007430   Badola R;Sah T;Hussain S A (NO, Wildlife Institue of India, P.O Box 18, 2 ACF, Bankura North Division, West Bengal, Email: ruchi@wii.gov.in) : Dependency of local people on the Corbett Tiger Reserve, India. Cheetal 2011, 49(3), 105-16.

In developing countries, particularly those with high densities of population such as, India, protected areas closely impact the livelihood of local communities living in and around park. The benefits of protected areas may accrue to a party that is not particularly disadvantaged while compromising an already marginalized resource dependent group, resulting in potentially negative conservation outcomes if their needs are ignored. It is therefore important to understand the different resource user groups in a community and their dependency on the natural resources. Using a questionnaire based survey, the present study was conducted in six villages located around the Corbett Tiger Reserve to examine the socio-economic status of local community living in and around its Buffer zone and to quantify their dependency on forest resources. Situated at distance ranging from 0-3 km from the Tiger Reserve boundary, some villages lack even the basic facilities such as electricity and drinking water. The economy of this area is basically agrarian. In all the villages more than half of population is involved in agriculture either fully or with some occupation. The people are poor, the mean household income ranges from Rs. 18240 ± 7497 to Rs. 32558.5 ± 8123.9 per year, and depend on the forests for fuelwood and fodder requirements. Some families also collect medicinal plants and Non Wood Forest Products. The contribution of forest to per capita income ranges from 38.07% to 51.1%. The local people bear the costs of conservation in terms of opportunity costs and loss of life and property due to wild animals. It is therefore imperative to address their livelihood concerns while developing conservation management plans for the area.

3 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

001990   Vinod Rishi (NO, Chandrabani Grant, Mahobewala, Dehra Dun, Uttarkhand, Email: vinodrishi@rediffmail.com) : Monitoring tigers in the twenty-first century in India. Indian For 2010, 136(10), 1293.

Tiger conservation crisis has been compounded by the inability to precisely estimate and monitor tiger populations in India. The paper presents a historical review of the past approaches and current anomalies, and suggests future possibilities for meaningful evaluation of the status of tiger populations using the best of both the Systems Analysis approaches as well as the user-friendly field methods.

51 ref

001989   Tiwari L U K;Jena J;Dungriyal N S (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehra dun, Uttarakhand, Email: tigerumesh11@gmail.com) : Butterflies of Pench tiger reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India. Indian For 2010, 136(10), 1403-9.

Rich butterfly fauna was found in Pench Tiger Reserve (Area 757.904 Km²) which include a total of 126 butterfly species belonging to 74 genera and 5 families. Family Nymphalidae was dominant with 51 species belonging to 23 genera followed by Lycanidae with 37 species in 25 general, Hesperidae and Pieridae with 16 and 14 species respectively and Papilionidae was represented by only 8 species.

2 tables, 24 ref

001988   Thilak J (NO, Southern Regional Centre, Z S I Santhome High Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu) : On a collection of zooplankton from the Singhori Wildlife Sancturary, district Raisen, Madhya Pradesh. Bionotes 2011, 13(4), 144-5.

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001987   Sivakumar K;Sathyakumar S;Rawat G S (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand) : Preliminary review on conservation status of shivalik landscape in Northwest India. Indian For 2010, 136(10), 1376-82.

The Shivalik landscape is extended from the Indus basin to the Brahmaputra with one gap of over 300 km from the Sapta Kosi to the Manas River. The Shivalik landscape, has been categorized under indo-Gangetic plains and it has special significance in India's biogeography due to intermingling, to taxa from the indo-Malayan and Palaearctic regions. In the Northwest part of Shivahks, a total of 21 wildlife protected areas had been established in six States and one Union Territory covering up to ca 2500 km² Though more than 80% of existing protected areas of Shivaliks are in the Northwest Shivaliks, it is yet to cover some of the unique biodiversity of this region. Shivaliks in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab Haryana and Chandigarh are comparatively not well represented in the existing PA network of this region. Wildlife Divisions of Ropar, Hoshiarpnr and Gurdaspur in Punjab, and the catchment area of Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh have been identified as potential Community/Conservation Reserves. Moreover four clusters of Protected Areas such as 1) Kashmir, 2) Punjab and Chandigarh, 3) Himachal and Haryana, and 4) Uttarakhand have been identified in this region which may be reviewed and linked through available wildlife corridors. Of the identified four clusters of Protected Areas, two clusters require bilateral cooperation between two States for better coordination and management.

1 table, 7 ref

001986   Sethi J;Chuahan N P S (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand) : Nesting of rare vultures in Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh, India. Indian For 2010, 136(10), 1372-5.

Out of the 9 species of vultures, more than 90 per cent of two species of vultures, the white-rumped and long-billed, have been wiped out. The main reason for such decline in the population has been attributed to presence of diclofenac. The manufacture of diclofenac for cattle is now banned. But it is still used as people have stocks and they are unwilling to throw away. But there is an acceptable "vulture-safe" alternative available i.e. meloxicam. Though several breeding centres have been set up to restock the vulture population, occurrence of natural nesting sites are quite rare. The authors critically observed the movement of vultures. End of winter (October-March) is the nesting season of Gyps vultures and an area of c. 2 km² of Semal and Haldu plantation was identified as the roosting place. Two species of vultures (white-rumped and king vultures) were found nesting in the sal and teak dominated mixed forest and scrub forest with grasslands. Maximum numbers of nests (65.4%) were seen on the semal (Bombax ceiba). A total of 39 nests (built on 26 trees) occupied by white-rumped and king vultures were counted in Sadar beat of Katrniaghat range during April, May and June. Most of the trees had just one nest.

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001985   Mishra B K;Badola R;Bhardwaj A K (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand) : Changing dimensions of biodiversity conservation with stakeholders participation in India - path ahead. Indian For 2010, 136(10), 1361-71.

Creation and subsequent expansion of Protected Area (PA) network has often deprived local people of their usufruct rights and displaced communities from their traditional lands. This 'isolationist' approach has resulted in severe conflicts between local people and PA authorities. Poverty and lack of alternative livelihoods for forest based communities, along with inability to mainstream biodiversity concerns in development planning around biodiversity-rich areas have been recognized as some of the root cause of threats to biodiversity conservation, and this sowed the seed of an alternate precept and practice of conservation which eventually came to be known as 'ecodevelopment'. This approach lays emphasis on community participation, explicitly recognizes the special needs of disprivileged and poorest of poor populations within local communities, and attempts to take care of their needs in the programme design. The process of ecodevelopment as evolved in and around PAs of India, has been a step by step action for it and had to deal with the biophysical complexities and socio-political dimensions of biodiversity conservation. This paper attempts to highlight the lessons learnt, critical factors that have contributed to the success of these initiatives, and the range of complex issues that have emerged while implementing ecodevelopment projects in India. It also provides an opportunity of exploring the possibility of expanding this program beyond the boundaries of the PAs.

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001984   Das S K;Rout S D;Sahoo D P;Mohanta P;Brahma A (P.G. Dep of Wildlife and Conservation Biology, North Orissa Univ, Takatpur, Baripada (Orissa)) : Preliminary survey of faunal diversity of Kuldiha wildlife sanctuary with special reference to lesser-known forms, Orissa. Indian For 2010, 136(10), 1391-1402.

Study was conducted to get some baseline information on faunal diversity of Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary of Balasore district, Orissa. Habitat surveyed includes tropical semi evergreen forest, sal tree forest, moist mix deciduous forest, roadside vegetation, water bodies and their surroundings. A total of 86 species of invertebrates, 9 species of fishes, 5 species of amphibian, 39 species of reptiles, 133 species of birds and 25 species of mammals were recorded during the study. Sloth bear and Elephant are the key species of the area. Sanctuary is a good habitat for Leopard. Other mammals have low population due to hunting and food gathering habit of tribal and loss of habitat. The presence of giant squirrel also indicates.

6 tables, 23 ref

001983   Aland S R;Mamlayya A B;Gaikwad S M;Bhawane G P (Zoology Dep, Walchand College of Science, Solapur-413 006) : Additions to the butterflies of Amba reserved forest, Kolhapur district, Maharashtra. Bionotes 2011, 13(4), 162.

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024545   Jayson E A (Division of Wild life Biology, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi-680 653) : Mammals and birds of the proposed nature study centre area, Malayattoor, Kerala. Indian J For 2000, 23(2), 197-201.

Survey of large mammals and birds were carried out in the forests of Malayattoor area during August, 1991 to September, 1992. Large mammals found in the area are Bonnet Macaque (Macaca radiata). Sambar (Cervus unicolor), Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) and Jackal (Canis aureus). Indirect evidence of Porcupine (Hystrix indica), Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata), Blacknaped Hare (Lepus nigriollis) and Toddy Cat (Paradoxurus hermaphrodites) were also noted. Flying Lizard (Draco dussumieri), a Malayan element in the South Indian fauna was also observed apart from the 71 species of birds.

023518   Yogender Singh;Ojha P R (Department of Zoology, Dungar College, Bikaner-334 001) : Status survey of wildboar (Sus scrofa) in the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, Bikaner. Cheetal 1998, 37(3-4), 43-7.

023517   Trigunayat M M;Singh N P (Entomology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302 004) : Checklist of butterfly fauna of Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur (Rajasthan). Cheetal 1998, 37(3-4), 48-51.

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022377   Manakadan R;Rahmani A R (NO, Bombay Natural History Society, Hornbill House, S.B. Singh Road, Mumbai-400 023) : Population densities of the blacknaped hare Lepus nigricollis nigricollis at Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 1999, 96(2), 221-4.

Reports the study carried out on the Indian fox Vulpes bengalensis at Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Kurnool dist., Andhra Pradesh, between July 1994 and April 1995. It describes the census method (actually devised for the fox) used for estimating population densities of the blacknaped hare Lepus nigricollis nigricollis. A comparative census was conducted in grazed grassland and ungrazed grassland for the species. The results of the censuses are discussed.

014802   Brahmachary R L;Singh M (NO, , 21B Motijheel, Calcutta-700 074) : Behavioural and chemical aspects of scent marking in the Asiatic lion. Curr Sci 2000, 78(6), 680-2.

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013745   Prasad K (NO, , 8-B, Luxmi Road, Dehra Dun, U.P.) : Elephant conservation, management and protection of human interests. Indian For 1999, 125(10), 1040-6.

Dehra Dun-Shivalik belt is the North-Western limit of the vast range of the Asian Elephant. It is also a region which has been heavily populated in recent years and, this, along with highways, hydro electric schemes on the Ganga, as greatly disrupted and reducecd the effective habitat and migrations of the resident Elephants. Elephant-man confrontations have increased to unacceptable levels with Elephants wreaking havoc on cultivation. The Rajaji park area which even 16 years after notification has not been declared a National Park, has been bisected into distinct sectors by highways, power channels and settlements and it can no longer sustain the lare population of Elephants using its tract.

013744   Harikumar G;Bennichan Thomas B;Joseph K J; Zacharias V J (Project Tiger, , Kottayam) : Population dynamics of Sambar Cervus unicolor, in Periyar Tiger Reserve. Indian For 1999, 125(10), 995-1003.

Sambar in Periyar enjoys a wide distribution in the Reserve. It is the major prey species of Tiger and Wild Dogs here. Sambar was seen singly and in groups of upto about 60 individuals. They eat a variety of grasses, herbs, shrubs and leaves and fruits of various trees. The Sambar in Periyar prefers grasslands, but usually avoids evergreen forests. They spend considerable time foraging in moist deciduous forests and `savannah' type vegetation. Density of population of the species in the reserve (excluding evergreen tract) is estimated to be 2.1/km They spent a lot of time for feeding, mostly in the mornings and evenings. Active feeding as well as `fluid grouping' are mostly seen in open areas. This may be an anti-predator device. Male-female ratio among adult individuals was 1 : 3.86. Males are seen with females/herbs mostly during the reproductive season - December-January. Mating was observed only once occasion. In cases, which are clearly know, young ones are born in June/July months. Males with velvet are mostly found in December-February months, though it is also found throughout the year. Sambar in Periyar is threatened by several factors' disease, poaching, tourism and grazing by domestic livestock.

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013743   Chaudhary S S (Director Projects (Soil Cons.), , Kota, Rajasthan) : Intra-specific fights in tigers in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. Indian For 1999, 125(10), 1063.

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013742   Anand Mohan B;Bharatha Lakshmi B (Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, , Visakhapatnam, A.P.) : Redescription and review on the ecology of rare and endangered bird jerdon's or double banded courser, Cursorius bitorquatus (Blyth) from Sri Lanka Malleswara Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh. Indian For 1999, 125(10), 986-94.

Jerdon's or Double-banded Courser Cursorius bitorquatus last recorded in nineteenth century, is one of the rarest birds in the world. This bird is indigenous to Andhra Pradesh and is restricted to Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary of Cuddapah District. This rare bird, believed to be extinct, has been rediscovered and found to be surviving in restricted habitats and in small populations. Surveys carried out in 1985 and 1986 finally established the presence of the species in the scrub jungles anear Reddipalle village of Cuddapah District (Andhra Pradesh). Redescription and review on the ecology with some more new findings are discussed.

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011635   Vibhu Prakash (NO, BNHS Research Station, 331, Rajendranagar, Bharatpur-321 001) : Status of vultures in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, with special reference to population crash in Gyps species. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 1999, 96(3), 365-78.

Seven of the eight species of vultures reported from the Indian subcontinent are recorded from Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan. The vegetation of the park is described as Tropical Thorn Forest, which is very widespread in the country as it covers the entire semi-arid and parts of the Deccan plateau bigeographical zones. The population and distribution, including the nesting distribution, of the vultures was studied between the years 1985-88, 1990-92, and 1996-99. A sharp decline in the population of Gyps species was recorded over a decade. A decline of 96% was recorded in the population of white-backed vulture and 97% in long-billed vulture. The population of king and Egyptian vultures remained stable over the decade, as is expected in the population of large and long lived birds. Possible reasons of the decline in vulture populations are discussed. Circumstantial evidences suggest pesticidal contamination and disease as the most likely causes of population decline. Detailed investigation for the cause of population decline, like determination of pesticide load in vulture and its food, attempts to detect a possible pathogen and genetic diversity are suggested for conserving the species. Captive breeding is suggested to save the white-backed vulture from imminent extinction.

39 ref

011634   Shubhalaxmi V;Chaturvedi N (NO, Bombay Natural History Society, Hornbill House, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg, Mumbai-400 023) : Abundance and distribution of moths of the families Saturniidae and Sphingidae in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 1999, 96(3), 379-86.

In order to study the ecology of moths belonging to Families Saturniidae and Sphingidae, a three-year study has been conducted in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali, Mumbai. During the study, two species of Saturnids and sixteen of Sphingids were recorded. Range extension for four species of Family Sphingidae was recorded. Abundance ratio of Sphingids and Saturnids was found to be 80 : 20. It was observed that the activity of moths begins in the early monsoon, reaches a peak in mid-monsoon, and is slowly reduced by the end of post-monsoon. The abundance of these moths was greatly dependent on the availability of the foodplants. During monsoon, all the foodplants were in full foliage, therefore the maximum abundance of all the species was recorded in this season.

011633   Santharam V (NO, , 68, First Floor, Santhome High Road, Chennai-600 028) : Birds foraging on tree trunks. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 1999, 96(3), 468-9.

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011632   Koul M;Johri A;Uniyal P L (Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi-110 007) : Kalesar wildlife sanctuary : unexplored wilderness. Botanica 1997, 47, 114-18.

011631   Datta A (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, Post Bag 18, Chandrabani, Dehradun-248 001) : Small carnivores in two protected areas of Arunachal Pradesh. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 1999, 96(3), 399-404.

Survey of the small carnivores in Arunachal Pradesh has been conducted in the Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary and the Namdapha Tiger Reserve from November 1995 onwards. All direct sightings in the wild, captive individuals, dead specimens and reports by local tribals during the study period have been documented. A total of fifteen different species belonging to the families Viverridae, Mustelidae and Herpestidae were recorded.

011630   Bhat S D;Rawat G S (NO, Forestry College, Banavasi Road, Sirsi-581 401) : Some food plants of chital (Axis axis) in Rajaji National Park, India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 1999, 96(3), 467-8.

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010596   Anjaneyulu M;Vasudeva Rao V;Raza S H;Nagulu V (Department of Zoology, Osmania University, Hyderabad-500 007) : Waterfowl poaching at Kolleru wetland in Andhra Pradesh. Acta Ecol 1996, 18(1), 1-9.

Kolleru, the bird sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh, is significant for its avian diversity. The lake attracts a number of migratory birds during the season. Due to increased human activity and other ecological pressures, the birds are prone to poaching at various points of the lakes. The technique adopted by the people for trapping different varieties of birds vary significantly.

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009541   Yogender Singh;Ojha P R (Department of Zoology, Dungar College, Bikaner-334 001) : Status survey of wildboar (Sus scrofa) in the Gajner Wildlife Sanctuary, Bikaner. Cheetal 1998, 37(3-4), 43-7.

009540   Trigunayat M M;Singh N P (Entomology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302 004) : Checklist of butterfly fauna of Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur (Rajasthan). Cheetal 1998, 37(3-4), 48-51.

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009539   Manakadan R;Rahmani A R (NO, Bombay Natural History Society, Hornbill House, S.B. Singh Road, Mumbai-400 023) : Population densities of the blacknaped hare Lepus nigricollis nigricollis at Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 1999, 96(2), 221-4.

The study carried out on the Indian fox Vulpes bengalensis at Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Kurnool dist., Andhra Pradesh, between July 1994 and April 1995. It describes the census method (actually devised for the fox) used for estimating population densities of the blacknaped hare Lepus nigricollis nigricollis. A comparative census was conducted in grazed grassland and ungrazed grassland for the species. The results of the censuses are discussed.

008471   Shukla R;Khare P K (NO, , Subhash Ward, Mandla-481 661) : Group types of the nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus Pallas) in the Pench Wildlife Reserves Madhya Pradesh. J trop For 1999, 15(2), 157-60.

Seven group types of the Nilgai observed in the study area have been discussed. The Nilgai population was sexually segregated during the non-breeding season, through breeding groups were also recorded during the non-breeding season. The one male-several females with calves groups were more frequently sighted than the others. The one male and female with calves and the sub-adult males-females with calves group accounted for over 40% of the total group types observed in the study area. Monthly variation in group type are indicative of the instability of the nilgai groups.

008470   Khatri T C (NO, J.N. Government College, Port Blair-744 104) : Butterflies of Car Nicobar. Indian J For 1997, 20(3), 244-7.

Butterflies of Car Nicobar belonging to Papilionidae, Pieridae, Danaidae, Satyridae, Nymphalidae, Lycaenidae and Hesperiidae families with 18 genera, 20 species and 17 subspecies are discussed. Amathusids and Riodinids are not recorded from Car Nicobar.

024383   Melkani V K (NO, Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, NGO-A Colony, Palayamkottai-627 007) : Involving local people in biodiversity conservation in the Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. Curr Sci 2001, 80(3), 437-41.

Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, the 17th Tiger Reserve in the country, located in the southern Western Ghats is a priority area for conservation of its rich floral and faunal diversity, both in terms of species richness and endemism. The forests of the Reserve are important catchment for many rivers and streams. A pioneering effort in involving local people in conservation has been in progress since 1995 in the Reserve. Attempts are being made by educating, motivating and involving people under the eco-development strategy with aims to bring in reduction in the dependency of local people on the resources of the Reserve and thus leading to habitat improvement, watershed development and overall conservation.

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024382   Johnsingh A J T (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, P B 18, Chandrabani, Dehra Dun-248 001) : Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger reserve: a global heritage of biological diversity. Curr Sci 2001, 80(3), 378-88.

Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR), once largely a reserve forest, became a Tiger Reserve in 1988. This Reserve at the southern end of the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot, is a veritable home of ecological and biological diversity. It has about 150 localized plant endemics, and 33 fish, 37 amphibian, 81 reptile, 273 bird and 77 mammal species, KMTR also protects the catchment of numerous rivers, which supports the agricultural economy of three adjacent districts. This fascinating Reserve, and the unparalleled encouragement from the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, has over the decades attracted numerous biologists, who have studied in detail various species of the Reserve. The Reserve has enormous potential for future research and conservation of biodiversity and endangered species such as the tiger. Tiger conservation in the southern Western Ghats should have landscape-level planning and the suggested Megamalai-Kalakad Tiger Conservation Unit offers an ideal framework to turn this suggestion into a reality. KMTR is an excellent illustration of how research and management need to go hand in hand to achieve conservation objectives.

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024381   Dutt S (NO, Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, NGO-A Colony, Palayamkottai-627 007) : Beyond 2000: a management vision for the Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. Curr Sci 2001, 80(3), 442-7.

Upgrading of Park Management inputs requires a fuller understanding of both biological as well as sociological issues. This assumes greater importance in high human density regions like Global Biodiversity hotspots. It is now becoming clear that parks in such zones need baseline floral and faunal studies in tandem with a documentation of biotic pressure profile in order to fully assimilate the new participatory approaches to the management. So far, such approaches are overshadowed by concern for livelihood issues of local human populations only. The impact of such livelihood patterns on park ecosystems, particularly in the case of RET species is not taken cognizance of while framing new prescriptions. Finally, monitoring such prescriptions would further refine management inputs through adaptive practices.

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024380   Ali R;Pai A (NO, Foundation for Ecological Research, Advocacy and Learning, Post Box No. 28, Pondicherry-605 001) : Human use areas in the Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve. Curr Sci 2001, 80(3), 448-52.

Human settlement within forest areas and their utilization of usufructs are a common occurrence in the Parks and Sanctuaries of India. Subsequent conflicts with conservation interests are common and many strategies to tackle these have been discussed and debated. Presents the historical background of the settlements within the Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and the need for a comprehensive effort to address the issues related to these.

020092   Palita S K;Patra A K (Department of Zoology, Kendrapara College, Kendrapara-754 221) : Studies on hunting instinct of captive white tigers (Panthera tigris tigris linn.) at Nandankanan Biological Park, Orissa, India. Proc Indian Sci Congr Ass - Pt III(YS abstr), Sect-I 1998, (NULL), 1-2(abstr).

Behavioural studies on existence of hunting instinct in white tigers were conducted at Nandankanan Biological Park, Orissa, India from April 1993 to July 1994. On introduction of wild chitals (Axis axis) into the White Tiger Safari and release of live chicken into a white tiger enclosure, the prey were killed and fed by the white tigers. Further from first March 1985 to October 1995 at Nandankanan Biological Park there were twenty cases of killing of prey animals such as pea fowl (Pavo cristatus), common langur (Presbytis entellus), out of which on eleven instances white tigers killed and fed on prey animals. These findings indicate that hunting instinct in intact in white tigers.

014852   Pant A;Chavan S G (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, P B NO. 18, Chandrabani, Dehradun-248 001) : Vegetation type and land use mapping in Corbett National Park using satellite data. Envir Ecol 2000, 18(4), 976-83.

Over exploitation of resources, forests in particular, increasing human population and excessive use of natural resources have threatened the conservation efforts in India. This has led to the fragmentation of forest areas thus reducing their chances for long-term conservation. This alarming situation has provoked managers and scientists to devise newer and faster ways to monitor forests and bring out guidelines for long-term conservation. Remote sensing is one such technology that is cheap, provides real-time data and is fast. The study taken up in the Corbett National Park aims at information extraction (vegetation type and land use) from remote sensing and limited field data in the form of transects and plots for ground flora and wildlife use. Sal (Shorea robusta) occupies the plains and gently sloping areas having a density of 60-90%. Along steeper slopes sal-mixed vegetation occupies a wide area. Along still higher slopes sal population is about 50%.

014851   Bhatt D;Sharma R (Department of Zoology of Environmental Science, Grukul Kangri University, Haridwar-249 404) : Diversity, status and feeding ecology of avifauna in Motichur area of Rajaji National Park, India. Ann For 2000, 8(2), 179-91.

Survey of birds was carried out in moist deciduous forest of Motichur Range (MR) of Rajaji National Park, from January 1999 to October 1999. A total of 70 species, belonging to 30 families of both migratory and resident birds related to its Guild structure, were noted. Most common birds sighted in the area were the Common myna, Jungle Crow, Tree Pie, Cattle Egret, Jungle Babbler, House Sparrow, Ashy Wrenwarbler, Common Hornbill, Pariah Kite, Little Green-bee eater, Bank Myna etc. The study area was divided into three habitats i.e. Sal Forest Habitat (SFH), Mixed Forest Habitat (MFH), and Riverine Habitat (RH). Results indicate that the avifauna at MFH is more diverse, about (71.4%) as compared to SFH (48.5%) and RH (31.4%). Beta diversity measurements also indicate that the avifauna at MFH is more diverse, as compared to SFH and RH. Species richness index was also measured to evaluate the birds diversity. The raptors were almost absent. Lot of human disturbance as well as overgrazing in the study area were noted. It is suggested that forest fragmentation poses a serious threat to the remaining population of moist forest birds.

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012805   Pant A;Chavan S G;Roy P S;Das K K (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, P.B.No. 18, Dehradun-248 001) : Habitat analysis for sambar in Corbett National Park using remote sensing and GIS. J Indian Soc Remote Sens 1999, 27(3), 133-9.

Habitat analysis for sambar in terms of food, cover, water, space and extent of edge in corbett National Park using remote sensing and GIS has been attempted. Other physical parameters includes climate, topography, fire history, disturbance regimes, weeds etc. IRS-1B LISS II data (FCC, hardcopy) on 1:50,000 scale was interpreted to generate vegetation cover and density map. Other maps showing drainage, water bodies, roads, human habitations and contours were prepared using Survey of India topographical maps. During evaluation of sambar habitat information regarding habitat parameters and their tolerance was collected from existing literature as well as during field observations. Twenty-two transects of one km. length were laid down in all the strate randomly to collect information regarding the structure and composition of the forest and also habitat use (direct and indirect evidences) by sambar. This was then integrated using condition-based equations in the GIS domain to generate suitability maps. Actual sightings on the ground to a large extent supported the results.

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008743   Thomas K R;Biju C R;Ajithkumar C R (Bombay Natural History Society, , Hornbill House, S.B. High Road, Mumbai-400 023) : Fishes of Chimmony and Peechi-V azhani Wildlife Sanctuaries, Kerala, India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(2), 289-92.

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008742   Sudheendrakumar V V;Binoy C F;Suresh P V; Mathew G (Division of Entomology, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi-680 653) : Habitat associations of butterflies in the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(2), 193-201.

Habitat associations of 124 butterfly species were determined by analysing species records from five habitat types in the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala. The butterflies recorded belonged to 75 genera and 9 families. The families Nymphalidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae and Satyridae were represented by the maximum number of species. Thirty-three species were present altogether in all the habitat types in the sanctuary. Fifteen species were found to be habitat specific, namely Papilio buddha, Pathysa antiphates, Pachliopta Pandiyana, Pantoporia ranga, Pareronia valeria hippia, Zipoetis saitis, Oriens concinna, Virachola perse ghela, Zesius chrysomallus in the evergreen forests and Ixias marianne, I. pyrene, Colotis etrida, C. danae, C. Fausta, Ypthima ceylonica ceylonica in the dry deciduous forests. Tropical wet evergreen forests possessed the greatest butterfly diversity in Parambikulam, followed by semi-evergreen and moist deciduous habitats. Significant reduction in butterfly diversity was observed in both dry deciduous habitats and teak plantations. Out of the butterflies recorded, 10 species are narrow endemic to Western Ghats and 18 species have protected status.

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008741   Sathasivam K (NO, , 29 Jadamuni Koil Street, Madurai-625 001) : Possible occurrence of the lesser woolly horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus beddomei) in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(1), 136-7.

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008740   Santiapillai C;De Silva M;Dissanayake S R B (Department of Zoology, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka) : The status of mongooses (family : Herpestidae) in Ruhuna National Park, Sri Lanka. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(2), 208-14.

Three species of mongoose occur in Ruhuna National Park, namely Herpestes edwardsii, H. smithii and H. vitticollis. They are mostly solitary and diurnal carnivores that inhabit a variety of habitats ranging from moist riverine forests to arid open grasslands. Ninety-six individuals were recorded from 86 observations, during a transect study carried out between October 1991 and September 1993, in which a total of 34 days were spent in Block I (141 sq. km) of the Park. The most conspicuous and abundant species is the ruddy mongoose (H. smithii), while the grey mongoose (H. edwardsii) is rare. The stripe-necked mongoose (H. vitticollis) is the largest species associated with moist areas. The mongoose were found to be active throughout the day, but had two peaks of activity: a major one in the morning (0800 hrs) and minor one in the late evening (1700 hrs). It is estimated that there could be at least a minimum of 370 ruddy mongoose, 100 stripe-necked mongoose and 30 grey mongoose in Block I, giving a crude density of 2.6, 0.7 and 0.2 per sq. km respectively. The sympatric occurrence of these three species of small carnivores underlines the ecological richness and diversity of the Park.

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008739   Santiapillai C;De Silva M;Dissanayake S; Jayaratne B V R;Wijeyamohan S (Department of Zoology, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka) : Ecological study of crocodiles in Ruhuna National Park, Sri Lanka. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(1), 33-41.

Study was carried out in Block I (140 sq. km) of the Ruhuna National Park (RNP) opportunistically from October 1991 to October 1994, in order to study the two species of crocodiles occuring in Sri Lanka, viz. Crocodylus palustris and C. porosus. A total of 341 sightings of the two species were made on 77 occasions, 307 sightings on C. palustris and 34 sightings on C. porosus. Among C. palustris, solitary animals made up most of the observations (55.8%) while pairs accounted for 13.0%. Of the 22 water-holes that were surveyed, 13 (59%) had only one crocodile. Although both species could be seen at any time of the day, the number basking increased with the increase in the ambient temperature, and peaked around noon. C. porosus basked alone, and C. palustris communally. The population structure consisted of 44% hatchlings, 6% juveniles, 24% subadults and 26% adults. Only adults of C. porosus were observed. Hatchling losses can be very high through predation by birds and mammals. Both species feed on a variety of food, ranging in size from aquatic insects and crustacea (in hatchlings) to fish, frogs, birds and large mammals (in adults). The minimum crude density values for C. palustris and C. porosus are estimated to be 0.72 and 0.07 animals per sq. km respectively. The populations of both species in Block I appear to be secure and viable.

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008738   Sangha H S (NO, , B-27, Gautam Marg, Hanuman Nagar, Jaipur-302 021) : Recent sightings of Vanellus gregarius (Pallas) at Tal Chhapar and Revasa, Rajasthan. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(2), 278-9.

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008737   Ray J;Joshua J;Ronald J (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, P.O. Box # 18, Chandrabani, Dehra Dun-248 001) : Sighting of barking deer (Muntiacus muntjac) in Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(1), 139-40.

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008736   Pittie A;Poddar A (NO, , 8-2-545, Road No. 7, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad-500 034) : Ashy minivet Pericrocotus divaricatus (Raffles) in Kanha National Park, Mandla district, Madhya Pradesh. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(2), 283-4.

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008735   Parasharya B M;Mathew K L;Sukhadia A G; Mukherjee A (ANIP on Agricultural Ornithology, Gujarat Agricultural University, Anand-388 110) : Additional sight records of slenderbilled gull Larus genei from Gujarat. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(2), 279-80.

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008734   Mudappa D (Centre for Ecological Research Conservation, , 3076/5IV Cross, Gokulam Park, Mysore-570 002) : Breeding biology of the Malabar grey hornbill (Ocyceros griseus) in Southern Western ghats, India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(1), 15-24.

Malabar grey hornbill (Ocyceros griseus) is a frugivore, endemic to the tropical rainforests and moist deciduous forests of the Western Ghats hill ranges, India. Its breeding biology in the Anamalai hills (Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary), Tamil Nadu state, by monitoring 10 nests and their middens, and conducting intensive observations at a focal nest has been studied. The nesting period lasted an average of 86 days (N=4), and observations at the focal nest revealed the pre- and post-hatching phases to be 40 and 46 days, respectively. At the end of the nesting period, the females and the young simultaneously broke out of the nests. A total of 2397 items of food were delivered by the male hornbill to the inmates of the focal nest. They included 6 species of lipid-rich and 8 species of sugar-rich fruits, and at least 14 kinds of animal matter. The frequency of sugar- and lipid-rich fruits delivered per hour of observation was significantly greater in the pre-hatching phase. While the frequency of animal food delivered was higher in the post-hatching phase. Although the Malabar grey hornbill used a wide range of food resources, it was observed that a few species of rare, tropical trees producing lipid-rich fruits during the nesting period.

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008733   Mishra C (Tropical Nature Conservation and Vertebrate Ecology Group, Wageningen University, 69 Bornesteeg, 6708, PD Wageningen, The Netherlands) : Socioeconomic transition and wildlife conservation in the Indian trans-Himalaya. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(1), 25-32.

Describes the ongoing socio-economic flux in a agropastoral Buddhist community dependent upon the resources of a protected area, and the impacts of this transition on wildlife conservation. The anlysis shows radical changes in the local economy and land use in the last decade, that ultimately proceed from extrinsic factors (market forces, changes in government policy). Immediate conservation problems have proximately arisen from both extrinsic (uncontrolled tourism) as well as intrinsic (escalation of livestock stocking rate) changes. The analysis underscores the need for conservation policies to be sensitive to the transient nature of local human communities, even in seemingly isolated protected areas.

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008732   Manakadan R;Rahmani A R (Bombay Natural History Society, , Hornbill House, Bhagat Singh Road, Mumbai-400 023) : Population and ecology of the Indian fox Vulpes bengalensis at Rollapadu wildlife sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh, India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(1), 3-14.

Population of the Indian fox Vulpes bengalensis, its spatial and temporal abundances, den distribution, characteristics and use, predation on eggs and chicks of the great Indian bustard Ardeotis nigriceps, and general ecology were studied from February 1993 to April 1995 at the Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary (RWS), Andhra Pradesh state, India. The population and spatial abundance of the fox was estimated by enumeration and monitoring of dens, animal sighting at den sites and from censuses. The population of the fox at RWS was estimated to be around 40-50 adult animals in 1993 and 1994, which declined to about 10 animals in 1995 due to an epidemic. Densities of the fox were significantly higher in the protected grasslands {(0.65/40 ha±0.99 (S.D)} than unprotected grasslands (0.15/40 ha ±0.49). A total of 135 dens (active and non-active), comprising of 33 'den groups', were located in the study area. There was a concentration of dens in and around protected grasslands. Den use by the Indian fox at RWS was confined to the pup rearing season (February to June/July).

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