Abstract
The present study aims to explore the mammalian diversity of Darjeeling district using camera traps along with questionnaire survey in protected area (PA) and non- protected area (Non-PA). We also attempted to understand the influence of habitat variables on mammalian species richness using the generalized linear mixed models (GLMM). A total of 30 mammal species were recorded of which 21 species were detected through camera trapping with the most abundant records of barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak) and least of the elusive Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) and red panda (Ailurus fulgens). Additionally, melanistic forms of four mammals were also recorded. The mammalian species richness, their capture rate and naïve occupancy did not differ significantly among the PA and Non-PA. The GLMM revealed that the proportions of oak and bamboo in the forest, percentage canopy cover and camera trap operational days (wAICc = 0.145, wBIC = 0.603) were significant predictors of species richness in the study. We suggest Non-PA forest of Darjeeling should be given equal conservation importance as to the PA. Landscape based conservation planning will be imperative for achieving long term conservation goals in the study area.
Highlights
Regions with high biological diversity such as the Himalayas are poorly explored [1] because of rugged terrain and logistics [2, 3]
A total of 30 species of mammals were recorded during the study of which 9 species was recorded through questionnaire survey only; two species through camera trapping only and 19 species were detected common to both the methods (Table 1)
All species richness estimators (ACE, Chao 1, ICE, Chao 2, Jacknife 1, Jacknife 2 and Bootstrap) estimated species richness ranged from 16.02–18.33 for protected area (PA)
Summary
Regions with high biological diversity such as the Himalayas are poorly explored [1] because of rugged terrain and logistics [2, 3]. These areas are getting vulnerable because of increasing anthropogenic pressures, land use change [4] and climate change [5, 6]. Limited efforts have been made to explore and systematically monitor animal populations here [11]. Ecosystems in Central Himalayas are getting altered enormously in unprecedented rate to meet the needs of the growing human populations at spatial scale threatening several species
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
