F.S. (Farshid) Ahrestani: “Asian Eden. Large herbivore ecology in India”

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30 Nov 2009 16:00
Unit: Resource Ecology Group
Location: Aula, building 362, Gen. Foulkesweg 1, Wageningen
Organisation: Wageningen University
Promotor: prof.dr. H.H.T. Prins (Resource ecology)
Co Promotor: Dr.ir. I.M.A. Heitkönig

 I investigated the impact of body mass on the biology and ecology of India’s large mammalian herbivore assemblage across different spatial and temporal scales. I collected data using field-based studies and an experiment, which I analyzed using spatial, modelling and statistical methods. I propose, for the first time, that body mass offers an explanation for why smaller herbivore species show seasonality in annual parturition more often than larger species. I found that body mass theory provided an explanation for why species seasonal diets varied and I analyzed life history traits of the world’s largest bovid species, Bos gaurus. I also show that large herbivore species richness in India can be explained as a function of plaint available nutrients and moisture. This study helps further scientific understanding of large herbivore ecology. As India remains the last stronghold for most of Asia’s large herbivores, it is equally important for conservation.
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