Nutrient Analysis of Grass Species Consumed by Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros Unicornis) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

The Greater One-horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is found almost exclusively in Nepal and North-Eastern India. There have beenonly a few studies made on the food and the nutrient compositions of fodder species preferred by The Greater One- horned Rhinoceros. Thepresent study identifies the nutrient content of the fodder species consumed by One-horned rhinoceros which would be helpful to develop proper strategies for rhinoceros food management. For this altogether 8 grass species which were most preferred by rhinoceros were collected from Chitwan National Park. Systematic sampling was applied for sample collection and collected samples were taken to the Animal Nutrition Laboratory, Khumaltar for nutrient analysis. Among all the collected species the highest OM% was seen in Faank (93.98 ± 0.88) while Ash% and CP% was found to be highest in Eragrastic Tenella (13.67 ± 2.92) and Phragmatic karka (11.94 ± 2.26) respectively. Lowest NDF% was again seen in Eragrastic tenella (76.76 ± 2.93) and lowest ADF% and ADL% were found in Mala dubo with mean values (43.50 ± 6.86) and (6.41 ± 2.16) respectively showing high digestibility of these grasses. There were only slight variation in the EE% of the grass species withhighest mean value of (3.702 ± 1.73) of Imperata cylindrical to lowest mean value of (1.722 ± 0.11) of Eragrastic tenella. Highest energy was found in Faank (4181.90 ±1.10) and Calcium content was seen highest in Cynodon dactylon (1.30 ± 0.83).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v2i4.11119 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 2(4): 402-408

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Effectiveness of control measures of Mikania micrantha on grassland: a case study from grassland in Sauraha area of Chitwan National Park

Banko Janakari ◽

10.3126/banko.v27i3.20559 ◽

2018 ◽

pp. 144-149

Author(s):

U. Aryal ◽

B. H. Wagle ◽

B. Lamichhane ◽

A. Parajuli ◽

P. Thapa

Keyword(s):

National Park ◽

Control Measures ◽

Grass Species ◽

Systematic Sampling ◽

Sample Plot ◽

Native Grass ◽

Mikania Micrantha ◽

Chitwan National Park ◽

And Control

The spread of Mikania micrantha is causing a serious threat to native ecosystem in the tropical and sub-tropical parts of Nepal. The main objective of the study was to analyse the effectiveness of different control measures applied in the grasslands of Chitwan National Park (CNP) by comparing number and coverage of M. micrantha and native grass species. The three experimental sites were grassland of the CNP. These sites were delineated from Etrex 30, Global Positioning System (GPS) and GIS 10.3.2 in April, 2013. A block with size of 100 m x 100 m was separated by fire line on all sides for each treatment in each site. Systematic sampling with random start was used to establish sample plots within each block. Six sample plots were established in each block. The size of each plot was 2 m x 0.4 m (0.8 m2). The distance between one sample plot to another sample plot was 40 m. Three treatments applied in three blocks of each site were controlled fire, manual cutting and control (no treatment).Seedlings of M. micrantha and native grasses were counted and their coverage assessed in each plot. The coverage and number of native grass species were higher in controlled fire plot than in manual cutting and control plots. The study concludes that controlled fire is better than manual cutting and control treatments for the management of grassland. This study will help to different stakeholders to control its outreach, make polices, proper management of grasslands that are being affected by the invasion of M. micrantha. Banko JanakariA Journal of Forestry Information for Nepal Special Issue No. 4, 2018, Page: 144-149

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Sharing schistosomes: the elephant schistosome Bivitellobilharzia nairi also infects the greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Journal of Helminthology ◽

10.1017/s0022149x12000697 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 88 (1) ◽

pp. 32-40 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

R. Devkota ◽

S.V. Brant ◽

A. Thapa ◽

E.S. Loker

Keyword(s):

National Park ◽

Digenetic Trematode ◽

Sri Lankan ◽

Rhinoceros Unicornis ◽

Faecal Samples ◽

Distinct Genus ◽

Freshwater Habitats ◽

Chitwan National Park ◽

Host Infection ◽

First Time

AbstractBecause the digenetic trematode fauna of Nepal is poorly known, we began to search for schistosomes in and around Chitwan National Park (CNP) of southern Nepal. Both domestic and wild Indian elephants (Elephus maximus) are present, and we found one of two dung samples from wild elephants and 1 of 22 (4.5%) dung samples from domestic elephants to be positive for schistosome eggs. The morphology of the eggs and both cox1 and 28S sequences derived from the eggs/miracidia were consistent with Bivitellobilharzia nairi, reported here for the first time from Nepal. Also, 7 of 14 faecal samples from the Asian or greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) contained viable eggs indistinguishable from those of B. nairi. This identification was confirmed by comparison with both cox1 and 28S sequences from B. nairi eggs/miracidia derived from Nepalese and Sri Lankan elephants. This represents the first sequence-verified identification of a schistosome from any species of rhinoceros, and the first verified occurrence of a representative of Bivitellobilharzia (a genus of ‘elephant schistosomes’) in mammals other than elephants. Our work suggests that elephants and rhinos share B. nairi in CNP, even though these two members of the ‘charismatic megafauna’ belong to unrelated mammalian families. Their shared life style of extensive contact with freshwater habitats likely plays a role, although the snail intermediate host and mode of definitive host infection for B. nairi have yet to be documented. This report also supports Bivitellobilharzia as a monophyletic group and its status as a distinct genus within Schistosomatidae.

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Current palynological pattern of steppe-tundra at the Altai highland depressions

10.5194/egusphere-egu2020-7245 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ivan Strelkov ◽

Ekaterina Nosevich ◽

Mikhail Amosov ◽

Kirill Chistyakov

Keyword(s):

Basic Research ◽

Mean Value ◽

Dwarf Shrub ◽

Lake Basin ◽

Sample Collection ◽

Pollen Data ◽

Mean Values ◽

Betula Nana ◽

Shrub Tundra ◽

Salix Herbacea

The landscape and climate research in Altai highlands were carried out in 2018 &#8211; 2019. The results of our investigation at the Khindiktig-Khol&#8217; Lake Basin (Mongun-Taiga massif, Tuvan Republic) and Bertek depression (plateau Ukok, Altai Republic) are presented. In frame of study 75 samples (56 &#8211; subfossil, 13 flower buds, 6 recent) were collected for pollen analysis. Two key questions are to define the possible steppe-tundra palynological pattern based on project BIOME 6000 relying on steppe and tundra data and to compare palynological pattern with the subfossil data from Altai expeditions (2018-2019). The study was financially supported by Russian Foundation for Basic Research (RFBR) (Grant 18-05-00860).Within international investigation project BIOME 6000 the palynological patterns of tundra and steppe vegetation were composed (Bigelow et al., 2003). Tundra is characterized by several biomes, such as low- and high-shrub tundra (SHRU; Alnus fruticosa, Betula nana, Salix vestita, Eriophorum, Sphagnum), erect dwarf-shrub tundra (DWAR; Betula nana, Salix herbacea, Cassiope, Empetrum, Vaccinium, Poaceae, Cyperaceae), prostrate dwarf-shrub tundra (PROS; Salix herbacea, Dryas, Pedicularis, Asteraceae, Caryophyllaceae, Poaceae, true mosses), cushion-forb tundra (CUSH; Draba, Papaver, Caryophyllaceae, Saxifragaceae, lichens, true mosses) and graminoid and forb tundra (DRYT; Artemisia, Kobresia, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Poaceae, true mosses). Steppe is described by two biomes: temperate grassland (STEP; Asteraceae, Chenopodiaceae, Liliaceae, grasses) and temperate xerophytic shrubland (STEP; Artemisia, Chrysothamnus, Hippophae, Purshia, grasses). In spite of the absence of steppe-tundra palynological pattern, it may include the pollen data both from steppe (Artemisia, Chrisotamnus, Hippophae, Kobresia, Purshia, Brassicaceae, Chenopodiaceae) and tundra (Alnus fruticosa, Betula nana, Salix herbacea, Cassiope, Draba, Dryas, Empetrum, Eriophorum, Papaver, Pedicularis, Vaccinium, Cyperaceae, Saxifragaceae, Sphagnum, lichens) patterns.In pollen spectra of western Mongun-Taiga trees mean values vary from 36.4% to 45.4%. The predominance of dwarf birch (Betula nana) dust with the average number 28.7% is identified. As for the Bertek depression, the values change from 36.4% in Muzdy-Bulak to 59.3% in Argamdzhi (2019). Data from subfossil samples in 2018 show the dominance of Betula nana pollen (23.0%), whereas in 2019 it is indicated the significant and constant wind drift of Betula sect. Albae particles (average number &#8211; 36.7%) through the massif valleys to the region of sample collection.In pollen spectra of herbs in Mongun-Taiga region mean value equals 57.9%, whereas at the Bertek depression the values differ from 62.8% (2018) to 37.3% (2019). Those spectra mostly consist of dust samples, such as Carex, Cyperaceae and Poaceae. Asteraceae, Caryophyllaceae, Chenopodiaceae and Fabaceae are also present in both regions.Artemisia and Chenopodiaceae are the prime indicators of steppe conditions. The vegetation description of the landscapes, where the subfossil samples were collected, proves those conditions. Both vegetation and pollen data are also correlated with the DRYT and STEP biomes from project BIOME 6000. The only difference is that Artemisia prevails at the steppe sites of central and eastern part of Bertek depression, whereas Chenopodiaceae is mostly found within the coexistence of tundra and steppe cenoses in Khindiktig-Khol&#8217; area and western part of Bertek depression.

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

Forestry: Journal of Institute of Forestry, Nepal ◽

10.3126/forestry.v16i0.28350 ◽

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.

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Population status, structure and distribution of the greater one-horned rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis in Nepal

Oryx ◽

10.1017/s0030605313000562 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 47 (3) ◽

pp. 352-360 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Naresh Subedi ◽

Shant Raj Jnawali ◽

Maheshwar Dhakal ◽

Narendra M.B. Pradhan ◽

Babu Ram Lamichhane ◽

...

Keyword(s):

National Park ◽

Null Model ◽

Closed Population ◽

Rhinoceros Unicornis ◽

Detection Probabilities ◽

Potential Habitats ◽

Chitwan National Park ◽

Wildlife Reserve ◽

Abundance And Distribution

AbstractWe assessed the abundance and distribution of the greater one-horned or Indian rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis in all its potential habitats in Nepal, using block counts. In April 2011 5,497 km were searched in 3,548 elephant-hours over 23 days. The validity of the block count was assessed by comparing it with counts obtained from long-term monitoring using photographic identification of individual rhinoceroses (ID-based), and estimates obtained by closed population sighting–mark–resighting in the 214 km2 of Chitwan National Park. A total of 534 rhinoceroses were found during the census, with 503 in Chitwan National Park (density 1 km−2), 24 in Bardia National Park (0.28 km−2) and seven in Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve (0.1 km−2). In Chitwan 66% were adults, 12% subadults and 22% calves, with a female : male ratio of 1.24. The population estimate from sighting–mark–resighting was 72 (95% CI 71–78). The model with different detection probabilities for males and females had better support than the null model. In the Sauraha area of Chitwan estimates of the population obtained by block count (77) and ID-based monitoring (72) were within the 95% confidence interval of the estimate from sighting–mark–resighting. We recommend a country-wide block count for rhinoceroses every 3 years and annual ID-based monitoring in a sighting–mark–resighting framework within selected subpopulations. The sighting–mark–resighting technique provides the statistical rigour required for population estimates of the rhinoceros in Nepal and elsewhere.

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Invasive mikania in Chitwan National Park, Nepal: the threat to the greater one-horned rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis and factors driving the invasion

Oryx ◽

10.1017/s003060531200124x ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 47 (3) ◽

pp. 361-368 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Sean T. Murphy ◽

Naresh Subedi ◽

Shant Raj Jnawali ◽

Babu Ram Lamichhane ◽

Gopal Prasad Upadhyay ◽

...

Keyword(s):

National Park ◽

Best Practice ◽

Local Community ◽

Management Plan ◽

Local Communities ◽

Anthropogenic Factors ◽

Tall Grass ◽

Native Flora ◽

Rhinoceros Unicornis ◽

Chitwan National Park

AbstractAs part of a census of the Indian rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis a survey was conducted to measure the extent of invasion by the neotropical plant mikania Mikania micrantha across major habitats of Chitwan National Park important for the conservation of the rhinoceros. Previous work has demonstrated that this fire-adapted plant can smother and kill native flora such as grasses and sapling trees, several of which are important fodder plants of the rhinoceros. Here, additional studies were conducted on the risks of anthropogenic factors (natural resource collection and grassland burning) contributing to the spread and growth of the plant. Mikania is currently found across 44% of habitats sampled and almost 15% of these have a high infestation (> 50% coverage). Highest densities were recorded from riverine forest, tall grass and wetland habitats and this is where the highest numbers of rhinoceroses were recorded in the habitats surveyed during the census. Local community dependence on natural resources in the core area of the Park is high. The range and volume of resources (e.g. fodder) collected and the distances travelled all pose a high risk of the spread of mikania. Of greater significance is the annual burning of the grasslands in the Park by local communities, estimated at 25–50% of the total area. It is imperative, therefore, that core elements of a management plan for mikania incorporate actions to control burning, reduce spread and raise awareness about best practice for local resource management by local communities.

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When, where and whom: assessing wildlife attacks on people in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Oryx ◽

10.1017/s0030605315001489 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 51 (2) ◽

pp. 370-377 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

Thakur Silwal ◽

Jaromir Kolejka ◽

Bharat P. Bhatta ◽

Santosh Rayamajhi ◽

Ram P. Sharma ◽

...

Keyword(s):

National Park ◽

Panthera Tigris ◽

Time Activity ◽

Emergency Rescue ◽

The People ◽

Rhinoceros Unicornis ◽

Raising Awareness ◽

Chitwan National Park ◽

Questionnaire Surveys ◽

Melursus Ursinus

AbstractWildlife attacks on people in and around protected areas have become one of the main challenges for wildlife management authorities. We assessed all correlates of wildlife attacks during 2003–2013 in the vicinity of Chitwan National Park, Nepal. We used data from various sources (discussion with stakeholders, field observations, questionnaire surveys). Wildlife attacks were significantly correlated to factors such as site, season and time, activity, gender and awareness. Moreover, 89% of recorded attacks occurred outside the Park. The number of attacks fluctuated widely and patterns of attacks were significantly uneven across seasons and months. Of the 87% of attacks that occurred during the day, 63% occurred in the morning. Most victims were male and c. 45% of attacks occurred when people were collecting forest resources or working on croplands. Attacks were carried out predominantly by rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis (38%), tigers Panthera tigris (21%), sloth bears Melursus ursinus (18%), elephants Elephas maximus (9%) and wild boar Sus scrofa (8%). The people attacked lived close to the Park, depended on farming for their livelihoods, and had little knowledge of animal behaviour. Attacks can be mitigated through proper management of habitats inside the Park and raising awareness of wildlife behaviour among local people. We recommend establishing a participatory emergency rescue team to deal with problematic animals in high-risk areas.

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Past, present and future conservation of the greater one-horned rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis in Nepal

Oryx ◽

10.1017/s0030605311001670 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 47 (3) ◽

pp. 345-351 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Kanchan Thapa ◽

Santosh Nepal ◽

Gokarna Thapa ◽

Shiv Raj Bhatta ◽

Eric Wikramanayake

Keyword(s):

Protected Areas ◽

National Park ◽

Landscape Scale ◽

Civil Strife ◽

North West ◽

Rhinoceros Unicornis ◽

Dramatic Decline ◽

Founder Populations ◽

Chitwan National Park ◽

Wildlife Reserve

AbstractUntil the early 1980s the only surviving population of the greater one-horned rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis in Nepal was in Chitwan National Park. Between 1986 and 2003 87 rhinoceroses from Chitwan were translocated into Bardia National Park and Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve in the western terai region to establish founder populations and reduce the threat of local extinction from natural catastrophic events, disease and/or poaching. The founder populations increased in number through births but a rise in poaching during the period of civil strife in Nepal during 1996–2006 resulted in a dramatic decline in the populations, including in Chitwan. In 2001 the Terai Arc Landscape programme was initiated to connect 11 protected areas in Nepal and north-west India and facilitate dispersal of megafauna and manage them as metapopulations. Corridors that were restored under the programme and that connect Bardia and Suklaphanta with protected areas in India are now used by the greater one-horned rhinoceros. The successes and failures of the last 2 decades indicate that new paradigms for protecting rhinoceroses within and outside protected areas are needed, especially with reference to managing this species at a landscape scale.

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An analysis of the habitat of the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis (Mammalia: Perissodactyla: Rhinocerotidae) at the Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Journal of Threatened Taxa ◽

10.11609/jott.o3698.6313-25 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 6 (10) ◽

pp. 6313-6325 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Vivek Thapa ◽

Miguel F. Acevedo ◽

Kul P. Limbu

Keyword(s):

National Park ◽

Rhinoceros Unicornis ◽

Chitwan National Park

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Identification of suitable habitat for Swamp Deer Rucervus duvaucelii duvaucelii (Mammalia: Artiodactyla: Cervidae) in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Journal of Threatened Taxa ◽

10.11609/jott.4129.11.6.13644-13653 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 13644-13653 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Shravan Kumar Ghimire ◽

Man Kumar Dhamala ◽

Babu Ram Lamichhane ◽

Rishi Ranabhat ◽

Khim Bahadur KC ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Habitat Suitability ◽

National Park ◽

Indian Subcontinent ◽

Imperata Cylindrica ◽

Grass Species ◽

Limiting Factor ◽

Suitable Habitat ◽

Saccharum Spp ◽

Chitwan National Park ◽

Swamp Deer

Swamp Deer is a globally threatened large-sized deer species confined within small patches of the Indian subcontinent. Historically, Swamp Deer occurred in Chitwan National Park, Nepal but was extirpated in the 1960s primarily due to widespread hunting. We assessed the habitat suitability at present for the Swamp Deer in Chitwan National Park using multi-criteria analysis in GIS and vegetation assessment using frequency, dominance, and cover. Within the 952.63km2 area of the national park, the habitat suitability analysis identified 14.57km2 as highly suitable, 134.87km2 as suitable, and 803.19km2 as moderate to least suitable area. Most of the national park’s grassland is suitable for Swamp Deer. Grassland is dominated by Saccharum spp.; Imperata cylindrica is the most widely distributed grass species followed by Saccharum spp., Narenga porphyrocoma, and Apluda mutica. Grass species of the Poaceae family are the most preferred species by Swamp Deer, which are found within short grasslands. The study revealed that Padampur Phanta could be the most suitable site for the reintroduction of Swamp Deer due to its highest proportion of short grass and availability of preferred food species and good habitat in comparison to other blocks. Invasion of swamps of Chitwan by Mikania micrantha and Eichornia crassipes could be a limiting factor for the habitat suitability of Swamp Deer.

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