INDEX

Sl. Topic name Page no.

No.
1. Introduction

2. Aims and objective

3. Tour diary

4. Team in action

5. Ranthambore: A brief summary

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

The geographical location of Ranthambore

6. Route of journey

7. Places of interest

8. Field study in Ranthambore

9. List of observed flora and fauna

10. Project tiger: A brief summary

11. Threats to the Forest ecosystem

12. Conclusion

13. Acknowledgement

14. References

1
 1. INTRODUCTION

The study of any ecosystem and its biodiversity is apart of the curriculum of this laboratory
course. Ecosystem study is essential to witness the functioning of predominant animals and plants
in their habitat.

Biodiversity is the number of different species living in an ecosystem. For example, a region with
high biodiversity will have many different types of species that live there. Forests are often
considered biodiversity hotspots because of the great number of unique species that live there.
An ecosystem consists of all organisms and the physical environment with which they interact.
These biotic and abiotic components are linked together through nutrient cycle sand energy flows.
Energy enters the system through photosynthesis and incorporate into plant tissues.

We visited Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, India, with an area of 1,334 sq km (515 sq
mi). It is bounded to the north by the Banas River and to the south by the Chambal River. It is
named after the historic Ranthambore Fort, which lies within the park. The national park covers a
total area of 392 sq km (151 sq mi), including buffer zone. The core area is about 275 sq km (106
sq mi). The tiger reserve area was about 334 sq km (129 sq mi). Today, it covers an area of 1,334
sq km (515 sq mi). The elevation is about 215 to 505 meters above mean sea level. The land
features dense tropical dry forest, open bushland and rocky terrain interspersed with lakes and
streams. Ecoregion includes Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests.

2
 2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The main aim of the biodiversity study is to know about the variety and the variability of different
species and the interaction between them. This study will enhance our knowledge about the
species habitat, behavior, current status and their importance in maintaining a healthy ecosystem
for a sustainable life.

Some aims and objectives are given below-

 To survey the faunal diversity of the study area.

 To study the floral composition of the study area.
 To study the floral assemblage of the study area to get an idea of different species of fauna
dependent on the unique flora.
 To explore the biodiversity of the study area by gaining a hands-on experience throughly
various methods i.e. Quadrat study light trap method.
 To prepare a checklist of observed fauna and flora of the study area.
 To understand the importance of saving the remaining forest ecosystem of Ranthambore
National Park.
 To demarcate sites within the study area which have potential for restoration of
biodiversity.
 To gather information on distribution and abundance of different species of fauna, which
are essential to provide guidelines for management and conservation purposes in the
future.

3
 3. TOUR DIARY

Day 1 13:10 Departure from Kolkata station By Anannya

Express
Overnight journey by train
Day 2 14:25 Arrival at Sawai Madhopur Junction
14:47 Boarded to canter
15:20 Reached at Tiger Regency Resort
16:12 Study of Local plant population by gradual
increase quadrat method in nearby grassland
16:46 Study of local insects through quadrat method in
nearby grassland
17:08 Visit to a local cultural temple near resort
22:29 Setting Light trap to collect local arthropods
(The light trap kept on overnight at resort garden)
Overnight stay at hotel
Day -3 6:00 Departed from resort

6:02 Boarded at canter

6:21 Reached Ranthambore Tiger reserve national park
6:22 Started Safari journey towards Zone 3 of national
park
6:25-10:00 Study of different species of Ranthambore forest
ecosystem
10:24 Returned to tiger regency resort
17:20-18:04 Line Transact study on insects near grassland
18:40 Visited to the local tourist market
Overnight stay at hotel
Day -4 6:00 Departed from resort
6:07 Boarded at canter
6:19 Reached Ranthambore Tiger reserve national park
6:23 Started Safari journey towards Zone 1 of national
park
6:25 -9:30 Study of different species observed in
Ranthambore forest ecosystem and analysis of
insects collected by light trap method.
Overnight stay at hotel
Day-5 10:13 Started return journey from Tiger Regency Resort
10:25 Reached Sawai Madhopur Junction by Canter
11:23 Boarded on Ananya express to return kolkata
Station
Overnight journey by train
Day 6 15:16 reached Kolkata station

4
 4. THE TEAM IN ACTION

(A) PARTICIPATING STUDENTS (B.Sc. 5th Semester)

Students were divided into 4 following groups:

Groups Names
A Moubani Dhali, Sujata Ghosh, Srijoni Ghosh, Rima Naskar.

B Hasim Uddin Mallick, Sayan Saha, Umang Modi, Nishan Murmu.

C Ditsa Sarkar, Anuska Kundu, Rima Mondal, Triasa Guha.

D Swarnali Das, Debangshi Halder, Anum Shamim, Shayani Bar

(B) ACCOMPANYING STAFF:

The study was guided by our teachers, Dr. Umasankar Pal, Mr. Aziz Hasan Mondal, Mr. Suman
Purohit and non-teaching staffs, Suvasish Ghosh and Shilpa Mondal.

5. AN OVERVIEW OF RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK -

A BRIEF SUMMARY

Ranthambore National Park is a national park in Rajasthan, India, with an area of 1,334 km 2
(515sqmi). It is bounded to the north by the Banas River and to the south by the Chambal
River. It is named after the historic Ranthambore Fort, which lies with in the park.

The Kingdom Of Tigers situated in the Southeastern Part Of Rajasthan, Ranhambore National
Park is located approximately 130 Kilometres from Jaipur, the capitalcity of Rajasthan, the
park is nestled between the Aravali and Vindhya Hillranges.

The absolute location of this place is–

Latitude: 26°02’8.40”N

Longitude: 76°28’29.99”E

Ranthambore National Park harbours dry deciduous forests and open grassy meadow. The
park is divided into different zones, each offering a unique perspective on the wildlife and
vegetation.
5
The lands cape of the Ranthambore forest is mostly rough and craggy with low hills and steep
out crops. The narrow water streams drained in the river Banas in the northern region and in
the river Chambal in the southern region of the forest. Both the rivers in Ranthambore, the
Chambal and the Banas are having the prominent ravines in the area which holds very
significant value to enhance flora and fauna in the region.

The Ranthambore National Park has internal drainage and has no connection with any river
system, even though two rivers bound the Park in it’s north and south side.

The region of the Ranthambore National Park is having the sub-tropical dry climate with
mainly three seasons all round the year –summer, winter and monsoon. The summer season
starts from the month of April and ends in July when monsoon starts. Monsoon stays from
July to September thus the park is closed during this time. During the October month, the
season changes from monsoon to winter and the winter season starts from November and stay
still the first half of March. The month of March is the transition month for weather as it
changes from winter to summer.

20°c 3°c 3.1% 0 1.1mm

21°c 6°c 1.8% 1 3.1mm

25°c 15°c 2.5% 1 3.0mm

35°c 23°c 1.1% 1 4.2mm

40°c 28°c 0.5% 2 13.3mm

42°c 28°c 11.2% 6 35.30mm

42°c 30°c 44.5% 17 230.00mm

38°c 25°c 64.6% 19 280.23mm

33°c 23°c 34.7% 9 150.20mm

32°c 20°c 2.8% 2 30.20mm

18°c 5°c 3.8% 1 11.2mm

15°c 2°c 1.9% 0 1.1mm

6
 5.1. Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national parks in Northern India.
Ranthambore National Park is located about 13.5 kilometres from the city of Sawai Madhopur in
Rajasthan. Located at the junction of the Aravali and Vindhya hill ranges.The Park covers an area of
approximately 400 sq. km, and if combined with the area of Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary area, is around
500 sq. km. It was once considered as one of the famous and former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of
Jaipur.

Ranthambore National Park was established initially as Sawai Madhopur Game Sanctuary in 1955 by the
Government of India. In 1973, it was declared as one of the Project Tiger reserves in India. It was on 1st
November, 1980 that Ranthambore was declared a national park, while the forests located beside it were
named Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary & Keladevi Sanctuary.

Being a tiger reserve, Ranthambore has a large number of Tigers in its habitat. It also has other big cats
such as the Leopard, Caracal, Jungle Cat and the Fishing Cat along with animals such as the Desert Fox,
Indian Fox, Indian Wild Boar, Palm Civet, and Hanuman Langurs

7
5.2. Geographical location of Ranthambore National Park

The Ranthambore National Park is located in Rajasthan, India, with an area of 1,334 km2 (515 sq mi). It is
bounded to the north by the Banas River and to the south by the Chambal River. It is named after the
historic Ranthambore Fort, which lies within the park.

The national park covers a total area of 392 km2 (151 sq mi), including buffer zone. The core area is about
275 km2 (106 sq mi). The tiger reserve area was about 334 km2 (129 sq mi). Today, it covers an area of
1,334 km2 (515 sq mi). The elevation is about 215 to 505 meters above mean sea level. The latitude
of Ranthambore National Park is 26.01452, and the longitude is 76.5033 with the gps coordinates of 26°
00′ 52.27″ N and 76° 30′ 11.87″ E.

8
 6. ROUTE OF JOURNEY
Started Journey from Kolkata Station by Ananya Express at 13:10. We Reached Sawai Madhopur Junction at 14:25
on 1.12.23. We reached Tiger Regency Resort by Canter.

After staying for 2 days we started return journey from the hotel at 10:13 by canter amd reached Sawai
Madhopur Junction at 10:25. We Boarded on Anannya Express to return Kolkata Station at 11:23. On 5.12.23
15:16 we returned Kolkata Station.

9
 7. PLACES OF INTEREST IN RANTHAMBORE

Ranthambore National Park is located about 13.5 kilometers from the city of SawaiMadhopur in Rajasthan.
Located at the junction of the Aravali and Vindhya hill ranges, this is one of the finest places to view wild
animals, especially as they are used to being stared at here. The park covers an area of approximately 400 sq
km, and if combined with the area of Sawai Man Singh Sanctuary area, is around 500 sq km.
Ranthambore National Park is dotted with structures that remind you of bygone eras. There are numerous
water bodies scattered all across the park, which provide perfect relief to the wild animals during the
scorching hot days in summers. A huge fort, after which the park is named, towers over the park atop a hill.
There are many ruins of bygone eras scattered all over the jungle, which give it a unique, wonderful and
mixed flavour of nature, history and wildlife. Tigers at Ranthambore National park have been known to even
hunt in full view of human visitors.

The places of interest in Ranthambore are as follows:

1.) Ranthambore Fort

2.) Trinetra Ganesh Temple
3.) Jogi Mahal
4.) Rajiv Gandhi Regional Museum
5.) National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary
6.) Padma Talao
7.) SoleshwarMahadev Temple
8.) Badal Mahal

10
 8. FIELD STUDY DURING OUR EXCURSION
8.1. SUNRISE AND SUNSET TIME

Date SunriseTime Sunset

Time
30.11.23 06:53 AM 05:32 PM
01.12.23 06:54 AM 05:32 PM
02.12.23 06:54 AM 05:32 PM
03.12.23 06:55 AM 05:32 PM

04.12.23 06:56 AM 05:32 PM

05.12.23 06:56 AM 05:32 PM

8.2. MEASUREMENT OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Date Time Components Physiochemical

Characteristics

01.12.23 06:00 PM AIR I. TEMPERATURE-20°C

II. HUMIDITY-73%

SOIL I. TEMPERATURE-21°C
II. pH- 6.7

02.12.23 06:00 AM AIR I. TEMPERATURE-18°C

II. HUMIDITY-88%

SOIL I. TEMPERATURE-20°C
II. pH- 6.7

12:00 PM AIR I. TEMPERATURE-22°C

II. HUMIDITY-59%

SOIL I. TEMPERATURE-23°C
II. pH- 6.7

06:00 PM AIR I. TEMPERATURE-19°C

II. HUMIDITY-71%

SOIL I. TEMPERATURE-21°C
II. pH-6.7

11
 8.3.QUADRAT SAMPLING TO DETERMINE ANT DIVERSITY
Working Principle: A quadrat is a frame, traditionally square, used in ecology and geography to
isolate a standard unit of area for study of the distribution of an item over a large area. The quadrat is
suitable for sampling plants, slow-moving animals, and some aquatic organisms. When an ecologist
wants to know how many organisms there are in a particular habitat, it would not be feasible to count
them all. Instead, they would be forced to count a smaller representative part of the population, called a
sample. Sampling of plants or slowly moving animals (such as snails) can be done using a sampling
square called a quadrat. A suitable size of a quadrat depends on the size of the organisms being sampled.

Study site: Forest field near hotel

Date and time:

Working group: We were divided into 4 groups and observe different insects within the particular
area.

Procedure: In the selected site of study the nails were hammered firmly in the soil without damaging
the vegetation. Four nails are fixed to make a square. Each end of the nails is tied using rope to make a
18’’ x 18” = 324 square inch quadrat. 3 quadrats were made in different places. We were divided into 3
groups and observe different insects within the particular area.

Collected data of ants in forest field near hotel:

Species Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 Q7 Q8 Total

LBA 7 3 6 9 18 3 8 13 67

MB 15 5 9 2 11 9 8 25 84

SB 10 9 24 14 20 16 25 42 160

LR 0 0 2 0 8 2 6 3 21
12
 MR 0 0 4 0 5 0 9 7 25

SR 0 0 11 0 16 5 16 14 62

∑ 32 17 56 25 78 35 72 104 419

GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION:

CALCULATION OF DIFFERENT BIODIVERSITY PARAMETERS:

During this assessment, the following parameters are estimated using the following formulae –

1.

 LBA=8/8x100 =100%
 MB=8/8x100 =100%
 SB=8/8x100 =100%
 LR=5/8x100 =62.5%
 MR=4/8x100 =50%
 SR=5/8x100 =62.5%

2.

 LBA=67/8=8.375
 MB=84/8=10.5
 SB=160/8=20
 LR=21/5=4.2
 MR=25/4=6.25
 SR=62/5=12.4

3.

13
  LBA=67/8=8.375
 MB=84/8=10.5
 SB=160/8=20
 LR=21/8=2.625
 MR=25/8=3.125
 SR=62/8=7.75

8.4.STUDY OF FOREST FLORA BY QUADRAT METHOD

The Quadrat method of studying vegetation has become an integral part of many of the more important
ecological investigations.

Working Principle:A Quadrat is a frame, traditionally square, used in ecology and geography to
isolate a standard unit of area for study of the distribution of an item over a large area. The quadrat is
suitable for sampling plants, slow-moving animals, and some aquatic organisms. When an ecologist
wants to know how many organisms there are in a particular habitat, it would not be feasible to count
them all. Instead, they would be forced to count a smaller representative part of the population, called a
sample. Sampling of plants or slowly moving animals (such as snails) can be done using a sampling
square called a Quadrat. A suitable size of a Quadrat depends on the size of the organisms being sampled.
For example, to count plants growing on a school field.

Study site: a small bushy region with many native plant vegetation outside the protected area near hotel

Date and time: 27.04.2022; time 12.45 p.m.-1.45 p.m.

Working group: We were divided into 4 groups and observe different insects within the particular
area.

Procedure: In the selected site of study the nails were hammered firmly in the soil without damaging
the vegetation. Four nails are fixed to make a square. Each end of the nails is tied using rope to make a 5ft
x 5ft Quadrat. 6 quadrats were made in different places. All students worked together to calculate the
numbers of plants in the Quadrats.

Observation:
Seven species of plants were observed in different numbers. The numbers are given below:

14
 Species a b C d e f g Total

A 1 8 8 19 10 0 69 115

B 6 4 16 3 13 5 79 126

C 0 29 0 9 0 0 221 259

D 6 8 46 21 3 0 88 172

Total 13 49 70 52 26 5 457 672

Graphical Distribution:

250

200

150
A
B
C
100 D

50

0
a b c d e f g

15
Result:
Sp. n pi ln.pi pi.lnpi pi2

a 13 0.02 -3.91 -0.078 0.0004

b 49 0.07 -2.66 -0.186 0.0049

c 70 0.10 -2.30 -0.23 0.01

d 52 0.08 -2.53 -0.202 0.0064

e 26 0.04 -3.22 -0.129 0.0016

F 5 0.01 -4.61 -0.046 0.0001

g 457 0.68 -0.39 -0.265 0.4624

Ʃ 672(N) -1.136 0.4858

CALCULATION OF DIFFERENT BIODIVERSITY INDICES:

1. Information statistics index

So, H = -(-1.136)= 1.136

2. Dominance index

So, D = 1/0.4858 = 2.058

3. Species richness index

Menhinick's index:
D = s / √N

Here, s = Number of species = 7

N = Total number of organisms of all species = 672

D= 7/√672= 0.27

4. Evenness index

16
Pielou’s Evenness Index (e): e = H / ln S
Where, H= Shannon Index

e= 1.136/ln7= 0.584

17
 8.5. STUDY OF FLORA USING LINE TRANSECT METHOD
Working Principle:Line transect sampling studies or line intercepts involve a count-in of organisms
in a straight-line taking segments or transects of equal size to get an estimated density in the area
sampled. It is a hybrid between cover and frequency. The measure is of how many segments are
intercepted by the species in question. The density of particular species can be predicted where the
maximum density lies.

Study Site: A field near Hotel

Date and Time: 27.04.22; 12.45p.m.-1.45 p.m.

Working Group: All students worked together during this study

Procedure: In this line transect study, we have divided into 7 groups and estimated the biodiversity of
different plants. In this study, we hammered a nail on the groundand two ropes of 5 ft were drawn at the
left and right sides of that line. Then two nails were hammered on the end of both. Now 3 ropes of 50 ft
were measured from all 3 nails and at the end of the ropes, 3 nails were hammered. We got an area of
50ft x 10 ft. We divided this area in 5 squares of 10ft x 10 ft (A,B,C,D and E) and conducted the line
transect.

Observation:
Three species were observed during the line transect. The data is given below:

No of quadrats L R

A Sp1 1 Sp1 1

Sp.2 9 Sp2 16

Sp3 8 Sp3 4

B Sp1 1 Sp1 2

Sp2 2 Sp2 7

Sp3 8 Sp3 1

C Sp1 3 Sp1 3

Sp2 1 Sp2 4

Sp3 1 Sp3 1

D Sp1 2 Sp1 3

Sp2 0 Sp2 0

18
 Sp3 1 Sp3 0

E Sp1 4 Sp1 5

Sp2 0 Sp2 0

Sp3 0 Sp3 0

Result: From these result we can see that Species-2 has highest distribution and Species-3 has lowest
distribution.

Species-2 >Species-1> Species-3

GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION:

Distribution of three species found during Line

transect

27% 28%

Species 1
Species 2
Species 3

44%

SUMMARY OF and analysis of LINE TRANSECT DATA:

Species N Pi ln.pi pi.lnpi pi2

Sp1 25 0.2840 -1.2587 -0.3574 0.0806

Sp2 39 0.4432 -0.8137 -0.3606 0.1964

Sp3 24 0.2727 -1.2993 -0.3543 0.0743

19
 Ʃ 88 -1.072 0.3513

CALCULATION OF DIFFERENT BIODIVERSITY INDICES:

1. Information statistics index:

So. H = -(-1.072) = 1.072

2. Dominance index:

So, D= 1/0.3513=2.8465

3. Species richness index:

Menhinick's index:

D= s / √N , Here, s= Number of species = 3

N = Total number of organisms of all species = 88

D= 3/√88= 0.3198

4. Evenness index:

Pielou’s Evenness Index (e): e = H / ln S

Where, H= Shannon Index

So, 1.072/ln3= 0.9757

8.6. STUDY OF FAUNA USING LINE TRANSECT METHOD

20
Working Principle: Line transect sampling studies or line intercepts involve a count-in of organisms
in a straight-line taking segments or transects of equal size to get an estimated density in the area
sampled. It is a hybrid between cover and frequency. The measure is of how many segments are
intercepted by the species in question. The density of particular species can be predicted where the
maximum density lies.

Study Site: A large field with small vegetation of herbs, shrubs and few large plants.

Date and Time: 27.04.22; 12.45p.m.-1.45 p.m.

Working Group: All students worked together during this study

Procedure: In this line transect study, we have divided into 7 groups and estimated the biodiversity of
different plants. In this study, we hammered a nail on the groundand two ropes of 5 ft were drawn at the
left and right sides of that line. Then two nails were hammered on the end of both. Now 3 ropes of 50 ft
were measured from all 3 nails and at the end of the ropes, 3 nails were hammered. We got an area of
50ft x 10 ft. We divided this area in 5 squares of 10ft x 10 ft (A,B,C,D and E) and conducted the line
transect.

Observation:
Three species were observed during the line transect. The data is given below:

No of quadrats L R Total

A LBA=3, MBA=6, LBA=6, MBA=12, LBA=9, MBA=18,

SBA=23 SBA=15, T=4, SBA=38, T=4, SB=1, C=0,
SB=1 M=0, SRA=0, F=0, B=0,
S=0, MRA=0

B LBA=2, MBA=9, LBA=2, MBA=13, LBA=4, MBA=22,

SBA=6 SBA=20, SB=2, SBA=26, T=0, SB=2, C=0,
M=0, SRA=0, F=4, B=0,
S=0, MRA=0
C LBA=9, MBA=33, LBA=12, LBA=21, MBA=54,
C=1, B=1 MBA=21, C=1 SBA=0, T=0, SB=0, C=2,
M=0, SRA=0, F=0, B=1,
S=0, MRA=0

21
 D LBA=5, MBA=4, LBA=2, MBA=5, LBA=7, MBA=9,
SBA=23, T=3, SBA=13, C=2, SBA=36, T=3, SB=3, C=2,
SB=3, M=1, M=1, SRA=7, F=4, M=2, SRA=9, F=4, B=1,
SRA=2, B=1, S=1 S=3, MRA=1
MRA=1

∑ LBA=41, MBA=103,
SBA=100, T=7, SB=6,
C=4, M=2, SRA=9, F=4,
B=2, S=3, MRA=1

Result: GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION:

Number of organisms
1% 0%
3% 1% 1%
1% 1%
LBA
MBA
2% 15% SBA
2% T
SB
C
M
SRA
F
B
35% S
37%
MRA

SUMMARY OF AND ANALYSIS OF LINE TRANSECT DATA:

Species N Pi ln.pi pi.lnpi pi2

LBA 41 0.145 -1.931 -0.279 0.021

MBA 103 0.365 -1.007 -0.367 0.133

SBA 100 0.354 -1.038 -0.367 0.125

22
 C 4 0.014 -4.268 -0.059 0.0001

S 3 0.010 -4.605 -0.046 0.0001

M 2 0.007 -4.961 -0.034 0.00004

T 7 0.024 -3.729 -0.089 0.00057

SB 6 0.021 -3.863 -0.081 0.00044

B 2 0.007 -4.961 -0.034 0.00004

SRA 9 0.031 -3.473 -0.107 0.00096

MRA 1 0.003 -5.809 -0.017 0.000009

F 4 0.014 -4.268 -0.059 0.00019

∑ 282(N) -1.539 0.281449

CALCULATION OF DIFFERENT BIODIVERSITY INDICES:

1. Information statistics index:

So. H = - (-1.539) = 1.539

2. Dominance index:

So, D= 1/0.281= 3.559

3. Species richness index:

Menhinick's index:

D= s / √N, Here, s= Number of species = 12

N = Total number of organisms of all species = 282

D=12 /√282 = 0.7146

4. Evenness index:
23
 Pielou’s Evenness Index (e): e = H / lns

Where, H= Shannon Index

H=1.539

s= 12

So, H/ln s=1.539/ln12= 0.619

8.7. STUDY OF INSECT POPULATION COLLECTED BY LIGHT

TRAP
Introduction: The use of light for sampling night-flying insects is a long-standing technique. Light
trapping is most useful for inventory work or to help determine the geographical distributions of night-
flying insects. This is because many species that are trapped at night are practically undetectable by other
sampling methods. Light trapping for native insects potentially reveals a rich diversity of many different
insects. It provides information about biodiversity across all seasons, landscapes, ecological areas,
altitudes and times of night.

Working Principle: Light does not attract insects—it confuses them and intercepts them from their
chosen flight path. Some insects fly repeatedly around the light, others simply settle at varying distances
from the light and may fly off after varying times. The insects are actively caught and encouraged into the
trap. Any bright white or bluish light is suitable although mercury bulb can be used. Collection of a light
trap provides a significant clue to the diversity of insects active at night, their respective affinity to
different wavelengths of light and to understand and predict how the population functions.

Study site: This study was performed at Hotel premices.

Date and Time: 25/04/22, 9:00-9:30 PM left overnight.

Procedure:
i. Take a bucket and make 4 holes at the top rim and one larger hole at the bottom rim.
ii. Adjust a small sized light shade on the bucket in the inverse direction.
iii. Fix four rods with screws/nuts with the bucket for holding up the large sized light shade.
iv. Hang the light trap on the large sized light shade. Drainage hole on the bucket should be kept
closed by the rubber plug while filling it with soap water/kerosinized water.

v. Mount the lamp or the bulb on the frame, five meters from the ground.
vi. Collect/drain out trapped insects periodically.

24
Working Group: All the team members performed this study.

Observation: We found different types of insect species from this light trap technique. These are as
follows-

Sl.no. Species Individuals (n)

1 Lepidoptera 6
2 Hymenoptera 4
3 Dictyoptera 3
4 Coleoptera 15
5 Diptera 10
N= ∑ (n) 38

Result and Interpretation:From the result we can interpret that there is highest distributions in case
of Coleoptera and lowest abundance is in case of Dictyoptera.

GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION:

Species collected by light trap method

6 (16%)
10 (26%)

4 (11%)

3 (8%)

15 (39%)

Lepidoptera Hymenoptera Dictyoptera Coleoptera Diptera

Conclusion: We have set the light trap at one site near our hotel. Most of the collected insects were
from order Coleoptera. If we set some more traps else where, then we may get different results.

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 8.8. BIRD WATCHING BY LINE TRANSECT

Working Principle: In statistics, more specifically in biostatistics, line-intercept sampling is a

method of sampling elements ina region whereby an element is sampled if a chosen line segment, called a
“transect”, intersects theelement. A tape or string laid along the ground in a straight line between two
poles as a guide to asampling method used to measure the distribution of organisms. Sampling is
rigorously confined toorganisms that are actually touching the line. A line transect is carried out by
unrolling the transect linealong the gradient identified. The species touching the line may be recorded
along the whole length ofthe line (continuous sampling). Alternatively, the presence, or absence of
species at each marked point isrecorded (systematic sampling).Linetransects are used when you wish to
illustrate a particular gradientor linear pattern along which communities of plants and, or animals change.
They provide a good way ofbeing able to clearly visualize the changes taking place along the line. A
transect is a line across a habitator part of a habitat. It can be as simple as a string or rope placed in a line
on the ground. The number oforganisms of each species along a transect can be observed and recorded at
regular intervals.

Study Site: Ranthambore National Park and adjoining area outside the protected area

Date and Time:

● Day 2- 26.04.2022 [Site-A]; 05:45 AM - 09:20 AM
● Day 3- 27.04.2022 [Site-B]; 05:45 AM - 09:30 AM

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Procedures: Line transect sampling is a distance sampling method for estimating the abundance of
wild animalpopulations. One key assumption of this method is that all animals are detected at their initial
location.Animal movement independent of the transect and observer can thus cause substantial bias.

1. The essential feature of line transects is that one walks along a straight path and records the individuals
seen and their perpendicular distance from the transect line.

2. Line transects are best used for visible animals in open habitats. The sample size should be at least 40
sightings, and better results are obtained from 60-80 sightings.

3. Not all individuals need to be seen for this method to work. An illustration of the basic measurements
that can be taken for each individual sighted along a line transect in the direction indicated by the arrow.
The key measurement is the perpendicular distance (x i). If the sighting distance (r i) is easier to record in
the field, the sighting angle (Ɵ) must also be measured. The perpendicular distance x= r.sinƟ

List of birds observed:

Sl No. Common Name Scientific Name Study 1 Study 2

1 Jungle babbler Turdoides striata 23 16

2 Common Myna Acridotheres tristis 16 18

3 Asian Koel Eudynamysscolopaceus 1 3

4 Pond Heron Ardeolagrayii 10 7

5 Spotted Dove Spilopelia chinensis 16 12

6 Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychussaularis 10 8

7 Great Egret Ardea alba 7 9

8 Asian Pied Kingfisher Ceyxerithaca 2 1

9 Rose Ringed Parakeet Psittaculakrameri 32 22

10 White Breasted Water Hen Amaurornisphoenicurus 9 7

11 Tailor Bird Orthotomussutorius 1 3

12 Brown Breasted Flycatcher Muscicapamuttui 1 2

13 Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus 3 2

14 Black Drongo Dicrurusmacrocercus 13 8

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 15 Pied Starling Gracupica contra 4 3

16 Green bee-eater Meropsorientalis 14 16

17 White Cheekede Barbet Psilopogon viridis 6 2

18 Red spurfowl Galloperdix spadicea 3 5

19 Ruddy shelduck Tadorna ferruginea 3 5

20 Raven Corvus corax 28 17

21 Sparrow Passer domesticus 12 9

22 Red Vented Bulbul Pycnonotuscafer 17 12

23 Collared Kingfisher Todiramphuschloris 1 3

24 Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala 2 1

25 Racket-Tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus 3 1

26 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 15 2

27 Rufous Treepie Dendrocitta vagabunda 12 10

Graphical representation:

30

20

10
Study 1
0
r l e t t t r Study 2
le oe ov re kee Bird bird ling rbe uck row she o ie
bb K D Eg a r a d r i o ng eep
a n t r r n a l a f r r
b si a d a a lo e Su d St B he
Sp ing d D s T
gle A otte Gre d P Tai l i e y
s K il e u
e p fo
Ju
n Sp i ng u r P d d
r ed
T a u
R P Ru lla et
- R
ose Co ack
R R

9. LIST OF FLORA & FAUNA IN THE ENTIRE TOUR

It is estimated that there are nearly 300 species of vegetation found in and around the
Ranthambore reserve forest. The area in the proximity of the Thar Desert gets very scant rainfall
so the plant life here consists mainly of dry deciduous type.
The most dominant plant of all the plant species of the Ranthambore National Park is the Dhok
(Anogeissus pendula). This tropical tree constitutes of more than three-fourth of the vegetation of
this national forest. Many other plants are also found, Which are as follows-
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  Babul (Accasia nilotica)
 Gum (Sterculia urens)
 Gurjan (Lannea coromandelica)
 Kadam (Authocephalus cadamba)
 Khair (Accacia catechu)
 Khajur (Phoenix sylvesris)
 Kakera (Flacourtia indica)
 Karel (Capparis decidua)
 Khimi (Manilkara hexandra)
 Kikar (Acacia nilotica)
 Mahua (Madhuca indica)
 Salar (Boswellia serrata)
 Kulu (Sterculia urens)
 Ronj (Acacia leucophloea)
 Tendu (Diospyrous melanoxylon)

List of studied fauna: The species representative of different animals in our study are as follows –

ARTHROPODA

Species Common Name Scientific Name

Number
1 Slender ant Tetraponera sp.

2 Large Red Ant Oecophylla sp.

3 Oriental Cockroach Blattaorientalis

4 Small Red Ant Solenopsis sp.

5 Carpenter Ant Camponotus sp.

AMPHIBIA

Species Common Name Scientific Name

Number
1 Common Frog Rana temporaria

2 Indian Pond Frog Euphlyctis hexadactylus

REPTILIA

Species Common Name Scientific Name

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Number
1 Rat Snake Ptyas mucosus

2 Garden Lizard Calotes varsicolor

BIRDS

Species Common Name Scientific Name

Number
1 Lesser Adjutant Stork Leptoptilosjavanicus

2 Brahminy Kite Haliasturindus

3 Little Egret Egrettagarzetta

4 Great Egret Casmerodius albus

5 Common Myna Acridotheres tristis

6 Jungle Babbler Turdoidesstriatus

7 Indian Pond Heron Ardeolagrayii

8 Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis

9 Oriental Magpie Copsychussaularis

10 Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotusjocosus

11 Pied Kingfisher Cerylerudis

12 Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotuscafer

13 Lesser Whistling-Duck Dendrocygnajavanica

14 Common Iora Aegithina tiphia

15 Large billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos

16 Green Bee-eater Meropsorientalis

17 Coppersmith Barbet Megalaimahaemacephala

18 Asian Pied Starling Sturnus contra

19 White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis

20 House Finch Haemorhous mexicanus

21 Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittaculakrameri

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 22 Collared Kingfisher Todiramphuschloris

23 Common Raven Corvus corax

24 Common kingfisher Alcedoatthis

25 Common Tailor bird Orthotomussutorius

26 Red Collared Dove Streptopeliatranquebarica

27 Jungle Myna Acridotheresfuscus

28 Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus

29 Asian Koel Eudynamysscolopacea

30 House Crow Corvus splendens

31 Long-tailed Shrike Laniusschach tricolor

32 Purple Sun bird Nectarinia asiatica

33 House Sparrow Passer domesticus

MAMMALS

Species Common Name Scientific Name

Number
1 Spotted Deer Axis axis

2 Indian Boar Sus scrofa

3 Five-striped Palm Squirrel Funambulus pennanti

4 Royal Bengal Tiger Panthera tigris tigris

5 Common mongoose Herpestes edwardsi

6 Sambar deer Rusa unicolor

7 Chital Cervus axis

8 Nilgai Boselaphus trigocamelus

9 Common hanuman langur Semnopithecus entellus

10 Macaques Macaca mulatta

11 Jackals Canis aureus

12 Jungle cats Felis chaus

13 Black bucks Antelops cevicapra

14 Sloth bear Melursus ursinus

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 10. PROJECT TIGER- A BRIEF SUMMARY
Project Tiger is a tiger conservation programme launched in April 1973 by the Government of India
during Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s tenure. The project aims at ensuring a viable population of the
Ranthambore tiger in its natural habitats, protecting it from extinction, and preserving areas of biological
importance as a natural heritage that represent the diversity of ecosystems across the tiger’s range in the
country. The project’s task force visualized these tiger reserves as breeding nuclei, from which surplus
animals would migrate to adjacent forests. Funds and commitment were mustered to support the intensive
program of habitat protection and rehabilitation under the project. Project Tiger’s main aims are to:

• Reduce factors that lead to the depletion, of tiger habitats and to mitigate them by suitable management.
The damages done to the habitat shall be rectified to facilitate the recovery of the ecosystem to the
maximum possible extent.

• Ensure a viable tiger population for economic, scientific, cultural, aesthetic and ecological values.

• Expanding the undisturbed areas for tiger by reducing human pressure.

• Repair the relationship with local people who share the tiger habitat by fielding strategies for
coexistence.

The monitoring system M-STrIPES was developed to assist patrol and protect tiger habitats. It maps
patrol routes and allows forest guards to enter sightings, events and changes when patrolling. It generates
protocols based on these data, so that management decisions can be adapted. Camera trap method is also
exercised in the Ranthambore National Park. The analysis of the flanks of the tigers are assisted by WII-
Dehradun.

Ranthambore National Park is home to the largest number of tigers in India and perhaps in the world also.
This has put the Ranthambore on the international tourism map. In 2022,according to NTCA’s recent
census,Ranthambore had an estimated population of 69 tigers.As per an update by the park
authorities ,there has been an increase in the number of tigers in the park ,totaling up to around 88
tigers,which is more than a 25% increase in their population in just a year.

Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve has the potential to act as a source for tigers to other neighbouring forested
areas such as Kuno-Palpur to the east, in the adjoining state of Madhya Pradesh, Van vihar Dholpur to the
North and Gandhi sagar, in Madhya Pradesh (through Mukundra – Ramgarh Vishdhari) to the south.

There are 3 corridors which require restoration-

1. Ranthambhore – Keladevi WLS – VanVihar WLS (Dholpur)

2. Ranthambhore – Kuno –Palpur WLS (M.P.)

3. Ranthambhore – Ramgarh Vishdhari – Mukundra hills

32
Ranthambore forest was brought under the national project and declared a tiger reserve along with eight
other sanctuaries and national parks in 1973. In 1980, 274.50 sq. km of the forest here was notified as
Ranthambhore National Park.

The Project Tiger is headed by the Field Director who is a conservator. His team includes a Deputy Field
Director who is of the rank of a Divisional Forest Officer, an Assistant Field Director who is of the rank
of Additional Divisional Forest Officer and 12 Range Officers.

Wireless communication systems and outstation patrol camps have been developed within the tiger
reserve, due to which poaching has declined considerably. Fire protection is effectively done by suitable
preventive and control measures. Voluntary Village relocation has been done in many reserves, especially
from the core area. Livestock grazing has been controlled to a great extent in the tiger reserves. Various
compensatory developmental works have improved the water regime and the ground and field level
vegetation, thereby increasing the animal density.

Research data about vegetation changes are also available from many reserves. Plans include the use of
advanced information and communication technology in wildlife

protection and crime management in tiger reserves, GIS-based digitised database development, and
devising a new tiger habitat and population evaluation system.

11. THREATS TO FOREST ECOSYSTEM

Forests have long been threatened by a variety of destructive agents. Today, the frequency, intensity and
timing of fire events, hurricanes, droughts, ice storms and insect outbreaks are shifting as a result of
human activities and global climate change, making forest ecosystems even more prone to damage. This
issue of Unasylva examines the threats posed by a number of biotic and abiotic agents and some of the
measures for overcoming them.
Natural threats such as fire, insects and diseases are integral to forest dynamics. However, they can
disrupt the flow of goods and services from forests by affecting tree growth and survival, water quality
and yield. and biodiversity. Also considered are alien invasive species pests, microorganisms or trees that
are non-native to a particular ecosystem and whose introduction causes, or is likely to cause, economic or
environmental harm. Many introduced tree species have high socio-economic and environmental value,
but they can give cause for concern when insufficient consideration is given to the context of their use
and managemeni. Measures to protect forests from all threats must be an integral part of sustainable forest
Management.

 Deforestation: One of the major challenges faced by forest ecosystem is deforestation.

Deforestation is nothing but cutting the forests for some other purpose other than for forest use.
Huge amounts of forests are cut down every year by the state governments for agriculture,
settlements, constructing multipurpose projects, etc. Some contractors even do illegal
deforestation for monetary benefits. As a result of deforestation, the quality of soil also gets
degraded because of soll erosion which in turn cannot sustain forests further.
 Forest Fires: Though forest fires are not major threats to forests in India but they are a common
phenomenon the world over. Forest fires that happen either due to natural or man-made causes
destroy the forests and hence cause deforestation.

33
  Illegal logging: Illegal logging is the catalyst to deforestation around the globe, threatening some
of the world’s most important forests in terms of conservation value. Predatory logging brings
roads deeper into the forest, which in turn fuels more logging, impacts Indigenous Peoples and
traditional local communities, as well as harming wildlife. Illegal logging is a global-multi-
country issue Greenpeace offices around the world have worked to investigate, document, and
stop.
 Insect pests: It cause significant damage to agricultural products intended for human foods and
animal feeds. In addition to direct losses caused by insects to plant systems, fruits, and seeds,
these biotic agents cause indirect losses because they leave important contaminants such as body
parts or exoskeletons, insect eggs, and off-odors on produce. There are more than six million
species of insect although only 20–30 of these are important pests for major crops. The key for the
proper insect pest management is to understand their biology and behavior, the kinds of damage
they produce, and application of proper integrated pest management in order to achieve a crop
production system that optimizes the use of natural resources, protects the environment, and
maximizes output in a sustainable way.
 Climate Change: Climate changes directly and indirectly affect the growth and productivity of
forests: directly due to changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide and climate and indirectly through
complex interactions in forest ecosystems. Climate also affects the frequency and severity of
many forest disturbances.
 Forest degradation: Degradation is a process in which the biological wealth of a forest area is
permanently diminished by some factor or by a combination of factors. "This does not involve a
reduction of the forest area, but rather a quality decrease in its condition." The forest is still there,
but with fewer trees, or less species of trees, plants or animals, or some of them affected by
plagues. This degradation makes the forest less valuable and may lead to deforestation. Forest
degradation is a type of the more general issue of land degradation. Deforestation and forest
degradation continue to take place at alarming rates, which contributes significantly to the
ongoing loss of biodiversity.

12. CONCLUSION

Zoology is an important branch of science and is the study of animal life. However, an extensive study
cannot be made on the basis of theory alone. To gain a complete knowledge of the animals we must also
have a practical insight on the animal and its habitat which can be acquired by routine visits to the habitat
of organisms. Biodiversity study is an appropriate method to observe the ecosystem.

The aim of biodiversity study is a firsthand gain of knowledge about animals in their natural habitat by
field study, through which we can familiarize ourselves with several animal life as found in the world of
which we have so far only read about. The main aspect of this study is to point out the different factors
which are affecting the environment in positive and negative ways. Both of these purposes are fulfilled in
our study.

The concept of Biodiversity Conservation has taken the center stage during the last decade, percolating to
all walks of public life including media and politics. Also, the concepts of National Park, Wildlife
34
Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation are no longer new in our country. There is still, however, a great
deal of confusion in the minds of common people about the exact meaning of Biodiversity, Wildlife and
Conservation, what they include, how they are managed and what role they play in the life of people.

On this count we were really fortunate to have got a chance to visit Ranthambore National Park,
Rajasthan, famous for its large tiger population. During our short visit to this National Park we were able
to realize that unless one visits such areas equipped with the right kind of interest and intention, one's
knowledge of Biodiversity, wild-life and conservation remains only.

13. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I am sincerely thankful to Dr. Mausumi Chatterjee, the respected Principal of our college for giving us the
permission for the excursion to Ranthambore National Park.

I express my sense of gratitude to Dr. Kakali Sau, Dr. Monika Mehta, Dr. Umasankar Pal, Dr. Babli
Halder, Dr. Poulami De Bhowmik (Head of the Dept.), Mr. Aziz Hasan Mondal, Mr. Suman Purohit, Dr.
Ranjita Das, Mr. Jayjeet Majumdar and all non-teaching staffs for guidance, proper advice,
encouragement during the course of work.

I also gratefully acknowledge Calcutta University to keep such a significant study in our syllabus from
where we have acquired extensive and useful knowledge about biodiversity study.

In addition, I would like to thank the staffs and members of Taraknath Travels, Hotel Tiger Regency and
officials of the Rajasthan Forest Department for facilitating our fieldwork.

Last but not least, I would thank my parents and my friends for their continual support to make the project
a successful one.

35
 14. REFERENCES

1. Amphibians of peninsular India written by R.J. Ranjit Danies.

2. Birds of the Indian Subcontinent- Richard Grimmett, Carol Inskipp, Tim Inskipp- Oxford

Publication.

3. The book of Indian Butterflies written by Kehimkar.

4. Indian Mammals written by Vivek Menon - Oxford Publication.

5. The Book of Indian Reptiles and Amphibians written by J.C. Daniels- Oxford Publication.

6. Insects by M.S. Mani.

7. Snakes by Neel Kumar Khaire.

8. Indian Wild Flowers by Kehimkar- Oxford Publication.

9. The Book of Indian Trees by Sahni- Oxford Publication.

10. The Book of Indian Animals by Prater S.H.- Oxford Publication

11. Karanth KK, Naughton-Treves L, Defries R, Gopalaswamy AM. Living with wildlife and
mitigating conflicts around three Indian protected areas. Environ Manage. 2013 Dec; 52(6):1320-
32. doi: 10.1007/s00267-013-0162-1. PMID: 24026255.

12. Reddy PA, Gour DS, Bhavanishankar M, Jaggi K, Hussain SM, Harika K, Shivaji S. Genetic
evidence of tiger population structure and migration within an isolated and fragmented landscape in
Northwest India. PLoS One. 2012;7(1):e29827. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029827. Epub 2012 Jan
11. PMID: 22253791

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