Assessing habitat and corridors for threatened ungulates in Northeast India
Project description
Conservation of large ungulates requires functioning networks of protected areas, corridors among them, and suitable habitat in the landscape at large. However, the necessary information to map habitat distribution is often lacking. Therefore, my aim is to evaluate the potential distribution and connectivity of six ungulate species, including Gaur (Bos gaurus), Indian hog deer (Axis porcinus), Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor), One-horned rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis), Wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee), and Swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii), in the Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong Landscape (KKAL) of Assam, India.
Threats
Habitat loss & degradation
Invasive alien species
Poaching
KKAL is a critical habitat for rhinos, water buffalo, and swamp deer, while the intact forests and grasslands of the landscape are vital for Gaurs, Sambar, and hog deer. Therefore, my aim is (1) to investigate the habitat distribution and corridors of six ungulate species (Gaur, Indian hog deer, and One-horned rhino) using a non-invasive camera trap method.
Project objectives
- To understand the potential distribution and connectivity of six ungulate species.
- To assess the abundance of the six ungulate species in relation to their associated habitats and the challenges posed by human activity.
Project activities
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Conduct a reconnaissance survey to collect species occurrence data.
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Perform ensemble species distribution modelling in R using algorithms such as Maxent, Random Forest, and Boosted Regression Trees.
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Model connectivity for the species using Circuitscape software.
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Carry out camera trap monitoring.
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Conduct occupancy modelling.
This project is implemented by University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
