Interactions between Malayan sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) and humans in Mizoram state. We carr... more Interactions between Malayan sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) and humans in Mizoram state. We carried out informal interview in 40 villages out of 60 villages covered, locating in and around the protected areas of Mizoram, Northeastern state, during 2008 to 2010. In total, there were 33 human casualties by sun bear during 2000-2010. Males were attacked (n=26, 78.8%) and female were attacked (n=7, 21.2%). Injuries were caused to face, nose, eyes, neck, hand and legs. Mark yearly variation of human sun bear casualties, the highest casualties (24.1%) during the year of 2002 and less casualties (3.0%) during the 2006. Bear attacks were recorded in all the seasons, but maximum cases occurred during autumn and winter months..3 %, 21.2 %, 12.1 %, 9.1% and 6.1 % casualties respectively occurred. Out of 33 cases, victims were mainly in the age group of 31-40 years (45.5 %), followed by 21-30 years (33.3 %), and 41-50 years (12.1 %). Bear accounted for only 6.1 % and 3.0 % cases in the age gro...
Interactions between Malayan sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) and humans in Mizoram state. We carr... more Interactions between Malayan sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) and humans in Mizoram state. We carried out informal interview in 40 villages out of 60 villages covered, locating in and around the protected areas of Mizoram, North-eastern state, during 2008 to 2010. In total, there were 33 human casualties by sun bear during 2000-2010. Males were attacked (n=26, 78.8%) and female were attacked (n=7, 21.2%). Injuries were caused to face, nose, eyes, neck, hand and legs. Mark yearly variation of human sun bear casualties, the highest casualties (24.1%) during the year of 2002 and less casualties (3.0%) during the 2006. Bear attacks were recorded in all the seasons, but maximum cases occurred during autumn and winter months. During December, November, September, April, October and August 27.3 %, 21.2 %, 12.1 %, 9.1% and 6.1 % casualties respectively occurred. Out of 33 cases, victims were mainly in the age group of 31-40 years (45.5 %), followed by 21-30 years (33.3 %), and 41-50 years (1...
Green spaces in cities especially in the capital city of India provide necessary recreational, so... more Green spaces in cities especially in the capital city of India provide necessary recreational, social and psychological benefits to stressing residents of the city. Cities and towns depict the extreme human-modified environments with only remnants of the original habitats present. Study undertaken to know the abundance, diversity and species richness of avian fauna in urban protected landscapes of Delhi, NCR. In the following paper, the methods include data is extracted from e-Bird of past 40 years to illustrate the changing trend of bird species from 1980-2019 from 7 greenspaces of Delhi-NCR which are Aravalli Biodiversity Park, Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, Deer Park, Dheerpur Wetland, National Zoological Park, Northern Ridge, Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Sanjay Van, Yamuna Biodiversity Park and analysed as box plots using PAST. The result showed a varied trend from 1980-2019, which included the usage of e-Bird by the period. The result indicated that the recent decade is well updated...
We carried out survey in a total 16 villages locating in and around the different protected areas... more We carried out survey in a total 16 villages locating in and around the different protected areas in Nagaland. Out of 265 respondent 69 (28.2%) respondents confirmed the presence of sun bear by direct sighting and indirect evidences in 2 PAs of Nagaland. Overall status of sun bear was found to be low and rare in and around Pas. In the Nagaland states, human population is constantly on the increase and as a result, there are increasing biotic pressure on protected areas and reserve forests. The potential tropical rainforest habitats of sun bear should be well protected and management action for improvement these habitats should be taken up on priority. Livestock grazing should be restricted in forest areas. Presence of sun bears has been confirmed in the Itanki and Fakim National Parks of Nagaland, but it showed patchy distribution. Both direct and indirect evidences (scats, claw marks and foot prints) of sun bears were observed by inhabitants of these areas. Sun bears were reported ...
A survey in the Manipur state, India was carried out to study the humau-Malayau sun bear ( Helarc... more A survey in the Manipur state, India was carried out to study the humau-Malayau sun bear ( Helarctos malayanus ) conflict during 2007-2008. Information on humau casualties was collected by conducting informal interview of the tribal people in raudomly selected villages in Chaudel aud Ukhrul districts. In total, there were 98 humau injury cases by sun bear during 1995-2008. Males were attacked more (87.75%) thau females (12.24%). Injuries were caused to face, nose, eyes, neck, haud aud legs. Bear attacks were recorded in all the seasons, but maximum cases occurred during autumn aud winter months. During March, April, November aud December, 7.14 %, 15.30 %, 19.38 % aud 18.36 % casualties respectively occurred. Out of 98 cases, victims were mainly in the age group of 21-30 years (35.29 %), followed by 31-40 years (35.29 %), aud 41-50 years (22.35 %). Bear accounted for only 1.17 %, 3.52 % aud 2.35 % cases in the age group of 10-20 years, 51-60 years aud 61-70 years respectively. Inform...
Anthropogenic activities are a matter of serious concern in the Indian Himalayan region due to ad... more Anthropogenic activities are a matter of serious concern in the Indian Himalayan region due to adverse impacts on wildlife and habitats. This study examines resource use patterns by local people in relation to the habitat of Malayan Sun Bear in and around Dampa Tiger Reserve in Mizoram. Standard questionnaire surveys and vegetation sampling methods were used for data collection and analysis. It was found that 221.3 km2 (33.3%) of the forested areas have high human interference in the form of logging, indiscriminate tree falling and fuel wood collection, while 26% was moderately affected and 18% of the reserve had no impact. Among vegetation resources, fuel wood was used in the highest quantity (28%) followed by bamboo and edible plants (21%) and (11%), respectively. Ethno-zoological usage comprises of parts of animals like snake, bear, monitor lizard, and porcupine. Sun bears were considered pests that feed on maize, cucumber, sweet potato and pumpkins grown in ‘jhum’ crop fields. A...
A detailed study on the butterfly species diversity was carried out at Namdapha Tiger Reserve, in... more A detailed study on the butterfly species diversity was carried out at Namdapha Tiger Reserve, in Changlong district, Arunachal Pradesh, during 2008-2009. A total of 1415 individuals’ butterflies belonging to 113 species covering, 5 families and 73 genera of order Lepidoptera were recorded during the study period and also 15 rare species were recorded in present study. The family Nymphalidae, represented by (48 species) was the most dominant followed by Papilionidae (24 species), Lycaenidae (17 species) Pieridae (16 species) and Hesperiidae (8 species). From the conservation point of view, the study area is remained rich in flora and fauna species. The most represent families were Nymphalidae and the majority of the species collected were from the family of, Nymphalidae Papilionidae and Lycaenidae. Nymphalidae, Papilionidae, Lycaenidae, Pieridae and Hesperiidae, represents (42.5%, 21.2%, 15.1%, 14.1% and 7.1%) respectively species sampled in all transects. Overall the family composi...
International journal of Bio-resource and Stress Management, 2013
Based on information collected from the forest department and interviewing 153 households in five... more Based on information collected from the forest department and interviewing 153 households in five different villages with local people, a total of 21 human casualties and 288 livestock depredation were reported in different villages in Katerniaghat wildlife sanctuary during 2000–2007. During the study periods, out of 21 cases, 11 cases were killings and 10 cases were injured. Male casualties were more than the females. There was marked monthly and annually variation in the occurrence of human casualties. Among 21 cases, 11, 6, 3 and one casualties occurred in the age group of 21–30 years, 31–40, 41–50 and 11–20 years respectively. Highest number of 13 human casualties occurred between 1601–2000 hours. In the Katerniaghat wildlife sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh state, human population is constantly on the increase and as a result, there are increasing biotic pressure on protected areas and reserve forests. During the study periods, propose livestock growth programmes, including pasture imp...
Accepted: 27/09/2014 Abstract A camera-trapping survey was carried out in Namdaph a National Park... more Accepted: 27/09/2014 Abstract A camera-trapping survey was carried out in Namdaph a National Park in Arunachal Pradesh between the study from De cember 2008 to November 2010, as part of a Status and Distribution of Malayan sun bear in North-Eastern, India programme. We captured 5 sp ecies belonging to 3 families of small carnivores of about 15 species that are expected to occur in the Namdapaha national park of Arunachal P radesh. The Captured species included Large Indian Civet, Maske d Palm Civet, Common Palm Civet, Crab-eating Mongoose and Yellowthroated Marten. Habitat loss and hunting are the major thre ats for the small carnivore survival in nature. The Small Indian Cive t is exploited for commercial purpose. Hunting technique varies from g uns to specially devised traps, and hunting of all the small carnivo re species is common in this area.
The Malayan sun bear Helarctos malayanus, is categorized globally as a Critically Endangered spec... more The Malayan sun bear Helarctos malayanus, is categorized globally as a Critically Endangered species on the IUCN Red List. However, recent studies have indicated that sun bear have disappeared from large areas, probably as a result of habitat loss, a low prey base and poaching, indicating this species may not be as common in India as previously believed. Our findings indicate that the species has declined dramatically, with confirmation of presence at only some sites in provinces, despite extensive surveys. Current populations are small and fragmented, and occur mainly in tiger reserve. In Namdapha Tiger Reserve, 379 different bear signs were identified along 43 transects. The number of claw marks was found to be highest as compared to number of scats, nests, diggings, dens and footprints. All these bear signs were observed in summer, monsoon and winter months in different forest types in Namdapha Tiger Reserve. The mean signs were highest during the winter months (41.5±5.80), follo...
A survey on birds was carried out from March 2007 to August 2007. The birds were observed during ... more A survey on birds was carried out from March 2007 to August 2007. The birds were observed during most active period of the day i.e. 0515 to 0830 hrs and 1530 to 1830 hrs. A total of 200 bird species were recorded in the sanctuary. The frequency of sightings of 62 bird species was very high. Out of total, 105 species were seen quite regularly and 35 birds were seen intermittently. Previous study of birds conducted during 2003 showed presence of 157 species in this sanctuary. The majority of species were recorded in mixed forest (n=145), followed by teak plantation (n=38) and rest from road side and open forest. Ninety one bird species (45.5%) species were resident breeding birds, including the Bengal florican and Swamp francolin. Another 31 (15.5%) were resident, but their breeding in Katerniaghat has not been confirmed. Winter migrants constituted at least 50 (25%) of the total species. The majority of these were waterfowl and also several species of leaf warblers ( Phylloscopus spp...
The trade of bear and its body parts for use in traditional medicines, in cuisine, and as pets is... more The trade of bear and its body parts for use in traditional medicines, in cuisine, and as pets is widespread in Arunachal Pradesh State of India. The bile from bear gallbladder is an especially coveted medicine in the State where it is used to treat a variety of serious ailments. Bear paws are considered as a ‘tonic'and a gourmet delicacy. Current level of trade in bear and bear parts, coupled with ongoing habitat loss throughoutAsia, suggests a continuing decline in the sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) and the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus). Bears are protected in India and neighboring countries. During the survey (2007–2009) we recorded (n=701) bear parts, representing a minimum of (n=99) individual of both bear species. Most items were from Asiatic black bear. There were significant temporal and spatial differences in what items were offered for sale. Prices were low (US$ 4–40 item−1) and the total monetary value of the items for sale was USD $,500-5,500 (including gall ...
Malayan sun bear is the smallest among all bears and the only tropical bear species inhabiting t... more Malayan sun bear is the smallest among all bears and the only tropical bear species inhabiting the lowland tropical forest of Southeast Asia. Once abundant, they are now considered as priority species due to excessive poaching and hunting across their home range. Although reported from several parts of Northeast India, the paucity of biological information on the species and its distribution has been a major constrained for conservation efforts. The study in Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mizoram, India determines the ecology, distribution and habitat selection of Sun bear, using foraging signs and invasive camera trapping techniques. A total of 43 transects were walked with 310 sampling plot. Evidence in forms of claw marks was found to be highest (60.23%) followed by scats (25.81%), nests (3.56%), cavity (6.23%) and footprints (4.15%). The mean occurrence of bear signs was 17.2±0.8. Bamboo forest and Tropical semi-evergreen forest with elevation between 501-1000 msl were found to...
Sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) is the smallest bear species and remains the least known bear amo... more Sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) is the smallest bear species and remains the least known bear among the ursids. Reliable information on population and activity pattern of Sun bear has been lacking, thereby creating difficulties for field managers and conservationists to develop a management plan for their conservation. The study was an attempt to determine the habitat preference and daily activity of Sun bear through camera trapping and other signs survey methods. In the study, we had a combined trapping effort of 647 trap-nights with a total of 18 independent images of Sun bear recorded between May 2014 and March 2016. Distribution of bear signs per hectare was found to be highest in the Bamboo forest (0.398), owing to large numbers of termite's mounds. The photo capture rate of Sun bear in Dampa Tiger Reserve was found to vary by different habitats with high numbers in degraded forest landscape within the Reserve. The variation was also influenced by the disturbance o...
The breeding population of birds are dynamic and are affected by multiple factors including clima... more The breeding population of birds are dynamic and are affected by multiple factors including climate and local environmental conditions. However, often to understand such relations requires long-term data modelling. Such long-term population data is either lacking or has data gaps. This study demonstrates the use of Multiple Imputation Chained Equation (MICE) to overcome the problem of missing data population census. This is also the first comprehensive study, modelling the 36-year (1980-2015) long-term breeding population data of a near-threatened bird, Painted Stork, from Keoladeo National Park, India. It tests the effect of local water availability, i.e., water released to the park, and regional rainfall, i.e, climatic condition, on the breeding population using Generalised Additive Model (GAM). Both imputation and observed data series-based GAM models identified the local water availability as the most important factor influencing the breeding population of Painted Stork. More th...
Amphibian tadpoles are the key consumers and play an important role in the food chain of aquatic ... more Amphibian tadpoles are the key consumers and play an important role in the food chain of aquatic ecosystems. Understanding the natural diet of tadpoles can help in developing management strategies for them. We characterized the diet of 170 Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis tadpoles collected from 34 sites during rainy seasons (July to October) of 2014 and 2015 in different temporary habitats in and around Similipal Biosphere Reserve, India. After morphometric measurements (total length, body length and body width), the complete intestine of each tadpole was analyzed for food items and quantified based on the numeric frequency (NF %) and frequency of occurrence (FO %). The food spectrum of tadpoles included mostly detritus followed by phytoplanktons (represented by 6 classes and 55 genera). The food items ingested were similar in all the habitats, suggesting that they are non-selective predators that lack an apparent dietary preference, and their diet is mostly dependent on the availability o...
Interactions between Malayan sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) and humans in Mizoram state. We carr... more Interactions between Malayan sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) and humans in Mizoram state. We carried out informal interview in 40 villages out of 60 villages covered, locating in and around the protected areas of Mizoram, Northeastern state, during 2008 to 2010. In total, there were 33 human casualties by sun bear during 2000-2010. Males were attacked (n=26, 78.8%) and female were attacked (n=7, 21.2%). Injuries were caused to face, nose, eyes, neck, hand and legs. Mark yearly variation of human sun bear casualties, the highest casualties (24.1%) during the year of 2002 and less casualties (3.0%) during the 2006. Bear attacks were recorded in all the seasons, but maximum cases occurred during autumn and winter months..3 %, 21.2 %, 12.1 %, 9.1% and 6.1 % casualties respectively occurred. Out of 33 cases, victims were mainly in the age group of 31-40 years (45.5 %), followed by 21-30 years (33.3 %), and 41-50 years (12.1 %). Bear accounted for only 6.1 % and 3.0 % cases in the age gro...
Interactions between Malayan sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) and humans in Mizoram state. We carr... more Interactions between Malayan sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) and humans in Mizoram state. We carried out informal interview in 40 villages out of 60 villages covered, locating in and around the protected areas of Mizoram, North-eastern state, during 2008 to 2010. In total, there were 33 human casualties by sun bear during 2000-2010. Males were attacked (n=26, 78.8%) and female were attacked (n=7, 21.2%). Injuries were caused to face, nose, eyes, neck, hand and legs. Mark yearly variation of human sun bear casualties, the highest casualties (24.1%) during the year of 2002 and less casualties (3.0%) during the 2006. Bear attacks were recorded in all the seasons, but maximum cases occurred during autumn and winter months. During December, November, September, April, October and August 27.3 %, 21.2 %, 12.1 %, 9.1% and 6.1 % casualties respectively occurred. Out of 33 cases, victims were mainly in the age group of 31-40 years (45.5 %), followed by 21-30 years (33.3 %), and 41-50 years (1...
Green spaces in cities especially in the capital city of India provide necessary recreational, so... more Green spaces in cities especially in the capital city of India provide necessary recreational, social and psychological benefits to stressing residents of the city. Cities and towns depict the extreme human-modified environments with only remnants of the original habitats present. Study undertaken to know the abundance, diversity and species richness of avian fauna in urban protected landscapes of Delhi, NCR. In the following paper, the methods include data is extracted from e-Bird of past 40 years to illustrate the changing trend of bird species from 1980-2019 from 7 greenspaces of Delhi-NCR which are Aravalli Biodiversity Park, Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, Deer Park, Dheerpur Wetland, National Zoological Park, Northern Ridge, Okhla Bird Sanctuary, Sanjay Van, Yamuna Biodiversity Park and analysed as box plots using PAST. The result showed a varied trend from 1980-2019, which included the usage of e-Bird by the period. The result indicated that the recent decade is well updated...
We carried out survey in a total 16 villages locating in and around the different protected areas... more We carried out survey in a total 16 villages locating in and around the different protected areas in Nagaland. Out of 265 respondent 69 (28.2%) respondents confirmed the presence of sun bear by direct sighting and indirect evidences in 2 PAs of Nagaland. Overall status of sun bear was found to be low and rare in and around Pas. In the Nagaland states, human population is constantly on the increase and as a result, there are increasing biotic pressure on protected areas and reserve forests. The potential tropical rainforest habitats of sun bear should be well protected and management action for improvement these habitats should be taken up on priority. Livestock grazing should be restricted in forest areas. Presence of sun bears has been confirmed in the Itanki and Fakim National Parks of Nagaland, but it showed patchy distribution. Both direct and indirect evidences (scats, claw marks and foot prints) of sun bears were observed by inhabitants of these areas. Sun bears were reported ...
A survey in the Manipur state, India was carried out to study the humau-Malayau sun bear ( Helarc... more A survey in the Manipur state, India was carried out to study the humau-Malayau sun bear ( Helarctos malayanus ) conflict during 2007-2008. Information on humau casualties was collected by conducting informal interview of the tribal people in raudomly selected villages in Chaudel aud Ukhrul districts. In total, there were 98 humau injury cases by sun bear during 1995-2008. Males were attacked more (87.75%) thau females (12.24%). Injuries were caused to face, nose, eyes, neck, haud aud legs. Bear attacks were recorded in all the seasons, but maximum cases occurred during autumn aud winter months. During March, April, November aud December, 7.14 %, 15.30 %, 19.38 % aud 18.36 % casualties respectively occurred. Out of 98 cases, victims were mainly in the age group of 21-30 years (35.29 %), followed by 31-40 years (35.29 %), aud 41-50 years (22.35 %). Bear accounted for only 1.17 %, 3.52 % aud 2.35 % cases in the age group of 10-20 years, 51-60 years aud 61-70 years respectively. Inform...
Anthropogenic activities are a matter of serious concern in the Indian Himalayan region due to ad... more Anthropogenic activities are a matter of serious concern in the Indian Himalayan region due to adverse impacts on wildlife and habitats. This study examines resource use patterns by local people in relation to the habitat of Malayan Sun Bear in and around Dampa Tiger Reserve in Mizoram. Standard questionnaire surveys and vegetation sampling methods were used for data collection and analysis. It was found that 221.3 km2 (33.3%) of the forested areas have high human interference in the form of logging, indiscriminate tree falling and fuel wood collection, while 26% was moderately affected and 18% of the reserve had no impact. Among vegetation resources, fuel wood was used in the highest quantity (28%) followed by bamboo and edible plants (21%) and (11%), respectively. Ethno-zoological usage comprises of parts of animals like snake, bear, monitor lizard, and porcupine. Sun bears were considered pests that feed on maize, cucumber, sweet potato and pumpkins grown in ‘jhum’ crop fields. A...
A detailed study on the butterfly species diversity was carried out at Namdapha Tiger Reserve, in... more A detailed study on the butterfly species diversity was carried out at Namdapha Tiger Reserve, in Changlong district, Arunachal Pradesh, during 2008-2009. A total of 1415 individuals’ butterflies belonging to 113 species covering, 5 families and 73 genera of order Lepidoptera were recorded during the study period and also 15 rare species were recorded in present study. The family Nymphalidae, represented by (48 species) was the most dominant followed by Papilionidae (24 species), Lycaenidae (17 species) Pieridae (16 species) and Hesperiidae (8 species). From the conservation point of view, the study area is remained rich in flora and fauna species. The most represent families were Nymphalidae and the majority of the species collected were from the family of, Nymphalidae Papilionidae and Lycaenidae. Nymphalidae, Papilionidae, Lycaenidae, Pieridae and Hesperiidae, represents (42.5%, 21.2%, 15.1%, 14.1% and 7.1%) respectively species sampled in all transects. Overall the family composi...
International journal of Bio-resource and Stress Management, 2013
Based on information collected from the forest department and interviewing 153 households in five... more Based on information collected from the forest department and interviewing 153 households in five different villages with local people, a total of 21 human casualties and 288 livestock depredation were reported in different villages in Katerniaghat wildlife sanctuary during 2000–2007. During the study periods, out of 21 cases, 11 cases were killings and 10 cases were injured. Male casualties were more than the females. There was marked monthly and annually variation in the occurrence of human casualties. Among 21 cases, 11, 6, 3 and one casualties occurred in the age group of 21–30 years, 31–40, 41–50 and 11–20 years respectively. Highest number of 13 human casualties occurred between 1601–2000 hours. In the Katerniaghat wildlife sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh state, human population is constantly on the increase and as a result, there are increasing biotic pressure on protected areas and reserve forests. During the study periods, propose livestock growth programmes, including pasture imp...
Accepted: 27/09/2014 Abstract A camera-trapping survey was carried out in Namdaph a National Park... more Accepted: 27/09/2014 Abstract A camera-trapping survey was carried out in Namdaph a National Park in Arunachal Pradesh between the study from De cember 2008 to November 2010, as part of a Status and Distribution of Malayan sun bear in North-Eastern, India programme. We captured 5 sp ecies belonging to 3 families of small carnivores of about 15 species that are expected to occur in the Namdapaha national park of Arunachal P radesh. The Captured species included Large Indian Civet, Maske d Palm Civet, Common Palm Civet, Crab-eating Mongoose and Yellowthroated Marten. Habitat loss and hunting are the major thre ats for the small carnivore survival in nature. The Small Indian Cive t is exploited for commercial purpose. Hunting technique varies from g uns to specially devised traps, and hunting of all the small carnivo re species is common in this area.
The Malayan sun bear Helarctos malayanus, is categorized globally as a Critically Endangered spec... more The Malayan sun bear Helarctos malayanus, is categorized globally as a Critically Endangered species on the IUCN Red List. However, recent studies have indicated that sun bear have disappeared from large areas, probably as a result of habitat loss, a low prey base and poaching, indicating this species may not be as common in India as previously believed. Our findings indicate that the species has declined dramatically, with confirmation of presence at only some sites in provinces, despite extensive surveys. Current populations are small and fragmented, and occur mainly in tiger reserve. In Namdapha Tiger Reserve, 379 different bear signs were identified along 43 transects. The number of claw marks was found to be highest as compared to number of scats, nests, diggings, dens and footprints. All these bear signs were observed in summer, monsoon and winter months in different forest types in Namdapha Tiger Reserve. The mean signs were highest during the winter months (41.5±5.80), follo...
A survey on birds was carried out from March 2007 to August 2007. The birds were observed during ... more A survey on birds was carried out from March 2007 to August 2007. The birds were observed during most active period of the day i.e. 0515 to 0830 hrs and 1530 to 1830 hrs. A total of 200 bird species were recorded in the sanctuary. The frequency of sightings of 62 bird species was very high. Out of total, 105 species were seen quite regularly and 35 birds were seen intermittently. Previous study of birds conducted during 2003 showed presence of 157 species in this sanctuary. The majority of species were recorded in mixed forest (n=145), followed by teak plantation (n=38) and rest from road side and open forest. Ninety one bird species (45.5%) species were resident breeding birds, including the Bengal florican and Swamp francolin. Another 31 (15.5%) were resident, but their breeding in Katerniaghat has not been confirmed. Winter migrants constituted at least 50 (25%) of the total species. The majority of these were waterfowl and also several species of leaf warblers ( Phylloscopus spp...
The trade of bear and its body parts for use in traditional medicines, in cuisine, and as pets is... more The trade of bear and its body parts for use in traditional medicines, in cuisine, and as pets is widespread in Arunachal Pradesh State of India. The bile from bear gallbladder is an especially coveted medicine in the State where it is used to treat a variety of serious ailments. Bear paws are considered as a ‘tonic'and a gourmet delicacy. Current level of trade in bear and bear parts, coupled with ongoing habitat loss throughoutAsia, suggests a continuing decline in the sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) and the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus). Bears are protected in India and neighboring countries. During the survey (2007–2009) we recorded (n=701) bear parts, representing a minimum of (n=99) individual of both bear species. Most items were from Asiatic black bear. There were significant temporal and spatial differences in what items were offered for sale. Prices were low (US$ 4–40 item−1) and the total monetary value of the items for sale was USD $,500-5,500 (including gall ...
Malayan sun bear is the smallest among all bears and the only tropical bear species inhabiting t... more Malayan sun bear is the smallest among all bears and the only tropical bear species inhabiting the lowland tropical forest of Southeast Asia. Once abundant, they are now considered as priority species due to excessive poaching and hunting across their home range. Although reported from several parts of Northeast India, the paucity of biological information on the species and its distribution has been a major constrained for conservation efforts. The study in Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mizoram, India determines the ecology, distribution and habitat selection of Sun bear, using foraging signs and invasive camera trapping techniques. A total of 43 transects were walked with 310 sampling plot. Evidence in forms of claw marks was found to be highest (60.23%) followed by scats (25.81%), nests (3.56%), cavity (6.23%) and footprints (4.15%). The mean occurrence of bear signs was 17.2±0.8. Bamboo forest and Tropical semi-evergreen forest with elevation between 501-1000 msl were found to...
Sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) is the smallest bear species and remains the least known bear amo... more Sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) is the smallest bear species and remains the least known bear among the ursids. Reliable information on population and activity pattern of Sun bear has been lacking, thereby creating difficulties for field managers and conservationists to develop a management plan for their conservation. The study was an attempt to determine the habitat preference and daily activity of Sun bear through camera trapping and other signs survey methods. In the study, we had a combined trapping effort of 647 trap-nights with a total of 18 independent images of Sun bear recorded between May 2014 and March 2016. Distribution of bear signs per hectare was found to be highest in the Bamboo forest (0.398), owing to large numbers of termite's mounds. The photo capture rate of Sun bear in Dampa Tiger Reserve was found to vary by different habitats with high numbers in degraded forest landscape within the Reserve. The variation was also influenced by the disturbance o...
The breeding population of birds are dynamic and are affected by multiple factors including clima... more The breeding population of birds are dynamic and are affected by multiple factors including climate and local environmental conditions. However, often to understand such relations requires long-term data modelling. Such long-term population data is either lacking or has data gaps. This study demonstrates the use of Multiple Imputation Chained Equation (MICE) to overcome the problem of missing data population census. This is also the first comprehensive study, modelling the 36-year (1980-2015) long-term breeding population data of a near-threatened bird, Painted Stork, from Keoladeo National Park, India. It tests the effect of local water availability, i.e., water released to the park, and regional rainfall, i.e, climatic condition, on the breeding population using Generalised Additive Model (GAM). Both imputation and observed data series-based GAM models identified the local water availability as the most important factor influencing the breeding population of Painted Stork. More th...
Amphibian tadpoles are the key consumers and play an important role in the food chain of aquatic ... more Amphibian tadpoles are the key consumers and play an important role in the food chain of aquatic ecosystems. Understanding the natural diet of tadpoles can help in developing management strategies for them. We characterized the diet of 170 Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis tadpoles collected from 34 sites during rainy seasons (July to October) of 2014 and 2015 in different temporary habitats in and around Similipal Biosphere Reserve, India. After morphometric measurements (total length, body length and body width), the complete intestine of each tadpole was analyzed for food items and quantified based on the numeric frequency (NF %) and frequency of occurrence (FO %). The food spectrum of tadpoles included mostly detritus followed by phytoplanktons (represented by 6 classes and 55 genera). The food items ingested were similar in all the habitats, suggesting that they are non-selective predators that lack an apparent dietary preference, and their diet is mostly dependent on the availability o...
Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) remain the least known bear species in the world. We carri... more Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) remain the least known bear species in the world. We carried out field surveys during 2007 to 2010 to know the status, distribution and conservation status of sun bear and threats in north-eastern states, India. Informal interviews of villagers living in and around protected areas (PAs) were conducted and 79 trails in Arunachal Pradesh, 29 in Mizoram, 23 in Nagaland and 19 in Manipur were walked to collect information on occurrence of sun bear through direct sightings and indirect evidences. During the study period we conducted the household survey through well designed questionnaire format in and around protected areas. We carried out surveys in 278 villages, and out of 2379 respondents, 265 (33.6%), 245 (27.7%), 69 (28.2%) and 165 (35.6%) respondents confirmed the presence of sun bear by direct sighting and indirect evidences in 3 PAs of Arunachal Pradesh, 4 PAs of Mizoram, 2 PAs of Nagaland and 2 PAs of Manipur respectively. We sighted one sun bear in Mizoram and two in Arunachal Pradesh. During the transect survey indirect sign were collected from 1310 sample plots along the 131 transects. While walking on trails, 695, 307 and 183 indirect evidences of sun bear were recorded in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland respectively. Overall status of sun bear was found to be low to medium in and around PAs except Dampa Tiger Reserve and Namdapha Tiger Reserve where its occurrence was relatively high. The potential threats for sun bear were habitat destruction and fragmentation and poaching. Conservation of sun bears should be accorded both International and National priority to deal with poaching for illegal trade of bear body parts. Using new provisions of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, conservation and community reserves could be established by different states to protect sun bear populations both within and outside protected area network. Sun bears are now listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List (Fredriksson et al. 2008). Poaching for bears and their body parts is reaching alarming rates in mainland Southeast Asia (Foley et al. 2011). Monitoring of sun bear population trends in key conservation areas will become the next imperative.
I am ple ase d to inform you that afte r due proce ss of e x pe rt e valuation of your applicatio... more I am ple ase d to inform you that afte r due proce ss of e x pe rt e valuation of your application and on the re com m e ndations of the MHR D-Em powe re d C om m itte e , Unive rsity Grants C om m ission has se le cte d you as the UGC -Dr. D.S. Kothari Post Doctoral Fe llow. The postdoctoral fe llowship (PDF) is te nable for a pe riod of upto 3 ye ars for re se arch in the chose n are a as acce pte d by your Me ntor Prof.
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Papers by Janmejay Sethy