Theses and Dissertations
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Item 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 managementItem 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.Item 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.Item Habitat, food resource utilization of Himalayan brown bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus, Horsfield 1826) and conflict with humans in Lahaul valley, Himachal pradesh(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2023) Kumar, Vineet; Adhikari, B.S.; Sharma, Lalit KumarHimalayan brown bear (Ursus arctos isabellinus) is one of the top carnivores dominating the higher altitudes of the North and Western Himalayan landscape. In India, based on the 2005 estimate the approximate brown bear distribution range is reported to be 36,800 km2 , whereas only 10% of the total distribution area of the brown bear comes under the protected areas. There is very low density of brown bear lies in its distribution range throughout the Western Himalaya, in alpine meadows, scrub and sub-alpine forests of two Union Territories (Jammu and Kashmir; and Ladakh) and two Indian Himalayan States, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Due to its inaccessible and high altitude habitat, the brown bear has been poorly studied in India, as well as in other parts of the Asian highlands.In the recent decade, the widespread exponential growth of the human population, infrastructure development, and agricultural intensification has led to the alteration of natural habitats into human-modified landscapes, bringing humans and wildlife into close proximity. In areas where brown bear and human habitation are in close proximity, brown bears feed on agricultural/horticultural crops and livestock predation leads to human-brown bear conflict and lessens local tolerance for bears. As the human settlements encroach further into remote areas, bear-human conflict escalates. Himalayan brown bear in its distribution range in India facing prevailing threats such as habitat loss, cropland expansion, anthropogenic disturbances, human brown bear conflict and climate changes. The present study was proposed to understand in detail the habitat use and feeding habits of brown bear with respect to human-brown bear conflict to develop mitigation strategies. For conducting this study, the vast geographic area of Lahual valley was stratified into different habitats and then divided into 10 km × 10 km grids for extensive study. First objective of this study aimed to understand the habitat utilization pattern of the Himalayan brown bear in selected grids of Lahaul Valley across the seasons (Intensive study area). To achieve this objective sign survey and camera trapping data was used and sixty-five logistically possible grids were surveyed across the seasons (summer and pre-hibernation), in different habitats and elevation gradients.he findings of the present study highlight a distinct seasonal pattern in habitat use of the Himalayan brown bear. In summer, bears predominantly utilized the areas with extensive vegetation cover as evidenced by a positive association with rangeland and Shannon diversity index and NDVI-summer, particularly away from the human settlements in the elevation range of 3000m to 4500m. Conversely, in the per-hibernation phase, Himalayan brown bear tends to avoid high-altitude areas with limited vegetation, opting for areas with available vegetative materials. Notably, habitat use was concentrated in the elevation range of 2800m to 3800m closer to the human settlements in comparison to summer. Regardless of the season, the Himalayan brown bear utilizes areas near roads, emphasizing the availability of anthropogenic food resources.Item Movement and space use pattern of Tigers in the Eastern Vidarbha landscape, Maharashtra, India(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Hussain, Zehidul; Habib, BilalMovement is a crucial ecological process that influences the survival, population dynamics, and evolution of animals. Animal movement patterns are diverse and are influenced by life stages, sex, age, and habitat requirements. The relationship between animal movement and conservation is complex, particularly due to human-induced environmental changes This study emphasises that various factors influence animal movement, including individual characteristics and external factors such as resource availability, distribution, competition, and predation. Animals adjust their space use based on seasonal changes in resource availability. Additionally, movement patterns and space use can be influenced by habitat disruption, forcing individuals to displace and establish new home ranges. Landscape features play a significant role in animal home ranges, with resource distribution determining the extent of the required area. Fragmentation of habitats and human activities can affect landscape connectivity, leading to isolation, reduced gene flow, and potential genetic bottlenecks or local extinctions. Thus, maintaining habitat connectivity is crucial for long-term survival of highly mobile species. The study highlights the need for comprehensive datasets and technological advancements, such as GPS tracking, to study animal movement and behaviour. It also emphasises the importance of studying dispersal patterns, as dispersed individuals often encounter humandominated landscapes and face increased vulnerability to anthropogenic effects. This study focused on quantifying movement patterns and space use across three life stages: predispersal, dispersal, and post-dispersal phases. The results revealed differences in space use within and outside protected areas, with individuals outside protected areas requiring larger territories. The study also identified seasonal variations in space use and movement patterns, with dispersed tigers exhibiting the highest space use. Land-use composition, landscape configuration, and anthropogenic disturbances influence the use of tiger space. These findings provide insights into the factors influencing tiger movement and space use in a human-dominated landscape. They highlighted the importance of maintaining habitat connectivity, reducing anthropogenic disturbances, and restoring suitable habitats outside protected areas to facilitate dispersal and ensure the long-term survival of tigers.Item Seasonal Pattern in Habitat Selection by Birds of Jhimil Jheel Conservation Reserve Uttarakhand(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2022) Das, Ankita; Ramesh, K.The present study was initiated to assess seasonal pattern in habitat selection by birds in Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve (JJCR) which is a small-sized Protected Area (PA). This work also focuses on both ‘process’ and ‘pattern’ of bird community structure. The work also focusses on how small-sized PAs are equally important in conserving wildlife species such as birds. Understanding the relationship of birds with habitat provides insights into habitat use, which contributes in the conservation of species. Habitat selection of birds is one of the foremost steps to understand the complexity of their community. Some factors influencing habitat selection are habitat heterogeneity, structure and composition of vegetation, seasonality and co-occurrence. Habitat heterogeneity helps in maintaining high bird diversity. Abundance and distribution of species in a community also depends on the physiognomic, floristic composition of the forest vegetation and seasonality. For the present research work, the study area was stratified into six habitats: plantation, mixed deciduous forest (mixed forest), riverine habitat, scrub forest, grasslands and agriculture fields-human settlement.Item DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF BIRDS IN BHARATHAPUZHA RIVER BASIN, KERALA(SACON, 2024) P N , Anoop Raj; Kumara, H NBharathapuzha also known as the Nila River is the second-longest river in Kerala. It is considered as one of the most important rivers in Kerala for its ecological, cultural, and historical importance. Thus, it is known as the cradle of civilisation in Kerala. This river originates from the northern and southern rims of the Palakkad Gap. It flows towards the west through the Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu and the Palakkad, Thrissur, and Malappuram, districts of Kerala before draining into the Arabian Sea. The river's total length is 209 km with a drainage area of 6186 km2. Chitturpuzha, Kalpathipuzha Gayathripuzha, and Thoothapuzha are major tributaries of this river. Birds are considered as indicators of habitat quality. They play an important role as predators, prey, pollinators and scavengers in nature. Understanding the natural bird assemblage, its patterns, and its process will help prioritize the potential conservation areas. Many researchers have attempted to study bird communities in the different habitats in the Western Ghats. Their observations on birds provided useful information to understand the distribution trend of birds. Most of such studies focused on the forest ecosystems in the protected area network. Understanding the distribution pattern of birds and their drivers in highly disturbed ecosystems outside the protected area network is less attempted. From the origin to the mouth, the river passes through various ecosystems and topographic conditions. Bharathapuzha originates and runs through forest ecosystems in the Western Ghats hill ranges initially, then travels through various human habitations, and agrarian lands and finally reaches the Arabian Sea. So, it supports bird communities of different forest ecosystems, agrarian lands, water bodies, and human habitations including the urban areas. Most of these ecosystems are located outside the protected area network and are vulnerable to anthropogenic pressures. Deforestation in the hill region, construction of check dams, indiscriminate sand mining, the spread of weeds and invasive plants inside the river channel, expansion of monoculture plantations, encroachment and water pollution are the major threats to the river ecosystem. This study attempted to understand the patterns of avifaunal assemblage in the Bharathapuzha river basin which is highly disturbed due to anthropogenic pressures that destroyed the riverine habitats, water quality, and natural water flow.Item 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 defenseItem Land, lion and locals: Understanding the distribution of lions and large carnivore human interactions in the Greater Gir Landscape of Saurashtra(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Gogoi, Keshab; Jhala, Y.V.Apart from the Gir Protected Areas, Asiatic lions inhabit various coastal forest patches in Mangrol, Veraval, Kodinar, Mahua, and Rajula-Jafrabad areas. They also reside in Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) and within human-dominated landscapes across Amreli, Junagadh, and Bhavnagar districts (Mitiyala WLS), as well as along the Shetrunji river, Hipavadli, Palitana, and Shihor. However, the presence of extensive townships, linear infrastructure, and urban development has led to the fragmentation of lion populations. This fragmentation restricts the efficient exchange of individuals across the matrix of multi-use human-dominated landscapes. Historical corridors that once connected hills, forests, and lion habitats, including protected and un-classed forests, have largely succumbed to agriculture and human settlements. To address this pressing issue, it is crucial to identify and conserve existing habitat corridors that connect these lion patches. Failure to do so could exacerbate repropuctive isolation, leading to genetic bottlenecks and reduced genetic diversity within lion populations. To tackle this challenge effectively, I utilized Circuitscape theory to model connectivity among habitat patches in the Saurashtra landscape at a scale of 1km². Additionally, I employed least-cost pathway tools to determine the shortest pathways with the least total costs. My analysis revealed varying levels of permeability among different lion habitats. For instance, the permeability between the coastal forests of Veraval-Sutrapada and Rajula with Gir PA was found to be high. Similarly, coastal patches around Mahua taluka exhibited high permeability with forest patches around Palitana. However, the permeability between Girnar and Gir Forest was moderate, indicating the need for interventions to maintain suitable lion movement. In the eastern part of the Gir protected area, there is notable connectivity between Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary and Gir, as well as other habitat patches along the Shetrunjay river. By prioritizing the identification and conservation of these critical habitat corridors, we can enhance connectivity among lion populations, mitigate the risk of genetic isolation, and safeguard the long-term survival of Asiatic lions in the Saurashtra landscapeItem Resource partitioning of non-pantherine carnivore community in Kanha Tiger Reserve, M.P., India.(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2022) Pradhan, Anup Kumar; Jhala, Y.V.; Qureshi, QamarCarnivores of all groups have unequivocal role in structuring and functioning of their ecosystems. Hence their existence need to be secured to maintain functional ecosystems. In the current scenario of rapid industrial growth and economic development, pressure on natural resources is escalating, which in turn has jeopardized the survival of important species. Hence, to maintain harmony between economic growth and ecological balance, an effective wildlife conservation and management plan should be a priority. The Kanha Tiger Reserve (KTR), spreading over an area of around 2100 km2 located in the central Indian highlands, has immense ecological significance as it supports a wide variety of flora and fauna. The tiger reserve is home to carnivores, including tiger, leopard, dhole, sloth bear, and many small cats. However, there are several conservation challenges exists for the persistence of this ecosystem. A thorough understanding of the ecosystem and its inclusive components is a prerequisite for developing and implementing an effective wildlife conservation plan. And in the case of KTR, despite several pioneer studies, the existing research gap on the ecology of small and meso-carnivores undermines the understanding of the complete ecological functioning. To fill this research gap, I undertook this study focusing on distribution, habitat use and preference of small and meso-carnivores in KTR. I aimed to study the distribution pattern and abundance of non-pantherine carnivores (Sloth Bear, Wild Dog, Jackal and jungle cat) and their niche separation by developing a species distribution and habitat suitability map. I performed camera trapping exercises during three successive seasons in 2014, 2015, and 2016 successively in all the available habitat types to obtain information on the abundance and distribution pattern of the targeted species. The camera traps were placed in a two sq km grid-based manner. I used data from transect surveys, remote sensing techniques and published literature to obtain other ecological variables. I used presence software to run the occupancy model for each focal species separately, considering relevant environmental variables. Similarly, I used the Maxent software to prepare the habitat suitability map for each species individually. I used the kernel density approach in R software to analyze the activity overlaps between these studied species. As a result of occupancy analysis, tiger, leopard, sloth bear, and jungle cats were observed to be inhabited in the cores area of the tiger reserve and associated with dense forest cover, grasslands, and prey abundance. However, dholes preferred the fringe area of the forest, associated negatively with densities of tigers, leopard, and their preferred area, i.e., the core of the forest and positively with the grasslands. In addition, variables such as distance from human settlements, terrain ruggedness, and NDVI also affected the occupancy of these study species in the KTR. Jackal did not follow any particular pattern rather it observed throughout the forest area. Aligning with the occupancy result, the habitat suitability maps prepared by the Maxent model strengthened the observation of the spatial ecology of these carnivore groups in the KTR. The Maxent model showed that the large carnivores at the ecosystem's apex position preferred to live in the core area of the forest with abundant prey and least human interference. However, second and third order carnivores such as dholes, preferred to live outside the core to avoid possible strife with the dominant tiger and leopard. The habitat selection by these meso carnivores also indicates the dominancy iii of the large carnivores in occupying the central position and their influence in the placement of the subordinate group of carnivores in a common ecosystem. We did not observe any effect of tiger and leopard on the habitat preference of sloth bear and jungle cat which indicated the difference in the dietary pattern also play significant role in occurrence of these sympatric carnivores in a multi-predator ecosystem. Tigers and leopards were primarily crepuscular and nocturnal. Despite high activity overlap, their activity peaks were different from each other. Dholes and jackals were active during the day, whereas Sloth bears and jungle cats were nocturnal. The results of temporal interaction among these carnivores were not completely diverged from the pattern of spatial interactions observed earlier. Instead, these results strengthen the findings of the spatial interaction among these carnivores in the KTR. As observed earlier, dholes and jackals shift their activity to avoid possible conflict and become diurnal. In contrast, the activity pattern of tigers and leopards did not influence the activity pattern of sloth bears and jungle cats. The study provides information on the spatiotemporal interactions of a carnivore community in a multi-predator ecosystem in central India. The findings strengthen the earlier understanding of the ecology of large-bodied carnivores such as tigers and leopards. At the same time, it enhances the knowledge of their counterpart i.e. the lesser studies small and meso- carnivores of KTR. Large-bodied carnivores occupied the central and apex position of the ecosystem and regulated the distribution pattern of the meso-carnivores present in their ecosystem. However, species with a different ecological niche were less influenced by these apex predators.