Research

Life Sciences & Biotechnology

Title :	Assessment of Changes for the Conservation and Management of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
Area of research :	Life Sciences & Biotechnology
Focus area :	Biodiversity conservation including issues of Alien and invasive species and Human-wildlife interface
Principal Investigator :	Dr S Jayakumar, Pondicherry University, Puducherry
Timeline Start Year :	2019
Timeline End Year :	2021
Contact info :	jayakumar.eco@pondiuni.edu.in ; s.jkumar1@gmail.com ; devipriyasuja@gmail.com

Details

Executive Summary :	The project involves spatial mapping and analysis of changes to Elephant (Elephas maximus) habitat and corridors of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) and Bhavani Forest Division using remote sensing and GIS and ground truthing for the regeneration of forests of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) and its degraded corridors for conservation and management of elephants. The study area is Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve largest Tiger reserve declared in March 2013 with 10, Reserve Forests covering 137483.9 ha. River Bhavani and Moyar flow through the area. There are incidents of Human-Elephant conflict. Elephants attracted by the sugarcane and banana fields, come out of their habitats which are degraded and cause huge damage to the crops. Shortage of water in the forests due to poor rainfall also forces the elephants to raid the nearby agricultural fields. Wildlife activists say that elephants do not raid crops due to lack of fodder in the forests. Loss of elephant corridors, destruction of wildlife habitat and increasing population are some of the reasons that lead to the conflict situation. The hot spots of conflict locations will be identified through frequency of occurrence of conflicts. Water availability in STR and along the corridors is scarce and the project will address the issue of how the water bodies, reservoirs and water holes are recharged and ensure water availability perennially in elephant habitat and corridors. Modelling of water availability shall be undertaken. The data collected by geospatial studies using remote sensing shall be validated by ground truthing studies in the area (STR corridors) for vegetation and species identification and mapping water resources mapping. The study must come up with specific plan for recharge of water reservoirs and groundwater in the STR+ corridors. The PI shall engage the State Forest Department to collaborate in the proposed study. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, Tamil Nadu Forest Division. Chennai vide letter no WL5(A)/36635/2018 dated 31.8.2018 granted NOC/Permission for the proposed study. A letter of endorsement from Field Director has been provided. Chief Conservator of Forests & Field Director, Sathyamanglam Tiger Reserve Vishakhapatnam (PO), Erode vide letter no C.No. D/7526/2018 has also granted permission. Objective: i. Identification and mapping of elephant habitat and corridor through direct sighting and indirect signs. ii. Mapping the status of elephant habitat and corridor using remote sensing data for 1987, 1997, 2007 and 2017 in 1:50 000 scale and by ground truthing. iii. Estimating the forest regeneration status of elephant habitat and corridors in the STR iv. Change analysis of elephant habitat and corridor using GIS and by ground truthing. v. Mapping and change analysis of human settlements and agriculture areas adjacent to the elephant habitat and corridor using remote sensing data for 1987, 1997, 2007 and 2017 in 1:50 000 scale. vi. Mapping of drainage network, water bodies, reservoirs and watershed in the STR and identifying locations for constructing water recharge structures in each watershed. vii. Recording the human-elephant conflict locations of present and past and questionnaire survey. viii. Spatial analysis of human-elephant conflicts and by ground truthing. ix. Preparation of conservation and management plan.
Co-PI:	Dr Suja P Devipriya, Assistant Professor, Pondicherry University, Puducherry
Total Budget (INR):	49,63,400
Outcome/Output:	Output: A detailed map of the intensity of Elephant Habitat and existing corridors use. Regeneration status of Elephant Habitat and existing corridors. A detailed map of locations for constructing water-harvesting structures. Spatial distribution of human-elephant conflict locations and hot spots. Forest type and cover density maps and change maps of elephant habitat and corridor. Map of change dynamics of settlements and agriculture areas in the STR. Management plan. Outcome: Mitigation strategy for human-elephant conflict. A detailed conservation and management plan for Elephant habitat and Corridor of STR which includes: Mitigation strategy for human-elephant conflict. Implementation of conservation strategies with understanding and Involvement from the State Forest Department. Awareness among the tribes for the conservation of elephant habitats and corridors iv. Trained manpower (MSc and Ph.D. scholars), publications, and improved interpersonal relationships between researchers and administrators.