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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Predicting climate-driven shift of the East Mediterranean endemic Cynara cornigera Lindl

Frontiers in Plant Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 16

Published: Feb. 20, 2025

Climate change poses significant challenges to the distribution of endemics in Mediterranean region. Assessing impact climate on patterns is critical importance for understanding dynamics these terrestrial ecosystems under uncertainty future changes. The population size Cynara cornigera has declined significantly over previous century across its geographical This decline linked how ongoing affecting natural resources like water and capacity foraging sites. In fact, it distributed 3 fragmented locations Egypt (Wadi Hashem (5 individuals), Wadi Um Rakham (20 Burg El-Arab (4 individuals)). this study, we examined C. cornigera's response predicted next few decades (2020-2040 2061-2080) using species models (SDMs). Our analysis involved inclusion bioclimatic variables, SDM modeling process that incorporated five algorithms: generalized linear model (GLM), Random Forest (RF), Boosted Regression Trees (BRT), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Generalized Additive Model (GAM). ensemble obtained high accuracy performance outcomes with a mean AUC 0.95 TSS 0.85 overall model. Notably, RF GLM algorithms outperformed other algorithms, underscoring their efficacy predicting Analysis relative variables revealed Precipitation wettest month (Bio13) (88.3%), warmest quarter (Bio18) (30%), driest (Bio14) (22%) as primary drivers shaping potential cornigera. findings spatial variations habitat suitability, highest observed Egypt, (especially Arishian sub sector), Palestine, Morocco, Northern Cyprus, different islands Sea Crete. Furthermore, our range would drop by more than 25% during decades. Surprisingly, area (SSP 126 scenario) 2061 2080 showed there increase suitable habitats area. It suitability along coastal strip Spain, Sardinia, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Lebanon, Aegean islands.

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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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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Climate-change habitat shifts for the vulnerable endemic oak species (Quercus arkansana Sarg.)

Journal of Forestry Research, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 35(1)

Published: Dec. 20, 2023

Abstract Quercus arkansana (Arkansas oak) is at risk of becoming endangered, as the total known population size represented by a few isolated populations. The potential impact climate change on this species in near future high, yet knowledge its predicted effects limited. Our study utilized biomod2 R package to develop habitat suitability ensemble models based bioclimatic and topographic environmental variables locations current distribution Q. . We suitable habitats across three scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP5-8.5) for 2050, 2070, 2090. findings reveal that approximately 127,881 km 2 seven states (Texas, Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida); 9.5% encompassed within state federally managed protected areas. predict all will disappear 2050 due change, resulting northward shift into new regions such Tennessee Kentucky. large extent outside areas suggests species-specific action plan incorporating other may be crucial conservation. Moreover, protection against require locally regionally focused conservation policies, adaptive management strategies, educational outreach among local people.

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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Prevalence of mortality in mammals: A retrospective study from wildlife rescue center of Nepal

Conservation Science and Practice, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 4(10)

Published: Aug. 30, 2022

Abstract To assess threats to the population of native mammals and their survival, we performed a retrospective study utilizing rescue rehabilitation database from Nepal. Based on total number 1013 cases involving six taxonomic families admitted over five years, outcome (mortality survivability) differed significantly among taxa ( χ 2 [df = 5, N 1013] 65.08, p < .001). The mortality rate was highest in Felidae (74%), followed by Herpestidae (69%), Viverridae (62%), Bovidae (50%), Cervidae Cercopithecidae (38%). also causes admission 9, 241.48, prevalence gunshot poisoning, collision with vehicle, diseases/infection, entanglement/trapped, injured dogs/cats, abandoned/orphaned, humans, unknown causes, domestic/captivity issues. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed significant influence family, age group, cause likelihood rescued mammals. odds ratio higher for carnivore taxa, juveniles were more likely succumb death than adults. Our provides important information associated mammals, thereby assisting development formulation strategies threat mitigation an efficient process.

Language: Английский

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Anthropogenic threats to owls: Insights from rehabilitation admittance data and rodenticide screening in Texas

PLoS ONE, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 18(8), P. e0289228 - e0289228

Published: Aug. 4, 2023

Owls (Strigiformes) provide myriad ecosystem services and are sentinels for health. However, they at continued risk from anthropogenic threats such as vehicle collisions, entanglement with human-made materials, exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs), a widespread pesticide known affect owls. Texas is an important region numerous migratory non-migratory owl species in the United States (US), yet assessments of owls face here lacking preventing development informed conservation strategies. This study coupled assessment admittance data two wildlife rehabilitation centers AR liver screening (1) identify which commonly admitted, (2) evaluate seasonality admittance, (3) assess causes Texas. Between 2010 2021, 1,620 were admitted into rehabilitation, representing eight Great-horned Owl ( Bubo virginianus ) was most common. For all combined rates highest spring, driven by influx juveniles (n = 703, 43.40%). The leading cause amongst ‘no apparent injury’ 567, 34.94%). Where clear diagnoses could be made, admittances ‘entrapment human infrastructure’ 100, 6.11%) ‘collision vehicles’ 74, 4.56%). While did not reveal any cases poisoning, demonstrated high incidences exposure; 53 screened ARs, 50.94% 27) tested positive 18 showing multiple ARs. Brodifacoum frequently detected 19, 43.18%) seven (25.93%) within lethal ranges. Our results suggest that In doing so, our can inform strategies mitigate faced beyond.

Language: Английский

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Defining the extent of suitable habitat for the endangered Maple-Leaf oak (Quercus acerifolia)

Frontiers of Biogeography, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 15(3)

Published: Aug. 25, 2023

The Maple-leaf oak, Quercus acerifolia (E.J.Palmer) Stoynoff & Hess, is listed as Critically Imperiled by the State of Arkansas and considered endangered in IUCN Red List Threatened Oak Species. It endemic to interior highlands Ouachita Mountains west-central Arkansas, where it reported occur only four isolated locations. No specific research exists regarding predicted climate change impacts on Q. acerifolia, but given its small range habitat specificity, such change-driven will likely pose significant risks remaining populations. We used an ensemble species distribution modeling (SDM) approach predict climatically suitable for within native range. investigate how future changes may impact suitability. Currently, estimated area 2,523 km2. By 2050, 749 km2, a 70% reduction extent. 2100, model predicts 285 km2 or 89% loss present habitat. also 20 counties (14 six Oklahoma), including currently known locations Arkansas. Although rare at risk extinction due potential climate-change driven reduction, SDM identified several new areas species. New information can be search existing populations guide reintroduction efforts, leading enhanced focus long-term management, conservation, restoration this critically-imperiled

Language: Английский

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Predicting suitable habitat of swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii) across the Western Terai Arc Landscape of Nepal

Heliyon, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 9(6), P. e16639 - e16639

Published: May 25, 2023

Over the last few years, intensifying human impact and deterioration of natural habitats have severely restricted global distribution large herbivores. Rucervus duvaucelii, commonly recognized as swamp deer, is a habitat-specialist endemic herbivore Indian Subcontinent. It classified vulnerable by IUCN listed in CITES Appendix I due to steep decline its population, which primarily anthropogenic causes. In Nepal, remaining population this species confined limited pocket areas within western Terai Arc Landscape. We explored potential habitat for deer across landscape using modelling through MaxEnt algorithm 173 field-verified presence points alongside six anthropogenic, four topographic, vegetation-related variables. Our study found that out total area (9207 km2), only 6% (590 km2) was suitable deer. Approximately 45% incorporated protected areas, with Shuklaphanta National Park harboring largest patch. The suitability discovered be positively associated low-elevation near water sources, far from settlements, implying need conserve sources minimize extension pressure their long-term conservation. Additionally, we suggest implications deer-centric conservation strategy, an emphasis on increasing connectivity corridors landscape-level trans-boundary initiatives between Nepal India. Moreover, considering herbivores' high vulnerability extinction, similar researche incorporating factors utmost importance produce vital information conserving other regionally globally endemic, habitat-specialized

Language: Английский

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