Current Science

Subramanian Bhupathy ¹, V. J. Jins ¹, Santhanakrishnan Babu ¹, Joyce Jose ²

Affiliations
1 Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatti (PO), Coimbatore 641 108, IN
2 Department of Zoology, St. Thomas College, Thrissur 680 001, IN

Abstract

We update the distribution of the little known Captain's Wood Snake (Xylophis captaini) in the Western Ghats, based on new observations and collation of the literature. The Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) algorithm was used to predict the distribution of the species, which showed potential sites south of 10°N and elevations between 50 and 1000 m amsl. Xylophis captaini is listed as 'Least Concern' under IUCN criteria, and we suggest the possible elevation of its status to the 'Near-Threatened' category on account of its narrow distributional range and general lack of data on its ecology. The present study highlights the utility of niche models in assessing the distribution of cryptic and little known species in biodiversity-rich areas such as the Western Ghats.

Keywords

Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, Captain’s Wood Snake, Ecological Niche Modelling, Endemic Species.

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Santhanakrishnan Babu ¹, Tamilarasu Karthik ², Gopalakrishnan Srinivas ¹, Honnavalli Nagaraj Kumara ¹

Affiliations
1 Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty, Coimbatore 641 108, IN
2 Wildlife Information Liaison Development Society, 96, Kumudham Nagar, Vilankurichi Road, Coimbatore 641 035, IN

Abstract

The study examines the distribution and factors regulating the sloth bear in a fragmented hills of Meghamalai in Western Ghats through occupancy framework. Indirect evidences were sought over 133 grids of 4 sq. km size between December 2011 and December 2012. Indirect evidences were recorded in 58 of 133 sampled grids that estimated naїve occupancy of 0.43 (p = 0.3180). Understorey cover negatively affected the detection of indirect evidences. The parsimonious model contained three covariates, viz. tree height, grass cover and anthropogenic disturbance. Overall occupancy of bear was 0.54, which is 25% higher than the naїve occupancy estimate. The study predicted higher proportion of evergreen forests with intermediate grass cover and less extent of disturbance determines the occupancy of bear in these hills. The 'critical link' connecting Periyar-Agastiyamalai hills and Anamalai hills is still active and supports high suitable sites for bears. It is suggested that Ammagajam-Upper Manalar Contiguity and Critical Link needs to be protected by appending with Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary.

Keywords

Conservation, Critical Patches, Sloth Bear, Surrogate Species.

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