WII Technical Reports/Books/Manuals
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Item Capacity building initiative on the dispersal and ranging patterns of elephants for effective management of human-elephant interactions(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2022) Nigam, P.; Pandav, B.; Mondol, S.; Lakshmiarayanan, N.; Kumar, A.; Nandwanshi, V.B.; Das, J.; Biswas, S.; Udhayaraj, A.D.; Vishwakarma, R.; Habib, B.; Miachieo, K.; Narasingh Rao, P.V.Wild Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) populations are distributed in four major regions namely North West, North-East, East-Central and Southern regional meta-populations across India. Amongst them, the East-central regional population spread across the States of Odisha, Jharkhand, southern West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and lately in Madhya Pradesh suffers disproportionately high levels of human elephant conflict. Among the myriad challenges facing management of human-elephant conflict in the region, elephant range expansion into new areas is overriding. One such range expansion that resulted in acute human-elephant conflict is being witnessed in the State of Chhattisgarh. Although northern Chhattisgarh was historically an elephant range, elephants reportedly disappeared during the period 1920 to late 1980s. While episodes of sporadic elephant occurrence in Chhattisgarh was reported during the period 1988- 1993, contemporary range expansion and concomitant human-elephant conflict began from the year 2000, and has accelerated during the last one decade. Faced with an enormous challenge of managing human-elephant conflict that is spatiotemporally dynamic unlike that of other elephant range States, constrained by limited Institutional capacities to assess and deal with the issue. Chhattisgarh Forest Department has been trying diversity its conflict mitigation strategies. Recognizing the need to objectively evaluate human-elephant conflict situation in the State, during the year 2017 Chhattisgarh Forest Department invited Wildlife Institute of India to conduct ecological research on elephants in Chhattisgarh with a three-year budget outlay. The project was a collaborative effort between Chhattisgarh Forest Department and WII. Considering the scope of the project, the project duration was further extended and eventually, the project lasted for the period July 2017 to March 2022. Being the final project report, the activities carried out as part of the project is summarized as under. Distribution and Demography In Chhattisgarh, the elephant distribution during the period 2012 to 2017 was reported from 16 Forest Divisions and four Protected Areas in the north and north-central regions of the state. The elephant population, as enumerated by Chhattisgarh Forest Department during 2021 , ranged from 250 to 300. The adult sex ratio recorded during the study was 1: 4.5. About 44% of the female segment of the population comprised of adults. Chhattisgarh elephant population is presently contiguous with other elephant populations in the neighboring states i.e., Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and in Odisha occurring as a meta-population 1 and thus cannot be considered as an isolated population. However, within Chhattisgarh, the population is relatively small and it occurs scattered over a large area as small and disjunctive groups facing a perpetual risk of getting isolated by ongoing linear infrastructure and other associated developmental activities in the State. If such groups get isolated, then they will not be viable in the long run. 1 Meta-population: Population of small populations that are connected through dispersals 1 O. ~ . -~ 1 -WU.d.U.fe .In.s-titu-te. o.f .In.di a Home Range, Movement Patterns & Dispersal, and Habitat Selection by Elephants During the period 2018-2022, WII-CGFD collaborative effort resulted in 10 elephant radio collaring in Chhattisgarh. The resultant effort provided 3106 elephant days of tracking information. Each of the radiocollared elephants provided an average of 310.6 (± 273) days of tracking data. As on 31 51 March 2022 when WII-CGFD collaborative project ended, two of the collared elephants (SD - Sehradev and MT - Maitri) were having functional collars. The estimated average home range (95% minimum convex polygon) of elephants in Chhattisgarh was 3172.8 km2 (± 2002.2 km2, Range: 462.3 - 6969.7 km2). The 95% kernel density home ranges of elephants were much lower averaging 512.3 km2 (± 235.3 km2, Range: 126.5 - 748.9 km2). The elephant home ranges were not wholly well defined, and marked by inter-annual shifts caused by exploratory behaviour. The elephant home ranges were relatively large. The dry season home ranges were significantly lower than monsoon and winter ranges. However, dry season home ranges of elephants are larger. The present study indicates that habitat quality in some of the forest patches - particularly those that are large and contiguous with minimal of human interference can potentially support elephants in the landscape. Thus, dry season ranges of elephants could serve as a surrogate for habitat quality. Monthly variations in home ranges were significant, and best explained by idiosyncrasies of individual elephants. Among the forest types open, moderately dense and very dense forests classified by Forest Survey of India based on crown densities, elephants selected open forests, that were predominantly juxtaposed with human-use areas. Although the crown density was low, the patches of open forests support dense stands of Sal (Shorea robusta) coppice with rank undergrowth offering adequate cover for elephants. Elephant habitat selection of these open forest patches appears to be influenced by potential foraging opportunities in human-use areas, and further facilitated by low inter-patch distance. Genetic Structure of Elephants Using 258 genetic samples collected from 9 Forest Divisions, elephant genetic structure in northern Chhattisgarh was evaluated. Analysis indicates that at least two different elephant lineages occur in Chhattisgarh. This implies that elephants occurring in Chhattisgarh have possibly come from different areas. Within the two different lineages, high relatedness amongst the individuals was observed corroborating with the general social structure of Asian elephant clans where individuals are mostly related. Crop Losses and Human Fatalities due to Elephants Crop losses caused by elephants were acute and widespread in Chhattisgarh. To draw an analogy, Karnataka's ex gratia payment towards crop losses by elephants during the period 2015-2020 was comparable with Chhattisgarh, although the former's elephant population is 93% more than the latter. The landscape-level assessment covering the whole of northern Chhattisgarh, and fine-scale assessment covering select areas in Surguja circle identified correlates of crop losses at both spatial scales. Elephant-related human deaths were widespread in the state. However, nearly 70% of incidences occurred in areas of high intensity of habitat-use by elephants. The human fatalities due to elephants were both temporally and spatially auto-correlated. 2Item 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 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 Ecological impacts of major invasive alien plants on native flora in Rajaji Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Kumar, Amit; Kumar, S.; Sahu, H.; Patra, R.; Page, N.; Qureshi, Q.This study focuses on Rajaji Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand, within the Shivalik hills, to investigate the invasion patterns and ecological impacts of a major invasive plant speciesItem PAN-India assessment and monitoring of endangered species covered under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitat Program (IDWH) - Snow leopard(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) WII-MoEFCCIn 2019, the MoEF&CC launched the 'Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI)* program, as part of India's active participation in the National and Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (NSLEP & GSLEP). India has contributed in three significant landscapes to NSLEP & GSLER viz. Hemis-Spiti, Nanda Devi-Gangotri, and Khangchendzonga-Tawang. Alongside twelve National Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Priorities (NSLEPs), these efforts are aimed at conserving snow leopard and its habitats. The SPAI was designed to generate scientifically robust national and state-wise population estimates of the snow leopard across the high altitude habitats both inside and outside protected areas. Its overarching goal is to gather reliable data to guide effective conservation efforts and policy decisions. Based on the consultations with the Chief Wildlife Wardens (CWLWS) of the states and Union Territories (UTs) the SPAI sampling exercise was effectively executed across the PAN-INDIA Assessment and Monitoring of Endangered Species Covered Under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats Program (IDWH) - SNOW LEOPARD Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir and four snow leopard range states viz. Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. The SPAI exercise was conducted from 2019 to 2023 following a two-step framework. Within this, the STEP-I involved a meticulous evaluation of snow leopard spatial distribution, incorporating habitat covariates into the analysis. This approach, founded on occupancy modeling, relied on data sourced from sign and interview surveys, comprehensive fieldwork, and precise geospatial mapping. This assessment culminated in the refinement of the snow leopard distribution map and the establishment of a foundational dataset for the stratification of snow leopard population sampling. In the STEP- II, snow leopard abundance estimation was achieved through camera trapping. Furthermore, comprehensive abundance assessments were conducted for the primary prey species at selected sites. Given the constraints posed by the situations of Covid-19, some states such as Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh conducted the STEP-I and II exercises simultaneously. Till 2016, a substantial third of the snow leopard range (spanning ca. 100,347 km2) had not received research attention, which was reduced to just 5%, mainly in small pockets of Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir; Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh. However; status surveys in the recent years have increased the understanding on preliminary information about snow leopard or prey is available for 80% of the snow leopard range (ca. 79,745 km2), compared to 56% in 2016. To provide robust information on the snow leopard numbers, the SPAI exercise involved surveying the snow leopard habitats using a substantial network of camera traps. In total, the SPAI sampling exercise utilized 1,971 camera trap locations, leading to the identification of 241 unique individuals. These comprehensive findings allow for the estimation of a total snow leopard population of 718 individuals in India. A total of 126 unique snow leopard individuals were identified from the Union Territory of Ladakh, across a total of 956 camera trap locations, yielding an estimated density of 0.34 individuals/100 km2 and a population of477 individuals. Camera trapping efforts in 135 sites in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir led to detection of 9 unique individuals across the snow leopard range. The estimated density was 0.75 individuals/100 km2 and population of 9 individuals. For the snow leopard range states, Himachal Pradesh recorded a total of 44 unique individuals identified across 284 camera trap locations. The density of snow leopard in the state ranged from 0.08 to 0.37 individuals/100 km2. The exercise was indicative of a mean population size of 51 individuals of snow leopard in Himachal Pradesh. The state of I PAN-INDIA Assessment and Monitoring of Endangered Species Covered Under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats Program (IDWH) - SNOW LEOPARD Uttarakhand recorded a total of 40 unique individuals, with a density ranging from 0.7 to 1.04 individuals/100 km2. The population estimates of snow leopard in Uttarakhand was 124. In the eastern Himalayan states, Sikkim, with a total of 99 camera trap locations, recorded a total of 14 unique individuals with an estimated density of 0.40 snow leopards/100 km2. The estimate was 21 snow leopards for this state. On the other hand, in Arunachal Pradesh, 8 unique snow leopards were identified across 115 camera trap locations. The density was 0.26 individuals/100 km2 and the population was estimated as 36 individuals in the state. In the Indian Himalayan region, two prey species dominate the diet of the snow leopard: the bharal or blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur), and the Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica). Bharal exhibit a near-total range overlap with snow leopard across the greater and trans-Himalayan regions, while ibex occupy extensive ranges within the northwestern trans-Himalayan region. In the subalpine and alpine region Himalayan tahr and musk deer form important component to snow leopard diet. Other mountain ungulates, though less prominent, contribute to the diet and hold local importance. Himachal Pradesh is the only snow leopard range state in India where systematic surveys on its primary prey species have been conducted. Conversely, states like Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir remain significantly understudied, while data from Uttarakhand and Sikkim are fragmented and localized. Ladakh, due to its visibility and accessibility, has a relatively well-documented history of ungulate monitoring. Limited long term data suggest a decline in ungulate populations across the Himalaya, except for the Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsoni), which has shown signs of recovery. Markhor (Capra falconeri) habitat shrank from 300 km2 in the 1940s to just 120 km2 by 2004-2005. Similarly, musk deer (Moschus spp.) in Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (Uttarakhand) have seen a steady decline from 3.7 individuals/km2 (1989-1991) to 1.2 individuals/km2 by 2000. A similar declining trend is evident in ibex (Capra sibirica) populations in Pin Valley National Park, Himachal Pradesh. Density estimates dropped from 2.3 individuals/km2 in 1989 to 1.2 individuals/km2 in 1997, with a further reduction to 0.37 individuals/km2 by 2012. These declines underscore the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts and systematic prey monitoring to ensure the long-term viability of snow leopard populations.Item Unveiling Torputitora presence in Sikkim streams through eDNA(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Mane, S.S.; Pant, B.; Kolipakam, VishnupriyaEnvironmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding was used to detect the presence of Tor putitora (Golden mahseer) in selected streams of Sikkim. Water samples were collected from six sites based on habitat characteristics conducive to the species survival. The collection of samples was followed by filtration of water samples, isolation of the DNA, PCR and sequencing targeting the COI region were conducted under aseptic conditions. The results confirmed Tor putitora presence at two locations (BR-06 and BR-08) with high certainty (>99%) aligning with previous studies on tis distribution in Sikkim. These results indicate that these streams serve as habitats for Tor putitora. These findings highlight the potential of these streams to support mahseer populations, reinforcing the need for conservation efforts to protect these critical habitats from ecological threats like ecological pressures, including hydropower and linear infrastructure development. This study adds to the expending evidence concerning mahseer distribution in Sikkim and highlights the critical need for conservation initiatives aimed at safeguarding its essential habitats by incorporating appropriate mitigation measures. Continued research and long term monitoring are imperative to evaluate population dynamics and ensure the sustainable management of Tor putitora in the region.Item Patterns of Mortality in Free Ranging Tigers(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2016) Nigam, Parag; Muliya, S.K.; Srivastav, A.; Malik, P.K.; Shrivastava, A.B.; Mathur, V.C.This study initiated an effort to maintain a centralized database of all tiger mortality events that are reported in India to address this shortcoming. We have initiated an attempt to study mortality patterns of tigers inhabiting landscapes in India based on available reports of mortality events in tigers from this databaseItem The Nicobar megapode Megapodius nicobariensis status, ecology and conservation : aftermath tsunami(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2007) Sivakumar, K.The Wildlife Institute of India conducted a status survey of the Nicobar megapode along with other coastal endangered species in the Nicobar group of islands in an effort to document the adverse impacts on their populations due to tsunami that occurred on 26th December 2004. The endemic Nicobar megapode population showed a dramatic decline (nearly 70%) in the number when compared to previous survey carried out in 1993-94. In 2006, there are approximately 800 breeding pairs in the coastal zo nes of these island group. 2. There was no evidence of Nicobar megapode in Megapode Island WLS and Trax Island during this survey where megapodes was reported earlier. 3. Crucial megapode habitats such as littoral forests of the island group were adversely affected. The populations of indicator species of the littoral forests Barringtonia asiatica and Terminalia bialata were severely impacted. However, regeneration of these species was found on the coastal region. 4. The island ecosystem are known for their resilience due to their ability for repopulating habitats and promoting regeneration. However, the restoration of the original biodiversity is possible only if the natural process such as recolonization is facilitated. The aftermath of the tsunami has left the trail of homeless families who need rehabilitation. Finding proper homes and alternate livelihood for them should not undermine ecosystem resilience. Raising plantation crops to generate revenue in the littoral forests should take into account the long term effects of habitat alteration. 5. Significant levels of wildlife habitats have been occupied by the tribals under the leadership of the tribal chiefs (known as Village Captain). Any conservation awareness programme with the help of these Village Captains would be useful for implementing recovery plans of declining species. 6. The Nicobar Division of the State Forest Department needs to be strengthened to facilitate wildlife protection and to take up appropriate wildlife management actions. 7. A total of 37 permanent monitoring plots have been identified and marked (Table 2) for long term monitoring of megapodes and its habitat. With some basic training, forest staff can collect data from these plots and within a weeks time all islands can be surveyed and collected data analyzed for developing appropriate conservation and management measures.Item Status of the tigers and copredators in Central Indian landscape(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2007) Jhala, Y.V.; Gopal, Rajesh; Qureshi, QamarThe present report forms a part of the All India Tiger Monitoring exercise undertaken on the direction of the Ministry of Environment and Forests by the Wildlife Institute of India in association with National Tiger Conservation Authority, MoEF, Government of India, and the State Forest Departments. As a part of this process, preliminary findings on the status, and distribution of tigers, co-predators and prey in the States of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa are presented. Tiger population estimates are provided for the States of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chattisgarh. For the remaining States of Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Orissa tiger population estimation is in progress and estimates will be provided at a later date. The current monitoring system for tigers, co-predators, prey and their habitat transcends beyond generating mere numbers. It is a holistic approach which uses the tiger as an umbrella species to monitor some of the major components of forest systems where the tiger occurs in India. The data and inferences generated by the system would not only serve as a monitoring tool but also as an information base for decision making for land use planning. It provides an opportunity to incorporate conservation objectives supported with a sound database, on equal footing with economic, sociological, and other values in policy and decision making for the benefit of the society. After the Sariska debacle, this system with a few modifications was recommended as a monitoring tool for the entire country by the Tiger Task Force.Item An assessment of the current status of the Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) in India(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2009) Choudhury, B.C.; Sathyakumar, S.; Sylvia, Christi