M Sc Dissertation(WII)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://192.168.202.180:4000/handle/123456789/3

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Start date: 2020Subject: search.filters.subject.Conservation

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    Striking a balance: Striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) in the human-interspersed semi-arid landscape of Rajasthan
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Soni, Khushi; Krishnamurthy, Ramesh; Chinnasamy, C.
    This study investigates the spatial ecology and conservation need of critical habitat refugia of a large carnivore, striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), in Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) within the Aravalli Range in Rajasthan, India. Striped hyena plays an important role in maintaining ecosystem health through scavenging and occasional predation, yet faces significant threats from habitat loss, decrease in denning refugia, and increased human disturbance in human-interspersed landscapes. The research focuses on understanding the occupancy patterns and den-site use of striped hyenas in STR, their adaptability to human presence, and their interactions with co-occurring large carnivores such as tigers and leopards, which will provide insights into their persistence in this landscape of coexistence.The study was conducted in an occupancy framework covering 130 survey units of 9 Km2 each. Single season single species occupancy was modeled using environmental and ecological covariates. Den-site use was analyzed using binomial generalized linear models (GLM) incorporating first only environmental covariates, and later both environmental and ecological covariates combined to look if striped hyena shows a tradeoff in utilizing the available denning refugia. Spatial interaction with tigers and leopards was also analyzed through conditional occupancy estimates and species interaction factors (SIF) to look at the change in their spatial ecology over a decade. The best-fit occupancy model (AIC = 435.38) identified open habitat as the strongest positive influence (β = 1.607 ± 0.417, p<0.001), followed by wild prey index (β = 1.226±0.434, p<0.005), closed habitat (β = 0.668, p < 0.05), and ruggedness, which showed a negative effect (β = -0.584±0.285, p < 0.05). Striped hyenas exhibited a higher probability of site utilization in the presence of tigers (0.73 ± 0.09) and leopards (0.83 ± 0.06), with SIF values of 1.18 for tigers and 1.29 for leopards, indicating co-occurrence and potential resource sharing. Compared to a 2014 study when tiger numbers were lower (n=11), site utilization in the presence of tigers increased from 0.53 to 0.73, revealing behavioral adaptations following tiger reintroduction in STR. High SIF with leopards suggested that high prey availability in STR mitigates interspecific competition. This challenges the mesopredator release hypothesis, as both striped hyena and leopard populations have increased alongside rising tiger numbers, likely due to abundant resources and available habitat refugia. Den-site selection was analyzed using two approaches: environmental predictors alone and a combination of environmental and ecological predictors. The best environmental model (AIC = 132.47) included elevation (β = -1.0961, p < 0.01), ruggedness (β = 0.5166, p < 0.0 ), distance to road (β = 0.6249, p < 0.05), and distance to village (β = 0.4363, not significant), indicating a preference for moderate elevations, rugged terrain, and areas away from roads. The combined model (AIC = 131.07) included elevation (β = -0.9766, p < 0.01), ruggedness (β = 0.5452, p < 0.05), and human disturbance index (HDI, β = -1.0113, p < 0.05), which indicated towards the striped hyena’s ability to tolerate moderate human disturbance. The shift in the denning refugia, after including ecological variables- Human Disturbance and Wild prey index, indicated towards the tradeoff in the den-site selection by striped hyena that would offer both security and access to essential resources. The findings suggested that open habitats facilitate foraging due to enhanced carcass visibility, while closed habitats and rugged terrain provide secure denning and resting sites. The Aravalli Range, particularly STR, serves as a critical refugia, supporting one of India’s highest striped hyena densities (15.44 ± 2.48 individuals/100 km²). High wild prey abundance and scavenging opportunities from tiger and leopard kills would have likely reduced the reliance on livestock, which too occur in high density. These spatially explicit results showing critical denning refugia in STR as well identifying intensively utilized areas would allow managers to develop evidence-based habitat monitoring program, that would allow to delineate critical habitats as well as include it in the village relocation plan to create more inviolate spaces for wildlife and reduce the anthropogenic pressure on forests as well as check the spread of invasives in the protected area
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    Patterns of Ant Species Richness and Composition in Deccan Inselberg-Matrix systems of Karnataka
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Sujay G; Adhikari, B.S.
    My study looked into patterns of ant species richness and composition of Deccan inselbergs and surrounding human altered matrix (natural habitat, mango plantation) in Ramanagara taluk, Karnataka, in a bid to recognize their ecological and conservation potential. Ants were chosen as the model taxa, due to their micro-habitat specificity, to better understand environmental gradients and related faunal associations at different scales. Pitfall traps were used as the sampling methodology for ants, and habitat variables were collected at each trap; ants were identified until morphospecies level within respective genera. Data analysis included understanding habitat differences, patterns of species richness and composition, and relating these aspects. The results showed that inselbergs were distinct in terms of habitat structure as compared to the matrix, with the latter showing less vegetation complexity (lesser in mango plantation). While matrix and inselberg showed comparable levels of ant richness, delving deeper it was seen that natural habitat within matrix showed significantly higher richness as compared to the species poor, uneven mango plantation ant assemblage. Similarly, inselbergs and matrix showed similar average composition of their respective ant communities. However closer inspection showed that natural habitat and plantation, when compared separately with inselbergs, showed compositional dissimilarity to greater magnitude. Habitat variables, while statistically significant in their relationship with patterns of ant composition and richness at finer scales, explained a minimal amount of total variation seen in both. Inselbergs, as understood through this study, are not “barren wastelands”, but on the contrary are important reservoirs of regional diversity. In light of rapid human alteration of the surrounding matrix and threats like quarrying, invasive species, inselbergs and the low lying natural habitat need to be given greater conservation importance. This study is hopefully just one of many that are required to further assess the conservation and ecological potential of these amazing ecosystems.
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    Conserving Natural Heritage Through Genetic Assessment : The Case of Snow Leopards in Ladakh
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Vishnuvardhan; Jhala, Y.V.; Srinivas, Yellapu
    Natural world heritage sites are landscapes that sustain rare ecological processes, provide crucial habitats for the survival of many iconic species of significance and provide a wealth of ecosystem services. A part of India’s natural heritage lies m its youngest landscape, the Himalayas. This natural heritage is an asset in itself due to its immense intrinsic values. Snow leopard, an elusive inhabitant of the cold desert represents an important cultural and ecological symbol of the Central and south Asian mountain systems and acts as a flagship as well as an umbrella species. This study has been designed to assess the genetic status of this vulnerable species distributed across the union territory of Ladakh using non-invasive genetic methods. The study site comprised of four distinct regions, Hemis-Leh, Kargil, Changthang and Nubra. Putative snow leopard scat samples (N=391) were collected from the study area. DNA was extracted from all the samples and a 148 bp Mt-DNA region was amplified with a carnivore specific primer. Successfully amplified samples were sequenced for species identification. From the 95 snow leopard positive samples 56 individuals were identified using a panel of 10 microsatellites. Sex identification was also done by using AMELY gene and results showed male biased sex ratio in Ladakh. PIDsib value was 3.8x1 O’4 was indicative of sufficient power of the microsatellite panel to discriminate between siblings in a population of 10,000 snow leopards. This study provides a baseline for future comparisons since increased anthropogenic development projects may fragment this contiguous population. Genetic integrity and large gene pools are essential for long term viability of species especially in the advent of climate change and anthropogenic modifications. This study using genetic markers on the snow leopard exemplifies the use of this important tool for natural heritage management and conservation
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    Spatial Dynamics and Drivers of Nearshore Aggregations in Olive ridley Sea Turtles along the Gahirmatha Coast by
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Sarkar, Arnab Dey; Prabakaran, Nehru; Kumar, R.S.; Pandav, Bivash
    Olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) exhibit a well-documented phenomenon known as nearshore aggregation during their breeding season. These aggregations, comprising large numbers of turtles in shallow coastal waters, are a common feature observed along most of the mass nesting beaches. The ecological benefits of such aggregations are multifaceted, potentially including enhanced predator avoidance and increased opportunities for mate encounter. The importance of studying these nearshore aggregations stems from their vulnerability during this period. Olive ridley turtles within these aggregations are susceptible to various threats, including bycatch mortality from fishing gear. Understanding the spatial and temporal dynamics of these aggregations is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies. The Gahirmatha nesting site presents a unique case due to the influence of the Brahmani-Baitarani River system. The substantial freshwater inflow and sediment discharge from this river system have resulted in a vast area of shallow seabed compared to other nesting grounds. This distinct ecological setting necessitates a dedicated investigation into the dynamics and influencing factors of nearshore aggregations specific to Gahirmatha. The study examined the distribution and density of olive ridley sea turtles near Gahirmatha, India, a critical nesting site, with a particular focus on how environmental factors influence the location of these nearshore aggregations. Surveys were conducted throughout the breeding season, recording turtle sightings and environmental data. The findings reveal that olive ridley turtles are not distributed randomly in the nearshore waters. Instead, they form concentrated aggregations in shallow depths (less than 5 km offshore and 5-15 meters deep) before nesting. The location and density of these aggregations were not static but shifted throughout the breeding season. During the pre-nesting season, turtles were more dispersed across a wider area. As the season progressed and nesting approached, the aggregation grew denser and shifted closer to the nesting beach. The study also identified distance from the coastline and the nesting beach as the key factors influencing the distribution of these nearshore aggregations. Additionally, the unique shallow seabed near Gahirmatha, created by the discharge from the Brahmani-Baitarani River, might influence the preferred depth range of turtles compared to other nesting sites. Understanding these dynamic aggregation patterns is crucial for effective conservation efforts. Protecting these areas is essential for the well-being of this globally significant olive ridley population. However, it's important to acknowledge that the exact locations of these aggregations can vary between years. This year's lower nesting numbers suggest fewer turtles arrived in the nearshore waters, potentially impacting the size and distribution of the observed aggregations. This study emphasizes the need for long-term studies to gain a more comprehensive understanding of these variations and the factors influencing them. The study suggests a targeted approach of focusing on areas with high turtle usage. By implementing stricter patrolling measures within these zones, the forest department can significantly reduce threats like bycatch mortality from fishing activities. This targeted approach would be more effective in safeguarding the turtles compared to focusing on reducing illegal fishing in the entire sanctuary, considering the limited resources available.
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    Visitation Pattern of Mammalian Communities at Waterholes in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Yathumon, M.A.; Nigam, Parag; Habib, Bilal; Gopi, G.V.
    Waterholes are an important component of management practices in wildlife conservation, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. It is of high conservation and management significance as it is a spatially restricted resource for wildlife. I studied visitation pattern of mammals at 54 waterholes in the core zone of Tadoba - Andhari Tiger Reserve, a dry deciduous forest in the central India. Visitations of mammal species were monitored continuously for four months using camera traps. Visitation frequencies of mammals at the waterholes were checked and compared between winter and summer seasons. Influences of (i) physical attributes of waterholes, (ii) distance between the waterholes and adjacent permanent water sources, (iii) distance to nearest road and (iv) the presence of tourism in the nearest road, on the visitations of mammals at waterholes were studied. It was found that there are differences in the number of visitations, total time spent and the average time spent in a visitation between mammal species and between same species in different seasons. Size of waterholes and artificial water supplementation influenced the visitations of some mammals at waterholes. Overlaps in the temporal visitation patterns of the prey species with that of the predator species were different for ambush predators and pursuit predators.
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    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.