Browsing by Author "Uniyal, V.P."

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Assessing the potential role of Coleoptera (Insecta) as bioindicators in Simbalbara Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2009) Bhargav, Vinay; Uniyal, V.P.
In this study the suitability of select beetle families as bioindicators to monitor human influence on forest ecosystems was undertaken. Beetles have been used in forest ecosystems where their species number and/or abundances change along a habitat disturbance gradient; a common trend being that large, poorly dispersing specialist species decrease with increased disturbance while small generalist species with good dispersal ability increase. The purpose of this research work is to find out the status of beetles in a biogeographically significant area of Simbalbara Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh in Shivalik Himalaya in north western India; and to assess their potential role to assess the human influence on forest ecosystem on a more local scale. Further, patterns of species biodiversity, taxonomy, and their suitability as bioindicator were explored using a set of standard methods and ecological indexes. The set of methods and indexes used in this work is similar in many ways to the measures used or proposed elsewhere; but the objective is to determine the suitability and application of bioindicators for monitoring and inventorying study at a local scale
Assessment fof Bees in Agroforestry in Kangsabati South Forest Division, Purulia, West Bengal
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Das, Pallabi; Uniyal, V.P.; Chandra, Kailash
Plant pollinator interactions have evolved through diffuse co-evolution, representations of relation between plants and animal species, where bees play a crucial role in preserving native plants' diversity and their reproduction success. This research intended to investigate the bee community composition in the agroforestry ecosystem, focusing on the impact of anthropogenic activities on pollinator diversity and ecosystem services of wild bees. This study made an effort to compile a list of bee species in both agriculture and forest ecosystems and their interaction with plant functional groups in the study site. The study was conducted in Kangsabati South Forest Division (KSFD) in Purulia, West Bengal. Extensive field research was conducted from February 2020 to April 2023. In the study, 25 species were successfully documented from three habitats: mixed forest, Sal forest, and agricultural landscape. The study found that the majority of residents in the study area were below the poverty level and an Indigenous community, relying on forest for firewood and non-timber forest product (NTFP). Agriculture practices were prevalent, with migrant labor being a significant trend. The agricultural practice was not considered eco-friendly, and excessive pesticides were used. The study also found that less than 50% of the respondents were familiar with bees. Subsistent and unskilled agriculture was practiced by less literate farmers, leading to land degradation and wasteland. The study highlights the need for eco-friendly agriculture practices and the degradation of natural habitats due to human activities. The relationship between bee species diversity and the stability of ecosystem service (E.S.) was investigated in this study. The study categorized bee communities into social and wild bees, and interpolated (IDW) diversity maps were generated for each survey site. The decline in population and diversity of bees' is observed gradually due to the influence of several anthropogenic activities, as demonstrated by several past studies. A low to slightly intermediate anthropogenic impact, mainly for agricultural landscapes, was noticed through the Human Footprint Index (HFI) map of KSFD.
Assessment of Pollinators in indigenous farming systems in Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2022) Mehrwar, Vandana; Uniyal, V.P.
The research work explores the major trends in mountain agriculture, livelihood options, adoption and non-adoption of organic farming, crop diversification, and key pollinators. The study also investigates the influence of different cropping systems on the diversity of insect pollinators, species richness, and their activities in the Mandakini and Doon valleys of Uttarakhand, India. The purpose of the study is to describe the insect pollinators and agrobiodiversity in the croplands of the Mandakini and Doon valleys in light of their role as ecosystem service providers. Thus, the study envisages the following objectives: 1) To assess the species richness of pollinators in organic and non-organic agro-ecosystems. 2) A comparative study of different cropping systems practised in the Mandakini and Doon valleys with respect to their socio-economic impact on the richness of pollinators. 3) A comparative study of different farming systems adopted in different study sites and their impact on the richness of pollinators. In summary, my doctoral thesis generates inventorial knowledge on insect pollinators in different farming systems and a variety of habitats in the Garhwal Himalayas. This study emphasize the need for organic agriculture adoption and promotion to conserve insect pollinator diversity in mountain agriculture, where inorganic agriculture is prevalent.
Assessment of Socio-Environmental Adaptation strategies for sustainable Livelihood Development in the villages around Govind Pashu Vihar, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
(wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Chandra. Rommila; Uniyal, V.P.
The study is an attempt to assess the socio-economic and ecological conditions of mountain farmers for their sustainable livelihood development, with the following three objectives; I. Documentation of traditional knowledge and traditional cropping practices in the study area. II. Assessment of ecosystem services in the agroecological landscape in the study area. III. Estimating the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers for sustainable livelihood opportunities in the study area The study was conducted in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, located in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand (India). The entire area lies in the middle and greater Himalayas with a varying altitude of 1300m to 6323m. The terrain is almost hilly and is an important catchment for the Tons River, which is a major tributary of the Yamuna River. The documentation of culture, traditional agriculture and traditional knowledge clearly highlighted the uniqueness of the area for a potential socio-economic development. As per the assessment, the local people were trying to change their negative cultural image of being associated with the mythological Duryodhana. It also sheds light on the relation between medicinal plant use with the age of people, availability of medical facility and distance of households from the forest area. The knowledge richness index values call for the attention, as one could say that the younger population had knowledge about their traditional system, but it was decreasing through generations. The local farmers were trying to diversify their cropping system through cash-crop farming, which was clearly evident in the connected as well as isolated villages. The traditional crops were just being cultivated for subsistence, leading to a critical decline in the area under their cultivation. These changes indicate preference of local community for an economically productive livelihood system.
Butterflies of Wildlife Institute of India Campus, Chandrabani, Dehradun
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2012) Bhardwaj, M.; Uniyal, V.P.
Community Structure of Dung Beetles in Kailash Sacred Landscape, Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, India
(wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2020) Chauhan, Mona; Uniyal, V.P.; Chandra, Kailash
Due to the recent wave of urbanization, mountain areas are being transferred into urban and agriculture land at alarming rates. The Kailash Sacred Landscape, Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, India is highly vulnerable due to fragmentation and urbanization, including increased anthropogenic disturbance, reduced area, loss of habitats, invasion of new species and ecological transformations. Therefore, it is important to document the status of biodiversity prevailing in these areas to identify the level of biodiversity still left in forest fragments. No records exist about the community structure of dung beetles in the landscape and hence we lack crucial historical documentation of the natural communities in landscape which would remain as an important source of information for measuring species extinctions in the area. This study provides basic inventory and diversity pattern of dung beetles from the undiscovered area of the Kailash Sacred Landscape, Pithoragarh, India. This study also suggested bioindicator based ecological monitoring and excellent insight for future conservation and management planning which will help the managers to set priority areas for habitat improvement or restrict areas to deteriorate any further. The study area is Kailash Sacred Landscape (KSL), Pithoragarh, India part exhibits great variability and heterogeneity in altitude and topography, due to this ecosystems of this region vary widely from subtropical to temperate, alpine, and cold high altitude desert types. Similarly, the landscape harbors a high diversity of flora and fauna of both regional and global significance.
Diversity and distribution of Moth Assemblages Along Altitudinal Gradient in Gangotri Landscape, India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) Sanyal, Abesh Kumar; Uniyal, V.P.
This study intends to document the extent of moth assemblages that exist amongst various habitats in a typical Western Himalayan altitudinal gradient in Gangotri Landscape Area (GLA). In this study, using the elevation gradient as natural experiment, the faunal structure and diversity of the moth assemblage featuring all the major macro and micromoth families as well as relationships between moths and their biotic and abiotic environments were explored. Specific objectives of the study were: (1) Documenting and prepare taxonomic inventory of rich moth fauna of Gangotri Landscape Area; (2) To assess diversity and distribution of moth assemblages among different elevations and vegetation types of Gangotri Landscape; (3) To analyze the influence of altitude, seasons, vegetation types and anthropogenic disturbance factors on moth assemblages; (4) To investigate morphometric changes (body size and proportional body parts) in moths along altitudinal gradient. The study was conducted in Gangotri Landscape Area (GLA), a vast conservation network in the North-Western part of Uttarakhand, in district Uttarkashi. A total of 670 morphospecies belonging to 22 families and 356 genera were collected during entire sampling period from 2008-2012. This study is an important step towards better understanding of a long-neglected but diverse and charismatic herbivorous insect assemblage in Himalayan temperate altitudinal gradient.
Diversity and Distribution Pattern of Moths (Lepidoptera : Heterocera) with special emphasis on family noctuidae in Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Bandyopadhyay, Uttaran; Uniyal, V.P.
This study has been planned to prepare a consolidated inventory of moth fauna of one of the most diverse protected areas of Uttarakhand, the Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, to assess the seasonal variation of a specialist group, the Noctuidae. The study also aimed to determine the effects of the environmental factors that govern the distribution as well as assemblage pattern of this particular family and targeted to identify the species with potential to indicate overall quality of the different habitats altitudinally which in term will contribute in future species conservation strategies.
Diversity and structure of butterfly assemblages along altitudinal gradient in Tons valley, Western Himalaya
(wildlife Institute of India, 2013) Bhardwaj, Manish; Uniyal, V.P.; Singh, Arun Pratap
Present study reveals the distribution pattern of butterflies along elevation gradient along the Tons river valley in the western Himalaya. Two protected areas lies with current study area viz. Govind National Park and Govind Wildlife sanctuary and the rest of the area lies within any formal category of protection. The area represents high elevational variation (900 – 6316 m) and a gradient of disturbance regimes and from natural Himalayan forests to highly disturbed villages and agricultural lands. Current study document patterns and processes involved in shaping diversity and distribution of butterflies along an elevation gradient in Tons valley. This study provides a baseline faunistic inventory of the diversity of butterflies including description of general identification features, their relation to classification and subfamilies and genera of butterflies sampled from the Tons valley during more than four years of observations from April 2008 to October 2012. A total of 189 species representing 98 genera in 5 families were recorded in Tons valley during entire sampling period.
Diversity and structure of spider assemblages in Terai Conservation Area (TCA)
(2009) Hore, Upamanyu; Uniyal, V.P.
The present study was carried out in Terai Conservation Area (TCA) which represents one of the last remnants of Indian Terai ecosystem. The TCA is an important regional, national and international centre for biodiversity. The resulting complex of woodland-grassland-wetland ecosystems of TCA harbours a wide variety of floral and faunal life, including several charismatic and obligate species. This area has witnessed dramatic changes in land use policies, forest management practices, and persistent factors like forest fire, flooding and livestock grazing. Keeping in view these perspectives, this study intends to document the extent of spider assemblages that exists amongst various habitats, identify factors underlying the patterns of association, and assess the effect of grassland fire on spider diversity in the TCA. This study provides a baseline inventory of the diversity of spiders including description of anatomical features of spider in general, their relation to classification, and genera of spiders sampled from the TCA during three years of fieldwork. The present study analyses the effect of local habitat factors on regional spider richness and diversity. The objective is to untangle the relative importance of habitat structure and other environmental variables.
Diversity assessment and molecular characterization of the geometridae moths (Lepidoptera: Heterocera) in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Uttarakhand.
(wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2018) Dey, Pritha; Chandra, Kailash; Uniyal, V.P.
The study aims to combine traditional morphological and modern molecular tools to answer the questions on diversity, the patterns and the factors governing the patterns. The study was conducted in Nanda Devi National Park area which is a part of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR), Uttarakhand, India. The study area (Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve) was stratified on the basis of elevation & vegetation and sampled at every 200m along the elevation between 2000-3800m. Two mountain gradients 1) Joshimath and 2) Data were chosen for a comparative study. DNA extraction and sequencing were performed at the CCDB, University of Guelph. Sequences of further specimens from the Zoologische Staatssammlung München from western Himalaya (Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir) and eastern Himalaya (Sikkim) were included into the analysis. Our results revealed one new species (Prometopidia sp. nov.), one new distribution record for India (Alcis paghmana) and considerable distribution extensions of 15 other species within India. Four species from Sikkim show deep genetic divergences (K2P distance) from conspecifics, indicating potential crypsis
Diversity of moths Lepidoptera: Heterocera) and their potential role as a conservation tool in different protected areas of Uttarakhand
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2016) Uniyal, V.P.; Dey, P.; Sanyal, Abesh Kumar
Moths have long been regarded as the “poor cousins” of butterflies in Lepidoptera conservation, and have lagged well behind butterflies in popularity and in the attention given to their conservation status and needs. Only rarely do they gain greater prominence, despite the enormous taxonomic and biological variety they display. Forest moth species have important functional roles as selective herbivores, pollinators, detritivores, and prey for migratorial passerines. Furthermore, they have shown promise as forest indicator taxa. Keeping in view of these various roles of moths in ecosystem, the present study is proposed to be undertaken in the Western Himalayan Landscape of Uttarakhand, in 12 protected areas: Corbett NP, Rajaji NP, Gangotri NP, Govind NP, Nanda Devi NP, Valley of Flowers NP, Askot Musk Deer WLS, Binsar WLS, Govind Pashu Vihar WLS, Kedarnath WLS, Mussoorie WLS and Sonanadi WLS. The objective of this study was to document rich moth fauna of Uttarakhand. The study was an interesting attempt to make an inventory of moth species in various sites and to see diversity and richness with respect to different vegetation structure and composition and measure different habitat covariates. The influence of climatic, topographic and anthropogenic effect on moth assemblages were studied. The study expects to establish moth assemblage as surrogate for entire insect community and use them as indicator taxa in rapid habitat-quality assessment program. The study was conducted in some Protected Areas of Uttarakhand: 1) Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve 2) Gangotri National Park 3) Govind Wildlife Sanctuary 4) Askot Wildlife Sanctuary The study area was stratified on the basis of elevation & vegetation types to explore the moth diversity along the gradient. Each site will was selected randomly at a particular elevation band so that the vegetation types are included in them. The number of trap sites were selected at each stratum so that comprehensive representation of the moth diversity can be accounted. The trap sites were situated in the centre of plots with a homogeneous vegetation cover, so that moth catches at weak light sources should largely reflect the local communities. The minimum distance between neighbouring sites were 50 m, with lamps not being visible from neighbouring sites, so that cross-habitation sampling does not occur. At each site 2-3 night sampling were done for 3-4 hours from dawn. The moths were trapped by their attraction to weak light sources. 5days prior to and after full moon were not sampled. iii Among five subfamilies of Geometridae sampled across different elevation and forest types, Ennominae was the dominant (92 species), followed by Larentiinae (37 species), Geometrinae (28 species), Sterrhinae (11 species) and Desmobathrinae (1 species). Altitudinal distribution of the four major subfamilies (Figure 3) showed that the subfamily Larentiinae was exceptionally distributed towards higher altitude while the other three were diverse in lower and middle elevation zones. We documented 36 species which were previously unrecorded from Uttarakhand. Among them 19 species were of subfamily Ennominae: Anonychia violacea, Biston falcata, Psilalcis inceptaria, Medasina interruptaria, Medasina cervina, Erebomorpha fulguraria, Ourapteryx convergens, Arichanna tenebraria, Gnophos albidior, Hypomecis ratotaria, Loxaspilates hastigera, Odontopera heydena, Odontopera lentiginosaria, Plagodis inustaria, Psyra debilis, Opisthograptis sulphurea, Opisthograptis tridentifera, Sirinopteryx rufivinctata and Tanaoctenia haliaria; 3 species of subfamily Geometrinae: Chlorochaeta inductaria, Chlorochaeta pictipennis, Pingasa rubicunda; and 13 species were of subfamily Larentiinae: Photoscotosia multilinea, Photoscotosia metachryseis, Cidaria aurata, Electrophaes recta, Eustroma chalcoptera, Hydrelia bicolorata, Stamnodes pamphilata, Trichopterigia rufinotata, Triphosa rubrodotata, Perizoma albofasciata, Euphyia stellata, Xanthorhoe hampsoni and Heterothera dentifasciata. One species Rhodostrophia pelloniaria of subfamily Sterrhinae was also the first record from Western Himalaya. In Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve species of Geometridae family were found to be most abundant in both Joshimath (0.71) and Lata (1.15) gradient across all the sampling plots. The second most prominent family is Noctuidae with high abundance in Lata (0.65) but low abundance in Joshimath. The temperate forest type showed the maximum species richness in both Joshimath (243) and Lata (150) gradient. The extent of temperate forest type was the most within our sampling altitude range (2000-3800m) and is more heterogenous in vegetation structure with mixed coniferous tree species diversity (Pine-Fir) in the lowest reaches and oak and deodar species in the midaltitudes. The highest elevation band in Joshimath gradient was 3200m, so there was no sampling in the alpine scrubland forest type in this gradient In Gangotri National Park and Govind Wildlife Sanctuary the diversity was maximum in lower altitude zone and decreased gradually in three subsequent zones (Fig 7a). Fisher’s alpha was highest, 85.37±3.31 in 1400m-1900m, and lowest 48.02±1.75 in 2900-3400m. Simpson’s Index was 112.14±4.56, 93.27±3.84, and 76.04±4.73, iv 65.89±2.74 in 1400-1900m, 1900-2400m, 2400-2900m and 2900-3400m respectively. Observed species richness and estimated species richness (Fig. 7b) was 271, 293.54±9.37 for 1400m-1900m, 193, 196.76±3.07 for 1900m-2400m, 203, 217.8±8.26 for 2400m-2900m and 203, 211.09±5.17 for 2900m-3500m. The percent completeness, represented as ratio between observed species richness and estimated species richness was 92%, 98%, 93%, and 96% respectively for the four altitudinal zones studied. Alpha diversity (Fisher’s alpha) and Simpson’s index were highest (Fig 8a) in Subtropical Pine Broadleaved Mix forest (80.89±3.56, 105.18±7.56) and Western Mix Coniferous forest (82.66±2.84, 108.23±2.4) and lowest in Subalpine forest (47.47±1.9, 62.36±2.94). Almost similar diversity patterns were recorded in Moist Temperate Deciduous forest (48.21±2.51, 71.43±5.74) and Western Himalayan Upper Oak forest (56.69±2.24, 70.97±3.38). At habitat level also, relatively, sampling success was achieved with no major difference in observed species richness and estimated species richness using Chao 1. Observed and estimated species richness was highest (Fig. 8b) in Western Mixed Coniferous forest (294, 306.99±6.11) and lowest in Moist Temperate Deciduous forest (152, 156.26±3.24). The values for observed and estimated species richness for other vegetation classes were like 237, 264.84±11.56 for Subtropical Pine Broadleaved mix forest, 210, 226.13±8.29 for Western Himalayan Upper Oak forest and 187, 193.86±4.67 for Subalpine forest. In conclusion, despite gradual and small distances between various habitat types studied, each one had significant resources to support its own characteristic moth assemblage. Overall, local diversity among moth communities were high all through the gradient signifying enough resource availability at every altitude and vegetation zones studied. The high diversity documented for the first time of a major herbivorous insect community in this typical Western Himalayan altitudinal gradient can be instrumental enough to ascertain its conservation significance. The results confirm that unless sampled extensively over a large temporal scale, the recorded species number is an unreliable measure of diversity because of its dependence on the number of specimens collected. Use of a set of sample size independent diversity measures like Fisher’s alpha, Chao I and Jackknife should complement each other in different aspects of diversity as well as mathematical assumptions underlying their usage. Concordant diversity picture yielded by all these different measures should also minimize the possible risk of misinterpretations.This study has covered an elevational range from 600m-3800m spread across different protected areas of Uttarakhand. Still there is a gap in moth samples between 1000m- 1500m, which is mainly due to the absence of suitable natural sites in this range which are free from human disturbance. The sampling of entire elevational gradient would generate a more discernible pattern with relevant ecological explanations. Although our data is still scattered and more intensive sampling can result in more addition to this species record of Geometridae, future research on this current database should benefit the conservation of entire moth assemblage and their habitats in Western Himalayan Biogeographic province.
Diversity of Predaceous Cicindelidae (Tiger beetles) in Relation to Bioindication and Ecological Importance - Observations from Shivaliks, Himachal Pradesh
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2006) Bhargav, Vinay; Uniyal, V.P.; Sivakumar, K.
Diversity of spider assemblages in sacred groves of Ratnagiri, Maharashtra: Implications for conservation management in the landscape.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2016) Patil, Vinayak K.; Uniyal, V.P.; Trivedi, Mukul
The present study was conducted in Dapoli Taluka of Ratnagiri district in maharashtra with the objectives was to comprehensively document the sacred groves in the study area because it is a high concentration sacred groves region but very little documentation has been done so far. The other objective was to explore the spider diversity in sacred groves and compare it with some other habitats in the study area. These habitats included, reserved forests, mango orchards and cashew orchards. Lastly it was sought to find out if the habitats, seasonality, disturbance etc. had any influence on the diversity and composition of spider assemblages in the study sites.
Ecological assessment of geometridae Moths (lepidoptera: Heterocera) along alitutudinal gradient in Dhauladhar Mountain range in Kangra (North Western) and Lahaul and Spiti (Trans-Himalaya) regions of Himachal Pradesh
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Kumari, Shabnam; Uniyal, V.P.; Chandra, Kailash
This study investigates the ecology (diversity and distribution patterns) of Geometridae moths across the altitudinal gradients of the Himalayan and Tran Himalayan regions in Himachal Pradesh. Geometridae moths are the famous insect herbivore surrogate taxa. They have been studied globally across different mountain systems. Through the documentation of species diversity, and the analysis of ecological patterns associated with these moths, this study aimed to contribute towards a better understanding of biodiversity dynamics in the Himalayan region. The research findings hold significant implications as a comprehensive baseline information on the species diversity and community dynamics of Geometridae moths in the region along with insights from the zoogeographic analysis. It also highlights future research needs and conservation concerns in light of the impacts of climate change and human-driven changes in land-use patterns in the region. objectives proposed for this study were i) to study the diversity and species richness patterns of Geometridae moths along the altitudinal gradient of the Dhauladhar Mountain Range (DMR) (within the administrative boundary of the district Kangra), ii) to identify the potential indicator species of Geometridae moths for different habitat types (altitude) and environmental variables affecting their distribution and iii) assessment of the high-altitude Geometrid moth assemblage of Trans Himalaya (Lahaul and Spiti) region of Himachal Pradesh. The study was undertaken across the altitudes of the DMR and Lahaul and Spiti Valleys (LSVs) representing the Himalayan and Trans Himalayan biogeographic zones of India in Himachal Pradesh respectively. Species with strong preferences for specific altitudinal zones and forest types have the potential to serve as indicator species for long-term monitoring of climate change, habitat quality, and land-use changes in these regions. These findings provide valuable insights into our understanding of the biodiversity patterns and community characteristics of Geometridae moths across altitudinal gradients and different forest types in the regions
Ecological Assessment of Siswan Reserve, Punjab
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2017) Bhardwaj, A.K.; Srivastav, A.; Pandav, Bivash; Singh, Pratap; Adhikari, B.S.; Uniyal, V.P.; Badola, R.; Das, A.
This study was undertaken with the following objectives: (i) Generate floral and faunal baseline information. (ii) Understand mutual linkages and issues, between local communities and the reserve (iii) Sensitize the local staff about ecological importance of this area and its attributes rapid surveys were carried out by a team of WII faculty and researchers for various taxa from October 2016 to June 2017. Surveys were carried out for generating information about large mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects and vegetation. To assess peoples perspective concerning the reserve participatory methods of focused group discussions (FGDs), social and resource mapping and time line surveys were undertaken. Visits for various rapid assessments were made more productive by conducting capacity building exercises for department staff simultaneously
Effect of Habitat Structure on Odonate Species Richness in Streams of Kalakkand Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Anilitty, A.S.; Uniyal, V.P.; Johnson, J.A.
This study aimed at the responses of species richness of Odonates toward the habitat structure in Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve(KMTR) in Tamil Nadu, India. KMTR lies between latitudes 8° 25' to 8° 53' N and longitudes 77°10' to 77° 35' E with altitude ranging from 50 meters to 1868 meters. Intensive study areas were confined to three beats in Mundanthurai and Kalakkad ranges of KMTR namely Kodamadi, Kannikatti and Sengaltheri. We sampled vegetation and stream structural parameters along with altitude and time of sampling from three drainages, River Thamiraparni, River Servalar and River Kil Manimuthar. Only the second, third and fourth order streams were sampled. Thirty six belt transects were laid and each transect was walked trice. A total of thirty six species were found during the study period. Species richness was calculated using Software· Estimate S version 0.8 and used to do GLM(Generalized Linear Model) in Software R version 3.0.1. Altitude was found to be the most influencing factor on species richness. A second GLM was carried out for the altitude wise stratified data incorporating temporal replicates for each transect. Tree height and stream width were found to be the most influencing factors in this model with p values 0.00007 and 0.001 respectively.
Foraging ecology of Great-Slaty Woodpecker in and around Pawalgarh Conservation reserve in Western Himalaya
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Kaur, Sarabjeet; Gopi, G.V.; Uniyal, V.P.
The Great Slaty Woodpecker (Mulleripicus pulverulentus, Temminck 1826) is an old-world woodpecker that prefers mature and old-growth dipterocarp forests (including Shorea robusta, Sal) across its known distribution range. The study reveals population demography, the social system and foraging behavior from logged forest and infer the distribution and home range of the Great Slaty Woodpecker, a cooperative breeding bird species, in and around the Pawalgarh Conservation Reserve in the western Himalaya of Uttarakhand state. This study presents the first census conducted for the Great Slaty Woodpecker, providing an ecological baseline for the species population estimation from its known distribution range. I inferred the home range size of each group based on 161 independent sightings of 11 family groups. These sightings represent behaviors such as foraging, nesting, roosting, vocalizations, and territory defense
HIGHER-TAXA SURROGACY AND EFFICIENCY IN SPIDER CONSERVATION: A CASE STUDY FROM TERAI CONSERVATION AREA, INDIA
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2011) Hore, Upamanyu; Uniyal, V.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.