PhD Theses (WII)
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Item Study of Ecosystem Services Provided by Mountain Watersheds(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2026) Debnath, Anindita; Talukdar, GautamEcosystem service (ES) mapping has emerged as a robust scientific approach to understanding landscape dynamics, conserving biodiversity, and sustaining nature’s contributions to people amid land-use/land-cover change and accelerating climate change. In ecologically fragile mountain systems such as the Himalaya, ecosystem services are highly sensitive yet rarely quantified for decision making. The Askot landscape, situated in the western Himalayan landscape in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, covers approx. 4496.49 sq.km. Despite providing vital regulating, provisioning, and supporting services, this region has received limited integrated assessment. Addressing this gap, the present study examined long-term land-use–land-cover (LULC) dynamics, associated carbon sequestration trends, and future climate vulnerability to support evidence-based decision making. To achieve this, this study pursued three objectives: (i) to analyse spatial and temporal LULC changes, (ii) to quantify trends in above-ground carbon storage across forest and vegetation types, and (iii) to identify climatically vulnerable areas under future climate scenarios.The results reveal that nearly 10% of the Askot landscape experienced LULC change over the study period, with the most pronounced transformations occurring between 2011 and 2020, indicating an acceleration of recent landscape dynamics. Forests occupy only ~18% of the total landscape, yet they underpin a substantial share of ecosystem services. Dense forest area declined from 391.7 sq.km (1990) to 369.4 sq.km (2020), while moderate dense forest showed a sharper reduction (259.3 to 227.9 sq.km), accompanied by a marked increase in open forest (155.9 to 206.9 sq.km). This pattern reflects widespread forest degradation rather than abrupt deforestation. Scrub ecosystems also declined, while landslides more than doubled (7.45 to 15.8 sq.km), signalling growing geomorphic instability. High-elevation systems exhibited strong climate sensitivity, with alpine meadows shrinking (842.2 to 790.4 sq.km) and snow cover declining by over 100 sq.km, alongside a substantial expansion of the Moraine class (473.3 to 714.5 sq.km), indicating snowline instability and water stress, affecting another vital ES.Vegetation-type analysis further confirms degradation across major forest types. Oak-dominated systems (Quercus leucotrichophora (Banj Oak), Quercus semecarpifolia (Kharsu Oak), Quercus floribunda (Moru Oak), Betula-Abies (Birch–Fir), Deodar, Pine, and Mixed broadleaf forests all showed declines in dense and moderate canopy classes with a concurrent rise in open forest cover. Above-carbon carbon storage and sequestration show consistent declines across oak-dominated forests (Banj, Kharsu, Moru), Birch–Fir, Deodar, Pine, and mixed broadleaf systems, primarily through transitions from dense and moderate canopy classes to open forest. These structural changes directly influenced carbon dynamics. In 1990, the total AGC was estimated at 67,529.41 MgC, which declined to 66,597.79 MgC by 2020. Projections for 2050 indicate a further reduction in AGC to 66,062.30 MgC, corresponding to an additional loss of 535.49 MgC between 2020 and 2050. Total above-ground carbon stock declined from 67,529.41 MgC in 1990 to 66,062.30 MgC by 2050, representing a cumulative loss of 1,467.11 MgC over six decades. Meadows and scrub ecosystems showed the steepest proportional carbon losses, while forest carbon decline was driven largely by canopy thinning rather than loss of forest area. The relatively lower projected future carbon loss reflects the slow-changing nature of forest types, even as degradation continues.Oak forests emerge as the primary climate mitigation asset in the Askot landscape, contributing ~61% of total above-ground carbon (AGC) by 2050 despite occupying less than 10% of the total area. When combined, all forest classes (oak, temperate, and mixed forests) account for 18% of total area and contributing to approximately 85% of total AGC, clearly establishing forests as the dominant carbon pool within the watershed. This concentration of carbon within a limited forested area highlights the disproportionate importance of forests. Even marginal losses in forest cover translate into substantial carbon emissions; for instance, a 0.26% reduction in oak forest area corresponds to an estimated loss of ~105 MgC.The scope of present study was to identify climatically vulnerable ecosystems in the Askot landscape by integrating Climate-Ecological Niche Factor Analysis (CENFA). To perform this analysis, two Shared-Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP) were considered, SSP245 (Middle of the road) and SSP585 (Worst-case scenario) for mid-century (2041-2060) and end-of century (2081-2100). Climate vulnerability assessment using CENFA highlights extensive areas of medium to high vulnerability, particularly under SSP585. High-vulnerability zones increase from 1266.7 sq.km (SSP245) to 1535.2 sq.km (SSP585) in the near future, and further expand to 1762.6 sq.km by end-century, disproportionately affecting alpine, sub-alpine, and degraded forest regions. These areas spatially correlated with zones of observed LULC change and carbon decline, underscoring climate–LULC risks. Askot landscape is undergoing progressive ecological degradation driven by forest structural decline, high-elevation climate stress, and increasing disturbance. Integrating LULC dynamics, carbon assessment, and CENFA this research can support ecosystem-based adaptation leading to climate-adaptive land-use planning.Item 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, KailashPlant 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.Item 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.Item The Spatial Ecology and Conservation of Seagrasses of the Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Pathan, Sameeha Vahedkhan; Sivakumar, K.Seagrass ecosystems provide ecosystem services that rank among the highest in economic valuation worldwide. They also provide a range of economic, social, and environmental goods and services, which greatly increase coastal communities' resilience to the impacts of climate change. As unique marine habitats, seagrass ecosystems provide shelter and food for marine species during different life stages and contribute to sediment accretion and primary production. The high diversity of marine plant and animal life supports tourism activities and provides the raw materials for medicinal, agricultural, and structural applications. Furthermore, the physical structure of seagrass ecosystems attenuates wave height and speed, protecting coastlines from erosion and storm surges. Threats to seagrass ecosystems in the coastal areas of the Gulf of Kachchh include pollution, rising sea levels, eutrophication, reduction of light intensity and die-back. These all negatively impact seagrass ecosystems, such as increasing growth of epiphytes, sediment anoxia, or increased prevalence of diseases. Further, the effects of climate change on seagrass ecosystems will be additional stressors. The underlying factors affecting seagrass ecosystems are direct human pressures such as pollution, disturbances, and eutrophication. The combined stressors – human pressures and climate change impacts – are likely to exceed the thresholds for seagrasses, leading to, among other things, i) redistribution (reduction and coastal migration) of existing habitats and ii) widespread seagrass ecosystem die-off. In this context, this study was conducted between January 2018- March 2022 and aimed to understand the phenology, biomass and spatial distribution patterns of seagrasses of the GoK, using which I attempted to understand the foraging behaviour, habitat use and movement ecology of dugongs in the Gulf of Kachchh. The major objectives of the study include a) Mapping the distributional characteristics and patterns of seagrass meadows in the southwestern GoK, b) understanding the seasonal variations in the abundance of seagrasses on topographically distinct meadows, c) investigating fine-scale and topographical determinants of dugong habitat preferences and d) to assess the role of semi-diurnal tides' influence on dugong foraging habitats.Item Valuation of ecosystem services in Harike Wildlife Sanctuary, Punjab: a case study(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Gautam, Sameer; Adhikari, B.S.Economics, which focuses on how to distribute finite resources, uses the value to inform society about the relative degree of resource scarcity. The value of biodiversity and ecosystem services is a reflection of what our civilization is ready to give up to protect these natural treasures. Ecosystem services and biodiversity can be economically valued to make it clear to society at large and policymakers in particular that these resources are rare and that society bears costs when they are destroyed or degraded. If these costs are not taken into account, policy would be poor and society would suffer from poor resource allocation.Item Role of provisioning and cultural ecosystem services of Protected Area in supporting human health(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Shekhar, Shashank; Badola, RuchiEcosystem Services (ES) are vital ecological functions that contribute significantly to human well-being. This study explores the provisioning and cultural ecosystem services provided by Kaziranga National Park (KNP), a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Assam, India, and their role in supporting the health and well-being of local communities. Despite extensive research on the general benefits of natural environments, specific studies on protected areas and their direct health benefits are sparse. This research addresses this gap by assessing how KNP's ecosystem services influence human health and well-being. The study aims to evaluate the multifaceted benefits of KNP, focusing on provisioning services such as fish, wild fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants, as well as cultural services including recreation, aesthetic value, and traditional cultural practices. Methodologically, the research employs household surveys, interviews, economic valuation techniques, and ethnographic studies to gather comprehensive data on resource usage, cultural significance, and health outcomes. Data collection spans from 2018 to 2022, involving 750 households from 31 villages within KNP's zone of influence, along with a tourist survey of 379 individuals who visited KNP. Key findings reveal that local communities heavily depend on resources from the vicinity of KNP, with significant economic and health benefits. Provisioning services such as fish and wild vegetables contribute substantially to food security and traditional healthcare, while cultural services enhance mental health and community cohesion. The study establishes a positive correlation between the use of these ecosystem services and improved health metrics, such as reduced disease incidence and better overall quality of life. Additionally, cultural engagement within the park correlates with higher household income and educational access. The research underscores the critical role of natural ecosystems in supporting human health and advocates for integrated conservation and health policies. Sustainable management practices, community engagement, and technological advancements are recommended to preserve KNP's biodiversity and enhance its benefits. Future research should expand to include supporting and regulating services and assess the long-term impacts of climate change on KNP's ecosystem services. In conclusion, this study highlights the significant socio-economic and health benefits derived from KNP's ecosystem services, emphasizing the need for policies that integrate environmental conservation with public health and community development. Kaziranga