M Sc Dissertation(WII)
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Item Factors Governing the Spatial Distribution and Density of Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo persica) in Gir Protected Area(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) Gogoi, Keshab; Jhala, Y.V.; Qureshi, QamarThis study is based on population estimation and spatial distribution of Asiatic lion.Item Study on the Trends of Bushmeat Consumption and Traditional Hunting on Wild Fauna by Indigenous Community Living Near Protected Area in Nagaland.(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Longchar, Satemmenla; Qureshi, Qamar; Jhala, Y.V.Bush- meat Hunting is an integral part of a man's life specially people living in an indigenous community. This practice has evolved since primeval time. This has been rooted in the culture and traditions which plays an influential role in keeping those practices alive. Hunting is an art. And these arts are an integral part of shaping a man's role in the society. This is however becoming a calamitous action in destroying wildlife, often driving them into extinction-at global and local scale. With the over growing populations in the world and a huge demands for wildlife globally, for consumption, medicinal values, for clothing, and traditional adornments, these factors eventually lead to extermination of species at a rapid speed. Nagaland is in a region recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, in spite of the rampant hunting activities across the state. My study site Intanki National Park is located in Peren District of Nagaland. This park is categorized as Northern subtropical broad leave forest type. This park adjoins neighboring state of Assam's Dhansari reserve forest and hence an important area for connectivity for species. I conducted my field study from December 2012 to April 2013 in Intanki National park, Nagaland. I choose 6 sites for my study based on hunting intensity. A total of 60 transects of 1 km each was walked on the human and animal trails for estimating abundance of both mammal and birds separately. Along with that 240 plots for tracks and pellet count were sampled to estimate relative mammal abundance index. Camera traps sampling at each of the 6 sites vary from 50-99 trap nights. Relative density estimation of mammals from pellet results highest in site Camp2 with1.75 (0.34) and least in the community reserve with 0.22 (0.09), whereas relative density estimation for track plot was highest in site Longkhor Disa (1.4 (0.22) and least in community reserve (0.37 (0.02). For mammals the density estimation was 25.02 (3.64),for the bird's density, the highest was found in small sized birds with cluster size of 114.38 per sq.km, lowest density was for ground dwelling birds at 13.68 birds per sq.km. Site Occupancy (\f') and species richness for birds and mammals from camera traps and transect (n=60) was estimated at six sites. Data indicates that species richness of birds is highest in camp 2 (38) and least in Hatibu Disa (25). Richness of mammals was higher in the community reserve (20) and least in Hazab Disa area (5). The capture rate of all the species was higher in junction camp where as the lowest photographic capture rate was obtained from Hazab Disa. I surveyed a total number of 94 households and 16 hunters across 6 villages. From the questionnaires it was found that the Indian muntjac, common palm civet, jungle fowl and wild , pig are the most preferred species with 100% positive response from 94 households surveyed, for consumption. Traditional hunting techniques are being replaced by the modem Guns for killing animals. Besides, demand of wild animal for traditional medicinal usage also contributes to the hunting of animals. It was observed that hunting does not impact species richness. However, in mammals, there is negatively impact on ungulates (pellet density and encounter rate). For birds, the significant negative effect is found only on the medium sized birds. Equilibrium density (density to support hunting) was calculated by Individual hunted per year per 100 sq.km / growth rate. In my study, the deficit of species due to hunting was found most effective on Indian muntjac and Common palm civet. Over harvesting of this species through hunting will result in decline of the species population. I estimated sustainability of hunting and found out that most of the species are hunted beyond sustenance level; hence, if this is continuous, it might result · in the population and local extinction. In conclusion, in a society where bushmeat is an essential source of proteins, it is important to realize the current status of wild fauna and hence emphasis should be given to control and promote alternative.Item Computing Biomass Consumption from Prey Occurrences in Scats of Tropical Felids(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Chakrabarti, Stotra; Jhala, Y.V.; Qureshi, QamarA robust understanding of prey use and selection by carnivores provides crucial insights into their ecology, conservation and management. In majority of the cases, scat analysis is most effective to assess diet spectrum of carnivores, but require correction for potential biases for estimating biomass contribution of different prey items. Since small prey have higher indigestible matter per unit body mas~ due to higher surface area-to-volume ratio, relative frequencies of prey remains in scats do not represent their consumed biomasses. Thus ~ to accurately estimate the proportions of different prey consumed, it is necessary to develop relationships between biomass consumed per field collectable scat and prey weight through feeding experiments. However, no such relationship exists for felids of the Indian sub-continent. The studies on diet of big cats like lion (Panthera leo), tiger (Panthera tigris) and leopard (Panthera pardus) have used a similar relationship based on cougars (Puma concolor) by Ackerman et al. 1984 owing to the unavailability of any species specific relations. Methods: A series of feeding trials were used on Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica), leopard and jungle cat (Felis chaus) to develop prey incidence to biomass conversion equations (hereafter mentioned as biomass models or biomass equations). Principal findings: All the models showed satiating relationships between biomass consumed per collectable scat and prey weight given by asymptotic exponential functions. However, carnivore specific models when scaled to their respective body weights did not differ significantly between each other, allowing derivation of a generalized biomass model for tropical felids. Inferences using present study models refined existing representation of diet of tropical carnivores. Significance: Results from the present study have strong implications on feeding ecology of tropical felids. Present study refined previous understanding of biomass contribution of different prey species in large felid diet by substantially increasing roportion of medium prey consumption. Such inferences question niche separation of sympatric large felids on the basis of prey species of different sizes, where large carnivores like tiger optimizing on large prey like gaur (Bos gaurus) and sambar (Rusa unicolor). while medium felids like leopard maximizing on chital (Axis axis). Domestic livestock significantly reduced in carnivore diet, reducing livestock depredation rates. indicating lower human-carnivore conflict levels.Item A Study of Resource Seletion by Black Kites (Milvus migrans) in the Urban Landscape of National Capital Region India(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Kumar, Nishant; Mohan, D.; Jhala, Y.V.Black Kites are the scavenger and predator raptors of the old world. In India they are synanthropic and perform the ecological role of city scavengers. Abundance and distribution of these birds suffers change due to rapid infrastructural changes in the developing cities which likely limit or change spatial layout of the available habitat and food. Many cities in the old world (London, Cape Verde, Istanbul) have experienced decline in the population of Milvus kites owing to rapid urbanization. Indian sub-continent almost lost its main scavenger, white backed vultures, in the last century. After this loss; existence of black kites, the most abundant raptor of the old world proves very vital. On these lines I carried carry out this dissertation from December 2012 to April 2013. This study focused on a) estimating the abundance of Black Kites on the Ghazipur dump site and the abundance of nesting pairs in National Capital Region (NCR), b) evaluating factors influencing nesting habitat selection combined with a broad understanding of its foraging habits and c) estimating nest survivorship in the urban landscape. I studied these parameters at selective study sites in NCR by intensive counts of birds at Ghazipur and breeding pairs at nest sites across eight study sites. Nests were searched intensively at each site while I tried to develop and test a new method to count the kites on the Ghazipur dump. Data from 116 nests and nest sites covariates were used to model nest survivorship under Known Fate scheme in Programme MARK. For my first objective, I estimated the current abundance of nesting pairs of Black Kites at 7 study sites. It ranged from 4 pairs / km2 in Sagarpur to 67 pairs / km2 in North Campus area. Nesting kites were selective while choosing a nest site, as evident by significant partial correlation between nest density, food index and green cover. The sites at the best trade-off between green cover and food availability had the highest nest densities. While developing a new methodology, I estimated around 2400 kites on the Ghazipur dump. Through behavioural observations and broad examination of regurgitated pellets, I could confirm scavenging as well as predacious nature of Black Kites. The overall probability of a nest to produce a viable fledgling was 0.45. The nest survivorship was stage specific and varied with pre-laying, incubation or nestling stage. The lower survival probability (0.60) at pre-laying stage is likely because of surplus nest formation at sites with good foraging opportunities. Understanding the importance of kites in urban ecology, studies using individually marked birds will reveal vital details of their behavioural and physiological adaptations. If future long term studies are conclusive enough, may establish Black Kites as an umbrella species of urban ecology.Item Abundance, Habitat Relationships and Behavior of the Semi-Fossorial Indian Desert Jird, Meriones hurriancae, in Kachchh, Gujarat(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2011) Ramesh, Divya; Jhala, Y.V.; Qureshi, QamarPopulation sizes, habitat relationships and behaviour are among basic ecological aspects pivotal to demystifying a species and its place in the ecosystem. Numerous in species and number, desert rodents offer immense scope for such investigations. The Indian desert jird, Meriones hurrianae, though common, is remarkably little known. This study, conducted in Kachchh, Gujarat, estimates population sizes, examines factors in the habitat likely to influence their occurrence, and elucidates the activity pattern and time budget across 2 land use types, agricultural and natural areas, during winter (December February) and summer (March-May). Animals were caught in 9 colonies using Sherman traps and population estimated under closed population Capture-Mark-Recapture framework in Program MARK, using individual covariates (age class, gender, body weight, site). Colony parameters (length, width, number of holes) were regressed against known Mark-Recapture (MR) population estimates to develop predictive models for estimating population size from indices. Population sizes varied from 2 to 10 individuals. Number of holes in a colony provided robust estimates of the number of individuals in that colony (N=16, R2=0.96, t=18.19, pItem Estimating the Status and Impact of Hunting on Tiger Prey in Bardia National Park, Nepal(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2009) Malla, Sabita; Jhala, Y.V.; Qureshi, QamarA study was undertaken to understand the status of tiger prey species in relation to the hunting pressure in Bardia from November 2008 to April 2009. The prey densities were estimated using distance samplingItem Evaluating the importance of scale in estimating tiger populations(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2007) Contractor, Deep; Jhala, Y.V.; Qureshi, QamarPopulation estimation is one of the most important aspects of ecological studies as it plays a pivotal role in establishing priorities for species specific conservation and for delineating management practices. The tiger serves as a flagship and umbrella species for conservation efforts in the Indian subcontinent but, unfortunately wild tiger populations are on a drastic decline owing to factors like poaching, habitat fragmentation and degradation. In such a scenario reliable population estimates prove to be of vital importance. Camera trapping technique has been widely used for population estimation of cryptic carnivores including tigers. An attempt was made, through this study, to arrive at population and density estimates for Corbett NP through camera trapping technique following the mark recapture framework and answering some key questions regarding the importance of sampling effort required for arriving at such reliable estimates. A total of 7865 trap nights yielded 358 captures of 103 individual tigers within an intensively sampled area of (MCP) 420.86 km2. The estimated density of tiger was 16.01 (±1.6) per 100 km2 for RPSV, a new approach to calculate effectively sampled area. These estimates coincided with the estimates using full MMDM method. Also, the conventional method of using half MMDM seems to overestimate the density. The estimated sampling effort required for arriving at accurate and precise estimates of the true population in terms of sampling occasions amounted to 35 - 40 days. Evaluation of the influence of trap density revealed that high trap density (25 traps/km2 ca.) is required to get reliable estimates of population irrespective of the underlying population/density gradient.Item Resource utilization and parental investment in the Indian for (Vulpes bengalensis) in Kutch, Gujarat(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2005) Home, Chandrima; Jhala, Y.V.I studied the resource utilization patterns in the Indian fox (Vulpes bengalensis) with respect to diet in Kutch, Gujarat. Resource use and availability by foxes were compared between two habitats and between two seasons. Resource availability was quantified through transects laid in both the habitats for the different prey items: mainly mammals, birds, reptiles, arthropods and fruits. Resource availability differed in both the habitats as well as across seasons (summer and winter). Density of fruiting shrubs (particularly Zizyphus) and gerbil burrows were significantly different between the two habitats. Gerbil population mean obtained from different colonies trapped during the study period showed a significant relationship with the total number of burrows in the colony (R2 =0.969). Scats collected from den sites were used to quantify resource use of the Indian fox. The minimum number of scats that can be used to estimate the annual food habits of the Indian fox in' a dry arid area like Kutch is about 110 scats. Frequency of occurrence of prey species also differed across habitat and seasons. The food habits of the Indian fox comprised of varied items, mainly arthropods like beetles, orthopterans, scorpions and termites. Among the other items, rodents, hares, spiny tailed lizards, birds and eggshells as well as fruits have been found. Arthropods were the most frequently occurring prey items (75% and above), among them particularly the termites. They are seen to be selected more than availability within the habitat. This was indicated by the three methods used to compare use versus availability (Ivlev's Index, Bonferroni's CI, and Compositional Analysis). However the Indian fox is seen to maximize energy requirements by selecting gerbils next in the preference after arthropods being selected more than availability during most cases within the habitat. Density of breeding units evaluated in the scrubland showed a density of 0.1 O/sq Ian. The density of breeding pairs obtained in this particular study was much higher as compared to the ones reported earlier for Kutch (0.04-0.06/sq Ian) due to good rainfall in the preceding two years thereby indicating a good prey base as compared to other years.Item Evaluating Tiger (Panthera tigris) Population Estimation Approches in a High Density Area in Kanha Tiger Reserve(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2005) Sharma, Rishi Kumar; Jhala, Y.V.Reliable estimates of status and population trends are critical for the conservation of large terrestrial carnivores as they play an important role in evaluating effectiveness of conservation efforts and also provide benchmark data for future management decisions. Camera trapping technique have been widely used for population estimation of cryptic carnivores including tigers, but the issues regarding sampling design and effort required to effectively sample an area have been paid less attention. An attempt was made to deal with these issues in the present study. The use of intensive search effort for tiger density estimation was also evaluated. Over a 30- day survey period, 33 camera trap sites were sampled in Kanha meadows of the Kanha Tiger Reserve. A total sampling effort of 330 trap nights yielded 39 photocaptures of 12 individual tigers over 10 sampling occasions that effectively covered a 111-km2 area. The model M(o) fitted the capture history data well. The estimated capture probability/sample, p-hat = 0.22, resulted in an estimated population size and standard error (N(SE TV)) of 13 (1.19), and a density (D(SE Z))) of 11.71 (1.74)7100 km2. Camera spacing was found to considerably influence the population estimation. An increase in camera spacing from 1.5 to 2.5 km resulted in a loss of 35% (n=7) of photo captures which consequently decreased the precision of the estimates, though accuracy was not affected. A reduction in the trapping effort in terms of reduced trap nights resulted in lower level of precision though the accuracy of estimates was not affected. Increase in the camera spacing from 1 to 2 km with a decrease in the number of sampling occasions (six) resulted in the loss of 42% of photo captures (n=12) and loss of 25% of individual tigers (Mz+/=9) thus underestimating the true tiger population by 16% ((N(SE N)) being 10(1.84) The data also suggests that the photo-captures are not likely to generate abundance index for species other than tigers, since the cameras are placed to maximize tiger captures in space and time. My results suggest that a thorough reconnaissance survey is of utmost importance for camera trapping studies as it can help to maximize the capture probability of tigers and circumvent the sampling problems. The different statistical estimator’s viz. capture-recapture, jackknife and bootstrap did not show significant differences in the population estimation. Bootstrap estimator performed better than jackknife in terms of greater precision. The differences between the density estimates generated by “camera trapping” (D=l 1.71/100 km2, S.E.=1.74) and “intensive search effort” (0=12.74/100 km2, S.E.=2.27) for tigers were not significantly different. Our results suggest that “intensive search effort” for tigers if used within capture-recapture framework can be used to arrive at reliable population estimationItem Disturbance and Coral Community Structure in the Intertidal Coral Reefs of the Southern Gulf of Kutch(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1995) Arthur, Rohan; Jhala, Y.V.I quantified the coral community structure using quadrat sampling in two intertidal coral reefs off the island of Narrara and Pirotan in the Southern Gulf of Kutch. These areas are subject to heavy disturbance from industries, and anthropogenic pressures on the reef are considerable. Species richness and indices of diversity indicate the reefs are of low diversity. Species diversity values indicate that Narrara has a lower species diversity (H'= 2.822, SE 0.139) than Pirotan (H'= 3.95, SE 0.126) (t-test d.f. = 236, P < 0.00 I). However, environmental data collected from both areas indicate that the levels of disturbance, measured as the mean percentages of dead coral, sediment load on live coral, algae cover and bleaching, was generally higher in Pirotan than in Nanara. Multivariate techniques of analysis were used to elucidate these trends. Community clustering using the statistical package TWINSPAN and direct ordination using Canonical Correspondence (statistical package CANOCO) were carried out. Axis I correlated well with the percentage of boulders in the reef and the density of algae, and Axis 11 correlated well with sediment load on the coral. Species showed clear patterns of distribution along these axes. I set up experiments to test the effect of crude oil and bittern, a salt manufacturing by-product, on two common reef Scleractinidia, Porites compressa and Favia favus. Significant effects were seen with both pollutants. Most of the replicates showed some level of recovery though this recovery did not result in any of the coral regaining total health. Indices of coral sensitivity and coral recovery was developed and this proved a valuable means of comparing the response of different species. Bittern and crude oil stressed the corals and resulted in sediment deposition. The immediate cause of mortality was caused by sediment deposits on the coral boulders. In highly turbid reefs, coral species might be affected more by high sedimentation levels than by other environmental stressors