v7i1.151

ISSN: 1800-427X (print)
eISSN: 1800-427X (online)
DOI:10.47605/tapro.v7i1.151

Submitted date: 12 May 2014
Accepted date: 30 November 2014
Published date: 19 January 2015
Pp. 20–28, Pl. 12–14.

SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT CORRELATES OF NILGIRI WOOD-PIGEON (Columba elphinstonii) IN NORTH WESTERN GHATS, INDIA

Pankaj Koparde, Monali Mhaskar, Prachi Mhaske & Ankur Patwardhan
*Corresponding author. E-mail: pankajkoparde@gmail.com

Abstract
Nilgiri wood-pigeon (Columba elphinstonii) was surveyed in two forest types (open and closed) for spatial distribution and habitat correlates using belt transects across 94 localities in Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, India, during 2011–2013. Only closed forested localities showed presence of the species with maximum number of individuals sighted in evergreen forests. Poisson multiple regression analysis was conducted on species abundance data from 18 sites and seven variables. The species was found to be associated with high canopy cover and evergreen forests. Suitable habitat of the species was predicted using MaxEnt model. MaxEnt model showed high degree of suitable habitat in west Chandoli National Park and the corridor area of the tiger reserve. This paper provides fine scale distribution data and habitat correlates and discusses potential threats to the species in north Western Ghats and stresses the immediate need for conservation action in this area.

Key words : avifauna, biogeography, conservation, distribution, ecology, endemic, habitat, threatened

Section Editor: Varadharajan Gokula