Chitwan National Park Research Articles

Deer survey from drone thermal imagery using enhanced faster R-CNN based on ResNets and FPN

Deer surveys play an important role in the estimation of local ecological balance. In the Chitwan National Park of Nepal, the dense tree canopies and tall vegetation often obscure the presence of wild deer, which has a negative effect on the accurate population surveys of wild deer. UAVs equipped with infrared sensors have been increasingly used to monitor wild deer by capturing a lot of images. How to automatically recognize and obtain the number of deer objects from thermal images is becoming an important research topic. Due to the difference between thermal images and true-color images, as well as the variations in deer object sizes in these two types of images, current ready-to-use object detection models, designed for true-color imagery, are ill-suited for the task of detecting small deer objects within thermal imagery. In this paper, an enhanced Faster R-CNN was constructed to detect small deer objects from thermal images, in which a Feature Pyramid Network (FPN) based on a residual network is used to improve feature extraction for small deer objects and multi-scale feature map constrution for the subsequent region proposals searching, bounding box regression, and regions of interest (RoIs) classification. In addition, small-scaled anchor boxes and a multi-scale feature map selection criterion are devised to improve the detection accuracy of small objects. Finally, based on Faster R-CNN, FPN, and different residual networks including ResNet18, ResNet34, ResNet50, ResNet101, and ResNet152, we constructed five object detection models, and evaluated their detection performance by using COCO evaluation matrix. Under the condition of IoU≥0.5, the integration of Faster R-CNN, FPN, and ResNet18 demonstrated to perform better than others. Specifically, The COCO evaluation results revealed an Average Precision (AP) score of 91.6% for all deer objects. Small deer objects (area ≤ 200 pixels) achieved an AP score of 73.6%, medium deer objects (200 < area ≤ 400 pixels) demonstrated an AP score of 93.4%, and large deer objects (area > 400 pixels) achieved the highest AP score of 94.3%. Our research is helpful for effective wild deer monitoring and conservation and can be a valuable reference for the exploration of small object detection from low-resolution thermal images.

Reproductive Behavior of Bubalus arnee (Kerr, 1792) (Mammalia: Artiodactyla: Bovidae) in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and Chitwan National Park, Nepal

The Asiatic wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee Kerr), an endangered species featured on the IUCN Red List, is distributed across Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bhutan, Cambodia, and Thailand. This investigation delves into the reproductive and certain social behaviors exhibited by Bubalus arnee across distinct habitats and herd types within Nepal’s Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (KTWR) and Chitwan National Park (CNP) during the premonsoon and postmonsoon spans of 2018. The data were amassed through direct observations employing focal animal sampling, continuous sampling, and scan sampling methodologies. Eight primary behavioral activities were noted: chasing, courtship, grazing, mating, mowing, sniffing, urination, and wallowing. We carefully structured the gathered data and input it into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to facilitate analysis. For a more comprehensive visualization of reproductive behavior, we utilized the ggplot2 package within R-studio, enabling the creation of informative graphical depictions. During the premonsoon phase, Bull A exhibited six reproductive behaviors in KTWR. Notably, sniffing was the most frequently observed behavior, recorded six times (37.5%) daily, succeeded by fighting and urination with four (25%) and three (18.35%) daily observations, respectively. Chasing, mating, and courtship were each observed once (6.25%) daily. In contrast, during both seasons, Bulls B, M, and J were not observed partaking in mating activities. When analyzing the postmonsoon reproductive behavior of the observed B. arnee in KTWR and CNP, a notable distinction emerged. In KTWR, there were four more instances of sniffing behavior compared to CNP. In addition, courtship behavior was slightly more frequent in KTWR, occurring three times, whereas it was observed only twice in CNP. Similarly, urination activity was recorded twice as often in KTWR as compared to CNP. As a suggestion for future research, exploring the specific factors influencing the observed variations in reproductive behaviors and habitat preferences of Bubalus arnee could provide valuable insights into the conservation and management of these endangered species.

Eliciting community‐preferred policy alternatives for achieving workable coexistence in a human‐dominated landscape: Insights from Chitwan National Park, Nepal

AbstractHuman‐wildlife conflict is a global issue that poses a major threat to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Wildlife adapted to human‐modified landscapes in developing countries can threaten the safety and livelihood of local communities. In such landscapes, where people and wildlife compete for resources, community involvement is promoted to achieve workable coexistence. We used a choice experiment methodology approach to identify community‐preferred policy alternatives in Chitwan National Park in south‐central Nepal. The results indicated that conflicts between the local community and wildlife are on the rise, crop damage being the highest form of damage and most perceived compensation and fencing as conflict‐mitigation tools. The choice experiment showed that residents have a positive preference for enhancing livelihood diversification skills, cultivating buffer crops, promoting alternative livelihoods, and strengthening rapid response teams. We identified concerned mitigators who are younger age group, encountered and concurred that HWC is increasing, and agreed that fencing and compensation are conflict‐mitigation tools. We designed scenario planning using community‐preferred policy alternatives to assist the park management. This is the first‐choice experiment study to design an evaluation framework under community resilience perspectives to achieve workable coexistence. Our study has potential implications for promoting coexistence in a human‐dominated landscape.

Plastic ingestion by greater one-horned rhinos in Nepal: An emerging conservation threat

Plastic pollution is potentially a major threat to the health of terrestrial organisms, including megafauna, but its effects are relatively understudied compared to marine ecosystems. Here we document the presence of plastic macro-particles in the dung of the greater one-horned rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) in the Terai landscape of Nepal. Field data were collected deep within Chitwan National Park and its fringe zone during the monsoon and post-monsoon season of 2020, 2021 and 2022. Over three years, we recorded plastic in ∼10% of 258 rhino dungs piles. This is an underestimate since we did not record micro-particles or search entire dungs. More dungs located deep within the national park (core zone) contained plastic compared to the fringe zone and we recorded no difference in plastic incidence between riverine forest and floodplain grasslands. Rhinos do not appear to target garbage dumps as food sources but are exposed to plastic when foraging. The plastic is carried down river during monsoonal floods and deposited in rhino habitat as the flood waters recede. The relatively higher rate of plastic detection in rhino dungs from the core zone is probably due to details of rhino ranging, and is a potential threat to other wildlife in the river floodplains. We recommend more detailed studies on the patterns and effects of plastic ingestion by rhinos and other wildlife. A comprehensive waste management system within the landscape is required to reduce such threats.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in endangered captive Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus) of Chitwan National Park in Nepal

In order to ascertain the comprehensive prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites among captive Asian elephants in Chitwan National Park, a cross-sectional investigation was conducted. A total of 103 samples was purposefully collected. Demographic details encompassing age and gender, along with epidemiological information concerning deworming status, timing intervals, and nutritional condition for both government-owned and privately-owned elephants, were procured through a structured questionnaire survey. The process involved microscopic identification and quantification of gastrointestinal parasites through sedimentation, centrifugal floatation, and MacMaster Egg Per Gram (EPG) count methods. The resultant data indicated an overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites at 47.57% (49 out of 103 samples). The dominant class of parasites observed was Nematodes (n=30, 61.22%), followed by Trematodes (n=14, 28.57%) and Cestodes (n=5, 10.20%). Six distinct parasite genera were identified with positive results: Strongylus (26.53%), Trichostrongylus (24.48%), Fasciola (16.35%), Paramphistomum (12.24%), Anoplocephala (10.20%), and Ascaris (10.20%). Notably, the prevalence was markedly higher in females (39.80%) in comparison to males (7.76%), with the disparity being statistically significant (p&gt;0.05). Additionally, a noteworthy correlation was observed between parasite prevalence, age groups, and deworming history, with statistical significance (p&lt;0.05). The Egg Per Gram (EPG) count analysis demonstrated that the majority (87.75%) of the positively identified samples exhibited mild infection (100-500 eggs), while a relatively low percentage (6.12%) displayed heavy infection (1000-1500 eggs). The mean EPG was calculated as (248.39 ± 54.25). Consequently, the heightened prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in captive elephants within Chitwan National Park underscores the necessity for targeted interventions to mitigate the risk of parasitic infestations.

Understanding the perception of buffer zone communities to gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) conservation in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is a Critically Endangered species found in Nepal and India. In Nepal, gharials are distributed in Chitwan and Bardia National Parks. Gharials are highly threatened due to various and severe anthropogenic activities. In this study, we assess the attitude, perception and willingness of a range of stakeholders living around Chitwan National Park to participate in gharial conservation. We conducted semi-structured questionnaire surveys with open ended questions. We interviewed national park officials (n = 8), local community group members (n = 54), hoteliers (n = 12), conservation partners (n = 5), local elected representatives (n = 38), fishing community members (n = 14), fishing net sellers (n = 15) and students (n = 9). Our study revealed that respondents are familiar with existing conservation awareness activities and expressed their willingness to participate in gharial conservation activities which can be capitalized on for future conservation initiatives for gharials. Further, we suggest to concentrate efforts particularly on local representatives, fishing net sellers and river dependent communities. These efforts include community level gharial knowledge sharing and interaction program, school teaching program, participating community in gharial conservation and its habitat management intervention and livelihood programs.

Wildlife restoration in Nepal: tracking the conservation translocations in the country

Negative consequences of human impacts on biodiversity are undisputable and inadequate efforts in managing biodiversity have been realized across the globe. The present biodiversity crisis, including burgeoning effects of climate change, therefore, has warranted restoration actions in place. Conservation translocation, one of the effective measures of restoration, involves the individuals of species deliberate movement from one habitat to another, particularly animal species. Nepal has been practicing the conservation translocations for more than four decades. However, details of conservation translocation events and outcomes are not well documented. This article aims to explore the status and issues of conservation translocation in Nepal. For the purpose, we reviewed seven protected area management plans and nine species conservation action plans available in public domain along with related peer reviewed journal articles. We documented the conservation translocation of Blackbuck, Gharials, Swamp deer, Greater One Horned Rhino, Elongated tortoise, Narrow Headed Soft Shell Turtle, Wild Water Buffalo and Vulture. Adoption of feeble adaptive management framework and ad hoc approach of wildlife translocation has left many rooms for improvement in the translocation strategies of Nepal. This is largely exemplified by the improvement required in Vulture Breeding Center, Swamp deer and Wild water buffalo translocations to Chitwan National Park, and Blackbuck translocation to Bardia National Park. For many species, data and information are limited to evaluate the wildlife restoration outcomes independently.

Temporal and spatial pattern of wildlife attacks on human in Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Wildlife attacks on humans pose a critical challenge to wildlife conservation. Comprehensive information about the conflict cases can be vital for effective wildlife management and conservation. In this study, we assessed the temporal and spatial patterns of wildlife attacks on humans in Chitwan National Park between January 2009 to December 2020 by using the annual reports published by the park. Our analysis revealed that out of the nine-wildlife species involved in conflicts, rhinos, elephants, tigers, sloth bears, and wild boars had significantly higher involvement in conflicts with humans. The findings showed that an average of 42 annual attacks and 10 human fatalities cases were reported annually. Of these species, rhinos exhibited the most frequent involvement in conflicts (38%), while elephants were found to be the most lethal species, causing an average of 3.75 human fatalities per year. The trend line indicated a marginal increase in wildlife attacks on humans by 3.97 per year (adjusted R2=0.36). Our study further revealed that wildlife attacks were mostly concentrated in the winter season (χ2=1.088, df=3, p&lt;0.05), with elephant, rhino, and tiger attacks predominantly occurring in the proximity of human settlements. To evaluate the risk factors of human deaths due to wildlife attacks, we utilized logistic regression analysis and found elephant attacks were associated with the highest probability of causing human fatalities (odd ratio=15.2, p&lt;0.05), followed by tiger attacks (odd ratio=8.41, p&lt;0.05). The study revealed an increasing trend in attacks, predominantly occurring in winter and near human settlements. Elephants and tigers are identified as the highest risk factors for human fatalities. Understanding these patterns is crucial for effective wildlife management and conservation efforts.

Analysing spatial and temporal patterns of tourism and tourists’ satisfaction in Nepal using social media

Information on where and when tourists go and what they value about their visits is important when promoting, planning, and managing destinations, particularly for countries reliant on international tourism income. Metadata from social media posts are starting to be used to monitor tourism but are they useful at larger scale across developing countries such as Nepal? Here we test how social media can provide insights using timestamped geolocated data and text from photographs on Flickr in Nepal. Based on posts by 3223 people, equivalent to 18,817 visitor days (Photo-User-Days), tourists to Nepal mainly visit two cities (Kathmandu and Pokhara) and four protected areas (Annapurna Conservation Area, Sagarmatha, Langtang, and Chitwan National Park), and mostly in autumn and spring, which is similar to the results from the limited official tourism statistics. An Importance-Performance Analysis of the text associated with the photographs revealed culture and natural landscapes were important to tourists although some people expressed dissatisfaction with specific attributes. These findings highlight the importance of diversifying tourism in Nepal by promoting other destinations, as well as additional natural and cultural attractions, and new activities including outside peak seasons. They also highlight the need to manage tourism in peak periods in popular destinations and to better address tourists’ preferences and experiences. More broadly, the results highlight the benefits of social media data for monitoring tourism in developing countries but also emphasize important limitations with such data, including inadequate representation on Flickr of some cohorts including tourists from China. Management implicationsSocial media is increasingly used in tourism research but studies to date are focused on a few developed countries. This study demonstrates how social media data can be used to assess spatial and temporal patterns in tourism and analyse tourists’ sentiments and satisfaction in developing countries such as Nepal. The findings highlight that Nepalese tourism is mostly limited to a few destinations, focused on a few attributes and times. Expansion to other destinations and seasons, additional natural and cultural attractions and new activities should be promoted to improve tourist satisfaction and minimize negative impacts of tourism.

Natural Clerodendrum-derived tick repellent: learning from Nepali culture

Ticks attaching to ear canals of humans and animals are the cause of otoacariasis, common in rural areas of Nepal. The plant Clerodendrum viscosum is used in multiple indigenous systems of medicine by ethnic communities in the Indo-Nepali-Malaysian region. Visiting the Chitwan National Park, we learned that in indigenous medicine, flower extract of C. viscosum is utilized to treat digestive disorders and extracts from leaves as tick repellent to prevent ticks from invading or to remove them from the ear canal. The objective of our study was to provide support to indigenous medicine by characterizing the in vivo effect of leave extracts on ticks under laboratory conditions and its phytochemical composition. We collected plant parts of C. viscosum (leaves and flowers) and mango (Mangifera indica) leaves at the Chitwan National Park, previously associated with repellent activity to characterize their effect on Ixodes ricinus ticks by in vivo bioassays. A Q-ToF high-resolution analysis (HPLC-ESI-QToF) was conducted to elucidate phenolic compounds with potential repellent activity. Clerodendrum viscosum and M. indica leaf extracts had the highest tick repellent efficacy (%E = 80–100%) with significant differences when compared to C. viscosum flowers extracts (%E = 20–60%) and phosphate-buffered saline. Phytochemicals with tick repellent function as caffeic acid, fumaric acid and p-coumaric acid glucoside were identified in C. viscosum leaf extracts by HPLC-ESI-QToF, but not in non-repellent flower extracts. These results support the Nepali indigenous medicine application of C. viscosum leaf extracts to repel ticks. Additional research is needed for the development of natural and green repellent formulations to reduce the risks associated with ticks resistant to acaricides.

Social networks of solitary carnivores: The case of endangered tigers and insights on their conservation

AbstractSolitary carnivores are an ecologically important taxa and at a high risk of extinction worldwide. Interactions between conspecifics can influence fitness outcomes and may help these animals cope with environmental and anthropogenic disturbances. However, the structure and maintenance of these interactions in solitary carnivore species is underexplored. In this research, we leveraged existing camera trap data on tigers (Panthera tigris)—a globally endangered and solitary carnivore species—in Nepal's Chitwan National Park to examine for the first time their social networks over 8 years (2008–2017). These networks assume that the co‐occurrence at camera trap locations represents an association between conspecifics. We found that tiger networks were fickle, remaining stable for about 3 years before dissolving. We also found that males were more likely than females to form bridges between other tigers, and resident tigers were more central in the networks than nonresidents. In addition, interactions between two animals were more frequent if they were of the opposite sex or were both residents. These insights have implications on disease transmission, population dynamics, and human‐wildlife conflict. Combined with camera trap monitoring programs, collecting data on the conspecific interactions of solitary carnivores can advance our knowledge of animal ecology and improve conservation planning.

Study of Human-Wildlife Conflict in Chitwan National Park and Buffer Zone People in Nepal

Conflict between animals and human beings arises when both the requirements and conduct of species adversely affects people or when the needs of species adversely impact humans. The cohabitation between humans or species evaluation was undertaken in the area of Bale Mountains National Park to investigate the environment, triggers, or reductions of human-wildlife conflicts. Community surveys, focused groups, interviews, field observations, or primary resources were used to acquire the data. Agro expansion (30%), urbanization (24%), vertebrate excessive grazing (14%), degradation (18%), unauthorized straw harvesting (10%), or hunting (4%) were the primary points of contention. Producers used guarding crops (34%), live fence (pursuing (14), scaring (22%), or flaming (5%) to combat agricultural robbers. Fencing (38%), pursuing (30%), scaring (24%) or monitoring (8%) were utilized as measures for management to safeguard livestock from hazardous creatures. Disputes between individuals and animals are harmful to both, as the research indicates. Determining an unambiguous border, drawing rules or regulations for executed local neighborhoods, formulating equitable gain expressing for the native neighborhoods.

Exploration of Invasive Alien Plant Species on Habitat of Rhino in Icharni, Chitwan National Park, Nepal

The study was conducted with main purpose to assess the floral diversity and explore invasive species on rhinoceros habitat in two different research sites with in Chitwan National Park. The rhino is placed in the list of endangered species by International Union for Conservation of Nature and highly threatened due to loss their habitat by rapidly increasing invasive species. The study was done for a period of one month in (September to October) 2020. The 10 m, 5 m, and 1 m radius circular quadrates were utilized to gather data on trees, shrubs, and herbs, respectively. A total of 25 plant species were recorded from 15 plots. The importance values of each species of trees were analyzed. Seven species of invasive types were recoded from 15 plots (10 plots from riverine forest and 5 plots from grassland). Mikania micrantha was most dominant species with IVI 103.02 followed by Pogostemon benghalensis with IVI 78.93 and Chromolaena odorata with IVI 34.57 as the second and third most dominant invasive species respectively. The conclusion is that invasive species have an impact on the grassland and riverine forest, which are needed by the mega herbivore. The management of rhino habitat and the preservation of the rhino population are seriously threatened.

Factors influencing the habitat selection of Mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) and its conservation threats in the Rapti River of Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Mugger crocodiles (hereafter called muggers) are the apex predator and keystone species in slow flowing freshwater ecosystem. They play an important role in its functioning by distributing nutrients and increasing primary productivity. Muggers have a sympatric distribution with gharials in the Rapti and Narayani River of Chitwan National Park, but more research and conservation attention has been focused on gharials in Nepal. The inadequate availability of information on the occupied habitats of muggers restrict their evidence-based conservation and management. Therefore, we investigated the ecological factors affecting the habitat selection of muggers and its conservation threats in the Rapti River. We conducted a preliminary survey, followed by a detailed habitat survey, conducted in February and March 2022. During the detailed habitat survey, the pre-defined habitat characteristics were recorded at each station spaced at 500 m intervals along the river as well as the locations where muggers were sighted. We used a generalized linear model (glm) under the binomial family with a logit link function to analyze the factors influencing the habitat selection of muggers. The dependent variable was the presence or absence of muggers at sampling points and the independent variables included: river bank aspect, river width, mid-river depth, river bank substrate type, river bank slope, water current, invasive alien plant species, and anthropogenic disturbances. In addition, a relative whole-site ranking method was employed to determine the most prevalent threats to the mugger. During the survey period, we recorded a total of 46 mugger individuals, 71.8% were observed basking and 28.2% were observed submerged in the river. The highest percentage of muggers (39.1%) was observed on the sandy river bank, followed by the grass and forest bank (19.5%), and clay and sandy bank (15%), respectively. Only the river banks with moderate (15–25°) and moderately steep (25–35°) slopes were found to be the significant factors influencing the occurrence of muggers. Fishing and extraction of river materials, and disposal of garbage and solid waste were ranked as the most prevalent conservation threats. For the long-term conservation of muggers in the Rapti River, effective habitat management plans and strategies are required to control illegal anthropogenic activities such as fishing, sand mining, and boulder quarrying. Research on spatio‐temporal partitioning between mugger and gharials is recommended to understand how resources are shared by the species.

Gastrointestinal parasites of zoonotic importance detected in porcine faeces in Chitwan National Park, Nepal.

Gastrointestinal parasites of zoonotic importance detected in porcine faeces in Chitwan National Park, Nepal.

Seroprevalence of canine distemper virus (CDV) in the free-roaming dog (Canis familiaris) population surrounding Chitwan National Park, Nepal.

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a global multi-host pathogen that is capable of causing considerable mortality in a range of species and is important in the field of conservation medicine. Nepal's Chitwan National Park is a protected area providing habitat for 32% of the country's mammal species including endangered carnivores such as the Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) that are susceptible to CDV. The presence of free-roaming dogs around protected areas could represent a source of infectious disease for transmission to local wildlife. A cross-sectional demographic and canine distemper virus seroprevalence study of 100 free-roaming dogs from the Chitwan National Park buffer zone and surrounding area was conducted in November 2019. The overall seroprevalence indicating past exposure to canine distemper virus was 80.0% (95% CI: 70.8-87.3). Of the host variables assessed, sex and age were positively associated with seroprevalence at the univariable level, with male dogs demonstrating lower seroprevalence than females (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.11-0.91) and adult dogs demonstrating higher seroprevalence than juveniles (OR = 13.94, 95% CI: 1.37-142.29). The effect of sex was no longer significant at the multivariable level, but the direction of the effect remained the same. The effect of age remained significant after multivariable analysis (OR = 9.00, 95% CI: 1.03-192.75). No spatial associations were demonstrated in relation to the buffer zone area or boundary of Chitwan National Park. Free-roaming dog neutering and vaccination programmes can provide a useful baseline for future CDV studies in the region, and a proxy to monitor disease threats to susceptible wildlife.

Community Development for Bote in Chitwan National Park, Nepal: A Political Ecology of Development Logic of Erasure

The conflict between development and conservation concerns is a perennial topic in sustainable development, and especially significant for marginalized social groups. In Nepal, fortress conservation in protected areas (PA) gave way to a community-based development and natural resource management (CBNRM) narrative of inclusion and participation in so-called buffer zone (BZ) initiatives around national parks. Studies to date show mixed outcomes of the community-based model for marginalized communities, especially for traditional indigenous river and forest dwellers. Academic and government reports of successes and failures of community-based projects in Nepal assume progress is based on traditional indigenous livelihood practices being abandoned and participation in state modernization initiatives in parks and reserves. Thus, despite promises of participation, evidence to date shows a de facto continuation of fortress conservation thinking and erasure of customary knowledge and livelihoods. Based on an ethnographic inquiry informed by political ecology conducted in two villages of Bote IPs (in the buffer zone area) of the Nawalparasi District of Chitwan National Park (CNP), we describe how state interventions and regulations under the guise of community-based participation actively ignore the moral ecology of traditional riverine livelihoods while pursuing a modernization project. Echoing calls by other scholars and stakeholders, we argue that a new approach to conservation and development that respects the environmental ethics of traditional livelihoods is long overdue in Nepal.

Carbonated tiger-high above-ground biomass carbon stock in protected areas and corridors and its observed negative relationship with tiger population density and occupancy in the Terai Arc Landscape, Nepal.

Healthy natural forests maintain and/or enhances carbon stock while also providing potential habitat and an array of services to wildlife including large carnivores such as the tiger. This study is the first of its kind in assessing relationships between above-ground biomass carbon stock, tiger density and occupancy probability and its status in protected areas, corridors, and forest connectivity blocks. The dataset used to assess the relationship were: (1) Converged posterior tiger density estimates from camera trap data derived from Bayesian- Spatially Explicit Capture-Recapture model from Chitwan National Park; (2) Site wise probability of tiger occupancy estimated across the Terai Arc Landscape and (3) Habitat wise above-ground biomass carbon stock estimated across the Terai Arc Landscape. Carbon stock maps were derived based on eight habitat classes and conservation units linking satellite (Landsat 7 ETM+) images and field collected sampling data. A significant negative relationship (r = -0.20, p<0.01) was observed between above-ground biomass carbon stock and tiger density in Chitwan National Park and with tiger occupancy (r = -0.24, p = 0.023) in the landscape. Within protected areas, we found highest mean above-ground biomass carbon stock in high density mixed forest (~223 tC/ha) and low in degraded scrubland (~73.2 tC/ha). Similarly, we found: (1) highest tiger density ~ 0.06 individuals per 0.33 km2 in the riverine forest and lowest estimates (~0.00) in degraded scrubland; and (2) predictive tiger density of 0.0135 individuals per 0.33 km2 is equivalent to mean total of 43.7 tC/ha in Chitwan National Park. Comparatively, we found similar above-ground biomass carbon stock among corridors, large forest connectivity blocks (~117 tC/ha), and within in tiger bearing protected areas (~119 tC/ha). Carbon conservation through forest restoration particularly in riverine habitats (forest and grassland) and low transitional state forests (degraded scrubland) provides immense opportunities to generate win-win solutions, sequester more carbon and maintain habitat integrity for tigers and other large predators.

One stable’s novel approach to mitigating human-elephant conflict near Chitwan National Park, Nepal

One stable’s novel approach to mitigating human-elephant conflict near Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Wildlife road-kills on the Tikauli section of East-West Highway in Barandabhar Corridor Forest, Chitwan, Nepal

Roads are one of the linear infrastructures that play important role in nation development. Roads create barrier for the movement of wildlife, however, their impacts on wildlife are not sufficiently studied in Nepal. Thus, current study attempted to explore the impacts of Tikauli section of East-West Highway of Nepal on the wildlife of Barandabhar Corridor Forest (BCF). Wildlife vehicle collisions (WVCs) were recorded from December 2019 to September 2020 by dividing a day into morning, day, and late evening periods. Primary data were collected through direct road survey and key informant interview (n = 22) whereas secondary data were collected from the annals of Chitwan National Park, National Trust for Nature Conservation-Biodiversity Conservation Center and Division Forest Office, Chitwan, Nepal. Arc GIS 10.5 was used to produce relevant illustration and WVC hotspot identification based on Kernel Density Function. Out of thirty-three dead animals observed during the study period, spotted deer (Axis axis) were killed most frequently (n = 11) from WVCs followed by the Oriental garden lizard (Calotes versicolor). The highest number of deaths were recorded in winter and in the late evening. Besides keeping track of WVC records properly, further research is recommended.