M Sc Dissertation(WII)

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Birds communities of Lower Dachigam Valley, Kashmir
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1989) Katti, Madhusudan V.; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
This study explores the ' relationship between birds and vegetation in Lower Dachigam Valley in the Kashmir Himalaya. This area falls at the transition between the Palaearctic and Indo-,Malayan biogeographic realms. It is one of the first studies of bird communities in .the Himalaya and one of few in this temperate tropical transition zone. The study 'was 'aimed at testing the following hypotheses: 1. Bird communities differ between vegetation types 2. Community characteristics are related to various habitat factors viz. vegetation height, plant species diversity and food resource diversity. Transect sampling method was employed to obtain information on bird species composition, diversity and density.
Ecological separation of four sympatric carnivores in Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1989) Mukherjee, Shomita; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
The study conducted from 5th May 1989 to 9th October 1989 covering summer and monsoon looked at the ecological separation of four sympatric carnivores in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan. The four carnivores were - Jungle cat (Felis chaus), Fishing cat (Felis viverrina), Jackal (Canis aureus) and otter (Dutra perspicillata). Objectives of the study were to determine differences in dietary composition, habitat occupancy and time of activity as well as to tryout methods for studying sympatric lesser carnivores. Five methods were tried out to obtain these Objectives. Line transects and searches during mornings and nights were used to collect data on prey abundance, location of carnivores and their tine of activity. Scats were collected and analyzed to determine dietary composition and see how they differed among jackal, fishing cat and Jungle cat. Otter spraints were not found. The following conclusions are although some amount of overlap is evident an overall difference in habitat use, time of activity and dietary composition is seen. Jackals and Jungle cats are habitat generalists but dietary specialists. "The fishing cat and otter are habitat as well as dietary specialists . Jungle cat and fishhing cat are largely nocturnal Out the Jackal and otter are active throughout the day. Behavioural observations added to the results obtained from the other methods . 100 methods however were found unsuitable for studying lesser carnivores.
THE EFFECT OF MINOR -FOREST PRODUCE (MFP) COLLECTION ON WILDLIFE IN AND AROUND BUFFER ZONE OF PALAMAU TIGER RESERVE, BIHAR
(Wildlife Institute of India, 1989) Bhagat, P K; Prasad, S Narendra
This study on "the effect of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) Collection on Wildlife in and around buffer zone of Palamau Tiger Reserve, Bihar", was conducted from May to 10th of October 1989. Four study areas (compartments) were selected, two each from core and buffer
Feeding ecology of the Himalayan Black Bear Selenarctos thibetanus Cuvier) in Dachigam National Park
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1989) Manjrekar, Neema; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
Scat analysis revealed that twenty-two food items made up the diet of the Himalayan Black Bear (Selenarctos thibetanus Cuvier) in Dachigam National Park, Jammu & Kashmir. from early May to early October 1989. A total of 145 samples (approx 15 for each IS-day period) were analysed using occular separation and separation under a dissection microscope. Over twenty percent of the overall diet by weight was of foliage, 72.4% of fruit and 1.8% of animal matter. Foliage was the major food in the first month (74.7%). and fruit during the rest of the study period (52.9% to 100%). Prunus avium and Morus alba (mulberry) were the major fruits in the diet of June-July, while Quercus robusta (English oak) and Juglans regia (walnut) accounted for a major proportion of the diet in September - early October. Apple orchards and maize fields on the periphery of the park were raided by bears in August. Food items were eaten in proportion to their availability. which was estimated from phenological and density data. These results are consistent with results from studies in the Himalayas (Schaller 1969. Schaller et al. and in North America (Beeman and Pelton 1977. Kelley house Hehr and Brady 1982).
Distribution and movement patterns of the Himalayan Black Bear (Selenarctos thibetanus Cuvier) in Dachigam National Park, Kashmir
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1989) Saberwal, Vasant; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
This study investigates the distribution patterns of the Himalayan Black Bear (Selenarctos thibetanus) in Dachigam Rational Park, Kashmir. It involved basically two components. (i) looking at the differential usage of different parts of the park by bears over a five month study period. and (ii) the spatio-temporal variation in the distribution and availability of fruit during the study. Dachigam National Park of 141 sq. km ranges in altitude from l800m to 4400m. It is divided into Lower (2& sq km) and Upper (115 sq km) Dachigam. Lower Dachigam (LO) is characterized by a broad valley flanked by steep hillsides. Upper Dchigam (UO) is composed of several gullies separated by fairly steep ridges. The valley vegetation is broad leaved, moist deciduous forest with an unusually high abundance pf fruit species. The slopes on either side are dominated by grass (south facing slopes) or a combination of grass, conifers and shrubs (north facing slopes). The vegetation of Upper Dachigam is mainly composed of coniferous species, with alpine meadows in the higher areas. Transects were walked through Lower Dachigam, considered to have over 90% of the Black Bear population of the park. to record animal locations and signs. especially droppings. 100m segments were marked along these transects and sightings and signs plotted accordingly. These segments were the basis of the habitat mapping exercise. A subjective estimate of the abundance of key fruit species was made for each segment. A phenology study looked at the timing of fruiting of key species. Data analysis shows a good, though not significant correlation between sighting frequencies and fruit availability. However there is strong suggestive evidence to indicate that anilla1 movements are largely Controlled by the spatial distribution and phenological status of five to six key fruit species. The lack of significance is probably due to the small data set. The study indicated the lack of defended territories. Instead, as reported from studies on the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus), there are marked seasonal shifts in the use of the home range. Feeding aggregations of up to 20 bears in one hectare are common. Densities of over 1.5 bears per sq km were recorded in Lower Dachigam at times of high fruit abundance. For two months of the year, May and August, black bears disperse out of the park due to very low food availability. Crop raiding (apple, cherry, and maize) is common at this time. The unusually high abundance levels of fruit in Lower Dachigam (due to oak, walnut, and mulberry plantations, over 70 years old) supports a high density of bears at certain times of the year. However, the lack of sufficient fruit at other times of the year is resulting in increasing levels of conflict with the local human population. Problems of oak and walnut regeneration, and the implications of extremely localized oak distribution are discussed. A more detailed study investigating the problem is suggested.
Food Resource Partitioning Among Sympatric Bovids Chinkara, Blackbuck and Nilgai in Rajasthan Desert
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1989) Kunhunu, N.V.Ashraf; Goyal, S.P.
Patterns of dietary selection, overlap and spatial distribution were investigated for three species of sympatric wild ungulates and four species of domestic ungulates (goat, sheep, camel and cattle> during four seasons (summer, pre monsoon, monsoon & post monsoon) in Rajasthan desert. The objective was to determine the mechanisms of food resource partitioning among these seven species of ungulates and the factors allowing their coexistence. Two study areas, Dhawa-Doli and Janwar-Doli were selected for the study, based on the density and distribution of the three wild ungulates. More emphasis was given to Dhawa-Doli where two of the three species (chinkara & blackbuck> were common. Food habits were studied by direct observations. Feeding activity was recorded for feeding height, plant species and part eaten. Availability was determined by percentage cover classes. Three major vegetation zones were identified at Dhawa-Doli. Six study sites were selected across the three vegetation zones. Blackbuck were primarily grazers in monsoon when crops were beginning to grow and annual plants were abundant. Chinkara and nilgai browsed throughout the study and did not show any preference for monocots in periods of resource abundance (monsoon and post monsoon). Food habits of wild ungulates differed more between zones in summer and pre monsoon, when resources were limiting and the effect of vegetation zonation on food habits was evident. In monsoon and post monsoon when resources were abundant, the effect of vegetation zonation was negligible as opportunity for selection increased. Though dietary similarity was more in terms of plant species eaten between chinkara and goats and between sheep and blackbuck, they differed greatly in proportion of utilization. Greater overlap between chinkara and blackbuck during premonsoon suggest a possible temporary interspeciflc competition. In scrublands, dietary overlap was more between species with similar feeding strateg1es (goat & chinkara - sheep & blackbuck) and was less between species with dissimilar feeding strategies. Nilgai was spatially separated in summer and pre monsoon and showed a seasonal spatial overlap w1th chinkara and blackbuck at Dhawa-Doli during crop season. While blackbuck and nilgai exhibited a spatial divergence in response to temporal and spatial availab1lity of food resources, chinkara was largely sedentary. Though utilization of different habitat subun1ts (crop fields, cultivated fields and scrublands) were largely determined by the amount of disturbance, ch1nkara showed a random utilization of these subunits. Blackbuck showed a slight avoidance for crop fields, at least at day time, even though they consumed more crops than chinkara. Mean feeding height for domestic ungulates decreased towards post monsoon as they spent more time feeding on annuals. However, the mean feeding height for wild ungulates increased in response to the growth form of plants. The difference in utilization of different foraging strata was more evident between browsers and more similar between grazers. Broadly, this study suggests that dietary differences among all species were more important than spatial differences, in food resource partitioning.
Spatial and Temporal Patterns in Debarking by Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica kerr) in Sariska National Park
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1989) Sharma, Diwakar; Prasad, S.N.
A study on debarking by porcupine was conducted in Sariska National Park form 6th May to 1Oth october 1989. The climate is semi-arid with mean annual rainfall 650 mm but most of it during monsoon (June-September). Rainfall is variable seasonally and spatially. 4021 trees of nineteen species were examined for debarking in six Intensive study Sites (ISS). Of these Anogeissus pendula (1932), Balanites aegyptica (174) and Capparis decidua (101) were not found debarked. Twelve species were rare «20). Remaining four species Acacia catechu, A. leucophloea , 'Butea monosperma and Zizyphus mauritiana provided the data to study spatial and temporal variations 1n debarking. Both old and new debarking evidences were recorded. In Zizyphus and mixed woodlands the intensity of debarking high. Anogeissus woodland (ISS-5) did not have any tree debarked.Debarking evidences were lower in Zizyphus scrubland, Butea woodland and degraded Zizyphus woodland. The overall difference in debarking in different sites was significant (p ( .0001). Percentage of different species debarked in each ISS varied greatly. This intensity of debarking was positively related to the overall density of trees that could be debarked in a site . A. catechu and Z. uauritiana were significantly more debarked (p ( .05) than other species in respective ISS. iii - The Less debarking was observed in lower and higher girth classes within 41-100 cm. were debarked girth classes. more than any other class. Of the 59 trees recorded debarked 58 were debarked in summer and only 1 was consumed in monsoon. Thus debarking of trees occurs mostly in Bummer when no other food is available for the porcupine. Microscopic analysis of porcupine faeces shows that 75-95% of the food in summer was bark and stem. In monsoon/post-monsoon season grass seeds and monocot formed 33% and 41% of food respectively. Average density of porcupine in Sariska valley based on direct counting was calculated to be 8+2 animals per km2. Debarking does not have 'severe effects on the life and phenology of the tree. From the total density of debarked trees (77 I ha) only 0.79% of the debarked trees were dead. Hence no special measure is required to control debarking but any occurrence of fire should be prevented. If there is fire , these trees will be most severely affected because of their exposed hardwood.
Habitat Use by Radio Instrumented Chital, Sambar and Nilgai in Sariska Tiger Reserve
(1991) Chakraborty, Bipul; Goyal, S.P.
The Diel Activity Pattern of Indian Python (Python molurus molurus linn) at Keoladeo National Park and Some Factors Influencing it
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1991) Bhatt, Karamvir; Choudhury, B.C.
This study investigated die] activity pattern of Indian python (Python moJurus molurus Linn) at Keoladeo National Park Bharatpur. The study was conducted in an intensive study area of 0.5 Sq Km selected after pre sampling survey in the park. The methodology involved to estimate activity pattern of pythons was monitoring of a permanent transect every four hours, on diel basis, to record python’s tracks and sightings. The diel variations in temperature, humidity, burrow microclimate, prey activity and prey abundance were also quantified along with diel activity pattern of python. Results show a shift in diel activity pattern with seasons. The activity pattern of pythons was diurnal in winter, uniform throughout spring and bimodal crepuscular in summer. There was no significant correlation between python activity and other factors quantified, though temperature and humidity affected the diel activity pattern considerably. The microclimate variation gradient existing between outside and inside burrow possibly play an important role in occupation of the burrow and this in time influence the surface diel activity pattern. The shift in the diel activity is attributed to seasonal change in the abiotic factors. No relationship between prey abundance and activity pattern could be established possibly because python’s ability to go with out food during the cool season. Other factors not quantified during this study like reproductive behavior, body size and biotic disturbances are suspected to be responsible for the observed diel activity pattern of pythons. It is concluded that the diel activity pattern of pythons in KNP is not influenced by just one factor but is a manifestation of a combination of various abiotic, biotic and endogenous factors. A temperature sensitive telemetry study would help further in investigating the ecological aspects of this cryptic species.
A Study of Heterospecific Flocking and Nonbreeding Bird Community Structure of Rajaji National Park
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1991) Rai, Nitin D.; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
Many workers have found a direct relationship between bird community structure and vegetation structure. To investigate this and describe the heterospecific flocking behaviour of nonbreeding birds I sampled five habitat types in the Dholkhand range of Rajaji National Park, U.P., India. Inter-habitat differences in flocking and bird community structure were considered. I used the line transect technique to sample bird communities. Mixed species flocks were observed to investigate why birds flock. The guild structure based on diet and foraging strategy showed a marked difference between habitats. Species richness was estimated using rarefaction analysis, a procedure that standardizes the unequal area of the different sites. I used a correlational approach to answer the question – what determines bird species richness ? Foliage height diversity, canopy cover, canopy height, canopy height difference, tree density, tree species numbers and cross sectional area, were used as the vegetation variables. Results indicate that none of the variables have strong predictive value though tree species number which is the only floristic measure of the habitats has a consistent influence independent of sample size. The guild structures suggest that the bird communities vary with floristic aspects, of the habitats. To test my hypothesis that flocking is a response to food availability I related bird densities, which is an indicator of food availability, to flocking tendencies and found a inverse relationship. I also found behavioural evidence to suggest that flocking is also an anti-predatory strategy.
Leaf Chemistry and Food Selection by the Common Langur (Presbytis entellus, Dufresne 1797) in Rajaji National Park U.P. India
(1991) Gupta, Kaberi Kar; Kumar, Ajith
Food selection in folivorous primates has been hypothesised to be correlated with leaf chemistry. To test this hypothesis, a 5- month study on Presbytis entellus was carried out in a moist deciduous forest in the Rajaji National Park, U.P. Two indices of food selection were estimated: percent time spent feeding on the food item, and selection ratio. The former was estimated from group scan data collected from one study group for six days each month. The selection ratio for each item was estimated as a ratio of time spent feeding to availability. Food availability was estimated from vegetation sampling, which covered 6% of the home range of the study group, and phenology data in the study area. Crude Protein (CP), Acid Detergent Fibre (ADF) and Tannins in mature and young leaves of 12 major food species were estimated in the laboratory. Food selection was positively correlated with CP in winter and with ADF in both seasons. It was also correlated with CP/ADF ratio, but to a lesser extent than the best predictor in winter and spring. Selection ratio did not have any correlation with CP in two seasons and only a weak correlation with ADF» It is very likely that the inclusion of other factors such as micro-nutrients, condensed tannins and digestibility might give a better prediction of food selection.
Food Availability and range use by the common langur (Presbytis entellus) in Rajaji National Park, U.P. India
(1991) Tiwari, Geetanjali; Kumar, Ajith
A bisexual group of Common langur (P. entellus) wan chosen in Rajaji national Park, (U.P. India) to tent my hypothesis that spatial variation in the intensity of use -of home range is correlated with food availability. During the study period T collected data at three levels: (i) 6-day group scan for activity patterns, occupational density and frequency of use of major food species items. (ii) Circular plots, covering 6 percent of the area for estimating availability of tree species. (iii) Phenological data for estimating monthly variation in food items. Using the latter two I calculated the availability of major food species item spatially and temporally. I found that occupational density was significantly correlated with the availability of major food items in only two months. When analyzed for five months correlation increased as more major food items were added. The correlation was not significant for December, February and March because of constraints in the estimation of food availability added to the problem of dumpiness and rarity in the distribution of food species. A linear correlation is however, unlikely because availability of most foliage is often in excess of immediate requirement. moreover, as summer progressed water increasingly became limiting factor. This, in combination with other factors like inter-group interactions might further decrease the possibility of getting a linear correlation.
Habitat Utilization and Distribution Pattern of Indian Wild Pig [sus scrofa cristatus] in Sariska Tiger Reserve
(1991) Rao, D.D. Bhujanga; Rawat, G.S.
Habitat utilization and distribution pattern of wild pig (Sus scrota cristatus) was studied in Core I of Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan over winter and early summer. Habitat was stratified into scrubland, mixed woodland, Zizyphus woodland, and Anogttissus Forest, and important parameters such as vegetation, phenology of important plants, topography, water and disturbance were quantified. Four foot transects (two in plains and two in hills) and three cycle transects covering 188 km and 688 km respectively over two seasons gave a total sighting of 206 wild pigs .Of these 117 were in scrub 35 in Mixed woodland 51 in Zizyphus woodland, and 3 in Anogeissus forest. It was found that wild pigs utilized Zizyphus woodland in winter (density=32.97) and scrubland in summer (density=17.29) more than availability . This shows that there is a definite shift in the habitat use from winter to summer. The distribution pattern of wild pigs in various habitats and availability of important food plants during summer (pinch period) are analysed. The data from dung analysis and indirect evidences from digging show their omnivorous food habit, and a definite seasonality in food intake.
Habitat Preference of Sambar (Cervus unicolor) in Rajaji National Park
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1991) Bhatnagar, Yashveer; Prasad, S.N.
A study on the habitat use by sambar in the Rajaji National Park was carried out from November 1990 to April 1991. Data was collected on the vegetation, habitat use and abundance of sambar. Habitat preferences were studied using the utilization availability technique and animal abundances using the King census method. The major results regarding vegetation studies were: 1. Nine vegetation types (VT) were recognized in the study area based on their broad association and physiognomy as: the plains sal forests (SF), plains mixed forest plantation (MFP), mixed forests (MF), mixed forest, riverain (MFR), mixed forests slope (MFS), mixed forest shady valley (MFSV), mixed forest grassy slopes (MFSG), mixed forest slope with sal (MFSS) and sal forest slope (SFS). 2. The dominant tree, shrub and grass species and their abundances for each VT are presented. 3. The hills on the whole had a greater proportion of palatable tree species with branches accessible to sambar. They also had a greater diversity of forage and cover providing shrubs. The major results of the preference analysis were: 1. Sambar shows preference for MFS during both seasons (November to Mid February-winter and Mid February to April-Spring/summer).2. Low to moderate tree and shrub covers are preferred during both seasons. Higher grass cover categories are preferred by sambar during both seasons. 3. Lopped areas show avoidance mainly during summers. The major results of the sambar abundance were: 1. Sambar density for the 10 transects, representing hills and plains and varied levels of disturbance are presented.2. Sambar density during both seasons was higher in the hills.3. The sambar density does not significantly vary between the hill, disturbed and hill relatively undisturbed transects during both the seasons.
Habitat use by Chital (Cervus axis) in Dhaulkhand, Rajaji National Park, India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1993) Bhat, Sridhar D.; Rawat, G.S.
A study on the habitat use by chital or spotted deer (Cervus axis) was conducted in Dhaulkhand Rajaji National Park, from November 1992 to May 1993. The objectives of the study were to understand the spatio-temporal use of habitats by chital and to identify the factors that govern the patterns of habitat use. Foot transects were used to estimate the densities of chital and quantify the availability and utilization of resources.
Space Use Patterns of the Indian Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica centralis Erxleben) in Relation to Food Availability in Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, M.P. India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1993) Datta, Aparajita; Goyal, S.P.
The spatio-temporal heterogeneity of food supply and the consequent effects on food resource use and space-use patterns of the Indian giant squirrel (Ratufa indica centralis) in Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, was the focus of study. Territoriality, which may affect space-use patterns of individuals was of special interest. Climatic factors which may influence activity budgets and consequently the variability in seasonal space-use patterns are also discussed. Based on individual variation in physical characteristics, Z identified three focal animals (one male, one female and a subadult male) in the disturbed habitat (Bhainsa nala ) , and a male and female in the undisturbed habitat (Churnagundi nala) for whom dana could only be gathered in winter. Therefore seasonal changes in space-use patterns is discussed for focal squirrels in the disturbed habitat. I kept a continuous record of behaviours during focal animal sampling. Home areas were calculated based on hourly locations taken from focal data. I gridded the area used by focal squirrels and recorded the vegetation parameters. The seasonal change in resource availability was monitored by phonological observations on all trees in the grids twice a month. Squirrels in Bhainsa nala selectively utilised certain individuals of flowering and fruiting crees which was related to crop size. Squirrels included bark and leaves in their diet even when fruit resources were available. The resource use by squirrels in Churnagundi nala showed a marked difference from squirrels in Bhainsa nala in winter which was due to the poor availability of food. Individual squirrels in Bhainsa nala showed variation in food species, food items used and the percent time spent feeding on each food item indicating that resource availability was not the same for all squirrels. No significant correlation was found between resource abundance and percent use of the item. Squirrels had overlapping ranges but were otherwise solitary. Many preferred resources were rare in the habitat, and the spatio-temporal heterogeneity in food resources resulted in overlap between individuals at locally abundant food resources. Because of this heterogeneity, the defence of an exclusive area guaranteed of resources throughout the seasons is not possible. Therefore squirrel ranges overlapped, but encounters were avoided by spatial time sharing but when encounters occurred, overt aggression was seen. But at certain locally abundant resources which were located at the periphery of the home areas, squirrels tolerated each other by maintaining inter-individual distances (5-10m). The tolerance of conspecifics at these resources could also be related to the existence of dominance hierarchies which result in decreased over aggression. The intensity of use (time spent) decreased as the distance from nest increased for all squirrels. Squirrels made forays in search of food and in many cases foraging was in the peripheral areas of the range. The male’s range showed overlap with the female’s in winter which could be related to sexual activity. Squirrels had a bimodal activity pattern in both seasons but bimodality was less pronounced in the winter since activity was distributed throughout the day when temperatures were more equable Shift in onset and cessation of activity was observed with changing daylength. Time spent feeding in April was much less than in other months. Time budgets showed that in all months a higher proportion of time is spent resting which could be due to heat or cold stress in or time needed to digest food items eaten. in Activity pattern of the squirrels in winter in Churnagundir nala were influenced by the low resource availability which resulted in long basking and resting periods and negligible time spent in feeding. Though occasional forays of short duration were made, no food was located by these forays. Thus squirrels adopted a strategy of conserving energy by minimizing their requirements by resting.
Habitat Selection by Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus linn) in Gir forest, India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1993) Trivedi, Pranav; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
A study on habitat selection by Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) was carried out in Gir National Park and Sanctuary over a period of five months. Open width line transects were laid at three study sites in West, Central and East Gir respectively to obtained information on availabili ty and use of habitats. Three hundred and thirty sightings were obtained in 90 transect walks (totalling to ca 113 km), of which two hundred and fifty occurred in West, and forty each in Central and East Gir. As sampling intensity was the highest in Sasan (West Gir), much of the analyses is based on the data collected here. Peafowl distribution was found to be clumped, with the degree and site of clumping being affected by water and food availability
Habitat Use, Group Size and Activity Pattern of Goral (Nemorhaedus goral) in Simbalbara Sanctury (Himachal Pradesh) and Darpur Reserved Forest (Haryana) India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1993) Pendharkar, Anand; Goyal, S.P.
A study on the habitat use, group size and activity patterns of goral (Nemorhaedus goral) was undertaken from November 1922 to May 1993 in Simbalbara Sanctuary (Himachal Pradesh) and Darpur Reserved Forest (Haryana). Data on availability of habitat types, vegetation types, slope, aspect and cover and their corresponding use (N=230 sightings), were collected along six search paths. Group size and activity pattern data were collected by walking along search paths and using instantaneous scan sampling. The broad habitat types identified were: Valley slope, Grassy slope, Ridge top flat, Nala slope, Valley bottom flat, Ridge top slope and Valley ridge slope. The vegetation types identified in the study area were: Sal forest (SF), mixed forest (MF), mixed forest grassy slope (MFGS), mixed forest riverine (MFR), sal forest riverine (SFR), pine-mixed woodland (PMW) and mixed forests with khai plantation (MFKP).The characteristic features of habitat and vegetation types and seasonal variations in them are discussed.The major findings of availability-utilization analysis were : Goral shewed preferential use of grassy slopes in summer. Valley bottom flat was used less in both the seasons. Mixed Forest was preferred in both seasons, whereas Mixed Forest Grassy Slopes were preferred only in summer. Sal Forest, Sal Forest Riverine and Mixed Forest with Khair Plantations were used less in both the seasons. A preferential use of the steep slopes was observed in winter. In summer there seemed to be no selection for terrain type. South facing slopes were preferred in both the seasons. Extremely low shrub cover and medium grass cover were selectively used by goral. Major features of goral group size and activity pattern were: Goral was predominantly a solitary species forming loose aggregations of upto eleven individuals. Average group size of goral did not vary significantly (N=230, d. f.=3, p=0.05, X" - 0.98) between seasons, but during late evening hours, comparatively larger groups were observed in winter (N=127, d.f.=4, p=<0.02, X2 - 12.42). Group sizes were comparatively larger in disturbed areas (N=230, d. f.=3, i i i p<0.01, = 12.75). A significant difference in proportion of time spent in different activities was observed (N=416, c/.f. = 8, p<0.001, X2 = 37.59), between winter and summer. Nevertheless, activities and proportions of active and inactive individuals varied significantly over different hours of the day (N=192, d.f.=2, p<0.01 , 10.43).
Habitat Use by Goral (Nemorhaedus goral bedfordi) in Majhatal Harsang Wildlife Sanctuary Himachal Pradesh, India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1993) Mishra, Charudutt; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
Studied the habitat use pattern of goral (Nemorhaedus goral bedfordi} in Majhatal Harsang Wildlife Sanctuary in the Himalaya to determine its habitat requirements. Of special interest were the roles of forage availability and quality and the antipredator strategy of goral in determining its habitat selection. These factors are of paramount importance in influencing the habitat selection by mountain ungulates. Diet composition of goral in terms of the proportions of graminoids versus browse was determined through pellet analysis. Its escape strategy was determined by direct observation. These results were then related to the actual habitat use patterns, which were determined by obtaining and quantifying locations of goral (n=334) over two seasons, along five monitoring trails. Use of each habitat category was interpreted with respect to its availability. A non-mapping technique was used for determining the availability of each habitat component. I identified nine vegetation types based on physiognomy and floristics. These were: Open Pine Community (OPC), Dense Pine Forest (DPF), Open Oak-Pine Community (OOPC), Dense Oak-Pine Forest (DOPF), Nullah Oak Forest with Low undergrowth (NOFL), Nullah Oak Forest with High undergrowth (NOFH), Euphorbia-Woodfordia-Dodoenia Scrub (EWDS), Open Euphorbia Scrub (OES) and Low Altitude Nullah Forest (LANF). Both forage quality and the antipredator strategy had a profound influence on habitat selection by goral. Goral was a grazer. It was partial to the younger, more nutritive grass phenophases - a prediction that can be made on the basis of its small body size. It preferred open areas with extensive grass cover. Forest cover, along with cliffs, was an important escape area for goral. But it avoided areas with extensive shrub cover. Such areas have little grass. Besides, the shrub cover obstructs visibility and quick movement, and makes the animal vulnerable to predation.
Diurnal and Seasonal Activity Pattern of Water Monitor (Varanus salvator) in Bhitakanika Wildlife Sanctuary, India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1993) Pandav, Bivash; Choudhury, B.C.
This study investigated the diurnal and seasonal activity pattern of water monitor, Varanus salvator in Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, India. The study was conducted in an intensive study area of 17 sq.km selected after a pre sampling survey in the Sanctuary. The methodology involved to record the activity pattern of water monitor was monitoring of two permanent standard paths every three hours on diurnal basis. Sightings of water monitors were recorded while walking on the standard path. Behaviour of water monitor was divided into four categories such as basking, foraging, resting and non-foraging. Microhabitat of water monitor was recorded on each sighting. Ambient and substrate temperatures and ambient relative humidity were recorded along with diurnal activity pattern of water monitors. Results show a shift in diurnal activity pattern with season. The activity pattern of water monitor was unimodal in winter and uniform in summer. Basking was the major activity of water monitor in winter, whereas all the activities were evenly spread out in summer.The lizards used different microhabitats for different activities. Maximum lizards were recorded active at cooler substrate temperatures (29°C). The relation of ambient and substrate temperatures with activity was curvilinear. At low ambient temperature basking was prevalent. With increase in temperature other activities, such as foraging and resting were recorded. At high ambient temperature lizards selected cooler substrates. Ambient temperature and ambient relative humidity varied inversely. The activity was low at high levels of humidity It is concluded that behavioural thermoregulation plays a major role in water monitor’s activity.