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    Development of Desert National Park as biosphere reserve
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun and BNHS, 2006) Kalra, M.; Rahmani, A.R.; Choudhury, B.C.; Qureshi, Q.
    The Biosphere Reserve Programme aims to conserve biological diversity, including the genetic diversity of cultivated crops, and domesticated and wild animals. It also aims to study the natural ecosystems and comparative studies on man-modified ecosystems. In order to conserve overall biological diversity of Earth, it would be desirable to constitute at least one or two biosphere reserves in each of the biogeographic provinces. More than 100 nations have already set apart 482 such reserves, since the UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme was initiated in 1974. The hot desert in north-western region is a unique and the only habitat of its type in the Indian subcontinent. The Ministry of Environment and Forests constituted a working group in 1988 to draw a project document on the Thar Desert Biosphere Reserve (Anon. 1988). The objective of the Biosphere Reserve (BR) was oriented in such a way that BRs were wtits wherein the biological, socio-economic and cultural elements are integrated together. The main emphasis of this concept is the need for conserving ecosystem capable of being restored to natural condition. In this study we identified 16 unprotected areas in Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Barmer, Nagur, Jalor and Sanchor districts with fairly large areas ranging from 5-7,091 km'. Each area supports mammals as well as several species of plants. These areas represent excellent animal-plant communities and traditional landuse practices, which together support a large number of microorganisms, small grasses and perennial herbs, which constitute the Thar ecosystem. The main emphasis of developing a Biosphere Reserve was given to Desert National Park (DNP). Vegetation as well as boundary mapping of DNP was done to visualize the land use/cover in and around it. All the villages in and around the Park were surveyed and mapped on GIS domain. This region includes the largest known populations of endangered species such as the Great Indian Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps, and the Chinkara Gazella bennetti and many lesser-known groups of plants and animals. The total area of propsed biosphere reserve is around 4,648 km' of which 76.36 km' will be as core zone, excluding four new areas, which are marked on the map, and 1,486 km2 transition zone. The existing area of the DNP is 3,162 km' which needs to be further extended upto 5 km from the park boundary. This extra (1,486 km') area will be use as a transition zone. In order to protect and enhance the biodiversity and cultural diversity of the Thar Desert, we also propose the concept of Greater Thar Desert (Marusthali) Biosphere Reserve, which should inelude the ON!>, Tal Chhaper, Diyatra and other biodiversity rich areas. We recommend that in the Greater Thar Desert (Marusthali) Biosphere Reserve, Community Conservation Areas (e.g. Guda-Vishnonian, Dhawa-Doli, Khichan etc.) and Conservation Reserves (e.g. Jakharda) should also be included
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    Developing a Trans-boundary Conservation Landscape for the Eastern Himalaya: an ecological assessment of alpine habitats in Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve, Sikkim
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2006) Rawat, G.S.; Tambe, Sandeep
    Alpine areas of Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (KBR), Sikkim were surveyed during summer-monsoon of 2006 with the following objectives: (i) Conduct a rapid survey of alpine vegetation communities / physiognomic units vis-a-vis alpine habitats, (ii) Characterize and classify the alpine habitats for major faunal groups and assess the anthropogenic pressures and grazing by the domestic livestock, (iii) Identify key floral assemblages / threatened plants of high conservation significance^ and (iv) Suggest a zonation plan and measures for long term conservation and monitoring of alpine habitats and review the trans-boundary issues. The alpine zone in KBR is spread over Greater and trans-Himalaya and covers nearly 48 % of the reserve. This area harbours a large number of rare and threatened mammals such as Himalayan musk deer (Mochus chrysogaster), Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus), blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur), snow leopard (Uncia uncia) and a variety of avifauna. The land use practices in the BR and adjoining areas of Nepal include traditional livestock (yaks, cow-yak hybrids, horses and sheep) grazing, collection of medicinal and aromatic plants and tourism. The area is contiguous with the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area of Nepal. Both the areas, altogether^ promise an excellent potential for a transboundary peace park. Broad vegetation types and alpine habitats have been classified and described in detaiL Based on broad physiognomy and land forms following broad habitat types have been identified in the alpine zone of KBR: Krummholtz Zone, Alpine Scrub, Alpine Meadows, High Altitude Lakes, Moranic Environs, Inaccessible rocky and cliff areas, Riverine Habitats, and Special Habitats (caves, tallus, colluvial deposits). Dominant vegetation types, human use and wildlife within each habitat have been given. Based on the earlier literature and extensive floral survey a tentative list of vascular plants in alpine areas of KBR has been prepared (Appendix - 2) giving their habit, altitudinal zone and threat status. Several plant species of high conservation value have been identified e.g.9 Schizandra grandiflora (a primitive climber with flowers like miniature Magnolia). Helwiga hinmlaica (bearing flowers at the center of the leaf and endemic to the Eastern Himalaya) Circaeaster aqrestis (Chloranthaceae of uncertain affinity), Pinguicula alpina (an insectivorous plant), Triosteum himalayanum (endemic to Himalaya) and Brachycaulos simplicifolius (an unusual herb of Rosaceae) among others. Various trans-boundary issues in the KBR including trans-boundary cultural ties, trade in medicinal plants, pastoralism, historical barter system, etc have been identified and discussed. Based on the detailed analysis of the issues and field surveys of selected areas along with the frontline staff of KBR various management recommendations have been given which include more multidisciplinary surveys in the KBR, training programmes for the frontline staff of KBR and Himal Rakshaks, notification of botanical hotspots within KBR for future monitoring, and better management of trail and camping sites in KBR. The authorities of Kanchenjunga Conservation Area in Nepal, and PA Managers in India need to begin a dialogue afresh to revive Singalila Transborder Eco-tourism and set up a long term trans-border peace park for joint protection and management involving the local communities.
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    Conservation status of tiger and associated species in the Terai Arc Landscape, India
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2004) Johnsingh, A.J.T.; Ramesh, K.; Qureshi, Q.; David, A.; Goyal, S.P.; Rawat, G.S.; Rajapandian, K.; Prasad, S.
    The Indian portion of Terai Arc Landscape (TAL), stretching from Yamuna river in the west to Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar in the east, spreads across five states along the Shivaliks and Gangetic plains. This unique Landscape consists of two distinct zones: (i) bhabar, characterized by a hilly terrain with course alluvium and boulders, and sal mixed & miscellaneous vegetation communities and (ii) terai, characterized by fine alluvium and clay rich swamps dominated by a mosaic of tall grasslands and sal forests. The terai, in particular, is listed among the globally important 200 ecoregions for its unique large mammal assemblage. Over the decades as a result of conquest of malaria, establishment of numerous settlements and consequent increase in human population, this Landscape has become highly fragmented and degraded. This has led to the local extinction of species such as one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli) and hog deer (Axis porcinus), for example, west of Sharda river. Despite its ecological richness and faster rate of degradation and species extinction, conservation initiatives are far from desired in this Landscape, perhaps due to inadequate information and lack of coordinated efforts. Given this circumstance, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) submitted a proposal to Save the Tiger Fund (National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, USA) to carry out a survey of TAL on the Indian side, which is ca. 42,700km2 with a forest area of ca. 15,000 km2. Save the Tiger Fund allotted US $53,500 and an 18-month project was initiated in July 2002. The project objectives were to (i) develop spatial data base on the TAL, (ii) assess tiger (Panthera tigris) and large ungulate distribution and status, (iii) describe the status of the Landscape and its vegetation characteristics and (iv) document the socioeconomic conditions of the local people and major disturbance factors. Indian Remote Sensing (1C/1D) satellite images with the spatial resolution of 188m (WiFS) and 23.5m (LISS III) pixel sizes, and Survey of India topographic maps were used for habitat mapping and other spatial database. The study team surveyed the entire Landscape twice between October 2002 and June 2003 for assessing the status of tiger and other associated large mammal species, and habitat conditions. Extensive sampling of 246 foot transects covering 1001.2km and 1530 circular plots, with nested design, were carried out across the TAL. Demographic and socioeconomic profiles of people were derived primarily from the raw data of 1991 Census. Owing to the applied nature of the project, it was decided to hold a two-day workshop to share the findings and to attain synergy among Forest Officials, NGOs and other conservation agencies for implementation in the field. The study revealed that the TAL contains homogenous vegetation communities of eight broad types, but the structural components vary highly across the Landscape. The tiger habitats on the Indian side are in nine blocks (referred as Tiger Habitat Blocks, THB) and the largest block (ca. 4,000 km2) is around Corbett TR. The forests in Kalsi, Dehradun and Haridwar Forest Divisions in Uttaranchal and Bijnor Plantation Division, Bahraich and Shrawasti Forest Divisions in Uttar Pradesh were devoid of tiger. Thirteen corridors that potentially connect these nine blocks have been identified. When connectivity with the Nepal side is taken into account, the nine THBs can be pooled into five larger units (referred as Tiger Units, TU). Among these, TU II, which is in the bhabar tract and includes Corbett TR, is the most intact one. TU IV (Pilibhit FD-Suklaphanta Reserve-Kishanpur WLS-Dudhwa NP- Bardia NP-Katernighat WLS) is the most extensive terai habitat. Each piece of habitat and connectivity in these Units are crucial and at the same time, are threatened by anthropogenic pressures. Ungulate distribution and relative abundance in TAL corresponds to the high variation or heterogeneity in habitat features. However, the overall status of prey (ungulate) availability is reasonably better in this Landscape, largely owing to the interspersion of Protected Areas between Reserve Forests. The evidence is clear that tiger distribution and its abundance are linearly related to wild ungulate prey such as chital (Axis axis) that has wider spatial distribution. Sambar (Cervus unicolor) and wild pig (Sus scrofa) also contribute substantially in deciding the occurrence of tiger in bhabar and terai regions respectively. The domestic dog was identified as a reliable indicator of disturbance that impedes tiger occurrence. Undisturbed hilly (bhabar) areas such as Corbett TR, which usually have many deep nallahs, providing hideouts and abundant prey (sambar, chital and wild pig) support substantial population of tiger. The terai tall grass habitats, which provide adequate cover, as in Kishanpur WLS and Dudhwa NP, with prey such as chital, pig and swamp deer, is the second best. It appears that in a few years time, tigers may cease to exist in habitats like Sohagibarwa-west (THB VIII), an isolated habitat patch in Uttar Pradesh, which is under enormous anthropogenic pressures. Leopards tend to avoid terai habitats and high-density tiger areas, but are still common in areas extirpated of tiger. Data from the Census of India 1991, for 33 tehsils (units of District) within the study area, indicated that the bhabar, largely west of Sharda river, had significantly lower human density (334/km2) and higher percentage of forest cover (36%). The corresponding figures for terai (east of Sharda river) are 436/km2 and 17% respectively. It appears that the bhabar areas, at present, are in a better position to buffer firewood dependency of the people. Human population increase, ever growing habitat encroachments, poaching, firewood extraction and bhabar grass (Eulaliopsis binata) collection for rope making, stealing of tiger and leopard kills, and boulder mining causing enormous disturbances and fragmentation are the major problems identified. The extensive empirical information (distribution and abundance) collected on vegetation parameters, ungulates and tiger can be used as baseline data to initiate monitoring programmes. In addition, the monitoring should include establishment of adequate number of one-hectare plots and line transects for periodic evaluation of habitat conditions and prey abundance respectively. The study recommends that Chilla-Motichur and Gola river corridors should be established on priority basis and the conservation status of THB IV containing Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve-Pilibhit FD-Kishanpur WLS should be strengthened. If done, the former will constitute the largest (ca. 8000km2) tiger and elephant habitat anywhere along the foothills of the Himalaya and the latter will ensure the future of one of the finest terai habitats (ca. 1200km2). Initiation of a conservation programme like establishing Rajaji-Shivalik Tiger Reserve is urgently needed to eliminate boulder mining in Yamuna river to ensure the ranging and occurrence of tigers between Shivalik FD and the Kalesar-Simbalbara forests, the western most limit of tiger distribution range. Raising of fuel wood plantations with community participation, use of fuel-efficient chulas, resettling of gujjars (migratory pastoralists) and eight key villages, shifting of one factory and weaning people from bhabar grass collection and conservation education programmes are also recommended. There was a consensus in the two-day workshop held on 6-7 November 2003 in WII that the Nepal model, with a strong scientific foundation and involvement of local people, needs to be adapted for the Indian side of TAL. Cross border cooperation between India and Nepal is a must to ensure the long-term conservation of tiger and its habitat in this Landscape
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    Management of Forests in India for Biological Diversity and Forests Productivity, A New Perspective - Volume V: Satpura Conservation Area (SCA)
    (WII-USDA Forest Service, 2002) Pant, A.; Chavan, S.G.; Banubakode, S.B.; Holthausen, R.; Sawarkar, V.B.; Sen, S.; Wankhade, R.
    The principal aim of the project was to demonstrate an approach to achieving integration of concerns in India for biological diversity, forest based products, and their sustained flow in support of technological, economic and social benefits to urban and rural sector lifestyles. To accomplish this, the project set forth the following six objectives that addressed ecological assessment in “conservation areas” that included relatively undisturbed forest ecosystems, managed forests with current forestry interventions under a variety of harvest systems, and intervening matrix landscapes that support subsistence and related market based rural economies.
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    Assessment of current status of threatened and protected marine flora and fauna in trade in India
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2010) John, S.; Kumar, B.M. Praveen; Choudhury, B.C.; Sivakumar, K.
    The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, (WPA) prohibit the trade of protected marine species in India but illegal trade on these species was observed to be continuing in almost all maritime States and Union Territories. Illegal trade of these protected marine species was observed to be contributing marginal benefits to the rural fisher folks but it imperils the complex marine biodiversity in the country. Most of the elasmobranchs (Sharks, Rays and Skates) in India are threatened due to indiscriminate fishing. In India, seven species of marine elasmobranchs are protected by the WPA. Even though protected elasmobranchs were not encountered in the marine fish landing centres during the study period, their illegal trade cannot be completely ruled out. Majority of the elasmobranchs recorded in the fish landing centers were small in size. Ever increasing market demand for their meat, fins and cartilage are the major cause for this over exploitation. Among marine mammals the dugongs, dolphins and porpoises were caught either incidentally or deliberately in India. In many parts of coasts they have been traded in the domestic market although it was very occasional. Interviews with fisher folks revealed that dolphin meats were largely used for shark baiting than consumption. Occasional killing of dugong was also observed along the Palk Bay, Gulf of Mannar, and Andaman Islands. Meat and eggs of marine turtles are consumed in many parts of the coastal India. Sea turtle landings are not rare on the southern coasts of India especially in the coastal areas between Tuticorin and Trivandrum. Illegal trade of sea turtle’s meat were also observed along the Indian coasts but it is rare or nil in Orissa. Vizhinjam harbor in Kerala is one of the major marine fish landing centers in India where the turtles were regularly traded in the open market. Protected marine mollusks and corals are also illegally collected and sold as curios in several parts of the country especially near the popular tourist beaches and pilgrimage centers. Most of these marine mollusks and corals are collected from the coral rich reefs around Gulf of Mannar, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. Beside, large quantities of seashells are also imported from Tanzania, Philippines and Sri Lanka to meet the local market demand. The imported seashells are then processed in Kanyakumari, Rameswaram and Tuticorin before sending to markets. Therefore, it would be difficult to differentiate the source of these materials whether they have been collected locally or imported from other countries. These processed materials are then either exported to other countries or traded locally. The size classes of these marine mollusks which have been observed in the markets were significantly smaller than the average size observed in the literatures, which itself infer that the populations in the wild have been over exploited and larger sized seashells have already became rare. Domestic markets for the illegal trade of seashells and corals are concentrated largely around pilgrimage and tourist areas. Among the west coast, major illegal marine curio trade exists in the state of Goa. Among the east coast, major domestic curio market was found in Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu). Lack of awareness, poverty, market demand and feeble enforcement are the major reasons for continuation of illegal trade on protected marine species in India. Therefore, integrated marine biodiversity conservation plan along with plan to upliftment of fishermen community is required to prevent illegal trade forever. Further, strengthening of infrastructure and capacity of enforcement agencies is also required to curb these illegal activities in the country. Most importantly, there should be an integration and cooperation between line departments such as Police, Customs, Forest, Fisheries and Coast Guard to successfully curb marine wildlife illegal trade in India.
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    Revising Century old Abor Expedition: Arunachal Pradesh, India - Final report
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2018) Das, Abhijit and others
    Thus, the Abor expedition is one of the most comprehensive biological, geographical and anthropological documentation ever conducted in India. This fine contribution was possible through a partnership between the scientific and defense departments of British India that yielded invaluable information from a remote part in Eastern Himalaya that is now recognized as a biodiversity hotspot. One of the important biogeographic interpretation made out of the observations is that the faunal and floral elements of Abor lands are rather similar to fauna of Assam, south of the Brahmaputra or even to that of Burma Myanmar, rather than to the fauna of Eastern Himalaya (Sikkim, Bhutan and Aka Hills). We revisited the route of the expedition to the extent possible and undertook a comprehensive and intensive survey of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, odonates and cicadas of the Abor landscape, paying special emphasis on threatened taxa. We also undertook an intensive collection of select lower taxa for voucher specimens, especially those of species potentially new to science. The entire expedition was exhaustively photo documented.
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    Feasibility study of proposed small dams in Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary, Haryana
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2019) WII
    This study carried out for a rapid assessment of the proposed dam sites scoping to: (a) assess wildlife values with respect to faunal, floral and aquatic values and potential impacts of dam, and (b) assess the feasibility of alternative sites. Keeping the aforesaid objectives in view, carried out a feasibility study in the context of impact on flora, fauna (mammals) and ichthyofauna in the proposed dam sites.
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    Assessment of impacts of State highway 33 on flora and fauna of Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, India
    (Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, 2020) Habib, Bilal
    As part of the project funded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority, New Delhi, three sites were chosen for study- the Central Indian tiger landscape including major roads cutting across the animal corridors in the landscape, the National Highway 37 (now 715) cutting through the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape in Assam, and the State Highway 33 passing through the Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, Karnataka. At Nagarhole Tiger reserve, we intended to study the difference in the impacts of the SH 33 along its two stretches – one that is completely closed to traffic (decommissioned segment) and the other stretch that is closed for night time traffic (night traffic closed segment). We compared the floral (tree species composition and richness), and faunal (ungulate group size and composition, habitat use and activity patterns) characteristics along the two road stretches. We found that tree and sapling species richness was found to be higher in the decommissioned road segment as compared to the night traffic closed road segment, both of which comprised predominantly of native vegetation. On the other hand, shrubs and herbs had higher species richness in the night traffic closed road segment. We found higher species richness and cover of grasses, shrubs and herbs in the night traffic closed road segment, which can be attributed to the edge effect. Even though both the segments of the highway under study are homogenous in respect of rainfall regime, forest type and are managed as part of national park under the same management objectives (Gubbi et al. 2012), results of shrub and sapling study indicate that there exists some distinguishing factors along the two segments so as to favor different species. A further detailed study is required to point out the factors responsible. Contrary to the general understanding, invasive species cover for two of the common invasive species (Lantana camara and Eupatorium odoratum) was higher in the area devoid of traffic as compared to the night traffic closed road segment. This can be attributed to increased light intensity on the forest floor due to lower canopy cover in the decommissioned road segment and higher animal activity, who acts as seed dispersers. Lower canopy cover in decommissioned road segment can be the result of breakage of canopy and crushing of new regeneration by higher presence and more frequent activity of large mammals, like elephants. Mean group size of chital was found to be higher in the night traffic closed road segment, whereas mean crowding was higher in the decommissioned road segment. Higher presence of chital in the night traffic closed road segment can be because of availability of more fodder species and less risk of predation. In the decommissioned road segment, chital and wild pig’s habitat use is not affected by the distance from the state highway, whereas, sambar and elephant’s habitat choice is determined by distance from the highway. There has been a 16% increase in the traffic volume from 553 vehicles /day in the last 9 years as reported by Gubbi et al. (2012), to 659 ± 139.70 as reported in our study. However, though there has been an increase in the traffic volume, it is at a slower rate as compared to the increase from 2003 to 2010 level. The average speed of vehicles ranged from 27.5 MPH to 35.4 MPH. We found that in the night traffic closed road segment, animals have modified their activity periods to avoid the vehicular traffic. Most of the mammals are either active in the early morning hours before the road is opened for vehicular movement or late evenings after the road is closed. This suggests that there is a difference in activity pattern of these mammals along both the road segments, in order to understand which a further detailed study about behavior modification of mammals in relation to traffic and other road related disturbances needs to be carried out.