Subject:  WII V Batch MSc dissertation abstracts

Hello!

I recently received a copy of the abstracts of the M.Sc. dissertations of
the V batch of WII students. An interesting range of topics from habitat,
community, pollination, to human ecology, using using field experiments
(fertlise/cut/burn experiments in grasslands of north India and Nepal, and
flower exclusion experiments), quantitative ecology, and social science
approaches.=20

The taxa span hoolock gibbons and monal pheasants, butterflies and birds,
plants and Indian gazelle to, of course, The Deer and the Tiger. In
community ecology, I found the studies by Manoj Nair (butterflies in W
Ghats) and R Jeyapaul (birds in Central India) particularly interesting.=20
The abstracts of all (11) studies are given below for your information.=20

Regards

Shankar Raman


---------------------------------------------------------------------
HABITAT OCCUPANCY BY WILD UNGULATES IN PENCH TIGER RESERVE, MADHYA
PRADESH.=20

BY B. Bhaskar Acharya.

SUPERVISOR: Dr. K. Sankar.

SUMMARY

This study on the habitat occupancy by wild ungulates was carried out from=
=20
November 1996 to April 1997 in the Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh.=20
The spatial and seasonal difference in habitat occupancy of the major=20
forest types by the wild ungulates viz. chital (Axis axis), sambar (Cervus=
=20
unicolor), gaur (Bos gaurus), nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) were=20
assessed.=20

The study area was stratified into three major forest types based on=20
floristics and physiognomy as: Teak dominant forest, Anogeissus-Boswellia=
=20
mixed forest and Miscellaneous forest. A total of 12 transects were laid=20
in three forest types. Data was collected on ungulate densities, dung=20
abundance and habitat parameters. The Line transect Method was used for=20
estimating ungulate densities. Dung abundance was quantified using a belt=
=20
transect, at each 200 m point on the transects. Habitat parameters were=20
also quantified at these points.

The relationship between habitat factors and the distribution of ungulates=
=20
were examined using bivariate and multivariate analyses.=20

The results showed that chital densities were significantly lower in Teak=
=20
dominant forest type in winter, and in the Anogeissus-Boswellia mixed=20
forest type in summer. Both Teak and Miscellaneous forest types showed=20
greater chital densities in summer than in winter. Sambar densities showed=
=20
no significant differences between forest types both in winter and in=20
summer. Anogeissus-Boswellia mixed forest type showed a significant=20
increase in sambar density from winter to summer.

Chital dung abundance showed no significant differences between forest=20
types, both in winter and in summer, while sambar dung abundance in the=20
Anogeissus-Boswellia mixed forest type was significantly higher than other=
=20
forest types in both seasons. There were significant seasonal differences=
=20
in chital dung abundance in all forest types, whereas sambar dung=20
abundance increased only in the miscellaneous forest type.=20

Since most of the habitat variables were interrelated, the variables were=
=20
factorised and then regressed against dung. The regression showed that in=
=20
winter, chital dung was negatively correlated with cover, and positively=20
correlated with grass. Tree factor was positively correlated both in=20
winter and summer. Slope was negatively correlated with chital dung in=20
summer. Grass height, which was significantly higher in winter, was=20
associated with cover only in winter.=20

For sambar, ground cover factor was positively correlated and tree factor=
=20
was negatively correlated in winter. In summer, ground cover, tree factor=
=20
and distance to water source factor were negatively correlated, and slope=
=20
was positively correlated with sambar dung. Sambar dung abundance was=20
higher in the burnt areas, where the grass cover had been totally removed=
=20
by fire.

A maximum variability of about 16% (R=D7=3D0.1659) for sambar dung abundanc=
e,=20
and about 13% (R=D7=3D0.1659) for chital dung abundance, could be explained=
 by=20
the different factors by regressing dung against factors.

-----------------
MOVEMENT PATTERNS OF RADIO TAGGED TIGERS IN PANNA NATIONAL PARK, MADHYA=20
PRADESH

BY ABI TAMIM F. VANAK

SUPERVISOR  DR. R.S. CHUNDAWAT

SUMMARY

I studied the movement patterns and home ranges of two radio tagged tigers=
=20
(an adult male and an adult female with three cubs), in a dry deciduous=20
habitat. The male was radio tracked for five and a half months over two=20
seasons, while the female was tracked for three months during summer. A=20
total of 74 radio locations of the male and 51 locations of the female=20
were obtained. The male had a home range of 237 km=D7 and the female ranged=
=20
over 16 km=D7 of area. Movement patterns of the radio tagged tigers were=20
determined by taking consecutive daily locations and averaging the=20
distance between two successive locations to get a rough  measure of mean=
=20
daily distance travelled.

The structure and composition of a habitat play an important role in the=20
behaviour of all animals including large felids. Habitat parameters and=20
relative prey abundance were measured in grids used by the radio tagged=20
tigers to determine the relationship between tiger use and habitat=20
parameters of that grid.  It was found that the male used areas with=20
higher cattle dung abundance than the female. The female used areas with=20
higher horizontal cover, grass height and chital dung.  A total of 27=20
kills made by tigers were found. Of these, the male killed eight and the=20
female accounted for sixteen and three were made by other tigers. There=20
was a marked difference in the species composition of the kills found made=
=20
by two animals. The female killed more sambar than other wild ungulate=20
species while the male subsisted mainly on livestock. =09While the male=20
occupies a home range half the size of the National Park,  in direct=20
contrast the female's home range which is presently confined to a small=20
area which has a high wild prey abundance and good cover. This restriction=
=20
in movement by the female may be due to her litter of three large cubs.=20
Sustaining them requires a high prey base and therefore she might be=20
confining herself to a resource patch.=20

------------------
ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS OF PRESCRIBED BURNING IN CORBETT TIGER RESERVE.

By: Sonali Ghosh

Supervisor: Dr. Vinod B. Mathur

SUMMARY

This study was aimed at studying the ecological impacts of prescribed=20
burning by evaluating the current practices of  burning being carried out=
=20
in a typical grassland habitat in Corbett Tiger Reserve . The study=20
extended from November 1996 to April 1997. Twenty four experimental plots=
=20
were laid to study the differences in soil and vegetation characteristics,=
=20
with respect to burnt and unburnt areas in short ( Arundinella and=20
Vetiveria type) grasslands and tall (Saccharum-Themeda type) grasslands.

The main objectives  were to determine the impacts of prescribed burning=20
on soil and vegetation characteristics, distribution of animal and birds=20
and to evolve spatial strategies for the management of Hog deer( Cervus=20
porcinus) populations using Remote Sensing and Geographical Information=20
Technology.

T-tests and ANOVA (analysis of  variance) were  applied on the various=20
soil and vegetation parameters to test the differences between the burnt=20
and unburnt areas.

Short grasslands showed significant differences in soil available=20
phosphorus, above ground biomass, crude protein, percentage fibre, ash,=20
elemental potassium and sodium. The general increase in the  soil=20
available phosphorus, above ground biomass,  crude protein and the=20
decrease in the levels of percentage fibre, ash , elemental potassium and=
=20
sodium in the short grassland burnt areas can be generally attributed to=20
the removal of litter and the addition of ash which recycles the minerals=
=20
back into the system.=20

Tall grasslands showed significant differences in case of soil available=20
potassium and acid detergent fibre. Both the parameters decreased in case=
=20
of the burnt areas. The tall grasslands are tussock-forming perennial=20
species which do not get burnt completely. There is not much removal of=20
litter  which perhaps is the important factor for increasing the above=20
ground biomass.  Samples collected from repeatedly clipped and burnt areas=
=20
were tested for crude protein, percentage fibre, ash and lignin. They=20
showed significant differences in case  of percentage fibre. The fibre=20
being the maximum in case of these areas.=20

Below ground biomass  did not show any difference  between the burnt and=20
unburnt areas in short and tall grasslands . The area has had a long fire=
=20
history and the  below ground biomass has perhaps stabilised over the=20
years and hence cannot be detected  in such a short term study.

Direct (road transects) and indirect (pellets) evidences were used to=20
determine the animal and bird distribution with respect to the burning=20
regime. Programme DISTANCE was used to estimate the animal densities while=
=20
 Menhinick=C6s Index was used to calculate the bird species richness ,=20
before and after the date of prescribed burning. The animal densities and=
=20
birds species richness increased  after burning, but this could not be=20
fully attributed to the burning regime. Other parameters such as change of=
=20
seasons, also need to be taken into consideration .

Finally, hog deer suitability map was generated using Remote sensing and=20
Geographical Information  system and the ground data for various=20
ecological parameters.=20
A burning regime separated on a temporal and spatial scale is required for=
=20
sustaining hog deer populations in Corbett Tiger Reserve.

------------------
EFFECTS OF GRAZING, UTILISATION AND MANAGEMENT ON THE GRASSLANDS OF ROYAL=
=20
BARDIA NATIONAL PARK, NEPAL.

Jhamak B. Karki

Supervisor: Dr.Y.V.Jhala=20

SUMMARY

I studied the temporal effect of grass harvest, burning, fertiliser, and=20
grazing, with a factorial experimental design, in three grasslands of=20
Royal Bardia National Park, Nepal. I tested the hypothesis of (i) nutrient=
=20
depletion of grasslands by continuous harvest and burning and (ii)=20
differential use of areas by ungulates that were differentially managed in=
=20
relation to forage quantity and quality.=20

Addition of Di-ammonium phosphate and urea did not result in a significant=
=20
increase in green above ground biomass and forage quality. Cut-burnt plots=
=20
had the highest nutrient quality as indexed by crude protein and lignin.=20
Plots that were only harvested had highest above ground biomass for the=20
first month following harvest, and were more intensively grazed by=20
ungulates during that time. Ungulates preferred to graze cut-burnt and=20
burnt areas more during the second and third month following the=20
treatment. Unmanaged tall grassland areas were also observed to have=20
nutritive and other wildlife values. A management strategy for the=20
grasslands of Bardia based on the above results is suggested.

I compared the community structure, nutritive quality and above ground=20
biomass  of "grazing lawns" (patches of short grass communities), with=20
neighbouring grasslands. Grazing lawns differed form neighbouring=20
grasslands in species composition and community structure. A 50 day=20
grazing free environment made areas of grazing lawns indistinguishable=20
from neighbouring grasslands in terms of above ground biomass. Grazing=20
lawns had more nutritive forage in terms of digestibility and crude=20
protein content. Sodium, magnesium and phosphorus were found to be below=20
the critical requirements of ungulates. These minerals were found in=20
higher concentrations in forages from grazing lawns. Grazing lawns seem to=
=20
be maintained by continuous grazing and enriched by deposition of urine,=20
dung and by certain plant species not found elsewhere in the neighbouring=
=20
grasslands.    =20

---------------------
POLLINATOR VISITATION AND REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS IN TWO SPECIES OF MANGROVE=
=20
PLANTS, IN BHITARKANIKA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, ORISSA.

by Shalini Pandit under the supervision of  B.C.Choudhury

SUMMARY

Visitation patterns to the flowers of Sonneratia caseolaris and Aegiceras=
=20
corniculatum were investigated between December 1996 and April 1997, in=20
the mangrove forests of Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Orissa. The=20
objectives of the study were to determine the pollination effectiveness of=
=20
the different categories of visitors by quantifying their rate of=20
visitation. The effect of environmental variables on visitation was=20
examined, and the importance of the visitors to the reproductive success=20
of the plant was investigated by conducting exclusion experiments (i.e.,=20
bagging flowers to prevent visitation). Nectar was analysed for volume and=
=20
sucrose content in S. caseolaris, and the impact of predation on the=20
reproductive success of the plant was examined.=20

The results of the study indicated that the flowers of both plant species=
=20
attracted a wide array of visitors and did not show a specialised=20
relationship with any one visitor species/category. Different categories=20
of visitors were seen to vary in their pollination effectiveness for the=20
two plant species. Environmental variables such as temperature, sun=20
intensity and wind velocity were seen to influence the visitation of=20
Lepidoptera to the greatest extent, and Hymenoptera to a lesser extent.=20
Visitation by birds was found to be independent of the environment=20
variables. The territorial behaviour of purple-rumped sunbirds at the S.=20
caseolaris site was seen to reduce visitation of other birds and of bees=20
to the flowers of this species.=20

Results of the bagging set-ups indicated that there was no difference in=20
the pollinator effectiveness of the nocturnal and diurnal visitors.=20
Reproductive success was not pollinator-limited in either of the two plant=
=20
species. In S. caseolaris, predation pressure was the single most=20
important factor limiting fruit-set, while in A. corniculatum, fruit-set=20
is probably resource-limited. =20

--------------
IMPACT OF TEAK PLANTATIONS ON FOREST BUTTERFLY COMMUNITIES IN=20
PARAMBIKULAM, SOUTHERN WESTERN GHATS, KERALA.

MANOJ.V.NAIR

SUPERVISOR : DR. A.J.T. JOHNSINGH=20

I studied butterfly communities in natural and man-modified habitats at=20
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, from December 1996 to April 1997=
=20
to understand the impact of a long history of habitat conversion on forest=
=20
butterfly communities. Community attributes were investigated in evergreen=
=20
and moist-deciduous forests (EGF and MDF respectively, together comprising=
=20
natural habitats) and a gradient of teak plantations (TKPs) of different=20
ages (14,30,54 and 74 year old TKPs, together comprising altered=20
habitats). Regular line transect and time-effort methods showed that=20
butterfly species richness, abundance and diversity were significantly=20
higher in evergreen forests. Interestingly, moist-deciduous forest was=20
found to be poorer in all these attributes, when compared to the two=20
younger TKPs. In an overall teak age gradient,the trend showed a clear=20
negative correlation of all community attributes with increasing age of=20
teak  (14 > 30 > 54 > 74). The two younger plantations, particularly the=20
14 year old one, were untended ones with good secondary growth, and were=20
ecologically and structurally more akin to natural forests than to=20
classical monocultures, and was probably the reason for the high levels of=
=20
richness and diversity.=20

A drastic seasonal shift in butterfly abundance and consequent  changes in=
=20
community composition was observed across cool and dry seasons in both=20
natural and modified habitats. In all strata except EGF,abundance and=20
species richness were significantly higher in the cool season than dry=20
season, while EGF showed exactly an opposite pattern. It seems that flower=
=20
abundance might be playing an important role in determining butterfly=20
abundances and showed high correlation  with butterfly abundance and=20
richness in all strata. Among the TKPs, mean and cumulative plant species=
=20
richness was also negatively correlated with the age of the plantation.  =
=20
 =20

Small scale adult movement was observed within and between spatially=20
proximate habitats across seasons. Data from transects, supplemented by ad=
=20
libitum observations seem to indicate that there is a movement of=20
generalist open-country species from MDF and TKPs to EGF during the dry=20
season, while there may be a reverse movement of specialist evergreen=20
species towards other habitats during cool season and brief spells of cool=
=20
weather following rains. An analysis of guilds showed that EGF fares much=
=20
better vis a vis other strata. Unique species, habitat specialists,=20
uncommon and rare species and endemic species are all higher in, and in=20
some cases restricted, to EGF.=20

To sum up, habitat conversion from natural forests to TKPs has definitely=
=20
had a negative influence on forest butterfly communities. It is likely=20
that generalist species of natural forests, particularly MDF might not=20
have been impacted much; perhaps in some cases, even benefitted. Evergreen=
=20
species, on the other hand seem to have taken the brunt of habitat=20
alteration. EGFs assume highest conservation priority, when viewed with=20
regard to communities, guilds or individual species. Old growth TKPs with=
=20
a long history of successive silvicultural practices,though structurally=20
similar to natural forests, support very poor levels of butterfly=20
diversity. Younger untended ones, in contrast is significantly richer,=20
albeit composed largely of generalist species. This implies that phasing=20
out of some old plantations along with active intervention in others,=20
might help in supporting higher levels of butterfly diversity. However, it=
=20
is highly unlikely that levels of diversity similar to natural forests=20
(EGF in particular), can ever be supported by managed forests.It thus=20
follows that, if we are to conserve the available range of butterfly=20
diversity in the Western Ghats, conserving natural vegetation, in=20
particular, wet evergreen forests is a critical pre-requisite.=20


---------------
FOOD HABITS AND FORAGING BEHAVIOUR OF INDIAN GAZELLE (GAZELLA BENNETI) IN=
=20
RAJASTHAN DESERT.

BY: GANESH KODOTH

SUPERVISOR: DR. S.P. GOYAL

SUMMARY

The Indian gazelle inhabiting  the arid regions is studied with  respect=20
to their food habits and foraging behaviour. In arid areas  the selection=
=20
of a habitat by an animal is mostly governed by spatial and temporal=20
distribution and abundance of food items and the food requirements of that=
=20
species. This becomes critical especially in an semi-agricultural=20
landscape where the ecosystem is altered without any consideration for the=
=20
animal. The study was conducted in a habitat close to human habitation=20
around Jodhpur after the harvest. This area is dominated by desert=20
vegetation such as Crotalaria burhia. The study is conducted  for a period=
=20
of six months encompassing two seasons- winter (December 15, 1996 -=20
February 20, 1997) and summer (March 20, 1997 - May 10, 1997).

The intensive study area was differentiated into six habitat types based=20
on the structural and floristic composition of the vegetation-viz, crop=20
fields, fallow lands, scrub area dominated by Zizyphus, and hedges of=20
Maytenus-Capparis-Zizyphus among the agricultural fields.  Differential=20
habitat selection by gazelle  was observed during summer and winter mainly=
=20
due to selection of diet based on seasonal nutritional requirements.

Diet selection is looked in terms of use-availability and plant chemistry.=
=20
 Based on a relative preference ratio,  the habitat and food types were=20
ranked, and the observed trends are explained in terms of the existing=20
theories on diet selection. Diet composition  varies with the age and sex=
=20
classes of the animal viz. breeding males, sub-adult males and adult=20
females. In winter and summer differences in habitat use was exhibited by=
=20
gazelle, also there was a difference in proportion of  the food species in=
=20
the diet between  two seasons. The scrub area was dominated by vegetation=
=20
having higher crude protein and tannin, was used more than available in=20
order to supplement their diet  (especially in the case of females) and in=
=20
summer the crop fields dominated by Crotelaria burhia were used more by=20
all categories of animals. Females fed on a high protein and less tannin=20
diets which is pronounced in winter, sub-adults also fed on a diet having=
=20
higher protein and tannin, while males were not biased towards a high=20
quality food both in winter and summer.  These differences were influenced=
=20
by the spatial distribution, of food species, plant chemistry , and the=20
differential use of food species among different age and sex classes=20
during  the two seasons. Protein and tannins along with moisture seem to=20
govern diet selection rather than just being a function of availability=20
during winter and summer. Spatial distribution of food plants along the=20
habitat types (in the current land-use pattern) does influence habitat use=
=20
by gazelle. Selection and proportion of the time spent on food species=20
during summer and winter  suggest that Indian gazelle is  a browser.=20

--------------
WINTER HABITAT USE BY MONAL PHEASANT (LOPHOPHORUS IMPEJANUS) IN KEDARNATH=
=20
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, WESTERN HIMALAYA.

BY: R. Suresh Kumar.

Supervisors: Dr. G. S. Rawat & Dr. S. Sathyakumar.

SUMMARY

I studied the winter habitat use by Monal pheasant (Lophophorus=20
impejanus), in Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Himalaya, from=20
November 1996 to April 1997. The study period included three seasons:=20
autumn (November-December), winter (January-February-March), and spring=20
(April). The objectives of the study were to quantify availability and=20
utilization of the different habitats, which were named after prominent=20
vegetation types in the three seasons, identify habitat variables=20
influencing monal habitat use, and determine the sex ratio, group size and=
=20
group composition of monal. Existing trails and transects (eight in=20
number) were used to quantify the above mentioned parameters.

Eight different vegetation types were identified in the study area. They=20
are : Oak-Rhododendron Forest (ORF), Oak-Rhododendron Degraded forest=20
(ORD), Oak-Rhododendron-Lyonia (ORL), Maple-Oak-Rhododendron forest (MOR),=
=20
Fir forest (FIR), Scattered Tree and Scrub (STS), Alpine Scrub (AS),=20
Alpine Meadows and Rocks (AMR), and a separate category `cliffs'. During=20
the entire study period monal showed preference for ORF. Within this=20
vegetation type, they were seen mostly close to the streams. Most of the=20
monal sightings (66.7%) during autumn were between 2900 m and 3200 m=20
altitudes. Monal showed movement to slightly lower altitudes (to 2800 m)=20
during peak winter. During late March, the snow had started to melt and a=
=20
gradual movement of monal to higher altitudes was noticed.

Monal showed strong preference for dense ORF with high litter cover during=
=20
autumn and winter. At the onset of spring, there was a shift in the=20
habitat use and they showed preference for cliffs. The males used such=20
areas for displaying to the females. Other habitat variables such as=20
bamboo cover, canopy cover, and presence of snow played an important role=
=20
in the choice of habitat by monal.

The mean group size did not vary significantly across the seasons. During=
=20
autumn, male and female monal were in loose groups i.e., females had=20
tendency to form small groups, whereas males remained more or less=20
solitary. After the first snow, distinct group formations were seen. The=20
groups were categorised into an all-male group of seven or eight=20
individuals, all-female groups of 10 to 12 individuals, mixed groups, and=
=20
solitary males. The females remained in groups throughout the study=20
period, while the males remained in  groups only for a short span and only=
=20
during peak winter. Monal started to move to the higher reaches during=20
late March, and from then on, solitary males were quite often encountered.

---------------
A STUDY ON BIRD COMMUNITIES-HABITAT STRUCTURE RELATIONSHIPS IN PENCH=20
NATIONAL PARK, M.P.

BY : R.JAYAPAL

SUPERVISOR : Mr. QAMAR QURESHI

SUMMARY

There has been a number of studies on bird communities and their=20
relationships with habitat features of floristics and physiognomy. In=20
particular, the spatial distribution of bird communities along the axis of=
=20
structural variables of a habitat has received a wider attention in the=20
light of recent findings on landscape behaviour.=20

Most of these works relate to either temperate or neotropical forests and=
=20
our knowledge of community dynamics of tropical deciduous forests is very=
=20
limited, for there has been hardly any comprehensive study in the tropics.=
=20
The present study was done in the deciduous forests of the Pench National=
=20
Park, Central India (M.P) between November, 1996 and April, 1997 covering=
=20
winter (November,1996-January,1997) and summer (March,1997-April,1997).

Seven distinct habitat types were identified for the study based on=20
floristic and structural diversity. Seasonal data on 27 habitat structural=
=20
variables were collected from bird-centred sampling plots. Point-count=20
census technique was employed to study the bird population.

Principal Components Analysis (PCA) was used to determine the patterns of=
=20
inter-relationships among the habitat structural variables. Canonical=20
Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was done to understand the relationships of=
=20
habitat components to the distribution of bird communities.=20

For guild analysis, two different sets of criteria were used to identify=20
the guilds among the bird populations viz., food type and foraging=20
behaviour. Twelve guilds were recognized based on the food type and, six=20
among the insectivores with respect to foraging behaviour.

The results of the PCA showed that habitat structural variables of=20
tropical deciduous forests have a marked pattern of inter-relationships on=
=20
two axes of landscape behaviour, viz., heterogeneity and complexity. But=20
they failed to reveal any such segregation vis-a-vis bird community=20
structure, as the scale of measurement did not address all the members of=
=20
the community. The spatial distribution pattern of bird communities in=20
relation to habitat architecture was shown by CCA to be not very=20
tenacious; the interactions of other extraneous factors like floristics,=20
habitat dynamics, phenophases of vegetation, disturbance, or interactions=
=20
within the community may influence the habitat selection process.

There was no linear correlation observed between Foliage Height Diversity=
=20
and Bird Species Diversity; possible explanations and alternative views=20
have been discussed briefly.=20

The response of bird communities to floristics was found to be=20
inconsistent across habitat types as positive linear relationship was=20
detected only for  Teak-dominant forests in winter, and for=20
Anogeissus-Boswellia forests and Cleistanthus collinus woodland in summer.

Guild compositions of various habitat types were not found to be=20
significantly different from each other though the seasonal change was=20
consistent across all the habitats.


-------------
EXTRACTION OF NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCE FROM SELECTED TREE SPECIES IN=20
BETUL FOREST DIVISION AND ITS IMPACTS ON THE POPULATION STRUCTURE OF THESE=
=20
SPECIES.

BY: ANUPAMA KOLIYAL

SUPERVISORS:  MR. V.B. SAWARKAR & DR. P.K. MATHUR

SUMMARY

This study, carried out from November 1996 to May 1997 in North Betul=20
Forest Division (NBFD), aimed to investigate the impacts of NTFP=20
collection on the population structure of three extracted species namely,=
=20
Buchanania lanzan, Emblica officinalis and Madhuca indica.  Population=20
structure, particularly the proportion of the younger recruitment classes=
=20
in the extracted site, was compared to that in Satpura National Park, an=20
ecologically similar but undisturbed area, a perfect natural `control'=20
site.  Regeneration of all three were negligible in the harvested site=20
when compared to that in the unharvested site.  Interestingly, Timber=20
Forest Products, viz. Tectona grandis, Bauhinia racemosa, and Chloroxylon=
=20
sweitenia, which are harvested for parts other than the fruit/seed, showed=
=20
good regeneration in both sites.  =20

The second component of the study viz. the socio-economic investigation of=
=20
the dependent people showed that they ranked other occupations like Forest=
=20
Department jobs and agriculture above NTFP collection and realised that=20
collection had a negative impact on the forests. It seems that it is only=
=20
the want of other income generating opportunities that forces them to=20
continue extraction. Again this offers scope for conservation measures to=
=20
be implemented. Though a short study like this is limited in its scope for=
=20
providing long-term solutions, it clearly demonstrates that NTFP=20
collection, particularly of Buchanania lanzan, Emblica officinalis and=20
Madhuca indica in dry deciduous forests of central India does have a=20
significant impact on the forests in general and these species in=20
particular.

--------------
FOOD SELECTION AND RANGING IN HOOLOCK GIBBON (Hylobates hoolock Harlan=20
1834) IN BORAJAN RESERVED FOREST, ASSAM

BY KASHMIRA KAKATI

SUPERVISOR - DR. S.SATHYAKUMAR

SUMMARY=09

This study on food selection and ranging in the hoolock gibbon (Hylobates=
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hoolock Harlan 1834) was carried out between December 1996 and April 1997=
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in Borajan Reserved Forest, a disturbed and fragmented patch of remnant=20
tropical evergreen forest in Upper Assam. =09

The hoolock gibbon is a primarily frugivorous species, confined to=20
evergreen closed-canopy forests of north-east India, Bangladesh and Burma.=
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This ape is highly endangered in its entire range. Threats to the=20
continued existence of the hoolock are from large-scale destruction of its=
=20
habitat and hunting.=20

Two troops of gibbons were followed intensively for four months and=20
behavioural data was collected by continuous focal animal sampling. Data=20
was also collected ad libitum on a third troop. Data on the structural=20
components of the vegetation and on the availability of food resources in=
=20
the intensive study area was collected systematically.  =09

The results of the study showed that food availability influenced the=20
diet, movement patterns, home range sizes and behaviour of hoolock=20
gibbons. Gibbons were selective in their diet using only 42 species of=20
trees and vines out of more than 200 species present. Figs constituted=20
important keystone resources for the gibbons. In months of low fruit=20
availability the gibbons had a predominantly folivorous diet. Home ranges=
=20
were small (10.4 ha and 5.4 ha) and habitat degradation represented the=20
greatest threat to the gibbons in Borajan RF.
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