- Genetic diversity and population structure
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Genetic and phenotypic traits in livestock
- Bat Biology and Ecology Studies
- Molecular Biology Techniques and Applications
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies
- Iron Metabolism and Disorders
- Silkworms and Sericulture Research
- Environmental DNA in Biodiversity Studies
- Yersinia bacterium, plague, ectoparasites research
- Neonatal Health and Biochemistry
- Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies
- Human-Animal Interaction Studies
- Wildlife-Road Interactions and Conservation
- Avian ecology and behavior
- Hemoglobinopathies and Related Disorders
- Turtle Biology and Conservation
- Bird parasitology and diseases
- Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Rangeland Management and Livestock Ecology
- Livestock and Poultry Management
- Animal Diversity and Health Studies
- Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies
Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology
2013-2024
Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research
2019
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
2017
University College London
1995
Background Majority of the tiger habitat in Indian subcontinent lies within high human density landscapes and is highly sensitive to surrounding pressures. These forests are unable sustain healthy populations a tiger-hostile matrix, despite considerable conservation efforts. Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR) Northwest India one such isolated forest which rapidly losing its links with other territories Central landscape. Non-invasive genetic sampling for individual identification potent...
Tiger populations are dwindling rapidly making it increasingly difficult to study their dispersal and mating behaviour in the wild, more so tiger being a secretive solitary carnivore.We used non-invasively obtained genetic data establish presence of 28 tigers, 22 females 6 males, within core area Pench reserve, Madhya Pradesh. This was evaluated along with spatial autocorrelation relatedness analyses understand patterns philopatry tigers this well-managed healthy habitat India.We established...
Abstract Aim Effective conservation of the endangered tiger depends upon reliable knowledge factors driving genetic differentiation and population connectivity. Connectivity models frequently use resistance surfaces not optimized with actual movement or data which limits reliability. Our aim is to empirical on diversity populations optimize landscape gene flow identify that predict local abundance across Central India. Location The study area covers 697,000 km 2 Madhya Pradesh parts...
As ecological data and associated analyses become more widely available, synthesizing results for effective communication with stakeholders is essential. In the case of wildlife corridors, managers in human-dominated landscapes need to identify both locations corridors multiple oversight. We synthesized 5 independent studies tiger (Panthera tigris) connectivity central India, a global priority landscape conservation, quantify agreement on permeability movement potential pathways. used latter...
Significance Small and isolated populations have low genetic variation due to founding bottlenecks drift. Few empirical studies demonstrate visible phenotypic change associated with drift using data in endangered species. We used genomic analyses of a captive tiger pedigree identify the basis for rare trait, pseudomelanism, tigers. Genome sequencing extensive genotyping noninvasive samples across range revealed unique spatial presence this allele Similipal Tiger Reserve, India. Population...
Background Non-invasively collected samples allow a variety of genetic studies on endangered and elusive species. However due to low amplification success high genotyping error rates fewer can be identified up the individual level. Number PCRs needed obtain reliable genotypes also noticeably increase. Methods We developed quantitative PCR assay measure grade amplifiable nuclear DNA in feline faecal extracts. determined degradation experimentally aged tested suite pre-PCR protocols...
Abstract Difficult terrain and inclement weather limit our knowledge of large predators, such as the tiger Panthera tigris , in Himalayas. A lack empirical data on carnivores can lead to mismanagement protected areas population declines. We used non-invasive genetic remote sensing inform management high-altitude areas. a focal species investigate prey preference habitat suitability India's Buxa Tiger Reserve, which encompasses several eco-geographical regions Himalayan subtropical zones....
Abstract Integrated landscape management of key population areas along with the corridors linking them is important for tiger conservation in Indian subcontinent. Relationships between gene flow and patterns, however, cannot be generalized given that different limiting factors influence movement spatial contexts . Here, we study features affecting Western Ghats, examine how why differ Central India Ghats. We also assess whether these have been altered by land use changes last five decades....
Abstract: We have studied the prevalence and molecular nature of hereditary anaemias (abnormal haemoglobins, β‐thalassaemia, α‐thalassaemia, Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency) in a primitive central Indian tribe, Baiga. 43% population appear to be iron‐deficient. Hereditary anaemia gene frequencies are, sickle cell 0.0824, G6PD deficiency (in males) 0.0457, β‐thalassaemia 0.0057, deletional α‐plus thalassaemia 0.65. Both – α 3.7 –α 4.2 deletions were observed non‐deletional...
Red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is threatened across its range by detrimental human activities and rapid habitat changes necessitating captive breeding programs in various zoos globally to save this flagship species from extinction. One of the ultimate aims ex situ conservation reintroduction endangered animals into their natural habitats while maintaining 90 % founder genetic diversity. Advances molecular genetics microsatellite genotyping techniques make it possible accurately estimate...
The Asian elephant is mostly confined to mountainous ranges and therefore risks population fragmentation if hard protected area (PA) boundaries near steep slopes prevent movement. We tested whether gene flow (i) controlled by slope (ii) affected the interplay between barriers slope. used 176 unique genotypes obtained non-invasively from fresh dung assess individual-by-individual genetic distance across Western Ghats of India, a biodiversity hotspot. To landscape distance, 36 resistance...
Abstract Translocations of large carnivores like tiger to restore extirpated populations are increasingly becoming important conservation tools in the face persistent anthropogenic pressures and relentless habitat loss. Reintroduction success Panna Tiger Reserve, India was variously attributed high genetic diversity, less disturbance stress, efficient execution technological integrations. Here, we establish parentage relationships explore potential mate choice appropriate adult sex ratio...
Abstract The hangul Cervus hanglu , a Critically Endangered mountain ungulate of Jammu and Kashmir, India, faces the imminent threat population loss extinction. Effective management its largest viable in Dachigam National Park Kashmir Himalaya requires reliable demographic information. Using 14 microsatellite markers we identified 293 individuals (208 females 85 males) through faecal analysis, generated data on genetic status size winter habitat. mean expected observed heterozygosities 0.62...
Abstract Bengal tiger ( Panthera tigris ), one of six extant subspecies, occurs solely in the Indian subcontinent. Although endangered and threatened by various extinction risks, this is most populous subspecies with highest genetic diversity strongest chance survival wild. Availability high quality genomic information on animal will help us understand its ability to adapt different habitats environmental changes, addition comparative studies other subspecies. Here we report coverage...
The One Plan Approach advocates for a hybrid species management framework, wherein captive-bred populations are considered metapopulations nested within broader network of zoos and wild Additionally, the Opportunities to Thrive framework aims enhance animal welfare by addressing physiological, psychological, emotional needs captive individuals, thereby improving conservation outcomes. Here, we present an integrated globally threatened wetland cat species, fishing cat, synthesizing optimal ex...
Tropical forests are biologically the richest ecosystems on Earth (Gibson et al. 2011; Laurance 2012) and harbour a huge variety of planet’s terrestrial biodiversity (Terborgh 1992) incl...