Indian Wildlife Protection Research Articles

IMPACT OF FRUIT BATS (Rousettus leschenaulti AND Cynopterus sphinx) IN THE TROPICAL ECOSYSTEM OF TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU, INDIA

Fruit bat diversity available in the ecosystem of Tirunelveli District is important for pollinating flowers and seed dispersal. Two common megachiropterans Rousettus leschnaulti (fulvous fruit bat) and Cynopterus sphinx (greater short-nosed fruit bat) interacting in different agro and tropical forest ecosystem of Tirunelveli district has been selected as study animals for this impact analysis. Various food selections, processing strategies, the economical and ecological importance of bat dependent plants have provided a glimpse on the fruit bat’s bio-agent role in the ecosystem. Identification of left outs from the feeding roosts, observations with video recording and mist-netting in the foraging areas is the documented data for fruit bat–plant interdependence. Their species specific dietary preferences immensely help to retain the community structures and long time survival of specific taxa in the ecosystem. In spite of their special role they have attracted little recognition under Indian government legislations and policies. The documented species specific impact and ecosystem services of R. leschnaulti and C. sphinx in the Tropical ecosystem is the field proof data which can be of use to revise the status of fruit bats under Schedule V, Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

A report on the butterfly (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) diversity of the Upper Ganga River Ramsar site in Uttar Pradesh, India

This study provides a primary inventory of the butterfly diversity of the Upper Ganga River Ramsar site in Uttar Pradesh, India. The study was carried out in two phases, first in March 2019 and then in November 2019. A total of 44 species of butterflies belonging to 34 genera and five families were seen in the area. The species observed in the study site belonged to the families Hesperiidae (4 genera, 4 species), Lycaenidae (4 genera, 4 species), Nymphalidae (18 genera, 24 species), Papilionidae (2 genera, 4 species), and Pieridae (6 genera, 8 species). Three of these species are legally protected under various schedules of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972).

A checklist of dragonflies & damselflies (Insecta: Odonata) of Kerala, India

A checklist of odonates of Kerala State is presented in this paper. Scientific binomen, vernacular names in Malayalam, IUCN Red List status, and endemism are also given. A total of 174 species of odonates have been recorded from Kerala till date, 65 of which are endemic to the Western Ghats, and 10 to India. Five species fall under various threatened categories of IUCN. None of the odonates occurring in Kerala is listed in the schedules of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act or the appendices of CITES.

Distribution of the Critically Endangered Giant Guitarfish (Glaucostegus typus) based on Local Ecological Knowledge in the Andaman Islands, India.

For elusive, data-poor marine fauna, Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) can be a rich and often underutilised source of biological and ecological data. We used a socio-ecological approach to assess LEK and provide key insights into the distribution, habitat use pattern, and threats facing giant guitarfishes (Glaucostegus spp.) in the Andaman Islands, India. We interviewed 175 fishers and other coastal users (SCUBA divers, coastal residents, researchers etc.), 142 of whom had seen giant guitarfishes. Due to the difficulty in distinguishing between species of this genus, this study did not attempt to collect species specific data. However, data presented here most likely refer to the Giant Guitarfish (Glaucostegus typus) as it is the only species from this family confirmed from the Andaman Islands. Our results show that LEK can be an invaluable asset in understanding the distribution of little-known species. With sightings from over 70 locations, our data indicate that giant guitarfishes occur widely and the frequent sightings of pup-sized (<45 cm) individuals in shallow coastal waters suggests they could be using these habitats as nursery grounds. The identification of several potential nursery areas highlights locations of their range that need urgent protection to aid in their conservation. The only other location where G. typus is reportedly still frequently observed is northern Australia, making the Andaman Island population globally significant. However, rapid coastal transformation and growing fisheries likely threaten the species. With more than 33% of reported observations being over a decade old, our data suggest that populations have drastically declined, highlighting the need to regulate fisheries and coastal development in the Andamans. Including giant guitarfishes under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act would also be an essential step towards managing this globally important population.

Herpetofaunal community composition in an agro-ecosystem in the Gangetic plain of eastern India

The Gangetic plain of India is one of the most intensively farmed lands in the world. This study examined the species composition of the herpetofaunal community in Haripal, Hooghly, West Bengal, India, located within the Gangetic Delta’s plain of eastern India. A total of 32 species (10 amphibians, 22 reptiles) belonging to 23 genera (7 amphibian, 16 reptile), 13 families (4 amphibian, 9 reptile), and two orders (1 amphibian, 1 reptile) were recorded. Among the amphibians, the highest number of species (5) was recorded in the family Dicroglossidae, while the Colubridae family was represented by a maximum of 7 species among the reptiles. All of the recorded species except Varanus flavescens (Hardwicke and Gray, 1827) are listed as Least Concern (LC) in the IUCN Red List. Varanus flavescens has been declared as Endangered (EN). Among the recorded species, one species is included in Schedule I, 6 species in Schedule II, and 13 species are listed in Schedule IV of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This report provides baseline data on herpetofaunal community composition in the Haripal block for the first time. The study area is rich in herpetofaunal diversity. This study also emphasises the necessity of holistic conservation strategies in the study area and the demand for additional studies to explore the country’s biodiversity beyond the protected areas.

Current Population Status of Asian Elephant in Keonjhar Wildlife Division, Odisha

The Population of Wild elephants (<i>Elephas maximus</i>) is declining worldwide; therefore understanding the dynamics of the remaining population is critical for effective conservation. We monitored the population and distribution of elephants in Keonjhar wildlife division during 2015 and 2017. The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) is facing a severe threat to its survival from large scale habitat losing and degradation, negative interaction between human and elephant and poaching across its range. India holds by far the largest number of wild Asian elephants, estimate as about 60% population of the species. <i>Elephas</i> <i>maximus</i> is placed in schedule 1 and part 1 of Indian wildlife protection Act (1972) conferring the highest level of protection. Most of the sightings were recorded near water bodies, foot paths & salt licks. During census period 2017 total 49 elephants were sighted out of which 25 were in Hadgarh, 15 in Deogaon, 9 in Brahmanipal Range. Simillarly in 2015 total 51 elephants were counts out of which 25 were in hadgarh, 16 in Dogaon, 9 in Brahmanipal Range It was found that in 2017 population of adult cow was high (43%) followed by calf (21%), adult bull (16%), sub adult cow (6%) and juvenile (4%). Simillarly in 2015 population of adult cow was high (33.33%) followed by sub-adult cow (19.60%), calf (17.64%), adult bull (13.72%), sub-adult bull (11.76%), adult/sub-adult U/K (1.96%) and juvenile (1.96%).

Butterflies of Amrabad Tiger Reserve, Telangana, India

The butterfly diversity of Amrabad Tiger Reserve was assessed from March 2018 to February 2021. A total of 106 species belonging to the families Nymphalidae (36 species), Lycaenidae (30 species), Pieridae (18 species), Hesperiidae (14 species), and Papilionidae (8 species) were recorded. Of these, 12 species belonged to the Schedules I, II &amp; IV of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, and four were common in this region.

On the occurance of crowned river turtle, Hardella thurjii in Gujarat, India

The crowned river turtle, Hardella thurjii (Gray, 1831) is widely distributed from Pakistan to Bangladesh, and possibly in western Myanmar. It prefers the middle and lower reaches of the northern river systems on the Indian subcontinent, comprising the Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries. The species is classified as Endangered, but nationally remains a poorly protected species under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act. This communication presents the first photographic evidence of the crowned river turtle, from Gujarat State, India. It was previously reported from North Gujarat two decades ago, but without any evidence.

The Dragonflies and Damselflies (Odonata) of Kerala – Status and Distribution

The odonate fauna of Kerala, their status and distribution are reviewed. Based on personal records from field work since 2010 and published literature, all the recent additions and range extensions to the region are critically analyzed and a revised checklist of odonates of Western Ghats and Kerala is provided. The current checklist of odonates of the Western Ghats stands at 207 species, including 80 endemics. A total of 181 species of Odonates, including 68 Western Ghats endemics, belonging to 87 genera under two suborders and 14 families were recorded from the geographical boundary of Kerala. The suborder Zygoptera comprises 74 species of damselflies (30 genera in seven families) and the suborder Anisoptera has 107 species (57 genera in seven families). Endemic species and those in IUCN Red List categories are enlisted. None of the odonate species from the region are protected under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) 1972. A detailed discussion on odonates occurring in Kerala has been provided in the systematic part.

Surveillance and examination of dental problems in captive sloth bears

Sloth Bear is classified as vulnerable species in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list data of threatened species under vulnerable animal in 1990 and is a protected wild animal, under the Schedule I of Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (IWPA,1972). Sloth bears (Melursus ursinus) are omnivorous in general. This retrospective study period (from 2006 to 2015) was carried out to survey the dental problems and management measures adopted, in rescued sloth bears in rescued sloth bear from Agra Bear Rescue Facility, Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Out of 224 rescued sloth bears, 11 sloth bears were noticed with dental problems during the study period and the common dental problems of sloth bears were found to be broken canine and incisor, broken canine and incisor with peri-apical abscess, and over-grown gums/tissue lesions. During examinations of oral cavities of bears under study, some of the animals had infected root canals, peri-apical abscesses, and overgrown gums tissues with evidence of infections. From this area, swabs were obtained and subjected to bacterial culture. The bacterial culture revealed Beta hemolytic Streptococci and Anaerobic Bacteroides, Coagulase positive Staphylococci, Pseudomonas species, beta-hemolytic Streptococci, Pseudomonas profuse, Klebsiella, etc. Antibiotic sensitivity tests using 40 antibiotics were used in this study and management-related measures concerning the dental problems encountered and studied in the rescued Sloth bears were revealed in this study.

​Morphometrical Studies on Skull Bones of Adult Blue Bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus)

Background: The Blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) is regarded as one of the biggest antelopes in Asia and safeguarded beneath the IUCN since 2003 and under safeguard of ‘Schedule III’ of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This study focused on the detailed gross morphometrical study of mid thoracic ribs of Blue Bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus). Methods: The present study was carried out on the skull of six specimens of adult Blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) of either sex. The measurements of various parameters of skull bones were taken with the help of weighing machine, thread, scale and digital Vernier’s calliper. Result: The average length of skull was found to be 40.9±1.08 cm in female, which was significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was recorded as 49.5±097 cm. Similarly, the average facial length was found to be 16.6±0.20 cm in female, which was significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was recorded as 22.0±0.17 cm. The average left cranio-caudal length of tympanic bulla was found to be 4.1±0.15 cm in female, which was significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was recorded as 4.5±0.19 cm. The average length of left zygomatic process of squamous temporal bone was found to be 5.7±0.11 cm in female, which was significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was recorded as 7.1±0.08 cm. The average distance between the last incisor and first premolar teeth was found to be 6.3±0.12 cm in female, which was significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was recorded as 8.2±0.17 cm.

Redescubrimiento de Bothrinia chennellii (de Nicéville, 1884) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) en Meghalaya, noreste de la India

The Hedge Cupid butterfly, Bothrinia chennellii (de Nicéville, 1884) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) is rediscovered to Meghalaya, India, from two different localities since its last known records. The species was last recorded 63 years ago by Cantlie from Shillong, Khasi Hills, Meghalaya in 1952 and since then no records of this species has been found in the literature of the state. The species is legally protected under Schedule II of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. In this paper taxonomy, distribution and current habitat of the species are discussed.

Status, abundance, and seasonality of butterfly fauna at Kuvempu University Campus, Karnataka, India

A survey was conducted to record the diversity, status, and occurrence of butterfly species in the Kuvempu University Campus, Jnana Sahyadri, Shivamogga District, Karnataka during February 2010 to January 2011. A total of 115 species of butterflies in 77 genera, belonging to five families were recorded. Nymphalidae comprised the highest number of species, followed by Lycaenidae, Pieridae, Papilionidae, and Hesperiidae. The study area hosts 14 species of butterflies protected under various schedules of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Nine species recorded are endemic to the Western Ghats of peninsular India and Sri Lanka. Hence there is an urgent need to protect this habitat by adapting long-term monitoring programs to manage and conserve the butterfly diversity.

Sex Wise Morphometrical Studies on the Mid Thoracic Ribs of Blue Bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus)

Background: The Blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) is regarded as one of the biggest antelopes in Asia and safeguarded beneath the IUCN since 2003 and under safeguard of ‘Schedule III’ of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. This study focused on the detailed gross morphometrical study of mid thoracic ribs of Blue Bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus).Methods: The present morphometrical study was carried out in six specimens of adult Blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) of either sex. The measurements of various parameters of ribs were taken with the help of weighing machine, thread, scale and digital Vernier’s calliper. Result: It was found that the average diameter of the head of the fourth rib was found to be 2.56±0.01 cm in adult Blue bull. Further, it was measured as 2.53±0.01 cm in females that was significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was found to be 2.59±0.01 cm. The average cranio-caudal diameter of the cranial articular facet of the head of 5th rib was found to be 0.97±0.01 cm in adult Blue bull. Further, it was measured as 0.95±0.02 cm in females that was significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was found to be 1.00±0.01 cm. The average diameter of the tubercle of sixth rib at the dorso-ventral aspect was found to be 1.66±0.01 cm in adult Blue bull. Further, it was measured as 1.64±0.02 cm in females that was significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was found to be 1.69±0.02 cm. Similarly, the average minimum length of the neck of sixth rib at the cranial aspect was found to be 0.68±0.01 cm in adult Blue bull. Further, it was measured as 0.65±0.02 cm in females that was significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was found to be 0.70±0.01 cm. The average diameter of vascular groove of seventh rib at the proximal aspect was found to be 0.56±0.01 cm in adult Blue bull. Further, it was measured as 0.52±0.01 cm in females that was significantly less (P less than 0.05) than that of males, where it was found to be 0.60±0.01 cm.

An annotated bird checklist of community-managed lands in Kailash Sacred Landscape-India, Kumaon Himalaya

In the Indian Himalayan region, community-managed lands such as community-managed forests and agriculture lands play an important role in conserving native biodiversity. Our avifaunal surveys done between 2013 and 2016 recorded 205 species belonging to 52 families. Two species were first records from Pithoragarh district. Six species are classified as Threatened and five as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List. Six are Schedule-I species under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. In total, 63 migratory (local/altitudinal and long-range) and 81 Himalayan endemic species were observed. Overall, our observations reveal a niche providing both transient and perennial havens for resident and migrant avifauna in our study site&amp;rsquo;s landscape. Our findings suggest that despite human persistence in the landscape, diversity within avifaunal guilds is rich in the community-managed lands. We recommend further research to focus on understanding the factors governing the bird distribution and co-occurrence in the landscape.&amp;nbsp;

An insight into the butterfly (Lepidoptera) diversity of an urban landscape: Guwahati, Assam, India

The paper deals with the butterfly diversity of Guwahati, Assam, India which was the result of a survey conducted from April 2016 to July 2020. During the study period we recorded 249 species of butterflies belonging to six families namely Papilionidae (24 species), Pieridae (23 species), Lycaenidae (57 species), Riodinidae (two species), Nymphalidae (97 species), and Hesperiidae (46 species). Twenty-eight species were recorded from commercial areas, 74 species from residential areas, and 248 species from forested areas. Nineteen species were found to be very common, 39 species common, 50 species fairly common, 53 species uncommon, 57 species rare, and 31 species very rare. Twenty-four species and nine subspecies including Discophora sondiaca, Athyma selenophora, and Athyma kanwa phorkys are legally protected under different schedules as per the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972).

Nowhere to Live: Squeezing Habitat and Human-leopard Conflicts in Maligaon, Guwahati, Assam

Guwahati, a city of 2 million residents is the largest city in northeastern part of India. Situated by the side of River Brahmaputra, the city is of an undulated topography with some hillocks and wetlands. The considerable area of the city is still forested and seven reserve forests are located within the city. The forested topography of the city offers a good habitat for the Common Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca), a Scheduled 1 species under Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. Over the years, there have been growing casualties on human-leopard conflicts in the region. Indian common leopard (Panthera pardus fusca), is a highly adaptive species and do inhabit in human proximity, which creates conflicts resulting in a loss on both sides. The present study has found that there is a rise in the incidence of human-leopard conflict in Maligaon Gaushala farmland, located in 26º08′48.5″N and 91°41′39.2″E, covering land areas of 34.82 Hectare. The study has been conducted in this area from the last five years i.e. 2015-2019 and recorded 16 number of human-leopard conflicts. It is also found that the area is used for feeding and breeding ground of cattle, for keeping old unproductive cows and dumping ground for dead cattle’s carcass. The area is covered with thick elephant grasses (Pennisetum purpureum), and it is used as chief fodder for cows inside the Gaushala farmland, which is a good foraging for high yielding of milk production from Gaushala farmland and optimum hiding ground for leopard. Due to expansion and high escalations of encroachment to the habitat of leopard a total of 90 incidences of human-leopard conflicts occurs since 1995, which include 13 human causalities, 3 leopards’ mortality and 29 livestock predation. The present study investigates detail movements of the species, their habitat based on camera trapping, Scat analysis, GPS records and field interviews. The data thus gathered not only helped to record the nature of conflicts in the area but also to design a conservation plan for the species. The suggestions recorded in the study are intended to reduce the incidences human-leopard conflicts in the area.

Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) in and around the Unakoti Archaeological Site with 59 new additions to the Butterfly Fauna of Tripura, North-eastern India

The authors have surveyed different habitats in and around the Unakoti Archaeological Site and documented a total of 216 species classified under 6 families, 23 subfamilies and 126 genera of the order Lepidoptera. The study was conducted from 2016 to 2020, covering different seasons namely pre-monsoon (Jan-Apr), monsoon (May-Aug) and post-monsoon (Sep-Dec) respectively. The study reports 2 species under schedule I, 25 species under schedule II, and 5 species under schedule IV of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. This study also documented seasonal diversity and habitat-wise occurrence of butterflies in and around the Unakoti Archaeological Site. During the study, 59 butterfly species were recorded as new additions to the butterfly fauna of Tripura. High-quality photographs of all the butterfly species documented during the study have been included in this paper.

Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) of the undivided Midnapore District, West Bengal, India: a preliminary report

A butterfly study in the biodiversity rich biogeography transition zone of the undivided Midnapore District of West Bengal was carried out from March 2014 to March 2017. A total of 98 species of butterflies under five families, 19 subfamilies, and 70 genera were documented by the study. Maximum species diversity was found in Nymphalidae family with 31 species (31.63%), followed by Lycaenidae 24 species (24.48%), Hesperiidae-17 (17.34%), Pieridae 16 (16.32%), and the least by Papilionidae 10 (10.28%). Among the families, the highest common species (n=10) was recorded under the family Nymphalidae and maximum rare species (n=4) under the family Lycaenidae. Highest species richness has been recorded in post-monsoon season (97 species) followed by monsoon (78 species), winter (66 species), and pre-monsoon (47 species). During the study, five species of butterflies (Castalius rosimon, Neptis jumbah, Discophora sondaica, Lethe europa, and Papilio clytia) under Schedule-I, three species (Euchrysops cnejus, Mahathala ameria, and Cepora nerissa) under Schedule-II and three species (Baoris farri, Hyarotis adrastus, and Euploea core) under Schedule-IV were legally protected under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. A good species to genera ratio (1.4: 1) along with 10 newly recorded species and their range extension provide information for better understanding of the ecology and distribution pattern of the butterfly fauna. The information of the study will thus help to develop conservation strategies for management of the unique bio-geographical transitional zone.

Habitat Suitability Analysis of Himalayan Musk Deer (Moschus leucogaster) in Part of Western Himalaya, India

Himalayan musk deer (Moschus leucogaster) is considered endangered by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is under Schedule-I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, because of its illicit hunting for musk as well as habitat loss. The present study aims to study the summer range habitat suitability of this important Himalayan ungulate in Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS) of Western Himalaya, India. The study integrated ground presence point locations of the species with satellite data-derived variables in a binomial multiple logistic regression (BMLR) model to analyse its suitability status in KWS. Moist temperate forest (323.38 km2) was found to be the dominant vegetation type, followed by sub-alpine forest (128.24 km2) and alpine pasture (119.51 km2) in KWS. It was found that 7.39% (72.04 km2) of the study area is highly suitable, followed by 14.73% (143.68 km2), 13.43% (131.02 km2) and 64.44% (628.46 km2) area as suitable, moderately suitable and least suitable, respectively, for the species. The results also revealed that 71.59% (51.57 km2) of the highly suitable habitat occurs in sub-alpine forest, 18.41% (13.26 km2) in alpine pasture and 5.63% (4.06 km2) in alpine scrub. It was found that the vegetation type/land use was the most significant variable for habitat suitability assessment of the Himalayan musk deer in KWS. The BMLR model could successfully predict the potential summer range habitat of the species (Relative Operating Characteristics curve = 0.85). The findings of this study could be of immense use in the management of this Wildlife Sanctuary for better protection and conservation of the Himalayan musk deer.