Browsing by Author "Kolipakam, Vishnupriya"

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A Forked Relationship : Understanding the Acoustic Communication Strategies in Sympatric Drongos
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2019) Lahiri, Sutirtha; Qureshi, Qamar; Kolipakam, Vishnupriya
The competitive exclusion principle states that ecologically similar species cannot co-exist and will either go extinct or develop diverging traits, the concept of environment filtering regards the environment. Patterns of trait divergence vary depending on whether the species occur in sympatry or in allopatry. Sympatry is defined as the co-occurrence of more than one species in the same geographical area with overlapping ranges. If closely related species occur in sympatry, competition is likely to shape divergence in their ecological as well as in the sensory domain, example acoustic signals. Diverse animal taxa employ acoustic signals for a variety of functions including mate choice, species identification, resource defence and other ecological and social functions. The primary aim of an acoustic signal is to efficiently communicate information over relatively long distances. This information, however, is subjected to changes and distortions imposed by the physical structure of the habitat, as well as masking interference from co-occurring signals of other acoustically communicating species. Masking interference by background noise or the simultaneously vocalization of other species- especially ones closely related- incur several disadvantages to the vocalizing individual. Signals with similar features have a high potential of interference for the species vocalizing, as well as for the receiver interpreting it. These disadvantages- or costs- could be the failure to respond to appropriate signals and the unnecessary response to territorial or mating signals not meant for them. However, a number of animals communicate successfully even in noisy and crowded environments, and can locate mates with relatively high success rates. This suggests the presence of powerful strategies to deal with the transmission, detection and recognition of relevant signals. To avoid acoustic competition due to the effect of masking interference, animals partition the acoustic resource in the temporal, spatial and spectral domains. Closely related species tend to be physically and behaviourally more similar than distantly related species, and are likely to possess similar songs and singing behaviour. The relationship between phylogenetic relatedness and trait similarity is investigated by quantifying what is called the ‘phylogenetic signal’- the tendency of related species to resemble each other more than is expected by chance. As a result, acoustic interference is likely to occur more often among closely related species, and they may evolve divergent signals to compensate. Drongos (Dicruridae) are a group of highly vocal passerines known for their vocal plasticity. There is a great extent to which their vocal repertoire can range in terms of diversity and function. Apart from having a wide range of species-specific repertoire, drongos are also mimetic species known to mimic the calls of conspecifics as well as other animals present in their environment. This study, conducted in Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, focused on the four species of sympatric drongos- the Hair-crested Drongo, Lesser Racket-tailed Drongo, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and Bronzed Drongo- and how they partition their acoustic niche. The study also looks into the ecological adaptations to counteract the impact of masking interference by habitat and closely related congeners. Active acoustic recording was done to record the four species of drongos in the study area. Line transects were walked along trails to calculate the density of each drongo species. Passive acoustic recorders were used to study the vocal activity patterns in the drongos. The study found evidence of overlapping acoustic niche between the drongos. However, they were significantly different from each other in the individual acoustic parameters. The drongos also occupied separate height classes, barring the lesser racket-tailed and the greater racket-tailed drongo. However, the drongos did not separate in their vocal activity pattern, suggesting overlap in the diel pattern. The study thus gives insight into the acoustic space of a group of highly versatile bird as well as the strategies they adapt to avoid interfering each other and thus co-exist
Autumn Newsletter
(Wildlife Institute of India, 2024-12-01) Pandav, Bivash; Kolipakam, Vishnupriya
Comparative Analysis of Abundance Estimation Methods for Ungulates Along with their Spatio-Temporal Interaction and Habitat use in Pakke Tiger Reserve, Anunachal Pradesh
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Singh, Tarun; Kolipakam, Vishnupriya; Qureshi, Qamar; Sathyakumar, S.
Abundance estimation and habitat utilization of species are critical for the conservation of any species. The forests of North-Eastern India are challenging due to the low abundance of ungulates, dense undergrowth, and logistic feasibility. In this study, we attempt to use camera trap-based methods (distance sampling and random encounter model) to estimate the abundance and habitat use of five ungulate species in the Pakke Tiger Reserve of western Arunachal Pradesh. This study was conducted from February 2021 to May 2021.This study provides crucial information on abundances and habitat use, which can be used for focussed conservation efforts for ungulates occurring in low densities.
Dietary habits and competitive interactions of scavenging raptors in the Thar desert
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Shukla, Manas; Kher, Varun; Kolipakam, Vishnupriya
Scavenging raptors, especially vultures, play a crucial role in recycling nutrients and curbing pathogen prevalence in an ecosystem. Their populations in the Indian subcontinent have declined substantially in the past few decades, primarily due to the presence of toxic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in livestock carcasses. This problem worsens for vultures in the Thar desert landscapes, where large numbers of migratory vultures visit in the winter months and increase competition for resident vultures, reducing their access to resources in their critical breeding months. Therefore, understanding their dietary dependence on livestock and their interactions with other scavengers is essential for implementing targeted conservation measures. This study examines the dietary and competitive ecology of White-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis), other sympatric vultures, and mammalian scavengers in the Thar Desert, with additional focus on assessing risk from NSAID poisoned livestock carcasses and identifying ecological pressures from carcass use dynamics. For dietary analysis, fecal samples of White-rumped vulture (n = 10) and other migratory vultures (n = 22) of the same foraging guild collected from their identified nesting and roosting sites respectively, and were analysed using DNA metabarcoding to assess dietary composition and overlap. Questionnaires (n = 128) with pastoralists and pharmacy surveys (n = 4) were used to evaluate NSAID usage patterns, along with a geographic hotspot analysis of toxic NSAIDs. Camera traps (n = 34) were opportunistically placed at carcasses to record scavenger presence, feeding time, and aggressive interspecific interactions. Interference and exploitative competition was quantified by developing dominance and efficiency indices, and constructing hierarchies of aggressive dominance and foraging efficiency, followed by the analysis of their ecological predictors using generalised linear models.
Estimating Abundance, Habitat Use, and Acoustic Characteristics of Irrawaddy Dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) in Chilika Lagoon
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Sakshi; Kolipakam, Vishnupriya; Gopi, G.V.
This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the Endangered Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) in Chilika Lagoon, India, through an integrated approach combining visual and acoustic surveys, environmental modelling, and prey availability analysis. Visual line-transect surveys and passive acoustic monitoring (using FPODs) were used to estimate dolphin abundance and explore patterns of habitat use. Dive-time observations revealed that calves and non-calves differ in their diving behavior, with non-calves exhibiting longer and more variable dive durations. Mark-recapture analysis produced corrected abundance estimates ranging from 24 to 32 individuals, with variation influenced by observer mismatches and brief surfacing events. To assess prey availability, catch per unit effort (CPUE) surveys were conducted at 22 sites in collaboration with local fishers. The highest CPUE values were recorded in the high salinity area (Outer channel) and low salinity area (Northern sector), indicating these areas may offer better foraging opportunities. Prey community sampling across 11 sites revealed spatial differences in species richness and evenness, with some locations dominated by a few taxa and others exhibiting high diversity. Richness estimators suggested that the true species count exceeds what was observed, indicating under-sampling in certain areas. Environmental modelling using a negative binomial generalized linear model showed that salinity had a significant negative effect on dolphin acoustic detections, while dissolved oxygen and depth were positively associated but not statistically significant. The frequency ranged from 20 kHz to 200kHz with a median frequency of 98kHz. The interclick interval ranged from 850 millisecond to 1010865 milliseconds with a median of 23605 millisecond. The histogram for ICI displayed a positively skewed distribution, consistent with irregular click trains interspersed with longer pauses. The findings highlight the importance of salinity and prey availability in shaping dolphin distribution in Chilika Lagoon. The results support targeted conservation actions such as regulating freshwater inflow, protecting productive foraging zones, and expanding acoustic monitoring efforts to improve long-term management of this vulnerable population.
Investigating the Social Structure of Female Asiatic Lions
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2019) Borah, Doli; Kolipakam, Vishnupriya; Jhala, Y.V.
In this study the social structure of lion prides in the Gir landscape through behavioural observation discussed. the study was carried out in and around Gir protected area of Gujarat. In India the Gir forest only has the last free ranging population of Asiatic lion.
Journal of Wildlife Science: Pioneering a New Era in Wildlife Research
(Wildlife Institute of India, 2024-02-20) Singh, Mewa; Habib, Bilal; Kolipakam, Vishnupriya
In the ever-evolving landscape of wildlife research, the Journal of Wildlife Science emerges as a beacon of innovation and inclusivity. Over the past few decades, the field of wildlife research has undergone a transformative shift, evolving from mere descriptive accounts and natural history to becoming a hub for question oriented, hypothesis-driven inquiries. While earlier journals in India, such as the Journal of Bombay Natural History Society, Indian Forester, Indian Journal of Forestry, Journal of Threatened Taxa, and Current Science have done a commendable job publishing predominantly descriptive research, the need for a dedicated platform to cater to the growing demands of modern wildlife science has become increasingly evident.
Newsletter Spring 2025
(Wildlife Institute of India, 2025) Tiwari, Virendra R; Pandav, Bivash; Kolipakam, Vishnupriya; Gautam, Ritesh Kumar; Kaur, Amarjeet
Population Status of River Dolphins in India 2021-23
(Wildlife Institute of India, 2025-03-07) Qureshi, Qamar; Kolipakam, Vishnupriya; Wakid, Abdul; Dasgupta, Soumitra; Yadav, S P; Tiwari, Virendra R; Ranjan, Bivash
Relocation and Resilience : A Case Study from Sariska Tiger Reserve
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Abhishek; Baroth, Anju; Kolipakam, Vishnupriya; Qureshi, Qamar
Relocation of villages have implications on socioeconomic status of forest dependent people, however studies have often ignored the well-being of people after relocation. Sariska Tiger Reserve has undertaken relocation as one of its key programmes for biodiversity conservation. In my study I took a field work of analysing the ground realities of relocation in Sariska Tiger Reserve. The objectives of the study suggest: (1) documenting the perception of forest department and communities towards relocation. (2) analysing the resilience of communities in “Relocated” and “To be Relocated” sites. My study includes the use of sociological survey techniques including questionnaire survey, semi-structured interviews, observatory analysis, focused group discussion etc. The study was conducted in two relocated sites (1) Rundh Maujpur (2) Bardod Rundh and future projects villages for relocation Kankwari, Haripura, Lilunda and Kraska. 86 households were surveyed in relocated sites and 96 households were surveyed inside the core zone of Sariska. Results of Resilience have been quantified through abstract and non-abstract measurable. The finding in the study shows that, the influence of local inhabitants on relocation process is very limited. Forest department and local authorities need to retrospect their notion of conservation and rethink their plan for relocation.
Responses of Wild Ungulates to Anthropogenic Pressure and Perception of Local Communities Towards Conservation of Wild Ungulates in Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mizoram India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Chakama, Joonu; Sathyakumar, S.; Kawlni, Lallaianpuii; Kolipakam, Vishnupriya
With the increasing anthropogenic pressures, conservation of ungulates is ever more crucial as they help in maintaining the forest structure. The impact of anthropogenic pressures such as hunting of wild ungulates by local communities in Mizoram, India, is limited and lacks reliable information. This study was conducted in Dampa Tiger Reserve (DTR), Mamit district, Mizoram from January-Mid May, 2021 to quantify the responses of wild ungulates to the anthropogenic pressures, as a measure of conservation efforts. This study focussed on the population and distribution of ungulates in Dampa Tiger Reserve (DTR), Mizoram and assessed how the ungulates responded to human use areas. Stratified systematic sampling was done in an intensive study area (40 km2) to assess the ungulate density, distribution and activity pattern. In addition to that, the perception and attitude of local communities towards wild ungulates were also assessed. Estimates of the distribution, population and activity pattern of ungulates were obtained using single season occupancy model and cameratrap based distance sampling method whereas the local people perception and attitude were analysed based on answers from the semi-structured interview. The study was carried out on the Teirei and Phuldungsei range of the DTR. A total of 40 grids (1 km2 each) were sampled following the above framework. The grids were sampled using Camera-based distance sampling for population estimation in which the cameras were placed at the centroid of the grid. The density of the ungulates in two areas (high and low human use) could not be compared as the anthropogenic disturbance was homogenous throughout the study area. However, the pooled density of wild pig (0.55±0.23) was the highest among the other species, followed by barking deer (0.28±0.06) and sambar (0.20±0.09). The activities of the ungulates were at the peak from the crepuscular period to early morning and late evening. Occupancy pattern showed that barking deer distribution was influenced by the food availability/ground cover including areas near human habitations whereas sambar occurrence was negatively influenced by non-forest and presence of anthropogenic disturbance. Perception survey revealed that villagers showed positive perception towards ungulate conservation, however, in contrast to these responses, conservation practices in DTR by the local communities still lacks as intensive hunting still prevails. This study highlights the impact of anthropogenic pressure towards ungulates and how strengthen management interventions is necessary to ensure the conservation of ungulates in DTR.
Spatial and Temporal Overlap of Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) and Cattle (Bos taurus) and Its Implications for Parasite Burden and Prevalence
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Singh, Surya Pratap; Kawlni, Lallianpui; Kolipakam, Vishnupriya; Sadhu, Ayan
Humans have depended on domesticated animals and plants since the origin of agriculture, and forests and grasslands have provided essential resources such as grazing and forest products. But there is greater overlap today between livestock and wildlife as a result of greater deforestation and growing human activity, and this has implications for the transmission of disease at these interfaces. In this dissertation, the impacts of spatial overlap, environmental variables, and animal behavior are investigated for their influence on patterns and drivers of gastrointestinal parasite load in nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) and cattle, a commensal wild ungulate of the Indian peninsula. During December 2024 to March 2025, the study was conducted in the Darra enclosure of Mukundra Hill National Park. In addition to spatial information regarding animal locations with respect to villages, water points, and livestock distribution, field measurements were collected on parasitic burden, which was expressed as eggs per gram (EPG) in fecal samples. The research attempted to determine the impacts of spatial overlap among livestock and wildlife and proximity to these attributes on parasite intensity and prevalence. Statistical tests revealed no substantial relationship between the parasitic load of cattle and their proximity to villages or water points, contrary to preliminary hypotheses. All individuals sampled carried high EPG values consistently, revealing an overall parasite burden. Widespread parasite exposure regardless of spatial gradients due to common grazing, minimal pasture rotation, and homogenous environmental conditions are most likely the primary reasons for such a pattern. The research explored whether temporal and spatial coincidences with livestock, in this case cattle, can be channels of parasite transmission for nilgai. The findings indicate that the impact of spatial proximity can be overcome by aggregating at shared resources and chronic exposure to soiled environments and that it consistently yields high infection rates in domestic and wild ungulates. These results underscore the importance of considering environmental context, grazing management, and animal behavior when designing parasite control strategies. Instead of simply considering physical distance to villages or water sources, interventions taking into account pasture management and resource allocation may be more effective. The research presents valuable information for the prevention of disease, management of wildlife, and conservation of India's domestic and wild ungulates.
Spring Newsletter
(Wildlife Institute of India, 2024-04-01) Pandav, Bivash; Kolipakam, Vishnupriya
Summer Newsletter
(2024-08-01) Pandav, Bivash; Kolipakam, Vishnupriya
Unveiling Torputitora presence in Sikkim streams through eDNA
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Mane, S.S.; Pant, B.; Kolipakam, Vishnupriya
Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding was used to detect the presence of Tor putitora (Golden mahseer) in selected streams of Sikkim. Water samples were collected from six sites based on habitat characteristics conducive to the species survival. The collection of samples was followed by filtration of water samples, isolation of the DNA, PCR and sequencing targeting the COI region were conducted under aseptic conditions. The results confirmed Tor putitora presence at two locations (BR-06 and BR-08) with high certainty (>99%) aligning with previous studies on tis distribution in Sikkim. These results indicate that these streams serve as habitats for Tor putitora. These findings highlight the potential of these streams to support mahseer populations, reinforcing the need for conservation efforts to protect these critical habitats from ecological threats like ecological pressures, including hydropower and linear infrastructure development. This study adds to the expending evidence concerning mahseer distribution in Sikkim and highlights the critical need for conservation initiatives aimed at safeguarding its essential habitats by incorporating appropriate mitigation measures. Continued research and long term monitoring are imperative to evaluate population dynamics and ensure the sustainable management of Tor putitora in the region.
WII Newsletter Monsoon 2023
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2023) Tiwari, Virendra R.; Sinha, Bitapi C.; Kolipakam, Vishnupriya; Shrivastava, K.K.
WII Newsletter Winter 2023
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2023) Tiwari, Virendra R.; Sinha, Bitapi C.; Kolipakam, Vishnupriya; Shrivastava, K.K.
Winter Newsletter
(2024) Pandav, Bivash; Kolipakam, Vishnupriya