Abstract

The responses of wild animals towards moving vehicles were studied at Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Palghat, Kerala. Behaviour of animals towards the vehicle varied with the time of the day and season. Animals exhibited less fear when they encountered the vehicle during dark hours and found to be more alert at day time. Deer are more sensitive to vehicles when compared with other animals like Gaur and Wild boar. Spotted deer and Sambar deer stopped feeding and stared towards the vehicle for about 15-30 sec. when they noticed the jeep. The studies have direct application in controlling vehicular traffic in Wildlife Sanctuaries