| Project Name:
Conservation of Forest Owlet by Multi-Stakeholder Engagement in Madhya Pradesh | |
| Project Brief:
The Melghat-Satpura landscape is a geologically and ecologically unique area in Central India, and is known for its deccan trap formations, steep hills, deep gorges, wondrous mesic sites, prized teak tress, and large-sized gaurs and tigers. The reserved forests of Khandwa and Burhanpur divisions in Madhya Pradesh are contiguous with Melghat Tiger Reserve, which has the largest population of Forest Owlets in India. The Forest Owlet (Athene blewitti) is a small diurnal owl species endemic to Central India, categorised as Endangered as per the IUCN Red List. It is found in teak-bearing dry deciduous forests, and prefers plain regions and avoids hilly areas and high elevations. At present it is found at 12 locations in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat. The main threats to the species are deforestation due to encroachment, and forest degradation due to tree cutting, forest fire and grazing. Production forestry in Khandwa and Burhanpur districts affects the Forest Owlet by changing the forest structure. WRCS aims to estimate the Forest Owlet population to get a definitive idea of its endangered status. For the same, they will partner with the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department to develop forestry practices that are helpful in conservation of the Forest Owlet, and conduct training workshops for the field staff. Through this project, WRCS will declare two Forest Owlet Conservation Reserves and support the Forest Department in preparing draft management plans for both reserves. They will also engage with the community to co-develop solutions that will reduce the threat to the Forest Owlet. Trials will be conducted for nest boxes for the Forest Owlet, and they will distribute improved cook stoves to the community. The proposed project draws from WRCS’s past work in the area and implements actions that will protect the habitat of the Forest Owlet in Reserved Forests. They have previously made a recommendation to the MP Forest Department for a conservation reserve in these districts. The proposed project will support this recommendation, and will help to establish a large continuous population over Melghat, Burhanpur and Khandwa. |
Project objectives:
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Highlights from the field:
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This flagship grant will primarily reach out to mid to large sized field work oriented organisations to create a two-way partnership for our common cause of conservation. This grant is directed towards the running costs of on-ground projects. The grant should enable the creation of a sustainable and replicable conservation model to address some of the key conservation issues in India.
This first of its kind initiative aims to secure and regenerate the overlooked and unaddressed habitats of the country that are in urgent need of conservation attention. These lesser-known habitats are home to an array of biodiversity, and serve as important connections between key wildlife landscapes and as havens for dispersal populations from the "celebrity" parks. Through the lesser-known habitats grant, we hope to secure and bring into the limelight these vital habitats.
In recent years, a great deal of attention has been given to the "glamour" species of the country such as tigers, leopards, elephants and rhinos. Unfortunately, several of our equally endangered species have not received the same level of conservation support. This unique grant aims to support conservationists working to secure a future for our lesser-known endangered species.
Across the country there are grassroots conservationists working dedicatedly, with little to no support, to protect our biodiversity. The work they do in their individual capacity has a huge positive impact on conservation in the country. This grant aims to recognize these conservation heroes and provide them a platform to expand their activities and garner further support for their work.
Successfully submitted applications and projects will be screened for eligibility, relevance of answers and authenticity of information. A team of experts, including sector specialists and external auditors, evaluate successful entries on the following parameters:
• Applicant Profile: Based on past performance and credentials, capacity to deliver, financial management, program management and other such criteria.
• Project Profile: Based on statement of need, clarity of objectives, measurability of impact, innovation, strategy and approaches, replicability, stakeholder participation, scalability and sustainability.
At the end of the First Level Screening and Shortlisting round 24 applications, 6 in each category, will move forward for Field Level Verification.
The Habitats Trust team will visit the proposed project locations to verify if details provided by the applicant are true to fact. Along with a Sub-Jury, The Habitats Trust team will shortlist twelve proposals, three in each category, move to the Jury Round. The work of all the applicants shortlisted for the Jury round will be published in The Habitats Trust Grants compendium, as a tribute to their efforts and achievements. Disseminated widely by HCL, this provides national and international visibility to the applicants.
The twelve shortlisted applicants, three in each category, will be invited to present their proposed projects in person to our Jury of eminent conservationists at the Jury Round. Recipients of The Habitats Trust Grants will be announced at a Felicitation Event the next day.