​YAMUNA BIODIVERSITY PARK

​ FIELD TRIP REPORT

Sanskriti Bhatia
Roll number- 200462
BA Programme ( Psychology + Sociology)
EVS Section 3
Semester I, Session 2020-23, First Year
Acknowledgment

I had to take the support and advice of several esteemed individuals who merit my heartfelt
appreciation in preparation for my task. As the completion of this assignment gave me much
pleasure, I would like to show my gratitude to Dr. Ruchi Mishra and Dr. Divya Agarwal, at
Jesus and Mary College, the University of Delhi for giving me good guidelines for the
assignment and clearing any doubts. I would like to extend my gratitude to our Principal Dr.
Sandra Joseph for providing us with this great opportunity. I would also like to express my
gratitude to those who have led me to write this assignment directly and indirectly.

In addition, a thank you to the Faculty of the Yamuna Biodiversity Park, who arranged a virtual
field trip for the students in the middle of a pandemic and helped us learn about the importance
of biodiversity in a more practical manner.

Many individuals, and in particular my student colleagues, made insightful remarks on my paper
that encouraged me to increase the standard of the assignment.
Index

S. Content
No.

1 Introduction to Biodiversity

2 Types of Biodiversity

3 Importance of Biodiversity

4 Distribution of Biodiversity

5 Threats to Biodiversity

6 Conservation of Biodiversity

7 Aim and Objectives

8 Methodology

9 Study Area

10 Overview of Biodiversity

11 Types of Ecosystem Studied

12 Conclusion

13 References
Introduction to biodiversity
Biodiversity is the variety on earth of all organisms and is usually a measure of genetic, species,
and ecosystem variation. Most frequently, biologists describe biodiversity as the "totality of
genes, species, and ecosystems of a region" They are the various plants, animals, and
microorganisms, their genes, and the habitats of land, sea, and fresh water that they are part of.
Biodiversity is "variability among living organisms from all sources including inter alia,
terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are
a part" The diversity of all living organisms depends on temperature, precipitation, altitude, soil
geography, and the presence of other species.
Types of Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the variety of all organisms, species, and populations; genetic variation among
them; and all their complex assemblies of communities and ecosystems.
There are usually three biodiversity levels: biology, species, and environment.
1. Genetic Diversity​-In both plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms, there are a
wide variety of genes. It exists both within and between species. It refers to
variations in the species' genetic resources. In its biological profile, each member
of a specific species varies from each other. That is why each human being looks
distinct from each other. Similarly, rice, wheat, corn, barley, etc. have various
varieties in the same species.

2. Species diversity​-It refers to the variety of different species found in a given area.
These are all differences within and between populations of species, as well as
between species. It encompasses all species, ranging from plants to various
 microorganisms. No two individuals of the same species are exactly the same.
Humans, for example, show a lot of variation within themselves.

3. Ecosystem diversity​-It is an intricate network of various species found in local

ecosystems and dynamic interactions between them. The ecosystem consists of
organisms living together in the region from several different species and their
relationships through the flow of energy, nutrients and matter. These connections
take place as organisms communicate with each other from different species.

Importance of Biodiversity
In ways that are not easy to measure, biodiversity improves the quality of our lives. Biodiversity
is intrinsically beneficial to our emotional, psychological and spiritual well-being and is
essential. Having a diverse variety of living organisms allows the resources provided to be
utilized by other organisms. For example, for birds, insects, other plants and animals, fungi, and
microbes, trees provide shelter and nutrients.
The existence of biological diversity is the basis for agriculture, forestry and fisheries, healthy
natural hydrological cycles, fertile soils, balanced ecosystems, and many other significant
ecological resources.
1. To Meet Survival Needs​-The most important aspect of biodiversity is that it responds to
many people's basic survival needs. Many traditional societies are still today directly or
indirectly dependent on their natural resources to meet their everyday biology
requirements, for example, medicines and pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs from humans and
animals, forestry products, potential energy, etc.
2. Maintaining a balance of the ecosystem​- Nutrient recycling and storage, re-absorption
waste management, climate stability, water restoration, formation and protection of soil,
and re-habilitation from unpredictable events in general are some of the ways in which
biodiversity helps to maintain an ecological balance.
3. Ecological Services​- In an ecosystem, organisms evolve to perform particular roles.
Many animals rely on each other in intricate ways for survival. Specific life forms in a
given environment help to create conditions for other life forms to survive in that habitat.
The extinction of one species will result in further extinctions or alterations.
4. Social value​- The positive and sustainable importance of biodiversity is closely linked to
traditional societies' social interests. Biodiversity is considered by 'Ecosystem people' as
part of their livelihood. Traditional farming practices have been used to plant a wide
variety of crops, allowing a wide range of crops to be grown and sold during the year and
acting as protection against a single crop failure.
5. Economic value​-In terms of nutrition, fuel, and medicinal benefit, the economic potential
of biodiversity is enormous. Biodiversity provides the primary resource for the different
sectors which dominate the global economy.
Distribution of Biodiversity
36 known hotspots for biodiversity are now in place. There are the biologically richest, but
vulnerable, terrestrial areas of the World.

A region must meet two stringent conditions in order to classify as a biodiversity hotspot:
 ● Contain at least 1,500 vascular plant species occurring nowhere else on Earth (known as
"endemic" species).
● At least 70% of the initial vegetation has been destroyed.

Many of the hotspots for biodiversity meet the above two parameters. The Sundaland Hotspot in
Southeast Asia, for example, and the South American Hotspot of the Tropical Andean, has
nearly 15,000 species. In some hotspots, there was a tremendous depletion of vegetation of 95%.

Threats to Biodiversity

1. Climate Change ​-Climate change refers to the irreversible and long-term change
that takes place in the climate of the Earth. This increase in atmospheric
temperature has important environmental effects, such as seasons, sea level rises
and glacier retreats. Because of the temperature rise, organisms have already
adapted by expanding their latitudinal ranges. Because of this behavior, many
species have declined in population.
2. Habitat Loss and Degradation​ - Habitat loss refers to environmental modifications
that result in a technically invaluable rendering of a particular habitat. The
ecosystem can no longer sustain the life of the present species and support them,
thus reducing their population. In the course of habitat loss, species that once
existed in a certain environment or territory are displaced and forced to migrate,
resulting in the depletion of biodiversity.

3. Pollution​ - Every source of pollution tends to be a threat to all life forms on Earth,
be it water, air, or land pollution. However, when it comes to the nutrient loading
of the components nitrogen and phosphorus, it poses a significant threat to
biodiversity. In addition, eutrophication (excessive growth of plants and algal
growth) can be caused by the presence and accumulation of nitrogen compounds
in water systems. The presence and accumulation of phosphorus in water systems
can change the working of food chains. Excessive phosphorus, such as nitrogen,
can contribute to unregulated planktonic algae growth; thereby increasing
deposition of organic matter in the seabed.
 4. Invasive Alien Species​ - An exotic or unnatural species would be some type of
organism that has been brought into a foreign habitat. As they often become
subject to great competition for resources, disease, and predation, this
introduction can cause major threats to the native species. When the area has been
successfully colonized by these animals, they are already considered "invasive"
ones.

Invasive Species Example-

When Guam (an island in the Pacific Ocean) was exposed to the brown tree snake, it
wiped out 3/4th of the bird population by eating their nest eggs and young ones. This is
one of the examples of predation invasive species.
5. Overexploitation​-It refers to the act of species and natural resources being
overharvested at rates higher than they can potentially sustain themselves in the
wild. As a result, the population of animals is put at considerable risk of decline.
Few forms of overexploitation are overharvesting, overfishing, and overhunting.
If the overexploitation act persists, several animals can gradually become extinct.

6. Human Population​ - In 1800, less than 1 billion people were living here on earth
and there are around 7.8 billion people today. Although the consequences of each
human being on biodiversity differ greatly depending on the form and quantity of
resources he or she uses, growing populations have contributed to the threats to
biodiversity overall.
Conservation of Biodiversity

Conservation is the protection, conservation, management or restoration of wildlife and natural

resources, such as forests and water. It is possible to ensure the conservation of biodiversity and
the survival of many species and habitats that are threatened by human activity.

Types of Conservation:

Conservation can broadly be divided into two types:

1. In-situ conservation

2. Ex-situ conservation
In-situ Conservation:

In-situ conservation includes on-site conservation or conservation of the genetic stock of plant or
animal species in natural communities. The conservation of a plant or animal species at risk in its
natural environment is carried out either by the protection or cleanup of their natural habitat or
through shielding them from predators.

In India following types of natural habitats are being maintained:

1. National parks

2. Wildlife sanctuaries

3. Biosphere reserves

There are more than 600 protected areas in India, including over 90 national parks, over 500
wildlife sanctuaries, and 15 reserves of the biosphere.

1. National Parks:

A national park is a region that is solely designated for habitat improvement and where practices
such as farming and grazing are not allowed for agriculture. And private rights of ownership are
not permitted in these parks.
2. Wildlife Sanctuaries:

A sanctuary is a protected area designated for the protection of animals only, and human
practices such as timber harvesting, the collection of minor forest resources and the right of
private possession are tolerated as long as they do not conflict with animal welfare. Sanctuary
borders are not clearly defined and, e.g., tourists, controlled biotic interference is allowed.

3. Biosphere Reserves:

It is a particular type of protected areas in which the human population is part of the framework
as well. These are typically larger protected areas of more than 5000 sq. km. There are 3
components of a biosphere reserves- core, buffer and transition zone.

1. The core zone is the central zone; it is an uncontaminated and lawfully enclosed area.

2. Between the center and the transition zone is the buffer zone. Here, certain educational
activities are allowed.

3. The transition region is the outermost portion of the reserves of the biosphere. Cropping,
forestry, leisure, fishing and other activities are permitted here.

Ex-Situ Conservation:

Ex-situ conservation is the conservation outside of their natural environments of elements of

biological diversity. This covers genetic capital management, as well as wild and cultivated or
species conservation, and builds on a diverse body of techniques and facilities. Some of the
methods have been elaborated below-

i. Seed gene bank:

This are cold storages where seeds are stored for preservation under regulated temperature and
humidity and this is the best way to store low temperature plant germ plasma. Seeds that are
retained under stable conditions (minus temperature) remain viable for long periods of time.

ii. Gene bank:

Under natural growing conditions, genetic diversity is also maintained by the gene bank. There
are cold stores where germ plam is stored for preservation under controlled temperature and
humidity; this is an effective way to conserve genetic resources.

iii. Cryopreservation:

This is the newest use of the biotic portion preservation technologies. This form of conservation
is carried out in liquid nitrogen at a very low temperature (196 ° C). Under low temperatures, the
metabolic activity of the cells is halted, and is then used for research purposes.

iv. Tissue culture bank:

Cryopreserving disease free meristems is really beneficial. Excised roots and shoots are kept in a
long-term culture. In plant propagation, Meristem culture is very common as it is a method of
multiplication free of viruses and diseases.

v. Animal Translocation:

Release of animals that come from somewhere else in a new locality. Translocation is performed
where a plant is endemic or exclusive to a small area, because of the loss of biodiversity and
adverse environmental factors, due to population growth in a city etc.
Aim and objectives

● The creation of biodiversity parks is an innovative and novel approach in order to rescue
and restore the lost native biodiversity in urban areas. Biodiversity parks, which are
assemblages of species that belong to a particular ecological range in the form of biotic
communities, help promote the conservation of urban biodiversity as they serve as nature
reserves within urban areas. They build a healthy ecosystem and provide the cities with
conservation, education and recreational benefits as well. The objectives are as follows-
● To raise awareness about the various facets of biodiversity.
● to promote the environmentally friendly attitude between different segments of society.
● Sustainable use of natural resources, recycling and environmental consciousness, through
action-based programmes.

Methodology

We were unable to physically visit the Yamuna Biodiversity Park in Delhi due to the Covid-19
pandemic. Instead, the Biodiversity park faculty member gave us a recording of the park with a
voice-over narration, describing what we were doing. I kept track of the different habitats and
animals and summarized them into this report.

Study Area

Area: Main Jagatpur Road, Burari, Delhi

Soil type: Highly saline soil, as it lies in the semi-arid region of delhi

Climate: Moderate climate throughout the year with an extreme winter in the months of
december and january
Rainfall: 250-500mm onan average

Overview

In two different areas, on the inactive floodplains of the river in Phase I and on the active
floodplains in Phase II, the Yamuna Biodiversity Park was developed in two phases.

Phase I is spread over a 157-acre area near Wazirabad village. The soil profile, physicochemical
parameters and nutrient levels were estimated when this area was acquired in 2002, and it was
found that the soil was highly alkaline and nutrient-poor. As an early measure to improve the soil
quality, around 100 species of grass were planted. Reptiles and insects, such as rattle snakes,
dung beetles, ants, honey bees and manatees, are found here. In this park, grasshoppers are also
very common. Indigophera tinctoria, Indigophera linifolia, Sesbania sesban were used not only
to raise nutrient levels, but also to initiate microbial activities in the soil, along with many native
legume species such as Rhynchosia species. Subsequently, seedlings of various forest species
representing upper, middle and lower canopies were planted annually in 30-35 biotic
communities during the monsoons. Approximately 350 species of the most famous herbal plants
are kept in the conservatory. Brahmi (used to improve memory), Safed Musali (used as a tonic),
Dama-bel (used to treat asthma), 6 varieties of Tulsi, 4 varieties of lemon grass, 3 species of
phyllanthus, isabgol, and other species used to cure various illnesses are the most noteworthy
among them.

Brahmi Plant
There are 7 varieties of citrus fruit in the Yamuna Biodiversity Park, 8 varieties of Anar, 06
varieties of sapota and 6 varieties of guava. Ber, Phalsa and Khirni are other fruit yielding plants,
both of which provide a food source for native birds and animals. Pomegranate, chikoo, jamun,
babool and rati trees include other types of trees.

The park is split into two areas, the 'visitor zone' and the 'natural reserve zone.' The 'medicinal
plants conservatory',' butterfly garden',' rangelands',' holy grove',' acacia forest',' migratory ducks'
wetland',' resident ducks' wetland' and 'fruit-yielding species conservatory' are the main
components of the visitor zone.

The medicinal plant conservatory consists of over 300 varieties of plants that are considered to
have therapeutic values. Ashwangandha (Withania somnifera), artimisia, sarpagandha
(Rauwolfia serpentine), nirgundi (Vitex negundo) and isabgol are some of the most significant
herbs planted here (Plantago major)

There are a number of insects such as Mantis, Grasshoppers, and Beetles, various grassland birds
such as Munias, Prinias, Francolin, and animals such as Skinks, Spiders, Mongooses and Hares.
The essential components of wetland habitats are dragonflies and damselflies.These insects, as
top predators of other insects, especially mosquitoes and their larvae, maintain tropical levels and
control the size of disease-transmitting insects in the populations (vectors). Dragonflies and
Damselflies are useful habitat organisms and provide human welfare with health services. The
Yamuna Biodiversity Park's completely functioning wetland habitats harbour as many as 35
organisms that serve as biological monitoring agents.

The butterfly conservatory is a well-designed, open air, circular area whose outer perimeter
consists of host plants, while nectar-producing flowers are in the inner part. To add moisture to
the environment, small ponds have also been built.These ponds are also used for butterflies' mud
puddling, an operation that increases the strength of their nests. Here, in the life cycle of a
butterfly, one can see all the stages: embryo, larvae, pupa and eventually adult. Popular Castor,
Peacock Pansy, Lime Butterfly and Common Silverline are some of the notable plants. In
Yamuna Biodiversity Park, various life stages of butterfly species can easily be observed. There
are also other insects in the conservatory, such as species of moths, flies, aphids, spiders, bees
and wasps.

Yellow pansy butterfly

Yamuna Biodiversity Park has become a refuge for many birds, with abundant food and healthy
breeding areas. Over 196 species have been recorded in terrestrial populations, including resident
and migratory bird species, and the most easily and regularly seen are Parakeets, Bulbuls,
Peafowls, Prinias, Munias, and Shikra. Every year, many of them breed broods. The wetlands are
also currently receiving flocks of migratory birds (around 5000) per year from Siberia and other
Palearctic regions. The Red-crested Pochard, Northern Shovellor, Eurasian Wigeon, Gadwall etc.
are some noteworthy species. Additionally, many native birds have made the wetlands of the
park their residence. A few of those birds are the Spot-billed Duck, Indian Moorhen, Lesser
Whistling Teal, Purple Moorhen, and grey and purple herons. The darter, also referred to as the
snake bird, is a near-threatened species that nests annually in the YBP wetlands.

Red Crested Pochard

Seventy species of native and migratory birds belong to the Phase II fauna. Pheasant-tailed
Jacana, Bronze-winged Jacana, Painted Stork, Asian Openbill, Eurasian Spoonbill, Ruddy
Shelduck (Surkhab), Sarus Crane and several forms of wader are some of the notable birds.
These wetlands also act as reservoirs for marine genetic resources (invertebrates, turtles, birds,
and phytoplanktons) and, due to seasonal variations in water levels in the riparian ecosystem,
serve as source populations for areas devoid of such aquatic fauna. Including the yellow-footed
green pigeon, the Asian koyal, several bulbuls, and the oriental darter, there are many species of
birds.

Oriental Darter

The Yamuna Biodiversity Park thus harbors a wide variety of habitats endemic to the basin of
the Yamuna River and hosts more than 1,500 species of plants and animals. There has been a
remarkable rise in the diversity of birds, with the number of species having increased from 37 to
196 since 2002, while reptiles have increased from 3 to 18.

Types of Ecosystems studied

Ten mounds surround the valley that demonstrates the numerous forest habitats found all along
the Yamuna River Basin in their miniature form. As in nature, the forest composition consists of
three or four layers: a tree canopy that helps climbers and provides shade for the tree layer of the
middle floor and a shrub layer that in turn covers the herbs and grasses of the ground cover. The
following are:
● Subtropical mixed evergreen forest ecosystem
● Moist tropical deciduous forest ecosystem with Teak as a dominant species
● Tropical dry deciduous forest ecosystem with Sal as a dominant species
● Tropical Dry Deciduous forest with Teak as a dominant species
● Tropical thorn forest
● Scrub jungle

1. Subtropical mixed evergreen forest ecosystem

The goal of this ecosystem was to re-create and sustain the flora and fauna group of the said
ecosystem. It is possible to find several plants here, ranging from Indian rosewood in the top
canopy to vigna capensis in the climbers.
Mallotus, Artocarpus lakoocha, Cinnamomum camphora, or the camphor tree, among many
others are among other essential plants.
Oh. others. The following is a list of flora found in this area:

Top canopy​ - Toona ciliata, Mitragyna parvifolia, Dalbergia latifolia etc.

Middle layer ​- lakoocha Artocarpus, camphora Cinnamomum, etc.
Shrub layer- ​Dillenia indica, Murraya paniculata, Coffea benghalensis, Bauhinia indica
etc. etc.
Herbs and Grasses​- Barleria cristata, Desmodium triflorum, Flemingia bracteata

2. Moist tropical deciduous forest ecosystem with Teak as a dominant species

From a protection and conservation standpoint, this habitat is very crucial.
Expansion, since many of the critically endangered are a natural habitat of
of Species. Therefore, the flora group in Yamuna Biodiversity Park is enormous and comprises
the following plants:
Top Canopy​- Tectona grandis, marsupium Pterocarpus, melanoxylon Diospyros,
Middle layer​-Buchania lanzan, Albizia lebbeck, Bauhinia variegata variegata
Shrub layer​- Vitex negundo, Flemingia rugosus, Nyctanthus arbortristris
Herbs and grasses​- Desmodium triflorum, Bothriochloa pertusa, Crotolaria juncea,

3.Tropical dry deciduous forest ecosystem with Sal as a dominant species

The following trees were located in the area marked for dry deciduous forest protection.
Top canopy ​– Shorea robusta, Diospros melanoxylon, Putranjiva roxburghii,
Middle storey​ – Erythrina indica, Cassia fistula, Albizia sp., Sterculia urens
Shrub layer​ – Carissa spinarum, Zizyphusoenoplea, Nyctanthus arbortristris
Herbs & Grasses​ – Chloris, Eragrostis, Fimbristylis ferruginea, Indigofera tinctoria,

4. Tropical thorn forest

A thorn forest is a thick, scrub-like vegetation typical of dry subtropical and warm temperate
regions with seasonal precipitation of 250 to 500 mm on average (9.8 to 19.7 in). The main
species of thorn forest flora found in the Yamuna Biodiversity Park are:

Top Canopy​- Acacia sp., cineraria Prosopis, Anogeissus pendula

Underwoods​- Mauritian zizyphus, Maytenus emarginatus, Wrightia
Herbs and Grasses​-Vicovestata, Desmostachya bipinnata, Vico auriculata,
Climbers- ​Leptochloa fusca, Valletia, Tinospora cordifolia

5. Tropical Dry Deciduous forest with Teak as a dominant species

Top Canopy​ – Tectona grandis, Butea monosperma, Terminalia chebula
Middle layer​– Emblica officinalis, Cochlospermum religiosum
Shrub layer​ – Gardenia turgida, Randia dumetorum, Grewia asiatica
Herbs & Grasses​ – Barleria prionitis, Bothriochloa pertusa, Dicanthium Hetropogo
Climbers​ – Abrus pulchellus, Cocculus hirsutus

6. Scrub Jungle

Shrubland, scrubland, bush or brush is a group of plants which is characterized by

Shrub-dominated plants, along with grasses and herbs as well. Shrubland can be either naturally
occurring or the product of human activity.
In a given area, it may be the mature vegetation type and stay stable over time, or a transient
population that happens temporarily as a result of a disturbance.

Top Canopy​- Acacia catechu, A. senegal, A. leucophloea

Underwoods​- Euphorbia neriifolia, Cassia auriculata, Maetenus emarginatus
Herbs​- Tephrosia purpurea, Justicia simplex, Cyperus rotundus, Eragrostis tenella
Climbers​ – Cocculus laurifolius, Rhynchosia minima

Conclusion

The specialty of The Park is the host of birds that come to it during their seasonal
migration-birds that have never stopped before at that point. Its meaning is not only a visual
reflection of what kind of nature remains but also a determined attempt to conserve it and to
make it safe for the environment. Another awe-inspiring reality is that the park has wetlands
from a piece of barren ground, where nothing has flourished, where water is collected by a very
natural method and therefore the water is absolutely potable in wetlands, thus preserving the
balance of nature in a very pristine way. The Yamuna Biodiversity Park is rather the first such
model. Such models will put nature back to work at its pace. Ideas such as the sustainable use of
land, the planting of four trees for each tree removed, the use of green resources, and alternative
ideas can be created and encouraged to conserve these species. While the theory principle of
survival of the fittest by Darwin lets humans believe like they are at the top of the food chain,
they also need to realize that we species need to live in harmony to survive. We need to preserve
Mother Nature and our biome.

References

https://www.e-education.psu.edu/geog30/node/394

https://www.bioexplorer.net/threats-to-biodiversity.html/

https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/biodiversity/conservations-of-biodiversity-in-situ-conservation-and-
ex-situ-conservation/30144

http://www.jamaicachm.org.jm/BHS/importance_of_biodiversity.htm

https://www.cepf.net/our-work/biodiversity-hotspots/hotspots-defined

http://www.delhibiodiversityparks.org/yamuna-biodiversity-park.html