Browsing by Author "Qureshi, Qamar"

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A Countryside carnivore: aspect of leopard ecology at Jawai, Rajasthan
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2017) Sharma, Ravi Kumar; Qureshi, Qamar; Das, Abhijit
1.Increasing human population and habitat fragmentation has impacted the large carnivore population across India. Leopard among pantherine is more tolerant to human disturbance and co-occur with humans in the wide variety of habitats. 2. Study was undertaken to understand status of leopard and factors responsible for its survival in human-dominated landscape. 3. Study was conducted in Jawai Dam Community Conservation Reserve from December 2016 to April 2017 in a semi-arid region of Pali, Rajasthan, India We examined villager's perception towards leopard by taking out the percentage of each response of respondents. Tolerance and religious view toward leopards was found significantly similar with each other, villagers has higher economic losses (livestock loss by leopards) than benefits (tourism activities) generated by hotel lobby. Villagers were examined to have minimal loss of human life and injuries by leopards, so it's easy to say about existence than co-existence or co-occurrence of both leopard and human in Proposed lawai Leopard Community Conservation Reserve.
A Forked Relationship : Understanding the Acoustic Communication Strategies in Sympatric Drongos
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2019) Lahiri, Sutirtha; Qureshi, Qamar; Kolipakam, V.
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.
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
A geospatial framework to assess ecological connectivity & their persistence for Central India Landscape.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2019) Saini, Swati; Qureshi, Qamar
The study explored the occupancy probability for carnivores in 100 sq km grids and at 25 sq.km for herbivore to surrogate, their habitat suitability. These models were further used to model corridors between protected areas using Circuit theory least cost pathway analysis and estimated the changes in land use land cover in and around the identified corridors using the time series and change detection technique. The region of central India comprising five states viz. Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Jharkhand has been taken up as study area. . The research work was carried out with three objectives: 1. Mapping Ecological connectivity between source populations of representative species of central Indian Landscape. 2. Assessment of spatio-temporal land use /land cover changes using time series & predictive change modelling in and around corridor habitats of the central Indian Landscape. 3. To evaluate the macro drivers of change across major linkages and attempt to model their persistence.
A rapid field survey of tigers and prey in Dibang Valley district, Arunachal Pradesh
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2014) Gopi, G.V.; Qureshi, Qamar; Jhala, Y.V.
The Dibang valley district is the largest district of Arunachal Pradesh with an area of 9129 sq km and is also the least populated district of the country with approximately 1 person/sq km. The district shares international borders in the north, North West and Eastern sides with Tibet (China), the South Western region is bound by Upper Siang district and the Southern Side is bound by lower Dibang Valley district. This district was chosen to survey for tigers and their prey due to the recent rescue of tiger cubs from the district in Angrim valley during december 2012. Our survey confirms the occurrence of tigers in the district. We camera trapped the first ever image of an adult tiger from the Dibang valley Wildlife Sanctuary. We also observed 10 pubmarks and collected 11 scats in and around the WLS. All the 24 people whom we informally interviewed confirmed the presence of tigers in the WLS and reported either having had a direct sighting, observed indirect evidences or heard about livestock depredation incidents by the tigers. Preliminary assessment of prey suggest that the WLS holds a good diversity and abundance of prey like Takin Budorcis taxicolor taxicolor, wild pig Sus crofa, Goral Naemorhaedus goral, Musk deer Moschus fuscus, Barking deer Muntiacus muntjak, Himalayan Serow Capricornis thar and Mithun Bos frontalis which can sustain a good population of tigers in the DWLS. The DWLS has the potential of becoming a tiger reserve in future as it may harbour a very important source population of tigers in this region, However the next immediate priority must be to ensure that this vital tiger population is protected and continuously monitored. This can be achieved by a collaborative effort between NTCA, WII, GoAP and most importantly the local people by conducting long term research to establish robust ecological and genetic baselines that can aid in long term conservation and monitoring of tigers, co-predators, prey and their habitats in this unique landscape that in part of a global biodiversity hotspot.
A study of resource selection by black kites Milvus migrans in the Urban landscape of National Captial Region, India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2014) Jhala, Y.V.; Qureshi, Qamar; Sergio, Fabrizio; Kumar, Nishant
A Study on Bird Communities-Habitat Structure Relationships in Pench National Park, M.P.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1997) Jayapal, R.; Qureshi, Qamar
There has been a number of studies on bird communities and their relationships with habitat features of floristics and physiognomy. In particular, the spatial distribution of bird communities along the axis of structural variables of a habitat has received a wider attention in the light of recent findings on landscape behaviour. Most of these works relate to either temperate or neotropical forests and our knowledge of community dynamics of tropical deciduous forests is very limited, for there has been hardly any comprehensive study in the tropics. The present study was done in the deciduous forests of the Pench National Park, Central India (M.P) between "November, 1996 and April, 1997 covering winter (November,1996-1anuary,1997) and summer (March, 1997-April, 1997). Seven distinct habitat types were identified for the study based on floristic and structural diversity. Seasonal data on 27 habitat structural variables were collected from bird-centered sampling plots. Point count census technique was employed to study the bird population. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) was used to determine the patterns of inter-relationships among the habitat structural variables. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was done to understand the relationships of habitat components to the distribution of bird communities. For guild analysis, two different sets criteria were used to identify the guilds among the bird populations viz., food type and foraging behaviour. Twelve guilds were recognized based on the food type and, six among the insectivores with respect to foraging behaviour. The results of the PCA showed that habitat structural variables of tropical deciduous forests have a marked pattern of inter-relationships on two axes of landscape behaviour, viz., heterogeneity and complexity. But they failed to reveal any such segregation vis-a-vis bird community structure, as the scale of measurement did not address all the members of the community. The spatial distribution pattern of bird communities in relation to habitat architecture was shown by CCA to be not very tenacious; the interactions of other extraneous factors like floristics, habitat dynamics, phenophases of vegetation, disturbance, or interactions within the community may influence the habitat selection process. There was no linear correlation observed between Foliage Height Diversity and Bird Species Diversity; possible explanations and alternative views have been discussed briefly. The response of bird communities to floristics was found to be inconsistent across habitat types as positive linear relationship was detected only for Teak-dominant forests in winter, and for Anogeiss Boswellia forests and Cleistanthus collinus woodland in summer. Guild compositions of various habitat types were not found to be significanty different from each other though the seasonal change was consistent across all the habitats.
A study on predation ecology of large carnivores with special reference to human-carnivore conflicts in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, Central India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2022) Chatterjee, Anindita B.; Sankar, K.; Qureshi, Qamar; Jhala, Y.V.
Seven years of data (2008 – 2015) resulted in phot-capture of 96 unique individual tigers in the study area. The estimated survival rate of individual tigers was high. Survival of female tigers were higher than that of the male tigers but the range was overlapping. Apparent survival and transitional probabilities were best explained by gender specific models. Survival constant was selected as the best model for estimating growth rate of tigers. Calculated annual growth rate was 13% with no observed sex bias.
A Whistle Amongst Growls : Dholes in a Multi Predator System in Dry Deciduous Forests of India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) Ghaskadbi, Pallavi; Habib, Bilal; Qureshi, Qamar
A significant amount of research has proved that there is a positive correlation between habitat heterogeneity/diversity and animal 'species diversity owing to the availability of more exploitable niches (Tews et al. 2004). On a spatial scale for free ranging large carnivores, a place like the Tadoba- Andhari Tiger Reserve has a low habitat heterogeneity, however, it shows a variety of species of both predators and prey in a small area. Studying the prey- predator interactions in such a system would lead to a better insight into large carnivore ecology. In contrast with the African Wild dog which enjoys much more attention of researchers and biologists, the Dhole has clearly not been a favourite. Being a social carnivore, there is a complex and dynamic fission and fusion of packs amongst Dholes. However, there is a grave lack of information on the pack dynamics of the Dhole. I attempted to conduct experiments to study one of the fundamental factors of social behaviour which is individual recognition.
Abundance, distribution & pattern of human impact on river Dolphin (Platanista gangetica gangetica).
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2018) Deori, Sunny; Qureshi, Qamar
This study took place in a tributary of river Brahmaputra named Kulsi which originates from the Meghalaya enters Assam at Umkiam where it is known as Kulsi and finally discharges at Brahmaputra at Nagarbera, Assam. It is a highly populated riverscape. According to 2011 census data, the riverscape has 55972.88 hectares of cultivable land which is solely dependent for irrigation on natural sources (Rainfall and Rivers). Also, the river is divided into 7 River fishery under Revenue department of Assam. About 2500 commercial fishermen are registered under the fisheries of Kulsi River and 1,29,095 cultivators. Apart from this fine quality sand is a boon to the people of Kulsi floodplain. More than 5000 families were dependent on this business. The recent increase in construction business in Guwahati metropolitan and the nearby blooming towns is raising the earning bar of the people of Kulsi River. My study aimed at the following objectives: 1. Estimating the abundance & patterns of dolphin distribution across Kulsi River. 2. Estimating the effects of different human activities which can possibly affect the habitat and distribution pattern of dolphins in Kulsi River (special preferences to existing commercial fisheries, sand mining, & irrigation). 3. Socio- economic status of fishermen community, sand mining community and farmers and their attitudes towards dolphin and wider ecosystem conservation. 4. Examine suitable measures to minimize/prevent the harmfulness of these fishing gears and practices in the commercial fisheries of Kulsi.
Abundance, Habitat Relationships and Behavior of the Semi-Fossorial Indian Desert Jird, Meriones hurriancae, in Kachchh, Gujarat
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2011) Ramesh, Divya; Jhala, Y.V.; Qureshi, Qamar
Population sizes, habitat relationships and behaviour are among basic ecological aspects pivotal to demystifying a species and its place in the ecosystem. Numerous in species and number, desert rodents offer immense scope for such investigations. The Indian desert jird, Meriones hurrianae, though common, is remarkably little known. This study, conducted in Kachchh, Gujarat, estimates population sizes, examines factors in the habitat likely to influence their occurrence, and elucidates the activity pattern and time budget across 2 land use types, agricultural and natural areas, during winter (December February) and summer (March-May). Animals were caught in 9 colonies using Sherman traps and population estimated under closed population Capture-Mark-Recapture framework in Program MARK, using individual covariates (age class, gender, body weight, site). Colony parameters (length, width, number of holes) were regressed against known Mark-Recapture (MR) population estimates to develop predictive models for estimating population size from indices. Population sizes varied from 2 to 10 individuals. Number of holes in a colony provided robust estimates of the number of individuals in that colony (N=16, R2=0.96, t=18.19, p
Aspects of ecology of Hangul (Cervus elephas hanglu) in Dachigam National Park, Kashmir, India.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2006) Ahmad, Khursheed; Sathyakumar, S.; Qureshi, Qamar
The Hangul or Kashmir Stag (Cervus elaphus hanglu) is a highly threatened species that has a restricted distribution confined to the Kashmir region. The Hangul is a one of the four eastern most subspecies of Red Deer of Europe (Cervus elaphus) and belongs to order Artiodactyla (even-toed animals) and family Cervidae or deer family. Compared to a very wide global distribution of Red deer, the Hangul has had a limited global distribution. Hangul were once distributed widely in the mountains of Kashmir in an arc of 40 Km extending from Karen in Kishenganga catchments in Bandipora over to Dorus in Lolab valley and Erin catchments in Bandipora to Chinab valley in Kishtwar. Some population of Hangul also occurred in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. However, during the recent past Hangul appears to have drastically declined from its past distribution range, possibly due to large scale biotic pressures owing to poaching, habitat fragmentation and degradation. At present the last surviving population of Hangul occurs only in 171 Km2 Dachigam National Park, although some relic populations also occur in the adjoining areas. The population of Hangul in Kashmir in 1900 was 3,000 and in 1947, there were 2,000 Hangul still surviving. But ten years later, the population got drastically reduced to about 400 individuals, and in 1970 Hangul population estimated was 140 - 170. The recent censuses carried out by the State Wildlife Protection Department in 2004 puts the Hangul population between 209-243 individuals. The most alarming threat to Hangul in Dachigam has been reported to be the excessive over grazing in the alpine meadows of Upper Dachigam by livestock including sheep and goat of the Government Sheep Breeding Farm located in Dachigam National Park. The past studies carried out in Dachigam National Park have shown that the range of Hangul In Dachigam National Park is restricted to Lower Dachigam with eastern boundaries at Gratnar, Waskhar and west of Dagwan. Keeping in view the given background and based on my preliminary surveys in in the first year of this study, the intensive study was carried out upto the above given boundaries of Lower Dachigam. There have been very little studies on Hangul compared to extensive studies carried out on its conspecifics Red Deer and Elk, and Himalayan Ungulates. There is still a lack of baseline information on the aspects of Hangul ecology prerequisite of its effective management and conservation planning. This stl1dy was as such initiated after a wildlife research gap of about 15 years in Kashmir valley in general and Dachigam in particular. This study was aimed at enhancing our scientific knowledge on the aspects of Hangul ecology such as population, habitat use and feeding ecology which are prerequisite of its effective long term management and conservation planning. During the study period (February 2001 to December 2004) a total of 693 surveys were carried out in these transects and survey blocks putting a total of 5668 km and 1839 hours effort, and a total of 326 Hangul sightings were recorded. All these Hangul sightings were recorded in lower Dachigam in an area of 41.20 km2 out of the total area of 171 Km2 of Dachigam National Park.
Aspects of Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) Ecology in Sanjay Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2022) Chaudhuri, Sankarshan; Sathyakumar, S.; Sankar, K.; Qureshi, Qamar
This study was conducted to identify the aspects of the ecology of sloth bear. I conducted the fieldwork for this study for three years (2017-2019). The broad objectives of this study were: 1. To estimate the occupancy and abundance of sloth bears and identify environmental and anthropogenic factors which influence the same 2. To assess the space use patterns by sloth bears in terms of habitat use and den selection 3. To investigate the seasonal diet patterns of sloth bears 4. To assess the human-sloth bear conflict based on spatio-temporal interaction.
Assessing Population Status Roost Site Selection and Fruit Damage by the India Fly fox Pteropus giganteurs in Southern Karnataka: The Flying Foreesters
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) Raj, Versha M.; Qureshi, Qamar
Flying foxes Pteropus giganteus, playa key role in pollination and forest regeneration as seed dispersers. Despite this beneficial role, they are persecuted for being an agricultural pest in commercial orchards. More recently in India, they have been known to be reservoirs of deadly zoonotic diseases like Nipah. Over the past two decades rapid urbanization, leading to habitat and roost tree destruction has resulted in decline in population of the Indian flying fox. As a result, incidence of flying foxes visiting commercial orchards has increased which in tum has led to conflict between large-scale commercial fruit growers and flying foxes. Assessing the present population status, and identifying the habitat preferences could help in understanding the risk of fruit damage in the surrounding areas, and will help in conservation of the keystone species and there by prevent their persecution also. A total of 51 roosts were identified which were used to assess the population status and change over time. Four methods of population estimation were compared to select the most reliable. method. Photographic count method was found to be most reliable for of population estimation. At the landscape level, proximity to water bodies and intensity of urbanization influenced the occurrence of roosts. 11.38 % of the total study are was found to be suitable for roosting (potential habitat). Amongst the individual tree characters, tree GBH and tree height were found to strongly influence the roost selection. In commercial orchards, Pteropus giganteus was found to be responsible for significant amount of damage in orchards cultivating Guava, Mango and Sapota. Based on the extent of damage they were ranked second most important animal pest in these commercial orchards after birds. Further work on estimating actual fruit damages would be required to confirm the role of the Indian flying fox as pest responsible for causing severe fruit damages in commercial orchards, for which they have been constantly persecuted.
Assessing the synergistic effect of two invasive plants on native plant communities in Kanha National Park, Central India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2017) Rastogi, Rajat; Shrivastava, Aseem; Qureshi, Qamar
Over time, community assembly and functioning of native ecosystems is known to shift from native species to non-native species thus, restructuring the native community. When this shift of diverse native ecosystem interaction to less diverse invasive-centric interaction, occurs due to synergistic effect of two invasive species, it is known as ‘invasional meltdown’. Since last two decades, the effects posed by invasive species on ecosystems are widely debated. Studies across the globe have reported simplification in community structure with biological invasions, leading towards monotonous ecosystems and homogenization of biodiversity. 2. I assessed the interaction of two invasive plant species, Lantana camara complex (lantana) and Pogostemon benghalensis (pogostemon) with native understorey vegetation in Shorea robusta (Sal) forest of Kanha National Park, Central India. Here, I tested biotic homogenization, invasional meltdown and intermediate disturbance hypothesis. To achieve this, 56 km2 out of 230 km2 of Sal forest covering 5613 cells (100X100m) was extensively surveyed, to model species distribution of lantana and pogostemon using different correlative, mechanistic and ensemble models. From the surveyed area, 120 plots (10X10m) were selected based on the percent cover of invasive species, where vegetation and soil sampling was conducted. The correlations in community composition with edaphic and climatic parameters were established using nonparametric ordination, and the potential effects of single invasive species and their interaction were estimated using linear models by considering the uninvaded plots as control. 3. From the sampled area, 40 km2 (71%) and 37 km2 (66%) were found to be invaded by lantana and pogostemon respectively. Lantana presence was best explained as a function of nearby lantana density and was constrained by evapo-transpiration rate of summer, light availability and dry stress. Whereas, pogostemon presence was best explained by moistness of forest patch, lower summer temperature and habitat openings due to anthropogenic factors and was constrained due to climatic heat, edaphic dry stress, and remote deciduous forest. Study results indicate an insignificant effect of intermediate disturbances, and significant impacts of invasive species on species composition and edaphic factors, thereby affirming the biotic homogenization and invasional meltdown hypothesis and rejecting intermediate disturbance hypothesis. Present study can be used as an evidence to prioritize immediate management interventions in areas where multiple invasions are present, as the chances of extirpation of rare species is high.
Assessment of landscape patterns for modeling habitat suitability for lions and prey species in Gir Protected Area, Gujarat.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Basu, Parabita; Qureshi, Qamar; Jhala, Y.V.
Conservation of ‘source’ alone may not be a sufficient strategy to ensure long term persistence of lions; rather it is enhanced by maintaining connectivity among different populations so as to permit lion movement across human-dominated areas. However, the traditional land-use patterns within Gir landscape is changing at an alarming rate mainly as a result of agricultural expansion, urbanization and industrialization. In this scenario, I attempt to (1) Examine the distribution of suitable lion habitat in Saurashtra, especially in areas outside of protected area to assess the potential of the landscape for supporting an increasing lion population, (2) Identify functional corridors joining Gir and Girnar protected area with suggested management interventions, necessary for safeguarding the corridor, (3) Evaluate the current landscape architecture of Gir PA and its surroundings (4) Assess the rate of change in land use and vegetation patterns within Gir PA, (5) Develop habitat suitability models at different spatial scales for lions and its principal prey species.
Behavioural patterns and food habits of re-introduced gaur (Bos gaurus gaurus) in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) Manjrekar, Manas P.; Sankar, K.; Qureshi, Qamar
The present study was designed to study the behavioural patterns and food habits of the reintroduced gaur population in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. The study was carried out from March 2012 to February 2014. For the collection of data on the behavioural patterns of gaur the scan sampling technique was used and 13 distinct activities of gaur were identified viz. feeding, moving, resting, standing, autogrooming, allogrooming, sexual behaviour, aggressive behaviour, drinking, salt licking, vocalising, defecating/urinating and alert behaviour. In the present study the social interactions among the members of a gaur herd were classified as allogrooming, dominance-subordination interactions and sexual behaviour. Four types of dominance-subordination interactions were recorded among gaur during the study period in Bandhavgarh.
Bringing Back Cheetah to India
(Wildlife Institute of India, 2024) Qureshi, Qamar; Tiwari, Virendra R; Bipin, C.M.
Bringing Back Cheetah to India
Cheetah landscape in India
(NTCA and Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Qureshi, Qamar; Bipin, C.M.; Rautela, Nupor; Jain, Dhruv; Habib, Bilal; Sharma, Uttam K.; Bhardwaj, G.S.; Mallick, Amit; Yadav, S.P.; Gopal, Rajesh; Shrivastav, Aseem; Sen, Subharanjan; Krishnamoorthy, L.; Gupta, Rajesh; Upadhyay, Pawan K.; Tiwari, Virendra R.
Based on data collected during the All India Tiger estimation conducted in 2022 information on human disturbances and the presence of invasive species in the forest divisions and protected areas were collated for the landscape along with the human footprint index and mapped to identify the areas that require management as well as planning for prioritizing actions.
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.