Population Density of Himalayan Mouse Hare (Ochotona roylei) Along High Elevational Region of Madhmahashwar Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya, India

摘要

Small mammals play crucial role in building up the ecological balance at high elevational regions including Western Himalaya. The population density of Himalayan Mouse Hare {Ochotona roylei) was studied at high elevational areas of Madhma-heshwar region of Uttarakhand, Western Himalaya. Standard Quadrat method and focal sampling was done for identification and quantitative analysis of foraged plants. A total of about 20 plant species were observed to be consumed by Himalayan Mouse Hare. Cafeteria method was used for relative preference of foraged plants. Highest food preference was shown for Rumex sps. by Himalayan Mouse Hare with the Rodger's index value of about 8.20. Plugging tunnel method was implimented for den activity estimation and population density of Himalayan Mouse Hare. Highest population density of 17.43 Ochotona roylei per hectare was observed at an altitudinal gradient of 3200 m asl - 3500 m asl.