An Updated Account of Mammal Species and Population Status of Ungulates in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan

A comprehensive study of Keoladeo National Park (KNP) reveals significant shifts in mammalian diversity and ungulate population dynamics since its designation as a protected area. The research documents the local extinction of eight mammal species, including the blackbuck, while identifying 34 extant species within the park. Line transect surveys estimated densities for key ungulates: chital (52.37 ind/km²), feral cattle (33.66 ind/km²), nilgai (13.68 ind/km²), wild boar (3.21 ind/km²), and sambar (0.32 ind/km²). Notably, habitat generalist species like chital and nilgai have seen increased densities over the past 25 years, contrasting with declines in more specialized species such as the sambar. These findings underscore substantial changes in mammalian diversity, driven by habitat alterations and local extinctions, particularly among carnivores.

Singh, A., Mukherjee, A., Dookia, S., & Kumara, H. N. (2017). An Updated Account of Mammal Species and Population Status of Ungulates in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Current Science, 113(01), 103. https://doi.org/10.18520/cs/v113/i01/103-111