An ecological assessment of Hispid Hare Caprolagus hispidus (Mammalia: Lagomorpha: Leporidae) in Manas National Park, Assam, India

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Published: Dec 26, 2015
DOI: https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.2461.7.15.8195-8204
Keywords:
Distribution, habitat use, Hispid Hare, India, Manas National Park, status, threats.

Main Article Content

Naba K. Nath
State Resource Centre Dispur, 31, Jatia, Kahilipara Road, Dispur, Guwahati, Assam 781006, India
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7004-2092
Kamal Machary
Aaranyak, 50, Samanwoy Path, Survey, Guwahati, Assam 781028, India
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6876-4942

Abstract

This study of the Hispid Hare Caprolagus hispidus in the tall grassland habitat of Manas National Park, Assam during 2009–2010 is the first detailed assessment in northeastern India.  We assessed the status, distribution, habitat use and key threats to this rare and little studied lagomorph species.  After interviewing local forest staff, 20 grassland patches within a survey area of 2.65ha were selected and transects (50x2 m) laid randomly to determine the presence/absence of Hispid Hare by recording pellets and other indirect evidence.  Hare presence was recorded in 17 grassland patches within transects dominated by Imperata cylindrica and Saccharum narenga.  Hispid Hare preferred dry savannah grasslands to wet alluvial grasslands during winter and avoided recently burned patches due to lack of cover and food.  The distribution pattern observed was clumped (s2/a = 6.2), with more evidence of Hispid Hare presence in areas where ground cover was dense, dry and away from water sources. Population density was estimated at 381.55 individuals/km2, which in comparison with other studies indicates that Manas National Park currently holds the highest density of Hispid Hare.  Habitat loss due to overgrazing, unsustainable thatch harvesting, burning of grassland, weed invasion, encroachment and hunting were identified as key threats which must be addressed to ensure survival of this threatened species in the Park. 

 

Article Details

Issue
Vol. 7 No. 15 (2015)
Section
Articles

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Author Biographies

Naba K. Nath, State Resource Centre Dispur, 31, Jatia, Kahilipara Road, Dispur, Guwahati, Assam 781006, India

Naba Krishna Nath is a Programme Coordinator at State Resource Centre Dispur. He completed his Ph.D. on human-elephant conflict in Manas National Park. He so far completed four research projects on Asian Elephant, two research projects on Hispid Hare, one on bird community structure and one on camera trapping of tigers. Presently he is doing study on social aspects of human-elephant conflict. 

 

Kamal Machary, Aaranyak, 50, Samanwoy Path, Survey, Guwahati, Assam 781028, India

Kamal Machary is presently working as a research assistant based in Manas National Park. He is also one of the Red Caps working on human-elephant conflict monitoring and mitigation in Awely’s Red Cap project in Assam, India. 

 

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