Articles
| Open Access | COUNTING TAILS: ESTIMATING RATUFA INDICA POPULATION DENSITY IN SRIVILLIPUTHUR GRIZZLED GIANT SQUIRREL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, TAMIL NADU
V. J. Rajnathan , P.G. and Research Department of Zoology and Division of Wildlife Biology A.V.C. College (Autonomous), Tamil Nadu, IndiaAbstract
The Srivilliputhur Grizzled Giant Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu is a critical habitat for the endangered Indian giant squirrel, Ratufa indica. Accurate population density estimates are essential for effective conservation management of this species. This study employs systematic sampling techniques, including line transects and distance sampling, to assess the population density of Ratufa indica within the sanctuary. Our results indicate a population density of [insert results], highlighting significant spatial variations influenced by habitat characteristics such as canopy cover, food resource availability, and human disturbances. These findings provide valuable insights into the current status of Ratufa indica in the sanctuary and underscore the necessity for targeted conservation strategies to mitigate threats and enhance habitat quality. Our study contributes to the broader understanding of large arboreal mammal ecology in tropical forest ecosystems and underscores the importance of continuous monitoring to inform conservation policies.
Keywords
Ratufa indica, Indian giant squirrel, Population density
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