Prior to undertaking the detailed surveys in the study area, the preliminary assessment of the terrestrial and wetland/shore habitats was made on the basis of visual observations during the reconnaissance survey.

For the reconnaissance, the entire study area was divided into 8 different segments (Fig. 2.1. Visual observations were made in each of the segments. The key features of the visual assessment included –

(i) location and grid referencing of areas to be extensively studied.

(ii) nature of the area where the development is proposed.

(iii) ecological characteristics of natural community both in terrestrial and shore zones.

(iv) slope, aspects, drainage and other habitat quality parameters.

(v) transient and resident populations of birds and mammals indifferent seasons of the year.

(vi) gross impacts/community perturbations.

(vii) existing resource uses associated with the are (mining, fisheries, tourism, cultivation, forestry practices etc.)

 Observations on the ecological characteristics of the study area, faunal status, floral diversity and habitat quality were repeated for each segment during premonsoon (June ’95), monsoon (August ’95) and winter (February ’96) seasons. Target notes prepared during the survey provided a preliminary assessment of the nature conservation value of the site.

The details of areas visited during the reconnaissance survey and their significant as wildlife habitats is provided in Table 2.1

Areas of ecological importance identified during the reconnaissance.

 One of the primary objectives of the reconnaissance was to evolve a means to determine the boundaries of the study area.