Theses and Dissertations

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A study on habitat use and food habits of swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli duvauceli) in Jhilmil Tal, Haridwar Forest Division, Uttaranchal
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2009) Tiwari, Rachna; Rawat, G.S.
Habitat use and food habits of the swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli duvauceli) were studied in and around Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve (JJCR), Uttarakhand, during June 2006 and June 2008. This population of swamp deer was recently rediscovered in the state and warranted an ecological study and conservation initiative because the habitat around this study area is heavily fragmented due to expansion of agriculture, habitation and various other land use practices. Therefore, this study was initiated. The major objectives were: i. ii. iii. To study seasonal variation in habitat use pattern and food habits, Activity pattern, Population structure and habitat condition, and iv. Identify threats and suggest conservation measures. Habitat evaluation of various potential (but fragmented) habitat blocks in Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve area and surrounding Banganga wetland revealed that they bear a close resemblance with the prime swamp deer habitat both in terms of structure and composition of key habitat variables.
Abundance, Habitat Relationships and Behavior of the Semi-Fossorial Indian Desert Jird, Meriones hurriancae, in Kachchh, Gujarat
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2011) Ramesh, Divya; Jhala, Y.V.; Qureshi, Qamar
Population sizes, habitat relationships and behaviour are among basic ecological aspects pivotal to demystifying a species and its place in the ecosystem. Numerous in species and number, desert rodents offer immense scope for such investigations. The Indian desert jird, Meriones hurrianae, though common, is remarkably little known. This study, conducted in Kachchh, Gujarat, estimates population sizes, examines factors in the habitat likely to influence their occurrence, and elucidates the activity pattern and time budget across 2 land use types, agricultural and natural areas, during winter (December February) and summer (March-May). Animals were caught in 9 colonies using Sherman traps and population estimated under closed population Capture-Mark-Recapture framework in Program MARK, using individual covariates (age class, gender, body weight, site). Colony parameters (length, width, number of holes) were regressed against known Mark-Recapture (MR) population estimates to develop predictive models for estimating population size from indices. Population sizes varied from 2 to 10 individuals. Number of holes in a colony provided robust estimates of the number of individuals in that colony (N=16, R2=0.96, t=18.19, p
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.
An assessment of abundance, habitat use and prey selection by carnivores in Khanchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Bashir, Tawqir; Sathyakumar, S.
The present study conducted for about five years (2008-2012) was therefore designed to generate some baseline information on the carnivores of the least explored part of the eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot i.e., the Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (BR~2,620 km²) with an attempt to assess their diversity, distribution, abundance, space use, food habits, activity patterns and the nature and extent of human-carnivore conflict, if any. An effort was also made to use this information in predicting suitable and priority areas for conservation action and in developing a protocol for long-term population monitoring of these species. Reconnaissance surveys were conducted in seven watersheds of the Khangchendzonga BR and the Prek chu watershed (182 km²) was selected for intensive field work. The study confirmed the presence of 19 species of carnivores from the KBR including 11 species of global conservation significance. In order to understand the factors that govern the co-existence of carnivores in the area their spatial, dietary and temporal patterns of recourse use were also assessed. This study provides the first scientific information on the ecology of carnivores in the Khangchendzonga BR and is of high significance to managers for efficient conservation and management of these ecologically important species and their habitats in such intricate habitats where accessibility and data collection is a limiting factor.
Aspects of Foraging, Activity, Habitat Use and Demography of Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis Linn.) in Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2003) Kandel, Ram Chandra; Jhala, Y.V.
The study was conducted between November 2002 to June 2003 in the Royal Chitwan National Park, in Central Terai which arbors the largest population of the Great One-honed Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis Linn) in Nepal. I studied time Activity budget, Habitat use, preference, food habits and ranging pattern of free ranging rhinos by continuously monitoring them from elephant back for 130.5 hrs (10 sessions of 7-24 hr each)
Behavioural ecology of sloth bear in Panna National Park, Central India.
(Wildlife Institute of India, 2005) Yoganand, K.; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
The patterns in daily and seasonal activity of sloth bears in Panna NP were studied and the factors that influenced the patterns were assessed. • Activity states were recorded by manually monitoring radio-tagged, motion-sensor fitted bears, and by deploying automated receiver-recording units that logged the strengths and pulse rates of signals from the bears. Daily and seasonal changes in temperature, relative humidity and other heat indices of the microhabitats used by bears were recorded using temperature and RH loggers. Tiger and human activities were also monitored to assess the influence of these on bear activity patterns. • Bears were found to be essentially nocturnal and crepuscular in activity and they rested during midday. This pattern of activity was similar among all radio collared bears, but with some variability. The differences in diel activity patterns among climatic and fruiting seasons were rather small. In the wet and cold seasons, bears extended their activity into the day hours and reduced their activity in post-midnight, pre-morning hours, as compared to the dry season. • Bears (except the cubbing females) were active almost every day of the year, and for several hours (> 10 hours) each day. Overall, bears were active for 48% to 54% of the whole day (out of 24 h) in all seasons. There were no large differences seen among months in percent of whole day, day time, night time, and morning time the bears were active, but evening time showed large differences. • The differences in activity start and end times among individual bears within seasons were large in certain seasons, and the differences among seasons of a bear were large for certain bears. Bears such as F63, F78 and M69 did not show much difference among seasons, while others such as F76, F80 and M50 showed large differences. Also many bears showed higher variability in cold and wet seasons than in dry season, particularly in activity start times. • Bears started their activity later and ended it earlier in the dry season than the other two climatic seasons. The earliest activity start and latest activity end was in the cold season. The differences among climatic seasons in both timings were statistically significant (ANOVA, α = 0.05). However, when activity start and end times were adjusted for seasonal sunset and sunrise times, the patterns in seasonal differences changed remarkably. 109 Wet season activity start times with reference to sunset were much earlier than the other two seasons, whereas the difference between cold and dry seasons became small. Differences in activity end times after sunrise between cold and the other two seasons too became small. • Escarpment habitat was most frequently used (50% to 85%) for day resting by bears in all months, followed by Lantana shrub thickets (15% to 50%). The use of escarpment was predominant in dry season months and decreased in monsoon and post-monsoon months, with a converse increase in the use of Lantana habitat as day-bed. • The core bears, which had substantial escarpment habitat available within their home ranges, used escarpments for day-resting predominantly in all seasons, and the peripheral bears, which had low escarpment and high Lantana cover available, used these habitats for day-resting variably. Tigers were generally nocturnal and crepuscular in activity during the dry and cold seasons. The activity of tigers peaked during crepuscular times; they predominantly rested during mid-day, and had a reduced level of activity during post-midnight, pre-morning hours. • Diel activity patterns of bears and tigers were similar to a large extent, in the two seasons tigers were monitored. The activity peaks of both species more or less coincided in the mornings and evenings, and high levels of activity of both occurred in night and crepuscular times. • Tiger activity does not seem to influence bear activity timings. The hourly activities of both were strongly positively correlated, even after controlling for temperature, with which bear activity was strongly correlated. • Humans using the forest habitats showed a high level of activity in the morning and evening times, moderate level of activity in the mid-day, early morning and late-evenings, and a low level of activity in the immediate premorning and early night hours. • Human activity overlapped highly with that of bear activity during early morning and evening hours. Overlap period was longer and the activity peaks of both coincided in the evenings of wet and cold seasons. No relationship could be seen between their hourly activities
Density Related Behaviour of Select Ungulate Species in Four Zoos of Southern India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2003) Panda, Prajna Paramita; Choudhury, B.C.
Density Related Behaviour of Select Ungulate Species in Four Zoos of Southern India
Diurnal and Seasonal Activity Pattern of Water Monitor (Varanus salvator) in Bhitakanika Wildlife Sanctuary, India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1993) Pandav, Bivash; Choudhury, B.C.
This study investigated the diurnal and seasonal activity pattern of water monitor, Varanus salvator in Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, India. The study was conducted in an intensive study area of 17 sq.km selected after a pre sampling survey in the Sanctuary. The methodology involved to record the activity pattern of water monitor was monitoring of two permanent standard paths every three hours on diurnal basis. Sightings of water monitors were recorded while walking on the standard path. Behaviour of water monitor was divided into four categories such as basking, foraging, resting and non-foraging. Microhabitat of water monitor was recorded on each sighting. Ambient and substrate temperatures and ambient relative humidity were recorded along with diurnal activity pattern of water monitors. Results show a shift in diurnal activity pattern with season. The activity pattern of water monitor was unimodal in winter and uniform in summer. Basking was the major activity of water monitor in winter, whereas all the activities were evenly spread out in summer.The lizards used different microhabitats for different activities. Maximum lizards were recorded active at cooler substrate temperatures (29°C). The relation of ambient and substrate temperatures with activity was curvilinear. At low ambient temperature basking was prevalent. With increase in temperature other activities, such as foraging and resting were recorded. At high ambient temperature lizards selected cooler substrates. Ambient temperature and ambient relative humidity varied inversely. The activity was low at high levels of humidity It is concluded that behavioural thermoregulation plays a major role in water monitor’s activity.
Ecology and behaviour of travancore tortoise (Indotestudo travancorica) in the Anamalai Hills, Western Ghats.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2012) Deepak, V.; Vasudevan, Karthikeyan
the study was decided to be carried out in two protected areas namely the Anamalai Tiger Reserve and Parambikulam Tiger Reserve. Located in the southern Western Ghats. This study investigated the proportion of the site occupied by Travancore tortoises, their diet, home range, activity and habitat use. The findings of this study along with the existing information were used to formulate a conservation action plan for Travancore tortoise.
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
Habitat Use, Group Size and Activity Pattern of Goral (Nemorhaedus goral) in Simbalbara Sanctury (Himachal Pradesh) and Darpur Reserved Forest (Haryana) India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1993) Pendharkar, Anand; Goyal, S.P.
A study on the habitat use, group size and activity patterns of goral (Nemorhaedus goral) was undertaken from November 1922 to May 1993 in Simbalbara Sanctuary (Himachal Pradesh) and Darpur Reserved Forest (Haryana). Data on availability of habitat types, vegetation types, slope, aspect and cover and their corresponding use (N=230 sightings), were collected along six search paths. Group size and activity pattern data were collected by walking along search paths and using instantaneous scan sampling. The broad habitat types identified were: Valley slope, Grassy slope, Ridge top flat, Nala slope, Valley bottom flat, Ridge top slope and Valley ridge slope. The vegetation types identified in the study area were: Sal forest (SF), mixed forest (MF), mixed forest grassy slope (MFGS), mixed forest riverine (MFR), sal forest riverine (SFR), pine-mixed woodland (PMW) and mixed forests with khai plantation (MFKP).The characteristic features of habitat and vegetation types and seasonal variations in them are discussed.The major findings of availability-utilization analysis were : Goral shewed preferential use of grassy slopes in summer. Valley bottom flat was used less in both the seasons. Mixed Forest was preferred in both seasons, whereas Mixed Forest Grassy Slopes were preferred only in summer. Sal Forest, Sal Forest Riverine and Mixed Forest with Khair Plantations were used less in both the seasons. A preferential use of the steep slopes was observed in winter. In summer there seemed to be no selection for terrain type. South facing slopes were preferred in both the seasons. Extremely low shrub cover and medium grass cover were selectively used by goral. Major features of goral group size and activity pattern were: Goral was predominantly a solitary species forming loose aggregations of upto eleven individuals. Average group size of goral did not vary significantly (N=230, d. f.=3, p=0.05, X" - 0.98) between seasons, but during late evening hours, comparatively larger groups were observed in winter (N=127, d.f.=4, p=<0.02, X2 - 12.42). Group sizes were comparatively larger in disturbed areas (N=230, d. f.=3, i i i p<0.01, = 12.75). A significant difference in proportion of time spent in different activities was observed (N=416, c/.f. = 8, p<0.001, X2 = 37.59), between winter and summer. Nevertheless, activities and proportions of active and inactive individuals varied significantly over different hours of the day (N=192, d.f.=2, p<0.01 , 10.43).
Has conservation gone to the dogs? : ecological aspects of free ranging dogs of the Thar
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2017) Mohandas, Monisha S.; Jhala, Y.V.; Qureshi, Qamar; Dutta, Sutirtha
One of the few mammals to have a near-global distribution, dogs (Canis familiaris) are an introduced mammalian predator. Dogs have contributed to 11 vertebrate extinctions and are a potential threat to 188 threatened species globally. This study investigates population sizes, ranging patterns, behavioural activity, and resource utilisation of free-ranging dogs in Thar landscape, Rajasthan. 2. Using double sampling framework, I calibrated effort-standardized counts (C) with mark-recapture based abundances (𝑁̂) that was used to estimate dog abundances within human habitation. Landscape-scale dog abundance was estimated using vehicle transect based distance sampling. Home ranges of nine free-ranging dogs was determined using locations from radio-telemetry. Resource use was quantified as feeding durations on various food items based on continuous monitoring. Resource availability was quantified as wild prey and livestock carcass density using line transect based distance sampling. This study provides information on important aspects of free-ranging dog ecology and their impacts in Thar landscape. It provides the basis required for implementing dog control programs in the landscape focusing on the flagship and critically endangered great Indian Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps.
Interactions between forage, recruitment and activity patterns of Blackbuck (Antelope cervicapra)
(Wildlife Institute of India, 2005) Priyadarshini, K.V.R.; Jhala, Y.V.
In this study based on the seasonality of blackbuck calving in VNP and examined whether birth synchrony exists in this population. I assessed the seasonal patterns in forage vailability, quality, and body condition of blackbuck females, and examined if changes in forage availability, quality and body condition of females influenced calving seasonality. · Forage variables that were measured are, aboveground grass biomass, moisture, crude protein, ADF, lignins, and silica content in grasses. Some of the forage variables showed considerable seasonal changes, while some did not. Biomass was the highest in the cold and late wet seasons and lowest in the dry season. Crude protein content was the highest in wet season and the lowest in dry season. Blackbuck in VNP appear to have a cyclical calving pattern. The dry season calving peak was probably timed to the impending peak in forage quality, which would have benefited the calves when they weaned. The wet season calving peak occurred after a gap that corresponded to inter-calving interval in blackbuck. The females that calved in the wet season perhaps provided greater maternal nutritional investment into the young, which might have compensated for the lower quality forage that was available to the calves when they weaned. In this study based on the seasonality of blackbuck calving in VNP and examined whether birth synchrony exists in this population. I assessed the seasonal patterns in forage availability, quality, and body condition of blackbuck females, and examined if changes in forage availability, quality and body condition of females influenced calving seasonality.· Forage variables that were measured are, aboveground grass biomass, moisture, crude protein, ADF, lignins, and silica content in grasses. Some of the forage variables showed considerable seasonal changes, while some did not. Biomass was the highest in the cold and late wet seasons and lowest in the dry season. Crude protein content was the highest in wet season and the lowest in dry season. Blackbuck in VNP appear to have a cyclical calving pattern. The dry season calving peak was probably timed to the impending peak in forage quality, which would have benefited the calves when they weaned. The wet season calving peak occurred after a gap that corresponded to inter-calving interval in blackbuck. The females that calved in the wet season perhaps provided greater maternal nutritional investment into the young, which might have compensated for the lower quality forage that was available to the calves when they weaned.
Ranging, Activity Patterns and Habitat Use of Blackbuck and Nilgai in Velavadar National Park, Gujarat, India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2001) Sahabandhu, H. Dhanushki R.; Chellam, Ravi; Mathur, V.B.
I studied the activity patterns, ranging and habitat use of blackbuck (Antelope cervicapra rajputanae) and nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) in Velavadar National Park from November 2000 to April 2001. Scan sampling was used to record blackbuck and nilgai activity patterns. Herds were also followed from sunrise to sunset to study the diurnal movements. Satellite imagery was used for vegetation mapping. Habitat availability and usage of both species were examined by plotting the grazing circuit on the satellite imagery. Activity patterns were found to differ amongst the various social groups, habitats and seasons. Temporal variations in foraging time and resting time were found in all the groups studied. Blackbuck had three foraging peaks and two resting peaks as compared to nilgai, which had two, and one peaks respectively. Diurnal distances were not found to differ in any of the different blackbuck or nilgai groups or between the two species. Differences between blackbuck herds in different seasons and habitats were attributed to the nutritional levels and the spatial dispersion of vegetation. Foraging behaviour decreased in summer supporting results of previous studies that blackbuck reduced foraging due to lower nutrition levels. Male blackbuck was found to forage 67% compared to 58% by females. This difference was attributed to larger body size in males, and the upcoming rutting/lekking season. No difference was found between nilgai males and females, except usage by females was slightly more in high nutritional areas. Female nilgai were found to become more selective in summer, by increasing their foraging time from 43% to 55%. But no difference in habitat usage was found, possibly due to sustenance from Prosopis juliflora pods. Blackbuck were found to spend more time foraging (53%) compared to nilgai (43%). This was due to blackbuck being more selective in the prevailing drought conditions, while nilgai were possibly supplementing their diet with P Juliflora pods. Differences between the two species in temporal allocation of foraging time was found which was ascribed to difference in gut capacity. No seasonal differences were found between the two species, except that nilgai were found to be using high nutrition areas. Nilgai were found to be more selective nutritionally than blackbuck, possibly due to nilgai being an intermediate feeder compared to blackbuck, which are coarse bulk feeders.
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.
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.