Abstract

This research programme covered studies on five components. 1. Lepidopteran fauna 2. Community ecology of birds 3. feeding and ranging patterns of lion-tailed macaque 4. Soil-plant community relationship and 5. Establishment of permanent sample plotsfor long-term monitoring of ecological processes. Two aspects arising out of this study deserve special mention. First is the recommendation, based on the lion-tailed macaque study, that the Panthanthode area of Attappady Reserve be added to the silent Valley National park (and to the core zone of the NBR) to ensure a large, viable population of this endangered animal in the area. Second is the need to continue sustained ecological observations in the 12 permanent plots established in Silent Valley as part of this project and for which baseline data have been gathered