PhD Theses (WII)

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End date: 2009Subject: search.filters.subject.Mammals

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    Ranging and Habitat Utilization by the Himalayan Ibex (Capra ibex sibirica) in Pin Valley National Park.
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1997) Bhatnagar, Yashveer; Rawat, G.S.
    The Himalayan ibex is an important prey species of the endangered apex predator of the alpine region, the snow leopard (Schaller 1977). There is an imminent threat to the trans-Himalayan areas in India due to increasing human activities. In this context the study is conducted to study ibex in a relatively safe population to learn about its habitat requirements and ranging behaviour. The study area is part of the Pin Valley National Park (PVNP; 31o 6' 40'' to 32o 2' 20'' N latitude and 77o 41' 21" to 78o 6' 19" E longitude), located in the South-East of the Lahul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh
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    Factors affecting habitat occupancy of tiger in the Terai Arc landscape, India
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2009) Rajapandian, K.; Goyal, S.P.; Qureshi, Qamar
    The goal of this study, therefore, was to identify the factors affecting the distribution of tiger and assess the distribution of suitable habitat patches and the connectivity between these patches for successful dispersal in the Indian part of TAL. In the present study developed GIS probability models for tiger and its prey species and a spatially explicit individual-based dispersal model (SEIBM) for tiger in order to identify and assess the factors which are affecting the occupancy of tiger and subsequently predict potential suitable habitats and estimate the connectivity between the fragmented subpopulations in the Indian as well as between Indian and Nepal part of TAL. Data were collected on presence/absence of four wild ungulates (sambar Cervus unicolor, chital Axis axis, nilgai Boselaphus tragocamelus, and wild pig Sus scrofa), which are important prey species of tiger in two phases during the period between 2002 and 2006. The results of this study, in addition to contributing to the knowledge on factors affecting suitable habitat distribution and dispersal of tiger, have many implications for conservation of tiger in the Indian part of TAL. This study has also identified critical areas needed for management initiatives for functional unit of tiger conservation in the TAL.
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    A study on habitat use and food habits of swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli duvauceli) in Jhilmil Tal, Haridwar Forest Division, Uttaranchal
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2009) Tiwari, Rachna; Rawat, G.S.
    Habitat use and food habits of the swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli duvauceli) were studied in and around Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve (JJCR), Uttarakhand, during June 2006 and June 2008. This population of swamp deer was recently rediscovered in the state and warranted an ecological study and conservation initiative because the habitat around this study area is heavily fragmented due to expansion of agriculture, habitation and various other land use practices. Therefore, this study was initiated. The major objectives were: i. ii. iii. To study seasonal variation in habitat use pattern and food habits, Activity pattern, Population structure and habitat condition, and iv. Identify threats and suggest conservation measures. Habitat evaluation of various potential (but fragmented) habitat blocks in Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve area and surrounding Banganga wetland revealed that they bear a close resemblance with the prime swamp deer habitat both in terms of structure and composition of key habitat variables.
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    Reproductive strategy and behaviour of male Asiatic Lions.
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2008) Meena, V.; Jhala, Y.V.; Chellam, Ravi
    The field study was carried out from April 2002 to February 2007 and the intensive study area covered 1075 km2 area of the Gir PA including Sanctuary West and National Park. i) Demographic changes in the Gir lion population were monitored using individual identification profiles for a period of four years. Lion population was estimated using mark-recapture models. Movement patterns, spacing mechanisms and land tenure system of four females (one radio-collared female), five adult males (two radio-collared males) and one subadult male (radio-collared) were obtained. Of these, seven individuals were monitored from 2002–2007. Lion diet was assessed both by intensive search across the study area and record of lion kills as well as analysis of scat. A questionnaire survey was conducted in twenty nesses that included seven nesses in central Gir and thirteen nesses in Gir-west to assess the livestock holding and causes of livestock mortality. Inter-kill intervals were obtained from direct observation of radio-collared lions.
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    A study on vegetation ecology in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh with reference to gaur (Bos gaurus) using Remote Sensing and GIS techniques.
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2007) Areendran, G.; Sankar, K.
    A study on vegetation ecology with reference to Gaur (Bos gaurus) using remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) in Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) Madhya Pradesh was conducted from February 1996 to September 2000. The Tiger Reserve is located between 77° 55' W to 79° 35' E & 21° 08' S to 22° 00' N and lies in the southwestern region of the state of Madhya Pradesh. The Tiger Reserve comprises of the Sanctuary and the National Park of the same name, and buffer zone covering an area of 757.85 sq. km. The PTR offers a unique opportunity for research into the aspects of both the ecology and the management of gaur populations and their habitats. This is due to, both, the diverse pattern of habitat, as a result of rich floral composition and varied topology, and gaur populations that can readily be seen almost throughout the year. In Madhya Pradesh alone, the gaur population is found in 10 districts and they are geographically isolated from one another. The main objectives of the study were: 1)To study vegetation communities, composition, species distribution, abundance and richness in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh. 2)To map vegetation types and quantify landscape characteristics in PTR, 3)To evaluate the available habitat and predict distribution areas of Gaur in PTR, Madhya Pradesh. model the habitat suitability and predict distribution of Gaur in Pench National Park based on Ecological niche factor analysis (ENFA) using Biomapper software Different variables (Aspect, Cover change, Drainage, Elevation, Food dentity, Ground cover, Slope, Vegetation type, Vegetation index ) were used in the model to predict the suitable habitat and distribution of Gaur
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    The feeding ecology of the Dhole or Asiatic Wild Dog (Cuon alpinus) in Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh.
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2008) Acharya, Bhaskar B.; Johnsingh, A.J.T.; Sankar, K.
    In order to collect basic information on the prey species of dholes, this study aimed to estimate the density, encounter rates, biomass, and the population structure and composition of the major prey species within the study area. Eventually, The objective of this study was to determine the relative proportions of different prey species in diet of dholes, in terms of frequency of occurrences, biomass, and numbers of individuals consumed. The aim was also to study predation by dholes in relation to prey availability and utilization within Pench Tiger Reserve, i.e. to see if dholes killed prey randomly or selected specific kinds of prey. If that was so, the ecological factors intrinsic to that prey which may influence prey selection were assessed.
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    Status and ecology of leopard (Panthera pardus) in relation to prey abundance, land use patterns and conflict with human in Garhwal Himalaya.
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2007) Chauhan, Devendra S.; Goyal, S.P.
    The problem of human-leopard conflict has recently been increased in the Indian Himalayan region due to change in land-use patterns. Leopard-human conflict as predation on human and livestock has been quite frequent in 16 districts of Uttarakhand state and Pauri Garhwal district is worst affected. Recent increase in such incidences has been reported from this region. The main goal of this research was to provide a base line information on status of leopard-human conflicts in Pauri Garhwal district and response of leopard in relation to prey abundance, land use patterns and human dimension in human dominated landscape. Present study was undertaken in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand to (i) determine distribution and current status of leopard in Pauri Garhwal (ii) to determine extent and severity of leopard-human conflict problems in relation to its ecological requirements, land use patterns and human life style. (iii) to study food habits in relation to prey abundance (wild and domestic) and habitat characteristics and (iv) to determine factor responsible for leopard-man conflict. A survey was carried from February 2000 to October 2001 in 15 administrative blocks of Pauri Garhwal district. Information was collected on distribution and extent and severity of leopard-human conflict.
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    Ecology of otters in Corbett Tiger Reserve.
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2008) Nawab, Asghar; Hussain, S.A.
    Otters are obligately tied to aquatic environments and are recognized as one of the top predators in the freshwater systems. Major threats to otter survival are the loss of wetland habitats, reduction in prey biomass and pollution. Developmental projects such as dams and barrages, and aquaculture activities have taken their toll on wetlands and consequently on the otters. Poaching, however, remains a major threat to their survival. The study was envisaged to appraise the impacts of making of dams on the ecology of otters in Corbett Tiger Reserve, since it is believed that the habitat of otters got fragmented due to the creation of a dam on the Ramganga River under the Kalagarh Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project. It is generally believed that dams affect otter. In the Corbett Tiger reserve both smooth-coated and Eurasian otter have been reported. Our preliminary survey revealed that at the low lying areas such as the Ramganga, Mandal and Palain rivers, smooth-coated otter occurs. This study complies with smooth coated otter limited to the above mentioned areas only and data were collected for winter and summer seasons respectively between 2001 and 2004. The study was conducted with the following objectives: (a) To study the status and distribution pattern of otters in the Corbett Tiger Reserve and the adjacent aquatic ecosystems. (b) To examine the Resource use pattern of otters in relation to habitat and food availability. (c) To study the potential threats to otter populations in the study area.
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    Feeding ecology and habitat needs of wolves (Canis lupus pallipes) in the Bhal area of Gujarat.
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2002) Jethva, Bharat D.; Jhala, Y.V.
    Present study was conducted in the Bhal region of Gujarat between 1996-2000 to study the feeding ecology and habitat needs of wolves. Food habits of wolves in the Bhal were studied by analyzing 1246 wolf scats from 5 packs. Standardization of scat analysis technique suggested that minimum of20 hair should be scanned per scat to get complete representation of mammalian prey species in that scat. Minimum number of scats that need to be analyzed per pack were different for different wolf packs (ranging from 165 scats needed for Velavadar National Park (VNP) pack to 40 scats from Mithapur pack and 180 scats for the wolves of entire Bhal) because of different diet diversity. Mammalian prey species dominated in the diet of wolves and 80.5% scats were found with only one prey species. Comparative account on feeding ecology provided in the present study by scat analysis and monitoring of radio-collared wolves suggests that wolves depends primarily on wild prey species (blackbuck being major prey) and predation on domestic livestock results in minimal economic loss to the local people. It emphasizes the importance of protected areas for the conservation of wolves. Use of radio-telemetry in the present study provided critical information on territorial behavior of wolves, their population density, size of home range and their relation with prey abundance, habitat use and the size and characteristics of core areas.
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    The ecology and conservation of ungulates in Great Himalayan National Park, Western Himalaya.
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1999) Vinod, T.R.; Rawat, G.S.
    Ungulates form a major component of the mammalian fauna in the Himalaya. In total, 19 ungulate species belonging to four families viz., Moschidae, Cervidae, Bovidae and Equidae, inhabit the Himalaya, out of which eight species are reported from the state of Himachal Pradesh (HP). Apart from some surveys and short term ecological studies on a few ungulate species of Western Himalaya, there has been no detailed study on ungulates of HP except for Himalayan ibex (Capra ibex sibirica). The available literature highlights the difficulties of studying rare and/ or elusive ungulates in Himalayan condition. Long term study on the ecology of theses' species are needed for the conservation and monitoring. Present study on the ecology and conservation of ungulates namely goral (Nemorhaedus qoral), Himalayan musk deer (Moschus chrvsogaster), Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus), in Great Himalayan National Park, Kullu district, HP, was conducted from January 1996 to November 1998. An intensive study area of ca. 90 km2 was selected in the South-western region of. the Park, which represents various ecological zones of the Park. The objectives of the study were (i) to estimate the abundance and density of goral, Himalayan musk deer & Himalayan tahr in relation to human use, (ii) to determine the group size. composition & sex ratio of these animals. (iii) to study the habitat use pattern and (iv) to identify and discuss conservation issues. mitigation measures and to develop a long term' monitoring programme. In this study an attemp has been made to estimate the abundance and density of major ungulates viz, goral, Himalayan musk deer and Himalayan tahr