scholarly journals Habitat preference of Himalayan musk deer (Moschus leucogaster Hodgson, 1839) at Lapchi of Bigu Rural Municipality, Gaurishankar Conservation Area

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-28
Author(s):  
Narayan Prasad Koju ◽  
Bijay Bashyal ◽  
Satya Narayan Shah
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Preference ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Water Source ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Musk Deer ◽  
Human Settlement ◽  
Conservation Area ◽  
North West ◽  
Rock Exposure

The Himalayan musk deer (Moschus leucogaster) is an endangered species listed in the IUCN Red List and Appendix I of CITES. It is widely but discontinuously distributed in Nepal. A Pellet sign survey was carried in April 2019 in Lapchi valley of Gaurishankar Conservation Area (GCA) in Nepal to assess the habitat preference of Himalayan musk deer. A total of 11 transects of 16348 m length and 10 m wide was surveyed. Seven Parameters: Elevation, Aspect, ground cover, distance from the water source, crown cover, rock exposure, and distance from settlement/cow sheds were recorded from the location where pellet (toilet) of musk deer were recorded to extrapolate the probable habitat map. We recorded a total of 157 musk deer pellet groups in the study area14.27 ± 2.91. The study concluded that the 38.4% (26.5 km2) area of Lapchi valley is the probable habitat of musk deer. The c2 – test suggested that the distribution of musk deer is significantly associated with elevation and aspect of the location. Musk deer mostly preferred habitat between 3600-4000 m elevations, with North-West aspect, ground cover less than 25%, and canopy cover between 25%-50%. Musk deer signs were recorded in areas with rock exposure ranging from as low as less than 25%. Distance from the water source and human settlement affect the distribution of musk deer. The indirect signs were higher near water sources and far from human settlement.

scholarly journals Factors influencing the habitat choice of pangolins (Manis spp.) in low land of Nepal

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arati Shrestha ◽  
Santosh Bhattarai ◽  
Binod Shrestha ◽  
Narayan Prasad Koju
Keyword(s):  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Water Source ◽  
Habitat Choice ◽  
Community Forest ◽  
International Union ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
North West ◽  
Manis Pentadactyla ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Conservation Interventions

Pangolins in the genus Manis are nocturnal, burrowing, insectivorous mammals listed as Critically Endangered or Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Of the eight extant pangolin species worldwide, two species are found in Nepal: the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) and the Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata). Despite having a great ecological role by controlling the ants or termite population, little attention has been given to the conservation interventions of both species of pangolins found in the Terai region (low land) of Nepal. The present study assesses habitat use and factors affecting the habitat choice of pangolins in low land (Terai), Nepal. The research was focused on Amritdharapani community forest of Chitwan district. Pangolin burrows were used as the indirect signs of pangolin presence. A total of thirty-nine burrows were observed at elevations ranging from 301 to 413 m asl. Burrows were frequently associated with north-west aspects, gentle slope (15º to 20º), moderate canopy cover (51 to 75%), red-colored soil, and acidic soils with pH 6.5 to 7. The burrows were most common in areas with weak human disturbance (i.e. 1500 to 1700 m from settlements), 800 to 1200 m from roads, and with-in 300 m from a water source and with-in 20 m from the nearest termitarium. This study revealed distance to settlement, distance to road, soil pH, and canopy cover as major factors affecting the habitat choice of pangolins in the study area.

Landscape features associated with infection by a malaria parasite (Plasmodium mexicanum) and the importance of multiple scale studies

Parasitology ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 122 (5) ◽  
pp. 507-513 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. EISEN ◽  
N. M. WRIGHT
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Litter ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Sun Exposure ◽  
Water Source ◽  
Multiple Scale ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Landscape Features ◽  
Cover Type

In a 3-year study, we examined landscape features (aspect, slope, sun exposure, canopy cover, type of ground cover, and nearest water source) that were potentially related to prevalence of infection withPlasmodium mexicanumin fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis) within a 4.5 ha study area in northern California, USA. Logistic regression analysis showed that ground cover type was the primary mediator of the probability ofP. mexicanuminfection. Infected lizards were captured more often in rock and/or leaf litter locations than in grassy ones. In another experiment, the study area was divided into 9 sites (0.07–0.33 ha), and infection prevalence was calculated for each. Three sites with high (>30%) infection prevalence had significantly more rocky outcrops and leaf litter than those with low (<20%) or moderate (20–30%) infection prevalence (N= 3 sites each). We conclude that lizard site selection may influence the probability of exposure to infected vectors and thus the likelihood ofP. mexicanuminfection. We also demonstrate that studies at different spatial scales may be required to understand fully the relationship between landscape features and parasite distribution.

Effects of logging and fire on small mammals in Mumbulla State Forest, near Bega, New South Wales

1987 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 163 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Lunney ◽  
B. Cullis ◽  
P. Eby
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
First Year ◽  
Severe Effect ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Antechinus Stuartii ◽  
Rattus Fuscipes

This study of the effects of logging on small mammals in Mumbulla State Forest on the south coast of New South Wales included the effects of a fire in November 1980 and a drought throughout the study period from June 1980 to June 1983. Rattus fuscipes was sensitive to change: logging had a significant impact on its numbers, response to ground cover, and recapture rate; fire had a more severe effect, and drought retarded the post-fire recovery of the population. The three species of dasyurid marsupials differed markedly in their response to ground cover, canopy cover, logging and fire. Antechinus stuartii was distributed evenly through all habitats and was not affected by logging, but fire had an immediate and adverse effect which was sustained by the intense drought. A. swainsonii markedly preferred the regenerating forest, and was not seen again after the fire, the failure of the population being attributed to its dependence on dense ground cover. Sminthopsis leucopus was found in low numbers, appeared to prefer forest with sparse ground cover, and showed no immediate response to logging or fire; its disappearance by the third year post-fire suggests that regenerating forest is inimical to the survival of this species. Mus musculus showed no response to logging. In the first year following the fire its numbers were still very low, but in the next year there was a short-lived plague which coincided with the only respite in the 3-year drought and, importantly, occurred in the intensely burnt parts of the forest. The options for managing this forest for the conservation of small mammals include minimising fire, retaining unlogged forest, extending the time over which alternate coupes are logged and minimising disturbance from heavy machinery.

scholarly journals Habitat associations and conservation status of an endemic forest dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion sp.) from South Africa

Oryx ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walter J. Reisinger ◽  
Devi M. Stuart-Fox ◽  
Barend F.N. Erasmus
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Habitat Associations ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Area Of Occupancy ◽  
Forest Interior ◽  
Forest Remnants ◽  
Iucn Red List Criteria

We quantified habitat associations and evaluated the conservation status of a recently identified, undescribed species of dwarf chameleon, Bradypodion sp. nov. Dhlinza, endemic to scarp forest remnants in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. At the microhabitat scale the Dhlinza dwarf chameleon was found more often in forest gaps and near paths than highly disturbed edges or forest interior. Chameleon presence was not explained by forest physiognomic variables such as vine cover, shrub and tree density, or canopy cover. Presence near gaps may be better explained by the combined effects of the thermal microenvironment and food availability. The species is moderately common where it occurs, with estimated densities of 4.7, 8.7 and 29.7 individuals per ha within forest interior, edges and gaps respectively. At the landscape scale, the chameleon occurs only in three remnant forests: the Dhlinza, Entumeni and Ongoye Forests. The species' extent of occurrence was estimated to be 88 km2 and its area of occupancy 49 km2. Based on the small area of remaining suitable habitat, this species meets the requirements for categorization as Endangered according to IUCN Red List criteria.

scholarly journals Habitat selection of Himalayan Musk Deer Moschus leucogaster (Mammalia: Artiodactyla: Moschidae) with respect to biophysical attributes in Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 18703-18712
Author(s):  
Bijaya Neupane ◽  
Nar Bahadur Chhetri ◽  
Bijaya Dhami
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Musk Deer ◽  
Importance Value Index ◽  
Importance Value ◽  
Conservation Area ◽  
Preferred Habitat ◽  
Annapurna Conservation Area

Himalayan or White-bellied Musk Deer Moschus leucogaster, an IUCN indexed endangered species, is distributed in isolated pockets in the Himalaya. The deer population is decreasing owing to several pressures that include habitat loss and fragmentation, and poaching. It is essential to identify preferred habitat characteristics to support appropriate management strategies for conserving this endangered species. This study was carried out in the Nysheang basin of Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal to identify habitats preferred by the musk deer. Habitat field parameters were collected using transect surveys. To analyze vegetation use and availability, nested quadrate plots size 20 m2 were established. Ivlev’s electivity index (IV) (-1 to +1) was employed to determine habitat preference, and one-way ANOVA (F) and chi-square tests (χ2) were used to examine different habitat parameters. Similarly, the importance value index (IVI) of the vegetation was calculated. Our results showed that the Himalayan Musk Deer strongly preferred habitats at 3601–3800 m altitude (IV= 0.3, F= 4.58, P <0.05), with 21–30º slope (IV= 0.2, F= 4.14, P <0.05), 26–50 % crown cover (IV= 0.25, F= 4.45, P <0.05), 26–50 % ground cover (IV= 0.15, F= 4.13, P <0.05), and mixed forest (IV= 0.29, χ2= 28.82, df= 3, p <0.001). Among the trees, Abies spectabilis (IVI= 74.87, IV= 0.035) and Rhododendron arboretum (IVI= 55.41, IV= 0.02) were the most preferred, while Rhododendron lepidotum, Cassiope fastigiata (IV= 0.35) and Berberis aristata (IV= 0.25) were the most preferred shrubs, and Primula denticulata (IV= 0.87) and Primula rotundifolia (IV= 0.31) were the most preferred herbs. These preferred habitat conditions should be maintained and conserved to sustain a viable population of deer in the study area. Further studies will be required to assess the effects of climate change on habitat suitability. 

scholarly journals New and rare lichens and allied fungi from Arkhangelsk region, North-West Russia

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 ◽  
pp. 85-100
Author(s):  
Viktoria Tarasova ◽  
Liudmila Konoreva ◽  
Mikhail Zhurbenko ◽  
Tatiana Pystina ◽  
Sergei Chesnokov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
European Part ◽  
North West ◽  
Red Data Book ◽  
Arkhangelsk Region ◽  
European Part Of Russia ◽  
Data Book ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
First Time

Thirty-one lichen-forming fungi, 12 lichenicolous fungi, and 5 non-lichenized fungi are reported as new for Arkhangelsk Region; 7 species are new for its mainland area. Micarea fallax is reported for the first time for Russia; M. laeta and M. pusilla are new for the European part of Russia. The second finding of Nicropuncta rugulosa for Russia is recorded; microconidia are first observed in this species. The records of ten species which have been included in the new edition of the Red Data Book of the Arkhangelsk Region (2020) are presented. Nephromopsis laureri from the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation (2008) and Leptogium rivulare from the IUCN Red List are reported for the first time for Arkhangelsk Region.

scholarly journals The Influence of Prey Availability and Vegetation Characteristics on Scent Station Visitation Rates of Coyotes, Canis latrans, in a Heterogeneous Environment

2004 ◽  
Vol 118 (3) ◽  
pp. 341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynda A. Randa ◽  
John A. Yunger
Keyword(s):  
Canis Latrans ◽  
Prey Availability ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Heterogeneous Environment ◽  
Visitation Rates ◽  
Foliage Density ◽  
Grassland Habitats ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Habitat Variables

We investigated the effects of local prey fluctuations and habitat variables on the scent station visitation rates of the Coyote (Canis latrans) in northern Illinois within a heterogeneous environment. Availability of small mammalian prey was assessed by monthly mark-recapture sampling and visual counts conducted along three, 192-m transects in each of seven habitats that ranged from grassland to wooded sites. Habitat metrics, which included foliage density, ground cover, and canopy cover, were also collected for the same seven habitats. Visitation rates of Coyotes were determined from scent station lines parallel to the small mammal trapping transects. A multiple regression analysis indicated that Coyote visitation rates across the study site were influenced positively by vole (Microtus spp.) abundance and negatively by canopy cover. When Coyote visitation rates were regressed on vole abundance for only the habitats in which voles occurred, the relationship was not significant. This may be attributed to the general avoidance of wooded areas by Coyotes. Coyotes did, however, respond to experimentallyinduced abundant patches of Peromyscus. These findings suggest Coyotes selectively use grassland habitats within a heterogeneous environment and may modify their use according to prey availability.

Effectiveness of aerial seeding and straw mulch for reducing post-wildfire erosion, north-western Montana, USA

2008 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 559 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy H. Groen ◽  
Scott W. Woods
Keyword(s):  
Relative Effectiveness ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Western Montana ◽  
Weight Of Evidence ◽  
First Year ◽  
North West ◽  
Straw Mulch ◽  
North Western ◽  
Aerial Seeding

Various methods are available to reduce post-wildfire erosion, but there is limited quantitative information on the relative effectiveness of these techniques. We used rainfall simulations to compare the erosion and runoff rates from adjacent 0.5-m2 plots treated with aerial grass seeding and straw mulch with untreated control plots following the July 2002 Fox Creek Fire in north-west Montana. In the first summer after the fire, plots seeded at a rate of 9 kg ha–1 had a mean of less than 5% ground cover and the seeding treatment had no effect on the rainsplash erosion rate. In contrast, straw mulch application at a rate of 2.24 Mg ha–1 resulted in ~100% ground cover and an 87% reduction in rainsplash erosion relative to the control (P = 0.001). Measurements on a subset of the plots in the second summer after the fire indicated that ground cover in the treatments and the control averaged 39%, and neither treatment provided a significant increase in ground cover or reduction in erosion relative to the control. These results add to the growing weight of evidence that straw mulch application is highly effective in reducing erosion in the first year after fire, whereas grass seeding is often ineffective because of the limited increase in ground cover that it produces.

scholarly journals ASSESSING URBAN FOREST CANOPY COVER IN GREAT PLAIN CONSERVATION AREA (DÜZCE CITY, TURKEY) BETWEEN 1984 AND 2015

2021 ◽  
Vol XLVI-4/W5-2021 ◽  
pp. 539-544
Author(s):  
Z. Uçar ◽  
R. Eker ◽  
A. Aydin
Keyword(s):  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Forest Canopy ◽  
Urban Forest ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Tree Canopy ◽  
Urban Trees ◽  
Conservation Area ◽  
Urban Tree ◽  
Tree Canopy Cover ◽  
Urban Tree Canopy

Abstract. Urban trees and forests are essential components of the urban environment. They can provide numerous ecosystem services and goods, including but not limited to recreational opportunities and aesthetic values, removal of air pollutants, improving air and water quality, providing shade and cooling effect, reducing energy use, and storage of atmospheric CO2. However, urban trees and forests have been in danger of being lost by dense housing resulting from population growth in the cities since the 1950s, leading to increased local temperature, pollution level, and flooding risk. Thus, determining the status of urban trees and forests is necessary for comprehensive understanding and quantifying the ecosystem services and goods. Tree canopy cover is a relatively quick, easy to obtain, and cost-effective urban forestry metric broadly used to estimate ecosystem services and goods of the urban forest. This study aimed to determine urban forest canopy cover areas and monitor the changes between 1984–2015 for the Great Plain Conservation area (GPCA) that has been declared as a conservation Area (GPCA) in 2017, located on the border of Düzce City (Western Black Sea Region of Turkey). Although GPCA is a conservation area for agricultural purposes, it consists of the city center with 250,000 population and most settlement areas. A random point sampling approach, the most common sampling approach, was applied to estimate urban tree canopy cover and their changes over time from historical aerial imageries. Tree canopy cover ranged from 16.0% to 27.4% within the study period. The changes in urban canopy cover between 1984–1999 and 1999–2015 were statistically significant, while there was no statistical difference compared to the changes in tree canopy cover between 1984–2015. The result of the study suggested that an accurate estimate of urban tree canopy cover and monitoring long-term canopy cover changes are essential to determine the current situation and the trends for the future. It will help city planners and policymakers in decision-making processes for the future of urban areas.

scholarly journals AVIFAUNISTIC DIVERSITY OF MERINE FOREST, NORTH-WEST ALGERIA

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (20) ◽  
pp. 61-71
Author(s):  
Mayssara El Bouhissi ◽  
Abdelwahab Chedad ◽  
Salah Eddine Sadine ◽  
Walid Dahmani ◽  
Mohamed Ait Hammou
Keyword(s):  
North Africa ◽  
Trophic Status ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Red List ◽  
Blue Tit ◽  
Major Objective ◽  
North West ◽  
Diversity Assessment ◽  
West Algeria ◽  
Streptopelia Turtur

This study is an avifaunistic diversity assessment was carried out in the Merine forest, Sidi Bel Abbes (Northwest Algeria). During three years (2019-2021). The major objective of our investigation is to inventory avian species and to define their phenological categories. Among the important results is a record of, 71 species of bird, belonging to 17 orders and 28 families. The Passeriformes are the most noted with 43 species, distributed across 15 families, of which the Muscicapidae is the most represented with 10 species. The phenological categories indicates that the majority of this species are resident breeders (65 %), 21% are migrant breeders and 14% are passing visitors. Depending on trophic status, 32% are polyphagous, 27% insectivorous, 17% carnivorous, 15% granivorous and 8% omnivorous. In addition, we noted that, 31 species are protected by Flat 12-235 in Algeria, with one species (Falco naumanni) protected by the Ordinance 06-05. Internationally and one species protected according of the IUCN red list (Streptopelia turtur). The Merine forest is shelter to five species endemic to North Africa: Barbary Partridge (Alectoris barbara), Levaillant's Woodpecker (Picus vaillantii), Moussier's Redstart (Phoenicurus moussieri), Tristram's Warbler (Sylvia deserticola), African Blue Tit (Cyanistes teneriffae).

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