Teaching Documents by Shivani Shashikant Patel
To be decided , 2023
This is a report based on presentation abstracts of a forum organized jointly by The Qatar Minist... more This is a report based on presentation abstracts of a forum organized jointly by The Qatar Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, UNESCO, and the Regional Whale Shark Conservation Centre(RWSCC) on Arabian Gulf Regional Whale Shark Conservation. This report introduces the updated conservation efforts of Gulf countries on whale sharks. As the three organizers intend to repeat the forum every year, There will be an update on the conservation status of whale sharks in the region and the forum encourage the exchange of whale shark conservation and management among the gulf countries in the regions
to be announced, 2024
This annual report describes the conservation work on whale sharks in the Gulf Region by Qatar an... more This annual report describes the conservation work on whale sharks in the Gulf Region by Qatar and nations in the Gulf.
It lists the development history of the Regional Whale Shark Conservation Centre (Qatar) in brief RWSCC. The Center's achievements in scientific research, public education, and training of professional whale shark managers and researchers. Introduce new research techniques and encourage international cooperation through organizing forums and meetings, as well as active participation in UN conferences such as UNFCCC COP 28 in Dubai. RWSCC publicizes its observations and research results through its official website and social media, such as Instagram. The Center staff actively exchanges knowledge and techniques with academics and government officials in the Gulf region.
Public awareness exercises such as the celebration of International Whale Shark Day with hybrid, online, and in-person public lectures by experienced whale shark researchers. The production of the first national whale shark catalog of 340 whale sharks sets a new trend for whale shark conservation reference. The use of underwater and aerial photography and laser-photogrammetry to study and measure population structure, size, health, and trends, as well as individual shark health status, provides the latest research methodology to obtain high qualitative and quantitative results. This report is an important reference for all whale shark researchers and managers.
Dugong Action Report , 2024
A herd of 700 dugongs feeds on seagrass every winter between Qatar and Bahrain. Neonate dugongs h... more A herd of 700 dugongs feeds on seagrass every winter between Qatar and Bahrain. Neonate dugongs have been reported in the coastal waters of southeast Qatar and the UAE. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in Qatar is taking conservation measures to protect this endangered species by designating two marine protected areas in Qatar
western shore and southeast coastal waters.
Papers by Shivani Shashikant Patel
Photo-identification has been used on study of cetaceans since 1970s, and it was later applied to... more Photo-identification has been used on study of cetaceans since 1970s, and it was later applied to New Methodology for Field Monitor and record of Whale shark and other Megafauna Boat observation of whale shark: 2.1 Record position coordinates, time and estimated numbers of sharks from doral fins or tails counts. 2.2 Take videos covering about 180 degree either side of the boat as well as bow and stern. 2.3 Take video of head and pectoral fin and dorsal fin of any shark close to the boat
Spatial prioritization of dugong habitats in India can contribute towards achieving the 30 × 30 global biodiversity target, 2024
Indian coastal waters are critical for dugong populations in the western Indian Ocean. Systematic... more Indian coastal waters are critical for dugong populations in the western Indian Ocean. Systematic spatial planning of dugong habitats can help to achieve biodiversity conservation and area-based protection targets in the region. In this study, we employed environmental niche modelling to predict suitable dugong habitats and identify influencing factors along its entire distribution range in Indian waters. We examined data on fishing pressures collected through systematic interview surveys, citizen-science data, and field surveys to demarcate dugong habitats with varying risks. Seagrass presence was the primary factor in determining dugong habitat suitability across the study sites. Other variables such as depth, bathymetric slope, and Euclidean distance from the shore were significant factors, particularly in predicting seasonal suitability. Predicted suitable habitats showed a remarkable shift from pre-monsoon in Palk Bay to post-monsoon in the Gulf of Mannar, indicating the potential of seasonal dugong movement. The entire coastline along the Palk Bay-Gulf of Mannar region was observed to be at high to moderate risk, including the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, a high-risk area. The Andaman Islands exhibited high suitability during pre-and post-monsoon season, whereas the Nicobar Islands were highly suitable for monsoon season. Risk assessment of modelled suitable areas revealed that < 15% of high-risk areas across Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu, fall within the existing protected areas. A few offshore reef islands are identified under high-risk zones in the Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat. We highlight the utility of citizen science and secondary data in performing large-scale spatial ecological analysis. Overall, identifying synoptic scale 'Critical Dugong Habitats' has positive implications for the country's progress towards achieving the global 30 × 30 target through systematic conservation planning.
International Whaling Commission, 2024
Understanding the poor conservation status of the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin and the need to i... more Understanding the poor conservation status of the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin and the need to implement previous IWC recommendations, the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin Conservation Network (HuDoNET) was established, modelled on the successful initiatives of the Conservation Consortium of the Atlantic humpback dolphin (CCAHD) and the South African SouSA Consortium. The aim of HuDoNET is to galvinise action to improve the conservation status of Indian Ocean humpback dolphins throughout its range by promoting conservation research and action, foster collaboration and boosting resources and capacity among stakeholders in all range states.
International Whaling Commission, 2024
The Arabian Sea Whale Network (ASWN) is an informal collaboration of researchers and conservation... more The Arabian Sea Whale Network (ASWN) is an informal collaboration of researchers and conservation bodies interested in the conservation of whale populations throughout the Northern Indian Ocean. The group was formed in 2015, in part, to help advance a regional Conservation Management Plan for the Endangered Arabian Sea humpback whale (ASHW) (Megaptera novaeangliae), first recommended by the IWC SC in 2010. The ASHW acts as the Network’s flagship species, but members collaborate on many aspects of cetacean research and conservation. This progress report includes updates on collaborative activities undertaken between May 2023 and April 2024, as well as updates on project or national level activities undertaken by partners in the region. At a regional level, thanks to modest funding to support part-time coordination and communication activities, the ASWN has been able to meet virtually, collaborate to achieve an extension of the Convention on Migratory Species’(CMS) Concerted Action for ASHW, expand its membership to include more range-country scientists, revive the ASWN website, and launch accounts on three social media platforms. At project and national levels, members have made significant strides in documenting cetacean sightings and strandings through dedicated research and citizen science networks and increasing the in-country capacity for cetacean research and conservation management.
Journal of Survey in Fisheries Sciences, 2023
In India, dugong populations and their habitats are under pressure from several factors, includin... more In India, dugong populations and their habitats are under pressure from several factors, including seagrass degradation caused by high turbidity and pollution, ghost nets, bycatch, poaching, fragmentation of seagrass habitats, and climate change. We reviewed the strandings of vulnerable Dugongs (Dugong dugon, Müller, 1776) in the Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat with prevailing threats factors. Dugong strandings data was collected through the Friends of Dugong Network, established in the Gulf of Kutch, to promote citizen science to recover obscure dugongs and records from the published literature. We could document 24 incidents of strandings with 29 dugongs between 1877 and 2022. In the Gulf of Kutch, dugong mortality incidents were reported with discontinuous occurrences, and the causes for their strandings were also unknown. However, fisheries bycatch and ghost nets in the seagrass meadows seem to be major causes for recent strandings of dugongs.
Sirenews, 2023
A Dugong conservation reserve was proposed jointly by WII and the Tamil Nadu State Forest Departm... more A Dugong conservation reserve was proposed jointly by WII and the Tamil Nadu State Forest Department in North Palk Bay, Tami Nadu, in 2020. Subsequently, the Hon’ble State Forest Minister in the Tamil Nadu state assembly announced the need to establish the Dugong conservation reserve to conserve dugongs. The Tamil Nadu government declared about 448 square kilometers of area in the northern part of Palk Bay as a 'Dugong conservation reserve' notified by Gazette Order G.O. Ms. No. 165, Environment, Climate Change, and Forests (FR.5) dated September 21, 2022.
Sirenews, 2020
Dugongs, threatened globally, are regionally endangered in India (Marsh & Sobtzick, 2015). Due to... more Dugongs, threatened globally, are regionally endangered in India (Marsh & Sobtzick, 2015). Due to their low population size, fragmented foraging habitats, and high negative interaction with fisheries, the government of India has placed them under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, according to their highest protection status. Further, as a signatory to the ‘CMS-UNEP Dugong Memorandum of Understanding’, it constituted a ‘Task Force for Conservation of Dugongs for proactive management of
dugong habitats and the implementation of the Endangered Species Recovery Program for dugongs. In 2015, the Government of India assigned the task to the Wildlife Institute of India to conduct scientific
monitoring of dugong populations and seagrass habitats, create awareness of dugong conservation, and build the capacity of frontline agencies to enable dugong population recovery. This program is currently under implementation at all three dugong distribution sites in the state of Gujarat (Gulf of Kutch), Tamil Nadu (Palk Bay & Gulf of Mannar), and Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Sivakumar et al. 2019). Under the aegis of the Dugong Recovery Program, May 28, 2020, was recently celebrated as ‘Dugong Day’ in India. This was the first time a day was dedicated to dugong conservation awareness anywhere in the world. The significance of the day comes from the signing of the CMS-UNEP Dugong MoU by India on May 28, 2008, for the conservation and management of dugongs and their habitats.
On 1st October 2023, a noteworthy observation of a brown spotted seal was documented at the Al Sh... more On 1st October 2023, a noteworthy observation of a brown spotted seal was documented at the Al Shaheen oil platform, located approximately 90 km northeast offshore from the northern coast of Qatar. The sighting, made at 1:25 p.m., involved the observation of an adult male seal, estimated to be around 160 cm in length, climbing onto a tubular cross beam with a diameter of 1m. Four photographs of the seal were captured and subsequently sent to the Ministry of Environment for identification. The distinct brown patches and spot pattern exhibited by the seal strongly resemble the characteristics of an adult male Caspian seal (Pusa caspica). This observation is particularly significant given the geographical distance from the Caspian Sea, where the nearest population of Caspian seals resides. This paper presents the details of the sighting, discusses the potential origins of Caspian Seals (Pusa caspica) in the Arabian Gulf and implications for marine ecology in the Arabian Gulf, and underscores the importance of further research on the dispersal and habitat preferences of Caspian seals in non-native regions.
Conference Presentations by Shivani Shashikant Patel
Endangered migratory species of the Persian/Arabian Gulf region are under threat from increasing ... more Endangered migratory species of the Persian/Arabian Gulf region are under threat from increasing marine traffic activities, fishing activities, and coastal and offshore development. There is a need for coordinated conservation actions from all countries in the Gulf region for the effective protection of all migratory megafauna, as illustrated in this recent presentation at the 2024 UN Ocean Decade Conference in Barcelona.
Global warming might be the cause of the extended summer fish egg-feeding season for the whale sh... more Global warming might be the cause of the extended summer fish egg-feeding season for the whale sharks in Qatar. This year 2023 mackerel extended spawning into October because of higher seawater temperatures. Aggregation of whale shark were recorded throughout September. This is in contrast to the previous year, with no aggregation after the end of August. There was a first record of over 50 sharks of three different species feeding on sardines in the same whale shark feeding area.
Last year in 2022 July there were 4 newborn dugongs stranded when the air temperature was above 44*C. This was the highest record of neonate dugong strandings in Qatar and the region. In the past only one stranding record a year. But 4 strandings in a month is unusual. Dugongs were rehydrated and treated for any wounds then those that survived were released back to the sea.
There was the first report of a seal in the Arabian Gulf. It closely resembles a Caspian Seal. The frequent mass die-off in recent years of Caspian seals in the Caspian Sea. Many international conservations express concern and demand actions to save the seals. This might induce Iranians and other conservationists to transfer surviving seals to the Arabian Gulf in an attempt to some of the remaining seals. The location where the seal was very close to Qatar and Iranian borders.
Increased temperature tends to result in more female sea turtles hatched from eggs. High water temperatures already cause the depletion of coral reefs in the shallow coastal water of Qatar. Increased wave action removed sand from a former sandy beach to bare rock on the northeast shore of Qatar in just 6 months in 2022.
Books by Shivani Shashikant Patel
Qatar Whale shark catalogue , 2024
This is the first official Qatar Whale Shark Catalogue of over 330 whale sharks identified from u... more This is the first official Qatar Whale Shark Catalogue of over 330 whale sharks identified from underwater, aerial, and boat-side photos taken in the 2022 and 2023 seasons of summer whale shark feeding aggregations. Each shark was given a Qatar identification (ID) number, some with gender and/or sex as well as body length measured from laser photogrammetry and measured using a boat of known size as a reference. To distinguish the gender, the presence of claspers indicates a male, and the absence suggests a female. This catalog can be used as a reference for the Gulf nations to find if there are any local whale shark matches in the catalog as possible links between Qatar and each Gulf nation. And for long-term population trend and structure studies.
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Teaching Documents by Shivani Shashikant Patel
It lists the development history of the Regional Whale Shark Conservation Centre (Qatar) in brief RWSCC. The Center's achievements in scientific research, public education, and training of professional whale shark managers and researchers. Introduce new research techniques and encourage international cooperation through organizing forums and meetings, as well as active participation in UN conferences such as UNFCCC COP 28 in Dubai. RWSCC publicizes its observations and research results through its official website and social media, such as Instagram. The Center staff actively exchanges knowledge and techniques with academics and government officials in the Gulf region.
Public awareness exercises such as the celebration of International Whale Shark Day with hybrid, online, and in-person public lectures by experienced whale shark researchers. The production of the first national whale shark catalog of 340 whale sharks sets a new trend for whale shark conservation reference. The use of underwater and aerial photography and laser-photogrammetry to study and measure population structure, size, health, and trends, as well as individual shark health status, provides the latest research methodology to obtain high qualitative and quantitative results. This report is an important reference for all whale shark researchers and managers.
western shore and southeast coastal waters.
Papers by Shivani Shashikant Patel
dugong habitats and the implementation of the Endangered Species Recovery Program for dugongs. In 2015, the Government of India assigned the task to the Wildlife Institute of India to conduct scientific
monitoring of dugong populations and seagrass habitats, create awareness of dugong conservation, and build the capacity of frontline agencies to enable dugong population recovery. This program is currently under implementation at all three dugong distribution sites in the state of Gujarat (Gulf of Kutch), Tamil Nadu (Palk Bay & Gulf of Mannar), and Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Sivakumar et al. 2019). Under the aegis of the Dugong Recovery Program, May 28, 2020, was recently celebrated as ‘Dugong Day’ in India. This was the first time a day was dedicated to dugong conservation awareness anywhere in the world. The significance of the day comes from the signing of the CMS-UNEP Dugong MoU by India on May 28, 2008, for the conservation and management of dugongs and their habitats.
Conference Presentations by Shivani Shashikant Patel
Last year in 2022 July there were 4 newborn dugongs stranded when the air temperature was above 44*C. This was the highest record of neonate dugong strandings in Qatar and the region. In the past only one stranding record a year. But 4 strandings in a month is unusual. Dugongs were rehydrated and treated for any wounds then those that survived were released back to the sea.
There was the first report of a seal in the Arabian Gulf. It closely resembles a Caspian Seal. The frequent mass die-off in recent years of Caspian seals in the Caspian Sea. Many international conservations express concern and demand actions to save the seals. This might induce Iranians and other conservationists to transfer surviving seals to the Arabian Gulf in an attempt to some of the remaining seals. The location where the seal was very close to Qatar and Iranian borders.
Increased temperature tends to result in more female sea turtles hatched from eggs. High water temperatures already cause the depletion of coral reefs in the shallow coastal water of Qatar. Increased wave action removed sand from a former sandy beach to bare rock on the northeast shore of Qatar in just 6 months in 2022.
Books by Shivani Shashikant Patel
It lists the development history of the Regional Whale Shark Conservation Centre (Qatar) in brief RWSCC. The Center's achievements in scientific research, public education, and training of professional whale shark managers and researchers. Introduce new research techniques and encourage international cooperation through organizing forums and meetings, as well as active participation in UN conferences such as UNFCCC COP 28 in Dubai. RWSCC publicizes its observations and research results through its official website and social media, such as Instagram. The Center staff actively exchanges knowledge and techniques with academics and government officials in the Gulf region.
Public awareness exercises such as the celebration of International Whale Shark Day with hybrid, online, and in-person public lectures by experienced whale shark researchers. The production of the first national whale shark catalog of 340 whale sharks sets a new trend for whale shark conservation reference. The use of underwater and aerial photography and laser-photogrammetry to study and measure population structure, size, health, and trends, as well as individual shark health status, provides the latest research methodology to obtain high qualitative and quantitative results. This report is an important reference for all whale shark researchers and managers.
western shore and southeast coastal waters.
dugong habitats and the implementation of the Endangered Species Recovery Program for dugongs. In 2015, the Government of India assigned the task to the Wildlife Institute of India to conduct scientific
monitoring of dugong populations and seagrass habitats, create awareness of dugong conservation, and build the capacity of frontline agencies to enable dugong population recovery. This program is currently under implementation at all three dugong distribution sites in the state of Gujarat (Gulf of Kutch), Tamil Nadu (Palk Bay & Gulf of Mannar), and Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Sivakumar et al. 2019). Under the aegis of the Dugong Recovery Program, May 28, 2020, was recently celebrated as ‘Dugong Day’ in India. This was the first time a day was dedicated to dugong conservation awareness anywhere in the world. The significance of the day comes from the signing of the CMS-UNEP Dugong MoU by India on May 28, 2008, for the conservation and management of dugongs and their habitats.
Last year in 2022 July there were 4 newborn dugongs stranded when the air temperature was above 44*C. This was the highest record of neonate dugong strandings in Qatar and the region. In the past only one stranding record a year. But 4 strandings in a month is unusual. Dugongs were rehydrated and treated for any wounds then those that survived were released back to the sea.
There was the first report of a seal in the Arabian Gulf. It closely resembles a Caspian Seal. The frequent mass die-off in recent years of Caspian seals in the Caspian Sea. Many international conservations express concern and demand actions to save the seals. This might induce Iranians and other conservationists to transfer surviving seals to the Arabian Gulf in an attempt to some of the remaining seals. The location where the seal was very close to Qatar and Iranian borders.
Increased temperature tends to result in more female sea turtles hatched from eggs. High water temperatures already cause the depletion of coral reefs in the shallow coastal water of Qatar. Increased wave action removed sand from a former sandy beach to bare rock on the northeast shore of Qatar in just 6 months in 2022.