Theses and Dissertations

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    Heat Hardening and the Influence of Thermal Heterogeneity of Habitat on Aboveground Activity in Spiny-tailed Lizard (Saara hardwickii)
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Vassa, Chirag Nimish; Dutta, Sutirtha; Kher, Varun
    Human induced climate change has challenged the persistence of many organisms at different biotic levels and alter their interaction with the environment. Ectotherms are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic climate change due to their reliance on external environment for various life history traits. Thermoregulatory behaviour is often used by many ectotherms especially reptiles to regulate their body temperature and will be crucial in imminent future with intensification of climate change. Although behavioural thermoregulation is widely studied, but studies looking at influence of thermal heterogeneity of a habitat on aboveground activity is limited. Moreover, with escalation in global warming ectotherms might have to rely on another mechanism in addition to thermoregulatory behaviour to combat the effect. One such physiological mechanism is heat hardening a quick response to thermal tolerance that temporarily enhances thermal tolerance, allowing lizards to withstand greater temperatures for a short period. Despite its importance very limited data is available for heat hardening capacity in reptiles. This study examined the influence of thermal heterogeneity of a habitat on aboveground activity in spiny-tailed lizard (Saara hardwickii) and assessed their heat hardening capacity. Additionally, trade-off hypothesis was also tested which has been recently proposed to explain the dynamics of thermal tolerance plasticity. I found positive influence of habitat heterogeneity on aboveground activity of the lizard. However, individuals in both the conditions spent similar amount of time in different behaviours. With respect to phenotypic plasticity i.e. heat hardening, I did not find any evidence of thermal tolerance plasticity during my experimental trials but few individuals did show increased thermal tolerance implying intraspecific variation. Additionally, the results from heat hardening experiments found no support for trade-off hypothesis. My study underscores the importance of habitat heterogeneity for species like spiny-tailed lizard which thrives in extreme temperatures. Furthermore, Lack of phenotypic plasticity in thermal tolerance increases it’s risks to overheating and dependency on behavioural thermoregulation.
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    Spatial and Temporal Overlap of Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) and Cattle (Bos taurus) and Its Implications for Parasite Burden and Prevalence
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Singh, Surya Pratap; Kawlni, Lallianpui; Kolipakam, Vishnupriya; Sadhu, Ayan
    Humans have depended on domesticated animals and plants since the origin of agriculture, and forests and grasslands have provided essential resources such as grazing and forest products. But there is greater overlap today between livestock and wildlife as a result of greater deforestation and growing human activity, and this has implications for the transmission of disease at these interfaces. In this dissertation, the impacts of spatial overlap, environmental variables, and animal behavior are investigated for their influence on patterns and drivers of gastrointestinal parasite load in nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) and cattle, a commensal wild ungulate of the Indian peninsula. During December 2024 to March 2025, the study was conducted in the Darra enclosure of Mukundra Hill National Park. In addition to spatial information regarding animal locations with respect to villages, water points, and livestock distribution, field measurements were collected on parasitic burden, which was expressed as eggs per gram (EPG) in fecal samples. The research attempted to determine the impacts of spatial overlap among livestock and wildlife and proximity to these attributes on parasite intensity and prevalence. Statistical tests revealed no substantial relationship between the parasitic load of cattle and their proximity to villages or water points, contrary to preliminary hypotheses. All individuals sampled carried high EPG values consistently, revealing an overall parasite burden. Widespread parasite exposure regardless of spatial gradients due to common grazing, minimal pasture rotation, and homogenous environmental conditions are most likely the primary reasons for such a pattern. The research explored whether temporal and spatial coincidences with livestock, in this case cattle, can be channels of parasite transmission for nilgai. The findings indicate that the impact of spatial proximity can be overcome by aggregating at shared resources and chronic exposure to soiled environments and that it consistently yields high infection rates in domestic and wild ungulates. These results underscore the importance of considering environmental context, grazing management, and animal behavior when designing parasite control strategies. Instead of simply considering physical distance to villages or water sources, interventions taking into account pasture management and resource allocation may be more effective. The research presents valuable information for the prevention of disease, management of wildlife, and conservation of India's domestic and wild ungulates.
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    Status, habitat use and factors affecting breeding waterbirds of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, Ladakh (India).
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2020) Mahar, Neeraj
    Tourism has evolved as an alternative livelihood for the local people and has reduced their direct dependencies on natural resources and perhaps indirectly contributed towards nature conservation. However, unregulated tourism activities have led to degradation of natural systems and increased the ecological vulnerabilities of local communities. Often, tourism and other developmental activities related disturbances collide with the peak season for several biological processes and affect the ability of natural system to revive and restore itself. In case of waterbirds these disturbance affect the breeding success. Other than anthropogenic activities, domestic dogs, apparently the most abundant carnivores in the world, pose a major threat to local wildlife. Recent studies have determined waterbirds as an important part of their diet. The existing literature clearly suggested that there was a huge information gap regarding Trans-Himalayan wetlands and their avifaunal characteristics. Previous studies were either site specific or species-specific, and thus, landscape level base line data was either scanty or unavailable. The Trans-Himalayan wetlands of India are increasingly under anthropogenic stress which is affecting their ecological structure and functions, especially the breeding birds. Blacknecked crane (BNC) is one of the flagship species of these wetlands. With the above background, I decided to study and understand their ecology and major threats faced by waterbirds and wetlands of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary (CWLS). The objectives for this work were to (1) assess the population status and habitat use by waterbirds, (2)evaluate the factors affecting the breeding waterbirds, and (3) assess change in the wetland area.
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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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    Patterns of structural and functional attributes of alpine meadows of temporal scale in Tungnath, Western Himalaya
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2023) Kumar, Rahul
    The present study was carried out to understand the temporal changes in structural (richness, diversity, of alpine communities, above and belowground biomass, net biomass accumulation/productivity, and carbon density) and functional attributes (Phenology of species recorded) of different alpine plant communities of alpine meadows. This research work has not only generated information on baseline ecological characteristics of species and communities but also provides valuable management implications. The study is summarized in the following paragraphs. The major objectives of the study are: 1. To study temporal changes in composition, structure, and functional attributes across various herbaceous communities, 2. To study the phenological patterns of dominant plant species across various communities in relation to abiotic parameters (rainfall/snowfall and temperature), 3. To assess the patterns of biomass production, carbon storage and sequestration in various communities and temporal dynamics of soil nutrients The study was carried out in Tungnath region of Western Himalaya which lies on outer fringe of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary in the upper catchment of the river Mandakini, a major tributary of the Alaknanda, which finally join the river Ganga at Devprayag. Climate change particularly endangers organisms with fragmented habitat distribution, especially those with narrow ecological ranges, which may lead to extinction. Cold-adapted species are especially vulnerable in high alpine meadows due to rapid warming, potentially exceeding their adaptive capacity. The alpine zone covers 9 % of the total area in Greater Himalaya. In Uttarakhand, there are 5 protected areas encompassing alpine region namely Nandadevi National Park (NP), Valley of Flowers NP, Govind Pashu Vihar NP, and Wildlife Sanctuary (WS), Kedarnath WS and Askot WS of which except Nandadevi NP and Valley of Flowers NP, others are heavily exploited leading to habitat degradation. Exploitative practices such as unsustainable pastoralism, excessive extraction of medicinal plants, pilgrimage pressure, and poorly planned developmental projects are major challenges faced by alpine ecosystems in the Greater Himalaya. Therefore, it is crucial to understand species and community ecology to identify stress mechanisms and develop effective conservation strategies in Greater Himalaya. Numerous studies have shown correlations between temperature, precipitation, productivity, plant interactions, spatial patterns, and species richness in alpine ecosystems outside of the Himalayas. However, knowledge about the Himalayan alpine regions is limited due to their micro-topographic variations, altitudinal gradient, temperature range, and precipitation patterns, which make it challenging to isolate specific variables responsible for environmental-species relationships. These issues can lead to smaller population sizes, habitat degradation, and local extinctions, putting immense stress on alpine meadows. To address these challenges and conserve alpine meadows, it is essential to study sustainable land use practices adopted by local communities and develop conservation plans tailored to specific sites and species.
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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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    Assessing the potential role of Coleoptera (Insecta) as bioindicators in Simbalbara Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2009) Bhargav, Vinay; Uniyal, V.P.
    In this study the suitability of select beetle families as bioindicators to monitor human influence on forest ecosystems was undertaken. Beetles have been used in forest ecosystems where their species number and/or abundances change along a habitat disturbance gradient; a common trend being that large, poorly dispersing specialist species decrease with increased disturbance while small generalist species with good dispersal ability increase. The purpose of this research work is to find out the status of beetles in a biogeographically significant area of Simbalbara Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh in Shivalik Himalaya in north western India; and to assess their potential role to assess the human influence on forest ecosystem on a more local scale. Further, patterns of species biodiversity, taxonomy, and their suitability as bioindicator were explored using a set of standard methods and ecological indexes. The set of methods and indexes used in this work is similar in many ways to the measures used or proposed elsewhere; but the objective is to determine the suitability and application of bioindicators for monitoring and inventorying study at a local scale
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    A study on water bird population and human use of Hokersar and Hygam wetlands of Kashmir valley for conservation planning
    (2009) Hamid, Fozia; Hussain, S.A.
    The primary focus of this study was to evaluate the landscape composition and describe the floristic communities; assess the waterbird abundance and its spatio-temporal variation. The study also examined the resource dependence of local communities and their conservation attitudes towards these wetlands. The objectives were set forth: Map the habitat types with respect to water depth and vegetation characteristics of Hokersar and Hygam wetlands of Jammu & Kashmir. Derive spatio-temporal variation in the density and diversity pattern of waterbirds in these wetlands. iv Examine the seasonal pattern of use of these two wetlands by migratory and resident waterbirds. Examine the extent of use of these wetlands by the local people and their perception and attitude towards these wetlands. The field work was done during July to October 2004; mid-winter (December - January, 2004-2005); post-winter/ spring (February - April, 2005); summer (July - August, 2005), from June to October, 2006 and from June to October 2007. A structured questionnaire was designed and employed to obtain information on socio-economic parameters and vi dependence on wetland resources. The findings of this study indicate a difference in landscape structure between two wetlands. The pattern of land use - land cover between two landscapes shows that the extent of marshy areas was more in Hokersar wetland landscape (35.65%) than Hygam landscape (22.26%).
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    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, Sas
    The 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.
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    The ecology and conservation of ungulates in Great Himalayan National Park, Western Himalaya.
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 1999) Vinod, T.R.; Rawat, G.S.
    Ungulates form a major component of the mammalian fauna in the Himalaya. In total, 19 ungulate species belonging to four families viz., Moschidae, Cervidae, Bovidae and Equidae, inhabit the Himalaya, out of which eight species are reported from the state of Himachal Pradesh (HP). Apart from some surveys and short term ecological studies on a few ungulate species of Western Himalaya, there has been no detailed study on ungulates of HP except for Himalayan ibex (Capra ibex sibirica). The available literature highlights the difficulties of studying rare and/ or elusive ungulates in Himalayan condition. Long term study on the ecology of theses' species are needed for the conservation and monitoring. Present study on the ecology and conservation of ungulates namely goral (Nemorhaedus qoral), Himalayan musk deer (Moschus chrvsogaster), Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus), in Great Himalayan National Park, Kullu district, HP, was conducted from January 1996 to November 1998. An intensive study area of ca. 90 km2 was selected in the South-western region of. the Park, which represents various ecological zones of the Park. The objectives of the study were (i) to estimate the abundance and density of goral, Himalayan musk deer & Himalayan tahr in relation to human use, (ii) to determine the group size. composition & sex ratio of these animals. (iii) to study the habitat use pattern and (iv) to identify and discuss conservation issues. mitigation measures and to develop a long term' monitoring programme. In this study an attemp has been made to estimate the abundance and density of major ungulates viz, goral, Himalayan musk deer and Himalayan tahr