A study on census of large herbivorous mammals during dry season in Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, southern India

A census was carried out during January-April, 1988 in Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary to determine the density and number of large mammals during the dry season.Walking and vehicle transects were used in four different habitat types in the study area.The total number of animals sighted were recorded and density was calculated.The Spotted Deer density was very low in riverine forests.Sambar Deer were distributed in all habitats.Elephants were common in swampy areas and were not sighted in scrub jungle.The density of Gaurs was quite low.The Spotted Deer density was higher along the roadside than the dry deciduous forest whereas, Sambar Deer and Elephants were found more inside the forest.These results also show the habitat utilisation of these animals.Accuracy in the estimation of the density of all the animals is very difficult.Therefore it is best to use a combination of walking transects inside the forest and road transects.Since the number of animals also varies according to seasons it would be appropriate to divide the study area by habitat type before the census.