NEWS – A groundbreaking study by the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) has revealed the adverse impact of changing land use patterns and infrastructure development on the genetic connectivity of gaur and sambar populations in central India.

KEY FINDINGS AND IMPLICATIONS:

1. Impact on Herbivores:
   • Crucial Role: Herbivores like gaur and sambar are essential for ecosystem maintenance due to their role in vegetation management, seed dispersal, and as prey for carnivores.
   • Genetic Connectivity: Unlike carnivores, the genetic connectivity of herbivores is less studied, leaving a gap in understanding how habitat changes affect their populations.
   • Implications: Disruption in genetic connectivity can lead to inbreeding, reduced genetic diversity, and decreased resilience to diseases and environmental changes.
2. Threats to Connectivity:
   • Infrastructure Development: Highways, railways, and other linear infrastructures create barriers that fragment habitats, isolating animal populations.
   • Land Use Changes: Expansion of agricultural land, urbanization, and mining activities further exacerbate habitat fragmentation.
   • Implications: Fragmented populations face difficulties in mating and genetic exchange, increasing the risk of local extinctions.
3. Research Methodology:
   • Sample Collection: The research team collected faecal samples from gaur and sambar across various reserves and corridors in central India.
   • Genetic Analysis: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques were employed to analyze the genetic material, revealing the fragmentation of populations.
   • Findings: The herbivore populations are not a single contiguous group but are divided into distinct genetic clusters, indicating significant barriers to movement and gene flow.
4. Ecosystem Health:
   • Connectivity and Stability: Genetic connectivity is vital for maintaining healthy, resilient populations that can adapt to environmental changes and pressures.
   • Herbivore Role: As primary consumers, herbivores impact vegetation structure and composition, influencing the entire food web.
   • Implications: Disruption in herbivore populations can lead to cascading effects on ecosystem functions and biodiversity.
5. Conservation Efforts:
   • Targeted Strategies: The study calls for interventions such as wildlife corridors, overpasses, and underpasses to facilitate animal movement across fragmented landscapes.
   • Protected Areas: Strengthening the management and protection of small sanctuaries like Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary is crucial.
   • Policy Implications: Conservation policies should integrate considerations for maintaining genetic connectivity alongside economic development plans.