Ambivli Biodiversity Park

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The site's biodiversity has flourished, with the total number of species sighted increasing from 322 to 471. Comparing the before and after scenarios of biodiversity survey depicted, there is an increase in species of 77% in plants, 26% in insects, 55% in birds, and 17% in herpetofauna. The overall species composition indicated plant diversity (37%) and insect diversity (36%) among the animals followed by birds (22%). We recorded five threatened species at the site. The project site has proven to be an essential habitat for various flora and fauna, playing a vital role in conserving regional rarities and supporting species facing challenges due to habitat loss and other threats. Species like Jungle Bush Quail and Giri’s Gecko have been observed, highlighting the site's ecological significance.

The sighting of breeding pair of Forest Owlet in Ambivli is extension of its range from its

known habitat in Satpura range in Central India. This could be published as a short note in a scientific journal. Additionally a day flying moth Orange Jewel Moth (Trypanophora semihyalina) has been recorded for its first sighting in Maharashtra as well as record of new hostplant. A short note has been submitted for

publishing in Bionotes

• Formation of Butterfly, Bee, Bird, Bat, Medicinal, Pond and Nakshatra Van.
• Pathway Development
• Digging trenches and pits
• Installation of Irrigation System.

Increase in Forest Cover could be seen from satellite imagery that there is at least 80% increase in green cover. Out of the 11259 saplings planted at the site, a commendable number of 7823 plants successfully survived, resulting in a remarkable survival rate of 66.65%. This indicated the overall health and effectiveness of our plantation efforts.

It helped in restoring degraded ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity and

providing habitat for various plant and animal species. This contributes to the overall health and resilience of ecosystems of Ambivli Biodiversity Park and its surrounding. Out of the 2000 trees initially planted, 1413 have survived. These surviving trees have an average girth of 10 cm. Consequently, the amount of carbon sequestered by each tree totals 9.37 kg, resulting in a cumulative sequestration of 13,240 kg of carbon for the entire park.This provides a measure of the project's contribution to mitigating climate change.

Plantation has helped in protected watersheds, maintain soil stability, and ensure a sustainable supply of clean water around the park. It has helped in improving air quality in surrounding areas and by reducing air pollution and providing shade to mitigate the urban heat island effect.

• Appointment of Security Guard and 3 caretakers.
• Security Cabin installed
• Watering, Deweeding, Mulching and Protecting the park from Vandalism.

• Natural Trails developed to enhance educational value.
• Bilingual Signages about local flora and fauna
• Incorporation of 10 field stations
• 10 Outdoor exhibits 

574 participants were engaged in different volunteering activities at the project site.  Local communities were involved in planning, implementation, and management. This fostered a sense of ownership and stewardship among community members, empowering them to take active roles in environmental conservation.

The project provided educational opportunities for both children and adults. We offered hands-on learning experiences through our activity stations, exhibits and signages about the importance of forests, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability, fostering environmental literacy and awareness.

A volunteer base of 76 members from diverse walks of life have now become a strong supporter for Ambivli Biodiversity Park. The project provided rare volunteering opportunities which is otherwise unheard in Mumbai. We are helping in enhancing the scientific acumen in common citizens, thus creating new citizen scientists. We therefore get continued selfless support from these volunteers. They have enhanced our sphere of influence. 

The nursery has successfully nurtured more than 1000 saplings grown from seeds and cuttings available at the site. 

The project has provided employment opportunities to a total of 34 individuals, including four caretakers, 25 laborers, and five vendors, who were engaged at our site. These job opportunities, whether direct or indirect, have had a positive socio-economic impact on the local communities surrounding the project area.