A study by the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) shows that central India’s changing land use and infrastructure development are harming genetic connectivity among gaur and sambar populations.

Key Findings and Implications

• Role of Herbivores:
  • Vital Contribution: Herbivores such as gaur and sambar are crucial for ecosystem maintenance through vegetation management, seed dispersal, and as prey for carnivores.
  • Genetic Connectivity: Compared to carnivores, genetic connectivity among herbivores has been understudied, creating uncertainty about the impacts of habitat changes on their populations.
  • Implications: Disrupted genetic connectivity may result in inbreeding, diminished genetic diversity, and reduced resilience to diseases and environmental shifts.

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• Threats to Connectivity:
  • Infrastructure Impact: Highways, railways, and other linear infrastructures act as barriers that fragment habitats and isolate animal populations.
  • Agricultural Expansion: Expansion of agricultural land, urbanization, and mining activities contribute to increased habitat fragmentation.
  • Genetic Exchange Challenges: Fragmented populations encounter obstacles in mating and genetic exchange, heightening the risk of local extinctions.
• Research Methodology:
  • Collection Process: Fecal samples from gaur and sambar were gathered across multiple reserves and corridors in central India.
  • Technique Used: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods were utilized to analyze genetic material and identify population fragmentation.
  • Population Structure: Herbivore populations are fragmented into distinct genetic clusters, highlighting significant movement and gene flow barriers.
• Ecosystem Health:
  • Genetic Connectivity: Essential for maintaining robust, adaptable populations capable of responding to environmental changes.
  • Impact on Vegetation: As primary consumers, herbivores shape vegetation structure and composition, influencing the entire food web.
  • Cascading Effects: Disruption in herbivore populations can cascade through ecosystem functions and biodiversity, affecting overall ecological health
• Conservation Efforts:
  • Wildlife Connectivity: Implementing wildlife corridors, overpasses, and underpasses to aid animal movement across fragmented landscapes.

• • Sanctuary Management: Enhancing the management and protection of small sanctuaries such as Umred Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary is vital.
  • Integrating Conservation: Conservation policies should integrate genetic connectivity considerations alongside economic development plans.

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