Theses and Dissertations
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Item Proximate drivers of human-tiger interface and conflict in Sariska and Panna Tiger Reserves, India.(wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Malviya, Majari; Ramesh, K.; Sankar, K.Human-wildlife conflict poses the most complex challenge to achieving ‘coexistence’. It has resulted in the decline of many species globally. Tigers are one of the three most conflict-prone large-bodied felids in the world. In some of its range states, about 50% of tiger deaths have reportedly occurred due to retaliatory killing by humans in response to domestic cattle depredation. Because of the implications of human-tiger conflict (HTC) on the persistence of tiger especially in human-dominated landscapes, management of HTC is of great conservation importance. However, efficient management steps can only be taken when the reasons for conflict are exposed. For this purpose, we need to identify and understand the factors operating in a conflict that determines its occurrence in a certain place and certain time i.e., the drivers of HTC. This study thus introduces an analytical framework, the conflict determinant model, to study human-carnivore conflict aimed at identifying various socio-ecological factors linked with conflict and model these factors to understand the mechanism and dynamics of HTC in the two study sites, viz. Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR), Rajasthan and Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR), Madhya Pradesh, India, with the goal to help design effective mitigation measures. To identify ecological drivers of HTC, data was collected on key habitat parameters for tigers i.e., prey, cover, water, and anthropogenic disturbance using line transect, circular plots, camera traps, and GIS. Additionally, to identify biological drivers, data on biological parameters of the tigers involved in conflict, viz. ID, sex, age, home range, and physiological stress were also collectedItem Geospatial modelling of ungulate-habitat relationship in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve(2008) Paliwal, Ambika; Mathur, V.B.The present study is an amalgamation of ecological theory, scientific technology and modern statistical modeling. It provides a sound basis for effective management of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve TATR including preparation of science based management plans. the study aims to map landuse/landcover patterns and to assess spatial structure and configuration of landscape; structure and composition of vegetation types in landscape; spatial and ecological distribution of ungulate species in response to seasons and management status and habitat suitability and site occupancy using spatially explicit ungulate-habitat model. The study was carried out in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR). It lies in civil district of Chandrapur, eastern edge of Maharashtra. Field work was carried out between February 2005 and January 2007.Item 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 vasicaItem Ecology of the Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) in Kachchh, Gujarat, with reference to resource selection in an agro-pastoral landscape.(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Dutta, Sutirtha; Jhala, Y.V.; Rahmani, Asad R.The Great Indian Bustard is an obligate grassland bird endemic to this region with a global population of only about 300 birds. Present study is based on Species's status, resource selection, behavioual aspects and socio-ecological context to reformate viable bustard conservation strategies. The study was conducted during 2007-11 in SW Kachchh (Gujarat, India)Item Assessment of landscape patterns for modeling habitat suitability for lions and prey species in Gir Protected Area, Gujarat.(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Basu, Parabita; Qureshi, Qamar; Jhala, Y.V.Conservation of ‘source’ alone may not be a sufficient strategy to ensure long term persistence of lions; rather it is enhanced by maintaining connectivity among different populations so as to permit lion movement across human-dominated areas. However, the traditional land-use patterns within Gir landscape is changing at an alarming rate mainly as a result of agricultural expansion, urbanization and industrialization. In this scenario, I attempt to (1) Examine the distribution of suitable lion habitat in Saurashtra, especially in areas outside of protected area to assess the potential of the landscape for supporting an increasing lion population, (2) Identify functional corridors joining Gir and Girnar protected area with suggested management interventions, necessary for safeguarding the corridor, (3) Evaluate the current landscape architecture of Gir PA and its surroundings (4) Assess the rate of change in land use and vegetation patterns within Gir PA, (5) Develop habitat suitability models at different spatial scales for lions and its principal prey species.Item Ecology and management of the alpine landscape in the Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim, Himalaya(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2007) Tambe, Sandeep; Rawat, G.S.In Sikkim the villagers practice a mixed livelihood strategy earning their income from agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry. Livestock such as yak, cow, sheep, horse, buffalo and goats are grazed in the forests and alpine meadows of the state. During the beginning of the 20th century the forests of the state were demarcated and the Khasmahal and Goucharan forests were specifically set aside to meet the fodder and firewood demands of the villagers. The The genesis of this study lies in this conflict, wherein it was realized that a sound understanding of the ecology of the alpine meadows and pastoralism was needed to ensure effective management of these unique and fragile environments. It is with this objective that the present research study titled “Ecology and Management of Alpine Landscape in the Khangchendzonga National Park, Sikkim Himalaya” was initiated in 2004 which would evolve a long term conservation plan for the alpine zone of KNP. The study spans over a large spatial scale covering all the major watersheds of KNP and aims to bridge the knowledge gaps related to structure and composition of the alpine vegetation, alpine landscape characterization, sustainability of pastoralism, conservation strategy and co-management experiments. The purpose of the study is to provide a scientific basis for the long term conservation and sustainable and equitable use of the resources of the alpine zone of KNP to promote sustainable development in the state. The significance of the study is based in its ability to contribute in the formulation of a conservation plan for the alpine zone of KNP and a rational pastoral policy for the Sikkim Himalaya.Item Ecology of Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) with special reference to human-sun bear conflict in and around Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh(wildlife Institute of India, 2013) Sethy, Janmejay; Chauhan, N.P.S.The status and distribution of sun bear was studied in Chandel and Ukhrul districts of Manipur, and also information on human-sun bear conflict and conservation threats was collected. Recently a study conducted in different protected areas in Arunachal Pradesh has also confirmed the presence of sun bear. This in-depth systematic scientific research on ecology of sun bear has been undertaken for the first time in and around Namdapha Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh. This will help develop an action plan for conservation and management of sun bear and also to mitigate the human-sun bear conflict effectively on long term basis. This is the first study in India to study the status and distribution of sun bear based on direct and indirect evidences in Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh. From 2008 to 2010, field surveys were carried out to know the occurrence and distribution of sun bears. In addition to direct sightings and indirect evidences, information on occurrence of crop raids in different jhuming areas was also collected and also provides suggestions for mitigation of human-sun bear conflict, and recommendations for long term conservation of sun bear population.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 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.Item 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.