Population studies of Malabar Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica indica) in Umblebyle Range Forest, Shimoga, Karnataka
Paper Details
Population studies of Malabar Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica indica) in Umblebyle Range Forest, Shimoga, Karnataka
Abstract
Ratufa indica indica commonly known as Malabar Giant Squirrel is an arboreal, upper canopy dwelling sub-species endemic to India restricted to Western Ghats. The present study attempts to estimate the population density of Ratufa indica indica in Umblebyle Range Forest, although similar studies are conducted in the past elsewhere, no previous study was conducted in the study area. Umblebyle Range Forest is located in the foot hills of Western Ghats adjoining Bhadra Tiger Reserve and is subjected to pressure from the villages surrounding it. The survey used line transect methodology to collect the data laid out using ARC GIS software, walking over 20 line transects covering a total area of 8753.89 Ha with an effort of 47.7kms. The study revealed the density of Malabar Giant Squirrel to be 2.32 ± 0.24 individuals / km2. The current study will provide baseline data for the comparison in future studies. The present study addresses urgent need for improving the habitat making it suitable to conserve the animal in its habitat.
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V. Hamsa Rekha, A. Shwetha, 2023. Population studies of Malabar Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica indica) in Umblebyle Range Forest, Shimoga, Karnataka. J. Biodiv. Environ. Sci., 22(6), 227-233.
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