Distribution, den characteristics and diet of the Indian Fox <i>Vulpes bengalensis</i> (Mammalia: Canidae) in Karnataka, India: preliminary observations

The Indian Fox Vulpes bengalensis inhabits relatively dry areas with scrub thorn forests, deciduous forests, short grasslands and marginal croplands. Since it is a widely distributed species, especially in the dry tracts, very little attention has been paid to it by researchers and wildlife managers. We conducted an extensive survey in the south Indian state of Karnataka to determine the conservation status of the Indian Fox. We also carried out a more detailed observation in a small region called “Jayamangali Blackbuck Block” (JBB) and surrounding private lands to study the den site characteristics of the species. Except for a few districts in the Western Ghats and the west coastal region, the fox was present throughout Karnataka. Relatively higher encounter rates were observed in regions with extensive grasslands. We located 52 dens during the study in JBB which provide a minimum of 12dens/km2 with 1.33/km2 active dens. Circumference of den sites were smaller in JBB than in the adjoining private lands indicating that foxes frequently shifted dens in this area. The number of openings and active openings increased as the circumference of the den site increased. Fecal analysis revealed remains of certain species of plants, vertebrates and invertebrates, with arthropods as the major food items of the fox

Status survey of slender loris Loris tardigradus lydekkerianus in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India

A survey of the slender loris Loris tardi gradus, a Vulnerable primate, was carried out in the Dindigul Forests of Tamil Nadu, India, in 1996 in order to assess prevalence. Lorises were found in high densities in the open Euphorbia scrub forests and in crop lands nearby. Although most often seen in bushes and Acacia trees, the species uses a wide variety of vegetation and substrates. Individuals were found mostly at an altitude of 300-500 m. Body measurements taken on sample animals revealed that the population belongs to the subspecies L. t. lydekkerianus. Conservation measures for the species in this region include additional surveys and evaluation of prospects for establishing a slender loris sanctuary

CEPF Western Ghats Special Series: Mammals of the Meghamalai landscape, southern Western Ghats, India - a review

Reports on the concurrence of mammals in the Meghamalai landscape were collated from published literature and also the data obtained from a recent study spanning over 18 months (June 2011-December 2012). Sixty-three species belonging to 24 families occur in the landscape, which include 24 globally threatened (one Critically Endangered; seven Endangered; 11 Vulnerable and five Near Threatened) species. Of the recorded species, four species are endemic to India and nine are endemic to the Western Ghats. The present study added five species, viz., Rusty-spotted Cat Prionailurus rubiginosus, Malabar Spiny Tree Mouse Platacanthomys lasiurus, Grizzled Giant Squirrel Ratufa macroura, Common Palm Civet Paradoxurus hermaphrodites and the Indian Grey Mongoose Herpestes edwardsii to the six decade old mammal list. But, 13 species reported by Hutton were not recorded during the study. Among them, occurrence of Malabar Civet Viverra civettina and Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus in southern India remains unresolved. During our study, anthropogenic pressures such as conversion of natural habitats, encroachment, hunting, cattle grazing and tourism were observed to affect the distribution of mammals in the landscape

Inter- and intra-specific associations of non-human primates in Anaimalai Hills, South India

The study reports on the inter- and intra-specific associations of Macaca radiata, M. silenus, Presbytis entellus and P. johnii in the Anaimalai Hills of south India. Whereas M. silenus and P. entellus are found to be habitat specialists inhabiting rain forest and deciduous forest respectively, IM. radiata and P. johnii are habitat generalists found in almost every forest type. Whereas individual groups of macaques can be found to occur in absence of any other groups of their species, the langurs occur only in large intra-specific associations. It is suggested that M. silenus can be considered as an umbrella species for the management of the entire ecosystem of these hills