Subramanian Bhupathy

Wildlife exploitation: a market survey in Nagaland, North-eastern India

With growing human population, increased accessibility to remote forests and adoption of modern tools, hunting has become a severe global problem, particularly in Nagaland, a Northeast Indian state. While Indian wildlife laws prohibit hunting of virtually all large wild animals, in several parts of North-eastern parts of India that are dominated by indigenous tribal communities, these laws have largely been ineffective due to cultural traditions of hunting for meat, perceived medicinal and ritual value, and the community ownership of the forests. We report the quantity of wild animals sold at Tuensang town of Nagaland, based on weekly samples drawn from May 2009 to April 2010. Interviews were held with vendors on the availability of wild animals in forests belonging to them and methods used for hunting. The tribes of Chang, Yimchunger, Khiemungan, and Sangtam are involved in collection/ hunting and selling of animals in Tuensang. In addition to molluscs and amphibians, 1,870 birds (35 species) and 512 mammals (8 species) were found in the samples. We estimated that annually 13,067 birds and 3,567 mammals were sold in Tuensang market alone, which fetched about Indian Rupees () 18.5 lakhs/ year. Temporal variation was observed with respect to various taxa sold; molluscs: almost all through the year; amphibians: June-August; and birds and mammals restricted to October-February. We suggest monitoring of all major markets of Nagaland to examine trends in exploitation of wild animals. However, considering the traditional dependency of people on wild resources, as well as their cultural sentiments and livelihoods, any interventions for wildlife conservation should have the involvement and support of local inhabitants.

Environmental determinants of activity variation of an overlooked burrowing rodent: the Indian crested porcupine

Abstract A study of the activity patterns, time allocation for each activity and variations in activities due to environmental alterations are necessary for understanding the biology of any species. This study investigates the relationship of micro-habitat and environmental conditions with seasonal and temporal activities of Indian crested porcupines (ICP) around their burrows in Keoladeo National Park (KNP), India. This species is considered as a problem species, often ignoring its ecological importance as an ecosystem engineer. Of the 39 sampled burrows, 58.97%, 38.46% and 83.78% were occupied in winter, summer and monsoon, respectively. The estimated porcupine density was 3.21±1.32SD individuals/km2, accounting for a population size of 65.89±27.15SD individuals. A seasonal shift in rate of emergence was observed in monsoon and winter, when ICP emerged earlier, significantly correlating with the sunset timings. The daily activity records of adult ICP outside burrow significantly peaked in January–February when they prepare the burrows for the gestation period of 90–112 days, followed by rearing of the offspring. The temporal activity significantly reduced in the full moon nights, perhaps to avoid predators. The study affirms that environmental determinants including the timings of sunrise, sunset and lunar phase significantly affect the variations in temporal activity and burrow use patterns of ICP.

CEPF Western Ghats Special Series: Meghamalai landscape : a biodiversity hotspot

The Meghamalai, also known as High Wavy Mountains, is located in the Theni Forest Division of Tamil Nadu, Western Ghats. The landscape is endowed with an array of vegetation types varying from dry (thorn forests) in the eastern side to wet (evergreen) forests on the western side due to wide elevation gradient (220-2000 m above sea level) and varied rainfall pattern (wind ward and leeward zones). The composition and configuration of this landscape facilitates diverse species of vertebrates (18 species of fishes, 35 amphibians, 90 reptiles, 254 birds, 63 mammals). In the past, selected floral and faunal groups of Meghamalai have been sporadically surveyed by the British explorers. However, in-depth ecological studies on various biota have only been initiated in recent years by SACON and WILD, which highlighted the conservation importance of the area. It is hoped that the recently declared Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary encompassing a part of the landscape, and the proposal of the Srivilliputtur-Meghamalai Tiger Reserve, if realized, would help conserving the diverse biota of this landscape in the long run.