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ThesisItem Open Access A PRELIMINARY STUDY ON HUMAN WILDLIFE CONFLICT IN SELECTED AREAS OF WAYANAD(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES, POOKODE WAYANAD, 2018) ANANDU R.; George ChandyA study was carried out from May 2018 to August 2018 to evaluate human-wildlife conflict and suggest suitable methods for mitigation regarding this issue. The survey areas included high conflict urban and semi-urban areas. An extensive survey was carried out in Kalpetta municipality, since human-monkey conflict was an increasing and rampant problem. Other areas included Kottanadu, Thanjilodu, Karapuzha, Pozhuthana, Ambalavayalu, Pinagod, Koyilamoola, Sugandagiri, Ediyavanvayal, Kaithapoyil, Aanapara, Meppadi, Mundankolli, Kalathuvayil, Kunampetta and Vythiri. Villagers around the forest fringe areas were also interviewed along with the above-mentioned regions. These areas were categorized into three sectors based on Development Block (Kalpetta Block, Sulthan Bathery Block and Kalpetta Municipality). Data regarding the socioeconomic status, wildlife conflict damage, wild animals involved, attitude of people towards wildlife and co-existence, current mitigation measures and traditional conflict mitigation methods were documented. The results indicated that 59 percent of the interviewed people were cultivating crops and 98.7 percent of them faced wildlife conflict issues. The major animals included 32.5 percent Bonnet Macaque and 22.5 percent Wild Pig. Wild animals such as elephant and deer species were reported to enter the human-habitation occasionally 12.5 percent and 11.25 percent respectively. Generalized linear modeling indicated that respondents who had suffered from financial loss by crop damage or by livestock loss had negative attitudes towards co-existence whereas positive attitude towards co-existence were marginally significant among men than women.ThesisItem Open Access DIVERSITY OF GROUND DWELLING SPIDERS IN SOUTH WAYANAD FOREST DIVISION(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES, POOKODE WAYANAD, 2018) APERNA MOHAN K M; Abdul Azeez C.P.Ground dwelling spider species composition, diversity, abundance and environmental factors influencing it were studied in three habitats of South Wayanad Forest Division from April 2018 to June 2018. Spider species abundance and diversity was estimated using plot method of size 5m2 , a total of 60 quadrats were laid in all three habitat types, photographs of spiders were taken for identification. A total of 54 species belonging to 19 families were recorded. Among different spider species recorded, five species were endemic to Western Ghats and six species endemic to South Asia. The majority of the spiders were belonging to Salticidae, Lycosidae and Oxyopidae. Certain species of spiders were more abundant such as Hasarius adansoni, Polyboea zonaformis, Hippasa agelenoides, Tibellus elongates and Ctenus cochinensis. Spider species diversity, richness and abundance varied among habitats with higher diversity in the Semi-evergreen forest followed by Moist deciduous and plantation. Dominance was higher in the MDF and plantations with a few species dominating these regions. The environmental factors such as canopy cover, litter cover, litter depth, grass cover, soil temperature and humidity that influence species abundance were investigated using multiple regression. Among different factors, variables such as soil temperature, humidity and litter depth had significant influence on the species abundance that explained 92% of variability (R2=0.917; F=11; df=3; p<0.05). Among these variables humidity had primary influence followed by soil temperature and litter depth. Spider species forage guild composition showed that they occupy eight different forage guilds, the majority of spiders 81.6% of spiders were Stalkers, Ground runners and Ambushers. The number of foraging guilds varied with higher guilds in the MDF and plantation. Thus present study on spiders provided baseline information on spiders in the South Wayanad Forest Division and influence of environmental factors on spider abundance that is essential for the management.ThesisItem Open Access POPULATION DENSITY, DIVERSITY AND DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES OF SELECTED BUTTERFLY SPECIES IN CHIMMONY WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, KERALA(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES, POOKODE WAYANAD, 2018) ANJU V.; Biju S.Population density, diversity and developmental stages of selected butterfly species in Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala was studied from April to June 2018. A total of 141 species of butterflies belonging to two orders, six families and 103 genera were recorded. Among different butterflies, 15 species were recorded as endemic and 20 species were reported under various schedules. The majority of butterfly species were belong to family Nymphalidae and Lycanidae. The species richness and species diversity was higher in Semievergreen forest (114) and the dominance was higher in the moist deciduous forest (0.09). Endemic species recorded were Indian Ace, Orchid Tit, Shiva sunbeam, Blue oakleaf, Danid eggfly, Gladeye bushbrown, Malabar tree nymph, Tailed palmfly, etc. Common lineblue and Common crow and Common Emigrant are the most abundant butterflies in the study area. The size of butterflies varies significantly among families with the largest sized butterflies recorded in Papilionidae and Nymphalidae and smallest sized butterflies from Hesperidae and Lycanidae. The factors that determine butterfly detection during the count was determined using multiple regression. The number of detections had linear relation with abundance and size of the butterflies. The model was highly significant and explained 31.3% of variation in the detection of butterflies (F=41.08; df=3; p<0.00). Abundance had primary influence on detection followed by size of the butterflies. Further studies on relative detectability of difference species of butterflies in the diversity and abundance estimation would help in refining methods of assessment. Developmental stages of Grass demon (Udaspes folus) and Nilgiri Grass Yellow (Eurema nilgiriensis) were studied. Nilgiri grass yellow butterfly eggs were hatched on third day and there were two rapid growth phase and complete development took 21 days. Development of Grass demon was monitored in three different host plant Red ginger (Alpinia purpurata), Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Turmeric (Curcuma longa). The number of days for the development varied in different host with lowest in Red ginger followed by Turmeric and Ginger with 48 18, 20 and 23 days. There were significant difference in the larval growth between the Ginger and Red ginger (t=-3.09; df=17; p<0.01). Nutrient content of host plants of Grass demon, such as crude protein, total ash, crude fat and moisture content were higher in Ginger followed by Turmeric and Red ginger. Crude protein, total ash and crude fat and moisture content was higher in the Ginger. The mean size increase of caterpillar was higher 0.278 in Ginger than other two host plants, but the number of days took for development was higher. Higher protein content in the host plant could have resulted in the increased size of the caterpillar and longer duration of development. The major threats for the butterfly species recorded were the invasion of weed plants, fire and cattle grazing that threatens the host plant abundance and butterfly abundance in the study area.ThesisItem Open Access POPULATION AND FORAGING ECOLOGY OF NILGIRI LANGUR (Trachypithecus johnii) IN RANNI DIVISION OF PATHANAMTHITTA, KERALA(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES, POOKODE WAYANAD, 2017) DEVAPRIYA DILEEP; Abdul Azeez C.PNilgiri langur (Trachypithicus johnii) (Fischer, 1829), black leaf monkey is an endangered species (Tikadar, 1983) and it is endemic to the rainforests of the Western Ghats of India. The present study mainly focused on the population estimation and foraging ecology of Nilgiri langur in Ranni division of pathanamthitta, Kerala. Field sampling was carried out June to August. Four sampling sites were selected for the study based on the presence of langur. Observations were made by line transect method. Estimated group density of langur in the study area was 0.52/km2 with mean group size of 6.75±1.93. Estimated individual density of langur was 3.5±1.01/km2 . A total of four sightings of Nilgiri langur the adult females were reported highest. Adult male and female sex ratio was 1:2.5. Sex ratio in sub adult was 1:1.6. The study indicate that the langur spent most of the time for feeding followed by moving and resting 24.9 per cent and 24.5 per cent respectively. Social interactions such as grooming, vocalization and playing were observed with 6.1 per cent 6.1 per cent and 3.4 per cent respectively. Lesser proportion of time spent on vigilance. The per cent time spent on foraging was highest in the morning with peak foraging was observed during seven and eight hrs. There was smaller peak in the evening hours. Nilgiri langur observed to forage on 25 plant species in the Ranni Reserve forest. They foraged mainly on leaves of 84 per cent of plant species.ThesisItem Open Access PREVALENCE OF ENDOPARASITES IN ASIAN ELEPHANTS (Elephas maximus indicus) OF SOUTH WAYANAD FOREST DIVISION, KERALA(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES, POOKODE WAYANAD, 2017) ABHIJITH T.V.; George ChandyThe prevalence of endoparasites in Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus indicus) was studied in South Wayanad Forest Division from March to August, 2017. Fresh elephant dung samples (n=55) were screened for identification and quantification of endoparasites by centrifugal sedimentation–floatation method. The prevalence of parasite was 74.5 per cent and mean total parasite load ranged between 128.6/epg and 1757.1/epg across different samples. Endoparasites classed as nematode and cestodes were identified. Strongyles, strongyloides sp., anoplocephala sp., and ancylostoma sp., were the major parasites recorded from the samples. Strongyloids sp. And strongyle type egg were recorded to be the most prevalent parasites with 58.1 per cent samples testing positive. Mixed parasitic species infections in South Wayanad may be associated with the free movement of elephants between landscapes. The frequency distribution of parasitic load in individual elephants, samples from outer surface and inner region of dung showed skewed distribution of propagules. Centrifugal sedimentation and floatation method of fecal examiantion of outer surface and inner region of dung did not show significant difference in number of propagules. The highest number of parasitic propagules were recorded with floatation method when compared with sedimentation method. Flotation method appeared to enhance the detectability of propagules. The number of propagules varied among different herd dung samples collected from different localities. There were no relation between the parasitic load and age of elephants. The mean density of parasite eggs was higher in the individual animals (214.3 155.4 epg) than herd elephants (147.78 111.1 epg). Though parasitic load was higher in males based on occurrence of parasites using logistic regression it was found that females are 1.83 times higher occurrence for parasitic infection than males. The other variables such as place of collection, age-sex classes were not statistically significant. The parasite egg size classes were used to classify the parasitic egg into different taxonomic groups using discriminate function analysis (DFA). Three distinct size clusters were identified. Nematode and cestode eggs were classified correctly with 95.7%. Whereas, the egg size was similar within nematode group and separation into genus was difficult. Further, inclusion of stages of development of egg and larval stages could enable the better separation.ThesisItem Open Access SCREENING FOR DISEASES IN ASIATIC WILD DOGS (Cuon alpinus) IN SOUTH WAYANAD FOREST DIVISION, KERALA(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES, POOKODE WAYANAD, 2017) KARKARIA TUSHNA SAROSH; Chintu RavishankarScreening for diseases in Asiatic wild dogs (Cuon alpinus) in Wayanad, Kerala was done from May to July 2017. The study area was South Wayanad forest division of Wayanad district of Kerala. Fresh faecal samples were collected after identification from different regions including forest paths, tea estates etc. The study was conducted to test for presence of CPV-2 in scat samples of Asiatic wild dogs in Wayanad district and to isolate and phylo-group E. coli from the samples. For detection of CPV-2, total DNA was extracted from the faecal samples by phenol – chloroform method. A PCR to detect a fragment of VP2 gene of CPV-2 was carried out. Out of the 41 samples collected 17 were positive for CPV2 (41.46%) when tested by PCR. Out of the positive samples, six were collected from tea estate (Aisha and Kurchiyarmala plantation) and seven were collected nearby KVASU campus. The faecal samples collected were also cultured on agar media to isolate E. coli. The bacteria were characterized based on the Grams staining and biochemical characteristics. The phylogrouping was then carried out employing the quadruplex PCR method described by Clermont et al. (2013). Seventeen isolates of E. coli were obtained from the 41 samples collected. Out of the 8 phylogroups A, B1, B2, C, D, E, F and Clade I, II, III, IV, V that could be detected by the quadruplex PCR methods, isolates of phylogroup A, B1, B2 and E could be detected. The identity of one isolate was unknown. Majority of the isolates belonged to group E (35.294%) followed by group B1 (29.411%) then A (23.529%) and one B2 (5.882%) and unknown (5.882%). There was no sample showing group C, D, F or clade I, II, III, IV, V.ThesisItem Open Access MOLECULAR DETECTION OF BACTERIA OF MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS COMPLEX (MTBC) AND MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM COMPLEX (MAC) IN INDIAN GREY MONGOOSE (Herpestes edwardsii)(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES, POOKODE WAYANAD, 2017) BINDYA A.; Chintu RavishankarIn India, TB is a highly prevalent disease, which causes high mortality among humans. This study was undertaken to detect the presence of MTBC and MAC organisms in free ranging Indian Grey Mongoose (Herpestes edwardsii) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Twenty one faecal samples were collected from free-ranging mongoose in Zoological Garden, Thiruvananthapuram. The DNA from the faecal samples was extracted by Qiagen stool minikit. The extracted DNA was subjected to PCR to detect any mycobacterium (PCR targeting 16S rRNA gene), MTBC (PCR targeting IS6110 and MAC (PCR targeting IS1311). Out of 21 samples, 16 (76.19 percent) were found positive for mycobacteria. None of the samples were positive for bacteria belonging to MTBC and MAC. Therefore it was concluded that the mongooses in the selected area are free from any pathogenic mycobacteria of MTBC and MAC.ThesisItem Open Access ABUNDANCE, ROOST CHARACTERISTICS, ACOUSTICS AND DIET COMPOSITION OF SELECTED BAT SPECIES IN SOUTH WAYANAD FOREST DIVISION(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES, POOKODE WAYANAD, 2017) BIBIN PAUL M; Abdul Azeez C.P.Bat species abundance, roost characteristics and selected Rhinolophid bat species call parameters (R. rouxii, R. beddomei and R. pusillus) and diet composition were studied (one fruit bat Cynopterus brachyotis, two species of insectivorous bats Rhinolophus beddomei and R. rouxii) from May 2017 to August 2017 in the South Wayanad Forest Division (SWFD). Bat species abundance was estimated using roost count method. The roost site parameters such as temperature, altitude, canopy cover, humidity and proximity to water body, human settlement and nearest road were noted. Bat call parameters were recorded in the roost site using ultrasound bat detector and analysed using Batsound Software. Bat call was classified using discriminate function analysis. Diet composition of a fruit bat and insectivorous bat species were analysed and micrograph were used to identify prey species. Prey species diversity and similarity in diet composition was calculated. A total of 11 bat species, belonging to five families such as Pteropodidae, Rhinolophidae, Megadermatidae, Emballonuridae and Vespertilionidae were recorded. Among different families Rhinolophidae and Pteropodidae had maximum number of species and abundance. The abundance of bat species was significantly more in Chedeleth Range. The number of bat species recorded and abundance was higher in non forest area than forest area. Present study reported the highest number of P. giganteus in Panamaram river. Among different variables measured in roost site compared between forest and non forest, distance to human settlement and distance to road was significantly higher in forest area. Bat species such as Megaderma spasma, R. beddomei, R. lepidus. R. rouxii recorded from abandoned buildings, rock caves, tunnel and unused wells. P. giganteus roosted only on trees and there were substantial variation in roost tree selection. Among roost site characteristics, roost temperature and altitude varied across species. 59 Three species of Rhinolophidae call parameters such as duration, interval, start and end frequency, FMAX and bandwidth were analysed and found that all parameters varied significantly. Call parameters of R. pusillus is reported for first time. Call parameters have reported to vary in different localities, method of call recording and thus it is essential to study call parameters from Wayanad region. In the present study calls were measured at the roost site when the bats were flying without any constraints. The call parameters of three Rhinolophid species were classified with 100% certainty using discriminate function analysis. A total of 120 droppings of frugivourous bat C. brachyotis were analyzed (both frequency and volume were estimated) and 12 different species of fruits were identified. Plant species belongs to 10 genera and eight families were identified as food plants. Ficus sp. had the highest frequency (46.5%) followed by Psidium guajava (26.7%), Ficus callosa (18.9%) and other species. Diet composition based on volume was different with Gnetum sp. had the highest volume (50.9%) followed by Cinnamomum sp. (12.2%), Ficus sp. (7.5%) and other species. There was significant difference between the volume of fruit and frequency. Diet composition of two Rhinolophid bat species (R. beddomei and R. rouxii) were compared. The major insect prey was similar for both species with Coleoptera, Lepidoptera and Diptera were constituted 80% and 88% in R. beddomei and R. rouxii respectively. Prey species diversity was higher for R. beddomei than R. rouxii. Diet niche overlap based on prey species was 98% similar. Though both species feed on same niche, same insect prey item, morphological differences of bat species, foraging methods and insect prey abundance could enable both species to co-exist in the similar environmentThesisItem Open Access POPULATION AND MICROHABITAT USAGE OF MALABAR SLENDER LORIS (Loris lydekkerianus malabaricus) IN HUMAN MODIFIED PLANTATIONS OF KOTTAYAM DISTRICT, KERALA, INDIA(COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES, POOKODE WAYANAD, 2017) ROSHIN TOM; George ChandyA survey was conducted on Malabar Slender Lorises (Loris lydekkerianus malabaricus) in rubber plantations of Kottayam District of Kerala. The field Survey was carried out over two sessions from May 2017 to July 2017 and the index used for estimating relative abundance was animal encounter rate or ‘sightings’ per km. Overall encounter rate of Slender Loris was 1.55±0.42, with highest number of encounters in Pathampuzha and Teekoy Estates (3.9/km). The study showed a high encounter rate of Slender Loris in rubber plantations in the study area. Estimated population density of the animals was 0.97/km based on number of sightings and area sampled rather than transect method. The study identified rubber plantations as potential distributional areas of Malabar Slender Loris (Loris lydekkerianus malabaricus). This indicated that it is essential to surveyhuman modified landscapes such as plantations of teak (Tectona grandis), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), rubber (Hevea brasiliensis), coffee (Coffea sp.) and other plantations as potential habitats for loris. A peak in number of sightings of the animal was observed between 19:30 hrs and 21:00 hrs. There was a linear increase in spot height with tree height and tree species. Greater number of sightings fell in girth at breast height class between 40 and 60 cm, a finding which has an important management implication.