Camera trap program to estimating species richness in Tiger habitat.
Dynamics of an ecosystem can be quite complex and its evolution may not be predicted so easily. Catastrophic changes could be difficult to predict due to the inherent complexity, for example, sudden extinction of a flagship species. Health monitoring of different habitats comprising a given ecosystem at regular intervals is therefore essential. Species richness is one of the most important state variables of such a complex dynamical system. Estimating and then monitoring it closely over longer time scales may help making sound predictions about the ecosystem and its near-future evolution.
One such serious attempt will be started at Vanghat situated on the Ramganga river at the edge of the forests of Corbett Tiger Reserve (Uttaranchal, India). It will be carried out for an initial period of three years.
The project will include assessing and monitoring richness of the following categories:
1. Avifauna (throughout the year)
2. Reptiles (preferably during summer and monsoon)
3. Mammals (throughout the year)
4. Butterflies (preferably during autumn and spring)
5. Amphibians (preferably during monsoon and post-monsoon).
We shall use ready-made package EstimateS 9.0.0 (by Robert K. Colwell) for different richness estimators.
Mammal surveying, especially for small and nocturnal mammals, will be assisted by camera-trap work along with the human effort.
Huge human effort is a must to collect large meaningful data. Local community participation is anticipated through which awareness about importance of Biodiversity Conservation can be effectively spread.
Methodology
Various counting methods like line-transect, water-hole and stratified count will be used for density estimation of animal species.
Inventorying of mammals:
Different protocols will be followed for inventorying small, middle and large sized mammals.
Camera trap:
Two camera traps will be set in a forest in an area of ~0.1 sq.km. The camera will be left at each site for a minimum of 1 month. Camera traps will be used for middle and large sized mammals.
Plaster cast –
Creating of studios in game trails and take pugmark impression by using plaster of Paris.
Scat – Analysing prey of carnivore by studying there scat.
Pitfall traps for small mammals:
Dry pitfall traps will be used for surveying small mammals. The pits will be installed at different lo cations covering various possible habitat, monitored twice daily at 12 h interval. Species identity and number of individuals of each species will be recorded along with the snap-shot of the pit. Each individual will be photographed for accurate species identification.
Inventorying of birds:
Point count or line transects.
Landscape where the programme will be conducted– Private forest in the periphery of Corbett Tiger Reserve.
Cost – AUD1,500 per person, inclusive of accommodation and meals for a minimum of 30 days (taxes extra).
Research volunteers are expected to bring their own camera trap and
batteries. This may be arranged by us on request.
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