025680   Singh R;Nigam P;Goyal S P;Joshi B D;Sharma S;Shekhawat R S (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, Post Box No.18, Chandrabani, Dehradun-248 001) : Survival of dispersed orphaned cubs of tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) in fragmented habitat of Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve in India. Indian For 2011, 137(10), 1171-6.

Two orphaned tigers cubs aged 8-10 months of either sex were monitored over a period of one and half years between October 2008-March 2010 in the fragmented landscape of Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve (RTR), India. Both animals dispersed out into fragmented landscapes, however the male cub accidently ventured into human habitation and resulted in conflict. The cub was rescued and rehabilitated in an adjoining forest. The female cub dispersed naturally outside the national park area into Chambal ravines. Both the animals were monitored using camera trap and pugmark based tracking method during the study period. Both tiger cubs adapted well in the human dominated (fragmented) landscape, caused minimal conflict, and survived their first winter and summer till they attained the age of ≥ 24 months. This paper presents the survival of orphaned cubs in fragmented landscape and highlights the importance of translocation as a tool for alleviating conflict.

2 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

025679   Sethy J;Chauhan N P S (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandarbani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand) : Himalayan newt (Tylototriton verrucosus) in Namdapaha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh, India. Indian For 2011, 137(10), 1227-9.

1 illus, 26 ref

025678   Sethy J;Chauhan N P S (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Post Box 18, Dehradun, Uttarakhand) : Birds of katerniaghat wildlife sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh, India. Indian For 2011, 137(10), 1183-7.

Survey on birds was carried out from March 2007 to August 2007. The birds were observed during most active period of the day i.e. 0515 to 0830 hrs and 1530 to 1830 hrs. A total of 200 bird species were recorded in the sanctuary. The frequency of sightings of 62 bird species was very high. Out of total, 105 species were seen quite regularly and 35 birds were seen intermittently. Previous study of birds conducted during 2003 showed presence of 157 species in this sanctuary. The majority of species were recorded in mixed forest (n=145), followed by teak plantation (n=38) and rest from road side and open forest. Ninety one bird species (45.5%) species were resident breeding birds, including the Bengal florican and Swamp francolin. Another 31 (15.5%) were resident, but their breeding in Katerniaghat has not been confirmed. Winter migrants constituted at least 50 (25%) of the total species. The majority of these were waterfowl and also several species of leaf warblers (Phylloscopus spp.). Five (2.5%) species were summer migrants, showed local movement. Three species (1.5%), namely, the black redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros), blue rock thrush (Monticola solitaries) and blue whistling thrush (Myophonus caeruleus) were transient in this area. The status of about 20 species (10%) could not be ascertained.

1 illus, 12 ref

025677   Sekar T (NO, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Tamil Nadu, Chennai-600 015) : Historical account of wildlife protection and management in Tamil Nadu. Indian For 2011, 137(10), 1147-54.

India is endowed with rich biodiversity and a vast array of natural landscapes. The State of Tamil Nadu has also got varied forest types and is characterized by diverse flora and associated fauna. Wildlife protection in the Madras Presidency received some attention by way of promulgation of few laws and declaration of certain areas as sanctuaries in the early period of forest administration prior to independence. More Protected Areas were established in the post-independence decades. With the enactment of Wildlife Protection Act 1972, species-specific conservation programmes gained momentum. Between then and the close of 20th century, many more sanctuaries and national parks were constituted. The new millennium witnessed addition of more areas to protected area network and introduction of landscape-based approach for wildlife conservation, particularly for elephants and tigers. The State has at present 4,578 km² of forests, accounting for 20% of the total extent of forest area brought under PA management. The unique biodiversity significance of these areas, conservation measures taken and their results in improving the population status of many flagship species have been discussed.

11 ref

025676   Sahoo D;Das S K;Sahu H K;Rout S D;Singh L A K (P.G. Wildlife and Conservation Biology Dep, North Orissa Univ, Sriram Chandra Vihar, Takatpur, Bripada-757 003) : Habitat utilization by gaur Bos gaurus in baisipalli wildlife sanctuary with the special notes on their water dependency, eastern ghat, India. Indian For 2011, 137(10), 1233-4.

^ssc1 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

025675   Pratihar S (Molecular Biology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Vidyasagar Univ, Midnapore-721 102, Email: pratihar_vu@rediffmail.com) : Threat to amphibian population in district Midnapore, West Bengal (India). Indian For 2011, 137(10), 1230-1.

3 ref

025674   Palei H S;Mahapatra P P;Dutta S K;Singh L A K;Sahu H K;Rout S D (Vill.-Kundapitha, P.S.-ghatgaon, Dist-Keonjhar-758 027) : Avifauna of Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary, Southern Orissa, India. Indian For 2011, 137(10), 1197-1203.

Birds of Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary were studied from January 2009 to June 2009, based on observational method. A total of 123 birds were recorded representing 49 families of 15 orders. Nine species are migrant, of which six are winter visitor and three are summer visitor. They also recorded 11 species of water birds here. The major factors, which are detrimental to the Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary, are identified which includes proposal to lease a part of a land to an industry, use poison for fishing, forest fire, encroachment and hunting. Recommendations for better management of habitat of the Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary have been provided.

1 table, 30 ref

025673   Mishra B K;Maniktala R (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand) : Socio economic evaluation of human wildlife conflict management- a case study from Uttarakhand, India. Indian For 2011, 137(10), 1165-70.

The role of community in the management of human-wildlife conflicts, although recognized, has neither been adequately evaluated nor clearly documented. Therefore net economic loss was evaluated due to crop depredation in a PA neighboring village of Uttarakhand, capital cost of a power fence to deter wildlife entering the crop fields and recurring cost of maintenance, and cost of crop protection. Net amount society is willing to pay for maintenance of power fence was estimated Rs. 19200 per year, whereas actual amount required was Rs. 11500. Authors compared the cost of power fence with monetary value of crop loss and estimated that the cost of fence can be recovered in just 1.26 years. The analysis revealed that the perceived benefits from power fence were much higher than the cost borne by farmers due to crop depredation suggesting the critical role of community not only taking responsibility of maintenance, but also bearing the initial cost of fence. This study also revealed a higher level of tolerance of local people towards crop raiding wildlife- a strong factor in favour of forging partnership with them in managing human-wildlife conflict.

2 tables, 32 ref

025672   Mishra A T;Kazmi S E H;Satya Prakash (Wild Life Div, Ranchi, Jharkhand) : Nesting and feeding behaviour of Indian giant squirrel (Ratufa indica) in Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Jamshedpur (Jharkhand). Indian For 2011, 137(10), 1155-9.

Indian giant squirrel (Ratufa indica) has been found as an indicator of good health of forest as it feeds on most of the parts of trees like flower, fruits, leaf, bark and young shoots of a variety of species. Although it nests on diverse variety of plant species but mostly prefers tall trees like Terminalia tomontosa, Dillenia indica, D. pentagyna, etc. It prefers to nest on the top of the trees. Though Indian giant squirrel feeds on parts of many plants but plant like ilmli, mahulan, pakur, pipal, pant, barhgad are very important as the leaves and young shoots are eaten more and more by these animals. Forest with presence of a mixed deciduous forest where it could get diversity of trees to nest and feed on. Such trees provide an ideal habitat for this squirrel. Indian giant squirrel preferred a mixed deciduous forest, where it could get diversity of trees to nest and feed on. The discontinuity of tree cover, due to illegal felling, cutting of branches to feed the domestic animals by local villagers and illegal hunting (bishu shikar, poaching) have been the major threats for the survival of the Indian giant squirrel.

3 tables, 5 ref

025671   Malleshappa H;Selva Singh Richard P (Kalakad Mundunthurai Tiger Reserve, Project Tiger, NGO "A" Colony, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, Email: ssrichard2001@gmail.com) : Floral biology and floral visitors of Psychotria nilgiriensis var. astephana (Hook.F.) Deb et Gang. (Rubiaceae) from Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Sourthern Western Ghats, India. Indian For 2011, 137(9), 1049-55.

The present study is a preliminary work highlighting the floral biology of Psychotria nilgiriensis var. astephana (Hook, f.) Deb et Gang., where the floral characters such as the floral type, shape symmetry, colour, pollen morphology, pollen production, pollen - ovule ratio were studied. The flowers received 22 species of insects as diurnal floral visitors, predominantly butterflies (11 species) followed by bees (4 species), Flies (3 species). Ants (2 species), wasp and beetle (1 species each). Apis cerana, Appias wardi, Ypthima sp. and a species of wasp accounted for highest percentage of total visits to the blossoms. The most favourable temperature range with diverse community of floral visitors and maximum floral visits was between 25°C and 32°C. Observations based on the foraging behaviour of floral visitors as well as the number of visits shows that Appias wardi, Ypthima sp., wasp, Apiscerana and Lasioglossum sp. presumably the important pollinators of P. nilgiriensis var. astephana.

2 illus, 1 table, 43 ref

025670   Kumar Ghorpade (Agricultural Entomology, Agricultural Sciences Univ, Dharwad-580 005, Email: kumar.ghorpade@yahoo.in) : Current species identities and scientific names of Indian birds: doubts, queries and counsel. Curr Sci 2011, 100(7), 981-3.

It is theorized here that several 'races' of Indian bird species require upgradation through careful taxo-nomic revisions, as is being undertaken by systematic ornithologists abroad. Bird students are prudently advised to revert to using names in the New Synopsis, which included subspecies, with their diagnostic characters and geographical ranges explained in the Indian Handbook, and also to incorporate updates in the recent Ripley Guide. Unless currently treated polytypic species are identified to the correct trinomial, several 'species' names used now would be suspect or erroneous, being only rough and incomplete identifications, and therefore scientifically incorrect for leads to relevant information.

31 ref

025669   Jothish P S (Conservation Biology Div, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala) : Note on Blyth's reed warbler feeding nectar of Palaquium ellipticum flowers. Indian For 2011, 137(10), 1232.

5 ref

025668   Hilaluddin;Khan D N;Abbassi F (Planning Commission, National Rainfed Area Authority, NASC Complex, New Delhi-110 012) : Impact of hunting on large mammal densities in the West Indian Himalaya. Indian For 2011, 137(10), 1141-6.

Game species are lost when forest areas are subjected to hunting and populations of already threatened species may become locally extinct from many such patches. The present study tested this hypothesis in the temperate forests of West Indian Himalaya. The animal densities were estimated in predetermined Belt Transects, whereas vegetation abundance was estimated using point count strategy. The study provides solid evidence that hunting seriously impacts populations of hunted species. The results show that barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), goral (Nemorhaedus goral), Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) and serow (Capricornis sumatraensis) are encountered more frequently in protected sites than hunted sites. The fate of globally threatened species, specifically Himalayan tahr and serow, seems to be heavily impacted; and, both species are at high risk of local extinctions from many forest patches in this landscape of the world.

4 tables, 44 ref

025667   Bisht N S;Laltanpuia F;Lailung L;Lalengliana C;Singh V R R (Chief Wildlife Warden, Mizoram, Aizawl) : Conservation breeding of Western Hoolock gibbon at Aizawl Zoological Park, Mizoram. Indian For 2011, 137(10), 1235-7.

^ssc1 table, 19 ref

025666   Bisht N S;Laltanpuia F;Lailung L;Lalengliana C (State Forest Dep, Wild Life Div, Aizawal, Mizoram) : Breeding of hume's pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae) at Aizawl Zoological Park, Mizoram. Indian For 2011, 137(10), 1225-6.

8 ref

024470   Vasudevan K;Supriya K (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, P.O. Box 18, Chandrabani, Dehradun-248 001, Email: karthik@wii.gov.in) : Utilization of wild caught animals in education: a case of rampant vivisections in India. Curr Sci 2011, 100(6), 818-21.

2 illus, 16 ref

024469   Singh B K (NO, Forests (Wildlife), Bangalore, Karnataka) : Relocation of tribals from Nagarhole National Park in 2010-11. Indian For 2011, 137(7), 922-5.

1 table

024468   Shetty N R;Vidya T N C (Evolutionary and Organismal Biology Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, P.O. Box 6436, Jakkur, Bangalore-560 064, Email: tncvidya@jncasr.ac.in) : To split or not to split: the case of the African elephant. Curr Sci 2011, 100(6), 810-12.

1 illus, 21 ref

024467   Sethi V K;Bhatt D;Amit Kumar (Avian Diversity and Bioacoustics Lab, Zoology and Environmental Scienc, Gurukul Kangri Univ, Haridwar-249 404, Email: vinayaksethi@yahoo.co.in ) : Song repertoire size of the pied bushchat Saxicola caprata. Curr Sci 2011, 100(3), 302-4.

^ssc3 illus, 14 ref

024466   Mohandas T V;Remadevi O K (NO, Karnataka Forest Development Corporation Ltd., Mangalore, Karnataka) : Tourist visitations in protected areas of Central Western Ghats in Karnataka. Indian For 2011, 137(4), 403-10.

Study was undertaken to find out various aspects of tourist visitations to the protected areas in Central Western Ghats of Karnataka. The rich biodiversity in this region attract lot of tourists and nature lovers. Kudremukh National Park, Someshwar sanctuary and Mookambika sanctuary were selected as study area. Data on number of visitors taken from records of Forest Department and a questionnaire based study was conducted to gather information on socio-economic status of visitors, their willingness to pay for visiting the sanctuaries, their preference to see wildlife and their impression on the hospitality and facilities in the sanctuaries. The study showed that majority of the visitors is attracted by the rich wildlife and scenic beauty in the area. Most of the visitors wanted to see tiger during the visit. Only 5.6% of the visitors regarded butterflies as part of wildlife and wanted to see them. Gender details, educational and economic profile of visitors as well as their willingness to pay for visiting the sanctuaries and thus supporting conservation measures were analysed.

8 illus, 3 tables, 2 ref

024465   Mitra B;Banerjee D;Mridha R S (Zoological Survey of India, New Alipore, M-Block, Kolkata, West Bengal) : Report on the bioecology of the giant red bug, Macroceroea (lohita) Grandis (gray) (Family:pyrrhocoridae) and its conservation in the bhibhutibhusan wild life sanctuary, Parmadan, West Bengal. Indian For 2011, 137(6), 739-43.

The present study reveals that the integral association of the 'giant red bug' Macroceroea (Lohita) grandis (Gray) with the false white teak tree, with regards to its saprozoic feeding and all other essential biological activities need the presence of the host plant species and its loss is directly related with the existence of the bug. Though insects are overlooked when forest management issues are discussed, proper management of our forests however should not exclude the forest associated and dependant fauna. Even innocuous actions like clearing of forest, removal of leaf litter and rotting fruits (as in the present case) can actually have larger implications like habitat loss for a species. Thus, while planning forest management and conservation strategy even these smaller issues should be kept in mind.

13 illus, 4 ref

024464   Kalve S;Sarangi B K;Pandey R A;Chakrabarti T (NO, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR), Nehru Marg, Nagpur-440 020, Email: bk_sarangi@neeri.res.in) : Arsenic and chromium hyperaccumulation by an ecotype of Pteris vittata- prospective for phytoextraction from contaminated water and soil. Curr Sci 2011, 100(6), 888-94.

This study was carried out to identify Pteris vittata plant in India, which is reported elsewhere as an arsenic hyperaccumulator. This is the first report of characterization of arsenic (As) accumulation in an Indian ecotype, which also shows chromium (Cr) hyperaccu-mulation in addition to As. Intact plantlets were grown in 20% Hoagland solution amended with up to 200 mg As or Cr I^-1 medium. Plants absorbed and accumulated a significant amount of As and Cr in their biomass with high bioenrichment factor. As and Cr tolerance by spores and gametophytes under in vitro was also assessed. As and Cr accumulation in the gametophyte biomass was more when spores were directly germinated on As- and Cr-supplemented media. As and Cr accumulation in the gametophyte biomass was less when spores were germinated first on media devoid of As and Cr but subsequently grown on As- and Cr-amended media.

4 illus, 6 tables, 24 ref

024463   Goswami R;Thyagarajan G (Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Royal Enclave, Sri Ramapura, Jakkur PO, Bangalore-560 064, Email: rajkamal@atree.org) : Conservation amidst political unrest: the case of manas national park, India. Curr Sci 2011, 100(4), 445-6.

5 ref

024462   Biju Kumar A;Captain A (Aquatic Biology and Fisheries Dep, Kerala Univ, Thiruvananthapuram-695 581, Email: abiju@rediffmail.com) : Recent records of the endemic Kerala mud snake, Enhydris dussumierii (Dumeril, Bibron & Dumeril, 1854) from India. Curr Sci 2011, 100(6), 928-32.

A rare, little known and endangered species of mud snake, Enhydris dussumierii (Dumeril, Bibron & Dumeril, 1854), has been reported from Vellayani Lake, Kerala, India. Some taxonomic characters are redescribed, with notes on its colour pattern, diet and occurrence.

7 illus, 1 atble, 9 ref

023395   Selvan K M (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun-248 001, Email: tamildove@gmail.com) : Pong dam wetlands sanctuary: a heaven for waterfowls. Curr Sci 2010, 99(12), 1642.

1 illus, 8 ref

023394   Ramakrishnan B;Ramasubramanian S;Saravanan M;Arivazhagan C (NO, Wildlife Trust of India, No. 10, Sandalwood Road Dep, Northpet, Sathyamangalam-638 401) : Is diclofenac the only culprit for declining population of gyps vultures in the moyar valley. Curr Sci 2010, 99(12), 1645-6.

1 illus, 13 ref

023393   Noor A;Habib B;Satish Kumar (Wildlife Sciences Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002) : Effects of plot size and shape on the encounter rate of ungulate faecal pellet groups and abundance estimate precision. Curr Sci 2010, 99(6), 800-4.

Several pellet-plot (sampling unit) designs have been used by different workers to mitigate the underlying problems in the form of missed pellet groups on the larger plots or the interpretational error of the observer. Conducted a comparative study on four sym-patric ungulate species in the Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, India. Explored different shapes and sizes of the sampling units, including groups lying on the plot boundary. Found a 5 m radius circular plot ideal (least percentage CV = 194) in comparison to circular plots of other sizes as well as their corresponding quadrat plots of the same area. Density estimates were systematically biased by plot size and shape, where smaller plots and higher edge-to-area ratios were found to have higher density estimates. Authors emphasize upon the inclusion of the pellet groups lying on the plot boundary to minimize the error caused by excluding them from the counts.

2 illus, 2 tables, 24 ref

023392   Khan T N (Ecology and Wildlife Biology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Maulana Azad College, 8, R.A. Kidwai Road, Kolkata-700 013) : Temporal changes to the abundance and community structure of migratory waterbirds in santragachhi lake, West Bengal, and their relationship with water hyacinth cover. Curr Sci 2010, 99(11), 1570-7.

Study carried out during 1998-2009 showed that migratory waterbirds of Santragachhi wetland, in the vicinity of Kolkata, have declined by more than 55% over a 12-year period, and three important species have abandoned the wetland. These changes were associated with the reduction of the surface water area due to proliferation of water hyacinth. The waterbird abundance and community composition corresponded significantly with the water hyacinth cover of the wetland.

4 illus, 4 tables, 29 ref

023391   Chelliah K;Kannan G;Kundu S;Abilash N; Madhusudan A;Baskaran N;Sukumar R (Asian Nature Conservation Foundation, c/o Innovation Centre, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012, Email: rsuku@ces.iisc.ernet.in) : Testing the efficacy of a chilli-tobacco rope fence as a deterrent against crop-raiding elephants. Curr Sci 2010, 99(9), 1239-43.

Chilli-based repellents have shown promise as deterrents against crop-raiding elephants in Africa. We experimented with ropes coated with chilli-based repellent as a cheap alternative to existing elephant crop-raid deterrent methods in India. Three locations (Buxa Tiger Reserve, Wyanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Hosur Forest Division) representing varying rainfall regimes from high to low, and with histories of intense elephant-agriculture conflict, were selected for the experiments that were conducted over 2-3 months during the pre-harvest period of the kharif season in late 2006. Chilli and tobacco powder mixed with waste oil was applied to ropes strung around agricultural fields of 1.4- 5.5 km perimeter and elephant approaches were monitored. Elephants breached the rope fences a few times at all three study sites. Female-led herds were far more deterred (practically 100% reduction) than were solitary males (c. 50%) by the chilli-tobacco rope. Efficacy of this method as a deterrent was significantly better in the low-rainfall regime relative to medium and high-rainfall regimes. The initial promising results present a case for more rigorous experimentation; these would help determine if the elephants avoiding the rope are responding physiologically to the chilli-tobacco smell or merely reacting cautiously to a novel substance in their environment.

3 illus, 3 tables, 29 ref

023390   Alexandar R (Ecology and Environmental Sciences Dep, Pondicheery Univ, Puducherry-605 014, Email: enviroalexandar@gmail.com) : Need for conservation of common sand boa (Eryx conicus) (Schneider 1801). Curr Sci 2010, 99(11), 1497.

1 illus, 3 ref

007114   Khan A A;Khan A;Agrawal S (Botany Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002) : Asteraceous flora of Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh (India). J Econ Taxon Bot 2009, 33(4), 786-96.

Records fifty nine species belonging to forty two genera of family Asteraceae, collected from Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary. A comparison with an earlier published works revealed that twenty one species were not recorded previously from the study area and seven species recorded earlier could not be collected during present study. Among the species recorded, Eupatorium adenophorum and Parthenium hysterophorus are known invasives, while further studies are needed to determine the invasive potential of Enydra fluctuans and Saliva anthemifolia.

6 ref

022214   Srivastava T;Dutta P K (WWF-India, Western Arunachal Landscape, Arunachal Pradesh, Email: tanushrees@ncbs.res.in) : Western Arunachal Pradesh offering prime home to the endangered red panda. Curr Sci 2010, 99(2), 155-6.

^ssc3 illus, ref

022213   Meena V (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, P.O. Box 18, Chandrabani, Dehradun-248 001, Email: meena.venktraman@gmail.com) : Unique mating behaviour of asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) in the gir forest, Gujarat. Curr Sci 2010, 99(3), 281.

7 ref

019897   Murthy T S N (NO, , H-20/E, Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai-600 041) : Snakes of India - some facts and an appeal for conservation. Bionotes 2011, 13(2), 89-90.

1 illus, 6 ref

017664   Satya Prakash;Mishra A K;Raziuddin M (Neo Human Foundation, College More, Hazaribagh-825 301, Email: mrazi.vbu@gmail.com) : Studies on the nesting habits of Indian giant squirrel Ratufa indica centralis Ryley 1913 in Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Jharkhand, India. Columban J Life Sci 2011, 12(1-2), 9-18.

Studied the nesting habits of Indian giant squirrel, Ratufa indica centralis in dry deciduous forest of the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary of Jharkhand (central India) during the months of February, March, April and December 2010. Nesting habits were assessed through observations on a total of 1452 dreys on 1244 plants in 2832 ha area (nest density = 0.51 drey per ha). R. i. centralis constructs large (up to 75x60 cm) multilayered globular leaf dreys usually in the sub-canopy area of the nesting trees belonging to 59 species with a higher preference for Terminalia tomentosa and Anogeissus latifolia belonging to the family, Combrataceae. 41.05 percent nests were observed on plants belonging to this family. The squirrels showed a very high preference for nesting on deciduous trees in comparison to semi-deciduous and evergreen trees. Dreys are usually constructed on trees which have a height ranging from 30 feet to 70 ft. Maximum number (558) of dreys has been observed on trees belonging to 60-69 ft height class. The differences between average tree height and average nesting height were 5.61 feet.

16 illus, 4 tables, 41 ref

017663   Belsare D K (NO, Technical Committee of Wildlife Research, Govt. of Madva Pradesh, Email: dbelsare@yahoo.com) : Strategy for conservation of tigers in "tiger state". Columban J Life Sci 2008, 9(1-2), 1-14.

8 illus, 28 ref

015501   Aftab;Khan M S (Wildlife Sciences Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 002, Email: aftab.a.usmani@gmail.com) : Status and distribution of birds at the Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand. Bionotes 2012, 14(2), 40-3.

1 table, 8 ref

014303   Ramakrishnan B;Kumaraguru A;Ramasubramanian S (NO, Wildlife Trust of India, Sandalwood Depot Road, Sathyamangalam P.O., Erode District, Tamil Nadu, Email: sathyamangalamdfo@rediffmail.com) : Cannibalism in royal bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) (Linnaeus)-evidence from DNA analysis. Scient Trans Envir Technovation 2010, 4(1), 1-3.

Cannibalism, the process of consuming an individual of its own species, has been exhibited by various animals with some eating the adult animals of the same kind while in the other cases even their offsprings for their survival. This paper documents cannibalism amongst tiger Panthera tigris tigris through scientific analysis of a scat sample collected from the Sathyamangalam Forest Division of Tamil Nadu, Southern India. DNA analysis of the nails found in the scat showed that they belonged to a male tiger cub, strongly supporting the existence of cannibalism in tiger.

3 illus, 13 ref

011957   Varma S;Aiyadurai A;Narendra Babu;Menon V (Asian Elephant Research & Conservation Centre (A Division of Asian na, c/o Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012, Email: varma@ces.iisc.ernet.in) : Patterns and causes of predator-human conflict in and around Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India. Int J Ecol envir Sci 2010, 36(2-3), 133-45.

Mithun (Bos gaurus frontalis), a semi-domestic bovid is reported to be depredated regularly by predators particular the wild dogs (Cuon alpinus) and the villagers retaliate by killing the predators. This survey focused on the overall patterns and causes of the predator-human conflict. The result showed that the region has more predators (56%) than preys (44%). The encounter rate (3.43 km^-1) and frequency of occurrence of mithun signs (65%) were high compared to encounter rate (0.19 km^-1) and frequency of occurrence (4%) of natural preys. Low encounter rates of wild prey or the lack of optimal prey species and the relatively high encounter rates of free ranging livestock were the causes for the conflict. The loss of mithun has a severe effect on the local community's (Nyishi) economy, culture and sentiments as it plays an integral role in their culture and tradition.

12 illus, 2 tables, 29 ref

011956   Kamal Naidu M (NO, Alladin Mansion Shoppers stop, Begumpet, Hyderabad) : Understanding tiger's lifestyle. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2010, 3(2), 171-4.

Save the Environment by saving the Tiger. A Tiger is not just a tiger, it is a food chain pyramid with tiger at the apex.Each tiger requires 10,000 sq miles of territory with herbivores,insectivores including the vegetation. Thus, more tiger means more green territories. A Tiger's life is fascinating let not tiger become another DODO in the Museums.Let them survive "Tiger, Tiger burining bright as said by a Rudyard Kipling". In 1900, there were 40,000 tigers in India and now in 2010 only 1411 allive. Can we afford such a crime during the lifetime.

5 illus

009743   Aksin N (NO, Firat Univ, Elazig Health High School, Elazig, 23119, Turkey, Email: nurselaksin@yahoo.com) : Chewing lice and feather mites on wild partridges. Indian vet J 2010, 87(9), 940-1.

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007439   Singh B (NO, , 24B, C-4D Janakpuri, New Delhi) : Corbett National Park the national heritage. Cheetal 2011, 49(3), 11-13.

007438   Nawab A;Hussain S A (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, Post Box <35>18, Chandrabani Dehra Dun-248 001, Email: hussain@wii.gov.in) : Distribution pattern and relative abundance of smooth-coated otter Lutrogale perspicillata and crocodilians in the aquatic ecosystems of corbett tiger reserve, India. Cheetal 2011, 49(3), 77-87.

The status of smooth-coated otters and crocodilians (mugger Crocodylus palustris and gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) in Corbett Tiger Reserve was examined during 2001-04. The study revealed that the occurrence of otters was restricted only to three rivers that were relatively undisturbed and supported potential microhabitats. The relative abundance of otters was 0.35 km^-1 for Ramganga River, 0.34 km^-1 for Mandal River and 0.26 km^-1 for Palain Rivers while the abundance of crocodilians varied from 9.92 km^-1 ± 2.75 for mugger and 5.25 km^-1 ± 1.67 for gharial. In the rivers where otter presence was observed destructive fishing followed by removal of sand and boulder and bank side vegetation as well as occasional poaching was observed which may affect otter population negatively.

4 tables, 35 ref

007437   Naoroji R (NO, Godrej Bhawan, 4th Floor, 4A Home street, Fort, Mumbai-400 001) : Reminiscences and adventures while studying raptors in Corbett National Park. Cheetal 2011, 49(3), 71-6.

007436   Misra D N (NO, , B-155, sector - A, Mahanagar, Lucknow-226 006) : Dudhwa National Park as I knew it in 1950. Cheetal 2011, 49(3), 117-19.

007435   Mehta R (NO, , Chitra Cinema, Near Railway Station, Haridwar) : Burning problem of Corbett Tiger Reserve - man eating by tiger. Cheetal 2011, 49(3), 19-20.

007434   Krishnan G;Sarkar M;Ramesha K P;Ghosh M K; Kataktalware M A (NO, National Research Centre on Yak (ICAR), Dirang-790 101) : Physiological responses of yaks during winter season. Indian vet J 2010, 87(6), 552-3.

The investigation was carried out on thermal adaptability of thirty healthy yaks with different age groups and body weight at NRC on Yak. There was no significant difference between the observed rectal temperature and pulse rate with the normal expected values in yak. DSI and BCA were approximately '1' and '2' respectively during the winter months, which indicated that during winter at the altitude of 2750 MSL with average ambient temperature of 3.17°C to 6.51°C, yaks do not experience cold stress. The thermal adaptability of adult bulls was significantly (P <60> 0.05) higher than that of lactating yaks and calves during winter season.

7 ref

007433   Khatau D (NO, Chairman Corbett Foundatxion, Dhikuli PO - Ramnagar Distt. Nainital) : Evolution and present status of private sector tourism resorts around corbett tiger reserve. Cheetal 2011, 49(3), 17-18.

007432   Gupta R C;Kaushik T K (Zoology Dep, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra-136 119, Email: rohtashchandgupta@rediffmail.com) : On the fundamentals of natural history and present threats to Red-wattled Lapwing in Kurukshetra environs. J appl nat Sci 2011, 3(1), 62-7.

Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus is a very common bird seen on the periphery of Kurukshetra-Thanesar, twin towns, in agriculture fields. Last 28 years of keen observations reveal the fast coming up threats to its populations. The current populations are a quarter only of the level that existed in 1980s. Most visible threat has been caused by HUDA (Haryana Urban Development Authority). It has virtually converted the peripheral agriculture fields in Kurukshetra into so called HUDA-Sectors -new Human dwelling places with ultra modern civic amenities with vast open space with no protection or peace for lapwing populations- diminishing its populations to the present deplorable position. It has been observed to segregate into very strong male-female pairs during breeding season which embarks upon with respect to the first or second week of April, culminating in nest building and laying of eggs in the 4th week of April through May and 4 th week of June. Juveniles were seen first in May last week. A total of 25 nests of the bird were surveyed in the breeding season during April to July 2010. The clutch size ranged from 3-4. Out of 25 nests surveyed, 13 nests were having 4 eggs each and 11 nests 3 eggs as in 2010. Also, only one nest was found with two eggs. Further, in all 87 eggs were laid in 25 nests, out of which 53 eggs hatched successfully. The eggs were mosaic colored with pied patterns- a measure of "Camouflaging" to evade attack of predators including Common Pariah Kite Milvus migrans, House Crow Corvus splendens, Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis and Stray dogs. Eggs on ground always confronted a threat from pedestrians.

007431   Chowfin S M (NO, C/o The Gadoli and Manda Khal Wildlife Conservation Trust, PO Bo. 27, Pauri, District Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand-246 001, Email: schowfin@yahoo.com) : Gharial estimation and habitat assessment survey 2008, Corbett Tiger Reserve, Uttarakhand, India: field survey report. Cheetal 2011, 49(3), 96-104.

The gharial, Gavialis gangeticus, is a charismatic, endemic crocodilian of the North Indian Subcontinent. Amongst the rarest members of its order, the species was recently upgraded from "Endangered" to "Critically Endangered", (IUCN 2007) and the strength of wild breeding population has been recently estimated as not exceeding 200 individuals. (Whitaker and Members of GMTF, 2007). A study was undertaken to assess the gharial, Gavialis gangeticus population and its reproductive status in the Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) in 2008 in association with the Uttarakhand Forest Department. Within CTR, a total of 101 individuals were observed during 2008 with a size class distribution of 10 adult males, 32 adults, 10 juveniles and 2 yearlings. Mugger crocodiles and freshwater turtles were also observed during the course of the survey co-occurring in many areas with gharial. Evidence of recent successful reproduction is indicated by the presence of young individuals and / or recent nesting with direct confirmation of reproductive activity in 2008 evidenced by observations of recent nesting activity, nests, and/or predated nests. In CTR, nesting success appears to be adversely affected by water level fluctuations in the reservoir, limiting available nesting sites and producing horizontal and / or vertical separation of the nests from the proximity of the water due to receding water levels within the main reservoir. In addition, cattle disturbance and or nest predation may further limit nest success.

2 tables, 10 ref