Browsing by Author "Das, A."

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A rapid assessment of herpetofaunal diversity in Manas-Bhutan transboundary landscape
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2014) Das, A.; Sharma, P.; Harikrishnan, S.; Ghosh, S.; Nath, A.; Dhar, D.; Mondol, J.; Wangdi, Y.
This report provides a rapid assessment of the herpetofaunal diversity at the World Heritage site Manas which acts as a transboundary complex for a variety of species. The survey was conducted between 16 June 2014-23 June 2014. In Manas National park (MNP), India we surveyed Mathanguri, Doimari, Kuribeel, Uchila, Lotajhar and Bansbari areas and in Royal Manas National Park (RMNP), Bhutan, we surveyed Manas range and Panbang area. We used visual encounter search; opportunistic search and pitfall method to document the diversity of herpetofaunal species. Habitats surveyed include semi-evergreen forest, moist mixed deciduous forest, grassland, wetland and marshy areas. From MNP, we recorded 17 species of amphibians belonging to 13 genera and five families. Record of Feihyla vittatus, Rhacophorus maximus, Rhabdophis himalayanus and Microhyla butleri are significant. From RMNP, we recorded 12 species of amphibians belonging to 10 genera. 31% of all the recorded species from RMNP constitute new report for Bhutan. Among amphibians, Uperodon globulosus and Ingerana borealis are a new addition to Bhutan fauna. Records of Calotes maria, Cnemaspis assamensis, Ptyctolaemus gularis, Varanus salvator from RMNP also adds to new records for Bhutan. Among the recorded species, Python bivittatus and Varanus bengalensis have been accorded the highest legal protection status, under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Naja naja, Ophiophagus hannah and Xenochrophis piscator are listed in Schedule II, while all the other snake species are under Schedule IV of the Act. Of the recorded species Varanua bengalensis, Melanochelys tricarinata are under Appendix I of CITES, Varanus salvator, Python bivittatus, Hardella thurjii, Melanochelys trijuga, Indotestudo elongata, Ophiophagus hannah, are listed in Appendix II of CITES. The only amphibian species Hoplobatrachus tigerinus is under CITES II and Xenochrophis piscator is under Appendix III of CITES.
Ecological Assessment of Siswan Reserve, Punjab
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2017) Bhardwaj, A.K.; Srivastav, A.; Pandav, Bivash; Singh, Pratap; Adhikari, B.S.; Uniyal, V.P.; Badola, R.; Das, A.
This study was undertaken with the following objectives: (i) Generate floral and faunal baseline information. (ii) Understand mutual linkages and issues, between local communities and the reserve (iii) Sensitize the local staff about ecological importance of this area and its attributes rapid surveys were carried out by a team of WII faculty and researchers for various taxa from October 2016 to June 2017. Surveys were carried out for generating information about large mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects and vegetation. To assess peoples perspective concerning the reserve participatory methods of focused group discussions (FGDs), social and resource mapping and time line surveys were undertaken. Visits for various rapid assessments were made more productive by conducting capacity building exercises for department staff simultaneously
Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Tiger Reserves in India: Fifth Cyle : summary report
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2023) Yadav, S.P.; Tiwari, Virendra R.; Mallick, Kaushik; Garawad, R.; Talukdar, Gautam; Sultan, S.; Ansari, N.A.; Banerjee, Kaushik; Das, A.
Spatial ecology of Himalayan Torrent Frog Nanorana vicina (Stolicza, 1872) in response to habitat dynamics : final report
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Das, A.; Nawani, S.
Spatial patterns of stream frogs have crucial implications for population dynamics and distribution that can unveil other key aspects of a species ecology. Movement and associated spatial arrangements can have effect on the fitness of both individuals and populations. Comparatively, less information is available on the ecological traits and life history for most of the streams frogs, thus creating a knowledge gap. To better understand the spatial ecology of Nanoran vicina an obligate stream frog endemic to western Himalayas, we conducted three years (2017 - 2020) study in the Himalayan streams nearby Binog wildlife sanctuary (BWLS) for an average of 63 days. We radio tagged and tracked 16 individuals of N. vicina. Our study observation suggest that the species show high philopatry and less vagility with the highest average movement ranging from 5.9 m to 5.07 m. We have also found that the individuals moved more during monsoon (4.25 m/day) than pre - monsoon (2.99 m/day) and least during post monsoon (1.06 m/day). Our results also suggested that the individuals are mostly confined to the pool section of the stream over other habitats such as cascade, run and riffle. Our study on tadpole of the same genus also revealed the preference of tadpoles in the pool. Mean overwintering tadpole density showed varying diurnal and seasonal patterns in the study pools. The nocturnal density was higher in the modified pools than natural pools during winter, while no differences were found during daytime. This pattern changed in the post winter with high nocturnal density in natural pools. We explored the seasonal resource utilization patterns of the tadpoles using habitat availability and use analyses and the present the key findings. We have also provided a checklist of herpetofaunal diversity recorded and natural history observation in the study areas. Thus, the study portrays important ecological observations on the selected species which can be followed in future to imply proper conservation measures to protect these streams from modifications.