Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary Research Articles

Observations on the Utilisation of Forest Plants by the Tribals of Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu

This paper provides the available information on the usage of forest plants by the tribals called "Seenthikodi valaiyars" of Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary. The ethnobotanical values of 92 plant speciejs are described under three heads a) edible plants, b) ethomedicine and c) miscellaneous plants. The need for the conservation of commercially harvested plants of ethnobotanical importance is also discussed.

Use of remote sensing and GIS in assessing the impact of Prosopis juliflora proliferation on land use, land cover and diversity of native flora at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, India

It is crucial to accurately quantify land use and land cover (LULC) within a protected area to understand the implications of habitat changes on biodiversity. Today’s remote sensing and GIS technologies greatly facilitate analysis of LULC, especially with regards to tracing changes over space and time. This study uses remote sensing and GIS to examine the impact of climate, herbivore, and anthropogenic pressures including invasive Mesquite Prosopis juliflora on native plant communities at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary. Classification of satellite images revealed that dry evergreen, mudflat, and water bodies had transformed into open scrub from 1995 to 2018 and the shift in LULC is detected with optimal accuracy (85%). Changes in LULC are largely attributable to a rise in open scrub caused by the growth in P. juliflora from 3 to 6 km2 since 1995. GLM-based regression to examine the influence of climate, herbivores, and anthropogenic pressure including P. juliflora on native flora show native tree density, shrub density, shrub diversity, herb, and grass cover decreasing with P. juliflora cover or density. These findings imply that as the P. juliflora spreads the native plant diversity and density at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary will continue to decline. P. juliflora is being eradicated in phases through management efforts, however, here we recommend a coordinated effort to curb further expansion in order to reverse ecological decline.

Heavy Metals in Wetland Ecosystem: Investigating Metal Contamination in Waterbirds via Primary Feathers and Its Effect on Population and Diversity

Wetlands are dynamic ecosystems that provide feeding and nesting grounds for diverse species of waterbirds. The quality of wetland habitat may have an impact on the density, diversity, and species richness of waterbirds. Toxic metal contamination is one of the most significant threats to wetland habitats. Feathers are a key indicator of heavy metal contamination in avian communities as a non-invasive method. We examined the levels of Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), and Zinc (Zn) using ICP-AAS and standards of digestion procedure from the primary feathers of 10 distinct species of waterbirds. The study was conducted at four wetlands, viz., Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary (Ramsar site); Pallikaranai Marshland (Ramsar site); Perunthottam freshwater lake (unprotected wetland), Tamil Nadu and the Pulicat Lake, Andhra Pradesh, (Ramsar site), India. The Large crested tern had higher concentrations of As, Co, Cr, and Ni. Cu was greater in the Indian pond heron, and Zn was higher in the Grey heron. The accumulation of metals differed among the waterbirds (p < 0.05), and the inter-correlation of metals found positive influences between the tested metals, i.e., Co was positively associated with As, Cr had a positive correlation with As and Co, and Ni was positively correlated with As, Co, Cr, and Cu. In contrast, Pb had a positive association with Cu and Ni. The Zn was associated with Co, Cr and Cu. The level of metals in waterbirds was Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > Co > Cd > As. The results showed that metal levels in the primary feathers of waterbirds were greater than the other species of waterbirds examined across the world. Thus, the study emphasizes that managing wetlands and controlling pollution is crucial to saving waterbirds; otherwise, the population and diversity of waterbirds will decline and become a significant threat to waterbird communities.

Population demography of the Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra (Cetartiodactyla: Bovidae) at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, India

Demographic research utilizing vital rates and life tables is a standard aspect of planning protection and management strategies for wildlife populations. The Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra population at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, has undergone fluctuations in recent decades. The cause remains elusive, and conservation efforts may be hampered by a lack of population data. This study aimed to estimate demographic parameters using population count and age-sex classification data collected for the years 2017─2020. The overall mean population estimate derived from line-transect distance sampling was 719, with annual estimates of 716, 727, 711, and 722 for the years 2017–2020 respectively. In total, 64% of Blackbucks counted were adults, 19% subadults, and 17% fawns. Mortality was highest for adult and subadult classes for the composite female class, and fawn mortality was 20%. The net reproductive rate (R0) was as low as 3.28 offspring per generation contrasted with a rather longer mean generation time (G) as 4.75 years. Thus, the study observes a decrease in Blackbuck numbers postulated in earlier research to be driven principally by a conglomerate of factors, including reduction of usable space and interspecific resource competition. Our findings provide a baseline demography of the species and highlights the value of long-term demographic monitoring of age sex classes to understand the evolution of life histories.

Effect of ecological factors on the grass dynamics at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, India

Grass dynamics play a major role in the density and diversity of grazing mammals. To understand the drivers of grass quality and quantity, we assessed the height, cover, soft-texture, green leaves, and reproductive phase of grass species in relation to 13 ecological covariates belonging to climate, vegetation, human disturbance, and wild herbivores at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, southern India during November 2018─September 2020. From the 1,024 quadrates, we recorded 22 grass species and 10 sedges. The grass parameters varied significantly among habitats and between seasons. The grass height and grass cover were more in open scrub, while the soft-textured green grasses were more in grasslands. All the grass parameters except reproductive stage were highest during the wet season. The general linear model (GLM) based analysis on the covariate effect on grass quantity and quality demonstrated that among the 13 covariates compared, Prosopis, an alien invasive species, is the major driver, with negative influence on both grass quantity; the cover, and grass quality; soft-texture and greenness of grass. The feral horse, an alien invasive, negatively influenced grass height. Earlier studies have also shown the devastating effects of these exotics on native flora and fauna at Point Calimere, and measures suggested by these studies are recommended to safeguard natural communities in the area.

Determinants of diet selection by Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra at Point Calimere, southern India: quality also matters

Unlike the wide-ranging habitat generalists that move seasonally across heterogenous habitats to optimize the energy intake, short-ranging habitat specialists fulfil the same by restricting to single habitat. Understanding how habitat-specialists do this is an interesting question and essential for their conservation. We studied the diet composition and evaluated the covariates belonging to climate, habitat and grass dynamics to assess the determinants of seasonal diet selection by Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra, an antelope endemic to the Indian subcontinent, at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, southern India. Diet composition studied following feeding trail observation (n = 102322) and the influence of covariates on the top five major diet species selected seasonally was tested using Regression with Empirical Variable Selection. The results showed that overall Blackbucks consumed 30 plant species—six browse and 27 grass species. While wet season diet was less diverse (22 species) with higher dependency on principal diet Cyperus compressus (>40%) and Aeluropus lagopoides (24%), the dry season diet was more diverse (30) species, with decreased dependency on principal diet. Among 13 covariates belonging to climate, habitat, and grass dynamics tested against selection of top five major diet plants by Blackbucks, grass dynamics covariates alone entered as the predictors both in wet and dry seasons. While cover and green leaves of the grass were the most common predictors in the top-five diets selection during wet season, in dry season besides cover and green leaves, grass texture (hard and soft), also entered as the most common predictors. The entry of grass cover, a quantitative related measure, and texture and green condition of the grass, quality related measures, as the drivers indicate that diet selection by Blackbuck is not just a matter of grass quantity, but also its quality.

Habitat Overlap and Resource Selection Between Native Blackbuck and Invasive Feral-horse at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Southern India

Habitat Overlap and Resource Selection Between Native Blackbuck and Invasive Feral-horse at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Southern India

Plant diversity of Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary and fodder species grazed by the Blackbuck Antilope cervicapra L.

A rapid but intense survey was conducted using visual landmarks in the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary to enumerate the flora and foraging habits of the Blackbuck Antelope cervicapra. The area was divided into various segments such as the sanctuary entrance, Maattu muni kovil, Savukku plot or Casuarina plantation, S-Bend road and the old light house for precise enumeration. A total of 111 plant species that include 50 herbs, 16 climbers/lianas, 30 shrubs and sub-shrubs, and 15 trees belonging to 39 plant families were recorded in this study. Visual observations showed that Blackbucks grazed on grasses such as the Mangrove Grass Aeluropus lagopoides (L.) Thwaites, Dog’s Tooth Grass Cynodon barberi Rang. & Tadul., Indian Durva Grass Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., Feather Finger Grass Chloris virgata Sw., and a sedge, the pointed fimbristylis Fimbristylis acuminata Vahl during the day time. They were also observed browsing on the leaves and pods of Algaroba Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. in the evenings. Our observation on the presence of feral horses and stray cattle in the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary shows that they compete for food and water with the Blackbuck. The spread of invasive alien plant species competes with and reduces the space for native species.

Influence of invasive Prosopis juliflora on the distribution and ecology of native blackbuck in protected areas of Tamil Nadu, India

Baseline data on intrinsic–extrinsic determinants of spatial distribution of flagship species helps wildlife managers develop their management strategies. Globally, large herbivores are in range contraction due to the expansion of human habitation. Of late, alien invasion is raising management concerns due to its detrimental effect on native biota. This study evaluating the determinants of spatial detectability and density distribution of blackbuck Antilope cervicapra, an endemic species of the Indian subcontinent, demonstrates the negative influence of Prosopis juliflora, an alien invasive, on the native blackbuck at three reserves—Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Guindy National Park and Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu, India. Using distance sampling technique, the study has surveyed blackbuck from 26 grid-based, spatially replicated line-transects between January 2018 and July 2019. Furthermore, 27 covariates related to climate, habitat and anthropogenic pressure were evaluated to determine their effect on spatial detectability and density distribution. Regression by Empirical Variable Selection showed that blackbuck spatial detectability and density distribution increase significantly with the extent of grassland, habitat openness and grass biomass, but decreases with Prosopis cover, shrub cover, percentage of woodland and distance to water, thus revealing their negative effect on the blackbuck. Besides, the Prosopis cover also decreases significantly the key positive predictors of the density distribution of blackbuck, namely the extent of grassland, habitat openness and grass productivity. Thus, the study concludes that the alien invasive species has a negative effect on the native blackbuck population. This raises the need for controlling or eliminating the invasive species in order to conserve, in the long run, the endemic blackbuck at the three reserves.

Dry season resource selection among sympatric ungulates in a tropical coastal landscape: implications for conservation and management

Differential resource use by sympatric species mediates coexistence by specialising in individual ecological niches. We investigated the population, habitat use and dietary overlaps between wild ungulates, i.e., blackbuck Antilope cervicapra, chital Axis axis, domestic livestock and feral horse at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, India. The food habits and diet overlap of ungulates were estimated using the feeding site method and the density were estimated using distance sampling-based line transect approach. The estimated overall density (number of individuals per km2 ± SE) of blackbuck was (37.1 ± 5.2), chital (4.5 ± 0.9), feral horse (7.6 ± 1.2) and cattle (21.9 ± 3.3). The target species fed on 43 plant species, of which, plant use was high in feral horse (35), followed by chital (33), cattle (29) and blackbuck (23). Dung/pellet analysis revealed that all the target species used monocots (graminoids) in high proportion. Feral horse had the highest habitat niche breadth (0.89) followed by cattle (0.72), blackbuck (0.48) and chital (0.26). Diet overlap was maximum between blackbuck and cattle (95%) followed by feral horse (81%), and chital (38%) with respect to blackbuck. The observed high degree of diet overlaps between wild ungulates with domestic livestock and feral horses is a matter of concern for the long-term survival of the wild ungulates.

Temporal variations of large wading birds in the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, India

Objectives: To assess the temporal variations of the large wading birds in the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary and to suggest management recommendations for the better management of the wading birds visited in the sanctuary seasonally. Methods and Statistical analysis: The population characteristic of large wading birds was carried out by employing a ‘direct count’ method. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to understand the impact of various seasons on the population characteristics of large wading birds. Findings: In total, 13 species of large wading birds were observed. Among the 13 species, the Black-headed Ibis and Painted stork are Near Threatened category (IUCN, 2020). Greater Flamingos showed the highest density than the other large wading birds observed from the PCWLS. The density, diversity and species richness of large wading birds were relatively greater in monsoon than the other seasons studied. The population characteristics of large wading birds varied significantly among the months and seasons (P<0.001). Novelty and applications : The diversity of large wading birds is declined when compared to the previous studies. The study revealed that the PCWLS is required intensive assessment of the various ecological factors of the sanctuary for managing various species of waterbirds visited seasonally. Keywords: Conservation; large wading birds; population; waterbirds; wetlands

An assessment of level of heavy metals pollution in the water, sediment and aquatic organisms: A perspective of tackling environmental threats for food security.

Pollution is severely threatening the wetland habitats. Heavy metals are one among of the major pollutants in wetland habitats. The cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn), were assessed in the water, sediment, benthic species (polychaetes, mollusc and crustaceans), prawn and fishes. The assessment of heavy metals was done by using double-beam Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The Hg, Cr and Co were greater in sediment, Ni and Cd were higher in polychaetes and molluscs respectively. However, the Cu and Pb greater in crabs and the Zinc was greater in fishes. The concentration of metals showed significant differences among the various sources examined (P < 0.05) except Cr (P > 0.05). The inter-correlational analysis among the metals assessed from the various sources showed that the Cr and Pb not correlated among the eight metals examined. However, the Cu and Co were correlated with Hg (r = 0.307) and (r = 0.788) respectively. The nickel was correlated with Hg (r = 0.367), Cu (r = 0.362) and Co (r = 0.432). The Zinc was correlated with the Cd (r = 0.331) and Hg (r = 0.737). However, correlation of metals among the different sources shown that the metals of polychaetes correlated with sediment r = 0.637, the metals of crabs correlated with the sediment and polychaetes r = 0.630 and r = 842 respectively, the metals of molluscs was also correlated with sediment (r = 0.636), polychaetes (r = 0.889) and crabs (r = 0.894). In addition to that the metals of prawns was correlated with the polychaetes (r = 839), crabs (r = 0.628) and molluscs (r = 0.634). The metals of fishes correlated with polychaetes (r = 0.529), crabs (r = 0.710), molluscs (r = 0.493) and prawns (r = 0.593). Indeed the multiple regression model explained that the metals of sediments influence the accumulation of metals in biotic species such as polychaetes, molluscs, crustaceans, prawns and fishes with 84% (F = 21.079; p < 0.001).The order of the heavy metals in the water, sediment and biotic species was Hg > Pb > Ni > Cr > Zn > Co > Cu > Cd. The study found that the level of heavy metals at various sources in the sanctuary is showing considerable warning and the sanctuary is required intensive assessment on various aspects of pollution since the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary is supporting several species of migratory and endangered shorebirds seasonally.

Probing of heavy metals in the feathers of shorebirds of Central Asian Flyway wintering grounds

The study is intended to deliver the incidence of heavy metals in the feathers of shorebirds from two important Central Asian Flyway (CAF) migratory shorebirds wintering sites such as the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary (PWLS) and Pichavaram Mangrove Forest (PMF), India. Feathers of fifteen species of shorebirds and seven different metals viz., Cu, Cr, Co, Pb, Hg, Ni and Zn were analyzed. Zn was highest in Dunlin, Little-ringed Plover, Marsh Sandpiper, and Common sandpiper, Ni showed highest in Little ringed plover, and Common sandpiper, Co, Cr, and Cu were maximum in Little stint, Marsh sandpiper, and Dunlin, respectively. The Hg was higher in Black-winged stilt, Common redshank, Curlew Sandpiper, Eurasian curlew, Lesser Sand-plover, Temminck’s stint, Kentish plover, Spotted redshank, and Wood sandpiper, the Pb found highest in Kentish plover, Painted stork, Spotted redshank, Wood sandpiper, Eurasian Curlew, and Lesser sand-plover. The concentration of metals showed significant variations among the species of shorebirds studied (P < 0.001). The mercury negatively correlated with the other metals than the other six metals studied in both the wetlands. The order of metal concentration in the feathers of shorebirds was Zn > Ni > Co > Cr > Cu > Pb > Hg. Nevertheless, the current study revealed that the level of metals in the shorebirds is alarming; since the PWLS and PMF are located along the CAF routes, it needs intensive studies on various pollutions to manage both the resident as well as migratory shorebirds.

Golden Jackal Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758 (Mammalia: Carnivora: Canidae) distribution pattern and feeding at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, India

Golden Jackal Canis aureus, a medium-sized omnivore belonging to the family Canidae, ranges widely from Europe and extends across the middle-east to India. It’s adaptable social system according to the distribution of food resources enabling it to range widely from desert to evergreen forests, mangroves, rural, and semi-urban human-agro-ecosystems. Despite its wide distribution, the species has not received adequate scientific attention in much of its southern India range. This study was carried out to assess its distribution pattern, diet composition, and prey preference at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, a well-known habitat for the jackal and the only predator of the sanctuary. Data on distribution collected through extensive field surveys revealed that the species distribution is uniform in southern and southeastern parts of the sanctuary, in areas where the habitat is more open with grasslands and mudflats and is patch in the tropical dry-evergreen habitat. Analysis of 155 scat samples revealed that the diet comprised 19 species of food items, including mammals, birds, insects, other invertebrates, and plant matter characterizing omnivorous nature. Temporal variation in diet composition—with significantly higher proportion of birds during winter than in summer—coincides with abundance of prey species in relation to season, which indicate the opportunistic foraging and hunting nature of the species. Data on diet preference showed that jackals in the area preferred Black-naped Hare, Spotted Dove and Lapwing followed by Chital, Grey Francolin, Cattle Egret, and Large Egret, while Blackbuck, Bonnet Macaque, and cattle were not preferred, which is discussed under optimal foraging. The jackal being the only large-sized predator of this natural system, more detailed studies and effective measures to conserve the species are vital not only to understand the prey-predator mechanism, but also to conserve the biodiversity of this unique ecosystem.

Seed dispersal by ungulates in the point calimere wildlife sanctuary: A scientific and perspective analysis.

Exotic woody weed plants are a very serious threat to seed dispersed by ungulate in the tropical forest of Asia. The ungulates in Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary (PCWS) are a significant role in native indigenous seed dispersal. The exotic woody weed tree Prosopis juliflora prevalence distributed in the PCWS and they might potentially alter the native medicinal plant species. In the present investigation, we have assessed the seed dispersal by ungulates in PCWS from January to March 2017. Four different ungulate species were selected to understand their seed dispersal rate of different plant species in selected sanctuary. This investigation was planned to confirm the seed dispersal by ungulates of blackbuck, spotted deer, wild boar and feral horse. Among the four different ungulates tested, the maximum numbers of pellets collected from blackbuck and no seed found in their pellets. The low quantities of pellets were collected from wild boar and this study has recorded medium-sized ungulates which dispersed variety of plant. However, the dispersal of the seed of medicinal plants were not considerably high and relatively moderate percentage of seeds dispersal occurred in medium-sized ungulates like wild boar and spotted deer. P. juliflora had 100% seed germination rate were observed from the faecal samples of wild boar and feral horse. The control seed achieved maximum seedling rate than the ungulates seeds.

Modelling the effect of covariates on the detectability and density of native blackbucks and invasive feral-horse using Multiple Covariate Distance Sampling at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Southern India

Reliable estimates of population size and a knowledge of determinants of detectability and density estimates are crucial for effective conservation of species. Using Multiple Covariate Distance Sampling (MCDS), we modelled the influence of covariates on detection probability and density estimates of native blackbuck Antilope cervicapra and the invasive feral-horse Equus caballus at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary. Grids of 1 × 1 km size were overlaid on the study area with a 1-km line transect in alternate grid cells. Sixteen transects were walked four times each, which detected 199 blackbuck and 152 feral-horse clusters. On each sighting, the climatic, habitat and anthropogenic covariates were recorded, which are likely to affect detection probability. At first, exploratory analyses were made using Conventional Distance Sampling (CDS) to arrive at estimates. Later, in Multiple Covariate Distance Sampling (MCDS), key models were fit into the dataset after selecting the potential covariates that had a significant effect on detection distances obtained from FAMD/PCA, and the best one was selected based on AIC. The MCDS analysis in blackbuck included covariates, viz., distance to water in the best model (29 individuals/km2; CI 22–36; detection probability = 0.58), followed by distance to feral-horse, sampling time and principal diet. The covariate distance to water emerged as the best model for feral-horse as well (13 individuals/km2; CI 9–18; detection probability = 0.36), followed by distance to cattle and principal diet. While the MCDS approach outperformed the CDS global and survey-strata estimates in blackbuck, both the approaches had a marginal difference in feral-horse. Post-stratification analysis showed that blackbuck density increased significantly with distance to water and feral-horse, but insignificantly with the absence of principal diet; whereas, the density of the feral-horse increased significantly with distance to water and cattle in the presence of principal diet. These findings suggest the ability of feral-horse to keep the blackbuck away from optimal areas, where the principal diet is abundant. Our study, thus, illustrates the need for the use of MCDS approach that ascertained (i) reliable population density estimates, (ii) spatiotemporal constraint on large herbivores caused by overabundance of water during the wet season, and (iii) competitive interaction of the invasive feral-horse with the native blackbuck and its likely effect on the latter keeping away from the former and the principal diet to overcome competition. Thus, the study highlights the impact of feral-horse on the native species and suggests measures for the long-term conservation of the blackbuck.

Assessment of environmental parameters with special emphasis on avifaunal breeding season in the coastal wetland of Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Southeast coast of India

The present study focuses on the hydrographic parameters and the population level of microbial indicators in wetland ecosystems and their effects on bird breeding habitat in Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary. Water samples were collected during the bird breeding seasons at five different stations in the sanctuaries, and samples were analyzed by standard methods. Results were compared with CPCB and USEPA standards and clearly denoted that the water quality is not suitable for bird feeding and breeding habitat. One-way ANOVA showed a strong evidence (p < 0.01) of risk for birds breeding in this habitat. As a result of salt pan chemical industries, aquaculture continues to have a major effect on the homogenization and breeding habitat of avian species. Urgent action is needed to prohibit the unregulated economical activities and to regulate water quality monitoring to strictly follow the wildlife conservation rules and regulations. This effective action will help in maintaining species diversity and composition of historical monuments to provide suitable breeding sites in the sanctuary.

Population Characteristics of Migratory Shorebirds in the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, India

Population Characteristics of Migratory Shorebirds in the Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu, India

Spatial and dietary overlap between blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) and feral horse (Equus caballus) at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Southern India: Competition between native versus introduced species

Overgrazing by livestock is a serious threat to the biodiversity in the tropical forests of Asia. Feral horse, an introduced species at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, is a grazer and overlaps extensively in space and food resources with blackbuck, a native species, and thus could be a potential competitor. We have assessed, between December 2012 and June 2013, if the ecological conditions in the study site favour competition between these two species by assessing their spatial distribution pattern, population density, and dietary overlap. Spatial distribution pattern on direct sighting of both the species across habitats revealed that feral horses ranged mostly in the southern and southeastern parts of the sanctuary, in areas mostly with open grasslands, overlapping extensively in space with blackbuck, a grassland habitat specialist of the sanctuary. Population density estimated using line-transect distance sampling method showed 50 (95% CI 41.6–60.6) blackbucks and 21 (15.2–30.0) feral horses per km2 of the sanctuary. Dietary overlap assessed through site examination of feeding trails revealed that out of 14 plant species identified from blackbuck diet during the study period, 12 (86%) were also consumed by feral horses. Similarly, food plants such as Cloris parpata, a grass species, and herb Desmodiam dryflorae, the principal food of blackbuck, were also the major food plants of feral horses. Further, estimation of food consumption rate showed that feral horse consumed significantly more food per unit time (2.8±0.08g/min) than blackbuck (1.7±0.07g/min). Dietary overlap estimated using Schoener’s Index showed a significant overlap between the two species (overall 89% and habitat-wise 85–90%). An analysis of food preference using Jacob’s Preference Index revealed that all the preferred food plants of the blackbuck were equally preferred by feral horses indicating significant overlap in the diet species composition. Although the density estimate revealed a lesser number of feral horses per capita than blackbuck, the higher food consumption rate of the former coupled with larger body mass, could outweigh the higher density of blackbuck and the same is discussed as an effective ecological competitor. Based on the findings appropriate recommendations are made for the management of blackbuck in the sanctuary.

First record of Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus from Peralam in Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamilnadu, South India.

First record of Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus from Peralam in Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamilnadu, South India.