National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS)

National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS) HIMALAYAN RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP (PRO FORMA FOR THE ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT) [Reporting Period: from September, 2018 to April, 2019]

Kindly fill the NMHS Fellowship Annual Progress Report segregated into the following 7 segments, as applicable to the NMHS Fellowship nature and outcomes. 1. Fellowship Grant Information and Other Details 2. Fellowship Description at Himalayan Research Associates (H-RAs) Level 3. Fellowship Description at Himalayan Junior Research Associates (H-JRFs) Level 4. Fellowship Description at Institutional/ University Level 5. Fellowship Concluding Remarks/ Annual Summary 6. Specific Research Question(s) Addressed with Succinct Answer(s) 7. Any other information

Please let us know in case of any query at: [email protected]

PRO FORMA NMHS-Fellowship Annual Progress Report (APR)

1. Fellowship Grant Information and Other Details

NMHS Fellowship Grant ID: GBPNI/NMHS-2017-18/HSF13-01 dt.28-03-2018

Name of the Institution/ University: Gauhati University

No. of Himalayan Research/Project Associates: Two (02)

No. of Himalayan Junior Research/Project Fellows: Five (05)

NMHS Fellowship Grant Progress Page 1 of 11 2. Fellowship Description at H-RA Level Himalayan Research Associates (H-RAs)

H-RAs Profile Description:

S. Date of Name of the PI and Name of RA Research Title Qualification No. Joining Designation

1. Anjan Sangma 14/08/2 Studying the Hills Stream Fish Fauna Prof. Prasanta Kumar Saikia, M.Sc., Ph.D 019 Diveristy in the Manas Biosphere Reserve, Prof. & Head Department of (H-RA001) Sonai Rupai WLS and Nameri National Zoology, Gauhati University Park in the North Bank Landscape of River Brahmaputra on the foothills of Eastern Himalaya, Assam, India

2. Jaydev Mandal 14/08/2 Ecology and conservation status of Prof. Prasanta Kumar Saikia, M.Sc., Ph.D 019 Galliformes on the foothills and fragments Prof. & Head Department of (H-RA002) of Eastern Himalayas with special Zoology, Gauhati University reference to threatened and endemic species

Progress Brief (to be filled for each H-RA in separate row):

Research/ Research RA No. Addressed Deliverables Achievements Experimenta Objective(s) l Work* H-  To  Fish faunal  A total of 71 species has been recorded from [Separate RA001 investigate the database for the Manas Nameri National Park, belonging to 6 order and 22 document species diversity Biosphere Reserve, Sonai families. Among these species the order Cyprinidae attached; of hill stream fish Rupai WLS and Nameri has been the most dominant fish family representing Document fauna found in the National Park in the North 33 species with 41.77% contribution of the total name: H- Manas Biosphere bank Landscape of River species followed by Bagridae with 5 species (6.33%), RA001_Rese Reserve, Sonai Brahmaputra on the Cobitidae, Siluridae, Sisoridae, Channidae with 4 arch work Rupai WLS and foothills of Eastern species each (5.06%), Mastacembelidae, Nandidae, description] Nameri National Himalaya. Balontidae with 3 species each (3.79%), Chandidae, Park in the North Balitoridae and Nemacheilidae with 2 species each  Provide the fish Bank Landscape (2.53%) and Schilbeidae, Amblycipitidae, Database to the National of River Erethestidae, Claridae, Heteropneustidae, Belonidae, Biodiversity Portal, India Brahmaputra on Synbranchidae, Gobiidae, Anabantidae and Cluepidae and State Biodiversity the foothills of with 1 species each (1.26%). Portal of Assam. Eastern Himalaya.  From Manas Biosphere Reserve 79 species  Development of  Study of has been recorded belonging to 6 order and 21 conservation models for the habitat ecology families. Among these species the order Cyprinidae fish fauna in the study of the hill stream has been the most dominant fish family representing area. fish fauna to 38 species contributing 48% of the total species design strategic  Conservation followed by Bagridae, Belontidae, Channidae and conservation Plan for fish fauna. Cobitidae, 4 (5%) species each, Balitoridae and management of Nandidae 3 (4%) species each, Amblycipitidae, the micro habitats. Chandidae, Mastacembelidae, Siluridae, Sisoridae 2 (3%) species each, Anabantidae, Belonidae, Clariidae, Cluepidae, Gobiidae, Heteropneustidae, Nemacheilidae, Schilbeidae and Synbranchidae 1(1%) species each.  Habitat data along with water parameters are being collected seasonally from the sampling site. H-  To study  Preparation and  Nine species of Galliformes with their [Separate RA002 and access the delivering of the project abundance in the study area were reported. The document status of report on the population species recorded so far were Indian Peafowl Pavo attached; Galliformes and status of the rare, endemic cristatus (1.60), Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus (2.33), Document evaluate the and threatened Galliform Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos (0.51), Grey name: H- effects of species on the foothills of Peacock-Pheasant Polyplectron bicalcaratum (0.16), RA002_Rese surrounding Eastern Himalayas. This Common Quail Coturnix coturnix (0.80), Black arch work landscape report will be submitted to Francolin Francolinus francolinus (0.67), Swamp description] fragments and the funding agency and to Francolin Francolinus gularis (0.50), Blue-breasted habitat matrix. Assam Forest Deprtment Quail (King Quail) Synoicus chinensis (0.12), White- & Bodoland Territorial cheeked Partridge Arborophila atrogularis (0.28).  To Council for conservation NMHS Fellowship Grant Progress Page 2 of 11 identify and implantation of all these  The habitat preferences of each of the nine compare the species and the landscape. species found to vary comparatively across the study natural habitat  The most area. The Polyplectron bicalcaratum and Lophura structures and sensitive species and their leucomelanos were mostly found to prefer mixed- surrounding critical habitats will be moist evergreen forests along the Eastern Himalayan landscape matrix considered for further foothills. On the other hand Coturnix coturnix has for conservation captive conservation been only found in Grassland habitats and agricultural implementations programmes. landscape. Similarly, Francolinus gularis mostly and mitigation  The findings found along swamps and ravine grassland habitats. measures of rare and the results of the Similarly, F. francolinus found to occur along ravine, and threatened proposed project on agricultural landscape, and grassland habitats. Pavo Galliformes. threatened Galliform cristatus it has a distribution through entire Manas species will be published Biosphere Reserve but not in other protected areas of  Initiatio in the form of research north-bank of Brahmaputra river. On the other hand n of conservation papers in the National and Gallus gallus found to occur in all kind of forested and awareness of International Journals. areas. The Synoicus chinensis were found to prefer Galliformes and to grassland habitats only. On the other hand form strong Arborophila atrogularis showed differences in their conservation cadre habitat prefernces they found to occur in bamboo in the Eastern thickets and bamboo dominated patches of agricultural Himalayan landscape and forest undergrowth. landscape.

*Experimental work giving full details (in separate sheet, within 300 words) of experimental set up, methods adopted, data collected supported by necessary table, charts, diagrams & photographs. Note: Data, table and figures may be attached as separate source file (.docx, .xls, jpg, .jpeg, .png, .shp, etc. ).

NMHS Fellowship Grant Progress Page 3 of 11 3. Fellowship Description at H-JRF Level Himalayan Junior Research Project Fellows (H-JRFs)

H-JRFs Profile Description:

S. No. Name of JRF Date of Joining Name of the PI Qualification

1. Tanbeer Ahmed 14/08/2018 Prof. Prasanta Kumar Saikia M.Sc. (H-JRF001) 2. Pranjal Mahananda 14/08/2018 Prof. Prasanta Kumar Saikia M.Sc. (H-JRF002) 3. Himashri Das 14/08/2018 Prof. Prasanta Kumar Saikia M.Sc. (H-JRF003) 4. Lonie Lahkar 14/08/2018 Prof. Prasanta Kumar Saikia M.Sc. (H-JRF004) 5. Mrinal Jyoti Daimary 14/08/2018 Prof. Prasanta Kumar Saikia M.Sc. (H-JRF005)

Progress Brief (to be filled for each JRF in separate row): Research/ JRF Research Objectives Deliverable Achievements Experiment No. al Work* H-  Scientific  Database on small  The survey has been [Separate JRF001 documentation of small mammal species found in the conducted from 30th September document mammals distribution in Manas National Park in the North 2018 to 9th April 2019. We attached; foothills of Eastern Himalaya Bank Landscape of River recorded 10 species of Small Document inside Manas National Park. Brahmaputra. mammals. The different families name: H- recorded were- Leporidae, JRF001_Res  To use photographic  Develop the Sciuridae, Muridae and earch work evidence of this elusive group conservation strategies on the Pteropodidae. Among the ten description] of animals to argue for habitat ecology of the small species of small mammals two conservation of this threatened mammals of the micro habitats. species belongs to Lagomorpha, group of mammals in the  Dissemination of the two species belongs to Chiroptera North Bank Landscape inside project findings to government to and six species belongs Rodentia. Manas National park. help the management authorities  Photographs of every in formation of small mammal  Identify the habitat single species of small mammals conservation strategies in the associated threat and found were recorded. landscape. distrurbance factor for the  Provide the small small mammals in their mammal Database to the habitat. National Biodiversity portal,  To find out the India and State Biodiversity achievable conservation Portal of Assam. strategies of the small mammal in Manas National Park. H-  To determine the  Raptor species richness  The survey has been [Separate JRF002 diversity and distribution of and diversity to be determined in conducted from September 2018 to document Raptor species in the study the study area. February 2019. We recorded 25 attached; area.  Distribution patterns of species of diurnal raptors Document  To understand the raptor to be mapped along an belonging to three families- name: H- effects of habitat features on elevation gradient. Accipitridae, Falconidae and JRF002_Res the distribution pattern of  Understand the Pandionidae. Ten species has been earch work raptors. variations in community patterns recorded in open country habitat, 5 description]  To use information of raptors across different habitat species each in open forest and obtained for generation of types. marshland, 4 in dense forest and 1 management in hill forest. Accipitridae was the recommendations to promote dominant family found during the raptor conservation in the survey period comprising of 20 study area. species followed by four in Falconidae and the monotypic Pandionidae. H-  To  Database of fish fauna  A total of 79 species [Separate JRF003 investigate the species diversity in the wetlands and (identified) of fishes belonging to 6 document assemblages and diversity of streams of Eastern Himalayan orders and 22 families were attached; fish fauna in the wetlands and foothill zones inside Nameri recorded in the study area. Of these Document NMHS Fellowship Grant Progress Page 4 of 11 streams of Eastern Hiamlayan National Park, Sonai Rupai species 33 were from Cyprinidea, 5 name: H- foothill zones inside Nameri Wildlife Sanctuary and Chariduar from Bagridae, 4 species each from JRF003_Res National Park, Sonai Ruoai Reserve forest. Balitoridae, Cobitidae, Siluridae, earch work WLS and Chariduar Reserve  Develop the Sisoridae, Channidae, 3 species description] Forest. information on habitat each from Mastacembelidae,  To study and characteristics of riparian zones Nandidae and Balontidae, 2 analyse the habitat of wetland habitat and its species each from Channidae and characteristics of riparian relationships of fish diversity. Nemacheilidae and 1 species each zones of wetland habitat and  Develop of from Schilbeidae, Amblycipitidae, its relationship to fish conservation models for fish Erethestidae, Claridae, diversity. fauna diversity in the wetlands. Heteropneustidae, Belonidae,  To study the  Provide the fish fauna Synbranchidae, Gobiidae, ecology of fish fauna with database to the National Anabantidae and Cluepidae. Out of special reference to turbidity, Biodiversity portal, India and the total 779 species recorded 71 water ph, chloride, D. O., State Biodiversity Portal of species were from Nameri National water temperature, water Assam. Park and 56 species have been depth, water current and recorded from Chariduar Reserve wetland bed profile. Forest.  Regarding the conservation status present study recorded the presence of one endangered species (Tor putitora) and seven near threatened species (Tor tor, Tor progenies, Ompok pabda, Ompok pabo, Ailiacoila, Neonoemacheilus assamensis and Wallaga attu ) which is one of the important findings. Again three vulnerable species (Semiplotus semiplotus and Cirrhinus mrigala ), sixty three least concern species and three are not evaluated species and three data deficient species are recorded. H-  To document an  Database on  In five ranges of Manas [Separate JRF004 initial checklist of the Herpetofaunal Diversity and Biosphere Reserve, total of 38 document Herpetofaunal diversity of the distribution in the foothills of the species of Herpetofauna were attached; foothills of the Eastern identified belonging to 16 families, Document Eastern Himalaya will be Himalayas, their distribution which includes 19 species of name: H- and to annotate the list, delivered. amphibians and 19 species of JRF004_Res wherever possible, with past  A database on physical reptiles (7 species of lizards, 3 earch work documented information of species of skinks, 7 species of description] deformities in Amphibians along the species. snakes, 1 turtle species and 1  To document the the foothills of Eastern Himalaya tortoise species). physical deformities found in due to environmental alterations.  During the survey a total the Amphibians, due to rapid of 38 species of Herpetofauna has  Awareness campaigns environmental alterations, been identified belonging to 16 along the foothills of the and popular talks among the local families, which includes 19 species Eastern Himalayas. villagers and students residing in of amphibians and 19 species of  To conduct the nearby fringes regarding the reptiles (7 species of lizards, 3 awareness campaign regarding co-existence of human and species of skinks, 7 species of co-existence of human and herpetofauna. snakes, 1 turtle species and 1 herpetofauna, in the villages tortoise species). along the fringes of the  Provide the species foothills. diversity data of the herpetofauna on the National Biodiversity Portal, India and State Biodiversity Portal of Assam.  Provide the Herpetofaunal Database to the National Biodiversity Portal, India and State Biodiversity Portal of Assam. H-  To investigate the  Database on spider  The present study [Separate JRF005 spider species diversity found diversity found in the Manas recorded 52 species of spiders document in the Manas Biosphere Biosphere Reserve in the North belonging to 15 families. A total of attached; Reserve in the North Bank Bank Landscape of River 15 species were recorded from the Document Landscape of River Brahmaputra on the foothills of family Araneidae; 7 from name: H- Brahmaputra on the foothills Tetragnathidae; 6 from Salticidae; JRF005_Res NMHS Fellowship Grant Progress Page 5 of 11 of Eastern Himalaya. Eastern Himalaya. 5 from Lycosidae; 4 from earch work Oxyopidae; 3 from Nephilidae; 2 description]  To investigate the  Develop the strategic each from Pisauridae, Sparassidae habitat ecology of the spider conservation model for spider and Theridiidae and 1 each from with special reference to species along with threats. Corinnidae, Deinopidae, microhabitats in the study Hersiliidae, Linyphiidae, area. Psechridaeand Thomisidae.  To study the conservation threats of the spider including natural and anthropogenic in the Manas Biosphere Reserve and also to find out solution for mitigation of these threats.

NMHS Fellowship Grant Progress Page 6 of 11 4. Fellowship Description at Institutional/ University Level Annual Deliverables/ Outputs (during the reporting year)

S. No. Deliverables/ Parameters No. Description The project started on August 2018 and field works were carried out from September 2018 to April 2019. Datas that were collected during the field surveys has been analysed and shaped in the form of Research Papers. The Research Papers has been communicated and sent for review in “Journal of Environment and Bio-Science”. Following are the title of the papers: H-RA001: “Preliminary Investigation of Fish Diversity in Ripu-Chirang Elephant Reserve, Assam, India” H-RA002: “Predictive Modelling for identifying potential distribution of Galliformes in Assam, India” No. of Research Publications (monograph/ 1. 7 articles/ peer-reviewed articles): H-JRF001: “Preliminary Survey of Small Mammals in Manas National Park, Assam, India” H-JRF002: “Status of Diurnal Raptors in Chirang-Ripu Forest Complex, Assam, India” H-JRF003: “ Studies on the Diversity of Fish Fauna in the Chariduar Reserve Forest, Assam, India” H-JRF004: “Studies on the Herpetofaunal Diversity of Manas Biosphere Reserve in the Foothill zones of Eastern Himalayas, Assam , India” H-JRF005: “Preliminary Study of Spider Diversity in Manas Biosphere Reserve, Assam ,India” 2. No. of Data Sets generated: 7 H-RA001: Data’s were collected from September 2018 to April 2019 covering the seasons retreating monsoon and winter. The Data set comprises of Place, Site code, Site, Season, Wetland type, Latitude, Longitude, Date, Time, Sample catch number, Order, Family, Scientific Name, Number of individual, IUCN status, Riparian habitat, Dominant plant, Soil texture, Soil colour, soil moisture, Vegetation coverage, Canopy coverage, Litter depth, Water bed, Water current, Water colour, Turbidity, Dissolve oxygen, Temperature and pH. H-RA002: The data sheet generated for the Galliformes records comprises of place, range, locality, latitude, longitude, date, time, transect code, common name of species, number of individuals, sex/age of the individuals, observation type, distance, stratification, category, habitat, activity, notes, transect route. H-JRF001: The datasets consist of study area, range, locality, GPS location, year and month of study, scientific names, number of recorded species and habitat. H-JRF002: The data set generated mainly consists of the survey sites, the geo-coordinates of the raptor species observed in the sampling locations. It also comprises of the different habitat types where raptors were recorded. H-JRF003: The Data set comprises of Place, Site code, Site, Season, Wetland type, Latitude, Longitude, Date, Time, Sample catch number, Order, Family, Scientific Name, Number of individual, IUCN status, Riparian habitat, Dominant plant, Soil texture, Soil colour, soil moisture, Vegetation coverage, Canopy coverage, Litter depth, Water bed, Water current, Water colour, Turbidity, Dissolve oxygen, Temperature and pH. H-JRF004: The data set contains names of study area; study sites; year and month of study; no. of line transects laid, duration and their GPS locations; scientific names and common names of all the individuals of species recorded; their conservation status; habitat and microhabitat description

NMHS Fellowship Grant Progress Page 7 of 11 of all the recorded species. H-JRF005: The data set consist of study area; study sites; year and month of study; number of quadrate established; name and scientific name of the recorded species; GPS location; habitat and microhabitat description of all the recorded species. 3. No. of Conferences/ Workshops attended: 0 Not attended yet H-RA001: Three sites (protected areas) in the North Bank Landscape of Brahmaputra mainly Manas Biosphere Reserve(MBR), Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary(SRWS) and Nameri National Park(NNP) have been taken into consideration for studying the Fish Faunal diversity. Till now we have been able to cover about 30% of the total study area in Manas Biosphere Reserve and Nameri National Park. H-RA002: A total of eight protected area have been identified in the project title as study sites in the North Bank Landscape of River Brahmaputra viz. MBR, Dibru-Saikhowa Bioshere Reserve(DSBR), Orang National Park(ONP), SRWS, NNP, Behali Reserve Forest, Kaziranga National Park(6th addition). And study areas covered till now are MBR, NNP, Behali Reserve Forest(BRF) and Kaziranga (6th addition). H-JRF001: Manas National Park(MNP) is the only site for studying the diversity of Small Mammals. Two ranges viz. Bhuyanpara and new added Kuklung ranges has been covered. 4. No. of Sites/ Study Area Covered: 8 H-JRF002: A total of eight protected area have been identified in the project title as study sites in the North Bank Landscape of River Brahmaputra viz. MBR, DSBR, ONP, SRWS, NNP, Behali Reserve Forest, Kaziranga National Park(6th addition). And study areas covered till now are MBR, NNP, BRF and Kaziranga (6th addition). H-JRF003: Three sites viz. NNP, SRWS and Chariduar Reserve Forest have been identified in the project title as study sites. Till now NNP and Chariduar Reserve Forest have been covered. H-JRF004: A total of eight protected area have been identified in the project title as study sites in the North Bank Landscape of River Brahmaputra viz. MBR, DSBR, ONP, SRWS, NNP, Behali Reserve Forest, Kaziranga National Park(6th addition). And study areas covered till now is MBR. H-JRF005: Manas Biosphere Reserve(MBR) is the only site for studying the diversity of Spiders. And till now about 30% of the study area have been covered. 5. No. of Best Practices suitable for IHR: --- 6. New Observations/ Innovations ---

5. Fellowship Concluding Remarks/ Annual Summary

Conclusions summarizing the achievements and indication of remaining work (within 300 words):  H-RA001: The present research carried out is a first of its kind which would be encompassing the whole length and breadth of the area and so far the results from the last two seasons (Retreating Monsoon and Winter) has revealed the presence of 79 fish species from four sampling sites of MBR. Data of only two season have been collected so in continuation we would be covering all the seasons in the coming days.  H-RA002: The protected areas to the north bank of river Brahmaputra to the foothills of Eastern Himalaya along with adjoining agricultural landscape supports nine species of Galliformes. The distribution modeling of Galliformes in the landscape proved a tremendous potential for the conservation dependent species especially in Manas Biosphere Reserve.  H-JRF001: Bhuyapara and Kuklung Forest Ranges of Manas National Parks was surveyed and documentation of Small Mammal diversity and distribution were recorded in the study site. Habitat associated threat and achievable conservation strategies Data will be collected in the upcoming field visit.  H-JRF002: The western part of the study area was covered during the present study which recorded almost 50% of the total species found in the North East India. In upcoming days data will also be collected on habitat characteristics that influence raptor distribution.

NMHS Fellowship Grant Progress Page 8 of 11  H-JRF003: A total of 71 species has been identified from Nameri NP and 56 species from Chariduar RF. Water parameters and riparian habitat characteristics data were also collected. Development of conservation model and of fish fauna database yet to be done. And consecutively data from few other sites would be collected and covering all the seasons.  H-JRF004: Most of the part of Manas Biosphere Reserve was surveyed and documentation of Herpetofauna diversity and distribution were recorded. Extensive surveys will be carried out in and around agricultural lands and industrial units for amphibian deformities. Awareness programmes will be conducted.  H-JRF005: During the last 6 month survey was carried out to document the spider species present in the study area. Till date a total of 52 species of spider belonging to 15 families were recorded. The Manas Biosphere Reserve cover an area of 2837 sq km and the present study cover only five forest ranges of the biosphere reserve. Therefore, extensive field survey will be done in the upcoming field visit to prepare a complete list of spider species from the study area.

6. Specific Research Question(s) Addressed with Succinct Answer(s) Research Questions S. No. Succinct Answers (within 150-200 words) Addressed H-RA001  What are the  During the study of hillstream fishes in Manas Biosphere Reserve we laid gill nets species found in the for 85 times and catch form each net was considered as a sample. 79 species of hillstream hill stream located fishes belonging to 6 order and 21 families were recorded within a span of six months inside Manas covering the Retreating Monsoon and Winter season. (Cyprinidae 38, Bagridae, Belontidae, Biosphere reserve, Channidae and Cobitidae, 4 each, Balitoridae and Nandidae 3 each, Amblycipitidae, Sonai Rupai WLS and Chandidae, Mastacembelidae, Siluridae, Sisoridae 2 each and Anabantidae, Belonidae, Nameri National Park Clariidae, Cluepidae, Gobiidae, Heteropneustidae, Nemacheilidae, Schilbeidae, in the North Bank Synbranchidae 1 species each). Landscape of River Brahmaputra on the  From Nameri National Park(NNP) 71 species has been recorded belonging to 6 foothills of Eastern orders and 22 families covering the Retreating Monsoon and Winter seasons of the year Himalaya? (Cyprinidae 33 species, Bagridae 5 species, Cobitidae, Siluridae, Sisoridae, Channidae each  What are the with 4 species, Mastacembelidae, Nandidae, Balontidae each with 3 species, Chandidae, habitats of these fish Balitoridae and Nemacheilidae with 2 species each and Schilbeidae, Amblycipitidae, fauna found in the target Erethestidae, Claridae, Heteropneustidae, Belonidae, Synbranchidae, Gobiidae, Anabantidae study area? and Cluepidae each with 1 species).  The study area includes a variety of habitats comprising those with sand, clay, pebble, gravel, mud, and rock substrates. In this survey 79 species from MBR and 71 species of fishes from NNP have been identified from those habitats. The fishes from the family cobitidae and balitoridae were found to inhabit the sandy stratum. Members from the family siluriformes and perciformes are found to dwell in the stratum with cobble, pebble and gravel. Moreover fishes of Garra and Glyptothorax species were found inhabiting under rock substrates. The carp and cat fishes were mostly found in the upper and middle layer of water bodies. H-RA002  What is the  Nine species of Galliformes with their abundance in the study area has been influence of the recorded. The species recorded so far were Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus (1.60), Red landscape matrix Junglefowl Gallus gallus (2.33), Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos (0.51), Grey Peacock- adjacent to or Pheasant Polyplectron bicalcaratum (0.16), Common Quail Coturnix coturnix (0.80), Black surrounding fragments Francolin Francolinus francolinus (0.67), Swamp Francolin Francolinus gularis (0.50), Blue- on Galliformes? breasted Quail (King Quail) Synoicus chinensis (0.12), White-cheeked Partridge Arborophila atrogularis (0.28).  How are the effects of the  The habitat preferences of each of the nine species found to vary comparatively surrounding landscape across the study area. The Polyplectron bicalcaratum and Lophura leucomelanos were mostly matrix on Galliformes found to prefer mixed-moist evergreen forests along the Eastern Himalayan foothills. On the mediated by other other hand Coturnix coturnix were only found in Grassland habitats and agricultural fragment attributes, landscape. Similarly, Francolinus gularis mostly found along swamps and ravine grassland particularly area and habitats. Similarly, F. francolinus found to occur along ravine, agricultural landscape, and habitat structure? grassland habitats. Pavo cristatus it has a distribution through entire Manas Biosphere Reserve but not in other protected areas of north-bank of Brahmaputra river. On the other  What is the hand Gallus gallus found to occur in all kind of forested areas. The Synoicus chinensis influence of the prefered grassland habitats only. On the other hand Arborophila atrogularis showed composition of differences in their habitat prefernces they found to occur in bamboo thickets and bamboo different habitat dominated patches of agricultural landscape and forest undergrowth. mixture in the landscape mosaic on the Galliformes group? H-JRF001  What are the  Till now 10 species of Small mammal has been recorded from the study ara. These small mammal species species are Lepus nigricollis ruficaudatus, Tamiops mcclellandii, Callosciurus pygerythrus, found in the foothills of Mus musculus, Pteropus giganteus leucocephalus, Mus saxicola, Cannomys badius, Eastern Himalaya in Bandicota bengalensis, Rousettus leschenaulti and Caprolagus hispidus The different Manas National Park? families recorded are Leporidae, Sciuridae, Muridae and Pteropodidae. Among the ten species  What are the of small mammals Caprolagus hispidus and Lepus nigricollis ruficaudatus belongs to Habitats of these small Lagomorpha, Pteropus giganteus leucocephalus and Rousettus leschenaulti belongs to

NMHS Fellowship Grant Progress Page 9 of 11 mammals found in the Chiroptera and Tamiops mcclellandii, Callosciurus pygerythrus, Mus musculus, Mus target study area? saxicola, Cannomys badius and Bandicota bengalensis belongs Rodentia.  In the study area, five different types of habitats viz Woodland, Riparian Zone, Agricultural Land, Grassland and Abandoned Houses were mostly found and these habitats are used by small mammals. The Woodland consists of Tropical Semi-evergreen forests, and Tropical Moist and Dry Deciduous forests. The Riparian zone is the transitional area between land and river or stream characterized by the presence of rocks and grasses. The Agricultural land includes all crop fields. The Grasslands are of wet alluvial and highland savanna types. The abandoned houses found were the abandoned forest camps inside the park or fringe areas of the park. H-JRF002  How many  The present study recorded 25 species of raptors comprising of 94 individuals in species of raptors are different habitats of the study area belong to three families- Accipitridae, Falconidae and found in the Northbank Pandionidae. Ten species were recorded in open country habitat, 5 species each in open forest landscape? and marshland, 4 in dense forest and 1 in hill forest. The individuals of raptors encountered per hour was highest for Falco tinnunculus (0.11) followed by Microhierax caerulescens (0.07), Spilornis cheela (0.07), Gyps himalayensis (0.06), Ictinaetus malayensis (0.05), Spizaetus cirrhatus (0.05), Pandion haliaetus (0.04), Milvus migrans (0.03), Circus pygargus (0.03), Pernis ptilorynchus (0.03), Circaetus gallicus (0.02), Elanus caeruleus (0.01), Falco severus (0.01), Falco peregrinus (0.01), Accipiter badius (0.01), Hieraaetus pennatus (0.009), Accipiter trivirgatus (0.009), Aquila heliaca (0.009), Accipiter nisus (0.009), Aquila clanga (0.009), Buteo refectus (0.009), Haliaeetus leucoryphus (0.009), Aquila nipalensis (0.009), Circus aeruginosus (0.009) and Butastur teesa (0.009). The migratory and IUCN status was also assessed to understand the conservation value of raptors in the study area. Out of 25 species recorded, five species has been found to be globally threatened namely: Haliaeetus leucoryphus (Endangered), Aquila nipalensis (Endangered), Aquila heliaca (Vulnerable), Aquila clanga (Vulnerable) and Gyps himalayensis (Near Threatened). H-JRF003  What are the  At present study 71 species has been identified from Nameri N.P. and 56 species fish species found in from Chariduar RF. the Nameri National  Species were recorded from different lotic and lentic habitats viz., rivers, streams Park, Sonai Rupai and beels. The carp and cat fishes were mostly belongs to upper and middle layer of water WLS and Chariduar bodies. The hill stream fishes like Glyptothorax, Garra and Schistura species etc. belong to Reseve Forest? bottom layer (under stones) hill streams. However, most of the species from the order  What are the Siluriformes and Perciformes has found to be bottom dwellers. habitats of these fish  Rapid encroachment of forest by people for homestead and cultivation has been species in the study found to be the major threats for fishes in the area. The riparian zones found in the study area area including the has been altered into different cultivation areas (tea garden, paddy field etc.). Again use of microhabitats? different pesticides and insecticides in these riparian zones of water bodies create  What are the anthropogenic pressure on fish species present in the area. Out of these all lack of knowledge conservation threats among village people regarding importance of conservation of fish fauna has been found very along with natural and poor. anthropogenic pressure on these species? H-JRF004  What are the  A total of 38 species of Hepetofauna belonging to 16 families were recorded in species of Reptiles and Bhuyanpara, Raimona, Sarfan, Ultapani Ranges of Manas Biosphere Reserve. Of these, 19 Amphibians sustaining species were amphibians and 19 species were reptiles (7 lizard species, 3 skink species, 7 in the foothills of snake species, 1 turtle species and 1 tortoise species. The Amphibian species recorded were Eastern Himalayas? Duttaphrynus melanostictus, Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis, Fejervarya pierrei, Fejervarya teraiensis, Haplobatracchus crassus, Haplobatrachus tigerinus, Fejervarya nepalensis,  What are the Fejervarya sp., Sylvirana leptoglossa, Hylarana taipehensis, Hylarana tempolaris, species already been Polypedates maculatus, Polypedates teraiensis, Chiromantis vittatus, Uperodon globulosus, reported in earlier Rhacophorus maximus, Duttaphrynus stomaticus, Microhyla ornate and Pterorana khare. literature and how is The Reptilian recorded species were Calotes versicolor, Hemidactylus brookii, Hemidactylus their distribution frenatus, Hemidactylus garnotii, Hemidactylus platyurus, Hemidactylus bowringii, Eutrophis altered till date? multifasciata, Eutrophis macularia, Lygosoma albopunctata Dendrelaphis sp., Ptyas korros,  What is the Oligodon sp., Bungarus lividus, Enhydris enhydris, Indotestudo elongate, Cyclemys gemeli, conservation status of Varanus sp., Typhlops diardii, and Python molurus. the Herpetofauna to be  No distribution alterations were observed during the present survey with respect to encountered during the earlier literature. study?  The conservation status of all the Herpetofauna species recorded during the survey were categorized as per IUCN guideline as under Least Concern (LC) and Data Deficient( DD) etc. H-JRF005  What are the  The present study recorded 52 species of spiders belonging to 15 families. A total spiders species found of 15 species were recorded from the family Araneidae; 7 from Tetragnathidae; 6 from in the foothills of Salticidae; 5 from Lycosidae; 4 from Oxyopidae; 3 from Nephilidae; 2 each from Pisauridae, Eastern Himalaya in Sparassidae and Theridiidae and 1 each from Corinnidae, Deinopidae, Hersiliidae, Manas Biosphere Linyphiidae, Psechridaeand, Thomisidae. According to the observations of the present study, Reserve? Shannon diversity index value (H’) relatively higher in woodland (H’=3.62) followed by riparian habitat (H'=2.83) and grassland (H'=2.23).  What are the

NMHS Fellowship Grant Progress Page 10 of 11 Habitats of these spider  The present study recorded three major habitats in the study area namely woodland, species found in the grassland and riparian area. The woodland habitat includes evergreen forest, semi -evergreen target study area? forest and mixed deciduous forest (moist and dry). The grassland habitat consists of tall grassland, short grassland and Eastern Wet alluvium Grassland. The riparian habitat includes the areas which are present along the bank of the rivers and streams.

7. Any Other Information  

Gauhati Unversity

Report (hard copy) should be submitted to: The Nodal Officer, NMHS-PMU National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS) गोववंद बललभ पंत राषट्रीय वहमालयी पयारवरण एवं सतत् ववकास संसथान G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development (GBPNIHESD) Kosi-Katarmal, Almora 263643, Uttarakhand

Report (soft copy) should be submitted to:

E-mail: [email protected]

NMHS Fellowship Grant Progress Page 11 of 11