M Sc Dissertation(WII)
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Item Playing it Safe Tiger Movement and Livestock Depredation Patterns in Panna Tiger Reserve, Central India(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Mohan, Manu K.; Ramesh, K.; Sathyakumar, S.The movement of large carnivores in human-dominated landscapes is not uncommon anymore. While their presence is superficially tolerated or ignored, it is a consistent cause of concern to the people living in its proximity, due to competing interests in sharing of resources and direct threat to human lives. Carnivores incur energetic costs in the form of restricted activity and having to make spatial and temporal activity adjustments. Humans, on the other hand, face losses from livestock depredation and/or loss of lives. Depredation patterns of livestock by carnivores are associated with a variety of factors including habitat structure as well as movement patterns of carnivores in relation to anthropogenic and livestock activity. Hence, deducing movement patterns of the groups in conflict is an important step in understanding the dynamics of conflict patterns at fine scales. Supplemented by models to predict the probability of conflicts spatially which delineates conflict hotspots, site-specific mitigation measures could be devised. To understand such patterns of carnivore movement and relation to livestock depredation events, I conducted this study in a human-dominated region adjacent to the Critical Tiger Habitat of Panna Tiger Reserve in central India from December 2020 to April 2021, within an area of 200 km2. The broad objective was to model the conflict probability based on the proportion of the human-dominated area used by tigers, its intensity of use and spatio-temporal activity within the area, in response to human disturbances. For this, I used intensive camera trap sampling at fine-scale within grids (1 km x 1 km) across the entire study area. Movement parameters of tigers such as displacement and distance to villages in day and night were also analysed by monitoring two GPS-collared tigers in the study area. Occupancy estimates showed 74% of the sampled area being used by tigers, with the relative abundance of a large bodied wild prey (sambar) as the strongest predictor. In addition, a clear positive trend in the relative abundance index of tigers with distance to villages was observed. The temporal activities of the tigers also showed a significant difference in median activity time, shifting towards the night along with moderate diurnal activity at higher distances from villages. The tigers exhibited both crepuscular and nocturnal activity at close distances to villages. The movement range analyses of the tigers using camera traps showed the study area being used by 17 tigers, with 9 of them being adults (>3 years of age). Fixed Kernel Density home-range estimates of the two GPS-collared tigers showed a considerable proportion of their home range areas falling within village boundaries (10%) and an average of 16% of all GPS locations of the tigers fell within 0-100 metres from villages. Despite such high exploratory use of areas within and close distances to villages by sub-adults, there were relatively low incidences of conflict between the tigers and villagers in the study area. Finally, to assess the extent of risk and predict the probability of livestock depredation in the area, Generalized Linear Models were used. The best-fit model indicated a significant negative effect of distance to villages and highway to the probability of livestock depredation. Linear intrusions through highway and forest trails from villages allow easy access to livestock and herders for the utilization of the multi-use buffer areas of the Reserve as well as the tigers to come in proximity to settlements. Corralling of livestock in the night, avoiding free-ranging and grazing of livestock in the identified conflict hotspots, incentivization of alternate source of livelihood by strengthening the institutions such as Eco-Development Committees, along with continuous monitoring of tigers which range close to human settlements are discussed as some of the important measures which can be adopted to decrease the interfaces leading to tiger-human conflict in Panna Tiger Reserve.Item Assessing the synergistic effect of two invasive plants on native plant communities in Kanha National Park, Central India(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2017) Rastogi, Rajat; Shrivastava, Aseem; Qureshi, QamarOver time, community assembly and functioning of native ecosystems is known to shift from native species to non-native species thus, restructuring the native community. When this shift of diverse native ecosystem interaction to less diverse invasive-centric interaction, occurs due to synergistic effect of two invasive species, it is known as ‘invasional meltdown’. Since last two decades, the effects posed by invasive species on ecosystems are widely debated. Studies across the globe have reported simplification in community structure with biological invasions, leading towards monotonous ecosystems and homogenization of biodiversity. 2. I assessed the interaction of two invasive plant species, Lantana camara complex (lantana) and Pogostemon benghalensis (pogostemon) with native understorey vegetation in Shorea robusta (Sal) forest of Kanha National Park, Central India. Here, I tested biotic homogenization, invasional meltdown and intermediate disturbance hypothesis. To achieve this, 56 km2 out of 230 km2 of Sal forest covering 5613 cells (100X100m) was extensively surveyed, to model species distribution of lantana and pogostemon using different correlative, mechanistic and ensemble models. From the surveyed area, 120 plots (10X10m) were selected based on the percent cover of invasive species, where vegetation and soil sampling was conducted. The correlations in community composition with edaphic and climatic parameters were established using nonparametric ordination, and the potential effects of single invasive species and their interaction were estimated using linear models by considering the uninvaded plots as control. 3. From the sampled area, 40 km2 (71%) and 37 km2 (66%) were found to be invaded by lantana and pogostemon respectively. Lantana presence was best explained as a function of nearby lantana density and was constrained by evapo-transpiration rate of summer, light availability and dry stress. Whereas, pogostemon presence was best explained by moistness of forest patch, lower summer temperature and habitat openings due to anthropogenic factors and was constrained due to climatic heat, edaphic dry stress, and remote deciduous forest. Study results indicate an insignificant effect of intermediate disturbances, and significant impacts of invasive species on species composition and edaphic factors, thereby affirming the biotic homogenization and invasional meltdown hypothesis and rejecting intermediate disturbance hypothesis. Present study can be used as an evidence to prioritize immediate management interventions in areas where multiple invasions are present, as the chances of extirpation of rare species is high.Item Evaluating Tiger (Panthera tigris) Population Estimation Approches in a High Density Area in Kanha Tiger Reserve(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2005) Sharma, Rishi Kumar; Jhala, Y.V.Reliable estimates of status and population trends are critical for the conservation of large terrestrial carnivores as they play an important role in evaluating effectiveness of conservation efforts and also provide benchmark data for future management decisions. Camera trapping technique have been widely used for population estimation of cryptic carnivores including tigers, but the issues regarding sampling design and effort required to effectively sample an area have been paid less attention. An attempt was made to deal with these issues in the present study. The use of intensive search effort for tiger density estimation was also evaluated. Over a 30- day survey period, 33 camera trap sites were sampled in Kanha meadows of the Kanha Tiger Reserve. A total sampling effort of 330 trap nights yielded 39 photocaptures of 12 individual tigers over 10 sampling occasions that effectively covered a 111-km2 area. The model M(o) fitted the capture history data well. The estimated capture probability/sample, p-hat = 0.22, resulted in an estimated population size and standard error (N(SE TV)) of 13 (1.19), and a density (D(SE Z))) of 11.71 (1.74)7100 km2. Camera spacing was found to considerably influence the population estimation. An increase in camera spacing from 1.5 to 2.5 km resulted in a loss of 35% (n=7) of photo captures which consequently decreased the precision of the estimates, though accuracy was not affected. A reduction in the trapping effort in terms of reduced trap nights resulted in lower level of precision though the accuracy of estimates was not affected. Increase in the camera spacing from 1 to 2 km with a decrease in the number of sampling occasions (six) resulted in the loss of 42% of photo captures (n=12) and loss of 25% of individual tigers (Mz+/=9) thus underestimating the true tiger population by 16% ((N(SE N)) being 10(1.84) The data also suggests that the photo-captures are not likely to generate abundance index for species other than tigers, since the cameras are placed to maximize tiger captures in space and time. My results suggest that a thorough reconnaissance survey is of utmost importance for camera trapping studies as it can help to maximize the capture probability of tigers and circumvent the sampling problems. The different statistical estimator’s viz. capture-recapture, jackknife and bootstrap did not show significant differences in the population estimation. Bootstrap estimator performed better than jackknife in terms of greater precision. The differences between the density estimates generated by “camera trapping” (D=l 1.71/100 km2, S.E.=1.74) and “intensive search effort” (0=12.74/100 km2, S.E.=2.27) for tigers were not significantly different. Our results suggest that “intensive search effort” for tigers if used within capture-recapture framework can be used to arrive at reliable population estimationItem Space Use Patterns of the Indian Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica centralis Erxleben) in Relation to Food Availability in Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, M.P. India(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1993) Datta, Aparajita; Goyal, S.P.The spatio-temporal heterogeneity of food supply and the consequent effects on food resource use and space-use patterns of the Indian giant squirrel (Ratufa indica centralis) in Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, was the focus of study. Territoriality, which may affect space-use patterns of individuals was of special interest. Climatic factors which may influence activity budgets and consequently the variability in seasonal space-use patterns are also discussed. Based on individual variation in physical characteristics, Z identified three focal animals (one male, one female and a subadult male) in the disturbed habitat (Bhainsa nala ) , and a male and female in the undisturbed habitat (Churnagundi nala) for whom dana could only be gathered in winter. Therefore seasonal changes in space-use patterns is discussed for focal squirrels in the disturbed habitat. I kept a continuous record of behaviours during focal animal sampling. Home areas were calculated based on hourly locations taken from focal data. I gridded the area used by focal squirrels and recorded the vegetation parameters. The seasonal change in resource availability was monitored by phonological observations on all trees in the grids twice a month. Squirrels in Bhainsa nala selectively utilised certain individuals of flowering and fruiting crees which was related to crop size. Squirrels included bark and leaves in their diet even when fruit resources were available. The resource use by squirrels in Churnagundi nala showed a marked difference from squirrels in Bhainsa nala in winter which was due to the poor availability of food. Individual squirrels in Bhainsa nala showed variation in food species, food items used and the percent time spent feeding on each food item indicating that resource availability was not the same for all squirrels. No significant correlation was found between resource abundance and percent use of the item. Squirrels had overlapping ranges but were otherwise solitary. Many preferred resources were rare in the habitat, and the spatio-temporal heterogeneity in food resources resulted in overlap between individuals at locally abundant food resources. Because of this heterogeneity, the defence of an exclusive area guaranteed of resources throughout the seasons is not possible. Therefore squirrel ranges overlapped, but encounters were avoided by spatial time sharing but when encounters occurred, overt aggression was seen. But at certain locally abundant resources which were located at the periphery of the home areas, squirrels tolerated each other by maintaining inter-individual distances (5-10m). The tolerance of conspecifics at these resources could also be related to the existence of dominance hierarchies which result in decreased over aggression. The intensity of use (time spent) decreased as the distance from nest increased for all squirrels. Squirrels made forays in search of food and in many cases foraging was in the peripheral areas of the range. The male’s range showed overlap with the female’s in winter which could be related to sexual activity. Squirrels had a bimodal activity pattern in both seasons but bimodality was less pronounced in the winter since activity was distributed throughout the day when temperatures were more equable Shift in onset and cessation of activity was observed with changing daylength. Time spent feeding in April was much less than in other months. Time budgets showed that in all months a higher proportion of time is spent resting which could be due to heat or cold stress in or time needed to digest food items eaten. in Activity pattern of the squirrels in winter in Churnagundir nala were influenced by the low resource availability which resulted in long basking and resting periods and negligible time spent in feeding. Though occasional forays of short duration were made, no food was located by these forays. Thus squirrels adopted a strategy of conserving energy by minimizing their requirements by resting.Item Avian Communities in the Riparian Areas of Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, India(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1993) Pai, Ashwini; Johnsingh, A.J.T.Riparian areas are important as special habitats and corridors for wildlife. However, in India, riparian areas have not been studied to any detail. Also, not much is known about the avifauna of riparian habitats. The vegetation near a riparian area tends to be dense and hence distinct owing to constant availability of water. Riparian areas come under heavy use, both by livestock as well as wild animals because of the presence of water and forage. The avifauna of riparian areas is rich due to its floral complexity and structure and resources like fish and insects. This study quantified bird species diversity, avian guilds and avian community structure found in four riparian areas ( a flood plain, a riparian scrub, a disturbed nulla and an undisturbed nulla) of Bori sanctuary in Central India. The riparian areas were compared with the adjoining deciduous forest for avifaunal differences. Vegetation was studies along the riparian areas and the deciduous forests, using circular plots. Tree and shrub densities, vertical stratification of foliage and species richness were quantified. Line transects were used to estimate bird ,species richness and abundance. Bird species richness was correlated to negative variables for the two seasons. In summer the BSR was highly correlated with CC and in winters with CC. Stepwise multiple regression was used to create a habitat model for BSR in summer and in winter. Community patterns show seasonal change and also respond to structural changes of habitat.Item Food Habits of Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) in Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1999) Biswas, Sayentan; Sankar, K.; Chundawat, R.S.Food habits of tiger was studied in a dry deciduous forest area in Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh over a period of 6 months from November 1986 to April 1999. Density estimation of major prey species was done to assess availability to tigers. Line transect method was used for estimation of prey density. Scat analysis revealed that chital constituted the major part of is tiger prey followed by sambar and wild pig.Item Habitat Occupancy by Wild Ungulates in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1997) Acharya, Bhaskar B.; Sankar, K.This study on the habitat occupancy by wild ungulates was carried out from November1996 to April 1997 in the Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh. the spatial and seasonal difference in habitat occupancy of the major forest types by the wild ungulates viz. chital (Axis axis), sambar (Cervus unicolor), gaur (Bas gaurus), nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) were assessed. The study area was stratified into three major forest types based on floristics and physiognomy as: Teak dominant forest, Anogeissus boswellia mixed forest and Miscellaneous forest. A total of 12 transects were laid in three forest types. Data was collected on ungulate densities, dung abundance and habitat parameters. The Line transect Method was used for estimating ungulate densities. Dung abundance was quantified using a belt transect, at each 200 m point on the transects. Habitat parameters were also quantified at these points. The relationship between habitat factors and the distribution of ungulates were examined using bivariate and multivariate analyses. The results showed that chital densities were significantly lower in Teak dominant forest type in winter, and in the Anogeissus boswellia mixed forest type in summer. Both Teak and Misellaneous forest types showed greater chital densities in summer than in winter. Sambar densities showed no significant differences between forest types both in winter and in summer. Anogeissus boswellia mixed forest type showed a significant increase in sambar density from winter to summer. Chital dung abundance showed no significant differences between forest types, both in winter and in summer, while sambar dung abundance in the Anogeissus boswellia mixed forest type was significantly higher that, other forest types in both seasons. There were significant seasonal differences in chital dung abundance in all forest types, whereas sambar dung abundance increased only in the miscellaneous forest type.Item Extraction of Non Timber Forest Produce from Selected Tree Species in Betul Forest division and its Impact on the Population Structure of these Species(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1997) Koliyal, Anupama; Sawarkar, V.B.; Mathur, P.K.This study, carried out from November 1996 to May 1997 in North Betul Forest Division (NBFD), aimed to investigate the impacts of NTFP collection on the population structure of three extracted species namely, Buchanania lanzan, Emblica officinalis and Madhuca indica. Population structure, particularly the proportion of the younger recruitment classes in the extracted site, was compared to that in Satpura National Park, an ecologically similar but undisturbed area, a perfect natural 'control' site. Regeneration of all three were negligible in the harvested site when compared to that in the unharvested site. Interestingly, Timber Forest Products, viz. Tectona gran dis, Bauhinia racemosa, and Chloroxylon sweitenia, which are harvested for parts other than the fruit/seed, showed good regeneration in both sites. The second component of the study viz. the socio-economic investigation of the dependent people showed that they ranked other occupations like Forest Department jobs and agriculture above NTFP collection and realised that collection had a negative impact on the forests. It seems that it is only the want of other income generating opportunities that forces them to continue extraction. Again this offers scope for conservation measures to be implemented. Though a short study like this is limited in its scope for providing long-term solutions, it clearly demonstrates that NTFP collection, particularly of Buchanania lanzan, Emblica officinalis and Madhuca indica in dry deciduous forests of central India does have a significant impact on the forests in general and these species in particular.Item A Study on Bird Communities-Habitat Structure Relationships in Pench National Park, M.P.(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1997) Jayapal, R.; Qureshi, QamarThere has been a number of studies on bird communities and their relationships with habitat features of floristics and physiognomy. In particular, the spatial distribution of bird communities along the axis of structural variables of a habitat has received a wider attention in the light of recent findings on landscape behaviour. Most of these works relate to either temperate or neotropical forests and our knowledge of community dynamics of tropical deciduous forests is very limited, for there has been hardly any comprehensive study in the tropics. The present study was done in the deciduous forests of the Pench National Park, Central India (M.P) between "November, 1996 and April, 1997 covering winter (November,1996-1anuary,1997) and summer (March, 1997-April, 1997). Seven distinct habitat types were identified for the study based on floristic and structural diversity. Seasonal data on 27 habitat structural variables were collected from bird-centered sampling plots. Point count census technique was employed to study the bird population. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) was used to determine the patterns of inter-relationships among the habitat structural variables. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was done to understand the relationships of habitat components to the distribution of bird communities. For guild analysis, two different sets criteria were used to identify the guilds among the bird populations viz., food type and foraging behaviour. Twelve guilds were recognized based on the food type and, six among the insectivores with respect to foraging behaviour. The results of the PCA showed that habitat structural variables of tropical deciduous forests have a marked pattern of inter-relationships on two axes of landscape behaviour, viz., heterogeneity and complexity. But they failed to reveal any such segregation vis-a-vis bird community structure, as the scale of measurement did not address all the members of the community. The spatial distribution pattern of bird communities in relation to habitat architecture was shown by CCA to be not very tenacious; the interactions of other extraneous factors like floristics, habitat dynamics, phenophases of vegetation, disturbance, or interactions within the community may influence the habitat selection process. There was no linear correlation observed between Foliage Height Diversity and Bird Species Diversity; possible explanations and alternative views have been discussed briefly. The response of bird communities to floristics was found to be inconsistent across habitat types as positive linear relationship was detected only for Teak-dominant forests in winter, and for Anogeiss Boswellia forests and Cleistanthus collinus woodland in summer. Guild compositions of various habitat types were not found to be significanty different from each other though the seasonal change was consistent across all the habitats.