WII Technical Reports/Books/Manuals
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Item 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 Assessment of predator, prey and habitats in Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, 2024(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Sadhu, A.; Kanswal, S.; Roy, A.; Rana, A.; Tripathi, P.; Qureshi, Q.Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS) is located in the semi-arid western Indian landscape (24°33'54”N, 73°54'22"E] and spans the Pali, Rajsamand, and Udaipur districts of Rajasthan. Camera traps support various methodologies, including capture-mark-recapture for population estimation, occupancy surveys for determining species distribution, and distance sampling to assess animal density and abundance. Camera traps have been widely used as a wildlife monitoring tool due to their objectivity, ease of use, and ability to generate data on a wide range of species. Camera trapping was conducted in Kumbhalgarh from January to March 2024, covering an area of approximately 200 km2, which included all five ranges—Kumbhalgarh, Sadri, Desuri, Jhilwada, and Bokhada. The area was divided into 2 km2 grids, and in each grid, a pair of camera traps was placed. The cameras were set up along trails and near forest roads to maximize the probability of capturing the target species. These locations were selected based on a reconnaissance survey conducted in search of large carnivore signs along gipsy tracks, animal trails, and dry stream beds.Item Cumulative impact study of a 10 km radius landscape area around Ranthambhore tiger reserve towards identifying critical zones for wildlife and ensuring environment-friendly mining practices(Wildlife Institute of India, 2023) Jha, R.R.S.,; Zangmo, S.; Das, P.; Gopi, G.V.The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wild Life (SC-NBWL) had been receiving several mining proposals for consideration from around Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve (RTR), and often in a piecemeal manner. This had made it difficult for SC-NBWL to assess these projects’ overall impacts on wildlife and forest connectivity in RTR’s surrounding landscape. On the receipt of two mining proposals, a decision was taken in the SC-NBWL’s 70th meeting held in October 2022 to defer all mining proposals around RTR until a ‘Cumulative Impact Study Report’ was prepared by the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun (WII) towards protecting wildlife habitats and corridors in RTR’s vicinity. Accordingly, an area of c. 3,798 sq.km within Rajasthan in a 10 km-radius width around RTR was delineated as the “Cumulative Impact Study Area” (or CISA) encompassing parts of the administrative districts of Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, Tonk, Bundi and Kota. The CISA also encompasses parts of RTR Division-I, RTR Division-II, Ramgarh-Vishdhari Tiger Reserve (RVTR), National Chambal Sanctuary Project, and Social Forestry/ Territorial Divisions of Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, Tonk, Bundi and Kota. RTR (core & buffer) itself though is not part of the CISA as the assignment concerns areas in its vicinity. The CISA is described in terms of its forests, wildlife (including surrounding Protected Areas and connectivity between them), land use/ land cover, geology, geomorphology, climate etc. Impacts of mining activities on ecosystems, biodiversity and the environment, in general, are also described. Utilising available data from ongoing or completed research projects within WII and other data as available from published literature and government repositories, an area of c. 2136 sq.km within the CISA (56.26%) has been determined as “critical zone” for wildlife, especially concerning their persistence in the larger Ranthambhore landscape. These are areas with the occupancy and/ or (modelled) potentially suitable habitat of globally threatened and/ or locally rare Schedule-I mammalian species, as per the amended (until 2022) Wild Life Protection Act, 1972, such as tiger Panthera tigris (EN), leopard Panthera pardus (VU), caracal Caracal caracal (LC, but India’s most threatened wild cat species), Indian grey wolf Canis lupus pallipes (LC, but genetically distinct subspecies and locally rare), dhole (or Asiatic wild dog) Cuon alpinus (EN), Indian pangolin Manis crassicaudata (EN) and sloth bear Melursus ursinus (VU), including their identified movement corridors. The delineated critical zone also includes areas within PAs around RTR and areas satisfying the current legal definition of an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ), within which all commercial mining is prohibited, as per the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s (MoEF&CC) February 2011 guidelines on the matter. Within the CISA, a “non-critical zone” from the perspective of inhabiting wildlife of c. 1,661 sq.km (43.74%) is identified where mining activities may be appropriately appraised, subject to site-specific critical and cumulative impact assessments of the received proposals. If received/ pending proposals are positively appraised, the lessees/ user agencies must strictly adhere to all relevant extant laws, rules and guidelines issued by the Union and State governments from time to time, along with following all relevant orders passed by Hon’ble higher courts of judicature and statutory clearance conditions issued by national and state-level authorities. Pillar locations’ coordinates (intermediate/ all corners) and other associated details of a total 145 mining leases within the CISA were informed through the concerned district offices of the Department of Mining and Geology (DMG), Govt. of Rajasthan. Of these, majority (100) mining leases are located within Karauli district, while there are none in the Tonk district. It is, however, unclear if the data provided through DMG offices is comprehensive or complete. The statuses of these leases – whether operational/ lease expired/ applied for renewal etc. – is also either unclear or not known. Given these facts, we found that a total of sixty (60) mining leases – twenty-seven (27), six (06), three (03) and twenty-four (24) in Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, Bundi and Kota districts, respectively – are located within the “critical zone” for wildlife delineated in this assessment. Of these 60 leases, thirteen (13) are located either partly or wholly within the legally valid ESZs (as on date of submission of this report) where commercial mining and associated industries is listed as a prohibited activity, while as many as twenty-two (22) mining leases are located within identified wildlife corridors (all in the Ranthambhore-Ramgarh Vishdhari Mukundara corridor). Three (03) mining leases – two in Bundi district (ML nos. 389/1998, 333/2002) and one in Kota district (23/2003) – are, in fact, located within both ESZs and wildlife corridors. We observe an enormous scope to regulate and streamline mining activities around RTR towards a more sustainable framework accounting for the needs of both people/ industries and wildlife. While sufficient information on flora and fauna exists (and is being generated) within RTR, a general lack of scientific investigations coupled with insufficient monitoring of wildlife in RTR’s immediate vicinity limits this assessment exercise. This is especially concerning since RTR acts as a significant source population of threatened wildlife, including tiger, in the Central India-Eastern Ghats (CIEG) landscape, enabling their long-term persistence in and gradual range expansion into other parts of Rajasthan and the larger CIEG. Hence, we recommend carrying out comprehensive wildlife diversity, distribution, movements, species-habitat relationships, human-wildlife interactions and other such studies towards generating relevant information on these aspects in RTR’s vicinity. If several mining and/ or allied industries (such as mineral grinding/ processing plants) are proposed/ exist closely situated to each other, we also recommend conducting cumulative impact (of mining and allied industrial units) assessment studies funded through the State government ascertaining impacts of these activities on biodiversity, ecosystems, environment, and on the lives and livelihoods of human communities living nearby by reputed research institutions having such expertise, using modern research and analytical tools. Such studies may be commissioned immediately for the already existing cluster of proposals in the CISA where mining and/ or allied activities have been taking place since the past few decades (Karauli, Bundi and Kota clusters). The formation and effective functioning of a participatory monitoring mechanism is necessary to ensure that the short- and long-term requirements and concerns of the most important stakeholders – wild life and local human communities – are not overlooked. We also provide relevant shape and Keyhole Markup Language (KML) files along with full resolution images and maps generated from this project as a “Decision Support System” to the NBWL towards more informed proposal appraisals in the future. Informed decision making with respect to resource extractive projects backed with robust and regular on ground data/ monitoring of statutory and relevant laws, rules, guidelines, policies and compliance conditions will greatly facilitate the persistence of threatened species, and ensure the long-term survival and persistence of threatened wildlife in the biodiversity rich and crucial larger Ranthambhore landscape.Item Comparison of tiger population estimated using non-invasive techniques of pugmark, camera trap and DNA based analysis of hair and scat in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve Phase II: Estimation of tiger population : Executive summary(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2012) Singh, R.; Pandey, P.; Saxena, L.; Qureshi, Q.; Sankar, K.; Goyal, S.P.Item Ecology of leopard (Panthera pardus) in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan : Executive summary(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Sankar, K.; Qureshi, Q.; Jhala, Y.V.; Mondal, K.; Gupta, S.; Chourasia, P.Item Study of genetic diversity in wild (Sus scrofa cristatus) and domestic (Sus scrofa domestica) pig to find level of hybridization between them in the vicinity of Ranthambhore National Park(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) Pandey, P.; Nigam, P.; Chauhan, N.P.S.; Goyal, S.P.Wild pig (Sus scrofa cristatus) has a wide geographical range among all ungulates and terrestrial mammals found in the Indian subcontinent and forms an important prey-base for carnivores. Despite the variation with domestic pig in chromosome numbers, these animals can mate and produce fertile hybrids that have physical attributes similar to wild pig. A systematic study on wild pigs by the Wildlife Institute of India in Ranthambhore National Park revealed that wild pigs stray out of national park, raid agricultural crops and utilises the agro-ecosystem in peripheral villages for food resource and shelter and thus coming in contact of domestic pigs. As a result, there may be genetic hybridization between the wild and domestic pig populations. Hybridization between wild and domestic pigs may lead to introgression of alien alleles that can affect the genetic fitness and overall immune response. Thus in order to detect the hybridization and to quantify the impact on wild species, genetic assessment of wild and domestic pig is necessary with ultimate goal to find out extent of hybridization if any. Therefore, a study on genetic assessment of wild and domestic pigs and to evaluate the use and efficacy of power fence in controlling crop damage caused by wild pigs as advised by the Training, Research and Academic Council (TRAC) was undertaken from 04.02.2012 to 03.08.2014 around Ranthambhore National Park. The objectives of the study were (a) To study genetic diversity in wild and domestic pigs in the vicinity of Ranthambhore National park, (b) To find the level of hybridization between wild and domestic pigs based on genetic variability, (c) To evaluate the use and efficacy of power fence in controlling crop damage caused by wild pigs, (d) to evaluate the use and efficacy of power fence in controlling crop damage caused by wild pigs and (e) Based on the findings of the project, examine the possibility of hybridization between wild and domestic pigs in other parts of the country for further study. In view of this, report has been in two parts i.e. Section –I describes the genetic assessment of wild and domestic pigs where as Section II is related to use and efficacy of power fence. We systematically collected the biological samples of unrelated domestic pigs (n=65) from different villages surrounding the Ranthambhore National Park as a zone of interaction and also from different parts of Sawai Madhopur city as a control. For the genetic characterization and detection of event of introgression in wild pigs, we proposed collection of 30-40 blood samples in the project. The habituation of animals on baits could not been successful in spite of best efforts. This was due to the delayed receipt of permission to capture animals, in appropriate weather conditions making habituation procedure difficult and unsuccessful capture. In view of this, we collected other samples of wild pigs such as hair and faecal matter to meet the objectives of the project as these samples are equally amenable for genetic analysis but require appropriate optimization of protocols. Thus we collected blood samples (n=6) of unrelated wild pigs representing Ranthambhore National Park. Apart from blood samples, we also collected wild pigs faecal (n=26) and hair samples (n=34). For genetic diversity and detection of event of introgression, we amplified partial fragment (662 base pairs) of control region from mitochondrial genome (Asch et al., 2011) and a panel of 10 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers in domestic (n=55) and wild pig samples (n=66). We tested the applicability non-invasive faecal and hair samples for genetic assessment and evaluation of genetic introgression. Faecal DNA was of low molecular weight with PCR success rate restricted up to 200 base pair of mitochondrial DNA. We found PCI and Qiagen kit protocol for DNA extraction better for hair DNA extraction. As reported in the literature for PCR success (40 to 80%) in using such samples, our success rate in pig samples (hair and a faecal matter) was also between 60 and 90% whereas it was possible to obtain good quality data with all blood samples. Hence, collection of adequate invasive samples at large landscape would be difficult, therefore, we suggest use of non-invasive samples i.e. faecal matter and hair in future studies. Optimized protocols undertaken in this study for using noninvasive samples would have immense advantage for undertaking future cost effective studies on wild pigs. First time we report presence of two haplotypes with one segregation site in 560 base pair of amplified sequence of control region in eastern most population of wild pigs. Two haplotypes (WP_Hap-1 and WP_Hap-2) were shared equally i.e. 50% each in the population. The overall haplotype diversity of wild pigs was found 0.6 ± 0.13 whereas the nucleotide diversity was 0.001. In total 13 haplotypes with 24 segregation sites were recorded in 590 base pair of amplified sequences of domestic pigs. Two haplotype (Hap-1 and Hap-9) were shared by 80% of domestic pigs examined so far. Seven haplotype were detected only once (DP_Hap-3, DP_Hap-5, DP_Hap-8, DP_Hap-10, DP_Hap-11, DP_Hap-12 and DP_Hap-13) indicating their different geographic origin. The overall haplotype diversity of domestic pigs was found 0.79 ± 0.04 whereas the nucleotide diversity was 0.01. We selected eleven microsatellite markers for genotyping purposes. Of total samples (n=66), it has been possible to generate data complete data on multi locus genotyping only for 22 and were used for introgression purposes. Out of the eleven microsatellite markers tested on domestic and wild pig samples, three loci (S0090, S0026 and SW72) deviated from HWE whereas SW72 also showed presence of null alleles in domestic pigs. Six loci (SW122, SW24, S0090, 0225, S0226 and SW911) deviated from HWE whereas none of the loci showed sign of null alleles in wild pig samples analyzed. We found overall high genetic diversity in domestics pigs (Na=14.2, Ho=0.72 and He=0.86) as compared to the analyzed wild pig samples (Na=3.2, Ho=0.7 and He=0.7). We did not find any common haplotype between individuals of wild and domestic pigs and thus the introgression at mitochondrial level can be ruled out in the analyzed samples. We analyzed microsatellite marker data of both domestic and wild pig samples. By using Bayesian MCMC approach implemented in Structure 2.3.1. indicated admixed nature (ca.55%) of the wild pig samples. Similar results were also observed during factorial component analysis (FCA) where the wild pig individuals showed more affinity towards domestic pigs. Thus we report first time the presence of hybrid wild pig individuals (wild at mitochondrial level and domestic at nuclear level) in RTR. Therefore, absence of mitochondrial genetic introgression and presence of nuclear genetic introgression suggests unidirectional hybridization. Section II, describes the use and efficacy of power fence which was evaluated in controlling crop damage caused by wild pigs. Traditionally, wild pigs have been kept out of cultivations by scaring them away or restricting them with barriers. Scaring wild pigs with flash lights, fire, fire-crackers, crop protection guns, stone slings etc may effectively deter them sometimes. Most forms of effective barriers for wildlife such as trenches, rubble wall or conventional fences, are expensive to construct and maintain. A power fence is purely a psychological barrier. Power fence is a relatively new control technique and not fatal for animals and only restricts their movements. Power fencing is most effective and safe to animals and to humans. If properly constructed and maintained, it can effectively keep most of the animals out. Power fencing system provides an economic and a practical solution to achieve maximum protection through effective control of animal trespass. In this study, we developed the pig-proof power fences by construction of fence line around the crop fields in Jaitpur village situated on the boundary of Ranthambhore National Park, and evaluated their efficacy in reducing crop damage. We compared the extent of wild pig crop-raiding in the fenced and adjacent unfenced areas. The power unit had a solar panel, a 12 volt power battery, and an energizer to provide current to 1.5 km length of the two fences. We erected the electric fence as per the designs specified in June 2006 under different project when the fields were prepared for sowing crops. A fence design with posts at an interval of 8 meters and GI wires at the height 15, 37.5, 62.5, 100 and 135 cm were tested. Another design with posts at an interval of 8 meters and GI wires at the height 15, 37.5, 62.5, 100, 135, 165,195 and 225 cm was also constructed. The pig-proof fence was 4.5 feet in height with five strands; the first and third strands were connected to earthing, and the rest three i.e. 2nd, 4th and 5th strands were live strands. The pig and nilgai proof fence line was constructed along the forest boundary and crop fields, and it was 8.5 feet in height with 8 strands. The 1st, 3rd and 5th strands were connected to earthing system, and the rest five strands i.e. 2nd, 4th, 6th, 7th and 8th were live wires. The fences were monitored regularly by walking along the perimeter to evaluate their effectiveness and we discuss our findings . Both the fences were maintained properly. We recorded high range of voltage (7.9- 8.1 KV) at the energizer point. Average output voltage of the main fence i.e. nilgai-pig pro offence ranged from 5.5 to 6.5 KV. The voltage of small pig-proof fence was slightly on the lower side i.e. 5.2 to 6 KV. The voltage at 1000m fence length was higher than at shorter distances, which might be due to good earthing system. Overall the fences were found effective against pigs and nilgai. We conclude that the present study support the ecological finding (of previous project of WII) about genetic introgression between wild and domestic pigs around Ranthambhore National Park. This study provides valuable information on the genetic structure of indigenous wild pig which would be useful for future conservation program. Wild pig in RTR is in a vulnerable state as a distinct genetic wild resource and we suggest for appropriate measures to be undertaken to minimize the contact zone between wild and domestic pigs in and around RTR by using appropriate physical barriers as designed and tested for its efficacy. This may enable to restore genetic diversity of wild pigs after few generation through back crossing with wild pigs. We also suggest there is a need to re-visit the study in RTR with using optimized protocols to document spatial distribution of hybrids using NGS (hair and fecal matter) for developing appropriate strategies of wild pig genetic resource adapted to hot climatic conditions (Estimated expenditure would be Rs.6.0 lakhs/year). In view of valuable wild pig genetic resource for human being, there is a need to assess extent of introgression from domestic to wild pig populations of different bioclimatic zones. We also suggest for use of both mtDNA and nuclear markers which avoids inheritance bias because they detect information on both the maternally and codominatly inherited regionsItem Status survey of Migratory birds and key wildlife in Bikarner district, Rajasthan(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Dutta, S.; Kher, V.; Uddin, M.; Supakar, S.; Karkaria, T.; Gupta, T.; Paul I; Verma, V.; Pandey, D.; Verma, V.; Phasalkar, P.; Khanra, A.; Jora, V.S.; Kataria, P.S.; Chhangani, A.K.; Bipin, C.M.; Jhala, Y.V.The Bikaner district of Rajasthan supports a wide variety of wildlife that has not been rigorously surveyed in the past. Robust status assessments with reproducible methods are vital for monitoring wildlife trends, particularly in regions like Bikaner that are undergoing large-scale land-use changes, which are potentially detrimental to native wildlife. Therefore, a large-scale survey was organised by the Wildlife Institute of India in collaboration with Rajasthan Forest Department, Government Dungar College and Maharaja Ganga Singh University to assess the status of key wildlife in the Bikaner district of Western Rajasthan. Notably, this survey was planned at the request of Bikaner district residents, who conveyed their wish to conduct a wildlife survey to the Hon’ble Member of Parliament, who invited the Wildlife Institute of India through the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and to execute the survey. Consequently, the data collection was conducted in a citizen science framework and involved active participation by a diverse group of researchers, frontline staff, University students and wildlife enthusiasts. The survey assessed the distribution and abundance status of key wildlife, particularly migratory, arid-adapted and raptorial species of birds, their habitat associations, potential threats in the landscape, and community perceptions towards conservation. The Bikaner parliamentary constituency was divided into four sampling blocks (Bikaner, Kolayat, Chattargarh and Mahajan) and overlaid with 144 km2 (12 x 12 km grid) cells. A total of 89 such cells covering 12,816 km2 area were extensively surveyed using vehicle transect method. In each cell, dirt-trails or unpaved roads of 16.2 ± 4.1km length were traversed using slow-moving vehicles and animals were recorded during peak activity periods (0700hrs-1300hrs and 1600hrs-1900hrs). Data on iconic native fauna (chinkara, foxes, bustards, cranes and raptors) and key neobiota (dog, pig and nilgai) was collected on these vehicle transects (1442 km total length). Information on small birds, habitat characteristics and anthropogenic disturbances was recorded at regularly placed transect stop-over points (802 points). Major avian congregations or 'hotspots' (carcass dump at Jodbeed, wetlands and lakes at Gajner, Lunkaransar, RD507 and RD750) were surveyed using simultaneous point-counts and line transects. Community perception towards conservation was assessed using structured questionnaires conducted in select households of randomly selected villages. Species' population estimates were obtained using analytical techniques such as distance sampling and simultaneous block counts. During the survey, 1,880 Chinkara individuals were detected in 684 herds with an encounter rate of 139.78±18.72 individuals per 100km. The estimated density of chinkara in the surveyed area was 4.27±0.65 individuals/km2, yield abundance of 54,745±8,392 individuals 12 in the surveyed area. Similarly, 112 desert foxes were seen during the survey and the density was estimated to be 0.58±0.11 foxes/km2, yielding abundance of 7,456±1,356 individuals. Other mammals recorded during the survey were Desert Cat (0.57±0.2 individuals/100km), Nilgai (14.39±2.91 individuals/100km), free-ranging Domestic Dogs (26.07±3.6 individuals/100km) and Indian Wolf (one sighting). Among large birds, the encounter rate of the Demoiselle Crane was estimated at 5.47±3.14 individuals/100km. The five most common raptor species (individuals per 100 km) were Griffon Vulture (16.44±6.94), Egyptian Vulture (8.73±2.35), Common Kestrel (7.39±0.88), Black-winged Kite (5.35±0.89) and Long-legged Buzzard (5.13±0.69). Among small birds, 2,859 individuals from 103 species were recorded on point counts. The most abundant species were Common Babbler, Eurasian collared Dove, House Sparrow, White-eared Bulbul, Red-vented Bulbul, Greater short-toed Lark and Variable Wheatear. The total density of small birds, excluding birds in flight and rare species, was estimated at 997±58 individuals/km2. A total of 24,674 individual birds belonging to 95 species across 36 families were recorded during hotspot surveys. RD750 had the highest number of individuals and species (15,666 individuals of 76 species), followed by RD507 (6,501 individuals of 34 species), Lunkaransar lake (1,749 individuals of 25 species) and Gajner lake (758 individuals of 38 species). Common Coot, Demoiselle Crane, Common Pochard, Common Teal and Gadwall were the most abundant species that were recorded. Two Endangered (Egyptian Vulture and Steppe Eagle), two Vulnerable (Common Pochard and River Tern), and six Near-Threatened species (Black-headed Ibis, Dalmatian Pelican, Eurasian Curlew, Ferruginous Duck, Northern Lapwing, and Painted Stork) were recorded during the hotspot survey. The habitat was characterised by flat and mildly undulating terrain, dominated by scrublands followed by agriculture (fallow and cultivated). Active disturbance such as humans or livestock was present in 72% of surveyed plots. Passive disturbance such as fences, electric lines, paved road/ highway etc., was recorded at 87% of the points. In terms of vegetation, the most dominant natural vegetation was Kheemp (Leptadenia pyrotechnica) > Khejri (Prosopis cineraria) > Bhui (Aerva sp.) > Phog (Calligonum polygonoides) > Chugh (Crotalaria burhia) > Aak (Calotropis procera) > Ganthia (Dactyloctenium scindicum) > Prosopis juliflora. There was a positive association between the presence of fences and that of cultivation, human, livestock, dog, water-source and power-lines, indicating that fences could be a proxy for other disturbances. We found distinct associations between species and habitat. Plants such as Leptadenia and Calligonum occurred more in undulating and less disturbed areas. Aerva occurred more in sandy, less disturbed areas, whereas Prosopis juliflora and Calotropis procera occurred more in flat, disturbed areas. Faunal species such as Chinkara decreased 13 in abundance with the proportion of area under cultivation while Nilgai showed an opposite trend. Desert Fox and Desert cat did not show any response to habitat gradients, whereas dogs were more abundant in flat, disturbed areas. Steppe Eagle, Egyptian Vulture and Laggar Falcon decreased in abundance along canal-irrigated areas. Birds such as Eurasian collared dove, Grey Francolin, Indian Robin and Indian Peafowl preferred flat terrain. Presence of disturbances favoured the Common Babbler, Eurasian Collared Dove, Grey Francolin, Red Vented Bulbul and Variable Wheatear, but negatively impacted the Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark, Greater Short-toed Lark and Yellow-eyed Pigeon. Questionnaires were conducted with 170 respondents in 61 villages spread over 24 cells. 1.7±1.0% of respondents reported seeing a Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) around their villages in the past 5 years. The reporting frequency of dog, nilgai and fox was higher than that of chinkara, crane and wild pig. More people reported an increasing population trend for neo-colonised species (dogs, nilgai and wild pigs) than for native species (chinkara, fox or crane). On similar lines, more people reported that native biota (particularly chinkara and vultures followed by cranes and peafowls) have reduced in occurrence over the past few years. Habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and associated activities (fencing, pesticide usage, borewell irrigation etc.) was the most widely reported cause for wildlife decline; other causes being poaching, predation by dogs, climate change and powerlines. A high percentage of respondents (85±3%) were aware of a conservation area (managed either traditionally as Orans or by the Forest Department) around their village. 12±3 % of respondents complained regarding encroachment of Orans around their villages. Our survey highlights that Bikaner region is undergoing rapid land-use changes due to intensive irrigated agriculture, infrastructure and industries. To understand their ecological impacts, regular assessments of wildlife populations through standard, reproducible methods become important. Based on this survey and consultation with Rajasthan Forest Department and local experts, the following preliminary recommendations are suggested: a) greater conservation emphasis on sites such as Jorbeed Conservation Reserve, Deshnok Oran, Tokla Oran, Bhinjranwali and 750RD, b) mitigation of potential threats such as power-lines, fences and free-ranging dogs, c) protection of Orans from encroachment and development of grasslands for wildlife/livestock use, d) development of sites such as RD750 and Lunkaransar lake for ecotourism through careful and consultative planning, e) and replication of this survey for assessing wildlife trends.Item Status of wildlife between Kota barrage and Jawahar Sagar Dam, Rajasthan(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Johnson, J.A.; George, Arun; Sharma, Megha; Kavin, D.; Sreelekha Suresh; Gopi, G.V.; Hussain, S.A.The present study examined the impacts of post-construction phase of the cable-stayed bridge on the aquatic wildlife and river habitat quality of the Chambal River between Kota barrage and Jawahar Sagar dam, Rajasthan. The study was carried out between March and November 2021. The study area was divided into 5 segments (each comprising 5 Km length of river) and the segment 1 stats from the Kota barrage. We recorded good signs/ activities of smooth-coated otters in the study area. This species is listed under “Schedule II” of IWPA 1972 and "Vulnerable" as per the IUCN Red List. A total of 10 sites within five river segments were surveyed for otter signs during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Out of which five sites (50%) have shown positive otter signs (fresh spraints, tracks, and direct sightings) during pre-monsoon, whereas in the post-monsoon season the number of otters occupied sites have reduced to four sites (40%). The otter occupancy map indicated, the segment 2 (just above the bridge area) had high level of otter presence. We recorded good population of bird diversity between Kota barrage and Jawahar sagar dam. A total of 132 bird species, which includes 45 wetland birds (N=1569), 21 species of raptors (N=928), and 66 species of other terrestrial birds (N=1351) were recorded. These include two Critically Endangered (Indian Vulture and Red-headed Vulture), one Endangered (Egyptian Vulture), one Vulnerable (Woolly-necked Stork) and four Near Threatened species (River Tern, Black-headed Ibis, Oriental Darter and Alexandrian parakeet). During the study period, the raptors, Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus) and Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus) were very commonly recorded and more number of nests were recorded in the third segment of the study stretch. In addition to vulture nests, we also observed nests of Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata) and Dusky eagle-owl (Bubo coromandus) in the riverside escarpments. We also recorded nests of three waterbird species, which include Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), Black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) and Woolly necked stork (Ciconia episcopus). Avian richness was varying with the season maximum number of waterbirds were observed during pre-monsoon (S=40), this same trend was followed by raptors (S=15) and other terrestrial birds (S=57). The bird occupancy map indicated that the segment 1 and segment 2 supported high abundance birds. We also recorded two species of aquatic reptiles, which are Mugger (Crocodylus palustris) and Indian roofed turtle (Pangshura tecta). Though, the river banks are mostly of rocky and large boulders with limited sand beach, we found quite a few nesting sites of muggers along the river banks. A total of 34 individuals and 23 individuals of muggers were recorded during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon respectively. The study area also supports good population of freshwater fishes. Rapid Assessment Report - 6 - During the study we recorded 46 species of fishes from the study area. Fishes belonging to the carp family were dominant in species richness (S=22). Among the 46 species of fish, three species are listed under threatened categories as per the IUCN Red List. During the study period the important physicochemical parameters of the water was monitored and the values were significantly varied between the river segments (p<0.05). The pH was found to be slightly alkaline across the river segments ranged from 7.08±0.02 and 8.55±0.01. Like conductivity, total dissolved solids in water (TDS) varied, ranging from 91.54 ppm at the second segment of the river in postmonsoon to 150 ppm at the second segment in pre-monsoon. All water quality parameters were found within the normal range of river water quality. Based on our findings we conclude that the cable-stayed hanging bridge of Kota does not have any negative impact on the wildlife of the Chambal River. The bridge is on the stable rocky gorge area, around 30 m above the water level across the river Chambal without any supporting billers from the riverbed. Thus, there is no direct contact between the river and bridge structure. Further, the technology used in this structure is marvellous, because it is totally vibration and notice proof. In this study we had some significant observations very close to this cable bridge such as an active nest of Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) very close to this bridge (25° 8'23.14"N, 75°47'36.64"E), which is just 80 meters away from the bridge and a nest of Woolly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus) just 200 meters downstream from the bridge (25° 8'20.90"N, 75°47'33.11"E). Generally, Woolly-necked Storks are assumed to prefer isolated areas for nesting (Mehta 2020). Previous studies indicated that disturbance is one of the major factors for avoiding nesting habitat by Storks (Bouton et al., 2005). We also observed the permanent roosting sites of the Indian eagle-owl (Bubo bengalensis) nearer to this bridge (25° 8'16.12"N, 75°47'27.02"E). Likewise, we observed number of direct sighting of otters and crocodiles near as well as downstream regions of bridge when compared to other segments of the rivers. Moreover, the water quality parameters examined were within the normal range of river water quality. Thus, the present study revealed that the presence of cable-stayed bridge does not have any negative impact on the aquatic wildlife and quality of habitats in the Chambal River.