A study of floral diversity and grazing impacts at Pipar in Annapurna Conservation Area in Nepal ... more A study of floral diversity and grazing impacts at Pipar in Annapurna Conservation Area in Nepal was carried out in October-November 2004. The aims of the study were to give the general picture of floristic composition and its ecology and to find out impacts of nomadic grazing on the ...
An ichthyological survey along with a desk study was carried out at Shuklaphanta National Park, K... more An ichthyological survey along with a desk study was carried out at Shuklaphanta National Park, Kanchanpur, Nepal which harbours varieties of fish fauna. To this end, field surveys were held during the spring (March to April) and the autumn (September to October) in 2020 aiming to determine the fish checklist present in the study area. Cast net of different mesh sizes, scoop net, hook and line, flow modification, and local traps of bamboo baskets were the sampling gears employed to collect fish samples. Based on the present survey along with historical records, a combined fish checklist depicted a total of 88 fish species belonging to 7 orders, 21families and 49 genera which apart from 35 fish species adopted from the past studies carried out from 1973 to 2019, and 53 species were recorded during our field survey in 2020. This paper indicates the need for further exploration and studies and proper sustainable management for conserving important fish fauna from being overexploited.
The snow leopard Panthera uncia is globally threatened and reliable information on its abundance,... more The snow leopard Panthera uncia is globally threatened and reliable information on its abundance, distribution and prey species is a prerequisite for its conservation. In October-November we assessed the distribution of the snow leopard in the recently established Api Nampa Conservation Area in the Nepal Himalayas. Within selected blocks we conducted sign surveys and counted the number of bharal Pseudois nayaur, its principal wild prey, along transects totalling km. We recorded putative snow leopard signs at an encounter rate of . signs/km. Generalized linear models of the number of signs detected per transect showed that elevation had a positive influence and human activities a negative influence on sign encounter rate; prey abundance had only a weak positive influence on sign encounter rate. Within the effectively surveyed area of c. km , we counted bharal at an estimated density of . animals/km . Recruitment of bharal was low, estimated at kids/ adult females, most likely a result of poor or overgrazed rangeland. We estimate the total number of bharal in this conservation area to be. ,, a prey base that could sustain - snow leopards. Based on our field observations, we identified human disturbance and habitat degradation associated with extraction of non-timber forest products, livestock grazing, and poaching as the main threats to the snow leopard. Standardized sign surveys, preferably supplemented by sampling with remote cameras or with genetic analysis of scats would provide robust baseline information on the abundance of snow leopards in this conservation area.
Burmese Ferret Badger (Melogale personata) was recorded by camera trapping for the first time in ... more Burmese Ferret Badger (Melogale personata) was recorded by camera trapping for the first time in Nepal's Nagarjun forest of Shivapui Nagarjun National Park. According to IUCN, it was expected to inhabit only the eastern part of Nepal but recently the species has been recorded from central and western parts of the country. A globally rarely studied species was only observed during daylight in Nepal but this time it is photographed during the night. A Burmese Ferret Badger was captured for one event with three photographs with PCRI 0.085 in the dense mixed forest of Schima wallichii, Castanopsis indica. A more comprehensive study on its ecology is necessary to implement suitable conservation measures.
nearby area of Santel was surveyed using comparable methods in 2001. In continuance of the long-t... more nearby area of Santel was surveyed using comparable methods in 2001. In continuance of the long-term monitoring at Pipar and to provide a second count at Santel, dawn call counts were conducted in both areas, using the same survey points as previous surveys, between 29th April and 9th May 2005. The aim of those surveys was to collect information on the status of pheasants and partridges and to look for any changes over time. In both areas, galliform numbers were higher in 2005 than in previous surveys, for most species. For each species there was no evidence of decline since the first counts were conducted nearly 30 years ago. Both areas provide good habitat for Galliformes and disturbance is not a serious issue. However, more research is required in Santel as our knowledge of its biodiversity remains much poorer than at Pipar.
Technology is rapidly changing the methods used in the field of wildlife monitoring. Unmanned aer... more Technology is rapidly changing the methods used in the field of wildlife monitoring. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are an example of a new technology that allows biologists to take to the air to monitor wildlife. A fixed-wing UAV was used to monitor the critically endangered gharial population along 46 km of the Babai River in Bardia National Park, Nepal. The UAV was flown at an altitude of 80 m along 12 pre-designed missions and, with a search effort of 2.72 h of flight time, acquired a total of 11 799 images covering an effective surface area of 8.2 km2 of riverbank habitat. The images taken from the UAV could differentiate between gharial and muggers. A total count of 33 gharials and 31 muggers with observed density (per square kilometre) of 4.64 and 4.0 for gharial and mugger, respectively. Comparison of count data between one-time UAV and multiple conventional visual encounter rate surveys’ data showed no significant difference in the mean. Basking season and turbidity were im...
A study was carried out in the upper Seti Khola forests of Annapurna Conservation Area in Nepal i... more A study was carried out in the upper Seti Khola forests of Annapurna Conservation Area in Nepal in winter and spring of 2008 to estimate the abundance of Galliformes and map their habitat suitability at a landscape level. Dawn call counts for Hill Partridge Arborophila torqueola, Satyr Tragopan Tragopan satyra and Koklass Pheasant Pucrasia macrolopha, and trail walks for other galliform species were carried out in the altitudinal range of 1600 m to 4000 m. Habitat condition was assessed by visual estimation of canopy cover, shrub cover and herb cover in 56 and 28 nested plots of 10 m x10 m size in winter and spring respectively. Hill Partridge, Satyr Tragopan, Koklass Pheasant, Blood Pheasant Ithaginis cruentus and Himalayan Monal Lophophorus impeyjanus were recorded both in winter and spring, whereas Snow Partridge Lerwa lerwa was recorded only in spring. Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos and Rufous-throated Partridge Arborophila rufogularis were seen in winter only. Himalayan Mo...
An updated checklist of mammalian richness is an important tool for biodiversity conservation and... more An updated checklist of mammalian richness is an important tool for biodiversity conservation and management of protected areas. In this study, we present the updated checklist of wild mammals of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park (SNNP) in the central mid-hill of Nepal based on direct observation, field reports, key informant interviews, and a literature review. A total of 65 species of mammals belonging to eight orders and 22 families were known to occur in the park. Order Rodentia (n=21, 32.30%) and family Muridae (n=14, 21.53%) have the highest record of the number of species. Out of 65 mammal species, 53 species (81.53%) were confirmed for their occurrence either by direct observation and camera trap. Only 12 species were listed based on literature review and personal communication. In SNNP, 1.53% of mammalian species are listed as critically endangered species 9.23% are under vulnerable; 6.15% of the species are listed as endangered in the National Red List. The confirmation for...
Himalayan musk deer (Moschus leucogaster; hereafter musk deer) are endangered as a result of poac... more Himalayan musk deer (Moschus leucogaster; hereafter musk deer) are endangered as a result of poaching and habitat loss. The species is nocturnal, crepuscular and elusive, making direct observation of habitat use and behavior difficult. However, musk deer establish and repeatedly use the same latrines for defecation. To quantify musk deer habitat correlates, we used observational spatial data based on presence-absence of musk deer latrines, as well as a range of fine spatial-scale ecological covariates. To determine presence-absence of musk deer, we exhaustively searched randomly selected forest trails using a 20-m belt transect in different study sites within the Neshyang Valley in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Subsequently, study sites were classified as habitat or non-habitat for musk deer. A total of 252 plots, 20×20 m were systematically established every 100 m along 51 transects (each ~0.5km long) laid out at different elevations to record a range of ecological habitat variables. We used mixed-effect models and principal component analysis to characterize relationships between deer presence-absence data and habitat variables. We confirmed musk deer use latrines in forests located at higher elevations (3200 - 4200 m) throughout multiple seasons and years. Himalayan birch (Betula utilis) dominated forest, mixed Himalayan fir (Abies spectabilis) and birch forest were preferred over pure Himalayan fir and blue pine (Pinus wallichiana) forest. Greater crown cover and shrub diversity were associated with the presence of musk deer whereas tree height, diameter and diversity were weakly correlated. Topographical attributes including aspect, elevation, distance to water source, and slope were also discriminated by musk deer. Over- and under-story forest management can be used to protect forests likely to have musk deer as predicted by the models to ensure long-term conservation of this rare deer
Hindu Kush-Himalaya Watersheds Downhill: Landscape Ecology and Conservation Perspectives, 2020
High mountains tend to create vast rivers and wetlands downstream. In the Hindu Kush-Himalaya (HK... more High mountains tend to create vast rivers and wetlands downstream. In the Hindu Kush-Himalaya (HKH) region those features are extreme. These wetlands are of massive extent and offer unique habitats for species; birds are flagships of those situations. For instance, the Koshi river makes the largest floodplains of all the rivers in Nepal, has the highest silt load and also considered as the most dynamic river not only in Nepal but the entire south Asia. This unique wetland is fed by rivers that originate in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of China as well as Nepal. The Arun, Tamor and Bhote Koshi are three major tributaries of Koshi that originate in Tibet. Based on local communities and local knowledge, here a citizen science experience is shown for the HKH region how such works can be used effectively for conservation, habitats and people alike. It’s the longest running citizen science programme in the region, and we have been maintaining a large set of data for specific locality for the last 30 years. While some species fare pretty well, others are on the decline (e.g. Baer’s Pochard Aythya baeri, Black-bellied Tern Sterna acuticauda, Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia, Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata, Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) and with watersheds and water tables on the generic decay, even in protected areas. Those decays are crucial problems for down river regions and their people waiting for better management.
... We are thankful to Suman Sharma and Prabhat Pal for their tireless support during the field s... more ... We are thankful to Suman Sharma and Prabhat Pal for their tireless support during the field study. References ACHARYA SHARMA, R., THAPA, S. & GHIMERE, Y. (2006) Monitoring of cheer pheasant Catreus wallichii in Lower Kaligandaki Valley, Mustang, Nepal. ...
The main objectives of the Nepal National Bird Red Data Book were to provide comprehensive and up... more The main objectives of the Nepal National Bird Red Data Book were to provide comprehensive and up-to-date accounts of all the bird species found in Nepal, assess their status applying the IUCN Guidelines at Regional Levels, identify threats to all bird species and recommend the most practical measures for their conservation. It is hoped that the Bird RDB will help Nepal achieve the Convention on Biological Diversity target of preventing the extinction of known threatened species and improving their conservation status. As population changes of Nepal’s birds have been studied for only a few species, assessments of species’ national status were mainly made by assessing changes in distribution. Species distribution maps were produced for all of Nepal’s bird species except vagrants and compared to maps that were produced in 1991 using the same mapping system. Of the 878 bird species recorded, 168 species (19%) were assessed as nationally threatened. These comprise 68 (40%) Criticall...
Pipar was discovered in 1976 as potential pheasant conservation area, and ecological studies on p... more Pipar was discovered in 1976 as potential pheasant conservation area, and ecological studies on pheasants were conducted in the late 1970s and early 1980s (Lelliott and Yonzon, 1980; Lelliott, 1981). Since the late 1970s, a series of studies have been conducted in Pipar by various teams (Lelliott and Yonzon, 1980; Tamrakar and Lelliott, 1982; Yonzon, 1982; Picozzi, 1984; Picozzi, 1986; Bhandary et al., 1986; Picozzi, 1987; Howman and Garson, 1993; Kaul, 1995; Kaul and Shakya, 1998; Kaul and Shakya, 2001; Baral et al., 2001; Gyawali, 2004; Paudyal, 2005). The area is an unusual habitat as populations of Satyr Tragopan (Tragopan satyra), Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus), Koklass (Pucrasia macrolopha) and Blood Pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus) overlap in a narrow altitudinal band of around 3000 m in a relatively small area of 2.4 km2 (Lelliott, 1981). In addition, Nepal Kalij (Lophura leucomelanos) is known to occur in lower altitudes of this area and Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallic...
Himalayan Goral is a goat-antelope; an adult with 65–70cm height and 25–30kg weight (Baral & Shah... more Himalayan Goral is a goat-antelope; an adult with 65–70cm height and 25–30kg weight (Baral & Shah 2008). Both sexes are mostly alike; having a short tail and two about 15cm long brown-grey horns which grow backwards. It has short and coarse grey coat with a lighter white patch of hair on throat; the males have manes from their necks to their chests, and females have four mammae (Baral & Shah 2008). Himalayan Goral has two recognized subspecies, Naemorhedus goral goral in Bhutan, China, India, & Nepal, and N. g. bedfordi in India & Pakistan (Duckworth & MacKinnon 2008). The recent study shows that the subspecies recorded eastward from Nepal is N.g. goral and westward from Nepal is N.g. bedfordi (Joshi et al. 2020). Nepal may have held both the subspecies.
A study of floral diversity and grazing impacts at Pipar in Annapurna Conservation Area in Nepal ... more A study of floral diversity and grazing impacts at Pipar in Annapurna Conservation Area in Nepal was carried out in October-November 2004. The aims of the study were to give the general picture of floristic composition and its ecology and to find out impacts of nomadic grazing on the ...
An ichthyological survey along with a desk study was carried out at Shuklaphanta National Park, K... more An ichthyological survey along with a desk study was carried out at Shuklaphanta National Park, Kanchanpur, Nepal which harbours varieties of fish fauna. To this end, field surveys were held during the spring (March to April) and the autumn (September to October) in 2020 aiming to determine the fish checklist present in the study area. Cast net of different mesh sizes, scoop net, hook and line, flow modification, and local traps of bamboo baskets were the sampling gears employed to collect fish samples. Based on the present survey along with historical records, a combined fish checklist depicted a total of 88 fish species belonging to 7 orders, 21families and 49 genera which apart from 35 fish species adopted from the past studies carried out from 1973 to 2019, and 53 species were recorded during our field survey in 2020. This paper indicates the need for further exploration and studies and proper sustainable management for conserving important fish fauna from being overexploited.
The snow leopard Panthera uncia is globally threatened and reliable information on its abundance,... more The snow leopard Panthera uncia is globally threatened and reliable information on its abundance, distribution and prey species is a prerequisite for its conservation. In October-November we assessed the distribution of the snow leopard in the recently established Api Nampa Conservation Area in the Nepal Himalayas. Within selected blocks we conducted sign surveys and counted the number of bharal Pseudois nayaur, its principal wild prey, along transects totalling km. We recorded putative snow leopard signs at an encounter rate of . signs/km. Generalized linear models of the number of signs detected per transect showed that elevation had a positive influence and human activities a negative influence on sign encounter rate; prey abundance had only a weak positive influence on sign encounter rate. Within the effectively surveyed area of c. km , we counted bharal at an estimated density of . animals/km . Recruitment of bharal was low, estimated at kids/ adult females, most likely a result of poor or overgrazed rangeland. We estimate the total number of bharal in this conservation area to be. ,, a prey base that could sustain - snow leopards. Based on our field observations, we identified human disturbance and habitat degradation associated with extraction of non-timber forest products, livestock grazing, and poaching as the main threats to the snow leopard. Standardized sign surveys, preferably supplemented by sampling with remote cameras or with genetic analysis of scats would provide robust baseline information on the abundance of snow leopards in this conservation area.
Burmese Ferret Badger (Melogale personata) was recorded by camera trapping for the first time in ... more Burmese Ferret Badger (Melogale personata) was recorded by camera trapping for the first time in Nepal's Nagarjun forest of Shivapui Nagarjun National Park. According to IUCN, it was expected to inhabit only the eastern part of Nepal but recently the species has been recorded from central and western parts of the country. A globally rarely studied species was only observed during daylight in Nepal but this time it is photographed during the night. A Burmese Ferret Badger was captured for one event with three photographs with PCRI 0.085 in the dense mixed forest of Schima wallichii, Castanopsis indica. A more comprehensive study on its ecology is necessary to implement suitable conservation measures.
nearby area of Santel was surveyed using comparable methods in 2001. In continuance of the long-t... more nearby area of Santel was surveyed using comparable methods in 2001. In continuance of the long-term monitoring at Pipar and to provide a second count at Santel, dawn call counts were conducted in both areas, using the same survey points as previous surveys, between 29th April and 9th May 2005. The aim of those surveys was to collect information on the status of pheasants and partridges and to look for any changes over time. In both areas, galliform numbers were higher in 2005 than in previous surveys, for most species. For each species there was no evidence of decline since the first counts were conducted nearly 30 years ago. Both areas provide good habitat for Galliformes and disturbance is not a serious issue. However, more research is required in Santel as our knowledge of its biodiversity remains much poorer than at Pipar.
Technology is rapidly changing the methods used in the field of wildlife monitoring. Unmanned aer... more Technology is rapidly changing the methods used in the field of wildlife monitoring. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are an example of a new technology that allows biologists to take to the air to monitor wildlife. A fixed-wing UAV was used to monitor the critically endangered gharial population along 46 km of the Babai River in Bardia National Park, Nepal. The UAV was flown at an altitude of 80 m along 12 pre-designed missions and, with a search effort of 2.72 h of flight time, acquired a total of 11 799 images covering an effective surface area of 8.2 km2 of riverbank habitat. The images taken from the UAV could differentiate between gharial and muggers. A total count of 33 gharials and 31 muggers with observed density (per square kilometre) of 4.64 and 4.0 for gharial and mugger, respectively. Comparison of count data between one-time UAV and multiple conventional visual encounter rate surveys’ data showed no significant difference in the mean. Basking season and turbidity were im...
A study was carried out in the upper Seti Khola forests of Annapurna Conservation Area in Nepal i... more A study was carried out in the upper Seti Khola forests of Annapurna Conservation Area in Nepal in winter and spring of 2008 to estimate the abundance of Galliformes and map their habitat suitability at a landscape level. Dawn call counts for Hill Partridge Arborophila torqueola, Satyr Tragopan Tragopan satyra and Koklass Pheasant Pucrasia macrolopha, and trail walks for other galliform species were carried out in the altitudinal range of 1600 m to 4000 m. Habitat condition was assessed by visual estimation of canopy cover, shrub cover and herb cover in 56 and 28 nested plots of 10 m x10 m size in winter and spring respectively. Hill Partridge, Satyr Tragopan, Koklass Pheasant, Blood Pheasant Ithaginis cruentus and Himalayan Monal Lophophorus impeyjanus were recorded both in winter and spring, whereas Snow Partridge Lerwa lerwa was recorded only in spring. Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos and Rufous-throated Partridge Arborophila rufogularis were seen in winter only. Himalayan Mo...
An updated checklist of mammalian richness is an important tool for biodiversity conservation and... more An updated checklist of mammalian richness is an important tool for biodiversity conservation and management of protected areas. In this study, we present the updated checklist of wild mammals of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park (SNNP) in the central mid-hill of Nepal based on direct observation, field reports, key informant interviews, and a literature review. A total of 65 species of mammals belonging to eight orders and 22 families were known to occur in the park. Order Rodentia (n=21, 32.30%) and family Muridae (n=14, 21.53%) have the highest record of the number of species. Out of 65 mammal species, 53 species (81.53%) were confirmed for their occurrence either by direct observation and camera trap. Only 12 species were listed based on literature review and personal communication. In SNNP, 1.53% of mammalian species are listed as critically endangered species 9.23% are under vulnerable; 6.15% of the species are listed as endangered in the National Red List. The confirmation for...
Himalayan musk deer (Moschus leucogaster; hereafter musk deer) are endangered as a result of poac... more Himalayan musk deer (Moschus leucogaster; hereafter musk deer) are endangered as a result of poaching and habitat loss. The species is nocturnal, crepuscular and elusive, making direct observation of habitat use and behavior difficult. However, musk deer establish and repeatedly use the same latrines for defecation. To quantify musk deer habitat correlates, we used observational spatial data based on presence-absence of musk deer latrines, as well as a range of fine spatial-scale ecological covariates. To determine presence-absence of musk deer, we exhaustively searched randomly selected forest trails using a 20-m belt transect in different study sites within the Neshyang Valley in the Annapurna Conservation Area. Subsequently, study sites were classified as habitat or non-habitat for musk deer. A total of 252 plots, 20×20 m were systematically established every 100 m along 51 transects (each ~0.5km long) laid out at different elevations to record a range of ecological habitat variables. We used mixed-effect models and principal component analysis to characterize relationships between deer presence-absence data and habitat variables. We confirmed musk deer use latrines in forests located at higher elevations (3200 - 4200 m) throughout multiple seasons and years. Himalayan birch (Betula utilis) dominated forest, mixed Himalayan fir (Abies spectabilis) and birch forest were preferred over pure Himalayan fir and blue pine (Pinus wallichiana) forest. Greater crown cover and shrub diversity were associated with the presence of musk deer whereas tree height, diameter and diversity were weakly correlated. Topographical attributes including aspect, elevation, distance to water source, and slope were also discriminated by musk deer. Over- and under-story forest management can be used to protect forests likely to have musk deer as predicted by the models to ensure long-term conservation of this rare deer
Hindu Kush-Himalaya Watersheds Downhill: Landscape Ecology and Conservation Perspectives, 2020
High mountains tend to create vast rivers and wetlands downstream. In the Hindu Kush-Himalaya (HK... more High mountains tend to create vast rivers and wetlands downstream. In the Hindu Kush-Himalaya (HKH) region those features are extreme. These wetlands are of massive extent and offer unique habitats for species; birds are flagships of those situations. For instance, the Koshi river makes the largest floodplains of all the rivers in Nepal, has the highest silt load and also considered as the most dynamic river not only in Nepal but the entire south Asia. This unique wetland is fed by rivers that originate in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) of China as well as Nepal. The Arun, Tamor and Bhote Koshi are three major tributaries of Koshi that originate in Tibet. Based on local communities and local knowledge, here a citizen science experience is shown for the HKH region how such works can be used effectively for conservation, habitats and people alike. It’s the longest running citizen science programme in the region, and we have been maintaining a large set of data for specific locality for the last 30 years. While some species fare pretty well, others are on the decline (e.g. Baer’s Pochard Aythya baeri, Black-bellied Tern Sterna acuticauda, Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia, Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata, Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) and with watersheds and water tables on the generic decay, even in protected areas. Those decays are crucial problems for down river regions and their people waiting for better management.
... We are thankful to Suman Sharma and Prabhat Pal for their tireless support during the field s... more ... We are thankful to Suman Sharma and Prabhat Pal for their tireless support during the field study. References ACHARYA SHARMA, R., THAPA, S. & GHIMERE, Y. (2006) Monitoring of cheer pheasant Catreus wallichii in Lower Kaligandaki Valley, Mustang, Nepal. ...
The main objectives of the Nepal National Bird Red Data Book were to provide comprehensive and up... more The main objectives of the Nepal National Bird Red Data Book were to provide comprehensive and up-to-date accounts of all the bird species found in Nepal, assess their status applying the IUCN Guidelines at Regional Levels, identify threats to all bird species and recommend the most practical measures for their conservation. It is hoped that the Bird RDB will help Nepal achieve the Convention on Biological Diversity target of preventing the extinction of known threatened species and improving their conservation status. As population changes of Nepal’s birds have been studied for only a few species, assessments of species’ national status were mainly made by assessing changes in distribution. Species distribution maps were produced for all of Nepal’s bird species except vagrants and compared to maps that were produced in 1991 using the same mapping system. Of the 878 bird species recorded, 168 species (19%) were assessed as nationally threatened. These comprise 68 (40%) Criticall...
Pipar was discovered in 1976 as potential pheasant conservation area, and ecological studies on p... more Pipar was discovered in 1976 as potential pheasant conservation area, and ecological studies on pheasants were conducted in the late 1970s and early 1980s (Lelliott and Yonzon, 1980; Lelliott, 1981). Since the late 1970s, a series of studies have been conducted in Pipar by various teams (Lelliott and Yonzon, 1980; Tamrakar and Lelliott, 1982; Yonzon, 1982; Picozzi, 1984; Picozzi, 1986; Bhandary et al., 1986; Picozzi, 1987; Howman and Garson, 1993; Kaul, 1995; Kaul and Shakya, 1998; Kaul and Shakya, 2001; Baral et al., 2001; Gyawali, 2004; Paudyal, 2005). The area is an unusual habitat as populations of Satyr Tragopan (Tragopan satyra), Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus), Koklass (Pucrasia macrolopha) and Blood Pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus) overlap in a narrow altitudinal band of around 3000 m in a relatively small area of 2.4 km2 (Lelliott, 1981). In addition, Nepal Kalij (Lophura leucomelanos) is known to occur in lower altitudes of this area and Cheer Pheasant (Catreus wallic...
Himalayan Goral is a goat-antelope; an adult with 65–70cm height and 25–30kg weight (Baral & Shah... more Himalayan Goral is a goat-antelope; an adult with 65–70cm height and 25–30kg weight (Baral & Shah 2008). Both sexes are mostly alike; having a short tail and two about 15cm long brown-grey horns which grow backwards. It has short and coarse grey coat with a lighter white patch of hair on throat; the males have manes from their necks to their chests, and females have four mammae (Baral & Shah 2008). Himalayan Goral has two recognized subspecies, Naemorhedus goral goral in Bhutan, China, India, & Nepal, and N. g. bedfordi in India & Pakistan (Duckworth & MacKinnon 2008). The recent study shows that the subspecies recorded eastward from Nepal is N.g. goral and westward from Nepal is N.g. bedfordi (Joshi et al. 2020). Nepal may have held both the subspecies.
We are pleased to share our recent publication on Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park.... more We are pleased to share our recent publication on Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park. This book was jointly published by Shuklaphanta National Park and Himalayan Nature; authors are Laxman Prasad Poudyal, Babu Ram Lamichhane, Hem Sagar Baral and Hari Basnet
The book "Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park" describes a total of 56 mammalian species. We have described 56 mammals in the book; however additional species "Himalayan Goral" was spotted in the park when this book was in the press. The new update for the park is 57 mammalian species. The documentation of 56 species was based on camera-trap photographs (37), other photographic evidence (4), published and unpublished records with locality details (5) and published reports without locality details (10). Out of 56 mammal species, 17 are globally threatened, 3 are near-threatened in IUCN Red List and 34 species are listed in CITES Appendices (10 in Appendix I; 8 in Appendix II; and 16 in Appendix III). In the National Red List of Nepal, 23 species are nationally threatened, 1 near threatened and 5 are data deficient. Ten species are protected by the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973 of Nepal as Schedule I species.
We hope this book will be useful for wildlife biologists, researchers and conservationists. Anyone can freely download a pdf copy of this book from the given link below.
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The book "Wild Mammals of the Shuklaphanta National Park" describes a total of 56 mammalian species. We have described 56 mammals in the book; however additional species "Himalayan Goral" was spotted in the park when this book was in the press. The new update for the park is 57 mammalian species. The documentation of 56 species was based on camera-trap photographs (37), other photographic evidence (4), published and unpublished records with locality details (5) and published reports without locality details (10). Out of 56 mammal species, 17 are globally threatened, 3 are near-threatened in IUCN Red List and 34 species are listed in CITES Appendices (10 in Appendix I; 8 in Appendix II; and 16 in Appendix III). In the National Red List of Nepal, 23 species are nationally threatened, 1 near threatened and 5 are data deficient. Ten species are protected by the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973 of Nepal as Schedule I species.
We hope this book will be useful for wildlife biologists, researchers and conservationists. Anyone can freely download a pdf copy of this book from the given link below.