WII Technical Reports

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Start date: 2022Has files: Yes

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    Patterns of Human-Wildlife Conflict in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, India
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2022) Habib, B.; Nigam, P.; Praveen, N.R.; Ravindran, A.
    Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is the negative interaction between human or human property and wildlife and is a growing cause for concern among conservationists and scientists globally. Although HWC is a global phenomenon, there are certain differences in its manifestation as well as magnitude in developed versus developing nations. Developed regions of the world exhibit lower levels of direct dependence on forest ecosystems and their resources, as well as exclusionary management of the wildlife habitats. India, being a developing nation, is witness to an increasing intensity of human-carnivore conflict due to the fast-shrinking percentage of forest cover, that act as natural habitats of many carnivore species, due to a combination of factors including human population explosion, agricultural expansion, and large-scale developmental activities, leading to fragmentation and destruction of forest cover all across the country. The Central Indian Landscape (CIL) is one of the regions of high tiger populations and density in India with 6 Tiger Reserves featuring heavily as source populations, including Tadoba Andhari, Pench, Kanha, Satpura, and Melghat Tiger Reserves. But there is a disproportionate decline in forest cover as well as quality, which means that even though the populations of large carnivores are thriving, there isn’t enough pristine forest to support their growing numbers. This eventually leads to a spill-over of the carnivores into surrounding human-dominated landscapes (HDL). This acts as one of the major reasons for the burgeoning number of conflict cases between humans and large carnivores. The Vidarbha Landscape (VL) of the state of Maharashtra is facing a similar decline in forest cover leading to an increase in conflict cases. Records of conflict incidents were collected from the Greater Tadoba Landscape (GTL) which covers the divisions of Brahmapuri, Chandrapur & Central Chanda, along with the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR), in the Chandrapur Circle. Using these records, hotspots of livestock depredation and attacks on humans were mapped using a hotspot analysis tool in ArcGIS. Various scientific and non-scientific methods continue to be tested to slow down the increasing rate of HWC across the world. One of the major hurdles in the implementation of a universal mitigation method to curb the number and impact of HWC is the heavy influence of local factors including topography, vegetation, and human demography of the region. This requires an intensive study of the patterns and causes of conflict in a given region. Studying conflict hotspots and understanding the emerging spatial and temporal patterns is a quintessential step in the process of mitigating the HWC of any landscape. An important step in that direction is the establishment of a comprehensive database, which can be used for trend analysis and predictions. The hot spot analysis of human-carnivore conflict for tigers, leopards, and sloth bears enables visualization of the spatial distribution of events of attacks on humans as well as livestock depredation by each species, hence aiding in the development of site-specific management strategies to mitigate the effects of human-carnivore conflict
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    Knowledge support to development of guidelines, Specialized field studies and training on Human wildlife conflict mitigation in India, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2022) WII
    The primary aim of the project was knowledge support to development of guidelines, specialized field studies and training on Human Wildlife Conflict mitigation in India. In order to achieve this aim, the following measures were planned: (a) Supporting the development of national strategy and action plan & SOPs, leading the state-level HWC mitigation guidelines for Uttarakhand, and supporting in Karnataka and West Bengal, in a participatory manner engaging all key stakeholders. (b) Support to MoEFCC on database on human wildlife conflict in India. (c) Specialized field studies and pilot measures at the project pilot sites in Karnataka, West Bengal and Uttarakhand. (d) Implementation of training and other capacity development measures engaging key stakeholders
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    Assessment of mammalian diversity in Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2022) Lyngdoh, Salvador; Parab, Tushar
    Mammalian fauna of Himachal Pradesh is an admixture of Palearctic and Oriental elements since the state encompasses two bio-geographic zones i.e. 1 and 2, which are further subdivided into A &B (Roberts 1977); and the mountainous regions form a remarkable habitat for many animals, herbivores, and carnivores alike. They constitute a significant proportion of vertebrate diversity (Chakraborty et al. 2005, Saikia et al. 2004), and the state harbours about 27 percent of total mammalian species in India (Sharma and Saikia 2009). However, the State has come under a strong threshold of development, thereby inviting over exploitation and rapid destruction on natural resources but also has been open to many innovative steps to combat loss of biodiversity. Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary is of adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural or zoological significance and has a wide variety of biodiversity. Due to the wide variation of altitudinal zoning, it hosts a wide range of wild animals viz. Common Leopard (Panthera pardus), Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia), Himalayan Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus), Himalayan Brown Bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus), Goral (Naemorhedus goral), Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus), Himalayan Ibex (Capra ibex), Musk Deer (Moschus chrysogaster) along with Small carnivore species like Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) and Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes). These mammals acted as an excellent model for determining the state of landscape biodiversity. The information reported here would help to identify and further prioritize biodiversity rich areas within the landscape. This Landscape was a pilot site with no established methodological framework. Hence, different sets of methodologies were adopted for sampling. Camera trapping was conducted to gather evidences of animal presence and further analyze the diversity, abundance, probability of occurrence of species and activity patterns. Presence points of 8 potential indicator species were analyzed for generating habitat suitability maps. Locations of direct sightings, indirect evidences (scats, pellet, pugmark, hoof mark), animal attack sites and indigenous knowledge were accounted for. The species are selected by their ecological trends viz population, distribution range, food habits and activity patterns which gave a brief idea about the surrounding habitats. Biologically significant areas were surveyed intensively with camera traps for the first time, which revealed the presence of rare species like Himalayan Musk Deer. The baseline inventory of 22 species of mammals found in the landscape has been generated with the help of direct observations and indirect evidences. Our findings highlights the potential of Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary as a stronghold for conservation of several mammalian species.
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    Land-Use and Land-Cover Classification of the Elephant Reserves of India
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2022) WII-PE-MoEFCC
    In this report, the present status of the LULC of the ERs in India classified based on the BHUVAN LULC layer of NRSC for the year 2018 is provided. Only five major LULC classes have been provided for the ERs, which include forests, agriculture, water, fallow and human built-up areas. Further sub-classification of forests into different forest types and tree density, and agriculture Kharifharif and rabi crops was not done. Further, using geospatial layers for the years 1985, 1995, 2005, and 2018 broad comparisons between the years were made for all the five major LULC categories of the ERs to assess any major potential disparity between the years. Additionally, the linear infrastructure comprising major roads (National and State Highways) and the Indian Railway network were mapped based on 2018
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    State of India’s Birds, 2023: Range, trends, and conservation status.
    (The SoIB Partnership-WII., 2023) SoIB
    The State of India’s Birds report is a periodic assessment of the distribution range, trends in abundance, and conservation status for most of the bird species that regularly occur in India. With their ubiquity and ecological importance, birds are excellent indicators of the state of our natural world and are potent cultural symbols of nature. As a comprehensive, national-level assessment, the report points the way towards conservation needs of India’s birds.
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    Status of threatened medicianl and aromatic plants and their use by the Bhotiya community in Niti valley, Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Uttarakhand
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2022) Kumar, A.; Adhikari, B.S.; Mishra, A.P.
    Nested in the Western Himalaya, the state of Uttarakhand, also known as the ‘herbal state of India,’ harbors more than 5000 species of vascular plants, of which one-third species have medicinal uses. The state abounds in a rich and varied flora and fauna, constituting the most species-rich part of the whole of the Western Himalaya. The extreme north of the state contributes approximately 1% (ca. >1,000 km2) of the total Trans- Himalayan region (ca. 98,660 km2) of India. however, in spite of rich floral diversity, the cold-arid regions of Nilang, Niti, Mana, Johar, Darma and Byans valleys of Uttarakhand along the northern frontiers that falls under Trans-Himalayan Biogeographic Province (1C) are underexplored in terms of the current levels of pressure and patterns of biodiversity. These areas have also been facing tremendous pressure due to over-exploitation of forest resources including the unscientific and illegal harvesting of MAPs from the wild. The current study was conducted to study selected threatened and high use value MAPs in Niti valley, a cold-arid region of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve with a focus to (i) assess the status, abundance, and use of MAPs, and (ii) suggest their sustainable harvesting and cultivation framework. The information on the focal species was gathered through primary viz., semi-structured open-ended and closed-ended questions including individual interactions and group discussions in selected villages (7) and secondary information through offline and online sources. After reconnaissance and stratification of habitats, population status of focal species was assessed using stratified random sampling. Based on extensive interactions with younger generation, elder people including local healers, plant collectors and local traders, a total of five high value (with significant economic end usage) MAPs namely Allium tracheyi, Carum carvi, Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Picrorhiza kurroa and Sinopodophyllum hexandrum were selected in Niti valley, NDBR. The selection of MAPs was based mainly on highest quantum of collection and high threat due to removal and usages.The current study highlights that the population of the focal species (except Carum carvi) are sparse albeit rapidly declining due to excessive exploitation, unscientific, illegal and premature harvesting. Therefore, keeping their current population status in view, preparation of microplans, assessment of available growing stock and sustainable management and utilization of dwindling populations is recommended. Besides over-exploitation of MAPs, knowledge on their available stock,lack of information on end users and middlemen and inadequate information on quantity of raw material traded due to secretive nature of the markets were reported. In Niti valley, the market trend, price vis a vis trade route is indiscernible for highly traded medicinal species such as Gucchi, Morchella esculenta and Keedajadi, Ophiocordyceps sinensis which sells in the market like a hot cake, and therefore has created hue and cry state among the locals. Hence, these issues need to be addressed to ensure long-term conservation of the MAPs in a way that livelihood needs of the locals depending on such resources are not compromised. The focal species are one of the highly traded MAPs from the Western Himalaya, in general and Niti valley, particularly. Therefore, considering the existing threats, habitat specificity, population size and pressure level, the focus of conservation and regulated harvest is particularly needed for(i) restricted distribution heavy pressure (RDHP) species such as Picrorhiza kurroa and Dactylorhiza hatagirea, and (ii) locally common heavy pressure (LCHP) species such as Allium stracheyi, Sinopodophyllum hexandrum and Carum carvi in Niti valley, NDBR. Bhotiyas, ethnic community of Indo-Mongoloid origin mailny depend on natural resources from the adjacent forests and alpine pastures or meadows (locally known as payar) for their livelihood. Therefore, considering the high use value, market opportunities, price of the produce, and ease of cultivation or harvesting processes, the current study proposes Allium stracheyi, Carum carvi and Saussurea costus as the potential species that can be encouraged for their cultivation in Niti valley. It will not only provide livelihood opportunites to the local inhabitants butalso check ruthless exploitation of the wild MAPs. The local inhabitants are dependent on the wild MAPs for their traditional health care system. They are knowledgeable of about 72 MAPs that are locally utilized consumption and for curing at least 24 different human ailments. However, the practice of utilising MAPs in their local healthcare system is sharply declining due to lack of education facility and market, which has led to lack of knowledge as well as transfer of knowledge to younger generations. The payar such as Bamplas, Lang, Goting, Rekhana (base of Mount Kamet) and Geldung in Ganesh Ganga; Timersain and Thali enroute Kalajowar, and Daman towards Sagar glacier in Amrit Ganga are rich in medicinal plant diversity. Thus, considering the unique medicinal diversity and traditional ways of their conservation in view, rotation grazing in the forested areas including heavily grazed payars such as Daman, Thali, Timsersain and Goting in a cycle of 2-3 years is proposed. Owing to excessive human population, it is evident that the demand visa- vis harvesting pressure on wild populations of several MAPs is increasing every year. Thus, in order to meet the accelerating demand of high use value MAPs, there is an urgent need to develop farm scale agrotechniques for priority MAP species in the absence of such efforts on lab to land tested techniques. In the current study, sustainable harvesting and cultivation framework have been designed for the selected 05 MAPs,although appropriate demonstration sites showcasing such agrotechniques in the cold-arid landscapes such as Niti valley in Uttarakhand be set up to build confidence of the plant growers or locals in adoption of such medicinal crops in their agricultural practices.
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    Elephant reserves of India: an Atlas (Version - 2/2023)
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2023) WII-PE_MoEFCC
    This document aimed at carrying out Management Evaluation and Effectiveness (MEE) of the Elephant Reserves. Formulation of MEE was a major step towards institutionalizing management of the Elephant Reserves in the country. Thus, the Project Elephant is keen to keep the database pertaining to the Elephant Reserves up to date. During the period 2022 – 2023, two new Elephant Reserves were notified. This includes the (i) Agasthiyarmalai Elephant Reserve in Tamil Nadu, which was notified in the biodiversity rich southern Western Ghats, and (ii) the Terai Elephant Reserve in Uttar Pradesh in the Dudhwa landscape along the Terai flood plains, which is a renowned as a large mammal paradise acting as a stronghold for tigers, swamp deer, one-horned rhinoceros and the transboundary population of elephants ranging between India and Nepal. With these two additions, India currently has 33 Elephant Reserves spread at 80,777 km2 of mosaic habitats.
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    Introduction of Cheetah in India: annual report 2022-23
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2023) NTCA
    The introduction of cheetahs in India is a complex and multi-stage process that involves careful planning, preparation, and coordination among various stakeholders. The general stages for the introduction of cheetahs in India is discussed
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    Biodiversity impact assessment report of mandal Thang field firing range Leh, UT Ladakh
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2023) WII
    The Shyok valley forms the north-eastern edge of KWS, comprises of Galwan valley and Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) plains situated between Siachen and Karakorum mountain ranges. The cold arid landscape of the Shyok valley is characterised by high intensity of solar radiations, tremendous ruggedness of terrain, seasonality in resources, and low productivity. The entire area is steep semi-arid habitat, long riverine habitat, glaciers and towards the north the plains habitat. The remoteness and tough terrain support a unique arid flora and fauna found in this region. Due to the its harsh and cold climatic and topographic conditions, vegetation cover is sparse, along the river the vegetation cover is sometimes dense. This riverine habitat along the Shyok river provide crucial habitats for small mammals and birds. The vegetation in the valley comprises of mixed scrub steppe, sparse vegetation cover, plantation in the lower part of the valley, herbaceous, sedge meadows and grasslands in the north, and riverine vegetation. The dominant plant species in this area were, Myricaria spp, Artemisia spp. Eurotia spp, Lonicera spp, Kobresia spp, Nepeta spp, and, Ephedra spp. The valley is home to endangered faunal species, such as the Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) which is endemic to this region in the entire landscape, snow leopard (Panthera uncia), Himalayan/Tibetan wolf (Canis lupus chanco), and other important species. The valley is also home to many bird species (Bhatnagar and Wangchuk, 2001). Military and para-military presence has been predominant since the 1960s. Due to the strategic importance of the area the defence forces have deployed infrastructure, training camps, roads and firing ranges within this valley. The purpose of this study for Biodiversity Impact Assessment (BIA) was to identify, evaluate and report the potential wildlife effects of Military activities in the MTFFR. This process included identification of mitigative measures that may be undertaken to reduce or eliminate potential adverse effects, where appropriate
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    Seagrass and seaweed habitats in Gulf of Mannar and South Palk Bay region : Final Technical report
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2023) Seal, Sohom; Iyer, Sweta; Ghanekar, Chinmaya; Prabakaran, Nehru; Johnson, J.A.
    Seagrass beds are also heavily affected by frequent storms and prolonged rain, affecting the water transparency, and cutting the light penetration (Syukur et al., 2017). As a results, seagrass habitats quality and extend are degreasing in greater extent. In order to take a stock on the extend of seagrass and seaweed cover in the Gulf of Mannar and Southern Palk Bay region, the present investigation was under taken with the following objectives. Objectives of the study i. To map the current distribution and area coverage of seagrass and seaweed in Gulf of Mannar and Southern Palk Bay region. ii. Identify and demarcate the degraded seagrass habitats for adopting suitable management interventions.