scholarly journals Habitat use and conservation threats to Wild Water Buffalo Bubalus arnee (Mammalia: Artiodactyla: Bovidae) in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 19714-19724
Author(s):  
Reeta Khulal ◽  
Bijaya Neupane ◽  
Bijaya Dhami ◽  
Siddhartha Regmi ◽  
Ganesh Prasad Tiwari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Water Buffalo ◽  
Imperata Cylindrica ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Mimosa Pudica ◽  
Shrub Species ◽  
Acacia Catechu ◽  
Conservation Threats ◽  
Wildlife Reserve ◽  
Herb Species

Wild Water Buffalo (WWB) Bubalus arnee is an endangered species and a protected animal in Nepal. The remaining WWB population is located in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (KTWR), and it appears to have low viability under prevailing conditions. We assessed the habitat use and conservation threats to wild water buffalo in KTWR. For habitat analysis the quadrant method was used. Eighty-four quadrants of 25 m2 for trees, 168 quadrants of 10m2 for shrubs and 336 quadrants of 1 m2 for herbs were laid out in the study area. Ivlev’s electivity index (IV) was calculated to assess the use of different habitat components. The important Value Index (IVI) was used for vegetation assessment. A relative threat ranking method was used to assess conservation threats for wild buffalo and their habitats. Wild buffalo mostly preferred habitats with distance to water resources less than 500 m (IV= 0.4), less than 25 % crown coverage (IV= 0.39) and more than 75 % ground coverage (IV= 0.42). The trees species Phyllanthus emblica, Acacia catechu, shrub species Mimosa pudica and the herb species Brachiaria distachya, Vetiveria zizanioides, Imperata cylindrica, and Saccharum spontaneum were preferred by WWB in the study area. Among the different plant categories, we found that Acacia catechu was the most preferred tree species (IVI= 156.95), Mimosa pudica the most preferred shrub species (IVI= 58.68), and Imperata cylindrica the most preferred herb species (IVI= 64.73). Major conservation threats perceived by local stakeholders for wild buffaloes were overgrazing by cattle and genetic swamping through crossbreeding with domestic buffalo. Therefore, conservation of grass species through control of grazing, and prevention of cross breeding are measures supported by this study. Additionally, site-specific conservation strategies should be adopted, based on identified threats in the study area.

scholarly journals Diversity of Angiospermic Plants in estuarine and Adjoining Riparian Areas of Sabarmati and Mahi Rivers, Gujarat, India

2020 ◽  
pp. 116-124
Author(s):  
Raj B. Patel ◽  
Ketan Tatu ◽  
R. D. Kamboj
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Flowering Plants ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Riparian Zones ◽  
Ecological Groups ◽  
View Point ◽  
Riparian Areas ◽  
Shrub Species ◽  
Religious Importance ◽  
Herb Species

The present study was conducted with an aim of documenting the diversity of flowering plants in selected localities in the estuarine and adjoining riparian zones of Sabarmati and Mahi rivers of Gujarat, India. The Sabarmati and Mahi rivers are west-flowing perennial rivers having considerable ecological and religious importance. A total of 40 species of flowering plants belonging to 26 different families were recorded in the study area which were dominated by herbaceous plants. Among the 40 species recorded 2 species were trees, 8 species were shrubs, 28 species were herbs and 2 species were grasses. Moreover, as far as ecological groups are concerned, 6 species were halophytes, 13 species were hydrophytes, 17 species were mesophytes and 4 species were xerophytes. In the study area of Sabarmati river, 28 species were recorded that included 2 tree species, 6 shrub species, 18 herb species and 2 grass species. From the view point of ecological groups 5 species were halophytes, 3 species were hydrophytes, 16 species were mesophytes and 4 species were xerophytes. In the study area of Mahi river, 24 species were recorded that included 2 tree species, 6 shrub species, 14 herb species and 2 grass species. From the view point of ecological groups 5 species were halophytes, 12 species were hydrophytes, 5 species were mesophytes and 2 species were xerophytes.

scholarly journals Investigating Habitat Suitability and Conservation Issues of Re-introduced Wild Water Buffalo in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Gaurav Dhungel ◽  
Dol Raj Thanet
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Suitability ◽  
National Park ◽  
Water Buffalo ◽  
Imperata Cylindrica ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Genetic Introgression ◽  
Binary Model ◽  
Chitwan National Park ◽  
Release Strategy

With an ever present threat of extinction aggravated mostly by inbreeding, genetic introgression and flooding stress, translocation of wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee) to another suitable habitat was a must since decades. Habitat suitability analysis for wild water buffalo has been done by using binary model in ArcGIS 10.2.2 and slope, elevation, distance to water bodies and land cover criteria were used to prepare habitat suitability map of Chitwan National Park. Vegetation compositions were assessed in the grassland of Old Padampur area in sample plots (n = 36) each of size 1m x 1m for grasses and 10m x 10m for trees by using random sampling strategy. Conservation issues were identified through key-informant interviews and on-site observation of enclosure area, where re-introduced wild water buffalo were soft released. 127.13 km2 of the park area was identified as suitable habitat for wild water buffalo with around 79% of Old Padampur area. Importance Value Index (IVI) indicated that Saccharum spontaneum was found to be the most dominant grass species (IVI = 100.43) followed by Imperata cylindrica (IVI = 56.70) in Old Padampur area. Old Padampur area lies in the lap of Rapti River with many streams and marshes in the area which contributes to its suitability. The grassland of Old Padampur area is the largest in the park. At present, the wild water buffalo is facing some conservation issues mainly due to improper execution of soft release strategy and few uncontrolled natural events, such as floods and predators attacks. Therefore, to maintain the viable population of wild water buffalo in Chitwan National Park in the long-run, it is crucial to regulate and enhance effective soft release strategy and more advance techno-based modality in close coordination with conservation partners and relevant stakeholders.

scholarly journals Population status and distribution of the Critically Endangered Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis in the grassland of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 19293-19301
Author(s):  
Ritika Prasai ◽  
Hemanta Kafley ◽  
Suraj Upadhaya ◽  
Swosthi Thapa ◽  
Pratistha Shrestha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Imperata Cylindrica ◽  
Critically Endangered ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Population Status ◽  
Importance Value Index ◽  
Importance Value ◽  
Wildlife Reserve

The Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis is one of the most threatened terrestrial bird species, listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ by the IUCN. This species is protected globally and locally due to very low population (global population is approximately 250–999 individuals), and little is known about its distribution and habitat use. We assessed population status and distribution of floricans in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal (KTWR). We surveyed 57 1-km2 randomly distributed blocks across the reserve to record as many individuals as possible during their breeding season (March–May). We walked 2,964 transects (52 transects on each block) each of length 1 km on 57 blocks of 1-km2 to estimate their population. We surveyed when the birds are most active during early morning (0600–0930 h) and later afternoon (1530–1900 h). We calculated grass importance value index (IVI), grass species composition, grass height, relative frequency of grass species, relative density of grass species, percent of grass ground coverage, presence/absence of human activity, and presence/absence of livestock to assess the habitat condition. We recorded 18 individuals (16 males and 2 females) inside the core of the reserve, where the habitat is dominated by Imperata cylindrica. Human disturbance had a negative impact on occurrence of the florican. We recommend implementing a Bengal Florican-specific conservation action plan to promote community-based conservation and restrict human encroachment in the grassland habitat. 

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

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.

scholarly journals Classification of Grass and Forb Species on Riverdike Using UAV LiDAR-Based Structural Indices

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 268-273
Author(s):  
Naoko Miura ◽  
Tomoyo F. Koyanagi ◽  
Susumu Yamada ◽  
Shigehiro Yokota ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Resolution ◽  
Imperata Cylindrica ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Herbaceous Vegetation ◽  
Small Complex ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Aerial Vehicle ◽  
Conventional Systems ◽  
Structural Indices

Herbaceous vegetation on riverdikes plays an important role in preventing soil erosion, which, otherwise, may lead to the collapse of riverdikes and consequently, severe flooding. It is crucial for managers to keep suitable vegetation conditions, which include native grass species such as Imperata cylindrica, and to secure visibility of riverdikes for inspection. If managers can efficiently find where suitable grass and unsuitable forb species grow on vast riverdikes, it would help in vegetation management on riverdikes. Classification and quantification of herbaceous vegetation is a challenging task. It requires spatial resolution and accuracy high enough to recognize small, complex-shaped vegetation on riverdikes. Recent developments in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology combined with light detection and ranging (LiDAR) may offer the solution, since it can provide highly accurate, high-spatial resolution, and denser data than conventional systems. This paper aims to develop a model to classify grass and forb species using UAV LiDAR data alone. A combination of UAV LiDAR-based structural indices, V-bottom (presence of vegetation up to 50 cm from the ground) and V-middle (presence of vegetation 50–100 cm from the ground), was tested and validated in 94 plots owing to its ability to classify grass and forb species on riverdikes. The proposed method successfully classified the “upright” grass species and “falling” grass species / forb species with an accuracy of approximately 83%. Managers can efficiently prioritize the inspection areas on the riverdikes by using this method. The method is versatile and adjustable in other grassland environments.

scholarly journals Threats to wild buffalo (Bubalus bubalis arnee): A case of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-76
Author(s):  
Ila Yadav ◽  
Ramesh Prasad Sapkota
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Natural Resources ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Bubalus Bubalis ◽  
Local People ◽  
Crop Damage ◽  
Water Buffaloes ◽  
Cross Breeding ◽  
Conservation Threats ◽  
Wildlife Reserve

Bubalus bubalis arnee is an endangered species and is among one of the protected animals in Nepal. The present study was undertaken to identify the threats to wild buffaloes, to study their habitat and people perception towards them. To know the perception of the local people towards wild buffalo questionnaire survey was carried out in 5 adjoining eastern VDCs of Sunsari district of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. The major reason for conflict between local people and reserve were crop damage, human causalities and no proper compensation for their losses. Major conservation threats of wild water buffaloes were, in-breeding and cross-breeding, illegal collection of natural resources from the reserve, competition with domestic buffaloes for resource inside the reserve, park people conflict and flooding.

Behaviour, habitat associations, and intrasexual differences of female Stone’s sheep

2006 ◽  
Vol 84 (8) ◽  
pp. 1187-1201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew B.D. Walker ◽  
Katherine L. Parker ◽  
Michael P. Gillingham
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Predation Risk ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Habitat Associations ◽  
Phenological Stage ◽  
Shrub Species ◽  
Lichen Cover ◽  
Ovis Dalli ◽  
Maternal Status

Stone’s sheep ( Ovis dalli stonei Allen, 1897) in northern British Columbia segregate sexually during most of the year, and intrasexually between maternal and nonmaternal females during spring and early summer. Our objective was to quantify intrasexual habitat use of female Stone’s sheep relative to maternal status using measures of behaviour and habitat use. We reviewed three hypotheses of intersexual segregation (predation-risk, forage-selection, and activity-budget hypotheses) to determine if they also explained intrasexual segregation of female Stone’s sheep. Female Stone’s sheep spent the majority of their active time foraging. Nursery groups spent shorter durations of time active, more time active in solid rock escape features, and less time active in shrub habitat than nonmaternal groups. The best predictive model describing intrasexual differences incorporated distance to nearest escape feature and size of nearest escape feature. Regardless of maternal status, female Stone’s sheep used low-elevation plant communities early in the growing season that were characterized by more shrub species and increased cover. As the growing season progressed, they tracked a phenological stage, moving up in elevation and associating with communities that contained increasing amounts of moss and lichen cover. The patterns in behaviour, habitat use, and vegetation associations between intrasexual groups of Stone’s sheep were best characterized by the predation-risk hypothesis.

scholarly journals Distribution and Habitat Preference of Hispid Hare (Caprolagus Hispidus) In Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Dhirendra Bahadur Chand ◽  
Laxman Khanal ◽  
Mukesh Kumar Chalise
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
National Park ◽  
Imperata Cylindrica ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Population Status ◽  
Tall Grass ◽  
The Past ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Food Species ◽  
Study Sites

 Hispid hare (Caprolagu shispidus) is an endangered lagomorph which had a wide range of distribution in the past, but currently it is known to occur only from few isolated tall grass pockets of India and Nepal. We explored the population status, habitat utilization and existing threats of the Hispid hare at Shuklaphanta National Park (SNP) by the strip transect and quadrate sampling methods from November 2015 to May 2016 covering both winter and summer seasons. Four study sites of total 1.58ha were selected within SNPand strip transects were randomly laid to determine presence and absence of pellets of Hispid hare and their counts were used to estimate the population density. The Population density of Hispid hare was found to be 0.1820/ha in winter and 0.2268/ha in summer with the statistically significant preference to the tall grassland habitat. Twelve grass species were identified in the habitat of Hispid hare with dominancy of Saccharum spontaneum, Imperata cylindrica, Narenga porphyrocoma, and Saccharum munj. Among the grasses, Imperata cylindrica and Narenga porphyrocoma were the food species of higher preference for Hispid hare.

Temporal fluctuation in shrub species preferences of two native rodents: The effect of infection status on habitat use

2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (5) ◽  
pp. 512-518
Author(s):  
M. Isabel Donoso ◽  
Francisco E. Fonturbel ◽  
Rocío A. Cares ◽  
Esteban Oda ◽  
Patricia A. Ramirez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Infection Status ◽  
Temporal Fluctuation ◽  
Shrub Species ◽  
Species Preferences

scholarly journals Biology and Control of Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) in Southern Forests

EDIS ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Joseph Minogue ◽  
Brent V. Brodbeck ◽  
James H. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Control Strategies ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Warm Season ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Hardwood Forests ◽  
Imperata Cylindrica ◽  
Pine Forests ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
And Control ◽  
Scale Control

Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv.) is a Southeast Asian warm-season perennial grass species that has spread to all continents except Antarctica. It is considered among the worst problematic weeds on a global scale. Control of cogongrass is difficult, especially in forests. This 6-page fact sheet written by Patrick J. Minogue, Brent V. Brodbeck, and James H. Miller and published by the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation presents recommendations for control strategies that will work in mixed pine-hardwood forests and pine forests. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr411

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