GRASSLAND PRESERVATION AND ENHANCMENT

The wild animals inhabiting our work area depend on a grassland ecosystem for their survival.  Due to agricultural practices, this habitat is shrinking.  Over the past several years, iREBEL has worked successfully with local landowners to preserve (through permanent acquisition or easement) five hectares of land as grassland ecosystem along the banks of the river Shibai in Belun.  In addition to preserving the lands we are enhancing them with indigenous plants and are planning and implementing additional habitat improvements. 

 

Present Status:

Animals which were formerly common but which have become increasingly rare, including Black-headed Munia, Red Avadavat, various duck species, Bengal Fox, Mongoose, Jackal, and Jungle Cat, are beginning to reemerge in the new habitat.  The area is also very suitable for the release of orphaned and injured animals that have been rehabilitated, and animals such as snakes that have been captured in and around human habitations.

 

As of early 2010, we have excavated a.3 acre area to become wetland habitat for aquatic flora and fauna.  The excavated earth has been used to construct an elevated refuge for animals stranded during the seasonal floods that inundate the area.

 

Over the next ten years, we dream of creating a 100-hectare forest and large wetland to greatly enhance the local ecosystem, and especially, attract migratory birds.