Browsing by Author "Acharya, Bhaskar B."

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Habitat Occupancy by Wild Ungulates in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1997) Acharya, Bhaskar B.; Sankar, K.
This study on the habitat occupancy by wild ungulates was carried out from November1996 to April 1997 in the Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh. the spatial and seasonal difference in habitat occupancy of the major forest types by the wild ungulates viz. chital (Axis axis), sambar (Cervus unicolor), gaur (Bas gaurus), nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) were assessed. The study area was stratified into three major forest types based on floristics and physiognomy as: Teak dominant forest, Anogeissus boswellia mixed forest and Miscellaneous forest. A total of 12 transects were laid in three forest types. Data was collected on ungulate densities, dung abundance and habitat parameters. The Line transect Method was used for estimating ungulate densities. Dung abundance was quantified using a belt transect, at each 200 m point on the transects. Habitat parameters were also quantified at these points. The relationship between habitat factors and the distribution of ungulates were examined using bivariate and multivariate analyses. The results showed that chital densities were significantly lower in Teak dominant forest type in winter, and in the Anogeissus boswellia mixed forest type in summer. Both Teak and Misellaneous forest types showed greater chital densities in summer than in winter. Sambar densities showed no significant differences between forest types both in winter and in summer. Anogeissus boswellia mixed forest type showed a significant increase in sambar density from winter to summer. Chital dung abundance showed no significant differences between forest types, both in winter and in summer, while sambar dung abundance in the Anogeissus boswellia mixed forest type was significantly higher that, other forest types in both seasons. There were significant seasonal differences in chital dung abundance in all forest types, whereas sambar dung abundance increased only in the miscellaneous forest type.
The feeding ecology of the Dhole or Asiatic Wild Dog (Cuon alpinus) in Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2008) Acharya, Bhaskar B.; Johnsingh, A.J.T.; Sankar, K.
In order to collect basic information on the prey species of dholes, this study aimed to estimate the density, encounter rates, biomass, and the population structure and composition of the major prey species within the study area. Eventually, The objective of this study was to determine the relative proportions of different prey species in diet of dholes, in terms of frequency of occurrences, biomass, and numbers of individuals consumed. The aim was also to study predation by dholes in relation to prey availability and utilization within Pench Tiger Reserve, i.e. to see if dholes killed prey randomly or selected specific kinds of prey. If that was so, the ecological factors intrinsic to that prey which may influence prey selection were assessed.