Status And Distribution Of Wild Gaur (Bos Gaurus) In Nilgiri North Division, Nilgiris, India

Research Article
Varunprasath K., Lakeshmanaswamy M and Mohanraj N
DOI: 
http://dx.doi.org/10.24327/ijrsr.2017.0806.0424
Subject: 
science
KeyWords: 
Status, Western Ghats, Nilgiris North Division (NND), Distribution, Wildlife conflict.
Abstract: 

The Gaur (Bos gaurus) is vulnerable category on Red list and Schedule I species as per Wildlife Protection Act (1972) in India, distribution extends eastward from India to the indo Chinese region. Gaur population status and distribution was studied In Nilgiri North Division (NND) especially in Coonoor Range from February 2014 to March 2015.Secondary sources i.e. Gaur conflict data’s collected from forest department since 2011 to 2014. The study carried out in 10 villages in and around Coonoor Range.i.e. BIkkatty-Ammakal Village, Kokkalada Village, Chambray estate, Mellur Village, Kolakombai Estate, Thoormattam estate, Katteri Village, Gregmore Estate, Trooke Estate, Archadin Estate etc. From the present study 73 Direct sighting consists of Adult females Gaurs 37% followed by 20% adult males,15% sub adult female,11% sub adult male,10% juveniles and 7% calf’s were recorded during the study period. 14 Black bulls Gaurs (+5 years) were solitary males consisting of 4.4%. Group size of Gaur consist of Medium mixed herd (n=38), mean group size 6.50 followed by Small herd mixed (n=23), group size 2.91 and Big herd (n=22), 8.14 were recorded. Regarding Male herd, Single individual consist of 22% and More than two herds together 72% was recorded. This area I consist of 38%, Area II 40% of gaurs and area III includes 22% of gaurs occupying this area. As a result of habitat thrashing, absence of predation and easy accessibility of food, climate change influence of Gaur interested in countryside villages.