Theses and Dissertations

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    Patterns and Determinants of mammalian assemblage in an Eastern Himalayan Landscape unit
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2025) Chackaravarthy, S. Deepan; Gopi, G.V.; Ramesh, K.
    This thesis presents a detailed investigation of the mammalian assemblage in a selected landscape unit in the Eastern Himalayan in the Far East region of Arunachal Pradesh. The selected landscape unit is located in a Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, with its mountain ranges are biogeographically well connected to the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. The study unit remains one of the least explored forests for mammalian species, except for a few prior expeditions. The unit is situated between two contiguous tiger reserves, The Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Namdhapa Tiger Reserve to the south, and the state’s largest wildlife sanctuary, the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary, to the north and the Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary to the west. The landscape units encomposses protected areas, including the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, and forest divisions of Lohit, Anjaw, Anini, and Namsai forest divisions. The terrain is rugged and hilly, traversed by various rivers and streams, which are the contributors to the river Brahmaputra. We conducted a reconnaissance survey to fulfil the objective of creating an inventory, and the resulting information guided the deployment of camera traps in locations optimal for effective photo capture of mammals. The objective of the study also examines the perception of the indigenous people towards mammalian, species. A questionnaire survey was conducted in and around the study unit, to assess the perception, which also provides information about species that are not directly captured in the camera-trap monitoring programme. The study documented several mammalian species in the selected landscape unit, with species, like tigers (Panthera tigris) and leopards (Panthera pardus), were reported from secondary sources and direct sightings. Dhole (Cuon alpinus), clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), and Asiatic golden cat (Catopuma temminckii) are the top predators recorded using camera traps. Certain species of conservation interest are also reported, such as Alpine musk deer (Moschus chrysogaster), Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens), and the recent past distribution of Wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee). This information adds additional credits for reintroduction programs in future. Both bear species, the Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus) and the Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus), are recorded in this study. The recently segregated species Gongshan Muntjac (Muntiacus gongshanensis) and data-deficient species like the Northern Tree Shrew (Tupaia belangeri) were also recorded during the study period. Though the study reported flying squirrels at taxa level the region is occupied by species that are listed as endangered and critically endangered. The Critically Endangered Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) was also recorded with one individual rescued during the study. The habitat suitability prediction for selected species, both at a regional scale and at the landscape unit level provided valuable insights for conservation and management. The analysis using time-stamped camera-trap images shows that the interaction of Dhole and Yellow-Throated Martens with prey is high, possibly due to the lower density of higher Felids. The activity pattern of the Mishmi Takin (Budorcas taxicolor taxicolor) offered valuable and additional information about the migratory species which moves across habitats and elevations seasonally. The questionnaire survey on the people’s perception revealed that the people’s cultural connectedness to the wilderness remains strong. A community-based participatory approach should be developed in this region to enhance conservation practices. The study also identified an increasing trend of negative interaction with species such as the dhole (Cuon alpinus) and crop damage caused by the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) recorded through indirect evidence. Additionally, there are also two least studied rodents: The Asiatic brush-tailed porcupine (Atherurus macrourus) and the Indian crested porcupine (Hystrix indica), which was noted to requiring further studies on their ecological role in the region. There have been discoveries of new species very recently in this region, underscores the need for a deeper understanding of species distribution in this region. In a landscape where people are deeply connected to culture, tradition and beliefs, there needs to be an inclusive approach for further exploration. A significant proportion of respondents indicated that cultural beliefs and traditional rights interlink with species protection in the region. A successful transfer of knowledge either the stratified sampling of communities and citizens to ensure that only those most apt to conduct science are invited to participate (Fernandez-Gimenez, 2008). It deals with the General Introduction about the study and its objectives. It deals with the description of the study area. It describes the basic Inventory of mammals, which is one of the core findings of the study. It focuses on the suitable habitat modelling of select mammal species recorded in the study unit. It examines the Diel activity pattern, temporal activity overlap, and spatial co-occurrence of mammal species in the study unit, serving as a representation of the species activity patterns in Eastern Arunachal Pradesh. It explores the perception of people on mammalian conservation in the landscape unit, based on a questionnaire survey.
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    Diversity and distribution of Moth Assemblages Along Altitudinal Gradient in Gangotri Landscape, India
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2015) Sanyal, Abesh Kumar; Uniyal, V.P.
    This study intends to document the extent of moth assemblages that exist amongst various habitats in a typical Western Himalayan altitudinal gradient in Gangotri Landscape Area (GLA). In this study, using the elevation gradient as natural experiment, the faunal structure and diversity of the moth assemblage featuring all the major macro and micromoth families as well as relationships between moths and their biotic and abiotic environments were explored. Specific objectives of the study were: (1) Documenting and prepare taxonomic inventory of rich moth fauna of Gangotri Landscape Area; (2) To assess diversity and distribution of moth assemblages among different elevations and vegetation types of Gangotri Landscape; (3) To analyze the influence of altitude, seasons, vegetation types and anthropogenic disturbance factors on moth assemblages; (4) To investigate morphometric changes (body size and proportional body parts) in moths along altitudinal gradient. The study was conducted in Gangotri Landscape Area (GLA), a vast conservation network in the North-Western part of Uttarakhand, in district Uttarkashi. A total of 670 morphospecies belonging to 22 families and 356 genera were collected during entire sampling period from 2008-2012. This study is an important step towards better understanding of a long-neglected but diverse and charismatic herbivorous insect assemblage in Himalayan temperate altitudinal gradient.
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    Patterns of Mammalian assemblages in forested riverscape in Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, the Northern Western Ghats, India.
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) Jelil, Shah Nawaz; Ramesh; Hayward, Matt W.
    This study deals with understanding mammal abundance and habitat status in an altered watershed, a dammed river that now forms a part of the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, in the northern Western Ghats, Maharashtra, India. Study aimed to understand habitat status and mammal abundance along the stream network within upstream Koyna Reservoir, 55 years after its construction. By doing this, I aimed to understand and draw conclusions on generally how reservoirs are functioning as protected areas. This study is particularly relevant and important for the threatened and unique landscapes of the Western Ghats. A systematic conservation prioritization analysis was conducted to assess which areas within Koyna should be prioritized for effective allocation of management resources. Overall, using robust modelling approaches, the thesis reports about the present status of riparian forests and mammals using these riparian areas in Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary.
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    Diversity of spider assemblages in sacred groves of Ratnagiri, Maharashtra: Implications for conservation management in the landscape.
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2016) Patil, Vinayak K.; Uniyal, V.P.; Trivedi, Mukul
    The present study was conducted in Dapoli Taluka of Ratnagiri district in maharashtra with the objectives was to comprehensively document the sacred groves in the study area because it is a high concentration sacred groves region but very little documentation has been done so far. The other objective was to explore the spider diversity in sacred groves and compare it with some other habitats in the study area. These habitats included, reserved forests, mango orchards and cashew orchards. Lastly it was sought to find out if the habitats, seasonality, disturbance etc. had any influence on the diversity and composition of spider assemblages in the study sites.
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    Diversity and rarity in avifaunal assemblages in the western Himalaya: A study of patterns and mechanisms.
    (Wildlife Institute of India, 2006) Raza, Rashid H.; Mathur, V.B.; Gaston, Kevin J.
    This study focuses on patterns of diversity and rarity in the avifaunalassemblages of the Western Himalaya. It attempts to find patterns at a regional scale using a secondary database and through field studies at landscape scales at two intensive study sites, Kedarnath area and Goriganga valley in Uttaranchal. The study adopts a macroecological approach in arriving at statistical generalizations emerging from the analyses of distribution and abundance patterns of birds along the altitudinal gradient. The study identifies key patterns of composition, species abundances and species diversity seen in the Western Himalayas and attempts to understand some of the mechanisms associated with these patterns.
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    Ecology and Migratory patterns of the Golden Mahseer, Top Putitora (Hamilton,1822), in Western Himalayas using Radio Telemetry Techniques
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2023) Dhawan, Bhawana; Johnson, J.A.; Sivakumar, K.
    This work is one of the most important and iconic freshwater fish species, golden mahseer Tor putitora (Hamilton, 1822), that provides crucial insights into the assemblage structure, food and space resource of the species, habitat ecology, life-history characteristics and movement ecology of the species. This study is the detailed study of any freshwater fish species in which movement patterns in the streams have been studied using radio telemetry techniques in the Himalayan streams.
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    The Effect of Land-use Changes on Odonate Assemblages in the Central Western Ghats
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Gowda, H.N. Rakshit; Gautam, Ritesh; Johnson, J.A.
    Odonata, the only apex insect predator in both terrestrial and aquatic life forms, are widely used as biological indicators of the health of aquatic ecosystems across the globe. The Riparian land uses such as commercial plantations negatively impact the Odonata assemblages, causing the homogenisation of habitats with generalist species and the extinction of specialist species. These land uses affect the riparian vegetation, habitat structure, and water quality parameters, which are crucial for Odonates to complete their life cycle. To understand the impact of commercial plantations on stream-associated Odonata assemblages at the sub-order level, three treatments comprising a combination of forest and areca plantations on either bank of streams were selected. The habitat variables, such as ambient temperature and canopy cover, along with stream parameters like flow and water quality parameters such as pH and water temperature, significantly influenced the Odonate assemblages. The sub-orders, Dragonflies and Damselflies, differed in their response to altered (Areca plantations and plantation-forest edge) and preserved sites (forested sites). These outcomes highlight the importance of the dependency of Odonata on particular sets of variables and the consideration of suborders of Odonata separately as indicator groups for the quality of aquatic ecosystems.
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    Species Assemblage and Differential Basking Habitat Use of Freshwater Turtles in a Gradient of Mahanadi Riverine Ecosystem, Orissa
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2009) Jani, Chandan; Choudhury, B.C.; Sivakumar, K.
    Of the seven species of turtles recorded in the Mahanadi River, this study recorded five species of freshwater turtles between Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary and Khakadi (Near Cuttack city) during November 2008 to April 2009. Of these five species, four were softshell turtles (Nilssonia gangeticus, Nilssonia hurum, Chura indica, Lissemys punctata) and one was hardshell (Pangshura tentoria). Relative abundance in terms of mean number of individuals sighted per kilometre was estimated. The results showed that Pangshura tentoria was most abundant and was recorded over all the sampling zones, followed by Nilssonia gangetic vs Nilssonia hurum and Chitra indica. The latter three were not distributed as commonly as the former. Lissemys punctata was not included in the report as the species never sighted during the sampling secession. However, the species was found to get captured in incidental fish catch during the study period. The low abundance of Chitra indica and Nilssonia hurum might be due to degradation of their habitats. These two species are known to refer undisturbed and wider river stretches which are diminishing in the Mahanadi River. The habitats of the river stretch between Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary and Kakhadi varied significantly and thus, explaining the variation in the species richness as well as abundance. The major habitat variables, which have highly influenced the turtle abundance were river flow, river width and river bank characteristics. Highest abundance of species was found in the non-riparian flow zones and river stretches with rocky and sandy banks, where the habitat heterogeneity was greater. These two sampling zones also experienced the least anthropogenic pressures. Choice in habitat use for basking in turtles was also observed. The choice of the habitat varied between species. Nilssonia gangetic and Nilssonia hurum preferred areas which had greater river bank width with shallow water near the bank. Chitra indica preferred areas where both river depth and river width were higher whereas bank slope, river slope, ground cover, alternative basking substrate and immediate water depth was lower. Pangshura tentoria preferred areas with greater river and bank slope along with greater availability of alternative basking substrate and greater immediate water depth. On the other hand they also preferred the habitat more close to the river with lower bank width and moderate river depth and moderate river width. Major threats to turtles in the Mahanadi river (sampling zones) are due to anthropogenic pressure and habitat degradation. Some of the threats were found to be consistent over the sampling zones. The study shows that Pangshura tentoria was highly tolerant to all prevailing threats in the Mahanadi river but, Nilssonia hurum and Chitra indica were adversely affected by these threats all along the river. This study found that there was a negative correlation between the turtle abundance and presence of threats such as sand mining, pump house, fishing and pollution. Sand mining adversely affected the basking habitat of most of the turtle species. Pump houses were largely avoided by the turtles which may be due to the vibrations or noise created at these stations. Unintentional by-catch of turtles during fishing was also observed especially in the braided flow zones and inundated static flow zones of the Mahanadi river. Sand mining and fishing are identified as the major threats to the turtles in the Mahanadi river, which should be monitored and regulated. Sand mining should not be allowed during the breeding season of the turtles especially in the area of Non riperian flow zone and braided flow zone. These two sampling zones were identified as the Important Turtles Areas (ITAs) in the Mahanadi River. Alternate livelihood options should be identified and implemented in order to reduce people's dependency on fishing in this region. Nature education and awareness programme clearly addressing the reason for declining of turtles and their habitat in the Mahanadi river needs to be launched.