Abstract

The present study was carried out on the nesting behavior of IGS in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve during the month of June 2015 to June 2017 (2 years). A total of 192 nesting trees with 279 nests belong to 19 tree species were identified as nesting trees preferences of IGS. Of which Bambusa arundinacea grass species was the dominant nesting grass species of the IGS in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (11%, n = 22). The overall nest height of the IGS was 19.70 m and a maximum height of 34 m and a minimum height of 8 m. The nest direction shows that the North East held the number of the nest (n = 137), and the nest position shows that the Crown (n = 197) contained the number of the nest. The nest position shows that top (n = 220) were contained the number of nests compared to the middle (n = 59). On the other hand, no nest was placed on the down position.

Highlights

  • The Indian or Malabar giant squirrel (Ratufa indica Erxleben, 1777) is endemic to Peninsular India (South India) [1]

  • Such parameters were quantified in similar-sized plots located 100 m in a random direction from the nest tree, where the nearest tree of GBH > 250 cm was chosen as the centre tree and the same nest tree parameters were taken into the account for comparison of random plots with nest tree plots were made to determine parameters likely to affects choice of nesting habitat by Indian Giant Squirrel

  • This study found that a single tree holds a maximum five numbers of nest and minimum one nest and the average height of the nesting trees was 24.4 m

Read more

Summary

Introduction

The Indian or Malabar giant squirrel (Ratufa indica Erxleben, 1777) is endemic to Peninsular India (South India) [1]. It is widely distributed within its range, it occurs in severely fragmented populations [2]. The Indian giant squirrel occurs in the elevation range of 180–2300 m and inhabits deciduous, mixed deciduous and moist evergreen forests [5]. A solitary living species, it is seen in pairs only during the breeding season. It usually constructs more than one nest, or drey, within a single breeding season. The present study was under took major objectives on (1) To find out the nesting tree preference, (2) To find out the nesting trees variables to support the IGS nesting, (3) Nesting behavior of IGS, and (4) To given an scientific recommendation for long term management and sustainable conservation of the species

Methods
Findings
Discussion
Conclusion

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.