M Sc Dissertation(WII)
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Item Response of Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) in Varying Density of Tiger (Panthera tigris) in Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) Rathore, Harshvardhan Singh; Pandav, Bivash; Habib, BilalApex predators hold a special position in ecosystems due to their well known top down effects. Intra-guild competition is an integral process that affects population dynamics of large carnivores and may cause trophic cascades. In India tiger and leopard are two large sympatric felids undergoing intra-guild competition. The two co-exist by segregating in their spatial, temporal and dietary niche. Rajaji National Park (RNP) provides an ideal condition to study interaction amongst large predators. Following human settlements relocation in the past decade, the tiger . population has recovered in eastern RNP whereas due to lack of connectivity it has declined in western RNP. Thus, RNP provides a perfect ecological setup to study responses of leopard and prey in varying tiger density gradient. I assessed prey abundance in RNP using line transect based distance sampling using software Distance 6.2. Leopard and tiger density- were also estimated by using camera trap pictures on a capture- mark recapture framework using spatially explicit capture- recapture models. Spatial separation was seen between the two carnivores by using density surface models. Principal prey, prey selection and their dietary overlap was also assessed. High abundance of major prey was seen with the density of chital ranging from 23.61±9.21 Isq.km in eastern RNP to 21.77±4.32/sq.km in western RNP and sambar ranging from 10.61±3.21/sq.km in eastern RNP to 15.65±2.52/sq.km in western RNP. The density estimates of leopard were 29.01± 4.00/100 ~q.km and 25.37 ± 2.63/100 sq.km for the eastern and western sector respectively. The density estimates of tiger were 3.03±0.95/100 sq.km and 0.28±0.23/100 sq.km (only two tiger) for the eastern and western sector respectively. Leopard diet was primarily composed of chital in eastern RNP, in the western sector it was dominated by sambar. Chital was the principal prey species of tiger in RNP. Spatial separation was seen between tiger and leopard in both the sectors of the park with leopards clearly avoiding the high intensity usage areas of tigers. This study has created baseline data for predator and prey in RNP and would be helpful in managing the park better and for future monitoring.Item Resource Selection and Conservation of Smooth coated otter Lutrogale perspicillata in and Around the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) Prasad, Nadendla Leela; Sivakumar, K.; Johnson, J.A.; Hussain, S.A.Resource selection of Smooth-coated Otter Lutrogale perspicillata was studied in the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, where a two dimensional interface of fishermen-otter present: fishermen fishing in the habitat of otter and otters feeding in the aquaculture farms of fishermen. This is resulting in conflict between Otters and Humans in the region. In this context, this study was carried out to understand the extent of this conflict by studying the food habit of otters and ecological factors that could affect the otter distribution in this mangrove ecosystem. 2. The study was carried out from December 2014 to April 2015 in and around the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, which is located at the mouth of the Godavari River, in Andhra Pradesh. 3. Food habit of otters was studied by analysing their spraints that were collected from different parts of the Sanctuary. Habitat and distribution of otters were studied using belt transacts along creeks as otters mostly used banks of the creeks. Further, people perspectives towards otter and intensity of human-otter interface was studied using interview based questionnaire surveys. 4. It was found that the fishes cultured in the aquaculture farms were not present in the creeks of Coringa WLS. 6. The diet analysis of 81 spraints collected from December 2014 to March 2015 revealed that fish comprise of 99% of Smooth coated Otter diet. Of this major portion comprised of Mystus gulio, Oreochromis mossambicus and Liza tade. These species were also found in high abundance during the fish sampling from which relative abundance was calculated. This indicates that Otters in the sanctuary are opportunistic feeder rather than selective. 7. Mystus gulio (long whiskers catfish) found to be the major prey of otter in the Coringa . WLS, constituting 17.8% of weight of all food items found in the spraints and this fish was also eaten by many otters (found in 13.4% of spraints). M gulio was also the most common fishes of the Sanctuary. M gulio followed by Oreochromis mossambicus (Tilapia) constituting 14.6% of weight of all food items found in the spraints. 9. Although, all five major aquaculture species offish were found in the spraints of Otter but overall, the aqua farm fishes constituted only the 14.4% of weight of total foods items found in the spraints of otter. Of the total spraints collected, only 17.8% of spraints contained the aqua farm fishes and remaining 82.2 % otter spraints did not have. aqua farms fishes and these otters were seems to be eaten only the wild fishes. 10. The high abundance of invasive tilapia was found in the Ramannapalem creek, which is a less saline creeks adjoining with aqua farms and villages. This fish was the second most preferred diet of otters in the area. This fish breeds in the grasses that are at the banks of creeks. Breeding tilapia was a easier target for otters and therefore, otters were seen close to aqua farms. 11. The factors essential for Otter survival in were found to be more towards land and decrease with increasing distance from land. An ordinal regression model with sign intensity in three ranks revealed that the factors that are playa significant role in Otter distribution are distance from sea had a positive effect on Otter distribution (estimate = 0.403, Standard error =0.225 and P value= 0.073), Width of channel also had a positive effect to an extent (estimate =0.509, Standard error =0.273 and P value = 0.062). Depth of the creek had a negative effect (estimate= -0.624, Standard error = 0.322 and P value=O.053). 12. As the factors that are positively influencing Otter distribution are near villages Otters signs were also found highest in creeks near villages. Thus it was concluded that the presence of Otters mostly towards villages is probably due to presence of suitable habitat near villages rather than fish from aquaculture farms. 13. Fishermen's Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Otters in and around the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary had also confirmed that otters largely feed in the wild but visit aqua farms occasionally for food or to play. Further, about 79% of people in the region felt that Otters visit their farms at night that confirms the nocturnal behaviour of Otters around human habitation, which is supported by previous studies 14. Further, most of fishermen (75%) believed that otters are high threat to aquaculture when compared to fishing cat and jackals. This is due to group hunting behaviours of otters, whereas fishing cats and jackals visit aquaculture ponds solitarily 15. Interestingly, nearly 11 % of fishermen felt that Otters have caused an income loss of 1-5% followed by 9% of respondents who claimed a loss of 10-30%. But, few farmers (2%) felt that Otters cause nearly 30-50% of loss, who were in the low income group and who can not offer even small loss in income. 16. Generalized Linear Model (GLM) with Poisson distribution revealed that both income and education of fishermen positively influenced their perspectives towards conservation importance of otters in the region. 17. Majority of fishermen (65%) believed that there was a decline in the sightings of otters and they have also believed that the population had been declined in the region. However, in contrast, about 13% of them felt that there was an increase in Otter population over years and most of these respondents who have also believed that high loss of income due to otters visits to their aqua farms. 18. Most of the aqua-farm owners admitted that they always scare and chase away otters when they visits their farms. Though only 11 % of them opted for killing does not mean that people have a positive attitude towards Otter. Boxplot analysis to understand the relationship between people's action towards visiting otters to their farms and their income and education, has revealed that the farm owners who had less income have tried to kill the visiting otters due to their poverty. 19. This study found that fishermen with poverty could not bear even the meagre loss caused by otters to them. Further, the study found that less educated people against the otters in the region. Therefore, additional livelihoods and awareness education to those poor fishermen need to be provided for the long term conservation of otters in the region. EGREE Foundation of Andhra Pradesh, a foundation established with support of GoI-UNDP-GEF Project to sustainably manage the Godavari estuarine has already initiated some programme in this regard but their programme should focus more on fishermen who are with low income 20. It is also proposed to have otter proof fencing for aquafarms especially those farms located along the Ramanapallam creeks. Developing eco- tourism in the sanctuary with the involvement of fishermen and small scale farm owners can also change their attitude towards otters.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 Ecology of Leopard (Panthera pardus) in Sanjay Gandhi National Park Maharashtra with Special Reference to its Abundance Prey Selection and Food Habits(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) Surve, Nikit; Sathyakumar, S.; Sankar, K.Though information is available on the leopard's ecology from natural habitats, very less information is available on the ecology of leopards from human-dominated habitats in India. Hence the study was conducted at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), Mumbai where leopard was found to be the apex predator. The total area of SGNP is 104 sq.km. It is covered , by human habitations on all the sides leaving just a narrow tip on the northern side. Camera traps were deployed in a systematic manner covering the entire study area to get leopard images. Leopard density of 21.55 ± 4.6 (SE) at 95% confidence interval was calculated in the study area using Spatially Explicit Capture Recapture models. The wild prey densities were estimated inside SGNP using 'Distance sampling with the help of line transects. The , maximum density amongst ungulates was shown by chital (14.49 ± 5.2[SE]) followed by sambar (7.52 ± 1.7[SE]). Among primates, maximum density was shown by common langur (48.04 ± 8[SE]) followed by bonnet macaque (30.78 ± 12[SE]). Density for other prey species encountered on line transects like wild pig and barking deer were not estimated as they were sighted only twice on the line transects. Dog density on the periphery of SGNP was ca1culated to be 17.26 ± 0.69 (SE) using mark-recapture technique. Food habits of leopards were studied by conducting dietary analysis using leopard scat. The high density of dogs in the periphery of the National Park also reflected in the leopard's diet. Dogs alone contributed 24.46 % of the total biomass consumed in leopard's diet. Domestic prey contributed to 43% whereas wild prey contributed to 57 % of leopard's diet in terms of relative biomass consumed. The study suggests that the leopards are dependent on both wild as well as domestic prey in the study area. Leopards can coexist with humans even amidst urban environs as long as prey population (both domestic and wild) remain sufficient and their habitat is protected.Item Assessing Population Status Roost Site Selection and Fruit Damage by the India Fly fox Pteropus giganteurs in Southern Karnataka: The Flying Foreesters(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) Raj, Versha M.; Qureshi, QamarFlying foxes Pteropus giganteus, playa key role in pollination and forest regeneration as seed dispersers. Despite this beneficial role, they are persecuted for being an agricultural pest in commercial orchards. More recently in India, they have been known to be reservoirs of deadly zoonotic diseases like Nipah. Over the past two decades rapid urbanization, leading to habitat and roost tree destruction has resulted in decline in population of the Indian flying fox. As a result, incidence of flying foxes visiting commercial orchards has increased which in tum has led to conflict between large-scale commercial fruit growers and flying foxes. Assessing the present population status, and identifying the habitat preferences could help in understanding the risk of fruit damage in the surrounding areas, and will help in conservation of the keystone species and there by prevent their persecution also. A total of 51 roosts were identified which were used to assess the population status and change over time. Four methods of population estimation were compared to select the most reliable. method. Photographic count method was found to be most reliable for of population estimation. At the landscape level, proximity to water bodies and intensity of urbanization influenced the occurrence of roosts. 11.38 % of the total study are was found to be suitable for roosting (potential habitat). Amongst the individual tree characters, tree GBH and tree height were found to strongly influence the roost selection. In commercial orchards, Pteropus giganteus was found to be responsible for significant amount of damage in orchards cultivating Guava, Mango and Sapota. Based on the extent of damage they were ranked second most important animal pest in these commercial orchards after birds. Further work on estimating actual fruit damages would be required to confirm the role of the Indian flying fox as pest responsible for causing severe fruit damages in commercial orchards, for which they have been constantly persecuted.Item Assessing Prevalence of Parasitic Diseases at Swamp Deer (Rucervus duvaucelii duvaucelii) Livestock Interface at Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) Talukdar, Animesh; Nigam, Parag; Pandav, BivashThe interaction between wildlife, livestock and other domesticated animals is existent since the domestication of species. This has seen an increase in recent past owing to increased anthropogenic dependence on natural habitats. The domesticated animals, maintained at high population densities, have the potential to act as reservoirs of disease for wild animals. Parasitic infection both micro and macro; in wildlife at the wildlife - livestock interface, can affect conservation efforts by "spillover" and "spillback". Combined with other stressors, disease in wildlife can impact reproduction, survival and fitness, thereby affecting abundance and diversity of wildlife populations. Especially vulnerable are species with limited abundance and range. Macro-parasites especially the helminths, flukes and various ectoparasites have life cycles characterized by distinct life stages and are opportunistic In nature and can infect a large number of host species. The present study focuses on interactions between Swamp deer and livestock at two sites namely the jhilmil Jheel (JJ) in the Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Area, Haridwar Forest Division and and Jadi Tal (JT) in the Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary. Swamp deer is a vulnerable, flagship deer species from the Indian subcontinent, with distribution restricted to isolated localities in north and central India and parts of southwestern Nepal (Qureshi et al. 2004). Therefore any factor exacerbating threats for population decline of the species need careful evaluation. This work is a first structured parasitic prevalence study at Swamp deer - livestock interface, from two of the eight prime locations (Jhilmil Jheel Conservation reserve and Kishanpur Forest Division) reported for the northern population of swamp deer in India. The study included an estimation of population size of swamp deer and livestock and their space use patterns. Coprological examination of both swamp deer pellets and livestock dung was used to assess the prevalence and load of gastro-intestinal parasites. The result revealed that population of Swamp Deer was 153 and 435 ; while livestock counts were 84 and 35 respectively for Jhilmil Jheel and Jadi Tal during the stud) period. At Jhilmil Jheel a significant spatial overlap was observed between the two groups was observed at Jadi Tal. The overall prevalence of parasitic ova in the dung sample of swamp deer and livestock population was higher at JJ as compared to JT (Swamp deer 15.38% and 12.69% and Livestock 95.4% aand 60% respectively). The parasitic ova reported from both the sites included Strongyles, Trichostrongyle (direct life cycle), Amphistomes; Fasciola; and Moniezia (mediated through intermediate host).Difference was observed for the parasite species richness and prevalence between swamp deer and livestock at Jhilmil Jheel and Jadi Tal. Parasitic ova with simple life cycle dominated over the parasites, with intermediate hosts at Jhilmil Jheel. Analysis of parasitic load based on Mc Master's technique (Soulsby , 1982) revealed significantly higher load of parasitic ova at Jhilniil Jheel in swamp deer as compared to Jhadi TalItem A Whistle Amongst Growls : Dholes in a Multi Predator System in Dry Deciduous Forests of India(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) Ghaskadbi, Pallavi; Habib, Bilal; Qureshi, QamarA significant amount of research has proved that there is a positive correlation between habitat heterogeneity/diversity and animal 'species diversity owing to the availability of more exploitable niches (Tews et al. 2004). On a spatial scale for free ranging large carnivores, a place like the Tadoba- Andhari Tiger Reserve has a low habitat heterogeneity, however, it shows a variety of species of both predators and prey in a small area. Studying the prey- predator interactions in such a system would lead to a better insight into large carnivore ecology. In contrast with the African Wild dog which enjoys much more attention of researchers and biologists, the Dhole has clearly not been a favourite. Being a social carnivore, there is a complex and dynamic fission and fusion of packs amongst Dholes. However, there is a grave lack of information on the pack dynamics of the Dhole. I attempted to conduct experiments to study one of the fundamental factors of social behaviour which is individual recognition.Item Activity Patterns and Food Habits of the Phayre's Leaf Monkey (Trachypithecus phayrei) in Free-Ranging and Captive Conditions in Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, Tripura(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) Lama, Pragya Aishwarya; Tyagi, P.C.; Nigam, Parag; Sankar, K.Maintenance of ex-situ populations of species threatened with extinction is a potential tool for ensuring recovery. Ex-situ conservation efforts though ongoing in India have been minimally documented. The present study aimed to fill gaps in information on the activity patterns and food habits of the endangered Phayre's leaf monkey (Trachypitheclis phayrei), a specialist feeder primarily a foliovore. This aspect was studied both in free-ranging and captive conditions. The study site posed a unique feature wherein the captive study species was located only ill one zoo all. over India which also happened to be within its geographical area. Thus, the Sepahijala Zoological Park (SZP) situated within the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary (SWLS), Tripura was chosen as a study site. It was hypothesized that the activity patterns obtained from both the settings would be similar and that the nutrient composition of the food items consumed in wild and offered in captivity would not be much different from each other. A reconnaissance survey was carried out in which the available population, troop size and composition of Phayre's leaf monkey was assessed in both, the SWLS arid SZP. A IS-minute 'scan sampling' was conducted from dawn to dusk for studying the activity patterns of the troop selected for observation in the wild (after habituation) and in captivity. The activity data was analysed keeping in mind different age and sex categories within the wild and captive troops and across the two different settings. Chi square test was used to test for significant differences inactivity patterns within and across the captive and wild troop. The food habits (plants, plant parts and frequency eaten) of the Phayre's leaf monkey were studied on the basis of scans obtained as well as casual observations of the other free-ranging counterparts. Eaten food plants were identified and nutrient analysis was done for positive and negative nutrients after collecting and drying the samples from the field. Subsequently, it was processed at the laboratory in Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. The nutrients analysed were compared using the independent samples t-test.Item Resource Selection By Large Herbivores with Special Reference to Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) in Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Jabaraj, Frank Sadrack D.Most of the wildlife habitats in India are shared by a number of ungulate species. This encompasses both wild and domestic ungulates. In areas, where both domestic and wild ungulates co-occur, it is essential to understand the ecological interactions among them so as to better manage the habitat and wild species. Competition between livestock and wild herbivores has remained contentious and it has remained as major a conservation issue for native ungulates. This work aimed to investigate the resource selection by wild (Blackbuck and Chital) and domestic ungulates (Feral horse and Cattle) with special emphasis on Black Buck in Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. The Black buck Antilope cervicapra Linnaeus (1758) is a grazer that is listed as near threatened species (IUCN Red list, 2012) and has been accorded the Schedule I status by the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Black buck numbers in India have come down intensely in the last century and this antelope is currently restricted to small and scattered populations. Hunting and loss of suitable habitat are considered to be principal factors for the reduction in numbers. The present study deals with estimating the abundance and density of the wild and domestic ungulates using distance sampling and to determine the food habits and habitat use of these ungulates in the coastal landscape of Point Calimere wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu. The study was conducted from December 2012 to April 2013. Population densities of four sympatric ungulates in Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, was estimated using Distance sampling under line transect technique between January and April 2013. A total of eight line transects were laid with the total length 14.8 km, covering three habitats- Grassland, Mudflat and Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest (TDEF). Each transect varied in length from 1.5 to 2 km and was walked thrice in each month. A total of 628 sightings of the target species were recorded in the line transects (n= 458 black buck, n=S8 chital, n=50 feral horses and n=62 cattle). The total effort was 177.6 km(grassland- 57.6 km, Mudflat-26 km and TDEF -96 km}. The estimated density {number of individuals per km2± SE} of blackbuck was 37.1 ± 5.2 with group density of 9.6 ± 3.1, chital was 4.5 ± 0.9 with group density of 2.7 ±0.5, feral horse was 7.6 ± 1.2 with group density of 3.3 ±0.3 and cattle was 21.9 ± 3.3 with group density of 2.5± 0.4. Adult sex ratio (Male: Female) of blackbuck was 12.5 Male/100 Female, and for chital it was 25 Male/ 100 Female. The Female: Fawn ratio of blackbuck was 24.2 Fawn/100 Female and for chital it was 21 Fawn/100 Female. Most ungulates show a temporal diet variation between monocot and dicot dominated diets. This study investigated the habitat use and diet overlap between wild ungulates (blackbuck, chital), domestic livestock (Brahmini cattle) and feral horse at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu during January 2013 to April 2013. The assumption of the study was that black buck has high degree of food and habitat overlap with other sympatric ungulates in the study area. The food habits and diet overlap of ungulates were estimated using feeding site method (Lovaas, 1958). The line transects that are laid for estimating the densities of the herbivores were used for studying the ungulate- habitat interactions. Two types of analysis were used for the assessment of habitat use, one- way analysis of variance {AN OVA) and multiple regression analysis. Levin's measure of Niche breadth showed highest for feral horse (O.89), followed by cattle (0.72), blackbuck (0.48) and lowest for chital (0.26). Pianka's index (Pianka 1973) showed high diet overlap between blackbuck and cattle (95 %) followed by blackbuck and feral horse {81 %}, blackbuck and chital (38.1%) and cattle and feral horse (91.3%). Forty three forage species were identified to be eaten by all target species out of which blackbuck utilized 23 foodplants, chital 33, cattle 29 and feral horse 35 food plants. The nutrient analysis of the food plants eaten by the sympatric ungulates was done and with respect to blackbuck, multiple regression analysis was done for the 23 plant species it has fed. The result showed that blackbuck did not show any significant difference towards nutrient contents of the utilized food plants. Dung/pellet analysis revealed that all the four species utilized monocots (graminoids) in high proportion where blackbuck utilized 82.12%, chital 74.63%, cattle 85.7% and feral horse 84.9%.The observed high competition for the available food resources especially for graminoids by the domestic livestock and feral horses is a matter of concern. Creation of Livestock- free areas is necessary for the conservation of blackbuck in the Sanctuary.Item Evaluation of Population Estimation Sampling Techniques and Assessment of Genetic Diversity of Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) Population in Dudhwa National Pa: Population in dudhwa national park, uttar pradesh, India(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Srivastava, Vibhav; Goyal, S.P.; Qureshi, QamarThe ideology of wildlife conservation emerged with the realization that the wildlife numbers are on a decline in the natural habitats. Since, due to humane limitations we cannot ascertain the exact numbers of a individuals very accurately, therefore, the basic requirement for population estimation arises. Greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) , already being declared a globally threatened species, demands much attention towards their surviving numbers in wild. Moreover, with the constant rise in the unethical and illegal human activities, the need to regularly monitor their population is realized. To suffice this requirement, population estimation is largely done in a crude way i.e. by labor intensive block count method in which the probability of missing individuals in dense vegetation is high. Advanced population estimation techniques such as capture-recapture using photographic or DNA fingerprint based individual identification, show promising results within the framework of resources in comparison to use of footprint and dung count methods.The current study was conducted in Rhino Reintroduction Area (RRA) of 27 km2 located in Dudhwa National Park. The first objective was to evaluate four population estimation techniques - non-invasive faecal DNA based capture mark recapture (CMR), photographic CMR, dung count and footprint analysis, for their validity in estimation of rhinoceros population with respect to accuracy and precision. The following techniques have been selected out of the others because of their reasonable accuracy and precision obtained when applied to other megaherbivore (including other species of rhinoceros or elephant) population estimation. I selected Dudhwa National Park (DNP) where the reintroduced rhinoceros population is surviving since 1984-85, with a known population size (32 individuals) so as to compare our estimates. For non-invasive faecal DNA CMR technique 140 fresh dung samples were collected and out of them 27 unique genotypes were identified by microsatellite analysis. The capture history of these unique genotypes was then analyzed in MARK to arrive at a population estimate. In photographic CMR, 4 remotely triggered camera trap units were deployed in 6 sessions having 7 occasions in each session. For dung count, random elephant transects of length varying from 1 km to 3.2 km were run and dung piles were counted on either sides. The data on dung density was analyzed in DISTANCE. For dung decay rate estimation 20 fresh dung piles were marked in each of the four habitat types and monitored for decay. The defecation rate was estimated by observing captive rhinoceros. In case of footprint technique, a foot ruler was kept besides each rhinoceros footprint before capturing its photograph. Twenty four (length, angle and area) parameters were extracted from the images using Sigma SCANPRO. The resulting variables were subjected to principle component analysis (PCA) to check for the corresponding variance values in differentiating individual footprints. It was found that the· non-invasive faecal DNA based population estimation and photographic capture mark recapture were the better ones as compared to the other two. However, the data analysis for the dung count and footprint analysis techniques is still under consideration and does not form part of this thesis. These two techniques require further logical modification in study design and statistical analysis to achieve at a reliable estimate. Between the former two, non-invasive faecal DNA based population estimation technique estimated population size (35.10 ± 5.01) close to the known population size of 32. Photographic capture recapture estimated the population size as (25.98 ± 4.91) which was comparatively less accurate than non-invasive faecal DNA CMR. Knowledge of the genetic status of a confined and isolated population is always beneficial to evaluate their well-being and to avoid any future threat such as that of inbreeding depression. Therefore, second objective of the study> was to describe genetic structure of this isolated and reintroduced population. With 27 identified unique genotypes and 10 rhinoceros specific micro satellite markers the genetic variability in this population was examined. It was found that the mean observed heterozygosity level was 0.353 while mean expected heterozygosity level was 0.483. The effective number of alleles per loci was 2.069. When compared to the genetic diversity of the ancestral population in India and Nepal, evaluated in previously published studies, the following results indicated that this population carries lower genetic variability than ancestral populations. The inbreeding test revealed that the population shows signs of inbreeding (Fls = 0.39) and which are likely to exaggerate in future as it is more or less closed and non-randomly interbreeding. Focusing on the conservation needs from management viewpoint we suggest that it is necessary to 'bring variability in the genetic structure to avoid future dire consequences of inbreeding depression. This can be achieved either by translocating new individuals, preferably males, from other Indian sub-populations of Assam or West Bengal since they have better genetic diversity than the-rhinoceros in Nepal.