Browsing by Author "Johnsingh, A.J.T."

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A Study of Heterospecific Flocking and Nonbreeding Bird Community Structure of Rajaji National Park
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1991) Rai, Nitin D.; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
Many workers have found a direct relationship between bird community structure and vegetation structure. To investigate this and describe the heterospecific flocking behaviour of nonbreeding birds I sampled five habitat types in the Dholkhand range of Rajaji National Park, U.P., India. Inter-habitat differences in flocking and bird community structure were considered. I used the line transect technique to sample bird communities. Mixed species flocks were observed to investigate why birds flock. The guild structure based on diet and foraging strategy showed a marked difference between habitats. Species richness was estimated using rarefaction analysis, a procedure that standardizes the unequal area of the different sites. I used a correlational approach to answer the question – what determines bird species richness ? Foliage height diversity, canopy cover, canopy height, canopy height difference, tree density, tree species numbers and cross sectional area, were used as the vegetation variables. Results indicate that none of the variables have strong predictive value though tree species number which is the only floristic measure of the habitats has a consistent influence independent of sample size. The guild structures suggest that the bird communities vary with floristic aspects, of the habitats. To test my hypothesis that flocking is a response to food availability I related bird densities, which is an indicator of food availability, to flocking tendencies and found a inverse relationship. I also found behavioural evidence to suggest that flocking is also an anti-predatory strategy.
Avian Communities in the Riparian Areas of Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1993) Pai, Ashwini; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
Riparian areas are important as special habitats and corridors for wildlife. However, in India, riparian areas have not been studied to any detail. Also, not much is known about the avifauna of riparian habitats. The vegetation near a riparian area tends to be dense and hence distinct owing to constant availability of water. Riparian areas come under heavy use, both by livestock as well as wild animals because of the presence of water and forage. The avifauna of riparian areas is rich due to its floral complexity and structure and resources like fish and insects. This study quantified bird species diversity, avian guilds and avian community structure found in four riparian areas ( a flood plain, a riparian scrub, a disturbed nulla and an undisturbed nulla) of Bori sanctuary in Central India. The riparian areas were compared with the adjoining deciduous forest for avifaunal differences. Vegetation was studies along the riparian areas and the deciduous forests, using circular plots. Tree and shrub densities, vertical stratification of foliage and species richness were quantified. Line transects were used to estimate bird ,species richness and abundance. Bird species richness was correlated to negative variables for the two seasons. In summer the BSR was highly correlated with CC and in winters with CC. Stepwise multiple regression was used to create a habitat model for BSR in summer and in winter. Community patterns show seasonal change and also respond to structural changes of habitat.
Behavioural ecology of sloth bear in Panna National Park, Central India.
(Wildlife Institute of India, 2005) Yoganand, K.; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
The patterns in daily and seasonal activity of sloth bears in Panna NP were studied and the factors that influenced the patterns were assessed. • Activity states were recorded by manually monitoring radio-tagged, motion-sensor fitted bears, and by deploying automated receiver-recording units that logged the strengths and pulse rates of signals from the bears. Daily and seasonal changes in temperature, relative humidity and other heat indices of the microhabitats used by bears were recorded using temperature and RH loggers. Tiger and human activities were also monitored to assess the influence of these on bear activity patterns. • Bears were found to be essentially nocturnal and crepuscular in activity and they rested during midday. This pattern of activity was similar among all radio collared bears, but with some variability. The differences in diel activity patterns among climatic and fruiting seasons were rather small. In the wet and cold seasons, bears extended their activity into the day hours and reduced their activity in post-midnight, pre-morning hours, as compared to the dry season. • Bears (except the cubbing females) were active almost every day of the year, and for several hours (> 10 hours) each day. Overall, bears were active for 48% to 54% of the whole day (out of 24 h) in all seasons. There were no large differences seen among months in percent of whole day, day time, night time, and morning time the bears were active, but evening time showed large differences. • The differences in activity start and end times among individual bears within seasons were large in certain seasons, and the differences among seasons of a bear were large for certain bears. Bears such as F63, F78 and M69 did not show much difference among seasons, while others such as F76, F80 and M50 showed large differences. Also many bears showed higher variability in cold and wet seasons than in dry season, particularly in activity start times. • Bears started their activity later and ended it earlier in the dry season than the other two climatic seasons. The earliest activity start and latest activity end was in the cold season. The differences among climatic seasons in both timings were statistically significant (ANOVA, α = 0.05). However, when activity start and end times were adjusted for seasonal sunset and sunrise times, the patterns in seasonal differences changed remarkably. 109 Wet season activity start times with reference to sunset were much earlier than the other two seasons, whereas the difference between cold and dry seasons became small. Differences in activity end times after sunrise between cold and the other two seasons too became small. • Escarpment habitat was most frequently used (50% to 85%) for day resting by bears in all months, followed by Lantana shrub thickets (15% to 50%). The use of escarpment was predominant in dry season months and decreased in monsoon and post-monsoon months, with a converse increase in the use of Lantana habitat as day-bed. • The core bears, which had substantial escarpment habitat available within their home ranges, used escarpments for day-resting predominantly in all seasons, and the peripheral bears, which had low escarpment and high Lantana cover available, used these habitats for day-resting variably. Tigers were generally nocturnal and crepuscular in activity during the dry and cold seasons. The activity of tigers peaked during crepuscular times; they predominantly rested during mid-day, and had a reduced level of activity during post-midnight, pre-morning hours. • Diel activity patterns of bears and tigers were similar to a large extent, in the two seasons tigers were monitored. The activity peaks of both species more or less coincided in the mornings and evenings, and high levels of activity of both occurred in night and crepuscular times. • Tiger activity does not seem to influence bear activity timings. The hourly activities of both were strongly positively correlated, even after controlling for temperature, with which bear activity was strongly correlated. • Humans using the forest habitats showed a high level of activity in the morning and evening times, moderate level of activity in the mid-day, early morning and late-evenings, and a low level of activity in the immediate premorning and early night hours. • Human activity overlapped highly with that of bear activity during early morning and evening hours. Overlap period was longer and the activity peaks of both coincided in the evenings of wet and cold seasons. No relationship could be seen between their hourly activities
Birds communities of Lower Dachigam Valley, Kashmir
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1989) Katti, Madhusudan V.; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
This study explores the ' relationship between birds and vegetation in Lower Dachigam Valley in the Kashmir Himalaya. This area falls at the transition between the Palaearctic and Indo-,Malayan biogeographic realms. It is one of the first studies of bird communities in .the Himalaya and one of few in this temperate tropical transition zone. The study 'was 'aimed at testing the following hypotheses: 1. Bird communities differ between vegetation types 2. Community characteristics are related to various habitat factors viz. vegetation height, plant species diversity and food resource diversity. Transect sampling method was employed to obtain information on bird species composition, diversity and density.
Conservation status of fishes in the tributaries of Ramganga with special reference to golden mahseer Tor putitora Hamillton
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2005) Atkore, Vidyadhar Mahadeorao; Sivakumar, K.; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
A common goal in the studies of community ecology is to uncover patterns of species abundance or distribution and determining the factors that are responsible for them. Himalayan waters are unique in the ichthyofaunal diversity. To know what species are here, fish sampling was carried out with help of cast net. Three rivers were identified for the stratified fish sampling. Each river was divided at two hundred meter distance apart. Each segment was sampled thrice though out study period. Morphometric measurements were taken in the field. Habitat parameters were also recorded as on same day of fish sampling. Result shows that MandaI River had .more species richness followed by Khoh and Kolhu. Forty three species belonging to five orders and ten families (four species yet to identify) were recorded in the study river. Of these, approximately 80 % were classified into the rare category. Tor putitora, Garra gotyla Barilius barila, and Scizothorax richardson are listed in the IUCN Red list. However, endangered golden mahseer was one of the commonest fish. The reason could be the preferred spawning habitat ground or abundant food availability. Population estimation was estimated by using Jolly Seber method, resulted high standard error. Low number of recapture sessions could be the reason. Mostly juveniles of 6-10 cm size classes were abundant in all three rivers followed by 11-15 cm group. The total length measured for Golden mahseer varies from 3 cm to 28 cm. The condition factor was calculated based on the available size class. Result showed that 20-25 cm size classes of golden mahseer were in better condition in the Study Rivers. However, condition for size class 0-5 cm fish was better in Kolhu River than others. The 6-10 cm size class, 15-20 cm and 21-25 cm were doing better in the MandaI than two rivers.
Density, Biomass and Habitat Occupancy of Ungulates in Bhadra Tiger Reserve, Karnataka
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2001) Jathanna, Devcharan; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
The distribution and abundance of ungulates prey of tiger were studied in the tropical moist deciduous forest of Bhadra Tiger Reserve, Karnataka from November 2000 to April 2001. The species of interest were chital, sambar, Muntjac and gaur. The line transect method was used to estimate absolute densities of the study species in November 2000. Distribution of the study species was studied using dung as an indicator of occupancy. Logistic regression models was used to examine species presence/absence and habitat parameters.
Distribution and movement patterns of the Himalayan Black Bear (Selenarctos thibetanus Cuvier) in Dachigam National Park, Kashmir
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1989) Saberwal, Vasant; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
This study investigates the distribution patterns of the Himalayan Black Bear (Selenarctos thibetanus) in Dachigam Rational Park, Kashmir. It involved basically two components. (i) looking at the differential usage of different parts of the park by bears over a five month study period. and (ii) the spatio-temporal variation in the distribution and availability of fruit during the study. Dachigam National Park of 141 sq. km ranges in altitude from l800m to 4400m. It is divided into Lower (2& sq km) and Upper (115 sq km) Dachigam. Lower Dachigam (LO) is characterized by a broad valley flanked by steep hillsides. Upper Dchigam (UO) is composed of several gullies separated by fairly steep ridges. The valley vegetation is broad leaved, moist deciduous forest with an unusually high abundance pf fruit species. The slopes on either side are dominated by grass (south facing slopes) or a combination of grass, conifers and shrubs (north facing slopes). The vegetation of Upper Dachigam is mainly composed of coniferous species, with alpine meadows in the higher areas. Transects were walked through Lower Dachigam, considered to have over 90% of the Black Bear population of the park. to record animal locations and signs. especially droppings. 100m segments were marked along these transects and sightings and signs plotted accordingly. These segments were the basis of the habitat mapping exercise. A subjective estimate of the abundance of key fruit species was made for each segment. A phenology study looked at the timing of fruiting of key species. Data analysis shows a good, though not significant correlation between sighting frequencies and fruit availability. However there is strong suggestive evidence to indicate that anilla1 movements are largely Controlled by the spatial distribution and phenological status of five to six key fruit species. The lack of significance is probably due to the small data set. The study indicated the lack of defended territories. Instead, as reported from studies on the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus), there are marked seasonal shifts in the use of the home range. Feeding aggregations of up to 20 bears in one hectare are common. Densities of over 1.5 bears per sq km were recorded in Lower Dachigam at times of high fruit abundance. For two months of the year, May and August, black bears disperse out of the park due to very low food availability. Crop raiding (apple, cherry, and maize) is common at this time. The unusually high abundance levels of fruit in Lower Dachigam (due to oak, walnut, and mulberry plantations, over 70 years old) supports a high density of bears at certain times of the year. However, the lack of sufficient fruit at other times of the year is resulting in increasing levels of conflict with the local human population. Problems of oak and walnut regeneration, and the implications of extremely localized oak distribution are discussed. A more detailed study investigating the problem is suggested.
Ecological separation of four sympatric carnivores in Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1989) Mukherjee, Shomita; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
The study conducted from 5th May 1989 to 9th October 1989 covering summer and monsoon looked at the ecological separation of four sympatric carnivores in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan. The four carnivores were - Jungle cat (Felis chaus), Fishing cat (Felis viverrina), Jackal (Canis aureus) and otter (Dutra perspicillata). Objectives of the study were to determine differences in dietary composition, habitat occupancy and time of activity as well as to tryout methods for studying sympatric lesser carnivores. Five methods were tried out to obtain these Objectives. Line transects and searches during mornings and nights were used to collect data on prey abundance, location of carnivores and their tine of activity. Scats were collected and analyzed to determine dietary composition and see how they differed among jackal, fishing cat and Jungle cat. Otter spraints were not found. The following conclusions are although some amount of overlap is evident an overall difference in habitat use, time of activity and dietary composition is seen. Jackals and Jungle cats are habitat generalists but dietary specialists. "The fishing cat and otter are habitat as well as dietary specialists . Jungle cat and fishhing cat are largely nocturnal Out the Jackal and otter are active throughout the day. Behavioural observations added to the results obtained from the other methods . 100 methods however were found unsuitable for studying lesser carnivores.
Ecology and Management of Lion and ungulate habitats in Gir.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1995) Sharma, Diwakar; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
The Gir is the only refuge of the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) in its range. This implies that long term conservation of the Asiatic lion will remain an overirding management objective. A study on the impacts of management practices on lion and ungulate habitat was conducted in Gir Protected Area (PA) from June 1991 to July 1994. The Gir . PA includes Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. It is situated between 200 55' to 21 0 20 'N and 700 25' to 71 0 15' E in the Southern part of Kathiawar peninsula in western Gujarat. Gir PA (hereafter Gir) is located about 60km South of Junagadh. The area which was .3,107 sq km iIi 1877 (Joshi 1976) has been presently reduced to 1,412 sq km, o~ which about 259 sq Ian is national nark. Gir is the last refuge of the wild Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) and long term conservation of the Asiatic lion is an overriding management objective of Gir. In order to improve habitat conditions in Gir, the park authorities, over the last 20-25 years have made some management interventions such as relocation of some maldharis (local graziers), reduction in livestock grazing (specially migrant livestock during the rainy season) and fire control. These measures have led to vegetational recovery and increase in wild ungulate and lion populations. Understanding this vegetational recovery was thought to be crucial to determine the extent of management intervention required. It also needed to be determined if the trend (especially in the western Gir) was toward a higher woody proportion both at shrub and tree levels, and whether this in long term would adversely affect ' the distribution and abundance of ungulates, and therefore, group hunting by the lions, their pride size and territoriality.
Ecology of the Asiatic Lion Panthera leo persica.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1993) Chellam, Ravi; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
The major objectives of my study were to assess the predation ecology, habitat use and the ranging patterns of the lions in the Gir forest. The ultimate and long term goal of this research effort was to examine the feasibility of a translocation effort in an attempt to establish a free ranging population of lions away from the Gir forest. The ecological data generated a free ranging population of lions away from the Gir forest. The ecological data generated would enable the assessment of prospective translocation sites and insights gained about lion behavoiur. This study was designed to have an extensive scope to generate base line data for planning and management of gir forest and the lions.
Feeding Ecology of Ibex (Capra ibex sibirica) in Pin Valley National Park, Himachal Pradesh.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1997) Manjrekar, Neema; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
The foraging ecology of the Asiatic ibex was studied in Pin Valley National Park Lahul and Spiti District, Himachal Pradesh, between October 1991 and October 1994. The National Park encompasses 675 km2, and has a buffer of 1150 km2. The study area constituted part of the Parahio catchment of the pin Valley. Thango was the base camp for this study. It was a summer settlement of five families from Sagnam, the largest village of Pin Valley. The local people are Buddhists, of Tibetan origin. Apart from cultivating the land adjacent to the villages, in the buffer zone, they use the Park area for cultivation of barley, wheat, peas, mustard, and potatoes. They also graze sheep, goats, yaks, horses and donkeys in the area. Fuel wood, and fodder for stall-feeding, is collected from the Park before winter. Two potential conservation threats to ibex were identified. Firstly, migratory livestock from the neighbouring areas use the area between June and August every year. ' There is no control on the numbers of animals entering the area, and the effects of grazing and trampling need to be quantified.
Feeding ecology of the Himalayan Black Bear Selenarctos thibetanus Cuvier) in Dachigam National Park
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1989) Manjrekar, Neema; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
Scat analysis revealed that twenty-two food items made up the diet of the Himalayan Black Bear (Selenarctos thibetanus Cuvier) in Dachigam National Park, Jammu & Kashmir. from early May to early October 1989. A total of 145 samples (approx 15 for each IS-day period) were analysed using occular separation and separation under a dissection microscope. Over twenty percent of the overall diet by weight was of foliage, 72.4% of fruit and 1.8% of animal matter. Foliage was the major food in the first month (74.7%). and fruit during the rest of the study period (52.9% to 100%). Prunus avium and Morus alba (mulberry) were the major fruits in the diet of June-July, while Quercus robusta (English oak) and Juglans regia (walnut) accounted for a major proportion of the diet in September - early October. Apple orchards and maize fields on the periphery of the park were raided by bears in August. Food items were eaten in proportion to their availability. which was estimated from phenological and density data. These results are consistent with results from studies in the Himalayas (Schaller 1969. Schaller et al. and in North America (Beeman and Pelton 1977. Kelley house Hehr and Brady 1982).
Habitat Ecology of major ungulates in Kedarnath musk deer sanctuary, Western Himalaya.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1994) Sathyakumar, S.; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
Present study on the habitat ecology of major ungulates in Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary "(WS) was conducted from March 1989 to November 1991. The objectives of this study were to de,!elop suitable techniques for estimating ungulate abundance and density; to study their habitat utilization pattems; and to assess the status of ungulates and their habitats in different parts of the Kedarnath WS.
Habitat Selection by Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus linn) in Gir forest, India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1993) Trivedi, Pranav; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
A study on habitat selection by Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) was carried out in Gir National Park and Sanctuary over a period of five months. Open width line transects were laid at three study sites in West, Central and East Gir respectively to obtained information on availabili ty and use of habitats. Three hundred and thirty sightings were obtained in 90 transect walks (totalling to ca 113 km), of which two hundred and fifty occurred in West, and forty each in Central and East Gir. As sampling intensity was the highest in Sasan (West Gir), much of the analyses is based on the data collected here. Peafowl distribution was found to be clumped, with the degree and site of clumping being affected by water and food availability
Habitat selection of birds in New Forest, Dehra Dun, India.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2007) Mohan, Dhananjai; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
The New Forest campus is primarily a man-made ecosystem created in the 1920s mainly to house the Forest Research Institute. Much of the area of what is New Forest today was under agricultural fields till they were acquired in 1920s by the British and there after considerably large areas of this sprawling campus were developed into demonstration forests, gardens, experimental plantations areas, and arboretum by planting them up. In addition, there is a block of natural forest on the northern part of the campus which belongs to 3C2b(i) type (Moist Bhabhar Sal forests). The present study was restricted to ca. 150 ha of wooded part of the 463 ha of the campus. Two hundred and seventy six birds have been reported from the campus till date. The campus is managed through management plans prepared at a ten year cycle. Four distinct vegetation types were identified in the wooded parts of the New Forest campus based on the vegetation composition and structure. These, namely, Chir Pine plantations, Gardens, Mixed plantations and Natural forests were recognized as the four distinct habitats for the birds, the first three being man-made. The bird abundance was estimated by conducting point transects which were done over a two year period from October 2004 to June 2006 and collected habitat structure and composition data by laying out vegetation plots around the point locations for the bird transects (bird centered vegetation sampling). The guild structure of the birds of New Forest was investigated and factors determining it were identified. The seasonal change in guild structures both within and across various habitat types was also looked into. Birds were divided into fifteen fine feeding guilds. A distinct habitat selection by birds was observed amongst the four identified habitats of New Forest as seen from multiple response permutation procedure (MRPP) and hierarchical clustering of sample points in different habitats on the basis of bird composition. The present study shows that despite some degree of biotic pressures, natural forest habitat still possesses the highest bird richness as compared to the well-preserved mature plantations even with mixed crop. It also supports the highest density of birds of all the habitats of New Forest. The highest number of indicator birds has also been reported from this habitat. A large number of biome restricted bird are reported from this habitat which has led to the declaration of New Forest as an Important Bird Area. This habitat which is typical of northern part of Dehradun valley is under great threat in most parts owing to a rapid spread of urbanization and the patch in New Forest may be the only one to provide long term preservation to its typical flora and birds.
Habitat Use by Goral (Nemorhaedus goral bedfordi) in Majhatal Harsang Wildlife Sanctuary Himachal Pradesh, India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1993) Mishra, Charudutt; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
Studied the habitat use pattern of goral (Nemorhaedus goral bedfordi} in Majhatal Harsang Wildlife Sanctuary in the Himalaya to determine its habitat requirements. Of special interest were the roles of forage availability and quality and the antipredator strategy of goral in determining its habitat selection. These factors are of paramount importance in influencing the habitat selection by mountain ungulates. Diet composition of goral in terms of the proportions of graminoids versus browse was determined through pellet analysis. Its escape strategy was determined by direct observation. These results were then related to the actual habitat use patterns, which were determined by obtaining and quantifying locations of goral (n=334) over two seasons, along five monitoring trails. Use of each habitat category was interpreted with respect to its availability. A non-mapping technique was used for determining the availability of each habitat component. I identified nine vegetation types based on physiognomy and floristics. These were: Open Pine Community (OPC), Dense Pine Forest (DPF), Open Oak-Pine Community (OOPC), Dense Oak-Pine Forest (DOPF), Nullah Oak Forest with Low undergrowth (NOFL), Nullah Oak Forest with High undergrowth (NOFH), Euphorbia-Woodfordia-Dodoenia Scrub (EWDS), Open Euphorbia Scrub (OES) and Low Altitude Nullah Forest (LANF). Both forage quality and the antipredator strategy had a profound influence on habitat selection by goral. Goral was a grazer. It was partial to the younger, more nutritive grass phenophases - a prediction that can be made on the basis of its small body size. It preferred open areas with extensive grass cover. Forest cover, along with cliffs, was an important escape area for goral. But it avoided areas with extensive shrub cover. Such areas have little grass. Besides, the shrub cover obstructs visibility and quick movement, and makes the animal vulnerable to predation.
Habitat use by sympatric small carnivore in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, India.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1998) Mukherjee, Shomita; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
The present study on three sympatric carnivores, two felids: jungle cat (Felis chaus), and caracal (Caracal caracal) and one canid, the golden jackal (Canis aureus) aimed at studying their spatio - temporal use of food resources. The hypothesis are as follows : 1) Jungle cat is relatively more eclectic in the kind of habitat it inhabits than the jackal. 2) The felids are mostly nocturnal whereas the jackal is both diurnal and nocturnal ( cathemeral). 3) Diet of the three carnivores differs between seasons. 4) Small mammals «1 kg. body weight) form the major diet of the felids and are taken in proportion to their abundance. 5) Jungle cat and caracal are dietary specialists relative to the jackal. The study was conducted in Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) which is located between 74° 17' to 76° 34'N and 25° 5' to 27° 33' E. STR encompassing an area of BOO km2 has three core areas of which core 1, with an area of 273.B km2 forms. the proposed National Park. This area functioned as the study site and the intensive study area was approximately 30 km2.
Health and Sexual Signals of Male Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus) in Nagarahole National Park, Southern India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1999) Nath, Cheryl; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
Male Asian elephants (Elephas maxim us) were studied at Nagarahole National Park, southern India from November 1998 to May 1999. Information was collected on at least 30 identified individuals for investigation of the possible use of musth and tusk length by males as signals of health and genetic fitness to female elephants. This study followed an earlier study by Watve and Sukumar (1997) which showed a significant negative correlation between tusk lengths and parasite loads in male elephants of the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, southern India. In this project, musth was studied in . addition to tusk length as a possible indicator of good health. It was hypothesised that musth and tusk length in male elephants would be related to better health and body condition and hence could potentially be considered as signals of better genetic quality, within the framework of Zahavi's theory of honest signaling (1975, 1977) and Hamilton and Zuk's theory of heritable true fitness (1982), respectively. The indicators of better health and body condition used were a subjectively scored body condition index (SCI) and a quantitative assessment of intestinal helminth parasite density (parasite load). Individuals were identified by a combination of several physical features, photographic records were obtained for height and tusk length measurement and information was collected on body condition, parasite loads, musth intensity and social interactions. The following interesting results were obtained: 1. Individuals exhibiting signs of early musth had significantly better body conditions and lower parasite loads than individuals exhibiting no signs of musth. 2. Longer tusks were not significantly correlated with better body condition, lower parasite loads or musth in this study.3. Dominance behaviours recorded in dyadic interactions among male elephants indicated that dominance was associated with musth, height of the animal and tusk length in a high percentage of interactions (100%, 89% and 78%, respectively).The significant association between early musth and better body condition as well as between early musth and reduced parasite loads indicates that male elephants may require better health in order to attain musth. Hence musth appears to be a potential honest signal of better than average health, in males which are able to attain this condition. This information may be used by female elephants in choosing mates. Social interactions among males corroborated this speculation by showing that musth and height in male elephants may be important determinants of dominance, which in tum may influence female choice and reproductive success. Limited samples of male-female interactions suggested that females discriminate between different males, and that male-male dominance interactions may influence female choice. However, small sample sizes limited the extent to which these findings could be extrapolated in this and other elephant populations.
Impact of Teak Plantations on Forest Butterfly Communities in Parambikulam, Southern Western Ghats, Kerala
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1997) Nair, Manoj V. ; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
Butterfly communities in natural and man modified habitats were studied at Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala from December 1996 to April 1997 to understand the impact of a long history of habitat conversion on forest butterfly communities. Community attributes were investigated in evergreen and moist deciduous forests (EGF and MOP respectively ,together comprising natural habitats) and a gradient of teak plantations {TKPs} of different ages (14.3tJ,54 and 74 year old TKPs, together comprising altered habitats).
Sexual Segregation in the Nilgiri Tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius)
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1995) Madhusudan, M.D; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
Studied sexual segregation in the Nilgiri tahr Hemitragus hylocrius from November 1994 through April 1995 at Eravikulam National Park, Kerala, India. This Study covered the post-rut phase of the tahr's annual cycle. The objectives of the study were to examine whether sexual segregation exists in the tahr identify modes of segregation, and compare empirical findings with some theoretical hypotheses advanced to explain sexual segregation. I investigated differences in ,the way the sexes occurred in social units, used space, chose forage and budgeted time. Data on group composition and habitat selection were collected and two trails monitored regularly. Availability of forage was quantified in three habitat strata. Differences in dietary quality were estimated with two faecal indices - crude protein and ash. Data on activity budgets were collected from group scans. Throughout the study period, tahr occurred mostly in female groups, bachelor groups, and 1 to a lesser degree, in mixed groups. They showed marked segregation in the use of habitat types. Male groups used the rolling grasslands at the higher elevations intensively, whereas the female groups were distributed in rocky areas dominated by Plebophylllum kunthianum, and in areas of grass interspersed with cliffs. Male and female groups showed distinct differences in their choice of habitat. Males chose areas of high absolute amounts of graminoid forage, whereas females preferred areas of greater security; these were typically areas high slope angles and percent rockiness. - There were no differences in the levels of crude protein and ash in the pellets of male and female tahr. Differences were also found in the time-activity budgets of the sexes. Although all age sex classes spent equal proportions of time feeding, large males spent a greater proportion of their time resting than either small males or females. Females on the other hand, spent a greater proportion of their time moving than did individuals in the two male classes