Browsing by Author "Ramesh, K."

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An ecological study on the pheasants of Great Himalayan National Park, Western Himalaya.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2003) Ramesh, K.; Rawat, G.S.
The primary focus of the study was to describe the ecological and spatial distribution of three sympatric pheasant species, namely, Himalayan monal (Lophophorus impejanus), koklass (Pucrasia macrolopha) and western tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus) in the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP; 31 0 33' - 31 0 57' N and 770 17' - 770 52' E) in Himachal Pradesh, India. The specific were to: (i) review and test the currently available count techniques and provide estimates of relative abundance; (ii) document group size characteristics; (iii) describe habitat preference and investigate species coexistence; and (iv) develop a spatial model to predict availability of the potential habitats and the probability of occurrence of the study species. The study design included three broad approaches, namely, 1) field sampling, to estimate relative abundance and other behavioral and ecological parameters, 2) associative approach, to establish a relationship between the ecological distribution of the study species and habitat characteristics, and 3) Geographical Information System (GIS) based predictive spatial modelling. An area of 16 km2 was selected within GHNP, based on reconnaissance survey and literature, to serve as an intensive study area
Assessing the dog-wildlife interface in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Kuruppath, Sanjana Vadakke; Ramesh, K.; Kher, V.
Dogs are generally considered to be detrimental to wildlife, primarily as hyper-abundant predators and vectors of disease. However, studies on the impact of dogs are often a by-product of research on a wild species or anecdotal accounts of predation. Among studies where the focus is on dogs, quantified reports of impacts are rare compared to studies based on social surveys; very few such studies have been produced from India. This study aims to produce such a report from Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in the Nilgiri landscape. The objectives of this study were to quantify the dog population and its demographic parameters, assess spatio-temporal overlap with wildlife, and carry out a survey to understand human attitudes towards dog management. Population and human attitude assessment are critical to monitoring long-term dog presence in the region as well as to successfully implement management strategies. To accomplish this, I carried out photographic sight-resight surveys, a questionnaire survey, and boundary camera trapping in five villages in MTR, and also utilized secondary camera trap forest data. My results indicate that: 1. The dog population is approximately 1300 across all villages, with a distinct population towards the village center and another roaming population of stray/farm dogs at the wildlife interface. If current levels of sterilization are maintained, the population will drop to around 600 within 20 years. Heterogeneity capture-recapture models in Program MARK provide fairly reliable estimates that improve with higher recapture rates. 2. Spatio-temporal overlap of wildlife with dogs is relatively high in forest areas, indicating little segregation and therefore little negative impact on wildlife behavior. In village areas, temporal segregation was present while spatial segregation was not, indicating that further fine-scale research at the boundaries is required. Chital is the prey species at highest risk of predation, while dholes show moderate overlap with dogs at village boundaries. Levels of overlap are specific to villages as well as dog pack activity patterns and local context should be considered at the village scale while planning management strategies. 3. Local residents have strong ties to their dogs, which primarily protect their owners and assets such as livestock, and are broadly in favor of ABC programmes. Outreach and education to improve awareness and goodwill will be crucial to successfully managing the dog population in the future
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 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.
Conservation breeding of Western tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus) in Himachal Pradesh: Reproductive biology, behaviour and habitat suitability
(Wildlife Institute of India and Wildlife Wing of Himachal Pradesh Forest Department, 2014) Ramesh, K.; Nigam, Parag; Lakshminarasimha, r.; Upadhyay, V.; Bose, S.; Dhiman, S.; Mohan, L.
The study on the captive population was initiated to address various issues faced by the captive population and to develop science-based methods for the management of this species in captivity. The in-situ study aimed at generating information concerning the population status in the wild in the state of Himachal Pradesh, generate distribution maps for the species and identify potential sites for reintroduction. The overall project goals were to assist in the establishment of a “reserve” population of the species in captivity targeted at reintroduction and to map potential habitats where reintroduction can be planned. The specific objectives of the project were to: a) Maintain a studbook with information on genetic and demographic parameters. b) Record breeding chronology and growth pattern. c) Assess nutrition, body condition and stress factors. d) Determine activity budget and vocalizations. e) Carry out field surveys to estimate the population status in wild. f) Undertake Population Viability Analysis to determine suitable founder populations and reintroduction strategy. g) Monitor and study the habitat occupancy, behavior and population growth of released birds.
Conservation status of tiger and associated species in the Terai Arc Landscape, India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2004) Johnsingh, A.J.T.; Ramesh, K.; Qureshi, Q.; David, A.; Goyal, S.P.; Rawat, G.S.; Rajapandian, K.; Prasad, S.
The Indian portion of Terai Arc Landscape (TAL), stretching from Yamuna river in the west to Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar in the east, spreads across five states along the Shivaliks and Gangetic plains. This unique Landscape consists of two distinct zones: (i) bhabar, characterized by a hilly terrain with course alluvium and boulders, and sal mixed & miscellaneous vegetation communities and (ii) terai, characterized by fine alluvium and clay rich swamps dominated by a mosaic of tall grasslands and sal forests. The terai, in particular, is listed among the globally important 200 ecoregions for its unique large mammal assemblage. Over the decades as a result of conquest of malaria, establishment of numerous settlements and consequent increase in human population, this Landscape has become highly fragmented and degraded. This has led to the local extinction of species such as one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli) and hog deer (Axis porcinus), for example, west of Sharda river. Despite its ecological richness and faster rate of degradation and species extinction, conservation initiatives are far from desired in this Landscape, perhaps due to inadequate information and lack of coordinated efforts. Given this circumstance, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) submitted a proposal to Save the Tiger Fund (National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, USA) to carry out a survey of TAL on the Indian side, which is ca. 42,700km2 with a forest area of ca. 15,000 km2. Save the Tiger Fund allotted US $53,500 and an 18-month project was initiated in July 2002. The project objectives were to (i) develop spatial data base on the TAL, (ii) assess tiger (Panthera tigris) and large ungulate distribution and status, (iii) describe the status of the Landscape and its vegetation characteristics and (iv) document the socioeconomic conditions of the local people and major disturbance factors. Indian Remote Sensing (1C/1D) satellite images with the spatial resolution of 188m (WiFS) and 23.5m (LISS III) pixel sizes, and Survey of India topographic maps were used for habitat mapping and other spatial database. The study team surveyed the entire Landscape twice between October 2002 and June 2003 for assessing the status of tiger and other associated large mammal species, and habitat conditions. Extensive sampling of 246 foot transects covering 1001.2km and 1530 circular plots, with nested design, were carried out across the TAL. Demographic and socioeconomic profiles of people were derived primarily from the raw data of 1991 Census. Owing to the applied nature of the project, it was decided to hold a two-day workshop to share the findings and to attain synergy among Forest Officials, NGOs and other conservation agencies for implementation in the field. The study revealed that the TAL contains homogenous vegetation communities of eight broad types, but the structural components vary highly across the Landscape. The tiger habitats on the Indian side are in nine blocks (referred as Tiger Habitat Blocks, THB) and the largest block (ca. 4,000 km2) is around Corbett TR. The forests in Kalsi, Dehradun and Haridwar Forest Divisions in Uttaranchal and Bijnor Plantation Division, Bahraich and Shrawasti Forest Divisions in Uttar Pradesh were devoid of tiger. Thirteen corridors that potentially connect these nine blocks have been identified. When connectivity with the Nepal side is taken into account, the nine THBs can be pooled into five larger units (referred as Tiger Units, TU). Among these, TU II, which is in the bhabar tract and includes Corbett TR, is the most intact one. TU IV (Pilibhit FD-Suklaphanta Reserve-Kishanpur WLS-Dudhwa NP- Bardia NP-Katernighat WLS) is the most extensive terai habitat. Each piece of habitat and connectivity in these Units are crucial and at the same time, are threatened by anthropogenic pressures. Ungulate distribution and relative abundance in TAL corresponds to the high variation or heterogeneity in habitat features. However, the overall status of prey (ungulate) availability is reasonably better in this Landscape, largely owing to the interspersion of Protected Areas between Reserve Forests. The evidence is clear that tiger distribution and its abundance are linearly related to wild ungulate prey such as chital (Axis axis) that has wider spatial distribution. Sambar (Cervus unicolor) and wild pig (Sus scrofa) also contribute substantially in deciding the occurrence of tiger in bhabar and terai regions respectively. The domestic dog was identified as a reliable indicator of disturbance that impedes tiger occurrence. Undisturbed hilly (bhabar) areas such as Corbett TR, which usually have many deep nallahs, providing hideouts and abundant prey (sambar, chital and wild pig) support substantial population of tiger. The terai tall grass habitats, which provide adequate cover, as in Kishanpur WLS and Dudhwa NP, with prey such as chital, pig and swamp deer, is the second best. It appears that in a few years time, tigers may cease to exist in habitats like Sohagibarwa-west (THB VIII), an isolated habitat patch in Uttar Pradesh, which is under enormous anthropogenic pressures. Leopards tend to avoid terai habitats and high-density tiger areas, but are still common in areas extirpated of tiger. Data from the Census of India 1991, for 33 tehsils (units of District) within the study area, indicated that the bhabar, largely west of Sharda river, had significantly lower human density (334/km2) and higher percentage of forest cover (36%). The corresponding figures for terai (east of Sharda river) are 436/km2 and 17% respectively. It appears that the bhabar areas, at present, are in a better position to buffer firewood dependency of the people. Human population increase, ever growing habitat encroachments, poaching, firewood extraction and bhabar grass (Eulaliopsis binata) collection for rope making, stealing of tiger and leopard kills, and boulder mining causing enormous disturbances and fragmentation are the major problems identified. The extensive empirical information (distribution and abundance) collected on vegetation parameters, ungulates and tiger can be used as baseline data to initiate monitoring programmes. In addition, the monitoring should include establishment of adequate number of one-hectare plots and line transects for periodic evaluation of habitat conditions and prey abundance respectively. The study recommends that Chilla-Motichur and Gola river corridors should be established on priority basis and the conservation status of THB IV containing Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve-Pilibhit FD-Kishanpur WLS should be strengthened. If done, the former will constitute the largest (ca. 8000km2) tiger and elephant habitat anywhere along the foothills of the Himalaya and the latter will ensure the future of one of the finest terai habitats (ca. 1200km2). Initiation of a conservation programme like establishing Rajaji-Shivalik Tiger Reserve is urgently needed to eliminate boulder mining in Yamuna river to ensure the ranging and occurrence of tigers between Shivalik FD and the Kalesar-Simbalbara forests, the western most limit of tiger distribution range. Raising of fuel wood plantations with community participation, use of fuel-efficient chulas, resettling of gujjars (migratory pastoralists) and eight key villages, shifting of one factory and weaning people from bhabar grass collection and conservation education programmes are also recommended. There was a consensus in the two-day workshop held on 6-7 November 2003 in WII that the Nepal model, with a strong scientific foundation and involvement of local people, needs to be adapted for the Indian side of TAL. Cross border cooperation between India and Nepal is a must to ensure the long-term conservation of tiger and its habitat in this Landscape
Distribution and abundance of birds and mammals in the Southern Indian ocean, larsemann hills and princess astrid coast East Antarctica
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2010) Jayapal, R.; Ramesh, K.
The spatial distribution and abundance of sea birds, penguins and pack ice seals along the Southern Ocean, Ingrid Christensen and Princess Astrid Coast during 29th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica was carried out between November 2009 and March 2010. A total of 34 species of birds with an encounter rate of 9.82/ nautical miles2 were recorded. High species turnover of sea birds was observed between 40° and 50° S longitude. Six aerial sorties were flown along the Ingrid Christensen and Princess Astrid Coast to count penguins and seals along the coast, totalling a length of approx. 1200 km. Adelie and Emperor penguins were recorded with encounter rate of 0.63 ± 0.20 (#/nm ±SE) and 3.81 ± 1.68 (#/nm ±SE) respectively at Ingrid Christensen casts. At Princess Astrid Coast more number of Adelie penguins (1.22 ± 0.12/nm ±SE) was recorded when compared to Emperor penguin (0.60 ± 0.2/nm ±SE). In the present survey, a total of 3601 hauled-out seals were counted from six aerial sorties totalling a length of approx. 1200 km, with each sortie lasting about two hours. Weddell seal Leptonychotes weddellii was the most commonly sighted species in both the areas surveyed (98.2%), and had an encounter rate of 2.9 seals/km. The other species encountered during the survey were crab-eater seal Lobodon carcinophagus (1.7%) and leopard seal Hydrurga leptonyx (0.03%). Group size of hauled-out weddell seals varied considerably and ranged from solitary to maximum of 42 individuals. The median group size of weddell seals hauled-out along the Ingrid Christenson coast was found to be significantly different between the December 2009 and January 2010 survey. Further, along this Coast weddell seals were found hauled-out mainly close to the ice shelf and their spatial distribution appeared to be influenced by the extent of sea ice in the area.
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 and Conservation Prespectives of Riverine Birds of the Upper Ganges, Uttrakhand
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2014) Sinha, A.; Adhikari, B.S.; Ramesh, K.
Effect of Grazing on the Community Structure and Functional Diversity of Grazing Lawns in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Malagi, Aaroha; Adhikari, B.S.; Page, Navendu V.; Ramesh, K.
Understanding the effects of grazing (by both livestock and wild ungulates) on grasslands is paramount to come up with more robust managerial actions to conserve, and increase the ecosystem function of these valuable ecosystems. In the current study, we investigate the effects of grazing on a highly productive, mesic grassland ecosystem, viz. grazing lawn in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu, India. We examined how species richness and composition of a grassland patch change across a grazing gradient by carrying out plot-based vegetation sampling in the grazing lawns of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. We also looked at how trait composition and functional diversity changed across the grazing gradient, to better understand the plant functional response and resilience of the grazing lawn complex. We used a Linear Mixed Effect Model (LMM) to investigate the impact of grazing intensity on species richness, and a Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) to look at the differences in species composition between different grazing treatments. Functional composition and diversity were measured using Lavorel and Villeger’s index in the ‘FD’ package of R (4.0.2). We found that grazing lawns were minimally affected by grazing intensity in terms of species richness and trait composition, but showed a significant change in species composition and functional diversity across the grazing gradient.
Effects of climate-change on riverine forests and indicator species along river Ganga in Uttarakhand: a multi-scale approach
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) Ramesh, K.; Adhikari, B.S.
The objectives were 1.Study the distribution pattern, range shift and population response of indicator species along the Ganga in Uttarakhand, from foot-hills to snout of the Gangotri glacier. 2. Quantify structure and functional attributes of vegetation along selected climatic ecotones. 3. Detect major drivers of landscape composition and configuration in space and time, and develop spatially explicit predictive models.
Evaluation of prey availability and habitat suitability for tigers and its ranging patterns in Sanjay Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2017) Ramesh, K.; Sankar, K.; Kumar, Deleep; Nigam, Parag; Qureshi, Qamar; Raman, K.; Rajasekar, R.; Chaudhuri, Sankarshan; Sundaram, Snehaa; Hazra, Poushali
Tiger conservation in human dominated landscape such as Sanjay Tiger Reserve (STR) has always been challenging for the managers and conservation planners. Anthropogenic factors have affected the area negatively, causing habitat degradation, depletion of prey base and unviable tiger population. STR is considered to be low density tiger population area and require recovery strategy, involving translocation from other areas, since natural colonization is not possible to boost the population to viable state. As a precursor to active population recovery, the project was conceived and implemented to establish baseline on prey availability and habitat suitability for tigers, which also involved understanding ranging patterns of tigers using radiotelemetry. Prey availability in terms of density of wild ungulate was estimated and was found to be low (8.2 ± 0.8 animals per km2), but there is an increasing population trend during the study period (2014- 2017), largely owing to active protection measures. Amongst the wild ungulates, density of chital was the highest (3.0±0.6/km2) followed by wild pig (2.0±0.6/km2), nilgai (1.8±0.3/km2), chinkara (1.1±0.3/km2) and four horned antelope (1.0±0.4/km2). Livestock (11.6±5.5/km2) was the most abundant animal using the reserve throughout, also contributing to prey base to some extent. Home range of one radio-collared adult male tiger was estimated to be 208.6km2 during May 2015 to July 2015 and the animal got killed to a territorial fight with another male tiger. Similarly, home range of radio-collared (captive-raised) tigress was estimated to be 154.1 km2 during October 2016 - May 2017. Exploring large areas could be attributed to limitation of mate choice and a depleted prey base. Habitat suitability of tiger was assessed based on habitat covariates and it was found that 44% of the total area of tiger reserve is potentially suitable habitat in the current status of prey availability, but the suitability can increase to 61% if prey base can be restored in other areas of the reserve. Carrying capacity of tiger was determined for STR based on the current prey density. It was found that STR can support 11 tigers in this present situation. Population Viability Analysis (PVA) with the carrying capacity of 11 tigers and current population (four individuals, one adult male, two adult females and one juvenile) of tiger in STR showed a poor survival probability (0.12 ±0.03) over a time span of 25 years. However, given the availability of habitat space and potential to increase prey base, doubling of carrying capacity from 11 to 22 tigers is possible with a supplementation of two tigers in every three years until year ten and it will ensure very high survival probability (0.87±0.03). Active recovery strategy should target the futuristic carrying capacity and management actions would have to be geared towards this. In this context, active population recovery and long-term monitoring strategy has been proposed towards successful population recovery and establishment of viable tiger population, along with other habitat covariates.
Human wildlife conflict: Assessment of Socio-psychological perspectives and actual threat from Leopard in Motichur range, Rajaji Tiger Reserve
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2019) Yadav. S.; Mohan, M.; Sandilaya, D.; Boro, P.; Sharma, A.; Sanatan, S.; Ramesh, K.
As the proverbs go, “the deeper the roots, the greater the fruits” & “the devil is in the details”, for conservation management to be successful, one must look at multiple aspects and require comprehensive approach. Human-wildlife conflict is not a singular issue of management since it has wider implications and more so, in cases where species restoration in the form of conservation is involved, because social acceptance and better preparations are keys for success of such programs. In this report, information gathered from three different but linked studies carried out under the larger and long-term framework are synthesized, providing an overview of (1) socio-economic conditions and Quality of Life of people, (2) temporal landscape change and people perception on the conflict and (3) comparative status of leopard behavior in the conflict versus non-conflict zones. By studying “Quality of Life”, one can assess the impact of forest resources on the living conditions of people and vice versa. Chapter 1 shows the results of “QOL” study conducted within the villages falling under the 1 km buffer in the Eco-sensitive zone villages of Rajaji Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand from January 2019 to June 2019. This study evaluates the socio-economic dimension of people and focused on demographic status, human dependency on utilization of forest resources and the role of people in management actions. The utilization of forest resources was found to be high in the three districts and there is hardly any participation of the people in the management inputs. The qualitative wellbeing assessment revealed that people are less satisfied with their living condition. The global environment change is increasingly forcing the already dwindled wildlife areas to be even more susceptible to disturbances. Localisation, shifting or disappearance of resources can severely impact wildlife and can even lead to local extinctions. There are many evidences to support this narrative. A study analysing the “changes in landscape” from 1995 to 2018 was also undertaken, which showed an increase in barrenness. Because “Human-Wildlife Conflict” explicitly revolves around the costs of sharing land with dangerous wild animals, it is important to understand the patterns of landscape change. While highlighting the landscape changes over a 20 years period, the second study also focused on the damages done by wild animals, the compensatory schemes, and most importantly the perception of people about wild animals. Though one can never truly eradicate human-wildlife conflict completely, any conflict is a situation of paramount importance to be solved, because any conservation effort does require the support of public at large, particularly the local people who share the space with wildlife. Any spike or change in trend of conflict requires further investigation not for the sole reason saving human fatalities but also for building better human relationships between wildlife managers and public. Since 2014, Motichur range of Rajaji Tiger Reserve has experienced 31 attacks on humans by the resident leopard (Panthera pardus) population. It resulted in 19 human deaths and grievous injuries to 12 people. The epicenter of the conflict is the space surrounding national highway 58, connecting the cities of Rishikesh and Haridwar. Rajaji forest department has been deploying camera traps in the conflict space to reckon the leopard movement patterns and to circle out any suspect animals responsible for the conflict. We intensified the camera trap study focusing on entire Motichur range (excluding the conflict locations) from November 2018 to February 2019. In addition, we visited each conflict site with the forest department officials, and collected information on various attributes related to the site. We found an extremely high leopard count for the winters i.e. 47, with a very high density of 45 animals per 100 square kilometers. We listed down the most suspected leopards involved in conflict based on 3-point criteria. The results of our work will increase our understanding of the adaptability of leopards. The results also reiterate the imperative to shift from a PA centric to a landscape level conservation approach, analyzing the source and drivers of conflicts, including the carrying capacity analysis. There is also an urgent need to include engage communities more closely and develop a short-term and long-term conservation programs.
Integration of sophisticated technology for wildlife protection, conflict resolution and monitoring in Uttar Pradesh
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2019) Ramesh, K.
Key areas for long term conservation of Galliformes I- Uttarakhand
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2011) Ramesh, K.; Qureshi, Q.; McGowan, P.
Landscape-level assessment of select group of pollinators and factors influencing their diversity and distribution in Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Khan, Sushmita; Uniyal, V.P.; Ramesh, K.
Change detection analysis using satellite data in a remote sensing platform is a crucial tool for understanding shifts in land use and land cover (LULC) over time, allowing for the identification of environmental and human-induced changes across various spatial and temporal scales. This method aids in assessing the impact of factors like urban expansion, agricultural practices, deforestation, and climate change on biodiversity and ecosystems. Climate change, particularly in vulnerable regions like the Himalayas, poses significant threats to ecosystem services and biodiversity. This study explores the impact of LULC and climate change on pollinator diversity and distributional patterns in the Kullu and Tirthan valleys of Himachal Pradesh. By compiling a comprehensive list of entomofauna pollinators across various orchards in different landscape configurations, the research aims to emphasize the need of conserving pollinator species in this ecologically sensitive region. Additionally, the study predicts potential shifts in pollinator distribution under future climate scenarios, providing valuable insights for conservation strategies. Through systematic analysis, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of pollinator communities and their interactions within the mountain horticultural belt of the Indian Himalayan Region. Ultimately, the findings aim to inform targeted conservation efforts to preserve the rich biodiversity of pollinators in this area. The research focuses on two major valleys within the Kullu district, each presenting contrasting landscapes and ecological contexts. The Kullu valley, a 76 kms long stretch situated along the Beas river, is characterized by diverse land use patterns and heightened anthropogenic activity, particularly in horticulture and tourism. In contrast, the Tirthan valley, nestled along the Tirthan river for a 45 kms long stretch, is designated as a conservation area with minimal disturbance and dense forest cover. The study meticulously investigated pollinator diversity dynamics in the Kullu and Tirthan valleys. The study conducted in the Kullu Valley aimed to analyze land use changes over time using Landsat satellite imagery from 2000 and 2022. High-quality images with minimal cloud cover were obtained for both years, ensuring accurate analysis With the aforesaid aim in focus, I have tried to address the following three objectives in my thesis: Objective 1: To assess the change in landscape composition of the study area over time.• Objective 2: To assess the effect of change in landscape configuration and horticultural practices on pollinator communities (diversity and abundance) and their services. • Objective 3: To model the distribution of major pollinators of economic importance belonging to different groups (Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera) in the study area.
Management plan for Rupi-Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2010) Jayapal, R.; Ramesh, K.
Patterns of distribution and multiscale-habitat correlates of riverine birds in the upper Ganges, Western Himalaya.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Sinha, Ankita; Ramesh, K.; Jayapal, R.
Fauna associated with riverine ecosystems vary considerably at the global scale ranging from obligate terrestrial to obligate aquatic. Birds constitute key components of wildlife along running water systems. 2. The global river bird community is diverse with 66 species, spanning across 19 families with 37 non-passerines and 29 passerines. Asia has the maximum number of species followed by South America and Africa. 3. The global distribution ranges of specialist river birds show that large areas of the world hold few or no specialist riverine birds. Richness peaks in the eastern Himalaya and the Myanmar-China border, around the Kakabo Raazi mountains where more than 15 species of specialist river birds overlap in range. 4. Species richness reflects considerable radiation in particular groups; Muscicapidae (small passerine insectivorous birds mostly belonging to the old world) in Asia, ovenbirds (Funariidae) and tyrant flycatchers (Tyrannidae)in South America, and the Pratincoles (Glareolidae) in Africa. 5. Ecological understanding and conservation efforts of specialist river birds remain rudimentary especially in the tropics where rivers are faced with a host of threats. 6. In this particular study, field surveys were undertaken to understand bird community composition and river habitat characteristics across summer (breeding) and autumn (wintering/non-breeding) seasons in the Bhagirathi basin, a major headstream of the Upper Ganges in the state of Uttarakhand in the western Indian Himalaya between years 2014 and 2018.
Playing it Safe Tiger Movement and Livestock Depredation Patterns in Panna Tiger Reserve, Central India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Mohan, Manu K.; Ramesh, K.; Sathyakumar, S.
The movement of large carnivores in human-dominated landscapes is not uncommon anymore. While their presence is superficially tolerated or ignored, it is a consistent cause of concern to the people living in its proximity, due to competing interests in sharing of resources and direct threat to human lives. Carnivores incur energetic costs in the form of restricted activity and having to make spatial and temporal activity adjustments. Humans, on the other hand, face losses from livestock depredation and/or loss of lives. Depredation patterns of livestock by carnivores are associated with a variety of factors including habitat structure as well as movement patterns of carnivores in relation to anthropogenic and livestock activity. Hence, deducing movement patterns of the groups in conflict is an important step in understanding the dynamics of conflict patterns at fine scales. Supplemented by models to predict the probability of conflicts spatially which delineates conflict hotspots, site-specific mitigation measures could be devised. To understand such patterns of carnivore movement and relation to livestock depredation events, I conducted this study in a human-dominated region adjacent to the Critical Tiger Habitat of Panna Tiger Reserve in central India from December 2020 to April 2021, within an area of 200 km2. The broad objective was to model the conflict probability based on the proportion of the human-dominated area used by tigers, its intensity of use and spatio-temporal activity within the area, in response to human disturbances. For this, I used intensive camera trap sampling at fine-scale within grids (1 km x 1 km) across the entire study area. Movement parameters of tigers such as displacement and distance to villages in day and night were also analysed by monitoring two GPS-collared tigers in the study area. Occupancy estimates showed 74% of the sampled area being used by tigers, with the relative abundance of a large bodied wild prey (sambar) as the strongest predictor. In addition, a clear positive trend in the relative abundance index of tigers with distance to villages was observed. The temporal activities of the tigers also showed a significant difference in median activity time, shifting towards the night along with moderate diurnal activity at higher distances from villages. The tigers exhibited both crepuscular and nocturnal activity at close distances to villages. The movement range analyses of the tigers using camera traps showed the study area being used by 17 tigers, with 9 of them being adults (>3 years of age). Fixed Kernel Density home-range estimates of the two GPS-collared tigers showed a considerable proportion of their home range areas falling within village boundaries (10%) and an average of 16% of all GPS locations of the tigers fell within 0-100 metres from villages. Despite such high exploratory use of areas within and close distances to villages by sub-adults, there were relatively low incidences of conflict between the tigers and villagers in the study area. Finally, to assess the extent of risk and predict the probability of livestock depredation in the area, Generalized Linear Models were used. The best-fit model indicated a significant negative effect of distance to villages and highway to the probability of livestock depredation. Linear intrusions through highway and forest trails from villages allow easy access to livestock and herders for the utilization of the multi-use buffer areas of the Reserve as well as the tigers to come in proximity to settlements. Corralling of livestock in the night, avoiding free-ranging and grazing of livestock in the identified conflict hotspots, incentivization of alternate source of livelihood by strengthening the institutions such as Eco-Development Committees, along with continuous monitoring of tigers which range close to human settlements are discussed as some of the important measures which can be adopted to decrease the interfaces leading to tiger-human conflict in Panna Tiger Reserve.
Proximate Determinants of Ungulate Distribution and Abundance in Pilibhit Forest Division, Utter Pradesh, India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2011) Bista, Ashish; Ramesh, K.; Pandav, Bivash
This study was conducted in Pilibhit Forest Division, Uttar Pradesh from December 2010-April 2011 to quantify the current status of ungulates, as a measure of tiger conservation efforts. The study focused on understanding the distribution and population size of ungulates in PiIibhit, and assessed the contribution of these species in tiger's diet. The study also looked into species-habitat association, at the level of proportion of habitat availability and grassland over space. Sampling framework followed Stratified Random Design, with spatially balanced approach. Estimates of distribution and population density were obtained following Single Season Occupancy Model and Distance sampling method. A total of 41 grids (5.20 sq km each) were sampled following the above framework. These grids were sampled based on 41 line transects ranging from 1 to 3 km long, which accounted for 288 km sampling efforts, including 3-5 temporal replicates for each transects. This study was carried out in four ranges (Mahof, Mala, Barahi & Haripur) of Pilibhit Forest Division with spatial coverage of ca. 420 sq km. Occupancy pattern of ungulates were in the order of chital (100%), hogdeer (17%), wild pig (93%), nilgai (81 %), swamp deer (11 %) and sambar (3%). Global density estimate of ungulates for Pilibhit Forest Division was 40.5 animals/sq km. The most abundant ungulate was chital (22.4/sq km), followed by nilgai (12/sq km) and hog deer (7.2/sq km). It was found that there were higher densities in edge habitats and that there was a particular association for grassland, signifying the importance grassland patches in the ungulate densities in terai habitats. Scat analysis (n= 24) revealed that hogdeer and wildpig, though occur in low densities, appeared to be the preferred prey, while chital contributed in tigers diet substantially in proportion to availability in the area. With given prey availability, forests of Pilibhit has the potential to support tiger population of 8.1 animal 100 sq km. The study highlights the significance of managed forests in terms of supporting considerable population of ungulates relevant for tiger conservation efforts. The study also supports the previous claim that grasslands support higher abundance of ungulate prey, and that in the absence of large sized prey, tiger switches to medium sized prey. The available information generated for the first time in Pilibhit Forest Division at large spatial scale provides a useful baseline for managers.