WII Technical Reports/Books/Manuals
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.168.202.180:4000/handle/123456789/314
Browse
25 results
Search Results
Item Ecology of the leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) in Satpura National Park and Bori Wildlife Sanctuary(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2007) Edgaonkar, Advait; Chellam, Ravi; Qureshi, Q.The leopard study was undertaken in Satpura Tiger Reserve to study ecology of species in relatively conflict free area. Even basic information on leopard is poor, except for food habits. Leopards have been in the news in popular media in India largely because of instances of human conflict that have occurred in many places. . There is a perception that attacks on humans have increased in the last few years. It is speculated that the probable causes have been decrease in habitat, decline in leopard prey populations or increase in leopard densities close to human populations. Historical data on leopard or prey abundances in any of the conflict areas are lacking, and therefore the reasons given remain speculative. Management of the conflict would be easier if the reasons were reliably known. The study was conducted from 2001 to 2OO7.The objective of this study were a) habitat use and preference, b) prey preference and food habits, c) validate methods for leopard population estimation and d) territoriality and ranging pattern. We achieved all the objectives except ranging pattern due to problems in radio collaring permissions. By the time we got permission it got too late to capture leopards and meaningfully execute this objective and was thus dropped. The vegetation map of the study area was prepared based on remotely sensed data. Thirteen vegetation and landuse classes were identified. The spatial layer for habitat quality, climate and topographic feature were used for occupancy mapping. The prey occupancy maps with topographic data was in turn used to model predator occupancy. Most of the species were 80% correctly classified. The presence only modeling was used to estimate the area occupied by leopard in the 13 districts of south-central Madhya Pradesh. 'Optimal* habitat was 5.2% of the study area, ranging from 0.5 to 8 percent of each district. As an absolute measure it can be said that approximately 11500 sq km of habitat is likely to support leopard populations. The districts with the most optimal habitat are Betul, Hoshangabad and Chhindwara. Leopard as most diverse diet, the frequency of occurrence of prey was ordered as sambar>chital>hare>langur>birds>rodents>porcupine>wild pig>cattle. The diets of the tiger, leopard and dhole overlap to a great extent. The tiger diet overlaps more with that of the leopard than the dhole because of shared inclusion of wild pig, cattle, rodents and birds in their diet. The dhole-leopard overlap is more than the dhole-tiger overlap because the former species-pair hunt in open areas also and both thus take a significant amount of chital, unlike the tiger. Chital comprises about 20 % of leopard's biomass intake. Along with chital, sambar is a preferred prey for the dhole. Tigers seem to prefer large prey species that are more easily available, the mean size of prey being 115 kg. The leopard and dhole tend to take medium sized prey. The leopard being a solitary animal takes a mean prey size of 27 kg, while the pack living dhole takes larger prey of more than 25 kg. The leopard also has the largest range of prey size, taking small prey like hare, birds, rodents and porcupines that dhole did not kill in this study. There has recently been increased attention to the need for reliable estimates of carnivore density in India, but most of the work has been done on tigers scanty information is available for leopards. Camera trapping has been used in conjunction iii with the mark-recapture technique to estimate the densities of species in which individuals can be uniquely identified based on the coat patterns or other external marks. Large felid populations are difficult to estimate because the species are generally low in abundance, nocturnal or crepuscular and have large home ranges. The mean of the four estimates of density in Satpura Tiger Reserve is 8.87 (S.E. 0.9) per 100 sq km. It is recommended that an index of density calculated using the area of the minimum convex polygon (MCP) be used to compare different sites, and half MMDM used to estimate absolute density until further data are available on movement patterns of leopards. The sex ratios are female biased in all areas except Kamti. The average ratio is 1.68 (S.E. 0.38) females per male. For 4 estimates the capture success for males is higher than for females, and in one estimate they are the same. .The larger spatial area model had a higher predictive accuracy than the smaller scale one as quantified by the higher continuous Boyce Index. This is possibly because the Satpura Tiger Reserve has fewer disturbances and is a less heterogeneous area given its smaller size. Given the high density of leopards in the area and requiring large tracts of contiguous habitat they probably move through and live in habitats that are not highly preferred, but are still inhabitable. Very few areas in the Reserve are likely to be completely unsuitable for leopards. Proportion of dhole tracks found per sampling occasion per section declined from 24 percent to 7 percent over the three years. The decline was continuous for the first two years, before recovering in the last year. Mean proportion of leopard tracks were less variable between years, except for second year summer, where they declined drastically. C-scores were higher than expected only in winter for the four large carnivores, which suggests that competitive structuring and subtle patterns of avoidance, if present, are more likely to break down in summer. In summer habitat selection for all carnivores is likely to be more influenced by the presence of water and shade than by the presence of competitors. The understanding how these carnivore species coexist could be important in managing large carnivores in areas where more than one species is found in sympatry. Interspecific competition is a major process in the structuring of many communities and seems that resource partitioning along a combination of temporal, spatial and dietary axes has structured the large carnivore community.Item Assessent of prey populations for lion re-introduction in Kuno wildlife sanctuary, Central India(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2005) Johnsingh, A.J.T.; Qureshi, Q.; Goyal, S.P.Realizing that it is unwise to keep the only free-ranging population of Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) in one location (Gir forests), the Government of India made an effort to establish the second population in Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS, 96 km2), Uttar Pradesh, in 1957. This effort, for various reasons, did not succeed. In 1993-94, with the aim of finding a second home for the lions, a team from Wildlife Institute of India (WI!) surveyed three wildlife habitats in the states of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Among the three, Kuno WLS (345 km2) was identified as the most suitable site. With assistance from the Government of India, a twenty-year project was initiated in 1995, to establish a disturbance-free habitat here for reintroducing lions. Between 1996 and 200 I, twenty-four villages, with about 1547 families, have been translocated from the Sanctuary by the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department. The Madhya Pradesh Government has also demarcated a 1280 km2 Kuno Wildlife Division, encompassing the Sironi, Agra and Morawan forest ranges around the Sanctuary. In order to assess whether the Sanctuary has sufficient wild prey base, the WII was requested to asses the availability of prey in early 2005. With the assistance of34 forest staff 17 transects totaling 461 km were surveyed over an area of 280 km2 The density of catchable wild prey (chital, sam bar, nilgai, wild pig) by lions was 13 animals!km2. There are about 2500 cattle, left behind by the translocated people which are considered to be the buffer prey for lions to tide over the likely problem of drought periodically killing wild ungulates. With the implementation of the recommendations such as the control of poaching, grassland management, building rubble wall around the Division and water augmentation, we predict a substantial rise (ca.20 animals!km2) in the wild prey base for lions by end of2007. This prey density would be able to support the first batch of five lions (three females and two males) to be reintroduced in the beginning of 2008. Even if all the three females raise cubs, there will be sufficient wild prey by the end of 2009 to support them. Meanwhile efforts should be made to implement all the recommendations given in this report with immediate effect and get the whole hearted support of Gujrat Government to make this historic venture a success.Item Development of Desert National Park as biosphere reserve(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun and BNHS, 2006) Kalra, M.; Rahmani, A.R.; Choudhury, B.C.; Qureshi, Q.The Biosphere Reserve Programme aims to conserve biological diversity, including the genetic diversity of cultivated crops, and domesticated and wild animals. It also aims to study the natural ecosystems and comparative studies on man-modified ecosystems. In order to conserve overall biological diversity of Earth, it would be desirable to constitute at least one or two biosphere reserves in each of the biogeographic provinces. More than 100 nations have already set apart 482 such reserves, since the UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme was initiated in 1974. The hot desert in north-western region is a unique and the only habitat of its type in the Indian subcontinent. The Ministry of Environment and Forests constituted a working group in 1988 to draw a project document on the Thar Desert Biosphere Reserve (Anon. 1988). The objective of the Biosphere Reserve (BR) was oriented in such a way that BRs were wtits wherein the biological, socio-economic and cultural elements are integrated together. The main emphasis of this concept is the need for conserving ecosystem capable of being restored to natural condition. In this study we identified 16 unprotected areas in Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Nagur, Jalor and Sanchor districts with fairly large areas ranging from 5-7,091 km'. Each area supports mammals as well as several species of plants. These areas represent excellent animal-plant communities and traditional landuse practices, which together support a large number of microorganisms, small grasses and perennial herbs, which constitute the Thar ecosystem. The main emphasis of developing a Biosphere Reserve was given to Desert National Park (DNP). Vegetation as well as boundary mapping of DNP was done to visualize the land use/cover in and around it. All the villages in and around the Park were surveyed and mapped on GIS domain. This region includes the largest known populations of endangered species such as the Great Indian Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps, and the Chinkara Gazella bennetti and many lesser-known groups of plants and animals. The total area of propsed biosphere reserve is around 4,648 km' of which 76.36 km' will be as core zone, excluding four new areas, which are marked on the map, and 1,486 km2 transition zone. The existing area of the DNP is 3,162 km' which needs to be further extended upto 5 km from the park boundary. This extra (1,486 km') area will be use as a transition zone. In order to protect and enhance the biodiversity and cultural diversity of the Thar Desert, we also propose the concept of Greater Thar Desert (Marusthali) Biosphere Reserve, which should inelude the ON!>, Tal Chhaper, Diyatra and other biodiversity rich areas. We recommend that in the Greater Thar Desert (Marusthali) Biosphere Reserve, Community Conservation Areas (e.g. Guda-Vishnonian, Dhawa-Doli, Khichan etc.) and Conservation Reserves (e.g. Jakharda) should also be includedItem Ecological studies in Sariska tiger reserve, Rajasthan(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2009) Sankar, K.; Qureshi, Q.; Mondal, Krishnendu; Worah, T.; Srivastava, S.; Gupta, S.; Basu, S.The objectives of study are : 1. To address the distribution and status of tigers and co-predators. 2. To address the distribution and status of prey species. 3. To prepare vegetation and land cover map of Sariska TR. 4. To study the socio economic profile and resource dependency of local people in the notified national park area and 5. To identify potential areas for 'source' population and areas warranting restorative action for corridor connectivity to facilitate gene flow.Item Mapping of the protected area (PA) and surrounding areas in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2000) Sankar, K.; Qureshi, Q.; Mathur, V.B.; Mukherjee, S.K.; Areendran, G.; Pasha, M.K.S.In this study the task included the preparation of baseline maps of Pench tiger reserve and surrounding areas consisting of features relevant to PA management and ecodevelopment activities. The maps were digitized and incorporated in Geographical Information System (GIS) domain. As part of assignment the spatial database developed for the Pench tiger reserve has been installed in the PTR office at Seoni.Item Ecology of tigers in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Sankar, K.; Qureshi, Q.; Jhala, Y.V.; Gopal, R.; Majumdar, Aniruddha; Basu, S.The present study aimed to map land use/land cover patterns and to assess spatial structure and configuration of landscape; structure and composition of vegetation types in landscape; and varies ecological aspects of tiger (Panthera tigris) in a tropical deciduous forest of Central India from 2005 to 2013. Prey species availability was estimated using line transect method in an intensive study areas of 410 sq km between January 2007 and June 2012.Item Ecology and Management of swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli duvauceli) in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, U.P. India(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1995) Qureshi, Q.; Sawarkar, V.B.; Mathur, P.K.Item Population estimation and monitoring protocol for hangul to central and South division of Kashmir(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2004) Qureshi, Q.; Shah, NitaCensus of Wildlife is an investigation that requires knowledge of, how many animals are present either now or in the future. It is important to examine the methods and use the robust, the ones in consultation with the concerned specialists. The Department of Wildlife Protection has been conducting regular census of Hangul in Dachigam National Park by adopting traditional method of total count in blocks. The estimation of numbers of wild animals has now achieved a level of sophistication and the methods have gone from simple counts to complex relation, involving numerous assumptions. The aim of this exercise was not to fallow the counting of population, but to explore the trend of population in order to monitor the same in future.Item Wildlife Conservation, Research and Management(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2005) Jhala. Y.V.; Chellam, Ravi; Qureshi, Q.Item Demographic outcomes of diverse behavioural strategies assessed in resident and migratory population of black kites Milvus migrans Phase VI(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Kumar, Nishant; Jhala, Y.V.; Qureshi, Q.The Black Kite, an opportunist, facultative scavenger in the South Asian urban ecosystems,； is a highly successful bird of prey, adapting to various habitats from natural landscapes to bustling cities (Fig.1 ).This adaptability makes them one of the most hutnerous raptors globally (Ferguson- Lees & Christie, 2001). In the Old World, these kites are resourceful and opportunistic eaters, thriving on abundant food sources from human refuse and prey species like pigeons and rats in urban areas. They readily exploit human-generated waste, allowing them to maintain a healthy population and favourable conservation status (Galushin, 1971). In Indian cities like Delhi, they reign as the top avian predators within the urban ecosystem. Studies since the 1960s suggest their breeding density has remained stable. While most raptors require specific ecological conditions, Black Kites exhibit remarkable flexibility (Kumar et al., 2020a). They primarily nest in trees, indicating a need for green spaces within the city. However, a small portion (less than 5%) utilise man-made structures for nesting (Fig. 2). The ample availability of trees in Delhi provides suitable nesting grounds (Kumar, 2013; Kumar et al., 2019). The abundance of garbage in cities - often amassing in the form of large landfills - provides kites with a readily available food source. Additionally, the positive attitude of residents in South Asia towards these birds allows them to breed undisturbed near human settlements. This human tolerance translates to moderate breeding success, with around half of breeding Fig. 1. A typical congregation of Black Kites in Old Delhi responding to ritual tossing of meat by Muslims that follow Sufi traditions (Jama Masjid area). Photo Credit: Fabrizio Sergio 2 BlacK Kite Project - Phase - VI pairs raising chicks to fledging (Kumar et al.t 2014). The high density of Black Kites in southern Asian breeding grounds offers a unique opportunity for research. Scientists can compare these populations to European Black Kites, which have been extensively studied since the 1950s. Pioneering research in the 1990s on European populations focused on factors influencing chick survival, including hatching order, sibling competition, and food availability. These studies have become benchmarks for raptor biologists (Ferguson-Lees & Christie, 2001; Newton, 1979). A crucial finding from European studies is the link between food availability and brood reduction (where some chicks die in the nest). When food is scarce, chicks compete more intensely, and some may not survive (Vinuela, 1996). Black Kites in Delhi exhibit hatching asynchrony (chicks hatching at different times) and brood reduction, likely influenced by the varying food availability across the city's diverse urban landscapes. To capture these ecological nuances, researchers have been using trail cameras in nests across different urbanisation gradients to study relationships with urban variables. These data are further combined with observations to assess hatching patterns, chick survival, growth rates, and nesting behaviour. Delhi hosts two subspecies of black kites: the resident breeding Milvus migrans govinda (small Indian kite) and the migratory M. m. lineatus (black-eared kite) that arrives from Central Asia and Southern Siberia via the Central Asian Flyway across the Himalayas. GPS-tagging revealed that M. m. lineatus kites migrate 3300-4700 km from their breeding grounds in Russia, Kazakhstan, Xinjiang (China) and Mongolia to Delhi in 3-4 weeks, crossing the Himalayas at elevations up to 5000-6000 m (Kumar et al., 2020b).
- «
- 1 (current)
- 2
- 3
- »