Direct Sightings Research Articles

Ecological and anthropogenic factors influencing the Summer habitat use of Bos gaurus and its conservation threats in Chitwan National Park, Nepal.

Gaur (Bos gaurus) is listed as a vulnerable species in the IUCN Red List of threatened species due to the rapid population decline caused by human pressures in their habitats. To develop successful conservation plans, it is essential to understand the relationship between Gaur and their habitats. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing Gaur habitat use and identify and rank conservation threats in Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Using line transect surveys, we recorded Gaur's presence via direct sightings and indirect signs (dung, footprints, horns) over an area of 176 km2 in July and August 2022. We used binary logistic regression models to determine the collected ecological and anthropogenic factors influencing the occurrence of Gaur and the relative whole-site threat ranking method to rank conservation threats. The results revealed that the probability of Gaur occurrence increases with moderate to high canopy cover, riverine and Shorea robusta dominated forests, and nearest distance to road/path/firelines, while decreasing with the presence of predators. Uncontrolled fire, invasive species, human disturbances, and climate change were ranked as the most prevailing threats to Gaur in our study area. Conservation managers should implement effective habitat management interventions, such as construction of waterhole, firelines maintenance, grassland management, and control of invasive species in the potential habitats, to safeguard and maintain the sustainability of Gaur populations and associated herbivores. Future studies should consider larger geographical settings and multiple seasons, and habitat suitability assessments should be conducted to determine current and future suitable habitat refugia for Gaur and other threatened wildlife species at the landscape level.

A model for the noninvasive, habitat-inclusive estimation of upper limit abundance for synanthropes, exemplified by M. fascicularis.

Accurately estimating population sizes for free-ranging animals through noninvasive methods, such as camera trap images, remains particularly limited by small datasets. To overcome this, we developed a flexible model for estimating upper limit populations and exemplified it by studying a group-living synanthrope, the long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis). Habitat preference maps, based on environmental and GPS data, were generated with a maximum entropy model and combined with data obtained from camera traps, line transect distance sampling, and direct sightings to produce an expected number of individuals. The mapping between habitat preference and number of individuals was optimized through a tunable parameter ρ (inquisitiveness) that accounts for repeated observations of individuals. Benchmarking against published data highlights the high accuracy of the model. Overall, this approach combines citizen science with scientific observations and reveals the long-tailed macaque populations to be (up to 80%) smaller than expected. The model's flexibility makes it suitable for many species, providing a scalable, noninvasive tool for wildlife conservation.

Relationships between Anthropogenic Activities and Distribution of Medium to Large Mammal Species Assemblage in Madi Wildlife Corridor: Implication for Biodiversity Conservation in Uganda

Wildlife corridors between protected areas increase connectivity by integrating populations into single demographic units, thereby increasing gene flows within populations and thus probability of survival. This study assessed the relationship between anthropogenic activities and mammal species assemblage within and around Madi wildlife corridor. The study adopted recce walks along a zig-zag line transect and straight line transect methods of game tracking. Global Position System (GPS) was used to map locations of direct mammal sightings, vocalizations, tracks, dung/droppings, diggings, carcasses, and skeletal remains of mammal species. Similarly, anthropogenic activities such as hunting using bow and arrows, rifles, trapping, tree cutting, charcoal burning, bush burning, cultivation, and settlements that seemed to influence assemblage of the mammals in the area of study were mapped. The result showed that the Madi wildlife corridor still contained diverse mammal species including but not limited to; the African Elephants (Loxodonta Africana sp.), Buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) Leopards (Panthera pardus), Spotted Hyena (Crocuta Crocuta), Northern Giraffe (Giraffa Camelopardalis), Uganda kob (Kobus kob thomasi), Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus) and Reedbuck (Redunca arundinum), which were comparable to that of the adjacent Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP). The relationship between anthropogenic activities and species assemblage showed a negatively skewed distribution of some of the large mammal species specifically Elephants, Giraffes, and Hippopotamus. The study recommends gazettement of a wildlife corridor between MFNP and East Madi Wildlife Reserve to promote wildlife connectivity between two adjacent ecosystem-protected areas in northern Uganda. As a long-term strategy for wildlife conservation, it is crucial to undertake a systematic assessment and prioritization and demarcation of wildlife corridors and development of a comprehensive action plan for securing them. We further recommend development of a national Wildlife Corridor Regulations to provide a framework for the sustainable conservation of biodiversity

Ecology, status, and distribution of Temminck's pangolin (Smutsia temminckii) in Hwange National Park

AbstractTemminck's pangolin, Smutsia temminckii (Smuts, 1832), faces conservation threats of poaching and trafficking in Zimbabwe. Using a mixed‐method approach we assessed the ecology, status, and distribution of Temminck's pangolin in Hwange National Park (HNP) over May–December 2021. Seven pangolins were recorded through direct sightings, although camera traps deployed did not detect pangolins. Biotic and abiotic factors including rainfall, air temperature, waterholes, digital elevation model, anthills, and Miombo vegetation influence pangolin distribution. The low pangolin numbers recorded in the study either indicate its shy nature or simply reflect its low densities in HNP. Short‐term surveys are inconclusive for determining key factors influencing the population, ecology, and distribution of shy species such as Temminck's pangolin. Long‐term future monitoring initiatives integrating ground surveys, citizen science data, and scientific methods like environmental DNA metabarcoding will enhance accurate assessment of pangolin population trends and presence inside and outside of protected areas such as HNP.

Incidental pinnipeds at high latitudes of the Vestfold Hills, Prydz Bay, East Antarctica

AbstractSpecies distributions are predicted to change with future climate-associated ecosystem changes such that so-called ‘vagrant’ individuals may become established or re-establish in areas currently thought to be beyond their principle ranges. Survey data were collated for occurrences of pinniped (seal) species at very high latitudes of the Vestfold Hills, East Antarctica. Aside from Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) and southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina), which aggregate annually at the Vestfold Hills to breed and/or moult, three other pinniped species were observed with the recession of the fast-ice edge. Leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) occurrences increased with an increase in a seasonally abundant prey resource, and crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophaga) were seen at a time that coincides with their moult period. Occurrences of sub-adult male Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) increase the known southward range for this species and may reflect population increases at source populations in the Kerguelen Plateau area. Although there were no direct sightings of Ross seals (Ommatophoca rossii), their presence close to the Vestfold Hills was detected by underwater passive acoustic monitoring. Sightings of obligate drift-ice species and sub-Antarctic fur seals may change at the Vestfold Hills with climate-mediated changes in sea-ice conditions.

Population status and habitat use of White-crested Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos hamiltoni (J.E. Gray, 1829) in the Limber Wildlife Sanctuary, Jammu & Kashmir, India

Understanding the population status and habitat use of a species is fundamental for initiating conservation action. The present study was conducted from March 2021 to February 2022 to assess the population status and habitat use of White-crested Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos hamiltoni in the Limber Wildlife Sanctuary. Line transects/trails (n = 7) were established across all the habitat types. A total of 45 direct sightings of the bird were recorded in the study area. The highest abundance was recorded in autumn (2.25 ± 0.53 birds/km) and the lowest in spring (0.22 ± 0.53 birds/km). Flock size ranged from one individual to nine individuals. Of the different habitat types identified, most sightings occurred in coniferous forests with high understory (n = 16). The agricultural terracings (n = 6) and grassy slopes (n = 2) exhibited the fewest sightings. Recognizing and mapping these habitats are fundamental initial measures for conserving the species within the landscape.

Beyond protected areas: The importance of mixed-use landscapes for the conservation of Sumatran elephants (Elephas maximus sumatranus).

Elephants were once widely distributed across the Indonesian island of Sumatra but now exist in small, isolated populations. Using the best data available on elephant occurrence, we aimed to (a) predict potential habitat suitability for elephants (Elephas maximus sumatranus) across the island of Sumatra and (b) model landscape connectivity among the extant elephant populations. We used direct sightings and indirect observations of elephant signs, as well as six remotely sensed proxies of surface ruggedness, vegetation productivity and structure, and human land use and disturbance, to model habitat suitability in a Google Earth Engine (GEE) environment. We validated the habitat suitability prediction using 10-fold spatial block cross validation and by calculating the area under the precision-recall curve (AUC-PR), sensitivity, and specificity for each model iteration. We also used a geolocation dataset collected from global positioning system (GPS) collars fitted on elephants as an independent validation dataset. Models showed good predictive performance with a mean AUC-PR of 0.73, sensitivity of 0.76, and specificity of 0.68. Greater than 83% of the independent GPS collar geolocations were located in predicted suitable habitat. We found human modification, surface ruggedness, and normalized difference vegetation index to be the most important variables for predicting suitable elephant habitat. Thirty-two percent, or 135,646 km2, of Sumatra's land area was predicted to be suitable habitat, with 43 patches of suitable habitat located across Sumatra. Areas with high connectivity were concentrated in the Riau and North Sumatra provinces. Though our analysis highlights the need to improve the quality of data collected on Sumatran elephants, more suitable habitat remains on Sumatra than is used by known populations. Targeted habitat conservation, especially of the suitable habitat in and around the Lamno, Balai Raja, Tesso Tenggara, Tesso Utara, Bukit Tigapuluh, Seblat, Padang Sugihan, and Bukit Barisan Selatan ranges, may improve the long-term viability of this critically endangered species.

Fine-scale habitat characteristics influence the winter habitat use of swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii) in Shuklaphanta National Park, Nepal

Endemic to India and Nepal, the swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii) is crucial for restoring and sustaining populations of top predators like tigers. Despite recent signs of species recovery in protected areas, the species remains vulnerable to extinction due to increasing anthropogenic activities. Information on factors influencing the occurrence of swamp deer is essential to formulate suitable management plans that can help to maintain their viable population and protect their habitats. We recorded swamp deer presence via direct sightings and indirect signs (pellets and footprints) through line transect surveys. Two ecological drivers i.e., habitat variables and disturbance variables that included eleven predictor variables were measured in the field where swamp deer was present (“used plots”) and absent (“habitat availability plot”). Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the factors associated with the probability of detecting the swamp deer. The model's outcomes showed that an increase in road/path/fireline distance and settlement distance, mixed forest habitat, and depth of leaf litter were positively correlated with the probability of locating swamp deer, while the other significant predictor variables (canopy cover, distance from water source, and presence of predator) had inverse relationships. In summary, our study has provided crucial insights into the factors influencing the presence of swamp deer in their habitat. These findings are useful for local governments and protected area authorities by providing fine-scale field-based scientific information, that can benefit swamp deer and its habitat. We also recommend similar studies in species range locations considering other influencing factors such as season, climate, interaction with other herbivore species, and predators that might affect the habitat use of swamp deer.

Diversity of Mammalian Fauna and Conservation Issues of Dhankuta Municipality of Dhankuta District, Nepal

Dhankuta municipality is a mid-hill town in Dhankuta district, Province 1, Nepal. The municipality consists of 10 wards scattered across 111.6 square kilometers of geographical area and is situated between 26°59’59’’ and 27°02’55’’ north latitude and 87°17’52’’ and 87°23’09’’ east longitudes. Mammalian diversity in the municipality has not been so far recorded. The present study was conducted from August 2021 to July 2022 with a view to bridging this knowledge deficit and presenting an up-to-date account of the mammalian species in the agricultural fields and forests of the municipality based on questionnaire survey, direct sightings and indirect evidence. A total of 19 mammal species belonging to 7 orders and 13 families were registered. Among 19 species, 6 species belonged to Carnivora, 2 species to Cetartiodactyla, 3 species of Primate, 5 species to Rodentia and 1 each to Chiroptera, Eulipotypha, Lagomorpha. The major threats to mammalian fauna of the municipality include habitat loss and degradation, persecution, human-wildlife conflict and poaching. For long-term conservation of wild mammals more research is needed on their population genetics, habitat ecology, food web and climate change vulnerability. The information contained in the present study is expected to form the baseline for further development and research in the field of mammalian conservation in the municipality.

Status distribution and factors affecting the habitat selection by Sambar Deer Rusa unicolor in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India

Sambar Rusa unicolor is one of the deer species distributed throughout the Indian subcontinent. The species has been listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List since 2008, and Schedule I Part A of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Populations have declined throughout its distribution range. This study aims to investigate the status, distribution, and habitat selection of Sambar in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India. Fifteen line transects of 2-km length were laid in five different habitats. Data were collected during the winter and summer seasons during 2013 and 2015. Transects were traversed morning and evening and eight replicates were made on each transect, for a total of 1,232 km survey effort. The overall density of Sambar was 3.7 individuals per km2, and the group density 1.4 groups per km2. During the summer 113 individual Sambar were observed, and in winter only 80 individuals were observed. Male:female sex ratio was calculated as 100:59 in winter, and 100:56 in summer. Indirect evidence was also collected to supplement the direct sightings for analysis of habitat use. Ten-meter circular plots were laid on all 15 transects at an interval of 200 m between two plots. Principal component analysis and logistic regression were performed to understand the habitat use of this species during summer, post-monsoon, and winter seasons using pellet groups. The logistic regression model showed an efficiency of 97% correct classification during post-monsoon, 67% in winter, and 66% in summer.

Are white-lipped peccaries from Argentinean Yungas looking to a promising future?

ABSTRACT The white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) is considered a key species for its role as an ecosystem engineer. Given their important ecological function, there is a great concern in the scientific community regarding the many reports of disappearances or great abundance reductions throughout its distribution (from southern Mexico to northern Argentina). Based on an extensive survey effort, we report new data of presence of WLP after a period of no detections in the Argentine Yungas. The study was conducted in the Yungas ecoregion, provinces of Jujuy and Salta, Argentina. Data was collected from camera trap, direct sightings and footprints during 2013–2021. From a total of 30,186 trap nights, we obtained 8 WLP detections. There were no detections before 2017, while as of 2018 there was at least one camera trap record in each of the years. Additionally, opportunistic records were obtained yearly from 2019 to 2021. The period without detections could be related to a period of a population cycle, as suggested in different regions of America during the last century, being disease the most likely cause. These cycles generally follow a pattern of a rapid population decline, a period of absence or low abundance followed by slow population growth. We believe that if the trend continues and the number of detections increases, we could be facing the early stages of the increase phase in the WLP population cycle in the Argentine Yungas. This type of report is important to document and contribute to a better understanding of the WLP population cycle process.

Anthropogenic influences on the distribution of a threatened apex-predator around sustainable-use reserves following hydropower dam installation.

Although previous studies demonstrate declines in many large bodied species following hydropower dam installation, others suggest that some species, including the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) may return to newly created reservoir habitats. Yet, there is a lack of evidence to support such theories. Here, we analyzed the effects of a hydropower dam on giant otters using a before-after control-impact study design in the eastern Brazilian Amazon. We collected data 3 years before (2011–2012 and 2015) and after (2017–2019) dam construction, totaling 6,459 km of surveys along rivers with 43 direct sightings of giant otters. Contrary to expectations, our results revealed that giant otters did not remain nor did they return to the dam reservoir. Beyond the zone directly impacted by the dam giant otter occurrence and relative abundance declined next to sustainable-use reserves where the river was more intensely used by people. Our study showed that in the absence of active management sustainable-use reserves and low human density were not sufficient to maintain this apex-predator. Our findings suggest a need to proactively create and maintain areas with low levels of anthropogenic disturbance to enable sustainable coexistence between energy demands and biodiversity across Amazonia.

Status, distribution and aspects of ecology of monal (Lophorus impeyanus) in Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India

The Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus), state bird of Uttarakhand state is also the national bird of Nepal. The bird is of conservation priority species due to the nine coloured bird is distributed throughout the higher altitude of Himalayas and due to the bright coloured feather, they have been exploited for the feather as well as for the meat purposes. This species conservation priority species in its entire range because of its declining population due to anthropogenic threats. This bird is facing greatest threat of extinction due to poaching and habitat degradation. Out of the 17 species of Pheasant that occur in India are protected from capture by national and international legislation. Due to decrease in population they have been recognised as Schedule I species of Wildlife Protection Act (1972). However, it is highly desirable that status, distribution, and threats to conservation of monal pheasant should be given due importance. To understand the status distribution and habitat preference of the monal an intensive study was carried out. Surveys were conducted at 6 high altitude sites in Garhwal Himalayas including Kedarnath Wildlife sanctuary and the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, between the altitudinal range from 2500m to 4000m a.s.l. The direct as well indirect methods were used and found that the number of faecal group was found to be maximum in Himtoli (2.64±2.2) followed by Madh Maheshwer (0.96±1.29), Saukhark (0.75±1.4). For the direct sighting the maximum number of monal were sighted in Tungnath (0.26±0.59), followed by Bansinarayan (0.14±.43), Madh Maheshwer (0.14±0.44). No direct sightings were recoded from Himtoli. Due to illegal poaching and habitat destruction the population of monal pheasant has declined and now confined to a few small fragmented patches and needs urgent attention for the conservation.

Confirmed presence of the Neotropical otter, Lontra longicaudis, in Laguna Bacalar, Quintana Roo, Mexico

The Neotropical otter Lontra longicaudis is one of the least studied mammals of the Yucatán Peninsula and its presence in some water bodies of this region is questionable. Laguna Bacalar is the largest freshwater body located in the Yucatán Peninsula and faces several conservation problems due to its high potential for tourism development. We confirmed the presence of L. longicaudis in Laguna Bacalar by conducting interviews with residents, and the search for direct (sightings) and indirect (e.g., footprints) evidence of the species in 2013. We also include recent direct and indirect evidence (2019-2020). We classified the records into levels of certainty, according to the type of evidence (photographs, videos). We obtained 9 records of Neotropical otter through interviews (level 3), 3 sightings and 4 footprints (level 1), and 4 sightings (3 of these with level 2 and 1 with level 3 of certainty). It is necessary to increase the research effort to determine the conservation status and distribution of the Neotropical otter in the lagoon. We recommend making efforts in terms of socialization and education to facilitate the conservation of the Neotropical otters and their habitat in Laguna Bacalar.

Status and distribution of Mugger Crocodile Crocodylus palustris in the southern stretch of river Cauvery in Melagiris, India

A study was conducted to examine the population estimate and spatial distribution of Mugger Crocodile in the southern stretch of river Cauvery, Hosur Forest Division from February 2019 to May 2019. In total, 53 basking sites and 45 Muggers were encountered by direct sighting in the 24-km river stretch using daytime ground based survey approach. N-mixture models estimated an average Mugger density of 2.05 individuals per kilometre for daytime survey. A night spotlight survey across the seven segments of river stretch was also conducted which yielded direct sightings of 54 Muggers with an average encounter rate of 2.25 individuals per kilometre. Two crocodile nests with hatched egg shells were also observed on the sand banks of the river. We concluded that a potential healthy and breeding population of Mugger inhabits the studied stretch of the river. Multiple corresponding analysis was also performed, which demonstrated that Mugger responds to sandy banks alongside deep water pools for basking in contrast to river segments with shallow depth and dense riparian cover.

Population, distribution and diet composition of Smooth-coated Otter Lutrogale perspicillata Geoffroy, 1826 in Hosur and Dharmapuri Forest Divisions, India

Living in different aquatic ecosystems, otters play a vital role in maintaining aquatic species assemblages, particularly fish communities. Thus their wellbeing indicates the health of wetland ecosystems. Smooth-coated Otter Lutrogale perspicillata, a piscivorous mustelid, is widely distributed across Asia. Its population is declining due to habitat transformation, pollution and hunting. This study aimed to understand the ecological requirements of the species by assessing its distribution and its determinants, population and diet composition along the Cauvery River in Hosur and Dharmapuri Forest Divisions. Through monthly extensive surveys between December 2010 and February 2011, covering 62.5 km of Cauvery from the Karnataka border to Palar River junction, this study identified and mapped a 31 km stretch from Dubguli (Yellolapatti) to Biligundlu (Musulumaduvu) as an otter distribution area. Comparison of ecological parameters including bank type, water depth, river width, human disturbance, vegetation cover and water current with the distribution pattern of otters across 125 blocks revealed that water depth and vegetation cover influenced otter distribution positively, while human disturbance had negative influence (these three variables explained 54% of variation in otter distribution). Based on direct sightings, seven different groups consisting of 36 individuals were estimated as the minimum population. The mean group size was 3.8 ± 0.16 (range: 2–7) individuals. Twenty-one otter spraints were analyzed to determine diet composition, revealing that otters feed on insects, molluscs, crabs, fish, frogs, reptiles and birds. Fish constituted the bulk of otter diets. Conservation measures like reducing anthropogenic pressures (e.g., fishing, cattle pens, tourism), increasing awareness of sustainable fishing to stakeholders, and instituting long-term monitoring programs are suggested for the long-term conservation of otters in the study area.

Population trends and Status of Smooth-Coated Otters (Lutrogale perspicillata) in Tungabhadra River ecosystem, Karnataka, India

In an increasingly disturbed and fragmented environment of the Tungabhadra River in Karnataka, we conducted a study to record the current status and population trends of Smooth-coated Otters. The goal was to identify regions with a lack of information on current status, gather information to create baseline data, and understand the otter species in this river. A total of 31 sampling stations was surveyed for two years from February-2018 to February-2020. The study area selected starts from Kudli, near Shivamogga in Karnataka to Kurnool of Andhra Pradesh, spread for 531/km. While surrounded by human-modified landscapes, the Tungabhadra River remains a significant habitat for flora and fauna, including otter species. Significant parts of the Tungabhadra river ecosystems lie beyond the security offered by protected areas; In these areas where existing conditions are poorly understood; New and accurate information on otter status and population trends are created using locally appropriate methodologies such as: documenting population trends, conflict incidents from local communities by questionnaire interviews and surveying for direct sightings and indirect credible evidence (spraints, footprints, den sites, food remains, and carcasses) to document the distribution of otters in the study area. The study reveals vital localities and hotspots of smooth-coated otters in the Tungabhadra River to promote conservation, restoration, and potential reestablishment in their ranges.

A study on plant preferences of red panda (Ailurus fulgens) in the wild habitat: foundation for the conservation of the species

The red panda is a lesser carnivore that has adapted to the herbivore diet and is distributed in the Himalayan and Hengduan mountain ranges. The study conducted on red panda in Singalila National Park recorded the highest encounter of the species within the altitude of 2800 to 3200 meters in the broad leaf deciduous and broad leaf coniferous forest. 22.22% of direct sightings of red pandas occurred on plant species belonging to the family Fagaceae and were followed by the family Ericaceae (18.52%). The plant species mostly preferred by the red panda in Singalila National Park were Lithocarpus pachyphyllus, Rhododendron arboreum, Abies densa, and Betulia utilis. During all seasons, the dominant plants found in the red panda pellets were Arundinaria maling and Arundinaria aristata.  The distribution of the red panda is influenced by the presence of the preferred plant species, therefore, through this studies effort has been made to document the plant species used by the red panda in the wild habitat.

Community health and human-animal contacts on the edges of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.

Cross-species transmission of pathogens is intimately linked to human and environmental health. With limited healthcare and challenging living conditions, people living in poverty may be particularly susceptible to endemic and emerging diseases. Similarly, wildlife is impacted by human influences, including pathogen sharing, especially for species in close contact with people and domesticated animals. Here we investigate human and animal contacts and human health in a community living around the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP), Uganda. We used contact and health survey data to identify opportunities for cross-species pathogen transmission, focusing mostly on people and the endangered mountain gorilla. We conducted a survey with background questions and self-reported diaries to investigate 100 participants’ health, such as symptoms and behaviours, and contact patterns, including direct contacts and sightings over a week. Contacts were revealed through networks, including humans, domestic, peri-domestic, and wild animal groups for 1) contacts seen in the week of background questionnaire completion, and 2) contacts seen during the diary week. Participants frequently felt unwell during the study, reporting from one to 10 disease symptoms at different intensity levels, with severe symptoms comprising 6.4% of the diary records and tiredness and headaches the most common symptoms. After human-human contacts, direct contact with livestock and peri-domestic animals were the most common. The contact networks were moderately connected and revealed a preference in contacts within the same taxon and within their taxa groups. Sightings of wildlife were much more common than touching. However, despite contact with wildlife being the rarest of all contact types, one direct contact with a gorilla with a timeline including concerning participant health symptoms was reported. When considering all interaction types, gorillas mostly exhibited intra-species contact, but were found to interact with five other species, including people and domestic animals. Our findings reveal a local human population with recurrent symptoms of illness in a location with intense exposure to factors that can increase pathogen transmission, such as direct contact with domestic and wild animals and proximity among animal species. Despite significant biases and study limitations, the information generated here can guide future studies, such as models for disease spread and One Health interventions.

Richness and relative abundance of mammalian fauna in raimona national park, Assam, India

The Ripu Reserve Forest of Assam was one of the best managed forest in India. Deforestation and encroachment were the major threats to the sustainability of this natural landscape. To arrest this trend of suicidal destruction, a large part (422 km2) of Ripu RF was legally notified as “Raimona National Park” for long term conservation of its wildlife and their habitats in the landscape. A baseline survey was carried out in 2x2 km2 sampling grids sytematically to assess the richness and relative abundance of mammalian fauna in the Raimona NP. Based on all the direct sightings, indirect evidences including the camera trap photo captured records, presence of a total 29 species of mammalian fauna consisting of endangered (4), vulnerable (4), near threatened (1) and least concern (20) species have confirmed in the landscape. An effective management plan is very essential for conservation of wildlife and their habitats in the park.