G. S. Solanki

Mizoram University · Department of Zoology

A study was conducted on reptilian fauna in the Dampa Tiger Reserve (DTR) buffer zone in Mizoram, India to understand the recovery pattern of reptiles in the fallow land created due to jhum cultivation. 32 species of reptiles from 10 families were recorded. 21 species of snakes belonging to six genera and five families contributed 46% of total reco...

A survey for the diversity of Rhopalocera at the Mizoram University (MZU) campus was carried out in selected areas with different habitat types. Pollard walks sampling method was adopted, and 16 randomly selected permanent line transects were established in three different sites. The length of the studied transacts was 500 m and the breadth was a r...

A survey for the diversity of Rhopalocera at the Mizoram University (MZU) campus was carried out in selected areas with different habitat types. Pollard walks sampling method was adopted, and 16 randomly selected permanent line transects were established in three different sites. The length of the studied transacts was 500 m and the breadth was a r...

A study on habitat utilization and feeding pattern of avian diversity was carried out in Goalpara College campus of Goalpara district, Assam. A total of 44 species of birds belonging to 30 families were recorded and studied. Based on food type eaten, the birds were categorized into seven categories. Variation in number of species based on food type...

Morphometric relationship of fresh water turtle

Performance of Acacia nilotica grown in saline water

Loss of nutrients in grassland ecosystem

A group of capped langurs, Trachypithecus pileatus comprising eight individuals was studied in Sri Surya Pahar, a degraded habitat in Goalpara district of Assam to record the seasonal variations in distance travelled, home range, and habitat utilization through direct observation supplemented by Geographical Information system (GIS). Scan sampling...

The traditional practice of shifting cultivation in Mizoram, India is linked to the ecological, socio-economic and cultural lives of the over 86% of its population. Negative impacts are devastating and degrade the environment and ecology, a major concern in conservation biology such as large-scale deforestation, soil erosion, invasion by weeds a...

A group of capped langurs, Trachypithecus pileatus comprising eight individuals was observed for feeding behavior in Sri Surya Pahar, an archaeological site of religious importance and degraded habitat, located about 12 km southeast of Goalpara town in Assam. The feeding ecology of the species was studied by recording the time spent feeding on diff...

Fragmented forests often have conservation value, serving as a refuge or corridors for small mammalian species. In the study, the diversity of mammals was studied within Mizoram University (MZU) campus. Forty-eight plant species from 25 families were recorded on different sites. Thirty quadrates were nested at the locations of occurrence of mammali...

A comparative study on grooming behavior was done on three species of macaques, namely, Assamese macaque (Macaca assamensis), rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) and northern pig-tailed macaque (Macaca leonina) under captivity in Aizawl Zoological Park, Aizawl, India. Observations were recorded by Focal Sampling Technique. Time spent on different acts...

Fragmented forests often have conservation value, serving as a refuge or corridors for small mammalian species. In the study,the diversity of mammals was studied within Mizoram University (MZU) campus. Forty-eight plant species from 25 families were recorded on different sites. Thirty quadrates were nested at the locations of occurrence of mammalia...

A comparative study on grooming behavior was done on three species of macaques, namely, Assamese macaque (Macaca assamensis), rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) and northern pig-tailed macaque (Macaca leonina) under captivity in Aizawl Zoological Park, Aizawl, India. Observations were recorded by Focal Sampling Technique. Time spent on different acts...

This note confirmed the occurence of Twin spotted tree frog, Rhacophorus bipunctatus in Mizoram and highlighted the distribution during the survey period.

Shifting cultivation is a largely practiced agricultural technique in the north-eastern part of India. This has led the fragmentation of natural habitat for wildlife species. Impact of jhum cultivation on distribution of mammalian species was studied through transect survey for scat, camera trapping, and burrow counting. Barking deer (27%) and wild...

In this study, we report the mating behavior of Yellow-throated Marten Martes_flavigula. A pair was observed mating on a Sterculia villosa tree at the Tuilut anti-poaching camp situated near the core of Dampa Tiger Reserve at 05.35h on 25 November 2018. Copulation between the pair was observed 14 times with successive coupling rhythms approximately...

A study on the prevalence and seasonal variations of gastrointestinal parasites of 12 captive Pig-tailed Macaques Macaca leonina housed at Aizawl Zoological Park, Mizoram, India, was conducted. Fresh stool samples were collected on a monthly basis from the study animals was grouped for two seasons—summer (April–June 2017) and monsoon (July–Septembe...

The Langtang National Park which covers an area of 1760 sq.km was studied extensively for the occurrence and status of butterflies within the altitudinal ranges of 1500 m at Syaprubensi to 4300 m around Langtang glacier area. Addition to altitudes, the decline in floral diversity with temperature reduction in higher elevation basically controlled t...

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (KTWR) has the last remaining Nepalese population of the Endangered Asiatic Wild Buffalo (Bubalus arnee Kerr, 1792). Individual animals protected inside KTWR may be of purely wild, domestic or hybrid origin, and the wild population is under potential threat due to habitat loss and genetic introgression from feral backcr...

We present the first molecular-based report on ungulate malaria parasites from water buffalo in Nepal. Fifty-six blood samples were collected from different groups of water buffalo (wild, feral, and domestic) and PCR assays were conducted using Plasmodium spp. cytb specific primers. Two positive cases were detected, one each from feral and domestic...

sorghum silage mixed with 2-23% molassess and 1-2% common salt was considered for nitrogen (protein) requirement of stall fed goat in then arid and semi- arid regions of Western India.Male goat (six ) of "Zhalabadi" breed was taken as test animals. Nurtitive value of the feed was compared in summer and winter seasonss and positive nitrogen balance...

This is our genuine and first time details study on primates in Mizoram, Northeast-India

Abstract—We conducted an avian survey to assess the avian diversity of Mizoram University campus, Aizawl for a period of 24 months. During the study a total of 3,555 no of individuals of 189 species of birds belonging to 43 families were recorded.The family Muscicapidae represented the highest species composition with 28 species followed by family...

The study was conducted in community managed Baghmara buffer zone forest of Chitwan National Park, Nepal to identify the colonization of large wildlife in rehabilitated forest areas within the protected area system. Total count of animals and review of secondary sources were employed for data analysis. The number of wildlife species recorded in the...

Abstract: Wild population of the Asian wild buffalo(Bubalusbubalisarnee) is confined to swampy areas along the rivers and grasslands in the tropical and subtropical regions of Indian sub-continent and south-east Asia. Limited numbers, around 3300-3400 of Asian wild buffaloes are surviving in the wild. The KoshiTappu Wildlife Reserve (KTWR) in sout...

Grey Peacock Pheasant Polyplectron bicalcaratum (Linn.1758) is the most widely distributed peacock pheasant species belonging to the family phasianidae under order galliformes. Four sub-species of P. bicalcaratum are so far identified, all of them showing great sexual dimorphism. P. bicalcaratum served as a good ecological indicator, therefore inve...

Most primate species are highly selective feeders and spend a considerable proportion of their time searching for preferred food. Primates do not feed on plants at random but instead displays marked food preferences. It is commonly agreed that food choices of primates are attributable to 2 principal factors: the nutritional or toxic content of the...

The study was conducted in community-managed Baghmara buffer zone forest of Chitwan National Park, Nepal, to identify the colonization of large wildlife in rehabilitated forest areas within the protected area system. Total count of animals and review of secondary sources were employed for data analysis. The number of wildlife species recorded in th...

We have a great pleasure in forwarding Mr. Ram Chandra Kandel's thesis entitled "Ecological and Behavioral Studies on Asian Wild Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis arnee Linn.) at Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal" for the acceptance of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology (Conservation Biology). His thesis carries original piece of research wor...

Anthropogenic activities on account of traditional practices are devastating natural forest in tropical countries.The local government rehabilitates natural habitatsthrough monoculture plantations and altering their structure and composition. This is affecting local biodiversity severely. A study was conducted in Sialsuk community reserve forest in...

Anthropogenic activities on account of traditional practices are devastating natural forest in tropical countries. The local government rehabilitates natural habitatsthrough monoculture plantations and altering their structure and composition. This is affecting local biodiversity severely. A study was conducted in Sialsuk community reserve forest i...

The study was aimed to assess spontaneous food preferences in captive stump-tailed macaques and to correlate it with nutrients availability in the food items eaten by nursing females. The study was conducted at Aizawl Zoological Park where three captive stump-tailed female monkey (Macaca arctoides) with their infants were maintained on routine diet...

A study on feeding behavior of two primate species viz; Phayre's leaf monkey (Trachypithecus phayrei, Blyth, 1847) and capped langur (Trachypithecus pileatus Blyth, 1843) was conducted during summer season (March-May, 2014) in Dampa Tiger Reserve (DTR), Mizoram, India. Study was carried out in the Terei range of forest reserve. A total of 87 plant...

Arunachal Pradesh is, a tribal state, inhabited by 26 major tribes and 105 sub-tribes. Monpa is one of the major tribe inhabiting mainly in Tawang and West Kameng Districts of Arunachal Pradesh. Monpas has unique socio-cultural entity and claim themselves Indo-Bhutan and Indo-Tibet in origin. In-spite of their ritual concepts in Buddhist culture us...

It is important that the food provided to animals should contain all the essential nutrients required for the growth and development of animals. This experiment was planned to generate the information to understand the food selection and nutrients available in the food of captive stump tailed macaques in the Zoo. The study aimed to assess spontaneo...

It is important that the food provided to animals should contain all the essential nutrients required for the growth and development of animals. This experiment was planned to generate the information to understand the food selection and nutrients available in the food of captive stump tailed macaques in the Zoo. The study aimed to assess spontaneo...

Mrs Hume's Pheasant Syrmaticus humiae (Hume, 1881) is a globally near-threatened pheasant species. It is sparsely distributed in eastern part of Mizoram, northeast India. The factors that influenced the habitat selection of S. humiae in the tropical montane forest are studied during January 2013 to March 2015. Based on preliminary survey a possible...

We conducted a study on use pattern of faunal resources by tribal communities in Dampa Tiger Reserve (DTR) in Mizoram, India. Its impact on biodiversity of the region was assessed. Study area is a part of Indo-Myanmar hotspot region. Mizo, Bru and Chakma tribes inhabits inside the buffer area of the reserve. A semi structured questionnaire was used...

p>This study was conducted in Baghmara Buffer Zone Community Forest aiming to find out the ungulate population. Total complete count method was utilized by direct visual counting technique. The enumerator covered the entire forest by walking along the fixed bearing from one end to another end of the forest counting all ungulates. The animals were s...

Grey Peacock Pheasant (Polyplectron bicalcaratum) is identified as ecological indicator of forest ecosystem in tropical rain forest. Study on density and abundance was carried out by line transect method in Lengteng wildlife sanctuary, Mizoram, northeast India for 27 months. Transects are walked four times a month in early morning hours. In 108 tra...

The present study investigated how the maternal dominance status influences the mother-infant relationship and the interaction of females other than the mother with the group infants in captive stump-tailed macaques (Macaca arctoides). Nine infants were born into the group; observations were made on these infants during their first six months of li...

In order to determine the factors influencing male mating choice in captive stump-tailed macaques (Macaca arctoides), the group composition was manipulated in which confounding social context were controlled. Each adult male was given the opportunity to mate with any of the estrous female during the mating season between September 2010 and February...

In order to determine the factors influencing male mating choice in captive stump-tailed macaques (Macaca arctoides), the group composition was manipulated in which confounding social context were controlled. Each adult male was given the opportunity to mate with any of the estrous female during the mating season between September 2010 and February...

Godavari-Phulchoki, the southern part of Kathmandu city still retains pristine forest specially at its vertical range to the Phulchoki Mountain top. Within this range at 1500-2734 m, a changing pattern of ecosystems has been displayed offering potential habitats for butterflies of different status categories. The members of the family Nymphalidae r...

Knowledge on lizards, particularly the suborder Saurian, and their conservation aspects is very poor. An attempt was made to collect information on these small and lesser known animals so that an appropriate strategy can be formulated for their conservation. Inventorization study on Saurian fauna was conducted at Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mamit district...

Abstract: The placental mammals belong to the order primate is one of the most diverse groups of mammals having 300 or more species and 600 or more subspecies. Apes and monkeys which are also called non human primates, distributed in the Paleotropical (old world) and neotropical (new world) biogeographical zone. This group of mammal shows a wider a...

This study reports carbon sequestration in community conserved forest and its importance to maintain equilibrium of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Study was carried out on plantation and natural regeneration sites in Baghmara Buffer zone Community Forest (BBZCF) of lowland Nepal. Data on green weight of forest tree was collected by random quadrats (n...

We investigated the mother-infant relationship and allomothering in Capped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus in Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, India, from July 2001 to June 2003, based on observations of five mother-infant pairs. Infants spent 75% of the time on ventro-ventral contact during the first three months, 71% of which was on n...

We investigated the mother-infant relationship and allomothering in Capped Langur Trachypithecus pileatus in Pakhui Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, India, from July 2001 to June 2003, based on observations of five mother-infant pairs. Infants spent 75% of the time on ventro-ventral contact during the first three months, 71% of which was on n...

The study examines the relationship between male dominance and cost incurred in monopolizing females for copulation in captive stump -tailed macaque (Macaque arctoides). We correlated the influence of inter-male aggression, male courtship behaviour, female sexual proceptivity and the daily activity budget in male for mating success. Majority of the...

We investigate the habitat selection of Grey Peacock Pheasant, Polyplectron bicalcaratum (Varihaw in Mizo) in Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary (LWS), north eastern site of Mizoram, north east India. After preliminary field investigation the northern periphery of LWS, primary forest (PF) and its adjacent area comprising the fallow land (FL) and secondary...

Galliformes, commonly referred to as ‘gallinaceous birds’ or ‘game birds’, is a large and diverse group of birds that comprises of 70 genera and 284 species, while 45 species of galliformes are known from India. Meanwhile proper record of Galliformes is not available in the state of Mizoram. Therefore a preliminary survey on galliformes was conduct...

The manual dexterity of primates allows them to use their hands to clean their skin and hairs as well as maintain a good social relationship with intra-group members. This behaviour is described as grooming. It is the most common affinitive behaviour among primates and may be directed to the self (Autogrooming) or with a intra-group member (Allogro...

To analyze prey structure of carnivores, year round daily monitoring of wildlife was conducted from April 2010 to March 2011 in the Baghmara Buffer zone Community Forest in central low land area in Nepal. Extensive direct observations were recorded to find out the social structure of wildlife. The observations were made by traversing quietly throug...

The study examines the relationship between male dominance and cost incurred in monopolizing females for copulation in captive stump-tailed macaque (Macaque arctoides). We correlated the influence of inter-male aggression, male courtship behaviour, female sexual proceptivity and the daily activity budget in male for mating success. Majority of the...

In this report, nighttime births of 3 stump-tailed macaques observed at the Aizawl Zoological Park, India, are described. Continuous focal observations were collected along with video and still photographs, on the 3 parturitions, from the first observed onset of labour. The average time taken for infant birth, beginning with visibility of the h...

The study made in different periods in three central districts of Nepal revealed out 19 species of butterflies of different conservation status. The status of all the reported species were found under high threat level which was determined using National Red Data Book of Nepal (1995) and verifying them with the observed field data of 2004 to 2011....

We conducted a questionnaire survey to document the patterns of bird hunting among the Nyishi, Apatani and Monpa tribes of Western Arunachal Pradesh, India. A total of 157 hunters representing 57% Nyishis, 20% Monpas and 23% Apatanis were interviewed to ascertain the seasonality of hunting and number of bird species hunted. Fifty three species of b...

The present study reports infanticide among stumptailed macaques. The incident was observed when the study group was manipulated by introducing the β- male to the mother-infant pair at the breeding centre. As no copulation was observedbetween the β-male and the victim's mother, it was safe to exclude the β- male as the probable father. The infant w...

The present study reports infanticide among stump-tailed macaques. The incident was observed when the study group was manipulated by introducing the β-male to the mother–infant pair at the breeding centre. As no copulation was observed between the β-male and the victim’s mother, it was safe to exclude the β-male as the probable father. The infan...

Reconnaissance on spatial distribution of pheasants in eight districts of Mizoram was done during September 2012 to March 2013. The study shows that six species inhabit the study areas. Red Jun-glefowl (Gallus gallus) and Kalij Pheasants (Lophura Leucomelanos lathami) are most versatile in distribution and are present in all sites (n=235). Grey Pea...

p>This study was designed specifically to assess the population status and prevailing threats of Phaedyma aspasia kathmandia an endangered and endemic subspecies of butterfly confined to a very narrow range at 1600–1800 m of elevation in Godavari forest of Lalitpur district of central Nepal. This study revealed the occurrence of only 11 individuals...

Agroforestry improve the potential of degraded land, enrich life support system. Silvipastoral systems, one of the categories of agroforestry systems, grow a combination of grasses and multipurpose trees. The systems were developed in combination with plants viz; deshi babul (Acacia nilotica L.), ber (Zizyphus jujuba L.) and jungal jalebi (Pithecel...

The present study aims to determine whether homosexual behavior in stump-tailed macaque males of different age groups were socio-sexual or sexually motivated. Male homosexual encounters were divided into two categories for analysis; manual genital stimulation and actual mounting. Manual genital stimulation in adult males occurred bidirectional, i...

The present study aims to determine whether homosexual behavior in stump-tailed macaque males of different age groups were socio-sexual or sexually motivated. Male homosexual encounters were divided into two categories for analysis; manual genital stimulation and actual mounting. Manual genital stimulation in adult males occurred bidirectional, i...

A year round study on the forest resources was conducted from April 2010 to March 2011 in Baghmara Buffer Zone Community forest at central lowland area of Nepal. The main objective of the study was to analyze cost and benefit of the community forest after two decades of its management by local community. Quadrate survey in transects passing through...

The present study represents the unique features ofmale homosexuality in forms and context, and determines whether this behaviour is sexually motivated or sociosexual in function in captive stump-tailed monkeys,Macaca arctoides. Ten incidents of homosexual encounters between α- and β-male were observed. No reciprocal mounting was observed.Every epi...

A year round monitoring of large wild mammals was conducted from April 2010 to March 2011 in Baghmara Buffer Zone Community forest at central lowland area of Nepal. The main objective of the study was to assess large wild mammals' population in pre– and post– community management period. Direct observations either by establishment of transects pass...

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Dampa Tiger Reserve, the biggest Wildlife Sanctuary in Mizoram is situated in the western part of Mizoram state on the international border with Bangladesh. It covers an area of approximately 550 km 2 . The area receives 2,155 mm rainfall annually, and the natural vegetation in the reserve is tropical evergreen to semi-evergreen. The tropical Fores...

Mizoram (21°56' N -24°31' N latitudes and 92°16' E -93°26' E longitudes; 21,081 sq. km) is part of northeast India, an important part of the Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot, houses a large number of flora and fauna and supports some of the biologically richest areas in the world, thus making the region as an area of global importance. The topogra...

A case study on cattle-carnivores conflict was carried out at Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India during 2001-2003. Number of villages on the eastern periphery of PTR are 14, comprised of the total number of 395 household, 2322 human population and 1392 domestic cattle population. A total of nineteen incidences of confli...

Arunachal Pradesh is culturally and biodiversity rich tribal state of India; 26 major tribes inhabits there. Tribes in remote areas depend on the natural resources for treatment of various body ailments. Tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh used 48% mammalian species and 28% avian species as ethno-medicine. 38% carnivores, 21% ungulates, 15% rod...