RESEARCH CENTRE ECOLOGICAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN

The Mhadei Bio Region

An area of exquisite wilderness that interestingly spans across the three states of Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra and represents the ridges of the Western Ghats topography. It includes the Mhadei wildlife sanctuary of Goa and the Bhimgad wildlife sanctuary of Karnataka and reserved forests of Maharashtra. It encompasses an area of roughly 700 square kilometers and connects the forests of Karnataka to Goa and Maharashtra, thus making it one large contiguous corridor of forests for large mammals.

The region has been acknowledged as a Mega Biodiversity Hotspot as it is a part of the Western Ghats Range and has also been recognized as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International. It is a recognized Tiger Conservation Unit (Mark II) and is also known for the discovery of the Mhadei Caecilian, a legless amphibian that is new to science. Field based conservation research benefits local communities and enthuses them. At the same time, such efforts provide data to wildlife ecologists and helps bridge the gap between the academic and the local community. Comprising of mixed moist, semi evergreen and secondary forest types, the forests of Mhadei are criss-crossed with streams that nurture a unique diversity that is typical of the Northern Western Ghats landscape. The diversity of this region offers a serious researcher a vast array of topics to choose from, apart from offering wonderful experiences in the wild. The last few years has seen a marked increase in the number of day visitors and nature enthusiasts who travel down this road to trek in these parts.

Nature Camps And Training

The Mhadei Research Center conducts workshops that include opportunistic surveys, lectures on field data collection and in situ photography of Western Ghats biodiversity.

Field identification techniques of micro fauna, demonstrations of basic bird surveys, training in use of field equipment and discussion of natural history are also a part of the workshops and training programs.

Participants get to use basic and advanced field equipment, learn observation skills as naturalists and work on field alongside qualified ecologists and wildlife biologists. Besides this, the Mhadei Research Center also hosts regional, national and international seminars and training programs for other NGO’s, institutes and research organisations

See News Section for details and announcements of such workshops and training programs.

Plateau Surveys And Mapping

Much of the conservation efforts in India have been directed towards forests•; and in this process some habitats remain neglected like the plateaus (both coastal and high-altitude). Goa exhibits a wide range of habitats; and the Chorla region of Goa have habitats ranging from moist-deciduous forests to high-altitude plateaus. Locally known as sadas, these rocky plateaus are found in several pockets of Chorla, much of which are unexplored and some not even discovered! Though they may visually seem as life-less, they in fact bustle with floral and faunal diversity, many of which are specialized to live in crevices and depressions of the rocks and along the slopes. An attempt to protect these floral and faunal-rich habitats led to Mhadei Research Center exploring and documenting these plateaus.

The first step in doing this was identifying the various areas where such habitats occur. Since they are often considered as œbarren-waste land•, the locals do not associate much importance with it. Once the areas have been identified through local informal interviews and exploratory surveys, they are then marked and mapped. The GPS coordinates of the entire plateau are recorded and mapped, while opportunistic surveys in the plateau give an idea of the fauna present in the area. The various plant and tree species are also identified and noted. Presence of secondary evidence (like scat, hair, snake skin) contributes to the understanding of how animals use this habitat. In addition, the various threats to this habitat are identified like mining, quarrying, settlements, firewood collection, over-grazing, tourism, fires etc. A detailed checklist developed jointly by various researchers in this field helps the on-site team to prepare a summary of the status of the plateau…

Facilities

Apart from the simple Goan/Maharashtrian food, MRC provides two cottages for Researchers/interns/volunteers who intend to work with us equipped with basic bedding facilities (Bunk beds), attached toilet (western), bathroom, 24 hrs water supply etc Electricity can be made available on request. We have a set of small portable battery inverters and generator in case of emergencies.

The trained field assistants will accompany researchers in the field whenever needed. They have basic knowledge of handling all field equipment like GPS, Kestrel, Binoculars, Spotting scopes, Camera traps, snake hooks, snake handling etc, and can identify the common flora & fauna of the region.

Research Base

MRC resource center has a library of all the published field guides on various taxons of the region which are updated time to time. Specific literature (journals, scientific publications, photographs etc) can be made available on request. MRC has installed automatic Davis weather station, near the research base. The data from the weather station can be shared with the researchers to integrate environmental parameters in their studies.

FLORAL SPECIES in the sadas include- Impatiens spp, Eriocaulon spp, Lepidagathis spp, Smithea spp, Habernaria spp, even at time members of the ground orchid family, many ephemeral flush vegetation etc. The region also has rich and diverse microflora

Objectives

• A To carry on research in wildlife in the vicinity of Mhadei Bio Region in particular and the Western Ghats in general.

• To provide a platform for wildlife researchers to document and study the biodiversity of the Mhadei Bio region that encompasses the states of Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

• To seek collaboration with NGO’s, Research Institutions and interns as well as individuals who are interested in learning about wildlife documentation and sponsor research in the Western Ghats in particular.

• To seek to document people’s knowledge of the biodiversity, build bridges between modern day scientific techniques and traditional knowledge and bring about an awareness of the Mhadei region and its unique biodiversity.

• To facilitate ecology studies and training for students of wildlife sciences on a long-term basis in co ordination with official agencies including the Forest Departments of Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra, the Zoological Survey of India, the Botanical Survey of India and other research organizations and institutions in the country and world.

• To establish the firm foundations of carrying out field projects related to conservation, biology and data collection and help maintain the stock of biological wealth

• To develop as a repository of scientific knowledge on the Bio-region and a database source on the North Western Ghats that are also known as the Sahyadris.

• To establish an Institute of Nature Studies to train the youth in knowing more about Nature Conservation / Wild Life.

To minimize the extent of wastelands in basaltic plateaus, several techniques and strategies can be employed. Here are some approaches that can help in this regard:

1. Soil Conservation Measures: Implementing soil conservation techniques is crucial for preventing erosion and degradation of soil on basaltic plateaus. Techniques such as contour plowing, terracing, and strip cropping can help to reduce soil erosion and retain moisture. Additionally, promoting the use of cover crops and mulching can help protect the soil and improve its fertility.

2. Reforestation and Afforestation: Establishing tree cover is essential for stabilizing the soil, enhancing water retention, and creating a more conducive environment for other plant and animal species. Undertaking large-scale reforestation and afforestation initiatives can help in restoring the ecosystem and preventing further degradation of basaltic plateaus.

3. Water Conservation: Efficient water management practices are crucial in areas prone to aridity and water scarcity. Implementing techniques such as rainwater harvesting, constructing check dams, and promoting water-efficient irrigation methods can help conserve water resources and maintain ecological balance in basaltic plateaus.

4. Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Encouraging sustainable agricultural practices is essential to prevent the conversion of basaltic plateaus into wastelands. Promoting techniques like organic farming, agroforestry, and integrated pest management can help reduce the use of chemical inputs, maintain soil health, and prevent soil degradation.

5. Community Participation and Awareness: Involving local communities in conservation efforts and raising awareness about the importance of preserving the basaltic plateau ecosystem is crucial. Engage communities in sustainable land management practices, provide training and education, and involve them in decision-making processes to ensure the long-term sustainability of the region.

6. Conservation and Ecotourism: Promote ecotourism as a means to generate economic benefits while simultaneously conserving the natural resources of basaltic plateaus. Develop sustainable tourism practices that prioritize conservation, minimize ecological footprint, and contribute to the local economy, thereby incentivizing the preservation of the land.

7. Collaboration and Policy Support: Collaborate with governmental organizations, research institutions, NGOs, and local communities to develop and implement policies and initiatives focused on the conservation and sustainable management of basaltic plateaus. Advocate for the inclusion of conservation practices in regional development plans and land-use policies.

Zone – 01 – entry to site with dense plantation a. Butterfly garden b. Entrance plaza with rain gardens and flowering plants

Zone – 02 – reception area and research centre building a. Flowering plantation b. Dense plantation with pathways c. Elevated pathways d. Mud pathways e. Sitting spaces

Zone- 03- activity zone with wilderness theme a. Camp fire b. Childrens play area c. Open Siting spaces d. Human nests e. Water bodies f. Bird watching towers

Zone- 04- Adrenaline activities a. Canyoning b. Hiking c. Mountain biking d. Mountain climbing e. Cliff jumping f. Children's play area

Zone- 05- Recreational activities at top a. Camping b. High point for site seeying c. Public sitting

ZONE A

A1 – SENSOARY GARDEN

A2 – MEDITATION AREA

A3 – SEATING NEAR POND

ZONE B

B1 – ENTRANCE PLAZA

B2 – CAMPING AREA

B3 – WATERFALL

B4 – LAWN MOUNT

B5 – MUD COTTAGES 1 ENTRY

ZONE C

C1 – OBSTACLE ACTIVITY AREA

C2 – OPEN AMPHITHEATRE

C3 – CAMP FIRE AREA

C4 – MUD COTTAGES 2 ENTRY

C5 – PAR SEATING/ BUTTERFLY GARDEN

ZONE D

D1 – WELL SIDE SEATING

D2 – FRUIT FOREST

ZONE E

E1 – WILD ZONE

E2- FOREST TRAIL

E3 – WATCH TOWER

E4 – PONDS

E5 – BANANA CIRCLE

E6 – RESTURANT ENTRY

CIRCLE

A1 – SENSOARY GARDEN

A2 – MEDITATION AREA

A3 – SEATING NEAR POND

B1 – ENTRANCE PLAZA

B2 – CAMPING AREA

B3 – WATERFALL

B4 – LAWN MOUNT

B5 – MUD COTTAGES 1 ENTRY

C1 – OBSTACLE ACTIVITY AREA

C2 – OPEN AMPHITHEATRE

C3 – CAMP FIRE AREA

C4 – MUD COTTAGES 2 ENTRY

C5 – PAR SEATING/ BUTTERFLY GARDEN

D1 – WELL SIDE SEATING

D2 – FRUIT FOREST

E1 – WILD ZONE

E2- FOREST TRAIL

E3 – WATCH TOWER

E4 – PONDS

E5 – BANANA CIRCLE

E6 – RESTURANT ENTRY CIRCLE

The desire to provide a gardening space accessible for special needs children as well as adults propose a Sensory Garden. The proposed Sensory Garden design provides a stimulating journey through all the senses: sight, sound, smell, touch and taste. Plans include vertical planting structures for edible plants, tactile walls, a fountain & water recirculation pool, a grand wind chime, kinetic art piece and garden beds with plants to touch, taste and smell.

The design intent of this garden was to combine the unique philosophies with spiritual elements and naturalistic themes. Ultimately the garden would include repeating elements, such as circles and spirals, the fullest articulation of which is the labyrinth. Given the site’s limited accessibility, there were significant logistical challenges to contend with along the way.