Biology subjects

Mondol, S.

Publications and source records attributed to Mondol, S..

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Identifying the source population of naturally recolonised rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) in Laokhowa-Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, through multidisciplinary methods

Megaherbivore population recovery largely depends on restoring connectivity between fragmented protected areas to facilitate natural dispersal, gene flow, and range expansion. The Indian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) has recovered from severe population decline in the past, but several populations remain spatially restricted. Recent conservation efforts and the expansion of protected areas in Assam have coincided with natural rhino recolonization in Laokhowa-Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS). This has occurred from nearby regions of Orang NP and Kaziranga NP after the species was locally extinct in the 1980s. Identifying the source population of these recolonised rhinos is crucial for managing this emerging metapopulation. We used non-invasive genetic sampling, genetic assignment and a landscape connectivity model to investigate the origin and potential movement routes of the recolonising rhinos. We identified eight unique individuals from Laokhowa-Burhachapori WLS and assigned them to the potential source population using Bayesian and frequency-based approaches against a reference dataset of 365 individual rhinos across the rhino-bearing areas of Assam. Habitat suitability was modelled using 161 spatially thinned presence points and eight environmental variables. We applied least-cost path (LCP) analysis to assess landscape resistance between protected area nodes. All eight recolonising rhinos were assigned to Orang NP with high Bayesian assignment probabilities (q = 0.97-0.99). The connectivity model identified two least-cost pathways, with the Orang NP-Laokhowa-Burhachapori WLS linkage showing lower landscape friction than the Kaziranga NP linkage. These findings provide genetic evidence that the recolonisation occurred through natural dispersal, most likely from Orang NP, and indicate that recent landscape restoration has re-established the structural connectivity across this floodplain. Maintaining these linkages will be essential to promote natural range expansion and the long-term persistence of Indian rhinoceros in Assam.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2026

Landscape-scale grassland structural heterogeneity and disturbance regimes influence swamp deer habitat utilisation across the upper Gangetic plains, India

Large herbivores play a vital role in shaping grassland ecosystems, yet many species face increasing threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, and human disturbance. In northern India, riverine grasslands of the Gangetic floodplains serve as essential habitats for such species, including the swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii duvaucelii), a habitat specialist that has experienced severe population declines, especially outside protected areas. We evaluated the structural vegetation composition of grasslands and swamp deer habitat use along the Ganges river, covering both protected regions (Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve and Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary) and surrounding non-protected grasslands. Combining field-based vegetation surveys with NDVI-based remote sensing enabled the classification of grasslands into four ecologically significant types structured by Saccharum, Phragmites, and Typha species. Disturbance was prevalent across the landscape, with approximately 77% of grassland plots exhibiting signs of human impact. Pure Saccharum grasslands exhibited the highest disturbance levels, followed by mixed patches, while Phragmites-Typha patches showed the lowest disturbance. Conversely, Phragmites-Typha patches experienced the lowest levels of disturbance. Data from surveys and two radio-collared swamp deer indicated a consistent preference for mixed vegetation types, particularly Saccharum-dominated and Phragmites-Typha mixes, while avoiding heavily disturbed pure Saccharum patches. Seasonal changes in habitat use reflected context-dependent selection influenced by vegetation structure, hydrology, and disturbance regimes. Our results underscore the importance of conserving diverse grassland mosaics and reducing human pressures, especially in unprotected areas to promote the long-term survival of swamp deer and other grassland herbivores within the Gangetic floodplains.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2026

Endocrinology shadows ecology: Characterization of Markhor (Capra falconeri heptneri) reproductive cycles through non-invasive hormone assessment

Markhor (Capra falconeri) is a charismatic, threatened, large, high-altitude bovid found in parts of central and south Asia. The species faces threats such as habitat loss, hunting, poaching, livestock competition, hybridisation, and disease, yet research on wild populations is challenging. Various biological aspects, including surveys, diet, population dynamics, interactions with livestock, hybridisation, and disease, have been studied locally, along with behavior and reproductive biology, but details such as pregnancy, oestrus, and parturition timing remain unestablished. We conducted the first systematic, detailed, and fine-scale characterization of the reproductive steroid profiles of two males and five female markhors (Capra falconeri heptneri) in a captive population at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (PNHZP), West Bengal, India. We collected weekly fecal samples, standardized and validated measurements of progesterone (fP4M) and testosterone (fTM) metabolites, and conducted reproductive profiling to assess reproductive stages in both sexes. Analyses of annual fP4M and fTM data from male and female markhor individuals showed similar profiles and synchronicity, with individual variation, and peaks and baselines were evident for both hormones. In both sexes, significantly higher hormone titres were observed during the sexually active and inactive phases. Non-invasive measurement of reproductive hormones accurately reflected ovarian function in females, helping establish mating, gestation, and parturition timelines in female markhors and determine the breeding season in males. These approaches support husbandry and breeding management by identifying optimal pairing, diagnosing pregnancy, and predicting parturition in both captive and wild populations. When applied correctly, these tools could greatly aid population monitoring of other endangered species across high-altitude regions worldwide.

physiology↗

bioRxiv2025

A novel molecular sexing method for Greater One-horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) for reliable demographic assessments

Accurate assessment of demographic parameters is crucial for conserving endangered species. The Greater One-horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), a sexually monomorphic species, lacks a validated molecular sexing protocol for diverse biological samples. This study established a multi-marker molecular sexing protocol using blood, tissue, horn, and dung samples from all wild populations in India. The optimized multiplex strategy that involves three sex-linked markers: ZF, AMESC, and TSRY, enabled simultaneous amplification of X-and Y-chromosome-specific fragments in degraded samples. Testing with 286 individual rhino samples from seven parks (5 blood, 180 tissue, seven horn, and 94 dung) led to a [~]92% (195 M: 69 F) success rate. Overall, this approach validates a molecular sexing protocol with increased reliability and fewer amplification failures, facilitating large-scale demographic studies. Future research should utilize this method to examine the sex ratio of all existing Indian rhino populations across their range, ensuring their future persistence and management.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2025

Assessment of critically endangered Northern River Terrapin (Batagur baska) phylogeny through next-generation sequencing-based mitogenome analyses

The Northern River Terrapin, Batagur baska (Gray, 1830), is a critically endangered freshwater turtle, primarily found in the estuaries and tidal regions of large rivers in South and Southeast Asia. B. baska has experienced extensive population declines and extirpations across most of its range, with no confirmed wild populations remaining. To support conservation efforts of this turtle, our study utilizes first complete mitochondrial genome of B. baska using next-generation sequencing (NGS). This mitochondrial genome data is combined with existing genetic information to evaluate the species phylogenetic position within the Geoemydidae family. The Bayesian phylogenetic analysis, including 38 species sequences, confirmed a close genetic relationship between B. baska and B. affinis (posterior probability = 1). The mitochondrial genome of B. baska consists of 16,503 base pairs, with a typical structure comprising 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, and 22 tRNA genes, along with a non-coding control region. The protein-coding genes account for 68.9% of the genome, while the ribosomal RNA and tRNA genes cover 15.4%. The control region, located between tRNAPro and tRNAPhe, is 986 bp long and exhibits a distinct base composition.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2024

Optimising future rhino population management strategies using insights from genetic health assessments across India

Various species conservation paradigms are facing enormous challenges during the ongoing Anthropocene. While the widely-used reintroduction/translocation-based approaches have supported many endangered species population recoveries, they seldom use detailed genetic information during initial planning. The Indian greater one-horned rhino typifies such assisted migration-driven species recovery, but currently facing long-term survival concerns due to their mostly small, isolated populations reaching respective carrying capacities. We assessed nation-wide rhino genetic health, identified suitable source populations and provided future translocation scenarios for all extant and proposed rhino habitats. Analyses with 504 unique rhino genotypes across all seven Indian rhino-bearing parks revealed six genetically-isolated populations with overall moderately low genetic diversity. Our results showed that Kaziranga and Manas NPs (Assam) to have the best rhino genetic health, whereas Jaldapara and Gorumara NPs (West Bengal) undergoing strong genetic erosions. Forward genetic simulations suggested that annual supplementation efforts from only few Assam rhino populations (Kaziranga NP, Orang NP and Pobitora WLS) are best suited for genetic rescue of most of the extant populations. Overall, the genetic diversity and differentiation patterns mimics the complex evolutionary history and individual recovery histories. We suggest park-specific management solutions (ranging from protection measures, grassland restoration, livestock and conflict management, regular supplementation events etc.) to ensure the species long-term persistence and prevent the alarming loss of grassland habitats and its associate biodiversity. We insist on utilising such genetic health indices-driven population management solutions to identify targeted mitigative measures in other species.

genetics↗

bioRxiv2023

Functional connectivity in northern swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii duvaucelii) population across a fragmented, human-dominated landscape along Gangetic Plains of north India: Implications for conservation in non-protected areas

The Indian subcontinent has witnessed disproportionate declines in large mammalian herbivore communities. The northern swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii duvaucelii) exemplifies the conservation challenges of typical non-protected area species, where apart from distribution status other ecological information is limited for the upper Gangetic basin population. We combined elements of radio-telemetry and conservation genetics to evaluate dispersal patterns, population connectivity and assess genetic variation and inbreeding status of this population living across a highly human-dominated area. We genetically identified 266 unique swamp deer and further analyses revealed presence of two spatially-admixed genetic lineages with moderate heterozygosity (Ho=0.51, SD= 0.10) and low inbreeding (FIS=0.133) status. Multi- disciplinary evidence suggests that the small, isolated grassland patches between Jhilmil Jheel Conservation Reserve (JJCR) and Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary (HWLS) are highly preferred by swamp deer during migrations and are genetically connected. The southern part of the area in HWLS showed early signatures of genetic discontinuity that require immediate conservation attention. We hypothesized that the human settlement history of this landscape, river dynamics and species ability to negotiate various pressures and disperse has helped to maintain such connectivity. While these signatures are encouraging for this small, isolated cervid population, careful management interventions are required to ensure the integrity and functionality of this landscape. We recommend a scientifically robust population estimation approach across this landscape and a multi-stakeholder-driven strategies to augment population and habitat recovery, plantation and riverscape management to ensure long-term survival of this species.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2022

The cost of sympatry: spatio-temporal patterns in leopard dietary and physiological responses to tiger competition in Rajaji Tiger Reserve, India

1.O_LIApex predators have critical roles in maintaining the structure of ecosystem functioning by controlling intraguild subordinate populations. Such dominant-subordinate interactions involve agonistic interactions including direct (death/displacement) or indirect (physiological and/or health implications) impacts on the subordinates. As these indirect effects are often mediated through physiological processes, it is important to quantify such responses for better understanding of population parameters. C_LIO_LIWe used a well-known sympatric large carnivore intraguild system involving tiger (Panthera tigris) and leopard (Panthera pardus) to understand the dietary and physiological responses under a spatio-temporal gradient of tiger competition pressures in Rajaji Tiger Reserve (RTR), a major source tiger population of the western Terai-Arc Landscape, India between 2015-2020. The park provided a natural experimental set-up for tiger competition with the eastern part (ERTR) having high tiger density and the western (WRTR) part with functionally no competition from tigers. C_LIO_LIWe conducted systematic faecal sampling in the winters of 2015 and 2020 from ERTR and WRTR to assess diet and physiological measures. Analyses of leopard-confirmed faeces suggest a dietary-niche separation as a consequence of tiger competition. In 2020, we found increased occurrence of large-bodied prey species without tiger competition in WRTR. Physiological measures followed the dietary responses where leopards with large-sized prey in diet showed higher fT3M and lower fGCM measures in WRTR. In contrast, ERTR leopards showed lower levels of fT3M as well as fGCM in 2020, possibly due to intense competition from tigers. Overall, these pattens strongly indicate a physiological cost of sympatry where competition with dominant tigers resulted in elevated nutritional stress. C_LIO_LIThe combination of the natural habitat providing unique experimental setup, spatio-temporal sampling strategy and multidisciplinary approaches provide critical conservation perspectives for leopards, particularly in the context of recent increase in tiger numbers across India. We recommend expansion of leopard monitoring and population estimation efforts to buffers, developing appropriate plans for human-leopard conflict mitigation and intensive efforts to understand leopard population dynamics patterns to ensure their persistence during the ongoing Anthropocene. C_LI

physiology↗

bioRxiv2022

What drives prey selection? Assessment of tiger food habits across the Terai-Arc landscape, India

Large carnivores strongly shape ecological interactions within their respective ecosystems, but experience significant conflicts with human across their range due to their specific ecological resource requirements. The tiger (Panthera tigris) typifies the challenges faced by the large carnivore communities globally. India retains majority of the global tiger population with significant numbers outside protected areas (PAs) that are involved in conflicts from livestock predation and human/tiger death. To understand the prey selection patterns and spatio-temporal patterns of livestock predation-related conflict issues we investigated tiger food habits across the Indian part of the Terai-Arc Landscape (TAL), a globally-important tiger conservation landscape in India. We used 510 genetically-confirmed tiger faeces collected across the landscape and ascertained 10 wild and livestock as major prey species. Large-bodied species (sambar, swamp deer, nilgai, chital, wild pig and livestock) comprised ~94% of tiger diet, with sambar, chital and livestock were the major prey species. Habitat-specific (Shivalik-Bhabar and Terai) analyses show significantly different pattern of prey selections determined by abundance and prey body weight. Results also suggest that PA and non-PAs of Terai habitat are more prone to livestock depredation-related conflicts, and careful management interventions and community involvements are required to reduce such threats. We suggest long-term plans including population estimation of tigers and prey outside PAs, reducing grazing pressures and cattle enumeration, detailed investigation of tiger deaths etc. to ensure future tiger sustainability across this habitat.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2022

Consideration of genetic variation and evolutionary history in future conservation of Indian one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis)

The extant members of the Eurasian rhino species have experienced severe population and range declines through a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors since Pleistocene. The one-horned rhino is the only Asian species recovered from such strong population decline but most of their fragmented populations in India and Nepal are reaching carrying capacity. Implementation of any future reintroduction-based conservation efforts would greatly benefit from currently unavailable detailed genetic assessments and evolutionary history of these populations. We sequenced wild one-horned rhino mitogenome from all the extant populations (n=16 individuals) for the first time, identified the polymorphic sites and assessed genetic variation (2531bp mtDNA, n=111 individuals) across India. Results showed 30 unique rhino haplotypes distributed as three distinct genetic clades (Fst value 0.68-1) corresponding to the states of Assam (n=28 haplotypes), West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh (both monomorphic). Phylogenetic analyses suggest earlier coalescence of Assam ([~]0.5 Mya) followed by parallel divergence of West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh/Nepal ([~]0.06-0.05Mya), supported by the paleobiogeographic history of the Indian subcontinent. Combined together, we propose recognising three Evolutionary Significant Units (ESUs) of Indian rhino. As recent assessments suggest further genetic isolations of Indian rhinos at local scales, future management efforts should focus on identifying genetically variable founder animals and consider periodic supplementation events while planning future rhino reintroduction programs in India. Such well-informed, multidisciplinary approach is the only way to ensure evolutionary, ecological and demographic stability of the species across its range.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2021

Waning grasslands: a quantitative temporal evaluation of the grassland habitats across human-dominated upper Gangetic Plains, north India

Grassland habitats currently face severe anthropogenic exploitations leading to cascading effects on the survival of grassland-dependent biodiversity globally, particularly in non-protected areas. Significant amount of such biodiversity-rich grasslands in India are found outside protected areas but lack quantitative information on their status. We evaluated the current and historical (30 years) status of the grasslands using a combination of intensive field surveys and GIS tools across one of the most fertile, human-dominated region: the upper Gangetic Plains of north India. On-ground mapping and visual classifications revealed 57% decline in grassland habitats between 1985 (418 km2) and 2015 (178km2), mostly driven by conversion to croplands (74% contribution). Radio-telemetry data from the largest endemic cervid swamp deer (n=2) showed grassland-dominated average home range (50% BBMM) size of 1.02 km2. The animals highly preferred these patches (average Ivlevs index- 0.85) and showed highest temporal continuity (88%) compared to other LULC classes. Camera trapping within the core habitats suggests critical use of these patches as fawning/breeding grounds. Habitat suitability analysis indicates only [~]18% of the entire area along Ganges is suitable for swamp deer. Accurate mapping (86% accuracy) and characterization of four major grass species revealed a total 144.04 km{superscript 2} vegetation area, dominted by Saccharum sp. (35%). We recommend protection and recovery of these critical grassland patches to maintain dynamic corridors and other appropriate management strategies involving multiple stakeholders to ensure survival of this critical ecosystem. Such evaluations, if spatially expanded, would be critical to restore this rapidly vanishing ecosystem worldwide.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2020

Effects of faecal inorganic contents in accurate measures of stress and nutrition hormone in large felines: implications for physiological assessments in free-ranging animals

Non-invasive stress and nutritional hormones and their interactions are increasingly being used to monitor psychological and nutritional physiology in free-ranging animals at different ecological scales. However, a number of extrinsic and intrinsic factors including hormone-inert dietary materials, inorganic matters etc. are known to affect accurate hormone measures. Here we addressed the impacts of inorganic matter (IOM) on corticosterone and T3 measures in wild tiger (n=193 from Terai Arc landscape, India) and captive lion (n=120 from Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden, Gujarat, India) faeces and evaluated possible corrective measures. The wild tiger samples contained highly variable IOM content (9-98%, mostly with >40% IOM) compared to captive Asiatic lion (17-57%, majority with <40% IOM). We observed significant negative correlation between IOM content and tiger GC (r=-0.48, p=0.000) and T3 (r=-0.60, p=0.000) measures but not in captive lions (r=-0.05, p=0.579). Two corrective measures viz. removing samples with [≥]80% IOM and subsequently expressing concentrations as per gram of organic dry matter (instead of total dry matter) reduced IOM influence on tiger GC and T3 measures without affecting lion GC results. The corrective measures bring out alterations in the tiger T3 results but no changes in GC results. As faecal IOM content is associated with specific behaviours of many carnivore species, our results emphasize the need to reduce IOM-driven hormone data variation for ecologically relevant interpretations for species conservation.

physiology↗

bioRxiv2020

Soil bacterial community diversity and composition vary more with elevation than seasons in alpine habitats of western Himalaya

Soil heterotrophic respiration-driven CO2 emissions, its impact on global warming and the mechanistic roles of soil bacterial communities in this process have been an area of active research. However, our knowledge regarding the effects of environmental changes on soil bacterial communities is limited. To this end, the climate-sensitive high-altitude alpine ecosystems offer ideal opportunities to investigate relationship between climate change and bacterial communities. While data from several high-altitude mountain regions suggest that local environment factors and geological patterns govern bacterial communities, no information is available from the Himalaya. Here we provide baseline information on seasonal soil bacterial community diversity and composition along a 3200-4000 m elevation gradient covering four alpine habitats (subalpine forest, alpine scrub, alpine meadow and moraine) in Gangotri National Park, western Himalaya. Bacterial metabarcoding data from 36 field-collected samples showed no elevation trend in the bacterial richness and a non-monotonous decrease in their diversity. Further, their community diversity and composition varied significantly among habitats along elevation but were stable seasonally within each habitat. The richness was primarily influenced by soil inorganic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN), whereas temperature, SOC and TN affected diversity and composition patterns. Given the importance of the Himalaya in the context of global carbon cycle this information will help in accurate modeling of climate adaptation scenarios of bacterial niches and their downstream impacts towards climate warming.

genomics↗

bioRxiv2020

Assessing tiger corridor functionality with landscape genetics and modelling across Terai-Arc Landscape, India

India led the global tiger conservation initiatives since last decade and has doubled its wild tiger population to 2967 (2603-3346). The survival of these growing populations residing inside the continuously shrinking habitats is a major concern, which can only be tackled through focused landscape-scale conservation planning across five major extant Indian tiger landscapes. The Terai-Arc landscape (TAL) is one of the global priority tiger conservation landscapes holding 22% of the countrys wild tigers. We used intensive field-sampling, genetic analyses and GIS modelling to investigate tiger population structure, source-sink dynamics and functionality of the existing corridors across TAL. Genetic analyses with 219 tigers revealed three low, but sigficantly differentiated tiger subpopulations. Overall, we identified Seven source and 10 sink areas in TAL through genetic migrant and gene flow analyses. GIS modelling identified total 19 (10 high, three medium and six low conductance) corridors in this landscape, with 10 being critical to maintain landscape connectivity. We suggest urgent management attention towards 2707 sq. km. non-protected habitat, mitigation measures associated with ongoing linear infrastructure developments and transboundary coordination with Nepal to ensure habitat and genetic connectivity and long-term sustainability of tigers in this globally important landscape.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2020

Effects of a combined enrichment intervention on the behavioural and physiological welfare of captive Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica)

The endangered Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) is currently distributed as a single wild population of 670 individuals and [~]400 captive animals globally. Although the captive lions are major hope for the species long-term conservation through repatriation, their welfare status and management practises need research attention. To this end, we tested the efficacy of feeding, sensory and manipulable enrichment interventions on the welfare of Asiatic lions at the conservation breeding centre of Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden, Gujarat. We adopted a holistic approach by measuring physiological and behavioural responses of 35 captive Asiatic lions, divided into control (n=16) and test (n=19) groups. The test subjects approached feeding devices first and manipulable devices for a longer duration. Manipulable devices were used homogenously with two significant time peaks, but sensory devices were used sporadically throughout the day with no discernible peak usage. The control subjects remained unchanged in all welfare parameters compared to their pre-treatment levels. However, post-enrichment behavioural assessments showed higher behaviour diversity (95% increase from the baseline period), reduced enclosure zone bias (40.25% reduction) and aberrant repetitive behaviours (80.68%) in test samples. Similarly, faecal corticosterone measures showed lower stress levels in test samples (58% decrease), confirming significant improvement in all welfare indices than control groups. These results have universal applicability to assess welfare indices of other captive species in Indian zoos. We hope that the results will encourage zoo managers and regulatory agencies to improve animal welfare practices.

animal behavior and cognition↗

bioRxiv2020

Sequencing and annotation of the endangered wild buffalo (Bubalus arnee) mitogenome for taxonomic and hybridization assessment

The wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee) is one of the most endangered and least studied large bovid in the Indian subcontinent. India retains 90% of the global population as two fragmented populations in Assam and Chhattisgarh, both threatened by habitat loss and degradation, hunting, disease from livestock, and hybridization with the domestic buffalos. For the first time, we sequenced the 16,357 bp long mitogenome of pure wild water buffalo from both populations. The annotated genes included 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA, two ribosomal genes, and a non-coding control region. Comparative mitogenome analyses showed both populations are genetically similar but significantly different from domestic buffalo. We also identified structural differences in seven tRNA secondary structures between both species. Both wild and domestic water buffalo formed sister clades which were paraphyletic to genus Bos. This study provides baseline information on wild buffalo mitogenome for further research on phylogeny, phylogeography and hybrid assessment and help conserving this endangered species.

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2019

Mitochondrial phylogeography reveals high diversity and unique divergent lineage in Indian Dugongs (Dugong dugon)

O_LIIndia plays a central role in dugong conservation by hosting the largest population within south Asia. Current knowledge on status of Indian dugongs is limited due to paucity of reliable ecological data. This study generates mitochondrial control region sequences from about 10% of dugong population from major dugong populations within India. These data was compared with the global data to assess genetic lineages, population structure and genetic diversity of Indian populations. C_LIO_LIMultiple analyses suggest that the Indian dugong populations are part of a single genetic cluster, comprising south Asia, northwest Indian ocean and southwest Indian ocean populations. Despite small population size, they retain high genetic diversity with unique mitochondrial DNA haplotypes within south Asia. C_LIO_LIWithin India, novel haplotypes were observed from all sampling sites with overall high haplotype diversity (0.85{+/-}0.04) but low nucleotide diversity (0.005{+/-}0.001). Indian populations exhibit high genetic differentiation with higher within-population variance (63.41%) than among populations (36.59%), signaling population structure. Few haplotypes were shared with Sri Lanka and southeast Asian populations, indicating potential genetic connectivity. C_LIO_LIBeing the most genetically unique population within south Asia, Indian dugong populations are globally significant. We recommend that Indian Dugong populations should be managed as a Conservation Unit to ensure population recovery and long-term survival of the species. C_LI

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2019

Genetic analyses reveal population structure and recent decline in leopards (Panthera pardus fusca) across Indian subcontinent

Large carnivores maintain the stability and functioning of ecosystems. Currently, many carnivore species face declining population sizes due to natural and anthropogenic pressures. The leopard, Panthera pardus, is probably the most widely distributed and adaptable large carnivore, still persisting in most of its historic range. However, we lack subspecies level data on country or regional scale on population trends, as ecological monitoring approaches are difficult to apply on such wide-ranging species. We used genetic data from leopards sampled across the Indian subcontinent to investigate population structure and patterns of demographic decline. Our genetic analyses revealed four distinct subpopulations corresponding to Western Ghats, Deccan Plateau-Semi Arid, Shivalik and Terai region of north Indian landscapes, each with high genetic variation. Coalescent simulations with 13 microsatellite loci revealed a 75-90% population decline in between 120-200 years ago across India, possibly human induced. Population-specific estimates of genetic decline are in concordance with ecological estimates of local extinction probabilities in four sub-populations obtained from occupancy modelling of historic and current distribution of leopards in India. Our results confirm population decline of a widely distributed, adaptable large carnivore. We re-iterate the relevance of indirect genetic methods for such species, and recommend that detailed, landscape-level ecological studies on leopard populations are critical to future conservation efforts. Our approaches and inference are relevant to other widely distributed, seemingly unaffected carnivores such as the leopard.

genetics↗