008731   Khacher L (NO, , 646, Vastunirmal, Gandhinagar-382 022) : Range extension of the purplerumped sunbird Nectarinia zeylonica. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(1), 146.

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008730   Jayson E A;Mathew D N (Division of Wildlife Biology, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi-680 653) : Seasonal changes of tropical forest birds in the Southern Western Ghats. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(1), 52-61.

Study has been carried out in the tropical forests of Silent Valley and Mukkai in the Western Ghats, Kerala from May 1988 to April 1993, to elucidate the seasonal changes of bird communities in the two vegetation types. Abundance and density of birds were assessed, using variable width line transects each month. The highest populations, 609-1,891/km² were found from December-April. Total number, monthly density and species richness of birds declined during monsoon. When compared, abundance and density of birds, observed in the evergreen forests was more (929/km²) than in moist deciduous forest (747/km²). However, bird population showed more stability in the moist deciduous forests. Except for two summers, significantly higher bird density was obtained in the evergreen forests during summer (1,074/km²). Bird species diversity was high during summer and low in monsoon in both the vegetation types. A direct negative relationship was also obtained between the rainfall, total number of birds, bird density and total number of bird species in the evergreen forests. Significant positive correlation was obtained between the temperature and bird community parameters in the evergreen forests, whereas rainfall and temperature showed no signficant effect on the bird community in the tropical moist deciduous forests.

26 ref

008729   Javed S (Centre of Wildlife & Ornithology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh-202 002) : A pied harrier (Circus melanoleucos) roost in Sohagi-Barwa Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh, India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(2), 276-7.

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008728   Gopi Sundar K S (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, PB 18, Chandrabani, Dehra Dun-248 001) : Greyheaded lapwing, Vanellus cinereus (Blyth) in Kaliveli tank, Tamil Nadu. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(2), 277-8.

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008727   Gavand M;Chaturvedi N (Bombay Natural History Society, , Hornbill HOuse, S.B. Singh Road, Mumbai-400 023) : Type specimens of mammals in the collections of the Bombay natural history society. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(1), 140-2.

008726   Gargi;Randheera Singh (BNHS Field Station, Project on Effect of Environmental Contamination o, , 331, Rajendra Nagar, Bharatpur-321 001) : Ganges soft-shell turtle Aspideretus gangeticus, predating on nilgai Boselaphus tragocamelus in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(2), 285.

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008725   Ganguli-Lachungpa U (Department of Forest, Environment & Wildlife, Government of Sikkim, , Deorali-737 102) : Dead snow leopard Uncia uncia at Yabuk, Dongkung (5500M) in north Sikkim. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(1), 137-8.

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008724   Ganguli-Lachungpa U (Department of Forests, Government of Sikkim, , Deorali, Gangotak-737 102) : Takin Budorcas taxicolor at Menla Reserve Forest (3,050 M), east Sikkim : a westward range extension and observations of unusual behaviour. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(2), 272-4.

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008723   Chaturvedi N;Hegde V (Bombay Natural History Society, , Hornbill House, S.B. Singh Road, Mumbai-400 023) : Mantid fauna of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai, with some new records for Maharashtra state. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(2), 295-7.

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008722   Carpinetti B (Direction de Administration de Recursos Naturales, Ministerio de Asunt, , Calle 71 No. 488, La Plata (1900), Argentina) : Distribution of chital Axis axis (Erxleben 1777) in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(2), 271-2.

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008721   Barua M (Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, , Nagaon District, Assam) : First record of gangetic river dolphin, Platanista gangetica at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(2), 275.

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007648   Yadav V K (NO, , ) : Male-male aggression in rhinoceros unicornis - case study from North Bengal, India. Indian For 2000, 126(10), 1030-4.

Analyses the aggressive behaviour of male Rhinos. Dominant adult male Rhinoceros attack frequently weak aged male Rhino and subadult Rhinos, who are recently weaned from mother. They try to establish supremacy by showing of strength with other male Rhinos for mating with females in oestrus. Injuries inflicted during repeated intra-species fighting are many times fatal and lead to the death of weak males. The study indicates that the dominant male Rhino frequently encroach upon the home range of other weak male Rhinos and compel them to leave the areas and restrict their movement to a particular area due to frequent attacks.

007647   Tatu K (NO, Gujarat Ecological Education & Research (GEER) Foundation, Gandhinagar) : Population status of Indian sarus crane (grus antigone antigone) in Gujarat state. Indian For 2000, 126(10), 1085-93.

Study conducted between 1997 and 2000 by GEER Foundation has shown that Sarus population in Gujarat State is around 1,700 individuals. Majority (about 84%) of the Sarus population (1,456) in the State is concentrated in Kheda and Ahmedabad Districts in Central and North Gujarat respectively. Kheda has the highest population (737 Cranes) in the State, whereas Ahmedabad District has the second-highest population (719 Cranes). Mater Taluka in Kheda District and Viramgam Taluka in Ahmedabad District support the highest population among all the talukas in the respective districts. Surendranagar, Valsad and Mehsana districts also support moderately good population of the Crane. With respect to the population of the Crane in the State in the year 1984, the present Sarus population is fractional.

007646   Singh D N (NO, Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh) : Status of black-necked cranes in Arunachal Pradesh. Indian For 2000, 126(10), 1136-40.

Black-necked Cranes arrive in Arunachal Pradesh during winter months to keep away from cold climate of Tibet. They have been reported in the past from Ghandhigram and Apatani plateau areas of the State but at they are restricted to Santhi valley and Zemithang areas only. The study on its range, status and behaviour in Arunachal Pradesh.

007645   Sharma P K;Raghavaiah P S (NO, Wildlife Management Circle, Tirupati) : Breeding of painted storks at Vedurupattu, Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh : co-existence of man and wildlife. Indian For 2000, 126(10), 1147-9.

007644   Samanta A K (Forest Division, , West Bengal) : Treatment of a python. Indian For 2000, 126(10), 1144.

007643   Paulraj S;Subramanian C (NO, , ) : Skewed sex ratio in elephant population - how it may affect the demography and population growth? A case study in mudumalai wildlife sanctuary and national park, Tamil Nadu, southern India. Indian For 2000, 126(10), 1046-53.

Demography pattern and the sex ratio of the Elephant population of the Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park revealed that there was not much change in the proportion of juvenile, sub-adult and adult over a period of fifteen years. However, the sex ratio of the sub-adult and adult population changed alarmingly due to the poaching of adults as well as sub-adult males. The sex ratio of adult animals, 1:16 is skewed which had not physically affected the growth of the population and age distribution. Selective killing of tuskers, if not checked, will lead to a highly skewed adult sex ratio in an exponential rate, the impacts of the latter are discussed with reference to the earlier studies.

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007642   Pati B P (Wildlife Division, Gir National Park and Sanctuary, Sasen-Gir) : Impact of livelihood practices of maldhari tribe on wildlife habitat of Gir protected area. Indian For 2000, 126(10), 1120-7.

Gir National Park and Sanctuary is devoted to the conservation of the Asiatic Lion and as a result of protection measures, now it also maintains a rich bio-diversity of flora and fauna. The Sanctuary still has a sizeable population of Maldharies although a considerable number of their families was shifted elsewhere during the project period. Formerly the Maldharies traded in ghee, but now they have taken to milk selling obtained from cattle maintained and grazed by them inside the Park. They also sell dung mixed with soil as manure. The study analyzes the impact of this change of livelihood practice by Maldharies. The study shows that owing to increase in cattle and human population, as well as change in the mode of earning livelihood by Maldharies there has been considerable degradation in this habitat. It is significant within 1 km radius from their Nesses. Regeneration in 2 km and 4 km distance is 30% and less than 19% respectively. The increase has also affected milk production and cattle holding per family.

007641   Giri V (Herpetology Section, Bombay Natural History Society, Mumbai) : Amphibian fauna of tansa wildlife sanctuary, district Thane, Maharashtra. Indian For 2000, 126(10), 1145-6.

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007640   Dubey Y;Mathur V B (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun) : Development of a spatial database in geographical information system (GIS) domain for natural resource assessment and management in Tadoba _ Andhari tiger reserve, Maharashtra. Indian For 2000, 126(10), 1105-19.

Study was carried out in Tadoba - Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) between 1994 and 1999 with specific objective of developing a comprehensive spatial database in Geographic Information System (GIS) domain to assist the management in informed decision making and monitoring of various resources. A 48-layered thematic database covering the administrative, physical, ecological, socio-ecological and management attributes has been developed. The study has also provided extensive datasets on ungulate population structure, distribution, abundance and habitat utilisation patterns, which provide a scientific basis for management of these species and their habitats. The study has also demonstrated the utility of Remote Sensing and GIS technologies used in conjunction for mapping of Protected Area (PA) resources. It is suggested that similar studies should be carried out in other major PAs of the country in order to effectively plan the management and monitoring of resources.

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007639   Biswas T;Mathur V B (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun) : Review of the present conservation scenario of hog deer (axis porcinus) in its native range. Indian For 2000, 126(10), 1068-84.

Hog deer (Axis porcinus) is a special endemic to the tall moist grasslands of South and South-East Asia. There are two subspecies of Hog deer, the Indian subspecies (Axis porcinus porcinus) occurring in Pakistan, Nepal, India, Bangladesh and Burma and South-East Asian subspecies (Axis porcinus annamiticus) occurring in China, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Populations of Hog deer are confined only to the flood plain of different river systems within these countries. Hog deer has a narrow range of distribution, specific habitat requirements and has not been weel studied throughout its native range. An attempt to compile the available information on the species with a review of its current status and distribution in India. The review indicates large-scale transformations in the native range of this species mainly due to agricultural developments in the Indo-Gangetic belt. There is also a need to re-assess its categorisation under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act and IUCN Red Data Book.

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007638   Bhatnagar P S;Mathur R (Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur) : Association of rhesus males with a langur group. Indian For 2000, 126(10), 1094-1104.

Rare and prolonged intergeneric association between Rhesus and Langur was observed at Ambagarh Reserve Forest, Jaipur, Northern India. Behavioural observations include grooming of Rhesus males by Langur female and vice-versa and mounting Langur female by Rhesus males. Interaction appears to have a cost-benefit aspect. Advantages to Langur and Rhesus were : assistance to Langurs by Rhesus in crisis situations and benefits of living with a social group to Rhesus. The likely costs to Langurs included stress due to aggression of Rhesus and reduced access to places to shelter and food. Rhesus had the loss in opportunity to interest and mate with a diverse range of conspecifics and stress along with possible brisk of injury and mortality while interacting with dogs and Langurs.

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000021   Vyas S (NO, High Commission of India, G-5 Diplomatic Enclave, Islamabad, Pakistan) : Sight records of crimson sunbird Aethopyga siparaja in Islamabad, Pakistan. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2002, 99(2), 316-18.

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000020   Srinivas V (NO, , Padmashree No. 170/B, Jayanagar 1st Block East, Bangalore-560 011) : Large congregation of black-shouldered kite Elanus caeruleus at Ranthambore National Park. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2002, 99(2), 297-8.

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000019   Smetacek P (NO, , Jones Estate, Bhimtal, Nainital, Uttaranchal-263 136) : Genus Pontia fabricius (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) in the Kumaon Himalaya. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2002, 99(2), 224-31.

The range of Pontia doplidice Linnaeus and Pontia glauconome Klug is extended eastward to the Kumaon Himalaya. An uncertain record of Pontia chloridice Huebner from the same area is noted. The possibility of this faunal drift being a recent phenomenon is examined.

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000018   Sangha H (NO, , B-27, Gautam Marg, Hanuman Nagar, Jaipur-302 021) : Occurrence and association of red-necked phalarope Phalaropus lobatus with other species at Sambhar, Rajasthan. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2002, 99(2), 301-02.

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000017   Ranjitsinh M K;Singh L A K (NO, , Krishnasar, 5, Tiger Lane, Off W6 Lane, Sainik Farms, New Delhi-110 062) : Gharial Gavialis gangeticus in Indravati river?. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2002, 99(2), 330.

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000016   Pittie A;Balachandran S (NO, , 8-2-545 Road 7, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad-500 034) : Pompadour green pigeon Treron pompadora affinis and large hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx sparverioides on the Palkonda hills, peninsular India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2002, 99(2), 302-04.

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000015   Pasha M K S;Areendran G;Sankar K;Qureshi Qamar (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, P.O. Box 18, Chandrabani, Dehra Dun-248 001) : Debarking of teak Tectona grandis linn. F. by gaur Bos gaurus H. Smith during summer in a tropical dry deciduous habitat of central India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2002, 99(2), 238-44.

Debarking of teak Tectona grandis Linn. f. by Bos gaurus H. Smith was studied during the summer of 1996 in the Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh. Seven one-hectare vegetation plots were sampled within the summer ranging areas of the gaur to quantify and determine the extent of debarking. Of the sampled trees, 39 percent were debarded, 73 percent of which had low level of debarking. The teak trees of different girth classes were not debarked in proportion to their availability. No mortality was observed amongst the debarked trees. A maximum of 26.6 percent crude protein was recorded from the bark samples. Amongst the minerals found in the teak bark, calcium was the major constituent, followed by sodium, iron, manganese and copper. Of the food plants eatch by the gaur, teak bark was consumed most (14 percent). The moisture content in the teak bark varied from 25 to 80 percent. Consumption of the high protein, calcium- and potassium-rich teak bark would be beneficial to the gaur especially during the dry months when food resources are limited. Further analysis of the bark samples of teak and other food plants of the gaur, for secondary compounds and nutritional quality, would enable a better understanding of the debarking behaviour of the gaur.

4 tables, 45 ref

000014   Nair V P (NO, , 3/IV College Quarters, P.O. Madappally College, Vatakara, Kerala-673 102) : New larval food plant of the blue tiger butterfly Tirumala limniace (Cramer), Lepidoptera: Danaidae. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2002, 99(2), 347-8.

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000013   King D I;Rappole J H (USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003 USA) : Commensal foraging relationships of the white-browed fantail Rhipidura aureola in Myanmar. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2002, 99(2), 308-12.

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000012   Khanna V;Ravichandran M S;Kushwaha S P S (NO, Zoological Survey of India, Dehradun) : Corridor analysis in Rajaji-Corbett elephant reserve - a remote sensing and GIS approach. J Indian Soc Remote Sens 2001, 16(1-2), 41-6.

Corridor analysis in Rajaji-Corbett Elephant Reserve in the Shivaliks of Uttaranchal state. Efforts were made to detect changes in the state of forest cover vis-a-vis the status of corridors during the three periods i.e. 1967, 1986 and 1998 using remote sensing and GIS. The ERDAS Imagine digital image processing and ArcView GIS software packages were used for this purpose. Temporal satellite imagery and ground observations in the Rajaji-Corbett Elephant Reserve revealed forest loss, degradation and disturbances in the corridor areas, hindering elephant movement and restricting them to forests islands. Motichur-Chilla corridor, despite being a highly favoured habitat for the elephants was found to be highly threatened followed by Kotdwar and Ramnagar corridors. Construction of wide bridges across Kunao-Chilla Canal, recreation of corridors through reforestation, reduction of all kinds of pressures in the corridor areas and providing higher protection to corridors are recommended.

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000011   John J;Madhukumar (NO, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Thekkady-685 536) : Hunting attempt by Nilgiri marten Martes gwatkinsi horsfield, family mustelidae, in Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2002, 99(2), 286.

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000010   Himmatsinhji M K;Tiwari J K;Varu S N (NO, , Jubilee Ground, Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat) : On the status of Hypocolius ampelinus bonaparte in the Indian subcontinent. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2002, 99(2), 306-08.

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000009   Heinen J T (Environmental Studies Dep, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199) : Phenotypic and behavioural characteristics used to identify wild buffalo Bubalus bubalis from feral backcrosses in Nepal. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2002, 99(2), 173-83.

All remaining populations of the wild Asiatic buffalo are known to cros bred with domestic and feral forms living in the vicinity of the handful of reserves in which the species is found. Censuses of these animals done in various places in India and Nepal have been criticized because researchers have used various criteria to differentiate wild buffalo versus feral backcrosses, thus rendering population estimates unrealiable. Due to the highly endangered status of the wild buffalo, there is an urgent need for a set of criteria that can be applied more broadly to distinguish wild from feral forms. Describes the phenotypic and behavioural characteristics used to census wild buffalo and feral backcrosses in Kost Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal, which contains the last Nepalese population of the species. It is hoped that other researchers in the region may find these field characteristics useful in identifying wild stocks in South and Southeast Asia, where they are still thought to occur. Ideally, in all cases, detailed genetic studies are needed to plan managerial interventions such as translocation projects. Given the expense of such studies, it is suggested that translocations can be planned using consistent field identification criteria, until such time as more detaled genetic work is done.

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000008   Gopi Sundar K S;Chanda J (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, P.B. 18, Chandrabani, Dehra Dun-248 001) : Foliage-dew bathing in oriental white-eye Zosterops palpebrosus family Zosteropidae. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2002, 99(2), 318-19.

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000007   Ganguli-Lachungpa U;Sharma B L (NO, Forests Dep, Environment & Wildlife, Government of Sikkim, Deorali, Gangtok-737 102) : Himalayan Marmot Marmota bobak (Muller) resighted after eight years at Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, east Sikkim. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2002, 99(2), 288-9.

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000006   Ganguli-Lachungpa U (Dept of Forests Environment & Wildlife, Government of Sikkim, , Deorali, Gangtok-737 102) : Eurasian eagle-owl Bubo bubo tibetanus bianchi at 2,100 m in north Sikkim. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2002, 99(2), 305-06.

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000005   D'Ounha E P E (NO, , P.O. Kisli 481 768, District Mandla) : Range extension of Rana malabarica (Bibr.) in Madhya Pradesh. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2002, 99(2), 332-3.

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000004   Choudhury A (NO, The Rhino Foundation for Nature in NE India, C/o The Assam Co. Ltd., Bamunimaidam, Guwahati-781 021) : Possible occurrence of Tibet red deer Cervus elaphus wallichi in Arunachal Pradesh. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2002, 99(2), 286-8.

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000003   Brisbin L;Townsend Peterson A;Okimoto Ronald;Amato George (NO, Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, U.S.A.) : Characterization of the genetic status of populations of red junglefowl. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2002, 99(2), 217-23.

The native range of the red junglefowl (Gallus gallus) in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent has been the focus of studies of domestication of this species that became the foundaiton of a worldwide multi-billion dollar poultry industry. Such studies must be based on a thorough understanding of the behaviour, ecology, and biogeography of current as well as past populations. Although red junglefowl are considered abundant both in captivity and in the wild, and have usually not been accorded any particular conservation concern, almost all populations show morphological characteristics suggestive of past hybridization with domestic birds, and indeed pure genomes may prove to be now extinct in the wild. However, one captive population still shows two morphological characteristics considered to be indicative of genetic purity: an annual moult to a dark/black eclipse plumage in the male, and complete absence of combs in females. Preliminary molecular genetic studies of these birds indicate that they are more distinct from other captive strains than the latter are from domestic chickens. These captive birds may thus represent the last pure red junglefowl genomes. Establishes criteria for the judgement of genetic purity, in the hope that colleagues across southern Asia will assess local wild populations to develop an accurate picture of the genetic status of this species across its range.

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000002   Bhupathy S;Nixon A M A (NO, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, P.O. Anaikatti, Coimbatore-641 108) : Communal egg laying by Cnemaspis indica in Mukuruthi National Park, Western Ghats, India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2002, 99(2), 330-2.

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000001   Anand Kumar M;Mewa Singh;Srivastava S K; Udhayan A;Kumara H N;Sharma A K (Biopsychology Laboratory, University of Mysore, Mysore-570 006) : Distribution patterns, relative abundance and management of mammals in Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2002, 99(2), 184-210.

Reports the results from systematic sampling and 6 years of incidental encounters with wild mammals in Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, Anaimalai hills in the Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 239 plots were laid along 38 transects in different vegetation types, covering a length of 200 km. Data was collected during transect walks by direct sightings, whereas the plots were searched for the presence of signs and tracks. Gaur, sambar and muntjac occurred with a higher frequency in rainforest, while chital and pig did so in other vegetation types. Elephants moved in the dry season to the wet western ranges and back in the wet season to the dry eastern ranges. Tiger had a higher frequency in the wet forests, while that of leopard was higher in the drier forest types. The dry forests at lower altitudes were occupied by the common palm civet, while the forested areas of higher altitudes were largely inhabited by brown palm civet, aong with the small Indian civet which occurred commonly in the open areas. Malabar giant squirrel had a relatively higher frequency in other vegetation types that in the riparian forests of the eastern ranges, which were inhabited by grizzled squirrel. The dry forests at lower altitudes were occupied by bonnet macaque and Hanuman langur, whereas the wet forests of the higher altitude were ocupied by lion-tailed macaque and Nilgiri langur.

5 illus, 17 tables, 23 ref

020304   Ibechaobi S;Gupta A (Department of Life Sciences, Manipur University, Canchipur-795 003) : Strategies for conservation of rare and endangered wildlife of Manipur. Indian J Envir Ecoplann 2001, 5(3), 467-70.

Biodiversity is the basis of human survival, however large scale deforestation in Manipur due to population pressure, shifting cultivation, increasing demand for timber and fuel wood, wildlife, over exploitation of forest resources by the people, invasion of exotic weeds etc., have resulted in dwindling wildlife. Reports the rare and endangered species of mammals, aves, reptiles, amphibia and pisces. There is lack of data on the population dynamics and trends of distribution of wildlife, in the state which in general impinge on the conservation schemes directed towards individual rare and endangered species. Advocates for strengthening the cultural practices of respecting wildlife, controlling of illegal trade in endangered species and other programmes like ecodevelopment which helps in long way in protection of the species.

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019150   Vinod Kumar (Nandankanan Zoological Park, , Bhubaneswar) : Rescue, rearing and training of elephant calves at Nandankanan. Indian For 2002, 128(2), 161-8.

Habitats of Elephant (Elephas maximus) need to be protected for survival and sustenance of elephants, a symbol of natural and cultural heritage. Degradation and fragmentation of habitats of elephant also result in growing man-animal conflicts. The mighty animal is subjected to unnatural miseries creating problems to animals and abandoned calves. The opportunity however can be a tool of management through rearing and training of such elephants for conservation and management activities. The efforts in captivity and Nandankanan Zoological Park have been narrated as a possible tool for present and future concerns.

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019149   Verghese G (Department of Environment and Forests, , A & N Islands, Port Blair) : Elephant management in Andaman forestry - with a brief note on the status of feral elephants in north Andamans. Indian For 2002, 128(2), 228-34.

In the Andamans elephants are being used for timber extraction work since the end of the 19th Centuary. Elephants are purchased or imported from the mainland and trained for dragging according Burmese method, loading of logs egc. from the age of 15 years according to their capacity which increases gradually 30 years after which their work is propertionately reduced depending upon their declining health. The elephants are used under mahavats who follow set norms and routine, under veterinary guidance. Feeding is also done under veterinary advice. Grazing is also allowed. Locally born elephants are also used. Proper harness is used till the age of dragging paths are maintained. Uphill dragging is avoided. All elephants, departmental or private owned are named. Proper files giving details about their birth, work health, medical history are maintained. Young elephants are pregnant females are given lighter work. Musth elephants are also taken proper care. Retired elephants are given pensionery benefits as well. This management has been quite efficient.

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019148   Swain D;Patnaik S K (Orissa Forest Devvelopment Corporation Ltd, , Sambalpur, Orissa) : Elephants of Orissa : conservation issues and management options. Indian For 2002, 128(2), 145-54.

Fifteen elephant habitats have been identified in Orissa and all these habitats lie between 18° 50' and 22° 19' N latitude and 83° 05' and 86° 45' E longitude. By water-hole count (1999), Orissa's elephant population was estimated to be 1,827 covering a forest area of 11,167 km². There were 2,044 elephants in Orissa in 1979. The causes of decline in elephant population are shifting cultivation, encroachment, poaching, mining, forest fire, scarcity of water during dry season, increase in human population, man-elephant conflict, mortality due to diseases, electrocution, legal and administrative inadequacies, etc. A network of elephant corridors has been suggested for conservation of their population on a long term basis.

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019147   Srivastava R K (Monitoring and Evaluation, , ICFRE, Dehra Dun) : Biotic interferences and other problems faced by the elephants in the most crucial corridors of Eastern ghats. Indian For 2002, 128(2), 169-78.

Elephant (Elephas maximus), the most important wild animal found in the Eastern Ghats facing mounting problems by the way of biotic interference. Biotic interference, other problems and their effects in two most crucial corridors (Vethalakkal-Badanavadi, RF and Vethalakkal-Marandahalli) of elephants in the Eastern Ghats have been studied in detail. These corridors have never been studied so far, nor highlighted in the past. For the first time have been studied in detail. The area is situated in and around Hogenakkal at the border of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Adverse impact faced by the elephants in these corridors of monoculture, fragmentation and paching have also been studied.

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019146   Sar C K;Lahiri Choudhury D K (NO, , 45, Suhasini Ganguly Sarani, Kolkata) : Checklist of elephant movement paths/corridors in Mahanadi catchment, Orissa. Indian For 2002, 128(2), 235-42.

Orissa has an estimated population of 1,827 elephants, which is a reduction 10.6% from the estimate of 1979. This could be due to loss and degradation of habitat and corridor. A study of 7 forest divisions from June June to March 1999 in the Mahanadi catchment identified five major crossing points used by herds/family groups across the river Mahanadi as well as four similar crossing points across highways running parallel to the river. The study shows that during 1979 to 1999, the elephant population on the South bank (in 2 FDs) decreased by 70.59%, whereas on the North bank (in 5 FDs) it increased by 85.94%. Attention is needed to protect its habitat on the South bank and the habitat on both the sides of the river crossing points.

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019145   Ramkumar K;Manimozhi K;Paulraj S (Department of Zoology, AVC College, Mayuram) : Status of the elephant corridors in and around Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, Southern India. Indian For 2002, 128(2), 197-206.

A study on the status and biotic pressure of corridors located in and around Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and Sigur Reserver Forest of Tamil Nadu, Southern India was studied between December 1999 and March 2000. The primary objectives of the study were to assess the quality of these corridors in terms of vegetation structure and intensity of use by endangered animals with special reference to elephants and to quantify the dependence of the villagers on these corridors for fuelwood and cattle grazing. A total of 42 plant species were recorded in an area of 6.8 ha. Among them 57% of tree species was food items of elephants. Anogeissus latifolia, Erythroxylum monogynum, Ziziphus mauritiana and Z. xylopyrus was common species in all corridors. The ground cover was barren in most of the corridors. Grass, herb and weed was found in equal ratio in two corridors. Signs of lopping and wood cutting were found in 27 tree species recorded from all corridors. Among them 15 species were food plants of elephants. The impact of human activity with reference to the extent of dependence on the corridors by villagers particularly intensity of lopping of trees was 35.3 D/ha. Wood cutting, cattle grazing, removals of cattle dung, electric fence, expansion of agricultural field and human settlements were observed to be a major threat in the five corridors. Elephants intensively used Masinagudi-Singara corridor. The greater attraction of elephants to this corridors is availability..

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