Browsing by Author "Nameer, P O"

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Behavioural ecology of selected deer species in captivity - a case study at Thrissur zoo
(Department of WildlifeScience, College of Forestry, Thrissur, 2007) Prakash, R; Nameer, P O
The present study was undertaken with the main objective of generating information on behavioural pattern of selected deer species in captivity, to assess the nutritional value of feed given to the deer, to do a critical evaluation of deer enclosures, to study the texture, shape and size of the faecal matter and to analyze the behaviour and activities of visitors and zookeepers towards animals in the zoo. The study was conducted on the three deer species viz., Hog deer, Sambar and Spotted deer in captivity at Thrissur zoo during the period September 2002 to April 2003. It was observed from the study that all deer species adapted very well to changing conditions. During the study period deer spent more time for resting followed by feeding and they engaged less time in other active behaviour patterns (walking, running, playing, fighting, mating etc.). With reference to activity pattern, resting and feeding/moving showed alternative with proportional intensities. It is well established fact that the living condition of the deer in these zoos are far from comparison to their natural habitat. Food, herd size, competition, nearest neighbour relationship etc., are strikingly different from the deer which are found in natural habitat. Inspite of all adversities all deer species have learnt to adapt amazingly to changing conditions and survive fantastically. The physiological activities of their lives, such as antler casting, rutting, mating, gestation and delivery remain unchanged. The proximate analysis of the feed provided to the deer revealed that feed that is grass or leaves contain 79-82 per cent moisture, 7-9 per cent protein and 10-11 per cent ash and concentrate feed contain 11-80 per cent moisture, 14-18 per cent crude protein and 5-24 per cent ash. The area of enclosure which is provided to the deer are evaluated according to the recommendations of the CZA guidelines. The result shows that the area provided is very less and due to which it may affect the behaviour of deer in captivity. This may be the one of the reason for this Thrissur zoo not recognised by the Central Zoo Authority of India. In sambar pellets are found in groups. The sambar has the biggest sized pellets compared to other deer species in this study. The observations on defecation habits of the spotted deer and hog deer indicated that they had diffuse type of defecation spread all over the enclosure and so no quantitative data could be recorded in this study.
Bird community structure in the sacred groves of northern kerala
(Department of Wildlife Sciences, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2014) Mandan Jyothi Krishnan; Nameer, P O
A study on the ‘Bird community structure in the sacred groves of northern Kerala’ was carried out during 2011-2014. Fifteen sacred groves, eight from Kannur and seven from Kasargod districts were selected for the study. The bird community was studied at each of these sacred groves. The bird study was done for three hours from 7h to 11h and 15h to 18h in each of the fifteen sacred groves. The study was repeated once in every two months in each of the sacred groves between March 2012 to December 2013. Thus a total of 168 visits and 1008 h of field work is done during the study period. The bird diversity was then correlated with various variables such as the size of the sacred grove, distance of the sacred grove to the nearest forest, altitude of the area and tree density. Tree diversity in the sacred groves was also studied and was correlated to bird diversity. Ten quadrats of 10x10m were taken in each of the sacred groves and trees having more than 10 cm girth was selected and GBH and height was measured. Socio-economic study was undertaken to know the awareness about the birds of the sacred grove and the perception about the significance of sacred grove among villagers. Ten respondents from each of the sacred groves were interviewed. A total of 111 bird species, belonging to 15 orders, 47 families and 90 genera were recorded from the sacred groves of northern Kerala. The species richness per sacred grove ranged from maximum of 55 to minimum 23. And the number of individuals of birds per sacred grove ranged from 576 to 203 birds. The bird diversity was highest in the Cheemeni Kavu, while the bird species richness was highest in the Verikkara Kavu. Sacred groves of northern Kerala supported 86.48 per cent of resident birds and 14.52 per cent of migratory birds. Twenty five percent of the birds found in the sacred groves were found to be forest-dependent birds. Two species of birds that are endemic to Western Ghats viz., Malabar Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros griseus) and Rufous Babbler (Turdoides subrufa) were recorded from sacred groves of northern Kerala. The bird community of the Kammadam Kavu and Thazhe Kavu was found to be distinct among the 15 sacred groves studied using the Correspondence analysis. Dendrogram based on Bray-Curtis similarity matrix identified broadly three clusters viz. Karaka Kavu to Cheemeni Kavu, Edapara Kavu to Kuduvakolangara Kavu and Thazhe Kavu to Kammadam Kavu. The numbers of endemic birds were found to be greatly influenced by the extent of the sacred grove. However number of forest birds was influenced by the altitude and tree density. A total of 130 tree species were reported from the sacred groves of northern Kerala. 14 species of trees were endemic to Western Ghats and seven were threatened, this includes one Critically Endangered (Vateria indica) and four Endangered (Hopea ponga, Hopea parviflora and Chionanthus mala-elengi, Evodia lunu-anekanda) and two Vulnerable tree (Cinnamomum perrottetii, Santalum album) species. Respondents in the sacred groves of northern Kerala had medium awareness about the birds and perception about the significance of the sacred groves of northern Kerala. Awareness was found to be influenced by caste, gender, education, knowledge about bird diversity in sacred grove and understanding the beneficial effect by birds among the respondents. The perception was influenced by occupation of the respondent, knowledge about bird diversity in sacred grove and understanding of beneficial effect by birds among the respondents. Important threats faced by sacred groves in northern Kerala were encroachment, degradation of vegetation in the sacred grove, dumping of waste into the sacred groves, deposition of solid waste through contaminated water, passages within the sacred grove, use of sacred grove for anti-social activities like for consumption of liquor, playing cards etc, and various construction activities taking places in some of the sacred groves. The Government should step in and take some bold initiatives for the conservation of the sacred groves. Incentives should be provided for the owners of the sacred groves for preserving these important biodiversity repositories outside the reserved forests and protected areas. Restoration planting should be taken up in the degraded sacred groves with community participation.
Comparison of feeding ecology of two endemic species of langurs, Himalayan grey langur (Semnopithecus ajax) and tufted grey langur(Semnopithecus priam)
(Department of Wildlife Sciences, College of Forestry,Vellanikara, 2019) Aakib Hussain Paul; Nameer, P O
A field study was conducted to study the feeding ecology of two endemic species of the langurs viz., the Himalayan grey langur (Semnopithecus ajax) and Tufted grey langur (Semnopithecus priam). The study was conducted from August 2018 to April 2019 in Dachigam National Park, Srinagar and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala. The Himalayan grey langur showed typical preference towards a particular feeding item during different seasons. Although the Himalayan grey langur is folivorous yet consumes a variety of food items such as fruits, roots, flowers, buds, bark and twigs. The Himalayan grey langur spent a considerable amount of time in searching and feeding of insects to maintain the ionic balance. The overall maximum feeding was reported in case of Rosa webbiana (9.54 %), followed by Populas deltiodes (8.11 %), Salix alba (7.63 %), Hedera nepalensis (7.63 %) and Aseculas indica (6.9 %). Rosaceae family was most preferred followed by Salicaceae. The most preferred food item was leaves (27.18 %) followed by fruits (22.75 %) and seeds (10.49 %). Average height of feeding was reported to be 5.68 m, which was maximum, in case of Aseculas indica and Pinus wallichiana (11 m), followed by Ulmus villosa (9.8 m) and Ulmus wallichiana (9.7 m). The Tufted grey langur was reported to be feeding on 12 tree species belonging to seven different families. The maximum duration of feeding in case of Anogeissus latifolia and Samanea saman (18.87 %) followed Dalbergia lanceolaria and Gmelia tillifolia (9.43 %), Terminalia bellarica (7.55 %). The Tufted grey langur diet mainly comprised of leaves, twigs and fruits. The leaves comprised of 60.38 %, twigs 20.75 % and fruits 18.87 %. The average height of feeding was 8.8 m, which was maximum in case of Hydnocarpus pentandra (12 m) followed by T. bellarica (10.5 m). The Himalayan grey langur spent maximum time in feeding followed by resting and grooming. The Himalayan grey langur spent 41 % of the time budget activity on feeding, followed by moving (21 %), resting (16%) and grooming (15%). Vegetation studies using quadrant survey showed a total of 26 species belonging to 16 different families. The species such as P. wallichiana, P. jacquemontiana, Q. robur and M. alba as dominant. The IVI was computed to show quantitative relationship among vegetation and highlight the importance of trees. The IVI values show that most important family of trees is Panacea, Hamamelidaceae, Ulmeace, Fagaceae, Cannabeacae and Rosaceae. Although major population areas of S. ajax and S. priam are protected areas yet special efforts are required for conservation of these valuable species which have been categorized as ‘Endangered’ and Near threatened’ by IUCN.
Diversity and abundance of herpectofauna in kole wetlands, Thrissur
(Department of Wildlife Sciences, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2011) Sreehari, V S; Nameer, P O
Kole wetland is an internationally important Ramsar site, an Important Bird Area and a High Value Biodiversity Area. The wetland diversity is not fully assessed in our country. Herpetofauna including the amphibians and reptiles are one of the least studied groups of animals in India as well as in Kerala. In this study, an attempt was made to understand the diversity and abundance of herpetofauna in the Kole Wetlands, which is the first ever study on the herpetofauna of the Kole wetlands. The study was mainly concentrated in four locations of Kole Wetlands viz. Adat, Enamavu, Thommana and Maranchery. The study period was divided into two seasons as wet season (June to October) and dry season (November to May) in 2011 and the difference in the population was compared. Visual encounter survey was the method to study the hepetofauna. A total of 12 species of herpetofauna was recorded in the study period which includes seven species of amphibians and five species of reptiles. Among the amphibians, Hoplobatrachus tigerinus was the most abundant and frequently seen species in the Kole Wetlands and among the reptiles, Xenochrophis piscator was the most abundant in the Kole Wetlands. Two endemic species of amphibians Hylarana malabarica which is endemic to Western Ghats and Hylarana aurantiaca which is endemic to Sri Lanka and Western Ghats was reported in the study. The maximum number of species was recorded from Enamavu and Thommana. The mortality observations showed that road kill is a serious problem for the amphibians at Kole wetlands and habitat destruction as well as poaching is also negatively affecting the populations of herpetofauna at Kole wetlands. Strict conservation measures including the non-construction of any more new roads at Kole wetlands, checking the land use or habitat conversion and strict enforcement of law against poaching could only save the herpetofauna of this internationally important wetland habitat- the Kole wetlands.
Diversity of bats in Peechi-Vazhani wildlife sanctuary, Western ghats, Kerala
(Department of Wildlife Science, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2005) Radhakrishnan, S R; Nameer, P O
Bats though constitute the largest mammalian order in India; very little studies have been done on them. This has resulted in a gap in our knowledge about the very basic information about the distribution pattern and status of these mammals. This is true for the bats of Kerala also. The present study to generate information on diversity of bats in Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary was carried out during the period May 2002 to April 2003. A total of 384 mist net hours were spent, out of which 307 mist net hours in moist deciduous and 77 mist net hours in evergreen habitats, in accordance with the proportional area under the two habitats in the sanctuary. The result of the study revealed that during the study period a total of 184 individuals of bats were collected through mist netting from Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary. 18 bat species belonging to four families were obtained. This constitutes about 58.07 per cent of the bat species in Kerala and 15.93 per cent of the total bat species in India. The bat families identified were Pteropodidae, Megadermatidae, Rhinolophidae and Vespertilionidae. All the four species of the Kerala fruit bats (Pteropodidae) were recorded from Peechi-Vazahni Wildlife Sanctuary. So also, both the species of the False Vampire bats (Megadermatidae) present in Kerala were also obtained from the study area. Of the other families maximum number of species (seven) was obtained for Vespertilionidae followed by Rhinolophidae (five). Out of the twenty locations selected for the study, Cynopterus sphinx and Rhinolophus rouxii were found in nine locations each. Maximum number of species representing all the four families was recorded during the present study from premises of Peechi dam (eight) which is a moist deciduous area. Maximum numbers of individuals were obtained from another moist deciduous habitat, Thamaravellachal and were belonging to three different families. The species obtained were Cynopterus sphinx (Pteropodiade), Rhinolophus rouxii (Rhinolophidae), Rhinolophus fulvus (Rhinolophidae) and Megaderma spasma (Megadermatidae). Cynopterus sphinx was found to be the most abundant species in the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary followed by Rhinolophus rouxii, Megaderma spasma, Hipposideros speoris and Rousettus leschenaulti. The bat species Pipistrellus ceylonicus, Pipistrellus affinis, Pipistrellus coromandra, and Kerivoula picta were showing the minimum abundance (1). The analysis of the data revealed that there is no significant variation in bat diversity between the two habitats in Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary. Even though there was no significant difference between the two habitats, a close perusal of the data showed that maximum number of species was obtained from moist-deciduous habitat (15). Moist deciduous habitat recorded 166 individuals. Evergreen habitat recorded 18 individuals in six species. Among the 18 species recorded from the sanctuary, Pipistrellus affinis and Rhinolophus rouxii are near threatened species as per the IUCN criteria. The remaining sixteen species are coming under the category least concern. Rhinolophus rouxii is the second most abundant species in the sanctuary. Hipposideros speoris is endemic to south Asia. Small mammals with smaller area requirements would have been the last one to be affected due to the changes in the landscape and habitat degradation. Smaller mammals are susceptible to the alterations in the habitat and thus could be a good indicator of the habitat health. The development of comprehensive inventories of key vertebrate taxa such as bats derived from a combination of several standardized sampling procedures is essential to develop meaningful, conservation oriented plans for land use and management for protected areas. Conservation strategies may be improved if information on species abundance pattern is taken into account.
DNA barcoding of the insectivorous bats of Parambikulam tiger reserve western ghats, Kerala
(Department of Wildlife Science, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2013) Parvathy Venugopal; Nameer, P O
Ecology and feeding behaviour of sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) in Parambikulam tiger reserve Kerala
(Department of Wildlife Science, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2013) Sajeer, K V; Nameer, P O
Ecology of the birds of the high altitude grassland-shola forests
(College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2001) Radhakrishnan, P; Nameer, P O
The shola forests are unique montane vegetation occupying temperate habitats in tropical latitudes and are regarded as relict communities. These forests are high altitude gallery forests restricted to valleys, depressions and especially along folds of hills and watercourses. The shola-grassland ecosystem is unique vegetation type found in Western Ghats. Unfortunately very few studies have been conducted on the fauna and flora of this unique ecosystem, particularly avifauna. A study was conducted to give some insight into the birds of the shola-grassland ecosystem and their association with the vegetation of the high altitude area. The study was conducted at the Mannavan Shola of the Marayur range, Munnar division Kerala (10° 10' to 10° 12' N latitudes and 77° 09' to 77° 12' E longitudes), which is the largest shola forest area of the Kerala State. Two study sites were identified in the study area, such as "Shola upper" and "Shola lower". The distance sampling method was used in equidistant points identified at each study sites in a 1000 m transect and the points were periodically monitored. Apart from the birds the vegetation structure of the study location was also studied to understand whether there is any relationship occur between the birds and the vegetation. Total of 41 species in 8 orders and 17 families have been reported from the Mannavan Shola. This includes 26 species of resident birds, out of which 8 are endemic to Western Ghats, and 7 species that are long distance migrants. The different measures like the richness, the and the diversity indices, difference. evenness locations shown any significant the two study The similarity indices worked out were also shown that the both sites are much similar. It was also found that the most abundant bird species were the denser species also. The correlation study shown that, bird species richness, bird diversity and bird density correlated negatively with different structural parameters of the vegetation. Another notable observation was that the high altitude grassland dependant species were totally absent from the study sites. This could be owing to the conversion of the grasslands in the study site to wattle plantation.
Ecology of the lesser known mammals of Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary
(Department of Wildlife Sciences,College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2010) Malik Fasil, M; Nameer, P O
Studying the lesser known mammals such as the small carnivores, rodents, insectivores and bats is always a challenging one for the wildlife researchers because these mammals are nocturnal or crepuscular, small bodied and inhabit inaccessible areas. This makes these groups of mammals least studied and hence less information is available regarding their ecology, behaviour and habits. In this study, an attempt was made to understand the ecology of the lesser known mammals of Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary. The techniques employed include line transect survey for direct and indirect evidences, camera trapping, Sherman trapping for rodents and insectivores, and mistnet for bats. A total of 240 kilometres transect walk, 270 camera-trap nights, 5000 Sherman trap-nights and 80 hours of mistnet were carried out in the sanctuary. A total of 22 species belonging to 10 families of lesser known mammals studied were recorded from the sanctuary. These include six species of small carnivores, eight species of rodents and eight species of bats. Small carnivores include two civets, two mongooses, one otter and one small cat. Rodents recorded include four species of squirrels, three species of rats and the Porcupine. Similarly, the bats studied include three species of fruit bats and five species of insectivorous bats. Among the small carnivores civets were abundant followed by mongoose. Ratufa indica and Rattus rattus wroughtoni were the abundant species of squirrels and rats respectively among the rodents. Rhinolophus rouxii was the abundant species of bats in the sanctuary. Herpestes vitticollis, Petaurista philippensis, Cremnomys blanfordi and Hipposideros ater were observed only in the moist deciduous forests whereas Millardia meltada, Cynopterus sphinx, Hipposideros speoris, Cynopterus brachyotis and Rhinolophus beddomei were observed only in the semi-evergreen forests. All other species recorded were habitat generalists observed in both the moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests. Small mammals with smaller area requirements would have been the last one to be affected due to the changes in the landscape and habitat degradation. Smaller mammals are susceptible to the alterations in the habitat and thus could be a good indicator of the habitat health. Conservation strategies may be improved if information on species ecology is taken into account.
Economic valuation of ecosystem services: A case study of kole wetlands, Ramsar site
(Department of wildlife sciences, College of Forestry,Vellanikkara, 2021) Neha Tamhankar; Nameer, P O
Wetlands are one of the most productive ecosystems on the planet, equivalent to tropical evergreen forests, and they play an important role in ecological sustainability. The quality and extent of these wetlands are rapidly deteriorating. The purpose of our study, was to determine the services offered by the wetland as regarded by stakeholders and to quantify the economic value for various ecosystem services. It was held in one of most important wetland systems in Kerala, the Kole wetlands, which has been designated as a Ramsar site. The data used in this study was collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data respondents were chosen using a multistage random sampling method (200 samples), and data was collected using a personal interview method with a pretested organised schedule. The obtained data was analysed by using market value approach, travel cost method, replacement cost method, benefit transfer method, and contingent valuation method. The farmers involved in paddy farming, fishing activities, lotus farming, and those leasing land for duck rearing are the stakeholders relying on the Kole wetlands. Another key economic activity in the Kole wetlands is tourism, accounting additional income to the farmers. Flood storage, groundwater recharge, and carbon sequestration are some of the additional indirect benefits. The relevance of wetland ecosystem services was recognised by the respondents. Crop raiding by birds, pollution, floods, and poor wetland management are important issues that the farmers have facing at Kole wetlands. The Total Economic Value (TEV) of the system is composed of direct use value, indirect use value and non-use value. The level of income generated by wetland-related activities was used to calculate the direct use value of the wetland. Paddy cultivation worth Rs. 126 crores per year, highlighted as most important service provided by the Kole wetland. It has a direct usage value of Rs. 148 crores and the flood storage function of Rs. 187 crores, whereas the groundwater recharge function is worth Rs. 9.9 crores per annum. It has a non-use value of Rs. 7.3 crores. According to the findings, wetland ecosystem services have an estimated economic worth of Rs. 390 crores per year which highlights its enormous importance. The findings of the study can be used to construct a socially acceptable management strategy for the conservation of long-term viability of Kole wetland.
Ecophysiological studies in disturbed forest ecosystem: a case study at Pattikkad
(College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 1993) Nameer, P O; Asokan, P K
Moist deciduous forests of Kerala are prone to comparatively more biotic interference, as it occupies a buffer zone between human population and evergreen forests. An investigation was carried out at Pattikkad range of Peechi- Vazhani wildlife Sanctuary, in Trichur Forest Division, Kerala. The objectives of the present study were to understand the floristic, structural, functional, physiological, edaphic and micrometeorological changes accompanying degradation. Three experimental plots namely highly disturbed ( PATK – BT), partially disturbed (PATK – MD) and more less undisturbed (PATK – TP) were identified taking into consideration the proximity to human settlement. Each plot had a size of 10000 m2 and were subdivided into quadrats having 100 m2 each and observations on frequency, density, basal area, Importance Value Index (IVI), diversity indices, height – diameter relationships, regeneration pattern, litter quantification, litter decomposition, phenology, leaf area, leaf area index, light infiltration, physic-chemical properties of soil, soil moisture and soil temperature were recorded at periodic intervals for an year. The results indicate that the moist deciduous forest tend to become a semi – evergreen forest it left undisturbed for several years. The undisturbed (PATK – TP) plot recorded maximum density (882), in 143 species (48 families) whereas the density is only 154 in the highly disturbed (PATK – BT) plot. The number of species at PATK – BT is only 31 (19 families). The species diversity is also very high in the undisturbed plot (Simpson’s index = 0.97 ; Shanon –Weiner’s index = 5.97) whereas the Simpson’s index and Shannon – Weiner’s index are 0.92 and 4.16 respectively for PATK – BT. The height – diameter relationship clearly show that the set of the future is more or less absent in the disturbed plots. The regeneration survey reveals that the regenerating community is sparse in the disturbed plots. While the disturbed plots (PATK – BT and PATK – MD) had 3825 and 5045 seedlings per hectare the undisturbed (PATK – TP) plot had 26,500 seedlings per hectare. The litter production was found to be positively correlated with basal area. The rate of litterfall ranged from 6.14 t ha-1 to 8.66 t ha-1 in the moist deciduous forests. The decay rate was fastest in the disturbed (PATK – BT) plot (‘K’ value = 0.26) and slowest in the undisturbed (PATK – TP) plot (‘K’ value = 0.17). The light infiltration to the forest floor was maximum in the highly disturbed (PATK – TP) plot (44.42 mol m-2 s-1 ). The PATK – TP had a leaf area index of 4.04 and that of PATK BT was only 1.06 While most of the leaves in the undisturbed plot belonged to notophyllous (leaf size = 20.25 cm2 to 45.00 cm2 ) type of leaves, that of distributed plots were mesophyllous (leaf size = 45.00 cm2 to 182.25 cm2 ). The physic – chemical properties of the soil were better in the undisturbed plot when compared to the disturbed plots. The gravel content was 23 to 33 per cent at PATK – BT whereas it was 22 to 23 per cent at PATK – TP. Soil was more acidic (pH 5.51 to 5.57 ) at PATK – TP, whereas at PATK – BT the pH varied from 6.13 to 6.14. The organic carbon at undisturbed (PATK – TP) plot ranged between 1.4 to 3 per cent while in the highly disturbed (PATK – BT) plot ranged from 0.9 to 2 per cent. N, P and K also followed a similar pattern. The soil moisture was always maximum in the undisturbed (PATK –TP) plot. The soil moisture varied between 14 per cent (March) to 50 percent (July). The soil moisture at the highly disturbed (PATK – BT) plot was always the minimum. The values varied between 3 per cent (March) to 30 per cent (July). The undisturbed (PATK – TP) plot consistently recorded minimum soil temperature throughout the year when compared to the disturbed plots. The values varied between 220 C (July) to 280 C (April). Whereas in the highly disturbed (PATK – BT) plot the soil temperature was always high. The soil temperature recorded at PATK – BT ranged between 250 C (July) to 360 C (April).
Effect of high temperature on female flower receptivity and fertilization in coconut
(Academy of Climate Change Education and Research,Vellanikkara, 2020) Neethu, P; Nameer, P O
Effect of salinity on growth physiological and biochemical processes of coconut seedlings (Cocos nucifera L.)
(Academy of Climate Change Education and Research, Vellanikkara, 2020) Arya Santhosh; Nameer, P O
Efficiency of mitigation measures against crop raiding wild animals in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
(Department of Wildlife Science, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2019) Wahiba Irshad, Humam; Nameer, P O
A field study was conducted to map and document the human-wildlife conflict (HWC) mitigation measures being followed in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and to examine the effectiveness of the various intervention measures used in mitigating the human-wildlife conflict at WWS. The study was conducted from September 2018 to May 2019 in all the four ranges of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary viz., Muthanga, Sulthan Bathery, Kurichiyat and Tholpetty. The mitigation measures such as Solar Power Electric Fence, Elephant-proof Trench and Elephant-proof Wall were mapped using the software QGIS ver. 2.18. Sanctuary level and range-wise maps were prepared. Socio-economic survey of the local communities residing near the forest fnnges was also conducted for understanding the extent of human-wildlife conflict, conflict mitigation measures and their effectiveness, attitude and perception of the people towards the HWC mitigation measures etc. The Land Use Land Cover Change (LULCC) analysis was also carried out by using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technology, both inside the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and in a 5 km buffer area outside the sanctuary during 2005-2006 and 2014-2015. The solar power electric fence was established along with the elephant-proof trench. A total of 190.265 km of fence-trench combination that was taken at Wayanad was mapped. The combination of solar power electric fence and elephant-proof trench surveyed was more in Muthanga range (56.535 km), followed by Kurichiyat range (46.626 km), Sulthan Bathery range (46.052 km) and Tholpetty range (41.052 km). The elephant-proof wall erected at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary were less than 200 m and the total length of the elephant-proof wall that could be mapped was only 654.16 m. According to the socio-economic survey that is conducted at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, 99.17 percent of the respondents were the victim of crop damage, 45.83 percent of the respondents suffered from livestock loss and 40.83 percent of the respondents experienced threat to human life. Human-wildlife conflict was more due to Asian Elephants (91.67%), followed by Spotted Deer (89.17%) and Wild Boar (87.50%). 75 percent of the respondents has experienced crop loss and property damage due to Bonnet Macaque. Threat to livestock loss due to tiger/leopard attack was faced by 32.50 percent of the respondents. 26.67 percent of the respondents opined on that the damage caused by the Malabar Giant Squirrel on coconuts. In Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, mostly, a combination of elephant proof trench and solar power electric fence were established. The trenches and the electric fences are poorly maintained and thus they are less effective. The barriers also suffer a high rate of failure as people deliberately break them for accessing the forests for various reasons. Elephant-proof walls cause major ecological challenges, as it completely fragments the habitat and even affect the ecology and behaviour of several non-target species of wild animals too. Moreover, it has also been found to be highly ineffective as in almost all the sites the Elephant-proof walls were broken by the elephants. Biological barriers were also found to be ineffective to mitigate the human-wildlife conflict. Despite of a huge implementation of the mitigation measures, the overall conflict incidents has increased substantially. Based on the Land Use Land Cover change analysis, it was foimd that there is an increase in the built-up area inside the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, especially in Kidanganad area of Kurichiyat range over the 10 years. Increment in the built-up area is found to be more in the buffer area (213.26 ha). There is a significant increase in built-up area and cropping area within and on the fringes of the sanctuary. This change in land use has been done primarily by the conversion of the natural vayals in and around sanctuary. This change in the land use pattern and the increase in the agricultural land area could be one of the reasons for the increased human-wildlife conflict incidents in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
Estimation of glacier stored water in bhaga basin, Himalayas
(Academy of Climate Change education and research ,Vellanikkara, 2020) Gopika, J S; Nameer, P O
Extreme enso (EI Nino Southern Oscillation) events and monsoon variability over India
(Academy of Climate Change Education and Research , Vellanikkara, 2020) Athira, K S; Nameer, P O
Food and feeding habit of insectivorous bats (Chiroptera) of Peechi-Vazhani wildlife sanctuary, western ghats, Kerala
(Department of Wildlife Sciences, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2014) Sachin K Aravind; Nameer, P O
A field study was conducted to understand the food, feeding habit and food preferences of insectivorous bats (Microchiroptera) of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats, Kerala. The study was conducted from May 2013 to February 201~ in the selected roosts. Insectivorous bat species studied were Rhinolophus rouxii, Hipposideros speoris and Hipposideros ater. The method adopted were faecal matter analysis. Faecal matter were collected for each species of insectivorous bats once in a month throughout the study period. These pellets were analyzed in laboratory to identify food components and percent volume. From the faecal matter analysis Rhinolophus rouxii were found to be feeding on eleven insect orders (Lepidoptera,Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Isoptera, Orthoptera, Odonata, Mantodea, Neuroptera and Ephemeroptera) and spiders (Araneae), Hipposideros speoris were found to be feeding on ten insect orders (Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Isoptera, Orthoptera, Odonata, Neuroptera and Ephemeroptera) and spiders (Araneae). And the Hipposideros ater was found to be feeding on eight insect orders (Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Isoptera, Orthoptera and Odonata) and spiders (Araneae). Lepidoptera was the most fed insect orders by all the three insectivorous bats under study. Coleoptera was the second most fed insect order and Diptera was the third most fed insect order by these bats. They also fed on the insects belonging to the orders Hemiptera, Orthoptera and Isoptera. This points into the immense capability of these insectivorous bats in insect pest suppression as these insect orders include majority of the insect pests in forest, agricultural land and urban areas. There was a significant bat species wise difference in the consumption of Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera and Neuroptera, while there was a seasonal difference in the consumption of Coleoptera and Isoptera. The study also revealed that the Rhinolophus rouxii was a generalist predator and its niche overlaps with both Hipposideros speoris and Hipposideros ater. There is some niche overlap between Hipposideros ater and Hipposideros speoris but less than that of with Rhinolophus rouxii. Insects of Hemiptera and Diptera were more preferred by Hipposideros ater and Insects of Odonata, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera were more preferred by Hipposideros speoris.
Food and feeding habits of grizzled giant squirrel (Ratufa macroura) at chinnar wildlife sanctuary, western ghats, Kerala
(Department of Wildlife Sciences, College of Forestry,Vellanikara, 2014) Kiran Thomas; Nameer, P O
The research work entitled “Food and feeding habits of Grizzled Giant Squirrel (Ratufa macroura) in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats, Kerala” was carried out in five locations namely Chinnar, Kootar, Chambakkadu, Athiyoda and Alampetty in the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. The main objective of the study was to find out the food and feeding habits including the food preferences and time activity budgeting of Grizzled Giant Squirrel. Apart from that an attempt has been made on the population estimation of the Grizzled Giant Squirrel and also the habitat quality analysis. Focal animal sampling method across different season was deployed to gather information on food species and article preference, feeding habits, seasonal variation in feeding and the time activity budgeting. Besides these, the population density of the squirrel was estimated by direct observation through line transect method. The indirect population estimation and quality of available habitat was estimated through drey (nest of the squirrels) analysis. The vegetation within the Grizzled Giant Squirrel habitat was studied using quadrate method and Important Value Index. The Grizzled Giant Squirrel in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary found to be feeding on 30 plant species. The squirrel's preference for diet was found primarily affected by availability of food tree species and food article rather than the season. The climbers, lianas, shrubs and cactus also formed the part of squirrel’s diet. It is for the first time that non-tree elements have been reported from the diet of Grizzled Giant Squirrel. The Grizzled Giant Squirrel has been primarily a frugivorous animal, but at the time of the non-availability of fruits and seeds they fed on leaves, flowers and bark. The Grizzled Giant Squirrel in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary was found to be spending most of its time on feeding followed by resting, moving and calling. The animal was found to be using 48 tree species at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, of which 22 tree species were used for feeding, 36 tree species were used for drey construction, while ten tree species were used for both feeding as well as drey construction. The population size of the Grizzled Giant Squirrel was estimated to be 30-35 individuals. This is considerably fewer than the earlier population estimates of Grizzled Giant Squirrel at Chinnar and is a matter of concern. The major threats of Grizzled Giant Squirrel at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary were anthropogenic disturbance, habitat loss, predation and hybridization. The Grizzled Giant Squirrels’ preference for bigger and taller trees for drey construction indicates the significance of presence of mature forest trees with canopy continuum for long-term survival of squirrel at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Growth dynamics and physiological response of selected forestry species to CO2 enriched atmosphere
(Academy of Climate Change Education and Research,Vellanikkara, 2019) Anusha, R M; Nameer, P O
Terminalia arjtma, Terminalia bellirica and Terminalia chebula are important medicinal plants and part of Triphala, there is less study about the adaptation and mitigation of these species to elevated CO2. This study is helpful to understand about the adaptive and miligative and biochemical efficiency of these plants. Under elevated these three species are showed a belter response in elevated CO2 SOOppm over ambient 400ppm. The plant height, leaf length and width, stem diameter, number leaves and branches, root length, are higher in elevated SOOppm CO2 over ambient 400ppm as well as the biochemical properties like total chlorophyll and carotenoids, ascorbic acid, protein, proline, total sugar are increased dramatically at SOOppm over 400ppm. The photos>Tithetic rate was higher in elevated CO:in all seasons (winter, spring, and summer), stomatal conductance was higher in SOOppm spring and lower at summer. The intercellular CO2 concentration was higher in plants grown in SOOppm T.chebula in winter in the summer season. Transpiration rate was higher in winter and reduced over ambient in summer. Night respiration is less in T.arjuna compared to ambient, and there is a fluctuation concerning seasonality and species. Carbon sequestration, carbon partitioning, carbon mitigation and carbon stocks are high in elevated CO2 growing plants except for T.bellirica. Organic carbon was higher in elevated CO2 than ambient. Potassium, phosphorous and total nitrogen they with species and change in concentration according to elevated CO2. The plants grown in elevated CO2 are healthier than ambient condition and increases the health-promoting characters. These species are more adaptive and show mitigation efficiency and good biochemical efficiency. In future more studies needed to know about the response of plants towards elevated CO2.
Habitat characterization of Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) in Wayanad wildlife sanctury, Kerala
(Department of Wildlife Sciences College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2018) Ashwin, S; Nameer, P O