Ecological Research

Implemented for the Tamil Nadu Forest Department

The Odiyur wetland is categorised as a lagoon system with seasonal water retention. The lagoon's water is brackish and primarily comes from the sea, with tidal influences causing daily fluctuations in water levels. The wetland's complex ecosystem makes it a hub of biodiversity, with marine organisms such as Molluscs and Copepods breeding in the lagoon. Seagrasses are also present in the lagoon, indicating a healthy ecosystem
During a biodiversity survey, it was found that the herbaceous plants were the most abundant, constituting 96% of the total plant population. Additionally, climbers, shrubs, and trees make up 24, 27, and 21 species respectively. Grasses and sedges are present in smaller numbers with 17 and 5 species respectively. The majority of these species have their origins in the native regions, with 165 specimens found to be indigenous to the area. This region's diversity and large number of monotypic genera and families make it a special and unique habitat We recorded major animals in our faunal assessment to show the habitat changes in that area. We found 124 bird species, 47 insect species, 8 mammals and 10 herpetofaunal species. We also observed 6 major raptor species and 51 migrant bird species during the survey

Report submitted to Joint Expert Committee, National Green Tribunal

The project focused on assessing the damages caused by fly ash in the Ennore backwaters of Tiruvallur district. The main objective was to evaluate whether the deposition of fly ash in the Kosasthalaiyar River basin had caused any harm to the soil, water, and associated flora and fauna
To gather the necessary information, data collection was conducted in the field using equipment like GPS, binoculars and camera. Ph and TDS of water were tested and recorded using simple handheld devices. Secondary data, such as Google Earth images were also collated to support the assessment. Additionally, the project involved the preparation of maps to identify land use and land cover changes. Zone of influence was identified to foresee the future impact of the fly ash pollution. The detailed report with status of biodiversity, threats and restoration strategy has been submitted to the NGT Committee

Implemented for the Tamil Nadu Forest Department

A survey has been conducted to assess the biodiversity and landscape features of a proposed location for constructing an ecotourism facility near the historically significant Alamparai Fort. The site is situated in the Cheyyur Taluk of the Chengalpattu district. The location is positioned to the west of the coast, behind a lagoon that is situated south of the Paalar estuary
A rapid assessment survey of the area was conducted to evaluate its ecology and landscape. The region is primarily coastal and comprises littoral bushes of trees and sturdy shrubs. Herbaceous flora dominates the terrain, with a significant number of psammophytic species found on the ground. The survey identified a total of 143 species of Angiosperms and of these, 124 are indigenous to the region. The faunal survey identified 79 species of fauna, including 48 bird species, 20 butterfly and dragonfly species, and mammals, reptiles, and amphibians (5,4,2). Overall, the survey provides valuable insights into the biodiversity and landscape features of the proposed ecotourism facility's location, which can help inform decision-making and conservation efforts in the area

A new genus of grasshopper Dravidacris has been described in Tamilnadu by the team composed of Dr. Dhaneesh Baskar, a research consultant of Care Earth Trust. The specimen of the species was collected from Annamalai Nagar near Chidambaram in Cuddalore district in December 2020, leading to its name - Dravidacris annamalaica. This genus represents the rare horned grasshoppers within the grasshopper subfamily Metrodorinae. Their unique morphology with long and dorsally extended head portions is not typical among other grasshoppers genera

The forest terrain of Megamalai forest Range has been affected by Lantana camara and other invasive species encroachment. With the help of the local forest department, the areas were identified for the project intervention. The field team surveyed the area using geo-referencing and satellite imageries, and then ground verified the density of invasive plants. The species diversity, density and abundance were recorded from the field during the months of February and May, 2022. The data was analysed and collated for the results. With the primary data, locales of sense or denser Lantana presence was observed and geo-tagged, the portions have been earmarked for invasive plants removal and afforestation by native species

Supported by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India

Care Earth assessed the distribution and species richness of birds in different habitats of the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu. Spread over three years, the study resulted in a dataset of 8455 observations of 271 species of birds covering nine districts of northern Tamil Nadu, namely Tiruchirapalli, Salem, Namakkal, Erode, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore and Villupuram. About 40 species were identified as common with the red-vented bulbul topping the list at 429 observations, followed by 300 observations of the red-whiskered bulbul. Habitat types in the region included dense deciduous and semi-evergreen forests, open thorn forests, riparian forests, plantations, rocky hillocks with scrub and wetlands

Implemented for the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras

The study attempted to provide an up-to-date assessment of Chital and Bonnet Macaque and their population size, spatial distribution and structure as their presence has frequently led to conflicts and accidents. Population size, structure and distribution was carried out by one time count of the population enumerating adult males, young males, adult females, unisexed juveniles; repeated visits to identified male territories to assess site fidelity and assessment of habitat quality where the largest herds graze or where sightings are most frequent, followed by data analyses and documentation. The data obtained as part of the project would be useful for conservation planning

Funded by Public Works Department, Government of Tamil Nadu

Studies reveal that the Rettai Eri North, Korattur wetland and Ambattur wetlands have been compromised on their periphery and are impacted by the lack of a buffer system. Review, analysis and consolidation of existing literature was done in addition to meteorological and topographical assessments. In terms of metal pollution, Ambattur was found to be the most contaminated, followed by Rettai eri and Korattur. De-silting, dredging and sediment flushing, maintenance of feeder channels and installation of water level monitors were suggested to maintain the wetland area. Other recommendations include minimizing groundwater depletion, reducing ecological risks, restoring wetland attributes for supporting biodiversity, identification and restoration wetland areas under Invasive Alien Species of Plants and promotion of the wetland complex as a nature reserve and public space

Funded by State Land Use Research Board, State Planning Commission

Supported by the State Land Use Research Board, the project helped establish a baseline for people centric watershed programme in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. Impacts of how water is currently managed and, access to irrigation and drinking water resources were studied. The project also delved into the implementation of existing schemes and that of marginal and landless farmers in the Thamirabarani River Basin

Implemented for Tamil Nadu Forest Department

With the support of the Department of Evaluation and Applied Research and the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Care Earth completed a field assessment to monitor the impact of removal of Invasive Alien Species in the Nilgiris. Floral and faunal diversity, including invasive species in cleared and maintained sites were monitored. The project resulted in the preparation of a comprehensive monitoring report on the status of biodiversity with field data after the removal of invasive species in the target area with GPS coordinates and survey sketches

Funded by Evaluation and Applied Research Department, Government of Tamil Nadu

Care Earth was involved in the evaluation of the Tamil Nadu Afforestation Project (TAP-II) implemented by Tamil Nadu Forest Department to assess the impact of and to know whether the project objectives have been realized and to what extent. Community development activities created under the scheme, micro finance provided under the scheme and watershed development activities through field based assessments were evaluated as part of the project

Funded by Department of Evaluation and Applied Research, Government of Tamil Nadu

The project evaluated the impacts of removing invasive exotic species in selected areas under various government schemes. Conservation status of species found in the areas after removal of invasive species was assessed as well

Funded by State Forest Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Forest Department

The project aimed to quantify data on Non-Timber Forest Produce across selected villages in Tamil Nadu. Encompassing all aspects such as the village profile, landscape profile, and locale of the NTFP collection, the surveys helped in understanding the type of forests and vegetation located nearby. NTFP covered in the study include Tamarind, Gallnut, Indian Gooseberry, Honey and Phoenix sp

Funded by State Forest Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Forest Department

The evaluation study looked to ascertain the efficacy of the various works implemented by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department under the ‘Water conservation and canopy improvement project in Tamil Nadu’. This was assessed through the following objectives. Physical and financial performance in addition to the suitability, efficacy and present condition of the works executed were studied. Impact of water conservation works such as check dams, percolation ponds and trenches and the benefits to stakeholders in the area were assessed as well

Funded by Department of Environment,
Government of Tamil Nadu

Following the oil spill that occurred outside the Kamarajar Port in Ennore, a study was commissioned by the State Environment Department to monitor shorebirds and associated species periodically in the area. As part of the project, Care Earth’s research team is involved in monitoring and comparing data from both contaminated and uncontaminated reference sites. In addition, identification of periodic changes of oil spill effect in polluted areas and studying the natural recovery of the shoreline in terms of shore bird diversity and population are also an integral part of this project