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About
Salim Ali

Wetland Ecology

Wetlands are an integral part of every landscape. The different types of wetlands provide habitats to several life forms that remain associated or dependant on the wetland. Understanding the ecosystem services and interlinkages among the various lifeforms and wetland habitats is essential in designing strategies and policies aiding conservation. SACON has been contributing significantly to the research, documentation and conservation of wetlands across the country. It has played a leaders’ role in aspects of policy making and added to the knowledge of Indian wetlands. The Wetland Ecology division at SACON pursues to carry on with the good work and further it by laying importance on research and training.

The emphasis in research will be to study the ecological aspects of the wetlands and its utility to the flora and fauna including the bird species. Although the species and habitat specific research will have a prominence, integrating sustainability of individual wetlands is of equal concern.

The Wetland Ecology division also conducts training programme required for capacity building of various stake holders viz. forest officials, students, teachers and researchers.

Scientist

Goldyn  Dr. Goldin Quadros, Principal Scientist

  Dr. Mahendiran Mylswamy, Senior Scientist

Ms. Devika M, PhD scholar

I am Miss. Devika M, a PhD Research Scholar working on the ecology and diversity of Ecology and diversity of spiders in natural and human-modified habitats of the southern Western Ghats. I completed my Master’s degree in Zoology from Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore. My work mainly focuses on understanding species diversity, ecological patterns, and the role of spiders in ecosystems. I am passionate about identifying birds, butterflies, and spiders.

I have previously worked as an IT Officer at SACON EIACP, where I gained experience in science communication, environmental education, and digital data management. Along with my research, I have also contributed to scientific publications and articles, as I enjoy sharing knowledge and creating awareness about biodiversity.I am particularly interested in exploring spider diversity and understanding their ecological importance, with the aim of contributing to their conservation, especially in the Western Ghats.

Email: devikam9511@gmail.com

Ms. R. SANTHOSINI,  PhD Research Scholar & Project Associate-II

I am currently pursuing a PhD in Zoology, focusing on microplastic contamination and its implications for the trophic structure of inland wetland ecosystems, while working as a Project Associate-II at WII-SACON. I completed my Master’s degree in Zoology from Bharathiar University. My research interests include microplastic pollution, wetland ecology, avian ecology, migratory movements of small passerine birds, and trophic interactions in aquatic ecosystems.

Professional Experience

I began my career as a Research Fellow with TBCT in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, contributing to bird and butterfly studies. I later worked as a Junior Research Biologist at the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History under the Bird Observatory Project, focusing on bird movement, butterfly diversity, and tree phenology. I served as a Biologist at the Nilgiri Biosphere Nature Park, conducting faunal population assessments and organizing outreach programs. I also contributed to the project “Preparation of Brief Documents, Health Cards, and Wetland Management Plans for 115 wetlands in the Union Territory of Puducherry” at Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, and subsequently worked as an IT Officer at SACON EIACP. I am currently working on the project “Quantifying Microplastic Contamination in Inland Wetland Ecosystems: Spatial, Temporal and Trophic Distribution” at Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History.

Email: santhosini97@gmail.com

Mr.Basu SS Nair,   Junior Research Biologist

I hail from Coimbatore, a place which lies very close to natural havens and notable wildlife attractions, sparking my interest to explore more about wildlife and diverse ecosystems. I pursued my postgraduation in Zoology, focusing on soundscape ecology and bioacoustics for my dissertation. This allowed me to study the diversity of Avifauna and the impact of urbanization & anthropogenic activities on ecosystems. I’ve volunteered for several wildlife population estimation exercises and also had the privilege of visiting some of the National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, these visits have deepened my appreciation for the incredible biodiversity of our natural world and the need for its conservation. I have participated in the Coimbatore City Bird Atlas, which broadened my awareness of the intricate relationship between urbanization and biodiversity.

My interest lies in understanding more about wildlife and contributing to their conservation efforts. At Present, I am working as a Junior Research Biologist on the project titled, “Preparation of Brief documents, Health cards, and Wetland Management Plans for select 115 wetlands in the Union Territory of Puducherry.”

E-mail: ssbasu1800@gmail.com

Ms. KAVIYA BALAGURUSWAMI,      Research Associate

I graduated from Bharathiar University with a Ph.D. Being a hodophile and adaptable to different work environments, I gained experience working in various wildlife-related programmes, such as taking part in annual wildlife and bird censuses and understanding situations involving Human-Animal Conflict in the districts of Uttarkashi, Alipurduar, Coimbatore, and Erode through internships and volunteering activities. These experiences motivated me to become passionate about wildlife conservation and programmes that use Geographic Information System (GIS) to understand the landscape, the distribution of wildlife and patterns of habitat use. Currently I have joined the project “PREPARATION OF INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR 12 RAMSAR SITES IN TAMIL NADU” as a Research Associate, under the supervision of Dr. Goldin Quadros, Principal Scientist, Wetland Ecology.

Email: kaviyamvatsala@gmail.com

Mr. MANIKANTA THRINATH VIROTHI,     Junior Research Biologist

I completed my Post Graduation in Marine Science from Bharathidasan University. I want to excel and gain knowledge about the Conservation sites in India. I got selected as JUNIOR RESEARCH BIOLOGIST for the Project “PREPARATION OF INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR 12 RAMSAR SITES IN TAMIL NADU” Under the Supervision of Dr. Goldin Quadros, Principal Scientist, Wetland Ecology, Sacon. I am enthusiastic to work under him and with my team and to learn more about the Ramsar sites and gain knowledge in using the Equipment and Software’s during the Project. SACON is a place with well-established laboratories and legendary scientists. Though it is a short-term Project, having Pleasure to work with the Team and in SACON. I hope this Project make me more potential in learning and gaining the skills and knowledge and helps me improve my communication skills, Observation skills, Team Work and adapting to the conditions.

Email: manikantavirothi@gmail.com

Ms. NIVETHA .A .R, Junior Research Biologist

My name is Nivetha A.R, hailing from Kanyakumari. My profound passion for nature led me to pursue zoology during my undergraduate studies. While carrying out my Bachelor’s degree, I came across about an article discussing the conservation efforts for pandas. This sparked a deep interest in conservation within me, prompting me to pursue a Master’s degree in Zoology at Bharathiar University. Throughout my Master’s program I have actively engaged in many birds survey and currently, I am Junior Research Biologist in division of Wetland Ecology and involved in a project titled “Preparation of Integrated Management Plan for 12 Ramsar Sites in Tamil Nadu” to dedicate myself in wetland conservation along with my team members

Email ID: niveazhakesan97@gmail.com

Ms. SANTHWANA .A,     Junior Research Biologist

Ever since I was young, I’ve been captivated by the beauty and diversity of the natural world, and I’m incredibly passionate about wildlife and conservation, So that I have done my Master’s degree from Bharathiar university (2021) in Zoology. My fields of research interests are basically wildlife conservation, and ornithology. Throughout my academic journey, I have continually sought opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the field of conservation. My educational background in conservation biology, combined with hands-on experience gained through internships and volunteer work, has equipped me with a solid foundation in conservation biology, ecology, and environmental policy. Currently I Joined SACON as a Junior Research Biologist at the wetland ecology division in a project “Preparation of Integrated Management Plan for 12 Ramsar Sites in Tamil Nadu”.

Email: santhwanajith@gmail.com

Mr. VIJAYA KUMAR.C,      Junior Research Biologist

I have completed my Masters in Zoology at Kongunadu Arts and Science College (Autonomous) affiliated with Bharathiyar University in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. And I did my PG project under the title of “Status, Diversity and Population of both resident and migratory Diurnal raptor species in the Coimbatore Forest Division of Tamil Nadu, India”. During my Master’s I developed various skills like wildlife survey techniques, Statistics, QGIS software and etc., And I have completed few courses related on GIS and its applications. My Field of specialization is to study the distribution of avifaunal diversity especially on diurnal raptors in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India. Currently working as a Junior Research Biologist in the division of Wetland Ecology on the project titled “Preparation of Integrated Management Plans for 12 Ramsar Sites in Tamil Nadu”.

Email: vijayvijitha2891999@gmail.com

Research Projects – Ongoing

  1. “Documentation of the fauna from Tide pool Ecosystems along the Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg Coast, Maharashtra” from December 2019 to December 2021. Project funded by Mangrove cell, Maharashtra.  Investigators Goldin Quadros & Manchi Shirish S.
  2. “ENVIS center for Wetlands including inland wetlands” during December 2011 Till Date. MoEF&CC funded project. Co-ordinator Goldin Quadros
  3. “Mapping biological diversity in the caves of Vengurla Rocks Archipelago, Sindhudurg, Maharashtra” from December 2019 to December 2021. Project funded by Mangrove cell, Maharashtra.  Investigators Manchi Shirish S. & Goldin Quadros
  4. “Population status, ecology and conservation of the Indian Swiftlet Aerodramus unicolorin the Western Ghats, west Coast and Offshore islands of Maharashtra” from December 2019 to December 2022. MoEF&CC funded project. Investigators Manchi Shirish S. & Goldin Quadros

Research Projects Completed

  1. “Wetland Conservation in Noyyal and Bhavani River Basins” Project funded by WWF-India (2020) Investigators – Goldin Quadros
  2. Assessment of status, distribution and threats to the population of threatened Sarus Crane Antigone antigone in Gujarat. Final report, Submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. SACON TR 208 Pp-202. (2020) Investigators – Mahendiran, M., Muralidharan, S., Balasubramanian, P., & Karunakaran, P.V.,
  3. Assessment of status, distribution and threats to the population of threatened Sarus Crane Antigone antigone in Uttar Pradesh. Final report, Submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. SACON TR 209 Pp-244. (2020). Investigators -Mahendiran, M., Muralidharan, S., Balasubramanian, P., & Karunakaran, P.V.,
  4. Project funded by the State Fisheries Department (Nellore) “Impact of dredging and opening of the sea mouth into the Pulicat Lake at Rayadoruvu village of Vakadu mandal, on the habitat of Pulicat Bird Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh” (2019) Investigators – Riddhika Ramesh, Goldin Quadros, T. Ramesh and P.R. Arun.
  5. “Criteria for wetland prioritization and framework for wetland monitoring in the state of Tamil Nadu” funded by Tamil Nadu State Land Use Research Board, Tamil Nadu (2019). Investigators – Goldin Quadros and Mahendiran M.
  6. “Habitat Assessment of Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Kerala” funded by Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department (2017). Investigators – Karunakaran P.V., Goldin Quadros and Babu S.
  7. “Preparing brief document of the wetlands in the Forest areas of Maharashtra” funded by Mangrove cell, Maharashtra (2017). Investigators – Goldin Quadros, Azeez P.A., and Manchi Shirish S.
  8. “Conducting baseline studies for Thane creek” funded by Mangrove cell, Maharashtra along with the GIZ under CMPA project (2016). Investigators – Goldin Quadros, Azeez P.A., Manchi Shirish S. and Mahendiran M.
  9. “Carrying out ecotoxicology of fishes, crabs and bivalves of Thane creek” funded by Mangrove cell, Maharashtra along with the GIZ under CMPA project (2016). Investigators – Goldin Quadros, Azeez P.A., Manchi Shirish S. and Mahendiran M.
  10. “Ecological assessment of Palk Bay” funded by GIZ (2016). Investigators – Azeez P.A., Goldin Quadros, Manchi Shirish S. and Mahendiran M.
  11. “Status and distribution of avifauna within in the coastal talukas of Sindhudurg district Maharashtra” funded by Mangrove cell Maharashtra under the UNDP project (2017). Investigators – Babu S. and Goldin Quadros
  12. “Mapping key nesting sites of coastal and marine birds for identification of ecologicaly sensitive areas along the Indian coasts” funded by NCSMC (2017). Investigators – Jayapal R., Babu S.,  Azeez P.A. and Goldin Quadros
  13. Assessment of the morphological diversity and the ecological patterns in the near threatened colonial water birds across Indian sub-continent using novel approach. Final Report (Ref No: SR/FT/LS-12/ 2011) submitted to Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB-DST). Government of India. (2016). Investigators – Mahendiran, M.
  14. Rapid survey of the Asian Openbill Storks (Anastomus oscitans) nesting at Danapur Cantonment, Bihar, North India” Submitted to the Danapur Cantonment Board, Ministry of Defence, Patna, Bihar. (2012) Investigators – Mahendiran A

National

  1. Amit J Patil, Bhupendra Shrike, S Babu G. Babu Rao, Shirish Manchi S. and Goldin Quadros. Record of a Few Pelagic Bird Sightings along Sindhudurg Coast, Maharashtra 2019.Ambient Science, 2019: Vol. 06(2 DOI:10.21276/ambi.2019.06.2.nn01
  2. Siva, T, Sathyamoorthy, S, Mahendiran, M & Goldin Q (2019) Observation of Baillon’s Crake (Zapornia pusilla) in Oomayampatti Lake the first record for Namakkal district, Tamilnadu, India.  Ambient Science, 2019: Vol. 06(2) DOI:10.21276/ambi.2019.06.2.nn02
  3. Dwevedi, R., Aniket, K & Mahendiran A monospecific colony of cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis in agricultural landscape of central Uttar Pradesh, India. 2015Indian BIRDS  10 (6): 149-150
  4. Dilip Shenai and Goldin Quadros. Comparison between a manmade lake and a natural lake in Mumbai using select water quality parameters. 2014 Ecology, Environment & Conservation 20(2) : 777-782.
  5. Jayakumar,, Babu, S & M. Mahendiran Stray dog Canis familiaris preying on Threatened Birds in Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu 2014 ZOO’S PRINT Volume XXIX, Number 1 P. 32
  6. P.Athalye, Goldin Quadros and K.S. Gokhale. Environmental Management strategies for creeks and estuaries: a case study of Thane creek, India. 2012 Bionano frontier 73-76.
  7. Quadros Goldin and Athalye R.P. Decline of fish diversity in the anthropogenically polluted Thane creek along the Central West Coast of India. 2012 ISCA Journal of Biological Sciences. Vol. 1(4): 17-21. (Open Access)
  8. Somani Vaishali, Quadros Goldin and Pejaver Madhuri K. Occurrence of Rotifers and its Relation to the Water Quality during the Bioremediation process in Lake Kacharali, Thane, MS, India. 2012 ISCA Journal of Biological Sciences. Vol. 1(3): 54-58. (Open Access)

International

  1. Mahendiran, M., &  Azeez PA. Ecosystem Services of Birds: A Review of Market and Non-market Values. 2018 Entomology, Ornithology & Herpetology: Current Research7(2) DOI: 10.4172/2161-0983.1000209
  2. Mahendiran M, Parthiban M, Azeez PA, Nagarajan R. In situmeasurements of animal morphological features: A non-invasive method. 2017 Methods Ecol Evol.;00: 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-210X.12898
  3. Mahendiran, M. Coexistence of three sympatric cormorants (Phalacrocorax); partitioning of time as an ecological resource. 2016 Royal Society of Open Science 3, 160175. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.160175
  4. Amit J Patil, Bhupendra Shrike, S Babu G. Babu Rao, and Goldin Quadros. Unusual weather condition causing the transfer of seahorses Hippocampus kuda onto the sandy beaches of Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. 2016. Current Science. Vol.111(5): 792 -793.
  5. U. Borkar, R.P. Athalye and Quadros Goldin. Salinity induced changes in the leaf anatomy of the mangrove Avicennia marina along the anthropogenically stressed tropical creek. 2011 Journal of Coastal Development. Vol.14 (3): 191-201. (Open Access)
  6. Mahendiran, M & A. Urfi The status and distribution of the Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogasterin the Delhi region, India. 2011 Cormorant Research Group Bulletin 7: 47-56
  7. Mahendiran, M & A. J. Urfi  Foraging patterns and kleptoparasitism among three sympatric cormorants (Phalacrocorax) from the Delhi region, North India. 2010 Hydrobiologia 638:21-28.

in Books/ Proceedings of International / National Seminars / Conferences.

  1. Amit J Patil, G. Babu Rao, Bhupendra Shrike, S Babu and Goldin Quadros. Diversity of avifauna in the shallow Pat lake in Kudal taluka of Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. 2015. Proc. of National Seminar on ‘Wetlands-Present status, ecology & Conservation’ pp. 20 – 25.
  2. Babu Rao G., Amit J Patil, Bhupendra Shrike, Goldin Quadros and S Babu. Flock structure and composition of mixed species flocks of gulls in the Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra. 2015. Proc. of National Seminar on ‘Wetlands-Present status, ecology & Conservation’ pp. 52 – 56.
  3. Bhupendra Shrike, Amit J Patil, G. Babu Rao, S Babu and Goldin Quadros. Molluscan diversity from the tourist destinations of Malvan. 2015. Proc. of National Seminar on ‘Wetlands-Present status, ecology & Conservation’ pp. 73 – 76.
  4. Vaishali Somani, Milan Gholba, Goldin Quadros and Madhuri Pejaver. ABC analysis –  A simple approach for grouping of plankton based on abundance. 2015. Proc. of National Seminar on ‘Wetlands-Present status, ecology & Conservation’ pp. 152 – 155.
  5. Mahendiran, M& PA, Azeez, PA (2015) Birds, habitat services, unsung functional Values. (Eds Thivakaran, Mahoto and Gajera) Dryland Birds: Strategy for Conservation and Management. Proceedings of the National symposium Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology Gujarat
  6. Hemambika B., Julffia Begam A., Kirubhanandhini V., Babu S., Mahendiran M. And Goldin Quadros. Diversity of birds from the urban wetlands of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu India 2014 Proceedings of National Conference on Recent trends in Zoological research. pp. 186-189.
  7. Goldin Quadros Impact of pollution on the flora and fauna – a loss of ecosystem services.. National Conference on Biodiversity: Status and Challenges in Conservation FAVEO 2013. 29– 30 November, 2013. B.N.Bandodkar college of Science, Thane Maharashtra.
  8. Devyani Singh and Goldin Quadros. A study of Maharashtra Nature Park for its role in Environment Education. National Conference on Biodiversity: Status and Challenges in Conservation FAVEO 2013. 29– 30 November, 2013.  B.N.Bandodkar college of Science, Thane Maharashtra.
  9. Nita Shashidharan and Goldin Quadros. Bridging gaps: Open source geospatial technology as a public participatory tool for landscape assessment. National Conference on Biodiversity: Status and Challenges in Conservation FAVEO 2013. 29– 30 November, 2013. B.N.Bandodkar college of Science, Thane Maharashtra.
  10. Kashmira Khot, Goldin Quadros and Vaishali Somani.Ant diversity in an urban garden at Mumbai Maharashtra. National Conference on Biodiversity: Status and Challenges in Conservation FAVEO 2013. 29– 30 November, 2013. B.N.Bandodkar college of Science, Thane Maharashtra
  11. Goldin Quadros, Heena Khan and Gauri Gurav. Awareness about mangroves among the citizens of Mumbai –  an island metropolitian city of India surrounded by mangroves. “International workshop on Mangrove conservation in India” 26-27July, 2013. GEC, Govt. Of Gujarat.
  12. Thangalakshmi, R., Eswaran, R &M, Mahendiran (2013) Preliminary observations on the bird diversity, environmental and sociological aspects of selected wetlands of Madurai IN (ed John Joseph) Food security, issues and concerns, Shanlax publications Madurai.
  13. Thinh Duc Nguyen &M, Mahendiran (2013) Foraging behavior of White-headed babbler Turdoides affinis – A model organism for ecosystem services (Eds Raja Jayapal, babu….Azeez) Ecosystem services and functions of birds. Proceedings of the Second international Conference on Indian Ornithology, SACON, Coimbatore, INDIA ISBN 81 -902136-0-4
  14. Goldin Quadros, Kamini Thakur, Gauri Gurav and Vaishali U Somani. Importance of conserving wetlands as a habitat for birds as observed at Uran a coastal town in Maharashtra, India. 2012 in‘7th Symposium on Limnology and Aquatic Birds’
  15. Goldin Quadros, Gauri Gurav, Kaustubh Bhagat, Aniruddha Dhamorikar, Kashmira Khot and Alok Chorghe. Avian fauna of Indian Institute of Technology campus-Bombay, Powai. 2011 in Of first international conference on Indian Ornithology – Status of Indian birds and their conservation. pp.173-174.
  16. Goldin Quadros, R.P.Athalye, Vaishali U. Somani, N.N. Patil and M.U. Borkar. Distribution of water birds from the intertidal mudflats of Thane creek, the central west-coast of India. 2011 in Of first international conference on Indian Ornithology – Status of Indian birds and their conservation. pp. 292-293.

Books  Published

  1. Prioritised wetlands and its Biodiversity in Tamil Nadu – Goldin Quadros, M. Mahendiran, T. Siva, Mohammed Ibrahim and A. Julffia Begam (2020)
  2. The Field Guide to Birds in Sindhudurg – Vasudevan N., Babu S., Babu Rao G.and Goldin Quadros (2017) Published by the GoI-UNDP-GEF Sindhudurg Project, from the office of the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Mangrove Cell, Maharashtra Forest Department.
  3. A Bibliography of Tamil Nadu Wetlands – Goldin Quadros, B. Hemambika, A Julffia Begam, N. Mohamed Ibrahim and K Sankar (2017) Published by SACON. ISBN:978-93-5276-676-2
  4. Glimpses to the biodiversity of Ramsar sites in India – Goldin Quadros, B. Hemambika, A Julffia Begam, A Srinivasan and P A Azeez (2015) Published by SACON. ISBN: 978-93-5254-302-1
  5. Lakes of Coimbatore City – Goldin Quadros, B. Hemambika, A Julffia Begam and P A Azeez (2014) Published by SACON. ISBN: 978-93-5174-749-9
  6. Ecosystem Services and Functions of Birds – Rajah Jayapal, S. Babu, Goldin Quadros, P R Arun, P Pramod, H N Kumara and P A Azeez (2013) Published by SACON. ISBN: 81-902136-0-4
  7. Biodiversity: Status and Challenges in Conservation – Poonam Kurve, Goldin Quadros and Vaishali Somani (2013) Published by Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, B.N.Bandodkar College of Science. ISBN: 978-81-923628-1-6
  8. Status of Indian Birds and their Conservation – S Bhupathy, B Anjan Kumar Prusty, H N Kumara, R S C Jayaraj, Goldin Quadros and P Pramod. (2011) Published by SACON. ISBN: 81-902136-0-3

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  • Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History
  • Anaikatty (Post),Coimbatore - 641108
  • Tamil Nadu, India
  • E mail: wii.sacon@wii.gov.in
  • Email: salimalicentre@gmail.com
  • Phone: +91 422 2203100 - 109
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