Theses and Dissertations

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    Characterization of bone, ivory, Rhino horn and antler to deal wildlife offence cases.
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2007) Singh, Rina Rani; Goyal, S.P.
    Species for this study were selected according to the endangered status of the species and since these products were difficult to identify mostly in processed form. Therefore, attempts were made to characterize bones of tiger (Panthera tigris) and leopard (Panthera pardus), greater one horned rhinoceros (rhinoceros unicornis) horn and antlers of chital (Axis axis), sambar (Cervus unicolor), swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli). Other than these species mentioned in synopsis, antlers of hog deer (Axis porcinus) and barking deer (Muntiacus muntajak) and ivory of Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) have also been characterized for comparison purposes. The present study is an effort to develop methods to characterize these items for conservation of the concern species and objectives of this study are as follows: 1. Determine morphological, crystallographic (XRD & XRF) and DNA characteristics of major bones of tiger and leopard, and 2. Determine morphological, crystallographic (XRD & XRF) and DNA characteristics of rhino horn and antler of chital, sambar and swamp deer species.
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    Habitat suitability evaluation for leopard (Panthera pardus) using remote sensing and GIS in and around Chitwan National Park, Nepal
    (wildlife Institute of India, 2011) Thapa, Tej Bahadur; Mathur, V.B.; Goyal, S.P.
    The leopard Panthera pardus is one of the large felid of Asia and Africa that is threatened by habitat loss and direct conflicts with humans. Owing to low population densities and cryptic habits leopard has remained little studied. This study evaluated landscape characteristics; determined distribution and relative abundance of leopards, analyzed diets of leopards and assess the extent, nature of human leopard conflicts and examined habitat use and preference in and around the Chitwan National Park and Buffer Zone (CNPBZ), Nepal. Methodologies used to accomplish these objectives included remote sensing, geographic information system (GIS), ecological field work (line transect sampling for prey, camera trapping for leopard and scat collection), social surveys and lab work for diet determination using micro histological technique. Abundance and density information forms the baseline for conservation planning. Camera-trap surveys were carried out during winter 2008/09 and 2010. This study provided much needed baseline information on habitat characteristics of CNPBZ, abundance of leopard and prey population, feeding ecology and prey selection by leopard, leopard- human conflicts and habitat use of leopards.
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    Factors affecting habitat occupancy of tiger in the Terai Arc landscape, India
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2009) Rajapandian, K.; Goyal, S.P.; Qureshi, Qamar
    The goal of this study, therefore, was to identify the factors affecting the distribution of tiger and assess the distribution of suitable habitat patches and the connectivity between these patches for successful dispersal in the Indian part of TAL. In the present study developed GIS probability models for tiger and its prey species and a spatially explicit individual-based dispersal model (SEIBM) for tiger in order to identify and assess the factors which are affecting the occupancy of tiger and subsequently predict potential suitable habitats and estimate the connectivity between the fragmented subpopulations in the Indian as well as between Indian and Nepal part of TAL. Data were collected on presence/absence of four wild ungulates (sambar Cervus unicolor, chital Axis axis, nilgai Boselaphus tragocamelus, and wild pig Sus scrofa), which are important prey species of tiger in two phases during the period between 2002 and 2006. The results of this study, in addition to contributing to the knowledge on factors affecting suitable habitat distribution and dispersal of tiger, have many implications for conservation of tiger in the Indian part of TAL. This study has also identified critical areas needed for management initiatives for functional unit of tiger conservation in the TAL.
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    Status and ecology of leopard (Panthera pardus) in relation to prey abundance, land use patterns and conflict with human in Garhwal Himalaya.
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2007) Chauhan, Devendra S.; Goyal, S.P.
    The problem of human-leopard conflict has recently been increased in the Indian Himalayan region due to change in land-use patterns. Leopard-human conflict as predation on human and livestock has been quite frequent in 16 districts of Uttarakhand state and Pauri Garhwal district is worst affected. Recent increase in such incidences has been reported from this region. The main goal of this research was to provide a base line information on status of leopard-human conflicts in Pauri Garhwal district and response of leopard in relation to prey abundance, land use patterns and human dimension in human dominated landscape. Present study was undertaken in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand to (i) determine distribution and current status of leopard in Pauri Garhwal (ii) to determine extent and severity of leopard-human conflict problems in relation to its ecological requirements, land use patterns and human life style. (iii) to study food habits in relation to prey abundance (wild and domestic) and habitat characteristics and (iv) to determine factor responsible for leopard-man conflict. A survey was carried from February 2000 to October 2001 in 15 administrative blocks of Pauri Garhwal district. Information was collected on distribution and extent and severity of leopard-human conflict.
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    Effect of land use change on the habitat and abundance of Grizzled giant squirrel in and around Srivilliputhur-Meghamalai Tiger reserve, Srivilliputhur Division, Tamil Nadu
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Bevoor, Shilpa; Gopi, G.V.; Kher, Varun; Goyal, S.P.
    Human activities, especially energy extraction and food production, have drastically altered the global environment, impacting many wild species. Since 1990, around 420 million hectares of forests have been lost mainly due to agricultural conversion, significantly affecting biodiversity. In biodiversity hotspots like India's Western Ghats, agricultural expansion, monoculture plantations (tea, coffee, rubber), and non-timber forest product harvesting have fragmented protected areas, altered plant communities, disrupted nutrient cycles, and reduced carbon sequestration. While monoculture plantations reduce biodiversity, they can still provide habitats for some threatened species. Wildlife such as nilgai, blackbuck, elephants, and giant squirrels in India have adapted to these altered landscapes for food, water, and shelter, demonstrating resilience amidst habitat changes. This study focuses on the impact of converting barren lands into mango and coconut plantations around the Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve in southern India on the grizzled giant squirrel population and habitat. Over the past three decades, these changes have enhanced connectivity between natural forests and agricultural areas, offering energy-rich fruits that attract wildlife, including GGS. This shift has altered ecological dynamics, making wildlife more reliant on cultivated foods and affecting their movement patterns. Density estimates reveal higher concentrations of GGS and nesting sites (dreys) in plantations compared to protected areas, with mixed plantations showing the highest densities due to the availability of nesting sites and year-round fruiting trees. Seasonal variations in GGS distribution highlight preferences for specific tree species based on fruit availability and habitat characteristics. The study also examines drey site preferences, noting GGS preference for mango trees in plantations over coconut trees due to structural attributes that provide better support and protection. These findings underscore the species' adaptation to plantation environments while emphasizing the critical role of specific habitat features for nesting and overall habitat suitability. Local farmers report conflicts with GGS due to crop damage, particularly affecting coconut, mango, tamarind, and other fruit-bearing trees. Perceived economic losses from GGS feeding habits often exceed actual damage levels, emphasizing the need for accurate assessment and targeted mitigation strategies to reduce conflict. Conservation implications stress the importance of maintaining critical habitats within protected areas, establishing buffer zones between plantations and natural forests, and promoting biodiversity-friendly practices in monoculture plantations. Community-based conservation efforts and adaptive management strategies are essential for mitigating human-wildlife conflicts and ensuring the sustainable coexistence of GGS and agricultural livelihoods in this biodiversity hotspot
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    Effect of village relocation on ground birds and small mammals in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, India
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2017) Mondal, Rakesh; Goyal, S.P.; Nigam, Parag
    1) Conservation related resettlement has been practised in India from 1960' s. However, studies related to the effect of village relocation on wildlife are limited. 2) Exploitation of natural resources by resident communities causes direct negative impact on native fauna and flora. These activities may include extraction of natural resources (fodder and fuel) or competition for the available resources by existing livestock with native fauna. Alterations in the vegetation structure can result in alteration of the bird community in these areas. 3) Galliformes is one such taxon that has been documented to be affected by human disturbance and grazing. These species are good indicators of habitat quality as they are solely dependent on the ground layer for food and cover. 4) There are 29 villages inside the Sariska Tiger Reserve and a relocation effort initiated as early as 1966 provides an excellent opportunity to study its effect on wild fauna and flora. 5) The study was carried out in four sites, with two sites where villages had been relocated 50 years (Slopka) and 10 years back (Bhagani); one site where village had been partially relocated (Sukola) and one where the village still existed The primary objective was to understand the influence of village relocation on Ggalliformes, small mammals and small carnivores. Additionally, vegetation structure at each village was also studied to understand influence of village relocation on natural vegetation.
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    Evaluation of Population Estimation Sampling Techniques and Assessment of Genetic Diversity of Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) Population in Dudhwa National Pa: Population in dudhwa national park, uttar pradesh, India
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Srivastava, Vibhav; Goyal, S.P.; Qureshi, Qamar
    The ideology of wildlife conservation emerged with the realization that the wildlife numbers are on a decline in the natural habitats. Since, due to humane limitations we cannot ascertain the exact numbers of a individuals very accurately, therefore, the basic requirement for population estimation arises. Greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) , already being declared a globally threatened species, demands much attention towards their surviving numbers in wild. Moreover, with the constant rise in the unethical and illegal human activities, the need to regularly monitor their population is realized. To suffice this requirement, population estimation is largely done in a crude way i.e. by labor intensive block count method in which the probability of missing individuals in dense vegetation is high. Advanced population estimation techniques such as capture-recapture using photographic or DNA fingerprint based individual identification, show promising results within the framework of resources in comparison to use of footprint and dung count methods.The current study was conducted in Rhino Reintroduction Area (RRA) of 27 km2 located in Dudhwa National Park. The first objective was to evaluate four population estimation techniques - non-invasive faecal DNA based capture mark recapture (CMR), photographic CMR, dung count and footprint analysis, for their validity in estimation of rhinoceros population with respect to accuracy and precision. The following techniques have been selected out of the others because of their reasonable accuracy and precision obtained when applied to other megaherbivore (including other species of rhinoceros or elephant) population estimation. I selected Dudhwa National Park (DNP) where the reintroduced rhinoceros population is surviving since 1984-85, with a known population size (32 individuals) so as to compare our estimates. For non-invasive faecal DNA CMR technique 140 fresh dung samples were collected and out of them 27 unique genotypes were identified by microsatellite analysis. The capture history of these unique genotypes was then analyzed in MARK to arrive at a population estimate. In photographic CMR, 4 remotely triggered camera trap units were deployed in 6 sessions having 7 occasions in each session. For dung count, random elephant transects of length varying from 1 km to 3.2 km were run and dung piles were counted on either sides. The data on dung density was analyzed in DISTANCE. For dung decay rate estimation 20 fresh dung piles were marked in each of the four habitat types and monitored for decay. The defecation rate was estimated by observing captive rhinoceros. In case of footprint technique, a foot ruler was kept besides each rhinoceros footprint before capturing its photograph. Twenty four (length, angle and area) parameters were extracted from the images using Sigma SCANPRO. The resulting variables were subjected to principle component analysis (PCA) to check for the corresponding variance values in differentiating individual footprints. It was found that the· non-invasive faecal DNA based population estimation and photographic capture mark recapture were the better ones as compared to the other two. However, the data analysis for the dung count and footprint analysis techniques is still under consideration and does not form part of this thesis. These two techniques require further logical modification in study design and statistical analysis to achieve at a reliable estimate. Between the former two, non-invasive faecal DNA based population estimation technique estimated population size (35.10 ± 5.01) close to the known population size of 32. Photographic capture recapture estimated the population size as (25.98 ± 4.91) which was comparatively less accurate than non-invasive faecal DNA CMR. Knowledge of the genetic status of a confined and isolated population is always beneficial to evaluate their well-being and to avoid any future threat such as that of inbreeding depression. Therefore, second objective of the study> was to describe genetic structure of this isolated and reintroduced population. With 27 identified unique genotypes and 10 rhinoceros specific micro satellite markers the genetic variability in this population was examined. It was found that the mean observed heterozygosity level was 0.353 while mean expected heterozygosity level was 0.483. The effective number of alleles per loci was 2.069. When compared to the genetic diversity of the ancestral population in India and Nepal, evaluated in previously published studies, the following results indicated that this population carries lower genetic variability than ancestral populations. The inbreeding test revealed that the population shows signs of inbreeding (Fls = 0.39) and which are likely to exaggerate in future as it is more or less closed and non-randomly interbreeding. Focusing on the conservation needs from management viewpoint we suggest that it is necessary to 'bring variability in the genetic structure to avoid future dire consequences of inbreeding depression. This can be achieved either by translocating new individuals, preferably males, from other Indian sub-populations of Assam or West Bengal since they have better genetic diversity than the-rhinoceros in Nepal.
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    Habitat and Food Resources Use in Relation to Sex Age and Group Size in Sambar (Rusa unicolor) During Winter in Dry Tropical Deciduous Habitat of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, India
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2011) Goswamy, Amit; Goyal, S.P.; Sankar, K.
    The study of habitat use depends on various factors' like environmental conditions, resource availability, physiological condition of an animal and sex. The present research for my dissertation shows that it does exist and it attempts to explain how it is happening. Sambar is a major prey species of tiger and other big cats across most of the parks in India. For the conservation of large predators it is important to evaluate and study the habitat requirement of its major prey species in detail to the level of its age and sex categories. My field study was undertaken between Dec 2010 to March 2011. Intensive study area of 90 sq km was selected in Ranthambhore. to quantify resource availability and use by different categories with respect to sex, age and group size during winter. It was found out that there is a difference in the habitat use of sambar due to sex, age and group size categories, out of the many parameters evaluated and comparisons made it was seen that though in some cases the differences were not profound, and some showed only minor changes, but in majority of the cases the trend observed was as per the expectation. Where smaller body size male animals < 3 yrs) and female associated with fawn and subadults always prefer areas having a good quality resource whereas the adult male and sambar in large group size were mainly in the areas of abundant resource rather than the quality.
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    Nutritional Ecology of Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus) in Chilla Range of Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2009) Datta, Suniti Bhushan; Goyal, S.P.; Sathyakumar, S.
    Responses of animals to the habitat has been the central focus for management of species and of these aspects, nutritional ecology has been the key issue in foraging behaviour studies and habitat studies. Therefore, the study focused on the nutritional aspect of forage selection by Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Chilla Range of Rajaji National Park. The main objectives were to determine whether habitat structural heterogeneity or nutritional quality of the selected food plant species was a determinant in the temporal and spatial habitat use by elephants and to determine the reasons behind seasonality in foraging. The study area of 148km2 in Chilla Range of Rajaji National Park was divided into twelve 2x2km grids, and these were further divided into 4 sub-grids each. In each sub-grid, a 1 km long line transect was laid and along this 10m radial plots were placed at 100m intervals. Vegetation data were collected to characterize the habitat structural heterogeneity in terms of number of trees of each species, height of canopy base, canopy volume, percent canopy cover, species diversity, species density and geo-spatial variables such as NDVI, standard deviation of slope, mean elevation and the proximity to water. Parts of 12 most-preferred plant species were collected in the study areas for estimating nitrogen, ash, acid detergent fibre, and macro and micro minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, copper, magnesium and zinc. During the study period from December 2008 to May 2009, Elephant response was determined in terms of dung density along the 1km transect in winter and in summer. The total number of trees in each grid varied from 124 to 268. Tree diversity ravged betweel) 0.456-1.454. Height of canopy base was mostly 1.5-3.0 m, although two grids showed extremely high canopy bases. Canopy volume ranged from 165.63m3 to 948.36m3 , although the majority of the grids showed a high variation in canopy volume in terms of standard deviation (SE). The percent canopy cover ranged from 54.13% to 93.72%. Most of the NDVI values were _high in the study area (>0.180), while one grid showed a low value of 0.143. For the standard deviation of slope, the values ranged from a low of 2.46 to a high of 8.46. The mean elevation of the study area ranged froin 391-840m a.s.l. Nutritional values estimated for most of the parameters in winter and summer from selected plant samples collected in the study area showed slight variations 4 between seasons. Percent nitrogen content indicated no seasonal difference (f=0.98, p=0.05, df=ll). The percent acid detergent fibre indicated a difference (P<0.05,df=I I) between the two seasons. Percent ash content was found not significantly different (p=O.l6, p=0.05, df=l1) between seasons. Amongst the macro and micro minerals, sodium content was significantly different across the two seasons. Potassium content was found to be significantly different across the seasons (p<0.05). Calcium content was also found to be significantly different between winter and summer (P<0.05). The copper content could not be compared across the seasons as in summer the levels present in plant samples were too low to be detected by the instrument. The difference in magnesium and zinc content across the two seasons were not significant (p=0.16 and P=0.31). Dung density in the grids across both seasons was non-uniform and highly skewed (p<0.05, df=47). The dung densities in both seasons were related more with the habitat heterogeneity variables than nutritional values obtained in each grid. The relationship between dung density and the number of plants was positive in the winter seasons (R2= 0.2848) and summer (R2= 0.4383), indicating that elephants are highly selective towards areas with higher numbers of woody plants. Plant species diversity indicated no influence on dung density in winter (R2= 0.00005), but showed a negative trend in summer (R2= 0.0154). The height of canopy base was negatively related to dung density, with elephants selecting areas with a mean canopy base height between 1.5-3.0m during both winter (R2=0.2288) and summer (R2=0.174). Dung density showed a negative trend when related to canopy volume in both seasons. The R2 value for winter is 0.2087 and in summer it is 0.1471. Percent canopy cover had a negative influence on the dung densities in winter (R~= 0.083) and in summer (R2= 0.1524). NDVI showed a negative relationship with dung densities in winter (R2=0.01l1) and a positive relationship in summer (R2= 0.1894). The relationship between the standard deviation of slope and dung density showed a negative trend in both winter, (R2=0.0033) as well as in summer (R2=0.0389). The higher elevation grids show a lower d/mg density during both winter (R2=0.216) and summer (R2=O.l443). The relationship between dung density and proximity to water in winter is negative (R2=0.1575) and the relationship remains negative (R2=0.1016) in summer. In relation to nitrogen content and dung density in winter there was a weak positive trend (R2=0.0256), while in summer there was a weak negative trend (R2=0.032). The relationship between dung densities and percent acid detergent fibre (ADF) in winter indicated a weak positive trend (R2=0.0012) and during summer, indicated a weak negative trend (R2=0.0657). In relation to percentage ash content (Fig. 4.29.), dung densities in winter indicated a weak positive trend" (R2=0.0114), while in summer there was a weak negative trend (R2=0.0641). When compared with sodium, dung densities showed a very weak positive trend (R2=0.0092) in winter and a negative trend in summer (R2=0.0834). In winter, when compared with dung densities potassium showed no trend (R2=0.001), but in summer, there was a weak negative trend (R2=0.0076). In winter, calcium does not show any relationship with dung densities (R2=0.0002), while in summer, there is a weak negative trend (R2= 0.0511). Magnesium content does not show any relationship with dung densities (Fig 4.33) in the winter season, (R2=0.0007), while in summer, there is a weak negative trend (R2=0.004). Zinc shows a weak positive trend (R2=0.0298) in winter and a weak negative trend (R2=0.026) in summer. Principal component analysis of nutritional parameters indicated nine components that were influencing dung density distribution in the study area in both the seasons, and hence no single parameter influenced elephant habitat use. The study clearly indicates that the distribution of elephants in Chilla Range of Rajaji National Park is more related to abundance of woody species and proximity of water, than the nutritional content in plant species. Principal component analysis showed that there was no single parameter that influenced dung distribution in the study area. This could be due to the fact that plant species selected for foraging by elephants contained an adequate amount of nutrients in most species for meeting foraging requirements .an d they probably meet their daily requirements by foraging on varied proportions of plant species.
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    Habitat Relationships and Resource Partitioning in a Lizard Community of the Thar Desert
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2007) Agarwal, Ishan; Goyal, S.P.; Qureshi, Qamar
    A lizard community in the Thar desert was studied in relation to habitat relationship resource partitioning and community niche pattern. The study was carried out in parts of Desert National Park, Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan, Four habitat types were recognized, barren dunes, stabilized dunes, grassland and rocky hills. A visual encounter survey was used to sample lizards within grids. Logistic regression was used to identify determinants of species presence