M. S. Bisht , M. Kukreti , A. K. Dobriyal

Abstract

Distribution, ecology, population and habitat use of Chukar partridge, Alectoris chukar was studied in district Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand during 2008 and 2009. A total 1932 individuals in 498 groups were recorded in 16 sites with an over all mean of 7.78±2.07 individuals per sighting and density of 5.31±0.86 birds/km². The group size estimated was 5.77±0.89 between 720 and 2000m altitudes. Maximum sightings of the birds were recorded on the south-east facing slopes covered with chir pine, mixed pine forests, scrub near the crop fields. Intensive study showed distinct seasonal variation in population, group size and habitat use across the seasons. Large group sizes were observed during the monsoon and post monsoon season. Chukar found to use all types of habitats but the scrub and crop fields are most preferred in Pauri Garhwal.

Keywords

Alectoris Chukar, Population Variation, Distribution, Sightings, Group Size, Crop Field

Full Text

     

M. S. Bisht , Manish Kukreti , Sunil Bhandari , Surjeet Singh Bisht , A. K. Dobriyal

Abstract

The present communication is about distribution, abundance and effects of three most common invasive plants Lantana, Eupatorium and Parthenium in district Chamoli and Pauri Garhwal of Uttarakhand, India. Findings of the survey conducted during the November 2008 and 2009 revealed that the invasive species has been well established in all ecological zones and habitats (except high altitudes above ±2700m) of the area. The homogenization of these weed species was observed depleting the populations of many valuable native plant species as well as the wild life.

Keywords

Invasive Vegetation, Homogenization, Garhwal Himalaya

Full Text