENVIS 2017).

As of 2015 West Bengal has 18.96% of the state’s geographical area designated as forest of which 59.4% has been classified as reserve forest (WBFD 2017). Panchet Hill (Garh Panchkot) in West Bengal is a protected forest located at Raghunathpur sub–division of Purulia District, with the highest elevation of about 650m (Fig. 1). Few research articles are published from this area including those of Raha & Mallick (2016) and recent report on “biodiversity conservation plan of Panchet hill (Garh Panchkot)” by EMTRC (2016). Over the last few decades, a large number of studies have enlisted the diversity and distribution of vertebrate taxa from different protected areas of the country. To the best of our knowledge, however, no such studies have ever been done/ reported from Panchet Hill. This was the primary motivation behind the present work with the objective of enlisting all the vertebrate fauna, excluding fishes, from Panchet Hill protected forest.

Materials and Methods

Study area: Panchet Hill (23.6⁰N & 86.7⁰E) is a hillock with an elevation of about 650m, and of hard rock present amidst undulating topography of laterite, gravel mixed red soil of district Purulia, West Bengal (Mandal 2012). The Damodar River marks the northern boundary of this region while Panchet Dam is located adjacent to it (Fig. 1). Prevailing environmental conditions of this region are extreme where summer temperature rises up to 40⁰C while in winter the temperature drops down to 7⁰C. Annual average rainfall measures about 170cm. According to the biogeographic zone given by Rodgers et al. (2002) Panchet hill lies in the bio-geographic zone 6 (Deccan Peninsula). The vegetation of the present study location is dominated by Butea monosperma and Borassus flabellifer. The dominant shrubs species include Ricinus communis, Zyzypus sp., Ipomea sp. and Calotropis procera while dominant herb species includes Euphorbia hirta, Cyperus rotundus and Solanum nigrum. Different grasses are also commonly found in this area which include Cynodon dactylon, Dactyloctenium aegypticum, Pannicum antidotale and Saccharum spontaneum EMTRC (2016). This luxurious vegetation of Panchet Hill protected forest was predicted to support rich faunal diversity and the two day study by EMTRC team (2016) most clearly indicated that.

Data collection: In the present study focus was given for studying only vertebrate fauna excluding fishes. The study was conducted between June 2013 and May 2015. Sampling was done on the first week of each month during the entire study period. As there existed no single sampling method by which the vertebrate diversity could be holistically assessed multiple methods were applied in the present study for yielding the best results and is depicted in Table 1. Relevant literature was followed for identification of different vertebrate species during the present study (Grimmett et al. 1998; Daniel 2002; Whitaker & Captain 2008; Menon 2014).

Results and Discussion

India harbours 6051 vertebrate species which is 6.85% of the species in the world (Chandra et al. 2017). West Bengal is home to 1831 vertebrate species (Sanyal et al. 2012). The present study which was conducted between June 2013 and May 2015 revealed 106 different vertebrate species (Table 2). Aves represented the highest diversity with 63 species (59%) followed by Reptilia (19 species, 18%) and Mammalia (11 species, 14%) while Amphibia recorded as the lowest with nine species (9%) (Fig. 2). In a similar study, Pramanik et al. (2010) had reported two amphibian species, four reptilian species, 29 bird species and two mammalian species during their one year long study (2007–2008) from Kulik Bird Sanctuary, Raiganj, West Bengal, India, while Bhupathy et al. (2012) reported 34 amphibian species, 72 reptilian species, 160 bird species and 39 mammalian species during their three year long study (2006–2009) from Megamalai landscape, Western Ghats, India. Several researchers around the globe have emphasised the negative influence of anthropogenic intervention on the structure, dynamics and functioning of the forest reserve (Martínez-Ramos et al. 2016). The vegetation present in Panchet Hill is rarely primary, most often secondary, shaped typically by anthropogenic interventions of regular clearing and regeneration on nutritionally impoverished soils. Consequently, the vegetation is less dense and less lofty, often disturbed and degraded.

As a matter of fact, the present study location suffers from both direct and indirect anthropogenic interventions which include exploitation of biodiversity for food, fuel, fodder and recreation. Surroundings of Panchet hill is devoid of any major industrial setup except for a single sponge iron factory. This factory is actually located within a 100m radius of the southeastern face of Panchet Hill and which is in operation since 2010. During the present study pollutants released from the factory caused the ground to be covered with ash and slag while flying ash was found to leave black soot over plant leaves even at the heaight above 50m (Image 1). EMTRC (2016) have reported occurrence of pollution resistant invasive plant species like Lantana camara, Parthenium sp., and Tridax procumbens with an overall decrease in native plant species diversity from the polluted site. Lower vertebrate diversity was noted from the polluted southeastern face of Panchet Hill in comparison to all the other sites as well. Most of the species recorded during the present study belong to ‘Least Concern’ category as designated by IUCN (2017); however, Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus and Striped Hyaena Hyaena hyaena belong to ‘Near Threatened’ category while White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis belongs to ‘Critically Endangered’ category. Striped Hyaena Hyaena hyaena was observed only once during the present study but reports by local villagers suggest that they were spotted at least five times during the present study duration. White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis was recorded three times during the present study.

Our record of 106 different vertebrate species from Panchet Hill (Garh Panchkot), Purulia in West Bengal forms the base line information. Additional studies including multiple plant and animal taxa will enrich our knowledge about diversity of wild species from this ecoregion. Such studies will help in assessing the spatial and temporal distribution pattern and population status, which are vital for preparing a conservation plan to support sustainable development.

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Table 2. Checklist of vertebrate species of Panchet hill as recorded in the present study.

	Class / Common name	Local name	Scientific name	Abundance	IUCN status
	Amphibia
1	Indian Common Toad	Kuno byng	Duttaphrynus melanostictus	++++	LC
2	Indian Marbled Toad	Metho byng	Duttaphrynus stomaticus	++	LC
3	Indian Bullfrog	Sona byng	Hoplobatrachus tigerinus	++++	LC
4	Jerdon's Bullfrog	Kola byng	Hoplobatrachus crassus	++	LC
5	Indian Cricket Frog or Rice Field Frog	Jijhi byng	Fejervarya limnocharis	+	LC
6	Indian Burrowing Frog	Gortobasi byng	Sphaerotheca breviceps	+	LC
7	Common Indian Tree Frog	Gecho byng	Polypedates maculatus	+++	LC
8	Ornamented Pygmy Frog	Metho byng	Microhyla ornata	+++	LC
9	Asian Painted Frog	Metho byng	Kaloula pulchra	++	LC
	Reptilia
1	Indian Flapshell Turtle	Kachim	Lissemys punctata	++	LC
2	Yellow-bellied House Gecko	Tiktiki	Hemidactylus flaviviridis	++++	NA
3	Brook's House Gecko	Tiktiki	Hemidactylus brookii	++++	NA
4	Forest Calotes	Jangli Girgiti	Calotes rouxi	+++	NA
5	Peninsular Rock Agama	Pahari Girgiti	Psammophilus dorsalis	++	LC
6	Oriental Garden Lizard	Girgiti	Calotes versicolor	++++	NA
7	Common/Brahminy Skink	Takshak	Eutropis carinata	++	LC
8	Asian Chameleon	Bohurupi	Chamaeleo zeylanicus	+	LC
9	Common Indian Monitor	Gosanp	Varanus bengalensis	++	LC
10	Blind Snake	Telega sanp	Ramphotyphlops braminus	+++	NA
11	Buff-striped Keelback	Hele sanp	Amphiesma stolatum	++++	NA
12	Checkered Keelback	Joldhora	Xenochrophis piscator	++++	NA
13	Common Krait	Chiti sanp	Bungarus caeruleus	++++	NA
14	Banded Krait	Sakhamuti	Bungarus fasciatus	++	LC
15	Rat Snake	Sona dhamna	Ptyas mucosa	++++	NA
16	Boa	Thutu sanp	Eryx johnii	+	NA
17	Indian cobra	Gokhro	Naja naja	+++	LC
18	Viper	Chondrobora	Vipera russelli	++	NA
19	Python	Ajogor sanp	Python molurus	++	NA
	Aves
1	Little Egret	Korche bok	Egretta garzetta	++++	LC
2	Intermediate Egret	Boro bok	Egretta intermedia	++++	NA
3	Cattle Egret	Gobok	Bubulcus ibis	++++	LC
4	Asian Opened-billed Stork	Samukkhol	Anastomus oscitans	++++	LC
5	Black-headed Ibis	Sada Kaste bok	Threskiornis melanocephalus	+	NT
6	Red-naped Ibis	Kalo Kaste bok	Pseudoibis papillosa	+	LC
7	Little Cormorant	Pankouri	Phalacrocorax niger	++	LC
8	Black-winged Kite	Kapasi	Elanus caeruleus	++	LC
9	White-rumped Vulture	Sokun	Gyps bengalensis	+++	CE
10	Shikra	Shikra	Accipiter badius	+++	LC
11	Brahminy Kite	Sonkhochil	Haliastur indus	++	LC
12	Black Kite	Chil	Milvus migrans	++++	LC
13	Common Kestrel	Pokamar	Falco tinnunculus	++	LC
14	Grey Francolin	Titir	Francolinus pondicerianus	++	LC
15	Bush Quial	Bater	Perdicula asiatica	++	LC
16	Blue Rock Pigeon	Payra	Columba livia	++++	LC
17	Spotted Dove	Tile ghughu	Streptopelia chinensis	++++	NA
18	Eurasian Collared Dove	Konthi ghughu	Streptopelia decaocto	+++	LC
19	Yellow-footed Green-pigeon	Harial	Treron phoenicoptera	++	LC
20	Red Turtle Dove	Lal Ghughu	Streptopelia tranquebarica	++	LC
21	Laughing Dove	Khude Ghughu	Streptopelia senegalensis	++	LC
22	Rose-ringed Parakeet	Tia	Psittacula krameri	++++	LC
23	Plum-headed Parakeet	Fultusi	Psittacula cyanocephala	++	LC
24	Common Hawk-cuckoo	Chokhgelo	Cuculus varius	++	LC
25	Asian Koel	Kokil	Eudynamys scolopacea	++++	LC
26	Greater Coucal	Kubo	Centropus sinensis	+++	LC
27	Spotted Owlet	Kuture pecha	Athene brama	++	LC
28	Common Barn Owl	Lakshmi pecha	Tyto alba	++	LC
29	Asian Palm Swift	Tal chorai	Cypsiurus balasiensis	++++	LC
30	Little Swift	Batasi	Apus affinis	+++	LC
31	Asian Green Bee-eater	Banaspati	Merops orientalis	++++	LC
32	Indian Roller	Nilkontho	Coracias benghalensis	+++	LC
33	Common Hoopoe	Mohanchura	Upupa epops	+++	LC
34	Black-rumped Flameback	Katthokra	Dinopium benghalense	+++	LC
35	Blue-throat Barbet	Basantabouri	Megalaima asiatica	+++	NA
36	Barn Swallow	Ababil	Hirundo rustica	+++	LC
37	White Wagtail	Sada Khanjan	Motacilla alba	++++	LC
38	Yellow Wagtail	Holud Khanjan	Motacilla flava	+++	LC
39	Australasian Pipit	Charchari	Anthus novaeseelandiae	++	LC
40	Red-vented Bulbul	Bulbuli	Pycnonotus cafer	++++	LC
41	Red-whiskered Bulbul	Sipahi bulbul	Pycnonotus jocosus	++++	LC
42	Brown Shrike	Korkota	Lanius cristatus	++	LC
43	Oriental Magpie-robin	Doyel	Copsychus saularis	++++	LC
44	Indian Robin	Shamya	Saxicoloides fulicata	+++	LC
45	Jungle Babbler	Chatare	Turdoides striatus	++++	NA
46	Common Tailorbird	Tuntuni	Orthotomus sutorius	+++	LC
47	Purple Sunbird	Moutusi	Nectarinia asiatica	+++	LC
48	Indian Silverbill	Sormunia	Lonchura malabarica	+++	LC
49	Scaly-breasted Munia	Tilemunia	Lonchura punctulata	+++	LC
50	Baya Weaver	Babui	Ploceus philippinus	+++	LC
51	House Sparrow	Chorai	Passer domesticus	+++	LC
52	Common Myna	Salikh	Acridotheres tristis	++++	LC
53	Asian Pied Starling	Bona salikh	Sturnus contra	++++	NA
54	Chestnut-tailed Starling	Kath salikh	Sturnus malabaricus	+++	LC
55	Brahminy Starling	Bamune salikh	Sturnus pagodarum	+++	LC
56	Black-hooded Oriole	Benebou	Oriolus xanthornus	+++	LC
57	Golden Oriole	Sonabou	Oriolus kundoo	++	LC
58	Black Drongo	Finge	Dicrurus macrocercus	++++	LC
59	Small Blue Kingfisher	Choto machranga	Alcedo atthis	+++	LC
60	White-breasted Kingfisher	Dholabuk Machranga	Halcyon smyrnensis	+++	LC
61	Rufous Treepie	Harichacha	Dendrocitta vagabunda	+++	LC
62	House Crow	Kak	Corvus splendens	++++	LC
63	Large-billed Crow	Darkak	Corvus macrorhynchos	++	LC
	Mammalia
1	Indian Hare	Khorgosh	Lepus nigricollis	++	LC
2	Indian Crested Porcupine	Sojaru	Hystrix indica	+	LC
3	Northern Plains Gray Langur	Hanuman	Semnopithecus entellus	+++	LC
4	Indian Grey Mongoose	Neul	Herpestes edwardsii	++	LC
5	Common Palm Civet	Gondhogokul	Paradoxurus hermaphroditus	+	LC
6	Indian Flying Fox	Badur	Pteropus giganteus	++++	LC
7	Indian Pygmy Bat	Chamchike	Pipistrellus tenuis	++++	LC
8	Common Palm Squirrel	Kathbirali	Funambulus palmarum	++++	LC
9	House Rat	Idur	Rattus rattus	+++	LC
10	House Mouse	Nengti idur	Mus musculus	+++	LC
11	House Shrew	Chucho	Suncus murinus	+++	LC
12	Indian Mole-rat	Metho idur	Bandicota bengalensis	+++	LC
13	Striped Hyaena	Lakra	Hyaena hyaena	+	NT
14	Bengal Fox	Khaksial	Vulpes bengalensis	++	LC
15	Jungle Cat	Bonbiral	Felis chaus	+	LC

Abbreviations used: Relative abundance expressed as ‘+’ means less abundant; ‘++’ means more abundant and so on. CE - Critically Endangered, LC - Least Concern, NA - This taxon has not yet been assessed for the IUCN Red List, NT - Near Threatened.