PhD Theses (WII)
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Item Molecular Phylogeny and Population genetic structure of Himalayan Blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) in Himalayan region(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Saini, Deepesh; Vishnupriya, K.; Gupta, S.K.; Sathyakumar, S.The Himalayan blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur), commonly known as bharal, is a high-altitude caprine species endemic to the rugged terrains of the high Himalayas. Although classified as a species of "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (JUCN), significant ambiguities persist regarding its taxonomic delineation and population structure. These uncertainties are further compounded by the paucity of comprehensive genetic data, particularly concerning populations within the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), where geographical isolation and environmental heterogeneity may have promoted evolutionary divergence. The present study aims to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships, genetic diversity, and population structure of Pseudois nayaur across its Indian range, with a specific focus on populations inhabiting the eastern and western Himalayas. Employing a molecular phylogenetic approach, this investigation integrates mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers-principally the cytochrome b gene, control region and the complete mitogenome-with nuclear microsatellite markers to assess lineage differentiation, historical demography, and gene flow. Non-invasive and ethically compliant sampling strategies were utilized to obtain biological material, ensuring minimal disturbance to wildlife. Laboratory analyses, including DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, and sequencing, were followed by bioinformatic assessments using tools such as DnaSP, Arlequin, STRUCTURE, BEAST, and PopART. Phylogenetic reconstructions revealed distinct mitochondrial haplotypes between eastern and western Himalayan populations, suggesting limited gene flow and historical isolation likely driven by topographic and climatic barriers. The genetic differentiation observed was consistent with the theory of allopatric divergence facilitated by the orogenic and glacial history of the Himalayas. Furthermore, the study confirms the phylogenetic placement of Pseudois nayaur within the subfamily Caprinae, identifying close evolutionary affinities with Ovis and Hemitragus species while supporting its unique lineage status. These findings have important implications for conservation biology, as they suggest the existence of evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) that merit region-specific management interventions. The bharal's role as a herbivore and primary prey for apex predators such as the snow leopard (Panthera uncia) further underscores its ecological significance in alpine ecosystems.Item Genetic assessment of the Non-descript pig breeds across selected regions of Uttarakhand(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2023) Sahoo, Khushboo; Gupta, S.K.; Gopi, G.V.India, which has ancient history of pig rearing, is home to several indigenous pig breeds that reflect the adaptation of Sus scrofa to different environmental and cultural conditions. However, only 13 of these breeds are currently recognized and documented by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources. The present research was undertaken to identify the spatial distribution, socio-economic status, pig husbandry methods of pig rearers, and the impact of Exotic pig breed on the indigenous breed and ecology of the region. As molecular characterization is a valuable tool that provides insights into the evolutionary history and genetic diversity of the current pig breed raise in a region. Hence by incorporating molecular techniques in understanding of the domestic pig breed and their interactions with ecosystems, promote more precise and science-based management that contributes to biodiversity conservation and sustainable husbandry practices. The present study will also aim to evaluate the maternal lineage, genetic diversity and population structure of the domestic pig breeds at the regional scale, using microsatellite markers and mitochondrial DNA sequences. The survey and sampling was done in the planar (Dehradun, Haridwar and Nainital) districts of Uttarakhand, a mountainous state of India that lies in the foothills of Himalayas, where rapid urbanisation and continuous migration make us reconsider the necessity of an organise promotion of the piggery sector due to its multiple ecological implications.Item Diversity and distributional pattern of family Geometridae (Lepidoptera) in Great Himalayan National Park(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Mallick, Kaushik; Gupta, S.K.Lepidoptera is a large and diverse group of insect which includes moths (Heterocera) and butterflies (Rhopalocera). The current study aims to give a clear idea of the diversity and distribution pattern of Geometrid moths in the area which will act as a database for future works. It will also assess the environmental factors governing the distribution pattern of Geometrid moths across different vegetation and habitat type in the study area. Understanding the response of Summary moth fauna with respect to various disturbance factors will help in the implication of management plans to protect significant habitats. The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) Conservation Area, located in Kullu District of Himachal Pradesh, falls under the North- Western Himalayan Biotic Province- 2A, lies between 31°31’16” and 31°56’41” N and 77°20’ to 77°52’11” E, covering an area of 1171 km2 and showing an altitudinal variation of 1300 m to 6110 m. Among the total sampled moth assemblage of GHNP, majorly 91% species were found to be Oriental origin, while 83.5% species also had affinities to Palearctic region. In the context of Indian Biogeographic Zones and Provinces, only 21% and 26% species were distributed in two Trans-Himalayan Provinces, Ladakh Mountain (1A) and Tibetan Plateau (1B). Almost 80% species were shared with Western Himalaya (2B) as the landscape located close to that province viz., North-western Himalaya (2A), 72% with Central Himalaya (2C) and 45% species with Eastern Himalaya (2D). 45% species were shared with North-Eastern Hills & Valleys.