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 ◽  
...  

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.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Supriyo Dalui ◽  
Hiren Khatri ◽  
Sujeet Kumar Singh ◽  
Shambadeb Basu ◽  
Avijit Ghosh ◽  
...  

AbstractWildlife 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 1309.54 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.


Oryx ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 536-543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sangay Dorji ◽  
Rajanathan Rajaratnam ◽  
Karl Vernes

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.


Oryx ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 228-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hari P. Sharma ◽  
Jerrold L. Belant ◽  
Jon E. Swenson

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.


PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e1901 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seth W. Cunningham ◽  
Matthew H. Shirley ◽  
Evon R. Hekkala

Landscape heterogeneity, phylogenetic history, and stochasticity all influence patterns of geneflow and connectivity in wild vertebrates. Fine-scale patterns of genetic partitioning may be particularly important for the sustainable management of widespread species in trade, such as crocodiles. We examined genetic variation within the rediscovered African crocodile,Crocodylus suchus, across its distribution in West and Central Africa. We genotyped 109 individuals at nine microsatellite loci from 16 sampling localities and used three Bayesian clustering techniques and an analysis of contemporary gene flow to identify population structure across the landscape. We identified up to eight genetic clusters that largely correspond to populations isolated in coastal wetland systems and across large distances. Crocodile population clusters from the interior were readily distinguished from coastal areas, which were further subdivided by distance and drainage basin. Migration analyses indicated contemporary migration only between closely positioned coastal populations. These findings indicate high levels of population structure throughout the range ofC. suchusand we use our results to suggest a role for molecular tools in identifying crocodile conservation units for this species. Further research, including additional sampling throughout the Congo and Niger drainages, would clarify both the landscape connectivity and management of this species.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 384
Author(s):  
Javier Martínez-López ◽  
Bastian Bertzky ◽  
Simon Willcock ◽  
Marine Robuchon ◽  
María Almagro ◽  
...  

Protected areas (PAs) are a key strategy to reverse global biodiversity declines, but they are under increasing pressure from anthropogenic activities and concomitant effects. Thus, the heterogeneous landscapes within PAs, containing a number of different habitats and ecosystem types, are in various degrees of disturbance. Characterizing habitats and ecosystems within the global protected area network requires large-scale monitoring over long time scales. This study reviews methods for the biophysical characterization of terrestrial PAs at a global scale by means of remote sensing (RS) and provides further recommendations. To this end, we first discuss the importance of taking into account the structural and functional attributes, as well as integrating a broad spectrum of variables, to account for the different ecosystem and habitat types within PAs, considering examples at local and regional scales. We then discuss potential variables, challenges and limitations of existing global environmental stratifications, as well as the biophysical characterization of PAs, and finally offer some recommendations. Computational and interoperability issues are also discussed, as well as the potential of cloud-based platforms linked to earth observations to support large-scale characterization of PAs. Using RS to characterize PAs globally is a crucial approach to help ensure sustainable development, but it requires further work before such studies are able to inform large-scale conservation actions. This study proposes 14 recommendations in order to improve existing initiatives to biophysically characterize PAs at a global scale.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 2616-2629
Author(s):  
Jake Goodall ◽  
Kristen Marie Westfall ◽  
Hildur Magnúsdóttir ◽  
Snæbjörn Pálsson ◽  
Erla Björk Örnólfsdóttir ◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000305
Author(s):  
Marie Kubiak ◽  
Mark Frederick Stidworthy ◽  
Sam Sharpe
Keyword(s):  

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 921
Author(s):  
Damber Bista ◽  
Sonam Tashi Lama ◽  
Janno Weerman ◽  
Ang Phuri Sherpa ◽  
Purushotam Pandey ◽  
...  

It is sometimes essential to have an animal in the hand to study some of their ecological and biological characteristics. However, capturing a solitary, cryptic, elusive arboreal species such as the red panda in the wild is challenging. We developed and successfully tested a protocol for tracking, trapping, immobilization, and handling of red pandas in the wild in eastern Nepal. We established a red panda sighting rate of 0.89 panda/day with a capture success rate of 0.6. We trapped and collared one animal in 3.7 days. On average, we took nearly 136 (range 50–317) min to capture an animal after spotting it. Further processing was completed in 38.5 (21–70) min. Before capture, we found it difficult to recognize the sex of the red panda and to differentiate sub-adults above six months from adults. However, body weight, body length, tail length, shoulder height, and chest girth can be used for diagnosis, as these attributes are smaller in sub-adults. Our method is a welfare-friendly way of trapping and handling wild red pandas. We report new morphometric data that could serve as a guide for field identification.


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