Indian Wildlife Research Articles

Wildlife forensics in battle against veneration frauds in Uttarakhand, India: identification of protected Indian monitor lizard in items available in the local market under the name of Hatha Jodi

Certain articles of worship are commonly sold in Uttarakhand, India by the name Hatha Jodi, a root of a rare plant found only in a few parts of central India. The present work provides genetic proof that the Hatha Jodi sold in three local markets of Uttarakhand contained material from the Varanus species, species protected under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. A total of eight samples were bought, two each from the local markets in Haridwar and Rishikesh, three from Dehradun and one from an online source (Amazon). The initial inspection confirmed that two of the samples were made of plastic material. Therefore only the other six samples were subjected to DNA analysis. DNA sequences were successfully obtained and matched with reference sequences available in NCBI Genbank database through BLAST search tool for species identification. All the six samples matched 100% with the Indian monitor lizard. The findings indicate how commercialization and the wildlife trade are playing a role in decline of the population of the Indian monitor lizard. If strong protection measures are not taken as soon as possible, the Indian monitor lizards will go Extinct very soon. Therefore, we suggest that the Government and Wildlife enforcement agencies take serious action against the illegal articles available in the local markets of Uttarakhand under the name Hatha Jodi. Further, the government needs to take legal action against offenders in other states in which the product is available for sale.

Impact of Mining on Forests and Its Biological Diversity at Kirandul Iron Ore Mines, Dantewada, South Bastar, Chhattisgarh: A Case Study

Mining activities have several impacts on the environment. In our study, emphasis was given to assess biodiversity in one of the leading iron ore mining sites of Bailadila-Kirandul Iron Ore Mines (KIOM) of Dantewada District, South Bastar of Chhattisgarh. Habitat fragmentation, loss and deforestation are highly prevalent in the area. However, the study reveals high species richness of 110 and 253 plant species in core and buffer zone respectively. Canopy cover was found to be within 10 to 40% and in places in the buffer zone canopy cover with > 40% was recorded. Species diversity index indicates the instability of vegetation structure in the area with indices of 1.44 in core and 1.88 in buffer zone. Although species richness is high, about 10 floral species (7 herbs, 3 trees) are recorded under REET (Rare Endangered Extinct Threatened) species while locally endangered floral species are 6 and locally critically endangered are 4. Similarly, 208 faunal species belong to 10 faunal groups was recorded out of which 34 species are listed in different Schedules of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Therefore, it is an urgent need for planning to undertake appropriate management strategies to conserve biodiversity in the area.

Landings of IUCN Red Listed Finfishes at Three Major Fishing Harbours of South West Coast of India

The study is aimed at the systematic representation of IUCN Red Listed marine finfish landings along three major fishing harbours; Neendakara (Kollam), Munambam (Kochi) and Beypore (Kozhikode). Collections were carried out seasonally and harbour visits were made on fortnightly basis during 2014 to 2015. Of the 206 species recorded from the landing centres, 73 were listed under IUCN Red List. A checklist of finfishes along with their scientific names and common names, an endemism was prepared. Those listed under IUCN Red List, different schedules of the Indian wild life (Protection) Act and the appendices of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of wild flora and fauna were also presented.

Food and Feeding Habits of Gaur (Bos gaurus) in Highlands of Central India: A Case Study at Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh (India).

Indian gaur (Bos gaurus) is one of nine species of wild oxen found in the world. They are largely confined to evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests, but also occur in dry deciduous forest areas at the periphery of their range. According to the IUCN Red List ( 2017 ), the estimated population of gaur in India is between 15,000 and 35,000 individuals, and probably due to this, despite the gaur's vast range of distribution, they are listed as a vulnerable species by IUCN and listed as schedule-I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act ( 1972 ) as well as in appendix-I in CITES ( 2003 ). Gaur is not a well studied species, and baseline data are thus needed to support conservation efforts. We studied the feeding habits of gaur in Pench Tiger Reserve. Pench Tiger Reserve is the 19th tiger reserve in India, situated in the Seoni and Chhindwara districts of MP, India (21°41'35″N 79°14'54″E). Diet composition of gaur was studied by micro-histological examination of 32 dung piles collected from different sampling plots in different seasons. For this purpose, 169 sampling plots were established at an interval of 200 m. To locate gaur faecal matter, a circular plot of 10 m radius was laid within each sampling plot. Eighty-eight permanent reference slides of available plants were prepared and used for plant fragment identification from the dung piles. A total of 29 plant species were identified from dung piles of gaur. On average, 44.51% of grass-fragments were detected in the diet of gaur, suggesting that gaurs are primarily grazers in the Pench Tiger Reserve.

Canine Conundrum: domestic dogs as an invasive species and their impacts on wildlife in India

AbstractDomestic dogs are increasingly being recognized as a conservation threat for native species. In many places, their impacts may be as severe as other invasive predators such as cats and rats. We conducted the first ever sub‐continent scale assessment of the impacts of dogs on native species in India using an online key informant survey and reports from national print media. Dogs reportedly attacked 80 species, of which 31 were IUCN Red list threatened species, including four Critically Endangered species. Larger bodied mammals such as ungulates and carnivores, were most commonly reported to be attacked, although this may be an observation bias. Approximately 68% of the attacks were carried out by dogs unaccompanied by humans. Most of the attacks were carried out by packs of dogs with 45% of these attacks leading to the death of the prey. Nearly 48% of the incidents were reported in and around wildlife protected areas, suggesting that dogs are an important large‐scale edge effect around protected areas in India. For Critically Endangered species that are already suffering from serious population declines due to other causes, the impact of dogs may seriously impede population recovery efforts. Mitigating the impacts of dogs on wildlife requires a multi‐pronged approach of responsible dog ownership, restriction in free‐ranging behaviour, and strong population control measures, especially around sensitive conservation areas.

Pulmonary Contussion in a Free Ranging Sloth Bear (Melursusursinus)- A Case Report

The sloth bear (melursus ursinus) belongs to family Ursidae and it is endemic to Indian subcontinent. Sloth bear is completely protected under schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and listed as vulnerable species in the World Conservation Union’s Red List of Threatened Animals and also listed under Appendix I of CITES (Garshelis et al., 1999). Severe blow on chest by blunt object and leakage of blood from capillaries caused accumulation of blood in lung parenchyma , resulted into a condition known as Pulmonary contusion. The accumulation in the lung tissue interferes with efficiency of alveoli and bronchioles for gas exchange, potentially leading to inadequate oxygen levels (hypoxia) and death. A rare case of a pulmonary contussion has been noticed during routine post-mortem examination at School of Wildlife Forensic and Health, Jabalpur, (M.P.)

Prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in captive wildlife species of India.

Campylobacteriosis is an important zoonotic disease and the prevalence of Campylobacter is largely unknown in the wildlife of India. A total of 370 samples, comprising of 314 fresh faecal samples from apparently healthy captive wild animals and birds, 30 stool swabs from animal care takers and 26 samples of the animals' food and water were collected from G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, Nainital, Kanpur Zoo, Wildlife Park, IVRI and the Post Graduate Research Institute in Animal Sciences (PGRIAS), Chennai, Tamilnadu from August 2014 to May 2015. Samples were processed for cultural isolation, direct PCR and multiplex PCR for species confirmation. To decipher the genetic diversity, the 16S rRNA gene was amplified, sequenced and analyzed. Based on isolation, the overall occurrence rate of Campylobacter spp. was 0.8% (3/370), being 2.94% (3/102) for captive wild birds. Three Campylobacter jejuni were isolated from silver pheasants, lady amherest pheasants and saras cranes. Direct PCR assay showed the overall occurrence rate of Campylobacter spp. to be 4.77% (15/315), being 1.58% (2/126) for captive wild ruminants, 5.81% (5/86) for non-ruminants and 7.84% (8/102) for birds. All the isolates were identified as C. jejuni.

<b>Butterflies of eastern Assam, India</b>

The paper provides information on butterfies sampled during random surveys from November 2014 to September2016 from eight reserve forest areas and Dehing-Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary, covering three districts (Tinsukhia, Dibrugarh & Sibasagar) in the eastern part of upper Assam which form part of the Indo-Burma hotspot. The survey revealed 237 species which included 33 species a listed as protected under various schedules of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and 58 species that have distribution restricted to the eastern Himalaya and northeastern India in India. An anotated list of 375 species of butterflies so far recorded from eastern Assam that includes a large number of very rare species (Indian Yellow-vein Lancer Pyroneura margherita; Grey-lined Lascar Pantoporia dindinga assamica; Assamese/Conjoined Lascar Pantoporia assamica; Bi-coloured Hedgeblue Udara selma cerima; Vinous Oakblue Arhopala athada aphade; Magnificent Oakblue Arhopala anarte; White Punch Dodona henrici; Pale Striped Dawnfly Capilia zennara; Andaman Yellowbanded Flat Celaenorrhinus andamanicus hanna; Sikkim Ace Halpe sikkima; Baby Swift Polytremis minuta; Maculate Lancer Salanoemia sala; Veined Palmer Hidari bhawani; Pallid Forester Lethe satyavati; Peal’s Palmfly Elymnias peali; Blue Baron Euthalia telchinia; Blue Nawab Polyura schreiber assamensis; Tytler’s Dull Oakblue Arhopala ace arata; Orchid Tit Hypolycaena othona othona; Purple Brown Tailless Oakblue Arhopala arvina ardea; Malayan Bushblue Arhopala ammon ariel and Broad-branded Brilliant Simiskina phalena harterti) along with their site and month of record, endemicity and relative abundance status in India, is provided.

Trypanosomosis of wild animals with emphasis on Indian scenario.

Trypanosomosis is a significant disease affecting wild animals throughout the globe. The literature pertaining to wild life trypanosomosis in India is very much scanty. Therefore, an effort was made to compile all the available literatureabout prevalence of trypanosomosis in wild animals, its clinico-pathology, diagnosis, treatment and control from Indian perspective. Reports suggest that the clinical disease and outbreaks in Indian wildlife occurs more commonly among captive than the free-living wild animals. Though the clinical symptoms showed by affected animals are same as described everywhere, however carnivorism of affected meat was found to be the striking feature in many feline and canine wild life outbreaks from India. Draught, starvation and concurrent diseases often compromise the trypano-tolerant status leading to flared up trypanosomosis in free-living wild animals. The cumulative effect of any of these factors produces severe physiological and somatic stress which in turn leads to immunosupression. Stress is the underlying cause that compromises the trypanotolerance in wild animals.

SNAKE RESCUES; A CONSERVATION EFFORT IN KANNUR DISTRICT

Snakes can be found near human habitation because of different reasons of which abundance of prey (rodents) is the major fact. This draws conflict between snakes and humans. Even though snakes are protected with Indian Wildlife Act of 1972, they are generally regarded dangerous creatures to man and whenever spotted deserve no mercy. Hence, recues of the snake is an important factor for conserving the species. Trends in the population of snakes are difficult to monitor due to its sporadic distribution and secretive nature of snakes. Lack of knowledge about the population concerns any conservational plans. Thisdata attempt to document the diversity, population and seasonality of the snakes rescued in Kannur by Rapid response team from October 2011 to October 2014 in Kannur district. A total of 1427 snakes comprising 16 species were rescued in Kannur district of which 65% were venomous snakes. Indian Spectacled Cobra (Naja naja; 44.1%) were found to be common venomous snake encountered in the district. Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii; 14.8%), Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus; 3.4%), King Cobra (Ophiophagus Hannah;2.5%) and few cases of Malabar Pit-Viper (Trimeresurus malabaricus;0.1%), Common Cat Snake ( Boiga trigonata;0.2%) and Forsten’s Cat snake (Boiga forsteni;0.1%) are the other venomous species.. Indian Rock Python (Python molurus; 30.1%) was the commonly rescued non-venomous snake in Kannur. Other non-venomous snakes were Rat snake (Ptyas mucosa; 1.8%), Common Trinket snake (Coelognathus helena; 1.3%), Wolf snake (Lycodon aulicus; 0.4%), Common Kukri (Oligodon arnensis; 0.1%), Common sand boa (Eryx conicus; 0.3%) and Red sand boa (Eryx johnii; 0.5%). Seasonal variations in the number of rescued snakes were discussed. Knowledge of activity pattern of the snake in the district can be used for successful management and conservational plans. Waste management, rodent control, reducing hideout places etc were suggested to decrease the number of snakes entering into house compound. Promoting awareness about the local snake among the public is as important as rescue activities. The increase in rescue call by 40% in 2013 can be taken as one of the successes of the awareness programs conducted across the district.

<b>Butterflies associated with major forest types in Arunachal Pradesh (eastern Himalaya), India: implications for ecotourism and conservation planning</b>

A three year study (from December 2011 to December 2014 and in June 2015) on butterflies covering four major forest sub-types as classified by H.G. Champion & S.K. Seth in 1968 in ‘Forest Types of India’, which occupy 60% of the forest area lying below 2,500m across Arunachal Pradesh State in the eastern Himalaya of India, revealed 415 taxa belonging to six families (Hesperiidae: 74 species of 42 genera; Papilionidae: 37 species of 10 genera; Pieridae: 36 species of 15 genera; Lycaenidae: 85 species of 49 genera; Riodinidae: 7 species of 3 genera & Nymphalidae: 176 species of 71 genera, respectively). These included many endemic and rare species typical of these forest sub-types, i.e., (i) 2B/1S1 Sub-Himalayan Light Alluvial Semi-Evergreen Forest (32 species), (ii) 2B/ C1(a) Assam Alluvial Plains Semi-Evergreen Forests (5 species), (iii) 2B/2S2 Eastern Alluvial Secondary Semi-Evergreen Forests- (15 species) and (iv) 3/1S2 (b) Terminalia-Duabanga (3 species), respectively. The relative number of species and individuals sampled were the highest at altitudes below 500m, and gradually declined as the altitude increased to 2,000m, and above 2,500m species richness declined sharply. The number of species and their relative abundance were the highest during July–August (Monsoon-first peak) and then again in November-December (Autumn-second peak), while the numbers were lowest during winter. These findings suggest that these four forest types are important both for the purpose of ecotourism as well as conservation of endemic and rare taxa found in the eastern Himalaya and northeastern India at altitudes below 2,000m. A complete list of all the taxa sampled is given along with relative abundance status during sampling, Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 status, and distribution in different forest types in the state. Ten potential butterfly ecotourism zones are suggested for the state. Planning land-use for biodiversity conservation based on butterfly-forest type associations, by taking forest sub-types as units of conservation, is suggested as an option for the eastern Himalaya.

<b>A report on some butterflies (Lepidoptera) from Ladakh in Jammu & Kashmir and Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh, India</b>

Forty-two (42) species of butterflies were recorded from a short survey of Ladakh and Lahaul in the inner Himalaya in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Here, we provide location and altitude records for these species, data on their abundance, photo-documentation of the life cycle of Pieris deota and P. brassicae as well as the first published record of a larval host plant for P. deota. Twelve (12) of these species are protected under Schedule II of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

<b>A century later the Manipur Argus <I>Callerebia suroia</I> Tytler, 1914 (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) recorded in its type locality in Manipur, India</b>

The present paper reports the sighting of Callerebia suroia Tytler, 1914 at Shirui Kashong Peak, Ukhrul District which confirms the continued presence of the species in Manipur State, India. The butterfly was sighted on 13 July 2016 near the footpath leading to the summit at an altitude of 2,330m. Callerebia suroia Tytler, 1914 is protected under Schedule II of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. The sighting of such very rare species in Manipur after a decade shows that more surveys are needed in the hills and valleys of Manipur to determine the butterfly fauna of the region.

Prevalence and molecular typing of Clostridium perfringens in captive wildlife in India

The prevalence of Clostridium perfringens in captive wildlife in India has not been reported. The objective of the study was to determine the fecal prevalence of C. perfringens in captive wildlife in India. The prevalence in captive wild ruminants, non-ruminants, birds and caretakers were 34.1%, 36%, 22.5% and 6.7%, respectively. Toxinotyping of C. perfringens indicated that the predominant type was type A with a prevalence rate of 69.7%, followed by type A with cpb2 gene (28.3%) and type B (2.%).

Faunal diversity of Satara District, Maharashtra, India

Satara District of Maharashtra State is a part of northern Western Ghats and Deccan Plateau biogeographic zones. The data on various faunal groups was collected from the extensive study carried out during the period between 2007 and 2010, covering different parts of the district. The present study reports faunal diversity of the district with 677 species under 150 families belonging to 11 different groups. Overall, the district has substantial faunal diversity. Out of the total species, 94 are recorded as endemic species, 35 species are listed as threatened under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and 38 species are listed in the different schedules of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 (as amended up to 2013). The information on geographical distribution pattern of mammalian species in the district is also provided.

Forensically informative nucleotide sequencing (FINS) for the first time authentication of Indian Varanus species: implication in wildlife forensics and conservation

Monitor lizards are Varanus species widely distributed, endangered reptile in the IUCN red data list. In India, based on the morphological and ecological characteristic, it is divided into four species viz. Bengal monitor lizard, Yellow monitor lizard, Desert monitor lizard and Water monitor lizard. These four species listed as Schedule I species in Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. This paper first attempt to present Forensically Informative Nucleotide Sequencing (FINS) for the Indian Varanus based on three mitochondrial genes. The molecular framework will be useful for the identification of Indian Varanus species and trade products derived from monitors and as such, have important applications for wildlife management and conservation. Here, we used known 14 individual skin pieces of four species of monitor lizards; the partial fragment of three mitochondrial genes (Cyt b, 12S rRNA, and 16S rRNA) were amplified for genetic study. In Cyt b, 12S rRNA and 16s rRNA, we observed, 5, 5 and 4 Haplotypes; 71, 69, and 43 Variables sites; 90, 89, and 50 Parsimony Informative sites within four species of Indian monitor lizards, respectively. Despite it, the nucleotide composition was T 26.4, C 32.8, A 29.2 and G11.6; T 18.8, C 29.7, A 34.0 and G 17.5; T 21.7, C 27.3, A 32.5 and G 18.5 in Cyt b, 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA, respectively. The neighbor joining phylogenetic tree and maximum parsimony tree of three mitochondrial genes, showed similar results and reveal that, there are two major clades are present in Indian monitor lizards.

A checklist of butterflies of Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka, India

In a preliminary study on the butterflies of Dakshina Kannada District, located in the southwestern part of the Karnataka along the Western Ghats in Karnataka State in India, a total of 172 species of butterflies belonging to 117 genera, from six families was prepared by visiting various landscapes during the period September 2012 to December 2015. Of the various species recorded, Papilio clytia (Linnaeus), Papilio lio medon (Moore), Pachlio ptahector (Linnaeus), Castalius rosimon (Fabricius), Acytolepis puspa (Horsefield), Lethe europa (Fabricius), Neptis jumbah (Moore), Dophlae velina (Stoll), Hypolimnas misippus (Linnaeus) and Doleschallia bisaltide (Cramer) comes under the Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972. The present study provides the baseline data of butterfly species of Dakshina Kannada.

Status of Sarus Crane (<I>Grus antigone</I>, Linn.) in Madhya Pradesh, India

The Sarus Crane (Grus Antigone, Linn.) is considered Vulnerable at the international level by IUCN but has been included in Schedule IV of Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 amended till date. One of the largest and the most dominant species in India, which has been declared as the State Bird of Madhya Pradesh, logically deserve serious studies on its current status. In the present study, special focus was given to the preferred habitats i.e., large agricultural farmland and wetland areas, which are distributed in 26 districts of the state. In addition 07 more districts were also surveyed in two years period. During the survey, direct sightings along with geo-references have been recordedand photographed.. Additional information were collected by interacting with the local community and meticulously recorded. A total of 347 individual birds were recorded through direct sighting during the project period and if one adds the reports from the local community, the total number of birds now stands at 491 birds. But one has to remember the limitation of this methodology, which does not exclude the possibility of repeat sighting of the same bird at a different location. As such, to exclude such possibilities, same day census operation at all the selected locations, by deploying large number of ground staff, could be undertaken in future.Besides incorporating the data on the locations and sightings, suitable recommendations have been made towards its conservation action, especially focusing on the need for extensive Public Awareness Programme through appropriate visual display. It has also been pointed out that land use changes, both in case of large agricultural land and water-spread areas should be appropriately controlled as a part of State Policy for conserving the State Bird of Madhya Pradesh.

A century later: Tricolored Pied Flat Coladenia indrani uposathra Fruhstorfer, 1911 (Hesperiidae: Pyrginae) and Crenulate Oakblue Apporasa atkinsoni Hewitson, 1869 (Lycaenidae: Theclinae) reported from Manipur, India

The present paper reports the rediscovery of the Tricolored Pied Flat Coladenia indrani uposathra Fruhstorfer, 1911 and Crenulated Oakblue Apporasa atkinsoni Hewitson, 1869 after about 99 years after they were sighted by Tytler (1915) in Irang river and Sebong of Manipur, North East India. C. i. uposathra was sighted a Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP) and Heibok hills of Imphal valley on 4th and 16th May 2014 and A. atkinsoni was sighted Munnom village at Yaingangpokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary (YLWS) on 8th December 2015. A. atkinsoni is protected under schedule II of Indian (Wildlife) Protection Act 1972. The rediscovery of such very rare species in Manipur shows that more survey is needed in hills and valley regions of Manipur to know the butterfly fauna of the region.

Involving recreational fisheries stakeholders in development of research and conservation priorities for mahseer (Tor spp.) of India through collaborative workshops

The mahseer (Tor spp.) of India are a group of potamodromous cyprinids currently facing numerous challenges in their native ranges including overfishing, pollution, and hydropower development. As a result of such challenges, four of the seven Indian species of Tor have been listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List, including two of the most popular recreationally fished species, Tor khudree and Tor putitora. Stakeholders in the mahseer recreational fishery may serve as an ally for this group of iconic fishes, fostering aquatic stewardship and providing livelihood alternatives for poachers. Yet, information regarding species-specific responses to recreational fishing practices is lacking and a 2009 decree equating fishing with hunting in the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972) has since 2011 effectively banned angling within protected areas and rendered the future of mahseer recreational fisheries elsewhere uncertain. In 2014, our team collaborated with local organizations, fisheries professionals, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and anglers to conduct two stakeholder workshops designed to develop a research agenda for various species of Indian mahseer. General knowledge gaps identified in the two workshops were very similar and included biological, sociological, and economic considerations. The resulting research priorities in both locations strongly highlighted local context, indicating that while opportunities for addressing knowledge gaps through collaboration exist at the national scale, there is a need for regional- or fishery-specific governance strategies and approaches to mahseer research and conservation.