A. Veeramani , Pramod G. Krishnan , A. K. Bhardwaj , Rajasekharan Pillai , Gigi K. Joseph

Abstract

An ornithological survey in PTR was carried out for assessing the current status and distribution of bird species in the Tiger Reserve. Eleven blocks were selected for the ornithological survey and 187 bird species were recorded during the survey of which 4 species viz. Common green shank (Tringa nebularia), Malabar pied hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus), Ashy-crowned sparrowlark (Eremopterix grisea) and Chestnut-bellied nuthatch (Sitta castanea) are new records to Periyar. In addition, the Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis), Phesant-tailed jacana (Hydrophasianus chirurgus), Purple heron (Ardea purpurea), Purple swamphen (Porphurio porphyrio), Western Reef egret (Egrita gularis), Oriental white ibis (Threskornis melanocephalus), Common teal (Anus crecca), Common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) and Common coot (Fulica atra) were also recently sighted. This adds up to a total of 323 species of birds recorded from PTR. Sabarimala pilgrimage, raising of water level, sporadic forest fire and cattle grazing are some of the major threats to the hird population. Recommendations are given for addressing some of these issues.

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K. K. Ramachandran , Gigi K. Joseph

Abstract

Feeding ecology of Nilgiri Langur has been studied in the rainforest ecosystem of Silent Valley from 1993 to 1996. Eighty-nine food species were identified through direct observations. A majority of them were typical evergreen species. Monthly and seasonal variations in the percentage frequency of feeding observations on different food items in the diet were observed. The need of conserving the evergreen habitats for the endangered Nilgiri Langur is discussed.

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Gigi K. Joseph , K. Madhavan Pillai , Francis Xavier , Bindhu Michael , M. Amrith Raj

Abstract

Information on the parasitic load of two endangered primates, Lion-tailed Macaque and Nilgiri Langur, inhabiting Silent Valley National Park were collected during the period 1994- 95. Parasitic load within these primate species in captivity were also ascertained and compared with that of the wild. The major intestinal parasites identified from the wild samples were Trechuris sp. and Oesophagostomum sp. The mode of transmission and the factors affecting the transmission of these parasites in the closed canopy conditions in the wild were discussed. The infection with these parasites may result in weak and unhealthy members in the troop and the heavier parasitic infestation may be fatal to the juveniles. Thus parasitism is also a threat to the viability of the existing population of endangered primates in the National Park.

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Gigi K. Joseph , K. K. Ramachandran

Abstract

Fourteen Lion-tailed Macaque troops were identified in Silent Valley National Park and adjacent areas with a total 275 individuals. Of these, 8% were adult females and 45% were adult females. The population was monitored for yearly variation in the troop size. An increase of troop size was noticed in most of the cases. Management strategies to ensure the long-term survival of the highly endangered Lion-tailed Macaque in Silent Valley forests are discussed.

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