DENSITY ESTIMATION IN

ANIMALS
UNIVERSITY- WEST BENGAL STATE UNIVERSITY

COURSE- ZOOLOGY (6TH SEMESTER)

PAPER CODE- ZOOADSE06P

 To whom it may concern

This is to certify that Aratrick Chakraborty of Semester-VI Zoology

Honours (under CBCS system) student of Department of Zoology,
Brahmananda Keshab Chandra College for the year 2023 has been
rendering this project entitled “Density estimation of Animals” as a part
of their curriculum.

The following two surveys entitled “Density estimation of

mammalian fauna of Gorumara National Park by belt transect method”
and “ Density estimation of avian fauna of Purbasthali Bird Sanctuary by
fixed radius point count method” were conducted under my supervision
and guidance.

I am very much pleased to forward this project work for their final
practical examination and wish him/her every success in life.

Dated: (Dr. Santanu Debnath)

Email: [email protected]
 DENSITY ESTIMATION OF ANIMALS BY TRANSECT
SAMPLING TECHNIQUES

PRINCIPLE:
Among varieties of census techniques used for sampling animal
populations, depending on the species, habitat and terrain type, Line Transect
Technique is the most widely used in terrestrial ecology. This method is
effectively used for estimating the abundance of wildlife populations. It is not
only practical and efficient but is relatively inexpensive and is applicable for
round the year monitoring.

The method is based on the principle of moving along a predetermined

route and to record the objects on or near the line at regular interval.

METHODOLOGY:
i. Each individual transect is considered as one sampling unit or one
sampling size.
ii. Transect width is determined on each side of the line depending on
the habitat type.
iii. Ditches/embankments would not be included as part of the
sampling unit.
iv. Perpendicular distance (90º to the transect line) from the transect
line to the animal first sighted should be properly determined.
v. In absolutely open forest or during dry seasons (in any deciduous
forests) fixed width transects are more applicable.
vi. In vehicle based transects “optimum strip-width” (open width
transect) method is usually done. This method has been further
modified by “Kelkar Belt Transect Method” and is used as the
basis of actual sighting distances. The frequencies of sighting
distances recorded are then plotted in histogram in 5m classes. The
point where class levels begin to “drop of” indicates the optimum
strip width. Sighting made beyond this distance are rejected.
vii. The Point Transect/Point Count method basically applied to the
avian species in open areas or forest ecosystems. It involves walking
to, and usually marking, a particular spot, and then recording all
bird contacts within a pre-determined range (usually 50m, 100m
etc.) for a pre-determined period before moving on to the next point.

A. DENSITY ESTIMATION OF MAMMALIAN FAUNA OF

GORUMARA NATIONAL PARK BY BELT TRANSECT METHOD
 Introduction
This is similar to the line transect method but gives information on
abundance as well as presence, or absence of species. It may be considered
as a widening of the line transects to form a continuous belt, or series
of quadrats.

Here Continuous Belt Transect method is taken into consideration

where frame quadrats are placed end-to-end along the line. In this method,
the transect line is laid out across the area to be surveyed and a quadrat is
placed on the first marked point on the line. The animals inside the quadrat
are then identified and their abundance estimated. Animals can be counted
(if they will sit still!), or collected, while it is usual to estimate the percentage
cover of plant species. Cover is the area of the quadrat occupied by the above-
ground parts of a species when viewed from above.

Study area
Gorumara National Park, West Bengal. [26.7564° N, 88.7975° E]

Brief History: It is a National Park in northern West Bengal, India. Located in

the Dooars region of the Himalayan foothills, it is a medium-sized park
with grasslands and forests. Gorumara National Park was established in
1992. It is primarily known for its population of Indian rhinoceros. The park
has been declared as the best among the protected areas in India by
the Ministry of Environment and Forests for the year 2009. The park is
79.99 km2 (30.88 sq mi) in area.

This region has rolling forests and riverine grasslands, and is known as
the Dooars in West Bengal. The park is located on the flood plains of the Murti
River and Raidak River. The park is very close to Jaldapara National
Park and Chapramari Wildlife Reserve.

Climate: The temperature ranges from 10 to 21 °C (50 to 70 °F) from November

to February, 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F) from March to April and 27 to 37 °C (81
to 99 °F) from May to October. Rainfall mostly occurs between mid-May to
mid-October and average annual rainfall is 382 cm (150 in).
 Materials required

 Binocular (Olimpus 10×50 mm DPS I)

 DSLR camera with Telephoto lens (Nikon D7000 with Nikkor 200-500
mm VR lens)
 Compass
 Measuring tape
 Range finder (Gogogo Laser Rangefinder 1200 Yards 6X Magnification)
 Topographic map of survey area
 Notebook, Clipboard, pencil and eraser
 Indian Mammals. Vivek Menon.2014. Hachette Book Publishing India
Pvt. Limited. ISBN 978-9350097601 (for identification)

Binoculars DSLR Camera

Range finder Compass

 Data Collection

i. A total distance of 10 km was surveyed using safari jeep hired from

Gorumara NP forest beat office. Survey was conducted twice a day
with duration of 2 hrs (Morning: from 6 am – 8 am & Afternoon: 3
pm – 5 pm).
ii. Sighting distance (60m) of each belt plot on either side was measured
with the help of the range finder of the camera.
iii. All mammalian species were recorded in a series of bands on both
side (as shown in the figure 2) of the transect line with a segment
length of 1 km each.
iv. Care was taken during the survey to avoid recounting.
v. All mammalian species beyond the distance of 60m were discarded.
vi. Survey was conducted for 3 consecutive days (i.e, Dates) and mean
values were taken into consideration.

Result

Table 1: Observed mammalian fauna of Gorumara NP during study period

Sl. Common name Scientific name Species IUCN status

No. Code

1 Chital Axis axis CT Least Concern

2 Asian Elephant Elephas maximus AE Endangered

3 Indian Rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis IR Vulnerable

4 Gaur Bos gaurus GR Vulnerable

5 Sambar Rusa unicolor SB Vulnerable

6 Wild Boar Sus scrofa WB Least Concern

7 Barking Deer Muntiacus muntjak BD Vulnerable

8 Rhesus Monkey Macaca mulatta RM Least Concern

9 Malayan Giant Squirrel Ratufa bicolor MGS Near Threatened

10 Jungle cat Felis chaus JC Least Concern

11 Indian Grey Mongoose Urva edwardsii IGM Least Concern

Table 2: Data sheet for Belt transect in Gorumara NP

Days Species Time Total

Sighted 6 am – 8 am 3 pm - 5 pm
Day 1 CT 12 9 21
AE 2 - 2
IR - - 0
GR - - 0
SB 2 - 2
WB - 3 3
BD - - 0
RM 34 19 53
MGS 1 - 1
JC - 2 2
IGM - 4 4

Day 2 CT 15 7 22
AE - 3 3
IR 2 - 2
GR - 3 3
SB - - 0
WB - 1 1
 BD 1 - 1
RM 20 12 32
MGS 2 - 2
JC - - 0
IGM 2 - 2

Day 3 CT 4 13 17
AE - - 0
IR 1 - 1
GR 3 2 5
SB 1 - 1
WB 4 - 4
BD - - 0
RM 21 5 26
MGS - - 0
JC - - 0
IGM - 2 2

TOTAL 212
 Rhesus Monkey

Malayan Giant Squirrel Indian Rhinoceros

Asiatic Elephant

Indian Bison (Gaur)

 Data Analysis & Calculations

Total CT observed = (Day 1 + Day 2 + Day 3) = (21+22+17) = 60

Total AE observed = (Day 1 + Day 2 + Day 3) = (2+3+0) = 05

Total IR observed = (Day 1 + Day 2 + Day 3) = (0+2+1) = 03

Total GR observed = (Day 1 + Day 2 + Day 3) = (0+3+5) = 08

Total SB observed = (Day 1 + Day 2 + Day 3) = (2+0+1) = 03

Total WB observed = (Day 1 + Day 2 + Day 3) = (3+1+4) = 08

Total BD observed = (Day 1 + Day 2 + Day 3) = (0+1+0) = 01

Total RM observed = (Day 1 + Day 2 + Day 3) = (53+32+26) = 111

Total MGS observed = (Day 1 + Day 2 + Day 3) = (1+2+0) = 03

Total JC observed = (Day 1 + Day 2 + Day 3) = (2+0+0) = 02

Total IGM observed = (Day 1 + Day 2 + Day 3) = (4+2+2) = 08

60

50
Observed Frequency

40

Day 1
30
Day 2

20 Day 3

10

0
CT AE IR GR SB WB BD RM MGS JC IGM
Mammalian Species

Figure 3: Observed frequency of different mammalian species during study

period.
Mean value of CT = (Day 1 + Day 2 + Day 3)/3 = 60/3 = 20

Mean value of AE = (Day 1 + Day 2 + Day 3)/3 = 05/3 = 1.67 ≅ 02

Mean value of IR = (Day 1 + Day 2 + Day 3)/3 = 03/3 = 01

Mean value of GR = (Day 1 + Day 2 + Day 3)/3 = 08/3 = 2.67 ≅ 03

Mean value of SB = (Day 1 + Day 2 + Day 3)/3 = 03/3 = 01

Mean value of WB = (Day 1 + Day 2 + Day 3)/3 = 08/3 = 2.67 ≅ 03

Mean value of BD = (Day 1 + Day 2 + Day 3)/3 = 01/3 = 0.33 ≅ 01

Mean value of RM = (Day 1 + Day 2 + Day 3)/3 = 111/3 = 37

Mean value of MGS = (Day 1 + Day 2 + Day 3)/3 = 03/3 = 01

Mean value of JC = (Day 1 + Day 2 + Day 3)/3 = 02/3 = 0.67 ≅ 01

Mean value of IGM = (Day 1 + Day 2 + Day 3)/3 = 08/3 = 2.67 ≅ 03

Length of the Transect = 10 km / 10000 m

Width of the Transect = 60 m

Hence, the Total area of the Transect = (60×10000×2)=1200000 sq.m =1.2 sq.km

mean number of that animal

Density of the Animal =
area of transect

Hence,

Density of CT = 20/1.2 = 16.67 ≅ 17/sq.km.

Density of AE = 02/1.2 = 1.67 ≅ 02/sq.km.

Density of IR = 01/1.2 = 0.83 ≅ 01/sq.km.

Density of GR = 03/1.2 = 2.5 ≅ 03/sq.km.

Density of SB = 01/1.2 = 0.83 ≅ 01/sq.km.

Density of WB = 03/1.2 = 2.5 ≅ 03/sq.km.

Density of BD = 01/1.2 = 0.83 ≅ 01/sq.km.

Density of RM = 37/1.2 = 30.83 ≅ 31/sq.km.

Density of MGS = 01/1.2 = 0.83 ≅ 01/sq.km.

Density of JC = 01/1.2 = 0.83 ≅ 01/sq.km.

Density of IGM = 03/1.2 = 2.5 ≅ 03/sq.km.

 Species Relative Density (RD)

Relative density (RD %) of each mammalian species in the study area was
calculated using the following formula –

Number of individual mammalian species

RD (%) = × 100
Total number of mammals sampled

Hence, from the collected data,

RD% of CT = (60/212)×100 = 28.30

RD% of AE = (5/212)×100 = 2.36
RD% of IR = (3/212)×100 = 1.42
RD% of GR = (8/212)×100 = 3.77
RD% of SB = (3/212)×100 = 1.42
RD% of WB = (8/212)×100 = 3.77
RD% of BD = (1/212)×100 = 0.47
RD% of RM = (111/212)×100 = 52.36
RD% of MGS = (3/212)×100 = 1.42
RD% of JC = (2/212)×100 = 0.94
RD% of IGM = (8/212)×100 = 3.77
 60

50

40

30

20

10

0
CT AE IR GR SB WB BD RM MGS JC IGM

Figure 4: RD % of Mammalian Species of Gorumara NP during study period

Inference

From the present survey we have found that Rhesus monkey was the
most frequent seen mammal followed by Chital in Gorumara National Park,
W.B. Data analysis also supports the aforementioned statement where
highest density was found in Rhesus monkey (31 individuals/sq.km.) and
that of Chital was 17 individuals/sq.km. Whereas Indian Rhinoceros,
Samber, Barking deer, Malayan giant squirrel and jungle cat showed the
lowest density i.e., 1/sq.km. Highest relative density (52.36%) was also
observed for Rhesus monkey and Barking deer showed the lowest value (i.e.,
0.47%). The barking deer was observed only in 1 transect during our entire
study period. The study was conducted during post monsoon months (i.e.,
November); the population frequencies, densities, abundance and relative
densities may vary in different seasons of a year.

……………………………………
 B. DENSITY ESTIMATION OF AVIAN FAUNA OF PURBASTHALI
BIRD SANCTUARY BY FIXED RADIUS POINT COUNT METHOD

Principle

Counting of birds provides a method to study the behaviour and

population size of them. This technique requires data collected by careful and
intelligent bird watching. If the bird watching survey of a particular area
performed intensively then one can make a calculation about the distribution
and density of different species of birds of that area.

Birds can be identified either visually, or by their calls. This method

involves identifying all the birds you see or hear while standing at a series of
Points. A systematic search (over a fixed area and/or for a fixed time) such as
the method specified here has the added advantage of providing an index of
the abundance of individuals and species, which can be later compared with
other sites where the same systematic search method was used. The reliability
of the abundance index can be reduced by either overestimates or
underestimates of bird numbers. To reduce overestimates, particularly when
several team members are observing, try to ensure that each individual bird
is recorded only once. Inexperience bird watchers may find they need to refer
to books to aid identification, which will reduce the time spent watching and
may result in underestimates of abundance. Hence, ensure that a least one
member of the team is watching at all times.

Objective

 To lean the point transect sampling technique properly.

 To estimate the density of the birds for a particular area.
 Study Area

Purbasthali Bird Sanctuary, Purba-Bardhaman District, W.B. [23°27ʹ N

latitude and 88° 20ʹ E longitude]
Brief History: This open type ox-bow lake is situated in the Gangetic alluvial
plain sprawls over an area 3.50 km2 in the post monsoon period of winter
months. Beyond the lake, this river fed eco-system also forms a cluster of
large and small islands comprise Purbasthali Gangetic Isle Complex. Formed
by the meandering river Ganga, over last 40 years, the area has transformed
into a closed loop, allowing emergence of the oxbow lake. This channel of
water course in a length of about 10 kilometers feeds the oxbow lake with thin
connectivity with the main river with shoals forming at the river mouth. The
process of rapid and growing sedimentation threatens to cut off the channel
in near future.
Climate: The daily temperature of the study area varies from 16°C to 36°C and
average rainfall is 150 mm.

Fig 1: Map of Purbasthali Bird Sanctuary (not to scale)

(Source:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325113674_Present_status_and_diversit
y_of_avian_fauna_in_Purbasthali_bird_sanctuary_West_Bengal_India)
 Methodology

 Counting of birds has been made by using “Fixed radius (100 m) Point
Transect method”.
 This method entails, the observer remaining at one point for a fixed time
and recording the birds seen by him/her.
 Distances may be recorded in terms of gap between the bird species and
the observer around the point (eg. 50 m, 100 m etc.) upto some limit,
beyond which the observed bird are not taken into consideration.
 In the present study we applied 100 m fixed radius point count method
that means bids species observed within 100 m boundary were taken
into consideration and the birds observed beyond 100 m distance were
not considered.

Assumption

 Birds do not approach the observer or flee

 All the birds are detected at the point of the observer
 Birds do not move much during the count period
 Birds behave independently of one another
 Distance estimates are accurate
 Birds are fully and correctly identified
 Materials required [use images]

 Binocular (Olimpus 10×50 mm DPS I)

 DSLR camera with Telephoto lens (Nikon D7000 with Nikkor 200-500
mm VR lens)
 Compass
 Measuring tape
 Range finder (Gogogo Laser Rangefinder 1200 Yards 6X Magnification)
 Topographic map of survey area
 Notebook, Clipboard, pencil and eraser
 Birds of the Indian Subcontinent. 2011. Grimmett, Inskipp. Oxford,
2nd edn. ISBN: 978-0198077220 (for identification)

Binoculars DSLR Camera

Range finder Compass

 Data Collection and Identification

i. The bird species were collected from 3 sampling Zones (viz, Zone 1,
Zone 2 & Zone 3) (Figure 2).
ii. The sampling zones were selected based on the following criteria –
accessibility, distance between the sampling points, variety of
habitats and proximity to source of pollution such as sewage
channels, bathing areas etc.
iii. The survey was conducted at morning time from 7 am to 11 am on
07/03/2023.
iv. Fixed radius (100 m) point count method for the forest areas,
orchard, wetland and agricultural fields.
v. Observations were conducted with the help of Olympus 10×50mm
zoom DPS I Binocular and photography was carried out with Nikon
D7000 DSLR camera and Nikkor AF-S DX NIKKOR 200-500 mm f
5.6 VR lens.
vi. Bird species were identified with the help of Birds of the Indian
Subcontinent. 2011. Grimmett, Inskipp. Oxford, 2nd edn. Book.
vii. Some bird species were also identified based on their calls (Aynalem
and Bekele, 2008).
viii. IUCN status of the bird species were recognised as per IUCN (2016).
ix. Care was taken during the survey to avoid recounting.
Figure 2: Schematic representation of Fixed radius (100 m) Point Transect in the
study area

Location map of Purbasthali bird sanctuary, West Bengal, India showing the
3 sampling Zones (Source: Google maps; Map not to scale
 Common Kingfisher Spotted Pigeon

Rose ringed Parakeet White wagtail

Black kite Common tailorbird

 Result

Table 1: Observed avian species of Purbasthali Bird Sanctuary during study

period

Reside
Sl. IUCN
Family Common Name Scientific name ntial
No. status
status
Accipitridae Milvus migrans Black Kite R LC
1
Aegithinidae Aegithina tiphia Common Iora RM LC
2
Alcedinidae Alcedo atthis Common Kingfisher R LC
3
Ardeidae Egretta garzetta Little Egret R LC
4
Ciconiidae Anastomus oscitans Asian Open Bill Stork RM LC
5
Cisticolidae Orthotomus sutorius Common Tailor Bird R LC
6
Columbidae Spilopelia chinensis Spotted Dove R LC
7
Eudynamys
Cuculidae Asian Koel R LC
8 scolopaceus

Cuculidae Centropus sinensis Greater Coucal R LC

9
Motacillidae Motacilla alba White Wagtail RM LC
10
Phalacrocoracidae Phalacrocorax niger Little Cormorant R LC
11
Psittaculidae Psittacula krameri Rose ringed Parakeet R LC
12

LC: Least concern; R: Resident; RM: Resident-Migrant; Sl. no.: Serial number

Table 2: Date Sheet for point count in Purbasthali Bird Sanctuary

Frequency
Species Habitat Total
Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3

Black Kite Tree - - 2 2

Common Iora Trees & Shrubs 4 - - 4

Common Kingfisher Wetland 1 2 - 3

Little Egret Bank 1 4 2 7

Asian Open Bill Stork Agricultural land 6 1 2 9

Common Tailor Bird Shrubs 2 - - 2

 Spotted Dove Tree 3 - 1 4

Asian Koel Tree 1 - - 1

Greater Coucal Open land - - 1 1

White Wagtail Bank - 1 - 1

Little Cormorant Wetland - 6 2 8

Rose ringed Parakeet Tree 2 - - 2

Data Analysis & Calculations

 Calculation of Species Density:

Radius of point count field (r) = 100 m

So, the area of single point count field = π r2 = 3.14×1002

= 31400 m2
= 0.0314 km2

Hence, the total area of point count fields (Zone 1+2+3) = 3×0.0314 km2
= 0.094 km2

Total number of that bird sp.

Density of the Bird species =
area of point count field

Hence,

Density of Bird Species Round Value

(Per km2)

Black Kite 2/0.094 21.28 21

Common Iora 4/0.094 42.55 43

Common Kingfisher 3/0.094 31.91 32

Little Egret 7/0.094 74.47 74

Asian Open Bill Stork 9/0.094 95.74 96

 Common Tailor Bird 2/0.094 21.28 21

Spotted Dove 4/0.094 42.55 43

Asian Koel 1/0.094 10.64 11

Greater Coucal 1/0.094 10.64 11

White Wagtail 1/0.094 10.64 11

Little Cormorant 8/0.094 85.11 85

Rose ringed Parakeet 2/0.094 21.28 21

10
9
8
7
Species Number

6
5
4
3
2
1
0

Bird Family

Figure 3: Family structure of observed avian fauna during study period.

17.65%

Resident
Resident-Migratory

82.35%

Figure 4: Residential Status of observed avian fauna during study period.

 Inference

From the present survey we have observed that Purbasthali bird

sanctuary supports a large number of bird diversity. During the study Cattle
egret showed the highest density (117/km2) followed by Asian open bill stork
(96/km2) and Little cormorant (85/km2). Whereas lowest density were showed
by 12 species (viz., Pied Kingfisher, Great egret, Black crowed night heron,
Asian koyel, greater coucal, Pheasant Tailed Jacana, Blue throated barbet,
White wagtail, Purple rumped sunbird, Common sandpiper, Bank myna and
Oriental white eye) which were found in single number in the three
consecutive zones.
Family structure of observed avian fauna showed the following
descending order: Ardeidae > Alcedinidae> Sturnidae > Pycnonotidae,
Jacanidae, Cuculidae > Accipitridae, Aegithinidae, Charadriidae, Ciconiidae,
Cisticolidae, Columbidae, Dicruridae, Megalaimidae, Meropidae, Motacillidae,
Nectariniidae, Phalacrocoracidae, Psittaculidae, Rallidae, Scolopacidaeand
Zosteropidae.
Study also revealed that 82.35% observed bird were Resident and
17.65% were resident-Migratory in nature.
This avian diversity and richness of this area was probably due to the
complex vegetation structure which provides shelter, varied niches,
microhabitats and suitable foraging grounds to the different types of water
and land birds.

Acknowledgement

We are grateful to Prof. Papia Chakraborti, Principal, Brahmananda

Keshab Chandra College, Kolk-108 and Dr. Soumalya Mukherjee, Head,
Department of Zoology, Brahmananda Keshab Chandra College for providing
us the opportunity to conduct the project. We are very much thankful to Dr.
Santanu Debnath, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology,
Brahmananda Keshab Chandra College for his guidance and supervision. We
also express our sincere gratitude to the officials, staff of Gorumara Forest
beat office and local villagers and boatmen of Chupi-Kasthashali area
(Purbasthali Bird Sanctuary) for their continuous assistance and support.