CHAPTER IV: URBAN BIODIVERSITY OF HYDERABAD

The word "Biodiversity" is a contracted version of "Biological Diversity".

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) defines biodiversity as: "the

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; this includes diversity within species, between species, and of

ecosystems." Thus, biodiversity includes genetic variation within species, the

variety of species in an area, and the variety of habitat types within a landscape.

Perhaps inevitably, such an all-encompassing definition, together with the strong

emotive power of the concept, has led to somewhat cavalier use of the term

biodiversity, in extreme cases to refer to life or biology itself. But biodiversity

properly refers to the variety of living organisms.

The major Urban Biodiversity of Greater Hyderabad, discussed in present

study, is represented by the ‘taxa’ belonging to easily identifiable groups of living

organism ranging from vascular plants to mammals. The groups dealt here are such,

which have been studied since long and validated listings have been collated by

stakeholder. These groups of organism also act as ‘Bio-indicators’ reflecting the

quality and health of the habitat. In urban ecosystems, the biota is naturally under

stress and is represented by species that show some resistance and are resilient in

general. Some of the species have become locally extinct due to ever-increasing

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pressures on them caused by the process of urbanisation and also due to negligence

both on part of citizenry and administration as well.

It has been very tough task for the researcher in deciding which list of

category to be incorporated and which one to be omitted. As the separate lists of

category wise species run in to tens of pages, the researcher, after consulting the

present research supervisor and upon the advices taken from experts/researchers in

the subject of biodiversity, finally, decided to prepare combined lists of one each

for all categories of flora and fauna respectively, only to make the study more

spatio-temporal and partly a bio-geographic one. Hence the unified lists of flora and

fauna were enclosed in Annexure part of this thesis. The researcher also, sincerely,

tried to give botanical/scientific and common/local names for each species of the

study area or gave at least one name where the information on other name of the

species is not available. The species lists that deserved and occupying lesser space

of the chapter were incorporated with a notion of not to lose the biodiversity

flavour.

4.1. FLORA OF HYDERABAD

"Flora" comes from the Latin name of Flora, the goddess of plants, flowers,

and fertility in mythology. Flora is the plant life occurring in a particular region or

time, generally the naturally occurring or indigenous native plant life. Plants are

grouped into floras based on region, period, spatial environment, or climate.

Regions can be geographically distinct habitats like mountain, forest, urban etc.

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 The Plant Biodiversity (Flora) of Hyderabad includes Road side,

Institutional, Parks & Gardens and Domestic plants ranges from ornamental plants

like Creepers & Climbers class to that of wild high canopical trees. In order to

estimate the magnitude of flora in the study area, the locations where scope of

finding maximum plant species is high and abundant with green coverage are

considered. The findings for flora of Hyderabad under various categories (similar to

that of people’s biodiversity register method) are as followed.

4.1.1. ROAD SIDE FLORA

In earlier times, trees were planted on either side of the road to provide shade

and shelter for road users, primarily pedestrians or slow moving vehicles. Roadside

plantation of trees continues even now on all types of roads as this also improve the

appearance of road ways by adding variety and enhance the aesthetic appeal of

surroundings because of their foliage, flowers and shape. Vegetation also protects

slopes against erosion by rain & wind and checks the advancement of desert, which

is a very important factor in arid and semi-arid regions. Planting of trees and shrubs

along highways follow a variety of schemes, such as, avenue plantation in a single

or multiple rows along the roadside; group plantation on plots of land adjoining the

road or mixed plantation involving variety of species.

Considering all the safety requirements, a right-of-way of about 45 to 60 m

would be required to accommodate trees along the roadside. For 4-lane and 6-lane

roads & highways with service roads, even 60 m right of-way may be insufficient.

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Where adequate distance is not available, the trees, just like any other hard object

should be protected so that erring vehicles are prevented from hitting it.

Compared to strip plantation, group plantation is far superior for

compensatory forestation, as it requires less cost to grow and maintain, besides

providing better environment. Group plantation is also suited commercially as it

involves less cost and easier to manage.

For divided highways, normally shrubs of about 1 - 1.5 m height are

provided in the road median as these provide antiglare effect. Trees are not

preferred in the median due to safety reason, as these may cause fatal accident, in

case of fall due to wind effect. Similarly, if the spread of the trees is large, during

rains, water continues to drop for longer duration and cause damages to the

bituminous pavement.

Keeping all the benefits in view urban authorities of Hyderabad like

erstwhile MCH, GHMC and HMDA have taken up massive plantation along the

road sides and road medians. The species wise enumeration of the road side plants

were carried out in four major corridors i.e. corridor – I, II & III which represent

Miyapur to L.B Nagar, Falaknuma to MGBS, Kompally to Bowenpally and

Shilparamam to Greenlands. The total number of species identified was 49 covering

the species like Alastonia scholaris, a typical central median plant to Eucalyptus

hybrid a high canopy plant. The range of approximate heights of the road side

plants was 1.5 meter to 60 meter.

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4.1.2. PARKS & GARDENS FLORA

As a city that is lauded as one of India’s most progressive, both in terms of

technology and metropolitan growth, besides, Hyderabad consists quite a good

number of parks that can be found in the study area.

Currently there are 25 major & city level parks, 7 theme parks, 476 colony

parks and 9 nurseries in the study area. In addition, out of 99 National Parks,

forming part of the Network of 664 Protected Areas in the country, 3 National

Parks are identified and notified in Telangana. Hyderabad has the distinction of

having 3 of 3 – Kasu Brahamananda Reddy Naional Park, Mahavir Harina

Vanasthali National Park and Mrugavani (out of study area). The most popular

parks & gardens in Hyderabad include the following.

Parks under Buddha Purnima Project Authority (BPPA)

The Buddha Purnima Project Authority was constituted for the development of

Hussain Sagar Lake and its environs covering an area of 902 Hectors, under the

provisions of the A.P. Urban Areas (Development) Act 1975, on 12th December,

2000. It was decided to declare the surrounding area of Hussainsagar Lake as a

special development area with the following objectives:

1) Orderly growth

2) Environmental up-gradation

3) Develop the Area for Special purposes viz;

a) Tourism

b) Ecotourism

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 c) Water sports

d) Theme parks

e) Create recreational spots of international standards

f) Develop necessary infrastructure.

The major green pockets developed in the BPPA are:

1. Lumbini park,

2. NTR Memorial.

3. NTR Garden.

4. Necklace Road.

5. Peoples Plaza.

6. Sanjeevaiah Park.

7. Laser show project near Lumbini Park.

Lumbini Park

The Lumbini Park was developed in the year 1994 on an area of 5.00 acres

land. To sustain the visitor ship it has proposed to revamp the Lumbini Park with

the main attraction being Laser show and other attractions like Boating, Children

Play Equipment, and Guided cars in Children play area, New Canteen Block, Popup

/ Jet Fountains, Cascade Fountains and Lush Greenery.

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NTR Memorial

NTR Memorial was developed in the year 1999 on an area of 2.00 acres of

land and the main attractions are cascading fountain, beautiful flower beds and

Manicured lawns.

NTR Gardens

NTR Garden was developed in the year 2001-2002 spreading over an area of

34 acres. The average visitor ship per month is 2.00 lakhs. Lush Greenery is the

special attractions in the Garden.

Necklace Road

Necklace Road was developed in the year 1996 and the length of the

Necklace Road is 3.6 Kms. The highlights of the Road are:

a) Multilevel parking complex. (ground parking completed)

b) Aerating Fountains.

c) Attractive Central Median.

d) Lush Green lawns.

e) Beautiful pathways; with granite stone and red sand stone.

f) Boating activity at STP pond.

Peoples Plaza

The Peoples Plaza was built on the Necklace Road near Bridge No: 1 on an

area of 3.50 acres. The Peoples Plaza has the capacity of 20,000 spectators. It has 4

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entrance gates. It is being let-out to public and other organizations for conducting

festivals. The main attractions of the Peoples Plaza are:

a) Wide promenades with granite and red sand stone.

b) Attractive railing

c) Performing Arts Stage.

d) Stone retaining wall with hanging bougainvillea and other creepers.

P.V.N.R Memorial

The Government Andhra Pradesh have decided to develop the cremation site

and to build a memorial for the departed leader Late Sri P.V.Narasimha Rao, former

Prime Minister of India in Hyderabad, to commemorate his invaluable contribution

to the State as Chief Minister and to the Country as Prime Minister. To pay tributes

to the great leader of the nation in a befitting manner the land Admeasuring 2.90

Acres adjacent to Sanjeevaiah Park been chosen for the said purpose.

Sanjeevaiah Park

Sanjeevaiah Park was taken over by HUDA during the year 2003. The total

area of the park on the Southern side of the Necklace Road is about 80.00 Acres.

Sri Nitish Roy an architect had been appointed as the consultants for the

development of the park. In the conceptual plan furnished by him, the following

proposals are made:

1. Entrance Plaza

2. Rose Garden / desert Garden / Spice Garden

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 3. Maze Garden

4. Children Park

At present a six meter wide and two kilometre long walk way is being

developed along the periphery of the Sanjeevaiah Park. Further a sub way across

the Necklace Road connecting the parking lot and the park has been taken up.

Yakari Pochaiah Land

A project with an objective to conserve, promote and protect bio diversity

has been proposed in 17 Acres (Approx) of land situated in Survey No. 9 part of

Khairatabad village and mandal along the Hussain Sagar Lake. Since the water

quality in the lakes has been substantially improved, the natural ecosystem is again

on the threshold of development. Keeping in view of this a project is contemplated

to rejuvenate and expedite the natural eco system development. Different plants,

species which are suitable to the existing climate are selected in the area so as to

provide natural habitat to the migratory as well as native birds. The land will be

reclaimed to pave way for the natural vegetation to grow. The plants species which

can assimilate carbon monoxide and the plant species which absorb atmospheric

pollutants are proposed. The fauna, which was lost over a period of time, will be

allowed to reoccupy the area by creating proper habitat. The whole area will be

designed aesthetically in such a way that it supports biodiversity and creates a

feeling of entering a Tropical forest or an estuarine forest.

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Flora of Budha Purnima Project Area

The Buddha Purnima project authority area contains a wide range of floral

diversity with 234 species of different class and family which includes the fragrance

and ornamental type of plants. It is identified that there are 52 species of fragrance

plants and 182 species of ornamental plants. The ornamental plants cover a variety

of types of species like Herbs & Shrubs (44), Flowering seasonal (6), Foliage plants

(40), Ground covers (8), Climbers & Creepers (23), Bamboo, Grasses & Lawns

(12), Palms & Cycads (13), Cacti & Succulents (11), Aquatic Plants (2) and Trees

(16).

Indira Park

Located in the lower Tank Bund of Hyderabad, by the Hussain Sagar Lake,

Indira Park’s main attractions are its rare beautiful trees, the musical fountains, and

the katta Maisama Temple. It got its name from the former prime minister of India,

Indira Gandhi. Construction for the park formally started in 1975, when then

President of India, Late Faqruddin Ahmed, laid the foundation stone. It was finally

opened to the public in 1978. The characteristic that sets Indira Park apart from

other parks is the way it was designed, namely, in a novel manner that does not

disturb the natural elements already present in the park such as the sandalwood

trees, the wild date palms and the keuvda plantations. It is also a good place for a

picnic.

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Public Gardens

The Public Gardens is one of the oldest and finest gardens in all of Hyderabad.

Located right smack in the center of the city, it is famous not only for the well-

maintained greenery, lawns, and attractions but also because it contains several

important and famous buildings. The list includes:

the State Legislative Assembly

the Jubilee Hall

the State Archaeological Museum

the Health Museum

the Jawahar Bal Bhavan

Nehru Zoological Park

The Nehru Zoological Park is a wildlife sanctuary situated 16 kilometers

from Hyderabad, in the Bahadurpur area. It has an area of about 300 acres and it

houses rich number of floral & faunal species of birds, butterflies, animals, and

reptiles. There is also the option of going to a jeep safari for the more adventurous

tourist. The park also has a Natural History museum that educates the young kids

about the importance of the animals to the world.

Kasu Brhamananda Reddy National Park

Established in 1994 in order to protect the biodiversity and richness of the

area it is on, the Kasu Brhamananda Reddy National Park covers about 156 hectares

(1.425 Sq. Kms) of land right smack in Hyderabad’s Jubilee Hills, a posh

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residential locality. The park is named after Andhra Pradesh’s former chief minister

Kasu Brahmananda Reddy, and it is a rather unique park in its own way. Aside

from being picturesque and teeming with floral and faunal life like most national

parks, it also has the magnificent Chiran Palace by the former Nizam of Hyderabad

as well as other historic structures. The park is home to a wide variety of plant and

animal life. There are around 600 species of plants and trees one can find within its

vicinity, ranging from shrubs, herbs, to climbers and creepers, not to mention

several pteridophytes and xerophytes. The flora of KBR Park resembles southern

tropical dry deciduous forest and the last vestigial representative of the endemic

flora of Hyderabad region that includes species like Teak, Sandalwood, Neem,

Babul, Palas, and Ficus etc.

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park

The Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park in Hyderabad is one such

attraction. Named after the holy Jain saint Lord Mahavir, the park is located in

Vanasthalipuram, a residential suburb 15 kilometres from Hyderabad. It is

particularly well-known for being the home of the endangered Black Buck deer.

During monsoons, Vanasthali National Park appears mesmerizing with different

colourful flowers blooming all around. The vegetation of the park is characterized

by dry deciduous forest mixed with scrub jungle and grasslands. The terrain varies

from hilly to gently rolling and the flora includes sandalwood, rosewood, palas,

amalthas, albizzias, acacias, teak, Neem, Butea, Bauhinias Acacias and many

thorny shrubs.

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4.1.3. FLORA OF INSTITUTIONAL AREAS

There are many central, state and international institutions in Hyderabad

which includes Universities, Research centres & Laboratories etc. at present there

are 15 universities, 46 Centres & Institutes and 6 Laboratories spanning over a large

chunk of areas in Hyderabad. These institutional areas are considered to be the

potential locations for conservation of biodiversity. The researcher has chosen the

following institutes as sample areas in order to estimate the biodiversity (flora) of

institutional areas within the study area.

Flora of University of Hyderabad

The University of Hyderabad campus is about 20 kms away from the city

centre, towards the south-west, on the old Bombay highway. The campus is located

in a sprawling 931 hectares (2,300 acres). There are four small annual lakes with

luxuriant marsh vegetation on their periphery, and floating and submerged plants in

the lake proper.

The vegetation of the university campus represents "Deccan shrub jungle"

with scattered trees typical of the semi-arid tropics. As of the year 2010, six

hundred and seventy four (674) plant species have been recorded on the campus.

No fewer than 315 of these plants are being used in traditional Indian medicine

(Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha).

The Subabul, Eucalyptus, Neem, Teak, Wood-Apple, Guava and Mango

plantations make the entire campus as one thick sheet of greenery. With the onset of

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summer, there is a riot of colours on the entire campus with the Gulmohar and other

flower bearing trees in full bloom. The well-maintained serpentine roads and

meticulously manicured lawns, all present a breath-taking view. The thick

vegetation has given a salubrious climate and the temperature on the camps is said

to be 2 to 3 degrees Centigrade less when compared to the city.

It is interesting to note that the number of recorded species from the campus

is higher than or on par with the numbers recorded in some of the entire districts of

Telangana: Ranga Reddy (694 species; Flora of Ranga Reddy District - T. Pullaiah

& M. Silar Mohammad, 2000), Medak (704 species; Flora of Medak District - T.

Pullaiah et al., 1998), Adilabad (673 species; Flora of Adilabad District - T.

Pullaiah et al., 1992) and Nalgonda (506 species; Flora of Nalgonda District - P.N.

Rao et al., 2001). This abundance suggests a need to conserve the plant wealth of

the campus.

It may also be noted that the campus currently hosts 39 species which are

globally under threat. There is thus a good case to consider the flora of the

University of Hyderabad a "Conservation Spot".

Flora of Osmania University

Osmania University is named after its founder, Nawab Osman Ali Khan, the

seventh Nizam of Hyderabad who rather through a Farman or Royal Charter

brought the University into existence in 1918. It is the seventh oldest in the

Country and third oldest in South India.

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University Landscape Garden:

The area covered in the campus under gardens is about 70 acres; the

Landscape being the largest spread over an area of 35 acres. The garden was

developed to create natural and pleasant environment in the Campus. Earlier, till

1970, convocations of the University were conducted in the Landscape Garden. The

venue was later shifted to the Tagore Auditorium. The Landscape Garden serves as

a natural park for students and staff. During summer, quite afew from the City of

Hyderabad prefer to stroll through the park in the evenings. Mega events like All

India Science Congress and other international conferences are also held in this

garden.

Project Green Belt:

The project which was started in 1986 has given a big boost to the University

greenery through plantation of trees under the energy plantation programme of

Government of India. Over 1000 acres of the land in the campus have been planted

with trees paving the way for the successful creation of a Green Belt providing the

much required lung space to the people from the twin cities. There is a lowering of

temperature by 2-3 degrees Celsius in the university campus area on account of this

Green Belt. At present the university hosts 211 species of flora belonging to 62

families.

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4.1.4. DOMESTIC FLORA

This category includes the flora developed by the house holds for its

fragrance and ornamental value Domestic flora maintained by households of the

study area for its aesthetic, commercial and other beneficial values also constitutes

a considerable proportion to the total flora. The total estimated size of this category

at sample locations of the study area is 58 plant species that include fruit plants

(20), fragrance & ornamental plants (25) and wild trees (13) of different families of

flora in the study area.

Table 26: Fruit plants of the Domestic Flora in Hyderabad

Sl. No. Scientific Name Common Name

1 Mangifera indica Mango

2 Annona squamosa Custard Apple /Sitaphal

3 Citrus aurantifolia Acid lime

4 Citrus sinensis Sweet Orange

5 Citrus grandis Pomello

6 Citrus reticulata Mandarin Orange

7 Vitis vinifera Grape

8 Psidium guajava Guava

9 Artocarpus heterophyllus Jackfruit

10 Syzygium cuminii Jamun

11 Carissa carandas Karonda

12 Punica granatum Pomegranate

13 Manilkara achras Sapota

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 14 Averrhoa carambola Star Fruit/ Carambola

15 Feronia limonia Wood Apple

16 Emblica officinalis Amla

17 Ficus carica Fig

18 Pimenta dioica Allspice

19 Cocos nucifera Coconut

20 Tamarindus indica Tamarind

Source: Field study

Table 27: Ornamental & fragrance plants of Domestic Flora in Hyderabad

S.No. Botanical Name Common Name

1 Alistonia scholaris Blackboard Tree (Saptaparni)

2 Anthocephalus cadamba Kadamba
3 Brassia actinophylla Umbrella Tree
4 Callistemon lanceolatus Bottle brush
5 Melaleuca bracteata Golden Bottle Brush
6 Cordia sebestena Geiger Tree
7 Dalbergia sissoo Indian rosewood
8 Delonix regia Gul mohur ( Flame Tree)
9 Dolichandrone spathacea Mangrove Trumpet Tree
10 Ficus bengalensis Banyan
11 Ficus religiosa Peepal
12 Filicium decipiens Tree fern
13 Grevilea robusta Silver Oak
Queen’s Crape Myrtle (Pride of
14 Lagerstroemia speciosa
India)
15 Peltophorum ferrugenium Rusty shield bearer
16 Pongamia glabra Indian Beech (Karanj, Kanuga)

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 17 Samania saman Rain Tree
18 Saraka indica True Ashok (Seetha Ashok)
19 Mimusops elengi Bullet wood Tree (Bakul, Pogada)
Rosy trumpet tree, Pink tecoma
20 Tabebuia rosea
tree
21 Tabebuia avellandae Pink trumpet tree
22 Terminalia catappa Tropical almond, Country Badam
23 Ceasalpinia pulcherrima Peacock flower (Guletura),
24 Parka biglandulosa Ball badminton tree
Kanaka champa, Matsa kanda,
25 Pterospermum acerifolium
Karnikara. Bayur tree
Source: Field study

Table 28: Table 28: Trees (Domestic) - Hyderabad

Sl. No. Scientific Name Common Name

1 Ashoka --

2 Azadarachta indica --

3 -- Badam

4 Eucalyptus hybrid --

5 Ficus benghalensis --

6 -- Ganga raavi

7 -- Mahagani

8 -- Pedda maanu

9 -- Peepal

10 Pongamia glabra kanuga

11 -- Rain tree

12 -- Silver oak

13 -- Su babul
. Source: Field study

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 It is observed from all the above discourse that Hyderabad hosts a huge

number of floral species under various categories that are considered on the

suggested lines of PBR method i.e. The Road side, Parks & Gardens, Instituitional,

Domestic and Aquatic type.

The road side flora which includes way side, road medians and traffic islands

considered at four major corridors of the study area i.e. Miyapur – L.B Nagar,

Falaknuma – MGBS, Shilparamam – Greenlands (Begumpet) and Satyam enclave

(Kompally) – Paradise (Secunderabad). The total number of species identified was

49 species ranging from Alastonia scholaris, a typical central median plant to

Eucalyptus hybrid a high canopied plant. The range of approximate heights of the

road side plants was 1.5 meter to 60 meter.

Flora of Parks & Gardens in the study area mainly constitutes the types like

Fragrance plants, Ornamental plants and Trees. The KBR Park of the study area

having more than 500 species of plants ranging from creepers to wild trees

belonging to a variety of families of flora dominated the list. It is found that the

flora under this category has a vast variety of species belonging to different

families. The Mahaveer Harina vanasthali also hosts a variety of plants which are of

native plants that is typical to Hyderabad environment. The total number of species

identified for this category in BPPA area around Hussain Sagar Lake is 250 in

which Fragrance plants constitutes 52, Ornamental plants 182 and Trees 16 in

number. It is also observed that the Ornamental plant species having more than

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70% of total species of this class and outnumbered the rest i.e. Fragrance plants,

and Trees.

As far as Institutional Areas Plant Species are concerned this is the dominant

category over the rest in which The University of Hyderabad covers a whopping

total of 674 plant species under different families and types. Osmania University,

having 212 plant species, also hosts a vast total of this class. ICRISAT, an

International Crops Research Institute in Semi Arid Tropiques, also hosts

considerable plant species as it hosts 54 plant species of different types and class

i.e. Agricultural, Shrubs, Grasses, Herbs, Trees and Fungi.

It is observed that Aquatic flora of study area is the least numbered when

compared with total plant species which mainly consists the water plants like Lily,

Lotus and other weed plants. It appears insignificant when compared with other

categories of flora like the parks, institutional and domestic that constitute hundreds

of species to their category.

One more important observation of the study is the agricultural crops/plant

diversity was severely affected by the urban processes of Hyderabad. There were

abundant evidences that, some of the areas once treated as fringes, well before

2001, could have a considerable size of agricultural species in number.

Dr. K. N. Gopi, in his work ‘Process of Urban Fringe Development: A

Model’ (1978) gave invaluable reference on agricultural practices and cropping

pattern in Uppal, the then fringe area of Hyderabad. According to him; “In Uppal

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there are two distinct agricultural seasons in a year. The first season (abi or kharif)

starts in May-June and lasts till November-December. The second season (tabi or

rabi) closely follows and ends by March-April. The farmers starts clearing,

preparing and ploughing their fields with the first showers which usually occur in

April-May. Vegetables like beans, brinjals and pumpkins are planted in June. In the

second half of June when rainfall is generally high, agricultural operations are

intensified and sowing of kharif crops mainly paddy, begins and continues up to

early August depending on the variety of paddy whether short-duration or

traditional long-duration ones. The harvesting of kharif crops is completed by early

November and immediately afterwards the sowing of Rabi crops usually paddy in

wet land, is taken up. November-December is the peak period of agricultural

activities as a variety of vegetables like cabbage, onions, cauliflower, chilli, tomato

etc. are sown in the winter months. By March-April most crops are harvested and

the annual cycle of agricultural activities reaches near completion”.

At present Uppal is very much a part of main city and the surrounding

agricultural lands were severely affected due to the land conversion i.e. Real Estate

activity. The vegetable plant varieties like beans, brinjals, pumpkin, cabbage,

onions, cauliflower, chillies and tomatoes etc. are now extinct locally. Small pocket

areas of few circles such as serilingampally north, Patancheru, and Rajendranagar

that lay on GHMC boundary margins are under cultivation of paddy. A few areas

are under horticultural farming mainly of mango, sapota, and grapes. But these

areas may be treated as the case of what was the Uppal once. Therefore; these

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present fringe areas also may witness the same fate of Uppal thereby agriculture

and horticulture may vanish from the study area.

4.2. FAUNA OF HYDERABAD

"Fauna" Comes From The Latin Names of Fauna, A Roman Goddess of

Earth And Fertility, The Roman God Faunus, And The Related Forest Spirits

Called Fauns. Fauna is all of the Animal Life of Any Particular Region or Time.

Zoologists and Palaeontologists Use Fauna to Refer to ‘a Typical Collection

of Animals Found In a Specific Time or Place, It Also Can Refer To a Given Subset

of the Fauna of a Given Region’.

4.2.1. FAUNA OF PARKS AND GARDENS

As stated earlier there are a huge number of parks in the study area which

has the capacity to host wide variety of faunal species. Currently there are 25 major

& city level parks including two national parks; KBR National Park and Mahaveer

Harina Vanasthali National Park. The fauna of Parks & Gardens category and the

results were as following.

Birds of Hussain Sagar Environment

Hussain Sagar Lake has always been a paradise for bird watchers. There are

77 species belonging to 57 genera, 38 families and 16 orders, that can be seen

around the lake. Among this, as many as 45 percent are wetland and / or wetland-

dependent birds. The terrestrial bird diversity is represented by scrubland and

garden birds that frequent the plants in the parks and avenue trees. Most species are

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urban adapters such as pigeons, doves, mynas, kites and crows. With respect to the

true anatids (ducks), only three species, including one resident and two migrants,

have been recorded. Other true aquatic birds include Little Grebe and Common

Coot can also be seen around the lake side.

Past records of birds form Hussain Sagar Lake reveal presence of as many as

9 species of migrating ducks. During recent years, few individual sightings of birds

around the lake have excited bird watchers. Though it is early to say, the efforts

towards cleaning the Hussain Sagar Lake and reviving eco-balance seem to be

yielding results as seen by the increasing number of bird spotting. Also, the lake

could be forming an important route for migrating birds according to experts or key

informants.

Some Unusual Birds Sightings around Hussain Sagar Lake

Some uncommon birds which are migratory in nature can also be seen

around Hussain Sagar Lake environment. These birds find a stopover for a while in

search of food and rest to reach their destination. Urban green spaces and water

bodies will play a major role in choosing the stopover for migratory birds. The

researcher has found the following migratory birds.

Grey-Headed Lapwing (Vanellus cinereus)

Sighting: Hussain Sagar
Distribution and Habitat: a winter visitor (September-October to end March-

April), found regularly in small flocks of W. Bengal (near Kolkata); quite common

in Assam, Manipur and East Pakistan; also in Kathmandu Valley, and Nepal. It

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appears in N. Bihar, Kashmir, Dehra Dun, Rajasthan and the Andaman Islands. It

can be found generally on the banks of river, ponds, ploughs and stubbles. It Breeds

at Mongolia, South Yangtze valley of China, Manchuria, Korea and Japan. In

winters it also appears in Southern & Eastern India, Burma, Malaya and China.

Indian Nightjar (Caprimulgus atripennis)

Sighting: (Sajeevaiah Park, Rock garden)

Distribution and Habitat: Seen throughout the India, Bangladesh, Pakistan,

Srilanka and Myanmar. It can be seen frequently around scrub forests, stony dry

overgrown nallahs, groves in the neighbour hoods of cultivation and human

habitation. It is active after sun set.

Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)

Sighting: (Sajeevaiah Park, Hussain Sagar)

Distribution and Habitat: Pied Avocet, a typical coastal bird from Central Asia &

European region and is a sporadic migrant. With an upward curved beak, avocet has

black and white colour with two bands on the wings. The cap on the head is black.

Nehru Zoological Park

The Hyderabad Zoo Also known as the Nehru Zoological Park, is one of the

largest zoos in India was established in 1959 and declared open to the public in

1963. The park extends over 380 acres and is a premier recreation spot in the twin

cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The Forest Department of the Government

of Andhra Pradesh manages the zoo and provides grants for it. The Zoo is at the

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forefront in India of building modern enclosures for the display of animals, such as

the extensive safari parks and the habitat for nocturnal animals.

Fauna of Nehru Zoo Park

The zoos' undulating landscape provides a natural setting displayed in large

habitat-simulating enclosures. The Mir- Alam tank covering nearly 600 acres

attracts hundreds of migratory birds which is a special attraction. The fauna of the

park include various species of butter flies (35), birds (136), reptiles (36), primates

(14), mammals (40; herbivores-23, carnivores-17) and nocturnal (19). On the basis

of vast magnitude for fauna the Nehru zoological park may be considered as

biodiversity hot spot in the study area as it constitutes high number of faunal

species.

Fauna of KBR National Park

Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park is home to approximately 130

species of birds, 30 species of reptiles, 20 species of mammals, 30 species of

butterflies, and a wide variety of invertebrates. While there are no large mammals

present in KBR National Park, Porcupine, Jungle Cat, Small Indian Civet, Pangolin,

Mongoose, Wild Boar can be found.

Fauna of Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali Park

The Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park in Hyderabad is one such

attraction. Named after the holy Jain saint Lord Mahavir, the park is located in

Vanasthalipuram, a residential suburb 15 kilometres from Hyderabad. It is

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particularly well-known for being the home of the endangered Black Buck deer

which is also known as Krishna Jinka in Telugu language. Fortunately, the

declaration of the Mahavir Harina Vanasthali as a national park helped in saving it

from certain extinction. During monsoons, Vanasthali National Park appears

mesmerizing with different colourful flowers blooming all around. The endangered

Black Buck deer is found here in plenty. In fact, the park has estimated 400 deer in

its expanse. Apart from the Black Bucks, there are many other species of animals

here, including Cheetahs, Wild Boar, Monitor Lizards, Mongooses and Porcupines.

Regarding avifauna, there are different varieties of Partridges, Quails, Peacocks,

Doves, Pond Herons, Egrets, Kites, Vultures, Eagle, Kingfishers and Cormorants.

Many numbers of species of migratory birds can be seen here. Another rare variety

amongst birds is the Short-toed Eagle. Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park

also houses an exhibition hall, where different items of the wild life conversation

are displayed.

4.2.2. INSTITUTIONAL FUANA

As stated earlier the institutions of state and central, having large expanses,

has the scope and capacity to host a wide ranging fauna, contributing for the city’s

richness in biodiversity. The magnitude of fauna for this class was estimated for the

following institutional areas.

Fauna of University of Hyderabad

Situated at a distance of about 25 km from the city centre, on the old

Bombay highway, in a sprawling 2,300 acres of thick greenery, the University of

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Hyderabad campus has large, shade-giving trees of every type, majestically

standing in broad avenues. With the onset of monsoon, the HCU campus is virtually

a paradise for the numerous species of birds. Hundreds of rare birds are seen

hopping from one branch to another in gay abandon. Colourful butterflies hover all

around. The several percolation tanks on the campus help the birds and animals

quench their thirst. The Monkeys, Wild lizards of several varieties are also seen.

Hyderabad University Campus with zero-level pollution is a virtual paradise for

peacocks. It is a haven not only for excellence in higher education in the country

but even for the precious flora and fauna - the priceless gifts of Nature. Fauna of the

campus includes such as: Carnivores (3), Herbivores (2), Primates & Rodents (4),

Reptiles (6) and Birds (54).

Fauna of ICRISAT

The land area of ICRISAT headquarters is 1,390 ha, of which 800 ha is

arable. The farm has two major soil types, cultivable vertisols (500 ha) and

cultivable alfisols (300 ha), both types ideally suitable for research on crops of

partners like Asian National Agricultural Research Systems and some other CGIAR

Centres besides it also undertaken biodiversity project for conservation of local

flora and fauna. The faunal species of ICRISAT campus include; Dragonflies (13),

Butterflies (20), Nymphalids (11), spiders (4), fishes (5), Amphibians (8), Turtles

(2), Lizards and Geckos (9), Skinks (2), Snakes (5), Birds (64) and Mammals (6).

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FAUNA OF OSMANIA UNIVERSITY

Osmania University is named after its founder, Nawab Osman Ali Khan, the

seventh Nizam of Hyderabad who rather through a Farman or Royal Charter

brought the University into existence in 1918. It is the seventh oldest in the

Country and third oldest in South India.

The Deer Park

The Deer Park was established in the year 1991 in an area of 60 acres

allocated behind the Departments of Genetics and Microbiology and abutting

the Vice-Chancellor's Lodge. This was started for the purpose of providing space to

an endangered species of deer. The Deer Park had 10 dears in 1991 and over the

period their population has increased to more than 200 now. This speaks volumes

of the environment and ecology of the campus. Several bird watchers have been

visiting the campus and as per their observation lots of new species of birds have

been sighted due to development of campus greenery.

AQUATIC FAUNA

The water habitat fauna of Hyderabad been estimated at the locations such as

Hussain Sagar Lake, Saroornagar Lake, Durgam Cheruvu, Mir Alam Tank. The

major species of this class constitute Fishes (62) and Amphibians (19) etc.

A Brief Summary on Biodiversity of Greater Hyderabad

The total magnitude of biodiversity in greater Hyderabad, for flora is

estimated as 1046 species belonging to 146 families in which 825 species of 106

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families are identified as Dicots and the rest of 221 of 40 families as Monocots. The

fauna of Hyderabad constitutes 705 species from 141 families.

Table 29: Magnitude of Biodiversity of Hyderabad

Sl. Category Of Species Number Of Number Of

No. (Taxa) Families Species

FLORA

1 Vascular Plants (Dicots) 106 825

2 Vascular Plants (Monocots) 40 221

TOTAL 146 1046

FAUNA

1 Odonates/Dragon Flies 6 37

2 Butter Flies 5 127

3 Spiders 11 43

4 Fishes 14 62

5 Amphibians 4 19

6 Reptiles 16 45

7 Birds 60 312

8 Mammals 25 60

TOTAL 141 705

Source: GHMC, EPTRI, Hyderabad and Field study

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 BIDIVERSITY SAMPLE SITES OF HYDERABAD

.
FRI
ICRISAT

e
clav
am E n
-

e - S aty
H69H70
H68
H67

Shilp P arad is
a ra m
UoH am -
G re e
EPTRI nla n
ds
am
Tarnaka - Nachar
Ne

Sanjevaiah Park
ck

H34H35
-
la c

H41
KBR Park H53H54 H32
H33
H40
eR

H51H52 Indira Park

Osmania University
oa

H8H9
d

H7
H6

Nalg o
nda X
R oa d
am a

- LB N
a gar
ala k n

H79H80
S-F

ZOO PARK H78

H77
Vanasthali
MGB

Domestic Plants sites

Road side plants location

Parks & Institutional Locations

11 - 20

Decimal Degrees
0 325 650 1,300

Figure 47: Biodiversity Map (Sample sites) of Hyderabad

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 Figure 48: The percent share of faunal species in Hyderabad

Birds are the dominant category with a total of 312 species out of a total of

705 faunal species that constitutes 44 percent of the total fauna followed by

butterflies with 127 species & 18 p.c. share while amphibians are the least

numbered category in terms of species that could amount only 19 species.

Impact of Hyderabad Urban Development on Biodiversity

It is identified that the urban developmental activities in the study area not

only affected the land use/land cover (LULC) but also biodiversity. Out of total of

1046 floral species 29 species are listed as threatened or at risk. These threatened

species include Teak, Aswaganda, and Elephant Apple etc. belonging to twenty

(20) families. Therefore the assumed hypothesis (3rd) proved positive.

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Table 30: List of endangered species of Hyderabad
S. No. Botanical Name English/Trade Name Family Name
Andrographis paniculate (Burm.f.) Wall.
1 King of bitters, Creat
ex Nees
ACANTHACEAE
2 Justicia adhatoda L. Vasaka, Malabar nut

3 Ceropegia bulbosa Roxb. --

4 C. spiralis Wight -- ASCLEPIADACEAE

Gymmema sylvestre (Retz.) R.Br. ex
5 --
Shult.
6 Celastrus paniculata L. -- CELASTRACEAE

7 Terminalia alata Heyne ex Roth Laurel; White marybolon COMBRETACEAE

8 C. Rottlerianus Choisy -- CONVOLVULACEAE

9 T. tricuspidatus Lour. -- CUCURBITACEAE

10 Drosera burmannii Vahl. --

DROSERACEAE
11 D. indica L. --

12 E. fusiformis Buch-Ham ex Don --

EUPHORBIACEAE
13 E. tortilis Rottl. --

14 Butea frondosa --
FABACEAE
15 P. santalinus L.f. -- (LEGUMINOSAE/
PAPILIONACEAE)
16 Saraca indica L. --

17 Anisochilus carnosus (L.f.) Wall. --

LAMIACEAE
(= LABIATAE)
18 Anisomeles indica (L.) O.Kuntze --

19 Soymida febrifusa (Roxb.) A.Juss. Indian Red wood MELIACEAE

Leadwort white-flowered,
20 Plumbago zeylanica L. PLUMBAGINACEAE
Ceylon Leadwort

21 Gardenia gummifera L. -- RUBIACEAE

22 Aegle marmelos (L) Corr. --

RUTACEAE
23 Limonia acidissima L. Elephant apple

24 Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.) Dubard -- SAPOTACEAE

25 S. urens Roxb. Sterculia/Karraya/Kateera gum STERCULIACEAE

26 Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal. Aswagandha SOLANACEAE

27 Hybanthus enneaspermus (L) F. Muell Ratnapurusha VIOLACEAE

28 Tectona grandis L.f. Teak

VERBENACEAE
29 Vitex trifolia Common chaste tree

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