Browsing by Author "Basumatary, Rishi"

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    Golden Langur Distribution, Habitat Selection and Corridor – Connectivity: Assessing Patterns and Addressing Threats
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Basumatary, Rishi; Nath, Anukul; Gopi, G.V.; Chetry, Dilip
    The Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei), is an endangered colobine primate, confined to fragmented forest patches in western Assam, India, and south-central Bhutan. The golden langur has experienced severe habitat loss and fragmentation due to ethnolinguistic and religious conflicts between the late 1980s and late 1990s, followed by developmental activities in western Assam. The primary threat faced by the golden langur in India are the rapid reduction of its natural environment and the fragmentation of its habitat. Factors such as a limited population size, the breakdown of meta-population dynamics, and unique traits of a species often make a population in a fragment more likely to experience local extinction. Due to the significant decline in the range of Golden langur in both Bhutan and India, as well as the ongoing destruction of their habitat in India, it is imperative to safeguard even the smallest local populations. The populations residing in these fragmented Reserved Forests and Proposed Reserved Forests are effectively confined, separated from the primary breeding population, and susceptible to demographic and genetic influences. The objective of this study is to understand the current distribution, suitable habitat, and connectivity of corridors for the severely fragmented southern population of golden langur in India. Additionally, the study aims to examine the specific habitat preferences and demographic patterns of langur groups, as well as evaluate the threats that this fragmented population faces. The study was carried out in nine fragmented forest patches that includes Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS), Community managed RF (CMRF) Reserved Forest (RFs), and Private Rubber Plantations and Adjoining Forests (PRP_AF). In the present study, a total of 123 trails, ranging from 0.4 km to 1.6 km, were walked, covering a total distance of 118.72 kilometers. During these surveys, a total 51 troops (including 8 multi-male multi-female troops and 5 all-male groups), consisting of 499 individuals were encountered. The mean group size and age-sex ratio between different protected regimes that include wildlife sanctuary (WLS), community managed RF (CMRF), reserved forest (RF) and private rubber plantation and adjoining forests (PRP_AF) were compared. The overall mean group size of the langur was 9.78 (± 0.69 SE). Of the total 499 individuals, 13.22 % comprised of adult males, 41.88 % adult females, 16.83 % sub-adults, 10.02 % was juveniles and 18.03 % was infant. The average age-sex ratio of adult males to adult females was 0.287 (± 0.04 SE), juveniles to adult females was 0.224 (± 0.02 SE) and infants to adult females was 0.407 (± 0.04 SE). The infant to female ratio was found higher in wildlife sanctuary as compared to other reserved forests in the study area. The current study revealed that approximately 883 km² of the area is highly suitable for the endangered golden langur. Percent forest cover was found to be the most important variable in determining the probability of occurrence of golden langur in India. The corridor connectivity analysis showed high conductance for corridors namely Bamungaon and Khoragaon RF. Similarly, the connectivity is permeable between Kakoijana and Bamungaon. Other corridors identified in the study are Bhumeshwar Hill, Nakati RF and Kakoijana RF. On the other hand, there is high conductance among corridors of Chakrashila WLS and Nadangiri RF. Additionally, fine scale habitat selection study showed that tree species diversity, canopy cover and food plant density are the key in determining the occurrence of golden langur. In the last six years, a total of 56 mortality and injury incidents were reported from the study area which include 45 deaths and 11 injuries. Electrocution accounted for 29 cases, especially near forest edges, while 21 road accidents occurred mainly on national and state highways, as these roads are broader and have higher traffic volumes compared to village and town roads. Most accidents happened in the corridors between Chakrashila WLS-Nadangiri RF and Kakoijona RF-Bamungaon RF. Specific measures need to be taken to minimize electrocutions and road accidents of golden langur in the region. Mitigation measures like insulating electric lines and road safety protocols such artificial canopy bridges (ACB) and metal animal overpasses (MAOP) are essential for safe and easy movement along these corridors for the golden langur's survival in fragmented habitats
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    Living on the Edge: Assessing spatio-temporal dynamics of Human-Elephant Interactions in Udalguri, Assam
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Sangma, Richard; Ahmad, Arif; Pandey, Ramesh K.; Mittal, Deeraj; George, Aju Mathew; Barman, Deepankar; Basumatary, Rishi; Nigam, Parag; Habib, Bilal; Nath, Anukul; Ahmad, Arif; Pandey, Ramesh K.; Mittal, Dheeraj; George, Aju Mathew; Barman, Deepankar; Basumatary, Rishi; Nigam, Parag; Habib, Bilal; Nath, Anukul
    Landscape transformation due to expanding agriculture and infrastructure in Asia has led to extensive habitat loss and fragmentation for Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), intensifying human-elephant conflict (HEC) across their range. India, home to nearly 60% of the global Asian elephant population, faces a rising conservation challenge as elephants increasingly venture into human-dominated landscapes, resulting in frequent crop raiding, property damage, and casualties on both sides. This study investigates the spatiotemporal dynamics of HEC in Udalguri district, Assam, a critical elephant landscape bordering Bhutan. Using 13 years (2011–2024) of data obtained from forest departments and validated through ground truthing and community interaction. We quantified seasonal trends in human casualties, property damage, crop raiding, and elephant mortality to identify conflict hotspots. A total of 221 human casualties (144 deaths, 77 injuries) and 96 elephant deaths (14.5% due to electrocution) were recorded, with monsoon and post-monsoon showing the highest conflict intensity. Males were disproportionately affected in human casualties and elephant mortality. Crop raiding was most frequent in the post-monsoon, with paddy being the primary target. Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) analyses revealed significant effects of season, crop type, and sex on HEC patterns. Conflict hotspots were concentrated near Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) and Khalingduar Reserved Forest (KRF), highlighting the role of forest edges, paddy fields, and tea estates as high-risk zones. Our findings emphasize the need for adaptive, seasonally informed management strategies that integrate habitat restoration, corridor protection, cross-border coordination, and community-based interventions. Reducing anthropogenic threats, improving compensation schemes, and enhancing early warning systems are critical for fostering coexistence. The study offers a robust empirical foundation for designing region-specific mitigation strategies and reinforces the urgency of transboundary, multi-stakeholder approaches to secure the future of Asian elephants in Northeast India.