Dolphin Nature Conservation Society

Snakes awareness campaign at St.Joseph's College

Plastic awareness campaign at Krishna college

The society has conducted various educational nature conservation and environmental protection activities and campaigns. One notable example was a campaign dedicated to dispelling myths and misconceptions about snakes. It was emphasized that the majority of snakes are non-venomous and play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling the rodent population. In collaboration with the Friends of Snakes Society, Hyderabad, the society conducted live snake awareness programs in schools and colleges in Visakhapatnam.[3] Other notable activities include campaigns against the use of thin plastic carry bags,[4][5] zoo patrolling teams aimed at educating visitors about proper zoo visitation protocol, wildlife conservation projects, tree planting projects,[6][7] and "save our beaches" anti-pollution campaigns.[3]

Mortality survey of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles at RK beach

Turtle awareness campaign on inauguration day of DNCS 5-3-2001

Olive Ridley Sea Turtles are best known for their migrations and unique mass nesting occurences called "arribada", when thousands of females converge on the same beach to lay eggs. The turtle population has been declining over time; the species has been deemed vulnerable by the IUCN Red List.[4][5][6]

On the north-east coast of Andhra Pradesh (from Annavaram in the north to Pudimadaka in the south) and on the Visakhapatnam coast in particular, the society used surveying and documentation programs to conduct research on the species.[8] This research found that sporadic nesting occurs from January to March and that the mortality rate for females had increased over time. The major cause was incidental capture of adult turtles in gill and trawl fishing nets operated by mechanized boats.[9] Other reasons included artificial illumination along the coastline, sand mining, pollution by domestic sewage, chemicals, oil, plastics and building debris, and the planting of exotic flora on the beaches. Human predation of eggs and meat, as well as the predation of hatchlings by crows, kites, seagulls and feral dogs were also contributing factors.

In an attempt to stop population decline, the important conservation measures have been developed, including strict enforcement of bans on near-shore mechanized fishing and operation of gill nets, shore-seine and lines during breeding and nesting seasons, the use of turtle excluder devices (TED) in trawl nets, beach patrols, cessation of beachside construction and development activities, the promotion of in-situ conservation, the establishment of more hatcheries, and the creation of awareness programs targeted at fishermen, forest officials, students, NGOs and the general public.[10][11] The most important programs in Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Conservation project were the many public awareness events; turtle walks, screening pictures, exhibitions in schools and colleges, and celebratory festivals for turtles were effective at increasing public concern for the turtles.[7]

Intertidal rocky shore survey at VUDA park beach

Intertidal rocky shore survey at Rishikonda

The intertidal (littoral) zone is the area between high and low tide lines. The intertidal zone of Visakhapatnam is 70 meters long, with an average width of 25 meters.[12] It is mostly made up of rocky shore interspersed by sandy areas and extends from Gangavaram to Bheemunipatnam, a distance of approximately 25 to 30 kilometres. The zone has large boulders of various shapes, shingle beds, rock platforms and rock pools.[13] In addition, it has a very rich diversity of organisms, from the smallest microscopic protozoans to sponges, cnidarians, polychaetes, arthropods, mollusca, echinoderms, rock pool fish and numerous varieties of algae. These highly peculiar and highly adaptable fauna and flora face environmental hardships such as water availability, temperature and salinity differences, and pressures from prey and predators.[14]

The society conducted research and survey programs that documented the fauna and flora of the Visakhapatnam coast. Throughout a period of 10 years, the society observed a decline in marine biota, specifically in sea cucumbers, chitons, sea urchins, and Bullia and Zoanthus beds. The main reasons for this decline are human interference, including illegal collection of specimens by colleges and universities and pollution of waters. The society recommends conservation methods including stopping pollution from all sources along the coast, preventing the illegal collection of specimens, declaring some areas as protective zones, and raising awareness among students and people by conducting marine biodiversity workshops and exhibitions.[15][16][10][3]

Butterfly survey at Chintapalle forests

More than 100 species of butterflies belonging to six families were recorded by the society in the Eastern Ghats forests (Chintapalle, G K Veedhi, Ananthagiri, Paderu, Araku Valley, Sileru), and urban environments (Thotala Konda, Kambala Konda, Simhachalam Hills, Indira Gandhi Zoological Park and RCD Biodiversity Park) of the Visakhapatnam district. The families included Papilionidae (swallowtails), Pieridae (whites and yellows), Nymphalidae (brush-footed butterflies), Lycaenidae, Riodinidae (metalmarks/Punches and Judies) and Hesperiidae (skippers).[8][9][11]

Clustering of Crow and Tiger butterflies around Senecio plants in Biodiversity Park