EIA Report of Dibang Multipurpose Project National Productivity Council, Guwahati 04-1 CHAPTER 4 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE STATUS: ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS 4.1 TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY 4.1.1 Forest Types The catchment area which has an altitudinal range from 300 m to 5400 m has a very interesting floristic composition representing changes in forest types, typical of the Eastern Himalayas with the change in altitude. The favourable rainfall, temperature and high humidity have caused the vegetation to acquire the general characteristics of the Northern Tropical Semi- Evergreen & North Indian Moist Deciduous Forests. 4.1.1.1 Assam Valley & Eastern Sub-montane Semi-evergreen Forests (2B/C1a and 2B/C1b) These forests cover the foothills and extend up to 1000 m altitude. The climatic conditions and high humidity make the area highly suitable for luxuriant growth of vegetation and many trees attain magnificent growth in height and diameter. The forests are of mixed broad–leaved type. Top storey of the forest comprises Aglaia spectabilis, Ailanthus integrifolia subsp. calycina, Altingia excelsa, Artocarpus chaplasa, Canarium strictum, Castanopsis indica, Chukrasia tabularis, Duabanga grandiflora, Syzygium cumini, Gmelina arborea, Magnolia spp., Mesua ferrea, Morus laevigata, Phoebe cooperiana, Pterospermum acerifolium, Sterculia villosa, Stereospermum chelonoides, Terminalia myriocarpa, T. bellerica, Tetrameles nudiflora, Toona ciliata etc. Middle storey comprises Dillenia indica, Dysoxylum binectariferum, Gynocardia odorata, Macaranga denticulata, Michelia spp. etc. Several species of canes viz. Calamus erectus, C. flagellum, C. floribundus etc. occur in these forests. Caryota spp. also occurs in these forests. Cyathea sp. (tree fern) is quite common everywhere. Musa balbisiana (wild banana) occurs in gregarious patches on hill slopes.
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EIA Report of Dibang Multipurpose Project
National Productivity Council, Guwahati 04-1
CHAPTER 4
ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE STATUS: ECOLOGICAL ASPECTS
4.1 TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY
4.1.1 Forest Types The catchment area which has an altitudinal range from 300 m to 5400 m has
a very interesting floristic composition representing changes in forest types,
typical of the Eastern Himalayas with the change in altitude. The favourable
rainfall, temperature and high humidity have caused the vegetation to acquire
the general characteristics of the Northern Tropical Semi- Evergreen & North
Indian Moist Deciduous Forests.
4.1.1.1 Assam Valley & Eastern Sub-montane Semi-evergreen Forests (2B/C1a and 2B/C1b) These forests cover the foothills and extend up to 1000 m altitude. The
climatic conditions and high humidity make the area highly suitable for
luxuriant growth of vegetation and many trees attain magnificent growth in
height and diameter. The forests are of mixed broad–leaved type.
Top storey of the forest comprises Aglaia spectabilis, Ailanthus integrifolia
charantia, Musa paradisica, Oryza sativa, Piper betel, Piper nigrum, Psidium
Mishmi Teeta (Coptis teeta) – A Panacea Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley Districts are the home for this very unique medicinal herb known as golden thread. The species grow as perennial herb in the forest floor without a visible stem above earth surface. Its root system is very fibrous and the underground stem / roots are bright yellow in cross section. Taste wise it is very bitter. The people use the plant (underground portion) for the treatment of several diseases as a panacea. Usually the roots are soaked in water overnight and the water is drunk the next day. The tubers are sold in local market and were even said to be traded across the region.
Albizia arunachalensis – An Endemic Tree This is a graceful tree reported from Arunachal Pradesh and new to the world. The tree grows to a height of over 20 metres with a spreading crown and shining green foliage. The inflorescence is white and pods are flat. The tree apart from being leguminous and nitrogen fixing, is also a good avenue tree and fuel and timber yielding species. However, it is difficult to regenerate it in nursery and is also poor in natural regeneration. This tree grows in pockets in the hill slopes from Roing to Mayudia.
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4.1.10 Endangered Species of Flora The rich and diverse flora is exposed to a variety of external factors that push
them to the verge of threat. A few of these forces acting on the floral species
are habitat destruction, over exploitation, biotic pressures, endemicity etc. The
endemic plants deserve special attention for conservation for their survival.
Considering the local conditions and extent of distribution a few locally
threatened plants have also been considered worthy of conservation, though
they do not appear in the red data book. A few of these plants are the
following:
Albizia arunachalensis Endemic
Angiopteris evecta Habitat loss & destruction
Coptis teeta Endemic & over exploited
(Vulnerable – as per BSI’s Red Data Book
of Indian Plants)
Cyathia spinulosa Habitat loss & destruction
Entada pursaetha Habitat destruction, narrow distribution
Gynocardia odorata Rare and habitat destruction
Podophyllum hexandrum Rare
Rhododendron edgeworthi Rare
Taxus wallichiana Over exploited
The Longest Climber Entada pursaetha is a liana that extends from one tree to other across the valley. This not only is the longest climber in India but also has the longest bean that hangs conspicuousely over forest canopy. This is an endangered species of Indian flora.
Currency Paper quality bark Around Mayudia and towards Hunli, patches of shrubby vegetation of Edgeworthia gardneri are seen. It yields currency paper quality bark that can be used for making paper. The Buddhist community in Arunachal Pradesh uses the bark of Daphne and this species for their prayer flag paper. Other than this locality, the species is seen only near Geling in Arunachal Pradesh.
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Endangered Ferns: Cyathea & Angiopteris These are two of the large ferns which are rare and uniqe in evergreen forest environs. Cyathea is tall tree like single stem unbranched ferns with an umbrellate crown. They are highly habitat specific. The trunk is extracted for growing epiphytic orchids and potting medium. Angiopteris on the other hand is basically non stemmed woody fern with very large fronds. This species too is highly habitat specific confined to shady wet localities in forest floor. The woody basal part is extracted as it is a famine food particularly as animal feed.
Bamboo Resource The bamboos are the most sustainable and renewable bioresource available in the country. There are atleast a dozen species in the area, which is much higher in respect of diversity compared with some of the other Indian states. Their size, range from small reed like ones to the giant bamboo which is the largest in the country. A detailed list is given below. Bambusa nutans Bambusa pallida Bambusa tulda Chimonobambusa callosa Dendrocalamus giganteus Dendrocalamus hamiltonii Phyllostachys bambusoides Schizostachyum capitatum Schizostachyum fuchsianum Schizostachyum helferii Schizostachyum pergracile Schizostachyum polymorphum
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Rattans: The Prickly Palms Rattans are distributed in three main regions of the country viz. Wstern Ghats, Andaman & Nicobar islands and North-East India. However the greatest diversity is seen in the North-East Region. They are a uniqe resource which is also the most endangered resource due to over expoitation and habitat destruction. Out of the 4 genera the study area has two genera and 7 species. Of these Calamus innermis is peculiar in that it is perhaps the only thornless cane in the country. Incidentally this species is also in high use for its high quality. Needless to mention that this one is now identified as critically endangered (the highest threat category). The other genus Plectocomia is perhaps the largest sized cane one can find. The list of rattans in the area is as below. Calamus acanthospathus Calamus floribundus Calamus innermis Calamus khasianus Calamus leptospadix Calamus tenuis Plectocomia assamica
Wild Edibles / Crop Relatives: These plants are important in terms of future option for food security. There are fruits, vegetables, tubers etc. that could substitute some of the conventional ones. A list of such plants that could probably be seen around this site is given below. Baccaurea sapida Bambusa pallida Begonia palmata Centella asiatica Choerospondias axillaris Clerodendrum colebrookianum Coix lacryma-jobi Deeringia amaranthoides Dendrocalamus hamiltonii Dillenia indica Elaeocarpus floribundus Hovenia dulcis Mangifera sylvatica Paedaria foetida Sarcochlamys pulcherrima Solanum nigrum Spilanthus paniculata Spondias pinnata Sterculia hamiltonii Syzygium cumini
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Wild Beauties In the world of wild plants, several plants add beauty to the landscape and vegetation. Some such plants add to the floriculture. Orchids, Roses, Balsams, Lilies, Begonias, Ferns and Gesneriads are few such plants. Apart from these there are others like Crawfordia, Hypericum, Ipomoea, Luculia, Mussaenda, Osbeckia, Oxyspora, Primula etc. Among these we can see trees, shrubs, herbs and climbers that could add to the future gardens. These also provide a genetic pool, so invaluable for breeding works. 4.1.11 Phyto-sociological Studies Quadrat method was used for vegetation sampling. The phyto-sociological
data for trees/bamboos were collected from the random quadrats of 100 x 100
m size and for herbs and shrubs random quadrats of 10 x 10 m size were laid.
During the survey, number of plants of different species identified in each
quadrat, was counted. DBH of all trees was measured. For large trees, girth
measurement was taken using a measuring tape.
Based on the quadrat data, frequency, density, abundance, relative
frequency, relative density and relative dominance of each species were
calculated. The Importance Value Index (IVI) values for different tree species
were determined by summing up the relative density, relative frequency and
relative dominance values.
Shannon diversity index (H’) was computed using the following formula:
Shannon diversity index:
where pi = relative abundance of each species,
calculated as the proportion of a given species to the total number of
individuals of a given species to the total number of individuals in the
community: ni /N
S = Number of species
N = Total number of all individuals
ni = Number of individuals in species i
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The detailed analysis is enclosed as Annex 4.1.
Rare and endangered species were identified referring to the Red Data Book
of BSI and other available literature, flora and herbarium pertaining to the
rare/endangered species of Arunachal Pradesh.
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A Glimpse of Floral Elments found in the Study Area
Plate 1: Abroma augusta (L.) L. f.
Plate 2: Acrocarpus fraxinifolius Wight & Arnott
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Plate 3: Albizia arunachalensis K. C. Sahni & H. B. Naithani
Plate 4: Albizia procera (Roxb.) Benth.
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Plate 5: Anaphalis contorta (D. Don) Hook. f.
Plate 6: Angiopteris evecta
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Plate 7: Aspidopterys nutans Hook. f.
Plate 8: Bauhinia vahlii Wight & Arnott
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Plate 9: Boehmeria longifolia Gandoger
Plate 10: Calamus flagellum Griff. ex Mart.
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Plate 11: Calamus innermis T. Anders.
Plate 12: Calamus leptospadix Griff.
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Plate 13: Caryota urens L.
Plate 14: Cirsium sp.
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Plate 15: Clerodendrum colebrookianum Walp.
Plate 16: Codonopsis affinis Hook. f. & Thomson
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Plate 17: Cotoneaster sp.
Plate 18: Cyathea spinulosa
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Plate 19: Dendrobium crysanthum Wallich
Plate 20: Elaeocarpus floribundus Blume
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Plate 21: Embelia ribes Burm. f.
Plate 22: Entada pursaetha DC.
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Plate 23: Euodia trichotoma (Lour.) Pierre
Plate 24: Exacum tetragonum Roxb.
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Plate 25: Girardinia palmata (Forssk.) Gaud.
Plate 26: Gynocarodia odorata R. Br.
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Plate 27: Hydrangia robusta Hook. f. & Thomson
Plate 28: Hydrocotyle sp.
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Plate 29: Hypericum sp.
Plate 30: Kydia glabrescens Masters
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Plate 31: Laportea crenulata Gaud.
Plate 32: Luculia grandifolia Ghose
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Plate 33: Luculia pinceana Hook.
Plate 34: Lycopodium clavatum
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Plate 35: Magnolkia campbelli Hook. f. & Thomson
Plate 36: Melastoma malabathricum L.
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Plate 37: Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.
Plate 38: Musa balbisiana Colla
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Plate 39: Oreocnide integrifolia (Gaud.) Miq.
Plate 40: Osbeckia nutans Wallich
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Plate 41: Oxyspora paniculata (D. Don) DC.
Plate 42: Paedaria scandens (Lour.) Merr.
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Plate 43: Phyllostachys bambusoides Sieb. & Zucc.
Plate 44: Plectocomia assamica Griff.
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Plate 45: Polygonum rude Meissn.
Plate 46: Sabia lanceolata Colebr.
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Plate 47: Sapindus attenuata Wallich ex Hiern.
Plate 48: Saurauia roxburghii Wallich
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Plate 49: Schima wallichii (DC.) Korthals subsp. wallichii var. khasiana
(Dyers) Bloem.
Plate 50: Solanum nigrum L.
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Plate 51: Tamarix dioica Roxb. ex Roth
Plate 52: Taxus wallichiana Zucc.
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Plate 53: Thunbergia coccinea Wallich
Plate 54: Thysanolaena maxima (Roxb.) Kuntze
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Plate 55: Urtica parviflora L.
Plate 56: Wendlandia tictoria DC.
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4.2 FAUNA
The area around the proposed Dibang Multipurpose Project has fairly rich
forest cover. The animal habitat is concentrated on lower slopes and terraces
edging to major river system .The animals also adapted according to the
riverine environment. Many arthropods such as Coleopterans, arachnids and
insects were observed. However, due to the short span of time of the EIA
study, a detailed survey of the lower animals was not possible. The surveyed
data were recorded as per the following list of fauna.
Mammals 30 no. of species
Avifauna 83 no. of species
Reptiles 14 no. of species
Lizards 7 no. of species
Amphibians 9 no. of species
Fishes 60 no. of species
Butterfly 21 no. of species
Phytoplanktons 20 no. of species
Zooplankton 11 no. of species
Benthos 11 no. of species
The details of fauna, found in Dibang Catchment, are presented below:
4.2.1 Mammals The catchment of the proposed Dibang Multipurpose Project is the major
habitat of scheduled species and IUCN red data book recorded species. But
due to the wide range of free habitat and less human pressure area they can
move freely. All the listed mammals were not sighted during the field survey.
However, they have been enlisted in the report based on secondary data
available. Mishimi takin, Serrow, Snow leopard and Himalayan black beer are
high altitude animals whereas different cat sp., different macaques, Langurs,
Civets, Wild boar, Squirrels, Mongooses etc. were directly sighted in the
24. Prionailurus viverrinus Fishing Cat Schedule-I EN
25. Sus scrofa Wild Boar Schedule-III LC
26. Trachypithecus pileatus
Capped langur Schedule-I VU
27. Uncia uncia Snow Leopard Schedule-I EN
28. Ursus thibetanus Himalayan Black Bear or, Asian Black Bear
Schedule-I VU
29. Viverra zibetha Large Indian Civet Schedule-II NT
30. Viverricula indica Small Indian Civet Schedule-II LC
Categories: EX – Extinct; EW – Extinct in the Wild; CR – Critically Endangered; EN – Endangered; VU – Vulnerable; NT – Near Threatened; LC – Least Concern; DD – Data Deficient; NE – Not Evaluated; ID – Indeterminate; NA – Not Available.
4.2.2 Avi Fauna The project catchment area and its surroundings are quite rich in avifauna. In
Arunachal Pradesh a large no of avifauna were recorded by Power and Birans
(2001) in lower altitude as well as middle ranges of Dibang valley. Out of 83
no of avifauna, only two species i.e. Rufous-necked Hornbill and Chestnut-
breasted Partridge are recorded in IUCN red data book as vulnerable Most of
the birds are migratory in nature and generally migrate to the nearby
sanctuaries or different altitudinal areas depending upon the food availability
and breeding habitat. Water birds are not very common in the area probably
due to the swift running water. With the damming of the river the reservoir
banks will have wet environment throughout the year, which can lead to
proliferation of vegetation e.g grass and aquatic insects along the reservoir
banks. It is expected that the whole catchment area will become birds’
paradise if authority takes proper measure to check hunting, poaching etc.
82. Treron pompadora Pompadour Green Pigeon or, Grey-fronted Green Pigeon)
Schedule-IV LC
83. Treron sphenurus Wedge-tailed Green Pigeon
Schedule-IV LC
Categories: EX – Extinct; EW – Extinct in the Wild; CR – Critically Endangered; EN – Endangered; VU – Vulnerable; NT – Near Threatened; LC – Least Concern; DD – Data Deficient; NE – Not Evaluated; ID – Indeterminate; NA – Not Available.
4.2.3 Snakes and other Reptiles There are 14 species of snakes recorded in the area whereas only 3 species
of snakes are found in the submergence area i.e Banded krait (Bangarus
fasciatus), Asiatic Rock Python (Python molurus) and Chequered Keelback
(Xenochrophis piscator). Most of the snakes are found in the higher altitudinal
area. Among the 7 species of lizards Bronze Mabuya (Mabuya macularia),
Common Indian monitor (Varanus bengalensis) and Oriental Garden Lizard
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(Calotes versicolor) were mostly found in the submergence area. Others
species were detected only in the dense forests of high altitude area.
Table 4.8: List of Snakes & other Reptiles
S. No. Zoological name Common name
Status as per
Wildlife (Protection)
Act, 1972
Status as per IUCN
Red Data List (3.1)
1. Amphiesma
modestum Modest Keelback Schedule-IV NA
2. Amphiesma stolatum Buff Striped Keelback
Schedule-IV NA
3. Boiga ocellata Eyed Cat Snake Schedule-IV NA
4. Bungarus caeruleus Common Krait Schedule-IV NA
5. Bungarus fasciatus Banded Krait Schedule-IV NA
6. Bungarus niger Greater Black Krait Schedule-IV NA
7. Coelognathus radiate Radiated Rat Snake Schedule-IV NA
8. Dendrelaphis cyanochloris
Wall’s Bronzback Schedule-IV NA
9. Naja kaouthia Monocled Cobra Schedule-II NA
10. Python molurus Asiatic Rock Python Schedule-I LR/nt (As per IUCN 2.3)
11. Rhadinophis prasina Green Trinket Snake Schedule-IV NA
12. Sinomicrurus maccllandii
MacClelland’s Coral Snake
Schedule-IV NA
13. Trimeresurus stejnegeri yunnanensis
Yunnan Bamboo Pit Viper
Schedule-IV NA
14. Xenochrophis piscator
Chequered Keelback Schedule-II NA
Categories: EX – Extinct; EW – Extinct in the Wild; CR – Critically Endangered; EN – Endangered; VU – Vulnerable; NT – Near Threatened; LC – Least Concern; DD – Data Deficient; NE – Not Evaluated; ID – Indeterminate; NA – Not Available.
EIA Report of Dibang Multipurpose Project
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Table 4.9: List of Lizards
S. No. Zoological name Common name
Status as per
Wildlife (Protection)
Act, 1972
Status as per IUCN Red Data List (3.1)
1. Calotes versicolor Oriental Garden
Lizard NA NA
2. Cosymbotus platyurus Flat-tailed House Gecko
NA NA
3. Gekko gecko Tokay Gecko NA NA
4. Hemidactylus frenatus House Gecko NA NA
5. Mabuya macularia Bronze Mabuya NA NA
6. Sphenomorphus maculatus
Spotted Forest Skink
NA NA
7. Varanus bengalensis Common Indian Monitor or, Bengal Monitor
Schedule-I NA
Categories: EX – Extinct; EW – Extinct in the Wild; CR – Critically Endangered; EN – Endangered; VU – Vulnerable; NT – Near Threatened; LC – Least Concern; DD – Data Deficient; NE – Not Evaluated; ID – Indeterminate; NA – Not Available.
Categories: EX – Extinct; EW – Extinct in the Wild; CR – Critically Endangered; EN – Endangered; VU – Vulnerable; NT – Near Threatened; LC – Least Concern; DD – Data Deficient; NE – Not Evaluated; ID – Indeterminate; NA – Not Available.
4.2.5 Fishes There are three categories of fish species based on their occurrence viz.-
A. Upper reaches: Cold temperature zone 1200 -1400 m.
B. Middle reaches: Subtropical zone 800 -1200 m.
C. Lower reaches: warm tropical zone bellow 800 m.
The catchment area of Dibang river of Dibang Multipurpose Project covers the
middle reaches and lower reaches. The observed species in the dam site are
Schizothorax richardsonii, Tor putitora, Tor tor and Chagunus chagunio. Other
mentioned common species are found mostly in lower stream that is up to
Kundil and these are not migratory in nature. In the upstream of the
catchment area except Chagunus chagunio and Garra spp. no other species
was found, probably due to the seasonal behavior.
Table 4.11: List of Fish
S. No. Zoological name Common name
Status as per
NBFGR
Status as per IUCN
Red Data List (3.1)
1. Acanthocobitis botia Mottled Loach NA NA
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S. No. Zoological name Common name
Status as per
NBFGR
Status as per IUCN
Red Data List (3.1)
2. Amblyceps mangois Indian Torrent
Catfish NA NA
3. Amblypharyngodon mola
Mola Carplet NA NA
4. Anguilla bengalensis subsp. bengalensis
Indian Mottled Eel VU NA
5. Aspidoparia jaya Jaya NA NA
6. Aspidoparia morar Aspidoparia NA NA
7. Badis badis Badis NA NA
8. Bagarius bagarius Gangetic Goonch VU NA
9. Barilius barna Barna Baril NA NA
10. Barilius bendelisis Hamilton’s Barila NA NA
11. Barilius tileo Tileo Baril NA NA
12. Botia dario Bengal Loach NA NA
13. Botia rostrata Gangetic Loach NA NA
14. Chagunius chagunio Chaguni ID NA
15. Chanda nama Elongate Glass-perchlet
NA NA
16. Channa orientalis Asiatic Snakehead NA NA
17. Channa punctata Spotted Snakehead NA NA
18. Clarias batrachus Magur or, Walking Catfish
NA NA
19. Colisa fasciata Giant Gourami NA NA
20. Crossocheilus latius latius
Gangetic Latia ID NA
21. Danio dangila Dania dangilo NA NA
22. Devario aequipinnatus Giant Danio NA NA
23. Esomus dandricus Flying Barb NA NA
24. Garra annandalei Annandalei Garra NA NA
25. Garra gotyla gotyla Gadhera NA NA
26. Garra mcclellandi Cauvery Garra NA NA
27. Glyptothorax pectinopterus
River Cat NA NA
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S. No. Zoological name Common name
Status as per
NBFGR
Status as per IUCN
Red Data List (3.1)
28. Guducia chapra Indian River Shad ID NA
29. Hara hara Kosi Hara NA NA
30. Heteropneustes fossilis Stinging Catfish NA NA
31. Labeo pangusia Sheelgharia or, Pangusia Labeo
NA NA
32. Lepidocephalichthys guntea
Guntea Loach NA NA
33. Macrognathus pancalus
Turi NA NA
34. Mastacembelus armatus
Tiger Track Eel ID NA
35. Monopterus cuchia Rice Eel NA NA
36. Nemacheilus arunachalensis
NA NA
37. Nemacheilus rupecola ID NA
38. Notopterus notopterus Bronze Featherback NA NA
39. Olyra longicaudata Himalayan Olyra ID NA
40. Ompok pabda Pabdah Catfish EN NA
41. Oreichthys casuatis Koswati NA NA
42. Oreochromis mossambicus
Mozambique Cichlid NA NA
43. Parambassis ranga Indian Glassy Fish NA NA
44. Pseudambassis baculis
Himalayan Glassy-perchlet
NA NA
45. Psilorhynchus balitora Balitora Minnow VU NA
46. Puntius chola Chola Barb NA NA
47. Puntius chonconius Red Barb ID NA
48. Puntius sarana sarana Peninsular Olive Barb
VU NA
49. Puntius ticto Ticto Barb NA NA
50. Raiamas bola Indian Trout VU NA
51. Rasbora daniconius Blackline Rasbora NA NA
52. Schizothorax progastus
Dinnawah Snowtrout
ID NA
53. Schizothorax Snow Trout ID NA
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S. No. Zoological name Common name
Status as per
NBFGR
Status as per IUCN
Red Data List (3.1)
richardsonii
54. Semiplotus semiplotus Lahoboe VU NA
55. Setipinna phasa Gangetic Hairpin Anchovy
ID NA
56. Sinilabeo dero Arangi VU NA
57. Tor putitora Jungapithia or, Golden Mahseer
VU NA
58. Tor tor Bokapithia or, Mahseer
ID NA
59. Wallago attu Boal NA NA
60. Xenentodon cancila Freshwater Garfish ID NA
Categories: EX – Extinct; EW – Extinct in the Wild; CR – Critically Endangered; EN – Endangered; VU – Vulnerable; NT – Near Threatened; LC – Least Concern; DD – Data Deficient; NE – Not Evaluated; ID – Indeterminate; NA – Not Available. 4.2.5.1 Migratory Fish Species
Out of 60 fish species mentioned in table 11, four species viz. Schizothorax
richardsonii, Tor tor, Tor putitora and Chagunius chagunio are migatory in
nature for breeding purpose. Four species viz. Crossocheilus latius latius,
Garra annandalei, Garra gotyla gotyla and Psilorhynchus balitora are local
migratory for feeding purpose.
High river discharge, fast water currents and want of suitable spawning
ground in the lower reaches of the river are the reasons which force the fish to
swim upstream in search of suitable eco-system, to spawn. Mahaseers attain
maturity in the size range from 30-40 cm. The fish lay eggs in sandy / gravelly
pits in the river bed or beneath rocks boulders in shallow waters, receiving
moderate current at a depth of 40-60 cm and in water sufficiently clean and
transparent. Size of Tor putitora fry and fingerlings found during the
investigation ranged from 18 to 120 mm.
EIA Report of Dibang Multipurpose Project
National Productivity Council, Guwahati 04-87
Tor putitora species starts spawning from the onset of south-west monsoon in
mid July which continues till the middle of October in flooded river. The peak
breeding occurs in August-September in ambient water temperature from
180C to 220C.
The other important migratory species Tor tor has a prolonged breeding
period commencing from July-August continuing sometimes till November in
water temperature 170C - 220C and transparency up to 20-30 cm. Fish
species of the river belonging to other commercial and miscellaneous groups,
have usual spawning periods well spread which make them available
throughout the year in shallow marginal areas of the river in clear water and
steady velocity. Their rate of growth is slow, average sizes vary from 35 to
125 mm.
4.2.6 Butterflies Dibang valley is a paradise of Butterflies also; so protective measure should
be taken with the project. During the monsoon season the butterfly population
increases as compared to other seasons. Most of the population is found in
nearby water sources. Indian fritillary and Common Earls were found
enormously in the riverside. In the catchment area, only three scheduled
species were found.
Table 4.12: List of Butterflies
S. No. Zoological name Common name
Status as per
Wildlife (Protection)
Act, 1972
Status as per IUCN Red Data List (3.1)
1. Appias indra Plain Puffin Schedule-II NA
2. Appias lyncida Chocolate Albatross Schedule-II NA
3. Argynnis hyperbius Indian Fritillary NA NA
4. Cirrochroa aoris Large Yeoman NA NA
5. Colias sp. Clouded Yellow NA NA
6. Dercas verhuelli Tailed Sulphur NA NA
7. Euthalia phemius White-edged Blue NA NA
EIA Report of Dibang Multipurpose Project
National Productivity Council, Guwahati 04-88
S. No. Zoological name Common name
Status as per
Wildlife (Protection)
Act, 1972
Status as per IUCN Red Data List (3.1)
Baron
8. Graphium cloanthus Glassy Bluebottle NA NA
9. Hypolycaena erylus Common Tit NA NA
10. Mimathyma ambica Indian Purple Emperor
NA NA
11. Mycalesis visala Long brand Bushbrown
NA NA
12. Neorina patria White Owl NA NA
13. Papilio memnon form agenor
Great Marmon NA NA
14. Papilio paris Paris Peacock NA NA
15. Pathysa xenocles Great Zebra NA NA
16. Prioneris clementhe Redspot Sawtooth NA NA
17. Ragadia crisilda Striped Ringlet NA NA
18. Spindasis lohita Long-banded Silverline
Schedule-II NA
19. Stibochiona nicea Popinjay NA NA
20. Tanaecia julii Common Earl NA NA
21. Tirumala septentrionis Dark Blue Tiger NA NA
Categories: EX – Extinct; EW – Extinct in the Wild; CR – Critically Endangered; EN – Endangered; VU – Vulnerable; NT – Near Threatened; LC – Least Concern; DD – Data Deficient; NE – Not Evaluated; ID – Indeterminate; NA – Not Available.
4.3 Phytoplanktons, zooplanktons and benthos The rivers and other water bodies have been observed sources of fish food
and found a numbers of phytoplanktons, zooplanktons and benthos which are
recorded as follows in table 4.13:
Table 4.13: List of Phytoplanktons, Zooplankton and Benthos
Phytoplankton Zooplankton Benthos
Clamydomonas Amoeba Tubifex
EIA Report of Dibang Multipurpose Project
National Productivity Council, Guwahati 04-89
Phytoplankton Zooplankton Benthos
Volvox
Ulothrix
Spaherocystis
Spirogyra
Zygnema
Cladophora
Oedogonium
Pediastrum
Ankistrodesmus
Closterium
Cosmarium
Oscillatoria
Phacus sp.
Cyclotella sp.
Diatom sp.
Synedra sp.
Naricula sp.
Nostoc
Spirullina
Microcystis
Ceratium
Trinema
Paramoecium
Brachionus
Keratella cochlaris
Rotaria
Daphnia
Moina
Cyclops
Cypris
Mesocyclops
Chironomus
Branchiura
Chaborus
Tanypus helminta
Chaetogasfer
Dero
Pheretima
Lymneae
Gyralus
Viviparus
Table 4.14: Status of Faunal Species as per Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972
Groups Schedule I Schedule
II
Schedule
III
Schedule
IV
Schedule
V
Mammals 15 10 3 Nil Nil
Avifauna 6 Nil Nil 71 1
Reptiles 1 2 Nil 11 Nil
Lizards 1 Nil Nil Nil Nil
Amphibians Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil
Butterflies Nil 3 Nil Nil Nil
EIA Report of Dibang Multipurpose Project
National Productivity Council, Guwahati 04-90
Table 4.15: Status of Faunal species as per IUCN Red Data List 3.1
Groups Critically Endang-
ered
Endang-Ered
Vulnerable Near Threatene
d
Least Concern
Data Deficient
Mammals Nil 6 7 5 10 1
Avifauna Nil Nil 2 3 77 Nil
Reptiles Nil Nil Nil 1 (LR/nt) Nil Nil
Lizards Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil
Amphibians Nil Nil Nil Nil 8 1
Fish Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil
Butterflies Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil
Table 4.16: Status of fish as per National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources