Browsing by Author "Nigam, Parag"

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Activity Patterns and Food Habits of the Phayre's Leaf Monkey (Trachypithecus phayrei) in Free-Ranging and Captive Conditions in Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, Tripura
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) Lama, Pragya Aishwarya; Tyagi, P.C.; Nigam, Parag; Sankar, K.
Maintenance of ex-situ populations of species threatened with extinction is a potential tool for ensuring recovery. Ex-situ conservation efforts though ongoing in India have been minimally documented. The present study aimed to fill gaps in information on the activity patterns and food habits of the endangered Phayre's leaf monkey (Trachypitheclis phayrei), a specialist feeder primarily a foliovore. This aspect was studied both in free-ranging and captive conditions. The study site posed a unique feature wherein the captive study species was located only ill one zoo all. over India which also happened to be within its geographical area. Thus, the Sepahijala Zoological Park (SZP) situated within the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary (SWLS), Tripura was chosen as a study site. It was hypothesized that the activity patterns obtained from both the settings would be similar and that the nutrient composition of the food items consumed in wild and offered in captivity would not be much different from each other. A reconnaissance survey was carried out in which the available population, troop size and composition of Phayre's leaf monkey was assessed in both, the SWLS arid SZP. A IS-minute 'scan sampling' was conducted from dawn to dusk for studying the activity patterns of the troop selected for observation in the wild (after habituation) and in captivity. The activity data was analysed keeping in mind different age and sex categories within the wild and captive troops and across the two different settings. Chi square test was used to test for significant differences inactivity patterns within and across the captive and wild troop. The food habits (plants, plant parts and frequency eaten) of the Phayre's leaf monkey were studied on the basis of scans obtained as well as casual observations of the other free-ranging counterparts. Eaten food plants were identified and nutrient analysis was done for positive and negative nutrients after collecting and drying the samples from the field. Subsequently, it was processed at the laboratory in Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. The nutrients analysed were compared using the independent samples t-test.
An Assessment of select anthelminthes on parasitic control and health status of captive cervids.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2007) Das, Garga Mohan; Nigam, Parag; Chakraborty, Debashish
The study was carried out for a period of six months between November 2006 to May 2007. The reconnaissance survey was carried out at seven deer arks in the states of Uttarakhand, Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh during November 2006. Based on the initial survey three deer parks were selected and intensive sampling was carried out to assess the parasitic load, carryout anthelmintic trials and study impact of anthelmintic treatment on behaviour and condition of animal December 2006 to May 2007
Assessing Prevalence of Parasitic Diseases at Swamp Deer (Rucervus duvaucelii duvaucelii) Livestock Interface at Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) Talukdar, Animesh; Nigam, Parag; Pandav, Bivash
The interaction between wildlife, livestock and other domesticated animals is existent since the domestication of species. This has seen an increase in recent past owing to increased anthropogenic dependence on natural habitats. The domesticated animals, maintained at high population densities, have the potential to act as reservoirs of disease for wild animals. Parasitic infection both micro and macro; in wildlife at the wildlife - livestock interface, can affect conservation efforts by "spillover" and "spillback". Combined with other stressors, disease in wildlife can impact reproduction, survival and fitness, thereby affecting abundance and diversity of wildlife populations. Especially vulnerable are species with limited abundance and range. Macro-parasites especially the helminths, flukes and various ectoparasites have life cycles characterized by distinct life stages and are opportunistic In nature and can infect a large number of host species. The present study focuses on interactions between Swamp deer and livestock at two sites namely the jhilmil Jheel (JJ) in the Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Area, Haridwar Forest Division and and Jadi Tal (JT) in the Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary. Swamp deer is a vulnerable, flagship deer species from the Indian subcontinent, with distribution restricted to isolated localities in north and central India and parts of southwestern Nepal (Qureshi et al. 2004). Therefore any factor exacerbating threats for population decline of the species need careful evaluation. This work is a first structured parasitic prevalence study at Swamp deer - livestock interface, from two of the eight prime locations (Jhilmil Jheel Conservation reserve and Kishanpur Forest Division) reported for the northern population of swamp deer in India. The study included an estimation of population size of swamp deer and livestock and their space use patterns. Coprological examination of both swamp deer pellets and livestock dung was used to assess the prevalence and load of gastro-intestinal parasites. The result revealed that population of Swamp Deer was 153 and 435 ; while livestock counts were 84 and 35 respectively for Jhilmil Jheel and Jadi Tal during the stud) period. At Jhilmil Jheel a significant spatial overlap was observed between the two groups was observed at Jadi Tal. The overall prevalence of parasitic ova in the dung sample of swamp deer and livestock population was higher at JJ as compared to JT (Swamp deer 15.38% and 12.69% and Livestock 95.4% aand 60% respectively). The parasitic ova reported from both the sites included Strongyles, Trichostrongyle (direct life cycle), Amphistomes; Fasciola; and Moniezia (mediated through intermediate host).Difference was observed for the parasite species richness and prevalence between swamp deer and livestock at Jhilmil Jheel and Jadi Tal. Parasitic ova with simple life cycle dominated over the parasites, with intermediate hosts at Jhilmil Jheel. Analysis of parasitic load based on Mc Master's technique (Soulsby , 1982) revealed significantly higher load of parasitic ova at Jhilniil Jheel in swamp deer as compared to Jhadi Tal
Assessing the physiological stress in gaur (Bos gaurus gaurus) during translocation: Final Project Report.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Farooqui, H.N.; Rajput, N.,; Jawre, S.; Vishwakarma, R.; Bhandari, B.; Habib, B,; Krishnamoorthy, L.; Dubey, A.; Om, H.; Sengar, A.; Nigam, Parag
To assess the impact of capture and translocation on animals, it becomes imperative to study the associated risks and possible negative effects, if any. These effects can be determined by evaluating physical, physiological and behavioural effects on animals at the time of capture,
Assessment of Livestock Diseases as an Indicator of Risk to Greater One Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) in Manas National Park Assam
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Phukon, Debabrata; Nigam, Parag; Ramesh, K.
Disease ecology is a fast emerging discipline in wildlife conservation. There is particular interest for mega herbivore-livestock interface issues. Diseases also play a role in structuring the demography and viability of the wild population, and this could be addressed by quantitative knowledge on the emergence, spread, persistence and evolution of infectious diseases. Re-introduced wild populations mimic the small population which are vulnerable to stochastic events and disease impacts. The present study focuses on reintroduced population of Greater One-homed Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) and their sharing of habitat with livestock in Bansbari Range of Manas National Park (MNP), Assam. It was hypothesised that the interaction of rhinos with livestock has potential to contract diseases from the livestock population, and therefore the diversity and magnitude of disease prevalence in livestock is likely to pose serious threat to the rhinos. The study quantified disease distribution pattern and commonality between livestock and rhino population and map disease gradient in MNP during the period (Jan-April, 2013). The study design involved, (a) sampling of livestock for disease prevalence in the fringe villages, (b) mapping of zone of influence (ZO I) of livestock in the park by tracking livestock movement and sampling on systematic plots, and (c) analysis of livestock husbandry practices in the context of disease prevalence. A total of 110 dung and serum samples collected from 11 villages were Subjected to parasitological examination, disease diagnosis and screening for blood parasites. 10 transects were walked from the periphery to interior of the park and 46 plots were laid to quantify dung density distribution as a surrogate for disease risk. Rhino dung sample was collected from 9 fresh dung sites inside the park for screening of parasitic load and to understand the commonality between livestock and rhinos. The threat to rhino population was measured as an index, given by disease prevalence x livestock use intensity. Of the 110 biological samples collected from 110 livestock in 11 villages, 91 % of animals showed antibodies against one or other infectious agents. Serodiagnosis report confirmed the presence of antibodies against infectious diseases viz. Blue tongue, Tuberculosis, Brucellosis and Chlamydiosis, however were negative for Leptospirosis in livestock sampled. ZOI as measured from the fringe villages to forest interior ranged from 500m to 3.5kms (avg. dist. 2kms), and accounted for I9sq.kms. area. Interpolation results of dung density indicated significant variation of livestock use within ZOI, with high usage contributed by Gyatigaon followed by Katajhar and Rajabeel. Based on the dung analysis of rhinos, parasitic ova of Paramphistomum sp. and significant load of protozoan Balantidium coli was observed. The study established wide prevalence of disease in the livestock. Given that the ZOI of livestock in MNP includes home range of rhinos, the rhino population is likely to be under disease risk and conservation efforts needs to incorporate disease perspective for recovery efforts and long-term viability of rhinos in MNP.
Effect of village relocation on ground birds and small mammals in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2017) Mondal, Rakesh; Goyal, S.P.; Nigam, Parag
1) Conservation related resettlement has been practised in India from 1960' s. However, studies related to the effect of village relocation on wildlife are limited. 2) Exploitation of natural resources by resident communities causes direct negative impact on native fauna and flora. These activities may include extraction of natural resources (fodder and fuel) or competition for the available resources by existing livestock with native fauna. Alterations in the vegetation structure can result in alteration of the bird community in these areas. 3) Galliformes is one such taxon that has been documented to be affected by human disturbance and grazing. These species are good indicators of habitat quality as they are solely dependent on the ground layer for food and cover. 4) There are 29 villages inside the Sariska Tiger Reserve and a relocation effort initiated as early as 1966 provides an excellent opportunity to study its effect on wild fauna and flora. 5) The study was carried out in four sites, with two sites where villages had been relocated 50 years (Slopka) and 10 years back (Bhagani); one site where village had been partially relocated (Sukola) and one where the village still existed The primary objective was to understand the influence of village relocation on Ggalliformes, small mammals and small carnivores. Additionally, vegetation structure at each village was also studied to understand influence of village relocation on natural vegetation.
Patterns and Determinants of Elephant Habitat Use in a Mosaic Landscape in Northern Chhattisgarh
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2019) Meshram, Kushagra; Pandav, Bivash; Nigam, Parag
Habitat use is affected by a wide range of factors,like the amount of resources available, its distribution in space, quality of resource,presence and absence of limiting factors like roads and settlements. Increasing anthropogenic pressure has lead to the degradation of the habitat available to animals in the form fragmentation of forests, introduction of invasive species and reduction in the quality of the available forage. This in turns alters the composition and modify the natural systems. This modification of habitat may compel animals to alter the way they use it by adopting new strategies. On these lines, I did my study on assessing the factors that influence habitat use of elephants in a mosaic landscape in Northern Chhattisgarh. The study was carried out in Surguja district of Chhattisgarh. This district is famous has been infamous for elephant conflict since 1900s. The problem has exacerbated due to rapid urbanisation, increasing population and alteration in land use. Today, it is one of the most human-elephant conflict affected area in country. This is a repercussion of wanton modification of natural habitat. How elephants are interacting with this modified habitat which is a matrix of remnant forest patches, agricultural areas and settlements is the crux of my study. In order to to study this, I selected a study area of 1200 square kilometres. As a part of the study I also followed two satellite Collared individuals(one living with a herd and the other, a solitary male) to understand spatiotemporal habitat use and ranging behaviour of elephants. I also collaborated with Indian Space and Research Organisation for my study. High resolution land-use maps were provided by ISRO for this study. The field work was carried out from 21st December 2018 to 15th April 2019. GIS based work was done in the GIS lab of the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun.
Revival of Gaur in Sanjay Tiger Reserve Madhya Pradesh
(Wildlife Institute of India, 2024) Nigam, Parag
Reintroductions/ conservation translocations of animals have increasingly been recognized as a strategy to conserve threatened species and restore ecosystem functions. Madhya Pradesh Forest department (MPFD) together with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) initiated the project on Gaur Reintroduction titled "Establishment of Gaur (Bos gaurus gaurus) in Sanjay Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh" for a period of five years (2023-2028). This initiative is aimed at conserving this threatened species and restoring biodiversity in the landscape. Emphasizing a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach, this reintroduction program involved collaboration between various stakeholders and institutions aimed at ensuring a scientifically sound and logistically feasible program. An action plan for reintroduction of Gaur in Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve (SDTR) was jointly developed by the MPFD and WII and formed the basis for field capture and translocation under the project. The program was meticulously divided into pre-translocation, translocation and post-translocation phases.
Visitation Pattern of Mammalian Communities at Waterholes in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Yathumon, M.A.; Nigam, Parag; Habib, Bilal; Gopi, G.V.
Waterholes are an important component of management practices in wildlife conservation, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. It is of high conservation and management significance as it is a spatially restricted resource for wildlife. I studied visitation pattern of mammals at 54 waterholes in the core zone of Tadoba - Andhari Tiger Reserve, a dry deciduous forest in the central India. Visitations of mammal species were monitored continuously for four months using camera traps. Visitation frequencies of mammals at the waterholes were checked and compared between winter and summer seasons. Influences of (i) physical attributes of waterholes, (ii) distance between the waterholes and adjacent permanent water sources, (iii) distance to nearest road and (iv) the presence of tourism in the nearest road, on the visitations of mammals at waterholes were studied. It was found that there are differences in the number of visitations, total time spent and the average time spent in a visitation between mammal species and between same species in different seasons. Size of waterholes and artificial water supplementation influenced the visitations of some mammals at waterholes. Overlaps in the temporal visitation patterns of the prey species with that of the predator species were different for ambush predators and pursuit predators.