Theses and Dissertations

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    Striking a balance: Striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) in the human-interspersed semi-arid landscape of Rajasthan
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Soni, Khushi; Krishnamurthy, Ramesh; Chinnasamy, C.
    This study investigates the spatial ecology and conservation need of critical habitat refugia of a large carnivore, striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), in Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) within the Aravalli Range in Rajasthan, India. Striped hyena plays an important role in maintaining ecosystem health through scavenging and occasional predation, yet faces significant threats from habitat loss, decrease in denning refugia, and increased human disturbance in human-interspersed landscapes. The research focuses on understanding the occupancy patterns and den-site use of striped hyenas in STR, their adaptability to human presence, and their interactions with co-occurring large carnivores such as tigers and leopards, which will provide insights into their persistence in this landscape of coexistence.The study was conducted in an occupancy framework covering 130 survey units of 9 Km2 each. Single season single species occupancy was modeled using environmental and ecological covariates. Den-site use was analyzed using binomial generalized linear models (GLM) incorporating first only environmental covariates, and later both environmental and ecological covariates combined to look if striped hyena shows a tradeoff in utilizing the available denning refugia. Spatial interaction with tigers and leopards was also analyzed through conditional occupancy estimates and species interaction factors (SIF) to look at the change in their spatial ecology over a decade. The best-fit occupancy model (AIC = 435.38) identified open habitat as the strongest positive influence (β = 1.607 ± 0.417, p<0.001), followed by wild prey index (β = 1.226±0.434, p<0.005), closed habitat (β = 0.668, p < 0.05), and ruggedness, which showed a negative effect (β = -0.584±0.285, p < 0.05). Striped hyenas exhibited a higher probability of site utilization in the presence of tigers (0.73 ± 0.09) and leopards (0.83 ± 0.06), with SIF values of 1.18 for tigers and 1.29 for leopards, indicating co-occurrence and potential resource sharing. Compared to a 2014 study when tiger numbers were lower (n=11), site utilization in the presence of tigers increased from 0.53 to 0.73, revealing behavioral adaptations following tiger reintroduction in STR. High SIF with leopards suggested that high prey availability in STR mitigates interspecific competition. This challenges the mesopredator release hypothesis, as both striped hyena and leopard populations have increased alongside rising tiger numbers, likely due to abundant resources and available habitat refugia. Den-site selection was analyzed using two approaches: environmental predictors alone and a combination of environmental and ecological predictors. The best environmental model (AIC = 132.47) included elevation (β = -1.0961, p < 0.01), ruggedness (β = 0.5166, p < 0.0 ), distance to road (β = 0.6249, p < 0.05), and distance to village (β = 0.4363, not significant), indicating a preference for moderate elevations, rugged terrain, and areas away from roads. The combined model (AIC = 131.07) included elevation (β = -0.9766, p < 0.01), ruggedness (β = 0.5452, p < 0.05), and human disturbance index (HDI, β = -1.0113, p < 0.05), which indicated towards the striped hyena’s ability to tolerate moderate human disturbance. The shift in the denning refugia, after including ecological variables- Human Disturbance and Wild prey index, indicated towards the tradeoff in the den-site selection by striped hyena that would offer both security and access to essential resources. The findings suggested that open habitats facilitate foraging due to enhanced carcass visibility, while closed habitats and rugged terrain provide secure denning and resting sites. The Aravalli Range, particularly STR, serves as a critical refugia, supporting one of India’s highest striped hyena densities (15.44 ± 2.48 individuals/100 km²). High wild prey abundance and scavenging opportunities from tiger and leopard kills would have likely reduced the reliance on livestock, which too occur in high density. These spatially explicit results showing critical denning refugia in STR as well identifying intensively utilized areas would allow managers to develop evidence-based habitat monitoring program, that would allow to delineate critical habitats as well as include it in the village relocation plan to create more inviolate spaces for wildlife and reduce the anthropogenic pressure on forests as well as check the spread of invasives in the protected area
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    Relocation and Resilience : A Case Study from Sariska Tiger Reserve
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Abhishek; Baroth, Anju; Kolipakam, Vishnupriya; Qureshi, Qamar
    Relocation of villages have implications on socioeconomic status of forest dependent people, however studies have often ignored the well-being of people after relocation. Sariska Tiger Reserve has undertaken relocation as one of its key programmes for biodiversity conservation. In my study I took a field work of analysing the ground realities of relocation in Sariska Tiger Reserve. The objectives of the study suggest: (1) documenting the perception of forest department and communities towards relocation. (2) analysing the resilience of communities in “Relocated” and “To be Relocated” sites. My study includes the use of sociological survey techniques including questionnaire survey, semi-structured interviews, observatory analysis, focused group discussion etc. The study was conducted in two relocated sites (1) Rundh Maujpur (2) Bardod Rundh and future projects villages for relocation Kankwari, Haripura, Lilunda and Kraska. 86 households were surveyed in relocated sites and 96 households were surveyed inside the core zone of Sariska. Results of Resilience have been quantified through abstract and non-abstract measurable. The finding in the study shows that, the influence of local inhabitants on relocation process is very limited. Forest department and local authorities need to retrospect their notion of conservation and rethink their plan for relocation.
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    Ecology of Golden jackal (Canis aureus) in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) Chourasia, Pooja
    This study aimed to examine the abundance and occupancy of jackal with the application of photographic captures using camera traps and diet composition through scat analysis, investigate species-habitat relationships from habitat features (non-spatial) and remotely sensed features (spatial) to understand how these variables govern occurrence pattern and predict the distribution of jackal in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan. In India, jackal populations achieve high densities in pastoral areas such as Kutch, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Haryana. This study will vitally improve our state of knowledge to protect jackal and assist the development of theory on their social structure, behavior and habitat preferences in forested ecosystem. The study will help in suggesting localized monitoring mechanisms wherever necessary as this is important in minimizing surprise cases of extinction. The objectives of this study are as follows:-1. To determine the abundance of golden jackal. 2. To estimate the food availability, food habits and dietary niche overlap between golden jackal and other meso-carnivores.3. To evaluate the den site selection by golden jackal and, 4. To evaluate the habitat use by golden jackal. The study was conducted from 2010-2013 in Sariska Tiger Reserve (79° 17’ to 76°34’N and Latitude: 27° 5’ to 27° 33’ E), Rajasthan. Selected 160 km2 of intensive study area which was divided into four blocks. A total of 160 locations were selected for the placement of camera traps where, each block having 21 camera trap stations. Peafowl was observed to be the most abundant prey species throughout the study period. Amongst the wild prey species, nilgai was observed to be the most abundant wild ungulate prey species followed by, chital, wild pig and sambar in the study area..The Species distribution data was collected from camera trapping, direct sighting records, scat locations and track locations and was pooled for the entire study period 2010-2013, collectively making 413 observed point locations in the intensive study area.
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    Ecology of Indian Rock Python (Python molurus molurus Linn.1758) in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India.
    (SACON, 2012) Ramesh, C.; Bhupathy, S.
    Snakes in India are one among the richest assemblages in the world with about 279 species reported so far. However, studies focusing on their ecology are scanty. In tropical ecosystems, it is important to understand ecology of large bodied snakes such as pythons for proposing measures to conserve them. In this context, assessment of the python habitat and understand burrow ecology, population ecology, diurnal activity, food and feeding habits and breeding biology were investigated. The results provided are based on visual observations on free ranging Indian python in Keoladeo National Park (KNP) Bharatpur, Rajasthan, India between October 2007 and April 2010.
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    Distribution of select nutrients and metals in the soils of a wetland-terrestrial ecosystems complex: A Case Study of Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, India.
    (SACON, 2007) Prusty, Anjan Kumar B.; Azeez, P.A.
    The present study reports the pedological characteristics along the soil profile in a mixed habitat system (woodland. wetland and grassland) with emphasis on selected nutrient elements. alkali and alkaline earth metals, and heavy metals. The main purpose of this study was to examine the distribution pattern of nutrients, alkali and alkaline earth metals and heavy metals on a spatio- temporal scale. Soil samples collected at depths of O, 25, 50, 75 and 100 cm were examined with respect to certain select Physico-chemical parameters following standard methods and was found to differ considerably in their nutrient contents.
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    Ecology of striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena) in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2019) Mandal, Dibyendu K.; Sankar, K.; Qureshi, Qamar
    This study was conceivedto fill gaps in our understanding of striped hyena population parameters, resource utilization and their sociality. Finally, the findings were synthesized to understand the processes shaping diverse sociality of striped hyenas across varying resources in a comparative context under the framework of RDH. The present study was undertaken in Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR), a protected area situated in the semi-arid region of North-Western India. STR is an isolated system which has a sharp boundary with human habitations.
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    Ecology of leopard (Panthera pardus) in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2011) Mondal, Krishnendu; Shankar, K.; Qureshi, Qamar
    The present study estimated the prey availability and prey consumption, population and survival rate and the home ranges and resource selection of leopard in Sariska Tiger Reserve. The Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR) (N27o05’ to N27o45’ and E76o15’ to E76o35’) is situated in the Aravalli Hill Range and lies in the semi-arid part of Rajasthan for four consecutive years from 2007 to with these objectives: 1. To estimate the prey availability of leopard 2. To study the food habits and prey selection of leopard 3. To estimate the population of leopard and 4. To study the home range and habitat use of leopard. In the present study, food habits and prey selection of leopard were examined during the study period following scat analysis method and kill records. Radio-telemetry technique was followed to estimate the home range and habitat use of leopard as this technique is found to be the most updated and useful practice to gather information on home range, daily and seasonal movement pattern of big cats. The result of this study presented the abundance of prey species of leopard and their consumption by leopard in Sariska TR. The study also estimated the population and survival rate of leopard in Sariska TR. Home range and habitat use of leopard was estimated in the present study and a habitat suitability model for leopard was generated in and around Sariska TR.
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    Ecology of medium and small sized carnivores in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2011) Gupta, Shilpi; Sankar, K.; Qureshi, Qamar
    To assess wildlife population trends, scientifically based monitoring programs must be carried out. A new generation of camera traps and the use of well developed capture-recapture models have led to an increase in the use of remote surveying and monitoring methodologies for nocturnal species. Population estimates can be done for individually identifiable cryptic nocturnal species through camera trap. The study was carried out in Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR), western Rajasthan, India, (79° 17’ to 76°34’N, 27° 5’ to 27° 33’ E) from November 2007 to June 2009. The objectives of study are (1) To estimate the abundance of medium and small sized carnivores such as striped hyena, jackal, jungle cat, civets and mongoose. (2) To study the prey availability and food habits of medium and small sized carnivores and To assess the habitat suitability for these carnivores. In this study, both capture - recapture method and Royle -Nichols (2003) approach was applied to photographic capture trap data to estimate density and abundance of nocturnal cryptic species. The results of this study presented both numerically and also in the form of habitat suitability maps for all the study species in the study area. These finding have potential to develop basis for managing areas for these medium and small sized carnivores in Sariska and other similar habitat in semi arid zone.
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    Ecology and management of savanna vegetation in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan.
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) Bhatt, Priyanka; Rawat, G.S.; Sankar, K.
    This study is aimed to document the role of various abiotic and biotic factors playing a vital role in the coexistence of trees and grasses. Attempts have been made to bridge the research gaps related to the structure and composition of forest vegetation, phenology diversity and regeneration patterns along the landscape. Hence, present study was initiated with a view to collect baseline data that would be helpful in monitoring the forest changes in future. It provides information about the savanna vegetation and the dynamics and also deals with the vegetation composition, species diversity, richness and other phyto- sociological parameters, Vegeation structure, composition and factors affecting the savanna vegetation in Sariska Tiger Reserve. Objectives are : 1. To study the phenology of savanna species 2. To study the aut-ecology of dominant savanna grasses and tree species of Sariska with reference to biotic and abiotic factors 3. To study the impact of invasive species and management implications: case study of Adhatoda vasica
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    Prey selection, ranging pattern and habitat utilization of the reintroduced tigers in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, western India.
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) Bhattacharjee, Subhadeep; Sankar, K.; Qureshi, Qamar
    In a forest ecosystem, large felids are generally the top predators in almost every food chain influencing the structure and dynamics of the subsequent descending trophic levels. Evaluation of last fifty years’ presence and absence status of large felids in Protected Areas (PAs) of Indian subcontinent revealed that local extinction was highest in the dry deciduous habitat. Tiger, among all large felids had already become locally extinct from 70% of semi-arid dry thorn and 35% of dry deciduous forest areas. Tigers in dry semi-arid forests with its global western most limit, survive in small isolated populations. The present study assessed the movements and ranging patterns, prey availability, prey utilization and resource selection of reintroduced tigers in Sariska Tiger Reserve from July 2008 to June 2012. After the local extermination of the tiger population in Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR), during December, 2005 with the consent of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Rajasthan Forest Department a recovery plan for tigers in Sariska was prepared by the Wildlife Institute of India along with a detailed protocol for tiger reintroduction. The present study was conducted in 400 km2 area which is the notified National Park area of Sariska Tiger Reserve from July 2008 to June 2012 covering all the three seasons monsoon (July to October), winter (November to February) and summer (March to June) with the following objectives: a) to evaluate the prey availability for the reintroduced tigers, b) to assess the prey selection patterns of the reintroduced tigers, c) to study the movement and ranging patterns of the reintroduced tigers and d) to assess the habitat utilization patterns, resource selection and response of tiger to various anthropogenic pressure in the study area. In Sariska, peafowl was observed to be the most abundant prey species throughout the study period.