Status of mammals with special reference to population estimation of Nilgai Boselaphus tragocamelus and suggest mitigation measures to prevent crop damage in and around Surajpur reserve forest, Uttar Pradesh, India

The present study was carried out to assess the mammalian diversity with special reference to population estimation of Nilgai and to discuss the issue of Nilgai crop raiding from March 2010 to February 2013 by applying standard survey techniques. During the study period, a total of 13 species of mammals Funambulus pennantii, Bandicota benghalensis, Bandicota indica, Tatera indica, Lepus nigricollis, Suncus murinus, Pteropus giganteus, Rousettus leschenaultia, Felis chaus, Herpestes edwardsii, Canis aureus, Sus scrofa and Boselaphus tragocamelus belonging to 10 families and 6 orders were recorded, which included 3 species as abundant, 4 common and 6 were uncommon species. The sex composition of Nilgai includes adult female the maximum population (37%; density 7.55 individuals/km2) and highest Nilgai density recorded for May (33.42 individuals/km2). Various management interventions have been suggested to tackle the problem of Nilgai crop damage in 15 adjacent villages. The conservation measures have been suggested in the light of results.