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Item Status of the Lesser Florican Sypheotides indicus and implications for its conservation(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2018) Dutta, S.; Narwade, S.; Bipin, C.M.; Gadhavi, D.; Uddin, M.; Mhaskar, M.; Pandey, D.; Mohan, A.; Sharma, H.; Iyer, S.; Tripathi, R.; Verma, V.; Varma, V.; Jangid, A.K.; Chakdar, B.; Karulkar, A.; Lambture, B.; Khongsai, N.; Kumar, S.; Gore, K.; Jhala, D.; Vaidya, N.; Horne, B.; Chittora, A.; Annigeri, B.S.; Trivedi, M.; Jhala, Y.V.Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indicus) is an endangered agro-grassland bird whose ecology and status are poorly known that impedes conservation efforts. To fill this gap, a national status survey was designed by the Endangered Species Recovery Program of Wildlife Institute of India and was jointly implemented with Bombay Natural History Society, The Corbett Foundation and State Forest Departments across the species’ breeding range. This report documents the methodology of this exercise, and presents its findings on lesser florican’s distribution, abundance, habitat relationships, threats and their implications for conservation.2. We delineated lesser florican’ breeding range using informed digitization with the aid of MaxEnt distribution model, and inputs from local experts.We assessed the species’ status based on displaying males, using spatially representative sampling and analytical design that accounted for imperfect detection. Our assessment used hurdle modeling approach, where we: a) first estimated the species’ occupancy in 36 sq km cells using vehicle observation points (stop-overs), and b) estimated the species’ abundance at detected sites (subset of occupied sites) using line transect distance sampling. c) quantified habitat characteristics (land cover, vegetation structure and anthropogenic pressures) systematically along occupancy and distance surveys. d) explored and developed statistical relationships between habitat covariates and occupancy/abundance. e) mapped the species’ distribution, local densities and threats, to generate conservation priority map. We drew inferences at the scale of breeding range and eco-geographically defined regions and landscapes (Ajmer: Shokaliya-Kekri; Rest of Rajasthan : Shahpura, Jalore, Pratapgarh; Gujarat: Kutch, Saurashtra; Madhya Pradesh: Ratlam; Maharashtra: Akola-Washim). 3. The status survey was conducted during the breeding season (July– September, 2017) with a team of 121 observers, who were trained on the standard data collection protocol through state-level workshops at Bhavnagar, Ujjain, Ajmer and Akola. Lesser florican occupancy was assessed at 428 sites (36 sq km) spread across ~20,000 sq km range, using 5564 stop-overs, and density was assessed in 32 sites (where the species was detected) using 479 km transect-walks that yielded 70 sightings (64 males, 6 females).Item Status and trend of Great Indian Bustard, associated wildlife and threats in Thar(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2017) Dutta, S.; Bipin, C.M.; Anoop, K.R.; Uddin, M.; Shekhawat, R.S.; Jhala, Y.V.Arid ecosystems of India support unique biodiversity and traditional agro-pastoral livelihoods. However, these habitats are highly threatened due to large-scale land-use changes and historical neglect of conservation policies. The Critically Endangered great Indian bustard acts as a flagship and indicator of this ecosystem, for which Government is planning conservation actions that will also benefit associated wildlife. Persistence of this species critically depends on Thar landscape, where ~75 % of the global population resides. Since 2014, Wildlife Institute of India and Rajasthan Forest Department have been jointly conducting scientific surveys to better understand the current status, distribution patterns, and local contexts of key conservation-dependent species in Thar for informing management actions. This study assessed the status of great Indian bustard, chinkara and fox alongside their habitat and anthropogenic pressures across 19,728 km2 of potential bustard landscape in Thar spanning Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bikaner districts of Rajasthan. Systematic surveys were conducted in 144 km2 cells from slow-moving vehicle along 17.9 + 3.9SD km transects to record species’ detections, habitat characteristics in sampling plots, and secondary information on species’ occurrences. Multiple teams comprising field biologists and Forest Department staff simultaneously and rapidly sampled 108 cells along 1697 km transects in March 2014, 77 cells along 1246 km transects in March 2015,and 120 cells along 2273 km transects in March 2016. Sampling was carried out in two phases: extensive surveys to assess great Indian bustard occurrence across the landscape and intensive surveys to estimate their density in used cells. Great Indian bustard and other key species' detection data were analyzed in Occupancy and Distance Sampling framework to estimate proportion of sites used and density/abundance. Detection/non-detection data from multiple year surveys (2014-16) showed that great Indian bustard used 10.9 ± 3.4SE % sites (naive occupancy 8.4%). Bird density in used sites (cells where at least one bird was detected during 2015-16) was estimated at 6.5 ± 1.4SE /100 km2. Random sampling of the potential bustard landscape in Thar using line transect distance sampling yielded density and abundance estimates of 0.84 + 0.38 birds/100 km2 and 166 + 74 birds in 2016. During the surveys 38 (2014), 40 (2015) and 37 (2016) individual birds were detected. Bustard-habitat relationships, assessed using 5 multinomial logistic regression, showed that disturbances and level of protection influenced distribution in this landscape. Great Indian bustard occurrence in the landscape declined with distance from enclosure (regression effect size = -0.06 ± 0.02SE), human presence (-3.22 ± 1.52SE) and infrastructural intensity (-3.97 ± 1.61SE). Chinkara was found in 78% sites and its density at landscape-scale was estimated at 187.5 ± 25.1SE animals/100 km2, yielding abundance of 37,000 + 4970SE in 19,728 km2 area (2016). Desert and Indian fox used 60 ± 7SE % of sites, at densities of 14.35 ± 3.46SE desert fox/100km2 and 2.28 ± 1.19SE Indian fox/100km2 at landscape-scale, and abundances of 2830 ± 683SE desert fox and 450 ± 235SE Indian fox in 19,728 km2 area. Eleven percent of sampled cells were found to be of high conservation value, out of which, 62% cells were outside Protected Area. Although some of these 'unprotected' areas benefit from community protection or inviolate spaces created due to Army occupation, others continue to be threatened by hunting and unplanned land-uses. Our study provides robust abundance estimates of key species in Thar. It provides spatially explicit information on species’ distribution and ecological parameters to guide site-specific management and policy. Our questionnaires generated spatial patterns of community composition, livelihoods, livestock holdings and species’ occurrence reports that will help in designing community outreach and conservation programs. Thar supports the largest global population of great Indian bustard and offers the best hope for its persistence. This survey captured snapshots of great Indian bustard distribution that needs to be augmented with satellite telemetry based information on seasonal landscape use to mitigate threats. Based on results and field experiences, we strongly recommend: a) improving great Indian bustard recruitment in existing enclosures using predator-proof-fences and nest-predator removal, b) creating more enclosures or conservation/community reserves in priority conservation cells, c) smart and intensive patrolling to control poaching and generate management information, d) targeted research to understand local ecology of great Indian bustard, characterize threats, and ranging patterns, e) addressing local livelihood concerns through social research, and f) engaging local communities to monitor and protect wildlife through outreach and incentive programs.Item Status of Great Indian Bustard and associated wildlife in Thar(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2016) Dutta, S.; Bipin, C.M.; Bhardwaj, G.S.; Anoop, K.R.; Jhala, Y.V.Despite unique biodiversity values and dependency of traditional agro-pastoral livelihoods, arid open habitats of India are facing imminent risk due to our neglect and mismanagement. The Critically Endangered Great Indian Bustard (GIB) acts as a flagship and indicator of this ecosystem, for which Governments are planning conservation actions that will also benefit associated wildlife. Persistence of this species critically depends on the Thar landscape, where ~75% of the global population resides, yet their status, distribution and ecological requirements remain poorly understood. This study aimed at assessing the status of Great Indian Bustard, Chinkara and Fox alongside their habitat and anthropogenic stressors across ~25,500 km2 of potential bustard landscape in Thar spanning Jaisalmer and Jodhpur districts of Rajasthan. Systematic surveys were conducted in 144 km2 cells from slow-moving vehicle along 15-20 km transects to record species’ detections, habitat characteristics in sampling plots, and secondary information on species’ occurrence. Eighteen teams comprising of field biologists and Forest Department staff sampled 118 cells along 1924 km transect in March 2014. Species’ detection data were analyzed in Occupancy and Distance Sampling framework to estimate area of occupancy and density/abundance of key species. Our key findings were that Great Indian Bustard occupied 5.8 ± 4.4 % of sites, although information from local community questionnaire surveys recorded usage in 27% of sites. Bird density was estimated at 0.61 ± 0.36 /100 km2, yielding abundance estimates of 103 ± 62 in the sampled area (16,992 km2) and 155 ± 94 GIB in Thar landscape (25488 km2 area). During the survey, 38 individual birds were detected. Bustard-habitat relationships, assessed using multinomial logistic regression, showed that disturbances, level of protection and topography influenced distribution. Chinkara population occupied 91.0 ± 3.4% of sites at overall density of 378 ± 57 animals/100 km2 and abundance of 96,291 ± 14,556 in the landscape. Desert Fox population occupied 53.5 ± 8.8 % of sites, at overall density of 33.58 ± 8.17 animals/100 km2 and abundance of 8,558 ± 2,081 in the landscape. Seventy-five percent of priority conservation sites were outside Protected Area. Although some of them benefit from community protection, majority are threatened by hunting and unplanned landuses. This study provides robust abundance estimates of key species in the Thar landscape. It also provides spatially-explicit information on species’ occurrence and ecological parameters so as to guide in-situ site-specific management and policy. Thar landscape supports the largest global population of GIB with the best hope for the species’ future survival. Since this survey was a snapshot at GIB distribution, landscape-scale seasonal use information is lacking but critically required. A satellite telemetry based study should be urgently implemented to prioritize areas for conservation investment.Item Habitat improvement and conservation breeding of Great Indian Bustard: an integrated approach. Annual Progress Report I (April 2016-March 2017)(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2017) Jhala, Y.V.; Habib, B.; Dutta, S.; Dave, Chitranjan; Bipin, C.M.; Singh, Vineet; Yellapu, Srinivas; Bagaria, Priyamvada; Khan, ShaheerGreat Indian Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps (hereafter GIB) is one of the rarest birds in the world. With ~200 individuals left, almost exclusively in India, the species is listed as Critically Endangered (IUCN 2011) and Schedule I (the highest protection status, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972). Their populations have steadily declined by 75% in last 30 years and are facing imminent extinction risk unless serious management interventions are applied. Historically, GIB was distributed throughout western half of India, but, currently they are found in five fragmented pockets. According to our recent population assessment the largest population of 169+70 birds occurs in Thar landscape of Rajasthan (Desert National Park in Jaisalmer alongside Jodhpur). The species has declined due to compounding effects of direct and indirect human exploitations on their slow life-history traits. They were subjected to exhaustive hunting and egg collection in the past that reduced their population to ~1260 birds in 1969. However, their contemporary decline is largely due to prevailing habitat loss as dry grasslands have been marginalized as ‘unproductive wastelands’ and progressively converted to other land uses since colonial times. Recent developments in irrigation and farming technologies have intensified agriculture in bustard habitats and changed cropping practices from seasonal to year-round, intensive crops. This change has led to food scarcity for bustard, pesticide contamination, and habitat loss. Development activities like infrastructural growth (electricity, road and irrigation networks), industries, power projects, and wind turbines have caused severe habitat degradation and disturbance to birds. Being low and heavy flyers, they face high risk of fatal collisions with power-lines, which are difficult to detect from afar. Populations of free-ranging dogs have increased in bustard habitats, and along with native predators (fox, mongooses, and cats), they have increased predation pressure on nests and chicks and reduced recruitment. Past efforts of banning human activities to create bustard Sanctuaries. over large human-use landscapes, without appropriate settlement of land rights, have generated bitterness among local people, lack of conservation support, and backlash. These factors have in turn caused local extinctions from some Sanctuaries. Local people and managers are not sufficiently aware of the conservation benefits of grasslands and the scientific ways to manage them.Item Habitat Improvement and conservation breeding of Great Indian Bustard : an integrated approach Annual Progress Report II (March 2017-April 2018)(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2018) Jhala, Y.V.; Dutta, Sutirtha; Habib, Bilal; Narwade, Sujit; Karkaria, Tushna; Bipin, C.M.; Awasthi, Arjun; Singh, Vineet; Yellapu, Srinivas; Bagaria, Priyamvada; Uddin, Mohib; Supakar, Sourav; Gupta, Tanya; Pandey, Devendradutt; Khan, ShaheerThe Great Indian Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps (hereafter GIB) is one of the rarest birds in the world. With ~150 individuals left, almost exclusively in India, the species is listed as Critically Endangered (IUCN 2011) and lies within Schedule I (the highest protection status) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Their populations have steadily declined by 75% in last 30 years and are facing imminent extinction risk unless serious management interventions are applied (Dutta et al. 2011). Historically, GIB was distributed throughout the western half of India, but, currently they are found in five fragmented pockets. According to our recent population assessment (Dutta et al. 2016), the largest population of 140+53 birds occurs in Thar landscape of Rajasthan (Desert National Park in Jaisalmer alongside Jodhpur). The other populations are <15 birds each, occurring in Gujarat (Lala-Naliya Sanctuary and its neighbourhood in Kachchh), Maharashtra (Bustard Sanctuary in Solapur, alongside Chandrapur and Nagpur), Andhra Pradesh (Rollapadu Sanctuary and its neighbourhood in Kurnool) and Karnataka (Bellary) (Dutta et al. 2011). The species has declined due to compounding effects of direct and indirect human exploitation on their slow life-history traits. They were subjected to exhaustive hunting and egg collection in the past that reduced their population to ~1260 birds in 1969 (Dharmakumarsinhji 1971). However, their contemporary decline is largely due to prevailing habitat loss as dry grasslands have been marginalized as ‘unproductive wastelands’ and progressively converted to other land uses since colonial times. Recent developments in irrigation and farming technologies have intensified agriculture in bustard habitats and changed cropping practices from seasonal to year-round, intensive crops. This change has led to food scarcity for bustards, pesticide contamination, and habitat loss. Development activities like infrastructural growth (electricity, road and irrigation networks), industries, power projects, and wind turbines have caused severe habitat degradation and disturbance to birds. Being low and heavy flyers, they face a high risk of fatal collisions with power-lines, which are difficult to detect from afar. Populations of free-ranging dogs have increased in bustard habitats, and along with native predators (fox, mongooses, and cats), they have increased predation pressure on nests and chicks and reduced recruitment. Past efforts of banning human activities to create bustard Sanctuaries over large human-use landscapes, without appropriate settlement of land rights, have generated bitterness among local people, leading to lack of conservation support. These factors have in turn caused local extinctions from some Sanctuaries. Local people and managers are not sufficiently aware of the conservation benefits of grasslands and the scientific ways to manage them.Item Assessment of impacts on wildlife of Kedarnath Musk deer sanctuary due to helicopter services(WII and Uttarakhand State Forest Department, 2017) Sathyakumar, S.; Bhattacharya, T.; Arya, S.; Iyer, B.; Kumar, Arun; Kumar, A.; Mondal, K.; Umapathy, G.; Mathur, V.B.The Kedamath shrine is an important and famous Hindu religious site situated at 3 583 m near the source of the Mandakini River in Uttarakhand. For centunes, large numbers of pilgrims visit the shrine in the summer months. The stretch between Gaurikund and Rambara of the pilgrim route passes through the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary (WS). Helicopter services were initiated during 2~07 -08 to ferry pilgrims. In June 2013, devastating flash floods swept through the region, and almost half of the old pilgrim route was damaged, and a new slightly longer route was constructed. After 2013, the number of helicopters operating daily flights to Kedarnath shrine increased dramatically. Some of the local residents raised concerns over the potential impact on wildlife of Kedarnath WS due to high intensity sound produced by the helicopters. Based on the request from Uttarakhand State Forest Department, the Wildlife Institute of India carried out a study to assess the impacts of helicopter flights on wildlife of Kedarnath WS and to suggest mitigation measures. The Mandakini valley was selected as the main study site, where the helicopter flights operate. The adjacent Kaliganga valley, and Shokharakh area were taken as control sites. The sampling was carried out in Mandakini valley in two different study periods - September to December 2015 and April to June 2016; coinciding with the helicopter flying period. Helicopter aviation data and noise levels in different elevation and habitat types were recorded in the Mandakini Valley to detect wildlife species presence, Trails (n=7) and vantage points (n=2) were sampled, and camera traps (11=23) were deployed. Comparative studies on wildlife species presence in Kaliganga Valley and Shokharkh (control sites) were carried out using trail sampling and camera trapping. Fresh faecal samples of wild mammals were collected from Mandakini Valley and the two control sites to analyse the levels of stress hormone using Enzyme Immuno-Assay procedure at the CCMB-LaCONES, Hyderabad. A detailed literature review was carried out on impacts of aircraft flights on wildlife carried out in different parts of the world to understand likely impacts on wildlife and various mitigation measures proposed. The results showed that May is the month when maximum number of flights operated (305/day) in Mandakini Valley followed by June and October, as Sersi helipad is nearest to Kedarnath, the onward journey to Kedarnath from Sersi reached the lowest mean flight height (152.4 ± 6.11 m). Noise levels recorded from six recording sites in Mandakini valley had a mean well above the 50 dB upper noise limit for silence zones. Negative correlation (R2 = 0.33 and 0.25) was observed between flight height and noise level for open coniferous and broadleaved forest. Presence of 20 mammal species (carnivore-8, ungulate-7, primate-2, rodent- 2, lagomorph-l) and five galliformes species (pheasants-3, partridge-2) has been confined from the study area. In. general, the study area is. already exposed to immense anthropogenic pressure (pilgrimage, constructions, etc) It is very difficult to decouple the effects of helicopter flying and other anthropogenic disturbances. Based on the findings of this study and a perusal of published information on Impacts of aircraft flights on wildlife the following conclusions are arrived at: ' I. All the commo~ wildlife species of Kedarnath WS are present in Mandakini valley. The comparison among the photo-capture rates of different wild animals depicts the consistent use of available habitat in the Mandakini valley despite a high level of helicopter operations. 2. Some wildlife species altered their activity pattern to either crepuscular or nocturnal due to the cumulative effects of anthropogenic pressures in this area mostly in the form of pilgrimage and associated human activities. However, in the case of Himalayan monal pheasant, there was a marginal overlap in peak activity period with that of peak helicopter operations. 3. Results of stress hormone studies are in-conclusive due to low sample sizes. However, the results can be used as baseline for future comparative studies on similar investigations pertaining to helicopter flight impacts on wildlife. 4. Taking the above three observations into consideration, it appears that most of the mammals have adapted to the anthropogenic disturbances in Mandakini valley. However, repeated observations in the future would be needed to draw robust conclusions. 5. There is a high negative correlation between flying height and noise levels and the current levels of noise due to anthropogenic activities and helicopter flights. Thus, prescribing a minimal flight height would be useful to reduce the noise levels. 6. Helicopter sorties ranged from 2 to >300 flights per day in Mandakini Valley. Since most of the mammals appear to have adapted to this level of noise, it should not be allowed to go beyond the current levels of helicopter flights. Therefore, efforts has to be made to ensure that the upper limit for number of flights per day does not exceed 300 flights/day. The study recommends the following measures: 1. Restricting helicopter flight heights to at least 600 m (2000 ') with the exception of take-off and landing times. This would help in reducing noise levels in the area. 2. Monitoring the helicopter operations with regard to adherence to the prescribed heights will be required. This could be done using laser distometers or lidar guns or set up an Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. Monitoring of impacts of helicopter flights on wildlife could be carried out on a regular basis (every 3 to 5 years) including stress hormone studies so that a comprehensive database can be developed for rigorous statistical analysis 3. As a long-term measure, passenger ropeway for transportation of pilgrims as educe pilgrim foot falls in the trekking path to the shrine and helicopter services. The passenger ropeway will not require building a motorable road through the Kedarnath WS as all the material and machines required for building ropeway could be transported by air using specialized helicopters.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 Assessment of wildlife values of the Ganga river from Bijnor to Ballia including Turtle Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2018) WIIFreshwater ecosystems, especially riverine systems, give rise to unique habitat mosaics, which support distinctive biodiversity and provide substantial ecosystem services, creating a strong imperative for their protection and restoration. They are being impacted globally by divergent but frequently concurrent processes including water pollution, over-fishing, alteration of natural flow regime, invasive species, climate change and human-induced habitat loss. These dynamic systems are often poorly protected, and require conservation measures through systematic planning. Systematic Conservation Planning (SCP) is widely considered as the most influential paradigm to identify and bring areas under protection through effective planning and spatial prioritization. The SCP requires an evaluation of sites for their biodiversity values, habitat heterogeneity, habitat dynamics, and existing human-induced habitat alteration factors. The Ganga River is the lifeline to more than 500 million people as it flows through five riparian states. It also harbours a unique assemblage of biodiversity due to its passage through three distinct biogeographic zones and unique habitat mosaics. Apart from nurturing umbrella species like the Gangetic river dolphin, otters, gharial and muggel; the Ganga River basin is recognized as a Global Turtle Priority Area and a Turtle Biodiversity Hotspot. With the aim of protecting and consel1'if7g the diverse array of biota and their habitats, a 7 km stretch of the Ganga River between Rajghat (Malviya Bridge) to Ramnagar Fort in Varanasi District, Uttar Pradesh was declared as the Kachhua Vanyajiv Abhyaranya (Turtle Wildlife Sanctuary - TWS). Although declared a protected area, increase in riverbank agriculture, river traffic, water pollution through sewage and solid wastes are posing a threat to the biodiversity of TWS and the river-riparian habitats. High human disturbance in the form of cultural-religious activities are influencing the biological values of TWS. Considering the above, a rapid assessment study (March- July, 2018) was conducted in the TWS to evaluate its efficacy as a protected area; and to identify areas for effective biodiversity conservation. Stretch of the Ganga River between Bijnor to Ballia in Uttar Pradesh was evaluated following Systematic Conservation Planning approach. The objectives of this study were (1) Assessment of habitat structure of TWS and to detect changes over time, (2) Evaluation of efficacy of TWS and adjoining riverscape as a refugia for species of conservation concern; and (3) Prioritization of the Ganga River stretches with mosaics of riverine habitats for conservation planning. A spatial assessment using remote sensing data for the period 1974 to 2016 revealed no significant changes in river channel and sand deposition in the TWS. However, -28% increase in the vegetation cover was observed which could be attributed to the protection accorded to the riparian areas by the Forest Department compared with an expansion of agricultural areas on the landward side. Out of 13 species of turtle reported from Ganga River, only 5 species were encountered during the field sampling with the combined efforts of visual encounter surveys and in-stream sampling using gill nets and box traps within the TWS and upstream and downstream of the Sanctuary limit. Very low encounter rate of turtles in TWS indicates high human disturbance leading to habitat alterations within a very small Protected Area. Sites along the TWS in the left bank are seen to have the least suitable habitat for turtles with high anthropogenic disturbances such as cemented ghats, intense ferry and boat activity, pollution, and human presence along the river. The sand bar in the right bank of the TWS, though is an excellent habitat for turtles and breeding birds, is also under severe anthropogenic pressure. Out of64 species offish reported/rom the Middle Ganga stretch. a total 0/45 species belonging to 38 genera, 16 family and five orders were recorded during the sampling period. The fish catch was higher inside TWS as compared to upstream and downstream o/the sanctuary and this could be attributed to prohibition o/fishing within the Sanctuary limits. A total of28 species of birds were observed, of which four species were of threatened categories as per the IUCN Red List. Nests of breeding birds were not observed from the TWS due to high biotic disturbance. A nesting site of the Indian Skimmer was identified at approximately 6 km upstream of the Sanctuary. Five pairs of Indian Skimmer and 14 pairs of Little tern, 4 pairs of River Lapwing a Near Threatened Species were observed/rom the vicinity. A rapid assessment of wildlife values was conducted in the entire stretch of the Ganga River falling within Uttar Pradesh and priority areas were identified through a scoring matrix. Kruskal's Multidimensional Scale analysis described the habitat parameters that influence species distribution. These parameters were sand mining, channel depth. fishing activities, presence of village/town and riverbed agriculture. Channel depth is the only factor which is positively influencing species distribution. Based on the scoring matrix, the highest biological value was attributed to a river stretch within the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, followed by the stretch from Brijghat to Narora, which is notified Ramsar Site. In addition to these, moderate biological value was assigned to the stretch downstream of Newada till Ballia. Habitat characteristic score (channel depth, meanders and river islands) was high in the downstream of Allahabad, till Ballia as this stretch persistently maintains high depth classes, meanders and river islands representing a complex mosaic of habitats. The anthropogenic influence scores was almost similar in the entire stretch from Bijnor barrage to Ballia as the river bed agriculture was prominent in the upper stretch. whereas fishing, sand mining, and human settlements were prevalent in the lower stretch of the river. The stretch between Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary and Narora already enjoys the protected area status. In spite of the protected status, TWS scored low due to its small size and high human disturbance. Based on the combined scores, a 140 Ian stretch downstream Newada in Allahabad district to Adalpur in Mirzapur district has been considered as the priority stretch for conservation. It is suggested that this area may be brought under the purview of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 by declaring it as a wildlife sanctuary for the conservation of aquatic biodiversity of the Ganga River in Uttar Pradesh. Since the ecological characteristics and wildlife values vary along this 140 Ian stretch on account of anthropogenic pressures, harmonization for excluding some areas having high anthropogenic pressures on account of intense cultural-religious uses may be required, and to be done by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department.Item Assessment of aquatic resources of Askot landscape with reference to the human foot Prints - Phase 2(Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2018) Rajpur, V.; Johnson, J.A.; Srivastava, AjayThe aim of the report is to give an overview regarding the areas in Askot landscape which are in need for conservation in terms of aquatic habitat. This study is a part of the project Biodiversity Conservation and Rural Livelihood Improvement (BCRLIP) in Askot landscape. This report deals with the assessment of aquatic resources of Askot landscape with reference to human footprints available there. The focus is mainly on the assessment of fish density and people dependency on fishes along with the caused disturbances. People were-highly dependent on stream Rautis which is located at lower altitude of the landscape. Several human disturbances were identified in the landscape which is electrofishing, bleaching, water diversion, dynamiting, regulated water, sand mining, roads, stream crossings and waste discharge. Riparian quality was assessed in the streams of Askot landscape and found out Dhauli coming under the category F which shows low quality because of changes in the habitat. This provides the health and ecological status of all streams. On the basis of indicator criteria two indicator species was narrowed down as Schizothorax richardsonii and Naziritor chelynoides. So habitat requirement for both the species was studied and found out different requirement for substrate as boulders for Schizothorax and sand, silt for Naziritor. Further monitoring protocol is made for managing the Askot landscape in terms of aquatic fauna.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.