The ANET research station- History, vision and information

Images courtesy Ryan Lobo

The ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ENVIRONMENTAL TEAM

In the beginning.

Rom Whitaker, Satish Bhaskar and Alok Mallick set up a base in the late 1980s in Wandoor, South Andaman for herpetological and other ecological studies in these islands. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Environmental Team (ANET), a division of the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, was constituted in 1990. Five acres of land was bought in 1993 (with grants from Conservation International and the Royal Netherlands Embassy) at Wandoor on the southern tip of South Andaman, staff were hired and further grants enabled construction of a base for conservation, research, and education.

Meanwhile, sea turtle expert Satish Bhaskar had been working on surveys and studies of turtles in these islands since 1977 and assisted the Forest Department with management recommendations. In the mid 1970s Rom Whitaker, Zai Whitaker and others had already begun crocodile and herpetofaunal surveys which Harry Andrews and colleagues continued in the 1990s. Herpetological surveys by Indraneil Das led to the discovery of eight species and several new records from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Extensive studies on sea snakes, the flora, marine turtles, herpetofaunal biogeography, bats, other small mammals, resource use, land use, rain water harvesting, coral reefs and socio-economics have been undertaken. Other activities include assisting the Forest Department in ecologically suitable protected area management planning. ANET has an ongoing environment education programme and collaborated with Centre for Environmental Education to produce a teacher-training manual in English and Hindi, (‘Treasured Islands’) for the schools in the islands.

Today.



ANET remains the main active environmental NGO and the only such research base in the islands. Several seasonal field camps have been set up over the years at key sea turtle nesting beaches in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.

Support of the base overheads has come from the Madras Crocodile Bank and most research and conservation projects have been funded by grants (see partial list below). While the Crocodile Bank can continue to subsidize ANET in a small way, a major goal is to make ANET self-sufficient through increased use of the facilities by researchers, biologists, photographers, bird watchers, naturalists and students as well as through a Paying Volunteer Programme, a form of ‘serious/constructive/instructive eco-tourism’ which needs to be fine tuned.

Vision

The vision for ANET is that it will continue to be a proactive conservation research and education organization, a main base for the below listed objectives/activities and increased collaboration with like-minded organizations.

By virtue of its nineteen-year-old research and education base station in Wandoor (South Andaman), its experienced staff and its good relationships with the A&N Forest Department, Ministry of Environment and Forests, and local people, ANET is uniquely positioned to undertake, encourage and facilitate further tangible contributions to conservation in the archipelago.

• Identifying rare and endemic species, as well as biodiversity hot spots of conservation priority, and formulating action plans to protect them.
• Producing species checklists and illustrated field guides.
• Documenting the distribution, abundance, and impact of introduced flora and fauna and assessing the feasibility of selectively removing detrimental exotics.
• Continuing to increase efforts to educate the settlers about the islands’ vulnerable fauna, flora, soil, and water, and help them recognize the crucial importance of conservation.
• Ethnobiological studies to identify practical ways in which settlers can make a living from the forest and the sea sustainably.
• Continued environmental education for school children, teachers, and settlers.
• Production of the teachers training manual “Treasured Islands” in other local languages.
• Development of practical strategies for conserving the natural biodiversity through community action: appropriate agricultural schemes, medicinal plants, water conservation, rainwater harvesting and alternative construction methods.
• Continued monitoring of sea turtle populations and nesting habitats.
• Continued monitoring of crocodile populations, their habitats and related wetlands.
• Continued herpetofaunal surveys and studies.
• Monitoring and studies in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on species, ecosystems and habitats in relation to tsunami impacts, changes, regeneration and distribution.
• Continued monitoring and assessments of the tsunami relief/rehabilitation programme in the Nicobar Islands.


PARTIAL LIST OF ANET’S ORGANIZATIONAL AFFILIATIONS

1. Centre for Environmental Education, Ahmedabad
2. Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun
3. Wildlife Conservation Society, NCBS, Bangalore
4. Andaman & Nicobar Islands State Wildlife Advisory Board, Port Blair
5. Andaman & Nicobar Islands State Level Environmental Council, Port Blair
6. Andamans Science Association, Port Blair
7. Society for the Andaman & Nicobar Ecology, Port Blair
8. Coral Reef Monitoring Network- South East Asia, Sri Lanka
9. Centre for Ecological Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
10. Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment, Bangalore
11. Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysore
12. Andaman and Nicobar Islands Forest Department
13. Andaman and Nicobar Islands Tourism Department


LIST OF BASIC FACILITIES AT ANET

1. 35’ long dugout canoe with 2 X 10hp engines
2. 2 fibre glass boats (one on loan)
3. Education Centre (large wooden building)
4. Office (on first floor of Education Centre), computer, scanner, library and reading room
5. Kitchen/dining/get-together area (with fridge, stoves, etc)
6. Six huts capable of accommodating 12 people comfortably (separate, simple bath/toilet sheds)


LIST OF STAFF AT ANET (as of 2009)

1. Manish Chandi, ANET Field Coordinator
2. Tasneem Khan, Base Coordinator (tasneemkhan85@gmail.com)
3. Saw John, ANET Base Manager (permanent)
4. Saw Aghu, ANET Base Boats and Maintenance Man (permanent)
5. Naveen Ekka, ANET Base Assistant (permanent)
6. Montu Bhowmik ANET Base Assistant (permanent)
7. Saw Paung, ANET Field Projects Sarang (only when projects are active)
8. Saw Pambwe, ANET Field Projects Assistant (only when projects are active)

*Currently ANET is under the supervision of the Administrative Committee of the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust with Gowri Mallapur as Manager.


Island Postal Address

Andaman and Nicobar Islands Environmental Team
Centre for Island Ecology
Post Bag- 1
Junglighat P.O.
Port Blair – 744 103
Andaman Islands
Phone: 91- 03192 280081
Email: contactanet@gmail.com, tasneemkhan85@gmail.com
blog: www.anetindia.blogspot.com



OFFICE AND BASE:
North Wandoor, South Andaman Island.
Close to Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

----


Accommodation and facilities

Images courtesy Ryan Lobo (www.ryanlobo.blogspot.com)

ANET provides facilities and accommodation for researchers, biologists, photographers, herpetologists, bird watchers, naturalists and students. We also have a Paying Volunteer Programme, which is a form of ‘serious/constructive/instructive eco-tourism'.

For rates and availability do contact us at the email address and phone number below. Ask for John, Manish or Tasneem.

contactanet@gmail.com
Anet base telephone: +91-3192-280081

FACILITIES AT ANET

1. 35’ long dugout canoe with 2 X 10hp engines
2. Library with reference books and journals with large working space and internet
3. Education Centre (large wooden building)
4. Office (on first floor of Education Centre), computer, scanner, library and reading room
5. Kitchen/dining/get-together area (with fridge, stoves, etc)
6. Six huts capable of accommodating 12 people comfortably (separate, simple bath/toilet sheds)
7. Snorkelling gear

cottage interior (Image courtesy Umeed Mistry)

cottage

bathroom


bathroom interior

dining area

dining area

library

The anet dungi (Image courtesy Tasneem Khan)

library verandah

library working area

-----


Do's and dont's at ANET for visitors

Two coryphophylax males decide not to follow the guidelines at the ANET base

• A mosquito net is strongly recommended for use at night. Remember to tuck in the sides under you mattress.It is recommended that you use an environmentally friendly repellent like citronella for sand flies and mosquitoes.

• Swimming is not recommended at North Wandoor beach near ANET, as it is a part of the Lohabarak crocodile sanctuary.

• Regarding snorkeling, use a life jacket if you are not comfortable swimming in the sea. If you cannot swim make sure you inform the staff of the same. Please do not collect coral or shells.

• At night it is strongly recommended that you use a torch and adequate footwear as venomous snakes and centipedes have been seen on the premises. If a venomous snake does bite you stay calm and inform staff immediately but be informed that antivenin facilities are inadequate. So, tread carefully.

An endemic pit viper on an epiphyte at ANET

• If you do come across a snake or a centipede do not attempt to pick up, attack or irritate the animal. If you wish to examine the animal please do not attempt to handle the same unless you absolutely know what you are doing.

• Collection of any specimens is not allowed without necessary permits. This includes but is not limited to shells, snakes, lizards, insects and butterflies .

• Do carry a camera with you and take images of any fauna that you might see on the premises. Note the time and location of your sighting. We are in the process of making a species list at ANET and your images and/or information can be added to our database with due credit and appreciation.

• Check your commode, room and bathroom before you use them as other creatures might consider these places a temporary home. Keep your bags zipped up to prevent surprises when you open them.

• If you find an animal other than yourself in your hut and are not happy with its presence feel free to sleep in the forest. However if the animal happens to be a snake or centipede do inform the staff and necessary steps will be taken to ensure the well being of the animal.

• Do not eat mushrooms that you might find here. They are a part of the ecosystem and eating them might add you to the substrata as well.

• If you wish to take a walk in the mangroves do check the tide tables.

• Do keep the staff informed of your movements.

• Conserve electricity and switch off lights when you leave a room.

• At ANET the rainwater-harvesting pond is the only water source. Please conserve water and try to have a bath with just one bucket of water. Also do not wash your clothes in the water tanks or put anything into the drums of water in your bathrooms. Kindly do not pour clothes washing detergent down the commode. Regarding drinking water the water at ANET is boiled and filtered.

• Do not litter and please collect any litter you might find on the property. If you smoke do not drop cigarette butts in the forest. Keep them in your pocket for later disposal. Do take any plastic or mineral water bottles that you might bring here back with you when you leave.

• It is not recommended to keep food, bananas or coconut oil in your hut. Feel free to add to the menu, use the common fridge and bring along any food that you might enjoy and the staff can prepare the same for you.

• The motorbike is only for use by the ANET staff.

• If you are taken out snorkeling remember to wash ANET’s snorkeling gear with fresh water after you’re done.

• Do respect all the inhabitants of ANET. Loud music, excessive alcoholic intake, drugs and sunbathing sans clothing can irritate local wildlife.

• Do leave a comment in our comments book with your contact details. Any suggestions, praises, curses or supplications will be appreciated.

• Do enjoy and use the ANET library. Please do not remove books from the library without permission and replace books in the same spot once you are done with them. Last person out of the library should lock the library door and place the key in the key holder in the dining area.

• If you wish to leave a tip for the hard working staff or if you wish to support ANET in any way please hand the same over to John, Manish or Tasneem who can give you a receipt. Thank you.

• ANET RESERVES THE RIGHT to refuse accommodation to anyone and to ask anyone to leave for any reason.

----------

VOLUNTEERING WITH A.N.E.T

Learning can acquire much greater depth beyond the classroom. Direct experience and involvement can give people the opportunity to appreciate and understand an environment and its issues in a far more intimate and beneficial manner. By living and working alongside local residents and researchers one can be more than just a tourist passing through.

ANET usually has several projects in motion, many of which have a hands-on approach to conservation and aiding local communities. Depending on the time of year you could help with tree planting, office work, base maintenance, data entry and field work as well. Volunteers may assist in any research program activity. When and if funds are available, ANET may provide for incidental expenses such as transportation, lodging, and subsistence.

You have the following options if you would like to pursue a specific field of interest, which our volunteer program encourages:

- Put together a self-supporting externally funded study or project by submitting a proposal prior to your arrival. Possibilities, planning and logistics can be discussed and resolved with the help of ANET staff.

- After joining as a volunteer at the base you might discover a particular field of interest and new project ideas could be supported by way of design and planning.

Apart from your specific interests do let us know of any skills that you might have such as photography, climbing, teaching, bush craft, proficiency in local languages, etc. which could be put to good use.

Accommodation and food will be charged for at ANET. Kindly get in touch with ANET staff to plan your volunteer program. Charges may vary depending on the time of year or due to other considerations.

Join us in an adventure of learning and doing ones bit for the planet while you have the time of your life on one of the most beautiful islands.

Projects :

1. Mangrove Study

The ANET base is adjoining a mangrove patch that covers an area of approx. 6.07 Hectares. This mangrove is a typical representative of the Andaman mangrove ecosystem. The mangrove also serves as refuge for a wide variety of invertebrate associates belonging to a range of phyla. The selected study area, like a large portion of the mangroves of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, was badly affected by the 2004 tsunami and lead to their large-scale mortality. Five years after the event, many such mangrove patches are recovering considerably in the islands, the mangrove patch at the ANET base provides an ideal condition to monitor various related parameters of both affected and non-affected, primary mangrove ecosystems.

- Rate of regeneration and documentation of key species in tsunami affected areas.

- A comparison of fauna and their role: between tsunami affected i.e. regenerating

sites and sites with healthy mangroves that were not affected by the tsunami.

- Effects of associated fauna on growth and productivity in Mangroves.

- Plant animal interaction; Organisms as Ecosystem engineers.

2. Intertidal Biodiversity documentation

This involves creating an inventory of marine shallow water invertebrate species in and around Wandoor, and other areas in the national park. The object being; a compilation, for identification and to provide information regarding the ecological and economic values of this zone. The purpose is to use this as a resource for local communities for species identification and as awareness material on the value of these ecosystems.

3. Rural Environment Education

The main goal is to enrich the education of rural students and teachers using the environment as a central theme. ANET periodically conducts workshops with local schools with the intention of increasing the understanding of island biodiversity, ecology and various issues and impacts.

4. Rain Tree canopy study

An enormous number or epiphytes have evolved to live in the rainforest canopy where they host a variety of wildlife. Epiphytes are an important part of rainforest diversity and play an important role in creating unique habitats and micro-ecosystems. As preliminary work for a further study on the ecosystem supported by the rain tree (Samanea saman) canopy we are in the process of documenting the epiphyte species of these trees. Volunteering on this project involves tree climbing and requires a basic understanding and interest in botany.

5. Documenting Anurans in and around ANET

6. Contribute to the ANET species lists