Theses and Dissertations

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A study on ethno-flora with special reference to Traditional Health Care System (THCS) in western Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Angmo, Kunzes; Adhikari, B.S.
A study on ethno-flora with special reference to traditional health care systems (THCS) was conducted in Western Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir (Indian Trans-Himalaya) during 2009-2013. The major objectives of the study were: i) to study and compare the traditional health-care system across major ethnic groups (Boto, Balti and Dards) in Suru, Wakha-chu and Lower Indus valleys, ii) to document the Traditional Knowledge System (TKS) across various ethnic groups, and iii) to assess the conservation status of ethno-medicinal plants in the study area. To meet the objectives of the study a detailed field investigation was undertaken in all the valleys. The field work involved questionnaire survey and group discussions in the three valleys to document traditional healthcare system (THCS), perception of people and allopathic doctors regarding THCS (objective 1); Interviews of local healers and different sections of the society to assess the status of traditional knowledge (objective 2); and Rapid survey of wild medicinal plants across various land forms, habitat and vegetation types so as to ascertain the distribution of ethno-flora across various landforms, and ethnoecology and conservation prioritization of Ethno-flora (objective 3). The study area is located above 2700m altitude and is characterized by unique geographical and socio-cultural attributes. Traditional medicine is one of the tangible heritage of the local people in Ladakh, which has been an indispensable source of both preventive and curative medicine.
A study on floristic diversity and plant functional types across various landforms in upper Dhauli valley, Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Western Himalaya.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2016) Kumar, Amit; Adhikari, B.S.; Rawat, G.S.
In ecological systems, vegetation communities are shaped by various physiographic and edaphic factors which determine their structural and functional attributes. In Trans- Himalayan region of the state of Uttarakhand, limited studies on linkages of floristics, patterns of diversity in various vegetation communities and landforms are available. The region faces disturbances due to various natural and anthropogenic causes. The present research work attempts to assess the diversity of vascular plants, plant community structure and plant functional types (PFTs) in various landforms and physiognomic units in Upper Dhauli Valley, a cold-arid region and buffer of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. This research work has not only generated information on the baseline ecological characteristics of various plant species and communities but also provides valuable management implications. The study is summarized in the following paragraphs. The Upper Dhauli Valley (UDV; ca. 727.7 km2; 30°46-54’N and 79°45-51’E) in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve was selected for intensive study. The UDV was added as a part of buffer zone of NDBR in 2002 and among the least studied valleys of the region with respect to floristics, floral assemblages and vegetation structure. It has three major watersheds namely, Amrit Ganga, Satyagad and Ganesh Ganga. The present study is based on the extensive surveys of various landscape features, landforms and physiognomic units. Reconnaissance survey in the entire valley was conducted in the year 2011. The field work comprised of floristic survey, systematic collection and record of plant specimens, vegetation quantification and collection of soil samples followed by laboratory analysis
Distribution of major alien invasive plants and impact assessment of Ageratina adenophora (Spreng.) K & R. in Kailash Sacred Landscape, Uttarakhand
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2022) Chaudhary, Alka; Adhikari, B.S.; Rawat, G.S.
The study was conducted to assess the spread, distribution, impact of invasion in Indian part of Kailash Sacred Landscape (KSL) characterized by interspersion of human habitations, extensive forest managed by the State Forest Department and local community institutions (Van Panchayat). The objectives of the study were (i) To model spatial distribution of selected plant invasive species using distribution modeling technique. (2) To assess the impacts of IAPs on native flora and relationship with habitat parameters (3) To analyze people's perception towards the spread of IAPs in KSL India landscape (4) Experimental trials on Eco restoration of habitats and prediction of future spread for better management
Ecology of alpine arid pastures with special reference to livestock grazing in upper Dhauli valley, Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Western Himalaya.
(2018) Mitra, Monideepa; Adhikari, B.S.; Rawat, G.S.
Pastoral practices have been in existence in the alpine region of the Himalaya since millennia.The region is characterized by the presence of diverse pastoral practices such as sedentary, nuclear trans-humane, semi-nomadic, and nomadic pastoralism. These practices have strongly influenced the vegetation and ecology of the alpine rangelands, including local biodiversity. The region is broadly divisible into two distinct eco-climatic zones, viz., a moistal pine zone of Greater Himalaya and cold arid zone of Trans-Himalaya. These zones differ considerably in terms of physiognomy, species composition, history of livestock grazing and their ability to withstand grazing pressure. The objectives of the study were (i) To study the patterns of livestock grazing in the study area, (ii) To assess resource use by livestock, (iii) To assess the pasture quality (floristic) and quantity (biomass) in the study area, and (iv) to assess overlap in resource use between wild ungulates and livestock. The study was conducted in Upper Dhauli valley, situated in the cold arid region of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (hereafter NDBR; 30º 08’-31º 02’N, 79º 12’- 80º 19’E) in Uttarakhand. The study was conducted in 2012 and 2014
Effect of Grazing on the Community Structure and Functional Diversity of Grazing Lawns in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Malagi, Aaroha; Adhikari, B.S.; Page, Navendu V.; Ramesh, K.
Understanding the effects of grazing (by both livestock and wild ungulates) on grasslands is paramount to come up with more robust managerial actions to conserve, and increase the ecosystem function of these valuable ecosystems. In the current study, we investigate the effects of grazing on a highly productive, mesic grassland ecosystem, viz. grazing lawn in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu, India. We examined how species richness and composition of a grassland patch change across a grazing gradient by carrying out plot-based vegetation sampling in the grazing lawns of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. We also looked at how trait composition and functional diversity changed across the grazing gradient, to better understand the plant functional response and resilience of the grazing lawn complex. We used a Linear Mixed Effect Model (LMM) to investigate the impact of grazing intensity on species richness, and a Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) to look at the differences in species composition between different grazing treatments. Functional composition and diversity were measured using Lavorel and Villeger’s index in the ‘FD’ package of R (4.0.2). We found that grazing lawns were minimally affected by grazing intensity in terms of species richness and trait composition, but showed a significant change in species composition and functional diversity across the grazing gradient.
Habitat ecology of Royl’s Pika (Ochotona royleiogilby) along altitudinal grandients with special reference to foraging behavior in Western Himalaya, Uttarakhand.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2012) Bhattacharya, Sabuj; Adhikari, B.S.; Rawat, G.S.
The relationship of a species with its environment has always been of primary interest among ecologists. The species living in highly seasonal environment and special habitats at high altitudes reflect peculiar evolutionary and adaptive behavior. The small mammals living at high altitudes such as pikas (Ochotona spp.) are of particular ecological interest as they exhibit high energy demands, limited dispersal capability and sensitivity towards climatic variation. Though seven species of pika are reported from the Himalayan region, none of the species have been studied in terms of their ecology and response to environmental variation. Keeping this in view, Royle's pika (Ochotona roylei), a small lagomorph and widely distributed in western Himalaya was selected to understand its habitat use pattern and behavioural ecology. The objective of the study were: (i) To characterize micro-habitat features associated with Royle's pika along a subalpine alpine ecotone and identify the factors which governs its occurrence (ii) To study the topographical and bioclimatic factors affecting its land scape level distribution (iii) To understand factor governs abundance of Royle's pika along altitudinal gradient, (iv) To document behavioural repertoire of Royle's pika in various season. (v) To study the influence of habitat micro climatic condition on activity of Royle's pika, (vi) To identify the tactors which governs the food selection decision of Royle's pika.
Habitat use and interactions of mammalian carnivores in the tropical forest of Manas National Park, Assam, India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2023) Bhatt, Urjit; Adhikari, B.S.; Lyngdoh, Salvador
The study was conducted at the Manas National Park (MNP), East Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot, in Assam. Previous research on MNP revealed their significance in supporting diverse wildlife, including mammalian carnivores, focusing on their distribution patterns, relative abundance indices, and population estimates. However, interactions, co-existence, and habitat use among carnivores in the park remain understudied, creating concerns for conservation efforts given the threats to biodiversity in Southeast Asia. Examining these aspects of MNP, with their varied ecological niches and body mass variations, can shed light on species interactions and habitat preferences. understanding these complex relationships and habitat use is essential for effective conservation and management strategies to ensure the long-term survival and ecological balance of carnivore communities. The thesis used camera traps to assess the richness, species composition, encounter rates, trap efforts, and threat status of mammalian carnivores in the MNP. The objectives of the study were to (a) assess diversity and species composition of mammalian carnivores, (b) determine temporal interactions among carnivores and their potential prey species, and (c) evaluate space and habitat use of mammalian carnivores in tropical forest of MNP.
Habitat, food resource utilization of Himalayan brown bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus, Horsfield 1826) and conflict with humans in Lahaul valley, Himachal pradesh
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2023) Kumar, Vineet; Adhikari, B.S.; Sharma, Lalit Kumar
Himalayan brown bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus) is one of the top carnivores dominating the higher altitudes of the North and Western Himalayan landscape. In India, based on the 2005 estimate the approximate brown bear distribution range is reported to be 36,800 km2 , whereas only 10% of the total distribution area of the brown bear comes under the protected areas. There is very low density of brown bear lies in its distribution range throughout the Western Himalaya, in alpine meadows, scrub and sub-alpine forests of two Union Territories (Jammu and Kashmir; and Ladakh) and two Indian Himalayan States, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Due to its inaccessible and high altitude habitat, the brown bear has been poorly studied in India, as well as in other parts of the Asian highlands.In the recent decade, the widespread exponential growth of the human population, infrastructure development, and agricultural intensification has led to the alteration of natural habitats into human-modified landscapes, bringing humans and wildlife into close proximity. In areas where brown bear and human habitation are in close proximity, brown bears feed on agricultural/horticultural crops and livestock predation leads to human-brown bear conflict and lessens local tolerance for bears. As the human settlements encroach further into remote areas, bear-human conflict escalates. Himalayan brown bear in its distribution range in India facing prevailing threats such as habitat loss, cropland expansion, anthropogenic disturbances, human brown bear conflict and climate changes. The present study was proposed to understand in detail the habitat use and feeding habits of brown bear with respect to human-brown bear conflict to develop mitigation strategies. For conducting this study, the vast geographic area of Lahual valley was stratified into different habitats and then divided into 10 km × 10 km grids for extensive study. First objective of this study aimed to understand the habitat utilization pattern of the Himalayan brown bear in selected grids of Lahaul Valley across the seasons (Intensive study area). To achieve this objective sign survey and camera trapping data was used and sixty-five logistically possible grids were surveyed across the seasons (summer and pre-hibernation), in different habitats and elevation gradients.he findings of the present study highlight a distinct seasonal pattern in habitat use of the Himalayan brown bear. In summer, bears predominantly utilized the areas with extensive vegetation cover as evidenced by a positive association with rangeland and Shannon diversity index and NDVI-summer, particularly away from the human settlements in the elevation range of 3000m to 4500m. Conversely, in the per-hibernation phase, Himalayan brown bear tends to avoid high-altitude areas with limited vegetation, opting for areas with available vegetative materials. Notably, habitat use was concentrated in the elevation range of 2800m to 3800m closer to the human settlements in comparison to summer. Regardless of the season, the Himalayan brown bear utilizes areas near roads, emphasizing the availability of anthropogenic food resources.
Patterns of grazing, natural resources use by local community and their influence on wild ungulate (Ibex) habitats in Pin Valley National Park, Himachal Pradesh
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2023) Targe, Kalzang; Adhikari, B.S.; Salvador, Lyngdoh
This study conducted for a comprehensive study in response to the imperative need for a deeper understanding of the impact of pastoralism on wildlife. The research is centered on the high-altitude rangelands of the Trans-Himalaya, which have a grazing history spanning millennia. The primary goal of this research is to analyse an agropastoral system and investigate its conflicts with wildlife, particularly in relation to the Himalayan ibex. The study is summarized into the following objectives. - To study the changing aspects of local and migratory herders in Pin Valley, - To study grazing patterns of livestock and wild ungulate (Ibex) in Pin Valley, and - To document the natural resource dependency of local agropastoral community in Pin Valley. The study on agropastoral practices and their influence on the wild ungulate ibex in the Trans-Himalaya area employed a variety of methodologies and data analysis techniques. The primary data collection took place between September, 2017 and December, 2019. The research conducted for social aspects in all thirteen villages but only villages dependent on National Park were considered for the analysis. Semi- structured interviews in thirteen villages ensuring representation from different strata, age groups, and genders. Additionally, two focused group discussions were organized in the villages that related with migratory herders with the aim of raising awareness about overstocking and over-grazing's impact on range land resources. To analyse changes in the traditional agropastoral system, data were collected for both the past (pre-2000, before green pea commercialization) and present (post-2017) periods. Informal discussions with local community members were held to understand trends in livestock numbers and composition. Data on agriculture practices were also recorded. The employed various methods to assess Ibex and livestock feeding habits, including direct and indirect observations, bite counts, and microhistological techniques. The findings of this thesis hold practical relevance for land use planning and conservation management strategies. The research findings contribute valuable insights into the interactions between agropastoral practices and wild ungulate Ibex in the Trans-Himalaya area, providing a foundation for guiding conservation and management implementations strategies in the region
Systematics and ecology of Berberidaceae in Uttarakhand state.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2012) Banerjee, Kausik; Rawat, G.S.; Adhikari, B.S.
In the present study Population estimation, Habitat loss, Ranging pattern, Food habits and other parameters were discussed.
Systematics and ecology of Berberidaceae in Uttarakhand state.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2011) Tiwari, Umesh Kumar L.; Rawat, G.S.; Adhikari, B.S.
Valuation of ecosystem services in Harike Wildlife Sanctuary, Punjab: a case study
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Gautam, Sameer; Adhikari, B.S.
Economics, which focuses on how to distribute finite resources, uses the value to inform society about the relative degree of resource scarcity. The value of biodiversity and ecosystem services is a reflection of what our civilization is ready to give up to protect these natural treasures. Ecosystem services and biodiversity can be economically valued to make it clear to society at large and policymakers in particular that these resources are rare and that society bears costs when they are destroyed or degraded. If these costs are not taken into account, policy would be poor and society would suffer from poor resource allocation.