Sipu Kumar

Wildlife Institute of India | WII · Department of Habitat Ecology

This study investigates the invasion patterns and ecological impacts of Lantana camara, Ageratina adenophora and Parthenium hysterophorus in the Rajaji Tiger Reserve, India. The study also delineates invasion hotspots across different forest ranges in western Rajaji. Further, in response to the persistent challenge of these invasive species, a comp...

Historically, Andaman Teal Anas albogularis have been primarily found in South Andaman. However, the land uplifts and subsidence resulting from the 2004 tsunami and the earthquake have created new wetlands across the island. These wetlands became suitable habitats for the Andaman Teal, leading to population expansion within South Andaman and a rang...

This study systematically investigates the comparative impacts of organic and inorganic farming on soil quality and crop yield in four distinct agricultural fields located in Dehradun and Jalandhar, India. Organic farming, characterized by the use of environmentally benign fertilizers such as manure, is contrasted with inorganic farming, employing...

Predators including invertebrates and vertebrates prey on insects in the wild as a natural occurrence for food. Insects such as honeybees, carpenter bees and bumblebees form a major diet of such predators. While certain predators such as bears, skunks and raccoons raid beehives in search of honey, other predators including birds such as Oriental Ho...

Wetland ecosystems are essential for maintaining biological diversity and are significant elements of the global landscape. However, the biodiversity of wetlands has been significantly reduced by more than 50% worldwide due to the rapid expansion of urban areas and other human activities. The aforementioned factors have resulted in drastic antagoni...

The present study compares the effects of organic and inorganic farming on soil quality and the crop yield of different agricultural fields. The study was conducted for two agricultural fields of Dehradun (Uttarakhand) and Jalandhar (Punjab). In this study, we've examined the physical and chemical characteristics of soil from the agricultural field...

While monitoring invasive species in the Rajaji Tiger Reserve (RTR), the authors come face to face with wild species that have made this remarkable, and troubled, forest their home. The article revolve around WII's work in western RTR on understanding plant invasion ecology, plant-frugivore interactions, unique species records and sightings such as...

Nominated recently as a Ramsar Site, Haiderpur is one of the largest floodplain wetlands along the mighty Ganga River. This magnificent backwater recharged wetland is inhabited by considerably a fair population of Swamp deer, Sarus crane, Black Bellied Terns, to name a few and many more migratory & resident birds. Owing to diversity of aquatic habi...

Jagatpur wetland, one of the lesser-known jewels of Bihar, India. This magnificent wetland is inhabited by considerably a fair population of many migratory & threatened birds. It is home to rich aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna, especially breeding grounds of endangered Adjutants (Greater & Lesser), and supports at least 170 species. While t...

The Asan Wetland provides a bountiful birding experience, and memorable escapades for all lovers of nature. It is paramount to protect and preserve this little treasure trove and the various species that call it home.

On 12 September 2021 at 0730 h, while birding near Kimadi Village (30.43°N, 78.03°E) close to the Naag Devta Temple near Mussoorie, in Dehradun District, AR spotted a bird that seemed to have, at first glance, very prominent white ear-coverts. The bird was perched on a power line at a distance of c.40 m from him. AR assumed it was either a Cin...

First distributional record of black-bellied coral snake (Sinomicrurus nigriventer) from Uttarakhand, north India.

The region of western Himalaya is a home to a wide range of flora and fauna. Black Bear and Brown bear are also among them. Black Bear is found up to the altitude of 3500 meters whereas Brown bear is found up to a higher altitude of 4000-6000meters. Also many indigenous human communities have been residing there for a very long time. Some of those...

This research is aimed to assess changes in the bird community structure and composition with modification of patch characteristics after a decade. The first systematic study of the bird-habitat relationship for the campus was carried out by Dr. Dhananjai Mohan (2007) for his doctoral work. FRI campus is an urban Green scape facing threats similar...

There is a strong association between birds and their habitats which has been established by many previous researches. This study was conducted to investigate the changes in bird community structure and composition in natural and managed forest type of Forest Research Institute’s (FRI) campus forest after 10 years of previous bird-habitat study by...