M Sc Dissertation(WII)

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Subject: search.filters.subject.Habitat use

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    Assessing Ghost crab distribution, abundance and habitat use along the Coromandel Coast, Tamil Nadu
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Keerthi V; Gopi, G.V.
    Sandy beach ecosystems around the world are facing numerous threats and tremendous pressure due to ever increasing human population. One such threat, relevant to the Indian coastline, is the large scale plantations of shelterbelts of the exotic pine, Casuarina equisetifolia, which alters beach geomorphology. The effects of such plantations on permanent shore-dwelling organisms are poorly studied. Hence Ocypode crabs, the most conspicuous macro-invertebrate on sandy beaches, has been used as a model taxon to study the effects of different kinds of inland vegetation (Casuarina plantations, Mangrove plantations, native dune vegetation) on beach geomorphology and consequently, shore dwelling ghost crabs. The present study aims to - (1) Assess the density, distribution and demography of ghost crabs across treatments (2) Understand variations in habitat use and burrow architecture across treatments (3) Understand the effects of inland vegetation on beach geomorphology 2. A total of 24 transects, temporally replicated thrice each month between January 2025 - April 2025, were walked to estimate densities of ghost crabs using burrow counts as a proxy. 87 burrows across the treatments were cast using a mixture of Plaster of Paris and water and traits such as depth, diameter, shape and branching patterns were studied. Coast characteristics like slope, compactness, beach width, moisture and temperature were recorded at each study site. 3. Mean burrow densities and across shore distribution of Ocypode ceratophthalmus differed across the treatment types, with lowest densities in beaches adjacent to Casuarina plantations. This however wasn't statistically significant. The burrow structures also differed in complexity across treatments with the major drivers for this 7 difference being the size of the crab and the type of inland vegetation. Environmental variables were not found to have significant effects on burrow architecture. 4. The results indicate that the type of inland vegetation affects the population of ghost crabs through changes in beach geomorphology. Ghost crabs were also found to modify the structure of their burrows with changes in the habitat quality and environmental conditions, which gives insights into their adaptive capacities. The study, thus raises questions on the effects of certain management interventions, like the planting of shelterbelts on habitat quality and on the ecology of the species dwelling in the said habitats.
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    Assessing Habitat Use and Activity Pattern of Hoolock Gibbons (Hoolock hoolock) in the Mosaic Landscape of Garo Hills
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Passah, Betwonsaoo; Lyngdoh, Salvador; Kumara, H.N.
    Primates react to environmental disruption in a variety of ways. Their home range and activity pattern are often linked with anthropogenic disturbance of the landscape. This study focuses on Hoolock Gibbons (Hoolock hoolock) in Garo Hills, Meghalaya, which is a highly arboreal primate and the only ape in India. Hoolock gibbon’s habitat in the Garo hills is being degraded due to the increase in the conversion of forest land into plantations. As most of these forests where the gibbons are located are managed by the community, these forests face overexploitation, which threatens the endangered Hoolock Gibbons habitat. This study aims to establish a baseline Hoolock Gibbon Ecology in the community-managed forest and protected area in the mosaic landscape of Garo Hills, Meghalaya, by examining their habitat use and activity pattern. The main objective is to determine the Gibbon's habitat use within its home range and examine their activity patterns in different forest types. The study is conducted in Daribokgre CR (a continuous forest patch adjoining Nokrek National Park), Dura Kalakgre CR (a small strip of CR which is surrounded by abandoned jhum and active jhum), and an Areca nut plantation which is located in Rensengre close to Selbalgre CR. In each area, one group is chosen and tracked for 20 days. Geo-coordinates and behavioural data were collected, with vegetation sampling and disturbances within a 1 ha cell size grid, which was overlaid on the location points. QGIS was used to map habitat use based on the geospatial data, and the Generalised Linear Model (GLM) was used to check the influencing factors. The activity budget was calculated to understand the behaviour patterns. Across the three studied groups, the habitat types were different group in Daribokgre (Forest group) is dominated by forest patches, the group in Dura Kalkgre (Jhum group) was dominated by abandoned jhum, and the group in Rensengre (Plantation group) was dominated by plantation, and their home range size were 24 hectares, 30 hectares, and 23 hectares, respectively. GLM reveals a significant effect only for the group in the disturbed habitat on the intensity of use. Overall, habitat use patterns and activity patterns varied across the groups, reflecting in behavioural and habitat preference.
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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.
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    Exploring ecological separation between Himalayan blue sheep and Himalayan ibex during winter in Indian Trans-Himalaya
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Prakruthi, G.M.; Sathyakumar, S.; Lyngdoh, Salvador; Bhatnagar, Yashveer
    According to resource selection theory, two related species with similar ecological requirements compete for the same resources. They can only coexist if they are ecologically separated, either by habitat or food preference. This study explored the resource use and ecological separation of ibex (Capra sibirica himalayanus) and blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) during the winter in the Spiti Valley, focusing on their segregation in space, habitat use patterns, diet, and activity pattern. The study was conducted in Kibber and Chicham areas (57 km2) of Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh, India. This study slightly deviates from the findings of a previous study by Namgail (2006), which reveals a high overlap in the habitat use between ibex and blue sheep in the Zanskar mountains. Systematic sampling using transects and trails, vantage points, opportunistic sampling, and camera traps was employed. Habitat and vegetation variables were recorded at random points and animal sightings to understand the patterns of habitat use and food selection. Spatial and temporal overlaps were analysed and micro-histological analysis of faecal samples compared the proportions of monocots and dicots in their diets. The study investigated how ungulates utilize habitats and their dietary habits with the availability of resources in their environment. Results showed substantial overlap in activity patterns, with the Jaccard similarity index indicating less spatial overlap between the species. The generalized linear model and Non-metric dimensional analysis indicated segregation based on their habitat preferences. However, there were no significant differences in their diets, the two species differed in the use of habitat at finer scales. Ibex preferred interspersed rocky slopes and slabs because of high rocky areas (escape terrain) and sparse vegetation, trading food for security. Blue sheep preferred less rocky areas with high vegetation cover like smooth slopes. Ibex preferred areas with more escape routes available than blue sheep. Thus, I conclude that Blue sheep, being more abundant than ibex, occupy distinct regions within the study area, and have a competitive advantage. While ibex are present in smaller numbers and confined to a specific region. Understanding their ecological requirements, especially in harsh winters, is crucial for targeted conservation efforts to ensure the sustainability of these species in a rapidly changing environment. Future research should focus on climate change impacts on habitat use and resource availability
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    HABITAT SELECTION BY DESERT FOX (Vulpes vulpes pusilla) IN HUMAN MODIFIED LANDSCAPE OF THAR DESERT
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Krishnapriya, M.; Dutta, Sutirtha; Talukdar, Gautam
    Knowledge about habitat use and selection helps to assess the impact of land use change on wildlife and inform conservation management. This study aims to understand habitat use and den site selection of Desert Fox (Vulpes vulpes pusilla) in the human modified landscape of Desert National Park and it adjoins in Rajasthan. The study was conducted from January 2024 to April 2024 that include the fox breeding season. Species occupancy inside and outside protected areas were examined to understand the effectiveness of protection. Den site selection was examined by comparing habitat, resource, and disturbance variables at the scale of core usage around the den and random control points. Protected area showed a positive effect on occupancy of foxes. Desert fox was found to be using diverse habitat types for denning, however, scrubland tended to be used more than availability and grassland was used less than availability, in the study area. Agriculture did not influence den site. Foxes showed strong avoidance to areas with high human and livestock disturbances and strong preference to areas with abundant Capparis fruiting for denning. Increase in human footprint in the landscape could potentially lower the survivability and reproductive success of foxes by making them prone to direct threats from humans and subsidized predators such as dogs.
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    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.
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    Patterns and Determinants of Elephant Habitat Use in a Mosaic Landscape in Northern Chhattisgarh
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2019) Meshram, Kushagra; Pandav, Bivash; Nigam, Parag
    Habitat use is affected by a wide range of factors,like the amount of resources available, its distribution in space, quality of resource,presence and absence of limiting factors like roads and settlements. Increasing anthropogenic pressure has lead to the degradation of the habitat available to animals in the form fragmentation of forests, introduction of invasive species and reduction in the quality of the available forage. This in turns alters the composition and modify the natural systems. This modification of habitat may compel animals to alter the way they use it by adopting new strategies. On these lines, I did my study on assessing the factors that influence habitat use of elephants in a mosaic landscape in Northern Chhattisgarh. The study was carried out in Surguja district of Chhattisgarh. This district is famous has been infamous for elephant conflict since 1900s. The problem has exacerbated due to rapid urbanisation, increasing population and alteration in land use. Today, it is one of the most human-elephant conflict affected area in country. This is a repercussion of wanton modification of natural habitat. How elephants are interacting with this modified habitat which is a matrix of remnant forest patches, agricultural areas and settlements is the crux of my study. In order to to study this, I selected a study area of 1200 square kilometres. As a part of the study I also followed two satellite Collared individuals(one living with a herd and the other, a solitary male) to understand spatiotemporal habitat use and ranging behaviour of elephants. I also collaborated with Indian Space and Research Organisation for my study. High resolution land-use maps were provided by ISRO for this study. The field work was carried out from 21st December 2018 to 15th April 2019. GIS based work was done in the GIS lab of the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun.
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    See Through Sound : Understanding the Pattern of Habitat use by Ganetic River Dolphin in the Kaziranga Part of Brahmaputra River
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2019) Abhishek, B.; Qureshi, Qamar; Johnson, J.A.
    Studying the habitat and its associated features is important because of its driving factors that limits the abundance and distribution of a species. This study mainly focuses upon the abundance, distribution, activity and habitat use pattern of Gangetic river dolphins in part of the Brahmaputra River that flows through Kaziranga National Park. The abundance of Gangetic river dolphin and its relatedness to the different habitat features of the river and fish species were studied. The 92 km length of river in the study area was divided in to 43 segments, which were further broadly classified in to different river morphology.
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    Assessment of grassland communities its use by mammals and mapping the potential habitat of Rhinoceros unicornis in Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2017) Murari, Krishna; Talukdar, Gautam; Pandav, Bivash; Jhala, Y.V.
    This study was conducted to identify grassland vegetation communities associated mammals and to find out the potential habitat of Rhinoceros unicornis in VTR.
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    Seasonal Habitat use of and Resource Partitioning between Two Sympatric Crocodilian Populations (Gavialis gangeticus and Crocodylus palustris) in Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, I
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2011) Choudhary, Shikha; Choudhury, B.C.; Gopi, G.V.
    Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) and Mugger (Crocodylus palustris) are sympatric in their distribution range in some of the Northern River system of Indian sub-continent. Katerniaghat Wildlife sanctuary along Indo-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh harbours the second largest breeding population of critically endangered Gharial, after National Chambal Sanctuary. Several studies have been carried out on the ecological aspects of Gharial and Mugger separately but very few studies exist on the sympatric populations and the mechanisms favouring the coexistence of the species. This study has tried to fill this gap by investigating how the resources are shared (Basking sites and Nesting sites) and what are the key requirements that lead to the selection of a particular basking and nesting site. Temporal separation across species and size classes and preference for nearest neighbor has been established. Relative abundance in terms of encounter rate across season, river segments and a gradient of disturbances were studied. Other aspects that have been looked into detail in this study are the impact of tourism and illegal fishing on the flight distance of Gharial and Mugger. Data were collected from December 2010 to May 2011, covering two seasons (late winter and early summer). Entire study was carried out using a non-mechanised boat. Habitat parameters for every sighted basking crocodile were recorded for habitat use and for determining the habitat availability variables at every 100 meters on both banks and on islands were recorded. Nests were located by following the spoor marks of crocodiles. Gharial and Mugger were divided into three size classes (SCI - 3m). Once in a month day survey was carried out to estimate the relative abundance and on every alternate Monday temperature and number of basking individual were recorded at every hour from 0600 to 1800 hrs from a watch tower. Flight distance of crocodiles was recorded from a non-mechanised boat and a mechanised boat by accompanying the tourists. Relative abundance as mean encounter rate (#/20km) was maximum for Gharial juveniles followed by Gharial adult. Mugger juvenile had lowest mean encounter rate (#/20km). Encounter rate was not uniform for the river and it varies across season also. Maximum sightings took place in river segments with sand bars irrespective of moderate to high disturbance. With increase in mean ambient temperature encounter rate declined. Basking sites were selected during summer by Gharial based on depth gradient, current land usage, island, distance to water, slope, platform height and soil moisture while selection of basking site by mugger was based on current land usage, distance to water and depth gradient. In winter, Gharial selected sites based on slope, platform height, soil moisture, current land usage, distance to water and place while Mugger looked for current land usage, distance to water, islands and banks. In winter, there was no temporal segregation between different size classes of Gharial and Mugger while in summer there was a temporal segregation between and within size classes 0f Gharial and Mugger. Choice of slope, height, soil moisture, places and substrata for basking sites were different for Gharial and Mugger. Gharial preferred very gentle slope while Mugger preferred a slight slope. Gharials do not prefer elevated basking platforms whereas Mugger was found basking on elevated platform. GhariaI preferred moist areas for basking and Mugger basked even on little dry substrate. Gharial was seen mostly on Islands and Muggers on banks. Among basking substrate Gharial preferred sand & sand+silt, whereas Mugger was found on a variety of substrata. Mugger moved to side streams (Nalla) in summer while Gharial kept on preferring island for basking. For nest sites there is a significant difference in the use of slope, height, distance to water, places and substrate by Gharial and Mugger. Flight distance for crocodiles was more when there was a disturbance from non-mechanised boat than from a mechanised boat. Mechanised boat is mainly used for tourism purpose while non-mechanised boat for illegal fishing by local people. Between species Mugger was more tolerant to human presence than Gharial. Among hatchlings and adults of Gharial, hatchling showed a late response to disturbance while adults used to be the first one to slide in to water. Girwa river of Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the very few rivers of India where Gharials re breeding in wild. Though the river stretch is about 20 - 21 km only a small stretch of 5-8 km harbours the maximum number of Gharial and Mugger. This small section is used for both basking and nesting and it is very crucial to protect this small stretch in order to save a critically endangered species from the brink of extinction.