FIELD REPORT

YAMUNA
BIODIVERSITY
PARK
RITHVIK REDDY SALLARAM
ROLL NO: 1610110285
DEPARTMENT: COMPUTER SCIENCE
DATE OF VISIT: 29TH OCTOBER 2016
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 15TH NOVEMBER 2016

Acknowledgement
I would like to express my gratitude to Prof. Jyothi Sharma who gave
me this wonderful opportunity to go the Yamuna Biodiversity Park.
I would like to thank our two guides and all the staff involved who
spared their valuable time in making this possible and helped us in
understanding the park in a more detailed manner.
The experience was amazing and very educative.

Content
1.

INTRODUCTION

Biodiversity

About the park

Location

..
.
.

2. CHARACTERISTICS AND OBSERVATIONS

Statistics of Species..

THE FLORA OF YAMUNA BIODIVERSITY PARK..

1) Sapodilla tree...
2) Peepal tree
3) Elephant plant
4) Herbs of medicinal uses

THE FAUNA OF YAMUNA BIODIVERSITY PARK

1) Butterfly Garden..
2) Wetland birds..
3) Indian Cobra

 ECOSYSTEMS.
1) Wetland Ecosystem.
2) Forest Ecosystem
3) Pond Ecosystem..
3.

OVERVIEW

4.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

..

BIODIVERSITY
Biodiversity is a term that describes the variety of living beings on earth.
In short, it is described as degree of variation of life. Biological diversity
encompasses microorganism, plants, animals and ecosystems such as
coral reefs, forests, rainforests, deserts etc. Biodiversity also refers to the
number, or abundance of different species living within a particular
region. It represents the wealth of biological resources available to us. Its
all about the sustaining the natural area made up of community of plants,
animals, and other living things. The richness of biodiversity depends on
the climatic conditions and area of the region. All species of plants taken
together are known as flora and about 70,000 species of plants are known
to date. All species of animals taken together are known as fauna which
includes birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, insects, crustaceans, molluscs,
etc.

ABOUT
THE
YAMUNA BIODIVERSITY PARK

The park started with just 157 acres of land in the floodplains of Wazirabad and
now has 457 acres of land under it having over 1200 species of plants of which
about 1000 species of flowering plants which used to exist in the flood plains
several decades ago. It was opened to conserve the biodiversity of the plains
among Yamuna. It has the biodiversity which was previously present in Delhi
about 100 years ago. Delhi was home to more than a large number of wetlands
100 years ago.
The Yamuna Biodiversity Park has become a home for biologically rich
wetlands, grassland communities, a wide variety of fruit yielding species and
an abundance of medicinal herbs. It has emerged as the capital's most visited
public place and prominent centre for learning and understanding the
environment, The Park also comprises a native flora and fauna which used to
exist a 100 years ago and then became extinct locally. It further, acts as a
natural conservation site for specific group of endangered plants.
There are two wetlands in the park which simulate natural water bodies. One
of them is about 1.8 km long and narrow while the other is open and spread
over two hectares. There is also a butterfly park that is an extremely ideal place
for all the photo fanatics. Here is the central enclosed areas where the
flowering plants are grown, which attract the butterflies.

Wetlands in the
park

Domesticated
biodiversity zone

The park features two major

zones - the visitor zone and
the nature reserve zone.
Yamuna Biodiversity Park,
Delhi, Domesticated
Biodiversity Zone
Domesticated Biodiversity
Zone
The front portion of the Yamuna Biodiversity Park, a 220m southward and 140m
northward stretch from the main entry gate with 20-30m width is demarcated as
Domesticated Biodiversity Zone. Enclosed by a hedge of poplar, it features plants
like Ailanthus, Butea and Bauhinia that have a continuous seasonal interest due to
their long flower production throughout the season. The outer iron fencing is
embraced by multi-coloured climbers like Jasmine and Quisqualis with the same
theme of continual luxury.

LOCATION
The Yamuna Biodiversity Park is located in Wazirabad, Delhi. The front
portion of the Yamuna Biodiversity Park, a 220m southward and 140m
northward stretch from the main entry gate with 20-30m width is
demarcated as Domesticated Biodiversity Zone.

AN AREIL VIEW OF
THE PARK.

The Yamuna
bodiversity park
is an initiative to
conserve the
keystone species and varities of plants and birds which are facing
imminent threat and are on the verge of extinction. The
biodiversity parks are also a mode of recreation and can be used
for educational purposes by sensitizing various students and
other environmental enthusiasts about the need for conservation
of these major landforms. These parks act as heritage sites too.

STATISTICS OF SPECIES
Yamuna bio Diversity Park harbours an astonishing floral and
faunal diversity. The biodiversity profile of YBP in the year 2016
is as follows:
Plants
874 species
Butterflies
75 species

Dragonflies & damselflies

35 species

Birds
Reptiles

196 species
18 species

Mammals
Fishes

18 species
18 species

Other animals including

amphibians

400 species

These biota inhabit aquatic (water based) and terrestrial (land

based) ecosystem. Some species live on trees (arboreal habitat)

The chart below provides a glimpse into the biodiversity

profile of the Yamuna Biodiversity Park over time.
Species
Group
Terrestrial
Plants
Aquatic
Plants
Avifauna
Invertebrates
Herpetofauna
Mammals

Year
2002
90

2007
656

2014
874

76

99

37
39
3
4

168
122
16
17

196
380
18
18

Fishes

12

18

Some of the plants found in the Yamuna biodiversity Park.

SAPODILLA TREE
The sapodilla tree has its origins in Yucatan, Mexico, Eastern Guatemala
and Belize.
It is a medicinal and oxygen giving tree.
Its high fibre content helps in relieving constipation and lowering the risk
of colon cancer and piles. It prevents morning sickness in pregnant
women. Also, it helps in slowing down the aging process and prevents the
formation of deep wrinkles. Its high tannin content helps in the cure of
dysentery and diarrhea. It also eases the pain caused by Irritable Bowel
Syndrome and gastritis.

PEEPAL TREE
Peepal (ficus religiosa) is
native to Indian
subcontinent, Indochina
and south-west
China. It doesnt allow similar trees to grow near it. It is a fast-growing
deciduous tree, having leathery green heart shaped leaves and a spreading crown.

Every part of the tree finds its use in traditional folk medicine. The juice
extracted from the leaves is used as a cure for ear-ache.
The powdered bark is used to heal wounds, reducing glandular swelling during
mumps. The root bark is used for the treatment of stomach problems, and the
roots are used for gout and prevention of gum diseases.
It is also used as a cure for bad breath, asthma and jaundice

ELEPHANT APPLE
Elephant apple (dillenia indica) is native to India, Bangladesh, Sri
Lanka, Yunnan (China), Vietnam, and through Thailand to Malaysia and
Indonesia.
It is an evergreen large shrub or small to medium-sized tree growing
to 15 m tall. The leaves are 1536 cm long, with a conspicuously
corrugated surface with impressed veins. The name has its origin in the
fact that it is a favourite fruit for the elephants. The outer covering is
hard and only the pulp is digested by enzymes.
In India, it is used to make chutney. It has been used in Ayurveda for

years to treat nervousness, stomach upsets and fatigue. The bark and
leaves of the tree are also helpful in treating diarrhoea and cancer. The
fruit also treats dandruff and hair shedding. It is also an excellent
provider of wood.

MEDICINAL

PLANTS

The Yamuna Biodiversity park holds a Rich collection of medicinal plants

and herbs. The conservatory of medicinal plants consists of over 300
plant species known to have therapeutic values. Some of the most
important herbs planted here are ashwangandha (Withania somnifera),
artimisia, sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentine), nirgundi (Vitex
negundo) and isabgol (Plantago major).
A climber grove was also created here for climbers of medicinal
importance such as dama bel (Tylophora indica), gurmar (Gymnema
sylvestre), antmool (Celastrus paniculata). A small lily pond in the
medicinal garden houses aquatic plants such as brahmi (Bacopa monerii)
and bach (Acorus calamus).

Ashwangandha (Withania
somnifera)

Brahmi (Bacopa monerii)

MAHUA TREE
Mahua tree (Madhuca longifolia), is an Indian topical tree, grown largely in the
central and north Indian plains and forests.
It is well adapted to arid conditions and is a prominent in the tropical deciduous
forests in the states of West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh,
Bihar, Maharashtra, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat and Orissa.
It is used by the Gond tribes in the production of liquor. Both its bark and
flower is consumed. The bark is powdered and when mixed with ghee and honey,
is used to enhance male libido.
The seed has anti- inflammatory properties, and has been traditionally used to
relieve rheumatism and arthritis. The bark has also been used to relieve itching,
fractures and even snake bites. It is also found to be affective to cure diabetes
mellitus, seizures, cough and eczema.

BUTTERFLY CONSERVATION

The conservatory of butterflies is a well-designed, open air,

circular area whose outer periphery consists of host plants, while the
inner portion has nectar-producing flowers. Small ponds have also been
created to add moisture to the area. These ponds are also utilized for
mud puddling of butterflies, an activity that enhances the strength of
their eggs. Here, one can see all the stages in a butterflys life cycle egg,
larvae, pupa and finally adult.

Butterfly Cacoons

BIRDSPECIES OF THE PARK

Wetland Birds:
There are two types of Wetland Birds.
Migratory bird species:
1. Ferruginous Pochard : A small duck which migrates from Eurasia. It is
of deep brown and white color
2. Common Pochard: It is more of red and grey color
3. Northern Shoveler: Quite common bird, usually found in North
America
The above mentioned birds visit the park once every year.
All in all, 16 varieties of birds migrate to the wetlands in the park.
Resident bird species of wetland:
1. Spot billed duck
2. Herons: Grey colored or purple elegant coastal birds with long legs
3. Indian Cormorants: Also called Indian Shag, it has quite small head
and blue eyes
In totality, an impressive number of 35 types of birds reside permanently
in the reserve.

Spot billed duck

Terrestrial Birds:

Parrot

Parakeets: Also called Paraquets, these are small to medium parrots.

These are quite common birds, identifiable with their long tails.
Bulbul: These are short-necked passerines found in most of Africa and
South Asia, and also Japan. They are known for their melodious chirping.
Peafowls: It includes three species; Indian Peafowl, Green Peafowl of
Myanmar and Congo Peafowl. They usually have colorful, extravagant
tails. Munias, Prinias , Shikra
Total of 196 species of terrestrial birds are recorded till now and many
more being added to the list.

Bulbul bird

INDIAN COBRA
The Indian cobra and the
Asian cobra is a species of the genus Naja found in the Indian
subcontinent and a member of the "big four" species that inflict

the most snakebites on humans in India. It is now protected in

India under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972). The Indian
cobra is classified under the genus Naja of the family Elapidae.
This species of cobra has a remarkable population in the Yamuna
Biodiversity Park. Such kind of animals control the growth of
small rodents and frogs which helps maintain number of plants in
turn.

ECOSYSTEMS IN THE PARK

Wetland Ecosystem

wetland is a land
area that is
saturated with
water, either
permanently or
seasonally, such that it takes on the characteristics of a distinct
ecosystem.The primary factor that distinguishes wetlands from other
land forms or water bodies is the characteristic vegetation of aquatic
plants, adapted to the unique hydric soil. Wetlands play a number of
roles in the environment, principally water purification, flood
control, carbon sink and shoreline stability. Wetlands are also
considered the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems, serving as
home to a wide range of plant and animal life.
Wetlands occur naturally on every continent except Antarctica, the
largest including the Amazon River basin, the West Siberian Plain, and
the Pantanal in South America. The water found in wetlands can be
freshwater, brackish, or saltwater.The main wetland types include
swamps, marshes, bogs, and fens and sub-types include mangrove,
carr, pocosin, and varzea.

Forest Ecosystem
The forest ecosystem at Yamuna Biodiversity Park have a very well
managed structure throughout. The forests starts out at the lowest level
with grasses such as sporobolis, a popular diet for the Indian Hare is
found. Next we have taller grass such as Phragmites (relative to
sugarcane). As the forest progresses, we have small trees, large trees and
finally the trees that form the upper canopies of the entire forest. The
forest resources are smartly managed by nature herself without anyones
interference. For example, in Kerala, both the Lion Tailed Macaque and
Nilgiri Langur have similar feeding habits. But the Lion Tailed Macaque,
being a larger animal, occupy the top layer canopies and restricts itself to

there while the Nilgiri Langur occupy and exist only through the middle
layer. Similarly, the larger birds occupy the top layer while smaller birds
occupy the subsequent lower layers of the canopies

Layers of Canopies
POND ECOSYSTEM
Ponds are shallow water bodies barely reaching 12 to 15 feet in-depth
which allow the sun to penetrate to its bottom, allowing freshwater plants
to grow. A pond ecosystem consists of algae, fungi, microorganisms,
plants, and various fish Populated mainly by water lilies and reeds, which
were used in earlier times by Egyptians to create paper using the papyrus
obtained. The abiotic components are formed by the mixtures of organic
and inorganic materials. Basic abiotic components are water, oxygen,
calcium, carbon dioxide, salts and nitrogen. Many organisms get their
nourishment from the abiotic components.
Biotic components of a pond ecosystem include producers, consumers
and decomposers. The producers consist of macrophytes and
phytoplanktons. The consumers are heterotrophs, meaning they depend
on other organisms for their nutrients. Most decomposers are
saprophytes, but some are parasites

OVERVIEW

After thorough examination of the present situation, it is clear that the

rate of extinction of various plant and animal species has been
accelerated. To protect the ecosystem biodiversity parks are very
essential.

THE NEED TO CONSERVE BIODIVERSITY

Landscapes and species should all be conserved because they are
beautiful and enrich the lives of humans.
Ecosystems serve humans because they provide natural functions.
For example, the microbes in an ecosystem are vital in the
breakdown of dead plant and animal remains and in the recycling of
nutrients.

 Biodiversity provides actual and potential material and economic

benefits to people.
Continuance of evolutionary processes.
No one knows what humans may need in the future. If species have
become extinct, humans can never benefit from them.

LESSON LEARNT

We were taught about the various zones of the forests and how the
research team and the environmentalists together have been able to
achieve the Yamuna Biodiversity Park we see today.
The importance of pollination was constantly emphasised upon by our
guides and how something as trivial as a Honeybee is useful to maintain
the ecologic balance. The park tour consisted of a 1.5km walk which
consisted of various plants, butterfly conservatory, poly houses and net
houses.
We were shown various species of plants and also listed their uses to us
for example the mahua tree which was described earlier is used in making
alcohol and also in the manufacturing process of bidis is the main source
of income for the people of this state.
The entire trip has taught us the importance of maintaining an ecological
balance so as to live a prosperous life. The importance of the various

components was also made clear by the forest officials who were a major
part of the project.
The variety of species found in the biodiversity is an evidence of the fact
that the members of the Yamuna project have succeeded. The Yamuna
biodiversity park teaches one about the importance of symbiotic
relationship which is shown by various species. All of the lessons learnt
from the tour just emphasises on the fact of need for conservation of
biodiversity.
Whole ecosystem approaches management to ensure not only the
survival of species and scenic vistas, but also allow these systems to
continuously evolve and change.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

http://www.sahapedia.org/yamuna-biodiversity-parkoverview
https://dda.org.in/greens/biodiv/yamunabiodiversity-park.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ariadne_merione
https://ag.arizona.edu/yavapai/anr/hort/byg/archive/
pomegranates.html
http://herbs-treatandtaste.blogspot.in/search?
q=fish+tail+palm
http://medplants.blogspot.in/2012/06/barleriaprionitis-vajradanti-mullu.html
http://www.gyanunlimited.com/health/healthbenefits-of-chiku-sapodilla/6053

 http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?
LatinName=Tamarix+aphylla