PhD Theses (WII)

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

Influence of pastoral practices on wild ungulates in Upper Gori Valley, Western Himalaya.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2020) Bhattacharya, Ankita; Rawat, G.S.; Habib, Bilal
The alpine meadows of western Himalaya have been used for livestock grazing by a large number of agro-pastoral communities for several centuries (Tucker 1986). Five distinct pastoral practices are prevalent across the alpine landscape in the western Himalaya: nomadic, semi nomadic, nuclear transhumance, trans-migratory and sedentary (resident). Trans-migration (seasonal altitudinal movement by the entire family along with the livestock) is practiced mainly by the Bhotiya communities in various parts of Uttarakhand, such as Byans, Darma, Johar and the upper basins of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi
Ecology and management of the alpine landscape in the Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim, Himalaya
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2007) Tambe, Sandeep; Rawat, G.S.
In Sikkim the villagers practice a mixed livelihood strategy earning their income from agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry. Livestock such as yak, cow, sheep, horse, buffalo and goats are grazed in the forests and alpine meadows of the state. During the beginning of the 20th century the forests of the state were demarcated and the Khasmahal and Goucharan forests were specifically set aside to meet the fodder and firewood demands of the villagers. The The genesis of this study lies in this conflict, wherein it was realized that a sound understanding of the ecology of the alpine meadows and pastoralism was needed to ensure effective management of these unique and fragile environments. It is with this objective that the present research study titled “Ecology and Management of Alpine Landscape in the Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim Himalaya” was initiated in 2004 which would evolve a long term conservation plan for the alpine zone of KNP. The study spans over a large spatial scale covering all the major watersheds of KNP and aims to bridge the knowledge gaps related to structure and composition of the alpine vegetation, alpine landscape characterization, sustainability of pastoralism, conservation strategy and co-management experiments. The purpose of the study is to provide a scientific basis for the long term conservation and sustainable and equitable use of the resources of the alpine zone of KNP to promote sustainable development in the state. The significance of the study is based in its ability to contribute in the formulation of a conservation plan for the alpine zone of KNP and a rational pastoral policy for the Sikkim Himalaya.
Agro-Pastoral Practices and their impacts on Wild Mammals in Ladakh, Indian Trans-Himalaya
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Raza, Mohd; Rawat, G.S.; Namgail, T.
This study was conducted in Western Ladakh to address the status of current agro-pastoral practices and possible impacts on the wild mammals. Barley and wheat are primary crops whereas alfalfa and oats are cultivated as fodder crops. Sheep, goat and cow are major livestock types. Communities belong to balti and purig ethnicity. Elevation ranges from 2600 – 7000 m. Vegetation comprises wet meadow, steppe, riverine and scrub. Himalayan brown bear, Asiatic ibex, Ladakh urial, musk deer and long tailed marmot are major wild mammals. Major objectives of the study were to study (i) the current status of agro-pastoral practices in the region, ii) vegetation structure and composition in the rangelands intensively used by domestic livestock, iii) habitat use and time budget wild mammals especial long tailed marmots iv) livestock killing by large carnivores in western Ladakh. Field work was conducted during 2017 -2020 in different seasons and valleys. In order to analyse the recent trends in agro-pastoral practices we used questionnaires and informal interviews with the local people ((519 respondents) in all the valley covering Chiktan (56), Suru (227), Drass (117), Shayok (39) and Gya – Meru (39). Data were collected on demography of the pastoral communities, livestock holding pattern, dependency on rangelands and drivers of changes in the region. Likewise, for objective 2) vegetation sampling was carried out in Drass Valley in varying level of livestock grazing intensity from June – August (2018 and 2019). We laid 245 quadrates, comprising 90 in low, 88 in medium and 67 in high grazing areas. We recorded number of species in each quadrat in addition to overall vegetation cover. We also recorded aspect, slope, elevation and landscape type for each quadrat laid in the area. Plants were identified in field using field guides and were authenticated by the supervisors. Habitat use data on marmot were collected from 51 colonies in two valleys whereas data on marmot behaviour was collected from Drass valley. Overall 88 households were interviewed in the valley. Households were randomly selected and data on number of livestock, livestock killed, season, time and place of occurrences were collected. Attitude of respondents with respect to carnivore was also assessed. We observed declining trend in agriculture and livestock production practices in the region. Ten crop types are cultivated in the region. Barley is cultivated in all the valleys whereas oats is a new addition. Crops such as buckwheat, wheat, peas and lentils has been abandoned by many households. Likewise, livestock population and herd size has decreased. Field work was conducted during 2017 -2020 in different seasons and valleys. In order to analyse the recent trends in agro-pastoral practices we used questionnaires and informal interviews with the local people. The local communities perceive that there is a decline in traditional agro-pastoral practices in the study area during past 2-3 decades and an increase in sightings of wild mammals in the study area. Also, they perceive increase in population of Ibex and bear which are widely distributed in the region. We did not have enough sightings on mammal in the summer except for marmots in the region. Sighting on ibex were mostly in winter season. Therefore, impacts of low use of livestock on ibex populations could not be ascertained. We observed difference in vegetation cover and species richness across varying level of livestock intensity. Decrease in vegetation cover and species number, irrespective of all bio physical parameters was observed in high grazing areas. It signifies the impact of livestock grazing with implication on habitat use by mammals.

PhD Theses (WII)

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