Research

Life Sciences & Biotechnology

Title :	An integrated approach for conservation of Takin (Budorcas taxicolor) in North East India: Linking species ecology and traditional ecological knowledge
Area of research :	Life Sciences & Biotechnology
Focus area :	Biodiversity conservation including issues of Alien and invasive species and Human-wildlife interface
Principal Investigator :	Dr Gopi G.V, Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun
Timeline Start Year :	2019
Timeline End Year :	2022
Contact info :	gopigv@wii.gov.in; gopigv@gmail.com; KSivakumar@wii.gov.in

Details

Executive Summary :	Takin, also called Cattle Chamois or Gnu Goat, is a goat-antelope found in the eastern Himalayas. The four subspecies are: B. t. taxicolor, the Mishmi Takin; B. t. bedfordi, the Shaanxi Takin or Golden Takin: B. t. tibetana, the Tibetan or Sichuan Takin; and B. t. whitei, the Bhutan Takin. It was stated that the conservation of Takin (Budorcas taxicolor) is extremely vital as only one Genus exists in the country today and in this region. Takin is a natural prey for tigers in the region which follow the Takin in the regions where they are distributed. Only two studies and that too of a very limited duration have been carried out in Arunachal Pradesh. The project is for a period of 3 years. The geographical location of the project is Anini, Dibang Valley in the State of Arunachal Pradesh only. The present study proposes to expand current understanding of this species covering various aspects of natural history observations, distribution patterns, and movement patterns and assess the conservation status of this rare and unique bovid. Takin as per Global/National Conservation status: CITES: Appendix 11: TUCN: VU; IWPA: Schedule-1 fauna. It is a Desk-cum-Field Study. To assess the distribution, quality and connectivity of habitats for Takins in the State of Arunachal Pradesh Here an ensemble species distribution modelling approach will be used to relate the occurrence records of Talan to environmental conditions in order to predict its current distributions. Factors such as land-use/land cover, vegetation index, topography, bio-climatic variables, human disturbance variables, etc. will be matched with occurrence data to predict the current distribution of Takin in India. Desk Study: Much of the work pertaining to species distribution modelling will be carried out at WII. The study involves Reconnaissance and rapport building with local communities and stakeholders. Local assistants will be identified and trained on research methods for the survey. Survey of Takin in Mishmi hills landscape to assess their status and distribution pattern and relative abundance. The State Forest Department has not done any study on Mishmi Takin. The following activities are proposed: i) Five Takins will be satellite collared to understand the local and transboundary movement patterns of Takins; ii) Threat Assessment: Quantification of threats in the field would be documented during the survey phase, iii) Informal chats will be held with local people to understand the dynamics of the hunting threats to Takin.; iv) Predictive modelling for deciphering current distribution range and preparation of Conservation Plan. Baseline data on Takin has already been available in the study done in 1930 by George Bailey and the present study includes the same route studied earlier. Permission and recommendation letter from PCCF, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, WI& BD), Itanagar has been obtained vide letter no. CWLG/173/2018-19/PL-VII/570-72 Dated 4 July 2019. Objective: i. Assessment of distribution and status of Takin in Arunachal Pradesh. ii. To Understand the local and transboundary movement pattern of Takin in the landscape. iii. To Identify threats including evaluation of traditional ecological knowledge (human dependence and use) on Takins. iv. To Develop a Conservation Action Plan for Takin in Arunachal Pradesh.
Co-PI:	Dr K. Sivakumar, Scientist, Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun
Total Budget (INR):	68,23,960
Outcome/Output:	Output: Results of this study are expected to lead to the identification of key areas which form conservation sites for Takin. This survey is the first step toward establishing a long-term research and conservation program on Takin in Arunachal Pradesh. Outcome: Generating knowledge of the ecology of Takins and identification of critical habitats/areas of the Takin population in Arunachal Pradesh. Conservation Plan for Takins in Arunachal Pradesh.