Theses and Dissertations

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Start date: 2012Subject: search.filters.subject.Distribution

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    Assessing Ghost crab distribution, abundance and habitat use along the Coromandel Coast, Tamil Nadu
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Keerthi V; Gopi, G.V.
    Sandy beach ecosystems around the world are facing numerous threats and tremendous pressure due to ever increasing human population. One such threat, relevant to the Indian coastline, is the large scale plantations of shelterbelts of the exotic pine, Casuarina equisetifolia, which alters beach geomorphology. The effects of such plantations on permanent shore-dwelling organisms are poorly studied. Hence Ocypode crabs, the most conspicuous macro-invertebrate on sandy beaches, has been used as a model taxon to study the effects of different kinds of inland vegetation (Casuarina plantations, Mangrove plantations, native dune vegetation) on beach geomorphology and consequently, shore dwelling ghost crabs. The present study aims to - (1) Assess the density, distribution and demography of ghost crabs across treatments (2) Understand variations in habitat use and burrow architecture across treatments (3) Understand the effects of inland vegetation on beach geomorphology 2. A total of 24 transects, temporally replicated thrice each month between January 2025 - April 2025, were walked to estimate densities of ghost crabs using burrow counts as a proxy. 87 burrows across the treatments were cast using a mixture of Plaster of Paris and water and traits such as depth, diameter, shape and branching patterns were studied. Coast characteristics like slope, compactness, beach width, moisture and temperature were recorded at each study site. 3. Mean burrow densities and across shore distribution of Ocypode ceratophthalmus differed across the treatment types, with lowest densities in beaches adjacent to Casuarina plantations. This however wasn't statistically significant. The burrow structures also differed in complexity across treatments with the major drivers for this 7 difference being the size of the crab and the type of inland vegetation. Environmental variables were not found to have significant effects on burrow architecture. 4. The results indicate that the type of inland vegetation affects the population of ghost crabs through changes in beach geomorphology. Ghost crabs were also found to modify the structure of their burrows with changes in the habitat quality and environmental conditions, which gives insights into their adaptive capacities. The study, thus raises questions on the effects of certain management interventions, like the planting of shelterbelts on habitat quality and on the ecology of the species dwelling in the said habitats.
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    Habitat Utilisation of Asian Water Monitor (Varanus salvator) in and Around Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Rayen, W. Michael Isaac V.; Pandav, Bivash; Das, Abhijit
    The water monitor lizard Varanus salvator is the largest of all lizards in India, and its distribution is restricted to certain pockets of the northeast, eastern coast and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Despite being the largest lizard, only limited studies have been done on this species, especially on the movement pattern and home range. This study focuses on the space use pattern of Varanus salvator in the mangrove habitats of Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha. In total, five individuals were radio-tagged with VHF transmitters in the form of a backpack. All the tagged individuals were located twice in a day, and the location(coordinates), activity and other habitat variables were recorded. The data collected were analysed for their movement pattern, activity range and overlap between individuals and the human-dominated landscape was estimated using KDE. Along with the space use environmental variables (Ambient temperature, Relative humidity, vegetation species, canopy openness, etc) were analysed individually with behaviour to the relation between them using Fisher’s test. The results from this study add more information about its activity range, movement pattern and behavioural aspects in the mangrove landscape of India, which can be useful in the rescue, rehabilitation and management of the species.
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    Habitat Characterization and Spatial Distribution of Quercus lanata Sm. in the Kumaon Himalaya
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Kaushik, Shikhar; Kumar, Amit; Rawat, G.S.
    Oaks are climax species which evolved around 56 million years ago. India is home to around 35 species of oaks out of which only 5 species are native to Uttarakhand. In Western Himalaya 3 species make extensive continuous forests which includes Banj oak forest, Moru oak forest and Kharsu oak forest. They show gregarious nature and provide countless ecological and economic benefits to the country. The other two species, Quercus glauca and Quercus lanata are patchy is distribution. For Quercus lanata the Kumaon Himalaya is the western most limit and therefore that species is patchy and shows disjunct population. This study aimed to understand the population, regeneration, habitat characterisation and distribution of Quercus lanata in Kumaon. Descriptive analysis was used to understand the population structure and associate species and maxent modelling was used to develop habitat suitability model. The overall population of Quercus lanata (Rianj) in Kumaon shows a stable and gradually growing trend. Quercus lanata shows a diverse preference to habitat which ranges from northerns moist slopes to drier southern slopes. The significant values from analysed data suggest that its preference at southern slope is comparatively higher. It occurs with Quercus leucotrichophora as well as with Pinus roxburghii. The major co-occurring species with Quercus lanata are Rhododendron arboreum and Myrica esculenta. The developed habitat suitability and generalised linear models helped to understand that elevation and aspect play a significant role in distribution of Quercus lanata. The demand of Quercus lanata for fodder and fuelwood in village area is quite high and therefore requires sustainable practices. As of now Quercus lanata is classified under either Banj oak forest or Moru oak forest which reduces the level of conservation and management this species require.
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    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
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    Genetic assessment of the Non-descript pig breeds across selected regions of Uttarakhand
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2023) Sahoo, Khushboo; Gupta, S.K.; Gopi, G.V.
    India, which has ancient history of pig rearing, is home to several indigenous pig breeds that reflect the adaptation of Sus scrofa to different environmental and cultural conditions. However, only 13 of these breeds are currently recognized and documented by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources. The present research was undertaken to identify the spatial distribution, socio-economic status, pig husbandry methods of pig rearers, and the impact of Exotic pig breed on the indigenous breed and ecology of the region. As molecular characterization is a valuable tool that provides insights into the evolutionary history and genetic diversity of the current pig breed raise in a region. Hence by incorporating molecular techniques in understanding of the domestic pig breed and their interactions with ecosystems, promote more precise and science-based management that contributes to biodiversity conservation and sustainable husbandry practices. The present study will also aim to evaluate the maternal lineage, genetic diversity and population structure of the domestic pig breeds at the regional scale, using microsatellite markers and mitochondrial DNA sequences. The survey and sampling was done in the planar (Dehradun, Haridwar and Nainital) districts of Uttarakhand, a mountainous state of India that lies in the foothills of Himalayas, where rapid urbanisation and continuous migration make us reconsider the necessity of an organise promotion of the piggery sector due to its multiple ecological implications.
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    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.
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    Abundance, distribution & pattern of human impact on river Dolphin (Platanista gangetica gangetica).
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2018) Deori, Sunny; Qureshi, Qamar
    This study took place in a tributary of river Brahmaputra named Kulsi which originates from the Meghalaya enters Assam at Umkiam where it is known as Kulsi and finally discharges at Brahmaputra at Nagarbera, Assam. It is a highly populated riverscape. According to 2011 census data, the riverscape has 55972.88 hectares of cultivable land which is solely dependent for irrigation on natural sources (Rainfall and Rivers). Also, the river is divided into 7 River fishery under Revenue department of Assam. About 2500 commercial fishermen are registered under the fisheries of Kulsi River and 1,29,095 cultivators. Apart from this fine quality sand is a boon to the people of Kulsi floodplain. More than 5000 families were dependent on this business. The recent increase in construction business in Guwahati metropolitan and the nearby blooming towns is raising the earning bar of the people of Kulsi River. My study aimed at the following objectives: 1. Estimating the abundance & patterns of dolphin distribution across Kulsi River. 2. Estimating the effects of different human activities which can possibly affect the habitat and distribution pattern of dolphins in Kulsi River (special preferences to existing commercial fisheries, sand mining, & irrigation). 3. Socio- economic status of fishermen community, sand mining community and farmers and their attitudes towards dolphin and wider ecosystem conservation. 4. Examine suitable measures to minimize/prevent the harmfulness of these fishing gears and practices in the commercial fisheries of Kulsi.
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    Distribution of breeding Phylloscopus and Seicercus warblers in the Himalayas: Role of ecomorphology and competition.
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2012) Ghosh, Mousumi; Rawat, G.S.; Price, Trevor
    Present study is carried out for the overarching goal of understanding the ecological and historical determinants of geographic and altitudinal distribution of sixteen breeding Phylloscopus and Seicercus species in the Himalayas. The broad research objectives were as follows: 1. Assess the availability of arthropod resources across the eastern and western Himalaya along the elevational gradients. 2. Identify the climatic correlates of the breeding distribution of Phylloscopidae. 3. Examine the geographic variation in foraging ecology of Phylloscopidae across the Himalayan bioclimatic gradient.
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    Study on distribution and relative abundance of large mammals and impact of human disturbance in and arond Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2023) Ahmed, Arif; Gopi, G.V.
    The current study was started to gather baseline data on a few ecological factors (Diversity, distribution, relative abundance, Activity pattern and habitat preference) of selected large animals in Mehao WS. Northeast India. The study period was November 2017 to 2020. The objectives of the study are 1. To estimate the relative abundance and occupancy of selected large mammals in and around Mehao wildlife sanctuary. 2. To develop Habitat suitability model for selected large mammals in and around Mehao WS 3. To analyse the land use/land cover change pattern and to identify the main driving factors.
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    Movement Ecology of Swamp Deer (Rucervus Duvaucelii) along the upper Gangetic Plains of North India.
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Paul, Shrutarshi; Mondol, Samrat
    The study area for this work covers the upper Gangetic plains of north India, mainly along river Ganga, between Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve and Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary. However, for comprehensive assessment of distribution in the states of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, surveys were also conducted along river Sharda.