M Sc Dissertation(WII)

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4

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, Qamar
A 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 sampling
Evaluating the importance of scale in estimating tiger populations
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2007) Contractor, Deep; Jhala, Y.V.; Qureshi, Qamar
Population 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.
Food habits of tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) in Sariska tiger reserve, Rajasthan
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2003) Avinandan, D.; Sankar, K.; Qureshi, Qamar
The present study aims at understanding relationship between tiger and its prey in a semi arid tract. The study was conducted in Sariska tiger reserve, Rajasthan over a period of six months from November 2002 to April 2003. Density estimation of major wild and domestic prey species was done to assess availability to tigers in terms of density and biomass. The line transect method was used to estimation prey density
Habitat Occupancy by tiger Prey Species Across Anthropogenic Disturbance Regimes in Panna National Park, M.P.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1999) Mathai, Manu Verghese; Chundawat, R.S; Qureshi, Qamar
Effect of anthropogenic disturbance on habitat occupancy by tiger prey species was studied in Panna National Park, Madhya Pradesh. The study was conducted between November 1998 and April 1999. Line transect method and Pellet count technique were used to estimate abundance for all ungulates. Abundance estimates were used as a measure for intensity of habitat use by all species. The density estimates from line transects are associated with high coefficient of variation, which is largely a function of the small sample size resulting form extremely low densities. Ordination of habitat parameters grouped the transects based on habitat quality and structure, disturbance and topography. Anthropogenic disturbance was found to be an important factor, influencing habitat quality and differential use of habitats by animals. Sambar associated strongly with low disturbance hill habitats and poorly with relocated village sites and disturbed plateau transects. Indications from line transects and pellet count method concur in the case of sambar. Chital were very localised in their distribution being strongly restricted to secondary successional stages and ecotones between relocated village sites and woodland. Nilgai was a generalist in terms of habitat occupancy. In case of nilgai the two methods complement each other with the information they provide. The information from pellet-group counts was found to reflecting patterns that are not detected by direct sampling methods like line transects. Chinkara was strongly associated with the disturbed areas, largely because of its openness, but also found in the undisturbed areas. Wild pig, like nilgai, was a generalist, but showed preference for fringe areas of forest adjoining agricultural fields. Langur showed a marked preference for hill habitats and did not differentiate between disturbed and undisturbed hill habitats. Langur also showed the strongest association with water. The distribution of preferred prey, sambar and chital is localized. Nilgai, which is distributed throughout the study area, is found in habitats not favorable for tigers. Such a distribution would probably only support dispersing and transient animals. Therefore habitat management should be aimed at maintaining and expanding habitats suitable for cervids. Disturbance in the form of livestock grazing and woodcutting are largely responsible for maintaining poor habitat quality. The cause for these disturbances cannot be disconnected from the socio-economic and cultural reality of the people, both near and far, and therefore the conservation of the tiger has to address these aspects rather than restricting only to the biology of the animal.

M Sc Dissertation(WII)

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