Muzaffar Ahmad Wani, Sanjay Telang, Saheel Ahmad Bhat and Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh

Department of Zoology, Govt. Science and Commerce College, Benazir, Bhopal (India)

ABSTRACT

The sambar (Rusa unicolor niger) is the largest and most widely distributed deer in India. Between July 2010 and June 2011, habitat utilization of sambar was studied in VanVihar National Park, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.Sambar utilized different habitats in different seasons. Grassland and savanna habitats were overutilized in monsoon and post-monsoon where as wetland and woodland habitats were underutilized. In winter season, scrubland and grassland habitats were overutilized where as wetland habitats were underutilized. In summer season, woodland and scrubland habitats were overutilized where as grassland, wetland and savanna habitats were underutilized by sambar.

Key words : Sambar, VanVihar National Park, habitat, ungulate,transect line, range finder.

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