Taxonomy [top]

Kingdom

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

ANIMALIA

CHORDATA

AVES

CICONIIFORMES

ARDEIDAE

Scientific Name:

Ardea insignis

Species Authority:

Hume, 1878

Common Name/s:
English

Imperial Heron, White-bellied Heron

Assessment Information [top]

Red List Category & Criteria:

Critically Endangered C2a(i) ver 3.1

Year Published:

2012

Assessor/s:

BirdLife International

Reviewer/s:

Butchart, S. & Symes, A.

Contributor/s:

Bishop, K., Choudhury, A., Crosby, M., Duckworth, W., Eames, J., Feijen, C.,
Lascelles, B., Pradhan, R., Tordoff, J., Tshewang, N. & Wilson, D.

Justification:
This heron is classified as Critically Endangered because it has an extremely small and rapidly declining population. This
decline is projected to increase in the near future as a result of the loss and degradation of lowland forest and wetlands, and
through direct exploitation and disturbance.
History:

2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2004
2000
1996
1994

Critically Endangered
Critically Endangered
Critically Endangered
Critically Endangered
Critically Endangered
Endangered
Endangered
Endangered
Endangered

Geographic Range [top]

Range Description:

Ardea insignis is known from the eastern Himalayan foothills in Bhutan and north-eastIndia to the
hills of Bangladesh, north Myanmar and, historically at least, across west and central Myanmar
(BirdLife International 2001). It may also occur in south-east Tibet, China, but is now extinct in Nepal.
Birds visit the Brahmaputra lowlands in winter. Although historical reports suggest it was previously
common in Myanmar, it has evidently declined throughout its range given the paucity of recent
records. Most of the few recent records come from five or six sites in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh,
India, one or two sites in Bhutan, and parts of Myanmar. In Bhutan, there is a small population of 30
known individuals (with six juveniles) as of July 2007 (Pradhan 2007), with the total national
population unlikely to exceed 50 individuals (Pradhan et al. 2007). The birds were observed along the
Phochu, confluence of Phochu-Mochu, Punatsangchhu, Kamechu (Digchu), Zawa, Ngagshina and
Burichu confluence (Pradhan 2007). Six active nests were recorded in Bhutan in 2007, two from a new
site, and by 26 July 2007 they held six chicks in total. Due to the natural forest fire, three nests were
abandoned. A further three active nests with five chicks were recorded in 2009, although only three
chicks remained on a subsequent visit (Anon 2009). Six breeding sites from two rivers of central
Bhutan have been recorded, and the eastern part of the country has not been thoroughly surveyed
(Pradhan 2007). The species has also been reported from the Thim Chhu, Lungtenphu (C. Feijen in litt.
2009). A massive hydroelectric scheme may have recently caused its expiration from the Sunkosh
Valley (K. D. Bishop in litt. 2012). In Myanmar, the 21,700 km2 Hukaung Valley tiger reserve (the
largest area of suitable habitat within the species's range) is believed to support approximately 30-40
individuals (W. Duckworth in litt. 2006), and Hpon Razi Wildlife Sanctuary and Hkakabo Razi
National Park hold small populations. White-bellied Heron has been recorded along rivers elsewhere
in Kachin State, such as the Nam Sam Chaung, although little is known about its status in these
areas (A. W. Tordoff in litt. 2006). Despite an increase in survey effort within the species's range in
Myanmar there has been no corresponding increase in the number of records and the species was
apparently absent from large areas of suitable habitat (J. Eames in litt. 2006, D. Wilson in litt. 2006).
One recent repeat survey failed to record the species in an area where it had been seen in 1998 (D.
Wilson in litt. 2006). The findings of field surveys have also been supported by reports from local
people which suggest that the species has declined in the region in recent years (D. Wilson in litt.
2006). This evidence suggests there may be fewer than 250 individuals remaining(J. Eames in litt.
2006, D. Wilson in litt. 2006). In north-east India, a few individuals are regularly seen in Namdapha

National Park, Arunachal Pradesh. However, records from other sites are sporadic and there are no
recent sightings from a number of former sites including Jamjing Reserved Forest, Dibru-Saikhowa
National Park and Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary (A. Choudhury in litt. 2012). The most recent sighting
in Assam was of two birds from Subankhata Reserved Forest, Baksa district in 2010 (A. Choudhury in
litt. 2012).
Countries:

Native:
Bhutan; India; Myanmar
Possibly extinct:
Bangladesh
Regionally extinct:
Nepal

Range Map:

Click here to open the map viewer and explore range.

Population [top]
Population:

Though a complete population census is yet to be conducted, the current population size is though to
be best placed in the band 50-249 mature individuals (D. Wilson and J. Eames in litt. 2006). This
equates to 75-374 individuals in total, rounded here to 70-400 individuals.

Population Trend:

Decreasing

Habitat and Ecology [top]

Habitat and
Ecology:

It is primarily recorded from small or large rivers, usually with sand or gravel bars, often within or
adjacent to subtropical broadleaved forest, from the lowlands up to at least 1,500 m, and it has also
been reported from an inland lake (A. W. Tordoff in litt. 2006). It is generally solitary but may
aggregate into small flocks and family groups during winter (D. Wilson in litt. 2006, Pradhan 2007)
and tends to frequent inaccessible and undisturbed areas. The species is known to breed and roost in
Chir pine forest (A. W. Tordoff in litt. 2006, D. Wilson in litt. 2006); four nests located in Bhutan in
2003-2007 were solitary and located in large Chir pines on ridges or steep slopes at 500-1,500 m, near
the confluence of a small forest stream with a larger river (Pradhan 2007, Pradhanet al. 2007). Nesting
took place in March-early June. Birds then moved up to 30 km to feed on sand bars in large braided
river systems in winter (Pradhan 2007, Pradhan et al. 2007).

Systems:

Terrestrial; Freshwater

Threats [top]
Major Threat(s):

The main threats are presumed to be widespread loss, degradation and disturbance of forest and
wetlands. Wetlands have become degraded as a result of pollution, rapid growth of aquatic vegetation,
and the over-exploitation of resources. Increasing disturbance and habitat degradation from settlement,
conversion to agriculture, harvesting of wetland resources and, more locally, poaching are thought to
present significant threats in key protected areas (e.g. Namdapha National Park) in north-east India,
Bhutan and Myanmar (W. Duckworth in litt. 2006). Natural forest fires have destroyed nests in
Bhutan. In Bhutan, hydroelectric power developments and road improvements have resulted in
significant habitat degradation. Rivers act as busy transport routes for the human population,
exacerbating disturbance of this species (W. Duckworth in litt. 2006, D. Wilson in litt. 2006).

Conservation Actions [top]

Conservation
Actions:

Conservation Actions Underway

It probably breeds in Namdapha Tiger Reserve (last surveyed in 2005-2006) (Maheswaran 2007) and it
occurs seasonally in several other protected areas, including Kaziranga, Dibru-Saikhowa and Manas
National Parks, and Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary, India. In Myanmar, a small population occurs within the
Hukaung Tiger Reserve (A. W. Tordoff in litt. 2006), and Hpon Razi Wildlife Sanctuary. A project studying
White-bellied Heron began in Bhutan in 2003, and is run in conjunction with the Royal Society for the
Protection of Nature, the World Wildlife Fund, the Felburn Foundation and the International Crane
Foundation. Recognising the importance of the riverbed in Punakha-Wangdue as a primary feeding ground
for this species, the Royal Government of Bhutan has declared the area as protected habitat for Whitebellied Herons. In May 2011, a White-bellied Heron was hatched in captivity for the first time (Tshewang
Norbu in litt. 2011), and in September 2011 it was released at Bumitsawa, Pochu, Punakha, in Bhutan,
having been already tagged with a satellite transmitter (www.rspnbhutan.org).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct extensive surveys for the species in north-east India, Myanmar and also south-east Tibet, to
establish its distribution, population status and ecological requirements, particularly in breeding areas.
Support proposals to provide more effective protection for Namdapha National Park, including creation of

buffer zones. Support requests to maintain habitat and minimise disturbance along the Manas river and
around Ada lake, Bhutan. Initiate conservation awareness programmes in areas supporting populations,
particularly in Myanmar and north-east India, using it as a flagship species. Consider satellite tagging
individuals to improve current understanding of the species's movements and habitat preferences (J.
Eames in litt. 2006). Improve conservation of protected areas in Myanmar.

Citation:

BirdLife International 2012. Ardea insignis. In: IUCN 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Version 2012.1. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 05 August 2012.

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To make use of this information, please check the <Terms of Use>.

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[top]

Taxonomy
Kingdom

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

ANIMALIA

CHORDATA

CHONDRICHTHYES

CARCHARHINIFORMES

CARCHARHINIDAE

Scientific Name:

Carcharhinus hemiodon

Species Authority:

(Valenciennes, 1839)

Common Name/s:
English

Pondicherry Shark

Assessment Information [top]

Red List Category & Criteria:

Critically Endangered A2acd; C2a(i) ver 3.1

Year Published:

2003

Assessor/s:

Compagno, L.J.V., White, W. & Fowler, S.

(SSG Australia & Oceania Regional Workshop,
March 2003)

Reviewer/s:

Cavanagh, R.D., Kyne, P.M., Fowler, S.,

Musick, J.A. (Shark Red List Authority) &
Pogonoski, J.

Contributor/s:
Justification:
Previously assessed as Vulnerable, this species has been reassessed based on improved information.
This very rare Indo-West Pacific species is known from about 20 specimens in museums, obtained from widely separated
sites all of which are subject to large, expanding and unregulated artisanal and commercial ?catch all? fisheries. Last recorded
in 1979, the species has not been reported since, despite market surveys in much of its range in recent years. Given that it has
not be observed in over 20 years, that most known specimens were captured before 1900, and that its previously known
habitat and area of occurrence face expanding unregulated fisheries, this species is listed as Critically Endangered. Future
survey work should attempt to locate the species.
History:

2000

Vulnerable

Geographic Range [top]

Range Description:

Countries:

This Indo-West Pacific species has only been recorded from a small number of widely-separated sites
(most of them in India) and is represented by fewer than twenty specimens in museum collections,
most of which were captured before 1900. The last record was in 1979 in India; it has not been seen
since anywhere, despite detailed surveys in Borneo, Philippines and Indonesia.

Possibly extinct:
China; India; (Kalimantan); Malaysia; Oman; Pakistan

FAO Marine Native:

Fishing Areas: Indian Ocean eastern; Indian Ocean western; Pacific northwest; Pacific western central
Range Map:

Click here to open the map viewer and explore range.

Population [top]
Population:
Population Trend:

Considered to be extremely rare globally (possibly even extinct).

Unknown

Habitat and Ecology [top]

Habitat and
Ecology:

Occurs inshore on continental and insular shelves. No information available on the biology or life
history parameters of this rarely recorded and poorly known inshore shark.

Systems:

Marine

Threats [top]
Major Threat(s):

This apparently rare shark occurs (or occurred) in inshore localities and habitats subject to large,
expanding, and unregulated artisanal and commercial fisheries. If still extant, it is probably caught and
utilized as bycatch of other fisheries, although market surveys have failed to locate it. Its populations
are thought to have been severely depleted as a result of this exploitation.

Conservation Actions [top]

Conservation
Actions:

No conservation measures are in place for this species.

Citation:

Compagno, L.J.V., White, W. & Fowler, S. (SSG Australia & Oceania Regional Workshop,
March 2003) 2003. Carcharhinus hemiodon. In: IUCN 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened
Species. Version 2012.1. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 05 August 2012.

Disclaimer:

To make use of this information, please check the <Terms of Use>.

Feedback:

Taxonomy

If you see any errors or have any questions or suggestions on what is shown on this page,
please fill in the feedback form so that we can correct or extend the information provided
[top]

Kingdom

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

ANIMALIA

ARTHROPODA

ARACHNIDA

ARANEAE

THERAPHOSIDAE

Scientific Name:

Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica

Species Authority:

Smith & Carpenter, 2004

Common Name/s:
English
Rameshwaram Ornamental, Rameshwaram Parachute Spider
Taxonomic Notes:

In 2004, Andrew Smith discovered a new species Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica from a sacred
grove of the Hanumavilasum Temple on Rameshwaram Island. This species was earlier misidentified
by Simon (1885), and Annandale (1907), as Poecilotheria fasciata from the Island and later Gravely
(1915) misidentified this as Poecilotheria striata from Pamban on Rameshwaram Island.

Assessment Information [top]

Red List Category & Criteria:

Critically Endangered
B1ab(ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(ii,iii,iv,v) ver
3.1

Year Published:

2008

Assessor/s:

Siliwal, M., Molur, S. & Daniel,

B.A.

Reviewer/s:

Spector, S. & Mason, T.

(Terrestrial Invertebrates Red List
Authority)

Contributor/s:
Justification:
This Critically Endangered species is now restricted to a few tamarind, casuarina and mixed dry deciduous tree and palm
plantations on the island of Rameshwaram and on the mainland close to the island. The entire estimated extent of occurrence
is less than 100 km, with the actual area of occupancy being less than 6 km. The species has been recorded from eight
subpopulations and less than 15 severely fragmented locations. Natural vegetation is almost completely lost. Spiders from one
location were recently lost when the entire tamarind plantation of five hectares was razed for constructing government
quarters. The species is CR due to restricted distribution, and continuing decline in area, quality, populations and mature
individuals.

Geographic Range [top]

Range Description:

Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica is endemic to the Ramanthapuram district, southern India. It is

reported from Rameshwaram Island and Mandapam area on mainland at an altitude of less than 50 m.
The extent of occurrence encompassing known and inferred distribution is around 100 km, while the
area of occupancy is less than 10 km.

Countries:

Native:
(Tamil Nadu)

Range Map:

Click here to open the map viewer and explore range.

Population [top]
Population:

Eight subpopulations in 13 severely fragmented locations. Subpopulation size varies from four
individuals to 78 individuals depending upon the size of the plantation (Manju Siliwal pers. obs.). The
densities are high in some tamarind plantations compared to casuarina or palm plantations.

Population Trend:

Decreasing

Habitat and Ecology [top]

Habitat and
Ecology:

The species was found in plantations like tamarind, palm, coconut and casuarina. They are also
frequently seen in human habitations, especially in thatch-roof houses and huts. Mature females have
been observed nesting every year and the maximum number of spiderlings seen with a single mother is
52. Mortality rate amongst the spiderlings is high due to cannibalism and natural predation. The male
survives for only one breeding season after maturity, rarely up to the second breeding season. Females
show nest fidelity as they have been observed in the same tree holes over three years, unless they have
been disturbed or physically removed.

Systems:

Terrestrial

Threats [top]
Major Threat(s):

Loss of plantations due to developmental activities, small size of the habitat fragments, small
population size, persecution and fragmentation are major threats. Due to increased tourism, in the
course of a single year (2006) two plantations were razed of which one was observed to have at least
70 individuals. All the spiders were killed by the loggers while razing the plantation. Due to their
skewed sex ratio, and the difference in maturity rates between males and females, small populations
with less than 5,000 individuals have a very high probability of extinction within the next three to four
decades (S. Molur and B.A. Daniel, pers. comm. from running a simulation model (Vortex)). Although
not found extensively in pet trade, a few adult males and females along with subadults and juveniles
were taken out of the country.

Conservation Actions [top]

Conservation
Actions:

The spiders occur in private plantations only and are not subjected to any protection laws.

Citation:

Siliwal, M., Molur, S. & Daniel, B.A. 2008. Poecilotheria hanumavilasumica. In: IUCN 2012.
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.1. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded
on 05 August 2012.

Disclaimer:

To make use of this information, please check the <Terms of Use>.

Feedback:

If you see any errors or have any questions or suggestions on what is shown on this page,
please fill in the feedback form so that we can correct or extend the information provided