Maharashtra: Camera-trap survey records 51 wildlife species at summer waterholes across Maval

A twomonth cameratrapping survey conducted during April and May 2026 has documented 51 wildlife species around natural water sources in the Vadgaon Maval Forest Range highlighting the importance of these habitats during the summer monthsThe survey carried out by the Vadgaon Maval Range Forest Office under the Pune Forest Division recorded 17 mammal species and 34 bird species through 15581 photographic records The findings provide data on wildlife activity around waterholes during periods of seasonal water scarcity and are expected to support future conservation planningMotiontriggered cameras were installed at natural water sources across eight villages to monitor animals visiting the sites The survey documented several protected species including the Indian leopard striped hyena jungle cat Asian palm civet small Indian civet and greater false vampire bat The cameras also captured the elusive rustyspotted cat a species classified as Near Threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Natures Red ListChikhalse emerges as a biodiversity hotspotAmong the monitored locations Chikhalse village recorded the highest species richness with 28 distinct species documented during the survey The findings point to the significance of local water sources in supporting a diverse range of wildlife particularly when water availability becomes limited during summerThe presence of multiple mammal and bird species around these water bodies also highlights their role in sustaining the local ecosystem The photographic records provide researchers and forest officials with information on the species using these habitats and the areas that may require greater attention in future conservation effortsThe survey was led by principal investigator Jigar Solanki with field biologists Rounak Khare and Shraddha Khare ecologists Sagar Mahajan and Priyanka Jundare and field assistants Mayur Chaudhari Vighnesh Dalvi Sagar Gavade Shivaji Gade and Rohit Pawar The Wildlife Rescuer of Maval team also assisted with the fieldworkThe project was conducted under the supervision of the Pune Forest Division and the Vadgaon Maval Forest Range Senior officials involved in guiding and coordinating the initiative included Conservator of Forests Ashish Thakare Deputy Conservator of Forests Abhijit Waykos Assistant Conservator of Forests Mangesh Tate and Range Forest Officer Prakash ShindeSurvey highlights humanwildlife coexistenceOne of the key observations was the difference in the timing of human and wildlife activity around the monitored water sources According to the survey findings local residents and livestock generally used these water bodies during the day while wild animals accessed them at nightNatural water bodies become particularly important for wildlife during the summer when water availability can decline across forest and adjoining areas Their continued availability can help animals meet their water requirements and support the broader ecosystemFindings to guide future conservation measuresForest officials said the findings would help establish a baseline for monitoring wildlife in the region and identifying locations that warrant conservation attention The data could also inform the planning of antipoaching patrols and measures to protect natural water sources and forest corridorsMaintaining connectivity between forest habitats is important for allowing animals to move between feeding grounds shelter and water sources Growing human activity around these areas can put pressure on wildlife habitats making the protection of natural water bodies and movement corridors a priorityPrakash Shinde Range Forest Officer of Vadgaon Maval said the survey had generated valuable information about wildlife using summer waterholes across the range The findings are expected to contribute to longterm conservation planning and help forest authorities develop measures to protect the areas biodiversity