M Sc Dissertation(WII)

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Estimating Abundance, Habitat Use, and Acoustic Characteristics of Irrawaddy Dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) in Chilika Lagoon
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Sakshi; Kolipakam, Vishnupriya; Gopi, G.V.
This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the Endangered Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) in Chilika Lagoon, India, through an integrated approach combining visual and acoustic surveys, environmental modelling, and prey availability analysis. Visual line-transect surveys and passive acoustic monitoring (using FPODs) were used to estimate dolphin abundance and explore patterns of habitat use. Dive-time observations revealed that calves and non-calves differ in their diving behavior, with non-calves exhibiting longer and more variable dive durations. Mark-recapture analysis produced corrected abundance estimates ranging from 24 to 32 individuals, with variation influenced by observer mismatches and brief surfacing events. To assess prey availability, catch per unit effort (CPUE) surveys were conducted at 22 sites in collaboration with local fishers. The highest CPUE values were recorded in the high salinity area (Outer channel) and low salinity area (Northern sector), indicating these areas may offer better foraging opportunities. Prey community sampling across 11 sites revealed spatial differences in species richness and evenness, with some locations dominated by a few taxa and others exhibiting high diversity. Richness estimators suggested that the true species count exceeds what was observed, indicating under-sampling in certain areas. Environmental modelling using a negative binomial generalized linear model showed that salinity had a significant negative effect on dolphin acoustic detections, while dissolved oxygen and depth were positively associated but not statistically significant. The frequency ranged from 20 kHz to 200kHz with a median frequency of 98kHz. The interclick interval ranged from 850 millisecond to 1010865 milliseconds with a median of 23605 millisecond. The histogram for ICI displayed a positively skewed distribution, consistent with irregular click trains interspersed with longer pauses. The findings highlight the importance of salinity and prey availability in shaping dolphin distribution in Chilika Lagoon. The results support targeted conservation actions such as regulating freshwater inflow, protecting productive foraging zones, and expanding acoustic monitoring efforts to improve long-term management of this vulnerable population.
Responses of Wild Ungulates to Anthropogenic Pressure and Perception of Local Communities Towards Conservation of Wild Ungulates in Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mizoram India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Chakama, Joonu; Sathyakumar, S.; Kawlni, Lallaianpuii; Kolipakam, Vishnupriya
With the increasing anthropogenic pressures, conservation of ungulates is ever more crucial as they help in maintaining the forest structure. The impact of anthropogenic pressures such as hunting of wild ungulates by local communities in Mizoram, India, is limited and lacks reliable information. This study was conducted in Dampa Tiger Reserve (DTR), Mamit district, Mizoram from January-Mid May, 2021 to quantify the responses of wild ungulates to the anthropogenic pressures, as a measure of conservation efforts. This study focussed on the population and distribution of ungulates in Dampa Tiger Reserve (DTR), Mizoram and assessed how the ungulates responded to human use areas. Stratified systematic sampling was done in an intensive study area (40 km2) to assess the ungulate density, distribution and activity pattern. In addition to that, the perception and attitude of local communities towards wild ungulates were also assessed. Estimates of the distribution, population and activity pattern of ungulates were obtained using single season occupancy model and cameratrap based distance sampling method whereas the local people perception and attitude were analysed based on answers from the semi-structured interview. The study was carried out on the Teirei and Phuldungsei range of the DTR. A total of 40 grids (1 km2 each) were sampled following the above framework. The grids were sampled using Camera-based distance sampling for population estimation in which the cameras were placed at the centroid of the grid. The density of the ungulates in two areas (high and low human use) could not be compared as the anthropogenic disturbance was homogenous throughout the study area. However, the pooled density of wild pig (0.55±0.23) was the highest among the other species, followed by barking deer (0.28±0.06) and sambar (0.20±0.09). The activities of the ungulates were at the peak from the crepuscular period to early morning and late evening. Occupancy pattern showed that barking deer distribution was influenced by the food availability/ground cover including areas near human habitations whereas sambar occurrence was negatively influenced by non-forest and presence of anthropogenic disturbance. Perception survey revealed that villagers showed positive perception towards ungulate conservation, however, in contrast to these responses, conservation practices in DTR by the local communities still lacks as intensive hunting still prevails. This study highlights the impact of anthropogenic pressure towards ungulates and how strengthen management interventions is necessary to ensure the conservation of ungulates in DTR.
Comparative Analysis of Abundance Estimation Methods for Ungulates Along with their Spatio-Temporal Interaction and Habitat use in Pakke Tiger Reserve, Anunachal Pradesh
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Singh, Tarun; Kolipakam, Vishnupriya; Qureshi, Qamar; Sathyakumar, S.
Abundance estimation and habitat utilization of species are critical for the conservation of any species. The forests of North-Eastern India are challenging due to the low abundance of ungulates, dense undergrowth, and logistic feasibility. In this study, we attempt to use camera trap-based methods (distance sampling and random encounter model) to estimate the abundance and habitat use of five ungulate species in the Pakke Tiger Reserve of western Arunachal Pradesh. This study was conducted from February 2021 to May 2021.This study provides crucial information on abundances and habitat use, which can be used for focussed conservation efforts for ungulates occurring in low densities.

M Sc Dissertation(WII)

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