PhD Theses (WII)
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Item Can tigers (Panthera tigris) survive in human-dominated landscape of India : a case study of human-tiger interaction around bhopal city, M.P.(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2026) Shrivastava, D.P.; Adhikari, B.S.In India, wild tiger numbers have gone from 1411 (SE range 1,165 to 1,675) in 2006 to 3682 (SE 243) in 2022 (Status of Tigers in India, 2023). Tigers are known for their large home ranges and great dispersal distances, and the National Tiger Conservation Authority estimated that approximately 40% of all tigers in India live outside the reserves in unprotected lands. These unprotected lands are mosaics of multiple-use forests and agricultural fields surrounding villages, towns, and cities. With a growing human population and its need for expanding urbanization, agriculture and other land uses have implication on forest. The land-use change presents enormous problems to animal conservation, particularly for wide-ranging species like tigers (Panthera tigris), whose migration and habitat usage are being disturbed by developing urban infrastructure. One of the most significant difficulties is the fragmentation of ecosystems created by linear infrastructure such as roads, trains, and highways, which limit communication between important green spaces. The study is focused on urban landscapes of Bhopal city, a city with 2.6 million people, placed at Vindhyan Hills and surrounded by the dry deciduous forest of Bhopal Forest Circle. The study area focuses on the urban-rural gradient, including the built-up area of Bhopal, peri-urban and rural/wilderness area of the territorial forest of Bhopal, Sehore, Obedullahganj, and Raisen. The study uses a bio-social approach to understand the tigers and prey surviving in these dynamic areas on one end and people’s attitudes and perceptions to understand social factors shaping coexistence in these landscapes. The basic questions of the study are what is the extend of green spaces available for tigers in this landscape? What is the available prey-base and how tigers are utilizing available prey base, how animals and people share spaces, and how people’s attitude and perception shape coexistence in these dynamic areas. As the first part of the study, this study aims to evaluate habitat suitability and identify potential tiger habitats across five districts of central India (Sehore, Raisen, Bhopal, Rajgrah and Vidisha). We generated land use and forest density maps using LANDSAT 8 satellite imagery for 2022 by adopting the Maximum Likelihood Classification (MLC) method. Subsequently, we developed a Habitat Suitability Model (HSM) for tigers using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) within a Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework. The model Integrated land use and forest density map, anthropogenic variables (proximity to water, roads, railways, and human settlements and three topographic variables: slope, Digital Elevation Model (DEM), and aspects. Each thematic layer was weighted based on ground data and secondary ecological reference data. The results of land use and forest density maps showed that the agriculture class dominates by covering (67.32 %; 21,097 km sq), high, moderate, and open dense forest covers (20.04 %; 6093.44 km sq), and settlement (5%;1614.66 km sq). The results of the accuracy evaluation showed a high-quality classification with an overall accuracy of 93.3% and a kappa coefficient (k) of 0.93, indicating strong agreement between the classified and reference data set. Habitat suitability analysis showed highly suitable class encompasses approximately 2,609.27 km sq, moderately suitable areas covered around 2909.09 km sq, and low suitability areas cover 4547.34 km sq. The overall result indicates that areas with high-density forest cover in Raisen and Sehore exhibited the highest habitat suitability across the study region. For developing an understanding of city green spaces and tiger movement, we assessed land-use/land-cover (LULC) patterns and their implications for tiger space-use near city fringes adjacent to the Ratapani Tiger Reserve. Using Landsat-8 imagery (30m resolution, 2022), supervised maximum likelihood classification in ArcGIS 10.8 (Kappa=0.88) identified settlements (37%), agriculture (30%), urban green spaces (25%), and waterbodies (8%) across 414 km². Of 535 digitized green patches (65 cm Google Earth Pro), 248 exceeded 1 ha, forming connected networks via riparian and institutional areas. Tiger presence was evaluated via systematic sign surveys (Nov 2021–Jul 2022) across standardized trails (45.6 km total) in urban green spaces of Kaliasot-kerwa, supplemented by All India Tiger Estimation 2022 camera traps. Tigers occupied 19 grids in southern Bhopal (Kaliasot-Kerwa belt), with encounter rates of 0.88–1.82 signs/km (winter mean: 1.45 ±0.33; summer: 0.93 ±0.06), indicating territorial use influenced by prey, water, and human factors. Four individuals were photo-captured in sites like MANIT and WALMI. As part of a broader effort to understand tiger survival in an urban landscape, we conducted extensive field surveys across Bhopal and a 30 km buffer zone to assess tiger presence, prey abundance, and human-wildlife interactions. Here, we present findings on the relationship between prey distribution, composition, and abundance and tiger diet across urban and peri-urban mosaics. Prey abundance was estimated using 40 and 12 line transects in the forest of Bhopal Forest Circle and Urban green spaces (2019- 2022), respectively. In the forest, 14 prey species were recorded, with wild pig (Sus scrofa, 83.33%) and peafowl (Pavo cristatus, 66.66%) being the most frequently encountered, whereas cattle (Bos taurus, 37.5%) and nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus, 30%) dominated urban areas. Mean prey abundance was highest for goats (Capra aegagrus hircus, 32 individuals per transect) and wild boar (Sus scrofa, 24.3) in the forest circle, whereas cattle, goats (14), and blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra, 10) were most prevalent in urban green spaces. Tiger diet analysis, based on morphological identification of prey hair in 227 scat samples collected from Bhopal City, the Bhopal-Ratapani connecting forest, and Ratapani Tiger Reserve, revealed 19 prey species, with nilgai (17.62%), cattle (15.41%), and Chowsingha (Tetracerus quadricornis, 14.09%) being the most frequently consumed. While prey species were relatively evenly distributed, significant variation in dietary composition across landscapes underscores the adaptability of tigers to urban environments. Bhopal exemplifies how heterogeneous urban matrices sustain biodiversity connectivity. Protecting these corridors via integrated planning ensures human-wildlife harmony, ecosystem services, and Central India’s tiger landscape resilience. To understand the human dimensions the study examines how people and tigers are sharing spaces. We investigated the spatial-temporal dynamics of tiger (Panthera tigris) coexistence within the human-modified landscape of the Bhopal-Ratapani Connecting Forest in Madhya Pradesh, India. Utilizing camera trap data collected in 2020, we examined the activity patterns of tigers, co-predators, prey species (wild and domestic), and humans to assess spatial-temporal overlap and segregation. Our results reveal significant temporal partitioning among these groups, with tigers exhibiting primarily nocturnal behaviour to minimize overlap with human activity. Prey species display diverse strategies, including diurnal, nocturnal, and crepuscular patterns. The same has also been depicted in the Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling plot. ANOVA analysis confirms significant Spatial variation (F=4.2, p<0.003) and temporal variation (F = 4.22, p<0.01) among the focal groups. Even the study at Bhopal-Ratapani Landscape level states similar temporal adaptation of tigers and co-predators. However, the ANOVA results state clear temporal variation among Tigers and co-predators in space use but no significant difference in spatial context such as Bhopal-Sehore, Ratapani core and Obedullahganj territorial stating the homogenous landscape availability. These findings underscore the importance of temporal niche partitioning in facilitating tiger persistence in urban-influenced environments and inform targeted conservation strategies aimed at mitigating human- wildlife conflict and promoting coexistence.The low conflict levels, timely compensatory practices, and non-retaliatory attitude of the local community are playing an important role in sharing space with tigers without any conflict. The absence of Human-tiger conflict is one of the important factors promoting acceptance within local communities. These findings highlight the role of human-modified landscapes in shaping space availability, prey availability & utilization by large carnivores, and acceptance by local communities to share space with tigers, emphasizing the urgent need to reconsider the role of urban green spaces and consider wildlife as part of urban planning to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts and ensure long-term conservation.Item 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.Item Aspects of ecology of large carnivores and their prey in and around Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, India.(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Adhikarimayum, Aisho Sharma; Gopi, G.V.The conservation of large mammalian carnivore is prioritized as it acts as keystone species across diverse zones of habitat around the globe. They play an important role in regulating and maintaining the abundance of ungulates, in turn influencing the functioning of the ecosystem. In the last few decades, large carnivore’s population have been declining due to anthropogenic activities such as habitat destructions creating forest patch, illegal trade and hunting on wildlife. These threats posed a challenge in the conservation and management of large mammalian carnivores. The co-existence of large carnivores is occurring in many places in the wild due to the availability of less prey base, habitat fragmentation and high human interferences. Thus, the understanding of ecology of large carnivore and their prey species particularly on habitat selection, prey-predators’ relations in aspects of distribution and abundance, such ecological data can be useful to evaluate not only their habitat requirement but will also aid in long term management of wildlife and conservation of their habitats. So, efficient conservation and monitoring of large carnivores such as tiger and wild dog (dhole) is required for the assessment of complex mix of ecological, ethical and symbolic inter-relationships. The study was conducted at Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary; it covers an area of 4149 km2 and situated in Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh. The tiger is culturally considered as a brother by the local Idu Mishmi community who live in the Dibang Valley district in Arunachal Pradesh. Though the local community has long been claiming about the presence of tigers in the region, unfortunately, no efforts were made by the line departments, academicians, or conservationists to assess and monitor the tigers, their prey, and habitat in Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary. This preliminary study was carried out after the rescue of tiger cubs from the district in Angrim Valley during December 2012. The rescued tiger cubs were the first-ever record of a tiger from the sanctuary. The primary objectives for the aspects of ecology of large carnivores and their prey in and around Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary are: a) To estimate the abundance of large carnivores in and around the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary, b) Assess the abundance of wild prey in and around the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary, c) Assess the food habits and prey selectivity of large carnivores in and around the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary, and d) To quantify the extent of human-wildlife interaction in and around the protected area. An intensive camera trapping exercise was carried out during October 2015 to June 2017 in the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary and adjoining landscapes to monitor large carnivores and their prey species. Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary and its adjoining landscape harbors sizable population of large carnivores such as tiger and wild dogs. The study has reported the first photographic evidence of tiger presence from the community forest of Mishmi hills range in Dibang Valley District at an altitude of 3630 m amsl and it is the highest record from the Indian part of the Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity hotspot. This study has generated baseline information on tiger, wild dog and prey species in Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary and adjoining landscape. Tigers do not necessarily use only the protected areas; they use the community forests outside the protected area as well.Item Habitat use and interactions of mammalian carnivores in the tropical forest of Manas National Park, Assam, India(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2023) Bhatt, Urjit; Adhikari, B.S.; Lyngdoh, SalvadorThe study was conducted at the Manas National Park (MNP), East Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot, in Assam. Previous research on MNP revealed their significance in supporting diverse wildlife, including mammalian carnivores, focusing on their distribution patterns, relative abundance indices, and population estimates. However, interactions, co-existence, and habitat use among carnivores in the park remain understudied, creating concerns for conservation efforts given the threats to biodiversity in Southeast Asia. Examining these aspects of MNP, with their varied ecological niches and body mass variations, can shed light on species interactions and habitat preferences. understanding these complex relationships and habitat use is essential for effective conservation and management strategies to ensure the long-term survival and ecological balance of carnivore communities. The thesis used camera traps to assess the richness, species composition, encounter rates, trap efforts, and threat status of mammalian carnivores in the MNP. The objectives of the study were to (a) assess diversity and species composition of mammalian carnivores, (b) determine temporal interactions among carnivores and their potential prey species, and (c) evaluate space and habitat use of mammalian carnivores in tropical forest of MNP.Item Systematics and diversity of spiders (Araneae) in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2011) Quasin, Shazia; Uniyal, V.P.The present study was carried out in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR), Uttarakhand, India, which is located in the northern part of the Western Himalaya in India, one of the important sites of wilderness and biodiversity in the Himalayan region. This study was selected for its conservation value, representation of biome and little existing information. The present study was conducted from January 2008 to July 2011. The study aimed to investigate the spider community structure along the altitudinal gradient and the influence of habitat covariates like vegetation types, ph, litter depth, humidity and temperature, on spider assemblages in the intricate landscape of the NDBR. The pattern of species diversity was explored using a set of standard methods and ecological indices. This study obtained the first comprehensive representation of the spider fauna in NDBR, which would help in assessing the status of spider diversity in the region keeping in mind its conservational value. This study revealed the relative importance of diverse habitat types on diversity and composition of spider assemblages in NDBR.Item 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.Item Ecology of the Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) in Kachchh, Gujarat, with reference to resource selection in an agro-pastoral landscape.(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Dutta, Sutirtha; Jhala, Y.V.; Rahmani, Asad R.The Great Indian Bustard is an obligate grassland bird endemic to this region with a global population of only about 300 birds. Present study is based on Species's status, resource selection, behavioual aspects and socio-ecological context to reformate viable bustard conservation strategies. The study was conducted during 2007-11 in SW Kachchh (Gujarat, India)Item Demographic status and genetic variation of sangai in in Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur.(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2012) Angom, Sangeeta; Hussain, S.A.The present study was intended to improve upon the existing ecological and genetic knowledge base of the severely fragmented and isolated population of sangai in the Keibul Lamjao National Park. The major objectives of the study were to estimate the abundance and demographic parameters of sangai and the associated cervids in the Park and to assess the genetic variability using mtDNA (cytochrome b and control region) genes and polymorphic microsatellite markers so as to develop appropriate measures for the conservation of this endangered species. The demographic status of sangai and hog deer in Keibul Lamjao National Park was determined by conducting the population estimation exercise during 2006 - 2008 using point count method. Deers were counted from eighteen bamboo machans and four observation points.Item Impact of land use changes on the habitat, bahaviour and breeding biology of Indian Sarus Crane (Grus antigone antigone) in the semi-arid tract of Rajasthan, India.(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2007) Kaur, Jatinder; Choudhury, B.C.The Sarus Crane has been recorded all over the northern India and central region of the Indian sub-continent historically. However, this once abundant tallest flying bird species has now become threatened. The present study was undertaken during the year 2000-2002 to i) to determine the habitat use, breeding biology and behavioural ecology of the Sarus Crane in the semi-arid tract of Kota, and Bharatpur in Rajasthan, and ii) to determine the changes in land-use and its impact on Sarus Crane in the semi-arid landscape and to suggest the conservation strategies for the long-term survival of Sarus Crane. The study was conducted in the semi arid tract of Kota, and Bharatpur districts of Rajasthan. District Kota, the first intensive site falls under arid Zone V (the humid south-eastern humid plain zone,) where the development of canal irrigation has made this area rich in agricultural production. The population of Sarus Crane in Kota are dependent mainly on the canal system induced and other natural wetlands. Data on distribution and habitat utilization of Sarus Crane in Kota and in Keoladeo Ghana National Park were carried outItem 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.