WII Technical Reports
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Item 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 in Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary - 2021(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Habib, Bilal; Noor, A.; Sharma, A.; Yadav, N.; Goyal, N.Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary (Sukhna WLS) is part of the Union Territory of Chandigarh and falls in the Great Indian Northern Plains near the foothills of the Shiwalik Hills. In process of continuing their effort of having scientific database and information on their wildlife populations and wildlife conservation, the Department of Forest and Wildlife, Union Territory of Chandigarh (DFW-CH), approached Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun (wide letter Nos. For/2021/50, dated: 06/04/21 and For/2020/0074, dated: 24/02/2020) to assist in capacity building of the field personnel in conducting wildlife surveys in Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, the only Protected Area (PA) of the UT. Subsequently, WII prepared an outline for the wildlife surveys for which initial training of the field personnel was considered as a prerequisite to further the survey program. Following this, WII conducted a capacity building and training workshop to train the frontline staff so that they collect scientifically robust data and get acquainted with the methods to be employed during the execution of project activities. A day-long training workshop was then held at the Chandigarh Botanical Garden, on 22nd April 2021 in the presence of 17 attendees. The DFW-CH personnel were trained in employing different field techniques such as line transect sampling, sign surveys, point counts, and use of necessary equipment (e.g. GPS units, binoculars, range finders, etc.) required during the surveys. In-field exposure to the techniques and equipment was made before starting the main survey to validate the sampling techniques. Shri Debendra Dalai, Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden (CCF&CWLW, DFW-CH), and Dr. Abdul Qayum, Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests (DCF, DFW-CH) also presided over the training workshop. Subsequently, the primary data collection process for Sukhna WLS was conducted by the DFW-CH in a five-day programme beginning 5th May to 9th May 2021. A total of 10 line transects (2 km each) inside Sukhna WLS and an additional four transects outside Sukhna WLS were sampled with an overall effort of 88 km of transect walk (80 km walk effort was made inside Sukhna WLS and 8 km walk effort in forest patches outside the Sukhna WLS). This effort yielded a total of 223 direct observations (195 inside and 28 outside Sukhna WLS) consisting of 13 wildlife species that included four ungulates, two primates, two carnivore species, one rodent, and reptile species each, two bird species, and also free-ranging stray dogs Due to low sample size of observations, the density of species other than Sambar could not be estimated with robustness. The density and other parameters of other species were not calculated because of the very low sample sizes as n>40 were considered adequate for data analysis in Distance software. Thus, data from all 14 transects of Sukhna WLS (transects which were inside as well as those monitored outside the sanctuary) were pooled for density and other parameters estimation for Sambar. Observations of other species such as Nilgai, Wild boar and Hanuman langur were pooled to estimate global detection probability which then was used to estimate the density estimates for these species, assuming they have uniform detectability in the environment. Therefore, further conservation and management strategies should consider these findings with caution. Sambar had the highest density (number of individuals/km2) of 18.08±4.22, followed by Nilgai (2.01±0.57), and Wild boar (1.17±0.33) in Sukhna WLS during the survey. The mean group size of Wild boar was the highest with 4.28±0.89 (median = 4; range = 1–12) followed by Chital (3.5±0.5; median = 4; range = 2–5), and Nilgai (3.20±0.55; median = 2; range = 1–10). Sambar had the mean group size of 2.57±0.22 (median = 2; range = 1–16). Hanuman langur’s grouping tendency averaged at 2.54±0.72 (median = 1; range = 1–8) while the Indian peafowl had mean group size of 2.42±0.29 (median = 2; range = 1–5). The detection probability varied from lowest of 0.41 to 0.56 for Sambar and pooled prey species, respectively. The population estimates obtained through extrapolation of the density estimates on the area of the sanctuary puts Sambar as the dominant species with an estimated population of ca. 290–763 individuals. The population estimate of Sambar obtained during the current survey is more robust than the estimate obtained during the previous surveys owing to several reasons including more amount of effort and area coverage undertaken this time (80 km compared to 16 km previously), more number of observations (N=138) than previously (N=21) and lower CVs associated with the estimates. Indian peafowl’s population could not be estimated due to low number observations (N=14) although an estimate of population could be made during the previous survey. Population estimates of other species such as Nilgai could not be estimated due to low number of observations. A total of 10 trails or routes of variable length (average=5.05 km; 4–5.5 km) and totalling an effort of 50.5 km (with 34:54 man hours) were walked in 10 beats across Sukhna WLS during the wildlife survey period. A total of 286 observations of indirect signs such as droppings, scats, footprints/pugmarks, scratch marks, pellets, etc. were made based on which 13 species could be identified. Interestingly, presence of barking deer was ascertained by indirect evidence only and in case of carnivores, leopard pugmarks were also recorded which could not be confirmed based on direct observations. A total of 30 points for counting birds were sampled across the 10 transects (three point count stations at each transect with inter-station distance of 400 m) during the survey. The same points were used for broad characterisation of habitat and vegetation. A total effort of 60 point samplings were conducted yielding a total of 67 species of birds belonging to 32 families and 15 orders were identified in the point transects. Of these observed species, ca. 28% of the species had more than 10 observations. Indian peafowl was the most abundant (N=59) species recorded, followed by red-wattled lapwing (N=30) and the red junglefowl (N=26). Among the species recorded with less frequency 20 species were recorded only once. Conclusions and Recommendations 1. Despite being small in area, Sukhna WLS supports good biological diversity and has the potential to be considered as one of the important wildlife and biodiversity conservation area. Therefore, steps should be undertaken to have plans for regular monitoring and research programs targeting not only the sanctuary but also its surrounding forested areas. 2. Sambar is the most abundant ungulate species in the Sukhna WLS with the highest density similar to Rajaji TR. The estimated population of Sambar in the sanctuary stands at ca. 290–763Item 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.