Abstract

A study was conducted in Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala to estimate the population of larger mammals, their seasonal density distribution and their food and feeding habits. Population was estimated through direct and indirect methods by followingthe transect method. Food species of animals were identified through direct observation and from the indirect evidence from the remains in dung/pellets/droppings. Only twelve species of large mammals were recorded from the area. Elephants dominated in number as well as biomass. The ecological density of elephants was estimated to be 1.34/km2. The proportion of males in the population was very low (2.75) compared to the adult females (91). The low proportion of juveniles (1.85) and calves (0.92) indicateda very unhealthy trend. There was no significant seasonal difference in the overall food availability in the Sanctuary. However, the distribution of elephants showed significant differences between seasons with highest density during the post monsoon period. Sixty-eight plant species belonging to twenty-nine families were identified as food plants of elephants, grasses being the dominant ones. Sightings of sambar deer (Cervus unicolor), barking deer (Muntiacus muntjac), wild boar (Sus scrofa), porcupine(Hystrix indica), Malabar giant squirrel (Ratufa indica) and bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata) were very few indicating very low density. Sambar was found to feed on twenty-four species of plants, barking deer on seven and wild boar on eight species. The relevance of the findings are discussed and suggestions for management given. It is recommended that strict measures should be taken to protect the forest habitat from fire and that exotic species should not be planted