K. N. Singh

Abstract

The North-Western Himalayan population of the Indian elephant , Elephss maximus , used to be distributed contigually from the River Yamuna to the River Sharda in the past. This population was studied in the last decade of the twentieth century. The past migration patterns of elephants were compared with current movements in this region. The present day migration of elephants is localized and seems chiefly influenced by fodder and water requirements. The causes behind the fragmentation of elephant habitat mainly river valley projects and major construction works taken up after independence in the wake of development drive have been discussed in detail. The viability and ways means of restoring the possible corridors are discussed and a strategy for the long-term conservation of this population is suggested.

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R. Kaushal , K. S. Verma , K. N. Singh

Abstract

Decomposition rates and nutrient dynamics of Populus deltoides litter was investigated in three year old coppiced plantation situated in the mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh using the nylon net bags. Complete loss of Populus leaf litter was achieved in 20 months. The decomposition constant (k) was worked out to 1.27. Significant and a positive correlation was observed between decomposition and climatic parameters viz., rainfall and temperature (R² = 0.61), whereas temperature did not exhibit any significant influence on the decomposition rate. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) dynamics in decomposing litter revealed that concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium did not follow any specific trend during the decomposition process. Potassium and magnesium concentration, however, revealed a decreasing trend throughout the study period. Changes in absolute amount, on the other hand, followed a release pattern through the study period for N, K and Mg. P and Ca, however, depicted a three-phase pattern i.e. leaching, immobilization and release during the entire course of investigations.

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K. N. Singh

Abstract

The problem of raiding of agricultural crops by elephants in the foothills of Himalayas in Uttarakhand has been studied during the period- 1995-2000. The damage to the crops is classified in three categories viz. trampling, grazing and browsing. Maize is the crop most favoured by elephants followed by sugarcane, mustard and wheat. The damage to the crops varied from 21.63% to 12.47% in the villages studied. The damage remained nearly constant over the period. Seasonal migration, competition for water, reduction or fragmentation of natural habitat, replacement of crops by sumptuous crops etc. are the main reasons behind elephant raids. Forest fires infirmity, heavy biotic pressure resulting in increased competition for fodder and the element of chance are some other reasons for elephant raids. Some of the solutions suggested for the problem are making noise by beating canisters, shouting in groups, lighting fire and torches, digging trenches and using flashlights etc. Other measures suggested are immediate stoppage of all non forestry works within the elephant habitat and absolute ban on human encroachment in elephant habitat. Control over grazing by cattle in the habitat areas, provision of a buffer belt of thorny trees at the forest boundary, ban on cultivation of tempting crops such as sugarcane, elimination of disturbances in and around the natural corridor used by elephants for movement, promotion of eco-development activities in the adjoining villages , digging of elephant proof trenche s, and providing water inside elephant habitat during lean period etc. are also suggested. Traditional electric fences are found fatal and are not recommended while high voltage non fatal electric fences are suggested which can be powered by solar batteries. Anchored mela shikar, where trained domestic elephants are used to chase away rowdy wild elephants and capture and translocation of such rowdy wild elephants are also suggested as a solution.

Keywords

Elephant Raids, Agricultural Crops, Crop Damage, Grazing, Biotic Pressure

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Gopichand , R.d. Singh , Ramjee Lal Meena , K. N. Singh , Amit Kumar

Abstract

Rheum australe D. Don. Syn R. emodi Wall ex Meissan, locally known as Himalayan rhubarb, rhubarb ischolar_main, belong to family Polygonaceae. R. australe is an endangered medicinal plant species in Indian Himalaya. Study was conducted to evaluate effect performance of IAA, IBA, NAA and GA₃ at three concentrations viz., 50, 100 and 200 mg/l on in terms of rate of germination of R. australe seeds. Observations were also recorded on days taken for initiation of germination, seed germination percentage, shoot length of the seedlings and number of leaves per seedling. Significantly higher seed germination was recorded in seeds treated with IBA 200 mg/1 followed by NAA (200 mg/l) and GA₃ (l00 and 200 mg/l).

Keywords

Rheum austral, R. emodi, Seed Germination, Seedlings

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K. N. Singh , M. S. Jolly

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no abstract

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K. N. Singh

Abstract

no abstract

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K. N. Singh , G. K. Shukla

Abstract

Jhingan gum is mostly obtained from natural exudation and sometimes by tapping. The gum finds its use in Confectionary, Calico-Printing, preparation of interior varnishes, plastering, white washing etc. About 10,41,100 Jhingan trees of different diameter classes are estimated to spread over Tarai, Siwalik and Vindhyan tract of Uttar Pradesh. With a view to standardise the technique of tapping, Jhingan trees of different diameter classes were selected for tapping under local and notching methods. The trees were subjected to tapping under the two different methods and yield data were recorded Statistical analysis or the data reveal that there is no significant difference in yield of Jhingan gum whether the trees are tapped by local method or notching method. On combining the yield of gum for the two different methods and plotting average yield per tree against different diameter classes, a close scrutiny of the graph reveals that apart from a few random fluctuation, Jhingan trees of 40-50 cm diameter class yield more gum.

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