Theses and Dissertations
Permanent URI for this communityhttp://192.168.202.180:4000/handle/123456789/1
Browse
19 results
Search Results
Item Ecology and Conservation of the Spot-Billed Pelican Pelecanus Philippensis in Andhra Pradesh, India(SACON, 2011) Sheeba, N.; Bhupathy, S.Wetlands are the important bird h a habitats and birds use them as migratory resorts or for breeding, feeding and roosting. Birds are one of the best indicators of the s tatus of a wetland. Examining the environmental correlates of species distribution and life history traits is one of the best protocols to assess t he indicator properties of target species groups. The Spot · billed Pelican is one of the near threatened species found in India. The s tatus and colony size of the Spot-billed Pelican were studied in Andhra Pradesh . Nest surveys were carried out in Uppalapadu, Ramachandra palayam, Nela pattu and Telineelapuram. Birdcount and habitat use studies were done at Kolleru, Naupada Swamp and Kakara pally Creek, and Nelapattu, the three foraging sites. Recent population trends indicate increasing breeding population of the Spot-billed Pelican. To understand the habitat requirements and factors determining habitat selection, evaluation of breeding performance, distribution of the colony and adaptations were studiedItem Studies on Taxonomy, Ecology, Distribution and Conservation values of Sthalavrikshas (Temple Plants) in Tamil Nadu, South India(SACON, 2007) Gunasekaran, K.; Balasubramanian, P.A review of previous studies in this field reveals that the information is found scattered. Only a handful of scholars have conducted research in Ulis field and that too based on medicinal, religious and mythological literature. Hence, a systematic study is felt as the need of the hour with the following objectives.1. To conduct taxonomic survey of s tha1avrikshas and bring out an authentic list of sthala vrikshas of Tamil Nadu. 2. To assess the ecological importance and conservation values of sthalavrikshas. 3. To document the role of traditional customs and beliefs of sthalavriksha worship in conserving the botanical resources. Tamil Nadu s tale along with union territory of Puducherry comprises the study area. Tamil Nadu (8" 5' and 13° 35' N Latitude and 76° 15' and BOO 20' E Longitude) is situated in the southern part of peninsular India. Tamil Nadu has wide range of land forms such as Coast, Plains and Ghats and is often known as the land of temples. There arc about 25,000 temples in the state.Item Systematics and diversity of spiders (Araneae) in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2011) Quasin, Shazia; Uniyal, V.P.The present study was carried out in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR), Uttarakhand, India, which is located in the northern part of the Western Himalaya in India, one of the important sites of wilderness and biodiversity in the Himalayan region. This study was selected for its conservation value, representation of biome and little existing information. The present study was conducted from January 2008 to July 2011. The study aimed to investigate the spider community structure along the altitudinal gradient and the influence of habitat covariates like vegetation types, ph, litter depth, humidity and temperature, on spider assemblages in the intricate landscape of the NDBR. The pattern of species diversity was explored using a set of standard methods and ecological indices. This study obtained the first comprehensive representation of the spider fauna in NDBR, which would help in assessing the status of spider diversity in the region keeping in mind its conservational value. This study revealed the relative importance of diverse habitat types on diversity and composition of spider assemblages in NDBR.Item 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.Item Ecology of the Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) in Kachchh, Gujarat, with reference to resource selection in an agro-pastoral landscape.(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Dutta, Sutirtha; Jhala, Y.V.; Rahmani, Asad R.The Great Indian Bustard is an obligate grassland bird endemic to this region with a global population of only about 300 birds. Present study is based on Species's status, resource selection, behavioual aspects and socio-ecological context to reformate viable bustard conservation strategies. The study was conducted during 2007-11 in SW Kachchh (Gujarat, India)Item Demographic status and genetic variation of sangai in in Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur.(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2012) Angom, Sangeeta; Hussain, S.A.The present study was intended to improve upon the existing ecological and genetic knowledge base of the severely fragmented and isolated population of sangai in the Keibul Lamjao National Park. The major objectives of the study were to estimate the abundance and demographic parameters of sangai and the associated cervids in the Park and to assess the genetic variability using mtDNA (cytochrome b and control region) genes and polymorphic microsatellite markers so as to develop appropriate measures for the conservation of this endangered species. The demographic status of sangai and hog deer in Keibul Lamjao National Park was determined by conducting the population estimation exercise during 2006 - 2008 using point count method. Deers were counted from eighteen bamboo machans and four observation points.Item Impact of land use changes on the habitat, bahaviour and breeding biology of Indian Sarus Crane (Grus antigone antigone) in the semi-arid tract of Rajasthan, India.(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2007) Kaur, Jatinder; Choudhury, B.C.The Sarus Crane has been recorded all over the northern India and central region of the Indian sub-continent historically. However, this once abundant tallest flying bird species has now become threatened. The present study was undertaken during the year 2000-2002 to i) to determine the habitat use, breeding biology and behavioural ecology of the Sarus Crane in the semi-arid tract of Kota, and Bharatpur in Rajasthan, and ii) to determine the changes in land-use and its impact on Sarus Crane in the semi-arid landscape and to suggest the conservation strategies for the long-term survival of Sarus Crane. The study was conducted in the semi arid tract of Kota, and Bharatpur districts of Rajasthan. District Kota, the first intensive site falls under arid Zone V (the humid south-eastern humid plain zone,) where the development of canal irrigation has made this area rich in agricultural production. The population of Sarus Crane in Kota are dependent mainly on the canal system induced and other natural wetlands. Data on distribution and habitat utilization of Sarus Crane in Kota and in Keoladeo Ghana National Park were carried outItem Ecology of otters in Corbett Tiger Reserve.(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2008) Nawab, Asghar; Hussain, S.A.Otters are obligately tied to aquatic environments and are recognized as one of the top predators in the freshwater systems. Major threats to otter survival are the loss of wetland habitats, reduction in prey biomass and pollution. Developmental projects such as dams and barrages, and aquaculture activities have taken their toll on wetlands and consequently on the otters. Poaching, however, remains a major threat to their survival. The study was envisaged to appraise the impacts of making of dams on the ecology of otters in Corbett Tiger Reserve, since it is believed that the habitat of otters got fragmented due to the creation of a dam on the Ramganga River under the Kalagarh Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project. It is generally believed that dams affect otter. In the Corbett Tiger reserve both smooth-coated and Eurasian otter have been reported. Our preliminary survey revealed that at the low lying areas such as the Ramganga, Mandal and Palain rivers, smooth-coated otter occurs. This study complies with smooth coated otter limited to the above mentioned areas only and data were collected for winter and summer seasons respectively between 2001 and 2004. The study was conducted with the following objectives: (a) To study the status and distribution pattern of otters in the Corbett Tiger Reserve and the adjacent aquatic ecosystems. (b) To examine the Resource use pattern of otters in relation to habitat and food availability. (c) To study the potential threats to otter populations in the study area.Item Ecology of Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) with special reference to human-sun bear conflict in and around Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh(wildlife Institute of India, 2013) Sethy, Janmejay; Chauhan, N.P.S.The status and distribution of sun bear was studied in Chandel and Ukhrul districts of Manipur, and also information on human-sun bear conflict and conservation threats was collected. Recently a study conducted in different protected areas in Arunachal Pradesh has also confirmed the presence of sun bear. This in-depth systematic scientific research on ecology of sun bear has been undertaken for the first time in and around Namdapha Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh. This will help develop an action plan for conservation and management of sun bear and also to mitigate the human-sun bear conflict effectively on long term basis. This is the first study in India to study the status and distribution of sun bear based on direct and indirect evidences in Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh. From 2008 to 2010, field surveys were carried out to know the occurrence and distribution of sun bears. In addition to direct sightings and indirect evidences, information on occurrence of crop raids in different jhuming areas was also collected and also provides suggestions for mitigation of human-sun bear conflict, and recommendations for long term conservation of sun bear population.Item A study on the structure and composition of forests along an altitudinal gradient in upper Bhagirathi catchment, Garhwal Himalaya.(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2001) Uniyal, Sanjay; Rawat, G.S.; Biswas, SasThe present study highlighted the role of anthropogenic factors in distribution of plant communities in addition to altitude, aspect and slope. Market oriented economy has influenced the ethnobotanical knowledge of the local people. Though human-induced pressures are increasing in the area, still the status of forests in Bhagirathi valley is satisfactory compared to neighbouring areas. Hence, proper conservation and scientific management of such rich and diverse forest in small watersheds should be taken up on a priority basis. Data were collected from primary and secondary sources. Field work (primary source) was carried out during July 1996 to July 1999. Stratified random sampling was done for quantification of various vegetation and site parameters. The study area lies between 780 18' to 780 57' E long and 300 30' to 31 0 08' N lat. It covers an area of ca 2050 sq.km. and has an altitudinal gradient of 279 to 6600 m. For the intensive work two representative watersheds viz., north facing Duggada watershed (DWS) and south facing Bhatwari watershed (BWS) were selected. Objectives of the study include: preparation of baseline vegetation maps of the area, assessment of forest structure and composition, quantification of available woody biomass, documentation of ethnobotanical knowledge of local people and assessing the conservation status of rare plants in the area.