PhD Theses (WII)

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    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
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    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.
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    Livestock grazing and conservation of biodiversity in the high altitude ecosystem - An integrated landscape management approach.
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2000) Mehra, Badrish S.; Mathur, P.K.
    The present study therefore, aimed to assess various issues of livestock grazing on a regional landscape basis and to suggest a long term strategy for integrating sustainable grazing compatible to biodiversity objectives. The study formed a part of the major 5-year Forestry Research, Education and Extension Project (FREEP) implemented in the GHNPCA and its surrounds. The present study was undertaken in the Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area (GHNPCA), Himachal Pradesh comprising three PAs viz., the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), Tirthan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sainj Wildlife Sanctuary and an Ecodevelopment Zone (EZ) encompassing an area of 1,171 sq km. The local inhabitants in the GHNPCA have reared livestock since time immemorial and have followed transhumant pastrolism. According to the common belief amongst the local people, conservationists and wildlife managers, the livestock population and herd or flock size have increased substantially overtime; grazing practices are harmful to wildlife and also leading to large scale degradation; and unregulated grazing in forests and alpine pastures is not compatible with the long term conservation objectives. The study revealed that the age old practice of seasonal transhumant pastrolism and their life style largely remained unaffected despite several changes brought in during the different ruling regimes, new technologies and overall development since the Pre-colonial period to till date. The caste system has influenced the social structure, work distribution and resource use. The landscape had a total pressure of an estimated 33,000 to 38,000 livestock including resident of GHNPCA as well as migratory beyond the Conservation Area.
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    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.
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    Patterns of grazing, natural resources use by local community and their influence on wild ungulate (Ibex) habitats in Pin Valley National Park, Himachal Pradesh
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2023) Targe, Kalzang; Adhikari, B.S.; Salvador, Lyngdoh
    This study conducted for a comprehensive study in response to the imperative need for a deeper understanding of the impact of pastoralism on wildlife. The research is centered on the high-altitude rangelands of the Trans-Himalaya, which have a grazing history spanning millennia. The primary goal of this research is to analyse an agropastoral system and investigate its conflicts with wildlife, particularly in relation to the Himalayan ibex. The study is summarized into the following objectives. - To study the changing aspects of local and migratory herders in Pin Valley, - To study grazing patterns of livestock and wild ungulate (Ibex) in Pin Valley, and - To document the natural resource dependency of local agropastoral community in Pin Valley. The study on agropastoral practices and their influence on the wild ungulate ibex in the Trans-Himalaya area employed a variety of methodologies and data analysis techniques. The primary data collection took place between September, 2017 and December, 2019. The research conducted for social aspects in all thirteen villages but only villages dependent on National Park were considered for the analysis. Semi- structured interviews in thirteen villages ensuring representation from different strata, age groups, and genders. Additionally, two focused group discussions were organized in the villages that related with migratory herders with the aim of raising awareness about overstocking and over-grazing's impact on range land resources. To analyse changes in the traditional agropastoral system, data were collected for both the past (pre-2000, before green pea commercialization) and present (post-2017) periods. Informal discussions with local community members were held to understand trends in livestock numbers and composition. Data on agriculture practices were also recorded. The employed various methods to assess Ibex and livestock feeding habits, including direct and indirect observations, bite counts, and microhistological techniques. The findings of this thesis hold practical relevance for land use planning and conservation management strategies. The research findings contribute valuable insights into the interactions between agropastoral practices and wild ungulate Ibex in the Trans-Himalaya area, providing a foundation for guiding conservation and management implementations strategies in the region