Habitat use by Tibetan argali (Ovis ammon hodgsoni) and domestic livestock was studied in Tso Kar basin, Changthang plateau (Eastern Ladakh) during August 2004 to June 2005. The intensive study area (c. 57 km2) is used by approximately 50 argali, >2500 domestic sheep and goats and a small population of blue sheep. Information on the habitat use by these ungulates was collected through direct observations from three vantage points which were monitored on monthly basis. Locations of the argali as well as livestock were marked on a 1:50,000 toposheet. With each sighting of animals, habitat variables such as altitude, aspect, degree of slope and distance to escape terrain were estimated.

The study revealed that both argali and livestock exhibit distinct seasonal movements along the altitudinal gradient. Maximum spatial overlap between livestock and argali was recorded during May (spring) and September – October (autumn). In other seasons there was no spatial overlap in the habitat use. The approximate area of spatial overlap was 12 km2. Within this area, livestock generally grazed on gentle slopes (<30ºdegree), whereas argali were observed mostly on steeper slopes (>30ºdegree) or within

0 to 20 m of such (escape) terrain. Diurnal activity pattern indicated that argali were more active during early mornings and late afternoons unlike domestic livestock. Data suggested that there might be a brief periods of overlap in habitat use of these species during crucial spring and autumn. Possible effects of livestock grazing on spring and autumn habitat of argali are discussed.
 

Dr. G.S. Rawat, Dr. A.J.T. Johnsingh, Dr. K. Sankar & Dr. B.S. Adhikari

Nodal Officer: Dr. S. Sathyakumar   
Collaborator: Dr. J.L. Fox, UiT, Tromso