Donald James Mackay

President of BNHS 1886–1890 

Donald James Mackay, 1st Baron Reay and 11th Lord Reay (December 22, 1839 – August 01, 1921) was the first President of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) from 1886 to 1890, while in office as the Governor of Bombay. As many of you know, BNHS was founded in 1883 by a group of eight individuals with the objective of disseminating biological knowledge.

 Born as Donald Jacob, Baron Mackay in The Hague, he uniquely held the Dutch titles of Lord of Ophemert and Zennewijnen due to his birthplace and inheritance. His father, Aeneas Mackay, the 10th Lord Reay, was also a Dutch Member of Parliament.

 Lord Reay succeeded his father in 1876 and was naturalized as a British subject in 1877. Prime Minister William Gladstone appointed him Governor of Bombay in 1885, a position he held until 1890. As Governor, he personally oversaw the political, military, ecclesiastical, and public works departments, and in his final year at office, took charge of public instruction, encouraging the development of teaching across various disciplines. He also paid much attention to the development of the railway system.

 In recognition of his service, he was appointed a Knight Grand Commander of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire (GCIE) in 1887 and a Knight Grand Commander of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of India (GCSI) in 1890. Upon returning to Britain, he served as Under-Secretary of State for India from 1894 to 1895.

 Abridged from various public sources

 

– Dr Bharat Bhushan

Honorary Secretary, BNHS

 

Builders and Guardians of Modern India:
A Tribute to the Former Presidents of BNHS

 

We are keen to introduce a new series of articles exploring the lives and achievements of our former presidents. These individuals, who served as the guardians of our society, were not only passionate about nature and conservation but also played a significant role in shaping modern India.

Over the coming months, we will feature articles on some of the most remarkable individuals who have led our society, beginning with Donald James Mackay, the Honourable Governor of Bombay, who served as the Society’s first President from 1886 to 1890. Many Mumbaikars may be familiar with the Reay Road suburban railway station, but few know that it was named after Donald James Mackay, who was also the 11th Lord Reay and the first Baron Reay.

Through this series, we aim to highlight the contributions of our former presidents, who, beyond their official roles, were instrumental in shaping modern India. Their profiles will not only offer a glimpse into the nation’s past but also inspire us to carry forward their legacy of conservation, sustainability, and nation-building.

We invite you to join us on this journey through history of the BNHS in its formative years.

 

Fishing Cat – Endangered Shadows of Vanishing Wetlands in India

By P. Sathiyaselvam

The elusive fishing cat Prionailurus viverrinus, a species intrinsically linked to Asia’s wetlands, faces an increasingly precarious future. Once distributed across a patchwork of territories from Pakistan to Java, its range is now fragmented and shrinking. In India, this endangered feline persists primarily in the eastern regions, including West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and parts of Andhra Pradesh, as well as along the Himalayan foothills in the Terai. While occasional sightings occur in protected areas such as Keoladeo National Park and Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, these have become increasingly rare, underscoring the species’ decline in the western regions.

A combination of human activities has driven this alarming trend. The relentless destruction of wetland and floodplain habitats – fuelled by unchecked development, unsustainable aquaculture, and encroaching agriculture – continues to erode the fishing cat’s natural domain. Illegal hunting, compounded by rural and urban land policies that prioritize human expansion, further exacerbates the situation. Additionally, the proliferation of brick industries near these delicate ecosystems contributes to environmental degradation. If immediate and intensive habitat protection measures are not implemented, a further decline in fishing cat populations is anticipated in the near future.

In this context, the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, located along the eastern coastline of India in Andhra Pradesh, plays a critical role in conservation efforts. With its unique mangrove ecosystem and intricate network of waterways, the sanctuary offers a potential stronghold for the fishing cat. However, like other habitats, it remains vulnerable to the same threats that imperil the species elsewhere. A deeper understanding of the fishing cat’s ecology – both within Coringa and across its range – is urgently needed. Despite its endangered status, significant knowledge gaps persist regarding its foraging and breeding biology, social behaviour, and current distribution, all of which hinder effective conservation strategies. Addressing these gaps is essential for securing the species’ future, and with dedicated research and protection efforts, Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary could emerge as a key refuge for the fishing cat in India.

 

Spanning 235.7 square kilometres at the confluence of the Godavari River and the Bay of Bengal in the East Godavari District, Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Godavari Estuary and features extensive mangrove cover. The region experiences temperatures ranging from 17°C to 40°C and receives over 1,000 millimetres of annual rainfall. The sanctuary’s northern portion includes approximately 100 square kilometres of Kakinada Bay backwaters.

Initial studies on the fishing cat population within the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary involved a comprehensive survey encompassing 134 grids across the sanctuary’s mangrove expanse. This survey utilized pugmark and scat analysis, direct sightings with GPS coordinates, and behavioural observations to map the fishing cat’s distribution and movements. Additionally, between June 2014 and July 2015, 60 camera traps, deployed in pairs for 15-day periods synchronized with spring and neap tides, were used to capture photographic evidence. Individual fishing cats were identified based on their unique pelage patterns, and the initial study estimated a population of 95 to 100 individuals within the sanctuary.

Recognizing the importance of understanding the broader population dynamics, the study recommended extending surveys to adjacent mangrove areas within the Godavari delta. Activity patterns were correlated with tidal data obtained from online sources to understand the fishing cat’s behaviour to tidal fluctuations. Subsequently, in 2018, the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department conducted follow-up surveys, employing similar methodologies, and recorded 115 individual fishing cats within the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary and its adjoining mangrove areas.

More recently, in 2023–2024, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) conducted further investigations, resulting in an estimated population of 85–90 individual fishing cats. These varying estimates highlight the dynamic nature of wildlife populations and underscore the importance of continuous monitoring. The fluctuations observed may be attributed to a variety of factors, including habitat changes, prey availability, and natural population cycles. Further research is necessary to fully understand the factors influencing fishing cat population dynamics within the Godavari mangroves, and continuous monitoring is crucial for effective conservation strategies.

Interviews with residents from the villages surrounding Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary highlighted several human-fishing cat conflicts. Fishermen reported annual losses of 10 to 20 kilograms of fish to fishing cats, resulting in monetary losses for the fishermen. Fear-driven attacks on fishing cats by crab collectors were also reported, stemming from a belief that the animals target human eyes. Aqua farmers suffered losses from fishing cats preying on farmed fish and prawns, with annual financial losses. Fishing cats explored gaps in aquaculture pump houses and were sometimes killed by electric fences or direct attacks. Villagers reported fishing cats entering their communities, particularly during summer, to prey on poultry and lambs, leading to retaliatory killings through snares or beatings. Expanding industrial development and aquaculture outside the sanctuary has further reduced fishing cat habitat, forcing them into human-dominated areas where they face heightened risks.

Raising awareness is crucial to the effective protection of fishing cats in Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary. Surveys revealed significant knowledge gaps among local communities, with most residents unaware of the species’ protected status. They expressed a willingness to support conservation efforts. Awareness campaigns and constructive dialogues between wildlife managers and local stakeholders are essential to building trust and facilitating information exchange. Additionally, radio telemetry is recommended to enhance understanding of the fishing cat’s behaviour and ecology. Given their nocturnal and elusive nature, radio-collaring at least five individuals (two males and three females) would provide valuable insights into habitat use, home range, and seasonal movements, ultimately aiding conservation planning within the sanctuary and surrounding mangrove areas.

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary harbours a significant fishing cat population along India’s east coast, warranting its designation as a dedicated Coringa Fishing Cat Sanctuary under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change’s species recovery programme. Subsequently, it was discussed in the high-level forum. Experts suggested that declaring it as a fishing cat sanctuary may lead to a life threat to the animal as it is hunted elsewhere by the people for table purpose. A protected area and conservation activities are proposed to safeguard the mangroves in the region. It is worth prioritizing the area as a specialized fishing cat conservation reserve to give pride to the secretive species. Areas dominated by Suaeda maritima, crucial for kitten rearing, must be preserved and excluded from mangrove expansion initiatives. Furthermore, restoration efforts should focus on clearing invasive Eichhornia species from creeks and canals to mitigate siltation and maintain a healthy habitat for the fishing cat. 

■ P. Sathiyaselvam, Deputy Director of the BNHS, is trained in satellite tracking, and has been involved in Bird Migration studies since 2002.

 

Master of Disguise:
The Sri Lanka Frogmouth

 

By: Savio Fonseca

 

    I was bird-watching with a Portuguese couple through the Bhagwan Mahaveer National Park in Goa a part of the dense Western Ghats forest one bright afternoon. Our local guide led us along a path occasionally blocked by fallen trees or low-hanging branches, requiring us to stoop to pass through. Eventually, we reached a dense patch of undergrowth, where the guide pointed out a pair of birds and exclaimed, “There they are!”

The Portuguese couple peered into the undergrowth, puzzled and unable to see the birds. We tried using hand gestures to indicate their location, but it was futile. Speaking was not an option, as we feared disturbing the roosting birds, though it was evident that words would not have been helpful in this situation anyway.

Finally, the man set up his camera on a tripod, and I offered to focus the lens on the birds. Only then did he and his wife grasp the extent of the birds’ camouflage. They were visibly astonished and bewildered, struggling to spot the birds with their eyes outside the camera’s viewfinder.

The Sri Lanka Frogmouth Batrachostomus moniliger, a bird even expert birdwatchers find challenging to detect, had taken them by surprise. Despite their extensive experience identifying bird species worldwide, the couple was amazed at how seamlessly this bird blends into its surroundings. In my opinion, the Sri Lanka Frogmouth is one of nature’s masters of disguise, mimicking leaves, bark, and even lichens with remarkable precision.

This bird’s camouflage is even more impressive. In a light breeze, it subtly sways to mimic leaves trembling in the wind. Its nest, constructed on a short hollow stump, perfectly blends within the environment making it almost invisible. This exceptional adaptation makes it difficult for experienced birdwatchers, let alone casual observers who may only recognize a few bird species.

A nocturnal bird about the size of a myna, the Sri Lanka Frogmouth inhabits dense evergreen forests at elevations ranging from sea level to 1,200 m in India and up to 1,800 m in Sri Lanka. While it prefers undisturbed forests, it can adapt to secondary forests and small wooded areas near human settlements.

During the day, it roosts on branches in shady spots, typically 2–6 m above the ground, hidden among the foliage. Sri Lanka Frogmouth hunt for insects in the night, capturing them mid-air, picking them off the ground, or gleaning them from tree surfaces. Their distinctive calls – loud, screeching cries interspersed with chuckling notes – are most often heard at dusk and dawn. Once thought to be rare and restricted to a small range, recent observations have revealed a much wider distribution. However, their incredible camouflage makes it difficult to accurately assess population sizes and trends.

Male and female Sri Lanka Frogmouths exhibit noticeable differences in plumage. Males are predominantly greyish-brown, while females have a greyish-rufous coloration. Both have large heads, wide bills with hooked tips, and bristles around the eyes and bill – typical characteristics of frogmouths. Compared to other members of their family, their wings are shorter and more rounded.

Their markings are intricate and functional. The belly and sides display white spots, and the throat is adorned with white dots resembling an unfinished collar, which mimic lichen patterns on bark. Males exhibit prominent black patches on the head, vermiculated patterns on the belly, and grey bands on the tail and flight feathers, while females have a more uniform rufous tone with fewer black markings and less pronounced barring.

Sri Lanka Frogmouths are commonly found in undisturbed forests with secondary vegetation, often comprising deciduous species such as Schleichera trijuga, Lagerstroemia microcarpa, Terminalia bellerica, and Terminalia tomentosa. Specific habitats, such as bamboo forests with Solanum and Strobilanthes undergrowth, have been identified as particularly suitable. Other habitats include evergreen forests with trees like Carallia, Polyalthia, Mesua, Myristica, Alseodaphne, and Garcinia.

Despite having documented 33 sightings of this bird across Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala, it remains one of the most elusive species to spot using traditional birding techniques. Professional guides often rely on recorded calls to attract the birds and then locate them using minimal light.

On one occasion, I flushed out a Sri Lanka Frogmouth during a daytime birding trip in Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary while searching for a Grey-headed Bulbul. Such encounters are rare. The typical approach for finding these birds involves night-time expeditions with recorded calls, though this can pose risks, especially in habitats where venomous reptiles like Russell’s Vipers, Hump-nosed Pit Vipers, Malabar Pit Vipers, Spectacled Cobras, and King Cobras are present.

Professional guides employ specialized techniques to locate these birds at night while minimizing disturbance to both the birds and their environment. By using minimal lighting and careful observation, they balance the isolation and conservation needs of this extraordinary species. 

■ Savio Fonseca is an author, photographer, naturalist, data contributor, and conservationist.

 

A Lifelong Affair with Odonates

By Neha Mujumdar

 

Dragonflies and damselflies, collectively known as odonates, embody elegance, beauty, resilience, and strength. Watching these creatures is like meditation — at least for me! While charismatic animals like mammals and birds often steal the spotlight, lesser-known insects like odonates offer a world of wonder all of their own. Insects dominate all other animal groups, and a closer look around your home will reveal their astonishing diversity. Among them, odonates stand out, showcasing mastery in aerodynamics and fierce predatory skills. Having evolved even before the time of dinosaurs, they are true ambassadors of adaptation, enduring the test of time with remarkable success.

 

What fascinated me most about odonates was their unique breeding behaviour. Damselflies, with their slender bodies compared to dragonflies, exhibit distinct behaviours during egg-laying. While dragonflies typically release their eggs by briefly touching the water’s surface, damselflies engage in a more complex ritual. Male damselflies often accompany and guide females to the egg-laying site, holding on to their necks. The females then land on aquatic plants and insert their eggs into submerged plant tissues using a sharp ovipositor. This behaviour, known as “underwater oviposition”, is typical of damselflies. In some cases, females even submerge themselves completely while laying eggs. Witnessing this fascinating behaviour left me in awe of these tiny creatures.

 

My curiosity to explore about their breeding behaviour further led me to various places. One unforgettable experience occurred during a visit to Sindhudurg, Maharashtra. The northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra and the lowlands of Konkan are a treasure trove of wildlife, with some species of plants, reptiles, and amphibians endemic to the region. While exploring the freshwater habitats, such as seasonal streams, I encountered a pair of damselflies on a palm tree at my eye level. The stream had shallow water, vegetation on both sides, and a thick canopy of trees overhead. I spotted this pair on a Pandanus palm, known locally as ‘kewda’. The male, a small blackish body with faint blue eyes and black lines, was still in tandem with the brownish female – a species named Elattoneura tetrica. At first, I thought they were engaged in a mating ritual, but a closer look revealed they were laying eggs.

 

To my surprise, the female damselfly was laying eggs on a plant well above the water, not beneath it. I watched in amazement as the pair continued this process for at least 25 minutes. I had never seen anything like it before. My mind raced with thoughts about what I was witnessing and whether I had ever read about egg-laying above water. Given that odonates require freshwater for their development from egg to winged adult, this behaviour was unusual. I photographed the pair, their habitat, and the plant to investigate further. Upon reading some research articles, I found that  this behaviour has evolved in some damselflies to protect their eggs from drought or parasitism in the water. Damselflies may select plants with soft wood for egg-laying, and when the larvae hatch, they instinctively fall into the water below to continue growing.

 

I discovered that this might be one of the very few observations in India of oviposition outside water. There are instances where some damselfly species in the Himalaya lay eggs on moss-covered rocks near cold streams. Out of eight species of genus Elattoneura, five are endemic to India and four of those are found in peninsular region. Elattoneura tetrica is an endemic species to the Western Ghats of India, yet we have very little information on its habitat. This random observation turned out to be a significant and memorable experience.  It is this curiosity and these encounters that make my observations fulfilling. I am grateful to contribute valuable information about these lesser-known, yet equally beautiful insects.

 ■ Neha Mujumdar Scientist (Entomology) in the Conservation Department at BNHS, studies the biology of butterflies and odonate.

 

 Chambal Badlands

By Parveen Shaikh

 

In December 2016, I took my first walk along the shores of the River Chambal near Nadgawan village in Agra district of UP. The calm blue waters flowed gently, a serene backdrop to the sunbathing gharials and muggers lining the banks. Nearby, migratory waterbirds rested, and every so often, a Gangetic dolphin would break the surface, accompanied by the graceful flight of a black-bellied tern. The scene was peaceful and utterly captivating.

 

My goal was to spot Indian skimmers, but they eluded me along the shore. Undeterred, I took a boat to explore more of the river. Chambal’s rich aquatic life soon unfolded before me – turtles perched on nearly every rock along the banks. As our boat approached, the soft-shell turtle, Nilssonia gangetica, swiftly slipped into the water, while the hard-shell turtles, Pangshura tecta and Batagur dhongoka, lingered a bit longer, allowing us a better view.

 

While fellow wildlife enthusiasts on the boat were busy with their cameras, capturing every moment, I was content with my binoculars, absorbing the life around the river. My attention soon shifted to the ravine walls along the riverbank, peppered with small burrows – a colony of grey-throated martins had made their home there. The structure of the ravine walls intrigued me, forming a key feature of the Chambal Valley landscape.

 

Many tourists and wildlife enthusiasts visit the Chambal River for its biodiversity, but to me, the most fascinating aspect of this region is its unique landscape. The undulating ravines and gullies create what is known as badland topography, locally referred to as ‘Chambal ki ghati’ or ‘beehad.’ These ravines, shaped over time by constant erosion from streams in this semi-arid region, hold a history of their own. The landscape, expanded at the intersection of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, was once notorious for dacoits. Even today, its rugged terrain offers a refuge for outlaws who evade capture by crossing state lines.

 

The following week, I explored sections of the ravines on the Madhya Pradesh side at Dangbasai with a local wildlife enthusiast. We navigated through gullies and climbed small mounts though the dry, loose soil made the ascent challenging. Some of the ravines plunged as deep as 80–100 m. Researchers have linked these formations to erosion caused by regional climate, rainfall, temperature changes, and even tectonic activity. Walking through the ravines felt like navigating a labyrinth – it was easy to lose track of the route, and I quickly understood why dacoits once used this landscape as a hideout. The numerous paths leading in and out from a single point made it an ideal escape route.

 

After a challenging climb, I was rewarded with a mesmerizing view. A vast expanse of undulating ravines and gullies stretched out before me in shades of nude and brown. In the distance, the calm blue waters of the Chambal River flowed through the valley, creating a striking contrast against the rugged terrain. This intricate network of ravines forms the main catchment area for the river, contributing to its unique ecosystem.

 

Along the way, we spotted footprints of jackals, hyenas, jungle cats, and even leopards, a testament to the rich wildlife inhabiting these ravines. However, signs of human encroachment were also evident – tractor tracks, flattened ravines for cultivation, and mechanical excavators carving pathways were stark reminders of the ongoing impact on this fragile landscape. Such activities pose a serious threat to the natural drainage and catchment areas. Disrupting these patterns could lead to natural disasters in the future and potentially affect the water levels in the river.

 

This landscape is unique, with no parallel elsewhere in the country. While the River Chambal and some of the adjacent ravines are protected under the National Chambal Sanctuary, it is crucial that we conserve this habitat from further degradation. I hope that others, like me, have the chance to experience this remarkable example of nature’s architectural genius.

 

■ Parveen Shaikh, Scientist D studies the Indian Skimmer at the National Chambal Sanctuary and the persistent conservation challenges it faces.

 

Dancing Cranes and Declining Wetlands: The Story of Sarsai Nawar - By Omkar Joshi

Dancing Cranes and Declining Wetlands:
– The Story of Sarsai Nawar 

By Omkar Joshi

Imagine a serene jheel (wetland) coming to life with the flapping wings of thousands of migratory birds, transforming the landscape into a breath-taking display of nature’s beauty each morning and evening. This is Sarsai Nawar, an often-overlooked wetland in Uttar Pradesh, home to a rich but endangered ecosystem.

Nestled in Etawah district, Sarsai Nawar is a seasonal wetland that fills with life after the monsoon rains. This oxbow lake, named after the majestic Sarus Crane – revered as a sacred bird and said to have inspired Maharshi Valmiki in the creation of the ancient epic Ramayana – translates to “Sarus’s wetland.”

During winter, Sarsai Nawar becomes a critical refuge, hosting thousands of migratory birds on their long journeys. Travellers from distant lands, including Mongolia, China, Kazakhstan, even the far-flung Arctic region, find sanctuary here. The scene is a delight for birdwatchers, with flocks of ducks and waders bustling about, while eagles and harriers patrol the skies above. The sight of these powerful raptors swooping through the flock, causing a flurry of ducks to take flight in a dazzling display akin to a murmuration, is nothing short of spectacular. With pinpoint accuracy, the sharp-eyed eagle dives into the commotion, targeting the most vulnerable duck.

The reeds provide shelter for reed warblers, grassbirds, and cisticolas, their cheerful chirps adding to the wetland’s lively soundtrack. Tall trees offer nesting spots for black-necked storks, while Egyptian vultures can be seen resting on the barren lands. The flooded croplands are home to waders, who forage for food in the mud. Stints, pipers, plovers, and ruffs, seen in their hundreds, diligently probe the mud for hidden morsels, a crucial ritual that allows them to bulk up before embarking on their long migratory journeys.

This wetland, once a refuge for the now-extinct Siberian crane in India, still holds perhaps the largest congregation of sarus cranes. On my visit, I was fortunate enough to witness these magnificent birds dancing at dusk. Their graceful movements against the backdrop of the wetland created a moment of pure magic. As evening descends, this wetland transforms into a scene of tranquil beauty. In the golden hours of twilight, pairs of sarus cranes converge, their silhouettes gracefully dotting the landscape. By dusk, nearly 250 sarus cranes gather around the wetland from surrounding paddy fields. Under the warm glow of the setting sun, these elegant birds perform a captivating courtship ballet, their dances and resonant calls echoing across the water. As twilight deepens, they retreat to their chosen roosts – either the wetland or the surrounding open fields – where they gather in close-knit groups. For bird enthusiasts, witnessing the world’s largest congregation of sarus cranes is truly incredible.

However, Sarsai Nawar faces significant ecological threat due to human activities. The area’s hydrology is already compromised, with the wetland receiving minimal water from its surroundings. This issue is exacerbated by reduced rainfall, a consequence of climate change. Agricultural expansion has further reduced the wetland’s area, limiting its ability to support the large bird congregations it once did. Runoff of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and sewage has led to pollution and the spread of invasive species like water hyacinth and Typha. Locals revealed additional pressures, such as siltation, which has diminished the wetland’s capacity to hold water. The situation in other nearby wetlands, including protected areas like Saman Bird Sanctuary, is no different.

As we marvel at the beauty of Sarsai Nawar, it is crucial to acknowledge the pressing conservation challenges that threaten this vital wetland. The ecological decline of Sarsai Nawar and other wetlands jeopardizes the migrant and resident avian species that depend on them and serves as a poignant reminder of the broader impacts of human activities on natural habitats. Addressing these issues requires a collective effort to balance development with conservation, ensuring that such important wetlands continue to thrive and support their bird communities for generations to come.

Recognizing its ecological significance, Sarsai Nawar has been designated as a Ramsar Site, marking it as a Wetland of International Importance. This esteemed status underscores its critical role in supporting threatened Sarus Crane with migratory bird species and maintaining global biodiversity. Additionally, the Indian Government has prioritized Sarsai Nawar under the National Action Plan for the Conservation of Migratory Birds. These steps are vital in ensuring that Sarsai Nawar continues to serve as a sanctuary for both resident and migratory birds.

■ Omkar Joshi specializes on bird migration and wetland conservation and safeguarding the Indian Skimmer breeding islands in the Chambal riverscape.