Naim Akhtar , Harendra Singh Bargali , N. P. S. Chauhan , Hilaluddin

Abstract

Sloth bears inhabits different habitat types across Indian subcontinent and lives in varied sized dens made up of big boulders. The present survey recorded 109 active denning sites in Pendra and Marwahi ranges of North Bilaspur Forest Division. Most of the bear denning sites were located around Ficus virens, F. tinctoria, Bauhinia sp., Diospyros melanoxylon, Boswellia serrata and Lannea coromandelica trees. All dens were recorded from degraded forests. Water availability for bears was plentiful and most of the denning sites had accessibility to water at a short distance. Similarly, most of the denning sites were located at a reasonable distance from the nearest human habitation. Majority of recorded dens faced south followed by southeast and northeast directions. Interestingly, other animals were also observed sharing bear denning sites. Occasionally sloth bears were seen shifting their sites. The sloth bear preferred to come out from their dens early in the evening but seen waiting until dark to commence before going for foraging. Sloth bear also relax for 30-45 minutes outside the dens before entering into it. Majority of observed bears entered into their dens early in the morning much before human starts entering into forests. Annual outside mean temperature as well as inside mean temperature of dens varied significantly during day time.

Keywords

Sloth Bear, Den Sites, Cover, Water Bodies, Human Settlement

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Anushree Bhattacharjee ¹, Harendra Singh Bargali ¹

Affiliations
1 The Corbett Foundation, Vill and P.O. Dhikuli, Ramnagar – 244715, Dist. Nainital, Uttarakhand

Abstract

Field survey was carried out during the winter migration season over three years (2009-2012) to monitor the avifaunal diversity in Tumariya Wetland, lying in the Corbett landscape. Sixty seven species of waterbirds belonging to 15 families were recorded. Common coot (Fulica atra) was the dominant species at Tumariya. The dominant family was Anatidae followed by Ardeidae and Scolopacidae. Mean species richness, diversity and mean abundance of wetland birds was found to have increased over the duration of the study. Seven species are categorized as "Globally Threatened" and are also listed under Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Two species are listed under CITES. Interesting sightings included vagrant bean goose (Anser fabalis) and uncommon passage migrant Baillon's crake (Porzana pusilla). Major threats and conservation issues were also identified and possible measures to mitigate these problems are suggested.

Keywords

Wetland Birds, Tumariya, Corbett, Species Richness, Threatened Species, Habitat, Conservation Strategies

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Harendra Singh Bargali ¹

Affiliations
1 The Corbett Foundation, Dhikuli, Ramnagar-244715, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India.

Abstract

Local community support plays a crucial role in success of conservation efforts of a protected area or key conservation species within a protected area. Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR) is famous worldwide due to its contribution in tiger conservation primarily and so many other wild species including elephant, bear, ghariyal and mugger crocodile. To understand the community living in and around CTR, its perspective towards wildlife conservation, dependency on forest, human-wildlife conflict and developmental issues, the study was conducted in randomly selected village in north and south zone of CTR. Villagers reported dependency on forests for fuel wood and cattle grazing. Most of the villages were affected due to crop depredation and cattle lifting, whereas, occasional cases of human casualties were also reported. There were hardly any developmental activity in past. Mitigation of human-wildlife conflict, sustainable development of villages, and committed support from government agencies is required to ensure long term conservation of tiger in CTR and adjoining habitats.

Keywords

Corbett Tiger Reserve, Conservation, Community, Human-wildlife Conflict

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