Distribution and threats to Smooth-Coated Otters Lutrogale perspicillata (Mammalia: Carnivora: Mustelidae) in Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal

This article aims to assess the distribution, threats and perceptions regarding otters in Shuklaphanta National Park (SNP). It also provides an overview of the conservation efforts of the Nepal government within and outside the protected areas. The study was carried out through preliminary survey of the wetlands using direct sighting techniques, plus indirect evidence including fur, spraints, dead remains, pugmarks, transect survey, key informant survey (n= 15), and questionnaire survey of households (n= 70) in buffer zone. This study found that otter signs were mostly concentrated in the moist soil near the wetlands area. Otter distribution was mostly recorded in Radhapur river, Kalikhich lake, Chaudhar river, Hattinala near hattisar area of pipraiya, Bahuni river, Shikari lake, and Salgaudi lake of Shuklaphanta National Park. Fire and extraction of construction materials from wetlands were identified as severe threats through social survey and key informant survey. For the maintenance of viable population of otters these threats should be minimized through effective biodiversity conservation techniques such as awareness programs and enforcement of laws inside the park. In recent decades, the populations have declined as a consequence of hunting and the overall loss of natural habitats. Overall, our study shows that information on the status, distribution and population trends of Smooth-coated Otters is limited. Therefore, we recommend that more studies should be carried out in this region to establish status, distribution and ecology to improve our understanding of otters in the face of increasing impacts on their habitats. In addition, it is mandatory for the implementation of conservation activities such as awareness to the locals and policy makers, appropriate habitat management and initiating scientific research to ensure a minimum viable population of the species in the country.

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Population abundance of the common hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius in the Haut Niger National Park, Republic of Guinea / Abondance de la population d'hippopotame commun Hippopotamus amphibius dans le Parc National du Haut Niger, République de Guinée

Mammalia ◽

10.1515/mamm.70.1-2.14 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 70 (1-2) ◽

Author(s):

David Brugière ◽

Bakary Magassouba ◽

Amidou Sylla ◽

Halimou Diallo ◽

Mamadou Sow

Keyword(s):

National Park ◽

Buffer Zone ◽

Wet Season ◽

Republic Of Guinea ◽

Hippopotamus Amphibius ◽

The Status ◽

Grazing Area ◽

The Common ◽

The Republic

AbstractThe Republic of Guinea is thought to contain the largest population of common hippopotamus in West Africa. However, no systematic field survey has been carried out recently and the information available is limited to informal observations. To clarify the status of the common hippopotamus in Guinea, we carried out a biannual population survey along the section of the Niger River (the largest river in Guinea) within the Haut Niger National Park. We counted 93 hippopotamuses in 28 groups in the dry season and 77 hippopotamuses in 23 groups in the wet season. Mean group size and number of neonates did not change between the seasons. Hippopotomuses were more numerous along the river sections bordering uncultivated floodplains. This underlines the significance of this habitat (which is used as a grazing area) for conservation of this species. Haut Niger National Park is the most important protected area in Guinea for conservation of the common hippopotamus. Hippopotamus-human and -cattle conflicts in terms of floodplain use in the park's buffer zone should be closely monitored. Floodplain conversion to rice fields represents one of the most important threats to the long-term conservation of hippopotamus populations in Guinea.

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Distribution of Blue Bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) and its Conservation Threats in Bardia National Park, Nepal

Journal of Forest and Natural Resource Management ◽

10.3126/jfnrm.v2i1.40220 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 50-60

Author(s):

Pramila Koirala ◽

Bijaya Neupane ◽

Thakur Silwal ◽

Bijaya Dhami ◽

Siddhartha Regmi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

National Park ◽

Habitat Management ◽

Invasive Plant ◽

Flash Flood ◽

Local Level ◽

Buffer Zone ◽

Grass Species ◽

Zone Field ◽

Conservation Threats ◽

And Control

Blue bull is Asia’s largest antelope, a species of least concern in IUCN Red data list of 2020. In Nepal, it is vulnerable and is often considered as a problem animal for its crop raiding habit. Although, its population is restricted in India and Nepal, there are insufficient studies conducted on the distribution and threats of the species at local level. This study aimed to assess the distribution of blue bull and its conservation threats in Bardia National Park and its buffer zone. Field survey was carried out to identify the potential area with the information provided by park staff and buffer zone people and by the transect method in the selected habitat to determine the distribution of blue bull population. Additionally, six focus group discussions (1 in each of thefive sites and 1 with park staff) and a half-day workshop (involving 25 participants representing each site and park office) were organized to assess the existing threats to the species. Data were analyzed descriptively using MS Excel, while the distribution map was prepared using Arc GIS. Also, 8 major identified threats were ranked using relative threat ranking procedure and classified into four severity classes. We found that the population of blue bull was dispersed from core area of Bardia National Park towards the buffer zone area. Open grazing, invasive species, predation by tiger and flash flood were the major threats to the blue bull as perceived by the local people. Habitat management activities including control of grazing, removal of invasive plant species, plantation of palatable grass species, increase in other prey species of tiger and control of flood in blue bull’s habitats are recommended to protect the species and thus sustain their threatened population.

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Conservation status of Ramsar sites of Nepal Tarai: an overview

Botanica Orientalis Journal of Plant Science ◽

10.3126/botor.v6i0.2914 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 6 ◽

pp. 76-84 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Mohan Siwakoti ◽

Jhamak B Karki

Keyword(s):

Protected Areas ◽

National Park ◽

Management Practices ◽

Hot Springs ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Buffer Zone ◽

Freshwater Wetlands ◽

Lake Area ◽

The Status ◽

Wildlife Reserve

Nepal houses only inland freshwater wetlands, ranging from floodplains of snow-melt-fed cold Himalayan rivers, warm rivers originating in the mid hills, high altitudinal glacial lakes to hot springs, ponds, ox-bow lakes, marshes and swamps. These wetlands support several endemic and globally threatened species of flora and fauna. Besides, wetland sites have significant recreational, religio-cultural and spiritual values. There are over 240 wetland sites in Nepal, of which 163 are in the Terai (plain lowland). Wetlands found in Tarai are comparatively more inventoried than the wetlands of mountains and the Himalayan regions of the country. The Terai region (below 300 m) covers about 14% of the country's total area, where half of Nepal's total populations exist. About 11% population of the country is wetland dependent; majority of them are living in the Terai region. The country has nine Ramsar sites, of which, four are in the Tarai region. Among them, two sites (Koshi Tappu wetland, and Beeshazar and associated lakes) lie inside the protected areas and two sites (Ghodaghodi Lake area and Jagadishpur Reservoir) are distributed outside the protected areas. The Koshi Tappu wetland lies along the floodplains of the Sapta Koshi River in the eastern Tarai within the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. It is the first Ramsar site in Nepal. Beeshazar and associated lakes lies in the buffer zone of the Chitwan National Park along the inner Tarai of Central Nepal. The Ghodaghodi Lake Area (2500 ha) lies in the far western Nepal, and comprises about 14 large and small ox-bow lakes/ponds with associated marshes, swamps, river/streams, springs, seasonal marshy grasslands and human made wetlands, out of them, Ghodaghodi Lake (138 ha) is the largest natural lake in the Nepal's Tarai. The lake system falls between the Bardia National Park and the Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve of the country and the surrounding forest functions as an important corridor for the movement of wildlife between these as well as the Tarai and the northern Siwalik hills. Similarly, the Jagadishpur Reservoir (225 ha) which lies in Central Nepal's Tarai is the largest man-made wetland in Nepal for irrigation purpose. It is an important site for migratory and resident birds. In this paper we highlight the status, threats, conservation issues and management practices of these Ramsar sites lying in Nepal Tarai. Key-words: Ghodaghodi Lake; Jagdishpur Reservoir; Nepal Tarai; outside protected area; wetlands.DOI: 10.3126/botor.v6i0.2914 Botanica Orientalis - Journal of Plant Science (2009) 6: 76-84

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Population abundance of the common hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius in the Haut Niger National Park, Republic of Guinea / Abondance de la population d'hippopotame commun Hippopotamus amphibius dans le Parc National du Haut Niger, République de Guinée

Mammalia ◽

10.1515/mamm.2006.008 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 70 (1-2) ◽

Author(s):

David Brugière ◽

Bakary Magassouba ◽

Amidou Sylla ◽

Halimou Diallo ◽

Mamadou Sow

Keyword(s):

National Park ◽

Buffer Zone ◽

Wet Season ◽

Republic Of Guinea ◽

Hippopotamus Amphibius ◽

The Status ◽

Grazing Area ◽

The Common ◽

The Republic

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GIS-Assisted Prediction and Risk Zonation of Wildlife Attacks in the Chitwan National Park in Nepal

ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information ◽

10.3390/ijgi7090369 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 7 (9) ◽

pp. 369 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Aleš Ruda ◽

Jaromír Kolejka ◽

Thakur Silwal

Keyword(s):

National Park ◽

Agricultural Land ◽

Buffer Zone ◽

Food Sources ◽

Strong Positive Correlation ◽

Natural Habitats ◽

Risk Zonation ◽

The Face ◽

Spatial Decision Making ◽

Chitwan National Park

Population growth forces the human community to expand into the natural habitats of wild animals. Their efforts to use natural sources often collide with wildlife attacks. These animals do not only protect their natural environment, but in the face of losing the potential food sources, they also penetrate in human settlements. The research was situated in the Chitwan National Park (CNP) in Nepal, and the aim of this study was to investigate possible geospatial connections between attacks of all kinds of animals on humans in the CNP and its surroundings between 2003 and 2013. The patterns of attacks were significantly uneven across the months, and 89% of attacks occurred outside the park. In total, 74% attacks occurred in the buffer zone forests and croplands within 1 km from the park. There was a strong positive correlation among the number of victims for all attacking animals with a maximum of one victim per 4 km2, except elephant and wild boar. The density of bear victims was higher where the tiger and rhino victims were lower, e.g., in the Madi valley. The data collected during this period did not show any signs of spatial autocorrelation. The calculated magnitude per unit area using the kernel density, together with purpose-defined land use groups, were used to determine five risk zones of wildlife attacks. In conclusion, it was found that the riskiest areas were locations near the forest that were covered by agricultural land and inhabited by humans. Our research results can support any local spatial decision-making processes for improving the co-existence of natural protection in the park and the safety of human communities living in its vicinity.

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The amphibians and reptiles of Manu National Park and its buffer zone, Amazon basin and eastern slopes of the Andes, Peru

Biota Neotropica ◽

10.1590/s1676-06032013000400024 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 269-283 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Alessandro Catenazzi ◽

Edgar Lehr ◽

Rudolf von May

Keyword(s):

National Park ◽

Amazon Basin ◽

Buffer Zone ◽

Iucn Red List ◽

Red List ◽

Natural Habitats ◽

The Andes ◽

Podocnemis Unifilis ◽

Threat Categories ◽

Manu National Park

We compile a list of all amphibians and reptiles known to occur within Manu National Park, Peru and its buffer zone, located in one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. Covering approximately 0.01% of the planet's terrestrial surface, this protected area preserves 155 species of amphibians and 132 species of reptiles, corresponding to 2.2% and 1.5% respectively of the known diversity for these groups. Moreover, Manu National Park preserves natural habitats and populations of one critically endangered (Atelopus erythropus), three endangered (Bryophryne cophites, Pristimantis cosnipatae and Psychrophrynella usurpator), three vulnerable amphibians (Atelopus tricolor, Gastrotheca excubitor, Rhinella manu) and two vulnerable reptiles (Chelonoidis denticulata, Podocnemis unifilis), according to the threat categories of the IUCN Red List.

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Biodiversity research and conservation in Cat Ba National Park with updated records from recent field surveys

Journal of Vietnamese Environment ◽

10.13141/jve.vol9.no5.pp285-290 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 285-290

Author(s):

Thi Thanh Nga Cao ◽

Song Tung Nguyen

Keyword(s):

Protected Area ◽

National Park ◽

Field Survey ◽

Buffer Zone ◽

Viet Nam ◽

Large Area ◽

Natural Habitats ◽

Field Surveys ◽

Biodiversity Research

Among the protected area system of Vietnam, Cat Ba appears as an ideal national park for biodiversity research and conservation. It covers a large area of karst landscape including islands and different ecosystems ranging from forests, wetland, mangroves, caves and others. Since the establishment of Cat Ba National Park in 1986, biodiversity research and conservation within the park have been strongly promoted and raised. The park has been well known as home to highly diverse flora and fauna with many species endemic to the archipelago and Vietnam. A series of projects and programmes have been effectively implemented for urgent and long-term conservation of threatened species. However, results from scientific research also indicated that many sites and species are still almost unstudied while several sections of the park’s buffer zone are affected by human activities including unscientific development of ecotourism. We recently conduct a field survey and recorded 2 bat species and echolocation calls in their natural habitats. This paper provides an overview of achievements with recent records and recommendations for strengthening conservation of biodiversity and habitats in the park and surroundings. Trong hệ thống khu vực bảo vệ của Việt Nam, Cát Bà là một vườn quốc gia có điều kiện thuận lợi đối với công tác nghiên cứu và bảo tồn đa dạng sinh học. Vườn quốc gia này bao gồm diện tích lớn cảnh quan núi đá vôi với các đảo và hệ sinh thái đặc trưng như rừng trên núi, đất ngập nước, rừng ngập mặn, hang động và nhiều hệ sinh thái khác. Từ khi thành lập Vườn Quốc gia Cát Bà năm 1986, công tác nghiên cứu và bảo tồn đa dạng sinh học được quan tâm và thực hiện ngày càng nhiều. Vườn quốc gia cũng chứa đựng khu hệ động vật và thực vật đa dạng với nhiều loài đặc hữu cho quần đảo và Việt Nam. Nhiều dự án và chương trình đã được thực hiện nhằm bảo tồn cấp bách và lâu dài những loài bị đe dọa. Tuy nhiên, những kết quả nghiên cứu khoa học cũng cho thấy nhiều khu vực trong phạm vi vườn quốc gia gần như chưa được nghiên cứu trong khi một số tiểu khu thuộc vùng đệm đang bị ảnh hưởng bởi hoạt động của con người như sự phát triển du lịch. Chúng tôi đã ghi nhận được 2 loài dơi cùng với tiếng kêu siêu âm trong môi trường sống tự nhiên của chúng qua thời gian điều tra thực địa vừa qua. Bài báo này cung cấp dẫn liệu tổng quan và cập nhật về những kết quả đã đạt được với những thông tin cập nhật và đề xuất nhằm thúc đẩy công tác bảo tồn đa dạng sinh học và sinh cảnh ở vườn quốc gia và vùng phụ cận trong tương lai.

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Estimating the abundance of Nepal's largest population of tigers Panthera tigris

Oryx ◽

10.1017/s0030605313000471 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 49 (1) ◽

pp. 150-156 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Jhamak B. Karki ◽

B. Pandav ◽

S. R. Jnawali ◽

R. Shrestha ◽

N. M. B. Pradhan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

National Park ◽

Buffer Zone ◽

Camera Trap ◽

Camera Traps ◽

Panthera Tigris ◽

Abundance Estimate ◽

Tiger Reserve ◽

The Status ◽

Chitwan National Park ◽

Tiger Population

AbstractInformation on the abundance of tigers Panthera tigris is essential for effective conservation of the species. The main aim of this study was to determine the status of tigers in Chitwan National Park, Nepal, including the Churia hills, using a camera-trap based mark–recapture abundance estimate. Camera traps (n = 310) were placed in an area of 1,261 km2 from 20 January to 22 March 2010. The study area was divided into three blocks and each block was trapped for 19–21 days, with a total effort of 3,582 man-days, 170 elephant-days and 4,793 camera-trap nights. The effectively camera-trapped area was 2,596 km2. Camera stations were located 1.5–2 km apart. Sixty-two tigers (age ⩾ 1.5 years), comprising 15 males, 41 females and six of unidentified sex, were identified from 344 photographs. The heterogeneity model Mh (jackknife) was the best fit for the capture history data. A capture probability ($\hat P$) of 0.05 was obtained, generating a population estimate ($\hat N$) of 125 ± SE 21.8 tigers. The density of tigers in the area, including Churia and Barandabhar (buffer zone forest linked with mid hill forest), was estimated to be 4.5 ± SE 0.35 tigers per 100 km2, using a Bayesian spatially explicit capture–recapture model in SPACECAP. Our study showed the use of Churia by tigers and we therefore conclude that the Chitwan tiger population serves as a source to maintain tiger occupancy of the larger landscape that comprises Chitwan National Park, Parsa Wildlife Reserve, Barandabhar buffer zone, Someswor forest in Nepal and Valmiki Tiger Reserve in India.

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An ecological assessment of Hispid Hare Caprolagus hispidus (Mammalia: Lagomorpha: Leporidae) in Manas National Park, Assam, India

Journal of Threatened Taxa ◽

10.11609/jott.2461.7.15.8195-8204 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 7 (15) ◽

pp. 8195 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Naba K. Nath ◽

Kamal Machary

Keyword(s):

Population Density ◽

National Park ◽

Indirect Evidence ◽

Ground Cover ◽

Ecological Assessment ◽

Imperata Cylindrica ◽

Survey Area ◽

Weed Invasion ◽

The Status ◽

Detailed Assessment

This study of the Hispid Hare Caprolagus hispidus in the tall grassland habitat of Manas National Park, Assam during 2009–2010 is the first detailed assessment in northeastern India. We assessed the status, distribution, habitat use and key threats to this rare and little studied lagomorph species. After interviewing local forest staff, 20 grassland patches within a survey area of 2.65ha were selected and transects (50x2 m) laid randomly to determine the presence/absence of Hispid Hare by recording pellets and other indirect evidence. Hare presence was recorded in 17 grassland patches within transects dominated by Imperata cylindrica and Saccharum narenga. Hispid Hare preferred dry savannah grasslands to wet alluvial grasslands during winter and avoided recently burned patches due to lack of cover and food. The distribution pattern observed was clumped (s2/a = 6.2), with more evidence of Hispid Hare presence in areas where ground cover was dense, dry and away from water sources. Population density was estimated at 381.55 individuals/km2, which in comparison with other studies indicates that Manas National Park currently holds the highest density of Hispid Hare. Habitat loss due to overgrazing, unsustainable thatch harvesting, burning of grassland, weed invasion, encroachment and hunting were identified as key threats which must be addressed to ensure survival of this threatened species in the Park. <div> </div>

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Socio-economic analysis of ecotourism activities of women in Turkey

The Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Sciences ◽

10.21162/pakjas/21.801 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 58 (04) ◽

pp. 1099-1105

Author(s):

Tayyibe Açikgoz Altunel

Keyword(s):

Natural Resources ◽

National Park ◽

Buffer Zone ◽

Local People ◽

Level Of Education ◽

Face To Face ◽

The Status ◽

Development Plans ◽

Observation Method

Ecotourism is a type of tourism in which maximum benefits are provided to local people while protecting the environment. Local people care more about the sustainability of biodiversity and they are very effective at protecting it. Kure Mountains National Park is one of the most important protected areas for accelerating ecotourism, having tremendous natural resources, protected traditional cultures, caves, canyons, waterfalls and natural wonders. In this study, we aimed to examine the support of women in ecotourism activities in Kure Mountain National Park. To measure the support of women in ecotourism, we conducted face-to-face surveys with 366 women from 53 villages and used observation method. It was found that the level of education in the region is quite low, 65 out of 98 women having 64 years of age and older were illiterate. As the level of education decreased, there was an increase in the unemployment. About 94.3% of the women living in the buffer zone of the park stated that there was no relation between their income and the status of National Park. These findings are important in understanding the role of women in the development of ecotourism. Moreover, stimulating ecotourism activities with encouragement and micro-development plans for local people will increase their livelihoods and people who live in and around the National Park will be more careful to protect these areas

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