POPULATION SIZE AND HABITAT OF INDIAN GAZELLE (Gazella bennettii) IN NIZAMPUR AREA, DISTRICT NOWSHEHRA, PAKISTAN

Abstract

The Indian gazelle (Gazella bennettii) also known as Chinkara, is a very adaptable wild animal found in the District Nowshera, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. The present study was conducted on population size and habitat association of Indian gazelle in Manglot near Nizampur area of District Nowshera. The study was conducted from September 2015 to July 2016. The data on population density was collected by direct counting using vantage point method. Data on population was collected by scanning from four vantage points. A total of 19 Indian gazelles were observed in these four different study sites between 328 m and 504 m elevation in the study area. Of the total individuals observed, 21% were males, 37% were females, 32% were yearlings and 10% were young. Habitat analysis was done through vegetation survey using quadrate method in its habitat. Relative density, relative frequency, relative cover and importance value index were calculated for all plant species recorded in Indian gazelle habitat at four study sites. A total of 22 quadrates were taken between the elevation of 328m and 504m near four Vantage Points. A total of 33 plant species belonging to 16 families were recorded in Indian gazelle habitat. Among these species trees were 24.2%, shrubs were 30.3%, herbs were 18.2% and grasses were 27.3%. Indian gazelle in the study area is facing some problems due to impact of increasing human population and also extension of agriculture practices in its potential habitat. Key Words: 1. Indian gazelle, 2. Population size, 3. habitat