Kalyan Mukherjee,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (9-2022)
Abstract
This paper is reporting Evolvulus nummularius (L.) L. (Convolvulaceae) as a new larval host plant for Junonia orithya (Linnaeus) (Nymphalidae) and Syzygium samarangense (Blume) Merr. and L. M. Perry (Myrtaceae), as a new larval host plant for Virachola isocrates (Fabricius) (Lycaenidae) from Raibaghini, Bankura, West Bengal, India.
Azadeh Rezaei, Hoda Khaledi, Ahmad Savari, Babak Dostshenas, Hossein Mohammad Asgari, Rezvan Attari,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (9-2022)
Abstract
Macrobenthos play an important role in aquatic ecosystems because they mineralize, promote, and mix the oxygen flux into the sediment, which recycles the organic matter. Sampling of macrobenthos populations for this study was carried out in the supratidal, mid tidal, low tidal, and subtidal regions of the Dayyer, Ouli, and Kangan stations in the Persian Gulf during both cold and warm seasons. Water parameters such as the temperature, salinity, pH, turbidity, and electrical conductivity were assessed, and were indicative of moderate water quality. Representatives of a total of 31 taxonomic families were identified during both seasons, of which 59 were identified to genus and species. The highest average number of species was observed in the low tidal region of Kangan in the warm season at 16.6 ± 1.2 species, and the lowest number was observed in the supratidal regions of Ouli and Kangan in the cold season at 6.6±2 species. The species diversity, as calculated using the Shannon–Wiener Index (H’), showed a significant difference between sampling seasons and sampling stations, as well as pollution level at the beaches. The species diversity index in Ouli, Dayyer, and Kangan stations also differed between the seasons. In both seasons, the Kangan station showed the highest species diversity while the Dayyer station showed the lowest. These results reveal a rich species diversity of macrobenthos and good water quality at the three beaches in the Persian Gulf. Re-assessment of species diversity during an environmental impact assessment prior to urban development should be further conducted to ensure that the
community is not significantly affected and the ecosystem remains intact.
Bharat Sharma, Rajeev Joshi, Sambandam Sathyakumar,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (9-2022)
Abstract
Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus Shaw), one of four species of bear found on the Indian sub-continent, has a geographical distribution across Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka. It is listed as Vulnerable under the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species due to the rapid decline of the global population. This decrease in Melursus ursinus presents a need for comprehensive research to predict and understand the distribution pattern. The present study predicts the habitat suitability and distribution pattern of M. ursinus in the Chitwan National Park, Nepal and its buffer areas. The entire study area was divided into 4 X 4 km grids. Within each grid, 10-meter radius plots were sampled for bear signs and habitat evaluation occurred at every 250 meters along a transect (1–1.5 km). Data on direct and indirect signs (diggings, pugmarks, scrapes, and scats) and other habitat use parameters of M. ursinus were collected. The study was carried out during the dry season (January to March 2019) in almost 57 grids of the study area. The calculated habitat suitability for M. ursinus determined that 25% of the total area was suitable, and the remaining 75% was less suitable habitat. Drainage, followed by slope and elevation, were found to be the important variables affecting the distribution of species in the study area and this model was found to be 88.5% accurate in terms of explaining the dependent variables. The findings of the present research will be useful for park managers, researchers, and academicians in the formulation of an appropriate conservation plan for this charismatic mammal species.
Hoda Khaledi,
Volume 4, Issue 4 (12-2022)
Abstract
Benthic macrofauna has a pivotal role in the energy flow and material cycles of marine ecosystems. Abiotic and biotic factors determine the presence and distribution of benthic macrofauna. The present study investigated possible relationships between benthic macrofauna and natural abiotic factors along the coastal region of the Gulf of Oman, including the north of Chabahar Bay, Konarak, and Tis. This was achieved through survey of the supra-littoral and intertidal zones at low tide, during the cold and warm seasons. In each zone, nine transects were sampled at random using quadrats. Then, sediment characteristics and macrofaunal abundance were determined. Mollusks and echinoderms had the highest and the lowest species richness, respectively. The average values for the Shannon–Wiener index of the transects at Tis, north of Chabahar Bay, and Konarak were 3.22, 3.28, and 3.20 in the warm season, respectively, while the index reached 3.29, 3.47, and 3.17 in the winter. Regardless of seasonality, the level of biodiversity was at a maximum in the northern part of Chabahar Bay, and Konarak showed the minimum biodiversity. The results of multi-linear regression analysis proposed that non-biological factors are suitable proxies for predicting the levels of species density in the study regions (R2= 0.72, F(6,71) = 2.25, p< 0.05).
Pema Dendup, Ugyen Ugyen, Rinzin Dorji, Choki Lham,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
The Himalayan red panda Ailurus fulgens F. Cuvier (family Ailuridae) is a carnivore that feeds mainly on bamboo leaves and shoots. Habitat loss, fragmentation, degradation, and poaching are some of the major threats to the red panda population. In Bhutan, Ailurus fulgens is reported from within and outside protected areas; however, only a few studies (distribution, threats, and habitat correlates) have been carried out, and much remains unknown about this species. Herein, we report information on the updated distribution, habitat use, and activity pattern from by-catch images of A. fulgens occurrence from both systematic camera traps set for a country-wide tiger Panthera tigris (Linnaeus) survey (2014–2015) and other surveys during 2015–2021 from different parks and forest divisions. Ailurus fulgens was found to occur in 19 out of 20 districts in Bhutan. Regarding protected areas, they were found in eight out of eleven protected areas (Wangchuck Centennial, Jigme Dorji, Jigme Singye, Phrumsengla National Park, Bumdeling and Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, Jigme Kheser Strict Nature Reserve, and Royal Botanical Park) and five out of eight biological corridors (connecting Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary to Jigme Singye National Park, Wangchuck Centennial National Park to Jigme Singye National Park, Phrumsengla National Park to Jigme Singye National Park, Phrumsengla National Park to Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, and Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary to Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary). The majority of A. fulgens were recorded in broadleaf forest followed by mixed conifer forest and were found to be distributed at elevations between 1,520–4,331 m (mean 3,131 m). Red pandas displayed higher use of habitats including cool broadleaf and mixed conifer forests. The activity pattern of A. fulgens showed that they were mostly diurnal, with peak activities taking place between 10:00–11:00 hours.
Tanuj Suryan, Gauraangi Raghav, Aniruddha Majumdar, Ravindra Mani Tripathi,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
The big cats are of paramount importance for the sustenance of ecosystems and their interaction with humans is critical for their conservation. Coexistence and tolerance of the people involved will be crucial in the conservation of these cats in the growing human-dominated landscapes. The literature review on humans and big cats' conflicts and their coexistence indicates socio-economic factors are the main driving forces in shaping human attitudes toward these cats. In contrast to the mainstream view, conflict frequency does not directly affect the tolerance capacity of stakeholders; instead, coalitions of many factors like livelihood status, religious and cultural beliefs and government intervention are involved. The review provides an evaluation of the prevalent mitigation measures and other principles that govern human-big cats conflict and sheds light on the potential of coexistence as a pro-conservation strategy.
Raju Vyas, Vishal Mistry, Pranav Vaghasiya, Devendra Chauhan,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
Railway lines, roadways, canals, and electricity cable networks, pose serious problems to wildlife, fragmenting habitats worldwide. These infrastructures are well-recognized as linear intrusions. Today it is a threat to wildlife, including the Mugger or Marsh Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris). The current study documents 15 crocodile-vehicle collisions (CVC) recorded in two years (2021 and 2022); 11 were on roads, and four were on railway tracks. Sex was determined for 11 individuals (five males, six females), and four unknown due to crushing). A total of 13 individuals were found dead at the various sites of collision, and two juvenile individuals were found injured, and one of them was treated successfully and returned to the wild. The high numbers (9) of CVCs occur in the Central Gujarat and follow 3 CVCs in Saurashtra, 2 CVC in the Kutch region, and one in north Gujarat. Mitigation measures would be required for the collision situationsin Gujarat are discussed. The literature survey shows totals of 75 CVCs were recorded within the last 18 years due to the state's road (n= 51, 68%) and railway (n= 24, 32%) networks, with the highest numbers of 56 CVCs observed in the Central Gujarat and lowest 2 CVC noted in north Gujarat, and no CVC was noted in south Gujarat. The high number of subadults and juvenile muggers victimized due to the CVC. The CVC site location in different regions of Gujarat state positively corresponds to crocodile populations. However, the Mugger crocodile (C. palustris) has been nationally protected under Indian Wildlife Act as Schedule I species, the IUCN criteria as ‘Vulnerable’, and the Appendix I of CITES, therefore conservation acts are essential. The CVC incidences were recorded widely in the entire species distribution range, from Iran, India, and Sri Lanka and can be classified as an emerging threat for mugger crocodiles.
Sherab Jamtsho, Sonam Phuntsho, Tshering Dorji, Lhendup Tharchen,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (6-2023)
Abstract
Pallas’s fish eagle, Haliaeetus leucoryphus (Pallas), is listed as endangered (En) in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species with a global population of 2,500 to 9,999 individuals. It is one of the least known species in Bhutan and assessing its foraging and nesting behavior will be one of the best conservation measures to monitor its status, ecology and conservation threats. Therefore, the nesting behavior of the eagle was observed for two months and chick feeding activities for sixteen weeks at 21 vantage points along a 75 km highway in the Punatshangchu River Valley, Bhutan. Fifty households residing 500 m from the river were interviewed using structured questionnaires to examine their perception towards the eagle. A total of 92% (n= 46) of respondents were aware of the presence of H. leucoryphus in their locality and 78% felt that it is a rare and endangered fishing eagle. However, 84% (n= 42) of respondents were not aware of nesting within their vicinity. The sexes of H. leucoryphus can be differentiated by their plumage and the fledgling was observed approximately one week after the end of the incubation period. It took 112 days for the fledging to leave the nest. The study revealed that the eagle preferred foraging between 7 and 9 AM in the morning and in the afternoon from 1 to 3 PM. The maximum foraging attempts occurred in a pool habitat 54% (n= 37) with a success rate of 78% (n= 54). The hunting and feeding of the fledgling was done by the male and prey delivery in the first two months consisted of 78.5% fish and 19.5% rodents. However, the feeding of fish declined by 35% in the next two months and its diet mainly consisted of small birds. Attacks on the fledgling were done by the crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela Latham) (48%), followed by the black eagle Ictinaetus malaiensis (Temminck) (33%).
Raju Vyas, Kartik Upadhyay,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (6-2023)
Abstract
The blackbuck Antilope cervicapra (Linnaeus) is a grassland antelope widely distributed in Pakistan, Nepal, and India. Here we present a review of the known horn anomaly in the species followed by two new examples: a male with an abnormal right 'curled' horn and a female with a horn at the Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar, Bhavnagar District, Gujarat State, India. We also provide a photographic record of a female with horns in captivity.
Maryam Rezaie, Fariba Ardeshir,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (6-2023)
Abstract
The two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch is one of the most important pests of agricultural crops worldwide, infesting a wide range of plants including some economically important crops. An investigation was carried out to study the life table parameters of five Iranian populations of T. urticae from Urima, Dashtnase, Faryman, Razkan and Tehran under laboratory conditions of 27 °C, 60% RH and 16 L: 8 D hours on Malus domestica Borkh leaves. There was a significant difference in the developmental time of T. urticae among tested populations. The total survival rate of T. urticae ranged from 76% to 81%. The adult longevities were significantly different. The adult longevities of the Faryman and Dashtnase populations were different from the Razkan population. Total fecundity of the Urima, Razkan and Tehran populations were higher than that observed for the other tested populations. The highest value of R0 was for the Urima and Dashtnase populations and the lowest was for the Faryman population. The r values of the Dashtnase (0.248 day-1) and Urima populations (0.200 day-1) were significantly higher in comparison to the Faryman population (0.124 day-1). The observed variation of the two-spotted spider mite collected from different localities showed that ecological factors such as geographical separation can influence the life table parameters of a phytophagous organism.
Manchiryala Ravikanth, Nagarajan Baskaran,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (10-2023)
Abstract
Gyps species declined rapidly between the late 1990s and early 2000s in southern Asia due to the use of diclofenac and are listed as Critically Endangered species. Long-term data on breeding ecology is essential to understand the population trends of these threatened species. This study assessed the breeding phenology and reproductive performance of two critically endangered Gyps species—Long-billed Gyps indicus (Scopoli) (LBV) and White-rumped Gyps bengalensis (Gmelin) (WRV) vultures—through long-term monitoring at breeding colonies in Kaghaznagar and Sironcha Forest Divisions in the Deccan Plateau of India between 2010 and 2021. LBV began their nest construction and copulation in the second week of October, and ended in the fourth week of November, while the WRV completed the same between the first and second weeks of October. LBV started egg-laying during the first week of December and ended in the first week of January, with a peak during the third week on 14 December, and the mean incubation period was 54±1 days. The WRV completed their egg-laying early, during the second and third weeks of October, and peaked during the second week on 14 October and had a relatively longer incubation of 61±1 days. For LBV, hatching peaked during the first week of February, and the mean nestling period was 103±2 days, while for WRV hatching peaked much earlier, during the third week of December and the mean nestling period was 105±1 days. Overall nest success, breeding success, and productivity estimated based on 159 breeding pairs of LBV observed over 12 years were lower compared to that of 124 breeding pairs of WRV observed over 6-year period. The decline in breeding success of LBV since 2019 is discussed in light of cattle poisoning reported in 2018, and the reopening of the Sirpur paper industry (Kaghaznagar) in 2017 that discharges its hazardous effluent into the Peddavagu stream. Therefore, the present study suggests long-term monitoring of breeding colonies including evaluation of the drivers of population and breeding, molecular and toxicological studies, and implementation of Vulture Safe Zones to save these critically endangered Gyps vultures from local extinction.
Ashish Subedi, Rajeev Joshi, Santosh Ghimire, Sewak Bhatta, Kripa Pokhrel,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (10-2023)
Abstract
The wild water buffalo-WWB (Bubalus arnee) holds a significant ecological role within Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal. Despite its importance, there has been a lack of comprehensive research addressing its distribution, habitat suitability, and interaction with domestic cattle. To address these gaps, this study was undertaken with the primary objectives of elucidating the population distribution of B. arnee within the reserve, mapping its habitat suitability, and evaluating the interplay between B. arnee and domestic cattle in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. The study area was subdivided into cells to gather data on B. arnee presence using various indicators such as sightings, dung, and footprints. Interaction between B. arnee and domestic cattle was assessed based on their spatial overlap within and outside a 500-meter radius from observation points. Employing the MaxEnt algorithm, distribution data of B. arnee and climatic variables including maximum and minimum temperatures, mean temperature, and rainfall were analyzed, while land use and cover maps were acquired from the Department of Survey for further analysis. Results revealed a concentration of B. arnee in the southwest region of the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, with a total of 405 individuals recorded, comprising 26 calves, 6 sub-adults, and 373 adults. The distribution pattern displayed a prevalence of small-sized herds (1–15 individuals) followed by medium-sized (15–29 individuals) and large-sized (29+ individuals) herds. Notably, B. arnee presence was most prominent in grassland areas (approximately 49% of observations), while forested regions accounted for the lowest presence (approximately 10% of observations). Interestingly, domestic buffalo were observed near B. arnee only in a single cell in the southwest section of the study area, while in the eastern cells of the reserve, overlaps between domestic cows and B. arnee occurred within a 500-meter radius. Our study indicated a suitability index greater than or equal to 0.5876, encompassing only about 14% of the reserve's total area. The jackknife test highlighted the influential environmental variables in the model, with annual precipitation contributing around 60.8% and the maximum temperature of the warmest month contributing about 39.20% in determining the distribution of B. arnee. The results underscored the significance of annual precipitation, with a regularized training gain of 0.50, compared to 0.32 for the maximum temperature of the warmest month. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the distribution, habitat suitability, and interaction dynamics of B. arnee within the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, offering valuable insights for informed wildlife management and conservation strategies.
Kumari Krishnanagara Shraddha, Rajesh Puttaswamaiah, Chetan Nag Krishnaswamy Sudarshan,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (10-2023)
Abstract
Much is known about bats from other parts of the globe regarding factors such as homogeneity and heterogeneity of habitats, prey abundance influencing the predator-prey relationship, etc. Sadly, minuscule literature on bat ecology is available for India. The current study investigated diet of the Kolar leaf-nosed bat Hipposideros hypophyllus, a Critically Endangered (CR) insectivorous bat in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, known only from a single cave where it shares its roosting site with congeneric species, namely Durgadas’s leaf-nosed bat H. durgadasi Khajuria and Schneider’s leaf-nosed bat H. speoris (Schneider), which are Vulnerable (VU) and Least Concerned (LC), respectively. Because Hipposideros hypophyllus is on the brink of extinction with no baseline ecological data available, the study analyzed the dietary compositions of the species. It relied on the morphological cataloguing of post-digested prey fragments in fecal pellets of the species and its congeners. Fresh fecal pellets of all three species of Hipposideros were analyzed to understand morphological differences and prey composition at the only known site for H. hypophyllus, Hanumanahalli village, Kolar district, India, between November 2022 to February 2023. A total of 29,793 prey remnants were examined from all three species belonging to 11 insect orders (Blattodea, Coleoptera, Mantodea, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Neuroptera, Odonata, Orthoptera, and Thysanoptera). All three species of Hipposideros fed mainly on Coleoptera, followed by Diptera and Lepidoptera, showing a strong overlap in their prey composition. Our results warrant a long-term study across seasons and identifying prey to the species level which can provide more detailed understanding and lead to the conservation of Hipposideros hypophyllus, H. durgadasi, and H. speoris.
Anisha Parajuli, Chitra Rekha Basyal, Manoj Baral, Hari Adhikari, Shailendra Kumar Yadav, Janga Bdr. Basnet, Sachin Timilsina,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (10-2023)
Abstract
Human-wildlife conflicts (HWC) are common in locations where human settlements and wildlife ecosystems intersect. Conflict between people and wildlife is a significant conservation issue that is challenging to resolve. Therefore, this research aims to reveal the trends, status, and patterns of HWC in the Buffer Zone (BZ) of Chitwan National Park (CNP) from July 2012 to July 2021. Primary data were collected through household surveys, key informant interviews (KIIs), direct observation, and secondary data from park offices, the Buffer Zone User Committee (BZUC), and institutions through reports, documents, and booklets. Our study shows crop raiding was the most common and notable problem, followed by livestock depredation, with 4416 documented cases. According to the report, elephants are the biggest conflict-causing species, accounting for 37.86% of overall losses. HWC occurrences peaked in 2018, accounting for 23.41% of total incidents from July 2012 to July 2021. During the research period, victims of HWC received compensation totaling ~0.805 million US dollars (106641196.00 Nepalese rupees). Autumn is identified as the greatest season for HWC, owing to paddy harvesting, which draws animals. Most people believe that the population density of wildlife increases in the park due to positive human participation. By adopting a participatory management approach to conservation, the park has the potential to increase the number of locals who benefit from it significantly.
Shalini Tudu, Amith S J, Chetan Nag K S,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
In this Anthropocene epoch, where every single ecosystem on Earth is heavily shaped, both in space and time, by human deeds, natural landscapes are being rapidly replaced by urbanization. Henceforth, a new urban biome has arisen displaying certain unique properties, making cities around the globe a perfect place to investigate “natural” processes like ecology, evolution, adaptation, and biodiversity, away from their more natural forested counterparts. Interestingly, despite conurbations, or extended urban habitats, being thought of as adversaries of Mother Nature, organisms in urban environments are learning to adapt and survive, making them novel sources for evolutionary variation. Regrettably, despite advancements in methods to answer questions in ecology and evolutionary biology, there is a lack of knowledge about how urbanization influences evolution and its processes in an urban milieu. There is a dire need to understand issues such as the operational repercussions of urbanization, and the roles of evolutionary transformation in urban community dynamics.
. Joseliph Abin, Padayatty Davis Samson,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
Identification and characterisation of urban habitats and ascertaining their species associations are essential for the conservation and management of biodiversity in urban landscapes. The study attempts to identify, describe and categorise potential urban habitats in Kochi city, Kerala, India, and to explore the association of bird faunal assemblages within each of the habitats. The study was conducted from June 2018 to May 2020. The Urban Habitat Categories were identified, described and categorised as per the Urban Habitats Biodiversity Assessment (UrHBA) procedure and a sample biotope map was prepared. The habitat association of bird species was determined from each of the identified Urban Habitat Category by evaluating the species composition of each habitat. Species sharing between the identified habitats was also examined. Critical habitats of conservation concern were identified, and their specific features were ascertained. A total of 38 Urban Habitat Categories were characterised from the landscape of Kochi City with 162 species of birds to be found associated within the urban habitats. The wide variety of urban habitats provide excellent dwellings for a large number of birds including several threatened and migratory species. Out of the five major urban habitat categories, most of the species utilise Sparsely vegetated - Life form categories. Among the 38 urban habitats, Forest phanerophytes supports greater numbers of bird species. Vegetation structure is an important factor that determines bird diversity of the urban habitats. Together with the well-vegetated habitats, sparsely vegetated, non-vegetated and artificial built habitats also significantly contribute to biodiversity of urban centres. The diverse urban habitats and the associated bird species identified from Kochi city emphasise that modified urban landscapes are equally potent as natural landscapes in upholding diverse life forms. The study highlights the necessity of maintaining habitat complexity in urban landscapes for sustainable conservation of urban biodiversity. The baseline data on urban habitats and their species association will serve as a planning tool for safeguarding the critical habitats.
Marina Armel À Mmira Akohogni, Evrard Kouopestchop Medjo, Boddis Tsiguia Zebaze, Alexia Kevine Noubissi Chiassa, Pamela Cynthia Mepa Tchiegang, Claudine Tekounegning Tiogué, Dorothy Engwali Fon,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
This study was carried out between October 2020 and October 2021 with the aim of determining sustainable management options and nutrition for the domestication of Mormyridae fish species living in the Sanaga River in central Cameroon. For this purpose, 451 specimens collected from local fishermen were identified and grouped into four genera and seven species, constituting 20.84% Campylomormyrus phantasticus (Pellegrin), 5.32% Hippopotamyrus castor (Pappenheim), 24.61% Mormyrops anguilloides (Linnaeus), 18.63% Mormyrops caballus (Pellegrin), 4.66% Mormyrops zanclirostris (Günther, 1867), 15.52% Mormyrus rume (Valenciennes), and 10.42% Mormyrus tapirus (Pappenheim). Fish were measured, and parameters were obtained after dissection using intestinal morphometric characteristics and stomach content analysis methods. The emptiness coefficient varied from 0% (Hippopotamyrus castor and Mormyrops zanclirostris) to 26.66% (Mormyrus rume). The relative mass of the intestine was low in all studied species; the intestinal coefficient and the Zihler index of all these species are within the range of carnivorous species. Analysis of stomach contents revealed a broad food spectrum containing twelve categories of prey. Insects, macrophytes and larval insect shelters were the preferred foods of Mormyrops anguilloides, Mormyrops caballus and Mormyrops zanclirostris, while insect larvae and larval shelters were the preferred prey for other species. Site and season had little effect on the categories of prey consumed by these species.
Raju Vyas, Devendra Chauhan, Pranav Vaghashiya, Harshil Patel,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
Mugger Crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) are apex predators of freshwater aquatic ecosystems throughout South Asia whose natural history and ecology are incompletely known. We present some noteworthy observations on feeding behavior, hunting strategy, and diet of the species based on seven observations during the last four years as part of a long-term monitoring study in Junagadh, Gujarat, India. We found Muggers of this region feeding on the domestic dog (Canis familiaris), Indian rock python (Python molurus), Indian flap-shelled turtle (Lissemys punctata), several species of fishes, as well as cannibalism events. Moreover, we review and discuss some published observations of the species.
Devvratsinh Mori, Raju Vyas, Gourav Dadhich,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (6-2024)
Abstract
The Merlin Falco columbarius, is a small falcon widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America. Merlin falcons are winter visitors to north India. They occur from an arid area in Gujarat to far northeast Arunachal Pradesh. Here, we present details of the Merlin's diet on winter foraging grounds in Gujarat and Rajasthan, Western India, based on a combination of direct observations from 2009 to 2023 and secondary data extracted from various social media platforms. A total of 99 hunting events of Merlin with their prey bird were collected from the study areas, including 39 generated from direct observation of falcon hunting and 60 images of falcons with prey items acquired from various electronic media. The higher number (72) of falcon hunting events were noted from Gujarat, while a lower number (28) of observations were noted from Rajasthan. Of the total of 99 hunting events, 83 were carried out by males, 11 by females, and 5 juvenile falcons observed hunting. The hunting times of the falcons were noted in the morning (67%), in the evening (28%), and the least (5%) were recorded in midday periods. Merlins hunted and consumed 17 different types of smaller birds belonging to seven families; the highest number (45.45%) of prey items were the Greater Short-toed Lark, Calandrella brachydactyla, from Family Alaudidae and the second highest prey species (7%) was the Barn Swallow, Hirundo rustica, family Hirundinidae. Most of the prey birds were larks of different species (70.70%), with the remaining prey birds in very low numbers. However, the present study supports an earlier study stating that a higher portion of smaller migratory birds are in the diets of Merlin falcons.
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