Similipal Tiger Reserve Research Articles

Ecology and Feeding Habitat of the Gaur (Bos gaurus, Smith, 1827) in Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha, India

The gaur Bos gaurus distribution ranges from India to south Asian countries. The red list of threatened species categorizes gaur as vulnerable species and today they are found in 11 range countries. The estimated population is to be 13,000 to 30,000 with approximately 85 per cent of population being Present in India. The distribution includes thorn forest to evergreen forests. Gaur is both grazer and browser. The food plants are from the families of Poaceae, Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Malvaceae which collectively formed the major food species. The Gaur in Similipal Tiger Reserve was observed to feed on diverse species of food plants comprising of 47 species of plants of Gaur were represented by 18 species of grasses, 6 species of herbs, 8 species of shrubs and 15 species of trees. The food plants from the families of Poaceae and fabaceae constituted nearly 50% forming the major food plants species in Similipal.

Empirical evidence of Tiger Panthera tigris (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) dispersal towards south from Similipal Tiger Reserve to Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary: potential implications for its conservation in the Greater Similipal Landscape

India has achieved a rare global conservation success by doubling its Tiger Panthera tigris number since 2006. However, in India’s east-central states of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand the tiger numbers are declining. The tiger population in Odisha is largely confined to Similipal Tiger Reserve which represents the only known breeding population of a genetically unique wild melanistic form. We report a first empirically confirmed tiger dispersal event towards the south between Similipal Tiger Reserve and adjacent Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary as part of our intensive monitoring exercise conducted from 2019–2022. This evidence-based dispersal event confirms tiger presence in Kuldiha after 11 recent years and urges strong support for tiger conservation in the Greater Similipal Landscape. In order to ensure long-term tiger presence in this landscape, we suggest more rigorous management interventions like habitat restoration and management, prey recovery, intensive protection measures, conflict management, and creation of inviolate space.

New record of the short-nosed vine snake (Ahaetulla prasina) from the Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha: A range extension from North Eastern part of India to Similipal landscape

New record of the short-nosed vine snake (Ahaetulla prasina) from the Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha: A range extension from North Eastern part of India to Similipal landscape

An eco-tourism proposal for sustainable growth and livelihoods in a tribal area of India: A case study

Our multifaceted cultural traditions are influenced by our diverse livelihoods, ethnicities, languages, localities and spiritual beliefs. Addressing cultural pluralism in architecture is a major challenge. This paper discusses the approaches taken by an eco-tourism business towards sustainable development, taking into account the business practices and the products of the Santali tribe in Kumari, Similipal (situated in the state of Odisha in India). With proper planning and a growth plan, eco-tourism can both be advantageous to the local economy and preserve the resource base. Local inhabitants in the Similipal tiger reserve buffer area can benefit economically from eco-tourism through conservation and sustainable development, as well as retain their resources: food, fuel and land tenure. This study provides a model for how researchers and professionals can develop a state-of-the-art eco-tourism development in a tribal area which benefits the local people.

Competition versus opportunism: Diet and trophic niche relationship of two sympatric apex carnivores in a tropical forest

There is a little understanding of how apex carnivores partition their diet to coexist. We studied food habit and trophic niche overlap of two apex carnivores, tiger and leopard in the tropical forest of Similipal tiger reserve, eastern India. We used line transect and scat analysis method, to estimate the prey availability and determine the diet and prey selection of two apex carnivores. Tigers consumed mostly large and medium-sized prey, whereas leopards mostly consumed medium and small-sized prey. Both carnivores were not random in their consumption of prey, sambar and wild pigs were selectively consumed by tigers, whereas leopards selectively consumed wild pigs, barking deer and mouse deer. Dietary overlap between two carnivore species was moderate (Pianka's niche overlap index: 0.55), and trophic niche breadth (Levin's standardized niche breadth) of the leopard (0.52) was greater than that of the tiger (0.37). Overall, tigers exhibited specialized feeding habits, whereas leopards showed generalist feeding habits. Our study highlights the opportunistic nature of leopards and probably a reason for the species successfully coexist with tigers.

High frequency of an otherwise rare phenotype in a small and isolated tiger population

Most endangered species exist today in small populations, many of which are isolated. Evolution in such populations is largely governed by genetic drift. Empirical evidence for drift affecting striking phenotypes based on substantial genetic data are rare. Approximately 37% of tigers (Panthera tigris) in the Similipal Tiger Reserve (in eastern India) are pseudomelanistic, characterized by wide, merged stripes. Camera trap data across the tiger range revealed the presence of pseudomelanistic tigers only in Similipal. We investigated the genetic basis for pseudomelanism and examined the role of drift in driving this phenotype's frequency. Whole-genome data and pedigree-based association analyses from captive tigers revealed that pseudomelanism cosegregates with a conserved and functionally important coding alteration in Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep), a gene responsible for similar traits in other felid species. Noninvasive sampling of tigers revealed a high frequency of the Taqpep p.H454Y mutation in Similipal (12 individuals, allele frequency = 0.58) and absence from all other tiger populations (395 individuals). Population genetic analyses confirmed few (minimal number) tigers in Similipal, and its genetic isolation, with poor geneflow. Pairwise FST (0.33) at the mutation site was high but not an outlier. Similipal tigers had low diversity at 81 single nucleotide polymorphisms (mean heterozygosity = 0.28, SD = 0.27). Simulations were consistent with founding events and drift as possible drivers for the observed stark difference of allele frequency. Our results highlight the role of stochastic processes in the evolution of rare phenotypes. We highlight an unusual evolutionary trajectory in a small and isolated population of an endangered species.

Diet and activity pattern of leopard in relation to prey in tropical forest ecosystem

Abstract Understanding the predator–prey relationship is essential for implementing effective conservation management practices on threatened species. Leopard is a threatened apex mammalian predator that plays a crucial role in ecosystem functions in India’s tropical forest. We assessed the diet and activity pattern of leopards in relation to their prey using diet analysis and camera trapping data from Similipal Tiger Reserve, eastern India. Our results indicated that leopard prefers medium-sized prey such as wild pig, common langur and barking deer represented 60% of the total biomass consumed collectively. Results of 6413 camera trap night in 187 locations revealed that leopards showed cathemeral activity pattern and exhibited positive co-occurrence pattern and significant spatial and temporal overlap with their main prey, the wild pig. However, leopards showed very low spatial and temporal overlap with the second main prey, the common langur. Leopards avoided humans and showed low spatial and temporal overlap with humans. Our findings reveal that a trade-off might drive leopard activity between consuming prey and avoiding anthropogenic disturbances like human activity.

A viable tiger population in Similipal Tiger Reserve, India? Calculating if the ungulate prey base is limiting

Low ungulate density can be a factor in limiting tiger populations, so to better manage tiger reserves one must be able assess if this is the case or if other factors might be more important. Here, we quantify ungulate density in a tiger reserve in India, compare it to other reserves, and estimate the tiger carrying capacity in order to assess this reserve can support a viable tiger population. Specifically, we studied the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), Odisha, India, from 2011 to 2014. The line transect method was used to estimate population density of available major ungulate prey species, i.e. sambar Rusa unicolor, wild pig Sus scrofa, barking deer Muntiacus muntjac, chital Axis axis and mouse deer Moschiola indica. A remarkable increase in ungulate prey density was noted in the intensive study area over the study period from 4.3 animals per km2 in the pre-monsoon season of 2011 to 28.9 animals per km2 in the post-monsoon season of 2014. This estimated ungulate density is very low compared to other tiger reserves of India. Density figures of ungulates when multiplied with the average weight of the respective species gave a biomass density of 1599.4 kg km-2. This data was then used in two published empirical models to obtain estimates of tiger carrying capacity in STR. We used two empirical models from the published literature and concluded that the tiger carrying capacity of Similipal Tiger Reserve ranges between 1.3 and 3.8 tigers per 100 km2, much lower than our current estimates of tiger density. This suggests that the tiger population is below carrying capacity or that the estimated tiger population in critical tiger habitat falls below the threshold number. We suggest that the creation of large meadows for herbivores and the establishment of suitable fenced areas to augment breeding of the prey species chital and sambar are necessary to support a viable tiger population in the Similipal Tiger Reserve.

Distribution Pattern of Grey Wolf in Similipal Tiger Reserve by Camera Trapping In Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha.

Distribution Pattern of Grey Wolf in Similipal Tiger Reserve by Camera Trapping In Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha.

Distribution of Stripe - Necked Mongoose Herpestes Vitticollis by Camera Trapping in Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha

Distribution of Stripe - Necked Mongoose Herpestes Vitticollis by Camera Trapping in Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha

Biodiversity conservation, relocation and socio-economic consequences: A case study of Similipal Tiger Reserve, India

The paper examines (i) the factors affecting households’ attitude towards conservation and relocation and (ii) the impact of relocation on the livelihood of displaced tribal communities of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in India. The study uses primary data collected from 40 relocated households and compares them with 61 non-relocated households currently residing inside the core zone of STR. The study finds that the average share of income from agriculture, livestock and non-timber forest products are relatively higher in case of households residing inside the core area. Conversely, income derived from non-agricultural wage labour contributes maximum to the total income of the relocated households. Although access to educational facilities, transport and health care are reported to be some of the immediate benefits after relocation, food security of the displaced households is found to be adversely affected due to reduced crop diversity and output. The econometric results find that the working-age population and the literates in the region are more willing to relocate from the reserve. Particularly, the male members in the community are more desirous of participating in the relocation process and reaping the associated benefits as opposed to their female counterparts. The study gainsays the existing conservation paradigm via relocation and suggests that participatory capacity building of the affected community alongside consultation with all the stakeholders can go a long way in achieving the twin objectives of biodiversity conservation and local livelihood promotion.

Understanding the factors that influence household use of clean energy in the Similipal Tiger Reserve, India

Biotic pressure in and around protected areas (PA) is the primary cause of biodiversity loss in many developing countries across the globe. The pressure comes partly from biomass energy dependency in the form of heavy extraction of fuelwood from the forests. Although biomass fuels provide easily accessible and affordable sources of domestic energy to the rural masses, their combustion results in environmental and health‐related hazards. The objectives of this paper are to assess the patterns of household energy use in a subsistence forest economy and analyze the factors that influence their energy use choice for cooking and lighting. The paper uses primary data collected randomly from 244 households located in and around the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), situated in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. Age of the household head, number of days in wage employment, number of adult males and females in a household, education of the household head and landholding size are found to be the major variables that determine household fuelwood collection sources inside the reserve. Considering household structure as an income indicator, the analysis clearly shows that non‐poor households prefer to use clean energy (i.e. solar) for lighting, while poor households tend to use solid fuel. Energy policies for development should be based on the realistic proposition that fuelwood will remain the major source of energy for cooking for substantial proportions of the world’s population. Promotion of public education, social forestry schemes and fuel‐efficient improved chulhas should be encouraged in order to reduce household dependence on fuelwood. Moreover, devolving sufficient property rights over forest resources to local communities may help secure their broad‐based and active participation in the decision‐making process, which may result in a positive change in the attitude of the local people towards biodiversity conservation.

Determinants of household collection of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and alternative livelihood activities in Similipal Tiger Reserve, India

Using primary data collected randomly from 244 households across 11 villages located in and around the Similipal Tiger Reserve in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, this study examines the extent and pattern of household collection of non-timber forest products (NTFPs), and identifies and analyzes the factors that influence a household's participation in NTFP activities vis-à-vis alternative livelihood activities. Descriptive statistics and econometric techniques such as probit, tobit, and Heckman two-step selection models were used to analyze the data. The study finds that households derive a significant portion of their income from the collection of NTFPs; however, the extent and pattern of household dependence on NTFPs for income differ widely across different socioeconomic and demographic profiles. Level of education, age, landholding and household size, number of children, and gender influence the intensity of household collection of NTFPs. Households located inside the core zone of the reserve tend to depend more on NTFP collection compared to households residing in the buffer zone. Provision of non-farm employment and adequate farm land will go a long way in reducing household dependence on NTFPs and thereby improve forest conservation outcomes.

Ungulate Densities and Biomass in the Tropical Moist Deciduous Forest of Similipal Tiger Reserve, India

Density and biomass estimates for six ungulate species were obtained in the tropical forest of Similipal Tiger Reserve, eastern India using distance sampling methods. Line transects (n = 27) were walked seven to eight times for a total of 390 km to obtain the distance sampling data. The estimated densities of the ungulate species in the intensive study area were: sambar (6.65/km2), wild pig (4.81/km2) muntjac (3.82/km2) chital (2.82/km2) and mouse deer (1.88/km2). The estimated ungulate density and biomass of 19.98/km2 and 1264 kg/km2 respectively are relatively low compared with some other parts of the country. Anthropogenic pressures such as hunting and competition with livestock may be the cause of the low ungulate densities. Better protection and management are needed to enhance the ungulate population in the Similipal Tiger Reserve.

Estimating the density of Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus (Galliformes: Phasianidae) in the tropical forest of Similipal Tiger Reserve, eastern India

<p>To determine population status of wild animal using reliable sampling techniques forms an important component of conservation effort and effective wildlife management. We estimated the density of Red Junglefowl <em>Gallus gallus</em><strong><em> </em></strong>using distance sampling, a quantitatively robust technique, in Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha, eastern India during September 2012 to May 2013. We laid 27 transects and walked seven to eight times for a total of 390km to obtain the distance sampling data. We used DISTANCE software for analysis. We estimated per km<sup>2 </sup>Red Junglefowl group density as 4.99 and density as 7.64 birds in the intensive study area. Mean group size of Red Junglefowl was 1.48. Our results may prove helpful in planning better management needs and strategies for the survival and conservation of Red Junglefowl in different protected areas.</p><div> </div>

Population Density, Diurnal Activity Pattern and Food Preference of Indian Giant SquirrelRatufa indicain Similipal Tiger Reserve, Eastern India

The Indian giant squirrel (Ratufa indica) is a large arboreal tropical squirrel endemic to India and lives in undulating or hilly terrain (Prater 1980). The species is distributed in all Indian states south of Madhya Pradesh, currently listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List and believed that the species is declining due to logging and habitat fragmentation (Rajamani et al. 2010). Despite its wide distribution in India, the species has received very little scientific attention. Ramachandran (1988) and Borges (1989, 1992, 1993) provided the in­ formation on behavior and the foraging ecology of the species in southern India. Datta (1993) and Datta and Goyal (1996) investigated the space use pattern of the Indian giant squirrel in relation to food availability in Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh, India. Since last decade, there have been some studies on its population and behavioral ecology in India. Kumara and Singh (2006) assessed the distribution and relative abundance of Indian giant squirrel in Karnataka, southern India. Jathana et al. (2008) estimated the density of Indian giant squirrel using distance sampling in south India. Sim­ ilarly, Srinivas et al. (2008) estimated the site occupancy rate in Kalakad­Munduthurai Tiger Reserve, southern India. In central India, Kanoje (2008) investigated the nesting ecology of Indian giant squirrel in Sitanadi Wild­ life Sanctuary, Chhatisgarh. Most recently, there are a few studies on its population distribution, ecology and behavior (Baskaran et al. 2011; Gurjar et al. 2013). Site specific published data on population density, food and feeding, activity pattern, and their implications are essen­ tial for conservation planning of any wildlife animals and species like Indian giant squirrel which is highly sensitive to human disturbance (Rajamani et al. 2010). Nevertheless, the vital data are still lacking for most ranges of Indian giant squirrel, and specifically in east­ ern India ranges. This study comprehensively documents the population density, activity pattern and diet of free­ ranging Indian giant squirrel in the tropical forest of Similipal Tiger Reserve, eastern India.

Local institutions, collective action and forest conservation: The case of Similipal Tiger Reserve in India

Abstract This study analyses the factors responsible for effective management and conservation of forest resources in Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in India. Both primary and secondary data have been used for analyzing the determinants of forest conservation outcome in 35 sample villages located in and around STR. The result shows that forest growth is positively associated with function of local management institutions, caste homogeneity, and distance to forest department and nearest market. Moreover, it is concluded that efforts at improving forest conservation outcomes should not be confined to the poorest communities, as rich communities are largely responsible for adopting degrading resource use practices. Our result recommends the revival of existing local institutions and promotion of more participatory community management approaches in the STR. Further, in order to reduce trust deficit that exist between fringe villages and the forest department, more usufruct and ownership rights over resource should be transferred to local people, which in turn may enhance better forest conservation outcome.

Evidences Dependent Population Distribution Patterns of Tiger and Leopard in Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha, India

AreaSurveyed and Methodology: TheTiger ( ) isanendangered carnivorewithuncertaindemographicstatusspanning 13 Asian countries. Due to its larger body size and carnivorous diet in nature it always occurs at low population densities. Further prey depletion due to overhunting (Karanth & Stith, 1998), poaching, habitat shrinkage (Kenny 1995, Wcs, 1995) and direct killing altogether have also become a major factor fordepletion of wild tigerpopulations tiger. Monitoring the abundance and itsalteration is always important for the effective management of endangered species. Tiger is categorized as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List (IUCN, 2008) and listed under Schedule-I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in India and Appendix-I of the CITES. Leopard ( ) is also included in the ScheduleI of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and is placed under “Least Concern” category of 2002 IUCN Red List of threatened animals. Similipal Tiger Reserve is one of the largest Tiger Reserves of India with an area of 2750 km . Therefore we have to depend mainly on the direct sightings and evidence records of the animals to analysis the status and distribution pattern of these two big cats in thecoreareaof thisTigerReserve. Population estimation of carnivores is extremely diff icult owing to an extensive spatio-temporal distribution, secretive life, wide ranging behaviour, low detectability and low densities. Accurate information on copious and gradual alterations in copiousness is highly important for the effective management of endangered species (Gibbs 1999). Assessment of copiousness forany sly species having low density and wide ranging is highly required in terms and resources (Jhala 2011). Today, though the whole world is concerning towards conservation of big carnivores with respect to their ambient ecosystem, but yet no concrete success we have got to check their continual declinations.

Displacement, Deprivation and Development: The Impact of Relocation on Income and Livelihood of Tribes in Similipal Tiger and Biosphere Reserve, India.

A large volume of literature describes adverse consequences of conservation-induced displacement on indigenous communities depended on natural resources of wildlife habitat. Resettlement policies in protected areas the world over are mainly designed and implemented without consideration of social and economic costs of exclusion. This study examined income and poverty profile of tribal residents in Similipal Tiger and Biosphere Reserve in India, relative to the households relocated out of the reserve. The income from different sources and livelihood diversification of displaced reserve dwellers reflected changes resulting from the loss of access to natural and household assets. The results contradicted common perception about impoverishment outcome of relocation. It showed an increase in the per capita income for poorer segments with an overall 8% increase in absolute household income and corresponding improvement in the poverty ratio (head count ratio) and FGT index (0.241) for the relocated community. Contrary to other studies, the finding did not observe social alignment or marginalization; however, on-farm livelihood diversification reduced with increased dependence on off-farm sources. Expulsion of people from forest reserves to support conservation is inadequate in restricting habitat use of locals unless suitable alternative livelihood options are available for forest dependent was proven from the study.

Estimating Mammalian Abundance Using Camera Traps in the Tropical Forest of Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha, India

Knowledge on the occurrence and distribution of species is crucial for designing and evaluating conservation strategies within a geographical region. Similipal Tiger Reserve though confined to a small area needs information on the diversity and abundance of mammalian fauna to ensure conservation of tiger. Thus, we aimed to assess the diversity and abundance of medium to large sized mammals in Similipal Tiger Reserve by using remotely triggered camera traps. A total of 6413 camera trap days at 187 trap stations were deployed from November 2012 to July 2013 to estimate the status of mammal. We obtained 3763 independent photographs and detected 24 species of mammals. The relative abundance index of each mammalian species was calculated. Leopard (Panthera pardus) was the most abundant carnivore while barking deer (Muntiacus muntjac) was the most abundant prey. Anthropogenic activities like hunting, livestock grazing and free ranging domestic dogs were found to be the detrimental factors for the existing mammalian species. These activities should be addressed through conservation and development perception with an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating social and ecological components cautiously.