scholarly journals The Vulnerable red panda Ailurus fulgens in Bhutan: distribution, conservation status and management recommendations

Oryx ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 536-543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sangay Dorji ◽  
Rajanathan Rajaratnam ◽  
Karl Vernes
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
Human Population ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Road Construction ◽  
Forest Products ◽  
Habitat Destruction ◽  
Livestock Grazing ◽  
Area Network ◽  
Red Panda ◽  
Ailurus Fulgens

AbstractThe red panda Ailurus fulgens is categorized as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Pressurized by an expanding human population, it is mainly threatened by habitat destruction, with < 10,000 mature individuals remaining. The red panda has been studied in India, China, Nepal and, to a lesser extent, Myanmar, but no research has been published on this species in Bhutan. Here, we report on the current distribution and conservation status of the red panda in Bhutan using information gathered from field surveys, interviews and unpublished reports. Red pandas are most common at 2,400–3,700 m altitude in fir Abies densa forests with an undergrowth of bamboo. They occur in most national parks and associated biological corridors within Bhutan's protected area network, overlapping with a rural human population that is undergoing increased socio-economic development. Although culturally respected, red pandas face threats from road construction, harvesting of timber, bamboo and minor forest products, livestock grazing, inefficiently managed tourism, and domestic dogs. We believe conservation of red pandas in Bhutan requires (1) inclusion of ecologically sound principles into future development, (2) implementation of programmes that improve rural socio-economy through ecotourism and cultivation of appropriate cash crops, (3) development of education programmes that raise awareness of red pandas for rural people, (4) management of rural dog populations, (5) greater capacity building for wildlife managers, and (6) more ecological research.

scholarly journals Attitudes towards conservation of the Endangered red panda Ailurus fulgens in Nepal: a case study in protected and non-protected areas

Oryx ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 53 (3) ◽  
pp. 542-547 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hari P. Sharma ◽  
Jerrold L. Belant ◽  
Pei-Jen L. Shaner
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Legal Protection ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Livestock Grazing ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressures ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Red Panda ◽  
Ailurus Fulgens

AbstractThe red panda Ailurus fulgens is categorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is threatened by anthropogenic pressures such as livestock grazing. We surveyed people living in or near protected areas and people living away from protected areas in Nepal, to understand human attitudes towards red panda conservation. Given Nepal's participatory approach to managing protected areas, we hypothesized that local people living in or near protected areas would have more positive attitudes towards red panda conservation than those in non-protected areas. Ninety percent of the 142 respondents had positive attitudes, with people living in or near protected areas expressing less positive attitudes than those in non-protected areas. Despite this difference between protected and non-protected areas, people were generally positive towards red panda conservation. However, positive attitudes did not necessarily translate to sustainable resource-use behaviour. We found there was a high prevalence of both livestock grazing and livestock disease in red panda habitat. We suggest that alternative farming practices (e.g. stall-feeding of livestock) and awareness programmes (e.g. education on the conservation status and legal protection of red pandas, and livestock–wildlife disease transmission) could be important tools to improve conservation attitudes and protect red pandas in Nepal.

scholarly journals Fine-scale landscape genetics unveiling contemporary asymmetric movement of red panda (Ailurus fulgens) in Kangchenjunga landscape, India

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Supriyo Dalui ◽  
Hiren Khatri ◽  
Sujeet Kumar Singh ◽  
Shambadeb Basu ◽  
Avijit Ghosh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Flow ◽  
Landscape Connectivity ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Clustering Algorithms ◽  
Area Network ◽  
Fine Scale ◽  
Contemporary Gene Flow ◽  
Red Panda ◽  
Population Structuring ◽  
Ailurus Fulgens

Abstract Wildlife management in rapid changing landscapes requires critical planning through cross cutting networks, and understanding of landscape features, often affected by the anthropogenic activities. The present study demonstrates fine-scale spatial patterns of genetic variation and contemporary gene flow of red panda (Ailurus fulgens) populations with respect to landscape connectivity in Kangchenjunga Landscape (KL), India. The study found about 1,309.54 km2 area suitable for red panda in KL—India, of which 62.21% area fell under the Protected Area network. We identified 24 unique individuals from 234 feces collected at nine microsatellite loci. The spatially explicit and non-explicit Bayesian clustering algorithms evident to exhibit population structuring and supported red panda populations to exist in meta-population frame work. In concurrence to the habitat suitability and landscape connectivity models, gene flow results supported a contemporary asymmetric movement of red panda by connecting KL—India in a crescent arc. We demonstrate the structural-operational connectivity of corridors in KL—India that facilitated red panda movement in the past. We also seek for cooperation in Nepal, Bhutan and China to aid in preparing for a comprehensive monitoring plan for the long-term conservation and management of red panda in trans-boundary landscapes.

scholarly journals Mapping Natural Forest Remnants with Multi-Source and Multi-Temporal Remote Sensing Data for More Informed Management of Global Biodiversity Hotspots

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joni Koskikala ◽  
Markus Kukkonen ◽  
Niina Käyhkö
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Status ◽  
Forest Products ◽  
Natural Forest ◽  
Machine Learning Algorithms ◽  
Landsat 8 ◽  
Area Network ◽  
Biodiversity Hotspots ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Eastern Arc ◽  
Recent Developments

Global terrestrial biodiversity hotspots (GBH) represent areas featuring exceptional concentrations of endemism and habitat loss in the world. Unfortunately, geospatial data of natural habitats of the GBHs are often outdated, imprecise, and coarse, and need updating for improved management and protection actions. Recent developments in satellite image availability, combined with enhanced machine learning algorithms and computing capacity, enable cost-efficient updating of geospatial information of these already severely fragmented habitats. This study aimed to develop a more accurate method for mapping closed canopy evergreen natural forest (CCEF) of the Eastern Arc Mountains (EAM) ecoregion in Tanzania and Kenya, and to update the knowledge on its spatial extent, level of fragmentation, and conservation status. We tested 1023 model possibilities stemming from a combination of Sentinel-1 (S1) and Sentinel-2 (S2) satellite imagery, spatial texture of S1 and S2, seasonality derived from Landsat-8 time series, and topographic information, using random forest modelling approach. We compared the best CCEF model with existing spatial forest products from the EAM through independent accuracy assessment. Finally, the CCEF model was used to estimate the fragmentation and conservation coverage of the EAM. The CCEF model has moderate accuracy measured in True Skill Statistic (0.57), and it clearly outperforms other similar products from the region. Based on this model, there are about 296,000 ha of Eastern Arc Forests (EAF) left. Furthermore, acknowledging small forest fragments (1–10 ha) implies that the EAFs are more fragmented than previously considered. Currently, the official protection of EAFs is disproportionally targeting well-studied mountain blocks, while less known areas and small fragments are underrepresented in the protected area network. Thus, the generated CCEF model should be used to design updates and more informed and detailed conservation allocation plans to balance this situation. The results highlight that spatial texture of S2, seasonality, and topography are the most important variables describing the EAFs, while spatial texture of S1 increases the model performance slightly. All in all, our work demonstrates that recent developments in Earth observation allows significant enhancements in mapping, which should be utilized in areas with outstanding biodiversity values for better forest and conservation planning.

scholarly journals Effects of livestock on occurrence of the Vulnerable red panda Ailurus fulgens in Rara National Park, Nepal

Oryx ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 228-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hari P. Sharma ◽  
Jerrold L. Belant ◽  
Jon E. Swenson
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Spatial Resolution ◽  
National Park ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Livestock Grazing ◽  
Faecal Pellets ◽  
Red Panda ◽  
Ailurus Fulgens ◽  
Awareness Raising

AbstractThe Vulnerable red panda Ailurus fulgens is endemic to the Himalayas. Anthropogenic activities, including deforestation, have degraded the species’ habitat but the effects of livestock have not been examined. We assessed the effects of illegal livestock activity on the presence of the red panda in Rara National Park, Nepal. The probability of detecting red panda faecal pellets decreased with livestock occurrence but not with elevation or aspect. The presence of bamboo and proximity to water are important to red pandas but did not influence their habitat use at the spatial resolution evaluated. Livestock grazing in Rara National Park appears to adversely affect the presence of the red panda within its habitat. To reduce illegal livestock grazing we recommend enforcement of existing regulations, that training workshops be held for herders, and awareness-raising and dialogue with residents.

scholarly journals Assessment of the Impacts of Livestock Grazing on Endangered Red Panda (<i>Ailurus fulgens</i>) Habitat in Eastern Nepal

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (03) ◽  
pp. 97-110
Author(s):  
Sony Lama ◽  
Saroj Shrestha ◽  
Narayan Prasad Koju ◽  
Ang Phuri Sherpa ◽  
Munmun Tamang
Keyword(s):  
Livestock Grazing ◽  
Red Panda ◽  
Ailurus Fulgens

scholarly journals Gaurishankar Conservation Area - A Prime Habitat for Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens) in Central Nepal

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 43-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arjun Thapa ◽  
Sunil Thapa ◽  
Shumbu Poudel
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Destruction ◽  
Forest Patches ◽  
Conservation Area ◽  
Central Nepal ◽  
Key Informant ◽  
Red Panda ◽  
Barrier Distribution ◽  
Baseline Information ◽  
Ailurus Fulgens ◽  
Fire Wood

Globally threatened Red Panda is found in isolated high mountain’s bamboo- forest patches in Nepal, India, Bhutan, China and Burma. This study was focused in Gaurishankar Conservation Area, one of the newly declared protected areas of Nepal, with aim to glean baseline information regarding existence of Red Panda, its habitat status and conservation issues. Methods like altitudinal line intercept, key informant survey and consultation (with local people, herders, conservation stakeholder) were used to address the objectives. Marbu, Kalinchok, Gaurishankar (Dolkha District), Chuchure, Gumdel (Ramechhap District) and Fulpingkatti (Sindupalchok District) area were surveyed in first phase of study and presence of Red Panda distribution was recorded from Marbu, Kalinchok, Chuchure and Fulpingkatti forests areas through sign evidence (fecal pellets). A total of 24 transects were established randomly in the whole area and only 16 transects were worked effectively because of topographical barrier. Distribution of Red Panda was found as clumped pattern ( ). Among these sites, frequent sign encounter was recorded in Marbu (5.45/km) area followed by Fulpingkatti (5.06/km), Kalinchok (3.73/km) and Chuchre (1.67/km). Like in other areas, conservation issues like habitat destruction, livestock pressure, fire wood collection and illegal poaching were rampant in Gaurishankar also. This study recommended for detail survey on population status and conservation activities should be elaborated in current identified habitat as well as further survey should be focused on other possible habitats within conservation area. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/init.v5i0.10252 The Initiation 2013 Vol.5; 43-49

scholarly journals Distribution, abundance and conservation status of Grauer's gorilla

Oryx ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jefferson S. Hall ◽  
Kristin Saltonstall ◽  
Bila-Lsia Inogwabini ◽  
Ilambu Omari
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
Human Population ◽  
Population Growth Rate ◽  
Total Population ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Democratic Republic Of Congo ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Wildlife Use ◽  
Abundance Estimates

This report updates the distribution and provides abundance estimates for Grauer's gorilla Gorilla gorilla graueri across its 90,000-sq-km range. The authors divide the range of Grauer's gorilla into four regions within which they identify 11 populations and estimate a total of c. 16,900 individuals. Gorillas found in the Kahuzi-Biega lowland-Kasese region represent 86 per cent of the subspecies's total population. Further, approximately 67 per cent of known Grauer's gorillas inhabit Kahuzi-Biega, Maiko and Virunga National Parks. The eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire) has an extremely high human population growth rate indicating that deforestation and wildlife use trends will continue to increase. Thus, in spite of the encouraging results of surveys to identify populations and characterize abundance, no Grauer's gorilla population should be considered safe from extirpation.

scholarly journals Diversity, distribution, and threats of the Juglandaceae in Vietnam

Dendrobiology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 86 ◽  
pp. 39-55
Author(s):  
Hoang Van Sam ◽  
Do Quang Tung ◽  
Anna K. Jasińska ◽  
François Rion ◽  
Phung Thi Tuyen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Hot Spots ◽  
Road Construction ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Habitat Destruction ◽  
Threat Status ◽  
Data Book ◽  
First Time

Vietnam is one of the main centers of generic diversity for Juglandaceae worldwide. In this study, we present for the first time a province-wide distribution of all 3 subfamilies, 7 genera, and 11 Vietnamese species, and give an update on the habitats of all Vietnamese Juglandaceae species, their uses, and current threats. Juglandaceae are found throughout Vietnam. However, most species occur predominantly in the northern part of the country between 600 and 1200 m. Some taxa range is found extensively from sea level up to 2,500 meters above sea level. According to the IUCN Red List, Rhoiptelea chiliantha, Carya sinensis, and Pterocarya tonkinensis are threatened while Engelhardia spicata, E. serrata, Alfaropsis roxburghiana, Pterocarya stenoptera are classified as least concerned. Carya tonkinensis is threatened locally, and Engelhardia spicata var. colebrookiana and Platycarya strobilacea merit “threatened” designation in Vietnam’s Red Data Book. The most frequent threats are logging, land-use change, and habitat destruction due to artificial wood plantations or road construction. Until now, no conservation measures have been applied for any of the species in Vietnam, although some species occur in national parks. Our study gives an important update on the current diversity and distribution of Juglandaceae in Vietnam.We point out the need for a correct assessment of the threat status of various species on a national and international scale to protect the rarest and most endangered of them. Further research, the use of various forms of protection of individual taxa and/or their habitats, and drawing the attention of an international group of researchers to the urgent need to work together to protect biodiversity in Vietnam hot spots are necessary.

Conservation status of forests and wildlife in the Eastern Ghats, India

1997 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 307-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
GOPAL S. RAWAT
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Ecological Status ◽  
Indirect Evidence ◽  
Forest Products ◽  
Livestock Grazing ◽  
Eastern Ghats ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
The Government

The Eastern Ghats (EGs) comprise a chain of ancient low hills in the state of Andhra Pradesh adjoining the east coast of India. These hill ranges are well known for a rich array of tropical forests with great conservation significance which support large human populations. A series of protected areas (PAs) have been established by the government along these ranges to conserve the regional biodiversity, but their effectiveness is often questionable. In order to assess the ecological status of the forests both within and outside the PAs and to assess the impacts of ongoing forestry practices a survey was conducted along the EGs. Plant species richness, and density of shrubs and trees, were estimated along disturbance gradients (core, buffer and fringe situations) using random plots of 10-m radius for trees, and 5-m radius (nested) plots for shrubs and saplings. Indirect evidence (spoor) of domestic and wild animals was recorded within the sample plots to compare habitat use by the animals.Srivenkateshwara National Park in the Seshachalam Hills, Gundlabrahmeshwaram Sanctuary in Nallamalais and some parts of Srisailam-Nagarjunasagar Tiger Reserve, had the least degraded forests due to their PA status. However, collection of non-timber forest products, bamboo harvesting and livestock grazing continues in all areas irrespective of legal status. All bamboo areas have been heavily worked. It is recommended that bamboo working should be stopped in core areas of the PAs and reduced from nine to six months (October to March) in the buffer zones. Summer is a period of potential water shortage for wild animals and bamboo workers' camps near water courses may affect habitat use by these species.The proposed Gudem Maripakhala Sanctuary, well known for its biogeographical value and diverse flora, is seriously threatened as a result of to extensive 'podu' (slash and burn) cultivation. It is suggested that an integrated approach to biodiversity conservation and better agricultural practices, should be adopted in this area. Some of the primary and old growth forests should be identified, mapped and given immediate protection, until a scientifically-based management plan is developed.

scholarly journals Response of the Endangered red panda Ailurus fulgens fulgens to anthropogenic disturbances, and its distribution in Phrumsengla National Park, Bhutan

Oryx ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 701-708 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pema Dendup ◽  
Ellen Cheng ◽  
Choki Lham ◽  
Ugyen Tenzin
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Anthropogenic Disturbance ◽  
National Park ◽  
Anthropogenic Disturbances ◽  
Livestock Grazing ◽  
Sensitive Species ◽  
Faecal Pellets ◽  
Red Panda ◽  
Ailurus Fulgens ◽  
Panda Habitat

AbstractAcross much of Asia protected areas have a dual objective of conserving biodiversity and supporting rural and indigenous livelihoods. For the red panda Ailurus fulgens and other sensitive species of concern, even limited anthropogenic disturbance may influence their use of protected areas. We quantified the prevalence of timber collection and livestock grazing, and their impacts on red panda habitat use, in Phrumsengla National Park, Bhutan. Red pandas used sites with at least 20% bamboo cover, as evidenced by presence of their faecal pellets. They avoided sites disturbed by livestock, regardless of bamboo availability. Timber collection itself was not an important predictor of red panda presence but bamboo may be harvested opportunistically from sites where timber is collected. Conservation efforts for the red panda should not rely on protected areas alone but should explicitly consider and mitigate impacts of anthropogenic disturbances in protected areas.

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