Theses and Dissertations
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Item Habitat selection of birds in New Forest, Dehra Dun, India.(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2007) Mohan, Dhananjai; Johnsingh, A.J.T.The New Forest campus is primarily a man-made ecosystem created in the 1920s mainly to house the Forest Research Institute. Much of the area of what is New Forest today was under agricultural fields till they were acquired in 1920s by the British and there after considerably large areas of this sprawling campus were developed into demonstration forests, gardens, experimental plantations areas, and arboretum by planting them up. In addition, there is a block of natural forest on the northern part of the campus which belongs to 3C2b(i) type (Moist Bhabhar Sal forests). The present study was restricted to ca. 150 ha of wooded part of the 463 ha of the campus. Two hundred and seventy six birds have been reported from the campus till date. The campus is managed through management plans prepared at a ten year cycle. Four distinct vegetation types were identified in the wooded parts of the New Forest campus based on the vegetation composition and structure. These, namely, Chir Pine plantations, Gardens, Mixed plantations and Natural forests were recognized as the four distinct habitats for the birds, the first three being man-made. The bird abundance was estimated by conducting point transects which were done over a two year period from October 2004 to June 2006 and collected habitat structure and composition data by laying out vegetation plots around the point locations for the bird transects (bird centered vegetation sampling). The guild structure of the birds of New Forest was investigated and factors determining it were identified. The seasonal change in guild structures both within and across various habitat types was also looked into. Birds were divided into fifteen fine feeding guilds. A distinct habitat selection by birds was observed amongst the four identified habitats of New Forest as seen from multiple response permutation procedure (MRPP) and hierarchical clustering of sample points in different habitats on the basis of bird composition. The present study shows that despite some degree of biotic pressures, natural forest habitat still possesses the highest bird richness as compared to the well-preserved mature plantations even with mixed crop. It also supports the highest density of birds of all the habitats of New Forest. The highest number of indicator birds has also been reported from this habitat. A large number of biome restricted bird are reported from this habitat which has led to the declaration of New Forest as an Important Bird Area. This habitat which is typical of northern part of Dehradun valley is under great threat in most parts owing to a rapid spread of urbanization and the patch in New Forest may be the only one to provide long term preservation to its typical flora and birds.Item Evaluation of impact of landscape changes on large mammal habitats in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2012) Basu, Santanu; Sankar, K.A study on the vegetation and wildlife habitats was conducted in the Rajaji-Corbett National Parks and adjoining areas using remote sensing, geographical information system (GIS) and conventional field sampling techniques. Steady increase in anthropogenic pressures in this area has led to degradation and fragmentation of wildlife habitats and related environmental problems. While the two national parks have received attention due to their legal status, the surrounding areas such as the vital corridor connecting the two parks have been largely overlooked. This connecting forest faces dual threat from the surrounding villagers as well as the migratory pastoral communities viz., Gujjars and Bhotias. The literature review reveals that vegetation ecologists have conducted a few studies within Rajaji and Corbett National Parks. Most of the studies pertain to documentation and description of plant species, analysis of community structures, analysis of the problems of sal regeneration and habitat ecology of selected species in isolated areas. However, no effort had so far been made to analyse the overall terrain and landscape features in relation to vegetation structure in the area, which is essential for characterizing the wildlife habitat. Detailed maps depicting the vegetation types, terrain categories and habitat suitability for major ungulates were not available for the area. Similarly, no literature was available on the patterns of plant species diversity in relation to the habitat conditions. Therefore the present study was undertaken in this area. The specific objectives of the study area were to: 1) Spatially analyse the vegetation types, terrain categories and prepare maps for the same using remote sensing, 2) Study the structure and composition of various vegetation types in the corridor area.3) Study the patterns of plant species diversity and other related parameters. 4) Analyse habitat characteristics for major ungulates using Remote Sensing and GIS. The extensive study area was analysed through maps prepared using remote sensing techniques. This area covers about 10,766.7 km 2 and lies between 2900' to 30031' Nand 77015' to 80016' E. It includes the following national parks: a) Rajaji National park (820 km2 29052' to 30015' N and 77055' to 78019' E), and b) Corbett Tiger reserve (1320 km2, including 520 km2 of core area, 29025' to 29040' Nand 7805' to 7905' E).Item An ecological assessment of forest spatial heterogeneity species diversity and grassland burning practices in the terai conservation area.(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2002) Kumar, Harish; Mathur, P.K.The present study formed a part of the major collaborative project entitled "Management of Forests for Biological Diversity and Forest Productivity - A New Perspective", jointly implemented by the Wildlife Institute of India and the US Forest Service. The project aimed to address the primary requirement of forests of sustaining biodiversity. It is being realized that the traditional forest management approach had to undergo a major shift in emphasis and strategies. The project expected to demonstrate the integration of science and management in a planning process that establishes the complimentary roles of wildlife protected areas and the large surrounding landscape of managed forests in maintaining forest based biological diversity. The project was field based at four Conservation Areas (CAs) that covered large landscapes of forested and non-forested matrix areas representing a variety of biogeographic patterns, forestry practices, ethnic human societies and their forest based culture, economies and tradition, and the range of administrative realities. Each of the CAs included select protected areas (PAs) - National Parks or Wildlife Sanctuaries; Managed Forests (MFs) and the intervening matrix of the Government, community or private lands so as to constitute a larger delineated landscape. The present study specifically focussed on the Terai Conservation Area (TCA), one of the four CAs. The TCA covering 7,896.6 sq km constitutes a spatial heterogeneous landscape of Pas including Dudwa Natioal Park (DNP) and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS); and Managed Forests (MFs) of North Kheri and South Kheri Forest Divisions (NKFD and SKFD) within a matrix of private agricultural lands. the present study focused on the landscape spatial patterns, their influence on species diversity and also the effect of various grassland burning practices in TCA. In order to achieve this, the following objectives were set forth for the present study: a.To assess, characterize and map the current land use and landscape patterns. b.To identify, classify and describe vegetation communities, assess their extent and geographic distribution in the landscape. c.To assess the influence of landscape spatial patterns on habitat and species of particular management interest. d.To assess grassland burning practices vis-a-vis plant diversity, productivity, ungulate use and make appropriate recommendations for the management..Item Ecological impacts of anthropogenic pressures on high altitude forests along Bhagirathi catchment.(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2001) Awasthi, Anjali; Rajvanshi, Asha; Rawat, G.S.The forests of Bhagirathi catchment in Garhwal Himalaya (Uttaranchal) have faced anthropogenic pressures since pre-British period. However, human induced disturbances increased during British period when the commercial exploitation of these forests started. It was during this period that the cultivation of potato and apple orchards were introduced in the region. These initial phases of transformation paved way for more recent changes in land-use practices and degradation of high altitude forests. The modern phase of degradation started with the construction of road to Gangotri in the middle of 20th century and opening up of Garhwal for tourism which led to development of infrastructural facilities and influx of mass tourism in the inner valleys. These added pressures on the remaining forests of Bhagirathi valley. 2. Ecological impacts of anthropogenic pressures and patterns and processes of forest degradation have not been quantified in this valley so far. Therefore, the present study was carried out in a part of the Bhagirathi catchment (78015' to 790 E long. & 30030' to 31 008' N lat.). The objectives of the study were: to assess the resource use patterns of villagers, transhumant communities and tourists, to assess the impacts of anthropogenic activities on forests and wildlife and to detect changes inland-cover classes over time and space. The study area is visited seasonally by various transhumant communities who also depend on the surrounding forests for a period of about six months. Four forms of transhumance viz., Nomadism, Semi-nomadism, Transmigration and Nuclear Transhumance were identified in the Bhagirathi valley. -Nomadism is followed by Gujjars, semi-nomadism by Gaddis, transmigration by Jadhs and Garhwalis and Nuclear transhumance by resident Garhwalis. Nomadic people have temporary hutsat both summer and winter settlements whereas transmigrants have permanent houses. Seminomadic and nuclear transhumants have one temporary and one permanent settlement. The impact of 'resource extraction by locals, transhumant communities and tourists on the forests was assessed. It was found that forests located close to villages (zone-I) and temporary settlements (zone-III) were under high lopping/cutting pressure.Item A study on the structure and composition of forests along an altitudinal gradient in upper Bhagirathi catchment, Garhwal Himalaya.(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2001) Uniyal, Sanjay; Rawat, G.S.; Biswas, SasThe present study highlighted the role of anthropogenic factors in distribution of plant communities in addition to altitude, aspect and slope. Market oriented economy has influenced the ethnobotanical knowledge of the local people. Though human-induced pressures are increasing in the area, still the status of forests in Bhagirathi valley is satisfactory compared to neighbouring areas. Hence, proper conservation and scientific management of such rich and diverse forest in small watersheds should be taken up on a priority basis. Data were collected from primary and secondary sources. Field work (primary source) was carried out during July 1996 to July 1999. Stratified random sampling was done for quantification of various vegetation and site parameters. The study area lies between 780 18' to 780 57' E long and 300 30' to 31 0 08' N lat. It covers an area of ca 2050 sq.km. and has an altitudinal gradient of 279 to 6600 m. For the intensive work two representative watersheds viz., north facing Duggada watershed (DWS) and south facing Bhatwari watershed (BWS) were selected. Objectives of the study include: preparation of baseline vegetation maps of the area, assessment of forest structure and composition, quantification of available woody biomass, documentation of ethnobotanical knowledge of local people and assessing the conservation status of rare plants in the area.Item Application of Geographic Information System(GIS) and Remote Sensing in assessing habitat, resource availability and its management in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve.(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1999) Dubey, Yogesh; Mathur, V.B.The present study attempts to determine the distribution and abundance pattern of ungulate species in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve and to assist in the development of a computerised wildlife database on spatial as well as non spatial attributes, which could be used for conservation monitoring and evaluation as well as to help in resource management planning, With the increasing pressure on forests it has become important to focus the research effort which could eventually lead to a better management of our PAs.Item Aspects of ecology of Hangul (Cervus elephas hanglu) in Dachigam National Park, Kashmir, India.(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2006) Ahmad, Khursheed; Sathyakumar, S.; Qureshi, QamarThe Hangul or Kashmir Stag (Cervus elaphus hanglu) is a highly threatened species that has a restricted distribution confined to the Kashmir region. The Hangul is a one of the four eastern most subspecies of Red Deer of Europe (Cervus elaphus) and belongs to order Artiodactyla (even-toed animals) and family Cervidae or deer family. Compared to a very wide global distribution of Red deer, the Hangul has had a limited global distribution. Hangul were once distributed widely in the mountains of Kashmir in an arc of 40 Km extending from Karen in Kishenganga catchments in Bandipora over to Dorus in Lolab valley and Erin catchments in Bandipora to Chinab valley in Kishtwar. Some population of Hangul also occurred in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. However, during the recent past Hangul appears to have drastically declined from its past distribution range, possibly due to large scale biotic pressures owing to poaching, habitat fragmentation and degradation. At present the last surviving population of Hangul occurs only in 171 Km2 Dachigam National Park, although some relic populations also occur in the adjoining areas. The population of Hangul in Kashmir in 1900 was 3,000 and in 1947, there were 2,000 Hangul still surviving. But ten years later, the population got drastically reduced to about 400 individuals, and in 1970 Hangul population estimated was 140 - 170. The recent censuses carried out by the State Wildlife Protection Department in 2004 puts the Hangul population between 209-243 individuals. The most alarming threat to Hangul in Dachigam has been reported to be the excessive over grazing in the alpine meadows of Upper Dachigam by livestock including sheep and goat of the Government Sheep Breeding Farm located in Dachigam National Park. The past studies carried out in Dachigam National Park have shown that the range of Hangul In Dachigam National Park is restricted to Lower Dachigam with eastern boundaries at Gratnar, Waskhar and west of Dagwan. Keeping in view the given background and based on my preliminary surveys in in the first year of this study, the intensive study was carried out upto the above given boundaries of Lower Dachigam. There have been very little studies on Hangul compared to extensive studies carried out on its conspecifics Red Deer and Elk, and Himalayan Ungulates. There is still a lack of baseline information on the aspects of Hangul ecology prerequisite of its effective management and conservation planning. This stl1dy was as such initiated after a wildlife research gap of about 15 years in Kashmir valley in general and Dachigam in particular. This study was aimed at enhancing our scientific knowledge on the aspects of Hangul ecology such as population, habitat use and feeding ecology which are prerequisite of its effective long term management and conservation planning. During the study period (February 2001 to December 2004) a total of 693 surveys were carried out in these transects and survey blocks putting a total of 5668 km and 1839 hours effort, and a total of 326 Hangul sightings were recorded. All these Hangul sightings were recorded in lower Dachigam in an area of 41.20 km2 out of the total area of 171 Km2 of Dachigam National Park.Item 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.