Theses and Dissertations

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    Storied Landscapes : A Study of the Ecological Narratives of the Bhotiyas (TOLCHHAS, MARCHAS AND JADS) of Uttarakhand
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Saurav, Devshish; Badola, Ruchi; Baroth, Anju
    Himalaya is still young and growing; the formation of Himalayan ranges is still going on Vast terrain, unstable stretches, extreme climatic conditions and other potential hazards are major challenges for the inhabitants of the area. Humans have survived all such challenges since ages, it is a story of settlers’ survival and sustainability. The story of survival narrates the suitability of the wise traditional practices and sustainable community based approach. This process follows the lessons learnt from trials and errors, cultural assimilation and devoted observations. This is reflected in socio-cultural spheres, technological understanding and institutional structure of local Bhotiya (Jads, Tolchha, Marcha) society.It is important to understand the Himalayan settlers historically, the cultural practices of inhabitants help us in understanding the background, origin and nature of local traditions. Jads,Tolchhas and Marchas are such ethnic groups from Uttarakhand who evolved and settled in Himalayan region over a course of time. They follow different cultural traits, livelihood practices and hold different socio-political and religious affiliations. They inhabit the northern and upper ranges of Himalayas. The blend of Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism is reflected from their culture and nomadic lifestyle. Since very old time the Middle Himalayan region of Garhwal and Kumaun have been under the influence of Hinduism.
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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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    Assessment of Socio-Environmental Adaptation strategies for sustainable Livelihood Development in the villages around Govind Pashu Vihar, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
    (wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Chandra. Rommila; Uniyal, V.P.
    The study is an attempt to assess the socio-economic and ecological conditions of mountain farmers for their sustainable livelihood development, with the following three objectives; I. Documentation of traditional knowledge and traditional cropping practices in the study area. II. Assessment of ecosystem services in the agroecological landscape in the study area. III. Estimating the adaptive capacity of smallholder farmers for sustainable livelihood opportunities in the study area The study was conducted in Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, located in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand (India). The entire area lies in the middle and greater Himalayas with a varying altitude of 1300m to 6323m. The terrain is almost hilly and is an important catchment for the Tons River, which is a major tributary of the Yamuna River. The documentation of culture, traditional agriculture and traditional knowledge clearly highlighted the uniqueness of the area for a potential socio-economic development. As per the assessment, the local people were trying to change their negative cultural image of being associated with the mythological Duryodhana. It also sheds light on the relation between medicinal plant use with the age of people, availability of medical facility and distance of households from the forest area. The knowledge richness index values call for the attention, as one could say that the younger population had knowledge about their traditional system, but it was decreasing through generations. The local farmers were trying to diversify their cropping system through cash-crop farming, which was clearly evident in the connected as well as isolated villages. The traditional crops were just being cultivated for subsistence, leading to a critical decline in the area under their cultivation. These changes indicate preference of local community for an economically productive livelihood system.
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    An assessment of livelihood dependency and anthropogenic pressures on tiger habitat in Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu, India.
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2016) Gupta, Santanu; Mishra, B.K.
    Kalakad – Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) (8º 20’- 8º 53’ N and 77º10’- 77 º 35’ E) located at the southern end of Western Ghats is famous worldwide for it’s endemic plant diversity, and the reserve is home of endangered animals like lion-tailed macaque (Macaca Silenus), Nilgiri tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius), Asian elephant (Elephas maximus), and tiger (Panthera tigris). KMTR experienced high anthropogenic pressure in past from 145 villages situated outside eastern boundary of reserve as well as from enclave settlements. A number of activities aimed at conservation awareness among various stakeholders, off farm alternate employment generation opportunities for forest dependent families, promoting use of alternate fuels and energy saving devices, and biomass regeneration initiatives were taken up under this project. The impact of ecodevelopment in reducing PA resource dependency and consequent reduction of anthropogenic pressure on park was thoroughly analyzed by integrating ecological and socio-economic assessment. This overall assessment of dependency and pressure on KMTR during ecodevelopment could serve as a feedback mechanism to promote better integration of conservation and development in future. Objectives 1. To quantify the change in dependency of local communities upon PA resources. 2. To assess the change in anthropogenic pressures on the PA resources. 3. To examine the drivers of change with respect to dependency and pressures.
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    Assessment of provisioning service and the recreational value of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) Pariva; Hussain, S.A.; Badola, Ruchi
    The ecological services and the natural capital stocks that produce them are critical to the functioning of the earth’s life-support system. Because of the direct use of the structural value provided by natural ecosystems and in most cases of free access to such ecosystems they are under heavy utilization pressure. The harmful effects of degrading ecosystem services are being disproportionately borne by the poor and are contributing to the growing economic inequities as well as environmental hazards to which the poor are the most vulnerable. Present work aimed to understand the status of the provisioning and recreational services of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR) and their contribution in securing wellbeing of local communities. The study was carried out with five objectives: (a) assess the socioeconomic status of local communities in NDBR, (b) quantify the provisioning services of the Reserve in terms of resource extraction, (c) estimate the recreational and religious value of the Reserve and its contribution to local livelihoods, (d) assess the extent of human-wildlife conflicts in the Reserve; and to (e) examine the attitude of local communities towards the conservation of the Reserve.
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    Study of pressure and dependency of local people on the natural resources of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary with a veiew to devising compatible management strategies.
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1998) Silori, C.S.; Mishra, B.K.
    Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) (11° 32’-11° 42’ N and 76° 2T-760 45’ E) and the adjoining forests of Bandipur National Park (NP), Nagarhole NP Wynaad WLS and Sigur Reserve Forest (RF) form the largest contiguous elephant tract in the peninsular India. Location of Masinagudi village right in the middle of the link forest divide it to still narrower corridors (north and south corridors). A large chunk of the inhabitants of Masinagudi and its hamlets are landless labourers who came to this area in the recent past from the adjoining areas to work in a hydro-electric project. Most of the villagers in these villages maintain large herds of cattle in the surrounding forests for selling cow dung manure to the nearby tea and coffee estates. Many of them cut firewood from these forests to sell in the local market for making a living. The corridor forests between Mudumalai WLS and Sigur RF is thus subjected to heavy biotic pressure from the local people and their grazing cattle. Objectives :i) to investigate the socio-economic and cultural dimensions of sustenance problem of the local people, (ii) to quantify and analyze the pressure of local people and their cattle on the biomass resources of the corridor forest, and (iii) to design viable alternatives for people for mitigating their sustenance problem as well as reducing pressure upon the resource of the corridor forest and the surrounding elephant habitat.
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    Role of provisioning and cultural ecosystem services of Protected Area in supporting human health
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Shekhar, Shashank; Badola, Ruchi
    Ecosystem Services (ES) are vital ecological functions that contribute significantly to human well-being. This study explores the provisioning and cultural ecosystem services provided by Kaziranga National Park (KNP), a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Assam, India, and their role in supporting the health and well-being of local communities. Despite extensive research on the general benefits of natural environments, specific studies on protected areas and their direct health benefits are sparse. This research addresses this gap by assessing how KNP's ecosystem services influence human health and well-being. The study aims to evaluate the multifaceted benefits of KNP, focusing on provisioning services such as fish, wild fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants, as well as cultural services including recreation, aesthetic value, and traditional cultural practices. Methodologically, the research employs household surveys, interviews, economic valuation techniques, and ethnographic studies to gather comprehensive data on resource usage, cultural significance, and health outcomes. Data collection spans from 2018 to 2022, involving 750 households from 31 villages within KNP's zone of influence, along with a tourist survey of 379 individuals who visited KNP. Key findings reveal that local communities heavily depend on resources from the vicinity of KNP, with significant economic and health benefits. Provisioning services such as fish and wild vegetables contribute substantially to food security and traditional healthcare, while cultural services enhance mental health and community cohesion. The study establishes a positive correlation between the use of these ecosystem services and improved health metrics, such as reduced disease incidence and better overall quality of life. Additionally, cultural engagement within the park correlates with higher household income and educational access. The research underscores the critical role of natural ecosystems in supporting human health and advocates for integrated conservation and health policies. Sustainable management practices, community engagement, and technological advancements are recommended to preserve KNP's biodiversity and enhance its benefits. Future research should expand to include supporting and regulating services and assess the long-term impacts of climate change on KNP's ecosystem services. In conclusion, this study highlights the significant socio-economic and health benefits derived from KNP's ecosystem services, emphasizing the need for policies that integrate environmental conservation with public health and community development. Kaziranga