A Checklist of Wild Mammals in Aligarh District, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Biodiversity weaves a complex web of interactions among various organisms, which is vital for maintaining ecological balance and resilience. Mammals are an essential part of this diversity, fulfilling roles as predators, herbivores, pollinators, and ecosystem engineers. In India, there are around 397 species of mammals, with a significant number being threatened or endemic, which points to the importance of thorough regional biodiversity assessments. This study focuses on examining the diversity, abundance, distribution patterns, population trends, and habitat status of wild mammals in the Aligarh district of Uttar Pradesh, a region situated between the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, characterized by its rich variety of habitats. Field surveys carried out between January and July 2024 involved using line transects, direct observations, and random sampling in various agricultural areas, orchards, forest patches, and the edges of villages. Researchers recorded a total of 21 mammal species across 11 families and six orders. The Carnivora order had the highest number of species, followed closely by Artiodactyla and Rodentia. Some of the more common species spotted included Nilgai, Wild Boar, Blackbuck, Golden Jackal, Indian Mongoose, Rhesus Macaque, and several species of pteropodid bats. Interestingly, species that were once common, like the Indian leopard, Indian fox, and chinkara, are now quite rare. The results emphasize Aligarh's ecological importance while also highlighting the rising pressures from habitat changes, agricultural expansion, and conflicts between humans and wildlife. This study delivers key baseline data that will be essential for future conservation and management plans.