Padma Multipurpose Bridge Project

Figure 3-27: Migratory and Uncommon resident birds observed during field monitoring in November20093.2.3.3 Mammals Reptiles, and Amphibians56. Many important aquatic and terrestrial wildlife species live in the project area. Some of themare unique and highly threatened species. During the EIA study, a total species of 20 amphibians, 25reptiles and 20 mammals were recorded. Few critically endangered and threatened species werefound along with the common wildlife species during the study (Table 3-16). More detailed informationis available in Appendix B of Volume 4: Ecology Report with their breeding period. Figure 3-29 showsthe location of common wildlife habitats close to the project site.57. The study indicates that reptilian population (number of individuals) was lower thanmammal’s population, in particular the turtle and tortoise population was found extremely lower thanothers. Rapid urbanization and drastic land use change are the main factors for the destruction ofturtle and tortoise habitat and habitat niche.58. Crustaceans are predominantly aquatic; few live in moist places on land, and few areparasitic. The class Crustacean includes the crabs, shrimps, lobsters, barnacles, water fleas, fish lice,hermit crabs, sow bugs, and pill-bugs. The study area supports many important freshwater crabs. Ofthem Paratelphusa lamelliforns is commonly used as food.59. Two species of Gharial (crocodiles), Bengal monitor (Varanus bengalensis) and YellowMonitor (Varanus flavescens) were found within the study area (Figure 3-28).60. Ten species of snakes were found in the Project area of which 3 species are Red listed.Checkered Keel back (Xenochropis piscator), Common Wolf Snake (Lycodon aulicus), Striped Keelback (Amphiesma stolatum), Indian Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosus), Olive Keel back (Atretiumschistosum) are commonly observed in this area. Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus), SpectacledCobra (Naja naja) and Monocled Cobra (Naja kaouthia) are occasionally seen which are recorded inIUCN Red List. Xenochrophis piscator was the commonest snake among all the snakes recorded inthe survey. They are aquatic to semi terrestrial usually found within the water or near the water bodiesin stagnant, temporary or permanent ponds, Rivers and large puddles; rarely found in dense grassesand low vegetation near water bodies. Enhydris enhydris also found in remarkable number because oftheir diverse habitat preference like paddy fields, ponds, lakes, Rivers and marshes, around humanhabitation etc.3-37