Theses and Dissertations

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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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    Aggression and Conflict Resolution in Nicobar Long-Tailed Macaque Macaca fascicularis umbrosus.
    (SACON, 2019) Partha Sarathi, M.; Kumara, H.N.; Thayumanavan
    A strong dominance hierarchy with high linearity and steepness in females indicates high competition among the females for food. This pattern was absent in the study with a moderately wrong hierarchy, possibly due to the avoidance of competition for food. This, in term, suggests that food distribution is uniform and abundant for each individual of a small group, which is the foundation of the socio-ecological theory. Furthermore, low competition in the group allows females to form close bonds and exchange affiliative behaviors as recorded in the study. Low monopolization is depicted by low steepness values and under such a regime. subordinate females do not use grooming as currency to gain access 10 food from dominant females.
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    Food habits of sympatric large herbivores in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2023) Devi, Anita; Hussain, S.A.; Badola, Ruchi
    This study aims to a. address the welfare state of Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) based on environmental factors and individual-level differences, and b. propose a methodological framework for evaluation and improvement welfare in captive environments. In this chapter, I will set up the context for this study with a brief chronology of our understanding of the origin of animal welfare and the science of zoo biology and their relevance to the Asiatic lion conservation breeding programme (CBP)
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    Ecological impacts of roads on mammals and integrity of the Central Indian Tiger Landscape
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2023) Saxena, Akansha; Habib, Bilal; Rajvanshi, Asha
    Road networks are increasing at an alarming pace worldwide, but most rapidly in developing countries like India. The drivers of road building in such countries include the need to make the benefits of development accessible to citizens in the remotest corners. However, road building in ecologically rich and sensitive regions can have severe repercussions for the wildlife in these regions. Road construction leads to destruction of habitats and physically disconnects previously contiguous landscapes. Traffic on roads directly cause wild animal mortality, cause changes in behaviour of wildlife by altering patterns of space use, and in the long-term can cause populations to diminish through either loss due to mortality, or by isolation of neighbouring populations by creating a barrier to their movement. Through this study, I aimed to understand the responses of a large mammal community to road-related disturbance through different methods, and form a basis for identifying and prioritising road stretches for mitigation of impacts on the large mammal community. The study was based in the central Indian tiger landscape which has one of the greatest potentials for long-term tiger conservation in the country, and at the same time is also facing incremental rates of road infrastructure development. The focal study species included the tiger, its co-predators and primary prey. The study is the first long-term research on the ecological impacts of roads conducted in an important tiger conservation landscape. It has direct management implications for understanding varied species responses to roads, mitigation requirements at different road types and forest protection types, and for landscape-scale prioritisation of sites for mitigating barrier and collision risk.
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    Ecology and Management of Lion and ungulate habitats in Gir.
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1995) Sharma, Diwakar; Johnsingh, A.J.T.
    The Gir is the only refuge of the Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) in its range. This implies that long term conservation of the Asiatic lion will remain an overirding management objective. A study on the impacts of management practices on lion and ungulate habitat was conducted in Gir Protected Area (PA) from June 1991 to July 1994. The Gir . PA includes Gir Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park. It is situated between 200 55' to 21 0 20 'N and 700 25' to 71 0 15' E in the Southern part of Kathiawar peninsula in western Gujarat. Gir PA (hereafter Gir) is located about 60km South of Junagadh. The area which was .3,107 sq km iIi 1877 (Joshi 1976) has been presently reduced to 1,412 sq km, o~ which about 259 sq Ian is national nark. Gir is the last refuge of the wild Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) and long term conservation of the Asiatic lion is an overriding management objective of Gir. In order to improve habitat conditions in Gir, the park authorities, over the last 20-25 years have made some management interventions such as relocation of some maldharis (local graziers), reduction in livestock grazing (specially migrant livestock during the rainy season) and fire control. These measures have led to vegetational recovery and increase in wild ungulate and lion populations. Understanding this vegetational recovery was thought to be crucial to determine the extent of management intervention required. It also needed to be determined if the trend (especially in the western Gir) was toward a higher woody proportion both at shrub and tree levels, and whether this in long term would adversely affect ' the distribution and abundance of ungulates, and therefore, group hunting by the lions, their pride size and territoriality.
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    Exploring ecological separation between Himalayan blue sheep and Himalayan ibex during winter in Indian Trans-Himalaya
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Prakruthi, G.M.; Sathyakumar, S.; Lyngdoh, Salvador; Bhatnagar, Yashveer
    According to resource selection theory, two related species with similar ecological requirements compete for the same resources. They can only coexist if they are ecologically separated, either by habitat or food preference. This study explored the resource use and ecological separation of ibex (Capra sibirica himalayanus) and blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) during the winter in the Spiti Valley, focusing on their segregation in space, habitat use patterns, diet, and activity pattern. The study was conducted in Kibber and Chicham areas (57 km2) of Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh, India. This study slightly deviates from the findings of a previous study by Namgail (2006), which reveals a high overlap in the habitat use between ibex and blue sheep in the Zanskar mountains. Systematic sampling using transects and trails, vantage points, opportunistic sampling, and camera traps was employed. Habitat and vegetation variables were recorded at random points and animal sightings to understand the patterns of habitat use and food selection. Spatial and temporal overlaps were analysed and micro-histological analysis of faecal samples compared the proportions of monocots and dicots in their diets. The study investigated how ungulates utilize habitats and their dietary habits with the availability of resources in their environment. Results showed substantial overlap in activity patterns, with the Jaccard similarity index indicating less spatial overlap between the species. The generalized linear model and Non-metric dimensional analysis indicated segregation based on their habitat preferences. However, there were no significant differences in their diets, the two species differed in the use of habitat at finer scales. Ibex preferred interspersed rocky slopes and slabs because of high rocky areas (escape terrain) and sparse vegetation, trading food for security. Blue sheep preferred less rocky areas with high vegetation cover like smooth slopes. Ibex preferred areas with more escape routes available than blue sheep. Thus, I conclude that Blue sheep, being more abundant than ibex, occupy distinct regions within the study area, and have a competitive advantage. While ibex are present in smaller numbers and confined to a specific region. Understanding their ecological requirements, especially in harsh winters, is crucial for targeted conservation efforts to ensure the sustainability of these species in a rapidly changing environment. Future research should focus on climate change impacts on habitat use and resource availability
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    Understanding the efficacy of enrichment intervention from behavioural responses in captive Sloth Bears
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Sudhakar, Mukul
    In this study, I tried to understand how enrichment activities affect the behavior and well-being of captive sloth bears. The study aimed to determine if enrichment intervention helps bears exhibit more natural behaviors and reduce stress-related behaviors, improving their overall welfare. Six Sloth bears were studied in two zoos, Delhi and Mumbai, and were observed before and after introducing enrichment intervention in the form of Pitfall feeder. These Feeders, helps in providing novel feeding methods and interactive object, and were designed to encourage the bears to engage in natural behaviors like exploring, digging and foraging etc. The study used various parameters to track changes in the bears' behavior, including different activity levels such as Proportion of time Active, Inactive and Stereotypic, usage of different zones of their enclosures, and behavior diversity. A comprehensive welfare index was computed from these parameters using Principal Component Analysis. The results showed that enrichment activities had some positive effect on the bears' behavior. The bears became more active and explored more areas of their enclosures after the enrichment activities were introduced. However, the response varied among individual bears, with few showing a decline in stress-related behaviors, while others did not exhibit significant changes or even showed an increase in such behaviors. This variability highlights the need for tailored enrichment plans that cater to the unique needs of each bear. The study also found differences between the two zoos, wherein markers of behavioural well-being were better in Mumbai Zoo compared to Delhi Zoo. This was attributed to better management practices and more complex enclosures in Mumbai. Thus, factors such as long-term management practices and the overall complexity of the enclosures play a crucial role in the well-being of captive sloth bears. In conclusion, while enrichment activities are beneficial for captive sloth bears, their design and implementation should be tailored to the individual needs of each bear to maximise their positive impact on well-being. This research supports the importance of regular and varied enrichment intervention in zoos to increase the wellbeing of captive animals. However, it also underscores the need for comprehensive management practices that ensure the long-term welfare of these animals consisting of enrichment plans and studies to be incorporated in the management plan of the zoos.
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    Beyond the forest: Intraspecific and interspecific aggression in Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Santosh, Charushree; Kumara, H.N.; Mahajan, Prashant
    Rhesus macaques and human have been coexisting from a long time. Living in such close proximity to each other have bought various challenges to both species. Some challenges could be solved by behavioural modifications. This study looks at how various factors affect the aggression in both macaques and humans towards each other and their conspecifics. This study helps in understanding the frequency of aggression in macaques towards each other and humans in different settings. Direction of major aggressive interactions and the factors behind these events were also noted. Human aggression towards macaques were also seen. Most common reason for human initiated aggression was property damage while, for macaques it was threat. This kind of behavioural studies help us manage conflict with this communal species and also lets us see how human presence and behaviour might influence macaque behaviour.
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    Understanding the influence of tourism on behaviour and habitat use of Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius Ogilby, 1838) in Eravikulam National Park, Kerala
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Mohammed, Aslam; Chinnasamy, Ramesh; Ramesh, K.; Karunakaran, P.V.
    Eravikulam National Park is the home for the largest number of Endangered Nilgiri tahr in the world (Predit et al, 2015; Saju,2012) and the park is also having an ecotourism programme dedicated for observing tahr at closer distance (Saju,2012). This population in the tourism area have high human interaction and have become habituated to the presence of humans. Habituation is known to influence the wild behaviour and instincts of animals (Shackley,1996; Knight,2009; Mazur, 2006; Marler & Hamilton,1966; Hingham & Shelton,2011) and this study was intended to understand the influence of tourism on the behaviour and habitat use of Nilgiri tahr in the Eravikulam National Park.The field work was carried for four months from January 2024 to April 2024, of which tourism was closed during the months of February and March, creating three sampling seasons: preclosing, closing and reopening season with varying human presence. Scan sampling and focal sampling (Altman, 1974) were carried out and observations of the population in tourism area were compared to the populations in Varattukulam region of core area which have minimum human interaction. The result showed a significant difference in the behaviour and habitat use between tourism and core area and also across tourism season. The activity pattern in the tourism zone is different from that of the core. Habitat use was also different as most of the behaviour in tourism area were not showing any significant relationship with a particular habitat unlike the population in core area. The flight distance in tourism area was also found to be very much shorter (1.8m) in compared to core area(118m) which is evidence for the extend of habituation tahr has gone through. Interestingly, the tourism adjacent hills which belonged to the same landscape as that of the tourism zone showed higher flight distance. The tourism zone also had high density of predators (Tiger and leopard) and there was spatial overlap between tahr and predators. Study was not able to prove the existence of human shield hypothesis (HSH) (Berger, 2007) as large carnivores were still present in the tourism area and even when tourism was closed, which reduced the number of people on the road, tahr were still coming to tourism area. However, tahrs were observed to be avoiding the carnivore by temporal separation as all camera trapping of predators happened during night time but no tahr was active at that time in tourism road.
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    How Disturbed are the Disturbed Ones ? Impacts of Anthropogenic Stressors on the Socio-Ecological Interactions of Terai Gray Langur (Semnopithecus hector) in Shivalik Hills
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Dwivedi, Divya; Habib, Bilal; Qureshi, Qamar
    Animals respond to the changes in their habitats numerically and behaviourally. Alterations caused by anthropogenic stresses, like habitat degradation, fragmentation, urbanisation, changes in land use patterns, etc., changes the ecology of most species. Understanding the patterns adopted by these species to successfully survive and reproduce in such habitats is of utmost importance. This study tried to understand the impacts of human disturbance on the socio-ecology of Terai Gray langurs in Shivalik landscape, by comparing the ecology of langur troops inside the protected forest with the troops in disturbed forest. Four troops of Terai Gray langur, of comparable sizes, two in each treatment were selected.