Population Density and Conservation Status of Indian Gaur (Bos gaurus gaurus) in Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, Tripura, Northeast India

Indian gaur or Indian bison (Bos gaurus gaurus) is a wild bovid. It is categorized as vulnerable in the IUCN Red list of threatened species, 2009 and listed in schedule-1 of Indian wildlife (protection) act, 1972. The present population density and conservation status of gaur in Tripura was studied. Trishna wildlife sanctuary, popularly known as “Eden of Bison”, is situated in the South Tripura district. It is home to five primate species, namely, Spectacled langur (Trachypithecus phayrie), Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta), Pig-tailed macaque (Macaca nemtsetrina) Capped langur (Trachypithecus pileatus) and Hoolock gibbon (Hylobates hoolock). Physical characters and feeding behaviour of gaur are recorded. Direct counting of stratified block count method was followed to assess the population strength of gaur. The whole sanctuary was stratified into three habitats, in situ., dense forest, degraded forest and bushy forest. Counts of sample blocks of the three strata were recorded and total population of the sanctuary was found to be 255±139. Stratum-wise population density was calculated to be 0.99, 1.67 and 1.88 for dense forest, degraded forest and bushy forest respectively. Many conservation measures are taken up by the Forest department to protect this species and its habitat. However, some anthropogenic threats and adverse effects of global warming on gaur are recorded. Further measures are recommended to conserve Indian gaur and its habitat for the benefit of future generations.

Keywords: Bison, conservation strategies, hunting, Indian gaur, indigenous knowledge, poaching, population density, vulnerable, wild life sanctuary.