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Item Monitoring of reintroduced Gaur (Bos gaurus gaurus) in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh Phase II Final report(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2014) Nigam, Parag; Habib, B.; Nasir, M.; Navaneethan, B.; Sankar, K.Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (BTR), located between the Vindhyas and the Eastern -- flanks of Satpura hill ranges in the Central India, supported a small population of gaur «40 individuals) till 1995. This population went locally extinct in 1998. Disruption of the migratory corridor between the forest of Bandhavgarh and Ghunghuti and Amarkantak was one of the factors attributed for the local extinction of gaur from Bandhavgarh. Even after the extinction of the gaur from the area, Bandhavgarh provided an excellent habitat for gaur. A proposal for reintroducing Gaur in BTR was initiated by the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department with support of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and & Beyond (previously known CC Africa). Gaur were reintroduced in Bandhavgarh form Kanha Tiger Reserve (KTR) in two phases with first batch of 19 individuals during January 2011 and second batch of 31 individuals during March 2012. Of the total of 50 individuals, 27 individuals were fitted with radio collars and monitored continuously. Monitoring of the reintroduced population was facilitated by the WII through a collaborative project titled "Monitoring of Reintroduced Gaur in Bandhavgarh - Phase I (2011-15)" The objectives of Phase I included studying the ranging pattern, habitat use and feeding habits of reintroduced gaur in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and provided newer insight into lesser known aspects of gaur biology, behavior and ecology. The present study (Phase II) was carried out from April 2015 to March 2018, covering all the seasons in a year. The objective of the Phase II were to study the ranging pattern, habitat use, feeding habits, health considerations and competition of reintroduced gaur with other ungulates (Chital, Sambar and Nilgai) and camp elephants. A total of four different gaur herds were identified based on the presence of radio collared individuals and physically identifiable attributes of select individuals to study the ranging pattern of reintroduced gaur. During the study period a total of 1277locations were recorded from identified herds (n=4). During October and November 2017 six individuals (two males and four females) were fitted with collar (TELONICS VHF transmitters) and intensively monitored. The obtained radio-locations were plotted in ArcGIS 10.1. Minimum Convex Polygon (100% MCP) and Fixed Kernel Density (50% & 95% KFD) method were used to calculate home range of different gaur herds along different seasons (summer, monsoon and winter).Item Monitoring of Re-introduced tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan - Phase II(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2018) Nigam, Parag; Habib, Bilal; Sankar, K.; Qureshi, Q.; Mandal, D.; Sengupta, D.; Malik, P.K.The reintroduction being an intensive process required timely scientific inputs. The Wildlife Institute of India was bestowed with a responsibility of monitoring the reintroduced population with support of the National Tiger Conservation Authority since reintroduction. The animals gradually settled in Sariska, however did not breed for the first four years probably due to high stress levels and lack of inviolate space (Sankar et aI., 2013). High stress levels among the reintroduced tigers was observed due to the prevailing disturbance in Sariska (Bhattacharjee et aI., 2013). The first record of animal breeding was of ST2 in 2012. Village relocation process to create inviolate space for tiger breeding was also initiated simultaneously. A total of 565 Gujjar pastoralist families were relocated from six villages. The reintroduced population was continuously monitored over the years as part of the collaborative initiative between Rajasthan Forest Department, Wildlife Institute of India and National Tiger Conservation Authority. The report of the Phase I (2008-13) and the extended period (2013-15) were duly submitted. The Phase II of the project was initiated in 2015 to primarily study the response of reintroduced tigers and their prey to village relocation efforts and to explore the future population management. The objective of the Phase II were as follows: i. To study the home range and dispersal patterns of the re-introduced tigers and cubs with respect to relocated villages ii. To assess the habitat use by the re-introduced tigers and cubs with respect to relocated villages iii. To study the food habits of the re-introduced tigers iv. To estimate the population of the prey species v. To suggest management recommendations for effective conservation of tigers in the Tiger Reserve The findings of the influence of village relocation on tiger and prey population, and future management scope have been provided in the Annual Progress Report (2015 -16). Findings on the ranging pattern of tigers, factors influencing breeding of tigers, diet, temporal activity, and an update on the age-sex pattern of the tiger population for active population management in Sariska were presented in the annual report (2016 - 17). Here, we summarize our project findings to formulate conservation strategies for long term survival of Sariska's tiger population.Item Ecological studies in Sariska tiger reserve, Rajasthan(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2009) Sankar, K.; Qureshi, Q.; Mondal, Krishnendu; Worah, T.; Srivastava, S.; Gupta, S.; Basu, S.The objectives of study are : 1. To address the distribution and status of tigers and co-predators. 2. To address the distribution and status of prey species. 3. To prepare vegetation and land cover map of Sariska TR. 4. To study the socio economic profile and resource dependency of local people in the notified national park area and 5. To identify potential areas for 'source' population and areas warranting restorative action for corridor connectivity to facilitate gene flow.Item Mapping of the protected area (PA) and surrounding areas in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2000) Sankar, K.; Qureshi, Q.; Mathur, V.B.; Mukherjee, S.K.; Areendran, G.; Pasha, M.K.S.In this study the task included the preparation of baseline maps of Pench tiger reserve and surrounding areas consisting of features relevant to PA management and ecodevelopment activities. The maps were digitized and incorporated in Geographical Information System (GIS) domain. As part of assignment the spatial database developed for the Pench tiger reserve has been installed in the PTR office at Seoni.Item Ecology of tigers in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2013) Sankar, K.; Qureshi, Q.; Jhala, Y.V.; Gopal, R.; Majumdar, Aniruddha; Basu, S.The present study aimed to map land use/land cover patterns and to assess spatial structure and configuration of landscape; structure and composition of vegetation types in landscape; and varies ecological aspects of tiger (Panthera tigris) in a tropical deciduous forest of Central India from 2005 to 2013. Prey species availability was estimated using line transect method in an intensive study areas of 410 sq km between January 2007 and June 2012.Item An Ecological assessment of Baan Ganga wetland, Uttaranchal(Uttaranchal Forest Department and Wildlife Institute of India, 2006) Rawat, G.S.; Pandav, Bivash; Mathur, V.B.; Sankar, K.; Hussain, S.A.; Adhikari, B.S.; Sinha, B.C.; Pandav, Bivash; Sivakumar, K.; Padalia, H.; Chaturvedi, R.K.; Babu, M.M.An Ecological Survey of Baan Ganga Wetlands in Haridwar Forest Division, Uttaranchal was conducted during January to November 2006 by a team of faculty and researchers from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Dehra Dun. The study components include rapid assessment of the flora, fauna (mammals, birds and fishes), water and soil quality of the area, mapping of the conservation reserve and designing of interpretive facility for the wetland. 2. Baan Ganga wetland represents a remnant Terai habitat in Uttranchal. Occurrence of endangered swamp deer and a variety of floral and faunal communities typical of Terai habitat amidst human dominated landscape warrants careful co-management approach. A total of 178 plant species were recorded from the Baan Ganga wetlands. Of these, 40 species were hydrophytic, 122 species semi-aquatic and 117 mesophytic. Detailed list of the flora along with their habitat and photographic records have been provided. 3. The survey area faces heavy anthropogenic pressures including heavy livestock grazing, fishing, pollution from the untreated sugar mill effluents, cutting and burning of natural vegetation and agricultural encroachment. Despite several pressures the area continues to attract a variety of wetland birds and has tremendous opportunity for developing a popular eco-tourist destination and thereby creating new opportunities in education, recreation, eco-tourism and research in the area. 4. Based on the rapid ecological surveys on various aspects, following major recommendations are given for the conservation and management of the Baan Ganga area: (i) Maintenance of stream flow all through the year (ii) Traditional fishing as in practice at preset may be continued (iii) Initiate a project to promote aquaculture (iv) Initiate conservation awareness programme for the local people especially about the adverse impact of pesticide use in the agriculture fields around the Baan Ganga. There should be a check on the release of effluents from the industries which are located on the upstream areas. Effluents must be treated before releasing into the natural system (v) Maintain heterogeneity in vegetation types. Aquatic weeds are required to be managed properly in year-wise plan. There should not be any construction along the banks of river which will change the hydrological system hence there will be change in the vegetation types. Cattle grazing needs to be regulated and a proper rotational grazing system needs to be implemented in consultation with the local communities (vi) Control of water hyacinth by utilizing this species as a compost / green manure (vii) Regulate exploitation of Phragmites and Typha and (viii) Develop an interpretation centre highlighting the biological and conservation significance of this area for development of eco-tourism.Item Ecology of Dhole (Cuon alpinus Pallas) in Central India(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2006) Acharya, Bhaskar B.; Johnsingh, A.J.T.; Sankar, K.The objectives of the project in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, were to estimate the seasonal abundance of dhole prey species, the diet of the dhole packs from their scats and kills, to determine patterns of habitat use and range sizes of dhole packs, to estimate temporal changes in size and composition of dhole packs, and the processes behind such changes, to screen captured dhole and other animals for diseases, and estimate the probability of contact with potential disease carriers, to devise standardised protocols for dhole population surveys and to estimate dhole population size for the Tiger Reserve.Item Comparison of tiger population estimated using non-invasive techniques of pugmark, camera trap and DNA based analysis of hair and scat in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve Phase II: Estimation of tiger population : Executive summary(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2012) Singh, R.; Pandey, P.; Saxena, L.; Qureshi, Q.; Sankar, K.; Goyal, S.P.Item Reintroduction of Gaur (Bos gaurus gaurus) in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2011) Sankar, K.Item Habitat ecology and conservation status of wild ungulates in Northern parts of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, Ladakh(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2011) Rawat, G.S.; Sankar, K.An ecological study on the wild ungulates was carried out in the northern parts of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, Ladakh during 2007 – 2009 with a view to ascertain the population status, distribution and habitat use pattern. The five species of sympatric ungulates found in this part of Trans-Himalaya include chiru or Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsoni), wild yak (Bos mutus), Tibetan argali (Ovis ammon), kiang (Equus kiang) and blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur). Specific objectives of the study were: (i) To study the population status and distribution of wild ungulates in northern parts of Changthang WLS, (ii) To study the habitat characteristics and habitat use by the ungulates, (iii) To identify the major threats and suggest conservation strategies, and (iv) To evolve protocol for monitoring wildlife populations in the study area. 2.The study area was located in the north and north-east of Pangong Tso covering Phobrang surrounds and Changchenmo Valley which vary in altitude from 4450 to 5800m asl. The entire landscape is spread over an area of >3100 km2. However, intensive study was conducted within <500 km2 around Phobrang and Changchenmo. The study area is characterized by cold arid environment with very sparse vegetation cover which can be categorized into moist and mixed meadows, desert steppe and scrub steppe. About 12% geographical area is covered by perpetual snow and glaciers, 1.6% area is represented by moist and marsh meadows and over 84% area is under sparsely vegetated desert steppe which is further divisible into various landscape units and habitat types. The study area is the only place within Indian territory where these five sympatric ungulates co-exist.3.Based on a reconnaissance trip we classified the study area into various strata. Field work was carried out during 2007 – 2009 covering two summer and one winter season. Line Transects and trail monitoring were followed for the collection of data on population structure, status and distribution of ungulates in various areas on seasonal basis. In each strata transects varying in length of 6-8 kms were walked. A total of 503 km were monitored in 42 trails, spending 249.85 hrs of observation. Data based on direct sightings and indirect evidences of ungulate species were recorded along transects in the survey blocks. Habitat parameters were quantified using standard methods. Conservation and management issues were identified based on primary and secondary data collected from the survey area.4.The study reveals that of the five species of sympatric ungulates, chiru and wild yak use only parts of Changchenmo Valley while remaining three species are found in both the areas. In Changchenmo Valley we estimate a population of 20 – 30 chiru, 110 – 120 wild yak, 125 – 150 kiang, 120 - 130 blue sheep and 35 – 50 Tibetan argali. Based on the past reports and present study we conclude that number of chiru population in Changchenmo Valley is on decline. Our study reveals that chiru males do use Changchenmo Valley during winter. For the first time, we report a new location of chiru i.e., Thratsang La in Changthang plateau.5.Blue sheep, being smallest of all the ungulates, selected steep and glaciated zones with short forbs and a few graminoids. Chiru males and wild yak were confined to eastern part of Changchenmo Valley, especially with higher cover of graminoids (Carex moorcroftii, Stipa purpurea, Leymus secalinus and Scirpus sp.). Kiang occupied most of the habitat categories except steep slopes and cliffs. Highest altitudes were used by blue sheep followed by wild yak, Tibetan argali, chiru and kiang. Kiang and argali showed preference for south facing slopes while other species used in proportion to availability.The major conservation issues in the study area include (i) Small and fragmented populations of threatened ungulates, (ii) Degradation of rangelands and loss of productivity, (iii) Possible genetic contamination of wild yak, (iv) Presence of feral dogs around security camps, (v) Lack of alternate livelihoods for the local people, (vi) Inadequate infra-structure and man power for the PA management. Appropriate recommendations to deal with above issues have been given.The study area is partly controlled by the Indian security personnel, who have taken keen interest in the conservation and monitoring of threatened wildlife in the area. A detailed monitoring protocol based on vehicle survey, on-foot patrol and animal observations from the fixed positions have been suggested.