1. KAUTIR (Kerala Agricultural University Theses Information and Retrieval)

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    Landscape fragmentation analysis using geospatial tools in Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala
    (Department of Natural Resource Management, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2023-05-02) Merin, P Menachery; Srinivasan, K
    Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) is one of the largest conservation units in Western Ghats and many conservational efforts are formulated and applied in this area. It is also important to monitor the outcome of these efforts to strategize further management techniques. Geoinformatics approach widely used to monitor land use change as well as forest fragmentation, as the satellite data are easily accessible and they are more consistent in assessing global forest change (Hansen et al., 2013, Carranza et al., 2014, Srinivasan et al., 2022). This study compared the fragmentation status of forest habitats of PTR in 1987, 2000 and 2020 by analysing the landscape level and class level conservation measures by employing remote sensing-based datasets on forest cover and fragmentation. The FRAGSTATS software analysis along with the LULC (Land Use Land Cover) classification and NDVI (Normalised difference vegetation Index) analysis of the forest/nonforest classifications for each of the three distinct years revealed the pattern of forest cover change over time. Image frames were compared for each year for PTR and a one km buffer around PTR boundary showed a considerable variation in the forest patch pattern. The results revealed that dense forest patches within PTR had a favourable increase in the area combined with a decrease in fragmentation. The increase in the largest patch index of the dense forest in 2020 showed the positive effect of the declarations, policies and other conservation measures implemented in this area. Comparative increment in NDVI values over the years, 2000 and 2020 indicated a steady increase of healthy vegetation. The prevalence of agriculture and habitation haven't increased noticeably in this study area, despite the fact that open forest, grassland, and rocky and barren terrain exhibit fragmentation during this particular study period. The meagre construction works inside the administrative buffer of PTR and the expansion of dense forest can vote for the decrease of barren land and grassland counted in this study. A slight increase of open patches and an increase of semi-evergreen and moist deciduous patches near the forest adjacent to the buffers showed minor negative effects of buffer on adjacent forest. At the same time a similar trend was observed while comparing PTR with buffer. In fragmentation analysis, buffer also showed decreased fragmentation in the dense vegetation patch after 2000 but here a proportional increase of agriculture and settlement was observed. The findings indicated that this tiger reserve area is very dynamic. After the declaration, efficient conservation measures and eco-friendly regulations showed positive results and has been successful in preventing forest fragmentation. The improvement of protected areas like PTR depends on conservation strategies for its ecological development. The baseline data from this study can be used to prioritise conservation efforts of Periyar Tiger Reserve in Western Ghats. The study also recommends PTR model of conservation to be further extended to other protected areas with local adaptations and modifications.
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    Fire impacts on vegetation and soil in a forest ecosystem in Wadakkancherry forest range, Thrissur forest division, Kerala
    (Department of Natural Resource Management, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2023-04-18) Vivek Noel N.; Gopakumar, S
    Fire is being used as a tool in forest management and protection in several parts of the world. A forest fire is an unplanned, uncontrolled and unpredictable fire in an area of combustible vegetation. The after effects of forest fire includes air pollution, destruction of forests and wildlife, altered species composition, outbreaks of pests and diseases etc. The frequency of wild fires around the world increases with changing climate. Considering the growing importance of tropical forest ecosystems and also because of its fire susceptibility, it is relevant to study the effects of forest fire on vegetation and soil in a forest ecosystem. The present study was undertaken in Chembikkunnu area of Poongode section of Wadakkanchery forest range in Thrissur forest division in state of Kerala. The study was carried out to assess the impacts of an unplanned forest fire on the vegetation and soil physico-chemical and biological properties in the fire burnt areas of Poongode section of Wadakkanchery forest range of Thrissur forest division. Concurrently the study also compared and contrasted the changes in vegetation and soil between burnt and control areas over a time period of six months. Physico- chemical properties of soil viz. soil moisture, bulk density, water holding capacity, soil pH, soil organic carbon, total nitrogen and total phosphorous showed marked differences between the fire affected classes themselves and between control areas. Other soil properties like soil texture, soil electrical conductivity and total potassium remained without any significant effects after the fire. Soil physico-chemical properties showed differences between pre-monsoon and post monsoon season. Soil moisture content (%) decreased with increase in frequency of fires. In the pre-monsoon conditions, the bulk density of the newly burnt area increased to 0.94g/cm3. Water holding capacity of the fire affected areas at the depth of 0-15 cm increased to 39.23% in pre-monsoon season. Soil pH of the newly burnt areas increased to 6.85 immediately after the fire. Soil organic carbon (%) followed the trend (NBP>OBP>CP). Total Nitrogen (%) and total Phosphorous (ppm) content of the burnt plots was higher compared to the control area. As vegetation intercepts rain and reduced the kinetic energy of rain water, soil erosion (Tonnes/ha/yr) of the study area followed the trend (NBP (0.13)> OBP (0.07)>CP (0.03)). Total enumeration of regeneration was carried out in the 10m x 10m plots on a monthly basis. 37 plant species representing 20 families were recorded. Among them there were 11 tree species, 2 grass species and 4 species of ferns. Hemidesmus indicus, Pycnospora lutescens and Drynaria quercifolia were found only in the fire affected plots. The Shannon- Weiner diversity index of saplings in the month of July are in the range of (1.45-2.37) while it is more for seedlings (2.76-2.96). The Sorrensen similarity indices of July (0.81(saplings), 0.91(seedlings)) points to the increased number of common species among plots. The increased evenness and reduced diversity in the fire affected plots are mainly attributed to the invasion of weeds like Chromolaena odorata, Mimosa diplotricha and grass species like Pennisetum polystachyon. Unavoidable physical, chemical and biological changes happening to the soil after every fire incident are potentially able to influence the soil fauna. Darkling beetles, broad shouldered water striders, dung beetle and centipedes were recorded only from the fire affected plots. Ants were present in all the plots in both the seasons. An increase in the number of individuals was observed after the monsoon. The hard coated beetles registered their presence in significant number in the burned classes and the soft bodied animal like earthworm, centipedes and millipedes were absent immediately after the fire but appeared after the monsoon suggesting that the temperature variation in the ecosystem might have made them to move away. The outcomes of present study necessitate longer duration study in different tropical forest types for more comprehensive understanding of the post fire dynamics of tropical forest ecosystems.
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    Natural resource management and community participation - a study on watershed development projects in Kerala
    (Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2023-05-08) Silpa R C.; Mereykutty M J
    More than 60 per cent of India’s population still reside in rural areas and depend on agriculture for livelihoods. Natural resources are the prime inputs for agriculture and allied activities. Ever increasing population pressure leads to land degradation which adversely affects resource productivity. In Kerala, 67 per cent of total geographic area has already been degraded mainly by soil erosion and soil acidity caused due to anthropogenic and natural factors. Devolution of responsibilities for management of natural resources at the community level has been increasing over years at watersheds in rainfed tracts of the country. With this background, present study was conducted to analyze the perceived effectiveness of watershed development projects in ensuring natural resource management (NRM) and livelihood security by different stakeholders. Factors affecting the effective implementation of these projects were delineated. Extent of adoption of soil and water conservation measures under the projects was examined. Indigenous NRM and climate resilient techniques followed by project beneficiaries were also documented. This exploratory study was undertaken in three micro-watersheds viz., Mundyanum, Allanchery padam-Kallan thodu and Mamoodu from the three districts, Kasaragod, Thrissur and Pathanamthitta representing northern, central and southern zones of Kerala respectively. Projects implemented under Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) during the period 2010-11 to 2017-18 were selected. From every selected micro-watershed, 50 beneficiaries (NRM) and 40 other stakeholders (30 watershed committee (WC) members and 10 implementing officers) were randomly selected. Thus, a total of 270 stakeholders of IWMP constituted the sample. Analysis of the profile characteristics of different stakeholders in IWMP revealed that majority of them were middle aged, with moderate farming experience. Most of them possessed medium level of leadership quality, innovativeness, decision making ability, risk orientation, group cohesiveness, extension agency contact and had participated in the programme for mainly getting material incentives. More than half of the stakeholders exhibited medium level participation in IWMP and increasing trend in participation was observed from beneficiaries to other categories which was statistically confirmed by KruskalWallis test. Categorical principal component analysis of factors influencing participation of stakeholders delineated psycho-personal-interactive and management factors for beneficiaries while socio-psychological and personal cum interactive factors for WC members. These factors were positively and significantly correlated with extent of participation. It was found that fifty eight per cent of stakeholders had the opinion that watershed projects could derive medium effectiveness in NRM and there were no differences among stakeholders. However, Kruskal-Wallis test proved the order of watersheds in increasing effectiveness as Mundyanum, Allanchery padam-Kallan thodu, Mamoodu respectively. Factor analysis was conducted to validate conceptual framework of effectiveness index. Kendall’s coefficient of concordance revealed that bio-physical dimension had contributed more towards effectiveness in the three watersheds, followed by socio-economic, institutional and sustainability dimensions. Most of the beneficiaries had medium level of capital assets possession for livelihood creation whereas half of them had medium livelihood security. This was highest in Mamoodu and not much variation for Mundyanum and Allanchery padam-Kallan
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    Natural resource management and community participation - a study on watershed development projects in Kerala
    (2023-05-08) Silpa, R C.; Mereykutty, M.J
    More than 60 per cent of India’s population still reside in rural areas and depend on agriculture for livelihoods. Natural resources are the prime inputs for agriculture and allied activities. Ever increasing population pressure leads to land degradation which adversely affects resource productivity. In Kerala, 67 per cent of total geographic area has already been degraded mainly by soil erosion and soil acidity caused due to anthropogenic and natural factors. Devolution of responsibilities for management of natural resources at the community level has been increasing over years at watersheds in rainfed tracts of the country. With this background, present study was conducted to analyze the perceived effectiveness of watershed development projects in ensuring natural resource management (NRM) and livelihood security by different stakeholders. Factors affecting the effective implementation of these projects were delineated. Extent of adoption of soil and water conservation measures under the projects was examined. Indigenous NRM and climate resilient techniques followed by project beneficiaries were also documented. This exploratory study was undertaken in three micro-watersheds viz., Mundyanum, Allanchery padam-Kallan thodu and Mamoodu from the three districts, Kasaragod, Thrissur and Pathanamthitta representing northern, central and southern zones of Kerala respectively. Projects implemented under Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) during the period 2010-11 to 2017-18 were selected. From every selected micro-watershed, 50 beneficiaries (NRM) and 40 other stakeholders (30 watershed committee (WC) members and 10 implementing officers) were randomly selected. Thus, a total of 270 stakeholders of IWMP constituted the sample. Analysis of the profile characteristics of different stakeholders in IWMP revealed that majority of them were middle aged, with moderate farming experience. Most of them possessed medium level of leadership quality, innovativeness, decision making ability, risk orientation, group cohesiveness, extension agency contact and had participated in the programme for mainly getting material incentives. More than half of the stakeholders exhibited medium level participation in IWMP and increasing trend in participation was observed from beneficiaries to other categories which was statistically confirmed by KruskalWallis test. Categorical principal component analysis of factors influencing participation of stakeholders delineated psycho-personal-interactive and management factors for beneficiaries while socio-psychological and personal cum interactive factors for WC members. These factors were positively and significantly correlated with extent of participation. It was found that fifty eight per cent of stakeholders had the opinion that watershed projects could derive medium effectiveness in NRM and there were no differences among stakeholders. However, Kruskal-Wallis test proved the order of watersheds in increasing effectiveness as Mundyanum, Allanchery padam-Kallan thodu, Mamoodu respectively. Factor analysis was conducted to validate conceptual framework of effectiveness index. Kendall’s coefficient of concordance revealed that bio-physical dimension had contributed more towards effectiveness in the three watersheds, followed by socio-economic, institutional and sustainability dimensions. Most of the beneficiaries had medium level of capital assets possession for livelihood creation whereas half of them had medium livelihood security. This was highest in Mamoodu and not much variation for Mundyanum and Allanchery padam-Kallan thodu which was verified by Kruskal-Wallis test. Kendall’s coefficient of concordance exposed that human capital had highly influenced the livelihood security of beneficiaries in Mundyanum and Allanchery padam-Kallan thodu however financial capital had highest contribution in Mamoodu. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to confirm the theoretical framework developed for livelihood security. Most of the beneficiaries exhibited medium level of awareness on climate and project activities. They displayed medium adoption of soil and water conservation measures. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed greater influence of awareness on climate and project activities on the extent of adoption by the beneficiaries. Correspondence analysis for indigenous NRM and climate resilient techniques followed other than IWMP interventions and watershed attributes exposed that surangas were closely associated with the attributes of Mundyanum watershed. Farm ponds and loose boulder check dams were more related to Allanchery padam-Kallan thodu attributes. Vetiver cultivation was highly associated with Mamoodu watershed. Pre and post project status of benchmark indicators for evaluation of IWMP showed an increase in all of them. Garrett’s ranking technique was employed to delineate the constraints in implementation of IWMP. Institutional constraint such as unable to complete works in time due to delayed administrative approval was viewed as major constraint by beneficiaries and WC members while inadequate maintenance of developed structures in watershed was the main one experienced by implementing officers. Psychological constraint like meager participation of beneficiaries in project activities was felt as prime constraint by WC members and implementing officers whereas conflicts among stakeholders for developed assets was the main constraint by beneficiaries. Small and marginal landholdings was viewed as an important situational constraint by the beneficiaries while natural calamities and climate vagaries were identified as major constraints by WC members and implementing officers. Technical constraint such as traditional soil and water conservation measures followed in project area was identified as the key constraint by beneficiaries but poor expertise in evaluation of programme by concerned officials was the prime constraint by WC members and implementing officers. All stakeholders expressed that high cost of maintenance of developed structures as the main socio-economic constraint. Group farming and leased land farming with climate resilient agricultural practices are to be encouraged among stakeholder farmers. This would derive more advantages from common property resources and resolve their limited land holdings. Policy measures should be adopted for timely completion of projects and sustainability of resources. Innovative extension strategies have to be promoted for higher level farmer participation
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    Ecological status of Nageia wallichiana (C. Presl.) kuntze an endangered conifier of western ghats in Mankulam forest division
    (Department of Natural Resource Management, College of Forestry Vellanikkara, 2020) Abhirami, C; Vidyasagaran, K
    Nageia wallichiana (C.Presl.) Kuntze is a lesser-known rare arborescent, threatened evergreen conifer species of wet evergreen forests of Western Ghats. A study on the distributional status and ecology of this species was conducted in the natural habitats in Mankulam Forest Division. The study aimed at understanding the floristic composition and natural regeneration patterns in the natural habitats of Nageia wallichiana. The additional objective was to assess the physicochemical properties of the soil in the Nageia wallichiana growing areas. The purposive sampling of vegetation was done in 20 x 50 m main plots in Nageia wallichiana growing areas (NG) and control plots were taken in areas without Nageia wallichiana (WNG). The regeneration pattern of trees was studied by taking 5 m x 5 m subplots for saplings and 1 m x 1 m nested plots for seedlings inside the main plots of NG. From NG, a total of 188 individual trees belonging to 67 different species and 28 different families were identified from three different Nageia wallichiana growing patches, viz., Kannadipara, Idathattu, and Kallar. In WNG, 94 individual trees belonging to 46 species and 25 different families were identified. The altitudinal range of occurrence of Nageia wallichiana in the study area was found to be 934 –1463 m above MSL. The girth class distribution of the species showed an L-shaped curve with 90 percent of individuals below 50 cm girth. The floristic studies in the area showed that the natural habitats of Nageia wallichiana harbor a large number of trees in endemic and threatened categories. The typical evergreen species, Cullenia exarillata showed the maximum dominance in NG followed by Mesua ferrea and Bhesa indica. In WNG, the most dominant species were Dysoxylum malabaricum, Vateria indica and Polyalthia fragrans. The comparison of tree diversity between NG and WNG didn’t reveal any significant variations. The ecological distance analysis and clustering showed significant difference in species composition between NG and WNG. The ordination plots proved Bhesa indica as a strong species associate of Nageia wallichiana. The regeneration study showed a lower diversity of regenerating individuals in the study area than mature trees and a difference in species composition was also observed. The analysis of soil properties found that the soils from Nageia wallichiana habitats were higher in moisture content and organic carbon and lower in total nitrogen content. The study didn’t found any relation for soil pH and bulk density on the occurrence of N.wallichiana. The study identified the habitat specialist nature of Nageia wallichiana from the restricted distribution of the species in certain patches of the study area. The occurrence of this only conifer of the Western Ghats in the Mankulam forest Division indicates the importance of the area because Nageia wallichiana is considered as a better indicator of ecological conditions. The study also observed a higher rate of regeneration for this species in the study area indicating the presence of ideal ecological conditions. However, a more focused study considering the disturbance levels in the study area and some extra parameters such as soil depth, soil nutrient contents, frequency of fire occurrence etc. will give a better understanding of the restricted occurrence of this species in the study area and it may contribute in the development of specialized conservation strategies.