Opinion survey on the ecology of Sambar, Rusa unicolor (Artiodactyla, Cervidae) and its status with respect to crop damage in districts Jhunjhunu and Churu, Rajasthan (India)

To obtain the preliminary information regarding various ecological and behavioural aspects of Sambar, an opinion survey through questionnaires was carried out along with periodic fortnightly visits in and around the areas covering Bir Jhunjhunu Conservation Reserve and Bairasar Johad in district Jhunjhunu and Churu of Rajasthan (India) from July, 2018 to December, 2018. During the survey, 173 inhabitants of village Samaspur and 153 inhabitants of village Bairasar were contacted and it was observed that the population of Sambar has declined as compared to its earlier strength as reported by 58.38% inhabitants of village Samaspur and 62.1% inhabitants of village Bairasar. As far as the distribution of Sambar was concerned, 51.4% interviewees of village Samaspur and 54.2% interviewees of village Bairasar reported that Sambar population is randomly distributed in both the study areas. In relation to group size, 62.80% inhabitants of village Bairasar and 64.2% inhabitants of village Samaspur reported that group size of Sambar vary from 5-12 individuals. Further information regarding the crop damage pattern and financial loss was also collected and 61.8% interviewees of village Samaspur and 66% interviewees of village Bairasar were agree on the fact that Sambar causes damage to their crop which results in low to high financial loss. The importance of opinion survey and field survey based monitoring is emphasized for the ecological significance of the species among people of that region