The grizzled giant squirrel (Ratufa macroura), listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, is a diurnal species found in riverine forests, dry deciduous woodlands, and semi-evergreen forests of southern India and Sri Lanka. The genus Ratufa (4 species) is an ancient lineage of canopy-dwelling giants, with R. macroura being the most range-restricted. In India, it has been known to historically occur in dry, low- to mid-elevation forests with high canopy cover. However, many of these habitats are disappearing due to the increasing pressures of development. The species is patchily distributed across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka and faces numerous land-use and human-linked pressures. From known reports, it appears that some populations are adapting to novel environments (human-modified landscapes) while others are going extinct. Most existing studies of the species have typically focused on specific, well-known sites, and there have been no concerted efforts to assess the species’ distribution and threats across the entire range of the species. This project by IISER, Tirupati, will survey the known distribution region of the species and assess whether modified landscapes provide novel habitats and how they impact habitat connectivity. Additionally, the project will explore how local stakeholders can be engaged in conservation efforts and if community-driven agroforestry models can integrate biodiversity conservation.
This is the first exclusive study on the ecology of Tibetan Sand foxes from India that will incorporate telemetry and other ecological aspects. The understanding of how resource availability influences predator distributions in high-altitude systems remains limited to mesocarnivores. Much of the existing literature has focused on apex predators, while knowledge of obligate mesopredators, particularly the sand fox, is still anecdotal. Tibetan sand foxes, so far, are understood to have contrasting habits in terms of their dietary niche by being foraging specialists. Recent evidence also supports an ‘Out of Tibet’ hypothesis, suggesting that a common ancestor may have played a role in giving rise to cold climate species such as the Tibetan fox and the Arctic fox, well before the ice age. This study by the Wildlife Institute of India aims to examine resource utilisation by a niche specialist, i.e., the Tibetan sand fox, with the central question investigating if Tibetan sand foxes are obligate foragers, as has been hypothesised by some earlier studies.
This project by the Coastal Conservation Foundation aims to develop the first conservation framework for the Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea) (IOHD), a highly threatened coastal dolphin population near Mumbai. The study will use advanced methodology and technology to estimate dolphin occurrence and population sizes. The ecological and social dynamics of the population, along with the anthropogenic activities of the metropolis, will be analysed to develop a conservation and management plan. Coastal Conservation Foundation had initiated risk assessments for the dolphin population in 2022, and through this study, will further assess the threats posed by anthropogenic sounds. The Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (IOHD) is an endangered species found in the nearshore waters of India’s west coast. In Mumbai, research has shown that IOHD is found up to 7 km from shore, with its habitat overlapping with fisheries and the ongoing development of a large-scale sea bridge (Modi et al. 2024). These overlapping zones produce chronic sounds, in the case of fisheries, and short-term, high-amplitude sounds, in the case of at-sea construction. Despite this, no environmental impact assessment has been undertaken to check the effects of these activities on the population of IOHD in Mumbai, or elsewhere in the country. This study proposes an interdisciplinary assessment to understand the short- and long-term effects of sound pollution. The team will build a baseline of population size, continue monitoring occurrence patterns, and use novel acoustic techniques to evaluate the impact of anthropogenic sound. The findings will inform key recommendations for the conservation of the IOHD.
While the Ganges River Dolphin is categorised as Endangered on IUCN Red List and included in the Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, no detailed studies exist on them in the Bhagirathi-Hooghly River system since 2010. Their survival in this river system is also threatened by accidental killing through entanglement in fishing gear; deliberate killing, generally for dolphin oil; and overexploitation of prey, mainly due to the widespread use of non-selective fishing gear. For their conservation, NEWS has an action plan. They aim to update the population status and map the current distribution of the Ganges River Dolphin and associated faunas like gharial, Smooth- coated Otter, softshell turtle and fishes in the Bhagirathi-Hooghly riverine system. Additionally, they will engage local communities through training and promote sustainable fishing gears to mitigate inadvertent killing of dolphins as bycatch. A Dolphin Conservation Network will also be formed for all stakeholders to interact, and local youths will be trained as stewards for regular monitoring and to generate alternative livelihood means via ecotourism.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are known for their marine diversity, but they are also home to numerous karst land caves – which are not included in the global karst land map. Caves are the most significant landforms in karst lands and have been silent witnesses of Earth’s evolution and the rise of human civilizations. Caves have retained and protected important pieces of Earth’s long and tumultuous geological past. These range from ancient mineral deposits, long-gone oceans and early life forms to unique cave-adapted organisms, extinct megafauna remains and the early manifestation of human art.
For over two decades, it is known that there are close to 400 limestone karstic caves in around 23 islands here. Of these, around 200 caves are protected to save the Edible-nest Swiftlet breeding inside them. These unique limestone caves in the karst lands hold terrestrial and aquatic microhabitats bearing several known and unknown species, and are under tremendous anthropogenic pressure. Also, as caves and other karst geo-forms are very attractive geo-tourism sites, it is essential to have guidelines for their sustainable use as these tropical islands, with harsh climatic conditions, have limited natural resources for economic development.
SACON proposes a sustainable approach for the comprehensive management of cave habitats. The current proposal attempts to understand sustainable strategies for the conservation of the cave habitats at three sites in North and Middle Andaman Islands: Baratang Island, Chalis-ek, and the Interview Island Wildlife Sanctuary of Middle Andaman. These caves are known to bear endemic and threatened fauna (including Andaman Horseshoe Bat and the recently discovered Ravi Sankaran’s Rock Shrimp).
For the same, SACON aims to collect, process and evaluate the data required for preparing the cave conservation plan. They will also identify the constraints, threats, and opportunities for conserving the caves and the surrounding karst areas. Lastly, they will prepare the conservation plan for the select caves and surrounding karst lands. This will be done with a participatory approach with the local communities and will also generate livelihood.
