Browsing by Author "Mathur, V.B."

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An assessment of human-wildlife interactions in the Indus valley, Ladakh, Trans-Himalayas
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2012) Chandola, Shivani; Mathur, V.B.
The Hemis National Park, in the “Ladakh mountains” Zone 1A, presents such a case of human-wildlife interaction, where the Snow leopard (Panthera uncia) and the Tibetan wolf (Canis lupus chanko) are known to be the major cause of livestock losses to the agro-pastoral communities of this region. On the other hand, the livestock grazing and tourist influx have been cited as challenge for habitat and wildlife conservation. The present study was designed to improve upon the existing knowledge on the human-wildlife interactions in Ladakh. The major objectives of the study were to (i) study the pattern of resource use and its contribution to livelihood of local communities in Trans-Himalayan landscape; (ii) evaluate xi the pattern of conflicts arising from resource use practices by the local communities and its impact on wildlife values; (iii) examine the existing education systems and religio-cultural teachings in their ability to address the conservation issues of the region, and (iv) to examine the existing policy instruments and suggest improvement to minimize such conflicts. The assessment of natural resource dependency and sources of livelihood for the local community residing inside the HNP was carried out during 2005-2006 using data generated through questionnaire surveys, personal observations and secondary sources.
An Ecological assessment of Baan Ganga wetland, Uttaranchal
(Uttaranchal Forest Department and Wildlife Institute of India, 2006) Rawat, G.S.; Pandav, Bivash; Mathur, V.B.; Sankar, K.; Hussain, S.A.; Adhikari, B.S.; Sinha, B.C.; Pandav, Bivash; Sivakumar, K.; Padalia, H.; Chaturvedi, R.K.; Babu, M.M.
An Ecological Survey of Baan Ganga Wetlands in Haridwar Forest Division, Uttaranchal was conducted during January to November 2006 by a team of faculty and researchers from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Dehra Dun. The study components include rapid assessment of the flora, fauna (mammals, birds and fishes), water and soil quality of the area, mapping of the conservation reserve and designing of interpretive facility for the wetland. 2. Baan Ganga wetland represents a remnant Terai habitat in Uttranchal. Occurrence of endangered swamp deer and a variety of floral and faunal communities typical of Terai habitat amidst human dominated landscape warrants careful co-management approach. A total of 178 plant species were recorded from the Baan Ganga wetlands. Of these, 40 species were hydrophytic, 122 species semi-aquatic and 117 mesophytic. Detailed list of the flora along with their habitat and photographic records have been provided. 3. The survey area faces heavy anthropogenic pressures including heavy livestock grazing, fishing, pollution from the untreated sugar mill effluents, cutting and burning of natural vegetation and agricultural encroachment. Despite several pressures the area continues to attract a variety of wetland birds and has tremendous opportunity for developing a popular eco-tourist destination and thereby creating new opportunities in education, recreation, eco-tourism and research in the area. 4. Based on the rapid ecological surveys on various aspects, following major recommendations are given for the conservation and management of the Baan Ganga area: (i) Maintenance of stream flow all through the year (ii) Traditional fishing as in practice at preset may be continued (iii) Initiate a project to promote aquaculture (iv) Initiate conservation awareness programme for the local people especially about the adverse impact of pesticide use in the agriculture fields around the Baan Ganga. There should be a check on the release of effluents from the industries which are located on the upstream areas. Effluents must be treated before releasing into the natural system (v) Maintain heterogeneity in vegetation types. Aquatic weeds are required to be managed properly in year-wise plan. There should not be any construction along the banks of river which will change the hydrological system hence there will be change in the vegetation types. Cattle grazing needs to be regulated and a proper rotational grazing system needs to be implemented in consultation with the local communities (vi) Control of water hyacinth by utilizing this species as a compost / green manure (vii) Regulate exploitation of Phragmites and Typha and (viii) Develop an interpretation centre highlighting the biological and conservation significance of this area for development of eco-tourism.
Application of Geographic Information System(GIS) and Remote Sensing in assessing habitat, resource availability and its management in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1999) Dubey, Yogesh; Mathur, V.B.
The present study attempts to determine the distribution and abundance pattern of ungulate species in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve and to assist in the development of a computerised wildlife database on spatial as well as non spatial attributes, which could be used for conservation monitoring and evaluation as well as to help in resource management planning, With the increasing pressure on forests it has become important to focus the research effort which could eventually lead to a better management of our PAs.
Assessment of cumulative impacts of hydroelectric projects on Aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity in Alaknanda and Bhagirathi basins, Uttarakhand
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2012) Rajvanshi, Asha; Arora, Roshni; Mathur, V.B.; Sivakumar, K.; Sathyakumar, G.S.; Rawat, G.S.; Johnson, J.A.; Ramesh, K.; Dimri, Nandkishor; Maletha, Ajay
Assessment of impacts on wildlife of Kedarnath Musk deer sanctuary due to helicopter services
(WII and Uttarakhand State Forest Department, 2017) Sathyakumar, S.; Bhattacharya, T.; Arya, S.; Iyer, B.; Kumar, Arun; Kumar, A.; Mondal, K.; Umapathy, G.; Mathur, V.B.
The Kedamath shrine is an important and famous Hindu religious site situated at 3 583 m near the source of the Mandakini River in Uttarakhand. For centunes, large numbers of pilgrims visit the shrine in the summer months. The stretch between Gaurikund and Rambara of the pilgrim route passes through the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary (WS). Helicopter services were initiated during 2~07 -08 to ferry pilgrims. In June 2013, devastating flash floods swept through the region, and almost half of the old pilgrim route was damaged, and a new slightly longer route was constructed. After 2013, the number of helicopters operating daily flights to Kedarnath shrine increased dramatically. Some of the local residents raised concerns over the potential impact on wildlife of Kedarnath WS due to high intensity sound produced by the helicopters. Based on the request from Uttarakhand State Forest Department, the Wildlife Institute of India carried out a study to assess the impacts of helicopter flights on wildlife of Kedarnath WS and to suggest mitigation measures. The Mandakini valley was selected as the main study site, where the helicopter flights operate. The adjacent Kaliganga valley, and Shokharakh area were taken as control sites. The sampling was carried out in Mandakini valley in two different study periods - September to December 2015 and April to June 2016; coinciding with the helicopter flying period. Helicopter aviation data and noise levels in different elevation and habitat types were recorded in the Mandakini Valley to detect wildlife species presence, Trails (n=7) and vantage points (n=2) were sampled, and camera traps (11=23) were deployed. Comparative studies on wildlife species presence in Kaliganga Valley and Shokharkh (control sites) were carried out using trail sampling and camera trapping. Fresh faecal samples of wild mammals were collected from Mandakini Valley and the two control sites to analyse the levels of stress hormone using Enzyme Immuno-Assay procedure at the CCMB-LaCONES, Hyderabad. A detailed literature review was carried out on impacts of aircraft flights on wildlife carried out in different parts of the world to understand likely impacts on wildlife and various mitigation measures proposed. The results showed that May is the month when maximum number of flights operated (305/day) in Mandakini Valley followed by June and October, as Sersi helipad is nearest to Kedarnath, the onward journey to Kedarnath from Sersi reached the lowest mean flight height (152.4 ± 6.11 m). Noise levels recorded from six recording sites in Mandakini valley had a mean well above the 50 dB upper noise limit for silence zones. Negative correlation (R2 = 0.33 and 0.25) was observed between flight height and noise level for open coniferous and broadleaved forest. Presence of 20 mammal species (carnivore-8, ungulate-7, primate-2, rodent- 2, lagomorph-l) and five galliformes species (pheasants-3, partridge-2) has been confined from the study area. In. general, the study area is. already exposed to immense anthropogenic pressure (pilgrimage, constructions, etc) It is very difficult to decouple the effects of helicopter flying and other anthropogenic disturbances. Based on the findings of this study and a perusal of published information on Impacts of aircraft flights on wildlife the following conclusions are arrived at: ' I. All the commo~ wildlife species of Kedarnath WS are present in Mandakini valley. The comparison among the photo-capture rates of different wild animals depicts the consistent use of available habitat in the Mandakini valley despite a high level of helicopter operations. 2. Some wildlife species altered their activity pattern to either crepuscular or nocturnal due to the cumulative effects of anthropogenic pressures in this area mostly in the form of pilgrimage and associated human activities. However, in the case of Himalayan monal pheasant, there was a marginal overlap in peak activity period with that of peak helicopter operations. 3. Results of stress hormone studies are in-conclusive due to low sample sizes. However, the results can be used as baseline for future comparative studies on similar investigations pertaining to helicopter flight impacts on wildlife. 4. Taking the above three observations into consideration, it appears that most of the mammals have adapted to the anthropogenic disturbances in Mandakini valley. However, repeated observations in the future would be needed to draw robust conclusions. 5. There is a high negative correlation between flying height and noise levels and the current levels of noise due to anthropogenic activities and helicopter flights. Thus, prescribing a minimal flight height would be useful to reduce the noise levels. 6. Helicopter sorties ranged from 2 to >300 flights per day in Mandakini Valley. Since most of the mammals appear to have adapted to this level of noise, it should not be allowed to go beyond the current levels of helicopter flights. Therefore, efforts has to be made to ensure that the upper limit for number of flights per day does not exceed 300 flights/day. The study recommends the following measures: 1. Restricting helicopter flight heights to at least 600 m (2000 ') with the exception of take-off and landing times. This would help in reducing noise levels in the area. 2. Monitoring the helicopter operations with regard to adherence to the prescribed heights will be required. This could be done using laser distometers or lidar guns or set up an Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. Monitoring of impacts of helicopter flights on wildlife could be carried out on a regular basis (every 3 to 5 years) including stress hormone studies so that a comprehensive database can be developed for rigorous statistical analysis 3. As a long-term measure, passenger ropeway for transportation of pilgrims as educe pilgrim foot falls in the trekking path to the shrine and helicopter services. The passenger ropeway will not require building a motorable road through the Kedarnath WS as all the material and machines required for building ropeway could be transported by air using specialized helicopters.
Biodiversity conservation in Indian Sundarban in the context of anthropogenic pressures and strategies for impact mitigation
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2012) Vyas, Pradeep; Mathur, V.B.
The present study revealed that human-crocodile conflict is a low key affair whereas the information on human-shark conflict is almost non-existent. The data on human crocodile conflict from 1999 to 2009 revealed that a total of 29 persons were attacked by crocodiles, in which 12 people were killed and 13 were seriously injured. A total of 13 crocodile straying incidences were recorded during this period. The analysis of result of human-crocodile conflict reveals that it is restricted to the areas where tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) seed collection is carried out. The tiger prawn seeds are collected mainly by women and children, who wade through water and drag fine net and in the process often become victims of crocodile attacks.
Biogeographical Analysis of Galliformes Distribution in India and Pheasants in the Himalayan Protected Areas
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2007) Jayapal, R.; Sivakumar, K.; Sathyakumar, S; Mathur, V.B.
Capacity Development Needs For Sustainable Management of Marine and Coastal Protected Areas in India: A Cross-sector Assessment
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Khera, Neeraj; Mathur, V.B.; Sivakumar, K.; Yadava, Yugraj; D'Monte Darryl; Warrier, S. Gopikrishna; Dave, Sanjay; Mukherjee, Rajdeep; Hariparkash, Vasanthi
Coastal and Marine Protected Areas in India: Challenges and Way Forward
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Sivakumar, K.; Mathur, V.B.; Pande, Anant
Compendium of Training Courses on Coastal and Marine Biodiversity and Marine Protected Areas in India
(GIZ and Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2014) Mathur, V.B.; Khera, Neeraj; Sivakumar, K.
Facilitating capacity development of individuals and institutions relevant to coastal and marine biodiversity conservation in India, through networking, trainings, and other measures and instruments, is one of the objectives of the ‘Conservation and Sustainable Management of Existing and Potential Coastal and Marine Protected Areas’ (CMPA) project under the Indo-German Biodiversity Programme.
Conserving biodiversity in the Indian Trans-Himalaya: New initiatives of field conservation in Ladakh : a collaborative project of Wildlife Institute of India, US fish and Wildlife Service and International Snow leopard Trust
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2000) Mathur, V.B.; Bhatnagar, Y.V.; Qureshi, Q.; Chundawat, R.S.; Adhikari, B.S.; Rana, B.S.; Kala, C.P.; Uniyal, V.P.; Vasudevan, K.; Choudhury, B.C.; Vijayakumar, S.P.; Singh, Pratap; Jayapal, R.; Wangchuk, Richen; Hussain, S.A.; Singh, R.K.; Jackson, Rodney; McCarthy, Tom
Development of spatial database in Geographical Information System Domain for Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and assessment of land use/land cover changes.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2008) Lal, Panna; Mathur, V.B.; Qureshi, Qamar
The study on “Development of spatial database in Geographical Information System Domain for Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and Assessment of Landuse/Landcover Changes” was carried out between 2001 and 2006. The major objectives of the study were (a) Mapping of major vegetation communities using remotely sensed data, (b) Assessment of changes in landuse/landcover using time series analyses with a focus on areas from which villages have been relocated as part of the ecodevelopment initiative (c) Development of a resource database on ecological and management attributes for management of Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. The study has covered the physical, floral and faunal aspects of Tiger Reserve.
Diversity and rarity in avifaunal assemblages in the western Himalaya: A study of patterns and mechanisms.
(Wildlife Institute of India, 2006) Raza, Rashid H.; Mathur, V.B.; Gaston, Kevin J.
This study focuses on patterns of diversity and rarity in the avifaunalassemblages of the Western Himalaya. It attempts to find patterns at a regional scale using a secondary database and through field studies at landscape scales at two intensive study sites, Kedarnath area and Goriganga valley in Uttaranchal. The study adopts a macroecological approach in arriving at statistical generalizations emerging from the analyses of distribution and abundance patterns of birds along the altitudinal gradient. The study identifies key patterns of composition, species abundances and species diversity seen in the Western Himalayas and attempts to understand some of the mechanisms associated with these patterns.
E-Bird technology for tiger conservation: development and integration of unmanned Aerial vehicles as Surveillance and Monitoring tool for protection of tigers and capacity building of the Frontline staff
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2019) Ramesh, K.; Singh, B.; swan, S.; Krishnakumar, T.; Mondal, T.; Ghosh, R.; Mathur, V.; Verma, N.; Williams, A.C.; Yadav, S.P.; Nayak, A.K.; Mathur, V.B.
Un-manned Aerial Vehicles also known as Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicles (RPAV), have the potential to solve many problems related to wildlife research and conservation. UAVs are small and medium-sized aircraft, which are equipped with advanced electro-optics (EO) such as thermal, night-vision and various other sensors for remote-sensing and surveillance activities. Objectives: The project was conceived as a new initiative, collaboratively by Wildlife Institute of India and National Tiger Conservation Authority in order to (1) integrate Un-manned Aerial Vehicle (UAV or Drone) for surveillance in selected tiger reserves based on pilot testing experience in the reserve, (2) undertake need and feasibility analyses for integration of Drone technology in tiger reserves, (3) map locations of poaching and conflict-prone areas, which would serve as a basis for drone implementation, (4) experiment and implement specialized drone units in a phased manner, and (5) build capacity of frontline staff for integration of drone technology as a part of regular management efforts.
Ecological Effects of road through sensitive habitats implications for wildlife conservation : Executive summary
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2012) Rajvanshi, Asha; Mathur, V.B.; Pragatheesh
Evaluating the outstanding universal value of Western Ghats (Sahyadri sub-cluster), UNESCO World Heritage Site for long term monitoring of Ecosystem Services
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2018) Sharma, Preeti; Nath, Anukul; Joshi, Chitiz; Walawalkar, Surabhi; Ghosh, Sonali; Ben, Clement V,; Mathur, V.B.
UNESCO recognizes Natural World Heritage Sites as areas representing pre-eminent-spots of biodiversity that must be identified, protected and conserved by global community. These sites are selected for their Outstanding Universal Values based on magnitude of biological and cultural significance. Sahyadri sub-cluster is one such site inscribed as a WorId Heritage Site in July 2012 based on the criteria: a) Most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation b) Represents significant on-going ecological and biological processes Sahyadri sub-cluster is one of the most exciting landscape for biologists for being the oldest mountain chains in the country which were once part of Gondwana land. In addition to its unique geological history, the endemicity in northern Western Ghats is exceptional. There are unexplored habitats in this landscape that still remain cryptic to most of us. Although the Western Ghats lay claim to unique landforms, flora and fauna, the hotspot of biodiversity is under threat due to high development pressure and fragmentation of the habitats.The report is an outcome of one-year project conducted in Northern Western Ghats in Sahyadri landscape to look at the Outstanding Universal Values and conduct a landcape level survey to assess the ecosystem services in the region. The various services provided by the ecosystem were taken into consideration for evaluation ranging from provisioning to regulating to cultural services. The idea was to provide a monitoring protocol to the forest department for long term perpetuation of the OUY in the region.
Fourth cycle of Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) of Tiger Reserves in India, 2018
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2019) Mathur, V.B.
Geospatial modelling of ungulate-habitat relationship in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve
(2008) Paliwal, Ambika; Mathur, V.B.
The present study is an amalgamation of ecological theory, scientific technology and modern statistical modeling. It provides a sound basis for effective management of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve TATR including preparation of science based management plans. the study aims to map landuse/landcover patterns and to assess spatial structure and configuration of landscape; structure and composition of vegetation types in landscape; spatial and ecological distribution of ungulate species in response to seasons and management status and habitat suitability and site occupancy using spatially explicit ungulate-habitat model. The study was carried out in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR). It lies in civil district of Chandrapur, eastern edge of Maharashtra. Field work was carried out between February 2005 and January 2007.
Habitat suitability evaluation for leopard (Panthera pardus) using remote sensing and GIS in and around Chitwan National Park, Nepal
(wildlife Institute of India, 2011) Thapa, Tej Bahadur; Mathur, V.B.; Goyal, S.P.
The leopard Panthera pardus is one of the large felid of Asia and Africa that is threatened by habitat loss and direct conflicts with humans. Owing to low population densities and cryptic habits leopard has remained little studied. This study evaluated landscape characteristics; determined distribution and relative abundance of leopards, analyzed diets of leopards and assess the extent, nature of human leopard conflicts and examined habitat use and preference in and around the Chitwan National Park and Buffer Zone (CNPBZ), Nepal. Methodologies used to accomplish these objectives included remote sensing, geographic information system (GIS), ecological field work (line transect sampling for prey, camera trapping for leopard and scat collection), social surveys and lab work for diet determination using micro histological technique. Abundance and density information forms the baseline for conservation planning. Camera-trap surveys were carried out during winter 2008/09 and 2010. This study provided much needed baseline information on habitat characteristics of CNPBZ, abundance of leopard and prey population, feeding ecology and prey selection by leopard, leopard- human conflicts and habitat use of leopards.
Habitat Utilization by Hog Deer (Axis Porcinus) in Relation to other Sympatric Species at Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1999) Biswas, Tanushree; Mathur, V.B.; Sawarkar, V.B.
This study on habitat utilization by hog deer (Axis porcinus) in relation to other sympatric species (chital & rhino) was carried out from December 1998 to April 1999 in Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal, The spatial and seasonal differences in habitat utilization of grasslands by hog deer, chital and rhino were investigated, The study was restricted to various types of grassland s existing within the sanctuary which were broadly stratified into five major types: Pure grassland (natural ), pure grassland (plantation), Savanna grassland (natural) and Savanna grassland ( plantation) and riverine grassland, Different habitat were traversed on riding elephants on selected paths to collect data on animal abundance/hr based on sightings in different habitat types, A total of nine transects were laid in different habitats to quantify availability of habitat parameters and their selection. Dung abundance was quantified using belt transects, at each 100m interval on the transects, The availability and utilization of habitats based on direct and Indirect methods were examined using Neu et al (1974), The results showed that hog deer selected areas with extensive grass cover with structural mosaics of cover and mostly early phenophase as opposed to habitats with low cover values, High abundance of hog deer were found in areas with higher proportion of Imperata cylindrica, Fire or burning of grasslands in combination with rain seemed to influence the overall selection of habitat by hog deer, Cutting of thatch by local people also influenced the habitat use by hog deer, Area preferred by hog deer were found to have high cattle dung density thus showing a very high pressure on areas preferred by hog deer, Interaction with chital seemed to be very low as the areas preferred by hogdeer are avoided by chital, Rhino also showed a similar trend with preference for plantation grassland areas and avoidance for natural grassland, Apart from the effect of these sympatric species directly, habitat use by hog deer seemed to have been influenced by the management steps taken to provide protection to Rhino, Plantation areas raised for the management of rhino were avoided by hog deer.