Informatics Publishing Limited

G. Harikumar , O. P. Kaler , Sherly Joseph , K. J. Peeyuskutty , V. J. Zacharias

Abstract

The Great Indian Hornbill is now an endangered species although in Protected Areas it is fairly common. Systematic studies have not been conducted through stray notes are available. A status survey was conducted in Periyar Tiger Reserve. It has shown its wide distribution in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests where it is found singly or in groups. It prefers old growth forest patches. Nesting take place from February to May which is related to fruiting season are figs. Nesting is done on tall old trees. Young ones are fed on figs and occasionally Lizards and even Snakes. Entrances are vertical to circular, the height of nests being 8 to 25 m from the ground. Photography is posing a management problem and in some cases the birds did not return to the nest which they generally did when they were not disturbed.

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K. K. Srivastava , V. J. Zacharias , A. K. Bhardwaj , Petrisia Joseph , Sherly Joseph

Abstract

To compare the troop and territory sizes, food habits and activity budgets of Nilgiri Langur in Periyar Tiger Reserves in monsoon seasons, a study was conducted and results are summarized.

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K. K Srivastava , V. J. Zacharias , A. K. Bhardwaj , Jomy Augustine , Sherly Joseph

Abstract

Periyar Tiger Reserve has a grassland area of about 54 km², It supports rich herbivorous animal populations. The grasslands of this Reserve are divided into Tropical Montane grasslands and South Indian Subtropical Hill Savannah. Besides their forage value, the grasslands are potential for maintaining micro-climates for many endangered plants and animals. Forest fire is one of the major ecological factors in grasslands. Planting of Eucalyptus and other exotic plants destabilize the ecology of grasslands. Which are ideal habitats for endangered species fauna like Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri Pipit etc.

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