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Item Biodiversity assessment with emphasis on select faunal groups in the Hasdeo Arand Coal Field, Chhattisgarh(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2021) WIIIn India, the coal reserves predominantly occur in the Gondwana sediments of the East Central region in the states of Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and parts of West Bengal. The Hasdeo - Arand coal fields comprising of Tara, Parsa, Parsa East & Kente Basan (PEKB), and Kente Extension (collectively known as HACF henceforth in the report) in Chhattisgarh is one of the identified coal-bearing areas. More than 80% of the HACF and the landscape surrounding it is forested. The coal blocks demarcated HACF and the landscape surrounding it mostly occur in the forests. The Ministry of Forests and Climate Change, Government of India under section 2 (ii) of Forest Conservation Act vide F.Bo.8-31/21 O-FC dated 6th July 2011 granted in-principle (Stage I) forest clearance for diversion of 1898.328 hectares of forest land in Parsa East and Kante Besan captive coal block (PEKB coal block) situated in Surguja Forest Division. This approval was given despite the FAC recommending to reject this proposal in FAC meeting dated 23rd June 2011. Subsequently, the Stage II final forest clearance was granted by Government of India vide MoEF&CC's letter no 8-31 /2010/FC dated 15th March 2012. Aggrieved by the clearance granted by the MoEF&CC, an appeal no 73 of 2012 (Sudiep Shrivastava Vs Union of India Ors) was filed in the Hon'ble National Green Tribunal (NGT) principal bench in Delhi. The Hon'ble NGT pronounced its judgement on 24th March, 2014 directing MoEF&CC to seek a fresh advisory from the FAC with emphasis on seeking answers to the following questions: (reproduced from the order) - (i) What type of flora and fauna in terms of bio-diversity and forest cover existed as on the date of the proposal in PEKB Coal Blocks in question. (ii) is/was the PEKB Coal Blocks habitat to endemic or endangered species of flora and fauna. (iii) Whether the migratory route/corridor of any wild animal particularly, elephant passes through the area in question and, if yes, its need. (iv) Whether the area of PEKB Block has that significant conservation/protection value so much so that the area cannot be compromised for coal mining with appropriate conservation/management strategies. (v) What is their opinion about opening the PEKB Coal Blocks for mining as per the sequential mining and reclamation method proposed as well as the efficacy of the translocation of the tree vis-a-vis the gestation period for regeneration of the flora (vi) What is their opinion about the Wildlife Management plan finally prescribed. (vii) What conditions and restriction do they propose on the mining in question, if they favour such mining? The judgement granted liberty to FAC to get expert opinion/specialized knowledge/advice from authoritative sources such as Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (lCFRE), Dehradun or Wildlife Institute of India (WII). This judgement of the Hon'ble NGT and stage-I clearance granted for prospecting over 1745.883 hectares of forest land of Kente Extension coal block for exploration of coal reserves vide MoEF&CC letter No. F.No 8-46/2017 -FC dated 19th December 2017 impose a condition that a biodiversity assessment study for entire HACF would be conducted by the State Government of Chhattisgarh through ICFRE, Dehradun in consultation with the WII. The condition is reproduced for reference: "(ii) A biodiversity assessment study is to be conducted by the state government through ICFRE, Dehradun in consultation with the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun for the whole Hasdeo Arand coal field comprising of Tara, Parsa, Parsa East, kante to be funded by M/s Rajashthan Rajya Vidyut ll Page Utpadan Nigam Limited (RRVUNL). The study is to be awarded by the state Government by associating the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) Dehradun or Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and integrated wildlife management plan (IWMP) will be prepared and conservation area will be identified and mitigation measures will be recommended by the expert committee. The cost of the study and cost of implementation of the recommendations shall be borne by the Mis Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RRVUNL). The report will be submitted within two years". The main objectives of the biodiversity assessment that ICFRE and WII would jointly focus include: a. Provide details of flora & fauna with special reference to endemic threatened species reported from the study area b. Describe the habitat for such endemic/threatened species and identify likely threats for conservation c. Details of migratory route corridor critical areas for wildlife species especially umbrella species like elephants and tigers d. Document socio-economic values of the affected area vis-a-vis biodiversity values e. Consult with forest department officials, local communities in HACF and f. Identification of conservation areas within HACF Consequently, the biodiversity assessment focusing on faunal aspects of HACF was carried out by WII with ICFRE as the nodal agency for the overall assessment. The biodiversity assessment focusing on faunal aspects carried out by WII in the HACF and the landscape surrounding it using on-foot sign surveys and camera trap surveys (for mammalian baselineassessment); transect surveys (for avifaunal baseline assessment), ad libitum sampling for Herpetofaunain conjunction with secondary data and information obtained from Chhattisgarh Forest Department andthe village interview surveys established the ecological baseline information on faunal biodiversity. It isenvisaged in the ToR that impact assessment would be done for the Hasdeo-Arand coal fieldcomprising of Parsa, Parsa East & Kente Basan (PEKB), Tara Central and Kente Extension coal blocks. Of the four coal blocks mentioned, only PEKB is currently operational. Therefore, Wil's impact assessment (Chapter-7), mitigation of impacts (Chapter-S) and preparation of biodiversity conservation and management plan (Chapter-g) focuses on PEKB coal block. Nevertheless, landscape-level suggestions for managing wildlife in HACF and the landscape surrounding it have been detailed in the report. Opencast mining and associated developmental activities in forested habitats could potentially affect a variety of taxonomic groups. Nevertheless, measurement of every aspect of biodiversity in forested landscapes that span several hundred squares kilometers of mosaic habitats in a short period of time is seldom easy. In order to overcome this constraint, short-cut approaches that focus on monitoring large mammal populations, which serve as keystone, flagship or umbrella species have been advocated. As biodiversity assessment, impact assessment and mitigation strategies are to be studied at a landscape level, this study emphasized specially on the "umbrella species concept". The umbrella species concept is a globally accepted concept wherein conservation efforts targeted for a well -chosen representative species can confer a protective umbrella to numerous other co-occurring species in the landscape. Asian elephant and tigers serve as umbrella species in the tropical forested landscapes. Both tigers and elephants are long ranging and have specific ecological needs. Understanding the ecological requirements of these species can augur well for all other species found in the landscape.The results of the assessment show that HACF and the landscape surrounding it is rich in fauna. The HACF and landscape surrounding it supports over 25 species of mammals. The mammals of the Order Chiroptera and Rodentia (except for Ratufa indica that is included in the list) were not surveyed as that would require a long term duration and thus, the number of species reported in the assessment is best considered minimal. Among the mammal species recorded the Hasdeo - Arand area, nine species are listed in the Schedule - I, which are accorded the highest level of legal protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Mammalian species diversity includes threatened large carnivores like common leopard, Indian grey wolf, striped hyena, sloth bear, and others that appears to be widely distributed as evidenced by camera trap captures as well as detections during sign surveys. The Hasdeo Arand area is spread across three districts, viz. Surguja, Surajpur and Korba. The Korba district has two Forest Divisions (FD) viz. Korba FD and Katghora FD. The Korba FD had reported occurrence of tigers. The habitat connectivity between HACF along with the landscape surrounding it, and Achanakmar TR, Boramdeo WS and Kanha TR is strong, and may support sporadic tiger dispersal. Elephant occurrence was reported by the Forest Department in 148 out of 647 compartments in HACF and the landscape surrounding it with an area of 363.98 km2 during the period 2018 to 2020. The elephant occurrence is not restricted to any particular area and is spread across the landscape (Map- 21 , page 56). A conservative estimate of about 40 to 50 elephants could use different parts of the landscape at different times of the year. Human-elephant conflict in the form of crop losses and occasional property damage is widespread too. Elephant conservation and management in the landscape hinges on effective conflict resolution strategies by actively engaging with local communities and at the same time enriching the habitat condition for elephants. Chhattisgarh human-elephant conflict situation is a paradox with a relatively low number of elephants «300, which is <1 % of India's wild elephant population) but high levels of HEC with over 60 human lives are lost every year due to conflict (>15% of the reported human deaths due to HEC). In addition to loss of human lives, crop loss and damage to property due to HEC are severe. There is continuous dispersal of elephant herds from the neighbouring states of Jharkhand and Odisha. The study carried out by WII in collaboration with Chhattisgarh Forest Department from the year 2017 onwards clearly highlight that elephants have large home ranges. The forests that elephants currently occur are highly fragmented and degraded due to incompatible land-use. Infrastructure development and mining are further fragmenting the habitats making conflict mitigation a huge challenge. In fragmented habitats conventional fencing approaches minimally work due to high perimeter to area ratio of habitats. The EC region harbours less than 1/10th « 3000) of country's elephants, but loses over 40% (over 200HEC-related deaths) of reported 500 HEC-related human fatalities in the country. The HEC-related human fatalities reported in the region are highly disproportionate to its elephant population in the country. The increasing levels of HEC have resulted in considerable public resentment against the management and elephant conservation as a whole. HEC resolution is challenging in EC region due to fragmentation, loss and degradation of intact elephant habitats. In highly fragmented areas, the elephant home ranges tend to be large as small, degraded forest patches cannot sustain herds. It is observed that home range size is a function of habitat quality - in areas that support good intact habitats, the elephant home ranges are relatively small (eg. Rajaji, Mudumalai etc). However, in fragmented areas, elephant home ranges are typically large. The elephant herds are generally interlinked and home ranges spread over two or more states. One of the main reasons as to why elephants start dispersing into human-use areas is the threat to habitat. In particular, threat to elephant home ranges. While threat to habitat can be identified and sometimes even addressed, threats within individual home ranges of elephants are hard to evaluate and hence, difficult to mitigate. The latter threats are more insidious and lasting. Major disturbances to habitats such as mining not only cause habitat loss and fragmentation (as understood generally) but can affect individual herd's home ranges. Such disturbances can lead to abandonment of habitats as threats to home ranges have a threshold limits. The effect of mining on elephant habitat may not reflect in the same habitat, but could be a silent trigger for HEC in some other area within the landscape. In general, one of the reasons for HEC being disproportionately high in EC region is the elephant dispersal from forest habitats through fragmented human use areas. This large scale elephant dispersal out of intact forests coincide with commencement of large-scale mining projects and associate infrastructure developments in the EC region, particularly in the states of Odisha and Jharkhand. During the biodiversity assessment, a total of 92 species of birds were recorded with in HACF and the landscape surrounding it. The list is best considered minimal. As per the ebird (https:/Iebird.org/) a total of 406 species of birds have been reported in the three districts of Surguja, Surajpur, and Korba - the districts in which the HACF and the landscape surrounding it occurs. It is quite likely that many of the species of birds reported in HACF either use or pass through it. However, it may be noted that HACF and the landscape surrounding it just supports - 12.4% of the combined area (- 15,110 km2) of the three districts. Local communities in HACF and the landscape surrounding it are predominantly tribal. The livelihood of local communities is closely dependent on forest resources. The NTFP collection (of four major commodities) contribute nearly 46% of the monthly income reported by the households. This does not include the fuelwood, fodder, medicinal plants, water and other resources that local communities collect from the forests. If such resources are pooled as income to local communities, it may be conservatively mentioned that over 60 to 70% of the total annual income of local communities come from forest-based resources. Thus, forest dependence substantially adds to income security of local communities. In addition to financial gains, forest produce collection is critical for medicine, food and other health benefits thereby providing food security and overall well-being. The local communities have reported coming across a variety of wildlife in and around their settlements. A few respondents (n = 4) have even sighted tiger in and around their settlements. They expressed concern about human-wildlife conflict involving crop losses, loss of livestock, loss of property and occasional loss of human lives. Garnering the support of local communities for wildlife conservation would be conditional on addressing human-wildlife conflict on a real-time manner. In general, the local communities are apprehensive of mining, which is perceived as a threat to livelihood as the land as well as forests are lost in the process of mining. The community respondents interviewed expressed concern and were anxious over loss of forests (and consequently material base for livelihood) and loss of land due to mining. The loss of forests due to mining is perceived as a direct threat to livelihood by the local communities. The local communities express positivity towards forest conservation and at the same-time insist on timely resolution of human-wildlife conflicts. Conservation initiatives in the landscape need to be participative and actively involve local communities. Considering this, as part of the biodiversity assessment, and as envisaged in the ToR of the study, the impact of the ongoing mine of PEKB in the HACF has been assessed. It may be noted that the impact assessment carried out by WII for PEKB coal block is not a true Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as PEKB coal block is already operational covering nearly 1000 hectares of the 1898 hectares cleared for mining. Coal extraction is already being done and is in operational stage. Therefore, visualizing the true picture of the likely impacts on the physical environment as well as the wildlife the area supports is not possible. Nevertheless, selected impacts of the physical environment that are likely to impact directly on select biodiversity and social values in the PEKB operation have been identified. For this purpose, the faunal biodiversity list provided by Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) as part of the EIA for PEKB (IIFM, 2009) was used as the baseline for evaluating the impacts. In general, the impact assessment methods argue that the foremost step in impact appraisal must consider and identify project actions that are likely to bring significant changes in the project environment. Such impacts include: physical, biological and social environments. The potential impacts due to ongoing mining operations of PEKB on physical environment, fauna and local communities have been elaborated. The possible mitigation strategies for addressing the impacts of PEKB include progressive restoration, development of grass and leaf fodder plots, livelihood options to increase income sources, bio-filter check dams in the streams of the project sites, green-belt development - phytoremediation, development of "Green Gallery Belt", eco-restoration of waste dump, construction of underpasses, construction of pipe and box culverts as safe passages in the roads as mitigation strategies for reducing road mortality. The detailed mitigation strategies have been provided. The biodiversity conservation and management for PEKB focusing on species groups, threatened plant & animals, resource base of local communities along with the social values have been given. The Human-Elephant conflict mitigation strategies in the HACF and surrounding landscape should include the following: 1. Maintaining the ecological integrity of intact natural habitats without fragmentation and degradation is critical. Any additional mining leading to loss of habitat would escalate HEC unpredictably high 2. Formation of landscape-level Rapid Response Teams by engaging village youth with adequate remuneration is essential. The RRT members should be adequately trained in elephant behaviour and conflict management methods. 3. Judicious use of mobile barriers in select areas of HACF and surrounding landscape where HEC is high need to be experimented with active community participation. 4. Ex gratia payment for crop, property and other losses due to elephants have adequate and timely. The overall process of filing and obtaining compensation by villages should be made smooth and transparent 5. Habitat enrichment by improving surface water availability in carefully selected locations, development of grasslands and fodder base based on the list of plants suggested in the report and protection of critical micro-habitats such as riparian tracts are critical (Refer Table 9.23). 6. Human-elephant conflict is dynamic in nature. The above mentioned mitigation measures need to be experimented in smaller areas and based on the evaluation of efficacy can be scaled up. As certain portions of the PEKB block has already been opened for mining, the miningoperation may only be permitted in the already operational mine of the block. The other areasin HACF and landscape surrounding it should be declared as Uno-go areas" and no mining should be carried out considering the irreplaceable, rich biodiversity and socio cultural values. The HACF and the landscape surrounding it support rich biodiversity with a multitude of mammalianspecies including elephants and also harbours forest-dependent communities. Therefore, sustaining the forest cover and maintaining its overall ecological integrity is essential. It is pertinent that Chhattisgarh Forest Department with due consultation and involvement of local communities identify areas within HACF and the landscape surrounding it for declaration as Conservation Reserve (CR) under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Under the ambit of a CR, habitat improvement activities such as restoration of grasslands and restoration of degraded forests; improving surface water availability in relatively drier tracts during summer, regulating forest fires, and improving overall protection can benefit biodiversity. 2 The response pertaining to this query shall be provided by ICFRE as it deals with nora and efficacy of translocation of the tree vis-a-vis the gestation period for regeneration of the nora The coal mines along with the associated infrastructure development would result in loss and fragmentation of habitat. Mitigating such effects on wildlife, particularly the animals with large home ranges such as elephants is seldom possible. The human-elephant conflict in the state is already acute and has been escalating with huge social and economic costs on the marginal, indigenous local communities. Any further threat to elephants' intact habitats in this landscape could potentially deflect human-elephant conflict into other newer areas in the state, where conflict mitigation would be impossible for the state to manage. Opening up of coal blocks for minging in the HACF would compromise the imperatives of biodiversity conservation and livelihood of forest-dependent local. Even the effects of the operational PEKB mine need to be tactfully mitigated too, wherever possible. The assessment findings are in conformity with the study undertaken jointly by the Ministry of Coal and Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change across nine coal fields across the country during the year 2009, where it was concluded that the Hasdeo-Arand coal fields in north-central Chhattisgarh is identified as a 'no-go' area. The findings of this joint study of 2009 culminated into an important policy decision towards facilitating an objective, transparent and informed decision regarding forest lands being diverted for coal mining projects. However, the findings of the study were set aside during 2011 . Considering the need to reconcile country's developmental needs with conservation priorities, the recommendations of the 2009 joint study holds substantial importance for ecologically balanced sustainable growth.Item Demographic outcomes of diverse behavioural strategies assessed in resident and migratory population of black kites Milvus migrans Phase VI(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2024) Kumar, Nishant; Jhala, Y.V.; Qureshi, Q.The Black Kite, an opportunist, facultative scavenger in the South Asian urban ecosystems,； is a highly successful bird of prey, adapting to various habitats from natural landscapes to bustling cities (Fig.1 ).This adaptability makes them one of the most hutnerous raptors globally (Ferguson- Lees & Christie, 2001). In the Old World, these kites are resourceful and opportunistic eaters, thriving on abundant food sources from human refuse and prey species like pigeons and rats in urban areas. They readily exploit human-generated waste, allowing them to maintain a healthy population and favourable conservation status (Galushin, 1971). In Indian cities like Delhi, they reign as the top avian predators within the urban ecosystem. Studies since the 1960s suggest their breeding density has remained stable. While most raptors require specific ecological conditions, Black Kites exhibit remarkable flexibility (Kumar et al., 2020a). They primarily nest in trees, indicating a need for green spaces within the city. However, a small portion (less than 5%) utilise man-made structures for nesting (Fig. 2). The ample availability of trees in Delhi provides suitable nesting grounds (Kumar, 2013; Kumar et al., 2019). The abundance of garbage in cities - often amassing in the form of large landfills - provides kites with a readily available food source. Additionally, the positive attitude of residents in South Asia towards these birds allows them to breed undisturbed near human settlements. This human tolerance translates to moderate breeding success, with around half of breeding Fig. 1. A typical congregation of Black Kites in Old Delhi responding to ritual tossing of meat by Muslims that follow Sufi traditions (Jama Masjid area). Photo Credit: Fabrizio Sergio 2 BlacK Kite Project - Phase - VI pairs raising chicks to fledging (Kumar et al.t 2014). The high density of Black Kites in southern Asian breeding grounds offers a unique opportunity for research. Scientists can compare these populations to European Black Kites, which have been extensively studied since the 1950s. Pioneering research in the 1990s on European populations focused on factors influencing chick survival, including hatching order, sibling competition, and food availability. These studies have become benchmarks for raptor biologists (Ferguson-Lees & Christie, 2001; Newton, 1979). A crucial finding from European studies is the link between food availability and brood reduction (where some chicks die in the nest). When food is scarce, chicks compete more intensely, and some may not survive (Vinuela, 1996). Black Kites in Delhi exhibit hatching asynchrony (chicks hatching at different times) and brood reduction, likely influenced by the varying food availability across the city's diverse urban landscapes. To capture these ecological nuances, researchers have been using trail cameras in nests across different urbanisation gradients to study relationships with urban variables. These data are further combined with observations to assess hatching patterns, chick survival, growth rates, and nesting behaviour. Delhi hosts two subspecies of black kites: the resident breeding Milvus migrans govinda (small Indian kite) and the migratory M. m. lineatus (black-eared kite) that arrives from Central Asia and Southern Siberia via the Central Asian Flyway across the Himalayas. GPS-tagging revealed that M. m. lineatus kites migrate 3300-4700 km from their breeding grounds in Russia, Kazakhstan, Xinjiang (China) and Mongolia to Delhi in 3-4 weeks, crossing the Himalayas at elevations up to 5000-6000 m (Kumar et al., 2020b).Item Conservation of red junglefowl Gallus gallus in India : final report(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2012) Sathyakumar, S.; Fernandes, Merwyn; Mukesh; Kaul, R.; Kalsi, R.S.The Red Junglefowl (RJF) is believed to be the wild ancestor of all domestic chicken in the world. there still exist a strong ethno-cultural bond where the wild males are used to invigorate the domestic stock in order to enhance the first generation individuals that are used in the context of cultural and religious relevance. Concerns were raised on the genetic endangerment of RJF due to introgression of domestic genes into the wild population. There needs to address these concerns and maintain uncontaminated RJF population in wild and captivity. keeping this in view, the Wildlife Institute of India, carried out a research project from 2006 to 2011 in two phases that dealt with status, distribution, genetic diversity, interactions between wild RJF and domestic chicken and introgression of domestic genes into the wild and captive stocks. The RJF listed in the “Least Concern” category of IUCN with an extent of occurrence of about 5,100,000 km2. One of the subspecies G g murghi has its distribution within India. In order to address the issues of status and distribution we resorted to using presence-only models. These models overcome the cost and time constraints when dealing with a large ranging species. Species site locations were all collated by using primary field data, network of field biologist, literature records, museum specimens and archived databases. A total of 500 georectified data points were used along with predictable variables such as bioclimatic factors, digital elevation model and forest cover. These variables were used to run maximum entropy models using the product function, the test data has an AUC score of 0.979, the jackknife test for variable importance was annual precipitation and precipitation of the driest quarter that contributed 46% to the model. The total predicted probability suitable area in India is approx 354,978 km2. There are three distinct landscapes within India namely north (12%), central (52%) and northeastern (36%).The central landscape is isolated and does not connect either to the north or northeastern landscape. The north and northeastern landscape is connected to each other through the forest patches in Bhutan and Nepal. PA network accounts for nearly 13% of the area with the National Parks (34) representing 4.32% and the Wildlife Sanctuaries (135) representing 8.52%, while nearly 90% of the area lies outside the purview of the PA network system. The species is still reported from 205 districts out of the 270 districts in range 21 states. Genetic diversity, population differentiation and phylogenetic analysis of RJF populations were assessed in 19 RJF range states of India. In total, 385 samples (306 RJF & 79 domestic chickens) were collected and genotyped with 26 microsatellite markers. Altogether, 628 alleles were observed across five RJF and one domestic chicken population. Observed and effective number of alleles ranged from 9 to 49 and 2.96 to 12.40 with mean (± s.e.) number of alleles 24.15 (± 8.31) and 6.50 (± 2.71), respectively. Effective number of alleles was less than the observed number of alleles for all the loci. The overall observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.23 and 0.79, with mean value of 0.52 ± 0.13, while expected heterozygosity ranged 0.62 to 0.92 with mean value of 0.82 ± 0.08. PIC value ranged from 0.56 to 0.91 with mean value 0.80 (±0.09) and therefore all microsatellite markers were informative in the present study. Mean observed number of alleles & mean observed heterozygosity was highest in Northern RJF population, i.e. Na 21.12 ±7.14 & Ho 0.61 ±0.17 and lowest in central RJF population, i.e. Na 1.92 ±0.89 & Ho 0.35 ±0.42, respectively. Total number of private alleles ranged from 1 to 179 in South-Eastern and Northern RJF population, respectively while no private was found in Central RJF population. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed a total of 6% variation was attributed to among populations while 94% variance was within population. The minimum population differentiation or maximum gene flow was between Northern and Eastern RJF population (Nm 10.846) while maximum population differentiation or minimum gene flow was between Central and Eastern RJF population (Nm 0.911). The overall, Nm values were quite high, suggesting the high gene flow among RJF populations. Nei's genetic distance indicated that the Central Indian RJF population is least similar or most distant (DA= 0.942) with domestic chicken, while the northeastern RJF population is most identical or least genetically distant (DA = 0.255) with domestic chicken. The UPGMA dendrogram was generated based on Nei’s genetic distance. The RJF populations in India formed three clusters: (i) central and southeastern, (ii) northern and eastern, and (iii) northeastern and domestic chicken. The multi-factorial correspondence analysis also revealed the similar pattern of clustering the RJF populations. In order to study interactions, observation were recorded from 13 sites with mixed groups all observations were in the pre-dawn hours. A total of 51 encounters were recorded. The interest was to elucidate whether an interaction between the wild and domestics fowls was mutualistic or agnostic during the breeding and nonbreeding season. From the 10 observation recorded during the breeding season there were no interaction between the wild and feral population suggesting that there might be a spatial segregation between these two populations. While interactions during the nonbreeding season suggest that that males are intolerable to each other when in close proximity, while the females are tolerated and move about freely within the groups. Genetic characterisation and maintaining studbooks is the key step towards formulating management action plan for conservation breeding or release program for any captive species. We collected 220 RJF samples (blood/feathers) from 14 captive centers and investigated population genetic structure and admixture analysis of RJF with domestic chicken using 23 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers. Bayesian clustering analysis revealed three distinct groups that indicated the genetic integrity among the birds of 14 centers. We presumed genetic integrity would have been resulted due to exchange of birds between zoos or the founders would have been introduced from the same wild population. The global performance of STRUCTURE assigning individuals was 169/220=76.81% while 8.63% individuals remained unassigned to any of three clusters. Each RJF stock was independently investigated for admixture analysis with a pooled domestic chicken population and ten birds were found to be hybrids out of 220 birds collected from 14 captive centers. based on the study, we recommend the following As this study could not survey all areas within RJF’s distribution range, we suggest that there is a need to increase efforts to understand whether the species is prevalent within forested tracts outside the PA network, especially Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh where the present distribution is highly fragmented with growing pressures on the existing PA of these States. Similarly, in the States of Andhra Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Maharashtra, extensive field surveys should be carried out to ascertain the presence/absence and exact distribution limits of RJF as these States encompass the limits or edges of the distribution range of this species. Special focus surveys/studies are required at range overlaps between G.g. murghi and G.g. spadiceus (northeastern States) and also between RJF and Grey Junglefowl (central India). Based on our samples collected from zoos/captive centres (Table 5.1), admixed bird were identified (Table 5.4). These admixed individuals (hybrids between RJF and domestic chicken) that are kept in zoos/captive centres should be removed from these captive stocks to avoid any further hybridisation. They should not be exchanged with any other zoos/captive centres and should not be released back into the wild. The list of individual birds in the zoos/captive centres that have been identified as ‘not admixed’ have been provided to these centres. For RJF individuals in zoos/captive centres that were not sampled during the study or born or added after the sampling, similar genetic analysis should be carried out. Such individuals should not be used /exchanged for any breeding programme. As there are chances of silent breeding between RJF and domestic chicken, hence the use of domestic hens as foster parents should be avoided.Item Studbook of Western Tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus)(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2011) lakshminarayan, N.; Malviya, Majari; Bose, S.; Dhiman, S.; Gulaati, A.; Nigam, Parag; Ramesh, K.Item Key areas for long term conservation of Galliformes I- Uttarakhand(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2011) Ramesh, K.; Qureshi, Q.; McGowan, P.Item Status, distribution and conservation perspectives of lesser florican in the North-Western India: a survey report(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2011) Bhardwaj, G.S.; Sivakumar, K.; Jhala, Y.V.The Lesser Florican Sypheotides indica, a species endemic to the Indian subcontinent, is largely seen during the monsoon season in north-western India, where it breeds. Its population and range is believed to be decreasing at an alarming rate due to breeding habitat loss and threats in the non-breeding habitats, believed to be in south and south-east India. In this connection, to understand the present status and distribution of Lesser florican in the north-western India i.e. in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, a survey following an established protocol (Sankaran 2000) was carried out in the month of August 2010, which is a part of breeding season of this species, when most of males display in the grasslands. A total of 84 individual Lesser Floricans (83 male and 1 female) were sighted in three states of north-western India, which is 65% less than the sightings reported in 1999 by Dr. Sankaran. It was found significantly fewer sightings than reported in 1999 in all grasslands surveyed (t=2.81, df=14, p<0.05). Of the 169 potential grasslands available for floricans in the north-western India, 91 grasslands were surveyed, which include grasslands surveyed during 1999. Of the surveyed grasslands, Lesser Floricans were found in 24 grasslands as against 37 grasslands in 1999. Among the three states, more sightings of Lesser Florican were reported in the state of Gujarat (N=54) followed by Rajasthan (N=18) and Madhya Pradesh (N=12). But in 1999, more sightings of florican were reported in Gujarat (N=141) followed by Madhya Pradesh (N=63) and Rajasthan (N=34). More than 55% of grasslands in Gujarat that were reported with florican in 1999 (Sankaran 2000) were observed without florican in 2010. More or less similar situation was in Madhya Pradesh also. Population and habitat of Lesser Florican in the north-western India was observed to be continuously declining at an alarming rate. Lack of a National Policy on grassland management, habitat degradation, plantations, poor landuse planning, pesticide pollution, invasive species, inadequate coverage of florican habitats in the Wildlife Protected Area Network and lack of knowledge on the non-breeding habitats of this species are observed to be major threats to this species.Item Distribution and abundance of birds and mammals in the Southern Indian ocean, larsemann hills and princess astrid coast East Antarctica(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2010) Jayapal, R.; Ramesh, K.The spatial distribution and abundance of sea birds, penguins and pack ice seals along the Southern Ocean, Ingrid Christensen and Princess Astrid Coast during 29th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica was carried out between November 2009 and March 2010. A total of 34 species of birds with an encounter rate of 9.82/ nautical miles2 were recorded. High species turnover of sea birds was observed between 40° and 50° S longitude. Six aerial sorties were flown along the Ingrid Christensen and Princess Astrid Coast to count penguins and seals along the coast, totalling a length of approx. 1200 km. Adelie and Emperor penguins were recorded with encounter rate of 0.63 ± 0.20 (#/nm ±SE) and 3.81 ± 1.68 (#/nm ±SE) respectively at Ingrid Christensen casts. At Princess Astrid Coast more number of Adelie penguins (1.22 ± 0.12/nm ±SE) was recorded when compared to Emperor penguin (0.60 ± 0.2/nm ±SE). In the present survey, a total of 3601 hauled-out seals were counted from six aerial sorties totalling a length of approx. 1200 km, with each sortie lasting about two hours. Weddell seal Leptonychotes weddellii was the most commonly sighted species in both the areas surveyed (98.2%), and had an encounter rate of 2.9 seals/km. The other species encountered during the survey were crab-eater seal Lobodon carcinophagus (1.7%) and leopard seal Hydrurga leptonyx (0.03%). Group size of hauled-out weddell seals varied considerably and ranged from solitary to maximum of 42 individuals. The median group size of weddell seals hauled-out along the Ingrid Christenson coast was found to be significantly different between the December 2009 and January 2010 survey. Further, along this Coast weddell seals were found hauled-out mainly close to the ice shelf and their spatial distribution appeared to be influenced by the extent of sea ice in the area.Item A study of resource selection by black kites Milvus migrans in the Urban landscape of National Captial Region, India(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2014) Jhala, Y.V.; Qureshi, Qamar; Sergio, Fabrizio; Kumar, NishantItem Status and habitat assessment of Bengal florican Houbaropsis bengalensis in the Grasslands of Uttar Pradesh(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2014) Sivakumar, K.; Bhardwaj, G.S.; Sen, S.; Sharma, R.; Dhavale, O.The present study was undertaken by the Wildlife Institute of India with the aim of updating the status of the Bengal Florican and its habitat in the terai grasslands of Uttar Pradesh, especially in the landscape of Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. The findings of the present study suggest that the floricans are being sighted in new areas such as Pilibhit and Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, compared with 1988, but that the population has declined across the distribution range in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, as reported earlier. However, the method that has traditionally been used to estimate the population of the Bengal Florican seems to have always given underestimates. Hence, a new method using an occupancy model with distance sampling has been validated and recommended by this study for estimating Bengal Florican populationsItem capture and tagging of black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis) and Bar-headed goose (Anser indicus) in Changthang Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Ladakh(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun and Department of Wildlife Protection, Jammu and Kashmir, 2014) WIIModern satellite tracking techniques aid to study precise migration paths, stop over sites and habitat utilization. There is no information is available on migration patterns of water birds in Ladakh. Therefore we conducted a satellite based telemetry study on Black-necked crane (BNC) and Bar-headed goose (BHG) in Changthang Cold Desert Sanctuary. We initially did a reconnaissance survey, we counted 57 cranes and 182 geese in sanctuary, based on which; we shortlisted Chushul, Hanle and Rhongo mashes for capture and tagging of birds. We captured four BHG at Chushul using noose traps, two of them fitted with Platform Transmitter Terminals (PTT) and with conventional neck bands and rings. Whereas two other BHG were collared with only conventional neck bands and tagged with tarsus rings. We also fitted two BNC with PTT and tarsus bands, first at Chusul and second at Rhongo. Till date we received 810 locations with different location classes through ARGOS out of which 558 locations from class 3, 2, 1 & 0 were used for analysis. Preliminary findings revealed that maximum distance travelled by PTT fitted cranes from date of tagging till December 2013 ranged between 279 and 329 km and geese between 361 and 945 km. One of the PTTs of BHG stopped functioning from 30/10/2013 and another BHG fitted with PTT travelled to near Himachal Pradesh Border. Whereas two BHG fitted with only neckband and rings were reported from Gharana Wetland, Jammu. This study was able to track migration of BHG from Ladakh to Jammu via Himachal Pradesh (probably Pong Dam). The movement pattern of the PTT fitted birds are being tracked and may yield further information on their movement pattern and habitat utilization