Browsing by Author "Mondol, Samrat"

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A Conservation Translocation Success Story: Gaur Supplementation in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Kumar, Gorati Arun; Vishwakarma, Ritesh; Bhadari, Bhaskar; Sharma, Gurudatt; Nanda, Rakhi; Verma, Prakash Kumar; Sahay, Anoop; Krishnamoorthy, L.; Sen, S.; Habib, Bilal; Mondol, Samrat; Nigam, Parag
Abundance and social organization of male Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Rajaji Tiger Reserve
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Madhusudanan, Abhimanyu; Pandav, Bivash; Lakshminarayan, N.; Mondol, Samrat
1. Asian Elephants are complex, social, and polygynous mammals living in fission-fusion societies. Male elephants are known to alternate between leading solitary lives, in all-male groups or associating with mixed-sex herds. All-male groups allow younger males to learn from older males, test strengths and spar with their peers. While much work has been done on female Asian elephant societies, studies focused on male association patterns are limited, but gaining importance in the light of human-elephant conflicts. In this study, I estimated the abundance of adult male elephants in a stretch of forest spanning over 40 km along the east bank of the river Ganga in Uttarakhand using a polygon search-based spatially explicit capture recapture (SECR) framework 2. I invested a survey effort of ~3014 km to estimate the abundance of the adult male segment of the population using a capture-recapture framework. Using a combination of morphological features, I identified 34 adult males from 124 elephant sightings. Association patterns of the male elephants, following behavioural sampling approaches were also recorded during the surveys. 3. Adult male elephant density was 0.05 (SE=0.01)/km2, and a derived abundance of 40 (SE=1.4) for the 475 km2 study area. This demonstrates that polygon search-based SECR is an effective approach in estimating elephant abundance.
Assessment of Swamp Deer Habitat in Pilibhit Habitat Block Uttar Pradesh
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Singh, Lovepreet; Mondol, Samrat; Pandav, Bivash
The study was carried out in terai region of Uttar Pradesh covering the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) and those areas of North Kheri Forest Division (NKFD) which fall between Pilibhit TR and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary
Management of habitat, its connectivity and human-large carnivore conflict in Western Terai Arc Landscape (TAL)
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Verma, Nishant; Pandav, Bivash; Mondol, Samrat
A wildlife corridor is an area of habitat that connects wildlife populations otherwise separated by human pressures such as roads, development or logging. Functionally corridors allows for the exchange of individuals between populations, reducing the negative effects of inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity that often occur in isolated populations. The Western Part of the Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) a region listed among the 200 globally important ecoregions for its rich assemblage of large mammals. Over time land modifications for agriculture and anthropogenic disturbances disrupted these connections. Despite this the TAK retains immense conservation value, sustaining two level I Tiger Conservation Units - Rajaji Corbett and Chitwan-Parsa-Valmiki- alongside several level II Units. Recent assessment estimate that about 20,800 sq km of tiger habitat remains on the Indian side of the TAL. The study area of this doctoral research spans the Western Terai Arc landscape and centres around Rajaji National Park encompassing connected forest divisions in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh where it aims at (i) Evaluating corridor use by wildlife in Rajaji National Park and adjoining divisions (2) evaluating the extent and severity of human - large carnivores conflict in the Western TAL and (3) Evaluating existing management practices for large carnivore conservation. Towards evaluating the activity of wildlife and for assessing corridor functionality, systematic sign surveys were carried out in 2022–2023 to identify suitable sampling sites across all corridors, prior to camera-trapping. Transects were walked to record signs such as dung, pugmarks, hoof marks, and scrapes of large mammals. Further, a total of 87 camera traps were deployed in 2022 and 2025, yielding a total of 9,670 trap nights. Sign surveys revealed that leopards and elephants were the most frequently encountered species across both eastern and western corridors. Chillawali–Shiwalik showed extensive elephant signs, confirming its role as an elephant movement pathway. Camera traps recorded 17 species in the forest areas and nine in the corridors, with the highest species richness being recorded in Chillawali-Shiwalik, followed by Chilla-Motichur and Laltappar, and Teenpani. Chillawali-Shiwalik had the highest Relative Abundance Index (RAI) for chital (269.53), followed by Teenpani for wild pig (227.2) and sambar (123.31), whereas Chilla-Motichur and Laltappar exhibited lower RAIs for most species. In contrast, adjacent forest areas exhibited higher RAIs across all species, indicating a preference for less-disturbed habitats. Species exhibited distinct activity patterns between corridors and forest areas. Leopards were uniformly active throughout the day in the forest but showed slightly reduced daytime activity in corridors (Δ = 0.71). Elephants exhibited contrasting activity patterns, with a daytime activity peak in forest ranges and a nighttime peak in corridors (Δ = 0.48). These results highlight both the functionality and challenges of four key wildlife corridors in RNP in maintaining connectivity for species within fragmented habitats. Details of human-wildlife conflict incidents were collected from each of the Forest Divisions of the study area for 12 years (2012-2024). Of this, incident details of attacks on humans were available from 2018 to 2024, while livestock depredation incidents were available from 2003 to 2024. Of the collected data, large carnivore conflict incidents were compiled on the basis of the species of carnivore involved, and the incidents were categorised into attacks on humans and livestock depredation. Species-wise conflict points were extracted, and for each of the species, 5000 random points were then generated in QGIS to act as absence points in the study area. 65 incidents of attacks on humans were due to large carnivores – including tigers (n=29), leopards (n=19), and bears (n=17) (2018 to 2024), and 3,258 incidents of livestock depredation were attributed to large carnivores – including tigers (n=615) and leopards (n=2,635) (2003 to 2024). Human population densities were significantly different for locations of bear and tiger attacks on people and random points, whereas livestock population density was significantly different at locations of human-leopard conflict as compared to random locations. Similarly human population densities significantly varied between locations of livestock depredation by tigers & random non-conflict locations, while both human & livestock population densities were significantly different at locations of livestock depredation by leopards and random locations. Elevation gradient (p<0.01) in the study area was one of the major drivers of human conflict with bears and leopards on humans. Distance to linear infrastructure (p<0.01) and Human Footprint Index (p<0.05) majorly drive leopard attacks on people. Additionally, livestock and human population densities (p<0.05) influence bear and tiger attacks on people. Tiger attacks on humans were also driven by distances to linear infrastructure & Protected Area (p<0.01), and nightlight (p<0.01). Annual precipitation, terrain ruggedness & elevation, distances to linear infrastructure & water, human population density, and Human Footprint Index (p<0.001) are some of the factors that drive livestock depredation by leopards & tigers. The results of this study highlight the variations in trends and drivers of conflict with each large carnivore in the study area, with severe socio-economic and ecological consequences. The evaluation of management practices in the Western Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) was carried out using the Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) framework developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), that have been adapted for the Indian tiger reserves. This framework assesses management performance across six broad elements: context, planning, inputs, processes, outputs, and outcomes, and provides a structured mechanism to identify strengths and gaps in conservation practice. Data was collected from (a) working plans and Tiger Conservation Plans, (b) field records and secondary data, and (c) primary evaluation and scoring. The site-specific scores were aggregated to generate comparative rankings across divisions, and grouped under five major elements (context, planning, input, process, and output). Selected critical indicators were examined individually to highlight specific areas of weakness. Additional parameters relating to habitat degradation, encroachment, invasive species status, and habitat recovery were also scored qualitatively. Scores ranged narrowly from 66.41 (Kalsi) to 68.97 (Dehradun), with Lansdowne (68.75), Rajaji (67.19), and Shivalik (67.17) occupying intermediate positions, indicating moderate but consistent levels of management. Disaggregated analysis revealed variation across the five evaluation elements. Planning (68.52) and Inputs (68.75) received relatively higher scores, reflecting the availability of documented management plans, budget allocations, and staffing provisions (Figure 4.2). By contrast, Processes (65.17) and Outputs (62.92) scored lower, indicating weaknesses in implementation and outcome delivery. Indicator-level analysis pointed to specific areas of weakness, specifically indicators related to control of biotic pressures, stakeholder participation, and conflict mitigation consistently received low scores. These findings reveal that management effectiveness in the western TAL is functional but fragile, characterized by strong planning frameworks but weaker implementation and ecological outcomes. The Western Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) represents one of India’s most critical conservation frontiers where ecological connectivity, large mammal persistence, and human livelihoods intersect. This thesis generates crucial understanding of the interdependence between habitat connectivity, conflict mitigation, and management effectiveness. Fragmentation of corridors intensifies edge effects and human intrusion, which in turn elevates conflict frequency, further complicating management efforts. This study provides several actionable insights for strengthening conservation outcomes in the western TAL, including landscape integration, corridor restoration, conflict mitigation, participatory management, monitoring, and policy mainstreaming.
Meta-population Dynamics of Tiger (Panthera Tigris Tigris) in the Terai-Arc Landscape, India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Biswas, Suvankar; Mondol, Samrat
This thesis focused to add deeper understanding of populations at a large, contiguous landscape Studying the tiger source-sink population dynamics in relation to current habitat scenarios would be crucial to set the site-specific future management strategies for successful tiger conservation mitigation. In this thesis, a combination of intensive field surveys, non-invasive genetic tools and GIS modelling were used to assess the tiger population connectivity across the TAL. More specifically, genetic diversity, population structure, demographic changes, source and sink populations and the habitat features which help to retain such population dynamics were investigated. Objectives: This thesis has three objecives which have formed three separate chapters. i. Population structure and demographic history of tigers in the Terai-Arc landscape, India. ii. Source-sink dynamics of tigers across different protected and nonprotected habitats in the Terai-Arc landscape, India. iii. Assessment of landscape connectivity of tigers in the Terai-Arc landscape, India.
Movement Ecology of Swamp Deer (Rucervus Duvaucelii) along the upper Gangetic Plains of North India.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Paul, Shrutarshi; Mondol, Samrat
The study area for this work covers the upper Gangetic plains of north India, mainly along river Ganga, between Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve and Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary. However, for comprehensive assessment of distribution in the states of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, surveys were also conducted along river Sharda.
Phylogeography and population genetics of leopards (Panthera pardus fusca) in India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Bhatt, Supriya; Mondol, Samrat
This study based on assessment of genetic variation, phylogeography and demographic history among Indian leopards. It also deals with the local population dynamics of leopards in the Rajaji tiger reserve where utilization of microsatellite markers was done. MtDNA and Microsatellite markers used for the study. Non-invasive genetic approaches to understand the various aspects of species biology focusing on phylogeography, demography, and local population dynamics in this study. The major objectives of this proposed thesis are: a) To assess the phylogeography of the Indian leopards using mtDNA and microsatellite markers b) To evaluate the population structure and demographic history of leopards in the Indian subcontinent using both mtDNA and microsatellite markers c) To investigate leopard social dynamics using genetic data at the local level and examine how it varies across different densities.
Supplementation of Gaur in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Nigam, Parag; Gorati, A.K.; Vishwakarma, R.; Bhandari, B.; Habib, Bilal; Mondol, Samrat; Nath, A.; Sen, S.; Krishnamoorthy, K.; Sahay, A.; Nanda, R.; Tiwari, V.R.
Reintroduction and supplementation programs have been implemented worldwide to improve the conservation status of wildlife that have experienced a significant decline due to overexploitation, habitat destruction and fragmentation. Genetic drift and inbreeding are the two processes particularly relevant in reintroduction efforts that lead to reduced fitness, deceased survival rates and increased susceptibility to diseases. The MPFD in collaboration with WII has initiated a three year project (2024-2027) titled : Population management strategies for gaur (Bos gaurus gaurus) conservation: supplementation of gaur in Bandhavgarh tiger reserve, Madhya pradesh''. This project aims to ensure the long term viability of the species by enhancing its genetic diversity. To facilitate the smooth execution of field operations, an action plan was developed and released during the Inception cum planning workshop held at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. Conservation translocation have become an important tool in recovering the threatened and locally extinct population. Species translocation are increasing all around the globe to reverse biodiversity loss and restore ecosystem functions. Reintroductions require careful planning as small population size experience inbreeding depression, which leads to decreased fitness and demographic stochasticity. Although genetic diversity is not directly linked to species extirpation, low gene pool results in low species recovery. To enhance the gene pool and long term viability of the restored species, supplementations are crucial, especially in small and isolated populations. The addition of new individuals amplify the gene flow in reintroduced species.
Understanding the impacts of ecological and anthropogenic factors on stress physiology of wild tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) and leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) in Terai-Arc landscape, India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2023) Patel, Shivkumari; Mondol, Samrat
This study was conducted on Indian part of TAL, which can be further categorized as western, central and eastern TAL. Western TAL consists of Rajaji-Corbett TCU (level I) with Rajaji tiger reserve (RTR) at the westernmost boundary and Corbett tiger reserve (CTR) towards east as major source population connected and surrounded by reserve forest areas. Rajaji-Corbett TCU with multiple core protected areas connected by forest lands is a macro reserve harboring the largest tiger population in this landscape. I conducted my study with following objectives: Objective 1: Assessing effects of faecal inorganic content variability on quantifying glucocorticoid and thyroid hormone metabolites in large felines. Objective 2: Evaluating the impacts of ecological and anthropogenic factors on tiger stress physiology within Terai-Arc landscape, India. Objective 3: Spatio-temporal analyses of leopard physiological responses to varying tiger density in Rajaji Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand, India. The present study quantified various fine and broad scale ecological and anthropogenic factors that can potentially impact physiological health measures of tigers at landscape level and evaluated impact of each factor and discussed the factors, areas and population in immediate need of conservation attention. In this study discussed the need for species specific standardization and validation of hormone extraction and quantification procedure. I looked at a potential factor that can confound hormone metabolite measures from faecal samples and provided solutions to control that factor in free ranging large carnivores. Study quantified physiological responses of leopard to changing competition intensity from dominant predators (tigers). I assessed and discussed the reasons of past and present physiological status of leopard in light of diet quality, competition intensity and habitat productivity. This study with its methodological improvement, landscape level approach and an attempt to provide physiological evidence of cost of interspecies competition (first for tiger-leopard dynamics) is an important contribution in the field of conservation physiology
Vigilance Architecture and Temporal Variation in Emergence-Return of a Keystone Bat : The Indian Flying Fox (Pteropus giganteus)
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2019) Das, Pratik; Mondol, Samrat; Nair, Manoj V.
The current study investigated the function of vigilance in terms of environmental vigilance (anti-predatory), social vigilance and environmental cues bats used to synchronize their emergence and return. I found that the Pteropus giganteus fruit bats showed varying levels of vigilance according to roosting architecture. Bats showed significant increase in environmental vigilance towards the periphery of the roosts (n=3), thus confirming the edge effect hypothesis. Bats however, displayed no significant variation with respect to guard effect or social vigilance as roosting positions were observed from periphery to core. Bats also displayed increasing social vigilance from core to peripheral areas of the roosting colony
Welfare status assessment of captive Asiatic Lions in Gujarat : An Integrated approach.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Goswami, Sitendu; Mondol, Samrat
This thesis 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)