019144   Prasad N S;Reddy K S (Deputy Conservator of Forests, Chittoor West Division, , Chittoor) : Man-elephant conflict and mitigation - Koundinya wildlife sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh. Indian For 2002, 128(2), 137-44.

Elephants returned to Andhra Pradesh in 1984 after a gap of 200 years and started living in dry deciduous forests in southern-most of parts of Chittoor District. Initially, elephants caused considerable damage to man and crops. In retaliation, man killed 12 elephants. With advent of Joint Forest Management practices, development programmes including Project Elephant scheme are implemented mostly through peoples participation in Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary. Gap planting, Water harvesting structures, plugging of entry across vulnerable borders, awareness campaign and good communication facilities yielded encouranging results in mitigating man-elephant conflict and increased elephant population year after year.

2 illus, 4 tables, 2 ref

019143   Prasad K M B (NO, , ACF, Project Tiger, Bandipur) : Some interesting vignettes of elephant behaviour. Indian For 2002, 128(2), 251-3.

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019142   Nigam B C (Wildlife Circle, , Doranda, Ranchi) : Elephants of Jharkhand - increasing conflicts with man. Indian For 2002, 128(2), 189-96.

Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) is distributed in India in five separate population zones. As per the habitat and stressful condition of the animal, three categories of elephant population have been identified in India. The elephant population in Jharkhand has got disoriented. In Ranchi and nearby regions this population is causing extensive damage. The problems threatening the elephants are loss and fragmentation of habitat, habitat degradation, crop depredation and other man-elephant conflicts. The problem of disoriented small herds of elephants has been recognized and analysed. Probably these disoriented herds are of no consequence to the viability of the species. As an alternative they may be captured and shifted to their original home in Saranda. If they try to come back, they may be captured, trained and put to alternative uses. Project Elephant has to prioritise this issue of problematic populations of elephants which seems quite essential for the success of the project.

3 tables, 8 ref

019141   Marcot B G;Kumar A;Roy P S;Sawarkar V B; Gupta A;Sangma S N (USDA Forest Service, , Portland, Oregon, USA) : Towards a landscape conservation strategy : analysis of Jhum landscape and proposed corridors for managing elephants in South Garo hills district and Nokrek area, Meghalaya. Indian For 2002, 128(2), 207-16.

In the South Garo Hills District and Nokrek area of Western Meghalaya, statistical analyses suggest very low elephant densities and greatest declines of elephants in areas with <62>10% bamboo and secondary forest (6-10 years old) and <62>10% scrub and abandoned jhum fields (old fallow jhum 3-6 years old). Elephant densities are highest, and declines are the least, in areas with <62>25% semi-evergreen forest (old secondary forests 15.30+ years old). Data on elephant sign (use) in the field generally support these findings, with selection by elephants (i.e., use significantly exceeding availability) for native semi-evergreen forest, and lack of selection (use significantly less than availability) for native semi-evergreen forest, and lack of Teak, and Cashew plantations) and for scrub and abandoned jhum fields. To maintain elephant populations in the South Garo Hills District and Nokrek area, the official delineat on of 7 elephant habitat corridors that mapped as having low degree of fragmentation of forest cover anda high proportion of contiguous, semi-evergreen and evergreen forest cover.

6 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

019140   Lyngdoh K R (Conservator of Forests, , O/O The Chief Wildlife Warden, Dimapur, Nagaland) : Approach to the conservation of elephant in Nagaland. Indian For 2002, 128(2), 243-6.

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019139   Joshi R;Joshi H;Verma J K (Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, G.K. University, Hardwar-249 404) : Crop depredation around Hardwar range by elements (Elephas maximus) in the Rajaji National Park area, India. Biosphere 2001, 6(1-2), 45-9.

Due to rapid development in and around the city Hardwar in recent years, a number of developmental project along with the progressive agriculture with human habitation have come up in the potential elephant habitats which has given rise to serious man-elephant coflict. Human pressure into the deeper forest regime had made a great impact on the elephant's movement in and around the park area. As a result of which elephants make their stray tendency to neary villages and in human settlement areas from the park area. It is observed during study period that elephants also move during the night period near the human setlements due to inadequate forage requirement within the park area. Sometimes elephant's movement around the park area is also noted during day period. As a result of which crop damage by elephants have become a serious problem around different parts of the Hardwar range of the Rajaji National Park area. From last two years the stray behaviour of the elephant around the park area is more common in comparison to few previous years. Projects the ambient conditions of arrival of elephant outside the park area (crop depredation by elephants) and some preventive measures.

1 illus, 8 ref

019138   Easa P S;Sabu Jahas S A (Division of Wildlife Biology, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi) : Demographic study of elephant popualtion in Periyar tiger reserve and adjacent areas in Kerala. Indian For 2002, 128(2), 217-27.

Study was carried out in Periyar Tiger Reserve and adjacent areas of Ranni, Konni and Achenkovil Forest Divisions in 1997 to collect information on the herd composition, sex ratio, density and population of elephants. This area forms the portion of Elephant Reserve No. 10. The area mainly comprises tropical wet evergreen and grassland, followed by deciduous forest. Information on herd size, composition and structure of elephants were collected through direct observations. The individuals were classified into different age-sex categories. Line transact method was followed to collect information on dung density. A total of 379 elephants were sighted in 63 herds. Herd size of elephant ranged from 1 to 19. About 14% were loners. Twenty eight adult males sighted constituted 7.39% of the population. About 50% of the males were `Makhnas' and remaining tuskers in a proportion of 1:1. Adult females formed 58.58% of the population followed by sub-adult females. The overall male to female sex ratio was 1:8.68 and adult male to female 1: 7.93. Theoverall sex ratio of elephants in Periyar Tiger Reserve alone was 1:11.50. The overall elephant density was 0.50/km² in the study area and the density was comparatively higher in grasslands (0.89/km²).

4 illus, 4 tables, 44 ref

019137   Chauhan N P S;Chowdhury S (Wildlife Institute of India, , Dehra Dun) : Evaluation of electric fences for their efficacy in controlling elephant damage in Northern West Bengal and suggesting improvements. Indian For 2002, 128(2), 179-88.

An evaluation of 49 existing power fences in Northern Bengal that have been established from 1982 to 1997 to keep elephants out from the plantation, human habitations in various ranges and tea gardens and crop fields, was carried out. Fences varied from single strand to 6 strands but majority were in the category of 2-3 strands. There was a general flaw of species-specific design for their vulnerability to uprooting or pushing over. Corroding GI wires and improper insulation materials were the reasons for power loss varying from 0.5-7.3 kV between source to the end. In 18%% were effective in output terms. The authors recommended initiation of stakeholder participation for installation and maintenance of fences, as large number of poorly maintained fences could be sources of learning for elephants to breach the fence line repeatedly. Important recommendation for design, maintenance and need of periodic training to front line staff and stakeholders have been suggested.

3 tables, 15 ref

019136   Bist S S (NO, , Govt. of India, New Delhi) : Overview of elephant conservation in India. Indian For 2002, 128(2), 121-36.

Efforts for the conservation of the Elephant (Elephas maximus) in India were initiated with the promulgation of the Madras Wild Elephant. Preservation Act, 1873. But earlier law were quite liberal as regards capturing of elephants and permitted their killing under the pretext of protecting crop and public property. No attempt was made to control the ivory trade and protect habitat of elephants. As a result, elephant population in the country continued to decline. The elephant was included in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Legislative measures in subsequent years resulted in controlling the process of deforestation of elephant habitat and prohibiting ivory trade. In 1992 Government of India launched Project Elephant. Elephants now enjoy a comprehensive legal support and their population has gone up from 15, 627 in 1980 to 28, 274 in 2001. There has also been some reduction in the cases of human deaths caused by elephants. But the overall status of elephants and their habitat continues to be precarious. Incidences of killing of elephants by poachers for ivory and by farmers in retaliation to crop damage, are on the increase. Habitats and corridors of elephants are under termendous pressure in many States on account of deforestation, encroachment and other biotic factors.

4 illus, 5 tables, 16 ref

019135   Acharya B P (Assistant Conservator of Forests, Similipal Tiger Reserve, , Mayurbhanj, Orissa) : Intra-specific aggression in male asian elephants in Similipal tiger reserve, Orissa, India. Indian For 2002, 128(2), 247-8.

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016810   Venkataraman A B;Venkatesa Kumar N;Varma S; Sukumar R (Asian Elephant Research and Conservation Centre, Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012) : Conservation of a flagship species - prioritizing Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) conservation units in Southern India. Curr Sci 2002, 82(8), 1022-33.

Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) is believed to number about 45,000 in the wild and is distributed across several populations over South and Southeast Asia. It is an important flagship species for the conservation of biodiversity as well as being a cultural symbol of the people of this region.

6 tables, 30 ref

015831   Tiwari J K (Wildlife and Environment, , Sanghi Cements, Sanghipuram, Abdasa, Kutch-370 655) : Status and distribution of the white-naped tit parus Nuchalis in Gujarat and Rajasthan. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2001, 98(1), 26-30.

Describes the status and distribution of the white-naped tit Parus nuchalis in Gujarat and Rajasthan. Results are drawn from surveys carried out in seven districts of Rajasthan and three districts of Gujarat. Habitat loss is described in detail. It is established that the grey tit Parus major and white-naped tit P. nuchalis are not mutually exclusive. Conservation measures to save the habitat of the endangered white-naped tit are also discussed.

2 tables, 5 ref

015830   Sati J P (Zoological Survey of India, Northern Regional Station, , Dehra Dun) : Unusual behaviour in lion-tailed macaque. Ann For 2001, 9(1), 172-4.

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013977   Maheswaran G;Rahmani A R (Bombay Natural History Society, , Hornbill House, SB Singh Road, Mumbai-400 023) : Effects of water level changes and wading bird abundance on the foraging behaviour of blacknecked storks Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus in Dudwa National Park, India. J Biosci, Bangalore 2001, 26(3), 373-82.

Observations indicate that BNS territoriality increased as food levels became depleted, resulting in increased rates or aggression towards intruders. Chasing of aggression was more intense during the early period (February and March) than the late period (April, May and June). Most of (<62>50%) the aggressive encounters were observed between 0600 and 1000 h of the day. Seventeen species (including BNS) were observed interacting with BNS, throughout the study period. Most interactions were with the spoonbill, Platalea leucorodia (67.4%), followed by the whitenecked stork, Ciconia episcopus (16.6%). The distance (while foraging) between BNS and other wading birds varied significantly (P<60>0.001) between years indicating that BNS and other water birds foraged at different water depths and thereby explored the wetlands fully. Spoonbills were chased often; the number varied from 1 to 43 birds. BNS occasionally accepted the presence of other wading birds, including spoonbills and started foraging amidst them. This led to successful foraging of BNS (solitary feeder). Other fish-eating bird species and their numbers also limited the food consumption of foraging BNS as they had to spend time chasing away the intruders. Availability of the preferred prey fish species, Heteropnestus fossilis, forced BNS to stay throughout the year in their respective territories..

4 tables, 35 ref

012859   Sudhakar S;Sridevi G;Ramana I V;Rao V V;Raha A K (Regional Remote Sensing Service Centre, , Kharagpur) : Techniques of classification for landuse/landcover with special reference to forest type mapping in Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Jalpaiguri District, West Bengal. J Indian Soc Remote Sens 1999, 27(4), 217-24.

Accuracy of three classification techniques namely Maximum likelihood, contextual and neural network for landuse/landcover with special emphasis on forest type mapping was evaluated in Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary area using IRS-1B LISS II data of Dec. 1994. The area was segregated into ten categories by using all the three classification techniques taking same set of training areas. The classification accuracy was evaluated from the error matrix of same set of training and validating pixels. The analysis showed that the neural net work achieved maximum accuracy of 95 percent, maximum likehood algorithm with 91.06 percent and contextual classifier with 87.42 percent. It is concluded that the neural network classifier works better in heterogeneous and contextural in homogenous forestlands whereas the maximum likelihood is the best in both the conditions.

1 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

011817   Manjunatha B K;Krishna V;Maruthi K R; Nagaraja Y P (Department of Biotechnology, Kuvempu University, Jnana Sahyadri Shankaraghatta-577 451) : Analysis of vegetational pattern in Lakkavalli Reserve Forest of Central Western Ghats, India. Envir Ecol 2001, 19(4), 948-55.

Vegetation pattern of Lakkavalli reserve forest of Bhadra Wild Life Sanctuary in Karnataka state was analyzed for frequency, density, abundance, A/F ratio, IVI value, concentration of dominance, probability of interspecific encounter index and similarity index parameters. A total of 3,405 individuals belonging to 167 species were encountered from the sampling sites. Helecteres isora L. and Terminalia paniculata Roth. are the dominance species exhibited regular distribution in all the transects of the sampling sites. The concentration of dominance and the probability of interspecific encounter index of the species are more in the sampling sites located in the valley of the hill range. But these index values are less in the sites present in the vicinity of the Bhadra reservoir. The composition and structure of the plant community in the Lakkavalli reserve forest are governed by topographic and biotic factors.

2 illus, 4 tables, 22 ref

008578   Vijayan S;Pati B P (Wildlife Division, Gir National Park & Sanctuary, , Gujarat) : Impact of changing cropping pattern on man-animal conflicts around Gir P.A. with specific reference to Talala Taluka. Indian For 2001, 127(10), 1121-33.

Scientific forest management strated in Bengal on August 3, 1864 when the forest Department was established. But wildlife management was not a priority with the foresters in the beginning the British looked upon wild animals, birds and fish as `game' or `source' of revenue'. They framed their early laws to protect the interests of the `sportsmen' and the `exchequer'. Some of the wildlife laws extended to areas outside the forests. Experience gained in the enforcement of these laws led to their amendment or replacement from time to time. Over the years the philosophy of wildlife management has changed and now principles of conservation, rather than those of sport and economics, govern the management of wild wildlife laws were framed by the Central Government, yet a notable exception remains the Rhinoceros Preservation Act passed by the Bengal Government in 1932. Enforcement of wildlife laws, particularly in areas outside the forests, is still a problem in West Bengal. The hunting and fishing rules framed in West bengal under the Indian Forest Act, 1927 and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 have not been updated.

5 illus, 7 tables, 5 ref

008577   Swain D (Forest Utilisation Officer, , Cuttack, Orissa) : Man and wild elephant conflict in Orissa. Indian For 2001, 127(10), 1134-42.

Man and Wild Elephant conflict is as old as human civilization. With the increase in human population and fragmentation of Elephant habitats this is felt more frequent at present than ever before. Crop raiding of Elephants and human deaths due to Elaphants in Orissa have been discussed. Out of 275.8 ha of crop damaged during 1990-1991 and 1995-1996, paddy constituted over 200 ha. next to paddy was Sugarcane covering about 20 ha and remaining 55 ha had crops like maize, ragi, coconut plantation etc. Similarly, human deaths due to attach by wild Elephants in Orissa were 74 and and injury to 21 persons. The causes of manwild Elephant conflict are encroachment of Elephant lands by human, conflict due to migration of Elephants, delicacy of crops and intoxication of Elephants due to brewed Rice and Mahua flower and shortage of water inside the forested area. For the resolution of man - wild Elephant conflict it is suggested to construct Elephant-proof barriers, removal of enchroachments especially on their carridors of migration, provision of water where scarcity of water occurs during summer, capture of rogue and troublesome Elephants, social security schemes against damages caused by Elephants, education of the interface people and ecotourism.

2 tables, 22 ref

008576   Singh S P (Department of Zoology, Government Post Graduate College, Satna-485 001) : Non-human primates and their conservation with special reference to Madhya Pradesh, India. Indian J Envir Ecoplann 2001, 5(1), 217-22.

1 table, 39 ref

008575   Singh H S (Ecological Education and Research Foundation, , Gandhinagar) : Antelopes and gazelles : distribution and population status in Gujarat, India. Indian For 2001, 127(10), 1098-1106.

Fauna of the western part of the country, including Gujarat has similarity with animals belonging to Ethiopian and Palaearctic realsm, but animals from Oriental Realm also occur in the State. Blackbuck, Chinkara (Indian Gazelle), Bluebull and Fourhorned Antelope, belonging to subfamily Anttilopinae, are found in the Indian plateau, and all these four species also occur in Gujarat. Saurasthra and Kutch were known as land of Antelopes and Gazelle in India as well four species were found in good number in the region. Scenario changed after independence. Loss of habitat and hunting were main causes for decline of population of the Antelopes, three decades ago. Trend reversed after implementation of conservation measures and population of Blackbuck and Bluebull increased manifold in some areas, causing problems to farmers. Decline of Chinkara population also halted in some areas as they got suitable habitats in the Protected Areas, Scenario is different for Fourhorned Antelopes as this species has low population in fragmented habitat. Thus, to protect this animal, it is necessary to check degradation of its habitats and to control paching by tribals in the forests.

1 illus , 38 ref

008574   Ramachandran K K;Joseph G K (Division of Wildlife Biology, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Thrissur) : Feeding ecology of Nilgiri langur Trachypithecus johnii) in silent valley national part, Kerala, India. Indian For 2001, 127(10), 1155-64.

Feeding ecology of Nilgiri Langur has been studied in the rainforest ecosystem of Silent Valley from 1993 to 1996. Eighty-nine food species were identified through direct observations. A majority of them were typical evergreen species. Monthly and seasonal variations in the percentage frequency of feeding observations on different food items in the diet were observed. The need of conserving the evergreen habitats for the endangered Nilgiri Langur is discussed.

4 illus, 1 table

008573   Ramachandran A (Villupuram Division, Tamil Nadu Forest Department, , Nagapattinam) : Rescue of a stranded whale in the palk strait, Tamil Nadu. Indian For 2001, 127(10), 1178-84.

Individual of Bryde's Whale, Balaenoptera edeni which is a Schedule I species under the Indian Wildlife Act, got stranded and struck in the deep mud along the coast of Palk Strait in Tamil Nadu. It was rescued alive and released into the deep sea by the Forest Department, Tamil Nadu with the support of various government agencies including District Administration, Fisheries and Police Department, Indian Navy and Coast Guard. This rescue operation was first of its kind in Coastal regions of Asain countries. The entire operation was successfully completed utilising only local materials and expertise. This operation indicated that Whale rescue is possible with indigenous technology at a cheaper cost and a non-sectoral and joint effort is needed for the conservation and management of endangered marine mammals.

4 ref

008572   Pradeepkumar G;Prathapasenan G (Taxonomy Laboratory, Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, The M.S. University of Baroda, Vadodara) : Tree diversity of shoolpaneshwar wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat. Indian For 2001, 127(11), 1207-14.

The entire area of Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary has been surveyed for gathering information regarding vegetation and floristic components of the area. During the survey special emphasis has been given for enlisting the different tree species in the area. A total of 118 tree species have been observed and are enlisted. In addition the observations on biotic factors as well as other environmental factors leading to the destruction of natural habitats of plants have also been incorporated.

1 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

008571   Pati B P;Vijayan S;Mehra B S (Wildlife Division, , Gir NP, Junagadh) : Observation on the food habits and distribution of ratel (Mellivora capensis indica) in Gir, India. Indian For 2001, 127(10), 1143-7.

Ratel (Mellivora capensis) is a secretive animal and scanty information is available on this species. In Gir PA the recorded sightings of Ratel were very few. Effort was made to determine its habitat use, dietary constituents. Ratel prefers undulating dry deciduous patches (58% as its shelter. Ratel prefers small vertebrates in its diet, in comparison to with fruits and tubers. Very little is known about social structure, reproduction and territoriality etc. Although it was known from various sightings that the animal is primarily solitary (80%) but may be seen in pairs rarely.

2 illus, 6 ref

008570   Melkani V K (Project Tiger, Kalakad, Mundathurai Tiger Reserve, , Tirunelveli) : Tiger conservation in India : past, present and future. Indian For 2001, 127(10), 1081-97.

Tiger Panthera tigris tigris, National Animal, is a symbol of cultural and natural heritage. During the first seven decades of the last century, the population of Tigers in Indian jungles drastically dwindled. Sincere efforts have been made to ensure a safe habitat to the Tiger in the wilderness of Indian jungles. Unfortunately, the threats to the individual and its habitat persist even today. The ongoing efforts need further strengthening with effect control and improved co-ordination among all who are concerned for the survival of Tiger.

4 tables, 19 ref

008569   Kholkute A D (Veterinary Officer, , Nagpur) : Hand rearing of two male hyaena cubs. Indian For 2001, 127(10), 1188-9.

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008568   Harikumar G;Kaler O P;Joseph S;Peeyuskutty K J;Zacharias V J (Department of Zoology, St. Joseph College, Devagiri, Calicut) : Great Indian hornbill (Buceros bicornis) and management of old growth forest patches in Periyar tiger reserve. Indian For 2001, 127(10), 1165-70.

The Great Indian Hornbill is now an endangered species although in Protected Areas it is fairly common. Systematic studies have not been conducted through stray notes are available. A status survey was conducted in Periyar Tiger Reserve. It has shown its wide distribution in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests where it is found singly or in groups. It prefers old growth forest patches. Nesting take place from February to May which is related to fruiting season are figs. Nesting is done on tall old trees. Young ones are fed on figs and occasionally Lizards and even Snakes. Entrances are vertical to circular, the height of nests being 8 to 25 m from the ground. Photography is posing a management problem and in some cases the birds did not return to the nest which they generally did when they were not disturbed.

1 table, 10 ref

008567   Gupta K K (NO, , Jadavpur, Kolkata) : New light on the bird phenomenon at Jatinga in North Cachar Hills of Assam. Indian For 2001, 127(10), 1148-54.

Every year during autumn-new-moon-phase a large number of birds are attracted by strong unidirectional light sources kept burning on the Jatinga saddle under specific climatic conditions. A five year long study revealed that out of two hundred or more species of birds found in North Cacher Hills, only about fifty species were involved in the phenomenon. Only eight species made up for 75% of the sightings. Most of the individual birds were sub-adults. An analysis of the observed data revealed that night flying birds on autumn migration flight were guided by moon, and in absence of moon were misdirected by any artificial light burning in the desired direction. This was strongly supported by the hypothesis proposed by Baker, that the migratory birds on southward migration, in the Northern Hemisphere, were guided by monn.

2 tables, 8 ref

008566   Goyal C P;Brahma B C (Rajaji National Park, , Dehra Dun) : Carrying capacity of Govind wildlife sanctuary (and National Park), Uttarkashi District. Indian For 2001, 127(10), 1171-1177.

One of the methods used for visitor management in a Protected Area is the concept of 'Carrying Capacity', which is the maximum use of any site which, if exceeded will result in the deterioration of the resource base. Evaluates Physical Carrying Capacity (PCC = Visitors per day) and the Real Carrying Capacity (RCC = Visitors per day) for Govind Wildlife Sanctuary (and National Part) situated in Uttarkashi District of Uttaranchal. Govind Wildlife Sanctuary (and National Park) houses endangered fauna such as Snow leopard, Brown and Black Bear. Musk Deer etc. Ten significant routes used by people within the Protected Area have been chosen for the study. On an average, 1323 visitors visit the Protected Area in an year during the tourist season, PCC represents a parameter that the ecosystem can withstand under static conditions. RCC is the capacity under restrictive condition. Two routes, Dhaula-Changsil (AMP = 101; RCC = 98) and Motor - Kedarkanatha (AMP = 101; RCC = 89) the AMP has exceeded the threshold of RCC. Steep slopes increase increase erosiion and landslides, local carts and cattle will also use the roads besides tourists. Therefore, while managing reserved area for ecodiversity and tourism, acceptable change factor should be considered while deciding their parameters.

2 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

008565   Dubey S;Samanta A K (Divisional Forest Officer, East Midnapore Division, , West Bengal) : Rescue operation of an elephant - a thrilling experience. Indian For 2001, 127(10), 1194-6.

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008564   Binoy C F;Mathew G (NO, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Thrissur) : Butterflies visiting flower heads of Terminalia paniculata Roth in Kerala, India. Indian For 2001, 127(10), 1185-7.

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005483   Singh K P;Agrawal M C (Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science & A.H., JNKVV, Jabalpur-482 001) : Kanha National Park becomes a new nidus for elephant schistosomiasis. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(3), 420-2.

1 illus, 9 ref

005482   Satish Kumar;Rahmani A R (Department of Wildlife Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh-202 002) : Livestock depredation by wolves in the great Indian bustard sanctuary, Nannaj (Maharashtra), India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(3), 340-4.

Food habits of Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) were studied in the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary, Nannaj, India, between 1991-1994. Estimation of wolf depredation on livestock is essential to implement compensation, management, and conservation plans for the wolf. Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) was the primary prey of wolves in the Sanctuary; goats and sheep were the major livestock taken by wolves. Data on livestock killed, age of the kill, distance of the kill from the Sanctuary, and the terrain where the kill was made were collected. More goats than shepp when pups were dependent on parents and/or helpers for food. Multiple attacks were made by wolves on livestok herds to divert the attention of guard dogs. Sixty-three percent of the kills were 1-4 m from a bush or some other vegetative cover. The maximum number of kills (52%) made during daytime were found up to 0.2 km from the Sanctuary plots. The owners retrieved 16% of the total livestock kills, by chasing the wolves or with the help of guard dogs. Mauled animals rarely survived. All the kills occurred in the grazing lands outside the Sanctuary, but kills were into the core areas of the Sanctuary. There was a monthly variation in the abundance of goats and sheep in the study area.

1 illus, 10 ref

005481   Gupta A K;Chivers D J (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, PO Box 18, Chandrabani, Dehra Dun-248 006) : Feeding ecology and conservation of the golden langur Trachypithecus geei khajuria in Tripura, notheast India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(3), 349-62.

Feeding ecology of an introduced group of the golden langur (Triachypithecus geei) in Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is discussed with special reference to its conservation in its new habitat. Data were collected using roup-scan method. A total of 7,752 scans were made, feeding alone accounting for 3,530 scans (45.5%). Diurnal and seasonal variation in the time spent on feeding was not significant, but a very weak significant difference existed in the time spent on feeding in different months. A total of 53 food species, belonging to 10 families, were used by the golden langur, but only ten species accounted for about 57% of the feeding. Of the 28 families, ten accounted for almost 78% of the food. The three most intensively used food species were : Ficus racemosa, Salmalia malabarica, and Adenanthera pavonina. The golden langur shared food plants with Trachypithecus phayrei and T. pileatus, and with the loal human population. The golden langur was mainly folivorous, spending most time feeding on young leaves (41.4%). The ability of the golden langur to survive on fast-growing exotic plantation species, to use food resources with other user groups, has helped it to survive in the wild. These qualities make the conservation of the golden langur feasible in its range, where shifting cultivation and plantations of exotic species are common.

1 illus, 29 ref

005480   Gopi Sundar K S;Jitender Kaur;Choudhury B C (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, P.B. 18, Chandrabani, Dehra Dun-248 001) : Distribution, demography and conservation status of the Indian sarus crane (Grus antigone antigone) in India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2000, 97(3), 319-39.

District-level survey to determine the distribution, demography and status of the Indian sarus crane (Grus antigone antigone) was carried out between June 1998 and March 1999 in the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, West bengal and Maharashtra. The survey discovered populations in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, which are areas where sarus cranes have not been recorded since 1983. A total of 1,761 sarus were counted, and the districts with the highest encounter rates were Mainpuri and Etawah in Uttar Pradesh. The distribution range of the sarus crane in India has been drawn. The sarus crane population in India was seen to have an overall low percentage of breeding pairs in the population, and few juveniles, suggesting low recruitment. Factors significantly affecting the breeding are discussed. The cranes were seen to breed practically throughout the year, with two major peaks in February-March and July-August. Changes in land use patterns are presumed to affect habitat use of sarus cranes. The attitude of the local people towards the species is not conducive to the conservation of the vagile species. The implications of the above factors on the conservation of the species are discussed.

1 illus, 29 ref

003233   Joshi P;Shrivastava Y (NO, Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Institute, Trivandrum-695 562) : Drop of nature conservation - sacred grovers. J hum Ecol 2000, 11(5), 327-30.

Examines the situation of plant conservation by tribal and rural folks in Rajasthan.

7 ref

002170   Srivastava A;Biswas J;Das J;Bujarbarua P (NO, , 34 Rajmata Sahib Ka Nhora, Bikaner-334 001) : Status and distribution of golden langura (Trachypithecus geei) in Assam India. Am J Primatol 2001, 55(1), 15-23.

Distribution of golden langurs (Trachypithecus geei) is limited to a small area of western Assam in northeast India and Bhutan between the rivers Manas in the east, Sankosh in the west, and Brahmaputra in the south. It is one of the most seriously endangered primate species of India. A comparative analysis based on satellite images taken in 1988 and 1998 showed a 50% loss of original golden langur habitat. Data on population dynamics collected using line transect and total count methods are presented here. An average group size of 8.2 (range 4.0-22.0) individuals was recorded. A total of 1,064 individuals were counted living in 130 groups. The sex ratio was 1.9-2.5 adult females for each adult male. A low percentage of juveniles and infants suggests that the population is sizes, isolated distribution, proportionately few infants and Demographic trends indicate and decline in the golden langur population.

25 ref

002169   Davidar P;Yoganand K;Ganesh T (Salim Ali Sch Ecol and Environm Sci, Pondicherry Univ, Pondicherry-605 014) : Distribution of forest birds in the Andaman islands: importance of key habitats. J Biogeogr 2001, 28(5), 663-71.

Distributions of 47 species of forest birds were surveyed on 45 islands in the Andaman islands across a latitudinal gradient. The size of the island and distance to the nearest large island were assessed on a satellite image of 1 : 250,000 scale. The number and types of habitats and the species richness of birds on each island were recorded during a field survey. The effects of the variables measured on the species richness of forest birds were assessed using regression analyses. Separate analyses were conducted with selected islands to eliminate the effects of latitude and to control the effects of area and habitat diversity. The number of species of forest birds was strongly influenced by island area and habitat diversity. However the key determinant of species richness was habitat type, particularly the presence of wet forests. Wet forests, either semi-evergreen or evergreen tropical forests are more common towards the southern islands and are usually restricted to larger islands. Area, habitat diversity and the presence of wet forests on islands significantly influenced species richness of forest birds. The wet forests maintain the biodiversity of the Andamans and should be regarded as a `keystone habitat'.

30 ref

002168   Chettri N;Sharma E;Deb D C (NO, GB Pant Inst Himalayan Environm & Dev, Sikkim Unit, PO Tadong, Sikkim-737 102) : Bird community structure along a trekking corridor of Sikkim Himalaya: a conservation perspective. Biol Conserv 2001, 102(1), 1-16.

Bird community structure was studied in the Yuksam-Dzongri trekking corridor of the Sikkim Himalaya, India. Nineteen transects with a total of 266 samplings were made in the forests along the corridor during June 1997 to June 1999. Human utilised forest (open canopy forest) and relatively unutilised forest (closed canpoy forest) were designated for the study at two ecological zones, i.e. lower forest (1780-2350 m a.s.l.) and upper forest (2350-3600 in) depending on the natural resources utilisation pattern by local community living in the area and for tourism purposes. There were visible changes in the open and closed canopy forests in diameters at breast height class distribution of trees leading to distinct variation in the habitat types. Among the 143 species of birds observed during the study a handful of species were found as habitat specific and about 40% were common to all the four habitat types. Both bird species richness and diversity were higher at the open canopy conditions compared wit closed canopy, but the differences were not statistically significant. On the other hand, both the indices showed strong and significant negative relationship with the elevation. These diversity indices were also significantly higher during the summer compared with the winter season.

61 ref

001137   Maheshwaran G;Rahmani A R (Bombay National Hist Soc, , Hornbill House, SB Singh Road, Mumbai-400 023) : Effects of water level changes and wading bird abundance on the foraging behaviour of blacknecked stroks Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus in Dudwa National Park, India. J Biosci, Bangalore 2001, 26(3), 373-82.

Effect of of water level changes and wading birds abundance on the foraging behaviour of the blacknecked stork (BNS) Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus was studied from January 1995 to June 1997 in Dudwa National Park, Uttar Pradesh. The observations indicate, resulting territoriality increased as food levels became depleted, resulting in increased rates of aggression towards intruders. Chasing or aggression was more intense during the early period (February and March) than the late period (April, May and June). Most of ( <62> 50%) the aggressive encounters were observed between 0600 and 1000 h of the day. Seventeen species (including BNA) were observed interacting with BNS, throughout the study period. Most interactions were with the spoonbill, Platalea leucorodia (67.4%), followed by the whitenecked stork, Ciconia episcopus (16.6%). The distance (while foraging) between BNS and other wading birds varied significantly (P <60> 0.001) between years indicating that BNS and other water birds foraged at different water depths and thereby explored the wetlands fully. Spoonbills were chased often; the number varied from 1 to 43 birds. BNS occasionally accepted the presence of other wading birds, including spoonbills and started foraging amidst them. This led to species and their numbers also limited the food consumption of foraging BNS as they had to spend time chasing away the intruders..

35 ref

000003   Rawal R S;Dhar U (NO, G B Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora-263 643) : Protected area network in Indian Himalayan region: need for recognizing values of low profile protected areas. Curr Sci 2001, 81(2), 175-84.

Reviews the existing state of PAs in the IHR and identifies various gaps therein. It highlights the existing disparity in ranking the importance of PAs, wherein values of a few of them are often over-emphasized while, several others with a relatively higher stake of biodiversity remain unnoticed. This trend adversely affects the maintenance of biodiversity elements which deserve immediate attention. The potentials of such low profile PAs in IHR are discussed through a detailed review of biophysical values of hitherto lesser known PA - Askot Wildlife Sanctuary - in Kumaun, West Himalaya. Calls for an introspection by all concerned and recommends that efforts are urgently needed for a thorough evaluation of existing PAs in the IHR to redefine priorities on the basis of their biodiversity attributes.

^iia79 ref

000002   Jayathangaraj M G;Raman M;Manoharan;John M C (Department of Wildlife Science, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai-600 007) : Incidence of tick infestation in Asiatic cross bred lions. Entomon 2000, 25(2), 159-60.

Incidence of infestation with Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks in captive Asiatic cross bred lions has been documented and the probable infections related with these tick infestations are also discussed.

^ssc

000001   Fleischer R C;Perry E A;Muralidharan K; Stevens E E;Wemmer C M (Smithsonian Inst, Conservat & Res Ctr, Mol Genet Lab, 3001 Connecticut Ave, NW Washington, DC 20008 USA) : Phylogeography of the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) based on mitochondrial DNA. Evolution 2001, 55(9), 1882-92.

Populations of the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) have been reduced in size and become highly fragmented durign the past 3000 to 4000 years. Histrical records reveal elephant dispersal by humans via trade and war. Sequenced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to assay genetic variation and phylogeography across much of the Asian elephant's range. Initially compared cytochrome b sequences (cyt b) between nine Asian and five African elephants and use the fossil-based age of their separation (similar to 5 million years ago) to obtain a rate of about 0.013 (95% CI = 0.011-0.018) corrected sequence divergence per million years. Assessed variation in part of the mtDNA control region (CR) and adjacent tRNA genes in 57 Asian elephants from seven countries (Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia). Asian elephants have typical levels of mtDNA variation, and coalescence analyses suggest their populations were growing in the late pleistocene. Reconstructed phylogenies reveal two major clades (A and B) differing on average by HKY85/Gamma - corrected distances of 0.020 for cyt b and 0.050 for the CR segment Individuals of both major clades exist in all locations but Indonesia and Malaysia. Most elephants from Malaysia and all from Indonesia are in well-supported, basal clades within clade A, thus supporting their status as evolutionarily significant units (ESUs). The proportion of clade A individuals decreases to the north which could not result.

62 ref

024830   Singh K N (NO, , ) : Demographic study of Asiatic elephants in North India. Cheetal 2011, 49(2), 10-19.

The total number of elephants counted in year 1967 was 380, and this figure has increased to 1726 in the year 2007. Thus the population has multiplied 4.52 times in forty years. In North India sex ratio in 1967 was 100:161 which has increased in the year 2005 to 100:223 and in the year 2007 the sex ratio is 100:209. The change indicates the genetic drift of the habitat which is nearly due to fragmentation of the habitat.

12 illus, 8 tables

024829   Rishi V (NO, , Chandrabani grant, Mohobeywala, Dehradun-248 110, Email: vinodrishi@rediffmail.com) : Man-wildlife conflict - running for life. Cheetal 2011, 49(2), 4-9.

024828   Rai Y C (NO, , ) : Antlers and horns of the Indian ungulata. Cheetal 2011, 49(2), 20-32.

With a view to acquaint and apprise the younger generations, and particularly that of forest officers, about the rich diversity of Indian Ungulata during the last one hundred and fifty years, this articles sums up their present systematic classification, anatomy of antlers and horns of 28 separate species of Cervidae and Bovidae from India and the records of their maximum sizes reported by various naturalists during this period in respect of their lengths along the outer curve, circumference at base, tip to tip measurements, both in the F.P.S. as also in the metric system, and their points. Pictorial diagram have also been given for easy identification. In the present context of deteriorating forest cover, and consequently the depleting fauna therein, these are indicative of our lost heritage.

^iia40 illus, 1 table

024827   Negi A S;Prasad S N;Dixit A M (NO, , , Email: asnegi1943@gmail.com) : Abohar wildlife sanctuary-an unique example of community driven conservation programme. Cheetal 2011, 49(2), 1-3.

024826   Koli V K;Bhatnagar C;Yasheen M (Aquatic Toxicology and Wildlife Research Zoology Dep, Mohanlal Sukhadia Univ, Udaipur, Rajasthan, Email: vijaykoli87@yahoo.in) : Urban birds of Udaipur city (Rajasthan) and their conservation problems. Cheetal 2011, 49(2), 33-8.

A study was conducted in Udaipur city to estimate bird diversity and their conservation problems, from 2007 to 2009. During the study period 46 species of terrestrial and 41 species of aquatic birds were identified which belonged to 24 and 13 families. In terrestrial birds 44 species were residential and 2 species were winter migratory and according to IUCN 2009 categorization 45 species were least concern and only 1 species (Egyptian vulture) was found in endangered category. In aquatic birds 16 species were winter migratory and 25 species were resident and according to IUCN, 3 species (Painted stork, Black-headed ibis and Black-tailed godwit) were near threatened category and 38 species were least concern category. The study showed that number of bird species was little from their surrounding areas and faced many conservation problems.

2 tables, 14 ref

024825   Chourasia N;Bhargava S (Zoology Dep, Dr. H.S.Gour Univ, Sagar-470 003, Email: navchourasia@yahoo.co.in) : Food habits of chital (Axis axis) in different seasons and comparison of its preferred food with other ungulates in Pench National Park, M.P.. J trop For 2010, 26(1), 53-9.

Changes in food habits of chital in different seasons in Pench National Park M.P. and its preferred food a with that of other ungulates in the area were studied during January 2006 to December 2006. The observations were recorded on monthly basis. For comparison, livestock and some wild ungulates like Sambar, Nilgai, Gaur, Chinkara and Barking deer were selected for the present study. It was observed that the primary diet of chital is different species of grasses. When grass is not in sufficient quantity, they browse. In rainy season, they prefer and graze successfully on grasses like curly mesquite, buffalo grass, Indian grass, side coats grama, switergrass, big and little bluestem, etc. They do well on improved grasses such as klain. They use different varieties of grasses in all the three seasons and use plant species like Dendrocalamus strictus, Flemingia semialata, and Flemingia bracteata, in all the three seasons. During summers, they feed especially on dry fodder along with fallen leaves, fruits and shoots of some plants. In winters, the forage condition becomes worst so they become browsers. They prefer Themeda quadrivalvis, Botnriochloa, Imperata cylindrica, and Eragrostis uniloides grasses along with some other plants. The wild ungulates and livestock share different species of grasses, forbs, sedges and leaves and fruits of plants as high, medium, and low preferred food, except few like Bridelia retusa, which is only preferred by chinkara but at low preference level. Sambars, gaurs and barking deer, are fond of grasses and sedges. Nilgai prefers considerably different food from chital and sambar. They like Saccharam spontaneum. Heteropogan sp. and Dicanthium annulatum. Livestock don't prefer, Dicanthium annulatum grass, all forbs and Bridelia retusa, Cassia fistula, Cordea myxa and Kydia calycina plants.

2 tables, 8 ref

024824   Bhagat Singh (NO, , ) : Birds of Garhwal and Kumaon impact of climatic and environmental change. Cheetal 2011, 49(2), 40-3.