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ThesisItem Open Access EVALUATION OF THE EFFICACY OF TWO DETERRENTS (HERBOLIV® AND BOREP®) AGANIST CROP RAIDING WILD ANIMALS(KVASU CENTRE FOR WILDLIFE STUDIES KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY POOKODE, WAYANAD, 2023-03-22) ATHUL U K; Dr. George ChandyThe study evaluated the efficacy of wild animal deterrents (Herboliv®, Borep®) which are olfactory repellents available in the market. Borep®is an olfactory repellent which is mainly used to deter wild boar (Sus scrofa). Herboliv®is a bio liquid with various herbal extract and other organic product which gives an odour to the crops when sprayed and makes the crop non-palatable for wild animals and is mainly used against deer.The study was undertaken in the selected areas in Vythiri panchayath, of Wayand district, where the crop raiding by wild animals are regular. The study area was selected after conducting a pilot survey and based on the information collected from the elected panchayath representatives. Three plots were selected for the study. All the three selected plots were having same crops grown and the major crops in the three plots included coffee and areca palm. Prior to the deterrent application in the plots, camera trap was used to monitor the wild animal entry into the field. This was also done to understand that activity pattern of the animals in the plots. It was found that the Sambar deer had the highest number of visits in the plots. It was also found that the peak activity of the wild animals in the field was during the late midnight hours. After the camera trap study in all the respective plots, the deterrents Herboliv®and Borep® were applied. And again, the camera trap was placed in the three plots to know the efficacy of the two deterrents. It was found that the number of wild animal entry into the three plots was reduced to a significant level.The study also evaluated the cost of the deterrents and found that the deterrentBorep® was more cost effective when compared to Herboliv®. This was because for the deterrent Herboliv®, a super dose should to be done in the field for better results.ThesisItem Open Access DIVERSITY, ABUNDANCE AND FORAGE PLANT ASSOCIATION IN RELATION WITH PROBOSCIS LENGTH OF SELECTED BUTTERFLY SPECIES IN KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY’S POOKODE CAMPUS(KVASU CENTRE FOR WILDLIFE STUDIES KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY POOKODE, WAYANAD, 2023-03-22) SWETHAKRISHNA V.K.; Dr. Biju S.Diversity, abundance and forage plant association with the proboscis length of selected species of butterflies of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University’s Pookode Campus were studied over three months. Some butterflies are recognised as being biological indicators, it is crucial to periodically study their biodiversity in a habitat to ensure the health of an ecosystem. The protection of butterflies as an umbrella species, ensures the protection of other related organisms. A total of 89 species were recorded during the study period. The survey was conducted using width transects count method. The majority of butterfly species belonged to the family Nymphalidae and Lycanidae. The study reported 439 individuals, with Jamides celeno being the most common species, followed by Ypthima huebneri and Junonia iphita. According to the study, resting was followed by foraging as the most frequently observed behaviour, while mating and mud-puddling were the least prevalent. Vegetation was also identified and noted during the study period. A total of 54 species of shrubs and herbs were found in the study area, of which herbs dominated the shrub species. The length of the foraging flower corolla tube and proboscis were measured manually in mm. According to the study, most of the selected butterflies preferred tubular flowers and the relation between corolla length and proboscis length were positively correlated.ThesisItem Open Access ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC PERSPECTIVES AND PREY DECLINE AS POSSIBLE THREATS TO OTTERS IN SELECTED SITES OF WAYANAD(KVASU CENTRE FOR WILDLIFE STUDIES KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY POOKODE, WAYANAD, 2023-03-22) SREEJITH M.; Dr. Biju P. HabeebA study was carried out to document the threats of otters in Wayanad district by understanding the problems of its food source (crabs and fishes) and ecosystem. The study mainly focused on the responses of the public having a close relation to both these animals. A pre-planned questionnaire was prepared and interviewed 100 people from two different places namely Appapara and Ozhukkanmoola were interviewed. Majority of respondents agreed that the stream was polluted with different chemicals and pesticides and the population size of otters, fishes and crabs were found to be decreased. Along with questionnaire survey a field study was also conducted to understand the variation in number of crab burrows in different localities having different levels of pesticide exposure. Four different plots were selected on the basis of pesticide exposure. which included zero direct exposed areas, fully exposed, moderately exposed and slightly exposed areas. Regular visits and noting down of the number of burrows in the 4 plots were made separately in every week over a period of one month. A notable variation was seen in between the plots. Total number of burrows and the newly formed burrows in the highly exposed plots were relatively lesser than the plots having zero or less exposure. This indicated that continuous use of pesticides may alter the ecosystem of crabs and hence the otters.ThesisItem Open Access FACTORS AFFECTING THE COMMUNAL ROOSTING BEHAVIOUR OF BIRDS AT PANAMARAM HERONRY, WAYANAD DISTRICT(KVASU CENTRE FOR WILDLIFE STUDIES KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY POOKODE, WAYANAD, 2023-03-22) ROSE FRANCIS; Dr. Biju SCommunal roosting of birds can be observed all over the world, it’s a common behaviour shown by birds to attain benefits of better thermoregulation, information attained on food, predators as well as breeding mates and also lower predation. Sometimes in the communal roost only, birds are found to nest and rear young ones. So, the conservation of such roosts is essential for the protection of birds and it can only happen with the help of scientific studies about it.In this present study, we are looking into various environmental factors affecting the communal roosting behaviour of birds in a mixed-species roost situated in a Heronry at Panamaram of Wayanad District, Kerala. The major objectives of the study also include the abundance of different species residing in the communal roost as well as the roost partitioning of the birds roosting. The inferences are made by directly observing the roost in the hours of 17:00hrs and 19:00hrs in the late evening with simple point count method and the data was documented with the help of photographs and videos. From the observations, it is identified that heronry is home to a total of 9 species belonging to 3 families which include species of Egrets, species of Cormorants and even Near Threatened Black headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus). It’s a mixed-species roost since along with these heronry birds Passeriformes such as Jungle Myna (Acridotheres fuscus) are found communally roosting in the same heronry. Observations were also made on how light intensity, wind speed, and wind direction affect the roost and also time of arrival as well as the direction of arrival of roosting birds. Our results could significantly favour the relatedness of these factors with roosting behaviour and find an abundance of various roosting species of this heronryThesisItem Open Access NESTING SITE SELECTION OF WOOLLY-NECKED STORK (Ciconia episcopus episcopus, BODDAERT 1783) IN KERALA(KVASU CENTRE FOR WILDLIFE STUDIES KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY POOKODE, WAYANAD, 2023-03-22) NAVIN P. MATHEW; Dr. Biju S.The present study was carried out to document the nesting status and factors affecting nest-site selection of the Woolly-necked Storks (Ciconia episcopus) in Kerala. Woolly-necked Storks preferred to breed in Malappuram, Palakkad, and Thrissur of Central Kerala along the stretch of Bharathapuzha River basin apart from one site in Periyar Tiger Reserve of Idukki. The breeding reports in Kerala suggested that the bird begins its nesting season after monsoon rains. Nest sites in earlier reports were visited, and the adjacent areas expected for nesting are surveyed simultaneously. Out of the 24 nesting sites studied, 21 were found to be active. Majority of the nesting sites were found in Thrissur, followed by Palakkad and then Malappuram. The tree species preferred by the Woolly-necked Stork included Mangifera indica, Alstonia scholaris, Ficus religiosa, and Ficus callosa. Cell phone towers also hosted an almost equal number of nests as trees. Anthropogenic factors such as the distance of the nests from nearest roads, buildings, and human settlements showed no impact. Old trees with an average height of 19.61 m, were found to be preferred by the species for nesting. Nests were located at an average height of 30.1 m in towers and 15.15 m in trees. A strong positive correlation was found between nest height and substrate height (R=0.80). As the nesting sites in Central Kerala fall outside the protected area, conservation of these nesting sites could be challengingThesisItem Open Access NESTING STATUS EVALUATION OF WHITE-BELLIED SEA EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucogaster) IN NORTHERN KERALA(KVASU CENTRE FOR WILDLIFE STUDIES KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY POOKODE, WAYANAD, 2023-03-14) AMAL U. K.; Dr. Abdul Azeez C. PThe nesting status, nest site and tree characteristics of White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) were studied. The study was conducted from Mahe to Manjeshwaram which covered an area of 150 km along the coastal lines of the Kannur and Kasaragod districts. White-bellied Sea Eagle nests were found in 15 sites in Kasaragod district and 7 sites in Kannur district. The survey also recorded some new sites (N= 7). About 15 sites which were reported earlier were found to be either abandoned or lost. Nests were recorded in different tree species which included Mangifera indica (N=8), Ficus benghalensis (N=5), Casuarina Sp (N=3), Alstonia scolaris (N=2) etc. Nesting trees were found at an average altitude of 16 m above sea level, while some of the sites such as Mottakunnu, Panchajanyam and Kannur Cantonment were at 127 m, 124 m and 145 m above sea level. The nests were located at an average distance of 1075.71 ± 892.28 m from the sea and 1162.43 ± 1148.83 m from the river. The nesting sites were found at an average distance of 33 .85 ± 27.41 m from the roads and 22.75 ± 10.96 m from human settlements. Among the sites, 9 sites had very high ground vegetation followed by 8 sites with low or no ground vegetation. Fifty percent of the sites had medium tree cover. Birds were found to select trees with an average height of 23.21± 4.98 m, an average GBH 4.412 ± 3.99 m, and a canopy spread of 15.15±7.22 m. Tree height and nest height were found to be positively correlated (R^2= 0.8509). Conservation plans were suggested based on the observations.ThesisItem Open Access MICROHABITAT SPECIFICITY OF NYCTIBATRACHUS FROGS IN RIPARIAN HABITATS, BASIC DESCRIPTION OF THEIR CALL STRUCTURE AND THREATS TO THEIR POPULATION IN SELECTED SITES OF WAYANAD DISTRICT(KVASU CENTRE FOR WILDLIFE STUDIES KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY POOKODE, WAYANAD, 2023-03-14) AJITH JOSE PAUL; Dr. George ChandyThe current study's objective was to examine the site preferences of frogs in the family Nyctibatracidae from Kerala's Wayanad district between September 2021 and December 2021. Three streams from Wayanad district's unprotected areas were chosen for the study's purposes. Using the transect method, three species of Nyctibatrachus frogs were surveyed, and the canopy cover over the transects was also noted. According to the study, Nyctibatrachus species are specific to particular microhabitats based on environmental factors such substrate types, canopy cover, altitude, and stream width. The distribution of frogs is affected by several secondary and tertiary parameters, including substrate temperature, ambient temperature, vegetation, and flow rate. The focal species preferred streams with low water velocity, vegetation, and more stony substrates. Acoustic analysis of recorded calls provided the basic call structure of the three night frog species and call types. The primary cause of the Nyctibatrachus frogs' decline is thought to be clearing of herb and shrub species and other vegetation, proximity to roads, and human settlements. Frogs that rely on riparian habitat can be saved from local extinction with the active participation of local people and better action plans from the local government to protect riparian habitat.ThesisItem Open Access DETERMINING THE PRESENCE OF SALMONELLA SPECIES AND ITS ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IN CAPTIVE SNAKES OF MVR SNAKE PARK, KANNUR(KVASU CENTRE FOR WILDLIFE STUDIES KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY POOKODE, WAYANAD, 2023-03-14) SUMITHRA SOMANATH; Dr. Chintu RavishankarAntibiotic resistance is an emerging global issue that should be addressed by adopting One Health approach, for a healthy future. Antibiotic resistance in wild is difficult to solve due to lack of knowledge on the bacterial flora of wild animals. Reptiles, especially snakes, are considered as the carriers of Salmonella and transmitters of reptile mediated Salmonellosis in many parts of the world. Faecal samples from different snake species including Indian Cobra, Rat snake, Russel’s Viper, Indian Rock Python, Cat snake, and Vine snakes were examined for Salmonella. In our study, we assessed the multidrug resistance of Salmonella isolates to 5 antibiotics - gentamicin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, tetracycline and ampicillin. All the isolates exhibited resistance to all four antibiotics except gentamycin. The isolates showed high susceptibility to gentamycin. This finding supports the idea of snakes acting as potential reservoirs of multidrug resistant Salmonella.ThesisItem Open Access ESTIMATION OF DEFECATION RATE AND AGE DETERMINATION BASED ON DUNG SIZE IN THE CAPTIVE ASIAN ELEPHANT (Elephas maximus)(KVASU CENTRE FOR WILDLIFE STUDIES KERALA VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY POOKODE, WAYANAD, 2023-03-14) JEFF FRANCIS VITHAYATHIL; Dr. George ChandyDefecation rate was estimated to determine the age based on dung size in captive Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus) at Elephant Rehabilitation Centre, Kottoor, Thiruvananthapuram. The activity pattern and daily defecation rate of the 15 elephants were estimated using Focal Animal Sampling (Altmann, 1974). Each elephant in the camp was observed from 6:30 hours to 18:30 hours for three consecutive days. All the behaviors were recorded with ten-minute observation and five-minute intervals. The morphometric measurements such as height, body length, chest girth, fore foot circumference and tusk thickness was recorded once. Growth models based on parameters such as height and dung circumference was estimated using the Von Bertalanffy Growth Equation for the Asian Elephants of Southern India. The results showed that the height of elephants increased rapidly from 0 to 20 years and reached asymptote at the age of 25 years. Similarly, forefoot circumference increased rapidly from 0 to 20 years. Age and elephant dung diameter had a positive relationship and increased rapidly from 0 to 15 years and became asymptote at the age of 20 years. The younger age groups showed a higher defecation rate compared to older ones. Elephants spend the majority of their time feeding (foraging). Among the main diet, fodder grass (Pennisetum purpureum) was preferred over green grass (Brachiaria decumbens) and tree fodder (Artocarpus heterophyllus).
