Abstract

Management of protected Areas requires information on various aspects of population of animals inlcuding their distribution in relation to biotic and abiotic factors and their interactions. The present study was carried out in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to collect information on population parameters, distribution, food and feeding habits of selected animals aspecially, the elephants in relation to environmental parameters. A number of swamps (vayals) seen in the area most are situated in the midst of moist deciduous forests and plantations. The Sanctuary harbours almost all the peninsular Indian mammals and other groups of animals. The extend of the crop damage and the efficiency of the methods have been evaluated. Information on group size, composition and structure was collected through direct observations. Line transect (indirect) method was followed to collect information on indirect evidence of animals to get abundance indices. The data from transects were pooled to estimate elephant densityin different habitats, and in the periphery and interior areas. Seasonal food availability in different habitats was estimated through clip and weigh method. Density distribution of elephats in the area was mostly influenced by the food and water availability coupled with disturbance due to human activities and fire. Density distribution of gaur indicated difference between areas and between seasons. Distribution of Sambar and spotted deer was also influenced by seasons but without any pattern. Gaur hada preference for deciduous forest in the periphery. Elephants were responsible for most of the crop damages and pady was the most affected. Electric fencing, though not successful against males was the most effective protection method. The crop raiding bahaviour of elephants in Wayanad is attributed to several factors such as difference in the quality of food species in the natural forests and in cultivated crops, degradation of habitat coupled with the bahaviour of the habitual crop raiding solitary bulls