Faunal survey of Surat Metro Rail Project, Phase I

Study Extent

Using a stratified sample approach, the inventory was completed, covering the diversity of habitats on both sides of the Metro Rail track. A 250-meter transect was planned out on both sides of the Metro Rail Project to encompass all adjacent habitats, including wetlands, agricultural lands, woods, grasslands, and wastelands. All habitat variety was discovered with the assistance of the GEER Foundation's RS-GIS team.

Sampling

With the assistance of the RS-GIS unit of the GEER Foundation, all habitat diversity was located, and a detailed inventory of each habitat was completed. Various animal species were recorded by using the line transect method.

Method steps

1. The inventory was carried out through stratified sampling manner that was cover all habitat diversity found on both sides of the Metro Rail track. On both sides of the Metro Rail Project, a transect with a length of 250m laid in such way that was cover all habitats such as wetlands, agricultural lands, forests, grasslands, wastelands etc. nearby the project area. All habitat diversity had find out with the help of RS-GIS unit of GEER Foundation and an inventory of each habitat was carried out thoroughly.

The species richness along Surat Metro-rail phase-I alignment came out to be 61 species (all taxa collectively). It implies a total of 61 species of birds, mammals and herpetofauna have been recorded collectively. It includes 56 species of Birds belonging to 30 families, 1 species of mammals belonging to 1 family, and 4 Species of herpetofauna belonging to 3 families have been recorded from the Surat metro-rail alignment.

1. Animalia
   common name: Animals rank: kingdom

The Survey was carried out in the Surat cities along the metro rail track. Surat is located on the bank of the River Tapi in the south part of Gujarat.