Role of vegetation characteristics on the distribution of three hornbill species in and around Pakke Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, India

The relationship between various vegetation characteristics and the relative abundance of three hornbill species [Great Pied Hornbill (Buceros bicornis), Wreathed Hornbill (Rhyticeros undulatus) and Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris)] was studied in and around Pakke Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh. We walked transects (n=11; 22 walks) in three study sites to detect hornbills. Vegetation sampling was done using circular plots (n=33; 10 m radius) at every 400m interval along each transect. Encounter rate (1.5/km) of Great Pied Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) was highest in the protected and undisturbed forest area where food and roosting tree density were also high (114/ha). Oriental Pied Hornbill was common in both the sites within Pakke Tiger reserve near riverine forests (0.75/km) and also in the dense undisturbed forest (0.875/km). Multivariate analysis revealed that tree density, presence of fruiting trees (utilized by hornbills), canopy cover, and tree diversity in a particular area are the major factors responsible for the assemblage of more than one species of hornbills. The study shows that protection of the forest patches to keep the diversity and density of the tree species intact is crucial for the survival and distribution of the hornbills in the landscape.

Nomenclatural notes and report of Boehmeria penduliflora Wedd. ex D.G. Long from the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, India

Boehmeria penduliflora Wedd. ex D.G.Long (Urticaceae) is rediscovered after 81 years in Barahi range of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Pilibhit district, Uttar Pradesh, India. In the present article, detailed description, digital photographs, illustration, nomenclature update and relevant notes are provided to facilitate easy identification.

Two additions to the family Malvaceae for the Flora of Telangana, India

Melhania futteyporensis Munro ex Mast and Sida sivarajanii Tambde, Sardesai & A.K. Pandey belonging to the family Malvaceae are reported here as additions to the flora of Telangana from Amrabad Tiger Reserve and Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary respectively. Brief descriptions along with phenological data and colour photo plates are provided for easy identification and future reference.

Butterflies of Amrabad Tiger Reserve, Telangana, India

The butterfly diversity of Amrabad Tiger Reserve was assessed from March 2018 to February 2021. A total of 106 species belonging to the families Nymphalidae (36 species), Lycaenidae (30 species), Pieridae (18 species), Hesperiidae (14 species), and Papilionidae (8 species) were recorded. Of these, 12 species belonged to the Schedules I, II & IV of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, and four were common in this region.

An inventory of geometrid moths (Lepidoptera: Geometroidea: Geometridae) of Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, India

The geometrid moths of Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger reserve were studied during the years 2012 to 2016. Since collection of specimens was not permitted, only field notes, accompanied by photo documentation was undertaken. Two-hundred-and-sixty geometrid moths identified to various hierarchical levels of taxa and one new genus for southern India, are reported.

A study on the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in carnivores and its potential implications on human health

Zoonoses contribute an estimated 75% of new or re-emerging infectious diseases in humans with Covid-19 being the latest addition. Carnivores act as definitive hosts and reservoirs for several endoparasites with varied effects on human health. These interactions are fluctuating and adaptive, changing in response to various biotic and abiotic conditions. With the development of ‘One health movement’ more focus has been laid on zoonotic infections and their management. The present study showed that carnivores of Dampa Tiger Reserve (DTR) are host to several infectious parasites with a prevalence rate of 90.47%. Families like Felidae, Canidae, and Viverridae were found to host the maximum number of parasites. The parasite Paragonimus spp. were recorded to be present in the highest number (33 nos.) of scat samples followed by <i>Strongyle spp</i>. (27 nos.), <i>Ascaris lumbricoides</i> (23 nos.), and <i>Isospora spp</i>. (19 nos.). These parasites are known to infect humans through different modes like faecal-oral route, uncooked meat, fishes, and contaminated water and induced health implications like inflammatory in the brain, bronchitis, covert toxocariasis, acute lung inflammation etc. As the surrounding landscape of DTR continuous to shrink and humans are more prone to these parasites through their daily activities and lifestyle, the study will be crucial for providing a platform for future epidemiological study and diseases management in the region.

Habitat Suitability Index Modelling for Bluebull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) in Pench Tiger Reserve, M.P. India

The habitats for the wild animals are shrinking due to the clearance of forests for agriculture and industrialization. The idea of wildlife conservation begins with the identification of their acceptable habitat. Since this crucial information helps in the development and maintenance of the protected areas. The requirement of habitat varies with different landscapes.The bluebull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) is Asia’s largest antelope,widespread throughout the northern Indian subcontinent. Peter Simon Pallasin (1766) described it as the only member of the genus Boselaphus.The Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 lists it as a Schedule III animal, while the IUCN lists it as Least Concern (LC). Our goal was to design a habitat appropriateness model for blue bull so that it could reduce the conflict with farming community due to crop damage. Model will be develop using RS & GIS technique to protect the species inside the Pench Tiger Reserve (77° 55’ W to 79° 35’ E and 21° 08’ S to 22° 00’ N) the central highlands of India. The satellite data from LANDSAT-8 of 4th April 2015, Path- 144,Row- 45, with a ground resolution of 30 meters, were collected from the USGS website. This satellite image was then transferred in image format to ERDAS IMAGINE 2013 for further analysis. The data from satellites were gathered and analysed. The purpose of the field survey was to gather information about the presence of various ungulates. A ground truthing exercise was also carried out. For data processing and GIS analysis,ERDAS IMAGINE 13 and Arc GIS 10 were used. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used Factors were identified who were influencing the spatial distribution of the species for conservation planning. The linear additive model was used for HSI. The results show that 242 km2 (29.48 percent) of Pench Tiger Reserve forest was recognized to be highly suitable for bluebull, while 196 km2 (23.87 percent) was moderately suitable,231 km2 (28.14 percent) was suitable, 109 km2 (13.28 percent) was least suitable, and about 43 km2 (5.249 percent) of PTR was completely avoided by bluebull.