Browsing by Author "Hussain, S.A."

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A study on the resource dependence, human-wildlife conflict and community participation in forest management in Alaknand basin, Uttarakhand.
(wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2018) Manral, Upma; Hussain, S.A.; Badola, Ruchi
Himalayan mountains are highly dynamic systems with both natural and anthropogenic disturbances acting as integral drivers of natural system dynamics in the region. The consequent changes brought into the system determine ecosystem productivity and the flow of ecosystem services to the humans. Any degradation of ecosystem functions and services will increase both the environmental and socioeconomic vulnerability of mountain communities which are highly reliant on natural systems, particularly forests of the area. The objectives of the study were to: a) quantify the extent of extraction of plant resources in different villages located at different elevations; b) assess the availability of major phyto-resources in and around the villages and surrounding forests along elevational gradient in the Alaknanda river basin; c) assess the extent of human-wildlife conflicts affecting the livelihood in the study area; and d) measure the contribution of community forest management practices in livelihoods of local communities. Four hypothesis were framed as: a) patterns of both availability and the extraction of forest resources in the study area xi change along the elevational gradient; b) human–wildlife conflicts negatively impact livelihood generation of affected communities; c) community forest management practices play a role in augmenting livelihood of local communities in the area; and d) better managed forests in an area are the result of community participation in forest management
A study on water bird population and human use of Hokersar and Hygam wetlands of Kashmir valley for conservation planning
(2009) Hamid, Fozia; Hussain, S.A.
The primary focus of this study was to evaluate the landscape composition and describe the floristic communities; assess the waterbird abundance and its spatio-temporal variation. The study also examined the resource dependence of local communities and their conservation attitudes towards these wetlands. The objectives were set forth: Map the habitat types with respect to water depth and vegetation characteristics of Hokersar and Hygam wetlands of Jammu & Kashmir. Derive spatio-temporal variation in the density and diversity pattern of waterbirds in these wetlands. iv Examine the seasonal pattern of use of these two wetlands by migratory and resident waterbirds. Examine the extent of use of these wetlands by the local people and their perception and attitude towards these wetlands. The field work was done during July to October 2004; mid-winter (December - January, 2004-2005); post-winter/ spring (February - April, 2005); summer (July - August, 2005), from June to October, 2006 and from June to October 2007. A structured questionnaire was designed and employed to obtain information on socio-economic parameters and vi dependence on wetland resources. The findings of this study indicate a difference in landscape structure between two wetlands. The pattern of land use - land cover between two landscapes shows that the extent of marshy areas was more in Hokersar wetland landscape (35.65%) than Hygam landscape (22.26%).
A study people – Protected Area interface at Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2014) Leima, Sanggai; Badola, Ruchi; Hussain, S.A.
Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) is the only natural home of the remnant population of endangered brow antlered deer or Sangai whose habitat is the phumdi- a unique part of the habitat of KLNP. It is a floating mass of entangled vegetation formed by the accumulation of organic debris and biomass with soil particles. It covers approximately two thirds of the area of the park and the thickness varies from a few centimeters to about two meters. However, due to illegal exploitation of resources from the park in the form of vegetable and fuelwood collection, the park is facing consistent anthropogenic pressures which are posing a threat to the habitat of Sangai. A need arises to understand local people’s dependence on the park as well as their perceptions and attitudes in order to devise management strategies to solve parkpeople conflicts. Thus, the main objectives of the present study were to (a) examine the socioeconomic and demographic conditions of the villagers around KLNP, (b) quantify the resources extracted from the park and its contribution to the livelihoods of the local people, (c) assess the impacts of anthropogenic activities on the wildlife habitat, (d) examine the conservation awareness and attitudes of people towards the park and alternative livelihood options and (e) to assess the economic value of the park in terms of recreation for the conservation of Sangai and KLNP.
An Assessment of Recreational Value of Periyar Tiger Reserve and the Distribution of Tourism Income Among Stakeholders
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Sebastian, Subish; Badola, Ruchi; Hussain, S.A.; Uniyal, V.K.
Protected Areas (PA) are cornerstone for biodiversity conservation and their role in maintaining flow of ecosystem goods and services is now being acknowledged. But it is difficult to justify their creation when demand for employment, infrastructure increases, and thus government may take decision looking at the short term economic prosperity. When economic wealth generated through development activity and compared to the income generated from P A, the former does over shadow the income generated from P A conservation. But in doing so, the other benefits of conservation remain unaccounted. These benefits range from provision of fuel, fodder, food, to local communities at local scale, and provision of clean water, air purification, and aesthetic and bequest value at regional or larger spatial scales. Accounting of the services such as recreational value provided by the P A can help generate support for conservation at all spatial scales. The Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) is a popular tourist destination visited by the people by national and international tourists. Ecotourism programs are implemented in PTR as an integrated conservation and development project for sustainable development of local communities, and to create awareness as well as to promote conservation. The success of this program can be largely attributed to its charismatic flagships species and its unique water safari where tourists can enjoy the wildlife in scenic background on either side of the Periyar Lake. Encouraged by the success of tourism, more and more communities have enrolled themselves in different activities which are either directly or indirectly connected with tourism. Being the most visited and popular P A, it becomes imperative to explore the recreational value of the PTR. Also, since local communities living in and around PTR are traditionally dependent on the reserve's resources and are being involved in ecotourism activities, it is essential to assess the distribution of ecotourism benefits stakeholders. It is well known that support for conservation can be generated if the communities are obtaining benefits from conservation linked tourism. But the monetary leakages in community based tourism or ecotourism often undermine the support for conservation. Thus, PTR being an ecotourism site, it is crucial to know the monetary leakages occurring onsite in PTR and how this revenue related linkages and leakages mould the attitude of stakeholder towards biodiversity conservation? The recreational value of PTR was calculated using the Zonal Travel Cost Method. This method helps to derive the demand function for the site. Questionnaire survey was carried out to know the socio-economic status, the monetary flow in the household; examine people attitude towards PTR. One hundred twenty five in-depth interviews were conducted among eight major stakeholders whose dependency on tourism was very high. For assessing the best existing model which underlines the principles of ecotourism, the tourism was classified into three kinds, first one Tourism run by private party, secondly Tourism run by local community, and finally Tourism run by Periyar Tiger Reserve's EDCs. The recreational value of the reserve was estimated as Rs. 44176299.32. With the cost per visitor being Rs. 63.56 the consumers' surplus was large, showing the willingness of visitors to pay for wildlife recreation. The socio economic study reveals that the 'Tourism Programs' run by EDCs are the best models providing 100% share to local communities, followed by the home stays run by local communities. Monetary leakages were highest in case of resorts (82%), followed by 20% leakages from home stay, while no leakage was observed at EDC. The leakage of 200/0 is due to the link with foreign players like tour operators and other resorts who market their products. Even though resorts that the private player run programs claim as ecotourism, only 14.9% of share goes to the local community. The results obtained indicate that the conservation attitudes are not influenced by income class, education, gender and age of the respondents. Attitude of local community is highly Positive towards forest and wildlife conservation, which can be attributed to the benefit sharing approach developed by Forest Department. The findings indicate that the participatory approach and benefit sharing are good means to promote sustainable use of natural resources. High consumer surplus for visits to PTR suggests that recreational value of PTR is higher than the current expenditure by the people. Thus, there is a poss~bi1ity of increasing the ecotourism. fee, which would contribute to higher turnover for the forest department. Tourism income is not equitably distributed among stakeholders. The percent of locals employed in profitable ecotourism ventures was less, resulting in 82% monetary leakages. Support for conservation is very high among all stakeholders in PTR but this scenario or this state can't be clearly attributed to the benefits derived from the tourism. Forest department play a major role in creating awareness. Conflict among stakeholder group about the revenue sharing and the mode of aggressive marketing does not affect their perception about wildlife. Occupation does not affect the attitude of stakeholders. Benefits derived from tourism lead to positive attitude of local communities and enhance conservation support among local communities. Higher employment of locals in the resorts, massaging parlours and as taxi and tour operators would lead to sustainability of ecotourism in PTR. Capacity building and financial assistance to the locals would enhance local employment and minimize monetary leakages and thus increase benefits to the locals.
Assessment of amphibians and reptilian diversity along Ganga river : progress report
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Das, Abhijit; Hussain, S.A.; Johnson, J.A.; Boruah, Bitupan
In the present study an attempt has been made to survey the herpetofaunal diversity along Ganga River. The objectives of the study are to determine the species richness and diversity of herpetofauna along Ganga and Alaknanda river ii. To map the distribution of herpetofaunal species along Ganga and Alaknanda river iii. To study the reproductive biology of threatened amphibian species of the Ganga River Basin
Assessment of genetic variation in Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor)
(wildlife Institute of India, 2014) Gupta, Sandeep Kumar; Hussain, S.A.
This study is focused on the examination of intra and inter-species genetic variation among Indian sambar (R. u. unicolor) populations using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA markers. Sequence variation in a partial fragment of mtDNA control region was examined from the biological samples collected from Western Ghats, Deccan Peninsula, Semi-arid and Gangetic plains. It is also essential to know the phylogenetic variations (if any) among sambar population in India for identification of population(s) for proper conservation management. Therefore, the following objectives were set forth: (a) to examine the intra-species relationship among sambar populations across various biogeographic zones in India, (b) to study the molecular systematic of sambar in order to understand its phylogenetic structure and its relationships with other cervids; and (c) to examine the genetic diversity and gene flow pattern among sambar populations. The key research questions were (a) is there any variation in phylogenic position of sambar across biogeographic zones of India? (b) what is the precise phylogenic position of sambar with respect to other cervids? (c) does the population genetic structure of sambar differ across biogeographic zones of India? and (d) what is the status of gene flow in sambar across biogeographic zones? In this study, one ancient evolutionary significant unit (ESU) of sambar was identified from Western Ghats.
Assessment of minimum water flora requirements of Chambal river in the context of Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) and Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) conservation : study report
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2011) Hussain, S.A.; Sharma, R.K.; Dasgupta, Niladri; Raha, Angshuman
Assessment of provisioning service and the recreational value of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) Pariva; Hussain, S.A.; Badola, Ruchi
The ecological services and the natural capital stocks that produce them are critical to the functioning of the earth’s life-support system. Because of the direct use of the structural value provided by natural ecosystems and in most cases of free access to such ecosystems they are under heavy utilization pressure. The harmful effects of degrading ecosystem services are being disproportionately borne by the poor and are contributing to the growing economic inequities as well as environmental hazards to which the poor are the most vulnerable. Present work aimed to understand the status of the provisioning and recreational services of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR) and their contribution in securing wellbeing of local communities. The study was carried out with five objectives: (a) assess the socioeconomic status of local communities in NDBR, (b) quantify the provisioning services of the Reserve in terms of resource extraction, (c) estimate the recreational and religious value of the Reserve and its contribution to local livelihoods, (d) assess the extent of human-wildlife conflicts in the Reserve; and to (e) examine the attitude of local communities towards the conservation of the Reserve.
Assessment of water quality and biomass productivity of the tropical floating meadows of Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2014) Chongpi, Tuboi; Hussain, S.A.
Wetlands represent the aquatic edge of many terrestrial plants and animals; they also represent the terrestrial edge of many aquatic plants and animals. They are fast becoming a focus for research, management, and restoration activities because of high biodiversity, productivity and for their well-documented ecosystem service values. Wetlands with floating meadows largely occur in temperate and tropical freshwater wetlands throughout the world. In India, they occur in floodplains of Northeast India, particularly in Loktak Lake of Manipur valley. The Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) located in the southern part of the Loktak Lake, with its characteristic floating meadows is the only natural habitat of the Manipur’s brow antlered deer Rucervus eldii eldii locally called the Sangai which is perhaps the most threatened deer species in India. These meadows, locally called phumdis, are a heterogeneous mass of soil, vegetation and organic matter in various stages of decomposition which occur in different thickness ranging from a few centimeters to about 2.5 m. With the construction of Ithai Barrage on Imphal River, the floating meadows, which used to settle during the lean season and get replenished with soil and nourishment, are now continuously floating, resulting in their thinning and thereby threatening the existence of Sangai. The floating meadows also provide a biological sink for the key nutrients and govern the water and nutrient dynamics of this Lake ecosystem. The need to study the ecology of the floating meadows and the role it plays is therefore immensely important for the conservation of the endangered Sangai. The major objectives of the proposed study were to; (a) examine the ecological conditions of the KLNP in terms of water quality and nutrient status (b) derive the species richness and plant community composition of the Park and, (c) to quantify the pattern of biomass production by the floating meadows and its utilization by Sangai and Hog deer
Conservation ecology of sangai and its wetland habitat : study report - Volume II
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Badola, R.; Hussain, S.A.
Dead Wood, Wildlife and Protected Area Management A Study on the Extent of Use of Dead Wood by Wildlife in Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala, India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2003) Susaant; Hussain, S.A.
Dying, dead, and down trees form an integral component of forest ecosystems. They not only serve as critical microhabitats for many species, but also they are large reservoirs of organic matter and hence play a pivotal role in nutrient cycling. There are whole groups of organisms, which use and need dead wood for their survival in any forest ecosystem, ranging from conspicuous, well-known creatures like flying squirrels and owls to large numbers of invertebrates, fungi, lichens, mosses, and vascular plants. And not only these, there are microorganisms that exploit the pool of organic matter and nutrients deposited in the woody debris on the forest floor. Thus it becomes crucial to examine and study the wildlife use aspect of dead wood. In recent years, the subject of 'decaying wood' has become a major . conservation issue in managed forest ecosystems. This holds true for the Indian scenario as well, where disappearing forests and their far reaching consequences are a major focus of concern. The situation worsens in areas where extraction of different forms of dead wood from the existing forested areas . by local communities living in the vicinity goes unabated. Critical ecosystem functions of dead wood, coupled with incomplete knowledge for management, make the topic of decaying wood a priority for future research and adaptive management. Unfortunately, there is scanty work done in India on this issue. This short-term study was conducted in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala, from December 2002 to April 2003. The study focused primarily on following objectives: 1) To quantify the abundance of different types of dead wood in different forest/habitat types. 2) To relate dead wood abundance to live tree abundance. 3) To quantify the extent of use of dead wood by different vertebrate taxa particularly by reptiles, birds and mammals. An initial period of 15 days was spent in field for reconnaissance during which two different types of forests, namely Semi evergreen forest and moist deciduous forest were identified. Six areas were chosen in the forests around Edappalayam and Mullakudy such that each area had adjacent patches of semi evergreen forest and moist deciduous forest. The rationale behind this was that the disturbance levels in both the forest types within each of , the areas would be nearly equal. Three areas were categorized as disturbed and the rest three as undisturbed based on movement of people through these areas. After few trials 30 x 30 m plots were used in conjunction with short transects across the width of each forest patch to sample for different dead wood densities. In total 54 ha area was sampled in Semi Evergreen and Moist Deciduous Forests which is ca. 0.55 percent of the total range area. Tree densities were also estimated in the forest patches to relate with dead wood abundance. In the lake habitat eight stretches of 1 km each, with a gap of 0.5 km between successive stretches, were chosen for counting number of dead wood in water as well as shores in the high and low water level seasons.
Demographic status and genetic variation of sangai in in Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2012) Angom, Sangeeta; Hussain, S.A.
The present study was intended to improve upon the existing ecological and genetic knowledge base of the severely fragmented and isolated population of sangai in the Keibul Lamjao National Park. The major objectives of the study were to estimate the abundance and demographic parameters of sangai and the associated cervids in the Park and to assess the genetic variability using mtDNA (cytochrome b and control region) genes and polymorphic microsatellite markers so as to develop appropriate measures for the conservation of this endangered species. The demographic status of sangai and hog deer in Keibul Lamjao National Park was determined by conducting the population estimation exercise during 2006 - 2008 using point count method. Deers were counted from eighteen bamboo machans and four observation points.
Density Distribution and Factors Influencing Sea Stars in Selected Islands of Lakshadweep India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Jayaram, Sharmila; Hussain, S.A.; Gopi, G.V.; Apte, Deepak
Coral reefs are the most fragile, complex and diverse ecosystem on earth. But recently, they arc under severe threat due to both natural (climate change, storms and disease outbreaks) and anthropogenic factors (overexploitation, coastal developmental activities and pollution). As evident from earlier studies, a major factor causing degradation of coral reefs is due to an asteroid species belonging to phylum Echinodermata which is considered second to storm damage. Thus to analyze the condition in Lakshadweep Islands I assessed the density of asteroids in four Islands of Lakshadweep. It was found that the five species detected belonging to three families (Oreasteridae, Linckiidae and Acanthasteridae) were having varied density across the four islands. Overall density estimates of the asteroids ranged from 0.05(S.E = 0.02) to 0.80(S.E = 0.09) per 250 square meter. The asteroid density was highest in the uninhabited Island named Bangaram. Correspondence Analysis (CCA) showed that major gradients in environmental variables influenced asteroid species distribution. Sample scores on ordination ' axis 1 were strongly correlated with water pH, water depth and dead coral. Out of the three strongly correlated environmental variables pH was found to be the most ecologically important variable that affects the asteroid distribution. Corallivorous asteroid population outbreaks are becoming a boon to the coral reef ecosystem all over the world and contribution of water pH variation of this outbreaks are being studied well. Thus management strategies in Lakshadweep Islands that 'accounts the variation of water pH are required to conserve the coral reef ecosystem.
Diversity and abundance of birds in disturbed and undisturbed wetlands of Manipur river basin
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2017) Sharma, Sijagurumanyum Rohikanta; Hussain, S.A.; Nair, Manoj V.; Tuboi, Chongpi
The Northeast (NE) Indian region is one of the hotspot of Indo Malayan biodiversity that remains largely unexplored. For this study, two wetlands in the NE Indian region of Manipur, viz Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) and Pumlen pat (PP) were selected as the study site. Diversity and abundance of bird species in the region were assessed because of their prominence in the landscape. Conservation measures are needed for both the sites In tenns of these threatened bird species. Site-specific management strategies need to be incorporated in the management plan for the management of the isolated local populations of Black-breasted Parrotbill and Yellow-breasted Bunting in the undisturbed site (KLNP). Whereas some legal conservation measure is needed for conserving threatened grassland birds in the disturbed site (PP). It is also mandatory to monitor the population of Yellow-breasted Bunting population discovered from both the sites.
Eco toxicological and Spatial risk assessment of estrogenic endocrine disrupting compounds in Middle Ganga
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Shah, Ruchika; Talukdar, Gautam; Hussain, S.A.
Chemical pollution threatens 60% of marine mammals, making it the second most significant threat to marine biodiversity. However, this alarming figure highlights the even greater risks faced by freshwater ecosystems, where biodiversity declines are happening at a faster rate than in marine environments. Freshwater ecosystems are especially vulnerable to the impacts of chemical pollution due to their limited water volume and flow, which reduces the dilution of contaminants. Their close proximity to pollution sources—such as agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and urban waste intensifies this exposure. Furthermore, restricted natural flushing and water exchange, along with nutrient loading and additional stressors like habitat degradation and invasive species, further amplify the impacts of pollution on freshwater biodiversity. The Middle Ganga Reach (MGR), along the state of Uttar Pradesh, serves as an important habitat for endangered riverine mammals, yet faces intensified challenges to habitat suitability for these species due to various anthropogenic pressures, including EDC pollution from both point and non-point sources. Although research on e-EDCs in the river has progressed over the years, the spatiotemporal data remains incomplete and fragmented, particularly lacking in detailed characterization of point source contamination. This is a significant gap in our understanding of current risks and may result in inadequately informed and insufficient conservation efforts The objective of this thesis research was to investigate (a) the spatiotemporal distribution and load of e-E-EDCs in drains effluents and MGR (b) investigate and assess the estrogenic potential and ecological risk of selected e-EDCs to aquatic life, (c) identify high-risk zones spatially in river, and (d) assess the bioaccumulation potential of e-EEDCs in the prey species of the Gangetic dolphin, quantify the associated ecological risks, and identify suitable biomonitors for evaluating e-EDCs exposure in the MGR. The study also proposes a monitoring framework to provide guidance on monitoring and assessment of chemical contamination in Gangetic dolphin and habitats.
Ecology of otters in Corbett Tiger Reserve.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2008) Nawab, Asghar; Hussain, S.A.
Otters are obligately tied to aquatic environments and are recognized as one of the top predators in the freshwater systems. Major threats to otter survival are the loss of wetland habitats, reduction in prey biomass and pollution. Developmental projects such as dams and barrages, and aquaculture activities have taken their toll on wetlands and consequently on the otters. Poaching, however, remains a major threat to their survival. The study was envisaged to appraise the impacts of making of dams on the ecology of otters in Corbett Tiger Reserve, since it is believed that the habitat of otters got fragmented due to the creation of a dam on the Ramganga River under the Kalagarh Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project. It is generally believed that dams affect otter. In the Corbett Tiger reserve both smooth-coated and Eurasian otter have been reported. Our preliminary survey revealed that at the low lying areas such as the Ramganga, Mandal and Palain rivers, smooth-coated otter occurs. This study complies with smooth coated otter limited to the above mentioned areas only and data were collected for winter and summer seasons respectively between 2001 and 2004. The study was conducted with the following objectives: (a) To study the status and distribution pattern of otters in the Corbett Tiger Reserve and the adjacent aquatic ecosystems. (b) To examine the Resource use pattern of otters in relation to habitat and food availability. (c) To study the potential threats to otter populations in the study area.
Effect of habitat characteristics on waterbird diversity along river ganga in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2017) Kumar, Ankit; Gopi, G.V.; Hussain, S.A.
Riverine floodplains are a mosaic of different habitat available in the riverine area. It is extensively used by an array of flora and fauna. It supports a huge biodiversity by providing habitat as a resource to various taxa. Many waterbird species are directly and indirectly dependent on the riverine floodplains and use riverine habitat at a certain stage in their life cycle. The area also supports a high diversity of wintering waterbirds. Migratory bird takes refuge in the area during the severe winter in their native habitat. Habitat-specific species use different types of habitat present in the riverine floodplain. The riverine system also has an intricate relationship with the humans. Since a long time, these habitats are subjected to overexploitation that affects the natural ecological processes and the functioning of river. Degradations of floodplains of the major rivers of the world by alteration of water flow, encroachment in river islands and collection river bed materials, discharge of urban and industrial effluents, are threatening the biodiversity of rivers and their associated wetlands. The effect due to different levels of the disturbance is unknown on the diversity and abundance of waterbirds. On these lines, I conducted my study focused on identifying what are the habitat characteristics which is affecting the abundance and diversity of waterbirds and what are the anthropogenic factors affecting its diversity and abundance. The study was carried out in Allahabad District of Uttar Pradesh. It is known for the confluence of two major rivers of India, river Ganga, and its tributary river Yamuna
Factors Affecting Habitat Selection and Feeding Habits of Smooth Coated Otter (Lutra perspicillata) in Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2001) Anoop, K.R.; Hussain, S.A.
Otters are the top predators of the aquatic ecosystems. Despite their important place in the food web and wide distribution, the knowledge on their ecology is relatively scanty as compared to other carnivores. sediments. nutrients, energy and biota, dams interrupt most of the ecological processes of the river. This includes changes in the fish communities because of changes in water current and depth. The aim of this study was to look at how otters adapted themselves for living in a man modified aquatic system. The factors affecting habitat selection and feeding habits of smooth-coated otter was studied in Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala during November 2000 to April 2001. The importance of different habitat parameters influencing habitat selection was assessed using ordination technique. The food habit was examined by analyzing the spraints (scats) using both frequency of occurrence and score-bulk estimate methods. The habitat of the animal was visualized as a multidimensional space in which the animal selected a few combinations of parameters./Foraging sites with high densities of fish, areas that offer den sites. The signs that the animal leaves on the banks while using an area were identified as -holts, communal spraint sites, grooming sites and footprints. Presence of these signs were considered as sure indicators of intensive use of an area by the otters. Subsequently, 96 random plots of 250 x 10m (2.5 km2 area) were placed along the banks 'of the reservoir and each plot was characterized by means of 17 habitat variables. Of these variables, three viz. water depth, distance to vegetation cover (escape cover) and numbers of streams joining the lake were outside of the plot. Each of such plots was accordingly assigned to the category of either used or unused by the animal based on the presence or absence of evidences in the plots.The complex data collected from the plots was reduced to three uncorrelated axes using Principal Components Analysis sacrificing 300/0 of the variability of the system the plots had a position, which characterized them in terms of variety and variability. Then each of the plots was marked as either used or unused based on the evidences found in the plot. It was found in the newly created three-dimensional space, the used and unused areas were segregated in distinct regions. The coordinates of the used plots indicated that the otters selected less rocky areas of the shallower parts of lake, which are narrower and slanting. The number of streams joining these areas was more than other stretches of the lake and the vegetation on the banks was dense. The otters did not use the deeper and wider areas of the lake. Other unused areas were steep and rocky parts of the reservoir where no streams joined. The higher fish congregation in the areas of mouths of streams must be the reason why otters' used those areas more in comparison to other areas. The low water depth made the dives of otters in these areas more effective while foraging. The thick vegetation cover of the banks provided them shelter and narrower areas helped them in patch fishing i.e. reducing the chance of fish to escape by forming an arch around the shoals of fish. Mann - Whitney 'U' Test, confirmed this observed pattern.Then a logistic regression model was developed using animal presence I absence as the dependent variable and the habitat variables as covariates. The model selected only rockiness and number of streams from the complex set of variables to predict the probabilities of otter presence in each of the 94 plots chosen for characterizing the otter habitats. Out of the 70 plots, which showed positive signs of otters, 95.71 % were classified in the region of higher probability of occurrence. But out of the 24 plots, which showed no signs of otter occurrence, only 54.17% were correctly classified in the region of lower probability of occurrence. This shows that some of the areas, which showed no signs of otter presence, were potential areas but at the time of this study they were not using these areas for unknown reasons. This may also be due to the inherent problems of using spraints and tracks to assess the degree of use of an area by otters. Feeding habits of otter were studied by analyzing 94 spraints collected from around the Periyar lake. Prey remains were identified using standard references prepared with identified body parts for 12 fish species that were collected during the study period. Two methods were used to estimate the proportions of different prey items consumed viz. frequency of occurrence method and score-bulk estimate method. The former method takes into account the presence or absence of prey items with no consideration of its quantity whereas the later includes the quantity of each of the prey item consumed, by including proportion of each prey item in the spraint and total weight of the spraint. It was observed that in the frequency of occurrence method the major prey items were under estimated and minor items were over estimated, as it did not take into consideration, the proportion of each item individual The number of prey items in a spraint varied between 1 and 7 in a single scat, the average in lower water levels in the reservoir (December, January and February) being 3.21 (varied between 1 and 5) and during higher water levels (March and April) it was 2.73 (varied between 1 and 7). Fish was the major prey item (96.02%), followed by frogs - --(l.08%), crabs (l.07%), birds (1.07%) and insects (0.76%). During the study period. remains of six fish species were found in the spraints.Among these, Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) was the major prey of otter (51.54% of the total diet) followed by catfish (Heteropneustes tossilis), which formed 21.27 % of the diet, curmuca barb Gonoproktopetrus curmuca; 12.37%) and European carp (Cyprinus caprio; 9.16%). A linear relationship was stablished between the total length of the fish and the length of the vertebrae. For this purpose a total of 43 fish belonging to different size classes were used and 215 measurements of vertebrae were taken. From the scat of otters, vertebrae were sorted out and lengths of the corresponding fish were found out. Otters seemed to be consistently taking more fish of size 8.0 cm to 15.0 cm (29% each), followed by 5.0 cm to 8.0 cm class (23.70/0) and 14.0 to 17.0 cm class (14.4%). Attempt to quantify fish availability in the lake to determine the preference failed because of the hindrance caused by submerged tree stumps that damaged the fishing nets. From this study it was concluded that the otters in Periyar lake have adapted to a man modified condition utilizing most common exotic fish species of the lake and selecting those stretches of the lake where the physical constraints of diving did not interfere much with their foraging success. They were also tolerant to a great deal of anthropogenic disturbances such as presence of motorboats and humans. This shows the remarkable adaptability of the species. Furthermore 60 % of the diet was found to be comprised of exotic fish. Thus the changes in the natural habitat both in terms of food and shelter has been successfully compensated by adopting alternate means for survival. As the entire catchment of Mullayar and Periyar are well inside the park boundaries, the pollution and anthropogenic disturbances are minimum in the lake. This may be the reason why Periyar is still supporting a healthy population of otters even though they are getting exterminated from many of its former distribution ranges. So the otter population Periyar Tiger Reserve should be considered as a precious possession of the park.
Food habits of sympatric large herbivores in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2023) Devi, Anita; Hussain, S.A.; Badola, Ruchi
This study aims to a. address the welfare state of Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) based on environmental factors and individual-level differences, and b. propose a methodological framework for evaluation and improvement welfare in captive environments. In this chapter, I will set up the context for this study with a brief chronology of our understanding of the origin of animal welfare and the science of zoo biology and their relevance to the Asiatic lion conservation breeding programme (CBP)
Genetic assessment of sambar Rusa unicolor Populations in North-East India : Executive summary
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Gupta, S.K.; Hussain, S.A.; Ghazi, M.Z.U.