Ecology of Grizzled Giant Squirrel R. macroura in Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka, Southern India.

Abstract

Grizzled Giant squirrel is an endangered species. In India, its mainly confined to the Eastern and Western Ghats in peninsular region. Cauvery wildlife sanctuary is known to hold the northernmost population of this animal. However, proper status and distribution of this mammal were not accessed for this sanctuary. A grid-based field survey for their distribution and population status was carried out in riparian forest of this Wildlife Sanctuary. A total of 43 individuals of GGSs and 255 dreys were recorded as direct sighting during the survey. Further, in each grid cell, the independent variables like stand structure and resource availability were assessed using vegetation sampling. Occupancy modeling was done software PRESENCE ver. 2.12.10. Basal area (BA) was seen as playing a very important role in the occupancy and influencing it positively. Four different habitats in the same study area were chosen for recording activity pattern and home range. A total of 10 days data for each habitat (Nov.'17- Jan.'18) was collected and analyzed separately. Later time-activity budget was prepared. This study will help in further planning any developmental projects in the area.