Uncovering the Impact of Forest Resource Extraction on Mammalian Communities in Selected Wildlife Sanctuaries of Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

The removal of forest resources, driven by increased human demand for timber, fuelwood, and other natural commodities, has significant repercussions on forest ecosystems and their inhabitants. Katarniaghat (400 sq.km.) and Kaimoor (500 sq.km.) Wildlife Sanctuaries situated in Utttar Pradesh were selected to carry out the study. Depending on the reconnaissance survey regarding the anthropogenic disturbance variables such as human trails, grazing cover, weed cover, lopping density, and fire, the protected area was categorized into high, medium, and low disturbed sites. For data collections, line transect method (direct sighting) and pellet group method (indirect evidence) were used to record mammals. Circular plot of 10 m radius was used to evaluate and quantify habitat variables. The data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test using SPSS comparing density, abundance, area preference, mean group size, and encounter rate of the species. The low disturbed areas of Katarniaghat and Kaimoor showed higher values for overall mean pellet group density (13.26 ± 2.01 and 17.84 ± 1.6), abundance (0.007 ± 0.001 and 0.008 ± 0.001), area preference (0.52 ± 0.07 and 0.25 ± 0.01), encounter rate (2.9 ± 0.43 and 1.26 ± 0.22), and mean group size (2.9 ± 0.43 and 2.6 ± 0.5) of mammals, respectively. However, some species showed affinity toward human disturbance, for example, Nilgai, Jackal, and Langur, which showed their coexistence with human interference. The present study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the complex interactions between forest resource extraction and mammalian communities, offering insights to inform sustainable management practices, conservation efforts, and policy formulation in forested landscapes.