Browsing by Author "Nath, A."

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A rapid assessment of herpetofaunal diversity in Manas-Bhutan transboundary landscape
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2014) Das, A.; Sharma, P.; Harikrishnan, S.; Ghosh, S.; Nath, A.; Dhar, D.; Mondol, J.; Wangdi, Y.
This report provides a rapid assessment of the herpetofaunal diversity at the World Heritage site Manas which acts as a transboundary complex for a variety of species. The survey was conducted between 16 June 2014-23 June 2014. In Manas National park (MNP), India we surveyed Mathanguri, Doimari, Kuribeel, Uchila, Lotajhar and Bansbari areas and in Royal Manas National Park (RMNP), Bhutan, we surveyed Manas range and Panbang area. We used visual encounter search; opportunistic search and pitfall method to document the diversity of herpetofaunal species. Habitats surveyed include semi-evergreen forest, moist mixed deciduous forest, grassland, wetland and marshy areas. From MNP, we recorded 17 species of amphibians belonging to 13 genera and five families. Record of Feihyla vittatus, Rhacophorus maximus, Rhabdophis himalayanus and Microhyla butleri are significant. From RMNP, we recorded 12 species of amphibians belonging to 10 genera. 31% of all the recorded species from RMNP constitute new report for Bhutan. Among amphibians, Uperodon globulosus and Ingerana borealis are a new addition to Bhutan fauna. Records of Calotes maria, Cnemaspis assamensis, Ptyctolaemus gularis, Varanus salvator from RMNP also adds to new records for Bhutan. Among the recorded species, Python bivittatus and Varanus bengalensis have been accorded the highest legal protection status, under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Naja naja, Ophiophagus hannah and Xenochrophis piscator are listed in Schedule II, while all the other snake species are under Schedule IV of the Act. Of the recorded species Varanua bengalensis, Melanochelys tricarinata are under Appendix I of CITES, Varanus salvator, Python bivittatus, Hardella thurjii, Melanochelys trijuga, Indotestudo elongata, Ophiophagus hannah, are listed in Appendix II of CITES. The only amphibian species Hoplobatrachus tigerinus is under CITES II and Xenochrophis piscator is under Appendix III of CITES.
Elephant - human conflict in the state of Jharkhand, India (2000-2003) : trends, challenges and insights
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Habib, Bilal; Pandey, R.; Nath, A.; Nigam, P.; Ganesan, A.; Roy, K.; Datta, A.
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.