Mammals of Kalimpong Hills,
Darjeeling District, West Bengal, India
Jayanta Kumar Mallick
Wildlife Wing (Headquarters),
Directorate of Forests, Government of West Bengal, Bikash Bhawan, North Block,
Third Floor, Salt Lake City, West Bengal 700091, India
Email: jayantamallick2007@rediffmail.com
Date of publication (online): 10 October 2012
Date
of publication (print): 10 October 2012
ISSN
0974-7907 (online) | 0974-7893 (print)
Editor:L.A.K.
Singh
Manuscript
details:
Ms
# o2418
Received
04 March 2010
Final
received 29 August 2012
Finally
accepted 05 September 2012
Citation: Mallick, J.K. (2012). Mammals of Kalimpong Hills, Darjeeling District, West Bengal,
India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 4(12): 3103–3136.
Copyright: © Jayanta Kumar Mallick 2012. Creative
Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. JoTT allows unrestricted use
of this article in any medium for non-profit purposes, reproduction and
distribution by providing adequate credit to the authors and the source of
publication.
Author
Details: Jayanta Kumar Mallick postgraduated in 1974,joined the Wildlife Wing (Headquarters) in 1976 and has been working as PA to
PCCF, Wildlife, West Bengal, for the last 37 years. Worked in the Project of
the North-East India Task Force, IUCN/SSC/Elephant Specialist Group and also as
project consultant of the Indian Society for Wildlife Research, Kolkata. He has
been involved in all departmental publications, has participated in
departmental workshops, undertaken a number of studies, is looking after
departmental data bank and has more than hundred published articles, study
reports, book and book-chapter on wildlife conservation, particularly of
mammals.
Acknowledgements:The author expresses heartiest thanks to all those departmental field staff,
officers and other respondents who shared their experiences for preparation of
this study report. I am also
grateful to Dr. Dipankar Ghose (WWF-I, New Delhi) for communicating his field
observations. I am especially indebted to Indranil Mitra, GIS specialist, for
providing digitized maps of the study area and Somnath Chakraborty for
retrieving relevant data.
Abstract: Neora Valley National Park
(NVNP) in the Kalimpong Hills, Darjeeling District, having a wide range of
altitudinal variations (183–3,200 m) and climatic conditions and forming
an ecological trijunction with Sikkim and Bhutan, is the last virgin wilderness
in West Bengal. It is a global
hotspot for the unique ecosystem, where tropical, sub-tropical, temperate and
sub-temperate forests represent a wealth of biodiversity including many
threatened and rare mammals. It is the prime habitat of Ailurus fulgens (estimated population 28–32), Neofelis nebulosa (population unassessed), Ursus thibetanus (18), Bos gaurus (81), Hemitragus jemlahicus (32), Naemorhedus goral (73), Capricornis sumatraensis (89), Rusa unicolor (286), Muntiacus vaginalis (590) and Sus scrofa (615). Discovery of Panthera tigris (20) in 1998 prompted the forest department to include
NVNP as a sensitive wildlife zone. Many authors recorded the mammalian diversity in Darjeeling District
since the mid-nineteenth century, but most of them referred to the Darjeeling
Hills. The documentations on
Kalimpong Hills are scarce because of the dense canopy, thick undergrowth and
inaccessible terrain, particularly in the pristine forests of Neora
Valley. Consequently, a
comprehensive compendium of the mammals in this region was not prepared. A study was undertaken in 2008–2009
with a view to bridging this knowledge-gap and presenting an updated account of
the mammalian species in this new short-listed World Heritage Site and
surrounding forests of the Kalimpong Hills based on literature review,
questionnaire survey, direct sighting and indirect evidences. During June–October
1916, N.A. Baptista recorded 29 mammalian species (22 genera) out of 563
specimens collected, from the region. The present study registered 99 species (68 genera) after 94 years.
Keywords: Indirect
evidences, Kalimpong, literature review, mammals, Neora Valley, sighting,
status.
Abbreviations: ATREE - Ashoka Trust for Research
in Ecology and Environment; BNHM - Bengal Natural History Museum, Darjeeling;
BSI - Botanical Survey of India; FD - Forest Division; IUCN - International
Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources; KFD - Kalimpong Forest
Division; NP - National Park; NTFP - Non-Timber Forest Produce; NVNP - Neora
Valley National Park; NESPON - North Eastern Society for the Preservation of
Nature and Wildlife; SNR - Strict Nature Reserve; TE - Tea Estate; UNESCO -
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization; WBFDCL - West
Bengal Forest Development Corporation Limited; WLS - Wildlife Sanctuary;
WWF-I/US - World-wide Fund for Nature-India/United States; ZSI - Zoological
Survey of India.
For
images, table-- click here
INTRODUCTION
The Indian mammals comprise of 401 species
(180 genera, 45 families and 13 orders), constituting about 8.6% of the global
mammalian species (Alfred et al. 2006). About 47% of the Indian mammals are recorded in West Bengal (Chakraborty
& Agrawal 1993). Whereas Ghosh
(1992) recorded 217 species and subspecies of mammals (including the extinct
species of the 20th century) in the state, Agrawal et al. (1992)
described 188 species and subspecies (103 genera, 33 families and 12
orders). Only two of them (Bengal
Marsh Mongoose Herpestes palustris Ghose, 1965 and Sombre Bat Eptesicus
tatei Ellerman & Morrison-Scott 1951) are endemics (Mallick 2007,
2009).
The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act,
1972 (as amended up to 2002) includes about 80 mammalian species in Schedule I,
which are considered nationally ‘threatened’ (Anonymous 2003; Saha &
Mazumdar 2008). The Red Data List
of Threatened Species (2008) of the International Union for Conservation of
Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) records 96 threatened species of mammals in
India (Vié et al. 2009). According
to Nandy (2006a), West Bengal harbours at least 24 globally threatened (eight
‘Endangered’ and 16 ‘Vulnerable’) mammalian species. However, 70 species of mammals in the
state require special attention for conservation (Saha et al. 1992).
Out of 11,879km2 of recorded
forests in West Bengal, Darjeeling district (26031’–27013’N
& 87059’–88053’E) occupies 1,204km2including Kalimpong sub-division (556km2 or 46.17%). But, in terms of the actual
proportion of foliage cover, one-fourth of the geographical area (3,148.74km2) of this district is forest (Mukherjee 1995), which is below the
prescription of 60% coverage in the hills and mountains. But, owing to the great difference
between the climatic conditions of the northern hills (Eastern Himalaya) and
southern parts (foothills stretching down to the plains), Darjeeling District
harbours a rich variety of flora (2,439 species) and fauna (4,166 species)
(Alfred et al. 2004). Approximately, 72% of West Bengal’s mammal diversity is exhibited in
Darjeeling Himalayan region, of which 53 species are not met with within other
ecosystems of West Bengal (Chakraborty & Agrawal 1993). Pradhan & Bhujel (unpub.) listed 124 mammalian species in
the Darjeeling Himalayas. While Agrawal et al. (1992) recorded 128 species, Mitra
(2004) 180 species, and Sanyal et al. (2007) mentioned 126 species in
Darjeeling.
NVNPcombined with its adjoining forests in the Kalimpong Hills is the largest part
in Darjeeling District with its wide range of environment gradients, supporting
a unique, ecologically important and the most undisturbed patch of intact and
well-preserved late succession forest (<http://education.vsnl.com/bengaltiger>
downloaded on 15 January 2009). Neora Valley is designated as one of the key biodiversity areas in the
Eastern Himalaya for mammals and birds (WWF-US, Asia Program 2005). This area falls in one of the global
hotspots (Myers et al. 2000), Global 200 forest eco-regions (Olson &
Dinnerstein 1998), two endemic bird areas (Stattersfield et al. 1998) and
several centres for plant diversity (Davis et al. 1995). It is also an integral part of the
Kanchenjunga Landscape (Sharma & Chettri 2005; Chettri et al. 2007a).
Historically, knowledge about the
mammalian fauna of the Kalimpong Hills is rather patchy. The amateur naturalists, political and
military officers and scientists like B.H. Hodgson (1845–1858), J.T.
Pearson (1850), W. Theobald (1851, 1854), Major W.S. Sherwill (1852, 1853),
W.T. Blanford (1857), T.C. Jerdon (1865), J. Anderson (1866–1869),
Captain H.J. Elwes (1870–1871), Dr. F. Stoliczka (1871), W.S. Atkinson
(1872), J. Gammie (1872), L. Mandelli (1872), Dr. G. King (1877), R.C.
Wroughton (1891), collected many specimens from Darjeeling during the 19thcentury. During the 20th century, C.A. Crump (1914), H. Steven
(1921, 1930), A. Linogreen (1938), R.L. Fernandez (1958), H.R. Bhat (1969),
R.K. Ghose (1974–1985), P.K. Das (1979–1980), R.L. Choudhury
(1980–1985) and others also collected specimens from Darjeeling
District. But the present study
area was not proportionately emphasized.
Recently, the fauna and flora have been
studied in few parts of Neora Valley National Park (NVNP), but a large tract
remains unexplored. Hence, an in-depth study in the Kalimpong Hills (NVNP and
KFD) is considered to be of prime importance from conservation point of view.
LITERATURE REVIEW
The literature review reveals that most
of the records of the mammals in Darjeeling District (Gray 1842; Tickell l843;
Horsfield 1851; Blyth 1863; Dobson 1876; Hunter 1876; Anderson 1881, 1912;
Blanford 1891; Sclater 1891; Dalgliesh 1906; Pocock 1908; Shebbeare 1915, 1933;
Thomas 1915, 1916a, b; Hinton 1922; Fry 1923; Matthews 1934; Dutt-Mazumdar
1955; Sur 1957; Khajuria 1959, 1966; Southwick et al. 1964; Ghose 1964, 1976,
1985; Ghose & Ghosal 1969; Khajuria & Ghose 1970; Topal 1970; Ghose
& Roy 1972; Sinha 1973, 1990; Mukherjee et al. 1980, 1982; Ghose & Saha
1981; Tiwari 1982; Ghose & Chakraborty 1983; Hill 1983; Chakraborty &
Ghose 1984; Biswas et al. 1985; Koopman 1989; Dasgupta 1991; Ghose &
Bhattacharya 1995; Mukherjee et al. 1995; Bahuguna et al. 1998; Pradhan 1998,
1999, 2006; Mitra 2000a,b,c, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2003–2004; Pradhan et al.
2001a,b; Das 2003; Murmu et al. 2004; Mitra & Alfred 2002, 2007;
Bhattacharyya et al. 2008) refer to the mammals occurring in the Darjeeling
Hills. In contrast, only a very few
scientific studies on the mammals have been conducted in Kalimpong Hills.
The baseline for the present study is the
first scientific research conducted in June–October 1916 by N.A.
Baptista, who collected as many as 560 specimens of mammals belonging to 29
species under 22 genera from the dense mixed and bamboo forests of the Kalimpong
Hills, east of the Teesta River, west of Ni-chu (Jaldhaka River) and Di-chu
(tributary of the Jaldhaka) and bounded by Bhutan on the north (Wroughton
1917b). It appears that these
fairly large collections did not attribute a corresponding wide range of the mammalian
species, as found in the Sikkim-Bengal ‘terai’, Darjeeling Hills and
Bhutan ‘duars’ (Wroughton 1916a,b, 1917a).
During the post-independence era, a range
of 80 to 90 species of mammals in Kalimpong Forest Division (KFD) including
Neora Valley have been recorded (Anonymous 1964), but, ironically, no
supporting checklist was appended. West Bengal Forest Development Corporation Limited (WBFDCL) surveyed the
eastern ridges of Neora Valley in 1979 and 1981 in a joint effort with
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and Botanical Survey of India (BSI). In 1982, the Himalayan Club, Indian
Army, ZSI and Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, in collaboration
with KFD, organised an expedition from Lava to the uncharted western ridges.
But no new records of mammalian species during these expeditions were reported.
During 11–18 April 1982, Dr. B.
Biswas, R.K. Ghose and D.K. Ghosal of ZSI and K. Mukherjee of World Wide Fund
for Nature-India (WWF-I) surveyed Samsing (Neora and Murti river valleys),
Mouchowki, Rangpo and Tarkhola as part of their project on the lesser
cats. But due to heavy rains, they
could record only 17 mammalian species (Biswas & Ghose 1982; Biswas et al.
1985). No lesser cat was, however,
sighted by them, but the scat of an unidentified smaller cat was found on the
bank of Neora River.
Sharma (1990) recorded 45 species of
mammals in NVNP. In an account of
the mammalian fauna of West Bengal, based mainly on the collections of ZSI as
well as those recorded in the literature, Saha et al. (1992) listed 36 species
(three Primates, 22 Carnivora, one Proboscidae, three Artiodactyla, and seven
Rodentia) in NVNP.
The Department of Zoology, University of
North Bengal in collaboration with the Department of Forests, Government of
West Bengal and North Eastern Society for the Preservation of Nature and
Wildlife (NESPON), an NGO based at Siliguri, Darjeeling, again surveyed the
upper reaches and interior forests of NVNP during summer (April, May and June)
and early winter (October) in 1994–1996 and prepared a checklist of 32
mammalian species (9 Schedule I) belonging to 16 families, representing more
than 17 per cent of the total mammalian diversity in West Bengal (Biswas et al.
1999). Singhal & Mukhopadhyay
(1998) also reprinted the same checklist. Singhal (1999) added two new records of the mammals in NVNP.
WWF-India, Eastern Region (1997) recorded
17 mammalian species in the Upper Neora and Lower Neora Forest Ranges of NVNP
as well as Chel, Lulagaon and Lava Forest Ranges of KFD. A study on the birds in the Lava
(altitude 2,100m)-Lulagaon (altitude 1,575m) region of upper Neora during
2000–2001 reported direct and indirect evidences of the mammalian species
like the Tiger, Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Himalayan
Yellow-throated Marten, Wild Dog, Barking Deer, Assamese Macaque, Wild Boar,
Moupin Pika (Dipankar Ghose & Sujan Chatterjee pers. comm. 19 October
2009).
Chakraborty et al. (2008a) enlisted 25
species of mammals in NVNP on the basis of both sighting and indirect
evidences. But Chakraborty et al. (2008b) recorded 16 mammalian species in
NVNP, including sighting of seven species, collection of the scats of five
species, observation of other signs of two species plus other two prey
species. Ghosh et al. (2008)
referred to eight key species of mammals in this area. UNESCO World Heritage Centre (2009)
cited 19 mammalian species in NVNP. Bahuguna & Mallick (2010) also mentioned 50 species of mammals in
NVNP and surrounding areas.
MATERIALS
AND METHODS
Study
area
This study was carried out during
2008–2009 in two administrative units in the Kalimpong subdivision
(geographical area 1,056.5km2) of Darjeeling District
(see Images 1 and 2):
(1) KFD (26051’–27012’N
& 88028’–88056’E) under WBFDCL is bounded on
the north by Sikkim (India) and Bhutan, on the east by Jaldhaka River(bordering Bhutan), on the south by the Jalpaiguri
District (western duars) and on the west by Teesta River (bordering
Sikkim). The land consists of
numerous valleys with moderate to precipitous slopes. Here the forest was commercially
exploited at random, causing loss of density and fragmentation.
(2) The only wildlife
protected area in this region is NVNP (88km2) having
different altitudes (183m in the plains to 3,200m in the hills). It is one of the oldest reserve forests
(1881) in India, located near the ecological trijunction of West Bengal, Sikkim
(India) and Bhutan on the north and northeast, which is about 25km east of
Kalimpong Town (26052’03”–2707’35”N & 88045’–88050’E). The highest point is Rechila Danda
(peak) (3,170m). A tabletop with
two very shallow ponds (Jorepokhri) in the middle is also located in Thosum
block of East Nar.
Originally, the study area was under the
Sikkim kingdom, and conquered by the king of Bhutan in 1706. Practically, the whole area was then
under forest, but was subsequently degraded due to jhooming. In 1864, the British captured this
region and a large tract of the forest was clearfelled for rapid development of
the agriculture and introduction of the tea, cinchona and orange
plantations. However, Neora Valley
was put under protection and unworkable working circle. Hence, this park is
still virgin in nature providing an undisturbed habitat for the wildlife. Small patches of meadow and intervening
patches of grassy or naked plains or rocky slopes are found here.
The zoogeographical significance of the
study area is noteworthy. In spite
of being located in the Oriental Region, NVNP has some floral and faunal
similarities with the Palaearctic Region of the adjacent zoogeographic
zone. Moreover, it has
characteristics of all the three subregions, namely Himalayan Montane System,
Indian Peninsular subregion and the Malayan subregion (Singhal &
Mukhopadhyay 1998).
Cowan (1929) and Anonymous (1968)
described the forest resources of the KFD. The forest type in this study area corresponds to 3C/C3b- “East
Himalayan moist mixed deciduous forest” (Champion & Seth 1968). It covers two biomes, namely
Sino-Himalayan Temperate Forest (Biome-7) from 1,800–3,600 m and Sino-Himalayan
Subtropical Forest (Biome-8) from 1,000–2,000 m (Islam & Rahmani
2004).
NVNP exhibits a rich variety of habitats,
as the area comprises the catchment and watershed of Neora River with its
tributaries. Four habitat types are
recognized, namely (i) subtropical mixed broadleaf forest, (ii) lower temperate
evergreen forest, (iii) upper temperate mixed broadleaf forest, and (iv) Rhododendron forest. The density of vegetation is
generally >0.4 except at Rechila Chawk, which was deforested in 1879.
Majumdar et al. (1984) enumerated 45
fern, 154 angiosperm and one gymnosperm species in the
virgin Neora Valley. Rai & Das
(2004) recognize 83 medicinal, 59 edible, 18 ornamental, 21 poisonous
(irritants and lethal), and 11 plants having fascinating assorted ethnic
uses. NVNP is the home to several
endemic orchids (UNESCO World Heritage Centre 2009). It is also famous for medicinal plants
(PRAGYA 2007), particularly the Jaributi area. Ninety fourspecies of birds, 276 species of insects and 38 species of other invertebrates
have been identified in NVNP (Mukhopadhyay 1996; Singhal & Mukhopadhyay
1998).
In terms of the biodiversity value, Neora
Valley was urgently in need of conservation (Gadgil & Meher-Homji
1987). Hence, it was notified as a
national park in April 1986 and finally gazetted in December 1992. It is now
under the administrative control of Wildlife Division-II. In May 2009, NVNP was included in the
shortlist of the World Heritage sites (UNESCO World Heritage Centre 2009;
Mallick 2010a).
Ecological
Corridors
NVNP along with its adjoining forests is
considered as an important ecological corridor for movement of different
species, such as the carnivores like the Tiger, Himalayan Black Bear, Clouded
Leopard, Wild Dog, etc. and herbivores like the Asian Elephant and Indian Gaur,
ungulates as well as several large-bodied bird species.
The salt lick at Rongpo on the left bank
of Nuxal Khola was a rendezvous for the herbivorous animals coming from
adjoining Bhutan, the foothill forests of Kalimpong and the farthest end of the
Tondu forests of Jalpaiguri District till extensive clear-felling along the
game-paths (corridors) and establishment of a forest village close to this salt
lick during World War-II (Gupta 1958).
For re-establishing natural connectivity
of the protected areas in the Eastern Himalaya, Chettri et al. (2007b)
identified two conservation corridors linking NVNP:
1. Mahananda WS (26055’33”–26047’54”N
& 88033’31”– 88023’36”E) and
2. Toorsa Strict Nature Reserve (SNR) of
Bhutan (27021’N & 8904’E) linked to Jigme Dorji NP
(27055’N & 89042’E).
Besides, Pangolakha WS (128km2) (27016’40.11”N & 88046’48.18”E)
of Sikkim is also located close to NVNP. There is also connectivity from the river Jaldhaka (northeastern part of
the study area) to Arunachal Pradesh in the east of Bhutan through Toorsa SNR
(650.74km2), Jigme Dorji NP (4,349km2), Thrumshingla NP (768km2) to Bomdeling NP(1,486.75km2) (Wangchuk 2007).
The southern boundary of NVNP, adjoining
the forests of Jalpaiguri District, has connectivity with Chapramari WS (9.60km2)
(26053’52”N & 88051’1”E) and Gorumara NP (79.45km2)
(26049’N & 88052’E).
The forests of Baikunthapur FD (26046’48”N
& 88030’54”E), partly
in Darjeeling and partly in Jalpaiguri districts, which has gradually developed
a micro habitat for the herbivores and carnivores, is also linked with the
forests of KFD as well as Mahananda WS and also serves as a corridor for the
migrating wild Elephants and Gaurs in particular.
Data
Collection Sites
The following 30 sites were surveyed
April 2008 to March 2009 for sighting of the mammals and obtaining their
indirect evidences (footmarks, scats, scrapes, calls, kills, droppings and
remnants of floral food items and other field signs) as well as verifying the
known facts or secondary data:
(1) Algara (6km from Lava) (2705–2707’N
& 88033–88038’E; 1,780m); (2) Alubari (27007’N
& 88043’E; 2,538m); (3) Choudapheri (27005’N & 88042’E;
2,372m); (4) Chunabhati (26052–26055’N & 88031–88036’E);
(5) Dalingkot (26058–2701’N & 88042–88044’E);
(6) East Nar (27001–27003’N & 88045–88046’E);
(7) Ghish (26053–26°58’N & 88034–88039’E);
(8) Gorubathan (26055–26057’N & 88039–88042’E;
417m); (9) Jorepokhri (2708’N & 88044’E; 3,170m);
(10) Kalimpong (26059–2702’N & 88026–88029’E;
1,249m); (11) Khumani (2700–27057’N & 88049–88052’E);
(12) Lava (western gateway to NVNP) (27002–27007’N
& 88036–88041’E; 2,200m); (13) Lulagaon (26059–2702’N
& 88031–88034’E; 1,575m); (14) Mo (27002–27005’N
& 88045–88049’E); (15) Mongpong (26051–26055’N
& 88028–88034’E); (16) Mouchowki (1,311m), 12km
north of Samsing; (17) Nimbong (26059’N & 88033’E;
1,372m); (18) Pankhasari (27002–27005’N & 88040–88°43’E);
(19) Pedong (2702’N & 88020’E; 1,432m); (20) Rashet
(27005–27007’ N & 88042–88044’E);
(21) Rechila (Chawk) including Jaributi (27005–27007’N
& 88043–88045’E; 3,170m); (22) Rhenock (27007’N
& 88043’E); (23) Rishyap (10km from Lava) (2,850m); (24) Samsing
(eastern gateway to NVNP), situated on the north-south ridge between the Neora
River on the west and the Murti River on the east (26058–2702’N
& 88045–88048’E); (25) Sangser (27006’N
& 88031’E; 1,097m); (26) Suntalekhola (southeastern edge of
NVNP, 3km from Samsing; 750m); (27) Tarkhola (27005–27010’N
& 88027–88033’E; 325m); (28) Thosum (27004–27005’N
& 88045–88046’E); (29) West Nar (27001–2702’N
& 88043–88045’E) and (30) Zero Point on NVNP
road (2705’ N & 88043’E; 2,500m). The Tea Estates (TEs) and revenue
villages in the fringe or impact area were also traversed for eliciting
relevant data.
In addition, eight forest trails were
trekked. These were: (1) Choudapheri [the first forest check post, 14km from
Lava] trail along the mountain ridges of Rashet and Rechila blocks (18km); (2)
Choudapheri-Alubari trail via Zero Point and PHE source [16km (13km through the
dense forest and 3km through the valley)]; (3) Alubari-Jorepokhri trail (5km);
(4) Mouchowki-Bhote Kharka trail (7km); (5) road from Lava Village towards
Algarah (highest point 2,370m)/Kalimpong; (6) trail along the ridge towards Tiffindara;
(7) road from Lulagaon along the Heritage Site to Jhandidara (1,824m) under
East Nar-21; and (8) Suntalekhola-Lava trail, leading
steeply through the thick broadleaved tropical and semi-tropical forests via
Mouchowki, Rechila top, Alubari and Pankhasari Ridges.
Besides, the field stations (camps) like
Red Panda (Choudapheri); Mulkharga (on the way to Rhenock); Rechila and Alubari
(at Rechila Chawk); Tiger; Orchid; Maple; Betula; Doley; Somani; PHE; Sakam;
Mouchowki and Bhote Kharga (Thosum-1) were also visited for collection of data.
Moreover, the wetlands used by the
wildlife in NVNP, namely Jorepokhri at the trijunction of West Bengal, Sikkim
and Bhutan (2708’N & 88044’E), Panchpokhri, Tempola,
etc. were also visited for data collection.
Methods
There were no watchtowers in NVNP when
the study was undertaken. It was
also very difficult to penetrate through the dense forest in any particular
straight line or direction. Moreover, it was not possible to carry out surveys along fixed transects
in the inaccessible terrain. Hence,
transects of varying lengths were laid along the small kholas (streams)
and existing forest trails (bridle paths and trekking routes), covering
different habitats as far as possible. The entire length of each trail was trekked during the daytime (in
between early morning and late afternoon). A few mammals were seen crossing
these trails. While inspecting the
trails thoroughly at an interval of about 500m, patches of size about 10x10 m
were randomly checked for finding the indirect evidences of the mammals. In
addition, suitable area of approximately 2km, lying on either side of the camp
locations, was also searched for in the evening with battery-operated
spotlights.
The forest floor in the remote areas
being mostly rocky and covered with thick leaf litter, the pug marks, scats and
animal signs were also searched for on the sandy or clayey beds of streams and
rivers, open spaces and tree trunks. Caves, rock-crevices, burrows and other natural holes were also examined
for this purpose.
There is no doubt that differentiating
scats of carnivores based on their measurements, especially where many species
co-exist, can be difficult (Johnson et al. 1984). To overcome the difficulties, presently
Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) has been adopted for scat identification of different
carnivore species (Major et al. 1980; Johnson et al. 1984; Athreya &
Johnsingh 1995). Owing to lack of
infrastructural facilities, identification of scats collected during the
present study was carried out on the basis of diagnostic characters, such as
the size, shape and odour, field experience of the forest staff and the
traditional knowledge of the local people as was done by Chakraborty et al.
(2008a,b). Hair
samples of the scats were identified by comparing the materials present in ZSI.
As most of the mammals of NVNP and
surrounding forests are shy, nocturnal and live in the dense canopy and thick
undergrowth (visibility not more than 5–10 m and often less than 2m on
either side), direct sighting of the mammalian species during daytime was very
limited. So, the people living
inside and fringe of the forests and departmental staff attached to the camps
and engaged in regular monitoring in the study area (n=100) were also
interviewed (semi-structured questionnaire survey) with colour photographs of
the mammalian species for identification.
RESULTS
The mammalian
species registered in the study area are described below.
Order:
Eulipotyphla Waddell, Okada & Hasegawa, 1999: Insect-eaters or Insectivores
(Shrews, Moles and Hedgehogs)
Family: Soricidae
Fischer von Waldheim, 1817: Shrews
Subfamily:
Soricinae Fischer von Waldheim, 1817: Red-toothed Shrew
Genus: EpisoriculusEllerman & Morrison-Scott, 1966: Brown-toothed Shrew
1. Episoriculus
caudatus caudatus Horsfield, 1851: Hodgson’s Brown-toothed Shrew
(Wroughton 1917b; Agrawal et al. 1992).
This shrew is
common in the montane coniferous and alpine forests as well as rhododendron
forests and alpine meadows along the riverside at altitudes from
1,800–3,200 m. N.A. Baptista collected two females at Sangser. The fur in
specimens from Darjeeling District was reported to be shorter and less dense
than those in specimens from Sikkim. Since it is a nocturnal animal, its
sighting is rare in the study area. It was not sighted during the recent surveys.
Genus: SoriculusBlyth, 1854: Southern Long-tailed Shrew
2. Soriculus
nigrescens nigrescens Gray, 1842: Himalayan Black Ground or Burrowing
Long-clawed or Mouse-tailed Forest Shrew (Sharma 1990; Agrawal et al. 1992;
Mukhopadhyay 1996, Singhal & Mukhopadhyay 1998; Biswas et al. 1999;
Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003).
This nocturnal
shrew of the temperate forests inhabits the damp areas in shrub lands in the
outskirts of evergreen broad-leaved and coniferous forests at elevations from
1,219–1,800 m of the upper forest zone and naked rocky areas. Once upon a
time it was a common species in the study area. This shrew was sighted at
Jaributi and specimens were also trapped with baits in deep forest, near old
fallen trees in the same area during the recent surveys.
Subfamily:
Crocidurinae Milne-Edwards, 1872: White-toothed Shrew
Genus: SuncusEhrenberg, 1833: House Shrews, Musk Shrews
3. Suncus
murinus soccatus Hodgson, 1845: Grey Musk Shrew or House Shrew
(Wroughton 1917b; Sharma 1990; Agrawal et al. 1992; Downloaded on 20 October
2009).
This nocturnal
shrew is commonly found in the forests as well as near the human settlements.
Some of the species live in leaf litter or grass. Some have been recorded up to
2,825m. N.A. Baptista collected 15
males and 26 females from Kalimpong, two males from Nimbong, five males and
five females from Pedong and one male from Sangser. H. Khajuria also collected two males and
two females from Tarkhola in 1958. Though recorded earlier in NVNP, it was not sighted during the recent
surveys.
Family:
Talpidae Fischer von Waldheim, 1817: Moles
Subfamily: Talpinae Fischer von Waldheim, 1817: Old World Moles and relatives
Genus: EuroscaptorMiller, 1940: Eurasian Moles
4. Euroscaptor
micrura micrura Hodgson, 1841: Eastern Short-tailed Mole (Sharma1990).
This species is
usually found in tropical and subtropical montane forest between
1,000–2,000 m and lives in leaf litter and rocky, gravelly areas. It is
recorded as common in NVNP, but was not sighted during the recent survey,
though some tunnels were observed in the forest edges and bamboo brakes.
Order:
Scandentia Wagner, 1855: Tree-shrews
Family:
Tupaiidae Gray, 1825: Tree-shrews
Subfamily:
Tupaiinae Gray, 1825: True tree-shrews
Genus: TupaiaRaffles, 1821: True tree-shrews
5. Tupaia
belangeri lepcha Thomas, 1922: Common Northern or Assam Tree-shrew
(Wroughton, 1917b; Sharma 1990; Agrawal et al. 1992; Chaudhuri & Sarkar
2003; <http://zsienvis.nic.in/biodiversity_wb/Fauna/ 43.%20Mammal.
doc> downloaded on 20 October 2009).
This species
was formerly included as a subspecies of Tupaia glis, until recent
chromosomal studies. It represents a species complex with a distinct northern
form in China (Han et al. 2008).
Presence of
this diurnal tree-shrew was reportedly observed on the
ground level, though individuals were occasionally sighted on tree branches of
the understorey of the forest. N.A. Baptista collected two males from
Nimbong. It is a rare tree-shrew and was found in Kalimpong during the recent surveys.
Though earlier recorded in NVNP, it was not found there.
Order:
Chiroptera Blumenbach, 1779: Bats
Suborder:
Megachiroptera Dobson, 1875: Large Old World Fruit Bats and Flying Foxes
Family:
Pteropodidae Gray, 1821: Fruit Bats and Flying Foxes
Subfamily:
Pteropodinae Gray, 1821: True Fruit Bats and Flying Foxes
The fruit bats
are common in the valleys and met with at lower elevation up to 1,698m.
Genus: CynopterusCuvier, 1824: Short-nosed or Dog-faced Fruit Bats
6. Cynopterus
sphinx sphinx Vahl, 1797: Greater Short-nosed Fruit Bat or Short-nosed
Indian Fruit Bat (Sharma 1990; Agrawal et al. 1992; Das 2003;
<http://zsienvis.nic.in/biodiversity_wb/Fauna/43.%20Mammal.doc>
downloaded on 20 October 2009).
In the past,
these bats were very common in the study area. R.L. Choudhury and R.K. Ghose
collected 11 males and eight females from Chunabhati (near Kalimpong) (in 1978
and 1980 respectively). R.K. Ghose
also collected one male and one female from Gorubathan in 1981 and four males
and seven females from Khumani in 1985. Though earlier recorded, this nocturnal bat was not seen during the
recent surveys in NVNP or surrounding forests.
Genus: RousettusGray, 1821: Rousettes or Russet Flying Foxes
7. Rousettus
leschenaulti leschenaulti Desmarest, 1820: Leschenault’s Rousette or
Indian Fulvous Fruit Bat (Wroughton 1917b; Sharma 1990; Agrawal et al. 1992;
Das 2003; <http://zsienvis.nic.in/biodiversity_wb/Fauna/43.%20
Mammal.doc> downloaded on 20 October 2009).
This fruit bat
is found up to 2,100m altitude. It
was reported to be very common in the past. R.K. Ghose collected two females from
Gorubathan in 1981 and H. Khajuria collected one juvenile male and one female
from Tarkhola in 1958. N.A.
Baptista also collected one male and five juvenile females from Pedong. Though
earlier recorded, this nocturnal bat was not sighted during the recent surveys
in NVNP and surrounding forests.
Suborder:
Microchiroptera Dobson, 1875: Insect-eating Bats
Family:
Rhinolophidae J.E. Gray, 1825: Horseshoe Bats
Subfamily:
Rhinolophinae J.E. Gray, 1825: Typical Horseshoe Bats
Genus: RhinolophusLacépède, 1799: Rhinolophs
8. Rhinolophuslepidus monticola K. Anderson, 1905: Least or
Mussoorie Horseshoe Bat (Wroughton 1917b).
Sinha (1973)
considered monticola a distinct species. N.A. Baptista collected two
males and 12 females from Nimbong, one female from Pedong and three males from
Sangser. This nocturnal bat was not
found during the recent surveys.
9. Rhinolophus
luctus perniger Hodgson, 1843: Great Eastern Woolly Horseshoe Bat
(Wroughton 1917b; Agrawal et al. 1992; Mukhopadhyay 1996, Singhal &
Mukhopadhyay 1998; Biswas et al. 1999; Das 2003; Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003;
<http://zsienvis.nic.in/biodiversity_wb/Fauna/43.%20Mammal.doc>
downloaded on 20 October 2009).
N.A. Baptista
collected one male from Nimbong. It is now a rare species in the study
area. It was seen during the
current survey at Rechila chawk in the evening. It was also found at Kalimpong.
10. Rhinolophus
pusillus blythi K. Anderson, 1918: Least Horseshoe Bat (Wroughton
1917b; Agrawal et al. 1992; Bates & Harrison 1997; Molur et al. 2002;
<http://zsienvis.nic.in/biodiversity_wb/Fauna/43.%20Mammal.doc>
downloaded on 20 October 2009).
N.A. Baptista
collected two males and five females from Nimbong and two males from
Sangser. It is also recorded from
Kalimpong forests. However, this
nocturnal bat was not sighted during the present survey.
11. Rhinolophus
rouxii rouxii Temminck, 1835: Peninsular or Rufous Horseshoe Bat
(Wroughton 1917b; Agrawal et al. 1992; Bates & Harrison 1997; Molur et al.
2002; Das 2003; http://zsienvis.nic.in/biodiversity_wb/Fauna/43.%20Mammal.doc> downloaded on 20 October 2009).
N.A. Baptista
collected six males from Nimbong and R.K. Ghose collected one male from Khumani
in 1985. This nocturnal bat was not
found during the present survey.
12. Rhinolophus
sinicus K. Andersen, 1905: Andersen’s Rufous Horseshoe Bat (Bates &
Harrison 1997; Molur et al. 2002).
In the past,
this species was found at Nimbong. This nocturnal bat was not seen during the recent survey.
Subfamily:
Hipposiderinae Lydekker, 1891: Round-leaf Horseshoe Bat
Genus: HipposiderosGray, 1831: Round-leaf Horseshoe Bat
13. Hipposideros
armiger armiger Hodgson, 1835: Hodgson or Great Himalayan Leaf-nosed
Bat (Wroughton 1917b; Bates & Harrison 1997; Molur et al. 2002; Das 2003;
<http://zsienvis.nic.in/biodiversity_wb/Fauna/43.%20Mammal.doc>
downloaded on 20 October 2009).
N.A. Baptista
collected two females from Nimbong. This bat was not seen during the recent
survey.
14. Hipposideros
cineraceus micropus Peters, 1872: Least Ashy Leaf-nosed Bat (Bates
& Harrison 1997; Molur et al. 2002; Das 2003)
N.A. Baptista
collected one male and one female from Nimbong and one male and one female from
Sangser. But during the recent
survey this species could not be traced.
15. Hipposideros
fulvus fulvus Gray, 1838: Bicoloured or Gray Fulvous Leaf-nosed Bat
(Wroughton 1917b)
N.A. Baptista
collected five males and 12 females from Nimbong and six males and nine females
from Sangser. This species was not
seen during the recent surveys.
16. Hipposiderospomona gentilis K. Andersen, 1918: Andersen’s
Leaf-nosed Bat (Bates & Harrison 1997; Molur et al. 2002)
This Leaf-nosed
Bat was recorded earlier at Nimbong and Sangser, but was not observed during
the recent survey.
Family:
Vespertilionidae Gray, 1821: True Insect-eating or Evening Bats
Subfamily:
Vespertilioninae Gray, 1821: Vespertilionid Bats
Genus: BarbastellaGray, 1821: Barbastelle Bats
17. Barbastella
leucomelas darjelingensis Hodgson, 1855: Eastern Barbastella
(Wroughton, 1917b; Agrawal et al. 1992; Bates & Harrison 1997; Molur et al.
2002; Das 2003).
N.A. Baptista
collected six males and 12 females from Nimbong. It was not sighted during the recent
survey.
Genus: EptesicusRafinesque, 1820: Serotine or Big Brown Bats
18. Eptesicus
serotinus pachyomus Tomes, 1857: Common Serotine Bat (Mukhopadhyay
1996, Singhal & Mukhopadhyay 1998; Biswas et al. 1999).
It is common in
NVNP. This bat was sighted in the
evening at Rechila chawk during the current survey.
Genus: NyctalusBowdich, 1825: Noctules
19. Nyctalus
noctula labiatus Hodgson, 1835: Common Indian Noctule (Wroughton 1917b;
Agrawal et al. 1992; Bates & Harrison 1997; Molur et al. 2002; Das 2003;
<http://zsienvis.nic.in/biodiversity_wb/Fauna/43.%20Mammal.doc>
Downloaded on 20 October 2009).
N.A. Baptista
collected two males from Sangsar. This species was not seen during the recent
surveys.
Genus: PipistrellusKaup, 1829: Pipistrelles
20. Pipistrellus
babu Thomas, 1915: Babu or Himalayan Pipistrelle (Agrawal et al.
1992; Das 2003).
This taxon is
recognized as a subspecies or synonym of P. javanicus (Wilson &
Reeder 2005).
R.L. Chowdhury
collected one female from Paperkheti (ca. 15km north of Gorubathan) in 1980.
This bat was not seen during the recent survey.
21. Pipistrellus
coromandra coromandra Gray, 1838: Indian or Coromondel Pipistrelle
(Wroughton 1917b; Agrawal et al. 1992; Das 2003;
<http://zsienvis.nic.in/biodiversity_wb/Fauna/43.%20Mammal.doc>
downloaded on 20 October 2009).
N.A. Baptista
collected two males and one female from Nimbong, 12 males and 26 females from
Pedong, two males and one female from Kalimpong and two males from Sangser.
R.L. Chowdhury also collected one male from Ranichera (c 9km south of
Gorubathan) in 1980. It was not seen during the recent surveys.
22. Pipistrellus
javanicus Gray, 1838: Javan’s Pipistrelle (Bates & Harrison 1997;
Molur et al. 2002)
This species
was recorded from Nimbong. This bat
was not sighted during the recent surveys.
23. Pipistrellus
mimus mimus Wroughton, 1899 [synonym of P. tenuis in Wilson
& Reeder (2005)]: Indian Pygmy Pipistrelle (Sharma 1990)
It is
reportedly common in NVNP, but was not sighted during the recent survey.
Genus: TylonycterisPeters, 1872: Flat-headed Bats
24. Tylonycteris
pachypus fulvida Blyth, 1859: Club-footed or Bamboo or Flat-headed Bat
(Wroughton 1917b; Agrawal et al. 1992; Bates & Harrison 1997; Molur et al.
2002; Das 2003; <http://zsienvis.nic.in/biodiversity_wb/Fauna/43.%20Mammal.doc> download on 20 October 2009).
N.A. Baptista
collected six males and 15 females from Kalimpong, one male from Nimbong and
one male from Sangser. It was not
sighted during the recent surveys.
Subfamily:
Murininae Miller, 1907: Murine or Tube-nosed Insectivorous Bat
Genus: MurinaGray, 1842: Tube-nosed Insectivorous Bats
25. Murina
cyclotis cyclotis Dobson, 1872: Round-eared Tube-nosed Bat (Wroughton,
1917b)
John Thomas
Pearson first sent the type specimen from Darjeeling. N.A. Baptista collected one male from
Sangser. It was not seen during the
recent survey.
26. Murina
huttoni huttoni (Peters, 1872): Hutton’s Tube-nosed Bat (Bates &
Harrison 1997; Molur et al. 2002)
A specimen from
Sangser is kept in the museum of Bombay Natural History Society. This bat was not sighted during the
recent survey.
27. Murina
leucogaster rubex Thomas, 1916: White-bellied or Greater Tube-nosed Bat
(Wroughton, 1917b; Agrawal et al. 1992; Bates & Harrison 1997; Molur et al.
2002; Das 2003)
N.A. Baptista
collected one male (skull missing) from Sangser. This bat was not sighted during the
recent surveys.
28. Murina
tubinaris Scully, 1881 (no sub-species determined): Scully’s Tube-nosed
Bat (Wroughton, 1917b).
S.A. Baptista
collected three males from Sangser. It was not found during the recent survey.
Order:
Primates: Lemurs, Monkeys and Apes
Family:
Cercopithecidae Gray, 1821: Old World monkeys
Subfamily:
Cercopithecinae Gray, 1821: Baboons, Macaques, Mangabeys and relatives
Genus: MacacaLacépède, 1799: Asiatic Macaques (Khajuria 1966; Fooden 1982)
Rhesus Macaques
and Assameese Macaques are sympatric in the study area and were often seen in
troops side by side at Tarkhola, but not seen to mix together.
29. Macaca
assamensis pelops Hodgson, 1841: Western Assamese Macaque (Khajuria
1966; Khajuria & Ghose 1970; Fooden 1982; Biswas & Ghose 1982; Sharma
1990; Agrawal et al. 1992; Saha et al. 1992; WWF-India Eastern Region 1997;
Mitra 2000a, b, c; 2001; Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003; Prince 2003; Molur et al.
2003; Dey 2009; <http://www.kolkatabirds.com/netrip1.htm> downloaded on
12 October 2009; <http://zsienvis.nic.in/biodiversity_wb/ Fauna/43.%20Mammal.doc> downloaded on 20 October 2009;
<http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/india/india11/list.htm>
downloaded on 6 September 2009)
These are
dominant diurnal animals and fairly common in the study area. But it is practically absent above
2,500m altitude. During winters,
they descend to the lower elevations.
R.L. Fernandez
collected one juvenile male and two females from Tarkhola in 1958. In both the female specimens collected
from Tarkhola, a well-defined whorl on the vertex was present, which normally
is not found in the Assamese Macaque (Agrawal et al. 1992). It was earlier recorded at Samsing,
Mouchowki, Dalingkot and Sangser. In NVNP, a fairly good number was found at lower elevation during the
recent surveys. These monkeys were
also seen on the way to Suntalekhola and quite frequently in small numbers by
the roadside at Lava and Zero Point. At Tarkhola, this macaque reportedly frequented villages surrounded by
mainly Sal Shorea robusta and Teak Tectona grandis forest and
fearlessly raided the maize fields.
30. Macaca
mulatta mulatta Zimmermann, 1780 [In the most authoritative review till
date, Fooden (2000) concluded that no subspecies of Macaca mulatta is
recognizable]: Rhesus Macaque (Saha et al. 1992; WWF-I Eastern Region 1997;
Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003; Molur et al. 2003; Chakraborty et al. 2008b; Dey
2009; <http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/india/india11/list.htm>
downloaded on 6 September 2009; <http://www.kolkatabirds.com/ netrip1.htm>
downloaded on 12 October 2009)
The Rhesus
Macaque is well spread and common in the Kalimpong Hills. Sightings of this diurnal animal were
recorded in the lower elevation of NVNP like Samsing. During the current
survey, tracks and droppings of this monkey were also noticed in plenty on the
wet sandy patches around the Neora River, Ashalary khola, Sakam khola, Dhoula
khola, etc. The droppings are green-brown in colour containing more leaf
stems. It is practically absent
above 2,500m. A troop of
20–30 was recorded at the Mahakal temple, Lava and adjacent areas during
the recent survey.
Subfamily:
Colobinae Jerdon, 1867: Colobus Monkeys, Leaf-monkeys and relatives
Genus: SemnopithecusDesmarest, 1822: Indian Purple-faced Langurs
31. Semnopithecus
hector Pocock, 1928: Terai Gray Langur (Saha et al. 1992;
Mukherjee et al. 1995; WWF-India, Eastern Region 1997; Chaudhuri & Sarkar
2003; Brandon-Jones 2004).
S. hector was
formerly recognized as a subspecies of S. entellus, but it is now
considered a distinct species (Molur & Chhangani 2008). This langur was found scattered at lower
elevations in the study area, as it is exceptionally susceptible to cold. In 1980, two troops consisting of three
and 16 individuals of this diurnal langur were observed near the Coronation
Bridge on the River Teesta at Sevok, which is the southern borderline of the
study area. WWF-India, Eastern Region (1997) recorded this species as very rare
at Lava. No other records of this
species in the study area are available. It is also not sighted during the
present survey.
Order:
Carnivora Bowdich, 1821: Flesh-eaters or Carnivores
Family: Canidae
Fischer, 1817: Canines/Dogs, Wolves, Foxes
Genus: CanisLinnaeus, 1758: Wolves and Jackals
32. Canis
aureus indicus Hodgson, 1833: Golden Jackal (Wroughton 1917b; Sharma
1990; Agrawal et al. 1992; Saha et al. 1992; Mukhopadhyay 1996, Singhal &
Mukhopadhyay 1998; Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003; <http://www.his-india.org.au/
kalimpong.html> downloaded on 28 October 2009; <http://zsienvis.nic.in/
biodiversity_wb/Fauna/43.%20Mammal.doc> downloaded
on 20 October 2009).
The Golden
Jackal is found both in the lower and higher elevations in the study area. N.A.
Baptista collected one male and one female from Pedong. Specimens from the
hilly areas are much darker than those of the plains. It is mainly a nocturnal animal. It was
not sighted during the recent survey. Reportedly the jackals, at times, attack the rural dogs and the
livestock. Its population has
reportedly declined in this region, particularly due to retaliatory killings
and annual tribal hunting.
33. Canis
indica R.K. Aggarwal et al. 2007 (Research of the mtDNA)
Mitochondrial
DNA is the DNA located in organelles called mitochondria, structures within
cells that convert the energy from food into a form that cells can use of this species, formerly Canis lupus pallipes(it is now treated as a new species): Small Indian Wolf (Saha et al. 1992;
Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003)
The Small Indian
Wolf inhabits a wide variety of habitats including coniferous and deciduous
forests, but has been extirpated from much of its former range in the study
area and it is very rare now. This species was reportedly sighted at Thosum- 4
compartment of NVNP (Management Plan). But this mainly nocturnal animal was not
sighted during the recent survey.
Genus: CuonHodgson, 1838: Asiatic Wild or Red Dogs
34. Cuon
alpinus primaevus Hodgson, 1833: Indian Wild Dog (Mukhopadhyay 1996,
Singhal & Mukhopadhyay 1998; Biswas et al. 1999; Chaudhuri & Sarkar
2003; Chakraborty et al. 2008b; Dey 2009; UNESCO World Heritage Centre 2009).
O’Malley (1907)
reported a good deal of damage to cattle by a pack of Wild Dogs in Lava. Till
the end of the 20th century, the Wild Dog was fairly common in
NVNP. Almost the entire NVNP, from
high altitudes of Rechila on the north to the low altitudes of Sakam on the
south, is the recorded movement-zone of this species. Gradual slope and relatively less
undergrowth and patches of open areas are their preferred habitats. The Wild Dogs do not occupy any
particular area for a long time, but exhibit a great territorial movement
covering different altitudes of NVNP and outside. During the winter, most of them are
usually confined to the central or southern part, while in the pre- and
post-monsoon period they mainly occupy the northern part. Periodical migration of the population
of Wild Dogs from NVNP to contiguous parts of Bhutan and Sikkim and vice versa
is also reported.
During
1980–2006, 48 sightings and 19 kills of the Wild Dog are recorded in this
Park. Considering the frequency of sighting and kill records, Rechila-7, 14,
15, East Nar-22 and West Nar-3, 10 compartments of NVNP may be regarded as the
hot spots for them. The pack size varied from 2–9 individuals. Sighting
of the loner is frequent in recent times. The population has, reportedly, declined during the 21stcentury.
It is mostly a
nocturnal hunter. No Wild Dog was
seen during the recent survey. But its occurrence was confirmed from the
indirect evidences. Tracks were seen and scats were collected at Rechila- 8
(27°03’38.2’’N & 88°45’36.8’’E), East Nar- 22
(27°02’29.1’’N & 88°45’55.3’’E), Dhoula Khola in Rechila- 6 (27°04’20.1’’N
& 88°43’31.5’’E) and Panch Pokhri Khola in West Nar-5 (27°01’31.4’’N &
88°42’51.6’’E) compartments. The scats were also collected at West Nar- 21 and
23a compartments near Ruka Reserve Forest of KFD. The pugmark of one was plastercast at
Rhenock 4b.
Genus: VulpesFrisch, 1775: Foxes
35. Vulpes
vulpes montana Pearson, 1836: Red Fox (Saha et
al. 1992; Mukhopadhyay 1996, Singhal & Mukhopadhyay 1998).
The habitat of
the Red Fox includes forest edges, meadows, slopes and the bank of the rivers.
Although this nocturnal species was recorded during the 20th century,
no evidences of its presence were found during the recent surveys.
Family Felidae
Fischer, 1817: Felines/Cats
Subfamily:
Felinae Fischer, 1817: Small Cats
Genus: CatopumaSevertzov, 1858: Asiatic Golden Cat and Bay Cat
36. Catopuma
temminckii temminckii Vigors and Horsfield, 1827 [on the basis of
recent genetic analysis grouped with the Marbled Cat in Pardofelis]:
Asian Golden Cat (Anonymous 1964; Biswas & Ghose 1982; Sharma 1990; Yadav
2004; <http://zsienvis.nic.in/biodiversity_wb/Fauna/43.%20Mammal.doc>
downloaded on 20 October 2009).
The Golden
Cat’s favourite haunt is the dense forests in the
‘terai’ and the hills up to an elevation of 1500m. It takes shelter in the rocks, crevices
of boulders and on trees. This nocturnal animal is very rare in the study area.
In the past, it was recorded from the Kalimpong Hills, Lish and Ghish
areas. Sometimes Golden Cats were
reported to stray around Mongpong on the lofty bank of the River Teesta (an
ideal breeding place for the migratory birds). Description of a cat, sighted on
the eastern bank of River Neora (altitude ca. 305m), about 7km south of
Samsing, by the villagers in 1982, appeared to be a Golden Cat, which was
corroborated by the ‘poster-survey’. None was seen or reported during the
recent survey.
Genus: FelisLinnaeus, 1758: Pointed-eared Cats
37. Felis
chaus affinis Gray, 1830: Jungle Cat or Swamp Lynx (Wroughton 1917b;
Anonymous 1964; Sharma 1990; Agrawal et al. 1992; Saha et al. 1992;
Mukhopadhyay 1996, Singhal & Mukhopadhyay 1998; Singhal 1999; Biswas et al.
1999; Prince 2003; Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003; Dey 2009).
The Jungle Cat
is a common carnivore in the study area and found in the drier and open parts
of the forest nearer to grassland and scrubland as well as near the human
habitations. N.A. Baptista collected one female at Nimbong and A. Linogreen
collected one unsexed individual from Kalimpong in 1938. It is both nocturnal and diurnal in its
activities. Sightings took place at upper Rechila Chawk and Jaributi during the
recent survey. Footprints were also
found there. One Jungle Cat was
seen sitting in the middle of the road near the Mahakal trail (Lava) in the
early morning.
Genus: PrionailurusSevertzov, 1858: Round-eared Cats.
38. Prionailurus
bengalensis horsfieldi Gray, 1842: Leopard Cat (Anonymous 1964; Biswas
& Ghose 1982; Sharma 1990; Saha et al. 1992; Mukhopadhyay 1996, Singhal
& Mukhopadhyay 1998; Biswas et al. 1999; Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003;
UNESCO World Heritage Centre 2009; <http://westbengalforest.gov.in/urls_all/
forest_wild_life_animal_2.htm> downloaded on 10 November 2009).
This nocturnal
animal is uncommon in the study area and seldom seen. It makes nest in the
hollows of large trees. In 1982, it
was recorded at Samsing and Rangpo. It was also recorded from Jaributi of NVNP
during the recent surveys. Its
spoors were also found at East Nar- 19 and Thosum- 1 and 4 compartments.
39. Prionailurus
viverrinus viverrinus Bennett, 1833: Fishing Cat (Anonymous 1964;
Sharma 1990; Mukhopadhyay 1996, Singhal & Mukhopadhyay 1998; Biswas et al.
1999; Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003; UNESCO World Heritage Centre 2009).
It is a rare
nocturnal animal in the study area. During the recent surveys, it was recorded
on a number of occasions at Alubari and Jaributi of NVNP, particularly in or
near the dense forest, scrub and grass swamps, close to the streams and other
water bodies up to the elevations of 1,800m. Its footprints were also found there.
Subfamily:
Pantherinae Pocock, 1917
Genus: NeofelisGray, 1867: Clouded Leopard
40. Neofelis
nebulosa macrosceloides Hodgson, 1853: Clouded Leopard (Anonymous 1964;
Biswas & Ghose 1982; Sharma 1990; Saha et al. 1992; Mukhopadhyay 1996,
Singhal & Mukhopadhyay 1998; Singhal 1999; Biswas et al. 1999; Chaudhuri
& Sarkar 2003; Yadav 2004; Chakraborty et al. 2008a; Dey 2009; Rishi 2009;
UNESCO World Heritage Centre 2009).
The Clouded
Leopard is mainly a nocturnal animal. In 1982, a Clouded Leopard was recorded from Mouchowki (East Nar). But now it is very rare and restricted
to a few areas. It was seen at Jaributi and upper NVNP during the current
survey. The animal was mainly found
in the lower Neora Valley and often outside the Park in the degraded zone near
villages. Clouded Leopard was also reported by the villagers of Bhujelgaon at
the cardamom plantation near Khasmahal at Mouchowki. Its den was located on the side of a
cliff at the junction of Bhujelgaon and Khasmahal. The pugmarks were found near Tempola at
East Nar- 22 compartment. A female with cub(s) was earlier sighted in
April–May in the evening and at night, but rarely in the morning and
afternoon. The animal was also sighted at about 20.00hrs near Tukre Jhora
(stream) of East Nar- 17 compartment. It was recorded at East Nar-19, West
Nar-3, 4 and 5 compartments and often in the degraded Khasmahal area beyond the
boundary of the Park. It was reported to attack the poultry in the human
settlements.
A Clouded
Leopard (named Badal) was first reared in captivity at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan
Zoological Park (PNHZP), Darjeeling. This male cub was rescued in May 1991 from a dense thicket at the edge
of the forest of KFD close to NVNP. Its mother carried away one of the twins in her mouth, leaving the other
one behind. But this captive animal
ultimately died on 29 March 1993.
Genus: PantheraOken, 1816: Roaring Cats
41. Panthera
pardus fusca Meyer, 1794: Leopard or Panther (Anonymous 1964; Biswas
& Ghose 1982; Sharma 1990; Saha et al. 1992; Mukhopadhyay 1996, Singhal
& Mukhopadhyay 1998; Singhal 1999; Biswas et al. 1999; Chaudhuri &
Sarkar 2003; Wright 2004; Yadav 2004; Chakraborty et al. 2008a; Chakraborty et
al. 2008b; Ranganathan et al. 2008; UNESCO World Heritage Centre 2009; Dey
2009; <http://westbengalforest.gov.in/urls_all/forest_wild_life_animal_2.htm>
downloaded on 10 November 2009).
The Leopard is
a nocturnal big cat and reported to be common in KFD than NVNP. WWF-India,
Eastern Region (1997) reported a few incidents of depredation and lifting of
goats by leopards in Paparkheti, Algara and Pedong under Lava Range as well as
Chotaphagu, Meenglass and Sylee TEs under Chel Range. However, high incidences of depredation
were reported in the foothills under Chel Range and at fringe areas of Khumani,
Mal basti (village) and Mongpong forest in KFD. The Leopard uses the TEs as nursery on
several occasions and cases of killing of cubs by the garden labourers were
reported. Cubs were rescued from Phagu, Sylee, Chilauni, Good Hope and
Sonagachi TEs and released in the wild. Leopards also died due to poisoning in
Targhera and Washabari TEs.
It was earlier
recorded from Samsing and Mal areas. There is a sighting record at Chunabhati
in KFD during the recent survey. In
NVNP, the Leopard was reported from Rechila Chawk. Indirect evidences of its
presence like the pugmarks were sighted in Rechila chawk, Alubari, Jaributi,
Jorepokhri and Mauchowki areas of NVNP. The scats were also observed along the route from Mauchowki to 7th mile
(bordering area of NVNP) and near Thotne point in East Nar-17 compartment at
580m and were also collected from Rechila- 13, 14 and Renock- 5 compartments
(27.700.15.7’.22.1”N & 88044’36.1”E).
Its population in KFD was assessed to be only 7
(<http://westbengalforest.gov.in /urls_all/ bio_diversity_census.html>
downloaded on 10 November 2009). No
population was recorded in NVNP. Scats and pugmarks were, however, found at West Nar 9, 10, 11, 12; Rachila
1, Thosum 1 and East Nar 22 during December 2008.
42. Panthera
tigris tigris Linnaeus, 1758: Tiger (Anonymous 1964; Sharma 1990; Saha
et al. 1992; Anonymous 1998; Singhal & Mukhopadhyay 1998; Singhal 1999;
Biswas et al. 1999; Yadav 2001, 2004, 2005; Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003;
Harding 2006; Nandy 2006b; Sanyal 2006; Ranganathan et al. 2008; Anonymous
2009; UNESCO World Heritage Centre 2009; Jha & Avasthe Undated; <http://www.sikkim.nic.in/sikkimroot/html/wwf3.pdf>
downloaded on 5 August 2009; <http://westbengalforest.gov.in/urls_all/
forest_wild_life_ animal_2.htm> downloaded on 10 November 2009; <http://www.telegraphindia.com/1081203/jsp/siliguri/story_10199071.jsp>
downloaded on 15 October 2009; Mallick 2010c).
The Tiger was
earlier recorded from both the plains and higher altitudes of Kalimpong Hills.
Roy Harding, in an account of his early school days during 1940s at St. Andrews
Colonial Homes (Kalimpong), now known as Dr. Grahams School, wrote:
“Kalimpong is a
plateau and reasonably cool the year round. As such, during the hot season in
the plains, tigers, usually female, would come up to Kalimpong. I would imagine that they went into the
forest north of Laidlaw or beyond for obvious cover. During this time and until
the tigers returned to the plains, we were never required to go out to collect firewood.
On occasion, usually on a moonlit night, we would be woken from sleep to see a
tigress and her cubs leisurely walking past our cottage.”
The studies
conducted during the 1980s did not mention any resident tiger in NVNP. In fact, before the 1990s, the tiger was
an occasional visitor to this Park. Shri P.K. Das, a forest officer, first
recorded the tiger pugmarks during a trekking trip in late 1980s.
Simultaneously, the entire tiger population (eight numbers recorded last in
1989) was found vanished from Gorumara NP.
Therefore,
since the late 20th century, NVNP is recognized as the new retreat
of the tiger in northern Bengal. In
May 1998, the field staff again traced a few pugmarks. The first tiger census was conducted
during November–December and a population of 18 tigers (eight adult females,
six adult males, one sub-adult male and three cubs) was recorded in East Nar-
20, 21, 22, 23; Thosum- 1, 2, 3, 4; Rachila- 5, 6, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
and Rhenok- 2, 4, 5 compartments. Kisor Chaudhuri, while surveying the area
under WWF-I, Eastern Region-funded Gaur project in 1997, also confirmed
presence of the tiger in NVNP. Movement of the tigers along the river Neora up
to an altitude of 2,300m in Rechila Block during February–March was
reported. These tigers were also
reported to migrate to Sikkim through the forest of Lava during
October–November and follow the same route back to Lava after about three
months.
The census
figures were recorded as 16 in 2001 and 11 in 2004. During 20–24 November 2008,
another Tiger census was conducted and the population was estimated to be 20 in
NVNP and 1 in adjoining KFD (<http://westbengalforest.
gov.in/urls_all/bio_diversity_census.html> downloaded on 10 November
2009). During the present survey,
only eight pugmarks could be collected because of difficult terrain and huge
accumulation of leaf-litter and six tigers could be identified- one at Rhenock,
two at Rechila and three at East Nar. Besides, scats and scratches on tree trunks were also found in these three
forest blocks.
A tiger was
recently seen in the riverine grassland of Nathua forest under Jalpaiguri FD,
which is close to Gorumara NP after almost 20 years and the forest officials
reported that the animal might have come from the Neora Valley NP through
Chapramari WLS and Bamondanga-Tondu TE. The first hints of this tiger’s presence were visible in the last week
of March 2008, following reports of cattle lifting from Mouchowki (1,170m) in
the Bhujelgaon area of the Neora Valley lower range. This area is merely 12km
from the boundary of Gorumara.
Genus: PardofelisSevertzov, 1858: Marbled Cat
43. Pardofelis
marmorata charltoni Gray, 1846: Marbled Cat (Anonymous 1964; Biswas
& Ghose 1982; Sharma 1990; Saha et al. 1992; Mukhopadhyay 1996, Singhal
& Mukhopadhyay 1998; Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003; UNESCO World Heritage
Centre 2009)
This nocturnal
and arboreal smaller cat is a very rare animal in the study area. In 1982, its
occurrence at Mouchowki in NVNP and at higher elevations above Rangpo in KFD
was confirmed after questionnaire and poster surveys. It was earlier reported from the dense forests
of Jaributi and above. This wild
cat was not sighted and the indirect evidences were not found during the recent
survey.
Family:
Herpestidae Bonaparte, 1845: Mongooses
Subfamily:
Herpestinae Bonaparte, 1845: Mongooses
Genus: HerpestesIlliger, 1811: Asiatic mongooses
44. Herpestes
edwardsii edwardsii E. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1818: Indian Grey
Mongoose (<http://www.kolkatabirds.com/netrip1.htm> downloaded on 12
October 2009).
This diurnal
species is found in the foothills. It lives in the open areas, scrublands, in
and around the cultivated areas. One voucher specimen from the Teesta riverbed is kept at Bengal Natural
History Museum (BNHM), Darjeeling. Two individuals were reportedly seen at Suntalekhola. It was not sighted during the recent
survey.
45. Herpestes
(javanicus) auropunctatus Hodgson, 1836: Small Indian Mongoose [WWF-I
(Eastern Region) 1997]
It is a common
species in the study area. This is
both diurnal and noctural animal. It was not sighted during the recent surveys.
46. Herpestes
urva Hodgson, 1836: Crab-eating Mongoose (Anonymous 1964; Sharma 1990;
WWF-I Eastern Region 1997)
The Crab-eating
Mongoose is diurnal and noctural animal. It is rarely seen. This species was earlier recorded from the hills as
well as plains of KFD, particularly near the streams. During the present survey it was not
found.
Family:
Mustelidae: Mustelids [Weasels, Martens, Badgers, Otters]
Subfamily:
Lutrinae Bonaparte, 1838: Otters
Genus: AmblonyxRafinesque, 1832: Small-clawed otters
47. Amblonyx
cinereus (also referred to as Aonyx cinerea) concolorRafinesque, 1832: Oriental Small-clawed Otter (Saha et al. 1992)
This species
prefers wetlands and riverine areas with low vegetation and digs burrows into
the muddy banks. It is diurnal and noctural species. But it was not traced during the recent
survey.
Genus: LutraBrünnich, 1771: Common Otters
48. Lutra
lutra monticola Hodgson, 1839: Common Indian Hill Otter (Wroughton
1917b; Saha et al. 1992; Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003)
During summer,
this otter migrates up the streams and torrents ascending to higher
altitudes. During winter, it
inhabits the lower elevations. It
is both diurnal and noctural species. It was once common in the study area and N.A. Baptista collected one
female from Pedong, but it was not observed during the recent survey.
Genus: LutrogaleGray, 1865: Smooth Otters
49. Lutrogale
perspicillata perspicillata I. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1826: Smooth
Indian Otter (Saha et al. 1992; Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003)
It is both
diurnal and noctural species. No
direct or indirect evidences of this species were observed during the recent
survey.
Subfamily:
Melinae Bonaparte, 1838: Old World Badgers (Eurasia)
Genus: ArctonyxCuvier, 1825: Hog or Sand badgers
50. Arctonyx
collaris collaris F. Cuvier, 1825: Hog Badger (Saha et al. 1992;
Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003)
During the
recent survey, this nocturnal animal was not sighted, but signs of its presence
were observed on the Neora riverbed.
Subfamily:
Mustelinae Fischer, 1817: Martens, Weasels, Wolverines and relatives
Genus: MartesPinel, 1792: True Martens
51. Martes
flavigula flavigula Boddaert, 1785: Himalayan Yellow-throated Marten or
Indian Marten (Wroughton 1917b; Sharma 1990; Saha et al. 1992; Mukhopadhyay
1996, Singhal & Mukhopadhyay 1998; Biswas et al. 1999; Prince 2003; Chaudhuri
& Sarkar 2003; Chakraborty et al. 2008a)
It keeps to the
forest limits and is found at 1219–2743 m. This marten is both diurnal
and nocturnal in activities. It is common in the higher elevations of the study
area. N.A. Baptista collected one female from Pedong. This marten was reported
earlier from Jaributi, upper Rechila chawk and surrounding areas. Two martens
were seen at Lulegaon and Rishyap during the recent survey. One was also reported at West Nar 11, 12
during December 2008. Scats were also collected at Rechila-12 compartment (27007’0.6”N & 88043’12.6”E).
52. Martes
foina intermedia Severtzov, 1873: Beech Marten or Stone Marten (Sharma
1990; Agrawal et al. 1992; Mukhopadhyay 1996, Singhal & Mukhopadhyay 1998;
Biswas et al. 1999; Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003).
This marten is
found in the rocky parts of the hill forest and on the barren heights above the
treeline. It takes shelter in the hollows of trees, underlogs, among the rocks
and in ground burrows. Though
recorded to be common, this marten was only once observed below 1,214m in NVNP,
while feeding on a young Barking Deer (Ghose 1985). It was also sighted at Jaributi and
upper Rechila chawk during the recent survey.
Genus: MustelaLinnaeus, 1758: True Weasels
53. Mustela
altaica temon Hodgson, 1857: Alpine Pale Weasel (Saha et al. 1992)
This weasel is
active during both the day and night. In Bhutan, it is confined to
1,500–5,200 m altitude (Abramov et al. 2008). Though it was recorded at NVNP in the
past, no evidences of this species were found during the recent survey.
54. Mustela
kathiah kathiah Hodgson, 1835: Yellow-bellied Weasel (Chakraborty et
al. 2008b)
It is found in
the dense forests, dry sandy valleys and even low-lying swamps. It prefers the alpine forests. It is a
common weasel in the hills and was sighted in NVNP during the recent survey.
55. Mustela
strigidorsa Gray, 1855 (subspecies none): Siberian Stripe-backed Weasel
(Mukhopadhyay 1996, Singhal & Mukhopadhyay 1998; Biswas et al. 1999).
It is found in
the temperate forest, open grassland and scrub jungles of upper Rechila chawk
area. It is very rare in the study area and no evidences of this species were
found during the current survey.
Family:
Ailuropodidae: Pandas
Subfamily:
Ailurinae: Panda bears
Genus: AilurusF. Cuvier, 1825: Lesser panda
56. Ailurus
fulgens fulgens F. Cuvier, 1825: Red Panda or Cat Bear (Biswas & Ghose
1982; Tikader 1983; Sharma 1990; Agrawal et al. 1992; Saha et al. 1992;
Mukhopadhyay 1996, Singhal & Mukhopadhyay 1998; Singhal 1999; Choudhury
2001; Prince 2003; Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003; Wright 2004; Ghose et al. 2007;
Anonymous 2008; UNESCO World Heritage Centre 2009; <http://westbengalforest.gov.in/urls_all/
forest_wild_life _animal_2.htm> downloaded on 10 November 2009; Mallick
2010b).
The Red Panda
is a focal species for conservation in the Himalayan temperate forests and an
umbrella species for the sub-alpine forests. The undisturbed forest of NVNP is the
last remaining good habitat for the Red Panda. It occurs sporadically in NVNP (Tikader
1983; Saha & Singhal 1996). It
is found in the high forests, particularly the deciduous and coniferous types,
usually with an under-storey of bamboo above 1,524m. During the recent surveys, the higher
elevation of temperate zone, namely Raschet, Rechila and Thosum, is found to be
the abode of this species. Earlier,
it was recorded from Mouchowki. It was also reported from Pankasari in
KFD. But its sighting is very rare
in the study area.
In March 2000,
a sick Red Panda was rescued from NVNP. But it died on the way to PNHZP. An adult male was found dead at Pankhasari-1 compartment (Lava Range,
KFD) on 11 May 2008. Presence of the Red Pandas in NVNP was confirmed in WWF-I,
Eastern Region-funded survey report. From the evidences gathered during the first systematic survey of the
Red Panda in NVNP [Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE)
team in 2006 (Anon 2008)], 28–32 Red Pandas were estimated for the upper
NVNP. Photograph of one was taken at Rhenock 4b and another was sighted at
Rechila-2 in December 2008. It was
also reported that in 2009 eleven sightings were recorded in five out of 25
compartments of NVNP (particularly Rashet- 3,4; Rechila- 11, 12 and Rhenock-
4b) within 2,350-3,170 m.
Family: Ursidae
Fischer, 1817: Bears
Subfamily:
Ursinae Fischer, 1817: Bears
Genus: MelursusMeyer, 1793: Sloth bears
57. Melursus
ursinus ursinus Shaw, 1791: Sloth Bear (Sharma 1990; Saha et al. 1992;
Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003; Yadav 2004).
In the late 19thand early 20th century, the Sloth Bear was common in the
foothills. Now, it is a rare
species due to destruction of the habitat and poaching. Earlier, it was
reported from Samsing and Mouchowki. Its pugmarks were also seen there. No evidences of this nocturnal species were found during the recent
field survey.
Genus: UrsusLinnaeus, 1758: Asiatic Black Bears.
58. Ursus
(Selenarctos) thibetanus laniger Pocock, 1932: Asiatic or Himalayan
Black Bear (Biswas & Ghose 1982; Ghose 1985; Sharma 1990; Agrawal et al.
1992; Saha et al. 1992; Mukhopadhyay 1996, Raha 1996; Singhal &
Mukhopadhyay 1998; Biswas et al. 1999; Servheen et al. 1999; Singhal 1999;
Sathyakumar 2001; Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003; Wright 2004; Yadav 2004;
Chakraborty et al. 2008a; Chakraborty et al. 2008b; UNESCO World Heritage
Centre 2009; <http://westbengalforest.gov.in/urls_all/forest_wild_life_animal_3.htm>
downloaded on 10 November 2009).
It is a
nocturnal species. The survey conducted by Kisor Chaudhuri (WWF-I, Eastern
Region) confirmed presence of this species in NVNP. This bear was earlier seen
at Mouchowki. It is recorded as common in NVNP. It was sighted and feeding
evidences were found at East Nar- 18, 21, 23a; Thosum- 1, 4; and Rechila- 7,
11, 12 compartments during the recent survey. Its obliterated tracks were also
observed at Jorepokhari. Scats were collected at Rechila- 13 compartments (27007’37.5”N & 88043’37.5”E). The population in NVNP was estimated to
be 18 (<http://westbengalforest.gov.in/ urls_all/ bio_diversity_census.html>
downloaded on 10 November 2009).
In the summer,
it inhabits in deciduous and mixed forests at the higher altitudes and in the
winter it decends to the lower hills and valleys even down to about
1,524m. During the summer, they are
commonly sighted at Lava areas. Mostly the solitaries were sighted. It was encountered at Mouchowki. Quite often the villagers are mauled on
sudden encounters when they enter the forest to collect fodders and
fuelwood. The villagers are,
therefore, scared of the Himalayan Black Bear. These bears are reported to cause damage
to the maize crop and livestock in the fringe villages like Mulkharg, Kolbong
and Lingasay. In 1995, two cubs
were rescued from the medicinal flora farm at Khumani Village. The Himalayan Black Bear is often
poached for its bile. In Darjeeling
and Kalimpong areas 30 to 40 percent bears are killed while hibernating inside
the hollow of the trees, for illegal trade (Subba 2000).
Family:
Viverridae Gray, 1821: Civets
Subfamily:
Paradoxurinae Gray, 1821: Binturong and Palm Civets
Genus: PagumaGray, 1831: Masked Palm Civet
59. Paguma
larvata neglecta Pocock, 1934: Himalayan or Masked Palm Civet (Saha et
al. 1992; Mukhopadhyay 1996, Singhal & Mukhopadhyay 1998; WWF-I Eastern
Region 1997; Biswas et al. 1999; Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003).
Masked Palm
Civets are confined to the fragmented areas in both evergreen and deciduous
forests in the mountains and hills. It takes shelter in the holes of trees. This nocturnal animal is reported to be
rare in NVNP. Earlier, it was
reported from Rechila chawk and surrounding forests. It was not sighted or reported during
the recent survey.
Genus: ParadoxurusF. Cuvier, 1821: Palm Civets
60. Paradoxurushermaphroditus bondar Desmarest, 1820: Toddy
Cat or Common Palm Civet (Biswas & Ghose 1982; Saha et al. 1992;
Mukhopadhyay 1996, WWF-I Eastern Region 1997; Singhal & Mukhopadhyay 1998;
Biswas et al. 1999; Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003).
It is a
nocturnal animal and commonly found near the human habitations. Earlier, it was recorded from Samsing,
Rechila Chawk and surrounding forests. But it was not sighted during the recent survey.
Genus: PrionodonHorsfield, 1822: Banded or Spotted Linsang or Tiger Civet
61. Prionodon
pardicolor pardicolor Hodgson, 1842: Tiger Civet or Spotted Linsang (Sharma
1990)
It is found in
the tropical and subtropical forests up to the elevations of 2,100m, but very rare. This nocturnal species was recorded
earlier in the study area but not sighted or reported during the recent survey.
Subfamily:
Viverrinae Gray, 1821: Civets, Genets and Linsangs
Genus: ViverraLinnaeus, 1758: Civets
62. Viverra
zibetha zibetha Linnaeus, 1758: Large Indian Civet (Wroughton 1917b;
Sharma 1990; Saha et al. 1992; WWF-I Eastern Region 1997; Singhal 1999;
Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003).
It is a
solitary animal living in the woods under bushes or in the heavy scrub jungle.
This nocturnal species was common in the study area in the past. N.A. Baptista
collected one female and one male from Nimbong. Its population is reportedly
declined. Though not sighted, its scats were found at Rechila- 13 compartment
during the recent survey.
Genus:
Viverricula Hodgson, 1838: Small Indian civets
63. Viverricula
indica baptistae Pocock, 1933: Small Indian Civet (Saha et al. 1992;
WWF-I Eastern Region 1997; Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003)
The Small
Indian Civet is found at the edges of the lower-lying forest in long grass or
scrub jungle at altitudes up to 1,200m. Though this nocturnal species was recorded earlier in the study area, it
was not seen during the current survey.
Order
Proboscidae Illiger, 1811: Elephants
Family:
Elephantidae Gray, 1821: Elephants
Genus: ElephasLinnaeus, 1758: Asian elephant
64. Elephas
maximus indicus F. Cuvier, 1798: Indian Elephant (Anonymous 1964;
Sharma 1990; Dey 1991a, 1991b; Saha et al. 1992; Raha 1996; Chaudhuri &
Sarkar 2003; Yadav 2004; Nanjappa 2008; UNESCO World Heritage Centre 2009; <http://elephantsindia.blogspot.com>
downloaded on 10 July 2009; <http://www.indiaenews.com/pdf/77036.pdf>
downloaded on 10 July 2009).
Prior to
1950’s, the elephant population existed in small herds in scattered manner,
particularly in the wet-mixed forests of KFD. Two herds were confined to the Kalimpong
hills (O’Malley 1907):
“One herd of
wild elephants from the Tondu forest in Jalpaiguri usually goes as far as the
Naksal Khar, a large salt lick on a tributary of the River Jaldhaka to the east
of the Kalimpong hills, but they also go further into the hills reaching
Rishi-la (3,200m), the highest peak of the Chola range, situated on the Sikkim
and Bhutan border, and even roam about in the snow at that height. Another herd, about 20 in number, works
fairly constantly between the Rivers Teesta and Jaldhaka, their headquarters
being the Mal and East Nar forest blocks, though they also ascend the hills and
graze in the higher tracts adjoining Bhutan.” But since the Second World War,
they suspended their visits to these areas.
In NVNP, Hathi
Danda (peak) at about 3,000m was an elephant route till 1940 (Anonymous 2010).
Prior to 1977, the elephants moved from the Titi reserve forest of Jaldapara
WLS in the east (west of the River Torsa) to KFD in the west in June–July
and returned in November–December. Now, these animals are occasionally seen in the ‘terai’. The solitaries are reported to stray and
invade the valley up to an altitude of about 914m, mostly during the
crop-harvesting season on the hill slopes of Sakkam, Gorubathan, Targhera and
adjoining areas. They also visit
the lower reaches of the valley in lure of the wild banana.
Elephant
depredation in the fringe areas, including TEs, of Gorubathan, Tashiding,
Mongpong, Targhera, etc. is often reported. On 24 November 2008, one forest guard
was injured by a member of a herd of 50 elephants in the Targhera forests. A few elephants also died due to road
and train accidents, electrocution and poaching.
Order:
Artiodactyla Owen, 1848: Even-toed ungulates or hoofed mammals
Family: Suidae
Gray, 1821: Pigs
Subfamily:
Suinae Gray, 1821: Hogs and Pigs
Genus: SusLinnaeus, 1758: Pigs
65. Sus
scrofa cristatus Wagner, 1839: Indian Wild Boar (Biswas & Ghose
1982; Sharma 1990; Mukhopadhyay 1996, WWF-I Eastern Region 1997; Singhal &
Mukhopadhyay 1998; Biswas et al. 1999; Singhal 1999; Chaudhuri & Sarkar
2003; Bahuguna & Mallick 2004; Chakraborty et al. 2008b; Dey 2009).
The Wild Boar
is found in plenty in the study area. It is both nocturnal and diurnal in their
activities. Earlier, it was recorded from Samsing, Rangpo and Tarkhola under
KFD and Rechila Chawk and Jaributi under NVNP. Soil-excavations by this animal were
also seen. In NVNP, the Wild Boars were sighted, their calls heard and tracks
(about 5cm) found at East Nar- 22, 23a, 21; Thosum- 1, 2, 3, 4 and Rachila- 5,
10, 11, 12 compartments during the recent survey. Tracks with distinctive
imprint of 2 “dew” claws were also noticed in plenty on the wet sandy patches
in and around the River Neora, Ashalary khola, Sakam khola, Dhoula khola, etc. The fresh, dark brown scats, much larger
and bulkier than the deer pellets, containing remains of the larger plant stems
and roots, were also seen. Reportedly, the Wild Boars often raid the village crops and cause
depredation. The estimated
populations of 615 and 110 were recorded in NVNP and KFD respectively (<http://westbengalforest.gov.in/urls_all/bio_diversity_census.html>
downloaded on 10 November 2009).
Family:
Cervidae Goldfuss, 1820: Deer
Subfamily:
Cervinae Goldfuss, 1820: Old World (Plesiometacarpal) Deer
Genus: AxisH. Smith, 1827: Axis deer
66. Axis
axis axis Erxleben, 1777: Spotted Deer or Cheetal (Ghosh 1997; WWF-I
Eastern Region 1997; Singhal 1999; Bahuguna & Mallick 2004)
The terai
forest was the habitat of the Spotted Deer in the study area. There are no current sighting records of
this species. It seems to be
locally extinct. Small population is, however, found in the pockets of the
adjoining Baikunthapur forests resuscitated recently.
Genus: RucervusHodgson, 1838: Deer
67. Rucervus
duvauceli duvaucelii Cuvier, 1823: Swamp Deer or Barasinga (Anonymous
1964)
It was once
common in the ‘terai’ forests of Kalimpong, but disappeared from the study area
sometimes during early 20th century.
Genus: RusaC.H. Smith, 1827: Sambar and Rusa Deer
68. Rusa
unicolor niger Blainville, 1816: Sambar
(Anonymous 1964; Biswas & Ghose 1982; Sharma 1990; Ghosh 1997; Singhal
1999; Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003; Bahuguna & Mallick 2004; UNESCO World
Heritage Centre 2009).
The Sambar is
common in NVNP and found up to the elevations of 914–1,372 m. It is mainly a night forager. Earlier,
it was recorded from Samsing. In KFD, this species was seen in the Lish,
Churanthi and Ramthi blocks of Chel Range and from the Teesta Bridge to the
Coronation Bridge of Kalimpong Range. Hoof-marks of the Sambar were found at
East Nar- 22, 23a; Thosum- 1 and Rachila- 7
compartments during the recent surveys. Its population in NVNP was estimated to
be 286 (<http://westbengalforest.gov.in/urls_all/bio_diversity_census.html>
downloaded on 10 November 2009).
Subfamily:
Muntiacinae Pocock, 1923: Muntjacs
Genus: MuntiacusRafinesque, 1815: Southern Red Muntjac or Indian Muntjac
69. Muntiacus
vaginalis Boddaert, 1785 [Groves (2003) elected to raise non-Sundaic
forms of M. muntjak from subspecific taxa to the species M. vaginalis]:
Barking Deer (Anonymous 1964; Biswas & Ghose 1982; Sharma 1990;
Mukhopadhyay 1996, Ghosh 1997; WWF-I Eastern Region 1997; Singhal &
Mukhopadhyay 1998; Biswas et al. 1999; Singhal 1999; Chaudhuri & Sarkar
2003; Chakraborty et al. 2008a; Chakraborty et al. 2008b; Dey 2009; UNESCO
World Heritage Centre 2009; <http://www.kolkatabirds.com/netrip1.htm>
downloaded on 12 October 2009)
The Barking
Deer is abundant in the study area. Earlier, it was recorded from Samsing,
Mouchowki, Rangpo and Tarkhola. In KFD, this deer is seen from the foothills to
an altitude of 2,340m in the upper hills. Solitary Barking Deer was frequently
met with and the alarm calls were often heard in the evening in NVNP. The animal was sighted and its pellets
and hoof marks were found at East Nar- 22, 23a, West Nar- 9, Thosum- 1 and
Rachila- 7 compartments as well as the Gorubathan forests during the recent
survey. The foot markings were also
observed near Tempola (an open waterbody) at an altitude of 2,058m (27002’58.9”N & 88046’33.4”E), Mithun Khar (a natural
saltlick) in East Nar-19 compartment (27001’45.5”N & 88045’46.9”E
long, altitude 790m) and PHE camp (altitude 1,900m). A pair was also sighted at
Choudapheri. A sub-adult male was
found dead on 28 November 2006 at Lower Neora range. Its population was
estimated to be 590 in NVNP and 57 in KFD (<http://westbengalforest.gov.in/urls_all/bio_diversity_census.html>
downloaded on 10 November 2009).
Family: Bovidae
Gray, 1821: Bovids (Antelopes, Cattle, Gazelles, Goats, Sheep and relatives)
Subfamily:
Bovinae Gray, 1821: Bison, Buffalos, Cattle and relatives
Genus: BosLinnaeus, 1758: Oxen and True Cattle
70. Bos
gaurus gaurus C.H. Smith, 1827: Gaur (Anonymous 1964; Sharma 1990; Saha
et al. 1992; Mukhopadhyay 1996; Bhattacharya et al. 1997; Ghosh 1997; Singhal
& Mukhopadhyay 1998; Biswas et al. 1999; Singhal 1999; Choudhury 2002;
Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003; Yadav 2004; Bahuguna & Mallick 2004;
Chakraborty et al. 2008b; UNESCO World Heritage Centre 2009; Dey 2009; <http://westbengalforest.gov.in/urls_all/forest_wild_life_animal_3.htm>
down loaded on 10 November 2009).
The Gaurs are
not permanent residents in the study area but usually found visiting the plains
and ‘terai’. In KFD, it is found in the middle and upper hills forests,
particularly in the eastern portion. The migratory herds of Gaur were occasionally seen in NVNP. Earlier three
herds were located in Mo, Thosum and Rechila blocks and seen to climb up very
fast on the steep terrains up to 2,590m or above. Its indirect evidences [foot
prints, feeding signs and dung] were found at East Nar- 19, 21, 22, 23a;
Thosum- 1, 2, 3, 4 and Rechila- 5, 7, 16 compartments during the recent
survey. As per the monitoring
reports, the herds of Gaur often visit the muddy areas adjacent to Tempola and
Jorepokhari wetlands in NVNP. The census figure for NVNP was 81
(<http://westbengalforest.gov.in/urls_all/bio_diversity_census.htm>
downloaded on 10 November 2009).
The main range
of Gaur is in the Gorumara–Chapramari–Diana forests in Jalpaiguri
district. But, in the summer, when the temperature soars in the plains, the
small splinter groups of Gaur (mostly bulls) often move further north up to the
temperate NVNP through the riverbeds, then descend to Gorubathan and thereafter
march towards the Apalchand forests of Baikunthapur FD in the west and go back
to their original habitat. It was reported from Thosum area of NVNP during the
present survey. The marauding adult
bulls, which stray from the reserve forests to the adjacent TEs and human
settlements, are often driven back by the wildlife squads, but sometimes the
straying Gaurs died due to the capture myopathy and poaching.
Subfamily:
Caprinae Gray, 1821: Chamois, Goats, Serows, Sheep and relatives
Genus: HemitragusHodgson, 1841: Tahrs
71. Hemitragus
jemlahicus schaeferi Pohle, 1944: Himalayan Tahr (Tikader 1983; Ghose
1985; Sharma 1990; Agrawal et al. 1992; Mukhopadhyay 1996, Singhal &
Mukhopadhyay 1998; Singhal 1999; Biswas et al. 1999; Chaudhuri & Sarkar
2003; Yadav 2004; Chakraborty et al. 2008b; UNESCO World Heritage Centre 2009).
This diurnal
species is found in the inaccessible terrain, towering the cliffs, rocks, dense
forest and scrub jungle at elevations from 914–2,743 m. The survey party of ZSI encountered
small flocks in NVNP during early 1980s. It was reported from Rechila, Jorepokhri and Triangular point during the
recent survey. Footprints and
faecal pellets were also found at Thosum-1 and Rechila-7 compartments. The
population in NVNP was estimated to be 32 (<http://westbengalforest.gov.in/urls_all/bio_diversity_census.html>
downloaded on 10 November 2009).
Genus: NaemorhedusSmith, 1827: Gorals
72.Naemorhedus goral hodgsoni Pocock, 1908: Brown Goral (Anonymous
1964; Sharma 1990; Saha et al. 1992; Mukhopadhyay 1996, Singhal &
Mukhopadhyay 1998; Singhal 1999; Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003; Yadav 2004;
Chakraborty et al. 2008; UNESCO World Heritage Centre 2009; Dey 2009).
Gorals live on
the rugged hillsides and on rocky grounds near the coniferous forest zone. They usually prefer the grassy patches
of the middle slopes, migrating from the higher altitudes to the lower
altitudes in winter and vice versa in summer. They are both diurnal and
nocturnal in their activities. This species was reported from the north-eastern part of Rechila chawk. During the recent survey, this species
was sighted at East Nar-19 compartment in NVNP. Pellets and hoof marks were
also found there. The estimated
population was 73 in NVNP and only three in KFD (<http://westbengalforest.
gov.in /urls_all/bio_diversity_census.html> downloaded on 10 November 2009).
Genus: CapricornisOgilby, 1836: Serows
73. Capricornis
(Naemorhedus) sumatraensis jamrachi Pocock, 1908: Mainland Serow
(Ellerman & Morrison-Scott 1951; Anonymous 1964; Sharma 1990; Agrawal et
al. 1992; Singhal & Mukhopadhyay 1998; Singhal 1999; Chaudhuri & Sarkar
2003; Yadav 2004; Anonymous 2008; Dey 2009; UNESCO World Heritage Centre 2009;
<http://westbengalforest.gov.in/urls_all/ forest_wild_life_animal_3.htm>
downloaded on 10 November 2009).
The Serow
inhabits the steep ridges and precipice at elevations ranging from
1,828–3,048 m. Its type locality is Kalimpong (Pocock 1908). But sighting of this nocturnal mammal is
very rare. An ATREE team recorded
and photographed this species recently in NVNP. One Serow was sighted at Rachila-2a
during December 2008 and hoof marks of this animal were found at Rechila-16
compartment during the recent survey. Carcass of a Serow, the internal parts of
which were removed, was seized from a poacher at Rachila on 16 October 2008.
Its population in NVNP was estimated to be 89 (<http://westbengalforest.gov.in/urls_all/bio_diversity_census.html>
downloaded on 10 November 2009).
Order:
Pholidota Weber, 1904: Pangolins
Family: Manidae
Gray, 1821: Pangolins
Genus: ManisLinnaeus, 1758: Pangolins or Scaly Ant-eaters
74.Maniscrassicaudata Gray,
1827: Scaly Ant-eater or Indian Pangolin (Anonymous 1964; Sharma 1990; Saha et
al. 1992; Singhal & Mukhopadhyay 1998; Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003; UNESCO
World Heritage Centre 2009).
The Indian
Pangolin is found in the plains and lower slopes, living inside hollowed trees
or burrows. Records of the sighting and indirect evidences of this nocturnal
animal were not available during the recent survey. Its population has greatly reduced due
to killing for the flesh and scales.
75.Manispentadactyla aurita Hodgson,
1836: Chinese Pangolin (UNESCO World Heritage Centre 2009)
The Chinese
Pangolin is found in the undisturbed hill forests and grasslands. On 3 April 2008, a carcass was seized
from the Piok basti (village) of Kalimpong. The sighting and indirect evidences
of this nocturnal species were not recorded during the recent survey.
Order: Rodentia
Bowdich, 1821: Rodents
Suborder:
Sciurognathi Brandt, 1855: Gophers, Mice, Rats, Squirrels and relatives
Family:
Sciuridae Hemprich, 1820: Squirrels
Genus: CallosciurusGray, 1867: Beautiful Squirrels
76. Callosciurus
pygerythrus lokroids Hodgson, 1836: Hoary-bellied Himalayan (Irrawady)
Squirrel (Wroughton 1917b; Biswas & Ghose 1982; Sharma 1990; Agrawal et al.
1992; Mukhopadhyay 1996, Singhal & Mukhopadhyay 1998; Biswas et al. 1999;
Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003; Chakraborty et al. 2008b; Dey 2009; <http://www.kolkatabirds.com/netrip1.htm>
downloaded on 12 October 2009;
<http://zsienvis.nic.in/biodiversity_wb/Fauna/43.%20Mammal.doc>
downloaded on 20 October 2009)
This diurnal
forest squirrel is found in the temperate and subtropical evergreen and dry
deciduous montane forests, particularly the mid-canopy with thick to moderate
evergreen forest patches. It is
common at the lower elevations ranging from 500–1,560 m in the study
area. It was earlier reported from
Samsing, Rangpo and Tarkhola. N.A.
Baptista collected two females from Sangser and one male from Nimbong. R.L.
Fernandez collected one male and three females from Tarkhola in 1958. R.L. Chowdhury collected one male, one
female and one unsexed squirrel from Samsing in 1980. It was sighted from Rashet and Lava
during the recent survey.
Genus: DremomysHeude, 1898: Asian Montane Ground Squirrels
77. Dremomys
lokriah lokriah Hodgson, 1836: Orange-bellied Himalayan Squirrel
(Sharma 1990; Mukhopadhyay 1996, Singhal & Mukhopadhyay 1998; Biswas et al.
1999; Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003; Chakraborty et al. 2008b; Dey 2009;
<http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/india/india11/list.htm>
downloaded on 6 September 2009)
This diurnal
squirrel usually lives in the subtropical montane evergreen and broad-leaved
forests, particularly the tree hollows in mid-high canopy of dense oak, bamboo,
fir and pine forest patches at altitudes ranging from 900–2,743 m. It is common in NVNP. It seldom gives vent to a loud crackling
call. During the recent survey,
this arboreal squirrel was sighted at Lava, Damdama danda, Thosum and Rechila.
Genus: RatufaGray, 1867: Asian Giant Squirrels
78. Ratufa
bicolor gigantea Sparrman, 1778: Large Indian (Malayan/Assam) Black
Giant Squirrel (Wroughton 1917b; Anonymous 1964; Biswas & Ghose 1982;
Sharma 1990; Agrawal et al. 1992; Saha et al. 1992; Mukhopadhyay 1996, WWF-I
Eastern Region 1997; Singhal & Mukhopadhyay 1998; Biswas et al. 1999;
Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003; Dey 2009; UNESCO World Heritage Centre 2009; ; <http://zsienvis.nic.in/biodiversity_wb/Fauna/43.%20
Mammal.doc> downloaded on 20 October 2009).
This diurnal
giant squirrel is found in the tropical and subtropical montane evergreen and
dry deciduous forests, particularly the tree hollows in mid-high canopy. It does not usually come to the ground.
N.A. Baptista collected two males and one female from Sangser. One male and two
females were also collected from Tarkhola by H. Khajuria in 1958. Once
it was common in the study area, but due to anthropogenic pressure and
consequent decline in the population, it has now become rare. A few squirrels were earlier recorded
from Samsing, Rangpo and Mouchowki. This species was seen in small numbers at
Lava, Samsing and Jaributi valley during the recent survey.
Genus: TamiopsJ.A. Allen, 1906: Asian Striped Squirrels
79. Tamiops
macclellandi macclellandi Horsfield, 1840: Himalayan Striped Squirrel
(<http://www.birdtours.co.uk/tripreports/india/india11/list.htm>.
Downloaded on 6 September 2009; http://www.kolkatabirds.com/netrip1.htm>
downloaded on 12 October 2009).
This diurnal
striped squirrel lives inside the tree-hollows in montane region up to
1,500m. During the recent survey, a
few squirrels were seen in Lava, particularly along the Tiffindara trail.
Family:
Pteromyidae Brandt, 1855: Flying Squirrels
Subfamily:
Petauristinae Miller, 1912: Flying Squirrels
Genus: BelomysThomas, 1908: Hairy-footed Flying Squirrels
80. Belomys
pearsonii pearsonii Gray, 1842: Hairy-footed Flying Squirrel (Ghose,
1985; Sharma 1990; Agrawal et al. 1992; Saha et al. 1992; Chaudhuri &
Sarkar 2003).
This small
flying squirrel lives in the tree-hollows of dense broad-leaved forest patches
and also in rock crevices at 1,500–2,400 m altitude. It is reportedly common in the study
area. A ZSI team observed this
squirrel earlier at NVNP. But this
nocturnal squirrel was not sighted during the recent survey.
Genus: HylopetesThomas, 1908: Pygmy Flying Squirrels
81.Hylopetes alboniger alboniger Hodgson, 1836: Particolored Flying
Squirrel (Sharma 1990; Saha et al. 1992; Mukhopadhyay 1996, Singhal &
Mukhopadhyay 1998; Biswas et al. 1999; Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003; <http://www.kolkatabirds.com/netrip1.htm>
downloaded on 12 October 2009).
This nocturnal
species lives in the tree-hollows of the montane forests up to about
1,524m. Its sighting was reported
in Rhenok earlier. It is rare in
the study area. However, one was
seen at Rashet during the recent survey.
Genus: PetauristaLink, 1795: Large Asiatic Flying Squirrels
82. Petaurista
elegans caniceps Gray, 1842 [P. caniceps is also treated as a
distinct species in Corbet & Hill (1992)]: Lesser or Spotted Giant
Grey-headed Flying Squirrel (Sharma 1990; Saha et al. 1992; Chaudhuri &
Sarkar 2003).
This large
flying squirrel is generally found on the tall trees, nesting in the
tree-hollows, but also often seen in the rhododendron scrub and on the rock
cliffs at high altitude. It is a
nocturnal flying squirrel and was not sighted during the recent survey. The indirect evidences of its presence
were also not found.
83. Petaurista
magnificus hodgsoni Ghose and Saha, 1981: Hodgson’s Common Giant Flying
Squirrel (Biswas & Ghose 1982; Saha et al. 1992; Singhal 1999; Chaudhuri
& Sarkar 2003; Alfred et al. 2006; Chakraborty et al. 2008a; Dey 2009).
This nocturnal
species prefers the dry deciduous to evergreen forests at higher altitudes
(1,828–2,743 m). It usually
roosts in a tree-hole, emerges from this shelter at dusk and retires before
dawn. It was earlier recorded from
Tarkhola of KFD. This large flying
squirrel was often seen in NVNP, leaping up to 6–7 m from one tree to
another, during the recent survey. Two dead juveniles were also found at East
Nar- 23a compartment and near Suntalekhola.
84. Petaurista
nobilis singhei Saha, 1977: Himalayan Flying Squirrel (Anonymous 1964;
Sharma 1990)
The Himalayan
Flying Squirrel is found in the pine and rhododendron forests, flying from one
tree to another. It is common in
NVNP and also recorded in KFD. But this nocturnal squirrel was not sighted
during the recent surveys.
85. Petaurista
petaurista Pallas, 1766: Elliot’s Common Red Giant Flying Squirrel
(Sharma 1990; Saha et al. 1992; Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003)
This species is
found in the moist evergreen forests from 500–3,100 m. It lives in the hollows of old trees,
often within the villages. Though
earlier recorded in NVNP, this nocturnal large flying squirrel was not found during
the recent surveys.
Family:
Cricetidae J. Fischer, 1817
Subfamily:
Arvicolinae Gray, 1821: Arvicoline Rodents
Genus: NeodonLataste, 1887: Meadow Mice, Meadow Voles
86. Neodon
(Microtus) sikimensis sikimensis Hodgson, 1849: Sikkim Vole (Sharma
1990; Mukhopadhyay 1996, Singhal & Mukhopadhyay 1998; Biswas et al. 1999;
Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003)
Sikkim Vole is
found above 2,100m altitude in the forest floor, under the rocks, bushes, leaf
litter and outskirts of the rhododendron and coniferous forests, alpine meadow,
shrub-lands and grasslands. It lives in the hollows of trees. It is mainly diurnal. At the dusk, it
was sighted at Rechila chawk during the recent survey. However, it is rare in
NVNP.
Family: Muridae
Illiger, 1815: Old World Rats and Mice
Subfamily:
Murinae Illiger, 1811: Old World Rats and Mice
Genus: BandicotaGray, 1873: Bandicoot Rats
87. Bandicota
bengalensis bengalensis Gray and Hardwicke, 1833: Lesser Bandicoot Rat
(Wroughton, 1917b; Agrawal et al. 1992;
<http://zsienvis.nic.in/biodiversity_wb/Fauna/43.%20Mammal.doc>
downloaded on 20 October 2009).
It is the
dominant rodent species in the study area, mostly found in the vicinity of the
human settlements. N.A. Baptista collected one male and six females from
Kalimpong and five males and nine females from Nimbong. This nocturnal rat was sighted during
the recent surveys.
Genus: MusLinnaeus, 1758: Mouses
88a. Mus
musculus homourus Hodgson, 1845: House Mouse (Wroughton, 1917b; Agrawal
et al. 1992; <http://zsienvis.nic.in/biodiversity_wb/ Fauna/ 43.% 20 Mammal.doc> downloaded on 20 October 2009).
It is very
common in the study area and was collected mostly from the houses and
occasionally from the fields in the foothills. N.A. Baptista collected six
males and two females from Kalimpong, two males and one female from Nimbong, 12
males and 14 females from Pedong and one male and one female from Sangser. H.
Khajuria also collected one male and four females from Tarkhola in 1958. This nocturnal mouse was sighted during
the current survey in NVNP.
88b. Mus
musculus urbanus Hodgson, 1845: House Mouse (Wroughton, 1917b; Agrawal
et al. 1992; <http://zsienvis.nic.in/biodiversity_wb/Fauna/ 43.% 20 Mammal.doc> downloaded on 20 October 2009).
It is most
common in and around the human habitations in the foothills. N.A. Baptista collected three males and
three females from Kalimpong. It was sighted during the current surveys in
NVNP.
89. Mus
pahari pahari Thomas, 1916: Bush Rat or Gairdner’s Shrewmouse
(Wroughton 1917b; Sharma 1990; Mukhopadhyay 1996, Singhal & Mukhopadhyay
1998; Biswas et al. 1999; Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003)
This rat lives
in the montane shrubs. N.A. Baptista collected one female (juvenile) from
Pedong and one female from Sangser. It is a resident of NVNP. During the recent survey, this mouse was
occasionally sighted at Thosum and Rechila at dusk.
Genus: NiviventerJ.T. Marshall, 1976: White-bellied Rats
90. Niviventer
eha eha Wroughton, 1916: Smoke-bellied Rat (Sharma 1990).
This species
lives in the coniferous and rhododendron forests and bamboo shrubs at high
altitude. This nocturnal rat was not sighted during the current survey.
91. Niviventer
fulvescens fulvescens Gray, 1847: Himalayan Chestnut White-bellied Rat
(Wroughton, 1917b; Sharma 1990; Agrawal et al. 1992; <http://zsienvis.nic.in/biodiversity_wb/Fauna/43.%20Mammal.doc> downloaded on 20 October 2009).
This nocturnal
rat is found in the evergreen broadleaved forests, shrubs and rocks. N.A. Baptista collected two males and
one female from Nimbong and one male and two females from Pedong. It is said to be common in the study
area, but it was not sighted during the recent survey.
Genus: RattusFischer de Waldheim, 1803: Old World Rats
92. Rattus
nitidus nitidus Hodgson, 1845: Hodgson’s Grey-bellied or Himalayan Rat
(Blyth, 1863; Wroughton 1917b; Agrawal et al. 1992; <http://zsienvis.nic.in/biodiversity_wb/Fauna/43.%20Mammal.doc> downloaded on 20 October 2009)
It is common in
the foothills, particularly in the vicinity of houses and fields. N.A. Baptista collected one female from
Kalimpong, six males and one female from Nimbong, one male and one female from
Pedong and three males and three females from Sangser. This nocturnal rat was
not found during the recent survey.
93a. Rattus
rattus rufescens Gray, 1837: Gray Common Indian House Rat (Wroughton,
1917b)
It is a common
rat in the study area. N.A. Baptista collected 17 males, 14 females from
Kalimpong, 28 males, 31 females from Nimbong, 30 males, 21 females from Pedong
and 18 males, 14 females from Sangser. H. Khajuria also collected four sub-adult males from Tarkhola
(1958). This nocturnal rat was not
found during the recent surveys.
93b. Rattus
rattus brunneusculus Hodgson, 1845: House Rat (Hinton, 1919; Agrawal et
al. 1992; <http://zsienvis.nic.in/biodiversity_wb/Fauna/43.%20
Mammal.doc> downloaded on 20 October 2009).
The house rat
is quite common in the forests, fields, and residential complexes. N.A. Baptista collected two males and
one female from Kalimpong, two males and two females from Nimbong, one male
from Pedong, three males and one female from Sangser and H. Khajuria collected
four sub-adult males from Tarkhola in 1958. This nocturnal rat was not found during
the recent survey.
93c. Rattus
rattus (tanezumi) tistae Hinton, 1918: House rat (Agrawal et al. 1992;
<http://zsienvis.nic.in/biodiversity_wb/Fauna/43.%20Mammal.doc>
downloaded on 20 October 2009).
This species is
very common in the forests as well as houses. N.A. Baptista collected three
males and two females from Kalimpong, five males and one female from Nimbong,
two males and four females from Pedong and one male from Sangser. This nocturnal rat was not found during
the recent survey.
94. Rattus
sikkimensis Hinton, 1919 [R. andamanensis in Wilson & Reeder
(2005): Sikkim Rat (Ellerman 1961; Molur et al. 2005).
The Sikkim Rat
is a terrestral and arboreal animal and widespread across the Eastern Himalayas
region. It is found in cultivated fields and adjacent forests up to an altitude
of 2,000m. There were no previous
records of this species in the study area. Only Molur et al. (2005) recorded this species in Kalimpong. It was not found during the current
survey.
Genus: VandeleuriaGray, 1842: Long-tailed Climbing Mouse
95. Vandeleuria
oleracea dumeticola Hodgson, 1845: Indian Long-tailed or Hodgson’s
Tree-mouse (Wroughton 1917b; Ellerman 1947)
This
long-tailed tree mouse is found in the foothills. N.A. Baptista collected one male from
Kalimpong. This nocturnal mouse was
not found during the current survey.
Suborder:
Hystricognathi Tullberg, 1899: Hystricognath Rodents
Family:
Hystricidae Fischer, 1817: Old World Porcupines
Genus: HystrixLinnaeus, 1758: Old World Porcupines
96. Hystrix
brachyura hodgsoni Gray, 1847: Himalayan Crestless Porcupine (Saha et
al. 1992; Mukhopadhyay 1996, WWF-I Eastern Region 1997; Singhal &
Mukhopadhyay 1998; Singhal 1999; Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003; Chakraborty et
al. 2008a; Chakraborty et al. 2008b).
The Himalayan
Crestless Porcupine lives in various forest habitats and in the scrubby, open
areas close to forest. It forages
at night. Though earlier it was found in large numbers in the study area, it is
now rare. During recent survey,
this species was seen at Alubari area and its den or hole was observed near the
moist hill forest and its quills were also collected. The population was decimated due to
annual tribal hunting expeditions.
97. Hystrix
indica indica Kerr, 1792: Indian Crested Porcupine (WWF-I Eastern
Region 1997; Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003).
The crested
porcupine lives in the forests and open areas from the foothills to an
elevation of about 2,400m. It
prefers the rocky hillsides. This nocturnal
animal was not sighted and the indirect evidences were also not observed during
the recent survey.
Order:
Lagomorpha Brandt, 1855: Hares, Rabbits, Pikas
Family:
Ochotonidae Thomas, 1897: Pikas
Genus: OchotonaLink, 1795: Pikas
98. Ochotona
thibetana sikimaria Thomas, 1922: Moupin Pika (Khajuria & Ghose
1970; Agrawal et al. 1992; Chaudhuri & Sarkar 2003).
The crepuscular
Moupin Pika occurs in the bamboo and rhododendron forests at higher altitudes.
It is reported from Lachung (2,622m) and Lachne (2,865m) in North Sikkim (Ghose
1990) as well as Sandakphu, Darjeeling hills (Khajuria & Ghose 1970). But there were no previous records of
this species in the study area. Sighting of this species on the northern slope of the Neora top was reported
by a birding team. The Moupin Pika was observed near its burrow during the
morning hours. It has become
endangered due to the destruction of the habitat, particularly rhododendron
vegetation (Smith & Boyer 2008).
Family:
Leporidae Fischer, 1817: Hares and Rabbits
Genus: LepusLinnaeus, 1758: Common Hares or Jackrabbits
99. Lepus
nigricollis ruficaudatus I. Geoffroy, 1826: Indian Rufous-tailed or
Black-naped Hare (Biswas & Ghose 1982; WWF-I Eastern Region 1997; Chaudhuri
& Sarkar 2003; Chakraborty et al. 2008b).
This species is
found at elevations up to 2,400m. Its preferred habitat is the depressions at
the base of hills. It is a fairly common species in the study area. It was
earlier recorded from Samsing and Tarkhola. Sighting of this diurnal hare was
recorded during the current survey in NVNP. Its population is decimated due to
annual tribal hunting expeditions.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
In comparison
to N.A. Baptista’s records of 29 mammalian species (22 genera) in Kalimpong
hills, 99 mammalian species (see Table 1) with 93 subspecies under 10 orders,
26 families and 68 genera have been registered in the study area during the
recent survey on the basis of direct sighting (31 species or 31.31%), specimen
collected earlier (25 species or 25.25%), indirect evidences observed (7
species or 7.08%) and secondary literature (36 species or 36.36%). Two cervids (spotted and swamp deer) are
already locally exterminated. So,
out of 97 extant species, 71 species are recorded in KFD and 65 species are reported
from NVNP. Carnivora is the most
diverse order (32.32%), followed by Rodentia (24.24%), Chiroptera (23.23%),
Artiodactyla (9.10%), Eulpotyphla (4.04%), Primates (3.03%), Pholidota (2.02%),
Scandentia (1.01%) and Proboscidea (1.01%). In fact, the rodents and chiropterans
are mostly registered in KFD because these smaller mammals are very difficult
to find out or trap in the inhospitable terrain and dense vegetation of NVNP.
The global
conservation status of the registered species, as per IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species 2008, is—Endangered: 5 (5.05%); Vulnerable: 11
(11.11%); Lower Risk-Near Threatened: 13 (13.13%); Lower Risk-Least Concern: 63
(63.64%); Data Deficient: 2 (2.02%) and Not Evaluated: 5 (5.05%). The national status of these species
according to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is- Schedule I: 21 (21.21%);
Schedule II: 29 (29.30%); Schedule III: 6 (6.06%); Schedule IV: 2 (2.02%);
Schedule V: 14 (14.14%) and not scheduled: 27 (27.27%). The nationally threatened species
recorded in the study area are Ailurus fulgens, Amblonyx cinereus, Bos
gaurus, Canis aureus, Canis indica, Capricornis sumatraensis, Catopuma
temminckii, Cuon alpinus, Elephas maximus, Lutra lutra monticola, Lutrogale
perspicillata, Martes flavigula, Melursus ursinus, Naemorhedus goral, Neofelis
nebulosa, Panthera pardus, Panthera tigris, Pardofelis
marmorata, Soriculus nigrescens, Ursus thebetanus and Vulpes vulpes
montana. All these twentyone
threatened species are recorded in NVNP, whereas 15 of them are registered in
KFD.
Of all the
sites covered in the study area, Jaributi Valley (the richest natural
repository of medicinal plants) and Alubari (earlier potatoes were cultivated
here but after declaration of NP this forest village was shifted to the fringe
area and the area was resuscitated through habitat improvement works) appeared
to be most ideal places for viewing the wildlife movements in NVNP.
Some
anthropogenic threats also pervade the study area. For example, the population of
Darjeeling District was only 1,900 in the year 1850 and 2,200 in 1869, which
scaled up to 16,05,900 in 2001, the share of hill population being over 8.5 lakhs. The large-scale emigration for the
mushrooming tea industry, terrace cultivation and political reasons contributed
to this rapid growth. Much of the
natural forests, except those on the difficult terrains, were converted for
settlement and commercial use, leading to soil erosion, landslides and loss of
wildlife habitat and habitants. Decline in forest cover was observed in the Chel and Jaldhaka catchments
of KFD. Infrastructural development works have recently been started in the
pristine NVNP for expansion of eco-tourism. Threats are often
caused by illegal cattle grazing, felling of timber, collection of fuelwood,
fodder and Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP), retaliatory killings, the
annual tribal hunting and poaching in the fragmented forests of KFD. As human habitations in and around NVNP
are comparatively less in number combined with the physical constraints like
inaccessibility and difficult terrain, biotic pressures are, however, not very
acute in this area. This
anthropogenic syndrome in KFD must be curbed for sustenance of the variegated
wild denizens and restoration of the biodiversity values.
There is
further scope for research on the site-specific occurrence of the mammalian
species in the study area with special emphasis on the smaller species like the
chiropterans and rodents, preferably in the context of the known diversity in
contiguous forests of the Eastern Himalaya in West Bengal, Sikkim,
north-eastern states in India, Bhutan and Nepal.
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