Conservation implications of the channel changes in Sharda River on endangered swamp deer population and floodplain ecosystem in Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh, India

One surviving stronghold of endangered Northern swamp deer is Jhadi taal (lake) in Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary on the floodplains of Sharda River. Changes in channel characteristics and land use/cover in a stretch of the river were detected during 1948–2001 and their impact on deer habitat was assessed. Analyses revealed consistent shift of west bank line towards taal, moving to within 100 m in 2001 and reducing further, posing threat of inundation. Other results included loss of sal forest and grasslands owing to shifts in the river course and encroachment of newly deposits. Threat to taal was confirmed by a probability model.