Theses and Dissertations

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4

Diversity and distribution of Moth Assemblages Along Altitudinal Gradient in Gangotri Landscape, India
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) Sanyal, Abesh Kumar; Uniyal, V.P.
This study intends to document the extent of moth assemblages that exist amongst various habitats in a typical Western Himalayan altitudinal gradient in Gangotri Landscape Area (GLA). In this study, using the elevation gradient as natural experiment, the faunal structure and diversity of the moth assemblage featuring all the major macro and micromoth families as well as relationships between moths and their biotic and abiotic environments were explored. Specific objectives of the study were: (1) Documenting and prepare taxonomic inventory of rich moth fauna of Gangotri Landscape Area; (2) To assess diversity and distribution of moth assemblages among different elevations and vegetation types of Gangotri Landscape; (3) To analyze the influence of altitude, seasons, vegetation types and anthropogenic disturbance factors on moth assemblages; (4) To investigate morphometric changes (body size and proportional body parts) in moths along altitudinal gradient. The study was conducted in Gangotri Landscape Area (GLA), a vast conservation network in the North-Western part of Uttarakhand, in district Uttarkashi. A total of 670 morphospecies belonging to 22 families and 356 genera were collected during entire sampling period from 2008-2012. This study is an important step towards better understanding of a long-neglected but diverse and charismatic herbivorous insect assemblage in Himalayan temperate altitudinal gradient.
Diversity and structure of butterfly assemblages along altitudinal gradient in Tons valley, Western Himalaya
(wildlife Institute of India, 2013) Bhardwaj, Manish; Uniyal, V.P.; Singh, Arun Pratap
Present study reveals the distribution pattern of butterflies along elevation gradient along the Tons river valley in the western Himalaya. Two protected areas lies with current study area viz. Govind National Park and Govind Wildlife sanctuary and the rest of the area lies within any formal category of protection. The area represents high elevational variation (900 – 6316 m) and a gradient of disturbance regimes and from natural Himalayan forests to highly disturbed villages and agricultural lands. Current study document patterns and processes involved in shaping diversity and distribution of butterflies along an elevation gradient in Tons valley. This study provides a baseline faunistic inventory of the diversity of butterflies including description of general identification features, their relation to classification and subfamilies and genera of butterflies sampled from the Tons valley during more than four years of observations from April 2008 to October 2012. A total of 189 species representing 98 genera in 5 families were recorded in Tons valley during entire sampling period.
Foraging ecology of Great-Slaty Woodpecker in and around Pawalgarh Conservation reserve in Western Himalaya
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Kaur, Sarabjeet; Gopi, G.V.; Uniyal, V.P.
The Great Slaty Woodpecker (Mulleripicus pulverulentus, Temminck 1826) is an old-world woodpecker that prefers mature and old-growth dipterocarp forests (including Shorea robusta, Sal) across its known distribution range. The study reveals population demography, the social system and foraging behavior from logged forest and infer the distribution and home range of the Great Slaty Woodpecker, a cooperative breeding bird species, in and around the Pawalgarh Conservation Reserve in the western Himalaya of Uttarakhand state. This study presents the first census conducted for the Great Slaty Woodpecker, providing an ecological baseline for the species population estimation from its known distribution range. I inferred the home range size of each group based on 161 independent sightings of 11 family groups. These sightings represent behaviors such as foraging, nesting, roosting, vocalizations, and territory defense
Landscape-level assessment of select group of pollinators and factors influencing their diversity and distribution in Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh.
(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Khan, Sushmita; Uniyal, V.P.; Ramesh, K.
Change detection analysis using satellite data in a remote sensing platform is a crucial tool for understanding shifts in land use and land cover (LULC) over time, allowing for the identification of environmental and human-induced changes across various spatial and temporal scales. This method aids in assessing the impact of factors like urban expansion, agricultural practices, deforestation, and climate change on biodiversity and ecosystems. Climate change, particularly in vulnerable regions like the Himalayas, poses significant threats to ecosystem services and biodiversity. This study explores the impact of LULC and climate change on pollinator diversity and distributional patterns in the Kullu and Tirthan valleys of Himachal Pradesh. By compiling a comprehensive list of entomofauna pollinators across various orchards in different landscape configurations, the research aims to emphasize the need of conserving pollinator species in this ecologically sensitive region. Additionally, the study predicts potential shifts in pollinator distribution under future climate scenarios, providing valuable insights for conservation strategies. Through systematic analysis, the research contributes to a deeper understanding of pollinator communities and their interactions within the mountain horticultural belt of the Indian Himalayan Region. Ultimately, the findings aim to inform targeted conservation efforts to preserve the rich biodiversity of pollinators in this area. The research focuses on two major valleys within the Kullu district, each presenting contrasting landscapes and ecological contexts. The Kullu valley, a 76 kms long stretch situated along the Beas river, is characterized by diverse land use patterns and heightened anthropogenic activity, particularly in horticulture and tourism. In contrast, the Tirthan valley, nestled along the Tirthan river for a 45 kms long stretch, is designated as a conservation area with minimal disturbance and dense forest cover. The study meticulously investigated pollinator diversity dynamics in the Kullu and Tirthan valleys. The study conducted in the Kullu Valley aimed to analyze land use changes over time using Landsat satellite imagery from 2000 and 2022. High-quality images with minimal cloud cover were obtained for both years, ensuring accurate analysis With the aforesaid aim in focus, I have tried to address the following three objectives in my thesis: Objective 1: To assess the change in landscape composition of the study area over time.• Objective 2: To assess the effect of change in landscape configuration and horticultural practices on pollinator communities (diversity and abundance) and their services. • Objective 3: To model the distribution of major pollinators of economic importance belonging to different groups (Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera) in the study area.

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