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India’s National Action Plan for Conservation of Migratory Birds and their Habitats along Central Asian Flyway (2018-2023)

CAF National Action Plan 2018 -India [1]

Drafting Committee: The Draft India National Action Plan for Conservation of Migratory Birds in Central Asian Flyway was prepared by the following committee constituted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: Dr. Soumitra Dasgupta, IG F (WL), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Chairman) Dr. Nita Shah, Bombay Natural History Society (Member) Dr. Ritesh Kumar, Wetlands International South Asia (Member) Dr. Suresh Kumar, Wildlife Institute of India (Member) Mr. C. Sasikumar, Wildlife Division, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
The Committee met at Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur on December 12-13, 2017 and at the office of IG F (WL) on March 15, 2018 and April 12, 2018 to review drafts. The final draft National Action Plan was submitted by the Committee on April 14, 2018. Final review of the draft was done in the office of IG (WL) on May 8, 2018.

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Contents Abbreviations .................................................................................................................................... 3 Preamble ........................................................................................................................................... 4 Goal and Objectives .......................................................................................................................... 5 Component 1: Species Conservation .................................................................................................. 5 Component 2: Habitat Conservation and Sustainable Management .................................................... 6 Component 3: Capacity Development ................................................................................................ 8 Component 4: Communication and Outreach ..................................................................................... 9 Component 5: Research and Monitoring .......................................................................................... 10 Component 6: International Cooperation ......................................................................................... 11 Monitoring and Reporting on Implementation of NATIONAL Action Plan ...................................... 12 Financing Implementation of NATIONAL Action Plan ................................................................... 12 References....................................................................................................................................... 13 Appendix 1. List of Indian CAF Migratory Bird Species and Their 1% Biogeographic Population Estimates ......................................................................................................................................... 14 Appendix 2. Wetlands and Wetland Clusters Prioritized for Conservation of Migratory Waterbirds 21 Appendix 3. Criteria for Selection of Wetlands for Conservation of Migratory Birds ....................... 23 Appendix 4. List of Species Shortlisted for Formulation of Single Species Action Plan .................... 24 Appendix 5. Activities of CAF Secretariat ....................................................................................... 26
Appendix 6.List of Land Bird species 27 Appendix 7. List of Important Land Bird Sites 33 Appendix 8 Timeline for Central Asian National Action Plan 35

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ABBREVIATIONS ADB Asian Development Bank AEAF Asian East African Flyway AWC Asian Waterbird Census BNHS Bombay Natural History Society CAF Central Asian Flyway CBD Convention on Biological Diversity CBO Community Based Organization CITES Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species CRZ Coastal Regulation Zone CSO Civil Society Organizations CSR Corporate Social Responsibility EAAF East Asian Australasian Flyway ENVIS Environmental Information System FAO Food and Agriculture Organization IBA Important Bird Areas ICF International Crane Foundation IGF Inspector General Forests IPZ Island Protection Zone IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature MEA Multilateral Environment Agreements MoEFCC Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change MoUD Ministry of Urban Development NAP National Action Plan NGO Non Governmental Organization NPCA National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems OIE World Organisation for Animal Health PA Protected Area PRI Panchayati Raj Institutions SACON Salim Ali Center for Ornithology and Natural History UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNEP United Nations Environment Programme WII Wildlife Institute of India WWF Worldwide Fund for Nature

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India’s National Action Plan for Conservation of Migratory Birds and their Habitats along Central Asian Flyway (2018-2023)

PREAMBLE The Central Asian Flyway (CAF), one among the nine flyways in the world, encompasses overlapping migration routes over 30 countries for different waterbirds linking their northern most breeding grounds in Russia (Siberia) to the southernmost non-breeding (wintering) grounds in West and South Asia, the Maldives and the British Indian Ocean Territory. India has a strategic role in the flyway, as it provides critical stopover sites to over 90% of the bird species known to use this migratory route. The National Action Plan (hereinafter NAP) for conservation of migratory birds and their habitats states the national priority and specific actions required to ensure healthy populations of these migratory species in India, within their range across the flyway. The NAP draws from the Central Asian Flyway Action Plan which provides a common strategic framework for regional collaboration and affirmative action for protecting, conserving, restoring, and sustainably managing populations of migratory bird species and their habitats in the Indian subcontinent falling under the Central Asian Flyway region. This action plan has been drawn to enable national and state level policy and decision makers, those responsible for species conservation and management of habitats, stakeholders and society at large to take coordinated actions for securing and enhancing populations of migratory birds. The NAP has also been drawn to support meeting national commitments related to protection and conservation of migratory birds and their habitats under the Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitats (Ramsar), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). NAP also draws upon the CMS Strategic Plan for Migratory Species 2015-2023 and its five goals, namely: 1) address the underlying causes of decline of migratory species by mainstreaming relevant conservation and sustainable use priorities across government and society; 2) reduce the direct pressures on migratory species and their habitats; 3) improve the conservation status of migratory species and the ecological connectivity and resilience of their habitats; 4) enhance the benefits to all from the favorable conservation status of migratory species; and, 5) enhance implementation through participatory planning, knowledge management and capacity building. The action plan also seeks to mainstream conservation of migratory birds and their habitats within the post 2015 development agenda at national level set by the Sustainable Development Goals, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Paris Climate Agreement. The action plans takes into cognizance the outcomes of the International Waterbird Census (including the Asian Waterbird Census), the Important Bird Area Programme and others in developing and implementing international species action plans and other protection, monitoring and conservation measures for bird populations listed in Appendix-I. The NAP lays down a range of actions at national, state and local levels, involving a range of stakeholders, including inter alia central government ministries, state government departments, managers of protected areas, communities living in and around migratory bird habitats, civil society and private sector. The plan takes cognizance of ongoing programmes and schemes of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for conservation of migratory birds and their habitats (such as wetlands and forests), as well as those of other central government ministries (such as water resources, rural development, agriculture and others), state governments, international agencies and others.

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GOAL AND OBJECTIVES The overall longer-term goal of the National Action Plan is to arrest population decline and secure habitats of migratory bird species. In shorter-term the action plan seeks that by 2027, to halt the downward trends in declining meta-populations and maintain stable or increasing trends for healthy populations.
The following are the action plan’s specific objectives:  Halt and reverse decline of migratory birds;  Reduce pressure on critical habitats by management based on landscape approaches;  Develop capacity at multiple levels to anticipate and avoid threats to habitats and species undergoing long term decline;  Improve database and decision-support systems to underpin science-based conservation of species and management of habitats;
 Sensitize stakeholders to take collaborative actions on securing habitats and species; and,  Support trans-boundary co-operation to secure migratory bird species and habitats in range countries.
To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the action plan is structured in six interrelated components: a) species conservation, b) habitat conservation and sustainable management, c) capacity development, d) communication and outreach, e) research and knowledgebase development and f) international cooperation. It is envisaged that the national action plan will be implemented over a five year period (2018-2023), and reviewed every three years. COMPONENT 1: SPECIES CONSERVATION At least 370 species of migratory birds from three flyways (CAF, EAAF1, and AEAF2) are reported to visit the Indian subcontinent, of which 310 predominantly use wetlands as habitats, the rest being landbirds, inhabiting dispersed terrestrial areas. List of 171 known waterbird species using the CAF region in India is provided at Appendix I. The CAF includes several important migration routes over the high Himalayan passes wherein unique, high altitude migration such as those of Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus takes place. Species such as the Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius, Black-necked Crane Grus nigricollis, Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis, Ibisbill Ibidorhyncha struthersii, and Brownheaded Gull Larus brunnicephalus are completely (or largely) restricted to the CAF region (Mundkur 2005). In addition, the breeding ranges of some species, including the critically threatened Siberian Crane Grus leucogeranus, and Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenuirostris are largely restricted to the CAF region although their non-breeding ranges overlap with adjoining flyways.
Migratory landbirds include common and familiar species that breed in Asia and undertake long migrations to wintering areas in India. Birds of Prey, commonly called raptors3, form an important constituent of the landbirds as being on the top of the food chain, they act as “sentinel species” to indicate the levels of prey populations and indeed the overall health of the ecosystem.
Long-term datasets show that CAF migratory landbirds are declining rapidly. The species that breed on pastures, agricultural and farmland areas which have to cross the mighty Himalayan ranges which form the massive globally unique barrier to avian migration, the deserts of Thar and the Rann of Kutch to winter in the Indian sub-continent are most affected. Changing land-use is the most

1 East Asian Australasian Flyway covering parts of eastern India 2 Asian East African Flyway covering parts of western India 3 Including groups as vultures, harriers, eagles, hawks and falcons

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important factor affecting landbirds across the breeding and non-breeding grounds. Unsustainable taking and climate change are additional threats.
Major stresses on population of migratory birds include habitat loss and degradation, pollution, illegal shooting and poisoning, collisions with aerial structures such as wind turbines, electrocution by power lines and increasing night light. Many migratory raptors are particularly at risk during migration because they gather to form major concentrations and move in large groups along their flyways, for example, at narrow land bridges or sea crossings, which can increase the potential impact of certain threats. Following actions are proposed for conservation of migratory birds: 1.1: Undertake and publish national inventories of the stop-over and wintering sites of migratory birds and population status (including wetlands and terrestrial habitats such as pastures and farmlands).

1.2: Formulate and implement Single Species Action Plan (SSAP) for coordinated conservation measures for select important migratory species to a favourable conservation status within India. Twenty such species4 identified as high priority for developing SSAP is listed in Appendix 4.
1.3: Compile lists of migratory birds being hunted, hunting seasons and trade patterns to ensure prohibition enforcement, and project impacts of such hunting on flyway scale populations.

1.4: Assessing the threats posed to migratory birds due to feral dogs, sand & boulder mining and land use changes alongwith recommend site specific measures.

1.5: Carry out periodic disease surveillance of migratory birds and ensure strategic response to disease outbreaks.

1.6: Evaluate the impact of increasing night light during migration, collision and electrocution risks to migratory birds and recommend mitigation measures.

1.7: Promote migratory bird conservation initiatives through local community participation, including citizen science groups.

Implementation of aforementioned actions is proposed to be led by wildlife divisions of the state governments, with support from expert agencies. A mix of regulatory approaches (enforcing extant regulations) and participatory approaches (in consultation with communities and other stakeholders, including inter alea providing incentives for species stewardship) are to be adopted for implementing SSAP.

COMPONENT 2: HABITAT CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT
Migrating waterbirds depend on a network of healthy wetlands for completing their migratory cycle. The diverse wetlands in the country, spanning 15.26 million ha (SAC, 2011) and ranging from high altitude lakes in the Himalayas, marshes and swamps in the Terai floodplains, marshes and ox-bows in the Gangetic–Brahmaputra alluvial plains and other riverine systems, saline mudflats in the Rann of Kutch, Thar Desert, tanks and reservoirs in the Deccan region and extensive mangrove marshes and coral reef areas, provide habitats to over 200 species of waterbirds, over half of which are migratory. As per data collected under Asian Waterbird Census (AWC)5, 480 wetlands are of ornithological

4 The species have been selected with consideration of International Single Species Action Plans, and migratory bird species of greater concern (protection of flyway level population and bird species wintering in large numbers in India) 5 A volunteer-based citizen science waterbird monitoring being implemented in wetlands of Asian countries, under the framework of International Waterbird Census. In India, the census is conducted by a volunteer network, coordinated by Wetlands International South Asia and Bombay Natural History Society.

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importance in terms of populations as well as species of migratory waterbirds supported. Similar, 190 wetlands have been enlisted as Important Bird Areas (IBA)6. Wetlands conservation in India is structured around a network of sites, considered to be significant for their biodiversity and ecosystem services values, under criteria of Ramsar Convention (to which India is signatory since 1982) or that of MoEFCC (under its National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems). Till date, the network includes 170 wetlands, including 26 wetlands of International Importance under Ramsar Convention. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 provide the regulatory architecture for wetlands at national level. Provisions of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 and the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 defined the regulatory framework for wetlands located within forests and designated protected areas. Similarly, coastal wetlands are protected under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification (2011) and the Island Protection Zone (IPZ) Notification 2011. Despite these measures, wetlands continue under various anthropogenic and non- anthropogenic stress due to fragmentation of hydrological regimes, catchment degradation, pollution, species invasion, overharvesting of resources, unsustainable tourism, and climate change.
Conservation and sustainable management of wetlands, in order to secure the habitats of migratory birds, requires landscape approach, implemented in participation with stakeholders, and mainstreaming their full range of biodiversity and ecosystem services values in development plans and programmes. Under the ambit of NAP, following actions are proposed: 2.1: Integrated management of priority wetlands
Of the wetlands of ornithological importance identified based on existing monitoring information, 29 sites including 20 major wetlands and nine wetland clusters have been identified as significant bottleneck sites for migratory waterbirds (Fig 1 & Appendix 2)7. Integrated management plans for these wetlands are to be developed based on a diagnostic evaluation of ecological, hydrological and socioeconomic and institutional features of wetlands, and their drivers of change within the relevant landscape and coastal zone. Participation of all stakeholders, particularly local communities, and integration of all forms of knowledge such as traditional knowledge is a critical element of management planning. Financial planning for implementation of management plans may be done on the principle of convergence with ongoing developmental schemes, to ensure that wetlands conservation and wise use is mainstreamed within broader developmental planning at various levels.
2.2: Boundary demarcation, notification and inclusion within land use records
To regulate development pressures on wetlands, the boundary of wetlands are to be demarcated and notified under the provisions of Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, wherever relevant. Necessary changes are also to be effected within land use records to prevent encroachment and conversion for alternate usages, ultimately impacting habitats of migratory birds.
2.3: Allocation of water for ecological functioning
Water plays a dominant role in controlling the environment and the associated plant and animal life within wetlands. Water and sediments provide the physical templates within which these ecosystems evolve and function. In order to maintain a desired level of ecological health and functioning, wetlands require sufficient water of adequate quality, at the right time and in the right pattern. This requires that the water needs of wetlands are considered in any plan for water use and management within the river basins and coastal zones they are located in.

6 IBA are places of international significance for conservation of birds and other biodiversity, assessed as per criteria laid down by Birdlife International. IBAs large enough to safeguard a viable population of a species, group of species, or entire avian community during at least part of its life-cycle, but are small enough to be conserved in their entirety. 7 Refer Appendix 3 for criteria used for prioritization of wetlands.

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2.4: Cross-sectoral institutional arrangements Integrated management of wetlands requires cross-sectoral approaches which have a bearing on various developmental activities taking place within the landscape in which wetland is situated. Clear institutional arrangement is required to be developed to ensure that decision-makers of all relevant sectors such as water resources, irrigation and flood control, tourism, revenue, urban and rural development, forests and wildlife, are engaged in site management. In particular, consequences of sectoral development projects and wetlands need to be factored in within the management plans.
2.5: Integrating CAF species and habitat conservation objectives in PA Plans
It is proposed to integrate objectives related to conservation of migratory bird species and their habitats in PA plans, wherever relevant.
Implementation of aforementioned actions are to be led by wetlands managers in collaboration with various line departments of concerned state governments, research agencies, civil society and local communities. The State Wetlands Authorities of the respective states shall provide the platform for cross-sectoral policy making and regulation. Financing for implementation of management plans may be secured from various schemes of the MoEFCC (NPCA, Conservation of mangroves and coral reefs, conservation of protected areas), Ministry of Water Resources and Ganga Rejuvenation (scheme on Repair, Restoration and Rejuvenation of Waterbodies) and MoUD (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban transformation).
Fig 1: Wetland IBAs in India (Source: BNHS)

COMPONENT 3: CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
Managing wetlands requires diverse capacities beyond protected area management to be able to communicate the wide-ranging ecosystem services and biodiversity values to diverse stakeholders, and integrate their views, rights and capacities in management processes. The national plan envisages conducting formal as well as ad-hoc capacity development programmes for site managers, to equip

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them with necessary skills for integrated wetland management. Capacity development needs assessment which shall form the basis of the design of capacity development programmes.
Further, a vast majority of migratory waterbirds that arrive in India also use urban and other human dominated landscapes as well as the marine and coastal areas, and their effective protection requires the involvement of personnel from other departments, conservation agencies and local communities. While all wild species are protected by law in India poaching of migratory waterbirds in certain parts of the country and particularly outside of Protected Areas (PA) continues to occur. The extent and quantum of migratory waterbird poaching is however poorly known. Effective enforcement along with collation of intelligence through Police departments and through Institutions like Wildlife Crime Control Bureau will be required to stop poaching of migratory waterbirds. Therefore, to meet the national commitment related to protection and conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitats, capacity development of the personnel from different government departments and other stakeholders will be extremely critical. Following actions are therefore proposed: 3.1: Carry out region-wise capacity development needs assessment across different departments, conservation agencies and representatives from local communities. 3.2: Develop training material on population assessment and monitoring of migratory birds and management of their habitats, and conduct series of workshops towards capacity development of frontline staff, bird watching groups, local communities and other target groups.
3.3: Conduct targeted training of enforcement officials based on collated data on quantum and extent of poaching migratory birds. 3.4: Build a cadre of trained ringers (within State Forest Departments, civil society and interested government agencies) under the Ringing Program.
3.5: Build capacity and protocols for disease surveillance in wild birds especially in habitats located closer to vulnerable locations namely garbage dump sites, poultry farms & prawn/fish culture ponds.
3.6: Develop education and awareness material, preferably in local languages, to improve the level of awareness of the stakeholders and general public with regards to the value of wetlands and other habitats and the needs of waterbirds.
3.7: Strengthening stakeholder capacity for conservation and ownership of local sites as contingent with national commitments under CMS, CBD and Ramsar.
The activities relating to capacity development will be implemented by MoEFCC through its institutions the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), SACON and ZSI along with conservation NGOs as BNHS, Wetlands International South Asia and WWF-India. The capacity development of the personnel will be mainly through short two-day workshops and will be conducted region wise across the country. This will be repeated across years to ensure coverage of participants from all States.
COMPONENT 4: COMMUNICATION AND OUTREACH
The Action Plan for conservation of migratory birds and their habitats in India, being a sub-set of the larger National Wildlife Action Plan, needs to synergise with the latter for achieving its results in a holistic manner. Communication, outreach and awareness activities are important tools in conservation. This fact has been aptly stressed in the National Wildlife Action Plan 2017-2031 as well, which also lays emphasis on developing and promoting infrastructure and capacity for Conservation Education, Nature Interpretation and Outreach in the country. The Central and State Governments, Scientific Institutions, CSOs, PRI’s and other stakeholders, have a key role in generating awareness amongst the public on various aspects of migratory birds, their habitats, threats, and need for conservation.

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A well-planned and institutionalized system of outreach and awareness programme Forms a critical part of the NAP. Following actions are proposed:
4.1: Develop outreach materials (in print and digital forms) targeted at diverse audiences.
4.2: Build a network of ‘Student ambassadors’ for enlisting support of communities for conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. 4.3: Encourage PRIs, CSOs and CBOs to act as ‘knowledge hubs’, custodians and stewards of migratory birds and their habitats. Maintaining People’s Biodiversity Register and strategies for
conservation of migratory birds both should feature as key segment in the District Administrative Plans . 4.4: Encourage National Green Corps within educational institutions to visit /monitor bird migration sites. 4.5: Create awareness amongst media on the importance of conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. Promote India’s migratory bird conservation efforts and success stories at national& international platforms, showcased in Bird Festivals and in Zoo Facilities . Action Point 4.6: Publish newsletter periodically covering various activities under CAF. Implementation of aforementioned activities would be through the species conservation plans, wetland management plans and related actions implemented by the State Forest Departments, Wetlands Authorities, ENVIS Centers, state media units and civil society organizations.
COMPONENT 5: RESEARCH AND MONITORING
Conservation of migratory birds and management of their habitats needs to be based on robust datasets and knowledgebase generated from integrated and comprehensive monitoring systems.
There is a pressing need to evolve Decision Support Systems (DSS) that can assist in consideration of risks to migratory birds and their habitats from development projects. Following actions are proposed:
5.1: Understanding Population Status, Migration Patterns and Connectivity along Flyways Collaborative projects are envisaged to be developed and implemented on: a) analysis of existing long term datasets on ringing;
b) refining field protocols and data sets;
c) use of conventional ringing/banding and advanced technologies (colour flagging, neck collaring, deploying satellite transmitters and geo-locators) for assessing ecology, migration strategies and population dynamics;
d) targeted ecological and socio-economic studies of selected ‘indicator species’ and associated habitats;
e) impact of usage of pesticides on migratory birds and developing suitable response options
such as modification of farming practices; and, f) modelling impacts of changing climate on migration patterns.

5.2: Monitoring Population trends Developing and implementing standardised national schemes for monitoring populations (such as AWC) as well as disease incidences of migratory bird species is envisaged to be strengthened under this NAP.

5.3: Inventory, Assessment & Monitoring of Wetland Habitats The NAP envisages supporting hierarchical and integrated inventory, assessment and monitoring systems to make available required data and information on status and trends of wetland habitats especially those of high significance to migratory birds. This will include monitoring state of wetland catchments, hydrological regimes, water quality, biodiversity, species invasion and local livelihoods.

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An Ecosystem Health Report Card of select wetlands (following the model adopted in Chilika) will also be published.

5.4: National Database on CAF Collation and synthesis of available information on migratory birds will be created and maintained in the form of an online database. Modalities for creating linkages between existing databases will also be developed.

5.5: Management Effectiveness Tracking
It is proposed to conduct periodic management effectiveness assessments of key sites of significance to migratory birds as a management review and adaptation mechanism Assessments will also include effectiveness of capacity development measures envisaged under Component 3 of NAP. 5.6: Decision-Support System A decision support system enabling mapping of migratory bird habitats including croplands, poultry farms and developmental projects would be created. Strategic approaches for development and location of alternative renewable energy developments will be promoted. This will include mapping renewable energy sites and overlaying this information with maps of key sites and habitats for migratory birds and their corridors.

5.7: Improving Knowledgebase on ‘Data-Deficient’ sites Based on gap analysis, efforts for improved data would be applied in sites with paucity of information.

COMPONENT 6: INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
Many species have geographic distributions that span the countries of South Asia, making it necessary for bird conservation efforts to traverse political boundaries. It is, therefore, widely recognised that the completion of the annual cycle of migratory birds strongly depends on national action that can be supported and strengthened by international cooperation. The Global Action Plan sets the agenda for enhanced regional environmental cooperation among the Central Asian Flyway states to promote the conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitats. The Action Plan builds on and complements actions that are being undertaken by National Governments to promote conservation. In addition, it complements programmes and actions that are being undertaken by various international conventions (including CMS, AEWA, Ramsar and CBD), development agencies (including UNEP, UNDP, FAO, OIE, World Bank and ADB) and international NGOs (including BirdLife International, International Crane Foundation (ICF), World Conservation Union (IUCN), International Center for Integrated for Mountain Development (ICIMOD)World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and Wetlands International to promote regional and national cooperation and conservation action.
Site based long-term monitoring and migratory studies are crucial for the effective management of critical sites and coordinated planning and management along migration flyways. Moreover, this initiative will be helpful to abide by the CAF action plan targets 3 to 5 and India’s commitment to International agreements / conventions like Ramsar Convention, Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Bonn Convention or CMS and sister agreements under the CMS, particularly CAF, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 6.1: Establishing CAF Secretariat in India Given India’s strategic role in the CAF, the flyway secretariat is envisaged to be established in India, with a view of increasing interaction and cooperation between governments, conventions, technical experts and conservationists from countries in the flyway as a basis for promoting concrete actions to

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ensure the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. Functions of the secretariat are listed in Appendix – 5.

6.2: Periodic meetings with Range Countries Meeting with all the range states will be planned at appropriate times to discuss implementation, share best practices and promote collaborative action for conservation of migratory birds and their habitats.

6.3: Joint Initiatives Joint initiatives with range countries’ governments, research agencies and lead NGOs may be taken up to strengthen conservation of migratory birds, enhanced habitat conservation (particularly transboundary habitats), disease surveillance, building capacity of site managers, stakeholders, improving data and knowledgebase and communication and outreach. Work under this component shall also seek joint implementation of migrant species and their habitat related commitments under various MEAs. MONITORING AND REPORTING ON IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL ACTION PLAN Each action point shall be linked with a principal body/organisation responsible for leading implementation. Similarly, wherever feasible, the actions would be assessed in terms of sub-regional priorities for implementation. Whilst different sub-regions may facilitate the organisation and management of some proposed actions, such as workshops and training courses, this does not depict a regionalization of NAP implementation. Implementation of the NAP shall be monitored by the Wildlife Division of the MoEFCC, in collaboration with concerned divisions of the Ministry, State Forest Departments, Wetlands Authorities, and expert organizations. Every two years, a status report on implementation of the NAP shall be compiled and published for information of all concerned. Refer to list of implementing agencies (Appendix 6). and flowchart on the implementation process (Appendix 9)

FINANCING IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL ACTION PLAN Financing of various action points listed in the NAP would be through existing budgets available with the Wildlife Division, and relevant schemes of the MoEFCC (such as NPCA, Green India Mission, National Natural Resources Management Systems etc.). Private sector participation (such as in the form of CSR) will also be encouraged to finance components of the NAP.

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REFERENCES

Birdlife International, 2017.http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/ (Accessed on March 12, 2018) http://www.cms.int/en/legalinstrument/central-asian-flyway (Accessed on March 12, 2018) BNHS, 2017. Important migratory waterbird sites of India for the conservation of Central Asian Flyway waterbird population. Bombay Natural History Society, Hornbill House,Mumbai. CMS., 2006. Central Asian Flyway Action Plan for the Conservation of Migratory Waterbirds and Their Habitats. CMS Secretariat, Bonn. Available online at http://www.cms.int/sites/default/files/document/CAF_action_plan_e_0.pdf
Mundkur, Taej 2005., Building bridges for migratory waterbird conservation in the Central Asian Flyway. Indian birds , 1(2): 46-47 Mundkur, Taej 2017. Conserving birds and their habitats along the Central Asian Flyway.Hornbill. April-June 2017. Murthy, T. V. R., Patel, J. G., Panigrahy, S., & Parihar, J. S., 2013. National Wetland Atlas: Wetlands of International Importance under Ramsar Convention. Space Applications Centre (ISRO), Ahmedabad, 230. Rahmani, A.R., Islam, M.Z. and Kasambe, R.M., 2016. Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas in India: Priority Sites for Conservation (Revised and updated). Bombay Natural History Society, Indian Bird Conservation Network, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and BirdLife International (U.K.). Pp. 1992 + xii. Wetlands International, 2018. "Waterbird Population Estimates". Retrieved from wpe.wetlands.org. Yong, D.L. and Gurung, H. 2017. Linking the BirdLife Asia partnership through migratory birds: the CAF.Hornbill. April-June 2017.

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APPENDICES APPENDIX 1. LIST OF INDIAN CAF MIGRATORY BIRD SPECIES AND THEIR 1% BIOGEOGRAPHIC POPULATION ESTIMATES
SI.NO Scientific Name English name Scientific Name as in old CAF documents English nameas in old CAF documents IUCN Status 2016 1 % Biogeographic Population Migratory Status8 1 Gavia stellata Red-throated Loon Gavia stellata Red-throated Diver LC 1000 2 Gavia arctica Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica Black-throated Diver LC -1 3 Tachybaptus ruficollis Little Grebe Tachibaptus ruficollis* Little Grebe LC 10000 4 Podiceps grisegena Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena Red-necked Grebe LC 100 5 Podiceps cristatus* Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus* Great Crested Grebe LC 250 RM 6 Podiceps auritus Horned Grebe
Podiceps auritus Slavonian Grebe VU 250 7 Podiceps nigricollis Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis Black-necked Grebe LC 250 RM 8 Pelecanus onocrotalus Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus Great White Pelican LC 210 RM 9 Pelecanus philippensis* Spot-billed Pelican
Pelecanus philippensis* Spot-billed Pelican NT 300 10 Pelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican
Pelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican VU 75 RM 11 Phalacrocorax carbo* Great Cormorant
Phalacracorax carbo* Great Cormorant LC 1000 RM 12 Phalacracorax pygmaeus
Pygmy Cormorant Phalacracorax pygmaeus Pygmy Cormorant LC 13 Ardea cinerea* Grey Heron Ardea cinerea* Grey Heron LC 1000 14 Ardea alba* Great Egret Ardea alba* Great (White) Egret LC 1000 15 Ardea insignis* White-bellied Heron
Ardea insignis* White-bellied Heron CR 5 16 Ardea goliath* Goliath Heron Ardea goliath* Goliath Heron LC 1 RM 17 Ardea purpurea* Purple Heron Ardea purpurea* Purple Heron LC 250 18 Bubulcus ibis* Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis* Cattle Egret LC 5000 19 Egretta garzetta* Little Egret Egretta garzetta* Little Egret LC 3000 20 Egretta gularis
Western Reef Egret Egretta garzetta schistacea* Western Reef Egret LC 170 21 Nycticorax nycticorax* Black-crowned Night- heron Nycticorax nycticorax* Black-crowned Night- heron LC 1500

8 RM = Regular migrant to India

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22 Gorsachius melanolophus*
Malayan Night-heron Gorsachius melanolophus* Malayan Night-heron LC -1 23 Botaurus stellaris Eurasian Bittern Botaurus stellaris Eurasian Bittern LC 1000 RM 24 Ixobrychus minutus* Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus* Little Bittern LC 250 25 Ixobrychus cinnamomeus* Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus* Cinnamon Bittern LC 500 26 Ixobrychus flavicollis * Black Bittern Ixobrychus (Dupetor) flavicollis* Black Bittern LC 1000 27 Anastomus oscitans Asian Openbill Stork Anastomus oscitans Asian Openbill Stork LC 3000 28 Ciconia nigra Black Stork
Ciconia nigra Black Stork LC 100 RM 29 Ciconia ciconia European White Stork
Ciconia ciconia European White Stork LC 25 RM 30 Leptoptilos javanicus Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus Lesser Adjutant VU 50 31 Leptoptilos dubius Greater Adjutant Leptoptilos dubius Greater Adjutant EN 7 32 Threskiornis melanocephalus* Black-headed (White) Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus* Black-headed (White) Ibis NT 500 33 Plegadis falcinellus* Glossy Ibis
Plegadis falcinellus* Glossy Ibis LC 3000 RM 34 Platalea leucorodia* Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia* Eurasian Spoonbill LC 230 35 Phoenicopterus roseus Greater Flamingo
Phoenicopterus ruber roseus* Greater Flamingo LC 2400 RM 36 Phoeniconaias minor* Lesser Flamingo
Phoenicopterus minor* Lesser Flamingo NT 3900 RM 37 Dendrocygna bicolor* Fulvous Whistling Duck
Dendrocygna bicolor* Greater Whistling Duck LC 500 38 Dendrocygna javanica* Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica* Lesser Whistling Duck LC 10000 39 Cygnus color Mute Swan Cygnus olor Mute Swan LC 250 40 Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus Whooper Swan LC 200 41 Cygnus (columbianus) bewickii Bewick's Swan/ Tundra Swan Cygnus (columbianus) bewickii Bewick's Swan LC 10 42 Anser fabalis Bean Goose Anser fabalis Bean Goose LC 20 43 Anser albifrons Greater White-fronted Goose
Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose LC 150 RM 44 Anser erythropus Lesser White-fronted Goose
Anser erythropus Lesser White-fronted Goose VU 140 RM 45 Anser anser Greylag Goose
Anser anser Greylag Goose LC 250 RM 46 Anser indicus* Bar-headed Goose
Anser indicus* Bar-headed Goose LC 560 RM

[16]

47 Branta ruficollis Red-breasted Goose
Branta ruficolis Red-breasted Goose VU 440 48 Tadorna ferruginea* Ruddy Shelduck
Tadorna ferruginea* Ruddy Shelduck LC 500 RM 49 Tadorna tadorna Common Shelduck
Tadorna tadorna Common Shelduck LC 1000 RM 50 Sarkidiornis melanotos Comb Duck Sarkidiornis melanotus Comb Duck LC 250 51 Nettapus coromandelianus* Cotton Pygmy-goose Nettapus coromandelianus* Cotton Pygmy-goose LC 1000 52 Mareca penelope Eurasian Wigeon
Anas penelope Eurasian Wigeon LC 2500 RM 53 Mareca falcata Falcated Duck
Anas falcata Falcated Teal NT 100 RM 54 Mareca strepera Gadwall
Anas strepera Gadwall LC 3000 RM 55 Anas crecca Common Teal
Anas crecca Green-winged Teal LC 4000 RM 56 Anas platyrhynchos* Mallard
Anas platyrhynchos* Mallard LC 750 RM 57 Anas poecilorhyncha* Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha* Spot-billed Duck LC 1000 58 Anas acuta Northern Pintail
Anas acuta Northern Pintail LC 20000 RM 59 Spatula querquedula Garganey
Anas querquedula Garganey LC 3500 RM 60 Spatula clypeata Northern Shoveler
Anas clypeata Northern Shoveler LC 7100 RM 61 Marmaronetta angustirostris Marbled Teal
Marmaronetta angustirostris Marbled Teal VU 50 RM 62 Netta rufina Red-crested Pochard
Netta rufina Red-crested Pochard LC 1000 RM 63 Aythya ferina Common Pochard
Aythya ferina Common Pochard VU 800 RM 64 Aythya baeri Baer's Pochard
Aythya baeri Baer's Pochard CR 5 RM 65 Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck
Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck NT 300 RM 66 Aythya fuligula Tufted Duck
Aythya fuligula Tufted Duck LC 1000 RM 67 Aythya marila Greater Scaup
Aythya marila Greater Scaup LC 100 RM 68 Clangula hyemalis Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalis Long-tailed Duck VU 50 69 Melanitta fusca Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca Velvet Scoter VU 15 70 Bucephala clangula Common Goldeneye
Bucephala clangula Common Goldeneye LC 100 RM 71 Mergellus albellus Smew
Mergellus albellus Smew LC 300 RM 72 Mergus serrator Red-breasted Merganser
Mergus serrator Red-breasted Merganser LC 100 73 Mergus merganser* Goosander
Mergus merganser* Goosander LC 50 RM

[17]

74 Oxyura leucocephala White-headed Duck
Oxyura leucocephala White-headed Duck EN 1 RM 75 Grus virgo Demoiselle Crane
Grus virgo Demoiselle Crane LC 5000 RM 76 Grus leucogeranus Siberian Crane Grus leucogeranus Siberian Crane CR 1 RM 77 Grus grus Common Crane
Grus grus Common Crane LC 700 RM 78 Grus nigricollis* Black-necked Crane Grus nigricollis* Black-necked Crane VU 100 79 Rallina eurizonoides* Banded Crake Rallina eurizinoides* Banded Crake LC 50 80 Lewinia striata Slaty-breasted Rail Gallirallus striatus Slaty-breasted Rail LC 200 81 Rallus aquaticus* Western Water Rail
Rallus aquaticus* Water Rail LC 250 82 Crex crex Corncrake Crex crex Corncrake LC 20000 83 Amaurornis phoenicurus* White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus* White-breasted Waterhen LC 20000 84 Porzana parva Little Crake Porzana parva Little Crake LC 100 RM 85 Zapornia pusilla* Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilla* Baillon's Crake LC 50 86 Porzana porzana
Spotted Crake
Porzana porzana Spotted Crake LC 100 RM 87 Porzana fusca* Ruddy-breasted Crake Porzana fusca* Ruddy-breasted Crake LC 300 88 Gallinula chloropus* Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus* Moorhen LC 10000 89 Fulica atra* Common Coot
Fulica atra* Common Coot LC 20000 RM 90 Heliopais personatus* Masked Finfoot Heliopais personata* Masked Finfoot EN 50 91 Hydrophasianus chirurgus* Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus* Pheasant-tailed Jacana LC 1200 92 Dromas ardeola Crab Plover
Dromas ardeola Crab Plover LC 300 RM 93 Haematopus ostralegus* Eurasian Oystercatcher
Haematopus ostralegus* Eurasian Oystercatcher NT 500 RM 94 Ibidorhyncha struthersii Ibisbill Ibidorhyncha struthersii Ibisbill LC -1 95 Himantopus himantopus* Black-winged Stilt
Himantopus himantopus* Black-winged Stilt LC 1700 RM 96 Recurvirostra avosetta* Pied Avocet
Recurvirostra avosetta* Pied Avocet LC 600 RM 97 Glareola pratincola Collared Pratincole
Glareola pratincola Collared Pratincole LC 1000 98 Glareola maldivarum Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum Oriental Pratincole LC 1000 99 Vanellus vanellus Northern Lapwing
Vanellus vanellus Northern Lapwing NT 250 RM 100 Vanellus cinereus Grey-headed Lapwing
Vanellus cinereus Grey-headed Lapwing LC 1000 RM 101 Vanellus gregarius Sociable Plover
Vanellus gregarius Sociable Plover CR 2 RM

[18]

102 Vanellus leucurus* White-tailed Plover
Vanellus leucurus* White-tailed Plover LC 1000 RM 103 Pluvialis apricaria Eurasian Golden Plover
Pluvialis apricaria Eurasian Golden Plover LC 50 RM 104 Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover LC 710 RM 105 Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover LC 300 RM 106 Charadrius hiaticula Common Ringed Plover
Charadrius hiaticula Common Ringed Plover LC 100 RM 107 Charadrius placidus Long-billed Plover Charadrius placidus Long-billed Plover LC 50 RM 108 Charadrius dubius* Little Ringed Plover
Charadrius dubius* Little Ringed Plover LC 1000 RM 109 Charadrius alexandrinus* Kentish Plover
Charadrius alexandrinus* Kentish Plover LC 710 RM 110 Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand plover
Charadrius mongolus Lesser (Mongolian) Plover LC 1200 RM 111 Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand plover Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sandplover LC 500 RM 112 Charadrius asiaticus Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus Caspian Plover LC 100 RM 113 Scolopax rusticola Eurasian Woodcock
Scolopax rusticola Eurasian Woodcock LC 350 RM 114 Gallinago solitaria Solitary Snipe Gallinago solitaria Solitary Snipe LC 200 RM 115 Gallinago nemoricola Wood Snipe
Gallinago nemoricola Wood Snipe VU 50 RM 116 Gallinago stenura Pintail Snipe
Gallinago stenura Pintail Snipe LC 1000 RM 117 Gallinago megala Swinhoe's Snipe
Gallinago megala Swinhoe's Snipe LC 100 RM 118 Gallinago gallinago Common Snipe
Gallinago gallinago Common Snipe LC 500 RM 119 Lymnocryptes minimus Jack Snipe
Lymnocryptes minimus Jack Snipe LC 250 RM 120 Limnodromus semipalmatus Asian Dowitcher
Limnodromus semipalmatus Asian Dowitcher NT 150 RM 121 Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit NT 1500 RM 122 Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit NT 500 RM 123 Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel LC 500 RM 124 Numenius arquata Eurasian Curlew
Numenius arquata Eurasian Curlew NT 300 RM 125 Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank
Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank LC 250 RM 126 Tringa totanus* Common Redshank
Tringa totanus* Common Redshank LC 1000 RM 127 Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper
Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper LC 1000 RM

[19]

128 Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank LC 710 RM 129 Tringa guttifer Nordmann's Greenshank
Tringa guttifer Nordmann's Greenshank EN 1 RM 130 Tringa ochropus Green Sandpiper
Tringa ochropus Green Sandpiper LC 100 RM 131 Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper LC 1400 RM 132 Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper
Tringa (Xenus) cinerea Terek Sandpiper LC 1000 RM 133 Actitis hypoleucos* Common Sandpiper
Tringa (Actitis) hypoleucos* Common Sandpiper LC 200 RM 134 Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone LC 350 RM 135 Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot EN 50 RM 136 Calidris canutus Red Knot
Calidris canutus Red Knot NT 150 RM 137 Calidris alba Sanderling
Calidris alba Sanderling LC 200 RM 138 Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint NT 50 RM 139 Calidris minuta Little Stint
Calidris minuta Little Stint LC 2400 RM 140 Calidris temminckii Temminck's Stint
Calidris temminckii Temminck's Stint LC 400 RM 141 Calidris subminuta Long-toed Stint
Calidris subminuta Long-toed Stint LC 100 RM 142 Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper NT 2400 RM 143 Calidris alpina Dunlin
Calidris alpina Dunlin LC 1000 RM 144 Calidris pygmaea Spoon-billed Sandpiper
Eurynorhynchus pygmaeus Spoon-billed Sandpiper CR 1 RM 145 Calidris falcinellus Broad-billed Sandpiper
Limicola falcinellus Broad-billed Sandpiper LC 620 RM 146 Calidris pugnax Ruff
Philomachus pugnax Ruff LC 1000 RM 147 Phalaropus lobatus Red-necked Phalarope
Phalaropus lobatus Red-necked Phalarope LC 1000 RM 148 Larus hemprichii Sooty Gull Larus hemprichii White-eyed Gull LC 2100 149 Larus canus Mew Gull Larus canus Common Gull LC 20000 150 Larus heuglini* Heuglin's Gull Larus heuglini* Heuglin's Gull LC 5000 RM 151 Larus cachinnans Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans Yellow-legged Gull LC 20000 152 Larus fuscus
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull LC 560 153 Larus ichthyaetus Great Black-headed Gull Larus ichthyaetus Great Black-headed Gull LC 1000 RM 154 Larus brunnicephalus Brown-headed Gull
Larus brunnicephalus Brown-headed Gull LC 1400 RM

[20]

155 Larus ridibundus Black-headed Gull
Larus ridibundus Black-headed Gull LC 7000 RM 156 Larus genei Slender-billed Gull
Larus genei Slender-billed Gull LC 1500 RM 157 Larus relictus Relict Gull
Larus relictus Relict Gull VU 120 158 Hydrocoloeus minutus Little Gull Larus minutus Little Gull LC 1000 159 Gelochelidon ilotica* Gull-billed Tern
Sterna (Gelochelidon) nilotica* Gull-billed Tern LC 770 RM 160 Hydroprogne caspia * Caspian Tern
Sterna caspia* Caspian Tern LC 1500 RM 161 Thalasseus bengalensis * Lesser Crested Tern
Sterna bengalensis* Lesser Crested Tern LC 1600 RM 162 Sterna bergii Greater Crested Tern
Sterna bergii Crested Tern LC 1000 RM 163 Sterna dougallii Roseate Tern
Sterna dougallii Roseate Tern LC 100 RM 164 Sterna hirundo* Common Tern
Sterna hirundo* Common Tern LC 1000 RM 165 Sternula albifrons * Little Tern
Sterna albifrons* Little Tern LC 710 RM 166 Sternula saundersi Saunders's Tern Sterna saundersii Saunders' Tern LC 400 167 Thalasseus sandvicensis Sandwich Tern
Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern LC 800 RM 168 Sterna repressa White-cheeked Tern
Sterna repressa White-cheeked Tern LC 4000 RM 169 Chlidonias hybridus* Whiskered Tern
Chlidonias hybridus* Whiskered Tern LC 2000 RM 170 Chlidonias leucopterus White-winged Tern
Chlidonias leucopterus White-winged Tern LC 1000 RM 171 Rynchops albicollis Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis Indian Skimmer VU 75

Note : The rest of the 59 species are either vagrant or rare to India. Hence, it was decided not to consider for setting up of criteria. Points considered for revising 1% biogeographic population given in the ‘Waterbird Estimate V’ (Wetland International, 2017) to Indian context includes
i. Estimates for certain common species which occurs in relatively limited area of particular sites are brought down from ‘Waterbird estimates V’. ii. For globally common species, the estimates for South Asia; were revised based on recent population trend in Indian subcontinent. iii. The species with estimated population of 1000 and above which generally occurs in solitary or small parties in India, the estimates were brought down. iv. For The species listed in ‘waterbird estimates V’ without South Asian population estimate, the estimates were given based on based on recent population trend in Indian subcontinent. v. 1% South Asian population estimated between 1000 and 10000 for species described as rare /vagrant migrant to India has been brought down.

[21]

APPENDIX 2. WETLANDS AND WETLAND CLUSTERS PRIORITIZED FOR CONSERVATION OF MIGRATORY WATERBIRDS

Sr. State Significant Wetlands Signficant Wetland Cluster

TamilNadu Point Calimere & Great Vedaranyam Swamp Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park & Adam’s Bridge Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary Pallikaranai Suchindram Theroor Vembanoor Manakudi Estuary Saltpans of Puthalam & Kovalam

Puducherry

— Ousteri Lake Bahour Lake Kaliveli Tank

AndhraPradesh Kolleru Pulicat Coringa

—

Odisha Chilka Bhitarakanika

—

Maharashtra

Jaikwadi Gangapur Dam and Grassland Nandur Madhmeshwar Mahul Sewri Mudflats Alibaugh Thane Creek Uran

Gujarat

Nal Sarover Khijadia Marine National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary

Madhya Pradesh

Karera (Dihaila Jheel and Other Wetlands) Halali Reservoir Bhoj (UpperLake)

West Bengal Sundarbans Farakka Barrage and Adjoining Areas

Rajasthan

Keoladeo Sambhar Alniya Dam Bardha Dam RamSagar (Hindoli) 10 Punjab Harike

11 Himachal Pradesh Pong Dam

Assam

Majuli Island Pani-Dihing Sibsagar Tanks

[22]

Uttar Pradesh

Kurra Jheel Saman 14 Jammu & Kashmir

Haigam Rakh Hokarsar Mirgund Jheel 15 Andaman and Nicobar Islands To be included

16 Arunachal Pradesh To be included

17 Bihar To be included

18 Chandigarh To be included

19 Chhattisgarh To be included

20 Dadra and Nagar Haveli To be included

21 Daman and Diu To be included

22 Goa To be included

23 Haryana To be included

24 Jharkhand To be included

25 Karnataka To be included

26 Kerala To be included

27 Lakshadweep To be included

28 Manipur To be included

29 Meghalaya To be included

30 Mizoram To be included

31 Nagaland To be included

32 Delhi To be included

33 Sikkim To be included

34 Telangana To be included

35 Tripura To be included

36 Uttarakhand To be included

[23]

APPENDIX 3. CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF WETLANDS FOR CONSERVATION OF MIGRATORY BIRDS

Criteria Requirements Remarks I) Population Status a) 1% biogeographical population of any long distant migratory waterbird species b) one or more individuals of any Critically Endangered
migratory bird species c) >50 individuals of any Vulnerable / Endangered migratory
waterbird species d) >100 individuals of any Near -Threatened migratory waterbird
species To know the 1% bio- geographical population please visit http://wpe.wetlands. org/

II) Congregation a) Congregation of >10,000 long distant migratory birds at any period of the season b) Congregation of >15,000 local/short distant migratory waterbirds

III) No. of Species /
Species Diversity a) 20 species of migratory birds together on a single day or within a weeks’ time b) 40 or >40 migratory waterbird species over the migratory season

IV) Habitat Utilization
and Period of occurrence a) Southward passage (August to October) Congregation >2000 Long distant migratory waterbirds

b) Wintering (November to February) regular occurrence of >5000 migratory birds

c) Northward Passage (March to May) A small congregation

1000 Long distant waterbirds

d) South Ward passage & Wintering Additional population and
species during southward passage besides the wintering
population

e) Wintering – Northward Passage
Additional moving population and species during northward passage besides the wintering population

Only autumn passage

Only occur during winter

Only occur during return migration

Both during autumn and winter

Both during winter & return northward migration
V) Historical Wetlands which require Restoration Wetland currently with low migratory bird population which supported more than 50,000 birds in the past

VI) Roosting Sites Migratory birds feed elsewhere (eg: Sea, croplands and adjoining satellite wetlands) and congregate (>2000) in the wetland for night roosting

VII) Wetlands with adjoining terrestrial vegetation and migrant land birds Wetlands with reed-bed / bordered with grasslands/ peripheral shrubs which provide roosting and feeding grounds for thousands of migratory land birds such as warblers, starlings, buntings, wagtails, larks

[24]

APPENDIX 4. LIST OF SPECIES SHORTLISTED FOR FORMULATION OF SINGLE SPECIES ACTION PLAN
S.No Species Justification for SSAP 1 Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata

A Near Threatened long distant migratory species, its global population is on the decline due to habitat disturbances. Long-term marking and monitoring data has established wintering population decline of this species in India.

2 Crab Plover Dromas ardeola

This species is restricted to intertidal mudflats and has a limited distribution range. Information on this species in India is limited.

3 Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

A Near Threatened long distant migratory species, its global population is on the decline. This species is listed as priority species in African Eurasian Flyway.

4 Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica

It is a Near Threatened long distant migratory species. Overall population is on the decline. This species is listed as priority species in East Asian-Australasian Flyway action plan 2015–2019.It is also a priority species in African Eurasian Flyway.

5 Red KnotCalidris canutus

It is a Near Threatened long distant migratory species.The species has been rendered vulnerable owing to extensive land reclamation projects that have encroached upon important habitats across its range.It has been susceptible to avian influenza in the past, so could be threatened by future outbreaks of the virus.This species is listed as priority species in East Asian-Australasian Flyway action plan 2015–2019. 6 Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta

Long distant migratory species. The population trend of this species is not known, but the population is not believed to be decreasing. Knowledge on this species is limited as recent records for this species are not available 7 Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis

A globally threatened (Vulnerable) species and its population is undergoing a rapid decline as a result of widespread degradation and disturbance of lowland rivers and lakes. Its Indian population is estimated to be less than 2500 individuals.
8 Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus

A short distant migratory bird, it is a priority species of BNHS. The species suffers from low reproductive success if exposed to disturbance at breeding colonies. The species also suffers mortality from collisions with fences and power lines.
9 Lesser Flamingo Phoenicoparrus minor

A Near Threatened species with very limited breeding range. The overall population trend is decreasing owing to habitat degradation and disturbance. It is a BNHS priority species.

10 Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea

Near Threatened long distant migratory species. Population trends are very difficult to determine for this species; however, overall it is suspected to be declining. India supports its largest wintering

[25]

population.
11 Little Stint Calidris minuta

A long distant migratory species, India supports its largest wintering population. Long-term marking and monitoring in India has revealed population decline due to illegal hunting (bird trapping), reservoir and marshland habitat alteration by salt industries, and habitat degradation owing to diminishing rainfall (changing the salt regime).

12 Lesser Sand plover Charadrius mongolus

India supports its major wintering population. The global population trend is difficult to determine because of uncertainty over the impacts of habitat modification on population sizes; however BNHS Bird Banding data shows population decline in India. 13 Black-bellied TernSternaacuticauda

Globally threatened (Endangered) species.This species is almost extinct in a large part of its range and is thought to be on a very rapid decline overall owing to a multitude of threatening processes that affect riverine species in southern Asia.
14 Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris

Globally threatened (Endangered) species. Undergoing a very rapid population decline caused by reclamation of non-breeding stopover grounds. Increased report from east coasts of India in the recent years. This species is listed as priority species in East Asian- Australasian Flyway action plan 2015–2019.
15 Common Pochard Aythya ferina

Globally threatened (Vulnerable) long distance migratory species. Its population has declined rapidly across the majority of the range.

Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola

Globally threatened (Endangered) migratory land bird species. It is undergoing a very rapid population decline owing mainly to trapping in its non-breeding range. It is listed as priority species of African Eurasian Migratory Land birds Action Plan 17 White-headed Duck
Oxyura leucocephala

Globally threatened (Vulnerable) long distance migratory species. The population of this species has undergone a very rapid decline.
18 Ferruginous DuckAythyanyroca NearThreatened long distant migratory species. The overall population is estimated to be declining at a moderate rate. The species is threatened by the degradation and destruction of well-vegetated shallow pools and other wetland habitats
19 European roller Coraciasgarrulus

Migratory land bird species which is a passage migrant to India. It is listed as a priority species of African Eurasian Migratory Landbirds Action Plan.
20 Sociable Lapwing Vanellusgregarius

A Critically Endangered short distant migratory species with considerable records from north-west India. Its population has undergone a very rapid reduction for reasons that are poorly understood but are likely due to hunting along the migration flyway.

[26]

APPENDIX 5. ACTIVITIES OF CAF SECRETARIAT

Working closely with the CMS secretariat regarding the important decisions, conservation issues, action to be taken by the governments (both in India and other parties) in the CAF region
Working closely with the other flyway secretariats like African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) and East Asian Australasian Flyway (EAAP) to replicate/discuss/take decisions on the successful implementation of various conservation research and conservation measures, and to suggest the policy interventions (if required) in India and other parties in the CAF region.
Integration of CAF Action Plan in other flyway action plans for better implementation and financial support (contributory basis)
Liaison with the parties for the implementation of the major activities in the CAF Action Plan
Exchange of information between India and other range countries (exchange of information on natural resource management, research, trade and experience gained from various conservation activities. It can further help to replicate the positive and successful actions).
Liaison with international and non-governmental organizations (both in global and CAF region) which are working towards research and conservation
Promotion and supervision of CAF perspective research and conservation projects in India in coordination with various organizations like, BNHS, WII, ZSI, WWF, SACON. BNHS will be the technical co-ordinator for MOEFCC in achieving CAF actions
Work out possible institutional framework in India and CAF region to take collaborative actions in research, conservation and policy.
Organizing workshops and meetings with the parties and non-parties (if any).

[27]

Annexure 6: List of Important Land Bird species. LAND BIRDS
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Amur Falcon
Falco amurensis Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis Ashy Minivet
Pericrocotus divaricatus Asian Brown Flycatcher
Muscicapa dauurica
Barbary Falcon
Falco pelegrinoides Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria Bimaculated Lark Melanocorypha bimaculata Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
Black-bellied Sandgrouse
Pterocles orientalis Black-breasted Thrush Turdus dissimilis
Black-browed Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus bistrigiceps Black-eared Kite Milvus lineatus Black-faced Bunting Emberiza spodocephala

Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala
Black-throated Accentor Prunella atrogularis
Blue Rock-Thrush Monticola solitarius
Blyth's Pipit Anthus godlewskii Blyth's Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum
Bohemian Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus
Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus
Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata
Boreal Owl
Aegolius funereus
Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Brooks's Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus subviridis
Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus
Brown-chested Jungle- Flycatcher (Nicobar Jungle- Flycatcher) Rhinomyias brunneata (R.nicobaricus ) Buff-bellied Pipit (American Pipit) Anthus rubescens Burmese Shrike Lanius collurioides
Cetti's Warbler
Cettia cetti
Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Chestnut Bunting Emberiza rutila
Chestnut-breasted Bunting Emberiza fucata Chestnut-eared Bunting Emberiza fucata

[28]

LAND BIRDS SCIENTIFIC NAME Chinese Goshawk
Accipiter soloensis
Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus
Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola
Collared Pratincole
Glareola pratincola
Common Buzzard Buteo buteo
Common Goldeneye
Bucephala clangula
Common Kestrel
Falco tinnunculus Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos
Common Quail Coturnix coturnix
Common Rosefinch
Carpodacus erythrinus
Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris
Common Wood-Pigeon
Columba palumbus
Crab Plover
Dromas ardeola
Cream-colored Courser
Cursorius cursor
Crimson-winged Finch Rhodopechys sanguinea Crowned Sandgrouse
Pterocles coronatus
Dark-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis
Daurian Redstart Phoenicurus auroreus
Desert Warbler Sylvia nana
Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti Dusky Thrush Turdus naumanni
Dusky Warbler
Phylloscopus fuscatus Eastern Crowned-Warbler Phylloscopus coronatus
Eastern Marsh Harrier
Circus spilonotus
Eurasian Hobby
Falco subbuteo
Eurasian Hoopoe
Upupa epops
Eurasian Nightjar
Caprimulgus europaeus
Eurasian Oystercatcher
Haematopus ostralegus
Eurasian Scops-Owl
Otus scops Eurasian Siskin Carduelis spinus Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis
Eurasian Sparrowhawk
Accipiter nisus Eurasian Woodcock
Scolopax rusticola
Eurasian Wryneck
Jynx torquilla European Roller Coracias garrulus
Eversmann's Redstart Phoenicurus erythronota
Eyebrowed Thrush
Turdus obscurus Fieldfare Turdus pilaris
Firethroat Luscinia pectardens
Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus

[29]

LAND BIRDS
SCIENTIFIC NAME Garden Warbler Sylvia borin
Godlewski's Bunting Emberiza godlewskii
Grasshopper Warbler
Locustella naevia Great Bustard
Otis tarda
Great Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus
Great-billed Heron Ardea sumatrana
Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla
Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga
Greater Whitethroat Sylvia communis Greenish Warbler
Phylloscopus trochiloides
Grey Hypocolius Hypocolius ampelinus
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
Grey-backed Shrike Lanius tephronotus Grey-necked Bunting Emberiza buchanani
Grey-sided Thrush Turdus feae Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes Hodgson's Redstart Phoenicurus hodgsoni Horned Grebe
Podiceps auritus
Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata Hume's Lark Calandrella acutirostris Hume's Whitethroat Sylvia althaea Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca Inornate Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus
Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina
Japanese Quail Coturnix japonica Japanese Sparrowhawk
Bulweria fallax Lanceolated Warbler
Locustella lanceolata
Large-billed Leaf-Warbler Locustella lanceolata
Large-billed Reed-warbler Acrocephalus orinus
Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor
Lesser Kestrel
Falco naumanni
Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla
Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax Long-eared Owl
Asio otus

[30]

LAND BIRDS
SCIENTIFIC NAME Long-legged Buzzard
Buteo rufinus Manchurian Bush-Warbler Cettia canturians Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis
Merlin
Falco columbarius Mongolian Finch Rhodopechys mongolica
Montagu's Harrier
Circus pygargus
Mountain Chiffchaff
Phylloscopus sindianus
Moustached Warbler
Acrocephalus melanopogon
Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Northern Harrier
Circus cyaneus Northern House-Martin Delichon urbicum Northern Shrike Lanius excubitor
Northern Wheatear
Oenanthe oenanthe
Olivaceous Warbler
Hippolais pallida
Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni
Oriental Hobby Falco severus
Oriental Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus
Oriental Turtle-Dove
Streptopelia orientalis
Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana
Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Paddyfield Warbler
Acrocephalus agricola
Pale Crag-Martin Ptyonoprogne obsoleta
Pale-backed Pigeon
Columba eversmanni
Pale-legged Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus tenellipes Pallas's Sandgrouse
Syrrhaptes paradoxus
Pallas's Warbler
Locustella certhiola Pallid Harrier
Circus macrourus
Pallid Scops-Owl
Otus brucei Parasitic Jaeger
Stercorarius parasiticus
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus
Pied Harrier Circus melanoleucos
Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos Pin-tailed Sandgrouse
Pterocles alchata Plain Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus neglectus
Plain-backed Snowfinch Montifringilla blanfordi Pomarine Jaeger
Stercorarius pomarinus Purple-backed Starling Sturnus sturninus
Radde's Warbler Phylloscopus schwarzi

[31]

LAND BIRDS SCIENTIFIC NAME Red Kite Milvus milvus
Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio
Red-breasted Flycatcher
Ficedula parva
Red-footed Booby

Sula sula Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica
Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus Richard's Pipit Anthus richardi Rosy Minivet
Pericrocotus roseus
Rosy Starling Sturnus roseus Rufous-backed Kingfisher Ceyx rufidorsa Rufous-necked Snowfinch Montifringilla ruficollis
Rufous-streaked Accentor Prunella himalayana
Rufous-tailed Rock-Thrush Monticola saxatilis Rufous-tailed Scrub-Robin Lanius isabellinus
Rufous-tailed Shrike Oenanthe xanthoprymna
Rufous-tailed Wheatear
Oenanthe xanthoprymna
Saker Falcon
Falco cherrug
Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
Short-eared Owl
Asio flammeus
Siberian Accentor
Prunella montanella Siberian Blue Robin
Luscinia cyane
Siberian Rubythroat Luscinia calliope Siberian Stonechat Saxicola torquatus Siberian Thrush Zoothera sibirica Small Snowfinch
Montifringilla davidiana Small Whitethroat Sylvia minula Smoky Warbler
Phylloscopus fuligiventer
Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Sooty Falcon
Falco concolor
Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis
Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa striata
Spotted Sandgrouse
Pterocles senegallus Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis

[32]

LAND BIRDS SCIENTIFIC NAME
Sulphur-bellied Warbler Phylloscopus griseolus Sykes's Nightjar
Caprimulgus mahrattensis
Sykes's Warbler
Hippolais rama Thick-billed Warbler Acrocephalus aedon Tickell's Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus affinis Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Trumpeter Finch Rhodopechys githaginea
Upland Buzzard Buteo hemilasius
Variable Wheatear Oenanthe picata
Wallcreeper
Tichodroma muraria
Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta
Western Marsh Harrier
Circus aeruginosus
White Wagtail Motacilla alba White-backed Thrush Turdus kessleri
White-crowned Penduline-tit Remiz coronatus White-eyed Buzzard Butastur teesa White-rumped Snowfinch Montifringilla taczanowskii
White-shouldered Starling Sturnus sinensis
White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla White-throated Bushchat Saxicola insignis
Willow Warbler - vagrant Phylloscopus trochilus Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola
Yellowhammer - vagrant Emberiza citrinella
Yellow-rumped Flycatcher Ficedula zanthopygia

[33]

ANNEXURE 7: LAND BIRD IMPORTANT SITES Sl. no Site name State Significant role

Point Calimere Tamil Nadu Passage site for the migrant

Upper Palni Hills Tamil Nadu Wintering sites High altitude

Shivaliks Hill Himachal Pradesh Stopover and wintering site

Great Himalayan National Park Himachal Pradesh Wintering sites High altitude migrants

Dachigam Kashmir Stopover and wintering site

Madhav National park,Shivpuri Madhya Pradesh Wintering site

Hingoldh Gujarat Stopover site for birds Migrating to Africa

Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary Kerala Wintering site

Idukki wild life sanctuary Kerala Wintering site

Thattakad Birds Sanctuary Kerala Wintering site

Waynad Wildlife sanctuary Kerala Wintering site

Kalakad Mundandurai Wildlife sanctuary Tamil Nadu Wintering site

Mukurthi National park Tamil Nadu Wintering sites High altitude migrants

Sriharikota Island Andhra Pradesh Passage and Wintering site

D'Ering Wildlife Sanctuary Arunachal Pradesjh Wintering and passage sites for High altitude migrants

Pakke Tiger Reserve Arunachal Pradesh Wintering and passage sites for High altitude migrants

Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary Arunachal Pradesh Wintering and passage sites for High altitude migrants

Dihang-Dihang Biosphere Reserve Arunachal Pradesh Wintering and passage sites for High altitude migrants

Namdapha Tiger Reserve Arunachal Pradesh Wintering and passage sites for High altitude migrants

Rajpipla Hills Gujarat Stopover site for birds Migrating to Africa and wintering site

Great Rann of Kutch Gujarat Stopover site for birds Migrating to Africa and wintering site

Jaisalmer Rajasthan Wintering and passage sites

[34]

Limbar Valley Wildlife Sanctuary Jammu Kashmir Wintering and passage sites for High altitude migrants

Kistwar Natonal Park Jammu Kashmir Wintering and passage sites for High altitude migrants

Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary Jammu Kashmir Wintering and passage sites for High altitude migrants

Jaldapara National Park West Bengal Stopover and wintering site

Buxa Tiger Reserve West Bengal Stopover and wintering site

Neora Valley National Park West Bengal Stopover and wintering site

Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary Orissa Stopover and wintering site

Fambong lho Himalayan Zoological Park Sikkim Wintering and passage sites for High altitude migrants

Kyongnosla alpine sanctuary Sikkim Wintering and passage sites for High altitude migrants

To be included Assam

To be included Bihar

To be included Chandigarh

To be included Chhattisgarh

To be included
Dadra and Nagar Haveli

To be included Daman and Diu

To be included Goa

To be included Haryana

To be included Himachal Pradesh

To be included Jammu and Kashmir

To be included Jharkhand

To be included Karnataka

To be included Lakshadweep

To be included Maharashtra

To be included Manipur

To be included Meghalaya

To be included Mizoram

To be included Nagaland

To be included
National Capital Territory of Delhi

To be included Odisha

To be included Puducherry

To be included Punjab

To be included Telangana

To be included Tripura

To be included Uttar Pradesh

To be included Uttarakhand

[35]

ANNEXURE 8: TIMELINE FOR CENTRAL ASIAN NATIONAL ACTION PLAN (2018-23)

COMPONENT Agency 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 1 SPECIES CONSERVATION

1.1 National Inventories

Listing Migratory Land Birds

Stop over sites

Wintering sites

Population Status

1.2 Single species Action Plan

1.3 Migratory birds Hunted

1.4 Feral Dog Threats

1.5 Collision/Electrocution

1.6 Disease Surveillance

1.7 Local community participation

Citizen Science Groups

2 HABITAT CONSERVATION & SUSTAINABLE
MANAGEMENT

2.1 Integrated management of priority wetlands

2.2 Boundary demarcation, notification &inclusion in land use records

2.3 Allocation of water for ecological functioning

2.4 Cross-sectoral institutional arrangements

2.5 Integrating CAF species & habitat conservation objectives in PA Plans

3 CAPACITY BUILDING

3.1 Region-wise capacity development

3.2 Training material on population/habitat

3.3 Targeted training of enforcement officials

3.4 Ringing Program

3.5 capacity and protocols for disease surveillance

3.6 Develop education and awareness material

3.7 stakeholder capacity for conservation and ownership of local sites

4 COMMUNICATION AND OUTREACH

4.1 outreach materials targeted at diverse audiences

4.2 Build a network of ‘Student ambassadors’

4,3 PRIs, CSOs and CBOs to act as ‘knowledge hubs’, custodians and stewards

4.4 Encourage National Green Corps

4.5 Awareness amongst media

4.6 Publish newsletter periodically

5 RESEARCH & MONITORING

5.1 Population Status, Migration Patterns and Connectivity along Flyways

analysis of existing long term datasets on ringing

refining field protocols

use of conventional ringing/banding &advanced technologies

targeted ecological & socio-economic studies

impact of usage of pesticides developing suitable response options i.e modification of farming practice

modelling impacts of changing climate on migration patterns

5.2 Monitoring Population Trends

5.3 Inventory, Assessment & Monitoring of Wetland Habitats

5.4 National Database on CAF

5.5 Management Effectiveness Tracking

5.6 Decision-Support System

5.7 Improving Knowledgebase on ‘Data-Deficient’ sites

6 INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

6.1 Establishing CAF Secretariat in India

6.2 Periodic meetings with Range Countries

6.3 Joint Initiatives

7 MONITORING AND REPORTING ON IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL ACTION PLAN.

8 FINANCING IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL ACTION PLAN

[36]

ANNEXURE 9: DIAGRAM ON IMPLENTATION OF CENTRAL ASIAN FLYWAY NATIONAL ACTION PLAN (2018-23)

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