Status distribution and factors affecting the habitat selection by Sambar Deer Rusa unicolor in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India

Sambar Rusa unicolor is one of the deer species distributed throughout Indian subcontinent. The has been listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on IUCN Red List since 2008, and Schedule I Part A Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Populations have declined its distribution range. This study aims to investigate status, distribution, habitat selection in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India. Fifteen line transects 2-km length were laid five different habitats. Data collected during winter summer seasons 2013 2015. Transects traversed morning evening eight replicates made each transect, for a total 1,232 km survey effort. overall density was 3.7 individuals per km2, group 1.4 groups km2. During 113 individual observed, only 80 observed. Male:female sex ratio calculated 100:59 winter, 100:56 summer. Indirect evidence also supplement direct sightings analysis use. Ten-meter circular plots all 15 at an interval 200 m between two plots. Principal component logistic regression performed understand use this summer, post-monsoon, using pellet groups. model showed efficiency 97% correct classification 67% 66%