Impact of climate change on distribution of common leopard (Panthera pardus) and its implication on conservation and conflict in Nepal

Heliyon, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 9(1), P. e12807 - e12807

Published: Jan. 1, 2023

Climate change is projected to create alterations in species distributions over the planet. The common leopard (Panthera pardus) serves an important ecological function as a member of big carnivore guild, but little known about how climate may affect their distribution. In this study, we use MaxEnt simulate geographic by illustrating potential present and future ranges utilizing presence records alongside topographic bioclimatic variables based on two shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP2-4.5 SSP5-8.5) scenarios. goals study was look into possible distribution leopards due change, well explore implications for conservation conflict with humans. At present, 4% Nepal found be highly suitable leopards, 43% suitable, 19% marginally 34% unsuitable. A large portion climatically habitat confined non-protected areas, majority encompassed forest land, followed agricultural areas. Elevation, mean temperature driest quarter, annual precipitation, precipitation seasonality were influencing suitability leopard. significant increase observed high mountain region, indicating shift upper elevation areas effects change. We recommend timely management these habitats expand range vulnerable species. same time, combination expanding new poor practices could escalate human-leopard conflict. Therefore, further impact prey proper techniques should prioritized mitigate conflicts.

Language: Английский

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Climate‐driven decline in the habitat of the endemic spiny babbler (Turdoides nipalensis)

Ecosphere, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 14(6)

Published: June 1, 2023

Abstract Climate change could amplify the extinction risk of endemic species, and is even greater for species occupying high elevations mountain ranges. In this study, we assessed climatically suitable habitat only Nepalese bird spiny babbler ( Turdoides nipalensis ), predicted extent future (2050 2070) under two climate scenarios (SSP2‐4.5 SSP5‐8.5). We used georeferenced occurrence points alongside ecologically meaningful climatic topographic variables to develop an ensemble model using different distribution modeling algorithms in BIOMOD2. identified 22,488.83 km 2 (15%) Nepal's total land area as where nonprotected regions incorporated largest (88%), with a majority within central Mid‐Hill region. Under SSP2‐4.5 scenario, 21.58% 34.08% current range are projected be lost by 2050 2070, respectively. Whereas SSP5‐8.5 our projections suggest that 40.45% 52.18% will Habitat suitability increased rise warmest quarter precipitation (above 1000 mm), coldest between 50 100 mm, temperature 20 30°C. Given results, it crucial review conservation policy areas formulate babbler‐specific action plan special focus on protecting their primary human‐dominated landscapes areas.

Language: Английский

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Potential risk zone for anthropogenic mortality of carnivores in Gandaki Province, Nepal

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 12(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2022

Abstract Anthropogenic pressures in human‐dominated landscapes often contribute to wildlife mortality. Carnivores are especially vulnerable human‐induced mortality due the perceived threat livestock and humans. Despite having widespread conservation implications, carnivore data have been largely underutilized within Nepal. This study utilized Maxent identify high‐risk areas explore contribution of habitat attributes associated with using casualty database Gandaki province central We categorized risk species three taxonomic groups, Felid, Viverridae, Herpestidae, identified a 3704‐km 2 area at high for casualty. The middle mountains were riskiest physiographic zone, Annapurna Conservation Area represented largest zone among four protected areas. Agricultural land was most problematic terms human population positively number casualties, whereas cover had negative association. that common leopard highest therefore would benefit from implementation an action plan species‐specific strategies, zones. An expansion mountain region serve greatly reduce Species distribution modeling can be further used national‐level spatial temporal prominent times pinpoint potential locations throughout country.

Language: Английский

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Identifying human-caused mortality hotspots to inform human-wildlife conflict mitigation

Global Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 38, P. e02241 - e02241

Published: July 22, 2022

Humans are responsible for over a quarter of all wildlife mortality events across the globe. The pressure this puts on populations contributes to decline many at-risk species. To minimize human-caused and reverse population declines in species world, we first need know where these happening or likely occur since managers public agencies often have limited resources devote problem. As such, our objective was develop modeling approach delineate hotspots regions with data. We used internet search engines national media collect data brown bear (Ursus arctos) Iran from 2004 2019. then developed spatially-explicit Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model using anthropogenic environmental variables predict probability mortality. were able 7000 km2 as hotspots, along geographical locations those hotspots. This provides information that can help identify critical conflict mitigation efforts be implemented reduce potential However, more targeted studies such surveys local people will needed inside identified methodology assess attitudes humans toward different species, informing specific actions made. Finally, suggest systematic is lacking.

Language: Английский

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Anthropogenic mortality of large mammals and trends of conflict over two decades in Nepal

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 12(10)

Published: Oct. 1, 2022

Wildlife conservation in human-dominated landscapes faces increased challenges due to rising conflicts between humans and wildlife. We investigated the human wildlife loss rates human-wildlife conflict 2000 2020 Nepal. concentrated on Asian elephant (

Language: Английский

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Narrow Dietary Niche With High Overlap Between Snow Leopards and Himalayan Wolves Indicates Potential for Resource Competition in Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Understanding species' dietary ecology and interspecific interactions is crucial for multi‐species conservation planning. In Central Asia the Himalayas, wolves have recolonized snow leopard habitats, raising considerable concern about resource competition between these apex predators. Using micro‐histological analysis of prey species remains (e.g., hair) in their fecal samples, we determined composition, niche breadth, extent diet overlap two predators Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal. We analyzed 152 scat samples collected along 89 survey transects from April to June 2021. Our findings reveal a significant diets (Pianka's index = 0.93), with wolf scats containing 11 10 species, respectively. However, difference selection was apparent, deviations observed expected use indicating non‐random relative availability: Snow leopards exhibited higher occurrence wild items (55.28%), primarily blue sheep ( Pseudois nayaur ) (24.83%), whereas relied predominantly on domestic livestock (67.89%), goats Capra hircus accounting over one‐fourth (29.15%). Yaks Bos grunniens comprised portion biomass consumed by both predators, (43.68%) than (36.47%). Overall, narrow breadth high indicates potential wolves. comprehensive understanding will require further study other axes partitioning, including habitat time. Nevertheless, region's low richness means that, increasing human influence, any reduction or increase could intensify wolves, which implications depredation.

Language: Английский

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Raptors at risk: Attributes of mortality within an anthropogenic landscape in the Mid-Hills region of Nepal

Global Ecology and Conservation, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 38, P. e02258 - e02258

Published: Aug. 10, 2022

Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centers offer important insights regarding the threats attributes associated with raptor casualties. We utilized a data set on raptors admitted to single wildlife center (WRC) in Mid-Hills region of Nepal by applying two approaches. First, we explored overview species cause admission at WRC, modeled outcome (survival, mortality) frequently (FARS) analyzing admittance, season age category through binary logistic regression. Second, identified high-risk zone for an ensemble approach using multiple distribution modeling algorithms BIOMOD2. A total 17 830 cases admittance; Black Kite (Milvus migrans) 47%, Barn Owl (Tyto alba) 24%, Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo) 12%, other (17%) were recorded WRC over course five years (2017–2021). Unknown causes (39%) comprised largest proportion followed illegal captivity (17%), injured dogs (10%), humans (10%). Among three FARS, mortality rate was highest (62%), (55%) (47%). The model additive effect species, cause, best fit predict FARS. Out study area (705 km2), 19% under high-risk, 41% medium-risk, 40% low-risk. Most zones incorporated within agricultural areas (57%) built-up (31%). variation among FARS indicates that species-specific conservation strategies need be developed reduce casualty risk. Identified potential anthropogenic their impact survivability this could help mitigate Moreover, casualties prioritized implement endeavors raptors.

Language: Английский

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Review of the global research on Hyaenidae and implications for conservation and management

Mammal Review, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 54(2), P. 193 - 212

Published: Dec. 9, 2023

Abstract Despite the ecological importance of four extant species Hyaenidae, and threats they face globally, there has been no review nearly 100 years published research on hyaenas, nor a synthesis management‐related literature regarding these species. We reviewed 907 studies summarized broad temporal, geographic topical trends, evaluated findings from to determine ways forward for hyaena conservation management. Since first known study in 1939, most have focused spotted ( Crocuta crocuta ; 75% all studies), yet overall publications Hyaenidae increased by 372% recent decades. Only 44 67 range states were represented across publications, with half conducted Kenya (18%), South Africa (16%) Tanzania (13%). Twenty‐eight countries had fewer than five studies. Ecology diet most‐studied topic areas. The least‐studied topics disease physiology. Studies human–hyaena interactions highly variable topic, infrastructure impacts benefits people covered least. All reported consumed anthropogenic items. Mortality data included within 11% 79% recorded mortality constituting causes, although few targeted subject. Lastly, 12% involved community engagement their methods. There is significant bias among species, studies, little explicitly related coexistence. Our management‐focused suggests that could better reflect large carnivore management inquiry increasing human Hyaenidae. To address gaps inform management, we recommend applied outside protected areas using interdisciplinary, community‐involved methods increase foundational knowledge understudied habitats locations.

Language: Английский

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Prey selection by leopards (Panthera pardus fusca) in the mid‐hill region of Nepal

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(2)

Published: Feb. 1, 2024

Abstract Information on prey selection and the diet of leopard ( Panthera pardus fusca ) is essential for conservation. We conducted an investigation into species proportion each in leopard's a human‐dominated mid‐hill region Nepal. The analysis 96 scats collected between August 2020 March 2021 revealed that leopards consumed 15 species, including small‐ medium‐sized mammals livestock. In addition to these we also found plastic materials, bird feathers, some unidentified items scats. Wild ungulates (such as barking deer, Muntiacus muntjak wild boar, Sus scrofa constituted only 10% biomass scats, while livestock contributed 27%, other 50%. Among all domestic goats had highest relative followed by jungle cat Felis chaus ), dog Canis familiaris large Indian civet Viverra zibetha ). Similarly, hare Lepus nigricollis individuals present scat samples, civet. A lower from higher dependency indicate shortage prey, such deer habitats. Therefore, conservation especially crucial reducing dependence mitigating human‐leopard conflicts future.

Language: Английский

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Identifying risk zones and landscape features that affect common leopard depredation

PeerJ, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 12, P. e17497 - e17497

Published: May 31, 2024

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is a pressing issue worldwide but varies by species over time and place. One of the most prevalent forms HWC in mid-hills Nepal human-common-leopard (HLC). Leopard attacks, especially forested areas, can severely impact villagers their livestock. Information on HLC Gorkha district was scarce, thus making it an ideal location to identify high-risk zones landscape variables associated with such events. Registered cases were collected reviewed from Division Forest Office (DFO) during 2019-2021. Claims DFO records confirmed herders via eight focus group discussions. To enhance modeling success, researchers identified total 163 leopard attack locations livestock, ensuring minimum distance at least 100 meters between locations. Using maximum entropy (MaxEnt) considering 13 environmental variables, we mapped common risk zones. True Skill Statistics (TSS) area under receiver-operator curve (AUC) used evaluate validate Output. Furthermore, 10 replications, 1,000 iterations, 1000 background points employed modeling. The average AUC value for model, which 0.726 ± 0.021, revealed good accuracy. model performed well, as indicated TSS 0.61 0.03. Of research (27.92 km

Language: Английский

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