On factors governing the distribution of wild mammals in Karnataka

Abstract

The forests of Katnataka are largely restricted to hill regions, and depending on the precipitation the forest types range from the evergreen to scrub vegetation. An analysis of food resources available in the various vegetation types shows that the evergreen forests are particularly suited to frugivorous arboreal primates and squirrels, while the deciduous forests offer the best habitat for larger glazing herbivores like the gaur and the deer Drought resistant ungulates, particularly antelopes are specially adapted to the open dry scrub. The wild life bearing forests areas of Kainataka are divided into six regions, namely North Kanara, Crestline, Malnad, Mysore Plateau, Kollegal Hills and Maidan. Occunence ratings for the major: wild mammals over 86 forest ranges of these six regions have been determined on the basis of field studies. An analysis of this data shows that wild life can be considered abundant only on the Mysore Plateau with Malnad. Koliegal Hills, North Kanara, Crestline and Maidan showing a progressive decline in that order. This decline seems highly correlated with the fragmentation of the habitat; hence it is critical to maintain the integrity of the remaining wild life habitats.