Patterns of Mammalian assemblages in forested riverscape in Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, the Northern Western Ghats, India.

Abstract

This study deals with understanding mammal abundance and habitat status in an altered watershed, a dammed river that now forms a part of the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, in the northern Western Ghats, Maharashtra, India. Study aimed to understand habitat status and mammal abundance along the stream network within upstream Koyna Reservoir, 55 years after its construction. By doing this, I aimed to understand and draw conclusions on generally how reservoirs are functioning as protected areas. This study is particularly relevant and important for the threatened and unique landscapes of the Western Ghats. A systematic conservation prioritization analysis was conducted to assess which areas within Koyna should be prioritized for effective allocation of management resources. Overall, using robust modelling approaches, the thesis reports about the present status of riparian forests and mammals using these riparian areas in Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary.